Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.



RUTLEDGE, Ga.  There are few things politicians love more than creating jobs and cutting ribbons.

But what if those jobs are on the wrong side of the culture war?

Plans to build a massive electric vehicle factory in rural Georgia have divided Republicans ahead of their primary next week, with Donald Trump-backed David Perdue criticizing rival Gov. Brian Kemp for offering taxpayer incentives to attract a George Soros-owned woke corporation whose stated purpose is to combat climate change.

Rivian, the well-capitalized electric pickup truck company that had one of the biggest IPOs in history six months ago, wants to spend $5 billion on a new assembly plant on farmland outside Atlanta. The mammoth factory will create 7,500 jobs and produce up to 400,000 cars a year in what officials say is the largest economic development project in Georgias history.

But the price tag for the deal was $1.5 billion in taxpayer incentives. And Perdue, a former U.S. senator, and other Republicans say Kemp cut a bad deal with a bad company.

Its a woke California company whose mission is to turn the world green, Perdue said this month while stumping with local activists trying to stop the plant. They arent interested in this part of the country. They just want to make money off of us.

Vernon Jones, the Trump-backed candidate in a crowded Republican primary for the areas open congressional seat, wrote on Facebook that Rivian is a company whose corporate attitude is seemingly inconsistent with Georgia values. He pointed to the companys vaccine mandate for employees and its large focus on diversity & inclusion; including transgender benefits.

In another post, Jones wrote, Rivian needs to pull out, and Kemp needs to be voted out.

The controversy exposes a growing rift inside the GOP between its traditional pro-business wing, embodied by Kemp, and an ascendent populist wing, embodied by Perdue, thats as quick to fight companies like Disney and Delta as it is Democrats for opposing conservative social policy.

Story continues

It also underscores the challenge the entire country will face in transitioning to a greener economy. Even climate-friendly projects can negatively impact local environments, and communities and not-in-my-backyard opposition can be fierce and politicized.

There are legitimate reasons to criticize this, but I dont know what George Soros has to do with it, said J.C. Bradbury, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University who has studied Georgia economic development plans. Youre just connecting it to him like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Soros, the liberal Jewish billionaire who is often cast as a boogeyman in conservative circles, owns a small minority stake in Rivian, while larger investors include Amazon, BlackRock and T. Rowe Price, among others.

Opposition to the Rivian plant has become a key part of Perdues closing message, even if it is unlikely to be enough to save his sputtering campaign.

Hes visited the proposed site twice, hammered Kemp on the deal during their debate, spoken against it on national TV and ran a TV ad suggesting the plant was part of a corrupt deal between Kemp and Soros.

Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate David Perdue Campaigns Ahead Of Primary (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images file)

Linking Kemp to Soros could resonate with conservative voters in farther-flung parts of the state and outside of it, since the issue has gotten some attention in conservative media.

During a tele-rally for Perdue this month, Trump said, Im not surprised about George Soros getting all of this money from Kemp."

The pivot comes as Perdue seeks to catch Kemp in the polls and differentiate himself from the governor, whose only major apostasy was refusing to help Trump try to overturn the 2020 election. That issue helped put Kemp on Trumps target list, but it has not been enough for Perdue to eat into Kemps consistent lead in polls.

Opposition to the plant also allows Perdue to tap into the vocal and well-organized opposition to the plant locally.

Anti-Rivian yard signs have sprouted up like wildflowers around the rolling green fields where the automaker hopes to soon break ground on a project so massive that it will straddle two counties and be bigger than the Pentagon.

Amazon wants to switch its delivery fleet to clean electric vehicles, starting with an order for 100,000 zero-pollution Rivian tucks that could be made in Georgia. But many locals in the heavily Republican area see the project as devastating to their environment.

Sherman and his troops destroyed our community. Now this supposedly green company is coming to destroy it again, said JoEllen Artz, the president of the grassroots No2Rivian group, which says it has raised over $250,000 and hired Atlanta lawyers to help wage their battle. We want to keep it just like it is.

In Rutledge, a bucolic one-intersection town that has served as a backdrop for films like Selma, the old red caboose that now houses a lunch counter was abuzz with questions last week about what Rivian would mean for locals  their drinking water, their traffic, their schools, their dark skies prized by astronomers at Georgia State University's nearby observatory, their rural way of life.

Several residents said they moved here to escape the inexorable growth of Atlanta and now worry the Rivian plant will usher in more development that will eventually swallow their hayfields and antebellum mansions, thanks to the areas combination of cheap land and proximity to an interstate and a rail line.

Keith Wilson, who is running for the Morgan County Board of Commissioners to try to stop the Rivian plant, said he found no supporters for it after knocking on more than 800 doors in his campaign. The countys unemployment rate is just 2 percent, he said, so the company should take their jobs where theyre needed.

Perdue is going to get a lot of votes here, Wilson said. I think it might be enough to put him over the top in the primary. I really do.

Local opponents like Artz and Wilson say their opposition has nothing to do with the fact that Rivian is from California and makes electric vehicles and say the opposition movement includes people of all political stripes.

But theyre happy to have a champion in Perdue  especially since he could potentially halt the project if elected governor.

People write to me and say, You know Perdue is just using you for an issue? Artz said. And I say, And?
An advisory committee talked about the possibility of having a grass runway when they met Friday morning at Fremont Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport advisory committee also talked about items  including a maintenance hangar and updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP)  which theyd like to see regularly listed as discussion items on the monthly agenda.

In January, board members talked about reconstruction of portions of the runway and a connecting taxiway.

Concrete in these portions has been deteriorating  from within  due to an adverse chemical reaction. This deterioration is occurring at multiple sites in Nebraska and other states.

Board members and Jim Kjeldgaard, president of Fremont Aviation which operates the airport, have estimated it could take nine months for concrete removal and replacement.

Not using the runway for this amount of time would seriously impact Fremont Aviation along with other businesses that use the airport, Kjeldgaard said, and board members discussed possible alternatives.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is apparently approving a number of grass runways, said Bill Dugan, board member. We have plenty of space for a north-south grass runway, which would be a very little expense I would think.

A new FAA advisory acknowledges it will allow turf operations within Runway Safety Areas.

Dugan asked Dave Goedeken, director of public works for the City of Fremont, if he could look into this possibility for the local airport.

Goedeken said he could speak to Anna Lannin, engineering division manager of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.

Members added that though larger aircraft couldnt use the grass runway, smaller ones could. At this time, the grass runway is open at Wahoo Airport and its paved one is closed for reconstruction.

During past meetings, the committee discussed whether the former Runway 1-19 could be used when the main runway is shut down due to reconstruction or rehabilitation.

Goedeken previously said Lannin wasnt very hopeful about that alternative because the FAA had decommissioned that runway.

At Fridays meeting, board member Jeff Peterson wondered if the runway actually was decommissioned.

Peterson said he researched online what it would take to decommission a runway  and found an extensive list.

It was like a three-page checklist, Peterson said. Theres a lot of stuff.

Peterson said, however, if the FAA actually did decommission Runway 1-19 and is approving grass runways, he believes the latter is an excellent option.

Eric Johnson, board member, added that theyd need to make sure the grass runway meets FAA standards for safety and wouldnt interfere with any future pavement.

Like members at previous meetings, Peterson expressed concern about the airport being closed during runway work.

If Ive learned anything the last two years, you dont shut business down, Peterson said. I know its hard. We want to try and do what we have to do, but I think shutting a business down is a disaster  even if its for three months.

In talking about runways, Alison Adams, board member, asked if work on the ALP was moved forward.

By definition, this plan shows existing facilities and intended development of an airport and Johnson previously has said the FAA looks at an ALP like a bible for the airport.

Goedeken said work on the ALP has been moved ahead.

Initially, ALP work was suggested for 2026 in the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The board voted in January to recommend moving that work to 2024 when presenting the airports CIP to the Fremont City Council.

As members discussed maintenance items  such as hangar repair and replacement of lightsinterim Fremont City Administrator Jody Sanders posed a question.

Instead of reporting a list of repairs at a meeting, Sanders wondered about members reporting them on an as-needed basis.

That way, meeting discussion could focus on what had been accomplished.

Johnson said an Iowa airport has maintenance item discussion on its agendas with a checklist of major projects.

Tom Randall, board vice chairman, wondered if members could submit repair requests online and liked the idea of a written checklist with follow-up.

Dugan wondered about reporting repair requests to Fremont Aviation personnel. Goedeken said the personnel then could contact him.

Randall also advocated for putting a proposed maintenance hangar on each monthly agenda.

It seems like to me if were going to get something done on the maintenance hangar, its going to have to be a grassroots effort on our part and, to me, the viability of the airport depends on getting a maintenance hangar, Randall said.

The maintenance hangar would house incoming planes and serve as a place where aircraft are inspected and repaired. The current maintenance hangar is too small to house aircraft, a concern for people who fly here.

Business owners and other guests dont want their planes outdoors when hail or other storms occur.

Thats especially true of multi-million dollar corporate jets that bring people to Fremont on business or to look at the city as a companys future site.

The board repeatedly has talked about a shortage of smaller hangars at the airport.

Dugan asked if there is space to build more hangars.

Goedeken said there is space and he will ask Lannin how the airport could expand based on its current ALP.

Kjeldgaard asked about possible grants.

Unless funds could be provided through recent legislation that will provide money for airport-related projects, there are loans, Goedeken said. But he cited a past instance when the city, under a former administrator, came in upside down on a payback.

Kjeldgaard contended that the airport is part of Fremont and pilot Ken Cox robustly expressed his thoughts in regard to getting funding for projects.

The airport actually brings in money and its a very small percentage that screams about things out here, where youve got 90 percent of the city that will holler if a park needs mowedor this or thatthat doesnt actually make any money. This is the red-headed stepchild of the city, Cox said.

In other business, Goedeken said some work still needs to be done on the new airport terminal. Operations will continue in the existing terminal until such time as permanent occupancy can take place in the new one.

Goedeken said furnishings have been ordered.

As we get things, we will move in, Goedeken said. Weve got a beautiful building.

Members met at the new building on Friday.

Dugan asked about plans for the existing terminal. Peterson recommended determining what the building is worth rent wise and receiving income from it.

The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee meets at 8:15 a.m. the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

An advisory committee talked about the possibility of having a grass runway when they met Friday morning at Fremont Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport advisory committee also talked about items  including a maintenance hangar and updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP)  which theyd like to see regularly listed as discussion items on the monthly agenda.

In January, board members talked about reconstruction of portions of the runway and a connecting taxiway.

Concrete in these portions has been deteriorating  from within  due to an adverse chemical reaction. This deterioration is occurring at multiple sites in Nebraska and other states.

Board members and Jim Kjeldgaard, president of Fremont Aviation which operates the airport, have estimated it could take nine months for concrete removal and replacement.

Not using the runway for this amount of time would seriously impact Fremont Aviation along with other businesses that use the airport, Kjeldgaard said, and board members discussed possible alternatives.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is apparently approving a number of grass runways, said Bill Dugan, board member. We have plenty of space for a north-south grass runway, which would be a very little expense I would think.

A new FAA advisory acknowledges it will allow turf operations within Runway Safety Areas.

Dugan asked Dave Goedeken, director of public works for the City of Fremont, if he could look into this possibility for the local airport.

Goedeken said he could speak to Anna Lannin, engineering division manager of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.

Members added that though larger aircraft couldnt use the grass runway, smaller ones could. At this time, the grass runway is open at Wahoo Airport and its paved one is closed for reconstruction.

During past meetings, the committee discussed whether the former Runway 1-19 could be used when the main runway is shut down due to reconstruction or rehabilitation.

Goedeken previously said Lannin wasnt very hopeful about that alternative because the FAA had decommissioned that runway.

At Fridays meeting, board member Jeff Peterson wondered if the runway actually was decommissioned.

Peterson said he researched online what it would take to decommission a runway  and found an extensive list.

It was like a three-page checklist, Peterson said. Theres a lot of stuff.

Peterson said, however, if the FAA actually did decommission Runway 1-19 and is approving grass runways, he believes the latter is an excellent option.

Eric Johnson, board member, added that theyd need to make sure the grass runway meets FAA standards for safety and wouldnt interfere with any future pavement.

Like members at previous meetings, Peterson expressed concern about the airport being closed during runway work.

If Ive learned anything the last two years, you dont shut business down, Peterson said. I know its hard. We want to try and do what we have to do, but I think shutting a business down is a disaster  even if its for three months.

In talking about runways, Alison Adams, board member, asked if work on the ALP was moved forward.

By definition, this plan shows existing facilities and intended development of an airport and Johnson previously has said the FAA looks at an ALP like a bible for the airport.

Goedeken said work on the ALP has been moved ahead.

Initially, ALP work was suggested for 2026 in the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The board voted in January to recommend moving that work to 2024 when presenting the airports CIP to the Fremont City Council.

As members discussed maintenance items  such as hangar repair and replacement of lightsinterim Fremont City Administrator Jody Sanders posed a question.

Instead of reporting a list of repairs at a meeting, Sanders wondered about members reporting them on an as-needed basis.

That way, meeting discussion could focus on what had been accomplished.

Johnson said an Iowa airport has maintenance item discussion on its agendas with a checklist of major projects.

Tom Randall, board vice chairman, wondered if members could submit repair requests online and liked the idea of a written checklist with follow-up.

Dugan wondered about reporting repair requests to Fremont Aviation personnel. Goedeken said the personnel then could contact him.

Randall also advocated for putting a proposed maintenance hangar on each monthly agenda.

It seems like to me if were going to get something done on the maintenance hangar, its going to have to be a grassroots effort on our part and, to me, the viability of the airport depends on getting a maintenance hangar, Randall said.

The maintenance hangar would house incoming planes and serve as a place where aircraft are inspected and repaired. The current maintenance hangar is too small to house aircraft, a concern for people who fly here.

Business owners and other guests dont want their planes outdoors when hail or other storms occur.

Thats especially true of multi-million dollar corporate jets that bring people to Fremont on business or to look at the city as a companys future site.

The board repeatedly has talked about a shortage of smaller hangars at the airport.

Dugan asked if there is space to build more hangars.

Goedeken said there is space and he will ask Lannin how the airport could expand based on its current ALP.

Kjeldgaard asked about possible grants.

Unless funds could be provided through recent legislation that will provide money for airport-related projects, there are loans, Goedeken said. But he cited a past instance when the city, under a former administrator, came in upside down on a payback.

Kjeldgaard contended that the airport is part of Fremont and pilot Ken Cox robustly expressed his thoughts in regard to getting funding for projects.

The airport actually brings in money and its a very small percentage that screams about things out here, where youve got 90 percent of the city that will holler if a park needs mowedor this or thatthat doesnt actually make any money. This is the red-headed stepchild of the city, Cox said.

In other business, Goedeken said some work still needs to be done on the new airport terminal. Operations will continue in the existing terminal until such time as permanent occupancy can take place in the new one.

Goedeken said furnishings have been ordered.

As we get things, we will move in, Goedeken said. Weve got a beautiful building.

Members met at the new building on Friday.

Dugan asked about plans for the existing terminal. Peterson recommended determining what the building is worth rent wise and receiving income from it.

The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee meets at 8:15 a.m. the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
An advisory committee talked about the possibility of having a grass runway when they met Friday morning at Fremont Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport advisory committee also talked about items  including a maintenance hangar and updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP)  which theyd like to see regularly listed as discussion items on the monthly agenda.

In January, board members talked about reconstruction of portions of the runway and a connecting taxiway.

Concrete in these portions has been deteriorating  from within  due to an adverse chemical reaction. This deterioration is occurring at multiple sites in Nebraska and other states.

Board members and Jim Kjeldgaard, president of Fremont Aviation which operates the airport, have estimated it could take nine months for concrete removal and replacement.

Not using the runway for this amount of time would seriously impact Fremont Aviation along with other businesses that use the airport, Kjeldgaard said, and board members discussed possible alternatives.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is apparently approving a number of grass runways, said Bill Dugan, board member. We have plenty of space for a north-south grass runway, which would be a very little expense I would think.

A new FAA advisory acknowledges it will allow turf operations within Runway Safety Areas.

Dugan asked Dave Goedeken, director of public works for the City of Fremont, if he could look into this possibility for the local airport.

Goedeken said he could speak to Anna Lannin, engineering division manager of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.

Members added that though larger aircraft couldnt use the grass runway, smaller ones could. At this time, the grass runway is open at Wahoo Airport and its paved one is closed for reconstruction.

During past meetings, the committee discussed whether the former Runway 1-19 could be used when the main runway is shut down due to reconstruction or rehabilitation.

Goedeken previously said Lannin wasnt very hopeful about that alternative because the FAA had decommissioned that runway.

At Fridays meeting, board member Jeff Peterson wondered if the runway actually was decommissioned.

Peterson said he researched online what it would take to decommission a runway  and found an extensive list.

It was like a three-page checklist, Peterson said. Theres a lot of stuff.

Peterson said, however, if the FAA actually did decommission Runway 1-19 and is approving grass runways, he believes the latter is an excellent option.

Eric Johnson, board member, added that theyd need to make sure the grass runway meets FAA standards for safety and wouldnt interfere with any future pavement.

Like members at previous meetings, Peterson expressed concern about the airport being closed during runway work.

If Ive learned anything the last two years, you dont shut business down, Peterson said. I know its hard. We want to try and do what we have to do, but I think shutting a business down is a disaster  even if its for three months.

In talking about runways, Alison Adams, board member, asked if work on the ALP was moved forward.

By definition, this plan shows existing facilities and intended development of an airport and Johnson previously has said the FAA looks at an ALP like a bible for the airport.

Goedeken said work on the ALP has been moved ahead.

Initially, ALP work was suggested for 2026 in the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The board voted in January to recommend moving that work to 2024 when presenting the airports CIP to the Fremont City Council.

As members discussed maintenance items  such as hangar repair and replacement of lightsinterim Fremont City Administrator Jody Sanders posed a question.

Instead of reporting a list of repairs at a meeting, Sanders wondered about members reporting them on an as-needed basis.

That way, meeting discussion could focus on what had been accomplished.

Johnson said an Iowa airport has maintenance item discussion on its agendas with a checklist of major projects.

Tom Randall, board vice chairman, wondered if members could submit repair requests online and liked the idea of a written checklist with follow-up.

Dugan wondered about reporting repair requests to Fremont Aviation personnel. Goedeken said the personnel then could contact him.

Randall also advocated for putting a proposed maintenance hangar on each monthly agenda.

It seems like to me if were going to get something done on the maintenance hangar, its going to have to be a grassroots effort on our part and, to me, the viability of the airport depends on getting a maintenance hangar, Randall said.

The maintenance hangar would house incoming planes and serve as a place where aircraft are inspected and repaired. The current maintenance hangar is too small to house aircraft, a concern for people who fly here.

Business owners and other guests dont want their planes outdoors when hail or other storms occur.

Thats especially true of multi-million dollar corporate jets that bring people to Fremont on business or to look at the city as a companys future site.

The board repeatedly has talked about a shortage of smaller hangars at the airport.

Dugan asked if there is space to build more hangars.

Goedeken said there is space and he will ask Lannin how the airport could expand based on its current ALP.

Kjeldgaard asked about possible grants.

Unless funds could be provided through recent legislation that will provide money for airport-related projects, there are loans, Goedeken said. But he cited a past instance when the city, under a former administrator, came in upside down on a payback.

Kjeldgaard contended that the airport is part of Fremont and pilot Ken Cox robustly expressed his thoughts in regard to getting funding for projects.

The airport actually brings in money and its a very small percentage that screams about things out here, where youve got 90 percent of the city that will holler if a park needs mowedor this or thatthat doesnt actually make any money. This is the red-headed stepchild of the city, Cox said.

In other business, Goedeken said some work still needs to be done on the new airport terminal. Operations will continue in the existing terminal until such time as permanent occupancy can take place in the new one.

Goedeken said furnishings have been ordered.

As we get things, we will move in, Goedeken said. Weve got a beautiful building.

Members met at the new building on Friday.

Dugan asked about plans for the existing terminal. Peterson recommended determining what the building is worth rent wise and receiving income from it.

The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee meets at 8:15 a.m. the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
An advisory committee talked about the possibility of having a grass runway when they met Friday morning at Fremont Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport advisory committee also talked about items  including a maintenance hangar and updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP)  which theyd like to see regularly listed as discussion items on the monthly agenda.

In January, board members talked about reconstruction of portions of the runway and a connecting taxiway.

Concrete in these portions has been deteriorating  from within  due to an adverse chemical reaction. This deterioration is occurring at multiple sites in Nebraska and other states.

Board members and Jim Kjeldgaard, president of Fremont Aviation which operates the airport, have estimated it could take nine months for concrete removal and replacement.

Not using the runway for this amount of time would seriously impact Fremont Aviation along with other businesses that use the airport, Kjeldgaard said, and board members discussed possible alternatives.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is apparently approving a number of grass runways, said Bill Dugan, board member. We have plenty of space for a north-south grass runway, which would be a very little expense I would think.

A new FAA advisory acknowledges it will allow turf operations within Runway Safety Areas.

Dugan asked Dave Goedeken, director of public works for the City of Fremont, if he could look into this possibility for the local airport.

Goedeken said he could speak to Anna Lannin, engineering division manager of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.

Members added that though larger aircraft couldnt use the grass runway, smaller ones could. At this time, the grass runway is open at Wahoo Airport and its paved one is closed for reconstruction.

During past meetings, the committee discussed whether the former Runway 1-19 could be used when the main runway is shut down due to reconstruction or rehabilitation.

Goedeken previously said Lannin wasnt very hopeful about that alternative because the FAA had decommissioned that runway.

At Fridays meeting, board member Jeff Peterson wondered if the runway actually was decommissioned.

Peterson said he researched online what it would take to decommission a runway  and found an extensive list.

It was like a three-page checklist, Peterson said. Theres a lot of stuff.

Peterson said, however, if the FAA actually did decommission Runway 1-19 and is approving grass runways, he believes the latter is an excellent option.

Eric Johnson, board member, added that theyd need to make sure the grass runway meets FAA standards for safety and wouldnt interfere with any future pavement.

Like members at previous meetings, Peterson expressed concern about the airport being closed during runway work.

If Ive learned anything the last two years, you dont shut business down, Peterson said. I know its hard. We want to try and do what we have to do, but I think shutting a business down is a disaster  even if its for three months.

In talking about runways, Alison Adams, board member, asked if work on the ALP was moved forward.

By definition, this plan shows existing facilities and intended development of an airport and Johnson previously has said the FAA looks at an ALP like a bible for the airport.

Goedeken said work on the ALP has been moved ahead.

Initially, ALP work was suggested for 2026 in the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The board voted in January to recommend moving that work to 2024 when presenting the airports CIP to the Fremont City Council.

As members discussed maintenance items  such as hangar repair and replacement of lightsinterim Fremont City Administrator Jody Sanders posed a question.

Instead of reporting a list of repairs at a meeting, Sanders wondered about members reporting them on an as-needed basis.

That way, meeting discussion could focus on what had been accomplished.

Johnson said an Iowa airport has maintenance item discussion on its agendas with a checklist of major projects.

Tom Randall, board vice chairman, wondered if members could submit repair requests online and liked the idea of a written checklist with follow-up.

Dugan wondered about reporting repair requests to Fremont Aviation personnel. Goedeken said the personnel then could contact him.

Randall also advocated for putting a proposed maintenance hangar on each monthly agenda.

It seems like to me if were going to get something done on the maintenance hangar, its going to have to be a grassroots effort on our part and, to me, the viability of the airport depends on getting a maintenance hangar, Randall said.

The maintenance hangar would house incoming planes and serve as a place where aircraft are inspected and repaired. The current maintenance hangar is too small to house aircraft, a concern for people who fly here.

Business owners and other guests dont want their planes outdoors when hail or other storms occur.

Thats especially true of multi-million dollar corporate jets that bring people to Fremont on business or to look at the city as a companys future site.

The board repeatedly has talked about a shortage of smaller hangars at the airport.

Dugan asked if there is space to build more hangars.

Goedeken said there is space and he will ask Lannin how the airport could expand based on its current ALP.

Kjeldgaard asked about possible grants.

Unless funds could be provided through recent legislation that will provide money for airport-related projects, there are loans, Goedeken said. But he cited a past instance when the city, under a former administrator, came in upside down on a payback.

Kjeldgaard contended that the airport is part of Fremont and pilot Ken Cox robustly expressed his thoughts in regard to getting funding for projects.

The airport actually brings in money and its a very small percentage that screams about things out here, where youve got 90 percent of the city that will holler if a park needs mowedor this or thatthat doesnt actually make any money. This is the red-headed stepchild of the city, Cox said.

In other business, Goedeken said some work still needs to be done on the new airport terminal. Operations will continue in the existing terminal until such time as permanent occupancy can take place in the new one.

Goedeken said furnishings have been ordered.

As we get things, we will move in, Goedeken said. Weve got a beautiful building.

Members met at the new building on Friday.

Dugan asked about plans for the existing terminal. Peterson recommended determining what the building is worth rent wise and receiving income from it.

The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee meets at 8:15 a.m. the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries pledged to step up policy dialogues and jointly conduct research to foster environmental cooperation in climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation at a meeting on Friday.

The 8th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was hosted by China via video link and attended by representatives from environmental protection authorities of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and India.

Noting that cooperation between the BRICS countries is now an integral part of global environment endeavors, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said all sides should work closer toward a low-carbon future and the fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

China proposed deeper pragmatic cooperation in areas like inter-city partnerships for sustainability and environmental technology.

All sides should join hands in low-carbon technology innovations and provide developing countries and the world with solutions for environmental protection, Huang said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


New Delhi: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police as the prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed," the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson read.

"Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," the statement added.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, said, "Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated, "In accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica.

"But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case," he had said.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
New Delhi: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police as the prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed," the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson read.

"Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," the statement added.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, said, "Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated, "In accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica.

"But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case," he had said.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

WORK is ongoing at Millennium Square on Main Street, Tullamore, and is expected to be completed shortly, a meeting of Tullamore Municipal District heard.

Councillor Neil Feighery said it was ''fantastic to see the outdoor canopies,'' adding that it was a ''really clever design and it will be a really nice space that will hopefully get a lot more use.''

Local company Tower Civil Engineering are carrying out the work which includes hard and soft landscaping, the removal of existing pavement and the installation of new imported Portuguese granite pavement and kerbs.

Connor Daly a quantity surveyor with Tower Plant and Engineering said when awarded the contract, we will also be installing polished concrete planters with recessed timber seating, installing two heavy duty cantilevered canopies, upgrading existing drainage and electrical lines as well as soft landscaping to complete the project.

Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr Tony McCormack complimented Senior Executive Engineer, John Connelly and his team. He said ''I have had many people compliment the town, tourists from different parts of the country. Work is also being carried on the arts centre and it will be ready in September,'' said Cllr McCormack. He also mentioned a number of other projects underway.

''It will be fantastic for the town, it will bring a higher footfall. With the work that us as a council are doing, Tullamore will look fantastic and will have fantastic offering whether for tourists or for people from the area,'' he said.




New Delhi: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police as the prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed," the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson read.

"Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," the statement added.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, said, "Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated, "In accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica.

"But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case," he had said.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
New Delhi: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police as the prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed," the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson read.

"Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," the statement added.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, said, "Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated, "In accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica.

"But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case," he had said.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
New Delhi: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police as the prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed," the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson read.

"Choksi`s legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," the statement added.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, said, "Mehul Chinubhai Choksi` was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit `Toucarie Bay, Toucarie` not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated, "In accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi`s lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica.

"But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case," he had said.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Kolkata: West Bengal Minister Paresh Adhikary was questioned for the third consecutive day on Saturday in connection with an alleged teachers recruitment scam. The Calcutta high court on Friday (May 20) ordered Ankita Adhikary, the daughter of West Bengal`s junior education minister Paresh Adhikary, to return the salary which she has received as a school teacher since 2018 and also barred her from entering the school premises where she was working as an assistant teacher. Adhikary is allegedly involved in illegal recruitments made to government-aided schools on the SSC`s recommendations.

"This court is directing District Inspector Cooch Behar to terminate Ankita Adhikary and ensure that she be not allowed to enter the school premises where she taught all these years," Justice Gangopadhyay said. Gangopadhyay observed that Ankita should never be able to identify herself as a "teacher" for the rest of her life as she had "committed cheating in a noble profession like teaching."

"The profession that produces doctors and engineers has been cheated, Justice Gangopadhyay observed in court. According to CBI officers, Ankita`s name was inserted illegally into the waiting list of the would-be assistant teachers in political science for Classes XI and XII, superseding others with higher marks.

According to complainant Babita Sarkar, Ankita had secured 61 in the first state-level selection test in 2016 but did not appear in the personality test while other candidates who had secured more marks and appeared in the personality test did not get appointed, said CBI. Ankita Adhikary was teaching political science to classes 11 and 12 at Mekhliganj Indira Girls High School.

Live TV
The Calcutta high court on Friday ordered Ankita Adhikary, the daughter of West Bengal's junior education minister Paresh Adhikary, to return the salary which she has received as a school teacher since 2018 and also barred her from entering the school premises where she was working as an assistant teacher.

Adhikary is allegedly involved in illegal recruitments made to government-aided schools on the SSC's recommendations.

"This court is directing District Inspector Cooch Behar to terminate Ankita Adhikary and ensure that she be not allowed to enter the school premises where she taught all these years," Justice Gangopadhyay said.

Gangopadhyay observed that Ankita should never be able to identify herself as a "teacher" for the rest of her life as she had "committed cheating in a noble profession like teaching."

"The profession that produces doctors and engineers has been cheated, Justice Gangopadhyay observed in court.

According to CBI officers, Ankita's name was inserted illegally into the waiting list of the would-be assistant teachers in political science for Classes XI and XII, superseding others with higher marks.

According to complainant Babita Sarkar, Ankita had secured 61 in the first state-level selection test in 2016 but did not appear in the personality test while other candidates who had secured more marks and appeared in the personality test did not get appointed, said CBI.

Ankita Adhikary was teaching political science to classes 11 and 12 at Mekhliganj Indira Girls High School. (ANI)
Kolkata: West Bengal Minister Paresh Adhikary was questioned for the third consecutive day on Saturday in connection with an alleged teachers recruitment scam. The Calcutta high court on Friday (May 20) ordered Ankita Adhikary, the daughter of West Bengal`s junior education minister Paresh Adhikary, to return the salary which she has received as a school teacher since 2018 and also barred her from entering the school premises where she was working as an assistant teacher. Adhikary is allegedly involved in illegal recruitments made to government-aided schools on the SSC`s recommendations.

"This court is directing District Inspector Cooch Behar to terminate Ankita Adhikary and ensure that she be not allowed to enter the school premises where she taught all these years," Justice Gangopadhyay said. Gangopadhyay observed that Ankita should never be able to identify herself as a "teacher" for the rest of her life as she had "committed cheating in a noble profession like teaching."

"The profession that produces doctors and engineers has been cheated, Justice Gangopadhyay observed in court. According to CBI officers, Ankita`s name was inserted illegally into the waiting list of the would-be assistant teachers in political science for Classes XI and XII, superseding others with higher marks.

According to complainant Babita Sarkar, Ankita had secured 61 in the first state-level selection test in 2016 but did not appear in the personality test while other candidates who had secured more marks and appeared in the personality test did not get appointed, said CBI. Ankita Adhikary was teaching political science to classes 11 and 12 at Mekhliganj Indira Girls High School.

Live TV
Hexagon Developments is a leading property developer bringing best practices to the Pakistan real estate market. Hexagon delivers high quality services while also creating social impact in needy sectors in Pakistan.

"We are humbled to be able to support great organizations such as Deaf Reach, and have pledged an amount from every sale of our properties in support of their work with deaf children. In this way, not just us, but our clients will also play a part in contributing to improve the social fabric of Pakistani society. With large numbers of deaf children in Pakistan, there is huge scope for assisting these children and making a difference in their lives," said Mrs. Haider.

Richard Geary, Founder and Sitara-i-Khidmat awardee, said on the occasion of the signing ceremony, "Deaf children have a right to education in their native language  which is sign language. Deaf Reach works extensively to train teachers, as well as to provide literacy and sign language training to parents, enabling them to communicate with their deaf children. To ensure sustainability and the continuity of top-level services, Deaf Reach actively engages with the government for service provision and advocacy. Likewise, it is essential for the corporate sector to do the same, and to this end we look forward to a strong partnership with Hexagon."

In Pakistan there are over 1 million deaf children of school age, yet less than 5% attend school.

Deaf Reach is one of the only branch networks of schools for the Deaf in Pakistan reaching out into rural areas. 7 Deaf Reach Schools, Training Centers & Colleges in 7 cities provide academic and vocational skills training to over 1,250 deaf children and adolescents.

Facilities cover all academic and vocational costs, inclusive of free pick and drop transport, a healthy lunch, books & stationery, uniforms and more.

Founded more than 3 decades ago, this award-winning program has benefitted thousands of deaf youth to date.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823168/Hexagon_Developments.jpg

SOURCE Hexagon Developments Limitied

To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Karan Johar seems to be in the throwback mode in the middle of the Cannes Film Festival 2022. The filmmaker took to Instagram on Saturday and shared a throwback photo featuring Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and himself posing at the French Rivera back in 2013. The trio was there to attend the screening of the film Bombay Talkies.

Sharing the picture, KJo wrote, "Cannes throwback. 2013 #BombayTalkies."

Instagram

Meanwhile, The Cannes Film Festival is going on in full swing and we are getting to see the best of celebs on the red carpet. The prestigious festival has returned after a gap of two years owing to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

On day 3, Deepika Padukone gave major style lessons in a dramatic red ensemble with a plunging neckline. She chose a statement neckpiece to complete the outfit and opted for a fiery red lipstick.

Deepika shared her look on Instagram and chose to not give it a caption and frankly, it doesn't need any. The stunner's pictures speak for itself.

Dropping comments on his wife's sizzling look, actor Ranveer Singh wrote, "Killing Me. Ok that's it, I'm taking a flight."

Instagram

Ranveer Singh is reportedly all set to join Deepika at the film festival soon. As per news reports, the actor is missing Deepika and looks forward to spending time with her.

For the unversed, Deepika is a member of the Cannes jury this year and has been making headlines ever since the news was announced. She recently took to Instagram and revealed what a day in the life of a Cannes jury member looks like. Deepika, on her Instagram story, shared a couple of BTS videos preparing for the jury dinner.

Others shining bright on the red carpet were Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hina Khan, and Pooja Hegde.

FILE

Instagram

Pooja Hegde made her Cannes debut this year by walking the red carpet of the premiere of Tom Cruise's Top Gun: Maverick. Pooja shared the pictures of her first look from the festival on social media and the actress looked gorgeous in a white, printed ensemble.



In conversation with Film Companion, Pooja revealed that her team had to arrange everything at the last minute as she had lost all her makeup and clothes.

She revealed, "We lost all our hair products, makeup, we lost outfits. Thankfully I brought a couple of real jewellery pieces from India which I had hand-carried. We landed, we had this upon us. We couldnt cry about it because we didnt have time to do that. I think probably my manager panicked more than me. But I was like, okay fine. Lets get into the car. Lets do fittings here. I will figure out the outfit."

Hegde further added how her team members and she hadn't had anything to eat until she walked the red carpet. She said, "My team ran, they got new hair products, new makeup, all of that, trying to make time, and it was crazy. We have had no lunch, no breakfast. I had my first meal of the day in the night (of red carpet appearance). So it was pretty hectic. My hairstylist had food poisoning, so he was like gonna pass out and he was doing my hair. I have a stand-up team, I am here because of them."





(For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below.)



If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] May 21 (ANI/NewsVoir): As India continues to modernise its education and adopt technology across all spheres of life, including education and financial empowerment, It is evident that the netizens are highly data responsible and use the data at their disposal to make better decisions. Towards this, at the side-lines of the recently concluded ISDC Commonwealth Education Conference 2022 in London, the Institute of Analytics (IoA) proposed a pledge to nurture a data-literate Karnataka. The Institute officeholders led by Dr Clare Walsh FIoA - Head of Education and Rosie Sweeney, Head of Memberships from IoA, met Dr Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education, IT, BT, Skill Development and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, in this regard and proposed to execute an exclusive program on data literacy among the government employees - to help them improve their analytics skills. "The use of analytics and data science is not limited to high-tech industries. Its usage can add value to the operations of many organisations, including that of the government departments. IoA has offered a corporate membership, including hundred free affiliate memberships for the government employees," said Dr Clare, adding that "The membership will showcase the government's commitment to learning and career development of its employees by giving them access to resources and networking opportunities." As part of the membership, the government of Karnataka would be able to promote job opportunities through the IoA social media channels and have exclusive invites to participate in IoA careers fairs and other networking events. "As all members are required to sign up to our Code of Ethics, the government employees will also be able to showcase to the public that they are adhering to the highest professional standards and, in turn, build trust in what they do," added Dr Clare. IoA is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation for analytics and data science professionals worldwide, committed to advancing the study, application and standing of analytics and data science in society. The move is in line with IoA's partnership with the State Government on the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022, which is set to bring together leading technology companies and start-ups in IT, biotech, and the deep tech who have been using analytics and data science to drive innovation in their businesses and predict future market trends. The Institute of Analytics has accredited many University Degrees in Analytics and Data Science across the globe and in India and working in partnership with the leading British Education Provider; ISDC for the market expansion and growth in India. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] May 21 (ANI/NewsVoir): As India continues to modernise its education and adopt technology across all spheres of life, including education and financial empowerment, It is evident that the netizens are highly data responsible and use the data at their disposal to make better decisions. Towards this, at the side-lines of the recently concluded ISDC Commonwealth Education Conference 2022 in London, the Institute of Analytics (IoA) proposed a pledge to nurture a data-literate Karnataka. The Institute officeholders led by Dr Clare Walsh FIoA - Head of Education and Rosie Sweeney, Head of Memberships from IoA, met Dr Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education, IT, BT, Skill Development and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, in this regard and proposed to execute an exclusive program on data literacy among the government employees - to help them improve their analytics skills. "The use of analytics and data science is not limited to high-tech industries. Its usage can add value to the operations of many organisations, including that of the government departments. IoA has offered a corporate membership, including hundred free affiliate memberships for the government employees," said Dr Clare, adding that "The membership will showcase the government's commitment to learning and career development of its employees by giving them access to resources and networking opportunities." As part of the membership, the government of Karnataka would be able to promote job opportunities through the IoA social media channels and have exclusive invites to participate in IoA careers fairs and other networking events. "As all members are required to sign up to our Code of Ethics, the government employees will also be able to showcase to the public that they are adhering to the highest professional standards and, in turn, build trust in what they do," added Dr Clare. IoA is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation for analytics and data science professionals worldwide, committed to advancing the study, application and standing of analytics and data science in society. The move is in line with IoA's partnership with the State Government on the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022, which is set to bring together leading technology companies and start-ups in IT, biotech, and the deep tech who have been using analytics and data science to drive innovation in their businesses and predict future market trends. The Institute of Analytics has accredited many University Degrees in Analytics and Data Science across the globe and in India and working in partnership with the leading British Education Provider; ISDC for the market expansion and growth in India. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)


Patience and decency are the virtues that help one progress in public life, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister cautioning members of the state Assembly against personal interests and interference in official work.

In his address to the state Assembly, the CM said he is of the view that the more practical a public representative is, the easier it is for him to communicate with the public and live up to their expectations.

"I have seen that negativity can never take a public representative forward," he said.

"In public life, a person's patience and decency always takes him forward while haste, affection for (government) contracts and interference in every single matter leads to his downfall," he said.

The chief minister also claimed that casteism does not exist in the state.

"If politics of casteism is true them how Suresh Khanna is a nine-time MLA from Shahjahanpur and Satish Mahana elected from Kanpur for the eighth time," he asked.

The chief minister said public representatives should serve interests of the state and the country.

"If we live up to the expectation of the public in a positive manner, then people will also continue to support us," he said.

Governor Anandiben Patel, who also attended the orientation programme for newly elected MLAs, was welcomed by the chief minister and other members of the assembly.

In her address, the Governor welcomed the 128 MLAs who have been elected for the first time to the assembly.

Patel said she is happy that 47 women have been elected to the assembly and their number is increasing.

She asked the members not to promise anything to the public which they can't deliver.

"The image of a public representative is tarnished when your children and relatives move with you and start performing your duties. To keep the right image, one must follow the law," Patel said.

Earlier on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated e-vidhan' system of the functioning of the House which is to switch over steadily to the paperless mode of working, using digital communication means and streaming of the House proceedings on YouTube as well.

The session of the 403-member Assembly is starting from Monday.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



Earlier in the night, as counting continued, Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten declared it a mighty night as he expressed hope Labor would form government in its own right. Obviously, weve got colleagues fighting for their political lives, some against the Greens, still hard-working candidates who are waiting to see whats happened, but this is a mighty night. This is a big night, Shorten, a panellist on Channel Nines election coverage, said. Certainly theres a teal quake going on. But lets not take away from Labor. Labors climate change spokesman Chris Bowen said he was confident that Labor would form majority government. I think it is fair to say the most likely outcome is a Labor majority in our own right, he said.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton, who survived a close challenge from Labor, said the Liberal family had suffered a terrible day as he addressed supporters in his Brisbane seat. Loading Labor snatched a handful of inner-city seats from the Liberals, including the Sydney seat of Reid, and Melbourne seats of Chisholm and Higgins, but looked set to lose the Brisbane seat of Griffith to the Greens. Late in the night, the Greens were battling with Labor for the Liberal-held of Brisbane. Labor won three Liberal-held seats in WA and was in front in a fourth, while in SA it picked up the Adelaide seat of Boothby. But it was poised to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler where independent Dai Le was leading frontbencher Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said voters had sent the Liberal Party a clear message as blue ribbon seats fell to teal independents.

It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, Birmingham said on ABC TV. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task. Loading Among the disastrous results for the Liberals at the hands of independents was the triumph of Allegra Spender over Dave Sharma in Wentworth, the victory of Kylea Tink over Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney, former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel outsing Tim Wilson in Goldstein, and Mackellar MP Jason Falinski was defeated by Sophie Scamps. In the biggest blow for the Liberals, Monique Ryan deposed Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the seat of Kooyong.

Former Liberal foreign minister Julie Bishop said the loss of Frydenberg was a huge upset and an enormous loss to the nation, but said the triumph of teal women in heartland Liberal seats must prompt a reckoning within the party. When the Liberal Party carries out the post-election analysis, they must address the issue of women in the party. So many Liberal women told me they did not see their concerns, their interests reflected in the party that was led by Scott Morrison and in Coalition with Barnaby Joyce, she told Nine. Liberal frontbencher Jane Hume said the party had missed something in Victoria amid swings to independents and Labor. Hume said we thought there would be a bigger Dan Andrews effect in Victoria and there hasnt, which I find disappointing. We have had such negative feedback about those harsh lockdowns in Victoria and we thought that may play out in those outer suburban areas. Clearly they havent, she told Channel Nine.

Loading Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall, who retained her seat, dismissed the idea of forming a third political party with the teal independents but declared the results showed a new wave of politics had been delivered by voters. It is a real moment for the major parties to rethink the arrogance that they dont have to consult with communities any more, she said. Shorten said the two-party duopoly was now in question. There is no doubt there is a fracturing of what is the Australian identity, he said.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
The price of CNG in the national capital on Saturday was hiked by Rs 2 per kg, the 13th increase in rates in just over two months.

CNG in the national capital territory of now costs Rs 75.61 per kg, up from Rs 73.61 per kg, according to the information posted on the website of Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) -- the firm which retails CNG and piped cooking gas in the national capital and adjoining cities.

This is the 13th increase in price since March 7.

In all, the CNG price has risen by Rs 19.60 per kg during this period. In the last one year, prices have increased by Rs 32.21 per kg or 60 per cent, according to data compiled by PTI.

However, the rates of gas piped to household kitchens, called piped natural gas (PNG), remain unchanged at Rs 45.86 per scm.

City gas distributors have been periodically raising prices since October last year, when domestic as well as international gas prices started to climb as economies around the world recovered from the pandemic-induced slowdown.

IGL Managing Director Sanjay Kumar said the prices are likely to remain elevated in the near future due to high international prices of natural gas.

rose by Rs 8.74 per kg in the last three months of 2021, and from January there was a steady increase of about 50 paise a kg almost every week.

The rates have gone up after the government more than doubled the price of natural gas produced locally to USD 6.1 per million British thermal unit from April 1.

With domestically produced gas not sufficient to meet city gas demand, imported fuel (LNG) is being used. LNG in the spot or current market costs USD 18-20 per mmBtu.

Natural gas when compressed becomes CNG for use as fuel in automobiles. The same gas is piped to household kitchens and industries for cooking and other purposes.

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has priced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at Rs 76 per kg in Mumbai.

Prices vary from city to city depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT.

The increase in follows a Rs 10 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices in 16 days and a Rs 103.50 per cylinder increase in the cooking gas LPG rates.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday (May 20, 2022) informed that there would be an abatement of heatwave conditions over the country from today onwards. According to an IMD bulletin, "Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets are very likely over Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. (There would be) abatement of heat wave conditions over the (entire) Indian region from May 21.

The weather department also predicted that the wet spell over Northwest and east India from May 21 to May 24 will reach peak intensity on May 23, adding that this will also bring duststorm activity at isolated places, very likely over west Rajasthan between May 22 and 24.

Wet spell over Northwest & East India during 21st to 24th with peak intensity on 23rd May, 2022. pic.twitter.com/He3LwqZCCr  India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 21, 2022

Areas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, may have fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds, informed the IMD in a tweet.

Scattered to fairly widespread light/moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds are likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha during the next 5 days.

The department also predicted strong surface winds with wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kilometres per hour (Kmph) over Rajasthan on Saturday.

Heatwave conditions

Severe heatwave conditions prevailed in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, southwest Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and Punjab on Friday. The Met office also said that heatwave conditions also prevailed over parts of Haryana and north Madhya Pradesh, over some parts of Delhi, and in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and south Uttar Pradesh.

Heatwave conditions also prevailed in many places in West Rajasthan. At 47.8 degrees Celsius, Dholpur (AWS) in Rajasthan registered the highest maximum temperature across India.

Heavy rains to continue in Kerala

Met office has issued a yellow alert for atleast 10 districts in Kerala, which are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, the Idukki district administration has opened the shutters of Kallarkutty and Pambla dams to release excess water.

IMD has issued Yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts for today whereas Wayanad too has Yellow alert on May 22. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has asked the people on the banks of river Periyar to remain vigilant due to the inflow of water.

Overnight sporadic rain bring relief in Delhi

Many parts of the national capital received rainfall on Friday night bringing respite from the scorching heat on Saturday. According to the IMD, thunderstorm, dust storm and gusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph are likely in Delhi-NCR and the adjoining areas.

As per the weather department, the temperature hovering between maximum 39 degree Celsius to 29.8 degree Celsius.

Rain,thundershower likely in J&K

According to Met department, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience rain and thundershowers in several parts on Saturday. "Rain and thundershower is likely to occur at many places in J&K during the next 24 hours", IMD said.

Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded 10.9 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 5.8 and Gulmarg 2 degrees as the minimum temperature. Drass in Ladakh region clocked 3.4 degrees, Leh 5.4 and Kargil 8 as the night`s lowest temperature. Jammu registered 29.1 degrees, Katra 23, Batote 12.6, Banihal 10.6 and Bhaderwah 11.2 as the minimum temperature.

(With agency inputs)
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries pledged to step up policy dialogues and jointly conduct research to foster environmental cooperation in climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation at a meeting on Friday.

The 8th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was hosted by China via video link and attended by representatives from environmental protection authorities of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and India.

Noting that cooperation between the BRICS countries is now an integral part of global environment endeavors, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said all sides should work closer toward a low-carbon future and the fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

China proposed deeper pragmatic cooperation in areas like inter-city partnerships for sustainability and environmental technology.

All sides should join hands in low-carbon technology innovations and provide developing countries and the world with solutions for environmental protection, Huang said. 
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries pledged to step up policy dialogues and jointly conduct research to foster environmental cooperation in climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation at a meeting on Friday.

The 8th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was hosted by China via video link and attended by representatives from environmental protection authorities of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and India.

Noting that cooperation between the BRICS countries is now an integral part of global environment endeavors, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said all sides should work closer toward a low-carbon future and the fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

China proposed deeper pragmatic cooperation in areas like inter-city partnerships for sustainability and environmental technology.

All sides should join hands in low-carbon technology innovations and provide developing countries and the world with solutions for environmental protection, Huang said. 
Patience and decency are the virtues that help one progress in public life, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister cautioning members of the state Assembly against personal interests and interference in official work.

In his address to the state Assembly, the CM said he is of the view that the more practical a public representative is, the easier it is for him to communicate with the public and live up to their expectations.

"I have seen that negativity can never take a public representative forward," he said.

"In public life, a person's patience and decency always takes him forward while haste, affection for (government) contracts and interference in every single matter leads to his downfall," he said.

The chief minister also claimed that casteism does not exist in the state.

"If politics of casteism is true them how Suresh Khanna is a nine-time MLA from Shahjahanpur and Satish Mahana elected from Kanpur for the eighth time," he asked.

The chief minister said public representatives should serve interests of the state and the country.

"If we live up to the expectation of the public in a positive manner, then people will also continue to support us," he said.

Governor Anandiben Patel, who also attended the orientation programme for newly elected MLAs, was welcomed by the chief minister and other members of the assembly.

In her address, the Governor welcomed the 128 MLAs who have been elected for the first time to the assembly.

Patel said she is happy that 47 women have been elected to the assembly and their number is increasing.

She asked the members not to promise anything to the public which they can't deliver.

"The image of a public representative is tarnished when your children and relatives move with you and start performing your duties. To keep the right image, one must follow the law," Patel said.

Earlier on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated e-vidhan' system of the functioning of the House which is to switch over steadily to the paperless mode of working, using digital communication means and streaming of the House proceedings on YouTube as well.

The session of the 403-member Assembly is starting from Monday.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Patience and decency are the virtues that help one progress in public life, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister cautioning members of the state Assembly against personal interests and interference in official work.

In his address to the state Assembly, the CM said he is of the view that the more practical a public representative is, the easier it is for him to communicate with the public and live up to their expectations.

"I have seen that negativity can never take a public representative forward," he said.

"In public life, a person's patience and decency always takes him forward while haste, affection for (government) contracts and interference in every single matter leads to his downfall," he said.

The chief minister also claimed that casteism does not exist in the state.

"If politics of casteism is true them how Suresh Khanna is a nine-time MLA from Shahjahanpur and Satish Mahana elected from Kanpur for the eighth time," he asked.

The chief minister said public representatives should serve interests of the state and the country.

"If we live up to the expectation of the public in a positive manner, then people will also continue to support us," he said.

Governor Anandiben Patel, who also attended the orientation programme for newly elected MLAs, was welcomed by the chief minister and other members of the assembly.

In her address, the Governor welcomed the 128 MLAs who have been elected for the first time to the assembly.

Patel said she is happy that 47 women have been elected to the assembly and their number is increasing.

She asked the members not to promise anything to the public which they can't deliver.

"The image of a public representative is tarnished when your children and relatives move with you and start performing your duties. To keep the right image, one must follow the law," Patel said.

Earlier on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated e-vidhan' system of the functioning of the House which is to switch over steadily to the paperless mode of working, using digital communication means and streaming of the House proceedings on YouTube as well.

The session of the 403-member Assembly is starting from Monday.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries pledged to step up policy dialogues and jointly conduct research to foster environmental cooperation in climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation at a meeting on Friday.

The 8th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was hosted by China via video link and attended by representatives from environmental protection authorities of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and India.

Noting that cooperation between the BRICS countries is now an integral part of global environment endeavors, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said all sides should work closer toward a low-carbon future and the fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

China proposed deeper pragmatic cooperation in areas like inter-city partnerships for sustainability and environmental technology.

All sides should join hands in low-carbon technology innovations and provide developing countries and the world with solutions for environmental protection, Huang said. 
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday (May 20, 2022) informed that there would be an abatement of heatwave conditions over the country from today onwards. According to an IMD bulletin, "Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets are very likely over Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. (There would be) abatement of heat wave conditions over the (entire) Indian region from May 21.

The weather department also predicted that the wet spell over Northwest and east India from May 21 to May 24 will reach peak intensity on May 23, adding that this will also bring duststorm activity at isolated places, very likely over west Rajasthan between May 22 and 24.

Wet spell over Northwest & East India during 21st to 24th with peak intensity on 23rd May, 2022. pic.twitter.com/He3LwqZCCr  India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 21, 2022

Areas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, may have fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds, informed the IMD in a tweet.

Scattered to fairly widespread light/moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds are likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha during the next 5 days.

The department also predicted strong surface winds with wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kilometres per hour (Kmph) over Rajasthan on Saturday.

Heatwave conditions

Severe heatwave conditions prevailed in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, southwest Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and Punjab on Friday. The Met office also said that heatwave conditions also prevailed over parts of Haryana and north Madhya Pradesh, over some parts of Delhi, and in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and south Uttar Pradesh.

Heatwave conditions also prevailed in many places in West Rajasthan. At 47.8 degrees Celsius, Dholpur (AWS) in Rajasthan registered the highest maximum temperature across India.

Heavy rains to continue in Kerala

Met office has issued a yellow alert for atleast 10 districts in Kerala, which are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, the Idukki district administration has opened the shutters of Kallarkutty and Pambla dams to release excess water.

IMD has issued Yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts for today whereas Wayanad too has Yellow alert on May 22. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has asked the people on the banks of river Periyar to remain vigilant due to the inflow of water.

Overnight sporadic rain bring relief in Delhi

Many parts of the national capital received rainfall on Friday night bringing respite from the scorching heat on Saturday. According to the IMD, thunderstorm, dust storm and gusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph are likely in Delhi-NCR and the adjoining areas.

As per the weather department, the temperature hovering between maximum 39 degree Celsius to 29.8 degree Celsius.

Rain,thundershower likely in J&K

According to Met department, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience rain and thundershowers in several parts on Saturday. "Rain and thundershower is likely to occur at many places in J&K during the next 24 hours", IMD said.

Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded 10.9 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 5.8 and Gulmarg 2 degrees as the minimum temperature. Drass in Ladakh region clocked 3.4 degrees, Leh 5.4 and Kargil 8 as the night`s lowest temperature. Jammu registered 29.1 degrees, Katra 23, Batote 12.6, Banihal 10.6 and Bhaderwah 11.2 as the minimum temperature.

(With agency inputs)
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 21 (ANI/PNN): Baazar Kolkata, one of the leading names in the value retail format in Kolkata, has won the "India's Retail Champions of Apparel and Lifestyle" presented by the Retailer's Association of India. In addition, the company bagged the title of the "Most Successful Value Retailer in East India 2022" by ET Inspiring Leaders East. Despite the pandemic-induced constraints, Bazaar Kolkata has been able to sustain its growth owing to its constant efforts, exceptional handwork, and indomitable diligence. The latest acknowledgements further solidify its dominance among the Indian value retailers in the apparel segment. Baazar Kolkata is the brainchild of a visionary entrepreneur, Manoj Khemka. Be it investment or revenue or trade or employment generation; the apparel industry is unquestionably the most important sector of any economy. While Indian customers' apparel preference is constantly shifting, Indian customers are also highly value-conscious buyers. Today, Indian customers look for quality fashionable clothes without compromising their budget. This growth prospect of value fashion retailing in India motivated Manoj Khemka to lay the foundation of the company Baazar Kolkata in 2002. From a humble beginning, the company quickly escalated the growth ladder and became a major retail apparel chain, extending its operations beyond the state boundaries. Baazar Kolkata witnessed an extraordinary headway in presence, recognition, and revenue. After two decades of steady growth, today, the retail chain has 120 stores with a total retail space of 8 lac sq. ft. in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, Assam, and Odisha. On winning the title of the "Most Successful Value Retailer in East India 2022", company Director and CEO Abhishek Khemka shares, "India's value retail sector lacks organized names and players to realize its potential fully. In this scenario, Baazar Kolkata has adapted the organized retail value model and has successfully delivered value to the apparel customers in small towns and villages alongside the metros. I am proud of what we do at Baazar Kolkata and looking forward to doing justice to our customer's expectations in the future as well." Baazar Kolkata is utilizing the potential of India's value fashion retailing through its diversified and exciting portfolios. Over the years, Baazar Kolkata has emerged as an innovative, well-structured, and inviting shopping destination, bringing high street designs to the reach of middle-class India. The company is a pioneer in the value retailing format in Kolkata with a strong foothold in the market. Riding on this value-centric business model, the company envisions catering to the fashion needs of India at an affordable price. Check their website for the latest offers and products - https://www.baazarkolkata.com/ This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Special Judge (PC Act) Vikas Dhull, on Saturday, while ordering the conviction of Chautala, said he will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment on May 26, 2022.

In the case, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Chautala on March 26, 2010, and held him responsible for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006. The case was filed on a complaint by Haryana Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala.

Om Prakash Chautala is a former Chief Minister of Haryana from the Indian National Lok Dal and son of 6th Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. Chautala was recently released from the Tihar Jail on 2 July 2021 from a ten years prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He and 53 others, in June 2008, were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in the state of Haryana during 1999-2000. In January 2013 a New Delhi court sentenced Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. (ANI)
Special Judge (PC Act) Vikas Dhull, on Saturday, while ordering the conviction of Chautala, said he will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment on May 26, 2022.

In the case, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Chautala on March 26, 2010, and held him responsible for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006. The case was filed on a complaint by Haryana Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala.

Om Prakash Chautala is a former Chief Minister of Haryana from the Indian National Lok Dal and son of 6th Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. Chautala was recently released from the Tihar Jail on 2 July 2021 from a ten years prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He and 53 others, in June 2008, were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in the state of Haryana during 1999-2000. In January 2013 a New Delhi court sentenced Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. (ANI)
Special Judge (PC Act) Vikas Dhull, on Saturday, while ordering the conviction of Chautala, said he will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment on May 26, 2022.

In the case, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Chautala on March 26, 2010, and held him responsible for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006. The case was filed on a complaint by Haryana Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala.

Om Prakash Chautala is a former Chief Minister of Haryana from the Indian National Lok Dal and son of 6th Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. Chautala was recently released from the Tihar Jail on 2 July 2021 from a ten years prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He and 53 others, in June 2008, were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in the state of Haryana during 1999-2000. In January 2013 a New Delhi court sentenced Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. (ANI)
The Defense Ministry on Wednesday delivered building materials and a new power generator to the U.S. base where a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery is stationed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The single access road to the former golf course has effectively been blocked by protesters since the THAAD battery was stationed there in April 2017, and soldiers still live in primitive conditions in the former club house and shipping containers, while basic supplies have to be airlifted in.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called their circumstance "unacceptable" when he met with Defense Minister Suh Wook in March.
Special Judge (PC Act) Vikas Dhull, on Saturday, while ordering the conviction of Chautala, said he will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment on May 26, 2022.

In the case, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Chautala on March 26, 2010, and held him responsible for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006. The case was filed on a complaint by Haryana Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala.

Om Prakash Chautala is a former Chief Minister of Haryana from the Indian National Lok Dal and son of 6th Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. Chautala was recently released from the Tihar Jail on 2 July 2021 from a ten years prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He and 53 others, in June 2008, were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in the state of Haryana during 1999-2000. In January 2013 a New Delhi court sentenced Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. (ANI)
Deomali: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the inter-state boundary dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam is likely to be resolved by next year. Asserting that efforts are underway to make Northeast insurgency-free, he claimed 9,000 militants from the region have surrendered during the last eight years of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, Shah said that the Centre is committed to bringing peace and development to the region. He said that the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam were working for an amicable and permanent resolution of the inter-state boundary dispute.

"Youths of Northeast no longer carry guns and petrol bombs. They are now carrying laptops and are launching startups. This is the path of development that the Centre has envisaged for the region," he said.

"Manipur, which was earlier known for bandhs and blockades for more than 200 days a year, is now witnessing a sea of change without any bandh during the last five years of BJP rule in the state," he said.

Shah said that the insurgency in the Bodoland region of Assam was resolved through the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord.

"Surrender of militant groups in Tripura and resolving of the Bru refugee issue was undertaken by the Modi government. The Union Home Ministry has taken initiatives to bring peace to Assam's Karbi Anglong," he said.

The Union home minister said that a three-pronged agenda has been prepared for the development of the Northeast.

"Firstly, we would preserve and promote the indigenous cultures and languages of the region. Secondly, we want to end all disputes among the northeastern states and make it free from insurgency and thirdly, we want to make the eight states the most developed in the country," he added.
Special Judge (PC Act) Vikas Dhull, on Saturday, while ordering the conviction of Chautala, said he will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment on May 26, 2022.

In the case, the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Chautala on March 26, 2010, and held him responsible for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006. The case was filed on a complaint by Haryana Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala.

Om Prakash Chautala is a former Chief Minister of Haryana from the Indian National Lok Dal and son of 6th Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. Chautala was recently released from the Tihar Jail on 2 July 2021 from a ten years prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He and 53 others, in June 2008, were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic teachers in the state of Haryana during 1999-2000. In January 2013 a New Delhi court sentenced Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. (ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 












Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Cayuga County is back in a central New York state Senate district but will be out of a Syracuse-area congressional district for the next 10 years.

Dr. Jonathan Cervas, the special master tasked with redrawing congressional and state Senate district lines, released his final maps shortly after midnight Saturday.

For Cayuga County, Cervas' congressional map doesn't feature any major changes from his draft plan unveiled on Monday. The final plan, which was approved by state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister, places all of Cayuga County into the new 24th Congressional District. The district stretches from Niagara County in western New York to Jefferson County in the North Country.

In a court filing accompanying the maps, Cervas explains the one change he made to the district. In the draft proposal, he included part of Erie County in NY-24. But in the final map, that portion of Erie County was removed and replaced by rural towns in Niagara County.

"This configuration better reflects the map submissions made to me and the testimony I have received since the release of the proposed maps," Cervas wrote.

The newly drawn 24th district is not home to an incumbent member of Congress, which could make it an open seat in this year's election. The western New York portion of the district is now part of U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs' district. Jacobs lives in Erie County, so he could run in the 23rd district that includes much of the county outside of Buffalo and a sizable chunk of the Southern Tier.

However, members of Congress don't have to live in the districts they represent.

The 24th will likely be a Republican stronghold for the next decade. Former President Donald Trump won the district by double digits in 2020. With a partisan voting index of 11.68 in favor of the GOP, it's the second-most Republican district in the state.

On Saturday, GOP U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney announced she will run in the newly drawn district.

Since releasing his draft maps on Monday, Cervas received a large amount of feedback. He considered those comments while finalizing the state Senate district lines.

In his draft plan, Cervas placed all of Cayuga County in a district with Jefferson and Oswego counties, along with a portion of Lewis County. Auburn city leaders wrote letters urging McAllister to reject the "devastating" proposal.

Cervas' final map puts all of Cayuga County into the 48th Senate District with the city of Syracuse and most of Onondaga County. The map was approved by McAllister.

"There were many requests to keep Auburn and Syracuse together in one senate district," Cervas wrote. "Comments highlighted the shared interests of Cayuga County and Onondaga County. I changed the Syracuse area to reflect this and keep those two cities together within Senate District 48." He added that Cayuga County is kept whole in the new district.

State Sen. Rachel May, who lives in Syracuse, is the incumbent in the new 48th district. A Republican, Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott, is already campaigning for the seat. Abbott lives in Skaneateles, which is in the 48th.

The release of the maps concludes a messy process that began when the state Independent Redistricting Commission failed to reach consensus on district lines. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature took control and drew congressional, state Assembly and state Senate maps.

But Republicans successfully challenged the constitutionality of the lawmakers' maps. The state Court of Appeals tossed the district lines and McAllister, who presided over the first phase of the case, oversaw the redrawing of the maps. Cervas was named the special master.

With the maps finalized, candidates can begin circulating petitions to qualify for the Aug. 23 primary election  the congressional and state Senate primaries were moved due to the court rulings. There is an option for candidates who already collected signatures before the maps were thrown out to submit a certificate allowing them to get on the primary ballot. The certificates must be filed by the end of May.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Cayuga County is back in a central New York state Senate district but will be out of a Syracuse-area congressional district for the next 10 years.

Dr. Jonathan Cervas, the special master tasked with redrawing congressional and state Senate district lines, released his final maps shortly after midnight Saturday.

For Cayuga County, Cervas' congressional map doesn't feature any major changes from his draft plan unveiled on Monday. The final plan, which was approved by state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister, places all of Cayuga County into the new 24th Congressional District. The district stretches from Niagara County in western New York to Jefferson County in the North Country.

In a court filing accompanying the maps, Cervas explains the one change he made to the district. In the draft proposal, he included part of Erie County in NY-24. But in the final map, that portion of Erie County was removed and replaced by rural towns in Niagara County.

"This configuration better reflects the map submissions made to me and the testimony I have received since the release of the proposed maps," Cervas wrote.

The newly drawn 24th district is not home to an incumbent member of Congress, which could make it an open seat in this year's election. The western New York portion of the district is now part of U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs' district. Jacobs lives in Erie County, so he could run in the 23rd district that includes much of the county outside of Buffalo and a sizable chunk of the Southern Tier.

However, members of Congress don't have to live in the districts they represent.

The 24th will likely be a Republican stronghold for the next decade. Former President Donald Trump won the district by double digits in 2020. With a partisan voting index of 11.68 in favor of the GOP, it's the second-most Republican district in the state.

On Saturday, GOP U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney announced she will run in the newly drawn district.

Since releasing his draft maps on Monday, Cervas received a large amount of feedback. He considered those comments while finalizing the state Senate district lines.

In his draft plan, Cervas placed all of Cayuga County in a district with Jefferson and Oswego counties, along with a portion of Lewis County. Auburn city leaders wrote letters urging McAllister to reject the "devastating" proposal.

Cervas' final map puts all of Cayuga County into the 48th Senate District with the city of Syracuse and most of Onondaga County. The map was approved by McAllister.

"There were many requests to keep Auburn and Syracuse together in one senate district," Cervas wrote. "Comments highlighted the shared interests of Cayuga County and Onondaga County. I changed the Syracuse area to reflect this and keep those two cities together within Senate District 48." He added that Cayuga County is kept whole in the new district.

State Sen. Rachel May, who lives in Syracuse, is the incumbent in the new 48th district. A Republican, Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott, is already campaigning for the seat. Abbott lives in Skaneateles, which is in the 48th.

The release of the maps concludes a messy process that began when the state Independent Redistricting Commission failed to reach consensus on district lines. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature took control and drew congressional, state Assembly and state Senate maps.

But Republicans successfully challenged the constitutionality of the lawmakers' maps. The state Court of Appeals tossed the district lines and McAllister, who presided over the first phase of the case, oversaw the redrawing of the maps. Cervas was named the special master.

With the maps finalized, candidates can begin circulating petitions to qualify for the Aug. 23 primary election  the congressional and state Senate primaries were moved due to the court rulings. There is an option for candidates who already collected signatures before the maps were thrown out to submit a certificate allowing them to get on the primary ballot. The certificates must be filed by the end of May.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The opposition Labor Party is likely to be the winner of Australia's federal election, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's next prime minister, according to a projection of local media.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Saturday night projected the Labor will form government for the first time since 2013.

The result marks an end to the coalition's nine-year hold on power and Scott Morrison's tenure as prime minister.

However, it remains unclear if the Labor will win the 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament, the House of Representatives, required to form a majority government.

If the Labor cannot win 76 seats, Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independents seeking their support to form a minority government. 
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries pledged to step up policy dialogues and jointly conduct research to foster environmental cooperation in climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation at a meeting on Friday.

The 8th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was hosted by China via video link and attended by representatives from environmental protection authorities of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and India.

Noting that cooperation between the BRICS countries is now an integral part of global environment endeavors, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said all sides should work closer toward a low-carbon future and the fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

China proposed deeper pragmatic cooperation in areas like inter-city partnerships for sustainability and environmental technology.

All sides should join hands in low-carbon technology innovations and provide developing countries and the world with solutions for environmental protection, Huang said. 
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries pledged to step up policy dialogues and jointly conduct research to foster environmental cooperation in climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation at a meeting on Friday.

The 8th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was hosted by China via video link and attended by representatives from environmental protection authorities of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and India.

Noting that cooperation between the BRICS countries is now an integral part of global environment endeavors, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said all sides should work closer toward a low-carbon future and the fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

China proposed deeper pragmatic cooperation in areas like inter-city partnerships for sustainability and environmental technology.

All sides should join hands in low-carbon technology innovations and provide developing countries and the world with solutions for environmental protection, Huang said. 
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP vice President Dr Raman Singh has taken a dig at recently-concluded Congress 'Chintan Shivir' and targeted Rahul Gandhi by calling him a "non-playing" captain. Speaking to mediapersons after the BJP national office bearers meeting concluded in Jaipur, he said Rahul Gandhi neither wants to become a captain nor wants to enter the field. Commenting of the 'Chintan Shivir', the BJP vice president said, "I remember that when Chintan Shivir was held in 2013, they (Congress) had governments in 13 states. The same Chintan Shivir happened again in 2022 and the government remained in two states only. I feel after this Chintan Shivir, there will be no Congress government left in any state." He further said as per Congress' policy and thinking, it is not a "Chintan Shivir" but a "Chinta Shivir". "These people (Congress) want to make a person captain, who himself does not want to be a captain. He is not ready to become a non-playing captain either. Rahul Gandhi is neither scoring runs nor taking wickets," Singh attacked further. Attacking the Gandhi family, the BJP president said, "The party is only limited to three people. They can't rise above or think above it. The party has lost its faith in the public. They have looted the people of this country for a long time, now they will not get that opportunity." Singh criticised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's Chhattisgarh model and said that Baghel sought votes for the Congress in Assembly elections of Assam and Uttar Pradesh in the name of the model but they suffered defeat in both states. The meeting of BJP national office bearers was held in Jaipur on Friday, wherein it has been decided that many events will be organized across the country to commemorate the completion of eight years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government at the Centre. Along with this, all the Union Ministers will be given the responsibility to go to different states to contact and communicate with the people taking benefit of the central government schemes. (ANI)
A former Arconic employee from the Davenport Works in Riverdale filed a federal discrimination lawsuit alleging religious discrimination against the global corporation headquartered in Pittsburgh.

According a news release from his attorneys, Dan Snyder was fired in June 2021 after Snyder made "a single religious comment  in attempting to respond to an anonymous company survey."

Snyder's attorneys allege Snyder expressed his objection to Arconics use of the rainbow to promote Gay Pride Month. Snyder said using the rainbow in this manner was "an abomination to God" because Snyder believes the rainbow "is not meant to be a sign for sexual gender."

His comments were posted publicly on the company intranet, which his lawyers said was not his intent.

Arconic notified him the statements had offended a fellow employee, and he was suspended and then terminated, allegedly for violating the companys diversity policy, his lawyers said.

Arconic declined to comment on Snyder's employment at Davenport Works and the reasons for his firing.

Snyder is represented by the Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based firm founded in 1997 and dedicated to litigating in defense of what it calls "Christian values." The firm has taken up cases against gay marriage, sided with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2018 in support of strict anti-abortion measures and played a major role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Snyder's attorneys claim he tried to negotiate with Arconic and pledged to never respond to company surveys. The attorneys said Arconic refused to offer a reasonable accommodation for his religious beliefs and rejected a letter from the Thomas More Societys requesting a fair settlement, so Snyder filed this lawsuit.

"Arconics actions clearly violated Mr. Snyders right to be free from employment discrimination based on religion, as prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Iowa Civil Rights Act," Michael McHale, counsel at the Thomas More Society, said in the firm's news release. "His brief comment, in attempting to respond to a company web survey, was explicitly and facially religious. And yet Arconic made no effort to reasonably accommodate Mr. Snyders religious beliefs, even though it was a one-time statement that he had intended to be anonymous and private."

After reviewing the Thomas More Society's new release, Adam Peters, director of operations for Clock Inc. in Rock Island, a community center for LGBT+ people in the Quad-Cities, commented on the lawsuit.

"Mr. Snyder had the opportunity to hold on to his hurtful and bigoted beliefs while also working for the Arconic corporation," Peters wrote in a email. "Mr. Snyder chose to violate Arconic's Diversity Policy which clearly states 'We have zero tolerance for discrimination, intimidation, harassment, or retaliation of any kind.' Mr. Snyder was suspended and terminated because of this. Plain and simple. Thoughts and prayers to him and his case."

The Thomas More Society's public information representative did not respond to requests to speak with Snyder.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
RICHMOND HEIGHTS  A note left in the St. Mary's Hospital break room last week where a credit union ATM once stood read "Sorry for the inconvenience but we are currently upgrading our teller system."

The note listed a phone number to "call for more information," but it wasn't for Health Care Family Credit Union, which owns the ATM; it instead went to Spectrum internet services.

Those clues discovered the afternoon of May 12 seemed suspicious to an ATM service provider who came to the SSM Health hospital at 6420 Clayton Road to check on it. The provider estimated the missing machine held about $23,000 in cash.

Richmond Heights police tapped hospital surveillance video that showed a man using a dolly to remove the ATM from the break room. The man was also seen a day earlier walking directly to the break room without a word to any hospital staff.

Police said the man drove to the hospital in his mother's vehicle, which they found parked outside his Clayton workplace when they arrived to arrest him. Officers also found what appeared to be the same dolly seen in the video.

Officers showed the man a photo of the person seen at St. Mary's the day before the ATM theft, and he acknowledged that he shared a resemblance but refused to answer other questions.

The ATM heist was outlined in a stealing charge filed Thursday against Jamie Geno, 57, of 2200 block of Laverne Court in Brentwood. It was not clear if police recovered the ATM.

Geno was ordered held on $20,000 cash-only bail. He could not be reached Friday and did not yet have a lawyer.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.









Video of the incident went viral on social networking site Twitter showing Jain being slapped repeatedly by a person donning a red shirt. The incident took place in Manasa in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh.

Muhammad Raafi | TwoCircles.net

Support TwoCircles



NEW DELHI  Police in Madhya Pradesh have found the dead body of an elderly person who was beaten by a mobster over the suspicion of being a Muslim. The slain has been identified as Bhanwarlal Jain.

A video of the incident went viral on social networking site Twitter showing Jain being slapped repeatedly by a person donning a red shirt. The incident took place in Manasa in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to reports, Jain, 65, is mentally unstable and hails from Sarsi in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh.

In the viral video, the person who is seen slapping Jain, can be heard asking him, What is your nameMohammed? Are you from Jabra? Show me your Aadhar card, now, he asks while continuing to rain blows on his head.

Trigger warning: A differently-abled elderly person Bhanwarlal Jain was brutally beaten in MP's Neemuch over suspicion of being a Muslim. The person (Dinesh Kushwaha) can be seen asking 'Are you Mohammed, Show me your Identity Card', while thrashing him. He Was Later Found Dead. pic.twitter.com/o0xvlFoUXK  Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 21, 2022

A day before the video went viral, Manasa police recovered the dead body of Jain and released his pictures on social media which led to his identification.

On Friday, after the body of the slain was handed over to the family for last rites, the video of the incident went viral, following which the family members of Jain assembled outside the Manasa police station and demanded the accused be arrested.

Rakesh Jain, brother of Bhanwarlal, who along with other family members had assembled outside the Neemuch police station said that his brother had gotten lost and the whole village was looking for him. Those accompanying Rakesh said that he was a very polite man.

Meanwhile, reports said that the accused is associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his wife is said to be the former corporator of the BJP. He has been identified as Dinesh Kushwaha, a resident of the Kachi locality of Manasa.

The accused has been identified as Dinesh Kushwaha, associated with the BJP, his wife has served as a corporator of the city. pic.twitter.com/IFnv9QCjr6  Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 21, 2022

KL Dhangi, station house officer of Neemuch Police station said that Rakesh Jainreceived a video in which his elder brother was being beaten. Kushwaha has been booked and absconding, Dangi said.

The incident has evoked an outcry on social networking sites.

Commenting on the video, noted writer and executive editor of the Force Magazine, Ghazala Wahab tweeted: This hatred is corrosive. It is eating up the nation itself.

Prominent photographer Atul Kasbekar said, We (India) are definitely on the slippery and extremely dangerous slope to anarchic law/order conditions. The mob now has no control and publicly not enough is seen to being done rein in such scum. This is a death knell for civilisation, not just democracy, he tweeted.

Been saying for a bit that we r definitely on the slippery n extremely dangerous slope to anarchic law/order conditions in India The mob now has no control n publicly not enough is seen to being done rein in such scum This is a death knell for civilisation, not just democracy https://t.co/rb1xi5dzMH  atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) May 21, 2022

Zia Haq, an associate editor with Hindustan Times tweeted, Hindu man kills Hindu man suspecting him to be a Muslim. We are descending into a bottomless pit. #StopHate (SIC).

Retweeting the video, noted Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker tweeted: Good morning to everyone with the Oh but there is no alternative  Oh! Aisa kuch nahi hota. Yeh Twitter par hi dikhtaa hai. Tum logon ko sirf Hindu musalmaan karna hai Its not that bad!.. and other such BS logic! THIS is what you have enabled! We have! This is on us!! (SIC).

Good morning to everyone with the

Oh but there is no alternative 

Oh! Aisa kuch nahi hota. Yeh Twitter par hi dikhtaa hai.

Tum logon ko sirf Hindu musalmaan karna hai

Its not that bad!.. and other such BS logic! THIS is what you have enabled!

We have! This is on us!! https://t.co/5hUrU4i141  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) May 21, 2022

Noted professor of Peace and Conflict Research, Ashok Swain reacted to the lynching by saying, India doing the Rwanda act.

He tweeted, Hindu right-wing has brutally beaten and killed a Hindu in MP, India thinking that he is a Muslim as he failed to show his identity card. India doing the Rwanda act!

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who spoke during an event in London, said that India is not in a good place. BJP has spread kerosene all over the country. You need one spark & well be in big trouble. I think thats also the responsibility of the opposition, the Congress  that brings people, communities, states, & religions together, Gandhi said, according to news gathering agency ANI.



Muhammad Raafi is a journalist based in New Delhi. He tweets at @MohammadRaafi


Video of the incident went viral on social networking site Twitter showing Jain being slapped repeatedly by a person donning a red shirt. The incident took place in Manasa in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh.

Muhammad Raafi | TwoCircles.net

Support TwoCircles



NEW DELHI  Police in Madhya Pradesh have found the dead body of an elderly person who was beaten by a mobster over the suspicion of being a Muslim. The slain has been identified as Bhanwarlal Jain.

A video of the incident went viral on social networking site Twitter showing Jain being slapped repeatedly by a person donning a red shirt. The incident took place in Manasa in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to reports, Jain, 65, is mentally unstable and hails from Sarsi in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh.

In the viral video, the person who is seen slapping Jain, can be heard asking him, What is your nameMohammed? Are you from Jabra? Show me your Aadhar card, now, he asks while continuing to rain blows on his head.

Trigger warning: A differently-abled elderly person Bhanwarlal Jain was brutally beaten in MP's Neemuch over suspicion of being a Muslim. The person (Dinesh Kushwaha) can be seen asking 'Are you Mohammed, Show me your Identity Card', while thrashing him. He Was Later Found Dead. pic.twitter.com/o0xvlFoUXK  Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 21, 2022

A day before the video went viral, Manasa police recovered the dead body of Jain and released his pictures on social media which led to his identification.

On Friday, after the body of the slain was handed over to the family for last rites, the video of the incident went viral, following which the family members of Jain assembled outside the Manasa police station and demanded the accused be arrested.

Rakesh Jain, brother of Bhanwarlal, who along with other family members had assembled outside the Neemuch police station said that his brother had gotten lost and the whole village was looking for him. Those accompanying Rakesh said that he was a very polite man.

Meanwhile, reports said that the accused is associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his wife is said to be the former corporator of the BJP. He has been identified as Dinesh Kushwaha, a resident of the Kachi locality of Manasa.

The accused has been identified as Dinesh Kushwaha, associated with the BJP, his wife has served as a corporator of the city. pic.twitter.com/IFnv9QCjr6  Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 21, 2022

KL Dhangi, station house officer of Neemuch Police station said that Rakesh Jainreceived a video in which his elder brother was being beaten. Kushwaha has been booked and absconding, Dangi said.

The incident has evoked an outcry on social networking sites.

Commenting on the video, noted writer and executive editor of the Force Magazine, Ghazala Wahab tweeted: This hatred is corrosive. It is eating up the nation itself.

Prominent photographer Atul Kasbekar said, We (India) are definitely on the slippery and extremely dangerous slope to anarchic law/order conditions. The mob now has no control and publicly not enough is seen to being done rein in such scum. This is a death knell for civilisation, not just democracy, he tweeted.

Been saying for a bit that we r definitely on the slippery n extremely dangerous slope to anarchic law/order conditions in India The mob now has no control n publicly not enough is seen to being done rein in such scum This is a death knell for civilisation, not just democracy https://t.co/rb1xi5dzMH  atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) May 21, 2022

Zia Haq, an associate editor with Hindustan Times tweeted, Hindu man kills Hindu man suspecting him to be a Muslim. We are descending into a bottomless pit. #StopHate (SIC).

Retweeting the video, noted Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker tweeted: Good morning to everyone with the Oh but there is no alternative  Oh! Aisa kuch nahi hota. Yeh Twitter par hi dikhtaa hai. Tum logon ko sirf Hindu musalmaan karna hai Its not that bad!.. and other such BS logic! THIS is what you have enabled! We have! This is on us!! (SIC).

Good morning to everyone with the

Oh but there is no alternative 

Oh! Aisa kuch nahi hota. Yeh Twitter par hi dikhtaa hai.

Tum logon ko sirf Hindu musalmaan karna hai

Its not that bad!.. and other such BS logic! THIS is what you have enabled!

We have! This is on us!! https://t.co/5hUrU4i141  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) May 21, 2022

Noted professor of Peace and Conflict Research, Ashok Swain reacted to the lynching by saying, India doing the Rwanda act.

He tweeted, Hindu right-wing has brutally beaten and killed a Hindu in MP, India thinking that he is a Muslim as he failed to show his identity card. India doing the Rwanda act!

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who spoke during an event in London, said that India is not in a good place. BJP has spread kerosene all over the country. You need one spark & well be in big trouble. I think thats also the responsibility of the opposition, the Congress  that brings people, communities, states, & religions together, Gandhi said, according to news gathering agency ANI.



Muhammad Raafi is a journalist based in New Delhi. He tweets at @MohammadRaafi
Hexagon Developments is a leading property developer bringing best practices to the Pakistan real estate market. Hexagon delivers high quality services while also creating social impact in needy sectors in Pakistan.

"We are humbled to be able to support great organizations such as Deaf Reach, and have pledged an amount from every sale of our properties in support of their work with deaf children. In this way, not just us, but our clients will also play a part in contributing to improve the social fabric of Pakistani society. With large numbers of deaf children in Pakistan, there is huge scope for assisting these children and making a difference in their lives," said Mrs. Haider.

Richard Geary, Founder and Sitara-i-Khidmat awardee, said on the occasion of the signing ceremony, "Deaf children have a right to education in their native language  which is sign language. Deaf Reach works extensively to train teachers, as well as to provide literacy and sign language training to parents, enabling them to communicate with their deaf children. To ensure sustainability and the continuity of top-level services, Deaf Reach actively engages with the government for service provision and advocacy. Likewise, it is essential for the corporate sector to do the same, and to this end we look forward to a strong partnership with Hexagon."

In Pakistan there are over 1 million deaf children of school age, yet less than 5% attend school.

Deaf Reach is one of the only branch networks of schools for the Deaf in Pakistan reaching out into rural areas. 7 Deaf Reach Schools, Training Centers & Colleges in 7 cities provide academic and vocational skills training to over 1,250 deaf children and adolescents.

Facilities cover all academic and vocational costs, inclusive of free pick and drop transport, a healthy lunch, books & stationery, uniforms and more.

Founded more than 3 decades ago, this award-winning program has benefitted thousands of deaf youth to date.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823168/Hexagon_Developments.jpg

SOURCE Hexagon Developments Limitied
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Hexagon Developments is a leading property developer bringing best practices to the Pakistan real estate market. Hexagon delivers high quality services while also creating social impact in needy sectors in Pakistan.

"We are humbled to be able to support great organizations such as Deaf Reach, and have pledged an amount from every sale of our properties in support of their work with deaf children. In this way, not just us, but our clients will also play a part in contributing to improve the social fabric of Pakistani society. With large numbers of deaf children in Pakistan, there is huge scope for assisting these children and making a difference in their lives," said Mrs. Haider.

Richard Geary, Founder and Sitara-i-Khidmat awardee, said on the occasion of the signing ceremony, "Deaf children have a right to education in their native language  which is sign language. Deaf Reach works extensively to train teachers, as well as to provide literacy and sign language training to parents, enabling them to communicate with their deaf children. To ensure sustainability and the continuity of top-level services, Deaf Reach actively engages with the government for service provision and advocacy. Likewise, it is essential for the corporate sector to do the same, and to this end we look forward to a strong partnership with Hexagon."

In Pakistan there are over 1 million deaf children of school age, yet less than 5% attend school.

Deaf Reach is one of the only branch networks of schools for the Deaf in Pakistan reaching out into rural areas. 7 Deaf Reach Schools, Training Centers & Colleges in 7 cities provide academic and vocational skills training to over 1,250 deaf children and adolescents.

Facilities cover all academic and vocational costs, inclusive of free pick and drop transport, a healthy lunch, books & stationery, uniforms and more.

Founded more than 3 decades ago, this award-winning program has benefitted thousands of deaf youth to date.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823168/Hexagon_Developments.jpg

SOURCE Hexagon Developments Limitied

Many across the southern portion of the Midwest have already hung up their turkey vests for the year. But up north and out west, gobblers are still raising hunters heart rates.

And open water fishing has cranked up across the board. Walleyes in Iowa, smallmouth in Ohio and Sturgeon in Minnesota are just a few examples of the great diversity of angling opportunities the Midwest offers.

If youre looking for a challenge this month, and want to make the most of your long Memorial Day Weekend, here are some options for an epic adventure at the end of the great month of May.

Ohio: Lake Erie smallmouth

Lake Erie may be most famous for walleye fishing, but anglers in the know put this Great Lake at the top of their destination list for big smallmouth bass. May is the time to get after them.

Captain Bob Witt of Sea Breeze Charters said, Smallmouth fishing heats up in early May. We throw tube jigs on rock piles close to shore. Well also use live bait. Soft craws and big shiners put fish in the boat.

If youre looking to stack up smallmouth numbers, Lake Erie in May shouldnt disappoint.

Michigan: Two-Hearted River trout

In his short story Big Two-Hearted River, Ernest Hemingway wrote, Nick looked down into the clear, brown water, colored from the pebbly bottom, and watched the trout keeping themselves steady in the current with wavering fins. As he watched them they changed their positions by quick angles, only to hold steady in the fast water again.

Anglers today recreate this experience by fishing the Two-Hearted River in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The river is home to numerous salmonid species, but brook trout are the wild, native draw. By May, anglers should be able to reach all of the rivers remote sections.

South Dakota: Merriams turkey

The beautiful white tips of a Merriam turkeys tail fan are a coveted prize among hunters. Those looking to take one of these birds should look no further than the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Merriam numbers are strong.

Story continues

Turkey season runs through May 31 in the Black Hills. Hunters must apply for a Black Hills turkey tag, but there is no deadline to apply. For all the information you need to plan a Black Hills Merriam Turkey hunt, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

Kentucky: Spring squirrels

Kentucky has a short spring squirrel season that opens in mid-May and runs into June. With a daily limit of six and a possession limit of 12, squirrels offer hunters the excitement of filling a game bag. Spring squirrel hunting is fun on its own, but the spring season gives sportsmen a unique cast-and-blast opportunity to hunt squirrels while also fishing.

Canoeing a river running through public land or paddling along a public lakeshore provides for opportunities to spot squirrels from the water. The Land Between the Lakes is a squirrel hunting destination where you can double up with a fishing trip.

Kansas: Turkeys

Kansas has to be in the argument for the best all-around hunting state in the country. A large part of the qualification for such a bold statement comes from the outstanding turkey hunting in the Sunflower State.

Kansas has two subspecies of wild turkey: Easterns and Rios. The regular season runs through the entire month of May, closing on the 31st. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunters can bag two turkeys during the spring season. Check out all the public land in the southeastern corner of the state.

Iowa Great Lakes walleye opener

Spirit Lake and East and West Okoboji Lakes are known as the Great Lakes of Iowa. This moniker could stem from how good the walleye fishing can be on these waters. Walleye season opens on these three lakes May 1. The daily limit is three. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be released. Only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept per day. The rest of Iowa has a continuous walleye season.

Illinois: Lake Michigan coho salmon

Cohos cruise the Illinois coast in May, giving anglers an opportunity to salmon fish from shore. Spoons, spinners and night crawler rigs under a bobber all produce along breakwalls and riprap. For a charter boat experience, Captain Rick Bentley operates Windy City Salmon out of Waukegan Harbor.

He says, Red and orange Jensen dodgers and trailing flies remain the go-to rig for coho on flat lines, planer boards, divers, and shallow riggers.

Captain Rick ties his own special coho flies, which are available on his website www.windycitysalmon.com.

See you down the trail.

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Turkey hunting and great fishing across the Midwest in May
Many across the southern portion of the Midwest have already hung up their turkey vests for the year. But up north and out west, gobblers are still raising hunters heart rates.

And open water fishing has cranked up across the board. Walleyes in Iowa, smallmouth in Ohio and Sturgeon in Minnesota are just a few examples of the great diversity of angling opportunities the Midwest offers.

If youre looking for a challenge this month, and want to make the most of your long Memorial Day Weekend, here are some options for an epic adventure at the end of the great month of May.

Ohio: Lake Erie smallmouth

Lake Erie may be most famous for walleye fishing, but anglers in the know put this Great Lake at the top of their destination list for big smallmouth bass. May is the time to get after them.

Captain Bob Witt of Sea Breeze Charters said, Smallmouth fishing heats up in early May. We throw tube jigs on rock piles close to shore. Well also use live bait. Soft craws and big shiners put fish in the boat.

If youre looking to stack up smallmouth numbers, Lake Erie in May shouldnt disappoint.

Michigan: Two-Hearted River trout

In his short story Big Two-Hearted River, Ernest Hemingway wrote, Nick looked down into the clear, brown water, colored from the pebbly bottom, and watched the trout keeping themselves steady in the current with wavering fins. As he watched them they changed their positions by quick angles, only to hold steady in the fast water again.

Anglers today recreate this experience by fishing the Two-Hearted River in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The river is home to numerous salmonid species, but brook trout are the wild, native draw. By May, anglers should be able to reach all of the rivers remote sections.

South Dakota: Merriams turkey

The beautiful white tips of a Merriam turkeys tail fan are a coveted prize among hunters. Those looking to take one of these birds should look no further than the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Merriam numbers are strong.

Story continues

Turkey season runs through May 31 in the Black Hills. Hunters must apply for a Black Hills turkey tag, but there is no deadline to apply. For all the information you need to plan a Black Hills Merriam Turkey hunt, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

Kentucky: Spring squirrels

Kentucky has a short spring squirrel season that opens in mid-May and runs into June. With a daily limit of six and a possession limit of 12, squirrels offer hunters the excitement of filling a game bag. Spring squirrel hunting is fun on its own, but the spring season gives sportsmen a unique cast-and-blast opportunity to hunt squirrels while also fishing.

Canoeing a river running through public land or paddling along a public lakeshore provides for opportunities to spot squirrels from the water. The Land Between the Lakes is a squirrel hunting destination where you can double up with a fishing trip.

Kansas: Turkeys

Kansas has to be in the argument for the best all-around hunting state in the country. A large part of the qualification for such a bold statement comes from the outstanding turkey hunting in the Sunflower State.

Kansas has two subspecies of wild turkey: Easterns and Rios. The regular season runs through the entire month of May, closing on the 31st. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunters can bag two turkeys during the spring season. Check out all the public land in the southeastern corner of the state.

Iowa Great Lakes walleye opener

Spirit Lake and East and West Okoboji Lakes are known as the Great Lakes of Iowa. This moniker could stem from how good the walleye fishing can be on these waters. Walleye season opens on these three lakes May 1. The daily limit is three. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be released. Only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept per day. The rest of Iowa has a continuous walleye season.

Illinois: Lake Michigan coho salmon

Cohos cruise the Illinois coast in May, giving anglers an opportunity to salmon fish from shore. Spoons, spinners and night crawler rigs under a bobber all produce along breakwalls and riprap. For a charter boat experience, Captain Rick Bentley operates Windy City Salmon out of Waukegan Harbor.

He says, Red and orange Jensen dodgers and trailing flies remain the go-to rig for coho on flat lines, planer boards, divers, and shallow riggers.

Captain Rick ties his own special coho flies, which are available on his website www.windycitysalmon.com.

See you down the trail.

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Turkey hunting and great fishing across the Midwest in May
Ukrainians displaced by the war are seeking work for a small sense of normalcy: 'I started to feel a little bit like I'm continuing my normal life'

People attend a pro-Ukraine rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. AP Photo/Michael Sohn

Over 6 million people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, according to the UNHCR.

Ukrainians who escaped the war hope to rebuild their lives and find work to support their family and country.

Insider spoke with four Ukrainians looking for work in their new host country.

On February 24, medical school student Veronika Pochapska woke up to a call from her mother. War had started.

Soon, Pochapska and her family left the inner parts of Kyiv for the capital's outskirts, staying at a friend's home. But as the situation worsened, Pochapska's mother urged her to leave Ukraine.

Pochapska and her friends were ushered onto a packed evacuation train, only to jump off at the last minute before it departed.

"I was afraid to leave my parents," Pochapska told Insider in a message. "I honestly thought I might never see them again."

"Our mothers were so upset, they cried and scolded us for not leaving," she added. "They were sure we had to save ourselves. We are Ukrainians and we must not let our nation be killed completely. We must leave so that we can come back and rebuild the state."

Pochapska and her friend boarded the next train, and now live in Rome, Italy. What they want most, outside peace for Ukraine, is to find work to support their friends and family, she told Insider.

Pochapska is one of over 6.2 million people who have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded. Now, millions of refugees, including the four Insider spoke with, are trying to re-start their lives in countries like Poland, Romania, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and the US, seeking a way to support themselves, their families, and their home country.

The much-desired normalcy of work

Veronika Pochapska had to put her medical studies on hold when she left Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. Julia Velichko

Ukrainian refugees across the world are being granted special statuses and authorization allowing them to work, an opportunity to establish a routine, even if just temporarily.

Julia Velichko, a friend of Pochapska's mother, has been sharing stories on LinkedIn of Ukrainian women looking for work. "You naturally are looking for the ways to get back to normal," she said. "This looking for jobs, it's giving you a little bit of the sense of control."

Story continues

Vitaliy Georgiev told Insider that while work wasn't at the forefront of his mind when he left Kyiv and was in line at the Mexico-US border with his family, it was a constant pressure. "I have a wife, former wife, and three kids so all the time I think about job."

Daria Dotsenko, a Ukrainian who moved to Denmark with her young child, recently started an accounting job.

"When I started my job I started to feel a little bit like I'm continuing my normal life," she said. "When you are at home, you are reading the horrible news, but when you are doing your routine  you are going to work, you communicate with people, you take care of your child, you understand that you are some part of a social network, you are useful  for me, it really helps me a lot."

This sentiment was shared by Angelina Spilnyk, a law student who left Ukraine due to the war. Spilnyk found employment at a communications firm through EmployUkraine, a careers website intended specifically for displaced Ukrainians looking for work.

"I can earn money and I can pay for my food and for other things," she said. "So I think that's quite important for me to come into new life as fast as I can."

Some job-seekers are also looking to help those who haven't left the war zone.

Pochapska told Insider that her friend's sister and brother-in-law were killed when their car was shot while trying to evacuate. The couple's baby survived and now Pochapska's friend wants to be the child's guardian, Pochapska said.

"There are a lot of stories like this ... I want to find a job because I need to help my friends," she said.

Social media helps break down cultural and language barriers

Georgiev, who now lives in Portland, Oregon, made a LinkedIn post describing his 20 years of work experience and the type of job opportunities he's looking for in the US. It quickly went viral.

"I was in shock, I was totally overwhelmed with the reaction," he told Insider. "During one day, 24 hours, I received maybe 100 calls I received more than 1,000 direct messages on LinkedIn, maybe three or 400 are unread now."

Since the outpouring of online support, Georgiev said he has a couple interviews set up. He hopes other Ukrainians will find similar success by moving their posts from Facebook to LinkedIn, and tailoring the language in their post to the market they are hoping to enter.

"I don't ask for money," he said, referencing calls for donations, "I just want job."

Vitaliy Georgiev and his family. Vitaliy Georgiev

He also credits the post's success to being honest about his situation. "When people are trying to help someone they feel good, they see themselves as a good person and that's why in this terrible time, this ability to show yourself to others is important," he said.

Dotsenko also made a LinkedIn post, but rather than asking for work for herself, she was asking people to lend support, opportunities, and resources to her fellow Ukrainians. Dotsenko said she was lucky to be hosted by a Danish family that taught her certain parts of the Danish job market, and she wants to share that knowledge with others. Dotsenko compiled the resources her host family and people on LinkedIn provided into a guide for Ukrainians in Denmark.

While the Ukrainians who spoke to Insider shared their uncertainty about when they may be able to return home, they all hope that the day will come where Ukraine sees peace again.

"This world is very unpredictable, it is fragile," Pochapska said. "Please appreciate what you have, appreciate your families, history and culture. Most of all, we do not want the war to continue and God forbid it touches other countries."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Cayuga County is back in a central New York state Senate district but will be out of a Syracuse-area congressional district for the next 10 years.

Dr. Jonathan Cervas, the special master tasked with redrawing congressional and state Senate district lines, released his final maps shortly after midnight Saturday.

For Cayuga County, Cervas' congressional map doesn't feature any major changes from his draft plan unveiled on Monday. The final plan, which was approved by state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister, places all of Cayuga County into the new 24th Congressional District. The district stretches from Niagara County in western New York to Jefferson County in the North Country.

In a court filing accompanying the maps, Cervas explains the one change he made to the district. In the draft proposal, he included part of Erie County in NY-24. But in the final map, that portion of Erie County was removed and replaced by rural towns in Niagara County.

"This configuration better reflects the map submissions made to me and the testimony I have received since the release of the proposed maps," Cervas wrote.

The newly drawn 24th district is not home to an incumbent member of Congress, which could make it an open seat in this year's election. The western New York portion of the district is now part of U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs' district. Jacobs lives in Erie County, so he could run in the 23rd district that includes much of the county outside of Buffalo and a sizable chunk of the Southern Tier.

However, members of Congress don't have to live in the districts they represent.

The 24th will likely be a Republican stronghold for the next decade. Former President Donald Trump won the district by double digits in 2020. With a partisan voting index of 11.68 in favor of the GOP, it's the second-most Republican district in the state.

On Saturday, GOP U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney announced she will run in the newly drawn district.

Since releasing his draft maps on Monday, Cervas received a large amount of feedback. He considered those comments while finalizing the state Senate district lines.

In his draft plan, Cervas placed all of Cayuga County in a district with Jefferson and Oswego counties, along with a portion of Lewis County. Auburn city leaders wrote letters urging McAllister to reject the "devastating" proposal.

Cervas' final map puts all of Cayuga County into the 48th Senate District with the city of Syracuse and most of Onondaga County. The map was approved by McAllister.

"There were many requests to keep Auburn and Syracuse together in one senate district," Cervas wrote. "Comments highlighted the shared interests of Cayuga County and Onondaga County. I changed the Syracuse area to reflect this and keep those two cities together within Senate District 48." He added that Cayuga County is kept whole in the new district.

State Sen. Rachel May, who lives in Syracuse, is the incumbent in the new 48th district. A Republican, Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott, is already campaigning for the seat. Abbott lives in Skaneateles, which is in the 48th.

The release of the maps concludes a messy process that began when the state Independent Redistricting Commission failed to reach consensus on district lines. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature took control and drew congressional, state Assembly and state Senate maps.

But Republicans successfully challenged the constitutionality of the lawmakers' maps. The state Court of Appeals tossed the district lines and McAllister, who presided over the first phase of the case, oversaw the redrawing of the maps. Cervas was named the special master.

With the maps finalized, candidates can begin circulating petitions to qualify for the Aug. 23 primary election  the congressional and state Senate primaries were moved due to the court rulings. There is an option for candidates who already collected signatures before the maps were thrown out to submit a certificate allowing them to get on the primary ballot. The certificates must be filed by the end of May.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


An advisory committee talked about the possibility of having a grass runway when they met Friday morning at Fremont Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport advisory committee also talked about items  including a maintenance hangar and updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP)  which theyd like to see regularly listed as discussion items on the monthly agenda.

In January, board members talked about reconstruction of portions of the runway and a connecting taxiway.

Concrete in these portions has been deteriorating  from within  due to an adverse chemical reaction. This deterioration is occurring at multiple sites in Nebraska and other states.

Board members and Jim Kjeldgaard, president of Fremont Aviation which operates the airport, have estimated it could take nine months for concrete removal and replacement.

Not using the runway for this amount of time would seriously impact Fremont Aviation along with other businesses that use the airport, Kjeldgaard said, and board members discussed possible alternatives.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is apparently approving a number of grass runways, said Bill Dugan, board member. We have plenty of space for a north-south grass runway, which would be a very little expense I would think.

A new FAA advisory acknowledges it will allow turf operations within Runway Safety Areas.

Dugan asked Dave Goedeken, director of public works for the City of Fremont, if he could look into this possibility for the local airport.

Goedeken said he could speak to Anna Lannin, engineering division manager of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.

Members added that though larger aircraft couldnt use the grass runway, smaller ones could. At this time, the grass runway is open at Wahoo Airport and its paved one is closed for reconstruction.

During past meetings, the committee discussed whether the former Runway 1-19 could be used when the main runway is shut down due to reconstruction or rehabilitation.

Goedeken previously said Lannin wasnt very hopeful about that alternative because the FAA had decommissioned that runway.

At Fridays meeting, board member Jeff Peterson wondered if the runway actually was decommissioned.

Peterson said he researched online what it would take to decommission a runway  and found an extensive list.

It was like a three-page checklist, Peterson said. Theres a lot of stuff.

Peterson said, however, if the FAA actually did decommission Runway 1-19 and is approving grass runways, he believes the latter is an excellent option.

Eric Johnson, board member, added that theyd need to make sure the grass runway meets FAA standards for safety and wouldnt interfere with any future pavement.

Like members at previous meetings, Peterson expressed concern about the airport being closed during runway work.

If Ive learned anything the last two years, you dont shut business down, Peterson said. I know its hard. We want to try and do what we have to do, but I think shutting a business down is a disaster  even if its for three months.

In talking about runways, Alison Adams, board member, asked if work on the ALP was moved forward.

By definition, this plan shows existing facilities and intended development of an airport and Johnson previously has said the FAA looks at an ALP like a bible for the airport.

Goedeken said work on the ALP has been moved ahead.

Initially, ALP work was suggested for 2026 in the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The board voted in January to recommend moving that work to 2024 when presenting the airports CIP to the Fremont City Council.

As members discussed maintenance items  such as hangar repair and replacement of lightsinterim Fremont City Administrator Jody Sanders posed a question.

Instead of reporting a list of repairs at a meeting, Sanders wondered about members reporting them on an as-needed basis.

That way, meeting discussion could focus on what had been accomplished.

Johnson said an Iowa airport has maintenance item discussion on its agendas with a checklist of major projects.

Tom Randall, board vice chairman, wondered if members could submit repair requests online and liked the idea of a written checklist with follow-up.

Dugan wondered about reporting repair requests to Fremont Aviation personnel. Goedeken said the personnel then could contact him.

Randall also advocated for putting a proposed maintenance hangar on each monthly agenda.

It seems like to me if were going to get something done on the maintenance hangar, its going to have to be a grassroots effort on our part and, to me, the viability of the airport depends on getting a maintenance hangar, Randall said.

The maintenance hangar would house incoming planes and serve as a place where aircraft are inspected and repaired. The current maintenance hangar is too small to house aircraft, a concern for people who fly here.

Business owners and other guests dont want their planes outdoors when hail or other storms occur.

Thats especially true of multi-million dollar corporate jets that bring people to Fremont on business or to look at the city as a companys future site.

The board repeatedly has talked about a shortage of smaller hangars at the airport.

Dugan asked if there is space to build more hangars.

Goedeken said there is space and he will ask Lannin how the airport could expand based on its current ALP.

Kjeldgaard asked about possible grants.

Unless funds could be provided through recent legislation that will provide money for airport-related projects, there are loans, Goedeken said. But he cited a past instance when the city, under a former administrator, came in upside down on a payback.

Kjeldgaard contended that the airport is part of Fremont and pilot Ken Cox robustly expressed his thoughts in regard to getting funding for projects.

The airport actually brings in money and its a very small percentage that screams about things out here, where youve got 90 percent of the city that will holler if a park needs mowedor this or thatthat doesnt actually make any money. This is the red-headed stepchild of the city, Cox said.

In other business, Goedeken said some work still needs to be done on the new airport terminal. Operations will continue in the existing terminal until such time as permanent occupancy can take place in the new one.

Goedeken said furnishings have been ordered.

As we get things, we will move in, Goedeken said. Weve got a beautiful building.

Members met at the new building on Friday.

Dugan asked about plans for the existing terminal. Peterson recommended determining what the building is worth rent wise and receiving income from it.

The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee meets at 8:15 a.m. the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Cayuga County is back in a central New York state Senate district but will be out of a Syracuse-area congressional district for the next 10 years.

Dr. Jonathan Cervas, the special master tasked with redrawing congressional and state Senate district lines, released his final maps shortly after midnight Saturday.

For Cayuga County, Cervas' congressional map doesn't feature any major changes from his draft plan unveiled on Monday. The final plan, which was approved by state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister, places all of Cayuga County into the new 24th Congressional District. The district stretches from Niagara County in western New York to Jefferson County in the North Country.

In a court filing accompanying the maps, Cervas explains the one change he made to the district. In the draft proposal, he included part of Erie County in NY-24. But in the final map, that portion of Erie County was removed and replaced by rural towns in Niagara County.

"This configuration better reflects the map submissions made to me and the testimony I have received since the release of the proposed maps," Cervas wrote.

The newly drawn 24th district is not home to an incumbent member of Congress, which could make it an open seat in this year's election. The western New York portion of the district is now part of U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs' district. Jacobs lives in Erie County, so he could run in the 23rd district that includes much of the county outside of Buffalo and a sizable chunk of the Southern Tier.

However, members of Congress don't have to live in the districts they represent.

The 24th will likely be a Republican stronghold for the next decade. Former President Donald Trump won the district by double digits in 2020. With a partisan voting index of 11.68 in favor of the GOP, it's the second-most Republican district in the state.

On Saturday, GOP U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney announced she will run in the newly drawn district.

Since releasing his draft maps on Monday, Cervas received a large amount of feedback. He considered those comments while finalizing the state Senate district lines.

In his draft plan, Cervas placed all of Cayuga County in a district with Jefferson and Oswego counties, along with a portion of Lewis County. Auburn city leaders wrote letters urging McAllister to reject the "devastating" proposal.

Cervas' final map puts all of Cayuga County into the 48th Senate District with the city of Syracuse and most of Onondaga County. The map was approved by McAllister.

"There were many requests to keep Auburn and Syracuse together in one senate district," Cervas wrote. "Comments highlighted the shared interests of Cayuga County and Onondaga County. I changed the Syracuse area to reflect this and keep those two cities together within Senate District 48." He added that Cayuga County is kept whole in the new district.

State Sen. Rachel May, who lives in Syracuse, is the incumbent in the new 48th district. A Republican, Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott, is already campaigning for the seat. Abbott lives in Skaneateles, which is in the 48th.

The release of the maps concludes a messy process that began when the state Independent Redistricting Commission failed to reach consensus on district lines. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature took control and drew congressional, state Assembly and state Senate maps.

But Republicans successfully challenged the constitutionality of the lawmakers' maps. The state Court of Appeals tossed the district lines and McAllister, who presided over the first phase of the case, oversaw the redrawing of the maps. Cervas was named the special master.

With the maps finalized, candidates can begin circulating petitions to qualify for the Aug. 23 primary election  the congressional and state Senate primaries were moved due to the court rulings. There is an option for candidates who already collected signatures before the maps were thrown out to submit a certificate allowing them to get on the primary ballot. The certificates must be filed by the end of May.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Cayuga County is back in a central New York state Senate district but will be out of a Syracuse-area congressional district for the next 10 years.

Dr. Jonathan Cervas, the special master tasked with redrawing congressional and state Senate district lines, released his final maps shortly after midnight Saturday.

For Cayuga County, Cervas' congressional map doesn't feature any major changes from his draft plan unveiled on Monday. The final plan, which was approved by state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister, places all of Cayuga County into the new 24th Congressional District. The district stretches from Niagara County in western New York to Jefferson County in the North Country.

In a court filing accompanying the maps, Cervas explains the one change he made to the district. In the draft proposal, he included part of Erie County in NY-24. But in the final map, that portion of Erie County was removed and replaced by rural towns in Niagara County.

"This configuration better reflects the map submissions made to me and the testimony I have received since the release of the proposed maps," Cervas wrote.

The newly drawn 24th district is not home to an incumbent member of Congress, which could make it an open seat in this year's election. The western New York portion of the district is now part of U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs' district. Jacobs lives in Erie County, so he could run in the 23rd district that includes much of the county outside of Buffalo and a sizable chunk of the Southern Tier.

However, members of Congress don't have to live in the districts they represent.

The 24th will likely be a Republican stronghold for the next decade. Former President Donald Trump won the district by double digits in 2020. With a partisan voting index of 11.68 in favor of the GOP, it's the second-most Republican district in the state.

On Saturday, GOP U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney announced she will run in the newly drawn district.

Since releasing his draft maps on Monday, Cervas received a large amount of feedback. He considered those comments while finalizing the state Senate district lines.

In his draft plan, Cervas placed all of Cayuga County in a district with Jefferson and Oswego counties, along with a portion of Lewis County. Auburn city leaders wrote letters urging McAllister to reject the "devastating" proposal.

Cervas' final map puts all of Cayuga County into the 48th Senate District with the city of Syracuse and most of Onondaga County. The map was approved by McAllister.

"There were many requests to keep Auburn and Syracuse together in one senate district," Cervas wrote. "Comments highlighted the shared interests of Cayuga County and Onondaga County. I changed the Syracuse area to reflect this and keep those two cities together within Senate District 48." He added that Cayuga County is kept whole in the new district.

State Sen. Rachel May, who lives in Syracuse, is the incumbent in the new 48th district. A Republican, Onondaga County Legislator Julie Abbott, is already campaigning for the seat. Abbott lives in Skaneateles, which is in the 48th.

The release of the maps concludes a messy process that began when the state Independent Redistricting Commission failed to reach consensus on district lines. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature took control and drew congressional, state Assembly and state Senate maps.

But Republicans successfully challenged the constitutionality of the lawmakers' maps. The state Court of Appeals tossed the district lines and McAllister, who presided over the first phase of the case, oversaw the redrawing of the maps. Cervas was named the special master.

With the maps finalized, candidates can begin circulating petitions to qualify for the Aug. 23 primary election  the congressional and state Senate primaries were moved due to the court rulings. There is an option for candidates who already collected signatures before the maps were thrown out to submit a certificate allowing them to get on the primary ballot. The certificates must be filed by the end of May.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Many across the southern portion of the Midwest have already hung up their turkey vests for the year. But up north and out west, gobblers are still raising hunters heart rates.

And open water fishing has cranked up across the board. Walleyes in Iowa, smallmouth in Ohio and Sturgeon in Minnesota are just a few examples of the great diversity of angling opportunities the Midwest offers.

If youre looking for a challenge this month, and want to make the most of your long Memorial Day Weekend, here are some options for an epic adventure at the end of the great month of May.

Ohio: Lake Erie smallmouth

Lake Erie may be most famous for walleye fishing, but anglers in the know put this Great Lake at the top of their destination list for big smallmouth bass. May is the time to get after them.

Captain Bob Witt of Sea Breeze Charters said, Smallmouth fishing heats up in early May. We throw tube jigs on rock piles close to shore. Well also use live bait. Soft craws and big shiners put fish in the boat.

If youre looking to stack up smallmouth numbers, Lake Erie in May shouldnt disappoint.

Michigan: Two-Hearted River trout

In his short story Big Two-Hearted River, Ernest Hemingway wrote, Nick looked down into the clear, brown water, colored from the pebbly bottom, and watched the trout keeping themselves steady in the current with wavering fins. As he watched them they changed their positions by quick angles, only to hold steady in the fast water again.

Anglers today recreate this experience by fishing the Two-Hearted River in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The river is home to numerous salmonid species, but brook trout are the wild, native draw. By May, anglers should be able to reach all of the rivers remote sections.

South Dakota: Merriams turkey

The beautiful white tips of a Merriam turkeys tail fan are a coveted prize among hunters. Those looking to take one of these birds should look no further than the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Merriam numbers are strong.

Story continues

Turkey season runs through May 31 in the Black Hills. Hunters must apply for a Black Hills turkey tag, but there is no deadline to apply. For all the information you need to plan a Black Hills Merriam Turkey hunt, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

Kentucky: Spring squirrels

Kentucky has a short spring squirrel season that opens in mid-May and runs into June. With a daily limit of six and a possession limit of 12, squirrels offer hunters the excitement of filling a game bag. Spring squirrel hunting is fun on its own, but the spring season gives sportsmen a unique cast-and-blast opportunity to hunt squirrels while also fishing.

Canoeing a river running through public land or paddling along a public lakeshore provides for opportunities to spot squirrels from the water. The Land Between the Lakes is a squirrel hunting destination where you can double up with a fishing trip.

Kansas: Turkeys

Kansas has to be in the argument for the best all-around hunting state in the country. A large part of the qualification for such a bold statement comes from the outstanding turkey hunting in the Sunflower State.

Kansas has two subspecies of wild turkey: Easterns and Rios. The regular season runs through the entire month of May, closing on the 31st. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunters can bag two turkeys during the spring season. Check out all the public land in the southeastern corner of the state.

Iowa Great Lakes walleye opener

Spirit Lake and East and West Okoboji Lakes are known as the Great Lakes of Iowa. This moniker could stem from how good the walleye fishing can be on these waters. Walleye season opens on these three lakes May 1. The daily limit is three. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be released. Only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept per day. The rest of Iowa has a continuous walleye season.

Illinois: Lake Michigan coho salmon

Cohos cruise the Illinois coast in May, giving anglers an opportunity to salmon fish from shore. Spoons, spinners and night crawler rigs under a bobber all produce along breakwalls and riprap. For a charter boat experience, Captain Rick Bentley operates Windy City Salmon out of Waukegan Harbor.

He says, Red and orange Jensen dodgers and trailing flies remain the go-to rig for coho on flat lines, planer boards, divers, and shallow riggers.

Captain Rick ties his own special coho flies, which are available on his website www.windycitysalmon.com.

See you down the trail.

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Turkey hunting and great fishing across the Midwest in May

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0






Disappearance in Yellowstone (8 p.m., Lifetime) - A teen girl is kidnapped after car trouble in Yellowstone Park, and her mother (Lucy Guest) is wrongfully accused of kidnapping. She escapes from the police and teams up with a mechanic to find her daughter before shes killed.

48 HOURS (10 p.m., CBS) - CBS looks at the case against Vincent Simmons, who was released from prison in 2022 after serving 44 years for attempted aggravated rape of twin sisters Karen and Sharon Sanders. Simmons was convicted of two counts of rape in Marksville, Louisiana, in 1977, and was sentenced to 100 years in prison. The sisters were 14 at the time and Simmons was 25. Simmons has always insisted on his innocence, and earlier this year, after help from the Innocence Project, a judge ruled that he didnt receive a fair trial. The district attorney declined to retry him. 48 Hours contributor David Begnaud updates the story. The episode will also stream on Paramount+.

Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.

Disappearance in Yellowstone (8 p.m., Lifetime) - A teen girl is kidnapped after car trouble in Yellowstone Park, and her mother (Lucy Guest) is wrongfully accused of kidnapping. She escapes from the police and teams up with a mechanic to find her daughter before shes killed.

48 HOURS (10 p.m., CBS) - CBS looks at the case against Vincent Simmons, who was released from prison in 2022 after serving 44 years for attempted aggravated rape of twin sisters Karen and Sharon Sanders. Simmons was convicted of two counts of rape in Marksville, Louisiana, in 1977, and was sentenced to 100 years in prison. The sisters were 14 at the time and Simmons was 25. Simmons has always insisted on his innocence, and earlier this year, after help from the Innocence Project, a judge ruled that he didnt receive a fair trial. The district attorney declined to retry him. 48 Hours contributor David Begnaud updates the story. The episode will also stream on Paramount+.

Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
Disappearance in Yellowstone (8 p.m., Lifetime) - A teen girl is kidnapped after car trouble in Yellowstone Park, and her mother (Lucy Guest) is wrongfully accused of kidnapping. She escapes from the police and teams up with a mechanic to find her daughter before shes killed.

48 HOURS (10 p.m., CBS) - CBS looks at the case against Vincent Simmons, who was released from prison in 2022 after serving 44 years for attempted aggravated rape of twin sisters Karen and Sharon Sanders. Simmons was convicted of two counts of rape in Marksville, Louisiana, in 1977, and was sentenced to 100 years in prison. The sisters were 14 at the time and Simmons was 25. Simmons has always insisted on his innocence, and earlier this year, after help from the Innocence Project, a judge ruled that he didnt receive a fair trial. The district attorney declined to retry him. 48 Hours contributor David Begnaud updates the story. The episode will also stream on Paramount+.

Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0







BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.

WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.




Many across the southern portion of the Midwest have already hung up their turkey vests for the year. But up north and out west, gobblers are still raising hunters heart rates.

And open water fishing has cranked up across the board. Walleyes in Iowa, smallmouth in Ohio and Sturgeon in Minnesota are just a few examples of the great diversity of angling opportunities the Midwest offers.

If youre looking for a challenge this month, and want to make the most of your long Memorial Day Weekend, here are some options for an epic adventure at the end of the great month of May.

Ohio: Lake Erie smallmouth

Lake Erie may be most famous for walleye fishing, but anglers in the know put this Great Lake at the top of their destination list for big smallmouth bass. May is the time to get after them.

Captain Bob Witt of Sea Breeze Charters said, Smallmouth fishing heats up in early May. We throw tube jigs on rock piles close to shore. Well also use live bait. Soft craws and big shiners put fish in the boat.

If youre looking to stack up smallmouth numbers, Lake Erie in May shouldnt disappoint.

Michigan: Two-Hearted River trout

In his short story Big Two-Hearted River, Ernest Hemingway wrote, Nick looked down into the clear, brown water, colored from the pebbly bottom, and watched the trout keeping themselves steady in the current with wavering fins. As he watched them they changed their positions by quick angles, only to hold steady in the fast water again.

Anglers today recreate this experience by fishing the Two-Hearted River in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The river is home to numerous salmonid species, but brook trout are the wild, native draw. By May, anglers should be able to reach all of the rivers remote sections.

South Dakota: Merriams turkey

The beautiful white tips of a Merriam turkeys tail fan are a coveted prize among hunters. Those looking to take one of these birds should look no further than the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Merriam numbers are strong.

Story continues

Turkey season runs through May 31 in the Black Hills. Hunters must apply for a Black Hills turkey tag, but there is no deadline to apply. For all the information you need to plan a Black Hills Merriam Turkey hunt, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

Kentucky: Spring squirrels

Kentucky has a short spring squirrel season that opens in mid-May and runs into June. With a daily limit of six and a possession limit of 12, squirrels offer hunters the excitement of filling a game bag. Spring squirrel hunting is fun on its own, but the spring season gives sportsmen a unique cast-and-blast opportunity to hunt squirrels while also fishing.

Canoeing a river running through public land or paddling along a public lakeshore provides for opportunities to spot squirrels from the water. The Land Between the Lakes is a squirrel hunting destination where you can double up with a fishing trip.

Kansas: Turkeys

Kansas has to be in the argument for the best all-around hunting state in the country. A large part of the qualification for such a bold statement comes from the outstanding turkey hunting in the Sunflower State.

Kansas has two subspecies of wild turkey: Easterns and Rios. The regular season runs through the entire month of May, closing on the 31st. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunters can bag two turkeys during the spring season. Check out all the public land in the southeastern corner of the state.

Iowa Great Lakes walleye opener

Spirit Lake and East and West Okoboji Lakes are known as the Great Lakes of Iowa. This moniker could stem from how good the walleye fishing can be on these waters. Walleye season opens on these three lakes May 1. The daily limit is three. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be released. Only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept per day. The rest of Iowa has a continuous walleye season.

Illinois: Lake Michigan coho salmon

Cohos cruise the Illinois coast in May, giving anglers an opportunity to salmon fish from shore. Spoons, spinners and night crawler rigs under a bobber all produce along breakwalls and riprap. For a charter boat experience, Captain Rick Bentley operates Windy City Salmon out of Waukegan Harbor.

He says, Red and orange Jensen dodgers and trailing flies remain the go-to rig for coho on flat lines, planer boards, divers, and shallow riggers.

Captain Rick ties his own special coho flies, which are available on his website www.windycitysalmon.com.

See you down the trail.

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Turkey hunting and great fishing across the Midwest in May
BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.

CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Tennessee High School community gathered at the Stone Castle on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the 240 seniors that make up the Tennessee High graduating class of 2022.

During the commencement ceremony, four members of the graduating class took the stage to reminisce with their fellow graduates about some of the moments of joy they shared, the hardships they faced and the lessons they learned together during their time at Tennessee High School.

In his address to his fellow classmates, Brandon Istfan recalled feeling lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and how a journey up a mountain with his friends helped him find the motivation to continue onward.

I remember being stuck at home by myself during our never-ending spring break, just about the worst way to spend hot, humid days. Tired of being alone by myself, one day I asked a few of my friends to go hiking, Istfan said. Without spending that time outside with my friends, that would have easily been one of the worst years of my life. Instead, 2020 taught me, taught us all something so valuable that cannot be replaced  the importance of relationships.

Istfan then congratulated his fellow classmates for making it to the starting line of their next chapter.

We have stood back up from the tumbles we have faced, and today we go our separate ways to enter into the next chapter in our lives. Never forgetting our Viking pride and the amazing memories we have cherished together, Istfan said.


RUTLEDGE, Ga.  There are few things politicians love more than creating jobs and cutting ribbons.

But what if those jobs are on the wrong side of the culture war?

Plans to build a massive electric vehicle factory in rural Georgia have divided Republicans ahead of their primary next week, with Donald Trump-backed David Perdue criticizing rival Gov. Brian Kemp for offering taxpayer incentives to attract a George Soros-owned woke corporation whose stated purpose is to combat climate change.

Rivian, the well-capitalized electric pickup truck company that had one of the biggest IPOs in history six months ago, wants to spend $5 billion on a new assembly plant on farmland outside Atlanta. The mammoth factory will create 7,500 jobs and produce up to 400,000 cars a year in what officials say is the largest economic development project in Georgias history.

But the price tag for the deal was $1.5 billion in taxpayer incentives. And Perdue, a former U.S. senator, and other Republicans say Kemp cut a bad deal with a bad company.

Its a woke California company whose mission is to turn the world green, Perdue said this month while stumping with local activists trying to stop the plant. They arent interested in this part of the country. They just want to make money off of us.

Vernon Jones, the Trump-backed candidate in a crowded Republican primary for the areas open congressional seat, wrote on Facebook that Rivian is a company whose corporate attitude is seemingly inconsistent with Georgia values. He pointed to the companys vaccine mandate for employees and its large focus on diversity & inclusion; including transgender benefits.

In another post, Jones wrote, Rivian needs to pull out, and Kemp needs to be voted out.

The controversy exposes a growing rift inside the GOP between its traditional pro-business wing, embodied by Kemp, and an ascendent populist wing, embodied by Perdue, thats as quick to fight companies like Disney and Delta as it is Democrats for opposing conservative social policy.

Story continues

It also underscores the challenge the entire country will face in transitioning to a greener economy. Even climate-friendly projects can negatively impact local environments, and communities and not-in-my-backyard opposition can be fierce and politicized.

There are legitimate reasons to criticize this, but I dont know what George Soros has to do with it, said J.C. Bradbury, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University who has studied Georgia economic development plans. Youre just connecting it to him like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Soros, the liberal Jewish billionaire who is often cast as a boogeyman in conservative circles, owns a small minority stake in Rivian, while larger investors include Amazon, BlackRock and T. Rowe Price, among others.

Opposition to the Rivian plant has become a key part of Perdues closing message, even if it is unlikely to be enough to save his sputtering campaign.

Hes visited the proposed site twice, hammered Kemp on the deal during their debate, spoken against it on national TV and ran a TV ad suggesting the plant was part of a corrupt deal between Kemp and Soros.

Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate David Perdue Campaigns Ahead Of Primary (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images file)

Linking Kemp to Soros could resonate with conservative voters in farther-flung parts of the state and outside of it, since the issue has gotten some attention in conservative media.

During a tele-rally for Perdue this month, Trump said, Im not surprised about George Soros getting all of this money from Kemp."

The pivot comes as Perdue seeks to catch Kemp in the polls and differentiate himself from the governor, whose only major apostasy was refusing to help Trump try to overturn the 2020 election. That issue helped put Kemp on Trumps target list, but it has not been enough for Perdue to eat into Kemps consistent lead in polls.

Opposition to the plant also allows Perdue to tap into the vocal and well-organized opposition to the plant locally.

Anti-Rivian yard signs have sprouted up like wildflowers around the rolling green fields where the automaker hopes to soon break ground on a project so massive that it will straddle two counties and be bigger than the Pentagon.

Amazon wants to switch its delivery fleet to clean electric vehicles, starting with an order for 100,000 zero-pollution Rivian tucks that could be made in Georgia. But many locals in the heavily Republican area see the project as devastating to their environment.

Sherman and his troops destroyed our community. Now this supposedly green company is coming to destroy it again, said JoEllen Artz, the president of the grassroots No2Rivian group, which says it has raised over $250,000 and hired Atlanta lawyers to help wage their battle. We want to keep it just like it is.

In Rutledge, a bucolic one-intersection town that has served as a backdrop for films like Selma, the old red caboose that now houses a lunch counter was abuzz with questions last week about what Rivian would mean for locals  their drinking water, their traffic, their schools, their dark skies prized by astronomers at Georgia State University's nearby observatory, their rural way of life.

Several residents said they moved here to escape the inexorable growth of Atlanta and now worry the Rivian plant will usher in more development that will eventually swallow their hayfields and antebellum mansions, thanks to the areas combination of cheap land and proximity to an interstate and a rail line.

Keith Wilson, who is running for the Morgan County Board of Commissioners to try to stop the Rivian plant, said he found no supporters for it after knocking on more than 800 doors in his campaign. The countys unemployment rate is just 2 percent, he said, so the company should take their jobs where theyre needed.

Perdue is going to get a lot of votes here, Wilson said. I think it might be enough to put him over the top in the primary. I really do.

Local opponents like Artz and Wilson say their opposition has nothing to do with the fact that Rivian is from California and makes electric vehicles and say the opposition movement includes people of all political stripes.

But theyre happy to have a champion in Perdue  especially since he could potentially halt the project if elected governor.

People write to me and say, You know Perdue is just using you for an issue? Artz said. And I say, And?


Three bodies were recovered so far on Saturday after the rescue operation resumed at the Ramban Tunnel collapse site in Jammu and Kashmir, which was put on hold yesterday after a fresh .

"Three bodies have been recovered so far and sent to Ramban Hospital, one more body has been seen and the process of recovering the body is going on," said Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mussarat Islam.

Meanwhile, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) informed that six people are still feared trapped under the debris.

"Total three dead bodies have been retrieved since morning. A total of six are still feared trapped under the debris. Falling boulders hamper the speed of rescue operations. Till now, the rescue operations largely depended upon the earthmovers until now due to tons of debris still to be removed from the spot," said an ITBP official

A part of an under-construction four-lane tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district collapsed on Thursday night.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chelsea loan star Armando Broja has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs over a potential transfer after a successful maiden season with Southampton.

The Albanian striker has scored nine goals in all competitions for Ralph Hassenhuttl's side - with his six league contributions making him the third top scorer at the club this season.

Despite Thomas Tuchel's desires to bring Broja back to the club next year, the striker could be tempted by a move away from Stamford Bridge as potential suitors begin to line up.

Armando Broja has attracted interest from both England and Italy over a potential transfer

According to GOAL, Premier League sides Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton are all interested in signing the Albanian on a permanent deal.

Serie A giants AC Milan, Inter and Napoli are also said to be following Broja's development and could launch respective moves for him in the summer.

Last week, Thomas Tuchel expressed his desire to bring Broja and fellow loanee Conor Gallagher back to Chelsea for pre-season - but offered no guarantees over a long-term plan for either.

Tuchel said: 'First of all, they will come back because they are our players. When we give them on loan, we do this for them but also for us to have better, more experienced players back.

'They are our players and I want to have them in pre-season and then we decide what's going on.'

Eddie Howe (L) and David Moyes (R) are both likely to be active in the summer transfer market

The 20-year-old came through the Chelsea academy but played just one game for the Blues

Despite a market price not being set for the Albanian, it leaves Chelsea in a situation where they must choose whether to cash in on Broja's stock or to hold onto him for the future.

The 20-year-old has lit up St Mary's this season after a successful loan spell with Vitesse where he became the highest-scoring teenager in Europe's top 10 leagues.

Broja is currently contracted to Chelsea until 2026 but with the likes of Lukaku, Werner and Havertz all likely ahead of him in the pecking order, it could see the Albanian leave in the summer.

CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday.

"Acting Finance Minister Mullah Hidayatullah Badri has directed all customs offices in the country to stop exporting wheat," it said in a statement, adding that the decision was made to prevent a shortage of wheat in the country.

More than 22 million out of the 35 million population in Afghanistan face acute food shortages.

However, the Taliban-run administration has speeded up its efforts to help Afghan farmers by introducing advanced technologies in farming, according to agriculture officials.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. 

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A staff member of a grain shop checks the quality of wheat in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 21, 2022. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday.

"Acting Finance Minister Mullah Hidayatullah Badri has directed all customs offices in the country to stop exporting wheat," it said in a statement, adding that the decision was made to prevent a shortage of wheat in the country.

More than 22 million out of the 35 million population in Afghanistan face acute food shortages.

However, the Taliban-run administration has speeded up its efforts to help Afghan farmers by introducing advanced technologies in farming, according to agriculture officials.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. 

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A staff member of a grain shop checks the quality of wheat in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 21, 2022. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Friday, May 20, on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo led a government delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to commiserate with the family on the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Earlier in the week, Dr Bawumia signed the book of condolence at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Accra.

May Allah welcomes him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, Dr Bawumia said.

UAE has announced a 40-day mourning period with flags at half-mast.

Work was suspended in the public and private sectors for the first three days, starting last Saturday.

Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE's second president in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

He has since been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Labors Carina Garland has convincingly won the ultra-marginal seat of Chisholm, which had been held by the Liberal Partys Gladys Liu since 2019 on a razor-thin margin.

With two-thirds of the vote in the seat counted by 11pm on Saturday, Garland was in an unassailable position, with a swing towards Labor of more than 7 per cent.

Newly elected Labor MP for the seat of Chisholm, Carina Garland on Election Night 2022. Credit:Scott McNaughton

Garland arrived at the Bennettswood Bowling Club in Burwood just before 9pm to chants of Carina! Carina! Carina! from the assembled crowd of more than 100 jubilant Labor members, volunteers and family. She waited until 10.30pm before claiming victory.

She thanked her supporters who together she said had knocked on 60,000 doors, phoned 72,000 people and had more than 25,000 conversations with voters in the seat.
After battling infertility for six years, an Australian woman was overjoyed to conceive triplets at 44, but suffered a seizure just seven weeks before her due date. She was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically-induced coma.

Leonie Fitzgerald, now 47, has no recollection of the birth of her babies.

Leonie lives in the city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, with her husband, Peter, 52. After a long, frustrating, and a little heartbreaking period with infertility, it was confirmed that Leonie was pregnant with triplets in January 2020, after her third round of IVF.

The couple were in shock when they learned they were expecting three kids. We were hoping for one, knew two might be a possibility as wed put two embryos in, but had never even thought about three, Leonie told The Epoch Times.

The mom-to-be went to great lengths to reduce stressors in her life, including quitting her job to start her own company, sleeping more, walking up to 30 minutes per day in nature, and believing it would happen when it was supposed to. Nonetheless, her pregnancy was not all that smooth.

She explained: I had very bad morning sickness from about week seven, and my specialist put me on bed rest for my entire pregnancy. I was very high-risk due to not only my age, but I was carrying multiples, and had had four miscarriages previously.

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

Around four weeks before her scheduled Caesarean section, Leonie was admitted to the hospital for 10 days due to immense pain around her ribs. She returned home, but one day before her scheduled delivery, she had an intuitive feeling, and checked herself back in.

Leonie had a seizure in the ward.

I was raced to the theater to deliver the triplets, she explained. I had a general anesthetic, rather than a spinal anesthetic, as it was the fastest way to be able to get the babies out. I was then transferred to the ICU whilst I was still asleep.

Triplets Liliana, Isabella, and Charlotte were all born within 21 minutes at Brisbanes Mater Mothers Hospital on Aug. 23, 2020. Each baby weighed a little more than the sister born before her; Liliana was 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs), Isabella was 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs), and Charlotte was 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs).

Leonies seizure had triggered a code bluea medical emergency. Peter waited outside the operating theater as his unconscious wife underwent surgery, contemplating whether he would lose them all.

Leonie quoted her obstetrician, Dr. Paul Conaghan, as having said, They were in a lot of trouble. The evidence from the babies blood tests when they were initially born was that the seizure had been starving them of oxygen. After giving birth, Mrs. Fitzgerald spent 16 hours in a medically-induced coma.

Leonies seizure was brought on by eclampsia, a rare but serious condition linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy. It wasnt until two days after her C-section that Leonie was awake and wheeled to her babies in the NICU, surrounded by tubes, wires, and breathing equipment.

Leonie recalls being groggy and feeling quite numb for the first week after her pregnancy.

I was just happy we were all alive and had been in the hospital for the seizure, she said. The NICU is quite an intensive experience, and to see our babies in humidcribs, hooked up to numerous tubes and monitors, it was overwhelming.

I was also concerned I was causing them more pain by taking them out of the humidcrib for skin-on-skin time; they were teeny tiny, and there were three of them!

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

Leonie was monitored in the hospitals cardiac ward for a couple of days after delivery, as her heart had enlarged during the seizure. After moving to the maternity ward to recover, she was discharged.

After 34 days in intensive care with an outstanding medical team, the triplets were all ready to go home, having needed no major treatments outside of the norm for premature babies.

In the early days after the triplets were born, Leonie and Peter were getting through 30 diapers per day and a tub of formula every two days. They used a whiteboard to stay on top of their feeding schedule.

Today, as the triplets approach their second birthday, they are going from strength to strength. Peter works as a relationships manager for a disability accommodation company, and Leonie, a property investment and wealth specialist at her own company, Wealthology Australia, gets to stay home with her babies.

Describing each of her triplets personalities, Leonie shared: Liliana is strong-willed, independent, and has the courage of a lion. Charlotte is our social butterfly, she loves people and cuddles. Isabella is our joker, pulls lots of funny faces, and giggles a lot.

Leonie also shared that the couple has inaugurated a measuring chart to record their heights and a record book for special milestones. Additionally, they have piggy banks with accompanying books for family and friends to contribute to (rather than buy plastic toys for birthdays, etc.) and they can write a little message.

Our plan, when theyre 18 years old, is to give them the money weve invested for them and help them buy their first investment property, like my dad did with me, Leonie explained.

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

The triplets now attend a Montessori childcare group three days a week, where they get to choose their own activities and learn their way, said Leonie, whose personal parenting philosophy is to support them on their journey.

After close friends suggested she document their family life on Instagram, Leonie started a dedicated page, @thebusinessoftriplets, to help others through their own fertility journeys and to support parents of multiples.

Its a very unique experience and it can be challenging, having all your kids at once, she reasoned. I want to provide hope and let people know they are not on their own.

(Courtesy of Natural Light Portraits)

(Courtesy of Paul A. Broben/ProMedia Photography)

Reflecting back on her journey, Leonie said that a mantra, The universe has bigger plans, once helped her navigate her miscarriages, and a quote that she now shares with others, Gods delays are not Gods denials, has always helped her traverse tough times.

Today, her thriving triplets are all the evidence she needs that the journey was worth it.

There is so much love in the house, and always someone to cuddle, she said. I love watching them interact with each other, and I feel very honored that they chose me to go on their journey with.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter

Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.
After battling infertility for six years, an Australian woman was overjoyed to conceive triplets at 44, but suffered a seizure just seven weeks before her due date. She was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically-induced coma.

Leonie Fitzgerald, now 47, has no recollection of the birth of her babies.

Leonie lives in the city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, with her husband, Peter, 52. After a long, frustrating, and a little heartbreaking period with infertility, it was confirmed that Leonie was pregnant with triplets in January 2020, after her third round of IVF.

The couple were in shock when they learned they were expecting three kids. We were hoping for one, knew two might be a possibility as wed put two embryos in, but had never even thought about three, Leonie told The Epoch Times.

The mom-to-be went to great lengths to reduce stressors in her life, including quitting her job to start her own company, sleeping more, walking up to 30 minutes per day in nature, and believing it would happen when it was supposed to. Nonetheless, her pregnancy was not all that smooth.

She explained: I had very bad morning sickness from about week seven, and my specialist put me on bed rest for my entire pregnancy. I was very high-risk due to not only my age, but I was carrying multiples, and had had four miscarriages previously.

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

Around four weeks before her scheduled Caesarean section, Leonie was admitted to the hospital for 10 days due to immense pain around her ribs. She returned home, but one day before her scheduled delivery, she had an intuitive feeling, and checked herself back in.

Leonie had a seizure in the ward.

I was raced to the theater to deliver the triplets, she explained. I had a general anesthetic, rather than a spinal anesthetic, as it was the fastest way to be able to get the babies out. I was then transferred to the ICU whilst I was still asleep.

Triplets Liliana, Isabella, and Charlotte were all born within 21 minutes at Brisbanes Mater Mothers Hospital on Aug. 23, 2020. Each baby weighed a little more than the sister born before her; Liliana was 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs), Isabella was 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs), and Charlotte was 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs).

Leonies seizure had triggered a code bluea medical emergency. Peter waited outside the operating theater as his unconscious wife underwent surgery, contemplating whether he would lose them all.

Leonie quoted her obstetrician, Dr. Paul Conaghan, as having said, They were in a lot of trouble. The evidence from the babies blood tests when they were initially born was that the seizure had been starving them of oxygen. After giving birth, Mrs. Fitzgerald spent 16 hours in a medically-induced coma.

Leonies seizure was brought on by eclampsia, a rare but serious condition linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy. It wasnt until two days after her C-section that Leonie was awake and wheeled to her babies in the NICU, surrounded by tubes, wires, and breathing equipment.

Leonie recalls being groggy and feeling quite numb for the first week after her pregnancy.

I was just happy we were all alive and had been in the hospital for the seizure, she said. The NICU is quite an intensive experience, and to see our babies in humidcribs, hooked up to numerous tubes and monitors, it was overwhelming.

I was also concerned I was causing them more pain by taking them out of the humidcrib for skin-on-skin time; they were teeny tiny, and there were three of them!

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

Leonie was monitored in the hospitals cardiac ward for a couple of days after delivery, as her heart had enlarged during the seizure. After moving to the maternity ward to recover, she was discharged.

After 34 days in intensive care with an outstanding medical team, the triplets were all ready to go home, having needed no major treatments outside of the norm for premature babies.

In the early days after the triplets were born, Leonie and Peter were getting through 30 diapers per day and a tub of formula every two days. They used a whiteboard to stay on top of their feeding schedule.

Today, as the triplets approach their second birthday, they are going from strength to strength. Peter works as a relationships manager for a disability accommodation company, and Leonie, a property investment and wealth specialist at her own company, Wealthology Australia, gets to stay home with her babies.

Describing each of her triplets personalities, Leonie shared: Liliana is strong-willed, independent, and has the courage of a lion. Charlotte is our social butterfly, she loves people and cuddles. Isabella is our joker, pulls lots of funny faces, and giggles a lot.

Leonie also shared that the couple has inaugurated a measuring chart to record their heights and a record book for special milestones. Additionally, they have piggy banks with accompanying books for family and friends to contribute to (rather than buy plastic toys for birthdays, etc.) and they can write a little message.

Our plan, when theyre 18 years old, is to give them the money weve invested for them and help them buy their first investment property, like my dad did with me, Leonie explained.

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

The triplets now attend a Montessori childcare group three days a week, where they get to choose their own activities and learn their way, said Leonie, whose personal parenting philosophy is to support them on their journey.

After close friends suggested she document their family life on Instagram, Leonie started a dedicated page, @thebusinessoftriplets, to help others through their own fertility journeys and to support parents of multiples.

Its a very unique experience and it can be challenging, having all your kids at once, she reasoned. I want to provide hope and let people know they are not on their own.

(Courtesy of Natural Light Portraits)

(Courtesy of Paul A. Broben/ProMedia Photography)

Reflecting back on her journey, Leonie said that a mantra, The universe has bigger plans, once helped her navigate her miscarriages, and a quote that she now shares with others, Gods delays are not Gods denials, has always helped her traverse tough times.

Today, her thriving triplets are all the evidence she needs that the journey was worth it.

There is so much love in the house, and always someone to cuddle, she said. I love watching them interact with each other, and I feel very honored that they chose me to go on their journey with.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap


This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday.

"Acting Finance Minister Mullah Hidayatullah Badri has directed all customs offices in the country to stop exporting wheat," it said in a statement, adding that the decision was made to prevent a shortage of wheat in the country.

More than 22 million out of the 35 million population in Afghanistan face acute food shortages.

However, the Taliban-run administration has speeded up its efforts to help Afghan farmers by introducing advanced technologies in farming, according to agriculture officials.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. 

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A staff member of a grain shop checks the quality of wheat in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 21, 2022. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday.

"Acting Finance Minister Mullah Hidayatullah Badri has directed all customs offices in the country to stop exporting wheat," it said in a statement, adding that the decision was made to prevent a shortage of wheat in the country.

More than 22 million out of the 35 million population in Afghanistan face acute food shortages.

However, the Taliban-run administration has speeded up its efforts to help Afghan farmers by introducing advanced technologies in farming, according to agriculture officials.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. 

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A staff member of a grain shop checks the quality of wheat in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 21, 2022. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday.

"Acting Finance Minister Mullah Hidayatullah Badri has directed all customs offices in the country to stop exporting wheat," it said in a statement, adding that the decision was made to prevent a shortage of wheat in the country.

More than 22 million out of the 35 million population in Afghanistan face acute food shortages.

However, the Taliban-run administration has speeded up its efforts to help Afghan farmers by introducing advanced technologies in farming, according to agriculture officials.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. 

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a grain shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A staff member of a grain shop checks the quality of wheat in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 21, 2022. The Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect in a move to meet local needs, the government confirmed on Friday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
A former Arconic employee from the Davenport Works in Riverdale filed a federal discrimination lawsuit alleging religious discrimination against the global corporation headquartered in Pittsburgh.

According a news release from his attorneys, Dan Snyder was fired in June 2021 after Snyder made "a single religious comment  in attempting to respond to an anonymous company survey."

Snyder's attorneys allege Snyder expressed his objection to Arconics use of the rainbow to promote Gay Pride Month. Snyder said using the rainbow in this manner was "an abomination to God" because Snyder believes the rainbow "is not meant to be a sign for sexual gender."

His comments were posted publicly on the company intranet, which his lawyers said was not his intent.

Arconic notified him the statements had offended a fellow employee, and he was suspended and then terminated, allegedly for violating the companys diversity policy, his lawyers said.

Arconic declined to comment on Snyder's employment at Davenport Works and the reasons for his firing.

Snyder is represented by the Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based firm founded in 1997 and dedicated to litigating in defense of what it calls "Christian values." The firm has taken up cases against gay marriage, sided with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2018 in support of strict anti-abortion measures and played a major role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Snyder's attorneys claim he tried to negotiate with Arconic and pledged to never respond to company surveys. The attorneys said Arconic refused to offer a reasonable accommodation for his religious beliefs and rejected a letter from the Thomas More Societys requesting a fair settlement, so Snyder filed this lawsuit.

"Arconics actions clearly violated Mr. Snyders right to be free from employment discrimination based on religion, as prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Iowa Civil Rights Act," Michael McHale, counsel at the Thomas More Society, said in the firm's news release. "His brief comment, in attempting to respond to a company web survey, was explicitly and facially religious. And yet Arconic made no effort to reasonably accommodate Mr. Snyders religious beliefs, even though it was a one-time statement that he had intended to be anonymous and private."

After reviewing the Thomas More Society's new release, Adam Peters, director of operations for Clock Inc. in Rock Island, a community center for LGBT+ people in the Quad-Cities, commented on the lawsuit.

"Mr. Snyder had the opportunity to hold on to his hurtful and bigoted beliefs while also working for the Arconic corporation," Peters wrote in a email. "Mr. Snyder chose to violate Arconic's Diversity Policy which clearly states 'We have zero tolerance for discrimination, intimidation, harassment, or retaliation of any kind.' Mr. Snyder was suspended and terminated because of this. Plain and simple. Thoughts and prayers to him and his case."

The Thomas More Society's public information representative did not respond to requests to speak with Snyder.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Dear Reader, To continue reading, become a subscriber. Explore our attractive subscription offers. Click here

This paper investigates the impact of public procurement on paddy farmers in Bihar. Whether farmers access to public procurement agencies led to higher price realisation by them is examined here. The paper used a comprehensive telephonic survey of 1,976 farm households in eastern India (Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal) and employed an endogenous switching regression model to estimate the impact of public procurement on farm harvest price of paddy. The findings reveal that farmers gain by selling to public agencies. However, they are unable to receive the minimum support price.
Chelsea loan star Armando Broja has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs over a potential transfer after a successful maiden season with Southampton.

The Albanian striker has scored nine goals in all competitions for Ralph Hassenhuttl's side - with his six league contributions making him the third top scorer at the club this season.

Despite Thomas Tuchel's desires to bring Broja back to the club next year, the striker could be tempted by a move away from Stamford Bridge as potential suitors begin to line up.

Armando Broja has attracted interest from both England and Italy over a potential transfer

According to GOAL, Premier League sides Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton are all interested in signing the Albanian on a permanent deal.

Serie A giants AC Milan, Inter and Napoli are also said to be following Broja's development and could launch respective moves for him in the summer.

Last week, Thomas Tuchel expressed his desire to bring Broja and fellow loanee Conor Gallagher back to Chelsea for pre-season - but offered no guarantees over a long-term plan for either.

Tuchel said: 'First of all, they will come back because they are our players. When we give them on loan, we do this for them but also for us to have better, more experienced players back.

'They are our players and I want to have them in pre-season and then we decide what's going on.'

Eddie Howe (L) and David Moyes (R) are both likely to be active in the summer transfer market

The 20-year-old came through the Chelsea academy but played just one game for the Blues

Despite a market price not being set for the Albanian, it leaves Chelsea in a situation where they must choose whether to cash in on Broja's stock or to hold onto him for the future.

The 20-year-old has lit up St Mary's this season after a successful loan spell with Vitesse where he became the highest-scoring teenager in Europe's top 10 leagues.

Broja is currently contracted to Chelsea until 2026 but with the likes of Lukaku, Werner and Havertz all likely ahead of him in the pecking order, it could see the Albanian leave in the summer.
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.
Advocates on both sides of the political fight over reproductive rights have spoken out, either in protest or applause of a draft Supreme Court opinion leaked earlier this month that, if it stands, would overturn the court's landmark decision on Roe v. Wade.

While much of corporate America has remained quiet about the potential legal bombshell, some companies have taken a public stance and adopted new policies that expand employees' access to abortions.

Several corporations including Amazon and Starbucks have announced expanded health benefits to pay for travel fees incurred by workers seeking an abortion if the procedure is unavailable near where they live, as employees in states like Oklahoma and South Dakota face the prospect of stronger abortion restrictions.

MORE: Oklahoma Legislature passes bill that would ban nearly all abortions

"Like many of you, I'm deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade," Sara Kelly, Starbucks' acting executive vice president for employee resources, said Monday in a memo to employees.

"When actions impact your access to health care, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported," she added.

MORE: 5 myths about abortion debunked as Supreme Court decides future of Roe v. Wade

Meanwhile, rideshare companies Lyft and Uber have vowed to provide legal support for drivers if they face lawsuits for driving passengers to get an abortion.

Experts on corporate responsibility told ABC News that companies are often reluctant to take a position on such a polarizing issue.

PHOTO: Abortion rights activists participate in a Bans Off Our Bodies rally at the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor of management at Yale University who convenes meetings with top CEOs on social issues, told ABC News many of the corporations that introduced policy changes are in the tech sector, where employees tend to be young and liberal.

"Companies that take a stand on a highly divisive political issue like this one can get in trouble with some stakeholders," Sandra Waddock, a professor at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College who specializes in corporate responsibility, told ABC News. "But companies implementing these policies don't want their employees to be harmed, and it probably makes sense to make sure their employees are happy."

Story continues

MORE: Domestic violent extremists infiltrating abortion debate: DHS official

An analysis from the Guttmacher Institute in October found that 26 states are "certain or likely" to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill that would ban abortion at conception, making it the most restrictive abortion ban in the country if it becomes law.

In addition to Starbucks and Amazon, Yelp, Tesla, Citigroup, Apple and Salesforce in recent weeks expanded abortion coverage for employees to include costs for travel when necessary.

MORE: Why abortion restrictions disproportionately impact people of color

Mastercard on Wednesday joined them as the latest major company to say it would cover the travel costs of employees leaving their home state to seek an abortion, which Bloomberg first reported and the company confirmed to ABC News.

In a message to employees shared with ABC News, Mastercard warned of the prospect that the court will overturn previous rulings on access to reproductive health care. The company added: "We will continue to offer employees access to the same health care, including family planning and reproductive benefits, that is available today wherever they live."

PHOTO: Abortion rights and anti-abortion demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, May 3, 2022. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

The new company policies drew support from abortion rights advocates and criticism from those who are anti-abortion.

Nadia Khamis, director of corporate engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told ABC News that the organization is "really encouraged to see a large influx of companies publicizing how they're responding to the potential threat to Roe."

The need to ensure access to reproductive services for employees is not only a human rights imperative but a business one, Khamis said.

"If you're a company that cares about being competitive and wants to recruit diverse, smart, productive people," Khamis said, "they need equal access to health care, and abortion is essential."

MORE: Roe v. Wade leaked draft causes spike in donations to abortion funds

But the new policies drew sharp rebuke from David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion organization. O'Steen said the policies would help employees at the companies pursue abortions. Further, in contrast with Khamis, he said the moves would undermine the companies' business objectives.

"These companies are formed to produce a product and make a profit for investors," O'Steen told ABC News. "Not to fly people across the country to have abortions. It's a terrible business decision."

The corporate policy changes following the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion mark the latest effort by companies to respond when a major political development embroils the country.

Three years ago, more than 180 CEOs -- including those at Twitter and Warby Parker --- signed an open letter that opposed restrictive abortion laws at the state level.

In the days following the death of George Floyd, in May 2020, companies across corporate America put out statements in support of racial justice and made donations to advocacy organizations that fight racial inequality.

Last April, as state legislatures pursued restrictive voting laws, hundreds of companies and executives signed a letter opposing "any discriminatory legislation" that limits access to the ballot box.

Sonnenfeld, the professor of management at Yale University, told ABC News that a comparatively small number of companies have spoken out in response to the draft Supreme Court opinion on Roe because they're assessing whether employees, investors and other stakeholders want such a move.

"There has been a bigger stampede on other issues," Sonnenfeld said. "Quite a number of CEOs are waiting to make sure they're not getting out in front of their constituencies."

Amazon, Starbucks among corporations bolstering abortion coverage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Advocates on both sides of the political fight over reproductive rights have spoken out, either in protest or applause of a draft Supreme Court opinion leaked earlier this month that, if it stands, would overturn the court's landmark decision on Roe v. Wade.

While much of corporate America has remained quiet about the potential legal bombshell, some companies have taken a public stance and adopted new policies that expand employees' access to abortions.

Several corporations including Amazon and Starbucks have announced expanded health benefits to pay for travel fees incurred by workers seeking an abortion if the procedure is unavailable near where they live, as employees in states like Oklahoma and South Dakota face the prospect of stronger abortion restrictions.

MORE: Oklahoma Legislature passes bill that would ban nearly all abortions

"Like many of you, I'm deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade," Sara Kelly, Starbucks' acting executive vice president for employee resources, said Monday in a memo to employees.

"When actions impact your access to health care, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported," she added.

MORE: 5 myths about abortion debunked as Supreme Court decides future of Roe v. Wade

Meanwhile, rideshare companies Lyft and Uber have vowed to provide legal support for drivers if they face lawsuits for driving passengers to get an abortion.

Experts on corporate responsibility told ABC News that companies are often reluctant to take a position on such a polarizing issue.

PHOTO: Abortion rights activists participate in a Bans Off Our Bodies rally at the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor of management at Yale University who convenes meetings with top CEOs on social issues, told ABC News many of the corporations that introduced policy changes are in the tech sector, where employees tend to be young and liberal.

"Companies that take a stand on a highly divisive political issue like this one can get in trouble with some stakeholders," Sandra Waddock, a professor at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College who specializes in corporate responsibility, told ABC News. "But companies implementing these policies don't want their employees to be harmed, and it probably makes sense to make sure their employees are happy."

Story continues

MORE: Domestic violent extremists infiltrating abortion debate: DHS official

An analysis from the Guttmacher Institute in October found that 26 states are "certain or likely" to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill that would ban abortion at conception, making it the most restrictive abortion ban in the country if it becomes law.

In addition to Starbucks and Amazon, Yelp, Tesla, Citigroup, Apple and Salesforce in recent weeks expanded abortion coverage for employees to include costs for travel when necessary.

MORE: Why abortion restrictions disproportionately impact people of color

Mastercard on Wednesday joined them as the latest major company to say it would cover the travel costs of employees leaving their home state to seek an abortion, which Bloomberg first reported and the company confirmed to ABC News.

In a message to employees shared with ABC News, Mastercard warned of the prospect that the court will overturn previous rulings on access to reproductive health care. The company added: "We will continue to offer employees access to the same health care, including family planning and reproductive benefits, that is available today wherever they live."

PHOTO: Abortion rights and anti-abortion demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, May 3, 2022. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

The new company policies drew support from abortion rights advocates and criticism from those who are anti-abortion.

Nadia Khamis, director of corporate engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told ABC News that the organization is "really encouraged to see a large influx of companies publicizing how they're responding to the potential threat to Roe."

The need to ensure access to reproductive services for employees is not only a human rights imperative but a business one, Khamis said.

"If you're a company that cares about being competitive and wants to recruit diverse, smart, productive people," Khamis said, "they need equal access to health care, and abortion is essential."

MORE: Roe v. Wade leaked draft causes spike in donations to abortion funds

But the new policies drew sharp rebuke from David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion organization. O'Steen said the policies would help employees at the companies pursue abortions. Further, in contrast with Khamis, he said the moves would undermine the companies' business objectives.

"These companies are formed to produce a product and make a profit for investors," O'Steen told ABC News. "Not to fly people across the country to have abortions. It's a terrible business decision."

The corporate policy changes following the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion mark the latest effort by companies to respond when a major political development embroils the country.

Three years ago, more than 180 CEOs -- including those at Twitter and Warby Parker --- signed an open letter that opposed restrictive abortion laws at the state level.

In the days following the death of George Floyd, in May 2020, companies across corporate America put out statements in support of racial justice and made donations to advocacy organizations that fight racial inequality.

Last April, as state legislatures pursued restrictive voting laws, hundreds of companies and executives signed a letter opposing "any discriminatory legislation" that limits access to the ballot box.

Sonnenfeld, the professor of management at Yale University, told ABC News that a comparatively small number of companies have spoken out in response to the draft Supreme Court opinion on Roe because they're assessing whether employees, investors and other stakeholders want such a move.

"There has been a bigger stampede on other issues," Sonnenfeld said. "Quite a number of CEOs are waiting to make sure they're not getting out in front of their constituencies."

Amazon, Starbucks among corporations bolstering abortion coverage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Advocates on both sides of the political fight over reproductive rights have spoken out, either in protest or applause of a draft Supreme Court opinion leaked earlier this month that, if it stands, would overturn the court's landmark decision on Roe v. Wade.

While much of corporate America has remained quiet about the potential legal bombshell, some companies have taken a public stance and adopted new policies that expand employees' access to abortions.

Several corporations including Amazon and Starbucks have announced expanded health benefits to pay for travel fees incurred by workers seeking an abortion if the procedure is unavailable near where they live, as employees in states like Oklahoma and South Dakota face the prospect of stronger abortion restrictions.

MORE: Oklahoma Legislature passes bill that would ban nearly all abortions

"Like many of you, I'm deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade," Sara Kelly, Starbucks' acting executive vice president for employee resources, said Monday in a memo to employees.

"When actions impact your access to health care, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported," she added.

MORE: 5 myths about abortion debunked as Supreme Court decides future of Roe v. Wade

Meanwhile, rideshare companies Lyft and Uber have vowed to provide legal support for drivers if they face lawsuits for driving passengers to get an abortion.

Experts on corporate responsibility told ABC News that companies are often reluctant to take a position on such a polarizing issue.

PHOTO: Abortion rights activists participate in a Bans Off Our Bodies rally at the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor of management at Yale University who convenes meetings with top CEOs on social issues, told ABC News many of the corporations that introduced policy changes are in the tech sector, where employees tend to be young and liberal.

"Companies that take a stand on a highly divisive political issue like this one can get in trouble with some stakeholders," Sandra Waddock, a professor at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College who specializes in corporate responsibility, told ABC News. "But companies implementing these policies don't want their employees to be harmed, and it probably makes sense to make sure their employees are happy."

Story continues

MORE: Domestic violent extremists infiltrating abortion debate: DHS official

An analysis from the Guttmacher Institute in October found that 26 states are "certain or likely" to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill that would ban abortion at conception, making it the most restrictive abortion ban in the country if it becomes law.

In addition to Starbucks and Amazon, Yelp, Tesla, Citigroup, Apple and Salesforce in recent weeks expanded abortion coverage for employees to include costs for travel when necessary.

MORE: Why abortion restrictions disproportionately impact people of color

Mastercard on Wednesday joined them as the latest major company to say it would cover the travel costs of employees leaving their home state to seek an abortion, which Bloomberg first reported and the company confirmed to ABC News.

In a message to employees shared with ABC News, Mastercard warned of the prospect that the court will overturn previous rulings on access to reproductive health care. The company added: "We will continue to offer employees access to the same health care, including family planning and reproductive benefits, that is available today wherever they live."

PHOTO: Abortion rights and anti-abortion demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, May 3, 2022. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

The new company policies drew support from abortion rights advocates and criticism from those who are anti-abortion.

Nadia Khamis, director of corporate engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told ABC News that the organization is "really encouraged to see a large influx of companies publicizing how they're responding to the potential threat to Roe."

The need to ensure access to reproductive services for employees is not only a human rights imperative but a business one, Khamis said.

"If you're a company that cares about being competitive and wants to recruit diverse, smart, productive people," Khamis said, "they need equal access to health care, and abortion is essential."

MORE: Roe v. Wade leaked draft causes spike in donations to abortion funds

But the new policies drew sharp rebuke from David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion organization. O'Steen said the policies would help employees at the companies pursue abortions. Further, in contrast with Khamis, he said the moves would undermine the companies' business objectives.

"These companies are formed to produce a product and make a profit for investors," O'Steen told ABC News. "Not to fly people across the country to have abortions. It's a terrible business decision."

The corporate policy changes following the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion mark the latest effort by companies to respond when a major political development embroils the country.

Three years ago, more than 180 CEOs -- including those at Twitter and Warby Parker --- signed an open letter that opposed restrictive abortion laws at the state level.

In the days following the death of George Floyd, in May 2020, companies across corporate America put out statements in support of racial justice and made donations to advocacy organizations that fight racial inequality.

Last April, as state legislatures pursued restrictive voting laws, hundreds of companies and executives signed a letter opposing "any discriminatory legislation" that limits access to the ballot box.

Sonnenfeld, the professor of management at Yale University, told ABC News that a comparatively small number of companies have spoken out in response to the draft Supreme Court opinion on Roe because they're assessing whether employees, investors and other stakeholders want such a move.

"There has been a bigger stampede on other issues," Sonnenfeld said. "Quite a number of CEOs are waiting to make sure they're not getting out in front of their constituencies."

Amazon, Starbucks among corporations bolstering abortion coverage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), left, is underway with the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). The American Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh/Released)

Winning the Next Battle of the Coral Sea

Commentary

While early May saw the 80th anniversary of the hard-fought strategic victory by the allies over Japan in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the next Battle of the Coral Sea is now shaping up versus China, requiring difficult decisions by the current allies.

Called its touchstone, the modern Australia-United States alliance emerged from the shared sacrifices that began most prominently with the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942). This area encompasses the northeastern shores of Australia, western Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Solomon Islands chain.

Japans principal goal was to isolate Australia and New Zealand, first by taking over the surrounding islands of the South Pacific and then to possibly invade Australia, secure Japans conquest and resource exploitation of Southeast Asia, and prevent the United States from mounting a counteroffensive from the South Pacific.

By the end of December 1941, Japans navy was advocating for an invasion of northern Australia, but the army did not have the resources. On Feb. 19, 1942, four Japanese navy aircraft carriers, plus Indonesian-based Japanese bomber groups, would launch 242 aircraft to bomb the important Australian port city of Darwin, beginning a campaign that would see Japan bomb Australia about 100 times through late 1943.

Japans navy then devised a more realistic strategy that included invading the Solomon Islands, creating a base on Tulagi, and then invading and capturing Port Moresby in PNG, allowing Japanese bombers to carry heavier bombs payloads against Australian targets.

Exploiting the breaking of Japans communications codes, the United States deduced Japans plans, sent two carrier groups to the region, mounted a surprise bomber strike from Australia against Tulagi on May 3, followed on May 7 and 8 with the worlds first long-distance clash of aircraft carriers: Japans Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Shoho against the U.S. Navys Yorktown and Lexington.

U.S. Navy losses, the large carrier Lexington, serious damage to the Yorktown, and the loss of a tanker and destroyer, appeared to exceed Japans loss of the light carrier Shoho, while Shokaku and Zuikaku suffered damage.

Smoke pours from the USS Lexington aircraft carrier from Japanese torpedo hits during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II, 1942. (Pictorial Parade/Getty Images)

But the battle was a strategic victory for the allies in that Japan withdrew its Port Moresby invasion fleet, preventing a future Japanese invasion of Australia. At the same time, Japans losses contributed to its larger defeat in the Battle of Midway (June 47, 1942).

An honest evaluation of Japans brilliant 1941 to 1942 campaign that conquered Southeast Asia and almost conquered the South Pacific has only been politically possible by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) since the early 2000s.

This also coincides with the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) beginning to implement political and military plans for obtaining global political-military hegemony, which requires the CCP to subordinate the democracies of Australia and New Zealand, and to build air-naval-nuclear missile bases in the South Pacific.

The CCP wants to secure the mineral and agricultural riches of Australia and New Zealand, sever Australia from its U.S. alliance, and secure the CCPs economic-political-military projection to South America and into the Indian Ocean.

Such strategic gains would also serve to isolate the U.S. bases in Guam, threaten the important U.S. missile testing base in Kwajalein, threaten U.S. bases in Hawaii, and ultimately help secure Antarctica as a base to dominate low Earth orbitcrucial for winning wars globally.

Chinas cunning improvement of Japans strategy started with two decades of indirect political-economic assault on Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific to secure requisite economic and political leverage that would yield military bases to implement future isolation campaigns or even physical invasion.

Who is weaker on China is now an issue in Australias current election because elites on both sides of politics have allowed for a dangerous dependency on commerce with China, which the CCP has repeatedly exploited with political interventions and direct threats.

Chinese coercion led to the September 2021 decision to form Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) defense arrangement to help Australia acquire more powerful defense systems, including nuclear-powered submarines. China has reacted to AUKUS with fury and direct military intimidation of Australia.

In the same week, in late February, the PLA Navy (PLAN) sent a Type 071 landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship to Tonga and sailed another through Australias northern Torres Strait. And on May 3, a large PLAN electronic intelligence gathering ship sailed off Australias east coast for at least 10 days.

Now there is a greater urgency to prepare for the next Battle of the Coral Sea as China is on the cusp of establishing major bases in the Solomon Islands.

Following anti-China riots that threatened the pro-CCP government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in December 2021, Beijing deployed a slush fund to pay members of parliament $30,000 each to vote to keep Sogavare in power.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (R) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 9, 2019. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

By early 2022, it was revealed that Sogavare had been negotiating to allow China to build civilian deep ports and airports. And in April, his government signed a military cooperation agreement that reportedly will enable China to deploy troops to protect Chinese interests.

Should the PLA establish bases in the Solomons, similar to the PLA bases in the South China Sea, it will be able to accommodate aircraft carrier battle groups, long-range bombers, and intermediate-range nuclear missiles like the 2,485-mile range DF-26.

During an April 22 meeting, the Biden administrations National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific coordinator, Kurt Campbell, the highest NSC Asia-policy official, gave Sogavare a direct warning that a Chinese military base could lead to a U.S. invasion, with a formal public readout stating: If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation  the United States would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.

In 2022, this is a credible threat, as the United States could quickly mobilize four to five aircraft carrier battle groups and possibly 10 or so LPD and landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships, plus 10 nuclear attack submarines.

However, by 2030, the PLAN could potentially mobilize four or five aircraft carrier battle groups and up to 15 LPDs and LHDs, plus about 10 nuclear attack submarines, with the aircraft to deploy 1,056-mile range DF-21D and DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missiles.

If PLAN fleets broke through, this would be enough to deploy three mechanized brigades to conduct a punitive raid against Darwin or to occupy the North and South islands of New Zealand.

Due to woke politics, New Zealand has no combat air force, and due to its Soviet-manipulated 1980s anti-nuclear laws, it would be illegal for the United States to attack a PLA invasion force on New Zealand territory with submarine-launched tactical nuclear weaponsperhaps all it could mobilize in time.

But here is the crux: for the next Battle of the Coral Sea, both Australia and New Zealand will require long-range strike aircraft armed with long-range anti-ship missiles, as they ultimately will require tactical nuclear weapon-armed intermediate-range missiles to deter Chinese coercion or invasion to preserve their freedom.

Despite deep anti-nuclear sentiment with both, they need to consider this capability as the Biden administration is confused; it has recently canceled a new tactical nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N), which could allow concealed U.S. nuclear attack submarines to quickly provide a decisive deterrent.

As aircraft carriers proved their war-winning potential in the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea, the next one will be dominated by long-range missiles launched from land bases, ships, submarines, and aircraft supported by aerial and space surveillance and control systems.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), left, is underway with the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). The American Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh/Released)

Winning the Next Battle of the Coral Sea

Commentary

While early May saw the 80th anniversary of the hard-fought strategic victory by the allies over Japan in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the next Battle of the Coral Sea is now shaping up versus China, requiring difficult decisions by the current allies.

Called its touchstone, the modern Australia-United States alliance emerged from the shared sacrifices that began most prominently with the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942). This area encompasses the northeastern shores of Australia, western Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Solomon Islands chain.

Japans principal goal was to isolate Australia and New Zealand, first by taking over the surrounding islands of the South Pacific and then to possibly invade Australia, secure Japans conquest and resource exploitation of Southeast Asia, and prevent the United States from mounting a counteroffensive from the South Pacific.

By the end of December 1941, Japans navy was advocating for an invasion of northern Australia, but the army did not have the resources. On Feb. 19, 1942, four Japanese navy aircraft carriers, plus Indonesian-based Japanese bomber groups, would launch 242 aircraft to bomb the important Australian port city of Darwin, beginning a campaign that would see Japan bomb Australia about 100 times through late 1943.

Japans navy then devised a more realistic strategy that included invading the Solomon Islands, creating a base on Tulagi, and then invading and capturing Port Moresby in PNG, allowing Japanese bombers to carry heavier bombs payloads against Australian targets.

Exploiting the breaking of Japans communications codes, the United States deduced Japans plans, sent two carrier groups to the region, mounted a surprise bomber strike from Australia against Tulagi on May 3, followed on May 7 and 8 with the worlds first long-distance clash of aircraft carriers: Japans Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Shoho against the U.S. Navys Yorktown and Lexington.

U.S. Navy losses, the large carrier Lexington, serious damage to the Yorktown, and the loss of a tanker and destroyer, appeared to exceed Japans loss of the light carrier Shoho, while Shokaku and Zuikaku suffered damage.

Smoke pours from the USS Lexington aircraft carrier from Japanese torpedo hits during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II, 1942. (Pictorial Parade/Getty Images)

But the battle was a strategic victory for the allies in that Japan withdrew its Port Moresby invasion fleet, preventing a future Japanese invasion of Australia. At the same time, Japans losses contributed to its larger defeat in the Battle of Midway (June 47, 1942).

An honest evaluation of Japans brilliant 1941 to 1942 campaign that conquered Southeast Asia and almost conquered the South Pacific has only been politically possible by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) since the early 2000s.

This also coincides with the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) beginning to implement political and military plans for obtaining global political-military hegemony, which requires the CCP to subordinate the democracies of Australia and New Zealand, and to build air-naval-nuclear missile bases in the South Pacific.

The CCP wants to secure the mineral and agricultural riches of Australia and New Zealand, sever Australia from its U.S. alliance, and secure the CCPs economic-political-military projection to South America and into the Indian Ocean.

Such strategic gains would also serve to isolate the U.S. bases in Guam, threaten the important U.S. missile testing base in Kwajalein, threaten U.S. bases in Hawaii, and ultimately help secure Antarctica as a base to dominate low Earth orbitcrucial for winning wars globally.

Chinas cunning improvement of Japans strategy started with two decades of indirect political-economic assault on Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific to secure requisite economic and political leverage that would yield military bases to implement future isolation campaigns or even physical invasion.

Who is weaker on China is now an issue in Australias current election because elites on both sides of politics have allowed for a dangerous dependency on commerce with China, which the CCP has repeatedly exploited with political interventions and direct threats.

Chinese coercion led to the September 2021 decision to form Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) defense arrangement to help Australia acquire more powerful defense systems, including nuclear-powered submarines. China has reacted to AUKUS with fury and direct military intimidation of Australia.

In the same week, in late February, the PLA Navy (PLAN) sent a Type 071 landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship to Tonga and sailed another through Australias northern Torres Strait. And on May 3, a large PLAN electronic intelligence gathering ship sailed off Australias east coast for at least 10 days.

Now there is a greater urgency to prepare for the next Battle of the Coral Sea as China is on the cusp of establishing major bases in the Solomon Islands.

Following anti-China riots that threatened the pro-CCP government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in December 2021, Beijing deployed a slush fund to pay members of parliament $30,000 each to vote to keep Sogavare in power.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (R) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 9, 2019. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

By early 2022, it was revealed that Sogavare had been negotiating to allow China to build civilian deep ports and airports. And in April, his government signed a military cooperation agreement that reportedly will enable China to deploy troops to protect Chinese interests.

Should the PLA establish bases in the Solomons, similar to the PLA bases in the South China Sea, it will be able to accommodate aircraft carrier battle groups, long-range bombers, and intermediate-range nuclear missiles like the 2,485-mile range DF-26.

During an April 22 meeting, the Biden administrations National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific coordinator, Kurt Campbell, the highest NSC Asia-policy official, gave Sogavare a direct warning that a Chinese military base could lead to a U.S. invasion, with a formal public readout stating: If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation  the United States would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.

In 2022, this is a credible threat, as the United States could quickly mobilize four to five aircraft carrier battle groups and possibly 10 or so LPD and landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships, plus 10 nuclear attack submarines.

However, by 2030, the PLAN could potentially mobilize four or five aircraft carrier battle groups and up to 15 LPDs and LHDs, plus about 10 nuclear attack submarines, with the aircraft to deploy 1,056-mile range DF-21D and DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missiles.

If PLAN fleets broke through, this would be enough to deploy three mechanized brigades to conduct a punitive raid against Darwin or to occupy the North and South islands of New Zealand.

Due to woke politics, New Zealand has no combat air force, and due to its Soviet-manipulated 1980s anti-nuclear laws, it would be illegal for the United States to attack a PLA invasion force on New Zealand territory with submarine-launched tactical nuclear weaponsperhaps all it could mobilize in time.

But here is the crux: for the next Battle of the Coral Sea, both Australia and New Zealand will require long-range strike aircraft armed with long-range anti-ship missiles, as they ultimately will require tactical nuclear weapon-armed intermediate-range missiles to deter Chinese coercion or invasion to preserve their freedom.

Despite deep anti-nuclear sentiment with both, they need to consider this capability as the Biden administration is confused; it has recently canceled a new tactical nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N), which could allow concealed U.S. nuclear attack submarines to quickly provide a decisive deterrent.

As aircraft carriers proved their war-winning potential in the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea, the next one will be dominated by long-range missiles launched from land bases, ships, submarines, and aircraft supported by aerial and space surveillance and control systems.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
RACINE  There was an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side. The condition of the officer and the person shot were not disclosed as of press time Friday.

Officers were seen performing CPR on an individual in a grass-covered lot, as shown in multiple live videos reviewed by The Journal Times that were posted to Facebook just after 1 p.m. Friday. In one of the videos, the individual was soon after placed on a stretcher and a Racine Fire Department ambulance took the individual away.

A press conference was held Friday evening after The Journal Times went to press.

A man in the neighborhood told a reporter he heard four gunshots at around 1 p.m.

Just another shooting, man. Its sad, another man said.

Video shows the lot where officers were performing CPR is next to a Wisconsin Plating Works building, located along Carrol Street.

Within hours, a canopy and evidence markers were placed in the grassy area where CPR was being performed.

Carrol Street is a dead-end that extends west from Center Street directly across from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, south of 11th Street and north of 12th Street. The southern boundary of the scene, as marked by police tape, was 12th Street; the western boundary was made up by Irving Place and Hilker Place; the eastern boundary was Center Street.

There were more than a dozen law enforcement vehicles in the area, including from the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Racine County Sheriffs Office in addition to the Racine Police Department. One of the RPDs major crimes vehicles was on scene.

The City of Racine has been experiencing a violent 2022, with six homicides as of May 15, double the number of homicides there had been between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 15, 2021. Shots fired reports in 2022 have also been 49% higher than they were in 2021, the RPD reported earlier this week.

More information will be added to this story as it becomes available and can be confirmed.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 6 Angry 5







Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.

Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico will sharply expand early voting locations Saturday as voters head into the final two weeks of a contentious primary election season.

Republicans are turning out at the highest rate so far  with 5,979 votes cast, or about 1.4% of their registered voters, according to a Journal analysis of data released Friday.

Republicans also took advantage of same-day voter registration in greater numbers than other parties. They account for 51% of the same-day registrations, a process that allows people who are eligible to vote to register and immediately cast a ballot at a polling site.

At the top of the ticket, Republicans are choosing among five candidates to run against Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this fall. A Libertarian will also be on the ballot.

The contested races on the Democratic side include state attorney general, treasurer and auditor  none of which feature an incumbent.

Voters are also choosing nominees for county, legislative and other offices.

Election administrators say theyre hopeful Saturdays expansion of in-person voting sites will accelerate turnout.

In Bernalillo County, for example, 20 sites are set to open. They will be in operation generally from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

I hope we get a lot of people coming in, Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover said Friday.

She said the election has been problem-free so far, though shes still hoping for some extra election workers in case theyre needed. Call 505-243-VOTE to learn about serving.

Knock on wood, weve had a really smooth ride so far, Stover said.

Throughout the state, 12,778 votes have been cast either absentee or in-person at clerks offices, according to data released Friday by the Secretary of States Office.

The ballots represent 1.2% turnout so far.

About 1.4% of registered Republicans have cast ballots so far, 1.1% of Democrats and 0.4% of Libertarians.

A few hundred voters  378 all told  have taken advantage of the same-day registration system.

The figures include new registrations and independents who can change their affiliation at the polls.

New Mexicos primary elections are closed, meaning only a registered Democrat can vote in the Democratic primary. But a new state law allows independent or minor party voters to change affiliation when they show up at a polling location and cast a ballot with a major party.

Republicans, Libertarians and Democrats, however, cant change their registration to vote in another partys races.

The launch of early voting comes as massive wildfires burn in parts of the state, especially northern New Mexico.

State election officials are encouraging voters to cast a ballot at an early-voting site or to request an absentee ballot, which can be sent to wherever someone is now residing, even if theyve left the state because of the fires.

In Sandoval County, the clerks office said it is monitoring the fires and preparing to make adjustments if needed.

Joey Dominguez, chief deputy county clerk in Sandoval County, said the clerks office is also taking new steps to promote confidence in the election results, including remote monitoring of election sites and revised chain-of-custody procedures for ballots.

Employees are also eager to open up new sites Saturday to give voters more options for casting their ballots.

Election geeks are pretty excited for tomorrow, Dominguez said.

Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Friday, May 20, on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo led a government delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to commiserate with the family on the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Earlier in the week, Dr Bawumia signed the book of condolence at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Accra.

May Allah welcomes him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, Dr Bawumia said.

UAE has announced a 40-day mourning period with flags at half-mast.

Work was suspended in the public and private sectors for the first three days, starting last Saturday.

Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE's second president in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

He has since been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.

Source: Classfmonline.com

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Friday, May 20, on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo led a government delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to commiserate with the family on the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Earlier in the week, Dr Bawumia signed the book of condolence at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Accra.

May Allah welcomes him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, Dr Bawumia said.

UAE has announced a 40-day mourning period with flags at half-mast.

Work was suspended in the public and private sectors for the first three days, starting last Saturday.

Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE's second president in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi.

He has since been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Chinese state media has taken a swipe at Australia on the eve of the Federal Election, suggesting tensions between the two countries will continue regardless of the result.

Beijing was undoubtedly watching as Labor leader Anthony Albanese claimed victory at the election after a tumultuous and quite frankly dreadful two-year period for Sino-Australian relations.

China has taken centre stage in both parties' election campaigns, thanks in part to Beijing's controversial security deal with the Solomon Islands, a nation described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as "family".

National security has been a hot topic for the Coalition, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton repeatedly peddling the threat of war in the region.

Follow our live blog for the latest election day updates and news

China relations have soured with Scott Morrison as prime minister. Source: AAP/ Getty

"After China and the Solomon Islands signed a security deal, Morrison and his opponent have frequently hyped the "China military threat"," nationalistic tabloid the Global Times, a renowned critic of Australia, said on Friday.

And while a bullish Mr Morrison has played his part in damaging relations with China, the Global Times said there is little hope for a shift in direction under Mr Albanese thanks to Australia's reliance on the US.

"Whoever is elected as the next prime minister will be subject to the will of the US," Yu Lei, chief research fellow at the Research Centre for Pacific Island Countries of Liaocheng University, told the Global Times.

Chinese state media often mocks Australia's relationship with the US. Source: Global Times

In an editorial published a day earlier, the Global Times delivered a daunting warning to the US and Australia stressing China is "not afraid to fight any incoming enemy".

Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and regular feature in the Global Times' scathing Australia coverage, once again pushed the belief Canberra is merely a pawn for Washington.

undefined

"Australia has lost maturity and independence in diplomacy and has completely attached its policy to the American global strategy," he reportedly said.

Story continues

The Global Times said relations "will be in a dismal state no matter who wins" and suggested they could get even worse thanks to Canberra's alliance with the US.

"Chen said the future Australian government will hype the "China threat" in South Pacific and may even make trouble to pressure China, and turn the region into a battleground for its rivalry against China."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.

undefined
Chinese state media has taken a swipe at Australia on the eve of the Federal Election, suggesting tensions between the two countries will continue regardless of the result.

Beijing was undoubtedly watching as Labor leader Anthony Albanese claimed victory at the election after a tumultuous and quite frankly dreadful two-year period for Sino-Australian relations.

China has taken centre stage in both parties' election campaigns, thanks in part to Beijing's controversial security deal with the Solomon Islands, a nation described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as "family".

National security has been a hot topic for the Coalition, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton repeatedly peddling the threat of war in the region.

Follow our live blog for the latest election day updates and news

China relations have soured with Scott Morrison as prime minister. Source: AAP/ Getty

"After China and the Solomon Islands signed a security deal, Morrison and his opponent have frequently hyped the "China military threat"," nationalistic tabloid the Global Times, a renowned critic of Australia, said on Friday.

And while a bullish Mr Morrison has played his part in damaging relations with China, the Global Times said there is little hope for a shift in direction under Mr Albanese thanks to Australia's reliance on the US.

"Whoever is elected as the next prime minister will be subject to the will of the US," Yu Lei, chief research fellow at the Research Centre for Pacific Island Countries of Liaocheng University, told the Global Times.

Chinese state media often mocks Australia's relationship with the US. Source: Global Times

In an editorial published a day earlier, the Global Times delivered a daunting warning to the US and Australia stressing China is "not afraid to fight any incoming enemy".

Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and regular feature in the Global Times' scathing Australia coverage, once again pushed the belief Canberra is merely a pawn for Washington.

undefined

"Australia has lost maturity and independence in diplomacy and has completely attached its policy to the American global strategy," he reportedly said.

Story continues

The Global Times said relations "will be in a dismal state no matter who wins" and suggested they could get even worse thanks to Canberra's alliance with the US.

"Chen said the future Australian government will hype the "China threat" in South Pacific and may even make trouble to pressure China, and turn the region into a battleground for its rivalry against China."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.

undefined
The royal family has shared another throwback photograph of the Queen, as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.

Today's image shows her Majesty, 96, visiting the village of Cloughton in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, during a 2010 trip.

The snap is the latest in a series of pictures being shared to count down to the Platinum Jubilee.

Every day, the Royal Family Instagram account posts a different throwback image.

The countdown started 70 days before the Jubilee celebrations are set to take place in June, with each of the photos representing a year of the monarch's seven-decade reign.

The Royal Family today shared this throwback snap of the Queen as part of its countdown to the Platinum Jubilee. It shows her Majesty visiting North Yorkshire in 2010, as she is greeted by schoolchildren

During the 2010 visit (pictured) which marked the first time the monarch had visited the area since 1975, she visited an open air theatre, as well as a blacksmith shop

A caption accompanying today's image read: 'School children welcome The Queen to Cloughton, North Yorkshire.'

During the visit, which marked the first time the monarch had been to the area since 1975, the royal party had a number of engagements.

Among them, the Queen opened Scarborough's newly refurbished open air-theatre, and watched a horse-shoeing demonstration.

Explaining the significance of the countdown, the Instagram caption for today's image read: 'Over the next 70 days, as we countdown to the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Weekend, well be sharing an image a day of The Queen  each representing a year of Her Majestys 70-year long reign.'

Her Majesty, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, is the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee.

The historic milestone will be celebrated over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2nd -5th June.

The Royal Family Instagram account's caption, which it posted to describe the 2010 image it shared today, as it counts down to the Platinum Jubilee

Children from the Hackness Church of England Primary School greet the Queen during her Yorkshire trip in 2010

One of her Majesty's appointments on the day included visiting a local blacksmith forge, where she watched a horse being shod

To mark the date, public events and community activities will be held, among other celebrations.

The extent of the Queen's public involvement is not yet clear, due to the mobility and health issues she has suffered this year.

However, her recent public appearances, including a surprise London engagement where she marked the opening of the Elizabeth line, bode well.

It is expected her Majesty will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign, and make her traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour.

But it is unlikely she will attend many other events, however, as palace aides admit she has 'good and less good days'.
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
Chinese state media has taken a swipe at Australia on the eve of the Federal Election, suggesting tensions between the two countries will continue regardless of the result.

Beijing was undoubtedly watching as Labor leader Anthony Albanese claimed victory at the election after a tumultuous and quite frankly dreadful two-year period for Sino-Australian relations.

China has taken centre stage in both parties' election campaigns, thanks in part to Beijing's controversial security deal with the Solomon Islands, a nation described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as "family".

National security has been a hot topic for the Coalition, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton repeatedly peddling the threat of war in the region.

Follow our live blog for the latest election day updates and news

China relations have soured with Scott Morrison as prime minister. Source: AAP/ Getty

"After China and the Solomon Islands signed a security deal, Morrison and his opponent have frequently hyped the "China military threat"," nationalistic tabloid the Global Times, a renowned critic of Australia, said on Friday.

And while a bullish Mr Morrison has played his part in damaging relations with China, the Global Times said there is little hope for a shift in direction under Mr Albanese thanks to Australia's reliance on the US.

"Whoever is elected as the next prime minister will be subject to the will of the US," Yu Lei, chief research fellow at the Research Centre for Pacific Island Countries of Liaocheng University, told the Global Times.

Chinese state media often mocks Australia's relationship with the US. Source: Global Times

In an editorial published a day earlier, the Global Times delivered a daunting warning to the US and Australia stressing China is "not afraid to fight any incoming enemy".

Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and regular feature in the Global Times' scathing Australia coverage, once again pushed the belief Canberra is merely a pawn for Washington.

undefined

"Australia has lost maturity and independence in diplomacy and has completely attached its policy to the American global strategy," he reportedly said.

Story continues

The Global Times said relations "will be in a dismal state no matter who wins" and suggested they could get even worse thanks to Canberra's alliance with the US.

"Chen said the future Australian government will hype the "China threat" in South Pacific and may even make trouble to pressure China, and turn the region into a battleground for its rivalry against China."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.

undefined




After battling infertility for six years, an Australian woman was overjoyed to conceive triplets at 44, but suffered a seizure just seven weeks before her due date. She was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically-induced coma.

Leonie Fitzgerald, now 47, has no recollection of the birth of her babies.

Leonie lives in the city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, with her husband, Peter, 52. After a long, frustrating, and a little heartbreaking period with infertility, it was confirmed that Leonie was pregnant with triplets in January 2020, after her third round of IVF.

The couple were in shock when they learned they were expecting three kids. We were hoping for one, knew two might be a possibility as wed put two embryos in, but had never even thought about three, Leonie told The Epoch Times.

The mom-to-be went to great lengths to reduce stressors in her life, including quitting her job to start her own company, sleeping more, walking up to 30 minutes per day in nature, and believing it would happen when it was supposed to. Nonetheless, her pregnancy was not all that smooth.

She explained: I had very bad morning sickness from about week seven, and my specialist put me on bed rest for my entire pregnancy. I was very high-risk due to not only my age, but I was carrying multiples, and had had four miscarriages previously.

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

Around four weeks before her scheduled Caesarean section, Leonie was admitted to the hospital for 10 days due to immense pain around her ribs. She returned home, but one day before her scheduled delivery, she had an intuitive feeling, and checked herself back in.

Leonie had a seizure in the ward.

I was raced to the theater to deliver the triplets, she explained. I had a general anesthetic, rather than a spinal anesthetic, as it was the fastest way to be able to get the babies out. I was then transferred to the ICU whilst I was still asleep.

Triplets Liliana, Isabella, and Charlotte were all born within 21 minutes at Brisbanes Mater Mothers Hospital on Aug. 23, 2020. Each baby weighed a little more than the sister born before her; Liliana was 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs), Isabella was 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs), and Charlotte was 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs).

Leonies seizure had triggered a code bluea medical emergency. Peter waited outside the operating theater as his unconscious wife underwent surgery, contemplating whether he would lose them all.

Leonie quoted her obstetrician, Dr. Paul Conaghan, as having said, They were in a lot of trouble. The evidence from the babies blood tests when they were initially born was that the seizure had been starving them of oxygen. After giving birth, Mrs. Fitzgerald spent 16 hours in a medically-induced coma.

Leonies seizure was brought on by eclampsia, a rare but serious condition linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy. It wasnt until two days after her C-section that Leonie was awake and wheeled to her babies in the NICU, surrounded by tubes, wires, and breathing equipment.

Leonie recalls being groggy and feeling quite numb for the first week after her pregnancy.

I was just happy we were all alive and had been in the hospital for the seizure, she said. The NICU is quite an intensive experience, and to see our babies in humidcribs, hooked up to numerous tubes and monitors, it was overwhelming.

I was also concerned I was causing them more pain by taking them out of the humidcrib for skin-on-skin time; they were teeny tiny, and there were three of them!

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

Leonie was monitored in the hospitals cardiac ward for a couple of days after delivery, as her heart had enlarged during the seizure. After moving to the maternity ward to recover, she was discharged.

After 34 days in intensive care with an outstanding medical team, the triplets were all ready to go home, having needed no major treatments outside of the norm for premature babies.

In the early days after the triplets were born, Leonie and Peter were getting through 30 diapers per day and a tub of formula every two days. They used a whiteboard to stay on top of their feeding schedule.

Today, as the triplets approach their second birthday, they are going from strength to strength. Peter works as a relationships manager for a disability accommodation company, and Leonie, a property investment and wealth specialist at her own company, Wealthology Australia, gets to stay home with her babies.

Describing each of her triplets personalities, Leonie shared: Liliana is strong-willed, independent, and has the courage of a lion. Charlotte is our social butterfly, she loves people and cuddles. Isabella is our joker, pulls lots of funny faces, and giggles a lot.

Leonie also shared that the couple has inaugurated a measuring chart to record their heights and a record book for special milestones. Additionally, they have piggy banks with accompanying books for family and friends to contribute to (rather than buy plastic toys for birthdays, etc.) and they can write a little message.

Our plan, when theyre 18 years old, is to give them the money weve invested for them and help them buy their first investment property, like my dad did with me, Leonie explained.

(Courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography)

The triplets now attend a Montessori childcare group three days a week, where they get to choose their own activities and learn their way, said Leonie, whose personal parenting philosophy is to support them on their journey.

After close friends suggested she document their family life on Instagram, Leonie started a dedicated page, @thebusinessoftriplets, to help others through their own fertility journeys and to support parents of multiples.

Its a very unique experience and it can be challenging, having all your kids at once, she reasoned. I want to provide hope and let people know they are not on their own.

(Courtesy of Natural Light Portraits)

(Courtesy of Paul A. Broben/ProMedia Photography)

Reflecting back on her journey, Leonie said that a mantra, The universe has bigger plans, once helped her navigate her miscarriages, and a quote that she now shares with others, Gods delays are not Gods denials, has always helped her traverse tough times.

Today, her thriving triplets are all the evidence she needs that the journey was worth it.

There is so much love in the house, and always someone to cuddle, she said. I love watching them interact with each other, and I feel very honored that they chose me to go on their journey with.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter


An outspoken member of Irans parliament has criticized President Hassan Rouhani for not applying his constitutional powers to advance the policies of his elected office.

Ali Motahari, Tehran's representative to Majlis (parliament) says, "President Hassan Rouhani has been reluctant to apply some of his constitutional powers, while [his predecessor, hardline] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had more audacity in using his lawful authority."

As Irans social and economic problems have worsened, hardliners around Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become more emboldened, exerting pressure and influence in matters that should be the purview of the president.

Speaking to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)-run Fars news agency on Friday, August 9, Ali Motahari, who was deputy speaker of parliament until recently also asserted that using the constitutional powers vested in the President depends on the personality of whoever holds the office.

"Some presidents, including Rouhani, have reservations in implementing a number of their lawful powers, while others, like Ahmadinejad, might even go further than the authority entrusted to them," the deputy speaker of the parliament maintained.

Lambasting Rouhani for his reservations, Motahari has noted that Rouhani allows irresponsible individuals and entities to interfere (in the state and governmental affairs).

In recent days, a similar criticism was heard from former president Mohammad Khatami, who criticized Rouhani for not using his constitutional right to send warning notes to other branches of government for major legal violations.

According to Motahari, Rouhani allows unrelated individuals and entities to have a say in his choice of ministers and he concedes economic decision-making powers to others.

As chairman of the Supreme National Security Council Rouhani has repeatedly caved to various pressures, Motahari maintained.

Rouhani has rarely resisted outside interference into executive affairs, Motahari insisted, adding that he could have resisted, explicitly reminding meddlers to stay away from governmental issues.

Motahari's remarks point to Article 113 of the country's Constitution that stipulates, "After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the executive, except in matters directly concerning (the office of) the Leadership."

As Khamenei consolidated his power in 1990s, the office of the president gradually lost its authority, to the extent that ex-president Mohammad Khatami lamented in 1998 that the President in Iran serves as the butler of the Supreme Leader.

However, Khatami tried later to take back his controversial comment but admitted that if he had sought for more presidential powers, the Guardian Council would have rejected it.

The Guardian Council (GC) with its twelve members either directly or indirectly appointed by the Supreme Leader, is a powerful constitutional review body in charge of approving all legislation passed by the Majles. In addition, the council supervises elections, and approves all candidates standing for election, even for the presidency.

Moreover, the GC is the only body in the country authorized to "interpret" the Constitution.

Referring to Article 113 of the Islamic Republic's Constitution, Motahari has regretfully noted, "Even in cases where the President has the power to caution the heads of the judiciary, and parliament, Rouhani has preferred to stay silent. Whereas he is expected to raise the alarms whenever he spots a violation of the Constitution."

This has led to the formation of the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination attended by the heads of executive, judiciary, and legislative branches.

Several conservative news outlets have insisted that the establishment of the council reflects the inefficiency of President Rouhani's Administration.

Nonetheless, Motahari believes that the council violates the Islamic Republic's Constitution, and Rouhani should have resisted it.
An outspoken member of Irans parliament has criticized President Hassan Rouhani for not applying his constitutional powers to advance the policies of his elected office.

Ali Motahari, Tehran's representative to Majlis (parliament) says, "President Hassan Rouhani has been reluctant to apply some of his constitutional powers, while [his predecessor, hardline] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had more audacity in using his lawful authority."

As Irans social and economic problems have worsened, hardliners around Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become more emboldened, exerting pressure and influence in matters that should be the purview of the president.

Speaking to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)-run Fars news agency on Friday, August 9, Ali Motahari, who was deputy speaker of parliament until recently also asserted that using the constitutional powers vested in the President depends on the personality of whoever holds the office.

"Some presidents, including Rouhani, have reservations in implementing a number of their lawful powers, while others, like Ahmadinejad, might even go further than the authority entrusted to them," the deputy speaker of the parliament maintained.

Lambasting Rouhani for his reservations, Motahari has noted that Rouhani allows irresponsible individuals and entities to interfere (in the state and governmental affairs).

In recent days, a similar criticism was heard from former president Mohammad Khatami, who criticized Rouhani for not using his constitutional right to send warning notes to other branches of government for major legal violations.

According to Motahari, Rouhani allows unrelated individuals and entities to have a say in his choice of ministers and he concedes economic decision-making powers to others.

As chairman of the Supreme National Security Council Rouhani has repeatedly caved to various pressures, Motahari maintained.

Rouhani has rarely resisted outside interference into executive affairs, Motahari insisted, adding that he could have resisted, explicitly reminding meddlers to stay away from governmental issues.

Motahari's remarks point to Article 113 of the country's Constitution that stipulates, "After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the executive, except in matters directly concerning (the office of) the Leadership."

As Khamenei consolidated his power in 1990s, the office of the president gradually lost its authority, to the extent that ex-president Mohammad Khatami lamented in 1998 that the President in Iran serves as the butler of the Supreme Leader.

However, Khatami tried later to take back his controversial comment but admitted that if he had sought for more presidential powers, the Guardian Council would have rejected it.

The Guardian Council (GC) with its twelve members either directly or indirectly appointed by the Supreme Leader, is a powerful constitutional review body in charge of approving all legislation passed by the Majles. In addition, the council supervises elections, and approves all candidates standing for election, even for the presidency.

Moreover, the GC is the only body in the country authorized to "interpret" the Constitution.

Referring to Article 113 of the Islamic Republic's Constitution, Motahari has regretfully noted, "Even in cases where the President has the power to caution the heads of the judiciary, and parliament, Rouhani has preferred to stay silent. Whereas he is expected to raise the alarms whenever he spots a violation of the Constitution."

This has led to the formation of the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination attended by the heads of executive, judiciary, and legislative branches.

Several conservative news outlets have insisted that the establishment of the council reflects the inefficiency of President Rouhani's Administration.

Nonetheless, Motahari believes that the council violates the Islamic Republic's Constitution, and Rouhani should have resisted it.
An outspoken member of Irans parliament has criticized President Hassan Rouhani for not applying his constitutional powers to advance the policies of his elected office.

Ali Motahari, Tehran's representative to Majlis (parliament) says, "President Hassan Rouhani has been reluctant to apply some of his constitutional powers, while [his predecessor, hardline] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had more audacity in using his lawful authority."

As Irans social and economic problems have worsened, hardliners around Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become more emboldened, exerting pressure and influence in matters that should be the purview of the president.

Speaking to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)-run Fars news agency on Friday, August 9, Ali Motahari, who was deputy speaker of parliament until recently also asserted that using the constitutional powers vested in the President depends on the personality of whoever holds the office.

"Some presidents, including Rouhani, have reservations in implementing a number of their lawful powers, while others, like Ahmadinejad, might even go further than the authority entrusted to them," the deputy speaker of the parliament maintained.

Lambasting Rouhani for his reservations, Motahari has noted that Rouhani allows irresponsible individuals and entities to interfere (in the state and governmental affairs).

In recent days, a similar criticism was heard from former president Mohammad Khatami, who criticized Rouhani for not using his constitutional right to send warning notes to other branches of government for major legal violations.

According to Motahari, Rouhani allows unrelated individuals and entities to have a say in his choice of ministers and he concedes economic decision-making powers to others.

As chairman of the Supreme National Security Council Rouhani has repeatedly caved to various pressures, Motahari maintained.

Rouhani has rarely resisted outside interference into executive affairs, Motahari insisted, adding that he could have resisted, explicitly reminding meddlers to stay away from governmental issues.

Motahari's remarks point to Article 113 of the country's Constitution that stipulates, "After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the executive, except in matters directly concerning (the office of) the Leadership."

As Khamenei consolidated his power in 1990s, the office of the president gradually lost its authority, to the extent that ex-president Mohammad Khatami lamented in 1998 that the President in Iran serves as the butler of the Supreme Leader.

However, Khatami tried later to take back his controversial comment but admitted that if he had sought for more presidential powers, the Guardian Council would have rejected it.

The Guardian Council (GC) with its twelve members either directly or indirectly appointed by the Supreme Leader, is a powerful constitutional review body in charge of approving all legislation passed by the Majles. In addition, the council supervises elections, and approves all candidates standing for election, even for the presidency.

Moreover, the GC is the only body in the country authorized to "interpret" the Constitution.

Referring to Article 113 of the Islamic Republic's Constitution, Motahari has regretfully noted, "Even in cases where the President has the power to caution the heads of the judiciary, and parliament, Rouhani has preferred to stay silent. Whereas he is expected to raise the alarms whenever he spots a violation of the Constitution."

This has led to the formation of the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination attended by the heads of executive, judiciary, and legislative branches.

Several conservative news outlets have insisted that the establishment of the council reflects the inefficiency of President Rouhani's Administration.

Nonetheless, Motahari believes that the council violates the Islamic Republic's Constitution, and Rouhani should have resisted it.
The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), left, is underway with the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). The American Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh/Released)

Winning the Next Battle of the Coral Sea

Commentary

While early May saw the 80th anniversary of the hard-fought strategic victory by the allies over Japan in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the next Battle of the Coral Sea is now shaping up versus China, requiring difficult decisions by the current allies.

Called its touchstone, the modern Australia-United States alliance emerged from the shared sacrifices that began most prominently with the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942). This area encompasses the northeastern shores of Australia, western Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Solomon Islands chain.

Japans principal goal was to isolate Australia and New Zealand, first by taking over the surrounding islands of the South Pacific and then to possibly invade Australia, secure Japans conquest and resource exploitation of Southeast Asia, and prevent the United States from mounting a counteroffensive from the South Pacific.

By the end of December 1941, Japans navy was advocating for an invasion of northern Australia, but the army did not have the resources. On Feb. 19, 1942, four Japanese navy aircraft carriers, plus Indonesian-based Japanese bomber groups, would launch 242 aircraft to bomb the important Australian port city of Darwin, beginning a campaign that would see Japan bomb Australia about 100 times through late 1943.

Japans navy then devised a more realistic strategy that included invading the Solomon Islands, creating a base on Tulagi, and then invading and capturing Port Moresby in PNG, allowing Japanese bombers to carry heavier bombs payloads against Australian targets.

Exploiting the breaking of Japans communications codes, the United States deduced Japans plans, sent two carrier groups to the region, mounted a surprise bomber strike from Australia against Tulagi on May 3, followed on May 7 and 8 with the worlds first long-distance clash of aircraft carriers: Japans Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Shoho against the U.S. Navys Yorktown and Lexington.

U.S. Navy losses, the large carrier Lexington, serious damage to the Yorktown, and the loss of a tanker and destroyer, appeared to exceed Japans loss of the light carrier Shoho, while Shokaku and Zuikaku suffered damage.

Smoke pours from the USS Lexington aircraft carrier from Japanese torpedo hits during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II, 1942. (Pictorial Parade/Getty Images)

But the battle was a strategic victory for the allies in that Japan withdrew its Port Moresby invasion fleet, preventing a future Japanese invasion of Australia. At the same time, Japans losses contributed to its larger defeat in the Battle of Midway (June 47, 1942).

An honest evaluation of Japans brilliant 1941 to 1942 campaign that conquered Southeast Asia and almost conquered the South Pacific has only been politically possible by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) since the early 2000s.

This also coincides with the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) beginning to implement political and military plans for obtaining global political-military hegemony, which requires the CCP to subordinate the democracies of Australia and New Zealand, and to build air-naval-nuclear missile bases in the South Pacific.

The CCP wants to secure the mineral and agricultural riches of Australia and New Zealand, sever Australia from its U.S. alliance, and secure the CCPs economic-political-military projection to South America and into the Indian Ocean.

Such strategic gains would also serve to isolate the U.S. bases in Guam, threaten the important U.S. missile testing base in Kwajalein, threaten U.S. bases in Hawaii, and ultimately help secure Antarctica as a base to dominate low Earth orbitcrucial for winning wars globally.

Chinas cunning improvement of Japans strategy started with two decades of indirect political-economic assault on Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific to secure requisite economic and political leverage that would yield military bases to implement future isolation campaigns or even physical invasion.

Who is weaker on China is now an issue in Australias current election because elites on both sides of politics have allowed for a dangerous dependency on commerce with China, which the CCP has repeatedly exploited with political interventions and direct threats.

Chinese coercion led to the September 2021 decision to form Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) defense arrangement to help Australia acquire more powerful defense systems, including nuclear-powered submarines. China has reacted to AUKUS with fury and direct military intimidation of Australia.

In the same week, in late February, the PLA Navy (PLAN) sent a Type 071 landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship to Tonga and sailed another through Australias northern Torres Strait. And on May 3, a large PLAN electronic intelligence gathering ship sailed off Australias east coast for at least 10 days.

Now there is a greater urgency to prepare for the next Battle of the Coral Sea as China is on the cusp of establishing major bases in the Solomon Islands.

Following anti-China riots that threatened the pro-CCP government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in December 2021, Beijing deployed a slush fund to pay members of parliament $30,000 each to vote to keep Sogavare in power.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (R) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 9, 2019. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

By early 2022, it was revealed that Sogavare had been negotiating to allow China to build civilian deep ports and airports. And in April, his government signed a military cooperation agreement that reportedly will enable China to deploy troops to protect Chinese interests.

Should the PLA establish bases in the Solomons, similar to the PLA bases in the South China Sea, it will be able to accommodate aircraft carrier battle groups, long-range bombers, and intermediate-range nuclear missiles like the 2,485-mile range DF-26.

During an April 22 meeting, the Biden administrations National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific coordinator, Kurt Campbell, the highest NSC Asia-policy official, gave Sogavare a direct warning that a Chinese military base could lead to a U.S. invasion, with a formal public readout stating: If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation  the United States would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.

In 2022, this is a credible threat, as the United States could quickly mobilize four to five aircraft carrier battle groups and possibly 10 or so LPD and landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships, plus 10 nuclear attack submarines.

However, by 2030, the PLAN could potentially mobilize four or five aircraft carrier battle groups and up to 15 LPDs and LHDs, plus about 10 nuclear attack submarines, with the aircraft to deploy 1,056-mile range DF-21D and DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missiles.

If PLAN fleets broke through, this would be enough to deploy three mechanized brigades to conduct a punitive raid against Darwin or to occupy the North and South islands of New Zealand.

Due to woke politics, New Zealand has no combat air force, and due to its Soviet-manipulated 1980s anti-nuclear laws, it would be illegal for the United States to attack a PLA invasion force on New Zealand territory with submarine-launched tactical nuclear weaponsperhaps all it could mobilize in time.

But here is the crux: for the next Battle of the Coral Sea, both Australia and New Zealand will require long-range strike aircraft armed with long-range anti-ship missiles, as they ultimately will require tactical nuclear weapon-armed intermediate-range missiles to deter Chinese coercion or invasion to preserve their freedom.

Despite deep anti-nuclear sentiment with both, they need to consider this capability as the Biden administration is confused; it has recently canceled a new tactical nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N), which could allow concealed U.S. nuclear attack submarines to quickly provide a decisive deterrent.

As aircraft carriers proved their war-winning potential in the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea, the next one will be dominated by long-range missiles launched from land bases, ships, submarines, and aircraft supported by aerial and space surveillance and control systems.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Advocates on both sides of the political fight over reproductive rights have spoken out, either in protest or applause of a draft Supreme Court opinion leaked earlier this month that, if it stands, would overturn the court's landmark decision on Roe v. Wade.

While much of corporate America has remained quiet about the potential legal bombshell, some companies have taken a public stance and adopted new policies that expand employees' access to abortions.

Several corporations including Amazon and Starbucks have announced expanded health benefits to pay for travel fees incurred by workers seeking an abortion if the procedure is unavailable near where they live, as employees in states like Oklahoma and South Dakota face the prospect of stronger abortion restrictions.

MORE: Oklahoma Legislature passes bill that would ban nearly all abortions

"Like many of you, I'm deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade," Sara Kelly, Starbucks' acting executive vice president for employee resources, said Monday in a memo to employees.

"When actions impact your access to health care, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported," she added.

MORE: 5 myths about abortion debunked as Supreme Court decides future of Roe v. Wade

Meanwhile, rideshare companies Lyft and Uber have vowed to provide legal support for drivers if they face lawsuits for driving passengers to get an abortion.

Experts on corporate responsibility told ABC News that companies are often reluctant to take a position on such a polarizing issue.

PHOTO: Abortion rights activists participate in a Bans Off Our Bodies rally at the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor of management at Yale University who convenes meetings with top CEOs on social issues, told ABC News many of the corporations that introduced policy changes are in the tech sector, where employees tend to be young and liberal.

"Companies that take a stand on a highly divisive political issue like this one can get in trouble with some stakeholders," Sandra Waddock, a professor at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College who specializes in corporate responsibility, told ABC News. "But companies implementing these policies don't want their employees to be harmed, and it probably makes sense to make sure their employees are happy."

Story continues

MORE: Domestic violent extremists infiltrating abortion debate: DHS official

An analysis from the Guttmacher Institute in October found that 26 states are "certain or likely" to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill that would ban abortion at conception, making it the most restrictive abortion ban in the country if it becomes law.

In addition to Starbucks and Amazon, Yelp, Tesla, Citigroup, Apple and Salesforce in recent weeks expanded abortion coverage for employees to include costs for travel when necessary.

MORE: Why abortion restrictions disproportionately impact people of color

Mastercard on Wednesday joined them as the latest major company to say it would cover the travel costs of employees leaving their home state to seek an abortion, which Bloomberg first reported and the company confirmed to ABC News.

In a message to employees shared with ABC News, Mastercard warned of the prospect that the court will overturn previous rulings on access to reproductive health care. The company added: "We will continue to offer employees access to the same health care, including family planning and reproductive benefits, that is available today wherever they live."

PHOTO: Abortion rights and anti-abortion demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, May 3, 2022. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

The new company policies drew support from abortion rights advocates and criticism from those who are anti-abortion.

Nadia Khamis, director of corporate engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told ABC News that the organization is "really encouraged to see a large influx of companies publicizing how they're responding to the potential threat to Roe."

The need to ensure access to reproductive services for employees is not only a human rights imperative but a business one, Khamis said.

"If you're a company that cares about being competitive and wants to recruit diverse, smart, productive people," Khamis said, "they need equal access to health care, and abortion is essential."

MORE: Roe v. Wade leaked draft causes spike in donations to abortion funds

But the new policies drew sharp rebuke from David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion organization. O'Steen said the policies would help employees at the companies pursue abortions. Further, in contrast with Khamis, he said the moves would undermine the companies' business objectives.

"These companies are formed to produce a product and make a profit for investors," O'Steen told ABC News. "Not to fly people across the country to have abortions. It's a terrible business decision."

The corporate policy changes following the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion mark the latest effort by companies to respond when a major political development embroils the country.

Three years ago, more than 180 CEOs -- including those at Twitter and Warby Parker --- signed an open letter that opposed restrictive abortion laws at the state level.

In the days following the death of George Floyd, in May 2020, companies across corporate America put out statements in support of racial justice and made donations to advocacy organizations that fight racial inequality.

Last April, as state legislatures pursued restrictive voting laws, hundreds of companies and executives signed a letter opposing "any discriminatory legislation" that limits access to the ballot box.

Sonnenfeld, the professor of management at Yale University, told ABC News that a comparatively small number of companies have spoken out in response to the draft Supreme Court opinion on Roe because they're assessing whether employees, investors and other stakeholders want such a move.

"There has been a bigger stampede on other issues," Sonnenfeld said. "Quite a number of CEOs are waiting to make sure they're not getting out in front of their constituencies."

Amazon, Starbucks among corporations bolstering abortion coverage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health

Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health
Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health
Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health


This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., is among more than 20 members of Congress calling on WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to address the Spanish misinformation targeting Latinos on the group messaging platforms.

The spread of content that promotes mis/disinformation undermines public health efforts, and instills distrust in our democratic institutions must become a top priority, lawmakers wrote to social media executives this week including Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, which was previously Facebook.

The letters included seven questions  which they asked be answered with detailed information by June 13  about how much money, staffing and data resources are allocated toward mitigating the spread of Spanish misinformation and the policies in place for reviewing reported messages in the U.S. compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Potential solutions presented to executives include: making fact-checking information available across languages, improving Spanish-language staffing practices and creating other methods aimed at slowing down misinformation shared .

Meta, WhatsApps parent company, stated that they are taking steps to curb mis/disinformation. Yet, the company has repeatedly failed to produce data and evidence on the effectiveness of these actions, lawmakers wrote. This letter follows more than five previous letters sent by Member[s] of Congress to Meta requesting such information ... Unfortunately, Meta has failed to adequately and comprehensively address these important questions.

Misinformation has long thrived on social media and group messaging platforms, but extensive research compiled over the last few years has found that while false information will be flagged on English posts, similar efforts either lag or are nonexistent on the Spanish versions displaying the same claims  meaning its anti-misinformation policies arent applied equally.

In an investigation leading up to the 2020 election, Politico reported Spanish-speaking residents in South Florida had disinformation saturating their social media feeds, including conspiracy theories and misleading claims across WhatsApp and Facebook.

DocumentedNY, starting at the beginning of the pandemic, began tracking false information circulating through WhatsApp about the coronavirus. In December 2021, they analyzed the origins of scams shared on the platform and targeted toward Spanish-speaking immigrants.

In a survey of 947 Latino respondents, Voto Latino  a nonprofit focused on registering Latinos to vote  reported that more than 50% said they received COVID-19 misinformation from Facebook and 44% from messaging apps.

The percentage was higher among people whose primary language is Spanish.

Its estimated that more than half of Latino adults in the U.S. use WhatsApp at least monthly, largely due to its high use in Latin American countries and its free cost. More than half of Hispanic WhatsApp users turn to social media daily as their source of news, according to a 2020 Morning Consult report.

The misinformation often starts on Facebook before being moved into private WhatsApp groups, making it significantly harder for fact checkers to monitor.

Efforts to help the crisis include the recently launched Factchequeado, a team of five that is focusing efforts on targeting Spanish misinformation and collaborating with English and Spanish publications to reach broader audiences.

In late April, California became the first state to launch a chatbot in WhatsApp for reliable COVID information. Last June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WhatsApp partnered to share vaccine information and where to find a shot.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also met with executives from Twitter and TikTok last week to question the policies in place to guard Spanish users from misinformation.

California Rep. Raul Ruiz said in a statement that its critical and that the health of our communities and our democracy depends on it.
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
In Montana, an estimated 90,000 people face a substance use disorder, but only a fraction seek out treatment. With an increase in opioid overdose calls in recent years, behavioral health solutions have become critical.

Yellowstone County is the latest county in the state to commit to the Angel Initiative, a new program that allows a person struggling with addiction to go to law enforcement and be connected to treatment in the area without being arrested. Any drugs or paraphernalia in their possession must be turned in.

The program was rolled out in Cascade County in November 2021 with Lewis and Clark County following in February 2022. While a small number of people have utilized the program, so far they have been able to access treatment quickly.

At DPHHS theyre thinking outside the box to reduce the stigma associated with treatment and to guide individuals on the path to recovery, said Governor Greg Gianforte at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Friday.

There are certain disqualifiers for the program such as having an outstanding warrant or involvement in an active drug investigation. Registered sex offenders are also disqualified from the program.

But minor misdemeanors will not impact ones participating in the program, according to Yellowstone County Sherriff Mike Linder.

Someone interested in participating in the program can go to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where they will be directed to a private room and given a toll-free number, The Angel Line, to connect them to the nearest treatment provider.

In the past, waitlists to get into treatment programs have been long, sometimes leaving the individual to wait for months before getting help.

Weve been looking at some of the rules that the state has to potentially increase capacity, Gianforte said. Theres some regulatory friction that affects that.

Health Information Exchange

Behavioral health was also a priority in building the states health information exchange (HIE) system, said Jeanette Polaschek, clinical consultant with Big Sky Care Connect (BSCC).

BSCC is the state-designated HIE platform that allows health care providers to share patient information.

Being able to access a patients medical history from anywhere in the state allows doctors and nurses to provide better care for patients.

But under Montana law, individuals have to consent to sharing behavioral health information, making it difficult to build into the system.

The great thing about Montana is that from the very beginning theyve been able to pull in the behavioral health. A lot of different states that are doing the same sort of thing kind of put off behavioral health because theres so much regulation around confidentiality, Polaschek said.

At a Friday roundtable at Billings Clinic, Gianforte joined medical leaders in the community to announce a $20 million investment in the HIE. The money will be used to continue the design, development and implementation of the program that will continue through 2023.

An image exchange program is under development as well as a statewide antibiotic resistance information exchange.

The funding will also help to reach additional primary care clinics throughout the state.

State leaders have attempted to develop a HIE system over the last 15 years, but havent been able to cross the finish line until now, said Dr. Justen Rudolph with Intermountain Healthcare.

More than 200 hospital systems are now contributing to the data repository, including Montana Medicaid, but more participants are needed.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), left, is underway with the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). The American Expeditionary Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh/Released)

Winning the Next Battle of the Coral Sea

Commentary

While early May saw the 80th anniversary of the hard-fought strategic victory by the allies over Japan in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the next Battle of the Coral Sea is now shaping up versus China, requiring difficult decisions by the current allies.

Called its touchstone, the modern Australia-United States alliance emerged from the shared sacrifices that began most prominently with the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942). This area encompasses the northeastern shores of Australia, western Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Solomon Islands chain.

Japans principal goal was to isolate Australia and New Zealand, first by taking over the surrounding islands of the South Pacific and then to possibly invade Australia, secure Japans conquest and resource exploitation of Southeast Asia, and prevent the United States from mounting a counteroffensive from the South Pacific.

By the end of December 1941, Japans navy was advocating for an invasion of northern Australia, but the army did not have the resources. On Feb. 19, 1942, four Japanese navy aircraft carriers, plus Indonesian-based Japanese bomber groups, would launch 242 aircraft to bomb the important Australian port city of Darwin, beginning a campaign that would see Japan bomb Australia about 100 times through late 1943.

Japans navy then devised a more realistic strategy that included invading the Solomon Islands, creating a base on Tulagi, and then invading and capturing Port Moresby in PNG, allowing Japanese bombers to carry heavier bombs payloads against Australian targets.

Exploiting the breaking of Japans communications codes, the United States deduced Japans plans, sent two carrier groups to the region, mounted a surprise bomber strike from Australia against Tulagi on May 3, followed on May 7 and 8 with the worlds first long-distance clash of aircraft carriers: Japans Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Shoho against the U.S. Navys Yorktown and Lexington.

U.S. Navy losses, the large carrier Lexington, serious damage to the Yorktown, and the loss of a tanker and destroyer, appeared to exceed Japans loss of the light carrier Shoho, while Shokaku and Zuikaku suffered damage.

Smoke pours from the USS Lexington aircraft carrier from Japanese torpedo hits during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II, 1942. (Pictorial Parade/Getty Images)

But the battle was a strategic victory for the allies in that Japan withdrew its Port Moresby invasion fleet, preventing a future Japanese invasion of Australia. At the same time, Japans losses contributed to its larger defeat in the Battle of Midway (June 47, 1942).

An honest evaluation of Japans brilliant 1941 to 1942 campaign that conquered Southeast Asia and almost conquered the South Pacific has only been politically possible by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) since the early 2000s.

This also coincides with the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) beginning to implement political and military plans for obtaining global political-military hegemony, which requires the CCP to subordinate the democracies of Australia and New Zealand, and to build air-naval-nuclear missile bases in the South Pacific.

The CCP wants to secure the mineral and agricultural riches of Australia and New Zealand, sever Australia from its U.S. alliance, and secure the CCPs economic-political-military projection to South America and into the Indian Ocean.

Such strategic gains would also serve to isolate the U.S. bases in Guam, threaten the important U.S. missile testing base in Kwajalein, threaten U.S. bases in Hawaii, and ultimately help secure Antarctica as a base to dominate low Earth orbitcrucial for winning wars globally.

Chinas cunning improvement of Japans strategy started with two decades of indirect political-economic assault on Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific to secure requisite economic and political leverage that would yield military bases to implement future isolation campaigns or even physical invasion.

Who is weaker on China is now an issue in Australias current election because elites on both sides of politics have allowed for a dangerous dependency on commerce with China, which the CCP has repeatedly exploited with political interventions and direct threats.

Chinese coercion led to the September 2021 decision to form Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) defense arrangement to help Australia acquire more powerful defense systems, including nuclear-powered submarines. China has reacted to AUKUS with fury and direct military intimidation of Australia.

In the same week, in late February, the PLA Navy (PLAN) sent a Type 071 landing platform dock (LPD) amphibious assault ship to Tonga and sailed another through Australias northern Torres Strait. And on May 3, a large PLAN electronic intelligence gathering ship sailed off Australias east coast for at least 10 days.

Now there is a greater urgency to prepare for the next Battle of the Coral Sea as China is on the cusp of establishing major bases in the Solomon Islands.

Following anti-China riots that threatened the pro-CCP government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in December 2021, Beijing deployed a slush fund to pay members of parliament $30,000 each to vote to keep Sogavare in power.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (R) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspect honor guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 9, 2019. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

By early 2022, it was revealed that Sogavare had been negotiating to allow China to build civilian deep ports and airports. And in April, his government signed a military cooperation agreement that reportedly will enable China to deploy troops to protect Chinese interests.

Should the PLA establish bases in the Solomons, similar to the PLA bases in the South China Sea, it will be able to accommodate aircraft carrier battle groups, long-range bombers, and intermediate-range nuclear missiles like the 2,485-mile range DF-26.

During an April 22 meeting, the Biden administrations National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific coordinator, Kurt Campbell, the highest NSC Asia-policy official, gave Sogavare a direct warning that a Chinese military base could lead to a U.S. invasion, with a formal public readout stating: If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation  the United States would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.

In 2022, this is a credible threat, as the United States could quickly mobilize four to five aircraft carrier battle groups and possibly 10 or so LPD and landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships, plus 10 nuclear attack submarines.

However, by 2030, the PLAN could potentially mobilize four or five aircraft carrier battle groups and up to 15 LPDs and LHDs, plus about 10 nuclear attack submarines, with the aircraft to deploy 1,056-mile range DF-21D and DF-26 anti-ship ballistic missiles.

If PLAN fleets broke through, this would be enough to deploy three mechanized brigades to conduct a punitive raid against Darwin or to occupy the North and South islands of New Zealand.

Due to woke politics, New Zealand has no combat air force, and due to its Soviet-manipulated 1980s anti-nuclear laws, it would be illegal for the United States to attack a PLA invasion force on New Zealand territory with submarine-launched tactical nuclear weaponsperhaps all it could mobilize in time.

But here is the crux: for the next Battle of the Coral Sea, both Australia and New Zealand will require long-range strike aircraft armed with long-range anti-ship missiles, as they ultimately will require tactical nuclear weapon-armed intermediate-range missiles to deter Chinese coercion or invasion to preserve their freedom.

Despite deep anti-nuclear sentiment with both, they need to consider this capability as the Biden administration is confused; it has recently canceled a new tactical nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N), which could allow concealed U.S. nuclear attack submarines to quickly provide a decisive deterrent.

As aircraft carriers proved their war-winning potential in the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea, the next one will be dominated by long-range missiles launched from land bases, ships, submarines, and aircraft supported by aerial and space surveillance and control systems.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
An outspoken member of Irans parliament has criticized President Hassan Rouhani for not applying his constitutional powers to advance the policies of his elected office.

Ali Motahari, Tehran's representative to Majlis (parliament) says, "President Hassan Rouhani has been reluctant to apply some of his constitutional powers, while [his predecessor, hardline] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had more audacity in using his lawful authority."

As Irans social and economic problems have worsened, hardliners around Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become more emboldened, exerting pressure and influence in matters that should be the purview of the president.

Speaking to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)-run Fars news agency on Friday, August 9, Ali Motahari, who was deputy speaker of parliament until recently also asserted that using the constitutional powers vested in the President depends on the personality of whoever holds the office.

"Some presidents, including Rouhani, have reservations in implementing a number of their lawful powers, while others, like Ahmadinejad, might even go further than the authority entrusted to them," the deputy speaker of the parliament maintained.

Lambasting Rouhani for his reservations, Motahari has noted that Rouhani allows irresponsible individuals and entities to interfere (in the state and governmental affairs).

In recent days, a similar criticism was heard from former president Mohammad Khatami, who criticized Rouhani for not using his constitutional right to send warning notes to other branches of government for major legal violations.

According to Motahari, Rouhani allows unrelated individuals and entities to have a say in his choice of ministers and he concedes economic decision-making powers to others.

As chairman of the Supreme National Security Council Rouhani has repeatedly caved to various pressures, Motahari maintained.

Rouhani has rarely resisted outside interference into executive affairs, Motahari insisted, adding that he could have resisted, explicitly reminding meddlers to stay away from governmental issues.

Motahari's remarks point to Article 113 of the country's Constitution that stipulates, "After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the executive, except in matters directly concerning (the office of) the Leadership."

As Khamenei consolidated his power in 1990s, the office of the president gradually lost its authority, to the extent that ex-president Mohammad Khatami lamented in 1998 that the President in Iran serves as the butler of the Supreme Leader.

However, Khatami tried later to take back his controversial comment but admitted that if he had sought for more presidential powers, the Guardian Council would have rejected it.

The Guardian Council (GC) with its twelve members either directly or indirectly appointed by the Supreme Leader, is a powerful constitutional review body in charge of approving all legislation passed by the Majles. In addition, the council supervises elections, and approves all candidates standing for election, even for the presidency.

Moreover, the GC is the only body in the country authorized to "interpret" the Constitution.

Referring to Article 113 of the Islamic Republic's Constitution, Motahari has regretfully noted, "Even in cases where the President has the power to caution the heads of the judiciary, and parliament, Rouhani has preferred to stay silent. Whereas he is expected to raise the alarms whenever he spots a violation of the Constitution."

This has led to the formation of the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination attended by the heads of executive, judiciary, and legislative branches.

Several conservative news outlets have insisted that the establishment of the council reflects the inefficiency of President Rouhani's Administration.

Nonetheless, Motahari believes that the council violates the Islamic Republic's Constitution, and Rouhani should have resisted it.
An outspoken member of Irans parliament has criticized President Hassan Rouhani for not applying his constitutional powers to advance the policies of his elected office.

Ali Motahari, Tehran's representative to Majlis (parliament) says, "President Hassan Rouhani has been reluctant to apply some of his constitutional powers, while [his predecessor, hardline] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had more audacity in using his lawful authority."

As Irans social and economic problems have worsened, hardliners around Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have become more emboldened, exerting pressure and influence in matters that should be the purview of the president.

Speaking to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)-run Fars news agency on Friday, August 9, Ali Motahari, who was deputy speaker of parliament until recently also asserted that using the constitutional powers vested in the President depends on the personality of whoever holds the office.

"Some presidents, including Rouhani, have reservations in implementing a number of their lawful powers, while others, like Ahmadinejad, might even go further than the authority entrusted to them," the deputy speaker of the parliament maintained.

Lambasting Rouhani for his reservations, Motahari has noted that Rouhani allows irresponsible individuals and entities to interfere (in the state and governmental affairs).

In recent days, a similar criticism was heard from former president Mohammad Khatami, who criticized Rouhani for not using his constitutional right to send warning notes to other branches of government for major legal violations.

According to Motahari, Rouhani allows unrelated individuals and entities to have a say in his choice of ministers and he concedes economic decision-making powers to others.

As chairman of the Supreme National Security Council Rouhani has repeatedly caved to various pressures, Motahari maintained.

Rouhani has rarely resisted outside interference into executive affairs, Motahari insisted, adding that he could have resisted, explicitly reminding meddlers to stay away from governmental issues.

Motahari's remarks point to Article 113 of the country's Constitution that stipulates, "After the office of Leadership, the President is the highest official in the country. His is the responsibility for implementing the Constitution and acting as the head of the executive, except in matters directly concerning (the office of) the Leadership."

As Khamenei consolidated his power in 1990s, the office of the president gradually lost its authority, to the extent that ex-president Mohammad Khatami lamented in 1998 that the President in Iran serves as the butler of the Supreme Leader.

However, Khatami tried later to take back his controversial comment but admitted that if he had sought for more presidential powers, the Guardian Council would have rejected it.

The Guardian Council (GC) with its twelve members either directly or indirectly appointed by the Supreme Leader, is a powerful constitutional review body in charge of approving all legislation passed by the Majles. In addition, the council supervises elections, and approves all candidates standing for election, even for the presidency.

Moreover, the GC is the only body in the country authorized to "interpret" the Constitution.

Referring to Article 113 of the Islamic Republic's Constitution, Motahari has regretfully noted, "Even in cases where the President has the power to caution the heads of the judiciary, and parliament, Rouhani has preferred to stay silent. Whereas he is expected to raise the alarms whenever he spots a violation of the Constitution."

This has led to the formation of the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination attended by the heads of executive, judiciary, and legislative branches.

Several conservative news outlets have insisted that the establishment of the council reflects the inefficiency of President Rouhani's Administration.

Nonetheless, Motahari believes that the council violates the Islamic Republic's Constitution, and Rouhani should have resisted it.
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol arrive at the National Museum of Korea for the state dinner, on May 21, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea. U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea for his first summit with his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol, and the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear program and supply chain risks. (Photo by Lee Jin-Man - Pool/Getty Images)

US, South Korea to Consider Expanding Military Drills to Deter North Koreas Nuclear Threat

The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate talks on expanding joint military drills on the Korean Peninsula in response to North Koreas growing nuclear threat.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk-yeol, held their first meeting in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, during which they discussed measures to deter North Koreas evolving nuclear threat.

In a joint statement, the two leaders said theyll reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group at the earliest date and reinforce the combined defense posture.

Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula, the statement reads.

Biden also reaffirmed the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to South Korea using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities.

The two leaders condemned North Koreas resumption of nuclear tests as a grave threat to the world while remaining open to dialogue with Pyongyang. They also expressed a willingness to assist North Korea in combating the COVID-19 outbreak.

Biden and Yoon agreed to expand cooperation in securing energy supply chains, including fossil fuels and enriched uranium, following the global energy market volatility resulting from Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for the strengthening of the South KoreaU.S. alliance near the U.S. embassy in Seoul, South Korea, on May 20, 2022, ahead of U.S. President Joe Bidens visit to South Korea. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)

Yoon has promised a tougher stance on North Korea and a stronger U.S. security commitment, saying that preemptive strikes may be necessary if Pyongyang shows signs of an imminent attack.

During his inauguration on May 10, Yoon said he would provide North Korea with what he called an audacious plan to strengthen the economy of Pyongyang in exchange for complete denuclearization.

If North Korea genuinely embarks on a process to complete denuclearization, we are prepared to work with the international community to present an audacious plan that will vastly strengthen North Koreas economy and improve the quality of life for its people, he said.

North Korea has upped its weapons testing, the most recent being on May 12 when it fired three short-range ballistic missiles into the sea. Washington anticipated that Pyongyang could conduct its seventh nuclear test during Bidens visit to Asia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed last month to continue to take measures for further developing the nuclear forces of our state at the fastest possible speed.

The nuclear forces of our Republic should be fully prepared to fulfill their responsible mission and put their unique deterrent in motion at any time, Kim said.

The United States has been urging a return to a dialogue with North Korea, which Pyongyang has ignored because of what it says are the United States and its allies hostile policies.
U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol arrive at the National Museum of Korea for the state dinner, on May 21, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea. U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea for his first summit with his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol, and the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear program and supply chain risks. (Photo by Lee Jin-Man - Pool/Getty Images)

US, South Korea to Consider Expanding Military Drills to Deter North Koreas Nuclear Threat

The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate talks on expanding joint military drills on the Korean Peninsula in response to North Koreas growing nuclear threat.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk-yeol, held their first meeting in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, during which they discussed measures to deter North Koreas evolving nuclear threat.

In a joint statement, the two leaders said theyll reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group at the earliest date and reinforce the combined defense posture.

Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula, the statement reads.

Biden also reaffirmed the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to South Korea using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities.

The two leaders condemned North Koreas resumption of nuclear tests as a grave threat to the world while remaining open to dialogue with Pyongyang. They also expressed a willingness to assist North Korea in combating the COVID-19 outbreak.

Biden and Yoon agreed to expand cooperation in securing energy supply chains, including fossil fuels and enriched uranium, following the global energy market volatility resulting from Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for the strengthening of the South KoreaU.S. alliance near the U.S. embassy in Seoul, South Korea, on May 20, 2022, ahead of U.S. President Joe Bidens visit to South Korea. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)

Yoon has promised a tougher stance on North Korea and a stronger U.S. security commitment, saying that preemptive strikes may be necessary if Pyongyang shows signs of an imminent attack.

During his inauguration on May 10, Yoon said he would provide North Korea with what he called an audacious plan to strengthen the economy of Pyongyang in exchange for complete denuclearization.

If North Korea genuinely embarks on a process to complete denuclearization, we are prepared to work with the international community to present an audacious plan that will vastly strengthen North Koreas economy and improve the quality of life for its people, he said.

North Korea has upped its weapons testing, the most recent being on May 12 when it fired three short-range ballistic missiles into the sea. Washington anticipated that Pyongyang could conduct its seventh nuclear test during Bidens visit to Asia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed last month to continue to take measures for further developing the nuclear forces of our state at the fastest possible speed.

The nuclear forces of our Republic should be fully prepared to fulfill their responsible mission and put their unique deterrent in motion at any time, Kim said.

The United States has been urging a return to a dialogue with North Korea, which Pyongyang has ignored because of what it says are the United States and its allies hostile policies.
Voters turn out on mass for the hotly contested Wentworth seat

Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later.

Dismiss
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap


This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
UK Wants Moldova Armed Against Russian Threat: Foreign Secretary

The UK and its allies are discussing arming Moldova against Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Friday.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said the Eastern European country needs to be equipped to NATO standards, according to the report.

Speaking of a joint commission on upgrading Ukrainian defences to NATO standards, the foreign secretary said it also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova.

Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to NATO standards, she said, adding that its being discussed with the UKs allies.

Asked if the proposal is a response to a security threat posed by Russia, Truss replied, Absolutely.

I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions, she said.

The Telegraph said an aide of Truss later explained that NATO standards would involve NATO member states providing modern equipment to Moldova to replace their Soviet-era gear and training on how to use the new equipment.

Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is situated near the Black Sea and some Russian-controlled southern regions of Ukraine. Last week, Moldovas Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu told Reuters there were internal elements in Moldovas pro-Russian separatist region trying to destabilise the area and stoke tensions, as his country presses ahead with efforts to join the European Union.

Truss also said in the wide-ranging interview that the UK shouldnt be strategically dependent on China.

I want to see us have more eggs in different baskets, the former international trade minister said when questioned if the UK should pivot away from Chinese electrical consumer goods.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the NATO alliance, Downing Street said, after Erdogan said he opposed their accessionaccusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish, and NATO counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, Downing Street said.

The spokesperson added: The prime minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.



Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices.

Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models.

Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers.

Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments.

Some of the Top Food Premix suppliers listed in this report:

This Food Premix procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies.

Koninklijke DSM NV

Glanbia Plc

Corbion NV

Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments:

www.spendedge.com/report/food-premix-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report

Top Selling Report:

1. Asset Recovery Services - Forecast and Analysis: The asset recovery services will grow at a CAGR of 9.49% during 2021-2025. Asia Asset Recovery Pte Ltd., TES-Amm Singapore Pte Ltd., and Iron Mountain Inc. are among the prominent suppliers in asset recovery services market. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report.

2. Vulnerability Management Sourcing and Procurement Report: Vulnerability Management Procurement Market, prices will increase by 4%-6% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a Moderate bargaining power in this market. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report.

3. Outplacement Services - Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: This report offers key advisory and intelligence to help buyers identify and shortlist the most suitable suppliers for their Outplacement Services requirements. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report.

To access the definite purchasing guide on the Food Premix that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis:

Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Food Premix TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable?

How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes?

Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities?

Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 1,200+ market research reports.

SpendEdge's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contacts:

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us

SOURCE SpendEdge
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2022) - TrustBIX Inc.(TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company")is pleased to announce that the Company held its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") via webcast on May 20, 2022. All matters to be acted upon, as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Management Information Circular dated April 14, 2022, were approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

The Company's shareholders voted to:

Fix the number of directors at five;

Elect Hubert Lau, Edward (Ted) Power, David Schuster, Lap Shing (Andrew) Kao, and Emma Todd as directors;

Appoint Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration;

Approve the amendment of the Company's bylaws to include the Advance Notice provisions as described in the Management Information Circular; and

Re-approve the Company's fixed stock option plan, whereby a maximum of 15,849,966 option shares, being 20% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, will be reserved for issuance as described in the Management Information Circular.

The directors and management of TrustBIX thank all shareholders for their participation in the Meeting and for their continuing support.

Mr. Tony Barlott, Mr. William Shea Jameson, and Mr. Gerben (Jerry) Bouma did not stand for re-election for the ensuing year.

"We all thank Tony, Shea and Jerry for their tireless work and tremendous contributions over their tenure as directors. They were key to our success in getting to this stage in our development and growth. We look forward to their continued support as they form the Company's new advisory board," said Hubert Lau, TrustBIX CEO.

Subsequent to the Annual General and Special Meeting, 6,625,000 stock options have been granted to directors, officers, employees and contractors of the Company as part of their compensation plans. All options granted have a strike price of $0.10, vest 50% on each of the grant and anniversary dates and will expire in five years if not exercised.

About TrustBIX (TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF)

As an innovative leader, TrustBIX provides agri-food traceability and chain of custody value solutions. The Company's goal is to create a world where we trust more, waste less and reward sustainable behaviour by addressing consumer and agri-food business demands. The proprietary platform, BIX (Business InfoXchange system), is designed to create trust without compromising privacy through innovative, blockchain-derived use of technology and data. By leveraging BIX and its unique use of incentive solutions, TrustBIX delivers independent validation of food provenance and sustainable production practices within the supply chain - Gate to Plate.

ViewTrak Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides a suite of hardware and software solutions to the livestock industry in Canada, United States, Mexico and China, such as Auction Master Pro, Market Master, Feedlot Solutions and pork grading probes.

The Company's Insight technology offers an edge-to-enterprise supply chain solution that brings asset situational awareness to dealers, equipment fleets, and civil construction managers. The platform allows for the tracking, protection, and identification of movement of assets using self-powered and self-reporting cellular tags and cloud-based suite of tools.

For more information, visit www.trustbix.com, or follow TrustBIX on Twitter @TrustBIX_Inc, LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/bixsco-inc- and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BIXSco/.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and reflects the Company's present assumptions regarding future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance, and/or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "propose", "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions used by any of the Company's management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's internal projections, expectations, future growth, performance and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to the Company. Since they relate to the Company's current views with respect to future events, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except as required by applicable securities legislation, regulations or policies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Hubert Lau

President and CEO

Telephone: (780) 456-2207

Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/124833
RACINE  There was an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side. The condition of the officer and the person shot were not disclosed as of press time Friday.

Officers were seen performing CPR on an individual in a grass-covered lot, as shown in multiple live videos reviewed by The Journal Times that were posted to Facebook just after 1 p.m. Friday. In one of the videos, the individual was soon after placed on a stretcher and a Racine Fire Department ambulance took the individual away.

A press conference was held Friday evening after The Journal Times went to press.

A man in the neighborhood told a reporter he heard four gunshots at around 1 p.m.

Just another shooting, man. Its sad, another man said.

Video shows the lot where officers were performing CPR is next to a Wisconsin Plating Works building, located along Carrol Street.

Within hours, a canopy and evidence markers were placed in the grassy area where CPR was being performed.

Carrol Street is a dead-end that extends west from Center Street directly across from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, south of 11th Street and north of 12th Street. The southern boundary of the scene, as marked by police tape, was 12th Street; the western boundary was made up by Irving Place and Hilker Place; the eastern boundary was Center Street.

There were more than a dozen law enforcement vehicles in the area, including from the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Racine County Sheriffs Office in addition to the Racine Police Department. One of the RPDs major crimes vehicles was on scene.

The City of Racine has been experiencing a violent 2022, with six homicides as of May 15, double the number of homicides there had been between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 15, 2021. Shots fired reports in 2022 have also been 49% higher than they were in 2021, the RPD reported earlier this week.

More information will be added to this story as it becomes available and can be confirmed.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 6 Angry 5

This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap








The Defense Ministry on Wednesday delivered building materials and a new power generator to the U.S. base where a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery is stationed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The single access road to the former golf course has effectively been blocked by protesters since the THAAD battery was stationed there in April 2017, and soldiers still live in primitive conditions in the former club house and shipping containers, while basic supplies have to be airlifted in.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called their circumstance "unacceptable" when he met with Defense Minister Suh Wook in March.



It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


SRS and Politics Reporter

I cover the Savannah River Site and politics. I previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. I am graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston (W.Va.).
It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It all happened within 15 minutes.

At the tail end of his 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift last Saturday at Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Michael Manka Jr. received word that a shooting victim was on the way to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Multiple victims, Manka heard moments later.

As Manka, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department made their way to the trauma resuscitation area to get ready, more information flowed in: This was an active shooter situation with mass casualties. Horrified, but prepared to help, he and his team of providers still weren't sure how many victims would be arriving.

Until the first ambulance pulled in.

'This is an assault on all of us,' Sharpton says as families share grief and outrage "This is an assault on all of us," Sharpton said. "They did not shoot these victims because of who they were. They shot them because of what they were. They were guilty of being Black, which meant that gun was shot at all of us. That's why all of us needs to be here."

One of the paramedics who brought in Zaire Goodman, 20, a Tops employee who was wounded in the shooting, shared the grim news with Manka.

"She was able to tell me that the majority of the victims were deceased at the scene and wouldn't be coming to the hospital," said Manka, ECMC's chief of emergency medicine. "That was hard information, obviously, to hear. Just hearing that there were multiple victims who had died at the scene was kind of shocking for us."

It got more shocking as more details emerged and national attention focused on the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, where police say a white supremacist from the Southern Tier shot and killed 10 people  all Black.

After his conversation with the paramedic, Manka said the two other wounded victims arrived in quick succession. All three, he said, were in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.

Goodman, the first to arrive, had a gunshot wound to his upper back and neck  "literally millimeters away from him having a fatal injury," Manka said. Typically, with that kind of gunshot wound to that area of the body, Manka said patients will frequently have significant injuries, whether it's to the spinal cord or a major blood vessel in the neck or to their airway.

Tops employee survives bullet through neck from mass shooter Zaire Goodman, 20, survived a bullet through his neck and back Saturday afternoon while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot of the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

"There's a lot of critical structures pretty tight in that area and the neck," he said. "And especially to have a gunshot wound with a high-velocity rifle like this through that area ... It's hard for me to say he's lucky  he's very unlucky that this happened to him  but he's fortunate that he didn't have more severe injuries."

Goodman was discharged from the hospital that night.

So, too, was Jennifer L. Warrington, 50, a pharmacist at the supermarket. Warrington, Manka said, had a wound to her scalp, possibly from shrapnel that had hit her in the head.

"That's something where it could have very easily been something that actually penetrated her skull and maybe caused a brain injury, but, fortunately, did not," he said.

Christopher Braden, 55, remains at ECMC, but he's stable. Braden was shot in the leg, sustaining an open fracture to his tibia and fibula that required surgery.

"Unfortunately, he's going to have probably some persistent disability related to that injury," Manka said.

Dozens of health care providers have been involved in the care of the three survivors, he said. That includes physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff, among others.

Manka said ECMC has a protocol to handle mass casualty situations. If victims were arriving over a period of hours or days, Manka said that would have involved setting up an external triage area to receive patients who aren't seriously injured to save space in the hospital's trauma rooms for those who are critically injured.

Last Saturday, however, all three gunshot victims arrived within 15 minutes with non-life-threatening injuries. That made the Emergency Department busy, Manka said, but hospital staff was able to manage the situation without having to call in additional resources. It was the type of response that the region's only Level 1 adult trauma center is accustomed to providing.

Complete coverage: 10 killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket Ten people were gunned down at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 in a horrifying mass shooting that officials were quick to label as "pure evil" an

But Manka wishes ECMC would have had the opportunity to save more of the victims.

"When we heard there were multiple people who were shot, I think all of us, because of what we do every day, we wanted to have the opportunity to help those people," he said. "And I don't want to make it sound like we were hoping for more victims to come to us, but we certainly were hoping that all of the people who were shot were going to be able to come to our hospital to receive care.

"And it was somewhat deflating to us, and to everybody, really, when we heard that there were so many people who had been pronounced deceased at the scene because of how horrific that is, number one, but secondly, that we didn't even have a chance to really help those people."

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SRS and Politics Reporter

I cover the Savannah River Site and politics. I previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. I am graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston (W.Va.).

SRS and Politics Reporter

I cover the Savannah River Site and politics. I previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. I am graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston (W.Va.).



Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health


(Newser)  "The town is devastated." That was the assessment Friday of Jordan Awrey, a member of the City Council in Gaylord, after a tornado swept through the Michigan town on Friday, killing one and wreaking havoc on buildings, cars, and other structures. Michigan State Police say 44 people were hurt, with a Munson Healthcare spokesperson noting the injured were taken to various area hospitals, reports CNN. Lt. Jim Gorno of the state's Department of Natural Resources said the "catastrophic" twister tore through the town shortly after 3:45pm, slamming the hectic downtown area.

"We aren't used to it up here," he told the news outlet, which notes that Michigan usually averages only 15 tornadoes annually. Trees and power lines were downed, homes and office buildings were damaged, and even the roof of the local Hobby Lobby was ripped off, per the Petoskey News-Review. Weather.com has video of both the tornado itself and the aftermath. "To be standing outside my house, to see it in person was just unbelievable," a Gaylord resident who says he was about a quarter of a mile away from the tornado tells CNN. "I was in shock and in awe, I was thinking, 'Holy cow, it's right in front of my face.'"

Power outages were widespread, with more than a third of Otsego County's utility customers still without electricity as of Saturday morning. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Otsego County after the weather event, a move that opens up all state resources and rescue and recovery efforts in affected areas. "My heart goes out to the families and small businesses impacted by the tornado and severe weather," Whitmer tweeted Friday evening. "To the entire Gaylord communityMichigan is with you. We will do what it takes to rebuild." (Read more tornado stories.)
Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health
Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health
The Defense Ministry on Wednesday delivered building materials and a new power generator to the U.S. base where a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery is stationed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The single access road to the former golf course has effectively been blocked by protesters since the THAAD battery was stationed there in April 2017, and soldiers still live in primitive conditions in the former club house and shipping containers, while basic supplies have to be airlifted in.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called their circumstance "unacceptable" when he met with Defense Minister Suh Wook in March.
Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.
Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.
Florida lawmakers poised to act against soaring property-insurance rates may address allegations of insurance fraud and may manage to lure jittery reinsurance companies back into Floridas crippled marketplace.

But one thing they cant do is change the weather.

Insurers believe that due to climate change, this is the new normal. Theyre finding that catastrophic and non-catastrophic weather events are increasing in severity every year, said Paul Handerhan, president of the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, a national nonprofit advocacy organization based in Fort Lauderdale.

The consequences of climate change not only include catastrophic  and increasingly expensive  weather such as hurricanes and wildfires, but also more everyday events such as storms that pelt residential and commercial properties with straight-line wind and hail.

Add in fast population growth in Florida, high demand for high-risk areas such as coastal communities, higher prices for construction and labor, and alleged abuse by contractors who lure policyholders to file inflated damage claims, and you have what one prominent insurance executive calls total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace.

The actuarially sound way to respond to the new normal is to raise rates, reduce coverage, or throw in the towel, as eight property insurance companies in Florida have done since 2018. Just this week, three others asked state insurance regulators to approve hefty rate increases  as high as 49 percent on policyholders not among the tens of thousands who recently lost coverage altogether due to non-renewals.

Over time, Handerhan said, property insurance coverage will become so expensive that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford to live in paradise.

The imminent problem

Job 1 for lawmakers convening in special session which starts Monday, May 23, said Handerhan, is to secure as much reinsurance coverage as possible for Floridas remaining insurance companies by June 1, the start of the official hurricane season, 13 days away.

Reinsurers with access to vast capital ensure primary insurance companies to cover payouts for catastrophic events that exceed the primary companies available funds. Without reinsurance, primary insurers cannot afford to offer coverage in risky areas  which applies to most of Florida.

The most pressing, imminent problem is addressing the reinsurance issue, Handerhan, a 20-year property and casualty executive, said in an interview Thursday.

That has to be a part of the agenda and that has to be meaningful. They have to provide some comprehensive reforms to provide an ample supply of reinsurance capacity, so these insurers are able to complete their programs and have the reinsurance capacity they need to get them through this hurricane season.

Handerhan said that means lawmakers must tap billions of dollars in Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The so-called Cat Fund provides reinsurance coverage but likes to be stingy with it to keep a strong surplus on hand in case Florida suffers another Hurricane Andrew (1992) or season of back-to-back hurricanes like the series that clobbered Florida four times in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne).

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states insurer of last resort, has more than doubled its volume of policyholders in less than two years to absorb customers left stranded when their insurers non-renewed their policies or went out of business.

This week, its board of governors authorized spending $400 million to buy $4.25 billion in reinsurance coverage. Thats nearly double what it needed last year.

This market is completely,100 percent out of control, said Barry Gilway, president, CEO, and executive director of Citizens, during the board of governors meeting. It all has to do with the total collapse of the overall Florida marketplace, and that collapse continues.

Gilway said the massive growth in the states last-resort insurer, caused by the massive drop-off of private coverage, has seriously spooked reinvestors. It would be an amazing event if Citizens is able to land even a substantial portion of the $4.25 billion in reinsurance capacity it seeks, he said.

Were struggling, frankly, to get reinsurers interested, knowing that level of growth, not knowing when its going to stop, and how far its going to go, Gilway said. Were struggling to find reinsurers that are willing to provide that level of capacity.

Gilway said the insurance industry is watching closely to see whether anything relevant will come out of next weeks special session.

That will be a determinant, I think, in terms of whether reinsurers in any way, shape, or form reverse their position and release capacity into the marketplace.

Its going to get more expensive. People of means can do it. It could become cost-prohibitive for others. Thats Florida.

Portions of this story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. You can visit them by clicking here.



Oklahoma children were already dealing with rising rates of mental health challenges before the pandemic hit, upending education and daily life.

Now, even more children are struggling, and schools are seeing a rise in students dealing with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health struggles.

Some of the top national pediatric health organizations declared childrens mental health a national emergency in 2021, calling for policymakers to take swift and deliberate action to address the crisis.

And new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illuminate the struggles children are up against: in 2021, more than a third of high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-four percent said they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year, nearly 20% had seriously considered suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Teens who reported feeling close to people at school also reported lower rates of poor mental health, feelings of persistent sadness, as well as suicide attempts and ideations, compared to students who didnt feel connected at school.

Schools have long seen themselves as being on the front lines of supporting students mental health. Since the pandemic, that role has become even more apparent, and schools across Oklahoma have been working to shore up resources for students.

Rise in ER visits

In Oklahoma and across the country, emergency departments have recorded a significant rise in pediatric mental health emergencies. At Integris Health, there was a 117% increase in inpatient pediatric admissions stemming from suicide-related ER visits in 2021.

Since then, weve seen more of an increase, at least for the kids that are showing up in emergency departments, said Allie Friesen, director of behavioral health clinical programs for Integris Health.

Over the years, significantly more young people ages 13 through 18 have come to Integris Health ERs across the state expressing suicidal ideation.

Story continues

The increase has been so significant that in charts showing the number of visits from 2018 through early 2022, the average line has had to shift up three times, Friesen said.

Those visits, Friesen said, are the tip of the iceberg  they represent only the most severe cases of children facing mental health struggles.

Mental health challenges in schools

School counselors were already seeing increases in students dealing with depression and anxiety before the pandemic, said Missy Smith, who works at Norman Public Schools and is the president of the Oklahoma School Counselor Association.

I definitely think that the pandemic has amplified those things and accelerated the progression of those things that we were already seeing, she said. But especially in Oklahoma, mental health and wellness was already an issue.

At Edmond Public Schools, counselors have noticed more students dealing with anxiety and suicidal ideation, said Erica Harris, student support and school counseling facilitator.

I would hope that some of that is due to they know where to go, and they know when to go to someone to seek help, she added.

But she agrees: school counselors and staff are seeing the national emergency in kids mental health seen across the country play out in their schools, too.

While the state has seen improvements in counselor to student ratios through efforts like the School Counselor Corps, Smith said there are still some schools where one counselor may be charged with working with 600 or 700 students.

The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

When counselors have high case loads, theyre forced to triage and focus on students with the most immediate needs, Smith said.

The problem with that is that the student who's riddled with anxiety, but maybe too afraid to say it out loud, is not going to have that same level of access, because their level of need would be lower on the triage and that, to me, is very unacceptable, she said.

Mercy works with Edmond Public Schools, along with several K-12 schools in the Oklahoma City area and some secondary institutions like Oklahoma State University and Langston University through its Call SAM program, short for Student Assistance by Mercy. The program has a hotline for students, staff and parents to call for support.

And calls have steadily increased in the past few years, including crisis calls, said Shelly Whiting, manager of Mercy in Schools, of which Call SAM is a component. Compared with 217 calls during the fall semester of 2019, there were 240 in the 2020 fall semester and 282 in fall 2021.

Crisis calls rose from 40 in fall 2019 to 61 in fall of 2021, Whiting said.

The rise in calls may have to do, in part, with decreasing stigma around asking for mental health help, Whiting said. She worries about a dearth of availability for inpatient and outpatient mental health services as the need grows, she said.

As stigma is reduced, and more people are reaching out, that means more mental health services are getting accessed, Whiting said. And we don't have enough.

What are schools already doing

Oklahoma has seen a number of initiatives to shore up mental health resources in schools, including the Oklahoma School Counselor Corps, a grant program in which the state Department of Education distributed over $35 million in federal relief funds to districts to hire counselors and mental-health professionals.

Several school districts across the state are also participating in grant programs called Project AWARE that aim to increase awareness of students mental health concerns, train school personnel to help children struggling with mental health issues, and connect students who need it to mental health services in their community.

Elk City, Weatherford and Woodward school districts were the first to participate, followed by Ada City, Checotah and Atoka. Davis, Lawton and Sulphur schools are the latest participants.

Oklahoma is also the only state in the U.S. to have three concurrent Project AWARE grants, state leaders said.

We have been told by those schools that this has been a phenomenal change, state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said. They are seeing academic scores rise, they're seeing students attend school more often, which means academic gains can be made. It is probably the very best investment we have ever made.

And the grants benefit the entire state, she said. Through one of them, state leaders are mapping mental health supports across Oklahoma, so that schools have a way to connect with those community partners to be part of their support to children, Hofmeister said.

This is going to truly be something that lasts for a very, very long time, she said. If we are going to see our children thrive academically, we first must address those needs with regard to trauma, with food insecurity, with the needs that they have related to safety, as well. All of this works together, ultimately, to see our students academic progress move forward.

Laura Jacobs, the project manager for Project AWARE with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the grants have already helped more students and families access mental health care.

We are still very much facing a shortage of mental health professionals across the state. Our districts are no exception, Jacobs said. But seeing those relationships either being built or being further solidified as part of the grant, has been really beneficial to those students and their families in these districts.

Possible solutions

Mental health policy experts and advocates have pushed for more programs like Project Aware, called multi-tiered systems of support. In those frameworks, schools connect with resources in the community to better address students needs.

Its not a way to just make mental health appear in school, it's a way to make sure that the resources you have in the community are being maximized, said Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Tulsa-based Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

Adding more school counselors and mental health professionals in schools is another piece of the solution, said Zack Stoycoff, executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

But what really needs to happen is better linking of schools and mental health systems coherently, through data through partnerships and cooperation, Stoycoff said. Because the resources exist in our communities. If we can bridge the gap between schools and families and those treatment professionals, when people need them, we will be much better off.

House Bill 4106 could be a starting point for some districts in connecting with mental health providers in their community. If the bill passes through the legislature this session, it would require every public school district in Oklahoma to work with a local mental health provider to develop a protocol for responding when a student is in a mental health crisis.

Schools arent and cant be in this alone, Stoycoff said. This isn't a problem schools can solve on their own. The solution is a school-community connection so that we are really utilizing all of our resources to help these students and families and provide them opportunities.

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the mental health of kids, said Friesen, with Integris.

We have to work together effectively for us to make any forward movement, she said. That is everyone from our physicians, to law enforcement, to school boards, to parents, families, psychiatrists, counselors  it has to reach every single stakeholder in these kids lives  We have to work together to fully understand how we can prevent these kids from getting to this point of crisis.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma schools are on front lines of addressing kids' mental health

This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap
This story recaps news from May 21. For the latest in Ukraine, read more here.

The U.S. will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

Congress cleared the legislation with bipartisan support earlier in the week to avoid a gap in funding, after the final drawdown of $100 million in previously approved funding occurred Thursday.

The package includes more than $20 billion for the Pentagon to provide weapons, intelligence and training, and nearly $14 billion for the State Department for food aid, refugee assistance and other diplomatic programs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion.

Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Friday that Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys, and urged allies to seize Russian properties under their jurisdictions and use them to create a fund for the Ukrainian victims of the war.

A hidden horror of the Ukraine invasion:the sex trafficking of women and children

Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion: See where Russian forces are moving within Ukraine

Latest developments:

Ukraines ambassador to neighboring Poland says his nation is grateful for the welcome that Poles have given to millions of Ukrainian refugees, but he hopes the European Union will soon release billions of euros to Poland so that the assistance does not come at the cost of the Polish people.

Delegates from the United States and four other nations staged a walkout Saturday when a representative from Russia began his opening remarks at a meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group.

Russia cut off Finland's supply of natural gas on Saturday after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles, days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO. Company executives at Finlands state-owned utility Gaum said the move wouldnt create disruptions for customers during the summer.

Story continues

A topless woman with the words "stop raping us" painted across her chest stormed the Cannes Film Festivals red carpet Friday to protest the alleged rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers, according to reports.

The Group of Seven leading economies agreed Friday to provide $19.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine to help keep tight finances from hindering its ability to defend itself from Russias invasion.

Fighters of the territorial defence unit, a support force to the Ukrainian army, share a light moment after taking part in a training exercise outside Kyiv on Friday. Russian soldiers are now focused on the south and eastern regions of Ukraine, but - anticipating a drawn-out conflict - Kyiv has stepped up the training of its new recruits so they are ready to face the enemy if and when needed.

Thousands of buildings destroyed in Kharkiv, mayor says

Russians forced out of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, left thousands of destroyed buildings in their wake, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

About 30% of the city's 8,000 residential high-rise buildings are "more or less destroyed," Terekhov said, according to a Telegram post by Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security on Saturday.

"In addition, the city has more than a hundred destroyed schools, 69 kindergartens, hospitals, maternity hospitals, substations, transport and roads," the post reads.

Russian forces began withdrawing from Kharkiv last weekend after weeks of heavily bombarding the city.

Terekhov has said officials are working to restore services to Kharkiv residents "towards the normalization of life in Kharkov." He said that because so many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and incomes due to the war, public transportation would be free for two weeks "until we restart the economy of Kharkiv."

Ukraine agency tells Russian soldiers looking to surrender to call hotline

Russian soldiers who want to surrender can call a hotline created by Ukraine, the nations Security Service said Saturday.

Here's a tip for the invaders who want to stay alive: call 2402 and surrender, the Security Service wrote on Facebook, noting the hotline works for Ukrainian and Russian phone numbers.

The Ukrainian Security Service said that Russian service members in the Donetsk Peoples Republic are looking for ways to escape the war. It released a phone call allegedly between a Russian soldier and his wife, which it said was intercepted by Ukraine. In the call, one service member reportedly compares service in the Russian military to slavery.

This hotline is specifically designed for such cases, the Security Services Facebook post reads. They will help you.

Ukrainian Health Ministry: Russian forces blocking medical supplies

Russian troops have captured some 235 medical institutions and more than 200 medical teams in Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukraine's Health Ministry said Saturday.

But what the ministry describes as the biggest problem now isnt the occupation, its the blocking of medically necessary resources by Russian forces.

For more than a week now, the aggressor country has been blocking the supply of medicines, including vital ones, from the territories controlled by Ukraine, where an attempt is being made to establish an occupation regime the ministry wrote in a release, calling the blockage of supplies another of the many crimes against humanity committed by terrorists from the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

Ukraine established 2 new land routes for food exports, official says

Two new land routes to deliver food exports from Ukraine have been established, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Saturday.

Russia puts millions of people at risk of hunger by blocking our ports, Kuleba said. Together with partners, Ukraine has established two alternative land routes to deliver food exports and save Africa and other regions from hunger. Russia must end its blockade to allow full and free export.

Ukraine exported over $4 billion in goods to Africa in 2020, much of which was food, according to the International Political Sociology journal.

President Joe Biden said earlier this month in Kankakee, Ilinois, that America is fighting on two fronts:" helping Ukrainians defend democracy and ensuring other nations dont starve due to slowing exports of Ukrainian crops, according to CNN.

"If those tons don't get to market, an awful lot of people in Africa are going to starve to death because they are the sole supplier of a number of African countries," Biden said.

Russia bans more than 900 Americans, including Biden, Harris

More than 900 American public servants, researchers and activists have been permanently banned from entering Russia in response to the United States sanctions on the nation and its support for Ukraine.

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday released a list of 963 Americans who can no longer enter the country. It includes President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a number of other current and former senior White House officials, like former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Affairs and a senior advisor to the president.

Robert Mueller, the former director of the FBI who oversaw the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, was banned as well, plus a number of researchers and activists from groups like the Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center and the National Democratic Institute.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is also on the list. While at least 200 Republican lawmakers are listed, former President Donald Trump is not.

Ukraine received 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid last week, official says

Some 29,000 tons of humanitarian aid was delivered to Ukraine in the last week, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraines presidential office.

The aid spanned from food, clothing and medicine to furniture, cars and generators, Tymoshekno said at a briefing Friday, later shared to his Telegram page.

The total aid imported to Ukraine amounts to about 360,000 tons, he said. Kyiv, the nations capital, and the Lviv region have received the most aid.

Zelenskyy: Only diplomacy can end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the war between Russia and Ukraine can be solved with diplomacy, despite stalled peace talks.

The conflict between the two nations will be bloody, Zelenskyy said, but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

I'm sure of that, he added.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine paused Tuesday, with each side placing blame on the other, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy suggested reaching a peace agreement would be challenging because we want to return everything, and the Russian Federation wants not to give everything  in other words, not to give anything."

KYIV, UKRAINE - MAY 20: People driving back into Kyiv stop to take photographs of a destroyed Russian main battle tank on the main highway into the city on May 20, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As Russia concentrates its attack on the east and south of the country, residents of the Kyiv region are returning to assess the war's toll on their communities. The towns around the capital were heavily damaged following weeks of brutal war as Russia made its failed bid to take Kyiv. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775811075 ORIG FILE ID: 1398340244

War in Ukraine is driving sex trafficking of women and children

Human trafficking, often in the form of commercially exploiting women and children for sex, is one of the largely hidden tragedies of Russias war in Ukraine, authorities and experts told USA TODAY.

The scope of the problem is unknown, in part due to the clandestine nature of sex trafficking and the unprecedented flow of people from Ukraine to as far away as Asia and the United States. But there has been a skyrocketing increase in all forms of illegal trafficking of women and girls in the region  and also boys  including forced sex and labor, prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation, authorities and experts said.

Collectively, the international community is starting to see indications that traffickers are preying on or attempting to prey on Ukrainians, and others that are fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine, Kari Johnstone, the State Departments top anti-human trafficking official, said in an exclusive interview. Read more here.

 Josh Meyer

A port city, a steel cage, a palace: The steps that made Putin 'the richest man in the world'

Biden in South Korea: US, South Korea could expand military exercises as deterrence to North Korea, leaders announce

Russian troops patrol an area at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday.

Russia claims it has full control of Mariupol steel mill

Russian officials on Friday claimed their forces have "completely liberated" the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, the last holdout of Ukrainian forces, in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia now has full control of Mariupol.

The last 531 Ukrainian fighters surrendered to Russian forces on Friday, according to Russias state news agency RIA Novosti. A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

'Consequences you have never seen': How to read Putin's nuclear threats

Prokopenko said earlier Friday that the defenders of Mariupol received an order to cease the defense of the city" in order to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison."

The Russian claims were not confirmed by Ukrainian officials.

Russia steps up attacks on key site in Donbas region

For weeks, Russian forces have been trying to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years. They stepped up attacks there and in Lysychansk on Friday.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday that Russian forces now have control of 90% of the Severodonetsk region.

Three adults were killed in a Friday attack on a school where about 200 people, including many children, were taking shelter in Severodonetsk, Haidai said on Telegram. In another attack, 60 houses were destroyed and 12 people killed, Hadai said. But, Hadai also said that the the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated.

Haidai said on Telegram that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

'We don't want to live in Russia': What now for Kherson, the first major city to fall in Ukraine?

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden signs $40B aid bill for Ukraine: May 21 recap







Prime Minister will have 23 engagements, including meetings with three world leaders, in around 40 hours of stay in where he will join US President Joe Biden and prime ministers of Australia and at the Quad summit in Tokyo on May 24, official sources said.

They said Modi during his visit will have business, diplomatic and community interactions.

He will interact with over 30 Japanese CEOs and also with hundreds of Indian diaspora members.

The prime minister will spend one night in Tokyo and two nights in the plane travelling, the sources said.

Modi will have bilateral talks with Biden and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the summit which is taking place amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart.

While announcing the prime minister's participation in the summit, the External Affairs Ministry had said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022 along with President Joseph R Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister will have 23 engagements, including meetings with three world leaders, in around 40 hours of stay in where he will join US President Joe Biden and prime ministers of Australia and at the Quad summit in Tokyo on May 24, official sources said.

They said Modi during his visit will have business, diplomatic and community interactions.

He will interact with over 30 Japanese CEOs and also with hundreds of Indian diaspora members.

The prime minister will spend one night in Tokyo and two nights in the plane travelling, the sources said.

Modi will have bilateral talks with Biden and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the summit which is taking place amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart.

While announcing the prime minister's participation in the summit, the External Affairs Ministry had said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022 along with President Joseph R Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.



New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.
Prime Minister will have 23 engagements, including meetings with three world leaders, in around 40 hours of stay in where he will join US President Joe Biden and prime ministers of Australia and at the Quad summit in Tokyo on May 24, official sources said.

They said Modi during his visit will have business, diplomatic and community interactions.

He will interact with over 30 Japanese CEOs and also with hundreds of Indian diaspora members.

The prime minister will spend one night in Tokyo and two nights in the plane travelling, the sources said.

Modi will have bilateral talks with Biden and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the summit which is taking place amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart.

While announcing the prime minister's participation in the summit, the External Affairs Ministry had said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022 along with President Joseph R Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
May 21 : An India-Australia joint venture, a dance drama, The Laugh of Lakshmi, was announced at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. S Shakthidharan, a renowned Australian theatre director with Sri Lankan and Tamil ancestry, will direct the project, which will go on floors early 2023. This Australian project will be the first film to use the newly announced Indian production incentive.

The deal has been signed between Mumbai based Frames Per Second Films and Felix Media in Australia. According to Rakasree Basu, CEO, Frames Per Second Films, Mumbai, The Laugh of Lakshmi is their first venture with Australia. The project will be produced by John Maynard at Felix Media in Australia.

The film will be shot in Tamil Nadu and Australia. Rakasree Basu said in a statement, I welcome the newly announced incentive for foreign film and television production by the Government of India. This will certainly encourage and enrich all foreign productions planning to shoot in India with knowledgeable and proficient Indian cast and crew. This initiative will motivate foreign moviemakers to explore intercultural workspace, boost shared learning of filming practices and make India an attractive filming destination for international productions. It is indeed a good start for India as the Country of Honour in Cannes. Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage will advise Frames Per Second Films on the project.

Shakthidharan, who is also the writer of The Laugh of Lakshmi will debut in films with this project. His play, Counting and Cracking, about four generations, was a huge success and won seven Helpmann Awards in Australia. Counting and Cracking will soon open in the UK.

The Laugh of Lakshmi is a story about a mother and son, who were separated by war in Sri Lanka. The mother is a celebrated classical Indian dancer, and involved with the grassroots Tamil women farmers' cooperative movement. She sends the son, who is also a brilliant dancer, to her brother in Sydney. After 25 years of separation and living in different communities, the mother and son discover each other.

Cinema must tell stories of debilitating issues like forced migration, loss of home and tragic deaths, and The Laugh of Lakshmi would convey these through moving imagery, Shakthidharan said.

John Maynard is reportedly casting and financing the film in Sydney. The shoot will take place in India in January 2023, followed by Sydney, and the film will be released in January 2024.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.
In Montana, an estimated 90,000 people face a substance use disorder, but only a fraction seek out treatment. With an increase in opioid overdose calls in recent years, behavioral health solutions have become critical.

Yellowstone County is the latest county in the state to commit to the Angel Initiative, a new program that allows a person struggling with addiction to go to law enforcement and be connected to treatment in the area without being arrested. Any drugs or paraphernalia in their possession must be turned in.

The program was rolled out in Cascade County in November 2021 with Lewis and Clark County following in February 2022. While a small number of people have utilized the program, so far they have been able to access treatment quickly.

At DPHHS theyre thinking outside the box to reduce the stigma associated with treatment and to guide individuals on the path to recovery, said Governor Greg Gianforte at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Friday.

There are certain disqualifiers for the program such as having an outstanding warrant or involvement in an active drug investigation. Registered sex offenders are also disqualified from the program.

But minor misdemeanors will not impact ones participating in the program, according to Yellowstone County Sherriff Mike Linder.

Someone interested in participating in the program can go to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where they will be directed to a private room and given a toll-free number, The Angel Line, to connect them to the nearest treatment provider.

In the past, waitlists to get into treatment programs have been long, sometimes leaving the individual to wait for months before getting help.

Weve been looking at some of the rules that the state has to potentially increase capacity, Gianforte said. Theres some regulatory friction that affects that.

Health Information Exchange

Behavioral health was also a priority in building the states health information exchange (HIE) system, said Jeanette Polaschek, clinical consultant with Big Sky Care Connect (BSCC).

BSCC is the state-designated HIE platform that allows health care providers to share patient information.

Being able to access a patients medical history from anywhere in the state allows doctors and nurses to provide better care for patients.

But under Montana law, individuals have to consent to sharing behavioral health information, making it difficult to build into the system.

The great thing about Montana is that from the very beginning theyve been able to pull in the behavioral health. A lot of different states that are doing the same sort of thing kind of put off behavioral health because theres so much regulation around confidentiality, Polaschek said.

At a Friday roundtable at Billings Clinic, Gianforte joined medical leaders in the community to announce a $20 million investment in the HIE. The money will be used to continue the design, development and implementation of the program that will continue through 2023.

An image exchange program is under development as well as a statewide antibiotic resistance information exchange.

The funding will also help to reach additional primary care clinics throughout the state.

State leaders have attempted to develop a HIE system over the last 15 years, but havent been able to cross the finish line until now, said Dr. Justen Rudolph with Intermountain Healthcare.

More than 200 hospital systems are now contributing to the data repository, including Montana Medicaid, but more participants are needed.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.








HICKORY  The Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center is presenting two social media webinars to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses market and build their business.

On Tuesday May 24 the Small Business Center will present Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants will learn about social media advertising through major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and other options.

On Thursday May 26 the Small Business Center will present Building Your Business with YouTube from 6-7:30 p.m. The webinar will explain how to get started with video marketing, how to make good quality videos with the tools you already have, and setting up and promoting a YouTube channel.

Registered participants can attend these programs in person at the CVCC Corporate Development Center, or online as a webinar. There is no charge to participate in these programs, and registered participants will receive a link to join the program from their computer. To register or for more information contact the CVCC Small Business Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4117 or visit http://sbc.cvcc.edu to register online.



HICKORY  The Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center is presenting two social media webinars to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses market and build their business.

On Tuesday May 24 the Small Business Center will present Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants will learn about social media advertising through major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and other options.

On Thursday May 26 the Small Business Center will present Building Your Business with YouTube from 6-7:30 p.m. The webinar will explain how to get started with video marketing, how to make good quality videos with the tools you already have, and setting up and promoting a YouTube channel.

Registered participants can attend these programs in person at the CVCC Corporate Development Center, or online as a webinar. There is no charge to participate in these programs, and registered participants will receive a link to join the program from their computer. To register or for more information contact the CVCC Small Business Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4117 or visit http://sbc.cvcc.edu to register online.


When Rob Gasper took over as co-owner of The Friedhof Building, he became enamored with the structures long history in Columbus.

For starters, the buildings first two owners were both German immigrants; the first Theodore Friedhof and the second Fred Schweser, said Gasper  who along with his wife, Tracy, is owner number three.

I think the history of the building is the most interesting for people, Gasper said.

The Gaspers took over ownership of the building  1270 27th Ave. - about four years ago. Interestingly, this happened on the 100th anniversary of when it first opened, Gasper said.

Its a fantastic building, Gasper said of why he and his wife wanted to purchase the building. Its right on the town square. It was a great opportunity, I think.

The Friedhof  which was a clothing store of sorts during its first 100 years  has seen a change since the Gaspers took over. The building is a dining experience and events center, hosting weddings, galas, graduations and more.

First built in 1919, the building filled the entire block, going all the south to where The Columbus Telegram is today, Gasper said. Back then, it was called the Friedhof Lot, he added.

Friedhof played a pivotal role in shaping Columbus as most shops were on 11th Street but once he started his business, stores shifted two blocks north, Gasper said.

But before any of that happened, Friedhof came from humble beginnings. He was an orphan around the 1850s in Germany. He moved to the U.S. at age 14, becoming an apprentice in Chicago. After a few stops, Friedhof arrived in Columbus around 1875.

Gasper said Friedhof first worked at a retail store that is located near what is now Columbus Music. He found himself wealthy enough that a few decades later that he started the Friedhof and a bank which is where First National Bank is today, Gasper added.

The German native was also instrumental in creating the Platte County Fairgrounds. He purchased the land and then donated it to the people of Platte County, Gasper said.

Thats how our Platte County Fairgrounds got started, he said. I think thats really interesting for people to know.

Friedhof wasnt done shaping Columbus and Platte County. He was on the board of directors for the Loup Canal project and helped fund it as well, Gasper said.

Gasper said Friedhof had an interesting life outside of his business endeavors. He originally left behind his 8-year-old brother in Germany, only for them to meet again 70 years later in 1936.

Gasper said it was quoted in The Columbus Telegram of their meeting then, that the younger Friedhof said, I like America but its too hot. In Germany, everything is good and just as long as everyone conforms to the government, theres no trouble.

They both died a decade later in 1946, Gasper said.

Eventually, in 1929, Friedhof sold the building to Schweser who also has a long history in the area. Schweser originally owned a store in David City before buying Friedhofs operation.

The business turned into Schwesers which was a well-beloved store, Gasper said. He later expanded to 33 stores across the Midwest. However, the last remaining stores were in Columbus and Fremont  the first two locations where Scwhesers opened, Gasper said.

Gasper said hes amazed by the buildings history.

Its really humbling to be the third owner and to be behind those two pioneers, he said.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When Rob Gasper took over as co-owner of The Friedhof Building, he became enamored with the structures long history in Columbus.

For starters, the buildings first two owners were both German immigrants; the first Theodore Friedhof and the second Fred Schweser, said Gasper  who along with his wife, Tracy, is owner number three.

I think the history of the building is the most interesting for people, Gasper said.

The Gaspers took over ownership of the building  1270 27th Ave. - about four years ago. Interestingly, this happened on the 100th anniversary of when it first opened, Gasper said.

Its a fantastic building, Gasper said of why he and his wife wanted to purchase the building. Its right on the town square. It was a great opportunity, I think.

The Friedhof  which was a clothing store of sorts during its first 100 years  has seen a change since the Gaspers took over. The building is a dining experience and events center, hosting weddings, galas, graduations and more.

First built in 1919, the building filled the entire block, going all the south to where The Columbus Telegram is today, Gasper said. Back then, it was called the Friedhof Lot, he added.

Friedhof played a pivotal role in shaping Columbus as most shops were on 11th Street but once he started his business, stores shifted two blocks north, Gasper said.

But before any of that happened, Friedhof came from humble beginnings. He was an orphan around the 1850s in Germany. He moved to the U.S. at age 14, becoming an apprentice in Chicago. After a few stops, Friedhof arrived in Columbus around 1875.

Gasper said Friedhof first worked at a retail store that is located near what is now Columbus Music. He found himself wealthy enough that a few decades later that he started the Friedhof and a bank which is where First National Bank is today, Gasper added.

The German native was also instrumental in creating the Platte County Fairgrounds. He purchased the land and then donated it to the people of Platte County, Gasper said.

Thats how our Platte County Fairgrounds got started, he said. I think thats really interesting for people to know.

Friedhof wasnt done shaping Columbus and Platte County. He was on the board of directors for the Loup Canal project and helped fund it as well, Gasper said.

Gasper said Friedhof had an interesting life outside of his business endeavors. He originally left behind his 8-year-old brother in Germany, only for them to meet again 70 years later in 1936.

Gasper said it was quoted in The Columbus Telegram of their meeting then, that the younger Friedhof said, I like America but its too hot. In Germany, everything is good and just as long as everyone conforms to the government, theres no trouble.

They both died a decade later in 1946, Gasper said.

Eventually, in 1929, Friedhof sold the building to Schweser who also has a long history in the area. Schweser originally owned a store in David City before buying Friedhofs operation.

The business turned into Schwesers which was a well-beloved store, Gasper said. He later expanded to 33 stores across the Midwest. However, the last remaining stores were in Columbus and Fremont  the first two locations where Scwhesers opened, Gasper said.

Gasper said hes amazed by the buildings history.

Its really humbling to be the third owner and to be behind those two pioneers, he said.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
(Newser)  Things were already tense between Russia and Finland after the latter nation applied for NATO membership this week, and a new move by the former isn't going to alleviate that tension. Due to crippling sanctions against its central bank because of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has asked customers from "unfriendly" countries to pay for gas it provides via its state-owned Gazprom with rubles to circumvent those sanctions, notes Al Jazeera. But Finland has refused to do so, and so Gazprom ceased delivering gas there on Saturday, in what Reuters calls the "latest escalation of an energy payments dispute with Western nations."

"Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," state-owned Finnish gas wholesaler Gasum says in a statement. The company noted that, effective immediately, Finland will pull in its gas through the Balticconnector pipeline, which connects Finland to Estonia's gas system.

Finland isn't the only European nation seeing its gas supply from Russia axed: Poland and Bulgaria were also cut off last month. Reuters notes that although most of the country's gas does originate in Russia, gas makes up only 5% or so of its annual energy consumption. Between that and the fact that Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid says it prepared for this moment with a contingency plan, company officials don't seem terribly concerned. "The Finnish gas system is in balance both physically and commercially," Gasgrid said Saturday. (Read more Russia stories.)









SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A Labor strategist was ebullient just before 8pm, announcing that he thought it was impossible for Scott Morrison to form government. But that was only half the picture, and the picture was anything but black and white. Joan ODonnell has been a member of the Ashbury branch of the ALP for two decades. Would a hung parliament be enough for her? Yeah! she said, smiling.

But then it started to look more promising. At about 9pm, the bar ran out of stubbies of Albo Pale Ale  demand had been so high. Was it a good omen? The Labor grassroots had to switch to Peroni  an Italian boutique beer, and not very on-brand for such a red event, but by then no one cared. At 8.56pm, a loud cheer went up when Boothby was called for Labor.

At 9.15pm, Antony Green announced that Labor might form government in its own right: even louder cheer. Then he said Morrison couldnt form majority government: a louder cheer again. Angus Tangney, 19, a West Australian and Labor die-hard living in Sydney, was confident his home state would swing Labors way. The Liberals are getting attacked from all angles, he said. How do you come back from that? This is as good as it gets.

Loading Rachel Skinner, 18, was four years old the last time Labor won majority government. She missed a friends 18th birthday harbour cruise to be here. She was fairly sure she had made the right choice. Im feeling good, she said, cautiously. Australian Federal Police officers complemented copious club security, who swarmed as the crowd waited for Albanese. The man of the hour was down the road at home with his close circle. After traversing the nation for weeks on a blitz of marginal seats, on Saturday he finally came back to his Marrickville bungalow, close to the boggy Cooks River (Marrickville may be gentrifying, but the Cooks is a way off yet).

Loading The Labor leader voted in the afternoon at the old Marrickville Library with his partner Jodie Haydon and dog Toto. When youve come from where Ive come from, one of the advantages that you have is you dont get too ahead of yourself, he told reporters. Albo came home and Marrickville came home big for Albo  the corner of its two main streets, Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road, is emblazoned with placards of his face. Theyre nestled right next to the Nelson Mandela mural  its nothing if not aspirational.

At about 9.45pm, the mood of the party took a sharp turn upwards. People got more emotional - tears were shed and knots of liquored-up young men group-hugged. When Morrison appeared on screen to give his concession speech, he was greeted with shouts of How good is Albo? It didnt take long for the outgoing prime minister to test the patience of the crowd. The schadenfreude surged. Get off! they yelled. And other, less polite things. About half an hour later the screen lit up with Albo - footage of him leaving his house. People started embracing, their happiness underwritten by relief. Chants of Albo! Albo! Albo! started up. Phones were held aloft. The Labor leader - the new prime minister - would arrive soon. The wait was over. He was introduced on stage by Penny Wong who said that Australians had voted for change. Then came the man who would bring it. Albanese got the kind of rock star welcome that would have pleased Peter Garrett. It seemed that he struggled to maintain composure for a moment.

It said a lot about Australia, he said, that the son of a single mum disability pensioner who grew up in public housing down the road could stand in front of you as prime minister. He made his thanks, and he ran through his agenda. He talked about hard work and kindness, governing for women, bringing people together, ending the climate wars and enshrining the Voice to Parliament. No matter where you live or where you come from in Australia, the doors of opportunity are open to everyone, he said. And like every other Labor government well just widen that door a bit more. With that, he was off, out the stage door - back to his Marrickville bungalow, his life totally changed, and with it, the course of the country.
New Delhi, May 21 : The Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remains immensely popular with the voters, as per an IANS-CVoter survey.

At the same time, residents of the state do not seem to have a very high opinion of the opposition, which is represented principally by the BJP.

This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021.

Despite a determined effort by the BJP, which has replaced the Left as the main opposition party in Bengal, Banerjee won a third successive term as Chief Minister last year by fashioning a landslide victory for her party.

According to the survey, 31 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of the state government in the last one year, while 47 per cent said they were somewhat satisfied.

At the same time, more than 22 per cent of those interviewed during the survey said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of the state government.

Similarly, Banerjee scored high in approval ratings as Chief Minister of the state.

During the survey, 39 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of the Chief Minister, while 41 per cent said they were somewhat satisfied with her work.

So, in effect, 80 per cent of those interviewed were happy with the work of the Chief Minister, while only 20 per cent of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Banerjee's performance.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP had won about 39 per cent of the total votes polled. But there is no good news for the party in the survey.

As per the survey, while 43 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of the opposition, just about 16 per cent said they were very satisfied. This shows massive dissatisfaction with the way BJP has functioned after becoming the principal opposition party in West Bengal.

The fact is that an overwhelming majority, including BJP voters, rated the opposition's performance as poor or extremely poor. The BJP leadership was severely criticised for being literally non-existent on the ground when the post-election violence gripped West Bengal last year. It has been evident in the local body polls which the Trinamool swept, and also in the bypolls which the ruling party won hands down.

The cause of concern for Trinamool is not in terms of non-existent opposition, but the poor performance of sitting MPs and MLAs who did not fare very well in public perception.

According to the survey, more than 37 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of their MP, while less than 17 per cent said they were very satisfied.

Similarly, 33 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of their local MLA, while about 25 per cent said they were very satisfied.

Interestingly, while a large proportion of respondents in West Bengal expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the opposition BJP leaders in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi scored high in approval ratings for his work and continues to be the preferred choice for the top job in the country.

During the survey, while more than 33 per cent of the respondents in Bengal said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Modi, close to 32 per cent said they were somewhat satisfied.

So, in effect, almost 65 per cent of those interviewed expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Prime Minister, while more than 34 per cent said that they were not satisfied at all with his performance.

Similarly, when asked about the most suitable candidate for the post of Prime Minister in the future, while more than 42 per cent of the respondents in West Bengal answered in favour of Narendra Modi, only 26 per cent favoured Banerjee for the country's top job.

The survey data also revealed that rising prices and unemployment are the major concerns of the populace in the state.

During the survey, while more than 25 per cent of the respondents said that rising prices was their main problem, 17 per cent said that unemployment was their prime concern.

During the survey, majority of the respondents in the state sounded pessimistic about the future. As per the survey data, while 58 per cent of the respondents said their living standards will deteriorate in the coming year, only 21 per cent said they will improve. Another 11 per cent said that their living standards will remain the same.
A Labor strategist was ebullient just before 8pm, announcing that he thought it was impossible for Scott Morrison to form government. But that was only half the picture, and the picture was anything but black and white. Joan ODonnell has been a member of the Ashbury branch of the ALP for two decades. Would a hung parliament be enough for her? Yeah! she said, smiling.

But then it started to look more promising. At about 9pm, the bar ran out of stubbies of Albo Pale Ale  demand had been so high. Was it a good omen? The Labor grassroots had to switch to Peroni  an Italian boutique beer, and not very on-brand for such a red event, but by then no one cared. At 8.56pm, a loud cheer went up when Boothby was called for Labor.

At 9.15pm, Antony Green announced that Labor might form government in its own right: even louder cheer. Then he said Morrison couldnt form majority government: a louder cheer again. Angus Tangney, 19, a West Australian and Labor die-hard living in Sydney, was confident his home state would swing Labors way. The Liberals are getting attacked from all angles, he said. How do you come back from that? This is as good as it gets.

Loading Rachel Skinner, 18, was four years old the last time Labor won majority government. She missed a friends 18th birthday harbour cruise to be here. She was fairly sure she had made the right choice. Im feeling good, she said, cautiously. Australian Federal Police officers complemented copious club security, who swarmed as the crowd waited for Albanese. The man of the hour was down the road at home with his close circle. After traversing the nation for weeks on a blitz of marginal seats, on Saturday he finally came back to his Marrickville bungalow, close to the boggy Cooks River (Marrickville may be gentrifying, but the Cooks is a way off yet).

Loading The Labor leader voted in the afternoon at the old Marrickville Library with his partner Jodie Haydon and dog Toto. When youve come from where Ive come from, one of the advantages that you have is you dont get too ahead of yourself, he told reporters. Albo came home and Marrickville came home big for Albo  the corner of its two main streets, Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road, is emblazoned with placards of his face. Theyre nestled right next to the Nelson Mandela mural  its nothing if not aspirational.

At about 9.45pm, the mood of the party took a sharp turn upwards. People got more emotional - tears were shed and knots of liquored-up young men group-hugged. When Morrison appeared on screen to give his concession speech, he was greeted with shouts of How good is Albo? It didnt take long for the outgoing prime minister to test the patience of the crowd. The schadenfreude surged. Get off! they yelled. And other, less polite things. About half an hour later the screen lit up with Albo - footage of him leaving his house. People started embracing, their happiness underwritten by relief. Chants of Albo! Albo! Albo! started up. Phones were held aloft. The Labor leader - the new prime minister - would arrive soon. The wait was over. He was introduced on stage by Penny Wong who said that Australians had voted for change. Then came the man who would bring it. Albanese got the kind of rock star welcome that would have pleased Peter Garrett. It seemed that he struggled to maintain composure for a moment.

It said a lot about Australia, he said, that the son of a single mum disability pensioner who grew up in public housing down the road could stand in front of you as prime minister. He made his thanks, and he ran through his agenda. He talked about hard work and kindness, governing for women, bringing people together, ending the climate wars and enshrining the Voice to Parliament. No matter where you live or where you come from in Australia, the doors of opportunity are open to everyone, he said. And like every other Labor government well just widen that door a bit more. With that, he was off, out the stage door - back to his Marrickville bungalow, his life totally changed, and with it, the course of the country.

Prime Minister will have 23 engagements, including meetings with three world leaders, in around 40 hours of stay in where he will join US President Joe Biden and prime ministers of Australia and at the Quad summit in Tokyo on May 24, official sources said.

They said Modi during his visit will have business, diplomatic and community interactions.

He will interact with over 30 Japanese CEOs and also with hundreds of Indian diaspora members.

The prime minister will spend one night in Tokyo and two nights in the plane travelling, the sources said.

Modi will have bilateral talks with Biden and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the summit which is taking place amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart.

While announcing the prime minister's participation in the summit, the External Affairs Ministry had said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022 along with President Joseph R Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister will have 23 engagements, including meetings with three world leaders, in around 40 hours of stay in where he will join US President Joe Biden and prime ministers of Australia and at the Quad summit in Tokyo on May 24, official sources said.

They said Modi during his visit will have business, diplomatic and community interactions.

He will interact with over 30 Japanese CEOs and also with hundreds of Indian diaspora members.

The prime minister will spend one night in Tokyo and two nights in the plane travelling, the sources said.

Modi will have bilateral talks with Biden and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the summit which is taking place amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart.

While announcing the prime minister's participation in the summit, the External Affairs Ministry had said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022 along with President Joseph R Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.
Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200 backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches.

Sharma in Wentworth, Jason Falinski in Mackellar and Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney all suffered significant declines in their primary votes  double-digits in some cases  likely enough to catapult the independents Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink into federal parliament.

Independents Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Simon Schluter, Louise Kennerley, James Brickwood, Nick Moir,Tony McDonough

Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income, high tertiary education, that should be naturally Liberal, to go with us again.

SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.
Moriah Wilson is a professional cyclist (Mo_Wilson / Instagram )

An arrest warrant has been issued by Texas police for the killing of professional cyclist Moriah Wilson amid revelations of a love triangle involving the 25-year-old.

Wilson was found with multiple gunshot wounds on Wednesday at a friends home in Austin, Texas, where she had been due to compete in a race, according to Austin police.

She was transferred to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. Austin police also said a person of interest had been identified.

On Friday, an arrest warrant was issued for 34-year-old Kaitlin Armstrong in connection with the 11 May shooting, theUS Marshals Service said.

She has not been seen since the attack on Wilson, a professional cyclist who reports suggest had recently entered a relationship with Ms Armstrongs boyfriend and cyclist Colin Strickland, according to theAustin-AmericanStatesman.

Although he reportedly got back with Ms Armstrong, she was thought to have wanted to kill Wilson, the Statesman alleged.

Kaitlin Armstrong (US Marshals Service)

There is no way to adequately express the regret and torture I feel about my proximity to this horrible crime, Mr Strickland told the local newspaper. I am sorry, and I simply cannot make sense of this unfathomable situation.

A surveillance video allegedly showed a vehicle with a cycling rack on the roof stopping next to the home where Wilson was staying, It matched the description of a vehicle registered to Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrongs address, Cycling News reported.

Wilson was considered a rising star of womens cycling and recently won the 222km Belgian Waffle Ride California. She was scheduled to take part in a race in Hico, Texas, on Saturday.


New Delhi, May 21 : Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police saying that his Twitter account has been hacked by some wrong doers.

Earlier in the day, Chowdhury's Twitter account stirred a major controversy after a remembrance message quoting former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's infamous quote, "When a big tree falls, earth gets shaken up," was posted from his Twitter account on the 31st death anniversary of the late PM.

Chowdhury was quick to deny it and immediately deleted the tweet. "The tweet against my name in the Twitter account has nothing to do with my own observation. A malicious campaign is propagated by those forces inimical to me," he wrote on Twitter.

In his complaint to the police, the Congress leader said an unscrupulous, biased, and a content tainted with absolute malafide was posted on his Twitter account when he was busy with the party program on the dais and did not carry his mobile phone.

"The content posted smacks of malice and I believe that my Twitter account had been hacked by some wrong doers, for the reason best known to them," the law-maker's complaint read.

He also demanded immediate cognizance of the complaint and appropriate action of the alleged Cyber Crime.

Rajiv Gandhi's oblique remark -- When a big tree falls, earth gets shaken up -- came after the gut-wrenching anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Political rivals have since then unequivocally criticized this statement and said that it seemed Rajiv Gandhi justified the killings of thousands of Sikhs on the streets of the national capital.
Mumbai, May 21 : In a strong critique, the Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed deep concern over the fate of the Congress which it said is 'leaking' badly with so many leaders deserting the party.

"The Congress' condition is like a cloudburst. The problem is where to put the patch and seal it. The leaks started on the concluding day of the party's recent Chintan Shivir in Rajasthan," the Sena said.

Sena's anxiety for the Congress - a ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally in Maharashtra - came on a crucial day when the grand old party was observing the death anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It pointed out how the party lost leaders like Sunil Jakhar, Hardik Patel and in the past Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, yet - despite the outflow - everyone in Congress talks of 'reviving' the party.

Sunil Jakhar - the son of a veteran Congress leader from Punjab, the late Balram Jakhar -- led the Punjab Congress for years, but recently he was sidelined and needless importance was given to a new entrant Navjot Singh Sidhdu, the Sena said.

Before deserting the Congress for Bharatiya Janata Party, a hurt Sunil Jakhar asked: "I was only speaking in the interest of Punjab and the nation. The Congress tried to suppress my voice and gave me a notice. What did they achieve?" said the edits in the Sena newspapers 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana'.

"The Congress nurtured the leaders like Jakhar, Madhavrao Scindia and Jitendra Prasada, and even did a lot for their children Sunil, Jyotiraditya and Jitin, but their political ambitions were bigger than their fathers, and the Congress proved too small in comparison. They quit the Congress though it needed them in the crisis," said the Sena.

This, the Sena avers, points to a failure of the Congress leadership itself and expressed apprehension "what if the youth of the country do not see their future in the Congress", especially when it does not even have a full time president since some time now and ditto is the scene in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Though certain positive decisions were taken at the Chintan Shivir, the issue of Congress leadership remains in the dark, noted the Sena edits.

In states where elections are due, leaders with a good public image should have been handled well by the Congress.

However, due to Sidhu, the Congress lost Punjab and Jakhar also left, Patel was not allowed to work as the Working President of Gujarat Congress, and he says his hands and feet tied in the race by the directionless party, and he also quit.

While leaving, Patel gave his piece of mind saying whenever the country needs them most the Congress 'leadership' is abroad, nothing will be achieved by abusing Ambani-Adani as every youth in Gujarat wants to emulate them, etc, said the Sena on the exit.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP fully geared for 2024 elections, the 'leaking emergency' continues in the Congress, which doesn't augur well for parliamentary democracy, warned the Sena.
Mumbai, May 21 : In a strong critique, the Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed deep concern over the fate of the Congress which it said is 'leaking' badly with so many leaders deserting the party.

"The Congress' condition is like a cloudburst. The problem is where to put the patch and seal it. The leaks started on the concluding day of the party's recent Chintan Shivir in Rajasthan," the Sena said.

Sena's anxiety for the Congress - a ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally in Maharashtra - came on a crucial day when the grand old party was observing the death anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It pointed out how the party lost leaders like Sunil Jakhar, Hardik Patel and in the past Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, yet - despite the outflow - everyone in Congress talks of 'reviving' the party.

Sunil Jakhar - the son of a veteran Congress leader from Punjab, the late Balram Jakhar -- led the Punjab Congress for years, but recently he was sidelined and needless importance was given to a new entrant Navjot Singh Sidhdu, the Sena said.

Before deserting the Congress for Bharatiya Janata Party, a hurt Sunil Jakhar asked: "I was only speaking in the interest of Punjab and the nation. The Congress tried to suppress my voice and gave me a notice. What did they achieve?" said the edits in the Sena newspapers 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana'.

"The Congress nurtured the leaders like Jakhar, Madhavrao Scindia and Jitendra Prasada, and even did a lot for their children Sunil, Jyotiraditya and Jitin, but their political ambitions were bigger than their fathers, and the Congress proved too small in comparison. They quit the Congress though it needed them in the crisis," said the Sena.

This, the Sena avers, points to a failure of the Congress leadership itself and expressed apprehension "what if the youth of the country do not see their future in the Congress", especially when it does not even have a full time president since some time now and ditto is the scene in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Though certain positive decisions were taken at the Chintan Shivir, the issue of Congress leadership remains in the dark, noted the Sena edits.

In states where elections are due, leaders with a good public image should have been handled well by the Congress.

However, due to Sidhu, the Congress lost Punjab and Jakhar also left, Patel was not allowed to work as the Working President of Gujarat Congress, and he says his hands and feet tied in the race by the directionless party, and he also quit.

While leaving, Patel gave his piece of mind saying whenever the country needs them most the Congress 'leadership' is abroad, nothing will be achieved by abusing Ambani-Adani as every youth in Gujarat wants to emulate them, etc, said the Sena on the exit.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP fully geared for 2024 elections, the 'leaking emergency' continues in the Congress, which doesn't augur well for parliamentary democracy, warned the Sena.
Mumbai, May 21 : In a strong critique, the Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed deep concern over the fate of the Congress which it said is 'leaking' badly with so many leaders deserting the party.

"The Congress' condition is like a cloudburst. The problem is where to put the patch and seal it. The leaks started on the concluding day of the party's recent Chintan Shivir in Rajasthan," the Sena said.

Sena's anxiety for the Congress - a ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally in Maharashtra - came on a crucial day when the grand old party was observing the death anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It pointed out how the party lost leaders like Sunil Jakhar, Hardik Patel and in the past Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, yet - despite the outflow - everyone in Congress talks of 'reviving' the party.

Sunil Jakhar - the son of a veteran Congress leader from Punjab, the late Balram Jakhar -- led the Punjab Congress for years, but recently he was sidelined and needless importance was given to a new entrant Navjot Singh Sidhdu, the Sena said.

Before deserting the Congress for Bharatiya Janata Party, a hurt Sunil Jakhar asked: "I was only speaking in the interest of Punjab and the nation. The Congress tried to suppress my voice and gave me a notice. What did they achieve?" said the edits in the Sena newspapers 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana'.

"The Congress nurtured the leaders like Jakhar, Madhavrao Scindia and Jitendra Prasada, and even did a lot for their children Sunil, Jyotiraditya and Jitin, but their political ambitions were bigger than their fathers, and the Congress proved too small in comparison. They quit the Congress though it needed them in the crisis," said the Sena.

This, the Sena avers, points to a failure of the Congress leadership itself and expressed apprehension "what if the youth of the country do not see their future in the Congress", especially when it does not even have a full time president since some time now and ditto is the scene in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Though certain positive decisions were taken at the Chintan Shivir, the issue of Congress leadership remains in the dark, noted the Sena edits.

In states where elections are due, leaders with a good public image should have been handled well by the Congress.

However, due to Sidhu, the Congress lost Punjab and Jakhar also left, Patel was not allowed to work as the Working President of Gujarat Congress, and he says his hands and feet tied in the race by the directionless party, and he also quit.

While leaving, Patel gave his piece of mind saying whenever the country needs them most the Congress 'leadership' is abroad, nothing will be achieved by abusing Ambani-Adani as every youth in Gujarat wants to emulate them, etc, said the Sena on the exit.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP fully geared for 2024 elections, the 'leaking emergency' continues in the Congress, which doesn't augur well for parliamentary democracy, warned the Sena.
Mumbai, May 21 : Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her hubby Raj Kundra welcomed their first born, Viaan Raj on 21st May 2012, and the little one clocks his 10th birthday, Shilpa shares a beautiful post on her social media.

Shilpa took to her social media handle and shared a cute video, featuring some unseen glimpses of her son. The actress took a trip down the memory lane and shared a few priceless glimpses from her son's life.

The caption read, Youre TEN, already! How did time fly by so fast? Seeing you grow up into this caring, respectful, kind, happy, funny, loving, positive, strong, and fine gentleman is one of my greatest joys as a mom

Heres to many more tight hugs, slobbery kisses, climbing trees, slime fests, MMA sparring, nerf gun shoot outs, VFX edits, icecream flavours, melting chocolate, crackling sourpops, Dalgona cookies, giant candyflosss (only on Sunday) and much more, Happppyyy Birthday mera beta Viaan-RajYOU make mumma and papa sooo proud. We love you soooo muchhhh #ViaanRajKundra #BirthdayBoy #love #Gratitude52 #grateful #blessed #Son read the full note.

Meanwhile on the work front, Shetty made her comeback to films after 14 years, with the 2021 film Hungama 2.

Shetty will next appear in Nikamma alongside Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia. She will also be seen as the lead in her next women-centric film Sukhee and will make her web debut with Rohit Shetty's series 'Indian Police Force', joining as the first female cop in his Cop universe.
A Labor strategist was ebullient just before 8pm, announcing that he thought it was impossible for Scott Morrison to form government. But that was only half the picture, and the picture was anything but black and white. Joan ODonnell has been a member of the Ashbury branch of the ALP for two decades. Would a hung parliament be enough for her? Yeah! she said, smiling.

But then it started to look more promising. At about 9pm, the bar ran out of stubbies of Albo Pale Ale  demand had been so high. Was it a good omen? The Labor grassroots had to switch to Peroni  an Italian boutique beer, and not very on-brand for such a red event, but by then no one cared. At 8.56pm, a loud cheer went up when Boothby was called for Labor.

At 9.15pm, Antony Green announced that Labor might form government in its own right: even louder cheer. Then he said Morrison couldnt form majority government: a louder cheer again. Angus Tangney, 19, a West Australian and Labor die-hard living in Sydney, was confident his home state would swing Labors way. The Liberals are getting attacked from all angles, he said. How do you come back from that? This is as good as it gets.

Loading Rachel Skinner, 18, was four years old the last time Labor won majority government. She missed a friends 18th birthday harbour cruise to be here. She was fairly sure she had made the right choice. Im feeling good, she said, cautiously. Australian Federal Police officers complemented copious club security, who swarmed as the crowd waited for Albanese. The man of the hour was down the road at home with his close circle. After traversing the nation for weeks on a blitz of marginal seats, on Saturday he finally came back to his Marrickville bungalow, close to the boggy Cooks River (Marrickville may be gentrifying, but the Cooks is a way off yet).

Loading The Labor leader voted in the afternoon at the old Marrickville Library with his partner Jodie Haydon and dog Toto. When youve come from where Ive come from, one of the advantages that you have is you dont get too ahead of yourself, he told reporters. Albo came home and Marrickville came home big for Albo  the corner of its two main streets, Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road, is emblazoned with placards of his face. Theyre nestled right next to the Nelson Mandela mural  its nothing if not aspirational.

At about 9.45pm, the mood of the party took a sharp turn upwards. People got more emotional - tears were shed and knots of liquored-up young men group-hugged. When Morrison appeared on screen to give his concession speech, he was greeted with shouts of How good is Albo? It didnt take long for the outgoing prime minister to test the patience of the crowd. The schadenfreude surged. Get off! they yelled. And other, less polite things. About half an hour later the screen lit up with Albo - footage of him leaving his house. People started embracing, their happiness underwritten by relief. Chants of Albo! Albo! Albo! started up. Phones were held aloft. The Labor leader - the new prime minister - would arrive soon. The wait was over. He was introduced on stage by Penny Wong who said that Australians had voted for change. Then came the man who would bring it. Albanese got the kind of rock star welcome that would have pleased Peter Garrett. It seemed that he struggled to maintain composure for a moment.

It said a lot about Australia, he said, that the son of a single mum disability pensioner who grew up in public housing down the road could stand in front of you as prime minister. He made his thanks, and he ran through his agenda. He talked about hard work and kindness, governing for women, bringing people together, ending the climate wars and enshrining the Voice to Parliament. No matter where you live or where you come from in Australia, the doors of opportunity are open to everyone, he said. And like every other Labor government well just widen that door a bit more. With that, he was off, out the stage door - back to his Marrickville bungalow, his life totally changed, and with it, the course of the country.
New York's final congressional and Senate redistricting maps were released in Saturday's early hours, bringing the controversial process to a close and throwing the Democrats bid for widespread congressional wins into uncertainty.

The process in New York and other states has been under a microscope as Democrats seek to maintain their razor-thin margin in the U.S. House in a year when Republicans are expected to win big across the country.

New Yorks Court of Appeals struck down New Yorks Legislature-drawn maps last month, saying they amounted to a partisan gerrymander in favor of Democrats, and that lawmakers didnt follow a predetermined independent redistricting process that voters greenlit in 2014.

The ruling sent the maps back to the drawing board, where one person, court-appointed special master Jonathan Cervas, set about rejiggering the districts. Steuben County judge Patrick McAllister had the final say on the maps  draft copies have been out for public review since Monday.

The court-ordered final congressional redistricting map was released by special master Jonathan Cervas in the early hours of Saturday, May 21, 2022.

The final maps were largely similar to the draft copies, with a few key changes, based on feedback from communities and other stakeholders in recent days.

Some Democratic lawmakers and community members slammed the maps earlier in the week as sidelining diverse communities by dividing longstanding neighborhoods aligned by race or ethnicity, and reducing their congressional representation.

NY's highest court rules on maps: Court of Appeals strikes down NY's redistricting maps. What happens now?

What was the initial feedback from Democrats, residents?

House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference November 17, 2020 on Capitol Hill.

The draft redistricting map viciously targets historic Black representation in NY, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, said Monday on Twitter. The draft map is unacceptable, unconscionable & unconstitutional.

The court, in a statement released with the final maps, said it adhered "to the instructions for treatment of minority groups as laid down in the New York State constitution."

Story continues

The court received dozens of letters from around the state since Monday, many of them addressing the split of communities they see as having shared interests.

Long Island attorney Frederick Brewington disputed the exclusion of Westbury and New Cassel, both communities of color, from the 4th District in Cervas' proposed maps, saying in a letter to the court this week that the move placed the areas with communities that share no political, life experience and social realities that shape the daily lives of its residents."

The court addressed that request in its statement, but said Westbury and New Cassel wouldn't be included in the 4th District, in order to maintain the district within the city line, according to court paperwork.

In the Hudson Valley, the special masters splitting of Kingston into two congressional districts in his proposed maps also raised concerns about weakening the voting power of diverse voters.

The proposed map put much of the city of 24,000 in the 18th District, which takes in parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties and all of Orange. The rest of the city went to the 19th District, a sprawling, rural area that reaches from the Massachusetts border to the Finger Lakes.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, a Kingston Democrat, argued in a letter to the judge the division violated a 2014 amendment to the state constitution that required redistricting to avoid disenfranchising minority populations.

Splitting Kingston up and then separating part of it from other nearby diverse municipalities such as Ellenville, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh will, in effect, dilute the voices of communities of color throughout the Hudson Valley, Cahill wrote.

In response, the court left Kingston intact in the final 18th District.

Which districts will see the most change?

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro speaks about the planned closure of Downstate Correctional Facility during a press conference held by the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association on November 17, 2021.

The final maps amount to a major reshuffling of the Hudson Valley and Central New York from the Legislatures originally approved maps.

The state was slated to lose one congressional seat this year, due to a lack of sufficient population growth in the 2020 Census. The state now has 26 total districts, and under the Legislatures approved maps, Democrats would have had an advantage in 22 of them.

The court's final congressional map would make eight out of 26 districts competitive, according to court paperwork.

The 22nd District, encompassing the Syracuse area, now includes more rural eastern regions and the city of Utica and excludes Ithaca, a Democratic stronghold drawn into the district by the Legislature earlier this year.

It is currently represented by Republican Claudia Tenney, who announced early Saturday that she'd run in the newly formed 24th District, which stretches from Niagara County in the west, loops around Rochester and ends around Watertown to the northeast.

The 23rd District, in the Southern Tier, stretched along the southern border of the state, from the western tip near Erie, Pennsylvania to rural areas east of Syracuse, according to the Legislature maps. The final map chopped off the district's eastern end, leaving it instead to the 19th District.

The district incumbent in the 23rd, Rep. Tom Reed, resigned earlier this year, leading to an upcoming special election to fill his seat.

Democrat Antonio Delgado speaks at a democratic watch party in Kingston, N.Y., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, after defeating incumbent Republican John Faso in the race for the 19th congressional District. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday, May 3, 2022, that Delgado will serve as New York's next lieutenant governor.

The 19th has been one of the most geographically morphed districts throughout the redistricting process, first comprising regions of the Catskills and Hudson Valley, then extending into Central New York before finally, in Cervas final iteration, cutting into the Southern Tier instead.

Its shifting boundaries, along with those of the nearby 17th and 18th Districts, set up a wild scramble among area politicians to throw their hats in the ring for one of the three.

Bids for the 19th are complicated by the fact that its incumbent, Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, is soon to resign and be sworn-in as lieutenant governor in Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan will face Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in a special election to serve out the rest of Delgados term.

That election has yet to be scheduled, but it could coincide with the Aug. 23 primary for congressional races. Ryan on Monday declared his candidacy in the proposed 18th District, which now includes Ulster County, where he lives. That could put Ryan in the unusual situation of running in two races in one day.

The question of residency will plague some candidates whose hometown communities have been drawn out of the newly formed districts. Representatives arent required to live in the districts they represent, but not doing so could create tension with residents questioning why candidates dont live inside district boundaries.

In Manhattan, two prominent House Democrats, Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Rep. Jerry Nadler, who currently hold districts on either side of Central Park, were drawn into the new 12th District, according to Cervas final maps. They have both said they will run in that district.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis Staten Island district, which would have included the liberal Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope in the Legislature's approved maps, was reconfigured to include only the Bensonhurst neighborhood in Brooklyn in the court's final maps.

To the north, Black, freshman progressive Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones were both drawn into the 16th District that comprises some of Westchester County and Yonkers.

Bowman, 46, criticized the proposed lines when they emerged, saying that the court-appointed special master diluted the strength of Black voters.

These are communities who have been kept together in maps for decades for good reason and with good intention, Bowman said. Their voting power is directly tied to their lives and they deserve a fair chance at electing representatives that take their unique needs into full consideration.

Bowman will run for the 16th, as well as Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, a Democrat from Yorktown in northern Westchester.

Jones, who currently represents the 17th District encompassing Westchester and Rockland counties, said on Saturday that he would run in the new 10th District covering lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

He joins a crowded primary field that includes  as of Friday morning  former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who announced his candidacy on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" talk show.

Meanwhile, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's Putnam county home was redistricted out of the 18th District, leaving him in the 17th, which comprised an estimated 70% of Jones old district.

Maloney insisted that he was the only sitting member of Congress in the new 17th and would continue to represent the people in the district in which he lives.

"The 17th includes the Congressmans home and half of the counties he has served for nearly a decade," said spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg earlier in the week. "Rep. Maloney has strong ties and longstanding relationships with leaders across the new 17th as it is largely composed of the same Hudson Valley communities he has always served during his time in Congress."

Assemblyman Mike Lawler, R-Pearl River, announced Saturday he would gather signatures to run in the 17th on the Republican line, opposing Maloney.

Includes reporting from The Journal News/Lohud.com reporter Eduardo Cuevas.

Sarah Taddeo is the New York State Team Editor for the USA Today Network. Got a story tip or comment? Contact Sarah at STADDEO@Gannett.com or on Twitter @Sjtaddeo. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

This article originally appeared on New York State Team: New York congressional, Senate redistricting maps released by court
New York's final congressional and Senate redistricting maps were released in Saturday's early hours, bringing the controversial process to a close and throwing the Democrats bid for widespread congressional wins into uncertainty.

The process in New York and other states has been under a microscope as Democrats seek to maintain their razor-thin margin in the U.S. House in a year when Republicans are expected to win big across the country.

New Yorks Court of Appeals struck down New Yorks Legislature-drawn maps last month, saying they amounted to a partisan gerrymander in favor of Democrats, and that lawmakers didnt follow a predetermined independent redistricting process that voters greenlit in 2014.

The ruling sent the maps back to the drawing board, where one person, court-appointed special master Jonathan Cervas, set about rejiggering the districts. Steuben County judge Patrick McAllister had the final say on the maps  draft copies have been out for public review since Monday.

The court-ordered final congressional redistricting map was released by special master Jonathan Cervas in the early hours of Saturday, May 21, 2022.

The final maps were largely similar to the draft copies, with a few key changes, based on feedback from communities and other stakeholders in recent days.

Some Democratic lawmakers and community members slammed the maps earlier in the week as sidelining diverse communities by dividing longstanding neighborhoods aligned by race or ethnicity, and reducing their congressional representation.

NY's highest court rules on maps: Court of Appeals strikes down NY's redistricting maps. What happens now?

What was the initial feedback from Democrats, residents?

House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference November 17, 2020 on Capitol Hill.

The draft redistricting map viciously targets historic Black representation in NY, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, said Monday on Twitter. The draft map is unacceptable, unconscionable & unconstitutional.

The court, in a statement released with the final maps, said it adhered "to the instructions for treatment of minority groups as laid down in the New York State constitution."

Story continues

The court received dozens of letters from around the state since Monday, many of them addressing the split of communities they see as having shared interests.

Long Island attorney Frederick Brewington disputed the exclusion of Westbury and New Cassel, both communities of color, from the 4th District in Cervas' proposed maps, saying in a letter to the court this week that the move placed the areas with communities that share no political, life experience and social realities that shape the daily lives of its residents."

The court addressed that request in its statement, but said Westbury and New Cassel wouldn't be included in the 4th District, in order to maintain the district within the city line, according to court paperwork.

In the Hudson Valley, the special masters splitting of Kingston into two congressional districts in his proposed maps also raised concerns about weakening the voting power of diverse voters.

The proposed map put much of the city of 24,000 in the 18th District, which takes in parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties and all of Orange. The rest of the city went to the 19th District, a sprawling, rural area that reaches from the Massachusetts border to the Finger Lakes.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, a Kingston Democrat, argued in a letter to the judge the division violated a 2014 amendment to the state constitution that required redistricting to avoid disenfranchising minority populations.

Splitting Kingston up and then separating part of it from other nearby diverse municipalities such as Ellenville, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh will, in effect, dilute the voices of communities of color throughout the Hudson Valley, Cahill wrote.

In response, the court left Kingston intact in the final 18th District.

Which districts will see the most change?

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro speaks about the planned closure of Downstate Correctional Facility during a press conference held by the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association on November 17, 2021.

The final maps amount to a major reshuffling of the Hudson Valley and Central New York from the Legislatures originally approved maps.

The state was slated to lose one congressional seat this year, due to a lack of sufficient population growth in the 2020 Census. The state now has 26 total districts, and under the Legislatures approved maps, Democrats would have had an advantage in 22 of them.

The court's final congressional map would make eight out of 26 districts competitive, according to court paperwork.

The 22nd District, encompassing the Syracuse area, now includes more rural eastern regions and the city of Utica and excludes Ithaca, a Democratic stronghold drawn into the district by the Legislature earlier this year.

It is currently represented by Republican Claudia Tenney, who announced early Saturday that she'd run in the newly formed 24th District, which stretches from Niagara County in the west, loops around Rochester and ends around Watertown to the northeast.

The 23rd District, in the Southern Tier, stretched along the southern border of the state, from the western tip near Erie, Pennsylvania to rural areas east of Syracuse, according to the Legislature maps. The final map chopped off the district's eastern end, leaving it instead to the 19th District.

The district incumbent in the 23rd, Rep. Tom Reed, resigned earlier this year, leading to an upcoming special election to fill his seat.

Democrat Antonio Delgado speaks at a democratic watch party in Kingston, N.Y., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, after defeating incumbent Republican John Faso in the race for the 19th congressional District. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday, May 3, 2022, that Delgado will serve as New York's next lieutenant governor.

The 19th has been one of the most geographically morphed districts throughout the redistricting process, first comprising regions of the Catskills and Hudson Valley, then extending into Central New York before finally, in Cervas final iteration, cutting into the Southern Tier instead.

Its shifting boundaries, along with those of the nearby 17th and 18th Districts, set up a wild scramble among area politicians to throw their hats in the ring for one of the three.

Bids for the 19th are complicated by the fact that its incumbent, Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, is soon to resign and be sworn-in as lieutenant governor in Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan will face Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in a special election to serve out the rest of Delgados term.

That election has yet to be scheduled, but it could coincide with the Aug. 23 primary for congressional races. Ryan on Monday declared his candidacy in the proposed 18th District, which now includes Ulster County, where he lives. That could put Ryan in the unusual situation of running in two races in one day.

The question of residency will plague some candidates whose hometown communities have been drawn out of the newly formed districts. Representatives arent required to live in the districts they represent, but not doing so could create tension with residents questioning why candidates dont live inside district boundaries.

In Manhattan, two prominent House Democrats, Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Rep. Jerry Nadler, who currently hold districts on either side of Central Park, were drawn into the new 12th District, according to Cervas final maps. They have both said they will run in that district.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis Staten Island district, which would have included the liberal Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope in the Legislature's approved maps, was reconfigured to include only the Bensonhurst neighborhood in Brooklyn in the court's final maps.

To the north, Black, freshman progressive Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones were both drawn into the 16th District that comprises some of Westchester County and Yonkers.

Bowman, 46, criticized the proposed lines when they emerged, saying that the court-appointed special master diluted the strength of Black voters.

These are communities who have been kept together in maps for decades for good reason and with good intention, Bowman said. Their voting power is directly tied to their lives and they deserve a fair chance at electing representatives that take their unique needs into full consideration.

Bowman will run for the 16th, as well as Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, a Democrat from Yorktown in northern Westchester.

Jones, who currently represents the 17th District encompassing Westchester and Rockland counties, said on Saturday that he would run in the new 10th District covering lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

He joins a crowded primary field that includes  as of Friday morning  former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who announced his candidacy on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" talk show.

Meanwhile, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's Putnam county home was redistricted out of the 18th District, leaving him in the 17th, which comprised an estimated 70% of Jones old district.

Maloney insisted that he was the only sitting member of Congress in the new 17th and would continue to represent the people in the district in which he lives.

"The 17th includes the Congressmans home and half of the counties he has served for nearly a decade," said spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg earlier in the week. "Rep. Maloney has strong ties and longstanding relationships with leaders across the new 17th as it is largely composed of the same Hudson Valley communities he has always served during his time in Congress."

Assemblyman Mike Lawler, R-Pearl River, announced Saturday he would gather signatures to run in the 17th on the Republican line, opposing Maloney.

Includes reporting from The Journal News/Lohud.com reporter Eduardo Cuevas.

Sarah Taddeo is the New York State Team Editor for the USA Today Network. Got a story tip or comment? Contact Sarah at STADDEO@Gannett.com or on Twitter @Sjtaddeo. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

This article originally appeared on New York State Team: New York congressional, Senate redistricting maps released by court
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.

KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)




Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.


New Delhi, May 21 : Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police saying that his Twitter account has been hacked by some wrong doers.

Earlier in the day, Chowdhury's Twitter account stirred a major controversy after a remembrance message quoting former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's infamous quote, "When a big tree falls, earth gets shaken up," was posted from his Twitter account on the 31st death anniversary of the late PM.

Chowdhury was quick to deny it and immediately deleted the tweet. "The tweet against my name in the Twitter account has nothing to do with my own observation. A malicious campaign is propagated by those forces inimical to me," he wrote on Twitter.

In his complaint to the police, the Congress leader said an unscrupulous, biased, and a content tainted with absolute malafide was posted on his Twitter account when he was busy with the party program on the dais and did not carry his mobile phone.

"The content posted smacks of malice and I believe that my Twitter account had been hacked by some wrong doers, for the reason best known to them," the law-maker's complaint read.

He also demanded immediate cognizance of the complaint and appropriate action of the alleged Cyber Crime.

Rajiv Gandhi's oblique remark -- When a big tree falls, earth gets shaken up -- came after the gut-wrenching anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Political rivals have since then unequivocally criticized this statement and said that it seemed Rajiv Gandhi justified the killings of thousands of Sikhs on the streets of the national capital.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
May 21 : An India-Australia joint venture, a dance drama, The Laugh of Lakshmi, was announced at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. S Shakthidharan, a renowned Australian theatre director with Sri Lankan and Tamil ancestry, will direct the project, which will go on floors early 2023. This Australian project will be the first film to use the newly announced Indian production incentive.

The deal has been signed between Mumbai based Frames Per Second Films and Felix Media in Australia. According to Rakasree Basu, CEO, Frames Per Second Films, Mumbai, The Laugh of Lakshmi is their first venture with Australia. The project will be produced by John Maynard at Felix Media in Australia.

The film will be shot in Tamil Nadu and Australia. Rakasree Basu said in a statement, I welcome the newly announced incentive for foreign film and television production by the Government of India. This will certainly encourage and enrich all foreign productions planning to shoot in India with knowledgeable and proficient Indian cast and crew. This initiative will motivate foreign moviemakers to explore intercultural workspace, boost shared learning of filming practices and make India an attractive filming destination for international productions. It is indeed a good start for India as the Country of Honour in Cannes. Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage will advise Frames Per Second Films on the project.

Shakthidharan, who is also the writer of The Laugh of Lakshmi will debut in films with this project. His play, Counting and Cracking, about four generations, was a huge success and won seven Helpmann Awards in Australia. Counting and Cracking will soon open in the UK.

The Laugh of Lakshmi is a story about a mother and son, who were separated by war in Sri Lanka. The mother is a celebrated classical Indian dancer, and involved with the grassroots Tamil women farmers' cooperative movement. She sends the son, who is also a brilliant dancer, to her brother in Sydney. After 25 years of separation and living in different communities, the mother and son discover each other.

Cinema must tell stories of debilitating issues like forced migration, loss of home and tragic deaths, and The Laugh of Lakshmi would convey these through moving imagery, Shakthidharan said.

John Maynard is reportedly casting and financing the film in Sydney. The shoot will take place in India in January 2023, followed by Sydney, and the film will be released in January 2024.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
May 21 : An India-Australia joint venture, a dance drama, The Laugh of Lakshmi, was announced at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. S Shakthidharan, a renowned Australian theatre director with Sri Lankan and Tamil ancestry, will direct the project, which will go on floors early 2023. This Australian project will be the first film to use the newly announced Indian production incentive.

The deal has been signed between Mumbai based Frames Per Second Films and Felix Media in Australia. According to Rakasree Basu, CEO, Frames Per Second Films, Mumbai, The Laugh of Lakshmi is their first venture with Australia. The project will be produced by John Maynard at Felix Media in Australia.

The film will be shot in Tamil Nadu and Australia. Rakasree Basu said in a statement, I welcome the newly announced incentive for foreign film and television production by the Government of India. This will certainly encourage and enrich all foreign productions planning to shoot in India with knowledgeable and proficient Indian cast and crew. This initiative will motivate foreign moviemakers to explore intercultural workspace, boost shared learning of filming practices and make India an attractive filming destination for international productions. It is indeed a good start for India as the Country of Honour in Cannes. Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage will advise Frames Per Second Films on the project.

Shakthidharan, who is also the writer of The Laugh of Lakshmi will debut in films with this project. His play, Counting and Cracking, about four generations, was a huge success and won seven Helpmann Awards in Australia. Counting and Cracking will soon open in the UK.

The Laugh of Lakshmi is a story about a mother and son, who were separated by war in Sri Lanka. The mother is a celebrated classical Indian dancer, and involved with the grassroots Tamil women farmers' cooperative movement. She sends the son, who is also a brilliant dancer, to her brother in Sydney. After 25 years of separation and living in different communities, the mother and son discover each other.

Cinema must tell stories of debilitating issues like forced migration, loss of home and tragic deaths, and The Laugh of Lakshmi would convey these through moving imagery, Shakthidharan said.

John Maynard is reportedly casting and financing the film in Sydney. The shoot will take place in India in January 2023, followed by Sydney, and the film will be released in January 2024.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel has made history, convincingly winning the once-safe Liberal seat of Goldstein and ousting incumbent, Tim Wilson who refused to concede.

Before a jubilant crowd of hundreds at the Brighton Bowling Club in Melbournes inner south, Daniel claimed victory and promised to be an honest broker from the cross benches.

Goldstein was long regarded as one of the Liberal partys safest seats in Victoria. It had been held by the Liberals and their predecessors since federation.

In her victory speech Daniel referenced Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein who unsuccessfully contested the seat and after whom it is named.
Jammu, May 21 : Four bodies were recovered by rescue teams on Saturday from the debris of the tunnel that collapsed on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district on May 19.

District officials said four bodies of labourers were recovered on Saturday from the debris of the tunnel that collapsed in the Khoni Nallah area of Ramban district on Thursday.

Ten labourers were trapped inside the collapsed tunnel. One body was recovered on Friday while four more were recovered on Saturday.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is personally monitoring the rescue operation.










NEWTON  The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover held its annual Rotary Night Celebration at Catawba Country Club recently.

Each year the club recognizes two individuals with the Charles Corriher Vocational Service Award and the Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Award.

This year the Charles Corriher Vocational Service Award was presented to Patricia Gibson. The Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Award was awarded to Scott Gilleland.

The Charles Corriher Vocational Service Award is presented to a Rotarian or a member of the community who exemplifies the best of his or her profession. The winners have included men and women whose commitment to good citizenship through their work have honored the Rotary motto: service above self.

Patricia F. Gibson was awarded the 2022 Charles Corriher Vocation Service Award for being a trailblazer in the education professional and leading the way for so many who followed her.

Gibson was principal of the new Newton Conover Middle School as the concept developed, assistant superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools, mentored and supervised student teachers through Appalachian State University and honored as one of the first recipients of the Red Blazer Award from the Newton-Conover School System.

Gibson was the first female Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover. This year a scholarship provided by the Rotary Club is named in her honor. Pat Gibson continues to be an advocate for education and her community.

Established in 2006, the Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Award is presented annually to a Rotarian exemplifying nobility of character and personal integrity. Dr. Mac (as he was affectionately known) was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover and lived his life service above self. He took pride in the community as a physician, a community leader and a friend to all.

The 2022 Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Award was presented to Scott Gilleland. Gilleland exemplifies a life of community service. He has been a Rotarian since 2008 and served as president in 2015-16. Gilleland has introduced Rotarians to Racing for Rotary, where hard work and community support have helped fund numerous nonprofit organization programs in the county.

Gillelands caring nature and service-above-self attitude exemplifies the characteristic of the award. Gilleland lives in Newton and is owner of The Untouchables Pizza.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.

Anyone interested in being involved in the international organization can call Joy Cline at 464-0311, ext. 276.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)

New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took notice of the disappearance of underage girls from Karachi. However, they expressed their disapproval that the police have not been taking any action for the recovery of the missing girls. The SHC made the observation on the grounds of the case of Nimra Kazmi from Karachi's Model Colony who went missing the previous month and later was found to have married a Punjab man. The non-production of Nimra, despite a court order, has caused concerns for the SHC, reported The News International. The Karachi police have been instructed to produce the minor before the court by May 25. The high court had directed the Karachi police to produce the girl before the court after Nimra's mother, Nargis sought for recovery of her daughter who was 14 years old. She also asked for the cancellation of Nimra's marriage under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act since her marriage was unlawful. According to Nargis, who filed a petition, the Karachi police had failed to file a charge sheet pertaining to the kidnapping case registered against her daughter, despite being aware that Nimra was in the custody of Najeeb Shahrukh from Taunsa Sharif, whom she married. The mother further expressed concerns that during her confinement at Shahrukh's house Nimra had claimed that she was afraid and seemed to be under pressure. Taking into account the situation, the court further requested the Karachi police to set Nimra free from the illegal detention of her husband, reported The News International. An SHC division bench chaired by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro had made inquiries to the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of Saudabad as to why the minor was not produced before the court. The Karachi police officer further submitted that a police team had been sent to Punjab after they received information about Nirma's presence in Taunsa Sharif. After the Punjab government has given its permission, the police would also conduct a raid for Nimra's recovery. The SHC has ordered the Karachi police to produce the girl at the next hearing at the court. Earlier, Nimra was last seen leaving her house on April 20 the previous month before she was reported missing. Nimra was traced in Dera Ghazi Khan where she was found to have married a man, Najeeb Shahrukh, according to the Nikah Nama and court documents. In another case of abduction, Dua Zehra Kazmi, a minor who also went missing from Karachi's AlFalah Society and was traced in Lahore. According to the Nikahnama, Dua has married a man, Zaheer Ahmed, 21. Karachi police sources said the marriage document Dua appeared to be genuine but the police were trying to further verify it. The SHC had passed a similar order for the recovery of Dua Zehra, reported The News International. The hearing of the cases in the district courts is to be held on May 30. The cases are being led by advocate Altaf Khoso, a member of the violence against woman committee of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). (ANI)
(@FahadShabbir)

MANILA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :The Philippines has detected Omicron sub-variant BA.4 from a Filipino citizen who flew in from the middle East early this month, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday.

The DOH said the asymptomatic patient, who arrived in the country on May 4, tested positive for COVID-19 four days later.

Quoting data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the DOH said Omicron BA.4 is a variant of concern (VOC).

"Compared to a variant of interest, a VOC is seen to either spread faster or cause worse illness," the DOH said, warning that "BA.4's faster transmission is likely because of its ability to evade immune protection." "While the ECDC has not observed any change in severity for BA.4 compared to other Omicron sub-variants, we must be careful because the faster transmission will lead to a spike in cases that could overwhelm our hospitals and clinics," the DOH warned.

The DOH urged the local government unit where the first BA.4 case was detected to "rapidly implement detection and isolation" of people who may have been exposed to the patient.

BA.4 and BA.5 were first detected in South Africa in January and February 2022, respectively, and since then, they have become the dominant variants in that country.

On May 17, the DOH confirmed the local transmission of the highly transmissible Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 in three areas, including Metro Manila. The Philippines has detected 17 BA.2.12.1 cases so far.

According to the DOH, there is no community transmission of the BA.2.12.1.

Studies showed that BA.2.12.1 is highly transmissible due to additional mutations than the original Omicron strain. While this sublineage has not been observed to lead to more severe disease or fatality, it has the potential for immune escape.

The Philippines now has 3,688,508 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 60,455 deaths.

The Philippines reported the highest single-day tally on Jan. 15 with 39,004 new cases. The country has seen four COVID-19 waves since the pandemic began in January 2020.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative



POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Russias claimed seizure of a Mariupol steel plant that became a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity gives Russian President Vladimir Putin a sorely needed victory in the war he began, capping a nearly three-month siege that left the city in ruins and more than 20,000 residents feared dead.

After the Russian Defense Ministry announced late Friday that its forces had removed the last Ukrainian fighters from the plant's miles of underground tunnels, concern mounted for the Ukrainian defenders who now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, said Saturday that the Ukrainians considered heroes by their fellow citizens were sure to face a tribunal for their wartime actions.

I believe that a tribunal is inevitable here. I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Russian officials and state media repeatedly have tried to characterize the fighters who holed up in the Azovstal steel plant as neo-Nazis. Among the plant's more than 2,400 defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, a national guard unit with roots in the far right.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal, which for weeks remained Mariupol's last holdout of Ukrainian resistance, and with it completing Moscow's long-sought goal of controlling the city, home to a strategic seaport.

Ukraine's military this week told the fighters holed up in the plant, hundreds of them wounded, that their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The impact of Russia's declared victory on the broader war in Ukraine remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict, which began with the Russian invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia had destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base in Black Sea region of Odesa as well as significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

In its morning operational report, the Ukrainian military general staff reported heavy fighting in much of eastern Ukraine, including the areas of Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Since failing to reach and capture Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, Russia focused its offensive in the country's eastern industrial heartland. The Russia-backed separatists have controlled parts of the Donbas region since 2014, and Moscow wants to expand the territory under its control.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockkaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

As the end drew near at the steel plant, wives of fighters who had held out told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, the wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she shared the words her husband wrote her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

The wife of another fighter, Natalia Zaritskaya, said her husband reported earlier this week that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived and most were seriously wounded.

Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly, Zaritskaya said.

The seasize steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been a battleground for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters held out with the help of air drops of supplies, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant and save themselves.

Russia said the Azov Regiment's commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle because of local residents' alleged hatred for him.

No evidence of Ukrainian antipathy toward the nationalist regiment has emerged. The Kremlin has seized on the regiment's far-right origins in its drive to to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mills defenders for war crimes and put them on trial.

Capturing Mariupol furthers Russias quest to essentially create a land bridge from Russia via much of the Donbas area bordering Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

The city's seizure also helps Russian leader Putin offset some stinging setbacks, including the failure to take over Kyiv, the sinking of the Russian Navys flagship in the Black Sea and continued resistance that has stalled the offensive in eastern Ukraine.

With Mariupol under Russian control, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in the city, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where civilians had taken cover.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

At one point in the siege, Pope Francis lamented that Mariupol had become a city of martyrs.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided there before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the steel plant during humanitarian cease-fires. They spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

The chief executive of Metinvest, a multinational company which owns the Azovstal plant and another steel mill, Ilyich, in Mariupol, spoke of the city's devastation in an interview published Saturday in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The Russians are trying to clean it (the city) up to hide their crimes,'' the newspaper quoted Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov as saying. The inhabitants are trying to make the city function, to make water supplies work again."

But the sewer system is damaged, there has been flooding, and infections are feared from drinking the water, he said.

The Ilyich steelworks still has some intact infrastructure, but if the Russians try to get it running, Ukrainians will refuse to return to their jobs there, Ryzhenkov said.

"We will never work under Russian occupation,'' Ryzhenkov said.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Russias claimed seizure of a Mariupol steel plant that became a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity gives Russian President Vladimir Putin a sorely needed victory in the war he began, capping a nearly three-month siege that left the city in ruins and more than 20,000 residents feared dead.

After the Russian Defense Ministry announced late Friday that its forces had removed the last Ukrainian fighters from the plant's miles of underground tunnels, concern mounted for the Ukrainian defenders who now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, said Saturday that the Ukrainians considered heroes by their fellow citizens were sure to face a tribunal for their wartime actions.

I believe that a tribunal is inevitable here. I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Russian officials and state media repeatedly have tried to characterize the fighters who holed up in the Azovstal steel plant as neo-Nazis. Among the plant's more than 2,400 defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, a national guard unit with roots in the far right.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal, which for weeks remained Mariupol's last holdout of Ukrainian resistance, and with it completing Moscow's long-sought goal of controlling the city, home to a strategic seaport.

Ukraine's military this week told the fighters holed up in the plant, hundreds of them wounded, that their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The impact of Russia's declared victory on the broader war in Ukraine remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict, which began with the Russian invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia had destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base in Black Sea region of Odesa as well as significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

In its morning operational report, the Ukrainian military general staff reported heavy fighting in much of eastern Ukraine, including the areas of Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Since failing to reach and capture Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, Russia focused its offensive in the country's eastern industrial heartland. The Russia-backed separatists have controlled parts of the Donbas region since 2014, and Moscow wants to expand the territory under its control.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockkaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

As the end drew near at the steel plant, wives of fighters who had held out told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, the wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she shared the words her husband wrote her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

The wife of another fighter, Natalia Zaritskaya, said her husband reported earlier this week that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived and most were seriously wounded.

Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly, Zaritskaya said.

The seasize steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been a battleground for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters held out with the help of air drops of supplies, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant and save themselves.

Russia said the Azov Regiment's commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle because of local residents' alleged hatred for him.

No evidence of Ukrainian antipathy toward the nationalist regiment has emerged. The Kremlin has seized on the regiment's far-right origins in its drive to to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mills defenders for war crimes and put them on trial.

Capturing Mariupol furthers Russias quest to essentially create a land bridge from Russia via much of the Donbas area bordering Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

The city's seizure also helps Russian leader Putin offset some stinging setbacks, including the failure to take over Kyiv, the sinking of the Russian Navys flagship in the Black Sea and continued resistance that has stalled the offensive in eastern Ukraine.

With Mariupol under Russian control, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in the city, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where civilians had taken cover.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

At one point in the siege, Pope Francis lamented that Mariupol had become a city of martyrs.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided there before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the steel plant during humanitarian cease-fires. They spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

The chief executive of Metinvest, a multinational company which owns the Azovstal plant and another steel mill, Ilyich, in Mariupol, spoke of the city's devastation in an interview published Saturday in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The Russians are trying to clean it (the city) up to hide their crimes,'' the newspaper quoted Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov as saying. The inhabitants are trying to make the city function, to make water supplies work again."

But the sewer system is damaged, there has been flooding, and infections are feared from drinking the water, he said.

The Ilyich steelworks still has some intact infrastructure, but if the Russians try to get it running, Ukrainians will refuse to return to their jobs there, Ryzhenkov said.

"We will never work under Russian occupation,'' Ryzhenkov said.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative

New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, May 21: When the Taliban, with the support of Pakistan, and the blessings of both the US and Qatar, took charge in Kabul in August 2021, one of the first countries to greet them was neighbouring Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan shares a 744 km long border with Afghanistan. Sitting on reserves of 265 trillion cubic feet, it is the sixth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world.

On August 30, Turkmen representatives, including from the Foreign Ministry met Taliban officials from neighbouring Faryab province to discuss strengthening the work of the Imamnazar-Akina checkpoint between the two countries. On September 1, it rushed humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first countries to do so after the Taliban took over the country.

The Central Asian country's landlocked geography makes it dependent on neighbours for its economy - dependent entirely on its gas exports. Afghanistan's "Heart of Asia" location, as well as its own energy needs makes it a valuable country for Ashgabat.

That is why, perhaps, Turkmenistan has been one of the most pragmatic of the Central Asian countries. In stark contrast with neighbouring Tajikistan, for example, the gas rich country began engaging with the Taliban much before the fall of Kabul. In February 2021, Ashgabat officially hosted the first Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. In a statement following the visit, which underscored the importance of infrastructure projects by Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, Turkmen Foreign Ministry highlighted that for many years the country had been extending significant support to the Afghan people, aiding the Afghan economy, particularly in such strategically significant areas such as energy, transport, and communication.

Turkmenistan had also been exporting electricity to the Northern regions of Afghanistan, some of which like northern Herat and Baghdis had long been controlled by the Taliban, even when the Ashraf Ghani administration was ensconced in Kabul. Turkmenistan also wishes to export electricity to Pakistan and gas to both Pakistan and India.

More recently, Turkmenistan allowed the diplomatic representation of the Taliban to start functioning in the capital Ashkhabad, becoming one of the first countries to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

But now, the country seems to be implementing measures that can only be said to be influenced by the Taliban, unprecedented as they are in the region. And they are all directed at women. In spite of the decades of existence within the Soviet Union, Turkmen society remains rather conservative. Yet, strides had been made in women's empowerment -- compulsory education of girls and women, women's participation in the country's workforce, in politics, and in most spheres of social life.

Post-independence, the country has also been known for eccentric policies formulated by its leaders. The first President, the now late Saparmurat Niyazov, who also gave himself the nomenclature Turkmenbasi (Father of all Turkmens), for instance, declared a day in honor of the water melon, the favourite and national fruit of the country. Following in his footsteps, the second, now former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, banned the wearing of shorts in public places. Now his son, Serder Berdymukhamedov, who was recently sworn in as President and who is expected to lead Turkmenistan to make it more modern and liberal, has given the green light to a slew of measures regarding women and all of them have to do with personal choice.

Women have been asked to desist from wearing tight fitting clothes or clothes that reveal much skin. They have to wear long loose clothes, and the police can detain and fine them for wearing the wrong clothes. "Wrong clothes" also include blue jeans and white wedding dresses. In fact, these bans, though yet unofficial, apply to foreign women in the country too.

Women have been asked to refrain from makeup in public office as well as in public in general. They are forbidden to use false nails and eyelashes, dye their hair, use Botox, undergo cosmetic surgery, or get tattoos on themselves. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty even those cosmetologists who provide such services run the risk of being fined and facing arrest, if found out. As a result, it is reported that dozens of beauty parlours across the country have ceased to function. There are also reports that in Ashkhabad at least 20 flight attendants have lost their jobs because they were suspected of using Botox and lip augmentation.

All these bans seem to be in tandem with those bans that the Taliban have once again begun imposing on women in neighbouring Afghanistan -- to mandatorily cover their faces, not travel alone, without a male guardian, closing educational institutions for girls, and so on.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has now begun imposing rules which forbid women to ride in private cars of men not related to them - in the CIS countries private cars often double up as taxis -, and also ban them from sitting in the front seat. These bans are unheard of in any of the former Soviet republics, even though those of the South Caucasus and Central Asia tend to be much more traditional and conservative, as compared to their Slavic counterparts. Taxi drivers have been advised not to allow women to sit in front and traffic police are known to have stopped private cars carrying female passengers and asked for documents to prove that they are related to the driver.

Abortion is also banned in the country. And since 2018 driving licenses have stopped being issued to women.

It is not clear what is driving these bans. It could possibly be the furthering of tight state control over every aspect of people's lives in a country where the internet remains restricted and social media banned. Turkmen women are amongst one of the most enterprising and strong women, it is to be seen how they will accept and process such control over some of the most personal and intimate aspects of their lives. Yet, such Talibanesque measures are frightening for the region. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul Uzbek analyst Yuri Sarukhanyan said that the most dangerous aspect of the return of the Taliban to Kabul was the "Talibanization of societies". How prescient those words are turning out to be! (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 21:09 | All, World, Japan

The number of evacuees from Ukraine to Japan since Russia's invasion of the Eastern European country in late February reached 1,000 on Saturday, immigration authorities said.

Japan, which traditionally recognizes only around 1 percent of refugee applications, has so far been accepting evacuees from Ukraine under a special measure, without granting them refugee status.

On Saturday, five Ukrainians -- men and women aged between 17 and 67 -- entered Japan, up from the tally of 995 three days ago, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The government has provided generous support to Ukrainians, such as arranging a few seats in a once-a-week commercial flight from Poland for those wishing to take refuge in Japan.

The government provides daily living allowances of up to 2,400 yen ($19) to the evacuees who do not have any relatives or acquaintances to turn to. It also helps them to be accepted by municipalities and companies.

In addition, the government shoulders their expenses for medical services and Japanese language lessons.

As of Friday, at least 6.4 million people have fled from Ukraine since Feb. 24, the day Moscow began invading the country, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Japan has often faced criticism for being conservative in accepting refugees. In the latest Justice Ministry figure for 2021, out of 2,413 asylum seekers, 74 people were recognized as refugees under the provisions of Japan's immigration control and refugee recognition law.

Another 580, compared with 44 in the previous year, were permitted to be in Japan for humanitarian reasons even though they were not granted refugee status.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says victory in his countrys ongoing war with Russia will ultimately come through a diplomatic settlement.

The victory will be difficult, it will be bloody and in battle, but its end will be in diplomacy. I am very convinced of this, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Friday. There are things that we can't bring to an end without sitting at the negotiation table.

The Ukraine leader also said his country is attempting to recover fighters who surrendered to Russian forces after weeks of fighting at the Azovstal steel plant in the southern port city of Mariupol.

Everything will depend on (the responsibilities) the U.N., the Red Cross and the Russian Federation took on themselves, that they (the fighters) all will be in safety, waiting for one or the other exchange format, he said. He said Ukraines intelligence service is making preparations for a dialogue and an exchange."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three months ago, on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and Mariupol have been "fully liberated," according to a statement Friday by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces bombarding it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the East

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

President Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been President Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds will be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion amount is "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday.

President Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration is authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counter-artillery radars, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Russias claimed seizure of a Mariupol steel plant that became a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity gives Russian President Vladimir Putin a sorely needed victory in the war he began, capping a nearly three-month siege that left the city in ruins and more than 20,000 residents feared dead.

After the Russian Defense Ministry announced late Friday that its forces had removed the last Ukrainian fighters from the plant's miles of underground tunnels, concern mounted for the Ukrainian defenders who now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, said Saturday that the Ukrainians considered heroes by their fellow citizens were sure to face a tribunal for their wartime actions.

I believe that a tribunal is inevitable here. I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Russian officials and state media repeatedly have tried to characterize the fighters who holed up in the Azovstal steel plant as neo-Nazis. Among the plant's more than 2,400 defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, a national guard unit with roots in the far right.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal, which for weeks remained Mariupol's last holdout of Ukrainian resistance, and with it completing Moscow's long-sought goal of controlling the city, home to a strategic seaport.

Ukraine's military this week told the fighters holed up in the plant, hundreds of them wounded, that their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The impact of Russia's declared victory on the broader war in Ukraine remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict, which began with the Russian invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia had destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base in Black Sea region of Odesa as well as significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

In its morning operational report, the Ukrainian military general staff reported heavy fighting in much of eastern Ukraine, including the areas of Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Since failing to reach and capture Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, Russia focused its offensive in the country's eastern industrial heartland. The Russia-backed separatists have controlled parts of the Donbas region since 2014, and Moscow wants to expand the territory under its control.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockkaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

As the end drew near at the steel plant, wives of fighters who had held out told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, the wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she shared the words her husband wrote her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

The wife of another fighter, Natalia Zaritskaya, said her husband reported earlier this week that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived and most were seriously wounded.

Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly, Zaritskaya said.

The seasize steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been a battleground for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters held out with the help of air drops of supplies, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant and save themselves.

Russia said the Azov Regiment's commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle because of local residents' alleged hatred for him.

No evidence of Ukrainian antipathy toward the nationalist regiment has emerged. The Kremlin has seized on the regiment's far-right origins in its drive to to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mills defenders for war crimes and put them on trial.

Capturing Mariupol furthers Russias quest to essentially create a land bridge from Russia via much of the Donbas area bordering Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

The city's seizure also helps Russian leader Putin offset some stinging setbacks, including the failure to take over Kyiv, the sinking of the Russian Navys flagship in the Black Sea and continued resistance that has stalled the offensive in eastern Ukraine.

With Mariupol under Russian control, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in the city, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where civilians had taken cover.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

At one point in the siege, Pope Francis lamented that Mariupol had become a city of martyrs.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided there before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the steel plant during humanitarian cease-fires. They spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

The chief executive of Metinvest, a multinational company which owns the Azovstal plant and another steel mill, Ilyich, in Mariupol, spoke of the city's devastation in an interview published Saturday in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The Russians are trying to clean it (the city) up to hide their crimes,'' the newspaper quoted Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov as saying. The inhabitants are trying to make the city function, to make water supplies work again."

But the sewer system is damaged, there has been flooding, and infections are feared from drinking the water, he said.

The Ilyich steelworks still has some intact infrastructure, but if the Russians try to get it running, Ukrainians will refuse to return to their jobs there, Ryzhenkov said.

"We will never work under Russian occupation,'' Ryzhenkov said.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
Mountain Lion Getty Images

A California woman was taking a walk with her dog when she was attacked by a mountain lion.

The woman's pet dog, a Belgian Malinois, jumped in to protect her and was badly injured in the attack.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," she said.

A California woman who was attacked by a mountain lion said her pet dog jumped to her defense to protect her.

Erin Wilson, 24, who lives in Trinity County, in a remote region of northwest California, was walking towards the river when a mountain lion lunged at her and scratched her through her jacket, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Wilson said she called for her dog Eva, a two-and-a-half-year-old 55-pound Belgian Malinois, who jumped in to defend her against the cougar.

"They fought for a couple seconds, and then I heard her start crying," Wilson told the paper. "That's when the cat latched on to her skull."

Wilson tried to separate the mountain lion from her dog by striking the animal with rocks, sticks and her fists, she told the paper.

Eventually, Wilson flagged down a passing driver who helped her beat away the lion by spraying it with pepper spray.

In a GoFundMe for her hero dog, Wilson said that Eva was badly injured in the attack, and was convulsing in the car during the hour-long journey to the vet.

The dog suffered from a fractured skull, a puncture into the sinus cavity and severe swelling around her eye, and Wilson said she is fundraising for the dog's vet bills. She was expected home on Friday.

Erin Wilson was walking in remote Calfornian region when a bear attacked her and her dog, Eva, leapt to her defense GoFundMe

In her latest update on GoFundMe, Wilson wrote that the dog was doing much better and will likely come home soon.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," Wilson wrote.

Lion attacks on people are rare, with few fatalities in North America in more than 100 years, according to the Colorado Divison of Widllife, who have produced a video: "What do to if you meet a mountain lion."

Read the original article on Insider
Mountain Lion Getty Images

A California woman was taking a walk with her dog when she was attacked by a mountain lion.

The woman's pet dog, a Belgian Malinois, jumped in to protect her and was badly injured in the attack.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," she said.

A California woman who was attacked by a mountain lion said her pet dog jumped to her defense to protect her.

Erin Wilson, 24, who lives in Trinity County, in a remote region of northwest California, was walking towards the river when a mountain lion lunged at her and scratched her through her jacket, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Wilson said she called for her dog Eva, a two-and-a-half-year-old 55-pound Belgian Malinois, who jumped in to defend her against the cougar.

"They fought for a couple seconds, and then I heard her start crying," Wilson told the paper. "That's when the cat latched on to her skull."

Wilson tried to separate the mountain lion from her dog by striking the animal with rocks, sticks and her fists, she told the paper.

Eventually, Wilson flagged down a passing driver who helped her beat away the lion by spraying it with pepper spray.

In a GoFundMe for her hero dog, Wilson said that Eva was badly injured in the attack, and was convulsing in the car during the hour-long journey to the vet.

The dog suffered from a fractured skull, a puncture into the sinus cavity and severe swelling around her eye, and Wilson said she is fundraising for the dog's vet bills. She was expected home on Friday.

Erin Wilson was walking in remote Calfornian region when a bear attacked her and her dog, Eva, leapt to her defense GoFundMe

In her latest update on GoFundMe, Wilson wrote that the dog was doing much better and will likely come home soon.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," Wilson wrote.

Lion attacks on people are rare, with few fatalities in North America in more than 100 years, according to the Colorado Divison of Widllife, who have produced a video: "What do to if you meet a mountain lion."

Read the original article on Insider


Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Mountain Lion Getty Images

A California woman was taking a walk with her dog when she was attacked by a mountain lion.

The woman's pet dog, a Belgian Malinois, jumped in to protect her and was badly injured in the attack.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," she said.

A California woman who was attacked by a mountain lion said her pet dog jumped to her defense to protect her.

Erin Wilson, 24, who lives in Trinity County, in a remote region of northwest California, was walking towards the river when a mountain lion lunged at her and scratched her through her jacket, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Wilson said she called for her dog Eva, a two-and-a-half-year-old 55-pound Belgian Malinois, who jumped in to defend her against the cougar.

"They fought for a couple seconds, and then I heard her start crying," Wilson told the paper. "That's when the cat latched on to her skull."

Wilson tried to separate the mountain lion from her dog by striking the animal with rocks, sticks and her fists, she told the paper.

Eventually, Wilson flagged down a passing driver who helped her beat away the lion by spraying it with pepper spray.

In a GoFundMe for her hero dog, Wilson said that Eva was badly injured in the attack, and was convulsing in the car during the hour-long journey to the vet.

The dog suffered from a fractured skull, a puncture into the sinus cavity and severe swelling around her eye, and Wilson said she is fundraising for the dog's vet bills. She was expected home on Friday.

Erin Wilson was walking in remote Calfornian region when a bear attacked her and her dog, Eva, leapt to her defense GoFundMe

In her latest update on GoFundMe, Wilson wrote that the dog was doing much better and will likely come home soon.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," Wilson wrote.

Lion attacks on people are rare, with few fatalities in North America in more than 100 years, according to the Colorado Divison of Widllife, who have produced a video: "What do to if you meet a mountain lion."

Read the original article on Insider
Mountain Lion Getty Images

A California woman was taking a walk with her dog when she was attacked by a mountain lion.

The woman's pet dog, a Belgian Malinois, jumped in to protect her and was badly injured in the attack.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," she said.

A California woman who was attacked by a mountain lion said her pet dog jumped to her defense to protect her.

Erin Wilson, 24, who lives in Trinity County, in a remote region of northwest California, was walking towards the river when a mountain lion lunged at her and scratched her through her jacket, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Wilson said she called for her dog Eva, a two-and-a-half-year-old 55-pound Belgian Malinois, who jumped in to defend her against the cougar.

"They fought for a couple seconds, and then I heard her start crying," Wilson told the paper. "That's when the cat latched on to her skull."

Wilson tried to separate the mountain lion from her dog by striking the animal with rocks, sticks and her fists, she told the paper.

Eventually, Wilson flagged down a passing driver who helped her beat away the lion by spraying it with pepper spray.

In a GoFundMe for her hero dog, Wilson said that Eva was badly injured in the attack, and was convulsing in the car during the hour-long journey to the vet.

The dog suffered from a fractured skull, a puncture into the sinus cavity and severe swelling around her eye, and Wilson said she is fundraising for the dog's vet bills. She was expected home on Friday.

Erin Wilson was walking in remote Calfornian region when a bear attacked her and her dog, Eva, leapt to her defense GoFundMe

In her latest update on GoFundMe, Wilson wrote that the dog was doing much better and will likely come home soon.

"My dog is my hero and I owe her my life," Wilson wrote.

Lion attacks on people are rare, with few fatalities in North America in more than 100 years, according to the Colorado Divison of Widllife, who have produced a video: "What do to if you meet a mountain lion."

Read the original article on Insider


New York's final congressional and Senate redistricting maps were released in Saturday's early hours, bringing the controversial process to a close and throwing the Democrats bid for widespread congressional wins into uncertainty.

The process in New York and other states has been under a microscope as Democrats seek to maintain their razor-thin margin in the U.S. House in a year when Republicans are expected to win big across the country.

New Yorks Court of Appeals struck down New Yorks Legislature-drawn maps last month, saying they amounted to a partisan gerrymander in favor of Democrats, and that lawmakers didnt follow a predetermined independent redistricting process that voters greenlit in 2014.

The ruling sent the maps back to the drawing board, where one person, court-appointed special master Jonathan Cervas, set about rejiggering the districts. Steuben County judge Patrick McAllister had the final say on the maps  draft copies have been out for public review since Monday.

The court-ordered final congressional redistricting map was released by special master Jonathan Cervas in the early hours of Saturday, May 21, 2022.

The final maps were largely similar to the draft copies, with a few key changes, based on feedback from communities and other stakeholders in recent days.

Some Democratic lawmakers and community members slammed the maps earlier in the week as sidelining diverse communities by dividing longstanding neighborhoods aligned by race or ethnicity, and reducing their congressional representation.

NY's highest court rules on maps: Court of Appeals strikes down NY's redistricting maps. What happens now?

What was the initial feedback from Democrats, residents?

House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference November 17, 2020 on Capitol Hill.

The draft redistricting map viciously targets historic Black representation in NY, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, said Monday on Twitter. The draft map is unacceptable, unconscionable & unconstitutional.

The court, in a statement released with the final maps, said it adhered "to the instructions for treatment of minority groups as laid down in the New York State constitution."

Story continues

The court received dozens of letters from around the state since Monday, many of them addressing the split of communities they see as having shared interests.

Long Island attorney Frederick Brewington disputed the exclusion of Westbury and New Cassel, both communities of color, from the 4th District in Cervas' proposed maps, saying in a letter to the court this week that the move placed the areas with communities that share no political, life experience and social realities that shape the daily lives of its residents."

The court addressed that request in its statement, but said Westbury and New Cassel wouldn't be included in the 4th District, in order to maintain the district within the city line, according to court paperwork.

In the Hudson Valley, the special masters splitting of Kingston into two congressional districts in his proposed maps also raised concerns about weakening the voting power of diverse voters.

The proposed map put much of the city of 24,000 in the 18th District, which takes in parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties and all of Orange. The rest of the city went to the 19th District, a sprawling, rural area that reaches from the Massachusetts border to the Finger Lakes.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, a Kingston Democrat, argued in a letter to the judge the division violated a 2014 amendment to the state constitution that required redistricting to avoid disenfranchising minority populations.

Splitting Kingston up and then separating part of it from other nearby diverse municipalities such as Ellenville, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh will, in effect, dilute the voices of communities of color throughout the Hudson Valley, Cahill wrote.

In response, the court left Kingston intact in the final 18th District.

Which districts will see the most change?

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro speaks about the planned closure of Downstate Correctional Facility during a press conference held by the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association on November 17, 2021.

The final maps amount to a major reshuffling of the Hudson Valley and Central New York from the Legislatures originally approved maps.

The state was slated to lose one congressional seat this year, due to a lack of sufficient population growth in the 2020 Census. The state now has 26 total districts, and under the Legislatures approved maps, Democrats would have had an advantage in 22 of them.

The court's final congressional map would make eight out of 26 districts competitive, according to court paperwork.

The 22nd District, encompassing the Syracuse area, now includes more rural eastern regions and the city of Utica and excludes Ithaca, a Democratic stronghold drawn into the district by the Legislature earlier this year.

It is currently represented by Republican Claudia Tenney, who announced early Saturday that she'd run in the newly formed 24th District, which stretches from Niagara County in the west, loops around Rochester and ends around Watertown to the northeast.

The 23rd District, in the Southern Tier, stretched along the southern border of the state, from the western tip near Erie, Pennsylvania to rural areas east of Syracuse, according to the Legislature maps. The final map chopped off the district's eastern end, leaving it instead to the 19th District.

The district incumbent in the 23rd, Rep. Tom Reed, resigned earlier this year, leading to an upcoming special election to fill his seat.

Democrat Antonio Delgado speaks at a democratic watch party in Kingston, N.Y., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, after defeating incumbent Republican John Faso in the race for the 19th congressional District. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday, May 3, 2022, that Delgado will serve as New York's next lieutenant governor.

The 19th has been one of the most geographically morphed districts throughout the redistricting process, first comprising regions of the Catskills and Hudson Valley, then extending into Central New York before finally, in Cervas final iteration, cutting into the Southern Tier instead.

Its shifting boundaries, along with those of the nearby 17th and 18th Districts, set up a wild scramble among area politicians to throw their hats in the ring for one of the three.

Bids for the 19th are complicated by the fact that its incumbent, Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, is soon to resign and be sworn-in as lieutenant governor in Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan will face Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in a special election to serve out the rest of Delgados term.

That election has yet to be scheduled, but it could coincide with the Aug. 23 primary for congressional races. Ryan on Monday declared his candidacy in the proposed 18th District, which now includes Ulster County, where he lives. That could put Ryan in the unusual situation of running in two races in one day.

The question of residency will plague some candidates whose hometown communities have been drawn out of the newly formed districts. Representatives arent required to live in the districts they represent, but not doing so could create tension with residents questioning why candidates dont live inside district boundaries.

In Manhattan, two prominent House Democrats, Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Rep. Jerry Nadler, who currently hold districts on either side of Central Park, were drawn into the new 12th District, according to Cervas final maps. They have both said they will run in that district.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis Staten Island district, which would have included the liberal Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope in the Legislature's approved maps, was reconfigured to include only the Bensonhurst neighborhood in Brooklyn in the court's final maps.

To the north, Black, freshman progressive Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones were both drawn into the 16th District that comprises some of Westchester County and Yonkers.

Bowman, 46, criticized the proposed lines when they emerged, saying that the court-appointed special master diluted the strength of Black voters.

These are communities who have been kept together in maps for decades for good reason and with good intention, Bowman said. Their voting power is directly tied to their lives and they deserve a fair chance at electing representatives that take their unique needs into full consideration.

Bowman will run for the 16th, as well as Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, a Democrat from Yorktown in northern Westchester.

Jones, who currently represents the 17th District encompassing Westchester and Rockland counties, said on Saturday that he would run in the new 10th District covering lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

He joins a crowded primary field that includes  as of Friday morning  former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who announced his candidacy on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" talk show.

Meanwhile, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's Putnam county home was redistricted out of the 18th District, leaving him in the 17th, which comprised an estimated 70% of Jones old district.

Maloney insisted that he was the only sitting member of Congress in the new 17th and would continue to represent the people in the district in which he lives.

"The 17th includes the Congressmans home and half of the counties he has served for nearly a decade," said spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg earlier in the week. "Rep. Maloney has strong ties and longstanding relationships with leaders across the new 17th as it is largely composed of the same Hudson Valley communities he has always served during his time in Congress."

Assemblyman Mike Lawler, R-Pearl River, announced Saturday he would gather signatures to run in the 17th on the Republican line, opposing Maloney.

Includes reporting from The Journal News/Lohud.com reporter Eduardo Cuevas.

Sarah Taddeo is the New York State Team Editor for the USA Today Network. Got a story tip or comment? Contact Sarah at STADDEO@Gannett.com or on Twitter @Sjtaddeo. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

This article originally appeared on New York State Team: New York congressional, Senate redistricting maps released by court
When Rob Gasper took over as co-owner of The Friedhof Building, he became enamored with the structures long history in Columbus.

For starters, the buildings first two owners were both German immigrants; the first Theodore Friedhof and the second Fred Schweser, said Gasper  who along with his wife, Tracy, is owner number three.

I think the history of the building is the most interesting for people, Gasper said.

The Gaspers took over ownership of the building  1270 27th Ave. - about four years ago. Interestingly, this happened on the 100th anniversary of when it first opened, Gasper said.

Its a fantastic building, Gasper said of why he and his wife wanted to purchase the building. Its right on the town square. It was a great opportunity, I think.

The Friedhof  which was a clothing store of sorts during its first 100 years  has seen a change since the Gaspers took over. The building is a dining experience and events center, hosting weddings, galas, graduations and more.

First built in 1919, the building filled the entire block, going all the south to where The Columbus Telegram is today, Gasper said. Back then, it was called the Friedhof Lot, he added.

Friedhof played a pivotal role in shaping Columbus as most shops were on 11th Street but once he started his business, stores shifted two blocks north, Gasper said.

But before any of that happened, Friedhof came from humble beginnings. He was an orphan around the 1850s in Germany. He moved to the U.S. at age 14, becoming an apprentice in Chicago. After a few stops, Friedhof arrived in Columbus around 1875.

Gasper said Friedhof first worked at a retail store that is located near what is now Columbus Music. He found himself wealthy enough that a few decades later that he started the Friedhof and a bank which is where First National Bank is today, Gasper added.

The German native was also instrumental in creating the Platte County Fairgrounds. He purchased the land and then donated it to the people of Platte County, Gasper said.

Thats how our Platte County Fairgrounds got started, he said. I think thats really interesting for people to know.

Friedhof wasnt done shaping Columbus and Platte County. He was on the board of directors for the Loup Canal project and helped fund it as well, Gasper said.

Gasper said Friedhof had an interesting life outside of his business endeavors. He originally left behind his 8-year-old brother in Germany, only for them to meet again 70 years later in 1936.

Gasper said it was quoted in The Columbus Telegram of their meeting then, that the younger Friedhof said, I like America but its too hot. In Germany, everything is good and just as long as everyone conforms to the government, theres no trouble.

They both died a decade later in 1946, Gasper said.

Eventually, in 1929, Friedhof sold the building to Schweser who also has a long history in the area. Schweser originally owned a store in David City before buying Friedhofs operation.

The business turned into Schwesers which was a well-beloved store, Gasper said. He later expanded to 33 stores across the Midwest. However, the last remaining stores were in Columbus and Fremont  the first two locations where Scwhesers opened, Gasper said.

Gasper said hes amazed by the buildings history.

Its really humbling to be the third owner and to be behind those two pioneers, he said.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Parents and students gather in protest of school district policy's at the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District offices in Placentia, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Probe of NSBA Domestic Terrorism Letter Ends in Apology, Pledge to Ensure This Does Not Happen Again

Top officials at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) have apologized for sending a letter that called on the Department of Justice to investigate parents under domestic terrorism laws, blaming a concerning lack of internal process and accountability on the part of the association and vowing policy changes to ensure this does not happen again.

The apology and pledge to do better going forward came in a May 20 statement issued at the conclusion of an independent investigation into the circumstances around the Sept. 29, 2021, letter to the DOJ.

The NSBAs controversial Sept. 29 letter (pdf) described the actions of some parents at school board meetings protesting policies such as critical race theory or COVID-19 restrictions as equivalent to domestic terrorism and argued that Americas public schools and its education leaders are under an immediate threat.

As these acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials have increased, the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes, the letter alleged.

Following the NSBAs letter, Attorney General Merrick Garland sent a memorandum to the FBI to direct investigators to address what he described as a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.

In the memo, Garland called for the FBI and other federal law enforcement agents to monitor activities at school districts nationwide.

An outcry followed the NSBAs Sept. 29 letter and Garlands memo, including a lawsuit brought by 14 Republican attorneys general alleging that the memorandum was based on false accusations against parents and attacked dissent by parents during local school board meetings in a bid to intimidate them.

The NSBA later apologized for the letter and replaced then-interim chief Chip Slaven in November 2021 with current NSBA Executive Director and CEO John Heim.

Heim said the Sept. 29 letter to the DOJ was sent without full approval of the associations board, while stressing the NSBAs non-partisanship and commitment to parental engagement. He added that the NSBA opposes federal law enforcement intervention at school board meetings.

The letter directly contradicts our core commitments to parent engagement, local control, and nonpartisanship, Heim said in a statement. The sentiments shared in the letter do not represent the views or position of the NSBA. The NSBA does not seek or advocate for federal law enforcement intervention at local school board meetings.

Heim added that sending the letter without full Board approval highlighted a concerning lack of internal process and accountability and harmed the mission of our organization.

Calling the events described in the review unfortunate, Heim said the NSBA would look to key takeaways from the report (pdf) and strive to do better going forward.

In a statement, NSBA Board President Frank Henderson expressed regret that the associations leaders did not review the letter more closely at the time, insisting the letter doesnt represent the views of the board or the NSBA, while pledging to implement a number of processes to ensure this does not happen again.

Steps meant to ensure better performance going forward, as outlined in the NSBA statement, include amending the NSBAs constitution to enshrine non-partisanship, adopting a resolution opposing federal intrusion and expansion of executive authority, and pledging new processes and protocols.

The probe also found evidence of collaboration on the letter between members of the Biden administration and NSBA staff, under Slavens leadership.

Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, an advocacy group, said the investigation revealed a breach of trust by the Biden administration.

As a result of the NSBAs internal investigation, the American people now know that Biden Administration officials did indeed work with NSBA on the since-retracted letter requesting federal intervention in school board issues, she told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement, calling it a betrayal of trust by the highest levels of government.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called the findings of the review an outrage, in a May 20 statement.

White House officials didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.



Mumbai, May 21 : In a strong critique, the Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed deep concern over the fate of the Congress which it said is 'leaking' badly with so many leaders deserting the party.

"The Congress' condition is like a cloudburst. The problem is where to put the patch and seal it. The leaks started on the concluding day of the party's recent Chintan Shivir in Rajasthan," the Sena said.

Sena's anxiety for the Congress - a ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally in Maharashtra - came on a crucial day when the grand old party was observing the death anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It pointed out how the party lost leaders like Sunil Jakhar, Hardik Patel and in the past Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, yet - despite the outflow - everyone in Congress talks of 'reviving' the party.

Sunil Jakhar - the son of a veteran Congress leader from Punjab, the late Balram Jakhar -- led the Punjab Congress for years, but recently he was sidelined and needless importance was given to a new entrant Navjot Singh Sidhdu, the Sena said.

Before deserting the Congress for Bharatiya Janata Party, a hurt Sunil Jakhar asked: "I was only speaking in the interest of Punjab and the nation. The Congress tried to suppress my voice and gave me a notice. What did they achieve?" said the edits in the Sena newspapers 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana'.

"The Congress nurtured the leaders like Jakhar, Madhavrao Scindia and Jitendra Prasada, and even did a lot for their children Sunil, Jyotiraditya and Jitin, but their political ambitions were bigger than their fathers, and the Congress proved too small in comparison. They quit the Congress though it needed them in the crisis," said the Sena.

This, the Sena avers, points to a failure of the Congress leadership itself and expressed apprehension "what if the youth of the country do not see their future in the Congress", especially when it does not even have a full time president since some time now and ditto is the scene in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Though certain positive decisions were taken at the Chintan Shivir, the issue of Congress leadership remains in the dark, noted the Sena edits.

In states where elections are due, leaders with a good public image should have been handled well by the Congress.

However, due to Sidhu, the Congress lost Punjab and Jakhar also left, Patel was not allowed to work as the Working President of Gujarat Congress, and he says his hands and feet tied in the race by the directionless party, and he also quit.

While leaving, Patel gave his piece of mind saying whenever the country needs them most the Congress 'leadership' is abroad, nothing will be achieved by abusing Ambani-Adani as every youth in Gujarat wants to emulate them, etc, said the Sena on the exit.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP fully geared for 2024 elections, the 'leaking emergency' continues in the Congress, which doesn't augur well for parliamentary democracy, warned the Sena.

By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Work on the reconstruction of the Umid-1 platform at the Umid-Babek block in Azerbaijan is being completed, Trend reports via the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

According to the company, the main goal of the project on "Accelerating production from "Umid-1" stationary offshore platform is to remove restrictions on transportation from the platform and increase production by drilling new wells.

"Given the restrictions, three million cubic meters of gas and 470 tons (3,600 barrels) of condensate are produced daily at the field and are transported by SOCAR's technological system to the Dashgil terminal, the company said. Following the above projects implementation, its planned to increase daily gas production to 8.1 million cubic meters, and condensate - up to 1,200 tons (9,000 barrels).

According to SOCAR, within the project, the reconstruction of the platform itself, the construction of a 54-kilometer 20-inch (500 mm) underwater pipeline and its onshore section with a length of nearly 3.7 kilometers, a gas pipeline from the Dashgil-2 terminal and construction at the Sangachal head installation of a point for connection to the SOCAR gas transmission system are carried out.

"Currently, the work carried out on the Umid-1 platform and on land is nearing completion. The building of the underwater pipeline using the Israfil Huseynov pipe-laying vessel began in April of this year. The construction of the most complicated section of this gas pipeline with a length of 2.1 kilometers, located closer to land," added the company.
By Trend

Azerbaijans oil industry has all the chances to lead the digital transformation process in the list of industries with a high level of such transformation, CEO of Russian DIS Group Pavel Likhnistkiy told Trend.

According to Likhnistkiy, major banks in Azerbaijan hold high positions in the rankings in the field of innovation, which is due to the defining role of the oil industry in the countrys economy, as well as the agitating demand for Azerbaijani oil due to the dramatic change in the global economic situation.

In many countries, industrial companies, including the fuel and energy sector, are in the second echelon of digital transformation, but Azerbaijan is unique in that the oil industry here has all the chances to lead this process, he said. The growing demand, first of all, from the EU countries and Turkey, requires a radical change in the business strategy, production growth and logistics restructuring in the shortest time. To date, digital transformation based on data remains the only effective tool for such large-scale business changes.

He also noted that telecommunications and the banking sector traditionally head the list of industries with a high level of digital transformation, and in this sense, Azerbaijan is no exception to global trends and the achievements of the Azerbaijani telecom in creating smart data are recognized internationally.

The transition to a digital society is one of the key points of Azerbaijan 2030 strategy. This means improving the digital literacy of the citizens and creating value through data-driven innovations, the CEO further said. It requires a high level of digital maturity, strategic decision-making and implementation of a data management culture. Active government support accelerates this process. Azerbaijan's experience here matches that of countries such as Singapore, India, and Russia.

Besides, according to Likhnitskiy, since Azerbaijans economy and business show a steady positive dynamics, high demand can be predicted for data monetization solutions in the next few years.

We are talking not only about external monetization  for example, at the expense of improving sales efficiency  but also about internal monetization at the expense of cost reduction. Business process optimization and data monetization through IT analytics solutions come to the fore, he noted.

Data-driven analytics can accelerate the development of both the business as a whole and its individual functions. In the future, for at least five years, this trend will determine the development of digital transformation of Azerbaijani business, added the CEO.
By Trend

A joint meeting of the the committees for youth and sports, as well as for family, women and children at Azerbaijans parliament has been held in Shusha [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war], Trend reports.

The meeting participants discussed a number of issues, including education of youth and athletes representing Azerbaijan at international competitions.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

A joint meeting of the the committees for youth and sports, as well as for family, women and children at Azerbaijans parliament has been held in Shusha [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war], Trend reports.

The meeting participants discussed a number of issues, including education of youth and athletes representing Azerbaijan at international competitions.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)

Six weeks before opening night, back in March 2020, due to the global pandemic that was Covid, St. Mary's Choral Society Clonmel were in the dreadful position of having to postpone indefinitely its production of The Full Monty which had been due to open on 25th April.

Now, just over two years later, the society is delighted to announce that The Full Monty will finally take to the stage of the White Memorial Theatre in Clonmel next October from 8th to 15th.



The production will be directed by Des Henn, making his third directorial appearance with St. Mary's Choral Society, his previous productions being All Shook Up in 2019 and Grease in 2018 which won the AIMS 2nd Place Best Overall Show award.

Having worked with Cecillian Musical Society Limerick, Tipperary Musical Society and Limerick Musical Society, whose 2015 production of The Witches of Eastwick won the AIMS Best Overall Show Award, Des was delighted to join the family of St. Mary's Choral Society and was nominated for the Best Director award from AIMS for his work on Grease.



Musical Director for The Full Monty is Mary Rose McNally, who is also director of our choir and well known throughout Ireland for her work with numerous musical societies. Mary Rose has been nominated seven times by AIMS , winning two Best Chorus awards and three Best Musical Director awards with Thurles and Roscrea musical societies.

She was recently Musical Director for Tipperary Musical Society's hugely successful production of Fiddler on the Roof and also for Thurles Musical Society's concert production The Heat in On.

Barbara Meany also makes a welcome return to Clonmel as choreographer, having also previously worked on All Shook Up in 2019 and Grease in 2018, for which she was nominated for the AIMS Best Choreopraphy Award. Barbara has worked with Cecillian Musical Society (Limerick), Limerick Musical Society and Tipperary Musical Society.



The Full Monty is based on the cult hit film of the same name and is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show.



Tickets will go on sale in late August/early September. Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for details of booking and cast.
High Court proceedings aimed at preventing former billionaire Sean Quinn from trespassing on lands owned by the group of companies he set up were adjourned after the businessman failed to turn up in court.

In a letter emailed to the court Mr Quinn said that he was unable to attend due to the short notice of the proceedings but did offer an undertaking not to visit property owned by Mannok Quarries.

However, he said that he requires access to a certain roadway that connects a quarry in Co Cavan owned by the plaintiffs to a cement factory.



On Wednesday lawyers for Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd told the Court that Mr Quinn is trespassing on a quarry owned by the companies.

They wanted an injunction restraining Mr Quinn from further trespassing, on the grounds that he has no entitlement to be on Swanlinbar Quarry in Co Cavan.

The companies claim that on several occasions since late 2019 Mr Quinn has trespassed on their lands.

The most recent trespass, it is claimed occurred on May 8th last when he was seen driving on its lands, in his E class Mercedes Benz, including at Swanlinbar Quarry.

The firms, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl claim that the lands are active industrial sites, where heavy machinery is being operated, and Mr Quinn's alleged presence amounts to a significant health and safety risk.

The companies secured permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Mr Quinn at his home at Greaghrahan, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

When the case returned before the court on Friday Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told by Mr Fitzpatrick that Mr Quinn was neither present nor represented in court.

The Judge said that he had received an email from Mr Quinn stating that he was unable to attend "due to the short notice," he was given regarding the action.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his clients are "sceptical" about the contents of Mr Quinn's letter but were not seeking the injunction at this stage of the proceedings.

Mr Justice Owens agreed to adjourn the application to a date next week.

In the letter Mr Quinn, who apologised for not attending, said he was prepared to give an undertaking if he could access a road built by him 20 years ago that links Swanlinbar quarry to a cement factory.

The road was built on lands owned by patties including local farmers, who he said had leased it back to him.

He said the road is used by Coillte, local turf cutters, farmers and by windfarm operators.

He said that he required access for business reasons, as he has an interest "in limestone land" on the Swanlinbar side of the mountain.

He also required access to the road because he is "in discussions with investors" and local landowners regarding the building of a new windfarm on the mountain.

He said he did not accept certain claims made by Mannok, including that his presence amounted to a health and safety risk.

He said he knew the property like "the back of my hand". The sites he said were closed and there were not moving vehicles.

Mr Quinn added that the case could be resolved without "further troubling the court" adding that he had abided with a previous undertaking given to a Belfast Court not to enter onto lands owned by the plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.

He was happy to provide a undertaking not to visit sites owned by Mannok as long as his access to the roadway was not inhibited.

The plaintiffs claim Mr Quinn has no right or interest in the lands and has no defence to the claims against him.

The firms say they are not entirely certain what is the purpose of Mr Quinn's alleged trespasses.

They believe his actions amount to "a misguided form of aggression in the form of defiance" aimed towards the company's management.

The firm's directors fear that unless restrained by the court his trespassing will continue.

The two companies are subsidiaries of Mannok Holdings DAC, which was formerly Quinn Industrial Holdings DAC/Quinn Group/Aventas Group and is part of the Mannok group which specialises in the sale and supply of building products and packaging solutions.
PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
Placeholder while article actions load

This is one of a series of interviews by Bloomberg Opinion columnists on how to solve the worlds most pressing policy challenges. It has been edited for length and clarity. This interview was conducted on Instagram Live on May 18. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Sarah Green Carmichael: As the founder of The Formula Mom (@theformulamom on Instagram), an online network focused on helping parents navigate the challenges of infant feeding, youve been sounding alarms about the infant-formula shortage for months. There were indications the crisis was going to get worse as far back as February, when Abbott Laboratories issued a recall and shut down its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which affected the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brands. Why is this only receiving high-level attention now, when it has been a problem brewing for months?

Mallory Whitmore, founder, The Formula Mom: I think a lot of its related to just how long it takes to produce formula. Its generally at least a six-to-eight week month process. And so I think were starting to see the effects of [the plant shutdown] in February. I think the media attention is good because were starting to see some movement from the Biden administration, but also I think its increased panic buying to an extent, which is making things worse.

Advertisement

SGC: President Biden has just announced he will use the Defense Production Act to try to boost the amount of formula available. Will this actually help?MW: Yes. It means that companies that provide ingredients to US formula makers must prioritize filling those orders before providing orders to any other industry. For example, if a dairy company provides milk to an ice cream company and also to a formula maker like Enfamil, they must fill all of Enfamils orders first. This should help with part of the production bottleneck, because formula manufacturers have been having trouble finding their ingredients. It also means that the US will start using Department of Defense airplanes to bring formula to the US, which should help address the issue of shipping delays. Finally, the order also gives $28 million to the FDA to help expedite the rate at which they can review foreign manufacturer applications and get formula on shelves quicker.

SGC: How did this recall at this one factory cause such a ripple effect?

MW: Most parents dont realize there are only five approved infant formula manufacturers in the US. You go to Target and you see 30 different brands and you think theres a lot of manufacturers, but theres only five  and three of those five control 80 to 90% of the market. Abbott alone produces 40% of the US formula market, and this plant is their largest plant. So it just took out a huge portion of the product that we typically see on the shelves.

Advertisement

SGC: Are there any brands that have been unaffected?

MW: It has been hit or miss. It seems like it depends based on geographic area. Certainly more expensive formulas tend to be more available. Most of those smaller brands  Earths Best, Burts Bees, Happy Baby, Bobbie  are all produced by the same contract manufacturer, so theyre all experiencing the same issues trying to get space on the lines to produce more.

SGC: Some people have blamed excessive regulation for the shortage. How you think that plays in? Dont we want infant formula to be highly regulated, to make sure its safe?

MW: I think theres absolutely some room for improvement in terms of how difficult it is for new brands to enter the market. Its very time- intensive and very expensive. ByHeart is a brand-new formula company that launched about two months ago, and it took them five years from start to finish. Theres also not a huge incentive for people to get into the market because its so tightly controlled by these three companies that reap the great majority of the profit.

Advertisement

On the one hand, you wish there were more players in this space so we werent in this position. On the other, we want to make sure that not anybody can just go producing infant formula. The ingredients have to be very specific. But I think were seeing now that the market as it currently operates is a problem.

SGC: What about imports  why is it so hard to buy European formula in the US?

MW: The European Commissions standards are different than the FDA standards. Some people think that their standards are better. For example, they require organic ingredients when possible and dont allow corn syrup or corn syrup solids [in formula]. They allow goat milk to be used as the protein source. On the other hand, they have looser requirements for things like how much iron is allowed in the formula; the FDA doesnt feel thats appropriate. In light of the shortage, though, the FDA has created an expedited approval pathway for foreign formula manufacturers to be able to sell in the US.

Advertisement

SGC: Is there anything else that you think government officials should be doing to speed up the end of the shortage?

MW: What I would like to see personally is an overhaul of how the WIC program functions. WIC is a supplementary nutrition program for lower-income women, infants and children. Fifty percent of babies born in the US qualify  not that many are enrolled, but 50% qualify. How it works is that each state has one single contracted manufacturer. So in Tennessee, where Im from, Similac is the contracted provider and folks who receive WIC benefits are only permitted to purchase Similac products. This is a problem for two reasons. Number one is that Similac doesnt have all of the formulas that a baby may need. Parents arent able to choose whats best for their baby, theyre only able to choose from what the state has contracted for.

Second, this decreases incentive for smaller companies to enter the space, because 50% of the market is already essentially bought out by these bigger manufacturers. And that also doesnt create an incentive for these large formula companies  Similac, Enfamil, Gerber  to elevate their standards because they dont have to win parents over when parents are forced to use their product in a state agreement that currently exists. I would love to see more of a voucher system where parents can put their money toward whatever brand or whatever formula they feel good about and that aligns with their babys needs.

Advertisement

SGC: What do you think is a realistic timeline for seeing more formula back on the shelves ?

MW: In terms of the domestic supply, I think were likely looking at from six to eight weeks because we know thats how long it takes to make a batch of formula. Many manufacturers are increasing their capacity to turn out more product, but its going to be six to eight weeks before we see that on the shelf. Its likely to be even longer than that for Similac products, since theyre still going through this process of meeting the guidelines outlined in this consent decree with the FDA to reopen the Sturgis facility. So it might be even longer for them. We are hopefully going to be seeing some imported formula options before then.

SGC: How do we prevent this from happening again?

MW: First, reduce that concentration at the top and diversify where our formula is coming from, by increasing the number of manufacturers and allowing a pathway for imported formula to continue beyond the immediate crisis.

Advertisement

I also think we have to really look at how are we ensuring safety in our existing supply chain. We know that in 2020 with the Covid pandemic, that the FDA didnt inspect a lot of these facilities. That has to be a priority. These are our very most vulnerable citizens. It has to be a priority to make sure that the formula that were seeing on the shelves is safe. Why did it take so long? I think the FDA must have been trying to weigh the risk of bacterial contamination and infant illness with knowing that a shortage was a likely outcome if they introduced a recall of this size.

SGC: As this shortage has gone on, Im sorry to say, theres been no shortage of people on social media who will say things like Just breastfeed! or Why not pump? Why is that not the best advice?

MW: I think a lot of folks dont realize that it takes a good number of weeks to establish a full milk supply. And 25% of our parents are back at work within two weeks of having a baby  25%. That is not enough time to establish a full milk supply. Also, hourly workers or part-time workers might not have protected time at work for pump breaks and those pump breaks arent paid. And if those people can get formula for free through WIC, theyre obviously incentivized to do that.

Advertisement

Low breastmilk supply is more common than people realize. Up to potentially 10% of mothers are not able to produce a full milk supply. Weve also got parents who have medication needs that are incompatible with breastfeeding. Weve got same-sex families, adoptive parents, grandparents, parents through surrogacy where breastfeeding is just not possible. And even when it is possible, the time associated with nursing is incompatible for many, many families due to their jobs and the needs of their other children.

I hope that this is just sort of a reckoning point that highlights the absolute insanity of what we expect American parents to do  and thats to parent like they dont work, and to work like they dont have kids. To breastfeed, but not take too much time at work and not in public.

SGC: Do you think that we could get to a world where we both provide more support for breastfeeding and reduce the stigma around formula?

Advertisement

MW: I would love nothing more than that. Ultimately, its got to come down to trusting that individual families know whats best for their babies and then supporting them in whatever choice they make.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Sarah Green Carmichael is a Bloomberg Opinion editor. Previously, she was managing editor of ideas and commentary at Barrons and an executive editor at Harvard Business Review, where she hosted HBR IdeaCast.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article







The fishing party at Omahas Standing Bear Lake was having a whopper of a day last week  until state conservation officers showed up.

Theyd caught their 15-fish bag limit of crappie and bluegill, but the water kept providing, and they kept taking, said Lt. Stacey Lewton of the state Game and Parks Commission.

And by the time his officers arrived, theyd pulled 162 more fish out of the lake than allowed by state law.

The most prolific angler left with a fine of $2,849  a penalty for exceeding the bag limit, and $25 in damages for each fish over the limit, Lewton said. Another member of the party received a $349 fine, and a third wasnt ticketed.

But his officers werent done. Four days later, same lake, different fishing party: They found a group with 103 fish too many. This time, one of the anglers was fined $2,449, and another $549.

Add it all up, and: $6,196 in fines, 265 seized fish.

Theyre pretty sizable over-bags, Lewton said. We do receive some of these every day, but this is an extraordinarily high number of fish that were caught.

In both cases, the officers found the fish in buckets, already dead, so they couldnt return them to the water.

But they wont go to waste. For now, theyre being stored in a freezer to serve as evidence in case the anglers try to fight their tickets.

Once the cases are cleared, theyll likely be donated  along with the rest of the summers confiscated fish  to feed the rehabilitating birds at the Raptor Recovery Center, he said.

We try to make sure game isnt wasted, whether its a deer or fish or bird.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or psalter@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSPeterSalter
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


High Court proceedings aimed at preventing former billionaire Sean Quinn from trespassing on lands owned by the group of companies he set up were adjourned after the businessman failed to turn up in court.

In a letter emailed to the court Mr Quinn said that he was unable to attend due to the short notice of the proceedings but did offer an undertaking not to visit property owned by Mannok Quarries.

However, he said that he requires access to a certain roadway that connects a quarry in Co Cavan owned by the plaintiffs to a cement factory.



On Wednesday lawyers for Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd told the Court that Mr Quinn is trespassing on a quarry owned by the companies.

They wanted an injunction restraining Mr Quinn from further trespassing, on the grounds that he has no entitlement to be on Swanlinbar Quarry in Co Cavan.

The companies claim that on several occasions since late 2019 Mr Quinn has trespassed on their lands.

The most recent trespass, it is claimed occurred on May 8th last when he was seen driving on its lands, in his E class Mercedes Benz, including at Swanlinbar Quarry.

The firms, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl claim that the lands are active industrial sites, where heavy machinery is being operated, and Mr Quinn's alleged presence amounts to a significant health and safety risk.

The companies secured permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Mr Quinn at his home at Greaghrahan, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

When the case returned before the court on Friday Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told by Mr Fitzpatrick that Mr Quinn was neither present nor represented in court.

The Judge said that he had received an email from Mr Quinn stating that he was unable to attend "due to the short notice," he was given regarding the action.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his clients are "sceptical" about the contents of Mr Quinn's letter but were not seeking the injunction at this stage of the proceedings.

Mr Justice Owens agreed to adjourn the application to a date next week.

In the letter Mr Quinn, who apologised for not attending, said he was prepared to give an undertaking if he could access a road built by him 20 years ago that links Swanlinbar quarry to a cement factory.

The road was built on lands owned by patties including local farmers, who he said had leased it back to him.

He said the road is used by Coillte, local turf cutters, farmers and by windfarm operators.

He said that he required access for business reasons, as he has an interest "in limestone land" on the Swanlinbar side of the mountain.

He also required access to the road because he is "in discussions with investors" and local landowners regarding the building of a new windfarm on the mountain.

He said he did not accept certain claims made by Mannok, including that his presence amounted to a health and safety risk.

He said he knew the property like "the back of my hand". The sites he said were closed and there were not moving vehicles.

Mr Quinn added that the case could be resolved without "further troubling the court" adding that he had abided with a previous undertaking given to a Belfast Court not to enter onto lands owned by the plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.

He was happy to provide a undertaking not to visit sites owned by Mannok as long as his access to the roadway was not inhibited.

The plaintiffs claim Mr Quinn has no right or interest in the lands and has no defence to the claims against him.

The firms say they are not entirely certain what is the purpose of Mr Quinn's alleged trespasses.

They believe his actions amount to "a misguided form of aggression in the form of defiance" aimed towards the company's management.

The firm's directors fear that unless restrained by the court his trespassing will continue.

The two companies are subsidiaries of Mannok Holdings DAC, which was formerly Quinn Industrial Holdings DAC/Quinn Group/Aventas Group and is part of the Mannok group which specialises in the sale and supply of building products and packaging solutions.

By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had conceded defeat in a national election on Saturday, saying that while vote counting was incomplete the opposition Labor party looked likely to form a government.

"Tonight I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening," Morrison said at a televised speech in Sydney.

Morrison added that he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party.

The capitulation ends eight years and nine months in power for Morrison's conservative coalition. Morrison became prime minister in 2018 after several leadership changes.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had conceded defeat in a national election on Saturday, saying that while vote counting was incomplete the opposition Labor party looked likely to form a government.

"Tonight I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening," Morrison said at a televised speech in Sydney.

Morrison added that he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party.

The capitulation ends eight years and nine months in power for Morrison's conservative coalition. Morrison became prime minister in 2018 after several leadership changes.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Work on the reconstruction of the Umid-1 platform at the Umid-Babek block in Azerbaijan is being completed, Trend reports via the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

According to the company, the main goal of the project on "Accelerating production from "Umid-1" stationary offshore platform is to remove restrictions on transportation from the platform and increase production by drilling new wells.

"Given the restrictions, three million cubic meters of gas and 470 tons (3,600 barrels) of condensate are produced daily at the field and are transported by SOCAR's technological system to the Dashgil terminal, the company said. Following the above projects implementation, its planned to increase daily gas production to 8.1 million cubic meters, and condensate - up to 1,200 tons (9,000 barrels).

According to SOCAR, within the project, the reconstruction of the platform itself, the construction of a 54-kilometer 20-inch (500 mm) underwater pipeline and its onshore section with a length of nearly 3.7 kilometers, a gas pipeline from the Dashgil-2 terminal and construction at the Sangachal head installation of a point for connection to the SOCAR gas transmission system are carried out.

"Currently, the work carried out on the Umid-1 platform and on land is nearing completion. The building of the underwater pipeline using the Israfil Huseynov pipe-laying vessel began in April of this year. The construction of the most complicated section of this gas pipeline with a length of 2.1 kilometers, located closer to land," added the company.
By Trend

Azerbaijans oil industry has all the chances to lead the digital transformation process in the list of industries with a high level of such transformation, CEO of Russian DIS Group Pavel Likhnistkiy told Trend.

According to Likhnistkiy, major banks in Azerbaijan hold high positions in the rankings in the field of innovation, which is due to the defining role of the oil industry in the countrys economy, as well as the agitating demand for Azerbaijani oil due to the dramatic change in the global economic situation.

In many countries, industrial companies, including the fuel and energy sector, are in the second echelon of digital transformation, but Azerbaijan is unique in that the oil industry here has all the chances to lead this process, he said. The growing demand, first of all, from the EU countries and Turkey, requires a radical change in the business strategy, production growth and logistics restructuring in the shortest time. To date, digital transformation based on data remains the only effective tool for such large-scale business changes.

He also noted that telecommunications and the banking sector traditionally head the list of industries with a high level of digital transformation, and in this sense, Azerbaijan is no exception to global trends and the achievements of the Azerbaijani telecom in creating smart data are recognized internationally.

The transition to a digital society is one of the key points of Azerbaijan 2030 strategy. This means improving the digital literacy of the citizens and creating value through data-driven innovations, the CEO further said. It requires a high level of digital maturity, strategic decision-making and implementation of a data management culture. Active government support accelerates this process. Azerbaijan's experience here matches that of countries such as Singapore, India, and Russia.

Besides, according to Likhnitskiy, since Azerbaijans economy and business show a steady positive dynamics, high demand can be predicted for data monetization solutions in the next few years.

We are talking not only about external monetization  for example, at the expense of improving sales efficiency  but also about internal monetization at the expense of cost reduction. Business process optimization and data monetization through IT analytics solutions come to the fore, he noted.

Data-driven analytics can accelerate the development of both the business as a whole and its individual functions. In the future, for at least five years, this trend will determine the development of digital transformation of Azerbaijani business, added the CEO.
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

A joint meeting of the the committees for youth and sports, as well as for family, women and children at Azerbaijans parliament has been held in Shusha [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war], Trend reports.

The meeting participants discussed a number of issues, including education of youth and athletes representing Azerbaijan at international competitions.
By Trend

Azerbaijan has donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev said at a video conference of the Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan on May 20, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Welcoming the participants, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the implementation of international initiatives and conveyed best wishes for the success of a conference.

Musayev noted the country's responsible chairmanship of the Movement in early 2020, when the world was facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as emphasized Azerbaijan's global efforts to fight the pandemic.

"At the initiative of Azerbaijan's President, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, the UN General Assembly held a special session in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in December 2020. Azerbaijan also made voluntary financial contributions to WHO in the amount of $10 million, half of which was directed to the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Moreover, the country provided humanitarian and financial aid to more than 30 states to support them in their fight against coronavirus. Thus, Azerbaijan donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries," the minister stated.

By Trend

Azerbaijan has donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev said at a video conference of the Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan on May 20, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Welcoming the participants, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the implementation of international initiatives and conveyed best wishes for the success of a conference.

Musayev noted the country's responsible chairmanship of the Movement in early 2020, when the world was facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as emphasized Azerbaijan's global efforts to fight the pandemic.

"At the initiative of Azerbaijan's President, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, the UN General Assembly held a special session in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in December 2020. Azerbaijan also made voluntary financial contributions to WHO in the amount of $10 million, half of which was directed to the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Moreover, the country provided humanitarian and financial aid to more than 30 states to support them in their fight against coronavirus. Thus, Azerbaijan donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries," the minister stated.
By Trend

The construction of Azerbaijan's Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is currently underway at a rapid pace, Trend reports citing the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads.

The foundation of the highway was laid during the visit of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to Fuzuli district on October 17, 2021.

According to the agency, this highway is another road infrastructure object in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. It will facilitate the socio-economic development of the country's liberated lands.

The road, 64.8 kilometers long and 15 meters wide, will consist of four traffic lanes. The width of the road shoulders in both directions will be 3.75 meters, while the width of the roadbed  26.5 meters. The highway is being constructed in accordance with the first technical category.

The removal of unsuitable soil, construction of a new roadbed are currently in progress, as well as communication lines are being transferred.

Bridge construction is also underway on four sections of the road.

The Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is a continuation of the Barda-Aghdam highway, and passes through the territory of Aghdam, Aghjabadi and Fuzuli districts, the agency said.
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Azerbaijans Shusha will host the international scientific and practical conference on Economics of Culture: Development Impulses from Shusha with the joint support of the special mission of Azerbaijans President to Shusha, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Culture, ADA University, the Karabakh Revival Foundation, and the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on September 18-19, 2022, the Organizing Committee told Trend.

The reports in the following areas will be presented at the conference:

- establishment of a new economy and development of cultural areas in Karabakh;

- formation of a creative economy in Shusha.

The authors of the reports selected by the Organizing Committee will receive a special invitation to the conference. The reports must be submitted in electronic form in Azerbaijani (Turkish), Russian or English and compiled in accordance with the following requirements:

- in Microsoft Word A4 format, Times New Roman font, font size  12, line spacing  1.15; margins: left  3 cm, right  1 cm, top and bottom  2 cm.

- volume of the report  15,000-20,000 characters;

- title of the report  12-point font, capital letters, bold;

- surname, name, patronymic of the author (authors), in full, with 12-point font;

- academic degree, academic title of the author (authors), name of the institution where he/she works or studies (for doctoral students and dissertators), e-mail address, contact number  in 11-point font, on a new line;

- conclusion  11-point font, maximum 1,000 characters.

The structure of the text should be as follows:

- problem statement

- analysis and evaluation

- conclusion

- bibliography (in alphabetical order) in 11-point font.

Reports in electronic format must be sent before August 18, 2022 to the e-mail address - ([email protected]) of Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee R. Sabir.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

A joint meeting of the the committees for youth and sports, as well as for family, women and children at Azerbaijans parliament has been held in Shusha [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war], Trend reports.

The meeting participants discussed a number of issues, including education of youth and athletes representing Azerbaijan at international competitions.
By Trend

Azerbaijan has donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev said at a video conference of the Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan on May 20, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Welcoming the participants, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the implementation of international initiatives and conveyed best wishes for the success of a conference.

Musayev noted the country's responsible chairmanship of the Movement in early 2020, when the world was facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as emphasized Azerbaijan's global efforts to fight the pandemic.

"At the initiative of Azerbaijan's President, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, the UN General Assembly held a special session in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in December 2020. Azerbaijan also made voluntary financial contributions to WHO in the amount of $10 million, half of which was directed to the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Moreover, the country provided humanitarian and financial aid to more than 30 states to support them in their fight against coronavirus. Thus, Azerbaijan donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries," the minister stated.
By Trend

Azerbaijan has donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev said at a video conference of the Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan on May 20, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Welcoming the participants, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the implementation of international initiatives and conveyed best wishes for the success of a conference.

Musayev noted the country's responsible chairmanship of the Movement in early 2020, when the world was facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as emphasized Azerbaijan's global efforts to fight the pandemic.

"At the initiative of Azerbaijan's President, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, the UN General Assembly held a special session in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in December 2020. Azerbaijan also made voluntary financial contributions to WHO in the amount of $10 million, half of which was directed to the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Moreover, the country provided humanitarian and financial aid to more than 30 states to support them in their fight against coronavirus. Thus, Azerbaijan donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries," the minister stated.

By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Azerbaijans oil industry has all the chances to lead the digital transformation process in the list of industries with a high level of such transformation, CEO of Russian DIS Group Pavel Likhnistkiy told Trend.

According to Likhnistkiy, major banks in Azerbaijan hold high positions in the rankings in the field of innovation, which is due to the defining role of the oil industry in the countrys economy, as well as the agitating demand for Azerbaijani oil due to the dramatic change in the global economic situation.

In many countries, industrial companies, including the fuel and energy sector, are in the second echelon of digital transformation, but Azerbaijan is unique in that the oil industry here has all the chances to lead this process, he said. The growing demand, first of all, from the EU countries and Turkey, requires a radical change in the business strategy, production growth and logistics restructuring in the shortest time. To date, digital transformation based on data remains the only effective tool for such large-scale business changes.

He also noted that telecommunications and the banking sector traditionally head the list of industries with a high level of digital transformation, and in this sense, Azerbaijan is no exception to global trends and the achievements of the Azerbaijani telecom in creating smart data are recognized internationally.

The transition to a digital society is one of the key points of Azerbaijan 2030 strategy. This means improving the digital literacy of the citizens and creating value through data-driven innovations, the CEO further said. It requires a high level of digital maturity, strategic decision-making and implementation of a data management culture. Active government support accelerates this process. Azerbaijan's experience here matches that of countries such as Singapore, India, and Russia.

Besides, according to Likhnitskiy, since Azerbaijans economy and business show a steady positive dynamics, high demand can be predicted for data monetization solutions in the next few years.

We are talking not only about external monetization  for example, at the expense of improving sales efficiency  but also about internal monetization at the expense of cost reduction. Business process optimization and data monetization through IT analytics solutions come to the fore, he noted.

Data-driven analytics can accelerate the development of both the business as a whole and its individual functions. In the future, for at least five years, this trend will determine the development of digital transformation of Azerbaijani business, added the CEO.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

The construction of Azerbaijan's Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is currently underway at a rapid pace, Trend reports citing the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads.

The foundation of the highway was laid during the visit of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to Fuzuli district on October 17, 2021.

According to the agency, this highway is another road infrastructure object in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. It will facilitate the socio-economic development of the country's liberated lands.

The road, 64.8 kilometers long and 15 meters wide, will consist of four traffic lanes. The width of the road shoulders in both directions will be 3.75 meters, while the width of the roadbed  26.5 meters. The highway is being constructed in accordance with the first technical category.

The removal of unsuitable soil, construction of a new roadbed are currently in progress, as well as communication lines are being transferred.

Bridge construction is also underway on four sections of the road.

The Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is a continuation of the Barda-Aghdam highway, and passes through the territory of Aghdam, Aghjabadi and Fuzuli districts, the agency said.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.

By Trend

The construction of Azerbaijan's Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is currently underway at a rapid pace, Trend reports citing the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads.

The foundation of the highway was laid during the visit of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to Fuzuli district on October 17, 2021.

According to the agency, this highway is another road infrastructure object in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. It will facilitate the socio-economic development of the country's liberated lands.

The road, 64.8 kilometers long and 15 meters wide, will consist of four traffic lanes. The width of the road shoulders in both directions will be 3.75 meters, while the width of the roadbed  26.5 meters. The highway is being constructed in accordance with the first technical category.

The removal of unsuitable soil, construction of a new roadbed are currently in progress, as well as communication lines are being transferred.

Bridge construction is also underway on four sections of the road.

The Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is a continuation of the Barda-Aghdam highway, and passes through the territory of Aghdam, Aghjabadi and Fuzuli districts, the agency said.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

Azerbaijan has donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev said at a video conference of the Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan on May 20, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Welcoming the participants, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the implementation of international initiatives and conveyed best wishes for the success of a conference.

Musayev noted the country's responsible chairmanship of the Movement in early 2020, when the world was facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as emphasized Azerbaijan's global efforts to fight the pandemic.

"At the initiative of Azerbaijan's President, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, the UN General Assembly held a special session in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in December 2020. Azerbaijan also made voluntary financial contributions to WHO in the amount of $10 million, half of which was directed to the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Moreover, the country provided humanitarian and financial aid to more than 30 states to support them in their fight against coronavirus. Thus, Azerbaijan donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries," the minister stated.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

A meeting of the working group created to implement the communication strategy of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry, approved by the relevant directive of Minister Zakir Hasanov, was held, Trend reports via the ministry.

Senior officials of various types of troops, organizations and institutions of the ministry, as well as members of the working group who attended the meeting, discussed the work carried out towards improving the communication strategy.

The participants noted that prompt information about the reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the achievements and the innovations applied in the Azerbaijani army, creating the necessary information background, will provide public education, as well as strengthening the unity of the state, army and people.

Besides, during the meeting, briefings were presented on the collection and study of experience, methods of analysis, evaluation and other topics, and thorough exchange of views took place on the priority areas of the ministry's activities in the field of communications.
By Trend

A joint meeting of the the committees for youth and sports, as well as for family, women and children at Azerbaijans parliament has been held in Shusha [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war], Trend reports.

The meeting participants discussed a number of issues, including education of youth and athletes representing Azerbaijan at international competitions.
By Trend

A joint meeting of the the committees for youth and sports, as well as for family, women and children at Azerbaijans parliament has been held in Shusha [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war], Trend reports.

The meeting participants discussed a number of issues, including education of youth and athletes representing Azerbaijan at international competitions.
High Court proceedings aimed at preventing former billionaire Sean Quinn from trespassing on lands owned by the group of companies he set up were adjourned after the businessman failed to turn up in court.

In a letter emailed to the court Mr Quinn said that he was unable to attend due to the short notice of the proceedings but did offer an undertaking not to visit property owned by Mannok Quarries.

However, he said that he requires access to a certain roadway that connects a quarry in Co Cavan owned by the plaintiffs to a cement factory.



On Wednesday lawyers for Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd told the Court that Mr Quinn is trespassing on a quarry owned by the companies.

They wanted an injunction restraining Mr Quinn from further trespassing, on the grounds that he has no entitlement to be on Swanlinbar Quarry in Co Cavan.

The companies claim that on several occasions since late 2019 Mr Quinn has trespassed on their lands.

The most recent trespass, it is claimed occurred on May 8th last when he was seen driving on its lands, in his E class Mercedes Benz, including at Swanlinbar Quarry.

The firms, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl claim that the lands are active industrial sites, where heavy machinery is being operated, and Mr Quinn's alleged presence amounts to a significant health and safety risk.

The companies secured permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Mr Quinn at his home at Greaghrahan, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

When the case returned before the court on Friday Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told by Mr Fitzpatrick that Mr Quinn was neither present nor represented in court.

The Judge said that he had received an email from Mr Quinn stating that he was unable to attend "due to the short notice," he was given regarding the action.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his clients are "sceptical" about the contents of Mr Quinn's letter but were not seeking the injunction at this stage of the proceedings.

Mr Justice Owens agreed to adjourn the application to a date next week.

In the letter Mr Quinn, who apologised for not attending, said he was prepared to give an undertaking if he could access a road built by him 20 years ago that links Swanlinbar quarry to a cement factory.

The road was built on lands owned by patties including local farmers, who he said had leased it back to him.

He said the road is used by Coillte, local turf cutters, farmers and by windfarm operators.

He said that he required access for business reasons, as he has an interest "in limestone land" on the Swanlinbar side of the mountain.

He also required access to the road because he is "in discussions with investors" and local landowners regarding the building of a new windfarm on the mountain.

He said he did not accept certain claims made by Mannok, including that his presence amounted to a health and safety risk.

He said he knew the property like "the back of my hand". The sites he said were closed and there were not moving vehicles.

Mr Quinn added that the case could be resolved without "further troubling the court" adding that he had abided with a previous undertaking given to a Belfast Court not to enter onto lands owned by the plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.

He was happy to provide a undertaking not to visit sites owned by Mannok as long as his access to the roadway was not inhibited.

The plaintiffs claim Mr Quinn has no right or interest in the lands and has no defence to the claims against him.

The firms say they are not entirely certain what is the purpose of Mr Quinn's alleged trespasses.

They believe his actions amount to "a misguided form of aggression in the form of defiance" aimed towards the company's management.

The firm's directors fear that unless restrained by the court his trespassing will continue.

The two companies are subsidiaries of Mannok Holdings DAC, which was formerly Quinn Industrial Holdings DAC/Quinn Group/Aventas Group and is part of the Mannok group which specialises in the sale and supply of building products and packaging solutions.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
QUESTION: Much has been written recently about identity theft and hacking of individual email accounts. As a small business owner should I be concerned about my business being compromised by these cyber criminals?

ANSWERS: You should absolutely be concerned and take many of the same measures individuals do to protect themselves. In fact, under the Uniform Commercial Code , businesses have shorter reporting timelines, less protections, and higher liability for fraud than with consumer banking accounts.

Some of the things you can do to protect your bank account include two party approval for outgoing wire transfers or if you do not use wire transfers ask your bank to block transfers altogether. Monitor your business credit card activity and reconcile your business bank account frequently and consider online banking that allows you to see transactions on a daily basis.

Change your online banking password frequently and never log in using a public access or Wi-Fi hotspot. Also, if you receive an email ostensibly from the IRS know that its a scam. Do not respond and dont click on any links or attachments.

Other protections include keeping your checkbook, deposit slips and other sensitive records in a safe and secure place. Protect your Employer Identification Number as you would your own Social Security number and be sure to shred any old documents that reference your EIN number.

In addition to Dunn & Bradstreet the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion provide business credit services. They also offer fee-based services to monitor your business credit file and alert you to changes.

You should keep your business and personal finances separate. If you think you are a victim of identity theft or do not plan to apply for credit you can place a security freeze on your personal credit. This can help prevent thieves from trying to open new credit accounts in your business name.

Instruct your employees that business computers are to be used only for business. Properly trained employees become your first line of defense. Utilize fraud prevention services for online order processing . www.Google.com/alerts allows you to set and receive email alerts that match terms you specify such as your business name.

Do not rely on free software to protect your business. Install and use regularly updated anti-virus, anti-spyware internet security software. Also install and utilize a firewall that monitors and controls external connections to your computer.

If your business uses a wireless network be sure that it is encrypted so others cannot gain access to your network. The old adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is more true today than ever before.
Irish hoteliers have welcomed the launch of the new Works for Me campaign from Failte Ireland, aimed at attracting more people to jobs in the wider tourism industry.

With thousands of positions available in hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, local hoteliers are encouraging people across all ages to consider a career in the industry  including parents, people returning to the workforce, retirees and those simply seeking a career change.

Colm Neville, Chair, South East branch of the IHF said:

Now is an ideal time to consider a career in tourism given the wide range of exciting options available for people at every stage of their working lives.

We know there is an increasing number of people who are seeking greater flexibility in the number of hours they work, particularly those who may be returning to the workforce  and this is something hotels and guesthouses are ideally placed to accommodate.

We are encouraging those with an interest in working with people to find out more about the many opportunities and positions available.

Few sectors provide such a wide range of options for people across a variety of skills levels, backgrounds and interests  offering plenty of opportunities to support professional growth while meeting and working with great people and developing skills.

The types of positions on offer are spread across a large number of different careers choices including areas such as food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance.

Long serving St Mel's College Longford principal to step down as successor is announced The new principal of St Mel's College has been announced as long serving head teacher Declan Rowley prepares to step down after almost a decade at the helm.

Longford Gardai arrest two disqualified drivers Longford gardai have seized two vehicles and arrested two disqualified drivers in the past week.

A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie.

Tourism is Irelands largest indigenous industry and provides employment in every town and country in Ireland.

Before the pandemic, over 270,000 livelihoods were supported by the tourism and hospitality sector, equating to 1 in 10 of all Irish jobs, with 70% of these jobs located outside Dublin.

These jobs are crucial to communities, especially in many parts of regional Ireland where tourism is the only show in town.
Placeholder while article actions load

This is one of a series of interviews by Bloomberg Opinion columnists on how to solve the worlds most pressing policy challenges. It has been edited for length and clarity. This interview was conducted on Instagram Live on May 18. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Sarah Green Carmichael: As the founder of The Formula Mom (@theformulamom on Instagram), an online network focused on helping parents navigate the challenges of infant feeding, youve been sounding alarms about the infant-formula shortage for months. There were indications the crisis was going to get worse as far back as February, when Abbott Laboratories issued a recall and shut down its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which affected the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brands. Why is this only receiving high-level attention now, when it has been a problem brewing for months?

Mallory Whitmore, founder, The Formula Mom: I think a lot of its related to just how long it takes to produce formula. Its generally at least a six-to-eight week month process. And so I think were starting to see the effects of [the plant shutdown] in February. I think the media attention is good because were starting to see some movement from the Biden administration, but also I think its increased panic buying to an extent, which is making things worse.

Advertisement

SGC: President Biden has just announced he will use the Defense Production Act to try to boost the amount of formula available. Will this actually help?MW: Yes. It means that companies that provide ingredients to US formula makers must prioritize filling those orders before providing orders to any other industry. For example, if a dairy company provides milk to an ice cream company and also to a formula maker like Enfamil, they must fill all of Enfamils orders first. This should help with part of the production bottleneck, because formula manufacturers have been having trouble finding their ingredients. It also means that the US will start using Department of Defense airplanes to bring formula to the US, which should help address the issue of shipping delays. Finally, the order also gives $28 million to the FDA to help expedite the rate at which they can review foreign manufacturer applications and get formula on shelves quicker.

SGC: How did this recall at this one factory cause such a ripple effect?

MW: Most parents dont realize there are only five approved infant formula manufacturers in the US. You go to Target and you see 30 different brands and you think theres a lot of manufacturers, but theres only five  and three of those five control 80 to 90% of the market. Abbott alone produces 40% of the US formula market, and this plant is their largest plant. So it just took out a huge portion of the product that we typically see on the shelves.

Advertisement

SGC: Are there any brands that have been unaffected?

MW: It has been hit or miss. It seems like it depends based on geographic area. Certainly more expensive formulas tend to be more available. Most of those smaller brands  Earths Best, Burts Bees, Happy Baby, Bobbie  are all produced by the same contract manufacturer, so theyre all experiencing the same issues trying to get space on the lines to produce more.

SGC: Some people have blamed excessive regulation for the shortage. How you think that plays in? Dont we want infant formula to be highly regulated, to make sure its safe?

MW: I think theres absolutely some room for improvement in terms of how difficult it is for new brands to enter the market. Its very time- intensive and very expensive. ByHeart is a brand-new formula company that launched about two months ago, and it took them five years from start to finish. Theres also not a huge incentive for people to get into the market because its so tightly controlled by these three companies that reap the great majority of the profit.

Advertisement

On the one hand, you wish there were more players in this space so we werent in this position. On the other, we want to make sure that not anybody can just go producing infant formula. The ingredients have to be very specific. But I think were seeing now that the market as it currently operates is a problem.

SGC: What about imports  why is it so hard to buy European formula in the US?

MW: The European Commissions standards are different than the FDA standards. Some people think that their standards are better. For example, they require organic ingredients when possible and dont allow corn syrup or corn syrup solids [in formula]. They allow goat milk to be used as the protein source. On the other hand, they have looser requirements for things like how much iron is allowed in the formula; the FDA doesnt feel thats appropriate. In light of the shortage, though, the FDA has created an expedited approval pathway for foreign formula manufacturers to be able to sell in the US.

Advertisement

SGC: Is there anything else that you think government officials should be doing to speed up the end of the shortage?

MW: What I would like to see personally is an overhaul of how the WIC program functions. WIC is a supplementary nutrition program for lower-income women, infants and children. Fifty percent of babies born in the US qualify  not that many are enrolled, but 50% qualify. How it works is that each state has one single contracted manufacturer. So in Tennessee, where Im from, Similac is the contracted provider and folks who receive WIC benefits are only permitted to purchase Similac products. This is a problem for two reasons. Number one is that Similac doesnt have all of the formulas that a baby may need. Parents arent able to choose whats best for their baby, theyre only able to choose from what the state has contracted for.

Second, this decreases incentive for smaller companies to enter the space, because 50% of the market is already essentially bought out by these bigger manufacturers. And that also doesnt create an incentive for these large formula companies  Similac, Enfamil, Gerber  to elevate their standards because they dont have to win parents over when parents are forced to use their product in a state agreement that currently exists. I would love to see more of a voucher system where parents can put their money toward whatever brand or whatever formula they feel good about and that aligns with their babys needs.

Advertisement

SGC: What do you think is a realistic timeline for seeing more formula back on the shelves ?

MW: In terms of the domestic supply, I think were likely looking at from six to eight weeks because we know thats how long it takes to make a batch of formula. Many manufacturers are increasing their capacity to turn out more product, but its going to be six to eight weeks before we see that on the shelf. Its likely to be even longer than that for Similac products, since theyre still going through this process of meeting the guidelines outlined in this consent decree with the FDA to reopen the Sturgis facility. So it might be even longer for them. We are hopefully going to be seeing some imported formula options before then.

SGC: How do we prevent this from happening again?

MW: First, reduce that concentration at the top and diversify where our formula is coming from, by increasing the number of manufacturers and allowing a pathway for imported formula to continue beyond the immediate crisis.

Advertisement

I also think we have to really look at how are we ensuring safety in our existing supply chain. We know that in 2020 with the Covid pandemic, that the FDA didnt inspect a lot of these facilities. That has to be a priority. These are our very most vulnerable citizens. It has to be a priority to make sure that the formula that were seeing on the shelves is safe. Why did it take so long? I think the FDA must have been trying to weigh the risk of bacterial contamination and infant illness with knowing that a shortage was a likely outcome if they introduced a recall of this size.

SGC: As this shortage has gone on, Im sorry to say, theres been no shortage of people on social media who will say things like Just breastfeed! or Why not pump? Why is that not the best advice?

MW: I think a lot of folks dont realize that it takes a good number of weeks to establish a full milk supply. And 25% of our parents are back at work within two weeks of having a baby  25%. That is not enough time to establish a full milk supply. Also, hourly workers or part-time workers might not have protected time at work for pump breaks and those pump breaks arent paid. And if those people can get formula for free through WIC, theyre obviously incentivized to do that.

Advertisement

Low breastmilk supply is more common than people realize. Up to potentially 10% of mothers are not able to produce a full milk supply. Weve also got parents who have medication needs that are incompatible with breastfeeding. Weve got same-sex families, adoptive parents, grandparents, parents through surrogacy where breastfeeding is just not possible. And even when it is possible, the time associated with nursing is incompatible for many, many families due to their jobs and the needs of their other children.

I hope that this is just sort of a reckoning point that highlights the absolute insanity of what we expect American parents to do  and thats to parent like they dont work, and to work like they dont have kids. To breastfeed, but not take too much time at work and not in public.

SGC: Do you think that we could get to a world where we both provide more support for breastfeeding and reduce the stigma around formula?

Advertisement

MW: I would love nothing more than that. Ultimately, its got to come down to trusting that individual families know whats best for their babies and then supporting them in whatever choice they make.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Sarah Green Carmichael is a Bloomberg Opinion editor. Previously, she was managing editor of ideas and commentary at Barrons and an executive editor at Harvard Business Review, where she hosted HBR IdeaCast.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): The cryptocurrency sector is experiencing a heyday of upheavals and growth. Amid this chaos, it may be difficult to make the correct choice and avoid making the wrong one. One solution to this information overload could be coins with practical applications as well as crypto investments. As the global usage of cryptocurrencies increases fast, the amount of transactions that blockchains and tokens can process has been restricted, resulting in congested networks, poor transaction rates, and high gas costs. However, we have found two projects that are not only fast but are also incredibly useful, making them a terrific portfolio addition. Both Uniswap (UNI) and Mountanaz (MNAZ) aim to address DeFi problems by upgrading current technologies or creating new ones. Uniswap (UNI)Numerous crypto community members have expressed interest in Uniswap (UNI). It has been eagerly anticipated because it can compete with centralised cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance and traditional brokers. Perhaps the most popular decentralised exchange (DEX) on the Ethereum (ETH) network is Uniswap. Its popularity arises from its capacity to facilitate peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions without third-party intervention. Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm that has previously invested in Twitter, Coinbase, and Ripple, has also made a substantial investment in Uniswap. The price of UNI tokens is lower than that of other prominent cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), making Uniswap a fantastic option for novice investors seeking to diversify their holdings. Uniswap (UNI) is a low-risk investment with a high potential for long-term returns. If you are interested in DeFi, you should consider Uniswap as an investment possibility. Mountanaz (MNAZ)Mountanaz (MNAZ) is a new token that aims to revolutionise the financial instruments available to its users while being extremely scalable and safe. Mountanaz (MNAZ), which operates on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), is establishing an ecosystem that combines financial tools to facilitate, educate, and eventually enhance the day-to-day activities of its community. To facilitate crypto trading the Mountanaz team is designing an interface that will allow users to lend, borrow, stake, and more. The loan and staking feature will enable users to stake their tokens on the platform and get them back with interest later. This will open up numerous opportunities for the Mountanaz community and make crypto trading more lucrative for those looking to generate passive income. Mountanaz (MNAZ) matches some of the greatest scalability presently available on the market due to its BSC integration. This means that Mountanaz has some of the fastest transaction speeds and lowest transaction costs among current coins. Mountanaz's connection with the BSC enables it to function in a very flexible and safe blockchain. Using a 2-block method, Mountanaz's transaction confirmation procedure is safe and quick. The BSC integration enables the easy combination of sub-smart contracts in parallel with the token to generate additional capabilities. The token will be able to interact with all major blockchains due to the intended multi-chain connectivity. This will significantly boost the token's usefulness when investors choose whether or not to purchase it, as the token's availability is expanded. ConclusionUniswap (UNI) is one of the most rapidly developing DeFi currencies in both use and popularity. New initiatives, such as Mountanaz (MNAZ), address scalability in a secure, transparent, and sustainable way. Both tokens should be considered for your long-term portfolio. Mountanaz (MNAZ) Presale: https://purchase.mountanaz.io/register Website: http://mountanaz.io/ Telegram: https://t.me/Mountanaz_Token Twitter: https://twitter.com/mountanaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountanaztoken This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)




By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


The Defense Ministry on Wednesday delivered building materials and a new power generator to the U.S. base where a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery is stationed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The single access road to the former golf course has effectively been blocked by protesters since the THAAD battery was stationed there in April 2017, and soldiers still live in primitive conditions in the former club house and shipping containers, while basic supplies have to be airlifted in.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called their circumstance "unacceptable" when he met with Defense Minister Suh Wook in March.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
She posted a photo of herself with the ride and called Nick the 'Best husband'. The car had 'Mrs Jonas' written on it.

Priyanka captioned the snap, "Now that's a ride (fire emoji)... thank you @nickjonas (heart emoji) always helping me with my cool quotient." She added the 'best husband ever', 'set life', and 'citadel' as hastags to her post.

The 'Fashion' actor, who is currently busy shooting for the Amazon Prime Video series 'Citadel'.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Priyanka and Nick welcomed their first child. In January, their surrogate daughter Malti Marie arrived. Malti was in the NICU for 100 days before being reunited with Priyanka and Nick on Mother's Day. (ANI)
By Trend

The construction of Azerbaijan's Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is currently underway at a rapid pace, Trend reports citing the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads.

The foundation of the highway was laid during the visit of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to Fuzuli district on October 17, 2021.

According to the agency, this highway is another road infrastructure object in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. It will facilitate the socio-economic development of the country's liberated lands.

The road, 64.8 kilometers long and 15 meters wide, will consist of four traffic lanes. The width of the road shoulders in both directions will be 3.75 meters, while the width of the roadbed  26.5 meters. The highway is being constructed in accordance with the first technical category.

The removal of unsuitable soil, construction of a new roadbed are currently in progress, as well as communication lines are being transferred.

Bridge construction is also underway on four sections of the road.

The Aghdam-Fuzuli highway is a continuation of the Barda-Aghdam highway, and passes through the territory of Aghdam, Aghjabadi and Fuzuli districts, the agency said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP


PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 










PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 










PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 














Electric cars are parked at a charging station in Sacramento, Calif., on April 13, 2022. Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, is working on a bill that would make all new vehicles purchased in the state after 2035 electric.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)


By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

A meeting of the working group created to implement the communication strategy of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry, approved by the relevant directive of Minister Zakir Hasanov, was held, Trend reports via the ministry.

Senior officials of various types of troops, organizations and institutions of the ministry, as well as members of the working group who attended the meeting, discussed the work carried out towards improving the communication strategy.

The participants noted that prompt information about the reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the achievements and the innovations applied in the Azerbaijani army, creating the necessary information background, will provide public education, as well as strengthening the unity of the state, army and people.

Besides, during the meeting, briefings were presented on the collection and study of experience, methods of analysis, evaluation and other topics, and thorough exchange of views took place on the priority areas of the ministry's activities in the field of communications.
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)



President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.

President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.






By Trend

Azerbaijan has donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries, Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev said at a video conference of the Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan on May 20, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Health Ministry.

Welcoming the participants, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the implementation of international initiatives and conveyed best wishes for the success of a conference.

Musayev noted the country's responsible chairmanship of the Movement in early 2020, when the world was facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as emphasized Azerbaijan's global efforts to fight the pandemic.

"At the initiative of Azerbaijan's President, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, the UN General Assembly held a special session in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in December 2020. Azerbaijan also made voluntary financial contributions to WHO in the amount of $10 million, half of which was directed to the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Moreover, the country provided humanitarian and financial aid to more than 30 states to support them in their fight against coronavirus. Thus, Azerbaijan donated 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to four countries," the minister stated.
"One more body has been recovered. A total of six bodies have been recovered so far and the process of recovering the body is going on," said officials.

Out of six deceased, three belong to West Bengal, informed Ramban DC Mussarat Islam.

"We're waiting for the operation to continue so that we can locate the remaining five persons. Three bodies have been identified, all were from West Bengal. We're in touch with the West Bengal administration," said Ramban DC.

"We have resumed the debris clearing operation at the landslide site. The number of machinery and technical people has been increased in order to finish the work as soon as possible," said Javed, Naib Tehsildar

A part of an under-construction four-lane tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district collapsed on Thursday night. (ANI)
Six weeks before opening night, back in March 2020, due to the global pandemic that was Covid, St. Mary's Choral Society Clonmel were in the dreadful position of having to postpone indefinitely its production of The Full Monty which had been due to open on 25th April.

Now, just over two years later, the society is delighted to announce that The Full Monty will finally take to the stage of the White Memorial Theatre in Clonmel next October from 8th to 15th.



The production will be directed by Des Henn, making his third directorial appearance with St. Mary's Choral Society, his previous productions being All Shook Up in 2019 and Grease in 2018 which won the AIMS 2nd Place Best Overall Show award.

Having worked with Cecillian Musical Society Limerick, Tipperary Musical Society and Limerick Musical Society, whose 2015 production of The Witches of Eastwick won the AIMS Best Overall Show Award, Des was delighted to join the family of St. Mary's Choral Society and was nominated for the Best Director award from AIMS for his work on Grease.



Musical Director for The Full Monty is Mary Rose McNally, who is also director of our choir and well known throughout Ireland for her work with numerous musical societies. Mary Rose has been nominated seven times by AIMS , winning two Best Chorus awards and three Best Musical Director awards with Thurles and Roscrea musical societies.

She was recently Musical Director for Tipperary Musical Society's hugely successful production of Fiddler on the Roof and also for Thurles Musical Society's concert production The Heat in On.

Barbara Meany also makes a welcome return to Clonmel as choreographer, having also previously worked on All Shook Up in 2019 and Grease in 2018, for which she was nominated for the AIMS Best Choreopraphy Award. Barbara has worked with Cecillian Musical Society (Limerick), Limerick Musical Society and Tipperary Musical Society.



The Full Monty is based on the cult hit film of the same name and is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show.



Tickets will go on sale in late August/early September. Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for details of booking and cast.
All hospital inpatient and outpatient charges are set to be dropped next year, a move estimated to save patients up to 30m per year.

The 80 a day inpatient charge for a hospital stay or day-case procedure  capped at 800 a year  is among the levies faced by patients without medical cards or full private cover.

Medical card holders and certain other groups do not have to pay hospital charges.

The charge for inpatient/day services is 80 per day up to a maximum of 800 in a rolling 12 month period regardless of how many public hospitals you are admitted to in that period.

Writing in Saturday's Irish Independent today, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: We are actively exploring removing hospital charges for all public patients who are availing of inpatient care in our hospitals.

The Irish Independent also quotes a spokesman for the minister who said the hope is to do it in 2023, subject to funding.

Inpatient charges for children are due to end in August.

The removal of the charges is in line with Slaintecare. The Government would have to reimburse hospitals, though, for the lost revenue and this would need to be part of the October Budget.

However, the emergency department charge of 100 will remain.

Mr Donnelly wrote: For far too long access to care and health outcomes have been adversely impacted by ability to pay. I believe that health services should be affordable, or free at the point of delivery.

He also said the number of patients on active waiting lists would be reduced to its lowest point in five years.

Earlier this week HSE chief Paul Reid admitted that long waiting lists for hospital services are unacceptable, in evidence about the HSEs National Service Plan 2022 given to the Oireachtas Health Committee.

Mr Reid said a multi-annual approach was needed to resolve the chronic issues with waiting lists.

We have to get on top of the day-to-day demand thats coming at us first, he said.

The plan does set out that if we do nothing we will have another 15,000 people added to the waiting list. We want to address that by staying ahead of that.
Irish hoteliers have welcomed the launch of the new Works for Me campaign from Failte Ireland, aimed at attracting more people to jobs in the wider tourism industry.

With thousands of positions available in hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, local hoteliers are encouraging people across all ages to consider a career in the industry  including parents, people returning to the workforce, retirees and those simply seeking a career change.

Colm Neville, Chair, South East branch of the IHF said:

Now is an ideal time to consider a career in tourism given the wide range of exciting options available for people at every stage of their working lives.

We know there is an increasing number of people who are seeking greater flexibility in the number of hours they work, particularly those who may be returning to the workforce  and this is something hotels and guesthouses are ideally placed to accommodate.

We are encouraging those with an interest in working with people to find out more about the many opportunities and positions available.

Few sectors provide such a wide range of options for people across a variety of skills levels, backgrounds and interests  offering plenty of opportunities to support professional growth while meeting and working with great people and developing skills.

The types of positions on offer are spread across a large number of different careers choices including areas such as food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance.

Long serving St Mel's College Longford principal to step down as successor is announced The new principal of St Mel's College has been announced as long serving head teacher Declan Rowley prepares to step down after almost a decade at the helm.

Longford Gardai arrest two disqualified drivers Longford gardai have seized two vehicles and arrested two disqualified drivers in the past week.

A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie.

Tourism is Irelands largest indigenous industry and provides employment in every town and country in Ireland.

Before the pandemic, over 270,000 livelihoods were supported by the tourism and hospitality sector, equating to 1 in 10 of all Irish jobs, with 70% of these jobs located outside Dublin.

These jobs are crucial to communities, especially in many parts of regional Ireland where tourism is the only show in town.
Irish hoteliers have welcomed the launch of the new Works for Me campaign from Failte Ireland, aimed at attracting more people to jobs in the wider tourism industry.

With thousands of positions available in hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, local hoteliers are encouraging people across all ages to consider a career in the industry  including parents, people returning to the workforce, retirees and those simply seeking a career change.

Colm Neville, Chair, South East branch of the IHF said:

Now is an ideal time to consider a career in tourism given the wide range of exciting options available for people at every stage of their working lives.

We know there is an increasing number of people who are seeking greater flexibility in the number of hours they work, particularly those who may be returning to the workforce  and this is something hotels and guesthouses are ideally placed to accommodate.

We are encouraging those with an interest in working with people to find out more about the many opportunities and positions available.

Few sectors provide such a wide range of options for people across a variety of skills levels, backgrounds and interests  offering plenty of opportunities to support professional growth while meeting and working with great people and developing skills.

The types of positions on offer are spread across a large number of different careers choices including areas such as food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance.

Long serving St Mel's College Longford principal to step down as successor is announced The new principal of St Mel's College has been announced as long serving head teacher Declan Rowley prepares to step down after almost a decade at the helm.

Longford Gardai arrest two disqualified drivers Longford gardai have seized two vehicles and arrested two disqualified drivers in the past week.

A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie.

Tourism is Irelands largest indigenous industry and provides employment in every town and country in Ireland.

Before the pandemic, over 270,000 livelihoods were supported by the tourism and hospitality sector, equating to 1 in 10 of all Irish jobs, with 70% of these jobs located outside Dublin.

These jobs are crucial to communities, especially in many parts of regional Ireland where tourism is the only show in town.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
By Trend

Meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Rector of Turin Polytechnic University Guido Saracco was held, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

An exchange of views took place at the meeting on such issues as the importance of the humanitarian sphere in strengthening the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership, in particular the role that the Italian-Azerbaijani university will play, and cooperation with the Turin Polytechnic University in creating engineering programs at the Italian-Azerbaijani university.

The meeting was also attended by a member of the Italian Senate from the city of Turin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Italy Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Italian Parliament Senator Mauro Marino.
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)

High Court proceedings aimed at preventing former billionaire Sean Quinn from trespassing on lands owned by the group of companies he set up were adjourned after the businessman failed to turn up in court.

In a letter emailed to the court Mr Quinn said that he was unable to attend due to the short notice of the proceedings but did offer an undertaking not to visit property owned by Mannok Quarries.

However, he said that he requires access to a certain roadway that connects a quarry in Co Cavan owned by the plaintiffs to a cement factory.



On Wednesday lawyers for Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd told the Court that Mr Quinn is trespassing on a quarry owned by the companies.

They wanted an injunction restraining Mr Quinn from further trespassing, on the grounds that he has no entitlement to be on Swanlinbar Quarry in Co Cavan.

The companies claim that on several occasions since late 2019 Mr Quinn has trespassed on their lands.

The most recent trespass, it is claimed occurred on May 8th last when he was seen driving on its lands, in his E class Mercedes Benz, including at Swanlinbar Quarry.

The firms, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl claim that the lands are active industrial sites, where heavy machinery is being operated, and Mr Quinn's alleged presence amounts to a significant health and safety risk.

The companies secured permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Mr Quinn at his home at Greaghrahan, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

When the case returned before the court on Friday Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told by Mr Fitzpatrick that Mr Quinn was neither present nor represented in court.

The Judge said that he had received an email from Mr Quinn stating that he was unable to attend "due to the short notice," he was given regarding the action.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his clients are "sceptical" about the contents of Mr Quinn's letter but were not seeking the injunction at this stage of the proceedings.

Mr Justice Owens agreed to adjourn the application to a date next week.

In the letter Mr Quinn, who apologised for not attending, said he was prepared to give an undertaking if he could access a road built by him 20 years ago that links Swanlinbar quarry to a cement factory.

The road was built on lands owned by patties including local farmers, who he said had leased it back to him.

He said the road is used by Coillte, local turf cutters, farmers and by windfarm operators.

He said that he required access for business reasons, as he has an interest "in limestone land" on the Swanlinbar side of the mountain.

He also required access to the road because he is "in discussions with investors" and local landowners regarding the building of a new windfarm on the mountain.

He said he did not accept certain claims made by Mannok, including that his presence amounted to a health and safety risk.

He said he knew the property like "the back of my hand". The sites he said were closed and there were not moving vehicles.

Mr Quinn added that the case could be resolved without "further troubling the court" adding that he had abided with a previous undertaking given to a Belfast Court not to enter onto lands owned by the plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.

He was happy to provide a undertaking not to visit sites owned by Mannok as long as his access to the roadway was not inhibited.

The plaintiffs claim Mr Quinn has no right or interest in the lands and has no defence to the claims against him.

The firms say they are not entirely certain what is the purpose of Mr Quinn's alleged trespasses.

They believe his actions amount to "a misguided form of aggression in the form of defiance" aimed towards the company's management.

The firm's directors fear that unless restrained by the court his trespassing will continue.

The two companies are subsidiaries of Mannok Holdings DAC, which was formerly Quinn Industrial Holdings DAC/Quinn Group/Aventas Group and is part of the Mannok group which specialises in the sale and supply of building products and packaging solutions.
High Court proceedings aimed at preventing former billionaire Sean Quinn from trespassing on lands owned by the group of companies he set up were adjourned after the businessman failed to turn up in court.

In a letter emailed to the court Mr Quinn said that he was unable to attend due to the short notice of the proceedings but did offer an undertaking not to visit property owned by Mannok Quarries.

However, he said that he requires access to a certain roadway that connects a quarry in Co Cavan owned by the plaintiffs to a cement factory.



On Wednesday lawyers for Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd told the Court that Mr Quinn is trespassing on a quarry owned by the companies.

They wanted an injunction restraining Mr Quinn from further trespassing, on the grounds that he has no entitlement to be on Swanlinbar Quarry in Co Cavan.

The companies claim that on several occasions since late 2019 Mr Quinn has trespassed on their lands.

The most recent trespass, it is claimed occurred on May 8th last when he was seen driving on its lands, in his E class Mercedes Benz, including at Swanlinbar Quarry.

The firms, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl claim that the lands are active industrial sites, where heavy machinery is being operated, and Mr Quinn's alleged presence amounts to a significant health and safety risk.

The companies secured permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Mr Quinn at his home at Greaghrahan, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

When the case returned before the court on Friday Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told by Mr Fitzpatrick that Mr Quinn was neither present nor represented in court.

The Judge said that he had received an email from Mr Quinn stating that he was unable to attend "due to the short notice," he was given regarding the action.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his clients are "sceptical" about the contents of Mr Quinn's letter but were not seeking the injunction at this stage of the proceedings.

Mr Justice Owens agreed to adjourn the application to a date next week.

In the letter Mr Quinn, who apologised for not attending, said he was prepared to give an undertaking if he could access a road built by him 20 years ago that links Swanlinbar quarry to a cement factory.

The road was built on lands owned by patties including local farmers, who he said had leased it back to him.

He said the road is used by Coillte, local turf cutters, farmers and by windfarm operators.

He said that he required access for business reasons, as he has an interest "in limestone land" on the Swanlinbar side of the mountain.

He also required access to the road because he is "in discussions with investors" and local landowners regarding the building of a new windfarm on the mountain.

He said he did not accept certain claims made by Mannok, including that his presence amounted to a health and safety risk.

He said he knew the property like "the back of my hand". The sites he said were closed and there were not moving vehicles.

Mr Quinn added that the case could be resolved without "further troubling the court" adding that he had abided with a previous undertaking given to a Belfast Court not to enter onto lands owned by the plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.

He was happy to provide a undertaking not to visit sites owned by Mannok as long as his access to the roadway was not inhibited.

The plaintiffs claim Mr Quinn has no right or interest in the lands and has no defence to the claims against him.

The firms say they are not entirely certain what is the purpose of Mr Quinn's alleged trespasses.

They believe his actions amount to "a misguided form of aggression in the form of defiance" aimed towards the company's management.

The firm's directors fear that unless restrained by the court his trespassing will continue.

The two companies are subsidiaries of Mannok Holdings DAC, which was formerly Quinn Industrial Holdings DAC/Quinn Group/Aventas Group and is part of the Mannok group which specialises in the sale and supply of building products and packaging solutions.
High Court proceedings aimed at preventing former billionaire Sean Quinn from trespassing on lands owned by the group of companies he set up were adjourned after the businessman failed to turn up in court.

In a letter emailed to the court Mr Quinn said that he was unable to attend due to the short notice of the proceedings but did offer an undertaking not to visit property owned by Mannok Quarries.

However, he said that he requires access to a certain roadway that connects a quarry in Co Cavan owned by the plaintiffs to a cement factory.



On Wednesday lawyers for Mannok Cement Limited and Mannok Build Ltd told the Court that Mr Quinn is trespassing on a quarry owned by the companies.

They wanted an injunction restraining Mr Quinn from further trespassing, on the grounds that he has no entitlement to be on Swanlinbar Quarry in Co Cavan.

The companies claim that on several occasions since late 2019 Mr Quinn has trespassed on their lands.

The most recent trespass, it is claimed occurred on May 8th last when he was seen driving on its lands, in his E class Mercedes Benz, including at Swanlinbar Quarry.

The firms, represented by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl claim that the lands are active industrial sites, where heavy machinery is being operated, and Mr Quinn's alleged presence amounts to a significant health and safety risk.

The companies secured permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on Mr Quinn at his home at Greaghrahan, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

When the case returned before the court on Friday Mr Justice Alexander Owens was told by Mr Fitzpatrick that Mr Quinn was neither present nor represented in court.

The Judge said that he had received an email from Mr Quinn stating that he was unable to attend "due to the short notice," he was given regarding the action.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his clients are "sceptical" about the contents of Mr Quinn's letter but were not seeking the injunction at this stage of the proceedings.

Mr Justice Owens agreed to adjourn the application to a date next week.

In the letter Mr Quinn, who apologised for not attending, said he was prepared to give an undertaking if he could access a road built by him 20 years ago that links Swanlinbar quarry to a cement factory.

The road was built on lands owned by patties including local farmers, who he said had leased it back to him.

He said the road is used by Coillte, local turf cutters, farmers and by windfarm operators.

He said that he required access for business reasons, as he has an interest "in limestone land" on the Swanlinbar side of the mountain.

He also required access to the road because he is "in discussions with investors" and local landowners regarding the building of a new windfarm on the mountain.

He said he did not accept certain claims made by Mannok, including that his presence amounted to a health and safety risk.

He said he knew the property like "the back of my hand". The sites he said were closed and there were not moving vehicles.

Mr Quinn added that the case could be resolved without "further troubling the court" adding that he had abided with a previous undertaking given to a Belfast Court not to enter onto lands owned by the plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.

He was happy to provide a undertaking not to visit sites owned by Mannok as long as his access to the roadway was not inhibited.

The plaintiffs claim Mr Quinn has no right or interest in the lands and has no defence to the claims against him.

The firms say they are not entirely certain what is the purpose of Mr Quinn's alleged trespasses.

They believe his actions amount to "a misguided form of aggression in the form of defiance" aimed towards the company's management.

The firm's directors fear that unless restrained by the court his trespassing will continue.

The two companies are subsidiaries of Mannok Holdings DAC, which was formerly Quinn Industrial Holdings DAC/Quinn Group/Aventas Group and is part of the Mannok group which specialises in the sale and supply of building products and packaging solutions.
San Francisco's Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone made waves by taking on House speaker Nancy Pelosi, barring her from receiving Communion at Mass until she could get her head straight on whether she's the devout Catholic she thinks she is or the beast who brings abortion on demand to the U.S. as one of its most powerful politicians. A marker has been laid down  it's one or the other for Pelosi at this point, and since she's going to remain in the pews for a while, she's now got some time to decide.

Cordileone wrote:

In striving to follow this direction, I am grateful to you for the time you have given me in the past to speak about these matters. Unfortunately, I have not received such an accommodation to my many requests to speak with you again since you vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in federal law following upon passage of Texas Senate Bill 8 last September. That is why I communicated my concerns to you via letter on April 7, 2022, and informed you there that, should you not publicly repudiate your advocacy for abortion "rights" or else refrain from referring to your Catholic faith in public and receiving Holy Communion, I would have no choice but to make a declaration, in keeping with canon 915, that you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

It was a pretty gentle and shepherd-like response to her obnoxious use of her Catholic faith as her justification for every pro-abortion statement and act she's ever made. Cordileone was actually pretty kind to her, speaking of how her pro-abortion stance is endangering her soul and how he wants to save it. Cordileone cited the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II and contrasted them with Pelosi's own pro-abortion militancy, so it was clear it wasn't just his opinion. But he didn't kick her out, or excommunicate her, which probably could have been justified under canon law, given her material support for abortion on demand. Instead, he called for prayer  a shower of roses from heaven, as the wording went  to be rained down on her for the conversion of her soul. He emphasized that he was concerned about her soul, not just the souls of the dead babies she was leaving in her wake. His tone was firm but kind.

Pelosi likes to bill herself to voters as sort of an Italian earth mama, a child of the south, which in San Francisco is pretty chic the same way that claiming one has Pilgrim ancestors works well in Boston. Pelosi is a mom of five and, like most Italians worth their salt, is nominally a demonstrative Catholic in the wonderful Italian way. That act was called out particularly effectively by Cordileone, who's even more Italian ethnically than she is, so she can't claim he doesn't understand her. Only Cordileone could do that effectively.

Pelosi, after all, isn't any ordinary cafeteria Catholic who likes abortion, but claims to be a devout Catholic. Pelosi is a powerful change agent for promoting abortion as a powerful elected official who cites her Catholic faith as some kind of justification for it. It's obvious in her record thus far: Pelosi doesn't just favor abortion on demand up until the moment of birth; she also wants the government to be able sue the Little Sisters of the Poor for their pro-life conscientious objection to financing abortions. She's shoveled cash for abortion on demand abroad. She's repeatedly shut down proposed votes in the House for saving infants born alive after abortion. She fully supports ending conscience exemptions on abortion for medical professionals and forcing them to commit abortions whether they like it or not. Most of all, she's all about cash, cash, cash for the premier human body partstrafficker of aborted babies, Planned Parenthood, which is all about abortion. Now with Roe v. Wade likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court, she's looking to make abortion until the moment of birth the settled law of the land as House speaker.

That's a helluva ugly picture, given that the other "devout Catholic," Cheatin' Joe Biden, stands ready to sign any law she might ram through Congress through her good offices. Abortion until the moment of birth will then be codified as law of the land so that even states cannot make up their own minds as to whether they want abortion or not. Leftists are always yelling about too many Catholics on the Supreme Court, but the idea of abortion on demand being the big law of the land, in a form that would make the Bolsheviks (who first introduced the world to state-sponsored abortion in 1920 as a normal thing) blush, is rather an ugly picture.

With circumstances like that, it was pretty important for Cordileone to act, and act he did, even though it has created controversy. Some bishops and, of course, everyone on the left were critical, claiming he was politicizing the issue. But it wasn't about politics; it was about whether there's going to be a recognition of human life or an ignoring of human life. And from the Catholic point of view, if there is human life, then there is someone with a soul, and that makes it a topic the Church cannot ignore.

As described in a secular way by Ron Paul in his memoirs, here is the actual issue:

In some abortions, a gasping infant is left to die in a bucket. Ron Pauls story of witnessing an abortion: pic.twitter.com/C5vEaKeR0A  Anton Seim  (@antonseim) May 21, 2022

And yes, as Andrea Widburg noted here, Cordileone's act did take courage. It was gentle, but it was not timid.

After his letter was published, a striking number of other bishops and archbishops have leapt forward to express support and solidarity with Cordileone's letter, including the bishop of the Napa, California area, where Pelosi owns a dacha. He too said he would deny her Communion, so for Pelosi, there's just Washington for Communion, where the leftist grip on the clergy remains strong. But now, with the hypocrisy exposed, expect even the Washington Church leftists to feel heat, too. The Church has been all over the place on giving Communion to Catholics who work to undermine human life and, for that matter, the work of the Church in the U.S., suing the humble nuns. With this move, a marker has been laid that a pol can't claim to be a devout Catholic and then lead the effort to promote and fund abortion throughout the country, which is the current spectacle we see, while being coddled by the Church anymore. That seems to be the root of the Cordileone timing.

People like leaders who can speak with authority, and they follow them. Now with Pelosi (and Biden) set to promote abortion to the country under the rubric of devout Catholicism, it seems that Cordileone has just thrown an emergency brake onto their runaway leftist abortion train.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
San Francisco's Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone made waves by taking on House speaker Nancy Pelosi, barring her from receiving Communion at Mass until she could get her head straight on whether she's the devout Catholic she thinks she is or the beast who brings abortion on demand to the U.S. as one of its most powerful politicians. A marker has been laid down  it's one or the other for Pelosi at this point, and since she's going to remain in the pews for a while, she's now got some time to decide.

Cordileone wrote:

In striving to follow this direction, I am grateful to you for the time you have given me in the past to speak about these matters. Unfortunately, I have not received such an accommodation to my many requests to speak with you again since you vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in federal law following upon passage of Texas Senate Bill 8 last September. That is why I communicated my concerns to you via letter on April 7, 2022, and informed you there that, should you not publicly repudiate your advocacy for abortion "rights" or else refrain from referring to your Catholic faith in public and receiving Holy Communion, I would have no choice but to make a declaration, in keeping with canon 915, that you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

It was a pretty gentle and shepherd-like response to her obnoxious use of her Catholic faith as her justification for every pro-abortion statement and act she's ever made. Cordileone was actually pretty kind to her, speaking of how her pro-abortion stance is endangering her soul and how he wants to save it. Cordileone cited the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II and contrasted them with Pelosi's own pro-abortion militancy, so it was clear it wasn't just his opinion. But he didn't kick her out, or excommunicate her, which probably could have been justified under canon law, given her material support for abortion on demand. Instead, he called for prayer  a shower of roses from heaven, as the wording went  to be rained down on her for the conversion of her soul. He emphasized that he was concerned about her soul, not just the souls of the dead babies she was leaving in her wake. His tone was firm but kind.

Pelosi likes to bill herself to voters as sort of an Italian earth mama, a child of the south, which in San Francisco is pretty chic the same way that claiming one has Pilgrim ancestors works well in Boston. Pelosi is a mom of five and, like most Italians worth their salt, is nominally a demonstrative Catholic in the wonderful Italian way. That act was called out particularly effectively by Cordileone, who's even more Italian ethnically than she is, so she can't claim he doesn't understand her. Only Cordileone could do that effectively.

Pelosi, after all, isn't any ordinary cafeteria Catholic who likes abortion, but claims to be a devout Catholic. Pelosi is a powerful change agent for promoting abortion as a powerful elected official who cites her Catholic faith as some kind of justification for it. It's obvious in her record thus far: Pelosi doesn't just favor abortion on demand up until the moment of birth; she also wants the government to be able sue the Little Sisters of the Poor for their pro-life conscientious objection to financing abortions. She's shoveled cash for abortion on demand abroad. She's repeatedly shut down proposed votes in the House for saving infants born alive after abortion. She fully supports ending conscience exemptions on abortion for medical professionals and forcing them to commit abortions whether they like it or not. Most of all, she's all about cash, cash, cash for the premier human body partstrafficker of aborted babies, Planned Parenthood, which is all about abortion. Now with Roe v. Wade likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court, she's looking to make abortion until the moment of birth the settled law of the land as House speaker.

That's a helluva ugly picture, given that the other "devout Catholic," Cheatin' Joe Biden, stands ready to sign any law she might ram through Congress through her good offices. Abortion until the moment of birth will then be codified as law of the land so that even states cannot make up their own minds as to whether they want abortion or not. Leftists are always yelling about too many Catholics on the Supreme Court, but the idea of abortion on demand being the big law of the land, in a form that would make the Bolsheviks (who first introduced the world to state-sponsored abortion in 1920 as a normal thing) blush, is rather an ugly picture.

With circumstances like that, it was pretty important for Cordileone to act, and act he did, even though it has created controversy. Some bishops and, of course, everyone on the left were critical, claiming he was politicizing the issue. But it wasn't about politics; it was about whether there's going to be a recognition of human life or an ignoring of human life. And from the Catholic point of view, if there is human life, then there is someone with a soul, and that makes it a topic the Church cannot ignore.

As described in a secular way by Ron Paul in his memoirs, here is the actual issue:

In some abortions, a gasping infant is left to die in a bucket. Ron Pauls story of witnessing an abortion: pic.twitter.com/C5vEaKeR0A  Anton Seim  (@antonseim) May 21, 2022

And yes, as Andrea Widburg noted here, Cordileone's act did take courage. It was gentle, but it was not timid.

After his letter was published, a striking number of other bishops and archbishops have leapt forward to express support and solidarity with Cordileone's letter, including the bishop of the Napa, California area, where Pelosi owns a dacha. He too said he would deny her Communion, so for Pelosi, there's just Washington for Communion, where the leftist grip on the clergy remains strong. But now, with the hypocrisy exposed, expect even the Washington Church leftists to feel heat, too. The Church has been all over the place on giving Communion to Catholics who work to undermine human life and, for that matter, the work of the Church in the U.S., suing the humble nuns. With this move, a marker has been laid that a pol can't claim to be a devout Catholic and then lead the effort to promote and fund abortion throughout the country, which is the current spectacle we see, while being coddled by the Church anymore. That seems to be the root of the Cordileone timing.

People like leaders who can speak with authority, and they follow them. Now with Pelosi (and Biden) set to promote abortion to the country under the rubric of devout Catholicism, it seems that Cordileone has just thrown an emergency brake onto their runaway leftist abortion train.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
San Francisco's Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone made waves by taking on House speaker Nancy Pelosi, barring her from receiving Communion at Mass until she could get her head straight on whether she's the devout Catholic she thinks she is or the beast who brings abortion on demand to the U.S. as one of its most powerful politicians. A marker has been laid down  it's one or the other for Pelosi at this point, and since she's going to remain in the pews for a while, she's now got some time to decide.

Cordileone wrote:

In striving to follow this direction, I am grateful to you for the time you have given me in the past to speak about these matters. Unfortunately, I have not received such an accommodation to my many requests to speak with you again since you vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in federal law following upon passage of Texas Senate Bill 8 last September. That is why I communicated my concerns to you via letter on April 7, 2022, and informed you there that, should you not publicly repudiate your advocacy for abortion "rights" or else refrain from referring to your Catholic faith in public and receiving Holy Communion, I would have no choice but to make a declaration, in keeping with canon 915, that you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

It was a pretty gentle and shepherd-like response to her obnoxious use of her Catholic faith as her justification for every pro-abortion statement and act she's ever made. Cordileone was actually pretty kind to her, speaking of how her pro-abortion stance is endangering her soul and how he wants to save it. Cordileone cited the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II and contrasted them with Pelosi's own pro-abortion militancy, so it was clear it wasn't just his opinion. But he didn't kick her out, or excommunicate her, which probably could have been justified under canon law, given her material support for abortion on demand. Instead, he called for prayer  a shower of roses from heaven, as the wording went  to be rained down on her for the conversion of her soul. He emphasized that he was concerned about her soul, not just the souls of the dead babies she was leaving in her wake. His tone was firm but kind.

Pelosi likes to bill herself to voters as sort of an Italian earth mama, a child of the south, which in San Francisco is pretty chic the same way that claiming one has Pilgrim ancestors works well in Boston. Pelosi is a mom of five and, like most Italians worth their salt, is nominally a demonstrative Catholic in the wonderful Italian way. That act was called out particularly effectively by Cordileone, who's even more Italian ethnically than she is, so she can't claim he doesn't understand her. Only Cordileone could do that effectively.

Pelosi, after all, isn't any ordinary cafeteria Catholic who likes abortion, but claims to be a devout Catholic. Pelosi is a powerful change agent for promoting abortion as a powerful elected official who cites her Catholic faith as some kind of justification for it. It's obvious in her record thus far: Pelosi doesn't just favor abortion on demand up until the moment of birth; she also wants the government to be able sue the Little Sisters of the Poor for their pro-life conscientious objection to financing abortions. She's shoveled cash for abortion on demand abroad. She's repeatedly shut down proposed votes in the House for saving infants born alive after abortion. She fully supports ending conscience exemptions on abortion for medical professionals and forcing them to commit abortions whether they like it or not. Most of all, she's all about cash, cash, cash for the premier human body partstrafficker of aborted babies, Planned Parenthood, which is all about abortion. Now with Roe v. Wade likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court, she's looking to make abortion until the moment of birth the settled law of the land as House speaker.

That's a helluva ugly picture, given that the other "devout Catholic," Cheatin' Joe Biden, stands ready to sign any law she might ram through Congress through her good offices. Abortion until the moment of birth will then be codified as law of the land so that even states cannot make up their own minds as to whether they want abortion or not. Leftists are always yelling about too many Catholics on the Supreme Court, but the idea of abortion on demand being the big law of the land, in a form that would make the Bolsheviks (who first introduced the world to state-sponsored abortion in 1920 as a normal thing) blush, is rather an ugly picture.

With circumstances like that, it was pretty important for Cordileone to act, and act he did, even though it has created controversy. Some bishops and, of course, everyone on the left were critical, claiming he was politicizing the issue. But it wasn't about politics; it was about whether there's going to be a recognition of human life or an ignoring of human life. And from the Catholic point of view, if there is human life, then there is someone with a soul, and that makes it a topic the Church cannot ignore.

As described in a secular way by Ron Paul in his memoirs, here is the actual issue:

In some abortions, a gasping infant is left to die in a bucket. Ron Pauls story of witnessing an abortion: pic.twitter.com/C5vEaKeR0A  Anton Seim  (@antonseim) May 21, 2022

And yes, as Andrea Widburg noted here, Cordileone's act did take courage. It was gentle, but it was not timid.

After his letter was published, a striking number of other bishops and archbishops have leapt forward to express support and solidarity with Cordileone's letter, including the bishop of the Napa, California area, where Pelosi owns a dacha. He too said he would deny her Communion, so for Pelosi, there's just Washington for Communion, where the leftist grip on the clergy remains strong. But now, with the hypocrisy exposed, expect even the Washington Church leftists to feel heat, too. The Church has been all over the place on giving Communion to Catholics who work to undermine human life and, for that matter, the work of the Church in the U.S., suing the humble nuns. With this move, a marker has been laid that a pol can't claim to be a devout Catholic and then lead the effort to promote and fund abortion throughout the country, which is the current spectacle we see, while being coddled by the Church anymore. That seems to be the root of the Cordileone timing.

People like leaders who can speak with authority, and they follow them. Now with Pelosi (and Biden) set to promote abortion to the country under the rubric of devout Catholicism, it seems that Cordileone has just thrown an emergency brake onto their runaway leftist abortion train.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
CEDAR FALLS  Three Northeast Iowa men have been sentenced to jail and probation for allegedly rolling back odometers to hike up the prices of used pickup trucks they were selling.

The trio was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Jerret John Schreiber, 50, of Parkersburg, received six months in prison and six months home confinement on one count of wire fraud. Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles, prosecutors said. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution and has made a payment of $45,000 toward the obligation.

David Russell Stangeland, 33, of Cedar Falls, who received one month in prison for conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution and has paid $22,400.

Dustin Michael Turtle Arends, 36, of New Hartford, received three years probation for odometer tampering. Arends was involved in the sale of at least six vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution and has paid $14,000.

Court records allege the three bought pickup trucks  mostly Chevrolet Silverados manufactured in the mid-2000s. The vehicles odometer clusters were sent to Arizona where they were then changed and sent back to Iowa, according to court records. The odometers were rolled back 80,000 to 100,000 miles before the trucks were sold on Craigslist and other classified ad websites.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa said in order to conceal the scheme, the men registered the vehicles under different names before offering them for sale. This also allowed them to skirt requirements for registering with the state of Iowa as automobile dealers.

Investigators with the Iowa Department of Transportation started their probe in 2016 after receiving a tip that a truck sold by a dealership later turned up in an online ad with lower mileage, according to court records.

As part of the case, the government seized at least four vehicles with altered odometers that hadnt been sold, according to court records.

Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in June.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.




SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service




SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
getty images

Employers continue to find new ways to automate business practices, including using software programs that provide for artificial intelligence (AI) in a variety of employment practices, including recruitment.

These new technologies, while promising in many respects, have garnered the attention of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which last year launched the Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness Initiative. The EEOC announced the initiatives intended mission to ensure that the use of software, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other emerging technologies used in hiring and other employment decisions comply with the federal civil rights laws that the EEOC enforces.

The EEOC announced, Through the initiative, the EEOC will examine more closely how existing and developing technologies fundamentally change the ways employment decisions are made. The initiatives goal is to guide employers, employees, job applicants and vendors to ensure that these technologies are used fairly and consistently with federal equal employment opportunity laws.

In a clear sign of the potential dangers of AI, the EEOC filed suit earlier this month against iTutorGroup for age discrimination after the EEOC determined that the company programmed its online software to automatically reject more than 200 older otherwise qualified applicants.

The trilogy of companies provide English-language tutoring services to students in China. According to the lawsuit, in 2020 the company programmed its tutor application software to automatically reject female applicants age 55 or older and male applicants age 60 or older.

If true, this would violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protects applicants and employees age 40 and over.

EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said of the suit, Age discrimination is unjust and unlawful. Even when technology automates the discrimination, the employer is still responsible. She added, This case is an example of why the EEOC recently launched an Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness Initiative. Workers facing discrimination from an employers use of technology can count on the EEOC to seek remedies.

The EEOC also just issued its first of promised technical assistance, which explains the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Use of Software, Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence to Assess Job Applicants and Employees. This guidance will be discussed in more detail of my AI Part 2 column next week.

According to the EEOC in its new guidance, AI can be used in a variety of software programs, including automatic resume-screening, hiring, chatbot software for hiring and workflow, video interviewing, analytics, employee monitoring and worker management.

These software programs are often coupled with algorithms, which the EEOC defines as a set of instructions that can be followed by a computer to accomplish some end. These algorithms in the employment setting provide tools for algorithmic decision-making, which can be used in all stages of an employment life cycle from hiring to termination.

AI adds another layer of complexity whereby AI can be used when developing algorithms to assist and provide efficiencies to employers in helping them make decisions. The EEOC cites Congress definition of AI as machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.

Examples cited by the EEOC include:

R

e

sum

e

scanners that prioritize applications using certain keywords.

Employee-monitoring software that rates employees on the basis of their keystrokes or other factors.

Virtual assistants or chatbots that ask job candidates about their qualifications and reject those who do not meet pre-defined requirements.

Video interviewing software that evaluates candidates based on their facial expressions and speech patterns.

Testing software that provides job fit scores for applicants or employees regarding their personalities, aptitudes, cognitive skills or perceived cultural fit based on their performance on a game or on a more traditional test.

Employers need to ask what types of software and AI programs exist in their current human resources functions and make sure that their own data analytics provide for fairness and non-discrimination in these technologies.

Employers should also be cautious about walking blindly into promises of efficiency in new technologies.

Next week, I will discuss how AI can create disability discrimination.

More information can be found at EEOC.gov.
getty images

Employers continue to find new ways to automate business practices, including using software programs that provide for artificial intelligence (AI) in a variety of employment practices, including recruitment.

These new technologies, while promising in many respects, have garnered the attention of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which last year launched the Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness Initiative. The EEOC announced the initiatives intended mission to ensure that the use of software, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other emerging technologies used in hiring and other employment decisions comply with the federal civil rights laws that the EEOC enforces.

The EEOC announced, Through the initiative, the EEOC will examine more closely how existing and developing technologies fundamentally change the ways employment decisions are made. The initiatives goal is to guide employers, employees, job applicants and vendors to ensure that these technologies are used fairly and consistently with federal equal employment opportunity laws.

In a clear sign of the potential dangers of AI, the EEOC filed suit earlier this month against iTutorGroup for age discrimination after the EEOC determined that the company programmed its online software to automatically reject more than 200 older otherwise qualified applicants.

The trilogy of companies provide English-language tutoring services to students in China. According to the lawsuit, in 2020 the company programmed its tutor application software to automatically reject female applicants age 55 or older and male applicants age 60 or older.

If true, this would violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protects applicants and employees age 40 and over.

EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said of the suit, Age discrimination is unjust and unlawful. Even when technology automates the discrimination, the employer is still responsible. She added, This case is an example of why the EEOC recently launched an Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness Initiative. Workers facing discrimination from an employers use of technology can count on the EEOC to seek remedies.

The EEOC also just issued its first of promised technical assistance, which explains the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Use of Software, Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence to Assess Job Applicants and Employees. This guidance will be discussed in more detail of my AI Part 2 column next week.

According to the EEOC in its new guidance, AI can be used in a variety of software programs, including automatic resume-screening, hiring, chatbot software for hiring and workflow, video interviewing, analytics, employee monitoring and worker management.

These software programs are often coupled with algorithms, which the EEOC defines as a set of instructions that can be followed by a computer to accomplish some end. These algorithms in the employment setting provide tools for algorithmic decision-making, which can be used in all stages of an employment life cycle from hiring to termination.

AI adds another layer of complexity whereby AI can be used when developing algorithms to assist and provide efficiencies to employers in helping them make decisions. The EEOC cites Congress definition of AI as machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.

Examples cited by the EEOC include:

R

e

sum

e

scanners that prioritize applications using certain keywords.

Employee-monitoring software that rates employees on the basis of their keystrokes or other factors.

Virtual assistants or chatbots that ask job candidates about their qualifications and reject those who do not meet pre-defined requirements.

Video interviewing software that evaluates candidates based on their facial expressions and speech patterns.

Testing software that provides job fit scores for applicants or employees regarding their personalities, aptitudes, cognitive skills or perceived cultural fit based on their performance on a game or on a more traditional test.

Employers need to ask what types of software and AI programs exist in their current human resources functions and make sure that their own data analytics provide for fairness and non-discrimination in these technologies.

Employers should also be cautious about walking blindly into promises of efficiency in new technologies.

Next week, I will discuss how AI can create disability discrimination.

More information can be found at EEOC.gov.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was poised to become one of the country's highest-ranking cabinet ministers to ever be voted out of parliament on Saturday as he acknowledged it would be difficult to cling onto his seat in the national election.

The Labor Party was on track to end nine years of conservative Liberal-National government, though it was uncertain if they would govern in their own right.

Frydenberg appeared on course to be defeated in his Melbourne seat by independent Monique Ryan, a pediatric neurologist running for office for the first time, according to a projected count by the Australian Electoral Commission.

"While it's mathematically possible that we win in Kooyong, it's definitely difficult," Frydenberg, the government's most senior financial minister, told supporters at a televised speech in Melbourne.

Frydenberg did not concede defeat but thanked his wife and added that "maybe after tonight I get a bit more time to try and be the most extraordinary dad". He also claimed credit for unemployment at 50-year lows and referred to comments he made "in what looks to have been my last press conference as Treasurer".

The projected result would make Frydenberg a major casualty in an election that has been defined by high-profile independent candidates taking on conservatives in urban seats with policies focused on fighting climate change.

It also throws the future of the Liberal party, the larger of the coalition partners, into disarray since Frydenberg, the party's deputy leader and treasurer since 2018, was widely tipped as a strong contender to be its next leader.

Frydenberg led Australia's economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including arranging stimulus payments and a reprieve from some corporate regulations, but is now the country's first sitting treasurer to lose their seat since 1931.

Former Prime Minister John Howard, who once employed Frydenberg as an adviser, lost his seat at a 2007 election after a change to the boundaries of his Sydney seat diluted its conservative-leaning demographic, the first prime minister to lose their seat since 1929.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye and John Mair)
Electric cars are parked at a charging station in Sacramento, Calif., on April 13, 2022. Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, is working on a bill that would make all new vehicles purchased in the state after 2035 electric.




Placeholder while article actions load

This is one of a series of interviews by Bloomberg Opinion columnists on how to solve the worlds most pressing policy challenges. It has been edited for length and clarity. This interview was conducted on Instagram Live on May 18. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Sarah Green Carmichael: As the founder of The Formula Mom (@theformulamom on Instagram), an online network focused on helping parents navigate the challenges of infant feeding, youve been sounding alarms about the infant-formula shortage for months. There were indications the crisis was going to get worse as far back as February, when Abbott Laboratories issued a recall and shut down its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which affected the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brands. Why is this only receiving high-level attention now, when it has been a problem brewing for months?

Mallory Whitmore, founder, The Formula Mom: I think a lot of its related to just how long it takes to produce formula. Its generally at least a six-to-eight week month process. And so I think were starting to see the effects of [the plant shutdown] in February. I think the media attention is good because were starting to see some movement from the Biden administration, but also I think its increased panic buying to an extent, which is making things worse.

Advertisement

SGC: President Biden has just announced he will use the Defense Production Act to try to boost the amount of formula available. Will this actually help?MW: Yes. It means that companies that provide ingredients to US formula makers must prioritize filling those orders before providing orders to any other industry. For example, if a dairy company provides milk to an ice cream company and also to a formula maker like Enfamil, they must fill all of Enfamils orders first. This should help with part of the production bottleneck, because formula manufacturers have been having trouble finding their ingredients. It also means that the US will start using Department of Defense airplanes to bring formula to the US, which should help address the issue of shipping delays. Finally, the order also gives $28 million to the FDA to help expedite the rate at which they can review foreign manufacturer applications and get formula on shelves quicker.

SGC: How did this recall at this one factory cause such a ripple effect?

MW: Most parents dont realize there are only five approved infant formula manufacturers in the US. You go to Target and you see 30 different brands and you think theres a lot of manufacturers, but theres only five  and three of those five control 80 to 90% of the market. Abbott alone produces 40% of the US formula market, and this plant is their largest plant. So it just took out a huge portion of the product that we typically see on the shelves.

Advertisement

SGC: Are there any brands that have been unaffected?

MW: It has been hit or miss. It seems like it depends based on geographic area. Certainly more expensive formulas tend to be more available. Most of those smaller brands  Earths Best, Burts Bees, Happy Baby, Bobbie  are all produced by the same contract manufacturer, so theyre all experiencing the same issues trying to get space on the lines to produce more.

SGC: Some people have blamed excessive regulation for the shortage. How you think that plays in? Dont we want infant formula to be highly regulated, to make sure its safe?

MW: I think theres absolutely some room for improvement in terms of how difficult it is for new brands to enter the market. Its very time- intensive and very expensive. ByHeart is a brand-new formula company that launched about two months ago, and it took them five years from start to finish. Theres also not a huge incentive for people to get into the market because its so tightly controlled by these three companies that reap the great majority of the profit.

Advertisement

On the one hand, you wish there were more players in this space so we werent in this position. On the other, we want to make sure that not anybody can just go producing infant formula. The ingredients have to be very specific. But I think were seeing now that the market as it currently operates is a problem.

SGC: What about imports  why is it so hard to buy European formula in the US?

MW: The European Commissions standards are different than the FDA standards. Some people think that their standards are better. For example, they require organic ingredients when possible and dont allow corn syrup or corn syrup solids [in formula]. They allow goat milk to be used as the protein source. On the other hand, they have looser requirements for things like how much iron is allowed in the formula; the FDA doesnt feel thats appropriate. In light of the shortage, though, the FDA has created an expedited approval pathway for foreign formula manufacturers to be able to sell in the US.

Advertisement

SGC: Is there anything else that you think government officials should be doing to speed up the end of the shortage?

MW: What I would like to see personally is an overhaul of how the WIC program functions. WIC is a supplementary nutrition program for lower-income women, infants and children. Fifty percent of babies born in the US qualify  not that many are enrolled, but 50% qualify. How it works is that each state has one single contracted manufacturer. So in Tennessee, where Im from, Similac is the contracted provider and folks who receive WIC benefits are only permitted to purchase Similac products. This is a problem for two reasons. Number one is that Similac doesnt have all of the formulas that a baby may need. Parents arent able to choose whats best for their baby, theyre only able to choose from what the state has contracted for.

Second, this decreases incentive for smaller companies to enter the space, because 50% of the market is already essentially bought out by these bigger manufacturers. And that also doesnt create an incentive for these large formula companies  Similac, Enfamil, Gerber  to elevate their standards because they dont have to win parents over when parents are forced to use their product in a state agreement that currently exists. I would love to see more of a voucher system where parents can put their money toward whatever brand or whatever formula they feel good about and that aligns with their babys needs.

Advertisement

SGC: What do you think is a realistic timeline for seeing more formula back on the shelves ?

MW: In terms of the domestic supply, I think were likely looking at from six to eight weeks because we know thats how long it takes to make a batch of formula. Many manufacturers are increasing their capacity to turn out more product, but its going to be six to eight weeks before we see that on the shelf. Its likely to be even longer than that for Similac products, since theyre still going through this process of meeting the guidelines outlined in this consent decree with the FDA to reopen the Sturgis facility. So it might be even longer for them. We are hopefully going to be seeing some imported formula options before then.

SGC: How do we prevent this from happening again?

MW: First, reduce that concentration at the top and diversify where our formula is coming from, by increasing the number of manufacturers and allowing a pathway for imported formula to continue beyond the immediate crisis.

Advertisement

I also think we have to really look at how are we ensuring safety in our existing supply chain. We know that in 2020 with the Covid pandemic, that the FDA didnt inspect a lot of these facilities. That has to be a priority. These are our very most vulnerable citizens. It has to be a priority to make sure that the formula that were seeing on the shelves is safe. Why did it take so long? I think the FDA must have been trying to weigh the risk of bacterial contamination and infant illness with knowing that a shortage was a likely outcome if they introduced a recall of this size.

SGC: As this shortage has gone on, Im sorry to say, theres been no shortage of people on social media who will say things like Just breastfeed! or Why not pump? Why is that not the best advice?

MW: I think a lot of folks dont realize that it takes a good number of weeks to establish a full milk supply. And 25% of our parents are back at work within two weeks of having a baby  25%. That is not enough time to establish a full milk supply. Also, hourly workers or part-time workers might not have protected time at work for pump breaks and those pump breaks arent paid. And if those people can get formula for free through WIC, theyre obviously incentivized to do that.

Advertisement

Low breastmilk supply is more common than people realize. Up to potentially 10% of mothers are not able to produce a full milk supply. Weve also got parents who have medication needs that are incompatible with breastfeeding. Weve got same-sex families, adoptive parents, grandparents, parents through surrogacy where breastfeeding is just not possible. And even when it is possible, the time associated with nursing is incompatible for many, many families due to their jobs and the needs of their other children.

I hope that this is just sort of a reckoning point that highlights the absolute insanity of what we expect American parents to do  and thats to parent like they dont work, and to work like they dont have kids. To breastfeed, but not take too much time at work and not in public.

SGC: Do you think that we could get to a world where we both provide more support for breastfeeding and reduce the stigma around formula?

Advertisement

MW: I would love nothing more than that. Ultimately, its got to come down to trusting that individual families know whats best for their babies and then supporting them in whatever choice they make.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Sarah Green Carmichael is a Bloomberg Opinion editor. Previously, she was managing editor of ideas and commentary at Barrons and an executive editor at Harvard Business Review, where she hosted HBR IdeaCast.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article


Placeholder while article actions load

This is one of a series of interviews by Bloomberg Opinion columnists on how to solve the worlds most pressing policy challenges. It has been edited for length and clarity. This interview was conducted on Instagram Live on May 18. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Sarah Green Carmichael: As the founder of The Formula Mom (@theformulamom on Instagram), an online network focused on helping parents navigate the challenges of infant feeding, youve been sounding alarms about the infant-formula shortage for months. There were indications the crisis was going to get worse as far back as February, when Abbott Laboratories issued a recall and shut down its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which affected the Similac, Alimentum and EleCare brands. Why is this only receiving high-level attention now, when it has been a problem brewing for months?

Mallory Whitmore, founder, The Formula Mom: I think a lot of its related to just how long it takes to produce formula. Its generally at least a six-to-eight week month process. And so I think were starting to see the effects of [the plant shutdown] in February. I think the media attention is good because were starting to see some movement from the Biden administration, but also I think its increased panic buying to an extent, which is making things worse.

Advertisement

SGC: President Biden has just announced he will use the Defense Production Act to try to boost the amount of formula available. Will this actually help?MW: Yes. It means that companies that provide ingredients to US formula makers must prioritize filling those orders before providing orders to any other industry. For example, if a dairy company provides milk to an ice cream company and also to a formula maker like Enfamil, they must fill all of Enfamils orders first. This should help with part of the production bottleneck, because formula manufacturers have been having trouble finding their ingredients. It also means that the US will start using Department of Defense airplanes to bring formula to the US, which should help address the issue of shipping delays. Finally, the order also gives $28 million to the FDA to help expedite the rate at which they can review foreign manufacturer applications and get formula on shelves quicker.

SGC: How did this recall at this one factory cause such a ripple effect?

MW: Most parents dont realize there are only five approved infant formula manufacturers in the US. You go to Target and you see 30 different brands and you think theres a lot of manufacturers, but theres only five  and three of those five control 80 to 90% of the market. Abbott alone produces 40% of the US formula market, and this plant is their largest plant. So it just took out a huge portion of the product that we typically see on the shelves.

Advertisement

SGC: Are there any brands that have been unaffected?

MW: It has been hit or miss. It seems like it depends based on geographic area. Certainly more expensive formulas tend to be more available. Most of those smaller brands  Earths Best, Burts Bees, Happy Baby, Bobbie  are all produced by the same contract manufacturer, so theyre all experiencing the same issues trying to get space on the lines to produce more.

SGC: Some people have blamed excessive regulation for the shortage. How you think that plays in? Dont we want infant formula to be highly regulated, to make sure its safe?

MW: I think theres absolutely some room for improvement in terms of how difficult it is for new brands to enter the market. Its very time- intensive and very expensive. ByHeart is a brand-new formula company that launched about two months ago, and it took them five years from start to finish. Theres also not a huge incentive for people to get into the market because its so tightly controlled by these three companies that reap the great majority of the profit.

Advertisement

On the one hand, you wish there were more players in this space so we werent in this position. On the other, we want to make sure that not anybody can just go producing infant formula. The ingredients have to be very specific. But I think were seeing now that the market as it currently operates is a problem.

SGC: What about imports  why is it so hard to buy European formula in the US?

MW: The European Commissions standards are different than the FDA standards. Some people think that their standards are better. For example, they require organic ingredients when possible and dont allow corn syrup or corn syrup solids [in formula]. They allow goat milk to be used as the protein source. On the other hand, they have looser requirements for things like how much iron is allowed in the formula; the FDA doesnt feel thats appropriate. In light of the shortage, though, the FDA has created an expedited approval pathway for foreign formula manufacturers to be able to sell in the US.

Advertisement

SGC: Is there anything else that you think government officials should be doing to speed up the end of the shortage?

MW: What I would like to see personally is an overhaul of how the WIC program functions. WIC is a supplementary nutrition program for lower-income women, infants and children. Fifty percent of babies born in the US qualify  not that many are enrolled, but 50% qualify. How it works is that each state has one single contracted manufacturer. So in Tennessee, where Im from, Similac is the contracted provider and folks who receive WIC benefits are only permitted to purchase Similac products. This is a problem for two reasons. Number one is that Similac doesnt have all of the formulas that a baby may need. Parents arent able to choose whats best for their baby, theyre only able to choose from what the state has contracted for.

Second, this decreases incentive for smaller companies to enter the space, because 50% of the market is already essentially bought out by these bigger manufacturers. And that also doesnt create an incentive for these large formula companies  Similac, Enfamil, Gerber  to elevate their standards because they dont have to win parents over when parents are forced to use their product in a state agreement that currently exists. I would love to see more of a voucher system where parents can put their money toward whatever brand or whatever formula they feel good about and that aligns with their babys needs.

Advertisement

SGC: What do you think is a realistic timeline for seeing more formula back on the shelves ?

MW: In terms of the domestic supply, I think were likely looking at from six to eight weeks because we know thats how long it takes to make a batch of formula. Many manufacturers are increasing their capacity to turn out more product, but its going to be six to eight weeks before we see that on the shelf. Its likely to be even longer than that for Similac products, since theyre still going through this process of meeting the guidelines outlined in this consent decree with the FDA to reopen the Sturgis facility. So it might be even longer for them. We are hopefully going to be seeing some imported formula options before then.

SGC: How do we prevent this from happening again?

MW: First, reduce that concentration at the top and diversify where our formula is coming from, by increasing the number of manufacturers and allowing a pathway for imported formula to continue beyond the immediate crisis.

Advertisement

I also think we have to really look at how are we ensuring safety in our existing supply chain. We know that in 2020 with the Covid pandemic, that the FDA didnt inspect a lot of these facilities. That has to be a priority. These are our very most vulnerable citizens. It has to be a priority to make sure that the formula that were seeing on the shelves is safe. Why did it take so long? I think the FDA must have been trying to weigh the risk of bacterial contamination and infant illness with knowing that a shortage was a likely outcome if they introduced a recall of this size.

SGC: As this shortage has gone on, Im sorry to say, theres been no shortage of people on social media who will say things like Just breastfeed! or Why not pump? Why is that not the best advice?

MW: I think a lot of folks dont realize that it takes a good number of weeks to establish a full milk supply. And 25% of our parents are back at work within two weeks of having a baby  25%. That is not enough time to establish a full milk supply. Also, hourly workers or part-time workers might not have protected time at work for pump breaks and those pump breaks arent paid. And if those people can get formula for free through WIC, theyre obviously incentivized to do that.

Advertisement

Low breastmilk supply is more common than people realize. Up to potentially 10% of mothers are not able to produce a full milk supply. Weve also got parents who have medication needs that are incompatible with breastfeeding. Weve got same-sex families, adoptive parents, grandparents, parents through surrogacy where breastfeeding is just not possible. And even when it is possible, the time associated with nursing is incompatible for many, many families due to their jobs and the needs of their other children.

I hope that this is just sort of a reckoning point that highlights the absolute insanity of what we expect American parents to do  and thats to parent like they dont work, and to work like they dont have kids. To breastfeed, but not take too much time at work and not in public.

SGC: Do you think that we could get to a world where we both provide more support for breastfeeding and reduce the stigma around formula?

Advertisement

MW: I would love nothing more than that. Ultimately, its got to come down to trusting that individual families know whats best for their babies and then supporting them in whatever choice they make.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Sarah Green Carmichael is a Bloomberg Opinion editor. Previously, she was managing editor of ideas and commentary at Barrons and an executive editor at Harvard Business Review, where she hosted HBR IdeaCast.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article




If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.










If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.










If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Saturday indicated that he would consider meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un but only if he were sincere and serious about discussions related to the countrys nuclear program.

It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious, Biden replied when asked under what conditions he would meet with the North Korean leader.

Biden made the comments in response to a question at a joint press conference Saturday following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sitting U.S. presidents historically have not typically met with North Korean leaders, but Bidens predecessor, former President Trump, took an unprecedented step of meeting with Kim three times including stepping into North Korea. The Trump administrations talks with North Korea about its nuclear program ultimately failed.

The Biden administration has said repeatedly that it is open to talks with North Korea with no preconditions, but Pyongyang has rejected those offers.

Bidens remarks came amid heightened tensions over North Koreas nuclear program, which is subject to international sanctions.

The Biden administration is bracing for a possible ballistic missile or nuclear test from North Korea while Biden is in Asia. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said earlier this week that either type of test was a genuine possibility during or close to Bidens first trip to the region as president.

North Korea has test-fired several ballistic missiles this year. It hasnt conducted a nuclear test since 2017.

Biden, whose trip includes stops in South Korea and Japan, vowed to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties during his visit. A joint statement from the two leaders said the countries would begin discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula given the threat posed by North Korea.

The statement described North Koreas nuclear program as a grave threat and urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations. They also condemned recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests, calling them escalatory.

President Yoon and President Biden reiterate their common goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agree to further strengthen the airtight coordination to this end, the joint statement reads. The two Presidents share the view that the DPRKs nuclear program presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.

SANAA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels said on Saturday that they shot down a "spy drone" of the Saudi-led coalition that supports the Yemeni government in the country's civil war, accusing the coalition of violating the ongoing truce.

"With a surface-to-air missile, our air defense shot down the drone that was hovering over Hayran district in the province of Hajjah in violation of the truce," Houthi-run al-Masirah TV quoted the the rebels' military spokesman Yehya Sarea as saying.

There was no comment yet from the coalition or the Yemeni government.

This was the second "spy drone" the Houthi group claimed to have downed in Hajjah in nearly two weeks amid the two-month truce starting April 2.

So far, the truce has been largely held despite sporadic small-scale clashes.

On Thursday, the Houthi rebels said they are considering a request by the UN envoy to extend the ongoing truce with the Yemeni government, which expires on June 2.

The truce marks the first breakthrough in more than seven years in efforts to end the war in Yemen that has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. 
SANAA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels said on Saturday that they shot down a "spy drone" of the Saudi-led coalition that supports the Yemeni government in the country's civil war, accusing the coalition of violating the ongoing truce.

"With a surface-to-air missile, our air defense shot down the drone that was hovering over Hayran district in the province of Hajjah in violation of the truce," Houthi-run al-Masirah TV quoted the the rebels' military spokesman Yehya Sarea as saying.

There was no comment yet from the coalition or the Yemeni government.

This was the second "spy drone" the Houthi group claimed to have downed in Hajjah in nearly two weeks amid the two-month truce starting April 2.

So far, the truce has been largely held despite sporadic small-scale clashes.

On Thursday, the Houthi rebels said they are considering a request by the UN envoy to extend the ongoing truce with the Yemeni government, which expires on June 2.

The truce marks the first breakthrough in more than seven years in efforts to end the war in Yemen that has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. 
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday unveiled a long list of 963 U.S. citizens who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named U.S. President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday unveiled a long list of 963 U.S. citizens who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named U.S. President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday unveiled a long list of 963 U.S. citizens who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named U.S. President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday unveiled a long list of 963 U.S. citizens who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named U.S. President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday unveiled a long list of 963 U.S. citizens who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named U.S. President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday unveiled a long list of 963 U.S. citizens who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named U.S. President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
By Trend

Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovich within the Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Italy's Turin on May 20, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministers commended the current strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, as well as discussed development prospects in the economic, commercial, political, humanitarian, and other fields.

The sides exchanged views on the imminent entry into force of the 'Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on mutual abolition of visa requirements for persons holding general civil passports', reviewed cooperation in the field of civil aviation, and explored ways of effective use of tourism potential between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.









Electric cars are parked at a charging station in Sacramento, Calif., on April 13, 2022. Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, is working on a bill that would make all new vehicles purchased in the state after 2035 electric.






Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The fishing party at Omahas Standing Bear Lake was having a whopper of a day last week  until state conservation officers showed up.

Theyd caught their 15-fish bag limit of crappie and bluegill, but the water kept providing, and they kept taking, said Lt. Stacey Lewton of the state Game and Parks Commission.

And by the time his officers arrived, theyd pulled 162 more fish out of the lake than allowed by state law.

The most prolific angler left with a fine of $2,849  a penalty for exceeding the bag limit, and $25 in damages for each fish over the limit, Lewton said. Another member of the party received a $349 fine, and a third wasnt ticketed.

But his officers werent done. Four days later, same lake, different fishing party: They found a group with 103 fish too many. This time, one of the anglers was fined $2,449, and another $549.

Add it all up, and: $6,196 in fines, 265 seized fish.

Theyre pretty sizable over-bags, Lewton said. We do receive some of these every day, but this is an extraordinarily high number of fish that were caught.

In both cases, the officers found the fish in buckets, already dead, so they couldnt return them to the water.

But they wont go to waste. For now, theyre being stored in a freezer to serve as evidence in case the anglers try to fight their tickets.

Once the cases are cleared, theyll likely be donated  along with the rest of the summers confiscated fish  to feed the rehabilitating birds at the Raptor Recovery Center, he said.

We try to make sure game isnt wasted, whether its a deer or fish or bird.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or psalter@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSPeterSalter

Fridays Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony once again served as a reminder of the tight relationship between law enforcement officers and their families, and the debt we all owe to those who protect us.

The 149th name of an officer who died in the line of duty was added to the memorial wall in Grand Island. The latest addition is Kevin Kennedy Jr. of Lincoln County, who died in December 2020 at the age of 73.

One of the speakers, Denise Wagner, lost her husband, Mark, a Nebraska State Trooper, in 1999. He died in a training accident.

Since then, the support Wagner has received from law enforcement has been amazing, she said. The relationship with the law enforcement family, Wagner said, is there for life.

She urged officers families to get to know each other, because when you really need someone, theyll be there.

Wagner said her family knows the Kennedys. At the end of her talk, Wagner turned to Kennedys widow and said, I want to personally tell you: Im here for you.

The keynote speaker was Don Arp Jr., executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.

Law enforcement, he said, is more than a profession. Its a life of service. Keeping order is one of the building blocks of our democracy, he said.

If law enforcement were to disappear, society would surely crumble in its absence, Arp said.

In the battle between good and evil, we know that good will prevail. But we also know the costs are high, Arp said.

Sacrifice and heroism often walk the same path with tragedy, he said.

Another speaker, Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh, talked about the thin blue line that separates good from evil.

Policing, he said, is a proud and noble yet dangerous profession.

Once a year, Waugh said, officers gather to honor our fallen Nebraska heroes who went to work and never returned to their loving families.

Waugh talked about the anti-police sentiment that developed over the past couple of years. Im proud to say these issues never gained traction in Nebraska, he said.

Kennedy, a New York native and former Marine, brought his family to Nebraska 25 years ago, when he purchased a ranch south of Maxwell. A reserve deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, he fell victim to COVID-19.

His daughter, Mary Ellen, spoke at Fridays ceremony.

Today is a very special day, one that my dad is surely smiling on. But if he were here, he would also remind us that every day is a day we should honor and embrace those who have fallen, those who continue to fight and serve, and those who strive for us as a community, she said.

So I sincerely give my utmost gratitude to everyone here, the ones that fight  the ones that make it possible to say that I am proud to be an American. Because today I am proud to be an American, because of my dad, Mary Ellen Kennedy said.

He defined what a protector is, and he fought the good fight. He was a man of God who would fight for those who couldnt, she said of her father.

He helped people no one else would and he brought light to the darkest of places, she said.

Mary Ellen Kennedy referred to the last verse of the Marines Hymn. The lyrics note that Marines are proud to serve. In many a strife weve fought for life and never lost our nerve, the song says.

If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heavens scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines, she read.

Her talk was followed by the playing of the Marines Hymn, which made for an emotional moment.,

The ceremony also paid tribute to two Nebraska officers who died outside the line of duty. They were Deputy Troy Bailey of the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office and Deputy Jerry Carlson of the Saunders County Sheriffs Office. Bailey died in 2020, Carlson in January of this year.

The emcee was retired Grand Island police investigator Jarret Daugherty, a member of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Committee.

Daugherty echoed Waughs comment that the tide against law enforcement is turning. Public sentiment is returning to support officers, he said.

Daugherty encouraged officers to maintain their end of the deal by upholding their oaths. They should fight crime in the right way, and not become an example of bad policing in a TV news report. He urged future officers to train like your life depends on it, because it does.

We know, Arp said, that memorials to fallen officers will never be finished.

But in his benediction, chaplain Bobby Payne of Kearney prayed that May it be a long time before we add additional names to this wall.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




San Francisco's Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone made waves by taking on House speaker Nancy Pelosi, barring her from receiving Communion at Mass until she could get her head straight on whether she's the devout Catholic she thinks she is or the beast who brings abortion on demand to the U.S. as one of its most powerful politicians. A marker has been laid down  it's one or the other for Pelosi at this point, and since she's going to remain in the pews for a while, she's now got some time to decide.

Cordileone wrote:

In striving to follow this direction, I am grateful to you for the time you have given me in the past to speak about these matters. Unfortunately, I have not received such an accommodation to my many requests to speak with you again since you vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in federal law following upon passage of Texas Senate Bill 8 last September. That is why I communicated my concerns to you via letter on April 7, 2022, and informed you there that, should you not publicly repudiate your advocacy for abortion "rights" or else refrain from referring to your Catholic faith in public and receiving Holy Communion, I would have no choice but to make a declaration, in keeping with canon 915, that you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

It was a pretty gentle and shepherd-like response to her obnoxious use of her Catholic faith as her justification for every pro-abortion statement and act she's ever made. Cordileone was actually pretty kind to her, speaking of how her pro-abortion stance is endangering her soul and how he wants to save it. Cordileone cited the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II and contrasted them with Pelosi's own pro-abortion militancy, so it was clear it wasn't just his opinion. But he didn't kick her out, or excommunicate her, which probably could have been justified under canon law, given her material support for abortion on demand. Instead, he called for prayer  a shower of roses from heaven, as the wording went  to be rained down on her for the conversion of her soul. He emphasized that he was concerned about her soul, not just the souls of the dead babies she was leaving in her wake. His tone was firm but kind.

Pelosi likes to bill herself to voters as sort of an Italian earth mama, a child of the south, which in San Francisco is pretty chic the same way that claiming one has Pilgrim ancestors works well in Boston. Pelosi is a mom of five and, like most Italians worth their salt, is nominally a demonstrative Catholic in the wonderful Italian way. That act was called out particularly effectively by Cordileone, who's even more Italian ethnically than she is, so she can't claim he doesn't understand her. Only Cordileone could do that effectively.

Pelosi, after all, isn't any ordinary cafeteria Catholic who likes abortion, but claims to be a devout Catholic. Pelosi is a powerful change agent for promoting abortion as a powerful elected official who cites her Catholic faith as some kind of justification for it. It's obvious in her record thus far: Pelosi doesn't just favor abortion on demand up until the moment of birth; she also wants the government to be able sue the Little Sisters of the Poor for their pro-life conscientious objection to financing abortions. She's shoveled cash for abortion on demand abroad. She's repeatedly shut down proposed votes in the House for saving infants born alive after abortion. She fully supports ending conscience exemptions on abortion for medical professionals and forcing them to commit abortions whether they like it or not. Most of all, she's all about cash, cash, cash for the premier human body partstrafficker of aborted babies, Planned Parenthood, which is all about abortion. Now with Roe v. Wade likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court, she's looking to make abortion until the moment of birth the settled law of the land as House speaker.

That's a helluva ugly picture, given that the other "devout Catholic," Cheatin' Joe Biden, stands ready to sign any law she might ram through Congress through her good offices. Abortion until the moment of birth will then be codified as law of the land so that even states cannot make up their own minds as to whether they want abortion or not. Leftists are always yelling about too many Catholics on the Supreme Court, but the idea of abortion on demand being the big law of the land, in a form that would make the Bolsheviks (who first introduced the world to state-sponsored abortion in 1920 as a normal thing) blush, is rather an ugly picture.

With circumstances like that, it was pretty important for Cordileone to act, and act he did, even though it has created controversy. Some bishops and, of course, everyone on the left were critical, claiming he was politicizing the issue. But it wasn't about politics; it was about whether there's going to be a recognition of human life or an ignoring of human life. And from the Catholic point of view, if there is human life, then there is someone with a soul, and that makes it a topic the Church cannot ignore.

As described in a secular way by Ron Paul in his memoirs, here is the actual issue:

In some abortions, a gasping infant is left to die in a bucket. Ron Pauls story of witnessing an abortion: pic.twitter.com/C5vEaKeR0A  Anton Seim  (@antonseim) May 21, 2022

And yes, as Andrea Widburg noted here, Cordileone's act did take courage. It was gentle, but it was not timid.

After his letter was published, a striking number of other bishops and archbishops have leapt forward to express support and solidarity with Cordileone's letter, including the bishop of the Napa, California area, where Pelosi owns a dacha. He too said he would deny her Communion, so for Pelosi, there's just Washington for Communion, where the leftist grip on the clergy remains strong. But now, with the hypocrisy exposed, expect even the Washington Church leftists to feel heat, too. The Church has been all over the place on giving Communion to Catholics who work to undermine human life and, for that matter, the work of the Church in the U.S., suing the humble nuns. With this move, a marker has been laid that a pol can't claim to be a devout Catholic and then lead the effort to promote and fund abortion throughout the country, which is the current spectacle we see, while being coddled by the Church anymore. That seems to be the root of the Cordileone timing.

People like leaders who can speak with authority, and they follow them. Now with Pelosi (and Biden) set to promote abortion to the country under the rubric of devout Catholicism, it seems that Cordileone has just thrown an emergency brake onto their runaway leftist abortion train.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Political observers predict the Idaho Legislature will move to the right and become more politically conservative after several establishment Republican incumbent legislators lost their primary election races Tuesday.

Even though Idahoans rejected the more extreme, farther right candidate in four out of five top-of-the-ballot statewide Republican primary races, that pattern did not hold at the local level, as 19 incumbent Republican legislators were defeated in their districts.

Those defeats follow the decisions by several establishment Republican lawmakers to retire or not seek re-election this year.

At the statewide level, the more establishment, traditional conservative Republicans were successful in most statewide races, with the attorney generals race (won by former U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador) being kind of the outlier, said Boise State University associate professor of political science Jaclyn Kettler.

But when we move to the Idaho Legislature, we see some of the more conservative candidates being successful, Kettler said.

Political scientist David Adler, who has taught constitutional law and political science at all three of Idahos public universities, said he expects the Idaho Senate to shift to the right and the Legislature to be emboldened by Labradors victory in the attorney generals race. Labrador made a name for himself as a member of the Freedom Caucus, a farther-right contingent of the Republican Party, when he served in Congress.

Generally speaking, the overall election returns reflect a patchwork quilt of results, Adler said.

I think the Senate is going to be more conservative and wont be the brake, or the check, on the House that it has been, he said. The House will probably remain the same, although it is not clear whether it will be a little more far right or not. That will depend on the personalities and issues that emerge.

This year, the Senate either refused to hear or killed several bills that the House passed that would have made widespread changes to voting and voter registration laws.

The Senate also refused to hear House Bill 675, which would have made it a felony to provide gender reassignment surgery or hormonal therapy to a child, and didnt act on House Bill 666, which would removed protections for librarians, teachers, professors and museum staff and would have made them liable for material that is harmful to children.

Going forward, Adler said he will watch to see whether that means more extreme legislation passes both legislative chambers and winds up on the desk of Gov. Brad Little  if Little wins the Nov. 8 general election in which he is heavily favored.

Adler pointed out that House Affairs Committee Chairman Brent Crane, a Nampa Republican who did not have a primary opponent this year, has already said he would hold hearings on bills to ban emergency contraception such as the Plan B pill or even IUDs.

What will be interesting to see is whether Gov. Little represents a check on the Legislature or whether he works hand in glove with an increasingly conservative or far right legislative body, Adler said. He added that Littles decisive primary election victory over a far right challenge from Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin proves that Little does not need to cater to the far right or extremists to enjoy strong political support.

Idahos 2022 elections could be the most consequential elections in a decade

Even before this weeks primary elections, it was becoming clear that 2022 would be among the most consequential in years for Idaho, because of the way the outcomes will shape Idaho government for the future.

All of the states legislative and congressional districts were redrawn last year through the redistricting process, which used 2020 census population data to redraw political boundaries so they would be as close to the same size as possible. That forced some incumbents to run against each other, and moved other incumbents into new districts that werent as politically friendly to them.

On top of that, all 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature and all statewide offices  including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction  were up for election this year.

Several comparatively moderate Republican members of the budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee lost on Tuesday, including:

JFAC co-chairman Sen. Jeff Agenbroad, R-Nampa

Sen. Carl Crabtree, R-Grangeville

Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle

Sen. Peter Riggs, R-Post Falls

Rep. Paul Amador, R-Coeur dAlene

Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell

A couple of the more conservative JFAC members  Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, and Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird  also lost primary races Tuesday.

Those primary election losses are combined with the retirements of several other JFAC members who decided not to seek re-election after the 2022 session, including the other co-chair, Rep. Rick Youngblood, R-Nampa, Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, and Sen. Mark Nye, D-Pocatello.

Altogether, that means at least 11 of the 20 members of JFAC from the 2022 session wont be back for the 2023 session.

JFAC is the committee responsible for setting the state budgets, including the public schools and higher education budgets, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare budget and the budget for the Idaho Commission on Libraries. Ultra-conservatives have targeted all of those offices for budget cuts over the past two years.

Adler said the loss of incumbents and their replacement by new members could have effect starting next year.

We will see if there are any more punitive attacks on higher education, Adler said. We will see how JFAC determines to fund K-12 education and what its position is on a variety of Health and Welfare issues.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0












Political observers predict the Idaho Legislature will move to the right and become more politically conservative after several establishment Republican incumbent legislators lost their primary election races Tuesday.

Even though Idahoans rejected the more extreme, farther right candidate in four out of five top-of-the-ballot statewide Republican primary races, that pattern did not hold at the local level, as 19 incumbent Republican legislators were defeated in their districts.

Those defeats follow the decisions by several establishment Republican lawmakers to retire or not seek re-election this year.

At the statewide level, the more establishment, traditional conservative Republicans were successful in most statewide races, with the attorney generals race (won by former U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador) being kind of the outlier, said Boise State University associate professor of political science Jaclyn Kettler.

But when we move to the Idaho Legislature, we see some of the more conservative candidates being successful, Kettler said.

Political scientist David Adler, who has taught constitutional law and political science at all three of Idahos public universities, said he expects the Idaho Senate to shift to the right and the Legislature to be emboldened by Labradors victory in the attorney generals race. Labrador made a name for himself as a member of the Freedom Caucus, a farther-right contingent of the Republican Party, when he served in Congress.

Generally speaking, the overall election returns reflect a patchwork quilt of results, Adler said.

I think the Senate is going to be more conservative and wont be the brake, or the check, on the House that it has been, he said. The House will probably remain the same, although it is not clear whether it will be a little more far right or not. That will depend on the personalities and issues that emerge.

This year, the Senate either refused to hear or killed several bills that the House passed that would have made widespread changes to voting and voter registration laws.

The Senate also refused to hear House Bill 675, which would have made it a felony to provide gender reassignment surgery or hormonal therapy to a child, and didnt act on House Bill 666, which would removed protections for librarians, teachers, professors and museum staff and would have made them liable for material that is harmful to children.

Going forward, Adler said he will watch to see whether that means more extreme legislation passes both legislative chambers and winds up on the desk of Gov. Brad Little  if Little wins the Nov. 8 general election in which he is heavily favored.

Adler pointed out that House Affairs Committee Chairman Brent Crane, a Nampa Republican who did not have a primary opponent this year, has already said he would hold hearings on bills to ban emergency contraception such as the Plan B pill or even IUDs.

What will be interesting to see is whether Gov. Little represents a check on the Legislature or whether he works hand in glove with an increasingly conservative or far right legislative body, Adler said. He added that Littles decisive primary election victory over a far right challenge from Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin proves that Little does not need to cater to the far right or extremists to enjoy strong political support.

Idahos 2022 elections could be the most consequential elections in a decade

Even before this weeks primary elections, it was becoming clear that 2022 would be among the most consequential in years for Idaho, because of the way the outcomes will shape Idaho government for the future.

All of the states legislative and congressional districts were redrawn last year through the redistricting process, which used 2020 census population data to redraw political boundaries so they would be as close to the same size as possible. That forced some incumbents to run against each other, and moved other incumbents into new districts that werent as politically friendly to them.

On top of that, all 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature and all statewide offices  including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction  were up for election this year.

Several comparatively moderate Republican members of the budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee lost on Tuesday, including:

JFAC co-chairman Sen. Jeff Agenbroad, R-Nampa

Sen. Carl Crabtree, R-Grangeville

Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle

Sen. Peter Riggs, R-Post Falls

Rep. Paul Amador, R-Coeur dAlene

Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell

A couple of the more conservative JFAC members  Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, and Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird  also lost primary races Tuesday.

Those primary election losses are combined with the retirements of several other JFAC members who decided not to seek re-election after the 2022 session, including the other co-chair, Rep. Rick Youngblood, R-Nampa, Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, and Sen. Mark Nye, D-Pocatello.

Altogether, that means at least 11 of the 20 members of JFAC from the 2022 session wont be back for the 2023 session.

JFAC is the committee responsible for setting the state budgets, including the public schools and higher education budgets, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare budget and the budget for the Idaho Commission on Libraries. Ultra-conservatives have targeted all of those offices for budget cuts over the past two years.

Adler said the loss of incumbents and their replacement by new members could have effect starting next year.

We will see if there are any more punitive attacks on higher education, Adler said. We will see how JFAC determines to fund K-12 education and what its position is on a variety of Health and Welfare issues.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

Recent statement of US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy encourages a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, Peter Tase, US expert, strategic adviser on international affairs and public diplomacy to governments, universities, and corporations in Europe and the Americas, told Trend.

In an interview to Armenpress, Ambassador Tracy noted that US recognizes role of population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future, adding that the key to a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future in the South Caucasus region is a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Karabakh conflict.

According to Tase, there is not a single US Ambassador, stationed abroad, who could have inflicted more damage, than the recent statement made by the US Ambassador in Yerevan.

Ambassador Lynn Tracy is violating the diplomatic protocol that is clearly established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Her recent interview with Armenpress illustrates once again her superficial knowledge about the current ethnic and socio-political situation in the Caucasus and is encouraging a revival of armed clashes in the South Caucasus, he said.

Tase emphasized that Tracy has constantly used offensive rhetoric against Azerbaijan and undermined the territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Such a harsh statement pronounced by Tracy is a legitimate source of turmoil in a convoluted geopolitical landscape and the US Diplomat in Yerevan is naturally excluding herself from participating in multilateral talks spearheaded by Turkey, Azerbaijan and other international, EU actors. Such a statement, against the current administrative and political map of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of International Law principles and is a solid reason for Ambassador Tracy to be relieved of her duties and called back to Washington for disorderly conduct. On multiple occasions Ambassador Tracy, has acted as a loose cannon, she has been furious against the national security of Azerbaijan and has harmed the ever fragile peace dialogue between the parties in South Caucasus, he said.

Tase said that conceptually speaking, Ambassador Tracy refuses to acknowledge today's reality and this is a mistake on her part.
By Trend

US President Joe Biden's congratulatory letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the Independence Day is yet another expression of attention to our country and head of state, MP Elshan Musayev told Trend.

"After the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev came to power, the country earned global respect through its successful policy. Following the glorious victory achieved in the 44-day Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan's respect in the international arena has significantly increased. Moreover, the country's prestige in the region has been further strengthened under the leadership of President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev," said Musayev.

According to him, receiving a letter of congratulation from the president of such a superpower as the US, on the eve of Independence Day, is a valid assessment of Azerbaijan's prosperity, as well as President Ilham Aliyev's successful policy. All the world leaders accept and respect the power of Azerbaijan and its President," Musayev said.

MP Jeyhun Mammadov also outlined the particular essence of the US President's letter to President Ilham Aliyev.

"The letter shows developing relations between Azerbaijan and the US. In this regard, President Biden emphasized the celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Another important point in the letter is the reflection of Azerbaijan's key role in international security," he said.

Mammadov stressed the readiness of the US to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections. The MP believes that this letter demonstrates the US' intention to further enhance ties with Azerbaijan.
Political observers predict the Idaho Legislature will move to the right and become more politically conservative after several establishment Republican incumbent legislators lost their primary election races Tuesday.

Even though Idahoans rejected the more extreme, farther right candidate in four out of five top-of-the-ballot statewide Republican primary races, that pattern did not hold at the local level, as 19 incumbent Republican legislators were defeated in their districts.

Those defeats follow the decisions by several establishment Republican lawmakers to retire or not seek re-election this year.

At the statewide level, the more establishment, traditional conservative Republicans were successful in most statewide races, with the attorney generals race (won by former U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador) being kind of the outlier, said Boise State University associate professor of political science Jaclyn Kettler.

But when we move to the Idaho Legislature, we see some of the more conservative candidates being successful, Kettler said.

Political scientist David Adler, who has taught constitutional law and political science at all three of Idahos public universities, said he expects the Idaho Senate to shift to the right and the Legislature to be emboldened by Labradors victory in the attorney generals race. Labrador made a name for himself as a member of the Freedom Caucus, a farther-right contingent of the Republican Party, when he served in Congress.

Generally speaking, the overall election returns reflect a patchwork quilt of results, Adler said.

I think the Senate is going to be more conservative and wont be the brake, or the check, on the House that it has been, he said. The House will probably remain the same, although it is not clear whether it will be a little more far right or not. That will depend on the personalities and issues that emerge.

This year, the Senate either refused to hear or killed several bills that the House passed that would have made widespread changes to voting and voter registration laws.

The Senate also refused to hear House Bill 675, which would have made it a felony to provide gender reassignment surgery or hormonal therapy to a child, and didnt act on House Bill 666, which would removed protections for librarians, teachers, professors and museum staff and would have made them liable for material that is harmful to children.

Going forward, Adler said he will watch to see whether that means more extreme legislation passes both legislative chambers and winds up on the desk of Gov. Brad Little  if Little wins the Nov. 8 general election in which he is heavily favored.

Adler pointed out that House Affairs Committee Chairman Brent Crane, a Nampa Republican who did not have a primary opponent this year, has already said he would hold hearings on bills to ban emergency contraception such as the Plan B pill or even IUDs.

What will be interesting to see is whether Gov. Little represents a check on the Legislature or whether he works hand in glove with an increasingly conservative or far right legislative body, Adler said. He added that Littles decisive primary election victory over a far right challenge from Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin proves that Little does not need to cater to the far right or extremists to enjoy strong political support.

Idahos 2022 elections could be the most consequential elections in a decade

Even before this weeks primary elections, it was becoming clear that 2022 would be among the most consequential in years for Idaho, because of the way the outcomes will shape Idaho government for the future.

All of the states legislative and congressional districts were redrawn last year through the redistricting process, which used 2020 census population data to redraw political boundaries so they would be as close to the same size as possible. That forced some incumbents to run against each other, and moved other incumbents into new districts that werent as politically friendly to them.

On top of that, all 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature and all statewide offices  including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction  were up for election this year.

Several comparatively moderate Republican members of the budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee lost on Tuesday, including:

JFAC co-chairman Sen. Jeff Agenbroad, R-Nampa

Sen. Carl Crabtree, R-Grangeville

Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle

Sen. Peter Riggs, R-Post Falls

Rep. Paul Amador, R-Coeur dAlene

Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell

A couple of the more conservative JFAC members  Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, and Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird  also lost primary races Tuesday.

Those primary election losses are combined with the retirements of several other JFAC members who decided not to seek re-election after the 2022 session, including the other co-chair, Rep. Rick Youngblood, R-Nampa, Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, and Sen. Mark Nye, D-Pocatello.

Altogether, that means at least 11 of the 20 members of JFAC from the 2022 session wont be back for the 2023 session.

JFAC is the committee responsible for setting the state budgets, including the public schools and higher education budgets, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare budget and the budget for the Idaho Commission on Libraries. Ultra-conservatives have targeted all of those offices for budget cuts over the past two years.

Adler said the loss of incumbents and their replacement by new members could have effect starting next year.

We will see if there are any more punitive attacks on higher education, Adler said. We will see how JFAC determines to fund K-12 education and what its position is on a variety of Health and Welfare issues.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
OAKBROOK, Ill., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies, has identified the top 5 cities Californians are moving to after the state's recent population decline. Every year, Allied Van Lines produces a Migration Map report based on their data to show relocation rates across the United States. Recent reports have shown that for the last two years, California has been identified as a state with one of the highest outbound rates, meaning more people are moving out of the state compared to the numbers moving in. In the past year, evidence has shown that around 175,000 people have relocated away from California. As an expert in relocation, Allied Van Lines has used their data and research to compile a list of the top 5 cities that Californians are relocating to.

The top five relocation cities for Californians that were named by Allied Van Lines are as follows:

Dallas, Texas Austin, Texas Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Houston, Texas

In addition to naming the top 5 cities that Californians are moving to, the article released by Allied Van Lines explores the reasons behind why California residents are departing in such high numbers. The article also explores what each destination city has to offer, along with reasons that Californians may be choosing these cities as a new place to call home.

"Some of the reasons discussed in our recent article include quality of life changes, income taxes, and affordable housing. Our data has shown that Texas is a highly sought-after location for Californians, likely due to the low tax rates and surplus of affordable housing. The cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than what California residents experience," stated Steve McKenna, Vice President and General Manager, Allied Van Lines. "Regardless of the reasons, our data has shown that the five cities in our article are the top 5 destinations for California residents moving to a new state."

Allied Van Lines has been named a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations worldwide, with over 400 agent locations in North America. The moving company has been voted as America's Most Recommended Moving Company by Women's Choice Awards for five consecutive years and is an established global brand of SIRVA, Inc. As one of the leaders in the moving van industry, Allied Van Lines has the data and research tools required to analyze relocation patterns in the United States. The company's recently released article, titled "Where are Californians Moving To?" can be viewed by visiting https://www.allied.com/migration-map/2021/california .

For more information about Allied Van Lines, go to www.allied.com .

Contact: Ricardo Ramos [email protected]

Allied Van Lines

SOURCE Allied Van Lines
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
At the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart, as Australia went to polls on Saturday. Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Elections are being held in Australia today, the next Australian PM is likely to attend the QUAD Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo." "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting held virtually in March this year," he said. PM Modi will travel to Japan on an official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the QUAD Summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with US president Biden on May 24. "The India-US relationship is multi-faceted, has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified," Foreign Secretary said. The Foreign Secretary said that PM Modi will meet Japanese PM Kishida. "India-Japan special, strategic and global relations have seen great momentum. In Tokyo, two Prime Ministers will continue their discussion on deepening bilateral economic cooperation including trade and investment, clean energy, and cooperation in northeast." He also said that the PM Modi will also address the Indian community in Japan and will meet Japanese business leaders. Recalling the Japanese Prime Minister's India visit, Foreign Secretary said that India and Japan have witnessed substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments. "Kishida's recent visit to India saw substantial outcomes including a target of Japanese yen 5 trillion (40-42 billion dollars) in public and private investments, and financing over the five years, and the adoption of several other key outcome documents which included -- an industrial competitiveness partnership roadmap, clean energy partnership, sustainable development initiative for the northeast and lastly agreement on sustainable urban development, cybersecurity etc," he said. (ANI)
SANAA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels said on Saturday that they shot down a "spy drone" of the Saudi-led coalition that supports the Yemeni government in the country's civil war, accusing the coalition of violating the ongoing truce.

"With a surface-to-air missile, our air defense shot down the drone that was hovering over Hayran district in the province of Hajjah in violation of the truce," Houthi-run al-Masirah TV quoted the the rebels' military spokesman Yehya Sarea as saying.

There was no comment yet from the coalition or the Yemeni government.

This was the second "spy drone" the Houthi group claimed to have downed in Hajjah in nearly two weeks amid the two-month truce starting April 2.

So far, the truce has been largely held despite sporadic small-scale clashes.

On Thursday, the Houthi rebels said they are considering a request by the UN envoy to extend the ongoing truce with the Yemeni government, which expires on June 2.

The truce marks the first breakthrough in more than seven years in efforts to end the war in Yemen that has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. 
SANAA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels said on Saturday that they shot down a "spy drone" of the Saudi-led coalition that supports the Yemeni government in the country's civil war, accusing the coalition of violating the ongoing truce.

"With a surface-to-air missile, our air defense shot down the drone that was hovering over Hayran district in the province of Hajjah in violation of the truce," Houthi-run al-Masirah TV quoted the the rebels' military spokesman Yehya Sarea as saying.

There was no comment yet from the coalition or the Yemeni government.

This was the second "spy drone" the Houthi group claimed to have downed in Hajjah in nearly two weeks amid the two-month truce starting April 2.

So far, the truce has been largely held despite sporadic small-scale clashes.

On Thursday, the Houthi rebels said they are considering a request by the UN envoy to extend the ongoing truce with the Yemeni government, which expires on June 2.

The truce marks the first breakthrough in more than seven years in efforts to end the war in Yemen that has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. 


A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
The Greens are predicting a greenslide in the lower house and holding the balance of power in the Senate in their own right after swings towards them across the country.

The minor party is on track to pick up former prime minister Kevin Rudds old seat of Griffith and is in the hunt in nearby Ryan and Brisbane, Richmond on the NSW north coast, and potentially Melbourne-based Macnamara as well.

Greens leader Adam Bandt is upbeat about the partys prospects of adding to its numbers in both the Senate and the lower house. Credit:Getty

Deputy leader Larissa Waters said the results were looking very, very promising for a real greenslide in her state of Queensland.

We have more people than ever flock to want to help us to campaign to win those seats, she said.
Musk met with Bolsonaro (left) on Friday to discuss projects in the Amazon rainforest. Cleverson Oliveira/AP

Jair Bolsonaro met with Elon Musk on Friday to discuss internet connectivity and the Amazon.

Brazil's president praised Musk's offer to buy Twitter for $44 billion as a "breath of hope."

Bolsonaro has previously been accused of trying to silence critics on Twitter.

Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, has praised Elon Musk's proposed $44 billion buyout of Twitter and said it represents a "breath of hope."

Associated Press first reported the story.

The Brazilian president, who described the billionaire as a "legend of freedom," has previously been accused of trying to silence critics on Twitter by blocking users.

Maria Laura Canineu, Brazil director at Human Rights Watch, said in August last year that Bolsonaro "is trying to rid his social media accounts of people and institutions that disagree with him and turn them into spaces where only applause is allowed, part of a broader effort to silence or marginalize critics."

The human rights group added: "This prevents blocked people from participating in public debate, violates their free speech rights, and discriminates against them on the basis of their opinions."

Bolsonaro's office was contacted for comment by Insider.

Bolsonaro and the tech mogul met on Friday in Sao Paulo. The meeting was arranged by Brazil's communications minister, Fabio Faria, with the aim of setting up partnerships with Musk to improve internet access in schools and health facilities in rural areas, AP reported.

Faria hopes Brazil will be able to use technology developed by Musk's SpaceX and Starlink to improve connectivity and help preserve the rainforest.

Bolsonaro, an ally of former US President Donald Trump, positioned himself as a champion of free speech and opposed Twitter's ban on individuals including Trump.

In a Facebook video, Bolsonaro said: "We count on Elon Musk so that the Amazon is known by everyone in Brazil and in the world, to show the exuberance of this region, how we are preserving it, and how much harm those who spread lies about this region are doing to us."

Story continues

He added: "A lot can be done to improve quality of life through technology."

On Friday, Musk tweeted that he was "super excited to be in Brazil for launch of Starlink for 19,000 unconnected schools in rural areas & environmental monitoring of Amazon."

Read the original article on Business Insider





Videos

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.


A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is acutely aware that the March state election will be won and lost in western Sydney. As Saturday nights results rolled in, the premier would have been undoubtedly nervous about how the federal Liberals fared in what will be the NSW battleground.

Perrottet  and NSW Labor leader Chris Minns  would have been keeping a close eye on key western Sydney seats, including Werriwa, Fowler, Lindsay and Reid. As expected, the Liberals have lost Reid, although Labor lost in Fowler, where one-time NSW Labor premier Kristina Keneally was beaten by local independent Dai Le. There was little movement in Werriwa and Lindsay.

If Perrottet is to retain government next year, he will need to hold and pick up state seats within those western Sydney federal electorates. Saturdays results suggest this could be tough.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet lends his weight behind Liberal candidate for Bennelong, Simon Kennedy, in West Ryde yesterday. Credit:Dean Sewell

At a state level, on shaky ground is Penrith, held by Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres with a wafer-thin margin of 1.3 per cent. Holsworthy will also be difficult on 3.2 per cent, as will the states most marginal seat of East Hills, which is on 0.5 per cent.
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'



Don't miss CoinDesk's Consensus 2022, the must-attend crypto & blockchain festival experience of the year in Austin, TX this June 9-12.

Luna collapsed, terraUSD collapsed and this is now going to be a Big Thing. I would go so far as to say that USTs collapse, as dramatic as it was, will have a legacy similar to Libras.

PSA: Ill be in Davos, Switzerland, covering the World Economic Forums annual meeting next week, so next weeks edition will be a recap. Going to be in town? Come say hi.

Youre reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. Click here to sign up for future editions.

Terra firma

The narrative

Regulators and lawmakers are looking at the collapse of terraUSD (UST) as a question of whether esoteric products, such as algorithmic stablecoins, are safe for crypto investors as well as whether there are broader financial stability concerns with them.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Libra stablecoin project led to, years later, multiple regulatory approaches and the certainty that sooner or later, governments will have rules in place for how stablecoins can operate. However, all of these efforts have focused on asset-backed stablecoins, not algorithmic stablecoins. The novel structures here might result in new approaches from regulators. The major difference? Libra never launched, and there havent been any asset-backed stablecoin collapses the way there was with UST. That difference may lead to regulators placing a higher priority on this issue.

Breaking it down

In June 2019, social media giant Facebook unveiled its long-awaited cryptocurrency project, Libra. Despite assurances from the company that it was not seeking to take over global payments or create a non-U.S. dollar-based financial system, regulators pushed back strongly against the project.

They were largely successful, too: Libra later rebranded as Diem, scaled back its vision to a fraction of what was originally intended and still ended up selling off its assets and shutting down.

Story continues

Even though the project never launched, the regulatory impact was massive. Regulators worldwide suddenly saw stablecoins as a huge issue they needed to pay attention to.

The collapse of terraUSD (UST) is algorithmic stablecoins Libra moment. Regulators are all of a sudden paying close attention to algo stables generally, and UST and luna in particular.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen brought up Terra independently twice last week during separate Congressional hearings on the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC).

I think you've just illustrated that we just had this last week with Terra, and with tether in illustration of the risks associated with stablecoins, that there can be runs. And we've seen this historically with private monies, and we invented a good regulatory framework, I think for dealing with this, [were] going to try to solve the depository [framework], Yellen said.

Moreover, she later made it clear that she isnt saying UST is exactly like Tether: it depends on the backing of the stablecoin. Terra is algorithmic and doesn't really have a backing as such.

It doesnt seem that the FSOC, a group of regulators tasked with maintaining the economic stability of the U.S., is going to take a look at this, suggesting they don't see this as being very significant on a macro scale, though individual regulators may have more pointed concerns.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra told Bloomberg this week that the collapse of Terra is showing people that a stablecoin is not as good as a dollar.

Stablecoins are something that all the regulators are looking at. Most stablecoin use right now is really for speculative trading in and out of cryptocurrencies. Many are wondering if its one day going to be used for consumer payments, but many think its not ready yet, he said.

Potential regulations will likely focus on how the stablecoins  and other cryptocurrencies  are being used.

Notably, this is one of the first times Chopra has spoken about cryptocurrencies since taking on the role of CFPB director last year.

Lawmakers in the U.S. have also been asking regulators about UST and luna  its even come up during confirmation hearings for new regulators.

Meanwhile, rumors abound that South Koreas parliament may try to bring Terra creator Do Kwon in for a hearing, while law enforcement entities are probing the collapse as a possible Ponzi or other criminal enterprise.

The question remains, just what will regulators actually do? So far there isnt a clear answer. Everyone seems to agree that algorithmic stablecoins are their own thing, distinct from reserve-backed stablecoins. Fewer individuals seem to have opinions on how that translates into clear regulation or guardrails, however.

Bidens rule

Changing of the guard

Key: (nom.) = nominee, (rum.) = rumored, (act.) = acting, (inc.) = incumbent (no replacement anticipated)

We continue with the status quo.

Elsewhere:

How Not to Run a Cryptocurrency Exchange: Japans Liquid exchange seems to have been a poorly managed, chaotic company. This in-depth report is worth your time. To quote from the report, Sources say that executives downplayed some information security breaches, did not disclose others, failed to adequately address low-level insider theft and prematurely stopped investigations into last years $90 million hack.

Outside CoinDesk:

( Protos ) Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) director William Hinman received millions of dollars in retirement benefits from his former law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is also a member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Protos reports.

( The Block ) El Salvador President Nayib Bukele tweeted that around 40 central bankers would talk bitcoin at a conference hosted in the nation. It seems the central bankers were actually in town for finance conferences, one of which did not mention bitcoin at all.

(Politico) Heres a fairly explain-like-I'm-10 explanation of what happened last week with Terra.

Should we REALLY make our schedule release video an anime?



yes yes yesyes

yesyes yes yes yes

yes yes yes yes yes

yes yesyes yes yes

yes yesye yes yes

yes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/A0TvmYJUOQ  Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 13, 2022

If youve got thoughts or questions on what I should discuss next week or any other feedback youd like to share, feel free to email me at nik@coindesk.com or find me on Twitter @nikhileshde.

You can also join the group conversation on Telegram.

See yall next week!

Videos

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


CHICAGO - While a City Council committee on Friday approved Mayor Lori Lightfoots curfew measure creating greater restrictions for when minors can be outside in Chicago, Lightfoot had previously signed an executive order with the same restrictions.

Chicagos Law Department says these new rules are in effect now due to the executive order being signed Tuesday, even while the same curfew rules are up for a vote early next week in the full council.

The discussion over amending the rules governing when minors can be outside comes after 16-year-old Seandell Holliday was shot to death May 14 near The Bean in Millennium Park, allegedly by a 17-year-old. Chicago police said the shooting occurred during an altercation when large groups of young people had gathered at the downtown park in a scene that became chaotic.

What are the latest rules?

Under the executive order:

Minors between 12 and 17 years of age are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day for all days of the week. There is no loosening of the curfew hours for Friday or Saturday nights.

The law remains unchanged for minors younger than 12. They are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays until 6 a.m. the following day.

The proposed ordinance amendment that is up for a City Council vote has the same restrictions.

What does the curfew ordinance say?

The citys curfew ordinance, in effect since 1992, is superseded by Lightfoots executive order, which, according to verbiage in the order, was enacted under an emergency of an increase in crimes committed by minors.

The ordinance has the following rules:

Minors between 12 and 16 are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. For Friday or Saturday night, the curfew is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Minors younger than 12 are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday until 6 a.m. the following day.

What are the new and current exceptions?

The mayors executive order  and the ordinance set to be voted on by the full council  grants exceptions for youths attending ticketed or sponsored events as long as they can prove their attendance with a ticket stub or wristband. The organizer must be in full compliance and in good standing with the city.

Existing exceptions for minors being out after curfew remain. That includes if theyre accompanied by or doing an errand for a parent or guardian, attending an event supervised by adults and sponsored by an official organization, standing on the sidewalk outside their home or if its an emergency. Minors are also exempted if theyre exercising their First Amendment rights, such as attending a protest.

In addition, minors are also exempted from the curfew if they are in a motor vehicle traveling on interstate roads or are married or emancipated.

What happens if a minor violates curfew?

During Fridays committee hearing, Chicago police Lt. Michael Kapustianyk said officers have been making investigatory stops upon seeing someone who appears to be a minor. If the person is indeed a minor  defined by the executive order as 17 or younger  and does not have a valid reason to be out, the police may take protective custody of them until a parent, guardian or a responsible adult can be located.

He said officers may use their discretion about when to take a minor into protective custody, but the goal is voluntary compliance. The definition of a responsible adult includes extended family or neighbors that the parent has given the authority to take responsibility for the child for the night, Kapustianyk said.

Curfew violations that reach that stage are documented, Kapustianyk added, but Chicago police policy is not to arrest children just for violating the curfew  though Lightfoot said later Friday that police have the right to take the action to arrest if they think it is necessary. Citations for curfew violations are usually given to the parent, who may be summoned to an administration hearing if their child has violated curfew three or more times within the last year.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The latest analyst coverage could presage a bad day for Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF), with the analysts making across-the-board cuts to their statutory estimates that might leave shareholders a little shell-shocked. This report focused on revenue estimates, and it looks as though the consensus view of the business has become substantially more conservative.

Following this downgrade, Sun Life Financial's ten analysts are forecasting 2022 revenues to be CA$34b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are supposed to sink 11% to CA$5.82 in the same period. Previously, the analysts had been modelling revenues of CA$40b and earnings per share (EPS) of CA$5.85 in 2022. So there's been a clear change in analyst sentiment in the recent update, with the analysts making a substantial drop in revenues and reconfirming their earnings per share estimates.

See our latest analysis for Sun Life Financial

These estimates are interesting, but it can be useful to paint some more broad strokes when seeing how forecasts compare, both to the Sun Life Financial's past performance and to peers in the same industry. These estimates imply that sales are expected to slow, with a forecast annualised revenue decline of 1.4% by the end of 2022. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 8.5% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 15% per year. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Sun Life Financial is expected to lag the wider industry.

The Bottom Line

The most obvious conclusion from this consensus update is that there's been no major change in the business' prospects in recent times, with analysts holding earnings per share steady, in line with previous estimates. Unfortunately analysts also downgraded their revenue estimates, and industry data suggests that Sun Life Financial's revenues are expected to grow slower than the wider market. Given the stark change in sentiment, we'd understand if investors became more cautious on Sun Life Financial after today.

Story continues

Even so, the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for the value creation of shareholders. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Sun Life Financial going out to 2024, and you can see them free on our platform here.

Another way to search for interesting companies that could be reaching an inflection point is to track whether management are buying or selling, with our free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.


Because shes 79 and has cancer, Carol Fisher says she and her companion, who is 10 years older, have done everything they can to keep from getting COVID-19.

That includes both doses of vaccine and two booster shots, wearing masks in public and staying away from crowds. Her luck held out until about two weeks ago, when she and her companion, Ralph Kulp, both contracted the virus.

She had been in an emergency room for another matter, and she believes she may have been exposed there because she was surrounded by sick people as she waited six hours for treatment. Masks were required but many people removed them to blow their noses and cough, she said.

Everybody thinks this virus is over, she said. No way. The emergency room and doctors offices are full of sick people.

Case numbers are continuing to rise in the Rappahannock Area Health District, which includes Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. There were 987 new cases reported in the last week, a 30% increase from the previous week.

Six weeks ago, there were 222 new local cases reported in a week.

The state changed how it presented its COVID numbers in March after the most recent surge leveled off, and the RAHD began weekly reportson Fridayson new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Usually, when new cases climb, theyre followed by an increase in hospitalizations two to three weeks later. That has not been the case during the most recent wave of cases which started in late March, said Mary Chamberlin, public information officer for the health district.

Hospitalizations have remained low, she said. This is a very promising signfewer people are experiencing severe illness that requires hospitalization.

As of Fridays report, there were 17 patients being treated for virus symptoms at Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford Hospital and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Thats up from 14 COVID patients the week before.

However, the number of local people hospitalized with COVID-19 hasnt climbed above 18 patients since March 18, according to the RAHD.

One new death was reported Friday.

Transmission levels, which had been low across the Fredericksburg area, were listed as medium risk in every locality but Caroline. And the health districts positivity rate, which measures the rate of positive tests among all those taken, continues to climb as well. It stood at 18% on Friday, its highest since early winter.

As cases ramp up again across the local area, state and nation, health officials are calling for more protective measures.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended booster doses of the vaccine for children 5 and older. The CDC also strengthened its recommendation for second booster doses, saying those age 12 and older who are immunocompromised or anyone age 50 and older should get a second booster shot at least 4 months after receiving the first.

In a news release this week, the Virginia Department of Health also urged parents to talk with their childrens doctors about a booster shotand for those eligible for a second booster to discuss the matter with their care providers to ensure continued protection against severe illness, said Christy Gray, the states vaccination coordinator.

The AARP also stressed the need this week for second booster shots for nursing home residents and staff. Resident deaths had dropped across the state and nation through mid-April, but case numbers are increasing again in facilities, just as they are in the general public.

The numbers show another wave of COVID-19 is upon us and gaining steam, said David DeBiasi, state advocacy director for AARP Virginia. Booster doses for nursing home residents and staff are a vital line of defense in protecting this vulnerable population. It is critical that we get these folks boosted as this new wave of the virus emerges.

The CDC also has updated its guidance as the summer travel season begins. It recommends that all people traveling in the United States test for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before departure, regardless of their vaccination status. Travelers also should test upon return if theyve had a high risk of exposure, such as time in crowds without a mask.

The advice is for all travelers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, according to the CDC.

In recent days, the RAHDs Call Center has been getting a lot of requests from people who want letters stating they have tested negative for COVID and can travel safely, Chamberlin said. The health district can only provide a letter if the person has received a PCR testthe type that take two to three days for resultsbecause those results are in the Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System, she said.

The health district cannot provide letters for people who get negative results from home tests. Doctors offices and urgent cares may be able to provide the letters for tests they administer, but those interested should check with care providers.

While Chamberlin continues to be encouraged by the low number of hospitalizations, she reminded residents that people who get COVID are still affected, even if they dont end up in the hospital.

Fisher, the 79-year-old, would attest to that. Even though she and Kulp had relatively mild cases, the extreme fatigue has kept her sidelinedand she likes to keep busy, despite her health issues.

Dealing with old age and being exhausted, it makes you so weak and so tired and all you want to do is sleep and sleep and sleep, she said, noting their symptoms came on suddenly and they had to cancel six different medical appointmentsand a weekend outingbecause of their infections.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)
When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)


A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'

Because shes 79 and has cancer, Carol Fisher says she and her companion, who is 10 years older, have done everything they can to keep from getting COVID-19.

That includes both doses of vaccine and two booster shots, wearing masks in public and staying away from crowds. Her luck held out until about two weeks ago, when she and her companion, Ralph Kulp, both contracted the virus.

She had been in an emergency room for another matter, and she believes she may have been exposed there because she was surrounded by sick people as she waited six hours for treatment. Masks were required but many people removed them to blow their noses and cough, she said.

Everybody thinks this virus is over, she said. No way. The emergency room and doctors offices are full of sick people.

Case numbers are continuing to rise in the Rappahannock Area Health District, which includes Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. There were 987 new cases reported in the last week, a 30% increase from the previous week.

Six weeks ago, there were 222 new local cases reported in a week.

The state changed how it presented its COVID numbers in March after the most recent surge leveled off, and the RAHD began weekly reportson Fridayson new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Usually, when new cases climb, theyre followed by an increase in hospitalizations two to three weeks later. That has not been the case during the most recent wave of cases which started in late March, said Mary Chamberlin, public information officer for the health district.

Hospitalizations have remained low, she said. This is a very promising signfewer people are experiencing severe illness that requires hospitalization.

As of Fridays report, there were 17 patients being treated for virus symptoms at Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford Hospital and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Thats up from 14 COVID patients the week before.

However, the number of local people hospitalized with COVID-19 hasnt climbed above 18 patients since March 18, according to the RAHD.

One new death was reported Friday.

Transmission levels, which had been low across the Fredericksburg area, were listed as medium risk in every locality but Caroline. And the health districts positivity rate, which measures the rate of positive tests among all those taken, continues to climb as well. It stood at 18% on Friday, its highest since early winter.

As cases ramp up again across the local area, state and nation, health officials are calling for more protective measures.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended booster doses of the vaccine for children 5 and older. The CDC also strengthened its recommendation for second booster doses, saying those age 12 and older who are immunocompromised or anyone age 50 and older should get a second booster shot at least 4 months after receiving the first.

In a news release this week, the Virginia Department of Health also urged parents to talk with their childrens doctors about a booster shotand for those eligible for a second booster to discuss the matter with their care providers to ensure continued protection against severe illness, said Christy Gray, the states vaccination coordinator.

The AARP also stressed the need this week for second booster shots for nursing home residents and staff. Resident deaths had dropped across the state and nation through mid-April, but case numbers are increasing again in facilities, just as they are in the general public.

The numbers show another wave of COVID-19 is upon us and gaining steam, said David DeBiasi, state advocacy director for AARP Virginia. Booster doses for nursing home residents and staff are a vital line of defense in protecting this vulnerable population. It is critical that we get these folks boosted as this new wave of the virus emerges.

The CDC also has updated its guidance as the summer travel season begins. It recommends that all people traveling in the United States test for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before departure, regardless of their vaccination status. Travelers also should test upon return if theyve had a high risk of exposure, such as time in crowds without a mask.

The advice is for all travelers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, according to the CDC.

In recent days, the RAHDs Call Center has been getting a lot of requests from people who want letters stating they have tested negative for COVID and can travel safely, Chamberlin said. The health district can only provide a letter if the person has received a PCR testthe type that take two to three days for resultsbecause those results are in the Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System, she said.

The health district cannot provide letters for people who get negative results from home tests. Doctors offices and urgent cares may be able to provide the letters for tests they administer, but those interested should check with care providers.

While Chamberlin continues to be encouraged by the low number of hospitalizations, she reminded residents that people who get COVID are still affected, even if they dont end up in the hospital.

Fisher, the 79-year-old, would attest to that. Even though she and Kulp had relatively mild cases, the extreme fatigue has kept her sidelinedand she likes to keep busy, despite her health issues.

Dealing with old age and being exhausted, it makes you so weak and so tired and all you want to do is sleep and sleep and sleep, she said, noting their symptoms came on suddenly and they had to cancel six different medical appointmentsand a weekend outingbecause of their infections.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Videos

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.

Placeholder while article actions load

Forget the battle over critical race theory. The latest salvos in the public-school culture wars are being fired over the federal charter schools program and the sensible guidelines that are being proposed by the administration of President Joe Biden. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Congress extended the program in March, approving $440 million for state agencies to help charters with startup expenses such as staffing and technology. Almost immediately, the White House is received a barrage of criticism for issuing guidelines intended, most importantly, to rein in charter-school funding abuses.

In particular, the proposed regulations would prevent for-profit management companies that run nonprofit charters from accessing federal funds. Even ardent charter supporters shun for-profit charters, which significantly underperform traditional public schools, and the new guidelines would close loopholes that have fostered fraud nationwide and especially in states including Arizona where loose regulations have emboldened legislators to enrich themselves on the taxpayers dime.

Advertisement

That kind of common-sense rule should serve as a first step toward a truce in the decades-long conflict over the role of charters in public education. Alas, it probably wont.

The debate about charter-school regulations has become a proxy for a wider and even higher-stakes fight over the proper role of government. Since at least the era of President Ronald Reagan, conservatives have seen privatization as a way to undermine public schools and teachers unions, rejecting guardrails and often ignoring the original mission of charters to foster educational innovation.

Meanwhile, public-school advocates have been so busy defending the traditional public-school system, which they correctly argue is essential to democracy, that they rarely focus on finding ways to improve it.

Indeed, rancor between charter and public-school proponents is so toxic that a potentially mutually beneficial Biden proposal for granting funding to charter schools  that they demonstrate collaboration with a public school or district  seems almost impossible to achieve.

Advertisement

Thats a shame because the new guidelines offer quite a few possibilities to find common ground; ways to strengthen the charter sector while also protecting public schools.

Consider the proposed requirement that new charters reflect the movements original promise of promoting teacher innovation and robust family and community engagement. Such an approach could rebuild public trust in charter-friendly cities like New Orleans, which dismantled its public school system and replaced it with private operators over 15 years ago following Hurricane Katrina and, in the process, alienated much of its African-American community.

Instead of engaging local families, officials began by firing the citys mostly African-American teachers  a sizeable swath of its middle class  and replacing them with inexperienced Teach-for-America recruits, most of whom only lasted a year or two. At the same time, charter authorizers recruited out-of-state charter-management organizations that established a harsh-discipline schooling model that often worked against the interests of New Orleanss poorest and most vulnerable children. The authorizers explicitly excluded even well-regarded local groups from winning charters.

Advertisement

Given no say in the new education system, community groups rebelled  not just in New Orleans, but in Indianapolis, Kansas City and other cities where the same model was being imposed.

New Orleans belatedly and reluctantly recognized the need for community engagement and eventually made room for a handful of independent, community-led charters like Morris Jeff, which fought an uphill battle for authorization and funding and was launched with the express intention of allowing teachers to unionize and have a say in school policies. The well-regarded school offers an international baccalaureate program and is among a minority of integrated schools, but New Orleans is still dominated by large charter management organizations.

Increasing community engagement would mean supporting more schools like Morris Jeff and inviting more family input. It should also mean giving teachers a role in school decision-making, which has been shown to improve both public and charter schools. To that end, charter schools should reserve a percentage of governing-board seats for family members elected by parent-teacher organizations, as well as teachers elected by colleagues. (Unlike public schools, which have elected boards, charters have appointed boards and sometimes exclude family members from serving.)

Advertisement

The new guidelines also could be used to promote racial integration. Charters can be a great vehicle for doing so by drawing on students from multiple neighborhoods and appealing to students of diverse backgrounds, said Halley Potter an educational researcher at the Century Foundation.

There are also important elements of the White House guidelines that predictably inflame charter advocates. For example, they might keep some charters from opening when they threaten the stability of nearby public schools as they have in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City. There, high concentrations of charters led regular public elementary and middle schools to enroll double and sometimes triple the proportion of special-needs kids of nearby charter schools, which often discourage special-needs applicants.

Traditional public schools still educate the vast majority of American children. The hostility to almost every aspect of the Biden guidelines is sad confirmation of the animosity toward this vital institution itself. It also shows the difficulty of finding common ground that could quell the education wars and foster improvements across sectors.

Advertisement

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 End the Federal Attack on Charter Schools: Michael R. Bloomberg

 When School Choice Means the Opposite: Andrea Gabor

 Democrats, Dont Give Up on Education Reform: Bloomberg Editorial Board

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andrea Gabor, a former editor at Business Week and U.S. News & World Report, is the Bloomberg chair of business journalism at Baruch College of the City University of New York and the author of After the Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend the Business of Reform.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that only a diplomatic breakthrough rather than an outright military victory could end Russia's war on his country, as Moscow cut gas supplies to Finland.

After just over 12 weeks of fierce fighting, Ukrainian forces have halted Russian attempts to seize Kyiv and the northern city of Kharkiv, but are under renewed and intense pressure in the eastern Donbas region.

Moscow's army have flattened and seized the southeastern port city of Mariupol and subjected Ukrainian troops and towns in the east to a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

Zelensky's Western allies have shipped modern weaponry to his forces and imposed sweeping sanctions on the Russian economy and President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

But the Kremlin has responded by disrupting European energy supplies, and on Saturday cut off gas shipments to Finland, which angered Moscow by applying to join the NATO alliance.

'It will be bloody'

Against this backdrop, Zelensky told Ukrainian television the war would end "through diplomacy".

The conflict, he warned, "will be bloody, there will be fighting but will only definitively end through diplomacy".

On order to side-step financial sanctions and force European energy clients to prop up his central bank, Putin has demanded that importers from "unfriendly countries" pay for gas in rubles.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had halted supplies to neighbouring Finland as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum by the end of Friday.

Gazprom supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, about two thirds of the country's gas consumption but only eight percent of its total energy use.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources, through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, a fellow European Union member.

Story continues

Moscow cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail", but importers in some other EU countries more dependent on Russian gas plan to open ruble accounts with Gazprom's bank.

Finland and neighbouring Sweden this week broke their historical military non-alignment and applied to join NATO, after public support for the alliance soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'Grave mistake'

Moscow has warned Finland that joining NATO would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences" and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would respond by building military bases in western Russia.

But both Finland and Sweden are now apparently on the fast track to join the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden this week offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

All 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned Sweden's alleged toleration of Kurdish militants, but diplomats are confident of avoiding a veto.

On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

"They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as they did Mariupol," Zelensky said Friday, adding that the Russians were "trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities".

In Severodonetsk, a frontline city now at risk of encirclement, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

'End of the operation'

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as "brutal and absolutely pointless", as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

On Friday, Moscow said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  a symbol of Ukraine's dogged resistance since Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And, meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraine's shattered public finances.

Underground living

While the invasion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

"We're tired. You can see what home comforts that we have," said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

"They got used to it," Talpa said.

( AFP)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Let students study for final exams, not worry about college board politics

Its final exam season, so middle school and high school students are feverishly preparing. In case students needed one more thing to worry about, some in the media are warning that students hard work studying for end-of-year tests may not even count  for political reasons.

A recent statement from College Board, creator of Advanced Placement courses and exams, says AP work stands for clarity and transparency and an unflinching encounter with evidence, and opposes censorship.

Some in the media have interpreted that to mean that when state lawmakers reject the application of critical race theory in K-12 schools, educators may not be able to fulfill the requirements of teaching AP courses.

In fact, College Board  and the media and parents  should be more concerned with the racial bias that critical race theory is ushering into K-12 classrooms than state officials proposals that reject the theory.

For example, some schools have been separating students by race for different school activities. Educators then offer specific material or hold some conversations only with certain students in those affinity groups.

Its not clear, nor especially transparent, why students should receive different information or participate in some activities based on their skin color. Furthermore, those activities may violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

As for College Boards unflinching encounter with evidence, Illinois new teacher certification standards  which affirm the application of critical race theorys concept of intersectionality say there is often not one correct way of doing or understanding something, and that what is seen as correct is most often based on our lived experiences.

In other words: Facts need not apply.

Radical educators using a critical literacy lens have also developed their own hashtag, #disrupttexts. The #disrupttexts movement says Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird should be replaced with books supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. That sounds disturbingly like the censorship of classic works of literature containing truths about the human condition that have stood the test of time.

Critics also claim a new Florida law might interfere with AP instruction. But the Florida law prohibits compelled speech through schoolwork or activities and says the provisions may not be construed to prohibit discussion of the concepts listed therein as part of a course of training or instruction, provided such training or instruction is given in an objective manner without endorsement of the concepts.

Likewise, in an executive order, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wrote, [We] must take every step to ensure that [students] education is free from undue bias and political indoctrination, and critical race theory does, actually, compel students to view the world through a purely racial lens. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a similar order.

Perhaps the biggest concern for families and the College Board about critical race theory is that AP courses are meant to be challenging and require students to work hard. High school students can earn college credit with their efforts and dedication.

Yet critical race theorists say that certain conceptions of merit function not as a neutral basis for distributing resources and opportunity, but rather as a repository of hidden, race-specific preferences. That means critical race theorists distrust merit (actions and behaviors striving to be worthy of acclaim) and prefer that government force everyone to receive the same outcomes in life, regardless of how hard one works.

People care about what College Board has to say because many high school students around the nation see AP courses as prerequisites to attending top institutions. Last year, 1.178 million graduating public high school students took AP exams.

Still, some scholars question whether College Boards AP U.S. history materials accurately represent American history. For that reason and the popularity of the courses among college-bound students, College Board should focus on the quality and accuracy of its content.

Meanwhile, parents, students, and teachers should ignore fearmongering among the media. State policies rejecting critical race theorys prejudicial ideas will not threaten a childs GPA  but should protect students and teachers from racial discrimination.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.
Let students study for final exams, not worry about college board politics

Its final exam season, so middle school and high school students are feverishly preparing. In case students needed one more thing to worry about, some in the media are warning that students hard work studying for end-of-year tests may not even count  for political reasons.

A recent statement from College Board, creator of Advanced Placement courses and exams, says AP work stands for clarity and transparency and an unflinching encounter with evidence, and opposes censorship.

Some in the media have interpreted that to mean that when state lawmakers reject the application of critical race theory in K-12 schools, educators may not be able to fulfill the requirements of teaching AP courses.

In fact, College Board  and the media and parents  should be more concerned with the racial bias that critical race theory is ushering into K-12 classrooms than state officials proposals that reject the theory.

For example, some schools have been separating students by race for different school activities. Educators then offer specific material or hold some conversations only with certain students in those affinity groups.

Its not clear, nor especially transparent, why students should receive different information or participate in some activities based on their skin color. Furthermore, those activities may violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

As for College Boards unflinching encounter with evidence, Illinois new teacher certification standards  which affirm the application of critical race theorys concept of intersectionality say there is often not one correct way of doing or understanding something, and that what is seen as correct is most often based on our lived experiences.

In other words: Facts need not apply.

Radical educators using a critical literacy lens have also developed their own hashtag, #disrupttexts. The #disrupttexts movement says Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird should be replaced with books supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. That sounds disturbingly like the censorship of classic works of literature containing truths about the human condition that have stood the test of time.

Critics also claim a new Florida law might interfere with AP instruction. But the Florida law prohibits compelled speech through schoolwork or activities and says the provisions may not be construed to prohibit discussion of the concepts listed therein as part of a course of training or instruction, provided such training or instruction is given in an objective manner without endorsement of the concepts.

Likewise, in an executive order, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wrote, [We] must take every step to ensure that [students] education is free from undue bias and political indoctrination, and critical race theory does, actually, compel students to view the world through a purely racial lens. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a similar order.

Perhaps the biggest concern for families and the College Board about critical race theory is that AP courses are meant to be challenging and require students to work hard. High school students can earn college credit with their efforts and dedication.

Yet critical race theorists say that certain conceptions of merit function not as a neutral basis for distributing resources and opportunity, but rather as a repository of hidden, race-specific preferences. That means critical race theorists distrust merit (actions and behaviors striving to be worthy of acclaim) and prefer that government force everyone to receive the same outcomes in life, regardless of how hard one works.

People care about what College Board has to say because many high school students around the nation see AP courses as prerequisites to attending top institutions. Last year, 1.178 million graduating public high school students took AP exams.

Still, some scholars question whether College Boards AP U.S. history materials accurately represent American history. For that reason and the popularity of the courses among college-bound students, College Board should focus on the quality and accuracy of its content.

Meanwhile, parents, students, and teachers should ignore fearmongering among the media. State policies rejecting critical race theorys prejudicial ideas will not threaten a childs GPA  but should protect students and teachers from racial discrimination.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.

Elks announces its scholarship winners

Winners of Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482 Elks Most Valuable Student scholarships recently were announced.

The lodge this year awarded $14,000 in scholarships to the top three boys and the top three girls.

Winners

 First place ($3,500 scholarship): Longview resident Seth Beres, Mark Morris High; and Longview resident Y Ta, R.A. Long High School.

 Second place ($2,000): Longview resident Adalberto Gonzalez-Mendoza, Kelso High School; and Cathlamet resident Courtney Carlson, Wahkiakum High School.

 Third place ($1,500): Kalama resident Steven Sander, Seton Catholic College Preparatory; and Kelso resident Rhiannon Sibbett, Castle Rock High School.

In addition, Sibbett received a $2,000 scholarship from the Washington State Elks Association.

The 2022-2023 scholarship program opens in August and closes Nov. 15. For details on how to enter, visit Elks.org/scholars.

Several named to SNHU honor rolls

Nine local residents have been named to the winter 2022 president's list and two local residents have been named to the winter 2022 dean's list at Southern New Hampshire University based in Manchester, New Hampshire.

To be named to the list, full-time students must receive a minimum 3.7 grade-point average. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits. Undergraduate students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester and online students must earn 12 credits in EW1 and EW2, EW3 and EW4 or EW5 and EW6.

To be named to the dean's list, full-time students must receive between a 3.5 and a 3.69 grade-point average. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits. Undergraduate students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester and online students must earn 12 credits in EW1 and EW2, EW3 and EW4 or EW5 and EW6.

President's list

 Kalama: Lindsey Carrigg.

 Kelso: Randall Olson, Joshua Windham and Ashley Fraenza.

 Long Beach: Kathryn Lee.

 Longview: Charlotte Majeskey and Lucas Jones.

 Ocean Park: Sage Baar.

 Winlock: Cayla Thompson.

Dean's list

 Kelso: Lyndsey Puckett.

 Long Beach: Lacey Berry.

SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults, according to a press release from the university.

The school has more than 160,000 students worldwide and offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs available online and on its 300-acre campus.

Recognized as the "Most Innovative," regional university by U.S. News & World Report, the school also is one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, according to the press release.

 The Daily News

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In Montana, an estimated 90,000 people face a substance use disorder, but only a fraction seek out treatment. With an increase in opioid overdose calls in recent years, behavioral health solutions have become critical.

Yellowstone County is the latest county in the state to commit to the Angel Initiative, a new program that allows a person struggling with addiction to go to law enforcement and be connected to treatment in the area without being arrested. Any drugs or paraphernalia in their possession must be turned in.

The program was rolled out in Cascade County in November 2021 with Lewis and Clark County following in February 2022. While a small number of people have utilized the program, so far they have been able to access treatment quickly.

At DPHHS theyre thinking outside the box to reduce the stigma associated with treatment and to guide individuals on the path to recovery, said Governor Greg Gianforte at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Friday.

There are certain disqualifiers for the program such as having an outstanding warrant or involvement in an active drug investigation. Registered sex offenders are also disqualified from the program.

But minor misdemeanors will not impact ones participating in the program, according to Yellowstone County Sherriff Mike Linder.

Someone interested in participating in the program can go to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where they will be directed to a private room and given a toll-free number, The Angel Line, to connect them to the nearest treatment provider.

In the past, waitlists to get into treatment programs have been long, sometimes leaving the individual to wait for months before getting help.

Weve been looking at some of the rules that the state has to potentially increase capacity, Gianforte said. Theres some regulatory friction that affects that.

Health Information Exchange

Behavioral health was also a priority in building the states health information exchange (HIE) system, said Jeanette Polaschek, clinical consultant with Big Sky Care Connect (BSCC).

BSCC is the state-designated HIE platform that allows health care providers to share patient information.

Being able to access a patients medical history from anywhere in the state allows doctors and nurses to provide better care for patients.

But under Montana law, individuals have to consent to sharing behavioral health information, making it difficult to build into the system.

The great thing about Montana is that from the very beginning theyve been able to pull in the behavioral health. A lot of different states that are doing the same sort of thing kind of put off behavioral health because theres so much regulation around confidentiality, Polaschek said.

At a Friday roundtable at Billings Clinic, Gianforte joined medical leaders in the community to announce a $20 million investment in the HIE. The money will be used to continue the design, development and implementation of the program that will continue through 2023.

An image exchange program is under development as well as a statewide antibiotic resistance information exchange.

The funding will also help to reach additional primary care clinics throughout the state.

State leaders have attempted to develop a HIE system over the last 15 years, but havent been able to cross the finish line until now, said Dr. Justen Rudolph with Intermountain Healthcare.

More than 200 hospital systems are now contributing to the data repository, including Montana Medicaid, but more participants are needed.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Let students study for final exams, not worry about college board politics

Its final exam season, so middle school and high school students are feverishly preparing. In case students needed one more thing to worry about, some in the media are warning that students hard work studying for end-of-year tests may not even count  for political reasons.

A recent statement from College Board, creator of Advanced Placement courses and exams, says AP work stands for clarity and transparency and an unflinching encounter with evidence, and opposes censorship.

Some in the media have interpreted that to mean that when state lawmakers reject the application of critical race theory in K-12 schools, educators may not be able to fulfill the requirements of teaching AP courses.

In fact, College Board  and the media and parents  should be more concerned with the racial bias that critical race theory is ushering into K-12 classrooms than state officials proposals that reject the theory.

For example, some schools have been separating students by race for different school activities. Educators then offer specific material or hold some conversations only with certain students in those affinity groups.

Its not clear, nor especially transparent, why students should receive different information or participate in some activities based on their skin color. Furthermore, those activities may violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

As for College Boards unflinching encounter with evidence, Illinois new teacher certification standards  which affirm the application of critical race theorys concept of intersectionality say there is often not one correct way of doing or understanding something, and that what is seen as correct is most often based on our lived experiences.

In other words: Facts need not apply.

Radical educators using a critical literacy lens have also developed their own hashtag, #disrupttexts. The #disrupttexts movement says Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird should be replaced with books supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. That sounds disturbingly like the censorship of classic works of literature containing truths about the human condition that have stood the test of time.

Critics also claim a new Florida law might interfere with AP instruction. But the Florida law prohibits compelled speech through schoolwork or activities and says the provisions may not be construed to prohibit discussion of the concepts listed therein as part of a course of training or instruction, provided such training or instruction is given in an objective manner without endorsement of the concepts.

Likewise, in an executive order, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wrote, [We] must take every step to ensure that [students] education is free from undue bias and political indoctrination, and critical race theory does, actually, compel students to view the world through a purely racial lens. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a similar order.

Perhaps the biggest concern for families and the College Board about critical race theory is that AP courses are meant to be challenging and require students to work hard. High school students can earn college credit with their efforts and dedication.

Yet critical race theorists say that certain conceptions of merit function not as a neutral basis for distributing resources and opportunity, but rather as a repository of hidden, race-specific preferences. That means critical race theorists distrust merit (actions and behaviors striving to be worthy of acclaim) and prefer that government force everyone to receive the same outcomes in life, regardless of how hard one works.

People care about what College Board has to say because many high school students around the nation see AP courses as prerequisites to attending top institutions. Last year, 1.178 million graduating public high school students took AP exams.

Still, some scholars question whether College Boards AP U.S. history materials accurately represent American history. For that reason and the popularity of the courses among college-bound students, College Board should focus on the quality and accuracy of its content.

Meanwhile, parents, students, and teachers should ignore fearmongering among the media. State policies rejecting critical race theorys prejudicial ideas will not threaten a childs GPA  but should protect students and teachers from racial discrimination.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.


Placeholder while article actions load

Forget the battle over critical race theory. The latest salvos in the public-school culture wars are being fired over the federal charter schools program and the sensible guidelines that are being proposed by the administration of President Joe Biden. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Congress extended the program in March, approving $440 million for state agencies to help charters with startup expenses such as staffing and technology. Almost immediately, the White House is received a barrage of criticism for issuing guidelines intended, most importantly, to rein in charter-school funding abuses.

In particular, the proposed regulations would prevent for-profit management companies that run nonprofit charters from accessing federal funds. Even ardent charter supporters shun for-profit charters, which significantly underperform traditional public schools, and the new guidelines would close loopholes that have fostered fraud nationwide and especially in states including Arizona where loose regulations have emboldened legislators to enrich themselves on the taxpayers dime.

Advertisement

That kind of common-sense rule should serve as a first step toward a truce in the decades-long conflict over the role of charters in public education. Alas, it probably wont.

The debate about charter-school regulations has become a proxy for a wider and even higher-stakes fight over the proper role of government. Since at least the era of President Ronald Reagan, conservatives have seen privatization as a way to undermine public schools and teachers unions, rejecting guardrails and often ignoring the original mission of charters to foster educational innovation.

Meanwhile, public-school advocates have been so busy defending the traditional public-school system, which they correctly argue is essential to democracy, that they rarely focus on finding ways to improve it.

Indeed, rancor between charter and public-school proponents is so toxic that a potentially mutually beneficial Biden proposal for granting funding to charter schools  that they demonstrate collaboration with a public school or district  seems almost impossible to achieve.

Advertisement

Thats a shame because the new guidelines offer quite a few possibilities to find common ground; ways to strengthen the charter sector while also protecting public schools.

Consider the proposed requirement that new charters reflect the movements original promise of promoting teacher innovation and robust family and community engagement. Such an approach could rebuild public trust in charter-friendly cities like New Orleans, which dismantled its public school system and replaced it with private operators over 15 years ago following Hurricane Katrina and, in the process, alienated much of its African-American community.

Instead of engaging local families, officials began by firing the citys mostly African-American teachers  a sizeable swath of its middle class  and replacing them with inexperienced Teach-for-America recruits, most of whom only lasted a year or two. At the same time, charter authorizers recruited out-of-state charter-management organizations that established a harsh-discipline schooling model that often worked against the interests of New Orleanss poorest and most vulnerable children. The authorizers explicitly excluded even well-regarded local groups from winning charters.

Advertisement

Given no say in the new education system, community groups rebelled  not just in New Orleans, but in Indianapolis, Kansas City and other cities where the same model was being imposed.

New Orleans belatedly and reluctantly recognized the need for community engagement and eventually made room for a handful of independent, community-led charters like Morris Jeff, which fought an uphill battle for authorization and funding and was launched with the express intention of allowing teachers to unionize and have a say in school policies. The well-regarded school offers an international baccalaureate program and is among a minority of integrated schools, but New Orleans is still dominated by large charter management organizations.

Increasing community engagement would mean supporting more schools like Morris Jeff and inviting more family input. It should also mean giving teachers a role in school decision-making, which has been shown to improve both public and charter schools. To that end, charter schools should reserve a percentage of governing-board seats for family members elected by parent-teacher organizations, as well as teachers elected by colleagues. (Unlike public schools, which have elected boards, charters have appointed boards and sometimes exclude family members from serving.)

Advertisement

The new guidelines also could be used to promote racial integration. Charters can be a great vehicle for doing so by drawing on students from multiple neighborhoods and appealing to students of diverse backgrounds, said Halley Potter an educational researcher at the Century Foundation.

There are also important elements of the White House guidelines that predictably inflame charter advocates. For example, they might keep some charters from opening when they threaten the stability of nearby public schools as they have in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City. There, high concentrations of charters led regular public elementary and middle schools to enroll double and sometimes triple the proportion of special-needs kids of nearby charter schools, which often discourage special-needs applicants.

Traditional public schools still educate the vast majority of American children. The hostility to almost every aspect of the Biden guidelines is sad confirmation of the animosity toward this vital institution itself. It also shows the difficulty of finding common ground that could quell the education wars and foster improvements across sectors.

Advertisement

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 End the Federal Attack on Charter Schools: Michael R. Bloomberg

 When School Choice Means the Opposite: Andrea Gabor

 Democrats, Dont Give Up on Education Reform: Bloomberg Editorial Board

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andrea Gabor, a former editor at Business Week and U.S. News & World Report, is the Bloomberg chair of business journalism at Baruch College of the City University of New York and the author of After the Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend the Business of Reform.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article

Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.
Roskilde Festival in 2012 in Roskilde, Denmark Rob Ball/WireImage via Getty Images

WHO's Europe chief warned that summer festivals could speed up monkeypox spread.

Hans Kluge said on Friday, "I am concerned transmission could accelerate" there.

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated fabrics.

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Europe director has expressed concern that summer activities such as festivals could accelerate the spread of a recent monkeypox outbreak.

Dr Hans Kluge said in a statement Friday that with the summer onset of "mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate."

"The cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity," he added.

The CDC also noted on Wednesday that many cases in the current outbreak "are occurring within sexual networks."

Monkeypox is endemic in central and west Africa, where it is usually transmitted via scratches or bites from wild animals  but is highly unusual in regions without those animal populations, including Europe and the US, as Insider previously reported.

The emergence of cases in 11 countries outside of these regions has sparked concern among scientists trying to understand the sudden spread, as Insider's Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce reported.

Those countries are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, per Kluge's statement.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge has expressed worry over the spread of monkeypox at European festivals. Alexander Astafyev/TASS via Getty Images

"Let me emphasize that most of the cases currently under investigation in Europe are so far mild," said Kluge. He urged healthcare workers to use many of the same hygiene measures put in place for the treatment of COVID-19.

As the symptoms of monkeypox are "unfamiliar to many," Kluge also urged people to report any unusual rash to their doctor. You can read more about monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention here.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is rarely spread among humans. Human transmission usually happens via large respiratory droplets passed on through close physical contact; or via contaminated clothing or bedding.

Story continues

But with the relaxation of many COVID-19 measures across Europe, many crowded summer festivities are set to be restaged at full capacity in 2022, as Deutsche Welle reported  providing what may be the ideal hedonistic conditions for the virus to pass on.

These include the Roskilde rock festival in Denmark, Glastonbury Festival in England, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and Germany's Rock am Ring, per DW.

Read the original article on Insider
Roskilde Festival in 2012 in Roskilde, Denmark Rob Ball/WireImage via Getty Images

WHO's Europe chief warned that summer festivals could speed up monkeypox spread.

Hans Kluge said on Friday, "I am concerned transmission could accelerate" there.

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated fabrics.

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Europe director has expressed concern that summer activities such as festivals could accelerate the spread of a recent monkeypox outbreak.

Dr Hans Kluge said in a statement Friday that with the summer onset of "mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate."

"The cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity," he added.

The CDC also noted on Wednesday that many cases in the current outbreak "are occurring within sexual networks."

Monkeypox is endemic in central and west Africa, where it is usually transmitted via scratches or bites from wild animals  but is highly unusual in regions without those animal populations, including Europe and the US, as Insider previously reported.

The emergence of cases in 11 countries outside of these regions has sparked concern among scientists trying to understand the sudden spread, as Insider's Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce reported.

Those countries are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, per Kluge's statement.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge has expressed worry over the spread of monkeypox at European festivals. Alexander Astafyev/TASS via Getty Images

"Let me emphasize that most of the cases currently under investigation in Europe are so far mild," said Kluge. He urged healthcare workers to use many of the same hygiene measures put in place for the treatment of COVID-19.

As the symptoms of monkeypox are "unfamiliar to many," Kluge also urged people to report any unusual rash to their doctor. You can read more about monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention here.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is rarely spread among humans. Human transmission usually happens via large respiratory droplets passed on through close physical contact; or via contaminated clothing or bedding.

Story continues

But with the relaxation of many COVID-19 measures across Europe, many crowded summer festivities are set to be restaged at full capacity in 2022, as Deutsche Welle reported  providing what may be the ideal hedonistic conditions for the virus to pass on.

These include the Roskilde rock festival in Denmark, Glastonbury Festival in England, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and Germany's Rock am Ring, per DW.

Read the original article on Insider
French President Emmanuel Macron named new foreign and defence ministers on Friday as part of a government re-shuffle intended to create fresh momentum ahead of parliamentary elections next month.

France's ambassador to London, Catherine Colonna, was picked as foreign minister, making her only the second woman to hold the prestigious job.

Sebastien Lecornu, former minister for overseas territories, was promoted to the defence ministry, Macron's chief of staff Alexis Kohler announced at the presidential palace.

The changes, which come amid Russia's assault against Ukraine, are likely to raise eyebrows in France, though Macron has taken the lead role in managing France's response to the invasion.

The newly re-elected head of state is eyeing a parliamentary majority in polls next month in order to push through his domestic reform agenda, which includes welfare and pension changes as well as tax cuts.

The biggest surprise came in the education ministry where renowned academic Pap Ndiaye, an expert on colonialism and race relations, will take over from right-winger Jean-Michel Blanquer.

Macron on Monday named former labour minister Elizabeth Borne as prime minister, the first time a woman has held France's top cabinet job in more than 30 years and only the second time in history.

Ongoing delays

Opposition figures had accused Macron of deliberately delaying naming a new government, almost four weeks since his re-election on 24 April, when he defeated far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

The issue has been the subject of feverish media coverage in recent days, overshadowing the parliamentary campaign and drowning out opposition parties.

"French people have a lot of worries about the future, about the cost of electricity, the cost of fuel, of housing and of food which is going up," right-wing MP Julien Aubert from the Republicans party told Franceinfo radio on Friday.

Macron's centrist LREM party, allied with the centrist MoDem and centre-right Horizons among others, is expected to face its biggest challenge from a rejuvenated left-wing next month.

Head of the France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, is eyeing a comeback in the parliamentary elections on 12 and 19 June after finishing third in the presidential polls.

Melenchon recently persuaded the Socialist, Communist and Greens parties to enter an alliance under his leadership that unites the left around a common platform for the first time in decades.

New recruits

As with previous Macron governments, the cabinet is evenly split between men and women.

The president has also continued his habit of attracting talent from opposition parties, with senior Republicans party MP Damien Abad named as minister for solidarity, autonomy and handicapped people.

Abad, 42, is the son of a miner from Nimes in southern France and became the first handicapped MP to be elected in 2012. He has arthrogryposis, a rare condition that affects the joints.

Elsewhere in the government, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and hard-line Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin both remain in their positions.

Colonna replaces veteran Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, while Lecornu takes over defence from Florence Parly.

France has promised to step up its weapons supplies to Ukraine which include Milan anti-tank missiles as well as Caesar howitzers.

(with AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron named new foreign and defence ministers on Friday as part of a government re-shuffle intended to create fresh momentum ahead of parliamentary elections next month.

France's ambassador to London, Catherine Colonna, was picked as foreign minister, making her only the second woman to hold the prestigious job.

Sebastien Lecornu, former minister for overseas territories, was promoted to the defence ministry, Macron's chief of staff Alexis Kohler announced at the presidential palace.

The changes, which come amid Russia's assault against Ukraine, are likely to raise eyebrows in France, though Macron has taken the lead role in managing France's response to the invasion.

The newly re-elected head of state is eyeing a parliamentary majority in polls next month in order to push through his domestic reform agenda, which includes welfare and pension changes as well as tax cuts.

The biggest surprise came in the education ministry where renowned academic Pap Ndiaye, an expert on colonialism and race relations, will take over from right-winger Jean-Michel Blanquer.

Macron on Monday named former labour minister Elizabeth Borne as prime minister, the first time a woman has held France's top cabinet job in more than 30 years and only the second time in history.

Ongoing delays

Opposition figures had accused Macron of deliberately delaying naming a new government, almost four weeks since his re-election on 24 April, when he defeated far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

The issue has been the subject of feverish media coverage in recent days, overshadowing the parliamentary campaign and drowning out opposition parties.

"French people have a lot of worries about the future, about the cost of electricity, the cost of fuel, of housing and of food which is going up," right-wing MP Julien Aubert from the Republicans party told Franceinfo radio on Friday.

Macron's centrist LREM party, allied with the centrist MoDem and centre-right Horizons among others, is expected to face its biggest challenge from a rejuvenated left-wing next month.

Head of the France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, is eyeing a comeback in the parliamentary elections on 12 and 19 June after finishing third in the presidential polls.

Melenchon recently persuaded the Socialist, Communist and Greens parties to enter an alliance under his leadership that unites the left around a common platform for the first time in decades.

New recruits

As with previous Macron governments, the cabinet is evenly split between men and women.

The president has also continued his habit of attracting talent from opposition parties, with senior Republicans party MP Damien Abad named as minister for solidarity, autonomy and handicapped people.

Abad, 42, is the son of a miner from Nimes in southern France and became the first handicapped MP to be elected in 2012. He has arthrogryposis, a rare condition that affects the joints.

Elsewhere in the government, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and hard-line Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin both remain in their positions.

Colonna replaces veteran Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, while Lecornu takes over defence from Florence Parly.

France has promised to step up its weapons supplies to Ukraine which include Milan anti-tank missiles as well as Caesar howitzers.

(with AFP)
The latest release of pupils with high level special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) shows that the government do not have a plan to support children and young people with high level special educational needs and disabilities," said NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney.

This was really bad news for children with severe disabilities.

The figures show that requests for an assessment for a plan have rocketed by almost a quarter from 75,951 in 2020 to 93,302 in 2021. This is the highest figure since the data was first collected in 2016.

The number of children subject to EHCPs and statements, which predated the plans, has increased each year since 2010 and the latest figures indicate further dramatic rises are likely, as demand among parents for assessments is increasing.

As of January 2022, there were 473,255 children with plans in place, compared with 430,697 the previous year, marking a 9.9 per cent increase.

England: The latest figures from the Department for Education are out.

Heres whats out there recently. This is the news no one is worried about.

How long can a country keep this up? What happens when massive numbers of disabled students age out of school with nowhere to go?

Note: What are schools to do with the continuing explosion of children who need special ed services? Bey9nd school, how are families to manager short and long term. Parents depend on their children in their golden years. What happens when the children still depend on the parents? By Anne Dachel I cannot imagine how long this can go on in the UK and Ireland. There are always increases in the number of special education students, always another new special school announced, always more money being spent. The solution is always more spending and more services, yet no one sees where this is going.

In December, West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock introduced a bill for a universal screening campaign.

Scotland: The government is slashing special ed funding at the same time the number of disabled students has exploded. Over 30 percent of Scottish students have special needs.

They found the average spend per pupil has fallen from 4276 [$5,273] in the 2012/13 financial year to 3402 [$4,295] in 2020/21 in cash terms. This is a 20.4% cut over the period.

Just under a third of pupils across Scotland have ASN  including those with autism, dyslexia and mental health problems  and the number is rising.

The SCSC said ASN pupils are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods and pointed to figures which showed their numbers had increased by 92.2% since 2012. ASN pupils increased from 118,011 in 2012 to 226,838 in 2020.

Suffolk, England: Children are waiting up to three years for an autism diagnosis and services.

Dr Dan Poulter said he feared delays to education health and care plans (EHCPs)  key documents which outline specific measures SEND youngsters need in their learning  were getting worse, not better.

Suffolk County Council said EHCP assessments, which should be done within 20 weeks of referral, are currently at an average of around 23 weeks.

But it said that the national shortage of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and education psychologists is impacting on EHCPs and the 20-week target time because they need to feed into the assessments and preparation of plans.

The Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP said in some cases youngsters were waiting 12 months or more for an initial assessment and up to two years for a plan to be put in place.

Cheshire, England: A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be built in Halton.

Known as the Raise Academy, it will initially accept 50 children aged 11 to 16, but its capacity will eventually increase to 64.

Isle of Wight, England: Officials are taking a survey to find out how waiting times for an autism diagnosis affects families.

Do changes and improvements need to be made to the way autism and ADHD are assessed on the Isle of Wight?

Families waiting to see an expert are being urged to take part in an NHS survey.

In 2018, hundreds of families were waiting for diagnosis.

As the Isle of Wight County Press reported at the time, some families had waited for two years, and it led to urgent measures being brought in to improve the situation.

Dorset, England: New special school opens.

Coombe House School is part of Dorset Council's 37.5 million [$46.3] investment in young people.

Coombe House School, Shaftesbury will open for children with special educational needs today. (16 May)

Dorset Council made the decision to purchase the school site last year to meet the growing need for more high-quality special education provision. 

An extensive building and renovation programme has taken place and further work is planned over the next 18 months.

This will enable the school to expand to its full capacity of 280 children, alongside the many other uses for the whole Centre of Excellence site.

Ireland: 15 autistic students have no place in secondary school.

According to the organisers of the meeting, a survey of 100% of principals of primary schools in Dublin 15 has revealed that there are at least 15 children who have no appropriate placement at secondary level this autumn.

The survey also revealed that, on average, a total of 42 places will be required at secondary school for children with autism in Dublin 15 every year  and there is not a single secondary level special class place available for children with autism in the area.

Disabled children are having an impact here too.

Philadelphia: New autism treatment center opens.

In all, there are 10 centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and two more will open soon in Fairmount and Lancaster.

Forty people work at the Bustleton center, with 280 employed at all of the centers.

Shelton, CT: Special ed is impacting the budget.

According to school Finance Director Todd Heffelfingers April finance report, special education tuition and related transportation costs are over budget by some $2 million.

Hasbrouck, NJ: Special ed is taking a big chunk out of the school budget.

Special Education is budgeted at $9,901,142, or 23.66%.

Ill have more of the same next week.
Roskilde Festival in 2012 in Roskilde, Denmark Rob Ball/WireImage via Getty Images

WHO's Europe chief warned that summer festivals could speed up monkeypox spread.

Hans Kluge said on Friday, "I am concerned transmission could accelerate" there.

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated fabrics.

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Europe director has expressed concern that summer activities such as festivals could accelerate the spread of a recent monkeypox outbreak.

Dr Hans Kluge said in a statement Friday that with the summer onset of "mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate."

"The cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity," he added.

The CDC also noted on Wednesday that many cases in the current outbreak "are occurring within sexual networks."

Monkeypox is endemic in central and west Africa, where it is usually transmitted via scratches or bites from wild animals  but is highly unusual in regions without those animal populations, including Europe and the US, as Insider previously reported.

The emergence of cases in 11 countries outside of these regions has sparked concern among scientists trying to understand the sudden spread, as Insider's Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce reported.

Those countries are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, per Kluge's statement.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge has expressed worry over the spread of monkeypox at European festivals. Alexander Astafyev/TASS via Getty Images

"Let me emphasize that most of the cases currently under investigation in Europe are so far mild," said Kluge. He urged healthcare workers to use many of the same hygiene measures put in place for the treatment of COVID-19.

As the symptoms of monkeypox are "unfamiliar to many," Kluge also urged people to report any unusual rash to their doctor. You can read more about monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention here.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is rarely spread among humans. Human transmission usually happens via large respiratory droplets passed on through close physical contact; or via contaminated clothing or bedding.

Story continues

But with the relaxation of many COVID-19 measures across Europe, many crowded summer festivities are set to be restaged at full capacity in 2022, as Deutsche Welle reported  providing what may be the ideal hedonistic conditions for the virus to pass on.

These include the Roskilde rock festival in Denmark, Glastonbury Festival in England, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and Germany's Rock am Ring, per DW.

Read the original article on Insider
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'

A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
The latest release of pupils with high level special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) shows that the government do not have a plan to support children and young people with high level special educational needs and disabilities," said NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney.

This was really bad news for children with severe disabilities.

The figures show that requests for an assessment for a plan have rocketed by almost a quarter from 75,951 in 2020 to 93,302 in 2021. This is the highest figure since the data was first collected in 2016.

The number of children subject to EHCPs and statements, which predated the plans, has increased each year since 2010 and the latest figures indicate further dramatic rises are likely, as demand among parents for assessments is increasing.

As of January 2022, there were 473,255 children with plans in place, compared with 430,697 the previous year, marking a 9.9 per cent increase.

England: The latest figures from the Department for Education are out.

Heres whats out there recently. This is the news no one is worried about.

How long can a country keep this up? What happens when massive numbers of disabled students age out of school with nowhere to go?

Note: What are schools to do with the continuing explosion of children who need special ed services? Bey9nd school, how are families to manager short and long term. Parents depend on their children in their golden years. What happens when the children still depend on the parents? By Anne Dachel I cannot imagine how long this can go on in the UK and Ireland. There are always increases in the number of special education students, always another new special school announced, always more money being spent. The solution is always more spending and more services, yet no one sees where this is going.

In December, West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock introduced a bill for a universal screening campaign.

Scotland: The government is slashing special ed funding at the same time the number of disabled students has exploded. Over 30 percent of Scottish students have special needs.

They found the average spend per pupil has fallen from 4276 [$5,273] in the 2012/13 financial year to 3402 [$4,295] in 2020/21 in cash terms. This is a 20.4% cut over the period.

Just under a third of pupils across Scotland have ASN  including those with autism, dyslexia and mental health problems  and the number is rising.

The SCSC said ASN pupils are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods and pointed to figures which showed their numbers had increased by 92.2% since 2012. ASN pupils increased from 118,011 in 2012 to 226,838 in 2020.

Suffolk, England: Children are waiting up to three years for an autism diagnosis and services.

Dr Dan Poulter said he feared delays to education health and care plans (EHCPs)  key documents which outline specific measures SEND youngsters need in their learning  were getting worse, not better.

Suffolk County Council said EHCP assessments, which should be done within 20 weeks of referral, are currently at an average of around 23 weeks.

But it said that the national shortage of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and education psychologists is impacting on EHCPs and the 20-week target time because they need to feed into the assessments and preparation of plans.

The Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP said in some cases youngsters were waiting 12 months or more for an initial assessment and up to two years for a plan to be put in place.

Cheshire, England: A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be built in Halton.

Known as the Raise Academy, it will initially accept 50 children aged 11 to 16, but its capacity will eventually increase to 64.

Isle of Wight, England: Officials are taking a survey to find out how waiting times for an autism diagnosis affects families.

Do changes and improvements need to be made to the way autism and ADHD are assessed on the Isle of Wight?

Families waiting to see an expert are being urged to take part in an NHS survey.

In 2018, hundreds of families were waiting for diagnosis.

As the Isle of Wight County Press reported at the time, some families had waited for two years, and it led to urgent measures being brought in to improve the situation.

Dorset, England: New special school opens.

Coombe House School is part of Dorset Council's 37.5 million [$46.3] investment in young people.

Coombe House School, Shaftesbury will open for children with special educational needs today. (16 May)

Dorset Council made the decision to purchase the school site last year to meet the growing need for more high-quality special education provision. 

An extensive building and renovation programme has taken place and further work is planned over the next 18 months.

This will enable the school to expand to its full capacity of 280 children, alongside the many other uses for the whole Centre of Excellence site.

Ireland: 15 autistic students have no place in secondary school.

According to the organisers of the meeting, a survey of 100% of principals of primary schools in Dublin 15 has revealed that there are at least 15 children who have no appropriate placement at secondary level this autumn.

The survey also revealed that, on average, a total of 42 places will be required at secondary school for children with autism in Dublin 15 every year  and there is not a single secondary level special class place available for children with autism in the area.

Disabled children are having an impact here too.

Philadelphia: New autism treatment center opens.

In all, there are 10 centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and two more will open soon in Fairmount and Lancaster.

Forty people work at the Bustleton center, with 280 employed at all of the centers.

Shelton, CT: Special ed is impacting the budget.

According to school Finance Director Todd Heffelfingers April finance report, special education tuition and related transportation costs are over budget by some $2 million.

Hasbrouck, NJ: Special ed is taking a big chunk out of the school budget.

Special Education is budgeted at $9,901,142, or 23.66%.

Ill have more of the same next week.
A court in India has dismissed a request to open locked rooms in the Taj Mahal in a search for Hindu idols in the 17th century wonder.

On 12 May, Allahabad High Court threw out the petition of a politician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying the reopening of 22 rooms  locked decades ago for security reasons  must be decided by historians.

It is not for the court to direct what subject needs to be researched or studied, it ruled as BJP lawmaker Diyva Kumari added the Taj Mahal was built on her ancestral princely estate.

"We have documents to prove it, Kumari said.

Monument of love

Right-wing groups say Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal on the ruins of a 12th century temple to Hindu lord Shiva in memory of his departed wife.

Three million tourists visit the mausoleum every year.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, celebrities and others have visited the Taj since 1959, when US president Dwight Eisenhower became the first world leader to inspect the architectural marvel.

The most telling journey to the monument was by Britain's Lady Diana, when in 1992 the then princess of Wales broke her silence on her marriage falling apart.

Festering row

Even as dust settled on the Taj Mahal showdown, India's Supreme Court sealed off a pond at the Gyanvapi Mosque after state surveyors claimed they found telltale Hindu artefacts there.

But it shot down a lower court's order limiting the number of Moslem worshippers to the 17th century mosque.

Right-wing groups celebrated it as clinching evidence that the mosque straddled a razed Shiva temple in Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest town, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home borough.

BJP's associates argue the Taj Mahal and other Muslim monuments were placed atop the rubble of 36,000 Hindu temples after the Moguls invaded India in 1526 and ruled until the 18th century.

Muslim MP Asaduddin Owaisi warned the face-off was unhealthy for India, where 200 million Muslims form the largest religious minority.

The unfortunate part is that this is not going to stop and there are many mosques that will now be opened on the basis of faith, he said.

Copycat demands surfaced this week in Karnataka state, also ruled by the BJP, which is helping in the construction of the Rama temple on the debris of the Babri mosque, demolished by Hindu zealots in 1992.

A similar war cry is also heard in two towns popular among Hindu devotees near capital Delhi.

Sectarian blitzkrieg

Right-wing politicians argued a closure to the festering dispute wiould end purported Hindu-Muslim rivalries.

The history which has been wiped out from the pages of India's education system has to be re-recorded and re-narrated ... that the Muslim invaders came from outside, said pro-BJP lawyer Desh Ratan Nigam.

Once the acknowledgement is there, then things can move forward.

Diplomat-turned-author Pawan Varma prodded politicians to end their sectarian rivalries.

Do we need now to excavate the past in order to fuel acrimony in the present, some of which can go out of control? the diplomat asked.

Others such as right-wing author Amrish Tripathi insisted the drive was not designed to target Indian Muslims.

It is not a Hindu-Muslim thing. It is an Indian-Mogul issue, Tripathi told local TV.
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
French President Emmanuel Macron named new foreign and defence ministers on Friday as part of a government re-shuffle intended to create fresh momentum ahead of parliamentary elections next month.

France's ambassador to London, Catherine Colonna, was picked as foreign minister, making her only the second woman to hold the prestigious job.

Sebastien Lecornu, former minister for overseas territories, was promoted to the defence ministry, Macron's chief of staff Alexis Kohler announced at the presidential palace.

The changes, which come amid Russia's assault against Ukraine, are likely to raise eyebrows in France, though Macron has taken the lead role in managing France's response to the invasion.

The newly re-elected head of state is eyeing a parliamentary majority in polls next month in order to push through his domestic reform agenda, which includes welfare and pension changes as well as tax cuts.

The biggest surprise came in the education ministry where renowned academic Pap Ndiaye, an expert on colonialism and race relations, will take over from right-winger Jean-Michel Blanquer.

Macron on Monday named former labour minister Elizabeth Borne as prime minister, the first time a woman has held France's top cabinet job in more than 30 years and only the second time in history.

Ongoing delays

Opposition figures had accused Macron of deliberately delaying naming a new government, almost four weeks since his re-election on 24 April, when he defeated far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

The issue has been the subject of feverish media coverage in recent days, overshadowing the parliamentary campaign and drowning out opposition parties.

"French people have a lot of worries about the future, about the cost of electricity, the cost of fuel, of housing and of food which is going up," right-wing MP Julien Aubert from the Republicans party told Franceinfo radio on Friday.

Macron's centrist LREM party, allied with the centrist MoDem and centre-right Horizons among others, is expected to face its biggest challenge from a rejuvenated left-wing next month.

Head of the France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, is eyeing a comeback in the parliamentary elections on 12 and 19 June after finishing third in the presidential polls.

Melenchon recently persuaded the Socialist, Communist and Greens parties to enter an alliance under his leadership that unites the left around a common platform for the first time in decades.

New recruits

As with previous Macron governments, the cabinet is evenly split between men and women.

The president has also continued his habit of attracting talent from opposition parties, with senior Republicans party MP Damien Abad named as minister for solidarity, autonomy and handicapped people.

Abad, 42, is the son of a miner from Nimes in southern France and became the first handicapped MP to be elected in 2012. He has arthrogryposis, a rare condition that affects the joints.

Elsewhere in the government, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and hard-line Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin both remain in their positions.

Colonna replaces veteran Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, while Lecornu takes over defence from Florence Parly.

France has promised to step up its weapons supplies to Ukraine which include Milan anti-tank missiles as well as Caesar howitzers.

(with AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron named new foreign and defence ministers on Friday as part of a government re-shuffle intended to create fresh momentum ahead of parliamentary elections next month.

France's ambassador to London, Catherine Colonna, was picked as foreign minister, making her only the second woman to hold the prestigious job.

Sebastien Lecornu, former minister for overseas territories, was promoted to the defence ministry, Macron's chief of staff Alexis Kohler announced at the presidential palace.

The changes, which come amid Russia's assault against Ukraine, are likely to raise eyebrows in France, though Macron has taken the lead role in managing France's response to the invasion.

The newly re-elected head of state is eyeing a parliamentary majority in polls next month in order to push through his domestic reform agenda, which includes welfare and pension changes as well as tax cuts.

The biggest surprise came in the education ministry where renowned academic Pap Ndiaye, an expert on colonialism and race relations, will take over from right-winger Jean-Michel Blanquer.

Macron on Monday named former labour minister Elizabeth Borne as prime minister, the first time a woman has held France's top cabinet job in more than 30 years and only the second time in history.

Ongoing delays

Opposition figures had accused Macron of deliberately delaying naming a new government, almost four weeks since his re-election on 24 April, when he defeated far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

The issue has been the subject of feverish media coverage in recent days, overshadowing the parliamentary campaign and drowning out opposition parties.

"French people have a lot of worries about the future, about the cost of electricity, the cost of fuel, of housing and of food which is going up," right-wing MP Julien Aubert from the Republicans party told Franceinfo radio on Friday.

Macron's centrist LREM party, allied with the centrist MoDem and centre-right Horizons among others, is expected to face its biggest challenge from a rejuvenated left-wing next month.

Head of the France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, is eyeing a comeback in the parliamentary elections on 12 and 19 June after finishing third in the presidential polls.

Melenchon recently persuaded the Socialist, Communist and Greens parties to enter an alliance under his leadership that unites the left around a common platform for the first time in decades.

New recruits

As with previous Macron governments, the cabinet is evenly split between men and women.

The president has also continued his habit of attracting talent from opposition parties, with senior Republicans party MP Damien Abad named as minister for solidarity, autonomy and handicapped people.

Abad, 42, is the son of a miner from Nimes in southern France and became the first handicapped MP to be elected in 2012. He has arthrogryposis, a rare condition that affects the joints.

Elsewhere in the government, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and hard-line Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin both remain in their positions.

Colonna replaces veteran Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, while Lecornu takes over defence from Florence Parly.

France has promised to step up its weapons supplies to Ukraine which include Milan anti-tank missiles as well as Caesar howitzers.

(with AFP)
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
Santrofi Music, Ghanaian based International vintage inspired highlife, Afrobeat and Funk band has finally unveiled the much-envisioned visuals for the second track off their 2020 unleashed " Alewa " Album.

Dubbed Alewa (Black and White ) , the song literally represents diversity. Unity is key , hence very paramount to love one another regardless of our differences, status, religion, races and background.

Speaking to the leader of the band, Emmanuel Ofori, he explained that this is the right time to send such a message across looking at the recent happenings in the world. He said : " We feel the message in this song is very important and needs to be constantly heard especially looking at what is happening around the globe and our country. Music goes straight into the soul so what ever information you put in your music connect to anyone who hears it.we are in a music video driven industry and we believe we reach more ears with this video as well"

Alewa (Black and White) was produced by Emmanuel Ofori and visuals directed and shot by Abdul Salifu Hafiz .

The colourful and captivating video is incessantly a perfect match for the song as the band has divulged they want to break the conception on how most people here in Ghana see indigenous music. Santrofi Music believes Ghanaian music is our home music and needs to be preserved and appreciated.

The award-winning band has elucidated the need to identify our sound as Ghanaians and Alewa is no exception.

Santrofi Music has garnered a lot of digital streams with their Alewa album, won awards and topped several charts globally .

Santrofi Music, Ghanaian based International vintage inspired highlife, Afrobeat and Funk band has finally unveiled the much-envisioned visuals for the second track off their 2020 unleashed " Alewa " Album.

Dubbed Alewa (Black and White ) , the song literally represents diversity. Unity is key , hence very paramount to love one another regardless of our differences, status, religion, races and background.

Speaking to the leader of the band, Emmanuel Ofori, he explained that this is the right time to send such a message across looking at the recent happenings in the world. He said : " We feel the message in this song is very important and needs to be constantly heard especially looking at what is happening around the globe and our country. Music goes straight into the soul so what ever information you put in your music connect to anyone who hears it.we are in a music video driven industry and we believe we reach more ears with this video as well"

Alewa (Black and White) was produced by Emmanuel Ofori and visuals directed and shot by Abdul Salifu Hafiz .

The colourful and captivating video is incessantly a perfect match for the song as the band has divulged they want to break the conception on how most people here in Ghana see indigenous music. Santrofi Music believes Ghanaian music is our home music and needs to be preserved and appreciated.

The award-winning band has elucidated the need to identify our sound as Ghanaians and Alewa is no exception.

Santrofi Music has garnered a lot of digital streams with their Alewa album, won awards and topped several charts globally .




A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
21.05.2022 LISTEN

Paul Amaning, the Eastern Region New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice Chairman hopeful is urging delegates and members of the party in the Eastern Region to seek a change in its leadership so they could break the 8-year electoral cycle.

According to him, the party given the accomplishment of President Akufo-Addo government can retain political power in 2024, if the right leadership is elected into office.

He asserts that the partys limitation for success is the current leadership, particularly the Chairmanship position in the Eastern Region.

Clarifying this in an interview with Accra-based Kingdom FM, Mr. Paul Amaning said the party in its current state, though efficient, is not effective to sustain the efforts being taken to retain political power in 2024 and beyond.

NPP is efficient now but its not effective. Being efficient is not enough for me. It needs to be effective, he said.

He continued that the political season demands a new leader to drive the change the party desires.

The party needs a breath of fresh air. Every season has its leader. We want to break the eight, and the government has done enormously well. We have a good message, but we need to change the messengers, he noted.

Mr. Paul Amaning affirmed his respect for the incumbent NPP Eastern Regional Chairman, and the party, adding that he will in no circumstance denigrate him or any other contender because of the contest.

He believes the incumbent has played his part, yet the challenge that lies ahead requires a new breed of leadership to steer the affairs of the party.

Paul Amaning emphasised that his political mantra assures an inclusive and sustainable collaboration between party and the government.






When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)

The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.



A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton) (OTC PINK: TETAA) cordially invites you to participate in its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 8:30 A.M., Eastern Time as announced, both virtually and with an in-person option.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a company review for shareholders will commence to discuss operations.

For access to the webcast of each meeting, you must register at https://www.tetonadv.com/register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting from a computer or telephone.

If you would like to participate using the in-person option, below is the address to Tetons main office in Greenwich, Connecticut:

189 Mason Street

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Any questions can be directed to our Secretary at [email protected] or (914) 457-1077.

ABOUT TETON

Teton Advisors, Inc. (OTC Pink: TETAA) is a specialist in smaller company investing, serving a diverse client base of institutional, high net worth and mutual fund investors under brands including Teton Westwood, Gabelli and Keeley. The company was founded on a commitment to uncover value by focusing on companies that are misunderstood or ignored by the market utilizing methodologies developed by investment pioneers Mario Gabelli and John L. Keeley, Jr. As active, fundamental investors, the Teton portfolio teams think independently and focus on identifying short-term market inefficiencies to generate long-term alpha. Tetons investment professionals share in the belief that being different is the cornerstone to discovering hidden value in equities. The Teton time tested investment approaches can help set apart your client portfolios, delivering differentiated attributes to round out a broader portfolio. From modest beginnings over 40 years ago, to today, The Disciplined Discovery of Value shapes the cornerstone for our clients' long-term success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005477/en/

Patrick Huvane, CPA, CFA

Chief Financial Officer

(914) 457-1074



For further information, please visit: www.tetonadv.com

Source: Teton Advisors, Inc.


When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)


Placeholder while article actions load

Forget the battle over critical race theory. The latest salvos in the public-school culture wars are being fired over the federal charter schools program and the sensible guidelines that are being proposed by the administration of President Joe Biden. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Congress extended the program in March, approving $440 million for state agencies to help charters with startup expenses such as staffing and technology. Almost immediately, the White House is received a barrage of criticism for issuing guidelines intended, most importantly, to rein in charter-school funding abuses.

In particular, the proposed regulations would prevent for-profit management companies that run nonprofit charters from accessing federal funds. Even ardent charter supporters shun for-profit charters, which significantly underperform traditional public schools, and the new guidelines would close loopholes that have fostered fraud nationwide and especially in states including Arizona where loose regulations have emboldened legislators to enrich themselves on the taxpayers dime.

Advertisement

That kind of common-sense rule should serve as a first step toward a truce in the decades-long conflict over the role of charters in public education. Alas, it probably wont.

The debate about charter-school regulations has become a proxy for a wider and even higher-stakes fight over the proper role of government. Since at least the era of President Ronald Reagan, conservatives have seen privatization as a way to undermine public schools and teachers unions, rejecting guardrails and often ignoring the original mission of charters to foster educational innovation.

Meanwhile, public-school advocates have been so busy defending the traditional public-school system, which they correctly argue is essential to democracy, that they rarely focus on finding ways to improve it.

Indeed, rancor between charter and public-school proponents is so toxic that a potentially mutually beneficial Biden proposal for granting funding to charter schools  that they demonstrate collaboration with a public school or district  seems almost impossible to achieve.

Advertisement

Thats a shame because the new guidelines offer quite a few possibilities to find common ground; ways to strengthen the charter sector while also protecting public schools.

Consider the proposed requirement that new charters reflect the movements original promise of promoting teacher innovation and robust family and community engagement. Such an approach could rebuild public trust in charter-friendly cities like New Orleans, which dismantled its public school system and replaced it with private operators over 15 years ago following Hurricane Katrina and, in the process, alienated much of its African-American community.

Instead of engaging local families, officials began by firing the citys mostly African-American teachers  a sizeable swath of its middle class  and replacing them with inexperienced Teach-for-America recruits, most of whom only lasted a year or two. At the same time, charter authorizers recruited out-of-state charter-management organizations that established a harsh-discipline schooling model that often worked against the interests of New Orleanss poorest and most vulnerable children. The authorizers explicitly excluded even well-regarded local groups from winning charters.

Advertisement

Given no say in the new education system, community groups rebelled  not just in New Orleans, but in Indianapolis, Kansas City and other cities where the same model was being imposed.

New Orleans belatedly and reluctantly recognized the need for community engagement and eventually made room for a handful of independent, community-led charters like Morris Jeff, which fought an uphill battle for authorization and funding and was launched with the express intention of allowing teachers to unionize and have a say in school policies. The well-regarded school offers an international baccalaureate program and is among a minority of integrated schools, but New Orleans is still dominated by large charter management organizations.

Increasing community engagement would mean supporting more schools like Morris Jeff and inviting more family input. It should also mean giving teachers a role in school decision-making, which has been shown to improve both public and charter schools. To that end, charter schools should reserve a percentage of governing-board seats for family members elected by parent-teacher organizations, as well as teachers elected by colleagues. (Unlike public schools, which have elected boards, charters have appointed boards and sometimes exclude family members from serving.)

Advertisement

The new guidelines also could be used to promote racial integration. Charters can be a great vehicle for doing so by drawing on students from multiple neighborhoods and appealing to students of diverse backgrounds, said Halley Potter an educational researcher at the Century Foundation.

There are also important elements of the White House guidelines that predictably inflame charter advocates. For example, they might keep some charters from opening when they threaten the stability of nearby public schools as they have in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City. There, high concentrations of charters led regular public elementary and middle schools to enroll double and sometimes triple the proportion of special-needs kids of nearby charter schools, which often discourage special-needs applicants.

Traditional public schools still educate the vast majority of American children. The hostility to almost every aspect of the Biden guidelines is sad confirmation of the animosity toward this vital institution itself. It also shows the difficulty of finding common ground that could quell the education wars and foster improvements across sectors.

Advertisement

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 End the Federal Attack on Charter Schools: Michael R. Bloomberg

 When School Choice Means the Opposite: Andrea Gabor

 Democrats, Dont Give Up on Education Reform: Bloomberg Editorial Board

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andrea Gabor, a former editor at Business Week and U.S. News & World Report, is the Bloomberg chair of business journalism at Baruch College of the City University of New York and the author of After the Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend the Business of Reform.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article

When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)
When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)
Roskilde Festival in 2012 in Roskilde, Denmark Rob Ball/WireImage via Getty Images

WHO's Europe chief warned that summer festivals could speed up monkeypox spread.

Hans Kluge said on Friday, "I am concerned transmission could accelerate" there.

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated fabrics.

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Europe director has expressed concern that summer activities such as festivals could accelerate the spread of a recent monkeypox outbreak.

Dr Hans Kluge said in a statement Friday that with the summer onset of "mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate."

"The cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity," he added.

The CDC also noted on Wednesday that many cases in the current outbreak "are occurring within sexual networks."

Monkeypox is endemic in central and west Africa, where it is usually transmitted via scratches or bites from wild animals  but is highly unusual in regions without those animal populations, including Europe and the US, as Insider previously reported.

The emergence of cases in 11 countries outside of these regions has sparked concern among scientists trying to understand the sudden spread, as Insider's Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce reported.

Those countries are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, per Kluge's statement.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge has expressed worry over the spread of monkeypox at European festivals. Alexander Astafyev/TASS via Getty Images

"Let me emphasize that most of the cases currently under investigation in Europe are so far mild," said Kluge. He urged healthcare workers to use many of the same hygiene measures put in place for the treatment of COVID-19.

As the symptoms of monkeypox are "unfamiliar to many," Kluge also urged people to report any unusual rash to their doctor. You can read more about monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention here.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is rarely spread among humans. Human transmission usually happens via large respiratory droplets passed on through close physical contact; or via contaminated clothing or bedding.

Story continues

But with the relaxation of many COVID-19 measures across Europe, many crowded summer festivities are set to be restaged at full capacity in 2022, as Deutsche Welle reported  providing what may be the ideal hedonistic conditions for the virus to pass on.

These include the Roskilde rock festival in Denmark, Glastonbury Festival in England, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and Germany's Rock am Ring, per DW.

Read the original article on Insider
Roskilde Festival in 2012 in Roskilde, Denmark Rob Ball/WireImage via Getty Images

WHO's Europe chief warned that summer festivals could speed up monkeypox spread.

Hans Kluge said on Friday, "I am concerned transmission could accelerate" there.

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated fabrics.

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Europe director has expressed concern that summer activities such as festivals could accelerate the spread of a recent monkeypox outbreak.

Dr Hans Kluge said in a statement Friday that with the summer onset of "mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate."

"The cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity," he added.

The CDC also noted on Wednesday that many cases in the current outbreak "are occurring within sexual networks."

Monkeypox is endemic in central and west Africa, where it is usually transmitted via scratches or bites from wild animals  but is highly unusual in regions without those animal populations, including Europe and the US, as Insider previously reported.

The emergence of cases in 11 countries outside of these regions has sparked concern among scientists trying to understand the sudden spread, as Insider's Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce reported.

Those countries are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, per Kluge's statement.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge has expressed worry over the spread of monkeypox at European festivals. Alexander Astafyev/TASS via Getty Images

"Let me emphasize that most of the cases currently under investigation in Europe are so far mild," said Kluge. He urged healthcare workers to use many of the same hygiene measures put in place for the treatment of COVID-19.

As the symptoms of monkeypox are "unfamiliar to many," Kluge also urged people to report any unusual rash to their doctor. You can read more about monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention here.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is rarely spread among humans. Human transmission usually happens via large respiratory droplets passed on through close physical contact; or via contaminated clothing or bedding.

Story continues

But with the relaxation of many COVID-19 measures across Europe, many crowded summer festivities are set to be restaged at full capacity in 2022, as Deutsche Welle reported  providing what may be the ideal hedonistic conditions for the virus to pass on.

These include the Roskilde rock festival in Denmark, Glastonbury Festival in England, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and Germany's Rock am Ring, per DW.

Read the original article on Insider




A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
SEOUL, South Korea  President Biden on Saturday signed legislation to support Ukraine with an additional $40 billion in U.S. assistance as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

The legislation, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, deepens the U.S. commitment to Ukraine at a time of uncertainty about the wars future. Ukraine has successfully defended Kyiv, and Russia has refocused its offensive on the countrys east, but American officials warn of the potential for a prolonged conflict.

The funding is intended to support Ukraine through September, and it dwarfs an earlier emergency measure that provided $13.6 billion.

The new legislation will provide $20 billion in military assistance, ensuring a steady stream of advanced weapons that have been used to blunt Russias advances. Theres also $8 billion in general economic support, $5 billion to address global food shortages that could result from the collapse of Ukrainian agriculture and more than $1 billion to help refugees.

Biden signed the measure under unusual circumstances. Because hes in the middle of a trip to Asia, a U.S. official brought the bill on a commercial flight to Seoul for the president to sign, according to a White House official.

The logistics reflect a sense of urgency around continuing U.S. support for Ukraine, but also the overlapping international challenges facing Biden. Even as he tries to reorient American foreign policy to confront China, hes continuing to direct resources to the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Biden also signed an unrelated measure, one intended to increase access to baby formula at a time when supplies remain scarce in the United States. The legislation will allow government benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children  better known as WIC  to be used to buy more types of infant formula.


RICHMOND HEIGHTS  A note left in the St. Mary's Hospital break room last week where a credit union ATM once stood read "Sorry for the inconvenience but we are currently upgrading our teller system."

The note listed a phone number to "call for more information," but it wasn't for Health Care Family Credit Union, which owns the ATM; it instead went to Spectrum internet services.

Those clues discovered the afternoon of May 12 seemed suspicious to an ATM service provider who came to the SSM Health hospital at 6420 Clayton Road to check on it. The provider estimated the missing machine held about $23,000 in cash.

Richmond Heights police tapped hospital surveillance video that showed a man using a dolly to remove the ATM from the break room. The man was also seen a day earlier walking directly to the break room without a word to any hospital staff.

Police said the man drove to the hospital in his mother's vehicle, which they found parked outside his Clayton workplace when they arrived to arrest him. Officers also found what appeared to be the same dolly seen in the video.

Officers showed the man a photo of the person seen at St. Mary's the day before the ATM theft, and he acknowledged that he shared a resemblance but refused to answer other questions.

The ATM heist was outlined in a stealing charge filed Thursday against Jamie Geno, 57, of 2200 block of Laverne Court in Brentwood. It was not clear if police recovered the ATM.

Geno was ordered held on $20,000 cash-only bail. He could not be reached Friday and did not yet have a lawyer.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Let students study for final exams, not worry about college board politics

Its final exam season, so middle school and high school students are feverishly preparing. In case students needed one more thing to worry about, some in the media are warning that students hard work studying for end-of-year tests may not even count  for political reasons.

A recent statement from College Board, creator of Advanced Placement courses and exams, says AP work stands for clarity and transparency and an unflinching encounter with evidence, and opposes censorship.

Some in the media have interpreted that to mean that when state lawmakers reject the application of critical race theory in K-12 schools, educators may not be able to fulfill the requirements of teaching AP courses.

In fact, College Board  and the media and parents  should be more concerned with the racial bias that critical race theory is ushering into K-12 classrooms than state officials proposals that reject the theory.

For example, some schools have been separating students by race for different school activities. Educators then offer specific material or hold some conversations only with certain students in those affinity groups.

Its not clear, nor especially transparent, why students should receive different information or participate in some activities based on their skin color. Furthermore, those activities may violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

As for College Boards unflinching encounter with evidence, Illinois new teacher certification standards  which affirm the application of critical race theorys concept of intersectionality say there is often not one correct way of doing or understanding something, and that what is seen as correct is most often based on our lived experiences.

In other words: Facts need not apply.

Radical educators using a critical literacy lens have also developed their own hashtag, #disrupttexts. The #disrupttexts movement says Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird should be replaced with books supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. That sounds disturbingly like the censorship of classic works of literature containing truths about the human condition that have stood the test of time.

Critics also claim a new Florida law might interfere with AP instruction. But the Florida law prohibits compelled speech through schoolwork or activities and says the provisions may not be construed to prohibit discussion of the concepts listed therein as part of a course of training or instruction, provided such training or instruction is given in an objective manner without endorsement of the concepts.

Likewise, in an executive order, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wrote, [We] must take every step to ensure that [students] education is free from undue bias and political indoctrination, and critical race theory does, actually, compel students to view the world through a purely racial lens. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a similar order.

Perhaps the biggest concern for families and the College Board about critical race theory is that AP courses are meant to be challenging and require students to work hard. High school students can earn college credit with their efforts and dedication.

Yet critical race theorists say that certain conceptions of merit function not as a neutral basis for distributing resources and opportunity, but rather as a repository of hidden, race-specific preferences. That means critical race theorists distrust merit (actions and behaviors striving to be worthy of acclaim) and prefer that government force everyone to receive the same outcomes in life, regardless of how hard one works.

People care about what College Board has to say because many high school students around the nation see AP courses as prerequisites to attending top institutions. Last year, 1.178 million graduating public high school students took AP exams.

Still, some scholars question whether College Boards AP U.S. history materials accurately represent American history. For that reason and the popularity of the courses among college-bound students, College Board should focus on the quality and accuracy of its content.

Meanwhile, parents, students, and teachers should ignore fearmongering among the media. State policies rejecting critical race theorys prejudicial ideas will not threaten a childs GPA  but should protect students and teachers from racial discrimination.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.
When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)
The latest analyst coverage could presage a bad day for Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF), with the analysts making across-the-board cuts to their statutory estimates that might leave shareholders a little shell-shocked. This report focused on revenue estimates, and it looks as though the consensus view of the business has become substantially more conservative.

Following this downgrade, Sun Life Financial's ten analysts are forecasting 2022 revenues to be CA$34b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are supposed to sink 11% to CA$5.82 in the same period. Previously, the analysts had been modelling revenues of CA$40b and earnings per share (EPS) of CA$5.85 in 2022. So there's been a clear change in analyst sentiment in the recent update, with the analysts making a substantial drop in revenues and reconfirming their earnings per share estimates.

See our latest analysis for Sun Life Financial

These estimates are interesting, but it can be useful to paint some more broad strokes when seeing how forecasts compare, both to the Sun Life Financial's past performance and to peers in the same industry. These estimates imply that sales are expected to slow, with a forecast annualised revenue decline of 1.4% by the end of 2022. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 8.5% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 15% per year. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Sun Life Financial is expected to lag the wider industry.

The Bottom Line

The most obvious conclusion from this consensus update is that there's been no major change in the business' prospects in recent times, with analysts holding earnings per share steady, in line with previous estimates. Unfortunately analysts also downgraded their revenue estimates, and industry data suggests that Sun Life Financial's revenues are expected to grow slower than the wider market. Given the stark change in sentiment, we'd understand if investors became more cautious on Sun Life Financial after today.

Story continues

Even so, the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for the value creation of shareholders. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Sun Life Financial going out to 2024, and you can see them free on our platform here.

Another way to search for interesting companies that could be reaching an inflection point is to track whether management are buying or selling, with our free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The board of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced that it will be increasing its dividend by 10% on the 15th of June to US$1.73. This takes the annual payment to 1.5% of the current stock price, which unfortunately is below what the industry is paying.

View our latest analysis for Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman's Earnings Easily Cover the Distributions

While yield is important, another factor to consider about a company's dividend is whether the current payout levels are feasible. Before making this announcement, Northrop Grumman was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. As a result, a large proportion of what it earned was being reinvested back into the business.

Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to fall by 30.2% over the next year. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, we believe the payout ratio could be 28%, which we are pretty comfortable with and we think is feasible on an earnings basis.

Northrop Grumman Has A Solid Track Record

The company has been paying a dividend for a long time, and it has been quite stable which gives us confidence in the future dividend potential. Since 2012, the first annual payment was US$2.00, compared to the most recent full-year payment of US$6.28. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 12% over that duration. We can see that payments have shown some very nice upward momentum without faltering, which provides some reassurance that future payments will also be reliable.

The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow

Some investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. Northrop Grumman has impressed us by growing EPS at 23% per year over the past five years. Earnings have been growing rapidly, and with a low payout ratio we think that the company could turn out to be a great dividend stock.

Northrop Grumman Looks Like A Great Dividend Stock

Overall, a dividend increase is always good, and we think that Northrop Grumman is a strong income stock thanks to its track record and growing earnings. The distributions are easily covered by earnings, and there is plenty of cash being generated as well. However, it is worth noting that the earnings are expected to fall over the next year, which may not change the long term outlook, but could affect the dividend payment in the next 12 months. All of these factors considered, we think this has solid potential as a dividend stock.

Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. For example, we've picked out 2 warning signs for Northrop Grumman that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.






A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'
A female prison guard was 'horny' for a dangerous killer who stabbed his wife 58 times and wanted to live with him after his release, a court has heard.

Sarah Lorking, a prison officer at HMP Gartree in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, fell for inmate Bulent Sessacar, who stabbed his wife to death in Croydon, south London, in December 2012.

The 36-year-old prisoner was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months for killing Rebecca Sessacar in front of their six-year-old child.

Lorking, who is also 36, began a secret relationship with the inmate in which she kissed him, sent him love letters and even made plans to live with him after his release.

But prison authorities were then tipped off about their relationship and Sessacar, 36, was transferred to another high security jail, and the inmate killed himself less than two weeks later.

Sarah Lorking, pictured here outside court, began a relationship with an inmate who killed his wife in front of their six-year-old child.

The personal trainer, who had borderline personality disorder, knifed his 25-year-old wife to death during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis.

The sentencing judge at the Old Bailey in February 2014 described him as a 'dangerous' criminal.

Sessacar, who had admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, died by suicide at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in January last year.

Lorking, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, Leicestershire Live reports.

Bulent Sessacer (left) stabbed his wife Rebecca Sessacar (right) 58 times during a cocaine and steroid-induced psychosis

Paul Prior, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said Lorking was in a live-in relationship with a fellow officer at the time she struck up her relationship with Sessacar.

Following 'intelligence' that the pair were having a relationship, Sessacar's cell was searched on January 12 last year.

A number of cards and letters were seized, showing he was having a relationship with the anonymous sender.

Mr Prior said Lorking was fully aware a relationship with a prisoner was forbidden, as she had previously been given 'words of advice in that regard' a couple of years earlier.

Bulent Sessacer (pictured) killed himself at HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire less than two weeks after he was transferred from the prison where Lorking worked

But she denied being in a relationship or sending cards or letters to Sessacar when quizzed by the prison governor.

The court heard that Lorking had lobbied the prison psychiatrist in the latter part of 2020 to be appointed as Sessacar's key worker and he also made a similar request. She was said to be was aware of his ongoing mental health issues.

After the discovery of their inappropriate relationship, Sessacar was transferred to HMP Woodhill, where he took his own life on January 21 last year.

Lorking did not return to work after the meeting with the governor.

Mr Prior said the defendant later admitted to a colleague she had formed a 'relationship of sorts,' saying it amounted to kissing and expressed her heartbreak at his death.

No details were given in court as to whether the physical aspect of their relationship amounted to more than 'kissing.'

Mr Prior said: 'They'd made plans to live together after his release in 2023.'

Lorking's ex-partner gave a statement saying she had admitted to him that she loved Sessacar.

Items found in Sessacar's cell included a Moonpig Christmas card, bought using Lorking's sister's bank card, and sent directly to the prison - with a mistletoe image and a message reading 'one day x'.

Another card, purchased by Lorking, initially delivered to her home, bore a heart and a reference to them being 'together' on his release.

Sessecar was jailed for at least 10 years and eight months for manslaughter of Rebecca Sessacar (pictured) by reason of diminished responsibility

An anonymous letter, from 2020, recovered from the cell, referred to the sender being 'horny' for him, referred to kissing, and stated there were 'two Christmases to go.'

Mr Prior said: 'Mr Sessacar formed a bond with the defendant, which was torn away when they were discovered, and he suffered in respect of that.

'There's no suggestion her attention was unwelcome. It's not suggested he pursued her for nefarious purposes, such as bringing in drugs or mobile phones.'

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: 'She was in close contact, as his key worker, when her relationship at home wasn't a good one.

'She allowed herself to lose sight of her professional obligations and overstepped the mark to send those cards and talk to him in the way we can see on the exhibits (cards and letter) produced in court.

'There are many people and her family who support her and view her in a positive light.'

Mr Garvey said Lorking, currently unemployed, was now 'happily with a new partner.'

Sessacar, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Woodhill (pictured), in Milton Keynes, in January 2021

Mr Garvey told the judge: 'Consider how harsh an immediate sentence would be. If she was in custody, almost certainly, she'd serve it in solitary confinement or if sent to an open prison she'd be at risk.'

After briefly retiring to consider the sentence yesterday, Recorder Adrian Reynolds returned to court and told Lorking: 'I've found this case very difficult.

'This doesn't have the features of any additional offences such as bringing into prison mobile phones or drugs - but it doesn't have the mitigation of you being manipulated by a predatory inmate.

'You were in a powerful position, of a man with mental health difficulties. You abused your authority and employment and that troubles me considerably.

'I accept things were difficult for you at the time, with issues in your life. What happened to you last year, when you were taken to hospital, was obviously extremely difficult for you - which I'm not going to elaborate on in open court.

Lorking was spared an being put behind bars and was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Leicester Crown Court (pictured)

'I don't doubt there are prospects of rehabilitation. Can I justify suspending the inevitable custodial sentence?'

After a pause, Recorder Reynolds said: 'Well, I am going to suspend the sentence.'

There were gasps of relief from Lorking and several others in the public gallery.

Recorder Reynolds said: 'Don't be under any illusions, you've come within inches of going inside. You need to grow up, you cannot play with people's emotions. I don't think you really appreciate how serious your behaviour was..'

Lorking was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Recorder Reynolds added said: 'I am making a 27 day rehabilitation activity requirement, designed to help you with your thinking skills that were noticeably lacking during this period of offending.'

As Lorking left the dock, Recorder Reynolds said: 'You're a very lucky woman, Miss Lorking.'



Don't miss CoinDesk's Consensus 2022, the must-attend crypto & blockchain festival experience of the year in Austin, TX this June 9-12.

Luna collapsed, terraUSD collapsed and this is now going to be a Big Thing. I would go so far as to say that USTs collapse, as dramatic as it was, will have a legacy similar to Libras.

PSA: Ill be in Davos, Switzerland, covering the World Economic Forums annual meeting next week, so next weeks edition will be a recap. Going to be in town? Come say hi.

Youre reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. Click here to sign up for future editions.

Terra firma

The narrative

Regulators and lawmakers are looking at the collapse of terraUSD (UST) as a question of whether esoteric products, such as algorithmic stablecoins, are safe for crypto investors as well as whether there are broader financial stability concerns with them.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Libra stablecoin project led to, years later, multiple regulatory approaches and the certainty that sooner or later, governments will have rules in place for how stablecoins can operate. However, all of these efforts have focused on asset-backed stablecoins, not algorithmic stablecoins. The novel structures here might result in new approaches from regulators. The major difference? Libra never launched, and there havent been any asset-backed stablecoin collapses the way there was with UST. That difference may lead to regulators placing a higher priority on this issue.

Breaking it down

In June 2019, social media giant Facebook unveiled its long-awaited cryptocurrency project, Libra. Despite assurances from the company that it was not seeking to take over global payments or create a non-U.S. dollar-based financial system, regulators pushed back strongly against the project.

They were largely successful, too: Libra later rebranded as Diem, scaled back its vision to a fraction of what was originally intended and still ended up selling off its assets and shutting down.

Story continues

Even though the project never launched, the regulatory impact was massive. Regulators worldwide suddenly saw stablecoins as a huge issue they needed to pay attention to.

The collapse of terraUSD (UST) is algorithmic stablecoins Libra moment. Regulators are all of a sudden paying close attention to algo stables generally, and UST and luna in particular.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen brought up Terra independently twice last week during separate Congressional hearings on the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC).

I think you've just illustrated that we just had this last week with Terra, and with tether in illustration of the risks associated with stablecoins, that there can be runs. And we've seen this historically with private monies, and we invented a good regulatory framework, I think for dealing with this, [were] going to try to solve the depository [framework], Yellen said.

Moreover, she later made it clear that she isnt saying UST is exactly like Tether: it depends on the backing of the stablecoin. Terra is algorithmic and doesn't really have a backing as such.

It doesnt seem that the FSOC, a group of regulators tasked with maintaining the economic stability of the U.S., is going to take a look at this, suggesting they don't see this as being very significant on a macro scale, though individual regulators may have more pointed concerns.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra told Bloomberg this week that the collapse of Terra is showing people that a stablecoin is not as good as a dollar.

Stablecoins are something that all the regulators are looking at. Most stablecoin use right now is really for speculative trading in and out of cryptocurrencies. Many are wondering if its one day going to be used for consumer payments, but many think its not ready yet, he said.

Potential regulations will likely focus on how the stablecoins  and other cryptocurrencies  are being used.

Notably, this is one of the first times Chopra has spoken about cryptocurrencies since taking on the role of CFPB director last year.

Lawmakers in the U.S. have also been asking regulators about UST and luna  its even come up during confirmation hearings for new regulators.

Meanwhile, rumors abound that South Koreas parliament may try to bring Terra creator Do Kwon in for a hearing, while law enforcement entities are probing the collapse as a possible Ponzi or other criminal enterprise.

The question remains, just what will regulators actually do? So far there isnt a clear answer. Everyone seems to agree that algorithmic stablecoins are their own thing, distinct from reserve-backed stablecoins. Fewer individuals seem to have opinions on how that translates into clear regulation or guardrails, however.

Bidens rule

Changing of the guard

Key: (nom.) = nominee, (rum.) = rumored, (act.) = acting, (inc.) = incumbent (no replacement anticipated)

We continue with the status quo.

Elsewhere:

How Not to Run a Cryptocurrency Exchange: Japans Liquid exchange seems to have been a poorly managed, chaotic company. This in-depth report is worth your time. To quote from the report, Sources say that executives downplayed some information security breaches, did not disclose others, failed to adequately address low-level insider theft and prematurely stopped investigations into last years $90 million hack.

Outside CoinDesk:

( Protos ) Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) director William Hinman received millions of dollars in retirement benefits from his former law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is also a member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Protos reports.

( The Block ) El Salvador President Nayib Bukele tweeted that around 40 central bankers would talk bitcoin at a conference hosted in the nation. It seems the central bankers were actually in town for finance conferences, one of which did not mention bitcoin at all.

(Politico) Heres a fairly explain-like-I'm-10 explanation of what happened last week with Terra.

Should we REALLY make our schedule release video an anime?



yes yes yesyes

yesyes yes yes yes

yes yes yes yes yes

yes yesyes yes yes

yes yesye yes yes

yes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/A0TvmYJUOQ  Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 13, 2022

If youve got thoughts or questions on what I should discuss next week or any other feedback youd like to share, feel free to email me at nik@coindesk.com or find me on Twitter @nikhileshde.

You can also join the group conversation on Telegram.

See yall next week!
Don't miss CoinDesk's Consensus 2022, the must-attend crypto & blockchain festival experience of the year in Austin, TX this June 9-12.

Luna collapsed, terraUSD collapsed and this is now going to be a Big Thing. I would go so far as to say that USTs collapse, as dramatic as it was, will have a legacy similar to Libras.

PSA: Ill be in Davos, Switzerland, covering the World Economic Forums annual meeting next week, so next weeks edition will be a recap. Going to be in town? Come say hi.

Youre reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. Click here to sign up for future editions.

Terra firma

The narrative

Regulators and lawmakers are looking at the collapse of terraUSD (UST) as a question of whether esoteric products, such as algorithmic stablecoins, are safe for crypto investors as well as whether there are broader financial stability concerns with them.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Libra stablecoin project led to, years later, multiple regulatory approaches and the certainty that sooner or later, governments will have rules in place for how stablecoins can operate. However, all of these efforts have focused on asset-backed stablecoins, not algorithmic stablecoins. The novel structures here might result in new approaches from regulators. The major difference? Libra never launched, and there havent been any asset-backed stablecoin collapses the way there was with UST. That difference may lead to regulators placing a higher priority on this issue.

Breaking it down

In June 2019, social media giant Facebook unveiled its long-awaited cryptocurrency project, Libra. Despite assurances from the company that it was not seeking to take over global payments or create a non-U.S. dollar-based financial system, regulators pushed back strongly against the project.

They were largely successful, too: Libra later rebranded as Diem, scaled back its vision to a fraction of what was originally intended and still ended up selling off its assets and shutting down.

Story continues

Even though the project never launched, the regulatory impact was massive. Regulators worldwide suddenly saw stablecoins as a huge issue they needed to pay attention to.

The collapse of terraUSD (UST) is algorithmic stablecoins Libra moment. Regulators are all of a sudden paying close attention to algo stables generally, and UST and luna in particular.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen brought up Terra independently twice last week during separate Congressional hearings on the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC).

I think you've just illustrated that we just had this last week with Terra, and with tether in illustration of the risks associated with stablecoins, that there can be runs. And we've seen this historically with private monies, and we invented a good regulatory framework, I think for dealing with this, [were] going to try to solve the depository [framework], Yellen said.

Moreover, she later made it clear that she isnt saying UST is exactly like Tether: it depends on the backing of the stablecoin. Terra is algorithmic and doesn't really have a backing as such.

It doesnt seem that the FSOC, a group of regulators tasked with maintaining the economic stability of the U.S., is going to take a look at this, suggesting they don't see this as being very significant on a macro scale, though individual regulators may have more pointed concerns.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra told Bloomberg this week that the collapse of Terra is showing people that a stablecoin is not as good as a dollar.

Stablecoins are something that all the regulators are looking at. Most stablecoin use right now is really for speculative trading in and out of cryptocurrencies. Many are wondering if its one day going to be used for consumer payments, but many think its not ready yet, he said.

Potential regulations will likely focus on how the stablecoins  and other cryptocurrencies  are being used.

Notably, this is one of the first times Chopra has spoken about cryptocurrencies since taking on the role of CFPB director last year.

Lawmakers in the U.S. have also been asking regulators about UST and luna  its even come up during confirmation hearings for new regulators.

Meanwhile, rumors abound that South Koreas parliament may try to bring Terra creator Do Kwon in for a hearing, while law enforcement entities are probing the collapse as a possible Ponzi or other criminal enterprise.

The question remains, just what will regulators actually do? So far there isnt a clear answer. Everyone seems to agree that algorithmic stablecoins are their own thing, distinct from reserve-backed stablecoins. Fewer individuals seem to have opinions on how that translates into clear regulation or guardrails, however.

Bidens rule

Changing of the guard

Key: (nom.) = nominee, (rum.) = rumored, (act.) = acting, (inc.) = incumbent (no replacement anticipated)

We continue with the status quo.

Elsewhere:

How Not to Run a Cryptocurrency Exchange: Japans Liquid exchange seems to have been a poorly managed, chaotic company. This in-depth report is worth your time. To quote from the report, Sources say that executives downplayed some information security breaches, did not disclose others, failed to adequately address low-level insider theft and prematurely stopped investigations into last years $90 million hack.

Outside CoinDesk:

( Protos ) Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) director William Hinman received millions of dollars in retirement benefits from his former law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is also a member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Protos reports.

( The Block ) El Salvador President Nayib Bukele tweeted that around 40 central bankers would talk bitcoin at a conference hosted in the nation. It seems the central bankers were actually in town for finance conferences, one of which did not mention bitcoin at all.

(Politico) Heres a fairly explain-like-I'm-10 explanation of what happened last week with Terra.

Should we REALLY make our schedule release video an anime?



yes yes yesyes

yesyes yes yes yes

yes yes yes yes yes

yes yesyes yes yes

yes yesye yes yes

yes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/A0TvmYJUOQ  Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 13, 2022

If youve got thoughts or questions on what I should discuss next week or any other feedback youd like to share, feel free to email me at nik@coindesk.com or find me on Twitter @nikhileshde.

You can also join the group conversation on Telegram.

See yall next week!
Don't miss CoinDesk's Consensus 2022, the must-attend crypto & blockchain festival experience of the year in Austin, TX this June 9-12.

Luna collapsed, terraUSD collapsed and this is now going to be a Big Thing. I would go so far as to say that USTs collapse, as dramatic as it was, will have a legacy similar to Libras.

PSA: Ill be in Davos, Switzerland, covering the World Economic Forums annual meeting next week, so next weeks edition will be a recap. Going to be in town? Come say hi.

Youre reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. Click here to sign up for future editions.

Terra firma

The narrative

Regulators and lawmakers are looking at the collapse of terraUSD (UST) as a question of whether esoteric products, such as algorithmic stablecoins, are safe for crypto investors as well as whether there are broader financial stability concerns with them.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Libra stablecoin project led to, years later, multiple regulatory approaches and the certainty that sooner or later, governments will have rules in place for how stablecoins can operate. However, all of these efforts have focused on asset-backed stablecoins, not algorithmic stablecoins. The novel structures here might result in new approaches from regulators. The major difference? Libra never launched, and there havent been any asset-backed stablecoin collapses the way there was with UST. That difference may lead to regulators placing a higher priority on this issue.

Breaking it down

In June 2019, social media giant Facebook unveiled its long-awaited cryptocurrency project, Libra. Despite assurances from the company that it was not seeking to take over global payments or create a non-U.S. dollar-based financial system, regulators pushed back strongly against the project.

They were largely successful, too: Libra later rebranded as Diem, scaled back its vision to a fraction of what was originally intended and still ended up selling off its assets and shutting down.

Story continues

Even though the project never launched, the regulatory impact was massive. Regulators worldwide suddenly saw stablecoins as a huge issue they needed to pay attention to.

The collapse of terraUSD (UST) is algorithmic stablecoins Libra moment. Regulators are all of a sudden paying close attention to algo stables generally, and UST and luna in particular.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen brought up Terra independently twice last week during separate Congressional hearings on the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC).

I think you've just illustrated that we just had this last week with Terra, and with tether in illustration of the risks associated with stablecoins, that there can be runs. And we've seen this historically with private monies, and we invented a good regulatory framework, I think for dealing with this, [were] going to try to solve the depository [framework], Yellen said.

Moreover, she later made it clear that she isnt saying UST is exactly like Tether: it depends on the backing of the stablecoin. Terra is algorithmic and doesn't really have a backing as such.

It doesnt seem that the FSOC, a group of regulators tasked with maintaining the economic stability of the U.S., is going to take a look at this, suggesting they don't see this as being very significant on a macro scale, though individual regulators may have more pointed concerns.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra told Bloomberg this week that the collapse of Terra is showing people that a stablecoin is not as good as a dollar.

Stablecoins are something that all the regulators are looking at. Most stablecoin use right now is really for speculative trading in and out of cryptocurrencies. Many are wondering if its one day going to be used for consumer payments, but many think its not ready yet, he said.

Potential regulations will likely focus on how the stablecoins  and other cryptocurrencies  are being used.

Notably, this is one of the first times Chopra has spoken about cryptocurrencies since taking on the role of CFPB director last year.

Lawmakers in the U.S. have also been asking regulators about UST and luna  its even come up during confirmation hearings for new regulators.

Meanwhile, rumors abound that South Koreas parliament may try to bring Terra creator Do Kwon in for a hearing, while law enforcement entities are probing the collapse as a possible Ponzi or other criminal enterprise.

The question remains, just what will regulators actually do? So far there isnt a clear answer. Everyone seems to agree that algorithmic stablecoins are their own thing, distinct from reserve-backed stablecoins. Fewer individuals seem to have opinions on how that translates into clear regulation or guardrails, however.

Bidens rule

Changing of the guard

Key: (nom.) = nominee, (rum.) = rumored, (act.) = acting, (inc.) = incumbent (no replacement anticipated)

We continue with the status quo.

Elsewhere:

How Not to Run a Cryptocurrency Exchange: Japans Liquid exchange seems to have been a poorly managed, chaotic company. This in-depth report is worth your time. To quote from the report, Sources say that executives downplayed some information security breaches, did not disclose others, failed to adequately address low-level insider theft and prematurely stopped investigations into last years $90 million hack.

Outside CoinDesk:

( Protos ) Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) director William Hinman received millions of dollars in retirement benefits from his former law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is also a member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Protos reports.

( The Block ) El Salvador President Nayib Bukele tweeted that around 40 central bankers would talk bitcoin at a conference hosted in the nation. It seems the central bankers were actually in town for finance conferences, one of which did not mention bitcoin at all.

(Politico) Heres a fairly explain-like-I'm-10 explanation of what happened last week with Terra.

Should we REALLY make our schedule release video an anime?



yes yes yesyes

yesyes yes yes yes

yes yes yes yes yes

yes yesyes yes yes

yes yesye yes yes

yes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/A0TvmYJUOQ  Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 13, 2022

If youve got thoughts or questions on what I should discuss next week or any other feedback youd like to share, feel free to email me at nik@coindesk.com or find me on Twitter @nikhileshde.

You can also join the group conversation on Telegram.

See yall next week!
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that only a diplomatic breakthrough rather than an outright military victory could end Russia's war on his country, as Moscow cut gas supplies to Finland.

After just over 12 weeks of fierce fighting, Ukrainian forces have halted Russian attempts to seize Kyiv and the northern city of Kharkiv, but are under renewed and intense pressure in the eastern Donbas region.

Moscow's army have flattened and seized the southeastern port city of Mariupol and subjected Ukrainian troops and towns in the east to a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

Zelensky's Western allies have shipped modern weaponry to his forces and imposed sweeping sanctions on the Russian economy and President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

But the Kremlin has responded by disrupting European energy supplies, and on Saturday cut off gas shipments to Finland, which angered Moscow by applying to join the NATO alliance.

'It will be bloody'

Against this backdrop, Zelensky told Ukrainian television the war would end "through diplomacy".

The conflict, he warned, "will be bloody, there will be fighting but will only definitively end through diplomacy".

On order to side-step financial sanctions and force European energy clients to prop up his central bank, Putin has demanded that importers from "unfriendly countries" pay for gas in rubles.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had halted supplies to neighbouring Finland as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum by the end of Friday.

Gazprom supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, about two thirds of the country's gas consumption but only eight percent of its total energy use.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources, through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, a fellow European Union member.

Story continues

Moscow cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail", but importers in some other EU countries more dependent on Russian gas plan to open ruble accounts with Gazprom's bank.

Finland and neighbouring Sweden this week broke their historical military non-alignment and applied to join NATO, after public support for the alliance soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'Grave mistake'

Moscow has warned Finland that joining NATO would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences" and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would respond by building military bases in western Russia.

But both Finland and Sweden are now apparently on the fast track to join the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden this week offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

All 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned Sweden's alleged toleration of Kurdish militants, but diplomats are confident of avoiding a veto.

On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

"They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as they did Mariupol," Zelensky said Friday, adding that the Russians were "trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities".

In Severodonetsk, a frontline city now at risk of encirclement, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

'End of the operation'

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as "brutal and absolutely pointless", as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

On Friday, Moscow said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  a symbol of Ukraine's dogged resistance since Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And, meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraine's shattered public finances.

Underground living

While the invasion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

"We're tired. You can see what home comforts that we have," said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

"They got used to it," Talpa said.

( AFP)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that only a diplomatic breakthrough rather than an outright military victory could end Russia's war on his country, as Moscow cut gas supplies to Finland.

After just over 12 weeks of fierce fighting, Ukrainian forces have halted Russian attempts to seize Kyiv and the northern city of Kharkiv, but are under renewed and intense pressure in the eastern Donbas region.

Moscow's army have flattened and seized the southeastern port city of Mariupol and subjected Ukrainian troops and towns in the east to a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

Zelensky's Western allies have shipped modern weaponry to his forces and imposed sweeping sanctions on the Russian economy and President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

But the Kremlin has responded by disrupting European energy supplies, and on Saturday cut off gas shipments to Finland, which angered Moscow by applying to join the NATO alliance.

'It will be bloody'

Against this backdrop, Zelensky told Ukrainian television the war would end "through diplomacy".

The conflict, he warned, "will be bloody, there will be fighting but will only definitively end through diplomacy".

On order to side-step financial sanctions and force European energy clients to prop up his central bank, Putin has demanded that importers from "unfriendly countries" pay for gas in rubles.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had halted supplies to neighbouring Finland as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum by the end of Friday.

Gazprom supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, about two thirds of the country's gas consumption but only eight percent of its total energy use.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources, through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, a fellow European Union member.

Story continues

Moscow cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail", but importers in some other EU countries more dependent on Russian gas plan to open ruble accounts with Gazprom's bank.

Finland and neighbouring Sweden this week broke their historical military non-alignment and applied to join NATO, after public support for the alliance soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'Grave mistake'

Moscow has warned Finland that joining NATO would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences" and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would respond by building military bases in western Russia.

But both Finland and Sweden are now apparently on the fast track to join the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden this week offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

All 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned Sweden's alleged toleration of Kurdish militants, but diplomats are confident of avoiding a veto.

On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

"They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as they did Mariupol," Zelensky said Friday, adding that the Russians were "trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities".

In Severodonetsk, a frontline city now at risk of encirclement, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

'End of the operation'

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as "brutal and absolutely pointless", as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

On Friday, Moscow said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  a symbol of Ukraine's dogged resistance since Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And, meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraine's shattered public finances.

Underground living

While the invasion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

"We're tired. You can see what home comforts that we have," said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

"They got used to it," Talpa said.

( AFP)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that only a diplomatic breakthrough rather than an outright military victory could end Russia's war on his country, as Moscow cut gas supplies to Finland.

After just over 12 weeks of fierce fighting, Ukrainian forces have halted Russian attempts to seize Kyiv and the northern city of Kharkiv, but are under renewed and intense pressure in the eastern Donbas region.

Moscow's army have flattened and seized the southeastern port city of Mariupol and subjected Ukrainian troops and towns in the east to a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

Zelensky's Western allies have shipped modern weaponry to his forces and imposed sweeping sanctions on the Russian economy and President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

But the Kremlin has responded by disrupting European energy supplies, and on Saturday cut off gas shipments to Finland, which angered Moscow by applying to join the NATO alliance.

'It will be bloody'

Against this backdrop, Zelensky told Ukrainian television the war would end "through diplomacy".

The conflict, he warned, "will be bloody, there will be fighting but will only definitively end through diplomacy".

On order to side-step financial sanctions and force European energy clients to prop up his central bank, Putin has demanded that importers from "unfriendly countries" pay for gas in rubles.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had halted supplies to neighbouring Finland as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum by the end of Friday.

Gazprom supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, about two thirds of the country's gas consumption but only eight percent of its total energy use.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources, through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, a fellow European Union member.

Story continues

Moscow cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail", but importers in some other EU countries more dependent on Russian gas plan to open ruble accounts with Gazprom's bank.

Finland and neighbouring Sweden this week broke their historical military non-alignment and applied to join NATO, after public support for the alliance soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'Grave mistake'

Moscow has warned Finland that joining NATO would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences" and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would respond by building military bases in western Russia.

But both Finland and Sweden are now apparently on the fast track to join the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden this week offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

All 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned Sweden's alleged toleration of Kurdish militants, but diplomats are confident of avoiding a veto.

On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

"They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as they did Mariupol," Zelensky said Friday, adding that the Russians were "trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities".

In Severodonetsk, a frontline city now at risk of encirclement, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

'End of the operation'

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as "brutal and absolutely pointless", as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

On Friday, Moscow said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  a symbol of Ukraine's dogged resistance since Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And, meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraine's shattered public finances.

Underground living

While the invasion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

"We're tired. You can see what home comforts that we have," said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

"They got used to it," Talpa said.

( AFP)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that only a diplomatic breakthrough rather than an outright military victory could end Russia's war on his country, as Moscow cut gas supplies to Finland.

After just over 12 weeks of fierce fighting, Ukrainian forces have halted Russian attempts to seize Kyiv and the northern city of Kharkiv, but are under renewed and intense pressure in the eastern Donbas region.

Moscow's army have flattened and seized the southeastern port city of Mariupol and subjected Ukrainian troops and towns in the east to a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

Zelensky's Western allies have shipped modern weaponry to his forces and imposed sweeping sanctions on the Russian economy and President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

But the Kremlin has responded by disrupting European energy supplies, and on Saturday cut off gas shipments to Finland, which angered Moscow by applying to join the NATO alliance.

'It will be bloody'

Against this backdrop, Zelensky told Ukrainian television the war would end "through diplomacy".

The conflict, he warned, "will be bloody, there will be fighting but will only definitively end through diplomacy".

On order to side-step financial sanctions and force European energy clients to prop up his central bank, Putin has demanded that importers from "unfriendly countries" pay for gas in rubles.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had halted supplies to neighbouring Finland as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum by the end of Friday.

Gazprom supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, about two thirds of the country's gas consumption but only eight percent of its total energy use.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources, through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, a fellow European Union member.

Story continues

Moscow cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail", but importers in some other EU countries more dependent on Russian gas plan to open ruble accounts with Gazprom's bank.

Finland and neighbouring Sweden this week broke their historical military non-alignment and applied to join NATO, after public support for the alliance soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'Grave mistake'

Moscow has warned Finland that joining NATO would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences" and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would respond by building military bases in western Russia.

But both Finland and Sweden are now apparently on the fast track to join the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden this week offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

All 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned Sweden's alleged toleration of Kurdish militants, but diplomats are confident of avoiding a veto.

On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

"They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as they did Mariupol," Zelensky said Friday, adding that the Russians were "trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities".

In Severodonetsk, a frontline city now at risk of encirclement, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

'End of the operation'

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as "brutal and absolutely pointless", as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

On Friday, Moscow said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  a symbol of Ukraine's dogged resistance since Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And, meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraine's shattered public finances.

Underground living

While the invasion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

"We're tired. You can see what home comforts that we have," said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

"They got used to it," Talpa said.

( AFP)
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



We cant think of a more swift, and total, reversal of fortune than what New York Democrats have been through this redistricting cycle. A few months ago the legislature approved the gerrymander of its dreams, swiping away a few Republican seats and setting up each Democratic incumbent for 10 years of comfort and relaxation. Then it was thrown out in court, and a special master was appointed to draw new lines. That draft came out this week, and the New York Democratic Party promptly descended into anarchy afterward. Democrats, in a bad year like 2022, could win five or so fewer seats under the new map than they would have under their gerrymander. Meanwhile, the turf wars over the new map have been incredible. For about 1 million years, Rep. Carolyn Maloney has represented the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Rep. Jerry Nadler the Upper West Side. The new map lumps them together. And while the gods could not signal any harder that its time for at least one of them to retire, they appear ready to challenge each other in a member-on-member primary. The most dramatic situation, though, involves Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (no relation to Carolyn), the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He announced that instead of running in the new 18th District, which overlaps with most of his current district, he would run in the 17thwhich just so happens to be the safer district. That puts him on a collision course with Rep. Mondaire Jones, who represents most of the 17th, but could opt to run against progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman instead. Maloneys decision, seen as self-serving, led to an outcry among members who feel that he should step down from the DCCC if hes going to challenge a fellow incumbent. What a difference a few months makes.
When a misguided pastor makes threats about a violent Christian insurrection

According to his website, Greg Locke is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. But he is much better known as a controversial internet preacher with a large social media following. And in a recent message, he has crossed a very dangerous line. Every God-fearing Christian should denounce his inflammatory rhetoric, which could easily lead to bloodshed.

After the 2020 elections, Pastor Locke guaranteed that Joe Biden would not serve a single day in the White House as president, since Trump was the real winner of the elections. But after Bidens inauguration, rather than recognize his error, Locke simply doubled down, saying he was not a fake prophet. It was Biden who was a fake president.

He also said (of Biden), He stole the election. I believe that until the day I die. I dont give two flips and a wooden nickel what anybody thinks about it. I dont care what you say about me. Hes a liar, and a robber and a thief and a crook.

Of course, the real issue here is not whether the election was stolen, which is certainly a weighty subject. The issue is that Pastor Locke guaranteed that Biden would not serve as president for a single day. Sadly, rather than confess his error and ask for forgiveness, Locke railed on his critics.

But it gets much worse.

This past Sunday, in a clip that has now received lots of media attention, Locke made clear that you could not possibly vote Democrat and be a Christian.

He said, If you vote Democrat, I dont even want you around this church. You can get out. You can get out you demon. You can get out you baby butchering election thief. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. I dont care how mad that makes you. You can get as p***ed off as you want to. You cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat in this nation. They are God-denying demons that butcher babies and hate this nation.

To be sure, the Democratic Party is the party of abortion, to the point that 49 out of 50 Democratic Senators voted in favor of an abortion bill that was so extreme that Sen. Joe Manchin could not vote for it, even though he would have voted for the codification of Roe.

The Democratic Party is the party of late-term abortion, the party of the most inhumane abortion laws, some of them even opening the door to infanticide.

And the Democratic Party also supports radical LGBTQ+ activism to the point of favoring gay and trans rights at the expense of fundamental religious liberties.

In that regard, I can understand some of Pastor Lockes sentiments, without in any way justifying his extreme rhetoric.

Thats why I so strongly challenged pro-life evangelicals for Biden. The term was a flat-out oxymoron. (See here and here and here.)

At the same time, I recognize that not every Democratic candidate is radically pro-abortion and that there are Christian reasons not to vote for some Republican candidates. And as a follower of Jesus, I do not put my trust in a political party, let alone one specific candidate.

Also, for the record, I have heard preachers railing at Christians who voted for Trump, saying that you cannot vote for him and be a true follower of Jesus. And I have met pastors who said in no uncertain terms that for a Christian to vote Republican was to deny their faith.

So, the unhealthy, unhinged, and irresponsible rhetoric goes both ways.

What is much more concerning to me is that Pastor Locke also said in his message that he was sick of hearing about January 6, saying. Let me tell you something. You aint seen an insurrection yet.

He continued, You keep on pushing our buttons, you low down, sorry compromises. You God-hating communists, youll find out what an insurrection is because we aint playing your garbage. We aint playing your mess. My Bible says that the church of the living God is an institution that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And the Bible says they will take it by force.

In the plainest of terms, I denounce these words, calling them out for what they are: absolute, unadulterated garbage.

These words are dangerous. These words are despicable. And these words could lead to bloodshed.

As for Lockes citation of Scripture, when Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18), He meant that not even death itself could stop the advance of Gods kingdom. He was saying, You can persecute us and crush us and even kill us, but the gospel will still prevail.

This is the exact opposite of what Locke was saying. Talk about a preacher butchering the Bible.

As for Lockes reference to Matthew 11:12 (the Bible says they will take it by force), this has nothing to do with Christians taking up arms against the government in a violent insurrection. God forbid.

Instead, depending on how the Greek verbs are understood, Jesus is either saying that Gods kingdom is under attack, with violent people assaulting His followers. (See Matthew 11:12 in the NIV: From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.)

Or, Jesus is saying that, as we are being attacked by the world, we must respond in a spiritually aggressive way, waging war with the weapons of prayer and the Word of God. (See the ESVs rendering of the verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Ephesians 6:12.)

But either way, without any question whatsoever, Jesus is not calling for us to engage in violent acts against non-believers as an expression of our Christian faith.

To say it once more: God forbid!

Thats why it is so reprehensible for a pastor with a large following to engage in this kind of misguided, inflammatory, carnal rhetoric, especially in such divided, fearful, and angry times. The fact that he still has such a large audience means that most of his followers agree with him. That is scary.

What makes this all the more unfortunate is that I have been told Pastor Locke has been rock solid on some biblical and cultural issues in the past. And, his website notes, he holds a Masters degree in Revival History. He is hardly uneducated or unaware, which only makes him more culpable.

Having said that, without a doubt, I believe our nation is in grave danger, and many of my recent books have addressed that danger directly (see here and here and here for recent examples).

And I have also used the term revolution for more than 20 years. But I have endlessly qualified my words: Im speaking of a non-violent, radical, transformative Jesus revolution that overcomes evil with good and hatred with love. And when writing on the topic, I devote whole chapters to the principles of non-violent resistance and the call to put down our sword and take up our cross.

Pastor Locke is calling for a very different kind of revolution. Let us rebuke that call together in Jesus name.

(Pastor Locke, if this article gets to you, I would gladly have a public debate with you on what the Bible says about these issues. Or you are welcome to argue your point of view on my radio show. Just reach out to me, and we will put the issues on the table, Bibles in hand, for the world to see.)
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.






Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.


The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The apparent pending demise of Roe v. Wade means the long-ago Arizona experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido once again becomes illuminating. In 1918, convicted of performing an abortion, she was sentenced to up to three years in prison.

Before the 1860s, abortions done before a woman first felt a fetus move had been generally acceptable. By 1880, however, most states had banned even these procedures for various reasons. They included religious views, the all-male medical profession trying to discredit abortion-providing midwives, and European-Americans fearing they would be out-populated by a faster growing immigrant population.

For Arizona and other 19th-century U.S. territories, federal 1873 legislation had earlier banned both birth control and abortions. It outlawed any article whatever, for the prevention of conception, or for causing unlawful abortion.... Violators could receive up to five years of hard labor in prison.

The Arizona territorial legislature in 1901 also banned abortions, except in cases where it was needed to save the mothers life. This law retained the five-year prison sentence and when Arizona became a state in 1912, the abortion prohibition was retained.

That was the situation when Dr. Rosa Boido was arrested in Phoenix in early 1918 and charged with performing an abortion for 15-year-old June Dora Juhl. Dr. Boido had previously lived in Tucson, where she was a Pima County leader in successfully working to enact a 1912 statewide suffrage initiative while also being active in the temperance movement.

After moving to Phoenix in 1913, she quickly became socially and politically prominent while also supporting a contentious ban on Arizonas death penalty.

Despite her social status, Phoenix law enforcement came after Dr. Boido in 1918. Among the prosecution witnesses were Juhls 19-year-old lover, who was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and two government doctors who examined the girl after the alleged abortion took place.

Seating a jury in the case proved difficult because of all the publicity involved. Before he was impaneled, one juror even admitted he had already half formed an opinion. All 12 jurors were men, of course, because woman werent allowed on juries in Arizona until 1945.

Maricopa County Attorney Lynn M. Laney led the prosecution team and his star witness was Juhl. She outlined what had occurred and stated she had signed a fraudulent form provided by Dr. Boido that stated she: had used an instrument on herself and had come to Dr. Boido for treatment. Juhl additionally testified she felt no pain until examined by the two government doctors.

While those two doctors refuted that their examination had caused the expelling of the fetus, that was exactly the conclusion of a defense witness.

On the stand, Dr. Rosa Boido denied performing an abortion. Instead, she testified she had treated Juhl because she feared an infection could result from what the girl had done to herself.

The jury took seven hours to convict Dr. Boido, but suggested clemency, a request Judge Rawghlie C. Stanford ignored. Instead, he sentenced her to up to three years in the Florence state penitentiary.

Having been in jail since February 1918, Dr. Boido would be released in June. The states Attorney General, Wiley E. Jones, explained that the summertime prison conditions were hardly livable, so women were usually paroled.

Out of prison, Dr. Boido was still hounded by the Arizona press and politicians. Some newspapers blasted her release while Laney proudly pointed to her conviction in his successful 1918 re-election campaign.

In her 2012 book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth-Century Arizona, Mary S. Melcher writes of the pre-Roe era: In Arizona and throughout the nation, abortion was illegal but underground and seldom prosecuted unless it resulted in a womans death.

As the experience of Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido shows, that general rule had some notable exceptions.

David Devine has written about the history of Tucson and southern Arizona, including three books, seven monographs, and numerous newspaper stories since 1995.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


CHICAGO - While a City Council committee on Friday approved Mayor Lori Lightfoots curfew measure creating greater restrictions for when minors can be outside in Chicago, Lightfoot had previously signed an executive order with the same restrictions.

Chicagos Law Department says these new rules are in effect now due to the executive order being signed Tuesday, even while the same curfew rules are up for a vote early next week in the full council.

The discussion over amending the rules governing when minors can be outside comes after 16-year-old Seandell Holliday was shot to death May 14 near The Bean in Millennium Park, allegedly by a 17-year-old. Chicago police said the shooting occurred during an altercation when large groups of young people had gathered at the downtown park in a scene that became chaotic.

What are the latest rules?

Under the executive order:

Minors between 12 and 17 years of age are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day for all days of the week. There is no loosening of the curfew hours for Friday or Saturday nights.

The law remains unchanged for minors younger than 12. They are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays until 6 a.m. the following day.

The proposed ordinance amendment that is up for a City Council vote has the same restrictions.

What does the curfew ordinance say?

The citys curfew ordinance, in effect since 1992, is superseded by Lightfoots executive order, which, according to verbiage in the order, was enacted under an emergency of an increase in crimes committed by minors.

The ordinance has the following rules:

Minors between 12 and 16 are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. For Friday or Saturday night, the curfew is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Minors younger than 12 are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday until 6 a.m. the following day.

What are the new and current exceptions?

The mayors executive order  and the ordinance set to be voted on by the full council  grants exceptions for youths attending ticketed or sponsored events as long as they can prove their attendance with a ticket stub or wristband. The organizer must be in full compliance and in good standing with the city.

Existing exceptions for minors being out after curfew remain. That includes if theyre accompanied by or doing an errand for a parent or guardian, attending an event supervised by adults and sponsored by an official organization, standing on the sidewalk outside their home or if its an emergency. Minors are also exempted if theyre exercising their First Amendment rights, such as attending a protest.

In addition, minors are also exempted from the curfew if they are in a motor vehicle traveling on interstate roads or are married or emancipated.

What happens if a minor violates curfew?

During Fridays committee hearing, Chicago police Lt. Michael Kapustianyk said officers have been making investigatory stops upon seeing someone who appears to be a minor. If the person is indeed a minor  defined by the executive order as 17 or younger  and does not have a valid reason to be out, the police may take protective custody of them until a parent, guardian or a responsible adult can be located.

He said officers may use their discretion about when to take a minor into protective custody, but the goal is voluntary compliance. The definition of a responsible adult includes extended family or neighbors that the parent has given the authority to take responsibility for the child for the night, Kapustianyk said.

Curfew violations that reach that stage are documented, Kapustianyk added, but Chicago police policy is not to arrest children just for violating the curfew  though Lightfoot said later Friday that police have the right to take the action to arrest if they think it is necessary. Citations for curfew violations are usually given to the parent, who may be summoned to an administration hearing if their child has violated curfew three or more times within the last year.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

In Montana, an estimated 90,000 people face a substance use disorder, but only a fraction seek out treatment. With an increase in opioid overdose calls in recent years, behavioral health solutions have become critical.

Yellowstone County is the latest county in the state to commit to the Angel Initiative, a new program that allows a person struggling with addiction to go to law enforcement and be connected to treatment in the area without being arrested. Any drugs or paraphernalia in their possession must be turned in.

The program was rolled out in Cascade County in November 2021 with Lewis and Clark County following in February 2022. While a small number of people have utilized the program, so far they have been able to access treatment quickly.

At DPHHS theyre thinking outside the box to reduce the stigma associated with treatment and to guide individuals on the path to recovery, said Governor Greg Gianforte at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Friday.

There are certain disqualifiers for the program such as having an outstanding warrant or involvement in an active drug investigation. Registered sex offenders are also disqualified from the program.

But minor misdemeanors will not impact ones participating in the program, according to Yellowstone County Sherriff Mike Linder.

Someone interested in participating in the program can go to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where they will be directed to a private room and given a toll-free number, The Angel Line, to connect them to the nearest treatment provider.

In the past, waitlists to get into treatment programs have been long, sometimes leaving the individual to wait for months before getting help.

Weve been looking at some of the rules that the state has to potentially increase capacity, Gianforte said. Theres some regulatory friction that affects that.

Health Information Exchange

Behavioral health was also a priority in building the states health information exchange (HIE) system, said Jeanette Polaschek, clinical consultant with Big Sky Care Connect (BSCC).

BSCC is the state-designated HIE platform that allows health care providers to share patient information.

Being able to access a patients medical history from anywhere in the state allows doctors and nurses to provide better care for patients.

But under Montana law, individuals have to consent to sharing behavioral health information, making it difficult to build into the system.

The great thing about Montana is that from the very beginning theyve been able to pull in the behavioral health. A lot of different states that are doing the same sort of thing kind of put off behavioral health because theres so much regulation around confidentiality, Polaschek said.

At a Friday roundtable at Billings Clinic, Gianforte joined medical leaders in the community to announce a $20 million investment in the HIE. The money will be used to continue the design, development and implementation of the program that will continue through 2023.

An image exchange program is under development as well as a statewide antibiotic resistance information exchange.

The funding will also help to reach additional primary care clinics throughout the state.

State leaders have attempted to develop a HIE system over the last 15 years, but havent been able to cross the finish line until now, said Dr. Justen Rudolph with Intermountain Healthcare.

More than 200 hospital systems are now contributing to the data repository, including Montana Medicaid, but more participants are needed.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
CHICAGO - While a City Council committee on Friday approved Mayor Lori Lightfoots curfew measure creating greater restrictions for when minors can be outside in Chicago, Lightfoot had previously signed an executive order with the same restrictions.

Chicagos Law Department says these new rules are in effect now due to the executive order being signed Tuesday, even while the same curfew rules are up for a vote early next week in the full council.

The discussion over amending the rules governing when minors can be outside comes after 16-year-old Seandell Holliday was shot to death May 14 near The Bean in Millennium Park, allegedly by a 17-year-old. Chicago police said the shooting occurred during an altercation when large groups of young people had gathered at the downtown park in a scene that became chaotic.

What are the latest rules?

Under the executive order:

Minors between 12 and 17 years of age are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day for all days of the week. There is no loosening of the curfew hours for Friday or Saturday nights.

The law remains unchanged for minors younger than 12. They are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays until 6 a.m. the following day.

The proposed ordinance amendment that is up for a City Council vote has the same restrictions.

What does the curfew ordinance say?

The citys curfew ordinance, in effect since 1992, is superseded by Lightfoots executive order, which, according to verbiage in the order, was enacted under an emergency of an increase in crimes committed by minors.

The ordinance has the following rules:

Minors between 12 and 16 are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. For Friday or Saturday night, the curfew is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Minors younger than 12 are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday until 6 a.m. the following day.

What are the new and current exceptions?

The mayors executive order  and the ordinance set to be voted on by the full council  grants exceptions for youths attending ticketed or sponsored events as long as they can prove their attendance with a ticket stub or wristband. The organizer must be in full compliance and in good standing with the city.

Existing exceptions for minors being out after curfew remain. That includes if theyre accompanied by or doing an errand for a parent or guardian, attending an event supervised by adults and sponsored by an official organization, standing on the sidewalk outside their home or if its an emergency. Minors are also exempted if theyre exercising their First Amendment rights, such as attending a protest.

In addition, minors are also exempted from the curfew if they are in a motor vehicle traveling on interstate roads or are married or emancipated.

What happens if a minor violates curfew?

During Fridays committee hearing, Chicago police Lt. Michael Kapustianyk said officers have been making investigatory stops upon seeing someone who appears to be a minor. If the person is indeed a minor  defined by the executive order as 17 or younger  and does not have a valid reason to be out, the police may take protective custody of them until a parent, guardian or a responsible adult can be located.

He said officers may use their discretion about when to take a minor into protective custody, but the goal is voluntary compliance. The definition of a responsible adult includes extended family or neighbors that the parent has given the authority to take responsibility for the child for the night, Kapustianyk said.

Curfew violations that reach that stage are documented, Kapustianyk added, but Chicago police policy is not to arrest children just for violating the curfew  though Lightfoot said later Friday that police have the right to take the action to arrest if they think it is necessary. Citations for curfew violations are usually given to the parent, who may be summoned to an administration hearing if their child has violated curfew three or more times within the last year.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
CHICAGO - While a City Council committee on Friday approved Mayor Lori Lightfoots curfew measure creating greater restrictions for when minors can be outside in Chicago, Lightfoot had previously signed an executive order with the same restrictions.

Chicagos Law Department says these new rules are in effect now due to the executive order being signed Tuesday, even while the same curfew rules are up for a vote early next week in the full council.

The discussion over amending the rules governing when minors can be outside comes after 16-year-old Seandell Holliday was shot to death May 14 near The Bean in Millennium Park, allegedly by a 17-year-old. Chicago police said the shooting occurred during an altercation when large groups of young people had gathered at the downtown park in a scene that became chaotic.

What are the latest rules?

Under the executive order:

Minors between 12 and 17 years of age are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day for all days of the week. There is no loosening of the curfew hours for Friday or Saturday nights.

The law remains unchanged for minors younger than 12. They are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays until 6 a.m. the following day.

The proposed ordinance amendment that is up for a City Council vote has the same restrictions.

What does the curfew ordinance say?

The citys curfew ordinance, in effect since 1992, is superseded by Lightfoots executive order, which, according to verbiage in the order, was enacted under an emergency of an increase in crimes committed by minors.

The ordinance has the following rules:

Minors between 12 and 16 are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. For Friday or Saturday night, the curfew is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Minors younger than 12 are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday until 6 a.m. the following day.

What are the new and current exceptions?

The mayors executive order  and the ordinance set to be voted on by the full council  grants exceptions for youths attending ticketed or sponsored events as long as they can prove their attendance with a ticket stub or wristband. The organizer must be in full compliance and in good standing with the city.

Existing exceptions for minors being out after curfew remain. That includes if theyre accompanied by or doing an errand for a parent or guardian, attending an event supervised by adults and sponsored by an official organization, standing on the sidewalk outside their home or if its an emergency. Minors are also exempted if theyre exercising their First Amendment rights, such as attending a protest.

In addition, minors are also exempted from the curfew if they are in a motor vehicle traveling on interstate roads or are married or emancipated.

What happens if a minor violates curfew?

During Fridays committee hearing, Chicago police Lt. Michael Kapustianyk said officers have been making investigatory stops upon seeing someone who appears to be a minor. If the person is indeed a minor  defined by the executive order as 17 or younger  and does not have a valid reason to be out, the police may take protective custody of them until a parent, guardian or a responsible adult can be located.

He said officers may use their discretion about when to take a minor into protective custody, but the goal is voluntary compliance. The definition of a responsible adult includes extended family or neighbors that the parent has given the authority to take responsibility for the child for the night, Kapustianyk said.

Curfew violations that reach that stage are documented, Kapustianyk added, but Chicago police policy is not to arrest children just for violating the curfew  though Lightfoot said later Friday that police have the right to take the action to arrest if they think it is necessary. Citations for curfew violations are usually given to the parent, who may be summoned to an administration hearing if their child has violated curfew three or more times within the last year.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
CHICAGO - While a City Council committee on Friday approved Mayor Lori Lightfoots curfew measure creating greater restrictions for when minors can be outside in Chicago, Lightfoot had previously signed an executive order with the same restrictions.

Chicagos Law Department says these new rules are in effect now due to the executive order being signed Tuesday, even while the same curfew rules are up for a vote early next week in the full council.

The discussion over amending the rules governing when minors can be outside comes after 16-year-old Seandell Holliday was shot to death May 14 near The Bean in Millennium Park, allegedly by a 17-year-old. Chicago police said the shooting occurred during an altercation when large groups of young people had gathered at the downtown park in a scene that became chaotic.

What are the latest rules?

Under the executive order:

Minors between 12 and 17 years of age are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day for all days of the week. There is no loosening of the curfew hours for Friday or Saturday nights.

The law remains unchanged for minors younger than 12. They are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays until 6 a.m. the following day.

The proposed ordinance amendment that is up for a City Council vote has the same restrictions.

What does the curfew ordinance say?

The citys curfew ordinance, in effect since 1992, is superseded by Lightfoots executive order, which, according to verbiage in the order, was enacted under an emergency of an increase in crimes committed by minors.

The ordinance has the following rules:

Minors between 12 and 16 are not allowed outside after 10 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. For Friday or Saturday night, the curfew is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Minors younger than 12 are not allowed out after 8:30 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6 a.m. the following day. Those under 12 are allowed to stay out until 9 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday until 6 a.m. the following day.

What are the new and current exceptions?

The mayors executive order  and the ordinance set to be voted on by the full council  grants exceptions for youths attending ticketed or sponsored events as long as they can prove their attendance with a ticket stub or wristband. The organizer must be in full compliance and in good standing with the city.

Existing exceptions for minors being out after curfew remain. That includes if theyre accompanied by or doing an errand for a parent or guardian, attending an event supervised by adults and sponsored by an official organization, standing on the sidewalk outside their home or if its an emergency. Minors are also exempted if theyre exercising their First Amendment rights, such as attending a protest.

In addition, minors are also exempted from the curfew if they are in a motor vehicle traveling on interstate roads or are married or emancipated.

What happens if a minor violates curfew?

During Fridays committee hearing, Chicago police Lt. Michael Kapustianyk said officers have been making investigatory stops upon seeing someone who appears to be a minor. If the person is indeed a minor  defined by the executive order as 17 or younger  and does not have a valid reason to be out, the police may take protective custody of them until a parent, guardian or a responsible adult can be located.

He said officers may use their discretion about when to take a minor into protective custody, but the goal is voluntary compliance. The definition of a responsible adult includes extended family or neighbors that the parent has given the authority to take responsibility for the child for the night, Kapustianyk said.

Curfew violations that reach that stage are documented, Kapustianyk added, but Chicago police policy is not to arrest children just for violating the curfew  though Lightfoot said later Friday that police have the right to take the action to arrest if they think it is necessary. Citations for curfew violations are usually given to the parent, who may be summoned to an administration hearing if their child has violated curfew three or more times within the last year.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
The Member of Parliament for the Afigya Kwabre North Constituency in the Ashanti region Hon. Collins Adomako-Mensah has openly declared his support for the re-election bid of the organizer of the NPP in the Ashanti region, Dr Francis Adomako, known in the political space as Francois.

In a Facebook post, the lawmaker is cited to have shared, Francis Adomako Francois. Solid Patriot. Still Maintain. I will VOTE for you. Ashanti Regional Organizer.

This endorsement adds to several endorsements received by Francois ahead of the regional delegates congress of the party.

From all indications, delegates of the NPP in the Ashanti region and beyond are reportedly rooting for Mr Francis Adomako to be retained as the organizer of the party in Ashanti after a term in office.

They describe him as a workaholic, humble and dedicated patriot whose services are needed to break the eight.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seen during the Summit of Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) at the Grand Kremlin Palace on May 16, 2022. Contributor/Getty Images

Top Russian security officials think the war in Ukraine is "lost," according to an expert.

These officials are now preparing themselves for a post-Putin Russia, said Bellingcat's Christo Grozev.

Some of them are already looking for opportunities to take their families out of Russia, Grozev said, per Metro.

Top Russian security officials think the war in Ukraine is "lost," suggesting that Vladimir Putin's regime might be coming to an end, according to an expert on Russia-related security threats.

The "informed elite" within the security forces "understand that the war is lost," said Bellingcat's lead Russia investigator Christo Grozev in an interview with Radio Liberty, per Metro.

To have a chance of winning the war, Grozev said, the Russian president would need full mobilization but this would cause problems for him at home. Mass mobilization would lead to a "social explosion" in Russia, Grozev added, according to Metro.

There are those in Putin's inner circle who may pressure him to use nuclear or chemical weapons, Grozev continued, but others will say "enough is enough." These people would say "it is better not to waste another 10,000 lives of our soldiers and officers," Grozev said, per Metro.

Although the exact numbers are unavailable, it is estimated that thousands of Russian servicemen have died in the country's brutal offensive on Ukraine. According to the UK defense ministry, Russia has lost a third of its forces.

Western officials say Russia, facing military setbacks, is losing momentum as the war in Ukraine goes on.

Grozev said that security officials with the FSB, who know how many Russian soldiers have died, think Putin is losing his grip on power. 'These are those parts of the security forces who know the dangers for the regime, and they themselves are now preparing their future," he said, per Metro.

A number of officials from the FSB and GRU are preparing for a post-Putin Russia, according to the expert. "Some of them are looking for an opportunity to take their families out of Russia," Grozev said.

Story continues

A Ukrainian serviceman walks amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6, 2022. AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File

Last week, Ukraine's military intelligence chief told Sky News that a coup to overthrow Putin is already underway. "It is impossible to stop it," said Major General Kyrylo Budanov.

Insider previously reported that the grievances that typically motivate a coup against a dictator are in place  a struggling economy, military setbacks, and floundering morale. However, Putin has spent decades making his regime coup-proof, an expert told Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.

Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.
Adaptive Cruise Control

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA

After issuing a recall for engine fires in the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size utility vehicles, Ford called back a handful of units of the Mustang Mach-E for a software issue that resulted in reduced motive power or unintended acceleration. This week, the second-largest automaker in the United States has also recalled 310,000 full-size pickup trucks over a drivers airbag that may not deploy due to a disconnected ribbon cable.The latest recall concerns the 2022 model year Mustang, namely 32 units equipped with the so-called Image Processing Module A. Otherwise known as a forward-facing camera, this module hasnt been aligned properly, a condition that leads to restricted or inoperative driver-assist features that include Pre-Collision Assist and. Happily, for affected customers, the fix is as straightforward as it could possibly get.Dealers will realign the front-facing camera at no charge to the customer. Owner notifications will be mailed on May 30th as per the recall report published on thes website.s campaign number is 22V334000, while Ford refers to the recall as 22S34. In the meantime, customers may contact the safety watchdog or the American automaker at 1-866-436-7332 or 1-888-327-4236.On that note, its worth remembering that Ford is looking forward to replace the Mustang. Initially expected as a 2023 model, the S650 is tipped to debut on April 17th next year as a 2024 model. Everyone is looking forward to carryover engine options, starting with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-potter.Equipped with this powerplant, Ford charges $27,205, excluding destination charge, for the most basic specification of the pony car. Level up to the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and youre looking at $37,275 for the manual-equipped bruiser. At the very top of the lineup, the Shelby GT500 reigns supreme with a sticker price of $79,155 and 760 hp for the 5.2-liter Predator V8.




Metro Gallery, 1316 N St., will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June. The featured artist is William Zuch, who does seashell art. The opening reception is Friday, June 3, from 3-7 p.m.

Dean Settle started Metro Gallery in June 2012. The gallery has grown from a few hundred pieces to close to 4,000 pieces at 11 locations. People didnt think wed last a year, Settle said. For the anniversary celebration, Metro Gallery will be offering 30 days of prizes and giving away 90 pieces of art.

Metro Gallery has been a welcoming space for artists and patrons from all walks of life. The gallery has held a number of art exhibitions featuring Outsider Art, art created by people living with mental illness. In 2017, Settle was awarded the Heart of the Arts Award at the Mayors Arts Awards, honoring his dedication to the arts in Lincoln.

The June exhibit in the feature gallery will feature seashell art by William Zuch, an artist who has never shown before in public. Zuch began making his art when he was in prison in the past. The only thing the prison would allow to be sent by mail was seashells, Settle said. Zuchs work will be on display throughout June during regular hours Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 2-5 p.m.

Metro Gallery curates exhibits at 11 locations in Lincoln and southeast Nebraska. The newest location is the Aging Partners Senior Center at 1005 O St. In addition to selling and renting art, Metro Gallery services include hanging art, cleaning art, restoring or repairing paintings, and liquidating art for estates. Learn more at MetroGalleryLincoln.com or call 402-202-7549.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Fascination with history and the humanities helped push double-degree student Kayla Irish to the radical edges of artificial intelligence research.

Her winding road includes history and math degrees, a stint interning at the nations capital, time in a lab spent designing statistical models, and a deep commitment to the ethical development of modern technology.

Irish, a recent University of Montana alumna from Lewistown, combined the critical thinking of liberal arts with training in STEM fields and followed a thread of curiosity the entire way.

Sometimes I cant believe how individualized my path was at UM, Irish said. And then I think about how much support I received to pursue practically any topic that interests me. The opportunities offered to me were limitless.

This fall, Irish will begin a doctoral program in statistics at the University of Washington and focus on the ethical quandaries surrounding artificial intelligence.

Our world now is all about data  every single choice we make and action we take is a data point, Irish said. But whats more interesting to me is what we do with that data. And a lot of those answers come from history because it can inform us about groups of people having power over the behavior of other groups of people. What we are capable of when it comes to data is worth being concerned about.

Irish said she always felt a pull toward UM and found herself as a presidential scholar in the Davidson Honors College completely enthralled with an introduction to American history class, taught by UM Associate Professor Kyle Volk, chair of UMs department of history.

I noticed right away Kaylas penchant for rigor, Volk said. She sat front and center every day and was a force. She was always prepared and was very comfortable taking different positions with complicated historical problems. She thought deeply and always grounded her insights in evidence.

Irish said from there she took as many history classes as she could and was invited to take Volks graduate level history class. He wrote a letter of recommendation for her to intern in Washington, D.C., which landed Irish an internship with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and a birds eye view of the workings of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.

Irish said her time in Washington, D.C., sparked an interest to understand modern societal issues through data and math.

So she returned from her internship with a hunger for STEM and enrolled in math and computer science classes, taking a deep dive into the disciplines after completing requirements for a history degree.

She sought mentorship from statistics and computer science faculty members like Jon Graham and Travis Wheeler. She also found opportunities to engage with big data. All along, Irish developed a passion for statistical theory and analysis as they relate to human populations.

The critical thinking side of my brain drives me to pursue human-centered research in AI (Artificial Intelligence), and the logic side of my brain really enjoys dissecting and exploring systems.

Those systems include self-driving cars, cancer detection technology, advertisements and even phone facial recognition and the ways data is provided to machines.

Artificial intelligence is only as good as the data its given, she said. Any bias in the data can hurt the integrity of its decisions.

That might look like companies using technology to scan for job placements that inadvertently leave female candidates out of the running. Or when a facial recognition system doesnt identify people of color because the system doesnt have enough diversity in its data.

Ideally, I would like to see AI be able to explain or articulate the choices it makes, she said. I want to provide AI with an ethical framework.

Irish said her training in the humanities taught her to approach complex power dynamics with strong writing, research and communication skills, which created a bridge to STEM.

I cannot overstate how important training in the social sciences is for the modern world, Irish said. Data, machine learning, and AI are critical parts of everyday life, so the people working on these technologies need to feel responsible for their impacts.

Volk said Irish organically found the connective tissue between math and history and mastered multiple disciplines.

Artificial intelligence and data capitalism are rapidly transforming our lives and presenting all sorts of ethical dilemmas, Volk said. We should all want someone with Kaylas humanistic training doing this type of work in the STEM fields. The stakes couldnt be much bigger.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Fascination with history and the humanities helped push double-degree student Kayla Irish to the radical edges of artificial intelligence research.

Her winding road includes history and math degrees, a stint interning at the nations capital, time in a lab spent designing statistical models, and a deep commitment to the ethical development of modern technology.

Irish, a recent University of Montana alumna from Lewistown, combined the critical thinking of liberal arts with training in STEM fields and followed a thread of curiosity the entire way.

Sometimes I cant believe how individualized my path was at UM, Irish said. And then I think about how much support I received to pursue practically any topic that interests me. The opportunities offered to me were limitless.

This fall, Irish will begin a doctoral program in statistics at the University of Washington and focus on the ethical quandaries surrounding artificial intelligence.

Our world now is all about data  every single choice we make and action we take is a data point, Irish said. But whats more interesting to me is what we do with that data. And a lot of those answers come from history because it can inform us about groups of people having power over the behavior of other groups of people. What we are capable of when it comes to data is worth being concerned about.

Irish said she always felt a pull toward UM and found herself as a presidential scholar in the Davidson Honors College completely enthralled with an introduction to American history class, taught by UM Associate Professor Kyle Volk, chair of UMs department of history.

I noticed right away Kaylas penchant for rigor, Volk said. She sat front and center every day and was a force. She was always prepared and was very comfortable taking different positions with complicated historical problems. She thought deeply and always grounded her insights in evidence.

Irish said from there she took as many history classes as she could and was invited to take Volks graduate level history class. He wrote a letter of recommendation for her to intern in Washington, D.C., which landed Irish an internship with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and a birds eye view of the workings of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.

Irish said her time in Washington, D.C., sparked an interest to understand modern societal issues through data and math.

So she returned from her internship with a hunger for STEM and enrolled in math and computer science classes, taking a deep dive into the disciplines after completing requirements for a history degree.

She sought mentorship from statistics and computer science faculty members like Jon Graham and Travis Wheeler. She also found opportunities to engage with big data. All along, Irish developed a passion for statistical theory and analysis as they relate to human populations.

The critical thinking side of my brain drives me to pursue human-centered research in AI (Artificial Intelligence), and the logic side of my brain really enjoys dissecting and exploring systems.

Those systems include self-driving cars, cancer detection technology, advertisements and even phone facial recognition and the ways data is provided to machines.

Artificial intelligence is only as good as the data its given, she said. Any bias in the data can hurt the integrity of its decisions.

That might look like companies using technology to scan for job placements that inadvertently leave female candidates out of the running. Or when a facial recognition system doesnt identify people of color because the system doesnt have enough diversity in its data.

Ideally, I would like to see AI be able to explain or articulate the choices it makes, she said. I want to provide AI with an ethical framework.

Irish said her training in the humanities taught her to approach complex power dynamics with strong writing, research and communication skills, which created a bridge to STEM.

I cannot overstate how important training in the social sciences is for the modern world, Irish said. Data, machine learning, and AI are critical parts of everyday life, so the people working on these technologies need to feel responsible for their impacts.

Volk said Irish organically found the connective tissue between math and history and mastered multiple disciplines.

Artificial intelligence and data capitalism are rapidly transforming our lives and presenting all sorts of ethical dilemmas, Volk said. We should all want someone with Kaylas humanistic training doing this type of work in the STEM fields. The stakes couldnt be much bigger.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.

(Reuters) - Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said on Saturday he had held "open and direct" talks with Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss Finland's bid for NATO membership.

Erdogan has publicly questioned whether Finland and Sweden should be allowed to join the military alliance.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," Niinisto tweeted after the call.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

(Reporting by Essi Lehto, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Mechanicsburg, PA, May 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit jointly announced their upcoming merger to form Horizon Farm Credit, effective July 1, 2022.

The vote passed after a special stockholders meeting on May 20, 2022 with the number of stockholders voting exceeding the required three percent quorum from both Associations members. Horizon Farm Credit will serve more than 100 counties in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and will be made up of more than 20,000 member-borrowers. The merged entity will have 25 offices across its five-state footprint and be headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Current MidAtlantic Farm Credit Chief Executive Officer, Tom Truitt, who has over 25 years of experience with the Farm Credit System, will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Farm Credit. AgChoice and MidAtlantic have been working together for many years as industry peers, and are closely aligned in how we go about fulfilling our mission and serving our members, says Truitt. This merger will allow us to become even stronger than we are today, both financially and with an increase in specialized staff.

Current AgChoice Chief Executive Officer, Darrell Curtis, will stay on until the merger is complete to support the organizations in the transition plan. Im looking forward to the many benefits this new Association will bring to our local communities and partners, says Curtis. Both of our Associations have strong ag expertise, and were excited to work together to enhance the experience we provide our customers.

No office closures or staffing changes are anticipated as a result of the merger. Members will receive the same local, personalized service from the same trusted experts. The offices of both Associations will be closed from July 1  4, 2022 to ensure a seamless transition as they integrate systems to form Horizon Farm Credit.

AgChoice Farm Credit Board Chair, Richard Allen, shares, We are looking forward to serving the entire state of Pennsylvania as Horizon Farm Credit, bringing a unified voice to advocate for and support the agriculture and rural communities within the Commonwealth and beyond.

MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board Chair, Brian Boyd, adds, The combined knowledge and resources that both Associations bring to the table will offer even more value to our members as we keep a better pulse on the ever-evolving agriculture industry to continue providing the services our borrowers need to be successful.

For more information about the upcoming merger and Horizon Farm Credit, visit horizonfc.com.

About AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit are agricultural lending cooperatives owned by their memberborrowers. The associations are part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. Together they serve Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia by providing farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; crop insurance; and rural home mortgages. Learn more at agchoice.com or mafc.com.

###

Katie Ward MidAtlantic Farm Credit 8883393334 [email protected] Jenny Kreisher MidAtlantic Farm Credit 8883393334 [email protected]

Source: MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton) (OTC PINK: TETAA) cordially invites you to participate in its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 8:30 A.M., Eastern Time as announced, both virtually and with an in-person option.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a company review for shareholders will commence to discuss operations.

For access to the webcast of each meeting, you must register at https://www.tetonadv.com/register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting from a computer or telephone.

If you would like to participate using the in-person option, below is the address to Tetons main office in Greenwich, Connecticut:

189 Mason Street

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Any questions can be directed to our Secretary at [email protected] or (914) 457-1077.

ABOUT TETON

Teton Advisors, Inc. (OTC Pink: TETAA) is a specialist in smaller company investing, serving a diverse client base of institutional, high net worth and mutual fund investors under brands including Teton Westwood, Gabelli and Keeley. The company was founded on a commitment to uncover value by focusing on companies that are misunderstood or ignored by the market utilizing methodologies developed by investment pioneers Mario Gabelli and John L. Keeley, Jr. As active, fundamental investors, the Teton portfolio teams think independently and focus on identifying short-term market inefficiencies to generate long-term alpha. Tetons investment professionals share in the belief that being different is the cornerstone to discovering hidden value in equities. The Teton time tested investment approaches can help set apart your client portfolios, delivering differentiated attributes to round out a broader portfolio. From modest beginnings over 40 years ago, to today, The Disciplined Discovery of Value shapes the cornerstone for our clients' long-term success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005477/en/

Patrick Huvane, CPA, CFA

Chief Financial Officer

(914) 457-1074



For further information, please visit: www.tetonadv.com

Source: Teton Advisors, Inc.


May 21CUMBERLAND  Two Pennsylvania men were charged Friday after a Cumberland Police officer found suspected crack cocaine inside their vehicle during a traffic stop.

Shawn Lamar Gladden, 39, of Harrisburg, and Kennith Lamar Drayton, 35, of Carlisle, remained jailed without bond Saturday morning on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute. Gladden was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

Police said the vehicle was originally stopped for a traffic violation, but didn't disclose where. A drug-detection dog also alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, police said.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Groups board of directors announced that it approved a $1.5 billion facility to help African countries avert a looming food crisis in the continent.

In a statement issued by the bank on Friday, the bank said with the disruption of food supplies arising from the Russia-Ukraine war, Africa now faces a shortage of at least 30 million metric tons of food, especially wheat, maize, and soybeans mostly imported from both countries.

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility is an unprecedented comprehensive initiative to support smallholder farmers in filling the food shortfall, the banks statement read.

It said African farmers urgently need high-quality seeds and inputs before the planting season begins in May to immediately boost food supplies.

According to the statement, the initiative will provide 20 million African smallholder farmers with certified seeds and that it will increase access to agricultural fertilizers and enable them to rapidly produce 38 million tons of food.

This is a $12 billion increase in food production in just two years, the bank said.

Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB group president was quoted to have said: Food aid cannot feed Africa. Africa does not need bowls in hand. Africa needs seeds in the ground, and mechanical harvesters to harvest bountiful food produced locally. Africa will feed itself with pride for there is no dignity in begging for food.

He said the African Emergency Food Production Facility has benefited from stakeholder consultations, including those with fertilizer producers and separately with African Union agriculture and finance ministers earlier this month.

Mr Adesina explained that the ministers agreed to implement reforms to address the systemic hurdles that prevent modern input markets from performing effectively.

He said the price of wheat has soared in Africa by over 45 per cent since the war in Ukraine began.

Fertilizer prices have gone up by 300%, and the continent faces a fertilizer shortage of 2 million metric tons. Many African countries have already seen price hikes in bread and other food items. If this deficit is not made up, food production in Africa will decline by at least 20% and the continent could lose over $11 billion in food production value, the AfDB president said.

Potentials

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion package will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat; 18 million tons of maize; 6 million tons of rice; and 2.5 million tons of soybeans, the statement said.

It said the initiative will provide 20 million farmers with certified seeds, fertilizer, and extension services and that it will also support market growth and post-harvest management.

The African Development Bank will provide fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Africa over the next four farming seasons, using its convening influence with major fertilizer manufacturers, loan guarantees, and other financial instruments, the AfDB board said.

The statement highlighted that the facility will also create a platform to advocate for critical policy reforms to solve the structural issues that impede farmers from receiving modern inputs.

This, it said, includes strengthening national institutions and overseeing input markets and that the facility has a structure for working with multilateral development partners.

This will ensure rapid alignment and implementation, enhanced reach, and effective impact. It will increase technical preparedness and responsiveness. In addition, it includes short, medium, and long-term measures to address both the urgent food crisis and the long-term sustainability and resilience of Africas food systems, the bank said.

In her remarks, Beth Dunford, AfDB vice president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said: The Africa Emergency Food Production Facility builds on lessons learned from the African Development Banks Feed Africa Response to Covid-19 program.

The program, she said, has provided a strategic roadmap to support Africas agriculture sector and safeguard food security against the pandemics impact.

Over the past three years, the AfDB said its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation initiative has delivered heat-tolerant wheat varieties to 1.8 million farmers in seven countries, increasing wheat production by 2.7 million metric tons worth $840 million.

Long-term sustainability plan

The statement noted that a five-year ramp-up phase will follow the two-year African Emergency Food Production Facility, with the view to build on previous gains and strengthen self-sufficiency in wheat, maize, and other staple crops, as well as expand access to agricultural fertilizers.

It said the five-year phase will deliver seeds and inputs to 40 million farmers under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program.

The statement said in April, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, appointed Mr Adesina to a select Steering Committee of the Global Crisis Response Group.

It noted that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations recently invited Mr Adesina to make a presentation about the African Emergency Food Production Facility.

The Global Alliance for Food Security spearheaded by the Government of Germany provides an excellent forum for the African Emergency Food Program Facility, which is part of a coordinated and collective effort by development partners and countries to accelerate food production in the short term while remaining focused on medium- and longer-term actions to build resilience. the statement added.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Groups board of directors announced that it approved a $1.5 billion facility to help African countries avert a looming food crisis in the continent.

In a statement issued by the bank on Friday, the bank said with the disruption of food supplies arising from the Russia-Ukraine war, Africa now faces a shortage of at least 30 million metric tons of food, especially wheat, maize, and soybeans mostly imported from both countries.

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility is an unprecedented comprehensive initiative to support smallholder farmers in filling the food shortfall, the banks statement read.

It said African farmers urgently need high-quality seeds and inputs before the planting season begins in May to immediately boost food supplies.

According to the statement, the initiative will provide 20 million African smallholder farmers with certified seeds and that it will increase access to agricultural fertilizers and enable them to rapidly produce 38 million tons of food.

This is a $12 billion increase in food production in just two years, the bank said.

Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB group president was quoted to have said: Food aid cannot feed Africa. Africa does not need bowls in hand. Africa needs seeds in the ground, and mechanical harvesters to harvest bountiful food produced locally. Africa will feed itself with pride for there is no dignity in begging for food.

He said the African Emergency Food Production Facility has benefited from stakeholder consultations, including those with fertilizer producers and separately with African Union agriculture and finance ministers earlier this month.

Mr Adesina explained that the ministers agreed to implement reforms to address the systemic hurdles that prevent modern input markets from performing effectively.

He said the price of wheat has soared in Africa by over 45 per cent since the war in Ukraine began.

Fertilizer prices have gone up by 300%, and the continent faces a fertilizer shortage of 2 million metric tons. Many African countries have already seen price hikes in bread and other food items. If this deficit is not made up, food production in Africa will decline by at least 20% and the continent could lose over $11 billion in food production value, the AfDB president said.

Potentials

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion package will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat; 18 million tons of maize; 6 million tons of rice; and 2.5 million tons of soybeans, the statement said.

It said the initiative will provide 20 million farmers with certified seeds, fertilizer, and extension services and that it will also support market growth and post-harvest management.

The African Development Bank will provide fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Africa over the next four farming seasons, using its convening influence with major fertilizer manufacturers, loan guarantees, and other financial instruments, the AfDB board said.

The statement highlighted that the facility will also create a platform to advocate for critical policy reforms to solve the structural issues that impede farmers from receiving modern inputs.

This, it said, includes strengthening national institutions and overseeing input markets and that the facility has a structure for working with multilateral development partners.

This will ensure rapid alignment and implementation, enhanced reach, and effective impact. It will increase technical preparedness and responsiveness. In addition, it includes short, medium, and long-term measures to address both the urgent food crisis and the long-term sustainability and resilience of Africas food systems, the bank said.

In her remarks, Beth Dunford, AfDB vice president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said: The Africa Emergency Food Production Facility builds on lessons learned from the African Development Banks Feed Africa Response to Covid-19 program.

The program, she said, has provided a strategic roadmap to support Africas agriculture sector and safeguard food security against the pandemics impact.

Over the past three years, the AfDB said its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation initiative has delivered heat-tolerant wheat varieties to 1.8 million farmers in seven countries, increasing wheat production by 2.7 million metric tons worth $840 million.

Long-term sustainability plan

The statement noted that a five-year ramp-up phase will follow the two-year African Emergency Food Production Facility, with the view to build on previous gains and strengthen self-sufficiency in wheat, maize, and other staple crops, as well as expand access to agricultural fertilizers.

It said the five-year phase will deliver seeds and inputs to 40 million farmers under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program.

The statement said in April, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, appointed Mr Adesina to a select Steering Committee of the Global Crisis Response Group.

It noted that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations recently invited Mr Adesina to make a presentation about the African Emergency Food Production Facility.

The Global Alliance for Food Security spearheaded by the Government of Germany provides an excellent forum for the African Emergency Food Program Facility, which is part of a coordinated and collective effort by development partners and countries to accelerate food production in the short term while remaining focused on medium- and longer-term actions to build resilience. the statement added.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.
A Liberal Senator has told the multi millionaire puppet master financing the teal independents to 'shove it up your jumper' in a heated and awkward on-air exchange.

Jane Hume was part of Channel Nine's star-studded election coverage when the network crossed to millionaire Simon Holmes a Court who was celebrating the success of the environmentally-conscious candidates he backed.

The network of independents has snatched up at least three seats in wealthy inner city areas and has scored major swings across the country in a stunning campaign that will cement Mr Holmes a Court as one of the most influential people in Australia.

Mr Holmes a Court called Ms Hume a liar when asked if he had any regrets about the 'nasty' campaign which saw an ugly standoff with the Senator in Melbourne this week.

Who is Simon Holmes a Court? Simon Holmes a Court is a senior advisor to the Climate and Energy College at Melbourne University and director of the Smart Energy Council. He was the founding chairman of Australia's first community-owned wind farm, Hepburn Wind, and is one of four children of Robert Holmes a Court and his wife Janet. Robert was born in Johannesburg in 1937 and moved to Perth to study law in 1961. After working as barrister and solicitor, he built a business empire made up of companies in the resources, transport, media and beverage industries. He died of a heart attack aged 53 in 1990, leaving his fortune to wife Janet and his children. Robert's eldest son Peter Holmes a Court is a multimillionaire entrepreneur who once owned the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team with Russell Crowe. Advertisement

'Jane has for a long time spread lies and mistruths about me,' he said.

'I have asked her to withdraw and she won't.

'I asked her in a public forum and that probably wasn't the place to do it, but I'm looking forward to that retraction of lies from Jane Hume.'

Mr Holmes a Court was then once again asked if he had any regrets about the hard-fought campaign.

'Those who have seen the full video will know what really went on. As I said to Jane I have gave my apology that I think that wasn't an appropriate place for it,' he said.

'But I hope we can get a resolution and that she can withdraw those lies as we come out of this election.'

A visibly irate Ms Hume said the answer sounded like a 'a sorry, not sorry'.

'If you see the full video you'll see it was a set up. It was pretty disgraceful behaviour.

'I hope it takes some paint off your celebrations tonight.'

Mr Holmes a Court chimed in once again saying: 'Looking forward to getting your full apology,' he said.

'Stick it up your jumper,' Ms Hume snippily replied.

The pair were caught on camera embroiled in a fiery stoush on Thursday as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg filmed it all on his mobile phone.

Ms Hume was canvassing for Mr Frydenberg in the seat of Kooyong when she was approached by Mr Holmes a Court, who was there to support candidate Monique Ryan.

'Just leave me alone, Simon. Please leave me alone,' said Ms Hume as Mr Holmes a Court stood in front of her.

'You're suing me for defamation, Simon, I don't want to talk to you.'

Liberal senator Jane Hume (right) is pictured telling multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (left) she doesn't want to talk to him as he is 'suing' her

Mr Holmes a Court replied that he has not sued her for defamation.

Ms Hume, who looked stressed by the encounter, said again, 'Simon, you are suing me for defamation. Please leave me alone.

'This may have legal implications. Please leave me alone, Simon.

'You are the son of Australia's first billionaire, you are suing me for defamation. Please leave me alone, leave me alone,' she said.

Mr Holmes a Court then turned his attention to Mr Frydenberg, who was filming it all.

'Josh, how're you doing,' he said to the Treasurer.

'I agree with everything she says,' Mr Frydenberg replied.

'You agree with her lies?' Mr Holmes a Court then asked.

'Would you like to repeat her lies?'

Multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (pictured) stands directly in front of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is filming him

After a few seconds of just standing there, with nothing said by either side, Mr Holmes a Court then said 'Good on you mate.'

A male bystander is then heard saying 'Why don't you leave her alone and stop annoying everyone?'

Mr Holmes a Court then again turned his attention to Ms Hume, who is the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy.

Ms Hume then expressed her concern that even talking to Mr Holmes a Court could have 'legal implications' - before the video ends.

The clash with Ms Hume and Mr Frydenberg followed a controversial tweet on Wednesday where Mr Holmes a Court described the former Liberal prime minister John Howard as 'the angel of death'.

Mr Howard condemned the social media post as 'beneath contempt'.

Mr Holmes a Court denied last night that his 'Angel of Death' remark was a reference to the nickname given to Josef Mengele, who performed deadly experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II - as several commentators had made out.

Liberal senator Jane Hume (right) is pictured holding her hand up to multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (left) to indicate, yet again, that she doesn't want to talk to him

Mr Holmes a Court said he is part Jewish and his tweet was misunderstood and taken out of context.

'The quote refers solely to a Liberal's description of Howard' from a recent newspaper article, he said. The newspaper article had noted Mr Howard was visiting seats where the Coalition is on the nose.

Mr Holmes a Court, a son of Australia's first billionaire, Robert Holmes a Court, has been trying to influence Saturday's federal election by funding so-called teal independent candidates to oust Liberal MPs, several of them in wealthy, inner-city seats.

The clean energy investor set up a fundraising body called Climate 200 to raise huge sums for pro-climate candidates. Before the 2019 Federal election it raised $500,000 but this time around Mr Holmes a Court sought to raise $20million with the aim of getting three more independents into the federal parliament.

The organisation said it needs the massive sum to counter the huge amounts of money donated to political parties by billionaire Clive Palmer and fossil fuel companies.
Scott Morrisons strategy to win outer suburban and regional seats from Labor and hang on to power failed in the 2022 election, with Peter Dutton emerging as the man most likely to be the next leader of the Liberal Party.

Josh Frydenberg, the man considered most likely to challenge Dutton for the leadership of the Liberal Party, conceded he was likely to lose the blue-ribbon Liberal seat of Kooyong, with 39 per cent of the vote counted.

Peter Dutton is poised to be the next leader of the Liberal Party. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Morrison announced he would quit as leader of the Liberal Party at the next meeting of the party room to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership, which is the appropriate thing to do, though he said he would continue to represent his seat of Cook.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the prime minister needed to take responsibility for the loss, which had happened despite some pretty amazing successes in coming through what has been a most trying time in Australias history.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
A Liberal Senator has told the multi millionaire puppet master financing the teal independents to 'shove it up your jumper' in a heated and awkward on-air exchange.

Jane Hume was part of Channel Nine's star-studded election coverage when the network crossed to millionaire Simon Holmes a Court who was celebrating the success of the environmentally-conscious candidates he backed.

The network of independents has snatched up at least three seats in wealthy inner city areas and has scored major swings across the country in a stunning campaign that will cement Mr Holmes a Court as one of the most influential people in Australia.

Mr Holmes a Court called Ms Hume a liar when asked if he had any regrets about the 'nasty' campaign which saw an ugly standoff with the Senator in Melbourne this week.

Who is Simon Holmes a Court? Simon Holmes a Court is a senior advisor to the Climate and Energy College at Melbourne University and director of the Smart Energy Council. He was the founding chairman of Australia's first community-owned wind farm, Hepburn Wind, and is one of four children of Robert Holmes a Court and his wife Janet. Robert was born in Johannesburg in 1937 and moved to Perth to study law in 1961. After working as barrister and solicitor, he built a business empire made up of companies in the resources, transport, media and beverage industries. He died of a heart attack aged 53 in 1990, leaving his fortune to wife Janet and his children. Robert's eldest son Peter Holmes a Court is a multimillionaire entrepreneur who once owned the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team with Russell Crowe. Advertisement

'Jane has for a long time spread lies and mistruths about me,' he said.

'I have asked her to withdraw and she won't.

'I asked her in a public forum and that probably wasn't the place to do it, but I'm looking forward to that retraction of lies from Jane Hume.'

Mr Holmes a Court was then once again asked if he had any regrets about the hard-fought campaign.

'Those who have seen the full video will know what really went on. As I said to Jane I have gave my apology that I think that wasn't an appropriate place for it,' he said.

'But I hope we can get a resolution and that she can withdraw those lies as we come out of this election.'

A visibly irate Ms Hume said the answer sounded like a 'a sorry, not sorry'.

'If you see the full video you'll see it was a set up. It was pretty disgraceful behaviour.

'I hope it takes some paint off your celebrations tonight.'

Mr Holmes a Court chimed in once again saying: 'Looking forward to getting your full apology,' he said.

'Stick it up your jumper,' Ms Hume snippily replied.

The pair were caught on camera embroiled in a fiery stoush on Thursday as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg filmed it all on his mobile phone.

Ms Hume was canvassing for Mr Frydenberg in the seat of Kooyong when she was approached by Mr Holmes a Court, who was there to support candidate Monique Ryan.

'Just leave me alone, Simon. Please leave me alone,' said Ms Hume as Mr Holmes a Court stood in front of her.

'You're suing me for defamation, Simon, I don't want to talk to you.'

Liberal senator Jane Hume (right) is pictured telling multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (left) she doesn't want to talk to him as he is 'suing' her

Mr Holmes a Court replied that he has not sued her for defamation.

Ms Hume, who looked stressed by the encounter, said again, 'Simon, you are suing me for defamation. Please leave me alone.

'This may have legal implications. Please leave me alone, Simon.

'You are the son of Australia's first billionaire, you are suing me for defamation. Please leave me alone, leave me alone,' she said.

Mr Holmes a Court then turned his attention to Mr Frydenberg, who was filming it all.

'Josh, how're you doing,' he said to the Treasurer.

'I agree with everything she says,' Mr Frydenberg replied.

'You agree with her lies?' Mr Holmes a Court then asked.

'Would you like to repeat her lies?'

Multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (pictured) stands directly in front of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is filming him

After a few seconds of just standing there, with nothing said by either side, Mr Holmes a Court then said 'Good on you mate.'

A male bystander is then heard saying 'Why don't you leave her alone and stop annoying everyone?'

Mr Holmes a Court then again turned his attention to Ms Hume, who is the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy.

Ms Hume then expressed her concern that even talking to Mr Holmes a Court could have 'legal implications' - before the video ends.

The clash with Ms Hume and Mr Frydenberg followed a controversial tweet on Wednesday where Mr Holmes a Court described the former Liberal prime minister John Howard as 'the angel of death'.

Mr Howard condemned the social media post as 'beneath contempt'.

Mr Holmes a Court denied last night that his 'Angel of Death' remark was a reference to the nickname given to Josef Mengele, who performed deadly experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II - as several commentators had made out.

Liberal senator Jane Hume (right) is pictured holding her hand up to multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (left) to indicate, yet again, that she doesn't want to talk to him

Mr Holmes a Court said he is part Jewish and his tweet was misunderstood and taken out of context.

'The quote refers solely to a Liberal's description of Howard' from a recent newspaper article, he said. The newspaper article had noted Mr Howard was visiting seats where the Coalition is on the nose.

Mr Holmes a Court, a son of Australia's first billionaire, Robert Holmes a Court, has been trying to influence Saturday's federal election by funding so-called teal independent candidates to oust Liberal MPs, several of them in wealthy, inner-city seats.

The clean energy investor set up a fundraising body called Climate 200 to raise huge sums for pro-climate candidates. Before the 2019 Federal election it raised $500,000 but this time around Mr Holmes a Court sought to raise $20million with the aim of getting three more independents into the federal parliament.

The organisation said it needs the massive sum to counter the huge amounts of money donated to political parties by billionaire Clive Palmer and fossil fuel companies.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends the third leaders' debate at the Seven Network Studios during the 2022 federal election campaign, in Sydney, Australia May 11, 2022. Mick Tsikas/Pool via REUTERS
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.

A Liberal Senator has told the multi millionaire puppet master financing the teal independents to 'shove it up your jumper' in a heated and awkward on-air exchange.

Jane Hume was part of Channel Nine's star-studded election coverage when the network crossed to millionaire Simon Holmes a Court who was celebrating the success of the environmentally-conscious candidates he backed.

The network of independents has snatched up at least three seats in wealthy inner city areas and has scored major swings across the country in a stunning campaign that will cement Mr Holmes a Court as one of the most influential people in Australia.

Mr Holmes a Court called Ms Hume a liar when asked if he had any regrets about the 'nasty' campaign which saw an ugly standoff with the Senator in Melbourne this week.

Who is Simon Holmes a Court? Simon Holmes a Court is a senior advisor to the Climate and Energy College at Melbourne University and director of the Smart Energy Council. He was the founding chairman of Australia's first community-owned wind farm, Hepburn Wind, and is one of four children of Robert Holmes a Court and his wife Janet. Robert was born in Johannesburg in 1937 and moved to Perth to study law in 1961. After working as barrister and solicitor, he built a business empire made up of companies in the resources, transport, media and beverage industries. He died of a heart attack aged 53 in 1990, leaving his fortune to wife Janet and his children. Robert's eldest son Peter Holmes a Court is a multimillionaire entrepreneur who once owned the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team with Russell Crowe. Advertisement

'Jane has for a long time spread lies and mistruths about me,' he said.

'I have asked her to withdraw and she won't.

'I asked her in a public forum and that probably wasn't the place to do it, but I'm looking forward to that retraction of lies from Jane Hume.'

Mr Holmes a Court was then once again asked if he had any regrets about the hard-fought campaign.

'Those who have seen the full video will know what really went on. As I said to Jane I have gave my apology that I think that wasn't an appropriate place for it,' he said.

'But I hope we can get a resolution and that she can withdraw those lies as we come out of this election.'

A visibly irate Ms Hume said the answer sounded like a 'a sorry, not sorry'.

'If you see the full video you'll see it was a set up. It was pretty disgraceful behaviour.

'I hope it takes some paint off your celebrations tonight.'

Mr Holmes a Court chimed in once again saying: 'Looking forward to getting your full apology,' he said.

'Stick it up your jumper,' Ms Hume snippily replied.

The pair were caught on camera embroiled in a fiery stoush on Thursday as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg filmed it all on his mobile phone.

Ms Hume was canvassing for Mr Frydenberg in the seat of Kooyong when she was approached by Mr Holmes a Court, who was there to support candidate Monique Ryan.

'Just leave me alone, Simon. Please leave me alone,' said Ms Hume as Mr Holmes a Court stood in front of her.

'You're suing me for defamation, Simon, I don't want to talk to you.'

Liberal senator Jane Hume (right) is pictured telling multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (left) she doesn't want to talk to him as he is 'suing' her

Mr Holmes a Court replied that he has not sued her for defamation.

Ms Hume, who looked stressed by the encounter, said again, 'Simon, you are suing me for defamation. Please leave me alone.

'This may have legal implications. Please leave me alone, Simon.

'You are the son of Australia's first billionaire, you are suing me for defamation. Please leave me alone, leave me alone,' she said.

Mr Holmes a Court then turned his attention to Mr Frydenberg, who was filming it all.

'Josh, how're you doing,' he said to the Treasurer.

'I agree with everything she says,' Mr Frydenberg replied.

'You agree with her lies?' Mr Holmes a Court then asked.

'Would you like to repeat her lies?'

Multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (pictured) stands directly in front of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is filming him

After a few seconds of just standing there, with nothing said by either side, Mr Holmes a Court then said 'Good on you mate.'

A male bystander is then heard saying 'Why don't you leave her alone and stop annoying everyone?'

Mr Holmes a Court then again turned his attention to Ms Hume, who is the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy.

Ms Hume then expressed her concern that even talking to Mr Holmes a Court could have 'legal implications' - before the video ends.

The clash with Ms Hume and Mr Frydenberg followed a controversial tweet on Wednesday where Mr Holmes a Court described the former Liberal prime minister John Howard as 'the angel of death'.

Mr Howard condemned the social media post as 'beneath contempt'.

Mr Holmes a Court denied last night that his 'Angel of Death' remark was a reference to the nickname given to Josef Mengele, who performed deadly experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II - as several commentators had made out.

Liberal senator Jane Hume (right) is pictured holding her hand up to multimillionaire Simon Holmes a Court (left) to indicate, yet again, that she doesn't want to talk to him

Mr Holmes a Court said he is part Jewish and his tweet was misunderstood and taken out of context.

'The quote refers solely to a Liberal's description of Howard' from a recent newspaper article, he said. The newspaper article had noted Mr Howard was visiting seats where the Coalition is on the nose.

Mr Holmes a Court, a son of Australia's first billionaire, Robert Holmes a Court, has been trying to influence Saturday's federal election by funding so-called teal independent candidates to oust Liberal MPs, several of them in wealthy, inner-city seats.

The clean energy investor set up a fundraising body called Climate 200 to raise huge sums for pro-climate candidates. Before the 2019 Federal election it raised $500,000 but this time around Mr Holmes a Court sought to raise $20million with the aim of getting three more independents into the federal parliament.

The organisation said it needs the massive sum to counter the huge amounts of money donated to political parties by billionaire Clive Palmer and fossil fuel companies.





The dangers of the prosperity gospel

The doctrine of the prosperity gospel states that material wealth and possessions are the right of every Christian. It states that if correct spiritual practices are followed, those who profess Christ are guaranteed prosperity in this life. However, it is Jesus who tells us that you cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).

One would have expected that the word devil would have been used by Christ instead of the word money, but He knew that devil-worship cannot be as appealing as worshipping God. When it comes to money, thats a different story. In the same verse, Jesus gave us two choices: to love God and hate money, or hate God and love money. The enemy cleverly introduced the worship of money into our churches through the concept of the prosperity gospel.

The prosperity gospel promotes idolatry. Through the messages preached in some churches, money has become the object of worship with God being nothing more than a means to an end. The reason why some people identify as Christians today is that they were told that coming to Jesus would make them rich.

In some African churches, pastors instruct worshipers to tithe with the scope of receiving returns on their money in the future. Many people who went to church in search of riches, returned home poorer because they have been shortchanged. In return, they receive unrealistic prophetic words which most often never come to pass. The result is that these people end up being angry with God Himself. Many of them have abandoned their faith altogether. This is not healthy for the Christian Church!

This ideology distracts Christians from the cross and focuses their attention on money and wealth. It negates the doctrine of Christian suffering that is the gateway to the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). It makes believers concentrate all their physical and spiritual strength in search for wealth and comfort. It diminishes the value of eternity and the soon-coming Kingdom and makes people believe that the things of this world should be prioritized.

Moreover, this teaching distracts us from the glories of Heaven. It says that when Christians give generously, God will compensate them here on earth. But Christ promised us rewards when He returns. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:13-14).

Christs teaching on heavenly treasures stands in stark contrast to all of this: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Mathew 6:19-20).

The law of positive confession of the prosperity gospel places the will of man above the will of God. Believers are encouraged to demand whatever they want from God, and God is obligated to deliver, if these requested are made in faith. This completely ignored the fact that the will of God is superior to the will of man and always prevails  no matter the volume and the length of positive confessions.

Jesus asked for the will of the Father to be done in His life even when He knew that His Fathers will was not what His flesh wanted at that particular point in time (Luke 22:42). Why didn't Christ confess positively so that the cup be taken from Him by the Father? He knew that Gods will cannot be subservient to mans will.

Many of the prosperity gospel advocates are selfish and lack compassion for others. They believe that the poverty of the poor is attributed to their inability to follow the formula of the law of tithing, sowing and reaping.

According to Gordon Fee, a foremost expert on textual criticism of the New Testament: Prosperity gospel is an insidious disease which has little of the character of the Gospel in it. I agree. And the only way to immunize the Church from the disease according to Fee is with a good healthy dose of biblical theology.

The central message of the Gospel is Christ and Him crucified. The apostles never preached prosperity. This teaching is exploitative, manipulative, and fundamentally wicked. This is no Gospel at all and should be discarded by every heavenly bound believer in the Church.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.


Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Rapid expansion of production capacities for the ID.4 is a key component of Accelerate, helping us accelerate the transformation to zero-carbon mobility and create further capacities to meet the high demand for electric vehicles, said big kahuna Ralf Brandstatter. With our clear commitment to the site, we aim to show that cost-effectiveness and competitiveness are not only possible in the region, but that we can even enhance them lastingly.The German carmaker intends to switch to all-electric power in Europe by 2035, and the Ford Motor Company supports this initiative as emission regulations continue to hamper down combustion-engined vehicles. The Blue Oval, by comparison, is expected to go electric in Europe by 2030, the year when Ford projects 40 percent of global sales to consist of BEVs.Turning our attention back to the Emden plant, Volkswagen has also confirmed that its Aero B electric sedan will be manufactured there. The ID.3 will soldier on in Wolfsburg, which has been confirmed to welcome the long-anticipated Project Trinity in 2026. Last but certainly not least, the ID. Buzz electric cargo and passenger vans will start production this year in Hanover.In the meantime, its worth remembering that ID.4 production is currently handled by four plants. In addition to Zwickau and Emden, the compact-sized electric utility vehicle is also made at the Anting and Foshan sites in China. This fall, there will be five plants with Chattanooga in the United States of America, on the line where VW used to put together the Passat.At press time, the rear-drive ID.4 in the most basic of specifications, retails at 44,915 back home in Germany. Over in the United States, the jacked-up brother of the ID.3 compact hatchback is presently listed at $41,230.
Rapid expansion of production capacities for the ID.4 is a key component of Accelerate, helping us accelerate the transformation to zero-carbon mobility and create further capacities to meet the high demand for electric vehicles, said big kahuna Ralf Brandstatter. With our clear commitment to the site, we aim to show that cost-effectiveness and competitiveness are not only possible in the region, but that we can even enhance them lastingly.The German carmaker intends to switch to all-electric power in Europe by 2035, and the Ford Motor Company supports this initiative as emission regulations continue to hamper down combustion-engined vehicles. The Blue Oval, by comparison, is expected to go electric in Europe by 2030, the year when Ford projects 40 percent of global sales to consist of BEVs.Turning our attention back to the Emden plant, Volkswagen has also confirmed that its Aero B electric sedan will be manufactured there. The ID.3 will soldier on in Wolfsburg, which has been confirmed to welcome the long-anticipated Project Trinity in 2026. Last but certainly not least, the ID. Buzz electric cargo and passenger vans will start production this year in Hanover.In the meantime, its worth remembering that ID.4 production is currently handled by four plants. In addition to Zwickau and Emden, the compact-sized electric utility vehicle is also made at the Anting and Foshan sites in China. This fall, there will be five plants with Chattanooga in the United States of America, on the line where VW used to put together the Passat.At press time, the rear-drive ID.4 in the most basic of specifications, retails at 44,915 back home in Germany. Over in the United States, the jacked-up brother of the ID.3 compact hatchback is presently listed at $41,230.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Groups board of directors announced that it approved a $1.5 billion facility to help African countries avert a looming food crisis in the continent.

In a statement issued by the bank on Friday, the bank said with the disruption of food supplies arising from the Russia-Ukraine war, Africa now faces a shortage of at least 30 million metric tons of food, especially wheat, maize, and soybeans mostly imported from both countries.

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility is an unprecedented comprehensive initiative to support smallholder farmers in filling the food shortfall, the banks statement read.

It said African farmers urgently need high-quality seeds and inputs before the planting season begins in May to immediately boost food supplies.

According to the statement, the initiative will provide 20 million African smallholder farmers with certified seeds and that it will increase access to agricultural fertilizers and enable them to rapidly produce 38 million tons of food.

This is a $12 billion increase in food production in just two years, the bank said.

Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB group president was quoted to have said: Food aid cannot feed Africa. Africa does not need bowls in hand. Africa needs seeds in the ground, and mechanical harvesters to harvest bountiful food produced locally. Africa will feed itself with pride for there is no dignity in begging for food.

He said the African Emergency Food Production Facility has benefited from stakeholder consultations, including those with fertilizer producers and separately with African Union agriculture and finance ministers earlier this month.

Mr Adesina explained that the ministers agreed to implement reforms to address the systemic hurdles that prevent modern input markets from performing effectively.

He said the price of wheat has soared in Africa by over 45 per cent since the war in Ukraine began.

Fertilizer prices have gone up by 300%, and the continent faces a fertilizer shortage of 2 million metric tons. Many African countries have already seen price hikes in bread and other food items. If this deficit is not made up, food production in Africa will decline by at least 20% and the continent could lose over $11 billion in food production value, the AfDB president said.

Potentials

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion package will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat; 18 million tons of maize; 6 million tons of rice; and 2.5 million tons of soybeans, the statement said.

It said the initiative will provide 20 million farmers with certified seeds, fertilizer, and extension services and that it will also support market growth and post-harvest management.

The African Development Bank will provide fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Africa over the next four farming seasons, using its convening influence with major fertilizer manufacturers, loan guarantees, and other financial instruments, the AfDB board said.

The statement highlighted that the facility will also create a platform to advocate for critical policy reforms to solve the structural issues that impede farmers from receiving modern inputs.

This, it said, includes strengthening national institutions and overseeing input markets and that the facility has a structure for working with multilateral development partners.

This will ensure rapid alignment and implementation, enhanced reach, and effective impact. It will increase technical preparedness and responsiveness. In addition, it includes short, medium, and long-term measures to address both the urgent food crisis and the long-term sustainability and resilience of Africas food systems, the bank said.

In her remarks, Beth Dunford, AfDB vice president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said: The Africa Emergency Food Production Facility builds on lessons learned from the African Development Banks Feed Africa Response to Covid-19 program.

The program, she said, has provided a strategic roadmap to support Africas agriculture sector and safeguard food security against the pandemics impact.

Over the past three years, the AfDB said its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation initiative has delivered heat-tolerant wheat varieties to 1.8 million farmers in seven countries, increasing wheat production by 2.7 million metric tons worth $840 million.

Long-term sustainability plan

The statement noted that a five-year ramp-up phase will follow the two-year African Emergency Food Production Facility, with the view to build on previous gains and strengthen self-sufficiency in wheat, maize, and other staple crops, as well as expand access to agricultural fertilizers.

It said the five-year phase will deliver seeds and inputs to 40 million farmers under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program.

The statement said in April, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, appointed Mr Adesina to a select Steering Committee of the Global Crisis Response Group.

It noted that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations recently invited Mr Adesina to make a presentation about the African Emergency Food Production Facility.

The Global Alliance for Food Security spearheaded by the Government of Germany provides an excellent forum for the African Emergency Food Program Facility, which is part of a coordinated and collective effort by development partners and countries to accelerate food production in the short term while remaining focused on medium- and longer-term actions to build resilience. the statement added.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.
Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison.

Massive double-digit swings across at least six key seats held by the Liberal Party are set to push Labor over the 76-seat threshold to form government.

Hasluck, Swan, Tangley, and Pearce flipped to Labor and the formerly blue ribbon seat of Curtin could be another teal independent pickup.

Two more, Curtin and Moore, are in serious danger and either neck-and-neck or with a small lead for Labor or an independent.

Across Western Australia there was a 10.2 per cent to Labor on a two party preferred basis, compared with 2.9 per cent across the country.

Western Australia appears poised to deliver Anthony Albanese a majority government in a humiliating bloodbath for Scott Morrison - partly due to WA Premier Mark McGowan (left)

WA was always expected to swing towards Labor but the size of the projected victories are beyond even the most optimistic predictions.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed.

The prime minister and Mr McGowan regularly bickered over WA's hard border with the eastern states for most of the two-years of the pandemic.

For months at a time the border was closed to every other state and territory in Australia and Mr Morrison's protests only hardened their resolve.

The PM even called WA locals 'cave people' for hiding behind the border wall in pursuit of a 'zero-Covid' policy.

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border.

Mr Morrison was relentlessly pilloried in WA media, by Mr McGowan, and among locals until he dropped his support.

The PM made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy Mr McGowan.

But it came too late with Mr Albanese seizing on the opportunity to bury his rival by launching his campaign in Perth.

Scott Morrison (right with WA premier Mark McGowan in Perth) made a desperate U-turn in recent months, retrospectively supporting the hard border and praising his former enemy

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating.

Such positive sentiment translated over into federal success for Labor with the premier's fans following his endorsement of Mr Albanese.

The results were nothing short of a bloodbath for the Liberals, losing four key marginal seats by huge margins and may lose one of the country's safest Liberal seats to an independent.

Hasluck was gained with a swing of 11.6 per cent, Pearce - the former seat of ex-attorney-general Christian Porter - with a swing of 12.7 per cent, and Swan with a 12.2 per cent swing.

Then Liberals' Ben Morton was unseated in Tangley, going down 47.3 per cent against Labor's Sam Lim who has 52.7 per cent with a 42 per cent of votes counted.

Those swings may be even bigger as less than 30 per cent of the votes have been counted.

Close battles are underway in Moore, where Liberal incumbent Ian Goodenough is ahead by just 0.6 per cent with a 11.3 per cent to Labor's Tom French.

WA Labor launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21

Perhaps the most damaging factor for Mr Morrison was his support for billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's court challenge to the WA hard border

The unthinkable may occur in Curtin, one of the richest seats in Australia covering Perth's 'golden triangle' western suburbs, where Julie Bishop once reigned.

Ms Bishop's replacement Celia Hammond, who rubbed many voters the wrong way with her lack of deference to her predecessor, under siege by 'teal' independent Kate Chaney.

Ms Chaney, who comes from one of WA's richest families, is ahead 51.3 per cent to Ms Hammond's 48.7 per cent.

Labor campaigned heavily in WA, with Mr Albanese making four visits to the state since pandemic border restrictions were relaxed in March.

A sea of red shirts is closely watching vote tallies on a big screen at the Belmont Sport and Recreation Centre in the seat of Swan located south of Perth's inner-city.

Campaigner Diane Mulroy said the volunteers had worked hard to get Labor's message across the electorate, by doorknocking 43,000 homes in the electorate since mid last year.

Fellow campaigner Roslyn Hackshaw told AAP they had reached a huge proportion of the community.

'That's in a seat with 110,000 electors. We reached almost everyone,' she said.

Mr Morrison's popularity nosedived in the staunchly independent state during the pandemic as Labor Premier Mark McGowan's skyrocketed

Another big factor was Mr McGowan's phenomenal personal popularity in his home state, at one time at the height of the hard border era holding a 90-plus per cent approval rating

Labor Premier Mark McGowan said on Saturday that West Australian voters could decide the outcome of the election.

Ms Chaney says she will negotiate with the major parties should she win the contest in Curtin, a traditional stronghold for the Liberals.

She told Sky on Saturday that she anticipated the Curtin race would be very close.

'There's definitely a strong appetite for change from the people we've spoken to but it's clearly a big challenge unseating a safe Liberal seat,' she said.

Independent performed extremely strongly across the country with Zoe Daniel (seat of Goldstein in Victoria) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) among several environmentally-conscious candidates snatching seats from their Liberal rivals.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.





The African Development Bank (AfDB) Groups board of directors announced that it approved a $1.5 billion facility to help African countries avert a looming food crisis in the continent.

In a statement issued by the bank on Friday, the bank said with the disruption of food supplies arising from the Russia-Ukraine war, Africa now faces a shortage of at least 30 million metric tons of food, especially wheat, maize, and soybeans mostly imported from both countries.

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility is an unprecedented comprehensive initiative to support smallholder farmers in filling the food shortfall, the banks statement read.

It said African farmers urgently need high-quality seeds and inputs before the planting season begins in May to immediately boost food supplies.

According to the statement, the initiative will provide 20 million African smallholder farmers with certified seeds and that it will increase access to agricultural fertilizers and enable them to rapidly produce 38 million tons of food.

This is a $12 billion increase in food production in just two years, the bank said.

Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB group president was quoted to have said: Food aid cannot feed Africa. Africa does not need bowls in hand. Africa needs seeds in the ground, and mechanical harvesters to harvest bountiful food produced locally. Africa will feed itself with pride for there is no dignity in begging for food.

He said the African Emergency Food Production Facility has benefited from stakeholder consultations, including those with fertilizer producers and separately with African Union agriculture and finance ministers earlier this month.

Mr Adesina explained that the ministers agreed to implement reforms to address the systemic hurdles that prevent modern input markets from performing effectively.

He said the price of wheat has soared in Africa by over 45 per cent since the war in Ukraine began.

Fertilizer prices have gone up by 300%, and the continent faces a fertilizer shortage of 2 million metric tons. Many African countries have already seen price hikes in bread and other food items. If this deficit is not made up, food production in Africa will decline by at least 20% and the continent could lose over $11 billion in food production value, the AfDB president said.

Potentials

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion package will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat; 18 million tons of maize; 6 million tons of rice; and 2.5 million tons of soybeans, the statement said.

It said the initiative will provide 20 million farmers with certified seeds, fertilizer, and extension services and that it will also support market growth and post-harvest management.

The African Development Bank will provide fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Africa over the next four farming seasons, using its convening influence with major fertilizer manufacturers, loan guarantees, and other financial instruments, the AfDB board said.

The statement highlighted that the facility will also create a platform to advocate for critical policy reforms to solve the structural issues that impede farmers from receiving modern inputs.

This, it said, includes strengthening national institutions and overseeing input markets and that the facility has a structure for working with multilateral development partners.

This will ensure rapid alignment and implementation, enhanced reach, and effective impact. It will increase technical preparedness and responsiveness. In addition, it includes short, medium, and long-term measures to address both the urgent food crisis and the long-term sustainability and resilience of Africas food systems, the bank said.

In her remarks, Beth Dunford, AfDB vice president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said: The Africa Emergency Food Production Facility builds on lessons learned from the African Development Banks Feed Africa Response to Covid-19 program.

The program, she said, has provided a strategic roadmap to support Africas agriculture sector and safeguard food security against the pandemics impact.

Over the past three years, the AfDB said its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation initiative has delivered heat-tolerant wheat varieties to 1.8 million farmers in seven countries, increasing wheat production by 2.7 million metric tons worth $840 million.

Long-term sustainability plan

The statement noted that a five-year ramp-up phase will follow the two-year African Emergency Food Production Facility, with the view to build on previous gains and strengthen self-sufficiency in wheat, maize, and other staple crops, as well as expand access to agricultural fertilizers.

It said the five-year phase will deliver seeds and inputs to 40 million farmers under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program.

The statement said in April, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, appointed Mr Adesina to a select Steering Committee of the Global Crisis Response Group.

It noted that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations recently invited Mr Adesina to make a presentation about the African Emergency Food Production Facility.

The Global Alliance for Food Security spearheaded by the Government of Germany provides an excellent forum for the African Emergency Food Program Facility, which is part of a coordinated and collective effort by development partners and countries to accelerate food production in the short term while remaining focused on medium- and longer-term actions to build resilience. the statement added.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023







As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
Saturday, May 21, 2022

From NBC News:

Japans capital has announced it will start recognizing same-sex partnerships to ease the burdens faced by residents in their daily lives, but the unions will not be considered legal marriages. Same-sex couples in Japan's capital are often barred from renting apartments together, hospital visits and other services available to married couples.

Rights groups had pushed for the passage of an equality act ahead of last summers Tokyo Olympics, when international attention fell on Japan, but the bill was quashed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas conservative governing party.

The Tokyo metropolitan government unveiled a draft plan on Tuesday to accept registrations starting in October from sexual-minority couples seeking certificates of their partnerships.

Read more here.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/family_law/2022/05/recognizing-same-sex-unions-but-not-legal-same-sex-marriages.html

PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.



Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.




PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.

Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Tajik authorities describe their action as an anti-terrorism operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters rights and media freedom.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.

The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the countrys civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.

Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.

The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the regions governor.

The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.

On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.

As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seen during the Summit of Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) at the Grand Kremlin Palace on May 16, 2022. Contributor/Getty Images

Top Russian security officials think the war in Ukraine is "lost," according to an expert.

These officials are now preparing themselves for a post-Putin Russia, said Bellingcat's Christo Grozev.

Some of them are already looking for opportunities to take their families out of Russia, Grozev said, per Metro.

Top Russian security officials think the war in Ukraine is "lost," suggesting that Vladimir Putin's regime might be coming to an end, according to an expert on Russia-related security threats.

The "informed elite" within the security forces "understand that the war is lost," said Bellingcat's lead Russia investigator Christo Grozev in an interview with Radio Liberty, per Metro.

To have a chance of winning the war, Grozev said, the Russian president would need full mobilization but this would cause problems for him at home. Mass mobilization would lead to a "social explosion" in Russia, Grozev added, according to Metro.

There are those in Putin's inner circle who may pressure him to use nuclear or chemical weapons, Grozev continued, but others will say "enough is enough." These people would say "it is better not to waste another 10,000 lives of our soldiers and officers," Grozev said, per Metro.

Although the exact numbers are unavailable, it is estimated that thousands of Russian servicemen have died in the country's brutal offensive on Ukraine. According to the UK defense ministry, Russia has lost a third of its forces.

Western officials say Russia, facing military setbacks, is losing momentum as the war in Ukraine goes on.

Grozev said that security officials with the FSB, who know how many Russian soldiers have died, think Putin is losing his grip on power. 'These are those parts of the security forces who know the dangers for the regime, and they themselves are now preparing their future," he said, per Metro.

A number of officials from the FSB and GRU are preparing for a post-Putin Russia, according to the expert. "Some of them are looking for an opportunity to take their families out of Russia," Grozev said.

Story continues

A Ukrainian serviceman walks amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6, 2022. AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File

Last week, Ukraine's military intelligence chief told Sky News that a coup to overthrow Putin is already underway. "It is impossible to stop it," said Major General Kyrylo Budanov.

Insider previously reported that the grievances that typically motivate a coup against a dictator are in place  a struggling economy, military setbacks, and floundering morale. However, Putin has spent decades making his regime coup-proof, an expert told Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Reuters) - Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said on Saturday he had held "open and direct" talks with Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss Finland's bid for NATO membership.

Erdogan has publicly questioned whether Finland and Sweden should be allowed to join the military alliance.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," Niinisto tweeted after the call.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

(Reporting by Essi Lehto, editing by Terje Solsvik)



Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Groups board of directors announced that it approved a $1.5 billion facility to help African countries avert a looming food crisis in the continent.

In a statement issued by the bank on Friday, the bank said with the disruption of food supplies arising from the Russia-Ukraine war, Africa now faces a shortage of at least 30 million metric tons of food, especially wheat, maize, and soybeans mostly imported from both countries.

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility is an unprecedented comprehensive initiative to support smallholder farmers in filling the food shortfall, the banks statement read.

It said African farmers urgently need high-quality seeds and inputs before the planting season begins in May to immediately boost food supplies.

According to the statement, the initiative will provide 20 million African smallholder farmers with certified seeds and that it will increase access to agricultural fertilizers and enable them to rapidly produce 38 million tons of food.

This is a $12 billion increase in food production in just two years, the bank said.

Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB group president was quoted to have said: Food aid cannot feed Africa. Africa does not need bowls in hand. Africa needs seeds in the ground, and mechanical harvesters to harvest bountiful food produced locally. Africa will feed itself with pride for there is no dignity in begging for food.

He said the African Emergency Food Production Facility has benefited from stakeholder consultations, including those with fertilizer producers and separately with African Union agriculture and finance ministers earlier this month.

Mr Adesina explained that the ministers agreed to implement reforms to address the systemic hurdles that prevent modern input markets from performing effectively.

He said the price of wheat has soared in Africa by over 45 per cent since the war in Ukraine began.

Fertilizer prices have gone up by 300%, and the continent faces a fertilizer shortage of 2 million metric tons. Many African countries have already seen price hikes in bread and other food items. If this deficit is not made up, food production in Africa will decline by at least 20% and the continent could lose over $11 billion in food production value, the AfDB president said.

Potentials

The African Development Banks $1.5 billion package will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat; 18 million tons of maize; 6 million tons of rice; and 2.5 million tons of soybeans, the statement said.

It said the initiative will provide 20 million farmers with certified seeds, fertilizer, and extension services and that it will also support market growth and post-harvest management.

The African Development Bank will provide fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Africa over the next four farming seasons, using its convening influence with major fertilizer manufacturers, loan guarantees, and other financial instruments, the AfDB board said.

The statement highlighted that the facility will also create a platform to advocate for critical policy reforms to solve the structural issues that impede farmers from receiving modern inputs.

This, it said, includes strengthening national institutions and overseeing input markets and that the facility has a structure for working with multilateral development partners.

This will ensure rapid alignment and implementation, enhanced reach, and effective impact. It will increase technical preparedness and responsiveness. In addition, it includes short, medium, and long-term measures to address both the urgent food crisis and the long-term sustainability and resilience of Africas food systems, the bank said.

In her remarks, Beth Dunford, AfDB vice president for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said: The Africa Emergency Food Production Facility builds on lessons learned from the African Development Banks Feed Africa Response to Covid-19 program.

The program, she said, has provided a strategic roadmap to support Africas agriculture sector and safeguard food security against the pandemics impact.

Over the past three years, the AfDB said its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation initiative has delivered heat-tolerant wheat varieties to 1.8 million farmers in seven countries, increasing wheat production by 2.7 million metric tons worth $840 million.

Long-term sustainability plan

The statement noted that a five-year ramp-up phase will follow the two-year African Emergency Food Production Facility, with the view to build on previous gains and strengthen self-sufficiency in wheat, maize, and other staple crops, as well as expand access to agricultural fertilizers.

It said the five-year phase will deliver seeds and inputs to 40 million farmers under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program.

The statement said in April, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, appointed Mr Adesina to a select Steering Committee of the Global Crisis Response Group.

It noted that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations recently invited Mr Adesina to make a presentation about the African Emergency Food Production Facility.

The Global Alliance for Food Security spearheaded by the Government of Germany provides an excellent forum for the African Emergency Food Program Facility, which is part of a coordinated and collective effort by development partners and countries to accelerate food production in the short term while remaining focused on medium- and longer-term actions to build resilience. the statement added.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.




Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer.

The American filmmaker was granted unprecedented access to the Kremlin leader over a two year period while filming a series of interviews and is considered to know Putin better than most Westerners.

Stone said in a new podcast that Putin had suffered from cancer, and that he believed he had overcome it - something which has not been confirmed to the Russian people.

His words come amid acute speculation that the Kremlin leader is now currently suffering from cancer.

Earlier today, former MI6 spy Christopher Steele claimed Putin is losing his grip on power due to his ailing health and is leaving the Kremlin in 'increasing disarray and chaos' as the war in Ukraine marches on.

Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has had cancer. Pictured: Oliver Stone on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he made the comments

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone has been granted unprecedented access to the Russian President in the past. Pictured: Stone speaks with President Vladimir Putin in June, 2019

Filmmaker Stone, the director behind movies including JFK and Platoon, said separately that he has not met Putin for three years, and his in-depth interviews with him were between 2015 and 2017.

'Remember this, Mr Putin has had this cancer and I think he's licked it,' he told podcast interviewer Lex Fridman.

'But he's also been isolated because of Covid.'

There have been suggestions in Russia that Putin's deep isolation from Covid was due to a pre-existing but unspecified medical condition which made him especially vulnerable.

Explaining why Putin may have misjudged the invasion of Ukraine, Stone speculated that 'perhaps he lost touch - contact - with people'.

It was not clear if Putin was getting the correct intelligence, he admitted, before adding: 'You would think he was not well informed perhaps, about the degree of cooperation he would get from the [ethnic Russians] in Ukraine

'That would be one factor, that he didn't assess the situation correctly.'

It could also be that his 'isolation from normal activity' and no longer meeting people 'face to face' due to health concerns for Putin over Covid may have led to errors, Stone speculated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and director Oliver Stone who shot The Putin Interviews

But then after Covid, he was forced to see them at a long distance across a table.

Stone's words on cancer raise the possibility - if true - that he had initially overcome the disease, but that it returned in the three years since he met Putin.

The filmmaker - who has faced criticism that he was an apologist for Putin - did not specify the type of cancer.

He appeared to refer to notes before making the comment that Putin had suffered an oncology condition which he had 'licked'.

Lately there has been speculation that Putin has thyroid cancer.

An investigation by Russian independent journalists found that Putin was surrounded permanently by a large medical team led by a specialist thyroid cancer surgeon.

Other reports suggest he may be suffering from abdominal cancer.

There are rumours in Moscow that he is due to face surgery for cancer imminently, and that he may put trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian security council, in charge while he is incapacitated.

Rumours have been circling for years that Putin (pictured gripping table during a meeting last month) has health problems, and they have intensified since he launched invasion of Ukraine

Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's, supported in recent weeks by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support.

The Kremlin has always insisted Putin is in robust health.

Earlier Stone said of Putin:'It's been three years since I saw him for the last time, but the man I knew had nothing to do with the mad, irresponsible and murderous man that the media present today comparing him to Hitler and Stalin.

'The Putin I knew was rational, calm, always acting in the interest of the Russian people, a true son of Russia, a patriot, which does not imply a nationalist.'

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow.

The former spook, who headed up the MI6 desk in Russia for three years, also said the warring president was 'constantly accompanied' by a team of doctors.

Most recently, on May 14, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov claimed Putin was 'very sick', before suggesting that plans for a coup were already underway.

What was Christopher Steele's 'dirty dossier'? Christopher Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip. The 'dirty dossier' was unveiled in January 2017 as Mr Trump prepared to enter the White House and was commissioned by a Washington consultancy. The contract to investigate Mr Trump's links to Russia was handed to Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd - co-founded by Mr Steele, a Russian expert for MI6 for 22 years. Six months later, it was leaked to US Democrat politicians and the media, containing claims Putin spent years compiling an embarrassing 'kompromat' file on the President. Mr Steele said Russian spies claimed they filmed an orgy Mr Trump staged in a hotel room there on a business trip. It also said claimed the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. And the dossier said that not only had Mr Putin's men given Mr Trump information useful in his election campaign in 2016, but that his allies had in return handed over information on Russians in America. His evidence was rubbished by Trump, who called it 'fake news' and blasted Steele as a 'failed spy', but it formed part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Steele branded the publication of the dossier 'morally repugnant' and insisted he intended the contents of the report to remain private. Advertisement

Mr Steele told LBC this week: 'Our understanding is that there's increasing disarray in the Kremlin and chaos.

'There's no clear political leadership coming from Putin, who is increasingly ill, and in military terms, the structures of command and so on are not functioning as they should.'

Understandably, Mr Steele was unable to reveal his source but said he was 'fairly confident' of their claims.

'What we do know is that he's constantly accompanied around the place by a team of doctors,' said Mr Steele.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's top spokesperson, has repeatedly denied that there are any issues with the dictator's health.

But Mr Steele said many government meetings at the Kremlin are having to be broken up into sections to allow Putin to leave for medical treatments.

'It's certainly having a very serious impact on the governance of Russia at the moment,' he said.

But despite his decline, there is little to no chance he will withdraw from Ukraine given the 'political corner he's painted himself into', Mr Steele said.

He added: 'It's probably driving his wish to solidify his legacy as he sees it.'

Mr Steele said that Putin was 'probably' suffering from Parkinson's but that one cannot know 'the exact details of what his ailment is.'

Mr Steele was a Russian expert for the MI6 for 22 years.

He hit headlines in 2016 when his 'dirty dossier' on the newly elected US President Donald Trump was leaked.

In the document he alleged Trump was in Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip.

Christo Grozev, a Russia expert, said this week that he believes GRU and FSB elites are the most likely to try and topple Putin, because they know the truth of what is happening on the ground.

And those elites are already looking for ways to move their money and families out of the country in anticipation of Putin falling, Grozev claimed.

Speaking to Radio Liberty about what may spark the coup, Grozev said the moment could come if or when Putin orders his generals to carry out a nuclear strike.

'If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order,' he said.

Christopher Steele (pictured), who once operated in Russia as an MI6 agent, said Putin, 69, is having to take regular breaks to receive medical treatments and that there was effectively 'no clear political leadership' in Moscow

'If one does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination. And perhaps even the physical death of Putin.

'Until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.'

Grozev believes similar fears are preventing Putin from giving the order for a general mobilisation of the Russian armed forces and population.

Such an order would allow him to massively boost troop numbers in Ukraine, perhaps shifting the tide of the war in his favour.

But the order would also cause a 'social explosion' among ordinary Russians, Grozev says, because it would mean admitting the 'special military operation' - which until now Putin has presented as a resounding success - has failed.

It comes as Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Vladimir Putin's top security officials realise he has already lost the war in Ukraine and are preparing for the possibility of a coup, an expert claimed this week. (Pictured: Putin with Defence Minister Shoigu)

What's wrong with Putin? Rumours have been circling for years that Vladimir Putin is suffering from health problems, and they have intensified since he launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Critics and Kremlin sources have indicated he may be suffering from cancer of Parkinson's, supported by footage showing the leader shaking uncontrollably and gripping a table for support. He has also disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time, with suggestions he is undergoing surgery. Valery Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs first hinted at Putin's health problems, said in 2020 that Putin had undergone surgery for cancer. Another unnamed source suggested the operation was on Putin's abdomen. He said: 'One is of a psycho-neurological nature, the other is a cancer problem. 'If anyone is interested in the exact diagnosis, I'm not a doctor, and I have no ethical right to reveal these problems. 'The second diagnosis is a lot, lot more dangerous than the first named diagnosis as Parkinson's does not threaten physical state, but just limits public appearances. 'Based on this information people will be able to make a conclusion about his life horizon, which wouldn't even require specialist medical education.' The Kremlin has consistently denied that there is anything wrong with Putin's health. Others have previously noted his 'gunslinger's gait'  a clearly reduced right arm swing compared to his left, giving him a lilting swagger. An asymmetrically reduced arm swing is a classic feature of Parkinson's and can manifest in 'clinically intact subjects with a predisposition to later develop' the disease, according to the British Medical Journal. In February, Putin was seen with a shaking hand as he firmly gripped the side of his chair for support. The clip, which was taken on February 18, just before the onset of his invasion of Ukraine, shows him welcoming fellow strongman Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin. He pulls his trembling hand into his body in an attempt to quell the shakes, but then he almost stumbles as he unsteadily walks towards Lukashenko. Later, Putin sits on a chair but is unable to remain still, constantly fidgeting and tapping his feet while he grips onto the arm for support. In a meeting last month with defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin's poor posture and his apparently bloated face and neck fuelled the speculation. Video showed Putin speaking to Shoigu whilst gripping the edge of the table with his right hand - so hard that it appears white - and tapping his foot consistently. Advertisement

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

Meanwhile Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Video has also emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine unfolded, Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church, had an awkward Zoom meeting with Pope Francis.

The two religious leaders had previously worked together to bridge a 1,000-year-old schism between the Christian churches of the East and West. But the meeting, in March, found them on opposing sides of a chasm. Kirill spent 20 minutes reading prepared remarks, echoing the arguments of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that the war in Ukraine was necessary to purge Nazis and oppose NATO expansion.

Francis was evidently flummoxed. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, the pontiff told Kirill, he later recounted to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding that the patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy.

Today, Kirill stands apart not merely from Francis, but from much of the world. The leader of about 100 million faithful, Kirill, 75, has staked the fortunes of his branch of Orthodox Christianity on a close and mutually beneficial alliance with Mr. Putin, offering him spiritual cover while his church  and possibly he himself  receives vast resources in return from the Kremlin, allowing him to extend his influence in the Orthodox world.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Mechanicsburg, PA, May 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit jointly announced their upcoming merger to form Horizon Farm Credit, effective July 1, 2022.

The vote passed after a special stockholders meeting on May 20, 2022 with the number of stockholders voting exceeding the required three percent quorum from both Associations members. Horizon Farm Credit will serve more than 100 counties in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and will be made up of more than 20,000 member-borrowers. The merged entity will have 25 offices across its five-state footprint and be headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Current MidAtlantic Farm Credit Chief Executive Officer, Tom Truitt, who has over 25 years of experience with the Farm Credit System, will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Farm Credit. AgChoice and MidAtlantic have been working together for many years as industry peers, and are closely aligned in how we go about fulfilling our mission and serving our members, says Truitt. This merger will allow us to become even stronger than we are today, both financially and with an increase in specialized staff.

Current AgChoice Chief Executive Officer, Darrell Curtis, will stay on until the merger is complete to support the organizations in the transition plan. Im looking forward to the many benefits this new Association will bring to our local communities and partners, says Curtis. Both of our Associations have strong ag expertise, and were excited to work together to enhance the experience we provide our customers.

No office closures or staffing changes are anticipated as a result of the merger. Members will receive the same local, personalized service from the same trusted experts. The offices of both Associations will be closed from July 1  4, 2022 to ensure a seamless transition as they integrate systems to form Horizon Farm Credit.

AgChoice Farm Credit Board Chair, Richard Allen, shares, We are looking forward to serving the entire state of Pennsylvania as Horizon Farm Credit, bringing a unified voice to advocate for and support the agriculture and rural communities within the Commonwealth and beyond.

MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board Chair, Brian Boyd, adds, The combined knowledge and resources that both Associations bring to the table will offer even more value to our members as we keep a better pulse on the ever-evolving agriculture industry to continue providing the services our borrowers need to be successful.

For more information about the upcoming merger and Horizon Farm Credit, visit horizonfc.com.

About AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit are agricultural lending cooperatives owned by their memberborrowers. The associations are part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. Together they serve Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia by providing farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; crop insurance; and rural home mortgages. Learn more at agchoice.com or mafc.com.

###

Katie Ward MidAtlantic Farm Credit 8883393334 [email protected] Jenny Kreisher MidAtlantic Farm Credit 8883393334 [email protected]

Source: MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Mechanicsburg, PA, May 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit jointly announced their upcoming merger to form Horizon Farm Credit, effective July 1, 2022.

The vote passed after a special stockholders meeting on May 20, 2022 with the number of stockholders voting exceeding the required three percent quorum from both Associations members. Horizon Farm Credit will serve more than 100 counties in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and will be made up of more than 20,000 member-borrowers. The merged entity will have 25 offices across its five-state footprint and be headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Current MidAtlantic Farm Credit Chief Executive Officer, Tom Truitt, who has over 25 years of experience with the Farm Credit System, will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Farm Credit. AgChoice and MidAtlantic have been working together for many years as industry peers, and are closely aligned in how we go about fulfilling our mission and serving our members, says Truitt. This merger will allow us to become even stronger than we are today, both financially and with an increase in specialized staff.

Current AgChoice Chief Executive Officer, Darrell Curtis, will stay on until the merger is complete to support the organizations in the transition plan. Im looking forward to the many benefits this new Association will bring to our local communities and partners, says Curtis. Both of our Associations have strong ag expertise, and were excited to work together to enhance the experience we provide our customers.

No office closures or staffing changes are anticipated as a result of the merger. Members will receive the same local, personalized service from the same trusted experts. The offices of both Associations will be closed from July 1  4, 2022 to ensure a seamless transition as they integrate systems to form Horizon Farm Credit.

AgChoice Farm Credit Board Chair, Richard Allen, shares, We are looking forward to serving the entire state of Pennsylvania as Horizon Farm Credit, bringing a unified voice to advocate for and support the agriculture and rural communities within the Commonwealth and beyond.

MidAtlantic Farm Credit Board Chair, Brian Boyd, adds, The combined knowledge and resources that both Associations bring to the table will offer even more value to our members as we keep a better pulse on the ever-evolving agriculture industry to continue providing the services our borrowers need to be successful.

For more information about the upcoming merger and Horizon Farm Credit, visit horizonfc.com.

About AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit AgChoice Farm Credit and MidAtlantic Farm Credit are agricultural lending cooperatives owned by their memberborrowers. The associations are part of the national Farm Credit System, a network of financial cooperatives established in 1916 to provide a dependable source of credit to farmers and rural America. Together they serve Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia by providing farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; crop insurance; and rural home mortgages. Learn more at agchoice.com or mafc.com.

###

Katie Ward MidAtlantic Farm Credit 8883393334 [email protected] Jenny Kreisher MidAtlantic Farm Credit 8883393334 [email protected]

Source: MidAtlantic Farm Credit







The Greens are predicting a greenslide in the lower house and holding the balance of power in the Senate in their own right after swings towards them across the country.

The minor party is on track to pick up former prime minister Kevin Rudds old seat of Griffith and is in the hunt in nearby Ryan and Brisbane, Richmond on the NSW north coast, and potentially Melbourne-based Macnamara as well.

Greens leader Adam Bandt is upbeat about the partys prospects of adding to its numbers in both the Senate and the lower house. Credit:Getty

Deputy leader Larissa Waters said the results were looking very, very promising for a real greenslide in her state of Queensland.

We have more people than ever flock to want to help us to campaign to win those seats, she said.




Study claiming 95% of women don't regret their abortions 'flawed,' pro-life researcher says

With the U.S. Supreme Court possibly about to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide, a study that purportedly shows what happens when women are denied abortions has garnered renewed attention by the media. But pro-lifers warn that the study's flawed methodology casts doubt on many of its conclusions.

Demographer Diana Greene Foster and her research team conducted The Turnaway Study from 2008 to 2010. The study asked 30 abortion facilities throughout the country to select 1,000 women who had abortions or were "turned away" and gave birth due to being beyond the gestational limit as study subjects.

After interviewing study participants for five years, researchers concluded that women who were denied abortions experienced worse economic and mental health outcomes than those who had abortions. The study states it found no evidence that abortion has negative side effects on women's emotional well-being, claiming that 95% of participants who had abortions felt it was the right decision.

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, but in a Tuesday interview with National Public Radio about the court's pending ruling in a Mississippi abortion case, she said: "The Turnaway Study was not designed with this moment in mind, because in my worst nightmares, I did not imagine that we would see an end of Roe so quickly."

The nation's highest court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks on whether to uphold Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. According to a May 2 Politico report, a leaked draft opinion shows that a majority of the justices are potentially poised to overturn Roe. A statement by the court issued the following day verified the draft's authenticity but clarified it does not reflect the final ruling.

"But what The Turnaway Study shows is that people who become pregnant and are unable to get a safe, legal abortion in their state, those that carry the pregnancy to term will experience long-term physical health and economic harm," Foster said.

Michael J. New, researcher and associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post there are "legitimate concerns" about the Turnaway Study's methodology.

"Furthermore, the findings do not necessarily support the narrative that women who carry pregnancies to term fare less well than women who obtained abortions," New wrote in an emailed response to The Christian Post on Friday.

One key methodological concern the pro-life researcher noted is that less than 38% of the women researchers approached agreed to participate in the study.

"It seems likely that the women who made themselves available for the study might have had either a higher level of decisional certainty or fewer moral qualms about obtaining an abortion, skewing the results," he wrote.

Another issue is that many of the women who originally agreed to participate did not respond to follow-up surveys, according to New. He pointed to a 2017 JAMA Psychiatry journal that used the Turnaway Study's data, showing only 58.4% of participants had responded to a survey five years after the study began.

"This information further skews the results, as it is likely that women who disappeared from the survey were faring less well economically, physically and emotionally than those who responded," New wrote.

The pro-life researcher acknowledged that there is some evidence that in the short term, women who have their children fare less well economically than their counterparts who had abortions. However, he noted that the Turnaway Study's data actually shows these numbers "diminish over time."

"For instance, five years later, the poverty rate for women who carried pregnancies to term is nearly identical to the poverty rate for women who obtained abortions," he wrote.

New also highlighted an issue with the media's coverage of the study, as many are often quick to report on the study's claim that a high percentage of participants did not regret their abortions five years later. For example, a 2020 Forbes article titled, "Women Overwhelmingly Don't Regret Abortion, Research Finds. But Denying Them Care Is Costly," highlighted the study's reported mental health findings, as did a CNN article released that same year.

"However, what receives almost no attention from mainstream media outlets is the attitudes of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one  the turnaways," New explained.

The Turnaway Study found that five years later, only 4% of women denied an abortion wished they could have had one, New noted.

"One week after abortion denial, 65% of participants reported still wishing they could have had the abortion; after the birth, only 12% of women reported that they still wished that they could have had the abortion," Foster's 2020 book containing the results of the study reads. "At the time of the child's first birthday, 7% still wished they could have had an abortion. By five years, this went down to 4%."

New said this means "96 percent of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one appear satisfied."

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.
Study claiming 95% of women don't regret their abortions 'flawed,' pro-life researcher says

With the U.S. Supreme Court possibly about to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide, a study that purportedly shows what happens when women are denied abortions has garnered renewed attention by the media. But pro-lifers warn that the study's flawed methodology casts doubt on many of its conclusions.

Demographer Diana Greene Foster and her research team conducted The Turnaway Study from 2008 to 2010. The study asked 30 abortion facilities throughout the country to select 1,000 women who had abortions or were "turned away" and gave birth due to being beyond the gestational limit as study subjects.

After interviewing study participants for five years, researchers concluded that women who were denied abortions experienced worse economic and mental health outcomes than those who had abortions. The study states it found no evidence that abortion has negative side effects on women's emotional well-being, claiming that 95% of participants who had abortions felt it was the right decision.

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, but in a Tuesday interview with National Public Radio about the court's pending ruling in a Mississippi abortion case, she said: "The Turnaway Study was not designed with this moment in mind, because in my worst nightmares, I did not imagine that we would see an end of Roe so quickly."

The nation's highest court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks on whether to uphold Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. According to a May 2 Politico report, a leaked draft opinion shows that a majority of the justices are potentially poised to overturn Roe. A statement by the court issued the following day verified the draft's authenticity but clarified it does not reflect the final ruling.

"But what The Turnaway Study shows is that people who become pregnant and are unable to get a safe, legal abortion in their state, those that carry the pregnancy to term will experience long-term physical health and economic harm," Foster said.

Michael J. New, researcher and associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post there are "legitimate concerns" about the Turnaway Study's methodology.

"Furthermore, the findings do not necessarily support the narrative that women who carry pregnancies to term fare less well than women who obtained abortions," New wrote in an emailed response to The Christian Post on Friday.

One key methodological concern the pro-life researcher noted is that less than 38% of the women researchers approached agreed to participate in the study.

"It seems likely that the women who made themselves available for the study might have had either a higher level of decisional certainty or fewer moral qualms about obtaining an abortion, skewing the results," he wrote.

Another issue is that many of the women who originally agreed to participate did not respond to follow-up surveys, according to New. He pointed to a 2017 JAMA Psychiatry journal that used the Turnaway Study's data, showing only 58.4% of participants had responded to a survey five years after the study began.

"This information further skews the results, as it is likely that women who disappeared from the survey were faring less well economically, physically and emotionally than those who responded," New wrote.

The pro-life researcher acknowledged that there is some evidence that in the short term, women who have their children fare less well economically than their counterparts who had abortions. However, he noted that the Turnaway Study's data actually shows these numbers "diminish over time."

"For instance, five years later, the poverty rate for women who carried pregnancies to term is nearly identical to the poverty rate for women who obtained abortions," he wrote.

New also highlighted an issue with the media's coverage of the study, as many are often quick to report on the study's claim that a high percentage of participants did not regret their abortions five years later. For example, a 2020 Forbes article titled, "Women Overwhelmingly Don't Regret Abortion, Research Finds. But Denying Them Care Is Costly," highlighted the study's reported mental health findings, as did a CNN article released that same year.

"However, what receives almost no attention from mainstream media outlets is the attitudes of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one  the turnaways," New explained.

The Turnaway Study found that five years later, only 4% of women denied an abortion wished they could have had one, New noted.

"One week after abortion denial, 65% of participants reported still wishing they could have had the abortion; after the birth, only 12% of women reported that they still wished that they could have had the abortion," Foster's 2020 book containing the results of the study reads. "At the time of the child's first birthday, 7% still wished they could have had an abortion. By five years, this went down to 4%."

New said this means "96 percent of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one appear satisfied."

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.
Study claiming 95% of women don't regret their abortions 'flawed,' pro-life researcher says

With the U.S. Supreme Court possibly about to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide, a study that purportedly shows what happens when women are denied abortions has garnered renewed attention by the media. But pro-lifers warn that the study's flawed methodology casts doubt on many of its conclusions.

Demographer Diana Greene Foster and her research team conducted The Turnaway Study from 2008 to 2010. The study asked 30 abortion facilities throughout the country to select 1,000 women who had abortions or were "turned away" and gave birth due to being beyond the gestational limit as study subjects.

After interviewing study participants for five years, researchers concluded that women who were denied abortions experienced worse economic and mental health outcomes than those who had abortions. The study states it found no evidence that abortion has negative side effects on women's emotional well-being, claiming that 95% of participants who had abortions felt it was the right decision.

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, but in a Tuesday interview with National Public Radio about the court's pending ruling in a Mississippi abortion case, she said: "The Turnaway Study was not designed with this moment in mind, because in my worst nightmares, I did not imagine that we would see an end of Roe so quickly."

The nation's highest court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks on whether to uphold Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. According to a May 2 Politico report, a leaked draft opinion shows that a majority of the justices are potentially poised to overturn Roe. A statement by the court issued the following day verified the draft's authenticity but clarified it does not reflect the final ruling.

"But what The Turnaway Study shows is that people who become pregnant and are unable to get a safe, legal abortion in their state, those that carry the pregnancy to term will experience long-term physical health and economic harm," Foster said.

Michael J. New, researcher and associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post there are "legitimate concerns" about the Turnaway Study's methodology.

"Furthermore, the findings do not necessarily support the narrative that women who carry pregnancies to term fare less well than women who obtained abortions," New wrote in an emailed response to The Christian Post on Friday.

One key methodological concern the pro-life researcher noted is that less than 38% of the women researchers approached agreed to participate in the study.

"It seems likely that the women who made themselves available for the study might have had either a higher level of decisional certainty or fewer moral qualms about obtaining an abortion, skewing the results," he wrote.

Another issue is that many of the women who originally agreed to participate did not respond to follow-up surveys, according to New. He pointed to a 2017 JAMA Psychiatry journal that used the Turnaway Study's data, showing only 58.4% of participants had responded to a survey five years after the study began.

"This information further skews the results, as it is likely that women who disappeared from the survey were faring less well economically, physically and emotionally than those who responded," New wrote.

The pro-life researcher acknowledged that there is some evidence that in the short term, women who have their children fare less well economically than their counterparts who had abortions. However, he noted that the Turnaway Study's data actually shows these numbers "diminish over time."

"For instance, five years later, the poverty rate for women who carried pregnancies to term is nearly identical to the poverty rate for women who obtained abortions," he wrote.

New also highlighted an issue with the media's coverage of the study, as many are often quick to report on the study's claim that a high percentage of participants did not regret their abortions five years later. For example, a 2020 Forbes article titled, "Women Overwhelmingly Don't Regret Abortion, Research Finds. But Denying Them Care Is Costly," highlighted the study's reported mental health findings, as did a CNN article released that same year.

"However, what receives almost no attention from mainstream media outlets is the attitudes of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one  the turnaways," New explained.

The Turnaway Study found that five years later, only 4% of women denied an abortion wished they could have had one, New noted.

"One week after abortion denial, 65% of participants reported still wishing they could have had the abortion; after the birth, only 12% of women reported that they still wished that they could have had the abortion," Foster's 2020 book containing the results of the study reads. "At the time of the child's first birthday, 7% still wished they could have had an abortion. By five years, this went down to 4%."

New said this means "96 percent of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one appear satisfied."

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.
Study claiming 95% of women don't regret their abortions 'flawed,' pro-life researcher says

With the U.S. Supreme Court possibly about to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide, a study that purportedly shows what happens when women are denied abortions has garnered renewed attention by the media. But pro-lifers warn that the study's flawed methodology casts doubt on many of its conclusions.

Demographer Diana Greene Foster and her research team conducted The Turnaway Study from 2008 to 2010. The study asked 30 abortion facilities throughout the country to select 1,000 women who had abortions or were "turned away" and gave birth due to being beyond the gestational limit as study subjects.

After interviewing study participants for five years, researchers concluded that women who were denied abortions experienced worse economic and mental health outcomes than those who had abortions. The study states it found no evidence that abortion has negative side effects on women's emotional well-being, claiming that 95% of participants who had abortions felt it was the right decision.

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, but in a Tuesday interview with National Public Radio about the court's pending ruling in a Mississippi abortion case, she said: "The Turnaway Study was not designed with this moment in mind, because in my worst nightmares, I did not imagine that we would see an end of Roe so quickly."

The nation's highest court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks on whether to uphold Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. According to a May 2 Politico report, a leaked draft opinion shows that a majority of the justices are potentially poised to overturn Roe. A statement by the court issued the following day verified the draft's authenticity but clarified it does not reflect the final ruling.

"But what The Turnaway Study shows is that people who become pregnant and are unable to get a safe, legal abortion in their state, those that carry the pregnancy to term will experience long-term physical health and economic harm," Foster said.

Michael J. New, researcher and associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post there are "legitimate concerns" about the Turnaway Study's methodology.

"Furthermore, the findings do not necessarily support the narrative that women who carry pregnancies to term fare less well than women who obtained abortions," New wrote in an emailed response to The Christian Post on Friday.

One key methodological concern the pro-life researcher noted is that less than 38% of the women researchers approached agreed to participate in the study.

"It seems likely that the women who made themselves available for the study might have had either a higher level of decisional certainty or fewer moral qualms about obtaining an abortion, skewing the results," he wrote.

Another issue is that many of the women who originally agreed to participate did not respond to follow-up surveys, according to New. He pointed to a 2017 JAMA Psychiatry journal that used the Turnaway Study's data, showing only 58.4% of participants had responded to a survey five years after the study began.

"This information further skews the results, as it is likely that women who disappeared from the survey were faring less well economically, physically and emotionally than those who responded," New wrote.

The pro-life researcher acknowledged that there is some evidence that in the short term, women who have their children fare less well economically than their counterparts who had abortions. However, he noted that the Turnaway Study's data actually shows these numbers "diminish over time."

"For instance, five years later, the poverty rate for women who carried pregnancies to term is nearly identical to the poverty rate for women who obtained abortions," he wrote.

New also highlighted an issue with the media's coverage of the study, as many are often quick to report on the study's claim that a high percentage of participants did not regret their abortions five years later. For example, a 2020 Forbes article titled, "Women Overwhelmingly Don't Regret Abortion, Research Finds. But Denying Them Care Is Costly," highlighted the study's reported mental health findings, as did a CNN article released that same year.

"However, what receives almost no attention from mainstream media outlets is the attitudes of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one  the turnaways," New explained.

The Turnaway Study found that five years later, only 4% of women denied an abortion wished they could have had one, New noted.

"One week after abortion denial, 65% of participants reported still wishing they could have had the abortion; after the birth, only 12% of women reported that they still wished that they could have had the abortion," Foster's 2020 book containing the results of the study reads. "At the time of the child's first birthday, 7% still wished they could have had an abortion. By five years, this went down to 4%."

New said this means "96 percent of women who sought abortions but did not obtain one appear satisfied."

Diana Greene Foster did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Adaptive Cruise Control

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA

After issuing a recall for engine fires in the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size utility vehicles, Ford called back a handful of units of the Mustang Mach-E for a software issue that resulted in reduced motive power or unintended acceleration. This week, the second-largest automaker in the United States has also recalled 310,000 full-size pickup trucks over a drivers airbag that may not deploy due to a disconnected ribbon cable.The latest recall concerns the 2022 model year Mustang, namely 32 units equipped with the so-called Image Processing Module A. Otherwise known as a forward-facing camera, this module hasnt been aligned properly, a condition that leads to restricted or inoperative driver-assist features that include Pre-Collision Assist and. Happily, for affected customers, the fix is as straightforward as it could possibly get.Dealers will realign the front-facing camera at no charge to the customer. Owner notifications will be mailed on May 30th as per the recall report published on thes website.s campaign number is 22V334000, while Ford refers to the recall as 22S34. In the meantime, customers may contact the safety watchdog or the American automaker at 1-866-436-7332 or 1-888-327-4236.On that note, its worth remembering that Ford is looking forward to replace the Mustang. Initially expected as a 2023 model, the S650 is tipped to debut on April 17th next year as a 2024 model. Everyone is looking forward to carryover engine options, starting with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-potter.Equipped with this powerplant, Ford charges $27,205, excluding destination charge, for the most basic specification of the pony car. Level up to the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and youre looking at $37,275 for the manual-equipped bruiser. At the very top of the lineup, the Shelby GT500 reigns supreme with a sticker price of $79,155 and 760 hp for the 5.2-liter Predator V8.





Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.


BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When Helena Occansey visited the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, last November, she instantly fell in love with the school that overlooks the Severn River.

It also didn't hurt that Occansey, a Lincoln Pius X senior, already had a family connection there.

"My older brother is at the Naval Academy. That's kind of how I got interested in that," she said.

She was formally accepted in January, after wrangling the endorsement of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

"Its really exciting and its good to know that my four years of high school have paid off and I was able to work my way into there," she said.

The diversity of the Naval Academy is one thing that excited her about the school, too. As a Black student growing up in Lincoln  Occansey's father originally hails from the West African nation of Togo  the number of classmates that looked like her was small.

"That's definitely one thing that kind of excited me about the academy, just knowing that I had a little bit more of my dad's part of the culture there," she said.

Voices of change The LPS Scholar Equity Cadre has empowered diverse students to use their voice to advocate for others and inspire change. Throughout the school year, the Journal Star has shared stories from diverse students in a series of profiles. The series will conclude next week with a Q&A round table with seniors from across the city.

Her father, Kouassi Occansey, moved to New York City in the 1990s, "chasing the dream of coming to America." He had a friend who lived in the Midwest, in this state called Nebraska, so Occansey paid him a visit.

"I loved it," he said. "You could drive to a place in five minutes."

Kouassi Occansey, who runs a small shop repairing dresses and suits out of his northeast Lincoln home, later met his wife in Omaha and settled in Lincoln. They've raised seven children  including two who will become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy.

"I think it's a good thing," he said. "They'll keep each other close, especially when you're far away from home. They'll hold onto each other."

Helena Occansey is active at Pius X, competing on the cross country and track teams and serving on student council. She also participates in the Ambassadors Club, in which students work to offer positive support and friendship to their classmates.

In her sophomore year, the pandemic struck. The track season was canceled  "which was a huge thing for me since I love running," she said  and classes shifted online. Junior year, things were limited too, and Pius X briefly went to half days when Occansey was a senior during the omicron surge.

"But, otherwise, this year's been pretty normal," she said.

This summer, Occansey is hoping to take a senior trip with some of her girlfriends. Then it's off to the East Coast, where she plans on studying political science at the Naval Academy, a school where she feels like she can give back to her country that accepted her father all those years ago.

"All the opportunities I've had here, I wanted to be able to give back to my country," she said. "I constantly have the drive to just, like, push myself, and so I know that at the academy, I'll really be able to challenge myself, so I'm excited about that."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When Helena Occansey visited the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, last November, she instantly fell in love with the school that overlooks the Severn River.

It also didn't hurt that Occansey, a Lincoln Pius X senior, already had a family connection there.

"My older brother is at the Naval Academy. That's kind of how I got interested in that," she said.

She was formally accepted in January, after wrangling the endorsement of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

"Its really exciting and its good to know that my four years of high school have paid off and I was able to work my way into there," she said.

The diversity of the Naval Academy is one thing that excited her about the school, too. As a Black student growing up in Lincoln  Occansey's father originally hails from the West African nation of Togo  the number of classmates that looked like her was small.

"That's definitely one thing that kind of excited me about the academy, just knowing that I had a little bit more of my dad's part of the culture there," she said.

Voices of change The LPS Scholar Equity Cadre has empowered diverse students to use their voice to advocate for others and inspire change. Throughout the school year, the Journal Star has shared stories from diverse students in a series of profiles. The series will conclude next week with a Q&A round table with seniors from across the city.

Her father, Kouassi Occansey, moved to New York City in the 1990s, "chasing the dream of coming to America." He had a friend who lived in the Midwest, in this state called Nebraska, so Occansey paid him a visit.

"I loved it," he said. "You could drive to a place in five minutes."

Kouassi Occansey, who runs a small shop repairing dresses and suits out of his northeast Lincoln home, later met his wife in Omaha and settled in Lincoln. They've raised seven children  including two who will become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy.

"I think it's a good thing," he said. "They'll keep each other close, especially when you're far away from home. They'll hold onto each other."

Helena Occansey is active at Pius X, competing on the cross country and track teams and serving on student council. She also participates in the Ambassadors Club, in which students work to offer positive support and friendship to their classmates.

In her sophomore year, the pandemic struck. The track season was canceled  "which was a huge thing for me since I love running," she said  and classes shifted online. Junior year, things were limited too, and Pius X briefly went to half days when Occansey was a senior during the omicron surge.

"But, otherwise, this year's been pretty normal," she said.

This summer, Occansey is hoping to take a senior trip with some of her girlfriends. Then it's off to the East Coast, where she plans on studying political science at the Naval Academy, a school where she feels like she can give back to her country that accepted her father all those years ago.

"All the opportunities I've had here, I wanted to be able to give back to my country," she said. "I constantly have the drive to just, like, push myself, and so I know that at the academy, I'll really be able to challenge myself, so I'm excited about that."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has lost the seat of Kooyong to teal independent Monique Ryan, but hinted broadly that he planned to return to politics some time in the future.

Frydenberg, who would have been a strong candidate for the Liberal leadership after the partys rout at the election, effectively conceded defeat late on Saturday night. However, he ended an emotional speech to supporters by declaring he still had a lot left in the tank.

Frydenberg said it was still mathematically possible to win in Kooyong as there were thousands of postal votes yet to be counted.

But its difficult, he admitted, before launching into a speech that placed his career and his achievements in the past tense, indicating he had already accepted the electorate was lost.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The Australian Labor Party has won the 2022 federal election, making Anthony Albo Albanese only the fourth Labor leader since World War II to win government from the opposition. Born in inner-western Sydney and raised by a single mother in Camperdowns public housing, Albanese has always cited his upbringing as a major informer of his politics. He became politically active from a young age and his stature in the Australian Labor Party has only increased since joining more than 40 years ago. Labor leader Anthony Albanese claims victory in the 2022 federal election. Credit:Janie Barrett 1979: Aged 16, Albanese joins the Australian Labor Party. 1980s: While studying for a bachelor of economics at the University of Sydney, he is elected to the Students Representative Council and leads a faction aligned with Young Labors Hard Left. 1985: Elected the president of the NSW division of Young Labor.

Advertisement

1986: Appointed delegate to the Australian Labor Party national conference for the first time. He has reprised this role several times between 1986 and 2015. A young Anthony Albanese. Credit:Alexander James Towle 1989: Elected assistant general secretary of the Australian Labor Partys NSW division. This position embroiled Albanese in a constant conflict between the partys right and left factions. 1996: Anthony Albanese is elected the federal member for Grayndler, the inner-west Sydney seat that takes in the area in which he grew up. Though it has always been a safe Labor seat, following Albaneses election, it shifts from a bastion of the partys right to a stronghold of the left. He has been re-elected at every election since. 1998: Appointed to his first parliamentary party position as a shadow parliamentary secretary to the shadow minister for family and community services. 2001: Appointed to the frontbench for the first time as the shadow minister for ageing and seniors. 2007: After Kevin Rudd is elected prime minister, Albanese becomes a cabinet minister for the next six years. Throughout this period, he holds ministerial positions in various portfolios, including infrastructure and transport, regional development and local government, and broadband, communications and the digital economy.

Advertisement

2008: Appointed leader of the House and helps manage government business in parliament. August 2010: During the hung parliament of the 2010 federal election, Albanese plays a vital role as leader of the House, appealing to independents to maintain support for Julia Gillards minority Labor government. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Anthony Albanese (right), with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Credit:Andrew Meares June 2013: After backing Kevin Rudd in the Labor Party leadership spill, Albanese briefly becomes deputy prime minister until Labors defeat less than three months later. October 2013: Following the 2013 election, Albanese nominates to replace Rudd as the Labor leader. While he earns 60 per cent of the membership vote, he loses to Bill Shorten, who wins the majority of caucus votes. This catalyses tensions between the two Labor figures, though Albanese now insists, Im a better leader now than I would have been if elected in 2013. May 2019: After Bill Shortens shock loss to Scott Morrison in the 2019 election, Albanese nominates for Labors leadership election. He runs unopposed and is elected the leader of the opposition.

Advertisement




For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
NEW YORK, May 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights law firm Julie & Holleman has launched an investigation into the proposed acquisition of Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. by Gato Investments LP, a portfolio investment of private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. Gato has agreed to buy Hemisphere for $7.00 per share, which is less than half of the company's 52-week high trading price.

To learn more about the investigation, click here.

Gato is already Hemisphere's controlling shareholder, owning 72.3% of Hemisphere's voting power. On May 9, 2020, Hemisphere announced that it had entered into an agreement under which Gato would acquire the remaining shares of the company.

Julie & Holleman is investigating potential legal claims available to Hemisphere shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition, including claims relating to Gato's conflicts of interest and the adequacy of the $7.00 per share acquisition price.

If you would like more information about Julie & Holleman's investigation, or about the acquisition in general, please contact W. Scott Holleman by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (929) 415-1020. You may also visit the firm's website by clicking here.

Julie & Holleman is a boutique law firm that focuses on shareholder litigation, including derivative actions, mergers and acquisitions cases, securities fraud class actions, and corporate investigations. The firm's attorneys litigate in state and federal courts across the nation. For more information about the firm, please visit www.julieholleman.com. This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Julie & Holleman LLP

W. Scott Holleman, Esq.

157 East 86th Street

4th Floor

New York, NY 10028

(929) 415-1020

www.julieholleman.com

SOURCE Julie & Holleman LLP
PORTLAND, Maine  Americas commercial fishing industry fell 10% in catch volume and 15% in value during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal regulators said.

The 2020 haul of fish was 8.4 billion pounds, while the value of that catch was $4.8 billion, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. The early months of the pandemic posed numerous challenges for the U.S. fishing industry, which has remained economically viable despite the difficult year, NOAA officials said last week.

It was fishery closures, boats not going out due to COVID, border closings due to COVID, lots of disruption in the flow of goods and services, said Michael Liddel, NOAAs commercial fishery statistics branch chief.

NOAA made the announcement as it unveiled its Status of the Stocks report, which provides details about the health of the nations commercial fishing industry.

The report said there were 51 fish stocks on the federal governments overfished list in 2021. That list includes stocks that have been depleted by excessive fishing, and the number was an increase of two from the previous year.

Bering Sea snow crabs were among the stocks added to the overfished list. The snow crab fishery, based in Alaska, is one of the most valuable in the country, and was worth more than $100 million at the docks in 2020. Climate factors appear to be playing a role in the decline of Bering Sea snow crabs.

The stock could be falling victim to disease, predation and movement in search of colder waters, said Kelly Denit, director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries.

That abundance has dropped by more than 50% in the last two years, and that stock is now overfished, Denit said.

NOAA also removed a few fish stocks from its overfishing and overfished lists. They included the south Atlantic Coast tilefish and the eastern Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna.

Some of the largest value seafood species were once again New England staples, such as lobster, a fishery anchored in Maine, and sea scallops, many of which come to the docks in Massachusetts. Other high value seafoods included species of crab, salmon and shrimp.

NOAA said 8% of stocks with known statuses are subject to overfishing. That means nearly 300 fish stocks are not.

The high number of sustainable fish stocks illustrates that regulators and industry were able to answer the challenge of COVID-19 while ensuring the sustainability and economic stability of our nations fisheries, said NOAAs acting assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere, Janet Coit.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
PORTLAND, Maine  Americas commercial fishing industry fell 10% in catch volume and 15% in value during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal regulators said.

The 2020 haul of fish was 8.4 billion pounds, while the value of that catch was $4.8 billion, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. The early months of the pandemic posed numerous challenges for the U.S. fishing industry, which has remained economically viable despite the difficult year, NOAA officials said last week.

It was fishery closures, boats not going out due to COVID, border closings due to COVID, lots of disruption in the flow of goods and services, said Michael Liddel, NOAAs commercial fishery statistics branch chief.

NOAA made the announcement as it unveiled its Status of the Stocks report, which provides details about the health of the nations commercial fishing industry.

The report said there were 51 fish stocks on the federal governments overfished list in 2021. That list includes stocks that have been depleted by excessive fishing, and the number was an increase of two from the previous year.

Bering Sea snow crabs were among the stocks added to the overfished list. The snow crab fishery, based in Alaska, is one of the most valuable in the country, and was worth more than $100 million at the docks in 2020. Climate factors appear to be playing a role in the decline of Bering Sea snow crabs.

The stock could be falling victim to disease, predation and movement in search of colder waters, said Kelly Denit, director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries.

That abundance has dropped by more than 50% in the last two years, and that stock is now overfished, Denit said.

NOAA also removed a few fish stocks from its overfishing and overfished lists. They included the south Atlantic Coast tilefish and the eastern Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna.

Some of the largest value seafood species were once again New England staples, such as lobster, a fishery anchored in Maine, and sea scallops, many of which come to the docks in Massachusetts. Other high value seafoods included species of crab, salmon and shrimp.

NOAA said 8% of stocks with known statuses are subject to overfishing. That means nearly 300 fish stocks are not.

The high number of sustainable fish stocks illustrates that regulators and industry were able to answer the challenge of COVID-19 while ensuring the sustainability and economic stability of our nations fisheries, said NOAAs acting assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere, Janet Coit.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030.

The health secretary commissioned an independent review into the tobacco industry, which is expected to recommend a rise to the purchase age of cigarettes, as well as new taxes for company profits.

It is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers, sources say.

Smoking has decreased since 1974, with around 15 per cent of the population smoking in 2019. That year, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030. File image

Most studies have shown that e-cigarettes cause less harm than cigarettes, but long-term impacts of vaping are unclear.

The review is being led by Javed Khan, who has previously supported taxing tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns.

This could include a levy on companies that make 700 million each year, used to fund quitting support and e-cigarettes on the NHS.

The former Barnardo's CEO has taken quite a 'radical' stance in meetings for the review, a source told The Telegraph.

The paper reported that multiple sources close to the health secretary, who stopped smoking when he took on the role last year, expect an increased age limit recommendation.

It could be raised from 18 to 21, but considerations were also made for 25, it has been reported.

But with the Government considering 18 as the age of legal responsibility, a Downing Street source told the paper that Boris Johnson may not feel the age should be raised.

The report is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers. File image

In 2019, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. This is measured as just five per cent of adults smoking, not total eradication of the habit.

But one source told the Telegraph that Tory backbenchers are 'nervous' about a 'nanny state attack' on smoking.

They added: 'Sajid Javid is interested in health inequality and he is interested in tackling public health issues, but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.'

It is thought that Mr Javid will use the report, expected to be published in coming weeks, to call for some kind of reform on the industry.

The report's recommendations will be consulted on before the Government announces any new policy.

President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
HELSINKI  Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland on Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finlands nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia.

The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinkis refusal to pay for the gas in rubles as Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded European countries do since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The Finnish state-owned gas company Gasum said that natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off by Russia on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).

The announcement follows Moscows decision to cut off electricity exports to Finland earlier this month and an earlier decision by the Finnish state-controlled oil company Neste to replace imports of Russian crude oil with crude oil from elsewhere.

After decades of energy cooperation that was seen beneficial for both Helsinki  particularly in the case of inexpensive Russian crude oil  and Moscow, Finlands energy ties with Russia are now all but gone.

Such a break was easier for Finland than it will be for other European Union nations. Natural gas accounts for just some 5% of total energy consumption in Finland, a country of 5.5 million. Almost all of that gas comes from Russia, and is used mainly by industrial and other companies with only an estimated 4,000 households relying on gas heating.

Gasum said it would now supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the undersea Balticconnector gas pipeline running between Finland and Estonia and connecting the Finnish and Baltic gas grids.

Matti Vanhanen, the former Finnish prime minister and current speaker of Parliament, said the effect of Moscows decision to cut off gas after nearly 50 years since the first deliveries from the Soviet Union began is above all symbolic.

In an interview Saturday with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, Vanhanen said the decision marks an end of a hugely important period between Finland, the Soviet Union and Russia, not only in energy terms but symbolically.

That pipeline is unlikely to ever open again, Vanhanen told YLE, referring to the two parallel Russia-Finland natural gas pipelines that were launched in 1974.

The first connections from Finlands power grid to the Soviet transmission system were also constructed in the 1970s, allowing electricity imports to Finland in case additional capacity was needed.

Vanhanen didnt see Moscows gas stoppage as a retaliatory step from Russia to Finlands bid to join NATO but rather a countermove to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia did the same thing with Finland it has done earlier with some other countries to maintain its own credibility, Vanhanen said, referring to the Kremlins demands to buy its gas in rubles.

Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) with Russia, the longest of any of the EUs 27 members, and has a conflict-ridden history with its huge eastern neighbor.

After losing two wars to Soviet Union, in World War II, Finland opted for neutrality with stable and pragmatic political and economic ties with Moscow. Large-scale energy cooperation, also including nuclear power, between the two countries was one of the most visible signs of friendly bilateral ties between former enemies.

___

Follow APs coverage of the Ukraine war at: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
HELSINKI  Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland on Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finlands nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia.

The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinkis refusal to pay for the gas in rubles as Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded European countries do since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The Finnish state-owned gas company Gasum said that natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off by Russia on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).

The announcement follows Moscows decision to cut off electricity exports to Finland earlier this month and an earlier decision by the Finnish state-controlled oil company Neste to replace imports of Russian crude oil with crude oil from elsewhere.

After decades of energy cooperation that was seen beneficial for both Helsinki  particularly in the case of inexpensive Russian crude oil  and Moscow, Finlands energy ties with Russia are now all but gone.

Such a break was easier for Finland than it will be for other European Union nations. Natural gas accounts for just some 5% of total energy consumption in Finland, a country of 5.5 million. Almost all of that gas comes from Russia, and is used mainly by industrial and other companies with only an estimated 4,000 households relying on gas heating.

Gasum said it would now supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the undersea Balticconnector gas pipeline running between Finland and Estonia and connecting the Finnish and Baltic gas grids.

Matti Vanhanen, the former Finnish prime minister and current speaker of Parliament, said the effect of Moscows decision to cut off gas after nearly 50 years since the first deliveries from the Soviet Union began is above all symbolic.

In an interview Saturday with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, Vanhanen said the decision marks an end of a hugely important period between Finland, the Soviet Union and Russia, not only in energy terms but symbolically.

That pipeline is unlikely to ever open again, Vanhanen told YLE, referring to the two parallel Russia-Finland natural gas pipelines that were launched in 1974.

The first connections from Finlands power grid to the Soviet transmission system were also constructed in the 1970s, allowing electricity imports to Finland in case additional capacity was needed.

Vanhanen didnt see Moscows gas stoppage as a retaliatory step from Russia to Finlands bid to join NATO but rather a countermove to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia did the same thing with Finland it has done earlier with some other countries to maintain its own credibility, Vanhanen said, referring to the Kremlins demands to buy its gas in rubles.

Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) with Russia, the longest of any of the EUs 27 members, and has a conflict-ridden history with its huge eastern neighbor.

After losing two wars to Soviet Union, in World War II, Finland opted for neutrality with stable and pragmatic political and economic ties with Moscow. Large-scale energy cooperation, also including nuclear power, between the two countries was one of the most visible signs of friendly bilateral ties between former enemies.

___

Follow APs coverage of the Ukraine war at: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as President Yoon Suk Yeol listens on during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





Major business lobby groups here welcomed the agreement Saturday by South Korea and the United States to strengthen the alliance not just in the military and security areas but also in various economic areas, including global supply chains.







On Saturday, President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held a summit in Seoul and recognized the importance of deepening economic cooperation and energy security, and jointly promoting critical and emerging technologies.







They also committed "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S. initiative to ensure secure and resilient supply chains, set the rules of the digital economy, and invest in clean, modern and high-standards infrastructure." South Korea joined the IPEF.







"Promising expansion of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during President Biden's first leg of his Asia trip signaled the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific area," the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said.







"We expect that the enhanced South Korea-U.S. alliance will strengthen Seoul's leadership in the international community and advance their shared visions of freedom, democracy and the value of a market economy," the FKI added.







For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as President Yoon Suk Yeol listens on during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





Major business lobby groups here welcomed the agreement Saturday by South Korea and the United States to strengthen the alliance not just in the military and security areas but also in various economic areas, including global supply chains.







On Saturday, President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held a summit in Seoul and recognized the importance of deepening economic cooperation and energy security, and jointly promoting critical and emerging technologies.







They also committed "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S. initiative to ensure secure and resilient supply chains, set the rules of the digital economy, and invest in clean, modern and high-standards infrastructure." South Korea joined the IPEF.







"Promising expansion of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during President Biden's first leg of his Asia trip signaled the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific area," the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said.







"We expect that the enhanced South Korea-U.S. alliance will strengthen Seoul's leadership in the international community and advance their shared visions of freedom, democracy and the value of a market economy," the FKI added.






WASHINGTON  The former director of the Ohio state prison system has emerged as a leading contender to run the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Gary Mohr, who has also worked in the private prison industry, is among those at the top of the list of candidates to replace Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but said he would stay on until a successor was named, the people said Friday.

A final decision has not been made and its unclear when an announcement would be put forward, according to the people, who were not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. After this story published, Mohr responded to an email seeking comment that was sent to a consulting firm where he works. He said he was shocked to see an article describing me as a top contender for the position and denied that he had applied or been interviewed.

The people familiar with the matter insisted Saturday that Mohr remained among those being seriously considered for the position.

If picked, Mohr would become the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago, and only the second director with no prior experience at the agency, the Justice Departments largest.

The leadership change came after AP reporting that has uncovered widespread problems at the agency, including sexual abuse by correctional officers and critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies.

Mohr has spent nearly 50 years working in corrections, starting as a teacher in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the agency he led from 2011 to 2018. After his retirement, he served as president of the American Correctional Association, a nonprofit trade association and accrediting body.

Mohr has also been a prison warden and, between stints in the Ohio system, was a consultant and managing director for CoreCivic, formerly know as Corrections Corporation of America, an owner and operator of private prisons and detention facilities.

As head of Ohios prison system, Mohr oversaw more than 12,000 employees and close to 50,000 inmates at 28 facilities. The Bureau of Prisons is budgeted for around 37,500 employees, operates 122 facilities and has about 157,000 inmates.

In Ohio, Mohr made reducing the states prison population a priority and spearheaded efforts to reduce the number of first-time, nonviolent offenders behind bars. He managed to trim it by about 1,000 inmates in his tenure but, upon his retirement, said he was extraordinarily disheartened he couldnt do more.

Mohr also oversaw 15 executions and dealt with various crises, including the 2013 prison suicide of notorious Cleveland women abductor Ariel Castro; the brief 2014 escape of school shooter T.J. Lane; and the 2017 killing of an inmate in a transport van by another prisoner.

The union representing Ohios state prison guards frequently clashed with Mohr, criticizing him and the agency for not doing enough to protect correctional officers and reduce violence.

Carvajal, 54, was appointed director of the federal Bureau of Prisons in February 2020 by then-Attorney General William Barr, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began raging in federal prisons nationwide, leaving tens of thousands of inmates infected with the virus and resulting in 295 deaths.

An agency insider who started as a correctional officer and worked his way up the ranks, Carvajal had a tumultuous tenure as director. There was a failed response to the pandemic, widespread criminal activity among employees, critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies, inmate deaths and dozens of escapes.

Carvajal also oversaw an unprecedented run of federal executions in the waning months of the Trump presidency that were so poorly managed they became virus superspreader events.

The APs reporting exposing those problems compelled Congress to investigate and prompted increased calls from lawmakers for Carvajal to resign or be fired by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Carvajal failed to address the mounting crises in our nations federal prison system, including failing to fully implement the landmark First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice measure passed during the Trump administration that was meant to improve prison programs and reduce sentencing disparities.

Garland tasked Deputy Attorney Lisa Monaco with leading the search for Carvajals replacement. Officials went far and wide to try to find candidates outside of the typical profile of prior directors, even posting an advertisement on LinkedIn.

While many officials from inside the Bureau of Prisons applied for the post, the Biden administration was looking for someone who was focused on reforming an agency that has had cultural issues for decades.

Monaco personally conducted interviews and met with several of the candidates.

Biden administration officials had discussions about whether to remove Carvajal in spring 2021, after the AP reported that widespread correctional officer vacancies were forcing prisons to expand the use of cooks, teachers, nurses and other workers to guard inmates.

The Bureau of Prisons is the only Justice Department agency whose director isnt subject to Senate confirmation. Currently, the attorney general can just appoint someone to the position.

A bill introduced in Congress days after Carvajals resignation would require Senate confirmation for future bureau directors  putting them under the same level of scrutiny as leaders of the FBI and other federal agencies  but, so far, the measure hasnt come up for a vote.

___

Associated Press reporter Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. ___

On Twitter, follow Michael Balsamo at twitter.com/mikebalsamo1 and Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak. Read more of APs reporting on federal prisons at apnews.com and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A divided federal appeals court panel in New Orleans has vacated stiff financial penalties imposed on a hedge fund manager by the Securities and Exchange Commission, ruling that he was unconstitutionally denied a jury trial by the agency.

This week's 2-1 ruling by a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the case against George R. Jarkesy should have been heard in a federal court instead of before one of the SEC's administrative law judges. It also said Congress unconstitutionally granted the SEC unfettered authority to decide whether the case should be tried in a court of law or handled within the executive branch agency. And it said laws shielding the commission's administrative law judges from being fired by the president are unconstitutional.

The ruling, which divided three Republican-appointed judges on the court, could have far-reaching implications on the use of administrative law judges and the power of regulatory agencies. According to the University of Pennsylvanias Penn Program on Regulation, there are nearly 2,000 administrative law judges employed by 28 federal government agencies.

Wednesday's opinion appears designed to give the Supreme Court an avenue to revisit issues involving he power of executive branch regulators, said a Tulane University Law School professor.

It's going to draw attention because there is this broader conversation that the Supreme Court is having about the extent to which Congress can delegate powers to these sort of agencies, said Onnig Dombalagian, in an interview Friday.

According to the court record, Jarkesy and an investment adviser group known as Patriot28 appealed after the commission, acting on the findings of an administrative judge, ordered penalties including a $300,000 civil fine and the repayment of $680,000 in allegedly ill-gotten gains.

Under the Seventh Amendment, both as originally understood and as interpreted by the Supreme Court, the jury-trial right applies to the penalties action the SEC brought in this case," Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the majority. A nominee of President George W. Bush, she was joined by Judge Andrew Oldham, nominated by Donald Trump.

Dissenting was Eugene Davis, a nominee of President Ronald Reagan, who said law and Supreme Court precedent hold that the type of case at issue, involving a federal regulatory scheme, was appropriate for the SEC to rule on.

The SEC press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.


BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.











Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.




Haiti - FLASH : Models of 9th AF exams and calendar of exams (2022)





In order to allow 9th A.F. students to better adapt to the exams of this academic year 2021-2022, the Ministry of National Education through the Department of Fundamental Education (DEF) and the Communication Office (BCOM ), has just put 9th AF exam models on its website with the new instructions.



Preparations for the 9th AF exams (2022):



At the request of the authorities of the ministry, the Directorate of Fundamental Education (DEF) has taken certain measures to guarantee the development of examination texts that meet the educational and psychometric criteria, namely:



- The items will be developed from a specification table that takes into account all the content;



- The exam texts will meet the pedagogical and psychometric criteria;



- Matching items will be replaced by multiple-choice questions;



- Closure items, commonly called fill-in-the-blank questions, will not be administered in experimental sciences (physical sciences) and mathematics;



True or false items will not be administered;



The experimental sciences exam will be presented on two separate sheets: part 1 and part 2.



Grade for 9th A.F. exams:

French communication: 300 points

Mathematics: 300 points

Creole Communication: 200 points

Social Sciences: 200 points

Experimental Sciences: 200 points

English: 200 points

Spanish: 200 points



Total: 1600



Calendar of exams from June 20 to 22, 2022:



June 20:

French communication: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Experimental Sciences: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.



June 21:



Creole Communication: 8:00 a.m. at 10:00 a.m.

Social Sciences: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

English: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.



June 22:

Mathematics: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Spanish: 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.



Exam text templates to download :



https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/9af2022/Anglais.pdf

https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/9af2022/Creole.pdf

https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/9af2022/Espagnol.pdf

https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/9af2022/Francais.pdf

https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/9af2022/Mathematiques.pdf

https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/9af2022/Sciences-Sociales.pdf



HL/ HaitiLibre



















Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
I was a big fan of seeing the insides of other peoples houses, especially people who were slightly famous like Melissa, Frances, the narrator of Sally Rooneys Conversations With Friends, says early on in the novel.

Homeownership is a remote concept for Frances, a millennial college student in Dublin who writes and performs spoken word poetry. Shes used to sharing a flat with a roommate and not interested in making a lot of money. But when she finds herself romantically entangled with Melissa and her husband, Nick, their tasteful material life becomes an object of infatuation.

In the new Hulu series based on the book, the seaside Victorian belonging to Nick (played by Joe Alwyn) and Melissa (Jemima Kirke) doesnt disappoint. The interior walls, made of a textured concrete-like material, are a moody gray-blue, and the space is dotted with sprays of eucalyptus, Irish-made ceramics, sheepskin throws and large, artistic light fixtures.

The dining nook seems pulled from the pages of a recent Architectural Digest: a plant-filled space with weathered white brick walls and several doors made of large glass panes set in rectangular steel frames, leading to a courtyard.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
A sign of the Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum in Helsinki Finland, May 21. Gasum said May 20 that Russian state-owned energy corporation Gazprom had informed that flows of natural gas would be halted. Gazprom confirmed exports to Finland were halted May 21 after Helsinki refused to pay for its supplies in rubles. Halting gas supplies comes as Finland and Sweden are applying for NATO membership after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. EPA-Yonhap





Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland, Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finland's nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia. The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinki's refusal to pay for the gas in rubles after Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded European countries to do after Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24.







Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland, Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finland's nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia.







The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinki's refusal to pay for the gas in rubles as Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded European countries do since Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24.







The Finnish state-owned gas company Gasum said that "atural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off" by Russia on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).







The announcement follows Moscow's decision to cut off electricity exports to Finland earlier this month and an earlier decision by the Finnish state-controlled oil company Neste to replace imports of Russian crude oil with crude oil from elsewhere.







After decades of energy cooperation that was seen as beneficial for both Helsinki  particularly in the case of inexpensive Russian crude oil  and Moscow, Finland's energy ties with Russia are now all but gone.







Such a break was easier for Finland than it will be for other European Union nations. Natural gas accounts for just some 5 percent of total energy consumption in Finland, a country of 5.5 million. Almost all of that gas comes from Russia, and is used mainly by industrial and other companies with only an estimated 4,000 households relying on gas heating.







Gasum said it would now supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the undersea Balticconnector gas pipeline running between Finland and Estonia and connecting the Finnish and Baltic gas grids.







Matti Vanhanen, the former Finnish prime minister and current speaker of Parliament, said the effect of Moscow's decision to cut off gas after nearly 50 years since the first deliveries from the Soviet Union began is above all symbolic.







In an interview Saturday with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, Vanhanen said the decision marks an end of "a hugely important period between Finland, the Soviet Union and Russia, not only in energy terms but symbolically."







"That pipeline is unlikely to ever open again," Vanhanen told YLE, referring to the two parallel Russia-Finland natural gas pipelines that were launched in 1974.







The first connections from Finland's power grid to the Soviet transmission system were also constructed in the 1970s, allowing electricity imports to Finland in case additional capacity was needed.







Vanhanen didn't see Moscow's gas stoppage as a retaliatory step from Russia to Finland's bid to join NATO but rather a countermove to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.







"Russia did the same thing with Finland it has done earlier with some other countries to maintain its own credibility," Vanhanen said, referring to the Kremlin's demands to buy its gas in rubles.







Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) with Russia, the longest of any of the EU's 27 members, and has a conflict-ridden history with its huge eastern neighbor.







After losing two wars to Soviet Union, in World War II, Finland opted for neutrality with stable and pragmatic political and economic ties with Moscow. Large-scale energy cooperation, also including nuclear power, between the two countries was one of the most visible signs of friendly bilateral ties between former enemies. (AP)


A sign of the Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum in Helsinki Finland, May 21. Gasum said May 20 that Russian state-owned energy corporation Gazprom had informed that flows of natural gas would be halted. Gazprom confirmed exports to Finland were halted May 21 after Helsinki refused to pay for its supplies in rubles. Halting gas supplies comes as Finland and Sweden are applying for NATO membership after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. EPA-Yonhap





Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland, Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finland's nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia. The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinki's refusal to pay for the gas in rubles after Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded European countries to do after Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24.







Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland, Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finland's nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia.







The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinki's refusal to pay for the gas in rubles as Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded European countries do since Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24.







The Finnish state-owned gas company Gasum said that "atural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off" by Russia on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).







The announcement follows Moscow's decision to cut off electricity exports to Finland earlier this month and an earlier decision by the Finnish state-controlled oil company Neste to replace imports of Russian crude oil with crude oil from elsewhere.







After decades of energy cooperation that was seen as beneficial for both Helsinki  particularly in the case of inexpensive Russian crude oil  and Moscow, Finland's energy ties with Russia are now all but gone.







Such a break was easier for Finland than it will be for other European Union nations. Natural gas accounts for just some 5 percent of total energy consumption in Finland, a country of 5.5 million. Almost all of that gas comes from Russia, and is used mainly by industrial and other companies with only an estimated 4,000 households relying on gas heating.







Gasum said it would now supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the undersea Balticconnector gas pipeline running between Finland and Estonia and connecting the Finnish and Baltic gas grids.







Matti Vanhanen, the former Finnish prime minister and current speaker of Parliament, said the effect of Moscow's decision to cut off gas after nearly 50 years since the first deliveries from the Soviet Union began is above all symbolic.







In an interview Saturday with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, Vanhanen said the decision marks an end of "a hugely important period between Finland, the Soviet Union and Russia, not only in energy terms but symbolically."







"That pipeline is unlikely to ever open again," Vanhanen told YLE, referring to the two parallel Russia-Finland natural gas pipelines that were launched in 1974.







The first connections from Finland's power grid to the Soviet transmission system were also constructed in the 1970s, allowing electricity imports to Finland in case additional capacity was needed.







Vanhanen didn't see Moscow's gas stoppage as a retaliatory step from Russia to Finland's bid to join NATO but rather a countermove to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.







"Russia did the same thing with Finland it has done earlier with some other countries to maintain its own credibility," Vanhanen said, referring to the Kremlin's demands to buy its gas in rubles.







Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) with Russia, the longest of any of the EU's 27 members, and has a conflict-ridden history with its huge eastern neighbor.







After losing two wars to Soviet Union, in World War II, Finland opted for neutrality with stable and pragmatic political and economic ties with Moscow. Large-scale energy cooperation, also including nuclear power, between the two countries was one of the most visible signs of friendly bilateral ties between former enemies. (AP)


A sign of the Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum in Helsinki Finland, May 21. Gasum said May 20 that Russian state-owned energy corporation Gazprom had informed that flows of natural gas would be halted. Gazprom confirmed exports to Finland were halted May 21 after Helsinki refused to pay for its supplies in rubles. Halting gas supplies comes as Finland and Sweden are applying for NATO membership after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. EPA-Yonhap





Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland, Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finland's nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia. The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinki's refusal to pay for the gas in rubles after Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded European countries to do after Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24.







Russia halted gas exports to neighboring Finland, Saturday, a highly symbolic move that came just days after the Nordic country announced it wanted to join NATO and marked a likely end to Finland's nearly 50 years of importing natural gas from Russia.







The measure taken by the Russian energy giant Gazprom was in line with an earlier announcement following Helsinki's refusal to pay for the gas in rubles as Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded European countries do since Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24.







The Finnish state-owned gas company Gasum said that "atural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off" by Russia on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).







The announcement follows Moscow's decision to cut off electricity exports to Finland earlier this month and an earlier decision by the Finnish state-controlled oil company Neste to replace imports of Russian crude oil with crude oil from elsewhere.







After decades of energy cooperation that was seen as beneficial for both Helsinki  particularly in the case of inexpensive Russian crude oil  and Moscow, Finland's energy ties with Russia are now all but gone.







Such a break was easier for Finland than it will be for other European Union nations. Natural gas accounts for just some 5 percent of total energy consumption in Finland, a country of 5.5 million. Almost all of that gas comes from Russia, and is used mainly by industrial and other companies with only an estimated 4,000 households relying on gas heating.







Gasum said it would now supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the undersea Balticconnector gas pipeline running between Finland and Estonia and connecting the Finnish and Baltic gas grids.







Matti Vanhanen, the former Finnish prime minister and current speaker of Parliament, said the effect of Moscow's decision to cut off gas after nearly 50 years since the first deliveries from the Soviet Union began is above all symbolic.







In an interview Saturday with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, Vanhanen said the decision marks an end of "a hugely important period between Finland, the Soviet Union and Russia, not only in energy terms but symbolically."







"That pipeline is unlikely to ever open again," Vanhanen told YLE, referring to the two parallel Russia-Finland natural gas pipelines that were launched in 1974.







The first connections from Finland's power grid to the Soviet transmission system were also constructed in the 1970s, allowing electricity imports to Finland in case additional capacity was needed.







Vanhanen didn't see Moscow's gas stoppage as a retaliatory step from Russia to Finland's bid to join NATO but rather a countermove to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.







"Russia did the same thing with Finland it has done earlier with some other countries to maintain its own credibility," Vanhanen said, referring to the Kremlin's demands to buy its gas in rubles.







Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) with Russia, the longest of any of the EU's 27 members, and has a conflict-ridden history with its huge eastern neighbor.







After losing two wars to Soviet Union, in World War II, Finland opted for neutrality with stable and pragmatic political and economic ties with Moscow. Large-scale energy cooperation, also including nuclear power, between the two countries was one of the most visible signs of friendly bilateral ties between former enemies. (AP)


I was a big fan of seeing the insides of other peoples houses, especially people who were slightly famous like Melissa, Frances, the narrator of Sally Rooneys Conversations With Friends, says early on in the novel.

Homeownership is a remote concept for Frances, a millennial college student in Dublin who writes and performs spoken word poetry. Shes used to sharing a flat with a roommate and not interested in making a lot of money. But when she finds herself romantically entangled with Melissa and her husband, Nick, their tasteful material life becomes an object of infatuation.

In the new Hulu series based on the book, the seaside Victorian belonging to Nick (played by Joe Alwyn) and Melissa (Jemima Kirke) doesnt disappoint. The interior walls, made of a textured concrete-like material, are a moody gray-blue, and the space is dotted with sprays of eucalyptus, Irish-made ceramics, sheepskin throws and large, artistic light fixtures.

The dining nook seems pulled from the pages of a recent Architectural Digest: a plant-filled space with weathered white brick walls and several doors made of large glass panes set in rectangular steel frames, leading to a courtyard.
Chief of the French Defence Staff, General Thierry Burkhart, posted a tweet on 18 May 2022, in which he alludes to the support provided by the French armed forces to the Ukrainian military.

The word support indicates participation in combat.

The French general reports on a telephone communication with his Ukrainian counterpart, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, whose special adviser is Banderite leader (neo-Nazis according to Russian terminology) Dmitry Yarosh.
The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030.

The health secretary commissioned an independent review into the tobacco industry, which is expected to recommend a rise to the purchase age of cigarettes, as well as new taxes for company profits.

It is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers, sources say.

Smoking has decreased since 1974, with around 15 per cent of the population smoking in 2019. That year, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030. File image

Most studies have shown that e-cigarettes cause less harm than cigarettes, but long-term impacts of vaping are unclear.

The review is being led by Javed Khan, who has previously supported taxing tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns.

This could include a levy on companies that make 700 million each year, used to fund quitting support and e-cigarettes on the NHS.

The former Barnardo's CEO has taken quite a 'radical' stance in meetings for the review, a source told The Telegraph.

The paper reported that multiple sources close to the health secretary, who stopped smoking when he took on the role last year, expect an increased age limit recommendation.

It could be raised from 18 to 21, but considerations were also made for 25, it has been reported.

But with the Government considering 18 as the age of legal responsibility, a Downing Street source told the paper that Boris Johnson may not feel the age should be raised.

The report is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers. File image

In 2019, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. This is measured as just five per cent of adults smoking, not total eradication of the habit.

But one source told the Telegraph that Tory backbenchers are 'nervous' about a 'nanny state attack' on smoking.

They added: 'Sajid Javid is interested in health inequality and he is interested in tackling public health issues, but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.'

It is thought that Mr Javid will use the report, expected to be published in coming weeks, to call for some kind of reform on the industry.

The report's recommendations will be consulted on before the Government announces any new policy.

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030.

The health secretary commissioned an independent review into the tobacco industry, which is expected to recommend a rise to the purchase age of cigarettes, as well as new taxes for company profits.

It is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers, sources say.

Smoking has decreased since 1974, with around 15 per cent of the population smoking in 2019. That year, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030. File image

Most studies have shown that e-cigarettes cause less harm than cigarettes, but long-term impacts of vaping are unclear.

The review is being led by Javed Khan, who has previously supported taxing tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns.

This could include a levy on companies that make 700 million each year, used to fund quitting support and e-cigarettes on the NHS.

The former Barnardo's CEO has taken quite a 'radical' stance in meetings for the review, a source told The Telegraph.

The paper reported that multiple sources close to the health secretary, who stopped smoking when he took on the role last year, expect an increased age limit recommendation.

It could be raised from 18 to 21, but considerations were also made for 25, it has been reported.

But with the Government considering 18 as the age of legal responsibility, a Downing Street source told the paper that Boris Johnson may not feel the age should be raised.

The report is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers. File image

In 2019, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. This is measured as just five per cent of adults smoking, not total eradication of the habit.

But one source told the Telegraph that Tory backbenchers are 'nervous' about a 'nanny state attack' on smoking.

They added: 'Sajid Javid is interested in health inequality and he is interested in tackling public health issues, but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.'

It is thought that Mr Javid will use the report, expected to be published in coming weeks, to call for some kind of reform on the industry.

The report's recommendations will be consulted on before the Government announces any new policy.
The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030.

The health secretary commissioned an independent review into the tobacco industry, which is expected to recommend a rise to the purchase age of cigarettes, as well as new taxes for company profits.

It is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers, sources say.

Smoking has decreased since 1974, with around 15 per cent of the population smoking in 2019. That year, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030. File image

Most studies have shown that e-cigarettes cause less harm than cigarettes, but long-term impacts of vaping are unclear.

The review is being led by Javed Khan, who has previously supported taxing tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns.

This could include a levy on companies that make 700 million each year, used to fund quitting support and e-cigarettes on the NHS.

The former Barnardo's CEO has taken quite a 'radical' stance in meetings for the review, a source told The Telegraph.

The paper reported that multiple sources close to the health secretary, who stopped smoking when he took on the role last year, expect an increased age limit recommendation.

It could be raised from 18 to 21, but considerations were also made for 25, it has been reported.

But with the Government considering 18 as the age of legal responsibility, a Downing Street source told the paper that Boris Johnson may not feel the age should be raised.

The report is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers. File image

In 2019, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. This is measured as just five per cent of adults smoking, not total eradication of the habit.

But one source told the Telegraph that Tory backbenchers are 'nervous' about a 'nanny state attack' on smoking.

They added: 'Sajid Javid is interested in health inequality and he is interested in tackling public health issues, but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.'

It is thought that Mr Javid will use the report, expected to be published in coming weeks, to call for some kind of reform on the industry.

The report's recommendations will be consulted on before the Government announces any new policy.
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030.

The health secretary commissioned an independent review into the tobacco industry, which is expected to recommend a rise to the purchase age of cigarettes, as well as new taxes for company profits.

It is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers, sources say.

Smoking has decreased since 1974, with around 15 per cent of the population smoking in 2019. That year, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030. File image

Most studies have shown that e-cigarettes cause less harm than cigarettes, but long-term impacts of vaping are unclear.

The review is being led by Javed Khan, who has previously supported taxing tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns.

This could include a levy on companies that make 700 million each year, used to fund quitting support and e-cigarettes on the NHS.

The former Barnardo's CEO has taken quite a 'radical' stance in meetings for the review, a source told The Telegraph.

The paper reported that multiple sources close to the health secretary, who stopped smoking when he took on the role last year, expect an increased age limit recommendation.

It could be raised from 18 to 21, but considerations were also made for 25, it has been reported.

But with the Government considering 18 as the age of legal responsibility, a Downing Street source told the paper that Boris Johnson may not feel the age should be raised.

The report is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers. File image

In 2019, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. This is measured as just five per cent of adults smoking, not total eradication of the habit.

But one source told the Telegraph that Tory backbenchers are 'nervous' about a 'nanny state attack' on smoking.

They added: 'Sajid Javid is interested in health inequality and he is interested in tackling public health issues, but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.'

It is thought that Mr Javid will use the report, expected to be published in coming weeks, to call for some kind of reform on the industry.

The report's recommendations will be consulted on before the Government announces any new policy.



Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The Australian Labor Party has won the 2022 federal election, making Anthony Albo Albanese only the fourth Labor leader since World War II to win government from the opposition. Born in inner-western Sydney and raised by a single mother in Camperdowns public housing, Albanese has always cited his upbringing as a major informer of his politics. He became politically active from a young age and his stature in the Australian Labor Party has only increased since joining more than 40 years ago. Labor leader Anthony Albanese claims victory in the 2022 federal election. Credit:Janie Barrett 1979: Aged 16, Albanese joins the Australian Labor Party. 1980s: While studying for a bachelor of economics at the University of Sydney, he is elected to the Students Representative Council and leads a faction aligned with Young Labors Hard Left. 1985: Elected the president of the NSW division of Young Labor.

Advertisement

1986: Appointed delegate to the Australian Labor Party national conference for the first time. He has reprised this role several times between 1986 and 2015. A young Anthony Albanese. Credit:Alexander James Towle 1989: Elected assistant general secretary of the Australian Labor Partys NSW division. This position embroiled Albanese in a constant conflict between the partys right and left factions. 1996: Anthony Albanese is elected the federal member for Grayndler, the inner-west Sydney seat that takes in the area in which he grew up. Though it has always been a safe Labor seat, following Albaneses election, it shifts from a bastion of the partys right to a stronghold of the left. He has been re-elected at every election since. 1998: Appointed to his first parliamentary party position as a shadow parliamentary secretary to the shadow minister for family and community services. 2001: Appointed to the frontbench for the first time as the shadow minister for ageing and seniors. 2007: After Kevin Rudd is elected prime minister, Albanese becomes a cabinet minister for the next six years. Throughout this period, he holds ministerial positions in various portfolios, including infrastructure and transport, regional development and local government, and broadband, communications and the digital economy.

Advertisement

2008: Appointed leader of the House and helps manage government business in parliament. August 2010: During the hung parliament of the 2010 federal election, Albanese plays a vital role as leader of the House, appealing to independents to maintain support for Julia Gillards minority Labor government. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Anthony Albanese (right), with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Credit:Andrew Meares June 2013: After backing Kevin Rudd in the Labor Party leadership spill, Albanese briefly becomes deputy prime minister until Labors defeat less than three months later. October 2013: Following the 2013 election, Albanese nominates to replace Rudd as the Labor leader. While he earns 60 per cent of the membership vote, he loses to Bill Shorten, who wins the majority of caucus votes. This catalyses tensions between the two Labor figures, though Albanese now insists, Im a better leader now than I would have been if elected in 2013. May 2019: After Bill Shortens shock loss to Scott Morrison in the 2019 election, Albanese nominates for Labors leadership election. He runs unopposed and is elected the leader of the opposition.

Advertisement
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV

Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Biden Administration is looking for ways to oblige transnational companies trading in hydrocarbons to pay Russian gas and oil only in prices well below market level.

Once Russia is excluded from the World Trade Organization (WTO), we would be left with a dual market.

 The first would be governed by the law of supply and demand. Its price, which is currently around $ 100 a barrel, will therefore fluctuate.

 In the second market, to which Russia would be relegated, prices would be based on operating costs, i.e. around $40 per barrel in the case of Russian oil.
The Biden Administration is looking for ways to oblige transnational companies trading in hydrocarbons to pay Russian gas and oil only in prices well below market level.

Once Russia is excluded from the World Trade Organization (WTO), we would be left with a dual market.

 The first would be governed by the law of supply and demand. Its price, which is currently around $ 100 a barrel, will therefore fluctuate.

 In the second market, to which Russia would be relegated, prices would be based on operating costs, i.e. around $40 per barrel in the case of Russian oil.
Secure, sustainable, and resilient global supply chains are foundational to these efforts. Building upon international cooperation fostered by the U.S.-led Summit on Global Supply Chain Resilience, and by working closely together in the upcoming Ministerial-level summit, the two Presidents agree to continue working together to tackle immediate and long-term challenges in the supply chain ecosystem. Both leaders agree to strengthen the resiliency and diversity of these networks including by cooperating on early warning systems to detect and address potential supply chain disruptions and working together to address sourcing and processing of critical minerals. The two Presidents also agree to establish a regular ministerial-level Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue to discuss promotion of resilient supply chains of key products, including semiconductors, batteries, and critical minerals. Both leaders also agree to enhance cooperation between our foreign investment screening and export control authorities related to critical technologies, which is necessary to prevent the use of advanced technologies to undermine our national and economic security.







Recognizing the importance of energy security as well as commitment to address climate change given the rapid increase of volatility in the global energy market as a result of Russia's further aggression against Ukraine, the two Presidents will work to strengthen joint collaboration in securing energy supply chains that include fossil fuels, and enriched uranium, acknowledging that true energy security means rapidly deploying clean energy technology and working to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.







The two leaders recognize the importance of nuclear energy as a critical and reliable source of carbon-free electricity, an important element to grow our clean energy economy, and an integral part of enhancing global energy security. The two leaders commit to greater nuclear energy collaboration and accelerating the development and global deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors by jointly using export promotion and capacity building tools, and building a more resilient nuclear supply chain. The two Presidents reaffirm that both countries will engage in global civil-nuclear cooperation in accordance with the highest standards of nuclear nonproliferation, including the IAEA Additional Protocol as the standard for both international safeguards and for nuclear supply arrangements. Acknowledging the shared goals of deepening strategic ties, while respecting each country's intellectual investments, both leaders commit to using tools such as the ROK-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Technology Transfer and Export Cooperation to provide a solid foundation for strengthened cooperation in the U.S., ROK and overseas nuclear markets and the High-Level Bilateral Commission, to further cooperation for spent fuel management, nuclear export promotion, assured fuel supply and nuclear security. The U.S. welcomes the ROK's decision to join the U.S.-led Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.







President Yoon and President Biden commit to strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance across all sectors of space cooperation. Building on the ROK's previous commitment to participate in the Artemis program, the two Presidents agreed to foster joint research in space exploration and to support the ROK's development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS). Both leaders agree to hold "the 3rd U.S.-ROK Civil Space Dialogue" by the end of the year, and to strengthen cooperation on the two countries space industries. They also commit to continue cooperation to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment including through the bilateral space policy dialogue and committed to strengthen defense space partnerships including through joint exercises.







President Yoon and President Biden agree that the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, remains the foundation of our economic relationship. To promote sustainable growth and financial stability, including orderly and well-functioning foreign exchange markets, the two Presidents recognize the need to consult closely on foreign exchange market developments. The two Presidents share common values and an essential interest in fair, market-based competition and commit to work together to address market distorting practices.







President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a meeting at the People's House in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AFP-Yonhap









Faced with increasingly complex global challenges including the threats posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoon laid out the ROK's initiative for a global pivotal state that envisions a heightened role in advancing freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two Presidents reaffirm their commitments to a global comprehensive strategic alliance firmly rooted in the shared values of promoting democracy and the rules-based international order, fighting corruption, and advancing human rights. President Biden appreciated President Yoon's initiative to embrace greater regional and global responsibilities, and enthusiastically welcome the ROK taking a leadership role in the Summit for Democracy process.







Acknowledging the existential threat posed by climate change, President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitments to their announced nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement including the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets and 2050 net zero emission goals with strong efforts to align policies across sectors. The two Presidents also agree to enhance cooperation to address methane emissions globally, recognizing the importance of the Global Methane Pledge and rapid global action needed to address methane. The two Presidents also decide to strengthen cooperation in clean energy fields such as hydrogen, clean shipping, accelerated deployment of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and aligning international financial flows with global net zero emissions by 2050 and deep reductions in the 2020s.







President Yoon and President Biden pledge to support in strengthening multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare, and respond to infectious disease threats. President Yoon underscored President Biden's leadership in convening the Global COVID-19 Summit in May 2022, and President Biden appreciated President Yoon's active participation and ROK's announced pledges, including funding for the Act-Accelerator to combat COVID-19 and support for the Financial Intermediary Fund for pandemic preparedness and global health security at the World Bank. President Biden welcomes the ROK's decision to host a Global Health Security Agenda ministerial meeting this Fall and establish a GHS coordinating office for global and regional sustainable health security in Seoul. Our countries will also increase efforts bilaterally and in multilateral fora to promote biosafety and biosecurity norms. The U.S. and ROK will also strengthen health systems and build on successful health sector collaboration to accelerate cooperation and innovation in cancer research, cutting edge cancer treatments, mental health research, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders.







President Yoon and President Biden highlight their shared belief in the extraordinary benefits afforded by an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet. To combat the rising threats posed by digital authoritarianism, they committed to defend human rights and foster an open "network of networks" that ensures the free flow of information globally. To achieve this, the ROK is ready to join the U.S. in endorsing the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. The two Presidents also reaffirm the need to ensure that the Internet continues to play a positive role in promoting equity, equality and safety for women and girls in both our societies. To this end, the U.S. and the ROK joined the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse as founding members. Recognizing the importance of telecommunications security and vendor diversity, the leaders also commit to work together to develop open, transparent, and secure 5G and 6G network devices and architectures using Open-RAN approaches, both at home and abroad.







President Yoon and President Biden will continue to deepen ROK-U.S. cooperation on regional and international cyber policy, including cooperation on deterring cyber adversaries, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, combatting cybercrime and associated money laundering, securing cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, capacity building, cyber exercises, information sharing, military-to-military cyber cooperation, and other international security issues in cyberspace.







President Yoon and President Biden oppose all activities that undermine, destabilize, or threaten the rules-based international order and stand together with the international community in condemning Russia's unprovoked further aggression against Ukraine. Both countries, alongside other international partners, have responded resolutely to this clear violation of international law, by imposing their own financial sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian entities, along with the vital provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Both leaders affirm that they will ensure the effective implementation of their country's respective measures to deter further Russian aggression and maintain our commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.







The two Presidents recognize the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and peaceful, and agree to strengthen mutual cooperation across the region. In this regard, President Biden shares his support for President Yoon's initiative to formulate ROK's own Indo-Pacific strategy framework. President Yoon also welcomed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. The two Presidents commit to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness. Both leaders agree to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth.







President Yoon and President Biden also reaffirm their strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The two Presidents commit to increase cooperation with Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island Countries to promote sustainable development, energy security, and high-quality, transparent investment, including in quality infrastructure. President Biden welcomes President Yoon's interest in the Quad, and noted complementary ROK strengths including tackling the pandemic, fighting climate change and producing critical technologies. The two leaders also agree to cooperate on infrastructure financing, including digital infrastructure, in third countries. The two Presidents emphasize the importance of ROK-U.S.- Japan trilateral cooperation to effectively address common economic challenges.







President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitment to maintain peace and stability, lawful unimpeded commerce, and respect for international law including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful use of the seas, including in the South China Sea and beyond. The two Presidents reiterate the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an essential element in security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Sharing our mutual concerns regarding human rights situations in the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders commit to promote human rights and rule of law globally. The two Presidents resolutely condemn the coup in Myanmar and the military's brutal attacks on civilians, and commit to press for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained, unfettered countrywide humanitarian access, and a swift return to democracy. The two Presidents call on all nations to join us in providing safe haven to Burmese nationals and in prohibiting arms sales to Myanmar.







President Yoon and President Biden share the view that the Alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship. Through our close ties between the two dynamic populations, extensive economic and investment links, and commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rules-based international order, the ROK and the U.S. are charting a path toward a relationship that is capable of meeting any challenge and seizing all the opportunities presented before us. President Yoon and President Biden jointly recognize the importance of our shared commitments and pledge to work tirelessly to broaden and deepen our ties to position us to succeed in a rapidly changing world.







President Biden expressed his gratitude for President Yoon's warm hospitality and extended an invitation for President Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. (Yonhap)








When Helena Occansey visited the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, last November, she instantly fell in love with the school that overlooks the Severn River.

It also didn't hurt that Occansey, a Lincoln Pius X senior, already had a family connection there.

"My older brother is at the Naval Academy. That's kind of how I got interested in that," she said.

She was formally accepted in January, after wrangling the endorsement of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

"Its really exciting and its good to know that my four years of high school have paid off and I was able to work my way into there," she said.

The diversity of the Naval Academy is one thing that excited her about the school, too. As a Black student growing up in Lincoln  Occansey's father originally hails from the West African nation of Togo  the number of classmates that looked like her was small.

"That's definitely one thing that kind of excited me about the academy, just knowing that I had a little bit more of my dad's part of the culture there," she said.

Voices of change The LPS Scholar Equity Cadre has empowered diverse students to use their voice to advocate for others and inspire change. Throughout the school year, the Journal Star has shared stories from diverse students in a series of profiles. The series will conclude next week with a Q&A round table with seniors from across the city.

Her father, Kouassi Occansey, moved to New York City in the 1990s, "chasing the dream of coming to America." He had a friend who lived in the Midwest, in this state called Nebraska, so Occansey paid him a visit.

"I loved it," he said. "You could drive to a place in five minutes."

Kouassi Occansey, who runs a small shop repairing dresses and suits out of his northeast Lincoln home, later met his wife in Omaha and settled in Lincoln. They've raised seven children  including two who will become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy.

"I think it's a good thing," he said. "They'll keep each other close, especially when you're far away from home. They'll hold onto each other."

Helena Occansey is active at Pius X, competing on the cross country and track teams and serving on student council. She also participates in the Ambassadors Club, in which students work to offer positive support and friendship to their classmates.

In her sophomore year, the pandemic struck. The track season was canceled  "which was a huge thing for me since I love running," she said  and classes shifted online. Junior year, things were limited too, and Pius X briefly went to half days when Occansey was a senior during the omicron surge.

"But, otherwise, this year's been pretty normal," she said.

This summer, Occansey is hoping to take a senior trip with some of her girlfriends. Then it's off to the East Coast, where she plans on studying political science at the Naval Academy, a school where she feels like she can give back to her country that accepted her father all those years ago.

"All the opportunities I've had here, I wanted to be able to give back to my country," she said. "I constantly have the drive to just, like, push myself, and so I know that at the academy, I'll really be able to challenge myself, so I'm excited about that."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When Helena Occansey visited the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, last November, she instantly fell in love with the school that overlooks the Severn River.

It also didn't hurt that Occansey, a Lincoln Pius X senior, already had a family connection there.

"My older brother is at the Naval Academy. That's kind of how I got interested in that," she said.

She was formally accepted in January, after wrangling the endorsement of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

"Its really exciting and its good to know that my four years of high school have paid off and I was able to work my way into there," she said.

The diversity of the Naval Academy is one thing that excited her about the school, too. As a Black student growing up in Lincoln  Occansey's father originally hails from the West African nation of Togo  the number of classmates that looked like her was small.

"That's definitely one thing that kind of excited me about the academy, just knowing that I had a little bit more of my dad's part of the culture there," she said.

Voices of change The LPS Scholar Equity Cadre has empowered diverse students to use their voice to advocate for others and inspire change. Throughout the school year, the Journal Star has shared stories from diverse students in a series of profiles. The series will conclude next week with a Q&A round table with seniors from across the city.

Her father, Kouassi Occansey, moved to New York City in the 1990s, "chasing the dream of coming to America." He had a friend who lived in the Midwest, in this state called Nebraska, so Occansey paid him a visit.

"I loved it," he said. "You could drive to a place in five minutes."

Kouassi Occansey, who runs a small shop repairing dresses and suits out of his northeast Lincoln home, later met his wife in Omaha and settled in Lincoln. They've raised seven children  including two who will become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy.

"I think it's a good thing," he said. "They'll keep each other close, especially when you're far away from home. They'll hold onto each other."

Helena Occansey is active at Pius X, competing on the cross country and track teams and serving on student council. She also participates in the Ambassadors Club, in which students work to offer positive support and friendship to their classmates.

In her sophomore year, the pandemic struck. The track season was canceled  "which was a huge thing for me since I love running," she said  and classes shifted online. Junior year, things were limited too, and Pius X briefly went to half days when Occansey was a senior during the omicron surge.

"But, otherwise, this year's been pretty normal," she said.

This summer, Occansey is hoping to take a senior trip with some of her girlfriends. Then it's off to the East Coast, where she plans on studying political science at the Naval Academy, a school where she feels like she can give back to her country that accepted her father all those years ago.

"All the opportunities I've had here, I wanted to be able to give back to my country," she said. "I constantly have the drive to just, like, push myself, and so I know that at the academy, I'll really be able to challenge myself, so I'm excited about that."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030.

The health secretary commissioned an independent review into the tobacco industry, which is expected to recommend a rise to the purchase age of cigarettes, as well as new taxes for company profits.

It is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers, sources say.

Smoking has decreased since 1974, with around 15 per cent of the population smoking in 2019. That year, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030

The legal smoking age could rise to 21 under 'radical' plans from Sajid Javid to cut the number of smokers to just five per cent of Britons by 2030. File image

Most studies have shown that e-cigarettes cause less harm than cigarettes, but long-term impacts of vaping are unclear.

The review is being led by Javed Khan, who has previously supported taxing tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns.

This could include a levy on companies that make 700 million each year, used to fund quitting support and e-cigarettes on the NHS.

The former Barnardo's CEO has taken quite a 'radical' stance in meetings for the review, a source told The Telegraph.

The paper reported that multiple sources close to the health secretary, who stopped smoking when he took on the role last year, expect an increased age limit recommendation.

It could be raised from 18 to 21, but considerations were also made for 25, it has been reported.

But with the Government considering 18 as the age of legal responsibility, a Downing Street source told the paper that Boris Johnson may not feel the age should be raised.

The report is also likely to suggest the NHS does more to promote e-cigarettes and vapes to smokers. File image

In 2019, the Government set a target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. This is measured as just five per cent of adults smoking, not total eradication of the habit.

But one source told the Telegraph that Tory backbenchers are 'nervous' about a 'nanny state attack' on smoking.

They added: 'Sajid Javid is interested in health inequality and he is interested in tackling public health issues, but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.'

It is thought that Mr Javid will use the report, expected to be published in coming weeks, to call for some kind of reform on the industry.

The report's recommendations will be consulted on before the Government announces any new policy.
Secure, sustainable, and resilient global supply chains are foundational to these efforts. Building upon international cooperation fostered by the U.S.-led Summit on Global Supply Chain Resilience, and by working closely together in the upcoming Ministerial-level summit, the two Presidents agree to continue working together to tackle immediate and long-term challenges in the supply chain ecosystem. Both leaders agree to strengthen the resiliency and diversity of these networks including by cooperating on early warning systems to detect and address potential supply chain disruptions and working together to address sourcing and processing of critical minerals. The two Presidents also agree to establish a regular ministerial-level Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue to discuss promotion of resilient supply chains of key products, including semiconductors, batteries, and critical minerals. Both leaders also agree to enhance cooperation between our foreign investment screening and export control authorities related to critical technologies, which is necessary to prevent the use of advanced technologies to undermine our national and economic security.







Recognizing the importance of energy security as well as commitment to address climate change given the rapid increase of volatility in the global energy market as a result of Russia's further aggression against Ukraine, the two Presidents will work to strengthen joint collaboration in securing energy supply chains that include fossil fuels, and enriched uranium, acknowledging that true energy security means rapidly deploying clean energy technology and working to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.







The two leaders recognize the importance of nuclear energy as a critical and reliable source of carbon-free electricity, an important element to grow our clean energy economy, and an integral part of enhancing global energy security. The two leaders commit to greater nuclear energy collaboration and accelerating the development and global deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors by jointly using export promotion and capacity building tools, and building a more resilient nuclear supply chain. The two Presidents reaffirm that both countries will engage in global civil-nuclear cooperation in accordance with the highest standards of nuclear nonproliferation, including the IAEA Additional Protocol as the standard for both international safeguards and for nuclear supply arrangements. Acknowledging the shared goals of deepening strategic ties, while respecting each country's intellectual investments, both leaders commit to using tools such as the ROK-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Technology Transfer and Export Cooperation to provide a solid foundation for strengthened cooperation in the U.S., ROK and overseas nuclear markets and the High-Level Bilateral Commission, to further cooperation for spent fuel management, nuclear export promotion, assured fuel supply and nuclear security. The U.S. welcomes the ROK's decision to join the U.S.-led Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.







President Yoon and President Biden commit to strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance across all sectors of space cooperation. Building on the ROK's previous commitment to participate in the Artemis program, the two Presidents agreed to foster joint research in space exploration and to support the ROK's development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS). Both leaders agree to hold "the 3rd U.S.-ROK Civil Space Dialogue" by the end of the year, and to strengthen cooperation on the two countries space industries. They also commit to continue cooperation to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment including through the bilateral space policy dialogue and committed to strengthen defense space partnerships including through joint exercises.







President Yoon and President Biden agree that the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, remains the foundation of our economic relationship. To promote sustainable growth and financial stability, including orderly and well-functioning foreign exchange markets, the two Presidents recognize the need to consult closely on foreign exchange market developments. The two Presidents share common values and an essential interest in fair, market-based competition and commit to work together to address market distorting practices.







President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a meeting at the People's House in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AFP-Yonhap









Faced with increasingly complex global challenges including the threats posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoon laid out the ROK's initiative for a global pivotal state that envisions a heightened role in advancing freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two Presidents reaffirm their commitments to a global comprehensive strategic alliance firmly rooted in the shared values of promoting democracy and the rules-based international order, fighting corruption, and advancing human rights. President Biden appreciated President Yoon's initiative to embrace greater regional and global responsibilities, and enthusiastically welcome the ROK taking a leadership role in the Summit for Democracy process.







Acknowledging the existential threat posed by climate change, President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitments to their announced nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement including the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets and 2050 net zero emission goals with strong efforts to align policies across sectors. The two Presidents also agree to enhance cooperation to address methane emissions globally, recognizing the importance of the Global Methane Pledge and rapid global action needed to address methane. The two Presidents also decide to strengthen cooperation in clean energy fields such as hydrogen, clean shipping, accelerated deployment of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and aligning international financial flows with global net zero emissions by 2050 and deep reductions in the 2020s.







President Yoon and President Biden pledge to support in strengthening multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare, and respond to infectious disease threats. President Yoon underscored President Biden's leadership in convening the Global COVID-19 Summit in May 2022, and President Biden appreciated President Yoon's active participation and ROK's announced pledges, including funding for the Act-Accelerator to combat COVID-19 and support for the Financial Intermediary Fund for pandemic preparedness and global health security at the World Bank. President Biden welcomes the ROK's decision to host a Global Health Security Agenda ministerial meeting this Fall and establish a GHS coordinating office for global and regional sustainable health security in Seoul. Our countries will also increase efforts bilaterally and in multilateral fora to promote biosafety and biosecurity norms. The U.S. and ROK will also strengthen health systems and build on successful health sector collaboration to accelerate cooperation and innovation in cancer research, cutting edge cancer treatments, mental health research, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders.







President Yoon and President Biden highlight their shared belief in the extraordinary benefits afforded by an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet. To combat the rising threats posed by digital authoritarianism, they committed to defend human rights and foster an open "network of networks" that ensures the free flow of information globally. To achieve this, the ROK is ready to join the U.S. in endorsing the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. The two Presidents also reaffirm the need to ensure that the Internet continues to play a positive role in promoting equity, equality and safety for women and girls in both our societies. To this end, the U.S. and the ROK joined the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse as founding members. Recognizing the importance of telecommunications security and vendor diversity, the leaders also commit to work together to develop open, transparent, and secure 5G and 6G network devices and architectures using Open-RAN approaches, both at home and abroad.







President Yoon and President Biden will continue to deepen ROK-U.S. cooperation on regional and international cyber policy, including cooperation on deterring cyber adversaries, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, combatting cybercrime and associated money laundering, securing cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, capacity building, cyber exercises, information sharing, military-to-military cyber cooperation, and other international security issues in cyberspace.







President Yoon and President Biden oppose all activities that undermine, destabilize, or threaten the rules-based international order and stand together with the international community in condemning Russia's unprovoked further aggression against Ukraine. Both countries, alongside other international partners, have responded resolutely to this clear violation of international law, by imposing their own financial sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian entities, along with the vital provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Both leaders affirm that they will ensure the effective implementation of their country's respective measures to deter further Russian aggression and maintain our commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.







The two Presidents recognize the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and peaceful, and agree to strengthen mutual cooperation across the region. In this regard, President Biden shares his support for President Yoon's initiative to formulate ROK's own Indo-Pacific strategy framework. President Yoon also welcomed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. The two Presidents commit to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness. Both leaders agree to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth.







President Yoon and President Biden also reaffirm their strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The two Presidents commit to increase cooperation with Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island Countries to promote sustainable development, energy security, and high-quality, transparent investment, including in quality infrastructure. President Biden welcomes President Yoon's interest in the Quad, and noted complementary ROK strengths including tackling the pandemic, fighting climate change and producing critical technologies. The two leaders also agree to cooperate on infrastructure financing, including digital infrastructure, in third countries. The two Presidents emphasize the importance of ROK-U.S.- Japan trilateral cooperation to effectively address common economic challenges.







President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitment to maintain peace and stability, lawful unimpeded commerce, and respect for international law including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful use of the seas, including in the South China Sea and beyond. The two Presidents reiterate the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an essential element in security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Sharing our mutual concerns regarding human rights situations in the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders commit to promote human rights and rule of law globally. The two Presidents resolutely condemn the coup in Myanmar and the military's brutal attacks on civilians, and commit to press for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained, unfettered countrywide humanitarian access, and a swift return to democracy. The two Presidents call on all nations to join us in providing safe haven to Burmese nationals and in prohibiting arms sales to Myanmar.







President Yoon and President Biden share the view that the Alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship. Through our close ties between the two dynamic populations, extensive economic and investment links, and commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rules-based international order, the ROK and the U.S. are charting a path toward a relationship that is capable of meeting any challenge and seizing all the opportunities presented before us. President Yoon and President Biden jointly recognize the importance of our shared commitments and pledge to work tirelessly to broaden and deepen our ties to position us to succeed in a rapidly changing world.







President Biden expressed his gratitude for President Yoon's warm hospitality and extended an invitation for President Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. (Yonhap)







Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
THE CHRISTIAN Bible which is a library of 66 books is relied upon by over 2.38 billion people of the world for inspiration, wisdom and guidance. By its teachings, Christians are guided in their daily choices and decisions. Among the various teachings the Holy book offers Christian believers is the manner in which men and women must dress.

This article seeks to establish whether the Bible prevents Christian women from wearing trousers. Over the years, a section of teachers of the Bible, especially those in Ghana, have given different interpretations to some passages of the book, leading to different understandings and applications in life.

While some of the teachers instruct women not to wear trousers because it is an abomination to God, others dispute this teaching, stressing that an attempt to restrict women from wearing trousers is an attempt to deny women the truth of God's Word. These different biblical teachings have led to unhealthy arguments and debates, culminating in needless divisions and hatred in the body of Christ.

One key passage of Scripture often used in this controversial teaching is Deuteronomy 22:5, which reads: A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.

Before we discuss the biblical text above, it is important that some important questions are asked the many pastors who teach Christian women under their care not to wear trousers. Exactly, which passages of the Bible has God permitted pastors to teach to the church for them to live by? And which portions have been proscribed by God not to be taught and applied in the lives of believers?

Now, if you closely observe you would see that Deuteronomy Chapter 22 has 30 verses, according to the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. The King James Version (KJV) has similar volume of verses.

Other questions to ask are: are pastors not under obligation to teach the whole counsel of God? Have they the authority to select and teach passages of Scripture that interest them or fall within their philosophies?

We know that ministers of God are to teach the whole counsel of God without betraying any of them, and they cannot select a verse and build a doctrine around it and neglect the other verses. However, in many churches today, many pastors rarely teach about the remaining 29 verses of Deuteronomy Chapter five. They quote and teach with only Deuteronomy 22: 5, and command women not to wear trousers to avoid suffering divine punishment.

By implication, these pastors seem to infer that trousers are strictly a man's garment. Now, let us critically study the verse again. It reads, A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God. The key part of the verse which creates the confusion is: A woman shall not wear a man's garment

Remember that we are talking about a problem some pastors have with Christian women wearing trousers here. In other words, these pastors use this text to teach that Christian women should not wear trousers. In their view, it is a sin for a Christian woman to wear trousers, and those who wear them are an abomination to God.

However, a critical study of the verse does not in any way establish the fact that women are prohibited from wearing trousers. What the Bible really teaches is that a woman should not wear a man's garment. So, now, the discussion must be narrowed to determining the similarity or difference between trousers and man's garment. Does the English word trousers mean man's garment? In other words, are these two terms synonymous in English?

To be able to offer objective, balanced and fair teaching to ensure that peace settles in the hearts of Christian believers, the meaning of the terms man's garment used in the Bible and trousers used by pastors in their teaching must be found. In fact, it is difficult to find the definition of the term man's garment or men's clothing in a dictionary.

Thus, we can simply say that a man's garment is any garment or clothing designed for a man which is different from a garment designed for a woman. Trousers, on the other hand, according to the Collins Dictionary, are a piece of clothing that a person wears over their body from the waist downwards, and that cover each leg separately. This clearly shows that trousers are not exclusively men's garment.

We need to understand that trousers are not culturally Ghanaian clothing, but foreign. And they are designed differently for both men and women. It is said that womens trousers are always a slim/skinny fit, whereas mens trousers are tapered fit. Moreover, womens trousers are a bit wider at the hips, and then narrow down all the way to the ankles. In other cases, the opening button of men's trousers is on the right while womens are on the left.

It can be seen from the discussions so far that the Bible does not in any way forbid Christian women from wearing trousers. Rather, God forbids them from wearing men's clothing. According to Dr. John Gill, the prohibition as recorded in Deuteronomy 22:5 was commanded to prevent men from mixing with women, and so to commit fornication and adultery with them. This is the main evil God wants His children to avoid in relation to the aforementioned biblical text.

BY James Quansah

[email protected]
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Secure, sustainable, and resilient global supply chains are foundational to these efforts. Building upon international cooperation fostered by the U.S.-led Summit on Global Supply Chain Resilience, and by working closely together in the upcoming Ministerial-level summit, the two Presidents agree to continue working together to tackle immediate and long-term challenges in the supply chain ecosystem. Both leaders agree to strengthen the resiliency and diversity of these networks including by cooperating on early warning systems to detect and address potential supply chain disruptions and working together to address sourcing and processing of critical minerals. The two Presidents also agree to establish a regular ministerial-level Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue to discuss promotion of resilient supply chains of key products, including semiconductors, batteries, and critical minerals. Both leaders also agree to enhance cooperation between our foreign investment screening and export control authorities related to critical technologies, which is necessary to prevent the use of advanced technologies to undermine our national and economic security.







Recognizing the importance of energy security as well as commitment to address climate change given the rapid increase of volatility in the global energy market as a result of Russia's further aggression against Ukraine, the two Presidents will work to strengthen joint collaboration in securing energy supply chains that include fossil fuels, and enriched uranium, acknowledging that true energy security means rapidly deploying clean energy technology and working to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.







The two leaders recognize the importance of nuclear energy as a critical and reliable source of carbon-free electricity, an important element to grow our clean energy economy, and an integral part of enhancing global energy security. The two leaders commit to greater nuclear energy collaboration and accelerating the development and global deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors by jointly using export promotion and capacity building tools, and building a more resilient nuclear supply chain. The two Presidents reaffirm that both countries will engage in global civil-nuclear cooperation in accordance with the highest standards of nuclear nonproliferation, including the IAEA Additional Protocol as the standard for both international safeguards and for nuclear supply arrangements. Acknowledging the shared goals of deepening strategic ties, while respecting each country's intellectual investments, both leaders commit to using tools such as the ROK-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Technology Transfer and Export Cooperation to provide a solid foundation for strengthened cooperation in the U.S., ROK and overseas nuclear markets and the High-Level Bilateral Commission, to further cooperation for spent fuel management, nuclear export promotion, assured fuel supply and nuclear security. The U.S. welcomes the ROK's decision to join the U.S.-led Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.







President Yoon and President Biden commit to strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance across all sectors of space cooperation. Building on the ROK's previous commitment to participate in the Artemis program, the two Presidents agreed to foster joint research in space exploration and to support the ROK's development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS). Both leaders agree to hold "the 3rd U.S.-ROK Civil Space Dialogue" by the end of the year, and to strengthen cooperation on the two countries space industries. They also commit to continue cooperation to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment including through the bilateral space policy dialogue and committed to strengthen defense space partnerships including through joint exercises.







President Yoon and President Biden agree that the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, remains the foundation of our economic relationship. To promote sustainable growth and financial stability, including orderly and well-functioning foreign exchange markets, the two Presidents recognize the need to consult closely on foreign exchange market developments. The two Presidents share common values and an essential interest in fair, market-based competition and commit to work together to address market distorting practices.







President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a meeting at the People's House in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AFP-Yonhap









Faced with increasingly complex global challenges including the threats posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoon laid out the ROK's initiative for a global pivotal state that envisions a heightened role in advancing freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two Presidents reaffirm their commitments to a global comprehensive strategic alliance firmly rooted in the shared values of promoting democracy and the rules-based international order, fighting corruption, and advancing human rights. President Biden appreciated President Yoon's initiative to embrace greater regional and global responsibilities, and enthusiastically welcome the ROK taking a leadership role in the Summit for Democracy process.







Acknowledging the existential threat posed by climate change, President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitments to their announced nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement including the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets and 2050 net zero emission goals with strong efforts to align policies across sectors. The two Presidents also agree to enhance cooperation to address methane emissions globally, recognizing the importance of the Global Methane Pledge and rapid global action needed to address methane. The two Presidents also decide to strengthen cooperation in clean energy fields such as hydrogen, clean shipping, accelerated deployment of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and aligning international financial flows with global net zero emissions by 2050 and deep reductions in the 2020s.







President Yoon and President Biden pledge to support in strengthening multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare, and respond to infectious disease threats. President Yoon underscored President Biden's leadership in convening the Global COVID-19 Summit in May 2022, and President Biden appreciated President Yoon's active participation and ROK's announced pledges, including funding for the Act-Accelerator to combat COVID-19 and support for the Financial Intermediary Fund for pandemic preparedness and global health security at the World Bank. President Biden welcomes the ROK's decision to host a Global Health Security Agenda ministerial meeting this Fall and establish a GHS coordinating office for global and regional sustainable health security in Seoul. Our countries will also increase efforts bilaterally and in multilateral fora to promote biosafety and biosecurity norms. The U.S. and ROK will also strengthen health systems and build on successful health sector collaboration to accelerate cooperation and innovation in cancer research, cutting edge cancer treatments, mental health research, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders.







President Yoon and President Biden highlight their shared belief in the extraordinary benefits afforded by an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet. To combat the rising threats posed by digital authoritarianism, they committed to defend human rights and foster an open "network of networks" that ensures the free flow of information globally. To achieve this, the ROK is ready to join the U.S. in endorsing the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. The two Presidents also reaffirm the need to ensure that the Internet continues to play a positive role in promoting equity, equality and safety for women and girls in both our societies. To this end, the U.S. and the ROK joined the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse as founding members. Recognizing the importance of telecommunications security and vendor diversity, the leaders also commit to work together to develop open, transparent, and secure 5G and 6G network devices and architectures using Open-RAN approaches, both at home and abroad.







President Yoon and President Biden will continue to deepen ROK-U.S. cooperation on regional and international cyber policy, including cooperation on deterring cyber adversaries, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, combatting cybercrime and associated money laundering, securing cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, capacity building, cyber exercises, information sharing, military-to-military cyber cooperation, and other international security issues in cyberspace.







President Yoon and President Biden oppose all activities that undermine, destabilize, or threaten the rules-based international order and stand together with the international community in condemning Russia's unprovoked further aggression against Ukraine. Both countries, alongside other international partners, have responded resolutely to this clear violation of international law, by imposing their own financial sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian entities, along with the vital provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Both leaders affirm that they will ensure the effective implementation of their country's respective measures to deter further Russian aggression and maintain our commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.







The two Presidents recognize the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and peaceful, and agree to strengthen mutual cooperation across the region. In this regard, President Biden shares his support for President Yoon's initiative to formulate ROK's own Indo-Pacific strategy framework. President Yoon also welcomed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. The two Presidents commit to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness. Both leaders agree to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth.







President Yoon and President Biden also reaffirm their strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The two Presidents commit to increase cooperation with Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island Countries to promote sustainable development, energy security, and high-quality, transparent investment, including in quality infrastructure. President Biden welcomes President Yoon's interest in the Quad, and noted complementary ROK strengths including tackling the pandemic, fighting climate change and producing critical technologies. The two leaders also agree to cooperate on infrastructure financing, including digital infrastructure, in third countries. The two Presidents emphasize the importance of ROK-U.S.- Japan trilateral cooperation to effectively address common economic challenges.







President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitment to maintain peace and stability, lawful unimpeded commerce, and respect for international law including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful use of the seas, including in the South China Sea and beyond. The two Presidents reiterate the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an essential element in security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Sharing our mutual concerns regarding human rights situations in the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders commit to promote human rights and rule of law globally. The two Presidents resolutely condemn the coup in Myanmar and the military's brutal attacks on civilians, and commit to press for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained, unfettered countrywide humanitarian access, and a swift return to democracy. The two Presidents call on all nations to join us in providing safe haven to Burmese nationals and in prohibiting arms sales to Myanmar.







President Yoon and President Biden share the view that the Alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship. Through our close ties between the two dynamic populations, extensive economic and investment links, and commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rules-based international order, the ROK and the U.S. are charting a path toward a relationship that is capable of meeting any challenge and seizing all the opportunities presented before us. President Yoon and President Biden jointly recognize the importance of our shared commitments and pledge to work tirelessly to broaden and deepen our ties to position us to succeed in a rapidly changing world.







President Biden expressed his gratitude for President Yoon's warm hospitality and extended an invitation for President Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. (Yonhap)






Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap


Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm. Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs. On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country`s economic conditions. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers` agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be given to the farmers` families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier.

Live TV
I was a big fan of seeing the insides of other peoples houses, especially people who were slightly famous like Melissa, Frances, the narrator of Sally Rooneys Conversations With Friends, says early on in the novel.

Homeownership is a remote concept for Frances, a millennial college student in Dublin who writes and performs spoken word poetry. Shes used to sharing a flat with a roommate and not interested in making a lot of money. But when she finds herself romantically entangled with Melissa and her husband, Nick, their tasteful material life becomes an object of infatuation.

In the new Hulu series based on the book, the seaside Victorian belonging to Nick (played by Joe Alwyn) and Melissa (Jemima Kirke) doesnt disappoint. The interior walls, made of a textured concrete-like material, are a moody gray-blue, and the space is dotted with sprays of eucalyptus, Irish-made ceramics, sheepskin throws and large, artistic light fixtures.

The dining nook seems pulled from the pages of a recent Architectural Digest: a plant-filled space with weathered white brick walls and several doors made of large glass panes set in rectangular steel frames, leading to a courtyard.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as President Yoon Suk Yeol listens on during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





Major business lobby groups here welcomed the agreement Saturday by South Korea and the United States to strengthen the alliance not just in the military and security areas but also in various economic areas, including global supply chains.







On Saturday, President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held a summit in Seoul and recognized the importance of deepening economic cooperation and energy security, and jointly promoting critical and emerging technologies.







They also committed "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S. initiative to ensure secure and resilient supply chains, set the rules of the digital economy, and invest in clean, modern and high-standards infrastructure." South Korea joined the IPEF.







"Promising expansion of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during President Biden's first leg of his Asia trip signaled the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific area," the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said.







"We expect that the enhanced South Korea-U.S. alliance will strengthen Seoul's leadership in the international community and advance their shared visions of freedom, democracy and the value of a market economy," the FKI added.






President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.






Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Saturday, in this photo provided by the industry ministry. Yonhap





South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways to cooperate on supply chains for key industry items and other economic security issues, Seoul's industry ministry said.







Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.







Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began Friday accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden.







Under the agreement, the two sides will hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, healthcare technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.







They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.







How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.








MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.


Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The Australian Labor Party has won the 2022 federal election, making Anthony Albo Albanese only the fourth Labor leader since World War II to win government from the opposition. Born in inner-western Sydney and raised by a single mother in Camperdowns public housing, Albanese has always cited his upbringing as a major informer of his politics. He became politically active from a young age and his stature in the Australian Labor Party has only increased since joining more than 40 years ago. Labor leader Anthony Albanese claims victory in the 2022 federal election. Credit:Janie Barrett 1979: Aged 16, Albanese joins the Australian Labor Party. 1980s: While studying for a bachelor of economics at the University of Sydney, he is elected to the Students Representative Council and leads a faction aligned with Young Labors Hard Left. 1985: Elected the president of the NSW division of Young Labor.

Advertisement

1986: Appointed delegate to the Australian Labor Party national conference for the first time. He has reprised this role several times between 1986 and 2015. A young Anthony Albanese. Credit:Alexander James Towle 1989: Elected assistant general secretary of the Australian Labor Partys NSW division. This position embroiled Albanese in a constant conflict between the partys right and left factions. 1996: Anthony Albanese is elected the federal member for Grayndler, the inner-west Sydney seat that takes in the area in which he grew up. Though it has always been a safe Labor seat, following Albaneses election, it shifts from a bastion of the partys right to a stronghold of the left. He has been re-elected at every election since. 1998: Appointed to his first parliamentary party position as a shadow parliamentary secretary to the shadow minister for family and community services. 2001: Appointed to the frontbench for the first time as the shadow minister for ageing and seniors. 2007: After Kevin Rudd is elected prime minister, Albanese becomes a cabinet minister for the next six years. Throughout this period, he holds ministerial positions in various portfolios, including infrastructure and transport, regional development and local government, and broadband, communications and the digital economy.

Advertisement

2008: Appointed leader of the House and helps manage government business in parliament. August 2010: During the hung parliament of the 2010 federal election, Albanese plays a vital role as leader of the House, appealing to independents to maintain support for Julia Gillards minority Labor government. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Anthony Albanese (right), with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Credit:Andrew Meares June 2013: After backing Kevin Rudd in the Labor Party leadership spill, Albanese briefly becomes deputy prime minister until Labors defeat less than three months later. October 2013: Following the 2013 election, Albanese nominates to replace Rudd as the Labor leader. While he earns 60 per cent of the membership vote, he loses to Bill Shorten, who wins the majority of caucus votes. This catalyses tensions between the two Labor figures, though Albanese now insists, Im a better leader now than I would have been if elected in 2013. May 2019: After Bill Shortens shock loss to Scott Morrison in the 2019 election, Albanese nominates for Labors leadership election. He runs unopposed and is elected the leader of the opposition.

Advertisement
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The Australian Labor Party has won the 2022 federal election, making Anthony Albo Albanese only the fourth Labor leader since World War II to win government from the opposition. Born in inner-western Sydney and raised by a single mother in Camperdowns public housing, Albanese has always cited his upbringing as a major informer of his politics. He became politically active from a young age and his stature in the Australian Labor Party has only increased since joining more than 40 years ago. Labor leader Anthony Albanese claims victory in the 2022 federal election. Credit:Janie Barrett 1979: Aged 16, Albanese joins the Australian Labor Party. 1980s: While studying for a bachelor of economics at the University of Sydney, he is elected to the Students Representative Council and leads a faction aligned with Young Labors Hard Left. 1985: Elected the president of the NSW division of Young Labor.

Advertisement

1986: Appointed delegate to the Australian Labor Party national conference for the first time. He has reprised this role several times between 1986 and 2015. A young Anthony Albanese. Credit:Alexander James Towle 1989: Elected assistant general secretary of the Australian Labor Partys NSW division. This position embroiled Albanese in a constant conflict between the partys right and left factions. 1996: Anthony Albanese is elected the federal member for Grayndler, the inner-west Sydney seat that takes in the area in which he grew up. Though it has always been a safe Labor seat, following Albaneses election, it shifts from a bastion of the partys right to a stronghold of the left. He has been re-elected at every election since. 1998: Appointed to his first parliamentary party position as a shadow parliamentary secretary to the shadow minister for family and community services. 2001: Appointed to the frontbench for the first time as the shadow minister for ageing and seniors. 2007: After Kevin Rudd is elected prime minister, Albanese becomes a cabinet minister for the next six years. Throughout this period, he holds ministerial positions in various portfolios, including infrastructure and transport, regional development and local government, and broadband, communications and the digital economy.

Advertisement

2008: Appointed leader of the House and helps manage government business in parliament. August 2010: During the hung parliament of the 2010 federal election, Albanese plays a vital role as leader of the House, appealing to independents to maintain support for Julia Gillards minority Labor government. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Anthony Albanese (right), with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Credit:Andrew Meares June 2013: After backing Kevin Rudd in the Labor Party leadership spill, Albanese briefly becomes deputy prime minister until Labors defeat less than three months later. October 2013: Following the 2013 election, Albanese nominates to replace Rudd as the Labor leader. While he earns 60 per cent of the membership vote, he loses to Bill Shorten, who wins the majority of caucus votes. This catalyses tensions between the two Labor figures, though Albanese now insists, Im a better leader now than I would have been if elected in 2013. May 2019: After Bill Shortens shock loss to Scott Morrison in the 2019 election, Albanese nominates for Labors leadership election. He runs unopposed and is elected the leader of the opposition.

Advertisement
A woman has sparked a fierce debate online after branding an acquaintance 'stupid' for staying in a relationship with a man she was warned is abusive.

The anonymous poster, thought to be UK-based, took to parenting forum Mumsnet to share her story, and ask for other people's opinions on the situation, in a post titled '[Am I Being Unreasonable] to think this woman is stupid?'.

She wrote: 'A few weeks ago I contacted a woman to inform her about her new boyfriends history, they had been together about two weeks at this point so by no means a serious established relationship. He has convictions for domestic abuse, 4 of his children were removed from their mother because of violence toward her from him - one incident saw the then baby caught in the cross fire and hit when he hit the mother.

'That woman aside, he has beaten every woman he has ever been in a relationship with. He threw another ex down the stairs in front of her children, and headbutted another woman whilst she was holding her child. He served time in prison.'

A woman (not pictured) has been accused of victim-blaming, after she branded an acquaintance (not pictured) stupid for staying in a relationship with a man she was warned is abusive

An anonymous UK-based poster took to parenting forum Mumsnet to ask fellow social media users for their take on her situation

She continued: 'I sent her screenshots of articles printed in the newspaper and told her about all of the other information I knew. I urged her to do a claires law check if she had any doubts about anything I was telling her, as everything would be on there.

'She was receptive and thanked me for letting her know, said she was gobsmacked but wouldn't stand for any of that. She's a professional woman and has had dealings with domestic abuse in her work life.

'Fast forward to now and they're all over social media loved up and going on weekend breaks.

'AIBU [am I being unreasonable] to think she's stupid?

'I know only too well how hard it is to break away from an abusive relationship when you've been together for a long time, but if I knew any of this when I met my abuser (different man) I would have been running for the hills.'

Several Mumsnetters agreed with the poster that the woman was 'stupid' for staying with a man she'd been told was abusive

The post received mixed responses, with some Mumsnetters agreeing with the poster that the woman was 'stupid' for getting into a relationship with the man, despite being warned of his past behaviour.

One wrote: 'Of course she's stupid. That's not victim blaming, she isn't a victim yet. If she knowingly goes into a situation she knows could be volatile then that's plain stupidity. It's time we remembered that we're all accountable and responsible for ourselves.'

A second Mumsnetter agreed, writing: 'Yes, she's stupid. People will tell you it's victim blaming and love bombing and manipulation tactics, but she was 2 weeks in and faced with irrefutable evidence. I hope to god she doesn't have children.'

And a third wrote: 'If you know his violent behaviour then thats your duty to tell that woman, and if she ignores it then she is stupid, especially 2 weeks in.'

A significant number of Mumsnetters agreed with the poster that warning the woman about the man's violent past was a good thing to do

While a significant number of posters chose not to comment on the accusation that the woman is 'stupid', they did agree that the poster was in the right for passing on the information to the woman - irrespective of what she chooses to do with it.

One of the commentators said: 'Just wanted to say well done OP in warning her. It would have been so much easier to turn a blind eye but you have potentially saved her life. Although she has ignored your messages now she may end things when she starts seeing early signs for herself.'

A further Mumsnetter agreed, writing: 'You have done the right thing OP. You spoke up, she knows, now it's up to her. He may have spun her a (plausible) story about why these stories are in the paper about him. She has been warned and she will remember your warning and notice earlier when things start to go wrong.'

And a third said: 'You were right to warn her but that's all you can do really.'

For a number of respondents, calling the woman 'stupid' was problematic, with some describing it as victim-blaming

However, a number of respondents blasted the woman for calling her ex's new partner 'stupid', accusing her of victim blaming.

One wrote: 'Calling her 'stupid' is victim-blaming. She is probably being love-bombed and manipulated by her abuser, and he will be presenting you as some 'crazy' figure from his past.'

Another added: 'I'd say shes a future victim and whos apparently vulnerable to his manipulation.

'Not sure how calling her stupid on Mumsnet is in any way helpful.'

And a third wrote: 'He is evidently able to pick a type of personality which enables his behaviour.'
OTTAWA, April 20, 2022 /CNW/ - On April 27, 2022, Statistics Canada will release the second set of results from the 2021 Census. This release will explore Canada's shifting demographic profile, and for the first time ever, will include data about the gender diversity of our population. Additional questions on sex-at-birth and gender were added to the 2021 Census to allow more Canadians to be better represented. Data about age and the various types of dwellings in Canada will also be released.

The release will be published in Statistics Canada's The Daily at 8:30 a.m. eastern time on April 27, 2022. Information about subsequent releases throughout 2022 is available at 2021 Census dissemination planning  Release plans .

Statistics Canada officials will hold a news conference to present high-level national, provincial, and territorial findings for the second release from the 2021 Census. Officials will be available to answer questions from the media following their remarks.

On April 27 and the following days, Statistics Canada will also grant interviews regarding this 2021 Census data release. Members of the media are invited to submit their requests for interviews and/or custom tabulations ahead of the release date to the Media Hot Line .

Date

April 27, 2022

Time

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (EDT)

Location

The news conference will be held virtually.

Participation in the question and answer portion of this event is for accredited members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca to request temporary access. A teleconference line is also available for media who wish to listen to the event:

Toll-free dial-in number (Canada/US): 1-866-206-0153

Local dial-in number: 613-954-9003

Participant passcode: 7501902#

SOURCE Statistics Canada

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2022/20/c9446.html
JERUSALEM  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and its not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
JERUSALEM  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and its not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a joint press conference at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to begin discussions on expanding joint military exercises between the two countries amid the growing nuclear weapons and missile threats from North Korea.







The two reached the agreement during their first summit in Seoul, which took place as both countries believed a nuclear weapon test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch from the North was imminent and could even happen while Biden was touring the region.







"Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula," a joint statement after the summit said.







Military exercises between the allies had been scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of efforts to engage the North under the previous administrations of President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.







Pyongyang has condemned the drills as rehearsals for an invasion despite repeated assurances from the South and the U.S. that they were defensive in nature. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.







Yoon told a joint press conference after the summit that he and Biden discussed the need to hold "various forms" of exercises, including under the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North.







Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a joint press conference at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to begin discussions on expanding joint military exercises between the two countries amid the growing nuclear weapons and missile threats from North Korea.







The two reached the agreement during their first summit in Seoul, which took place as both countries believed a nuclear weapon test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch from the North was imminent and could even happen while Biden was touring the region.







"Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula," a joint statement after the summit said.







Military exercises between the allies had been scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of efforts to engage the North under the previous administrations of President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.







Pyongyang has condemned the drills as rehearsals for an invasion despite repeated assurances from the South and the U.S. that they were defensive in nature. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.







Yoon told a joint press conference after the summit that he and Biden discussed the need to hold "various forms" of exercises, including under the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North.






U.S. President Joe Biden and President Yoon Suk-yeol look at each other during their joint press conference at South Korea's presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap



Two leaders pledge to deepen alliance in economic security, supply chains, nuclear energy



By Nam Hyun-woo



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to expand the scope and scale of Korea-U.S. joint military exercises to thwart any evolving threat posed by North Korea during their first summit held in Seoul, Saturday.



In addition to discussing security on the Korean Peninsula, the two leaders also agreed to develop the bilateral relationship into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance" by broadening and deepening cooperation in the areas of economic security, global supply chains, nuclear energy and cyber space in a joint statement released after their summit.



"President Biden and I agreed that the sophistication of North Korea's military capabilities, such as missiles and its nuclear program, have posed grave concerns to the security of our two countries," Yoon said during a joint press conference at the presidential office following the summit.



"In response, President Biden reemphasized his commitment to the U.S. government's extended deterrence commitment to South Korea," Yoon added. "In detail, we agreed to begin discussions on expanding our joint military exercises, which are key to our combined defense capability, and to coordinate with each other on deploying U.S. strategic assets and additional measures."



Extended deterrence refers to the ability of U.S. military forces to deter nuclear threats against its allies.



Yoon made the remarks amid North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Recently, multiple reports suggest that North Korea is ready for a nuclear test and may soon launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.



The South Korean leader added that he and Biden have discussed action plans for extended deterrence and the deployment of strategic assets including "fighter jets and missiles," and each countries' national security councils will continue consulting with each other regarding this issue. Though Yoon did not elaborate about strategic assets, watchers expect the deployment of long-range bombers such as the B-52H, the B-1B and the B-2 could be included.



"In order to prepare ourselves for a possible nuclear attack from North Korea, there have been discussions that our two countries' combined military exercise should be carried out in various ways," Yoon said.



During the summit, the two leaders agreed to reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) at the earliest possible date. The EDSCG is a high-level consultative mechanism created to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han said officials of the two countries will be able to determine what kinds of measures are necessary to prevent North Korea's provocations once they convene the EDSCG.



"It has been inactive for a while, so officials of the two countries had insufficient discussion about possible measures," Kim told reporters after the press conference. "So once it's reactivated and the two sides sit down again for discussions, we will be able to figure out what measures should be taken to deter North Korea."



Door remains open for dialogue



Yoon said the door for dialogue is always open for North Korea.





Full text of joint statement issued after Yoon-Biden summit A closer look at South Korea-US summit [PHOTOS] Major biz lobbies welcome strengthening South Korea-US economic alliance "If North Korea takes measures toward denuclearization, we will work closely with the international community to help North Korea and its residents achieve a great deal of improvement in their lives. We will prepare an audacious plan for assistance to the North," he said.



He reiterated South Korea's willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Pyongyang, urging North Korea to respond to the offer and undertake measures for denuclearization.



While Yoon stressed a stronger deterrence to North Korea's threat, Biden said any potential meeting between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would depend on whether Kim was "sincere."



Regarding North Korea's COVID-19 outbreak, Biden said the U.S. was ready to provide vaccines to the North and China.



"We've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well, and we're prepared to do that immediately," he said. "We've got no response."



North Korea reported 220,000 new cases of what it claimed were COVID-19 patients, Friday. A total of 2.45 million North Koreans have been classified as "fever" patients, with 66 deaths so far, since the first COVID-19-related death was reported May 13.



President Yoon Suk-yeol smiles as his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, speaks during their summit at South Korea's presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Economic security, technology at forefront of alliance



The two leaders also stressed the importance of economic security and technology alliances between the two countries.



"We are living in an era where economic security is national security," Yoon said. "Global supply chains have been destabilized due to the changing global security order and this is directly linked to the livelihoods of our people."



Yoon and Biden promised to strengthen their practical cooperation in semiconductors, secondary batteries, nuclear power, space development, cyber security and other industries, and agreed to launch an economic security dialogue between their respective National Security Councils.



A day earlier, the presidents visited Samsung Electronics semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, and expressed their intentions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the chip sector.



Regarding energy security, the two leaders promised the two countries' joint efforts in developing small modular reactors (SMRs), which are widely seen as the next key technology in the global nuclear power market.



In doing so, however, the leaders pledged that they will "develop, use, and advance technologies in line with shared democratic principles and universal values," which is interpreted as an expression aimed at containing China.



"Now a long-standing mission of denuclearizing North Korea as well as the COVID-19 crisis, shifting trade order, supply chain realignment, climate change, democracy in crisis and numerous other new challenges confront our alliance," Yoon said. "These challenges can be tackled only when countries sharing the universal values of a liberal democracy and human rights come together."



Biden also said in the press conference that "the American economy is poised to grow at a faster rate than the Chinese economy for the first time in 45 years," and "it's never a good bet to bet against the United States of America."



In their joint statement, the leaders pledged "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness," which is widely interpreted as a U.S.-led economic group to counter China despite the South Korean government's continued denial.




U.S. President Joe Biden and President Yoon Suk-yeol look at each other during their joint press conference at South Korea's presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap



Two leaders pledge to deepen alliance in economic security, supply chains, nuclear energy



By Nam Hyun-woo



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to expand the scope and scale of Korea-U.S. joint military exercises to thwart any evolving threat posed by North Korea during their first summit held in Seoul, Saturday.



In addition to discussing security on the Korean Peninsula, the two leaders also agreed to develop the bilateral relationship into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance" by broadening and deepening cooperation in the areas of economic security, global supply chains, nuclear energy and cyber space in a joint statement released after their summit.



"President Biden and I agreed that the sophistication of North Korea's military capabilities, such as missiles and its nuclear program, have posed grave concerns to the security of our two countries," Yoon said during a joint press conference at the presidential office following the summit.



"In response, President Biden reemphasized his commitment to the U.S. government's extended deterrence commitment to South Korea," Yoon added. "In detail, we agreed to begin discussions on expanding our joint military exercises, which are key to our combined defense capability, and to coordinate with each other on deploying U.S. strategic assets and additional measures."



Extended deterrence refers to the ability of U.S. military forces to deter nuclear threats against its allies.



Yoon made the remarks amid North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Recently, multiple reports suggest that North Korea is ready for a nuclear test and may soon launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.



The South Korean leader added that he and Biden have discussed action plans for extended deterrence and the deployment of strategic assets including "fighter jets and missiles," and each countries' national security councils will continue consulting with each other regarding this issue. Though Yoon did not elaborate about strategic assets, watchers expect the deployment of long-range bombers such as the B-52H, the B-1B and the B-2 could be included.



"In order to prepare ourselves for a possible nuclear attack from North Korea, there have been discussions that our two countries' combined military exercise should be carried out in various ways," Yoon said.



During the summit, the two leaders agreed to reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) at the earliest possible date. The EDSCG is a high-level consultative mechanism created to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han said officials of the two countries will be able to determine what kinds of measures are necessary to prevent North Korea's provocations once they convene the EDSCG.



"It has been inactive for a while, so officials of the two countries had insufficient discussion about possible measures," Kim told reporters after the press conference. "So once it's reactivated and the two sides sit down again for discussions, we will be able to figure out what measures should be taken to deter North Korea."



Door remains open for dialogue



Yoon said the door for dialogue is always open for North Korea.





Full text of joint statement issued after Yoon-Biden summit A closer look at South Korea-US summit [PHOTOS] Major biz lobbies welcome strengthening South Korea-US economic alliance "If North Korea takes measures toward denuclearization, we will work closely with the international community to help North Korea and its residents achieve a great deal of improvement in their lives. We will prepare an audacious plan for assistance to the North," he said.



He reiterated South Korea's willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Pyongyang, urging North Korea to respond to the offer and undertake measures for denuclearization.



While Yoon stressed a stronger deterrence to North Korea's threat, Biden said any potential meeting between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would depend on whether Kim was "sincere."



Regarding North Korea's COVID-19 outbreak, Biden said the U.S. was ready to provide vaccines to the North and China.



"We've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well, and we're prepared to do that immediately," he said. "We've got no response."



North Korea reported 220,000 new cases of what it claimed were COVID-19 patients, Friday. A total of 2.45 million North Koreans have been classified as "fever" patients, with 66 deaths so far, since the first COVID-19-related death was reported May 13.



President Yoon Suk-yeol smiles as his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, speaks during their summit at South Korea's presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Economic security, technology at forefront of alliance



The two leaders also stressed the importance of economic security and technology alliances between the two countries.



"We are living in an era where economic security is national security," Yoon said. "Global supply chains have been destabilized due to the changing global security order and this is directly linked to the livelihoods of our people."



Yoon and Biden promised to strengthen their practical cooperation in semiconductors, secondary batteries, nuclear power, space development, cyber security and other industries, and agreed to launch an economic security dialogue between their respective National Security Councils.



A day earlier, the presidents visited Samsung Electronics semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, and expressed their intentions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the chip sector.



Regarding energy security, the two leaders promised the two countries' joint efforts in developing small modular reactors (SMRs), which are widely seen as the next key technology in the global nuclear power market.



In doing so, however, the leaders pledged that they will "develop, use, and advance technologies in line with shared democratic principles and universal values," which is interpreted as an expression aimed at containing China.



"Now a long-standing mission of denuclearizing North Korea as well as the COVID-19 crisis, shifting trade order, supply chain realignment, climate change, democracy in crisis and numerous other new challenges confront our alliance," Yoon said. "These challenges can be tackled only when countries sharing the universal values of a liberal democracy and human rights come together."



Biden also said in the press conference that "the American economy is poised to grow at a faster rate than the Chinese economy for the first time in 45 years," and "it's never a good bet to bet against the United States of America."



In their joint statement, the leaders pledged "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness," which is widely interpreted as a U.S.-led economic group to counter China despite the South Korean government's continued denial.




U.S. President Joe Biden and President Yoon Suk-yeol look at each other during their joint press conference at South Korea's presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap



Two leaders pledge to deepen alliance in economic security, supply chains, nuclear energy



By Nam Hyun-woo



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to expand the scope and scale of Korea-U.S. joint military exercises to thwart any evolving threat posed by North Korea during their first summit held in Seoul, Saturday.



In addition to discussing security on the Korean Peninsula, the two leaders also agreed to develop the bilateral relationship into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance" by broadening and deepening cooperation in the areas of economic security, global supply chains, nuclear energy and cyber space in a joint statement released after their summit.



"President Biden and I agreed that the sophistication of North Korea's military capabilities, such as missiles and its nuclear program, have posed grave concerns to the security of our two countries," Yoon said during a joint press conference at the presidential office following the summit.



"In response, President Biden reemphasized his commitment to the U.S. government's extended deterrence commitment to South Korea," Yoon added. "In detail, we agreed to begin discussions on expanding our joint military exercises, which are key to our combined defense capability, and to coordinate with each other on deploying U.S. strategic assets and additional measures."



Extended deterrence refers to the ability of U.S. military forces to deter nuclear threats against its allies.



Yoon made the remarks amid North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Recently, multiple reports suggest that North Korea is ready for a nuclear test and may soon launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.



The South Korean leader added that he and Biden have discussed action plans for extended deterrence and the deployment of strategic assets including "fighter jets and missiles," and each countries' national security councils will continue consulting with each other regarding this issue. Though Yoon did not elaborate about strategic assets, watchers expect the deployment of long-range bombers such as the B-52H, the B-1B and the B-2 could be included.



"In order to prepare ourselves for a possible nuclear attack from North Korea, there have been discussions that our two countries' combined military exercise should be carried out in various ways," Yoon said.



During the summit, the two leaders agreed to reactivate the high-level Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) at the earliest possible date. The EDSCG is a high-level consultative mechanism created to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han said officials of the two countries will be able to determine what kinds of measures are necessary to prevent North Korea's provocations once they convene the EDSCG.



"It has been inactive for a while, so officials of the two countries had insufficient discussion about possible measures," Kim told reporters after the press conference. "So once it's reactivated and the two sides sit down again for discussions, we will be able to figure out what measures should be taken to deter North Korea."



Door remains open for dialogue



Yoon said the door for dialogue is always open for North Korea.





Full text of joint statement issued after Yoon-Biden summit A closer look at South Korea-US summit [PHOTOS] Major biz lobbies welcome strengthening South Korea-US economic alliance "If North Korea takes measures toward denuclearization, we will work closely with the international community to help North Korea and its residents achieve a great deal of improvement in their lives. We will prepare an audacious plan for assistance to the North," he said.



He reiterated South Korea's willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Pyongyang, urging North Korea to respond to the offer and undertake measures for denuclearization.



While Yoon stressed a stronger deterrence to North Korea's threat, Biden said any potential meeting between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would depend on whether Kim was "sincere."



Regarding North Korea's COVID-19 outbreak, Biden said the U.S. was ready to provide vaccines to the North and China.



"We've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well, and we're prepared to do that immediately," he said. "We've got no response."



North Korea reported 220,000 new cases of what it claimed were COVID-19 patients, Friday. A total of 2.45 million North Koreans have been classified as "fever" patients, with 66 deaths so far, since the first COVID-19-related death was reported May 13.



President Yoon Suk-yeol smiles as his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, speaks during their summit at South Korea's presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Economic security, technology at forefront of alliance



The two leaders also stressed the importance of economic security and technology alliances between the two countries.



"We are living in an era where economic security is national security," Yoon said. "Global supply chains have been destabilized due to the changing global security order and this is directly linked to the livelihoods of our people."



Yoon and Biden promised to strengthen their practical cooperation in semiconductors, secondary batteries, nuclear power, space development, cyber security and other industries, and agreed to launch an economic security dialogue between their respective National Security Councils.



A day earlier, the presidents visited Samsung Electronics semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, and expressed their intentions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the chip sector.



Regarding energy security, the two leaders promised the two countries' joint efforts in developing small modular reactors (SMRs), which are widely seen as the next key technology in the global nuclear power market.



In doing so, however, the leaders pledged that they will "develop, use, and advance technologies in line with shared democratic principles and universal values," which is interpreted as an expression aimed at containing China.



"Now a long-standing mission of denuclearizing North Korea as well as the COVID-19 crisis, shifting trade order, supply chain realignment, climate change, democracy in crisis and numerous other new challenges confront our alliance," Yoon said. "These challenges can be tackled only when countries sharing the universal values of a liberal democracy and human rights come together."



Biden also said in the press conference that "the American economy is poised to grow at a faster rate than the Chinese economy for the first time in 45 years," and "it's never a good bet to bet against the United States of America."



In their joint statement, the leaders pledged "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness," which is widely interpreted as a U.S.-led economic group to counter China despite the South Korean government's continued denial.




President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.

Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.

Thailand deems its just-ended truce with insurgents in the countrys deep south a success and hopes to settle the rules of a long-term cease-fire by the end of the year, a spokesman for the governments negotiating team has told VOA.

Ethnic Malay Muslim rebels in Buddhist-majority Thailand are fighting for independence for the countrys three southernmost provinces  Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala  which comprised the sultanate of Patani until the British deeded them to the then-king of Siam in 1909. Over 7,300 people have been killed in the fighting since violence flared up last in 2004 and the government imposed martial law over the region.

After years of fruitless peace talks, the governments negotiating team, or Peace Dialogue Panel, and the largest and most active of the rebel groups, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, announced a truce on April 1 to run until May 14. The six weeks overlapped the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has spiked in years past.

Yes, success. The government [is] happy with the situation, Chayut Chitnana, an assistant to panel chairman Wanlop Rugsanaoh, told VOA May 17.

In the old days in Ramadan the violence statistic [was] high, but for this year it decreased, absolutely decreased, he said. Besides the violence situation, about the atmosphere in the area, the people [gave] good feedback to the government that they [could] have religious practice without fear of violence.

He said the government counted only one insurgent attack during the truce  a pair of coordinated explosions on April 16 that killed a civilian and wounded three police officers, which he blamed on the Patani United Liberation Organization, another rebel group. The PULO reportedly claimed the attack, carried out, it said, for being left out of the peace talks.

Trust and unity

Chayut said the one attack compared well with about 14 during Ramadan last year, after a 2020 lull ascribed to pandemic-related lockdown rules. Deep South Watch, a nongovernment group tracking the violence independently, counted about twice as many incidents during Ramadan in both 2021 and 2019, nearly 100 in 2018 and 2019, and some 250 at their peak in 2013.

In return for BRNs restraint this year, Chayut said, Thai security forces refrained from raiding suspected insurgent camps and hideouts or from acting on outstanding arrest warrants. He said about 100 low-level insurgents also took the government up on its offer to let them visit friends and family at local mosques without risk of arrest.

The Thai government hopes this project can build trust between the Peace Dialogue Panel and also the BRN. We would like to show the insurgents that we have sincere [desire] to talk with them, and its one of the confidence-building measures to show that we will commit with the other side in order to [reach the] next phase, the spokesman said.

Chayut said the panel has suggested holding the next meeting in early June, to get started on setting up a long-term cease-fire by December, one with a joint monitoring system to assess any alleged breaches. The panel also hoped to bring the other rebel groups into any future deal, he added, and had already reached out to the PULO and others.

BRN could not be reached for comment.

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University, also deemed the truce an overall success.

She said it proved to a skeptical Thai army that the BRN leaders attending the peace talks do wield control over the groups fighters in the field. To BRN, she added, it signaled that Thailands hawkish military may be willing to give the panel a chance at settling the conflict politically.

What it shows this time is that there is better unity [on] the Thai government side as well. So, we see more unity on both sides, both the BRN and ... the Thai government agencies, she said.

Doubts and dissonance

Rungrawee warned, though, that the contest between hawks and doves within the government was far from settled and could still derail the talks.

She said the army was rattled when thousands of youths came out for a May 4 rally in Pattani to show their pride in their Malay Muslim identity. While the event was not overtly political, she added, it was dotted with the odd BRN flag and punctuated by chants echoing BRN slogans.

If the government continues to believe in this [the panels] approach, theres a possibility that there might be discussion on a long-term cease-fire, said Rungrawee. But if they go back and resort to the same old suppression approach, then things might change in a different way.

Artef Sohko, president of The Patani, a political action group advocating for self-determination for the southern provinces, shared her doubts about a smooth path to a lasting cease-fire.

He said the Ramadan truce went well but noted that BRN had been scaling back its attacks for a few years already. And while army units in the south pulled back from main roads and cities during the truce, he added, they merely redeployed to rural areas and have kept up intelligence operations there.

Artef said the army has been talking to community leaders about the people who attended the May 4 rally, asking that they come in for questioning. He said his sources in BRN also told him that no actual members of the rebel group took the governments offer to meet with family over the holiday at local mosques, afraid their relatives might be persecuted afterward.

They did not trust the Thai side to live up to its commitments, he said. In the past, security officials would come to their homes and ask them where is your boy, where is your son. And the usual answer would be we dont know. So, for them to show up at the mosque with their son, it would be like admitting that they were lying.

Artef said fissures were also forming in BRN itself, over whether the groups negotiators were giving up on the dream of independence in exchange for some sort of autonomy, risking a split into armed factions that could lead to another surge in violence.

He said negotiating a stable, long-term cease-fire under the circumstances would be tricky.

I dont think the Thais will achieve this, he said, not by the end of this year.
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

TIRANA, Albania  Albanias defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses. Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S. Lockheed Martin, without specifying the number of missiles, how much they cost or when they would be delivered. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Peleshi said buying the missiles was part of the armys modernization efforts.

Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin said the U.S. Army had awarded two production contracts for Javelin missiles and associated equipment and services with total value of $309 million. These contracts include more than 1300 Javelin missiles funded from the recent Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act and orders for several international customers including Norway, Albania, Latvia and Thailand.

Not to create any panic, there is no concrete threat. We are a NATO member country and the national security issue resolved. We are protected, the minister told journalists.

Advertisement

Peleshi also said NATO is not a threat to any country, including Russia. Tirana supports the alliances open door policy welcoming Finland and Sweden as new members, which Peleshi said were two independent sovereign countries with high political, legal and also military standards.

Turkey, however, has so far said it will not agree to Sweden and Finland joining NATO.

Three Western Balkan countries  Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro  are NATO members. Albania joined in 2009.

GiftOutline Gift Article


For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
When Helena Occansey visited the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, last November, she instantly fell in love with the school that overlooks the Severn River.

It also didn't hurt that Occansey, a Lincoln Pius X senior, already had a family connection there.

"My older brother is at the Naval Academy. That's kind of how I got interested in that," she said.

She was formally accepted in January, after wrangling the endorsement of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

"Its really exciting and its good to know that my four years of high school have paid off and I was able to work my way into there," she said.

The diversity of the Naval Academy is one thing that excited her about the school, too. As a Black student growing up in Lincoln  Occansey's father originally hails from the West African nation of Togo  the number of classmates that looked like her was small.

"That's definitely one thing that kind of excited me about the academy, just knowing that I had a little bit more of my dad's part of the culture there," she said.

Voices of change The LPS Scholar Equity Cadre has empowered diverse students to use their voice to advocate for others and inspire change. Throughout the school year, the Journal Star has shared stories from diverse students in a series of profiles. The series will conclude next week with a Q&A round table with seniors from across the city.

Her father, Kouassi Occansey, moved to New York City in the 1990s, "chasing the dream of coming to America." He had a friend who lived in the Midwest, in this state called Nebraska, so Occansey paid him a visit.

"I loved it," he said. "You could drive to a place in five minutes."

Kouassi Occansey, who runs a small shop repairing dresses and suits out of his northeast Lincoln home, later met his wife in Omaha and settled in Lincoln. They've raised seven children  including two who will become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy.

"I think it's a good thing," he said. "They'll keep each other close, especially when you're far away from home. They'll hold onto each other."

Helena Occansey is active at Pius X, competing on the cross country and track teams and serving on student council. She also participates in the Ambassadors Club, in which students work to offer positive support and friendship to their classmates.

In her sophomore year, the pandemic struck. The track season was canceled  "which was a huge thing for me since I love running," she said  and classes shifted online. Junior year, things were limited too, and Pius X briefly went to half days when Occansey was a senior during the omicron surge.

"But, otherwise, this year's been pretty normal," she said.

This summer, Occansey is hoping to take a senior trip with some of her girlfriends. Then it's off to the East Coast, where she plans on studying political science at the Naval Academy, a school where she feels like she can give back to her country that accepted her father all those years ago.

"All the opportunities I've had here, I wanted to be able to give back to my country," she said. "I constantly have the drive to just, like, push myself, and so I know that at the academy, I'll really be able to challenge myself, so I'm excited about that."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When Helena Occansey visited the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, last November, she instantly fell in love with the school that overlooks the Severn River.

It also didn't hurt that Occansey, a Lincoln Pius X senior, already had a family connection there.

"My older brother is at the Naval Academy. That's kind of how I got interested in that," she said.

She was formally accepted in January, after wrangling the endorsement of Nebraska's congressional delegation.

"Its really exciting and its good to know that my four years of high school have paid off and I was able to work my way into there," she said.

The diversity of the Naval Academy is one thing that excited her about the school, too. As a Black student growing up in Lincoln  Occansey's father originally hails from the West African nation of Togo  the number of classmates that looked like her was small.

"That's definitely one thing that kind of excited me about the academy, just knowing that I had a little bit more of my dad's part of the culture there," she said.

Voices of change The LPS Scholar Equity Cadre has empowered diverse students to use their voice to advocate for others and inspire change. Throughout the school year, the Journal Star has shared stories from diverse students in a series of profiles. The series will conclude next week with a Q&A round table with seniors from across the city.

Her father, Kouassi Occansey, moved to New York City in the 1990s, "chasing the dream of coming to America." He had a friend who lived in the Midwest, in this state called Nebraska, so Occansey paid him a visit.

"I loved it," he said. "You could drive to a place in five minutes."

Kouassi Occansey, who runs a small shop repairing dresses and suits out of his northeast Lincoln home, later met his wife in Omaha and settled in Lincoln. They've raised seven children  including two who will become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy.

"I think it's a good thing," he said. "They'll keep each other close, especially when you're far away from home. They'll hold onto each other."

Helena Occansey is active at Pius X, competing on the cross country and track teams and serving on student council. She also participates in the Ambassadors Club, in which students work to offer positive support and friendship to their classmates.

In her sophomore year, the pandemic struck. The track season was canceled  "which was a huge thing for me since I love running," she said  and classes shifted online. Junior year, things were limited too, and Pius X briefly went to half days when Occansey was a senior during the omicron surge.

"But, otherwise, this year's been pretty normal," she said.

This summer, Occansey is hoping to take a senior trip with some of her girlfriends. Then it's off to the East Coast, where she plans on studying political science at the Naval Academy, a school where she feels like she can give back to her country that accepted her father all those years ago.

"All the opportunities I've had here, I wanted to be able to give back to my country," she said. "I constantly have the drive to just, like, push myself, and so I know that at the academy, I'll really be able to challenge myself, so I'm excited about that."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
President Biden on Tuesday granted pardons to three people convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentence of 75 individuals convicted of non-violent drug crimes, marking his first use of clemency powers since taking office.

Biden announced the pardons and commutations alongside a roll out of new efforts that aid former inmates in reentering the work force.

America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and

stronger communities, Biden said in a statement. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.

Biden is pardoning Abraham Bolden, Sr., an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was the first African American to serve on a presidential detail. He was charged in 1964 after he attempted to sell a copy of a Secret Service file and served several years in federal custody, the White House said.

The president is also pardoning Betty Jo Bogans, a Houston woman who was convicted in 1998 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Bogans, 51, was attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were arrested, the White House said. She received a seven-year sentence despite having no prior record.

The third individual being pardoned on Tuesday is Dexter Jackson, a 52-year-old from Georgia who was convicted in 2002 for facilitating the distribution of marijuana through his business. Jackson was not directly involved in trafficking drugs, but allowed his business to be used for transactions. He pleaded guilty and served his sentence.

In addition to the three pardons, Biden is also commuting the sentences of 75 people who were charged with non-violent drug crimes and are either serving prison time, under house arrest or are on supervised release.

Story continues

All 75 have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, including through educational and vocational training or drug treatment in prison, the White House said.

While todays announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to

review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second

chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans, Biden said in a statement.

Criminal justice groups had urged Biden for months to use his clemency powers to provide relief for individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes, particularly as jails were overcrowded amid the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to Tuesday, Biden had not pardoned or commuted the sentence of anyone since taking office.

In addition to the clemency announcements, the White House detailed a multi-step effort as part of Second Chance Month to reduce recidivism and make employment more accessible for those who have previously served time.

The departments of Justice and Labor are announcing a $145 million investment in job skills training and individual employment plans for inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities.

The Small Business Administration will make changes to reduce barriers for those with criminal records to receive loans, and the Office of Personnel Management is adjusting its rules to make it easier for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the federal government.

The Education Department will select dozens of schools to expand its Second Chance Pell Initiative, a program first established in 2015 that provides Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals so they can take college courses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.


SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.

Grocery Outlet hosts fundraiser

Thank you so much to the Grocery Outlet for hosting a donation fundraiser for Spring Break Food Boxes for our families who needed support during Spring Break.

Grocery Outlet went over and beyond to promote the fundraiser with a sign and posted information at the check stands about the need we were trying to fill.

We thank our very generous community for donating close to $2,000 to compliment another personal donors cash donation to fill 150 food boxes for our Longview School District families.

Wow, what a huge surprise it was to be able to receive that support. Thank you so very much.

We also thank Altrusa and the E.A.T. Program for continuing to provide 265 weekend food bags for our Longview students. That ongoing support is amazing and so appreciated by the kids who receive them.

Supporting food for our families, CAP does a weekly We Feed Washington Program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables and a monthly emergency food distribution to the Family Community Resource Center for any family in Longview in need of food support. CAP has been an amazing partner. Thank you.

We always have community members dropping off groceries, snacks, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies on a regular basis so we have supplies ready to hand out to kids and families in need of those items. These community members stop by and randomly donate these miscellaneous items. Thank you.

And a huge thank you to our FCRC volunteers who keep the FCRC clean, organized, stocked and ready for distribution. Thank you Shelly, Cindy, , Cathy, Ron, Cindy, Nancy, Jackie and Randy. We really could not keep the FCRC going to serve so many families without your generous donations of time and energy. You are so appreciated.

Mollie DuBois,

homeless liaison

Longview School District

Grateful for supporters

The Rainier Junior/Senior High School History Club members hosted the 10th Annual Rainier Revisited in April.

The extend a special thank you to the Beaver Homes Grange, the Rainier School District, Virginia Rose, the Sebring family, Jim Owen, the Stout family, Janice Riez with the RJSH office, Monica rea with the RJSH office, Perry Decker, the Hayward family, Patrick and Karen Haas, RJSHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, RJSH Principal Graden Blue, Kendall Fish, Kim and Tami Worrall, the Orman family, the Owen family, Marianne Retherford, the Nallon family, the Bach-Elliot family, Mareia Roberts, the Gutenberger family, Larry Girard, the Williams family, the Rainier Chevron, the Columbia River PUD, Mrs. Cochran-Moores classes, Aubreys Angels, the Baugness family, Melissa Pratt, the RJSHS Game and Geek Club, RJSHS librarian Ana Hansen, Cedriea and Melissa Heaberlin, Dawn Packard and Brian Harrison.

Thanks also to sponsors Kirk Fulmer of Educational Maps and Globes, the DuPont Historical Museum, the Rainier Historical Museum, Marcia Roberts, Bill and Michelle White of Willow Farm, Hampton Lumber, Dr. Annette Laing, Specialty Construction, Wilco in Kelso, Clatskanie Builders Supply, Mr. and Mrs. Basye, Teevin Brothers, Franklin Curtis/MaryAnn Curtis and Virginia Elliot, the Cochran-Moore family, the Rainier Education Association, Marianne Retherord, Sloans Abbey Carpet and Floor, the Stout family, the Owen family, Rainier Grocery Outlet, RSG Forest Products and Lowes in Longview.

Andrew Demko, teacher

Rainier Junior/Senior High School

Thanks to HEVIN for donating a van

We are Dean and Jan Johnson of Ariel, Washington. Dean has been a quadriplegic for almost 55 years. He was able to walk with Canadian (arm) crutches and use a manual wheelchair, but he hasnt been able to stand with his crutches for about 12 years.

For the last seven years, he basically has used a power chair. The only time he uses his manual chair is when we go away from home. He needs to transfer from his power chair to his manual chair, then from his manual chair he needs to be pushed into our car, which is becoming more difficult for me (Jan) to do. When we get to our destination, he needs to be pulled from the car into his wheelchair. When its time to go home we start over with getting him back into the car.

It is not in our budget to purchase a van. Out of the blue, I received a call on my cellphone the second wee of April. The first thing I remember hearing is Do you need a van? At first, I thought it was a spam call, but soon realized it was not.

We have friends, Tom and Cathi Neal, from our former church in Toutle. Cathi saw a van on the internet from the HEVIN Foundation. She immediately asked Rachel Cox, an employee with HEVIN, if it still was available. This was in February. HEVIN needed time to ensure the van was working well. When we were called in April, Dean was not able to go with me, so I met with Rich Black and Rachel Cox at the Castle Rock licensing department. Not only did they give us this wonderful van, but when I started to pay for the plates, Rich said No, we have this.

Wow! What a wonderful gift from HEVIN, who also are very nice people.

The requirement to receive the donations was to be a veteran. Dean and I were in the Navy in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dean and I are so appreciative of HEVINs kindness by giving to us the 2008 Chevrolet van. It will be used well. This frees up him and me a lot. Its been getting harder and harder for me to get him in and out of the car. Now Dean will have the freedom of being able to travel just about anywhere because the van has a powerful lift that will take Deans power wheelchair into the van.

This is wonderful. We thank the HEVIN for vets organization for their kindness.

Jan and Dean Johnson

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as President Yoon Suk Yeol listens on during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





Major business lobby groups here welcomed the agreement Saturday by South Korea and the United States to strengthen the alliance not just in the military and security areas but also in various economic areas, including global supply chains.







On Saturday, President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held a summit in Seoul and recognized the importance of deepening economic cooperation and energy security, and jointly promoting critical and emerging technologies.







They also committed "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S. initiative to ensure secure and resilient supply chains, set the rules of the digital economy, and invest in clean, modern and high-standards infrastructure." South Korea joined the IPEF.







"Promising expansion of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during President Biden's first leg of his Asia trip signaled the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific area," the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said.







"We expect that the enhanced South Korea-U.S. alliance will strengthen Seoul's leadership in the international community and advance their shared visions of freedom, democracy and the value of a market economy," the FKI added.






U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as President Yoon Suk Yeol listens on during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





Major business lobby groups here welcomed the agreement Saturday by South Korea and the United States to strengthen the alliance not just in the military and security areas but also in various economic areas, including global supply chains.







On Saturday, President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held a summit in Seoul and recognized the importance of deepening economic cooperation and energy security, and jointly promoting critical and emerging technologies.







They also committed "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S. initiative to ensure secure and resilient supply chains, set the rules of the digital economy, and invest in clean, modern and high-standards infrastructure." South Korea joined the IPEF.







"Promising expansion of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during President Biden's first leg of his Asia trip signaled the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific area," the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said.







"We expect that the enhanced South Korea-U.S. alliance will strengthen Seoul's leadership in the international community and advance their shared visions of freedom, democracy and the value of a market economy," the FKI added.







BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
She's been busy gracing the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

And Anne Hathaway put on a much more casual display as she donned a crochet bucket hat for an effortlessly stylish look to depart the Martinez Hotel on Saturday.

The actress, 39, was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event.

Chic: Anne Hathaway, 39, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a quirky crochet bucket hat and departed her hotel during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt.

She added some wide legged dark blue jeans and boosted her height with a pair of strappy yellow heels.

Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and navy Bvlgari handbag, which she accessorised with a scarf from LILYSILK.

Smiles: The actress was beaming as she flashed a huge grin and waved to the crowds outside before being chauffeured away ahead of the day's event

Low-key: Her long brunette locks tumbled down from beneath her hat as she carried a patchwork jacket and Navy Bvlgari handbag with a navy blue LILYSILK scarf tied to it

The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy.

The actress, who married actor and producer Adam Shulman in 2012, spoke of how much it meant to the couple to be able to represent their family, after the death of his mum, Jacqueline Banks.

Anne, who stars as Esther Graff in the upcoming period drama, said she was 'so grateful to cinema' for allowing her to capture the love that she experienced.

Elegant: Anne teamed the quirky headwear with an oversized pair of square sunglasses and a chic loose fitting linen shirt

Star: The outing comes after Anne said it was an honour to portray a Jewish mother in Armageddon Time as she remembered her later mother-in-law's legacy on Friday

Speaking during a press conference at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, she said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen. Her legacy my life in profound ways that I am truly, truly grateful for.

'The hand of a Jewish mother will guide the rest of my life, if I have done one thing and it is to capture that love, I honestly wont even attempt to put it into words.

'Thats why I am so grateful to cinema because it allows you to say things without words.'

Heartfelt: She said: 'My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, was simply the greatest Jewish mother Ive ever seen' (pictured with director James Gray)

Anne's character in the film aspires to run for the local school board but her attempts are hindered by her own son's behaviour.

Development on Armageddon Time was initially announced in 2019, when it was revealed that director James Gray would be writing and directing the feature.

The semi-autobiographical film will be centred on the filmmaker's experience at the Kew-Forest School in Queens, New York, where former president Donald Trump was an alumnus.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as President Yoon Suk Yeol listens on during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





Major business lobby groups here welcomed the agreement Saturday by South Korea and the United States to strengthen the alliance not just in the military and security areas but also in various economic areas, including global supply chains.







On Saturday, President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held a summit in Seoul and recognized the importance of deepening economic cooperation and energy security, and jointly promoting critical and emerging technologies.







They also committed "to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a U.S. initiative to ensure secure and resilient supply chains, set the rules of the digital economy, and invest in clean, modern and high-standards infrastructure." South Korea joined the IPEF.







"Promising expansion of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during President Biden's first leg of his Asia trip signaled the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in the Asia-Pacific area," the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said.







"We expect that the enhanced South Korea-U.S. alliance will strengthen Seoul's leadership in the international community and advance their shared visions of freedom, democracy and the value of a market economy," the FKI added.








President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a joint press conference at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to begin discussions on expanding joint military exercises between the two countries amid the growing nuclear weapons and missile threats from North Korea.







The two reached the agreement during their first summit in Seoul, which took place as both countries believed a nuclear weapon test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch from the North was imminent and could even happen while Biden was touring the region.







"Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula," a joint statement after the summit said.







Military exercises between the allies had been scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of efforts to engage the North under the previous administrations of President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.







Pyongyang has condemned the drills as rehearsals for an invasion despite repeated assurances from the South and the U.S. that they were defensive in nature. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.







Yoon told a joint press conference after the summit that he and Biden discussed the need to hold "various forms" of exercises, including under the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North.






President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a joint press conference at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to begin discussions on expanding joint military exercises between the two countries amid the growing nuclear weapons and missile threats from North Korea.







The two reached the agreement during their first summit in Seoul, which took place as both countries believed a nuclear weapon test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch from the North was imminent and could even happen while Biden was touring the region.







"Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula," a joint statement after the summit said.







Military exercises between the allies had been scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of efforts to engage the North under the previous administrations of President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.







Pyongyang has condemned the drills as rehearsals for an invasion despite repeated assurances from the South and the U.S. that they were defensive in nature. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.







Yoon told a joint press conference after the summit that he and Biden discussed the need to hold "various forms" of exercises, including under the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North.






President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a joint press conference at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AP-Yonhap





President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to begin discussions on expanding joint military exercises between the two countries amid the growing nuclear weapons and missile threats from North Korea.







The two reached the agreement during their first summit in Seoul, which took place as both countries believed a nuclear weapon test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch from the North was imminent and could even happen while Biden was touring the region.







"Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula," a joint statement after the summit said.







Military exercises between the allies had been scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of efforts to engage the North under the previous administrations of President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.







Pyongyang has condemned the drills as rehearsals for an invasion despite repeated assurances from the South and the U.S. that they were defensive in nature. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.







Yoon told a joint press conference after the summit that he and Biden discussed the need to hold "various forms" of exercises, including under the scenario of a nuclear attack by the North.






Secure, sustainable, and resilient global supply chains are foundational to these efforts. Building upon international cooperation fostered by the U.S.-led Summit on Global Supply Chain Resilience, and by working closely together in the upcoming Ministerial-level summit, the two Presidents agree to continue working together to tackle immediate and long-term challenges in the supply chain ecosystem. Both leaders agree to strengthen the resiliency and diversity of these networks including by cooperating on early warning systems to detect and address potential supply chain disruptions and working together to address sourcing and processing of critical minerals. The two Presidents also agree to establish a regular ministerial-level Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue to discuss promotion of resilient supply chains of key products, including semiconductors, batteries, and critical minerals. Both leaders also agree to enhance cooperation between our foreign investment screening and export control authorities related to critical technologies, which is necessary to prevent the use of advanced technologies to undermine our national and economic security.







Recognizing the importance of energy security as well as commitment to address climate change given the rapid increase of volatility in the global energy market as a result of Russia's further aggression against Ukraine, the two Presidents will work to strengthen joint collaboration in securing energy supply chains that include fossil fuels, and enriched uranium, acknowledging that true energy security means rapidly deploying clean energy technology and working to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.







The two leaders recognize the importance of nuclear energy as a critical and reliable source of carbon-free electricity, an important element to grow our clean energy economy, and an integral part of enhancing global energy security. The two leaders commit to greater nuclear energy collaboration and accelerating the development and global deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors by jointly using export promotion and capacity building tools, and building a more resilient nuclear supply chain. The two Presidents reaffirm that both countries will engage in global civil-nuclear cooperation in accordance with the highest standards of nuclear nonproliferation, including the IAEA Additional Protocol as the standard for both international safeguards and for nuclear supply arrangements. Acknowledging the shared goals of deepening strategic ties, while respecting each country's intellectual investments, both leaders commit to using tools such as the ROK-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Technology Transfer and Export Cooperation to provide a solid foundation for strengthened cooperation in the U.S., ROK and overseas nuclear markets and the High-Level Bilateral Commission, to further cooperation for spent fuel management, nuclear export promotion, assured fuel supply and nuclear security. The U.S. welcomes the ROK's decision to join the U.S.-led Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.







President Yoon and President Biden commit to strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance across all sectors of space cooperation. Building on the ROK's previous commitment to participate in the Artemis program, the two Presidents agreed to foster joint research in space exploration and to support the ROK's development of the Korean Positioning System (KPS). Both leaders agree to hold "the 3rd U.S.-ROK Civil Space Dialogue" by the end of the year, and to strengthen cooperation on the two countries space industries. They also commit to continue cooperation to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment including through the bilateral space policy dialogue and committed to strengthen defense space partnerships including through joint exercises.







President Yoon and President Biden agree that the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, remains the foundation of our economic relationship. To promote sustainable growth and financial stability, including orderly and well-functioning foreign exchange markets, the two Presidents recognize the need to consult closely on foreign exchange market developments. The two Presidents share common values and an essential interest in fair, market-based competition and commit to work together to address market distorting practices.







President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden hold a meeting at the People's House in Seoul's Yongsan District, Saturday. AFP-Yonhap









Faced with increasingly complex global challenges including the threats posed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoon laid out the ROK's initiative for a global pivotal state that envisions a heightened role in advancing freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two Presidents reaffirm their commitments to a global comprehensive strategic alliance firmly rooted in the shared values of promoting democracy and the rules-based international order, fighting corruption, and advancing human rights. President Biden appreciated President Yoon's initiative to embrace greater regional and global responsibilities, and enthusiastically welcome the ROK taking a leadership role in the Summit for Democracy process.







Acknowledging the existential threat posed by climate change, President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitments to their announced nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement including the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets and 2050 net zero emission goals with strong efforts to align policies across sectors. The two Presidents also agree to enhance cooperation to address methane emissions globally, recognizing the importance of the Global Methane Pledge and rapid global action needed to address methane. The two Presidents also decide to strengthen cooperation in clean energy fields such as hydrogen, clean shipping, accelerated deployment of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and aligning international financial flows with global net zero emissions by 2050 and deep reductions in the 2020s.







President Yoon and President Biden pledge to support in strengthening multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare, and respond to infectious disease threats. President Yoon underscored President Biden's leadership in convening the Global COVID-19 Summit in May 2022, and President Biden appreciated President Yoon's active participation and ROK's announced pledges, including funding for the Act-Accelerator to combat COVID-19 and support for the Financial Intermediary Fund for pandemic preparedness and global health security at the World Bank. President Biden welcomes the ROK's decision to host a Global Health Security Agenda ministerial meeting this Fall and establish a GHS coordinating office for global and regional sustainable health security in Seoul. Our countries will also increase efforts bilaterally and in multilateral fora to promote biosafety and biosecurity norms. The U.S. and ROK will also strengthen health systems and build on successful health sector collaboration to accelerate cooperation and innovation in cancer research, cutting edge cancer treatments, mental health research, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders.







President Yoon and President Biden highlight their shared belief in the extraordinary benefits afforded by an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet. To combat the rising threats posed by digital authoritarianism, they committed to defend human rights and foster an open "network of networks" that ensures the free flow of information globally. To achieve this, the ROK is ready to join the U.S. in endorsing the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. The two Presidents also reaffirm the need to ensure that the Internet continues to play a positive role in promoting equity, equality and safety for women and girls in both our societies. To this end, the U.S. and the ROK joined the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse as founding members. Recognizing the importance of telecommunications security and vendor diversity, the leaders also commit to work together to develop open, transparent, and secure 5G and 6G network devices and architectures using Open-RAN approaches, both at home and abroad.







President Yoon and President Biden will continue to deepen ROK-U.S. cooperation on regional and international cyber policy, including cooperation on deterring cyber adversaries, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, combatting cybercrime and associated money laundering, securing cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, capacity building, cyber exercises, information sharing, military-to-military cyber cooperation, and other international security issues in cyberspace.







President Yoon and President Biden oppose all activities that undermine, destabilize, or threaten the rules-based international order and stand together with the international community in condemning Russia's unprovoked further aggression against Ukraine. Both countries, alongside other international partners, have responded resolutely to this clear violation of international law, by imposing their own financial sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian entities, along with the vital provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Both leaders affirm that they will ensure the effective implementation of their country's respective measures to deter further Russian aggression and maintain our commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.







The two Presidents recognize the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and peaceful, and agree to strengthen mutual cooperation across the region. In this regard, President Biden shares his support for President Yoon's initiative to formulate ROK's own Indo-Pacific strategy framework. President Yoon also welcomed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. The two Presidents commit to cooperate closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), based on the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness. Both leaders agree to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth.







President Yoon and President Biden also reaffirm their strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The two Presidents commit to increase cooperation with Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island Countries to promote sustainable development, energy security, and high-quality, transparent investment, including in quality infrastructure. President Biden welcomes President Yoon's interest in the Quad, and noted complementary ROK strengths including tackling the pandemic, fighting climate change and producing critical technologies. The two leaders also agree to cooperate on infrastructure financing, including digital infrastructure, in third countries. The two Presidents emphasize the importance of ROK-U.S.- Japan trilateral cooperation to effectively address common economic challenges.







President Yoon and President Biden reaffirm their commitment to maintain peace and stability, lawful unimpeded commerce, and respect for international law including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful use of the seas, including in the South China Sea and beyond. The two Presidents reiterate the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an essential element in security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Sharing our mutual concerns regarding human rights situations in the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders commit to promote human rights and rule of law globally. The two Presidents resolutely condemn the coup in Myanmar and the military's brutal attacks on civilians, and commit to press for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained, unfettered countrywide humanitarian access, and a swift return to democracy. The two Presidents call on all nations to join us in providing safe haven to Burmese nationals and in prohibiting arms sales to Myanmar.







President Yoon and President Biden share the view that the Alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship. Through our close ties between the two dynamic populations, extensive economic and investment links, and commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rules-based international order, the ROK and the U.S. are charting a path toward a relationship that is capable of meeting any challenge and seizing all the opportunities presented before us. President Yoon and President Biden jointly recognize the importance of our shared commitments and pledge to work tirelessly to broaden and deepen our ties to position us to succeed in a rapidly changing world.







President Biden expressed his gratitude for President Yoon's warm hospitality and extended an invitation for President Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. (Yonhap)






President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden propose a toast during a banquet at the National Museum of Korea, Saturday, to welcome the latter's visit to Seoul. Yonhap



Two leaders' joint statement refrains from provoking China



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol successfully finished his summit debut, Saturday, with U.S. President Joe Biden by securing Washington's detailed security commitment to Seoul against North Korea's ever-growing nuclear weapons and missile threats, according to diplomatic observers. This came after the two decided to come up with more detailed "action plans," while agreeing to upgrade their security-focused alliance into a global comprehensive strategic one that tackles 21st century challenges, mainly posed by China's assertiveness.



However, the new South Korean government, previously expected to take a hardline stance on Pyongyang, seems to have become less hawkish on its northern neighbor in line with the U.S. administration, which does not want to see tensions increase on the Korean Peninsula.



Yoon, who took office, May 10, and Biden held their first summit in Seoul on the day amid growing expectation of a North Korean military provocation, and the intensifying U.S.-Sino rivalry.



"On the whole, the two leaders' joint statement following their first summit has added action plans to last year's joint statement following a South Korea-U.S. summit," said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, referring to a meeting between former President Moon Jae-in and Biden, during which they reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral alliance, with Seoul unequivocally standing with Washington on issues concerning U.S.-China relations and the competition for influence in the region.



President Yoon acknowledged that there would be a range of extended conventional deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat beyond the nuclear umbrella, including expanding joint military exercises.



"But beyond that, there could be many other aspects, including fighters, bombers and missiles, and regarding the deployment of such strategic assets we discussed today, there will be more concrete discussions between our National Security Councils," Yoon said during a post-summit press conference at his office in Yongsan District.



The joint statement also said both leaders agreed to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the peninsula.



In the lead-up to the summit, Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, also hinted, earlier this week, that the two sides will come up with an action plan to strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, which the U.S. has provided to South Korea since removing all of its nuclear assets from the peninsula in 1991.



In that respect, the Yoon administration is seeking to reactivate regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, a high-level consultative mechanism to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence, which last met in January 2018.



"Although the envisaged action plans mean establishing consultative groups, the previous joint statement was conceptual and theoretical, showing how the allies should determine their policy direction, but this time they have decided to implement their previous agreements," Park said



However, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the allies were still struggling to find clear-cut answers to Pyongyang's nuclear program, adding that it remains to be seen how discussions on extended deterrence will unfold.









"Taking a closer look at the joint statement in terms of dealing with the North Korea nuclear issue, their previous stance was reiterated. In order to change North Korea's behavior, the U.S. should take a carrot and stick approach, but they failed to mention it in the joint statement," Cho said.



"There are growing threats and risks from North Korea's nuclear program, but the matter still seems to be on the back burner under the Biden administration. We need to secure more detailed U.S. cooperation on North Korean denuclearization in follow-up working-level negotiations."



The joint statement also said that the two heads of state reiterated their common goal of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," not the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea, a reference hinting that the Yoon administration has toned down its stance on the North, according to Park. Until recently, South Korea and the U.S. had refrained from using the term not to provoke North Korea.



During the campaign, Yoon signaled that his administration will maintain a hawkish approach to the North Korean regime  although the Biden administration, already preoccupied with other diplomatic issues such as its strategic competition with China and Russia's war in Ukraine, wants to settle for a status quo on the peninsula rather than taking actions that will stoke tensions.





President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn.  U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport held a Coffee with your Congresswoman event at Northeast State Community College Friday morning with a roomful of constituents from the Tri-Cities region in attendance.

Theres a lot going on, Harshbarger said in her opening remarks. Every day I wake up early, and I dont go home until way late because we have issues that we need to address.

In her informal talk, which was followed by a time for questions from audience members, Harshbarger started with the baby formula shortage.

Roughly 40% of the nations baby formula is out of stock because one facility  Abbott  makes 40% of our nations baby formula, Harshbarger said.

Tennessee is among a group of states that was sold out of more than half its formula the week of April 24, according to Harshbarger, who claimed the Food and Drug Administration was aware of a potential for a shortage in November.

Its a travesty when you dont plan ahead and you have one company that makes 40% of anything, Harshbarger said. If they knew it back in November, why didnt they have a strategic backup plan to get this formula from Europe?  Our government is very reactive. They are never proactive in anything, and thats what I hate.

The White House made a deal with Abbott to reopen its closed plant in the coming weeks, Harshbarger said.

Harshbarger, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, also told the crowd how she visited Eagle Pass, Texas a few weeks ago and has spoken with some of the boots on the ground at the border.

She described customs and border protection (CBP) officers as demoralized. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and thats whats happening at our southern borders, Harshbarger said.

Citing data from CBP, Harshbarger said there were more than 234,000 migrant encounters at the southern border last month, the highest in U.S. history and up 30% from April 2021. The CDP has seized 340,000 pounds of drugs this fiscal year and 5,300 pounds of fentanyl, according to Harshbarger.

You cant sustain this, Harshbarger said. We are a sovereign nation because we have borders. If this is not a national security issue, I dont know what is.

Harshbarger also talked about the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it no longer serves a purpose for the American people. A supporter of Texas Congressman Chip Roys bill to defund the organization, Harshbarger was met with applause Friday when she said they shouldnt receive a penny.

When touching on the war in Ukraine, Harshbarger said she voted no on the $40 billion aid bill due to concerns over where the money was going and what exactly it was going to be used for.

Harshbarger also addressed the threat of China, saying a Taiwanese ambassador she has spoken to is worried.

China is watching everything that happens in Russia and Ukraine, Harshbarger said. Weakness invites aggression, and thats why we are where we are  They know they have this small window until November to do what theyve got to do.

Harshbarger was also met with applause when she said there is going to be a red wave coming in November, predicting Republican success in the upcoming election.

In her closing remarks, Harshbarger encouraged her constituents to keep praying for the country, which she said she does with fellow members of Congress every Wednesday.

Please join us Wednesday at 7:00, Harshbarger said. Wherever you are, pray that God will keep his hand on the greatest nation the world has ever known.

Harshbarger is a first-term member of Congress and also serves on the House Education and Labor Committee. The longtime pharmacist and business owner from Bloomingdale resides in Kingsport.
WASHINGTON  The former director of the Ohio state prison system has emerged as a leading contender to run the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Gary Mohr, who has also worked in the private prison industry, is among those at the top of the list of candidates to replace Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but said he would stay on until a successor was named, the people said Friday.

A final decision has not been made and its unclear when an announcement would be put forward, according to the people, who were not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. After this story published, Mohr responded to an email seeking comment that was sent to a consulting firm where he works. He said he was shocked to see an article describing me as a top contender for the position and denied that he had applied or been interviewed.

The people familiar with the matter insisted Saturday that Mohr remained among those being seriously considered for the position.

If picked, Mohr would become the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago, and only the second director with no prior experience at the agency, the Justice Departments largest.

The leadership change came after AP reporting that has uncovered widespread problems at the agency, including sexual abuse by correctional officers and critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies.

Mohr has spent nearly 50 years working in corrections, starting as a teacher in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the agency he led from 2011 to 2018. After his retirement, he served as president of the American Correctional Association, a nonprofit trade association and accrediting body.

Mohr has also been a prison warden and, between stints in the Ohio system, was a consultant and managing director for CoreCivic, formerly know as Corrections Corporation of America, an owner and operator of private prisons and detention facilities.

As head of Ohios prison system, Mohr oversaw more than 12,000 employees and close to 50,000 inmates at 28 facilities. The Bureau of Prisons is budgeted for around 37,500 employees, operates 122 facilities and has about 157,000 inmates.

In Ohio, Mohr made reducing the states prison population a priority and spearheaded efforts to reduce the number of first-time, nonviolent offenders behind bars. He managed to trim it by about 1,000 inmates in his tenure but, upon his retirement, said he was extraordinarily disheartened he couldnt do more.

Mohr also oversaw 15 executions and dealt with various crises, including the 2013 prison suicide of notorious Cleveland women abductor Ariel Castro; the brief 2014 escape of school shooter T.J. Lane; and the 2017 killing of an inmate in a transport van by another prisoner.

The union representing Ohios state prison guards frequently clashed with Mohr, criticizing him and the agency for not doing enough to protect correctional officers and reduce violence.

Carvajal, 54, was appointed director of the federal Bureau of Prisons in February 2020 by then-Attorney General William Barr, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began raging in federal prisons nationwide, leaving tens of thousands of inmates infected with the virus and resulting in 295 deaths.

An agency insider who started as a correctional officer and worked his way up the ranks, Carvajal had a tumultuous tenure as director. There was a failed response to the pandemic, widespread criminal activity among employees, critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies, inmate deaths and dozens of escapes.

Carvajal also oversaw an unprecedented run of federal executions in the waning months of the Trump presidency that were so poorly managed they became virus superspreader events.

The APs reporting exposing those problems compelled Congress to investigate and prompted increased calls from lawmakers for Carvajal to resign or be fired by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Carvajal failed to address the mounting crises in our nations federal prison system, including failing to fully implement the landmark First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice measure passed during the Trump administration that was meant to improve prison programs and reduce sentencing disparities.

Garland tasked Deputy Attorney Lisa Monaco with leading the search for Carvajals replacement. Officials went far and wide to try to find candidates outside of the typical profile of prior directors, even posting an advertisement on LinkedIn.

While many officials from inside the Bureau of Prisons applied for the post, the Biden administration was looking for someone who was focused on reforming an agency that has had cultural issues for decades.

Monaco personally conducted interviews and met with several of the candidates.

Biden administration officials had discussions about whether to remove Carvajal in spring 2021, after the AP reported that widespread correctional officer vacancies were forcing prisons to expand the use of cooks, teachers, nurses and other workers to guard inmates.

The Bureau of Prisons is the only Justice Department agency whose director isnt subject to Senate confirmation. Currently, the attorney general can just appoint someone to the position.

A bill introduced in Congress days after Carvajals resignation would require Senate confirmation for future bureau directors  putting them under the same level of scrutiny as leaders of the FBI and other federal agencies  but, so far, the measure hasnt come up for a vote.

___

Associated Press reporter Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. ___

On Twitter, follow Michael Balsamo at twitter.com/mikebalsamo1 and Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak. Read more of APs reporting on federal prisons at apnews.com and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/
WASHINGTON  The former director of the Ohio state prison system has emerged as a leading contender to run the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Gary Mohr, who has also worked in the private prison industry, is among those at the top of the list of candidates to replace Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but said he would stay on until a successor was named, the people said Friday.

A final decision has not been made and its unclear when an announcement would be put forward, according to the people, who were not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. After this story published, Mohr responded to an email seeking comment that was sent to a consulting firm where he works. He said he was shocked to see an article describing me as a top contender for the position and denied that he had applied or been interviewed.

The people familiar with the matter insisted Saturday that Mohr remained among those being seriously considered for the position.

If picked, Mohr would become the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago, and only the second director with no prior experience at the agency, the Justice Departments largest.

The leadership change came after AP reporting that has uncovered widespread problems at the agency, including sexual abuse by correctional officers and critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies.

Mohr has spent nearly 50 years working in corrections, starting as a teacher in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the agency he led from 2011 to 2018. After his retirement, he served as president of the American Correctional Association, a nonprofit trade association and accrediting body.

Mohr has also been a prison warden and, between stints in the Ohio system, was a consultant and managing director for CoreCivic, formerly know as Corrections Corporation of America, an owner and operator of private prisons and detention facilities.

As head of Ohios prison system, Mohr oversaw more than 12,000 employees and close to 50,000 inmates at 28 facilities. The Bureau of Prisons is budgeted for around 37,500 employees, operates 122 facilities and has about 157,000 inmates.

In Ohio, Mohr made reducing the states prison population a priority and spearheaded efforts to reduce the number of first-time, nonviolent offenders behind bars. He managed to trim it by about 1,000 inmates in his tenure but, upon his retirement, said he was extraordinarily disheartened he couldnt do more.

Mohr also oversaw 15 executions and dealt with various crises, including the 2013 prison suicide of notorious Cleveland women abductor Ariel Castro; the brief 2014 escape of school shooter T.J. Lane; and the 2017 killing of an inmate in a transport van by another prisoner.

The union representing Ohios state prison guards frequently clashed with Mohr, criticizing him and the agency for not doing enough to protect correctional officers and reduce violence.

Carvajal, 54, was appointed director of the federal Bureau of Prisons in February 2020 by then-Attorney General William Barr, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began raging in federal prisons nationwide, leaving tens of thousands of inmates infected with the virus and resulting in 295 deaths.

An agency insider who started as a correctional officer and worked his way up the ranks, Carvajal had a tumultuous tenure as director. There was a failed response to the pandemic, widespread criminal activity among employees, critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies, inmate deaths and dozens of escapes.

Carvajal also oversaw an unprecedented run of federal executions in the waning months of the Trump presidency that were so poorly managed they became virus superspreader events.

The APs reporting exposing those problems compelled Congress to investigate and prompted increased calls from lawmakers for Carvajal to resign or be fired by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Carvajal failed to address the mounting crises in our nations federal prison system, including failing to fully implement the landmark First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice measure passed during the Trump administration that was meant to improve prison programs and reduce sentencing disparities.

Garland tasked Deputy Attorney Lisa Monaco with leading the search for Carvajals replacement. Officials went far and wide to try to find candidates outside of the typical profile of prior directors, even posting an advertisement on LinkedIn.

While many officials from inside the Bureau of Prisons applied for the post, the Biden administration was looking for someone who was focused on reforming an agency that has had cultural issues for decades.

Monaco personally conducted interviews and met with several of the candidates.

Biden administration officials had discussions about whether to remove Carvajal in spring 2021, after the AP reported that widespread correctional officer vacancies were forcing prisons to expand the use of cooks, teachers, nurses and other workers to guard inmates.

The Bureau of Prisons is the only Justice Department agency whose director isnt subject to Senate confirmation. Currently, the attorney general can just appoint someone to the position.

A bill introduced in Congress days after Carvajals resignation would require Senate confirmation for future bureau directors  putting them under the same level of scrutiny as leaders of the FBI and other federal agencies  but, so far, the measure hasnt come up for a vote.

___

Associated Press reporter Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. ___

On Twitter, follow Michael Balsamo at twitter.com/mikebalsamo1 and Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak. Read more of APs reporting on federal prisons at apnews.com and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
Canberra, May 21 : Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has conceded defeat in the country's federal elections held on Saturday.

He said in a speech that he has spoken to opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his victory, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday projected that Labor will form government for the first time since 2013, with Albanese set to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

The results mark an end to the coalition's nearly nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister.


A court here on Saturday granted bail to Delhi University History professor Ratan Lal, who was arrested for posting derogatory content on social media after the 'discovery' of 'Shivling' inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi during a video survey.

Lal was presented before Tis Hazari Court on Saturday afternoon. He was placed under arrest on Friday night by the Civil Lines Police, and granted bail on Saturday on furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and surety on the like amount.

On May 18, the police registered an FIR against the History professor of Delhi University's Hindu College for posting provocative content.

Police had registered a case under sections 153 A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 295 A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code at the Cyber Police station north district.

The DU professor had allegedly posted derogatory content along with the latest picture of Shivling that was found at the Gyanvapi mosque.

The complainant, a Delhi-based advocate, Vineet Jindal, had written to the Delhi Police over the "instigating and provoking statement".

"Our Constitution provides every citizen with the freedom of speech and expression but the misuse of this right is inexplicable when it threatens the honour and harmony of the country and provokes its citizens based on community and religion and threatens the security of the nation then it is considered as a grave offence," Jindal told IANS.

Gyanvapi Mosque, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, is currently facing a legal battle. A court in Varanasi had directed the Archaeological Survey of India to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi Masjid.
New Delhi, May 21 : A 35-year-old man was killed while two others suffered injuries after a roof collapsed in the national capital's Dwarka area on Saturday, a Fire Department official said.

The deceased has been identified as Jagdish (35), while the injured have been identified as Harbai (30) and Pramod (10).

The official informed that they received a call at 2.18 p.m. about the incident from the DDA flats in Sector 23, Dwarka following which three rescue units were immediately pressed into service.

The incident took place while digging the foundation for a house.

"Due to this, the roof of the adjacent house collapsed, injuring three people," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg told IANS.

He said that all the three injured people were rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where Jagdish succumbed to his injuries. The senior official informed that the other two persons received minor injuries and their condition is stable.



Canberra, May 21 : Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has conceded defeat in the country's federal elections held on Saturday.

He said in a speech that he has spoken to opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his victory, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday projected that Labor will form government for the first time since 2013, with Albanese set to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

The results mark an end to the coalition's nearly nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister.
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.  Rising seas are encroaching on one of America's most storied military installations, where thousands of recruits are molded into Marines each year amid the salt marshes of South Carolina's Lowcountry region.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is particularly vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion and other impacts of climate change, a Defense Department-funded "resiliency review" noted last month. Some scientists project that by 2099, three-quarters of the island could be under water during high tides each day.

Military authorities say they're confident they can keep the second-oldest Marine Corps base intact, for now, through small-scale changes to existing infrastructure projects.

Maj. Marc Blair, Parris Island's environmental director, describes this strategy as "the art of the small," a phrase he attributes to the base's commanding general, Brig. Gen. Julie Nethercot. In practice, it means such things as raising a culvert that needs to be repaired anyway, limiting development in low-lying areas and adding floodproofing measures to firing range upgrades.

Others advocate much larger and more expensive solutions, such as building huge seawalls around the base, or moving Marine Corps training away from the coast altogether.

Parris Island has an outsized role in military lore and American pop culture as a proving ground for Marines who have served in every major conflict since World War I. It remains a crucial training ground, along with Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. But the rising sea is proving to be a formidable enemy.

Salt marsh makes up more than half of the base's 8,000 acres, and the depot's highest point, by the fire station, is just 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level. It is linked to the mainland by a single road that's already susceptible to flooding.

Low-lying areas on the island and the nearby Marine Corps air station already flood about ten times a year, and by 2050, "the currently flood-prone areas within both bases could experience tidal flooding more than 300 times annually and be underwater nearly 30 percent of the year given the highest scenario," according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Military reports have for decades acknowledged threats from climate change to national security, as wildfires, hurricanes and floods have prompted evacuations and damaged bases. A Pentagon document published last fall, after President Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to revamp their climate resilience plans, says the Department of Defense now has "a comprehensive approach to building climate-ready installations" and cites an adaptation and resilience study undertaken by Parris Island.

But day-to-day disruptions are growing, from nuisance flooding on roads to rising temperatures and higher humidity that when combined, limit the human body's ability to cool down with sweat.

Those wetter, hotter days could limit outdoor training. Already, more than 500 people on Parris Island suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion between 2016 and 2020, putting the base among the top ten U.S. military installations for heat illnesses, according to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch.

All the training that happens at Parris Island could be technically replicated on cooler, drier land somewhere else, said retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, who served as commanding general at the base from 1999 to 2001.

But Cheney doesn't foresee any appetite in Congress for closing the base and relocating its mission to less risky ground, which means the government needs to start investing in structural solutions to protect its crucial components such as the firing ranges near the water, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Spending millions to build seawalls would be cheaper than spending billions to rebuild the base after a devastating hurricane, Cheney reasons.

Parris Island has so far been spared the direct hits that have caused billions in damage to other military installations, but it has been evacuated twice in the last five years for hurricanes, which hit South Carolina every eight years, on average.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence pummeled North Carolina's Camp Lejeune, washing away the beach used by Marines for training, destroying buildings and displacing personnel. A month later, Hurricane Michael tore through Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, devastating airplane hangars and causing $3 billion in damage.

Those disasters should serve as cautionary tales for Parris Island, argues Cheney. But there is no grand overhaul currently planned  no concrete bulkheads or other seawalls that could dramatically revise the post's visual character, no master plan to raise buildings all at once.

Hurricane planning is focused on protecting life and preserving the equipment and buildings necessary to limit training disruptions, said Col. William Truax, the depot's director of installations and logistics.

"We're not taking on any major projects because we've not experienced a major threat to what we have to do here," Truax said. "To be honest, these old brick buildings aren't going anywhere."

Parris Island also depends on the resilience of communities just off the base. Stephanie Rossi, a planner with the Lowcountry Council of Governments, said the group's Defense Department-funded study of climate change impacts suggests shoring up the only road on and off the island, elevating buildings and bolstering the storm water system of an area where military families live.

The base also works with environmental groups to support living shoreline projects, building up coastal oyster reefs to strengthen natural buffers to floods and hurricanes.

"The waters will recede," said Blair, the environmental director. "The more resilient we make this place, the quicker we can get back to making Marines."
Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
Chandigarh, May 21 : Thousands of dairy farmers from across Punjab on Saturday assembled at the state-run Verka milk processing plant in Mohali near here and announced to go on strike in support of their demands comprising increase in milk procurement price.

Supply of milk and dairy products by Punjab's milk cooperative Milkfed to Chandigarh, many parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh will be hit on Sunday following the strike.

Daljit Singh Sadarpura, President, Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA), told the media that after agriculture, dairy farming is the second largest source of livelihood in Punjab. "The state ranks number one in the commercial dairy farming in the country. The number of dairy farmers in Punjab is more than the entire country." "Today every dairy farmer is living under a financial crisis. Last two years we have not raised any issue on increasing the prices of milk because of the pandemic as we know everyone is passing through a crisis, including the dairy farmers." He said milk rates have not been increased for more than two years now. "But the expenditure on milk production is mainly on wheat and fodder, adding 75 per cent expenditure is on the feed." Singh said the rates of cow feed have doubled in the last two years, which had never been seen before in the last 25 years of dairy business.

"The major component of feed is soybean which was Rs 3,200 per quintal a year back and spiked to Rs 10,000 and now at Rs 6,500 and we had to bear that loss also." "We held several meetings with the new government, because we are going through a crisis and appealed to the government to compensate dairy farmers on the pattern of other states. But the government failed to pay heed to our demands," he added.

PDFA press secretary Resham Singh Bhullar said they would continue the agitation demanding an increase in the price of milk.
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
Canberra, May 21 : Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has conceded defeat in the country's federal elections held on Saturday.

He said in a speech that he has spoken to opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his victory, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday projected that Labor will form government for the first time since 2013, with Albanese set to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

The results mark an end to the coalition's nearly nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister.

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
BLOOMINGTON  Downtown Bloomington businesses will take part in a daylong benefit on Sunday to raise money to support the Transgender Education Network of Texas.

Sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition, Bistro, Red Raccoon Games and Bobzbay, the benefit came about in an effort to battle a law recently enacted in Texas that criminalizes gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a state order requiring the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the families of trans children and treat gender-affirming care as child abuse," said Brienne Reid, a local activist who organized the benefit. "While this executive order has been thankfully defanged for now by the Texas Supreme Court, it spread horror and uncertainty within the trans community across the state and has furthered dangerous narratives that threaten the wellbeing of trans people and the parents and guardians of trans children."

A family-friendly benefit show at the Bistro, 316 N. Main St., will be the main event starting at 7 p.m., while bid sheets for a silent auction will be available throughout the day at Red Raccoon Games.

The show will feature drag queens Sharon ShareAlike, Bianca Fox, Kelly Pierce, Venice and Obsydia with live music from Alex Jordine. The show will have a $5 cover that will go toward TENT, a trans-led organization that has been fighting on the ground for trans rights and working to make the second largest state in the U.S. a safer home for our community, Reid said.

A silent auction will feature donations from several Bloomington-Normal businesses and artists with all proceeds going to TENT.

Between 3 and 7 p.m., Red Raccoon Games will donate a percentage of its Sunday sales to the organization, and Bobzbay will have a pop-up shop at the Bistro, also donating a percentage of sales.

"Theres much work to be done across the country  Illinois included  to push back against the onslaught of bills, policies and discriminatory acts, and we hope the donations from this fundraiser will help buttress our community in one of the states being subjected to the vanguard brunt of reactionary, bigoted attacks on trans life, Reid said.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
BLOOMINGTON  Downtown Bloomington businesses will take part in a daylong benefit on Sunday to raise money to support the Transgender Education Network of Texas.

Sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition, Bistro, Red Raccoon Games and Bobzbay, the benefit came about in an effort to battle a law recently enacted in Texas that criminalizes gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a state order requiring the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the families of trans children and treat gender-affirming care as child abuse," said Brienne Reid, a local activist who organized the benefit. "While this executive order has been thankfully defanged for now by the Texas Supreme Court, it spread horror and uncertainty within the trans community across the state and has furthered dangerous narratives that threaten the wellbeing of trans people and the parents and guardians of trans children."

A family-friendly benefit show at the Bistro, 316 N. Main St., will be the main event starting at 7 p.m., while bid sheets for a silent auction will be available throughout the day at Red Raccoon Games.

The show will feature drag queens Sharon ShareAlike, Bianca Fox, Kelly Pierce, Venice and Obsydia with live music from Alex Jordine. The show will have a $5 cover that will go toward TENT, a trans-led organization that has been fighting on the ground for trans rights and working to make the second largest state in the U.S. a safer home for our community, Reid said.

A silent auction will feature donations from several Bloomington-Normal businesses and artists with all proceeds going to TENT.

Between 3 and 7 p.m., Red Raccoon Games will donate a percentage of its Sunday sales to the organization, and Bobzbay will have a pop-up shop at the Bistro, also donating a percentage of sales.

"Theres much work to be done across the country  Illinois included  to push back against the onslaught of bills, policies and discriminatory acts, and we hope the donations from this fundraiser will help buttress our community in one of the states being subjected to the vanguard brunt of reactionary, bigoted attacks on trans life, Reid said.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company


Aerial photo taken on May 18, 2022 shows a high-speed train pulling out of the Shanghai Railway Station in east China's Shanghai. The Hongqiao high-speed train depot in Shanghai is the largest bullet train maintenance hub in East China. Employees here have stayed on the job since the COVID-19 outbreak in April to ensure stable operation of the high-speed railway system. Meanwhile, a full resumption of bullet train services is possible. (Xinhua/Li He)

Workers carry out maintenance at the Hongqiao high-speed train depot in east China's Shanghai, May 20, 2022. The Hongqiao high-speed train depot in Shanghai is the largest bullet train maintenance hub in East China. Employees here have stayed on the job since the COVID-19 outbreak in April to ensure stable operation of the high-speed railway system. Meanwhile, a full resumption of bullet train services is possible. (Xinhua/Li He)

Workers carry out maintenance at the Hongqiao high-speed train depot in east China's Shanghai, May 20, 2022. The Hongqiao high-speed train depot in Shanghai is the largest bullet train maintenance hub in East China. Employees here have stayed on the job since the COVID-19 outbreak in April to ensure stable operation of the high-speed railway system. Meanwhile, a full resumption of bullet train services is possible. (Xinhua/Li He)

A worker carries out maintenance at the Hongqiao high-speed train depot in east China's Shanghai, May 20, 2022. The Hongqiao high-speed train depot in Shanghai is the largest bullet train maintenance hub in East China. Employees here have stayed on the job since the COVID-19 outbreak in April to ensure stable operation of the high-speed railway system. Meanwhile, a full resumption of bullet train services is possible. (Xinhua/Li He)

Workers carry out maintenance at the Hongqiao high-speed train depot in east China's Shanghai, May 20, 2022. The Hongqiao high-speed train depot in Shanghai is the largest bullet train maintenance hub in East China. Employees here have stayed on the job since the COVID-19 outbreak in April to ensure stable operation of the high-speed railway system. Meanwhile, a full resumption of bullet train services is possible. (Xinhua/Li He)

Combo photo shows workers carrying out maintenance at the Hongqiao high-speed train depot in east China's Shanghai, May 20, 2022. The Hongqiao high-speed train depot in Shanghai is the largest bullet train maintenance hub in East China. Employees here have stayed on the job since the COVID-19 outbreak in April to ensure stable operation of the high-speed railway system. Meanwhile, a full resumption of bullet train services is possible. (Xinhua/Li He)
Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Bhopal, May 21 : Madhya Pradesh Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested one more person in connection with the incident of killing three cops by a group of alleged poachers in Guna district, taking the count of those arrested in the case so far to five.

Three accused have so far been killed and five others have been arrested. The incident took place on May 14, when three cops who were patrolling in the forest of Guna were gunned down by alleged poachers.

The Police said two other accused are on the run and a search operation to nab them is going on. "Irshad Khan, who was involved in the killing of cops, was arrested on Friday evening from Bajranggarh bypass," Guna's Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajiv Kumar Mishra said on Saturday.

Apart from Irshad Khan, the four arrested accused were identified as Shanu alias Shafaq Khan (27), Mohammad Jiya Khan (28), Nisar Khan (70) and his son Shahraj Khan (52), police officials said.

Two others wanted in the case, identified as Gullu Khan (25) and Vicky a.k.a. Dilshad Khan (25), are still absconding, the police said.

Police had claimed that the poachers were hunting black buck for a wedding function in Naushad Khan's family when a police team arrived at the spot after getting a tip-off about their presence, leading to the firing and the retaliatory action.
Bhopal, May 21 : Madhya Pradesh Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested one more person in connection with the incident of killing three cops by a group of alleged poachers in Guna district, taking the count of those arrested in the case so far to five.

Three accused have so far been killed and five others have been arrested. The incident took place on May 14, when three cops who were patrolling in the forest of Guna were gunned down by alleged poachers.

The Police said two other accused are on the run and a search operation to nab them is going on. "Irshad Khan, who was involved in the killing of cops, was arrested on Friday evening from Bajranggarh bypass," Guna's Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajiv Kumar Mishra said on Saturday.

Apart from Irshad Khan, the four arrested accused were identified as Shanu alias Shafaq Khan (27), Mohammad Jiya Khan (28), Nisar Khan (70) and his son Shahraj Khan (52), police officials said.

Two others wanted in the case, identified as Gullu Khan (25) and Vicky a.k.a. Dilshad Khan (25), are still absconding, the police said.

Police had claimed that the poachers were hunting black buck for a wedding function in Naushad Khan's family when a police team arrived at the spot after getting a tip-off about their presence, leading to the firing and the retaliatory action.
Bhopal, May 21 : Madhya Pradesh Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested one more person in connection with the incident of killing three cops by a group of alleged poachers in Guna district, taking the count of those arrested in the case so far to five.

Three accused have so far been killed and five others have been arrested. The incident took place on May 14, when three cops who were patrolling in the forest of Guna were gunned down by alleged poachers.

The Police said two other accused are on the run and a search operation to nab them is going on. "Irshad Khan, who was involved in the killing of cops, was arrested on Friday evening from Bajranggarh bypass," Guna's Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajiv Kumar Mishra said on Saturday.

Apart from Irshad Khan, the four arrested accused were identified as Shanu alias Shafaq Khan (27), Mohammad Jiya Khan (28), Nisar Khan (70) and his son Shahraj Khan (52), police officials said.

Two others wanted in the case, identified as Gullu Khan (25) and Vicky a.k.a. Dilshad Khan (25), are still absconding, the police said.

Police had claimed that the poachers were hunting black buck for a wedding function in Naushad Khan's family when a police team arrived at the spot after getting a tip-off about their presence, leading to the firing and the retaliatory action.
Bhopal, May 21 : Madhya Pradesh Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested one more person in connection with the incident of killing three cops by a group of alleged poachers in Guna district, taking the count of those arrested in the case so far to five.

Three accused have so far been killed and five others have been arrested. The incident took place on May 14, when three cops who were patrolling in the forest of Guna were gunned down by alleged poachers.

The Police said two other accused are on the run and a search operation to nab them is going on. "Irshad Khan, who was involved in the killing of cops, was arrested on Friday evening from Bajranggarh bypass," Guna's Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajiv Kumar Mishra said on Saturday.

Apart from Irshad Khan, the four arrested accused were identified as Shanu alias Shafaq Khan (27), Mohammad Jiya Khan (28), Nisar Khan (70) and his son Shahraj Khan (52), police officials said.

Two others wanted in the case, identified as Gullu Khan (25) and Vicky a.k.a. Dilshad Khan (25), are still absconding, the police said.

Police had claimed that the poachers were hunting black buck for a wedding function in Naushad Khan's family when a police team arrived at the spot after getting a tip-off about their presence, leading to the firing and the retaliatory action.










RACINE  A Racine man has been accused of using a pitchfork to break through the wall of an apartment in order to fight his neighbor.

Steven A. Poff, 38, of the 800 block of Main Street, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of bail jumping and misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

According to a criminal complaint:

At 8:22 a.m. on Thursday, an officer was sent to a residence in the 800 block of Main Street for a fight between neighbors. It was advised that a man broke through the neighbor's wall into his apartment.

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a man who said that someone, later identified as Poff, was after him. He said he was in his apartment when Poff began to break through the drywall that separates the two units.

Poff was using a pitchfork to bash through the drywall. Poff then climbed through the hole in the wall and wanted to fight.

The two fought and ended with the man who was attacked sitting on top of Poff in order to restrain him. He then got off of Poff to let him leave, but Poff went into his kitchen, so the other man left to flag down police.

The officer spoke with Poff, who was sweating and appeared very nervous or agitated. Poff originally said he did not know how the hole was made in the wall, but the officer saw white dust all over his clothing. Officers searched his apartment and found the hole and a pitchfork in the bedroom floor. Poff then told officers "My crew told me to do it" and admitted to making the hole.

Poff was given a $500 cash bond in Racine County Circuit Court on Friday. A status conference is on May 24 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave., online court records show.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0




The village of Sauk City is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to improve its drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the village of Sauk City.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project.

Mail comments to Kevin Olson, community financial assistance, Department of Natural Resources, CF/2 101 S. Webster St. P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, email kevin.olson@wisconsin.gov or call 608-234-2238.

The deadline to submit comments is June 4.

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process.

The analysis would summarize the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources consideration of the projects impacts and reasonable alternatives.
Commission declares

Malone emergencyThe Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring the existence of an emergency situation in Malone in a special session Friday.

In the resolution, the board is appealing to the state, through various agencies and the office of the governor, asking them to take action, such as is feasible to remedy the imminent health hazards and provide temporary housing for displaced residents.

After the resolution was passed, it was stated that a telegram would be sent to the governor from the commission informing him of the action taken and the action they are seeking from the state.

Chuck Sims, Civil Defense director, visited the area Thursday with Commissioner Thomas Tyus. Sims said the main problem at the time would be relocating 10 families.

A more dangerous problem could arise if the water level rises any more at the Florida Pond, located on the state line above Malone. There are possibilities of a land slide at the pond, depending on how saturated the land surrounding the pond is.

If the pond were to break during the night, half of Malone would be in water before anyone knows about it, Tyus said. Jackson County Floridan, Sunday, May 23, 1980

Miami remains calm

with Guard on callHoliday crowds flocked to Miamis sun-filled beaches Saturday, as peace prevailed a week after the city erupted in bloody rioting. But 1,100 National Guard troops remained on call just in case.

Gov. Bob Graham, riding through Miamis riot-wracked Liberty City neighborhood Saturday, said it looked like a war-zone landscape.

It was a disaster area prior to the riots, Reginald Burton, assistant director of Miami-Dade Neighborhood Housing Services, told the governor later.

Sixteen people died as a result of the shootings, beatings, and burnings that ignited in the citys predominantly black northwest section after an all-white Tampa jury acquitted four white former policemen in connection with the death of a black businessman in Miami. Jackson County Floridan, Sunday, May 23, 1980


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
The village of Sauk City is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to improve its drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the village of Sauk City.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project.

Mail comments to Kevin Olson, community financial assistance, Department of Natural Resources, CF/2 101 S. Webster St. P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, email kevin.olson@wisconsin.gov or call 608-234-2238.

The deadline to submit comments is June 4.

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process.

The analysis would summarize the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources consideration of the projects impacts and reasonable alternatives.




Not many people know what a neuropsychologist is, so Lynette Abrams-Silva explains it this way: Its part detective, part novelist and part demon hunter.

What that entails is trying to figure out whats wrong with someones brain when other doctors are stumped, rooting out the bad thing thats harming the patient and then writing a very long, very boring report about it.

Its clear right away  Abrams-Silva loves her job.

Shes director of the Psychology Department Clinic at the University of New Mexico, where she teaches and oversees clinical training experience. She also has a private neuropsychology practice, and she chairs an American Psychological Association effort to diversify the profession.

Abrams-Silva says shes rare in New Mexico, because there arent many Hispanics nor are there many homegrown New Mexicans practicing neuropsychology.

Its really important to me that Im a native New Mexican, and that Im practicing here. Its not just that I work with this population, but its my population. Its where I come from.

Her fascination with neuropsychology began during graduate school at UNM, when she was working on a degree in clinical psychology and had a meet-cute, love-at-first-(sight) kind of moment with neuropsychology.

Her fellow students were stumped by an assignment that required them to trace the path of a bullet through a fictional victims head, based on the cognitive problems that resulted.

When I heard the question, its like the whole world was black and white, and all the volume was turned down, she says. And I went up to the blackboards  we had blackboards in those days with actual chalk  and I drew the brain. I could visualize it happening, where the bullet would have to enter to cause certain deficits, where it would have to stop to preserve other cognitive functions.

In that moment, I knew this is what I was supposed to do. This is why Im on this Earth. I thank my lucky stars every day.

And, no, she doesnt mind writing boring reports. Unlike other doctors, she gets to spend a full hour with a patient while getting their complete history and probing their perception, cognition, emotion.

Its the foundation of (their) humanity, she says. Its quite an honor to be able to do that.

Tell me more about the detective part of your job.

If you fall down and hit your head, which please dont, and you dont necessarily feel like you got back to where you were before, then typically your doctor will send you to someone like me, and we will do a very long battery of tests. Sometimes we get really well-crafted questions from physicians like, Is this Lewy body dementia, or is it Alzheimers dementia? This is a very specific referral question, but sometimes we just get memory problems. Or sometimes we get nothing. Sometimes we get, We dont know whats going on with this person. Figure it out. Which I actually take as a compliment, that they believe neuropsychology is magical, because I believe its magical.

Is there a case youve figured out that youre particularly proud of?

By the time you get to a specialist, a patient has usually seen many, many other providers and many other specialists, and they do tend to get fatigued by the time they come to us. And that means, too, that the mystery is harder to solve because eight people have already evaluated this patient in various ways. I have had a couple of patients that have been difficult to solve and that I have successfully figured out. And it ranged in age. One was a young adult who had a very rare autoimmune condition, and I was able to figure that out and direct care. Some conditions  if you let them go, they could cause irreversible, cognitive changes, and this was one of those cases where letting it go could have been dangerous. But the most satisfying aspects of my job have been training others.

What were you like as a kid?

Isolated and odd. I couldnt really relate to my peers. I actually remember the moment I became self-aware of my otherness was when I was talking about The Muppet Show, and I said to a friend of mine, On the last episode of The Muppet Show  I meant the most recent, but I didnt get any more out because the other kid said, Its still going; theres no last episode. And I just realized Im never going to be able to communicate with people. I sort of felt this weird existential despair for a 4-year-old. Honestly, its really never gone away. I still do feel fairly separate. Part of it does come from sort of being in the middle. I am New Mexican, Im Hispanic, Mexican-American, but also Converso (Jews who were forced to convert generations ago), so I was never necessarily Mexican enough, I was never white enough. When I was in Jewish school, I wasnt Jewish enough. Then later, I was too Jewish. Theres never been a place where I fit in just right. Ive always been just adjacent to whats going on.

Tell me about your efforts to diversify your field. How are you doing that?

Blood, sweat and tears. So many tears, and you know I dont sleep anymore. Its a lot of work. I was trained almost exclusively by Caucasian men. And  they are fantastic. Theyve been very invested in my career and very supportive. Some of them started to ask me, Where are our competent bilingual neuropsychologists? By then, I had built up enough gumption to tell them, Well, you probably didnt admit them to your program. Because the diversity factors that we now value like bilingualism tend to actually serve as barriers to higher education. Ive tried to put my money where my mouth is and mentor trainees of color. We have a shortage of post-doctoral fellowships that will necessarily accept nontraditional trainees, so I created one  to be able to train a bilingual fellow from Puerto Rico. Hes been with us since September, so not only am I contributing to the production of a bilingual neuropsychologist whos going to be competent out in the world, but while hes training with us, we can provide Spanish-speaking neuropsychological evaluations, which are very difficult to come by.

How do you wind down?

My husband and I really do like to go to Santa Fe and take in the nature of Santa Fe or the surrounding area. We love the terrain of New Mexico, so going to the Jemez or even further north, but when we cant leave town, I play video games. Its hard for me to not think about things and  if I have a solvable problem in front of me, that tends to actually calm me down. So if I want to relax, its video games. This is why my husband and I dont have children. Because we are children.

THE BASICS: Lynette Abrams-Silva, 47, born in Albuquerque; married to Ian Abrams-Silva since 2016; two cats, Scout and Gordie, and two dogs, Sadie (half German shepherd) and Ezra (mutt with 10% Great Pyrenees); Ph.D., clinical psychology, University of New Mexico, 2012; masters, clinical psychology, UNM, 2009; bachelors in English, Stanford University, 1996.

POSITIONS: Director, UNM Psychology Department Clinic, since 2020; clinical director, Brain and Behavioral Associates, since 2020; director of assessment, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, 2014-2017; assistant professor, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, 2014-2017.

OTHER: Chair, Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, and co-chair, Strategic Planning Committee, American Psychological Association, neuropsychology division; established training rotations for UNM psychology students at All Faiths Childrens Advocacy Center and Hopeworks, and working to begin one for Sandia Pueblo; created a post-doctoral fellowship for two bilingual psychologists.

Eighty-two students received their diplomas from Challenger High School Friday night in the Tarlton Complex at Catawba Valley Community College.

This years graduates earned a combined total of more than $3.7 million in scholarships. Fifty-one graduates have decided to attend four-year colleges, 17 plan to attend two-year colleges, 13 are going straight into the workforce and one graduate has decided to join the armed forces.

I came to North Carolina as a second grader and they referred to us as the class of 2022. I was confused by this statement at first, said student speaker Antony Shaju Ponmany. Why were we 2022 and not some other number? So being the curious person that I am, I asked around and they told me that 2022 was the year we would graduate high school. At the time I was thinking, That is such a long ways away. Are we ever going to finish? But here we are in 2022, graduating from high school.

Ponmany spoke of the challenges the pandemic brought upon him and his classmates. He said at first he was excited about not having to wake up early for school, but later realized he missed going to class and seeing people. He said it was challenging to balance the workload of junior year and transitioning to an online platform for classes.

COVID made me appreciate everything that I have, Ponmany said. I have great friends, a great family and an amazing support system around me. I promised myself when we got out of quarantine, I would go out and seize my opportunities and truly enjoy what I have now. Challenger has become more than a stepping stone for me but an integral part of my life that shaped me into the person who I am today.

Once all the students had walked across the stage, it was time for the turning of the tassels. The students whipped out their phones and selfie sticks to record the moment as they moved their tassels from right to left then tossed their caps into the air.

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Hyderabad, May 21 : Telangana's minister for industries and information technology K.T. Rama Rao has urged the Indian diaspora to support the state to continue the progress.

Currently on a visit to the UK, the minister addressed the Indian diaspora at a 'Meet and Greet' event in London on Saturday. In his speech, he highlighted the achievements of Telangana government in the past eight years.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, noted that the members of Indian diaspora have supported the Telangana movement and have always promoted Telangana wherever they are in the world. He thanked the Indian diaspora members for their continued support.

He stated that the Telangana delegation had fruitful meetings with heads of various companies during the official visit.

"My job is to promote Telangana and bring investment and create jobs for the people of Telangana. We will establish deeper connections with the UK in the days to come," a statement issued by his office in Hyderabad quoted him as saying.

"If you are thinking of setting up your company in Telangana, I urge you to think of setting up your offices in tier II towns and not just Hyderabad," Minister KTR said.

"Contribute back to your motherland by supporting us in creation of wealth, employment opportunities, and ensure we motivate others back home. Let's ensure the growth story continues," KTR said.

The minister mentioned that the Telangana government has already inaugurated IT Towers in Khammam, Karimnagar and will soon inaugurate IT Towers in Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. He also added that there is a great IT sector presence in Warangal.

He highlighted that Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) was constructed in less than four years and is providing water for irrigation to lakhs of acres. He stated that KLIP is the world's largest lift irrigation project and everyone should feel proud that it is in India.

KTR told the Diaspora that the world's largest Amazon campus is situated in Hyderabad.

He said: "Google, Facebook, Micron, Apple, Qualcomm, Uber, Salesforce, and Novartis -- all of their second largest campuses are in Hyderabad and they all have come in the last six years. They have chosen Telangana because of its stable leadership and able governance." He pointed out that Telangana's per capita income, which was Rs 1,24,000 in 2014, rose by 130 per cent to Rs 2,78,000 in seven years. The GSDP, which was Rs 5.6 lakh crore in 2014 grew to Rs 11.54 lakh crore during the same period.

These are the numbers given by the Ministry of statistics and program implementation of Government of India.

"Telangana is the 11th largest state geographically and 12th largest as per population. But according to the Reserve Bank of India, Telangana today has emerged as the 4th largest contributor to India's economic growth," KTR added.
Hyderabad, May 21 : Telangana's minister for industries and information technology K.T. Rama Rao has urged the Indian diaspora to support the state to continue the progress.

Currently on a visit to the UK, the minister addressed the Indian diaspora at a 'Meet and Greet' event in London on Saturday. In his speech, he highlighted the achievements of Telangana government in the past eight years.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, noted that the members of Indian diaspora have supported the Telangana movement and have always promoted Telangana wherever they are in the world. He thanked the Indian diaspora members for their continued support.

He stated that the Telangana delegation had fruitful meetings with heads of various companies during the official visit.

"My job is to promote Telangana and bring investment and create jobs for the people of Telangana. We will establish deeper connections with the UK in the days to come," a statement issued by his office in Hyderabad quoted him as saying.

"If you are thinking of setting up your company in Telangana, I urge you to think of setting up your offices in tier II towns and not just Hyderabad," Minister KTR said.

"Contribute back to your motherland by supporting us in creation of wealth, employment opportunities, and ensure we motivate others back home. Let's ensure the growth story continues," KTR said.

The minister mentioned that the Telangana government has already inaugurated IT Towers in Khammam, Karimnagar and will soon inaugurate IT Towers in Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. He also added that there is a great IT sector presence in Warangal.

He highlighted that Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) was constructed in less than four years and is providing water for irrigation to lakhs of acres. He stated that KLIP is the world's largest lift irrigation project and everyone should feel proud that it is in India.

KTR told the Diaspora that the world's largest Amazon campus is situated in Hyderabad.

He said: "Google, Facebook, Micron, Apple, Qualcomm, Uber, Salesforce, and Novartis -- all of their second largest campuses are in Hyderabad and they all have come in the last six years. They have chosen Telangana because of its stable leadership and able governance." He pointed out that Telangana's per capita income, which was Rs 1,24,000 in 2014, rose by 130 per cent to Rs 2,78,000 in seven years. The GSDP, which was Rs 5.6 lakh crore in 2014 grew to Rs 11.54 lakh crore during the same period.

These are the numbers given by the Ministry of statistics and program implementation of Government of India.

"Telangana is the 11th largest state geographically and 12th largest as per population. But according to the Reserve Bank of India, Telangana today has emerged as the 4th largest contributor to India's economic growth," KTR added.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Seoul, May 21 : South Korea and the United States agreed on Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways of cooperation on supply chains of key industry items and other economic security issues, industry ministry said.

South Korea's Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.

Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began on Friday accompanying US President Joe Biden, reports Yonhap news agency.

Under the agreement, the two sides plan to hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains of semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, health care technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.

How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.

"The two ministers shared the notion that the current instability in the traditional global value chains cannot be resolved through efforts by one country, and cooperation among partner nations is critical," the ministry said in a release.

During the meeting, Lee pledged to actively join the U.S. in its envisioned economic initiative of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to establish a resilient and sustainable economic order in the region.

"The envisioned IPEF is expected to serve as a pivot of future-oriented regional cooperation by covering a wide range of issues, including stable supply chains, the digital economy, clean energy and decarbonization," the ministry said in a release.

President Yoon is likely to officially announce the country's intention to join the new framework during his summit with Biden.

Yoon's office said he will virtually attend a summit in Tokyo next week where Biden is poised to formally launch the IPEF.

Lee also asked for Washington's "flexible" approach to the possible revision of the U.S.' Section 232 tariff rules.
New Delhi, May 21 : The Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin seem to be growing in popularity in the southern state, as per an IANS-CVoter survey.

Of the five governments that assumed office after the Assembly elections in 2021, the Tamil Nadu government is the most popular.

This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021.

The DMK led by M.K. Stalin swept the Tamil Nadu polls in 2021 after remaining in opposition for 10 years during which DMK stalwart and Stalin's father M. Karunanidhi had passed away.

According to the survey, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with the performance of the state government, while almost 51 per cent were somewhat satisfied. So, in effect, 81 per cent of those surveyed expressed satisfaction with the performance of the state government.

In sharp contrast, less than 17 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of the state government.

Similarly, during the survey, Stalin scored high in approval ratings for his performance as the head of the state government.

As per survey data, while 41 per cent of the respondents expressed satisfaction with Stalin's performance as Chief Minister, 44 per cent said they were satisfied to some extent. Thus, in effect, 85 per cent of the respondents expressed satisfaction with Stalin's performance, while only 13 of those interviewed expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister's performance.

The survey also revealed that a large proportion of voters -- more than 35 per cent -- were not at all satisfied with the performance of the opposition leader in the state. Only 10 per cent of those who participated in the survey said they were very much satisfied with the performance of the opposition leader and close to 42 per cent said they were somewhat satisfied.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not scored high in approval ratings in Tamil Nadu. During the survey, while more than 40 per cent of the respondents said they were not at all satisfied with the Prime Minister's performance, only 17 per cent said they were very much satisfied with his work. Another set of 40 per cent of the respondents expressed satisfaction to some extent.

Tamil Nadu is another state where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has scored higher in approval ratings than Narendra Modi to occupy the post of Prime Minister in the future.

When asked about the more suitable candidate between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi to hold the post of Prime Minister in the future, while 54 per cent of the respondents in Tamil Nadu spoke in favour of the Gandhi scion, 32 per cent replied in favour of the incumbent PM.

The MPs and the MLAs in the state did not seem to fare very well. According to the survey, just about 19 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with the performance of their MP, while close to 34 per cent said they were not satisfied at all.

The MLAs fared a little better with about 31 per cent of the respondents saying they were not satisfied at all with the performance of their local MLA, while about 25 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied.

The survey revealed that rising prices and unemployment are the top issues of concern for the populace of the state. As per survey data, close to 36 per cent of the respondents said that spiralling prices is their main problem, while almost 12 per cent said that joblessness in the state is their main worry.

During the survey, a large number of respondents in the southern state sounded optimistic about the future. While more than 45 per cent of the respondents expressed confidence about their living standards improving in the next one year, only 13 per cent said they will deteriorate.

More than 12 per cent of those interviewed during the survey said that things will remain the same over the next one year.
A mosque in northern India adjacent to a Hindu temple has become the focal point of a religious dispute after reports that a stone shaft believed to be the symbol of a Hindu god lies on the mosques premises.

This is the second mosque in northern India to be caught up in contentious claims. A decades-old dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups involving a 16th-century mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya led to its demolition by a Hindu mob in 1992.

The Gyanvapi mosque, over which the latest dispute has erupted, is next to the grand Hindu Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, the holiest city in India for Hindus and Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency.

A team appointed by a local court to survey the mosque has said that a stone shaft found in the complex is the representation of Hindu deity Shiva. Mosque authorities have refuted the claim and say the relic is in fact a fountain.

The video-recorded survey was ordered after five Hindu women petitioned a local court for the right to pray within the mosque complex.

There are fears that the issue could deepen religious fault lines between Indias majority Hindus and minority Muslims even as it winds its way through courts.

The issue has the potential to catch peoples sentiments. No one is going to get into the logic or rationale because in matters of faith people are driven by sentiment rather than the legality of it, said Rasheed Kidwai, author and political analyst.

Right-wing Hindu groups have long claimed that Mughals, who ruled India for about 300 years, starting in the 16th century, built several mosques on the site of prominent temples that they demolished, and they say the Gyanvapi mosque is one of them.

The Supreme Court has allowed Muslims to pray in the mosque, overturning a lower court judgment that had banned large prayer gatherings earlier this week. It has also ordered local authorities to seal off and protect the area where the stone shaft was found.

The current dispute is reminiscent of what happened with Babri mosque in Ayodhya, where Hindu groups are now building a grand temple on the site of the mosque torn down by Hindu mobs. Deadly riots wracked India following its 1992 demolition.

After Hindu and Muslim groups failed to reach a settlement, the Supreme Court handed the site to Hindus in 2019 and an alternate site to Muslims to build a mosque. It was seen as a huge victory for Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, which had been in the forefront of the campaign to build the temple during the 1980s, when it was in the opposition. The dispute had played a key role in catapulting the party to national prominence.

The issue over Gyanvapi mosque is obviously being spearheaded at the behest of the Hindutva forces linked to the BJP. This is one way to keep the communal pot boiling and to benefit from the polarization we have witnessed, said Niranjan Sahoo, a political analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, referring to a Hindu nationalist movement. We will see more and more controversial claims made by Hindu groups over mosques.

Hindu groups are also eying another mosque. This week a court agreed to hear a lawsuit demanding the removal of a mosque in the town of Mathura because they say it was built on the birthplace of Hindu god Krishna.

Leaders of Muslim political groups view the moves as attempts by hardline Hindus to undermine their right to worship, and say they will fight legal battles against Hindu groups disrupting the sanctity of mosques and tombs.

We won't allow them to sting us for the second time and it's our responsibility to keep our mosques intact by regularly offering prayers there, Asaduddin Owaisi, a federal lawmaker and leader of a regional Islamic political party tweeted this week.

Questions have also been raised whether such disputes violate a 1991 law that forbids the conversion of a place of worship and stipulates its religious character should be maintained as "it existed" on August 15, 1947, India's Independence Day. The law was passed to prevent communal conflicts of the kind that erupted over the Babri mosque.

While it could take years of litigation to resolve the case over the Gyanvapi mosque, the focus will be on the stance that the ruling BJP takes in the run-up to 2024 national elections.

The truth has come to light. We will welcome and follow orders of the court in the matter, Keshav Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, said, referring to the Gyanvapi mosque dispute after reports of the relic of the Hindu deity became public. Varanasi city is in Uttar Pradesh.

Several analysts, who say Modis government has been following a Hindu-first agenda, warn the latest dispute could emerge as a flashpoint.

There are elements in the political class who want to sharpen the religious polarization, Kidwai said.

I think it is posing a challenge to the liberal ethos and composite culture of India that we have been very proud of. There is still great diversity in India, but BJP has got an upper hand because of flagging these emotive issues, he said.
A mosque in northern India adjacent to a Hindu temple has become the focal point of a religious dispute after reports that a stone shaft believed to be the symbol of a Hindu god lies on the mosques premises.

This is the second mosque in northern India to be caught up in contentious claims. A decades-old dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups involving a 16th-century mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya led to its demolition by a Hindu mob in 1992.

The Gyanvapi mosque, over which the latest dispute has erupted, is next to the grand Hindu Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, the holiest city in India for Hindus and Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency.

A team appointed by a local court to survey the mosque has said that a stone shaft found in the complex is the representation of Hindu deity Shiva. Mosque authorities have refuted the claim and say the relic is in fact a fountain.

The video-recorded survey was ordered after five Hindu women petitioned a local court for the right to pray within the mosque complex.

There are fears that the issue could deepen religious fault lines between Indias majority Hindus and minority Muslims even as it winds its way through courts.

The issue has the potential to catch peoples sentiments. No one is going to get into the logic or rationale because in matters of faith people are driven by sentiment rather than the legality of it, said Rasheed Kidwai, author and political analyst.

Right-wing Hindu groups have long claimed that Mughals, who ruled India for about 300 years, starting in the 16th century, built several mosques on the site of prominent temples that they demolished, and they say the Gyanvapi mosque is one of them.

The Supreme Court has allowed Muslims to pray in the mosque, overturning a lower court judgment that had banned large prayer gatherings earlier this week. It has also ordered local authorities to seal off and protect the area where the stone shaft was found.

The current dispute is reminiscent of what happened with Babri mosque in Ayodhya, where Hindu groups are now building a grand temple on the site of the mosque torn down by Hindu mobs. Deadly riots wracked India following its 1992 demolition.

After Hindu and Muslim groups failed to reach a settlement, the Supreme Court handed the site to Hindus in 2019 and an alternate site to Muslims to build a mosque. It was seen as a huge victory for Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, which had been in the forefront of the campaign to build the temple during the 1980s, when it was in the opposition. The dispute had played a key role in catapulting the party to national prominence.

The issue over Gyanvapi mosque is obviously being spearheaded at the behest of the Hindutva forces linked to the BJP. This is one way to keep the communal pot boiling and to benefit from the polarization we have witnessed, said Niranjan Sahoo, a political analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, referring to a Hindu nationalist movement. We will see more and more controversial claims made by Hindu groups over mosques.

Hindu groups are also eying another mosque. This week a court agreed to hear a lawsuit demanding the removal of a mosque in the town of Mathura because they say it was built on the birthplace of Hindu god Krishna.

Leaders of Muslim political groups view the moves as attempts by hardline Hindus to undermine their right to worship, and say they will fight legal battles against Hindu groups disrupting the sanctity of mosques and tombs.

We won't allow them to sting us for the second time and it's our responsibility to keep our mosques intact by regularly offering prayers there, Asaduddin Owaisi, a federal lawmaker and leader of a regional Islamic political party tweeted this week.

Questions have also been raised whether such disputes violate a 1991 law that forbids the conversion of a place of worship and stipulates its religious character should be maintained as "it existed" on August 15, 1947, India's Independence Day. The law was passed to prevent communal conflicts of the kind that erupted over the Babri mosque.

While it could take years of litigation to resolve the case over the Gyanvapi mosque, the focus will be on the stance that the ruling BJP takes in the run-up to 2024 national elections.

The truth has come to light. We will welcome and follow orders of the court in the matter, Keshav Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, said, referring to the Gyanvapi mosque dispute after reports of the relic of the Hindu deity became public. Varanasi city is in Uttar Pradesh.

Several analysts, who say Modis government has been following a Hindu-first agenda, warn the latest dispute could emerge as a flashpoint.

There are elements in the political class who want to sharpen the religious polarization, Kidwai said.

I think it is posing a challenge to the liberal ethos and composite culture of India that we have been very proud of. There is still great diversity in India, but BJP has got an upper hand because of flagging these emotive issues, he said.
New Delhi, May 21 : A 35-year-old man was killed while two others suffered injuries after a roof collapsed in the national capital's Dwarka area on Saturday, a Fire Department official said.

The deceased has been identified as Jagdish (35), while the injured have been identified as Harbai (30) and Pramod (10).

The official informed that they received a call at 2.18 p.m. about the incident from the DDA flats in Sector 23, Dwarka following which three rescue units were immediately pressed into service.

The incident took place while digging the foundation for a house.

"Due to this, the roof of the adjacent house collapsed, injuring three people," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg told IANS.

He said that all the three injured people were rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where Jagdish succumbed to his injuries. The senior official informed that the other two persons received minor injuries and their condition is stable.




A court here on Saturday granted bail to Delhi University History professor Ratan Lal, who was arrested for posting derogatory content on social media after the 'discovery' of 'Shivling' inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi during a video survey.

Lal was presented before Tis Hazari Court on Saturday afternoon. He was placed under arrest on Friday night by the Civil Lines Police, and granted bail on Saturday on furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and surety on the like amount.

On May 18, the police registered an FIR against the History professor of Delhi University's Hindu College for posting provocative content.

Police had registered a case under sections 153 A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 295 A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code at the Cyber Police station north district.

The DU professor had allegedly posted derogatory content along with the latest picture of Shivling that was found at the Gyanvapi mosque.

The complainant, a Delhi-based advocate, Vineet Jindal, had written to the Delhi Police over the "instigating and provoking statement".

"Our Constitution provides every citizen with the freedom of speech and expression but the misuse of this right is inexplicable when it threatens the honour and harmony of the country and provokes its citizens based on community and religion and threatens the security of the nation then it is considered as a grave offence," Jindal told IANS.

Gyanvapi Mosque, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, is currently facing a legal battle. A court in Varanasi had directed the Archaeological Survey of India to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi Masjid.

New Delhi, May 21 : A 35-year-old man was killed while two others suffered injuries after a roof collapsed in the national capital's Dwarka area on Saturday, a Fire Department official said.

The deceased has been identified as Jagdish (35), while the injured have been identified as Harbai (30) and Pramod (10).

The official informed that they received a call at 2.18 p.m. about the incident from the DDA flats in Sector 23, Dwarka following which three rescue units were immediately pressed into service.

The incident took place while digging the foundation for a house.

"Due to this, the roof of the adjacent house collapsed, injuring three people," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg told IANS.

He said that all the three injured people were rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where Jagdish succumbed to his injuries. The senior official informed that the other two persons received minor injuries and their condition is stable.
A mosque in northern India adjacent to a Hindu temple has become the focal point of a religious dispute after reports that a stone shaft believed to be the symbol of a Hindu god lies on the mosques premises.

This is the second mosque in northern India to be caught up in contentious claims. A decades-old dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups involving a 16th-century mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya led to its demolition by a Hindu mob in 1992.

The Gyanvapi mosque, over which the latest dispute has erupted, is next to the grand Hindu Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, the holiest city in India for Hindus and Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency.

A team appointed by a local court to survey the mosque has said that a stone shaft found in the complex is the representation of Hindu deity Shiva. Mosque authorities have refuted the claim and say the relic is in fact a fountain.

The video-recorded survey was ordered after five Hindu women petitioned a local court for the right to pray within the mosque complex.

There are fears that the issue could deepen religious fault lines between Indias majority Hindus and minority Muslims even as it winds its way through courts.

The issue has the potential to catch peoples sentiments. No one is going to get into the logic or rationale because in matters of faith people are driven by sentiment rather than the legality of it, said Rasheed Kidwai, author and political analyst.

Right-wing Hindu groups have long claimed that Mughals, who ruled India for about 300 years, starting in the 16th century, built several mosques on the site of prominent temples that they demolished, and they say the Gyanvapi mosque is one of them.

The Supreme Court has allowed Muslims to pray in the mosque, overturning a lower court judgment that had banned large prayer gatherings earlier this week. It has also ordered local authorities to seal off and protect the area where the stone shaft was found.

The current dispute is reminiscent of what happened with Babri mosque in Ayodhya, where Hindu groups are now building a grand temple on the site of the mosque torn down by Hindu mobs. Deadly riots wracked India following its 1992 demolition.

After Hindu and Muslim groups failed to reach a settlement, the Supreme Court handed the site to Hindus in 2019 and an alternate site to Muslims to build a mosque. It was seen as a huge victory for Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, which had been in the forefront of the campaign to build the temple during the 1980s, when it was in the opposition. The dispute had played a key role in catapulting the party to national prominence.

The issue over Gyanvapi mosque is obviously being spearheaded at the behest of the Hindutva forces linked to the BJP. This is one way to keep the communal pot boiling and to benefit from the polarization we have witnessed, said Niranjan Sahoo, a political analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, referring to a Hindu nationalist movement. We will see more and more controversial claims made by Hindu groups over mosques.

Hindu groups are also eying another mosque. This week a court agreed to hear a lawsuit demanding the removal of a mosque in the town of Mathura because they say it was built on the birthplace of Hindu god Krishna.

Leaders of Muslim political groups view the moves as attempts by hardline Hindus to undermine their right to worship, and say they will fight legal battles against Hindu groups disrupting the sanctity of mosques and tombs.

We won't allow them to sting us for the second time and it's our responsibility to keep our mosques intact by regularly offering prayers there, Asaduddin Owaisi, a federal lawmaker and leader of a regional Islamic political party tweeted this week.

Questions have also been raised whether such disputes violate a 1991 law that forbids the conversion of a place of worship and stipulates its religious character should be maintained as "it existed" on August 15, 1947, India's Independence Day. The law was passed to prevent communal conflicts of the kind that erupted over the Babri mosque.

While it could take years of litigation to resolve the case over the Gyanvapi mosque, the focus will be on the stance that the ruling BJP takes in the run-up to 2024 national elections.

The truth has come to light. We will welcome and follow orders of the court in the matter, Keshav Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, said, referring to the Gyanvapi mosque dispute after reports of the relic of the Hindu deity became public. Varanasi city is in Uttar Pradesh.

Several analysts, who say Modis government has been following a Hindu-first agenda, warn the latest dispute could emerge as a flashpoint.

There are elements in the political class who want to sharpen the religious polarization, Kidwai said.

I think it is posing a challenge to the liberal ethos and composite culture of India that we have been very proud of. There is still great diversity in India, but BJP has got an upper hand because of flagging these emotive issues, he said.
New Delhi, May 21 : A 35-year-old man was killed while two others suffered injuries after a roof collapsed in the national capital's Dwarka area on Saturday, a Fire Department official said.

The deceased has been identified as Jagdish (35), while the injured have been identified as Harbai (30) and Pramod (10).

The official informed that they received a call at 2.18 p.m. about the incident from the DDA flats in Sector 23, Dwarka following which three rescue units were immediately pressed into service.

The incident took place while digging the foundation for a house.

"Due to this, the roof of the adjacent house collapsed, injuring three people," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg told IANS.

He said that all the three injured people were rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where Jagdish succumbed to his injuries. The senior official informed that the other two persons received minor injuries and their condition is stable.

Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more






New Delhi, May 21 : A Delhi court on Saturday observed that the feeling of hurt by an individual cannot represent an entire group or community, while granting bail to a Delhi University professor Ratan Lal, who was arrested for allegedly posting a derogatory content on social media after the 'discovery' of 'Shivling' inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi during a video survey.

Following this, a Delhi-based advocate, Vineet Jindal, had complained to the Delhi Police over the "instigating and provoking statement".

"India is a country of more than 130 crore people and any subject can have 130 crore different views and perceptions," the court said during the hearing of the bail plea of the professor who was arrested on Friday night by the Delhi Police.

"It is true that the accused did an act which was avoidable considering the sensibilities of persons around the accused and the public at large. However, the post, though reprehensible, does not indicate an attempt to promote hatred between communities," the court noted.

It further said: "The undersigned, in personal life, is a proud follower of the Hindu religion and would call the post to be a distasteful and unnecessary comment made on a controversial topic. For another person, the same post can appear to be shameful but may not incite the feeling of hatred toward another community. Similarly, different persons may consider the post differently without being enraged and may in fact feel sorry for the accused to have made an unwanted comment without considering the repercussions." The order said the anxiety of police can be understood as the police are asked to maintain peace and order and at the slightest hint of unrest would come into action to prevent the situation from going out of hand.

"However, the court has to employ higher standards while considering the need to send a person to custody," it highlighted.

It was further observed that the accused is a person of good repute with no criminal antecedent and there is no likelihood of the accused fleeing the course of the law.

Accordingly, the bail to the professor was granted on furnishing a sum of Rs 50,000 with one surety of like amount.
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
A mosque in northern India adjacent to a Hindu temple has become the focal point of a religious dispute after reports that a stone shaft believed to be the symbol of a Hindu god lies on the mosques premises.

This is the second mosque in northern India to be caught up in contentious claims. A decades-old dispute between Hindu and Muslim groups involving a 16th-century mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya led to its demolition by a Hindu mob in 1992.

The Gyanvapi mosque, over which the latest dispute has erupted, is next to the grand Hindu Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, the holiest city in India for Hindus and Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency.

A team appointed by a local court to survey the mosque has said that a stone shaft found in the complex is the representation of Hindu deity Shiva. Mosque authorities have refuted the claim and say the relic is in fact a fountain.

The video-recorded survey was ordered after five Hindu women petitioned a local court for the right to pray within the mosque complex.

There are fears that the issue could deepen religious fault lines between Indias majority Hindus and minority Muslims even as it winds its way through courts.

The issue has the potential to catch peoples sentiments. No one is going to get into the logic or rationale because in matters of faith people are driven by sentiment rather than the legality of it, said Rasheed Kidwai, author and political analyst.

Right-wing Hindu groups have long claimed that Mughals, who ruled India for about 300 years, starting in the 16th century, built several mosques on the site of prominent temples that they demolished, and they say the Gyanvapi mosque is one of them.

The Supreme Court has allowed Muslims to pray in the mosque, overturning a lower court judgment that had banned large prayer gatherings earlier this week. It has also ordered local authorities to seal off and protect the area where the stone shaft was found.

The current dispute is reminiscent of what happened with Babri mosque in Ayodhya, where Hindu groups are now building a grand temple on the site of the mosque torn down by Hindu mobs. Deadly riots wracked India following its 1992 demolition.

After Hindu and Muslim groups failed to reach a settlement, the Supreme Court handed the site to Hindus in 2019 and an alternate site to Muslims to build a mosque. It was seen as a huge victory for Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, which had been in the forefront of the campaign to build the temple during the 1980s, when it was in the opposition. The dispute had played a key role in catapulting the party to national prominence.

The issue over Gyanvapi mosque is obviously being spearheaded at the behest of the Hindutva forces linked to the BJP. This is one way to keep the communal pot boiling and to benefit from the polarization we have witnessed, said Niranjan Sahoo, a political analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, referring to a Hindu nationalist movement. We will see more and more controversial claims made by Hindu groups over mosques.

Hindu groups are also eying another mosque. This week a court agreed to hear a lawsuit demanding the removal of a mosque in the town of Mathura because they say it was built on the birthplace of Hindu god Krishna.

Leaders of Muslim political groups view the moves as attempts by hardline Hindus to undermine their right to worship, and say they will fight legal battles against Hindu groups disrupting the sanctity of mosques and tombs.

We won't allow them to sting us for the second time and it's our responsibility to keep our mosques intact by regularly offering prayers there, Asaduddin Owaisi, a federal lawmaker and leader of a regional Islamic political party tweeted this week.

Questions have also been raised whether such disputes violate a 1991 law that forbids the conversion of a place of worship and stipulates its religious character should be maintained as "it existed" on August 15, 1947, India's Independence Day. The law was passed to prevent communal conflicts of the kind that erupted over the Babri mosque.

While it could take years of litigation to resolve the case over the Gyanvapi mosque, the focus will be on the stance that the ruling BJP takes in the run-up to 2024 national elections.

The truth has come to light. We will welcome and follow orders of the court in the matter, Keshav Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, said, referring to the Gyanvapi mosque dispute after reports of the relic of the Hindu deity became public. Varanasi city is in Uttar Pradesh.

Several analysts, who say Modis government has been following a Hindu-first agenda, warn the latest dispute could emerge as a flashpoint.

There are elements in the political class who want to sharpen the religious polarization, Kidwai said.

I think it is posing a challenge to the liberal ethos and composite culture of India that we have been very proud of. There is still great diversity in India, but BJP has got an upper hand because of flagging these emotive issues, he said.
The five women who caused an upheaval in the country by filing a petition seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri shrine in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here are neither friends, nor part of one group.

Of the five petitioners, one is based in Delhi while four belong to Varanasi. The closest they came to know of each other is a chance meeting at a 'satsang'.

While Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak live in Varanasi and have been present at every hearing of the case which began in August 2021, the fifth and the main petitioner, Rakhi Singh, lives in Delhi and has not been to court.

Rakhi Singh's interest in religion seems to originate from her links to the 'Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh'.

Rakhi, 35, is a founder member of the outfit, which claims to have done 'coordination' for the petition. Her uncle, Jitendra Singh Bishen, is the President of the Sangh.

According to Santosh Singh, the UP convenor of the Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh, the outfit coordinated with four of the women and brought them together to file the Gyanvapi petition in August 2021.

"We are managing the whole case," he claimed.

The second petitioner is Laxmi Devi, 65, whose husband, Sohan Lal Arya, is a senior VHP office-bearer in Varanasi. Laxmi Devi is essentially a homemaker and lives in Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area.

An active player in this case, her husband claims it was he who "inspired and brought together the five women (petitioners)".

Arya, 71, is also the litigants' agent in the petition.

The VHP Varanasi Mahanagar vice-president and spokesperson since 1984, he said that the petitioners, including his wife, were chosen by him.

Arya, who claims to have been associated with the RSS since childhood, said that he filed his first petition in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi matter in a Varanasi court in 1985.

"This time, I decided to put women in front as it is they who pray to Maa Shringar Gauri. I chose the four women as I needed some women to file the petition. I didn't have any other names, so I picked them," he said.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh was founded in 2018 "for the cause of Hindutva". The outfit has also filed cases over the status of Qutub Minar in a Delhi court as well as one regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi in a Mathura court, which also involves dispute with a mosque.

Sita Sahu, another petitioner, however, has another story as to how they came together for the case.

"Four of us met at a satsang and decided to file the petition. We were contacted by Rakhi Singh saying she wanted to be a part of the petition, so we included her as well," she said.

Sita Sahu runs a small general store from her house in Chetganj area of Varanasi, just 2 km from the Gyanvapi complex.

While she has never been associated with any outfit or organisation, she said, "We are doing work for Hindu religion and filed the petition because we are not allowed to properly worship our Goddess at the temple."

Manju Vyas, 49, runs a beauty parlour from her house located 1.5 km from the Gyanvapi complex and is not a member or office-bearer of any outfit or organisation. Apart from her small business, she looks after her family. Her interest is to pray at the Shringar Gauri Sthal.

Rekha Pathak, 35, the fifth petitioner in the case, said she became a part of the petition for the cause of her Goddess.

"I felt bad that women who go to the temple for worship are not allowed past the barricading, so I became a part of the petition. The decision to file the petition was taken by us during a satsang of the temple because all of us worship the Goddess," she said.

It is on their petition that the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, ordered a videographic inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, inviting objections from the Muslim community.

"For us, nothing else matters except for offering prayers at Shringar Gauri Maa and we will not rest till we are given the permission," the petitioners said.

Interestingly, none of the five petitioners are aware of the legal or political implications that their petition is having on the nation.

"We are only concerned with worshipping at Shringar Gauri and nothing else matters to us," said Rekha Pathak.
The five women who caused an upheaval in the country by filing a petition seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri shrine in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here are neither friends, nor part of one group.

Of the five petitioners, one is based in Delhi while four belong to Varanasi. The closest they came to know of each other is a chance meeting at a 'satsang'.

While Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak live in Varanasi and have been present at every hearing of the case which began in August 2021, the fifth and the main petitioner, Rakhi Singh, lives in Delhi and has not been to court.

Rakhi Singh's interest in religion seems to originate from her links to the 'Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh'.

Rakhi, 35, is a founder member of the outfit, which claims to have done 'coordination' for the petition. Her uncle, Jitendra Singh Bishen, is the President of the Sangh.

According to Santosh Singh, the UP convenor of the Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh, the outfit coordinated with four of the women and brought them together to file the Gyanvapi petition in August 2021.

"We are managing the whole case," he claimed.

The second petitioner is Laxmi Devi, 65, whose husband, Sohan Lal Arya, is a senior VHP office-bearer in Varanasi. Laxmi Devi is essentially a homemaker and lives in Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area.

An active player in this case, her husband claims it was he who "inspired and brought together the five women (petitioners)".

Arya, 71, is also the litigants' agent in the petition.

The VHP Varanasi Mahanagar vice-president and spokesperson since 1984, he said that the petitioners, including his wife, were chosen by him.

Arya, who claims to have been associated with the RSS since childhood, said that he filed his first petition in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi matter in a Varanasi court in 1985.

"This time, I decided to put women in front as it is they who pray to Maa Shringar Gauri. I chose the four women as I needed some women to file the petition. I didn't have any other names, so I picked them," he said.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh was founded in 2018 "for the cause of Hindutva". The outfit has also filed cases over the status of Qutub Minar in a Delhi court as well as one regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi in a Mathura court, which also involves dispute with a mosque.

Sita Sahu, another petitioner, however, has another story as to how they came together for the case.

"Four of us met at a satsang and decided to file the petition. We were contacted by Rakhi Singh saying she wanted to be a part of the petition, so we included her as well," she said.

Sita Sahu runs a small general store from her house in Chetganj area of Varanasi, just 2 km from the Gyanvapi complex.

While she has never been associated with any outfit or organisation, she said, "We are doing work for Hindu religion and filed the petition because we are not allowed to properly worship our Goddess at the temple."

Manju Vyas, 49, runs a beauty parlour from her house located 1.5 km from the Gyanvapi complex and is not a member or office-bearer of any outfit or organisation. Apart from her small business, she looks after her family. Her interest is to pray at the Shringar Gauri Sthal.

Rekha Pathak, 35, the fifth petitioner in the case, said she became a part of the petition for the cause of her Goddess.

"I felt bad that women who go to the temple for worship are not allowed past the barricading, so I became a part of the petition. The decision to file the petition was taken by us during a satsang of the temple because all of us worship the Goddess," she said.

It is on their petition that the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, ordered a videographic inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, inviting objections from the Muslim community.

"For us, nothing else matters except for offering prayers at Shringar Gauri Maa and we will not rest till we are given the permission," the petitioners said.

Interestingly, none of the five petitioners are aware of the legal or political implications that their petition is having on the nation.

"We are only concerned with worshipping at Shringar Gauri and nothing else matters to us," said Rekha Pathak.
The five women who caused an upheaval in the country by filing a petition seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri shrine in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here are neither friends, nor part of one group.

Of the five petitioners, one is based in Delhi while four belong to Varanasi. The closest they came to know of each other is a chance meeting at a 'satsang'.

While Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak live in Varanasi and have been present at every hearing of the case which began in August 2021, the fifth and the main petitioner, Rakhi Singh, lives in Delhi and has not been to court.

Rakhi Singh's interest in religion seems to originate from her links to the 'Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh'.

Rakhi, 35, is a founder member of the outfit, which claims to have done 'coordination' for the petition. Her uncle, Jitendra Singh Bishen, is the President of the Sangh.

According to Santosh Singh, the UP convenor of the Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh, the outfit coordinated with four of the women and brought them together to file the Gyanvapi petition in August 2021.

"We are managing the whole case," he claimed.

The second petitioner is Laxmi Devi, 65, whose husband, Sohan Lal Arya, is a senior VHP office-bearer in Varanasi. Laxmi Devi is essentially a homemaker and lives in Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area.

An active player in this case, her husband claims it was he who "inspired and brought together the five women (petitioners)".

Arya, 71, is also the litigants' agent in the petition.

The VHP Varanasi Mahanagar vice-president and spokesperson since 1984, he said that the petitioners, including his wife, were chosen by him.

Arya, who claims to have been associated with the RSS since childhood, said that he filed his first petition in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi matter in a Varanasi court in 1985.

"This time, I decided to put women in front as it is they who pray to Maa Shringar Gauri. I chose the four women as I needed some women to file the petition. I didn't have any other names, so I picked them," he said.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh was founded in 2018 "for the cause of Hindutva". The outfit has also filed cases over the status of Qutub Minar in a Delhi court as well as one regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi in a Mathura court, which also involves dispute with a mosque.

Sita Sahu, another petitioner, however, has another story as to how they came together for the case.

"Four of us met at a satsang and decided to file the petition. We were contacted by Rakhi Singh saying she wanted to be a part of the petition, so we included her as well," she said.

Sita Sahu runs a small general store from her house in Chetganj area of Varanasi, just 2 km from the Gyanvapi complex.

While she has never been associated with any outfit or organisation, she said, "We are doing work for Hindu religion and filed the petition because we are not allowed to properly worship our Goddess at the temple."

Manju Vyas, 49, runs a beauty parlour from her house located 1.5 km from the Gyanvapi complex and is not a member or office-bearer of any outfit or organisation. Apart from her small business, she looks after her family. Her interest is to pray at the Shringar Gauri Sthal.

Rekha Pathak, 35, the fifth petitioner in the case, said she became a part of the petition for the cause of her Goddess.

"I felt bad that women who go to the temple for worship are not allowed past the barricading, so I became a part of the petition. The decision to file the petition was taken by us during a satsang of the temple because all of us worship the Goddess," she said.

It is on their petition that the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, ordered a videographic inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, inviting objections from the Muslim community.

"For us, nothing else matters except for offering prayers at Shringar Gauri Maa and we will not rest till we are given the permission," the petitioners said.

Interestingly, none of the five petitioners are aware of the legal or political implications that their petition is having on the nation.

"We are only concerned with worshipping at Shringar Gauri and nothing else matters to us," said Rekha Pathak.
The five women who caused an upheaval in the country by filing a petition seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri shrine in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here are neither friends, nor part of one group.

Of the five petitioners, one is based in Delhi while four belong to Varanasi. The closest they came to know of each other is a chance meeting at a 'satsang'.

While Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak live in Varanasi and have been present at every hearing of the case which began in August 2021, the fifth and the main petitioner, Rakhi Singh, lives in Delhi and has not been to court.

Rakhi Singh's interest in religion seems to originate from her links to the 'Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh'.

Rakhi, 35, is a founder member of the outfit, which claims to have done 'coordination' for the petition. Her uncle, Jitendra Singh Bishen, is the President of the Sangh.

According to Santosh Singh, the UP convenor of the Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh, the outfit coordinated with four of the women and brought them together to file the Gyanvapi petition in August 2021.

"We are managing the whole case," he claimed.

The second petitioner is Laxmi Devi, 65, whose husband, Sohan Lal Arya, is a senior VHP office-bearer in Varanasi. Laxmi Devi is essentially a homemaker and lives in Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area.

An active player in this case, her husband claims it was he who "inspired and brought together the five women (petitioners)".

Arya, 71, is also the litigants' agent in the petition.

The VHP Varanasi Mahanagar vice-president and spokesperson since 1984, he said that the petitioners, including his wife, were chosen by him.

Arya, who claims to have been associated with the RSS since childhood, said that he filed his first petition in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi matter in a Varanasi court in 1985.

"This time, I decided to put women in front as it is they who pray to Maa Shringar Gauri. I chose the four women as I needed some women to file the petition. I didn't have any other names, so I picked them," he said.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh was founded in 2018 "for the cause of Hindutva". The outfit has also filed cases over the status of Qutub Minar in a Delhi court as well as one regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi in a Mathura court, which also involves dispute with a mosque.

Sita Sahu, another petitioner, however, has another story as to how they came together for the case.

"Four of us met at a satsang and decided to file the petition. We were contacted by Rakhi Singh saying she wanted to be a part of the petition, so we included her as well," she said.

Sita Sahu runs a small general store from her house in Chetganj area of Varanasi, just 2 km from the Gyanvapi complex.

While she has never been associated with any outfit or organisation, she said, "We are doing work for Hindu religion and filed the petition because we are not allowed to properly worship our Goddess at the temple."

Manju Vyas, 49, runs a beauty parlour from her house located 1.5 km from the Gyanvapi complex and is not a member or office-bearer of any outfit or organisation. Apart from her small business, she looks after her family. Her interest is to pray at the Shringar Gauri Sthal.

Rekha Pathak, 35, the fifth petitioner in the case, said she became a part of the petition for the cause of her Goddess.

"I felt bad that women who go to the temple for worship are not allowed past the barricading, so I became a part of the petition. The decision to file the petition was taken by us during a satsang of the temple because all of us worship the Goddess," she said.

It is on their petition that the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, ordered a videographic inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, inviting objections from the Muslim community.

"For us, nothing else matters except for offering prayers at Shringar Gauri Maa and we will not rest till we are given the permission," the petitioners said.

Interestingly, none of the five petitioners are aware of the legal or political implications that their petition is having on the nation.

"We are only concerned with worshipping at Shringar Gauri and nothing else matters to us," said Rekha Pathak.
The five women who caused an upheaval in the country by filing a petition seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri shrine in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here are neither friends, nor part of one group.

Of the five petitioners, one is based in Delhi while four belong to Varanasi. The closest they came to know of each other is a chance meeting at a 'satsang'.

While Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak live in Varanasi and have been present at every hearing of the case which began in August 2021, the fifth and the main petitioner, Rakhi Singh, lives in Delhi and has not been to court.

Rakhi Singh's interest in religion seems to originate from her links to the 'Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh'.

Rakhi, 35, is a founder member of the outfit, which claims to have done 'coordination' for the petition. Her uncle, Jitendra Singh Bishen, is the President of the Sangh.

According to Santosh Singh, the UP convenor of the Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh, the outfit coordinated with four of the women and brought them together to file the Gyanvapi petition in August 2021.

"We are managing the whole case," he claimed.

The second petitioner is Laxmi Devi, 65, whose husband, Sohan Lal Arya, is a senior VHP office-bearer in Varanasi. Laxmi Devi is essentially a homemaker and lives in Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area.

An active player in this case, her husband claims it was he who "inspired and brought together the five women (petitioners)".

Arya, 71, is also the litigants' agent in the petition.

The VHP Varanasi Mahanagar vice-president and spokesperson since 1984, he said that the petitioners, including his wife, were chosen by him.

Arya, who claims to have been associated with the RSS since childhood, said that he filed his first petition in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi matter in a Varanasi court in 1985.

"This time, I decided to put women in front as it is they who pray to Maa Shringar Gauri. I chose the four women as I needed some women to file the petition. I didn't have any other names, so I picked them," he said.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh was founded in 2018 "for the cause of Hindutva". The outfit has also filed cases over the status of Qutub Minar in a Delhi court as well as one regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi in a Mathura court, which also involves dispute with a mosque.

Sita Sahu, another petitioner, however, has another story as to how they came together for the case.

"Four of us met at a satsang and decided to file the petition. We were contacted by Rakhi Singh saying she wanted to be a part of the petition, so we included her as well," she said.

Sita Sahu runs a small general store from her house in Chetganj area of Varanasi, just 2 km from the Gyanvapi complex.

While she has never been associated with any outfit or organisation, she said, "We are doing work for Hindu religion and filed the petition because we are not allowed to properly worship our Goddess at the temple."

Manju Vyas, 49, runs a beauty parlour from her house located 1.5 km from the Gyanvapi complex and is not a member or office-bearer of any outfit or organisation. Apart from her small business, she looks after her family. Her interest is to pray at the Shringar Gauri Sthal.

Rekha Pathak, 35, the fifth petitioner in the case, said she became a part of the petition for the cause of her Goddess.

"I felt bad that women who go to the temple for worship are not allowed past the barricading, so I became a part of the petition. The decision to file the petition was taken by us during a satsang of the temple because all of us worship the Goddess," she said.

It is on their petition that the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, ordered a videographic inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, inviting objections from the Muslim community.

"For us, nothing else matters except for offering prayers at Shringar Gauri Maa and we will not rest till we are given the permission," the petitioners said.

Interestingly, none of the five petitioners are aware of the legal or political implications that their petition is having on the nation.

"We are only concerned with worshipping at Shringar Gauri and nothing else matters to us," said Rekha Pathak.
The five women who caused an upheaval in the country by filing a petition seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri shrine in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here are neither friends, nor part of one group.

Of the five petitioners, one is based in Delhi while four belong to Varanasi. The closest they came to know of each other is a chance meeting at a 'satsang'.

While Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak live in Varanasi and have been present at every hearing of the case which began in August 2021, the fifth and the main petitioner, Rakhi Singh, lives in Delhi and has not been to court.

Rakhi Singh's interest in religion seems to originate from her links to the 'Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh'.

Rakhi, 35, is a founder member of the outfit, which claims to have done 'coordination' for the petition. Her uncle, Jitendra Singh Bishen, is the President of the Sangh.

According to Santosh Singh, the UP convenor of the Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh, the outfit coordinated with four of the women and brought them together to file the Gyanvapi petition in August 2021.

"We are managing the whole case," he claimed.

The second petitioner is Laxmi Devi, 65, whose husband, Sohan Lal Arya, is a senior VHP office-bearer in Varanasi. Laxmi Devi is essentially a homemaker and lives in Varanasi's Mahmoorganj area.

An active player in this case, her husband claims it was he who "inspired and brought together the five women (petitioners)".

Arya, 71, is also the litigants' agent in the petition.

The VHP Varanasi Mahanagar vice-president and spokesperson since 1984, he said that the petitioners, including his wife, were chosen by him.

Arya, who claims to have been associated with the RSS since childhood, said that he filed his first petition in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi matter in a Varanasi court in 1985.

"This time, I decided to put women in front as it is they who pray to Maa Shringar Gauri. I chose the four women as I needed some women to file the petition. I didn't have any other names, so I picked them," he said.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanathan Sangh was founded in 2018 "for the cause of Hindutva". The outfit has also filed cases over the status of Qutub Minar in a Delhi court as well as one regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi in a Mathura court, which also involves dispute with a mosque.

Sita Sahu, another petitioner, however, has another story as to how they came together for the case.

"Four of us met at a satsang and decided to file the petition. We were contacted by Rakhi Singh saying she wanted to be a part of the petition, so we included her as well," she said.

Sita Sahu runs a small general store from her house in Chetganj area of Varanasi, just 2 km from the Gyanvapi complex.

While she has never been associated with any outfit or organisation, she said, "We are doing work for Hindu religion and filed the petition because we are not allowed to properly worship our Goddess at the temple."

Manju Vyas, 49, runs a beauty parlour from her house located 1.5 km from the Gyanvapi complex and is not a member or office-bearer of any outfit or organisation. Apart from her small business, she looks after her family. Her interest is to pray at the Shringar Gauri Sthal.

Rekha Pathak, 35, the fifth petitioner in the case, said she became a part of the petition for the cause of her Goddess.

"I felt bad that women who go to the temple for worship are not allowed past the barricading, so I became a part of the petition. The decision to file the petition was taken by us during a satsang of the temple because all of us worship the Goddess," she said.

It is on their petition that the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, ordered a videographic inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, inviting objections from the Muslim community.

"For us, nothing else matters except for offering prayers at Shringar Gauri Maa and we will not rest till we are given the permission," the petitioners said.

Interestingly, none of the five petitioners are aware of the legal or political implications that their petition is having on the nation.

"We are only concerned with worshipping at Shringar Gauri and nothing else matters to us," said Rekha Pathak.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Seoul, May 21 : South Korea and the United States agreed on Saturday to launch a ministerial-level dialogue to discuss ways of cooperation on supply chains of key industry items and other economic security issues, industry ministry said.

South Korea's Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo held a meeting in Seoul and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of the "Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue" by upgrading their existing working-level industrial cooperation dialogue platform.

Raimondo is in Seoul for a three-day stay that began on Friday accompanying US President Joe Biden, reports Yonhap news agency.

Under the agreement, the two sides plan to hold the dialogue once a year and discuss a wide range of industry and economic issues, including resilient supply chains of semiconductors and other high-tech items, the digital economy, health care technologies and exports control, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

They also agreed to boost cooperation on research and development, and create more business opportunities, it added.

How to ensure stable supply chains is one of the key agenda items of the summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Biden set to take place later in the day in Seoul amid a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain disruptions.

"The two ministers shared the notion that the current instability in the traditional global value chains cannot be resolved through efforts by one country, and cooperation among partner nations is critical," the ministry said in a release.

During the meeting, Lee pledged to actively join the U.S. in its envisioned economic initiative of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to establish a resilient and sustainable economic order in the region.

"The envisioned IPEF is expected to serve as a pivot of future-oriented regional cooperation by covering a wide range of issues, including stable supply chains, the digital economy, clean energy and decarbonization," the ministry said in a release.

President Yoon is likely to officially announce the country's intention to join the new framework during his summit with Biden.

Yoon's office said he will virtually attend a summit in Tokyo next week where Biden is poised to formally launch the IPEF.

Lee also asked for Washington's "flexible" approach to the possible revision of the U.S.' Section 232 tariff rules.
Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cancer patients in Fremont recently benefitted from the research conducted by College of Saint Mary student Elizabeth Franzluebber.

I was surprised to learn how little breast cancer patients knew about lymphedema, and I wanted to change that, she said.

Franzluebber, who graduated May 14 from the College of Saint Mary with a doctorate in occupational therapy, is the first O.T. student to complete a capstone rotation at Methodist Fremont Health.

I first became interested in occupational therapy when I was in high school, after my father nearly lost a foot in a farming accident, she said. He knew that having it amputated would mean the end of farming for him, and he wasnt ready for that.

Franzluebber, whose family farm is located west of Dodge, was grateful for the work done by medical professionals to help her dad recover from the accident and get back to work.

If you saw him now, youd never know he had once been seriously injured, she said. He doesnt even walk with a limp.

Her gratitude for what was done for her dad developed into a driving ambition for Franzluebber, and she decided to pursue occupational therapy as a career.

Watching my dad fully recover from a serious injury and seeing how glad he was to return to work made me realize how much I want to do that for people who are unable to resume their normal activities,

Franzluebber chose the College of Saint Mary for the accelerated program it offers.

As part of her capstone project, Franzluebber spent 14 weeks working closely with lymphedema therapists at the Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and Methodist Fremont Health to develop an upper-extremity lymphedema program that meets the criteria of healthcare professional as well as the needs of breast cancer patients.

When a mastectomy involves the removal of lymph nodes, the patient is at risk of experiencing lymphedema, Franzluebber said.

The lymphatic system works to maintain the proper flow of fluids. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged as a result of surgery or radiation, blockage can occur. In the case of breast cancer surgery, the area affected is generally the upper arm.

The arm feels heavy, the 23-year-old doctor explained. One sleeve feels tighter. Sometimes theres numbness, stiffness, and diminished mobility.

Franzluebber has assembled an educational packet for breast cancer patients that includes information on exercise, nutrition, and things to avoid immediately following surgery, such as intravenous (i.v.) feeding and the use of the blood pressure cuff.

I have worked with the cancer center in Fremont to discuss the referral process for individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and how we can effectively meet their needs, Franzluebber said.

She chose to work with the staff at Methodist Fremont upon the referral of a family friend who works there.

I started job shadowing with Alli Greene, Franzluebber said. She became a mentor and good friend.

Greene, who is an occupational therapist and a certified lymphedema specialist, appreciated Franzluebbers enthusiasm and dedication.

Shes a crazy-hard worker, Greene said, always seeking out extra information, doing research on her own. She asks great questions!

Franzluebber is grateful for the professional guidance as well as the personal support she received from Greene.

Im most proud of the difference patients can see in such a short amount of time with lymphedema therapy, Greene said. Getting lymphedema is detrimental to patients. They feel embarrassed and frequently stop going out. Sometimes, there are terrible health consequences. So to have the ability to turn this around in a short amount of time is very fulfilling. Im very blessed to be in a place and to have the training to be able to help patients in this way.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, proper exercise and nutrition can significantly reduce swelling, allowing patients to resume their normal activities. Discomfort can be significantly reduced by following the recommendations included in Franzluebbers educational folder.

Franzluebber has enjoyed her time at Methodist Fremont and looks forward to seeing the program benefit many more breast cancer patients.

In June, she will take the exams to become board certified. Her plan is to work in rural Iowa.

I like being part of a small staff in a small community, Franzluebber said. Everybody knows everybody.

For further information on lymphedema treatment, call 402-727-3329 and speak with a certified lymphedema therapist at Methodist Fremont Health. Alli Greene, Karen Felderman, and Megan Rastovski can answer any questions.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Shanghai cautiously pushed ahead on Saturday with plans to restore part of its transportation network in a major step toward exiting a weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown, while Beijing kept up its defenses in an outbreak that has persisted for a month.

Shanghai's lockdown since the beginning of April has dealt a heavy economic blow to China's most populous city, stirred debate over the sustainability of the nation's zero-COVID policy and stoked fears of future lockdowns and disruptions.

Unlike the financial hub, Beijing has refrained from imposing a city-wide lockdown, reporting dozens of new cases a day, versus tens of thousands in Shanghai at its peak. Still, the curbs and endless mass testing imposed on China's capital have unsettled its economy and upended the lives of its people.

As Beijing remained in COVID angst, workers in Shanghai were disinfecting subway stations and trains before planned restoration of four metro lines on Sunday.

While service will be for limited hours, it will allow residents to move between districts and meet the need for connections to railway stations and one of the city's two airports. More than 200 bus routes will also reopen.

Underlining the level of caution, Shanghai officials said commuters would be scanned for abnormally high body temperatures and would need to show negative results of PCR tests taken within 48 hours.

Shanghai found 868 new local cases on Friday, compared with 858 a day earlier, municipal health authorities said on Saturday, a far cry from the peak in daily caseloads last month.

No new cases were found outside quarantined areas, down from three a day earlier, health authorities added.

The city of 25 million has gradually reopened shopping malls, convenience stores and wholesale markets and allowed more people to walk out of their homes, with community transmissions largely eliminated in recent days.

Still, Shanghai on Friday tightened curbs on two of its 16 districts. On Saturday a third district in central Shanghai increased restrictions on residents and businesses.

Authorities "urge enterprises to strictly implement safe production, which is their responsibility, especially in meeting some epidemic prevention and control requirements," an official from the city's emergency bureau told a news conference on Saturday.

Delta Airlines said on Friday it would resume one daily flight to Detroit from Shanghai via Seoul on Wednesday.

DRAWING COMPARISONS

Most of Beijing's recent cases have been in areas already sealed up, but authorities remained on edge and quick to act under China's ultra-strict policy.

In Fengtai, a district of 2 million people at the center of Beijing's counter-COVID efforts, bus and metro stations have been mostly shut since Friday and residents told to stay home.

A Fengtai resident was stocking up on groceries at a nearby Carrefour on Saturday, uncertain whether restrictions would continue.

"I'm not sure if I can do more shopping over the next week or so, so I've bought a lot of stuff today and even bought some dumplings for the Dragon Boat holiday" in early June, she said, asking not to be identified.

On Friday, thousands of residents from a neighborhood in Chaoyang, Beijing's most populous district, were moved to hotel quarantine after some cases were detected, according to state-run China Youth Daily.

Social media users on China's Twitter-like Weibo were swift to draw parallels with Shanghai, where entire residential buildings were taken to centralized quarantine facilities in response to a single positive COVID case in some instances.

While unverified accounts from residents of the Nanxinyuan neighborhood garnered thousands of comments and shares on Weibo, a related hashtag could not be searched on the platform on Saturday, suggesting online censorship.

"Perhaps... except for Shanghai people, no one will feel for Beijing's Nanxinyuan. However, I don't actually know whether there are people who will see this sentence," Shanghai-based director and actor Xie Tiantian wrote on Weibo.

Sun Shuwei, a tech startup employee, told Reuters the situation at Nanxinyuan, just 2 km from his home, has prompted him to consider leaving Beijing.

"This has left me very agitated," Sun said.





Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Why it matters: For the time being, Bandcamp users on Android shouldn't worry about the future of the app or its payment system. The legal dispute between Google and Bandcamp owner Epic Games continues, but the search giant vows nothing will change for musicians and customers while the courts are still hearing the case.

This week, Bandcamp co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond said Google has agreed to leave the music service's Android app alone pending the court case between it and Epic Games, which recently acquired Bandcamp. Until then, Bandcamp will pay artists its regular rate, which is famously higher than Spotify's.

The dispute started when Google announced plans to force music apps on the Play Store to handle payments through its billing system and give it a 10 percent sales cut. Google previously allowed exemptions from the requirement but will end that option on June 1. Bandcamp considers this untenable because it passes 82 percent (and on special occasions 100 percent) of sales revenue to artists.

Last month, Epic filed a motion in a California court demanding a stay on Bandcamp's removal from Google Play. Under the new agreement, Google will postpone the removal while Epic puts Google's 10 percent cut into escrow. Epic will eat all of that cost, so none of it passes to consumers or artists, and the escrow will eventually go to whoever wins the case. Google is only making an exception for Bandcamp, so other Android apps may still have to change or face removal on June 1.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP



PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.  Rising seas are encroaching on one of America's most storied military installations, where thousands of recruits are molded into Marines each year amid the salt marshes of South Carolina's Lowcountry region.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is particularly vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion and other impacts of climate change, a Defense Department-funded "resiliency review" noted last month. Some scientists project that by 2099, three-quarters of the island could be under water during high tides each day.

Military authorities say they're confident they can keep the second-oldest Marine Corps base intact, for now, through small-scale changes to existing infrastructure projects.

Maj. Marc Blair, Parris Island's environmental director, describes this strategy as "the art of the small," a phrase he attributes to the base's commanding general, Brig. Gen. Julie Nethercot. In practice, it means such things as raising a culvert that needs to be repaired anyway, limiting development in low-lying areas and adding floodproofing measures to firing range upgrades.

Others advocate much larger and more expensive solutions, such as building huge seawalls around the base, or moving Marine Corps training away from the coast altogether.

Parris Island has an outsized role in military lore and American pop culture as a proving ground for Marines who have served in every major conflict since World War I. It remains a crucial training ground, along with Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. But the rising sea is proving to be a formidable enemy.

Salt marsh makes up more than half of the base's 8,000 acres, and the depot's highest point, by the fire station, is just 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level. It is linked to the mainland by a single road that's already susceptible to flooding.

Low-lying areas on the island and the nearby Marine Corps air station already flood about ten times a year, and by 2050, "the currently flood-prone areas within both bases could experience tidal flooding more than 300 times annually and be underwater nearly 30 percent of the year given the highest scenario," according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Military reports have for decades acknowledged threats from climate change to national security, as wildfires, hurricanes and floods have prompted evacuations and damaged bases. A Pentagon document published last fall, after President Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to revamp their climate resilience plans, says the Department of Defense now has "a comprehensive approach to building climate-ready installations" and cites an adaptation and resilience study undertaken by Parris Island.

But day-to-day disruptions are growing, from nuisance flooding on roads to rising temperatures and higher humidity that when combined, limit the human body's ability to cool down with sweat.

Those wetter, hotter days could limit outdoor training. Already, more than 500 people on Parris Island suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion between 2016 and 2020, putting the base among the top ten U.S. military installations for heat illnesses, according to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch.

All the training that happens at Parris Island could be technically replicated on cooler, drier land somewhere else, said retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, who served as commanding general at the base from 1999 to 2001.

But Cheney doesn't foresee any appetite in Congress for closing the base and relocating its mission to less risky ground, which means the government needs to start investing in structural solutions to protect its crucial components such as the firing ranges near the water, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Spending millions to build seawalls would be cheaper than spending billions to rebuild the base after a devastating hurricane, Cheney reasons.

Parris Island has so far been spared the direct hits that have caused billions in damage to other military installations, but it has been evacuated twice in the last five years for hurricanes, which hit South Carolina every eight years, on average.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence pummeled North Carolina's Camp Lejeune, washing away the beach used by Marines for training, destroying buildings and displacing personnel. A month later, Hurricane Michael tore through Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, devastating airplane hangars and causing $3 billion in damage.

Those disasters should serve as cautionary tales for Parris Island, argues Cheney. But there is no grand overhaul currently planned  no concrete bulkheads or other seawalls that could dramatically revise the post's visual character, no master plan to raise buildings all at once.

Hurricane planning is focused on protecting life and preserving the equipment and buildings necessary to limit training disruptions, said Col. William Truax, the depot's director of installations and logistics.

"We're not taking on any major projects because we've not experienced a major threat to what we have to do here," Truax said. "To be honest, these old brick buildings aren't going anywhere."

Parris Island also depends on the resilience of communities just off the base. Stephanie Rossi, a planner with the Lowcountry Council of Governments, said the group's Defense Department-funded study of climate change impacts suggests shoring up the only road on and off the island, elevating buildings and bolstering the storm water system of an area where military families live.

The base also works with environmental groups to support living shoreline projects, building up coastal oyster reefs to strengthen natural buffers to floods and hurricanes.

"The waters will recede," said Blair, the environmental director. "The more resilient we make this place, the quicker we can get back to making Marines."
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.  Rising seas are encroaching on one of America's most storied military installations, where thousands of recruits are molded into Marines each year amid the salt marshes of South Carolina's Lowcountry region.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is particularly vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion and other impacts of climate change, a Defense Department-funded "resiliency review" noted last month. Some scientists project that by 2099, three-quarters of the island could be under water during high tides each day.

Military authorities say they're confident they can keep the second-oldest Marine Corps base intact, for now, through small-scale changes to existing infrastructure projects.

Maj. Marc Blair, Parris Island's environmental director, describes this strategy as "the art of the small," a phrase he attributes to the base's commanding general, Brig. Gen. Julie Nethercot. In practice, it means such things as raising a culvert that needs to be repaired anyway, limiting development in low-lying areas and adding floodproofing measures to firing range upgrades.

Others advocate much larger and more expensive solutions, such as building huge seawalls around the base, or moving Marine Corps training away from the coast altogether.

Parris Island has an outsized role in military lore and American pop culture as a proving ground for Marines who have served in every major conflict since World War I. It remains a crucial training ground, along with Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. But the rising sea is proving to be a formidable enemy.

Salt marsh makes up more than half of the base's 8,000 acres, and the depot's highest point, by the fire station, is just 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level. It is linked to the mainland by a single road that's already susceptible to flooding.

Low-lying areas on the island and the nearby Marine Corps air station already flood about ten times a year, and by 2050, "the currently flood-prone areas within both bases could experience tidal flooding more than 300 times annually and be underwater nearly 30 percent of the year given the highest scenario," according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Military reports have for decades acknowledged threats from climate change to national security, as wildfires, hurricanes and floods have prompted evacuations and damaged bases. A Pentagon document published last fall, after President Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to revamp their climate resilience plans, says the Department of Defense now has "a comprehensive approach to building climate-ready installations" and cites an adaptation and resilience study undertaken by Parris Island.

But day-to-day disruptions are growing, from nuisance flooding on roads to rising temperatures and higher humidity that when combined, limit the human body's ability to cool down with sweat.

Those wetter, hotter days could limit outdoor training. Already, more than 500 people on Parris Island suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion between 2016 and 2020, putting the base among the top ten U.S. military installations for heat illnesses, according to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch.

All the training that happens at Parris Island could be technically replicated on cooler, drier land somewhere else, said retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, who served as commanding general at the base from 1999 to 2001.

But Cheney doesn't foresee any appetite in Congress for closing the base and relocating its mission to less risky ground, which means the government needs to start investing in structural solutions to protect its crucial components such as the firing ranges near the water, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Spending millions to build seawalls would be cheaper than spending billions to rebuild the base after a devastating hurricane, Cheney reasons.

Parris Island has so far been spared the direct hits that have caused billions in damage to other military installations, but it has been evacuated twice in the last five years for hurricanes, which hit South Carolina every eight years, on average.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence pummeled North Carolina's Camp Lejeune, washing away the beach used by Marines for training, destroying buildings and displacing personnel. A month later, Hurricane Michael tore through Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, devastating airplane hangars and causing $3 billion in damage.

Those disasters should serve as cautionary tales for Parris Island, argues Cheney. But there is no grand overhaul currently planned  no concrete bulkheads or other seawalls that could dramatically revise the post's visual character, no master plan to raise buildings all at once.

Hurricane planning is focused on protecting life and preserving the equipment and buildings necessary to limit training disruptions, said Col. William Truax, the depot's director of installations and logistics.

"We're not taking on any major projects because we've not experienced a major threat to what we have to do here," Truax said. "To be honest, these old brick buildings aren't going anywhere."

Parris Island also depends on the resilience of communities just off the base. Stephanie Rossi, a planner with the Lowcountry Council of Governments, said the group's Defense Department-funded study of climate change impacts suggests shoring up the only road on and off the island, elevating buildings and bolstering the storm water system of an area where military families live.

The base also works with environmental groups to support living shoreline projects, building up coastal oyster reefs to strengthen natural buffers to floods and hurricanes.

"The waters will recede," said Blair, the environmental director. "The more resilient we make this place, the quicker we can get back to making Marines."
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

CALGARY, Alberta, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) (ApartmentLove or the Company), a leading provider of online home and apartment rental marketing services catering to landlords and renters in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world, is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds up to a maximum of $1,500,000 (the Private Placement). The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month plus one day hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The first tranche of the Private Placement that closed today consisted of 4,633,333 Units for gross proceeds of $695,000. The Company expects to close the remainder of the Private Placement within the next two weeks.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used in connection with the Companys growth through acquisition program, as well as for general operating cash.

About ApartmentLove Inc.

ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) is a leading provider of rental marketing services to landlords and renters on the Internet. Promoting residential rental properties in every major market in Canada and the United States, ApartmentLove has active rental listings in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world. Having proven its ability to scale as a fast-growing technology company in the hot PropTech industry, ApartmentLove is executing its organic growth and expansion plans by investing in Search Engine Optimization and other marketing and promotional activities. In addition, ApartmentLove is actively pursuing a growth through acquisition program by purchasing competing businesses that have many monthly active users, a history of recurring revenues, positive cashflows, and custom technologies that both accelerate and destress the renting experience in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere around the world.

For more information visit https://apartmentlove.com/investors or contact:

Trevor DavidsonPresident & CEOApartmentLove Inc.[email protected] (647) 272-9702

Reader Advisory

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These and similar such statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, no reliance should be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements include but are not limited to the Company successfully closing the remainder of the Private Placement, successfully executing its organic and growth through acquisition mandates and realizing the benefits of such mandates.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof. The Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Risk factors can be found in the Companys continuous disclosure documents which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ApartmentLove | the feeling of home

Source: ApartmentLove Inc.
Secure, affordable housing means stability, according to Habitat for Humanity of Missoula executive director Heather Harp.

Thats why her organization hosted Womens Build Week this past week.

Every year, women are invited to come to a few of Habitats build sites to learn how to contribute to the construction of a new home for a family. They learn everything from how to operate tools to pouring concrete and laying sod.

It really is a pleasure to see women come alongside longtime volunteers and create an atmosphere of helping one another, Harp said.

Learning how to get into high-paying trades jobs is one thing, but the event is also designed to increase awareness about homeownership.

The homeownership rate among women increased from 51% in 1990 to 61% in 2019, according to the nonprofit Urban Institute. Still, thats far less than men. Women who are the head of a household have increased their homeownership rate from 32% to 50% in the last 30 years, Harp said.

Its a huge, huge improvement and I will say it all piggybacks on the civil rights and womens rights movements of the '60s and '70s, she said. I mean, that took so much time to get put into force and the payoff has been that more women can afford homeownership. And why that matters is the stability factor.

Single-parent households have become a much larger percentage of todays demographics compared with decades past, she said.

So if we want our community to be as equitable as possible, homeownership especially for single parents is really crucial, said Harp, who is also a city council member.

About half of Habitat for Humanity of Missoulas projects over the last three decades have been for single parents.

On Friday, a group of women volunteers joined a few men to help lay sod at a build site in the central part of town. Earlier in the week, they poured concrete at a site in East Missoula.

Madison Lommen was given a day to volunteer by her employer, First Interstate Bank.

"I'm not particularly interested in getting into building trades  that's just not my field," Lommen said. "But I think it's as important as working for First Interstate Bank and making sure that we have a presence and showing that they have a lot of volunteer opportunities for us."

Lommen said she's interested in homeownership at some point.

"I think that's one of my biggest goals is to own a home," she said. "I think it's one, a sense of accomplishment and also just a sense of family. Like, you're here in the community, you're a part of it."

Harp said that according to the Missoula Organization of Realtors, Missoula needs about 800 new housing units a year to keep up with demand. However, only about 500 are getting built a year. She said Habitat can play a large role in filling that gap through unique financing methods, land donation, grants and philanthropy.

"In tackling the issue of affordable housing, we cant rely on the government sector alone, nor the market sector, she said. Nonprofits are an important part of the solution.

The organization creates homes for local families earning 40%-80% of Area Median Income. Families pay 30% of their income to live in the home, but they must contribute 250 hours of "sweat equity" work as the home is built.

On Wednesday, May 25, Habitat is partnering with several other nonprofits to host a virtual town hall to discuss the community land trust model. To tune in, visit Habitat for Humanity of Missoula on Facebook or go online to bit.ly/3iUvG8T.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

STORY: Zelenskiy, who says Russia is trying to destroy as much of Ukraine's infrastructure as it can, said such a deal would show nations planning aggressive acts that they would have to pay for their actions.

"We invite partner countries to sign a multilateral agreement and create a mechanism ensuring that everybody who suffered from Russian actions can receive compensation for all losses incurred," he said in a video address.

Zelenskiy said that under such a deal, Russian funds and property in signatory nations would be confiscated. They would then be directed to a special compensation fund.

Canada said last month it would change its sanctions law to allow for seized and sanctioned foreign assets to be redistributed as compensation to victims or to help in rebuilding a foreign state from war.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

It was a canny campaign, executed in partnership with Downtown BIZ and Siloam Mission, that illustrated a dire human-rights need by actually providing a solution.

Flush with excitement The three-storey public washroom has a blend of metal, glass and shipping container materials with bright yellow accents. It has three large glass garage-style doors that provide an open look for the public sink area, which also includes a drinking water fountain and foot-washing station. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 3:54 PM May. 17, 2022 A long-awaited, permanent public washroom will soon provide vulnerable Winnipeggers a place to go downtown. A washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning May 30. Read Full Story

Now, the idea has gone from pop-up to permanent. As of May 30, a public washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Bridgman designed this structure, known as Amoowigamig. Like the bright-orange pop-up before it, its a highly visible building with highlighter-yellow accents, and has a host of safety features, such as alarms that can be triggered from stalls, security cameras outside, and a pair of urinals outside the building, which is also a safety consideration: "The reason people go through the indignity of going (to the bathroom) outside is sometimes because theres no washroom but also because it might (seem) safer," Bridgman told the Free Press.

Staff members from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will provide harm reduction supplies and fresh water to folks using the facilities. A public sink area will also allow users to wash up.

In other words, the permanent structure bears little resemblance to the portable washrooms the city had set up in 2020 which, according to a report, were subject to vandalism, theft and structural damage.

A public washroom is a long overdue addition to the streetscape of downtown Winnipeg. Access to clean, safe washroom facilities are a need everyone has, but many North American cities  Winnipeg included  have steadily moved away from public "comfort stations" over the past few decades after they became sites for drug use and violence, rendering them useless and unsafe for their intended purpose. These public washrooms were poorly maintained and unstaffed and, subsequently, torn down.

Amoowigamig opens May 30 at 715 Main St. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The vanishing North American public bathroom has been a subject of debate, discussion and study for years. Its not like this elsewhere: London tube stations often have a public bathroom. In Japan, an art project called The Tokyo Toilet saw 17 public washrooms be redesigned  in the vein of Winnipegs annual warming hut design competition  so that they are not only functional, but beautiful.

In many cities across North America, meanwhile, the alternatives are using the facilities of businesses  who often designate their washrooms as "employee use" or "customer use" only  or going in the street. For our most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness, the added indignity of having nowhere to take care of basic, everyday, biological functions is not only demoralizing, its dehumanizing.

The opening of a new permanent public washroom in Winnipeg is something to celebrate. But its not a simple case of "build it and they will go"  cleanliness and safety will be paramount, and that will require staffing and money. The next challenge will be seeing if it can be the one thing in downtown Winnipeg that doesnt close at 5:30 p.m. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre hopes fundraising will allow the washroom to expand to 24-7 service, and there is infrastructure for the site itself to host advertising, which would require an exemption to city bylaws.

Anything to move this project forward is a good thing. Its success will not only help restore dignity to our community members, but will hopefully inspire other such permanent facilities to open in the future.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.
Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

It was a canny campaign, executed in partnership with Downtown BIZ and Siloam Mission, that illustrated a dire human-rights need by actually providing a solution.

Flush with excitement The three-storey public washroom has a blend of metal, glass and shipping container materials with bright yellow accents. It has three large glass garage-style doors that provide an open look for the public sink area, which also includes a drinking water fountain and foot-washing station. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 3:54 PM May. 17, 2022 A long-awaited, permanent public washroom will soon provide vulnerable Winnipeggers a place to go downtown. A washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning May 30. Read Full Story

Now, the idea has gone from pop-up to permanent. As of May 30, a public washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Bridgman designed this structure, known as Amoowigamig. Like the bright-orange pop-up before it, its a highly visible building with highlighter-yellow accents, and has a host of safety features, such as alarms that can be triggered from stalls, security cameras outside, and a pair of urinals outside the building, which is also a safety consideration: "The reason people go through the indignity of going (to the bathroom) outside is sometimes because theres no washroom but also because it might (seem) safer," Bridgman told the Free Press.

Staff members from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will provide harm reduction supplies and fresh water to folks using the facilities. A public sink area will also allow users to wash up.

In other words, the permanent structure bears little resemblance to the portable washrooms the city had set up in 2020 which, according to a report, were subject to vandalism, theft and structural damage.

A public washroom is a long overdue addition to the streetscape of downtown Winnipeg. Access to clean, safe washroom facilities are a need everyone has, but many North American cities  Winnipeg included  have steadily moved away from public "comfort stations" over the past few decades after they became sites for drug use and violence, rendering them useless and unsafe for their intended purpose. These public washrooms were poorly maintained and unstaffed and, subsequently, torn down.

Amoowigamig opens May 30 at 715 Main St. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The vanishing North American public bathroom has been a subject of debate, discussion and study for years. Its not like this elsewhere: London tube stations often have a public bathroom. In Japan, an art project called The Tokyo Toilet saw 17 public washrooms be redesigned  in the vein of Winnipegs annual warming hut design competition  so that they are not only functional, but beautiful.

In many cities across North America, meanwhile, the alternatives are using the facilities of businesses  who often designate their washrooms as "employee use" or "customer use" only  or going in the street. For our most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness, the added indignity of having nowhere to take care of basic, everyday, biological functions is not only demoralizing, its dehumanizing.

The opening of a new permanent public washroom in Winnipeg is something to celebrate. But its not a simple case of "build it and they will go"  cleanliness and safety will be paramount, and that will require staffing and money. The next challenge will be seeing if it can be the one thing in downtown Winnipeg that doesnt close at 5:30 p.m. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre hopes fundraising will allow the washroom to expand to 24-7 service, and there is infrastructure for the site itself to host advertising, which would require an exemption to city bylaws.

Anything to move this project forward is a good thing. Its success will not only help restore dignity to our community members, but will hopefully inspire other such permanent facilities to open in the future.
Morocco has secured enough wheat stocks to cover four months of its needs as the agriculture ministry launched a tender to build additional stocks.

Despite the surge in wheat prices due to the supply disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, Morocco maintains its subsidies for soft wheat flour, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.

The agriculture minister had said that incentives were offered to importers to build up additional stocks.

Morocco has secured most of its orders from both Ukraine and Russia. A Russian trade official told Tas news agency that his country was willing to supply Morocco with wheat.

Morocco imports wheat from France, Canada, the US and Argentina. This year India was added to the loss of suppliers but the decision by authorities there to suspend exports cast a shadow on the countrys export reliability.

Morocco braces this year for a lower harvest of 3.2 million tons compared to 10.3 million tons last year, further increasing the subsidies effort.

The North African country is expected to exceed the 17 billion dirhams earmarked to control prices of sugar, butane gas and bread. Within four months this year, Morocco has already eaten into 60% of the subsidies fund.

However, higher tax revenue and an increase in phosphates sales would offset the impact of the surge in subsidies and social spending and help maintain the fiscal deficit at the initial forecast of 6.3% of GDP.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette.

It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers.

Incredible: Alicia Vikander pulled out all the stops as she cut a glamorous figure in a quirky ensemble at the Irma Vep photocall at Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

She elevated her height in a pair of black high heels with silver tips, and wore her chocolate locks poker straight and parted down the middle.

She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty.

Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans.

Quirky: The actress, 33, wore a structural white dress that flared out at the waist to create a unique silhouette

Looking good: It was adorned with buttons and tufts of black thread, and she paired it with smart black trousers

Out of this world: Alicia certainly didn't disappoint with her edgy ensemble

Wow! She caused onlookers to gawk and point as she posed up a storm

Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Flawless: She opted for an understated smoky eyeshadow look and a dusting of blush to accentuate her natural beauty

Casual: Alicia posed alongside director Olivier Assayas who cut a casual figure in a brown jacket, white T-shirt and grey jeans

Pals: The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they walked the grey carpet

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Starring role: Irma Vep is a new TV series starring Alicia as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Handsome: Idris Elba looked as dashing as ever as he attended the photocall for Three Thousand Years Of Longing

Stylish: He cut a fashionable figure in a white T-shirt and navy trousers, with white and navy trainers

Camera ready: He stopped to get his makeup touched up by a makeup artist

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

Co-stars: He posed alongside Tilda Swinton and director George Miller as they promoted their new film

Vision in blue: Tilda exuded elegance in an oversized pale blue shirt dress and white trousers

Buddies: Appearing to be in high spirits, Idris placed a friendly hand over Tilda's shoulder

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

Cuddle: Tilda leant in for a warm embrace during the photocall with Idris

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Commission declares

Malone emergencyThe Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring the existence of an emergency situation in Malone in a special session Friday.

In the resolution, the board is appealing to the state, through various agencies and the office of the governor, asking them to take action, such as is feasible to remedy the imminent health hazards and provide temporary housing for displaced residents.

After the resolution was passed, it was stated that a telegram would be sent to the governor from the commission informing him of the action taken and the action they are seeking from the state.

Chuck Sims, Civil Defense director, visited the area Thursday with Commissioner Thomas Tyus. Sims said the main problem at the time would be relocating 10 families.

A more dangerous problem could arise if the water level rises any more at the Florida Pond, located on the state line above Malone. There are possibilities of a land slide at the pond, depending on how saturated the land surrounding the pond is.

If the pond were to break during the night, half of Malone would be in water before anyone knows about it, Tyus said. Jackson County Floridan, Sunday, May 23, 1980

Miami remains calm

with Guard on callHoliday crowds flocked to Miamis sun-filled beaches Saturday, as peace prevailed a week after the city erupted in bloody rioting. But 1,100 National Guard troops remained on call just in case.

Gov. Bob Graham, riding through Miamis riot-wracked Liberty City neighborhood Saturday, said it looked like a war-zone landscape.

It was a disaster area prior to the riots, Reginald Burton, assistant director of Miami-Dade Neighborhood Housing Services, told the governor later.

Sixteen people died as a result of the shootings, beatings, and burnings that ignited in the citys predominantly black northwest section after an all-white Tampa jury acquitted four white former policemen in connection with the death of a black businessman in Miami. Jackson County Floridan, Sunday, May 23, 1980
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Is it Oktober already?

Not quite, but the festbier is here! Let me explain.

The beers most Americans know by the name of Oktoberfest are actually two similar but distinct styles.

The most common (from American brewers at least) is marzen, a malty but balanced copper lager with a medium to full body that was served for decades at Munichs original Oktoberfest.

In 1990, though, the brewers of Munich shifted gears and began supplying the festival with whats come to be known as festbier: Somewhat lighter in color, alcohol content and body, its essentially marzen with the volume turned down. While some of the Oktoberfests made by Munich brewers for sale in America remain marzen, the kegs tapped at the festival grounds and those millions of liter steins clinked each year all contain festbier.

Another great beer city that knows a thing or two about festivals is Milwaukee, so its fitting that a lager-forward brewery from that neck of the woods would turn to festbier for a new seasonal beer.

Its a bit unusual that its a summer seasonal.

There are two constants for Sprecher Brewery and just about any other that makes an Oktoberfest: It will be its best seasonal seller and it will hear requests from fans to make it year-round.

This year, Sprecher decided to oblige those request by releasing a festbier  a recipe from the archive that sales rep Jesse Mix said had never been made in significant amounts  ahead of its usual fall marzen.

We do a lot of German-style beers, a lot of Euro-style beers. We were going down a list of all the beers weve never done, and we found wed never done a fest, Mix said. We wanted to showcase it and give it a chance to not get lost in the flow of the Oktoberfest season.

Turning to a seasonal thats new but still directly in the Sprecher wheelhouse is a clever approach to innovation for the venerable brewery now a few months into its third year with new ownership.

Drinkers should expect new seasonals in the quarterly rotation, Mix said, though stalwarts like Mai Bock and Oktoberfest wont be going anywhere. A new tier of seasonals will feature beers like a West Coast IPA later this year and Russian imperial stout and doppelbock next year.

A new one-barrel pilot system has dramatically lowered the cost of trying new things, Mix said, and new beers should be coming at a faster clip. (Stagnation in Sprechers beer portfolio had been a major problem in the years leading up to its sale.)

Getting those creative juices flowing will help everyone out in the long run, Mix said. We want to stay true to the heritage but be able to branch out, too.

Festbier

Style: Festbier

Brewed by: Sprecher Brewery, Glendale

What its like: Capital Brewery, a peer with Sprecher in the old guard of Wisconsin craft brewers, had a festbier as its summer seasonal for many years, but its been gone for many years as well. Sorry, even a Beer Baron doesnt have tasting notes that old. It does strike me as somewhat similar to the fest-iest of Wisconsin Oktoberfests, Ale Asylums very nice Oktillion.

Where, how much: Your best bet for this one in the Madison area is larger shops like Steves or Woodmans. Six-packs of cans  Sprecher has officially phased out its bottling line  will run you around $9.

Booze factor: Sprecher Festbiers 5.3% ABV is nicely tuned to summer drinking.

Up close: As you pour Sprecher Festbier, Ill forgive you for thinking about a hearty, malty Oktoberfest. This beer is a clear, brilliant amber that may be a touch lighter than your favorite fall marzen but is several touches darker than just about every summer seasonal youll find.

But hold that glass up to your face and youll discover this isnt that kind of fest. The aroma is only gently malty, with just a touch of that caramel-toast character that defines marzen and a spicy hop character from the noble Tettnang and Saaz varieties.

Two words that Mix used multiple times to describe Festbier were crisp and clean, and no lies are detected here. This is no sledgehammer of flavor, with general malty notes and some bitterness that lingers into the finish and sets this beer apart from its marzen cousins, and its light body makes it exceptionally easy-drinking.

A fest is an unusual swing from a craft brewer in todays landscape, and it should be well received by the legions of lager lovers who cant wait for their Oktoberfests to arrive in late summer.

Bottom line: 3 stars (out of five)

Got a beer you'd like the Beer Baron or Draft Queen to pop the cap on? Contact Chris Drosner at chrisdrosner@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @WIbeerbaron. Contact Katie Herrera at cellaredkatie@gmail.com or on Twitter @CellaredKatie.
Is it Oktober already?

Not quite, but the festbier is here! Let me explain.

The beers most Americans know by the name of Oktoberfest are actually two similar but distinct styles.

The most common (from American brewers at least) is marzen, a malty but balanced copper lager with a medium to full body that was served for decades at Munichs original Oktoberfest.

In 1990, though, the brewers of Munich shifted gears and began supplying the festival with whats come to be known as festbier: Somewhat lighter in color, alcohol content and body, its essentially marzen with the volume turned down. While some of the Oktoberfests made by Munich brewers for sale in America remain marzen, the kegs tapped at the festival grounds and those millions of liter steins clinked each year all contain festbier.

Another great beer city that knows a thing or two about festivals is Milwaukee, so its fitting that a lager-forward brewery from that neck of the woods would turn to festbier for a new seasonal beer.

Its a bit unusual that its a summer seasonal.

There are two constants for Sprecher Brewery and just about any other that makes an Oktoberfest: It will be its best seasonal seller and it will hear requests from fans to make it year-round.

This year, Sprecher decided to oblige those request by releasing a festbier  a recipe from the archive that sales rep Jesse Mix said had never been made in significant amounts  ahead of its usual fall marzen.

We do a lot of German-style beers, a lot of Euro-style beers. We were going down a list of all the beers weve never done, and we found wed never done a fest, Mix said. We wanted to showcase it and give it a chance to not get lost in the flow of the Oktoberfest season.

Turning to a seasonal thats new but still directly in the Sprecher wheelhouse is a clever approach to innovation for the venerable brewery now a few months into its third year with new ownership.

Drinkers should expect new seasonals in the quarterly rotation, Mix said, though stalwarts like Mai Bock and Oktoberfest wont be going anywhere. A new tier of seasonals will feature beers like a West Coast IPA later this year and Russian imperial stout and doppelbock next year.

A new one-barrel pilot system has dramatically lowered the cost of trying new things, Mix said, and new beers should be coming at a faster clip. (Stagnation in Sprechers beer portfolio had been a major problem in the years leading up to its sale.)

Getting those creative juices flowing will help everyone out in the long run, Mix said. We want to stay true to the heritage but be able to branch out, too.

Festbier

Style: Festbier

Brewed by: Sprecher Brewery, Glendale

What its like: Capital Brewery, a peer with Sprecher in the old guard of Wisconsin craft brewers, had a festbier as its summer seasonal for many years, but its been gone for many years as well. Sorry, even a Beer Baron doesnt have tasting notes that old. It does strike me as somewhat similar to the fest-iest of Wisconsin Oktoberfests, Ale Asylums very nice Oktillion.

Where, how much: Your best bet for this one in the Madison area is larger shops like Steves or Woodmans. Six-packs of cans  Sprecher has officially phased out its bottling line  will run you around $9.

Booze factor: Sprecher Festbiers 5.3% ABV is nicely tuned to summer drinking.

Up close: As you pour Sprecher Festbier, Ill forgive you for thinking about a hearty, malty Oktoberfest. This beer is a clear, brilliant amber that may be a touch lighter than your favorite fall marzen but is several touches darker than just about every summer seasonal youll find.

But hold that glass up to your face and youll discover this isnt that kind of fest. The aroma is only gently malty, with just a touch of that caramel-toast character that defines marzen and a spicy hop character from the noble Tettnang and Saaz varieties.

Two words that Mix used multiple times to describe Festbier were crisp and clean, and no lies are detected here. This is no sledgehammer of flavor, with general malty notes and some bitterness that lingers into the finish and sets this beer apart from its marzen cousins, and its light body makes it exceptionally easy-drinking.

A fest is an unusual swing from a craft brewer in todays landscape, and it should be well received by the legions of lager lovers who cant wait for their Oktoberfests to arrive in late summer.

Bottom line: 3 stars (out of five)

Got a beer you'd like the Beer Baron or Draft Queen to pop the cap on? Contact Chris Drosner at chrisdrosner@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @WIbeerbaron. Contact Katie Herrera at cellaredkatie@gmail.com or on Twitter @CellaredKatie.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

Commission declares

Malone emergencyThe Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring the existence of an emergency situation in Malone in a special session Friday.

In the resolution, the board is appealing to the state, through various agencies and the office of the governor, asking them to take action, such as is feasible to remedy the imminent health hazards and provide temporary housing for displaced residents.

After the resolution was passed, it was stated that a telegram would be sent to the governor from the commission informing him of the action taken and the action they are seeking from the state.

Chuck Sims, Civil Defense director, visited the area Thursday with Commissioner Thomas Tyus. Sims said the main problem at the time would be relocating 10 families.

A more dangerous problem could arise if the water level rises any more at the Florida Pond, located on the state line above Malone. There are possibilities of a land slide at the pond, depending on how saturated the land surrounding the pond is.

If the pond were to break during the night, half of Malone would be in water before anyone knows about it, Tyus said. Jackson County Floridan, Sunday, May 23, 1980

Miami remains calm

with Guard on callHoliday crowds flocked to Miamis sun-filled beaches Saturday, as peace prevailed a week after the city erupted in bloody rioting. But 1,100 National Guard troops remained on call just in case.

Gov. Bob Graham, riding through Miamis riot-wracked Liberty City neighborhood Saturday, said it looked like a war-zone landscape.

It was a disaster area prior to the riots, Reginald Burton, assistant director of Miami-Dade Neighborhood Housing Services, told the governor later.

Sixteen people died as a result of the shootings, beatings, and burnings that ignited in the citys predominantly black northwest section after an all-white Tampa jury acquitted four white former policemen in connection with the death of a black businessman in Miami. Jackson County Floridan, Sunday, May 23, 1980



Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.  Rising seas are encroaching on one of America's most storied military installations, where thousands of recruits are molded into Marines each year amid the salt marshes of South Carolina's Lowcountry region.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is particularly vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion and other impacts of climate change, a Defense Department-funded "resiliency review" noted last month. Some scientists project that by 2099, three-quarters of the island could be under water during high tides each day.

Military authorities say they're confident they can keep the second-oldest Marine Corps base intact, for now, through small-scale changes to existing infrastructure projects.

Maj. Marc Blair, Parris Island's environmental director, describes this strategy as "the art of the small," a phrase he attributes to the base's commanding general, Brig. Gen. Julie Nethercot. In practice, it means such things as raising a culvert that needs to be repaired anyway, limiting development in low-lying areas and adding floodproofing measures to firing range upgrades.

Others advocate much larger and more expensive solutions, such as building huge seawalls around the base, or moving Marine Corps training away from the coast altogether.

Parris Island has an outsized role in military lore and American pop culture as a proving ground for Marines who have served in every major conflict since World War I. It remains a crucial training ground, along with Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. But the rising sea is proving to be a formidable enemy.

Salt marsh makes up more than half of the base's 8,000 acres, and the depot's highest point, by the fire station, is just 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level. It is linked to the mainland by a single road that's already susceptible to flooding.

Low-lying areas on the island and the nearby Marine Corps air station already flood about ten times a year, and by 2050, "the currently flood-prone areas within both bases could experience tidal flooding more than 300 times annually and be underwater nearly 30 percent of the year given the highest scenario," according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Military reports have for decades acknowledged threats from climate change to national security, as wildfires, hurricanes and floods have prompted evacuations and damaged bases. A Pentagon document published last fall, after President Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to revamp their climate resilience plans, says the Department of Defense now has "a comprehensive approach to building climate-ready installations" and cites an adaptation and resilience study undertaken by Parris Island.

But day-to-day disruptions are growing, from nuisance flooding on roads to rising temperatures and higher humidity that when combined, limit the human body's ability to cool down with sweat.

Those wetter, hotter days could limit outdoor training. Already, more than 500 people on Parris Island suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion between 2016 and 2020, putting the base among the top ten U.S. military installations for heat illnesses, according to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch.

All the training that happens at Parris Island could be technically replicated on cooler, drier land somewhere else, said retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, who served as commanding general at the base from 1999 to 2001.

But Cheney doesn't foresee any appetite in Congress for closing the base and relocating its mission to less risky ground, which means the government needs to start investing in structural solutions to protect its crucial components such as the firing ranges near the water, he said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Spending millions to build seawalls would be cheaper than spending billions to rebuild the base after a devastating hurricane, Cheney reasons.

Parris Island has so far been spared the direct hits that have caused billions in damage to other military installations, but it has been evacuated twice in the last five years for hurricanes, which hit South Carolina every eight years, on average.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence pummeled North Carolina's Camp Lejeune, washing away the beach used by Marines for training, destroying buildings and displacing personnel. A month later, Hurricane Michael tore through Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, devastating airplane hangars and causing $3 billion in damage.

Those disasters should serve as cautionary tales for Parris Island, argues Cheney. But there is no grand overhaul currently planned  no concrete bulkheads or other seawalls that could dramatically revise the post's visual character, no master plan to raise buildings all at once.

Hurricane planning is focused on protecting life and preserving the equipment and buildings necessary to limit training disruptions, said Col. William Truax, the depot's director of installations and logistics.

"We're not taking on any major projects because we've not experienced a major threat to what we have to do here," Truax said. "To be honest, these old brick buildings aren't going anywhere."

Parris Island also depends on the resilience of communities just off the base. Stephanie Rossi, a planner with the Lowcountry Council of Governments, said the group's Defense Department-funded study of climate change impacts suggests shoring up the only road on and off the island, elevating buildings and bolstering the storm water system of an area where military families live.

The base also works with environmental groups to support living shoreline projects, building up coastal oyster reefs to strengthen natural buffers to floods and hurricanes.

"The waters will recede," said Blair, the environmental director. "The more resilient we make this place, the quicker we can get back to making Marines."
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
BLOOMINGTON  Downtown Bloomington businesses will take part in a daylong benefit on Sunday to raise money to support the Transgender Education Network of Texas.

Sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition, Bistro, Red Raccoon Games and Bobzbay, the benefit came about in an effort to battle a law recently enacted in Texas that criminalizes gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a state order requiring the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the families of trans children and treat gender-affirming care as child abuse," said Brienne Reid, a local activist who organized the benefit. "While this executive order has been thankfully defanged for now by the Texas Supreme Court, it spread horror and uncertainty within the trans community across the state and has furthered dangerous narratives that threaten the wellbeing of trans people and the parents and guardians of trans children."

A family-friendly benefit show at the Bistro, 316 N. Main St., will be the main event starting at 7 p.m., while bid sheets for a silent auction will be available throughout the day at Red Raccoon Games.

The show will feature drag queens Sharon ShareAlike, Bianca Fox, Kelly Pierce, Venice and Obsydia with live music from Alex Jordine. The show will have a $5 cover that will go toward TENT, a trans-led organization that has been fighting on the ground for trans rights and working to make the second largest state in the U.S. a safer home for our community, Reid said.

A silent auction will feature donations from several Bloomington-Normal businesses and artists with all proceeds going to TENT.

Between 3 and 7 p.m., Red Raccoon Games will donate a percentage of its Sunday sales to the organization, and Bobzbay will have a pop-up shop at the Bistro, also donating a percentage of sales.

"Theres much work to be done across the country  Illinois included  to push back against the onslaught of bills, policies and discriminatory acts, and we hope the donations from this fundraiser will help buttress our community in one of the states being subjected to the vanguard brunt of reactionary, bigoted attacks on trans life, Reid said.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Bill 291-36, known as the Guam Heartbeat Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation that prohibits abortion as soon as a physician can detect a fe Read more
BLOOMINGTON  Downtown Bloomington businesses will take part in a daylong benefit on Sunday to raise money to support the Transgender Education Network of Texas.

Sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition, Bistro, Red Raccoon Games and Bobzbay, the benefit came about in an effort to battle a law recently enacted in Texas that criminalizes gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a state order requiring the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the families of trans children and treat gender-affirming care as child abuse," said Brienne Reid, a local activist who organized the benefit. "While this executive order has been thankfully defanged for now by the Texas Supreme Court, it spread horror and uncertainty within the trans community across the state and has furthered dangerous narratives that threaten the wellbeing of trans people and the parents and guardians of trans children."

A family-friendly benefit show at the Bistro, 316 N. Main St., will be the main event starting at 7 p.m., while bid sheets for a silent auction will be available throughout the day at Red Raccoon Games.

The show will feature drag queens Sharon ShareAlike, Bianca Fox, Kelly Pierce, Venice and Obsydia with live music from Alex Jordine. The show will have a $5 cover that will go toward TENT, a trans-led organization that has been fighting on the ground for trans rights and working to make the second largest state in the U.S. a safer home for our community, Reid said.

A silent auction will feature donations from several Bloomington-Normal businesses and artists with all proceeds going to TENT.

Between 3 and 7 p.m., Red Raccoon Games will donate a percentage of its Sunday sales to the organization, and Bobzbay will have a pop-up shop at the Bistro, also donating a percentage of sales.

"Theres much work to be done across the country  Illinois included  to push back against the onslaught of bills, policies and discriminatory acts, and we hope the donations from this fundraiser will help buttress our community in one of the states being subjected to the vanguard brunt of reactionary, bigoted attacks on trans life, Reid said.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
BLOOMINGTON  Downtown Bloomington businesses will take part in a daylong benefit on Sunday to raise money to support the Transgender Education Network of Texas.

Sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition, Bistro, Red Raccoon Games and Bobzbay, the benefit came about in an effort to battle a law recently enacted in Texas that criminalizes gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.

"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a state order requiring the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the families of trans children and treat gender-affirming care as child abuse," said Brienne Reid, a local activist who organized the benefit. "While this executive order has been thankfully defanged for now by the Texas Supreme Court, it spread horror and uncertainty within the trans community across the state and has furthered dangerous narratives that threaten the wellbeing of trans people and the parents and guardians of trans children."

A family-friendly benefit show at the Bistro, 316 N. Main St., will be the main event starting at 7 p.m., while bid sheets for a silent auction will be available throughout the day at Red Raccoon Games.

The show will feature drag queens Sharon ShareAlike, Bianca Fox, Kelly Pierce, Venice and Obsydia with live music from Alex Jordine. The show will have a $5 cover that will go toward TENT, a trans-led organization that has been fighting on the ground for trans rights and working to make the second largest state in the U.S. a safer home for our community, Reid said.

A silent auction will feature donations from several Bloomington-Normal businesses and artists with all proceeds going to TENT.

Between 3 and 7 p.m., Red Raccoon Games will donate a percentage of its Sunday sales to the organization, and Bobzbay will have a pop-up shop at the Bistro, also donating a percentage of sales.

"Theres much work to be done across the country  Illinois included  to push back against the onslaught of bills, policies and discriminatory acts, and we hope the donations from this fundraiser will help buttress our community in one of the states being subjected to the vanguard brunt of reactionary, bigoted attacks on trans life, Reid said.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The village of Sauk City is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to improve its drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the village of Sauk City.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project.

Mail comments to Kevin Olson, community financial assistance, Department of Natural Resources, CF/2 101 S. Webster St. P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, email kevin.olson@wisconsin.gov or call 608-234-2238.

The deadline to submit comments is June 4.

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process.

The analysis would summarize the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources consideration of the projects impacts and reasonable alternatives.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
Today

Abundant sunshine. High 101F. WSW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 72F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Tomorrow

A mainly sunny sky. High 97F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) has to be an individuals choice, not the choice of someone elses God, or his self-appointed worldly representatives (The vulnerable v the entitled: the unfair fight of VAD, May 15). If people believe that suffering in dying is their Gods will, then they should be allowed to choose to suffer. But surely, any loving and compassionate God would want to end his followers suffering and grant them comfort, peace and a restored body and mind in heaven. Geoff Black, Caves Beach

Andrew Denton incorrectly infers that the Palliative Care Association (PCA) is currently opposed to VAD. Since 2019, PCA has held a neutral position toward VAD, neither advocating for, nor arguing against its legalisation. PCAs position statement clearly states that a decision about whether to legalise VAD is one for governments. PCA recognises that assisted dying raises difficult and complex ethical issues. There is a broad spectrum of opinions within the Australian community, reflecting diverse cultures, belief systems, and populations. This diversity of opinion is also reflected within the palliative care community. While VAD is separate to palliative care practice, PCA recognises that people want full information about options available to them. People may choose to receive palliative care while also awaiting the VAD option. PCA argues that an individuals choice to explore voluntary assisted dying should never be a choice based on a lack of access to palliative care. With an ageing population and rising chronic illness, Australia needs greater investment in palliative care and more support for the workforce that cares for people toward the end of their life. Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia

The very painful debate on assisted dying, as highlighted in the interview of Andrew Denton, is significant on a broader front. I agree people of faith must have the right to practise their beliefs in their everyday lives. However, it is essential that the rest of the population have the right to have freedom from religion in everyday lives. In Australia, the main reason I can think of why religion has been imposed on structural aspects of work and shopping times, and on far more vital issues, is because historically, we have been a predominantly Christian country, with powerful church interests. Any legislation called freedom of religion must be accompanied by laws for freedom from religion. Jan Allerton, Huntleys Cove

Fulfilling human needs

Patti Millers piece is a beautiful reminder of how raising and playing with children binds adults together, through the friendships made (Circle of Friends, May 15). Shared parenting, whether of children by birth or of children by friendship, is a fulfilling central thread of life. Its a timely statement that meaningful human relationships are core to our wellbeing, when such fundamental bonds are more often becoming displaced by surrogates such as connections on a social media device, or having a pet. They can be fun companions, but to play with the child fulfils deep human needs for life, rather than to focus on the device in hand or the dog nearby. Barry Laing, Castle Cove
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) has to be an individuals choice, not the choice of someone elses God, or his self-appointed worldly representatives (The vulnerable v the entitled: the unfair fight of VAD, May 15). If people believe that suffering in dying is their Gods will, then they should be allowed to choose to suffer. But surely, any loving and compassionate God would want to end his followers suffering and grant them comfort, peace and a restored body and mind in heaven. Geoff Black, Caves Beach

Andrew Denton incorrectly infers that the Palliative Care Association (PCA) is currently opposed to VAD. Since 2019, PCA has held a neutral position toward VAD, neither advocating for, nor arguing against its legalisation. PCAs position statement clearly states that a decision about whether to legalise VAD is one for governments. PCA recognises that assisted dying raises difficult and complex ethical issues. There is a broad spectrum of opinions within the Australian community, reflecting diverse cultures, belief systems, and populations. This diversity of opinion is also reflected within the palliative care community. While VAD is separate to palliative care practice, PCA recognises that people want full information about options available to them. People may choose to receive palliative care while also awaiting the VAD option. PCA argues that an individuals choice to explore voluntary assisted dying should never be a choice based on a lack of access to palliative care. With an ageing population and rising chronic illness, Australia needs greater investment in palliative care and more support for the workforce that cares for people toward the end of their life. Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia

The very painful debate on assisted dying, as highlighted in the interview of Andrew Denton, is significant on a broader front. I agree people of faith must have the right to practise their beliefs in their everyday lives. However, it is essential that the rest of the population have the right to have freedom from religion in everyday lives. In Australia, the main reason I can think of why religion has been imposed on structural aspects of work and shopping times, and on far more vital issues, is because historically, we have been a predominantly Christian country, with powerful church interests. Any legislation called freedom of religion must be accompanied by laws for freedom from religion. Jan Allerton, Huntleys Cove

Fulfilling human needs

Patti Millers piece is a beautiful reminder of how raising and playing with children binds adults together, through the friendships made (Circle of Friends, May 15). Shared parenting, whether of children by birth or of children by friendship, is a fulfilling central thread of life. Its a timely statement that meaningful human relationships are core to our wellbeing, when such fundamental bonds are more often becoming displaced by surrogates such as connections on a social media device, or having a pet. They can be fun companions, but to play with the child fulfils deep human needs for life, rather than to focus on the device in hand or the dog nearby. Barry Laing, Castle Cove


Three out of four COVID-19 fines are overdue seven months after the end of the Delta lockdown, with more than 46,000 NSW residents owing $42 million between them.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 fines totalling $56.4 million from March 2020 to April 2022 for various breaches of the public health orders to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 people with fines from March 2020 to April 2022. Credit:James Brickwood

That includes 50,000 fines issued between July and September last year to enforce stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing the Delta outbreak as the state raced to vaccinate the population.

Fines could be issued for breaches such as not wearing masks, travelling further than five kilometres from home, gathering in groups, and breaking curfew in the 12 local government areas of concern, but most fines were written out as general breaches without specifying the offence.
Three out of four COVID-19 fines are overdue seven months after the end of the Delta lockdown, with more than 46,000 NSW residents owing $42 million between them.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 fines totalling $56.4 million from March 2020 to April 2022 for various breaches of the public health orders to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 people with fines from March 2020 to April 2022. Credit:James Brickwood

That includes 50,000 fines issued between July and September last year to enforce stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing the Delta outbreak as the state raced to vaccinate the population.

Fines could be issued for breaches such as not wearing masks, travelling further than five kilometres from home, gathering in groups, and breaking curfew in the 12 local government areas of concern, but most fines were written out as general breaches without specifying the offence.
Bengaluru, May 21 (PTI) The Karnataka government has ordered 33 per cent reservation for women among the outsourced employees in all its departments and their subsidiary organisations, institutions, universities and autonomous bodies.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Releases Rs 1804.50 Crore To Bank Accounts of Farmers on Death Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.

In his May 19 circular, Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar said recruitment for data entry operators, housekeeping, drivers and Group D employees through outsourcing has been an accepted policy of the state government.

Also Read | Assam Floods Latest Updates: Govt Starts Guwahati-Silchar Emergency Flight, Nearly 2,251 Villages Remain Under Water.

Also, the government has reserved 30 per cent of jobs for women in the civil services for women empowerment, social justice and equal job opportunities.

"As outsourced employees, women are discharging their duties effectively. Hence, directions have been given to reserve 33 per cent of jobs for women for the services availed from outsourced employees," the circular said.

It added that henceforth the tender calling for appointment on outsourcing basis and also the agencies with whom the agreement is made should have the clause of 33 per cent reservation for women.

"The direction is applicable to the autonomous bodies, universities, local bodies and other agencies, which are part of the government," the circular read.

The Chief Secretary said all the secretaries in the government should make sure that this order is implemented in all the organisations, institutions and boards under their department.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


With another season of The L Word: Generation Q on the way, fans are once again wondering who might appear on the show. The series is a revival of Showtimes 2004 series The L Word, featuring Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, and Katherine Moennig reprising their roles from the original show alongside new cast additions Stephanie Allynne, Jordan Hull, Arienne Mandi, Sepideh Moafi, Leo Sheng, Jacqueline Toboni, and Rosanny Zayas.

The series has also brought back actors such as Laurel Holloman and Rosanna Arquette, but that might not be all.

The cast of The L Word: Generation Q including Jordan Hull as Angie Porter-Kennard, Jennifer Beals as Bette, Leo Sheng as Micah Lee, Sepideh Moafi as Gigi, Arienne Mandi as Dani Nunez, Leisha Hailey as Alice Pieszecki, Rosanny Zayas as Sophie Suarez, Katherine Moennig as Shane McCutcheon, and Jacqueline Toboni as Sarah Finley | Jill Greenberg/Showtime

Jennifer Beals discussed possible guest stars on The L Word: Generation Q in an interview

Beals, who stars on the show as art dealer Bette Porter, previously spoke to W Magazine about who she personally wants to see on Gen Q.

I mean theres a lot of people that I want back, frankly. But I cannot stop thinking about Holland Taylor, she said, referring to the actor who portrayed Peggy Peabody.

Yeah, I really want Peggy Peabody back, Beals continued. I was begging the writers; she really sticks in my mind. But there are so many people. I want Marlee Matlin [who played Jodi] back. And I know Pam [Grier, who played Kit]s really busy, but I want to figure out if its within her time schedule to do some flashbacks or something like that. It would be great to have Helena back, tooto have Rachel Shelley back.

There were actually rumors that the show would bring back Shelleys Helena Peabody for The L Word: Generation Q Season 2. They turned out to be untrue, but its possible she could still show up eventually.

Inside the next season of The L Word: Generation Q

The latest season of The L Word: Generation Q ran from August to October of 2021 and found each of the characters dealing with their own problems in either their work lives or at home.

In season two, Bette (Beals) dealt with Tina (guest star Laurel Holloman) and Carries (guest star Rosie ODonnell) engagement, and daughter Angies (Hull) search for her birth father; Shane (Moennig) ramped up her business and her feelings for Tess (Jamie Clayton); and hot new author Alice (Hailey) wrestled with her own complicated feelings for her book editor, reads a quote from a press release that Showtime shared with Showbiz Cheat Sheet.

Meanwhile, a newly single Dani (Mandi) leaned on Gigi (Moafi) during her fathers trial; Finley (Toboni) and Sophie (Zayas) tried hard to make it work despite Finleys spiraling addiction; and friends Micah (Sheng) and Maribel (Jillian Mercado) fell hard for each other, the statement continues. What results of all these complex affairs of life and love will be revealed in season three.

When does the show return?

So far, the release date for The L Word: Generation Q Season 3 has not been revealed. However, Showtime has said the show will return in 2022.

Looking at past patterns, a late 2022 premiere date seems most likely. But of course, thats up to the network. Be sure to check back with Showbiz Cheat Sheet for updates as they become available and stream past episodes of the series now on Showtime.

RELATED: The L Word: Generation Q Fans Make It Clear They Do Not Want a Tibette Reunion in Season 3
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.



WASHINGTON  We got a rare glimpse of the tortured soul of George W. Bush this past week.

During a speech at his presidential library in Dallas, Bush made the mother of all Freudian slips. He denounced the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq. He quickly corrected himself and clarified that he was talking about Vladimir Putin, saying, I mean of Ukraine. But then added, shaking his head, Iraq, too.

The Bushes always told me that they did not like to be put on the couch. But this time, W. put himself on the couch. For the 75-year-old former president, it was a moment of self-incrimination worthy of Dostoyevsky  a display of conscience and a swerve into truth in a time when truth seems lost in the mist.

Everywhere we look, we are deluged with deception and Big Lies.

Putin has pulled the wool over the eyes of a nation, deceiving Russians about the Ukraine war the same way he deceived himself. When a retired colonel blurted out the truth Monday on Russian state television, saying the situation for us will clearly get worse, it was another uncommon confessional moment. The anchors with him looked uncomfortable as he spilled the tea and warned Russians not to take informational sedatives.

We are in total geopolitical isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we dont want to admit it, said the colonel, Mikhail Khodaryonok, who is now a conservative columnist and TV analyst on military affairs.
WASHINGTON  We got a rare glimpse of the tortured soul of George W. Bush this past week.

During a speech at his presidential library in Dallas, Bush made the mother of all Freudian slips. He denounced the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq. He quickly corrected himself and clarified that he was talking about Vladimir Putin, saying, I mean of Ukraine. But then added, shaking his head, Iraq, too.

The Bushes always told me that they did not like to be put on the couch. But this time, W. put himself on the couch. For the 75-year-old former president, it was a moment of self-incrimination worthy of Dostoyevsky  a display of conscience and a swerve into truth in a time when truth seems lost in the mist.

Everywhere we look, we are deluged with deception and Big Lies.

Putin has pulled the wool over the eyes of a nation, deceiving Russians about the Ukraine war the same way he deceived himself. When a retired colonel blurted out the truth Monday on Russian state television, saying the situation for us will clearly get worse, it was another uncommon confessional moment. The anchors with him looked uncomfortable as he spilled the tea and warned Russians not to take informational sedatives.

We are in total geopolitical isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we dont want to admit it, said the colonel, Mikhail Khodaryonok, who is now a conservative columnist and TV analyst on military affairs.
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o




Authorities are searching for a woman accused of fatally shooting a cyclist in Austin last week.

A photo of Kaitlin Armstrong, courtesy of the U.S. Marshals.

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 35, is suspected of killing Anna Wilson, 25. Wilson, a Vermont native, was in Austin for a race when she was killed on May 11, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service, whose Lone Star Fugitive Task Force is assisting with the investigation.

Police responding to a call at a residence in East Austin found Wilson bleeding and unconscious from multiple gunshot wounds. CPR was performed on Wilson, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the marshals service.

The Austin Police Department asked for assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force's Austin division to find and arrest Armstrong, who is a resident of Austin. Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force have actively launched a fugitive investigation and are looking into leads about Armstrong's whereabouts.

Armstrong is in a relationship with a man who had a previous relationship with Wilson, and Wilson had gone swimming with that man the day she was killed, according to CBS affiliate KEYE in Austin.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102.

Economist Jason Furman "not super worried" about a recession within the next year

Georgia GOP primary races pose test of Trump's influence

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries "very confident" Democrats will hold onto majority in midterms
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.


Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company

KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
The Greens have won their first federal lower house seat in Queensland, look likely to gain a second, and are in the hunt for a third, gaining influence over a Labor government in Canberra.

Scott Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night and will step down from the Liberal leadership. That makes Peter Dutton, who retained his Queensland seat of Dickson, the frontrunner to become opposition leader.

Labors most senior MP in Queensland, Jim Chalmers, will become treasurer in a government led by Anthony Albanese.

Labor gained enough seats outside Queensland to be in a position to negotiate a power deal with the crossbench, but in Queensland, the big change came via the Greens.
The Greens have won their first federal lower house seat in Queensland, look likely to gain a second, and are in the hunt for a third, gaining influence over a Labor government in Canberra.

Scott Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night and will step down from the Liberal leadership. That makes Peter Dutton, who retained his Queensland seat of Dickson, the frontrunner to become opposition leader.

Labors most senior MP in Queensland, Jim Chalmers, will become treasurer in a government led by Anthony Albanese.

Labor gained enough seats outside Queensland to be in a position to negotiate a power deal with the crossbench, but in Queensland, the big change came via the Greens.

Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
The Greens have won their first federal lower house seat in Queensland, look likely to gain a second, and are in the hunt for a third, gaining influence over a Labor government in Canberra.

Scott Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night and will step down from the Liberal leadership. That makes Peter Dutton, who retained his Queensland seat of Dickson, the frontrunner to become opposition leader.

Labors most senior MP in Queensland, Jim Chalmers, will become treasurer in a government led by Anthony Albanese.

Labor gained enough seats outside Queensland to be in a position to negotiate a power deal with the crossbench, but in Queensland, the big change came via the Greens.
The Greens have won their first federal lower house seat in Queensland, look likely to gain a second, and are in the hunt for a third, gaining influence over a Labor government in Canberra.

Scott Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night and will step down from the Liberal leadership. That makes Peter Dutton, who retained his Queensland seat of Dickson, the frontrunner to become opposition leader.

Labors most senior MP in Queensland, Jim Chalmers, will become treasurer in a government led by Anthony Albanese.

Labor gained enough seats outside Queensland to be in a position to negotiate a power deal with the crossbench, but in Queensland, the big change came via the Greens.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
OUAGADOUGOU, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 terrorists were killed in an attack on Saturday morning against a military detachment in north-central Burkina Faso, said the army in a statement.

The military detachment of Bourzanga located in Bam province, Center-North Region, "vigorously fought back" an attack against its base on Saturday, the Burkinabe army said.

"Coming in very large numbers and heavily equipped, the terrorists had to retreat before the firepower of the detachment members and the intervention of the air force," said the statement.

Search and security operations are underway in the area to find the attackers, read the statement, adding that 5 soldiers were killed and 10 others injured during the fight.

Security in Burkina Faso has worsened since 2015 as terrorist attacks have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced more than 1 million others in the West African nation. 

ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
Today

Abundant sunshine. High 101F. WSW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 72F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Tomorrow

A mainly sunny sky. High 97F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.


Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.





KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.




Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.


New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) The water supply situation in the national capital has deteriorated further as the Wazirabad pond level has now dropped to 668.3 feet, the lowest this year, against the normal of 674.5 feet, officials said on Saturday.

"Since the Yamuna river is almost dry, we are diverting water from the Carrier Lined Canal (CLC) and the Delhi Sub Branch (DSB) towards Wazirabad. As a result, the water production at Haiderpur Phase I and Phase II and Bawana water treatment plants has been hit," an official said.

Also Read | 3 Workers Charred to Death After Massive Fire Breaks out in Factory in Faridabad, Haryana:   Latest Tweet by PTI News.

Water in north Delhi, northwest Delhi, west Delhi and parts of south Delhi will be available at low pressure till the situation improves, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said in a statement.

Haryana supplies a total of 610 million gallons of water a day to Delhi through two canals -- CLC (368 MGD) and DSB (177) -- and the Yamuna (65 MGD).

Also Read | Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Releases Rs 1804.50 Crore To Bank Accounts of Farmers on Death Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.

The CLC and the DSB are supplied water from the Hathni Kund via Munak canal and the Bhakra Beas Management Board. Besides, Delhi receives 253 MGD from Uttar Pradesh through the Upper Ganga Canal, and 90 MGD is drawn from ranney wells and tube wells installed across the city.

Water supply from Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla WTPs, which lift raw water from the Wazirabad pond, has reduced by up to 30 percent.

The Chandrawal, Wazirabad and the Okhla WTPs have a capacity of 90 MGD, 135 MGD and 20 MGD, respectively.

The plants supply drinking water to northeast Delhi, west Delhi, north Delhi, central Delhi, south Delhi, including Delhi Cantonment, and New Delhi Municipal Council areas.

Delhi requires around 1,200 MGD of water, while the DJB supplies around 950 MGD.

The water supply has further reduced by around 65 MGD due to the depleted water level in the Wazirabad pond.

The DJB had on Tuesday written another letter to the Haryana Irrigation Department, asking it to urgently release 150 cusecs of additional water in the "almost dry" Yamuna.

This was the fourth time in less than three weeks that the utility has written to the Haryana Irrigation Department.

On Friday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had asked the Delhi government not to indulge in "petty politics" over the water sharing issue, saying if it wants more water, it should ask Punjab to release his state's "legitimate share".

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) The water supply situation in the national capital has deteriorated further as the Wazirabad pond level has now dropped to 668.3 feet, the lowest this year, against the normal of 674.5 feet, officials said on Saturday.

"Since the Yamuna river is almost dry, we are diverting water from the Carrier Lined Canal (CLC) and the Delhi Sub Branch (DSB) towards Wazirabad. As a result, the water production at Haiderpur Phase I and Phase II and Bawana water treatment plants has been hit," an official said.

Also Read | 3 Workers Charred to Death After Massive Fire Breaks out in Factory in Faridabad, Haryana:   Latest Tweet by PTI News.

Water in north Delhi, northwest Delhi, west Delhi and parts of south Delhi will be available at low pressure till the situation improves, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said in a statement.

Haryana supplies a total of 610 million gallons of water a day to Delhi through two canals -- CLC (368 MGD) and DSB (177) -- and the Yamuna (65 MGD).

Also Read | Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Releases Rs 1804.50 Crore To Bank Accounts of Farmers on Death Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.

The CLC and the DSB are supplied water from the Hathni Kund via Munak canal and the Bhakra Beas Management Board. Besides, Delhi receives 253 MGD from Uttar Pradesh through the Upper Ganga Canal, and 90 MGD is drawn from ranney wells and tube wells installed across the city.

Water supply from Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla WTPs, which lift raw water from the Wazirabad pond, has reduced by up to 30 percent.

The Chandrawal, Wazirabad and the Okhla WTPs have a capacity of 90 MGD, 135 MGD and 20 MGD, respectively.

The plants supply drinking water to northeast Delhi, west Delhi, north Delhi, central Delhi, south Delhi, including Delhi Cantonment, and New Delhi Municipal Council areas.

Delhi requires around 1,200 MGD of water, while the DJB supplies around 950 MGD.

The water supply has further reduced by around 65 MGD due to the depleted water level in the Wazirabad pond.

The DJB had on Tuesday written another letter to the Haryana Irrigation Department, asking it to urgently release 150 cusecs of additional water in the "almost dry" Yamuna.

This was the fourth time in less than three weeks that the utility has written to the Haryana Irrigation Department.

On Friday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had asked the Delhi government not to indulge in "petty politics" over the water sharing issue, saying if it wants more water, it should ask Punjab to release his state's "legitimate share".

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


With another season of The L Word: Generation Q on the way, fans are once again wondering who might appear on the show. The series is a revival of Showtimes 2004 series The L Word, featuring Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, and Katherine Moennig reprising their roles from the original show alongside new cast additions Stephanie Allynne, Jordan Hull, Arienne Mandi, Sepideh Moafi, Leo Sheng, Jacqueline Toboni, and Rosanny Zayas.

The series has also brought back actors such as Laurel Holloman and Rosanna Arquette, but that might not be all.

The cast of The L Word: Generation Q including Jordan Hull as Angie Porter-Kennard, Jennifer Beals as Bette, Leo Sheng as Micah Lee, Sepideh Moafi as Gigi, Arienne Mandi as Dani Nunez, Leisha Hailey as Alice Pieszecki, Rosanny Zayas as Sophie Suarez, Katherine Moennig as Shane McCutcheon, and Jacqueline Toboni as Sarah Finley | Jill Greenberg/Showtime

Jennifer Beals discussed possible guest stars on The L Word: Generation Q in an interview

Beals, who stars on the show as art dealer Bette Porter, previously spoke to W Magazine about who she personally wants to see on Gen Q.

I mean theres a lot of people that I want back, frankly. But I cannot stop thinking about Holland Taylor, she said, referring to the actor who portrayed Peggy Peabody.

Yeah, I really want Peggy Peabody back, Beals continued. I was begging the writers; she really sticks in my mind. But there are so many people. I want Marlee Matlin [who played Jodi] back. And I know Pam [Grier, who played Kit]s really busy, but I want to figure out if its within her time schedule to do some flashbacks or something like that. It would be great to have Helena back, tooto have Rachel Shelley back.

There were actually rumors that the show would bring back Shelleys Helena Peabody for The L Word: Generation Q Season 2. They turned out to be untrue, but its possible she could still show up eventually.

Inside the next season of The L Word: Generation Q

The latest season of The L Word: Generation Q ran from August to October of 2021 and found each of the characters dealing with their own problems in either their work lives or at home.

In season two, Bette (Beals) dealt with Tina (guest star Laurel Holloman) and Carries (guest star Rosie ODonnell) engagement, and daughter Angies (Hull) search for her birth father; Shane (Moennig) ramped up her business and her feelings for Tess (Jamie Clayton); and hot new author Alice (Hailey) wrestled with her own complicated feelings for her book editor, reads a quote from a press release that Showtime shared with Showbiz Cheat Sheet.

Meanwhile, a newly single Dani (Mandi) leaned on Gigi (Moafi) during her fathers trial; Finley (Toboni) and Sophie (Zayas) tried hard to make it work despite Finleys spiraling addiction; and friends Micah (Sheng) and Maribel (Jillian Mercado) fell hard for each other, the statement continues. What results of all these complex affairs of life and love will be revealed in season three.

When does the show return?

So far, the release date for The L Word: Generation Q Season 3 has not been revealed. However, Showtime has said the show will return in 2022.

Looking at past patterns, a late 2022 premiere date seems most likely. But of course, thats up to the network. Be sure to check back with Showbiz Cheat Sheet for updates as they become available and stream past episodes of the series now on Showtime.

RELATED: The L Word: Generation Q Fans Make It Clear They Do Not Want a Tibette Reunion in Season 3
Three out of four COVID-19 fines are overdue seven months after the end of the Delta lockdown, with more than 46,000 NSW residents owing $42 million between them.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 fines totalling $56.4 million from March 2020 to April 2022 for various breaches of the public health orders to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 people with fines from March 2020 to April 2022. Credit:James Brickwood

That includes 50,000 fines issued between July and September last year to enforce stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing the Delta outbreak as the state raced to vaccinate the population.

Fines could be issued for breaches such as not wearing masks, travelling further than five kilometres from home, gathering in groups, and breaking curfew in the 12 local government areas of concern, but most fines were written out as general breaches without specifying the offence.

Three out of four COVID-19 fines are overdue seven months after the end of the Delta lockdown, with more than 46,000 NSW residents owing $42 million between them.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 fines totalling $56.4 million from March 2020 to April 2022 for various breaches of the public health orders to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue NSW figures show police issued nearly 62,000 people with fines from March 2020 to April 2022. Credit:James Brickwood

That includes 50,000 fines issued between July and September last year to enforce stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing the Delta outbreak as the state raced to vaccinate the population.

Fines could be issued for breaches such as not wearing masks, travelling further than five kilometres from home, gathering in groups, and breaking curfew in the 12 local government areas of concern, but most fines were written out as general breaches without specifying the offence.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o

Today

Abundant sunshine. High 101F. WSW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 72F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Tomorrow

A mainly sunny sky. High 97F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
OUAGADOUGOU, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 terrorists were killed in an attack on Saturday morning against a military detachment in north-central Burkina Faso, said the army in a statement.

The military detachment of Bourzanga located in Bam province, Center-North Region, "vigorously fought back" an attack against its base on Saturday, the Burkinabe army said.

"Coming in very large numbers and heavily equipped, the terrorists had to retreat before the firepower of the detachment members and the intervention of the air force," said the statement.

Search and security operations are underway in the area to find the attackers, read the statement, adding that 5 soldiers were killed and 10 others injured during the fight.

Security in Burkina Faso has worsened since 2015 as terrorist attacks have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced more than 1 million others in the West African nation. 



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Thanks to social media, reality TV and decades of fame fatigue, celebrity fashion in 2022 is a vastly different beast from what it was in 1962  just ask duct-tape couture queen Kim Kardashian, who has once again attracted a global chorus of criticism, and bathed in yet more life-giving publicity.

The fallout, and Im not talking body parts, from her alleged desecration of Marilyn Monroes iconic John F. Kennedy Happy Birthday Mr President dress at the recent Met Gala, continues unabated.

Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Met Gala (left) and Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday in 1962. Credit:Getty

The difference between the two stars seems pretty clear: Marilyn, elevated to the status of modern deity, is just as loved today as she ever was, while Kim appears to be a star  probably just as famous as Marilyn ever was  who many of us love to hate, something she plays up to in her weirdo sticky-tape onesies.

Even the International Council of Museums Costume Committee has issued a rare admonishment on the matter, chastising the frocks current owner, Ripleys Believe It Or Not, which claims the gown is worth $10 million  roughly a weeks earnings for Kardashian.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.


Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o

ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
By Tarek Amara

TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisia's political parties pledged to fight President Kais Saied's decision to exclude them from key political reforms including the drafting of a new constitution, accusing him of seeking to consolidate autocratic rule.

Saied, who took executive power last summer and dissolved parliament to rule by decree, has since said he will replace the democratic 2014 constitution with a new constitution via a July 25 referendum and hold new parliamentary elections in December.

On Friday, he named a law professor to head an advisory committee of legal and political science experts to draft the new constitution for a "new republic", excluding political parties from the process.

The National Salvation Front, an umbrella for several parties and activists including Ennahda, Heart of Tunisia, Karama and the Citizens Against the Coup coalition, decried the move as another dangerous step towards entrenching one-man rule.

"We will face the new step of his autocratic rule with protests in streets and by uniting the opposition front to overthrow the coup," Ennahda official Riadh Chaibi told Reuters.

Saied denies his opponents' accusations that he staged a coup to seize power, saying his intervention was legal and necessary to save Tunisia from years of political paralysis and economic stagnation at the hands of a corrupt, self-serving elite who had taken control of government.

The president has nonetheless attracted broad opposition across Tunisia's political spectrum.

The Free Constitutional Party, whose leader Abir Moussi is a supporter of the late autocratic president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and a bitter foe of Ennahda, also rejected the move to exclude parties from the drafting of a new constitution and other reforms. It called for a mass protest on June 18.

"What is happening is a dictatorship but we will not leave Tunisia hostage in Saied hands," Moussi said.

In a joint statement, the Attayar, Republican and Ettakatol parties called on parties, civil society and national leaders to confront "this farce and overthrow the coup".

(Reporting By Tarek Amara; Editing by Pravin Char)

WASHINGTON  We got a rare glimpse of the tortured soul of George W. Bush this past week.

During a speech at his presidential library in Dallas, Bush made the mother of all Freudian slips. He denounced the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq. He quickly corrected himself and clarified that he was talking about Vladimir Putin, saying, I mean of Ukraine. But then added, shaking his head, Iraq, too.

The Bushes always told me that they did not like to be put on the couch. But this time, W. put himself on the couch. For the 75-year-old former president, it was a moment of self-incrimination worthy of Dostoyevsky  a display of conscience and a swerve into truth in a time when truth seems lost in the mist.

Everywhere we look, we are deluged with deception and Big Lies.

Putin has pulled the wool over the eyes of a nation, deceiving Russians about the Ukraine war the same way he deceived himself. When a retired colonel blurted out the truth Monday on Russian state television, saying the situation for us will clearly get worse, it was another uncommon confessional moment. The anchors with him looked uncomfortable as he spilled the tea and warned Russians not to take informational sedatives.

We are in total geopolitical isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we dont want to admit it, said the colonel, Mikhail Khodaryonok, who is now a conservative columnist and TV analyst on military affairs.
Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.

Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.


WASHINGTON  We got a rare glimpse of the tortured soul of George W. Bush this past week.

During a speech at his presidential library in Dallas, Bush made the mother of all Freudian slips. He denounced the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq. He quickly corrected himself and clarified that he was talking about Vladimir Putin, saying, I mean of Ukraine. But then added, shaking his head, Iraq, too.

The Bushes always told me that they did not like to be put on the couch. But this time, W. put himself on the couch. For the 75-year-old former president, it was a moment of self-incrimination worthy of Dostoyevsky  a display of conscience and a swerve into truth in a time when truth seems lost in the mist.

Everywhere we look, we are deluged with deception and Big Lies.

Putin has pulled the wool over the eyes of a nation, deceiving Russians about the Ukraine war the same way he deceived himself. When a retired colonel blurted out the truth Monday on Russian state television, saying the situation for us will clearly get worse, it was another uncommon confessional moment. The anchors with him looked uncomfortable as he spilled the tea and warned Russians not to take informational sedatives.

We are in total geopolitical isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we dont want to admit it, said the colonel, Mikhail Khodaryonok, who is now a conservative columnist and TV analyst on military affairs.

Authorities are searching for a woman accused of fatally shooting a cyclist in Austin last week.

A photo of Kaitlin Armstrong, courtesy of the U.S. Marshals.

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 35, is suspected of killing Anna Wilson, 25. Wilson, a Vermont native, was in Austin for a race when she was killed on May 11, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service, whose Lone Star Fugitive Task Force is assisting with the investigation.

Police responding to a call at a residence in East Austin found Wilson bleeding and unconscious from multiple gunshot wounds. CPR was performed on Wilson, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the marshals service.

The Austin Police Department asked for assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force's Austin division to find and arrest Armstrong, who is a resident of Austin. Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force have actively launched a fugitive investigation and are looking into leads about Armstrong's whereabouts.

Armstrong is in a relationship with a man who had a previous relationship with Wilson, and Wilson had gone swimming with that man the day she was killed, according to CBS affiliate KEYE in Austin.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102.

Economist Jason Furman "not super worried" about a recession within the next year

Georgia GOP primary races pose test of Trump's influence

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries "very confident" Democrats will hold onto majority in midterms
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.


Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.



CHICAGO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and more than 40 people were injured after a tornado ripped through Gaylord City in the northern part of U.S. state of Michigan Friday afternoon, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The tornado, coming in the midst of a thunderstorm, touched down at 3:45 p.m. (0845 GMT) and traveled several miles over the course of several minutes, said Jim Keysor, meteorologist at the National Weather Service. It ripped through both residential and commercial areas.

The tornado has ripped off the roof of a building, and put traffic lights out of function. Thousands of residents in the Gaylord area have lost power, according to the Consumers Energy Outage Map.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for the area.

Tornado was a rare occurrence in this part of Michigan, according to the National Weather Service. The last time Gaylord saw extreme severe weather was a windstorm in 1998. 
KABUL, Afghanistan  Her mother begged her not to go to the protest, even as Maryam Hassanzada was on her way out the door.

But Ms. Hassanzada, 24, reassured her mother, then joined a dozen other women protesting a Taliban decree this month requiring Afghan women to cover themselves from head to toe.

Their faces uncovered, the women chanted Justice! Justice! and Stop tyranny against women! They protested for about 10 minutes before Taliban gunmen roughly broke up the demonstration. The protesters said they were held by Taliban security officials for two hours, questioned and berated, then released with a warning not to protest again.

Ms. Hassanzada was unbowed.

If we dont protest, the world wont know how badly Afghan women are oppressed, she said later.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Against the backdrop of 13 gangland killings in Sydneys west and south-west over the past 18 months, filming has begun on the 10-part drama inspired by famed underworld figure John Ibrahims autobiography Last King of the Cross.

The 10-part drama will explore Ibrahims rise from a poverty-stricken immigrant with no education, money, or prospects, to Australias most infamous nightclub mogul.

Lincoln Younes is cast to play John Ibrahim in an adaption of his autobiography, Last King of the Cross. Credit:Getty/Supplied

Actor Lincoln Younes  who plays the formidable nightclub owner  was pictured filming scenes for the new series in western Sydney alongside actor Callan Mulvey.

However, Emerald City is told that filming taking place at Western Sydney University on Tuesday was interrupted by a police helicopter hovering over nearby Rookwood cemetery where slain gangster Rami Iskander was laid to rest.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.






Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



WASHINGTON  We got a rare glimpse of the tortured soul of George W. Bush this past week.

During a speech at his presidential library in Dallas, Bush made the mother of all Freudian slips. He denounced the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq. He quickly corrected himself and clarified that he was talking about Vladimir Putin, saying, I mean of Ukraine. But then added, shaking his head, Iraq, too.

The Bushes always told me that they did not like to be put on the couch. But this time, W. put himself on the couch. For the 75-year-old former president, it was a moment of self-incrimination worthy of Dostoyevsky  a display of conscience and a swerve into truth in a time when truth seems lost in the mist.

Everywhere we look, we are deluged with deception and Big Lies.

Putin has pulled the wool over the eyes of a nation, deceiving Russians about the Ukraine war the same way he deceived himself. When a retired colonel blurted out the truth Monday on Russian state television, saying the situation for us will clearly get worse, it was another uncommon confessional moment. The anchors with him looked uncomfortable as he spilled the tea and warned Russians not to take informational sedatives.

We are in total geopolitical isolation and the whole world is against us, even if we dont want to admit it, said the colonel, Mikhail Khodaryonok, who is now a conservative columnist and TV analyst on military affairs.
Authorities are searching for a woman accused of fatally shooting a cyclist in Austin last week.

A photo of Kaitlin Armstrong, courtesy of the U.S. Marshals.

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 35, is suspected of killing Anna Wilson, 25. Wilson, a Vermont native, was in Austin for a race when she was killed on May 11, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service, whose Lone Star Fugitive Task Force is assisting with the investigation.

Police responding to a call at a residence in East Austin found Wilson bleeding and unconscious from multiple gunshot wounds. CPR was performed on Wilson, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the marshals service.

The Austin Police Department asked for assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force's Austin division to find and arrest Armstrong, who is a resident of Austin. Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force have actively launched a fugitive investigation and are looking into leads about Armstrong's whereabouts.

Armstrong is in a relationship with a man who had a previous relationship with Wilson, and Wilson had gone swimming with that man the day she was killed, according to CBS affiliate KEYE in Austin.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102.

Economist Jason Furman "not super worried" about a recession within the next year

Georgia GOP primary races pose test of Trump's influence

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries "very confident" Democrats will hold onto majority in midterms
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Authorities are searching for a woman accused of fatally shooting a cyclist in Austin last week.

A photo of Kaitlin Armstrong, courtesy of the U.S. Marshals.

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 35, is suspected of killing Anna Wilson, 25. Wilson, a Vermont native, was in Austin for a race when she was killed on May 11, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service, whose Lone Star Fugitive Task Force is assisting with the investigation.

Police responding to a call at a residence in East Austin found Wilson bleeding and unconscious from multiple gunshot wounds. CPR was performed on Wilson, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the marshals service.

The Austin Police Department asked for assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force's Austin division to find and arrest Armstrong, who is a resident of Austin. Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force have actively launched a fugitive investigation and are looking into leads about Armstrong's whereabouts.

Armstrong is in a relationship with a man who had a previous relationship with Wilson, and Wilson had gone swimming with that man the day she was killed, according to CBS affiliate KEYE in Austin.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102.

Economist Jason Furman "not super worried" about a recession within the next year

Georgia GOP primary races pose test of Trump's influence

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries "very confident" Democrats will hold onto majority in midterms
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.




Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.


Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.
The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Applications are now open for Childrens Books Ireland book-gifting projects 20222023, offering schools across Louth the chance to receive hundreds of books for their school library, class sets for their students to keep, visits from authors and illustrators, and more.

These book-gifting projects focus on schools in need or those experiencing disadvantage.

They give students equal opportunities to read excellent books, bring artists into the classroom virtually or in-person to boost their enjoyment of reading, and support teachers with resources to promote reading for pleasure and creative engagement with books.

Childrens Books Ireland is particularly interested in hearing from schools that are already making efforts to promote reading for pleasure and diversity and inclusion with what limited resources they do have.

There are numerous packages on offer, and their team will endeavour to match winning schools to the most suitable project.

What can schools receive?

Hundreds of new, excellent, and diverse books for your school library

Class sets for students to own and keep

Visits from well-known Irish childrens authors and illustrators

Tailored resource packs and classroom materials

Training and support from dedicated Childrens Books Ireland staff

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said:

"We love working with schools to build a buzz around reading and to select brilliant books that will appeal to all kinds of readers  from reluctant to avid. We know that these libraries have an immediate impact on the students who receive them as well as making lasting positive change for students in the years to come."

Maria Boyne, principal of Holywell ETNS, Swords (participants in Every Child A Reader book-gifting project 2021 - pictured), said:

"We at Holywell are delighted to have been selected to receive the Every Child A Reader library.

"This brilliant collection of books reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of our school and will give our students the chance to find themselves in a book. It will support us to further develop the culture of reading in this school and help every child become a reader. We sincerely thank Children's Books for this amazing opportunity and look forward to working with them."

Applications for these book-gifting projects closes on Friday 10th June, 2022 at 5pm.

All primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply.

Applications are assessed based on their particular needs and ambition for the projects, with the successful schools notified by the end of September 2022.

Link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCR5T8K

More information about Childrens Books Irelands 202223 book-gifting projects can be found on their website at childrensbooksireland.ie, or by contacting a member of their book-gifting team directly at bookgifting@childrensbooksireland.ie.
Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine Friday, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, destroying houses in residential districts and killing a number of civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "Hell" and said the region had been "completely destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The Donbas is now Russian President Vladimir Putin's focus after his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, in the southern port city of Mariupol, scene of the war's bloodiest siege, the last wounded fighters from holdout Ukrainian units have been evacuated from their bastion, the Azovstal steelworks, their commander said. The evacuation of the last fighters, their number unclear, follows the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway. Russia has started pulling troops from the site.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
In a hall on Japan's Sado island, 71-year-old Yoshikazu Fujimoto strikes the imposing drum mounted before him, producing a boom so powerful that it reverberates through the floorboards.

Fujimoto is a veteran performer of Japanese taiko drumming, a musical form with roots in religious rituals, traditional theatre and the joyous abandon of seasonal festivals called matsuri.

But for all its ancient pedigree, taiko as a stage performance is a fairly modern invention, developed by a jazz musician and popularised in part by one of Japan's most famous troupes: Sado island's Kodo.

Fujimoto is the oldest of the 37 musicians that make up the group, which recruits members through a rigorous two-year training programme.

It was founded partly to attract people to Sado, off Japan's west coast, and tours internationally, spreading the gospel of taiko.

"Taiko itself is like a prayer," said Fujimoto, who came to Sado in 1972 to join the group that evolved into Kodo.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Yoshikazu Fujimoto of the Kodo troupe posing for a photo after a perfomance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

"It used to be said that the area reached by the sound of a drum made up a single community," he said.

"Through taiko... I want to become part of a community with the audience and send a message of living together, a message of compassion."

It has been a life-long project for Fujimoto, who is a specialist performer of the o-daiko, an enormous single drum mounted on a stand that is struck by a musician standing with his back to the audience and arms raised overhead.

The effect is an all-encompassing wall of sound that seems to enter the ribcage and vibrate through its bones.

And it is highly physical, with Fujimoto grunting in exertion as the muscles in his almost-bare back flex beneath the straps of his tunic with every strike.

This photo taken on April 26, 2022 shows a craftsperson working on the renovation of a Japanese taiko drum at the Miyamoto Unosuke workshop in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

'One with the sound'

"I become one with the sound," he said. "Playing taiko makes me feel I'm alive."

Kodo's performances range from the sombre power of the o-daiko solo to ensemble pieces featuring flute and singing, and even comic interludes that encourage audience participation.

Taiko simply means drum in Japanese, and performers use two main types.

The first is made from a single, hollowed tree trunk with cow or horsehide nailed over each end. The second uses hide stretched over rings attached with ropes to a wooden body.

They have been part of rituals and theatrical artforms like noh and kabuki in Japan for centuries.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Hana Ogawa of the Kodo troupe warming up before a performance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

But drumming in those contexts is often a solemn practice,while modern taiko performance is closer to folk festivals where troupes often made up of local residents play in streets or fields to unite the community, drive away malign influences or pray for a good harvest.

"Contemporary taiko drumming took a lot of inspiration from this local festival drumming and combined with more formal traditional performing arts to evolve into what we see as taiko drumming today," explained Yoshihiko Miyamoto, whose company Miyamoto Unosuke has made taiko for over 160 years.

Key to that evolution was jazz drummer Daihachi Oguchi, who moved festival drumming onto the stage in the 1950s and 60s.

Then in 1969, musician Den Tagayasu moved to Sado to found a taiko troupe that he hoped would attract young people to the island and revitalise it.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performers of the Kodo troupe taking part in a performance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

'Straight to your soul'

Fujimoto left his native Kyoto to join the group known as Ondekoza, and when they split he stayed and helped found Kodo.

Joining now involves an arduous two-year training programme, where apprentices aged 18-25 live in dorms, without phones or televisions.

"The day starts at 5am, when we get up and immediately go out to stretch. Then we start cleaning and polishing the floors," said Hana Ogawa, a 20-year-old who completed the trainee programme this year.

After cleaning, the trainees go for a run and then spend the entire day practising, with breaks only for food. They have one day off a week.

It might not be for everyone, but Ogawa, who decided to join Kodo after seeing them perform in high school, has no regrets.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Yoshikazu Fujimoto attending a perfomance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

"I'm happy every day, because I love taiko and I pursued this one goal and achieved it, so it's a dream come true," she told AFP.

Taiko drumming has been growing in popularity at home and abroad in recent years, with troupes established in Europe and the United States and a steady rise in overseas orders for Miyamoto's store.

"Taiko has the power to connect people with its sound," he said.

"Especially in this contemporary age, you hear the sound of machines everywhere, but taiko uses this raw hide and the drum bodies made by wood," he added.

"It's like a sound of nature, it's very organic. I think that's one of the reasons it comes straight to your soul."




Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.

505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
said on Saturday it had so far banned 963 Americans from entering the country - including previously announced moves against President and other top officials - and would continue to retaliate against what it called hostile U.S. actions.

The largely symbolic travel bans form part of a downward spiral in Russia's relations with the West since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Washington and its allies to impose drastic sanctions on Moscow and step up arms supplies to Ukraine.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it had added 26 new names to a list of Canadians it has barred from travelling to Russia, including defence chiefs, defence industry executives and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Publishing the full list of banned Americans for the first time, the ministry said: "We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff." It said Russian counter-sanctions were a necessary response aimed at "forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial 'rules-based world order' on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognizing new geopolitical realities."

Previously announced names on the huge list included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA chief William Burns.

The new Canadian list was published four days after Canada introduced a bill that will ban President Vladimir Putin and about 1,000 members of his government and military from travelling there.

It included Jocelyn Paul, Eric Kenny and Angus Topshee, who were named last month as the new heads of the Canadian army, air force and navy, and executives of companies including Lockheed Martin Canada and Raytheon Canada.

In response to sanctions, had already banned Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and hundreds of other Canadians from entering the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol

Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol

Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The visionary pediatrician may soon be an endangered species

257 Shares Share

If I were writing a book about what its like to be a visionary pediatrician speaking up for childrens health, I would title it, The Hate We Get.

A few months ago, I received a death threat comment on a TikTok video I posted advocating for COVID vaccines.

My college-aged daughter called me, Mom, I saw your TikTok video. Thats so scary. Im so sorry.

I expected it. Ive had worse.

I did a response video, deleted, reported, and blocked the commenter.

I follow @drglaucomflecken on TikTok, a hilarious and nearly spot-on ophthalmologist who is the satiric hero of the medical side of TikTok. He has 1.6 million followers and 56.4 million likes on his videos. His loyal scribe, Jonathan, who he also plays, makes hilarious and comedically-timed appearances in most of the good doctors content.

Hes mostly spot on when it comes to the stereotypes and quirks of the various medical specialties. When role-playing a pediatrician, he puts on his unicorn headband and dons a syrupy sweet caricature, happy when everyone is getting along and full of hilarious child safety warnings.

With all due respect, @drglaucomflecken, tell your loyal scribe Jonathon to make a note in your chart: Pediatricians do not wear unicorn headbands!

Vaccines, gun violence prevention, COVID in children, gender-affirming care for transgender youth, Medicaid expansion.

Pick your advocacy poison.

No childrens health issue is immune to backlash.

The internet is a weapon to silence. The cyber-universe is a web of trolls with the ability to mobilize within a few malicious virtual minutes.

The divisiveness of our politics has created a dualistic for or against, simplifying the cybertrolls job. Armed with their extreme propaganda, a troll can easily source who to demonize.

Its all fear-based attempts to silence and, to be honest, sometimes it works.

Pictures of people outside the Nebraska Capitol with assault weapons, posting their pictures, grinning on my Facebook page, with the comment, Youre horrifying. This one came after a comment I made on a state Senators post about a legislative bill to ban assault weapons.

Things have been tough for visionary pediatricians well before COVID.

What I mean by tough is attacks have been relentless and ongoing.

What I mean by visionary is the ability to manifest a dream for childrens health.

Anti-vaxxers were weaponizing the internet to pile on pediatric practices, taking over and faking online reviews. Practices have been left to invest in hiring cybersecurity experts to protect their patients and livelihoods.

Privilege alert: Im a 53-year-old pediatrician with financial resources, am free from the constraints of working within a health care system, and have white privilege. Though I have received and will continue to get death threats, I cannot deny that speaking out for childrens health is much easier for me than it is for visionary pediatricians who do not have my privileges.

Children have always been used as political pawns. With what children and teens are facing as fallout from the pandemic and another COVID surge mounts, the voice of the visionary pediatrician becomes even more important to protect.

The first time I remember getting hate for speaking up for childrens health was when I got a mail delivery of an envelope, and I remember wondering, just post 9/11, if it could be laced with anthrax.

A manila envelope, 8.5 x 11. I had just written a letter to the editor on what was most likely gun violence prevention. I seriously cant remember. It was chilling to see a copy of my letter to the editor cut out, and paper clipped to the top of a stack of Nazi propaganda and swastikas.

I remember being scared, debating whether this crazy person would come find me in my clinic.

Keep in mind that I havent always spoken up when I needed to. I havent always done the right thing. These are the moments that haunt me.

Twenty years ago, in my private practice, I had a patient who lived in fear of her father. During clinic visits, I lived in fear of her father too. Mom, the little girl, and the little boy all marched to the beat of the fathers drum. I did, too, during clinic visits. I remember being stuck in the land between my sixth sense knowing in my gut that things werent right, and the knowing based on experience that if I called CPS they would ask me for evidence I couldnt produce. Dad would come for me if I reported.

Not speaking up can give you a stomachache, a nauseating twinge of shame. Its a moral injury incurred by a failure of systems, fear, and the ongoing harm of my inner self-critic.

Sometimes I dont speak out because of fear or fear that it wouldnt do any good.

COVID has democratized the hate against physicians. It may be the first time some physicians, other than pediatricians, have experienced the same level of attacks, and its not okay.

The other day, I received a community guidelines violation for a TikTok post about Texas Childrens Hospital cutting gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Dr. Catherine Gordon resigned from Texas Childrens Hospital after only seven months of serving as the best childrens hospitals chief pediatrician.

Its very tough to know when to defend yourself when facing hate and threats of violence while fighting against the dangerous precedent of putting politics over the health and well-being of children.

I do not know Dr. Gordon. I would be honored to. As a visionary pediatrician, I feel as if I know her story well. I reached out to her via email to let her know how I support her and am grateful for her advocacy for transgender youth.

Pediatricians are famous for being the only specialty that advocates for our patients first.

Advocating for ourselves has historically taken a back seat or no seat. Though we are experts and advocates for prevention and childhood safety, including injury prevention, we have not been taught to put our oxygen masks on first.

Visionary pediatricians are experiencing an epidemic of moral injury, and its not OK.

Every time I make a post or speak out, I run it through my Is this worth a death threat filter, and its not OK.

Its time to start protecting the voices of visionary pediatricians.

We will keep speaking up!

Who will speak up for us?

The visionary pediatrician may soon be an endangered species.

Karla Lester is a pediatrician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Applications are now open for Childrens Books Ireland book-gifting projects 20222023, offering schools across Louth the chance to receive hundreds of books for their school library, class sets for their students to keep, visits from authors and illustrators, and more.

These book-gifting projects focus on schools in need or those experiencing disadvantage.

They give students equal opportunities to read excellent books, bring artists into the classroom virtually or in-person to boost their enjoyment of reading, and support teachers with resources to promote reading for pleasure and creative engagement with books.

Childrens Books Ireland is particularly interested in hearing from schools that are already making efforts to promote reading for pleasure and diversity and inclusion with what limited resources they do have.

There are numerous packages on offer, and their team will endeavour to match winning schools to the most suitable project.

What can schools receive?

Hundreds of new, excellent, and diverse books for your school library

Class sets for students to own and keep

Visits from well-known Irish childrens authors and illustrators

Tailored resource packs and classroom materials

Training and support from dedicated Childrens Books Ireland staff

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said:

"We love working with schools to build a buzz around reading and to select brilliant books that will appeal to all kinds of readers  from reluctant to avid. We know that these libraries have an immediate impact on the students who receive them as well as making lasting positive change for students in the years to come."

Maria Boyne, principal of Holywell ETNS, Swords (participants in Every Child A Reader book-gifting project 2021 - pictured), said:

"We at Holywell are delighted to have been selected to receive the Every Child A Reader library.

"This brilliant collection of books reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of our school and will give our students the chance to find themselves in a book. It will support us to further develop the culture of reading in this school and help every child become a reader. We sincerely thank Children's Books for this amazing opportunity and look forward to working with them."

Applications for these book-gifting projects closes on Friday 10th June, 2022 at 5pm.

All primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply.

Applications are assessed based on their particular needs and ambition for the projects, with the successful schools notified by the end of September 2022.

Link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCR5T8K

More information about Childrens Books Irelands 202223 book-gifting projects can be found on their website at childrensbooksireland.ie, or by contacting a member of their book-gifting team directly at bookgifting@childrensbooksireland.ie.




Applications are now open for Childrens Books Ireland book-gifting projects 20222023, offering schools across Louth the chance to receive hundreds of books for their school library, class sets for their students to keep, visits from authors and illustrators, and more.

These book-gifting projects focus on schools in need or those experiencing disadvantage.

They give students equal opportunities to read excellent books, bring artists into the classroom virtually or in-person to boost their enjoyment of reading, and support teachers with resources to promote reading for pleasure and creative engagement with books.

Childrens Books Ireland is particularly interested in hearing from schools that are already making efforts to promote reading for pleasure and diversity and inclusion with what limited resources they do have.

There are numerous packages on offer, and their team will endeavour to match winning schools to the most suitable project.

What can schools receive?

Hundreds of new, excellent, and diverse books for your school library

Class sets for students to own and keep

Visits from well-known Irish childrens authors and illustrators

Tailored resource packs and classroom materials

Training and support from dedicated Childrens Books Ireland staff

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said:

"We love working with schools to build a buzz around reading and to select brilliant books that will appeal to all kinds of readers  from reluctant to avid. We know that these libraries have an immediate impact on the students who receive them as well as making lasting positive change for students in the years to come."

Maria Boyne, principal of Holywell ETNS, Swords (participants in Every Child A Reader book-gifting project 2021 - pictured), said:

"We at Holywell are delighted to have been selected to receive the Every Child A Reader library.

"This brilliant collection of books reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of our school and will give our students the chance to find themselves in a book. It will support us to further develop the culture of reading in this school and help every child become a reader. We sincerely thank Children's Books for this amazing opportunity and look forward to working with them."

Applications for these book-gifting projects closes on Friday 10th June, 2022 at 5pm.

All primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply.

Applications are assessed based on their particular needs and ambition for the projects, with the successful schools notified by the end of September 2022.

Link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCR5T8K

More information about Childrens Books Irelands 202223 book-gifting projects can be found on their website at childrensbooksireland.ie, or by contacting a member of their book-gifting team directly at bookgifting@childrensbooksireland.ie.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Applications are now open for Childrens Books Ireland book-gifting projects 20222023, offering schools across Louth the chance to receive hundreds of books for their school library, class sets for their students to keep, visits from authors and illustrators, and more.

These book-gifting projects focus on schools in need or those experiencing disadvantage.

They give students equal opportunities to read excellent books, bring artists into the classroom virtually or in-person to boost their enjoyment of reading, and support teachers with resources to promote reading for pleasure and creative engagement with books.

Childrens Books Ireland is particularly interested in hearing from schools that are already making efforts to promote reading for pleasure and diversity and inclusion with what limited resources they do have.

There are numerous packages on offer, and their team will endeavour to match winning schools to the most suitable project.

What can schools receive?

Hundreds of new, excellent, and diverse books for your school library

Class sets for students to own and keep

Visits from well-known Irish childrens authors and illustrators

Tailored resource packs and classroom materials

Training and support from dedicated Childrens Books Ireland staff

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said:

"We love working with schools to build a buzz around reading and to select brilliant books that will appeal to all kinds of readers  from reluctant to avid. We know that these libraries have an immediate impact on the students who receive them as well as making lasting positive change for students in the years to come."

Maria Boyne, principal of Holywell ETNS, Swords (participants in Every Child A Reader book-gifting project 2021 - pictured), said:

"We at Holywell are delighted to have been selected to receive the Every Child A Reader library.

"This brilliant collection of books reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of our school and will give our students the chance to find themselves in a book. It will support us to further develop the culture of reading in this school and help every child become a reader. We sincerely thank Children's Books for this amazing opportunity and look forward to working with them."

Applications for these book-gifting projects closes on Friday 10th June, 2022 at 5pm.

All primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply.

Applications are assessed based on their particular needs and ambition for the projects, with the successful schools notified by the end of September 2022.

Link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCR5T8K

More information about Childrens Books Irelands 202223 book-gifting projects can be found on their website at childrensbooksireland.ie, or by contacting a member of their book-gifting team directly at bookgifting@childrensbooksireland.ie.
The Louth Volunteer Centre team were excited to launch their New Connection mental health project on 17th May as part of their National Volunteering Week celebrations.

The aim of this project is to break down the barriers to volunteering for people in priority groups most at risk of poor mental health.

The project will run until December 5th where its closing celebrations will be held in conjunction with International Volunteer Day.

Kayleigh Mulligan manager of Louth Volunteer Centre said

We are delighted to have received this funding from Mental Health Ireland to support our work in ensuring that volunteering is accessible to all in County Louth.

Volunteering has so many benefits to a persons mental and physical wellbeing, it gives a real sense of connection to yourself and your local community.

 The New Connections programme will give us the opportunity to work with individuals that are in priority groupings for risk of low mental health on a very supportive and individual level to help them to find a new way to connect to their communities through volunteering.

It has been the experience of the Louth Volunteer Centre that certain cohorts of potential volunteers can find it difficult to secure volunteer roles.

Louth Volunteer Centre has chosen three groups to work with, that they feel will really benefit from what New Connections has to offer.

They are adults with intellectual disabilities, people recovering from addiction and young men who have been through Garda diversion programs.

Olivia Conlon, Volunteer Development Officer with Louth Volunteer Centre said equality is important, but equity is more important.

We need to level the playing field and give people the support they need to access the same opportunities as everyone else.

As well as working with the individuals from these cohorts Louth Volunteer Centre is also looking for local volunteer involving organisations to get involved in the project.

We are asking organisations that involve volunteers in their work to sign up to this project by nominating an inclusion officer that will be trained and supported to involve volunteers of all abilities and be upskilled in the area of mental health awareness says Kaleigh Mulligan.

Eve McCrystal Paralympic medallist and local Garda who joined Louth Volunteer Centre for the launch of the project said:

I am excited to get involved with this project. We all have mental health, and we all need to look after it.

For more information about the New Connections project can contact Olivia Conlon from Louth Volunteer Centre, Olivia@volunteerlouth.ie
Applications are now open for Childrens Books Ireland book-gifting projects 20222023, offering schools across Louth the chance to receive hundreds of books for their school library, class sets for their students to keep, visits from authors and illustrators, and more.

These book-gifting projects focus on schools in need or those experiencing disadvantage.

They give students equal opportunities to read excellent books, bring artists into the classroom virtually or in-person to boost their enjoyment of reading, and support teachers with resources to promote reading for pleasure and creative engagement with books.

Childrens Books Ireland is particularly interested in hearing from schools that are already making efforts to promote reading for pleasure and diversity and inclusion with what limited resources they do have.

There are numerous packages on offer, and their team will endeavour to match winning schools to the most suitable project.

What can schools receive?

Hundreds of new, excellent, and diverse books for your school library

Class sets for students to own and keep

Visits from well-known Irish childrens authors and illustrators

Tailored resource packs and classroom materials

Training and support from dedicated Childrens Books Ireland staff

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said:

"We love working with schools to build a buzz around reading and to select brilliant books that will appeal to all kinds of readers  from reluctant to avid. We know that these libraries have an immediate impact on the students who receive them as well as making lasting positive change for students in the years to come."

Maria Boyne, principal of Holywell ETNS, Swords (participants in Every Child A Reader book-gifting project 2021 - pictured), said:

"We at Holywell are delighted to have been selected to receive the Every Child A Reader library.

"This brilliant collection of books reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of our school and will give our students the chance to find themselves in a book. It will support us to further develop the culture of reading in this school and help every child become a reader. We sincerely thank Children's Books for this amazing opportunity and look forward to working with them."

Applications for these book-gifting projects closes on Friday 10th June, 2022 at 5pm.

All primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply.

Applications are assessed based on their particular needs and ambition for the projects, with the successful schools notified by the end of September 2022.

Link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCR5T8K

More information about Childrens Books Irelands 202223 book-gifting projects can be found on their website at childrensbooksireland.ie, or by contacting a member of their book-gifting team directly at bookgifting@childrensbooksireland.ie.
In a hall on Japan's Sado island, 71-year-old Yoshikazu Fujimoto strikes the imposing drum mounted before him, producing a boom so powerful that it reverberates through the floorboards.

Fujimoto is a veteran performer of Japanese taiko drumming, a musical form with roots in religious rituals, traditional theatre and the joyous abandon of seasonal festivals called matsuri.

But for all its ancient pedigree, taiko as a stage performance is a fairly modern invention, developed by a jazz musician and popularised in part by one of Japan's most famous troupes: Sado island's Kodo.

Fujimoto is the oldest of the 37 musicians that make up the group, which recruits members through a rigorous two-year training programme.

It was founded partly to attract people to Sado, off Japan's west coast, and tours internationally, spreading the gospel of taiko.

"Taiko itself is like a prayer," said Fujimoto, who came to Sado in 1972 to join the group that evolved into Kodo.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Yoshikazu Fujimoto of the Kodo troupe posing for a photo after a perfomance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

"It used to be said that the area reached by the sound of a drum made up a single community," he said.

"Through taiko... I want to become part of a community with the audience and send a message of living together, a message of compassion."

It has been a life-long project for Fujimoto, who is a specialist performer of the o-daiko, an enormous single drum mounted on a stand that is struck by a musician standing with his back to the audience and arms raised overhead.

The effect is an all-encompassing wall of sound that seems to enter the ribcage and vibrate through its bones.

And it is highly physical, with Fujimoto grunting in exertion as the muscles in his almost-bare back flex beneath the straps of his tunic with every strike.

This photo taken on April 26, 2022 shows a craftsperson working on the renovation of a Japanese taiko drum at the Miyamoto Unosuke workshop in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

'One with the sound'

"I become one with the sound," he said. "Playing taiko makes me feel I'm alive."

Kodo's performances range from the sombre power of the o-daiko solo to ensemble pieces featuring flute and singing, and even comic interludes that encourage audience participation.

Taiko simply means drum in Japanese, and performers use two main types.

The first is made from a single, hollowed tree trunk with cow or horsehide nailed over each end. The second uses hide stretched over rings attached with ropes to a wooden body.

They have been part of rituals and theatrical artforms like noh and kabuki in Japan for centuries.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Hana Ogawa of the Kodo troupe warming up before a performance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

But drumming in those contexts is often a solemn practice,while modern taiko performance is closer to folk festivals where troupes often made up of local residents play in streets or fields to unite the community, drive away malign influences or pray for a good harvest.

"Contemporary taiko drumming took a lot of inspiration from this local festival drumming and combined with more formal traditional performing arts to evolve into what we see as taiko drumming today," explained Yoshihiko Miyamoto, whose company Miyamoto Unosuke has made taiko for over 160 years.

Key to that evolution was jazz drummer Daihachi Oguchi, who moved festival drumming onto the stage in the 1950s and 60s.

Then in 1969, musician Den Tagayasu moved to Sado to found a taiko troupe that he hoped would attract young people to the island and revitalise it.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performers of the Kodo troupe taking part in a performance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

'Straight to your soul'

Fujimoto left his native Kyoto to join the group known as Ondekoza, and when they split he stayed and helped found Kodo.

Joining now involves an arduous two-year training programme, where apprentices aged 18-25 live in dorms, without phones or televisions.

"The day starts at 5am, when we get up and immediately go out to stretch. Then we start cleaning and polishing the floors," said Hana Ogawa, a 20-year-old who completed the trainee programme this year.

After cleaning, the trainees go for a run and then spend the entire day practising, with breaks only for food. They have one day off a week.

It might not be for everyone, but Ogawa, who decided to join Kodo after seeing them perform in high school, has no regrets.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Yoshikazu Fujimoto attending a perfomance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

"I'm happy every day, because I love taiko and I pursued this one goal and achieved it, so it's a dream come true," she told AFP.

Taiko drumming has been growing in popularity at home and abroad in recent years, with troupes established in Europe and the United States and a steady rise in overseas orders for Miyamoto's store.

"Taiko has the power to connect people with its sound," he said.

"Especially in this contemporary age, you hear the sound of machines everywhere, but taiko uses this raw hide and the drum bodies made by wood," he added.

"It's like a sound of nature, it's very organic. I think that's one of the reasons it comes straight to your soul."
In a hall on Japan's Sado island, 71-year-old Yoshikazu Fujimoto strikes the imposing drum mounted before him, producing a boom so powerful that it reverberates through the floorboards.

Fujimoto is a veteran performer of Japanese taiko drumming, a musical form with roots in religious rituals, traditional theatre and the joyous abandon of seasonal festivals called matsuri.

But for all its ancient pedigree, taiko as a stage performance is a fairly modern invention, developed by a jazz musician and popularised in part by one of Japan's most famous troupes: Sado island's Kodo.

Fujimoto is the oldest of the 37 musicians that make up the group, which recruits members through a rigorous two-year training programme.

It was founded partly to attract people to Sado, off Japan's west coast, and tours internationally, spreading the gospel of taiko.

"Taiko itself is like a prayer," said Fujimoto, who came to Sado in 1972 to join the group that evolved into Kodo.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Yoshikazu Fujimoto of the Kodo troupe posing for a photo after a perfomance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

"It used to be said that the area reached by the sound of a drum made up a single community," he said.

"Through taiko... I want to become part of a community with the audience and send a message of living together, a message of compassion."

It has been a life-long project for Fujimoto, who is a specialist performer of the o-daiko, an enormous single drum mounted on a stand that is struck by a musician standing with his back to the audience and arms raised overhead.

The effect is an all-encompassing wall of sound that seems to enter the ribcage and vibrate through its bones.

And it is highly physical, with Fujimoto grunting in exertion as the muscles in his almost-bare back flex beneath the straps of his tunic with every strike.

This photo taken on April 26, 2022 shows a craftsperson working on the renovation of a Japanese taiko drum at the Miyamoto Unosuke workshop in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

'One with the sound'

"I become one with the sound," he said. "Playing taiko makes me feel I'm alive."

Kodo's performances range from the sombre power of the o-daiko solo to ensemble pieces featuring flute and singing, and even comic interludes that encourage audience participation.

Taiko simply means drum in Japanese, and performers use two main types.

The first is made from a single, hollowed tree trunk with cow or horsehide nailed over each end. The second uses hide stretched over rings attached with ropes to a wooden body.

They have been part of rituals and theatrical artforms like noh and kabuki in Japan for centuries.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Hana Ogawa of the Kodo troupe warming up before a performance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

But drumming in those contexts is often a solemn practice,while modern taiko performance is closer to folk festivals where troupes often made up of local residents play in streets or fields to unite the community, drive away malign influences or pray for a good harvest.

"Contemporary taiko drumming took a lot of inspiration from this local festival drumming and combined with more formal traditional performing arts to evolve into what we see as taiko drumming today," explained Yoshihiko Miyamoto, whose company Miyamoto Unosuke has made taiko for over 160 years.

Key to that evolution was jazz drummer Daihachi Oguchi, who moved festival drumming onto the stage in the 1950s and 60s.

Then in 1969, musician Den Tagayasu moved to Sado to found a taiko troupe that he hoped would attract young people to the island and revitalise it.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performers of the Kodo troupe taking part in a performance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

'Straight to your soul'

Fujimoto left his native Kyoto to join the group known as Ondekoza, and when they split he stayed and helped found Kodo.

Joining now involves an arduous two-year training programme, where apprentices aged 18-25 live in dorms, without phones or televisions.

"The day starts at 5am, when we get up and immediately go out to stretch. Then we start cleaning and polishing the floors," said Hana Ogawa, a 20-year-old who completed the trainee programme this year.

After cleaning, the trainees go for a run and then spend the entire day practising, with breaks only for food. They have one day off a week.

It might not be for everyone, but Ogawa, who decided to join Kodo after seeing them perform in high school, has no regrets.

This photo taken on May 7, 2022 shows Japanese taiko drum performer Yoshikazu Fujimoto attending a perfomance on Sado island. Photo: AFP

"I'm happy every day, because I love taiko and I pursued this one goal and achieved it, so it's a dream come true," she told AFP.

Taiko drumming has been growing in popularity at home and abroad in recent years, with troupes established in Europe and the United States and a steady rise in overseas orders for Miyamoto's store.

"Taiko has the power to connect people with its sound," he said.

"Especially in this contemporary age, you hear the sound of machines everywhere, but taiko uses this raw hide and the drum bodies made by wood," he added.

"It's like a sound of nature, it's very organic. I think that's one of the reasons it comes straight to your soul."
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.

We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
President Biden wasted no time in pushing through the whopping $40 billion aid to Ukraine bill, signing the emergency appropriations bill from South Korea Saturday.

The White House confirmed for Fox News that the bill was flown to the president Friday with someone who was already set to travel to the area as part of Biden's Asia trip this week.

UKRAINE FUNDING BILL: THESE 11 REPUBLICAN SENATORS SPLIT FROM PARTY LEADERSHIP, OPPOSED $40 BILLION IN AID

The legislation passed through the House and Senate on a largely bipartisan basis in just over a week and was sent to the president's desk Thursday.

Though the bill was pushed through the lower chamber the same day it was introduced, with just over a quarter of House Republicans voting against the bill in a 368  57 vote, there was a nine-day delay before the Senate pushed the aid package through to the presidents desk.

Eleven Senate Republicans broke from party leadership to vote against the bill over spending concerns in an 86-11 vote.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul led the opposition and demanded that an inspector general be appointed to oversee the spending.

While some agreed with his oversight concerns, others like Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said he was against the principle of the bill.

HOUSE PASSES $40 BILLION UKRAINIAN AID PACKAGE

"I just think this is an exercise in nation-building," Hawley told Fox News Thursday. "So I'm a nationalist. I'm not in favor of nation-building. I think we ought to be prioritizing American strength."

Paul and Hawley were joined in their opposition by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., John Boozman, R-Ark., Mike Braun, R-Ind., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.

Senate Republicans in favor of the package argued the U.S. would pay a lot more in the fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is able to gain steam in Europe.

Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said that "at least 25 percent [will go] directly to the military in the United States, some to strengthen our forces in Europe. And then a good deal of it is humanitarian."

Story continues

Russian soldiers pose by a T-80 tank in a position close to the Azovstal frontline in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Maximilian Clarke/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

"And if you believe in the rule of law and if you believe that Putin could be on a slippery slope  is he going to stop in Ukraine and is he going to go in Eastern Europe, like they did before? That's something that's going to cost a lot more money," he added.

The U.S. has agreed to supply roughly $54 billion in military and humanitarian aid to counter Putins aggression in Ukraine.

Tyler Olsen and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
While there are many young workers in cities who are working hard to own a house, there are also some people who have decided to give up this dream for certain reasons.

Giving up a mental burden

Huynh Anh Tuan, a city dweller of Phu Huu District in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, who suffered from a sharp drop in income during the COVID -19 pandemic, decided not to pursue his dream of owning a home.

When he gave up on the plan, he felt relaxed after the great pressure was gone.

Tuan set a goal many years ago to own his own home before he turned 30.

To that end, Tuan took on many freelance jobs after graduating from college and invested a small amount in stocks.

In addition, an acquaintance promised to lend him VND500 million ($21,650) if he bought a house, which fueled his strategy over time, at least before the pandemic.

Although he had such an ambitious plan, now, at the age of 28, Huynh Anh Tuan is changing his mind because of COVID -19.

As a freelancer, Tuan has neither a fixed salary nor social security. Due to the pandemic, he had to use his savings for rent and other living expenses.

To save more money, he decided to move to a cheaper apartment, get rid of some unnecessary things, and give up the dream of buying a house one day.

"I am not thinking about an apartment or an affordable house now," Anh Tuan said.

"Even though it is said to be "affordable", it is still out of reach for low-income people like me and other freelancers," he added.

Since shedding the burden, Tuan no longer works too hard.

"I bought some equipment to support my work and signed up for my desired courses. I also took my parents to some tourist attractions that we did not dare go to before because of the high cost.

"Now, I am focusing on saving up to get married," the young man laughed, adding that he plans to leave the city in a few years and return to his hometown.

Minh Duc, 30, an urban resident who lives in Phu Nhuan District in Ho Chi Minh City, is in the same situation as Tuan, but he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper about his comfort and relaxation after getting rid of the pressure of having to buy a house in the city.

"I used to think I had to earn as much money to have an apartment as others," Duc said.

"But after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has damaged and weakened me too much, I have come to the decision to work normally to maintain the welfare of myself and my family," he added.

I do not want to pay debts for life

Duc believed that no one should sacrifice everything just to have an apartment in the city.

The IT employee said that it is better to have a place that is suitable for his life and work, and not necessarily a house.

Based on this, he has used the savings he earmarked to buy a home in the city to improve the family house in his hometown.

He also puts excess money in the bank in case he gets sick or something unexpected happens to him.

"Instead of taking on more and more shifts or working part-time on weekends, I can visit my parents and younger brother more often and spend more time with them," Duc said.

"I do not want to spend most of my youth working to pay off housing debt that can last up to 20 years if I buy in installments. Not to mention that in some cases, the debt can put a lot of strain on a marriage.

"Houses in the city are only for high-income people. Housing prices are rising too much for white-collar workers with average incomes like me," he added.

According to the latest analysis by the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HoREA), not a single apartment was sold for less than VND25 million (US$1,092) per square meter in Ho Chi Minh City in 2021.

HoREA cited data from 2016-21 showing that the rate of affordable housing has decreased over time.

It was just 1 percent in 2020 and zero in 2021.

Many young white-collar workers in Ho Chi Minh City cannot buy a house or apartment with their income, although they are doing their best, as property prices have increased in recent years. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre News

Invest instead of buying homes

While there are still many people who want to buy a home, many young workers choose not to, even though they can afford monthly payments.

These people use their savings for investments, starting businesses, or buying a car.

In the middle of this year, Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi will pay off the equivalent to 60 percent of the value of her dream car of VND900 million ($38,975).

As a bank employee who runs an online cosmetics business, Nhi said she never intended to buy a house in the city.

"I like to change the environment where I live and work sometimes. When I change my job, I can change my residence to get to work more conveniently.

"In my opinion, it is important to have a comfortable living environment in order to work effectively," the young woman explained.

Thanks to this thought, Nhi decided to buy a car instead of buying an apartment, although her dad promised to lend her money to buy a house.

"I do not want to buy a house because it might be quite difficult for me to sell it if I want to change," Nhi added.

She is also concerned about the many uncertain things that could happen during the installment period.

"That's why buying a car is my priority. My monthly installments are absolutely cheaper than buying an apartment, which costs about VND2-3 billion ($86,610 - 130,000) even for the cheapest apartment," Nhi explained her decision.

With her choice, Nhi can live a comfortable life in a modern rental apartment. She can use her income for rent, installment payments for buying a car, and personal expenses.

Ngoc Thanh, a 36-year-old woman living on the outskirts of Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City, has also chosen to rent a house and use part of her income for investment.

"I rent a house and use the money I have left after monthly expenses to deposit in the bank or invest profitably in some areas. The income from this becomes my monthly income, which I can use to pay my rent," Thanh said.

Thanh thinks differently from many other Vietnamese and does not believe she needs to try to leave a house to her children in the future.

"It is better to leave knowledge to children than to leave a house.

"Besides, the wealth we leave to our children is not necessarily a house, but a saving account or other beneficial investments to help them get started," said the mother of two.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2022) - TrustBIX Inc.(TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company")is pleased to announce that the Company held its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") via webcast on May 20, 2022. All matters to be acted upon, as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Management Information Circular dated April 14, 2022, were approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

The Company's shareholders voted to:

Fix the number of directors at five;

Elect Hubert Lau, Edward (Ted) Power, David Schuster, Lap Shing (Andrew) Kao, and Emma Todd as directors;

Appoint Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration;

Approve the amendment of the Company's bylaws to include the Advance Notice provisions as described in the Management Information Circular; and

Re-approve the Company's fixed stock option plan, whereby a maximum of 15,849,966 option shares, being 20% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, will be reserved for issuance as described in the Management Information Circular.

The directors and management of TrustBIX thank all shareholders for their participation in the Meeting and for their continuing support.

Mr. Tony Barlott, Mr. William Shea Jameson, and Mr. Gerben (Jerry) Bouma did not stand for re-election for the ensuing year.

"We all thank Tony, Shea and Jerry for their tireless work and tremendous contributions over their tenure as directors. They were key to our success in getting to this stage in our development and growth. We look forward to their continued support as they form the Company's new advisory board," said Hubert Lau, TrustBIX CEO.

Subsequent to the Annual General and Special Meeting, 6,625,000 stock options have been granted to directors, officers, employees and contractors of the Company as part of their compensation plans. All options granted have a strike price of $0.10, vest 50% on each of the grant and anniversary dates and will expire in five years if not exercised.

About TrustBIX (TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF)

As an innovative leader, TrustBIX provides agri-food traceability and chain of custody value solutions. The Company's goal is to create a world where we trust more, waste less and reward sustainable behaviour by addressing consumer and agri-food business demands. The proprietary platform, BIX (Business InfoXchange system), is designed to create trust without compromising privacy through innovative, blockchain-derived use of technology and data. By leveraging BIX and its unique use of incentive solutions, TrustBIX delivers independent validation of food provenance and sustainable production practices within the supply chain - Gate to Plate.

ViewTrak Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides a suite of hardware and software solutions to the livestock industry in Canada, United States, Mexico and China, such as Auction Master Pro, Market Master, Feedlot Solutions and pork grading probes.

The Company's Insight technology offers an edge-to-enterprise supply chain solution that brings asset situational awareness to dealers, equipment fleets, and civil construction managers. The platform allows for the tracking, protection, and identification of movement of assets using self-powered and self-reporting cellular tags and cloud-based suite of tools.

For more information, visit www.trustbix.com, or follow TrustBIX on Twitter @TrustBIX_Inc, LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/bixsco-inc- and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BIXSco/.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and reflects the Company's present assumptions regarding future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance, and/or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "propose", "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions used by any of the Company's management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's internal projections, expectations, future growth, performance and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to the Company. Since they relate to the Company's current views with respect to future events, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except as required by applicable securities legislation, regulations or policies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Hubert Lau

President and CEO

Telephone: (780) 456-2207

Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/124833
BURLINGTON  True story: Burlingtons new community slogan could be based on lies.

City officials are discussing trading in their old Chocolate City U.S.A. slogan for a new one built around Burlingtons most famous private club  the Burlington Liars Club.

The tongue-in-cheek club goes back nearly a hundred years, and it has drawn national attention with its yearly contest to see who can concoct the most amusing fib.

As the city moves away from its longstanding Chocolate City brand, some officials think the Liars Club represents the sort of distinctive new identity that would make outsiders take a fresh look at Burlington.

Alderman Shad Branen said he envisions a ceremony to unveil each years winning lie on a scale of the Groundhog Day event that generates national attention each February for Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

It has massive potential, Brannen told his colleagues on the Burlington City Council Tuesday.

Some council members expressed interest in Branens idea, while others suggested that maybe Burlington does not need a slogan at all.

There was widespread agreement, however, that the ideas presented so far by a slogan-writing consulting firm have been non-starters.

After being roundly rejected by public opinion with the proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams, the consultant offered alternatives: Small Town, Big Dreams, Discover Your Best Life, Home Again, and Lakes & Rivers & Dreams Come True.

Looking over the choices, Alderman Tom Vos said: None of them really grabs me  I dont know how else to say it.

Goodbye cocoa

The city has been wrestling with an identity crisis of sorts for several years, trying to decide whether Burlington needs a break from its image as Chocolate City U.S.A.

Burlington adopted the chocolate slogan in 1987, based on the presence of candy-maker Nestles large manufacturing plant at 637 S. Pine St. At the same time, a summer festival called ChocolateFest grew into Burlingtons biggest annual event.

But as the Nestle plant changed and chocolate became less prevalent around town, officials started talking about retooling Burlingtons image.

The summer festival last year was renamed Burlington Jamboree.

An ad hoc group came up with the idea of City of Trails, but that fizzled out when officials decided that Burlingtons trail system was not so unique.

Using a $40,000 state grant, the city hired GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions and asked the Rockford, Illinois, consulting firm to come up with rebranding ideas. The firm told city officials that Burlington should stop trying to be a tourist attraction and should focus on promoting itself as simply a place to live and raise a family.

GrahamSpencer fashioned a logo out of a house with accompanying symbols of blue water and green agriculture. Finding a slogan to go with the logo, however, has proven tricky.

The proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams won early support, before a barrage of negative public feedback prompted city officials to backtrack. The alternatives discussed at Tuesdays City Council meeting did not generate much enthusiasm either.

City Administrator Carina Walters urged aldermen to find a solution, because the state wants to close out the $40,000 grant award cycle by June 30.

We will need to wrap up this process, Walters said.

Some aldermen suggested rebranding Burlington with no slogan at all. As Alderwoman Sara Spencer put it: If we cant agree on one, why do we need one?

Branen then mentioned the Burlington Liars Club as a feature in the community that could serve as the basis for a successful rebranding.

Alderman Bill Smitz agreed that the idea had possibilities. Its an interesting, unique area that would set us apart.

Since 1930, the club has conducted its contest every year and has enjoyed widespread attention with its selection of the best lies. Branen said the club has brought Burlington publicity in national newspapers and other news media.

There has also been a Liars Club tavern in town since 2016 at 492 N. Pine St.

If the city fashioned a new slogan based on the Liars Club, Branen said, the contest winner could be named each winter during the citys ice-sculpting competition in a grand spectacle like the Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania.

Branen said he is not aware of another Liars Club anywhere else.

It is the one and only that I know of in the world, he said. I just think its so unique.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

The visionary pediatrician may soon be an endangered species

257 Shares Share

If I were writing a book about what its like to be a visionary pediatrician speaking up for childrens health, I would title it, The Hate We Get.

A few months ago, I received a death threat comment on a TikTok video I posted advocating for COVID vaccines.

My college-aged daughter called me, Mom, I saw your TikTok video. Thats so scary. Im so sorry.

I expected it. Ive had worse.

I did a response video, deleted, reported, and blocked the commenter.

I follow @drglaucomflecken on TikTok, a hilarious and nearly spot-on ophthalmologist who is the satiric hero of the medical side of TikTok. He has 1.6 million followers and 56.4 million likes on his videos. His loyal scribe, Jonathan, who he also plays, makes hilarious and comedically-timed appearances in most of the good doctors content.

Hes mostly spot on when it comes to the stereotypes and quirks of the various medical specialties. When role-playing a pediatrician, he puts on his unicorn headband and dons a syrupy sweet caricature, happy when everyone is getting along and full of hilarious child safety warnings.

With all due respect, @drglaucomflecken, tell your loyal scribe Jonathon to make a note in your chart: Pediatricians do not wear unicorn headbands!

Vaccines, gun violence prevention, COVID in children, gender-affirming care for transgender youth, Medicaid expansion.

Pick your advocacy poison.

No childrens health issue is immune to backlash.

The internet is a weapon to silence. The cyber-universe is a web of trolls with the ability to mobilize within a few malicious virtual minutes.

The divisiveness of our politics has created a dualistic for or against, simplifying the cybertrolls job. Armed with their extreme propaganda, a troll can easily source who to demonize.

Its all fear-based attempts to silence and, to be honest, sometimes it works.

Pictures of people outside the Nebraska Capitol with assault weapons, posting their pictures, grinning on my Facebook page, with the comment, Youre horrifying. This one came after a comment I made on a state Senators post about a legislative bill to ban assault weapons.

Things have been tough for visionary pediatricians well before COVID.

What I mean by tough is attacks have been relentless and ongoing.

What I mean by visionary is the ability to manifest a dream for childrens health.

Anti-vaxxers were weaponizing the internet to pile on pediatric practices, taking over and faking online reviews. Practices have been left to invest in hiring cybersecurity experts to protect their patients and livelihoods.

Privilege alert: Im a 53-year-old pediatrician with financial resources, am free from the constraints of working within a health care system, and have white privilege. Though I have received and will continue to get death threats, I cannot deny that speaking out for childrens health is much easier for me than it is for visionary pediatricians who do not have my privileges.

Children have always been used as political pawns. With what children and teens are facing as fallout from the pandemic and another COVID surge mounts, the voice of the visionary pediatrician becomes even more important to protect.

The first time I remember getting hate for speaking up for childrens health was when I got a mail delivery of an envelope, and I remember wondering, just post 9/11, if it could be laced with anthrax.

A manila envelope, 8.5 x 11. I had just written a letter to the editor on what was most likely gun violence prevention. I seriously cant remember. It was chilling to see a copy of my letter to the editor cut out, and paper clipped to the top of a stack of Nazi propaganda and swastikas.

I remember being scared, debating whether this crazy person would come find me in my clinic.

Keep in mind that I havent always spoken up when I needed to. I havent always done the right thing. These are the moments that haunt me.

Twenty years ago, in my private practice, I had a patient who lived in fear of her father. During clinic visits, I lived in fear of her father too. Mom, the little girl, and the little boy all marched to the beat of the fathers drum. I did, too, during clinic visits. I remember being stuck in the land between my sixth sense knowing in my gut that things werent right, and the knowing based on experience that if I called CPS they would ask me for evidence I couldnt produce. Dad would come for me if I reported.

Not speaking up can give you a stomachache, a nauseating twinge of shame. Its a moral injury incurred by a failure of systems, fear, and the ongoing harm of my inner self-critic.

Sometimes I dont speak out because of fear or fear that it wouldnt do any good.

COVID has democratized the hate against physicians. It may be the first time some physicians, other than pediatricians, have experienced the same level of attacks, and its not okay.

The other day, I received a community guidelines violation for a TikTok post about Texas Childrens Hospital cutting gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Dr. Catherine Gordon resigned from Texas Childrens Hospital after only seven months of serving as the best childrens hospitals chief pediatrician.

Its very tough to know when to defend yourself when facing hate and threats of violence while fighting against the dangerous precedent of putting politics over the health and well-being of children.

I do not know Dr. Gordon. I would be honored to. As a visionary pediatrician, I feel as if I know her story well. I reached out to her via email to let her know how I support her and am grateful for her advocacy for transgender youth.

Pediatricians are famous for being the only specialty that advocates for our patients first.

Advocating for ourselves has historically taken a back seat or no seat. Though we are experts and advocates for prevention and childhood safety, including injury prevention, we have not been taught to put our oxygen masks on first.

Visionary pediatricians are experiencing an epidemic of moral injury, and its not OK.

Every time I make a post or speak out, I run it through my Is this worth a death threat filter, and its not OK.

Its time to start protecting the voices of visionary pediatricians.

We will keep speaking up!

Who will speak up for us?

The visionary pediatrician may soon be an endangered species.

Karla Lester is a pediatrician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
The visionary pediatrician may soon be an endangered species

257 Shares Share

If I were writing a book about what its like to be a visionary pediatrician speaking up for childrens health, I would title it, The Hate We Get.

A few months ago, I received a death threat comment on a TikTok video I posted advocating for COVID vaccines.

My college-aged daughter called me, Mom, I saw your TikTok video. Thats so scary. Im so sorry.

I expected it. Ive had worse.

I did a response video, deleted, reported, and blocked the commenter.

I follow @drglaucomflecken on TikTok, a hilarious and nearly spot-on ophthalmologist who is the satiric hero of the medical side of TikTok. He has 1.6 million followers and 56.4 million likes on his videos. His loyal scribe, Jonathan, who he also plays, makes hilarious and comedically-timed appearances in most of the good doctors content.

Hes mostly spot on when it comes to the stereotypes and quirks of the various medical specialties. When role-playing a pediatrician, he puts on his unicorn headband and dons a syrupy sweet caricature, happy when everyone is getting along and full of hilarious child safety warnings.

With all due respect, @drglaucomflecken, tell your loyal scribe Jonathon to make a note in your chart: Pediatricians do not wear unicorn headbands!

Vaccines, gun violence prevention, COVID in children, gender-affirming care for transgender youth, Medicaid expansion.

Pick your advocacy poison.

No childrens health issue is immune to backlash.

The internet is a weapon to silence. The cyber-universe is a web of trolls with the ability to mobilize within a few malicious virtual minutes.

The divisiveness of our politics has created a dualistic for or against, simplifying the cybertrolls job. Armed with their extreme propaganda, a troll can easily source who to demonize.

Its all fear-based attempts to silence and, to be honest, sometimes it works.

Pictures of people outside the Nebraska Capitol with assault weapons, posting their pictures, grinning on my Facebook page, with the comment, Youre horrifying. This one came after a comment I made on a state Senators post about a legislative bill to ban assault weapons.

Things have been tough for visionary pediatricians well before COVID.

What I mean by tough is attacks have been relentless and ongoing.

What I mean by visionary is the ability to manifest a dream for childrens health.

Anti-vaxxers were weaponizing the internet to pile on pediatric practices, taking over and faking online reviews. Practices have been left to invest in hiring cybersecurity experts to protect their patients and livelihoods.

Privilege alert: Im a 53-year-old pediatrician with financial resources, am free from the constraints of working within a health care system, and have white privilege. Though I have received and will continue to get death threats, I cannot deny that speaking out for childrens health is much easier for me than it is for visionary pediatricians who do not have my privileges.

Children have always been used as political pawns. With what children and teens are facing as fallout from the pandemic and another COVID surge mounts, the voice of the visionary pediatrician becomes even more important to protect.

The first time I remember getting hate for speaking up for childrens health was when I got a mail delivery of an envelope, and I remember wondering, just post 9/11, if it could be laced with anthrax.

A manila envelope, 8.5 x 11. I had just written a letter to the editor on what was most likely gun violence prevention. I seriously cant remember. It was chilling to see a copy of my letter to the editor cut out, and paper clipped to the top of a stack of Nazi propaganda and swastikas.

I remember being scared, debating whether this crazy person would come find me in my clinic.

Keep in mind that I havent always spoken up when I needed to. I havent always done the right thing. These are the moments that haunt me.

Twenty years ago, in my private practice, I had a patient who lived in fear of her father. During clinic visits, I lived in fear of her father too. Mom, the little girl, and the little boy all marched to the beat of the fathers drum. I did, too, during clinic visits. I remember being stuck in the land between my sixth sense knowing in my gut that things werent right, and the knowing based on experience that if I called CPS they would ask me for evidence I couldnt produce. Dad would come for me if I reported.

Not speaking up can give you a stomachache, a nauseating twinge of shame. Its a moral injury incurred by a failure of systems, fear, and the ongoing harm of my inner self-critic.

Sometimes I dont speak out because of fear or fear that it wouldnt do any good.

COVID has democratized the hate against physicians. It may be the first time some physicians, other than pediatricians, have experienced the same level of attacks, and its not okay.

The other day, I received a community guidelines violation for a TikTok post about Texas Childrens Hospital cutting gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Dr. Catherine Gordon resigned from Texas Childrens Hospital after only seven months of serving as the best childrens hospitals chief pediatrician.

Its very tough to know when to defend yourself when facing hate and threats of violence while fighting against the dangerous precedent of putting politics over the health and well-being of children.

I do not know Dr. Gordon. I would be honored to. As a visionary pediatrician, I feel as if I know her story well. I reached out to her via email to let her know how I support her and am grateful for her advocacy for transgender youth.

Pediatricians are famous for being the only specialty that advocates for our patients first.

Advocating for ourselves has historically taken a back seat or no seat. Though we are experts and advocates for prevention and childhood safety, including injury prevention, we have not been taught to put our oxygen masks on first.

Visionary pediatricians are experiencing an epidemic of moral injury, and its not OK.

Every time I make a post or speak out, I run it through my Is this worth a death threat filter, and its not OK.

Its time to start protecting the voices of visionary pediatricians.

We will keep speaking up!

Who will speak up for us?

The visionary pediatrician may soon be an endangered species.

Karla Lester is a pediatrician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.


Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Failing to conserve the carbon-rich forests of the Congo Basin would mean the world loses the fight against climate change, officials in Gabon have warned.

The central African countrys sustainable forestry and rainforest conservation are storing carbon, helping wildlife and providing jobs  and should be supported as part of global efforts to address the climate and nature crises, they urge.

The call comes after countries at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow made renewed commitments to reverse deforestation, and ahead of the Nature Cop in China later this year to agree a deal to protect the worlds wildlife.

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin, with 88% of its land covered by tropical forests that are home to wildlife including critically endangered western gorillas and forest elephants and endangered chimpanzees.

Forest elephants in Gabon (Alamy/PA)

Coastal mangroves absorb carbon emissions and provide nurseries for young fish and crocodiles, and there are nesting sites for leatherback turtles on the countrys beaches, though the coasts are also affected by plastic waste.

Out to sea  as well as offshore rigs for the oil that provide 60% of Gabons economy  humpback whales can be seen.

Gabons Minister of Forests, Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Lee White said he would like to see countries such as the UK encourage companies to invest in sustainable development of forestry and fisheries in the country.

And payments that support Gabons efforts to maintain the carbon absorption of its forests can help the world in its efforts to cut emissions to net zero.

Omer Ntougou, adviser for Gabons national parks agency ANPN, said: There are countries creating carbon, and with our mangroves and forests we absorb the carbon. We would like to be paid for it.

He added: We dont want to cut (the forest), we want to protect it, we want others to help us to protect it.

Prof White says Gabon has managed to achieve near-zero rates of deforestation through its forestry laws and is one of the most carbon positive countries on Earth, absorbing far more than it emits each year.

Under the rules, loggers can only take two trees per hectare every 25 years and nature is left to regenerate.

This allows the forest to capture more carbon than an unlogged forest, because the more open canopy lets light in and stimulates the growth of the remaining trees, Prof White said.

In terms of climate change you can log the forest and still increase your carbon stock so you can save the forest by exploiting it, he said.

Government space agency Ageos uses satellites and drones to monitor and flag up illegal logging and forestry concessions that are breaching the laws.

Gabon is also trying to shift from an extractive economy in which raw materials such as logged trees are directly exported, keeping only 8% of the value of the timber and associated jobs in the country.

The export of unprocessed logs was banned more than a decade ago and efforts have been made to encourage international companies to invest in processing factories in-country, including by establishing a free-trade zone.

The vast, sprawling Nkok site outside the capital Libreville includes factories to create veneers, plywood and furniture from Gabons versatile Okoume tree and other species, as well as activated charcoal made from wood waste products.

A Chinese factory making veneers from wood in Gabon (Emily Beament/PA)

Factories on the site are expanding so fast, some even say they are struggling to get the logs they need for their operations.

But creating a sustainable forestry industry with processing in-country can multiply the value of the sector and the jobs created by 10 times or more.

Prof White said: In that way, we make the forest more precious. If the forest is precious and valuable to the Gabonese, then theres much more chance we will nurture the forest than if it has no value.

Preserving the forest is important not just for Gabon but for the world, he warns.

We know today that we are on the edge of a climate crisis if we are not already in it, he said.

If we lose the Congo Basin, we lose the fight against climate change.

Climate change and the loss of natural services provided by the Congo Basin rainforest, such as rainfall to the Sahel region of Africa and for the Nile, could destabilise the continent and create hundreds of millions of refugees.

Those refugees could come into countries such as Gabon, cutting down forest to grow crops, creating a vicious cycle for the climate, or head to Europe, he warned.

As the climate fight intensifies, the country is looking mostly at sustainable forestry to replace oil to provide revenue  and create new jobs for its young population  but ecotourism can also play a smaller role, Prof White said.

Gabons mangroves are also an important carbon store (Emily Beament/PA)

Gabons 13 national parks are part of a network of protected areas covering 22% of land and 27% of the seas, with an aim to expand that to 30% by 2030.

They include Loango on the coast, where tourists can see gorillas in a scheme that supports a research project, as well as forest elephants and other wildlife, and go sport fishing, providing jobs and income for local people.

Gabons protected areas, created to conserve valuable nature that could be affected by activities such as forestry, mean the carbon credits the country is now looking to sell internationally for the pollution the forests absorb are highly biodiversity positive, Prof White argues.

And he suggested there could be bilateral deals where countries could pay to offset their ongoing emissions using the net 100 million tonnes a year of carbon Gabon absorbs with its forests.

He added: I would much rather a country like the UK was not giving (aid) money but used their investment portfolio to encourage companies with the right mentality to come and invest in sustainable development in Gabon, in sustainable fisheries and ecosystems.







Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
President Biden wasted no time in pushing through the whopping $40 billion aid to Ukraine bill, signing the emergency appropriations bill from South Korea Saturday.

The White House confirmed for Fox News that the bill was flown to the president Friday with someone who was already set to travel to the area as part of Biden's Asia trip this week.

UKRAINE FUNDING BILL: THESE 11 REPUBLICAN SENATORS SPLIT FROM PARTY LEADERSHIP, OPPOSED $40 BILLION IN AID

The legislation passed through the House and Senate on a largely bipartisan basis in just over a week and was sent to the president's desk Thursday.

Though the bill was pushed through the lower chamber the same day it was introduced, with just over a quarter of House Republicans voting against the bill in a 368  57 vote, there was a nine-day delay before the Senate pushed the aid package through to the presidents desk.

Eleven Senate Republicans broke from party leadership to vote against the bill over spending concerns in an 86-11 vote.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul led the opposition and demanded that an inspector general be appointed to oversee the spending.

While some agreed with his oversight concerns, others like Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said he was against the principle of the bill.

HOUSE PASSES $40 BILLION UKRAINIAN AID PACKAGE

"I just think this is an exercise in nation-building," Hawley told Fox News Thursday. "So I'm a nationalist. I'm not in favor of nation-building. I think we ought to be prioritizing American strength."

Paul and Hawley were joined in their opposition by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., John Boozman, R-Ark., Mike Braun, R-Ind., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.

Senate Republicans in favor of the package argued the U.S. would pay a lot more in the fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is able to gain steam in Europe.

Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said that "at least 25 percent [will go] directly to the military in the United States, some to strengthen our forces in Europe. And then a good deal of it is humanitarian."

Story continues

Russian soldiers pose by a T-80 tank in a position close to the Azovstal frontline in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Maximilian Clarke/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

"And if you believe in the rule of law and if you believe that Putin could be on a slippery slope  is he going to stop in Ukraine and is he going to go in Eastern Europe, like they did before? That's something that's going to cost a lot more money," he added.

The U.S. has agreed to supply roughly $54 billion in military and humanitarian aid to counter Putins aggression in Ukraine.

Tyler Olsen and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, who arrived in Ukraine today, has visited Irpin, Kyiv region.

The levels of destruction and violence are completely devastating. I testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks. War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa posted on Twitter.

The politician added that he would never forget his visit to Irpin.

The Prime Minister of Portugal said that he had arrived in Kyiv, following the invitation made by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

It is with emotion and respect that I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion. Portugal stands for Ukraine, he stressed.

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders in early April.

The law enforcement officers inspected 17,535 objects in Irpin. It was established that 885 buildings were destroyed completely, 2,738  destroyed partially, 8,651  damaged superficially.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Antonio Costa

ol
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
505Southwestern is celebrating 25 years in business by hosting a nationwide recipe contest and making donations to its scholarship fund, according to a news release.

For 25 years 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible, said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW, in a statement. We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.

The recipe contest will be open until June 12 and winners will be announced July 15. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and a trip to Albuquerque in September for the 505SW VIP party where a guest chef will cook the winning recipe. The Peoples Choice winner will receive $1,000 and a years supply of 505SW products.

Contestants must be 18 years or older and include a photo or video of the recipe outline and a list of ingredients. Bonus points will be awarded for sharing the submissions on social media and including the tags @505Southwestern and #25yearsofflavor, the release said.

For every online order made through Oct. 10, the company will donate a portion of the sales to 505Southwestern-New Mexico True Scholars program, which supports a future generation of farmers, aiming to donate a total of $25,000 to the fund. Each scholarship recipient is selected from a pool based on merit, financial need and commitment to agriculture, the release said.

505Southwestern was started in 1997 by local restaurateur Ray Solomon.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A crowd gathers as police investigate after a shooting at a supermarket on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Buffalo, N.Y. Multiple people were shot at the Tops Friendly Market. Police have notified the public that the alleged shooter was in custody. Joshua Bessex/Associated Press

An 8-year-old Buffalo mass shooting survivor said she was scared for her mom during the attack.

London Thomas and her father were hiding in a cooler while her mother was at a different spot in the grocery store.

"She was crying because she thought that her mom was out there," her father told CNN.

An 8-year-old recalled being scared for her mother while hiding with her father during the Buffalo mass shooting.

According to Yahoo News, during an interview on CNN's "Don Lemon Tonight" earlier this week, Lemon asked the child, identified as London Thomas, what she was thinking while inside the grocery store when the incident occurred last weekend.

The outlets reported that the child was with her father, Lamont Thomas, inside the cooler while her mother was at a different spot in Tops Friendly Market.

"I wasn't scared," London responded. "I was just scared for my mom."

Authorities allege that an 18-year-old white man drove hours to a predominately Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, and opened fire at a local supermarket, where he shot multiple people.

"She was crying because she thought that her mom was out there," Thomas, who was shielding his daughter, told CNN. "Only good thing is that she never got to walk out there and see the carnage. She just was able to hear it."

During the interview with CNN, London's mother, Julie Harwood  who also survived the shooting  said she was "frantic" while separated from her family. Harwood added the suspect was "two feet away from me getting arrested."

Police officials said that out of the 13 victims, 11 were Black during the "racially motivated" incident. The man, who live-streamed the attack, was taken into custody at the scene and charged with first-degree murder, to which he pleaded not guilty.

According to ABC News, funerals for some of the Buffalo shooting victims started this week.

Read the original article on Insider
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

AUBURN, Ala. (AP)  Alabamas Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has become a bitter high-dollar contest with the three strongest contenders jockeying for the nomination.

The leading candidates are U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks who won  and then lost  former President Donald Trumps backing in the race; Katie Boyd Britt, the former leader of Business Council of Alabama and Shelbys former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner best known as the helicopter pilot whose capture during a U.S. military mission in Somalia was chronicled in the Black Hawk Down" book and subsequent movie.

Lillie Boddie, Karla M. Dupriest and Jake Schafer are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Observers say its hard to predict whether the nomination will be settled in Tuesdays primary. The fractured field increases the chances that the race will go to a June 21 runoff, which is required unless one candidate captures more than 50% of Tuesday's vote. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant said the race has an up-for-grabs feel.

Its anybody guess as to whos in first and whos in second in the runoff, he said.

As for the barrage of negative campaign ads in the primary's closing days, Mowery said: The gloves have come off."

The Alabama race is one of several bitterly contested GOP primaries for open Senate seats. Retirements also sparked heated races this season in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and in Ohio. Trump further scrambled the Alabama race this spring when he rescinded his endorsement of Brooks. Both Britt and Durant have courted Trumps nod, but he has so far stayed out of the Alabama race.

We look at this country and dont recognize it right now. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, every single thing in this nation is moving in the wrong direction, Britt said during a speech to the Republican Women of East Alabama.

Before leading the Business Council, Britt served as chief of staff to Shelby, one the Senates most senior members and a traditional Republican known for his ability to bring home federal projects and funding to his home state.

But in speeches Britt, running under a slogan of Alabama First, has leaned away from her hefty Washington resume. She said its important voters get to know her and kind of senator she will be. Her experience, she said, gave her an opportunity to understand how the Senate works.

I can hit the ground running on day one. And for me, Alabama First is not just a slogan. Its a mission, she said.

Brooks, a six-term congressman from north Alabama, is banking on his long history with Alabama voters to overcome his feud with Trump.

If youre a conservative Republican I would submit to you that Im the only proven conservative in this race. With me there is no rolling the dice to determine how Im going to go on major public policy issues, Brooks said, urging people to look up his ratings from the National Rifle Association, Heritage Action and other groups.

Despite losing Trumps backing, he continues to run as MAGA Mo, invoking Trumps Make America Great Again slogan, and his campaign website continues to include old video footage of Trump praising the north Alabama congressman.

Trump initially endorsed Brooks last year, rewarding the conservative firebrand who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the Jan. 6, 2021 Stop the Steal rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol insurrection.

Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass, Brooks said. But Trump withdrew the endorsement in March after their relationship soured. Trump cites Brooks languishing performance and accused the conservative congressman of going woke for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Trump has not made a new endorsement in the race. Both Durant and Britt have maintained they are the superior choice for Trumps backing if the race goes to a runoff.

At a speech in Phenix City, a town in the shadow of the U.S. Armys Fort Benning, Durant pitched himself as the outsider in the race. He began a speech by describing his combat service  which included not just Somalia but Desert Storm and missions in Panama  and then working in the defense industry and founding an aerospace company.

Im not a politician, Durant said. That is what people are tired of. Thats why people want outsiders. That is why people want straight shooters.

Durant said his military experience separates him from those in Washington who dont know what theyre talking about when discussing deploying troops.

This is serious business. We dont deploy troops, we dont get in skirmishes, we dont try to do nation building unless we truly understand the commitment that were about to make, not only financially, but the lives of young men and women, our national credibility, all those things that are on the line.

Durant, a helicopter pilot who was held prisoner after being shot down, is seeking the endorsement of Trump, who once disputed that Sen. John McCain was a war hero because he was held as a POW. I like people that werent captured, Trump said in 2015. Asked about that, Durant said he thought the divisions between the two were based on politics, not based on service.

Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.

Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

The Super PACS have been responsible for many of the attack ads in the race. Alabama Patriots PAC spent $4 million to support Durant after receiving money from Americas Project, a Virginia-based PAC associated with Jacob Harriman, a Marine Corps veteran who operates the organization, More Perfect Union. Alabamas Future, a PAC opposing Brooks, has received $2 million from a Mitch McConnell-aligned PAC.

The Rev. Will Boyd, former Brighton mayor Brandaun Dean and retired Army veteran Lanny Kackson are vying for the Democratic nomination. However, Democrats have struggled in recent years statewide races in Alabama. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, harnessed a well-funded campaign and a scandal surrounding GOP nominee Roy Moore, to win a special election in 2017. But Jones, who was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in over two decades, lost the following election.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
While there are many young workers in cities who are working hard to own a house, there are also some people who have decided to give up this dream for certain reasons.

Giving up a mental burden

Huynh Anh Tuan, a city dweller of Phu Huu District in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, who suffered from a sharp drop in income during the COVID -19 pandemic, decided not to pursue his dream of owning a home.

When he gave up on the plan, he felt relaxed after the great pressure was gone.

Tuan set a goal many years ago to own his own home before he turned 30.

To that end, Tuan took on many freelance jobs after graduating from college and invested a small amount in stocks.

In addition, an acquaintance promised to lend him VND500 million ($21,650) if he bought a house, which fueled his strategy over time, at least before the pandemic.

Although he had such an ambitious plan, now, at the age of 28, Huynh Anh Tuan is changing his mind because of COVID -19.

As a freelancer, Tuan has neither a fixed salary nor social security. Due to the pandemic, he had to use his savings for rent and other living expenses.

To save more money, he decided to move to a cheaper apartment, get rid of some unnecessary things, and give up the dream of buying a house one day.

"I am not thinking about an apartment or an affordable house now," Anh Tuan said.

"Even though it is said to be "affordable", it is still out of reach for low-income people like me and other freelancers," he added.

Since shedding the burden, Tuan no longer works too hard.

"I bought some equipment to support my work and signed up for my desired courses. I also took my parents to some tourist attractions that we did not dare go to before because of the high cost.

"Now, I am focusing on saving up to get married," the young man laughed, adding that he plans to leave the city in a few years and return to his hometown.

Minh Duc, 30, an urban resident who lives in Phu Nhuan District in Ho Chi Minh City, is in the same situation as Tuan, but he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper about his comfort and relaxation after getting rid of the pressure of having to buy a house in the city.

"I used to think I had to earn as much money to have an apartment as others," Duc said.

"But after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has damaged and weakened me too much, I have come to the decision to work normally to maintain the welfare of myself and my family," he added.

I do not want to pay debts for life

Duc believed that no one should sacrifice everything just to have an apartment in the city.

The IT employee said that it is better to have a place that is suitable for his life and work, and not necessarily a house.

Based on this, he has used the savings he earmarked to buy a home in the city to improve the family house in his hometown.

He also puts excess money in the bank in case he gets sick or something unexpected happens to him.

"Instead of taking on more and more shifts or working part-time on weekends, I can visit my parents and younger brother more often and spend more time with them," Duc said.

"I do not want to spend most of my youth working to pay off housing debt that can last up to 20 years if I buy in installments. Not to mention that in some cases, the debt can put a lot of strain on a marriage.

"Houses in the city are only for high-income people. Housing prices are rising too much for white-collar workers with average incomes like me," he added.

According to the latest analysis by the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HoREA), not a single apartment was sold for less than VND25 million (US$1,092) per square meter in Ho Chi Minh City in 2021.

HoREA cited data from 2016-21 showing that the rate of affordable housing has decreased over time.

It was just 1 percent in 2020 and zero in 2021.

Many young white-collar workers in Ho Chi Minh City cannot buy a house or apartment with their income, although they are doing their best, as property prices have increased in recent years. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre News

Invest instead of buying homes

While there are still many people who want to buy a home, many young workers choose not to, even though they can afford monthly payments.

These people use their savings for investments, starting businesses, or buying a car.

In the middle of this year, Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi will pay off the equivalent to 60 percent of the value of her dream car of VND900 million ($38,975).

As a bank employee who runs an online cosmetics business, Nhi said she never intended to buy a house in the city.

"I like to change the environment where I live and work sometimes. When I change my job, I can change my residence to get to work more conveniently.

"In my opinion, it is important to have a comfortable living environment in order to work effectively," the young woman explained.

Thanks to this thought, Nhi decided to buy a car instead of buying an apartment, although her dad promised to lend her money to buy a house.

"I do not want to buy a house because it might be quite difficult for me to sell it if I want to change," Nhi added.

She is also concerned about the many uncertain things that could happen during the installment period.

"That's why buying a car is my priority. My monthly installments are absolutely cheaper than buying an apartment, which costs about VND2-3 billion ($86,610 - 130,000) even for the cheapest apartment," Nhi explained her decision.

With her choice, Nhi can live a comfortable life in a modern rental apartment. She can use her income for rent, installment payments for buying a car, and personal expenses.

Ngoc Thanh, a 36-year-old woman living on the outskirts of Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City, has also chosen to rent a house and use part of her income for investment.

"I rent a house and use the money I have left after monthly expenses to deposit in the bank or invest profitably in some areas. The income from this becomes my monthly income, which I can use to pay my rent," Thanh said.

Thanh thinks differently from many other Vietnamese and does not believe she needs to try to leave a house to her children in the future.

"It is better to leave knowledge to children than to leave a house.

"Besides, the wealth we leave to our children is not necessarily a house, but a saving account or other beneficial investments to help them get started," said the mother of two.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
While there are many young workers in cities who are working hard to own a house, there are also some people who have decided to give up this dream for certain reasons.

Giving up a mental burden

Huynh Anh Tuan, a city dweller of Phu Huu District in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, who suffered from a sharp drop in income during the COVID -19 pandemic, decided not to pursue his dream of owning a home.

When he gave up on the plan, he felt relaxed after the great pressure was gone.

Tuan set a goal many years ago to own his own home before he turned 30.

To that end, Tuan took on many freelance jobs after graduating from college and invested a small amount in stocks.

In addition, an acquaintance promised to lend him VND500 million ($21,650) if he bought a house, which fueled his strategy over time, at least before the pandemic.

Although he had such an ambitious plan, now, at the age of 28, Huynh Anh Tuan is changing his mind because of COVID -19.

As a freelancer, Tuan has neither a fixed salary nor social security. Due to the pandemic, he had to use his savings for rent and other living expenses.

To save more money, he decided to move to a cheaper apartment, get rid of some unnecessary things, and give up the dream of buying a house one day.

"I am not thinking about an apartment or an affordable house now," Anh Tuan said.

"Even though it is said to be "affordable", it is still out of reach for low-income people like me and other freelancers," he added.

Since shedding the burden, Tuan no longer works too hard.

"I bought some equipment to support my work and signed up for my desired courses. I also took my parents to some tourist attractions that we did not dare go to before because of the high cost.

"Now, I am focusing on saving up to get married," the young man laughed, adding that he plans to leave the city in a few years and return to his hometown.

Minh Duc, 30, an urban resident who lives in Phu Nhuan District in Ho Chi Minh City, is in the same situation as Tuan, but he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper about his comfort and relaxation after getting rid of the pressure of having to buy a house in the city.

"I used to think I had to earn as much money to have an apartment as others," Duc said.

"But after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has damaged and weakened me too much, I have come to the decision to work normally to maintain the welfare of myself and my family," he added.

I do not want to pay debts for life

Duc believed that no one should sacrifice everything just to have an apartment in the city.

The IT employee said that it is better to have a place that is suitable for his life and work, and not necessarily a house.

Based on this, he has used the savings he earmarked to buy a home in the city to improve the family house in his hometown.

He also puts excess money in the bank in case he gets sick or something unexpected happens to him.

"Instead of taking on more and more shifts or working part-time on weekends, I can visit my parents and younger brother more often and spend more time with them," Duc said.

"I do not want to spend most of my youth working to pay off housing debt that can last up to 20 years if I buy in installments. Not to mention that in some cases, the debt can put a lot of strain on a marriage.

"Houses in the city are only for high-income people. Housing prices are rising too much for white-collar workers with average incomes like me," he added.

According to the latest analysis by the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HoREA), not a single apartment was sold for less than VND25 million (US$1,092) per square meter in Ho Chi Minh City in 2021.

HoREA cited data from 2016-21 showing that the rate of affordable housing has decreased over time.

It was just 1 percent in 2020 and zero in 2021.

Many young white-collar workers in Ho Chi Minh City cannot buy a house or apartment with their income, although they are doing their best, as property prices have increased in recent years. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre News

Invest instead of buying homes

While there are still many people who want to buy a home, many young workers choose not to, even though they can afford monthly payments.

These people use their savings for investments, starting businesses, or buying a car.

In the middle of this year, Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi will pay off the equivalent to 60 percent of the value of her dream car of VND900 million ($38,975).

As a bank employee who runs an online cosmetics business, Nhi said she never intended to buy a house in the city.

"I like to change the environment where I live and work sometimes. When I change my job, I can change my residence to get to work more conveniently.

"In my opinion, it is important to have a comfortable living environment in order to work effectively," the young woman explained.

Thanks to this thought, Nhi decided to buy a car instead of buying an apartment, although her dad promised to lend her money to buy a house.

"I do not want to buy a house because it might be quite difficult for me to sell it if I want to change," Nhi added.

She is also concerned about the many uncertain things that could happen during the installment period.

"That's why buying a car is my priority. My monthly installments are absolutely cheaper than buying an apartment, which costs about VND2-3 billion ($86,610 - 130,000) even for the cheapest apartment," Nhi explained her decision.

With her choice, Nhi can live a comfortable life in a modern rental apartment. She can use her income for rent, installment payments for buying a car, and personal expenses.

Ngoc Thanh, a 36-year-old woman living on the outskirts of Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City, has also chosen to rent a house and use part of her income for investment.

"I rent a house and use the money I have left after monthly expenses to deposit in the bank or invest profitably in some areas. The income from this becomes my monthly income, which I can use to pay my rent," Thanh said.

Thanh thinks differently from many other Vietnamese and does not believe she needs to try to leave a house to her children in the future.

"It is better to leave knowledge to children than to leave a house.

"Besides, the wealth we leave to our children is not necessarily a house, but a saving account or other beneficial investments to help them get started," said the mother of two.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
While there are many young workers in cities who are working hard to own a house, there are also some people who have decided to give up this dream for certain reasons.

Giving up a mental burden

Huynh Anh Tuan, a city dweller of Phu Huu District in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, who suffered from a sharp drop in income during the COVID -19 pandemic, decided not to pursue his dream of owning a home.

When he gave up on the plan, he felt relaxed after the great pressure was gone.

Tuan set a goal many years ago to own his own home before he turned 30.

To that end, Tuan took on many freelance jobs after graduating from college and invested a small amount in stocks.

In addition, an acquaintance promised to lend him VND500 million ($21,650) if he bought a house, which fueled his strategy over time, at least before the pandemic.

Although he had such an ambitious plan, now, at the age of 28, Huynh Anh Tuan is changing his mind because of COVID -19.

As a freelancer, Tuan has neither a fixed salary nor social security. Due to the pandemic, he had to use his savings for rent and other living expenses.

To save more money, he decided to move to a cheaper apartment, get rid of some unnecessary things, and give up the dream of buying a house one day.

"I am not thinking about an apartment or an affordable house now," Anh Tuan said.

"Even though it is said to be "affordable", it is still out of reach for low-income people like me and other freelancers," he added.

Since shedding the burden, Tuan no longer works too hard.

"I bought some equipment to support my work and signed up for my desired courses. I also took my parents to some tourist attractions that we did not dare go to before because of the high cost.

"Now, I am focusing on saving up to get married," the young man laughed, adding that he plans to leave the city in a few years and return to his hometown.

Minh Duc, 30, an urban resident who lives in Phu Nhuan District in Ho Chi Minh City, is in the same situation as Tuan, but he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper about his comfort and relaxation after getting rid of the pressure of having to buy a house in the city.

"I used to think I had to earn as much money to have an apartment as others," Duc said.

"But after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has damaged and weakened me too much, I have come to the decision to work normally to maintain the welfare of myself and my family," he added.

I do not want to pay debts for life

Duc believed that no one should sacrifice everything just to have an apartment in the city.

The IT employee said that it is better to have a place that is suitable for his life and work, and not necessarily a house.

Based on this, he has used the savings he earmarked to buy a home in the city to improve the family house in his hometown.

He also puts excess money in the bank in case he gets sick or something unexpected happens to him.

"Instead of taking on more and more shifts or working part-time on weekends, I can visit my parents and younger brother more often and spend more time with them," Duc said.

"I do not want to spend most of my youth working to pay off housing debt that can last up to 20 years if I buy in installments. Not to mention that in some cases, the debt can put a lot of strain on a marriage.

"Houses in the city are only for high-income people. Housing prices are rising too much for white-collar workers with average incomes like me," he added.

According to the latest analysis by the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HoREA), not a single apartment was sold for less than VND25 million (US$1,092) per square meter in Ho Chi Minh City in 2021.

HoREA cited data from 2016-21 showing that the rate of affordable housing has decreased over time.

It was just 1 percent in 2020 and zero in 2021.

Many young white-collar workers in Ho Chi Minh City cannot buy a house or apartment with their income, although they are doing their best, as property prices have increased in recent years. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre News

Invest instead of buying homes

While there are still many people who want to buy a home, many young workers choose not to, even though they can afford monthly payments.

These people use their savings for investments, starting businesses, or buying a car.

In the middle of this year, Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi will pay off the equivalent to 60 percent of the value of her dream car of VND900 million ($38,975).

As a bank employee who runs an online cosmetics business, Nhi said she never intended to buy a house in the city.

"I like to change the environment where I live and work sometimes. When I change my job, I can change my residence to get to work more conveniently.

"In my opinion, it is important to have a comfortable living environment in order to work effectively," the young woman explained.

Thanks to this thought, Nhi decided to buy a car instead of buying an apartment, although her dad promised to lend her money to buy a house.

"I do not want to buy a house because it might be quite difficult for me to sell it if I want to change," Nhi added.

She is also concerned about the many uncertain things that could happen during the installment period.

"That's why buying a car is my priority. My monthly installments are absolutely cheaper than buying an apartment, which costs about VND2-3 billion ($86,610 - 130,000) even for the cheapest apartment," Nhi explained her decision.

With her choice, Nhi can live a comfortable life in a modern rental apartment. She can use her income for rent, installment payments for buying a car, and personal expenses.

Ngoc Thanh, a 36-year-old woman living on the outskirts of Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City, has also chosen to rent a house and use part of her income for investment.

"I rent a house and use the money I have left after monthly expenses to deposit in the bank or invest profitably in some areas. The income from this becomes my monthly income, which I can use to pay my rent," Thanh said.

Thanh thinks differently from many other Vietnamese and does not believe she needs to try to leave a house to her children in the future.

"It is better to leave knowledge to children than to leave a house.

"Besides, the wealth we leave to our children is not necessarily a house, but a saving account or other beneficial investments to help them get started," said the mother of two.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!


Abbie Chatfield celebrated Labor's win in the Australian election on Saturday.

The reality star was out drinking with friends as the election results were revealed, and she didn't hold back her feelings on former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

While watching a video of Morrison's concession speech, Abbie stuck her middle finger up at the screen while taunting the politician with her friends.

Reason to smile! Abbie Chatfield (pictured) celebrated Labor's win in the Australian election on Saturday

Sharing a photo of the outrageous moment to Instagram, the 26-year-old wrote: 'Bye babe!!!'

'Hope you know everyone in this club was happy when I told them you lost,' she added.

She also reposted a video shared by a friend which was captioned: 'Bye Scumo' - a derogatory take on Morrison's nickname, Scomo.

Finger: While watching a video of Morrison's concession speech, Abbie stuck her middle finger up at the screen while taunting the politician with her friends

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

It comes just one day after Abbie made a bold prediction about Australia's political future before the results were revealed.

The outspoken radio host, who voted for the Greens, said that she expected mainstream Australia will shift further towards the left in the next 15 years as older Liberal voters die off.

Happy: 'Hope you know everyone in this club was happy when I told them you lost,' Abbie wrote on Instagram

Speaking on her Instagram Stories after interviewing Greens leader Adam Bandt for the Hit Network on Thursday, Abbie noted that younger Liberal voters are few and far between these days.

And the 26-year-old said the young people who do intend to vote for Scott Morrison must 'lack empathy' or education.

'I really am thinking, or hoping, that in the next 10 or 15 years, as people who vote for the Liberal Party literally die out, and also metaphorically die out in they way they're thinking,' she said.

Victory: She also reposted a video shared by a friend which was captioned: 'Bye Scumo' - a derogatory take on Morrison's nickname, Scomo

'I really do think that eventually our two-party system will be the Greens [on] the left and then Labor will be more like how we see the Liberals now.'

She added: 'I just feel like there are so few people that are young and educated who are voting Liberal.

'If you're voting Liberal and you're my age, there's something genuinely wrong. Either you're uneducated or you have no empathy.

'And weirdly have empathy for billionaires and huge companies, rather than people and the planet.'
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.


Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and his Delhi counterpart visited a government school in the national capital's Moti Bagh area on Saturday to take stock of improvements made in the public education system by the AAP dispensation.

Rao and his party leaders were welcomed by Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School and given a tour of the school.

The delegation visited classrooms, labs and the students' playing area among other facilities.

Briefing Rao about the Delhi government's "remarkable improvements" in education, Kejriwal said many private school students were taking admission in government schools because of the quality of education being imparted.

"We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," Kejriwal told Rao.

Officials of the Delhi education department also gave a presentation regarding improvements being done in the sector by the AAP government.

Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had visited government schools in Delhi and had praised the city government's efforts in improving education standards.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Saturday, May 21, 2022

The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that a state court judge has order the removal of one of the trustees for the Otto Bremer Trust, but has also refused the Minnesota Attorney General's request to remove two other trustees. The judge also held the trustees acted properly by considering whether sell the bank Bremer Financial (commonly known as Bremer Bank). The story provides a copy of the 103-page opinion.

I have not had a chance to review the opinion - busy grading exams this week - but here is a helpful analysis from the law firm of Nilan Johnson Lewis.

Lloyd Mayer

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/nonprofit/2022/05/bremer-trust-decision-trustee-removed-.html
A proposal to place a memorial at the Colorado state Capitol in honor of the 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho massacred at Sand Creek has been tossed out and the proponents have started over, seeking a new design.

For once, Victoria has played a decisive part in the national election result.

For a Liberal Party that has for years overlooked Australias second-largest state, focusing instead on western Sydney and Queensland, the result isnt pretty.

Australias next prime minister, Anthony Albanese, with his girlfriend, Jodie Haydon, and son, Nathan. Credit:Janie Barrett

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who has been touted as a future prime minister, has very likely lost his blue ribbon seat of Kooyong to a progressive independent who campaigned on climate change.

Its hard to overstate the significance of this. The seat is part of the Liberal Partys soul. It was held by Sir Robert Menzies for more than three decades, and then by former Liberal leader Andrew Peacock for almost three decades.

1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results
Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
There are thousands of posts on Twitter in which passengers have shared their air travelling experiences, but a recent story of a man's experience will melt your heart. A US-based Indian professor named Gaurav Sabnis narrated his experience of gifting his parents a ticket to fly business class. He shared his happiness via tweet and told that this was the first time he had booked business class tickets for his parents to fly to the US from India.

In his tweet, he said, "First time booking business class tickets for parents to visit us here (US) from India." He continued to express his warm feelings and excitement through a thread of tweets. He further added, "I'm especially excited for Mom to experience a long haul international business class 777 journey for the first time. She finds joy in the smallest things in life. She's gonna be like an excited kid when she lands."

First time booking business class tickets for parents to visit us here from India. Feeling extra grown up. Finally able to afford a flight in which parents can stretch out and sleep. Mom dad were still like "kharcha kashala ugich" but I put my foot down.  Gaurav Sabnis (@gauravsabnis) May 17, 2022

Meanwhile, he also shared the difficulties women face while travelling, narrating the story through his mom's experiences. He pointed out problems like the availability of washrooms while travelling on roads. In his tweet, he said, "I still remember when I was a kid, I used to be confused about why my mom barely drank any water during our 16-24 hour bumpy bus rides between Pune & Indore. While I guzzled water like anything." He further added, "Only after growing up did I realize why many Indian women have to do that."

Also read - Tata Group-owned Air India now bans smoking and intoxication at workplace

Continuing with the story, he also told that he had initially planned to travel with his parents in business class, but things didn't work out. However, he said, "Even if 2 years late, and without me next to her, I'm so happy she'll get to enjoy a long flight sleeping horizontally."

After the story was shared on Twitter, most of the users resonated with the story and shared their own stories very similar to Gaurav's. There were several emotional replies narrating more stories. One of the users said. "My mom is going to travel abroad first time with me in few days, & I told her to be open to changes/ cancellations of flight last minute, that's not in my control. & She told in that case will I have a seat to sit, will there be toilets to use, I told YES."
Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.

Multiple recalls are impacting Costco and Dollarama stores along with Amazon online and Health Canada is warning shoppers about them.
Multiple recalls are impacting Costco and Dollarama stores along with Amazon online and Health Canada is warning shoppers about them.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.



New Delhi: Eight bodies were pulled out from the rubble of a landslide which hit one end of an under-construction tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway two days ago, raising the death toll in the incident to nine on Saturday (May 21, 2022), officials said.

The search for one more missing worker is on as the rescue operation entered its final phase, they said.

Earlier, the officials had said that a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed soon after the work on the project started.

But on Saturday, the deputy commissioner of Ramban quoted the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to say that a landslide had hit the mouth of the adit tunnel to T4.

"As clarified by NHAI, it is informed that there is no tunnel collapse near Khooni Nallah. A slide occurred on the mouth of the adit tunnel to T4 on Thursday night under which a labourer component of concessionaire company was working. Operation continues," Islam tweeted.

The body of one person was recovered on Friday, while three others, including two locals, were rescued and are stable.

Officials said that on Saturday, another body was pulled out after several hours of intense search. It took them over two hours to pull out the body from under the rocks.

Seven more bodies were later pulled out while a search for one more remaining person is underway on a war footing.

"Eight bodies were recovered from the scene of the landslide outside the mouth of adit tunnel during the day-long hectic search by the rescuers (on Saturday). The operation is on for one more missing labourer," the deputy commissioner told PTI.

Islam said all the bodies have been sent to a government hospital for identification and other legal formalities.

He said an immediate ex gratia of Rs 25,000 from the Red Cross fund and Rs 25,000 from the company is being given to kin of two local labourers, who are believed to have died in the incident along with six workers from West Bengal, two from Nepal and one from Assam.

An operation to rescue the trapped persons was launched soon after the incident but had to be suspended on Friday evening due to a fresh landslide and inclement weather.

Over 15 rescuers, including the Station House Officer of Ramsu police station, Nayeem-Ul-Haq, had a narrow escape during this time, officials said.

Senior CPI(M) leader and former MLA M Y Tarigami demanded a judicial probe into the incident and Rs 40 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased

"This is not an ordinary incident. There seems to be criminal negligence. A judicial inquiry should be ordered to probe the horrific incident so that the guilty are identified and brought to justice," he said in a statement.

Tarigami, who is the Jammu and Kashmir unit president of CITU, said, "Reportedly NHAI had handed over the execution of the work of this patch to SIGAL company which in turn handed it over to a little-known sublet SARLA, which is reportedly a software company and not technical."
Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.

Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
(Newser)  Larry Ellison recently popped up on Forbes' "10 Richest People in the World" list, but that's not why he's making headlines this week. The Washington Post is reporting on a "previously unknown dimension" of the efforts to contest former President Trump's loss in the 2020 electionone that included a phone call just days after the election with the Oracle co-founder and a host of other big names. Per court documents and a source who was on the Nov. 14, 2020, call, Ellison was joined by Fox News host Sean Hannity, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, Trump attorney Jay Sekulow, and James Bopp Jr., a lawyer for the Texas-based True the Vote nonprofit, which has long pushed unproven claims of widespread voter fraud and filed multiple lawsuits over it.

"[Bopp] explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now," True the Vote founder Catherine Engelbrecht wrote to a donor that evening after the call, per new filings from litigation against the nonprofit, brought by the Fair Fight anti-voter-suppression group founded by Stacey Abrams. A participant on the call tells the Post that Ellison may have been sought for his take on voting machine claims made by onetime Trump lawyer Sidney Powell.

Yahoo Finance notes that Ellisona big-name GOP donor who's still Oracle's chairman of the board after stepping down as CEO in 2014has hosted fundraisers for Trump in the past, though "he has seemingly never expressed doubts about the 2020 election results publicly." Ellison has also backed Democrats in the past, per the Desert Sun. The Post notes the phone call is "the first known example of a technology industry titan joining powerful figures in conservative politics, media, and law to strategize about Trump's post-loss options." Oracle hasn't yet responded to the Post for comment. More here on what the other participants in the call have to say about it. (Earlier this month, the Oracle titan pledged $1 billion to support Elon Musk's takeover plan of Twitter.)

Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.
There are thousands of posts on Twitter in which passengers have shared their air travelling experiences, but a recent story of a man's experience will melt your heart. A US-based Indian professor named Gaurav Sabnis narrated his experience of gifting his parents a ticket to fly business class. He shared his happiness via tweet and told that this was the first time he had booked business class tickets for his parents to fly to the US from India.

In his tweet, he said, "First time booking business class tickets for parents to visit us here (US) from India." He continued to express his warm feelings and excitement through a thread of tweets. He further added, "I'm especially excited for Mom to experience a long haul international business class 777 journey for the first time. She finds joy in the smallest things in life. She's gonna be like an excited kid when she lands."

First time booking business class tickets for parents to visit us here from India. Feeling extra grown up. Finally able to afford a flight in which parents can stretch out and sleep. Mom dad were still like "kharcha kashala ugich" but I put my foot down.  Gaurav Sabnis (@gauravsabnis) May 17, 2022

Meanwhile, he also shared the difficulties women face while travelling, narrating the story through his mom's experiences. He pointed out problems like the availability of washrooms while travelling on roads. In his tweet, he said, "I still remember when I was a kid, I used to be confused about why my mom barely drank any water during our 16-24 hour bumpy bus rides between Pune & Indore. While I guzzled water like anything." He further added, "Only after growing up did I realize why many Indian women have to do that."

Also read - Tata Group-owned Air India now bans smoking and intoxication at workplace

Continuing with the story, he also told that he had initially planned to travel with his parents in business class, but things didn't work out. However, he said, "Even if 2 years late, and without me next to her, I'm so happy she'll get to enjoy a long flight sleeping horizontally."

After the story was shared on Twitter, most of the users resonated with the story and shared their own stories very similar to Gaurav's. There were several emotional replies narrating more stories. One of the users said. "My mom is going to travel abroad first time with me in few days, & I told her to be open to changes/ cancellations of flight last minute, that's not in my control. & She told in that case will I have a seat to sit, will there be toilets to use, I told YES."

TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.
Telangana's minister for industries and information technology K.T. Rama Rao has urged the to support the state to continue the progress.

Currently on a visit to the UK, the minister addressed the at a 'Meet and Greet' event in London on Saturday. In his speech, he highlighted the achievements of government in the past eight years.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, noted that the members of have supported the movement and have always promoted wherever they are in the world. He thanked the Indian diaspora members for their continued support.

He stated that the Telangana delegation had fruitful meetings with heads of various companies during the official visit.

"My job is to promote Telangana and bring investment and create jobs for the people of Telangana. We will establish deeper connections with the UK in the days to come," a statement issued by his office in Hyderabad quoted him as saying.

"If you are thinking of setting up your company in Telangana, I urge you to think of setting up your offices in tier II towns and not just Hyderabad," Minister KTR said.

"Contribute back to your motherland by supporting us in creation of wealth, employment opportunities, and ensure we motivate others back home. Let's ensure the growth story continues," KTR said.

The minister mentioned that the Telangana government has already inaugurated IT Towers in Khammam, Karimnagar and will soon inaugurate IT Towers in Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. He also added that there is a great IT sector presence in Warangal.

He highlighted that Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) was constructed in less than four years and is providing water for irrigation to lakhs of acres. He stated that KLIP is the world's largest lift irrigation project and everyone should feel proud that it is in India.

KTR told the Diaspora that the world's largest Amazon campus is situated in Hyderabad.

He said: "Google, Facebook, Micron, Apple, Qualcomm, Uber, Salesforce, and Novartis -- all of their second largest campuses are in Hyderabad and they all have come in the last six years. They have chosen Telangana because of its stable leadership and able governance."

He pointed out that Telangana's per capita income, which was Rs 1,24,000 in 2014, rose by 130 per cent to Rs 2,78,000 in seven years. The GSDP, which was Rs 5.6 lakh crore in 2014 grew to Rs 11.54 lakh crore during the same period.

These are the numbers given by the Ministry of statistics and program implementation of Government of India.

"Telangana is the 11th largest state geographically and 12th largest as per population. But according to the Reserve Bank of India, Telangana today has emerged as the 4th largest contributor to India's economic growth," KTR added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

CALGARY, Alberta, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) (ApartmentLove or the Company), a leading provider of online home and apartment rental marketing services catering to landlords and renters in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world, is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds up to a maximum of $1,500,000 (the Private Placement). The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month plus one day hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The first tranche of the Private Placement that closed today consisted of 4,633,333 Units for gross proceeds of $695,000. The Company expects to close the remainder of the Private Placement within the next two weeks.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used in connection with the Companys growth through acquisition program, as well as for general operating cash.

About ApartmentLove Inc.

ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) is a leading provider of rental marketing services to landlords and renters on the Internet. Promoting residential rental properties in every major market in Canada and the United States, ApartmentLove has active rental listings in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world. Having proven its ability to scale as a fast-growing technology company in the hot PropTech industry, ApartmentLove is executing its organic growth and expansion plans by investing in Search Engine Optimization and other marketing and promotional activities. In addition, ApartmentLove is actively pursuing a growth through acquisition program by purchasing competing businesses that have many monthly active users, a history of recurring revenues, positive cashflows, and custom technologies that both accelerate and destress the renting experience in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere around the world.

For more information visit https://apartmentlove.com/investors or contact:

Trevor DavidsonPresident & CEOApartmentLove Inc.[email protected] (647) 272-9702

Reader Advisory

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These and similar such statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, no reliance should be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements include but are not limited to the Company successfully closing the remainder of the Private Placement, successfully executing its organic and growth through acquisition mandates and realizing the benefits of such mandates.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof. The Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Risk factors can be found in the Companys continuous disclosure documents which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ApartmentLove | the feeling of home

Source: ApartmentLove Inc.
BURLINGTON  True story: Burlingtons new community slogan could be based on lies.

City officials are discussing trading in their old Chocolate City U.S.A. slogan for a new one built around Burlingtons most famous private club  the Burlington Liars Club.

The tongue-in-cheek club goes back nearly a hundred years, and it has drawn national attention with its yearly contest to see who can concoct the most amusing fib.

As the city moves away from its longstanding Chocolate City brand, some officials think the Liars Club represents the sort of distinctive new identity that would make outsiders take a fresh look at Burlington.

Alderman Shad Branen said he envisions a ceremony to unveil each years winning lie on a scale of the Groundhog Day event that generates national attention each February for Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

It has massive potential, Brannen told his colleagues on the Burlington City Council Tuesday.

Some council members expressed interest in Branens idea, while others suggested that maybe Burlington does not need a slogan at all.

There was widespread agreement, however, that the ideas presented so far by a slogan-writing consulting firm have been non-starters.

After being roundly rejected by public opinion with the proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams, the consultant offered alternatives: Small Town, Big Dreams, Discover Your Best Life, Home Again, and Lakes & Rivers & Dreams Come True.

Looking over the choices, Alderman Tom Vos said: None of them really grabs me  I dont know how else to say it.

Goodbye cocoa

The city has been wrestling with an identity crisis of sorts for several years, trying to decide whether Burlington needs a break from its image as Chocolate City U.S.A.

Burlington adopted the chocolate slogan in 1987, based on the presence of candy-maker Nestles large manufacturing plant at 637 S. Pine St. At the same time, a summer festival called ChocolateFest grew into Burlingtons biggest annual event.

But as the Nestle plant changed and chocolate became less prevalent around town, officials started talking about retooling Burlingtons image.

The summer festival last year was renamed Burlington Jamboree.

An ad hoc group came up with the idea of City of Trails, but that fizzled out when officials decided that Burlingtons trail system was not so unique.

Using a $40,000 state grant, the city hired GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions and asked the Rockford, Illinois, consulting firm to come up with rebranding ideas. The firm told city officials that Burlington should stop trying to be a tourist attraction and should focus on promoting itself as simply a place to live and raise a family.

GrahamSpencer fashioned a logo out of a house with accompanying symbols of blue water and green agriculture. Finding a slogan to go with the logo, however, has proven tricky.

The proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams won early support, before a barrage of negative public feedback prompted city officials to backtrack. The alternatives discussed at Tuesdays City Council meeting did not generate much enthusiasm either.

City Administrator Carina Walters urged aldermen to find a solution, because the state wants to close out the $40,000 grant award cycle by June 30.

We will need to wrap up this process, Walters said.

Some aldermen suggested rebranding Burlington with no slogan at all. As Alderwoman Sara Spencer put it: If we cant agree on one, why do we need one?

Branen then mentioned the Burlington Liars Club as a feature in the community that could serve as the basis for a successful rebranding.

Alderman Bill Smitz agreed that the idea had possibilities. Its an interesting, unique area that would set us apart.

Since 1930, the club has conducted its contest every year and has enjoyed widespread attention with its selection of the best lies. Branen said the club has brought Burlington publicity in national newspapers and other news media.

There has also been a Liars Club tavern in town since 2016 at 492 N. Pine St.

If the city fashioned a new slogan based on the Liars Club, Branen said, the contest winner could be named each winter during the citys ice-sculpting competition in a grand spectacle like the Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania.

Branen said he is not aware of another Liars Club anywhere else.

It is the one and only that I know of in the world, he said. I just think its so unique.
Telangana's minister for industries and information technology K.T. Rama Rao has urged the to support the state to continue the progress.

Currently on a visit to the UK, the minister addressed the at a 'Meet and Greet' event in London on Saturday. In his speech, he highlighted the achievements of government in the past eight years.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, noted that the members of have supported the movement and have always promoted wherever they are in the world. He thanked the Indian diaspora members for their continued support.

He stated that the Telangana delegation had fruitful meetings with heads of various companies during the official visit.

"My job is to promote Telangana and bring investment and create jobs for the people of Telangana. We will establish deeper connections with the UK in the days to come," a statement issued by his office in Hyderabad quoted him as saying.

"If you are thinking of setting up your company in Telangana, I urge you to think of setting up your offices in tier II towns and not just Hyderabad," Minister KTR said.

"Contribute back to your motherland by supporting us in creation of wealth, employment opportunities, and ensure we motivate others back home. Let's ensure the growth story continues," KTR said.

The minister mentioned that the Telangana government has already inaugurated IT Towers in Khammam, Karimnagar and will soon inaugurate IT Towers in Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. He also added that there is a great IT sector presence in Warangal.

He highlighted that Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) was constructed in less than four years and is providing water for irrigation to lakhs of acres. He stated that KLIP is the world's largest lift irrigation project and everyone should feel proud that it is in India.

KTR told the Diaspora that the world's largest Amazon campus is situated in Hyderabad.

He said: "Google, Facebook, Micron, Apple, Qualcomm, Uber, Salesforce, and Novartis -- all of their second largest campuses are in Hyderabad and they all have come in the last six years. They have chosen Telangana because of its stable leadership and able governance."

He pointed out that Telangana's per capita income, which was Rs 1,24,000 in 2014, rose by 130 per cent to Rs 2,78,000 in seven years. The GSDP, which was Rs 5.6 lakh crore in 2014 grew to Rs 11.54 lakh crore during the same period.

These are the numbers given by the Ministry of statistics and program implementation of Government of India.

"Telangana is the 11th largest state geographically and 12th largest as per population. But according to the Reserve Bank of India, Telangana today has emerged as the 4th largest contributor to India's economic growth," KTR added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Helen Skelton has returned to TV to host the rugby league coverage on Channel 4 for the first time since she split from husband Richie Myler, on Saturday.

The Countryfile presenter, 38, who announced the couple's separation last month, has been absent from her role since the news but delighted fans as she returned.

Helen was presenting on a Hull KR V Catalan Dragons game, a team her ex rugby star beau has played for during his career.

She's back! Helen Skelton, 38, delighted fans as she returned to television for the first time since her split from her rugby star husband Richie Myler on Saturday

She looked as stylish as ever for her return, opting for a smart black blazer with her blonde locks flowing in loose curls.

Fans of Helen took to Twitter to celebrate her return as the flooded the social media site with gushing comments.

On user penned: '@HelenSkelton great to see you on Channel 4 Rugby League. It is very windy, your hair is lovely and you are a gorgeous lady with great integrity.'

Another added: 'Great to see Helen Skelton is still presenting the Rugby League on Channel 4. I'm sure it can't be easy for her given recent events but she always does a great job because she's a top quality professional.'

Exes: The Countryfile presenter, who announced the couple's separation last month, has been absent from her role since the news but delighted fans as she returned

It was recently revealed her husband Richie has begun a new relationship with the daughter of the multi-millionaire President of the Leeds Rhinos club he plays for.

Helen is said to feel 'bewildered' by the breakdown of her marriage to Richie, 31, whose new partner is Stephanie Thirkill, 32.

A source close to the couple told MailOnline: 'Helen is absolutely devastated. Now she is contemplating life without him while he has moved on with his new partner.'

Proud: On user penned: '@HelenSkelton great to see you on Channel 4 Rugby League. It is very windy, your hair is lovely and you are a gorgeous lady with great integrity'

'Richie is insisting there was no crossover, that he began the romance with Stephanie after their marriage collapsed, but Helen feels let down. They are still married, and their baby is literally four months old.

'She thought their marriage was safe and secure and is totally shocked by what's happened.'

Stephanie is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, who is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and is worth an estimated 175 million.

Split: It was recently revealed her husband Richie has begun a new relationship with the daughter of the multi-millionaire President of the Leeds Rhinos club he plays for

In 2019, the lifelong Leeds Rhinos fan, who attended his first match in 1968, became President of the club.

Richie plays scrumhalf for the leading rugby league club, who he joined in 2017 and also represents England at international level.

Former Blue Peter star Helen confirmed their breakup on Instagram last week, writing: 'Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple.

'He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.'
In light of the ongoing protests by tribals fearing displacement over the Par-Tapi-Narmada river-link project, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday announced that the project has been scrapped.

The announcement has come nearly two months after state BJP president C R Paatil said that the project will not be given a go-ahead by the Centre, after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Despite his assurance, tribals continued their protest, fearing that the project will be implemented, causing a large-scale displacement in the project-affected districts.

Speaking to reporters, Patel said, "No approval has been given by the government for this project. The state government has decided that it will not be taken forward under any circumstances.... Respecting the sentiments of our tribal brothers and sisters, it has been decided to cancel the project."



He further said that any scheme announced by the Centre is given a go-ahead only after the state government grants permission.

"For this project, the state government has not given any permission, and it is the state's decision not to take it forward in any situation," the chief minister said.

There is anger among tribals due to some "misunderstanding" created by some people who wrongly propagated that the project was not in their interest, he claimed.

The scheme was announced keeping in mind the interest of the tribals, as the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government are implementing various schemes for the benefit of the tribal population, he said.

It is to be noted that is slated to go to polls this December.

The opposition Congress reiterated that the chief minister's announcement is a "lollipop" targeted at the tribal vote bank.

Speaking about the status of the projects, Sitharaman had said in her budget speech that the draft DPR of the five river links has been finalised and consensus among beneficiary states is awaited.

The Centre will provide support only after a consensus is made among the states associated with the projects, she had said.

As per the India Water Resources Information System, the project had proposed to transfer water from the water surplus regions of the Western Ghats to deficit regions of Saurashtra and Kutch, involving seven reservoirs proposed in north Maharashtra and south Gujarat.

Apart from seven dams, it envisaged three diversion weirs, two tunnels, 395 km long canal, six power houses and a number of cross-drainage works.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In light of the ongoing protests by tribals fearing displacement over the Par-Tapi-Narmada river-link project, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday announced that the project has been scrapped.

The announcement has come nearly two months after state BJP president C R Paatil said that the project will not be given a go-ahead by the Centre, after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Despite his assurance, tribals continued their protest, fearing that the project will be implemented, causing a large-scale displacement in the project-affected districts.

Speaking to reporters, Patel said, "No approval has been given by the government for this project. The state government has decided that it will not be taken forward under any circumstances.... Respecting the sentiments of our tribal brothers and sisters, it has been decided to cancel the project."



He further said that any scheme announced by the Centre is given a go-ahead only after the state government grants permission.

"For this project, the state government has not given any permission, and it is the state's decision not to take it forward in any situation," the chief minister said.

There is anger among tribals due to some "misunderstanding" created by some people who wrongly propagated that the project was not in their interest, he claimed.

The scheme was announced keeping in mind the interest of the tribals, as the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government are implementing various schemes for the benefit of the tribal population, he said.

It is to be noted that is slated to go to polls this December.

The opposition Congress reiterated that the chief minister's announcement is a "lollipop" targeted at the tribal vote bank.

Speaking about the status of the projects, Sitharaman had said in her budget speech that the draft DPR of the five river links has been finalised and consensus among beneficiary states is awaited.

The Centre will provide support only after a consensus is made among the states associated with the projects, she had said.

As per the India Water Resources Information System, the project had proposed to transfer water from the water surplus regions of the Western Ghats to deficit regions of Saurashtra and Kutch, involving seven reservoirs proposed in north Maharashtra and south Gujarat.

Apart from seven dams, it envisaged three diversion weirs, two tunnels, 395 km long canal, six power houses and a number of cross-drainage works.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
In light of the ongoing protests by tribals fearing displacement over the Par-Tapi-Narmada river-link project, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday announced that the project has been scrapped.

The announcement has come nearly two months after state BJP president C R Paatil said that the project will not be given a go-ahead by the Centre, after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Despite his assurance, tribals continued their protest, fearing that the project will be implemented, causing a large-scale displacement in the project-affected districts.

Speaking to reporters, Patel said, "No approval has been given by the government for this project. The state government has decided that it will not be taken forward under any circumstances.... Respecting the sentiments of our tribal brothers and sisters, it has been decided to cancel the project."



He further said that any scheme announced by the Centre is given a go-ahead only after the state government grants permission.

"For this project, the state government has not given any permission, and it is the state's decision not to take it forward in any situation," the chief minister said.

There is anger among tribals due to some "misunderstanding" created by some people who wrongly propagated that the project was not in their interest, he claimed.

The scheme was announced keeping in mind the interest of the tribals, as the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government are implementing various schemes for the benefit of the tribal population, he said.

It is to be noted that is slated to go to polls this December.

The opposition Congress reiterated that the chief minister's announcement is a "lollipop" targeted at the tribal vote bank.

Speaking about the status of the projects, Sitharaman had said in her budget speech that the draft DPR of the five river links has been finalised and consensus among beneficiary states is awaited.

The Centre will provide support only after a consensus is made among the states associated with the projects, she had said.

As per the India Water Resources Information System, the project had proposed to transfer water from the water surplus regions of the Western Ghats to deficit regions of Saurashtra and Kutch, involving seven reservoirs proposed in north Maharashtra and south Gujarat.

Apart from seven dams, it envisaged three diversion weirs, two tunnels, 395 km long canal, six power houses and a number of cross-drainage works.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Helen Skelton has returned to TV to host the rugby league coverage on Channel 4 for the first time since she split from husband Richie Myler, on Saturday.

The Countryfile presenter, 38, who announced the couple's separation last month, has been absent from her role since the news but delighted fans as she returned.

Helen was presenting on a Hull KR V Catalan Dragons game, a team her ex rugby star beau has played for during his career.

She's back! Helen Skelton, 38, delighted fans as she returned to television for the first time since her split from her rugby star husband Richie Myler on Saturday

She looked as stylish as ever for her return, opting for a smart black blazer with her blonde locks flowing in loose curls.

Fans of Helen took to Twitter to celebrate her return as the flooded the social media site with gushing comments.

On user penned: '@HelenSkelton great to see you on Channel 4 Rugby League. It is very windy, your hair is lovely and you are a gorgeous lady with great integrity.'

Another added: 'Great to see Helen Skelton is still presenting the Rugby League on Channel 4. I'm sure it can't be easy for her given recent events but she always does a great job because she's a top quality professional.'

Exes: The Countryfile presenter, who announced the couple's separation last month, has been absent from her role since the news but delighted fans as she returned

It was recently revealed her husband Richie has begun a new relationship with the daughter of the multi-millionaire President of the Leeds Rhinos club he plays for.

Helen is said to feel 'bewildered' by the breakdown of her marriage to Richie, 31, whose new partner is Stephanie Thirkill, 32.

A source close to the couple told MailOnline: 'Helen is absolutely devastated. Now she is contemplating life without him while he has moved on with his new partner.'

Proud: On user penned: '@HelenSkelton great to see you on Channel 4 Rugby League. It is very windy, your hair is lovely and you are a gorgeous lady with great integrity'

'Richie is insisting there was no crossover, that he began the romance with Stephanie after their marriage collapsed, but Helen feels let down. They are still married, and their baby is literally four months old.

'She thought their marriage was safe and secure and is totally shocked by what's happened.'

Stephanie is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, who is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and is worth an estimated 175 million.

Split: It was recently revealed her husband Richie has begun a new relationship with the daughter of the multi-millionaire President of the Leeds Rhinos club he plays for

In 2019, the lifelong Leeds Rhinos fan, who attended his first match in 1968, became President of the club.

Richie plays scrumhalf for the leading rugby league club, who he joined in 2017 and also represents England at international level.

Former Blue Peter star Helen confirmed their breakup on Instagram last week, writing: 'Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple.

'He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.'

The Islamabad police and anti-corruption unit of Punjab Police arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's(PTI) leader and former Pakistan federal minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari from outside her house on Saturday after she was booked under a property case registered in Pakistan's Dera Ghazi (DG) Khan. "Male police officers have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has taken her," tweeted Shireen's daughter Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, as reported by Dawn newspaper. Addressing her mother's arrest as "kidnapping", Imam, standing alongside Fawad Chaudhry and Shibli Faraz, leaders of the PTI, told media persons, "She was kidnapped -- I won't say she was arrested. When someone is arrested, the police inform you on what charge a person is taken away for," "I don't know where she is. She has been forcibly disappeared by this government because they think women are soft targets. I won't spare anyone if anything happens to my mother." Imam further added, as reported by Dawn newspaper. Meanwhile, footage of Shireen's arrest has been aired by broadcasters where Pakistan female police officers were seen dragging her out of a car while Shireen could be heard protesting. A scuffle and name-calling were also heard in the footage. The arrest of the former federal minister for Human Rights was confirmed by PTI member Iftikhar Durrani who called upon PTI leaders and workers to reach Islamabad's Kohsar police station. "Shireen Mazari has been picked up outside from her house a while ago, everyone must reach Police Station Kohsaaar!" he tweeted. (ANI)
Brian Morton, an accomplished novelist, has turned to nonfiction for the first time in his new book, Tasha: A Sons Memoir. On this weeks podcast, he discusses his mothers life, the difficulties in taking care of her toward the end of her life and what led him to write a memoir.

I started writing a few pages about her, and I relished the freedom to write directly, to write without having to invent any characters, Morton says. I love to write about fictional characters, thats my favorite part of writing. But it takes me a very long time to sort of give birth to them. And here was my mother, perhaps the most colorful character Ive ever written about, who was right there.

Image

Rachel Careau visits the podcast to discuss her new translation of Colettes Cheri and its sequel, The End of Cheri.
















I want to seek our common purpose and promote unity and not fear and  optimism, not fear and division. It is what I have sought to do throughout my political life. And what I will bring to the leadership of our country. It is a show of strength to collaborate and work with people, not weakness. Loading I want to find that common ground where together we can plant our dreams. To unite around our shared love of this country, our shared faith in Australias future, our shared values of fairness and opportunity, and hard work and kindness to those in need. And I can promise all Australians this  no matter how you voted today, the government I lead will respect every one of you every day. And Ill seek to get your vote next time. We are the greatest country on Earth. But we can have an even better future if we seize the opportunities that are right there in front of us. The opportunity to shape change, rather than be shaped by it. And we can shape change more effectively if we seek to [bring] people on that journey of change. Together, we can end the climate wars.

Together, we can take advantage of the opportunity for Australia to be a renewable energy superpower. Together, we can work in common interests with business and unions to drive productivity, lift wages and profits. I want an economy that works for people, not the other way around. Together, we can as a country say that all of us, if the Fair Work Commission dont cut the wage of minimum aged workers, we can say that we welcome that absolutely. Together, we can strengthen universal healthcare through Medicare. We can protect universal superannuation.

And we can write universal childcare into that proud tradition. Together, we can fix the crisis in aged care. Together, we can make forward equal opportunity for women a national economic and social priority. Together, we can and will establish a national anti-corruption commission.

Together, we can be a self-reliant, resilient nation, confident in our values and in our place in the world. And together we can embrace the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We can answer its patient, gracious call for a voice enshrined in our constitution. Because all of us ought to be proud that amongst our great multicultural society, we count the oldest living continuous culture in the world. And I acknowledge Australias next indigenous affairs minister, Linda Burney, who is here. My fellow Australians, no one gets here by themselves. And I wouldnt be standing here tonight without the support, hard work and belief of so many people. To my parliamentary team, including my deputy, Richard Marles, and my Senate leader, Penny Wong. My terrific economic team led by Jim Chalmers and Katy Gallagher. Celebrations get under way at Labors election night function at the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen On Monday morning, arrangements are in place to have these people sworn in as members of my team. To enable Penny and I to attend the important Quad leaders meeting in Tokyo, with President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida and Prime Minister Modi. And I want the leaders of the economic team to start work on Monday morning as well.

I wanted to thank my shadow ministry and my amazing caucus members, including the people who are here tonight at this joint function in the corner of our seats, including Tony Burke, who is here. Loading I want to thank all of our Labor candidates. I want to thank all those who have worked so hard for this victory. We stand on your shoulders. Most rank and file members of the Labor Party will never ask for anything. They knock on doors, they make calls, they work so hard. They hand out how-to-votes. They push the cause of Labor at the local P&C, the local kids footy, the local netball, when theyre shopping in the supermarket, when they talk to their neighbours. I thank each and every one of the true believers of the Australian Labor Party. And I proudly thank the members of the mighty trade union movement.

I do want to thank my campaign director, our amazing national secretary, Paul Erickson, and his team. My staff are led by my first campaign director back in 1996. And my electorate office team who havent seen that much of me, who look after this electorate led by Helen Rogers, thank you very much. But to all those  and Im not going to name them because theres too many  theres a lot of people who believed in me and backed me over many decades in this great movement to be where I am today. You know who you are and I know who you are and I thank you. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I as leader take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood I said Ive been underestimated my whole life during the campaign. Now while all that is true, I have also been lifted up by others who saw something in me. And who encouraged me in life on this journey. And I pledge to the Australian people here tonight, I am here not to occupy the space, but to make a positive difference each and every day. And to the amazing diverse people of Grayndler. All politics is local. And in 1996, there were various people who wrote off the chances of Labor holding on to that seat. This is my 10th election. And I want to say thank you for placing your faith in me. It is an absolute honour to be your voice in our national parliament.

To my partner, Jodie, thank you for coming into my life and for sharing this journey. And to my proudest achievement, my son, Nathan, thank you, mate, for your love and support. Your mother, whos here tonight, Carmel, we are both so proud of the caring, wonderful, smart young man you have become. To my mum whos beaming down on us, thank you. And I hope there are families in public housing watching this tonight. Because I want every parent to be able to tell their child no matter where you live or where you come from, in Australia, the doors of opportunity are open to us all. And like every other Labor government, well just widen that door a bit more. Friends, we have made history tonight. And tomorrow, together, we begin the work of building a better future. A better future for all Australians. Thank you very much.


TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.

TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.
Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.





















1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results
As the rescue operation resumed at the Ramban Tunnel collapse site in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, the death toll reached nine in the incident today. "So far nine bodies have been recovered from the spot, maybe one is left. Out of these 9 deceased, five were from West Bengal, one from Assam, two from Nepal, and two were local. FIR has been registered for negligence," Mohita Sharma, Ramban SSP told ANI.A part of an under-construction four-lane tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district collapsed on Thursday night. (ANI)
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
In light of the ongoing protests by tribals fearing displacement over the Par-Tapi-Narmada river-link project, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday announced that the project has been scrapped.

The announcement has come nearly two months after state BJP president C R Paatil said that the project will not be given a go-ahead by the Centre, after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Despite his assurance, tribals continued their protest, fearing that the project will be implemented, causing a large-scale displacement in the project-affected districts.

Speaking to reporters, Patel said, "No approval has been given by the government for this project. The state government has decided that it will not be taken forward under any circumstances.... Respecting the sentiments of our tribal brothers and sisters, it has been decided to cancel the project."



He further said that any scheme announced by the Centre is given a go-ahead only after the state government grants permission.

"For this project, the state government has not given any permission, and it is the state's decision not to take it forward in any situation," the chief minister said.

There is anger among tribals due to some "misunderstanding" created by some people who wrongly propagated that the project was not in their interest, he claimed.

The scheme was announced keeping in mind the interest of the tribals, as the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government are implementing various schemes for the benefit of the tribal population, he said.

It is to be noted that is slated to go to polls this December.

The opposition Congress reiterated that the chief minister's announcement is a "lollipop" targeted at the tribal vote bank.

Speaking about the status of the projects, Sitharaman had said in her budget speech that the draft DPR of the five river links has been finalised and consensus among beneficiary states is awaited.

The Centre will provide support only after a consensus is made among the states associated with the projects, she had said.

As per the India Water Resources Information System, the project had proposed to transfer water from the water surplus regions of the Western Ghats to deficit regions of Saurashtra and Kutch, involving seven reservoirs proposed in north Maharashtra and south Gujarat.

Apart from seven dams, it envisaged three diversion weirs, two tunnels, 395 km long canal, six power houses and a number of cross-drainage works.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)




Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.















Microscopic, New Mexico-made quantum dots could soon be powering up commercial buildings, boosting greenhouse production and, eventually, even feeding astronauts on the moon.

Los Alamos-based Ubiquitous Quantum Dots, or UbiQD Inc., is turning the nanoscale, three-dimensional structures  which measure about 10,000 times smaller than a human hair  into sunlight-harvesting machines to make solar-generating windows, plastic row covers that accelerate greenhouse plant growth and a new type of security ink to protect official documents against counterfeiting.

The company, which launched in 2014, is already deploying its technology in real-world applications, with commercial sales of its quantum-dot-based greenhouse film cover rapidly expanding in the U.S. and Europe, and new window-generation pilot projects underway in New Mexico and elsewhere.

And now, thanks to new collaborations with two large industry partners, the company is poised to scale up production of its quantum dots for a major thrust into commercial markets over the next two years.

In March, UbiQD joined forces with Canadian solar panel manufacturer Heliene Inc., which operates two factories in the U.S., to integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot film into Heliene solar panels for greenhouses.

And in late April, it signed a new partnership with SWM International  a global leader in the materials industry that makes polymer films for windows  to directly incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots into SWMs plastic sheets as a drop-in product for manufacturers to create solar-generating windows.

Heliene is one of North Americas fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, and SWM is a publicly traded company with worldwide operations, said UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel.

These partnerships provide a new level of validation for UbiQD, McDaniel told the Journal. It shows that our quantum dot technology works, and that there are real market opportunities for it.

Light-bending structures

Commercial use of quantum dots is not new. The nanoscale structures manipulate light in unique ways, absorbing it and emitting it back out in specific colors.

Theyre used today in everything from transistors and sunscreen to LCD televisions, tablets, smartphones, lasers and even medical applications. But traditionally, theyve been extremely expensive to make, and theyre usually composed of toxic materials.

UbiQDs product, however, is made through an alternative, inexpensive process that uses low-cost and nontoxic elements.

McDaniel helped develop that new process as a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then licensed it from LANL, along with complementary technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to make and market next-generation quantum dots for many different applications.

From the start, UbiQD set up its own production operation, now housed at a 9,000-square-foot facility in Los Alamos, where the company makes batches of quantum dots for sale to public and private research institutions to explore different applications, often in partnership with UbiQD.

That led to its potential application as a security ink, which UbiQD is now developing with partners as an anti-counterfeiting technique that imbeds quantum dots into documents to make them harder to reproduce, providing unique optical features for things like passports or drivers licenses.

We continually supply the quantum dots for research and development purposes targeting different niche markets, McDaniel said. The security ink is the biggest one.

Solar-generating windows

Since launching, however, UbiQD has prioritized development of quantum-dot-tinted windows to provide solar electric generation, potentially converting buildings into self-powering structures.

That idea is also not new. But until now, most commercial development has focused on applying photovoltaic cells directly to windows, which is a more complex and expensive process.

In contrast, UbiQD aims to imbed quantum dots directly into the windows to absorb solar energy, and then channel the photons to solar cells attached to window frames, making the process simpler and more affordable.

Since 2016, the National Science Foundation has awarded UbiQD about $1.6 million in grants to develop a marketable product. That, along with assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other entities, enabled development of UbiQDs current technology  a plastic film imbedded with quantum dots thats fitted in between two glass panes as an interlayer inside the window.

Such double-pane windows with plastic interlayers are used widely by industry as a safety feature.

It makes them more robust, McDaniel said. All car windows have them, and theyre often used in hurricane and earthquake zones, because it helps hold the glass together so that, if a window cracks, it wont necessarily fall onto people. It also dampens noise penetration, which makes it popular in cities.

In November, the company deployed quantum-dot-laden windows for the first time in three pilot projects, including a half dozen windows at NREL in Colorado, another half dozen at the Holiday Inn Express in Los Alamos, and in nearly all the windows at UbiQDs own facility. The company is now monitoring electric output, assessing performance as sunlight changes throughout the day and during different seasons and varying weather.

So far, theres been no surprises, McDaniel said. Theyre performing pretty consistently with all the preliminary modeling we did.

The project is generating enthusiastic feedback. The Holiday Inn now wants the windows installed throughout the building, said Brian Patrick Martin, managing member of the hotel ownership group.

Its turning a low-utility part of our building that people look through but dont really even notice into something much more useful, Martin told the Journal. Thats exciting for us as a business, because in the future, it could offset fixed costs for power generation.

Hotel guests are intrigued.

After they see the windows, everyone wants to learn more, Martin said. Theres real interest in next-generation energy solutions.

As UbiQD expands the hotel project, it will start testing products that solar windows can power up, such as automated shades that open and close independently, saving energy by shading the room in summertime or opening the blinds in winter for additional heat.

Were prototyping motorized shades and other ways of using the window power to operate smart technology, McDaniel said. The idea is to start by harnessing the power for local things. But ultimately, the goal is full integration to power up buildings.

More pilot projects are planned. Western Washington University is installing them. And, while not yet officially announced, the U.S. Air Force signed a contract for UbiQD to deploy them on a military base to test its potential to reinforce energy resiliency and efficiency, McDaniel said.

SWM partnership

The new alliance with SWM can pave the way for rapid commercial deployment. That firm is currently merging with another specialty materials manufacturer, creating a $3 billion combined company with business operations in 90 countries.

SWM is now working to incorporate UbiQDs quantum dots directly into SWMs extrusion process to make plastic interlayers for double-pane windows. The end goal is a scalable, low-cost production process where the quantum dots become an integral part of standard interlayers already used throughout the window industry.

It will be a drop-in solution for manufacturers to integrate the solar-generating interlayers into their window-making operations, McDaniel said.

The partners expect to conclude the integration process within 18 months, creating an initial prototype this year, a standard product within a year, and then commercial launch in late 2023.

Were marrying our two technologies together, McDaniel said. SWM has all the large infrastructure and equipment needed to do it.

SWM Vice President and General Manager of Films Caio Sedeno said the partnership is mutually beneficial.

SWM has a track record for delivering demanding and value-added solutions, solving our customers most-challenging problems, Sedeno said in a statement. This new relationship extends our technical contributions to the built environment, enabling property owners and developers to push towards net-zero.

UbiQDs go-to-market strategy is still evolving. Supplying quantum-laced interlayers to window makers is the first step, now resolved through the partnership with SWM, which has global distribution chains.

But once integrated into double-pane windows, PV cells must still be attached to frames to generate electricity and turn the final product into a fully-functioning solar window.

We have yet to determine who makes and sells that final product, McDaniel said.

UbiQD could establish its own brand, subcontracting manufacturers for PV frame attachments for sale to distributors and installers, or it could license the final product to others to make and sell.

Ideally, production and assembly would become automated for direct production in window factories, McDaniel said.

For the prototypes deployed in pilot projects, UbiQD contracted Albuquerque-based window maker GlazTech Industries.

GlazTech is an example of window factories we could work with to produce final products, but there are similar factories all over the world we could partner with, McDaniel said.

Agrivoltaic modules

Still, broad deployment of quantum-dot-based solar windows likely wont begin in commercial buildings, but rather, in greenhouses, thanks to UbiQDs new partnership with solar panel manufacturer Heliene. And, unlike the solar-window market, the greenhouse product could provide growers with double the bang for their buck by combining PV generation with a proprietary, red- and orange-light-emitting film that UbiQD began selling in 2018 to boost crop production.

Nearly three dozen field trials at greenhouses in seven U.S. states and seven other countries since 2017 have shown that UbiQDs quantum-dot-based film, called UbiGro, can increase crop yields by up to 20% or more. The latest trial results, which UbiQD released in February, demonstrated a 21% improvement in tomato production, a 16% increase in trimmed cannabis yield, 21% more flower clusters in geraniums, 13% enhanced lettuce weight, and up to a 28% boost in strawberry production.

The company developed UbiGro while exploring quantum-dot-based solar generation for greenhouses. The dot-laced film, which is placed above crop rows, shifts sunshine into a red-and-orange light spectrum that mimics late-summer-like sun rays all year round. Thats considered the most potent time of year for plants, because they sense winter coming and grow faster.

The company now sells rolls of UbiGro at $3 per square foot, with market uptake steadily expanding.

UbiQD doubled its revenue last year to $2.5 million, with about one-third of that coming from UbiGro sales, and the rest from its development partnerships for solar windows and security ink, McDaniel said.

This year, were on track to roughly double our revenue again, he said.

In fact, UbiGros potential has caught the interest of NASA, which awarded $825,000 in grants since 2018 to study its ability to boost yields for greenhouse vegetables that astronauts could eventually grow on the moon and Mars.

Now, through the partnership with Heliene, UbiQD will combine its two technologies into a single solar-generating roof for greenhouses that simultaneously shines red and orange light on crops below. Heliene will integrate UbiQDs quantum-dot interlayer between two sheets of glass with a solar cell in the middle, with a potentially marketable product expected to be ready in 18 months.

McDaniel called it the intersection of technology for kilowatts and tomatoes.

Were combining solar windows with greenhouse films, he said. Were creating a new line of products right at the intersection of the two.

For Heliene, the partnership can accelerate that companys strategic thrust into agrivoltaics, where solar generation is employed in agricultural operations, said Heliene CEO Martin Pochtaruk.

As energy costs continue to rise, the controlled environment agriculture industry will have to utilize energy sources more efficiently, Pochtaruk said in a statement. Greenhouses and photovoltaics generate hundreds of billions of dollars of value from sunlight, and our plan is that with our agrivoltaic modules, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

To date, UbiQD has raised more than $14 million in private equity and grant funding to pursue different market applications for its quantum dots. It currently employs 26 people full time, 24 of them at its headquarters in Los Alamos.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

While President Joe Biden travels in Asia, his administration is scrambling to salvage next month's summit focused on Latin America.

The Summit of the Americas, which the United States is hosting for the first time since the inaugural event in 1994, has risked collapsing over concerns about the guest list. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to boycott if Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua aren't included. Unlike Washington, which considers the three autocratic governments as pariahs, Mexico's leftist leader maintains regular ties with them.

A hollow summit would undermine efforts by the U.S. to reassert its influence in Latin America when China is making inroads and concerns grow that democracy is backsliding in the region.

Now Biden is considering inviting a Cuban representative to attend the summit as an observer, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified while speaking about sensitive deliberations. It's unclear if Cuba would accept the invitation  which would be extended to someone in the foreign ministry, not the foreign minister himself  and whether that would assuage Lopez Obrador's concerns.

Lopez Obrador reiterated Friday that he "wants everyone to be invited," but indicated that he was hopeful about reaching a resolution, adding that "we have a lot of confidence in President Biden, and he respects us."

Even if Lopez Obrador attends, there could still be a notable absence in Los Angeles: Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, who leads Latin America's most populous country, hasn't said whether he'll attend.

The uncertainty is a sign of chaotic planning for the summit, which is scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in Los Angeles. Normally, gatherings for heads of state are organized long in advance, with clear agendas and guest lists.

"There's no excuse that they didn't have enough time," said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "This is our chance to set a regional agenda. It's a great opportunity. And I'm afraid we're not going to take it."

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Ned Price, speaking for the U.S. State Department, said the first wave of invitations was sent out Thursday, but there could be additions. He declined to say who had gotten invitations.

He said speculation about who was attending was "understandable," noting that Biden will be the first U.S. president to attend the summit since 2015, when President Barack Obama went to Panama.

President Donald Trump skipped the next summit in Peru in 2018, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

"Our agenda is to focus on working together when it comes to the core challenges that face our hemisphere," Price said, including migration, climate change and the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuba's participation is often a controversial issue for the summit, which has been held every few years and includes countries from Canada to Chile. The island nation was not invited to the first gathering in Miami, but Obama made headlines by shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama.

Questions about Biden's approach to Latin America are piling up when his attention has been elsewhere. He's taken a lead in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, helping to forge an international coalition to punish Moscow with sanctions and arm Kyiv with new weapons.

Biden is also trying to refocus U.S. foreign policy on Asia, where he views the rising power of China as the country's foremost long-term challenge. He's currently on his first trip to the continent as president, visiting South Korea and Japan.

Berg argued that neglecting Latin America could undermine Biden's goals, since China has been trying to make inroads in the region.

"It's always been difficult for Latin America to get its due," he said. "But we're pretty close to being in a geopolitical situation where Latin America moves from a strategic asset for us to a strategic liability."

Instead of putting the finishing touches on the schedule for the Summit of the Americas, administration officials have been racing to ensure it doesn't devolve into an embarrassment.

Chris Dodd, a former U.S. senator from Connecticut chosen by Biden as a special adviser for the summit, spent two hours on Zoom with Lopez Obrador this week.

There's also been a steady drip of announcements adjusting U.S. policies toward the region.

For example, the U.S. is moving to ease some economic sanctions on Venezuela.

In addition, administration officials said they would loosen restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and allow Cuban immigrants to send more money back to people on the island.

The discussion about Cuba's potential participation in Los Angeles reflects a difficult diplomatic and political balancing act.

Biden faces pressure to invite Cuba from his counterparts in the region. In addition to Lopez Obrador, Bolivia's President Luis Arce has threatened to skip the summit.

But Biden risks domestic backlash if Cuba is included, and not just from Republicans. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Cuban American Democrat from New Jersey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an outspoken critic of the Cuban government.
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison joined a November 2020 call with Sean Hannity and Lindsey Graham to strategize how to contest Joe Biden's win.

Ellison, a Trump-supporting GOP megadonor, dialed in to the call on November 14 2020 to discuss how to frame allegations of electoral fraud he and other supporters believed cost Donald Trump a second term in office.

The involvement of Ellison - who is the 11th richest man in the world with an $85 billion fortune thanks to his successful software firm - was revealed Saturday by a Washington Post story.

Also on the call were Trump's former attorney Jay Sekulow, as well as James Bopp Jr. Bobb Jr is an attorney for Texas nonprofit True the Vote, which has pushed claims of voter fraud.

Journalists were able to obtain some details of the call after True the Vote was sued by Fair Fight, a liberal PAC that has pushed for voting rights, which is linked to Democrat Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, pictured, helped strategize how to contest Joe Biden's 2020 win in a phone call less than a fortnight after the election, it has been revealed. Ellison is the world's 11th richest man, with a fortune of $85 billion

The Post speculated that Ellison may have been brought into the call as a tech expert, as Trump supporters investigated claims of crooked voting machines.

That theory targeted automated voting booths manufactured by Dominion.

Dominion has since launched a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit against Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani Sidney Powell.

Dominion is also suing conservative network Newsmax for pushing claims their machines were crooked.

No proof of the allegations made against Dominion has ever been uncovered, and the firm denies all allegations of impropriety.

Ellison was likely invited into the call by Graham, a South Carolina GOP senator who he has previously donated to.

The billionaire's invite was likely also extended to have him discuss whether he thought the Trump campaign had assembled an effective legal team to push claims of widespread electoral fraud they insist cost Trump victory.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, left, and Fox News host Sean Hannity, right, were both on the November 2020 call with Oracle founder Larry Ellison

Asked for details of the call, Bopp told the Post: 'The question that I think was being discussed was whether or not congressional hearings on how the 2020 election was being conducted would be beneficial to whatever people were doing.'

Bopp said he'd told the other people on the line that he thought such hearings were a good idea.

Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston, Texas, whose goal is to halt voter fraud had described the call in an email that was revealed in a court filing on Friday.

Two lawyers - James Bopp Jr and Jay Sekulow - were also on the call to discuss whether it would be worth pushing for congressional hearings to discuss the validity of Biden's win

'Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison,' Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor the same day of the November 14, 2020 call, referring to True the Vote attorney, James Bopp, Jr.

Engelbrecht continued: 'He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so that's what I'm working on now.'

Four lawsuits against the Biden win had been filed by the time the call was made.

A True the Vote donor called Fred Eshelman is believed to have been irritated by Ellison's participation, and sent an email to True the Vote founder Englebrecht demanding to know why Ellison was on the call.

He wrote: 'Why was he on call with Senator Graham? Is he part of data/analysis solution, is he a potential large donor, other? '

Eshelman was annoyed when his email was ignored, and demanded a return of his $2.5 million donation to True the Vote.

Trump has long claimed he was denied a second term in office due to voter fraud, but has never shared any definitive proof to back up his allegation

He sued for its return in a Texas state court, and is launching an appeal after his initial lawsuit failed.

True the Vote continues to push its claims, and recently debuted a film claiming widespread 'ballot harvesting' swung the 2020 election in Biden's favor.

That film was recently screened at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club.

Ellison recently pledged $1 billion toward's Elon Musk's planned $44 billion takeover of Twitter, making him the largest donor to the proposed takeover.

He stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014 but remains both its chairman and chief technology officer, after founding the firm in the 1970s.

Ellison also sits on the board of Tesla, and even owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
TIJUANA, Mexico  Plumes of incense swirled through the dimly lit living room as seven women took turns explaining what drove them to sign up for a weekend of psychedelic therapy at a villa in northern Mexico with sweeping ocean views.

A former U.S. Marine said she hoped to connect with the spirit of her mother, who killed herself 11 years ago. An Army veteran said she had been sexually assaulted by a relative as a child. A handful of veterans said they had been sexually assaulted by fellow service members.

The wife of a Navy bomb disposal expert choked up as she lamented that years of unrelenting combat missions had turned her husband into an absent, dysfunctional father.

Kristine Bostwick, 38, a former Navy corpsman, said she hoped that putting her mind through ceremonies with mind-altering substances would help her make peace with the end of a turbulent marriage and perhaps ease the migraines that had become a daily torment.

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's 2022 federal election held on Satuday.

The election result would end the Coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power with Albanese to become Australia's 31st prime minister.

Addressing supporters, Albanese pledged to bring Australians together.

"I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honor. Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he said.

Labor's victory was delivered by large swings in the party's favor and a collapse in support for the Coalition.

Conceding defeat, Morrison, who spoke to Albanese earlier to congratulate him on his election victory, took responsibility for the result and announced he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party.

"To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and who have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses," he told supporters.

"As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do." 
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
A sixth form pupil who was forced out of her private school after challenging the 'trans ideology' of a visiting speaker has thanked JK Rowling for her support after other pupils 'made me think I was mad'.

The 18-year-old teenager was treated 'like a heretic' for questioning a female member of the House of Lords' arguments during a PSHE talk about transphobia in Parliament, one of her teachers said.

The pair parted amicably, but when she returned to the sixth form she was surrounded by up to 60 girls who screamed, swore and spat at her, leading to her being unable to breathe properly and collapsing, it was claimed.

A sixth form pupil who was forced out of her private school after challenging the 'trans ideology' of a visiting speaker has thanked JK Rowling for her support. File image

On Tuesday, JK Rowling waded into the row, tweeting: 'Utterly shameful. Add this to the tottering pile of evidence that people in education and academia who're supposed to have a duty of care towards the young have succumbed to an outbreak of quasi-religious fanaticism. The girl's crime? Saying ''sex exists''.'

Following support from the author, the teenager told The Times that she is grateful the 'important' issue is being discussed, but fears the 'sensationalisation' created by Ms Rowling's input.

The student told the paper that she has been mischaracterised online as 'expressing ingrained prejudice' but was questioning the baroness in a 'measured' way.

'It made me think I was mad. Otherwise how could people turn on me so bitterly?,' she said.

The student said that during the question and answer session, the baroness 'was implying critical theory took precedence over biological reality in defining women'.

She said that on questioning the baroness, she was told that 'trans people dont have basic human rights' in Britain.

After the session, the student said she apologised to the baroness if she came across as 'rude' in her questioning.

Teachers supported the teenager at first but abandoned her after other pupils accused her of transphobia, according to the report.

She returned to school on several occasions but was told she would be sent to work in the library if she said anything provocative in lessons, and was repeatedly bullied. She eventually left in September before completing her A-Levels, which she is now studying for at home.

A teacher at the school told the website Transgender Trend: 'We know how these views are being silenced in the adult world through high-profile legal cases and the bullying of celebrities such as JK Rowling.

'This is also happening in schools.'

Following support from the author, the teenager told The Times that she is grateful the 'important' issue is being discussed, but fears the 'sensationalisation' created by Ms Rowling's input

He said that it was 'chilling' to see the student being branded a 'transphobe', and that while some have changed their positions, 'the damage to her is done'.

The unnamed baroness was described as 'a well known activist', while the school was allegedly a member of the controversial Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme  which has faced claims it forces a strict interpretation of transgender ideology on its participants.

Noting that the pupil had challenged the speaker by saying she 'respectfully disagreed' with her, the teacher continued: 'It was probably somewhat naive of her not to realise that this is indeed ''an ideology'' and one with which you're simply not allowed to disagree, however respectfully.

'To question its basic tenets is simply heresy and heretics in one way or another need to be exposed, attacked and gotten rid of.

'Even if they are such notable and seemingly untouchable figures as JK Rowling.'

The teacher said a group of sixth-formers arrived in an 'animated state' after the speaker's visit, with a 'significant group of girls verbally 'laying into' one particular 18-year-old who had had the audacity to question the position'.

The teacher went on to describe 'the current transgender ideology' to religious 'fundamentalism' and warned it was posing a 'danger' to schools.

He continued: 'Narcissistic rage is the antithesis of righteous anger in that it is vengeful and vindictive, and (in its purest form) always seeks to annihilate and never forgives.

'What happened in the 6th form centre, known these days as a ''woke pile on'' is an example of where narcissistic rage masquerades as righteous anger in the form of ''gleeful outrage''.

'Here, otherwise perfectly nice and agreeable individuals collude and congregate to show that they are on the moral high ground and ''on the right side of history''.

'Also any waverers will be getting the clearest message of what will happen to ''them'' if they don't conform.'

It is understood that the school disputes both the teacher's and pupil's accounts.
TRIPOLI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government recently approved by the House of Representatives held its first meeting on Thursday in the southern city of Sabha.

"We have decided to start working as a legitimate government approved by the legislative authority in a democratic and fair manner. We will look after the interests of our country and our people," Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha said during the meeting.

The meeting discussed government programs, the public budget, and the reasons for the recent closures of Libyan oilfields and ports, according to the government's information office.

Bashagha also said that his government would soon assume office in capital Tripoli, where the current Government of National Unity headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah is based.

However, Dbeibah refuses to hand over office to Bashagha's government, saying that his government would continue working and only hand over office to an elected government.

Libya has been suffering political instability and chaos ever since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. 
TRIPOLI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government recently approved by the House of Representatives held its first meeting on Thursday in the southern city of Sabha.

"We have decided to start working as a legitimate government approved by the legislative authority in a democratic and fair manner. We will look after the interests of our country and our people," Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha said during the meeting.

The meeting discussed government programs, the public budget, and the reasons for the recent closures of Libyan oilfields and ports, according to the government's information office.

Bashagha also said that his government would soon assume office in capital Tripoli, where the current Government of National Unity headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah is based.

However, Dbeibah refuses to hand over office to Bashagha's government, saying that his government would continue working and only hand over office to an elected government.

Libya has been suffering political instability and chaos ever since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. 
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

CALGARY, Alberta, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) (ApartmentLove or the Company), a leading provider of online home and apartment rental marketing services catering to landlords and renters in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world, is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds up to a maximum of $1,500,000 (the Private Placement). The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month plus one day hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The first tranche of the Private Placement that closed today consisted of 4,633,333 Units for gross proceeds of $695,000. The Company expects to close the remainder of the Private Placement within the next two weeks.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used in connection with the Companys growth through acquisition program, as well as for general operating cash.

About ApartmentLove Inc.

ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) is a leading provider of rental marketing services to landlords and renters on the Internet. Promoting residential rental properties in every major market in Canada and the United States, ApartmentLove has active rental listings in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world. Having proven its ability to scale as a fast-growing technology company in the hot PropTech industry, ApartmentLove is executing its organic growth and expansion plans by investing in Search Engine Optimization and other marketing and promotional activities. In addition, ApartmentLove is actively pursuing a growth through acquisition program by purchasing competing businesses that have many monthly active users, a history of recurring revenues, positive cashflows, and custom technologies that both accelerate and destress the renting experience in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere around the world.

For more information visit https://apartmentlove.com/investors or contact:

Trevor DavidsonPresident & CEOApartmentLove Inc.[email protected] (647) 272-9702

Reader Advisory

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These and similar such statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, no reliance should be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements include but are not limited to the Company successfully closing the remainder of the Private Placement, successfully executing its organic and growth through acquisition mandates and realizing the benefits of such mandates.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof. The Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Risk factors can be found in the Companys continuous disclosure documents which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ApartmentLove | the feeling of home

Source: ApartmentLove Inc.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's 2022 federal election held on Satuday.

The election result would end the Coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power with Albanese to become Australia's 31st prime minister.

Addressing supporters, Albanese pledged to bring Australians together.

"I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honor. Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he said.

Labor's victory was delivered by large swings in the party's favor and a collapse in support for the Coalition.

Conceding defeat, Morrison, who spoke to Albanese earlier to congratulate him on his election victory, took responsibility for the result and announced he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party.

"To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and who have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses," he told supporters.

"As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do." 
CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's 2022 federal election held on Satuday.

The election result would end the Coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power with Albanese to become Australia's 31st prime minister.

Addressing supporters, Albanese pledged to bring Australians together.

"I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honor. Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he said.

Labor's victory was delivered by large swings in the party's favor and a collapse in support for the Coalition.

Conceding defeat, Morrison, who spoke to Albanese earlier to congratulate him on his election victory, took responsibility for the result and announced he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party.

"To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and who have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses," he told supporters.

"As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do." 





"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.


Pakistan's former human rights minister has been arrested by anti-corruption police, authorities in Islamabad confirmed on May 21, after her daughter and another former minister said she had been mistreated during the arrest.



Shireen Mazari, who served in former Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet, was detained by police near her home in the Pakistani capital, her daughter, Imaan Mazari, said on Twitter.



"Male police have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has arrested her."



Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister in Khan's cabinet, said on Geo TV that Mazari, a senior leader in Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was manhandled during the arrest.



He alleged that Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in connection with a land dispute allegation dating back to 1972.



Islamabad police confirmed the arrest on Twitter but said that female officers arrested her "in accordance with the law." A video of the arrest that circulated on social media showed female police officers detaining Mazari.



The tweet added that reports that she was mishandled were "baseless" and said Mazari was arrested at the request of the anti-corruption department.



Mazari has been critical of Sharif's government, which took office after Khan's government was toppled in April in a no-confidence vote.



The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrest and alleged manhandling of Mazari, arguing that it "smacks of political victimization, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator."



Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a vocal human rights defender whose party is allied with Sharif's, criticized the arrest as the "worst form of political oppression."

With reporting by AP and dpa




"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A sixth form pupil who was forced out of her private school after challenging the 'trans ideology' of a visiting speaker has thanked JK Rowling for her support after other pupils 'made me think I was mad'.

The 18-year-old teenager was treated 'like a heretic' for questioning a female member of the House of Lords' arguments during a PSHE talk about transphobia in Parliament, one of her teachers said.

The pair parted amicably, but when she returned to the sixth form she was surrounded by up to 60 girls who screamed, swore and spat at her, leading to her being unable to breathe properly and collapsing, it was claimed.

A sixth form pupil who was forced out of her private school after challenging the 'trans ideology' of a visiting speaker has thanked JK Rowling for her support. File image

On Tuesday, JK Rowling waded into the row, tweeting: 'Utterly shameful. Add this to the tottering pile of evidence that people in education and academia who're supposed to have a duty of care towards the young have succumbed to an outbreak of quasi-religious fanaticism. The girl's crime? Saying ''sex exists''.'

Following support from the author, the teenager told The Times that she is grateful the 'important' issue is being discussed, but fears the 'sensationalisation' created by Ms Rowling's input.

The student told the paper that she has been mischaracterised online as 'expressing ingrained prejudice' but was questioning the baroness in a 'measured' way.

'It made me think I was mad. Otherwise how could people turn on me so bitterly?,' she said.

The student said that during the question and answer session, the baroness 'was implying critical theory took precedence over biological reality in defining women'.

She said that on questioning the baroness, she was told that 'trans people dont have basic human rights' in Britain.

After the session, the student said she apologised to the baroness if she came across as 'rude' in her questioning.

Teachers supported the teenager at first but abandoned her after other pupils accused her of transphobia, according to the report.

She returned to school on several occasions but was told she would be sent to work in the library if she said anything provocative in lessons, and was repeatedly bullied. She eventually left in September before completing her A-Levels, which she is now studying for at home.

A teacher at the school told the website Transgender Trend: 'We know how these views are being silenced in the adult world through high-profile legal cases and the bullying of celebrities such as JK Rowling.

'This is also happening in schools.'

Following support from the author, the teenager told The Times that she is grateful the 'important' issue is being discussed, but fears the 'sensationalisation' created by Ms Rowling's input

He said that it was 'chilling' to see the student being branded a 'transphobe', and that while some have changed their positions, 'the damage to her is done'.

The unnamed baroness was described as 'a well known activist', while the school was allegedly a member of the controversial Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme  which has faced claims it forces a strict interpretation of transgender ideology on its participants.

Noting that the pupil had challenged the speaker by saying she 'respectfully disagreed' with her, the teacher continued: 'It was probably somewhat naive of her not to realise that this is indeed ''an ideology'' and one with which you're simply not allowed to disagree, however respectfully.

'To question its basic tenets is simply heresy and heretics in one way or another need to be exposed, attacked and gotten rid of.

'Even if they are such notable and seemingly untouchable figures as JK Rowling.'

The teacher said a group of sixth-formers arrived in an 'animated state' after the speaker's visit, with a 'significant group of girls verbally 'laying into' one particular 18-year-old who had had the audacity to question the position'.

The teacher went on to describe 'the current transgender ideology' to religious 'fundamentalism' and warned it was posing a 'danger' to schools.

He continued: 'Narcissistic rage is the antithesis of righteous anger in that it is vengeful and vindictive, and (in its purest form) always seeks to annihilate and never forgives.

'What happened in the 6th form centre, known these days as a ''woke pile on'' is an example of where narcissistic rage masquerades as righteous anger in the form of ''gleeful outrage''.

'Here, otherwise perfectly nice and agreeable individuals collude and congregate to show that they are on the moral high ground and ''on the right side of history''.

'Also any waverers will be getting the clearest message of what will happen to ''them'' if they don't conform.'

It is understood that the school disputes both the teacher's and pupil's accounts.
The United Way of Southwest Virginia recently honored the Wythe County Public School system for its work in ensuring students are prepared for life after graduation.

The United Way gave the school system the Partner of the Year for Youth Education Award during its United Way of Southwest Virginia Impact Awards ceremony held May 17.

For the first time since 2019, the award ceremony was held live and in person, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that serve their communities in the fields of childhood success, youth success and community resilience.

The ceremony, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, drew a record crowd of more than 250 community leaders representing communities from Lee County to the New River Valley.

WCPS participated in 100 percent of United Way programs aimed at youth education.

Weve been knocking it out of the park with student and teacher participation, said WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Becki James.

Students and teachers participated in all components of the United Ways Ignite Program, which includes Careers EXPO, Educators in Industry Tours, the use of Major Clarity software for career exploration, summer Internships, and work-based learning.

The software program helps match students interests with potential jobs to help students who plan to attend college and those who want to enter the working world after graduation.

WCPS Superintendent Wesley Poole said educators and staff work to make sure students graduate with college and career readiness.

A lot is geared toward middle school students choosing the high school classes that will get them on the right track after graduation so students have the correct skills to follow the path they choose.

Our goal is to make sure that when students leave the school system they are ready for college, career, military, whatever they choose, Poole said. When they leave us, we want them to have everything they need for the next step.

This school system understands that career readiness drives future readiness and is striving to help their students achieve success in and out of the classroom by staying proactive in their workforce development and engagement of their students, said Melinda Leland, director of youth services for The United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Karen Shelton was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award. Shelton directed the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco Health Districts during the COVID pandemic, leading those districts to have the fastest roll-outs of COVID testing and vaccinations in Virginia.

American Electric Power was honored as Community Partner of the Year. Food City was honored as Top Giver.

Other honorees included:

 Elite Partners: Food City, Ballad Health, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer: Atkins and Utility Trailer: Glade Spring

 Media Partners: Bristol Herald Courier, Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, Cardinal News, 93.9 WMEV and 101.1 WUKZ, WCYB, WEHC, WJHL, WSLS

 Top Fundraiser for Celebrity Bagging: Farris Funeral Service, Inc.

 Partner of the Year  Early Education: Kristi Snyder

 Partner of the Year  Resilience: Damascus Middle School

 Recognition of Service: Dr. Michael Robinson

 Unsung Heroes: Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department

It was wonderful to be able to hold this event in-person so we could express our gratitude face-to-face to people who have gone above and beyond to make everything we do possible, said United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO Travis Staton. The circumstances of the last couple of years that had kept us from hosting the Impact Awards as a live event in 2020 and 2021 also made the work of these individuals and organizations much more important and impactful to the people of Southwest Virginia.
The United Way of Southwest Virginia recently honored the Wythe County Public School system for its work in ensuring students are prepared for life after graduation.

The United Way gave the school system the Partner of the Year for Youth Education Award during its United Way of Southwest Virginia Impact Awards ceremony held May 17.

For the first time since 2019, the award ceremony was held live and in person, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that serve their communities in the fields of childhood success, youth success and community resilience.

The ceremony, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, drew a record crowd of more than 250 community leaders representing communities from Lee County to the New River Valley.

WCPS participated in 100 percent of United Way programs aimed at youth education.

Weve been knocking it out of the park with student and teacher participation, said WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Becki James.

Students and teachers participated in all components of the United Ways Ignite Program, which includes Careers EXPO, Educators in Industry Tours, the use of Major Clarity software for career exploration, summer Internships, and work-based learning.

The software program helps match students interests with potential jobs to help students who plan to attend college and those who want to enter the working world after graduation.

WCPS Superintendent Wesley Poole said educators and staff work to make sure students graduate with college and career readiness.

A lot is geared toward middle school students choosing the high school classes that will get them on the right track after graduation so students have the correct skills to follow the path they choose.

Our goal is to make sure that when students leave the school system they are ready for college, career, military, whatever they choose, Poole said. When they leave us, we want them to have everything they need for the next step.

This school system understands that career readiness drives future readiness and is striving to help their students achieve success in and out of the classroom by staying proactive in their workforce development and engagement of their students, said Melinda Leland, director of youth services for The United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Karen Shelton was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award. Shelton directed the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco Health Districts during the COVID pandemic, leading those districts to have the fastest roll-outs of COVID testing and vaccinations in Virginia.

American Electric Power was honored as Community Partner of the Year. Food City was honored as Top Giver.

Other honorees included:

 Elite Partners: Food City, Ballad Health, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer: Atkins and Utility Trailer: Glade Spring

 Media Partners: Bristol Herald Courier, Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, Cardinal News, 93.9 WMEV and 101.1 WUKZ, WCYB, WEHC, WJHL, WSLS

 Top Fundraiser for Celebrity Bagging: Farris Funeral Service, Inc.

 Partner of the Year  Early Education: Kristi Snyder

 Partner of the Year  Resilience: Damascus Middle School

 Recognition of Service: Dr. Michael Robinson

 Unsung Heroes: Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department

It was wonderful to be able to hold this event in-person so we could express our gratitude face-to-face to people who have gone above and beyond to make everything we do possible, said United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO Travis Staton. The circumstances of the last couple of years that had kept us from hosting the Impact Awards as a live event in 2020 and 2021 also made the work of these individuals and organizations much more important and impactful to the people of Southwest Virginia.
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has a simple message for his fellow politicians in Ukraine and leaders across the world: stay united and don't compromise when dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Putin only understands force [and he] will go as far as the world allows him," the 56-year-old politician and chocolate magnate said during an interview with Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "We can't create a precedent for the world -- and even more so in Europe -- where one state can forcefully change the borders that were established after World War II."

The former president's comments come as the Ukraine war approaches its third month and as fighting has shifted mostly to the country's eastern Donbas region, where Ukrainian and Russian troops are engaged in a brutal and slow-moving battle of attrition. Ukraine's military has performed better than many experts and officials predicted in the early days of the conflict and has successfully pushed Russian troops back from key areas, as Moscow has revised its war aims to capture smaller portions of Ukraine's east and south.

Poroshenko says that there remains a substantial distance between Kyiv and Moscow for any negotiated end to the war and that the West needs to continue with the tough measures it has taken against the Kremlin, which he says are the only language that Putin understands.

"Putin wants to remove Ukraine as a state from the world map," Poroshenko said. "[Therefore], it's impossible to talk about anything else apart from a cease-fire, the withdrawal of Russian troops, and a solution to the humanitarian situation. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of a country can't be subject to compromise."

The Ukrainian politician also says that Western leaders should not be deterred by Putin's threats in speeches and statements about the prospect of using nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine. Poroshenko says that he sees this as empty rhetoric and that he believes the Russian leader is afraid of the repercussions for using them.

"He will be hindered by fear if he thinks of using weapons of mass destruction because Putin [knows] he will be destroyed by retaliatory strikes," Poroshenko said.

A Call For Unity At Home

Poroshenko came to power in 2014 after a popular uprising saw former President Viktor Yanukovych flee the country and he later oversaw the outbreak of war with Kremlin-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. In 2019, he lost decisively in a presidential election to Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the two remained in a heated political battle that culminated in Poroshenko being charged with high treason prior to Russia's February 24 invasion.

During the interview with Current Time, Poroshenko called for "unity within Ukraine" amid the war and said that he met with President Zelenskiy on February 24 and agreed to put their differences aside in order to "start from scratch."

"Please understand that life before [Russia's invasion] and after are completely different worlds," Poroshenko said. "We have a responsibility to look into the eyes of the relatives of those [who died for Ukraine]. [They] didn't give their lives so that we could return to the old ways again."

During his five years in power, Poroshenko championed Ukraine's integration with the European Union and NATO, signing an Association Agreement with the 27-country bloc and enshrining the country's aspirations to join the military alliance into the constitution. However, he saw his popularity decline steadily amid a lack of anti-corruption reforms and the deterioration of living standards.

Poroshenko, who is one of Ukraine's richest citizens, is a member of parliament and the leader of an opposition party called European Solidarity.

The high-treason charges were related to him allegedly organizing the sale of large amounts of coal from the Donbas in 2014 and 2015 while president, which prosecutors said helped to finance the separatists. Poroshenko denied the charges and said that they were politically motivated by Zelenskiy as an act of revenge.

Ukraine's tumultuous domestic politics and the rivalries of its leaders have largely been put on hold since Russia's invasion began. Poroshenko has appeared on Western news networks frequently, famously brandishing a Kalashnikov rifle on CNN and wearing a kevlar vest in Kyiv as Russian troops attacked the city in late February and early March and speaking out about the need for more Western support.

He has also been active on social media and on his YouTube channel, prompting some speculation by Ukrainian political commentators that he is looking to boost his image during the war in order to pursue high office again.

Poroshenko pushed back against being engaged in any political maneuvering and said that he remains focused on helping the Ukrainian war effort. The former president and foreign minister says that his biggest aspiration at the moment is for Ukraine to be admitted into the EU and for him to represent his country in the European Parliament.

"As a member of the European Parliament, I will pursue a very effective policy," Poroshenko said.

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based off reporting by Irina Romaliiska






"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
TRIPOLI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government recently approved by the House of Representatives held its first meeting on Thursday in the southern city of Sabha.

"We have decided to start working as a legitimate government approved by the legislative authority in a democratic and fair manner. We will look after the interests of our country and our people," Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha said during the meeting.

The meeting discussed government programs, the public budget, and the reasons for the recent closures of Libyan oilfields and ports, according to the government's information office.

Bashagha also said that his government would soon assume office in capital Tripoli, where the current Government of National Unity headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah is based.

However, Dbeibah refuses to hand over office to Bashagha's government, saying that his government would continue working and only hand over office to an elected government.

Libya has been suffering political instability and chaos ever since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. 
TRIPOLI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government recently approved by the House of Representatives held its first meeting on Thursday in the southern city of Sabha.

"We have decided to start working as a legitimate government approved by the legislative authority in a democratic and fair manner. We will look after the interests of our country and our people," Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha said during the meeting.

The meeting discussed government programs, the public budget, and the reasons for the recent closures of Libyan oilfields and ports, according to the government's information office.

Bashagha also said that his government would soon assume office in capital Tripoli, where the current Government of National Unity headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah is based.

However, Dbeibah refuses to hand over office to Bashagha's government, saying that his government would continue working and only hand over office to an elected government.

Libya has been suffering political instability and chaos ever since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. 
TRIPOLI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government recently approved by the House of Representatives held its first meeting on Thursday in the southern city of Sabha.

"We have decided to start working as a legitimate government approved by the legislative authority in a democratic and fair manner. We will look after the interests of our country and our people," Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha said during the meeting.

The meeting discussed government programs, the public budget, and the reasons for the recent closures of Libyan oilfields and ports, according to the government's information office.

Bashagha also said that his government would soon assume office in capital Tripoli, where the current Government of National Unity headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah is based.

However, Dbeibah refuses to hand over office to Bashagha's government, saying that his government would continue working and only hand over office to an elected government.

Libya has been suffering political instability and chaos ever since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. 


TRIPOLI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government recently approved by the House of Representatives held its first meeting on Thursday in the southern city of Sabha.

"We have decided to start working as a legitimate government approved by the legislative authority in a democratic and fair manner. We will look after the interests of our country and our people," Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha said during the meeting.

The meeting discussed government programs, the public budget, and the reasons for the recent closures of Libyan oilfields and ports, according to the government's information office.

Bashagha also said that his government would soon assume office in capital Tripoli, where the current Government of National Unity headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah is based.

However, Dbeibah refuses to hand over office to Bashagha's government, saying that his government would continue working and only hand over office to an elected government.

Libya has been suffering political instability and chaos ever since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. 


Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has a simple message for his fellow politicians in Ukraine and leaders across the world: stay united and don't compromise when dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Putin only understands force [and he] will go as far as the world allows him," the 56-year-old politician and chocolate magnate said during an interview with Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "We can't create a precedent for the world -- and even more so in Europe -- where one state can forcefully change the borders that were established after World War II."

The former president's comments come as the Ukraine war approaches its third month and as fighting has shifted mostly to the country's eastern Donbas region, where Ukrainian and Russian troops are engaged in a brutal and slow-moving battle of attrition. Ukraine's military has performed better than many experts and officials predicted in the early days of the conflict and has successfully pushed Russian troops back from key areas, as Moscow has revised its war aims to capture smaller portions of Ukraine's east and south.

Poroshenko says that there remains a substantial distance between Kyiv and Moscow for any negotiated end to the war and that the West needs to continue with the tough measures it has taken against the Kremlin, which he says are the only language that Putin understands.

"Putin wants to remove Ukraine as a state from the world map," Poroshenko said. "[Therefore], it's impossible to talk about anything else apart from a cease-fire, the withdrawal of Russian troops, and a solution to the humanitarian situation. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of a country can't be subject to compromise."

The Ukrainian politician also says that Western leaders should not be deterred by Putin's threats in speeches and statements about the prospect of using nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine. Poroshenko says that he sees this as empty rhetoric and that he believes the Russian leader is afraid of the repercussions for using them.

"He will be hindered by fear if he thinks of using weapons of mass destruction because Putin [knows] he will be destroyed by retaliatory strikes," Poroshenko said.

A Call For Unity At Home

Poroshenko came to power in 2014 after a popular uprising saw former President Viktor Yanukovych flee the country and he later oversaw the outbreak of war with Kremlin-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. In 2019, he lost decisively in a presidential election to Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the two remained in a heated political battle that culminated in Poroshenko being charged with high treason prior to Russia's February 24 invasion.

During the interview with Current Time, Poroshenko called for "unity within Ukraine" amid the war and said that he met with President Zelenskiy on February 24 and agreed to put their differences aside in order to "start from scratch."

"Please understand that life before [Russia's invasion] and after are completely different worlds," Poroshenko said. "We have a responsibility to look into the eyes of the relatives of those [who died for Ukraine]. [They] didn't give their lives so that we could return to the old ways again."

During his five years in power, Poroshenko championed Ukraine's integration with the European Union and NATO, signing an Association Agreement with the 27-country bloc and enshrining the country's aspirations to join the military alliance into the constitution. However, he saw his popularity decline steadily amid a lack of anti-corruption reforms and the deterioration of living standards.

Poroshenko, who is one of Ukraine's richest citizens, is a member of parliament and the leader of an opposition party called European Solidarity.

The high-treason charges were related to him allegedly organizing the sale of large amounts of coal from the Donbas in 2014 and 2015 while president, which prosecutors said helped to finance the separatists. Poroshenko denied the charges and said that they were politically motivated by Zelenskiy as an act of revenge.

Ukraine's tumultuous domestic politics and the rivalries of its leaders have largely been put on hold since Russia's invasion began. Poroshenko has appeared on Western news networks frequently, famously brandishing a Kalashnikov rifle on CNN and wearing a kevlar vest in Kyiv as Russian troops attacked the city in late February and early March and speaking out about the need for more Western support.

He has also been active on social media and on his YouTube channel, prompting some speculation by Ukrainian political commentators that he is looking to boost his image during the war in order to pursue high office again.

Poroshenko pushed back against being engaged in any political maneuvering and said that he remains focused on helping the Ukrainian war effort. The former president and foreign minister says that his biggest aspiration at the moment is for Ukraine to be admitted into the EU and for him to represent his country in the European Parliament.

"As a member of the European Parliament, I will pursue a very effective policy," Poroshenko said.

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based off reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Pakistan's former human rights minister has been arrested by anti-corruption police, authorities in Islamabad confirmed on May 21, after her daughter and another former minister said she had been mistreated during the arrest.



Shireen Mazari, who served in former Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet, was detained by police near her home in the Pakistani capital, her daughter, Imaan Mazari, said on Twitter.



"Male police have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has arrested her."



Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister in Khan's cabinet, said on Geo TV that Mazari, a senior leader in Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was manhandled during the arrest.



He alleged that Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in connection with a land dispute allegation dating back to 1972.



Islamabad police confirmed the arrest on Twitter but said that female officers arrested her "in accordance with the law." A video of the arrest that circulated on social media showed female police officers detaining Mazari.



The tweet added that reports that she was mishandled were "baseless" and said Mazari was arrested at the request of the anti-corruption department.



Mazari has been critical of Sharif's government, which took office after Khan's government was toppled in April in a no-confidence vote.



The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrest and alleged manhandling of Mazari, arguing that it "smacks of political victimization, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator."



Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a vocal human rights defender whose party is allied with Sharif's, criticized the arrest as the "worst form of political oppression."

With reporting by AP and dpa
The United Way of Southwest Virginia recently honored the Wythe County Public School system for its work in ensuring students are prepared for life after graduation.

The United Way gave the school system the Partner of the Year for Youth Education Award during its United Way of Southwest Virginia Impact Awards ceremony held May 17.

For the first time since 2019, the award ceremony was held live and in person, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that serve their communities in the fields of childhood success, youth success and community resilience.

The ceremony, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, drew a record crowd of more than 250 community leaders representing communities from Lee County to the New River Valley.

WCPS participated in 100 percent of United Way programs aimed at youth education.

Weve been knocking it out of the park with student and teacher participation, said WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Becki James.

Students and teachers participated in all components of the United Ways Ignite Program, which includes Careers EXPO, Educators in Industry Tours, the use of Major Clarity software for career exploration, summer Internships, and work-based learning.

The software program helps match students interests with potential jobs to help students who plan to attend college and those who want to enter the working world after graduation.

WCPS Superintendent Wesley Poole said educators and staff work to make sure students graduate with college and career readiness.

A lot is geared toward middle school students choosing the high school classes that will get them on the right track after graduation so students have the correct skills to follow the path they choose.

Our goal is to make sure that when students leave the school system they are ready for college, career, military, whatever they choose, Poole said. When they leave us, we want them to have everything they need for the next step.

This school system understands that career readiness drives future readiness and is striving to help their students achieve success in and out of the classroom by staying proactive in their workforce development and engagement of their students, said Melinda Leland, director of youth services for The United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Karen Shelton was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award. Shelton directed the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco Health Districts during the COVID pandemic, leading those districts to have the fastest roll-outs of COVID testing and vaccinations in Virginia.

American Electric Power was honored as Community Partner of the Year. Food City was honored as Top Giver.

Other honorees included:

 Elite Partners: Food City, Ballad Health, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer: Atkins and Utility Trailer: Glade Spring

 Media Partners: Bristol Herald Courier, Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, Cardinal News, 93.9 WMEV and 101.1 WUKZ, WCYB, WEHC, WJHL, WSLS

 Top Fundraiser for Celebrity Bagging: Farris Funeral Service, Inc.

 Partner of the Year  Early Education: Kristi Snyder

 Partner of the Year  Resilience: Damascus Middle School

 Recognition of Service: Dr. Michael Robinson

 Unsung Heroes: Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department

It was wonderful to be able to hold this event in-person so we could express our gratitude face-to-face to people who have gone above and beyond to make everything we do possible, said United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO Travis Staton. The circumstances of the last couple of years that had kept us from hosting the Impact Awards as a live event in 2020 and 2021 also made the work of these individuals and organizations much more important and impactful to the people of Southwest Virginia.

The United Way of Southwest Virginia recently honored the Wythe County Public School system for its work in ensuring students are prepared for life after graduation.

The United Way gave the school system the Partner of the Year for Youth Education Award during its United Way of Southwest Virginia Impact Awards ceremony held May 17.

For the first time since 2019, the award ceremony was held live and in person, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that serve their communities in the fields of childhood success, youth success and community resilience.

The ceremony, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, drew a record crowd of more than 250 community leaders representing communities from Lee County to the New River Valley.

WCPS participated in 100 percent of United Way programs aimed at youth education.

Weve been knocking it out of the park with student and teacher participation, said WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Becki James.

Students and teachers participated in all components of the United Ways Ignite Program, which includes Careers EXPO, Educators in Industry Tours, the use of Major Clarity software for career exploration, summer Internships, and work-based learning.

The software program helps match students interests with potential jobs to help students who plan to attend college and those who want to enter the working world after graduation.

WCPS Superintendent Wesley Poole said educators and staff work to make sure students graduate with college and career readiness.

A lot is geared toward middle school students choosing the high school classes that will get them on the right track after graduation so students have the correct skills to follow the path they choose.

Our goal is to make sure that when students leave the school system they are ready for college, career, military, whatever they choose, Poole said. When they leave us, we want them to have everything they need for the next step.

This school system understands that career readiness drives future readiness and is striving to help their students achieve success in and out of the classroom by staying proactive in their workforce development and engagement of their students, said Melinda Leland, director of youth services for The United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Karen Shelton was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award. Shelton directed the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco Health Districts during the COVID pandemic, leading those districts to have the fastest roll-outs of COVID testing and vaccinations in Virginia.

American Electric Power was honored as Community Partner of the Year. Food City was honored as Top Giver.

Other honorees included:

 Elite Partners: Food City, Ballad Health, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer: Atkins and Utility Trailer: Glade Spring

 Media Partners: Bristol Herald Courier, Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, Cardinal News, 93.9 WMEV and 101.1 WUKZ, WCYB, WEHC, WJHL, WSLS

 Top Fundraiser for Celebrity Bagging: Farris Funeral Service, Inc.

 Partner of the Year  Early Education: Kristi Snyder

 Partner of the Year  Resilience: Damascus Middle School

 Recognition of Service: Dr. Michael Robinson

 Unsung Heroes: Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department

It was wonderful to be able to hold this event in-person so we could express our gratitude face-to-face to people who have gone above and beyond to make everything we do possible, said United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO Travis Staton. The circumstances of the last couple of years that had kept us from hosting the Impact Awards as a live event in 2020 and 2021 also made the work of these individuals and organizations much more important and impactful to the people of Southwest Virginia.

"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
Pakistan's former human rights minister has been arrested by anti-corruption police, authorities in Islamabad confirmed on May 21, after her daughter and another former minister said she had been mistreated during the arrest.



Shireen Mazari, who served in former Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet, was detained by police near her home in the Pakistani capital, her daughter, Imaan Mazari, said on Twitter.



"Male police have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has arrested her."



Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister in Khan's cabinet, said on Geo TV that Mazari, a senior leader in Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was manhandled during the arrest.



He alleged that Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in connection with a land dispute allegation dating back to 1972.



Islamabad police confirmed the arrest on Twitter but said that female officers arrested her "in accordance with the law." A video of the arrest that circulated on social media showed female police officers detaining Mazari.



The tweet added that reports that she was mishandled were "baseless" and said Mazari was arrested at the request of the anti-corruption department.



Mazari has been critical of Sharif's government, which took office after Khan's government was toppled in April in a no-confidence vote.



The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrest and alleged manhandling of Mazari, arguing that it "smacks of political victimization, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator."



Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a vocal human rights defender whose party is allied with Sharif's, criticized the arrest as the "worst form of political oppression."

With reporting by AP and dpa
Pakistan's former human rights minister has been arrested by anti-corruption police, authorities in Islamabad confirmed on May 21, after her daughter and another former minister said she had been mistreated during the arrest.



Shireen Mazari, who served in former Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet, was detained by police near her home in the Pakistani capital, her daughter, Imaan Mazari, said on Twitter.



"Male police have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has arrested her."



Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister in Khan's cabinet, said on Geo TV that Mazari, a senior leader in Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was manhandled during the arrest.



He alleged that Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in connection with a land dispute allegation dating back to 1972.



Islamabad police confirmed the arrest on Twitter but said that female officers arrested her "in accordance with the law." A video of the arrest that circulated on social media showed female police officers detaining Mazari.



The tweet added that reports that she was mishandled were "baseless" and said Mazari was arrested at the request of the anti-corruption department.



Mazari has been critical of Sharif's government, which took office after Khan's government was toppled in April in a no-confidence vote.



The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrest and alleged manhandling of Mazari, arguing that it "smacks of political victimization, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator."



Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a vocal human rights defender whose party is allied with Sharif's, criticized the arrest as the "worst form of political oppression."

With reporting by AP and dpa
Pakistan's former human rights minister has been arrested by anti-corruption police, authorities in Islamabad confirmed on May 21, after her daughter and another former minister said she had been mistreated during the arrest.



Shireen Mazari, who served in former Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet, was detained by police near her home in the Pakistani capital, her daughter, Imaan Mazari, said on Twitter.



"Male police have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has arrested her."



Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister in Khan's cabinet, said on Geo TV that Mazari, a senior leader in Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was manhandled during the arrest.



He alleged that Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in connection with a land dispute allegation dating back to 1972.



Islamabad police confirmed the arrest on Twitter but said that female officers arrested her "in accordance with the law." A video of the arrest that circulated on social media showed female police officers detaining Mazari.



The tweet added that reports that she was mishandled were "baseless" and said Mazari was arrested at the request of the anti-corruption department.



Mazari has been critical of Sharif's government, which took office after Khan's government was toppled in April in a no-confidence vote.



The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrest and alleged manhandling of Mazari, arguing that it "smacks of political victimization, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator."



Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a vocal human rights defender whose party is allied with Sharif's, criticized the arrest as the "worst form of political oppression."

With reporting by AP and dpa
Pakistan's former human rights minister has been arrested by anti-corruption police, authorities in Islamabad confirmed on May 21, after her daughter and another former minister said she had been mistreated during the arrest.



Shireen Mazari, who served in former Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet, was detained by police near her home in the Pakistani capital, her daughter, Imaan Mazari, said on Twitter.



"Male police have beaten and taken my mother away. All I have been told is that Anti Corruption Wing Lahore has arrested her."



Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister in Khan's cabinet, said on Geo TV that Mazari, a senior leader in Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was manhandled during the arrest.



He alleged that Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in connection with a land dispute allegation dating back to 1972.



Islamabad police confirmed the arrest on Twitter but said that female officers arrested her "in accordance with the law." A video of the arrest that circulated on social media showed female police officers detaining Mazari.



The tweet added that reports that she was mishandled were "baseless" and said Mazari was arrested at the request of the anti-corruption department.



Mazari has been critical of Sharif's government, which took office after Khan's government was toppled in April in a no-confidence vote.



The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the arrest and alleged manhandling of Mazari, arguing that it "smacks of political victimization, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator."



Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a vocal human rights defender whose party is allied with Sharif's, criticized the arrest as the "worst form of political oppression."

With reporting by AP and dpa
Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville has launched a fundraising campaign to feed people in need in war-torn Ukraine.

President and CEO Joshua Halpern and owner Fred Halpern are seeking donations for World Central Kitchen.

Right now, there is something terrible happening in Ukraine and my dad and I think we should be doing our part  which is why Fred and I have committed a substantial amount of money to help, Joshua Halpern said. Were going to match up to $100,000 through our fundraising campaign with WCK.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit that celebrity chef Jose Andres founded in 2010 to help feed people after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It has since furnished tens of millions of meals in the wake of natural disasters to people around the world.

It relies on donations to provide its emergency food relief efforts in places like Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, South Carolina after Hurricane Florence and California after the Camp Fire.

Andres, who has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, opened eight kitchens along the border of Poland and Ukraine. It has provided 25 million meals to people living in 230 cities and towns in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February.

Founded in East Chicago in 1905 and now based at 711 Main St. in Schererville, Albert's Diamond Jewelers is known for charitable work, including running the largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in the country. It is actively soliciting donations through its social media pages.

For more information, find Albert's Diamond Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.

To donate, visit donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3917490?is_new=true.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.


Fundraiser for the Corvallis Sister Cities Association's Uzhhorod (Ukraine) Refugee Fund. Earl Newman, an artist and screen printer who lives in Summit, has created and donated a screen-printed poster illustrating support for Ukraine. Two hundred numbered posters will be printed; several framed posters will be available. The prints will sell for $100 each to be donated to the refugee fund; framed prints will cost extra. Information: 541-760-8081 or caroltrueba@gmail.com.

Rally to support Ukraine, noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Benton County Courthouse, 120 NW Fourth St., Corvallis. All are invited to come show solidarity with Ukraine in an event that is not antiwar or anti-Russia but pro-Ukraine. Those attending can bring Ukrainian flags, sunflowers and signs showing support. Updates on the humanitarian aspect of the war will be given. Information: 7442117@gmail.com.

Fundraiser to support refugee fund: Four-notecard packs and 8 x 10 prints featuring paintings by Corvallis sisters Allessandra Bakker, 16, and Isabella Bakker, 13, are available for purchase at Visit Corvallis and Benton County Historical Societys Corvallis and Philomath museums for $25 and $30, respectively. Proceeds go toward the Corvallis Sister Cities Associations Uzhhorod Refugee Fund.

Fundraiser for Uzhhorod Sister City program: Best Cellar presents "Beatlesfest," 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, sanctuary, First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. An evening of mostly acoustic arrangements of Beatles songs. The lineup includes Absolute, Compass Rose, RiverRocks, Sharon and Dave Thormahlen, the Wallop Sisters, Fred Towne, Evelyn Idzerda, and Pete Kozak and Mark Weiss. Funds raised will go to Ukraine through the sister city program. Information: mjweiss@cmug.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has a simple message for his fellow politicians in Ukraine and leaders across the world: stay united and don't compromise when dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Putin only understands force [and he] will go as far as the world allows him," the 56-year-old politician and chocolate magnate said during an interview with Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "We can't create a precedent for the world -- and even more so in Europe -- where one state can forcefully change the borders that were established after World War II."

The former president's comments come as the Ukraine war approaches its third month and as fighting has shifted mostly to the country's eastern Donbas region, where Ukrainian and Russian troops are engaged in a brutal and slow-moving battle of attrition. Ukraine's military has performed better than many experts and officials predicted in the early days of the conflict and has successfully pushed Russian troops back from key areas, as Moscow has revised its war aims to capture smaller portions of Ukraine's east and south.

Poroshenko says that there remains a substantial distance between Kyiv and Moscow for any negotiated end to the war and that the West needs to continue with the tough measures it has taken against the Kremlin, which he says are the only language that Putin understands.

"Putin wants to remove Ukraine as a state from the world map," Poroshenko said. "[Therefore], it's impossible to talk about anything else apart from a cease-fire, the withdrawal of Russian troops, and a solution to the humanitarian situation. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of a country can't be subject to compromise."

The Ukrainian politician also says that Western leaders should not be deterred by Putin's threats in speeches and statements about the prospect of using nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine. Poroshenko says that he sees this as empty rhetoric and that he believes the Russian leader is afraid of the repercussions for using them.

"He will be hindered by fear if he thinks of using weapons of mass destruction because Putin [knows] he will be destroyed by retaliatory strikes," Poroshenko said.

A Call For Unity At Home

Poroshenko came to power in 2014 after a popular uprising saw former President Viktor Yanukovych flee the country and he later oversaw the outbreak of war with Kremlin-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. In 2019, he lost decisively in a presidential election to Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the two remained in a heated political battle that culminated in Poroshenko being charged with high treason prior to Russia's February 24 invasion.

During the interview with Current Time, Poroshenko called for "unity within Ukraine" amid the war and said that he met with President Zelenskiy on February 24 and agreed to put their differences aside in order to "start from scratch."

"Please understand that life before [Russia's invasion] and after are completely different worlds," Poroshenko said. "We have a responsibility to look into the eyes of the relatives of those [who died for Ukraine]. [They] didn't give their lives so that we could return to the old ways again."

During his five years in power, Poroshenko championed Ukraine's integration with the European Union and NATO, signing an Association Agreement with the 27-country bloc and enshrining the country's aspirations to join the military alliance into the constitution. However, he saw his popularity decline steadily amid a lack of anti-corruption reforms and the deterioration of living standards.

Poroshenko, who is one of Ukraine's richest citizens, is a member of parliament and the leader of an opposition party called European Solidarity.

The high-treason charges were related to him allegedly organizing the sale of large amounts of coal from the Donbas in 2014 and 2015 while president, which prosecutors said helped to finance the separatists. Poroshenko denied the charges and said that they were politically motivated by Zelenskiy as an act of revenge.

Ukraine's tumultuous domestic politics and the rivalries of its leaders have largely been put on hold since Russia's invasion began. Poroshenko has appeared on Western news networks frequently, famously brandishing a Kalashnikov rifle on CNN and wearing a kevlar vest in Kyiv as Russian troops attacked the city in late February and early March and speaking out about the need for more Western support.

He has also been active on social media and on his YouTube channel, prompting some speculation by Ukrainian political commentators that he is looking to boost his image during the war in order to pursue high office again.

Poroshenko pushed back against being engaged in any political maneuvering and said that he remains focused on helping the Ukrainian war effort. The former president and foreign minister says that his biggest aspiration at the moment is for Ukraine to be admitted into the EU and for him to represent his country in the European Parliament.

"As a member of the European Parliament, I will pursue a very effective policy," Poroshenko said.

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based off reporting by Irina Romaliiska



Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.

Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.

Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.

Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
The United Way of Southwest Virginia recently honored the Wythe County Public School system for its work in ensuring students are prepared for life after graduation.

The United Way gave the school system the Partner of the Year for Youth Education Award during its United Way of Southwest Virginia Impact Awards ceremony held May 17.

For the first time since 2019, the award ceremony was held live and in person, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that serve their communities in the fields of childhood success, youth success and community resilience.

The ceremony, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, drew a record crowd of more than 250 community leaders representing communities from Lee County to the New River Valley.

WCPS participated in 100 percent of United Way programs aimed at youth education.

Weve been knocking it out of the park with student and teacher participation, said WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Becki James.

Students and teachers participated in all components of the United Ways Ignite Program, which includes Careers EXPO, Educators in Industry Tours, the use of Major Clarity software for career exploration, summer Internships, and work-based learning.

The software program helps match students interests with potential jobs to help students who plan to attend college and those who want to enter the working world after graduation.

WCPS Superintendent Wesley Poole said educators and staff work to make sure students graduate with college and career readiness.

A lot is geared toward middle school students choosing the high school classes that will get them on the right track after graduation so students have the correct skills to follow the path they choose.

Our goal is to make sure that when students leave the school system they are ready for college, career, military, whatever they choose, Poole said. When they leave us, we want them to have everything they need for the next step.

This school system understands that career readiness drives future readiness and is striving to help their students achieve success in and out of the classroom by staying proactive in their workforce development and engagement of their students, said Melinda Leland, director of youth services for The United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Karen Shelton was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award. Shelton directed the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco Health Districts during the COVID pandemic, leading those districts to have the fastest roll-outs of COVID testing and vaccinations in Virginia.

American Electric Power was honored as Community Partner of the Year. Food City was honored as Top Giver.

Other honorees included:

 Elite Partners: Food City, Ballad Health, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer: Atkins and Utility Trailer: Glade Spring

 Media Partners: Bristol Herald Courier, Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, Cardinal News, 93.9 WMEV and 101.1 WUKZ, WCYB, WEHC, WJHL, WSLS

 Top Fundraiser for Celebrity Bagging: Farris Funeral Service, Inc.

 Partner of the Year  Early Education: Kristi Snyder

 Partner of the Year  Resilience: Damascus Middle School

 Recognition of Service: Dr. Michael Robinson

 Unsung Heroes: Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department

It was wonderful to be able to hold this event in-person so we could express our gratitude face-to-face to people who have gone above and beyond to make everything we do possible, said United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO Travis Staton. The circumstances of the last couple of years that had kept us from hosting the Impact Awards as a live event in 2020 and 2021 also made the work of these individuals and organizations much more important and impactful to the people of Southwest Virginia.




NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

CALGARY, Alberta, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) (ApartmentLove or the Company), a leading provider of online home and apartment rental marketing services catering to landlords and renters in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world, is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds up to a maximum of $1,500,000 (the Private Placement). The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month plus one day hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The first tranche of the Private Placement that closed today consisted of 4,633,333 Units for gross proceeds of $695,000. The Company expects to close the remainder of the Private Placement within the next two weeks.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used in connection with the Companys growth through acquisition program, as well as for general operating cash.

About ApartmentLove Inc.

ApartmentLove Inc. (CSE: APLV) is a leading provider of rental marketing services to landlords and renters on the Internet. Promoting residential rental properties in every major market in Canada and the United States, ApartmentLove has active rental listings in 30-countries on 5-continents around the world. Having proven its ability to scale as a fast-growing technology company in the hot PropTech industry, ApartmentLove is executing its organic growth and expansion plans by investing in Search Engine Optimization and other marketing and promotional activities. In addition, ApartmentLove is actively pursuing a growth through acquisition program by purchasing competing businesses that have many monthly active users, a history of recurring revenues, positive cashflows, and custom technologies that both accelerate and destress the renting experience in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere around the world.

For more information visit https://apartmentlove.com/investors or contact:

Trevor DavidsonPresident & CEOApartmentLove Inc.[email protected] (647) 272-9702

Reader Advisory

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These and similar such statements are only predictions. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, no reliance should be placed on forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements include but are not limited to the Company successfully closing the remainder of the Private Placement, successfully executing its organic and growth through acquisition mandates and realizing the benefits of such mandates.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof. The Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Risk factors can be found in the Companys continuous disclosure documents which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ApartmentLove | the feeling of home

Source: ApartmentLove Inc.

The United Way of Southwest Virginia recently honored the Wythe County Public School system for its work in ensuring students are prepared for life after graduation.

The United Way gave the school system the Partner of the Year for Youth Education Award during its United Way of Southwest Virginia Impact Awards ceremony held May 17.

For the first time since 2019, the award ceremony was held live and in person, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that serve their communities in the fields of childhood success, youth success and community resilience.

The ceremony, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, drew a record crowd of more than 250 community leaders representing communities from Lee County to the New River Valley.

WCPS participated in 100 percent of United Way programs aimed at youth education.

Weve been knocking it out of the park with student and teacher participation, said WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Becki James.

Students and teachers participated in all components of the United Ways Ignite Program, which includes Careers EXPO, Educators in Industry Tours, the use of Major Clarity software for career exploration, summer Internships, and work-based learning.

The software program helps match students interests with potential jobs to help students who plan to attend college and those who want to enter the working world after graduation.

WCPS Superintendent Wesley Poole said educators and staff work to make sure students graduate with college and career readiness.

A lot is geared toward middle school students choosing the high school classes that will get them on the right track after graduation so students have the correct skills to follow the path they choose.

Our goal is to make sure that when students leave the school system they are ready for college, career, military, whatever they choose, Poole said. When they leave us, we want them to have everything they need for the next step.

This school system understands that career readiness drives future readiness and is striving to help their students achieve success in and out of the classroom by staying proactive in their workforce development and engagement of their students, said Melinda Leland, director of youth services for The United Way of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Karen Shelton was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award. Shelton directed the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau, and Lenowisco Health Districts during the COVID pandemic, leading those districts to have the fastest roll-outs of COVID testing and vaccinations in Virginia.

American Electric Power was honored as Community Partner of the Year. Food City was honored as Top Giver.

Other honorees included:

 Elite Partners: Food City, Ballad Health, Universal Fibers, Utility Trailer: Atkins and Utility Trailer: Glade Spring

 Media Partners: Bristol Herald Courier, Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, Cardinal News, 93.9 WMEV and 101.1 WUKZ, WCYB, WEHC, WJHL, WSLS

 Top Fundraiser for Celebrity Bagging: Farris Funeral Service, Inc.

 Partner of the Year  Early Education: Kristi Snyder

 Partner of the Year  Resilience: Damascus Middle School

 Recognition of Service: Dr. Michael Robinson

 Unsung Heroes: Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department

It was wonderful to be able to hold this event in-person so we could express our gratitude face-to-face to people who have gone above and beyond to make everything we do possible, said United Way of Southwest Virginia President and CEO Travis Staton. The circumstances of the last couple of years that had kept us from hosting the Impact Awards as a live event in 2020 and 2021 also made the work of these individuals and organizations much more important and impactful to the people of Southwest Virginia.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.

"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.
"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.


"La Ninas influence is linked to a higher frequency of tornadoes in the spring. However, although La Nina conditions were present through April 2021, the year so far has recorded below-average tornado counts," an expert said.


Two seats are up for election on the Rapid City Council, one each in Ward 2 and Ward 5.

The four candidates for council participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Tuesday night at the David Lust Accelerator Building in downtown Rapid City.

Early voting for residents in both wards is available now through June 6 at the Pennington County Auditor's Office. Election day is June 7. Voter registration deadline is Monday.

Ward 2

Ward 2 generally covers much of northeast Rapid City from points east of Fifth Street, south of North Street and north of Cleveland Street. Incumbent City Councilor Bill Evans is facing a challenge from Lindsey Seachris.

Evans was first elected to his seat in 2019. He is the current vice president of the City Council. Evans is the former orchestra director for Stevens High School and is a life-long resident of Rapid City.

He said he decided to run for re-election because there are a lot of projects "that are half-finished, and I don't believe in leaving things half-done."

"I was trained as an architect and I have degrees in science and also in education and music. I think that skill set allows me to understand infrastructure problems with the city and what we're building at any given time," Evans said.

Seachris is a marketing specialist in the Office of Economic Development at South Dakota Mines. She has previous experience as a construction coordinator for the Summit Arena project and was an administrative assistant for the city of Rapid City. Seachris is originally from Presho and has lived in Rapid City for 15 years.

She said she decided to run because of the opportunities for economic development in the city and the growth the area is experiencing.

"As we all know, Rapid City is growing. As we experience this growth in the future and the unprecedented amount of people in our area, I just want to be a part of planning and how we can best prepare the community to grow," Seachris said.

Evans said as Rapid City grows, he has seen a lot of frustration with planning and zoning regulations in the city. He said that is something he wants to continue working on to make the process smoother for the community.

"For about two-and-a-half years, I have been pushing for a complete change in the way we design and build the city," Evans said. "Right now, a developer has to have all the resources to build all the streets, infrastructure, water mains, sewer lines, everything themselves... I think we should have a different way.... The city builds the infrastructure and they have their urban planners go in saying this is where that goes and what we're building next... The developer goes in and as they go into the units, they reimburse the city for that kind of development."

Seachris said she has many years' experience working with planning and zoning and she also sees areas for improvement.

"Specifically, streamlining of regulations and just removing barriers for people to business in Rapid City," she said. "We also want to be welcoming, even if we have different standards... We want to have an attitude that is welcoming for our businesses to come in and to work with us. That starts with the attitude of the department and can go all the way to the morale within the city itself... I know that our people in planning are overworked."

Ward 5

Ward 5 covers much of northwest Rapid City. It generally follows a line west of Fifth Street, north of Flormann Street to Skyline Drive. It also covers areas north of West Main Street and west of Canyon Lake Drive, with a small portion of Jackson Boulevard also as a boundary.

Incumbent Darla Drew decided not to run for re-election to City Council, but is running for state House of Representatives. Two political newcomers are seeking election  Patrick Roseland and J.J. Carrell.

Roseland is a 30-year resident of Rapid City. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and received his degree in nursing. Roseland retired as a registered nurse at Monument Health in 2016 and has served on numerous boards and commissions. In 2018, Roseland received the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce's Rushmore Honors Award and the 2020 Governor's award for history.

He said he decided to run for City Council because with all of the growth in Rapid City, he wants to be a "part of the team that will help Rapid City reach that positive growth." However, he has concerns about infrastructure needs in the city.

"Rapid City seems to be behind the curve. We have developers who come here and say they want to put in a development here and they have to put in the infrastructure for that development," Roseland said. "I think we should work the other way around. Rapid City should put in the infrastructure where they think it is needed."

Carrell moved to Rapid City less than a year ago. He is the director of college and career readiness at Rapid City Area Schools. Prior to moving to Rapid City, Carrell served as a supervisor with the U.S. Border Patrol, finishing a 24-year career with them.

He said he decided to run for election to City Council because of pressing needs for a "robust law enforcement to tackle the increasing crime that we're having around the city." He said the topics of workforce development, housing issues, infrastructure and economic development are all "moot points if we continue to have crime rise the way it has.

"I believe my expertise and my knowledge in law enforcement is a necessity in the City Council," Carrell said. "If I'm elected and honored to be the representative of Ward 5, I will be the only person on City Council with law enforcement experience... Rapid City is an incredible place to live... and crime will just destroy that and will destroy the quality of life."

Roseland said he doesn't think that Rapid City is the "crime-ridden city that he (Carrell) seems to think it is.

"People come here because they love Rapid City. They love the atmosphere around the Black Hills and the amenities," Roseland said. "Rapid City has a lot to offer to the citizens who are working here today and who will be coming in the future. Rapid City is a place where many people want to come to, not move away from. You don't see a lot of people move away from Rapid City because of crime or because of trash in the streets."

Carrell said Roseland's characterization was not entirely accurate. He said he does not think Rapid City is dirty and violent.

"I do say that I see things through a different lens of law enforcement and I see the precursors of crime," Carrell said. "The precursor of crime  trash. The second precursor of crime  gang tags that are featured all over the place. Maybe Mr. Roseland doesn't see it, but I see it because I've got the eye for it. You've got Denver gangs tagging your area because this is a free place to come and mark your territory. That's what's happening."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two seats are up for election on the Rapid City Council, one each in Ward 2 and Ward 5.

The four candidates for council participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Tuesday night at the David Lust Accelerator Building in downtown Rapid City.

Early voting for residents in both wards is available now through June 6 at the Pennington County Auditor's Office. Election day is June 7. Voter registration deadline is Monday.

Ward 2

Ward 2 generally covers much of northeast Rapid City from points east of Fifth Street, south of North Street and north of Cleveland Street. Incumbent City Councilor Bill Evans is facing a challenge from Lindsey Seachris.

Evans was first elected to his seat in 2019. He is the current vice president of the City Council. Evans is the former orchestra director for Stevens High School and is a life-long resident of Rapid City.

He said he decided to run for re-election because there are a lot of projects "that are half-finished, and I don't believe in leaving things half-done."

"I was trained as an architect and I have degrees in science and also in education and music. I think that skill set allows me to understand infrastructure problems with the city and what we're building at any given time," Evans said.

Seachris is a marketing specialist in the Office of Economic Development at South Dakota Mines. She has previous experience as a construction coordinator for the Summit Arena project and was an administrative assistant for the city of Rapid City. Seachris is originally from Presho and has lived in Rapid City for 15 years.

She said she decided to run because of the opportunities for economic development in the city and the growth the area is experiencing.

"As we all know, Rapid City is growing. As we experience this growth in the future and the unprecedented amount of people in our area, I just want to be a part of planning and how we can best prepare the community to grow," Seachris said.

Evans said as Rapid City grows, he has seen a lot of frustration with planning and zoning regulations in the city. He said that is something he wants to continue working on to make the process smoother for the community.

"For about two-and-a-half years, I have been pushing for a complete change in the way we design and build the city," Evans said. "Right now, a developer has to have all the resources to build all the streets, infrastructure, water mains, sewer lines, everything themselves... I think we should have a different way.... The city builds the infrastructure and they have their urban planners go in saying this is where that goes and what we're building next... The developer goes in and as they go into the units, they reimburse the city for that kind of development."

Seachris said she has many years' experience working with planning and zoning and she also sees areas for improvement.

"Specifically, streamlining of regulations and just removing barriers for people to business in Rapid City," she said. "We also want to be welcoming, even if we have different standards... We want to have an attitude that is welcoming for our businesses to come in and to work with us. That starts with the attitude of the department and can go all the way to the morale within the city itself... I know that our people in planning are overworked."

Ward 5

Ward 5 covers much of northwest Rapid City. It generally follows a line west of Fifth Street, north of Flormann Street to Skyline Drive. It also covers areas north of West Main Street and west of Canyon Lake Drive, with a small portion of Jackson Boulevard also as a boundary.

Incumbent Darla Drew decided not to run for re-election to City Council, but is running for state House of Representatives. Two political newcomers are seeking election  Patrick Roseland and J.J. Carrell.

Roseland is a 30-year resident of Rapid City. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and received his degree in nursing. Roseland retired as a registered nurse at Monument Health in 2016 and has served on numerous boards and commissions. In 2018, Roseland received the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce's Rushmore Honors Award and the 2020 Governor's award for history.

He said he decided to run for City Council because with all of the growth in Rapid City, he wants to be a "part of the team that will help Rapid City reach that positive growth." However, he has concerns about infrastructure needs in the city.

"Rapid City seems to be behind the curve. We have developers who come here and say they want to put in a development here and they have to put in the infrastructure for that development," Roseland said. "I think we should work the other way around. Rapid City should put in the infrastructure where they think it is needed."

Carrell moved to Rapid City less than a year ago. He is the director of college and career readiness at Rapid City Area Schools. Prior to moving to Rapid City, Carrell served as a supervisor with the U.S. Border Patrol, finishing a 24-year career with them.

He said he decided to run for election to City Council because of pressing needs for a "robust law enforcement to tackle the increasing crime that we're having around the city." He said the topics of workforce development, housing issues, infrastructure and economic development are all "moot points if we continue to have crime rise the way it has.

"I believe my expertise and my knowledge in law enforcement is a necessity in the City Council," Carrell said. "If I'm elected and honored to be the representative of Ward 5, I will be the only person on City Council with law enforcement experience... Rapid City is an incredible place to live... and crime will just destroy that and will destroy the quality of life."

Roseland said he doesn't think that Rapid City is the "crime-ridden city that he (Carrell) seems to think it is.

"People come here because they love Rapid City. They love the atmosphere around the Black Hills and the amenities," Roseland said. "Rapid City has a lot to offer to the citizens who are working here today and who will be coming in the future. Rapid City is a place where many people want to come to, not move away from. You don't see a lot of people move away from Rapid City because of crime or because of trash in the streets."

Carrell said Roseland's characterization was not entirely accurate. He said he does not think Rapid City is dirty and violent.

"I do say that I see things through a different lens of law enforcement and I see the precursors of crime," Carrell said. "The precursor of crime  trash. The second precursor of crime  gang tags that are featured all over the place. Maybe Mr. Roseland doesn't see it, but I see it because I've got the eye for it. You've got Denver gangs tagging your area because this is a free place to come and mark your territory. That's what's happening."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.


Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.


Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
Mr. Kemp also appeared to punish those who crossed him: One congressional seat was drawn to exclude the home of a candidate whose father, a Perdue supporter, had publicly criticized the governor.

And he offered goodies to voters, including a gas-tax holiday that conveniently runs through the end of May, just past the primary.

On Thursday, as Mr. Perdue campaigned outside the Semper Fi Bar and Grille in Woodstock, Ga., he was not conjuring up a path to victory but haggling over the scope of his widely expected defeat, after a Fox News survey showed him down 32 percentage points.

Hell no, Im not down 30 points, insisted Mr. Perdue, whose campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this article. We may not win Tuesday, he added, but I guaran-damn-tee you we are not down 30 points.

The key threshold on Tuesday is 50 percent: Mr. Kemp must win an outright majority in the five-candidate field to avoid a one-on-one runoff in June.

The story of Mr. Perdues effort is less one of political collapse and more of a failure to launch. From the moment he announced his candidacy in December, Mr. Perdue never demonstrated the same commitment to winning that he displayed in his first Senate race in 2014.

His case for ousting Mr. Kemp was always largely based on support from the former president. Mr. Perdue argued at his campaign introduction that the governor had so alienated the partys Trump faithful that they would not rally around Mr. Kemp against Stacey Abrams, the presumptive Democratic nominee and a leading villain for Republicans.
They are the story terrorists want to tell about themselves, not the truth. The Buffalo shooters manifesto doesnt mention his history of animal abuse, for example. As with any writer of his own story, he was making choices about how he wanted to be seen.

Manifestoes by people like this have two audiences: normal people, or what extremely online people might call normies, and true believers. Normies are, well, normal people who arent baked in the language of online racists, who wont pick up on the layers of intentional irony  long asides on cryptocurrency and the environment, for example  that terrorists like the Buffalo gunman or the shooters in Christchurch, New Zealand, or Poway, Calif., use to unify their messages. (It appears that the Buffalo shooter even copied portions of the manifesto of the Christchurch shooter directly.)

Normal people typically read the manifesto of a terrorist and take it at face value: If he says he was inspired by X, then he was inspired by X.

After the shooting in Christchurch in 2019, which claimed the lives of 50 people at two mosques, the former Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway was seemingly one such credulous reader, telling Fox News that people should read the killers manifesto, saying, Unlike like most mass shootings, this man came with prereceipts, if you will. He put out a 70-page manifesto, and I guess everybody scoured it, searched for Donald Trumps name, and there it is, one time. But he also said he aligns closely with the ideology of China. He said hes not a conservative, hes not a Nazi. I think he referred to himself as an eco-naturalist or an eco-fascist. The Christchurch shooter said he wasnt a Nazi, so to Conway, he wasnt. And he didnt fixate too much on Trump, so he couldnt have been inspired by anything the ex-president said.

And while the Buffalo shooters manifesto contains crude and offensive illustrations and descriptions of Jewish people and Black people, it also is clearly aimed in part at that normie audience, with a question and answer section in which the shooter explains how he became a virulent racist and antisemite. He attempts to put his transition to racist murderer in a context that will somehow make it make sense to his readers: He didnt use to be like this, but then he learned more about the evils of Black Americans and the crimes of Jewish people through memes and online posts.
They are the story terrorists want to tell about themselves, not the truth. The Buffalo shooters manifesto doesnt mention his history of animal abuse, for example. As with any writer of his own story, he was making choices about how he wanted to be seen.

Manifestoes by people like this have two audiences: normal people, or what extremely online people might call normies, and true believers. Normies are, well, normal people who arent baked in the language of online racists, who wont pick up on the layers of intentional irony  long asides on cryptocurrency and the environment, for example  that terrorists like the Buffalo gunman or the shooters in Christchurch, New Zealand, or Poway, Calif., use to unify their messages. (It appears that the Buffalo shooter even copied portions of the manifesto of the Christchurch shooter directly.)

Normal people typically read the manifesto of a terrorist and take it at face value: If he says he was inspired by X, then he was inspired by X.

After the shooting in Christchurch in 2019, which claimed the lives of 50 people at two mosques, the former Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway was seemingly one such credulous reader, telling Fox News that people should read the killers manifesto, saying, Unlike like most mass shootings, this man came with prereceipts, if you will. He put out a 70-page manifesto, and I guess everybody scoured it, searched for Donald Trumps name, and there it is, one time. But he also said he aligns closely with the ideology of China. He said hes not a conservative, hes not a Nazi. I think he referred to himself as an eco-naturalist or an eco-fascist. The Christchurch shooter said he wasnt a Nazi, so to Conway, he wasnt. And he didnt fixate too much on Trump, so he couldnt have been inspired by anything the ex-president said.

And while the Buffalo shooters manifesto contains crude and offensive illustrations and descriptions of Jewish people and Black people, it also is clearly aimed in part at that normie audience, with a question and answer section in which the shooter explains how he became a virulent racist and antisemite. He attempts to put his transition to racist murderer in a context that will somehow make it make sense to his readers: He didnt use to be like this, but then he learned more about the evils of Black Americans and the crimes of Jewish people through memes and online posts.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will prepare its outline to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the BJP in power at the Centre in a meeting that is scheduled to take place on May 25. The BJP will complete its eight years at the Centre on May 30, which the party plans to celebrate from May 30 to June 14 on the theme of 'Service, Good Governance and Poor Welfare'. The BJP will hold a meeting with the Union Ministers of Independent Charge and Ministers of State at the party headquarters on May 25 in Delhi. The meeting would be attended by top leaders of the party including national president JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah and the party's National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. According to party sources, this meeting will be done to decide on the work to be done and constituencies to be given to the ministers for the programs to be organized on the occasion of the completion of eight years of the Narendra Modi government. "The agenda of the meeting is to deliberate on the methods to appraise the beneficiaries of various schemes about the works done by the Modi government during their eight years at the Centre," said party sources. "Each Minister would be allotted at least four Lok Sabha constituencies for the purpose to ensure that every beneficiary is reached out to in all the constituencies," informed sources. Notably, in the meeting of the BJP national office bearers that took place in Jaipur on May 20, a blueprint was prepared to take the report card of the government to the people. (ANI)
Notorious attack on Michelangelo's Pieta occurred on 21 May 1972.

50 years ago today, a Hungarian man called Laszlo Toth climbed over an altar rail in St Peters Basilica and attacked Michelangelos Pieta with a geologist's hammer, while screaming: I am Jesus Christ  risen from the dead.

The Renaissance masterpiece, which portrays the Madonna holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, suffered extensive damage from Toth's approximately 15 hammer blows.

Toth was apprehended by bystanders

The attack, which took place in front of horrified pilgrims, saw Toth knock the Madonna's left arm at the elbow, chipping off her eyelid and a significant part of her nose.

The 33-year-old Toth was quickly restrained by bystanders, including the American sculptor Bob Cassily who hit the assailant several times before pulling him away from La Pieta.

Before and after the restoration of La Pieta

The chapel floor was littered with around 100 fragments from the statue which Michelangelo carved from a single block of Carrara marble before it was unveiled in 1499.

Some of those present pocketed these chipped remains as "souvenirs," with at least one person subsequently repenting and sending the ill-gotten memento back to Rome anonymously from the United States.

Restoration of the Pieta

The Vatican was faced with a dilemma regarding the restoration, with art historians divided on how to proceed.

Some experts said the statue should remain in its damaged state, others argued that it should be fixed but distinguishing clearly the restored parts from the original.

Laszlo Toth

In the end the Vatican opted for an integral procedure invisible to the naked eye, according to Reuters, resulting in one of the most delicate and complex art restorations in history.

The operation saw restorers spend more than five months identifying all the fragments, some minuscule, before beginning to piece them together with invisible glue and powder ground from Carrara marble.

When the painstaking restoration was complete, about 10 months after the attack, the Pieta went back on display - this time behind bulletproof glass.

What happened to Laszlo Toth?

In view of his apparent insanity, Toth was never charged with the crime. In January 1973 he was committed to a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

Toth was released in February 1975 and deported from Italy to Australia, where he had studied prior to the Pieta attack.

Australian authorities did not detain him and he faded into oblivion, reportedly living a hermit-like existence in a remote part of New South Wales. Toth died on 11 September 2012.
Notorious attack on Michelangelo's Pieta occurred on 21 May 1972.

50 years ago today, a Hungarian man called Laszlo Toth climbed over an altar rail in St Peters Basilica and attacked Michelangelos Pieta with a geologist's hammer, while screaming: I am Jesus Christ  risen from the dead.

The Renaissance masterpiece, which portrays the Madonna holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, suffered extensive damage from Toth's approximately 15 hammer blows.

Toth was apprehended by bystanders

The attack, which took place in front of horrified pilgrims, saw Toth knock the Madonna's left arm at the elbow, chipping off her eyelid and a significant part of her nose.

The 33-year-old Toth was quickly restrained by bystanders, including the American sculptor Bob Cassily who hit the assailant several times before pulling him away from La Pieta.

Before and after the restoration of La Pieta

The chapel floor was littered with around 100 fragments from the statue which Michelangelo carved from a single block of Carrara marble before it was unveiled in 1499.

Some of those present pocketed these chipped remains as "souvenirs," with at least one person subsequently repenting and sending the ill-gotten memento back to Rome anonymously from the United States.

Restoration of the Pieta

The Vatican was faced with a dilemma regarding the restoration, with art historians divided on how to proceed.

Some experts said the statue should remain in its damaged state, others argued that it should be fixed but distinguishing clearly the restored parts from the original.

Laszlo Toth

In the end the Vatican opted for an integral procedure invisible to the naked eye, according to Reuters, resulting in one of the most delicate and complex art restorations in history.

The operation saw restorers spend more than five months identifying all the fragments, some minuscule, before beginning to piece them together with invisible glue and powder ground from Carrara marble.

When the painstaking restoration was complete, about 10 months after the attack, the Pieta went back on display - this time behind bulletproof glass.

What happened to Laszlo Toth?

In view of his apparent insanity, Toth was never charged with the crime. In January 1973 he was committed to a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

Toth was released in February 1975 and deported from Italy to Australia, where he had studied prior to the Pieta attack.

Australian authorities did not detain him and he faded into oblivion, reportedly living a hermit-like existence in a remote part of New South Wales. Toth died on 11 September 2012.
Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning "complete change" in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), External Minster S Jaishankar has said that the change is not called "arrogance" but "confidence and defending national interest". The remarks came after Rahul Gandhi said at an event in London that he had been told by bureaucrats in Europe that IFS has changed and the officers are "arrogant". Jaishankar said in a tweet that the IFS officers follow the orders of the government and protect national interest while countering arguments of others. "Yes, the Indian Foreign Service has changed. Yes, they follow the orders of the Government. Yes, they counter the arguments of others. No, it's not called Arrogance. It is called Confidence. And it is called defending National Interest," Jaishankar said. He also attached a clip of Rahul Gandhi's remarks. In his remarks at the 'Ideas for India' conference in London, Gandhi said he had been told that IFS officers do not listen to anything, they were just getting orders from the government and there is no conversation. "I was talking to some bureaucrats from Europe and they were saying that the Indian Foreign Service has completely changed and they don't listen to anything -- they are arrogant. Now they just telling us what orders they are getting, there is no conversation; you can't do that," Rahul Gandhi said. Party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala retorted to Jaishankar's remarks on Gandhi's tweet and said there had been foreign policy bloopers. "Yes, it is also called being subservient to the political masters in face of foreign policy bloopers. Yes, it is called not being able to stand up to China in face of illegal occupation of our territory. Yes, it is called furthering the agenda of a party rather then the Nation," Surjewala said in a tweet. In his remarks at London event, Rahul Gandhi also accused the Centre of promoting "massive concentration of power and capital". "I think it's very dangerous for one company to control all airports, all ports, all the infrastructure. It (private sector monopoly) has never existed in this form. It has never existed with such a massive concentration of power and capital. This is another aspect that is throttling the conversation because the current Indian government is controlling the media through this concentration of capital," he said. Rahul Gandhi said Congress believes that every single Indian should be given the same opportunities." "The task for the Opposition is really to give a new vision to the people of India, an economic vision. Congress has the ideology at the national level. Congress is a structure that is enabling the Opposition. The ideological battle that is taking place is between the national vision of the RSS and the national vision of Congress," he said. (ANI)
Ukrainian troops inspect a wrecked Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Makariv, in the Kyiv area, April 9, 2022. Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Russia considers its invasion into Ukraine a "rehearsal" for a larger conflict with NATO, a Russian professor said.

The goal is to "see on the battlefield how much stronger our weapons really are," said Alexei Fenenko.

"Maybe it will be a learning experience for a future conflict," he added.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a "rehearsal" for a larger conflict with the countries that make up NATO, according to a Russian political scientist.

Alexei Fenenko, a research fellow at the Institute of International Security Studies, made the remarks on Thursday while speaking on the Russian-state TV talk show "60 Minutes," according to Daily Beast Russian State TV Reporter Julia Davis.

"For us, the war in Ukraine  is a rehearsal for a possibly larger conflict in the future," Fenenko said. "And that is why we'll test and go up against NATO weapons, and will see on the battlefield how much stronger our weapons really are compared to theirs."

"Maybe it will be a learning experience for a future conflict," he continued.

Russia has been bragging about developing high-tech weaponry during its invasion of Ukraine. A senior Russian official made unsubstantiated claims earlier this month that Russian forces have a laser weapon system in Ukraine that can take out a miles-away drone within seconds.

Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the conflict will "eventually hit everyone."

"Russian aggression was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone," Zelenskyy said. "To the destruction of our freedom and our lives alone. The whole European project is a target for Russia."

There's also concern that Russia might leverage cyber activity to conduct data attacks, Insider's Stravros Atlamazoglou reported.

There are "perceptions of a cyber Armageddon bricking US and European computers or destroying Ukrainian critical infrastructure. That probably didn't happen because Putin wanted to fight a limited war in Ukraine," said former Russia analyst Michael E. van Landingham.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Ukrainian troops inspect a wrecked Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Makariv, in the Kyiv area, April 9, 2022. Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Russia considers its invasion into Ukraine a "rehearsal" for a larger conflict with NATO, a Russian professor said.

The goal is to "see on the battlefield how much stronger our weapons really are," said Alexei Fenenko.

"Maybe it will be a learning experience for a future conflict," he added.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a "rehearsal" for a larger conflict with the countries that make up NATO, according to a Russian political scientist.

Alexei Fenenko, a research fellow at the Institute of International Security Studies, made the remarks on Thursday while speaking on the Russian-state TV talk show "60 Minutes," according to Daily Beast Russian State TV Reporter Julia Davis.

"For us, the war in Ukraine  is a rehearsal for a possibly larger conflict in the future," Fenenko said. "And that is why we'll test and go up against NATO weapons, and will see on the battlefield how much stronger our weapons really are compared to theirs."

"Maybe it will be a learning experience for a future conflict," he continued.

Russia has been bragging about developing high-tech weaponry during its invasion of Ukraine. A senior Russian official made unsubstantiated claims earlier this month that Russian forces have a laser weapon system in Ukraine that can take out a miles-away drone within seconds.

Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the conflict will "eventually hit everyone."

"Russian aggression was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone," Zelenskyy said. "To the destruction of our freedom and our lives alone. The whole European project is a target for Russia."

There's also concern that Russia might leverage cyber activity to conduct data attacks, Insider's Stravros Atlamazoglou reported.

There are "perceptions of a cyber Armageddon bricking US and European computers or destroying Ukrainian critical infrastructure. That probably didn't happen because Putin wanted to fight a limited war in Ukraine," said former Russia analyst Michael E. van Landingham.

Read the original article on Business Insider
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
LE MARS, Iowa  Wells Enterprises plans to add new product lines and upgrade equipment in a $70 million capital investment project.

The Le Mars-based ice cream producer was awarded $6.3 million in High Quality Jobs Program tax credit by the Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday. The project is expected to create 135 new jobs, and 82 are to pay at least $23.94 per hour, per the state contract.

Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny, Halo Top and Bomb Top ice cream products, is one of the largest employers in Iowa with 2,500 employees and an additional 500 seasonal workers on the payroll during the "ice cream season." Nationwide, the company employs an estimated 4,000 people.

The $70 million investment project plans to add new product lines, as well as upgrade and modernize existing equipment throughout the facilities such as production lines, hardening equipment, freezer and refrigeration upgrades and other equipment, according to their IEDA application.

The additions are the two Le Mars production facilities and will take place over the next two years, said Director of Communications Lesley Bartholomew in a statement.

Our Le Mars facilities and the strong teams we have in place are key to Wells overall business strategy and will continue to be well into the future, said CEO Mike Wells. Were excited to bring more investment to Le Mars and move forward with this project to bring on new lines and equipment.

The investments will help optimize the manufacturing footprint and set up the company for future growth, Bartholomew said.

The last large expansion project the company undertook was the acquisition of Fieldbrook Foods, an ice cream manufacturer with plants in New York and New Jersey in April 2019.

The acquisition placed Wells as the No. 2 producer of ice cream in the U.S. and increased the production level by about 25 percent.

At the time, Wells said the company would need another 20 percent of growth to be No. 1 in production, over Unilever, whose brands include Ben & Jerry's, Good Humor and Breyers, and Nestle, whose brands include Edy's, Haagen-Dazs and Nestle.

The same year in September, Wells struck a deal with Unilever to purchase an ice cream plant in Henderson, Nevada to expand Wells manufacturing capacity. The company then purchased Halo Top, a low-calorie brand of ice cream, from Eden Creamery, LLC days later.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Australian women have sent a powerful message to the Liberal-National coalition, former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop says.

'(Liberal women) did not see their concerns and interests reflected in a party led by Scott Morrison in coalition with Barnaby Joyce,' she told the Nine Network on Saturday.

A number of mostly female, 'teal' independents are on track to roll sitting Liberal MPs, predominantly in inner-city seats, having made climate action and a federal anti-corruption agency the centrepieces of their campaigns.

Seeing female, independent candidates likely to replace MPs in formerly strong Liberal seats sent a powerful message, Ms Bishop said.

'We have not mentioned at this point the impact of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, they changed the narrative when they exposed an ugly side to the workplace in Canberra,' Ms Bishop said.

'That resonated with women.'

Former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop saw the Coalition's failure to listen to Australian activists such as Grace Tame (pictured) was a reason why they lost the federal election

Yet voters are not only calling for more women in parliament, but a focus on issues that affect 51 per cent of the population every day, former Labor minister Kate Ellis said.

'I would send a message to all the men in the parliament as well: it is your job to advocate for the women out there who are struggling,' she said.

'Australian women are angry and we don't just want to change the government, change the prime minister, we want to change the agenda and the outcomes and that work will be ongoing no matter who is in government.'

Women have channelled their frustration and anger into changing the face and diversity of the parliament, Australia's largest alliance of women said.

Equality Rights Alliance convenor Helen Dalley-Fisher told AAP the coalition's 'women problem' was reflected in the vote.

'It's going to be critical for the incoming government to focus strongly on issues that matter to women,' she said.

Scott Morrison projected himself as a family man - it proved to be in vain as he sought to continue on as Prime Minister (pictured with daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'Women in Australia have spoken. It's time to listen.'

But Liberal senator Jane Hume said the party had pre-selected many female candidates in seats who have not been given a chance by voters.

'One of my great frustrations in all of this was the number of fantastic female candidates that we had ready to go that haven't made it this time around,' she said.

'I would have loved to have seen them get into Parliament House because I think they would have changed things up.'
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Advertisement

Glum Liberal supporters drowned their sorrows at Scott Morrison's concession party - while jubilant Labor faithful went berserk cheering on Anthony Albanese.

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese said the country had 'voted for change' by voting the Opposition into power for the first time since World War II.

His party was so raucous he even had to tell some over-enthusiastic supporters to 'behave'.

It was a very different story across town at the Fullerton Hotel, where dejected Coalition supporters commiserated the end of a nine-year-old Coalition government.

Pictured: A lonely Liberal Party supporter watches on as the disappointing results for the Liberal Party roll in

Liberal Party faithful waited at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for Scott Morrison's concession speech

Former Liberal member Philip Ruddock is among those waiting for Mr Morrison to appear at the Fullerton Hotel

A Coalition supporter is consoled as the Liberal and National parties surrendered government to the Labor Party

Labor party faithful celebrate Anthony Albanese's win with hugs and kisses at an election night event in Canterbury

Young Labor members party and celebrate Mr Albanese's win on Saturday night as he gives his first speech as PM

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west

Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to heartbroken Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

An emotional Scott Morrison embraces his daughter as he gives his concession speech

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

A man takes a drink of Albo branded beer at a Labor Party event as he is confirmed as Australia's 31st prime minister

Liberal Party supporters watch on in horror as they learn that Labor will claim victory

An air of panic cuts through the room at the Fullerton Hotel when Coalition supporters learn the election is lost

Pictured: A couple are devastated by the news that Scott Morrison will lose the election

Silence rings out at the Fullerton Hotel as Liberal Party faithful await the prime minister's concession speech

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

Labor Party supporters went berserk as they watched Prime Minister Scott Morrison admit defeat

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Meanwhile, joyous celebrations have erupted at Labor's official election function, with the opposition on track to form Australia's next government.

Cautious optimism at the start of the night has given way to widespread celebration at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL Club, where the almost 1000-strong crowd erupted after news came through Labor would win the election.

However, it remains to be seen whether Labor would govern as a minority or majority government, due to a large number of crossbenchers set to join parliament.

Anthony Albanese is watching the election results from his Marrickville home, and the Labor leader is expected to address the crowd later tonight.

The crowd at the event burst out into chants of 'Albo, Albo', and even chanting 'yes, WA' and 'yes Mark McGowan', following large swings to the party in the state.

There have been swings to Labor across seats in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with the opposition taking the electorates of Reid, Robertson, Chisholm, Deakin and Boothby.

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth in Marrickville promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Supporters celebrate as initial results come in for WA at the election party for Zaneta Mascarenhas, Labor candidate for Swan

Labor supporters watch early election results at a reception at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

The success story of the night has come from WA, where Labor is likely to win Hasluck, Pearce, Swan, with the potential for Moore to also fall.

Large cheers also erupted upon results in Dickson, where Labor look set to take the seat off Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

There was also large cries in the room when results flashed up showing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could also lose his safe seat of Kooyong to independent Monique Ryan.

However, the opposition could still lose some of its Queensland seats to the Greens.

Parachuted candidate Kristina Keneally is also likely to lose in the Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le.

The decision to parachute her from outside the electorate was deemed by many to be controversial.

Party supporters have said the results were already better than it 2019 defeat.

'This is the campaign we should have run last time,' one person said.

Anthony Albanese will become just the fourth Labor leader to lead the party to victory from opposition since World War II.

Celebrations at the official function are set to go well into the night, with many punters also celebrating with the specially made Albo Ale beer.
Australian women have sent a powerful message to the Liberal-National coalition, former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop says.

'(Liberal women) did not see their concerns and interests reflected in a party led by Scott Morrison in coalition with Barnaby Joyce,' she told the Nine Network on Saturday.

A number of mostly female, 'teal' independents are on track to roll sitting Liberal MPs, predominantly in inner-city seats, having made climate action and a federal anti-corruption agency the centrepieces of their campaigns.

Seeing female, independent candidates likely to replace MPs in formerly strong Liberal seats sent a powerful message, Ms Bishop said.

'We have not mentioned at this point the impact of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, they changed the narrative when they exposed an ugly side to the workplace in Canberra,' Ms Bishop said.

'That resonated with women.'

Former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop saw the Coalition's failure to listen to Australian activists such as Grace Tame (pictured) was a reason why they lost the federal election

Yet voters are not only calling for more women in parliament, but a focus on issues that affect 51 per cent of the population every day, former Labor minister Kate Ellis said.

'I would send a message to all the men in the parliament as well: it is your job to advocate for the women out there who are struggling,' she said.

'Australian women are angry and we don't just want to change the government, change the prime minister, we want to change the agenda and the outcomes and that work will be ongoing no matter who is in government.'

Women have channelled their frustration and anger into changing the face and diversity of the parliament, Australia's largest alliance of women said.

Equality Rights Alliance convenor Helen Dalley-Fisher told AAP the coalition's 'women problem' was reflected in the vote.

'It's going to be critical for the incoming government to focus strongly on issues that matter to women,' she said.

Scott Morrison projected himself as a family man - it proved to be in vain as he sought to continue on as Prime Minister (pictured with daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'Women in Australia have spoken. It's time to listen.'

But Liberal senator Jane Hume said the party had pre-selected many female candidates in seats who have not been given a chance by voters.

'One of my great frustrations in all of this was the number of fantastic female candidates that we had ready to go that haven't made it this time around,' she said.

'I would have loved to have seen them get into Parliament House because I think they would have changed things up.'
'Drop in' Kristina Keneally is set to lose a safe Labor seat in south-west Sydney after a local independent decimated the ALP's 14 per cent margin.

The ALP appears to be paying the price for parachuting in the former Premier over a much-loved local Labor candidate for the seat of Fowler.

Fairfield Deputy Mayor Dai Le has punished her in the booths so far with the ABC projecting Ms Keneally, a former NSW Premier, will lose the seat, and her place in Parliament.

The Labor luminary has suffered a brutal swing against her of more than 18 per cent with over half the vote already counted.

Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

When preferences are taken into account, Dai Le is leading Kristine Keneally in the tight-knit seat

Ms Le trailed not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes.

But when second preferences are counted, independent Dai Le led 51.9 to 48.1 per cent in the two-party-preferred basis.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.
Advertisement

Glum Liberal supporters drowned their sorrows at Scott Morrison's concession party - while jubilant Labor faithful went berserk cheering on Anthony Albanese.

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese said the country had 'voted for change' by voting the Opposition into power for the first time since World War II.

His party was so raucous he even had to tell some over-enthusiastic supporters to 'behave'.

It was a very different story across town at the Fullerton Hotel, where dejected Coalition supporters commiserated the end of a nine-year-old Coalition government.

Pictured: A lonely Liberal Party supporter watches on as the disappointing results for the Liberal Party roll in

Liberal Party faithful waited at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for Scott Morrison's concession speech

Former Liberal member Philip Ruddock is among those waiting for Mr Morrison to appear at the Fullerton Hotel

A Coalition supporter is consoled as the Liberal and National parties surrendered government to the Labor Party

Labor party faithful celebrate Anthony Albanese's win with hugs and kisses at an election night event in Canterbury

Young Labor members party and celebrate Mr Albanese's win on Saturday night as he gives his first speech as PM

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west

Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to heartbroken Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

An emotional Scott Morrison embraces his daughter as he gives his concession speech

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

A man takes a drink of Albo branded beer at a Labor Party event as he is confirmed as Australia's 31st prime minister

Liberal Party supporters watch on in horror as they learn that Labor will claim victory

An air of panic cuts through the room at the Fullerton Hotel when Coalition supporters learn the election is lost

Pictured: A couple are devastated by the news that Scott Morrison will lose the election

Silence rings out at the Fullerton Hotel as Liberal Party faithful await the prime minister's concession speech

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

Labor Party supporters went berserk as they watched Prime Minister Scott Morrison admit defeat

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Meanwhile, joyous celebrations have erupted at Labor's official election function, with the opposition on track to form Australia's next government.

Cautious optimism at the start of the night has given way to widespread celebration at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL Club, where the almost 1000-strong crowd erupted after news came through Labor would win the election.

However, it remains to be seen whether Labor would govern as a minority or majority government, due to a large number of crossbenchers set to join parliament.

Anthony Albanese is watching the election results from his Marrickville home, and the Labor leader is expected to address the crowd later tonight.

The crowd at the event burst out into chants of 'Albo, Albo', and even chanting 'yes, WA' and 'yes Mark McGowan', following large swings to the party in the state.

There have been swings to Labor across seats in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with the opposition taking the electorates of Reid, Robertson, Chisholm, Deakin and Boothby.

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth in Marrickville promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Supporters celebrate as initial results come in for WA at the election party for Zaneta Mascarenhas, Labor candidate for Swan

Labor supporters watch early election results at a reception at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

The success story of the night has come from WA, where Labor is likely to win Hasluck, Pearce, Swan, with the potential for Moore to also fall.

Large cheers also erupted upon results in Dickson, where Labor look set to take the seat off Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

There was also large cries in the room when results flashed up showing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could also lose his safe seat of Kooyong to independent Monique Ryan.

However, the opposition could still lose some of its Queensland seats to the Greens.

Parachuted candidate Kristina Keneally is also likely to lose in the Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le.

The decision to parachute her from outside the electorate was deemed by many to be controversial.

Party supporters have said the results were already better than it 2019 defeat.

'This is the campaign we should have run last time,' one person said.

Anthony Albanese will become just the fourth Labor leader to lead the party to victory from opposition since World War II.

Celebrations at the official function are set to go well into the night, with many punters also celebrating with the specially made Albo Ale beer.
Advertisement

Glum Liberal supporters drowned their sorrows at Scott Morrison's concession party - while jubilant Labor faithful went berserk cheering on Anthony Albanese.

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese said the country had 'voted for change' by voting the Opposition into power for the first time since World War II.

His party was so raucous he even had to tell some over-enthusiastic supporters to 'behave'.

It was a very different story across town at the Fullerton Hotel, where dejected Coalition supporters commiserated the end of a nine-year-old Coalition government.

Pictured: A lonely Liberal Party supporter watches on as the disappointing results for the Liberal Party roll in

Liberal Party faithful waited at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for Scott Morrison's concession speech

Former Liberal member Philip Ruddock is among those waiting for Mr Morrison to appear at the Fullerton Hotel

A Coalition supporter is consoled as the Liberal and National parties surrendered government to the Labor Party

Labor party faithful celebrate Anthony Albanese's win with hugs and kisses at an election night event in Canterbury

Young Labor members party and celebrate Mr Albanese's win on Saturday night as he gives his first speech as PM

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west

Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to heartbroken Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

An emotional Scott Morrison embraces his daughter as he gives his concession speech

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

A man takes a drink of Albo branded beer at a Labor Party event as he is confirmed as Australia's 31st prime minister

Liberal Party supporters watch on in horror as they learn that Labor will claim victory

An air of panic cuts through the room at the Fullerton Hotel when Coalition supporters learn the election is lost

Pictured: A couple are devastated by the news that Scott Morrison will lose the election

Silence rings out at the Fullerton Hotel as Liberal Party faithful await the prime minister's concession speech

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

Labor Party supporters went berserk as they watched Prime Minister Scott Morrison admit defeat

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Meanwhile, joyous celebrations have erupted at Labor's official election function, with the opposition on track to form Australia's next government.

Cautious optimism at the start of the night has given way to widespread celebration at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL Club, where the almost 1000-strong crowd erupted after news came through Labor would win the election.

However, it remains to be seen whether Labor would govern as a minority or majority government, due to a large number of crossbenchers set to join parliament.

Anthony Albanese is watching the election results from his Marrickville home, and the Labor leader is expected to address the crowd later tonight.

The crowd at the event burst out into chants of 'Albo, Albo', and even chanting 'yes, WA' and 'yes Mark McGowan', following large swings to the party in the state.

There have been swings to Labor across seats in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with the opposition taking the electorates of Reid, Robertson, Chisholm, Deakin and Boothby.

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth in Marrickville promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Supporters celebrate as initial results come in for WA at the election party for Zaneta Mascarenhas, Labor candidate for Swan

Labor supporters watch early election results at a reception at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

The success story of the night has come from WA, where Labor is likely to win Hasluck, Pearce, Swan, with the potential for Moore to also fall.

Large cheers also erupted upon results in Dickson, where Labor look set to take the seat off Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

There was also large cries in the room when results flashed up showing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could also lose his safe seat of Kooyong to independent Monique Ryan.

However, the opposition could still lose some of its Queensland seats to the Greens.

Parachuted candidate Kristina Keneally is also likely to lose in the Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le.

The decision to parachute her from outside the electorate was deemed by many to be controversial.

Party supporters have said the results were already better than it 2019 defeat.

'This is the campaign we should have run last time,' one person said.

Anthony Albanese will become just the fourth Labor leader to lead the party to victory from opposition since World War II.

Celebrations at the official function are set to go well into the night, with many punters also celebrating with the specially made Albo Ale beer.
Australian women have sent a powerful message to the Liberal-National coalition, former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop says.

'(Liberal women) did not see their concerns and interests reflected in a party led by Scott Morrison in coalition with Barnaby Joyce,' she told the Nine Network on Saturday.

A number of mostly female, 'teal' independents are on track to roll sitting Liberal MPs, predominantly in inner-city seats, having made climate action and a federal anti-corruption agency the centrepieces of their campaigns.

Seeing female, independent candidates likely to replace MPs in formerly strong Liberal seats sent a powerful message, Ms Bishop said.

'We have not mentioned at this point the impact of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, they changed the narrative when they exposed an ugly side to the workplace in Canberra,' Ms Bishop said.

'That resonated with women.'

Former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop saw the Coalition's failure to listen to Australian activists such as Grace Tame (pictured) was a reason why they lost the federal election

Yet voters are not only calling for more women in parliament, but a focus on issues that affect 51 per cent of the population every day, former Labor minister Kate Ellis said.

'I would send a message to all the men in the parliament as well: it is your job to advocate for the women out there who are struggling,' she said.

'Australian women are angry and we don't just want to change the government, change the prime minister, we want to change the agenda and the outcomes and that work will be ongoing no matter who is in government.'

Women have channelled their frustration and anger into changing the face and diversity of the parliament, Australia's largest alliance of women said.

Equality Rights Alliance convenor Helen Dalley-Fisher told AAP the coalition's 'women problem' was reflected in the vote.

'It's going to be critical for the incoming government to focus strongly on issues that matter to women,' she said.

Scott Morrison projected himself as a family man - it proved to be in vain as he sought to continue on as Prime Minister (pictured with daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'Women in Australia have spoken. It's time to listen.'

But Liberal senator Jane Hume said the party had pre-selected many female candidates in seats who have not been given a chance by voters.

'One of my great frustrations in all of this was the number of fantastic female candidates that we had ready to go that haven't made it this time around,' she said.

'I would have loved to have seen them get into Parliament House because I think they would have changed things up.'
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Advertisement

Glum Liberal supporters drowned their sorrows at Scott Morrison's concession party - while jubilant Labor faithful went berserk cheering on Anthony Albanese.

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese said the country had 'voted for change' by voting the Opposition into power for the first time since World War II.

His party was so raucous he even had to tell some over-enthusiastic supporters to 'behave'.

It was a very different story across town at the Fullerton Hotel, where dejected Coalition supporters commiserated the end of a nine-year-old Coalition government.

Pictured: A lonely Liberal Party supporter watches on as the disappointing results for the Liberal Party roll in

Liberal Party faithful waited at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for Scott Morrison's concession speech

Former Liberal member Philip Ruddock is among those waiting for Mr Morrison to appear at the Fullerton Hotel

A Coalition supporter is consoled as the Liberal and National parties surrendered government to the Labor Party

Labor party faithful celebrate Anthony Albanese's win with hugs and kisses at an election night event in Canterbury

Young Labor members party and celebrate Mr Albanese's win on Saturday night as he gives his first speech as PM

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west

Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to heartbroken Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

An emotional Scott Morrison embraces his daughter as he gives his concession speech

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

A man takes a drink of Albo branded beer at a Labor Party event as he is confirmed as Australia's 31st prime minister

Liberal Party supporters watch on in horror as they learn that Labor will claim victory

An air of panic cuts through the room at the Fullerton Hotel when Coalition supporters learn the election is lost

Pictured: A couple are devastated by the news that Scott Morrison will lose the election

Silence rings out at the Fullerton Hotel as Liberal Party faithful await the prime minister's concession speech

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

Labor Party supporters went berserk as they watched Prime Minister Scott Morrison admit defeat

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Meanwhile, joyous celebrations have erupted at Labor's official election function, with the opposition on track to form Australia's next government.

Cautious optimism at the start of the night has given way to widespread celebration at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL Club, where the almost 1000-strong crowd erupted after news came through Labor would win the election.

However, it remains to be seen whether Labor would govern as a minority or majority government, due to a large number of crossbenchers set to join parliament.

Anthony Albanese is watching the election results from his Marrickville home, and the Labor leader is expected to address the crowd later tonight.

The crowd at the event burst out into chants of 'Albo, Albo', and even chanting 'yes, WA' and 'yes Mark McGowan', following large swings to the party in the state.

There have been swings to Labor across seats in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with the opposition taking the electorates of Reid, Robertson, Chisholm, Deakin and Boothby.

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth in Marrickville promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Supporters celebrate as initial results come in for WA at the election party for Zaneta Mascarenhas, Labor candidate for Swan

Labor supporters watch early election results at a reception at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

The success story of the night has come from WA, where Labor is likely to win Hasluck, Pearce, Swan, with the potential for Moore to also fall.

Large cheers also erupted upon results in Dickson, where Labor look set to take the seat off Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

There was also large cries in the room when results flashed up showing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could also lose his safe seat of Kooyong to independent Monique Ryan.

However, the opposition could still lose some of its Queensland seats to the Greens.

Parachuted candidate Kristina Keneally is also likely to lose in the Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le.

The decision to parachute her from outside the electorate was deemed by many to be controversial.

Party supporters have said the results were already better than it 2019 defeat.

'This is the campaign we should have run last time,' one person said.

Anthony Albanese will become just the fourth Labor leader to lead the party to victory from opposition since World War II.

Celebrations at the official function are set to go well into the night, with many punters also celebrating with the specially made Albo Ale beer.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward

LE MARS, Iowa  Wells Enterprises plans to add new product lines and upgrade equipment in a $70 million capital investment project.

The Le Mars-based ice cream producer was awarded $6.3 million in High Quality Jobs Program tax credit by the Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday. The project is expected to create 135 new jobs, and 82 are to pay at least $23.94 per hour, per the state contract.

Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny, Halo Top and Bomb Top ice cream products, is one of the largest employers in Iowa with 2,500 employees and an additional 500 seasonal workers on the payroll during the "ice cream season." Nationwide, the company employs an estimated 4,000 people.

The $70 million investment project plans to add new product lines, as well as upgrade and modernize existing equipment throughout the facilities such as production lines, hardening equipment, freezer and refrigeration upgrades and other equipment, according to their IEDA application.

The additions are the two Le Mars production facilities and will take place over the next two years, said Director of Communications Lesley Bartholomew in a statement.

Our Le Mars facilities and the strong teams we have in place are key to Wells overall business strategy and will continue to be well into the future, said CEO Mike Wells. Were excited to bring more investment to Le Mars and move forward with this project to bring on new lines and equipment.

The investments will help optimize the manufacturing footprint and set up the company for future growth, Bartholomew said.

The last large expansion project the company undertook was the acquisition of Fieldbrook Foods, an ice cream manufacturer with plants in New York and New Jersey in April 2019.

The acquisition placed Wells as the No. 2 producer of ice cream in the U.S. and increased the production level by about 25 percent.

At the time, Wells said the company would need another 20 percent of growth to be No. 1 in production, over Unilever, whose brands include Ben & Jerry's, Good Humor and Breyers, and Nestle, whose brands include Edy's, Haagen-Dazs and Nestle.

The same year in September, Wells struck a deal with Unilever to purchase an ice cream plant in Henderson, Nevada to expand Wells manufacturing capacity. The company then purchased Halo Top, a low-calorie brand of ice cream, from Eden Creamery, LLC days later.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A group of nearly a dozen sheriffs denounced Republican state attorney general contender Adam Jarchow for promoting misinformation and false attacks that they called unparalleled in recent memory of political campaigns in the state.

The law enforcement officials accused Jarchows campaign of promoting false and misleading information to voters through emails, texts and social media posts, chiefly about his main GOP opponent in the race for attorney general, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney.

Most of the sheriffs who signed on to the statement have endorsed Toney and they do not cite any specific purported falsehoods that Jarchow has made. Toney said the statement was referring to Jarchows attacks on Toneys record enforcing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers COVID-19 restrictions.

The group includes Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve and Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler.

His gutter campaign seems to have no limit, the group said of Jarchow, a former state representative from Balsam Lake.

His strategy is indicative of a professional politician  when you have little to no record of accomplishments relative to the office youre seeking then you lie and spread false information to diminish your opponent, they said.

In response to the statement, Jarchow blasted Toney over a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that letters and text messages show Toney told his friends he voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, though he has stated publicly he voted for Donald Trump.

So now hes trying to distract from that by waging disingenuous attacks on my long record of supporting law enforcement, Jarchow said in a statement.

In an interview, Toney disputed the claim he voted for the two previous Democratic presidential candidates, saying the claims stem from broken personal relationships.

The reality is I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, Toney said.

The contest between Jarchow and Toney has seen repeated attacks between the candidates over who has the more legitimate conservative credentials to take on incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in the Nov. 8 general election.

Jarchow has put out multiple ads chastising Toney for charging 10 Fond du Lac residents for violating Evers original stay-at-home order in April 2020. Toney has said his responsibility as a district attorney is to enforce the rule of law, whether or not I agree with or like the law and noted the charges were later dismissed.

Whats clear is Jarchows campaign has nothing to do with his own prosecution skills or experience in a court room, the sheriffs said. He has no experience whatsoever.

As Jarchow seeks the office of top cop, the lies hes spread about DA Toney would make Jarchow ineligible to be a police officer if he held that position in the state of Wisconsin, the statement said.

Jarchow, who is a practicing business attorney, has his own contingent of endorsements from county sheriffs and police chiefs and far outpaces Toney in support from past and present state representatives and senators. Last month, Jarchows campaign released a policy platform that would waive college tuition for police officers and forgive their student loans.

The GOP primary for attorney general is Aug. 9.
Canada planning major Express Entry changes Express Entry rounds in the future could invite candidates based on occupation, language, or education. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

The Canadian government is planning changes to the Express Entry system, which would allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on an economic goal.

Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson on behalf of the immigration minister, said in an email to CIC News that these proposed changes will improve Canadas ability to select applicants that match its economic needs.

Through our growing pool of candidates seeking to become permanent residents, this will allow IRCC to conduct targeted draws aimed at selecting those in the queue that have certain language skills or health care qualifications to name a few examples, Strickland wrote. This will be essential in addressing Canadas labour shortages.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

The changes are currently being discussed in the Canadian parliament. On May 19, Philip Somogyvari from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, a committee of elected officials that studies matters related to Canadian immigration.

Somogyvari, who is an IRCC Director General, explained the amendments would authorize the immigration minister to invite Express Entry candidates on a new basis, one that would support an economic goal identified by the minister.

Eligibility requirements to be a member of a category would be established by the minister and could be based on factors such as work experience, educational background or language skills, Somogyvari said.

For example, if there was a desire to leverage immigration to support the growth of Canadas tech sector, a category of Express Entry candidates would be created based on criteria such as their possession of work experience in their sector occupation and/or their possession of a related educational credential. Invitations could then be issued to the top-ranked candidates in that category.

The draw details, including the unique eligibility criteria, would continue to be published on the IRCC website. The minister would also have to identify the economic goal they are seeking to support, and report annually to Parliament on the use of these draws. When asked by NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, which occupations would be specified in these draws, Somogyvari said the government currently has no occupations listed.

Currently, the immigration minister does not have the ability to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a particular work experience, educational credential, or who are French speakers destined to an official language minority community. If the proposed amendments to division 23 of Bill C-19 are passed, that could change.

The changes themselves would permit, for example, the minister to focus on all French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool, Somogyvari said. Currently, while French-speaking candidates are provided with bonus points which will increase their ranking score, it may not invite all French-speaking candidates within the pool. Theoretically, with the proposed authorities in use, if the minister chose to do so, the department would be able to conduct an invitation round that would virtually invite all of the identified French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool.

The process for determining which groups would be selected is still being developed. Somogyvari said the government would likely make such decisions after consultation with employer groups, stakeholders, the objectives within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Employment and Social Development Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.

About Express Entry in 2022

Express Entry is an application management system for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

To immigrate through one of these programs, foreign workers must express their interest in Canadian immigration by completing a profile in the Express Entry system. Candidates who are eligible for one of the three programs get a score based on their work experience, educational background, language skills, age, and other factors. IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Recently, IRCC has only been holding invitation rounds for candidates who have received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After accumulating a backlog in Express Entry applications during the pandemic, IRCC paused invitation rounds for the FSWP in December 2020, and then paused CEC draws in September 2021. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that draws for these candidates would resume in July, and processing standards would return to six months for new applicants.

Somogyvari confirmed that the amendments do not impact existing or future processing times.

The current discussion

Kwan called for the government to list the groups that will be affected by the proposed act.

I am troubled by the fact that there is no parliamentary oversight as to what these groups will be, Kwan said to the committee. Theres no process as to whether these groups will be fair, or how effective [the government] will be in selecting people who would provide economic contributions to Canada.

Without a transparent selection process where industries are able to provide formal submissions on which occupations are in need and an objective committee to determine the needs of these occupations, the process could become fodder for lobbying industries, Kwan continued. Thats not what we want. I think we need to have established criteria and a transparent process.

The standing committees chair, Salma Zahid from the Liberal Party, agreed to request changes to the proposed amendments by May 27. The ministry of finance will receive the request, as it was the department that asked the immigration committee to conduct the study on the changes to Express Entry.

The letter will be received by the Standing Committee on Finance which will decide if the proposal in the letter should be converted into amendments to be proposed during its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which is scheduled to start on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Canada planning major Express Entry changes Express Entry rounds in the future could invite candidates based on occupation, language, or education. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

The Canadian government is planning changes to the Express Entry system, which would allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on an economic goal.

Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson on behalf of the immigration minister, said in an email to CIC News that these proposed changes will improve Canadas ability to select applicants that match its economic needs.

Through our growing pool of candidates seeking to become permanent residents, this will allow IRCC to conduct targeted draws aimed at selecting those in the queue that have certain language skills or health care qualifications to name a few examples, Strickland wrote. This will be essential in addressing Canadas labour shortages.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

The changes are currently being discussed in the Canadian parliament. On May 19, Philip Somogyvari from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, a committee of elected officials that studies matters related to Canadian immigration.

Somogyvari, who is an IRCC Director General, explained the amendments would authorize the immigration minister to invite Express Entry candidates on a new basis, one that would support an economic goal identified by the minister.

Eligibility requirements to be a member of a category would be established by the minister and could be based on factors such as work experience, educational background or language skills, Somogyvari said.

For example, if there was a desire to leverage immigration to support the growth of Canadas tech sector, a category of Express Entry candidates would be created based on criteria such as their possession of work experience in their sector occupation and/or their possession of a related educational credential. Invitations could then be issued to the top-ranked candidates in that category.

The draw details, including the unique eligibility criteria, would continue to be published on the IRCC website. The minister would also have to identify the economic goal they are seeking to support, and report annually to Parliament on the use of these draws. When asked by NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, which occupations would be specified in these draws, Somogyvari said the government currently has no occupations listed.

Currently, the immigration minister does not have the ability to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a particular work experience, educational credential, or who are French speakers destined to an official language minority community. If the proposed amendments to division 23 of Bill C-19 are passed, that could change.

The changes themselves would permit, for example, the minister to focus on all French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool, Somogyvari said. Currently, while French-speaking candidates are provided with bonus points which will increase their ranking score, it may not invite all French-speaking candidates within the pool. Theoretically, with the proposed authorities in use, if the minister chose to do so, the department would be able to conduct an invitation round that would virtually invite all of the identified French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool.

The process for determining which groups would be selected is still being developed. Somogyvari said the government would likely make such decisions after consultation with employer groups, stakeholders, the objectives within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Employment and Social Development Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.

About Express Entry in 2022

Express Entry is an application management system for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

To immigrate through one of these programs, foreign workers must express their interest in Canadian immigration by completing a profile in the Express Entry system. Candidates who are eligible for one of the three programs get a score based on their work experience, educational background, language skills, age, and other factors. IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Recently, IRCC has only been holding invitation rounds for candidates who have received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After accumulating a backlog in Express Entry applications during the pandemic, IRCC paused invitation rounds for the FSWP in December 2020, and then paused CEC draws in September 2021. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that draws for these candidates would resume in July, and processing standards would return to six months for new applicants.

Somogyvari confirmed that the amendments do not impact existing or future processing times.

The current discussion

Kwan called for the government to list the groups that will be affected by the proposed act.

I am troubled by the fact that there is no parliamentary oversight as to what these groups will be, Kwan said to the committee. Theres no process as to whether these groups will be fair, or how effective [the government] will be in selecting people who would provide economic contributions to Canada.

Without a transparent selection process where industries are able to provide formal submissions on which occupations are in need and an objective committee to determine the needs of these occupations, the process could become fodder for lobbying industries, Kwan continued. Thats not what we want. I think we need to have established criteria and a transparent process.

The standing committees chair, Salma Zahid from the Liberal Party, agreed to request changes to the proposed amendments by May 27. The ministry of finance will receive the request, as it was the department that asked the immigration committee to conduct the study on the changes to Express Entry.

The letter will be received by the Standing Committee on Finance which will decide if the proposal in the letter should be converted into amendments to be proposed during its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which is scheduled to start on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Canada planning major Express Entry changes Express Entry rounds in the future could invite candidates based on occupation, language, or education. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

The Canadian government is planning changes to the Express Entry system, which would allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on an economic goal.

Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson on behalf of the immigration minister, said in an email to CIC News that these proposed changes will improve Canadas ability to select applicants that match its economic needs.

Through our growing pool of candidates seeking to become permanent residents, this will allow IRCC to conduct targeted draws aimed at selecting those in the queue that have certain language skills or health care qualifications to name a few examples, Strickland wrote. This will be essential in addressing Canadas labour shortages.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

The changes are currently being discussed in the Canadian parliament. On May 19, Philip Somogyvari from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, a committee of elected officials that studies matters related to Canadian immigration.

Somogyvari, who is an IRCC Director General, explained the amendments would authorize the immigration minister to invite Express Entry candidates on a new basis, one that would support an economic goal identified by the minister.

Eligibility requirements to be a member of a category would be established by the minister and could be based on factors such as work experience, educational background or language skills, Somogyvari said.

For example, if there was a desire to leverage immigration to support the growth of Canadas tech sector, a category of Express Entry candidates would be created based on criteria such as their possession of work experience in their sector occupation and/or their possession of a related educational credential. Invitations could then be issued to the top-ranked candidates in that category.

The draw details, including the unique eligibility criteria, would continue to be published on the IRCC website. The minister would also have to identify the economic goal they are seeking to support, and report annually to Parliament on the use of these draws. When asked by NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, which occupations would be specified in these draws, Somogyvari said the government currently has no occupations listed.

Currently, the immigration minister does not have the ability to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a particular work experience, educational credential, or who are French speakers destined to an official language minority community. If the proposed amendments to division 23 of Bill C-19 are passed, that could change.

The changes themselves would permit, for example, the minister to focus on all French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool, Somogyvari said. Currently, while French-speaking candidates are provided with bonus points which will increase their ranking score, it may not invite all French-speaking candidates within the pool. Theoretically, with the proposed authorities in use, if the minister chose to do so, the department would be able to conduct an invitation round that would virtually invite all of the identified French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool.

The process for determining which groups would be selected is still being developed. Somogyvari said the government would likely make such decisions after consultation with employer groups, stakeholders, the objectives within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Employment and Social Development Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.

About Express Entry in 2022

Express Entry is an application management system for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

To immigrate through one of these programs, foreign workers must express their interest in Canadian immigration by completing a profile in the Express Entry system. Candidates who are eligible for one of the three programs get a score based on their work experience, educational background, language skills, age, and other factors. IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Recently, IRCC has only been holding invitation rounds for candidates who have received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After accumulating a backlog in Express Entry applications during the pandemic, IRCC paused invitation rounds for the FSWP in December 2020, and then paused CEC draws in September 2021. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that draws for these candidates would resume in July, and processing standards would return to six months for new applicants.

Somogyvari confirmed that the amendments do not impact existing or future processing times.

The current discussion

Kwan called for the government to list the groups that will be affected by the proposed act.

I am troubled by the fact that there is no parliamentary oversight as to what these groups will be, Kwan said to the committee. Theres no process as to whether these groups will be fair, or how effective [the government] will be in selecting people who would provide economic contributions to Canada.

Without a transparent selection process where industries are able to provide formal submissions on which occupations are in need and an objective committee to determine the needs of these occupations, the process could become fodder for lobbying industries, Kwan continued. Thats not what we want. I think we need to have established criteria and a transparent process.

The standing committees chair, Salma Zahid from the Liberal Party, agreed to request changes to the proposed amendments by May 27. The ministry of finance will receive the request, as it was the department that asked the immigration committee to conduct the study on the changes to Express Entry.

The letter will be received by the Standing Committee on Finance which will decide if the proposal in the letter should be converted into amendments to be proposed during its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which is scheduled to start on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

Inter tells Roma about talks with Mkhitaryan

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Harvey Weinstein could sue over his 'autobiography' written by fellow inmates

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Elizabeth II's bodyguards arrested on suspicion of dealing illegal substances

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Plus-size model Ashley Graham returns to catwalk after giving birth

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

What does Kim Kardashian's closet warehouse look like with over 30,000 items?

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

4th lawyer in a year: another lawyer refused to work with Kanye West

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

How to control portion sizes and lose weight without counting calories?

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

What foods make hair thicker and stronger?

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

3 people accuse Kevin Spacey of harassment

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

What facial treatments can be dangerous?

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

Bavaria will try to get Sadio Mane for 50 million euros

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Bridgerton star hospitalized for mental problems

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Increasing urban greening could save tens of thousands of lives, study claims

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Artur Hovhannisyan and Baregham Harutyunyan leave the fight (photo, video)

Barcelona court rules to prosecute Shakira

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Britney Spears' father is hiding from singer's lawyers

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

EU is working on purchase of vaccines against monkeypox

Barcelona and 39-year-old Alves are close to reach agreement

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Jude Law to star in new series based on "Star Wars" universe

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Real Madrid and PSG targeting Everton forward
Advertisement

Glum Liberal supporters drowned their sorrows at Scott Morrison's concession party - while jubilant Labor faithful went berserk cheering on Anthony Albanese.

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese said the country had 'voted for change' by voting the Opposition into power for the first time since World War II.

His party was so raucous he even had to tell some over-enthusiastic supporters to 'behave'.

It was a very different story across town at the Fullerton Hotel, where dejected Coalition supporters commiserated the end of a nine-year-old Coalition government.

Pictured: A lonely Liberal Party supporter watches on as the disappointing results for the Liberal Party roll in

Liberal Party faithful waited at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for Scott Morrison's concession speech

Former Liberal member Philip Ruddock is among those waiting for Mr Morrison to appear at the Fullerton Hotel

A Coalition supporter is consoled as the Liberal and National parties surrendered government to the Labor Party

Labor party faithful celebrate Anthony Albanese's win with hugs and kisses at an election night event in Canterbury

Young Labor members party and celebrate Mr Albanese's win on Saturday night as he gives his first speech as PM

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west

Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to heartbroken Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

An emotional Scott Morrison embraces his daughter as he gives his concession speech

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

A man takes a drink of Albo branded beer at a Labor Party event as he is confirmed as Australia's 31st prime minister

Liberal Party supporters watch on in horror as they learn that Labor will claim victory

An air of panic cuts through the room at the Fullerton Hotel when Coalition supporters learn the election is lost

Pictured: A couple are devastated by the news that Scott Morrison will lose the election

Silence rings out at the Fullerton Hotel as Liberal Party faithful await the prime minister's concession speech

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

Labor Party supporters went berserk as they watched Prime Minister Scott Morrison admit defeat

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Meanwhile, joyous celebrations have erupted at Labor's official election function, with the opposition on track to form Australia's next government.

Cautious optimism at the start of the night has given way to widespread celebration at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL Club, where the almost 1000-strong crowd erupted after news came through Labor would win the election.

However, it remains to be seen whether Labor would govern as a minority or majority government, due to a large number of crossbenchers set to join parliament.

Anthony Albanese is watching the election results from his Marrickville home, and the Labor leader is expected to address the crowd later tonight.

The crowd at the event burst out into chants of 'Albo, Albo', and even chanting 'yes, WA' and 'yes Mark McGowan', following large swings to the party in the state.

There have been swings to Labor across seats in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with the opposition taking the electorates of Reid, Robertson, Chisholm, Deakin and Boothby.

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth in Marrickville promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Supporters celebrate as initial results come in for WA at the election party for Zaneta Mascarenhas, Labor candidate for Swan

Labor supporters watch early election results at a reception at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

The success story of the night has come from WA, where Labor is likely to win Hasluck, Pearce, Swan, with the potential for Moore to also fall.

Large cheers also erupted upon results in Dickson, where Labor look set to take the seat off Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

There was also large cries in the room when results flashed up showing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could also lose his safe seat of Kooyong to independent Monique Ryan.

However, the opposition could still lose some of its Queensland seats to the Greens.

Parachuted candidate Kristina Keneally is also likely to lose in the Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le.

The decision to parachute her from outside the electorate was deemed by many to be controversial.

Party supporters have said the results were already better than it 2019 defeat.

'This is the campaign we should have run last time,' one person said.

Anthony Albanese will become just the fourth Labor leader to lead the party to victory from opposition since World War II.

Celebrations at the official function are set to go well into the night, with many punters also celebrating with the specially made Albo Ale beer.
A freak storm which spawned three tornados and 'snapped trees like matches' has left dozens of people injured in western Germany, 13 of them seriously.

Meteorologists had warned of heavy rainfall, hail and winds of up to 80mph in western and central Germany on Friday, while people in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia were advised to stay home.

Storms on Thursday had already disrupted traffic, uprooted trees that toppled onto rail tracks and roads, while flooding hundreds of basements.

Meanwhile Spain has been left sweltering during the hottest ever May after temperatures soared towards an 'extraordinary' 42C (107F) on Saturday.

A mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average, with the mercury topping 41C (106F) in parts of the country.

In Germany, the national weather service confirmed its triple tornado terror today, with all three hitting North Rhine-Westphalia - in Paderborn, in nearby Lippstadt, and on the edge of the town of Hoexter, according to news agency DPA.

At least 43 people were injured in Paderborn as the tornado tore across the city's downtown area on Friday afternoon, 13 of them seriously, Mayor Michael Dreier said.

Still from a video shows one of the three tornadoes which tore through western Germany

Trees in a park and stop lights 'snapped like matches,' roofs were ripped off buildings and windows smashed, he told reporters on Saturday, as the storm left a roughly 300 metre-wide trail of destruction.

One flying tree hit the windshield of a fire truck, but the occupants were fortunately unharmed.

Police urged people to stay home or stay out of the city on Saturday so as not to get in the way of recovery work.

They said they still expected possible risks from high wind.

Further south, authorities in Bavaria said 14 people were injured Friday when the wooden hut they were trying to shelter in collapsed during a storm at Lake Brombach, south of Nuremberg.

One woman, 37, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The tourists in Spalt had sought shelter from the approaching storm in the approximately 85 square meter hut, which then tilted to the side and collapsed.

Photos shared on social media showed cars in Paderborn had been upturned.

Chunks of trees hit cars and injured people in West Germany, police said, as roofs flew off houses

German band Rammstein also stopped a gig in Leipzig, east Germany as an arena announcer told concertgoers to seek shelter urgently amid a storm.

More than 40,000 fans in the Red Bull Arena took cover for 15 minutes before the band were able to continue.

A Green Party MP tweeted: 'A reminder that the climate crisis will not take a break and that extreme weather will continue to increase.'

Elsewhere in Europe, Spain was sweltering Saturday under unusually high temperatures for late spring, with a mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa.

The mercury rose to 42.3 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) on Friday afternoon in Andujar, in the southern Andalucia region, after reaching 39.5 degrees Thursday. Two of the region's provincial capitals, Cordoba and Sevilla, also saw similar temperatures.

At least 13 regions were on alert Saturday due to heat, Spain's State Meteorological Agency AEMET said, and the temperatures could provoke storms in five of them. The 'unusual and extreme' temperatures are expected to peak Saturday.

Spain's meteorological agency Aemet predicted 'one of the hottest Mays in this country in recent years' and said it was 'extraordinarily hot for the time of year'.

Aemet said it activated its national plan for excess temperatures two weeks early on Thursday as 'the summer is starting in the spring'.

Spokesperson Ruben del Campo said: 'The last updates to the meteorological models confirm the extraordinary intensity of this heatwave.'

The red hot temperatures are forecast to push northeast in the coming days, with little relief expected until after Sunday

A mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average - with the mercury topping 42C (107F) in parts of the country on Friday

A man takes a picture of a thermometer displaying the 'extraordinary' temperature of 45C (113F) in Seville, Spain yesterday afternoon

It confirmed that on Friday the temperature at Seville airport reached 41C (106F), while the city of Segovia, north west of Madrid, had overnight temperatures above 20C (68F) for the first time ever in May.

Temperatures are expected to break the 100F (40C) barrier in several locations in the southern region of Andalucia today, and on the east coast around the Ebro valley - 'something unheard of in that area in May'.

He added: 'For Spain as a whole, it could be the most intense May heatwave of the past 20 years in terms of both the maximum and minimum temperatures.'

Speaking to El Paid on Friday, del Campo said summer is 'eating up the spring' and pointed the finger climate change, calling the rising temperatures a 'direct and palpable' consequence of it.

He said: 'The climate in Spain isnt the one we used to know. Its got more extreme.'

The State Meteorological Agency said Friday it had put four regions on alert due to the heat.

The regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Madrid were under a yellow alert, meaning they were at risk, while the southern region of Andalusia was under an orange alert, meaning a significant risk because of the intense heat.

No region was under red alert, the highest level that corresponds to an extreme risk.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Sara Davies has revealed that she won't leave her enormous 35million fortune to her sons if they're 'banking on it' on Saturday.

The Dragon's Den star, 38, who is mum to boys Oliver, six, and Charlie, three, with husband Simon, detailed the importance of giving her kids a 'normal' childhood.

The Crafter's Companion business owner explained her wishes to keep her family 'humble' to teach them the same values that her parents taught her.

'I just want them to be the same as everybody else': Sara Davis, 38, has revealed that she won't be leaving her 35million fortune to her sons if they're 'banking on it' on Saturday (Pictured in April 2022)

Speaking in an interview with The Sun she detailed: 'I think one of the things that has made me the successful person that I am today is the humble roots that I come from.'

Sara explained how her parents gave her 'values more valuable than money' and how she did not expect any inheritance from her mum and dad.

She continued: 'If my kids had a different attitude where they were banking on that inheritance, then I would be inclined to not want to give it.'

She detailed: 'I think one of the things that has made me the successful person that I am today is the humble roots that I come from'

Regarding her attitude towards lavish holidays, she added that she didn't want her children to think that fiver-star hotels and first class flights were normal.

Sara said: 'I just want them to be the same as everybody else. That's why I do a lot of camping and caravanning holidays with the kids.'

It comes as Sara was seen letting her hair down at the 2022 British Academy Television Awards after party at London's Royal Festival Hall last month.

Fun: It comes as Sara was seen letting her hair down at the 2022 British Academy Television Awards after party at London's Royal Festival Hall last month with Janette Manrara

Treated to bottles of 44 pink champagne, celebrities took full advantage of the treats on offer with Sara enjoying a brownie decorated with the iconic mask prize and Janette Manrara dancing the night away with her drink in hand.

It was an evening of success for prison series Time and pandemic drama Help who both scooped prizes, while notable snubs included the critically-acclaimed drama It's A Sin, which went home empty-handed.

In a video posted to her Instagram Stories, Janette could be seen dancing around the room in her dramatic pink frilled gown with a glass of champagne in hand.

The dancer appeared in a slew of beaming selfies with Dragon's Den and Strictly star Sara, who tucked into a brownie which had been decorated with a tiny edible version of the iconic mask.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
A group of nearly a dozen sheriffs denounced Republican state attorney general contender Adam Jarchow for promoting misinformation and false attacks that they called unparalleled in recent memory of political campaigns in the state.

The law enforcement officials accused Jarchows campaign of promoting false and misleading information to voters through emails, texts and social media posts, chiefly about his main GOP opponent in the race for attorney general, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney.

Most of the sheriffs who signed on to the statement have endorsed Toney and they do not cite any specific purported falsehoods that Jarchow has made. Toney said the statement was referring to Jarchows attacks on Toneys record enforcing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers COVID-19 restrictions.

The group includes Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve and Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler.

His gutter campaign seems to have no limit, the group said of Jarchow, a former state representative from Balsam Lake.

His strategy is indicative of a professional politician  when you have little to no record of accomplishments relative to the office youre seeking then you lie and spread false information to diminish your opponent, they said.

In response to the statement, Jarchow blasted Toney over a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that letters and text messages show Toney told his friends he voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, though he has stated publicly he voted for Donald Trump.

So now hes trying to distract from that by waging disingenuous attacks on my long record of supporting law enforcement, Jarchow said in a statement.

In an interview, Toney disputed the claim he voted for the two previous Democratic presidential candidates, saying the claims stem from broken personal relationships.

The reality is I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, Toney said.

The contest between Jarchow and Toney has seen repeated attacks between the candidates over who has the more legitimate conservative credentials to take on incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in the Nov. 8 general election.

Jarchow has put out multiple ads chastising Toney for charging 10 Fond du Lac residents for violating Evers original stay-at-home order in April 2020. Toney has said his responsibility as a district attorney is to enforce the rule of law, whether or not I agree with or like the law and noted the charges were later dismissed.

Whats clear is Jarchows campaign has nothing to do with his own prosecution skills or experience in a court room, the sheriffs said. He has no experience whatsoever.

As Jarchow seeks the office of top cop, the lies hes spread about DA Toney would make Jarchow ineligible to be a police officer if he held that position in the state of Wisconsin, the statement said.

Jarchow, who is a practicing business attorney, has his own contingent of endorsements from county sheriffs and police chiefs and far outpaces Toney in support from past and present state representatives and senators. Last month, Jarchows campaign released a policy platform that would waive college tuition for police officers and forgive their student loans.

The GOP primary for attorney general is Aug. 9.
A group of nearly a dozen sheriffs denounced Republican state attorney general contender Adam Jarchow for promoting misinformation and false attacks that they called unparalleled in recent memory of political campaigns in the state.

The law enforcement officials accused Jarchows campaign of promoting false and misleading information to voters through emails, texts and social media posts, chiefly about his main GOP opponent in the race for attorney general, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney.

Most of the sheriffs who signed on to the statement have endorsed Toney and they do not cite any specific purported falsehoods that Jarchow has made. Toney said the statement was referring to Jarchows attacks on Toneys record enforcing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers COVID-19 restrictions.

The group includes Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve and Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler.

His gutter campaign seems to have no limit, the group said of Jarchow, a former state representative from Balsam Lake.

His strategy is indicative of a professional politician  when you have little to no record of accomplishments relative to the office youre seeking then you lie and spread false information to diminish your opponent, they said.

In response to the statement, Jarchow blasted Toney over a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that letters and text messages show Toney told his friends he voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, though he has stated publicly he voted for Donald Trump.

So now hes trying to distract from that by waging disingenuous attacks on my long record of supporting law enforcement, Jarchow said in a statement.

In an interview, Toney disputed the claim he voted for the two previous Democratic presidential candidates, saying the claims stem from broken personal relationships.

The reality is I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, Toney said.

The contest between Jarchow and Toney has seen repeated attacks between the candidates over who has the more legitimate conservative credentials to take on incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in the Nov. 8 general election.

Jarchow has put out multiple ads chastising Toney for charging 10 Fond du Lac residents for violating Evers original stay-at-home order in April 2020. Toney has said his responsibility as a district attorney is to enforce the rule of law, whether or not I agree with or like the law and noted the charges were later dismissed.

Whats clear is Jarchows campaign has nothing to do with his own prosecution skills or experience in a court room, the sheriffs said. He has no experience whatsoever.

As Jarchow seeks the office of top cop, the lies hes spread about DA Toney would make Jarchow ineligible to be a police officer if he held that position in the state of Wisconsin, the statement said.

Jarchow, who is a practicing business attorney, has his own contingent of endorsements from county sheriffs and police chiefs and far outpaces Toney in support from past and present state representatives and senators. Last month, Jarchows campaign released a policy platform that would waive college tuition for police officers and forgive their student loans.

The GOP primary for attorney general is Aug. 9.

A group of nearly a dozen sheriffs denounced Republican state attorney general contender Adam Jarchow for promoting misinformation and false attacks that they called unparalleled in recent memory of political campaigns in the state.

The law enforcement officials accused Jarchows campaign of promoting false and misleading information to voters through emails, texts and social media posts, chiefly about his main GOP opponent in the race for attorney general, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney.

Most of the sheriffs who signed on to the statement have endorsed Toney and they do not cite any specific purported falsehoods that Jarchow has made. Toney said the statement was referring to Jarchows attacks on Toneys record enforcing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers COVID-19 restrictions.

The group includes Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve and Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler.

His gutter campaign seems to have no limit, the group said of Jarchow, a former state representative from Balsam Lake.

His strategy is indicative of a professional politician  when you have little to no record of accomplishments relative to the office youre seeking then you lie and spread false information to diminish your opponent, they said.

In response to the statement, Jarchow blasted Toney over a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that letters and text messages show Toney told his friends he voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, though he has stated publicly he voted for Donald Trump.

So now hes trying to distract from that by waging disingenuous attacks on my long record of supporting law enforcement, Jarchow said in a statement.

In an interview, Toney disputed the claim he voted for the two previous Democratic presidential candidates, saying the claims stem from broken personal relationships.

The reality is I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, Toney said.

The contest between Jarchow and Toney has seen repeated attacks between the candidates over who has the more legitimate conservative credentials to take on incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in the Nov. 8 general election.

Jarchow has put out multiple ads chastising Toney for charging 10 Fond du Lac residents for violating Evers original stay-at-home order in April 2020. Toney has said his responsibility as a district attorney is to enforce the rule of law, whether or not I agree with or like the law and noted the charges were later dismissed.

Whats clear is Jarchows campaign has nothing to do with his own prosecution skills or experience in a court room, the sheriffs said. He has no experience whatsoever.

As Jarchow seeks the office of top cop, the lies hes spread about DA Toney would make Jarchow ineligible to be a police officer if he held that position in the state of Wisconsin, the statement said.

Jarchow, who is a practicing business attorney, has his own contingent of endorsements from county sheriffs and police chiefs and far outpaces Toney in support from past and present state representatives and senators. Last month, Jarchows campaign released a policy platform that would waive college tuition for police officers and forgive their student loans.

The GOP primary for attorney general is Aug. 9.
They are the story terrorists want to tell about themselves, not the truth. The Buffalo shooters manifesto doesnt mention his history of animal abuse, for example. As with any writer of his own story, he was making choices about how he wanted to be seen.

Manifestoes by people like this have two audiences: normal people, or what extremely online people might call normies, and true believers. Normies are, well, normal people who arent baked in the language of online racists, who wont pick up on the layers of intentional irony  long asides on cryptocurrency and the environment, for example  that terrorists like the Buffalo gunman or the shooters in Christchurch, New Zealand, or Poway, Calif., use to unify their messages. (It appears that the Buffalo shooter even copied portions of the manifesto of the Christchurch shooter directly.)

Normal people typically read the manifesto of a terrorist and take it at face value: If he says he was inspired by X, then he was inspired by X.

After the shooting in Christchurch in 2019, which claimed the lives of 50 people at two mosques, the former Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway was seemingly one such credulous reader, telling Fox News that people should read the killers manifesto, saying, Unlike like most mass shootings, this man came with prereceipts, if you will. He put out a 70-page manifesto, and I guess everybody scoured it, searched for Donald Trumps name, and there it is, one time. But he also said he aligns closely with the ideology of China. He said hes not a conservative, hes not a Nazi. I think he referred to himself as an eco-naturalist or an eco-fascist. The Christchurch shooter said he wasnt a Nazi, so to Conway, he wasnt. And he didnt fixate too much on Trump, so he couldnt have been inspired by anything the ex-president said.

And while the Buffalo shooters manifesto contains crude and offensive illustrations and descriptions of Jewish people and Black people, it also is clearly aimed in part at that normie audience, with a question and answer section in which the shooter explains how he became a virulent racist and antisemite. He attempts to put his transition to racist murderer in a context that will somehow make it make sense to his readers: He didnt use to be like this, but then he learned more about the evils of Black Americans and the crimes of Jewish people through memes and online posts.


Australian women have sent a powerful message to the Liberal-National coalition, former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop says.

'(Liberal women) did not see their concerns and interests reflected in a party led by Scott Morrison in coalition with Barnaby Joyce,' she told the Nine Network on Saturday.

A number of mostly female, 'teal' independents are on track to roll sitting Liberal MPs, predominantly in inner-city seats, having made climate action and a federal anti-corruption agency the centrepieces of their campaigns.

Seeing female, independent candidates likely to replace MPs in formerly strong Liberal seats sent a powerful message, Ms Bishop said.

'We have not mentioned at this point the impact of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, they changed the narrative when they exposed an ugly side to the workplace in Canberra,' Ms Bishop said.

'That resonated with women.'

Former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop saw the Coalition's failure to listen to Australian activists such as Grace Tame (pictured) was a reason why they lost the federal election

Yet voters are not only calling for more women in parliament, but a focus on issues that affect 51 per cent of the population every day, former Labor minister Kate Ellis said.

'I would send a message to all the men in the parliament as well: it is your job to advocate for the women out there who are struggling,' she said.

'Australian women are angry and we don't just want to change the government, change the prime minister, we want to change the agenda and the outcomes and that work will be ongoing no matter who is in government.'

Women have channelled their frustration and anger into changing the face and diversity of the parliament, Australia's largest alliance of women said.

Equality Rights Alliance convenor Helen Dalley-Fisher told AAP the coalition's 'women problem' was reflected in the vote.

'It's going to be critical for the incoming government to focus strongly on issues that matter to women,' she said.

Scott Morrison projected himself as a family man - it proved to be in vain as he sought to continue on as Prime Minister (pictured with daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'Women in Australia have spoken. It's time to listen.'

But Liberal senator Jane Hume said the party had pre-selected many female candidates in seats who have not been given a chance by voters.

'One of my great frustrations in all of this was the number of fantastic female candidates that we had ready to go that haven't made it this time around,' she said.

'I would have loved to have seen them get into Parliament House because I think they would have changed things up.'
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty





Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning "complete change" in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), External Minster S Jaishankar has said that the change is not called "arrogance" but "confidence and defending national interest". The remarks came after Rahul Gandhi said at an event in London that he had been told by bureaucrats in Europe that IFS has changed and the officers are "arrogant". Jaishankar said in a tweet that the IFS officers follow the orders of the government and protect national interest while countering arguments of others. "Yes, the Indian Foreign Service has changed. Yes, they follow the orders of the Government. Yes, they counter the arguments of others. No, it's not called Arrogance. It is called Confidence. And it is called defending National Interest," Jaishankar said. He also attached a clip of Rahul Gandhi's remarks. In his remarks at the 'Ideas for India' conference in London, Gandhi said he had been told that IFS officers do not listen to anything, they were just getting orders from the government and there is no conversation. "I was talking to some bureaucrats from Europe and they were saying that the Indian Foreign Service has completely changed and they don't listen to anything -- they are arrogant. Now they just telling us what orders they are getting, there is no conversation; you can't do that," Rahul Gandhi said. Party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala retorted to Jaishankar's remarks on Gandhi's tweet and said there had been foreign policy bloopers. "Yes, it is also called being subservient to the political masters in face of foreign policy bloopers. Yes, it is called not being able to stand up to China in face of illegal occupation of our territory. Yes, it is called furthering the agenda of a party rather then the Nation," Surjewala said in a tweet. In his remarks at London event, Rahul Gandhi also accused the Centre of promoting "massive concentration of power and capital". "I think it's very dangerous for one company to control all airports, all ports, all the infrastructure. It (private sector monopoly) has never existed in this form. It has never existed with such a massive concentration of power and capital. This is another aspect that is throttling the conversation because the current Indian government is controlling the media through this concentration of capital," he said. Rahul Gandhi said Congress believes that every single Indian should be given the same opportunities." "The task for the Opposition is really to give a new vision to the people of India, an economic vision. Congress has the ideology at the national level. Congress is a structure that is enabling the Opposition. The ideological battle that is taking place is between the national vision of the RSS and the national vision of Congress," he said. (ANI)
Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning "complete change" in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), External Minster S Jaishankar has said that the change is not called "arrogance" but "confidence and defending national interest". The remarks came after Rahul Gandhi said at an event in London that he had been told by bureaucrats in Europe that IFS has changed and the officers are "arrogant". Jaishankar said in a tweet that the IFS officers follow the orders of the government and protect national interest while countering arguments of others. "Yes, the Indian Foreign Service has changed. Yes, they follow the orders of the Government. Yes, they counter the arguments of others. No, it's not called Arrogance. It is called Confidence. And it is called defending National Interest," Jaishankar said. He also attached a clip of Rahul Gandhi's remarks. In his remarks at the 'Ideas for India' conference in London, Gandhi said he had been told that IFS officers do not listen to anything, they were just getting orders from the government and there is no conversation. "I was talking to some bureaucrats from Europe and they were saying that the Indian Foreign Service has completely changed and they don't listen to anything -- they are arrogant. Now they just telling us what orders they are getting, there is no conversation; you can't do that," Rahul Gandhi said. Party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala retorted to Jaishankar's remarks on Gandhi's tweet and said there had been foreign policy bloopers. "Yes, it is also called being subservient to the political masters in face of foreign policy bloopers. Yes, it is called not being able to stand up to China in face of illegal occupation of our territory. Yes, it is called furthering the agenda of a party rather then the Nation," Surjewala said in a tweet. In his remarks at London event, Rahul Gandhi also accused the Centre of promoting "massive concentration of power and capital". "I think it's very dangerous for one company to control all airports, all ports, all the infrastructure. It (private sector monopoly) has never existed in this form. It has never existed with such a massive concentration of power and capital. This is another aspect that is throttling the conversation because the current Indian government is controlling the media through this concentration of capital," he said. Rahul Gandhi said Congress believes that every single Indian should be given the same opportunities." "The task for the Opposition is really to give a new vision to the people of India, an economic vision. Congress has the ideology at the national level. Congress is a structure that is enabling the Opposition. The ideological battle that is taking place is between the national vision of the RSS and the national vision of Congress," he said. (ANI)
Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning "complete change" in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), External Minster S Jaishankar has said that the change is not called "arrogance" but "confidence and defending national interest". The remarks came after Rahul Gandhi said at an event in London that he had been told by bureaucrats in Europe that IFS has changed and the officers are "arrogant". Jaishankar said in a tweet that the IFS officers follow the orders of the government and protect national interest while countering arguments of others. "Yes, the Indian Foreign Service has changed. Yes, they follow the orders of the Government. Yes, they counter the arguments of others. No, it's not called Arrogance. It is called Confidence. And it is called defending National Interest," Jaishankar said. He also attached a clip of Rahul Gandhi's remarks. In his remarks at the 'Ideas for India' conference in London, Gandhi said he had been told that IFS officers do not listen to anything, they were just getting orders from the government and there is no conversation. "I was talking to some bureaucrats from Europe and they were saying that the Indian Foreign Service has completely changed and they don't listen to anything -- they are arrogant. Now they just telling us what orders they are getting, there is no conversation; you can't do that," Rahul Gandhi said. Party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala retorted to Jaishankar's remarks on Gandhi's tweet and said there had been foreign policy bloopers. "Yes, it is also called being subservient to the political masters in face of foreign policy bloopers. Yes, it is called not being able to stand up to China in face of illegal occupation of our territory. Yes, it is called furthering the agenda of a party rather then the Nation," Surjewala said in a tweet. In his remarks at London event, Rahul Gandhi also accused the Centre of promoting "massive concentration of power and capital". "I think it's very dangerous for one company to control all airports, all ports, all the infrastructure. It (private sector monopoly) has never existed in this form. It has never existed with such a massive concentration of power and capital. This is another aspect that is throttling the conversation because the current Indian government is controlling the media through this concentration of capital," he said. Rahul Gandhi said Congress believes that every single Indian should be given the same opportunities." "The task for the Opposition is really to give a new vision to the people of India, an economic vision. Congress has the ideology at the national level. Congress is a structure that is enabling the Opposition. The ideological battle that is taking place is between the national vision of the RSS and the national vision of Congress," he said. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will prepare its outline to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the BJP in power at the Centre in a meeting that is scheduled to take place on May 25. The BJP will complete its eight years at the Centre on May 30, which the party plans to celebrate from May 30 to June 14 on the theme of 'Service, Good Governance and Poor Welfare'. The BJP will hold a meeting with the Union Ministers of Independent Charge and Ministers of State at the party headquarters on May 25 in Delhi. The meeting would be attended by top leaders of the party including national president JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah and the party's National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. According to party sources, this meeting will be done to decide on the work to be done and constituencies to be given to the ministers for the programs to be organized on the occasion of the completion of eight years of the Narendra Modi government. "The agenda of the meeting is to deliberate on the methods to appraise the beneficiaries of various schemes about the works done by the Modi government during their eight years at the Centre," said party sources. "Each Minister would be allotted at least four Lok Sabha constituencies for the purpose to ensure that every beneficiary is reached out to in all the constituencies," informed sources. Notably, in the meeting of the BJP national office bearers that took place in Jaipur on May 20, a blueprint was prepared to take the report card of the government to the people. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will prepare its outline to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the BJP in power at the Centre in a meeting that is scheduled to take place on May 25. The BJP will complete its eight years at the Centre on May 30, which the party plans to celebrate from May 30 to June 14 on the theme of 'Service, Good Governance and Poor Welfare'. The BJP will hold a meeting with the Union Ministers of Independent Charge and Ministers of State at the party headquarters on May 25 in Delhi. The meeting would be attended by top leaders of the party including national president JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah and the party's National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. According to party sources, this meeting will be done to decide on the work to be done and constituencies to be given to the ministers for the programs to be organized on the occasion of the completion of eight years of the Narendra Modi government. "The agenda of the meeting is to deliberate on the methods to appraise the beneficiaries of various schemes about the works done by the Modi government during their eight years at the Centre," said party sources. "Each Minister would be allotted at least four Lok Sabha constituencies for the purpose to ensure that every beneficiary is reached out to in all the constituencies," informed sources. Notably, in the meeting of the BJP national office bearers that took place in Jaipur on May 20, a blueprint was prepared to take the report card of the government to the people. (ANI)
Canada planning major Express Entry changes Express Entry rounds in the future could invite candidates based on occupation, language, or education. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

The Canadian government is planning changes to the Express Entry system, which would allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on an economic goal.

Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson on behalf of the immigration minister, said in an email to CIC News that these proposed changes will improve Canadas ability to select applicants that match its economic needs.

Through our growing pool of candidates seeking to become permanent residents, this will allow IRCC to conduct targeted draws aimed at selecting those in the queue that have certain language skills or health care qualifications to name a few examples, Strickland wrote. This will be essential in addressing Canadas labour shortages.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

The changes are currently being discussed in the Canadian parliament. On May 19, Philip Somogyvari from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, a committee of elected officials that studies matters related to Canadian immigration.

Somogyvari, who is an IRCC Director General, explained the amendments would authorize the immigration minister to invite Express Entry candidates on a new basis, one that would support an economic goal identified by the minister.

Eligibility requirements to be a member of a category would be established by the minister and could be based on factors such as work experience, educational background or language skills, Somogyvari said.

For example, if there was a desire to leverage immigration to support the growth of Canadas tech sector, a category of Express Entry candidates would be created based on criteria such as their possession of work experience in their sector occupation and/or their possession of a related educational credential. Invitations could then be issued to the top-ranked candidates in that category.

The draw details, including the unique eligibility criteria, would continue to be published on the IRCC website. The minister would also have to identify the economic goal they are seeking to support, and report annually to Parliament on the use of these draws. When asked by NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, which occupations would be specified in these draws, Somogyvari said the government currently has no occupations listed.

Currently, the immigration minister does not have the ability to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a particular work experience, educational credential, or who are French speakers destined to an official language minority community. If the proposed amendments to division 23 of Bill C-19 are passed, that could change.

The changes themselves would permit, for example, the minister to focus on all French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool, Somogyvari said. Currently, while French-speaking candidates are provided with bonus points which will increase their ranking score, it may not invite all French-speaking candidates within the pool. Theoretically, with the proposed authorities in use, if the minister chose to do so, the department would be able to conduct an invitation round that would virtually invite all of the identified French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool.

The process for determining which groups would be selected is still being developed. Somogyvari said the government would likely make such decisions after consultation with employer groups, stakeholders, the objectives within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Employment and Social Development Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.

About Express Entry in 2022

Express Entry is an application management system for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

To immigrate through one of these programs, foreign workers must express their interest in Canadian immigration by completing a profile in the Express Entry system. Candidates who are eligible for one of the three programs get a score based on their work experience, educational background, language skills, age, and other factors. IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Recently, IRCC has only been holding invitation rounds for candidates who have received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After accumulating a backlog in Express Entry applications during the pandemic, IRCC paused invitation rounds for the FSWP in December 2020, and then paused CEC draws in September 2021. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that draws for these candidates would resume in July, and processing standards would return to six months for new applicants.

Somogyvari confirmed that the amendments do not impact existing or future processing times.

The current discussion

Kwan called for the government to list the groups that will be affected by the proposed act.

I am troubled by the fact that there is no parliamentary oversight as to what these groups will be, Kwan said to the committee. Theres no process as to whether these groups will be fair, or how effective [the government] will be in selecting people who would provide economic contributions to Canada.

Without a transparent selection process where industries are able to provide formal submissions on which occupations are in need and an objective committee to determine the needs of these occupations, the process could become fodder for lobbying industries, Kwan continued. Thats not what we want. I think we need to have established criteria and a transparent process.

The standing committees chair, Salma Zahid from the Liberal Party, agreed to request changes to the proposed amendments by May 27. The ministry of finance will receive the request, as it was the department that asked the immigration committee to conduct the study on the changes to Express Entry.

The letter will be received by the Standing Committee on Finance which will decide if the proposal in the letter should be converted into amendments to be proposed during its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which is scheduled to start on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Canada planning major Express Entry changes Express Entry rounds in the future could invite candidates based on occupation, language, or education. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

The Canadian government is planning changes to the Express Entry system, which would allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on an economic goal.

Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson on behalf of the immigration minister, said in an email to CIC News that these proposed changes will improve Canadas ability to select applicants that match its economic needs.

Through our growing pool of candidates seeking to become permanent residents, this will allow IRCC to conduct targeted draws aimed at selecting those in the queue that have certain language skills or health care qualifications to name a few examples, Strickland wrote. This will be essential in addressing Canadas labour shortages.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

The changes are currently being discussed in the Canadian parliament. On May 19, Philip Somogyvari from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, a committee of elected officials that studies matters related to Canadian immigration.

Somogyvari, who is an IRCC Director General, explained the amendments would authorize the immigration minister to invite Express Entry candidates on a new basis, one that would support an economic goal identified by the minister.

Eligibility requirements to be a member of a category would be established by the minister and could be based on factors such as work experience, educational background or language skills, Somogyvari said.

For example, if there was a desire to leverage immigration to support the growth of Canadas tech sector, a category of Express Entry candidates would be created based on criteria such as their possession of work experience in their sector occupation and/or their possession of a related educational credential. Invitations could then be issued to the top-ranked candidates in that category.

The draw details, including the unique eligibility criteria, would continue to be published on the IRCC website. The minister would also have to identify the economic goal they are seeking to support, and report annually to Parliament on the use of these draws. When asked by NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, which occupations would be specified in these draws, Somogyvari said the government currently has no occupations listed.

Currently, the immigration minister does not have the ability to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a particular work experience, educational credential, or who are French speakers destined to an official language minority community. If the proposed amendments to division 23 of Bill C-19 are passed, that could change.

The changes themselves would permit, for example, the minister to focus on all French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool, Somogyvari said. Currently, while French-speaking candidates are provided with bonus points which will increase their ranking score, it may not invite all French-speaking candidates within the pool. Theoretically, with the proposed authorities in use, if the minister chose to do so, the department would be able to conduct an invitation round that would virtually invite all of the identified French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool.

The process for determining which groups would be selected is still being developed. Somogyvari said the government would likely make such decisions after consultation with employer groups, stakeholders, the objectives within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Employment and Social Development Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.

About Express Entry in 2022

Express Entry is an application management system for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

To immigrate through one of these programs, foreign workers must express their interest in Canadian immigration by completing a profile in the Express Entry system. Candidates who are eligible for one of the three programs get a score based on their work experience, educational background, language skills, age, and other factors. IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Recently, IRCC has only been holding invitation rounds for candidates who have received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After accumulating a backlog in Express Entry applications during the pandemic, IRCC paused invitation rounds for the FSWP in December 2020, and then paused CEC draws in September 2021. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that draws for these candidates would resume in July, and processing standards would return to six months for new applicants.

Somogyvari confirmed that the amendments do not impact existing or future processing times.

The current discussion

Kwan called for the government to list the groups that will be affected by the proposed act.

I am troubled by the fact that there is no parliamentary oversight as to what these groups will be, Kwan said to the committee. Theres no process as to whether these groups will be fair, or how effective [the government] will be in selecting people who would provide economic contributions to Canada.

Without a transparent selection process where industries are able to provide formal submissions on which occupations are in need and an objective committee to determine the needs of these occupations, the process could become fodder for lobbying industries, Kwan continued. Thats not what we want. I think we need to have established criteria and a transparent process.

The standing committees chair, Salma Zahid from the Liberal Party, agreed to request changes to the proposed amendments by May 27. The ministry of finance will receive the request, as it was the department that asked the immigration committee to conduct the study on the changes to Express Entry.

The letter will be received by the Standing Committee on Finance which will decide if the proposal in the letter should be converted into amendments to be proposed during its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which is scheduled to start on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

While fumbling through the dark landscape of tragedy, my colleagues and I have often mourned the stories of patients who sought out medical care despite their fears about contracting Covid, only to become casualties of an overburdened system. Early in the pandemic, a colleague told me about an elderly patient with heart disease who died in the emergency room while waiting nearly a day to be admitted to a hospital filled with Covid patients. During the 2020 winter surge in Los Angeles, another patient developed a terrible headache at home, and by the time paramedics arrived an hour later, blood had flooded her brain. She never regained consciousness.

Around the same time, a woman with cirrhosis began to drink more heavily and couldnt get a timely appointment with her usual physician, whod been deployed to treat Covid patients in the hospital. Shortly after she went to an urgent care center, she died from liver failure.

The families of these people suffered the singular ache of wondering whether they had pushed their loved ones hard enough to go to the hospital or advocated sufficiently for them to get the care they needed. Their doctors often wondered the same.

Ive thought about whether listening to patient stories earlier in the pandemic might have improved health care systems responses to their needs during these tumultuous years. In April 2020, leaders at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, a community hospital in central California, noticed that visits to the emergency room dropped by around 50 percent shortly after California issued its first stay-at-home order. Paramedics reported a record number of cardiac arrests outside the hospital, and patients with strokes almost uniformly waited to seek help until the severity of their symptoms worsened.

A team of researchers mainly from the University of California, San Francisco, interviewed patients and physicians in Lodi about their health care experiences during the early months of the pandemic and reported, the overarching theme from these interviews was fear. To feel safe, patients said they needed to understand the hospitals efforts to minimize transmission of the virus as well as clear guidance about when to go to the emergency room and reassurance that they would receive care.

The hospital responded swiftly. Patients with respiratory symptoms that could signal Covid were evaluated in one part of the emergency room, a safe distance away from others. Patients received emails about the measures taken to keep the hospital clean, the prevalence of Covid cases in the community and what symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to the emergency room. People soon began to return to the emergency room, and lives were potentially saved.

The health care system should emulate Lodi Memorials approach and pursue the stories of those who died shadow deaths in order to prevent such deaths from happening amid the next crisis or surge. Researchers and policymakers must investigate and learn from the experiences of people like my patient and the patients in Lodi to understand how to minimize obstacles to getting care even amid the tumult of a pandemic  particularly emergency care for people suffering heart attacks and strokes.
While fumbling through the dark landscape of tragedy, my colleagues and I have often mourned the stories of patients who sought out medical care despite their fears about contracting Covid, only to become casualties of an overburdened system. Early in the pandemic, a colleague told me about an elderly patient with heart disease who died in the emergency room while waiting nearly a day to be admitted to a hospital filled with Covid patients. During the 2020 winter surge in Los Angeles, another patient developed a terrible headache at home, and by the time paramedics arrived an hour later, blood had flooded her brain. She never regained consciousness.

Around the same time, a woman with cirrhosis began to drink more heavily and couldnt get a timely appointment with her usual physician, whod been deployed to treat Covid patients in the hospital. Shortly after she went to an urgent care center, she died from liver failure.

The families of these people suffered the singular ache of wondering whether they had pushed their loved ones hard enough to go to the hospital or advocated sufficiently for them to get the care they needed. Their doctors often wondered the same.

Ive thought about whether listening to patient stories earlier in the pandemic might have improved health care systems responses to their needs during these tumultuous years. In April 2020, leaders at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, a community hospital in central California, noticed that visits to the emergency room dropped by around 50 percent shortly after California issued its first stay-at-home order. Paramedics reported a record number of cardiac arrests outside the hospital, and patients with strokes almost uniformly waited to seek help until the severity of their symptoms worsened.

A team of researchers mainly from the University of California, San Francisco, interviewed patients and physicians in Lodi about their health care experiences during the early months of the pandemic and reported, the overarching theme from these interviews was fear. To feel safe, patients said they needed to understand the hospitals efforts to minimize transmission of the virus as well as clear guidance about when to go to the emergency room and reassurance that they would receive care.

The hospital responded swiftly. Patients with respiratory symptoms that could signal Covid were evaluated in one part of the emergency room, a safe distance away from others. Patients received emails about the measures taken to keep the hospital clean, the prevalence of Covid cases in the community and what symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to the emergency room. People soon began to return to the emergency room, and lives were potentially saved.

The health care system should emulate Lodi Memorials approach and pursue the stories of those who died shadow deaths in order to prevent such deaths from happening amid the next crisis or surge. Researchers and policymakers must investigate and learn from the experiences of people like my patient and the patients in Lodi to understand how to minimize obstacles to getting care even amid the tumult of a pandemic  particularly emergency care for people suffering heart attacks and strokes.

Notorious attack on Michelangelo's Pieta occurred on 21 May 1972.

50 years ago today, a Hungarian man called Laszlo Toth climbed over an altar rail in St Peters Basilica and attacked Michelangelos Pieta with a geologist's hammer, while screaming: I am Jesus Christ  risen from the dead.

The Renaissance masterpiece, which portrays the Madonna holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, suffered extensive damage from Toth's approximately 15 hammer blows.

Toth was apprehended by bystanders

The attack, which took place in front of horrified pilgrims, saw Toth knock the Madonna's left arm at the elbow, chipping off her eyelid and a significant part of her nose.

The 33-year-old Toth was quickly restrained by bystanders, including the American sculptor Bob Cassily who hit the assailant several times before pulling him away from La Pieta.

Before and after the restoration of La Pieta

The chapel floor was littered with around 100 fragments from the statue which Michelangelo carved from a single block of Carrara marble before it was unveiled in 1499.

Some of those present pocketed these chipped remains as "souvenirs," with at least one person subsequently repenting and sending the ill-gotten memento back to Rome anonymously from the United States.

Restoration of the Pieta

The Vatican was faced with a dilemma regarding the restoration, with art historians divided on how to proceed.

Some experts said the statue should remain in its damaged state, others argued that it should be fixed but distinguishing clearly the restored parts from the original.

Laszlo Toth

In the end the Vatican opted for an integral procedure invisible to the naked eye, according to Reuters, resulting in one of the most delicate and complex art restorations in history.

The operation saw restorers spend more than five months identifying all the fragments, some minuscule, before beginning to piece them together with invisible glue and powder ground from Carrara marble.

When the painstaking restoration was complete, about 10 months after the attack, the Pieta went back on display - this time behind bulletproof glass.

What happened to Laszlo Toth?

In view of his apparent insanity, Toth was never charged with the crime. In January 1973 he was committed to a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

Toth was released in February 1975 and deported from Italy to Australia, where he had studied prior to the Pieta attack.

Australian authorities did not detain him and he faded into oblivion, reportedly living a hermit-like existence in a remote part of New South Wales. Toth died on 11 September 2012.
Notorious attack on Michelangelo's Pieta occurred on 21 May 1972.

50 years ago today, a Hungarian man called Laszlo Toth climbed over an altar rail in St Peters Basilica and attacked Michelangelos Pieta with a geologist's hammer, while screaming: I am Jesus Christ  risen from the dead.

The Renaissance masterpiece, which portrays the Madonna holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, suffered extensive damage from Toth's approximately 15 hammer blows.

Toth was apprehended by bystanders

The attack, which took place in front of horrified pilgrims, saw Toth knock the Madonna's left arm at the elbow, chipping off her eyelid and a significant part of her nose.

The 33-year-old Toth was quickly restrained by bystanders, including the American sculptor Bob Cassily who hit the assailant several times before pulling him away from La Pieta.

Before and after the restoration of La Pieta

The chapel floor was littered with around 100 fragments from the statue which Michelangelo carved from a single block of Carrara marble before it was unveiled in 1499.

Some of those present pocketed these chipped remains as "souvenirs," with at least one person subsequently repenting and sending the ill-gotten memento back to Rome anonymously from the United States.

Restoration of the Pieta

The Vatican was faced with a dilemma regarding the restoration, with art historians divided on how to proceed.

Some experts said the statue should remain in its damaged state, others argued that it should be fixed but distinguishing clearly the restored parts from the original.

Laszlo Toth

In the end the Vatican opted for an integral procedure invisible to the naked eye, according to Reuters, resulting in one of the most delicate and complex art restorations in history.

The operation saw restorers spend more than five months identifying all the fragments, some minuscule, before beginning to piece them together with invisible glue and powder ground from Carrara marble.

When the painstaking restoration was complete, about 10 months after the attack, the Pieta went back on display - this time behind bulletproof glass.

What happened to Laszlo Toth?

In view of his apparent insanity, Toth was never charged with the crime. In January 1973 he was committed to a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

Toth was released in February 1975 and deported from Italy to Australia, where he had studied prior to the Pieta attack.

Australian authorities did not detain him and he faded into oblivion, reportedly living a hermit-like existence in a remote part of New South Wales. Toth died on 11 September 2012.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will prepare its outline to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the BJP in power at the Centre in a meeting that is scheduled to take place on May 25. The BJP will complete its eight years at the Centre on May 30, which the party plans to celebrate from May 30 to June 14 on the theme of 'Service, Good Governance and Poor Welfare'. The BJP will hold a meeting with the Union Ministers of Independent Charge and Ministers of State at the party headquarters on May 25 in Delhi. The meeting would be attended by top leaders of the party including national president JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah and the party's National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. According to party sources, this meeting will be done to decide on the work to be done and constituencies to be given to the ministers for the programs to be organized on the occasion of the completion of eight years of the Narendra Modi government. "The agenda of the meeting is to deliberate on the methods to appraise the beneficiaries of various schemes about the works done by the Modi government during their eight years at the Centre," said party sources. "Each Minister would be allotted at least four Lok Sabha constituencies for the purpose to ensure that every beneficiary is reached out to in all the constituencies," informed sources. Notably, in the meeting of the BJP national office bearers that took place in Jaipur on May 20, a blueprint was prepared to take the report card of the government to the people. (ANI)
During his visit, Shah is scheduled to attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects.

Earlier today, Shah addressed the golden jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

On day two of his visit, Shah will meet social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in Namsai at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)


During his visit, Shah is scheduled to attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects.

Earlier today, Shah addressed the golden jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

On day two of his visit, Shah will meet social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in Namsai at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

Notorious attack on Michelangelo's Pieta occurred on 21 May 1972.

50 years ago today, a Hungarian man called Laszlo Toth climbed over an altar rail in St Peters Basilica and attacked Michelangelos Pieta with a geologist's hammer, while screaming: I am Jesus Christ  risen from the dead.

The Renaissance masterpiece, which portrays the Madonna holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, suffered extensive damage from Toth's approximately 15 hammer blows.

Toth was apprehended by bystanders

The attack, which took place in front of horrified pilgrims, saw Toth knock the Madonna's left arm at the elbow, chipping off her eyelid and a significant part of her nose.

The 33-year-old Toth was quickly restrained by bystanders, including the American sculptor Bob Cassily who hit the assailant several times before pulling him away from La Pieta.

Before and after the restoration of La Pieta

The chapel floor was littered with around 100 fragments from the statue which Michelangelo carved from a single block of Carrara marble before it was unveiled in 1499.

Some of those present pocketed these chipped remains as "souvenirs," with at least one person subsequently repenting and sending the ill-gotten memento back to Rome anonymously from the United States.

Restoration of the Pieta

The Vatican was faced with a dilemma regarding the restoration, with art historians divided on how to proceed.

Some experts said the statue should remain in its damaged state, others argued that it should be fixed but distinguishing clearly the restored parts from the original.

Laszlo Toth

In the end the Vatican opted for an integral procedure invisible to the naked eye, according to Reuters, resulting in one of the most delicate and complex art restorations in history.

The operation saw restorers spend more than five months identifying all the fragments, some minuscule, before beginning to piece them together with invisible glue and powder ground from Carrara marble.

When the painstaking restoration was complete, about 10 months after the attack, the Pieta went back on display - this time behind bulletproof glass.

What happened to Laszlo Toth?

In view of his apparent insanity, Toth was never charged with the crime. In January 1973 he was committed to a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

Toth was released in February 1975 and deported from Italy to Australia, where he had studied prior to the Pieta attack.

Australian authorities did not detain him and he faded into oblivion, reportedly living a hermit-like existence in a remote part of New South Wales. Toth died on 11 September 2012.
Notorious attack on Michelangelo's Pieta occurred on 21 May 1972.

50 years ago today, a Hungarian man called Laszlo Toth climbed over an altar rail in St Peters Basilica and attacked Michelangelos Pieta with a geologist's hammer, while screaming: I am Jesus Christ  risen from the dead.

The Renaissance masterpiece, which portrays the Madonna holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, suffered extensive damage from Toth's approximately 15 hammer blows.

Toth was apprehended by bystanders

The attack, which took place in front of horrified pilgrims, saw Toth knock the Madonna's left arm at the elbow, chipping off her eyelid and a significant part of her nose.

The 33-year-old Toth was quickly restrained by bystanders, including the American sculptor Bob Cassily who hit the assailant several times before pulling him away from La Pieta.

Before and after the restoration of La Pieta

The chapel floor was littered with around 100 fragments from the statue which Michelangelo carved from a single block of Carrara marble before it was unveiled in 1499.

Some of those present pocketed these chipped remains as "souvenirs," with at least one person subsequently repenting and sending the ill-gotten memento back to Rome anonymously from the United States.

Restoration of the Pieta

The Vatican was faced with a dilemma regarding the restoration, with art historians divided on how to proceed.

Some experts said the statue should remain in its damaged state, others argued that it should be fixed but distinguishing clearly the restored parts from the original.

Laszlo Toth

In the end the Vatican opted for an integral procedure invisible to the naked eye, according to Reuters, resulting in one of the most delicate and complex art restorations in history.

The operation saw restorers spend more than five months identifying all the fragments, some minuscule, before beginning to piece them together with invisible glue and powder ground from Carrara marble.

When the painstaking restoration was complete, about 10 months after the attack, the Pieta went back on display - this time behind bulletproof glass.

What happened to Laszlo Toth?

In view of his apparent insanity, Toth was never charged with the crime. In January 1973 he was committed to a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

Toth was released in February 1975 and deported from Italy to Australia, where he had studied prior to the Pieta attack.

Australian authorities did not detain him and he faded into oblivion, reportedly living a hermit-like existence in a remote part of New South Wales. Toth died on 11 September 2012.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Canada planning major Express Entry changes Express Entry rounds in the future could invite candidates based on occupation, language, or education. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

The Canadian government is planning changes to the Express Entry system, which would allow the immigration minister to invite candidates based on an economic goal.

Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson on behalf of the immigration minister, said in an email to CIC News that these proposed changes will improve Canadas ability to select applicants that match its economic needs.

Through our growing pool of candidates seeking to become permanent residents, this will allow IRCC to conduct targeted draws aimed at selecting those in the queue that have certain language skills or health care qualifications to name a few examples, Strickland wrote. This will be essential in addressing Canadas labour shortages.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

The changes are currently being discussed in the Canadian parliament. On May 19, Philip Somogyvari from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, a committee of elected officials that studies matters related to Canadian immigration.

Somogyvari, who is an IRCC Director General, explained the amendments would authorize the immigration minister to invite Express Entry candidates on a new basis, one that would support an economic goal identified by the minister.

Eligibility requirements to be a member of a category would be established by the minister and could be based on factors such as work experience, educational background or language skills, Somogyvari said.

For example, if there was a desire to leverage immigration to support the growth of Canadas tech sector, a category of Express Entry candidates would be created based on criteria such as their possession of work experience in their sector occupation and/or their possession of a related educational credential. Invitations could then be issued to the top-ranked candidates in that category.

The draw details, including the unique eligibility criteria, would continue to be published on the IRCC website. The minister would also have to identify the economic goal they are seeking to support, and report annually to Parliament on the use of these draws. When asked by NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan, which occupations would be specified in these draws, Somogyvari said the government currently has no occupations listed.

Currently, the immigration minister does not have the ability to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who have a particular work experience, educational credential, or who are French speakers destined to an official language minority community. If the proposed amendments to division 23 of Bill C-19 are passed, that could change.

The changes themselves would permit, for example, the minister to focus on all French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool, Somogyvari said. Currently, while French-speaking candidates are provided with bonus points which will increase their ranking score, it may not invite all French-speaking candidates within the pool. Theoretically, with the proposed authorities in use, if the minister chose to do so, the department would be able to conduct an invitation round that would virtually invite all of the identified French-speaking candidates within the Express Entry pool.

The process for determining which groups would be selected is still being developed. Somogyvari said the government would likely make such decisions after consultation with employer groups, stakeholders, the objectives within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Employment and Social Development Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.

About Express Entry in 2022

Express Entry is an application management system for three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

To immigrate through one of these programs, foreign workers must express their interest in Canadian immigration by completing a profile in the Express Entry system. Candidates who are eligible for one of the three programs get a score based on their work experience, educational background, language skills, age, and other factors. IRCC invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Recently, IRCC has only been holding invitation rounds for candidates who have received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). After accumulating a backlog in Express Entry applications during the pandemic, IRCC paused invitation rounds for the FSWP in December 2020, and then paused CEC draws in September 2021. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that draws for these candidates would resume in July, and processing standards would return to six months for new applicants.

Somogyvari confirmed that the amendments do not impact existing or future processing times.

The current discussion

Kwan called for the government to list the groups that will be affected by the proposed act.

I am troubled by the fact that there is no parliamentary oversight as to what these groups will be, Kwan said to the committee. Theres no process as to whether these groups will be fair, or how effective [the government] will be in selecting people who would provide economic contributions to Canada.

Without a transparent selection process where industries are able to provide formal submissions on which occupations are in need and an objective committee to determine the needs of these occupations, the process could become fodder for lobbying industries, Kwan continued. Thats not what we want. I think we need to have established criteria and a transparent process.

The standing committees chair, Salma Zahid from the Liberal Party, agreed to request changes to the proposed amendments by May 27. The ministry of finance will receive the request, as it was the department that asked the immigration committee to conduct the study on the changes to Express Entry.

The letter will be received by the Standing Committee on Finance which will decide if the proposal in the letter should be converted into amendments to be proposed during its clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which is scheduled to start on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Australian women have sent a powerful message to the Liberal-National coalition, former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop says.

'(Liberal women) did not see their concerns and interests reflected in a party led by Scott Morrison in coalition with Barnaby Joyce,' she told the Nine Network on Saturday.

A number of mostly female, 'teal' independents are on track to roll sitting Liberal MPs, predominantly in inner-city seats, having made climate action and a federal anti-corruption agency the centrepieces of their campaigns.

Seeing female, independent candidates likely to replace MPs in formerly strong Liberal seats sent a powerful message, Ms Bishop said.

'We have not mentioned at this point the impact of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, they changed the narrative when they exposed an ugly side to the workplace in Canberra,' Ms Bishop said.

'That resonated with women.'

Former high-profile conservative Julie Bishop saw the Coalition's failure to listen to Australian activists such as Grace Tame (pictured) was a reason why they lost the federal election

Yet voters are not only calling for more women in parliament, but a focus on issues that affect 51 per cent of the population every day, former Labor minister Kate Ellis said.

'I would send a message to all the men in the parliament as well: it is your job to advocate for the women out there who are struggling,' she said.

'Australian women are angry and we don't just want to change the government, change the prime minister, we want to change the agenda and the outcomes and that work will be ongoing no matter who is in government.'

Women have channelled their frustration and anger into changing the face and diversity of the parliament, Australia's largest alliance of women said.

Equality Rights Alliance convenor Helen Dalley-Fisher told AAP the coalition's 'women problem' was reflected in the vote.

'It's going to be critical for the incoming government to focus strongly on issues that matter to women,' she said.

Scott Morrison projected himself as a family man - it proved to be in vain as he sought to continue on as Prime Minister (pictured with daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'Women in Australia have spoken. It's time to listen.'

But Liberal senator Jane Hume said the party had pre-selected many female candidates in seats who have not been given a chance by voters.

'One of my great frustrations in all of this was the number of fantastic female candidates that we had ready to go that haven't made it this time around,' she said.

'I would have loved to have seen them get into Parliament House because I think they would have changed things up.'
Whom to blame? Originator of signal or Communicators who received signal without ED?

by Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne

Passing messages among ship and ship -to- shore is vital way of communication. These messages are known as Signals in Naval jargon. Some of these signals are secret messages like enemy ship positions. Others very much routine signals such as ships victualling requirements and personnel transfers.

Signal men or present day Communicators are proud set of people in the Navy who work closely with Commanding Officer and other officers. As old Navy mostly communicated in English and in Morse code in English, their English knowledge was always impeccable. Further communicators dressed very smartly. The famous writer late Kalakeerthi Karl Muller, in his novel Spit and Polish, a Novel mixed with vulgar, history and his naval life up to Chief Petty Officer in Signal branch, vividly amplified the job of Communicators in the Navy.

Well before the radio technology and telecommunications was invented, sailing ships Communicated each other by flags. Those ships required to get close to harbours communicate with shore. There are numerical and alphabetical flags of various colours and shapes in the Navy. These flags were hoisted in various methods in signal mast of sailing ship so that other ships understood onces intentions. One of such flag signal hoisted by Lt James Pasco, the Signal officer of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson just before engaging Franco- Spanish Fleet in Trafalgar Sea Battle on 21st October 1805 on board his flag ship HMS Victory was England expects every man to do his Duty. Most of the Admirals who command these sailing ships has weak eyesight due to their age, all were passing 40 years ! So, a young, smart and bright Naval officer was appointed as assistant to Admiral to assist him in reading flags and always remain close proximity to Admiral. He was known as a Flag Lieutenant , immaterial of his rank. Thats why Aide to Admiral is known as Flag Lieutenant.

When I explained the history of Flag Lieutenants to my wife Yamuna, very rightly said,  Present day flag Lieutenants do all work of Admiral other than reading the flags. How true !

Battle of Trafalgar

When radio technology and telecommunication was found, ships started to communicate in Morse Code., in series of Dids and Dahs. Did-means dot (.) and Dah- means dash (-). Every letter in English and numbers 1 to 10 has code of dids and dahs. This system was first use in telecommunication by Gotthard Railway and soon popular among shortwave radio operators. This system was named Morse Code in honour of Samuel Morse, one of the inventors of telegraph.

Morse Key

As Naval Cadets we were supposed to learn both flag signals, semaphore ( another way of signalling with two flags) and More Code (both in Morse key and flash light). Soon you become expert when practice it daily. Regular competition among ships in our fleet and foreign Navy fleets held and our junior officers and communicators has shown their class by winning them. However its a continuous process, doing such exercises and increase your speed in transmitting and receiving.

Morse code light signal

You know what is Nelsons eye ? Vice Admiral Lord Nelson lost sight of one of his eyes in Corsica in 1795. In 1801, during Battle of Copenhagen, when his fleet Commander ordered to withdraw, showed his unwillingness to his Flag Lieutenant keeping his telescope to his blind eye and saying he cannot see a withdrawal flag signal and continued fighting until Victory was assured.

Then you have the secret codes in Communication. Codes are very easy to implement, but code sheets to be kept safely. Enemy getting your code sheets will allow code breakers to read your signals. History says US code breakers effort in decoding secret messages of Imperial Japanese Navy after attack on Pearl Harbour in WW 11 has made things easier for US fleet. The easiest way to make a secret code is have an alternative code word for actual word. The sweetest such code I received from my duty officer at Naval Headquarters on night of 6th/7th September 2007, when I was Director Naval Operations and our fleet led by then Captain (later Admiral and Navy Commander) Travis Sinniah was sailed thousands miles away from home looking for LTTE Floating Weapons Warehouses. Coded Message said over the telephone Delaware Oregon. When decoded it says,  Enemy Located !. I knew we did most difficult part of our operation in Vast Indian Ocean with help of friendly Nation and Travis will do the needful to LTTE ships. Obviously our Senior Staff Communication Officer at that time, LT Commander (now commodore) Buddhika Liyanagamage has used names of US Cities as his code for key words on our Operation Order.

LTTE Gunrunning Ship destroy by SLN

Communicators has to be perfect. Any mistake in transmitting or receiving a signal may ends up in a total disaster. An hilarious incident on transmitting and receiving a logistical signal from Northern Naval Area to Eastern Naval Area happened in mid late 1980s. The biggest supplier of victuals, POL (petroleum oil and lubricants) and spare parts to ships/ craft to Northern Area was East. Logistic ships were assigned for this task. A long logistic requirements list was received by Naval Commutation Center (East) from Naval Commutation Center (North).

It included 1000 Kgs of coconut husk ! Eastern logistic Commanders surprised with this requirement, but no one bothered to contact the originator of the logistic signal over telephone and ask actual requirement. They all thought this is a requirement for some defense construction. Naval trucks were sent to Kurunagala area from Trincomalee to collect coconut husk. It was a large load. Patriotic people in Kurunagala area thinking this was a requirement for North (May be to cover bunkers of our gallant sailors fighting LTTE), collected coconut husk and gave most of them free of cost. Eastern logistics Commanders very proud of their great effort in providing much needed coconut husk to North.

Ship load (1000 Kgs) of Coconut husk ends up in Karainagar Naval Base. Loading and unloading of coconut husk was an tedious task due to there sheer volume, even though very light in weight., which took lot of time and energy of Officers both in Trincomalee and Karainagar.

Why so much of coconut husk? To built new type of protection to bunkers? No one exactly knew until originator of the logistic signal, the Logistic Officer of Karainagar Naval Base returned after leave.

He never ordered Coconut Husk ! He ordered Coconut Husked (coconuts after removing husk). During the signal communication, Ed has dropped !

Coconut husk and coconut husked

Whom to blame ? Originator of signal or Communicators who received signal without ED?

You decide ! My Deputy Principal at Royal College, Mr EC Gunasekara ( fondly known as KATAYA among students) always used to tell us  Best sense is COMMON SENCE).

Word Coconut would have suffice rather writing Coconut husked





The writer, Retired from Sri Lanka Navy, Former Chief of Defence Staff


FILE PHOTO: An Apple logo hangs above the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in the Manhattan borough of New York City

(Reuters) - Apple Inc has told some of its contract manufacturers that it wants to increase production outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

India and Vietnam, which are already sites of Apple production, are among the countries short-listed by the company as alternatives, the report added.

Apple last month forecast bigger supply problems as COVID-19 lockdowns slowed production and demand in China.

The report said that Apple is citing China's strict anti-Covid policy and other reasons for its decision.

Apple declined to comment to WSJ and couldn't be immediately reached by Reuters on Saturday.

(Reporting by Nishit Jogi in Bengaluru, Editing by Franklin Paul)
A Boeing astronaut capsule carrying only a test dummy landed on the International Space Station for the first time, a huge achievement for the company after several years of failed launches, PA MEDIA reports.

With the arrival of the Starliner, Nasa has finally realized its long-standing effort to bring crew capsules to the space station from rival U.S. companies.

Elon Musk's company SpaceX conducted a similar test three years ago and has since sent 18 astronauts as well as tourists to the space station.

The only time Boeing's Starliner flew into space, it never made it close to the station, ending up in the wrong orbit.

This time, after launching Thursday, the refurbished spacecraft made it to the right spot and docked with the station 25 hours later.

If the rest of the Starliner mission goes well, Boeing could be ready to launch its first crew by the end of this year.

The astronauts, who will likely be part of the first Starliner crew, joined Boeing and Nasa dispatchers in Houston watching from nearly 270 miles away.

The Boeing Starliner's first test flight in 2019 was plagued by software bugs that aborted the flight and could have led to the death of the spacecraft.

The errors were fixed, but when the new capsule was waiting for takeoff last summer, corroded valves stopped the countdown.

New repairs followed, costing Boeing nearly $600 million.
During his visit, Shah is scheduled to attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects.

Earlier today, Shah addressed the golden jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

On day two of his visit, Shah will meet social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in Namsai at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)
During his visit, Shah is scheduled to attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects.

Earlier today, Shah addressed the golden jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

On day two of his visit, Shah will meet social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in Namsai at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)
Advertisement

Glum Liberal supporters drowned their sorrows at Scott Morrison's concession party - while jubilant Labor faithful went berserk cheering on Anthony Albanese.

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese said the country had 'voted for change' by voting the Opposition into power for the first time since World War II.

His party was so raucous he even had to tell some over-enthusiastic supporters to 'behave'.

It was a very different story across town at the Fullerton Hotel, where dejected Coalition supporters commiserated the end of a nine-year-old Coalition government.

Pictured: A lonely Liberal Party supporter watches on as the disappointing results for the Liberal Party roll in

Liberal Party faithful waited at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for Scott Morrison's concession speech

Former Liberal member Philip Ruddock is among those waiting for Mr Morrison to appear at the Fullerton Hotel

A Coalition supporter is consoled as the Liberal and National parties surrendered government to the Labor Party

Labor party faithful celebrate Anthony Albanese's win with hugs and kisses at an election night event in Canterbury

Young Labor members party and celebrate Mr Albanese's win on Saturday night as he gives his first speech as PM

Hundreds of screaming devotees packed out the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL club in the incoming prime minister's electorate of Grayndler, in Sydney's inner west

Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to heartbroken Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

An emotional Scott Morrison embraces his daughter as he gives his concession speech

Mr Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

A man takes a drink of Albo branded beer at a Labor Party event as he is confirmed as Australia's 31st prime minister

Liberal Party supporters watch on in horror as they learn that Labor will claim victory

An air of panic cuts through the room at the Fullerton Hotel when Coalition supporters learn the election is lost

Pictured: A couple are devastated by the news that Scott Morrison will lose the election

Silence rings out at the Fullerton Hotel as Liberal Party faithful await the prime minister's concession speech

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

Labor Party supporters went berserk as they watched Prime Minister Scott Morrison admit defeat

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Meanwhile, joyous celebrations have erupted at Labor's official election function, with the opposition on track to form Australia's next government.

Cautious optimism at the start of the night has given way to widespread celebration at the Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL Club, where the almost 1000-strong crowd erupted after news came through Labor would win the election.

However, it remains to be seen whether Labor would govern as a minority or majority government, due to a large number of crossbenchers set to join parliament.

Anthony Albanese is watching the election results from his Marrickville home, and the Labor leader is expected to address the crowd later tonight.

The crowd at the event burst out into chants of 'Albo, Albo', and even chanting 'yes, WA' and 'yes Mark McGowan', following large swings to the party in the state.

There have been swings to Labor across seats in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with the opposition taking the electorates of Reid, Robertson, Chisholm, Deakin and Boothby.

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth in Marrickville promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Supporters celebrate as initial results come in for WA at the election party for Zaneta Mascarenhas, Labor candidate for Swan

Labor supporters watch early election results at a reception at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

The success story of the night has come from WA, where Labor is likely to win Hasluck, Pearce, Swan, with the potential for Moore to also fall.

Large cheers also erupted upon results in Dickson, where Labor look set to take the seat off Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

There was also large cries in the room when results flashed up showing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg could also lose his safe seat of Kooyong to independent Monique Ryan.

However, the opposition could still lose some of its Queensland seats to the Greens.

Parachuted candidate Kristina Keneally is also likely to lose in the Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le.

The decision to parachute her from outside the electorate was deemed by many to be controversial.

Party supporters have said the results were already better than it 2019 defeat.

'This is the campaign we should have run last time,' one person said.

Anthony Albanese will become just the fourth Labor leader to lead the party to victory from opposition since World War II.

Celebrations at the official function are set to go well into the night, with many punters also celebrating with the specially made Albo Ale beer.

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
They are the story terrorists want to tell about themselves, not the truth. The Buffalo shooters manifesto doesnt mention his history of animal abuse, for example. As with any writer of his own story, he was making choices about how he wanted to be seen.

Manifestoes by people like this have two audiences: normal people, or what extremely online people might call normies, and true believers. Normies are, well, normal people who arent baked in the language of online racists, who wont pick up on the layers of intentional irony  long asides on cryptocurrency and the environment, for example  that terrorists like the Buffalo gunman or the shooters in Christchurch, New Zealand, or Poway, Calif., use to unify their messages. (It appears that the Buffalo shooter even copied portions of the manifesto of the Christchurch shooter directly.)

Normal people typically read the manifesto of a terrorist and take it at face value: If he says he was inspired by X, then he was inspired by X.

After the shooting in Christchurch in 2019, which claimed the lives of 50 people at two mosques, the former Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway was seemingly one such credulous reader, telling Fox News that people should read the killers manifesto, saying, Unlike like most mass shootings, this man came with prereceipts, if you will. He put out a 70-page manifesto, and I guess everybody scoured it, searched for Donald Trumps name, and there it is, one time. But he also said he aligns closely with the ideology of China. He said hes not a conservative, hes not a Nazi. I think he referred to himself as an eco-naturalist or an eco-fascist. The Christchurch shooter said he wasnt a Nazi, so to Conway, he wasnt. And he didnt fixate too much on Trump, so he couldnt have been inspired by anything the ex-president said.

And while the Buffalo shooters manifesto contains crude and offensive illustrations and descriptions of Jewish people and Black people, it also is clearly aimed in part at that normie audience, with a question and answer section in which the shooter explains how he became a virulent racist and antisemite. He attempts to put his transition to racist murderer in a context that will somehow make it make sense to his readers: He didnt use to be like this, but then he learned more about the evils of Black Americans and the crimes of Jewish people through memes and online posts.
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
LONDON, May 21 (Reuters) - Russia said on Saturday it had so far banned 963 Americans from entering the country - including previously announced moves against President Joe Biden and other top officials - and would continue to retaliate against what it called hostile U.S. actions.

The largely symbolic travel bans form part of a downward spiral in Russia's relations with the West since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Washington and its allies to impose drastic sanctions on Moscow and step up arms supplies to Ukraine.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it had added 26 new names to a list of Canadians it has barred from travelling to Russia, including defence chiefs, defence industry executives and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Publishing the full list of banned Americans for the first time, the ministry said: "We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff."

It said Russian counter-sanctions were a necessary response aimed at "forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial 'rules-based world order' on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognizing new geopolitical realities."

Previously announced names on the huge list included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA chief William Burns.

The new Canadian list was published four days after Canada introduced a bill that will ban President Vladimir Putin and about 1,000 members of his government and military from travelling there.

It included Jocelyn Paul, Eric Kenny and Angus Topshee, who were named last month as the new heads of the Canadian army, air force and navy, and executives of companies including Lockheed Martin Canada and Raytheon Canada.

In response to sanctions, Russia had already banned Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and hundreds of other Canadians from entering the country. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Timothy Heritage)

As part of the response to the ongoing U.S. anti-Russian sanctions and in response to incoming requests about the personal composition of our national "stop-list," the Russian Foreign Ministry has published a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering Russia. This is said in a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff. It said Russian counter-sanctions were a necessary response aimed at forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial rules-based world order on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognizing new geopolitical realities.

Russia does not seek confrontation and is open to honest, mutually respectful dialogue, separating the American people, who are always respected by us, from the US authorities, who incite Russophobia, and those who serve them. It is these people who are included in the Russian 'black list'," the statement further read.

A total of 963 U.S. citizens are on the list, including President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.






LE MARS, Iowa  Wells Enterprises plans to add new product lines and upgrade equipment in a $70 million capital investment project.

The Le Mars-based ice cream producer was awarded $6.3 million in High Quality Jobs Program tax credit by the Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday. The project is expected to create 135 new jobs, and 82 are to pay at least $23.94 per hour, per the state contract.

Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny, Halo Top and Bomb Top ice cream products, is one of the largest employers in Iowa with 2,500 employees and an additional 500 seasonal workers on the payroll during the "ice cream season." Nationwide, the company employs an estimated 4,000 people.

The $70 million investment project plans to add new product lines, as well as upgrade and modernize existing equipment throughout the facilities such as production lines, hardening equipment, freezer and refrigeration upgrades and other equipment, according to their IEDA application.

The additions are the two Le Mars production facilities and will take place over the next two years, said Director of Communications Lesley Bartholomew in a statement.

Our Le Mars facilities and the strong teams we have in place are key to Wells overall business strategy and will continue to be well into the future, said CEO Mike Wells. Were excited to bring more investment to Le Mars and move forward with this project to bring on new lines and equipment.

The investments will help optimize the manufacturing footprint and set up the company for future growth, Bartholomew said.

The last large expansion project the company undertook was the acquisition of Fieldbrook Foods, an ice cream manufacturer with plants in New York and New Jersey in April 2019.

The acquisition placed Wells as the No. 2 producer of ice cream in the U.S. and increased the production level by about 25 percent.

At the time, Wells said the company would need another 20 percent of growth to be No. 1 in production, over Unilever, whose brands include Ben & Jerry's, Good Humor and Breyers, and Nestle, whose brands include Edy's, Haagen-Dazs and Nestle.

The same year in September, Wells struck a deal with Unilever to purchase an ice cream plant in Henderson, Nevada to expand Wells manufacturing capacity. The company then purchased Halo Top, a low-calorie brand of ice cream, from Eden Creamery, LLC days later.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
LE MARS, Iowa  Wells Enterprises plans to add new product lines and upgrade equipment in a $70 million capital investment project.

The Le Mars-based ice cream producer was awarded $6.3 million in High Quality Jobs Program tax credit by the Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday. The project is expected to create 135 new jobs, and 82 are to pay at least $23.94 per hour, per the state contract.

Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny, Halo Top and Bomb Top ice cream products, is one of the largest employers in Iowa with 2,500 employees and an additional 500 seasonal workers on the payroll during the "ice cream season." Nationwide, the company employs an estimated 4,000 people.

The $70 million investment project plans to add new product lines, as well as upgrade and modernize existing equipment throughout the facilities such as production lines, hardening equipment, freezer and refrigeration upgrades and other equipment, according to their IEDA application.

The additions are the two Le Mars production facilities and will take place over the next two years, said Director of Communications Lesley Bartholomew in a statement.

Our Le Mars facilities and the strong teams we have in place are key to Wells overall business strategy and will continue to be well into the future, said CEO Mike Wells. Were excited to bring more investment to Le Mars and move forward with this project to bring on new lines and equipment.

The investments will help optimize the manufacturing footprint and set up the company for future growth, Bartholomew said.

The last large expansion project the company undertook was the acquisition of Fieldbrook Foods, an ice cream manufacturer with plants in New York and New Jersey in April 2019.

The acquisition placed Wells as the No. 2 producer of ice cream in the U.S. and increased the production level by about 25 percent.

At the time, Wells said the company would need another 20 percent of growth to be No. 1 in production, over Unilever, whose brands include Ben & Jerry's, Good Humor and Breyers, and Nestle, whose brands include Edy's, Haagen-Dazs and Nestle.

The same year in September, Wells struck a deal with Unilever to purchase an ice cream plant in Henderson, Nevada to expand Wells manufacturing capacity. The company then purchased Halo Top, a low-calorie brand of ice cream, from Eden Creamery, LLC days later.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
LE MARS, Iowa  Wells Enterprises plans to add new product lines and upgrade equipment in a $70 million capital investment project.

The Le Mars-based ice cream producer was awarded $6.3 million in High Quality Jobs Program tax credit by the Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday. The project is expected to create 135 new jobs, and 82 are to pay at least $23.94 per hour, per the state contract.

Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny, Halo Top and Bomb Top ice cream products, is one of the largest employers in Iowa with 2,500 employees and an additional 500 seasonal workers on the payroll during the "ice cream season." Nationwide, the company employs an estimated 4,000 people.

The $70 million investment project plans to add new product lines, as well as upgrade and modernize existing equipment throughout the facilities such as production lines, hardening equipment, freezer and refrigeration upgrades and other equipment, according to their IEDA application.

The additions are the two Le Mars production facilities and will take place over the next two years, said Director of Communications Lesley Bartholomew in a statement.

Our Le Mars facilities and the strong teams we have in place are key to Wells overall business strategy and will continue to be well into the future, said CEO Mike Wells. Were excited to bring more investment to Le Mars and move forward with this project to bring on new lines and equipment.

The investments will help optimize the manufacturing footprint and set up the company for future growth, Bartholomew said.

The last large expansion project the company undertook was the acquisition of Fieldbrook Foods, an ice cream manufacturer with plants in New York and New Jersey in April 2019.

The acquisition placed Wells as the No. 2 producer of ice cream in the U.S. and increased the production level by about 25 percent.

At the time, Wells said the company would need another 20 percent of growth to be No. 1 in production, over Unilever, whose brands include Ben & Jerry's, Good Humor and Breyers, and Nestle, whose brands include Edy's, Haagen-Dazs and Nestle.

The same year in September, Wells struck a deal with Unilever to purchase an ice cream plant in Henderson, Nevada to expand Wells manufacturing capacity. The company then purchased Halo Top, a low-calorie brand of ice cream, from Eden Creamery, LLC days later.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A group of nearly a dozen sheriffs denounced Republican state attorney general contender Adam Jarchow for promoting misinformation and false attacks that they called unparalleled in recent memory of political campaigns in the state.

The law enforcement officials accused Jarchows campaign of promoting false and misleading information to voters through emails, texts and social media posts, chiefly about his main GOP opponent in the race for attorney general, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney.

Most of the sheriffs who signed on to the statement have endorsed Toney and they do not cite any specific purported falsehoods that Jarchow has made. Toney said the statement was referring to Jarchows attacks on Toneys record enforcing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers COVID-19 restrictions.

The group includes Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve and Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler.

His gutter campaign seems to have no limit, the group said of Jarchow, a former state representative from Balsam Lake.

His strategy is indicative of a professional politician  when you have little to no record of accomplishments relative to the office youre seeking then you lie and spread false information to diminish your opponent, they said.

In response to the statement, Jarchow blasted Toney over a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that letters and text messages show Toney told his friends he voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, though he has stated publicly he voted for Donald Trump.

So now hes trying to distract from that by waging disingenuous attacks on my long record of supporting law enforcement, Jarchow said in a statement.

In an interview, Toney disputed the claim he voted for the two previous Democratic presidential candidates, saying the claims stem from broken personal relationships.

The reality is I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, Toney said.

The contest between Jarchow and Toney has seen repeated attacks between the candidates over who has the more legitimate conservative credentials to take on incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in the Nov. 8 general election.

Jarchow has put out multiple ads chastising Toney for charging 10 Fond du Lac residents for violating Evers original stay-at-home order in April 2020. Toney has said his responsibility as a district attorney is to enforce the rule of law, whether or not I agree with or like the law and noted the charges were later dismissed.

Whats clear is Jarchows campaign has nothing to do with his own prosecution skills or experience in a court room, the sheriffs said. He has no experience whatsoever.

As Jarchow seeks the office of top cop, the lies hes spread about DA Toney would make Jarchow ineligible to be a police officer if he held that position in the state of Wisconsin, the statement said.

Jarchow, who is a practicing business attorney, has his own contingent of endorsements from county sheriffs and police chiefs and far outpaces Toney in support from past and present state representatives and senators. Last month, Jarchows campaign released a policy platform that would waive college tuition for police officers and forgive their student loans.

The GOP primary for attorney general is Aug. 9.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.


We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
A group of nearly a dozen sheriffs denounced Republican state attorney general contender Adam Jarchow for promoting misinformation and false attacks that they called unparalleled in recent memory of political campaigns in the state.

The law enforcement officials accused Jarchows campaign of promoting false and misleading information to voters through emails, texts and social media posts, chiefly about his main GOP opponent in the race for attorney general, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney.

Most of the sheriffs who signed on to the statement have endorsed Toney and they do not cite any specific purported falsehoods that Jarchow has made. Toney said the statement was referring to Jarchows attacks on Toneys record enforcing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers COVID-19 restrictions.

The group includes Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman, Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve and Sheboygan County Sheriff Cory Roeseler.

His gutter campaign seems to have no limit, the group said of Jarchow, a former state representative from Balsam Lake.

His strategy is indicative of a professional politician  when you have little to no record of accomplishments relative to the office youre seeking then you lie and spread false information to diminish your opponent, they said.

In response to the statement, Jarchow blasted Toney over a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report that letters and text messages show Toney told his friends he voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, though he has stated publicly he voted for Donald Trump.

So now hes trying to distract from that by waging disingenuous attacks on my long record of supporting law enforcement, Jarchow said in a statement.

In an interview, Toney disputed the claim he voted for the two previous Democratic presidential candidates, saying the claims stem from broken personal relationships.

The reality is I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, Toney said.

The contest between Jarchow and Toney has seen repeated attacks between the candidates over who has the more legitimate conservative credentials to take on incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in the Nov. 8 general election.

Jarchow has put out multiple ads chastising Toney for charging 10 Fond du Lac residents for violating Evers original stay-at-home order in April 2020. Toney has said his responsibility as a district attorney is to enforce the rule of law, whether or not I agree with or like the law and noted the charges were later dismissed.

Whats clear is Jarchows campaign has nothing to do with his own prosecution skills or experience in a court room, the sheriffs said. He has no experience whatsoever.

As Jarchow seeks the office of top cop, the lies hes spread about DA Toney would make Jarchow ineligible to be a police officer if he held that position in the state of Wisconsin, the statement said.

Jarchow, who is a practicing business attorney, has his own contingent of endorsements from county sheriffs and police chiefs and far outpaces Toney in support from past and present state representatives and senators. Last month, Jarchows campaign released a policy platform that would waive college tuition for police officers and forgive their student loans.

The GOP primary for attorney general is Aug. 9.


Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
A Boeing astronaut capsule carrying only a test dummy landed on the International Space Station for the first time, a huge achievement for the company after several years of failed launches, PA MEDIA reports.

With the arrival of the Starliner, Nasa has finally realized its long-standing effort to bring crew capsules to the space station from rival U.S. companies.

Elon Musk's company SpaceX conducted a similar test three years ago and has since sent 18 astronauts as well as tourists to the space station.

The only time Boeing's Starliner flew into space, it never made it close to the station, ending up in the wrong orbit.

This time, after launching Thursday, the refurbished spacecraft made it to the right spot and docked with the station 25 hours later.

If the rest of the Starliner mission goes well, Boeing could be ready to launch its first crew by the end of this year.

The astronauts, who will likely be part of the first Starliner crew, joined Boeing and Nasa dispatchers in Houston watching from nearly 270 miles away.

The Boeing Starliner's first test flight in 2019 was plagued by software bugs that aborted the flight and could have led to the death of the spacecraft.

The errors were fixed, but when the new capsule was waiting for takeoff last summer, corroded valves stopped the countdown.

New repairs followed, costing Boeing nearly $600 million.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
LONDON, May 21 (Reuters) - Russia said on Saturday it had so far banned 963 Americans from entering the country - including previously announced moves against President Joe Biden and other top officials - and would continue to retaliate against what it called hostile U.S. actions.

The largely symbolic travel bans form part of a downward spiral in Russia's relations with the West since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Washington and its allies to impose drastic sanctions on Moscow and step up arms supplies to Ukraine.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it had added 26 new names to a list of Canadians it has barred from travelling to Russia, including defence chiefs, defence industry executives and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Publishing the full list of banned Americans for the first time, the ministry said: "We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff."

It said Russian counter-sanctions were a necessary response aimed at "forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial 'rules-based world order' on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognizing new geopolitical realities."

Previously announced names on the huge list included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA chief William Burns.

The new Canadian list was published four days after Canada introduced a bill that will ban President Vladimir Putin and about 1,000 members of his government and military from travelling there.

It included Jocelyn Paul, Eric Kenny and Angus Topshee, who were named last month as the new heads of the Canadian army, air force and navy, and executives of companies including Lockheed Martin Canada and Raytheon Canada.

In response to sanctions, Russia had already banned Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and hundreds of other Canadians from entering the country. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
LONDON, May 21 (Reuters) - Russia said on Saturday it had so far banned 963 Americans from entering the country - including previously announced moves against President Joe Biden and other top officials - and would continue to retaliate against what it called hostile U.S. actions.

The largely symbolic travel bans form part of a downward spiral in Russia's relations with the West since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Washington and its allies to impose drastic sanctions on Moscow and step up arms supplies to Ukraine.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it had added 26 new names to a list of Canadians it has barred from travelling to Russia, including defence chiefs, defence industry executives and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Publishing the full list of banned Americans for the first time, the ministry said: "We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff."

It said Russian counter-sanctions were a necessary response aimed at "forcing the ruling American regime, which is trying to impose a neo-colonial 'rules-based world order' on the rest of the world, to change its behavior, recognizing new geopolitical realities."

Previously announced names on the huge list included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA chief William Burns.

The new Canadian list was published four days after Canada introduced a bill that will ban President Vladimir Putin and about 1,000 members of his government and military from travelling there.

It included Jocelyn Paul, Eric Kenny and Angus Topshee, who were named last month as the new heads of the Canadian army, air force and navy, and executives of companies including Lockheed Martin Canada and Raytheon Canada.

In response to sanctions, Russia had already banned Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and hundreds of other Canadians from entering the country. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Timothy Heritage)



Tax breaks

The fact that the Nebraska chapter of AARP has come out in praise of LB 873, (Pulse, May 14) for eliminating Nebraska state taxes on Social Security benefits, should cause concern over how state senators voted on the issue and what organizations opposed the bill.

Senators Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh all spoke out against the LB 873 and were conveniently absent on the final vote to pass the bill. These senators are radical ideologues who need to be voted out.

In addition, Open Sky Policy Institute (Midlands Voices, April 21) referred to the bill as tax breaks for the wealthy, property owners and out-of-state corporations. Open Sky does not have any macroeconomic experts and is more interested in racial equity. These tax breaks will help the majority of Nebraska residents and will result in more investments in Nebraska.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Gun control

OK all you pro-lifers out there, what are you going to do about the lives that were lost last week in Buffalo, New York, in the mass shooting? What are you going to do to make it safer for a person to go to the grocery store, school, the mall? Arent these lives just as important as the ones that are still developing in the womb? We need some kind of gun control and mental health care.

Susan Peters, Omaha

Dont criminalize abortion

I will not begin with a tirade how the pending loss of Roe v. Wade has happened or who is to blame. No, now is the time to begin to prepare for civil disobedience and stand in solidarity with health care providers who work tirelessly to provide abortion care.

Civil disobedience should not be taken lightly as many states have already passed laws making it illegal for an individual to assist someone in having this procedure. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. explained the moral justification as an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

What steps can we take? You can donate to a local independent or Planned Parenthood clinic. You can volunteer at that clinic. Harassment outside abortion clinics has been ongoing for decades. Consider becoming trained as a clinic escort to protect patients entering and exiting the facility.

When abortion becomes illegal in your state, you can volunteer to drive people across state lines. You can donate to the abortion fund in your state by accessing the National Network of Abortion Funds that assists people with expenses for travel, lodging or the cost of the procedure. You can also educate yourself on self-managed abortions or medications (FDA-approved) which in some states may already be illegal. You can help by providing resources to deliver these medications so women can abort safely. Yes, some of these will be illegal and dangerous for you, but it would be immensely more dangerous for women who have lost their right to self-determination in health care.

Edward Kelly Jr, Red Oak, Iowa

Chaplain AHA

Licensed Practical Nurse

Right to choose is fundamental

I will listen to male (or female) right-to-lifers pontificate about separate and unique bodies only when they detail a specific plan on improving child care, foster care, affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I will listen after one of the right-to-lifers is forced to carry a baby to term after they learn the baby is stillborn, or there is a disability not compatible with life or the mother has a severe illness. These are only a few situations, there are many more in which many women want to make their own moral choice. What about babies whose mother has been unfortunately abusing substances during pregnancy? Id like to hear how the right-to-lifers will pay for and handle the extensive care this baby will need. Life is not so black and white.

Michelle Sarafian, Lincoln

Right to choose

Kudos to Kathy Gruba (Supreme Court, May 14).

Sixty-five percent of the country is angry and appalled with the Supreme Court potential ruling against Roe v. Wade. Everyone knows that this almost 50-year ruling was and is about womens rights to choose. Those decisions regarding health care pertain to all Americans and are totally between the physician and the patient. They begin and end with the rights to privacy for all. This information is absolutely no ones business other than the patient and the physician. And there should be HIPPA regulations in place to protect their privacy.

The Supreme Court has become ineffective, irresponsible, political and completely distrustful. They are, unfortunately, like todays Senate and have become an embarrassment to our country.

Kathe Strand, Omaha

Lowered flags

Last week, President Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Truly, that is a tragic loss of lives. I propose that he also orders lowering the flags each time one million lives are lost to abortion in the U.S.

Another tragic loss of lives!

Doris Klitz, Omaha

Safe for who?

I just dont understand. I have read some of the letters in the Public Pulse about wanting to keep abortion safe. Safe for who? It sure isnt safe for the baby.

I understand the women who want to have control over their bodies. I agree with them, every woman should have the right to have control over their own body. I want to have control over mine. What I dont understand is their wanting control over the other person. That person is the baby inside her.

Baby turtle eggs and baby eagle eggs seem to be given more protection than preborn babies.

Angie Wingert, Omaha

Rewrite history?

I for one am tired of hearing about CRT, a graduate study course offered by some universities. CRT is not taught at K-12 schools and is not even taught as normal curriculum in college courses. Now, Republican congressmen want to rewrite history. Teaching about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany is fine but they dont want our kids to be taught the history of the Native Americans or about slavery. Next, they will probably deny that we dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Knowing where we came from and where we got to today is what makes our nation great. Hiding the past only dumbs down the American citizenry.

Rick Madej, Omaha

Right to life?

About a year and a half ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham stated there was no underlying racism in the country. After that, Lindsey threw a tantrum during KBJs nomination hearings. About two years ago, a person in Boise who was known to law enforcement as having mental issues obtained a firearm and killed two innocent people. Now we have Buffalo, New York.

Right-leaning pundits are saying President Biden is going to use this to divide the country The country is already divided. People are haranguing mothers for masking their children. People are screaming my body my choice for wearing a mask and vaccines. Isnt that the same thing pro-choice advocates say? Some people on the right complain that civil liberties are being taken away. Some Republicans say that mass shootings are just a fact of life.

Republicans want to save the unborn but what about the people who were killed by firearms? The shooters had the right to carry a firearm but what about the victims right to life? Does the Second Amendment out weigh the right to life?

Robert Nunez Jr., Omaha

Contempt toward women

Per CNN, I am given to understand that Pete Ricketts would act to completely ban abortion in Nebraska if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade. Words fail me in the face of the arrogance and contempt toward women displayed by this rhetoric.

Kenneth Pullen, Omaha

Voter turnout

Fantastic job Douglas County voters, we had a record turnout for the primary with 31.5% of the registered voters doing their civic duty by casting a vote. What a joke. Can someone explain to me why people register to vote and then do not take the time to go and cast a ballot?

Tim Backora, Omahaw

Uphill both ways

If youve driven along the new Applied Parkway, youll notice the beautiful new structures popping up. The one thing you wont see is a continuous sidewalk. Omaha is eyeing pedestrian safety, but here Ive driven past numerous Millard North students forced to walk through snow, construction debris and springs growing ground cover.

A priority for development should be to provide safe walkways for all users as part of the first steps in building  after the clearing and excavating. Cheers to the students giving a new spin in 2022 to the old saying, when I was your age, I walked to school uphill both ways.

Konni Cawiezell, Omaha
Amaravati, May 21 : The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday demanded the arrest of state legislator Anantha Uday Bhaskar belonging to ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for the 'murder' of his former car driver.

Naidu asserted that the TDP's agitation would continue till the accused Member of Legislative Council (MLC) from Kakinada was arrested. The ongoing attempts to save the MLC in the ghastly murder are highly condemnable, he said.

The TDP chief deplored the manner in which the police behaved with their party fact finding committee that visited Kakinada.

Naidu alleged that the police are trying to misdirect the case though the parents are saying that their son, Subrahmanyam, was killed. There are many doubts and suspicions on the death of the car driver and that was why the TDP formed the fact finding committee to find out the truth, he said.

Chandrababu Naidu enquired about the health of TDP SC Cell president M.S. Raju, who was hospitalized after the alleged police attack. The TDP would continue its fight till justice would be done to the family of the slain driver.

Earlier, Tension prevailed at Government General Hospital at Kakinada when the fact-finding committee was stopped by police when it was proceeding towards the mortuary. The TDP leaders removed the barricades leading to an argument with the police officers. Raju was injured when both the sides pushed each other.

Meanwhile, autopsy could not be conducted on Subrahmanyam's body as the family refused to give their consent till the MLC was arrested.

The police have requested the family of Subrahmanyam to cooperate by signing the document for autopsy. Denying that there is any pressure on them, a police officer said investigation can start only after the autopsy.

Director General of Police Rajendranath Reddy said that a case has been registered in connection with the death of Subrahmanyam. He told reporters in Tirupati that the police would complete the investigation as early as possible.

Uday Bhaskar came to the driver Subrahmanyam's house in Kakinada town with his body in the car in the early hours of Friday. He told the driver's family that Subrahmanyam died in a road accident.

However, Subrahmanyam's parents did not believe his version and insisted that the MLC show them the evidence. They alleged that the MLC did not answer them and left the place in another vehicle leaving behind the body along with his car.

The incident triggered tension in the area as the family of Subrahmanyam alleged that the MLC murdered him. They demanded the legislator's arrest.

The family members said Subrahmanyam had worked as driver to Uday Bhaskar for five years and had recently quit the job. However, the MLC was occasionally calling him for some work. They claimed that on Thursday the MLC took Subrahmanyam in his car and later sent a message to his brother that he died in an accident.

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Two Republican candidates are facing off for Pennington County Board of Commissioners in District 1, incumbent Ron Rossknecht and challenger Mike Mueller.

Rossknecht and Mueller's race will be determined on the June 7 Republican primary ballot. There are no Democrats in the race. The pair participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Thursday at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where they shared their views on county government and answered questions.

Rossknecht was elected in 2018, ousting George Ferebee from office. Rossknecht lives in Hill City and has been a Pennington County resident for more than 60 years. He is a real-estate appraiser and president/manager of Sheridan Lake Resort.

He said he is running for re-election to continue the hard work the Commission is undertaking as Pennington County grows. Rossknecht said he is responsive to everyone and is a man of his word.

"I won't give the county and the citizens of the county 100%, I will give them 125%. That's the way I roll," he said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm honest and I respect citizens and employees that work at Pennington County."

Mueller is a mechanical engineering graduate from South Dakota Mines with a career in both facilities and construction management. He lived in Rapid City beginning in 1981 and moved in 1985. Mueller returned to the area in 1988 and lives near Rockerville.

He said he decided to enter the race for Pennington County Commissioner to be a public servant and bring his management experience to the county.

"There's a lot of good things happening in the county. They have a lot of positive attitudes and good things happening," Mueller said. "There a lot of opportunities out there for improvement. Every one of us can improve every day. All I ask as a commissioner is that those department heads who we will be hiring and working with is that they push that same theme through their departments and help the community that they serve."

Rossknecht said as Pennington County grows, county government must play an integral role in infrastructure development and public safety. He said the commission must be "citizen-focused."

"When I say citizen focus, we need to be taking about property rights. So many times when people come to the commission and they have a problem, we get two sides  I've got their property rights and (the neighbor's) property rights," he said. "And I always say if you can balance those property rights out in that process, you've really done a good job."

Mueller said he is aware that there is growth going on in Pennington County and that county administration must be cognizant of property rights, but not ignore the Constitution when making plans for that growth.

"There are programs and obligations that come out that are way over and above what the Constitution would require," he said. "So, I think that's a good check down immediately to verify how much of this should we dive into... I'm going to be for fiscal responsibility and limiting funding for things that are not necessary."

Both candidates agreed that major infrastructure development is necessary in Pennington County to continue clean, renewable water resources as the county grows. Mueller and Rossknecht are in support of the water development project that would pipe water from the Missouri River.

Mueller proposed a zero-based budget to help bring property tax relief to residents.

"The spending side has to be addressed first... You can't spend it if you don't have it," Mueller said. "Just because there's a tax dollar flowing, it doesn't mean you have to spend it. If every department can zero-base budget and ratify and show me that that's a legitimate budget, you may come to the same dollar amount you have right now."

Rossknecht said the property tax rate is not going up, but it is the assessed value of the property that has increased. He said the county cannot raise its budget by more than 3% annually plus growth, but there is some relief coming.

"Something's going to have to go down and that's the mill levy," he said. "I don't think you're going to get sticker shock when you see your property taxes this year, simply because that mill levy will be adjusted accordingly."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In Montana, an estimated 90,000 people face a substance use disorder, but only a fraction seek out treatment. With an increase in opioid overdose calls in recent years, behavioral health solutions have become critical.

Yellowstone County is the latest county in the state to commit to the Angel Initiative, a new program that allows a person struggling with addiction to go to law enforcement and be connected to treatment in the area without being arrested. Any drugs or paraphernalia in their possession must be turned in.

The program was rolled out in Cascade County in November 2021 with Lewis and Clark County following in February 2022. While a small number of people have utilized the program, so far they have been able to access treatment quickly.

At DPHHS theyre thinking outside the box to reduce the stigma associated with treatment and to guide individuals on the path to recovery, said Governor Greg Gianforte at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Friday.

There are certain disqualifiers for the program such as having an outstanding warrant or involvement in an active drug investigation. Registered sex offenders are also disqualified from the program.

But minor misdemeanors will not impact ones participating in the program, according to Yellowstone County Sherriff Mike Linder.

Someone interested in participating in the program can go to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where they will be directed to a private room and given a toll-free number, The Angel Line, to connect them to the nearest treatment provider.

In the past, waitlists to get into treatment programs have been long, sometimes leaving the individual to wait for months before getting help.

Weve been looking at some of the rules that the state has to potentially increase capacity, Gianforte said. Theres some regulatory friction that affects that.

Health Information Exchange

Behavioral health was also a priority in building the states health information exchange (HIE) system, said Jeanette Polaschek, clinical consultant with Big Sky Care Connect (BSCC).

BSCC is the state-designated HIE platform that allows health care providers to share patient information.

Being able to access a patients medical history from anywhere in the state allows doctors and nurses to provide better care for patients.

But under Montana law, individuals have to consent to sharing behavioral health information, making it difficult to build into the system.

The great thing about Montana is that from the very beginning theyve been able to pull in the behavioral health. A lot of different states that are doing the same sort of thing kind of put off behavioral health because theres so much regulation around confidentiality, Polaschek said.

At a Friday roundtable at Billings Clinic, Gianforte joined medical leaders in the community to announce a $20 million investment in the HIE. The money will be used to continue the design, development and implementation of the program that will continue through 2023.

An image exchange program is under development as well as a statewide antibiotic resistance information exchange.

The funding will also help to reach additional primary care clinics throughout the state.

State leaders have attempted to develop a HIE system over the last 15 years, but havent been able to cross the finish line until now, said Dr. Justen Rudolph with Intermountain Healthcare.

More than 200 hospital systems are now contributing to the data repository, including Montana Medicaid, but more participants are needed.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
One of my priorities as U.S. Senator representing the great people of Idaho has been to prevent federal overreach into Idahoans right to be left alone. From navigating our waterways to navigating ever-advancing technologies, banking services and so much more, opportunities for the federal government to encroach into our lives seem to abound. Federal vaccine mandates are a prime example. I have joined with Idahoans, fellow senators and others to help bring infringements to light and end them. While we make progress in some areas, we must keep the pressure on in others.

Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates are an area where we are keeping the pressure on and making progress in rolling back the overreach. I have received the vaccine, and encourage people to consider it. But, this is a matter of individual, personal choice, and I have serious concerns about the Administrations sweeping, one-size-fits-all vaccination mandates. Therefore, I have joined more than a dozen, and counting, efforts to oppose vaccine mandates being imposed on:

Our nations servicemembers

Federal workers and federal contractors

Health care workers

Children at schools, early childhood development facilities and Head Start facilities

Essential workers, including truck drivers

Employees at private businesses

Outfitters and guides

Travelers and more

This effort has included introducing and supporting legislation, filing an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court and contacting the Biden Administration with specific concerns.

Similarly, I have backed efforts opposing federal mask mandates. I applaud the recent Florida district court ruling that struck down travel mask mandates, an arbitrary requirement that made less sense as time went on.

I also continue to stand firm against federal overreach jeopardizing western water law. I have backed multiple pieces of legislation and other efforts to codify the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule finalized by the Trump Administration that gives states rightful primacy over water law, as opposed to the Obama-era WOTUS rule, and now the Biden Administrations new rule, which is a federal seizure of states and private property rights.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, I worked to protect taxpayers from the Biden Administrations aggressive surveillance banking scheme that would force financial institutions to hand over your banking details, on accounts with as little as $600, to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an audit assessment. Forcing community banks and credit unions to participate in an indiscriminate data collection dragnet that mostly targets and snoops on middle-income law-abiding taxpayers is a proposal I have, and will continue to, fiercely oppose.

The IRS also raised red flags about the protection of confidential taxpayer information and fundamental civil liberties when it announced an effort to bolster data security by requiring taxpayers to submit a trove of personal information to a third party. Such information included requiring all IRS online accounts to upload a selfie to be used to extract biometric information from users for purposes of creating and storing a type of permanent digital fingerprint. I immediately raised concerns with the IRS, and IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig has since announced the agency is pursuing short-term options that do not involve facial recognition. I continue to push back against federal requirements of unprecedented levels of confidential, personal data.

While it may appear we are pushing a heavy cart overflowing with heaping mounds of federal paperwork up a hill and getting nowhere, we are making great progress on a number of fronts. Idahoans voices in identifying problems and advancing solutions are key to progress. We have our work cut out for us, but we can continue to chip away at federal overreach and give individual liberty more room to grow.

Sen. Mike Crapo represents Idaho in the U.S. Senate.

Love 2 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.



Two Republican candidates are facing off for Pennington County Board of Commissioners in District 1, incumbent Ron Rossknecht and challenger Mike Mueller.

Rossknecht and Mueller's race will be determined on the June 7 Republican primary ballot. There are no Democrats in the race. The pair participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Thursday at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where they shared their views on county government and answered questions.

Rossknecht was elected in 2018, ousting George Ferebee from office. Rossknecht lives in Hill City and has been a Pennington County resident for more than 60 years. He is a real-estate appraiser and president/manager of Sheridan Lake Resort.

He said he is running for re-election to continue the hard work the Commission is undertaking as Pennington County grows. Rossknecht said he is responsive to everyone and is a man of his word.

"I won't give the county and the citizens of the county 100%, I will give them 125%. That's the way I roll," he said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm honest and I respect citizens and employees that work at Pennington County."

Mueller is a mechanical engineering graduate from South Dakota Mines with a career in both facilities and construction management. He lived in Rapid City beginning in 1981 and moved in 1985. Mueller returned to the area in 1988 and lives near Rockerville.

He said he decided to enter the race for Pennington County Commissioner to be a public servant and bring his management experience to the county.

"There's a lot of good things happening in the county. They have a lot of positive attitudes and good things happening," Mueller said. "There a lot of opportunities out there for improvement. Every one of us can improve every day. All I ask as a commissioner is that those department heads who we will be hiring and working with is that they push that same theme through their departments and help the community that they serve."

Rossknecht said as Pennington County grows, county government must play an integral role in infrastructure development and public safety. He said the commission must be "citizen-focused."

"When I say citizen focus, we need to be taking about property rights. So many times when people come to the commission and they have a problem, we get two sides  I've got their property rights and (the neighbor's) property rights," he said. "And I always say if you can balance those property rights out in that process, you've really done a good job."

Mueller said he is aware that there is growth going on in Pennington County and that county administration must be cognizant of property rights, but not ignore the Constitution when making plans for that growth.

"There are programs and obligations that come out that are way over and above what the Constitution would require," he said. "So, I think that's a good check down immediately to verify how much of this should we dive into... I'm going to be for fiscal responsibility and limiting funding for things that are not necessary."

Both candidates agreed that major infrastructure development is necessary in Pennington County to continue clean, renewable water resources as the county grows. Mueller and Rossknecht are in support of the water development project that would pipe water from the Missouri River.

Mueller proposed a zero-based budget to help bring property tax relief to residents.

"The spending side has to be addressed first... You can't spend it if you don't have it," Mueller said. "Just because there's a tax dollar flowing, it doesn't mean you have to spend it. If every department can zero-base budget and ratify and show me that that's a legitimate budget, you may come to the same dollar amount you have right now."

Rossknecht said the property tax rate is not going up, but it is the assessed value of the property that has increased. He said the county cannot raise its budget by more than 3% annually plus growth, but there is some relief coming.

"Something's going to have to go down and that's the mill levy," he said. "I don't think you're going to get sticker shock when you see your property taxes this year, simply because that mill levy will be adjusted accordingly."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Two Republican candidates are facing off for Pennington County Board of Commissioners in District 1, incumbent Ron Rossknecht and challenger Mike Mueller.

Rossknecht and Mueller's race will be determined on the June 7 Republican primary ballot. There are no Democrats in the race. The pair participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Thursday at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where they shared their views on county government and answered questions.

Rossknecht was elected in 2018, ousting George Ferebee from office. Rossknecht lives in Hill City and has been a Pennington County resident for more than 60 years. He is a real-estate appraiser and president/manager of Sheridan Lake Resort.

He said he is running for re-election to continue the hard work the Commission is undertaking as Pennington County grows. Rossknecht said he is responsive to everyone and is a man of his word.

"I won't give the county and the citizens of the county 100%, I will give them 125%. That's the way I roll," he said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm honest and I respect citizens and employees that work at Pennington County."

Mueller is a mechanical engineering graduate from South Dakota Mines with a career in both facilities and construction management. He lived in Rapid City beginning in 1981 and moved in 1985. Mueller returned to the area in 1988 and lives near Rockerville.

He said he decided to enter the race for Pennington County Commissioner to be a public servant and bring his management experience to the county.

"There's a lot of good things happening in the county. They have a lot of positive attitudes and good things happening," Mueller said. "There a lot of opportunities out there for improvement. Every one of us can improve every day. All I ask as a commissioner is that those department heads who we will be hiring and working with is that they push that same theme through their departments and help the community that they serve."

Rossknecht said as Pennington County grows, county government must play an integral role in infrastructure development and public safety. He said the commission must be "citizen-focused."

"When I say citizen focus, we need to be taking about property rights. So many times when people come to the commission and they have a problem, we get two sides  I've got their property rights and (the neighbor's) property rights," he said. "And I always say if you can balance those property rights out in that process, you've really done a good job."

Mueller said he is aware that there is growth going on in Pennington County and that county administration must be cognizant of property rights, but not ignore the Constitution when making plans for that growth.

"There are programs and obligations that come out that are way over and above what the Constitution would require," he said. "So, I think that's a good check down immediately to verify how much of this should we dive into... I'm going to be for fiscal responsibility and limiting funding for things that are not necessary."

Both candidates agreed that major infrastructure development is necessary in Pennington County to continue clean, renewable water resources as the county grows. Mueller and Rossknecht are in support of the water development project that would pipe water from the Missouri River.

Mueller proposed a zero-based budget to help bring property tax relief to residents.

"The spending side has to be addressed first... You can't spend it if you don't have it," Mueller said. "Just because there's a tax dollar flowing, it doesn't mean you have to spend it. If every department can zero-base budget and ratify and show me that that's a legitimate budget, you may come to the same dollar amount you have right now."

Rossknecht said the property tax rate is not going up, but it is the assessed value of the property that has increased. He said the county cannot raise its budget by more than 3% annually plus growth, but there is some relief coming.

"Something's going to have to go down and that's the mill levy," he said. "I don't think you're going to get sticker shock when you see your property taxes this year, simply because that mill levy will be adjusted accordingly."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
For those among us who like a tipple after takeoff, consider this a sign that the world is healing: Many airlines are resuming in-flight meals and alcohol service.

Early on in the pandemic, many airlines completely cut in-flight refreshment offerings (aside from perhaps a hasty water bottle delivery). Slowly but surely, airlines are reintroducing the amenity.

For example, in 2020, Southwest Airlines cut service completely on short flights and offered only water and a prepackaged snack on longer flights. In 2021, Southwest reintroduced a small selection of nonalcoholic drinks to all flights. It wasnt until February 2022 that its complete pre-pandemic beverage menu returned, which included more soda and juice choices  plus alcoholic beverages for an additional cost.

Other airlines moved a bit more quickly. By July 2020, Delta Air Lines was offering beer cans and single-serve wine bottles. It wasnt until March 2022 that it brought back hot meals for its Delta One and first class customers on some flights.

Why did in-flight alcohol get the ax?

Its hard to peg just one reason why alcohol and hot meals disappeared on flights during the COVID-19 era. For some, it eliminated unnecessary lingering in the aisles while flight attendants took everyones orders.

Others point to unprecedented rates of unruly passenger reports as the reason to remove alcohol in particular. In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration initiated 1,099 investigations around unruly passengers. Thats up from just 183 in 2020, 149 in 2019 and 146 investigations in 2018, according to FAA data. And not all bad behavior yields an investigation. In 2021, the FAA received reports of 4,290 mask-related incidents and 5,981 unruly passenger reports.

While its unclear how many of those cases involved alcohol (or how many more there might be if alcohol was accessible), flight attendants suggest a correlation.

An online survey of 5,000 flight attendants in summer 2021 by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, a union, showed that mask compliance and alcohol were among the most common factors in unruly passenger interactions. Additionally, 17% of respondents reported experiencing at least one physical incident with a passenger.

Some suspect the reason in-flight beverages got the boot comes down to money. Airlines have sought to cut costs by culling refreshments long before the pandemic. For instance, Frontier Airlines discontinued serving warm, gooey cookies on its flights back in 2012, stating that fresh cookie service does not align with either the perception or financial reality of the ultra low-cost business model, according to a memo obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Today, refreshments are available on Frontier flights for purchase, but there are no freebies.

These days, travelers say that while service has largely returned, its still been significantly reduced.

Pre-COVID, United Airlines would always offer a drink before takeoff, and flight attendants would continue to offer drinks during the flight, says David Decker, an insurance executive and United Million Miler member.

Currently, the flight attendants make the rounds after the plane has reached cruising altitude, but you are hard-pressed to find a flight attendant for a refill. Ive seen some passengers even resort to ringing the flight attendant bell.

How to save money on in-flight beverages

If you want to save money on in-flight refreshments, then the typical advice of pack your own snacks likely wont apply on airplanes. You cant bring liquids greater than 3.4 ounces through the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, so unless youre drinking a straight espresso shot, there arent a lot of beverage options youll be allowed to get past security.

You cant sneak through your own small stashes of liquor, either; FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol on the aircraft unless its served by a flight attendant.

These days, unless youre flying a budget airline, youll likely no longer have to spend $6 on a soda in the airport terminal just to satisfy your carbonation cravings. If you can wait until after takeoff, you could get it all as part of the cost of your airfare.

And as far as adult beverages go, here are additional ways to save.

Look for old airline coupons

Some airlines offer coupons for in-flight snacks and drinks to loyal customers. And though they tend to have expiration dates, many of those have been extended. For example, Southwest drink coupons that were set to expire in 2020 or 2021 (and can be redeemed for an alcoholic beverage) now dont expire until Dec. 31, 2022.

Fly first class (for free)

Youre unlikely to be offered a free adult beverage in economy, but you will in the premium seats. On Delta, all Delta Comfort+ and first class customers receive complimentary beer and wine service. United offers complimentary alcoholic beverages in premium cabins, and Alaska Airlines offers complimentary alcohol in first class.

Premium cabins typically arent cheap if youre paying a cash fare, but you might be able to finagle your way to an upgrade. There are a few tricks to getting a free upgrade on your flight, such as through holding airline elite status.

Early on in the pandemic, chasing elite status might not have been a smart money move given that many were traveling less and that perks were reduced. But while earning airline elite status is not exactly a walk in the park, it might be worth it these days if you travel often and fully use the benefits (like actually consuming in-flight alcohol).

Use airline credit card incidental credits

Many premium travel credit cards offer statement credits toward airline incidental fees. These fees are additional qualifying charges from your preferred airline beyond the actual airfare. Whats considered a qualifying purchase can vary by credit card issuer, but they typically include checked bags, seat upgrades and  yes  in-flight refreshments.

Sally French writes for NerdWallet. Email: sfrench@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @SAFmedia.

The article This Airline Amenity Is Making a Comeback, and Its Refreshing originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Amaravati, May 21 : The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday demanded the arrest of state legislator Anantha Uday Bhaskar belonging to ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for the 'murder' of his former car driver.

Naidu asserted that the TDP's agitation would continue till the accused Member of Legislative Council (MLC) from Kakinada was arrested. The ongoing attempts to save the MLC in the ghastly murder are highly condemnable, he said.

The TDP chief deplored the manner in which the police behaved with their party fact finding committee that visited Kakinada.

Naidu alleged that the police are trying to misdirect the case though the parents are saying that their son, Subrahmanyam, was killed. There are many doubts and suspicions on the death of the car driver and that was why the TDP formed the fact finding committee to find out the truth, he said.

Chandrababu Naidu enquired about the health of TDP SC Cell president M.S. Raju, who was hospitalized after the alleged police attack. The TDP would continue its fight till justice would be done to the family of the slain driver.

Earlier, Tension prevailed at Government General Hospital at Kakinada when the fact-finding committee was stopped by police when it was proceeding towards the mortuary. The TDP leaders removed the barricades leading to an argument with the police officers. Raju was injured when both the sides pushed each other.

Meanwhile, autopsy could not be conducted on Subrahmanyam's body as the family refused to give their consent till the MLC was arrested.

The police have requested the family of Subrahmanyam to cooperate by signing the document for autopsy. Denying that there is any pressure on them, a police officer said investigation can start only after the autopsy.

Director General of Police Rajendranath Reddy said that a case has been registered in connection with the death of Subrahmanyam. He told reporters in Tirupati that the police would complete the investigation as early as possible.

Uday Bhaskar came to the driver Subrahmanyam's house in Kakinada town with his body in the car in the early hours of Friday. He told the driver's family that Subrahmanyam died in a road accident.

However, Subrahmanyam's parents did not believe his version and insisted that the MLC show them the evidence. They alleged that the MLC did not answer them and left the place in another vehicle leaving behind the body along with his car.

The incident triggered tension in the area as the family of Subrahmanyam alleged that the MLC murdered him. They demanded the legislator's arrest.

The family members said Subrahmanyam had worked as driver to Uday Bhaskar for five years and had recently quit the job. However, the MLC was occasionally calling him for some work. They claimed that on Thursday the MLC took Subrahmanyam in his car and later sent a message to his brother that he died in an accident.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.







A Charleston event this summer will offer residents the opportunity to get mental health resources for themselves, a family member or friend.

Set for July 27-29, the 10th annual Lowcountry Mental Health Conference at the Charleston Gaillard Center will feature 14 mental health experts from around the world.

The Rev. Bryon Benton, senior pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, will speak at the event.

"I'm so glad that there's a space where we can talk about (mental health), where we can address it," Benton said. "Too often we wait too late."

David Diana, director of the conference, said the event is well-established for helping connect health care providers, mental health professionals and those seeking resources.

"Mental health, personal growth and wellness is something we all work on throughout our lives, and this conference is a true gift to the Charleston community," Diana told The Post and Courier.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg urged residents to attend, as he recalled yearly increases in mental health crises such as anxiety and depression brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Answers, information and experts will be here for you, for all of us at the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference," Tecklenburg said May 19 at a news conference about the event.

Billed as South Carolina's largest mental health conference, the event will include an exhibit hall of more than 90 organizations displaying a wide range of mental health information and resources and conclude with a performance by the band Wild Ponies.

To register to attend, go to lowcountrymhconference.com. A virtual attendance option is also available.
A logo for Netflix on a remote control in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 13, 2020. (Jenny Kane/AP Photo)

Netflix Pays $59 Million to Settle Tax Dispute in Italy

MILANNetflix has agreed to pay more than 55.8 million euros ($59 million) to settle a tax dispute, Milan prosecutors said Friday.

The payment covers taxes, penalties and interest from October 2015 through 2019. The streaming service also established an Italian legal entity this year, which will determine its Italian tax burden based on subscriptions to Italian residents, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors in Milan said the investigation was triggered by the physical presence in Italy of technological infrastructure, including 350 servers, aimed at producing revenue.

Netflix welcomed the settlement that ends the case covering the tax years 2015 to 2019.

We cooperated with the authorities throughout this investigation and, as we have always made clear, we acted in full compliance with Italian and international tax law, Netflix said in a statement.

Netflix officially opened an office in Rome earlier this month with about 70 employees.
The logo of Deutsche Bank is seen on their headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, on Feb. 4, 2021. (Armando Babani/AFP via Getty Images)

Heres Why US Is Probing Deutsche Bank, Other Banks

Deutsche Bank AG. is among several investment banks included in a comprehensive industry-wide U.S. regulatory probe, Bloomberg reports.

The investigation determines the degree of employee reliance on private communication channels like Meta Platforms Inc.s WhatsApp to conduct business.

Deutsche Bank tested new software to improve its ability to archive messages and has repeatedly warned staff not to delete messages.

German supervisor BaFin sought similar information requests from Deutsche Bank, including the messaging behavior of CEO Christian Sewing and the rest of the management team.

The use of personal communication tools attracted intense scrutiny since U.S. regulators slapped $200 million in fines on JP Morgan Chase & Co. in December for failing to keep adequate records of staff messages.

At least five other global banks acknowledged fielding U.S. inquiries since the JPM penalty.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The logo of Deutsche Bank is seen on their headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, on Feb. 4, 2021. (Armando Babani/AFP via Getty Images)

Heres Why US Is Probing Deutsche Bank, Other Banks

Deutsche Bank AG. is among several investment banks included in a comprehensive industry-wide U.S. regulatory probe, Bloomberg reports.

The investigation determines the degree of employee reliance on private communication channels like Meta Platforms Inc.s WhatsApp to conduct business.

Deutsche Bank tested new software to improve its ability to archive messages and has repeatedly warned staff not to delete messages.

German supervisor BaFin sought similar information requests from Deutsche Bank, including the messaging behavior of CEO Christian Sewing and the rest of the management team.

The use of personal communication tools attracted intense scrutiny since U.S. regulators slapped $200 million in fines on JP Morgan Chase & Co. in December for failing to keep adequate records of staff messages.

At least five other global banks acknowledged fielding U.S. inquiries since the JPM penalty.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.



Pipes at the Gasum plant in Raikkola, Imatra, Finland, on May 12, 2022. (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia Shuts Off Gas Exports to Finland

Russia has cut off gas exports to neighboring Finland on Saturday after the Nordic country refused to pay Russian gas supplies in roubles. The move also comes at the same time as Finland is applying to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

On Friday, the Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom gave notice to its Finnish equivalent Gasum, saying that natural gas supplies will be cut off to Finland on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. local time.

Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid Finland confirmed the Russian gas supplies have been cut off on Saturday.

Gas imports through Imatra entry point have been stopped, Gasgrid Finland said in a statement on Saturday. Imatra is the entry point for Russian gas into Finland.

Gasum and Gazprom also confirmed on Saturday the gas flows had stopped.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Gasum said in a statement.

Starting from today, during the upcoming summer season, Gasum will supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline.

Balticconnector links Finland to neighboring Estonias gas grid and has been in service since 2020.

Gazproms decision follows a dispute over the payments for Russian natural gas shipments, which President Vladimir Putin has demanded be made in roubles, the fiat currency of the Russian Federation. This is apparently in violation of existing contracts between Russia and members of the European Union, which stipulate that fuel payments may be made in euros. Finland ultimately refused the ultimatum to pay in roubles.

The decision from Moscow follows hot on the heels of Finlands recent decision to join NATO, ending a decades-long precedent of neutrality for the Nordic nation. The Kingdom of Sweden followed in its neighbors footsteps. Both countries submitted formal NATO membership applications on Wednesday.

The admission of these countries would have great geopolitical significance, greatly expanding NATOs land border with Russia and changing the military balance of power in the region. Finland, in part due to its policy of active neutrality, maintains a formidable military for a nation of its size, with only 23,000 active military servicemen but about 900,000 reservists, thanks to Finlands compulsory conscription policy. Swedens primary military strength is its navy, which would provide NATO with additional muscle in the Baltic Sea.

Though the applications of the two Nordic countries have been met with enthusiasm from NATO leadership, their acceptance into the alliance has been stalled by opposition from Turkey, which has stated it will not accept the addition of these two countries barring the extradition of the Turkish regimes political enemies currently in exile in Finland and Sweden.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum CEO Mika Wiljanen said in a statement. However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The threat of Russian aggression looms large in the cultural memory of the Finns. Finland was a subject of the Russian Empire for over a century in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following its independence, Finland experienced intermittent conflict with the Soviet Union, including the brutal Winter War in 19391940, ultimately resulting in the concessions of geopolitically and culturally significant Finnish territories.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Chennai, May 21 : The Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer was carried on a palanquin by people on the occasion of 'Guru Pooja' after the Tamil Nadu government lifted the restriction on the programme imposed by the Mayiladuthurai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

Earlier this month, the Mayiladuthurai district administration had banned the Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer from travelling on palanquins carried by people in a ritual called the 'Pattina Pravesham'.

The seer was carried from his abbey to the mausoleum of tombs of his predecessors by his disciples on a palanquin Saturday. Pattina Pravesham will be held on Sunday, wherein the seer will be carried on a palanquin through the city.

The RDO of Mayiladuthurai, J. Balaji, had denied permission for the ritual of Pattina Pravesham following objections from the Dravidian and Periyarist outfits.

The outfits had claimed that the mutt's centuries old practice was regressive and violative of human rights.

The state government revoked the ban after the Dharmapuram Aadheenam seer, Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal, met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and sought his intervention to revoke the ban on Pattina Pravesham.

The opposition BJP and AIADMK had come out against the ban announced by the Mayiladuthurai RDO.

The palanquin bearers had also said that there were no rights violations as they did not have any objection to carrying the seer as he was their spiritual guru.

The palanquin carriers had pointed out that they have been regarded as 'Sripatham Thangigal' for several generations.

With the state government revoking the ban, all eyes are now Sunday's programme.
Chennai, May 21 : The Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer was carried on a palanquin by people on the occasion of 'Guru Pooja' after the Tamil Nadu government lifted the restriction on the programme imposed by the Mayiladuthurai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

Earlier this month, the Mayiladuthurai district administration had banned the Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer from travelling on palanquins carried by people in a ritual called the 'Pattina Pravesham'.

The seer was carried from his abbey to the mausoleum of tombs of his predecessors by his disciples on a palanquin Saturday. Pattina Pravesham will be held on Sunday, wherein the seer will be carried on a palanquin through the city.

The RDO of Mayiladuthurai, J. Balaji, had denied permission for the ritual of Pattina Pravesham following objections from the Dravidian and Periyarist outfits.

The outfits had claimed that the mutt's centuries old practice was regressive and violative of human rights.

The state government revoked the ban after the Dharmapuram Aadheenam seer, Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal, met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and sought his intervention to revoke the ban on Pattina Pravesham.

The opposition BJP and AIADMK had come out against the ban announced by the Mayiladuthurai RDO.

The palanquin bearers had also said that there were no rights violations as they did not have any objection to carrying the seer as he was their spiritual guru.

The palanquin carriers had pointed out that they have been regarded as 'Sripatham Thangigal' for several generations.

With the state government revoking the ban, all eyes are now Sunday's programme.
Chennai, May 21 : The Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer was carried on a palanquin by people on the occasion of 'Guru Pooja' after the Tamil Nadu government lifted the restriction on the programme imposed by the Mayiladuthurai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

Earlier this month, the Mayiladuthurai district administration had banned the Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer from travelling on palanquins carried by people in a ritual called the 'Pattina Pravesham'.

The seer was carried from his abbey to the mausoleum of tombs of his predecessors by his disciples on a palanquin Saturday. Pattina Pravesham will be held on Sunday, wherein the seer will be carried on a palanquin through the city.

The RDO of Mayiladuthurai, J. Balaji, had denied permission for the ritual of Pattina Pravesham following objections from the Dravidian and Periyarist outfits.

The outfits had claimed that the mutt's centuries old practice was regressive and violative of human rights.

The state government revoked the ban after the Dharmapuram Aadheenam seer, Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal, met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and sought his intervention to revoke the ban on Pattina Pravesham.

The opposition BJP and AIADMK had come out against the ban announced by the Mayiladuthurai RDO.

The palanquin bearers had also said that there were no rights violations as they did not have any objection to carrying the seer as he was their spiritual guru.

The palanquin carriers had pointed out that they have been regarded as 'Sripatham Thangigal' for several generations.

With the state government revoking the ban, all eyes are now Sunday's programme.
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a news release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor; one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes after a witness reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the news release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile joined her in her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 319-627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Two Republican candidates are facing off for Pennington County Board of Commissioners in District 1, incumbent Ron Rossknecht and challenger Mike Mueller.

Rossknecht and Mueller's race will be determined on the June 7 Republican primary ballot. There are no Democrats in the race. The pair participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Thursday at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where they shared their views on county government and answered questions.

Rossknecht was elected in 2018, ousting George Ferebee from office. Rossknecht lives in Hill City and has been a Pennington County resident for more than 60 years. He is a real-estate appraiser and president/manager of Sheridan Lake Resort.

He said he is running for re-election to continue the hard work the Commission is undertaking as Pennington County grows. Rossknecht said he is responsive to everyone and is a man of his word.

"I won't give the county and the citizens of the county 100%, I will give them 125%. That's the way I roll," he said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm honest and I respect citizens and employees that work at Pennington County."

Mueller is a mechanical engineering graduate from South Dakota Mines with a career in both facilities and construction management. He lived in Rapid City beginning in 1981 and moved in 1985. Mueller returned to the area in 1988 and lives near Rockerville.

He said he decided to enter the race for Pennington County Commissioner to be a public servant and bring his management experience to the county.

"There's a lot of good things happening in the county. They have a lot of positive attitudes and good things happening," Mueller said. "There a lot of opportunities out there for improvement. Every one of us can improve every day. All I ask as a commissioner is that those department heads who we will be hiring and working with is that they push that same theme through their departments and help the community that they serve."

Rossknecht said as Pennington County grows, county government must play an integral role in infrastructure development and public safety. He said the commission must be "citizen-focused."

"When I say citizen focus, we need to be taking about property rights. So many times when people come to the commission and they have a problem, we get two sides  I've got their property rights and (the neighbor's) property rights," he said. "And I always say if you can balance those property rights out in that process, you've really done a good job."

Mueller said he is aware that there is growth going on in Pennington County and that county administration must be cognizant of property rights, but not ignore the Constitution when making plans for that growth.

"There are programs and obligations that come out that are way over and above what the Constitution would require," he said. "So, I think that's a good check down immediately to verify how much of this should we dive into... I'm going to be for fiscal responsibility and limiting funding for things that are not necessary."

Both candidates agreed that major infrastructure development is necessary in Pennington County to continue clean, renewable water resources as the county grows. Mueller and Rossknecht are in support of the water development project that would pipe water from the Missouri River.

Mueller proposed a zero-based budget to help bring property tax relief to residents.

"The spending side has to be addressed first... You can't spend it if you don't have it," Mueller said. "Just because there's a tax dollar flowing, it doesn't mean you have to spend it. If every department can zero-base budget and ratify and show me that that's a legitimate budget, you may come to the same dollar amount you have right now."

Rossknecht said the property tax rate is not going up, but it is the assessed value of the property that has increased. He said the county cannot raise its budget by more than 3% annually plus growth, but there is some relief coming.

"Something's going to have to go down and that's the mill levy," he said. "I don't think you're going to get sticker shock when you see your property taxes this year, simply because that mill levy will be adjusted accordingly."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Bengaluru, May 21 : The Karnataka High Court on Saturday sentenced a man to seven years in prison for his role in the suicide of a woman.

The woman ended her life after being abused and assaulted by the accused who was her neighbour. She held him responsible for taking the extreme step.

The high court had quashed the lower court order of acquittal of the accused, Shanta Shetty. The bench headed by Justice S. Rachaiah passed the order after considering the petition submitted by the Chamarajanagar police challenging the acquittal of the accused.

The court observed that the accused was acquitted by the lower court for lack of certification on mental health of the deceased lady.

The certification in this case is a mere technicality and it can't be considered as an evidence, the court noted.

"If the statement is trustworthy, it could be considered as an evidence. The statements recorded prior to her death was authenticated by the victim and it proved that the person was in sound mental condition," the court said.

The deceased's husband and other eye witnesses had confirmed that the victim ended her life for not being able to bear the insult by the accused person. The head constable had recorded her statement, the court said.

The accused had quarrelled with the victim on June 12, 2008. He had questioned her as to why she fought with his wife. He also abused and dragged her out of her house and assaulted her.

The accused had also told the victim that it is better she died. The victim then poured kerosene and set herself ablaze.

She succumbed to her injuries at a hospital five days later.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Chennai, May 21 : The Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer was carried on a palanquin by people on the occasion of 'Guru Pooja' after the Tamil Nadu government lifted the restriction on the programme imposed by the Mayiladuthurai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

Earlier this month, the Mayiladuthurai district administration had banned the Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer from travelling on palanquins carried by people in a ritual called the 'Pattina Pravesham'.

The seer was carried from his abbey to the mausoleum of tombs of his predecessors by his disciples on a palanquin Saturday. Pattina Pravesham will be held on Sunday, wherein the seer will be carried on a palanquin through the city.

The RDO of Mayiladuthurai, J. Balaji, had denied permission for the ritual of Pattina Pravesham following objections from the Dravidian and Periyarist outfits.

The outfits had claimed that the mutt's centuries old practice was regressive and violative of human rights.

The state government revoked the ban after the Dharmapuram Aadheenam seer, Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal, met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and sought his intervention to revoke the ban on Pattina Pravesham.

The opposition BJP and AIADMK had come out against the ban announced by the Mayiladuthurai RDO.

The palanquin bearers had also said that there were no rights violations as they did not have any objection to carrying the seer as he was their spiritual guru.

The palanquin carriers had pointed out that they have been regarded as 'Sripatham Thangigal' for several generations.

With the state government revoking the ban, all eyes are now Sunday's programme.
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Chennai, May 21 : The Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer was carried on a palanquin by people on the occasion of 'Guru Pooja' after the Tamil Nadu government lifted the restriction on the programme imposed by the Mayiladuthurai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

Earlier this month, the Mayiladuthurai district administration had banned the Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer from travelling on palanquins carried by people in a ritual called the 'Pattina Pravesham'.

The seer was carried from his abbey to the mausoleum of tombs of his predecessors by his disciples on a palanquin Saturday. Pattina Pravesham will be held on Sunday, wherein the seer will be carried on a palanquin through the city.

The RDO of Mayiladuthurai, J. Balaji, had denied permission for the ritual of Pattina Pravesham following objections from the Dravidian and Periyarist outfits.

The outfits had claimed that the mutt's centuries old practice was regressive and violative of human rights.

The state government revoked the ban after the Dharmapuram Aadheenam seer, Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal, met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and sought his intervention to revoke the ban on Pattina Pravesham.

The opposition BJP and AIADMK had come out against the ban announced by the Mayiladuthurai RDO.

The palanquin bearers had also said that there were no rights violations as they did not have any objection to carrying the seer as he was their spiritual guru.

The palanquin carriers had pointed out that they have been regarded as 'Sripatham Thangigal' for several generations.

With the state government revoking the ban, all eyes are now Sunday's programme.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
Bengaluru, May 21 : The Karnataka High Court on Saturday sentenced a man to seven years in prison for his role in the suicide of a woman.

The woman ended her life after being abused and assaulted by the accused who was her neighbour. She held him responsible for taking the extreme step.

The high court had quashed the lower court order of acquittal of the accused, Shanta Shetty. The bench headed by Justice S. Rachaiah passed the order after considering the petition submitted by the Chamarajanagar police challenging the acquittal of the accused.

The court observed that the accused was acquitted by the lower court for lack of certification on mental health of the deceased lady.

The certification in this case is a mere technicality and it can't be considered as an evidence, the court noted.

"If the statement is trustworthy, it could be considered as an evidence. The statements recorded prior to her death was authenticated by the victim and it proved that the person was in sound mental condition," the court said.

The deceased's husband and other eye witnesses had confirmed that the victim ended her life for not being able to bear the insult by the accused person. The head constable had recorded her statement, the court said.

The accused had quarrelled with the victim on June 12, 2008. He had questioned her as to why she fought with his wife. He also abused and dragged her out of her house and assaulted her.

The accused had also told the victim that it is better she died. The victim then poured kerosene and set herself ablaze.

She succumbed to her injuries at a hospital five days later.
A logo for Netflix on a remote control in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 13, 2020. (Jenny Kane/AP Photo)

Netflix Pays $59 Million to Settle Tax Dispute in Italy

MILANNetflix has agreed to pay more than 55.8 million euros ($59 million) to settle a tax dispute, Milan prosecutors said Friday.

The payment covers taxes, penalties and interest from October 2015 through 2019. The streaming service also established an Italian legal entity this year, which will determine its Italian tax burden based on subscriptions to Italian residents, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors in Milan said the investigation was triggered by the physical presence in Italy of technological infrastructure, including 350 servers, aimed at producing revenue.

Netflix welcomed the settlement that ends the case covering the tax years 2015 to 2019.

We cooperated with the authorities throughout this investigation and, as we have always made clear, we acted in full compliance with Italian and international tax law, Netflix said in a statement.

Netflix officially opened an office in Rome earlier this month with about 70 employees.
A logo for Netflix on a remote control in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 13, 2020. (Jenny Kane/AP Photo)

Netflix Pays $59 Million to Settle Tax Dispute in Italy

MILANNetflix has agreed to pay more than 55.8 million euros ($59 million) to settle a tax dispute, Milan prosecutors said Friday.

The payment covers taxes, penalties and interest from October 2015 through 2019. The streaming service also established an Italian legal entity this year, which will determine its Italian tax burden based on subscriptions to Italian residents, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors in Milan said the investigation was triggered by the physical presence in Italy of technological infrastructure, including 350 servers, aimed at producing revenue.

Netflix welcomed the settlement that ends the case covering the tax years 2015 to 2019.

We cooperated with the authorities throughout this investigation and, as we have always made clear, we acted in full compliance with Italian and international tax law, Netflix said in a statement.

Netflix officially opened an office in Rome earlier this month with about 70 employees.
Bengaluru, May 21 : The Karnataka High Court on Saturday sentenced a man to seven years in prison for his role in the suicide of a woman.

The woman ended her life after being abused and assaulted by the accused who was her neighbour. She held him responsible for taking the extreme step.

The high court had quashed the lower court order of acquittal of the accused, Shanta Shetty. The bench headed by Justice S. Rachaiah passed the order after considering the petition submitted by the Chamarajanagar police challenging the acquittal of the accused.

The court observed that the accused was acquitted by the lower court for lack of certification on mental health of the deceased lady.

The certification in this case is a mere technicality and it can't be considered as an evidence, the court noted.

"If the statement is trustworthy, it could be considered as an evidence. The statements recorded prior to her death was authenticated by the victim and it proved that the person was in sound mental condition," the court said.

The deceased's husband and other eye witnesses had confirmed that the victim ended her life for not being able to bear the insult by the accused person. The head constable had recorded her statement, the court said.

The accused had quarrelled with the victim on June 12, 2008. He had questioned her as to why she fought with his wife. He also abused and dragged her out of her house and assaulted her.

The accused had also told the victim that it is better she died. The victim then poured kerosene and set herself ablaze.

She succumbed to her injuries at a hospital five days later.
Tax breaks

The fact that the Nebraska chapter of AARP has come out in praise of LB 873, (Pulse, May 14) for eliminating Nebraska state taxes on Social Security benefits, should cause concern over how state senators voted on the issue and what organizations opposed the bill.

Senators Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh all spoke out against the LB 873 and were conveniently absent on the final vote to pass the bill. These senators are radical ideologues who need to be voted out.

In addition, Open Sky Policy Institute (Midlands Voices, April 21) referred to the bill as tax breaks for the wealthy, property owners and out-of-state corporations. Open Sky does not have any macroeconomic experts and is more interested in racial equity. These tax breaks will help the majority of Nebraska residents and will result in more investments in Nebraska.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Gun control

OK all you pro-lifers out there, what are you going to do about the lives that were lost last week in Buffalo, New York, in the mass shooting? What are you going to do to make it safer for a person to go to the grocery store, school, the mall? Arent these lives just as important as the ones that are still developing in the womb? We need some kind of gun control and mental health care.

Susan Peters, Omaha

Dont criminalize abortion

I will not begin with a tirade how the pending loss of Roe v. Wade has happened or who is to blame. No, now is the time to begin to prepare for civil disobedience and stand in solidarity with health care providers who work tirelessly to provide abortion care.

Civil disobedience should not be taken lightly as many states have already passed laws making it illegal for an individual to assist someone in having this procedure. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. explained the moral justification as an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

What steps can we take? You can donate to a local independent or Planned Parenthood clinic. You can volunteer at that clinic. Harassment outside abortion clinics has been ongoing for decades. Consider becoming trained as a clinic escort to protect patients entering and exiting the facility.

When abortion becomes illegal in your state, you can volunteer to drive people across state lines. You can donate to the abortion fund in your state by accessing the National Network of Abortion Funds that assists people with expenses for travel, lodging or the cost of the procedure. You can also educate yourself on self-managed abortions or medications (FDA-approved) which in some states may already be illegal. You can help by providing resources to deliver these medications so women can abort safely. Yes, some of these will be illegal and dangerous for you, but it would be immensely more dangerous for women who have lost their right to self-determination in health care.

Edward Kelly Jr, Red Oak, Iowa

Chaplain AHA

Licensed Practical Nurse

Right to choose is fundamental

I will listen to male (or female) right-to-lifers pontificate about separate and unique bodies only when they detail a specific plan on improving child care, foster care, affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I will listen after one of the right-to-lifers is forced to carry a baby to term after they learn the baby is stillborn, or there is a disability not compatible with life or the mother has a severe illness. These are only a few situations, there are many more in which many women want to make their own moral choice. What about babies whose mother has been unfortunately abusing substances during pregnancy? Id like to hear how the right-to-lifers will pay for and handle the extensive care this baby will need. Life is not so black and white.

Michelle Sarafian, Lincoln

Right to choose

Kudos to Kathy Gruba (Supreme Court, May 14).

Sixty-five percent of the country is angry and appalled with the Supreme Court potential ruling against Roe v. Wade. Everyone knows that this almost 50-year ruling was and is about womens rights to choose. Those decisions regarding health care pertain to all Americans and are totally between the physician and the patient. They begin and end with the rights to privacy for all. This information is absolutely no ones business other than the patient and the physician. And there should be HIPPA regulations in place to protect their privacy.

The Supreme Court has become ineffective, irresponsible, political and completely distrustful. They are, unfortunately, like todays Senate and have become an embarrassment to our country.

Kathe Strand, Omaha

Lowered flags

Last week, President Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Truly, that is a tragic loss of lives. I propose that he also orders lowering the flags each time one million lives are lost to abortion in the U.S.

Another tragic loss of lives!

Doris Klitz, Omaha

Safe for who?

I just dont understand. I have read some of the letters in the Public Pulse about wanting to keep abortion safe. Safe for who? It sure isnt safe for the baby.

I understand the women who want to have control over their bodies. I agree with them, every woman should have the right to have control over their own body. I want to have control over mine. What I dont understand is their wanting control over the other person. That person is the baby inside her.

Baby turtle eggs and baby eagle eggs seem to be given more protection than preborn babies.

Angie Wingert, Omaha

Rewrite history?

I for one am tired of hearing about CRT, a graduate study course offered by some universities. CRT is not taught at K-12 schools and is not even taught as normal curriculum in college courses. Now, Republican congressmen want to rewrite history. Teaching about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany is fine but they dont want our kids to be taught the history of the Native Americans or about slavery. Next, they will probably deny that we dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Knowing where we came from and where we got to today is what makes our nation great. Hiding the past only dumbs down the American citizenry.

Rick Madej, Omaha

Right to life?

About a year and a half ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham stated there was no underlying racism in the country. After that, Lindsey threw a tantrum during KBJs nomination hearings. About two years ago, a person in Boise who was known to law enforcement as having mental issues obtained a firearm and killed two innocent people. Now we have Buffalo, New York.

Right-leaning pundits are saying President Biden is going to use this to divide the country The country is already divided. People are haranguing mothers for masking their children. People are screaming my body my choice for wearing a mask and vaccines. Isnt that the same thing pro-choice advocates say? Some people on the right complain that civil liberties are being taken away. Some Republicans say that mass shootings are just a fact of life.

Republicans want to save the unborn but what about the people who were killed by firearms? The shooters had the right to carry a firearm but what about the victims right to life? Does the Second Amendment out weigh the right to life?

Robert Nunez Jr., Omaha

Contempt toward women

Per CNN, I am given to understand that Pete Ricketts would act to completely ban abortion in Nebraska if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade. Words fail me in the face of the arrogance and contempt toward women displayed by this rhetoric.

Kenneth Pullen, Omaha

Voter turnout

Fantastic job Douglas County voters, we had a record turnout for the primary with 31.5% of the registered voters doing their civic duty by casting a vote. What a joke. Can someone explain to me why people register to vote and then do not take the time to go and cast a ballot?

Tim Backora, Omahaw

Uphill both ways

If youve driven along the new Applied Parkway, youll notice the beautiful new structures popping up. The one thing you wont see is a continuous sidewalk. Omaha is eyeing pedestrian safety, but here Ive driven past numerous Millard North students forced to walk through snow, construction debris and springs growing ground cover.

A priority for development should be to provide safe walkways for all users as part of the first steps in building  after the clearing and excavating. Cheers to the students giving a new spin in 2022 to the old saying, when I was your age, I walked to school uphill both ways.

Konni Cawiezell, Omaha
Tax breaks

The fact that the Nebraska chapter of AARP has come out in praise of LB 873, (Pulse, May 14) for eliminating Nebraska state taxes on Social Security benefits, should cause concern over how state senators voted on the issue and what organizations opposed the bill.

Senators Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh all spoke out against the LB 873 and were conveniently absent on the final vote to pass the bill. These senators are radical ideologues who need to be voted out.

In addition, Open Sky Policy Institute (Midlands Voices, April 21) referred to the bill as tax breaks for the wealthy, property owners and out-of-state corporations. Open Sky does not have any macroeconomic experts and is more interested in racial equity. These tax breaks will help the majority of Nebraska residents and will result in more investments in Nebraska.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Gun control

OK all you pro-lifers out there, what are you going to do about the lives that were lost last week in Buffalo, New York, in the mass shooting? What are you going to do to make it safer for a person to go to the grocery store, school, the mall? Arent these lives just as important as the ones that are still developing in the womb? We need some kind of gun control and mental health care.

Susan Peters, Omaha

Dont criminalize abortion

I will not begin with a tirade how the pending loss of Roe v. Wade has happened or who is to blame. No, now is the time to begin to prepare for civil disobedience and stand in solidarity with health care providers who work tirelessly to provide abortion care.

Civil disobedience should not be taken lightly as many states have already passed laws making it illegal for an individual to assist someone in having this procedure. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. explained the moral justification as an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

What steps can we take? You can donate to a local independent or Planned Parenthood clinic. You can volunteer at that clinic. Harassment outside abortion clinics has been ongoing for decades. Consider becoming trained as a clinic escort to protect patients entering and exiting the facility.

When abortion becomes illegal in your state, you can volunteer to drive people across state lines. You can donate to the abortion fund in your state by accessing the National Network of Abortion Funds that assists people with expenses for travel, lodging or the cost of the procedure. You can also educate yourself on self-managed abortions or medications (FDA-approved) which in some states may already be illegal. You can help by providing resources to deliver these medications so women can abort safely. Yes, some of these will be illegal and dangerous for you, but it would be immensely more dangerous for women who have lost their right to self-determination in health care.

Edward Kelly Jr, Red Oak, Iowa

Chaplain AHA

Licensed Practical Nurse

Right to choose is fundamental

I will listen to male (or female) right-to-lifers pontificate about separate and unique bodies only when they detail a specific plan on improving child care, foster care, affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I will listen after one of the right-to-lifers is forced to carry a baby to term after they learn the baby is stillborn, or there is a disability not compatible with life or the mother has a severe illness. These are only a few situations, there are many more in which many women want to make their own moral choice. What about babies whose mother has been unfortunately abusing substances during pregnancy? Id like to hear how the right-to-lifers will pay for and handle the extensive care this baby will need. Life is not so black and white.

Michelle Sarafian, Lincoln

Right to choose

Kudos to Kathy Gruba (Supreme Court, May 14).

Sixty-five percent of the country is angry and appalled with the Supreme Court potential ruling against Roe v. Wade. Everyone knows that this almost 50-year ruling was and is about womens rights to choose. Those decisions regarding health care pertain to all Americans and are totally between the physician and the patient. They begin and end with the rights to privacy for all. This information is absolutely no ones business other than the patient and the physician. And there should be HIPPA regulations in place to protect their privacy.

The Supreme Court has become ineffective, irresponsible, political and completely distrustful. They are, unfortunately, like todays Senate and have become an embarrassment to our country.

Kathe Strand, Omaha

Lowered flags

Last week, President Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Truly, that is a tragic loss of lives. I propose that he also orders lowering the flags each time one million lives are lost to abortion in the U.S.

Another tragic loss of lives!

Doris Klitz, Omaha

Safe for who?

I just dont understand. I have read some of the letters in the Public Pulse about wanting to keep abortion safe. Safe for who? It sure isnt safe for the baby.

I understand the women who want to have control over their bodies. I agree with them, every woman should have the right to have control over their own body. I want to have control over mine. What I dont understand is their wanting control over the other person. That person is the baby inside her.

Baby turtle eggs and baby eagle eggs seem to be given more protection than preborn babies.

Angie Wingert, Omaha

Rewrite history?

I for one am tired of hearing about CRT, a graduate study course offered by some universities. CRT is not taught at K-12 schools and is not even taught as normal curriculum in college courses. Now, Republican congressmen want to rewrite history. Teaching about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany is fine but they dont want our kids to be taught the history of the Native Americans or about slavery. Next, they will probably deny that we dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Knowing where we came from and where we got to today is what makes our nation great. Hiding the past only dumbs down the American citizenry.

Rick Madej, Omaha

Right to life?

About a year and a half ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham stated there was no underlying racism in the country. After that, Lindsey threw a tantrum during KBJs nomination hearings. About two years ago, a person in Boise who was known to law enforcement as having mental issues obtained a firearm and killed two innocent people. Now we have Buffalo, New York.

Right-leaning pundits are saying President Biden is going to use this to divide the country The country is already divided. People are haranguing mothers for masking their children. People are screaming my body my choice for wearing a mask and vaccines. Isnt that the same thing pro-choice advocates say? Some people on the right complain that civil liberties are being taken away. Some Republicans say that mass shootings are just a fact of life.

Republicans want to save the unborn but what about the people who were killed by firearms? The shooters had the right to carry a firearm but what about the victims right to life? Does the Second Amendment out weigh the right to life?

Robert Nunez Jr., Omaha

Contempt toward women

Per CNN, I am given to understand that Pete Ricketts would act to completely ban abortion in Nebraska if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade. Words fail me in the face of the arrogance and contempt toward women displayed by this rhetoric.

Kenneth Pullen, Omaha

Voter turnout

Fantastic job Douglas County voters, we had a record turnout for the primary with 31.5% of the registered voters doing their civic duty by casting a vote. What a joke. Can someone explain to me why people register to vote and then do not take the time to go and cast a ballot?

Tim Backora, Omahaw

Uphill both ways

If youve driven along the new Applied Parkway, youll notice the beautiful new structures popping up. The one thing you wont see is a continuous sidewalk. Omaha is eyeing pedestrian safety, but here Ive driven past numerous Millard North students forced to walk through snow, construction debris and springs growing ground cover.

A priority for development should be to provide safe walkways for all users as part of the first steps in building  after the clearing and excavating. Cheers to the students giving a new spin in 2022 to the old saying, when I was your age, I walked to school uphill both ways.

Konni Cawiezell, Omaha
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Bengaluru, May 21 : The Karnataka High Court on Saturday sentenced a man to seven years in prison for his role in the suicide of a woman.

The woman ended her life after being abused and assaulted by the accused who was her neighbour. She held him responsible for taking the extreme step.

The high court had quashed the lower court order of acquittal of the accused, Shanta Shetty. The bench headed by Justice S. Rachaiah passed the order after considering the petition submitted by the Chamarajanagar police challenging the acquittal of the accused.

The court observed that the accused was acquitted by the lower court for lack of certification on mental health of the deceased lady.

The certification in this case is a mere technicality and it can't be considered as an evidence, the court noted.

"If the statement is trustworthy, it could be considered as an evidence. The statements recorded prior to her death was authenticated by the victim and it proved that the person was in sound mental condition," the court said.

The deceased's husband and other eye witnesses had confirmed that the victim ended her life for not being able to bear the insult by the accused person. The head constable had recorded her statement, the court said.

The accused had quarrelled with the victim on June 12, 2008. He had questioned her as to why she fought with his wife. He also abused and dragged her out of her house and assaulted her.

The accused had also told the victim that it is better she died. The victim then poured kerosene and set herself ablaze.

She succumbed to her injuries at a hospital five days later.
U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney will seek reelection in a newly drawn district that includes all of Cayuga County.

Tenney, R-New Hartford, announced on Twitter that she will run in the new 24th Congressional District, which extends from part of Niagara County in western New York to a portion of Jefferson County in the North Country.

The new district, Tenney said, includes areas she represents in Congress. The eastern portion of Oswego County is in her current district, while the new 24th includes all of Oswego.

In her tweet, Tenney highlighted the support she has received for her campaign. She has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, an upstate New York congresswoman and the House Republican Conference chair. She also has the support of "several county Republican and Conservative chairs," she added.

"I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24," she wrote. "This partisan redistricting process created chaos & undermined the democratic process. Now it's time to bring New Yorkers together to deliver commonsense Conservative advocacy to our State & Nation!"

Tenney does not live in the new 24th district, but members of Congress are not required to live in the districts they represent. Before the maps were redrawn, she planned to run in the 23rd district, which was comprised of areas in the Southern Tier, including some counties that are part of her current district. But those maps were tossed out by the state Court of Appeals, New York's highest court.

Oneida County, where Tenney lives, is part of the newly drawn 22nd Congressional District. That district includes all of Onondaga and Madison counties and could be more competitive for both parties. It's a district that Biden won with nearly 54% of the vote.

The new 24th will be one of the most Republican-friendly congressional districts in New York. It is comprised of 12 largely rural counties  all of Cayuga, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Oswego, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties, plus parts of Jefferson, Niagara and Orleans counties.

In 2020, Trump won the district with nearly 59% of the vote.

Tenney's decision to run in the newly drawn district could shake up the race. One Republican, Mario Fratto, said that he would run in the district. But that was before Tenney's announcement.

Tenney, 61, has established herself as one of the most conservative members of Congress. She was first elected to Congress in 2016 after serving three terms in the state Assembly.

After she lost her reelection bid in 2018, she forced a rematch against former U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi in 2020. She defeated Brindisi by 109 votes.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 4 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 11

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney will seek reelection in a newly drawn district that includes all of Cayuga County.

Tenney, R-New Hartford, announced on Twitter that she will run in the new 24th Congressional District, which extends from part of Niagara County in western New York to a portion of Jefferson County in the North Country.

The new district, Tenney said, includes areas she represents in Congress. The eastern portion of Oswego County is in her current district, while the new 24th includes all of Oswego.

In her tweet, Tenney highlighted the support she has received for her campaign. She has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, an upstate New York congresswoman and the House Republican Conference chair. She also has the support of "several county Republican and Conservative chairs," she added.

"I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24," she wrote. "This partisan redistricting process created chaos & undermined the democratic process. Now it's time to bring New Yorkers together to deliver commonsense Conservative advocacy to our State & Nation!"

Tenney does not live in the new 24th district, but members of Congress are not required to live in the districts they represent. Before the maps were redrawn, she planned to run in the 23rd district, which was comprised of areas in the Southern Tier, including some counties that are part of her current district. But those maps were tossed out by the state Court of Appeals, New York's highest court.

Oneida County, where Tenney lives, is part of the newly drawn 22nd Congressional District. That district includes all of Onondaga and Madison counties and could be more competitive for both parties. It's a district that Biden won with nearly 54% of the vote.

The new 24th will be one of the most Republican-friendly congressional districts in New York. It is comprised of 12 largely rural counties  all of Cayuga, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Oswego, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties, plus parts of Jefferson, Niagara and Orleans counties.

In 2020, Trump won the district with nearly 59% of the vote.

Tenney's decision to run in the newly drawn district could shake up the race. One Republican, Mario Fratto, said that he would run in the district. But that was before Tenney's announcement.

Tenney, 61, has established herself as one of the most conservative members of Congress. She was first elected to Congress in 2016 after serving three terms in the state Assembly.

After she lost her reelection bid in 2018, she forced a rematch against former U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi in 2020. She defeated Brindisi by 109 votes.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 4 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 11

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney will seek reelection in a newly drawn district that includes all of Cayuga County.

Tenney, R-New Hartford, announced on Twitter that she will run in the new 24th Congressional District, which extends from part of Niagara County in western New York to a portion of Jefferson County in the North Country.

The new district, Tenney said, includes areas she represents in Congress. The eastern portion of Oswego County is in her current district, while the new 24th includes all of Oswego.

In her tweet, Tenney highlighted the support she has received for her campaign. She has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, an upstate New York congresswoman and the House Republican Conference chair. She also has the support of "several county Republican and Conservative chairs," she added.

"I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24," she wrote. "This partisan redistricting process created chaos & undermined the democratic process. Now it's time to bring New Yorkers together to deliver commonsense Conservative advocacy to our State & Nation!"

Tenney does not live in the new 24th district, but members of Congress are not required to live in the districts they represent. Before the maps were redrawn, she planned to run in the 23rd district, which was comprised of areas in the Southern Tier, including some counties that are part of her current district. But those maps were tossed out by the state Court of Appeals, New York's highest court.

Oneida County, where Tenney lives, is part of the newly drawn 22nd Congressional District. That district includes all of Onondaga and Madison counties and could be more competitive for both parties. It's a district that Biden won with nearly 54% of the vote.

The new 24th will be one of the most Republican-friendly congressional districts in New York. It is comprised of 12 largely rural counties  all of Cayuga, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Oswego, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties, plus parts of Jefferson, Niagara and Orleans counties.

In 2020, Trump won the district with nearly 59% of the vote.

Tenney's decision to run in the newly drawn district could shake up the race. One Republican, Mario Fratto, said that he would run in the district. But that was before Tenney's announcement.

Tenney, 61, has established herself as one of the most conservative members of Congress. She was first elected to Congress in 2016 after serving three terms in the state Assembly.

After she lost her reelection bid in 2018, she forced a rematch against former U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi in 2020. She defeated Brindisi by 109 votes.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

Love 4 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 11

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Only the initial VAERS reports are available to the public. Updated reports are only viewable internally. That means we have no way of knowing how many of those who were injured have since died from those injuries. This is a loophole that can make a vaccine appear less deadly than it actually is

About 2% of all COVID jab-related reports are deaths, and about 5% of death-related reports are being deleted

Data analyst Albert Benavides has been analyzing VAERS data since the release of these novel shots. According to Benavides, at least 10,000 reports of death or serious injury following COVID vaccination have vanished since the rollout of the shots  and they were not duplicate reports, which is a common explanation for their removal

Publicly available VAERS data clearly reveal that the COVID shots are the most dangerous vaccine ever created, accounting for more injuries and deaths than all previous conventional vaccines combined over the last three decades

The U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created as an early warning system to identify vaccines that may be triggering a higher than expected number of adverse events

Publicly available data from VAERS clearly reveal that these shots are the most dangerous vaccines ever created; they account for more injuries and deaths than all previous vaccines from the last three decades combined. Evidence also shows reports have been deleted.

The U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created as an early warning system to identify vaccines that may be triggering a higher than expected number of adverse events. One of its primary objectives is to:1

Provide a national safety monitoring system that extends to the entire general population for response to public health emergencies, such as a large-scale pandemic influenza vaccination program.

Its far from perfect, but its still incredibly useful and does serve its purpose. Publicly available VAERS data clearly reveal that the COVID shots are the most dangerous vaccine ever created, accounting for more injuries and deaths than all previous conventional vaccines combined over the last three decades.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which jointly run VAERS, continue to insist the shots are safe and effective, and that not a single death has been directly attributed to the shot.

Such claims are outlandish in light of the available data, and perhaps theyre starting to realize the pickle theyre in as well, because in recent months, investigators have discovered that VAERS reports are being deleted in ever growing numbers. As noted by Stew Peters of the Stew Peters Show (above):

VAERS is supposed to simply collect reports filled out by doctors and other medical professionals from around the country  reports of people suffering injuries and illnesses and even death after taking vaccines.

Nobody is supposed to be editing or curating or fact-checking it. Its supposed just be the reports of doctors for the entire world to see. But now we have evidence that thats, in fact, not whats happening at all.

Whos Deleting VAERS Reports?

Peters interviews Albert Benavides, an RCM expert, data analyst and auditor, whos been analyzing VAERS data since the release of these novel shots.2,3 According to Benavides, at least 10,000 reports of death or serious injury following COVID vaccination have vanished since the rollout of the shots  and they were not duplicate reports, which is a common explanation for their removal.

Benavides cites the case of a young child in Alaska who reportedly died after the jab. That death report is now gone, and theres no other remaining report that matches it.

VAERS ID 18150964 is another example. This is the case of a 13-year-old girl in Maryland, who died 16 days after her first jab. This report was entered October 25, 2021, and deleted April 15, 2022. VAERS claims it was deleted because it was a duplicate, but there are no 13-year-old girls in Maryland who died, anywhere else in VAERS.

According to Benavides, over the past 30 years, some 4,000 non-COVID reports have been deleted, and of those only a couple of hundred were deaths. For the COVID jab, VAERS is deleting a far higher proportion of severe injuries and deaths. About 2% of all COVID jab-related reports are deaths, and about 5% of death-related reports are being deleted.

The result of this is that the ratio of deaths to other injuries appears lower than it probably is. Overwhelmingly, its reports of severe injuries and death that are being deleted, which gives the distinct appearance that theyre trying to hide the true extent of the harm of these shots. Who could possibly be doing this? Benavides insists the direction to delete valid reports must be coming from the very top of the FDA and/or CDC.

If you want to dive deeper into Benavides data, you can find his VAERS Analysis Dashboard here. Another resource youll want to bookmark is the VAERS Wayback Machine on MedAlerts  a search system specifically for deleted VAERS reports.

Other Factors That Downplay COVID Jab Risks

Benavides also points out that only the initial VAERS reports are available to the public. Updated reports are only viewable internally. What that means is, we have no way of knowing how many of those who were injured have since died from those injuries. This is a loophole that can make a vaccine appear less risky than it actually is.

65% of all COVID related reports have the lowest severity classification, meaning theyre not serious. However, when you actually read the reports, you find heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and other clearly serious injuries. So, many are clearly misclassified.</aside>Whats more, Benavides is finding that theyre routinely misclassifying the event level of severity; 65% of all COVID-related reports have the lowest severity classification, meaning theyre not serious and didnt require medical intervention or hospitalization.

However, when you actually read the reports, you find heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and other clearly serious injuries. So, many are clearly misclassified, or mis-coded. Benavides has also found 65 reports where the patient died after the COVID shot, but because the box for death is not checked, they are not included in the total death tally.

We also have evidence that VAERS is throttling the release of reports. It can take months before a filed report is actually published, as COVID jab victim Brittany Galvin has discovered.

In January 2022, she was eight months into the reporting process to VAERS and was advised by VAERS staff that it would likely be another six to 12 months before her case would be posted.5 In early June 2021, Peters interviewed her about her injuries and experience with the VAERS process (video below).6

VAERS Analysis Reveals Hundreds of Serious Side Effects

An earlier VAERS data analysis by Benavides, reported by Steve Kirsch in November 2021,7 revealed there were by then already hundreds of serious adverse events associated with the COVID shot that were far more elevated than the admitted risk of myocarditis, identified by the Department of Defense (although that fact was for a time dismissed as conspiracy theory).

The evidence in plain sight shows that they are either lying or incompetent. Or both, Kirsch wrote.8 In a  VAERS data analysis performed by our friend Albert Benavides (aka WelcomeTheEagle88), we found hundreds of serious adverse events that were completely missed by the CDC that should have been mentioned in the informed consent document that are given to patients.

And we found over 200 symptoms that occur at a higher relative rate than myocarditis (relative to all previous vaccines over the last 5 years). All together, there were over 4,000 VAERS adverse event codes that were elevated by these vaccines by a factor of 10 or more over baseline that the CDC should have warned people about 

The FDA and CDC have basically been batting .000 in terms of spotting safety signals that have been sitting in plain sight the entire time  The CDC has repeatedly said you cant ascribe causality to data in VAERS. Not true.

The VAERS data analysis (temporal data, the dose dependency, and the elevated reporting rates compared to baseline) provide ample signal to enable us to show causality on all of these events using the five Bradford-Hill criteria applicable to vaccines.

Of the hundreds of side effects Benavides identified, neurological, cardiovascular and female reproductive problems topped the list. (You can view and download the data from Kirschs article.9) Here are some selected highlights from Kirschs comprehensive review of Benavides findings:10

High Rates of Post-Jab Myocarditis Confirmed
Only the initial VAERS reports are available to the public. Updated reports are only viewable internally. That means we have no way of knowing how many of those who were injured have since died from those injuries. This is a loophole that can make a vaccine appear less deadly than it actually is

About 2% of all COVID jab-related reports are deaths, and about 5% of death-related reports are being deleted

Data analyst Albert Benavides has been analyzing VAERS data since the release of these novel shots. According to Benavides, at least 10,000 reports of death or serious injury following COVID vaccination have vanished since the rollout of the shots  and they were not duplicate reports, which is a common explanation for their removal

Publicly available VAERS data clearly reveal that the COVID shots are the most dangerous vaccine ever created, accounting for more injuries and deaths than all previous conventional vaccines combined over the last three decades

The U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created as an early warning system to identify vaccines that may be triggering a higher than expected number of adverse events

Publicly available data from VAERS clearly reveal that these shots are the most dangerous vaccines ever created; they account for more injuries and deaths than all previous vaccines from the last three decades combined. Evidence also shows reports have been deleted.

The U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created as an early warning system to identify vaccines that may be triggering a higher than expected number of adverse events. One of its primary objectives is to:1

Provide a national safety monitoring system that extends to the entire general population for response to public health emergencies, such as a large-scale pandemic influenza vaccination program.

Its far from perfect, but its still incredibly useful and does serve its purpose. Publicly available VAERS data clearly reveal that the COVID shots are the most dangerous vaccine ever created, accounting for more injuries and deaths than all previous conventional vaccines combined over the last three decades.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which jointly run VAERS, continue to insist the shots are safe and effective, and that not a single death has been directly attributed to the shot.

Such claims are outlandish in light of the available data, and perhaps theyre starting to realize the pickle theyre in as well, because in recent months, investigators have discovered that VAERS reports are being deleted in ever growing numbers. As noted by Stew Peters of the Stew Peters Show (above):

VAERS is supposed to simply collect reports filled out by doctors and other medical professionals from around the country  reports of people suffering injuries and illnesses and even death after taking vaccines.

Nobody is supposed to be editing or curating or fact-checking it. Its supposed just be the reports of doctors for the entire world to see. But now we have evidence that thats, in fact, not whats happening at all.

Whos Deleting VAERS Reports?

Peters interviews Albert Benavides, an RCM expert, data analyst and auditor, whos been analyzing VAERS data since the release of these novel shots.2,3 According to Benavides, at least 10,000 reports of death or serious injury following COVID vaccination have vanished since the rollout of the shots  and they were not duplicate reports, which is a common explanation for their removal.

Benavides cites the case of a young child in Alaska who reportedly died after the jab. That death report is now gone, and theres no other remaining report that matches it.

VAERS ID 18150964 is another example. This is the case of a 13-year-old girl in Maryland, who died 16 days after her first jab. This report was entered October 25, 2021, and deleted April 15, 2022. VAERS claims it was deleted because it was a duplicate, but there are no 13-year-old girls in Maryland who died, anywhere else in VAERS.

According to Benavides, over the past 30 years, some 4,000 non-COVID reports have been deleted, and of those only a couple of hundred were deaths. For the COVID jab, VAERS is deleting a far higher proportion of severe injuries and deaths. About 2% of all COVID jab-related reports are deaths, and about 5% of death-related reports are being deleted.

The result of this is that the ratio of deaths to other injuries appears lower than it probably is. Overwhelmingly, its reports of severe injuries and death that are being deleted, which gives the distinct appearance that theyre trying to hide the true extent of the harm of these shots. Who could possibly be doing this? Benavides insists the direction to delete valid reports must be coming from the very top of the FDA and/or CDC.

If you want to dive deeper into Benavides data, you can find his VAERS Analysis Dashboard here. Another resource youll want to bookmark is the VAERS Wayback Machine on MedAlerts  a search system specifically for deleted VAERS reports.

Other Factors That Downplay COVID Jab Risks

Benavides also points out that only the initial VAERS reports are available to the public. Updated reports are only viewable internally. What that means is, we have no way of knowing how many of those who were injured have since died from those injuries. This is a loophole that can make a vaccine appear less risky than it actually is.

65% of all COVID related reports have the lowest severity classification, meaning theyre not serious. However, when you actually read the reports, you find heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and other clearly serious injuries. So, many are clearly misclassified.</aside>Whats more, Benavides is finding that theyre routinely misclassifying the event level of severity; 65% of all COVID-related reports have the lowest severity classification, meaning theyre not serious and didnt require medical intervention or hospitalization.

However, when you actually read the reports, you find heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and other clearly serious injuries. So, many are clearly misclassified, or mis-coded. Benavides has also found 65 reports where the patient died after the COVID shot, but because the box for death is not checked, they are not included in the total death tally.

We also have evidence that VAERS is throttling the release of reports. It can take months before a filed report is actually published, as COVID jab victim Brittany Galvin has discovered.

In January 2022, she was eight months into the reporting process to VAERS and was advised by VAERS staff that it would likely be another six to 12 months before her case would be posted.5 In early June 2021, Peters interviewed her about her injuries and experience with the VAERS process (video below).6

VAERS Analysis Reveals Hundreds of Serious Side Effects

An earlier VAERS data analysis by Benavides, reported by Steve Kirsch in November 2021,7 revealed there were by then already hundreds of serious adverse events associated with the COVID shot that were far more elevated than the admitted risk of myocarditis, identified by the Department of Defense (although that fact was for a time dismissed as conspiracy theory).

The evidence in plain sight shows that they are either lying or incompetent. Or both, Kirsch wrote.8 In a  VAERS data analysis performed by our friend Albert Benavides (aka WelcomeTheEagle88), we found hundreds of serious adverse events that were completely missed by the CDC that should have been mentioned in the informed consent document that are given to patients.

And we found over 200 symptoms that occur at a higher relative rate than myocarditis (relative to all previous vaccines over the last 5 years). All together, there were over 4,000 VAERS adverse event codes that were elevated by these vaccines by a factor of 10 or more over baseline that the CDC should have warned people about 

The FDA and CDC have basically been batting .000 in terms of spotting safety signals that have been sitting in plain sight the entire time  The CDC has repeatedly said you cant ascribe causality to data in VAERS. Not true.

The VAERS data analysis (temporal data, the dose dependency, and the elevated reporting rates compared to baseline) provide ample signal to enable us to show causality on all of these events using the five Bradford-Hill criteria applicable to vaccines.

Of the hundreds of side effects Benavides identified, neurological, cardiovascular and female reproductive problems topped the list. (You can view and download the data from Kirschs article.9) Here are some selected highlights from Kirschs comprehensive review of Benavides findings:10

High Rates of Post-Jab Myocarditis Confirmed
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Pipes at the Gasum plant in Raikkola, Imatra, Finland, on May 12, 2022. (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia Shuts Off Gas Exports to Finland

Russia has cut off gas exports to neighboring Finland on Saturday after the Nordic country refused to pay Russian gas supplies in roubles. The move also comes at the same time as Finland is applying to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

On Friday, the Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom gave notice to its Finnish equivalent Gasum, saying that natural gas supplies will be cut off to Finland on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. local time.

Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid Finland confirmed the Russian gas supplies have been cut off on Saturday.

Gas imports through Imatra entry point have been stopped, Gasgrid Finland said in a statement on Saturday. Imatra is the entry point for Russian gas into Finland.

Gasum and Gazprom also confirmed on Saturday the gas flows had stopped.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Gasum said in a statement.

Starting from today, during the upcoming summer season, Gasum will supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline.

Balticconnector links Finland to neighboring Estonias gas grid and has been in service since 2020.

Gazproms decision follows a dispute over the payments for Russian natural gas shipments, which President Vladimir Putin has demanded be made in roubles, the fiat currency of the Russian Federation. This is apparently in violation of existing contracts between Russia and members of the European Union, which stipulate that fuel payments may be made in euros. Finland ultimately refused the ultimatum to pay in roubles.

The decision from Moscow follows hot on the heels of Finlands recent decision to join NATO, ending a decades-long precedent of neutrality for the Nordic nation. The Kingdom of Sweden followed in its neighbors footsteps. Both countries submitted formal NATO membership applications on Wednesday.

The admission of these countries would have great geopolitical significance, greatly expanding NATOs land border with Russia and changing the military balance of power in the region. Finland, in part due to its policy of active neutrality, maintains a formidable military for a nation of its size, with only 23,000 active military servicemen but about 900,000 reservists, thanks to Finlands compulsory conscription policy. Swedens primary military strength is its navy, which would provide NATO with additional muscle in the Baltic Sea.

Though the applications of the two Nordic countries have been met with enthusiasm from NATO leadership, their acceptance into the alliance has been stalled by opposition from Turkey, which has stated it will not accept the addition of these two countries barring the extradition of the Turkish regimes political enemies currently in exile in Finland and Sweden.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum CEO Mika Wiljanen said in a statement. However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The threat of Russian aggression looms large in the cultural memory of the Finns. Finland was a subject of the Russian Empire for over a century in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following its independence, Finland experienced intermittent conflict with the Soviet Union, including the brutal Winter War in 19391940, ultimately resulting in the concessions of geopolitically and culturally significant Finnish territories.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A logo for Netflix on a remote control in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 13, 2020. (Jenny Kane/AP Photo)

Netflix Pays $59 Million to Settle Tax Dispute in Italy

MILANNetflix has agreed to pay more than 55.8 million euros ($59 million) to settle a tax dispute, Milan prosecutors said Friday.

The payment covers taxes, penalties and interest from October 2015 through 2019. The streaming service also established an Italian legal entity this year, which will determine its Italian tax burden based on subscriptions to Italian residents, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors in Milan said the investigation was triggered by the physical presence in Italy of technological infrastructure, including 350 servers, aimed at producing revenue.

Netflix welcomed the settlement that ends the case covering the tax years 2015 to 2019.

We cooperated with the authorities throughout this investigation and, as we have always made clear, we acted in full compliance with Italian and international tax law, Netflix said in a statement.

Netflix officially opened an office in Rome earlier this month with about 70 employees.

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

there will be a sensation, says KCR after meeting Kejriwal, Akhilesh Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 21 : After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.
To the Editor:

Re Praying to a God You Dont Believe In, by Scott Hershovitz (Opinion guest essay, Sunday Review, May 8):

I had the requisite bar mitzvah at age 13, and after many years of nonattendance I find myself regularly attending religious services at my local synagogue. I have even been studying the Torah every Shabbat. But still I struggled with accepting the idea of a supreme being that daily is pulling all the strings that determines the behavior of everyone on this planet, particularly when I read the front page of The New York Times or tune in to television network news shows.

I am indebted to Mr. Hershovitz, and perhaps even more so to his son Rex, who so cogently said: God isnt real. But when we pretend, he is. I finally have an acceptable explanation of how to believe in God, when Im not sure I really believe in one.

Richard Weston

Beverly Hills, Calif.

To the Editor:

As a rabbi who has primarily served older adults and their families for the past decade, I am often asked why. Why does evil exist? Why does God allow my beloved mother/father/spouse/sibling/child to live with relentless pain?

Ever since the devil struck a bargain with God to test Jobs faith and he alone suffered the traumatic consequences, the why question has never been answered in a way that has emotional integrity or, frankly, offers comfort. I do, however, suggest another framing that places the responsibility upon us.
To the Editor:

Re Praying to a God You Dont Believe In, by Scott Hershovitz (Opinion guest essay, Sunday Review, May 8):

I had the requisite bar mitzvah at age 13, and after many years of nonattendance I find myself regularly attending religious services at my local synagogue. I have even been studying the Torah every Shabbat. But still I struggled with accepting the idea of a supreme being that daily is pulling all the strings that determines the behavior of everyone on this planet, particularly when I read the front page of The New York Times or tune in to television network news shows.

I am indebted to Mr. Hershovitz, and perhaps even more so to his son Rex, who so cogently said: God isnt real. But when we pretend, he is. I finally have an acceptable explanation of how to believe in God, when Im not sure I really believe in one.

Richard Weston

Beverly Hills, Calif.

To the Editor:

As a rabbi who has primarily served older adults and their families for the past decade, I am often asked why. Why does evil exist? Why does God allow my beloved mother/father/spouse/sibling/child to live with relentless pain?

Ever since the devil struck a bargain with God to test Jobs faith and he alone suffered the traumatic consequences, the why question has never been answered in a way that has emotional integrity or, frankly, offers comfort. I do, however, suggest another framing that places the responsibility upon us.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.



Tax breaks

The fact that the Nebraska chapter of AARP has come out in praise of LB 873, (Pulse, May 14) for eliminating Nebraska state taxes on Social Security benefits, should cause concern over how state senators voted on the issue and what organizations opposed the bill.

Senators Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh all spoke out against the LB 873 and were conveniently absent on the final vote to pass the bill. These senators are radical ideologues who need to be voted out.

In addition, Open Sky Policy Institute (Midlands Voices, April 21) referred to the bill as tax breaks for the wealthy, property owners and out-of-state corporations. Open Sky does not have any macroeconomic experts and is more interested in racial equity. These tax breaks will help the majority of Nebraska residents and will result in more investments in Nebraska.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Gun control

OK all you pro-lifers out there, what are you going to do about the lives that were lost last week in Buffalo, New York, in the mass shooting? What are you going to do to make it safer for a person to go to the grocery store, school, the mall? Arent these lives just as important as the ones that are still developing in the womb? We need some kind of gun control and mental health care.

Susan Peters, Omaha

Dont criminalize abortion

I will not begin with a tirade how the pending loss of Roe v. Wade has happened or who is to blame. No, now is the time to begin to prepare for civil disobedience and stand in solidarity with health care providers who work tirelessly to provide abortion care.

Civil disobedience should not be taken lightly as many states have already passed laws making it illegal for an individual to assist someone in having this procedure. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. explained the moral justification as an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

What steps can we take? You can donate to a local independent or Planned Parenthood clinic. You can volunteer at that clinic. Harassment outside abortion clinics has been ongoing for decades. Consider becoming trained as a clinic escort to protect patients entering and exiting the facility.

When abortion becomes illegal in your state, you can volunteer to drive people across state lines. You can donate to the abortion fund in your state by accessing the National Network of Abortion Funds that assists people with expenses for travel, lodging or the cost of the procedure. You can also educate yourself on self-managed abortions or medications (FDA-approved) which in some states may already be illegal. You can help by providing resources to deliver these medications so women can abort safely. Yes, some of these will be illegal and dangerous for you, but it would be immensely more dangerous for women who have lost their right to self-determination in health care.

Edward Kelly Jr, Red Oak, Iowa

Chaplain AHA

Licensed Practical Nurse

Right to choose is fundamental

I will listen to male (or female) right-to-lifers pontificate about separate and unique bodies only when they detail a specific plan on improving child care, foster care, affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I will listen after one of the right-to-lifers is forced to carry a baby to term after they learn the baby is stillborn, or there is a disability not compatible with life or the mother has a severe illness. These are only a few situations, there are many more in which many women want to make their own moral choice. What about babies whose mother has been unfortunately abusing substances during pregnancy? Id like to hear how the right-to-lifers will pay for and handle the extensive care this baby will need. Life is not so black and white.

Michelle Sarafian, Lincoln

Right to choose

Kudos to Kathy Gruba (Supreme Court, May 14).

Sixty-five percent of the country is angry and appalled with the Supreme Court potential ruling against Roe v. Wade. Everyone knows that this almost 50-year ruling was and is about womens rights to choose. Those decisions regarding health care pertain to all Americans and are totally between the physician and the patient. They begin and end with the rights to privacy for all. This information is absolutely no ones business other than the patient and the physician. And there should be HIPPA regulations in place to protect their privacy.

The Supreme Court has become ineffective, irresponsible, political and completely distrustful. They are, unfortunately, like todays Senate and have become an embarrassment to our country.

Kathe Strand, Omaha

Lowered flags

Last week, President Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Truly, that is a tragic loss of lives. I propose that he also orders lowering the flags each time one million lives are lost to abortion in the U.S.

Another tragic loss of lives!

Doris Klitz, Omaha

Safe for who?

I just dont understand. I have read some of the letters in the Public Pulse about wanting to keep abortion safe. Safe for who? It sure isnt safe for the baby.

I understand the women who want to have control over their bodies. I agree with them, every woman should have the right to have control over their own body. I want to have control over mine. What I dont understand is their wanting control over the other person. That person is the baby inside her.

Baby turtle eggs and baby eagle eggs seem to be given more protection than preborn babies.

Angie Wingert, Omaha

Rewrite history?

I for one am tired of hearing about CRT, a graduate study course offered by some universities. CRT is not taught at K-12 schools and is not even taught as normal curriculum in college courses. Now, Republican congressmen want to rewrite history. Teaching about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany is fine but they dont want our kids to be taught the history of the Native Americans or about slavery. Next, they will probably deny that we dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Knowing where we came from and where we got to today is what makes our nation great. Hiding the past only dumbs down the American citizenry.

Rick Madej, Omaha

Right to life?

About a year and a half ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham stated there was no underlying racism in the country. After that, Lindsey threw a tantrum during KBJs nomination hearings. About two years ago, a person in Boise who was known to law enforcement as having mental issues obtained a firearm and killed two innocent people. Now we have Buffalo, New York.

Right-leaning pundits are saying President Biden is going to use this to divide the country The country is already divided. People are haranguing mothers for masking their children. People are screaming my body my choice for wearing a mask and vaccines. Isnt that the same thing pro-choice advocates say? Some people on the right complain that civil liberties are being taken away. Some Republicans say that mass shootings are just a fact of life.

Republicans want to save the unborn but what about the people who were killed by firearms? The shooters had the right to carry a firearm but what about the victims right to life? Does the Second Amendment out weigh the right to life?

Robert Nunez Jr., Omaha

Contempt toward women

Per CNN, I am given to understand that Pete Ricketts would act to completely ban abortion in Nebraska if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade. Words fail me in the face of the arrogance and contempt toward women displayed by this rhetoric.

Kenneth Pullen, Omaha

Voter turnout

Fantastic job Douglas County voters, we had a record turnout for the primary with 31.5% of the registered voters doing their civic duty by casting a vote. What a joke. Can someone explain to me why people register to vote and then do not take the time to go and cast a ballot?

Tim Backora, Omahaw

Uphill both ways

If youve driven along the new Applied Parkway, youll notice the beautiful new structures popping up. The one thing you wont see is a continuous sidewalk. Omaha is eyeing pedestrian safety, but here Ive driven past numerous Millard North students forced to walk through snow, construction debris and springs growing ground cover.

A priority for development should be to provide safe walkways for all users as part of the first steps in building  after the clearing and excavating. Cheers to the students giving a new spin in 2022 to the old saying, when I was your age, I walked to school uphill both ways.

Konni Cawiezell, Omaha

Tax breaks

The fact that the Nebraska chapter of AARP has come out in praise of LB 873, (Pulse, May 14) for eliminating Nebraska state taxes on Social Security benefits, should cause concern over how state senators voted on the issue and what organizations opposed the bill.

Senators Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh all spoke out against the LB 873 and were conveniently absent on the final vote to pass the bill. These senators are radical ideologues who need to be voted out.

In addition, Open Sky Policy Institute (Midlands Voices, April 21) referred to the bill as tax breaks for the wealthy, property owners and out-of-state corporations. Open Sky does not have any macroeconomic experts and is more interested in racial equity. These tax breaks will help the majority of Nebraska residents and will result in more investments in Nebraska.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Gun control

OK all you pro-lifers out there, what are you going to do about the lives that were lost last week in Buffalo, New York, in the mass shooting? What are you going to do to make it safer for a person to go to the grocery store, school, the mall? Arent these lives just as important as the ones that are still developing in the womb? We need some kind of gun control and mental health care.

Susan Peters, Omaha

Dont criminalize abortion

I will not begin with a tirade how the pending loss of Roe v. Wade has happened or who is to blame. No, now is the time to begin to prepare for civil disobedience and stand in solidarity with health care providers who work tirelessly to provide abortion care.

Civil disobedience should not be taken lightly as many states have already passed laws making it illegal for an individual to assist someone in having this procedure. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. explained the moral justification as an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

What steps can we take? You can donate to a local independent or Planned Parenthood clinic. You can volunteer at that clinic. Harassment outside abortion clinics has been ongoing for decades. Consider becoming trained as a clinic escort to protect patients entering and exiting the facility.

When abortion becomes illegal in your state, you can volunteer to drive people across state lines. You can donate to the abortion fund in your state by accessing the National Network of Abortion Funds that assists people with expenses for travel, lodging or the cost of the procedure. You can also educate yourself on self-managed abortions or medications (FDA-approved) which in some states may already be illegal. You can help by providing resources to deliver these medications so women can abort safely. Yes, some of these will be illegal and dangerous for you, but it would be immensely more dangerous for women who have lost their right to self-determination in health care.

Edward Kelly Jr, Red Oak, Iowa

Chaplain AHA

Licensed Practical Nurse

Right to choose is fundamental

I will listen to male (or female) right-to-lifers pontificate about separate and unique bodies only when they detail a specific plan on improving child care, foster care, affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I will listen after one of the right-to-lifers is forced to carry a baby to term after they learn the baby is stillborn, or there is a disability not compatible with life or the mother has a severe illness. These are only a few situations, there are many more in which many women want to make their own moral choice. What about babies whose mother has been unfortunately abusing substances during pregnancy? Id like to hear how the right-to-lifers will pay for and handle the extensive care this baby will need. Life is not so black and white.

Michelle Sarafian, Lincoln

Right to choose

Kudos to Kathy Gruba (Supreme Court, May 14).

Sixty-five percent of the country is angry and appalled with the Supreme Court potential ruling against Roe v. Wade. Everyone knows that this almost 50-year ruling was and is about womens rights to choose. Those decisions regarding health care pertain to all Americans and are totally between the physician and the patient. They begin and end with the rights to privacy for all. This information is absolutely no ones business other than the patient and the physician. And there should be HIPPA regulations in place to protect their privacy.

The Supreme Court has become ineffective, irresponsible, political and completely distrustful. They are, unfortunately, like todays Senate and have become an embarrassment to our country.

Kathe Strand, Omaha

Lowered flags

Last week, President Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Truly, that is a tragic loss of lives. I propose that he also orders lowering the flags each time one million lives are lost to abortion in the U.S.

Another tragic loss of lives!

Doris Klitz, Omaha

Safe for who?

I just dont understand. I have read some of the letters in the Public Pulse about wanting to keep abortion safe. Safe for who? It sure isnt safe for the baby.

I understand the women who want to have control over their bodies. I agree with them, every woman should have the right to have control over their own body. I want to have control over mine. What I dont understand is their wanting control over the other person. That person is the baby inside her.

Baby turtle eggs and baby eagle eggs seem to be given more protection than preborn babies.

Angie Wingert, Omaha

Rewrite history?

I for one am tired of hearing about CRT, a graduate study course offered by some universities. CRT is not taught at K-12 schools and is not even taught as normal curriculum in college courses. Now, Republican congressmen want to rewrite history. Teaching about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany is fine but they dont want our kids to be taught the history of the Native Americans or about slavery. Next, they will probably deny that we dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Knowing where we came from and where we got to today is what makes our nation great. Hiding the past only dumbs down the American citizenry.

Rick Madej, Omaha

Right to life?

About a year and a half ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham stated there was no underlying racism in the country. After that, Lindsey threw a tantrum during KBJs nomination hearings. About two years ago, a person in Boise who was known to law enforcement as having mental issues obtained a firearm and killed two innocent people. Now we have Buffalo, New York.

Right-leaning pundits are saying President Biden is going to use this to divide the country The country is already divided. People are haranguing mothers for masking their children. People are screaming my body my choice for wearing a mask and vaccines. Isnt that the same thing pro-choice advocates say? Some people on the right complain that civil liberties are being taken away. Some Republicans say that mass shootings are just a fact of life.

Republicans want to save the unborn but what about the people who were killed by firearms? The shooters had the right to carry a firearm but what about the victims right to life? Does the Second Amendment out weigh the right to life?

Robert Nunez Jr., Omaha

Contempt toward women

Per CNN, I am given to understand that Pete Ricketts would act to completely ban abortion in Nebraska if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade. Words fail me in the face of the arrogance and contempt toward women displayed by this rhetoric.

Kenneth Pullen, Omaha

Voter turnout

Fantastic job Douglas County voters, we had a record turnout for the primary with 31.5% of the registered voters doing their civic duty by casting a vote. What a joke. Can someone explain to me why people register to vote and then do not take the time to go and cast a ballot?

Tim Backora, Omahaw

Uphill both ways

If youve driven along the new Applied Parkway, youll notice the beautiful new structures popping up. The one thing you wont see is a continuous sidewalk. Omaha is eyeing pedestrian safety, but here Ive driven past numerous Millard North students forced to walk through snow, construction debris and springs growing ground cover.

A priority for development should be to provide safe walkways for all users as part of the first steps in building  after the clearing and excavating. Cheers to the students giving a new spin in 2022 to the old saying, when I was your age, I walked to school uphill both ways.

Konni Cawiezell, Omaha



This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Two Republican candidates are facing off for Pennington County Board of Commissioners in District 1, incumbent Ron Rossknecht and challenger Mike Mueller.

Rossknecht and Mueller's race will be determined on the June 7 Republican primary ballot. There are no Democrats in the race. The pair participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Thursday at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where they shared their views on county government and answered questions.

Rossknecht was elected in 2018, ousting George Ferebee from office. Rossknecht lives in Hill City and has been a Pennington County resident for more than 60 years. He is a real-estate appraiser and president/manager of Sheridan Lake Resort.

He said he is running for re-election to continue the hard work the Commission is undertaking as Pennington County grows. Rossknecht said he is responsive to everyone and is a man of his word.

"I won't give the county and the citizens of the county 100%, I will give them 125%. That's the way I roll," he said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm honest and I respect citizens and employees that work at Pennington County."

Mueller is a mechanical engineering graduate from South Dakota Mines with a career in both facilities and construction management. He lived in Rapid City beginning in 1981 and moved in 1985. Mueller returned to the area in 1988 and lives near Rockerville.

He said he decided to enter the race for Pennington County Commissioner to be a public servant and bring his management experience to the county.

"There's a lot of good things happening in the county. They have a lot of positive attitudes and good things happening," Mueller said. "There a lot of opportunities out there for improvement. Every one of us can improve every day. All I ask as a commissioner is that those department heads who we will be hiring and working with is that they push that same theme through their departments and help the community that they serve."

Rossknecht said as Pennington County grows, county government must play an integral role in infrastructure development and public safety. He said the commission must be "citizen-focused."

"When I say citizen focus, we need to be taking about property rights. So many times when people come to the commission and they have a problem, we get two sides  I've got their property rights and (the neighbor's) property rights," he said. "And I always say if you can balance those property rights out in that process, you've really done a good job."

Mueller said he is aware that there is growth going on in Pennington County and that county administration must be cognizant of property rights, but not ignore the Constitution when making plans for that growth.

"There are programs and obligations that come out that are way over and above what the Constitution would require," he said. "So, I think that's a good check down immediately to verify how much of this should we dive into... I'm going to be for fiscal responsibility and limiting funding for things that are not necessary."

Both candidates agreed that major infrastructure development is necessary in Pennington County to continue clean, renewable water resources as the county grows. Mueller and Rossknecht are in support of the water development project that would pipe water from the Missouri River.

Mueller proposed a zero-based budget to help bring property tax relief to residents.

"The spending side has to be addressed first... You can't spend it if you don't have it," Mueller said. "Just because there's a tax dollar flowing, it doesn't mean you have to spend it. If every department can zero-base budget and ratify and show me that that's a legitimate budget, you may come to the same dollar amount you have right now."

Rossknecht said the property tax rate is not going up, but it is the assessed value of the property that has increased. He said the county cannot raise its budget by more than 3% annually plus growth, but there is some relief coming.

"Something's going to have to go down and that's the mill levy," he said. "I don't think you're going to get sticker shock when you see your property taxes this year, simply because that mill levy will be adjusted accordingly."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Tax breaks

The fact that the Nebraska chapter of AARP has come out in praise of LB 873, (Pulse, May 14) for eliminating Nebraska state taxes on Social Security benefits, should cause concern over how state senators voted on the issue and what organizations opposed the bill.

Senators Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh all spoke out against the LB 873 and were conveniently absent on the final vote to pass the bill. These senators are radical ideologues who need to be voted out.

In addition, Open Sky Policy Institute (Midlands Voices, April 21) referred to the bill as tax breaks for the wealthy, property owners and out-of-state corporations. Open Sky does not have any macroeconomic experts and is more interested in racial equity. These tax breaks will help the majority of Nebraska residents and will result in more investments in Nebraska.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Gun control

OK all you pro-lifers out there, what are you going to do about the lives that were lost last week in Buffalo, New York, in the mass shooting? What are you going to do to make it safer for a person to go to the grocery store, school, the mall? Arent these lives just as important as the ones that are still developing in the womb? We need some kind of gun control and mental health care.

Susan Peters, Omaha

Dont criminalize abortion

I will not begin with a tirade how the pending loss of Roe v. Wade has happened or who is to blame. No, now is the time to begin to prepare for civil disobedience and stand in solidarity with health care providers who work tirelessly to provide abortion care.

Civil disobedience should not be taken lightly as many states have already passed laws making it illegal for an individual to assist someone in having this procedure. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. explained the moral justification as an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

What steps can we take? You can donate to a local independent or Planned Parenthood clinic. You can volunteer at that clinic. Harassment outside abortion clinics has been ongoing for decades. Consider becoming trained as a clinic escort to protect patients entering and exiting the facility.

When abortion becomes illegal in your state, you can volunteer to drive people across state lines. You can donate to the abortion fund in your state by accessing the National Network of Abortion Funds that assists people with expenses for travel, lodging or the cost of the procedure. You can also educate yourself on self-managed abortions or medications (FDA-approved) which in some states may already be illegal. You can help by providing resources to deliver these medications so women can abort safely. Yes, some of these will be illegal and dangerous for you, but it would be immensely more dangerous for women who have lost their right to self-determination in health care.

Edward Kelly Jr, Red Oak, Iowa

Chaplain AHA

Licensed Practical Nurse

Right to choose is fundamental

I will listen to male (or female) right-to-lifers pontificate about separate and unique bodies only when they detail a specific plan on improving child care, foster care, affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I will listen after one of the right-to-lifers is forced to carry a baby to term after they learn the baby is stillborn, or there is a disability not compatible with life or the mother has a severe illness. These are only a few situations, there are many more in which many women want to make their own moral choice. What about babies whose mother has been unfortunately abusing substances during pregnancy? Id like to hear how the right-to-lifers will pay for and handle the extensive care this baby will need. Life is not so black and white.

Michelle Sarafian, Lincoln

Right to choose

Kudos to Kathy Gruba (Supreme Court, May 14).

Sixty-five percent of the country is angry and appalled with the Supreme Court potential ruling against Roe v. Wade. Everyone knows that this almost 50-year ruling was and is about womens rights to choose. Those decisions regarding health care pertain to all Americans and are totally between the physician and the patient. They begin and end with the rights to privacy for all. This information is absolutely no ones business other than the patient and the physician. And there should be HIPPA regulations in place to protect their privacy.

The Supreme Court has become ineffective, irresponsible, political and completely distrustful. They are, unfortunately, like todays Senate and have become an embarrassment to our country.

Kathe Strand, Omaha

Lowered flags

Last week, President Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

Truly, that is a tragic loss of lives. I propose that he also orders lowering the flags each time one million lives are lost to abortion in the U.S.

Another tragic loss of lives!

Doris Klitz, Omaha

Safe for who?

I just dont understand. I have read some of the letters in the Public Pulse about wanting to keep abortion safe. Safe for who? It sure isnt safe for the baby.

I understand the women who want to have control over their bodies. I agree with them, every woman should have the right to have control over their own body. I want to have control over mine. What I dont understand is their wanting control over the other person. That person is the baby inside her.

Baby turtle eggs and baby eagle eggs seem to be given more protection than preborn babies.

Angie Wingert, Omaha

Rewrite history?

I for one am tired of hearing about CRT, a graduate study course offered by some universities. CRT is not taught at K-12 schools and is not even taught as normal curriculum in college courses. Now, Republican congressmen want to rewrite history. Teaching about the Holocaust in Nazi Germany is fine but they dont want our kids to be taught the history of the Native Americans or about slavery. Next, they will probably deny that we dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Knowing where we came from and where we got to today is what makes our nation great. Hiding the past only dumbs down the American citizenry.

Rick Madej, Omaha

Right to life?

About a year and a half ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham stated there was no underlying racism in the country. After that, Lindsey threw a tantrum during KBJs nomination hearings. About two years ago, a person in Boise who was known to law enforcement as having mental issues obtained a firearm and killed two innocent people. Now we have Buffalo, New York.

Right-leaning pundits are saying President Biden is going to use this to divide the country The country is already divided. People are haranguing mothers for masking their children. People are screaming my body my choice for wearing a mask and vaccines. Isnt that the same thing pro-choice advocates say? Some people on the right complain that civil liberties are being taken away. Some Republicans say that mass shootings are just a fact of life.

Republicans want to save the unborn but what about the people who were killed by firearms? The shooters had the right to carry a firearm but what about the victims right to life? Does the Second Amendment out weigh the right to life?

Robert Nunez Jr., Omaha

Contempt toward women

Per CNN, I am given to understand that Pete Ricketts would act to completely ban abortion in Nebraska if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade. Words fail me in the face of the arrogance and contempt toward women displayed by this rhetoric.

Kenneth Pullen, Omaha

Voter turnout

Fantastic job Douglas County voters, we had a record turnout for the primary with 31.5% of the registered voters doing their civic duty by casting a vote. What a joke. Can someone explain to me why people register to vote and then do not take the time to go and cast a ballot?

Tim Backora, Omahaw

Uphill both ways

If youve driven along the new Applied Parkway, youll notice the beautiful new structures popping up. The one thing you wont see is a continuous sidewalk. Omaha is eyeing pedestrian safety, but here Ive driven past numerous Millard North students forced to walk through snow, construction debris and springs growing ground cover.

A priority for development should be to provide safe walkways for all users as part of the first steps in building  after the clearing and excavating. Cheers to the students giving a new spin in 2022 to the old saying, when I was your age, I walked to school uphill both ways.

Konni Cawiezell, Omaha
Only the initial VAERS reports are available to the public. Updated reports are only viewable internally. That means we have no way of knowing how many of those who were injured have since died from those injuries. This is a loophole that can make a vaccine appear less deadly than it actually is

About 2% of all COVID jab-related reports are deaths, and about 5% of death-related reports are being deleted

Data analyst Albert Benavides has been analyzing VAERS data since the release of these novel shots. According to Benavides, at least 10,000 reports of death or serious injury following COVID vaccination have vanished since the rollout of the shots  and they were not duplicate reports, which is a common explanation for their removal

Publicly available VAERS data clearly reveal that the COVID shots are the most dangerous vaccine ever created, accounting for more injuries and deaths than all previous conventional vaccines combined over the last three decades

The U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created as an early warning system to identify vaccines that may be triggering a higher than expected number of adverse events

Publicly available data from VAERS clearly reveal that these shots are the most dangerous vaccines ever created; they account for more injuries and deaths than all previous vaccines from the last three decades combined. Evidence also shows reports have been deleted.

The U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created as an early warning system to identify vaccines that may be triggering a higher than expected number of adverse events. One of its primary objectives is to:1

Provide a national safety monitoring system that extends to the entire general population for response to public health emergencies, such as a large-scale pandemic influenza vaccination program.

Its far from perfect, but its still incredibly useful and does serve its purpose. Publicly available VAERS data clearly reveal that the COVID shots are the most dangerous vaccine ever created, accounting for more injuries and deaths than all previous conventional vaccines combined over the last three decades.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which jointly run VAERS, continue to insist the shots are safe and effective, and that not a single death has been directly attributed to the shot.

Such claims are outlandish in light of the available data, and perhaps theyre starting to realize the pickle theyre in as well, because in recent months, investigators have discovered that VAERS reports are being deleted in ever growing numbers. As noted by Stew Peters of the Stew Peters Show (above):

VAERS is supposed to simply collect reports filled out by doctors and other medical professionals from around the country  reports of people suffering injuries and illnesses and even death after taking vaccines.

Nobody is supposed to be editing or curating or fact-checking it. Its supposed just be the reports of doctors for the entire world to see. But now we have evidence that thats, in fact, not whats happening at all.

Whos Deleting VAERS Reports?

Peters interviews Albert Benavides, an RCM expert, data analyst and auditor, whos been analyzing VAERS data since the release of these novel shots.2,3 According to Benavides, at least 10,000 reports of death or serious injury following COVID vaccination have vanished since the rollout of the shots  and they were not duplicate reports, which is a common explanation for their removal.

Benavides cites the case of a young child in Alaska who reportedly died after the jab. That death report is now gone, and theres no other remaining report that matches it.

VAERS ID 18150964 is another example. This is the case of a 13-year-old girl in Maryland, who died 16 days after her first jab. This report was entered October 25, 2021, and deleted April 15, 2022. VAERS claims it was deleted because it was a duplicate, but there are no 13-year-old girls in Maryland who died, anywhere else in VAERS.

According to Benavides, over the past 30 years, some 4,000 non-COVID reports have been deleted, and of those only a couple of hundred were deaths. For the COVID jab, VAERS is deleting a far higher proportion of severe injuries and deaths. About 2% of all COVID jab-related reports are deaths, and about 5% of death-related reports are being deleted.

The result of this is that the ratio of deaths to other injuries appears lower than it probably is. Overwhelmingly, its reports of severe injuries and death that are being deleted, which gives the distinct appearance that theyre trying to hide the true extent of the harm of these shots. Who could possibly be doing this? Benavides insists the direction to delete valid reports must be coming from the very top of the FDA and/or CDC.

If you want to dive deeper into Benavides data, you can find his VAERS Analysis Dashboard here. Another resource youll want to bookmark is the VAERS Wayback Machine on MedAlerts  a search system specifically for deleted VAERS reports.

Other Factors That Downplay COVID Jab Risks

Benavides also points out that only the initial VAERS reports are available to the public. Updated reports are only viewable internally. What that means is, we have no way of knowing how many of those who were injured have since died from those injuries. This is a loophole that can make a vaccine appear less risky than it actually is.

65% of all COVID related reports have the lowest severity classification, meaning theyre not serious. However, when you actually read the reports, you find heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and other clearly serious injuries. So, many are clearly misclassified.</aside>Whats more, Benavides is finding that theyre routinely misclassifying the event level of severity; 65% of all COVID-related reports have the lowest severity classification, meaning theyre not serious and didnt require medical intervention or hospitalization.

However, when you actually read the reports, you find heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and other clearly serious injuries. So, many are clearly misclassified, or mis-coded. Benavides has also found 65 reports where the patient died after the COVID shot, but because the box for death is not checked, they are not included in the total death tally.

We also have evidence that VAERS is throttling the release of reports. It can take months before a filed report is actually published, as COVID jab victim Brittany Galvin has discovered.

In January 2022, she was eight months into the reporting process to VAERS and was advised by VAERS staff that it would likely be another six to 12 months before her case would be posted.5 In early June 2021, Peters interviewed her about her injuries and experience with the VAERS process (video below).6

VAERS Analysis Reveals Hundreds of Serious Side Effects

An earlier VAERS data analysis by Benavides, reported by Steve Kirsch in November 2021,7 revealed there were by then already hundreds of serious adverse events associated with the COVID shot that were far more elevated than the admitted risk of myocarditis, identified by the Department of Defense (although that fact was for a time dismissed as conspiracy theory).

The evidence in plain sight shows that they are either lying or incompetent. Or both, Kirsch wrote.8 In a  VAERS data analysis performed by our friend Albert Benavides (aka WelcomeTheEagle88), we found hundreds of serious adverse events that were completely missed by the CDC that should have been mentioned in the informed consent document that are given to patients.

And we found over 200 symptoms that occur at a higher relative rate than myocarditis (relative to all previous vaccines over the last 5 years). All together, there were over 4,000 VAERS adverse event codes that were elevated by these vaccines by a factor of 10 or more over baseline that the CDC should have warned people about 

The FDA and CDC have basically been batting .000 in terms of spotting safety signals that have been sitting in plain sight the entire time  The CDC has repeatedly said you cant ascribe causality to data in VAERS. Not true.

The VAERS data analysis (temporal data, the dose dependency, and the elevated reporting rates compared to baseline) provide ample signal to enable us to show causality on all of these events using the five Bradford-Hill criteria applicable to vaccines.

Of the hundreds of side effects Benavides identified, neurological, cardiovascular and female reproductive problems topped the list. (You can view and download the data from Kirschs article.9) Here are some selected highlights from Kirschs comprehensive review of Benavides findings:10

High Rates of Post-Jab Myocarditis Confirmed





Two Republican candidates are facing off for Pennington County Board of Commissioners in District 1, incumbent Ron Rossknecht and challenger Mike Mueller.

Rossknecht and Mueller's race will be determined on the June 7 Republican primary ballot. There are no Democrats in the race. The pair participated in an Elevate Rapid City forum Thursday at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where they shared their views on county government and answered questions.

Rossknecht was elected in 2018, ousting George Ferebee from office. Rossknecht lives in Hill City and has been a Pennington County resident for more than 60 years. He is a real-estate appraiser and president/manager of Sheridan Lake Resort.

He said he is running for re-election to continue the hard work the Commission is undertaking as Pennington County grows. Rossknecht said he is responsive to everyone and is a man of his word.

"I won't give the county and the citizens of the county 100%, I will give them 125%. That's the way I roll," he said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm honest and I respect citizens and employees that work at Pennington County."

Mueller is a mechanical engineering graduate from South Dakota Mines with a career in both facilities and construction management. He lived in Rapid City beginning in 1981 and moved in 1985. Mueller returned to the area in 1988 and lives near Rockerville.

He said he decided to enter the race for Pennington County Commissioner to be a public servant and bring his management experience to the county.

"There's a lot of good things happening in the county. They have a lot of positive attitudes and good things happening," Mueller said. "There a lot of opportunities out there for improvement. Every one of us can improve every day. All I ask as a commissioner is that those department heads who we will be hiring and working with is that they push that same theme through their departments and help the community that they serve."

Rossknecht said as Pennington County grows, county government must play an integral role in infrastructure development and public safety. He said the commission must be "citizen-focused."

"When I say citizen focus, we need to be taking about property rights. So many times when people come to the commission and they have a problem, we get two sides  I've got their property rights and (the neighbor's) property rights," he said. "And I always say if you can balance those property rights out in that process, you've really done a good job."

Mueller said he is aware that there is growth going on in Pennington County and that county administration must be cognizant of property rights, but not ignore the Constitution when making plans for that growth.

"There are programs and obligations that come out that are way over and above what the Constitution would require," he said. "So, I think that's a good check down immediately to verify how much of this should we dive into... I'm going to be for fiscal responsibility and limiting funding for things that are not necessary."

Both candidates agreed that major infrastructure development is necessary in Pennington County to continue clean, renewable water resources as the county grows. Mueller and Rossknecht are in support of the water development project that would pipe water from the Missouri River.

Mueller proposed a zero-based budget to help bring property tax relief to residents.

"The spending side has to be addressed first... You can't spend it if you don't have it," Mueller said. "Just because there's a tax dollar flowing, it doesn't mean you have to spend it. If every department can zero-base budget and ratify and show me that that's a legitimate budget, you may come to the same dollar amount you have right now."

Rossknecht said the property tax rate is not going up, but it is the assessed value of the property that has increased. He said the county cannot raise its budget by more than 3% annually plus growth, but there is some relief coming.

"Something's going to have to go down and that's the mill levy," he said. "I don't think you're going to get sticker shock when you see your property taxes this year, simply because that mill levy will be adjusted accordingly."

Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
A Charleston event this summer will offer residents the opportunity to get mental health resources for themselves, a family member or friend.

Set for July 27-29, the 10th annual Lowcountry Mental Health Conference at the Charleston Gaillard Center will feature 14 mental health experts from around the world.

The Rev. Bryon Benton, senior pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, will speak at the event.

"I'm so glad that there's a space where we can talk about (mental health), where we can address it," Benton said. "Too often we wait too late."

David Diana, director of the conference, said the event is well-established for helping connect health care providers, mental health professionals and those seeking resources.

"Mental health, personal growth and wellness is something we all work on throughout our lives, and this conference is a true gift to the Charleston community," Diana told The Post and Courier.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg urged residents to attend, as he recalled yearly increases in mental health crises such as anxiety and depression brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Answers, information and experts will be here for you, for all of us at the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference," Tecklenburg said May 19 at a news conference about the event.

Billed as South Carolina's largest mental health conference, the event will include an exhibit hall of more than 90 organizations displaying a wide range of mental health information and resources and conclude with a performance by the band Wild Ponies.

To register to attend, go to lowcountrymhconference.com. A virtual attendance option is also available.
A Charleston event this summer will offer residents the opportunity to get mental health resources for themselves, a family member or friend.

Set for July 27-29, the 10th annual Lowcountry Mental Health Conference at the Charleston Gaillard Center will feature 14 mental health experts from around the world.

The Rev. Bryon Benton, senior pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, will speak at the event.

"I'm so glad that there's a space where we can talk about (mental health), where we can address it," Benton said. "Too often we wait too late."

David Diana, director of the conference, said the event is well-established for helping connect health care providers, mental health professionals and those seeking resources.

"Mental health, personal growth and wellness is something we all work on throughout our lives, and this conference is a true gift to the Charleston community," Diana told The Post and Courier.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg urged residents to attend, as he recalled yearly increases in mental health crises such as anxiety and depression brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Answers, information and experts will be here for you, for all of us at the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference," Tecklenburg said May 19 at a news conference about the event.

Billed as South Carolina's largest mental health conference, the event will include an exhibit hall of more than 90 organizations displaying a wide range of mental health information and resources and conclude with a performance by the band Wild Ponies.

To register to attend, go to lowcountrymhconference.com. A virtual attendance option is also available.
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants (AFP/Adem ALTAN) (Adem ALTAN)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey would not look "positively" on Sweden and Finland's NATO bids unless its terror-related concerns were addressed, despite broad support from other allies including the United States.

Turkey has long accused Nordic countries, in particular Sweden which has a strong Turkish immigrant community, of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher wanted over the failed 2016 coup.

Erdogan's threat throws a major potential obstacle in the way of membership for the hitherto militarily non-aligned Nordic nations since a consensus is required in NATO decisions.

"Unless Sweden and Finland clearly show that they will stand in solidarity with Turkey on fundamental issues, especially in the fight against terrorism, we will not approach these countries' NATO membership positively," Erdogan told NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call, according to the presidency.

On Twitter, Stoltenberg said he spoke with Erdogan "of our valued ally" on the importance of "NATO's open door".

"We agree that the security concerns of all allies must be taken into account and talks need to continue to find a solution," he said.

On Thursday, Stoltenberg said Turkey's "concerns" were being addressed to find "an agreement on how to move forward".

- 'Concrete steps' -

Erdogan, who refused to host delegations from Sweden and Finland in Turkey, held separate phone calls with the two countries' leaders on Saturday, urging them to abandon financial and political support for "terrorist" groups threatening his country's national security.

He told Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson that "Sweden's political, financial and arms support to terrorist organisations must end", the presidency said.

Turkey expected Sweden to "take concrete and serious steps" that show it shares Ankara's concerns over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its Iraqi and Syrian offshoots, Erdogan told the Swedish premier, according to the presidency.

Story continues

The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by Turkey and Western allies like the European Union -- which includes Finland and Sweden.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has shifted political opinion in both Nordic countries in favour of joining the Western military alliance.

Membership requires the consent of all 30 existing members but Turkey is putting a spanner in the works.

Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay said Turkey appeared more favourable to Finland joining NATO than Sweden.

"Ankara is signaling it will greenlight Helsinki's accession to the alliance, but block membership for Stockholm -- unless Sweden delivers concessions" on the PKK, he added.

Sweden and Finland, while solidly Western, have historically kept a distance from NATO as part of longstanding policies aimed at avoiding angering Russia.

But the two nations moved ahead with their membership bid in shock over their giant neighbour's invasion of Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to join NATO.

- 'Incompatible' -

Erdogan also told Andersson to "lift restrictions imposed on Turkey in the defence industry" after the army's Syria operation in 2019.

Andersson tweeted that Sweden looked "forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, including on peace, security, and the fight against terrorism".

In another phone call with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Erdogan said turning a blind eye to "terror" organisations posing a threat to a NATO ally was "incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance".

Erdogan also said it was Turkey's natural right to expect respect and support for its "legitimate and determined struggle against a clear threat to its national security and people", according to the presidency.

In return, Niinisto praised "an open and direct phone call" with Erdogan.

"I stated that as NATO allies Finland and Turkey will commit to each other's security and our relationship will thus grow stronger," he tweeted.

"Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Close dialogue continues."

Swedish and Finnish leaders were on Thursday welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who strongly backed their bid to join NATO.

Biden said "Finland and Sweden make NATO stronger", and offered the "full, total, complete backing of the United States of America".

fo/ah
Pipes at the Gasum plant in Raikkola, Imatra, Finland, on May 12, 2022. (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia Shuts Off Gas Exports to Finland

Russia has cut off gas exports to neighboring Finland on Saturday after the Nordic country refused to pay Russian gas supplies in roubles. The move also comes at the same time as Finland is applying to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

On Friday, the Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom gave notice to its Finnish equivalent Gasum, saying that natural gas supplies will be cut off to Finland on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. local time.

Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid Finland confirmed the Russian gas supplies have been cut off on Saturday.

Gas imports through Imatra entry point have been stopped, Gasgrid Finland said in a statement on Saturday. Imatra is the entry point for Russian gas into Finland.

Gasum and Gazprom also confirmed on Saturday the gas flows had stopped.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Gasum said in a statement.

Starting from today, during the upcoming summer season, Gasum will supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline.

Balticconnector links Finland to neighboring Estonias gas grid and has been in service since 2020.

Gazproms decision follows a dispute over the payments for Russian natural gas shipments, which President Vladimir Putin has demanded be made in roubles, the fiat currency of the Russian Federation. This is apparently in violation of existing contracts between Russia and members of the European Union, which stipulate that fuel payments may be made in euros. Finland ultimately refused the ultimatum to pay in roubles.

The decision from Moscow follows hot on the heels of Finlands recent decision to join NATO, ending a decades-long precedent of neutrality for the Nordic nation. The Kingdom of Sweden followed in its neighbors footsteps. Both countries submitted formal NATO membership applications on Wednesday.

The admission of these countries would have great geopolitical significance, greatly expanding NATOs land border with Russia and changing the military balance of power in the region. Finland, in part due to its policy of active neutrality, maintains a formidable military for a nation of its size, with only 23,000 active military servicemen but about 900,000 reservists, thanks to Finlands compulsory conscription policy. Swedens primary military strength is its navy, which would provide NATO with additional muscle in the Baltic Sea.

Though the applications of the two Nordic countries have been met with enthusiasm from NATO leadership, their acceptance into the alliance has been stalled by opposition from Turkey, which has stated it will not accept the addition of these two countries barring the extradition of the Turkish regimes political enemies currently in exile in Finland and Sweden.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum CEO Mika Wiljanen said in a statement. However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The threat of Russian aggression looms large in the cultural memory of the Finns. Finland was a subject of the Russian Empire for over a century in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following its independence, Finland experienced intermittent conflict with the Soviet Union, including the brutal Winter War in 19391940, ultimately resulting in the concessions of geopolitically and culturally significant Finnish territories.

Reuters contributed to this report.
This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

This photo provided by the Marion County (S.C.) Jail shows Stephen Flood. A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.(Marion County Jail via AP) (Photo: via Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

A Marion County jury found former Horry County deputy Stephen Flood guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless homicide.

Judges ordered Wendy Newton, 45, and Nicolette Green, 43, to be involuntarily committed the day they died in September 2018, but their families said they were not violent. Newton was only seeking medicine for her fear and anxiety and Greens family said she was committed to a mental facility at a regular mental health appointment by a counselor she had never seen before.

Flood, 69, was sentenced about 30 minutes after the verdict and after several relatives of the women said his decision to press forward with the shortest route left an impossible-to-fix hole in their lives.

This was a deliberate act set in motion by a pompous, stubborn man, Greens sister Donnela Green-Johnson told the judge. He abused the trust my sister, Nikki, Wendy and the state of South Carolina entrusted him with. And for what? To save time.

Circuit Court Judge William Seales sentenced Flood to five years in prison on each involuntary manslaughter charge and four years on each reckless homicide charge and ordered the sentences served back-to-back.

Story continues

The floodwaters swept the police van off its wheels in September 2018 and pinned it against a guardrail, preventing the women from being able to get out the sliding door they used to enter the van. Flood and a deputy with him did not have a key to a second door and there was no emergency escape hatch, according to testimony from the trial streamed by WMBF-TV.

The deputies said they spoke to the women and tried to keep them calm for about an hour as the water kept rising before it got too dangerous and rescuers could no longer hear them.

How awful must that have been to sit there and wait for your own death? Solicitor Ed Clements said in his closing argument Thursday.

While other factors like an emergency radio that failed to notify rescuers of the vans exact location contributed to the deaths, Clements said the drownings all came out of Floods reckless decision to drive 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through water.

National guard troops put up barricades on U.S. Highway 76 just outside Nichols, but Flood drove around them after briefly talking to the soldiers.

Clements read from Floods statement to investigators that he felt like once he was in the water, he could not turn around because he could no longer see the edge of the highway and was worried about running into a ditch hidden by the water.

Maybe it wounded his pride or stubbornness. I dont know. He pushed forward into water that was not just standing in a tall puddle, but it was rushing, crossing the guardrail. All of it was the Little Pee Dee River by then, Clements said.

Floods lawyer said while it was a terrible tragedy, others were trying to unfairly blame just the former deputy instead of the equipment problems, the troops that waived them around the barricades and supervisors who knew dangerous flooding was starting and sent him even though taking the women to the mental health facilities was not an emergency.

I ask that you resist the urge to try to give justice to those two ladies by giving injustice to this good man, defense attorney Jarrett Bouchette said. They want to make him a scapegoat for this accident.

Flood did not testify, but before he was sentenced told the judge he tried everything he could to keep the women calm as the waters rose and help was slow to arrive.

It was a series of mistakes on my part and other people that led me to that point and Im sorry for what happened to the girls, Flood said.

Flood and the deputy with him, Joshua Bishop, were eventually rescued from the top of the transport van, authorities said. Bishop will stand trial for two counts of involuntary manslaughter at a later date.

They tried to shoot the locks off the second door, but it still would not open. The delay in getting help was costly too. A firefighter testified they were able to cut the roof off the van and started working on the cage, but the water got higher and faster and it was too dangerous to continue.

Newtons son Charles said he hated that Flood had to learn to follow the rules and use common sense at such a steep price.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget. Fortunately, I still remember my mom as a happy woman, a joyful woman who loved her family, he said. But you, Mr. Flood, will remember my mom by hearing her screams in the back of that van.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.


Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.

Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Australia's Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese is no stranger to India according to Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O' Farrell.Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that the Labor Party leader had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. "Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepen India-Autralia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said. Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday. "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I have congratulated him on his election victory," Morrisson told his supporters. He also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, Sky News reported. "I've always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I've always been prepared to accept their verdict," he was citied as saying by CNN. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018. (ANI)
Australia's Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese is no stranger to India according to Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O' Farrell.Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that the Labor Party leader had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. "Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepen India-Autralia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said. Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday. "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I have congratulated him on his election victory," Morrisson told his supporters. He also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, Sky News reported. "I've always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I've always been prepared to accept their verdict," he was citied as saying by CNN. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018. (ANI)
Australia's Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese is no stranger to India according to Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O' Farrell.Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that the Labor Party leader had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. "Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepen India-Autralia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said. Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday. "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I have congratulated him on his election victory," Morrisson told his supporters. He also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, Sky News reported. "I've always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I've always been prepared to accept their verdict," he was citied as saying by CNN. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018. (ANI)

BRIDGETOWN:--- A UK-based care provider is looking to sponsor two Caribbean caregivers to live and work in the UK as a senior care worker and care assistants for either three or five years.

Abbots Care Limited UK is a 26-year-old family business started by Camille Leavold, her sister, and her mother.

Both job listings and their specifications are listed on the Caribbean Employment Services Inc. job board website, as well as on the organizations website under the jobs section.

In an interview with Caribbean Employment Services Inc., Leavold said the organization is looking to the Caribbean for new recruits because it has been consistently impressed with the high-quality Caribbean caregivers provide.

Weve spent lots of time in the Caribbean and we employed lots of people from there who have settled in the UK, and we just absolutely love the attitude and the approach that they have, explained the now managing director of Abbots Care.

She added, Weve got some great workers from Jamaica and Barbados, and so we were like, What really works well? They really work well, and they love the job, our service, and our clients love them, so we thought wed try there as well, as well as other places in the world.

Under Abbots Cares program, Caribbean caregivers receive full sponsorship and also get a few extra benefits if they sign on as a senior care worker or care assistant.

Leavold said the organization offers accommodation for the first three months and a vehicle to help newcomers settle in.

As an added benefit, new recruits also live with others coming from all over the world, giving them a sense of community in addition to the support the Abbots Care team provides.

Leavold noted that some specific qualifications and relevant experience are needed for these caregiver jobs.

However, she highlighted that the main quality the right candidates will possess is a genuinely caring nature.

We offer lots of training and qualifications, said Leavold.

My main thing is I can teach you everything you need to know to do the job, but I cant teach you to care.

So, you have to care. If you care, the rest of it, we can sort you with and get you going with a career in social care.

Leavold encouraged anyone who has questions or who is unsure whether they have the right qualifications or experience to simply reach out to her organization and her team would be happy to run through the details with them.

About Abbots Care

Abbots Care Ltd. is a thriving family home care business set up in 1995. It is the leading care employer and home care provider in the southeast United Kingdom, with a team that provides unrivaled customer care service and takes pride in valuing its employees while placing customers needs at the heart of its operations. Learn more at https://abbotscare.com.

About Caribbean Employment Services Inc.

Caribbean Employment Services Inc., based in Barbados, is one of the market-leading recruitment advertising companies, specializing in helping businesses and organizations recruit the best candidates for their roles and job seekers find their ideal position. For international and national employers looking to source the best talent from the Caribbean region and from the United States for their Caribbean businesses, we offer a range of recruitment solutions, all developed to find the right candidates for their roles. Find out more at https://caribbeanemployment.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.

WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.
Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.




A 13-year-old girl is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries after she was shot in North Omaha early Saturday morning.

At 12:24 a.m., officers were called to a residence near 40th and Corby Streets. Upon arrival, they found the girl, who was taken to Nebraska Medical Center for treatment. In an email, an Omaha police spokesman said a suspect left the scene prior to officers arriving.

The spokesman said the investigation is ongoing and police plan to issue at least one update when more information is available.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

(Newser)  Life is definitely imitating art on Martha's Vineyard, where a former child star in one of Steven Spielberg's biggest blockbusters ever has just accepted a stars-are-aligned job. The Vineyard Gazette reports that the town of Oak Bluffs has named as its new police chief Jonathan Searle, a longtime sergeant in the neighboring town of Edgartown. Oak Bluffs just happens to be the real-life location where Jaws, Steven Spielberg's 1975 summer blockbuster, was shot (in the movie, the town was called Amity), and Searle, a Martha's Vineyard native, had a minor but memorable role in the film, along with his real-life brother.

Per CBS News, the Searle siblings played pranksters who used a fake cardboard shark fin in the water, causing everyone at the beach in the fictional town to go into a frenzy. In an eerie coincidence, Jonathan Searle had to investigate shark sightings off of Martha's Vineyard in 2008only to find it was a hoax, much like the one his character had pulled in Jaws. The perpetrator was charged with disorderly conduct, per the New York Post. Law enforcement roots run deep in the Searle family: Searle's dad, George Searle, was on the Edgartown force for three decades, serving as its chief from 1981 to 1995.

Jonathan Searle, now 56, is excited to be moving next door to head up the police department for the town of 5,000 or so. "It's something I've been working toward my whole career," he tells the Gazette. As for his Hollywood ties, and the buzz it's created as a result of his new position, Searle is taking the whole thing in stride. "I'm finding the whole thing quite funny myself," he tells the Post. (Read more Jaws stories.)
(Newser)  Life is definitely imitating art on Martha's Vineyard, where a former child star in one of Steven Spielberg's biggest blockbusters ever has just accepted a stars-are-aligned job. The Vineyard Gazette reports that the town of Oak Bluffs has named as its new police chief Jonathan Searle, a longtime sergeant in the neighboring town of Edgartown. Oak Bluffs just happens to be the real-life location where Jaws, Steven Spielberg's 1975 summer blockbuster, was shot (in the movie, the town was called Amity), and Searle, a Martha's Vineyard native, had a minor but memorable role in the film, along with his real-life brother.

Per CBS News, the Searle siblings played pranksters who used a fake cardboard shark fin in the water, causing everyone at the beach in the fictional town to go into a frenzy. In an eerie coincidence, Jonathan Searle had to investigate shark sightings off of Martha's Vineyard in 2008only to find it was a hoax, much like the one his character had pulled in Jaws. The perpetrator was charged with disorderly conduct, per the New York Post. Law enforcement roots run deep in the Searle family: Searle's dad, George Searle, was on the Edgartown force for three decades, serving as its chief from 1981 to 1995.

Jonathan Searle, now 56, is excited to be moving next door to head up the police department for the town of 5,000 or so. "It's something I've been working toward my whole career," he tells the Gazette. As for his Hollywood ties, and the buzz it's created as a result of his new position, Searle is taking the whole thing in stride. "I'm finding the whole thing quite funny myself," he tells the Post. (Read more Jaws stories.)
Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.
Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.
Australia's Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese is no stranger to India according to Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O' Farrell.Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that the Labor Party leader had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. "Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepen India-Autralia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said. Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday. "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I have congratulated him on his election victory," Morrisson told his supporters. He also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, Sky News reported. "I've always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I've always been prepared to accept their verdict," he was citied as saying by CNN. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018. (ANI)
Australia's Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese is no stranger to India according to Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O' Farrell.Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that the Labor Party leader had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. "Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepen India-Autralia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said. Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday. "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I have congratulated him on his election victory," Morrisson told his supporters. He also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, Sky News reported. "I've always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I've always been prepared to accept their verdict," he was citied as saying by CNN. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018. (ANI)
BRIDGETOWN:--- A UK-based care provider is looking to sponsor two Caribbean caregivers to live and work in the UK as a senior care worker and care assistants for either three or five years.

Abbots Care Limited UK is a 26-year-old family business started by Camille Leavold, her sister, and her mother.

Both job listings and their specifications are listed on the Caribbean Employment Services Inc. job board website, as well as on the organizations website under the jobs section.

In an interview with Caribbean Employment Services Inc., Leavold said the organization is looking to the Caribbean for new recruits because it has been consistently impressed with the high-quality Caribbean caregivers provide.

Weve spent lots of time in the Caribbean and we employed lots of people from there who have settled in the UK, and we just absolutely love the attitude and the approach that they have, explained the now managing director of Abbots Care.

She added, Weve got some great workers from Jamaica and Barbados, and so we were like, What really works well? They really work well, and they love the job, our service, and our clients love them, so we thought wed try there as well, as well as other places in the world.

Under Abbots Cares program, Caribbean caregivers receive full sponsorship and also get a few extra benefits if they sign on as a senior care worker or care assistant.

Leavold said the organization offers accommodation for the first three months and a vehicle to help newcomers settle in.

As an added benefit, new recruits also live with others coming from all over the world, giving them a sense of community in addition to the support the Abbots Care team provides.

Leavold noted that some specific qualifications and relevant experience are needed for these caregiver jobs.

However, she highlighted that the main quality the right candidates will possess is a genuinely caring nature.

We offer lots of training and qualifications, said Leavold.

My main thing is I can teach you everything you need to know to do the job, but I cant teach you to care.

So, you have to care. If you care, the rest of it, we can sort you with and get you going with a career in social care.

Leavold encouraged anyone who has questions or who is unsure whether they have the right qualifications or experience to simply reach out to her organization and her team would be happy to run through the details with them.

About Abbots Care

Abbots Care Ltd. is a thriving family home care business set up in 1995. It is the leading care employer and home care provider in the southeast United Kingdom, with a team that provides unrivaled customer care service and takes pride in valuing its employees while placing customers needs at the heart of its operations. Learn more at https://abbotscare.com.

About Caribbean Employment Services Inc.

Caribbean Employment Services Inc., based in Barbados, is one of the market-leading recruitment advertising companies, specializing in helping businesses and organizations recruit the best candidates for their roles and job seekers find their ideal position. For international and national employers looking to source the best talent from the Caribbean region and from the United States for their Caribbean businesses, we offer a range of recruitment solutions, all developed to find the right candidates for their roles. Find out more at https://caribbeanemployment.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
BRIDGETOWN:--- A UK-based care provider is looking to sponsor two Caribbean caregivers to live and work in the UK as a senior care worker and care assistants for either three or five years.

Abbots Care Limited UK is a 26-year-old family business started by Camille Leavold, her sister, and her mother.

Both job listings and their specifications are listed on the Caribbean Employment Services Inc. job board website, as well as on the organizations website under the jobs section.

In an interview with Caribbean Employment Services Inc., Leavold said the organization is looking to the Caribbean for new recruits because it has been consistently impressed with the high-quality Caribbean caregivers provide.

Weve spent lots of time in the Caribbean and we employed lots of people from there who have settled in the UK, and we just absolutely love the attitude and the approach that they have, explained the now managing director of Abbots Care.

She added, Weve got some great workers from Jamaica and Barbados, and so we were like, What really works well? They really work well, and they love the job, our service, and our clients love them, so we thought wed try there as well, as well as other places in the world.

Under Abbots Cares program, Caribbean caregivers receive full sponsorship and also get a few extra benefits if they sign on as a senior care worker or care assistant.

Leavold said the organization offers accommodation for the first three months and a vehicle to help newcomers settle in.

As an added benefit, new recruits also live with others coming from all over the world, giving them a sense of community in addition to the support the Abbots Care team provides.

Leavold noted that some specific qualifications and relevant experience are needed for these caregiver jobs.

However, she highlighted that the main quality the right candidates will possess is a genuinely caring nature.

We offer lots of training and qualifications, said Leavold.

My main thing is I can teach you everything you need to know to do the job, but I cant teach you to care.

So, you have to care. If you care, the rest of it, we can sort you with and get you going with a career in social care.

Leavold encouraged anyone who has questions or who is unsure whether they have the right qualifications or experience to simply reach out to her organization and her team would be happy to run through the details with them.

About Abbots Care

Abbots Care Ltd. is a thriving family home care business set up in 1995. It is the leading care employer and home care provider in the southeast United Kingdom, with a team that provides unrivaled customer care service and takes pride in valuing its employees while placing customers needs at the heart of its operations. Learn more at https://abbotscare.com.

About Caribbean Employment Services Inc.

Caribbean Employment Services Inc., based in Barbados, is one of the market-leading recruitment advertising companies, specializing in helping businesses and organizations recruit the best candidates for their roles and job seekers find their ideal position. For international and national employers looking to source the best talent from the Caribbean region and from the United States for their Caribbean businesses, we offer a range of recruitment solutions, all developed to find the right candidates for their roles. Find out more at https://caribbeanemployment.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .



Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
BRIDGETOWN:--- A UK-based care provider is looking to sponsor two Caribbean caregivers to live and work in the UK as a senior care worker and care assistants for either three or five years.

Abbots Care Limited UK is a 26-year-old family business started by Camille Leavold, her sister, and her mother.

Both job listings and their specifications are listed on the Caribbean Employment Services Inc. job board website, as well as on the organizations website under the jobs section.

In an interview with Caribbean Employment Services Inc., Leavold said the organization is looking to the Caribbean for new recruits because it has been consistently impressed with the high-quality Caribbean caregivers provide.

Weve spent lots of time in the Caribbean and we employed lots of people from there who have settled in the UK, and we just absolutely love the attitude and the approach that they have, explained the now managing director of Abbots Care.

She added, Weve got some great workers from Jamaica and Barbados, and so we were like, What really works well? They really work well, and they love the job, our service, and our clients love them, so we thought wed try there as well, as well as other places in the world.

Under Abbots Cares program, Caribbean caregivers receive full sponsorship and also get a few extra benefits if they sign on as a senior care worker or care assistant.

Leavold said the organization offers accommodation for the first three months and a vehicle to help newcomers settle in.

As an added benefit, new recruits also live with others coming from all over the world, giving them a sense of community in addition to the support the Abbots Care team provides.

Leavold noted that some specific qualifications and relevant experience are needed for these caregiver jobs.

However, she highlighted that the main quality the right candidates will possess is a genuinely caring nature.

We offer lots of training and qualifications, said Leavold.

My main thing is I can teach you everything you need to know to do the job, but I cant teach you to care.

So, you have to care. If you care, the rest of it, we can sort you with and get you going with a career in social care.

Leavold encouraged anyone who has questions or who is unsure whether they have the right qualifications or experience to simply reach out to her organization and her team would be happy to run through the details with them.

About Abbots Care

Abbots Care Ltd. is a thriving family home care business set up in 1995. It is the leading care employer and home care provider in the southeast United Kingdom, with a team that provides unrivaled customer care service and takes pride in valuing its employees while placing customers needs at the heart of its operations. Learn more at https://abbotscare.com.

About Caribbean Employment Services Inc.

Caribbean Employment Services Inc., based in Barbados, is one of the market-leading recruitment advertising companies, specializing in helping businesses and organizations recruit the best candidates for their roles and job seekers find their ideal position. For international and national employers looking to source the best talent from the Caribbean region and from the United States for their Caribbean businesses, we offer a range of recruitment solutions, all developed to find the right candidates for their roles. Find out more at https://caribbeanemployment.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
President Nana Akufo-Addo has said over the last five years, his government has increasingly implemented initiatives and programmes rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with the goal being to ensure a target of 60:40 science-humanities ratio, and also educate a critical mass of the Ghanaian population for science-related jobs, which will define their future employability.

He noted that his government has increased enrolment by 100%.

I am, thus, happy to note that this years enrolment of TVET students in Senior High Schools has reached record levels  forty-four thousand (44,000) students, representing a one hundred per cent (100%) increase over the 2021 enrolment figure. Our Gross Tertiary Enrolment Ratio, measuring enrolment in tertiary education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population, which stood at 18.8% as of 2021, has increased significantly to 20% this year, he said on Friday, 20 May 2022 when he cut sod for the construction of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (UEAS) in Bunso, Eastern Region.

It will be recollected that in this years message on the State of the Nation to Parliament on 30 March 2022, President Akufo-Addo indicated that steps were being taken to turn the planned Bunso campus of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development into a standalone, independent University dedicated to the study of Engineering.

I also indicated that construction of this campus will begin within the next three (3) months. As you already know, President Akufo-Addo does not make promises he cannot fulfil and I am happy that we are all gathered here at Bunso to cut the sod for the construction of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, which will be a Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Applied Sciences and Built Environment, the President said.

Addressing the gathering, which included the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, President Akufo-Addo stated that the world, as we know it, is essentially driven by technology.

He stated that energy, industry, agriculture, medicine and health, clean air and water, transportation, sanitation, the use, management and conservation of natural resources  all are based ultimately on science and technology.

So, it is obvious that to be a part of this modern world, there must be science and technology elements at all levels of the development process. This means that a countrys development depends on its ability to understand, adapt, produce and commercialise scientific and technological knowledge in ways appropriate to its culture, aspirations and level of development, he added.

This, he explained, will help shape the fulfilment of the national dream, which is to meet basic challenges of survival, such as providing food, shelter, clothing, health and security for the people, and creating the wealth that will guarantee the prosperity of present and future generations.

UEAS

When completed, the President stated that UEAS will be the second public University in the Eastern Region, which will focus on satisfying human resource demands from domestic industries.

The establishment of this University is also part of the Governments response to the current national preoccupation with food security. The University will provide leadership in teaching, research and public outreach across a number of fields, and will help address problems that affect our food security, and enhance future competitiveness of Ghanas industries in a sustainable manner, he added.

The President thanked the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Republic of Korea for providing the ninety-million-dollar (US$90,000,000) facility for the construction of the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, Bunso Project.

He urged the stakeholders  the Ministry of Education, the contractors and consultants, amongst others  to work within schedule and budget.

President Akufo-Addo also used the occasion to express the sincere appreciation of the Government and the Ghanaian people to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for their continuous cooperation with Ghana and assured them of Ghanas determination to deepen and expand the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Osagyefo, Nananom, I am excited to be here once again, and, by the grace of God, I will be here again, in twenty-four (24) months time, to commission the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences. And I have the great honour and pleasure to cut the sod for the commencement of its construction, the President concluded.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Leeds and Burnley have stepped up the pressure on the Premier League to investigate Evertons finances, writing to the governing body to ask that the Merseysiders are required to retain all financial information that would be pertinent to an inquiry.

The two clubs, who are locked in a fight to stay in the top flight today, have told the League they believe Everton have breached domestic financial fair play (FFP) rules.

Everton are also under pressure to explain how their claimed Covid losses of up to 220million tally with their declared Covid impact figure of just 82.1m.

Frank Lampard's Everton could be investigated after Leeds and Burnley wrote to the Premier League asking for them to look into their finances and if they have broken FFP rules

Leeds and Burnley are pushing the Premier League to establish an independent commission in the next five weeks to decide if Everton have broken Premier League financial rules, which are in place to ensure sustainability.

The relegation-threatened clubs have followed up their initial correspondence with a second letter asking that the Premier League is mindful that all potentially relevant records, including phone messages and emails, are retained.

Everton secured their survival with a dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Thursday but there is support for Burnley and Leeds among other Premier League clubs. The two threatened clubs have formed a pact and whichever club stays up today will continue to pursue the matter in Premier League shareholder meetings.

Leeds United are currently in the relegation zone and will go down if they lose at Brentford

Both clubs have reserved the right to sue for compensation of up to 200m if Everton are found to have broken the Premier Leagues Profit and Sustainability rules, which allow for a maximum 105m losses over three years.

Everton, under owner Farhad Moshiri (right), recorded losses of 371m over three years but because of the Covid season, the rules have been made temporarily more lenient to allow for pandemic losses.

In addition, clubs can write off any spending they make on new infrastructure projects. Everton, who are building a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, have said: We have worked so closely with the Premier League to make sure we are compliant, we are comfortable we have complied with rules.

Clubs are allowed to lose a maximum of 105m over a three-year rolling period, although Covid-related losses can be written off in addition, as can outlay on infrastructure, youth development and other good spending. In the three recent completed seasons, or from the pre-pandemic 2018-19 to the 2020-21, Everton have lost a cumulative total of 372.5m, three-and-a- half times as much as allowed.

Burnley are in the driving seat and a win against Newcastle on Sunday will guarantee survival

They lost 111.8m in the 2018-19 season, then 139.8m in 2019-20 and 120.9m last season. Spending on players, and particularly wages, has seen their costs soar. In 2018-19, Evertons wage bill of 160m accounted for more than 85 per cent of the clubs income while last season that had risen to 182.6m or 94.6 per cent of income.

The clubs 2020-21 accounts paint a confusing picture of how much was lost for Covid-related reasons. In the introductory section, the report says: Losses of at least 170m are attributed to the impact of Covid-19, with further market analysis indicating that figure could be as much as 50m higher. For the financial year covered by these accounts, 103m losses are associated to the pandemic.

Yet in a detailed breakdown table, Covid-related losses for 2019-20 and 2020-21 combined are stated at 48.4m, and Covid-related additional costs are 33.7m, for a combined Covid-19 impact of 82.1m. The gap between that figure and the potential 220m implied earlier, Everton claim, can be explained by other uncrystallised Covid-19 pandemic related losses arising from the significant deterioration in the player trading market.

In other words, and as Everton go on to imply, without Covid they would have been able to sell players for big sums and get some high wages off the books, increasing income and cutting costs.

The club is continuing to assess the uncrystallised financial impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the board of directors strongly believe that a further substantial financial loss, not reflected in the 82.1m [figure] has been incurred by the club, the report says.




Oxygen

A suspended Virginia Tech Hokie linebacker took the stand in his own defense during his trial for killing a person who he alleges pretended to be a woman during an intimate encounter. Isimemen Etute, 19, stands accused of the 2021 murder of Jerry Paul Smith, 40, who Etute met under the name Angie." (Smith's family has identified the victim as a gay man, according to ABC affiliate WSET, and Smith is not listed on the Human Rights Campaign's compendium of transgender and non-conforming people kil

India and Singapore underlined their commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation while condemning terrorism in all its forms, besides stressing the importance of bolstering international collaboration to combat terror. During the 4th meeting of the India-Singapore Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime which was held in Singapore from May 18 to May 19, both nations strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "As strategic partners, India and Singapore strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross border terrorism and stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner," read a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Mahaveer Singhvi, joint secretary for counter-terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Puah Kok Keong, the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore co-chaired the meeting. The JWG also emphasised that all countries must take immediate and sustained action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and agreed on the need to expeditiously bring perpetrators of such terror attacks to justice. Both sides discussed issues pertaining to challenges faced by counter-terrorism, including cross border movement of terrorists, fighting against the financing of terrorism, countering radicalisation, and preventing the exploitation of the internet for terrorism. Discussions were also held regarding terrorism threats in national, regional, and global spheres, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and the nexus between terrorism and transnational organised crime. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to respond to these challenges and discussed ways to deepen engagement between their respective agencies, especially in the field of sharing of information and best practices, law enforcement and capacity building to counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. The JWG also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN and FATF. (ANI)
Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.
Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets close until Tuesday.

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24.

All residents have been asked to take part in the mandatory screening to help the district 'win the battle against the pandemic' after Shanghai announced its first new Covid cases outside quarantined areas in five days on Friday.

The authorities also announced the use of all exit permits, which allow residents to leave their home, have also been suspended until further notice.

Posting on the district's WeChat account, the message read: 'In order to further consolidate the results of epidemic prevention and control and gradually restore normal production and life order, our district will carry out three consecutive rounds from May 22 to May 24 .

'All residents and friends are requested to participate in this round of screening, cooperate with the prevention and control work as always, stay at home patiently, and do personal protection.'

The closing of the district comes after the head of the World Health Organization criticised China's Zero Covid strategy and urged it to change its policy - as millions in Shanghai residents remain under brutal lockdown.

Shanghai authorities have shut a central district and told all residents to stay at home - as all shops and supermarkets are required to shut

The Jingan district, named after an ancient Chinese temple, has locked down to allow mass Covid testing to take place from tomorrow until May 24. Pictured: A man in quarantine plays badminton in the yard amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China on Saturday

People under quarantine gather outside their residential compound in Shanghai on Saturday

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data. That figure includes semi-autonomous Hong Kong

In a rare rebuke of the Communist party, which is one of the biggest financial contributors to the health agency, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this month that the strategy was unsustainable.

'As we all know, the virus is evolving, changing its behaviours, becoming more transmissible,' he said. 'With that changing behaviour, changing your measures will be very important.

'When we talk about the zero-Covid strategy, we don't think it's sustainable.' He added: 'Considering the behaviour of the virus I think a shift [in China's strategy] will be very important.'

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020.

Chinese censors have already censored Dr Tedros' comments, with searches for the hashtags 'Tedros' and 'WHO' on the popular Weibo social media platform displaying no results.

Users of the WeChat app have also been unable to share articles posted on an official United Nations health agency's account.

People rest outside their home in residential compound in quarantine amid the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China

The WHO had previously been slammed as too 'China-centric' during the pandemic and was accused of failing to publicly challenge Chinese misinformation in early 2020

Pictured: Workers deliver goods to a residential compound in quarantine in Shanghai

Official Chinese modelling used to justify sticking to Zero Covid has warned that ditching it now would unleash a 'tsunami' of infections and kill 1.6million people this summer.

Meanwhile, state media reported Shanghai is aiming to end their Covid lockdown and return to 'normal life' by June 1.

More than 40 Chinese cities are under full or partial lockdown measures, according to estimates by the Japanese firm Nomura. China has spent the last two years slamming the West for overseeing so many virus deaths, which makes it politically difficult for the Chinese Government to move away from the Zero Covid policy.

Dr Tedros' comments were echoed by Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should 'show due respect to individual and human rights'.

Residents line up for mass COVID testing on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Members of the Blue Sky Rescue Team disinfect a residential community during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24, 2022 in Shanghai, China

Countries need to 'balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,' Dr Ryan said.

China is one of the last remaining countries to cling onto the virus elimination strategy that was ditched months ago by the likes of South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

It means China is still sending every Covid case and their close contact to centralised quarantine facilities and sealing off entire apartment blocks or streets in the event of a single positive test.

China has recorded more than 760,000 new Covid cases and around 550 deaths since the ultra-infectious Omicron variants broke through China's super-strict restrictions in March - although there are doubts about the reliability of the data.
CLASSIC car, van, tractor, truck, motorbike enthusiasts and owners are invited to attend Knockaderrys inaugural charity vintage run.

It takes place this Sunday, May 22, starting at 1pm, with all proceeds in aid of Milford Care Centre. Mary Angela Downes spoke at the launch of the great reception the event has received from vintage enthusiasts.

Since we started advertising the day around a month ago, we have had a very good response, but we want to cast the net as wide as possible and make one final appeal for support on Sunday. Whether you have a vehicle or not you will be made very welcome on the day, said Mary Angela.

People wishing to attend are asked to do so from 11.30am. The plan is depart the village at 1pm and wind through the hills and valleys of West Limerick in a show of vehicles from yesteryear, before returning to Knockaderry for an evening of celebration with refreshments and music at Scanlons Bar.

Noel Sexton, committee member, said Milford was selected as the fundraising partner because many families in our community, much the same as in every community, has felt the warm comfort of care from Milford Care Centre.

The funds raised from this vintage run is as much about helping to maintain and develop the services in Milford Care Centre as it is to remember those, no longer with us, who have benefited from the care of the staff and acknowledge the care that they received when they needed it most, said Noel.

Donations have already been made from local businesses with Noel OConnor, of Pedigree Sales, gifting 1,000 and John Dunworth, of Munster Crushing, contributing 500.

Mary Angela said they have got it off the ground and is very grateful to Noel and John for their very generous support.

Any donation no matter how great or small will be greatly appreciated. We would also like to say a special thanks to Deputy Richard ODonoghue, his office and the Greybridge Vintage Club for without their support this day would not be possible, she said.

Vintage displays are growing in popularity with many using the time during Covid lockdowns to revive and restore vehicles from the past. Noel said the idea for this day was born from a shared common interest of the love of vintage by a number of Knockaderry residents.

There are a good number of people locally that go to runs and rallys every weekend up and down the country, so we said why not bring one to Knockaderry and do some good for a very worthy charity, said Noel, as he stood in front of his John Deere, '

There will be something for everyone here on the day, it will be a great show of vehicles of ages and ranges and I am sure that when people see them they will bring back many fond memories and stories of days passed.

Attendees can hand over money on Sunday or online  Knockaderry Vintage Day idonate page.
Bobby Shmurda is pleased with the New York State Senate recently passing the Rap Music on Trial bill earlier this week, but mentioned that its not enough.

Im grateful for it. I feel like it needs to happen all around the country, especially whats going on in Atlanta right now, he told TMZ. But I feel like it needs to happen. I feel like rap is targeted the most. Rap is expression.

He continued, When they say rap can be used against you, it limits your art because sometimes people just wanna be free.

Artists like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Killer Mike, Fat Joe, and Kelly Rowland have all shown support for the bill, which wouldnt completely prohibit lyrics from being used as evidence. Instead, lyrics have to be proven to be literal, rather than figurative or fictional, according to Pitchfork.

Shmurda was victim to his lyrics being used in his legal casein particular, the song Hot N***a, and he subsequently spent six years in prison for weapons possession. Similarly, the Fulton County District Attorneys Office in Georgia is using lyrics in the RICO charges against Young Thug, Gunna, and at least 26 other YSL members in a 56-count indictment.

Other rappers have spoken up about the importance of the bill, including No Limits rapper Mac Phipps, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2001, with prosecutors using his lyrics as evidence.

Criminal cases should be tried on factual evidence not the creative expression of an artist, but unfortunately hip hop has been held to a very different standard in the criminal justice system within the last three decades, Phipps said. The passage of the New York bill gives me hope that situations like the one that I faced will be prevented from happening to other artists in the future.

Related Articles

Story continues

More Complex

Sign up for the Complex Newsletter for breaking news, events, and unique stories.

Follow Complex on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok
Bobby Shmurda is pleased with the New York State Senate recently passing the Rap Music on Trial bill earlier this week, but mentioned that its not enough.

Im grateful for it. I feel like it needs to happen all around the country, especially whats going on in Atlanta right now, he told TMZ. But I feel like it needs to happen. I feel like rap is targeted the most. Rap is expression.

He continued, When they say rap can be used against you, it limits your art because sometimes people just wanna be free.

Artists like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Killer Mike, Fat Joe, and Kelly Rowland have all shown support for the bill, which wouldnt completely prohibit lyrics from being used as evidence. Instead, lyrics have to be proven to be literal, rather than figurative or fictional, according to Pitchfork.

Shmurda was victim to his lyrics being used in his legal casein particular, the song Hot N***a, and he subsequently spent six years in prison for weapons possession. Similarly, the Fulton County District Attorneys Office in Georgia is using lyrics in the RICO charges against Young Thug, Gunna, and at least 26 other YSL members in a 56-count indictment.

Other rappers have spoken up about the importance of the bill, including No Limits rapper Mac Phipps, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2001, with prosecutors using his lyrics as evidence.

Criminal cases should be tried on factual evidence not the creative expression of an artist, but unfortunately hip hop has been held to a very different standard in the criminal justice system within the last three decades, Phipps said. The passage of the New York bill gives me hope that situations like the one that I faced will be prevented from happening to other artists in the future.

Related Articles

Story continues

More Complex

Sign up for the Complex Newsletter for breaking news, events, and unique stories.

Follow Complex on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok
A 13-year-old girl is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries after she was shot in North Omaha early Saturday morning.

At 12:24 a.m., officers were called to a residence near 40th and Corby Streets. Upon arrival, they found the girl, who was taken to Nebraska Medical Center for treatment. In an email, an Omaha police spokesman said a suspect left the scene prior to officers arriving.

The spokesman said the investigation is ongoing and police plan to issue at least one update when more information is available.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The French headquarters of American multinational technology company Microsoft in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Paris, on March 6, 2018. (Gerard Julien/AFP via Getty Images)

Heres How Microsoft Addressed Complaints From Smaller European Cloud Companies

Microsoft Corp.s pitch to Brussels directly addressed competition worries with a clear geopolitical purpose prompted by recent complaints from smaller European cloud companies, the Financial Times reports.

Microsoft laid out a series of principles that it would follow out of respect for Europes concerns.

Any customer who has paid to license Windows or Office under Microsofts standard Software Assurance license will not have to pay extra as long as they used a European cloud company.

The furor stems from changes Microsoft made to its licensing practices three years ago to compete with Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google in the cloud computing market.

The 2019 changes made Office and Windows customers cloud migration more expensive with rival cloud companies than Microsofts Azure service, helping it win market share from Amazon even at the cost of smaller cloud companies.

However, Microsofts pitch seemed like an attempt to turn Europes cloud companies into resellers for Microsofts software, making it hard for more minor participants to present real competition.

Europe remains vulnerable to the domination of its IT technology by a handful of U.S. cloud computing giants and one or two Chinese companies leading to a cloud oligopoly.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
The French headquarters of American multinational technology company Microsoft in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Paris, on March 6, 2018. (Gerard Julien/AFP via Getty Images)

Heres How Microsoft Addressed Complaints From Smaller European Cloud Companies

Microsoft Corp.s pitch to Brussels directly addressed competition worries with a clear geopolitical purpose prompted by recent complaints from smaller European cloud companies, the Financial Times reports.

Microsoft laid out a series of principles that it would follow out of respect for Europes concerns.

Any customer who has paid to license Windows or Office under Microsofts standard Software Assurance license will not have to pay extra as long as they used a European cloud company.

The furor stems from changes Microsoft made to its licensing practices three years ago to compete with Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google in the cloud computing market.

The 2019 changes made Office and Windows customers cloud migration more expensive with rival cloud companies than Microsofts Azure service, helping it win market share from Amazon even at the cost of smaller cloud companies.

However, Microsofts pitch seemed like an attempt to turn Europes cloud companies into resellers for Microsofts software, making it hard for more minor participants to present real competition.

Europe remains vulnerable to the domination of its IT technology by a handful of U.S. cloud computing giants and one or two Chinese companies leading to a cloud oligopoly.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.

India and Singapore underlined their commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation while condemning terrorism in all its forms, besides stressing the importance of bolstering international collaboration to combat terror. During the 4th meeting of the India-Singapore Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime which was held in Singapore from May 18 to May 19, both nations strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "As strategic partners, India and Singapore strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross border terrorism and stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner," read a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Mahaveer Singhvi, joint secretary for counter-terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Puah Kok Keong, the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore co-chaired the meeting. The JWG also emphasised that all countries must take immediate and sustained action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and agreed on the need to expeditiously bring perpetrators of such terror attacks to justice. Both sides discussed issues pertaining to challenges faced by counter-terrorism, including cross border movement of terrorists, fighting against the financing of terrorism, countering radicalisation, and preventing the exploitation of the internet for terrorism. Discussions were also held regarding terrorism threats in national, regional, and global spheres, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and the nexus between terrorism and transnational organised crime. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to respond to these challenges and discussed ways to deepen engagement between their respective agencies, especially in the field of sharing of information and best practices, law enforcement and capacity building to counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. The JWG also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN and FATF. (ANI)



Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Canada has sanctioned former Independent and Evening Stand owner Alexander Lebedev - father of the current owner of the Standard and former KGB officer.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev.

The slew of financial measures also includes import bans for Russian luxury goods such as caviar, and export of Canadian jewelry, art and kitchenware to the pariah nation.

The Canadian government ordered visa bans and froze assets relating to 15 Russians close to the Kremlin - including Mr Lebedev

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joy announced the moves on Friday as Canada steps up the pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime over the war in Ukraine.

Alexander Lebedev bought the newspapers in 2010 before transferring the ownership to his son Evgeny.

He is still listed as a director of Independent Print Ltd which provides digital publishing services.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the Evening Standard and is a minority shareholder of the Independent to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion.

Evgeny was made Lord Lebedev of Hampton and Siberia in 2020, and is a known close ally of Boris Johnson.

Lord Lebedev holds British and Russian citizenship.

Evgeny Lebedev still owns the papers and used the Evening Standard to publicly call for an end to the war in Ukraine in the days after the February 24 Russian invasion

The Government defied instructions from the House of Commons over the vetting that Lebedev received before his elevation to the House of Lords.

He said at the time: 'I have nothing to hide. I have no links to the Kremlin. Never even been inside apart from the museum.'

Mr Lebedev was a co-owner of Novaya Gazeta, Russia's independent newspaper, that shut down last month due to a Kremlin censorship law.

Dmitry Muratov, the paper's editor-in-chief and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize for Literature, has defended the Lebedev family when sanctions were mooted saying the Russian businessman had bankrolled the dissenting paper in face of consequences.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
A breast pump at the home of Margie Smith, who has given thousands of ounces to other mothers since she produces more than her children need, in Elgin, Ill., May 19, 2022. (Mary Mathis/The New York Times)

Margie Smith has always produced much more breast milk than her children need. When her son was born three years ago, Smith  who pumps exclusively  was making more than 50 ounces of breast milk per day, enough to feed twins at least, she said. With her 10-month-old daughter, she is producing less, but still more than her baby can drink.

So Smith, 32, has donated breast milk she pumped for both of her babies, giving away roughly 3,500 ounces to families she has found online. Its been nice that Im doing this for my children, but Ive also been able to help other little babies, she said. Her children each did brief stints in the neonatal intensive care unit, where they received some donor breast milk, so she feels as if she is paying it forward in a way.

Someone was kind enough to donate so that my babies can have it, so Ive always felt the need to give back and help another mom thats struggling, said Smith, who works as an X-ray technician and lives in Elgin, Illinois.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

As the nationwide baby formula shortage continues to wear on new parents struggling to keep their babies fed, some have turned to informal breast milk sharing  a practice that predates the current crisis by thousands of years. Human Milk for Human Babies, a Facebook-based, peer-to-peer breast milk sharing platform, says that potential donors and recipients are joining in higher numbers than before the shortage, and notes that there has been a particular increase in one-time donations from mothers who have never donated before.

While parents use donor milk because they believe it is good for their babies, and lactating mothers may donate out of a sense of altruism, experts say the practice can come with serious risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Food and Drug Administration both discourage casual sharing, pointing to the potential for contamination, as well as the chance that parents with the best of intentions will unwittingly expose their babies to harmful medications or drugs.

Story continues

What is informal breast milk sharing?

The AAP recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively until they are about 6 months old and continue breastfeeding along with complementary foods until they are at least 1 year old. But the reality is that only one-quarter of babies in the United States are exclusively breastfed by the time theyre 6 months old, and only 35% are still breastfed at all by the time they turn 1.

Mothers may not breastfeed or might stop earlier than recommended for a host of reasons, from physical challenges to insufficient parental leave policies. Others simply do not lactate  as in the case of foster or adoptive parents. All of which means the majority of parents in the U.S. rely on formula at some point when their children are young.

But parents may also seek out donor breast milk, through formal or informal routes. Formal milk sharing is done through milk banks that do comprehensive donor screening, checking for everything from HIV and hepatitis B status to medications. Milk banks also pasteurize all donations. All of this is overseen by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, which sets the standards for formal donor milk sharing in the U.S. and Canada. But most of that milk is distributed through hospitals for preterm babies, to help lower the risk of serious health complications like necrotizing enterocolitis  a dangerous intestinal disorder.

The milk banks in this country are very good, but milk tends to be prioritized for high-risk infants, said Dr. Casey Rosen-Carole, a pediatrician and director of the breastfeeding and lactation medicine program at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.

In the outpatient world, its very difficult to get donor milk, and it tends to be very costly $4 to $5 an ounce, even, she said.

In the absence of easily accessible and affordable donor milk banks, many parents end up going the informal route and swap breast milk with people they know or with people they find on the internet.

For parents of healthy, full-term babies who want to give their child breast milk but are unable to, there arent a lot of options other than casual milk sharing, said Dr. Lisa Hammer, a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group in Michigan.

There arent good estimates of how widespread casual milk sharing is, but experts believe it is not uncommon. A 2018 online survey of 456 U.S. mothers found that 12% had donated milk informally, and just under 7% had given their babies donated milk.

What are the risks and benefits of informal milk sharing?

The health benefits of breastfeeding are well-established: Breast milk is designed to meet babies core nutritional needs and offers protection against infection, particularly early on. Recent research has found, for example, that mothers who have been infected with the coronavirus or who have gotten an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine produce breast milk with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which are passed on to their babies.

The biggest benefit that really we cant replicate with formula has been some of the immunity and antibodies that can be obtained through breast milk, Hammer said. A lot of parents, especially now in the middle of a pandemic, have been much more aware of those immune benefits and are really seeking that out through breast milk.

It is logical that otherwise healthy, full-term babies fed with donor breast milk would get those same benefits, but experts cannot say that with certainty  nor can they offer parents a data-driven risk-benefit analysis  because the whole practice of milk swapping is deeply underresearched.

We dont know anything about infant outcomes, said Dr. Sheela Geraghty, a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant and a co-director of the Center for Breastfeeding Medicine at Cincinnati Childrens.

Geraghty worked on a widely cited 2013 study that found that breast milk purchased online was frequently contaminated with high levels of bacteria, including salmonella. Some of it was diluted with cows milk; other times, the milk arrived warm or leaking. She said the study made her and her co-authors pariahs among some breastfeeding experts who believed the study exaggerated the possible risks, because the researchers purchased milk that was sold for profit, and did not screen the sellers. And because the milk was shipped, it increased the risk of bacterial growth.

But since then, there have not been any studies that have directly looked at how casual milk sharing can affect the health of otherwise healthy babies.

And for that reason, Geraghty said she simply does not see it as a safe alternative for parents who are in need  even though we want it to be safe and we know mothers are doing it. She said it is never her intention to make parents feel guilty about how they are feeding their babies, but she believes it is important that mothers and fathers know about the risks.

How can parents reduce the risks?

In recent guidance from the AAP about navigating the formula crisis, the group said parents simply cannot know for sure whether breast milk they get from a friend or an online group is safe, and instead urged them to connect with an accredited milk bank. But again, getting breast milk that way is not easy.

And for many parents, the advice to avoid informal milk sharing falls on deaf ears, said Aunchalee Palmquist, a medical anthropologist and board-certified lactation consultant with the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Theyve been told again and again that breast milk is good for babies. So the idea that there are no benefits to using donor breast milk over infant formula doesnt exactly make sense to them, she added.

A 2017 position statement from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine offers a set of best practices around informal breast milk sharing for healthy, full-term babies  guidance it aimed at doctors who may be counseling parents through these decisions.

The guidelines say it is critical for parents to have an open screening process with anyone from whom they are considering getting breast milk. They should discuss whether the donor is taking any medications or herbs; whether they have been screened for conditions like HIV and hepatitis B (which can be transmitted via breast milk); and whether they engage in activities like drinking alcohol or using marijuana. Open conversations are important, because individuals are not set up to do the kind of in-depth testing a milk bank can.

We dont have good research on this, but the risk is probably progressively increased the further you move away from people you know, Rosen-Carole said.

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine also notes that home pasteurization of human breast milk may help remove harmful viruses and bacteria, and its guidance includes directions for using a flash heating method.

Any parent contemplating an informal milk swap  during the current formula shortage, or at another point in time  should talk to their childs pediatrician first. There may not be hard data that doctors can provide on the effect that informal milk sharing will have on a babys health, but a conversation can offer parents guidance on how to minimize the risks should they choose to move forward.

 2022 The New York Times Company
(Newser)  Life is definitely imitating art on Martha's Vineyard, where a former child star in one of Steven Spielberg's biggest blockbusters ever has just accepted a stars-are-aligned job. The Vineyard Gazette reports that the town of Oak Bluffs has named as its new police chief Jonathan Searle, a longtime sergeant in the neighboring town of Edgartown. Oak Bluffs just happens to be the real-life location where Jaws, Steven Spielberg's 1975 summer blockbuster, was shot (in the movie, the town was called Amity), and Searle, a Martha's Vineyard native, had a minor but memorable role in the film, along with his real-life brother.

Per CBS News, the Searle siblings played pranksters who used a fake cardboard shark fin in the water, causing everyone at the beach in the fictional town to go into a frenzy. In an eerie coincidence, Jonathan Searle had to investigate shark sightings off of Martha's Vineyard in 2008only to find it was a hoax, much like the one his character had pulled in Jaws. The perpetrator was charged with disorderly conduct, per the New York Post. Law enforcement roots run deep in the Searle family: Searle's dad, George Searle, was on the Edgartown force for three decades, serving as its chief from 1981 to 1995.

Jonathan Searle, now 56, is excited to be moving next door to head up the police department for the town of 5,000 or so. "It's something I've been working toward my whole career," he tells the Gazette. As for his Hollywood ties, and the buzz it's created as a result of his new position, Searle is taking the whole thing in stride. "I'm finding the whole thing quite funny myself," he tells the Post. (Read more Jaws stories.)
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Bobby Shmurda is pleased with the New York State Senate recently passing the Rap Music on Trial bill earlier this week, but mentioned that its not enough.

Im grateful for it. I feel like it needs to happen all around the country, especially whats going on in Atlanta right now, he told TMZ. But I feel like it needs to happen. I feel like rap is targeted the most. Rap is expression.

He continued, When they say rap can be used against you, it limits your art because sometimes people just wanna be free.

Artists like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Killer Mike, Fat Joe, and Kelly Rowland have all shown support for the bill, which wouldnt completely prohibit lyrics from being used as evidence. Instead, lyrics have to be proven to be literal, rather than figurative or fictional, according to Pitchfork.

Shmurda was victim to his lyrics being used in his legal casein particular, the song Hot N***a, and he subsequently spent six years in prison for weapons possession. Similarly, the Fulton County District Attorneys Office in Georgia is using lyrics in the RICO charges against Young Thug, Gunna, and at least 26 other YSL members in a 56-count indictment.

Other rappers have spoken up about the importance of the bill, including No Limits rapper Mac Phipps, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2001, with prosecutors using his lyrics as evidence.

Criminal cases should be tried on factual evidence not the creative expression of an artist, but unfortunately hip hop has been held to a very different standard in the criminal justice system within the last three decades, Phipps said. The passage of the New York bill gives me hope that situations like the one that I faced will be prevented from happening to other artists in the future.

Related Articles

Story continues

More Complex

Sign up for the Complex Newsletter for breaking news, events, and unique stories.

Follow Complex on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok

Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.
Mark Garrett, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, will leave that role to lead Henderson County Public Schools on July 1.

The announcement came after a special-called meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education on Thursday.

We are thrilled to have someone with such an exceptional level of experience choose to lead in Henderson County, said School Board Chair Blair Craven. We welcome Mr. Garrett into the HCPS Family, and are excited to see how his expertise in public K-12 leadership will continue strengthening our already esteemed school communities.

Craven and his board noted that during Garretts tenure, McDowell experienced its highest graduation rates, lowest dropout rates, and lowest teacher turnover rates in district history, as well as exceptional academic growth.

Terry Frank, chairman of the McDowell County Board of Education, said Garrett will remain in his current role until July 1 and the search for an interim will begin immediately. Frank said the board may choose to wait until after the November election to select a permanent replacement because the makeup of the board will be different.

Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and adventure in Henderson County, Frank said in a statement to The McDowell News. The board knew with all of Mr. Garretts accomplishments and his notoriety across the state of North Carolina in the education circles that our system would have to contend with offers from other systems to try to hire him. We are all blessed with having him here as long as we did. I am just grateful that he will still be in western North Carolina. He will be truly missed and a challenge will be presented to try to replace him.

(To read Franks statement in its entirety, scan the QR code accompanying this story or go to mcdowellnews.com)

Click here for Chairman Terry Frank's statement on Superintendent Mark Garrett Though I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Mark Garrett, I am happy for his new position and ad

Frank praised Garretts management style, his work with the community and his efforts to put children first.

This allowed numerous opportunities for students that they hadnt had the opportunity to experience before, Frank said. He treated students fairly and tried to find challenges and rewards for different lifestyles they have. He expanded the system to four very unique high school choices. He initiated Foothills Community School as well as leading the change to a middle school system away from junior highs. All come with challenges, but Mr. Garrett always had a calming effect on the waters so the sailing was usually smooth.

Garrett will replace John Bryant, becoming the seventh superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools.

Garretts move takes him to a larger community. Henderson County has a population of 120,168 compared to McDowells population of 46,629.




Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.
Hundreds of thousands of vacancies are clogging up the hospitality sector across Europe as the industry struggles to cater for the increase in tourists.

France has an estimated 250,000 vacancies in restaurants and cafes, with businesses warning they are ill prepared for an influx of tourists in the summer now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.

French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic.

The French president himself described it as the most generous scheme in Europe. But many never went back to the industry.

Montmartre District in Paris is pictured. French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme for staff shortages, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic

'We've got applicants but they're all students who have no experience and who only want to stay for the summer. So we'd have to train them, and once they've been trained, they'll leave,' said Georgio Benuzzi, 42, owner of Le Petit Josselin creperie in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

He is planning to expand the dining area for his venue, he told The Times, wanting to add an additional 18 diners outside on top of the 36 places inside, but he is struggling to find waiters.

'No one wants to work full time,' he said. 'One wants to do Monday lunchtimes but not Monday evenings, another doesn't do Wednesdays. It's really complicated.'

Frances unemployment rate hit 7.3 per cent, the lowest since 2008, with work available in other sectors.

Macron has said he is proud of his governments emergency economic measures to support jobs during the pandemic, and highlighted a cut of unemployment from 9.6 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

President macron boasted of his unemployment as a key success of his presidency during the last election which saw him beat rival Marine le Pen.

But the success in lowering unemployment has meant a flux of younger workers who traditionally support the hospitality sector looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Many job opportunities pay more than the 8.60 an hour minimum wage in hotels and restaurants.

In Italy, Massimo Bettoja, owner of the elegant Hotel Mediterraneo in Rome, spoke of similar concerns.

'We called back the 100 staff we furloughed during Covid and 30 didn't show up,' he said. 'Now we are full with bookings again we may be forced to cut capacity by 20 per cent to avoid poor service.'

Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.

Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.
An emotional Penny Wong waxed lyrical in a lengthy speech to the nation while millions of Australian voters were waiting to hear from Anthony Albanese.

Senator Wong was meant to be the warm-up act for Mr Albanese on stage at Labor's victory party at the Canterbury-Hurstlone RSL club, minutes before midnight on Saturday.

But what was expected to be a few brief comments from Ms Wong introducing the country's new leader ended up as a lengthy speech of its own, featuring several rhetorical flourishes about Labor's change agenda and Australians 'choosing hope'.

Senator Wong took to the stage in front of a jubilant crowd and immediately thanked the traditional owners of the land.

She then said the country had now taken a step forward to 'fulfilling the promise of the Uluru Statement from the Heart'.

An emotional Penny Wong stole the spotlight introducing Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese at Labor's victory celebrations (pictured raising their arms)

The Uluru Statement proposes introducing an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament into the Australian constitution, and the ALP has pledged to implement it in full.

Senator Wong continued: 'My friends, Australians have chosen. Australians have chosen and they have chosen change.

'Australians have chosen and they have chosen hope. Australians have chosen and they have looked to the future.'

She continued in a similar vein: 'A better future for all. A government that will act on climate change. A government for women. A government that will look to unify.

'To bring people together. Not to divide. A Labor government. And Albanese Labor government. Australians chose hope.'

When Mr Albanese eventually made it to the stage he gripped Ms Wong's hand and thrust it into the air before declaring 'Aussies have voted for change' - to the roar of supporters.

Mr Albanese said: 'I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia.'

'My Labor team will work every day to bring Australians together, and I will lead a government, worthy of the people of Australia.'

Mr Albanese and Senator Wong will not waste any time getting started in their new roles with the pair planning to jet off to Tokyo on Monday to meet with leaders of the Quad - a regional security partnership between Australia, the US, India, and Japan.

Anthony Albanese (pictured with Penny Wong and girlfriend Jodie) has declared 'Aussies have voted for change' after securing a historic election win - and also blasted rowdy supporters in his victory speech

Anthony Albanese is pictured with his girlfriend Jodie (right) and his son Nathan as he addresses the Labor faithful

Albanese's policies for a 'better future': Housing: Labor proposed a 'Help To Buy' scheme, which would see the government take a 40% stake in up to 10,000 homes a year to help people earning less than $90,000 on to the property ladder. Albanese will also create a $10billion Housing Australia Future Fund to build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties in its first five years. Health: The Labor leader pledged 50 first-aid clinics across the country if he wins the election. Labor will also increase government subsidies for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by reducing the maximum cost for the patient from $42.50 to $30 per script. Manufacturing: Labor will set up a $15billion National Reconstruction Fund to fund major manufacturing projects across the nation. Electric Vehicles: Labor will spend $20billion to upgrade the electricity grid to improve transmission, roll out 85 solar banks and 400 community batteries and invest in 10,000 'new energy apprentices' alongside a $10million New Energy Skills Program. The gender pay gap: Albanese vowed to introduce a law forcing companies to reveal how much they pay men and women if he becomes prime minister. Advertisement

But the joyous tone took a strange turn at one point during the victory speech, with Mr Albanese having to tell the raucous crowd to 'behave'.

The Labor leader reacted angrily to some rowdy supporters, pausing his speech to yell: 'Down. Down. Down. Down. No. No.

'Can we have order, please? Can we have a bit of order? I intend to run an orderly government and it starts here, so behave.'

Mr Albanese - who was raised in housing commission by a single mother - also paid tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister, saying: 'Scott very graciously wished me well, and I think him for that, and I wish him well.

'And I think him for the service he has given to our country as Prime Minister. I would like to thank Jenny Morrison and their two daughters for their contribution and sacrifice as well.'

Outlining his priorities for the next three years, Mr Albanese said: 'Together we can end the climate wars.

'Together we can take advantage of the opportunity for Australia to be a renewable energy superpower.

'Together we can work in common interests with business and unions to drive productivity, lift wages and profits.

'I want an economy that works for people, not the other way around.

'Together we can strengthen universal healthcare through Medicare. We can protect universal superannuation.

'And we can write universal childcare into that proud tradition.'

The Labor leader also vowed to implement a national anti-corruption commission.

At about 11pm Scott Morrison delivered a concession speech to devastated Liberal supporters after calling Mr Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013.

Speaking alongside his wife Jenny and two daughters to the Liberal faithful in Sydney, Mr Morrison said: 'Tonight, I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

'And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening.

'I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts.

'And tonight they have delivered their verdict and I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best.'

Scott Morrison has delivered a concession speech to devastated Liberal supporters after calling Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on Labor winning power for the first time since 2013

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP

Mr Morrison, a Christian who prays every day, paid tribute to his family, saying: 'I still believe in miracles as I always have.

'And the biggest miracles as I said three years ago were standing beside me and here they are again tonight with Jenny and my daughters. They are the greatest miracle in my life.'

Mr Morrison said he will step down as Liberal leader at the next party meeting, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton favourite to take over.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II.

The teal independents - funded by multi-millionaire climate investor Simon Holmes a Court - decimated the Coalition in Sydney and Melbourne while the Greens also won a seat in Brisbane from the Liberals who suffered an 11 per cent collapse in their primary vote.

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor with nine Coalition seats looking set to switch to the ALP, including Chisholm and Higgins in Melbourne, Boothby in South Australia, Reid in Sydney and Robertson on the NSW Central Coast.

An Anthony Albanese supporter throws her arms up in the air as seat after seat toppled out of the Coalition's hands

Labor supporters cheered as they celebrated winning power for the first time since losing in 2013

There was a massive swing against the Liberals in Western Australia with the seats of Swan, Pearce, Hasluck, and Tangney - which had a big 11 per cent margin - turning red.

The independents have won at least three Liberal seats, so far picking up North Sydney, Mackellar, and Goldstein and are ahead in several others.

Independent Dai Le beat ALP heavyweight Kristina Keneally in the formerly safe Labor seat of Fowler.

The Greens have won the Brisbane seat of Ryan from the Liberals, with a two per cent boost in their national vote to 12 per cent.

There were jubilant scenes at Labor headquarters in Sydney after the party won from Opposition for only the fourth time since World War II

Nationally there was a two-party swing of 2.3 per cent from Liberal to Labor. Pictured: Labor headquarters in Sydney

Hundreds of Labor supporters cheered as the results looked good for the ALP, with Scott Morrison losing power

Liberal heavyweight Josh Frydenberg has all but conceded to independent Monique Ryan although Peter Dutton appears to have fended off a challenge from Labor's Ali France.

'Maybe after tonight I get a bit more time to try and be the most extraordinary dad,' Mr Frydenberg said.

The treasurer talked up his achievements in government including saving 800,000 jobs with the JobKeeper wage subsidy during the Covid-19 pandemic and seeing the unemployment rate drop to 3.9 per cent.

'To be the deputy leader of our party has been an enormous privilege,' he said.

Mr Frydenberg paid tribute to Mr Morrison, saying he is a 'person of great decency, a person who loves his family, a person who is of deep faith and a person who has shown extraordinary leadership in extraordinary times.

He added: 'So I thank Scott Morrison for what he has done for our country to leave Australia in a stronger position than when he found it.'
Voters have turned their backs on One Nation founder Pauline Hanson, who could lose her Senate spot.

The conservative politician's party is trailing behind the Queensland Greens candidate Penny Allman-Payne in the race for the Senate.

Senator Hanson, who had to spend election day in isolation after testing positive to COVID-19, was well short of a quota on Saturday night as counting continued.

Her party polled 7.8 per cent of the Senate vote, to the Greens' 14 per cent.

Voters have seemingly turned their backs on One Nation founder Pauline Hanson - who could lose her Senate seat as a result of Saturday's poll

The conservative politician's party is trailing behind the Queensland Greens candidate Penny Allman-Payne (above) for the race to the Senate

The outspoken Queenslander has run an anti-vaccine mandate campaign, and refused a coronavirus jab herself.

Senator Hanson was first elected to the Senate for Queensland in 2016.

In the Sunshine State, Nationals senator Matt Canavan was re-elected, as was his Victorian colleague Bridget McKenzie.

High-profile Liberal senator Simon Birmingham was also returned.

On the incoming Labor government's side Penny Wong, soon to be foreign minister, was re-elected for South Australia.

Senator Wong will need to be sworn in next week ahead of the Quad security meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Anthony Albanese (pictured with Penny Wong, girlfriend Jodie and son Nathan) has declared 'Aussies have voted for change' after securing a historic election win

Labor senator Murray Watt was also returned to the chamber, while Queensland senator and former assistant minister for women Amanda Stoker is at risk of losing her position.

Senator Stoker, who was third on the Queensland LNP ticket, sparked controversy after attending an anti-abortion rally in Brisbane during the election campaign.

High-profile candidates Nick Xenophon and Clive Palmer fell well short of a quota in their SA and Queensland races.

Independent candidate and former Wallaby David Pocock is tipped to defeat outgoing minister Zed Seselja on preferences for an ACT Senate seat.
Voters have turned their backs on One Nation founder Pauline Hanson, who could lose her Senate spot.

The conservative politician's party is trailing behind the Queensland Greens candidate Penny Allman-Payne in the race for the Senate.

Senator Hanson, who had to spend election day in isolation after testing positive to COVID-19, was well short of a quota on Saturday night as counting continued.

Her party polled 7.8 per cent of the Senate vote, to the Greens' 14 per cent.

Voters have seemingly turned their backs on One Nation founder Pauline Hanson - who could lose her Senate seat as a result of Saturday's poll

The conservative politician's party is trailing behind the Queensland Greens candidate Penny Allman-Payne (above) for the race to the Senate

The outspoken Queenslander has run an anti-vaccine mandate campaign, and refused a coronavirus jab herself.

Senator Hanson was first elected to the Senate for Queensland in 2016.

In the Sunshine State, Nationals senator Matt Canavan was re-elected, as was his Victorian colleague Bridget McKenzie.

High-profile Liberal senator Simon Birmingham was also returned.

On the incoming Labor government's side Penny Wong, soon to be foreign minister, was re-elected for South Australia.

Senator Wong will need to be sworn in next week ahead of the Quad security meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Anthony Albanese (pictured with Penny Wong, girlfriend Jodie and son Nathan) has declared 'Aussies have voted for change' after securing a historic election win

Labor senator Murray Watt was also returned to the chamber, while Queensland senator and former assistant minister for women Amanda Stoker is at risk of losing her position.

Senator Stoker, who was third on the Queensland LNP ticket, sparked controversy after attending an anti-abortion rally in Brisbane during the election campaign.

High-profile candidates Nick Xenophon and Clive Palmer fell well short of a quota in their SA and Queensland races.

Independent candidate and former Wallaby David Pocock is tipped to defeat outgoing minister Zed Seselja on preferences for an ACT Senate seat.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


A proposal to place a memorial at the Colorado state Capitol in honor of the 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho massacred at Sand Creek has been tossed out and the proponents have started over, seeking a new design.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
Hundreds of thousands of vacancies are clogging up the hospitality sector across Europe as the industry struggles to cater for the increase in tourists.

France has an estimated 250,000 vacancies in restaurants and cafes, with businesses warning they are ill prepared for an influx of tourists in the summer now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.

French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic.

The French president himself described it as the most generous scheme in Europe. But many never went back to the industry.

Montmartre District in Paris is pictured. French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme for staff shortages, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic

'We've got applicants but they're all students who have no experience and who only want to stay for the summer. So we'd have to train them, and once they've been trained, they'll leave,' said Georgio Benuzzi, 42, owner of Le Petit Josselin creperie in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

He is planning to expand the dining area for his venue, he told The Times, wanting to add an additional 18 diners outside on top of the 36 places inside, but he is struggling to find waiters.

'No one wants to work full time,' he said. 'One wants to do Monday lunchtimes but not Monday evenings, another doesn't do Wednesdays. It's really complicated.'

Frances unemployment rate hit 7.3 per cent, the lowest since 2008, with work available in other sectors.

Macron has said he is proud of his governments emergency economic measures to support jobs during the pandemic, and highlighted a cut of unemployment from 9.6 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

President macron boasted of his unemployment as a key success of his presidency during the last election which saw him beat rival Marine le Pen.

But the success in lowering unemployment has meant a flux of younger workers who traditionally support the hospitality sector looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Many job opportunities pay more than the 8.60 an hour minimum wage in hotels and restaurants.

In Italy, Massimo Bettoja, owner of the elegant Hotel Mediterraneo in Rome, spoke of similar concerns.

'We called back the 100 staff we furloughed during Covid and 30 didn't show up,' he said. 'Now we are full with bookings again we may be forced to cut capacity by 20 per cent to avoid poor service.'
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Hundreds of thousands of vacancies are clogging up the hospitality sector across Europe as the industry struggles to cater for the increase in tourists.

France has an estimated 250,000 vacancies in restaurants and cafes, with businesses warning they are ill prepared for an influx of tourists in the summer now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.

French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic.

The French president himself described it as the most generous scheme in Europe. But many never went back to the industry.

Montmartre District in Paris is pictured. French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme for staff shortages, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic

'We've got applicants but they're all students who have no experience and who only want to stay for the summer. So we'd have to train them, and once they've been trained, they'll leave,' said Georgio Benuzzi, 42, owner of Le Petit Josselin creperie in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

He is planning to expand the dining area for his venue, he told The Times, wanting to add an additional 18 diners outside on top of the 36 places inside, but he is struggling to find waiters.

'No one wants to work full time,' he said. 'One wants to do Monday lunchtimes but not Monday evenings, another doesn't do Wednesdays. It's really complicated.'

Frances unemployment rate hit 7.3 per cent, the lowest since 2008, with work available in other sectors.

Macron has said he is proud of his governments emergency economic measures to support jobs during the pandemic, and highlighted a cut of unemployment from 9.6 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

President macron boasted of his unemployment as a key success of his presidency during the last election which saw him beat rival Marine le Pen.

But the success in lowering unemployment has meant a flux of younger workers who traditionally support the hospitality sector looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Many job opportunities pay more than the 8.60 an hour minimum wage in hotels and restaurants.

In Italy, Massimo Bettoja, owner of the elegant Hotel Mediterraneo in Rome, spoke of similar concerns.

'We called back the 100 staff we furloughed during Covid and 30 didn't show up,' he said. 'Now we are full with bookings again we may be forced to cut capacity by 20 per cent to avoid poor service.'
Hundreds of thousands of vacancies are clogging up the hospitality sector across Europe as the industry struggles to cater for the increase in tourists.

France has an estimated 250,000 vacancies in restaurants and cafes, with businesses warning they are ill prepared for an influx of tourists in the summer now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.

French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic.

The French president himself described it as the most generous scheme in Europe. But many never went back to the industry.

Montmartre District in Paris is pictured. French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme for staff shortages, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic

'We've got applicants but they're all students who have no experience and who only want to stay for the summer. So we'd have to train them, and once they've been trained, they'll leave,' said Georgio Benuzzi, 42, owner of Le Petit Josselin creperie in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

He is planning to expand the dining area for his venue, he told The Times, wanting to add an additional 18 diners outside on top of the 36 places inside, but he is struggling to find waiters.

'No one wants to work full time,' he said. 'One wants to do Monday lunchtimes but not Monday evenings, another doesn't do Wednesdays. It's really complicated.'

Frances unemployment rate hit 7.3 per cent, the lowest since 2008, with work available in other sectors.

Macron has said he is proud of his governments emergency economic measures to support jobs during the pandemic, and highlighted a cut of unemployment from 9.6 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

President macron boasted of his unemployment as a key success of his presidency during the last election which saw him beat rival Marine le Pen.

But the success in lowering unemployment has meant a flux of younger workers who traditionally support the hospitality sector looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Many job opportunities pay more than the 8.60 an hour minimum wage in hotels and restaurants.

In Italy, Massimo Bettoja, owner of the elegant Hotel Mediterraneo in Rome, spoke of similar concerns.

'We called back the 100 staff we furloughed during Covid and 30 didn't show up,' he said. 'Now we are full with bookings again we may be forced to cut capacity by 20 per cent to avoid poor service.'
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
A proposal to place a memorial at the Colorado state Capitol in honor of the 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho massacred at Sand Creek has been tossed out and the proponents have started over, seeking a new design.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Hundreds of thousands of vacancies are clogging up the hospitality sector across Europe as the industry struggles to cater for the increase in tourists.

France has an estimated 250,000 vacancies in restaurants and cafes, with businesses warning they are ill prepared for an influx of tourists in the summer now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.

French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic.

The French president himself described it as the most generous scheme in Europe. But many never went back to the industry.

Montmartre District in Paris is pictured. French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme for staff shortages, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic

'We've got applicants but they're all students who have no experience and who only want to stay for the summer. So we'd have to train them, and once they've been trained, they'll leave,' said Georgio Benuzzi, 42, owner of Le Petit Josselin creperie in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

He is planning to expand the dining area for his venue, he told The Times, wanting to add an additional 18 diners outside on top of the 36 places inside, but he is struggling to find waiters.

'No one wants to work full time,' he said. 'One wants to do Monday lunchtimes but not Monday evenings, another doesn't do Wednesdays. It's really complicated.'

Frances unemployment rate hit 7.3 per cent, the lowest since 2008, with work available in other sectors.

Macron has said he is proud of his governments emergency economic measures to support jobs during the pandemic, and highlighted a cut of unemployment from 9.6 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

President macron boasted of his unemployment as a key success of his presidency during the last election which saw him beat rival Marine le Pen.

But the success in lowering unemployment has meant a flux of younger workers who traditionally support the hospitality sector looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Many job opportunities pay more than the 8.60 an hour minimum wage in hotels and restaurants.

In Italy, Massimo Bettoja, owner of the elegant Hotel Mediterraneo in Rome, spoke of similar concerns.

'We called back the 100 staff we furloughed during Covid and 30 didn't show up,' he said. 'Now we are full with bookings again we may be forced to cut capacity by 20 per cent to avoid poor service.'
Hundreds of thousands of vacancies are clogging up the hospitality sector across Europe as the industry struggles to cater for the increase in tourists.

France has an estimated 250,000 vacancies in restaurants and cafes, with businesses warning they are ill prepared for an influx of tourists in the summer now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.

French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic.

The French president himself described it as the most generous scheme in Europe. But many never went back to the industry.

Montmartre District in Paris is pictured. French businesses owners blamed president Macron's Covid furlough scheme for staff shortages, which allowed staff to stay at home on full pay during the pandemic

'We've got applicants but they're all students who have no experience and who only want to stay for the summer. So we'd have to train them, and once they've been trained, they'll leave,' said Georgio Benuzzi, 42, owner of Le Petit Josselin creperie in the Montparnasse district of Paris.

He is planning to expand the dining area for his venue, he told The Times, wanting to add an additional 18 diners outside on top of the 36 places inside, but he is struggling to find waiters.

'No one wants to work full time,' he said. 'One wants to do Monday lunchtimes but not Monday evenings, another doesn't do Wednesdays. It's really complicated.'

Frances unemployment rate hit 7.3 per cent, the lowest since 2008, with work available in other sectors.

Macron has said he is proud of his governments emergency economic measures to support jobs during the pandemic, and highlighted a cut of unemployment from 9.6 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

President macron boasted of his unemployment as a key success of his presidency during the last election which saw him beat rival Marine le Pen.

But the success in lowering unemployment has meant a flux of younger workers who traditionally support the hospitality sector looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Many job opportunities pay more than the 8.60 an hour minimum wage in hotels and restaurants.

In Italy, Massimo Bettoja, owner of the elegant Hotel Mediterraneo in Rome, spoke of similar concerns.

'We called back the 100 staff we furloughed during Covid and 30 didn't show up,' he said. 'Now we are full with bookings again we may be forced to cut capacity by 20 per cent to avoid poor service.'
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
KUMROVEC, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The 130th birthday of Yugoslavia leader Josip Broz Tito was celebrated at his hometown here in Croatia on Saturday, as thousands of people from across Croatia as well as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and other former Yugoslavian states arrived here for this gathering.

Many people wore T-shirts, badges with Tito's pictures, as well as Yugoslavian hats with red stars, and waved flags with Tito's name on them. In addition to speeches by Croatian and former Yugoslavian figures, songs and dances of Yugoslavian times were also performed to the crowds.

"Tito was and remains a symbol of persistence, principality, determination, courage and vision," said former Croatian president Stjepan Mesic, who was among the speakers addressing the gathering.

The presence of so many people on this occasion proves how much significance Tito means not only for Croatia, but also for the whole former Yugoslavia, as well as the whole world, Robert Splajt, mayor of Kumrovec, said.

Olga Vodusek from neighbouring Slovenia said he has been visiting here each year on this occasion, except that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are arriving here because this is the place where we can recall the good times when we all lived together, when we were richer and safer, in our common country that was socialist and democratic," he told Xinhua, lamenting the dissolved Yugoslavia as "a mistake."

The celebration was organized by the Croatian Anti-Fascist Alliance, Krapina-Zagorje County and Kumrovec Municipality.

Tito was born in Kumrovec in May 1892 and he had been the leader of Yugoslavia until he passed away in May 1980. 
KUMROVEC, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The 130th birthday of Yugoslavia leader Josip Broz Tito was celebrated at his hometown here in Croatia on Saturday, as thousands of people from across Croatia as well as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and other former Yugoslavian states arrived here for this gathering.

Many people wore T-shirts, badges with Tito's pictures, as well as Yugoslavian hats with red stars, and waved flags with Tito's name on them. In addition to speeches by Croatian and former Yugoslavian figures, songs and dances of Yugoslavian times were also performed to the crowds.

"Tito was and remains a symbol of persistence, principality, determination, courage and vision," said former Croatian president Stjepan Mesic, who was among the speakers addressing the gathering.

The presence of so many people on this occasion proves how much significance Tito means not only for Croatia, but also for the whole former Yugoslavia, as well as the whole world, Robert Splajt, mayor of Kumrovec, said.

Olga Vodusek from neighbouring Slovenia said he has been visiting here each year on this occasion, except that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are arriving here because this is the place where we can recall the good times when we all lived together, when we were richer and safer, in our common country that was socialist and democratic," he told Xinhua, lamenting the dissolved Yugoslavia as "a mistake."

The celebration was organized by the Croatian Anti-Fascist Alliance, Krapina-Zagorje County and Kumrovec Municipality.

Tito was born in Kumrovec in May 1892 and he had been the leader of Yugoslavia until he passed away in May 1980. 
KUMROVEC, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The 130th birthday of Yugoslavia leader Josip Broz Tito was celebrated at his hometown here in Croatia on Saturday, as thousands of people from across Croatia as well as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and other former Yugoslavian states arrived here for this gathering.

Many people wore T-shirts, badges with Tito's pictures, as well as Yugoslavian hats with red stars, and waved flags with Tito's name on them. In addition to speeches by Croatian and former Yugoslavian figures, songs and dances of Yugoslavian times were also performed to the crowds.

"Tito was and remains a symbol of persistence, principality, determination, courage and vision," said former Croatian president Stjepan Mesic, who was among the speakers addressing the gathering.

The presence of so many people on this occasion proves how much significance Tito means not only for Croatia, but also for the whole former Yugoslavia, as well as the whole world, Robert Splajt, mayor of Kumrovec, said.

Olga Vodusek from neighbouring Slovenia said he has been visiting here each year on this occasion, except that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are arriving here because this is the place where we can recall the good times when we all lived together, when we were richer and safer, in our common country that was socialist and democratic," he told Xinhua, lamenting the dissolved Yugoslavia as "a mistake."

The celebration was organized by the Croatian Anti-Fascist Alliance, Krapina-Zagorje County and Kumrovec Municipality.

Tito was born in Kumrovec in May 1892 and he had been the leader of Yugoslavia until he passed away in May 1980. 
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.

A proposal to place a memorial at the Colorado state Capitol in honor of the 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho massacred at Sand Creek has been tossed out and the proponents have started over, seeking a new design.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.


Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.



A proposal to place a memorial at the Colorado state Capitol in honor of the 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho massacred at Sand Creek has been tossed out and the proponents have started over, seeking a new design.
Voters have turned their backs on One Nation founder Pauline Hanson, who could lose her Senate spot.

The conservative politician's party is trailing behind the Queensland Greens candidate Penny Allman-Payne in the race for the Senate.

Senator Hanson, who had to spend election day in isolation after testing positive to COVID-19, was well short of a quota on Saturday night as counting continued.

Her party polled 7.8 per cent of the Senate vote, to the Greens' 14 per cent.

Voters have seemingly turned their backs on One Nation founder Pauline Hanson - who could lose her Senate seat as a result of Saturday's poll

The conservative politician's party is trailing behind the Queensland Greens candidate Penny Allman-Payne (above) for the race to the Senate

The outspoken Queenslander has run an anti-vaccine mandate campaign, and refused a coronavirus jab herself.

Senator Hanson was first elected to the Senate for Queensland in 2016.

In the Sunshine State, Nationals senator Matt Canavan was re-elected, as was his Victorian colleague Bridget McKenzie.

High-profile Liberal senator Simon Birmingham was also returned.

On the incoming Labor government's side Penny Wong, soon to be foreign minister, was re-elected for South Australia.

Senator Wong will need to be sworn in next week ahead of the Quad security meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Anthony Albanese (pictured with Penny Wong, girlfriend Jodie and son Nathan) has declared 'Aussies have voted for change' after securing a historic election win

Labor senator Murray Watt was also returned to the chamber, while Queensland senator and former assistant minister for women Amanda Stoker is at risk of losing her position.

Senator Stoker, who was third on the Queensland LNP ticket, sparked controversy after attending an anti-abortion rally in Brisbane during the election campaign.

High-profile candidates Nick Xenophon and Clive Palmer fell well short of a quota in their SA and Queensland races.

Independent candidate and former Wallaby David Pocock is tipped to defeat outgoing minister Zed Seselja on preferences for an ACT Senate seat.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

It was a canny campaign, executed in partnership with Downtown BIZ and Siloam Mission, that illustrated a dire human-rights need by actually providing a solution.

Flush with excitement The three-storey public washroom has a blend of metal, glass and shipping container materials with bright yellow accents. It has three large glass garage-style doors that provide an open look for the public sink area, which also includes a drinking water fountain and foot-washing station. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 3:54 PM May. 17, 2022 A long-awaited, permanent public washroom will soon provide vulnerable Winnipeggers a place to go downtown. A washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning May 30. Read Full Story

Now, the idea has gone from pop-up to permanent. As of May 30, a public washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Bridgman designed this structure, known as Amoowigamig. Like the bright-orange pop-up before it, its a highly visible building with highlighter-yellow accents, and has a host of safety features, such as alarms that can be triggered from stalls, security cameras outside, and a pair of urinals outside the building, which is also a safety consideration: "The reason people go through the indignity of going (to the bathroom) outside is sometimes because theres no washroom but also because it might (seem) safer," Bridgman told the Free Press.

Staff members from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will provide harm reduction supplies and fresh water to folks using the facilities. A public sink area will also allow users to wash up.

In other words, the permanent structure bears little resemblance to the portable washrooms the city had set up in 2020 which, according to a report, were subject to vandalism, theft and structural damage.

A public washroom is a long overdue addition to the streetscape of downtown Winnipeg. Access to clean, safe washroom facilities are a need everyone has, but many North American cities  Winnipeg included  have steadily moved away from public "comfort stations" over the past few decades after they became sites for drug use and violence, rendering them useless and unsafe for their intended purpose. These public washrooms were poorly maintained and unstaffed and, subsequently, torn down.

Amoowigamig opens May 30 at 715 Main St. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The vanishing North American public bathroom has been a subject of debate, discussion and study for years. Its not like this elsewhere: London tube stations often have a public bathroom. In Japan, an art project called The Tokyo Toilet saw 17 public washrooms be redesigned  in the vein of Winnipegs annual warming hut design competition  so that they are not only functional, but beautiful.

In many cities across North America, meanwhile, the alternatives are using the facilities of businesses  who often designate their washrooms as "employee use" or "customer use" only  or going in the street. For our most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness, the added indignity of having nowhere to take care of basic, everyday, biological functions is not only demoralizing, its dehumanizing.

The opening of a new permanent public washroom in Winnipeg is something to celebrate. But its not a simple case of "build it and they will go"  cleanliness and safety will be paramount, and that will require staffing and money. The next challenge will be seeing if it can be the one thing in downtown Winnipeg that doesnt close at 5:30 p.m. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre hopes fundraising will allow the washroom to expand to 24-7 service, and there is infrastructure for the site itself to host advertising, which would require an exemption to city bylaws.

Anything to move this project forward is a good thing. Its success will not only help restore dignity to our community members, but will hopefully inspire other such permanent facilities to open in the future.
The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Russias claimed seizure of a Mariupol steel plant that became a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity gives Russian President Vladimir Putin a sorely needed victory in the war he began, capping a nearly three-month siege that left a city in ruins and more than 20,000 residents feared dead.

After the Russian Defense Ministry announced late Friday that its forces had removed the last Ukrainian fighters from the plants miles of underground tunnels, concern mounted for the Ukrainian defenders who now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Advertisement

Denis Pushilin, the head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, said Saturday that the Ukrainians considered heroes by their fellow citizens were sure to face a tribunal for their wartime actions.

I believe that a tribunal is inevitable here. I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Advertisement

Russian officials and state media repeatedly have tried to characterize the fighters who holed up in the Azovstal steel plant as neo-Nazis. Among the plants more than 2,400 defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, a national guard unit with roots in the far right.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russias claim of capturing Azovstal, which for weeks remained Mariupols last holdout of Ukrainian resistance, and with it completing Moscows long-sought goal of controlling the city, home to a strategic seaport.

In this photo provided by Azov Special Forces Regiment of the Ukrainian National Guard Press Office, a Ukrainian soldier stands inside the ruined Azovstal steel plant prior to surrender to the Russian forces in Mariupol, Ukraine, May 16, 2022. (Dmytro Kozatskyi/AP)

Ukraines military this week told the fighters holed up in the plant, hundreds of them wounded, that their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The end of the battle for Mariupol would help Putin offset some stinging setbacks, including the failure of Russian troops to take over Ukraines capital, Kyiv, the sinking of the Russian Navys flagship in the Black Sea and the continued resistance that has stalled an offensive in eastern Ukraine.

The impact of Russias declared victory on the broader war in Ukraine remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict, which began with the Russian invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia had destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base in Black Sea region of Odesa as well as significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraines Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

In its morning operational report, the Ukrainian military general staff reported heavy fighting in much of eastern Ukraine, including the areas of Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Since failing to capture Kyiv, Russia focused its offensive in the countrys eastern industrial heartland. The Russia-backed separatists have controlled parts of the Donbas region since 2014, and Moscow wants to expand the territory under its control.

Advertisement

Taking Mariupol furthers Russias quest to essentially create a land bridge from Russia via much of the Donbas area bordering Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed gratitude to his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, who signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for the war-ravaged nation. Half of the funding provides military assistance.

Zelenskyy, in remarks to the traumatized nation late Friday, demanded anew that Russia pay in one way or another for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine. Every burned house. Every ruined school, ruined hospital. Each blown up house of culture and infrastructure facility. Every destroyed enterprise.

Of course, the Russian state will not even recognize that it is an aggressor, he continued. But its recognition is not required.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

As the end drew near at the steel plant, wives of fighters who had held out told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Advertisement

Olga Boiko, the wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she shared the words her husband wrote her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 4 square miles, had been a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned fighters held out with the help of air drops before their government ordered them to abandon the plant.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water to the steel mill as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters.

A very large number of the pilots died on their daring missions, he said. They are absolutely heroic people, who knew that it would be difficult, knew that to fly would be almost impossible, Zelenskyy said.

Russia claimed that the Azov Regiments commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle because of local residents alleged hatred for him, but no evidence of Ukrainian antipathy toward the nationalist regiment has emerged.

The Kremlin has seized on the regiments far-right origins in its drive to to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russian authorities have threatened to put some of the steel mills defenders on trial for alleged war crimes and put them on trial.

Advertisement

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

At one point in the siege, Pope Francis lamented that Mariupol had become a city of martyrs.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided there before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The chief executive of Metinvest, a multinational company which owns the Azovstal plant and another steel mill, Ilyich, in Mariupol, spoke of the citys devastation in an interview published Saturday in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Advertisement

The Russians are trying to clean it (the city) up to hide their crimes, the newspaper quoted Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov as saying. The inhabitants are trying to make the city function, to make water supplies work again.

But the sewer system is damaged, there has been flooding, and infections are feared from drinking the water, he said.

The Ilyich steelworks still has some intact infrastructure, but if the Russians try to get it running, Ukrainians will refuse to return to their jobs there, Ryzhenkov said.

We will never work under Russian occupation, Ryzhenkov said.
Russias claimed seizure of a Mariupol steel plant that became a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity gives Russian President Vladimir Putin a sorely needed victory in the war he began, capping a nearly three-month siege that left a city in ruins and more than 20,000 residents feared dead.

After the Russian Defense Ministry announced late Friday that its forces had removed the last Ukrainian fighters from the plants miles of underground tunnels, concern mounted for the Ukrainian defenders who now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Advertisement

Denis Pushilin, the head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, said Saturday that the Ukrainians considered heroes by their fellow citizens were sure to face a tribunal for their wartime actions.

I believe that a tribunal is inevitable here. I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Advertisement

Russian officials and state media repeatedly have tried to characterize the fighters who holed up in the Azovstal steel plant as neo-Nazis. Among the plants more than 2,400 defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, a national guard unit with roots in the far right.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russias claim of capturing Azovstal, which for weeks remained Mariupols last holdout of Ukrainian resistance, and with it completing Moscows long-sought goal of controlling the city, home to a strategic seaport.

In this photo provided by Azov Special Forces Regiment of the Ukrainian National Guard Press Office, a Ukrainian soldier stands inside the ruined Azovstal steel plant prior to surrender to the Russian forces in Mariupol, Ukraine, May 16, 2022. (Dmytro Kozatskyi/AP)

Ukraines military this week told the fighters holed up in the plant, hundreds of them wounded, that their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The end of the battle for Mariupol would help Putin offset some stinging setbacks, including the failure of Russian troops to take over Ukraines capital, Kyiv, the sinking of the Russian Navys flagship in the Black Sea and the continued resistance that has stalled an offensive in eastern Ukraine.

The impact of Russias declared victory on the broader war in Ukraine remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict, which began with the Russian invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia had destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base in Black Sea region of Odesa as well as significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraines Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

In its morning operational report, the Ukrainian military general staff reported heavy fighting in much of eastern Ukraine, including the areas of Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Since failing to capture Kyiv, Russia focused its offensive in the countrys eastern industrial heartland. The Russia-backed separatists have controlled parts of the Donbas region since 2014, and Moscow wants to expand the territory under its control.

Advertisement

Taking Mariupol furthers Russias quest to essentially create a land bridge from Russia via much of the Donbas area bordering Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed gratitude to his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, who signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for the war-ravaged nation. Half of the funding provides military assistance.

Zelenskyy, in remarks to the traumatized nation late Friday, demanded anew that Russia pay in one way or another for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine. Every burned house. Every ruined school, ruined hospital. Each blown up house of culture and infrastructure facility. Every destroyed enterprise.

Of course, the Russian state will not even recognize that it is an aggressor, he continued. But its recognition is not required.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

As the end drew near at the steel plant, wives of fighters who had held out told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Advertisement

Olga Boiko, the wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she shared the words her husband wrote her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 4 square miles, had been a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned fighters held out with the help of air drops before their government ordered them to abandon the plant.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water to the steel mill as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters.

A very large number of the pilots died on their daring missions, he said. They are absolutely heroic people, who knew that it would be difficult, knew that to fly would be almost impossible, Zelenskyy said.

Russia claimed that the Azov Regiments commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle because of local residents alleged hatred for him, but no evidence of Ukrainian antipathy toward the nationalist regiment has emerged.

The Kremlin has seized on the regiments far-right origins in its drive to to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russian authorities have threatened to put some of the steel mills defenders on trial for alleged war crimes and put them on trial.

Advertisement

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

At one point in the siege, Pope Francis lamented that Mariupol had become a city of martyrs.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided there before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The chief executive of Metinvest, a multinational company which owns the Azovstal plant and another steel mill, Ilyich, in Mariupol, spoke of the citys devastation in an interview published Saturday in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Advertisement

The Russians are trying to clean it (the city) up to hide their crimes, the newspaper quoted Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov as saying. The inhabitants are trying to make the city function, to make water supplies work again.

But the sewer system is damaged, there has been flooding, and infections are feared from drinking the water, he said.

The Ilyich steelworks still has some intact infrastructure, but if the Russians try to get it running, Ukrainians will refuse to return to their jobs there, Ryzhenkov said.

We will never work under Russian occupation, Ryzhenkov said.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed his objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO with the two Nordic countries leaders, Erdogans office said.

He spoke to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in separate calls to address Ankaras concerns about those it considers terrorists in their countries, the presidential communications office said in a statement.

It said Erdogan called upon Sweden to lift defensive weapons export restrictions it imposed on Turkey over Turkey's 2019 incursion into northern Syria. Erdogan also said he expected Stockholm to take concrete and serious steps against the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, and other groups that Turkey views as terrorists.

He told Niinisto that an understanding that ignores terrorist organizations that pose a threat to an ally within NATO is incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance, the statement added.

In another call, the Turkish president also raised Turkey's concerns with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has said he would listen to Turkey's concerns on the matter.

On Thursday, Niinisto and Andersson visited Washington, where they spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden about their bids to join NATO in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While other NATO nation appear welcoming to have Finland and Sweden join, Turkey has raised objections to their accession, principally over the presence of alleged terrorists in their countries and the block on arms sales.

Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed his objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO with the two Nordic countries leaders, Erdogans office said.

He spoke to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in separate calls to address Ankaras concerns about those it considers terrorists in their countries, the presidential communications office said in a statement.

It said Erdogan called upon Sweden to lift defensive weapons export restrictions it imposed on Turkey over Turkey's 2019 incursion into northern Syria. Erdogan also said he expected Stockholm to take concrete and serious steps against the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, and other groups that Turkey views as terrorists.

He told Niinisto that an understanding that ignores terrorist organizations that pose a threat to an ally within NATO is incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance, the statement added.

In another call, the Turkish president also raised Turkey's concerns with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has said he would listen to Turkey's concerns on the matter.

On Thursday, Niinisto and Andersson visited Washington, where they spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden about their bids to join NATO in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While other NATO nation appear welcoming to have Finland and Sweden join, Turkey has raised objections to their accession, principally over the presence of alleged terrorists in their countries and the block on arms sales.

Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed his objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO with the two Nordic countries leaders, Erdogans office said.

He spoke to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in separate calls to address Ankaras concerns about those it considers terrorists in their countries, the presidential communications office said in a statement.

It said Erdogan called upon Sweden to lift defensive weapons export restrictions it imposed on Turkey over Turkey's 2019 incursion into northern Syria. Erdogan also said he expected Stockholm to take concrete and serious steps against the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, and other groups that Turkey views as terrorists.

He told Niinisto that an understanding that ignores terrorist organizations that pose a threat to an ally within NATO is incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance, the statement added.

In another call, the Turkish president also raised Turkey's concerns with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has said he would listen to Turkey's concerns on the matter.

On Thursday, Niinisto and Andersson visited Washington, where they spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden about their bids to join NATO in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While other NATO nation appear welcoming to have Finland and Sweden join, Turkey has raised objections to their accession, principally over the presence of alleged terrorists in their countries and the block on arms sales.

Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.



The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


The potential risk of Chinese invasion has hung over Taiwan for over 70 years, lengthy enough for many Taiwanese to believe it will never happen. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened that trust.

Taiwan now has a working example of a big state entering a relatively small neighbour country (Ukraine) while asserting that Ukraine is not a proper nation. Similar claims are made by China about Taiwan.

foreignpolicy

This correlation between both these states has ignited a public discussion about Taiwan's readiness to repel an invasion. Each recurring theme is the "porcupine" defence strategy pushed by American and Taiwanese advisers on Taiwan's military forces.

Asymmetrical warfare: the 'Porcupine' strategy

The "porcupine" technique is also identified as asymmetrical warfare or, as Lee Hsi-Ming, then-chief of the Taiwanese military forces, referred to it as the "Overall Defence Concept" (ODC) when he initiated it in 2017.

Through using an asymmetric military plan, the porcupine plan means making the enemy's attack more difficult. Rather than purchasing pricey traditional equipment like tanks, warships, and naval vessels, which are difficult to conceal and easy to hit with a warhead, a "porcupine" strategic leader would focus on flexible and easily concealed weapons like the portable Javelin and Stinger missile systems which have known to be beneficial in Ukraine.

Simply put, the porcupine plan is to create the defence system exceptionally secure and safe, as well as to invest heavily in anti-air, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons and ammunition, such that the attacker's expense of armed attacks grows by the tonne. Essentially, the tactic is to drive up the expense of invasion so high that the invader must think about and reassess invading before proceeding.

Experts believe that this might not essentially stop a war, but it may assist to slow it down, allowing time for the defence of a nation like Taiwan to estimate the attacking locations and strengthen its defensive system in a much smarter way, thereby postponing the attack.

Porcupine doctrine's defensive layers

Several study results and simulation models have indicated that Taiwan could at the very least constitute a Chinese army invasion into the territory. In a nutshell, Taiwan's porcupine concept is composed of 3 defensive layers. The outermost layer is concerned with intelligence and intelligence gathering in order to guarantee that defence troops are adequately equipped and prepared.

tnsr.org

Against it are strategies for guerrilla war in the waters, supported by advanced aircraft supplied by the United States. The inner layer is determined by the island's landscape and demography. The main goal of this principle is to survive and integrate an aerial attack well enough to structure a wall of fire to avoid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from effectively entering.

Looking at all the folds one by one, The Conversation report claims that Taiwan has created and maintained an advanced early-warning structure over the years to buy time if China launches an invasion. This is intended to prevent China from preparing forces and transport vessels to pass the Taiwan Strait in an unexpected attack. As an outcome, any attack would have to start with an attack using moderate missile systems and air strikes to destroy Taiwan's radar infrastructure, aircraft runways, and missile batteries.

If this proves to be effective then China will need to bypass the second layer of Taiwan's defensive system in order for its forces to glide safely towards the territory. However, as it seeks to pass the sea, China's military will face a guerilla war at sea, dubbed the "battle of the flea." This would be done with the help of small, flexible missile-armed vessels, as well as choppers and rocket launchers.

However, breaking through this layer does not assure the PLA a smooth landing on Formosa Island. The 3rd defensive layer is supported by geography and its demography.

The PLA is believed to have the capability to launch a huge bombing raids against Taiwan, but touching down on the state and deploying once there is a different story.

Will this strategy benefit Taiwan?

According to the Groundreport, as an immediate outcome of the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, the world has witnessed countless fatalities, damage, and destruction. If China decides to proceed with the invasion, Taiwan's effective plan would be to oppose it. However, if Taiwan decides to ensure a consistent and successive defensive position, the fatalities on both sides will be high.

The same report emphasised that China might suffer significant material, human, and reputational losses, while Taiwan will have to sacrifice a large number of its people in the battle, and if they make a decision against this, China's invasion will become much smoother. However, while the idea of a bloodless war and reuniting sounds appealing, it appears to be a distant possibility.

Taiwans defence purchases

Taiwan's latest defence acquisitions have raised questions, particularly among American analysts, as to whether the porcupine path is being prioritised. Taiwan has purchased coastal-defense systems, sea mines, Stingers, and fast frigate warships to meet the agile requirement. However, it has lavished resources on constructing its own submarines and improving fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, which opponents argue will be less helpful in a real-world conflict.

AP

According to The Economist, these more flashy investments are politically popular. Fighter planes assist in tracking and discouraging China's regular breaches into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), a buffer state where armed alerts are sent. Countering such "grey zone" attacks, according to some Taiwanese political and military authorities, is more crucial than preparing for an invasion.

Then again, a full-scale invasion has long become a pipe dream, even though incursions have risen year after year. In an ideal world, Taiwan would be able to purchase both types of weapons. However, Lee claims that this is a "rich man tactic." Defense spending in Taiwan has decreased from 5.2 percent of GDP in 1990 to 1.9 percent in 2020. China spends 20 times more on military and security in monetary terms than the United States.

According to the same article, Taiwan's parliament approved additional funding this year after a significant number of Chinese aeroplanes flew into the ADIZ. The extra funds will primarily go toward anti-ship weapons and quick-to-market Taiwanese systems.

History of China-Taiwan Relationship

Taiwan made its initial encounter with China around 1683, when it fell under the administration of the Qing dynasty. However, it may be traced back to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), in which Japan destroyed Qing China and established Taiwan as its first colony.

Reuters

However, Japan lost the Second World War, and Taiwan was eventually returned to the Chinese, who had sided with the Allies during the war, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek. According to reports, the Korean War broke out in 1950, just as Mao was ready to launch an assault on Taiwan in order to integrate it into China.

Not only did the war keep Mao occupied by assisting North Korean communists in preventing an invasion of Taiwan, but it also made the United States adhere to Taiwan's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwan became an important ally of the United States in its aim to curb China's expansion in East Asia during and after the Cold War, based on geostrategic considerations. All three performers have various opinions on what Taiwan means to them, as well as diverse reasons for why the island is so important to them.

In the 1980s, ties between China and Taiwan began to improve after decades of hostile intentions and furious rhetoric. In exchange for approving Chinese reunification, China suggested the "one nation, two systems" concept, in which Taiwan would be given substantial autonomy.

The offer was refused in Taiwan, but the administration did ease restrictions on visits to and investment in China.

For more on explainers, news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
Ukraine needs to become a full candidate to join the European Union, rather than signing up to the kind of broader "European political community" proposed by France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

"We don't need any alternatives to the application of Ukraine to join the European Union, we don't need such compromises," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised hackles in Ukraine on May 9 by suggesting that the country could take "decades" to become a full EU member and should aspire instead to join a "European political community," a sort of antechamber for the European Union.

Ukraine would notably have to meet rigorous standards in governance, fight corruption and apply the rule of law before it could be admitted as an EU member.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv's tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO.

But Zelenskyy was adamant on Saturday that his country should be allowed to start the process towards full EU membership.

"Because, believe me, it will not be compromise with Ukraine in Europe, it will be another compromise between Europe and Russia. I am absolutely sure of that," he said.

"This is the influence and political and diplomatic pressure of Russian officials and lobbyists on the decision of a European country to support Ukraine or not," he continued.

Macron's "European political community" initiative will be debated at an EU summit in late June. The French leader has suggested that Britain, which left the EU after a referendum, could also join such a grouping.

But some European leaders have already criticized the idea.

"My impression is that this is an attempt to cover up the obvious lack of political will to take decisive decisions on granting candidate status," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said last week.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also poured cold water on Macron's idea.

"My preference is to build on the structures we already have that work successfully, whether it is the G-7 or NATO," she said.
It is fair to say that the governments preeminent responsibility is to provide for the nations defense. When necessary, civil liberties protected by the Bill of Rights must yield to the demands of national security. In Minersville v. Gobitis (1940), the Supreme Court, over assertions of religious liberty by Jehovahs Witnesses, upheld a Pennsylvania state law requiring school children to salute the flag on the theory that the pledge of allegiance promotes national unity and national unity protects national security.

The Gobitis Courts 8-1 decision was popular throughout the country. It perpetuated the traditional doctrine of paying respect to the nations most sacred national symbols, and only Justice Harlan F. Stones dissent provided support for the Witnesses assertion that the statutes requirement constituted a violation of their religious liberty protected by the First Amendments Free Exercise Clause. Chief Justice Charles Evan Hughes private note epitomized the feelings of the nation: I simply cannot believe that the state has not the power to inculcate this.

But three members of the Court who joined Justice Felix Frankfurters Gobitis opinion  Hugo Black, William O. Douglas and Frank Murphy  subsequently declared their regrets and, in an unprecedented joint recantation, announced a desire to reverse their participation in the ruling. That shift, combined with the addition of two Justices  Robert H. Jackson and Wiley Rutledge  created a new working majority that was prepared to overturn Gobitis.

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), provided that opportunity. In that landmark decision, the Court struck down a compulsory flag salute statute, holding that students enjoy a First Amendment right, grounded in speech and religious freedom, to choose whether to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Justice Jacksons opinion, considered by scholars to be one of his very best, stood four-square behind Free Speech and Free Exercise guarantees and rejected the claim that the nations security hinges on coerced recitation of the pledge of allegiance. The Bill of Rights, Jackson declared, denies those in power any legal opportunity to coerce allegiance.

In an eloquent defense of the American creed of liberty and First Amendment freedoms made more moving by the context of Hitlers tyranny and his war on democracy, Justice Jackson stated: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us.

The flag salute statute, Justice Jackson wrote, transcends constitutional limitations on power and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control. For those who feared the collapse of patriotism without coercive ceremonies, rather than ceremonies that are voluntary and spontaneous, Jackson replied, is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.

Justice Jacksons tribute to intellectual freedom emphasized the individualism and rich cultural diversities that define and sustain America. Great achievements  the product of exceptional minds  come at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. In a nod to the reality of the religious minority whose teachings were denied, Jackson wrote: Where they are so harmless to others or to the State as those we deal with here, the price is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

Justice Frankfurter dissented and took offense to the demise of his Gobitis opinion. He insisted that the Court should adhere rigorously to the doctrine of judicial self-restraint and its emphasis on deference to the legislature, lest the judiciary becomes a legislative body. Frankfurters objection flew in the face of the Courts embrace of the preferred freedoms approach, which emphasizes over-arching protection of First Amendment freedoms, including religion and speech liberties, which are indispensable to the existence of other freedoms.

When preferred freedoms are implicated, as they were in the flag salute cases, the Court will require strict scrutiny of the legislation and demand compelling governmental reasons for breaching those liberties. In Barnette, the Court found the reasons wanting for requiring students to recite the pledge of allegiance.

In the years since Barnette, the two well-heeled doctrinal approaches to interpretation often have been the subject of debate, and likely always will be since the role of the judiciary is central to constitutional government. Sometimes, resolution hinges on a little common sense. After Justice Frankfurter delivered his opinion in Gobitis, he was discussing the case with Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Park. The First Lady stated that despite the Justices learning and legal skills, there was something very wrong about a ruling that forced little school children to salute a flag when the ceremony violated their fundamental religious beliefs and represented no threat to the nations security.

David Adler, PHD, is a noted author who lectures nationally and internationally on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and Presidential power. His scholarly writings have been cited by the US Supreme Court and lower courts by both Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress. Adlers column is supported in part through a grant from Wyoming Humanities funded by the Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Adler can be reached at david.adler@alturasinstitute.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.
Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.

It is fair to say that the governments preeminent responsibility is to provide for the nations defense. When necessary, civil liberties protected by the Bill of Rights must yield to the demands of national security. In Minersville v. Gobitis (1940), the Supreme Court, over assertions of religious liberty by Jehovahs Witnesses, upheld a Pennsylvania state law requiring school children to salute the flag on the theory that the pledge of allegiance promotes national unity and national unity protects national security.

The Gobitis Courts 8-1 decision was popular throughout the country. It perpetuated the traditional doctrine of paying respect to the nations most sacred national symbols, and only Justice Harlan F. Stones dissent provided support for the Witnesses assertion that the statutes requirement constituted a violation of their religious liberty protected by the First Amendments Free Exercise Clause. Chief Justice Charles Evan Hughes private note epitomized the feelings of the nation: I simply cannot believe that the state has not the power to inculcate this.

But three members of the Court who joined Justice Felix Frankfurters Gobitis opinion  Hugo Black, William O. Douglas and Frank Murphy  subsequently declared their regrets and, in an unprecedented joint recantation, announced a desire to reverse their participation in the ruling. That shift, combined with the addition of two Justices  Robert H. Jackson and Wiley Rutledge  created a new working majority that was prepared to overturn Gobitis.

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), provided that opportunity. In that landmark decision, the Court struck down a compulsory flag salute statute, holding that students enjoy a First Amendment right, grounded in speech and religious freedom, to choose whether to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Justice Jacksons opinion, considered by scholars to be one of his very best, stood four-square behind Free Speech and Free Exercise guarantees and rejected the claim that the nations security hinges on coerced recitation of the pledge of allegiance. The Bill of Rights, Jackson declared, denies those in power any legal opportunity to coerce allegiance.

In an eloquent defense of the American creed of liberty and First Amendment freedoms made more moving by the context of Hitlers tyranny and his war on democracy, Justice Jackson stated: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us.

The flag salute statute, Justice Jackson wrote, transcends constitutional limitations on power and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control. For those who feared the collapse of patriotism without coercive ceremonies, rather than ceremonies that are voluntary and spontaneous, Jackson replied, is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.

Justice Jacksons tribute to intellectual freedom emphasized the individualism and rich cultural diversities that define and sustain America. Great achievements  the product of exceptional minds  come at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. In a nod to the reality of the religious minority whose teachings were denied, Jackson wrote: Where they are so harmless to others or to the State as those we deal with here, the price is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

Justice Frankfurter dissented and took offense to the demise of his Gobitis opinion. He insisted that the Court should adhere rigorously to the doctrine of judicial self-restraint and its emphasis on deference to the legislature, lest the judiciary becomes a legislative body. Frankfurters objection flew in the face of the Courts embrace of the preferred freedoms approach, which emphasizes over-arching protection of First Amendment freedoms, including religion and speech liberties, which are indispensable to the existence of other freedoms.

When preferred freedoms are implicated, as they were in the flag salute cases, the Court will require strict scrutiny of the legislation and demand compelling governmental reasons for breaching those liberties. In Barnette, the Court found the reasons wanting for requiring students to recite the pledge of allegiance.

In the years since Barnette, the two well-heeled doctrinal approaches to interpretation often have been the subject of debate, and likely always will be since the role of the judiciary is central to constitutional government. Sometimes, resolution hinges on a little common sense. After Justice Frankfurter delivered his opinion in Gobitis, he was discussing the case with Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Park. The First Lady stated that despite the Justices learning and legal skills, there was something very wrong about a ruling that forced little school children to salute a flag when the ceremony violated their fundamental religious beliefs and represented no threat to the nations security.

David Adler, PHD, is a noted author who lectures nationally and internationally on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and Presidential power. His scholarly writings have been cited by the US Supreme Court and lower courts by both Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress. Adlers column is supported in part through a grant from Wyoming Humanities funded by the Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Adler can be reached at david.adler@alturasinstitute.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
It is fair to say that the governments preeminent responsibility is to provide for the nations defense. When necessary, civil liberties protected by the Bill of Rights must yield to the demands of national security. In Minersville v. Gobitis (1940), the Supreme Court, over assertions of religious liberty by Jehovahs Witnesses, upheld a Pennsylvania state law requiring school children to salute the flag on the theory that the pledge of allegiance promotes national unity and national unity protects national security.

The Gobitis Courts 8-1 decision was popular throughout the country. It perpetuated the traditional doctrine of paying respect to the nations most sacred national symbols, and only Justice Harlan F. Stones dissent provided support for the Witnesses assertion that the statutes requirement constituted a violation of their religious liberty protected by the First Amendments Free Exercise Clause. Chief Justice Charles Evan Hughes private note epitomized the feelings of the nation: I simply cannot believe that the state has not the power to inculcate this.

But three members of the Court who joined Justice Felix Frankfurters Gobitis opinion  Hugo Black, William O. Douglas and Frank Murphy  subsequently declared their regrets and, in an unprecedented joint recantation, announced a desire to reverse their participation in the ruling. That shift, combined with the addition of two Justices  Robert H. Jackson and Wiley Rutledge  created a new working majority that was prepared to overturn Gobitis.

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), provided that opportunity. In that landmark decision, the Court struck down a compulsory flag salute statute, holding that students enjoy a First Amendment right, grounded in speech and religious freedom, to choose whether to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Justice Jacksons opinion, considered by scholars to be one of his very best, stood four-square behind Free Speech and Free Exercise guarantees and rejected the claim that the nations security hinges on coerced recitation of the pledge of allegiance. The Bill of Rights, Jackson declared, denies those in power any legal opportunity to coerce allegiance.

In an eloquent defense of the American creed of liberty and First Amendment freedoms made more moving by the context of Hitlers tyranny and his war on democracy, Justice Jackson stated: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us.

The flag salute statute, Justice Jackson wrote, transcends constitutional limitations on power and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control. For those who feared the collapse of patriotism without coercive ceremonies, rather than ceremonies that are voluntary and spontaneous, Jackson replied, is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.

Justice Jacksons tribute to intellectual freedom emphasized the individualism and rich cultural diversities that define and sustain America. Great achievements  the product of exceptional minds  come at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. In a nod to the reality of the religious minority whose teachings were denied, Jackson wrote: Where they are so harmless to others or to the State as those we deal with here, the price is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

Justice Frankfurter dissented and took offense to the demise of his Gobitis opinion. He insisted that the Court should adhere rigorously to the doctrine of judicial self-restraint and its emphasis on deference to the legislature, lest the judiciary becomes a legislative body. Frankfurters objection flew in the face of the Courts embrace of the preferred freedoms approach, which emphasizes over-arching protection of First Amendment freedoms, including religion and speech liberties, which are indispensable to the existence of other freedoms.

When preferred freedoms are implicated, as they were in the flag salute cases, the Court will require strict scrutiny of the legislation and demand compelling governmental reasons for breaching those liberties. In Barnette, the Court found the reasons wanting for requiring students to recite the pledge of allegiance.

In the years since Barnette, the two well-heeled doctrinal approaches to interpretation often have been the subject of debate, and likely always will be since the role of the judiciary is central to constitutional government. Sometimes, resolution hinges on a little common sense. After Justice Frankfurter delivered his opinion in Gobitis, he was discussing the case with Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Park. The First Lady stated that despite the Justices learning and legal skills, there was something very wrong about a ruling that forced little school children to salute a flag when the ceremony violated their fundamental religious beliefs and represented no threat to the nations security.

David Adler, PHD, is a noted author who lectures nationally and internationally on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and Presidential power. His scholarly writings have been cited by the US Supreme Court and lower courts by both Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress. Adlers column is supported in part through a grant from Wyoming Humanities funded by the Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Adler can be reached at david.adler@alturasinstitute.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
It is fair to say that the governments preeminent responsibility is to provide for the nations defense. When necessary, civil liberties protected by the Bill of Rights must yield to the demands of national security. In Minersville v. Gobitis (1940), the Supreme Court, over assertions of religious liberty by Jehovahs Witnesses, upheld a Pennsylvania state law requiring school children to salute the flag on the theory that the pledge of allegiance promotes national unity and national unity protects national security.

The Gobitis Courts 8-1 decision was popular throughout the country. It perpetuated the traditional doctrine of paying respect to the nations most sacred national symbols, and only Justice Harlan F. Stones dissent provided support for the Witnesses assertion that the statutes requirement constituted a violation of their religious liberty protected by the First Amendments Free Exercise Clause. Chief Justice Charles Evan Hughes private note epitomized the feelings of the nation: I simply cannot believe that the state has not the power to inculcate this.

But three members of the Court who joined Justice Felix Frankfurters Gobitis opinion  Hugo Black, William O. Douglas and Frank Murphy  subsequently declared their regrets and, in an unprecedented joint recantation, announced a desire to reverse their participation in the ruling. That shift, combined with the addition of two Justices  Robert H. Jackson and Wiley Rutledge  created a new working majority that was prepared to overturn Gobitis.

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), provided that opportunity. In that landmark decision, the Court struck down a compulsory flag salute statute, holding that students enjoy a First Amendment right, grounded in speech and religious freedom, to choose whether to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Justice Jacksons opinion, considered by scholars to be one of his very best, stood four-square behind Free Speech and Free Exercise guarantees and rejected the claim that the nations security hinges on coerced recitation of the pledge of allegiance. The Bill of Rights, Jackson declared, denies those in power any legal opportunity to coerce allegiance.

In an eloquent defense of the American creed of liberty and First Amendment freedoms made more moving by the context of Hitlers tyranny and his war on democracy, Justice Jackson stated: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us.

The flag salute statute, Justice Jackson wrote, transcends constitutional limitations on power and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control. For those who feared the collapse of patriotism without coercive ceremonies, rather than ceremonies that are voluntary and spontaneous, Jackson replied, is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.

Justice Jacksons tribute to intellectual freedom emphasized the individualism and rich cultural diversities that define and sustain America. Great achievements  the product of exceptional minds  come at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. In a nod to the reality of the religious minority whose teachings were denied, Jackson wrote: Where they are so harmless to others or to the State as those we deal with here, the price is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

Justice Frankfurter dissented and took offense to the demise of his Gobitis opinion. He insisted that the Court should adhere rigorously to the doctrine of judicial self-restraint and its emphasis on deference to the legislature, lest the judiciary becomes a legislative body. Frankfurters objection flew in the face of the Courts embrace of the preferred freedoms approach, which emphasizes over-arching protection of First Amendment freedoms, including religion and speech liberties, which are indispensable to the existence of other freedoms.

When preferred freedoms are implicated, as they were in the flag salute cases, the Court will require strict scrutiny of the legislation and demand compelling governmental reasons for breaching those liberties. In Barnette, the Court found the reasons wanting for requiring students to recite the pledge of allegiance.

In the years since Barnette, the two well-heeled doctrinal approaches to interpretation often have been the subject of debate, and likely always will be since the role of the judiciary is central to constitutional government. Sometimes, resolution hinges on a little common sense. After Justice Frankfurter delivered his opinion in Gobitis, he was discussing the case with Eleanor Roosevelt at Hyde Park. The First Lady stated that despite the Justices learning and legal skills, there was something very wrong about a ruling that forced little school children to salute a flag when the ceremony violated their fundamental religious beliefs and represented no threat to the nations security.

David Adler, PHD, is a noted author who lectures nationally and internationally on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and Presidential power. His scholarly writings have been cited by the US Supreme Court and lower courts by both Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress. Adlers column is supported in part through a grant from Wyoming Humanities funded by the Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Adler can be reached at david.adler@alturasinstitute.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a teenage NYC rapper accused of shooting a cop in the leg while on probation - and have refused to say why.

Camrin Williams, 16, no longer faces gun and assault charges over claims he shot NYPD cop Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg in January.

Williams, a known gang member who raps as C Blu, was on probation for a 2020 gun possession case at the time.

A law department spokesman refused to comment on why the charges were dropped, saying only: 'Pursuant to Family Court Law, the case is now sealed and we are unable to say more about the matter.'

But that decision has infuriated the NYPD union, whose leader branded it 'absurd.'

NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch warned the decision was part of the reason why NYC continues to battle violent crime.

Camrin Williams was out on probation from a 2020 gun possession case when he got into a scuffle with police in January and allegedly shot NYPD officer Kaseem Pennant, 27, in the leg

Officer Kaseem Pennant left the hospital to the cheers of his fellow officers on January 19, a day after the shooting

Camrin Williams initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident

He said: 'If perps like this face absolutely no consequences, even after shooting a cop, we have to ask: why bother sending us out to get the guns at all?' Lynch said.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason.'

Following the shooting on January 18, Williams' bond was set at $250,000. He posted bond with money reportedly received from signing a recording contract with Interscope Records.

Williams' dropped charges have caused outrage among some city officials, including PBA president Pat Lynch, The New York Post reported.

'This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time,' Lynch said.

The city announced on Friday that Williams could not be prosecuted, but noted that he was indeed carrying the weapon that 'contributed' to officer Pennant being shot.

'Just because the city cannot prosecute doesn't mean this individual should have been carrying an illegal weapon  a weapon which contributed to both him and an officer being shot,' the Law Department said in a statement.

Williams fought with police officers in January when they responded to reports of unrest, and refused to comply with their orders to remove his hands from his pockets.

He began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin.

Pennant was released from the hospital just hours later on January 19.

Williams' case was moved to juvenile court in March when a Bronx Justice ruled that while he carried the gun (pictured) that injured Officer Pennant, the shooting had ensued after a search was conducted without 'a halfway legitimate reason'

Williams began fighting with one of the officers and during the tussle, the gun went off and a single bullet struck and wounded Pennant and hit Williams in the groin, police said

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him

Williams, identified by police as a member of a subset of the Crips, was also taken to hospital before being taken to juvenile detention.

Bronx Supreme Court Judge Denis Boyle set bail at $250,000 despite prosecutors' call for Williams to be held without bail.

Williams accepted the services of 'bail bondsman to the stars' Ira Judelson, who has in the past worked with the likes of DMX, Ja Rule, Harvey Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The aspiring rapper was back at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn on a probation violation within a week of his release.

He initially faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree assault and other weapons charges stemming from the January 18 incident.

Williams was first charged as an adult and pleaded not guilty to the weapons and assault counts.

NYC PBA President Pat Lynch has blamed the rise in city crime on things like Williams' ability to walk free on bond and his charges being dropped

After Williams' release in February, his attorney, Dawn Florio touted his career to the judge.

Florio, much like Judelson, has a history with famous clients, including fellow troubled rapper 6ix9ine, formerly Tekashi69.

'He has a very promising career,' Florio told Judge Boyle. 'Not only does he sing, rap, he writes his own music. One of his songs on YouTube has 8 million views.'

During a hearing in March, Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj ruled to move his case to Family Court because while Williams possessed an illegal gun, police officers had 'no apparent reason' to try to search him.

'There was absolutely zero reason for any of those officers to approach this individual,' Judge Semaj said, referring to Williams, according to New York Daily News.

'They approached him, they detained him, they searched him, and no officer even bothered to come up with a halfway legitimate reason for any of that.'

According to The New York Post, Williams had also been arrested when he was 14 in the Bronx for possession of a Tauris firearm.

Overall crime is up 40 percent in New York City, while carjacking is up 58 percent

New Mayor Eric Adams has promised to tackle the city's soaring crime rates.

Overall crime is up 40 percent, slightly down in the last few months. All violent crime is up, except murder and shooting victims, which is down almost 12 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Transit is up the highest at 62 percent as New Yorkers have experienced several passengers being pushed onto tracks, as well as a mass shooting on Brooklyn subway train.

Assault is also up almost 20 percent and burglary and robbery have spiked 33 and 42 percent, respectively.
Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.

Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.
Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.
Berkshire Community College Announces New Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass  Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of four new full-time staff members, as well as an employment status change for one staff member.

New staff

Nick Delmolino joins BCC as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, where he will support the fundraising efforts of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. He will work to continue to strengthen relationships in the community to help achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. Delmolino, a Berkshire County native, has returned to Pittsfield after spending the past 18 years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. While in Jackson Hole, he was Director of Advancement at Teton Raptor Center and previously the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Teton Science Schools. Delmolino attended BCC and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Western New England University.

Bill Jennings joins BCC as Director of Information Technology. Jennings most recently worked for more than 14 years at Iredale Cosmetics in Great Barrington. He started his career there as the Systems Administrator, moving up to Infrastructure Manager and eventually IT Manager, a role he served for the past seven years. At Iredale, Bill created the help desk and was part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation team. He has more than 30 years of IT experience, including serving as Manager of IT Support and Customer Service at Workshoplive and as System Administrator at Starbase Technologies, both in Pittsfield, MA. Jennings holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife Cindy, daughter Zoe, and two dogs, Luke and Lacey.

Tom Spiro joins BCC as Clerk IV for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) Program. Stationed in the One Stop Center, Spiro is part of a team that provides assistance to students and potential students with logistical administrative information. Spiro comes to BCC from UMass Amherst's Alumni Relations Office; previously, he was Program Coordinator in the 2+2 Program at Elms College. He holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oneonta. Spiro lives in Worthington with his wife and two cats in the yard.

Sabrina Squires joins BCC as a Library Assistant III for Circulation. A resident of Averill Park, New York, Squires graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Religious Studies. She most recently worked as Circulation Coordinator for the Neil Hellman Library at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, where she served a diverse group of students, staff and faculty. In her spare time, Squires enjoys live music and playing old video games.

Updated employment status

Sean Reagan, formerly an Academic Counselor for BCC's Academic Advising Team, is now as an Academic Counselor for Allied Health. Prior to joining BCC in November 2021, he taught English and Journalism at Holyoke Community College for ten years. He is a graduate of Saint Michael's College, Western New England University School of Law and holds an M.F.A. from Goddard College.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams is eyeing up a 2024 White House bid as an anti-woke Democrat if Joe Biden decides not to run for a second term, it is claimed.

Adams, 61, - who once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn' - has 'repeatedly' told confidantes that he is considering running for the highest office and thinks he could 'win,' sources told the New York Post.

'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024,' a source close to the mayor told the Post. 'He thinks New York is a national platform [and] he thinks the national party has gotten too far to the left and he thinks he has a platform to win.'

A Brooklyn Democratic official, who was not identified, told the Post Adam's advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was 'running point' on the matter and he'd only stake his claim on the presidency if Biden, 79, declined to run again.

There have been conflicting reports about whether Biden will seek a second term. He is already the oldest president to ever hold office, and his year-and-a-half in office has been marred with what critics claim are cognitive slips.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams might be considering a 2024 White House bid. A source close to the mayor said: 'Eric has told me repeatedly that he thinks that he has a platform to run for national office, for president in 2024'

Ahead of the 2020 election, Biden himself had reportedly conceded he'd be a single-term president who hoped to reunite the US in the wake of Donald Trump's divisive presidency.

But there is no obvious Democrat candidate to succeed him, with Vice President Kamala Harris's personal approval ratings stubbornly low, and Biden is now said to be touting a 2024 run.

While only five months into his first term in office, Adams has pleased many centrist Democrats - and conservatives - by avoiding progressive or extreme stances on economic and social issues.

However, Adam's advisor Evan Thies dismissed rumors, saying: 'The mayor has not had any conversations with anyone about running for president. He is 100 percent focused on lowering crime and improving the economy in New York, and bringing this city back.'

A Brooklyn Democrat said Adams would only consider the gig if Biden (pictured) does not run for reelection

Adams (pictured with Biden in July 2021) once referred to himself as the 'Biden of Brooklyn'

The mayor does seem to have some backing, though, as CEO of Tusk Strategies Chris Coffey told the New York Post: 'He is one of the best-known black elected officials in the country. The play works if Adams makes progress on crime and the president decides not to run. I think he would be crazy not to consider it.'

Even a GOP lawmaker told the Post he thought the Big Apple mayor could have a chance if he solved the crime riddling the City That Never Sleeps.

The unidentified lawmaker said: 'I said you really have to consider that you are young enough where you will have a life after the mayoralty and if you solve the crime problem there would be a lot of interest in a big city Democrat, African American with progressive values but who mediated the crime problem in a major city.'

Adams had been faced with rising crime rates as the city plunges into a wave of violence, leaving citizens on edge.

Although crime rates are starting to slow down, overall violent crime is still up 40 percent across all five boroughs. Shootings, stabbings, and gun violence has run rampant through the streets - even prompting Adams to wear an 'end gun violence' suit jacket to the Met Gala earlier this month.

He has blamed many of the problems he faces on former Mayor Bill de Blasio, condemned as the city's wokest-ever leader.

With Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's lax bail reform, career criminals have been running the streets, breaking into businesses, and terrorizing citizens.

Overall crime is up 40 percent (pictured) in New York City as Adams deals with the rampant criminals

Despite Adams' confidence, New Yorkers have declining faith him, new polls are showing. Crime is 49 percent of citizens' biggest concerns, followed by affordable housing and homelessness.

The Bronx and Staten Island citizens rated him the worst at 61 and 71 percent, respectively. And his overall approval in the city sits at 43 percent approving and 37 percent disapproving, the New York Post reported.

In addition, 86 percent of New Yorkers want more transit police in the subway system, but despite the promise of adding more officers to the system, most stations go empty. The former transit cop, himself, even encouraged citizens to send his office pictures of officers who are too busy on their phones or chatting with coworkers to keep a vigilant eye out for crime.

A 25-year-old man was carjacked and 'punched, stabbed, and slashed' by two unidentified suspects in the Bronx on May 7, just the one of many as carjacking is up 58 percent

New Yorkers lie on the platform at 36th Street station after falling out of the northbound N train after Frank James, 62, shot 10 people on a Brooklyn subway

The FBI (pictured in Brooklyn) were called to the scene to help after the mass shooting

If Adams does stake his bid for presidency, he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessors, such as Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and Rudy Giuliani.

However, no NYC mayor has ever made it into the White House.

But it seems the current mayor has already been making moves to be viewed as a national leader, as he's been seen making his way across the country at events.

He's recently been seen Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California earlier this month and at a cryptocurrency conference in Miami and side-by-side with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to protest gun violence in March.
New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)


New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)

New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.

If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here

The Amasaman High Court in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, May 19, 2022, adjourned a case between the Ghana Mines Workers Union (GMWU) and the Asanko Gold Limited.

Both parties are in court over non-adherence to the collective bargaining agreement relating to the payment of severance package to members of the mine workers union.

The Ghana Mine Workers Union has taken up legal action against the Asanko Gold Ghana Limited following the lay-off of 299 of their members who are permanent staff of the company without payment of compensation to affected workers.

According to the Union, the Companys Board failed to honour the conditions of service of the affected employees after an agreement with them.

The Union also claimed that the Asanko Gold Mine terminated the employment of 299 permanent, reduced their salaries, and made their living worse by failing to pay them severance packages contained in the collective bargaining agreement.

The GMWU indicated that despite several meetings and engagements, the company failed to compensate the affected workers, hence its decision to resort to court.

Counsel for the plaintiffs said the company claims it had not received any affidavits in opposition from the Union.

The counsel further indicated that Asanko Gold-Ghana wanted the court to strike out the case after it argued it was premature.

The Mine Workers however filed an affidavit against the request and objected to that motion.

The presiding judge, therefore, obliged and adjourned the case to June 1, 2022.
The Amasaman High Court in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, May 19, 2022, adjourned a case between the Ghana Mines Workers Union (GMWU) and the Asanko Gold Limited.

Both parties are in court over non-adherence to the collective bargaining agreement relating to the payment of severance package to members of the mine workers union.

The Ghana Mine Workers Union has taken up legal action against the Asanko Gold Ghana Limited following the lay-off of 299 of their members who are permanent staff of the company without payment of compensation to affected workers.

According to the Union, the Companys Board failed to honour the conditions of service of the affected employees after an agreement with them.

The Union also claimed that the Asanko Gold Mine terminated the employment of 299 permanent, reduced their salaries, and made their living worse by failing to pay them severance packages contained in the collective bargaining agreement.

The GMWU indicated that despite several meetings and engagements, the company failed to compensate the affected workers, hence its decision to resort to court.

Counsel for the plaintiffs said the company claims it had not received any affidavits in opposition from the Union.

The counsel further indicated that Asanko Gold-Ghana wanted the court to strike out the case after it argued it was premature.

The Mine Workers however filed an affidavit against the request and objected to that motion.

The presiding judge, therefore, obliged and adjourned the case to June 1, 2022.
A seizure of illegal drugs and cash is displayed during a news conference at Surrey RCMP Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Sept. 3, 2020. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

Presence of New, More Potent Opioid Growing in Canadas Illegal Drug Supply, Warns Substance Use Research Organization

A national substance use research organization is warning about a new type of opioid that is increasingly appearing in Canadas illegal drug supply.

In an alert issued in March, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) warned there is a rising presence in the drug supply of potent synthetic opioids referred to as nitazenes that are several times more potent than fentanyl.

Nitazenes usually appear unexpectedly in drugs assumed to contain other types of opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone, and non-medical benzodiazepines, said the CCSA, while noting the substance was first identified in Canadas unregulated drug supply in 2019.

They were developed 60 years ago as potential pain relief medication, but were never approved for clinical use.

The centre noted that even though nitazenes were only detected in less than 1 percent of samples analyzed by Health Canadas Drug Analysis Service (HC DAS) in 2021, the percentage was a four-fold increase compared to 2020.

HC DAS analyzes the content of drugs seized by law enforcement agencies.

Sarah Konefal, research and policy analyst at the CCSA, said the presence of nitazenes is likely underestimated, given some drug-checking services in Canada dont have the tools to actually detect this type of substance.

One of the concerns is that were only looking at the tip of the iceberg, she said in an interview with The Canadian Press, reported on May 21.

Konefal added that the centre issued a similar alert when fentanyl first appeared in Canada in 2013. The prevalence of fentanyl in Canadas drug supply started picking up in 2015, she said.

In April 2016, British Columbia declared a public health emergency due to the significant rise in opioid-related overdose deaths reported in the province since the beginning of that year.

Citing data from HC DAS, the CCSA said the majority of samples with nitazenes came from Ontario at 64 percent, followed by a quarter of samples coming from Quebec, in 2021.

In addition, only one type of nitazene was detected in January 2020. But in a span of two years, the overall case counts increased, as well as the types of nitazenes detected, the data showed.

Note that more than one nitazene can be identified in a single sample, the CCSA said.

In 2021, approximately 14 percent of nitazene-positive samples contained two or more.

Konefal said the fact that more different types of nitazenes are showing up is an indication that probably the reach of nitazenes is expanding.

Because newer opioids in the unregulated drug supply, like nitazenes and benzodiazepines, tend to show up in drugs with fentanyl, the risk of people overdosing increases, she said.

Given that nitazenes are more potent, along with the fact that theyre in drugs that have the same effect, it will increase risk of opioid poisoning, she added.

In an October 2021 brief, Public Health Ontario said the risk of nitazenes is likely moderate to high, with a high degree of uncertainty.

The presence of these substances is increasing in Ontario and they pose an increased risk of severe overdose, particularly when present with other sedating substances, the agency said.

The deaths of four people in Ontario have been directly attributed to nitazenes, according to Stephanie Rea, spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Coroner. Nitazenes have been detected in the examination of other deaths, and the investigations are still underway, Rea told The Canadian Press.

The CCSA said overdoses involving nitazenes may be difficult to reverse and might require extra doses of naloxone.

But protocols around this are not yet clear, it said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported an estimated 26,690 Canadians died from an apparent opioid-related overdose between January 2016 and September 2021, in its latest update in March.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
A rare tornado swept across the northern Michigan town of Gaylord on Friday. The storm resulted in one fatality and several injuries. Damage was widespread. The threat for strong thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes will stretch from central Ontario into western Quebec on Saturday. The same front will meander across our region through Sunday.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)

Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.

Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.




New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)

New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal visited the government schools in the national capital on Saturday (May 21). KCR said his government aims to establish model schools in Telangana on the lines of Delhi, and will soon dispatch a team of officers for coordination, PTI reported. During his visit to Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh in Delhi, officials apprised the Telangana CM of the reforms undertaken in the education system by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.

"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," KCR told mediapersons.

Talking about his governments "remarkable improvements" in education, CM Kejriwal claimed many private school students were shifting to government schools because of the quality of education there. "We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," the Delhi CM told Rao.

The Telangana CM told reporters he also discussed political developments with his Delhi counterpart. "Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on KCR in Delhi and discussed several national issues.

After the school visit, KCR went to a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the city.

Notably, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had visited Delhi government schools and had lauded the AAP government's efforts in improving education standards last month.

On May 22, Rao, who is on a week-long pan-India tour, will visit Chandigarh, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against the Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann there.

(With agency inputs)
Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrives in Downing Street, London, on March 15, 2022. (James Manning/PA)

UK Minister Meets With US Delegate Amid Northern Ireland Tensions

British International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) on Saturday amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the U.S. House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday and was due to meet Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Truss.

It follows a warning from U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Writing on Twitter, Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome Neal and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to her department to discuss UK-U.S. trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

A spokesman for Starmer said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the United States and the UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Pelosi urged the UK and the E.U. to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The latest controversy has been sparked by Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the E.U.

The foreign secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the E.U.s proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a government in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord David Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to wade into relations between the UK and the E.U. in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the E.U. is the last thing the United States wants.

Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.
Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrives in Downing Street, London, on March 15, 2022. (James Manning/PA)

UK Minister Meets With US Delegate Amid Northern Ireland Tensions

British International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) on Saturday amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the U.S. House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday and was due to meet Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Truss.

It follows a warning from U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Writing on Twitter, Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome Neal and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to her department to discuss UK-U.S. trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

A spokesman for Starmer said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the United States and the UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Pelosi urged the UK and the E.U. to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The latest controversy has been sparked by Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the E.U.

The foreign secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the E.U.s proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a government in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord David Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to wade into relations between the UK and the E.U. in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the E.U. is the last thing the United States wants.

Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.

CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.



Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Alyssa Castanuela is shown in this photo with her two children. She was attacked by her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend Wednesday and is in the ICU at Colorado Springs UC Health Memorial Hospital.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
A passenger in a car got so nervous at a garda checkpoint that gardai suspected he might have drugs on him  and in fact he had over 3,800 worth of cocaine.

Garda Carla Pericho testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the offence dated back to October 23 2020.

On that date, Garda Pericho was operating a checkpoint at Ballyclamasy, Youghal, County Cork, when she stopped a car in which Michael Ryan of 15 Chestnut Drive, Youghal, was a passenger.

He was nervous and evasive and there was a small weighing scales in the central console of the vehicle. During the course of this search he had a large quantity of cocaine on his person.

"The drug in a plastic wrap was retrieved from his trousers.

He did not cooperate. He made no comment at interview, Garda Pericho said.

Defence barrister, Suzanne Lewis, said the 20-year-old recently got into employment and had not come to the attention of gardai since. He had no drug convictions before.

He had a drug debt and he agreed to carry the drugs in lieu of paying that debt.

Judge Helen Boyle said she was prepared to impose a fully suspended two-year sentence.

She noted that the defendant had to potential to become a productive taxpaying member of society.
Flowers are left at a makeshift memorial outside of Tops market on May 15, 2022, in Buffalo, New York. Yesterday a gunman opened fire at the store, killing ten people and wounding another three. Suspect Payton Gendron was taken into custody and charged with first degree murder. U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland released a statement, saying the US Department of Justice is investigating the shooting "as a hate crime and an act of racially-motivated violent extremism." (Scott Olson/Getty Images/TNS)
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
Jaipur: The Congress has no enmity with the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi but its fight is of ideology, said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he urged people to back his party in the next Assembly polls.

The Assembly polls in the state will be held in 2023.

Addressing a meeting organised in Kotputli town here on the arrival of Congress Seva Dal's "Azadi ki Gaurav Yatra", Gehlot said, "This is a fight of ideology. We have no enmity?neither with Prime Minister Modi nor with the BJP or the RSS."

The Congress is a party which takes all communities along, he said.

"It is a party that takes all religions and castes along. Today, problems in front of the country are huge. People are troubled, farmers are committing suicide, youth are suffering from unemployment," the chief minister said.

He said the agenda of development will be at the forefront for the party as he appealed to people to back the Congress in the next Assembly polls.

"If the government changes in five years, our works will remain incomplete, the plans get stalled. If we have worked for all communities and sections, you should once again form the Congress government so that we could fulfil our promises," Gehlot said.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and other leaders also addressed the gathering.
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrives in Downing Street, London, on March 15, 2022. (James Manning/PA)

UK Minister Meets With US Delegate Amid Northern Ireland Tensions

British International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) on Saturday amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the U.S. House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday and was due to meet Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Truss.

It follows a warning from U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Writing on Twitter, Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome Neal and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to her department to discuss UK-U.S. trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

A spokesman for Starmer said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the United States and the UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Pelosi urged the UK and the E.U. to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The latest controversy has been sparked by Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the E.U.

The foreign secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the E.U.s proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a government in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord David Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to wade into relations between the UK and the E.U. in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the E.U. is the last thing the United States wants.

Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
Dancers, artists, and filmmakers are putting on a special exhibition and performance in the Crawford College of Art and Design on Grand Parade today, to highlight the essential rights of trees in Cork city.

The Creativity & Change programme at MTU and New Moon Dance Company have teamed up with Maria Young of Green Spaces for Health in Corks South parish to raise awareness about protecting trees amidst ongoing development in the city.

An audit of Corks trees by Ms Young in 2020 found that many are under serious threat due to property developers and, ironically, by greenway planners.

Ms Young decided that a creative response may have greater impact than just presenting facts, as it taps into something deep within us: The desire to admire the quiet beauty of trees and the need to protect that which is alive.

Over 80 people have participated in creative workshops to explore the need to protect our trees, which has led to the development of a film, dance, and art exhibition that brings to life ideas about the rights of trees.

Part funded by the support of Irish Aid, the exhibition will explore the concept of rights for not just humans, or animals, but other non-animal living beings such as trees.

Countries such as New Zealand, India, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Panama have already given rights of personhood to elements of nature.

The essence of the work is to raise awareness regarding how important nature is, said company choreographer of New Moon Dance Company, Tina Horan.

Without trees, without this beautiful heavenly earth, seas and skies, and forests, there would be no us, she added.

All three components of the project are being showcased today at the Crawford College of Art and Design, on Grand Parade. The film and exhibition can be viewed in the gallery space from 10am-5pm, while the 20-minute dance performance will take place at 4.30pm.

Dancers, artists, and filmmakers are putting on a special exhibition and performance in the Crawford College of Art and Design on Grand Parade today, to highlight the essential rights of trees in Cork city.

The Creativity & Change programme at MTU and New Moon Dance Company have teamed up with Maria Young of Green Spaces for Health in Corks South parish to raise awareness about protecting trees amidst ongoing development in the city.

An audit of Corks trees by Ms Young in 2020 found that many are under serious threat due to property developers and, ironically, by greenway planners.

Ms Young decided that a creative response may have greater impact than just presenting facts, as it taps into something deep within us: The desire to admire the quiet beauty of trees and the need to protect that which is alive.

Over 80 people have participated in creative workshops to explore the need to protect our trees, which has led to the development of a film, dance, and art exhibition that brings to life ideas about the rights of trees.

Part funded by the support of Irish Aid, the exhibition will explore the concept of rights for not just humans, or animals, but other non-animal living beings such as trees.

Countries such as New Zealand, India, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Panama have already given rights of personhood to elements of nature.

The essence of the work is to raise awareness regarding how important nature is, said company choreographer of New Moon Dance Company, Tina Horan.

Without trees, without this beautiful heavenly earth, seas and skies, and forests, there would be no us, she added.

All three components of the project are being showcased today at the Crawford College of Art and Design, on Grand Parade. The film and exhibition can be viewed in the gallery space from 10am-5pm, while the 20-minute dance performance will take place at 4.30pm.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)
In the wake of journalist and former Bara Press Club president, Khadim Khan Afridi's arrest, journalists in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district continue to stage demonstrations on Friday, demanding the authorities, the release of their colleague. The protests were held by Pakistan's Landi Kotal Press Club members and activists of political and civil society organisations, reported Dawn newspaper. The protesters held banners and placards while calling for an investigation into the arrest of Khadim Afridi, which they deemed to be 'unlawful and deceitful' According to the angry mob of protesters, Khadim Khan's arrest was a coercive restriction on the freedom of the press. Further, the dissenters insisted on an apology by the Counter-Terrorism Department(CTD) for their illegal act. Earlier, CTD detectives had arrested Khadim Khan from Bara when he was on his way home from the local press club on the pretext of murder charges. The CTD sleuths alleged that the former Bara Press Club president was involved in the murder of a Peshawar policeman, reported Dawn newspaper. An FIR was lodged against him in the year 2013 at Gul Bahar police station. Denying the claims of the CTD, Mehrab Afridi, president of Landi Kotal Press Club, contended that it was impossible for a person to roam freely for so many years, in possession of 1 million rupees after he had murdered someone. He said that Khadim Khan's arrest was unlawful because he was writing the truth and bringing out the corruption of various departments of the government. Mehrab Afridi warned of more protests that are to follow if the Pakistan authorities failed to release journalist Khadim Khan, reported Dawn newspaper. Earlier, the journalists staged a protest at Bab-i-Khyber in Jamrud on Sunday, announcing a complete boycott of coverage of all official events and local parliamentarians till the release of their colleague, a newspaper. Protests were also held at the Khyber Chowk in Bara on Monday where the protesters organized a march from the Bara Press club to the Khyber Chowk. (ANI)


Eight is enough?

Maybe.

Homer Glens Ethel Rodriguez loves ferrets so much that she has eight. It wouldnt be surprising if she picked up a few more.

But, for now, eight it is and after careful study of each ferrets behavior, Rodriguez gives them suitable names.

There's Bradley J. Barrett, Buddy Hart, Esmeralda Farnsworth and Daffodil Darling among them.

Rodriguez has taken her love for the unique pets to a level in which she is the treasurer for the Greater Chicago Ferret Association and chair of the Woozlefest, which she brought to Lockport for the 11th time April 23.

The fest was held at the Lockport American Legion Post 18 and brought ferret lovers from as far away as Niles, Mich., and Urbana.

It was Shelby Altman, who came from Urbana for her first Woozlefest. Though she wore a "Dog mom" hat, she opens her heart to other animals as well.

Im a crazy ferret person, she said. I love their energy. They have a very high energy level. They love to play.

And, play they did at Woozlefest.

There was a kissing contest, tube races, a paper bag escape, a blessing of the ferrets and a costume contest. Some were not so thrilled to be subjected to grooming and ear cleaning, but their owners were delighted.

There were also raffles, vendors, food and bingo for the humans to enjoy.

But the stars of the show were the ferrets.

Rodriguez said she enjoys her ferrets because they all have unique traits.

Every ferret has its own personality, she said. Every ferret has its own abilities. Scent  being able to smell  is their most prevalent feature. Their vision is not that great, their hearing is not that great. But they are totally inquisitive.

Having eight ferrets means that there is always some fun time at Rodriguezs home.

There is always someone up when you have eight of them, she said. They sleep about 20 hours a day but there are always a few of them up playing around.

Unlike dogs and cats, they are not common pets.

Ferrets are not for everyone, Rodriguez said. Ferrets are for people who dont need instant gratification. If you come home, dont expect that ferret to come running to the door to come welcome you. They operate on their own time.

Rodriquez notes their larceny and laughs.

They are extremely inquisitive. They steal. They are little thieves, she said. They take stuff away and bring it to their stash. Then when their stash gets full, they take out what they no longer want and they dump it.

Their maintenance also is not cheap.

They are an expensive pet because in order to keep them healthy, you have to buy them quality food and, if they do get sick, you need to take them to an exotic veterinarian, she said.

So, what are woozles, the namesake of the fest?

Ask Winnie the Pooh.

According to Winniepedia on the pooh.fandom.com website, they are deceitful, weasel-like animals that seemed to originate from Baltic mythology, which steal honey and scare Pool and his pals.

Woozles travel with wizzles, according to Pooh in the 1926 Winnie-the-Pooh book written by Alan A. Milne.

The greater Chicago Ferret Association in a nonprofit educational, rescue and adoption organization that has been around for 30 years and is the only ferret shelter in the Chicago area.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Flowers are left at a makeshift memorial outside of Tops market on May 15, 2022, in Buffalo, New York. Yesterday a gunman opened fire at the store, killing ten people and wounding another three. Suspect Payton Gendron was taken into custody and charged with first degree murder. U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland released a statement, saying the US Department of Justice is investigating the shooting "as a hate crime and an act of racially-motivated violent extremism." (Scott Olson/Getty Images/TNS)




Three quarters of Black Americans say they are worried that they or someone they love will be physically attacked because of their race, according to a new poll released on Saturday.

A new Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 75 percent of Black Americans polled are worried that they or someone they care about will be physically harmed because they are Black, a development that comes one week after a fatal shooting in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, N.Y.

Seventy percent of Black Americans polled said they believed half or more white Americans hold white supremacist beliefs compared to 19 percent who believed fewer than half white Americans do.

Two-thirds of those polled said white supremacy is a bigger problem today compared to five years ago. In comparison, 28 percent said the size of the problem is the same, while five percent said it was a smaller problem today.

Respondents were also asked about their feelings following the Buffalo shooting, in which a suspect, who is white, allegedly shot and killed 10 people and injured three others. Eleven of the 13 victims were Black, and the suspect allegedly espoused the racist great replacement theory.

Seventy percent of respondents said the shooting made them feel sad, while 62 percent also said they felt angry. Just over half said they felt troubled, 34 percent said they felt afraid, 21 percent said they felt shocked and 8 percent said surprised.

Speaking to The Washington Posts Early 202 newsletter, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said that lawmakers could only legislate a response to hate if you first admit that the problem exists.

You never know what it is. It could be a severe enough punishment to be a deterrent. But if you dont ever admit that its there, you cant legislate it. No problem can be solved until you first admit that the problem exists. And we still refuse to admit that we have a race problem in this country. And its been there for over 400 years, he said.

Story continues

Clyburn, who was part of the civil rights movement lamented that the country had become used to tragedy.

It seems as if they were just supposed to happen then you go and wait for the next one to happen. And theyre going to keep happening. But look at where we are (in) the country. It seems to be its coming from all sides. You wonder whether or not people just decided that the pursuit of a more perfect union has come to an end, he said.

The Washington Post-Ipsos poll was conducted between May 18 and May 20 with 806 Black Americans. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.



If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits held a unique agitation on Saturday (May 21) against the killing of government employee Rahul Bhat, where dozens of the members shaved their heads in protest against the government for failing to protect the migrant KPs in the Valley. The minority community members shaved their heads in Mattan Anantnag Temple today, and a protest rally was taken out demanding the relocation of all migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister's package, to safer places. On May 12, Rahul Bhat was killed by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

Several hundred KP members gathered in Srinagar's Rajbagh area and raised anti-Jammu and Kashmir administration and anti-BJP slogans, demanding justice.

During the march, Kashmiri Pandit protesters offered prayers and immersed flowers on the banks of river Jhelum (called Vitasta Mata by Kashmiri Pandits) near Lal Mandi in memory of Rahul Bhat on the tenth day of his death.

A protester Ashwani said, Today we performed a special puja to pay homage to martyr Rahul on the 10th day of his killing. The LG tells us to be patient but perhaps he wants that one Rahul has gone and he will keep giving assurances till another ten will go. He said that policemen are with us here guarding our protest rally, adding that if the atmosphere was really peaceful then they would not have been needed. The government makes hollow claims, he alleged.

Another protestor Amit said that their demands are that they should be posted outside the Valley at safer places and that the unconstitutional bond which has been taken by them at the time of their appointment should be canceled.

After this, the march reached the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk where the protesters staged a sit-in protest and raised slogans.

After this, the KP protestors reached the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where they raised anti-BJP slogans and staged a sit-in protest for 30 minutes. Reema a protestor said, "We had a lot of hopes from this government as they had promised a lot to our community. I love my motherland and don't want to leave this place but we have no assurance, we don't know who among us will be the next target, we are frightened and want to leave this place."

The protesters said the demonstrations will continue across the valley till their demands are met. It is pertaining to mention that till now the government has failed to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community. All top civil and police officials have held many meetings with the community members but the protestors are adamant about their demands.
A convicted murderer who escaped from prison multiple times  including once when he kidnapped the treasurer of Guam  has filed a motion for compassionate release.

Vincent Torres Tedtaotao was 19 when he shot two men over a game of pool on Aug. 25, 1985.

Tedtaotao and another man walked into Bottoms Club in Maite and placed quarters on a pool table to show they wanted the next game. Danny Camacho and David Untalan, who were playing at the table, told them the proper procedure was to write their names on a list, court documents state.

The men argued, then took the dispute to the parking lot. Tedtaotao brandished a gun, pointed it at Untalan and said, Malagu hao yo paki hoa? meaning Do you want me to shoot you?

Dave picked up his hands, and was walking backward. When he turned to open the door, Tedtaotao shot at him, Camacho, who was also shot, testified during the trial. Tedtaotao was convicted of murdering Untalan and attempting to murder Camacho.

Tedtaotao was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the Department of Corrections, but he is currently being held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

Rehabilitation

A hearing on Tedtaotaos motion for compassion release is set for next month. He argues that he should be released because of his young age when he was sentenced, and his risk of getting COVID-19.

Tedtaotao knows he took a life and he beats himself up for that ever since, the 55-year-old inmate wrote in his motion. Two people lost their lives that day of the crime. Tedtaotao lost his life also.

The document states he was moved to federal prison because the Department of Corrections couldnt provide the needed rehabilitation. He wrote that he has excelled beyond anyones expectations.

Since being in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he has been able to come to terms with what has become of his life. He has been able to get the mental health care that wasnt made readily available to him in Guam, Tedtaotao wrote.

Motions

This isnt Tedtaotaos first attempt to get out of prison. A motion for compassionate release filed in the District Court of Guam was denied in 2021 because of jurisdictional issues. The federal court also denied a 2009 motion to vacate his sentence.

Tedtaotao previously filed to have the sentence reduced in the Superior Court of Guam, and he appealed his conviction on the grounds he had ineffective counsel during his trial, all of which were also denied.

In his motion to reduce his sentence filed in 1990, Tedtaotao and his attorney argued that he was successfully rehabilitated.

Escapes

The government argued Tedtaotao was prosecuted earlier for two felony escapes, and escaped yet a third time from the Department of Corrections only a few weeks prior to the hearing, Judge Peter Siguenza Jr. wrote in his decision to deny the motion.

Tedtaotao pleaded guilty to two of the escapes in 1987. He was sentenced to five years for each charge, all ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Then in 1991, Tedtaotao escaped from DOC twice, both times in attempts to rob the Treasurer of Guam.

His July attempt failed. Then on Aug. 12, 1991, following a plan concocted by a corrections officer, Tedtaotao and convicted murderer Joshua Merep escaped, according to court documents. Armed with a gun and knife, they went to the home of Guam Treasurer Isabel Munoz and threatened to kill her and her family, documents state.

They tied up Munozs family members and brought her to the Treasurers Office, where they robbed the vault of $42,000 in cash and $1 million in checks, according to news accounts from the time. They brought Munoz home and tied her up with the rest of her family.

Tedtoatao and Merep were arrested a couple of days later, and most of the money was recovered.

Tedtaotaos motion for compassionate release is scheduled for a status hearing June 17 before Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino. It was supposed to be discussed May 6, but was rescheduled because of Tedtaotaos absence and the parties involved being unaware of the details of the case.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Independent Allegra Spender will win the Sydney seat of Wentworth from Liberal incumbent Dave Sharma, the ABC projects.

Mr Sharma held Wentworth by on margin of 1.3 per cent but faced a strong grassroots campaign by Ms Spender, a well-known local business leader and renewable energy advocate.

At 11.30pm on Saturday Ms Spender held just under 56 per cent of the two party vote.

However, while describing the evening as a win for the community she did not formally declare victory, saying there was still polling and pre-polling to count.

Inside the multimillion-dollar mansions of Sydney's harbourside dress circle the city's movers and shakers are turning against themselves over politics. Independent Allegra Spender is challenging Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Spender is pictured on the campaign trail at Clovelly

'While the numbers are looking really good nothing is certain,' she told supporters at the Bondi Bowling Club.

'Thankyou all for coming tonight and being on this journey ... it has been absolutely incredible', she said to cheers from the crowd.

'It started just over two months ago and it's incredible how far we've come.

'To so many of you standing in this room tonight, thanks you so much.'

She said her strong vote in the blue-ribbon seat as representing 'calling time' on negativity and spin in politics.

The seat was one of several in NSW with high numbers of disaffected Liberal voters facing challenges from so-called 'teal' candidates.

Wentworth is the wealthiest electorate in the nation. Whether its voters are prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest fights. Liberal MP Dave Sharma is pictured at Bondi Junction

Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman looks set to lose his seat of North Sydney to independent Kylea Tink, while his colleague Jason Falinski trails another teal candidate in Sophie Scamps.

But Labor is also facing a shock defeat in the western Sydney seat of Fowler, where star candidate Kristina Keneally could fail in her attempt to move to the lower house.

Independent Dai Le has a comfortable 54-54 lead over the former senator, who faced criticism after being parachuted into the once safe Labor seat.

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership raised the real possibility that Wentworth - held by Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

The seat, which is geographically the second smallest in the country, has been a Liberal stronghold since World War II and has never been held by Labor since Federation in 1901.

Ms Spender is the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti and federal Liberal frontbencher John Spender.

Cashed-up Spender has amassed an army of volunteers and is doing a strong trade selling merchandise - $15 for a cap or tote bag and $20 for a T-shirt - all featuring the Climate 200 teal. Volunteers Lynn Ralph (left) and Vanessa Jones are pictured at Centennial Park

Spender should be Liberal royalty. Her father John was the party's member for North Sydney and grandfather Sir Percy Spender a minister in Menzies governments.

She attended Ascham School at Edgecliff where she was head girl and dux in her final year with a Tertiary Entrance Rank of 99.95. She then gained an economics degree from Cambridge, a Master of Science at the University of London and completed business courses at Harvard.

Spender worked as a business analyst at McKinsey and with the UK Treasury as a policy analyst before becoming managing director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.

She is CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, has two sons and lives at Darling Point.

Dave Sharma is a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for Wentworth. He has warned voters against electing an independent. Financial adviser Aime Baker has festooned her Bondi Junction home (pictured) with Sharma promotional material

Both candidates told Daily Mail Australia that Wentworth was wrongly perceived as a wealthy enclave when it was a far more diverse community. Sharma posters are pictured at Woollahra

The campaign featured claims an elite private girl's school unfairly threw its support behind Spender and that Sharma copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Ms Spender was forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.

Climate change is a major issue in Wentworth and both candidates are strong supporters of renewable energy sources. The Coalition has a target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030. Spender wants at least 50 per cent.

Ms Spender says Mr Sharma cannot do enough on climate change as a member of a Coalition government, while he says she cannot make real change if elected as an independent.

Mr Sharma, 46, is a moderate Liberal but Ms Spender, 44, says he does not vote on legislation as a true moderate and is beholden to the party rather than Wentworth's constituents.

After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader in on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and .

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday said his government will set up model schools in the southern state on the lines of Delhi, and will soon send a team of officers for coordination.

Rao, along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, visited a Delhi government school in the national capital where officials briefed the Telangana chief minister on the change in the education system in the city under the .

Rao and his party leaders were welcomed by Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh area and given a tour of the school.

The delegation visited classrooms, labs and the students' playing area among other facilities.

Praising Delhi's public education system, Rao said, "The process of turning into job providers rather than job seekers is very good. This is very necessary for our country with such a large population."



"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," he told reporters.

Briefing Rao about the Delhi government's "remarkable improvements" in education, Kejriwal said many private school students were taking admission in government schools because of the quality of education being imparted.

"We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," Kejriwal told Rao.

The Telangana chief minister said he also discussed political developments with Kejriwal, as well as with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier in the day.

"Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he added.

Later, the Telangana chief minister visited a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the national capital.

Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had visited government schools in Delhi and had praised the city government's efforts in improving education standards.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday said his government will set up model schools in the southern state on the lines of Delhi, and will soon send a team of officers for coordination.

Rao, along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, visited a Delhi government school in the national capital where officials briefed the Telangana chief minister on the change in the education system in the city under the .

Rao and his party leaders were welcomed by Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh area and given a tour of the school.

The delegation visited classrooms, labs and the students' playing area among other facilities.

Praising Delhi's public education system, Rao said, "The process of turning into job providers rather than job seekers is very good. This is very necessary for our country with such a large population."



"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," he told reporters.

Briefing Rao about the Delhi government's "remarkable improvements" in education, Kejriwal said many private school students were taking admission in government schools because of the quality of education being imparted.

"We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," Kejriwal told Rao.

The Telangana chief minister said he also discussed political developments with Kejriwal, as well as with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier in the day.

"Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he added.

Later, the Telangana chief minister visited a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the national capital.

Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had visited government schools in Delhi and had praised the city government's efforts in improving education standards.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Swiss hospitality chain Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its new property located in the heart of Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) in Dubai featuring 166 rooms and suites.

A perfect urban scape with well-equipped facilities for both kids and adults, Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle aims to take family-friendly accommodation to the next level, said the hospitality giant in a statement.

With tech-savvy touches, the hotel makes life effortless whether on a business or leisure trip, it stated.

Complimentary WiFi, ergonomic desks and interactive HD televisions with 55 inch flat screens are just some of the elements that make business trips all the more enjoyable, while the panoramic views of the Dubai skyline will impress during video meetings, it added.

According to Movenpick, families and large groups can avail of connecting rooms that offer greater convenience, while also adding the perfect sense of privacy.

Along with an on-site aqua park, there is the Little Birds kids club, wich will keep younger guests occupied with creative arts and crafts, thrilling games, and plenty more excitement to keep them occupied for hours. The expansive hotel grounds feature three swimming pools and one 'ladies only pool'.

Cluster General Manager, Mohamad Haj Hassan said: "As travel has returned, we are finding that holiday-makers and residents continue to enjoy staycations and are more interested in exploring the right family friendly options. A unique feature of the Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle is that it is a perfect urban scape with well-equipped facilities for kids and adults alike."

"Guests visiting the property will also have the option of exploring connecting properties. The Novotel and Adagio will welcome the guests at their fantastic recreational facilities and restaurants, or guests can choose to remain at the Movenpick to enjoy the lush grounds and amenities reserved for our guests only," he noted.

"Expertly designed with the aim of delighting kids and those young-at-heart, the on-site aqua park; is jam-packed full of fun equipment, including colourful slides and a thrilling tipping bucket that fills slowly before splashing onto anyone in the vicinity who dares to venture below it," said Hassan.

Hassan said the JVT property has a variety of dining options including the Movenpick Cafe, located at the heart of the hotel lobby offeriuing foamy cappuccino, fresh juice or fluffy pastries and the poolside F&B outlet, Riccis that boasts a selection of traditional Italian dishes.

On its lifestyle offerings, Hassan said it will soon be opening La Mar Spais, the ultimate getaway where guests can retreat to rejuvenate in a soothing ambience, and indulge in calming or invigorating treatments.

"With nine well-appointed rooms and highly trained therapists waiting to melt away the stress, the luxurious set-up will also soon include a traditional Turkish hammam where guests can go to reduce stress and alleviate tension," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Olivia Munn shared a tweet this week about her experience as a mom during the nationwide formula shortage. David Crotty/Getty Images

Olivia Munn spoke about her experience amid the nationwide formula shortage in a Twitter post.

Munn, 41, said she was "panicking" amid the shortage.

Munn shares a 5-month-old son, Malcolm Hiep, with comedian John Mulaney.

Olivia Munn recently got candid about her experience as a mom amid the nationwide formula shortage.

The "Violet" actor, who has a 5-month-old son with comedian John Mulaney, shared her experience in a tweet on Wednesday. Munn, 41, and Mulaney, 39, welcomed their son, Malcolm Hiep, in November 2021.

o l i v i a (@oliviamunn) May 19, 2022

"It's so crazy when people say 'if you breastfeed you won't have to worry about the formula shortage!'" Munn wrote. "I have low milk supply, so to keep my baby fed I depend on formula."

She continued: "I wish I could breastfeed so I wouldn't be panicking about the shortage right now. But I don't have a choice."

Representatives for Munn did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Many moms are attempting to relactate amid the formula shortage

Insider's Conz Preti reported that a formula shortage is affecting the US as more than 40% of products are out of stock, leaving many parents desperate for solutions. As Preti wrote, the shortage is happening due to a combination of factors, including supply-chain issues as a result of the pandemic and Abbott Nutrition's voluntary recall of four formula brands following reports of babies who became very ill, and two who died, after consuming the products.

Nutricia, a baby-formula company, previously told Insider that the shortage will likely last until the end of August.

A growing number of moms across the US are attempting to relactate in order to feed their babies amid the formula shortage, but it's a time-consuming process that doesn't have guaranteed results and may not work at all for some parents.

Meanwhile, parents of babies with health conditions or allergies have gone into crisis mode as specialized formulas become increasingly difficult to find.

Story continues

In a viral TikTok video from May 9, Indiana mother Kayzie Weedman said her daughter has a severe cow's milk allergy and develops painful skin rashes on her face when she drinks regular formula. She shared screenshots of her baby's face during a skin rash to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle some mothers face.

One mother whose baby has allergies told Insider that she wouldn't have gotten pregnant again if she had known a formula shortage was on the horizon.

New measures aim to get ingredients to formula manufacturers faster

On Wednesday, the White House announced "Operation Fly Formula" to formally address the shortage. The measures will allow the government to require suppliers to send needed ingredients to baby-formula manufacturers ahead of any other customers.

"Directing firms to prioritize and allocate the production of key infant formula inputs will help increase production and speed up in supply chains," a White House statement said.

On Thursday, it was announced that the first batch of baby formula will be imported to the US from Switzerland as part of the operation.

Read the original article on Insider
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CROWN POINT  A Lake Criminal Court jury rejected a man's self-defense claim and convicted him Friday of murder, armed robbery and auto theft for fatally shooting his friend while they were riding together in a car in 2020 in Gary.

Larry Boston, 21, subsequently admitted to a firearm enhancement, which could add five to 20 years to his sentence. The possible penalty for murder is 45 to 65 years.

Boston and his childhood friend Charles Golden, 20, both of Chicago, were visiting a friend in Gary and planned on going on a double date July 8, 2020, according to trial testimony.

They argued over who would get their hair cut first at a barbershop and were riding together in a Nissan Altima driven by a third man when Boston, who was seated in the back passenger seat, shot Golden, who was seated in the front passenger seat, in the forehead.

Boston and the driver each jumped out of the moving car, and Boston pulled Golden's body from the Nissan after it came to a stop at 47th Avenue and Adams Street. A witness testified Boston briefly got into the driver's seat, but then fled on foot.

Boston testified Wednesday there was a gun on the Nissan's center console during the ride and Golden, who was still angry, repeatedly called him an explicit name.

He claimed he drew his own gun from his waistband and shot Golden when he saw Golden reach for the gun on the console.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce told jurors police found two guns after the shooting: Boston's gun, which he threw out of a carjacked vehicle during a police pursuit, and the driver's gun, which was discovered in the driver's underwear when he was patted down by a Gary officer.

Koonce showed jurors a picture of the Nissan's center console, which appeared to be mostly covered in blood spatter, and said an analyst concluded the gun recovered from the driver's pants did not have Golden's DNA on it. However, DNA from two other individuals was found on the gun, she said.

Koonce said the evidence showed Golden didn't have a gun and couldn't have been reaching for one when he was killed. Boston shot Golden out of anger, she said.

"He knew what he was doing, and he's trying to escape accountability," she said.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the jury the picture of the center console showed vague outline of a gun and suggested the driver, who ran a distance before he was located by police, could have wiped away evidence as he carried the gun in his underwear.

Koonce said it would be miraculous if the driver wiped off Golden's DNA but not DNA from two other individuals.

Boston, who suffered a head injury in his jump from the car, didn't seek help for Golden or himself, she said. He threw his gun, which was later recovered by an Indiana State Police trooper.

He hid inside a Chicago residence while police scoured the neighborhood looking for him, and he hid in the attic when officers knocked, she said.

"His actions after the killing show what he was thinking during the killing," Koonce said. "He lied to all of you. His words show us his guilty mind."

Cantrell said Boston didn't deny taking a woman's Honda Fit at gunpoint and leading police on a chase to Chicago's South Side.

Instead, the defense attorney said "one second can drastically change someone's life" and asked them to treat their deliberations as "a matter of the highest importance."

"Did Charles make Larry kill him?" Cantrell asked. "They have to wow you with their evidence. Their whole case is focused on what happened after."

Cantrell said prosecutors were focused on the carjacking and pursuit because they wanted jurors to hate Boston and conclude he's a bad kid.

Boston was in fear for his life and shot once, not 10 times, he said.

Boston jumped out of a moving car and went to check on Golden, but he took off when he realized there was nothing he could do to help his friend, Cantrell said.

After the verdict was returned, Cantrell said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed.

"I was hoping that the jury would not rush to judgment after they found out that he carjacked someone after the shooting," he said. "My client acted in self-defense. I thought the evidence was very clear."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After a gap of nearly two-and-a-half years, Swiss ski resort town Davos is set to host the Annual Meeting yet again with a host of global leaders including from India expected to deliberate over the Ukraine crisis, and a host of other issues affecting the world.

The high-profile annual powwow of the rich and powerful from across the world will begin with a welcome reception on Sunday evening and will continue till Thursday, May 26.Those scheduled to speak include Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among a host of other world leaders.

From India, three union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya and Hardeep Singh Puri -- as well as several state leaders including two chief ministers -- Basavraj S Bommai and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy -- as well as KT Rama Rao from Telangana, Aditya Thackeray from Maharashtra and Thangam Thennarasu, along with several other public figures and a host of CEOs will be discussing key issues over the next six days here.

Overall, more than 50 heads of government or state are expected to attend the annual meeting, which generally takes place here in January when this small town is totally covered in snow, but this time it is happening during a sunny weather.The annual meeting of 2021 could not take place physically, while the 2022 one had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

The (WEF) said the Annual Meeting 2022 will focus on 'history at a turning point', the theme of the summit.

The issues to be discussed include government policies and business strategies against a backdrop of the global pandemic, and the war in Ukraine and geo-economic challenges.

The meeting convenes at a strategic point where public figures and global leaders will meet in-person to reconnect, exchange insights, gain fresh perspectives and advance solutions.

The meeting's overriding priority is to accelerate progress and make an impact in tackling global challenges and improving the state of the world, the WEF said.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders and experts from around the globe, all committed to the "Davos Spirit" of improving the state of the world.

Against the backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the unprecedented global context calls for purpose and resolve, and the meeting's ambition is to rise to these challenges, the WEF said.

Over the past two years, the said, it has strengthened its impact initiatives, which deal with issues ranging from COVID-19 and to education as well as technology and energy governance.

These include the Reskilling Revolution, an initiative to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030; an initiative on universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures to measure stakeholder capitalism; and the 1 Trillion trees initiative, 1t.org, to protect trees and forests and restore the planet's ecosystems.

With the world at such a critical turning point, global business and government leaders need to work together to develop long-term policies and strategies that will revitalise the hard-hit global economy, strengthen the progress made to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tackle the single greatest threat to humanity -- climate change, said the WEF, which describes itself as an organisation for public-private partnership.

"The Annual Meeting is the first summit that brings global leaders together in this new situation characterised by an emerging multipolar world due to the pandemic and war.

"The fact that nearly 2,500 leaders from politics, business civil society and media come together in person demonstrates the need for a trusted, informal and action-oriented global platform to confront the issues in a crisis-driven world," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Cutting across the theme of the meeting are several priorities and issues that define the current moment and will shape the years to come.

The programme will focus on six thematic pillars. These include fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

These also include how to stabilise the real economy and the financial system, while also determining the future of balanced growth, globalisation and development; and building healthy and equitable societies.

The leaders will also discuss how to move beyond the health emergency phase of the pandemic, rebuilding in its wake and strengthening health resilience for future threats as well as investing in good jobs, living wages, skills and education, not forgetting to redefine stakeholder capitalism for a new context.

Over 1,250 leaders from the private sector will be participating, along with nearly 100 Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers -- the world's most promising tech and business start-ups and scale-ups.

Civil society will be represented by more than 200 leaders from NGOs, social entrepreneurs, academia, labour organisations, faith-based and religious groups, and over 400 media leaders and reporting press.

The Annual Meeting will also bring together younger generations, with 100 members of the Forum's Global Shaper and Young Global Leader communities participating.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



May 21Hawaii island police arrested 33-year-old Philip Liftee of Kailua-Kona for second-degree assault in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Kona shortly after 1 a.m. today.

Police responded to a report of a man who was stabbed on the roadway of a residential subdivision on the 74-5000 block of Hokulii Place. Officers determined that Liftee got into a heated argument with a 27-year-old Kailua-Kona man and allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him, according to a news release.

The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital in stable condition.

After conferring with county prosecutors, detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section charged Liftee with one count of assault in the second-degree. His bail was set at $5, 000 and he remains in police custody at the Kona Police Station pending his initial court appearance in Kona District Court on Monday.

Anyone with information about the case should call the police department's nonemergency number at 808-935-3311 or contact Detective Tyler Prokopec via email at tyler.prokopec @hawaiicounty.gov or by calling 808-326-4646 ext. 224. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide CrimeStoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1, 000.
May 21Hawaii island police arrested 33-year-old Philip Liftee of Kailua-Kona for second-degree assault in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Kona shortly after 1 a.m. today.

Police responded to a report of a man who was stabbed on the roadway of a residential subdivision on the 74-5000 block of Hokulii Place. Officers determined that Liftee got into a heated argument with a 27-year-old Kailua-Kona man and allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him, according to a news release.

The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital in stable condition.

After conferring with county prosecutors, detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section charged Liftee with one count of assault in the second-degree. His bail was set at $5, 000 and he remains in police custody at the Kona Police Station pending his initial court appearance in Kona District Court on Monday.

Anyone with information about the case should call the police department's nonemergency number at 808-935-3311 or contact Detective Tyler Prokopec via email at tyler.prokopec @hawaiicounty.gov or by calling 808-326-4646 ext. 224. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide CrimeStoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1, 000.





A North Carolina school bus driver is charged with driving while impaired after an accident in which a construction worker was hit, authorities said.

News outlets report Raleigh police responded around 10:40 a.m. on Friday to a report of an accident west of downtown. There were no children on the bus, but police said the bus hit a construction worker, who suffered injuries to his legs.

ALSO READ: Police arrest man accused of firing several shots at CATS bus in south Charlotte

After a follow-up investigation, officers charged the bus driver with operating a school bus after consuming alcohol and impaired driving in a commercial vehicle. The driver has been removed from driving duties for the Wake County Public School System and is suspended pending an investigation by the system, according to a statement.

(WATCH BELOW: 7-year-old says school bus driver left him at wrong stop)





A North Carolina school bus driver is charged with driving while impaired after an accident in which a construction worker was hit, authorities said.

News outlets report Raleigh police responded around 10:40 a.m. on Friday to a report of an accident west of downtown. There were no children on the bus, but police said the bus hit a construction worker, who suffered injuries to his legs.

ALSO READ: Police arrest man accused of firing several shots at CATS bus in south Charlotte

After a follow-up investigation, officers charged the bus driver with operating a school bus after consuming alcohol and impaired driving in a commercial vehicle. The driver has been removed from driving duties for the Wake County Public School System and is suspended pending an investigation by the system, according to a statement.

(WATCH BELOW: 7-year-old says school bus driver left him at wrong stop)




Rachel Riley has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday.

The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.

It also mentioned his friendship with Marylin Manson, who was hit with allegations of physical and sexual abuse by ex-fiancee Evan Rachel Wood and several other women in early 2021, which he has denied.

Courtroom meets Countdown: Rachel Riley, 36, has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday. Pictured on Thursday

Sharing: The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard

The Twitter thread also alleged that 'Johnny groomed Winona Rider when she was 17 and he was nearing 30' and claimed the actor had a 'history of homophobia', though there is no evidence to substantiate these claims.

Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'.

The piece said: 'Many times, we speak with survivors of abuse who want to address concerns they have about their own behaviors.

Allegations: The thread also commented on Johnny Depp's friendship with Marylin Manson (Johnny pictured on Thursday)

'They will often express that their relationship is mutually abusive, a concept used when describing a relationship where both partners are abusive towards one another.

'Abuse is about an imbalance of power and control.

'In an unhealthy or abusive relationship, there may be unhealthy behaviors from both/all partners, but in an abusive relationship, one person tends to have more control than the other.'

Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's alleged past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments.

Resources: Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'

One user praised the presenter, saying: 'You are very brave to post this  I see the baying mob of Depp obsessives and plain old misogynists have already started in. Thank you for speaking out.'

However not everyone agreed.

Another comment said: 'Have you looked into the facts or actually watched the trial? Johnny is no angel but it seems Amber was the abuser in this case.'

Controversial: Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments. Pictured in 2019

'Whilst his alledged actions can't be condoned I can't believe your siding with a person who has been recorded admitting the domestically abused someone,' one other user added.

Johnny is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse.

Aquaman star Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention over the last few weeks, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband.

Case: Johnny is suing his ex-wife, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse

Johnny has denied his ex-wife's allegations of abusive behaviour and recently declared in court he has lost 'nothing less than everything' as a result of the claims.

Asked what he has lost following the publication of Amber's essay, he said: 'Nothing less than everything.

'When the allegations were made [and] rapidly circling the globe, telling people I was a drunken cocaine-fuelled menace who beat women  suddenly in my 50s  it's over. You're done.

Court: Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband - claims he denies

'So what did it do to me? What effect did it have on me? I put it to you this way, no matter the outcome of this trial, the second the allegations were made against me, the accusations, the second that more and more metastasized and turned into fodder for the media, once that happened, I lost then.'

The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case.

He added: 'That is to say, I lost because that is not a thing that anyone is just going to put on your back for a short period of time. I will live with that for the rest of my life because of the allegations and because it was such a high profile case.

Heard earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5 million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had

'So I lost then, no matter the outcome of this trial. I'll carry that for the rest of my days. It never had to be that way. It never had to happen, and I don't quite understand why it did in the way that it did.'

Elsewhere in the court case, Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed and 'communication stopped' with the producers after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'.

She said she has been labelled a 'liar' during the $100million defamation trial because Johnny, 58, is the 'bigger star' and had 'more publicity reach'.

Media attention: The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case

Amber told the courtroom in Virginia that the 'sophisticated PR machine' behind Johnny had worked to label her as a liar in the media - which has impacted her career.

Her testimony was supported by her talent agent, Jessica Kovacevic, who on Thursday claimed the actress's rise to fame was diminished due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney claiming she faked her injuries.

Kovacevic claimed Amber was set to earn $2million for Aquaman 2, but Warner Bros. decided to diminish her role, citing a 'lack of chemistry' between Amber and Aquaman star Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic said its unlikely for a star involved in a movie as successful as Aquaman to not have their career take off.

Aquaman was DC's most successful movie, grossing $940.7million, with Kovacevic saying Amber should have seen a similar, albeit smaller, rise to fame like her co-star, Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic claimed Amber's stardom was dimmed due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney, Adam Waldman, who claimed Amber had faked her injuries and the damages to Depp's Los Angeles penthouse.

Amber testified on Monday: 'I fought really hard to stay in the movie [Aquaman 2]. They didn't want to include me in the film.'

Film: Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'

'I was given a script and then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it. That depicted by character and another character, without giving any spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another.

'They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.'

She added on Tuesday: 'I don't know if I will even be in the final cut or how much I will be. It was difficult to stay in the movie.'

Asked about what work she has done since Depp's legal team referred to her claims of sexual violence as a hoax, she said: 'I have done one small independent film.'

Johnny has said that it was his connections in Hollywood that helped Amber land the role on Aquaman, with Amber claiming that she got the job on her own.

Her comments come after a petition calling for DC Warner Bros to drop Amber from the role of Aquaman 2 reached 4.2million signatures.

Amber earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had.

She told the court she had 'not been able to fulfil those obligations yet...because Johnny sued me for $50million in March 2019'.

Johnny's lawyer asked her if she had announced the donation because she wanted 'praise' and 'good press'.

She replied: 'That wasn't my interest. My interest is in my name  in clearing my name. At the time, I was being called a 'liar' and my motives were being questioned. I did see it as important to clear that up.'

She added: 'I wanted to make a statement to make sure there was not any doubt. That I couldn't be labelled these things just because Johnny was the bigger star and had more publicity reach.'
Rachel Riley has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday.

The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.

It also mentioned his friendship with Marylin Manson, who was hit with allegations of physical and sexual abuse by ex-fiancee Evan Rachel Wood and several other women in early 2021, which he has denied.

Courtroom meets Countdown: Rachel Riley, 36, has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday. Pictured on Thursday

Sharing: The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard

The Twitter thread also alleged that 'Johnny groomed Winona Rider when she was 17 and he was nearing 30' and claimed the actor had a 'history of homophobia', though there is no evidence to substantiate these claims.

Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'.

The piece said: 'Many times, we speak with survivors of abuse who want to address concerns they have about their own behaviors.

Allegations: The thread also commented on Johnny Depp's friendship with Marylin Manson (Johnny pictured on Thursday)

'They will often express that their relationship is mutually abusive, a concept used when describing a relationship where both partners are abusive towards one another.

'Abuse is about an imbalance of power and control.

'In an unhealthy or abusive relationship, there may be unhealthy behaviors from both/all partners, but in an abusive relationship, one person tends to have more control than the other.'

Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's alleged past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments.

Resources: Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'

One user praised the presenter, saying: 'You are very brave to post this  I see the baying mob of Depp obsessives and plain old misogynists have already started in. Thank you for speaking out.'

However not everyone agreed.

Another comment said: 'Have you looked into the facts or actually watched the trial? Johnny is no angel but it seems Amber was the abuser in this case.'

Controversial: Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments. Pictured in 2019

'Whilst his alledged actions can't be condoned I can't believe your siding with a person who has been recorded admitting the domestically abused someone,' one other user added.

Johnny is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse.

Aquaman star Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention over the last few weeks, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband.

Case: Johnny is suing his ex-wife, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse

Johnny has denied his ex-wife's allegations of abusive behaviour and recently declared in court he has lost 'nothing less than everything' as a result of the claims.

Asked what he has lost following the publication of Amber's essay, he said: 'Nothing less than everything.

'When the allegations were made [and] rapidly circling the globe, telling people I was a drunken cocaine-fuelled menace who beat women  suddenly in my 50s  it's over. You're done.

Court: Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband - claims he denies

'So what did it do to me? What effect did it have on me? I put it to you this way, no matter the outcome of this trial, the second the allegations were made against me, the accusations, the second that more and more metastasized and turned into fodder for the media, once that happened, I lost then.'

The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case.

He added: 'That is to say, I lost because that is not a thing that anyone is just going to put on your back for a short period of time. I will live with that for the rest of my life because of the allegations and because it was such a high profile case.

Heard earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5 million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had

'So I lost then, no matter the outcome of this trial. I'll carry that for the rest of my days. It never had to be that way. It never had to happen, and I don't quite understand why it did in the way that it did.'

Elsewhere in the court case, Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed and 'communication stopped' with the producers after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'.

She said she has been labelled a 'liar' during the $100million defamation trial because Johnny, 58, is the 'bigger star' and had 'more publicity reach'.

Media attention: The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case

Amber told the courtroom in Virginia that the 'sophisticated PR machine' behind Johnny had worked to label her as a liar in the media - which has impacted her career.

Her testimony was supported by her talent agent, Jessica Kovacevic, who on Thursday claimed the actress's rise to fame was diminished due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney claiming she faked her injuries.

Kovacevic claimed Amber was set to earn $2million for Aquaman 2, but Warner Bros. decided to diminish her role, citing a 'lack of chemistry' between Amber and Aquaman star Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic said its unlikely for a star involved in a movie as successful as Aquaman to not have their career take off.

Aquaman was DC's most successful movie, grossing $940.7million, with Kovacevic saying Amber should have seen a similar, albeit smaller, rise to fame like her co-star, Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic claimed Amber's stardom was dimmed due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney, Adam Waldman, who claimed Amber had faked her injuries and the damages to Depp's Los Angeles penthouse.

Amber testified on Monday: 'I fought really hard to stay in the movie [Aquaman 2]. They didn't want to include me in the film.'

Film: Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'

'I was given a script and then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it. That depicted by character and another character, without giving any spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another.

'They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.'

She added on Tuesday: 'I don't know if I will even be in the final cut or how much I will be. It was difficult to stay in the movie.'

Asked about what work she has done since Depp's legal team referred to her claims of sexual violence as a hoax, she said: 'I have done one small independent film.'

Johnny has said that it was his connections in Hollywood that helped Amber land the role on Aquaman, with Amber claiming that she got the job on her own.

Her comments come after a petition calling for DC Warner Bros to drop Amber from the role of Aquaman 2 reached 4.2million signatures.

Amber earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had.

She told the court she had 'not been able to fulfil those obligations yet...because Johnny sued me for $50million in March 2019'.

Johnny's lawyer asked her if she had announced the donation because she wanted 'praise' and 'good press'.

She replied: 'That wasn't my interest. My interest is in my name  in clearing my name. At the time, I was being called a 'liar' and my motives were being questioned. I did see it as important to clear that up.'

She added: 'I wanted to make a statement to make sure there was not any doubt. That I couldn't be labelled these things just because Johnny was the bigger star and had more publicity reach.'

The UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met top Democrat Richard Neal amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the US House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday, and was due to meet the Foreign Secretary.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Liz Truss.

It follows a warning from US House speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the Government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Ms Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Mr Neal to her department to discuss UK-US trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee pic.twitter.com/5PUBmFPEp7  Anne-Marie Trevelyan (@annietrev) May 21, 2022

She tweeted: Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee.

A spokesman for Sir Keir said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the US and UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

Pleasure to meet with the delegation of the Congressional @WaysMeansCmte led by Chairman @RepRichardNeal. With my leadership, the Labour Partys commitment to working in lockstep with our allies is unwavering. pic.twitter.com/n8LeT7L9XW  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 21, 2022

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Ms Pelosi urged the UK and the EU to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the world. Ensuring there is no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which transformed Northern Ireland.  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 19, 2022

The latest controversy has been sparked by Ms Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the EU.

The Foreign Secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the EUs proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a devolved government administration in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Ms Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

I share the concerns of many others about the position set out by @SpeakerPelosi in this. I commented on it to the BBC earlier today . https://t.co/qmkOtU9EcE pic.twitter.com/t0LVdDZosi  David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) May 20, 2022

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Ms Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Ms Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to express concern about relations between the UK and the EU in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the EU is the last thing the US wants.

Mr Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
The UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met top Democrat Richard Neal amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the US House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday, and was due to meet the Foreign Secretary.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Liz Truss.

It follows a warning from US House speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the Government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Ms Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Mr Neal to her department to discuss UK-US trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee pic.twitter.com/5PUBmFPEp7  Anne-Marie Trevelyan (@annietrev) May 21, 2022

She tweeted: Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee.

A spokesman for Sir Keir said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the US and UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

Pleasure to meet with the delegation of the Congressional @WaysMeansCmte led by Chairman @RepRichardNeal. With my leadership, the Labour Partys commitment to working in lockstep with our allies is unwavering. pic.twitter.com/n8LeT7L9XW  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 21, 2022

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Ms Pelosi urged the UK and the EU to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the world. Ensuring there is no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which transformed Northern Ireland.  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 19, 2022

The latest controversy has been sparked by Ms Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the EU.

The Foreign Secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the EUs proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a devolved government administration in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Ms Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

I share the concerns of many others about the position set out by @SpeakerPelosi in this. I commented on it to the BBC earlier today . https://t.co/qmkOtU9EcE pic.twitter.com/t0LVdDZosi  David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) May 20, 2022

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Ms Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Ms Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to express concern about relations between the UK and the EU in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the EU is the last thing the US wants.

Mr Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.
The UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met top Democrat Richard Neal amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the US House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday, and was due to meet the Foreign Secretary.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Liz Truss.

It follows a warning from US House speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the Government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Ms Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Mr Neal to her department to discuss UK-US trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee pic.twitter.com/5PUBmFPEp7  Anne-Marie Trevelyan (@annietrev) May 21, 2022

She tweeted: Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee.

A spokesman for Sir Keir said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the US and UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

Pleasure to meet with the delegation of the Congressional @WaysMeansCmte led by Chairman @RepRichardNeal. With my leadership, the Labour Partys commitment to working in lockstep with our allies is unwavering. pic.twitter.com/n8LeT7L9XW  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 21, 2022

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Ms Pelosi urged the UK and the EU to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the world. Ensuring there is no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which transformed Northern Ireland.  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 19, 2022

The latest controversy has been sparked by Ms Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the EU.

The Foreign Secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the EUs proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a devolved government administration in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Ms Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

I share the concerns of many others about the position set out by @SpeakerPelosi in this. I commented on it to the BBC earlier today . https://t.co/qmkOtU9EcE pic.twitter.com/t0LVdDZosi  David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) May 20, 2022

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Ms Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Ms Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to express concern about relations between the UK and the EU in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the EU is the last thing the US wants.

Mr Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.
The UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met top Democrat Richard Neal amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the US House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday, and was due to meet the Foreign Secretary.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Liz Truss.

It follows a warning from US House speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the Government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Ms Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Mr Neal to her department to discuss UK-US trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee pic.twitter.com/5PUBmFPEp7  Anne-Marie Trevelyan (@annietrev) May 21, 2022

She tweeted: Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee.

A spokesman for Sir Keir said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the US and UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

Pleasure to meet with the delegation of the Congressional @WaysMeansCmte led by Chairman @RepRichardNeal. With my leadership, the Labour Partys commitment to working in lockstep with our allies is unwavering. pic.twitter.com/n8LeT7L9XW  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 21, 2022

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Ms Pelosi urged the UK and the EU to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the world. Ensuring there is no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which transformed Northern Ireland.  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 19, 2022

The latest controversy has been sparked by Ms Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the EU.

The Foreign Secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the EUs proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a devolved government administration in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Ms Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

I share the concerns of many others about the position set out by @SpeakerPelosi in this. I commented on it to the BBC earlier today . https://t.co/qmkOtU9EcE pic.twitter.com/t0LVdDZosi  David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) May 20, 2022

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Ms Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Ms Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to express concern about relations between the UK and the EU in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the EU is the last thing the US wants.

Mr Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.


Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday said his government will set up model schools in the southern state on the lines of Delhi, and will soon send a team of officers for coordination.

Rao, along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, visited a Delhi government school in the national capital where officials briefed the Telangana chief minister on the change in the education system in the city under the .

Rao and his party leaders were welcomed by Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh area and given a tour of the school.

The delegation visited classrooms, labs and the students' playing area among other facilities.

Praising Delhi's public education system, Rao said, "The process of turning into job providers rather than job seekers is very good. This is very necessary for our country with such a large population."



"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," he told reporters.

Briefing Rao about the Delhi government's "remarkable improvements" in education, Kejriwal said many private school students were taking admission in government schools because of the quality of education being imparted.

"We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," Kejriwal told Rao.

The Telangana chief minister said he also discussed political developments with Kejriwal, as well as with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier in the day.

"Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he added.

Later, the Telangana chief minister visited a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the national capital.

Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had visited government schools in Delhi and had praised the city government's efforts in improving education standards.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Singapore have strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross-border terrorist activities and vowed to expand bilateral cooperation to combat the menace.

The two strategic partners also stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to deal with terrorism in a comprehensive manner, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

India and Singapore deliberated on these issues at their fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime which was held from May 18 to 19.

"As strategic partners, India and Singapore strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross border terrorism and stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the JWG also emphasised that all countries must take immediate and sustained action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and agreed on the need to expeditiously bring perpetrators of such terror attacks to justice.

The meeting was held in Singapore.

The MEA said the JWG discussed contemporary counter-terrorism challenges, including cross border movement of terrorists, countering radicalisation, combating the financing of terrorism and tackling terrorist use of the internet.

"The JWG also exchanged views on national, regional and global terrorism threat assessments, cybercrimes, drug trafficking and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism," the MEA said.

"It agreed to strengthen cooperation between Singapore and India in dealing with these challenges," it said.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).

"India and Singapore are committed to further cooperation and collaboration between their respective agencies, particularly in the sphere of sharing of information and best practices, law enforcement and capacity building to counter-terrorism and transnational crimes," the MEA said.

Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism at the MEA and Puah Kok Keong, Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore co-chaired the meeting.




Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After his meeting with Delhi Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader in on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that "there will be a sensation in the country".

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and .

Earlier, Rao received the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister at his residence and greeted him with a bouquet and a shawl.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Hyderabad, both the leaders discussed various national issues.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is in Delhi as part of his week-long nation-wide tour to meet leaders of various parties and attend few programmes.

KCR, along with his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal, visited Mohammadpur 'Mohalla Clinic'.

He also visited Dakshin Motibagh Sarvodaya school on Africa Avenue, where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, extended him a warm welcome.

KCR watched a powerpoint presentation on education development. Delhi CM, the Deputy CM and officials explained the reforms undertaken by the state government in the education sector.

The Telangana CM went around the class rooms in Sarvodaya school and interacted with students. Kejriwal explained to KCR about school maintenance and measures taken to strengthen the education system.

KCR said he was impressed with the initiatives taken by Delhi government to improve the standard of government schools and to make the students enterprising.

"The students said they want to be job providers and not job seekers. Some said they want to become Elon Musk," he said.

KCR said the Telangana government will send teachers and leaders of teachers' unions to Delhi for the orientation.

"We are not going to replicate... we will our teachers and teachers' union leaders to get orientation.

"Delhi had to send teachers and officials to other countries to learn about curriculum and various activities to make children enterprising. Our job has become easy. We can get this knowledge from Delhi. Such work should happen in the entire country," he said.

Asked about opposition from some states to National Education Policy (NEP), KCR said the Centre should make the policies after consultation with the states. "The Centre should not forget that our country is a union of states," he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After a gap of nearly two-and-a-half years, Swiss ski resort town Davos is set to host the Annual Meeting yet again with a host of global leaders including from India expected to deliberate over the Ukraine crisis, and a host of other issues affecting the world.

The high-profile annual powwow of the rich and powerful from across the world will begin with a welcome reception on Sunday evening and will continue till Thursday, May 26.Those scheduled to speak include Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among a host of other world leaders.

From India, three union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya and Hardeep Singh Puri -- as well as several state leaders including two chief ministers -- Basavraj S Bommai and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy -- as well as KT Rama Rao from Telangana, Aditya Thackeray from Maharashtra and Thangam Thennarasu, along with several other public figures and a host of CEOs will be discussing key issues over the next six days here.

Overall, more than 50 heads of government or state are expected to attend the annual meeting, which generally takes place here in January when this small town is totally covered in snow, but this time it is happening during a sunny weather.The annual meeting of 2021 could not take place physically, while the 2022 one had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

The (WEF) said the Annual Meeting 2022 will focus on 'history at a turning point', the theme of the summit.

The issues to be discussed include government policies and business strategies against a backdrop of the global pandemic, and the war in Ukraine and geo-economic challenges.

The meeting convenes at a strategic point where public figures and global leaders will meet in-person to reconnect, exchange insights, gain fresh perspectives and advance solutions.

The meeting's overriding priority is to accelerate progress and make an impact in tackling global challenges and improving the state of the world, the WEF said.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders and experts from around the globe, all committed to the "Davos Spirit" of improving the state of the world.

Against the backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the unprecedented global context calls for purpose and resolve, and the meeting's ambition is to rise to these challenges, the WEF said.

Over the past two years, the said, it has strengthened its impact initiatives, which deal with issues ranging from COVID-19 and to education as well as technology and energy governance.

These include the Reskilling Revolution, an initiative to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030; an initiative on universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures to measure stakeholder capitalism; and the 1 Trillion trees initiative, 1t.org, to protect trees and forests and restore the planet's ecosystems.

With the world at such a critical turning point, global business and government leaders need to work together to develop long-term policies and strategies that will revitalise the hard-hit global economy, strengthen the progress made to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tackle the single greatest threat to humanity -- climate change, said the WEF, which describes itself as an organisation for public-private partnership.

"The Annual Meeting is the first summit that brings global leaders together in this new situation characterised by an emerging multipolar world due to the pandemic and war.

"The fact that nearly 2,500 leaders from politics, business civil society and media come together in person demonstrates the need for a trusted, informal and action-oriented global platform to confront the issues in a crisis-driven world," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Cutting across the theme of the meeting are several priorities and issues that define the current moment and will shape the years to come.

The programme will focus on six thematic pillars. These include fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

These also include how to stabilise the real economy and the financial system, while also determining the future of balanced growth, globalisation and development; and building healthy and equitable societies.

The leaders will also discuss how to move beyond the health emergency phase of the pandemic, rebuilding in its wake and strengthening health resilience for future threats as well as investing in good jobs, living wages, skills and education, not forgetting to redefine stakeholder capitalism for a new context.

Over 1,250 leaders from the private sector will be participating, along with nearly 100 Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers -- the world's most promising tech and business start-ups and scale-ups.

Civil society will be represented by more than 200 leaders from NGOs, social entrepreneurs, academia, labour organisations, faith-based and religious groups, and over 400 media leaders and reporting press.

The Annual Meeting will also bring together younger generations, with 100 members of the Forum's Global Shaper and Young Global Leader communities participating.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday said his government will set up model schools in the southern state on the lines of Delhi, and will soon send a team of officers for coordination.

Rao, along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, visited a Delhi government school in the national capital where officials briefed the Telangana chief minister on the change in the education system in the city under the .

Rao and his party leaders were welcomed by Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh area and given a tour of the school.

The delegation visited classrooms, labs and the students' playing area among other facilities.

Praising Delhi's public education system, Rao said, "The process of turning into job providers rather than job seekers is very good. This is very necessary for our country with such a large population."



"We will implement the Delhi model of schools in Telangana as well. We will soon send a team of officers from our state to coordinate," he told reporters.

Briefing Rao about the Delhi government's "remarkable improvements" in education, Kejriwal said many private school students were taking admission in government schools because of the quality of education being imparted.

"We have around 1,100 schools and nearly 18 lakh students studying in them. Earlier, this number was 16 lakh, but now, due to remarkable improvements in the education sector, many students of private schools are joining our government schools," Kejriwal told Rao.

The Telangana chief minister said he also discussed political developments with Kejriwal, as well as with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier in the day.

"Merchants talk about business when they meet. Politicians talk about politics when they meet. It is natural to talk politics with Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal," he added.

Later, the Telangana chief minister visited a Mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur in the national capital.

Last month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had visited government schools in Delhi and had praised the city government's efforts in improving education standards.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said he would interact with at least 18 global business leaders during his Davos tour to participate in the (WEF) annual meeting on May 23 and 24.

Bommai also said the eight ministers for administering eight different Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zones will be finalised tonight.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, Bommai said he would leave for Davos in Switzerland on Sunday and will be back on May 26.

He added that Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, IT-BT Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and senior officials will also join him in the trip.

Bommai said he would participate in two main sessions on environment and economy.

Speaking about seeking investment for Karnataka, the Chief Minister said, "We will have an interaction with the 17 to 18 business leaders from different nations at the Karnataka pavilion. Since we are organising 'Invest Karnataka', a global investors' meet in November this year, in this regard we are holding the discussion with them."



To a query on how much investment is expected, he said he will get to know only after going there.

Regarding appointment of ministers for eight BBMP zones for overseeing the administration of Bengaluru, Bommai said, "The names will be finalised tonight."



When asked about his Delhi trip, the Chief Minister said he had discussions regarding the Rajya Sabha and legislative council elections.

"We have sent the recommendations of the core committee meeting (to the party high command)," Bommai said.

To a query, Bommai said the list of the candidates for the legislative council will be out by Sunday.

On the possibility of a third candidate from the party for Rajya Sabha, Bommai said there is time till May 30 as first the selection of candidates for the legislative council would be done.

Regarding former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's allegation that the BJP is the most corrupt party, Bommai said Kumaraswamy had ruled the state in the past.

Had he ruled better, then he would not have been in a position where he is in now, the CM said, adding that people know who is corrupt and who is not, and in whose tenure development work took place.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met top Democrat Richard Neal amid tensions over the post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland.

The head of the powerful ways and means committee in the US House of Representatives also spoke with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Saturday, and was due to meet the Foreign Secretary.

Accounts of the talks so far have been thin on detail, with no official update issued by Liz Truss.

It follows a warning from US House speaker Nancy Pelosi that Congress will not support a free trade agreement with the UK if the Government persists with deeply concerning plans to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Ms Trevelyan said she was delighted to welcome a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Mr Neal to her department to discuss UK-US trade matters, as well as the situation in Ukraine, but made no explicit mention of post-Brexit tensions.

Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee pic.twitter.com/5PUBmFPEp7  Anne-Marie Trevelyan (@annietrev) May 21, 2022

She tweeted: Delighted to welcome @RepRichardNeal @RepKevinBrady and the US Ways & Means Committee delegation to @tradegovuk to discuss trade, Ukraine, and watch the glorious rehearsals for Trooping the Colour #PlatinumJubilee.

A spokesman for Sir Keir said his meeting featured talks on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement by ensuring a working Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Labour leader and congressional delegation also touched on the need to be ambitious and creative in trade dialogues between the US and UK, and the importance of western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe, the spokesman said.

Pleasure to meet with the delegation of the Congressional @WaysMeansCmte led by Chairman @RepRichardNeal. With my leadership, the Labour Partys commitment to working in lockstep with our allies is unwavering. pic.twitter.com/n8LeT7L9XW  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 21, 2022

In a strongly-worded intervention on Thursday, Ms Pelosi urged the UK and the EU to continue negotiations on the post-Brexit trade arrangements to uphold peace in the region.

The congresswoman said in a statement: The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world.

Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland.

It is deeply concerning that the United Kingdom now seeks to unilaterally discard the Northern Ireland Protocol, which preserves the important progress and stability forged by the Accords.

The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the world. Ensuring there is no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which transformed Northern Ireland.  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 19, 2022

The latest controversy has been sparked by Ms Trusss announcement on Tuesday that the UK intends to legislate to override parts of the Brexit withdrawal treaty it struck with the EU.

The Foreign Secretary told the Commons the move is needed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement, arguing that the EUs proposals would go backward from the situation we have today.

The ongoing row over the treaty has created an impasse in efforts to form a devolved government administration in Belfast, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refusing to join an executive unless its concerns over the situation are addressed.

Ms Pelosis intervention was met with scorn from former Brexit minister Lord Frost, who called the statement ignorant of the the realities in Northern Ireland.

There is no plan to put in place a physical border, he told the BBC.

Nobody has ever suggested that, so I dont know why she is suggesting that in her statement.

I share the concerns of many others about the position set out by @SpeakerPelosi in this. I commented on it to the BBC earlier today . https://t.co/qmkOtU9EcE pic.twitter.com/t0LVdDZosi  David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) May 20, 2022

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also described Ms Pelosis contribution as entirely unhelpful.

Ms Pelosi is not the only senior figure in Washington to express concern about relations between the UK and the EU in recent days.

Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said on Friday a big fight between the UK and the EU is the last thing the US wants.

Mr Neal told The Guardian part of his job is to convince the UK not to breach the Brexit treaty.

They havent breached it yet. Theyre talking about breaching it, so part of my job is to convince them not to breach it, he said.

My purpose is manifold but we really want to reaffirm Americas unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to remind everybody that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it has worked splendidly.

I want to remind everybody in the UK, in Northern Ireland that it should not be treated as a cavalier achievement.

UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- During the past week, 319 relief trucks and a fuel tanker reached Ethiopia's Tigray region, the highest number in a single week since June 2021, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

"Since aid convoys resumed at the start of April, around 15,500 metric tons of food aid have been brought into the Tigray region and are being distributed in 45 priority districts," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. But to reach all those in need, at least 68,000 tons more are required.

Although the 319 trucks loaded with aid cargo and one fuel tanker entered Tigray, humanitarian agencies still report a shortfall of cash, fuel and supplies for the beleaguered in the region, the office said. The United Nations and partners continue to assist people in the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, where needs also remain high.

The OCHA said that in Afar's Zone 2, a recent assessment found extremely worrying levels of malnutrition among some internally displaced people.

Aid partners established two stabilization centers in the zone for treating children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications, the office said. More than 845,000 people have received food assistance in Afar since late February. In the past week, more than 100,000 people benefitted from the trucking of clean water.

In Amhara, more than 10.4 million people have received food assistance since late December, OCHA said.

The world body and partners are also responding to the severe drought to hit the area, affecting more than 8 million people, especially in southern regions of Ethiopia. 
Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Saturday said the Quad Summit 2022 in will primarily focus on the issues of the .

"One of the primary focuses of the Quad is the and naturally when the leaders sit together they would talk about developments in the Indo-Pacific region, challenges in the and the areas of concern," he said in a special media briefing, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to from May 22 to 24.

In Japan, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden apart from his counterparts from Australia, and Japan.

The Foreign Secretary said that the leaders will also focus on opportunities that Quad countries and Quad countries, in partnership with other countries in the Indo-Pacific, need to work on.

"The issues of regional and global development will definitely be part of the conversation. I would not single out any one country or other in that respect," Kwatra said.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also address the Indian community and meet Japanese business leaders, Kwatra said.

On the issue of India banning wheat, he said India is extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in the country which are paramount.

"Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met," he said.

--IANS

uj/vd

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 17 year-old boy killed himself hours after an online 'sextortionist' tricked him into sending a nude photo, then blackmailed him for $5,000.

Ryan Last, a straight-A student from San Jose, died by suicide in February just hours after being approached by a creep posing as a girl on a social media app.

The sicko sent Ryan, who attended Sobrato High School, a naked photo they claimed was of themselves, then asked him to send one back in return.

He was immediately hit with the demand for cash on doing so, which was later revised down to $150 after Ryan pleaded that he didn't have the cash.

The youngster paid out from his college savings, but the warped internet user continued to pester him for more cash, and drove Ryan to end his own life.

His stricken mother Pauline Stuart found a suicide note explaining what happened and, has now bravely shared her ordeal with CNN in a bid to try and spare other families the same grief.

Ryan Last, 17, of San Jose, California, took his own life after a cybercriminal told him he would send naked pictures of the teen to his family and friends if he failed to pay $5,000

She said: 'Somebody reached out to him pretending to be a girl, and they started a conversation,'

'He really, truly thought in that time that there wasn't a way to get by if those pictures were actually posted online,' Stuart told CNN. 'His note showed he was absolutely terrified. No child should have to be that scared.'

'They kept demanding more and more and putting lots of continued pressure on him,' Stuard told CNN, adding that the family only learned about what happened following Last's suicide and a police investigation.

'How could these people look at themselves in the mirror knowing that $150 is more important than a child's life?

'There's no other word but 'evil' for me that they care much more about money than a child's life,' she added. 'I don't want anybody else to go through what we did.'

Last's death is part of a growing 'sextortion' trend where scammers target young boys as the FBI reported more than 18,000 cases last year, with families losing more than $13 million.

Pauline Stuart, Last's mother, her son died afraid and embarassed by what he was going through after reading the suicide note he left behind

Last's parents, Pauline and Hagen, have become advocates speaking out against 'sextortion' scams targeting teen boys. Last (second from the right) is pictured with his parents and brother in an undated photo

WHAT IS SEXTORTION? According to the FBI, sextortion is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you dont provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money. The perpetrator may also threaten to harm your friends or relatives by using information they have obtained from your electronic devices unless you comply with their demands. The FBI has recorded more than 18,000 complaints about sextortion in the U.S. in 2021, with losses totaling more than $13 million. Advertisement

Last, a Boy Scout, had finished visiting the colleges he was considering attending when he first came in contact with the scammer, his mother said.

Immediately after the scammer tricked Last into sending an intimate photo of himself, the criminal demanded $5,000 from the teen or else they would share the photo of him online.

When the 17-year-old told the criminal he could not pay the full amount, the scammer asked for $150, which Last had to take out of his college savings, but it didn't end there.

Last's father, Hagen Last, and Stuart have since become advocates to raise awaraness about 'sextortion' scams.

On Facebook, after sharing details about their son's death with local media outlets, Hagen wrote: 'We thought we did everything correctly protecting our boys from any online threats. But Ryan still became the victim of an online scam that ended with blackmail. In the end he got so embarrassed and scared that he only saw one way out.'

'We want to help to make sure that this will not happen to any other family. And the best way to do that is to help educate parents and children about what dangers exist on the internet.'

The high school senior and Boy Scout had finished visiting colleges when he was contacted by a scammer pretending to be a girl. After paying the 'sextortionist' $150 to not share explicit photos of the teen online, the criminal demanded more and more

Stuart, pictured with last, said her family is heartbroken and she is working with law enforcement so no family goes through the same pain they did

FBI officials said the case is still under investigation and part of a worrying trend of 'sextortion' crimes targeting teenage boys across the country.

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Dan Costin, who leads a team to counter crimes against children, told CNN that US boys are being targeted by scammers from Africa and Southeast Asia in these extortion scams.

While the FBI is working with law enforcement officials around the world to track down these 'sextortionist,' Costin said there could be many more cases the agencies don't know about given that victims may not always report the crime.

'The embarrassment piece of this is probably one of the bigger hurdles that the victims have to overcome,' Costin told CNN. 'It can be a lot, especially in that moment.'

Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General in Boston, echoed the concerns and said teens are 'still developing.'

'So when something catastrophic happens, like a personal picture is released to people online, it's hard for them to look past that moment and understand that in the big scheme of things they'll be able to get through this,' Hadland told CNN.

He also said that parents should take an active role in monitoring what their children are doing online and speaking to them about the dangers of sharing explicit photos online.

'You want to make it clear that they can talk to you if they have done something, or they feel like they've made a mistake,' Hadland added.

Swiss hospitality chain Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its new property located in the heart of Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) in Dubai featuring 166 rooms and suites.

A perfect urban scape with well-equipped facilities for both kids and adults, Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle aims to take family-friendly accommodation to the next level, said the hospitality giant in a statement.

With tech-savvy touches, the hotel makes life effortless whether on a business or leisure trip, it stated.

Complimentary WiFi, ergonomic desks and interactive HD televisions with 55 inch flat screens are just some of the elements that make business trips all the more enjoyable, while the panoramic views of the Dubai skyline will impress during video meetings, it added.

According to Movenpick, families and large groups can avail of connecting rooms that offer greater convenience, while also adding the perfect sense of privacy.

Along with an on-site aqua park, there is the Little Birds kids club, wich will keep younger guests occupied with creative arts and crafts, thrilling games, and plenty more excitement to keep them occupied for hours. The expansive hotel grounds feature three swimming pools and one 'ladies only pool'.

Cluster General Manager, Mohamad Haj Hassan said: "As travel has returned, we are finding that holiday-makers and residents continue to enjoy staycations and are more interested in exploring the right family friendly options. A unique feature of the Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Village Triangle is that it is a perfect urban scape with well-equipped facilities for kids and adults alike."

"Guests visiting the property will also have the option of exploring connecting properties. The Novotel and Adagio will welcome the guests at their fantastic recreational facilities and restaurants, or guests can choose to remain at the Movenpick to enjoy the lush grounds and amenities reserved for our guests only," he noted.

"Expertly designed with the aim of delighting kids and those young-at-heart, the on-site aqua park; is jam-packed full of fun equipment, including colourful slides and a thrilling tipping bucket that fills slowly before splashing onto anyone in the vicinity who dares to venture below it," said Hassan.

Hassan said the JVT property has a variety of dining options including the Movenpick Cafe, located at the heart of the hotel lobby offeriuing foamy cappuccino, fresh juice or fluffy pastries and the poolside F&B outlet, Riccis that boasts a selection of traditional Italian dishes.

On its lifestyle offerings, Hassan said it will soon be opening La Mar Spais, the ultimate getaway where guests can retreat to rejuvenate in a soothing ambience, and indulge in calming or invigorating treatments.

"With nine well-appointed rooms and highly trained therapists waiting to melt away the stress, the luxurious set-up will also soon include a traditional Turkish hammam where guests can go to reduce stress and alleviate tension," he added.-TradeArabia News Service


After a gap of nearly two-and-a-half years, Swiss ski resort town Davos is set to host the Annual Meeting yet again with a host of global leaders including from India expected to deliberate over the Ukraine crisis, and a host of other issues affecting the world.

The high-profile annual powwow of the rich and powerful from across the world will begin with a welcome reception on Sunday evening and will continue till Thursday, May 26.Those scheduled to speak include Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among a host of other world leaders.

From India, three union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya and Hardeep Singh Puri -- as well as several state leaders including two chief ministers -- Basavraj S Bommai and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy -- as well as KT Rama Rao from Telangana, Aditya Thackeray from Maharashtra and Thangam Thennarasu, along with several other public figures and a host of CEOs will be discussing key issues over the next six days here.

Overall, more than 50 heads of government or state are expected to attend the annual meeting, which generally takes place here in January when this small town is totally covered in snow, but this time it is happening during a sunny weather.The annual meeting of 2021 could not take place physically, while the 2022 one had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

The (WEF) said the Annual Meeting 2022 will focus on 'history at a turning point', the theme of the summit.

The issues to be discussed include government policies and business strategies against a backdrop of the global pandemic, and the war in Ukraine and geo-economic challenges.

The meeting convenes at a strategic point where public figures and global leaders will meet in-person to reconnect, exchange insights, gain fresh perspectives and advance solutions.

The meeting's overriding priority is to accelerate progress and make an impact in tackling global challenges and improving the state of the world, the WEF said.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders and experts from around the globe, all committed to the "Davos Spirit" of improving the state of the world.

Against the backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the unprecedented global context calls for purpose and resolve, and the meeting's ambition is to rise to these challenges, the WEF said.

Over the past two years, the said, it has strengthened its impact initiatives, which deal with issues ranging from COVID-19 and to education as well as technology and energy governance.

These include the Reskilling Revolution, an initiative to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030; an initiative on universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures to measure stakeholder capitalism; and the 1 Trillion trees initiative, 1t.org, to protect trees and forests and restore the planet's ecosystems.

With the world at such a critical turning point, global business and government leaders need to work together to develop long-term policies and strategies that will revitalise the hard-hit global economy, strengthen the progress made to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tackle the single greatest threat to humanity -- climate change, said the WEF, which describes itself as an organisation for public-private partnership.

"The Annual Meeting is the first summit that brings global leaders together in this new situation characterised by an emerging multipolar world due to the pandemic and war.

"The fact that nearly 2,500 leaders from politics, business civil society and media come together in person demonstrates the need for a trusted, informal and action-oriented global platform to confront the issues in a crisis-driven world," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Cutting across the theme of the meeting are several priorities and issues that define the current moment and will shape the years to come.

The programme will focus on six thematic pillars. These include fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

These also include how to stabilise the real economy and the financial system, while also determining the future of balanced growth, globalisation and development; and building healthy and equitable societies.

The leaders will also discuss how to move beyond the health emergency phase of the pandemic, rebuilding in its wake and strengthening health resilience for future threats as well as investing in good jobs, living wages, skills and education, not forgetting to redefine stakeholder capitalism for a new context.

Over 1,250 leaders from the private sector will be participating, along with nearly 100 Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers -- the world's most promising tech and business start-ups and scale-ups.

Civil society will be represented by more than 200 leaders from NGOs, social entrepreneurs, academia, labour organisations, faith-based and religious groups, and over 400 media leaders and reporting press.

The Annual Meeting will also bring together younger generations, with 100 members of the Forum's Global Shaper and Young Global Leader communities participating.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After a gap of nearly two-and-a-half years, Swiss ski resort town Davos is set to host the Annual Meeting yet again with a host of global leaders including from India expected to deliberate over the Ukraine crisis, and a host of other issues affecting the world.

The high-profile annual powwow of the rich and powerful from across the world will begin with a welcome reception on Sunday evening and will continue till Thursday, May 26.Those scheduled to speak include Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among a host of other world leaders.

From India, three union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya and Hardeep Singh Puri -- as well as several state leaders including two chief ministers -- Basavraj S Bommai and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy -- as well as KT Rama Rao from Telangana, Aditya Thackeray from Maharashtra and Thangam Thennarasu, along with several other public figures and a host of CEOs will be discussing key issues over the next six days here.

Overall, more than 50 heads of government or state are expected to attend the annual meeting, which generally takes place here in January when this small town is totally covered in snow, but this time it is happening during a sunny weather.The annual meeting of 2021 could not take place physically, while the 2022 one had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

The (WEF) said the Annual Meeting 2022 will focus on 'history at a turning point', the theme of the summit.

The issues to be discussed include government policies and business strategies against a backdrop of the global pandemic, and the war in Ukraine and geo-economic challenges.

The meeting convenes at a strategic point where public figures and global leaders will meet in-person to reconnect, exchange insights, gain fresh perspectives and advance solutions.

The meeting's overriding priority is to accelerate progress and make an impact in tackling global challenges and improving the state of the world, the WEF said.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders and experts from around the globe, all committed to the "Davos Spirit" of improving the state of the world.

Against the backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the unprecedented global context calls for purpose and resolve, and the meeting's ambition is to rise to these challenges, the WEF said.

Over the past two years, the said, it has strengthened its impact initiatives, which deal with issues ranging from COVID-19 and to education as well as technology and energy governance.

These include the Reskilling Revolution, an initiative to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030; an initiative on universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures to measure stakeholder capitalism; and the 1 Trillion trees initiative, 1t.org, to protect trees and forests and restore the planet's ecosystems.

With the world at such a critical turning point, global business and government leaders need to work together to develop long-term policies and strategies that will revitalise the hard-hit global economy, strengthen the progress made to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tackle the single greatest threat to humanity -- climate change, said the WEF, which describes itself as an organisation for public-private partnership.

"The Annual Meeting is the first summit that brings global leaders together in this new situation characterised by an emerging multipolar world due to the pandemic and war.

"The fact that nearly 2,500 leaders from politics, business civil society and media come together in person demonstrates the need for a trusted, informal and action-oriented global platform to confront the issues in a crisis-driven world," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Cutting across the theme of the meeting are several priorities and issues that define the current moment and will shape the years to come.

The programme will focus on six thematic pillars. These include fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

These also include how to stabilise the real economy and the financial system, while also determining the future of balanced growth, globalisation and development; and building healthy and equitable societies.

The leaders will also discuss how to move beyond the health emergency phase of the pandemic, rebuilding in its wake and strengthening health resilience for future threats as well as investing in good jobs, living wages, skills and education, not forgetting to redefine stakeholder capitalism for a new context.

Over 1,250 leaders from the private sector will be participating, along with nearly 100 Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers -- the world's most promising tech and business start-ups and scale-ups.

Civil society will be represented by more than 200 leaders from NGOs, social entrepreneurs, academia, labour organisations, faith-based and religious groups, and over 400 media leaders and reporting press.

The Annual Meeting will also bring together younger generations, with 100 members of the Forum's Global Shaper and Young Global Leader communities participating.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Marat Gabidullin is the first combatant from private Russian paramilitary company Wagner to break rank and talk publicly about the secretive organisation. He recounts his four years as a mercenary in eastern Ukraine and Syria in his memoir In the Same River Twice, now available in French.

Gabidullin, 55, a Russian veteran with the airborne forces and a former bodyguard, joined Wagner in 2015. Injured in Palmyra, Syria, in 2016, he quit the unit in 2019. His memoir relates the battles waged by the Wagner Group in Donbas, Syria and on the Africa continent.

Officially, Russia bans private military companies and Moscow denies knowledge of Wagner.

But human rights abuses by Wagner fighters in Central African Republic, Libya and most recently in Mali have been reported, and denounced, by France, the EU and the UN.

Rights groups have accused Wagner of carrying war crimes in Syria.

Gabidullin's memoirs were published in Russian and English earlier this year. To mark the publication of the French version "Moi, Marat, ex-commandant de l'armee Wagner" (Ed. Michel Lafon) he spoke to RFI's Denis Strelkov.

RFI: Do you fear for your safety?

Marat Gabidullin: My answer to this question is always very simple: it was before that you had to be afraid, now the Rubicon's been crossed. I want as many people as possible to know how this military company works from the inside. The world must know the reality, see Wagner's real face. It's sometimes unflattering, nothing is simple. But Wagner's image is often demonised in the press. And for good reason.

What do you mean?

A few years ago, everyone was talking about a video on the execution of two Syrian militiamen. The people responsible for this execution were identified as Wagner mercenaries. I think they were.

Did you know them? Were they with you in Syria?

No, I don't know them personally. All the evidence shows that these mercenaries were part of the battalions formed in 2017 on the fly, just before a major military operation in Akerbat. Very few of these new recruits had any military experience.

Can you confirm that members of the Wagner company committed war crimes in Syria?

Neither I, nor my colleagues, nor the soldiers under my command committed any; we have no civilian blood on our hands.

But you have to understand one thing. Who is a Wagner soldier? He's someone who isn't accountable, has no legal existence, no clear status. He acts with absolute impunity. He will never answer for his actions, for his crimes in a court of law. So everything depends on his personality.

But I would stress they're often men with military experience and no psychological problems. They're able to make good decisions in times of war.

But those who join Wagner's army without military experience, where do they come from?

It's hard to say. Especially now with the war in Ukraine. I don't think they sift through them, there aren't any strict criteria for going to the front.

So Wagner is still recruiting men to send to Ukraine?

Yes, troops are being trained to fight in Donbas.

Three Russian journalists were killed in Central African Republic while trying to investigate Wagner, and you are talking openly. Why is Wagner letting you talk?

I didn't ask anyone's permission. I just think it's important to talk about it because the problem of private military companies is extremely important for Russia.

Have you received any threats following your revelations?

At the moment I don't feel in danger because I'm far from Russia. But knives are most probably being sharpened against me back there.

How closely is Wagner linked to the Kremlin and the Russian army?

Russian law doesn't just prohibit mercenary groups, individuals can't even possess automatic weapons. But such companies exist so it means they are protected by the state.

Who created the Wagner company? Was it the powerful Evgenii Prigozhin  once called "Putin's chef" and whom you know personally?

I don't want to get into names, I don't see the point. But here's the simple outline: there's a man with an entrepreneurial spirit, close to the tsar, and he has a commercial project abroad. He lays the project out before the tsar and asks for money and means. The tsar agrees and gives him what he needs, but asks him to promote his country's political interests abroad.

Do you think the Wagner army's role in Syria was appropriate?

You mustn't forget that in Syria we fought the Islamic State organisation  the plague of the 21st century. But I understand that by going to fight a ferocious beast, we allowed another ferocious beast  Bashar al-Assad  to remain in power.

He's a less violent and less dangerous wild beast, but he's still a wild beast that's caused a lot of suffering to his people, whereas his army was weak and ineffective.

You explain in your book that you and your comrades were the ones on the front line, far more so than the Russian army.

The war in Syria was won by mercenaries  all the most important military interventions were carried out by us, not by the regular army. The capture of Palmyra, of Akherbat, that was us!

What happened in Akherbat is very telling. We did all the work, and then we were ordered to leave the city. That's when the Russian army entered the town with the journalists. The soldiers, followed by cameras, liberated a city that had already been liberated!

When you went to Ukraine in 2015, it wasn't to fight the Islamic State group. What was your mission and why did you accept it?

I was a victim of Russian propaganda, I shared its ideas. We were told that the Nazis who took power in Kiev were threatening Donbas, that we had to save "the Russian world". I believed it was necessary.

Who do you think gives orders to Wagner's army? Russian generals, officers?

Without a doubt, and it's normal. They're in collaboration with the Russian army's centre of command. Otherwise it wouldn't have been possible on the ground  troops never make decisions on their own.

You left Wagner in 2019. Have you been invited to fight in the war in Ukraine?

They will never let me back into Wagner, I'm persona non grata for them. But I was contacted by another private military company in September. As soon as I realised that it involved fighting against Ukraine, I told them I couldn't. It goes against my convictions, I told them frankly.

But you went to Ukraine in 2015. That didn't that bother you?

Yes, but my mission in Lugansk [in Donbas] had a big impact on me. The two months I spent in Ukraine made me realise that we were being lied to a lot in Russia, that the propaganda did not correspond to reality.

I even wanted to leave Wagner after 2015. But I was invited to go to Syria, a faraway Arab country that I didn't know. Fighting against Ukrainians, my compatriots, wasn't the same thing as fighting people I didn't know. So I continued. It was also about earning money.

How much were you paid?

At the time, it was 80,000 roubles (about 1,200 euros) during the training period. Then during the war, 180,000 roubles a month (2,600 euros). If you took part in combat it was 240,000 roubles (3,700 euros).

What is your status here in France as a Wagner veteran, given the organisation is blacklisted by the European Union?

At the moment I don't have a residence permit, I'm just a tourist. But if I feel it's dangerous for me in Russia I might stay here. I'm not ashamed of anything, I haven't committed any act for which I will be criminally responsible.

Read also:
India and Singapore have strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross-border terrorist activities and vowed to expand bilateral cooperation to combat the menace.

The two strategic partners also stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to deal with terrorism in a comprehensive manner, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

India and Singapore deliberated on these issues at their fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime which was held from May 18 to 19.

"As strategic partners, India and Singapore strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross border terrorism and stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the JWG also emphasised that all countries must take immediate and sustained action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and agreed on the need to expeditiously bring perpetrators of such terror attacks to justice.

The meeting was held in Singapore.

The MEA said the JWG discussed contemporary counter-terrorism challenges, including cross border movement of terrorists, countering radicalisation, combating the financing of terrorism and tackling terrorist use of the internet.

"The JWG also exchanged views on national, regional and global terrorism threat assessments, cybercrimes, drug trafficking and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism," the MEA said.

"It agreed to strengthen cooperation between Singapore and India in dealing with these challenges," it said.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).

"India and Singapore are committed to further cooperation and collaboration between their respective agencies, particularly in the sphere of sharing of information and best practices, law enforcement and capacity building to counter-terrorism and transnational crimes," the MEA said.

Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism at the MEA and Puah Kok Keong, Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore co-chaired the meeting.
UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- During the past week, 319 relief trucks and a fuel tanker reached Ethiopia's Tigray region, the highest number in a single week since June 2021, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

"Since aid convoys resumed at the start of April, around 15,500 metric tons of food aid have been brought into the Tigray region and are being distributed in 45 priority districts," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. But to reach all those in need, at least 68,000 tons more are required.

Although the 319 trucks loaded with aid cargo and one fuel tanker entered Tigray, humanitarian agencies still report a shortfall of cash, fuel and supplies for the beleaguered in the region, the office said. The United Nations and partners continue to assist people in the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, where needs also remain high.

The OCHA said that in Afar's Zone 2, a recent assessment found extremely worrying levels of malnutrition among some internally displaced people.

Aid partners established two stabilization centers in the zone for treating children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications, the office said. More than 845,000 people have received food assistance in Afar since late February. In the past week, more than 100,000 people benefitted from the trucking of clean water.

In Amhara, more than 10.4 million people have received food assistance since late December, OCHA said.

The world body and partners are also responding to the severe drought to hit the area, affecting more than 8 million people, especially in southern regions of Ethiopia. 
India and Singapore have strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross-border terrorist activities and vowed to expand bilateral cooperation to combat the menace.

The two strategic partners also stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to deal with terrorism in a comprehensive manner, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

India and Singapore deliberated on these issues at their fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime which was held from May 18 to 19.

"As strategic partners, India and Singapore strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross border terrorism and stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the JWG also emphasised that all countries must take immediate and sustained action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and agreed on the need to expeditiously bring perpetrators of such terror attacks to justice.

The meeting was held in Singapore.

The MEA said the JWG discussed contemporary counter-terrorism challenges, including cross border movement of terrorists, countering radicalisation, combating the financing of terrorism and tackling terrorist use of the internet.

"The JWG also exchanged views on national, regional and global terrorism threat assessments, cybercrimes, drug trafficking and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism," the MEA said.

"It agreed to strengthen cooperation between Singapore and India in dealing with these challenges," it said.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).

"India and Singapore are committed to further cooperation and collaboration between their respective agencies, particularly in the sphere of sharing of information and best practices, law enforcement and capacity building to counter-terrorism and transnational crimes," the MEA said.

Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism at the MEA and Puah Kok Keong, Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore co-chaired the meeting.
India and Singapore have strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross-border terrorist activities and vowed to expand bilateral cooperation to combat the menace.

The two strategic partners also stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to deal with terrorism in a comprehensive manner, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

India and Singapore deliberated on these issues at their fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime which was held from May 18 to 19.

"As strategic partners, India and Singapore strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including cross border terrorism and stressed the need to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the JWG also emphasised that all countries must take immediate and sustained action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on others and agreed on the need to expeditiously bring perpetrators of such terror attacks to justice.

The meeting was held in Singapore.

The MEA said the JWG discussed contemporary counter-terrorism challenges, including cross border movement of terrorists, countering radicalisation, combating the financing of terrorism and tackling terrorist use of the internet.

"The JWG also exchanged views on national, regional and global terrorism threat assessments, cybercrimes, drug trafficking and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism," the MEA said.

"It agreed to strengthen cooperation between Singapore and India in dealing with these challenges," it said.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).

"India and Singapore are committed to further cooperation and collaboration between their respective agencies, particularly in the sphere of sharing of information and best practices, law enforcement and capacity building to counter-terrorism and transnational crimes," the MEA said.

Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism at the MEA and Puah Kok Keong, Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore co-chaired the meeting.



Olivia Munn shared a tweet this week about her experience as a mom during the nationwide formula shortage. David Crotty/Getty Images

Olivia Munn spoke about her experience amid the nationwide formula shortage in a Twitter post.

Munn, 41, said she was "panicking" amid the shortage.

Munn shares a 5-month-old son, Malcolm Hiep, with comedian John Mulaney.

Olivia Munn recently got candid about her experience as a mom amid the nationwide formula shortage.

The "Violet" actor, who has a 5-month-old son with comedian John Mulaney, shared her experience in a tweet on Wednesday. Munn, 41, and Mulaney, 39, welcomed their son, Malcolm Hiep, in November 2021.

o l i v i a (@oliviamunn) May 19, 2022

"It's so crazy when people say 'if you breastfeed you won't have to worry about the formula shortage!'" Munn wrote. "I have low milk supply, so to keep my baby fed I depend on formula."

She continued: "I wish I could breastfeed so I wouldn't be panicking about the shortage right now. But I don't have a choice."

Representatives for Munn did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Many moms are attempting to relactate amid the formula shortage

Insider's Conz Preti reported that a formula shortage is affecting the US as more than 40% of products are out of stock, leaving many parents desperate for solutions. As Preti wrote, the shortage is happening due to a combination of factors, including supply-chain issues as a result of the pandemic and Abbott Nutrition's voluntary recall of four formula brands following reports of babies who became very ill, and two who died, after consuming the products.

Nutricia, a baby-formula company, previously told Insider that the shortage will likely last until the end of August.

A growing number of moms across the US are attempting to relactate in order to feed their babies amid the formula shortage, but it's a time-consuming process that doesn't have guaranteed results and may not work at all for some parents.

Meanwhile, parents of babies with health conditions or allergies have gone into crisis mode as specialized formulas become increasingly difficult to find.

Story continues

In a viral TikTok video from May 9, Indiana mother Kayzie Weedman said her daughter has a severe cow's milk allergy and develops painful skin rashes on her face when she drinks regular formula. She shared screenshots of her baby's face during a skin rash to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle some mothers face.

One mother whose baby has allergies told Insider that she wouldn't have gotten pregnant again if she had known a formula shortage was on the horizon.

New measures aim to get ingredients to formula manufacturers faster

On Wednesday, the White House announced "Operation Fly Formula" to formally address the shortage. The measures will allow the government to require suppliers to send needed ingredients to baby-formula manufacturers ahead of any other customers.

"Directing firms to prioritize and allocate the production of key infant formula inputs will help increase production and speed up in supply chains," a White House statement said.

On Thursday, it was announced that the first batch of baby formula will be imported to the US from Switzerland as part of the operation.

Read the original article on Insider

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A 17 year-old boy killed himself hours after an online 'sextortionist' tricked him into sending a nude photo, then blackmailed him for $5,000.

Ryan Last, a straight-A student from San Jose, died by suicide in February just hours after being approached by a creep posing as a girl on a social media app.

The sicko sent Ryan, who attended Sobrato High School, a naked photo they claimed was of themselves, then asked him to send one back in return.

He was immediately hit with the demand for cash on doing so, which was later revised down to $150 after Ryan pleaded that he didn't have the cash.

The youngster paid out from his college savings, but the warped internet user continued to pester him for more cash, and drove Ryan to end his own life.

His stricken mother Pauline Stuart found a suicide note explaining what happened and, has now bravely shared her ordeal with CNN in a bid to try and spare other families the same grief.

Ryan Last, 17, of San Jose, California, took his own life after a cybercriminal told him he would send naked pictures of the teen to his family and friends if he failed to pay $5,000

She said: 'Somebody reached out to him pretending to be a girl, and they started a conversation,'

'He really, truly thought in that time that there wasn't a way to get by if those pictures were actually posted online,' Stuart told CNN. 'His note showed he was absolutely terrified. No child should have to be that scared.'

'They kept demanding more and more and putting lots of continued pressure on him,' Stuard told CNN, adding that the family only learned about what happened following Last's suicide and a police investigation.

'How could these people look at themselves in the mirror knowing that $150 is more important than a child's life?

'There's no other word but 'evil' for me that they care much more about money than a child's life,' she added. 'I don't want anybody else to go through what we did.'

Last's death is part of a growing 'sextortion' trend where scammers target young boys as the FBI reported more than 18,000 cases last year, with families losing more than $13 million.

Pauline Stuart, Last's mother, her son died afraid and embarassed by what he was going through after reading the suicide note he left behind

Last's parents, Pauline and Hagen, have become advocates speaking out against 'sextortion' scams targeting teen boys. Last (second from the right) is pictured with his parents and brother in an undated photo

WHAT IS SEXTORTION? According to the FBI, sextortion is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you dont provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money. The perpetrator may also threaten to harm your friends or relatives by using information they have obtained from your electronic devices unless you comply with their demands. The FBI has recorded more than 18,000 complaints about sextortion in the U.S. in 2021, with losses totaling more than $13 million. Advertisement

Last, a Boy Scout, had finished visiting the colleges he was considering attending when he first came in contact with the scammer, his mother said.

Immediately after the scammer tricked Last into sending an intimate photo of himself, the criminal demanded $5,000 from the teen or else they would share the photo of him online.

When the 17-year-old told the criminal he could not pay the full amount, the scammer asked for $150, which Last had to take out of his college savings, but it didn't end there.

Last's father, Hagen Last, and Stuart have since become advocates to raise awaraness about 'sextortion' scams.

On Facebook, after sharing details about their son's death with local media outlets, Hagen wrote: 'We thought we did everything correctly protecting our boys from any online threats. But Ryan still became the victim of an online scam that ended with blackmail. In the end he got so embarrassed and scared that he only saw one way out.'

'We want to help to make sure that this will not happen to any other family. And the best way to do that is to help educate parents and children about what dangers exist on the internet.'

The high school senior and Boy Scout had finished visiting colleges when he was contacted by a scammer pretending to be a girl. After paying the 'sextortionist' $150 to not share explicit photos of the teen online, the criminal demanded more and more

Stuart, pictured with last, said her family is heartbroken and she is working with law enforcement so no family goes through the same pain they did

FBI officials said the case is still under investigation and part of a worrying trend of 'sextortion' crimes targeting teenage boys across the country.

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Dan Costin, who leads a team to counter crimes against children, told CNN that US boys are being targeted by scammers from Africa and Southeast Asia in these extortion scams.

While the FBI is working with law enforcement officials around the world to track down these 'sextortionist,' Costin said there could be many more cases the agencies don't know about given that victims may not always report the crime.

'The embarrassment piece of this is probably one of the bigger hurdles that the victims have to overcome,' Costin told CNN. 'It can be a lot, especially in that moment.'

Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General in Boston, echoed the concerns and said teens are 'still developing.'

'So when something catastrophic happens, like a personal picture is released to people online, it's hard for them to look past that moment and understand that in the big scheme of things they'll be able to get through this,' Hadland told CNN.

He also said that parents should take an active role in monitoring what their children are doing online and speaking to them about the dangers of sharing explicit photos online.

'You want to make it clear that they can talk to you if they have done something, or they feel like they've made a mistake,' Hadland added.
Olivia Munn shared a tweet this week about her experience as a mom during the nationwide formula shortage. David Crotty/Getty Images

Olivia Munn spoke about her experience amid the nationwide formula shortage in a Twitter post.

Munn, 41, said she was "panicking" amid the shortage.

Munn shares a 5-month-old son, Malcolm Hiep, with comedian John Mulaney.

Olivia Munn recently got candid about her experience as a mom amid the nationwide formula shortage.

The "Violet" actor, who has a 5-month-old son with comedian John Mulaney, shared her experience in a tweet on Wednesday. Munn, 41, and Mulaney, 39, welcomed their son, Malcolm Hiep, in November 2021.

o l i v i a (@oliviamunn) May 19, 2022

"It's so crazy when people say 'if you breastfeed you won't have to worry about the formula shortage!'" Munn wrote. "I have low milk supply, so to keep my baby fed I depend on formula."

She continued: "I wish I could breastfeed so I wouldn't be panicking about the shortage right now. But I don't have a choice."

Representatives for Munn did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Many moms are attempting to relactate amid the formula shortage

Insider's Conz Preti reported that a formula shortage is affecting the US as more than 40% of products are out of stock, leaving many parents desperate for solutions. As Preti wrote, the shortage is happening due to a combination of factors, including supply-chain issues as a result of the pandemic and Abbott Nutrition's voluntary recall of four formula brands following reports of babies who became very ill, and two who died, after consuming the products.

Nutricia, a baby-formula company, previously told Insider that the shortage will likely last until the end of August.

A growing number of moms across the US are attempting to relactate in order to feed their babies amid the formula shortage, but it's a time-consuming process that doesn't have guaranteed results and may not work at all for some parents.

Meanwhile, parents of babies with health conditions or allergies have gone into crisis mode as specialized formulas become increasingly difficult to find.

Story continues

In a viral TikTok video from May 9, Indiana mother Kayzie Weedman said her daughter has a severe cow's milk allergy and develops painful skin rashes on her face when she drinks regular formula. She shared screenshots of her baby's face during a skin rash to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle some mothers face.

One mother whose baby has allergies told Insider that she wouldn't have gotten pregnant again if she had known a formula shortage was on the horizon.

New measures aim to get ingredients to formula manufacturers faster

On Wednesday, the White House announced "Operation Fly Formula" to formally address the shortage. The measures will allow the government to require suppliers to send needed ingredients to baby-formula manufacturers ahead of any other customers.

"Directing firms to prioritize and allocate the production of key infant formula inputs will help increase production and speed up in supply chains," a White House statement said.

On Thursday, it was announced that the first batch of baby formula will be imported to the US from Switzerland as part of the operation.

Read the original article on Insider
UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- During the past week, 319 relief trucks and a fuel tanker reached Ethiopia's Tigray region, the highest number in a single week since June 2021, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

"Since aid convoys resumed at the start of April, around 15,500 metric tons of food aid have been brought into the Tigray region and are being distributed in 45 priority districts," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. But to reach all those in need, at least 68,000 tons more are required.

Although the 319 trucks loaded with aid cargo and one fuel tanker entered Tigray, humanitarian agencies still report a shortfall of cash, fuel and supplies for the beleaguered in the region, the office said. The United Nations and partners continue to assist people in the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, where needs also remain high.

The OCHA said that in Afar's Zone 2, a recent assessment found extremely worrying levels of malnutrition among some internally displaced people.

Aid partners established two stabilization centers in the zone for treating children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications, the office said. More than 845,000 people have received food assistance in Afar since late February. In the past week, more than 100,000 people benefitted from the trucking of clean water.

In Amhara, more than 10.4 million people have received food assistance since late December, OCHA said.

The world body and partners are also responding to the severe drought to hit the area, affecting more than 8 million people, especially in southern regions of Ethiopia. 
Olivia Munn shared a tweet this week about her experience as a mom during the nationwide formula shortage. David Crotty/Getty Images

Olivia Munn spoke about her experience amid the nationwide formula shortage in a Twitter post.

Munn, 41, said she was "panicking" amid the shortage.

Munn shares a 5-month-old son, Malcolm Hiep, with comedian John Mulaney.

Olivia Munn recently got candid about her experience as a mom amid the nationwide formula shortage.

The "Violet" actor, who has a 5-month-old son with comedian John Mulaney, shared her experience in a tweet on Wednesday. Munn, 41, and Mulaney, 39, welcomed their son, Malcolm Hiep, in November 2021.

o l i v i a (@oliviamunn) May 19, 2022

"It's so crazy when people say 'if you breastfeed you won't have to worry about the formula shortage!'" Munn wrote. "I have low milk supply, so to keep my baby fed I depend on formula."

She continued: "I wish I could breastfeed so I wouldn't be panicking about the shortage right now. But I don't have a choice."

Representatives for Munn did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Many moms are attempting to relactate amid the formula shortage

Insider's Conz Preti reported that a formula shortage is affecting the US as more than 40% of products are out of stock, leaving many parents desperate for solutions. As Preti wrote, the shortage is happening due to a combination of factors, including supply-chain issues as a result of the pandemic and Abbott Nutrition's voluntary recall of four formula brands following reports of babies who became very ill, and two who died, after consuming the products.

Nutricia, a baby-formula company, previously told Insider that the shortage will likely last until the end of August.

A growing number of moms across the US are attempting to relactate in order to feed their babies amid the formula shortage, but it's a time-consuming process that doesn't have guaranteed results and may not work at all for some parents.

Meanwhile, parents of babies with health conditions or allergies have gone into crisis mode as specialized formulas become increasingly difficult to find.

Story continues

In a viral TikTok video from May 9, Indiana mother Kayzie Weedman said her daughter has a severe cow's milk allergy and develops painful skin rashes on her face when she drinks regular formula. She shared screenshots of her baby's face during a skin rash to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle some mothers face.

One mother whose baby has allergies told Insider that she wouldn't have gotten pregnant again if she had known a formula shortage was on the horizon.

New measures aim to get ingredients to formula manufacturers faster

On Wednesday, the White House announced "Operation Fly Formula" to formally address the shortage. The measures will allow the government to require suppliers to send needed ingredients to baby-formula manufacturers ahead of any other customers.

"Directing firms to prioritize and allocate the production of key infant formula inputs will help increase production and speed up in supply chains," a White House statement said.

On Thursday, it was announced that the first batch of baby formula will be imported to the US from Switzerland as part of the operation.

Read the original article on Insider
Rachel Riley has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday.

The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.

It also mentioned his friendship with Marylin Manson, who was hit with allegations of physical and sexual abuse by ex-fiancee Evan Rachel Wood and several other women in early 2021, which he has denied.

Courtroom meets Countdown: Rachel Riley, 36, has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday. Pictured on Thursday

Sharing: The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard

The Twitter thread also alleged that 'Johnny groomed Winona Rider when she was 17 and he was nearing 30' and claimed the actor had a 'history of homophobia', though there is no evidence to substantiate these claims.

Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'.

The piece said: 'Many times, we speak with survivors of abuse who want to address concerns they have about their own behaviors.

Allegations: The thread also commented on Johnny Depp's friendship with Marylin Manson (Johnny pictured on Thursday)

'They will often express that their relationship is mutually abusive, a concept used when describing a relationship where both partners are abusive towards one another.

'Abuse is about an imbalance of power and control.

'In an unhealthy or abusive relationship, there may be unhealthy behaviors from both/all partners, but in an abusive relationship, one person tends to have more control than the other.'

Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's alleged past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments.

Resources: Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'

One user praised the presenter, saying: 'You are very brave to post this  I see the baying mob of Depp obsessives and plain old misogynists have already started in. Thank you for speaking out.'

However not everyone agreed.

Another comment said: 'Have you looked into the facts or actually watched the trial? Johnny is no angel but it seems Amber was the abuser in this case.'

Controversial: Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments. Pictured in 2019

'Whilst his alledged actions can't be condoned I can't believe your siding with a person who has been recorded admitting the domestically abused someone,' one other user added.

Johnny is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse.

Aquaman star Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention over the last few weeks, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband.

Case: Johnny is suing his ex-wife, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse

Johnny has denied his ex-wife's allegations of abusive behaviour and recently declared in court he has lost 'nothing less than everything' as a result of the claims.

Asked what he has lost following the publication of Amber's essay, he said: 'Nothing less than everything.

'When the allegations were made [and] rapidly circling the globe, telling people I was a drunken cocaine-fuelled menace who beat women  suddenly in my 50s  it's over. You're done.

Court: Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband - claims he denies

'So what did it do to me? What effect did it have on me? I put it to you this way, no matter the outcome of this trial, the second the allegations were made against me, the accusations, the second that more and more metastasized and turned into fodder for the media, once that happened, I lost then.'

The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case.

He added: 'That is to say, I lost because that is not a thing that anyone is just going to put on your back for a short period of time. I will live with that for the rest of my life because of the allegations and because it was such a high profile case.

Heard earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5 million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had

'So I lost then, no matter the outcome of this trial. I'll carry that for the rest of my days. It never had to be that way. It never had to happen, and I don't quite understand why it did in the way that it did.'

Elsewhere in the court case, Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed and 'communication stopped' with the producers after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'.

She said she has been labelled a 'liar' during the $100million defamation trial because Johnny, 58, is the 'bigger star' and had 'more publicity reach'.

Media attention: The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case

Amber told the courtroom in Virginia that the 'sophisticated PR machine' behind Johnny had worked to label her as a liar in the media - which has impacted her career.

Her testimony was supported by her talent agent, Jessica Kovacevic, who on Thursday claimed the actress's rise to fame was diminished due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney claiming she faked her injuries.

Kovacevic claimed Amber was set to earn $2million for Aquaman 2, but Warner Bros. decided to diminish her role, citing a 'lack of chemistry' between Amber and Aquaman star Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic said its unlikely for a star involved in a movie as successful as Aquaman to not have their career take off.

Aquaman was DC's most successful movie, grossing $940.7million, with Kovacevic saying Amber should have seen a similar, albeit smaller, rise to fame like her co-star, Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic claimed Amber's stardom was dimmed due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney, Adam Waldman, who claimed Amber had faked her injuries and the damages to Depp's Los Angeles penthouse.

Amber testified on Monday: 'I fought really hard to stay in the movie [Aquaman 2]. They didn't want to include me in the film.'

Film: Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'

'I was given a script and then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it. That depicted by character and another character, without giving any spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another.

'They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.'

She added on Tuesday: 'I don't know if I will even be in the final cut or how much I will be. It was difficult to stay in the movie.'

Asked about what work she has done since Depp's legal team referred to her claims of sexual violence as a hoax, she said: 'I have done one small independent film.'

Johnny has said that it was his connections in Hollywood that helped Amber land the role on Aquaman, with Amber claiming that she got the job on her own.

Her comments come after a petition calling for DC Warner Bros to drop Amber from the role of Aquaman 2 reached 4.2million signatures.

Amber earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had.

She told the court she had 'not been able to fulfil those obligations yet...because Johnny sued me for $50million in March 2019'.

Johnny's lawyer asked her if she had announced the donation because she wanted 'praise' and 'good press'.

She replied: 'That wasn't my interest. My interest is in my name  in clearing my name. At the time, I was being called a 'liar' and my motives were being questioned. I did see it as important to clear that up.'

She added: 'I wanted to make a statement to make sure there was not any doubt. That I couldn't be labelled these things just because Johnny was the bigger star and had more publicity reach.'
Rachel Riley has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday.

The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.

It also mentioned his friendship with Marylin Manson, who was hit with allegations of physical and sexual abuse by ex-fiancee Evan Rachel Wood and several other women in early 2021, which he has denied.

Courtroom meets Countdown: Rachel Riley, 36, has said that she 'wouldn't wish' Johnny Depp on her 'worst enemy' as she shared a Twitter thread which called the actor 'problematic' on Wednesday. Pictured on Thursday

Sharing: The Countdown star, 36, retweeted the post, which outlined claims about Johnny's past as he remains embroiled in a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard

The Twitter thread also alleged that 'Johnny groomed Winona Rider when she was 17 and he was nearing 30' and claimed the actor had a 'history of homophobia', though there is no evidence to substantiate these claims.

Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'.

The piece said: 'Many times, we speak with survivors of abuse who want to address concerns they have about their own behaviors.

Allegations: The thread also commented on Johnny Depp's friendship with Marylin Manson (Johnny pictured on Thursday)

'They will often express that their relationship is mutually abusive, a concept used when describing a relationship where both partners are abusive towards one another.

'Abuse is about an imbalance of power and control.

'In an unhealthy or abusive relationship, there may be unhealthy behaviors from both/all partners, but in an abusive relationship, one person tends to have more control than the other.'

Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's alleged past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments.

Resources: Rachel then shared another tweet from domestic abuse researcher Emma Katz, which included a link to an article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US, titled 'The Myth of Mutual Abuse'

One user praised the presenter, saying: 'You are very brave to post this  I see the baying mob of Depp obsessives and plain old misogynists have already started in. Thank you for speaking out.'

However not everyone agreed.

Another comment said: 'Have you looked into the facts or actually watched the trial? Johnny is no angel but it seems Amber was the abuser in this case.'

Controversial: Rachel's retweet of the thread on Johnny's past - originally created by @arkhamcitysiren - got 1,107 likes, with mixed reactions in the comments. Pictured in 2019

'Whilst his alledged actions can't be condoned I can't believe your siding with a person who has been recorded admitting the domestically abused someone,' one other user added.

Johnny is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse.

Aquaman star Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention over the last few weeks, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband.

Case: Johnny is suing his ex-wife, 36, for $50million for defamation over her 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, in which she spoke about being a victim of domestic abuse

Johnny has denied his ex-wife's allegations of abusive behaviour and recently declared in court he has lost 'nothing less than everything' as a result of the claims.

Asked what he has lost following the publication of Amber's essay, he said: 'Nothing less than everything.

'When the allegations were made [and] rapidly circling the globe, telling people I was a drunken cocaine-fuelled menace who beat women  suddenly in my 50s  it's over. You're done.

Court: Amber has countersued for $100million and the court case has captured attention, with Amber alleging she was beaten and threatened by her husband - claims he denies

'So what did it do to me? What effect did it have on me? I put it to you this way, no matter the outcome of this trial, the second the allegations were made against me, the accusations, the second that more and more metastasized and turned into fodder for the media, once that happened, I lost then.'

The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case.

He added: 'That is to say, I lost because that is not a thing that anyone is just going to put on your back for a short period of time. I will live with that for the rest of my life because of the allegations and because it was such a high profile case.

Heard earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5 million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had

'So I lost then, no matter the outcome of this trial. I'll carry that for the rest of my days. It never had to be that way. It never had to happen, and I don't quite understand why it did in the way that it did.'

Elsewhere in the court case, Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed and 'communication stopped' with the producers after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'.

She said she has been labelled a 'liar' during the $100million defamation trial because Johnny, 58, is the 'bigger star' and had 'more publicity reach'.

Media attention: The Edward Scissorhands actor also said that he believes the allegations will follow him forever because of the high profile nature of the case

Amber told the courtroom in Virginia that the 'sophisticated PR machine' behind Johnny had worked to label her as a liar in the media - which has impacted her career.

Her testimony was supported by her talent agent, Jessica Kovacevic, who on Thursday claimed the actress's rise to fame was diminished due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney claiming she faked her injuries.

Kovacevic claimed Amber was set to earn $2million for Aquaman 2, but Warner Bros. decided to diminish her role, citing a 'lack of chemistry' between Amber and Aquaman star Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic said its unlikely for a star involved in a movie as successful as Aquaman to not have their career take off.

Aquaman was DC's most successful movie, grossing $940.7million, with Kovacevic saying Amber should have seen a similar, albeit smaller, rise to fame like her co-star, Jason Momoa.

Kovacevic claimed Amber's stardom was dimmed due to the allegations made by Johnny's attorney, Adam Waldman, who claimed Amber had faked her injuries and the damages to Depp's Los Angeles penthouse.

Amber testified on Monday: 'I fought really hard to stay in the movie [Aquaman 2]. They didn't want to include me in the film.'

Film: Amber testified she fought 'really hard' to stay in the Aquaman sequel when scenes from the movie were axed after Johnny's team depicted her abuse allegations as a 'hoax'

'I was given a script and then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it. That depicted by character and another character, without giving any spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another.

'They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.'

She added on Tuesday: 'I don't know if I will even be in the final cut or how much I will be. It was difficult to stay in the movie.'

Asked about what work she has done since Depp's legal team referred to her claims of sexual violence as a hoax, she said: 'I have done one small independent film.'

Johnny has said that it was his connections in Hollywood that helped Amber land the role on Aquaman, with Amber claiming that she got the job on her own.

Her comments come after a petition calling for DC Warner Bros to drop Amber from the role of Aquaman 2 reached 4.2million signatures.

Amber earlier admitted that she had not given $3.5million from her divorce settlement with Depp to charity - despite telling the UK's High Court she had.

She told the court she had 'not been able to fulfil those obligations yet...because Johnny sued me for $50million in March 2019'.

Johnny's lawyer asked her if she had announced the donation because she wanted 'praise' and 'good press'.

She replied: 'That wasn't my interest. My interest is in my name  in clearing my name. At the time, I was being called a 'liar' and my motives were being questioned. I did see it as important to clear that up.'

She added: 'I wanted to make a statement to make sure there was not any doubt. That I couldn't be labelled these things just because Johnny was the bigger star and had more publicity reach.'


A 17 year-old boy killed himself hours after an online 'sextortionist' tricked him into sending a nude photo, then blackmailed him for $5,000.

Ryan Last, a straight-A student from San Jose, died by suicide in February just hours after being approached by a creep posing as a girl on a social media app.

The sicko sent Ryan, who attended Sobrato High School, a naked photo they claimed was of themselves, then asked him to send one back in return.

He was immediately hit with the demand for cash on doing so, which was later revised down to $150 after Ryan pleaded that he didn't have the cash.

The youngster paid out from his college savings, but the warped internet user continued to pester him for more cash, and drove Ryan to end his own life.

His stricken mother Pauline Stuart found a suicide note explaining what happened and, has now bravely shared her ordeal with CNN in a bid to try and spare other families the same grief.

Ryan Last, 17, of San Jose, California, took his own life after a cybercriminal told him he would send naked pictures of the teen to his family and friends if he failed to pay $5,000

She said: 'Somebody reached out to him pretending to be a girl, and they started a conversation,'

'He really, truly thought in that time that there wasn't a way to get by if those pictures were actually posted online,' Stuart told CNN. 'His note showed he was absolutely terrified. No child should have to be that scared.'

'They kept demanding more and more and putting lots of continued pressure on him,' Stuard told CNN, adding that the family only learned about what happened following Last's suicide and a police investigation.

'How could these people look at themselves in the mirror knowing that $150 is more important than a child's life?

'There's no other word but 'evil' for me that they care much more about money than a child's life,' she added. 'I don't want anybody else to go through what we did.'

Last's death is part of a growing 'sextortion' trend where scammers target young boys as the FBI reported more than 18,000 cases last year, with families losing more than $13 million.

Pauline Stuart, Last's mother, her son died afraid and embarassed by what he was going through after reading the suicide note he left behind

Last's parents, Pauline and Hagen, have become advocates speaking out against 'sextortion' scams targeting teen boys. Last (second from the right) is pictured with his parents and brother in an undated photo

WHAT IS SEXTORTION? According to the FBI, sextortion is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you dont provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money. The perpetrator may also threaten to harm your friends or relatives by using information they have obtained from your electronic devices unless you comply with their demands. The FBI has recorded more than 18,000 complaints about sextortion in the U.S. in 2021, with losses totaling more than $13 million. Advertisement

Last, a Boy Scout, had finished visiting the colleges he was considering attending when he first came in contact with the scammer, his mother said.

Immediately after the scammer tricked Last into sending an intimate photo of himself, the criminal demanded $5,000 from the teen or else they would share the photo of him online.

When the 17-year-old told the criminal he could not pay the full amount, the scammer asked for $150, which Last had to take out of his college savings, but it didn't end there.

Last's father, Hagen Last, and Stuart have since become advocates to raise awaraness about 'sextortion' scams.

On Facebook, after sharing details about their son's death with local media outlets, Hagen wrote: 'We thought we did everything correctly protecting our boys from any online threats. But Ryan still became the victim of an online scam that ended with blackmail. In the end he got so embarrassed and scared that he only saw one way out.'

'We want to help to make sure that this will not happen to any other family. And the best way to do that is to help educate parents and children about what dangers exist on the internet.'

The high school senior and Boy Scout had finished visiting colleges when he was contacted by a scammer pretending to be a girl. After paying the 'sextortionist' $150 to not share explicit photos of the teen online, the criminal demanded more and more

Stuart, pictured with last, said her family is heartbroken and she is working with law enforcement so no family goes through the same pain they did

FBI officials said the case is still under investigation and part of a worrying trend of 'sextortion' crimes targeting teenage boys across the country.

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Dan Costin, who leads a team to counter crimes against children, told CNN that US boys are being targeted by scammers from Africa and Southeast Asia in these extortion scams.

While the FBI is working with law enforcement officials around the world to track down these 'sextortionist,' Costin said there could be many more cases the agencies don't know about given that victims may not always report the crime.

'The embarrassment piece of this is probably one of the bigger hurdles that the victims have to overcome,' Costin told CNN. 'It can be a lot, especially in that moment.'

Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General in Boston, echoed the concerns and said teens are 'still developing.'

'So when something catastrophic happens, like a personal picture is released to people online, it's hard for them to look past that moment and understand that in the big scheme of things they'll be able to get through this,' Hadland told CNN.

He also said that parents should take an active role in monitoring what their children are doing online and speaking to them about the dangers of sharing explicit photos online.

'You want to make it clear that they can talk to you if they have done something, or they feel like they've made a mistake,' Hadland added.

Olivia Munn shared a tweet this week about her experience as a mom during the nationwide formula shortage. David Crotty/Getty Images

Olivia Munn spoke about her experience amid the nationwide formula shortage in a Twitter post.

Munn, 41, said she was "panicking" amid the shortage.

Munn shares a 5-month-old son, Malcolm Hiep, with comedian John Mulaney.

Olivia Munn recently got candid about her experience as a mom amid the nationwide formula shortage.

The "Violet" actor, who has a 5-month-old son with comedian John Mulaney, shared her experience in a tweet on Wednesday. Munn, 41, and Mulaney, 39, welcomed their son, Malcolm Hiep, in November 2021.

o l i v i a (@oliviamunn) May 19, 2022

"It's so crazy when people say 'if you breastfeed you won't have to worry about the formula shortage!'" Munn wrote. "I have low milk supply, so to keep my baby fed I depend on formula."

She continued: "I wish I could breastfeed so I wouldn't be panicking about the shortage right now. But I don't have a choice."

Representatives for Munn did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Many moms are attempting to relactate amid the formula shortage

Insider's Conz Preti reported that a formula shortage is affecting the US as more than 40% of products are out of stock, leaving many parents desperate for solutions. As Preti wrote, the shortage is happening due to a combination of factors, including supply-chain issues as a result of the pandemic and Abbott Nutrition's voluntary recall of four formula brands following reports of babies who became very ill, and two who died, after consuming the products.

Nutricia, a baby-formula company, previously told Insider that the shortage will likely last until the end of August.

A growing number of moms across the US are attempting to relactate in order to feed their babies amid the formula shortage, but it's a time-consuming process that doesn't have guaranteed results and may not work at all for some parents.

Meanwhile, parents of babies with health conditions or allergies have gone into crisis mode as specialized formulas become increasingly difficult to find.

Story continues

In a viral TikTok video from May 9, Indiana mother Kayzie Weedman said her daughter has a severe cow's milk allergy and develops painful skin rashes on her face when she drinks regular formula. She shared screenshots of her baby's face during a skin rash to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle some mothers face.

One mother whose baby has allergies told Insider that she wouldn't have gotten pregnant again if she had known a formula shortage was on the horizon.

New measures aim to get ingredients to formula manufacturers faster

On Wednesday, the White House announced "Operation Fly Formula" to formally address the shortage. The measures will allow the government to require suppliers to send needed ingredients to baby-formula manufacturers ahead of any other customers.

"Directing firms to prioritize and allocate the production of key infant formula inputs will help increase production and speed up in supply chains," a White House statement said.

On Thursday, it was announced that the first batch of baby formula will be imported to the US from Switzerland as part of the operation.

Read the original article on Insider
A convicted murderer who escaped from prison multiple times  including once when he kidnapped the treasurer of Guam  has filed a motion for compassionate release.

Vincent Torres Tedtaotao was 19 when he shot two men over a game of pool on Aug. 25, 1985.

Tedtaotao and another man walked into Bottoms Club in Maite and placed quarters on a pool table to show they wanted the next game. Danny Camacho and David Untalan, who were playing at the table, told them the proper procedure was to write their names on a list, court documents state.

The men argued, then took the dispute to the parking lot. Tedtaotao brandished a gun, pointed it at Untalan and said, Malagu hao yo paki hoa? meaning Do you want me to shoot you?

Dave picked up his hands, and was walking backward. When he turned to open the door, Tedtaotao shot at him, Camacho, who was also shot, testified during the trial. Tedtaotao was convicted of murdering Untalan and attempting to murder Camacho.

Tedtaotao was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the Department of Corrections, but he is currently being held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

Rehabilitation

A hearing on Tedtaotaos motion for compassion release is set for next month. He argues that he should be released because of his young age when he was sentenced, and his risk of getting COVID-19.

Tedtaotao knows he took a life and he beats himself up for that ever since, the 55-year-old inmate wrote in his motion. Two people lost their lives that day of the crime. Tedtaotao lost his life also.

The document states he was moved to federal prison because the Department of Corrections couldnt provide the needed rehabilitation. He wrote that he has excelled beyond anyones expectations.

Since being in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he has been able to come to terms with what has become of his life. He has been able to get the mental health care that wasnt made readily available to him in Guam, Tedtaotao wrote.

Motions

This isnt Tedtaotaos first attempt to get out of prison. A motion for compassionate release filed in the District Court of Guam was denied in 2021 because of jurisdictional issues. The federal court also denied a 2009 motion to vacate his sentence.

Tedtaotao previously filed to have the sentence reduced in the Superior Court of Guam, and he appealed his conviction on the grounds he had ineffective counsel during his trial, all of which were also denied.

In his motion to reduce his sentence filed in 1990, Tedtaotao and his attorney argued that he was successfully rehabilitated.

Escapes

The government argued Tedtaotao was prosecuted earlier for two felony escapes, and escaped yet a third time from the Department of Corrections only a few weeks prior to the hearing, Judge Peter Siguenza Jr. wrote in his decision to deny the motion.

Tedtaotao pleaded guilty to two of the escapes in 1987. He was sentenced to five years for each charge, all ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Then in 1991, Tedtaotao escaped from DOC twice, both times in attempts to rob the Treasurer of Guam.

His July attempt failed. Then on Aug. 12, 1991, following a plan concocted by a corrections officer, Tedtaotao and convicted murderer Joshua Merep escaped, according to court documents. Armed with a gun and knife, they went to the home of Guam Treasurer Isabel Munoz and threatened to kill her and her family, documents state.

They tied up Munozs family members and brought her to the Treasurers Office, where they robbed the vault of $42,000 in cash and $1 million in checks, according to news accounts from the time. They brought Munoz home and tied her up with the rest of her family.

Tedtoatao and Merep were arrested a couple of days later, and most of the money was recovered.

Tedtaotaos motion for compassionate release is scheduled for a status hearing June 17 before Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino. It was supposed to be discussed May 6, but was rescheduled because of Tedtaotaos absence and the parties involved being unaware of the details of the case.
A convicted murderer who escaped from prison multiple times  including once when he kidnapped the treasurer of Guam  has filed a motion for compassionate release.

Vincent Torres Tedtaotao was 19 when he shot two men over a game of pool on Aug. 25, 1985.

Tedtaotao and another man walked into Bottoms Club in Maite and placed quarters on a pool table to show they wanted the next game. Danny Camacho and David Untalan, who were playing at the table, told them the proper procedure was to write their names on a list, court documents state.

The men argued, then took the dispute to the parking lot. Tedtaotao brandished a gun, pointed it at Untalan and said, Malagu hao yo paki hoa? meaning Do you want me to shoot you?

Dave picked up his hands, and was walking backward. When he turned to open the door, Tedtaotao shot at him, Camacho, who was also shot, testified during the trial. Tedtaotao was convicted of murdering Untalan and attempting to murder Camacho.

Tedtaotao was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the Department of Corrections, but he is currently being held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

Rehabilitation

A hearing on Tedtaotaos motion for compassion release is set for next month. He argues that he should be released because of his young age when he was sentenced, and his risk of getting COVID-19.

Tedtaotao knows he took a life and he beats himself up for that ever since, the 55-year-old inmate wrote in his motion. Two people lost their lives that day of the crime. Tedtaotao lost his life also.

The document states he was moved to federal prison because the Department of Corrections couldnt provide the needed rehabilitation. He wrote that he has excelled beyond anyones expectations.

Since being in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he has been able to come to terms with what has become of his life. He has been able to get the mental health care that wasnt made readily available to him in Guam, Tedtaotao wrote.

Motions

This isnt Tedtaotaos first attempt to get out of prison. A motion for compassionate release filed in the District Court of Guam was denied in 2021 because of jurisdictional issues. The federal court also denied a 2009 motion to vacate his sentence.

Tedtaotao previously filed to have the sentence reduced in the Superior Court of Guam, and he appealed his conviction on the grounds he had ineffective counsel during his trial, all of which were also denied.

In his motion to reduce his sentence filed in 1990, Tedtaotao and his attorney argued that he was successfully rehabilitated.

Escapes

The government argued Tedtaotao was prosecuted earlier for two felony escapes, and escaped yet a third time from the Department of Corrections only a few weeks prior to the hearing, Judge Peter Siguenza Jr. wrote in his decision to deny the motion.

Tedtaotao pleaded guilty to two of the escapes in 1987. He was sentenced to five years for each charge, all ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Then in 1991, Tedtaotao escaped from DOC twice, both times in attempts to rob the Treasurer of Guam.

His July attempt failed. Then on Aug. 12, 1991, following a plan concocted by a corrections officer, Tedtaotao and convicted murderer Joshua Merep escaped, according to court documents. Armed with a gun and knife, they went to the home of Guam Treasurer Isabel Munoz and threatened to kill her and her family, documents state.

They tied up Munozs family members and brought her to the Treasurers Office, where they robbed the vault of $42,000 in cash and $1 million in checks, according to news accounts from the time. They brought Munoz home and tied her up with the rest of her family.

Tedtoatao and Merep were arrested a couple of days later, and most of the money was recovered.

Tedtaotaos motion for compassionate release is scheduled for a status hearing June 17 before Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino. It was supposed to be discussed May 6, but was rescheduled because of Tedtaotaos absence and the parties involved being unaware of the details of the case.
UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- During the past week, 319 relief trucks and a fuel tanker reached Ethiopia's Tigray region, the highest number in a single week since June 2021, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

"Since aid convoys resumed at the start of April, around 15,500 metric tons of food aid have been brought into the Tigray region and are being distributed in 45 priority districts," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. But to reach all those in need, at least 68,000 tons more are required.

Although the 319 trucks loaded with aid cargo and one fuel tanker entered Tigray, humanitarian agencies still report a shortfall of cash, fuel and supplies for the beleaguered in the region, the office said. The United Nations and partners continue to assist people in the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, where needs also remain high.

The OCHA said that in Afar's Zone 2, a recent assessment found extremely worrying levels of malnutrition among some internally displaced people.

Aid partners established two stabilization centers in the zone for treating children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications, the office said. More than 845,000 people have received food assistance in Afar since late February. In the past week, more than 100,000 people benefitted from the trucking of clean water.

In Amhara, more than 10.4 million people have received food assistance since late December, OCHA said.

The world body and partners are also responding to the severe drought to hit the area, affecting more than 8 million people, especially in southern regions of Ethiopia. 
A convicted murderer who escaped from prison multiple times  including once when he kidnapped the treasurer of Guam  has filed a motion for compassionate release.

Vincent Torres Tedtaotao was 19 when he shot two men over a game of pool on Aug. 25, 1985.

Tedtaotao and another man walked into Bottoms Club in Maite and placed quarters on a pool table to show they wanted the next game. Danny Camacho and David Untalan, who were playing at the table, told them the proper procedure was to write their names on a list, court documents state.

The men argued, then took the dispute to the parking lot. Tedtaotao brandished a gun, pointed it at Untalan and said, Malagu hao yo paki hoa? meaning Do you want me to shoot you?

Dave picked up his hands, and was walking backward. When he turned to open the door, Tedtaotao shot at him, Camacho, who was also shot, testified during the trial. Tedtaotao was convicted of murdering Untalan and attempting to murder Camacho.

Tedtaotao was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the Department of Corrections, but he is currently being held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

Rehabilitation

A hearing on Tedtaotaos motion for compassion release is set for next month. He argues that he should be released because of his young age when he was sentenced, and his risk of getting COVID-19.

Tedtaotao knows he took a life and he beats himself up for that ever since, the 55-year-old inmate wrote in his motion. Two people lost their lives that day of the crime. Tedtaotao lost his life also.

The document states he was moved to federal prison because the Department of Corrections couldnt provide the needed rehabilitation. He wrote that he has excelled beyond anyones expectations.

Since being in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he has been able to come to terms with what has become of his life. He has been able to get the mental health care that wasnt made readily available to him in Guam, Tedtaotao wrote.

Motions

This isnt Tedtaotaos first attempt to get out of prison. A motion for compassionate release filed in the District Court of Guam was denied in 2021 because of jurisdictional issues. The federal court also denied a 2009 motion to vacate his sentence.

Tedtaotao previously filed to have the sentence reduced in the Superior Court of Guam, and he appealed his conviction on the grounds he had ineffective counsel during his trial, all of which were also denied.

In his motion to reduce his sentence filed in 1990, Tedtaotao and his attorney argued that he was successfully rehabilitated.

Escapes

The government argued Tedtaotao was prosecuted earlier for two felony escapes, and escaped yet a third time from the Department of Corrections only a few weeks prior to the hearing, Judge Peter Siguenza Jr. wrote in his decision to deny the motion.

Tedtaotao pleaded guilty to two of the escapes in 1987. He was sentenced to five years for each charge, all ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Then in 1991, Tedtaotao escaped from DOC twice, both times in attempts to rob the Treasurer of Guam.

His July attempt failed. Then on Aug. 12, 1991, following a plan concocted by a corrections officer, Tedtaotao and convicted murderer Joshua Merep escaped, according to court documents. Armed with a gun and knife, they went to the home of Guam Treasurer Isabel Munoz and threatened to kill her and her family, documents state.

They tied up Munozs family members and brought her to the Treasurers Office, where they robbed the vault of $42,000 in cash and $1 million in checks, according to news accounts from the time. They brought Munoz home and tied her up with the rest of her family.

Tedtoatao and Merep were arrested a couple of days later, and most of the money was recovered.

Tedtaotaos motion for compassionate release is scheduled for a status hearing June 17 before Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino. It was supposed to be discussed May 6, but was rescheduled because of Tedtaotaos absence and the parties involved being unaware of the details of the case.
A convicted murderer who escaped from prison multiple times  including once when he kidnapped the treasurer of Guam  has filed a motion for compassionate release.

Vincent Torres Tedtaotao was 19 when he shot two men over a game of pool on Aug. 25, 1985.

Tedtaotao and another man walked into Bottoms Club in Maite and placed quarters on a pool table to show they wanted the next game. Danny Camacho and David Untalan, who were playing at the table, told them the proper procedure was to write their names on a list, court documents state.

The men argued, then took the dispute to the parking lot. Tedtaotao brandished a gun, pointed it at Untalan and said, Malagu hao yo paki hoa? meaning Do you want me to shoot you?

Dave picked up his hands, and was walking backward. When he turned to open the door, Tedtaotao shot at him, Camacho, who was also shot, testified during the trial. Tedtaotao was convicted of murdering Untalan and attempting to murder Camacho.

Tedtaotao was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the Department of Corrections, but he is currently being held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

Rehabilitation

A hearing on Tedtaotaos motion for compassion release is set for next month. He argues that he should be released because of his young age when he was sentenced, and his risk of getting COVID-19.

Tedtaotao knows he took a life and he beats himself up for that ever since, the 55-year-old inmate wrote in his motion. Two people lost their lives that day of the crime. Tedtaotao lost his life also.

The document states he was moved to federal prison because the Department of Corrections couldnt provide the needed rehabilitation. He wrote that he has excelled beyond anyones expectations.

Since being in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he has been able to come to terms with what has become of his life. He has been able to get the mental health care that wasnt made readily available to him in Guam, Tedtaotao wrote.

Motions

This isnt Tedtaotaos first attempt to get out of prison. A motion for compassionate release filed in the District Court of Guam was denied in 2021 because of jurisdictional issues. The federal court also denied a 2009 motion to vacate his sentence.

Tedtaotao previously filed to have the sentence reduced in the Superior Court of Guam, and he appealed his conviction on the grounds he had ineffective counsel during his trial, all of which were also denied.

In his motion to reduce his sentence filed in 1990, Tedtaotao and his attorney argued that he was successfully rehabilitated.

Escapes

The government argued Tedtaotao was prosecuted earlier for two felony escapes, and escaped yet a third time from the Department of Corrections only a few weeks prior to the hearing, Judge Peter Siguenza Jr. wrote in his decision to deny the motion.

Tedtaotao pleaded guilty to two of the escapes in 1987. He was sentenced to five years for each charge, all ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Then in 1991, Tedtaotao escaped from DOC twice, both times in attempts to rob the Treasurer of Guam.

His July attempt failed. Then on Aug. 12, 1991, following a plan concocted by a corrections officer, Tedtaotao and convicted murderer Joshua Merep escaped, according to court documents. Armed with a gun and knife, they went to the home of Guam Treasurer Isabel Munoz and threatened to kill her and her family, documents state.

They tied up Munozs family members and brought her to the Treasurers Office, where they robbed the vault of $42,000 in cash and $1 million in checks, according to news accounts from the time. They brought Munoz home and tied her up with the rest of her family.

Tedtoatao and Merep were arrested a couple of days later, and most of the money was recovered.

Tedtaotaos motion for compassionate release is scheduled for a status hearing June 17 before Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino. It was supposed to be discussed May 6, but was rescheduled because of Tedtaotaos absence and the parties involved being unaware of the details of the case.
A convicted murderer who escaped from prison multiple times  including once when he kidnapped the treasurer of Guam  has filed a motion for compassionate release.

Vincent Torres Tedtaotao was 19 when he shot two men over a game of pool on Aug. 25, 1985.

Tedtaotao and another man walked into Bottoms Club in Maite and placed quarters on a pool table to show they wanted the next game. Danny Camacho and David Untalan, who were playing at the table, told them the proper procedure was to write their names on a list, court documents state.

The men argued, then took the dispute to the parking lot. Tedtaotao brandished a gun, pointed it at Untalan and said, Malagu hao yo paki hoa? meaning Do you want me to shoot you?

Dave picked up his hands, and was walking backward. When he turned to open the door, Tedtaotao shot at him, Camacho, who was also shot, testified during the trial. Tedtaotao was convicted of murdering Untalan and attempting to murder Camacho.

Tedtaotao was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He began his sentence at the Department of Corrections, but he is currently being held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

Rehabilitation

A hearing on Tedtaotaos motion for compassion release is set for next month. He argues that he should be released because of his young age when he was sentenced, and his risk of getting COVID-19.

Tedtaotao knows he took a life and he beats himself up for that ever since, the 55-year-old inmate wrote in his motion. Two people lost their lives that day of the crime. Tedtaotao lost his life also.

The document states he was moved to federal prison because the Department of Corrections couldnt provide the needed rehabilitation. He wrote that he has excelled beyond anyones expectations.

Since being in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he has been able to come to terms with what has become of his life. He has been able to get the mental health care that wasnt made readily available to him in Guam, Tedtaotao wrote.

Motions

This isnt Tedtaotaos first attempt to get out of prison. A motion for compassionate release filed in the District Court of Guam was denied in 2021 because of jurisdictional issues. The federal court also denied a 2009 motion to vacate his sentence.

Tedtaotao previously filed to have the sentence reduced in the Superior Court of Guam, and he appealed his conviction on the grounds he had ineffective counsel during his trial, all of which were also denied.

In his motion to reduce his sentence filed in 1990, Tedtaotao and his attorney argued that he was successfully rehabilitated.

Escapes

The government argued Tedtaotao was prosecuted earlier for two felony escapes, and escaped yet a third time from the Department of Corrections only a few weeks prior to the hearing, Judge Peter Siguenza Jr. wrote in his decision to deny the motion.

Tedtaotao pleaded guilty to two of the escapes in 1987. He was sentenced to five years for each charge, all ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Then in 1991, Tedtaotao escaped from DOC twice, both times in attempts to rob the Treasurer of Guam.

His July attempt failed. Then on Aug. 12, 1991, following a plan concocted by a corrections officer, Tedtaotao and convicted murderer Joshua Merep escaped, according to court documents. Armed with a gun and knife, they went to the home of Guam Treasurer Isabel Munoz and threatened to kill her and her family, documents state.

They tied up Munozs family members and brought her to the Treasurers Office, where they robbed the vault of $42,000 in cash and $1 million in checks, according to news accounts from the time. They brought Munoz home and tied her up with the rest of her family.

Tedtoatao and Merep were arrested a couple of days later, and most of the money was recovered.

Tedtaotaos motion for compassionate release is scheduled for a status hearing June 17 before Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino. It was supposed to be discussed May 6, but was rescheduled because of Tedtaotaos absence and the parties involved being unaware of the details of the case.
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)






MANAGEMENT REPORT

CEO summary

The first quarter of 2022 has been an atypical one. The Ukraine war started in February caused some concerns due to the geopolitical risks perceived in the area. However, after the initial (and understandable) concerns, the markets showed a good resiliency from the demand side, and we have seen no drop in the real estate prices and in the interest shown by potential buyers of real estate assets. The construction market still poses some challenging issues, due to the increase in cost of materials caused by the complications related to Covid-19 and relative problems in the supply chain and the impossibility of obtaining materials from the regions affected by the war.

Real estate development

In Tallinn, we have continued construction of Kindrali Houses and Kalaranna projects. In the first quarter of 2022 we continued handing over apartments in Kalaranna project, where completion of eight buildings with the total of 240 apartments will be achieved. Today we are handing over apartments in the Kalaranna 8/3 and 8/4 buildings and we have reservations or presales concluded for all business premises and for 99% of apartments in this phase of the project.

Last year we started construction of the new project Kindrali Houses in Kristiine City, where three building-complexes with the total of 195 apartments will be raised. In this project we had booked or presold more than half of the apartments before signing the construction agreement. Today we have no apartments available in Kindrali Houses. Two of the buildings are nearing completion end of May and June and the contractor is starting to hand over the apartments on the fourth week of May.

In Riga we are selling our ready luxury product River Breeze Residence and started the tendering process for the further development of Kliversala Residential Quarter - Blue Marine. We have received several offers from construction companies and are in the process of identifying the best option.

In Vilnius, we only have 4 unsold apartments in our Saltiniu Namai Attico project (including one which serves as a showroom). The real estate market has had a great run in 2021 and we saw a great deal of interest for our luxury properties, achieving some of the highest prices per square meter in all the local market. We received some offers from the construction companies for the following phase of city villas and a commercial building and we aim to start construction works this summer.

Hotel operations

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all the tourism sector, but luckily the German government has provided a great deal of support in terms of subsidies provided to PK Parkhotel Kurhaus in Bad Kreuznach.

We are in the process of renovation of the second half of the rooms (first half has been renovated 5 years ago), which will be completed by the end of the year. The works will also have the added benefit of converting an unused area into 7 standard rooms and creation of a luxurious suite with private sauna and terrace, which will greatly improve the overall prestige of the hotel.

We have signed a preliminary agreement to buy a 380 keys hotel in Sicily (Domina Zagarella Sicily), located near the biggest city of the island, Palermo. We are currently conducting an in-depth due diligence of the asset and we believe this may be a great opportunity to expand our portfolio.

We are satisfied with the results of the first quarter although they were influenced by one- time expenses in amount of 318 thousand euros related to change of the management. In the following months we plan on continuing the construction works of ongoing developments and prepare for the upcoming phases. The real estate development is going well, the market is strong, and we will continue implementing our strategy of creating long-term value for our shareholders and for the communities that we aim to develop in a sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way.

Edoardo Preatoni

CEO

Key financials

The total revenue of the Company in the first quarter of 2022 was 7.9 million euros, having increased by 42% compared to the reference period (2021 3M: 5.6 million euros). The real estate sales have been influenced by handing over completed apartments in Kalaranna District.

The gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 61% amounting to 2.6 million euros compared to 1.6 million euros in 2021.

The operating result in 2022 has decreased to 989 thousand euros profit comparing to 1.8 million euros during the same period in 2021. Higher profit in 2021 was affected by one-time sales of investment property and related revenue.

The net result for the first three months of 2022 was 251 thousand euros loss, comparing to 377 thousand euros profit (continuing operations) in the reference period.

Cash used in operating activities during first quarter of 2022 was minus 3.1 million euros comparing to 1.3 million euros generated during the same period in 2021.

Net assets per share on 31 March 2022 totalled to 0.75 euros compared to 0.13 euros on 31 March 2021.

Key performance indicators

2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M Revenue, th EUR 7 916 5 580 43 095 Gross profit, th EUR 2 558 1 591 10 576 Gross profit, % 32% 29% 25% Operating result, th EUR 989 1 786 39 821 Operating result, % 12% 32% 28% Net result, th EUR -251 -2 112 29 757 Net result, % -3% -38% 69% Earnings per share, EUR 0.00 -0.03 0.52





31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 Total Assets, th EUR 117 371 185 287 116 027 Total Liabilities, th EUR 74 779 177 829 73 184 Total Equity, th EUR 42 592 7 458 42 843 Debt / Equity * 1.76 23.84 1.71 Return on Assets, % ** -0.2% 0.2% 23.7% Return on Equity, % *** -0.6% 5.1% 113.5% Net asset value per share, EUR **** 0.75 0.13 0.76



*debt / equity = total debt / total equity

**return on assets = net profit/loss / total average assets

***return on equity = net profit/loss / total average equity

****net asset value per share = net equity / number of shares

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated interim statement of financial position

in thousands of euros 31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 650 13 331 9 626 Current receivables 2 071 1 542 802 Inventories 59 360 61 481 57 533 Total current assets 69 081 76 354 67 961 Non-current assets Non-current receivables 20 3 715 21 Property, plant and equipment 6 866 6 678 6 754 Right-of-use assets 173 357 202 Investment property 40 871 97 814 40 734 Intangible assets 360 369 354 Total non-current assets 48 290 108 933 48 065 TOTAL ASSETS 117 371 185 287 116 026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current debt 16 131 104 373 3 955 Customer advances 11 477 10 284 12 419 Current payables 7 253 24 011 7 297 Tax liabilities 116 1 280 1 143 Short-term provisions 714 471 713 Total current liabilities 35 691 140 419 25 527 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 37 909 33 425 46 455 Other non-current payables 20 2 638 20 Deferred income tax liabilities 1 134 1 151 1 133 Long-term provisions 25 196 48 Total non-current liabilities 39 088 37 410 47 656 TOTAL LIABILITIES 74 779 177 829 73 183 Equity attributable to owners of the Company Share capital in nominal value 11 338 11 338 11 338 Share premium 1 748 5 661 1 748 Statutory reserve 0 1 134 0 Revaluation reserve 2 984 2 984 2 984 Retained earnings 26 773 -8 031 0 Profit/ Loss for the period -251 -1 951 26 773 Total equity attributable

to owners of the Company 42 592 11 135 42 843 Non-controlling interest 0 -3 677 0 TOTAL EQUITY 42 592 7 458 42 843 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 117 371 185 287 116 026

Consolidated interim statements of comprehensive income

in thousands of euros 2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating income Revenue 7 916 5 580 43 095 Cost of goods sold -5 358 -3 989 -32 519 Gross profit 2 558 1 591 10 576 Marketing expenses -114 -125 -502 Administrative expenses -1 449 -992 -5 592 Other income 0 1 332 35 616 Other expenses -6 -20 -278 Operating profit/ loss 989 1 786 39 820 Financial income 1 1 6 Financial expense -1 226 -1 393 -5 964 Profit / loss before income tax -236 394 33 862 Income tax -15 -17 10 Net profit / loss from continuing operations -251 377 33 872 Profit from discontinued operations 0 - 2 489 -4 115 Net profit / loss for the period -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Total comprehensive income / loss for the year -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Earnings per share (continuing operations)  0.00 0.01 0.60 Earnings per share for the period  0.00 -0.03 0.52

Angelika Annus

CFO

+372 614 4920

prokapital@prokapital.ee

Attachment
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
The White House in a release today said that Biden signed the measure while abroad in Asia. The Senate voted to pass it on Thursday.

With the passage of the recent aid package, the total assistance given by the US this year has reached USD 54 billion, The Hill reported.

The President had asked Congress at the end of April to authorize an additional USD 33 billion for Ukraine as he exhausted the drawdown authority from the last bill passed in March. The figure lawmakers ultimately landed on was higher.

Earlier, Biden authorized another USD 100 million in security assistance to Ukraine on Thursday.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.

"Yesterday, I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart @oleksiireznikov. We discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting -- a follow up from our meeting in Ramstein -- which will include defense representatives from 40+ countries," he tweeted.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in the last week of February. Since then, several western countries have backed Kyiv in the ongoing war and imposed several sanctions on Russia. (ANI)

"Congress is working as a syndicate that is depriving farmers of their basic rights while also superficially standing for them. Congress and MLC Jeevan Reddy did nothing for turmeric farmers," said Kavitha while addressing a party meeting in Korutla here.

She further targeted senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and called the "Warangal Declaration" of the Indian National Congress a "paper of lies".

"I ask Rahul Gandhi how many Congress-ruled states have implemented promises made to the farmers? Only TRS government under KCR rule was committed to fighting for the farmers and people of the state," she added.

Kavitha said, "Only the TRS government supported farmers at every step and transferred Rs 50,000 crores as a direct bank transfer to the farmers of Telangana. We will continue to support the people and farmers here."

Meanwhile, the TRS leader also hit out at all the Opposition parties along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and called national leaders "political tourists" who visit the state for political gain only. (ANI)

After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
Nigella Lawson is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced.

Political: Nigella Lawson (pictured) is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister

While Nigella did not specify a party preference, she has been known to support the Labour Party in her native United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

He will replace Scott Morrison, who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced

Incoming: Anthony Albanese (pictured) will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel as they filmed scenes for the cooking show at the Sydney Opera House.

Out: He will replace Scott Morrison (pictured), who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement after the announcement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Filming: Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel (left)

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

MKR will return to Channel Seven later in the year after a hiatus following a drop in ratings, with the network insisting season 12 will return to its roots.

'The new season of MKR takes the much-loved show back to the original recipe - real people from all over the country, cooking real food in their own homes for the superstar judges and their fellow contestants,' they said in a statement.
Nigella Lawson is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced.

Political: Nigella Lawson (pictured) is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister

While Nigella did not specify a party preference, she has been known to support the Labour Party in her native United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

He will replace Scott Morrison, who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced

Incoming: Anthony Albanese (pictured) will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel as they filmed scenes for the cooking show at the Sydney Opera House.

Out: He will replace Scott Morrison (pictured), who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement after the announcement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Filming: Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel (left)

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

MKR will return to Channel Seven later in the year after a hiatus following a drop in ratings, with the network insisting season 12 will return to its roots.

'The new season of MKR takes the much-loved show back to the original recipe - real people from all over the country, cooking real food in their own homes for the superstar judges and their fellow contestants,' they said in a statement.
Nigella Lawson is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced.

Political: Nigella Lawson (pictured) is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister

While Nigella did not specify a party preference, she has been known to support the Labour Party in her native United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

He will replace Scott Morrison, who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced

Incoming: Anthony Albanese (pictured) will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel as they filmed scenes for the cooking show at the Sydney Opera House.

Out: He will replace Scott Morrison (pictured), who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement after the announcement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Filming: Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel (left)

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

MKR will return to Channel Seven later in the year after a hiatus following a drop in ratings, with the network insisting season 12 will return to its roots.

'The new season of MKR takes the much-loved show back to the original recipe - real people from all over the country, cooking real food in their own homes for the superstar judges and their fellow contestants,' they said in a statement.
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.

Biden said, "John understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, and he will ably represent the Administration on important national security issues.

While accepting the White House job, Kirby thanked Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months. Kirby said Austin has been more than just my boss; hes been a mentor and a confidante, and he has helped make me a better communicator.

Austin said Kirby will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

Kirby, who also served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is moving to the White House as it navigates a range of foreign policy challenges, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to North Korea's nuclear program. Kirby has been a fixture on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is valued in the administration for seeming to handle even the thorniest foreign policy questions with ease.

The NSC under Biden has not previously had someone in a dedicated, high-level strategic communications role.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A 47-year old Merced man is wanted on suspicion of robbing a bank in Merced on Friday morning, according to police.

Officers responded to a call of a bank robbery at PNC Bank, located at 3065 G Street in Merced, on Friday at 10:01 a.m.

The suspect robbed the bank by passing a note to the teller and fled with an undisclosed amount of money, according to a social media post by the Merced Police Department.

The suspect was later identified as Jzon Edward Buckner, 47, of Merced.

Merced police are attempting to locate a 47-year Merced man who is a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred on Friday morning in Merced.

Detectives responded and were able to obtain still photos of the suspect from when he was inside the bank. A witness also provided a video of the suspect fleeing the scene in a white van.

A detective observed a man fleeing from the area in the van shortly after. The man driving the man matched the description of the suspect from the bank robbery.

A traffic stop was attempted and a pursuit initiated when the driver of the van fled away at a high rate of speed. The van crashed and the driver ran from the van in the 2300 block of Ash Avenue in Merced.

Officers searched the area but couldnt locate the suspect.

Merced Police Officers located the clothing a bank robbery suspect wore during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of cash at his residence on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Buckner is on Federal Probation and State Parole for previous robberies that he committed. Police searched Buckners residence and located the clothing Buckner was wearing during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency were found in a trash can nearby.

A robbery warrant was issued for Buckners arrest. Detectives are asking for the publics assistance in locating Buckner.

Merced police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Christian Lupian at 209-385-7844 or by email at lupianc@cityofmerced.org.
A 47-year old Merced man is wanted on suspicion of robbing a bank in Merced on Friday morning, according to police.

Officers responded to a call of a bank robbery at PNC Bank, located at 3065 G Street in Merced, on Friday at 10:01 a.m.

The suspect robbed the bank by passing a note to the teller and fled with an undisclosed amount of money, according to a social media post by the Merced Police Department.

The suspect was later identified as Jzon Edward Buckner, 47, of Merced.

Merced police are attempting to locate a 47-year Merced man who is a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred on Friday morning in Merced.

Detectives responded and were able to obtain still photos of the suspect from when he was inside the bank. A witness also provided a video of the suspect fleeing the scene in a white van.

A detective observed a man fleeing from the area in the van shortly after. The man driving the man matched the description of the suspect from the bank robbery.

A traffic stop was attempted and a pursuit initiated when the driver of the van fled away at a high rate of speed. The van crashed and the driver ran from the van in the 2300 block of Ash Avenue in Merced.

Officers searched the area but couldnt locate the suspect.

Merced Police Officers located the clothing a bank robbery suspect wore during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of cash at his residence on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Buckner is on Federal Probation and State Parole for previous robberies that he committed. Police searched Buckners residence and located the clothing Buckner was wearing during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency were found in a trash can nearby.

A robbery warrant was issued for Buckners arrest. Detectives are asking for the publics assistance in locating Buckner.

Merced police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Christian Lupian at 209-385-7844 or by email at lupianc@cityofmerced.org.
A 47-year old Merced man is wanted on suspicion of robbing a bank in Merced on Friday morning, according to police.

Officers responded to a call of a bank robbery at PNC Bank, located at 3065 G Street in Merced, on Friday at 10:01 a.m.

The suspect robbed the bank by passing a note to the teller and fled with an undisclosed amount of money, according to a social media post by the Merced Police Department.

The suspect was later identified as Jzon Edward Buckner, 47, of Merced.

Merced police are attempting to locate a 47-year Merced man who is a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred on Friday morning in Merced.

Detectives responded and were able to obtain still photos of the suspect from when he was inside the bank. A witness also provided a video of the suspect fleeing the scene in a white van.

A detective observed a man fleeing from the area in the van shortly after. The man driving the man matched the description of the suspect from the bank robbery.

A traffic stop was attempted and a pursuit initiated when the driver of the van fled away at a high rate of speed. The van crashed and the driver ran from the van in the 2300 block of Ash Avenue in Merced.

Officers searched the area but couldnt locate the suspect.

Merced Police Officers located the clothing a bank robbery suspect wore during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of cash at his residence on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Buckner is on Federal Probation and State Parole for previous robberies that he committed. Police searched Buckners residence and located the clothing Buckner was wearing during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency were found in a trash can nearby.

A robbery warrant was issued for Buckners arrest. Detectives are asking for the publics assistance in locating Buckner.

Merced police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Christian Lupian at 209-385-7844 or by email at lupianc@cityofmerced.org.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
MANAGEMENT REPORT

CEO summary

The first quarter of 2022 has been an atypical one. The Ukraine war started in February caused some concerns due to the geopolitical risks perceived in the area. However, after the initial (and understandable) concerns, the markets showed a good resiliency from the demand side, and we have seen no drop in the real estate prices and in the interest shown by potential buyers of real estate assets. The construction market still poses some challenging issues, due to the increase in cost of materials caused by the complications related to Covid-19 and relative problems in the supply chain and the impossibility of obtaining materials from the regions affected by the war.

Real estate development

In Tallinn, we have continued construction of Kindrali Houses and Kalaranna projects. In the first quarter of 2022 we continued handing over apartments in Kalaranna project, where completion of eight buildings with the total of 240 apartments will be achieved. Today we are handing over apartments in the Kalaranna 8/3 and 8/4 buildings and we have reservations or presales concluded for all business premises and for 99% of apartments in this phase of the project.

Last year we started construction of the new project Kindrali Houses in Kristiine City, where three building-complexes with the total of 195 apartments will be raised. In this project we had booked or presold more than half of the apartments before signing the construction agreement. Today we have no apartments available in Kindrali Houses. Two of the buildings are nearing completion end of May and June and the contractor is starting to hand over the apartments on the fourth week of May.

In Riga we are selling our ready luxury product River Breeze Residence and started the tendering process for the further development of Kliversala Residential Quarter - Blue Marine. We have received several offers from construction companies and are in the process of identifying the best option.

In Vilnius, we only have 4 unsold apartments in our Saltiniu Namai Attico project (including one which serves as a showroom). The real estate market has had a great run in 2021 and we saw a great deal of interest for our luxury properties, achieving some of the highest prices per square meter in all the local market. We received some offers from the construction companies for the following phase of city villas and a commercial building and we aim to start construction works this summer.

Hotel operations

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all the tourism sector, but luckily the German government has provided a great deal of support in terms of subsidies provided to PK Parkhotel Kurhaus in Bad Kreuznach.

We are in the process of renovation of the second half of the rooms (first half has been renovated 5 years ago), which will be completed by the end of the year. The works will also have the added benefit of converting an unused area into 7 standard rooms and creation of a luxurious suite with private sauna and terrace, which will greatly improve the overall prestige of the hotel.

We have signed a preliminary agreement to buy a 380 keys hotel in Sicily (Domina Zagarella Sicily), located near the biggest city of the island, Palermo. We are currently conducting an in-depth due diligence of the asset and we believe this may be a great opportunity to expand our portfolio.

We are satisfied with the results of the first quarter although they were influenced by one- time expenses in amount of 318 thousand euros related to change of the management. In the following months we plan on continuing the construction works of ongoing developments and prepare for the upcoming phases. The real estate development is going well, the market is strong, and we will continue implementing our strategy of creating long-term value for our shareholders and for the communities that we aim to develop in a sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way.

Edoardo Preatoni

CEO

Key financials

The total revenue of the Company in the first quarter of 2022 was 7.9 million euros, having increased by 42% compared to the reference period (2021 3M: 5.6 million euros). The real estate sales have been influenced by handing over completed apartments in Kalaranna District.

The gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 61% amounting to 2.6 million euros compared to 1.6 million euros in 2021.

The operating result in 2022 has decreased to 989 thousand euros profit comparing to 1.8 million euros during the same period in 2021. Higher profit in 2021 was affected by one-time sales of investment property and related revenue.

The net result for the first three months of 2022 was 251 thousand euros loss, comparing to 377 thousand euros profit (continuing operations) in the reference period.

Cash used in operating activities during first quarter of 2022 was minus 3.1 million euros comparing to 1.3 million euros generated during the same period in 2021.

Net assets per share on 31 March 2022 totalled to 0.75 euros compared to 0.13 euros on 31 March 2021.

Key performance indicators

2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M Revenue, th EUR 7 916 5 580 43 095 Gross profit, th EUR 2 558 1 591 10 576 Gross profit, % 32% 29% 25% Operating result, th EUR 989 1 786 39 821 Operating result, % 12% 32% 28% Net result, th EUR -251 -2 112 29 757 Net result, % -3% -38% 69% Earnings per share, EUR 0.00 -0.03 0.52





31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 Total Assets, th EUR 117 371 185 287 116 027 Total Liabilities, th EUR 74 779 177 829 73 184 Total Equity, th EUR 42 592 7 458 42 843 Debt / Equity * 1.76 23.84 1.71 Return on Assets, % ** -0.2% 0.2% 23.7% Return on Equity, % *** -0.6% 5.1% 113.5% Net asset value per share, EUR **** 0.75 0.13 0.76



*debt / equity = total debt / total equity

**return on assets = net profit/loss / total average assets

***return on equity = net profit/loss / total average equity

****net asset value per share = net equity / number of shares

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated interim statement of financial position

in thousands of euros 31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 650 13 331 9 626 Current receivables 2 071 1 542 802 Inventories 59 360 61 481 57 533 Total current assets 69 081 76 354 67 961 Non-current assets Non-current receivables 20 3 715 21 Property, plant and equipment 6 866 6 678 6 754 Right-of-use assets 173 357 202 Investment property 40 871 97 814 40 734 Intangible assets 360 369 354 Total non-current assets 48 290 108 933 48 065 TOTAL ASSETS 117 371 185 287 116 026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current debt 16 131 104 373 3 955 Customer advances 11 477 10 284 12 419 Current payables 7 253 24 011 7 297 Tax liabilities 116 1 280 1 143 Short-term provisions 714 471 713 Total current liabilities 35 691 140 419 25 527 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 37 909 33 425 46 455 Other non-current payables 20 2 638 20 Deferred income tax liabilities 1 134 1 151 1 133 Long-term provisions 25 196 48 Total non-current liabilities 39 088 37 410 47 656 TOTAL LIABILITIES 74 779 177 829 73 183 Equity attributable to owners of the Company Share capital in nominal value 11 338 11 338 11 338 Share premium 1 748 5 661 1 748 Statutory reserve 0 1 134 0 Revaluation reserve 2 984 2 984 2 984 Retained earnings 26 773 -8 031 0 Profit/ Loss for the period -251 -1 951 26 773 Total equity attributable

to owners of the Company 42 592 11 135 42 843 Non-controlling interest 0 -3 677 0 TOTAL EQUITY 42 592 7 458 42 843 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 117 371 185 287 116 026

Consolidated interim statements of comprehensive income

in thousands of euros 2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating income Revenue 7 916 5 580 43 095 Cost of goods sold -5 358 -3 989 -32 519 Gross profit 2 558 1 591 10 576 Marketing expenses -114 -125 -502 Administrative expenses -1 449 -992 -5 592 Other income 0 1 332 35 616 Other expenses -6 -20 -278 Operating profit/ loss 989 1 786 39 820 Financial income 1 1 6 Financial expense -1 226 -1 393 -5 964 Profit / loss before income tax -236 394 33 862 Income tax -15 -17 10 Net profit / loss from continuing operations -251 377 33 872 Profit from discontinued operations 0 - 2 489 -4 115 Net profit / loss for the period -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Total comprehensive income / loss for the year -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Earnings per share (continuing operations)  0.00 0.01 0.60 Earnings per share for the period  0.00 -0.03 0.52

Angelika Annus

CFO

+372 614 4920

prokapital@prokapital.ee

Attachment
MANAGEMENT REPORT

CEO summary

The first quarter of 2022 has been an atypical one. The Ukraine war started in February caused some concerns due to the geopolitical risks perceived in the area. However, after the initial (and understandable) concerns, the markets showed a good resiliency from the demand side, and we have seen no drop in the real estate prices and in the interest shown by potential buyers of real estate assets. The construction market still poses some challenging issues, due to the increase in cost of materials caused by the complications related to Covid-19 and relative problems in the supply chain and the impossibility of obtaining materials from the regions affected by the war.

Real estate development

In Tallinn, we have continued construction of Kindrali Houses and Kalaranna projects. In the first quarter of 2022 we continued handing over apartments in Kalaranna project, where completion of eight buildings with the total of 240 apartments will be achieved. Today we are handing over apartments in the Kalaranna 8/3 and 8/4 buildings and we have reservations or presales concluded for all business premises and for 99% of apartments in this phase of the project.

Last year we started construction of the new project Kindrali Houses in Kristiine City, where three building-complexes with the total of 195 apartments will be raised. In this project we had booked or presold more than half of the apartments before signing the construction agreement. Today we have no apartments available in Kindrali Houses. Two of the buildings are nearing completion end of May and June and the contractor is starting to hand over the apartments on the fourth week of May.

In Riga we are selling our ready luxury product River Breeze Residence and started the tendering process for the further development of Kliversala Residential Quarter - Blue Marine. We have received several offers from construction companies and are in the process of identifying the best option.

In Vilnius, we only have 4 unsold apartments in our Saltiniu Namai Attico project (including one which serves as a showroom). The real estate market has had a great run in 2021 and we saw a great deal of interest for our luxury properties, achieving some of the highest prices per square meter in all the local market. We received some offers from the construction companies for the following phase of city villas and a commercial building and we aim to start construction works this summer.

Hotel operations

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all the tourism sector, but luckily the German government has provided a great deal of support in terms of subsidies provided to PK Parkhotel Kurhaus in Bad Kreuznach.

We are in the process of renovation of the second half of the rooms (first half has been renovated 5 years ago), which will be completed by the end of the year. The works will also have the added benefit of converting an unused area into 7 standard rooms and creation of a luxurious suite with private sauna and terrace, which will greatly improve the overall prestige of the hotel.

We have signed a preliminary agreement to buy a 380 keys hotel in Sicily (Domina Zagarella Sicily), located near the biggest city of the island, Palermo. We are currently conducting an in-depth due diligence of the asset and we believe this may be a great opportunity to expand our portfolio.

We are satisfied with the results of the first quarter although they were influenced by one- time expenses in amount of 318 thousand euros related to change of the management. In the following months we plan on continuing the construction works of ongoing developments and prepare for the upcoming phases. The real estate development is going well, the market is strong, and we will continue implementing our strategy of creating long-term value for our shareholders and for the communities that we aim to develop in a sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way.

Edoardo Preatoni

CEO

Key financials

The total revenue of the Company in the first quarter of 2022 was 7.9 million euros, having increased by 42% compared to the reference period (2021 3M: 5.6 million euros). The real estate sales have been influenced by handing over completed apartments in Kalaranna District.

The gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 61% amounting to 2.6 million euros compared to 1.6 million euros in 2021.

The operating result in 2022 has decreased to 989 thousand euros profit comparing to 1.8 million euros during the same period in 2021. Higher profit in 2021 was affected by one-time sales of investment property and related revenue.

The net result for the first three months of 2022 was 251 thousand euros loss, comparing to 377 thousand euros profit (continuing operations) in the reference period.

Cash used in operating activities during first quarter of 2022 was minus 3.1 million euros comparing to 1.3 million euros generated during the same period in 2021.

Net assets per share on 31 March 2022 totalled to 0.75 euros compared to 0.13 euros on 31 March 2021.

Key performance indicators

2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M Revenue, th EUR 7 916 5 580 43 095 Gross profit, th EUR 2 558 1 591 10 576 Gross profit, % 32% 29% 25% Operating result, th EUR 989 1 786 39 821 Operating result, % 12% 32% 28% Net result, th EUR -251 -2 112 29 757 Net result, % -3% -38% 69% Earnings per share, EUR 0.00 -0.03 0.52





31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 Total Assets, th EUR 117 371 185 287 116 027 Total Liabilities, th EUR 74 779 177 829 73 184 Total Equity, th EUR 42 592 7 458 42 843 Debt / Equity * 1.76 23.84 1.71 Return on Assets, % ** -0.2% 0.2% 23.7% Return on Equity, % *** -0.6% 5.1% 113.5% Net asset value per share, EUR **** 0.75 0.13 0.76



*debt / equity = total debt / total equity

**return on assets = net profit/loss / total average assets

***return on equity = net profit/loss / total average equity

****net asset value per share = net equity / number of shares

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated interim statement of financial position

in thousands of euros 31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 650 13 331 9 626 Current receivables 2 071 1 542 802 Inventories 59 360 61 481 57 533 Total current assets 69 081 76 354 67 961 Non-current assets Non-current receivables 20 3 715 21 Property, plant and equipment 6 866 6 678 6 754 Right-of-use assets 173 357 202 Investment property 40 871 97 814 40 734 Intangible assets 360 369 354 Total non-current assets 48 290 108 933 48 065 TOTAL ASSETS 117 371 185 287 116 026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current debt 16 131 104 373 3 955 Customer advances 11 477 10 284 12 419 Current payables 7 253 24 011 7 297 Tax liabilities 116 1 280 1 143 Short-term provisions 714 471 713 Total current liabilities 35 691 140 419 25 527 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 37 909 33 425 46 455 Other non-current payables 20 2 638 20 Deferred income tax liabilities 1 134 1 151 1 133 Long-term provisions 25 196 48 Total non-current liabilities 39 088 37 410 47 656 TOTAL LIABILITIES 74 779 177 829 73 183 Equity attributable to owners of the Company Share capital in nominal value 11 338 11 338 11 338 Share premium 1 748 5 661 1 748 Statutory reserve 0 1 134 0 Revaluation reserve 2 984 2 984 2 984 Retained earnings 26 773 -8 031 0 Profit/ Loss for the period -251 -1 951 26 773 Total equity attributable

to owners of the Company 42 592 11 135 42 843 Non-controlling interest 0 -3 677 0 TOTAL EQUITY 42 592 7 458 42 843 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 117 371 185 287 116 026

Consolidated interim statements of comprehensive income

in thousands of euros 2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating income Revenue 7 916 5 580 43 095 Cost of goods sold -5 358 -3 989 -32 519 Gross profit 2 558 1 591 10 576 Marketing expenses -114 -125 -502 Administrative expenses -1 449 -992 -5 592 Other income 0 1 332 35 616 Other expenses -6 -20 -278 Operating profit/ loss 989 1 786 39 820 Financial income 1 1 6 Financial expense -1 226 -1 393 -5 964 Profit / loss before income tax -236 394 33 862 Income tax -15 -17 10 Net profit / loss from continuing operations -251 377 33 872 Profit from discontinued operations 0 - 2 489 -4 115 Net profit / loss for the period -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Total comprehensive income / loss for the year -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Earnings per share (continuing operations)  0.00 0.01 0.60 Earnings per share for the period  0.00 -0.03 0.52

Angelika Annus

CFO

+372 614 4920

prokapital@prokapital.ee

Attachment
MANAGEMENT REPORT

CEO summary

The first quarter of 2022 has been an atypical one. The Ukraine war started in February caused some concerns due to the geopolitical risks perceived in the area. However, after the initial (and understandable) concerns, the markets showed a good resiliency from the demand side, and we have seen no drop in the real estate prices and in the interest shown by potential buyers of real estate assets. The construction market still poses some challenging issues, due to the increase in cost of materials caused by the complications related to Covid-19 and relative problems in the supply chain and the impossibility of obtaining materials from the regions affected by the war.

Real estate development

In Tallinn, we have continued construction of Kindrali Houses and Kalaranna projects. In the first quarter of 2022 we continued handing over apartments in Kalaranna project, where completion of eight buildings with the total of 240 apartments will be achieved. Today we are handing over apartments in the Kalaranna 8/3 and 8/4 buildings and we have reservations or presales concluded for all business premises and for 99% of apartments in this phase of the project.

Last year we started construction of the new project Kindrali Houses in Kristiine City, where three building-complexes with the total of 195 apartments will be raised. In this project we had booked or presold more than half of the apartments before signing the construction agreement. Today we have no apartments available in Kindrali Houses. Two of the buildings are nearing completion end of May and June and the contractor is starting to hand over the apartments on the fourth week of May.

In Riga we are selling our ready luxury product River Breeze Residence and started the tendering process for the further development of Kliversala Residential Quarter - Blue Marine. We have received several offers from construction companies and are in the process of identifying the best option.

In Vilnius, we only have 4 unsold apartments in our Saltiniu Namai Attico project (including one which serves as a showroom). The real estate market has had a great run in 2021 and we saw a great deal of interest for our luxury properties, achieving some of the highest prices per square meter in all the local market. We received some offers from the construction companies for the following phase of city villas and a commercial building and we aim to start construction works this summer.

Hotel operations

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all the tourism sector, but luckily the German government has provided a great deal of support in terms of subsidies provided to PK Parkhotel Kurhaus in Bad Kreuznach.

We are in the process of renovation of the second half of the rooms (first half has been renovated 5 years ago), which will be completed by the end of the year. The works will also have the added benefit of converting an unused area into 7 standard rooms and creation of a luxurious suite with private sauna and terrace, which will greatly improve the overall prestige of the hotel.

We have signed a preliminary agreement to buy a 380 keys hotel in Sicily (Domina Zagarella Sicily), located near the biggest city of the island, Palermo. We are currently conducting an in-depth due diligence of the asset and we believe this may be a great opportunity to expand our portfolio.

We are satisfied with the results of the first quarter although they were influenced by one- time expenses in amount of 318 thousand euros related to change of the management. In the following months we plan on continuing the construction works of ongoing developments and prepare for the upcoming phases. The real estate development is going well, the market is strong, and we will continue implementing our strategy of creating long-term value for our shareholders and for the communities that we aim to develop in a sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way.

Edoardo Preatoni

CEO

Key financials

The total revenue of the Company in the first quarter of 2022 was 7.9 million euros, having increased by 42% compared to the reference period (2021 3M: 5.6 million euros). The real estate sales have been influenced by handing over completed apartments in Kalaranna District.

The gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 61% amounting to 2.6 million euros compared to 1.6 million euros in 2021.

The operating result in 2022 has decreased to 989 thousand euros profit comparing to 1.8 million euros during the same period in 2021. Higher profit in 2021 was affected by one-time sales of investment property and related revenue.

The net result for the first three months of 2022 was 251 thousand euros loss, comparing to 377 thousand euros profit (continuing operations) in the reference period.

Cash used in operating activities during first quarter of 2022 was minus 3.1 million euros comparing to 1.3 million euros generated during the same period in 2021.

Net assets per share on 31 March 2022 totalled to 0.75 euros compared to 0.13 euros on 31 March 2021.

Key performance indicators

2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M Revenue, th EUR 7 916 5 580 43 095 Gross profit, th EUR 2 558 1 591 10 576 Gross profit, % 32% 29% 25% Operating result, th EUR 989 1 786 39 821 Operating result, % 12% 32% 28% Net result, th EUR -251 -2 112 29 757 Net result, % -3% -38% 69% Earnings per share, EUR 0.00 -0.03 0.52





31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 Total Assets, th EUR 117 371 185 287 116 027 Total Liabilities, th EUR 74 779 177 829 73 184 Total Equity, th EUR 42 592 7 458 42 843 Debt / Equity * 1.76 23.84 1.71 Return on Assets, % ** -0.2% 0.2% 23.7% Return on Equity, % *** -0.6% 5.1% 113.5% Net asset value per share, EUR **** 0.75 0.13 0.76



*debt / equity = total debt / total equity

**return on assets = net profit/loss / total average assets

***return on equity = net profit/loss / total average equity

****net asset value per share = net equity / number of shares

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated interim statement of financial position

in thousands of euros 31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 650 13 331 9 626 Current receivables 2 071 1 542 802 Inventories 59 360 61 481 57 533 Total current assets 69 081 76 354 67 961 Non-current assets Non-current receivables 20 3 715 21 Property, plant and equipment 6 866 6 678 6 754 Right-of-use assets 173 357 202 Investment property 40 871 97 814 40 734 Intangible assets 360 369 354 Total non-current assets 48 290 108 933 48 065 TOTAL ASSETS 117 371 185 287 116 026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current debt 16 131 104 373 3 955 Customer advances 11 477 10 284 12 419 Current payables 7 253 24 011 7 297 Tax liabilities 116 1 280 1 143 Short-term provisions 714 471 713 Total current liabilities 35 691 140 419 25 527 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 37 909 33 425 46 455 Other non-current payables 20 2 638 20 Deferred income tax liabilities 1 134 1 151 1 133 Long-term provisions 25 196 48 Total non-current liabilities 39 088 37 410 47 656 TOTAL LIABILITIES 74 779 177 829 73 183 Equity attributable to owners of the Company Share capital in nominal value 11 338 11 338 11 338 Share premium 1 748 5 661 1 748 Statutory reserve 0 1 134 0 Revaluation reserve 2 984 2 984 2 984 Retained earnings 26 773 -8 031 0 Profit/ Loss for the period -251 -1 951 26 773 Total equity attributable

to owners of the Company 42 592 11 135 42 843 Non-controlling interest 0 -3 677 0 TOTAL EQUITY 42 592 7 458 42 843 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 117 371 185 287 116 026

Consolidated interim statements of comprehensive income

in thousands of euros 2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating income Revenue 7 916 5 580 43 095 Cost of goods sold -5 358 -3 989 -32 519 Gross profit 2 558 1 591 10 576 Marketing expenses -114 -125 -502 Administrative expenses -1 449 -992 -5 592 Other income 0 1 332 35 616 Other expenses -6 -20 -278 Operating profit/ loss 989 1 786 39 820 Financial income 1 1 6 Financial expense -1 226 -1 393 -5 964 Profit / loss before income tax -236 394 33 862 Income tax -15 -17 10 Net profit / loss from continuing operations -251 377 33 872 Profit from discontinued operations 0 - 2 489 -4 115 Net profit / loss for the period -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Total comprehensive income / loss for the year -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Earnings per share (continuing operations)  0.00 0.01 0.60 Earnings per share for the period  0.00 -0.03 0.52

Angelika Annus

CFO

+372 614 4920

prokapital@prokapital.ee

Attachment
MANAGEMENT REPORT

CEO summary

The first quarter of 2022 has been an atypical one. The Ukraine war started in February caused some concerns due to the geopolitical risks perceived in the area. However, after the initial (and understandable) concerns, the markets showed a good resiliency from the demand side, and we have seen no drop in the real estate prices and in the interest shown by potential buyers of real estate assets. The construction market still poses some challenging issues, due to the increase in cost of materials caused by the complications related to Covid-19 and relative problems in the supply chain and the impossibility of obtaining materials from the regions affected by the war.

Real estate development

In Tallinn, we have continued construction of Kindrali Houses and Kalaranna projects. In the first quarter of 2022 we continued handing over apartments in Kalaranna project, where completion of eight buildings with the total of 240 apartments will be achieved. Today we are handing over apartments in the Kalaranna 8/3 and 8/4 buildings and we have reservations or presales concluded for all business premises and for 99% of apartments in this phase of the project.

Last year we started construction of the new project Kindrali Houses in Kristiine City, where three building-complexes with the total of 195 apartments will be raised. In this project we had booked or presold more than half of the apartments before signing the construction agreement. Today we have no apartments available in Kindrali Houses. Two of the buildings are nearing completion end of May and June and the contractor is starting to hand over the apartments on the fourth week of May.

In Riga we are selling our ready luxury product River Breeze Residence and started the tendering process for the further development of Kliversala Residential Quarter - Blue Marine. We have received several offers from construction companies and are in the process of identifying the best option.

In Vilnius, we only have 4 unsold apartments in our Saltiniu Namai Attico project (including one which serves as a showroom). The real estate market has had a great run in 2021 and we saw a great deal of interest for our luxury properties, achieving some of the highest prices per square meter in all the local market. We received some offers from the construction companies for the following phase of city villas and a commercial building and we aim to start construction works this summer.

Hotel operations

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all the tourism sector, but luckily the German government has provided a great deal of support in terms of subsidies provided to PK Parkhotel Kurhaus in Bad Kreuznach.

We are in the process of renovation of the second half of the rooms (first half has been renovated 5 years ago), which will be completed by the end of the year. The works will also have the added benefit of converting an unused area into 7 standard rooms and creation of a luxurious suite with private sauna and terrace, which will greatly improve the overall prestige of the hotel.

We have signed a preliminary agreement to buy a 380 keys hotel in Sicily (Domina Zagarella Sicily), located near the biggest city of the island, Palermo. We are currently conducting an in-depth due diligence of the asset and we believe this may be a great opportunity to expand our portfolio.

We are satisfied with the results of the first quarter although they were influenced by one- time expenses in amount of 318 thousand euros related to change of the management. In the following months we plan on continuing the construction works of ongoing developments and prepare for the upcoming phases. The real estate development is going well, the market is strong, and we will continue implementing our strategy of creating long-term value for our shareholders and for the communities that we aim to develop in a sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way.

Edoardo Preatoni

CEO

Key financials

The total revenue of the Company in the first quarter of 2022 was 7.9 million euros, having increased by 42% compared to the reference period (2021 3M: 5.6 million euros). The real estate sales have been influenced by handing over completed apartments in Kalaranna District.

The gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 61% amounting to 2.6 million euros compared to 1.6 million euros in 2021.

The operating result in 2022 has decreased to 989 thousand euros profit comparing to 1.8 million euros during the same period in 2021. Higher profit in 2021 was affected by one-time sales of investment property and related revenue.

The net result for the first three months of 2022 was 251 thousand euros loss, comparing to 377 thousand euros profit (continuing operations) in the reference period.

Cash used in operating activities during first quarter of 2022 was minus 3.1 million euros comparing to 1.3 million euros generated during the same period in 2021.

Net assets per share on 31 March 2022 totalled to 0.75 euros compared to 0.13 euros on 31 March 2021.

Key performance indicators

2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M Revenue, th EUR 7 916 5 580 43 095 Gross profit, th EUR 2 558 1 591 10 576 Gross profit, % 32% 29% 25% Operating result, th EUR 989 1 786 39 821 Operating result, % 12% 32% 28% Net result, th EUR -251 -2 112 29 757 Net result, % -3% -38% 69% Earnings per share, EUR 0.00 -0.03 0.52





31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 Total Assets, th EUR 117 371 185 287 116 027 Total Liabilities, th EUR 74 779 177 829 73 184 Total Equity, th EUR 42 592 7 458 42 843 Debt / Equity * 1.76 23.84 1.71 Return on Assets, % ** -0.2% 0.2% 23.7% Return on Equity, % *** -0.6% 5.1% 113.5% Net asset value per share, EUR **** 0.75 0.13 0.76



*debt / equity = total debt / total equity

**return on assets = net profit/loss / total average assets

***return on equity = net profit/loss / total average equity

****net asset value per share = net equity / number of shares

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated interim statement of financial position

in thousands of euros 31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 650 13 331 9 626 Current receivables 2 071 1 542 802 Inventories 59 360 61 481 57 533 Total current assets 69 081 76 354 67 961 Non-current assets Non-current receivables 20 3 715 21 Property, plant and equipment 6 866 6 678 6 754 Right-of-use assets 173 357 202 Investment property 40 871 97 814 40 734 Intangible assets 360 369 354 Total non-current assets 48 290 108 933 48 065 TOTAL ASSETS 117 371 185 287 116 026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current debt 16 131 104 373 3 955 Customer advances 11 477 10 284 12 419 Current payables 7 253 24 011 7 297 Tax liabilities 116 1 280 1 143 Short-term provisions 714 471 713 Total current liabilities 35 691 140 419 25 527 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 37 909 33 425 46 455 Other non-current payables 20 2 638 20 Deferred income tax liabilities 1 134 1 151 1 133 Long-term provisions 25 196 48 Total non-current liabilities 39 088 37 410 47 656 TOTAL LIABILITIES 74 779 177 829 73 183 Equity attributable to owners of the Company Share capital in nominal value 11 338 11 338 11 338 Share premium 1 748 5 661 1 748 Statutory reserve 0 1 134 0 Revaluation reserve 2 984 2 984 2 984 Retained earnings 26 773 -8 031 0 Profit/ Loss for the period -251 -1 951 26 773 Total equity attributable

to owners of the Company 42 592 11 135 42 843 Non-controlling interest 0 -3 677 0 TOTAL EQUITY 42 592 7 458 42 843 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 117 371 185 287 116 026

Consolidated interim statements of comprehensive income

in thousands of euros 2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating income Revenue 7 916 5 580 43 095 Cost of goods sold -5 358 -3 989 -32 519 Gross profit 2 558 1 591 10 576 Marketing expenses -114 -125 -502 Administrative expenses -1 449 -992 -5 592 Other income 0 1 332 35 616 Other expenses -6 -20 -278 Operating profit/ loss 989 1 786 39 820 Financial income 1 1 6 Financial expense -1 226 -1 393 -5 964 Profit / loss before income tax -236 394 33 862 Income tax -15 -17 10 Net profit / loss from continuing operations -251 377 33 872 Profit from discontinued operations 0 - 2 489 -4 115 Net profit / loss for the period -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Total comprehensive income / loss for the year -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Earnings per share (continuing operations)  0.00 0.01 0.60 Earnings per share for the period  0.00 -0.03 0.52

Angelika Annus

CFO

+372 614 4920

prokapital@prokapital.ee

Attachment
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.

Biden said, "John understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, and he will ably represent the Administration on important national security issues.

While accepting the White House job, Kirby thanked Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months. Kirby said Austin has been more than just my boss; hes been a mentor and a confidante, and he has helped make me a better communicator.

Austin said Kirby will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

Kirby, who also served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is moving to the White House as it navigates a range of foreign policy challenges, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to North Korea's nuclear program. Kirby has been a fixture on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is valued in the administration for seeming to handle even the thorniest foreign policy questions with ease.

The NSC under Biden has not previously had someone in a dedicated, high-level strategic communications role.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Nigella Lawson is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced.

Political: Nigella Lawson (pictured) is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister

While Nigella did not specify a party preference, she has been known to support the Labour Party in her native United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

He will replace Scott Morrison, who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced

Incoming: Anthony Albanese (pictured) will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel as they filmed scenes for the cooking show at the Sydney Opera House.

Out: He will replace Scott Morrison (pictured), who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement after the announcement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Filming: Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel (left)

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

MKR will return to Channel Seven later in the year after a hiatus following a drop in ratings, with the network insisting season 12 will return to its roots.

'The new season of MKR takes the much-loved show back to the original recipe - real people from all over the country, cooking real food in their own homes for the superstar judges and their fellow contestants,' they said in a statement.
Nigella Lawson is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced.

Political: Nigella Lawson (pictured) is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister

While Nigella did not specify a party preference, she has been known to support the Labour Party in her native United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

He will replace Scott Morrison, who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced

Incoming: Anthony Albanese (pictured) will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel as they filmed scenes for the cooking show at the Sydney Opera House.

Out: He will replace Scott Morrison (pictured), who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement after the announcement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Filming: Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel (left)

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

MKR will return to Channel Seven later in the year after a hiatus following a drop in ratings, with the network insisting season 12 will return to its roots.

'The new season of MKR takes the much-loved show back to the original recipe - real people from all over the country, cooking real food in their own homes for the superstar judges and their fellow contestants,' they said in a statement.
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The White House in a release today said that Biden signed the measure while abroad in Asia. The Senate voted to pass it on Thursday.

With the passage of the recent aid package, the total assistance given by the US this year has reached USD 54 billion, The Hill reported.

The President had asked Congress at the end of April to authorize an additional USD 33 billion for Ukraine as he exhausted the drawdown authority from the last bill passed in March. The figure lawmakers ultimately landed on was higher.

Earlier, Biden authorized another USD 100 million in security assistance to Ukraine on Thursday.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.

"Yesterday, I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart @oleksiireznikov. We discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting -- a follow up from our meeting in Ramstein -- which will include defense representatives from 40+ countries," he tweeted.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in the last week of February. Since then, several western countries have backed Kyiv in the ongoing war and imposed several sanctions on Russia. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)







Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Thousands of people on Saturday took refuge in relief camps in wake of the Assam floods in various districts of the state. Relief material is also being distributed at these relief camps. The flood situation in Assam continues to remain grim. Areas like Morikolong, Fauzdari Patty, and Milanpur remain flooded as the Kolong river continues to flow above the danger level. According to the reports of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, nearly 7.12 lakh people in 29 districts of the state are reeling under the fury of floods. Over 3.36 lakh people have been affected alone in Nagaon district followed by 1.66 lakh in Cachar district, 1.11 lakh in Hojai, and 52,709 in Darrang district. Four persons including two children died on Friday after drowning in floodwaters in Cachar, Lakhimpur and Nagaon districts and the death toll in floods and landslides rose to 14. As per the report, 80036.90 hectares of cropland and 2,251 villages are still underwater.A total of 74705 flood-affected people are currently lodged in 234 relief camps set up by the district administration. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
After meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier today, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday took a tour of Delhi's government schools and Mohalla clinics with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Lauding the Delhi government's efforts in the education sector, KCR said that they have transformed the aims of students from "job seekers" to "job providers". "Delhi government's efforts in the field of education are commendable. They have made students aim from being job seekers to job providers. I congratulate Delhi CM on this. We'll send our teachers and union leaders here to get oriented about it," KCR told media persons here. KCR who is on a two-day visit to the national capital, accompanied Delhi CM to visit a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh today. "Mohalla clinics and schools are a good work by AAP. After Telangana became a state, we've been looking out for good things to incorporate. After we received good feedback on clinics, we have copied it in our state," said KCR after visiting a mohalla clinic in Mohammadpur, Rama Krishna Puram. Meanwhile, Kejriwal praised Telangana CM for his deep interest in education. "Telangana CM has come to Delhi and visited a school where he saw the facilities there. We heartily welcome him and his team. He observed and asked about every detail of the school, it's nice to see his deep interest in education," Delhi CM told reporters. KCR's visit to Delhi holds significance as he is attempting to forge an anti-BJP alliance (third front) with all the like-minded parties excluding Congress. He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family. On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba. KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. (ANI)
MANAGEMENT REPORT

CEO summary

The first quarter of 2022 has been an atypical one. The Ukraine war started in February caused some concerns due to the geopolitical risks perceived in the area. However, after the initial (and understandable) concerns, the markets showed a good resiliency from the demand side, and we have seen no drop in the real estate prices and in the interest shown by potential buyers of real estate assets. The construction market still poses some challenging issues, due to the increase in cost of materials caused by the complications related to Covid-19 and relative problems in the supply chain and the impossibility of obtaining materials from the regions affected by the war.

Real estate development

In Tallinn, we have continued construction of Kindrali Houses and Kalaranna projects. In the first quarter of 2022 we continued handing over apartments in Kalaranna project, where completion of eight buildings with the total of 240 apartments will be achieved. Today we are handing over apartments in the Kalaranna 8/3 and 8/4 buildings and we have reservations or presales concluded for all business premises and for 99% of apartments in this phase of the project.

Last year we started construction of the new project Kindrali Houses in Kristiine City, where three building-complexes with the total of 195 apartments will be raised. In this project we had booked or presold more than half of the apartments before signing the construction agreement. Today we have no apartments available in Kindrali Houses. Two of the buildings are nearing completion end of May and June and the contractor is starting to hand over the apartments on the fourth week of May.

In Riga we are selling our ready luxury product River Breeze Residence and started the tendering process for the further development of Kliversala Residential Quarter - Blue Marine. We have received several offers from construction companies and are in the process of identifying the best option.

In Vilnius, we only have 4 unsold apartments in our Saltiniu Namai Attico project (including one which serves as a showroom). The real estate market has had a great run in 2021 and we saw a great deal of interest for our luxury properties, achieving some of the highest prices per square meter in all the local market. We received some offers from the construction companies for the following phase of city villas and a commercial building and we aim to start construction works this summer.

Hotel operations

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strong impact on all the tourism sector, but luckily the German government has provided a great deal of support in terms of subsidies provided to PK Parkhotel Kurhaus in Bad Kreuznach.

We are in the process of renovation of the second half of the rooms (first half has been renovated 5 years ago), which will be completed by the end of the year. The works will also have the added benefit of converting an unused area into 7 standard rooms and creation of a luxurious suite with private sauna and terrace, which will greatly improve the overall prestige of the hotel.

We have signed a preliminary agreement to buy a 380 keys hotel in Sicily (Domina Zagarella Sicily), located near the biggest city of the island, Palermo. We are currently conducting an in-depth due diligence of the asset and we believe this may be a great opportunity to expand our portfolio.

We are satisfied with the results of the first quarter although they were influenced by one- time expenses in amount of 318 thousand euros related to change of the management. In the following months we plan on continuing the construction works of ongoing developments and prepare for the upcoming phases. The real estate development is going well, the market is strong, and we will continue implementing our strategy of creating long-term value for our shareholders and for the communities that we aim to develop in a sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way.

Edoardo Preatoni

CEO

Key financials

The total revenue of the Company in the first quarter of 2022 was 7.9 million euros, having increased by 42% compared to the reference period (2021 3M: 5.6 million euros). The real estate sales have been influenced by handing over completed apartments in Kalaranna District.

The gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 61% amounting to 2.6 million euros compared to 1.6 million euros in 2021.

The operating result in 2022 has decreased to 989 thousand euros profit comparing to 1.8 million euros during the same period in 2021. Higher profit in 2021 was affected by one-time sales of investment property and related revenue.

The net result for the first three months of 2022 was 251 thousand euros loss, comparing to 377 thousand euros profit (continuing operations) in the reference period.

Cash used in operating activities during first quarter of 2022 was minus 3.1 million euros comparing to 1.3 million euros generated during the same period in 2021.

Net assets per share on 31 March 2022 totalled to 0.75 euros compared to 0.13 euros on 31 March 2021.

Key performance indicators

2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M Revenue, th EUR 7 916 5 580 43 095 Gross profit, th EUR 2 558 1 591 10 576 Gross profit, % 32% 29% 25% Operating result, th EUR 989 1 786 39 821 Operating result, % 12% 32% 28% Net result, th EUR -251 -2 112 29 757 Net result, % -3% -38% 69% Earnings per share, EUR 0.00 -0.03 0.52





31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 Total Assets, th EUR 117 371 185 287 116 027 Total Liabilities, th EUR 74 779 177 829 73 184 Total Equity, th EUR 42 592 7 458 42 843 Debt / Equity * 1.76 23.84 1.71 Return on Assets, % ** -0.2% 0.2% 23.7% Return on Equity, % *** -0.6% 5.1% 113.5% Net asset value per share, EUR **** 0.75 0.13 0.76



*debt / equity = total debt / total equity

**return on assets = net profit/loss / total average assets

***return on equity = net profit/loss / total average equity

****net asset value per share = net equity / number of shares

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated interim statement of financial position

in thousands of euros 31.03.2022 31.03.2021 31.12.2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7 650 13 331 9 626 Current receivables 2 071 1 542 802 Inventories 59 360 61 481 57 533 Total current assets 69 081 76 354 67 961 Non-current assets Non-current receivables 20 3 715 21 Property, plant and equipment 6 866 6 678 6 754 Right-of-use assets 173 357 202 Investment property 40 871 97 814 40 734 Intangible assets 360 369 354 Total non-current assets 48 290 108 933 48 065 TOTAL ASSETS 117 371 185 287 116 026 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current debt 16 131 104 373 3 955 Customer advances 11 477 10 284 12 419 Current payables 7 253 24 011 7 297 Tax liabilities 116 1 280 1 143 Short-term provisions 714 471 713 Total current liabilities 35 691 140 419 25 527 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 37 909 33 425 46 455 Other non-current payables 20 2 638 20 Deferred income tax liabilities 1 134 1 151 1 133 Long-term provisions 25 196 48 Total non-current liabilities 39 088 37 410 47 656 TOTAL LIABILITIES 74 779 177 829 73 183 Equity attributable to owners of the Company Share capital in nominal value 11 338 11 338 11 338 Share premium 1 748 5 661 1 748 Statutory reserve 0 1 134 0 Revaluation reserve 2 984 2 984 2 984 Retained earnings 26 773 -8 031 0 Profit/ Loss for the period -251 -1 951 26 773 Total equity attributable

to owners of the Company 42 592 11 135 42 843 Non-controlling interest 0 -3 677 0 TOTAL EQUITY 42 592 7 458 42 843 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 117 371 185 287 116 026

Consolidated interim statements of comprehensive income

in thousands of euros 2022 3M 2021 3M 2021 12M CONTINUING OPERATIONS Operating income Revenue 7 916 5 580 43 095 Cost of goods sold -5 358 -3 989 -32 519 Gross profit 2 558 1 591 10 576 Marketing expenses -114 -125 -502 Administrative expenses -1 449 -992 -5 592 Other income 0 1 332 35 616 Other expenses -6 -20 -278 Operating profit/ loss 989 1 786 39 820 Financial income 1 1 6 Financial expense -1 226 -1 393 -5 964 Profit / loss before income tax -236 394 33 862 Income tax -15 -17 10 Net profit / loss from continuing operations -251 377 33 872 Profit from discontinued operations 0 - 2 489 -4 115 Net profit / loss for the period -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Total comprehensive income / loss for the year -251 -2 112 29 757 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent -251 -1 950 29 757 Non-controlling interest 0 -162 0 Earnings per share (continuing operations)  0.00 0.01 0.60 Earnings per share for the period  0.00 -0.03 0.52

Angelika Annus

CFO

+372 614 4920

prokapital@prokapital.ee

Attachment
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a news release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor; one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes after a witness reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the news release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile joined her in her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 319-627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Nigella Lawson is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced.

Political: Nigella Lawson (pictured) is currently in Australia filming the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. And the British chef was getting in the spirt of election night, sharing her celebratory thoughts after Anthony Albanese was declared the new Prime Minister

While Nigella did not specify a party preference, she has been known to support the Labour Party in her native United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party.

He will replace Scott Morrison, who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat.

'What a night to be in Australia!' the 62-year-old wrote on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after the election results were announced

Incoming: Anthony Albanese (pictured) will become Australia's 31st Prime Minister after winning at least nine seats from the Liberal Party

'Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia,' he said.

Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules.

The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel as they filmed scenes for the cooking show at the Sydney Opera House.

Out: He will replace Scott Morrison (pictured), who on Saturday night resigned as Liberal Party leader following his defeat

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement after the announcement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Filming: Nigella was this week spotted filming in Sydney, after she was announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of My Kitchen Rules. The cookbook author was joined by fellow judge Manu Feildel (left)

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

MKR will return to Channel Seven later in the year after a hiatus following a drop in ratings, with the network insisting season 12 will return to its roots.

'The new season of MKR takes the much-loved show back to the original recipe - real people from all over the country, cooking real food in their own homes for the superstar judges and their fellow contestants,' they said in a statement.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."


Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission

Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
DUSHANBE -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine was accompanied by an unprecedented information and propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the war both inside Russia and abroad -- especially in the post-Soviet countries traditionally considered Russia's geopolitical allies.



But on the other side, there is a flow of information showing the tragic consequences of the war that include large-scale human rights violations, alleged atrocities, demolished cities, thousands of deaths, and millions of refugees and displaced persons.



These reports contradict the official narrative from the Kremlin and have divided public opinion in Tajikistan, a country that endured a bloody civil war itself in the 1990s in which Russia was the primary external player and stakeholder.



This has caused Tajik society to find itself in a new set of debates in a public discourse that has unfolded amid near silence from Tajik authorities and official media about Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.



The shallow coverage of the war is the result of the authoritarian government's desire that domestic media avoid covering the horrific events in Ukraine or to cover them from a neutral position -- in an apparent attempt by Dushanbe not to spoil economic and political relations with either the West or Moscow.



In general, local media and TV channels have followed the unofficial instructions with the exceptions being a couple of private publications and social-media platforms.



Some journalists justify following the policy for practical reasons because of the many Tajik migrants working in Russia. "If, for example, we would publish materials condemning Russia [for the war], [many of our migrants] will be deported and, by doing so, we would...only harm society," Khurshed Atovullo, a well-known Tajik journalist, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service.



Three Camps



Under the state-controlled political conditions of Tajikistan, no public polls about what people think about the Ukraine war are conducted.



But as in other former Soviet republics where the media environment is either state-controlled and/or dominated by Russian-language outlets, Tajiks are generally divided into the three main groups.



First, there is a group of active supporters of the Russia's invasion whose opinion corresponds to the narrative disseminated by the propaganda in the Russian media.



This group includes many people and factions that have traditionally constituted a social base of Russian "soft power" not only in Tajikistan but in other former Soviet republics. Key among them are supporters of communist ideology and the parties that share anti-Western feelings, a portion of the Russian-speaking, secular intelligentsia, and the wider population stratum that is nostalgic for the Soviet era.



They are opposed by a second and smaller group of active critics of the Russian invasion who are appalled by the level of brutality and the number of civilian casualties in the conflict, among them many well-educated intellectuals, artists, independent journalists, civil activists, and followers of the political opposition.



In this regard, some of the pro-opposition bloggers find similarities between the war in Ukraine and the Tajik civil war of the 1990s, which was distinguished by large-scale atrocities conducted by pro-communist forces backed and supplied by Moscow.



There is also a third and major part of the population made up largely of labor migrants, farmers, and bazaar traders who do not regularly follow the news. They have a vague understanding of what is happening in Ukraine but usually sympathize with Russia and its policies.

A very unusual phenomenon within Tajik public opinion is an alliance between pro-communist groups and followers of militant jihadist organizations that support the Russian invasion under anti-Western and anti-American slogans.



The debates and misunderstandings between proponents and opponents of the war often assume such intense character that they increasingly shift from social media to private life, straining relations between people, colleagues, friends, and even members of the same family.



As one Tajik journalist told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity: "[Because of the war in Ukraine] I have lost several friends just in the last few weeks with whom I had good relations for many years."



Another blogger complained: "I prefer not to watch [state-run] TV news with my family because I cannot stand how they comment on the events in Ukraine."



Most Tajiks Support Russia's War



According to Cabar Asia and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, an estimated 65-70 percent of the comments by Tajiks on the main social-media platforms directly or indirectly support or justify Russian actions in Ukraine.



Social scientists say this trend is due to the strong link Tajikistan maintains to the Russian-speaking information space, with many getting their information from Russian media, especially TV stations and talk shows, for their news on Ukraine and other international issues.



In other words, Tajikistan still views the outer world through the eyes of the Russian media controlled by the Kremlin.



Tajik journalist Rajab Mirzo says that the discussions on social media about the Ukraine war are distinguished by a lack of tolerance, sharp confrontations, and the widespread use of hateful language. But he adds that the current high level of support in Tajik society for Russia's invasion is a temporary phenomenon, as Moscow is losing the propaganda war to the West.



Tajik film director Anisa Sobiri told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that many Tajiks support the Russian invasion of Ukraine because "Tajik society itself has a higher tolerance for aggression."



Some journalists and experts point out the mentality of the Tajik people that feels grateful to Russia, which employs up to 2 million people from Tajikistan.



Many labor migrants, their relatives, and family members know that their social well-being, standard of living, and economic future are reliant on Russia. That created a kind of physiological dependency among Tajiks that the only way to improve their social status was to emigrate to Russia.



This has led to the number of Tajiks receiving Russian passports to increase from 44,700 in 2019 to 63,400 the next year and some 103,000 thus far in 2022.



It also is the reason many of them refuse to recognize another narrative on Ukraine, or to listen to alternative information or points of view.



A reader named Somoni wrote on the RFE/RL Tajik Service website on March 19: "How Russia has acted [in Ukraine] over time, history will make an assessment. But Russia remains the only provider for Tajikistan."



Another Tajik under the name of People's Avenger stated: "I was for Russia, I remain for it and will always be; thanks to Russia I live, work, and provide for my family at a time when my own homeland did not give me a damn.... Thank you, Russia!!!



But the ultimate in Russian loyalty was a statement made by Yormuhammd Saidov, whose son was among six Tajiks who died recently in Ukraine fighting for Russia.



"This was my [son's] destiny," Saidov said. "I tell you, [our family] was able to feed itself due to the Russian state from 1992 until today. We have no complaint with Russia. And if there would be a call from the Tajik government, we would all go and serve [in the war for Russia]."
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Ukraine's top presidential adviser has warned that Russia is deliberately aiming to "kill the potential" of his country and "blackmail" the world by destroying Ukraine's agricultural sector and blockading its Black Sea ports in order to worsen an evolving global food crisis.



"Russia is not just ideologically trying to fight against Ukraine, Russia is also destroying our export infrastructure [for grain]," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,told Current Time, the Russian-language channel run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, in a May 21 interview. "One of the initial [Russian] goals for the war was, among other things, to strike at this infrastructure [and] kill the potential of Ukraine."



The global ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being felt far and wide, with the country's ravaged agricultural industry causing shortages of staples such as wheat, sunflower oil, and corn. Blockades by Russian ships and naval mines have also left Ukrainian grain stuck in makeshift silos across the country and particularly in port cities like Odesa, which are along the main export route in the Black Sea.



As the war's disruptions have led to surging prices and raised fears of food shortages in parts of the developing world, the UN World Food Program has asked Moscow to unblock Ukrainian ports in order to get Ukrainian agricultural products to market. In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said on May 19 that the ports could only be unblocked if Western sanctions against Russia were lifted.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Podolyak, who is also the lead Ukrainian negotiator with Russia, warned against countries bowing to Russian pressure, saying that it would only lead to new demands and more bloodshed in Ukraine.



"Russia is constantly raising the stakes," Podolyak said. "If you go along with Russia by lifting part of the sanctions, for example, then in the end Russia will continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and continue to set more conditions."



Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of trying to destroy its agriculture sector by stealing valuable grain stocks and machinery, deliberately bombing farms and warehouses, and blockading ports in an effort to limit its export earnings and further hurt its war-ravaged economy.



Western governments and international organizations have also warned about the war's impact on global food security and that the world is approaching a tipping point into crisis.



Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 25 to 30 percent of global wheat exports and Russia, whose supplies have been restricted and limited, is the world's top exporter of fertilizer and a vital amount of the world's wheat, corn, and barley.



In addition to food scarcity and rising prices, simultaneous shortages due to soaring gas prices and farmers struggling to find fertilizer to grow new crops are compounding the crisis.



The Wall Street Journal reported on May 16 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pursuing a deal with Russia for Moscow to allow a portion of Ukrainian grain shipments to be released in exchange for moves to ease Russian and Belarusian exports of potash fertilizer, which are currently curbed by sanctions.



"Russia has constantly blackmailed the world with the fact that if you do not agree to some of their demands, then they will use force," Podolyak said. "As a result, [the world] makes concessions and Russia constantly raises the stakes."

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by Irina Romaliiska
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission



Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




The White House in a release today said that Biden signed the measure while abroad in Asia. The Senate voted to pass it on Thursday.

With the passage of the recent aid package, the total assistance given by the US this year has reached USD 54 billion, The Hill reported.

The President had asked Congress at the end of April to authorize an additional USD 33 billion for Ukraine as he exhausted the drawdown authority from the last bill passed in March. The figure lawmakers ultimately landed on was higher.

Earlier, Biden authorized another USD 100 million in security assistance to Ukraine on Thursday.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.

"Yesterday, I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart @oleksiireznikov. We discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting -- a follow up from our meeting in Ramstein -- which will include defense representatives from 40+ countries," he tweeted.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in the last week of February. Since then, several western countries have backed Kyiv in the ongoing war and imposed several sanctions on Russia. (ANI)
The White House in a release today said that Biden signed the measure while abroad in Asia. The Senate voted to pass it on Thursday.

With the passage of the recent aid package, the total assistance given by the US this year has reached USD 54 billion, The Hill reported.

The President had asked Congress at the end of April to authorize an additional USD 33 billion for Ukraine as he exhausted the drawdown authority from the last bill passed in March. The figure lawmakers ultimately landed on was higher.

Earlier, Biden authorized another USD 100 million in security assistance to Ukraine on Thursday.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.

"Yesterday, I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart @oleksiireznikov. We discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting -- a follow up from our meeting in Ramstein -- which will include defense representatives from 40+ countries," he tweeted.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in the last week of February. Since then, several western countries have backed Kyiv in the ongoing war and imposed several sanctions on Russia. (ANI)
The White House in a release today said that Biden signed the measure while abroad in Asia. The Senate voted to pass it on Thursday.

With the passage of the recent aid package, the total assistance given by the US this year has reached USD 54 billion, The Hill reported.

The President had asked Congress at the end of April to authorize an additional USD 33 billion for Ukraine as he exhausted the drawdown authority from the last bill passed in March. The figure lawmakers ultimately landed on was higher.

Earlier, Biden authorized another USD 100 million in security assistance to Ukraine on Thursday.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.

"Yesterday, I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart @oleksiireznikov. We discussed Ukraine's military requirements ahead of Monday's US-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting -- a follow up from our meeting in Ramstein -- which will include defense representatives from 40+ countries," he tweeted.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in the last week of February. Since then, several western countries have backed Kyiv in the ongoing war and imposed several sanctions on Russia. (ANI)


Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Welcome Guest! You Are Here:


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


At least one person was killed and dozens were injured after three tornadoes struck western Germany, the local authorities said on Saturday, as extreme weather in Europe also threatened the continent elsewhere.

One of the tornadoes left a picture of horror on Friday in Paderborn, Germany, the citys mayor, Michael Dreier, told reporters on Saturday. Strong winds and torrential rains ripped apart buildings and caused floodwaters to rise. At least 43 people were injured in the storm, some seriously, a statement from the citys police said.

An unspeakable tornado raged over Paderborn and destroyed parts of the city very badly, according to Mr. Dreier. He said trees had been snapped like matchsticks and residential buildings left uninhabitable.

In Wittgert, in far-western Germany, a 38-year-old man was killed in a fall in his basement, which had flooded amid the storms. Local news media said that he had suffered an electric shock and most likely hit his head, and that he could not be resuscitated.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:


Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."





LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.




Some of the most iconic musicians in the country world have turned their backs on Nashville. Robert Earl Keen is a member of this outlaw club, joining the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard  men who cared more about the integrity of their personal sound than fitting into a mold created by the mainstream recording industry.

Keen is a Texas stalwart who moved to Tennessee in 1985 but stayed just 22 months before fleeing for home. Though hes never quite become a household name, 19 albums later, Keen is still touring, playing crowd favorites such as Merry Christmas From the Family and The Front Porch Song to packed audiences.

His fan base ranges from grizzled old hippies to millennial conservatives, but when he sings the first line of the chorus to The Road Goes on Forever, they all sing back together: And the party never ends ...

For a guy who sings about drinking and living hard, Keens songs are more thoughtful than raucous. Hes an old-fashioned, big-hearted country boy, telling stories about men who make bad choices and the women who stick by them. His peers include Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett, the latter of whom he met when they attended college together at Texas A&M University. The two have toured together frequently and came up side by side as performers, despite Lovetts more prominent reputation.

In a 2018 Rolling Stone article about Keens cult-hero status, Lovett said of his old pal, Robert Keen has gotten to do what he wants to do. I look at his career and think all the time that when I met Robert Keen in 1976, I would have never dreamed that Id still be getting to play music, that both of us would be. I look at everything hes done with great admiration.

Keen announced in January that hes retiring from the road, hence the name of his tour Im Coming Home. However, he said he wouldnt be against appearing at the occasional tribute show, according to Rolling Stone.

Keen plans to wrap up his touring career on Sept. 22, the last date on his Im Coming Home tour. He will bring that tour to The Ramkat in Winston-Salem on June 4 as part of the 2022 Summer Music Shindihg concert series.

How do you come up with your set list?

Robert Earl Keen: I write my setlist the day of the show every time. I change it up every time, too. I even change it minutes before we hit the stage if something just wasnt sitting right with me. Of course, I always slip in my bigger songs that people come to hear, but I like to have a rise and fall of tempos and buildups. Having a big catalog and playing any number of songs means the shows are different every time. No matter what.

What are your most requested songs at live shows?

Keen: Merry Christmas From the Family, Feelin Good Again and The Road Goes On Forever. I believe Feelin Good Again is one of those songs that doesnt necessarily have a universal meaning but has some kind of universal appeal in that almost anyone can find their own real perspective inside the song.

I have heard everything from, I have lived that, to quite a few people saying it is a metaphor for heaven. It is somehow cathartic. I get a huge reaction  a bunch of people that are either really sick or really sad and they just played the song over and over and over again. And it made all the difference to them. It has a really good message and an open, this-can-be-anything-you-want (feeling).

Do you play Merry Christmas From the Family when its not Christmastime?

Keen: When I wrote the Christmas song, I was making an album. And I kind of wrote that song for me. To entertain myself and make myself laugh. And then I played it to friend/producer Garry Velletri, and he told me I had to put it on the record. And now, that song has become a whole other thing.

You have such an emphasis on storytelling that your lyrics can be described as literary. Who are some of your favorite writers or poets?

Keen: I reread Cormac McCarthy often. All of his books.

Do you feel connected to the contemporary country music scene?

Keen: When you are a touring musician, you can become really isolated. I strive to stay in the music periphery and hang in there. You can get out in your own solar system, spin out into the universe and never return. Im always trying to rope myself back in.

I can feel it when its happening. Making records is one thing, but Ive made a lot of records. There are so many other avenues in the music business to explore in a creative way.

Do you feel connected to the Americana genre? Had it been around when you were starting out, how do you think your music or career would be different?

Keen: This is how the idea of my Americana podcast got started. I thought this would really, really be good as one of those trying-to-give-back kinda things. It came together because I felt there wasnt a unified discussion taking place with the genre from the artists perspective.

A lot of people have seen me over the years and go, I dont know what you are, but I like it. I think a lot of people out there really just arent hip to Americana at all  they dont know what it is. The more we talk about, define, and expand it, the more people will get on board with it, the stronger it becomes.

You are considered a die-hard Texan, and with that comes certain kinds of associations that may or may not be true. What does it mean to you to be from Texas?

Keen: Texas is a lot of things. It especially is heard in lyrics, I think. Texas has many different landscapes with ever-changing topography. From the coastal plains to the high plains in Lubbock and Amarillo, from the Piney Woods in east Texas to the Guadalupe Mountains in west Texas ... Texas is ever evolving. Songwriting should be the same, ever-changing with different views and descriptions of life as it happens. It is really not that much different. Texas is basically comprised of hard work, being courageous and not afraid to take a chance. In my songwriting, I try to emulate those same characteristics.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.

Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:


Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.

South Carolina House district lines in The T&D Region were tweaked slightly to satisfy an American Civil Liberties Union challenge that maps as initially drawn discriminated against Black voters.

The new maps will be in effect for the 2024 election. The maps approved and signed into law last year will go into effect for the 2022 election.

Under the redrawn maps, the City of Orangeburg proper is restored to its current two Black-majority districts, 95 and 90, with a large majority of the city falling into District 95.

Under the redrawn maps, District 95, now represented by Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, narrowed significantly in Orangeburg County but does encompass most of the city.

The district has a Black voting-age population of 64.65%.

The redrawn maps show House District 90, which is represented by Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, retained the northern portion of the City of Orangeburg, primarily the Brookdale community. The district also includes the Hillcrest and Woodland areas surrounding Orangeburg.

The map creates a district with a Black voting-age population of 55.84%.

Several attempts to reach Bamberg and Cobb-Hunter for comment were unsuccessful.

Outside of the city proper, District 95 lost the Elloree and Santee areas. Cobb-Hunter's previous District 66 has been moved to York County, just south of Charlotte.

The new District 95 also encompasses the Providence, Wells, Vance, Eutaw Springs, Eutawville and Holly Hill areas. The district includes St. George and Reevesville in Dorchester County.

District 90 now encompasses Rowesville, Branchville, Bowman and all of Bamberg County. The district also gained back some of Colleton County. The district's new lines still do not include Barnwell County.

"The original maps sort of took several different districts such as 93, 95 and 90 and assigned them to the City of Orangeburg and split the City of Orangeburg up a little bit," ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Somil Trivedi said. "We were able to redraw in such a way that the vast majority of the city stays in a single district."

Trivedi expressed his appreciation for the agreement reached.

"This is one of the few if the only redistricting case in the country that ended in a mutually-agreed-upon settlement," Trivedi said. "I think that speaks highly of the parties."

The change placing portions of Colleton County back in District 90 could prove interesting for the District 90 race.

Two years ago, Bamberg lost Colleton County to a Republican challenger Glenn Posey. Bamberg received about 40% of the vote to Posey's 59.5% in Colleton.

Bamberg won the District 90 seat by just 57 votes.

District 93 no longer encompasses any of the City of Orangeburg while gaining Elloree and Santee. The district includes the town of North and conceded the town of Woodford to District 91 represented by Rep. Lonnie Hosey, D-Allendale.

District 93, under the new maps, has a Black voting-age population of 46.23%.

Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, voted Tuesday to approve the redrawn maps because his main concern was that Orangeburg be made whole under the remapping.

"I think it is a good thing that the inner city is pretty much under the same districts," Ott said. "That is why I voted for the change today."

"I think the Orangeburg community is better served with this change than it was previously," Ott said.

The redrawn maps continue to keep current District 95 Rep. Jerry Govan out of the former 95 and places him on the border of District 93 and District 90.

Govan has announced his intentions to run for state superintendent of education. He did not file to run for the S.C. House.

District 91 has retained all of Allendale and Barnwell counties and remained relatively unchanged in Orangeburg County, primarily including the western portion of the county -- Springfield, Norway, Neeses and Livingston.

District 91 has a Black voting-age population of 49.3%.

The South Carolina House agreed to the new redistricting maps as a result of the ACLU challenge. The agreement was reached May 5.

The ACLU filed a lawsuit last year that charged some of the new districts intentionally discriminated against Black communities in the state and denied Black voters equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice.

The lawsuit alleged racial gerrymandering and intentional discrimination in 29 districts aimed at diluting the voting power of Black voters.

The maps will apply to all S.C. House elections beginning in 2024, according to the agreement. Any special election for the S.C. House held prior to the November 2024 general election will be conducted based on the plan in effect for the upcoming November 2022 general election, according to the agreement.

The case was brought on behalf of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP (SC NAACP) and an individual voter, Taiwan Scott. Both were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other agencies.

Under the agreement, the ACLU said the amended maps will restore Black voters' opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice, not only in Orangeburg but also in Richland, Kershaw, Dillon and Horry counties.

The agreement formerly passed the S.C. House May 10. The legislative session ended May 12 but the matter of redistricting has been placed on the agenda when members return in June to handle the budget. The Senate is expected to take up the matter at that time and the governor is expected to sign the bill.

The groups were poised to go to trial on May 16 if an agreement had not been reached. They are still headed to trial over the U.S. congressional map this fall.

The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Columbia.

"Today is a victory for the Black community in South Carolina," South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP President Brenda Murphy said. "Today marks a historical occasion: Our political leadership has listened to our grievances and is working to create a more equitable political landscape."

"We have successfully petitioned our government for increased political access, and now Black communities ... will have a greater chance of electing their preferred candidates," Murphy said. "But this is just a first step to providing equitable voting power for Black South Carolinians. We will continue to work with our elected officials to ensure that all our communities have a voice in our democratic institutions."

"Any redistricting map that arises exclusively from self-interested politicians will inevitably fail voters," Allen Chaney, legal director of the ACLU of South Carolina, said. "While I am certainly pleased by this settlement, the voters need the next South Carolina redistricting process to be more independent, transparent and accountable."

The new districts are based on 2020 U.S. Census numbers.

South Carolina grew by 10.7% over the last decade to more than 5.1 million people. But that growth was lopsided, with many more of the 500,000 new people moving to areas along the coast, around Greenville or in the South Carolina suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina

If S.C. House districts were redrawn to have equal populations, the ideal population would be about 41,278. State redistricting guidelines called for the new districts to deviate less than 5% from that number.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."



A fruit vendor sells bananas along a flooded street following heavy rains in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in parts of Bangladesh and India, leaving millions stranded and at least 57 dead, officials said Saturday.

In Bangladesh, about two million people have been marooned by the worst floods in the country's northeast for nearly two decades.

At least 100 villages at Zakiganj were inundated after floodwater rushing from India's northeast breached a major embankment on the Barak River, said Mosharraf Hossain, the chief government administrator of the Sylhet region.

"Some two million people have been stranded by floods so far," he told AFP, adding that at least 10 people have been killed this week.

Many parts of Bangladesh and neighbouring regions in India are prone to flooding, and experts say that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events around the world.

Every extra degree of global warming increases the amount of water in the atmosphere by about seven percent, with inevitable effects on rainfall.

At least 47 people have been killed in India this week in days of flooding, landslides and thunderstorms, according to local disaster management authorities.

In Assam state, which borders Bangladesh, at least 14 people have died in landslides and floods.

Assam authorities said Saturday more than 850,000 people in about 3,200 villages have been affected by the floods, triggered by torrential rains that submerged swathes of farmland and damaged thousands of homes.

Nearly 90,000 people have been moved to state-run relief shelters as water levels in rivers run high and large swathes of land remain submerged in most districts.

West of Assam, at least 33 people were killed in Bihar state in thunderstorms on Thursday.

More than three dozen people were injured in the unseasonal weather events that damaged hundreds of hectares of standing crops and thousands of fruit trees.

Bihar has also suffered an intense heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

'Blessing and curse'

In Bangladesh's Zakiganj, people were seen fishing on submerged roads and some residents took their cattle to flood shelters.

Bus driver Shamim Ahmed, 50, told AFP: "My house is under waist deep water. There is no drinking water, we are harvesting rain water.

"Rain is simultaneously a blessing and a curse for us now."

All the furniture in widow Lalila Begum's home was ruined, she said, but she and her two daughters were staying put, hoping the waters would recede within a day or two.

"My two daughters and I put one bed on another and are living on top of it," she said. "There's scarcity of food. We're sharing one person's food and one meal a day."

Floodwater has entered many parts of Sylhet city, the largest in the northeast, where another official told AFP about 50,000 families had been without power for days.

Hossain, the chief administrator, said the flooding was driven by both rains and the onrush of water from across the border in Assam.

But officials said the broken embankment on the border at Zakiganj could only be fixed once the water level dropped.

Explore further Fears of worsening India floods as torrential rains wreak havoc

 2022 AFP
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
At least one person was killed and dozens were injured after three tornadoes struck western Germany, the local authorities said on Saturday, as extreme weather in Europe also threatened the continent elsewhere.

One of the tornadoes left a picture of horror on Friday in Paderborn, Germany, the citys mayor, Michael Dreier, told reporters on Saturday. Strong winds and torrential rains ripped apart buildings and caused floodwaters to rise. At least 43 people were injured in the storm, some seriously, a statement from the citys police said.

An unspeakable tornado raged over Paderborn and destroyed parts of the city very badly, according to Mr. Dreier. He said trees had been snapped like matchsticks and residential buildings left uninhabitable.

In Wittgert, in far-western Germany, a 38-year-old man was killed in a fall in his basement, which had flooded amid the storms. Local news media said that he had suffered an electric shock and most likely hit his head, and that he could not be resuscitated.
At least one person was killed and dozens were injured after three tornadoes struck western Germany, the local authorities said on Saturday, as extreme weather in Europe also threatened the continent elsewhere.

One of the tornadoes left a picture of horror on Friday in Paderborn, Germany, the citys mayor, Michael Dreier, told reporters on Saturday. Strong winds and torrential rains ripped apart buildings and caused floodwaters to rise. At least 43 people were injured in the storm, some seriously, a statement from the citys police said.

An unspeakable tornado raged over Paderborn and destroyed parts of the city very badly, according to Mr. Dreier. He said trees had been snapped like matchsticks and residential buildings left uninhabitable.

In Wittgert, in far-western Germany, a 38-year-old man was killed in a fall in his basement, which had flooded amid the storms. Local news media said that he had suffered an electric shock and most likely hit his head, and that he could not be resuscitated.




Some of the most iconic musicians in the country world have turned their backs on Nashville. Robert Earl Keen is a member of this outlaw club, joining the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard  men who cared more about the integrity of their personal sound than fitting into a mold created by the mainstream recording industry.

Keen is a Texas stalwart who moved to Tennessee in 1985 but stayed just 22 months before fleeing for home. Though hes never quite become a household name, 19 albums later, Keen is still touring, playing crowd favorites such as Merry Christmas From the Family and The Front Porch Song to packed audiences.

His fan base ranges from grizzled old hippies to millennial conservatives, but when he sings the first line of the chorus to The Road Goes on Forever, they all sing back together: And the party never ends ...

For a guy who sings about drinking and living hard, Keens songs are more thoughtful than raucous. Hes an old-fashioned, big-hearted country boy, telling stories about men who make bad choices and the women who stick by them. His peers include Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett, the latter of whom he met when they attended college together at Texas A&M University. The two have toured together frequently and came up side by side as performers, despite Lovetts more prominent reputation.

In a 2018 Rolling Stone article about Keens cult-hero status, Lovett said of his old pal, Robert Keen has gotten to do what he wants to do. I look at his career and think all the time that when I met Robert Keen in 1976, I would have never dreamed that Id still be getting to play music, that both of us would be. I look at everything hes done with great admiration.

Keen announced in January that hes retiring from the road, hence the name of his tour Im Coming Home. However, he said he wouldnt be against appearing at the occasional tribute show, according to Rolling Stone.

Keen plans to wrap up his touring career on Sept. 22, the last date on his Im Coming Home tour. He will bring that tour to The Ramkat in Winston-Salem on June 4 as part of the 2022 Summer Music Shindihg concert series.

How do you come up with your set list?

Robert Earl Keen: I write my setlist the day of the show every time. I change it up every time, too. I even change it minutes before we hit the stage if something just wasnt sitting right with me. Of course, I always slip in my bigger songs that people come to hear, but I like to have a rise and fall of tempos and buildups. Having a big catalog and playing any number of songs means the shows are different every time. No matter what.

What are your most requested songs at live shows?

Keen: Merry Christmas From the Family, Feelin Good Again and The Road Goes On Forever. I believe Feelin Good Again is one of those songs that doesnt necessarily have a universal meaning but has some kind of universal appeal in that almost anyone can find their own real perspective inside the song.

I have heard everything from, I have lived that, to quite a few people saying it is a metaphor for heaven. It is somehow cathartic. I get a huge reaction  a bunch of people that are either really sick or really sad and they just played the song over and over and over again. And it made all the difference to them. It has a really good message and an open, this-can-be-anything-you-want (feeling).

Do you play Merry Christmas From the Family when its not Christmastime?

Keen: When I wrote the Christmas song, I was making an album. And I kind of wrote that song for me. To entertain myself and make myself laugh. And then I played it to friend/producer Garry Velletri, and he told me I had to put it on the record. And now, that song has become a whole other thing.

You have such an emphasis on storytelling that your lyrics can be described as literary. Who are some of your favorite writers or poets?

Keen: I reread Cormac McCarthy often. All of his books.

Do you feel connected to the contemporary country music scene?

Keen: When you are a touring musician, you can become really isolated. I strive to stay in the music periphery and hang in there. You can get out in your own solar system, spin out into the universe and never return. Im always trying to rope myself back in.

I can feel it when its happening. Making records is one thing, but Ive made a lot of records. There are so many other avenues in the music business to explore in a creative way.

Do you feel connected to the Americana genre? Had it been around when you were starting out, how do you think your music or career would be different?

Keen: This is how the idea of my Americana podcast got started. I thought this would really, really be good as one of those trying-to-give-back kinda things. It came together because I felt there wasnt a unified discussion taking place with the genre from the artists perspective.

A lot of people have seen me over the years and go, I dont know what you are, but I like it. I think a lot of people out there really just arent hip to Americana at all  they dont know what it is. The more we talk about, define, and expand it, the more people will get on board with it, the stronger it becomes.

You are considered a die-hard Texan, and with that comes certain kinds of associations that may or may not be true. What does it mean to you to be from Texas?

Keen: Texas is a lot of things. It especially is heard in lyrics, I think. Texas has many different landscapes with ever-changing topography. From the coastal plains to the high plains in Lubbock and Amarillo, from the Piney Woods in east Texas to the Guadalupe Mountains in west Texas ... Texas is ever evolving. Songwriting should be the same, ever-changing with different views and descriptions of life as it happens. It is really not that much different. Texas is basically comprised of hard work, being courageous and not afraid to take a chance. In my songwriting, I try to emulate those same characteristics.
Singer and songwriter Luke Sinclair says a lot of talented people have disappeared from Melbournes music scene as a result of COVID. They just arent coming back. You wonder where they are, if theyre OK, if theyll ever come back.

Luke Sinclair says COVID has knocked the music industry for a six. Credit:Simon Schluter

Now heading The Luke Sinclair Set, the former Raised by Eagles singer has been making and playing music in Melbourne for several decades, while working full-time in an unrelated field.

COVID broke a lot of people, Sinclair says, in what is a difficult and competitive industry. Theres this whole new beast you have to consider, he says. They say that Melbournes back and you get the sense that the pandemic is over but its not, he says. Were all very fragile at the moment because its been so hard.

The Luke Sinclair Sets debut album, Heavy Dreams, came out just before the pandemic hit and Sinclair has not been able to tour it as a result. While music is his driving force, the past 18 months have forced him  and many like him  to look at what he does and to analyse how he can continue doing it.
At least one person was killed and dozens were injured after three tornadoes struck western Germany, the local authorities said on Saturday, as extreme weather in Europe also threatened the continent elsewhere.

One of the tornadoes left a picture of horror on Friday in Paderborn, Germany, the citys mayor, Michael Dreier, told reporters on Saturday. Strong winds and torrential rains ripped apart buildings and caused floodwaters to rise. At least 43 people were injured in the storm, some seriously, a statement from the citys police said.

An unspeakable tornado raged over Paderborn and destroyed parts of the city very badly, according to Mr. Dreier. He said trees had been snapped like matchsticks and residential buildings left uninhabitable.

In Wittgert, in far-western Germany, a 38-year-old man was killed in a fall in his basement, which had flooded amid the storms. Local news media said that he had suffered an electric shock and most likely hit his head, and that he could not be resuscitated.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
At 1 a.m., May 23, 1935, police smashed their way into North Yorks historic Jolly Miller Tavern on Yonge Street near York Mills in what was, the Toronto Star reported at the time, the biggest raid on illegal organized gambling in North York and Toronto history to that date.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.



Thiruvananthapuram: A day after the Union government directed the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to keep a close watch on Monkeypox cases being reported from some countries, Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the district authorities in the state to remain vigilant and create awareness about the disease. The Minister said the health department has called a special meeting and initiated the necessary precautionary measures.

"Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant as the Monkeypox, which was earlier detected in Africa alone, has begun to spread to other parts of the world. Everyone should have awareness on the disease and preventive measures," the minister said in a statement.

Amid Monkeypox cases being reported from some countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had on Friday directed NCDC and ICMR to keep a close watch on the situation. The Union Health Ministry has also directed airport and port health officers to be vigilant.

Minister George said the symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than those of smallpox.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Monkeypox typically manifests in humans with fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks.

It can also take a severe form, with the WHO saying the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6 per cent in recent times. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

Live TV
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
I have been in law enforcement for over a decade and am proud to represent and advocate for my fellow brothers and sisters in blue as their duly elected Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police president. Our members overwhelmingly voted to endorse Republican candidate for governor Rebecca Kleefisch in late 2021. I believe this support is largely based on Kleefischs genuine and vocal support of law enforcement.

More than any other candidate, Kleefisch engages in outreach to understand the professional and personal issues facing law enforcement across our state. She actively strives to coordinate efforts with law enforcement to come up with effective solutions to decrease crime in our communities. She has outlined specific, action-based plans to utilize the powers of the governors office to better equip law enforcement to combat crime in our communities.

Where Wisconsin's top 10 gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates stand on abortion Six months out from the November election, Republican and Democratic senatorial and gubernatorial candidates could hardly differ more on abort

Many current leaders and other candidates refuse to even acknowledge law enforcement. Many current leaders do not extend invitations to law enforcement to participate in policymaking discussions about improving policing to combat the current surge in crime. They do not respond to requests from law enforcement to work together to enact actionable and comprehensive public safety laws. They do not release public statements supporting law enforcement.

Gov. Tony Evers, the incumbent, is quick to engage in inflammatory rhetoric that reinforces national media narratives, such as his reaction to the officer-involved shooting in Kenosha. He is the first to publicly editorialize certain events and is silent when it comes to vocalizing support for the men and women who keep him, his family, our state Capitol and communities across Wisconsin safe.

Kleefisch has cultivated a number of strategies after measured consideration of the facts and consultation with all interested parties. She has announced her plan to support the addition of at least 1,000 more law enforcement officers when she becomes governor. This is a plan that will address the crime wave sweeping our state because of the defund the police movement.

Our elected leaders need to work with all Wisconsinites, including law enforcement, to solve our common issues related to crime. When law enforcement and policymakers are united in fighting crime, we can wrest our streets back from the criminals who terrorize our communities, families and children. Kleefisch has demonstrated she will not stick her head in the sand and tweet from the safety of her mansion.

Kleefisch has assured the members of the Wisconsin FOP that, if elected governor, she will stand against rogue prosecutors who recommend low or no bail for repeat violent offenders. She has pledged to employ the State Patrol to help local police in high-crime areas. She has specifically indicated she will work to fight light sentencing policies and other mechanisms that perpetuate the revolving door of crime.

Kleefisch is the choice of Wisconsins law enforcement community because she has our back, she listens, and she has a plan to help us restore the safety of our communities.

Windorff, of Kaukauna, is president of the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police, with about 2,700 members in the state: wifop.org.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Thiruvananthapuram: A day after the Union government directed the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to keep a close watch on Monkeypox cases being reported from some countries, Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the district authorities in the state to remain vigilant and create awareness about the disease. The Minister said the health department has called a special meeting and initiated the necessary precautionary measures.

"Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant as the Monkeypox, which was earlier detected in Africa alone, has begun to spread to other parts of the world. Everyone should have awareness on the disease and preventive measures," the minister said in a statement.

Amid Monkeypox cases being reported from some countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had on Friday directed NCDC and ICMR to keep a close watch on the situation. The Union Health Ministry has also directed airport and port health officers to be vigilant.

Minister George said the symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than those of smallpox.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Monkeypox typically manifests in humans with fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks.

It can also take a severe form, with the WHO saying the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6 per cent in recent times. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

Live TV
Thiruvananthapuram: A day after the Union government directed the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to keep a close watch on Monkeypox cases being reported from some countries, Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the district authorities in the state to remain vigilant and create awareness about the disease. The Minister said the health department has called a special meeting and initiated the necessary precautionary measures.

"Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant as the Monkeypox, which was earlier detected in Africa alone, has begun to spread to other parts of the world. Everyone should have awareness on the disease and preventive measures," the minister said in a statement.

Amid Monkeypox cases being reported from some countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had on Friday directed NCDC and ICMR to keep a close watch on the situation. The Union Health Ministry has also directed airport and port health officers to be vigilant.

Minister George said the symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than those of smallpox.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Monkeypox typically manifests in humans with fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks.

It can also take a severe form, with the WHO saying the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6 per cent in recent times. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

Live TV
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.






Information gathered indicates that approximately 18 basic schools in Assin North Municipality in the Central Region are currently facing infrastructure challenges; which is making teaching and learning unattractive. About 60% of these schools are studying under deplorable conditions.

As part of efforts to help salvage the situation, the Network for Assin Development, a non-governmental organization has taken a giant move by donating 80 dual desks and educational materials to Dwenakyi DA Primary School in the Assin North Municipality.

Presenting the items, the Executive Director for Network the Network for Assin Development (NAD), Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that teaching and learning have dwindled in the area as a result of the challenges confronting the schools.

It is in this regard, we are embarking on this donation exercise as part of the 2nd Phase of our project dubbed 'Boanimdea'.

"Education is a fundamental human right for all children and this right may not be realized if strategic measures are not put in place to ensure adequate infrastructure provision to schools, he stated.

Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that children living in the rural areas often struggle to have access to quality education; unlike students in urban areas that benefit from government all the time.

This he said, Dwenakyi is one of the communities that have been neglected when it comes to the provision of social amenities by government.

The Project Coordinator for Network Assin Development (NAD) Rev. Stephen Arthur, giving an overview of the project, noted that prior to their visit to the school some years ago they observed that the school is in dire need of educational materials.

"It is in this regard, we decided to come to their aid. The items donated are worth Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis, (10,000)," he stated.

This year's 4th edition of Boanimdea Project was held in collaboration with Mr. James Ken Coffie a businessman leaving in abroad.

The Chief of the Community, Nana Kofi Osuman commended the Network for Assin Development for coming to the aid of the community stressing that the donation will go long way to help improve teaching and learning in the area.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:




Flowers are left at a makeshift memorial outside of Tops market on May 15, 2022, in Buffalo, New York. Yesterday a gunman opened fire at the store, killing ten people and wounding another three. Suspect Payton Gendron was taken into custody and charged with first degree murder. U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland released a statement, saying the US Department of Justice is investigating the shooting "as a hate crime and an act of racially-motivated violent extremism." (Scott Olson/Getty Images/TNS)



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
As the Supreme Court considers whether to overturn New York states restrictions on carrying guns in public, it will be illuminating to see whether the conservative majority adheres to its own standards as set out in the recently leaked draft opinion striking down Roe v. Wade. Guns and abortion are very different topics, of course, but in tentatively overturning Roe, the majority leans on some principles that should apply.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote in his draft that America had an unbroken tradition of prohibiting abortion prior to Roe. Similarly, stringent local restrictions on firearms were common throughout Americas history, prior to the modern eras redefinition of the Second Amendment. And of course Alitos overriding philosophy that abortion policy should be decided by elected officials rather than courts is even more relevant in the realm of firearms, which raise different issues in different communities.

Before modern gun-control debates that began in the 1960s, states and local communities had long imposed strict rules on the carrying of guns in public, with little controversy about it. As Smithsonian Magazine has noted, storied Old West towns like Tombstone, Arizona, routinely required people to check their guns with authorities rather than carry them in public squares. The Second Amendment wasnt even part of the discussion, because it was widely understood to merely protect states rights to form militias.

Recasting the amendment to apply to individual gun rights was initially viewed as an exotic legal theory  one the Supreme Court didnt validate until 2008 with District of Columbia v. Heller, by a 5-4 split. (Roe in 1973, incidentally, was decided 7-2.)

Its important to note that even the late Justice Antonin Scalia, writing for the majority in Heller, specified that nothing in the Second Amendment prevents governments from imposing reasonable firearms restrictions. New Yorks 1911 law now under review is such a restriction. Its not an outright ban, but requires people to show proper cause of the need to carry firearms in public in order to get a state concealed-carry permit.

In his draft opinion that would overturn Roe, Alito declared grandly: We thus return the power to  the people and their elected representatives. New Yorks elected representatives include Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer who has said overturning the states gun law would be a recipe for disaster in his city; and Gov. Kathy Hochul, who says she supports gun rights but maintains those rights do not include walking around with a hidden gun.

If the high court decides that those and other officials should have the power to regulate womens wombs, but not to prevent mayhem in the streets, it would provide a clear answer to the question of whether the courts conservative bloc actually is guided by bedrock principles, as it claims  or if it is merely promoting partisan Republican policy, as it increasingly appears.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.


Information gathered indicates that approximately 18 basic schools in Assin North Municipality in the Central Region are currently facing infrastructure challenges; which is making teaching and learning unattractive. About 60% of these schools are studying under deplorable conditions.

As part of efforts to help salvage the situation, the Network for Assin Development, a non-governmental organization has taken a giant move by donating 80 dual desks and educational materials to Dwenakyi DA Primary School in the Assin North Municipality.

Presenting the items, the Executive Director for Network the Network for Assin Development (NAD), Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that teaching and learning have dwindled in the area as a result of the challenges confronting the schools.

It is in this regard, we are embarking on this donation exercise as part of the 2nd Phase of our project dubbed 'Boanimdea'.

"Education is a fundamental human right for all children and this right may not be realized if strategic measures are not put in place to ensure adequate infrastructure provision to schools, he stated.

Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that children living in the rural areas often struggle to have access to quality education; unlike students in urban areas that benefit from government all the time.

This he said, Dwenakyi is one of the communities that have been neglected when it comes to the provision of social amenities by government.

The Project Coordinator for Network Assin Development (NAD) Rev. Stephen Arthur, giving an overview of the project, noted that prior to their visit to the school some years ago they observed that the school is in dire need of educational materials.

"It is in this regard, we decided to come to their aid. The items donated are worth Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis, (10,000)," he stated.

This year's 4th edition of Boanimdea Project was held in collaboration with Mr. James Ken Coffie a businessman leaving in abroad.

The Chief of the Community, Nana Kofi Osuman commended the Network for Assin Development for coming to the aid of the community stressing that the donation will go long way to help improve teaching and learning in the area.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.


Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.




Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was one of the dignitaries who attended the burial ceremony of late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike who died in Abuja few months ago. The ceremony took place at Onitsha.

Governor Soludo who commiserated with the family of the late DIG Egbunike, described his death as a monumental loss to the nation, the people of Anambra State and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor further said that the deceased was a thorough-bred Police officer who discharged his duties professionally and diligently with great patriotic zeal.

He noted that the patriotism the late DIG Egbunike exhibited in serving the nation as a disciplined and fine Police officer was indeed commendable and will forever be remembered.

Governor Soludo also commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali and the Police Command, as well as the people of Onitsha over his unfortunate death. He prayed for the repose of his soul and that God in His infinite mercy grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, DIG Egbunike who hailed from Onitsha, Anambra State was in charge of the Nigerian Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Prior to his appointment as DIG in 2020, Egbunike was the Head of the Police Finance Department and also served previously as the DIG over-seeing the South East Geo-political zone of the country.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:



LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
The Lebanon Fire District responded to a structure fire early Friday morning, May 20 at a shop in rural Lebanon.

According to a news release from LFD, firefighters responded to a report of the fire at around 2 a.m. in the 31000 block of Southwest Fifth Street. Initial reports indicated a 50-foot by 50-foot two story stop was heavily involved in fire.

Crews started by protecting nearby exposures until they could establish a water supply, according to the news release. After firefighters extinguished the main body of the fire, crews used a piercing nozzle to penetrate an exterior wall.

Because the fire was in a rural area, crews had to truck in water via water tenders.

One citizen on the scene suffered minor smoke inhalation, according to LFD, but was not transported by ambulance.

Crews got the fire under control at around 3 a.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Sweet Home Fire District and the Brownsville Rural Fire District assisted Lebanon fire crews. The Albany Fire Department provided city coverage during the fire.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.

LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
South Carolina House district lines in The T&D Region were tweaked slightly to satisfy an American Civil Liberties Union challenge that maps as initially drawn discriminated against Black voters.

The new maps will be in effect for the 2024 election. The maps approved and signed into law last year will go into effect for the 2022 election.

Under the redrawn maps, the City of Orangeburg proper is restored to its current two Black-majority districts, 95 and 90, with a large majority of the city falling into District 95.

Under the redrawn maps, District 95, now represented by Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, narrowed significantly in Orangeburg County but does encompass most of the city.

The district has a Black voting-age population of 64.65%.

The redrawn maps show House District 90, which is represented by Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, retained the northern portion of the City of Orangeburg, primarily the Brookdale community. The district also includes the Hillcrest and Woodland areas surrounding Orangeburg.

The map creates a district with a Black voting-age population of 55.84%.

Several attempts to reach Bamberg and Cobb-Hunter for comment were unsuccessful.

Outside of the city proper, District 95 lost the Elloree and Santee areas. Cobb-Hunter's previous District 66 has been moved to York County, just south of Charlotte.

The new District 95 also encompasses the Providence, Wells, Vance, Eutaw Springs, Eutawville and Holly Hill areas. The district includes St. George and Reevesville in Dorchester County.

District 90 now encompasses Rowesville, Branchville, Bowman and all of Bamberg County. The district also gained back some of Colleton County. The district's new lines still do not include Barnwell County.

"The original maps sort of took several different districts such as 93, 95 and 90 and assigned them to the City of Orangeburg and split the City of Orangeburg up a little bit," ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Somil Trivedi said. "We were able to redraw in such a way that the vast majority of the city stays in a single district."

Trivedi expressed his appreciation for the agreement reached.

"This is one of the few if the only redistricting case in the country that ended in a mutually-agreed-upon settlement," Trivedi said. "I think that speaks highly of the parties."

The change placing portions of Colleton County back in District 90 could prove interesting for the District 90 race.

Two years ago, Bamberg lost Colleton County to a Republican challenger Glenn Posey. Bamberg received about 40% of the vote to Posey's 59.5% in Colleton.

Bamberg won the District 90 seat by just 57 votes.

District 93 no longer encompasses any of the City of Orangeburg while gaining Elloree and Santee. The district includes the town of North and conceded the town of Woodford to District 91 represented by Rep. Lonnie Hosey, D-Allendale.

District 93, under the new maps, has a Black voting-age population of 46.23%.

Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, voted Tuesday to approve the redrawn maps because his main concern was that Orangeburg be made whole under the remapping.

"I think it is a good thing that the inner city is pretty much under the same districts," Ott said. "That is why I voted for the change today."

"I think the Orangeburg community is better served with this change than it was previously," Ott said.

The redrawn maps continue to keep current District 95 Rep. Jerry Govan out of the former 95 and places him on the border of District 93 and District 90.

Govan has announced his intentions to run for state superintendent of education. He did not file to run for the S.C. House.

District 91 has retained all of Allendale and Barnwell counties and remained relatively unchanged in Orangeburg County, primarily including the western portion of the county -- Springfield, Norway, Neeses and Livingston.

District 91 has a Black voting-age population of 49.3%.

The South Carolina House agreed to the new redistricting maps as a result of the ACLU challenge. The agreement was reached May 5.

The ACLU filed a lawsuit last year that charged some of the new districts intentionally discriminated against Black communities in the state and denied Black voters equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice.

The lawsuit alleged racial gerrymandering and intentional discrimination in 29 districts aimed at diluting the voting power of Black voters.

The maps will apply to all S.C. House elections beginning in 2024, according to the agreement. Any special election for the S.C. House held prior to the November 2024 general election will be conducted based on the plan in effect for the upcoming November 2022 general election, according to the agreement.

The case was brought on behalf of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP (SC NAACP) and an individual voter, Taiwan Scott. Both were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other agencies.

Under the agreement, the ACLU said the amended maps will restore Black voters' opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice, not only in Orangeburg but also in Richland, Kershaw, Dillon and Horry counties.

The agreement formerly passed the S.C. House May 10. The legislative session ended May 12 but the matter of redistricting has been placed on the agenda when members return in June to handle the budget. The Senate is expected to take up the matter at that time and the governor is expected to sign the bill.

The groups were poised to go to trial on May 16 if an agreement had not been reached. They are still headed to trial over the U.S. congressional map this fall.

The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Columbia.

"Today is a victory for the Black community in South Carolina," South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP President Brenda Murphy said. "Today marks a historical occasion: Our political leadership has listened to our grievances and is working to create a more equitable political landscape."

"We have successfully petitioned our government for increased political access, and now Black communities ... will have a greater chance of electing their preferred candidates," Murphy said. "But this is just a first step to providing equitable voting power for Black South Carolinians. We will continue to work with our elected officials to ensure that all our communities have a voice in our democratic institutions."

"Any redistricting map that arises exclusively from self-interested politicians will inevitably fail voters," Allen Chaney, legal director of the ACLU of South Carolina, said. "While I am certainly pleased by this settlement, the voters need the next South Carolina redistricting process to be more independent, transparent and accountable."

The new districts are based on 2020 U.S. Census numbers.

South Carolina grew by 10.7% over the last decade to more than 5.1 million people. But that growth was lopsided, with many more of the 500,000 new people moving to areas along the coast, around Greenville or in the South Carolina suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina

If S.C. House districts were redrawn to have equal populations, the ideal population would be about 41,278. State redistricting guidelines called for the new districts to deviate less than 5% from that number.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.







I have been in law enforcement for over a decade and am proud to represent and advocate for my fellow brothers and sisters in blue as their duly elected Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police president. Our members overwhelmingly voted to endorse Republican candidate for governor Rebecca Kleefisch in late 2021. I believe this support is largely based on Kleefischs genuine and vocal support of law enforcement.

More than any other candidate, Kleefisch engages in outreach to understand the professional and personal issues facing law enforcement across our state. She actively strives to coordinate efforts with law enforcement to come up with effective solutions to decrease crime in our communities. She has outlined specific, action-based plans to utilize the powers of the governors office to better equip law enforcement to combat crime in our communities.

Where Wisconsin's top 10 gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates stand on abortion Six months out from the November election, Republican and Democratic senatorial and gubernatorial candidates could hardly differ more on abort

Many current leaders and other candidates refuse to even acknowledge law enforcement. Many current leaders do not extend invitations to law enforcement to participate in policymaking discussions about improving policing to combat the current surge in crime. They do not respond to requests from law enforcement to work together to enact actionable and comprehensive public safety laws. They do not release public statements supporting law enforcement.

Gov. Tony Evers, the incumbent, is quick to engage in inflammatory rhetoric that reinforces national media narratives, such as his reaction to the officer-involved shooting in Kenosha. He is the first to publicly editorialize certain events and is silent when it comes to vocalizing support for the men and women who keep him, his family, our state Capitol and communities across Wisconsin safe.

Kleefisch has cultivated a number of strategies after measured consideration of the facts and consultation with all interested parties. She has announced her plan to support the addition of at least 1,000 more law enforcement officers when she becomes governor. This is a plan that will address the crime wave sweeping our state because of the defund the police movement.

Our elected leaders need to work with all Wisconsinites, including law enforcement, to solve our common issues related to crime. When law enforcement and policymakers are united in fighting crime, we can wrest our streets back from the criminals who terrorize our communities, families and children. Kleefisch has demonstrated she will not stick her head in the sand and tweet from the safety of her mansion.

Kleefisch has assured the members of the Wisconsin FOP that, if elected governor, she will stand against rogue prosecutors who recommend low or no bail for repeat violent offenders. She has pledged to employ the State Patrol to help local police in high-crime areas. She has specifically indicated she will work to fight light sentencing policies and other mechanisms that perpetuate the revolving door of crime.

Kleefisch is the choice of Wisconsins law enforcement community because she has our back, she listens, and she has a plan to help us restore the safety of our communities.

Windorff, of Kaukauna, is president of the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police, with about 2,700 members in the state: wifop.org.


Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.
LAKE CITY  One of Lake City's top employers wants to revise a 27-year-old agreement to permanently preserve wetlands so it can build a warehouse next to its manufacturing plant, sparking opposition from South Carolina environmental groups.

Nan Ya Plastics, which makes disposable bottles and other products, asked the Charleston office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to fill about five acres of freshwater wetlands so it can build the structure.

The Taiwanese-owned company said its customers  including beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsico  now require a percentage of recycled plastic.

The proposed warehouse is necessary to keep the used product clean and dry while a conveyor belt feeds the nearby manufacturing facility, Nan Ya said.

If the project isn't approved, the company said it likely will have to shut down  laying off hundreds of workers.

"Unless we consider simply closing the Lake City facility and moving the whole thing somewhere else  thereby destroying the livelihood of 1,000 families and devastating the local economy  there is no practicable alternative," said Stan Barnett, a Mount Pleasant attorney who represents the company.

He estimated the company's Pee Dee plant delivers an annual impact of about $13.4 million to the local economy.

Conservation groups countered that Nan Ya hasn't looked hard enough to find a site that won't affect wetlands the company agreed decades ago to preserve into perpetuity.

"They could look at other property in the area," said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League.

The proposal currently before the Army Corps would revise a 1995 permit that allowed a $300 million expansion of the Nan Ya plant at Beulah Road and U.S. Highway 52. At the time, the company agreed to preserve about five acres of freshwater wetlands, which it previously agreed to in a pair of deed restrictions, environmentalists said.

In exchange for permission to fill the wetlands, Nan Ya has proposed buying credits in the Carter-Stilley Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Horry County that would double the regulatory requirement.

This is the second time in as many years that Nan Ya has asked to revise the permit. In 2021, the company proposed buying credits in the mitigation bank in exchange for permission to fill wetlands at its Florence County property. The Army Corps, at that time, said the proposed remediation was inadequate.

Ryon of the Coastal Conservation League said the latest offer to purchase more mitigation bank credits is "a change in the right direction," but the plastics manufacturer ultimately should live up to its promise to preserve the wetlands.

"And I don't think they've done a proper threatened and endangered species survey to see what impacts there could be to endangered species," Ryon said, citing a colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers located about a half-mile from the proposed warehouse site.

Barnett said the planned expansion poses no threat to the birds, because no colony is on the property and it's not a foraging or nesting site for the species.

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, in a May 16 letter to the Army Corps, said Nan Ya's promises to protect wetlands have been disingenuous.

The company "has promised on at least three separate prior occasions to protect wetlands on its property in exchange for something of benefit to them and when it benefitted them to do so," Emily Nellermoe, a staff attorney for the group, said in the letter.

Nellermoe said the longstanding deed restrictions are "clear that wetlands" on Nan Ya's property "are to be protected forever."

The Pawleys Island-based law group is asking the Army Corps to hold a public hearing on the company's request and suggested that the federal permitting agency conduct a formal environmental study.

Barnett, the company's attorney, said the May 16 letter is an almost word-for-word copy of a letter environmentalists submitted to the Army Corps after Nan Ya submitted its 2021 permit application. He told the Army Corps at that time the letter "lacks any factual basis" and includes unsupported claims, such as another location hasn't been explored.

Nan Ya told the agency that several alternatives were studied but the warehouse must be next to the manufacturing site, otherwise it would cost $350 million to relocate the entire plant. According to Barnett, that would "render the Nan Ya ... facility unsustainable economically and it would close."

The public comment period for Nan Ya's request expired last week. Army Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the agency has not determined a timeline for making a decision on the permit application, which was filed this month. She said the agency is reviewing the law project's letter, including the request for a public hearing.

"Since we just received the request only four days ago, we have not made a decision on that request," Jeffries said last week.





Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.





Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.




Hyderabad, May 21 : Hyderabad police on Saturday arrested four persons, including a minor, and are on lookout for two others for the murder of a 22-year-old youth over an inter-caste love marriage.

A day after Neeraj Panwar was hacked to death in full public view at the Begum Bazar area, the police achieved the breakthrough in the case.

The police said five relatives of Sanjana, with whom Neeraj had a love marriage last year, murdered him.

The accused attacked Neeraj with knives and boulder when he was on a bike along with his grandfather on Friday night. He sustained severe injuries which led to his death.

According to the police, Neeraj, a groundnut businessman in Kolsawadi Begum Bazar, fell in love with Sanjana, who was also a resident of the same area. Sanjana's family members did not accept their marriage proposal. Sanjana married Neeraj at a temple on April 13 last year against the wishes of her family.

Sanjana's parents and other family members had severed ties with her, but the sons of her uncles felt humiliated over the marriage and wanted to take revenge on Neeraj.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Joel Davis told reporters that the accused hatched the plan 15 days ago and bought knives from Jumerat Bazar.

The accused are Abhinanadan Yadav, A.K. Vijay Yadav, K. Sanjay Yadav, B. Rohith Yadav, Mahesh Aheer Yadav, and a minor. Abhinandan Yadav and Mahesh Aheer Yadav are absconding.

Traders in Begum Bazar, a busy commercial area, downed shutters on Saturday to demand immediate arrest and punishment to the killers. Sanjana and the family members of Neeraj also staged a sit-in at the Shahinayatgunj police station.

This was the second honour killing in Hyderabad in less than a month. On May 4, a 25-year-old man was hacked to death in Saroornagar over an inter-faith marriage.

Billapuram Nagaraju was murdered in public in front of his wife by her brother and another relative.

Nagaraju had married Ashrin Sultana after the latter eloped with him earlier this year.


Hyderabad, May 21 : Hyderabad police on Saturday arrested four persons, including a minor, and are on lookout for two others for the murder of a 22-year-old youth over an inter-caste love marriage.

A day after Neeraj Panwar was hacked to death in full public view at the Begum Bazar area, the police achieved the breakthrough in the case.

The police said five relatives of Sanjana, with whom Neeraj had a love marriage last year, murdered him.

The accused attacked Neeraj with knives and boulder when he was on a bike along with his grandfather on Friday night. He sustained severe injuries which led to his death.

According to the police, Neeraj, a groundnut businessman in Kolsawadi Begum Bazar, fell in love with Sanjana, who was also a resident of the same area. Sanjana's family members did not accept their marriage proposal. Sanjana married Neeraj at a temple on April 13 last year against the wishes of her family.

Sanjana's parents and other family members had severed ties with her, but the sons of her uncles felt humiliated over the marriage and wanted to take revenge on Neeraj.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Joel Davis told reporters that the accused hatched the plan 15 days ago and bought knives from Jumerat Bazar.

The accused are Abhinanadan Yadav, A.K. Vijay Yadav, K. Sanjay Yadav, B. Rohith Yadav, Mahesh Aheer Yadav, and a minor. Abhinandan Yadav and Mahesh Aheer Yadav are absconding.

Traders in Begum Bazar, a busy commercial area, downed shutters on Saturday to demand immediate arrest and punishment to the killers. Sanjana and the family members of Neeraj also staged a sit-in at the Shahinayatgunj police station.

This was the second honour killing in Hyderabad in less than a month. On May 4, a 25-year-old man was hacked to death in Saroornagar over an inter-faith marriage.

Billapuram Nagaraju was murdered in public in front of his wife by her brother and another relative.

Nagaraju had married Ashrin Sultana after the latter eloped with him earlier this year.
Folks, autoevolution recently made a trip up to Bicycle Heaven , a place on Earth where long-lost and fabled bicycles end up. As we combed through the countless piles of steel, rubber, and aluminum, we came across a machine from back in 1998, the Cannondale Raven Super-V. While finding an MTB with this brand stamped onto it isn't usually a big deal, what is a big deal is that this Raven lineup displayed some of the more prehistoric applications of carbon fiber on a bicycle.That's right, Cannondale was experimenting with carbon fiber back in the '90s. But not as you would expect these days; remember, since those first experiments, nearly 25 years have gone by. Since aluminum was reigning as king of building materials, the base of the bike still features an aluminum backbone onto which carbon fiber was added in specific areas to increase stiffness and response.Speaking of response, the Raven lineup was also known for being hella twitchy in terms of steering, and because of the very short travel, both at the fork and rear, it was better suited for XC riding and single-tracks. According to a report by Mountain Bike Action , "It accelerated well out of corners and pedaled well, but it required some conscious effort and a talented pilot to keep the bike on the trail through technical sections." In short, it was nothing like the full-suspension MTBs we see shredding down mountainsides these days.Now, the bike wasn't completely useless and was produced for nine years; it showcased ideas that would go on to be adopted in some modern bikes. For example, by removing the top tube, Cannondale offered riders more clearance on drops and when maneuvering the bike. The downtube is curved slightly, offering excellent clearance from the fork.Here's where things get weird; the seat tube was eliminated, and the post was held in place by two clamps mounted on the end of the frame. I don't feel I need to point out the sort of problems that could be associated with that idea. I'd be worried about hitting a drop higher than a foot or two; I've ridden this style of bike, and that seat tube inevitably hits your rear linkage. The Raven probably didn't do that.The suspension on this bugger was odd; the front fork is sporting a shock that isn't integrated into the fork legs or stanchions but the steerer. I wonder how much abuse this system could take. However, the rear of the Ravens boasted a brand name that's still around today, Fox. It's not clear exactly how much travel was offered, but over the years, the bike remained within a similar range As for the trinket we ran into at the museum, we're told this was just a paint test bike meant to showcase Cannondale's red coat on a carbon fiber frame. It's also said that this was the only Raven to have left the Bedford, Pennsylvania factory in this shade, making it a true one-of-a-kind Funny thing is, if you head down to any bicycle store, you'll still be able to find bikes that brandish this sort of frame design, and the best thing is that they're usually the least expensive ones in the shop. Maybe Cannondale sold their used molds over the years, and it's why we still see this frame being produced; they seem to be really big over in Europe and Asia.Sure, the Raven may not be the bike known for turning the tide of modern mountain biking. Still, its exploration into shapes and capabilities resulted in Cannondale being one of the teams you can still see on TV and on the streets.
New Delhi, May 21 : Satendra Malik's entire village -- Mokhra in Haryana -- has come out in support of the wrestler, who was recently handed a life ban by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for allegedly slapping a referee during the Commonwealth Games trials here.

Speaking to IANS, Satender said a panchayat was held in his village Mokhra and he presented his side and explained in detail the incident.

"I shared the video and also explained what happened there," said the Services wrestler. It was then unanimously decided in the panchayat that Satendra was innocent in this case and the international referee, Jagbir Singh allegedly provoked him.

"The members of panchayat will now meet WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh ji on Monday and request to uplift life-ban. My life is destroyed. I tell you what happened when I went to the referee and said in his ear 'tanne ke mil gaya mahari zindagi kharab karke (What did you achieve after ruining my life?)'. He got angry and slapped me -- you can see in the video as well. He first slapped me. I never abused him or said anything wrong to him," an emotional wrestler added.

Shameful incident on May 17! During the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials, spectators at the KD Jadhav Hall at the IG Stadium witnessed something shameful and unheard of even by Indian wrestling's standard. International referee Jagbir Singh was allegedly attacked by Satender.

The incident happened right in front of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Satender allegedly 'slapped' referee Jagbir Singh after losing the 125kg final bout. The Air Force wrestler was leading 3-0 with just 18 seconds left in the deciding bout when his opponent Mohit affected a 'take-down' move and also pushed Satender out of the mat for another point. However, referee Virender Malik did not award two points to Mohit for the 'takedown' move and gave only one point for the pushout.

Mohit then challenged the decision. Senior referee Jagbir Singh adjudicated the challenge with the help of video replays and ruled that Mohit should be given three points (two for takedown and one for pushout). The score thus became 3-3 and remained like that till the end. Mohit was declared the winner since he had scored the last point of the bout.

Satender then walked across to Mat 'A' and went straight to Jagbir, and allegedly assaulted him. The WFI officials promptly imposed a life ban on Malik.

However, a video went viral where it can be seen that Jagbir first slammed the wrestler before the latter slapped him.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SUV

EV

The county having almost the same name as Brian P. Kemp is just a coincidence. On the other hand, the profiles presented in the teaser image of the ceremony clearly show the Ioniq 6 and the Ioniq 7. The Ioniq 5 seems to be there as well, but it seems to be a longer vehicle. It could be its second generation.Wed bet on that because the factory will only start to operate in 2025. By then, the Ioniq 5 will already be a four-year-old project, pretty close to the six-year limit that most vehicles are allowed to have. The current one could be still imported from South Korea until its new iteration emerges around 2027.For the American market, it is not unlikely that Hyundai will focus on the Ioniq 7 , a much larger. The local affordable option would be the Ioniq 6, which will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and similarly-sized sedans. Considering how far we are from the production start, we may also see different vehicles among the 300,000 units the factory will be able to make when it is at full throttle.The new factory is the second one Georgia announced in a matter of months. Rivian also said it would build a car plant in the state on December 16, 2021. So far, thecompany has faced fierce opposition from residents in the area it chose: they claim the factory will pollute groundwater reserves and have other environmental impacts there. Hyundai may see the same concerns emerge, but that is not as likely. After all, the group already has a factory in Georgia, more precisely, the Kia plant in West Point. If things go as planned, construction should begin in early 2023. When it achieves its maximum capacity, the Hyundai plants are expected to employ 8,100 people, which is intriguing.Rivian said it would make 400,000 EVs with 7,500 people. The Korean factory will make 100,000 fewer cars with 600 more people. Perhaps it has something to do with the battery plants that both of these companies will have in Georgia . They will have to tell us more about that when the time comes.
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
Russia has been accused of weaponizing food and holding grain for millions of people around the world hostage to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting called by the United States that the war has halted maritime trade in large areas of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, trapping Ukrainian agricultural exports and jeopardising global food supplies.

Blinken said the meeting, which he chaired, was taking place at a moment of unprecedented global hunger fueled by climate change and Covid-19 and made even worse by conflict.

Since Russias invasion on February 24, he said, its naval operations have sought to control access to the northwestern Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to block Ukrainian ports which the United States assesses to be a deliberate effort to block safe passage and shut down shipping.

As a result of the Russian governments actions, some 20 million tonnes of grain sit unused in Ukrainian silos as global food supplies dwindle, prices skyrocket, causing more around the world to experience food insecurity.

-Anthony Blinken

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as absolutely false claims by the U.S. and Western nations that we want to starve everyone to death and that only you and Ukraine allegedly care about how to save the lives of the country.

You assert that allegedly we are preventing agricultural products from being taken out of Ukraine by sea, he said.

However, the truth is that it is Ukraine and not Russia that has blocked 75 vessels from 17 states in the ports of Nikolaev, Kherson, Chernomorsk, Mariupol, Ochakov, Odesa and Yuzhniy and has mined the waterways.

Nebenzia warned: Unless this issue is resolved, we cannot speak of any opportunities to export Ukrainian grain by sea.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
Russia has been accused of weaponizing food and holding grain for millions of people around the world hostage to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting called by the United States that the war has halted maritime trade in large areas of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, trapping Ukrainian agricultural exports and jeopardising global food supplies.

Blinken said the meeting, which he chaired, was taking place at a moment of unprecedented global hunger fueled by climate change and Covid-19 and made even worse by conflict.

Since Russias invasion on February 24, he said, its naval operations have sought to control access to the northwestern Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to block Ukrainian ports which the United States assesses to be a deliberate effort to block safe passage and shut down shipping.

As a result of the Russian governments actions, some 20 million tonnes of grain sit unused in Ukrainian silos as global food supplies dwindle, prices skyrocket, causing more around the world to experience food insecurity.

-Anthony Blinken

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as absolutely false claims by the U.S. and Western nations that we want to starve everyone to death and that only you and Ukraine allegedly care about how to save the lives of the country.

You assert that allegedly we are preventing agricultural products from being taken out of Ukraine by sea, he said.

However, the truth is that it is Ukraine and not Russia that has blocked 75 vessels from 17 states in the ports of Nikolaev, Kherson, Chernomorsk, Mariupol, Ochakov, Odesa and Yuzhniy and has mined the waterways.

Nebenzia warned: Unless this issue is resolved, we cannot speak of any opportunities to export Ukrainian grain by sea.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Russia has been accused of weaponizing food and holding grain for millions of people around the world hostage to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting called by the United States that the war has halted maritime trade in large areas of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, trapping Ukrainian agricultural exports and jeopardising global food supplies.

Blinken said the meeting, which he chaired, was taking place at a moment of unprecedented global hunger fueled by climate change and Covid-19 and made even worse by conflict.

Since Russias invasion on February 24, he said, its naval operations have sought to control access to the northwestern Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to block Ukrainian ports which the United States assesses to be a deliberate effort to block safe passage and shut down shipping.

As a result of the Russian governments actions, some 20 million tonnes of grain sit unused in Ukrainian silos as global food supplies dwindle, prices skyrocket, causing more around the world to experience food insecurity.

-Anthony Blinken

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as absolutely false claims by the U.S. and Western nations that we want to starve everyone to death and that only you and Ukraine allegedly care about how to save the lives of the country.

You assert that allegedly we are preventing agricultural products from being taken out of Ukraine by sea, he said.

However, the truth is that it is Ukraine and not Russia that has blocked 75 vessels from 17 states in the ports of Nikolaev, Kherson, Chernomorsk, Mariupol, Ochakov, Odesa and Yuzhniy and has mined the waterways.

Nebenzia warned: Unless this issue is resolved, we cannot speak of any opportunities to export Ukrainian grain by sea.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
Lieutenant Governor & Democratic Senate Candidate John Fetterman Holds Campaign Event

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Senate candidate, greets an attendee during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pa., on April 30, 2022. Credit - Michelle GustafsonBloomberg/Getty Images

Welcome to The Back Booth, a weekend edition of The D.C. Brief. Here each Saturday, TIMEs politics newsletter will host a conversation between political professionals on the right and the left, pulling back the curtain on the conversations taking place in Washington when the tape stops rolling. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief here.

A proxy fight over the future of the Republican Party is in overtime, an orgy-alleging firebrand falls and Democrats are at odds over where their House campaign chief should run for another term if it means a primary against a fellow incumbent.

This week, The D.C. Brief chatted with two political pros who have literally shoveled millions of dollars into competitive races and others that captured the imagination of the donor class. From the right, Corry Bliss has long been one of the Republican Partys favorite fixers, a technocrat who has a record of saving dumpster-fire campaigns from themselves at the eleventh hour. He ran House Leaderships favored super PAC before moving into consulting.

On the left, Julia Rosen has enjoyed the head-of-the-table assignment as Democrats blended technology, money, and activism. A veteran of grassroots force MoveOn, fundraising platform ActBlue, and LGBT-advocacy coordinator the Equality Federation, Rosen has seen the evolution of the Democratic Party up close over the last two decades. She, too, is now a consultant.

The conversation has been edited.

Elliott: Welcome to The Back Booth, where well spend some time solving all that ails our politics. I had hoped wed have results in the Pennsylvania Senate race by now. Julia, what is your home state doing? You know the Fetterman DNA pretty well in the Pittsburgh area. Can that style win statewide?

Rosen: Greetings from Mars, Penn. I just happen to be back home this week.

Story continues

Fettermans everyman schtick is resonating widely. It worked for him when he ran for Lieutenant Governor and clearly worked this primary. He won every single county in the state, despite being highly identified with Western PA, which is of course not where all the voters are, especially during a Democratic primary.

Fetterman passes that incredibly rare authenticity test. He looks and sounds like that dude you see filling his truck at Sheetz, shaking his head at the gas prices. What he has done tremendously well is reflecting back to people the deep frustration they are all feeling. He just gets it.

That mattered way more than endorsements or arguments about electability. And its dramatically different from what you are on the other side right now. Hes coming out of this primary remarkably unscathed.

Bliss: Julia is right that John Fetterman doesnt look or sound like a normal politician. Clearly, his everyman persona had a strong appeal to Democratic primary voters on Tuesday. Personally, I thought Conor Lamb was one of the most impressive candidates to come out of the 2018 cycle. The fact that Fetterman blew him out illustrates how strong of a candidate he is. In a tough year you need non-traditional candidates who are good enough to defy gravity. It will be interesting to see if he can over perform with blue-collar/rural voters who have been trending our way.

Now after saying all that nice stuff about Fetterman, lets come back to reality. November is going to be about one thing and one thing only: a referendum on Bidens performance. Right now, Bidens approval rating in Pennsylvania is around 40% and gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon. If that doesnt change and change a lot between now and Election Day, Republicans can take a homeless guy off the street and he will easily win the race. Period, end of discussion.

Elliott: Corry, what the heck is going on with your side of the aisle there? Im sincerely surprised how close it is.

Bliss: If Im being honest, I have no idea whats going to happen in Pennsylvania. All joking aside, Trumps endorsement is still the most important factor in a Republican primary election. I see primary polling data in states and districts across the country and across the board, Trumps favorability with Republicans is somewhere in the low 80s. Candidates, campaigns, and resources matter, but all those other factors being equal, if you have the Trump endorsementand the money to let people know thatyou should win.

Elliott: We just watched Biden head off to Asia for his first trip, a visit with incredibly high stakes but very little sizzle with the stateside electorate. Is there any way for this to help the President reset his undeniably bad polling position?

Bliss: Having him out of the country will probably improve his numbers! Tell me the price of gas in November and I will tell you everything you need to know. Nothing else matters.

Elliott: You both know intra-party politicsespecially at committees. What is going to happen with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney? I saw AOC wants him to step down as chair of the House Democrats campaign committee if he runs for another term in a district already with an incumbent. (Which is interesting given AOC doesnt pay D-Trip dues in the first place)

Rosen: New York is a hot, hot mess. After watching two redistricting cycles by an independent commission in California, I am a huge advocate. We got the competitive House seats without the high stakes drama of New York, even while losing a district.

Maloney rushed to decide and now is in so much hot water with his caucus. AOC is saying what I think a lot of members are thinking. Id give anything to be in those rooms listening to the tea. It wont be pretty.

The Sherman/Berman race was a high-stakes drama in 2012, but youve now got multiple incumbent Democrat-on-incumbent Democrat races in New York, an area saturated with reporters. And its going to be a massive distraction from the real problems of the fundamentals compounded by thin resumes to run on from this Congress.

Elliott: Thanks much for your time on this. Im glad we were able to do this.
Lieutenant Governor & Democratic Senate Candidate John Fetterman Holds Campaign Event

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Senate candidate, greets an attendee during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pa., on April 30, 2022. Credit - Michelle GustafsonBloomberg/Getty Images

Welcome to The Back Booth, a weekend edition of The D.C. Brief. Here each Saturday, TIMEs politics newsletter will host a conversation between political professionals on the right and the left, pulling back the curtain on the conversations taking place in Washington when the tape stops rolling. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief here.

A proxy fight over the future of the Republican Party is in overtime, an orgy-alleging firebrand falls and Democrats are at odds over where their House campaign chief should run for another term if it means a primary against a fellow incumbent.

This week, The D.C. Brief chatted with two political pros who have literally shoveled millions of dollars into competitive races and others that captured the imagination of the donor class. From the right, Corry Bliss has long been one of the Republican Partys favorite fixers, a technocrat who has a record of saving dumpster-fire campaigns from themselves at the eleventh hour. He ran House Leaderships favored super PAC before moving into consulting.

On the left, Julia Rosen has enjoyed the head-of-the-table assignment as Democrats blended technology, money, and activism. A veteran of grassroots force MoveOn, fundraising platform ActBlue, and LGBT-advocacy coordinator the Equality Federation, Rosen has seen the evolution of the Democratic Party up close over the last two decades. She, too, is now a consultant.

The conversation has been edited.

Elliott: Welcome to The Back Booth, where well spend some time solving all that ails our politics. I had hoped wed have results in the Pennsylvania Senate race by now. Julia, what is your home state doing? You know the Fetterman DNA pretty well in the Pittsburgh area. Can that style win statewide?

Rosen: Greetings from Mars, Penn. I just happen to be back home this week.

Story continues

Fettermans everyman schtick is resonating widely. It worked for him when he ran for Lieutenant Governor and clearly worked this primary. He won every single county in the state, despite being highly identified with Western PA, which is of course not where all the voters are, especially during a Democratic primary.

Fetterman passes that incredibly rare authenticity test. He looks and sounds like that dude you see filling his truck at Sheetz, shaking his head at the gas prices. What he has done tremendously well is reflecting back to people the deep frustration they are all feeling. He just gets it.

That mattered way more than endorsements or arguments about electability. And its dramatically different from what you are on the other side right now. Hes coming out of this primary remarkably unscathed.

Bliss: Julia is right that John Fetterman doesnt look or sound like a normal politician. Clearly, his everyman persona had a strong appeal to Democratic primary voters on Tuesday. Personally, I thought Conor Lamb was one of the most impressive candidates to come out of the 2018 cycle. The fact that Fetterman blew him out illustrates how strong of a candidate he is. In a tough year you need non-traditional candidates who are good enough to defy gravity. It will be interesting to see if he can over perform with blue-collar/rural voters who have been trending our way.

Now after saying all that nice stuff about Fetterman, lets come back to reality. November is going to be about one thing and one thing only: a referendum on Bidens performance. Right now, Bidens approval rating in Pennsylvania is around 40% and gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon. If that doesnt change and change a lot between now and Election Day, Republicans can take a homeless guy off the street and he will easily win the race. Period, end of discussion.

Elliott: Corry, what the heck is going on with your side of the aisle there? Im sincerely surprised how close it is.

Bliss: If Im being honest, I have no idea whats going to happen in Pennsylvania. All joking aside, Trumps endorsement is still the most important factor in a Republican primary election. I see primary polling data in states and districts across the country and across the board, Trumps favorability with Republicans is somewhere in the low 80s. Candidates, campaigns, and resources matter, but all those other factors being equal, if you have the Trump endorsementand the money to let people know thatyou should win.

Elliott: We just watched Biden head off to Asia for his first trip, a visit with incredibly high stakes but very little sizzle with the stateside electorate. Is there any way for this to help the President reset his undeniably bad polling position?

Bliss: Having him out of the country will probably improve his numbers! Tell me the price of gas in November and I will tell you everything you need to know. Nothing else matters.

Elliott: You both know intra-party politicsespecially at committees. What is going to happen with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney? I saw AOC wants him to step down as chair of the House Democrats campaign committee if he runs for another term in a district already with an incumbent. (Which is interesting given AOC doesnt pay D-Trip dues in the first place)

Rosen: New York is a hot, hot mess. After watching two redistricting cycles by an independent commission in California, I am a huge advocate. We got the competitive House seats without the high stakes drama of New York, even while losing a district.

Maloney rushed to decide and now is in so much hot water with his caucus. AOC is saying what I think a lot of members are thinking. Id give anything to be in those rooms listening to the tea. It wont be pretty.

The Sherman/Berman race was a high-stakes drama in 2012, but youve now got multiple incumbent Democrat-on-incumbent Democrat races in New York, an area saturated with reporters. And its going to be a massive distraction from the real problems of the fundamentals compounded by thin resumes to run on from this Congress.

Elliott: Thanks much for your time on this. Im glad we were able to do this.

















Canberra, May 21 : Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's federal elections held on Satuday.

The election results would end the coalition's nearly nine-year hold on power with Albanese set to become Australia's 31st Prime Minister.

Addressing supporters, Albanese pledged to bring Australians together, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I say to my fellow Australians, thank you for this extraordinary honour. Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he said.

Labor's victory was delivered by large swings in the party's favour and a collapse in support for the coalition.

Conceding defeat, Morrison, who spoke to Albanese earlier to congratulate him on his election victory, took responsibility for the results and announced he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party.

"To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and who have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses," he told supporters.

"As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under a new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do," he added
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.







Hyderabad, May 21 : Hyderabad police on Saturday arrested four persons, including a minor, and are on lookout for two others for the murder of a 22-year-old youth over an inter-caste love marriage.

A day after Neeraj Panwar was hacked to death in full public view at the Begum Bazar area, the police achieved the breakthrough in the case.

The police said five relatives of Sanjana, with whom Neeraj had a love marriage last year, murdered him.

The accused attacked Neeraj with knives and boulder when he was on a bike along with his grandfather on Friday night. He sustained severe injuries which led to his death.

According to the police, Neeraj, a groundnut businessman in Kolsawadi Begum Bazar, fell in love with Sanjana, who was also a resident of the same area. Sanjana's family members did not accept their marriage proposal. Sanjana married Neeraj at a temple on April 13 last year against the wishes of her family.

Sanjana's parents and other family members had severed ties with her, but the sons of her uncles felt humiliated over the marriage and wanted to take revenge on Neeraj.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Joel Davis told reporters that the accused hatched the plan 15 days ago and bought knives from Jumerat Bazar.

The accused are Abhinanadan Yadav, A.K. Vijay Yadav, K. Sanjay Yadav, B. Rohith Yadav, Mahesh Aheer Yadav, and a minor. Abhinandan Yadav and Mahesh Aheer Yadav are absconding.

Traders in Begum Bazar, a busy commercial area, downed shutters on Saturday to demand immediate arrest and punishment to the killers. Sanjana and the family members of Neeraj also staged a sit-in at the Shahinayatgunj police station.

This was the second honour killing in Hyderabad in less than a month. On May 4, a 25-year-old man was hacked to death in Saroornagar over an inter-faith marriage.

Billapuram Nagaraju was murdered in public in front of his wife by her brother and another relative.

Nagaraju had married Ashrin Sultana after the latter eloped with him earlier this year.
An elderly couple reported missing from DeLand has been found safe, according the Volusia County deputies.

7:55 p.m. update:

Volusia County deputies confirmed Saturday evening that an elderly couple reported missing in DeLand was found safe in Ocala.

*UPDATE #2: All safe!*



Our missing DeLand couple has made contact with law enforcement in Ocala and confirmed they're OK. The family has been contacted. Thank you for spreading the word!  Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) May 21, 2022

Original report:

Volusia County deputies are seeking help in locating an elderly couple missing from their DeLand home Saturday morning.

Read: Coast Guard searching for missing man after boat washes ashore in Brevard County

Herminio Guevara, 84, and Ana Santos Davila, 89, both suffer from Alzheimers disease and were last seen in the area of Winnemissett Oaks Drive around 8 a.m.

Deputies said the couple may be driving a black Ford SUV with Florida plate number NNE I45.

Read: Police warn of fake officer scam calls as Florida works with FCC to crack down on robocalls

Guevara was last seen wearing a red shirt, black pants, and tennis shoes.

Davila was wearing a white blouse, gray pants, and black sandals.

Anyone with information on the couple is asked to call the Volusia County Sheriffs Office or 911.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Hyderabad, May 21 : Hyderabad police on Saturday arrested four persons, including a minor, and are on lookout for two others for the murder of a 22-year-old youth over an inter-caste love marriage.

A day after Neeraj Panwar was hacked to death in full public view at the Begum Bazar area, the police achieved the breakthrough in the case.

The police said five relatives of Sanjana, with whom Neeraj had a love marriage last year, murdered him.

The accused attacked Neeraj with knives and boulder when he was on a bike along with his grandfather on Friday night. He sustained severe injuries which led to his death.

According to the police, Neeraj, a groundnut businessman in Kolsawadi Begum Bazar, fell in love with Sanjana, who was also a resident of the same area. Sanjana's family members did not accept their marriage proposal. Sanjana married Neeraj at a temple on April 13 last year against the wishes of her family.

Sanjana's parents and other family members had severed ties with her, but the sons of her uncles felt humiliated over the marriage and wanted to take revenge on Neeraj.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Joel Davis told reporters that the accused hatched the plan 15 days ago and bought knives from Jumerat Bazar.

The accused are Abhinanadan Yadav, A.K. Vijay Yadav, K. Sanjay Yadav, B. Rohith Yadav, Mahesh Aheer Yadav, and a minor. Abhinandan Yadav and Mahesh Aheer Yadav are absconding.

Traders in Begum Bazar, a busy commercial area, downed shutters on Saturday to demand immediate arrest and punishment to the killers. Sanjana and the family members of Neeraj also staged a sit-in at the Shahinayatgunj police station.

This was the second honour killing in Hyderabad in less than a month. On May 4, a 25-year-old man was hacked to death in Saroornagar over an inter-faith marriage.

Billapuram Nagaraju was murdered in public in front of his wife by her brother and another relative.

Nagaraju had married Ashrin Sultana after the latter eloped with him earlier this year.
Davenport Police have identified the motorcyclist killed in a crash with a car Wednesday night as Michael Vickers, 56, of Davenport.

At 8:23 p.m., Davenport police, firefighters and EMS were called to Kimberly Road at Fairmount Street for a crash between a motorcycle and a car.

A 2015 Dodge Journey traveling westbound on Kimberly Road made a left turn onto Fairmount Street striking a 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling eastbound.

Vickers was taken to a Genesis Medical Center, where he died from crash-related injuries.

The driver of the Dodge Journey was transported to UnityPoint Health-Trinity with minor injuries.

Fairmount Street between Kimberly and Hickory Grove roads was shut down for approximately five hours as investigators processed the scene.

No charges have been filed to date. Police said the investigation was ongoing.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Srinagar, May 21 : The rescue operation launched to evacuate workers from the site of the collapsed tunnel in Khooni Nallah area of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district concluded on Saturday after the bodies of all 10 missing persons were retrieved from the debris, officials said.

The rescue operation was launched soon after the caving in of the tunnel on late Thursday night.

"A case of negligence has been registered following the collapse of an under construction tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban on May 19," a police officer said.

The deceased have been identified as Jadav Roy, Gautam Roy, Sudhir Roy, Dipak Roy and Parimal Roy all from West Bengal, and Shiva Chouhan from Assam, Nepalese national Navaraj Chaudhary and Kushi Ram Chaudhary, Mohammad Muzaffar and Mohammad Ishirat, both residents of Marog, district Ramban.

The joint rescue operation was conducted by the army, police, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, civil QRTs, and the NHAI as well as the machine operators.

On second day of the rescue operation, nine bodies were recovered whereas one dead body was recovered on Friday by the rescue teams.

The Deputy Commissioner said that on the directions of Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Rs 15 lakh compensation would be given to each of the next of the kin of the deceased by the construction company.

The Lt Governor has also announced Rs 1 lakh ex gratia each to the next of kin of the deceased from the Relief Fund.
Guwahati, May 21 : A college professor in Assam's Hailakandi district was arrested on Saturday for allegedly sending an objectionable e-mail to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Jomir Ahmed Choudhury -- an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Srikishan Sarda College in Hailakandi town, was later presented in the court on Saturday afternoon. The court granted him bail on a few conditions.

Superintendent of Police, Hailakandi, Gaurav Upadhyay said that Choudhury was arrested from the college campus on multiple offences.

According to the FIR filed by the district cyber cell in Hailakandi, Choudhury made his four-year-old son a petitioner and sent a four-page letter to Chief Minister Sarma.

It was alleged that he made a mockery of the state education department's flagship programme 'Gunotsav', and used "offensive words" to the Chief Minister in the e-mail.

It was learned that Choudhury also sent a similar letter to Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Upadhyay said that the e-mails also praised the Islamic system of education.

"The professor exploited his child and tried to disturb the communal harmony. This is seen very seriously and we have put all facts before the court," the police officer said.

The professor was charged with 294, 153(A), 153(B), 295 (A), 501, 505, and juvenile justice act 43(2) of the Indian Penal Code.


Georgia gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue poses alongside a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump during a campaign stop in Augusta, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

David Perdue is challenging incumbent Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in a May 24 primary.

Trump has suggested that MAGA world may stay home in November if Perdue loses.

MAGA voters denounced Kemp as a "Judas," "betrayer," and "liar."

AUGUSTA, Georgia  Republicans in Georgia still seething about the 2020 presidential race say they would rather sit out the election in November if Trump's candidate, former Sen. David Perdue, loses an upcoming GOP gubernatorial primary than ever support incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

The animosity towards Kemp, whom several MAGA Republicans described as a "Judas" and "betrayer" for certifying Joe Biden's win in 2020, is unlikely to affect the outcome of the May 24 primary. But it may hurt Kemp's chances this fall in an anticipated rematch with presumed Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams, the woman he narrowly beat in 2018  with Trump's support.

"I don't want Stacey Abrams. But I don't think I can vote for Brian Kemp," a 27-year-old Gordon County resident who declined to give his name told Insider at a "Bikers for Trump" rally about an hour north of Atlanta.

The local Republican, who accused Kemp of "rolling over and letting the country get crucified" during the last election, said he planned to vote for Perdue on Tuesday because the Trump-endorsed former senator from Georgia had vowed to hold everyone involved in the "rigged and stolen" presidential contest accountable if he gets elected.

Earlier in the day, an 81-year-old Georgian who said he's voted Republican since 1964, couldn't even bring himself to say Kemp's name or that of Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger.

"I wouldn't vote for either one of them. They're not Republicans. They're liars," David, who declined to provide his last name, said at Perdue's May 20 event at a rural airfield. He added that Kemp and Raffensperger "did Trump in in Georgia" by not investigating the results to the twice-impeached former president's satisfaction.

Kemp and Raffensperger conducted a statewide audit and oversaw recounts of the more than 5 million votes Georgians cast in the 2020 presidential election. Biden beat Trump there by about 12,000 votes.

Story continues

Amy Steigerwalt, a professor of political science at Georgia State University, said the 2020 race is over for everyone but the Trumpiest locals. "Most voters know that the recounts and audits all showed that the election was conducted fairly and transparently, and that there was no evidence of fraud or malfeasance," she told Insider.

Still, Trump mentioned the possibility of his devotees sitting out the governor's race earlier this month. CNN reported that he said "many Republicans are just not going to vote for Kemp" during a call-in rally he did for Perdue.

David Perdue supporter Robert Weinger hoists his custom shofar at a campaign event in August, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

That prediction is closer to becoming reality as Perdue, who is pushing back against recent polling showing that Kemp has a 30-point lead heading into Tuesday's primary, keeps trying to drive GOP voters to the polls.

"I'm encouraging anybody that's concerned about the future of our state and our country to get out and vote  whichever side you're on," he told supporters Friday, adding, "If you don't vote, it is absolutely a vote for the other side."

Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, Perdue rally attendee Robert Weinger, 70, said his mind is made up about November.

"I will not vote for Gov. Kemp," he said, brushing aside gloom-and-doom scenarios about Abrams carrying the state this fall.

"Anybody can beat Stacey Abrams," Weinger said. "She's a fraud."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Georgia gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue poses alongside a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump during a campaign stop in Augusta, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

David Perdue is challenging incumbent Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in a May 24 primary.

Trump has suggested that MAGA world may stay home in November if Perdue loses.

MAGA voters denounced Kemp as a "Judas," "betrayer," and "liar."

AUGUSTA, Georgia  Republicans in Georgia still seething about the 2020 presidential race say they would rather sit out the election in November if Trump's candidate, former Sen. David Perdue, loses an upcoming GOP gubernatorial primary than ever support incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

The animosity towards Kemp, whom several MAGA Republicans described as a "Judas" and "betrayer" for certifying Joe Biden's win in 2020, is unlikely to affect the outcome of the May 24 primary. But it may hurt Kemp's chances this fall in an anticipated rematch with presumed Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams, the woman he narrowly beat in 2018  with Trump's support.

"I don't want Stacey Abrams. But I don't think I can vote for Brian Kemp," a 27-year-old Gordon County resident who declined to give his name told Insider at a "Bikers for Trump" rally about an hour north of Atlanta.

The local Republican, who accused Kemp of "rolling over and letting the country get crucified" during the last election, said he planned to vote for Perdue on Tuesday because the Trump-endorsed former senator from Georgia had vowed to hold everyone involved in the "rigged and stolen" presidential contest accountable if he gets elected.

Earlier in the day, an 81-year-old Georgian who said he's voted Republican since 1964, couldn't even bring himself to say Kemp's name or that of Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger.

"I wouldn't vote for either one of them. They're not Republicans. They're liars," David, who declined to provide his last name, said at Perdue's May 20 event at a rural airfield. He added that Kemp and Raffensperger "did Trump in in Georgia" by not investigating the results to the twice-impeached former president's satisfaction.

Kemp and Raffensperger conducted a statewide audit and oversaw recounts of the more than 5 million votes Georgians cast in the 2020 presidential election. Biden beat Trump there by about 12,000 votes.

Story continues

Amy Steigerwalt, a professor of political science at Georgia State University, said the 2020 race is over for everyone but the Trumpiest locals. "Most voters know that the recounts and audits all showed that the election was conducted fairly and transparently, and that there was no evidence of fraud or malfeasance," she told Insider.

Still, Trump mentioned the possibility of his devotees sitting out the governor's race earlier this month. CNN reported that he said "many Republicans are just not going to vote for Kemp" during a call-in rally he did for Perdue.

David Perdue supporter Robert Weinger hoists his custom shofar at a campaign event in August, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

That prediction is closer to becoming reality as Perdue, who is pushing back against recent polling showing that Kemp has a 30-point lead heading into Tuesday's primary, keeps trying to drive GOP voters to the polls.

"I'm encouraging anybody that's concerned about the future of our state and our country to get out and vote  whichever side you're on," he told supporters Friday, adding, "If you don't vote, it is absolutely a vote for the other side."

Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, Perdue rally attendee Robert Weinger, 70, said his mind is made up about November.

"I will not vote for Gov. Kemp," he said, brushing aside gloom-and-doom scenarios about Abrams carrying the state this fall.

"Anybody can beat Stacey Abrams," Weinger said. "She's a fraud."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Georgia gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue poses alongside a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump during a campaign stop in Augusta, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

David Perdue is challenging incumbent Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in a May 24 primary.

Trump has suggested that MAGA world may stay home in November if Perdue loses.

MAGA voters denounced Kemp as a "Judas," "betrayer," and "liar."

AUGUSTA, Georgia  Republicans in Georgia still seething about the 2020 presidential race say they would rather sit out the election in November if Trump's candidate, former Sen. David Perdue, loses an upcoming GOP gubernatorial primary than ever support incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

The animosity towards Kemp, whom several MAGA Republicans described as a "Judas" and "betrayer" for certifying Joe Biden's win in 2020, is unlikely to affect the outcome of the May 24 primary. But it may hurt Kemp's chances this fall in an anticipated rematch with presumed Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams, the woman he narrowly beat in 2018  with Trump's support.

"I don't want Stacey Abrams. But I don't think I can vote for Brian Kemp," a 27-year-old Gordon County resident who declined to give his name told Insider at a "Bikers for Trump" rally about an hour north of Atlanta.

The local Republican, who accused Kemp of "rolling over and letting the country get crucified" during the last election, said he planned to vote for Perdue on Tuesday because the Trump-endorsed former senator from Georgia had vowed to hold everyone involved in the "rigged and stolen" presidential contest accountable if he gets elected.

Earlier in the day, an 81-year-old Georgian who said he's voted Republican since 1964, couldn't even bring himself to say Kemp's name or that of Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger.

"I wouldn't vote for either one of them. They're not Republicans. They're liars," David, who declined to provide his last name, said at Perdue's May 20 event at a rural airfield. He added that Kemp and Raffensperger "did Trump in in Georgia" by not investigating the results to the twice-impeached former president's satisfaction.

Kemp and Raffensperger conducted a statewide audit and oversaw recounts of the more than 5 million votes Georgians cast in the 2020 presidential election. Biden beat Trump there by about 12,000 votes.

Story continues

Amy Steigerwalt, a professor of political science at Georgia State University, said the 2020 race is over for everyone but the Trumpiest locals. "Most voters know that the recounts and audits all showed that the election was conducted fairly and transparently, and that there was no evidence of fraud or malfeasance," she told Insider.

Still, Trump mentioned the possibility of his devotees sitting out the governor's race earlier this month. CNN reported that he said "many Republicans are just not going to vote for Kemp" during a call-in rally he did for Perdue.

David Perdue supporter Robert Weinger hoists his custom shofar at a campaign event in August, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

That prediction is closer to becoming reality as Perdue, who is pushing back against recent polling showing that Kemp has a 30-point lead heading into Tuesday's primary, keeps trying to drive GOP voters to the polls.

"I'm encouraging anybody that's concerned about the future of our state and our country to get out and vote  whichever side you're on," he told supporters Friday, adding, "If you don't vote, it is absolutely a vote for the other side."

Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, Perdue rally attendee Robert Weinger, 70, said his mind is made up about November.

"I will not vote for Gov. Kemp," he said, brushing aside gloom-and-doom scenarios about Abrams carrying the state this fall.

"Anybody can beat Stacey Abrams," Weinger said. "She's a fraud."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Georgia gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue poses alongside a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump during a campaign stop in Augusta, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

David Perdue is challenging incumbent Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in a May 24 primary.

Trump has suggested that MAGA world may stay home in November if Perdue loses.

MAGA voters denounced Kemp as a "Judas," "betrayer," and "liar."

AUGUSTA, Georgia  Republicans in Georgia still seething about the 2020 presidential race say they would rather sit out the election in November if Trump's candidate, former Sen. David Perdue, loses an upcoming GOP gubernatorial primary than ever support incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

The animosity towards Kemp, whom several MAGA Republicans described as a "Judas" and "betrayer" for certifying Joe Biden's win in 2020, is unlikely to affect the outcome of the May 24 primary. But it may hurt Kemp's chances this fall in an anticipated rematch with presumed Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams, the woman he narrowly beat in 2018  with Trump's support.

"I don't want Stacey Abrams. But I don't think I can vote for Brian Kemp," a 27-year-old Gordon County resident who declined to give his name told Insider at a "Bikers for Trump" rally about an hour north of Atlanta.

The local Republican, who accused Kemp of "rolling over and letting the country get crucified" during the last election, said he planned to vote for Perdue on Tuesday because the Trump-endorsed former senator from Georgia had vowed to hold everyone involved in the "rigged and stolen" presidential contest accountable if he gets elected.

Earlier in the day, an 81-year-old Georgian who said he's voted Republican since 1964, couldn't even bring himself to say Kemp's name or that of Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger.

"I wouldn't vote for either one of them. They're not Republicans. They're liars," David, who declined to provide his last name, said at Perdue's May 20 event at a rural airfield. He added that Kemp and Raffensperger "did Trump in in Georgia" by not investigating the results to the twice-impeached former president's satisfaction.

Kemp and Raffensperger conducted a statewide audit and oversaw recounts of the more than 5 million votes Georgians cast in the 2020 presidential election. Biden beat Trump there by about 12,000 votes.

Story continues

Amy Steigerwalt, a professor of political science at Georgia State University, said the 2020 race is over for everyone but the Trumpiest locals. "Most voters know that the recounts and audits all showed that the election was conducted fairly and transparently, and that there was no evidence of fraud or malfeasance," she told Insider.

Still, Trump mentioned the possibility of his devotees sitting out the governor's race earlier this month. CNN reported that he said "many Republicans are just not going to vote for Kemp" during a call-in rally he did for Perdue.

David Perdue supporter Robert Weinger hoists his custom shofar at a campaign event in August, Georgia on Friday, May 20. Warren Rojas/Insider

That prediction is closer to becoming reality as Perdue, who is pushing back against recent polling showing that Kemp has a 30-point lead heading into Tuesday's primary, keeps trying to drive GOP voters to the polls.

"I'm encouraging anybody that's concerned about the future of our state and our country to get out and vote  whichever side you're on," he told supporters Friday, adding, "If you don't vote, it is absolutely a vote for the other side."

Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, Perdue rally attendee Robert Weinger, 70, said his mind is made up about November.

"I will not vote for Gov. Kemp," he said, brushing aside gloom-and-doom scenarios about Abrams carrying the state this fall.

"Anybody can beat Stacey Abrams," Weinger said. "She's a fraud."

Read the original article on Business Insider
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




ASHGABAT -- Many schools in the authoritarian country of Turkmenistan have suddenly stopped the notorious practice of forcing parents to pay for school upgrades after independent media reported on the illegal extortion, Ashgabat residents say.



They also claimed that education and law enforcement officials have visited many Ashgabat schools in recent days, apparently to investigate the allegations of illegal money collections.



Citing several parents in Ashgabat and other cities, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service (known locally as Radio Azatlyk) reported that school administrations often demand students pay for school renovations at least once a year.



The amount they demand varies in each school, but usually ranges from about $28 to $42 per student. But students set to graduate this year must pay about $85 each, the parents said.



"After the reports by Azatlyk, representatives of the Education Ministry and prosecutors began visiting schools in Ashgabat to check [the allegations]," said a parent from the Turkmen capital on May 18.



There has been no official comment by Turkmen authorities to the RFE/RL reports, and visits by the officials also came with no prior announcement.



As the rumors of the visits spread in the city, school directors abruptly stopped collecting money, an Ashgabat resident said.



"Now, teachers are demanding students who had already paid the money to say that nobody had asked them for it," the parent said. He added that the students were ordered not to give any information to RFE/RL's Turkmen Service or other media.



"The teachers are threatening the students with 'grave' consequences," the man said. He spoke on condition of anonymity as Turkmen authorities don't tolerate criticism.



In the past several weeks, many schools in Ashgabat and other cities have also been collecting money from students to purchase portraits of the country's new president, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, to replace the photos of his predecessor -- his father.



Berdymukhammedov took over the presidency in March from Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ruled Turkmenistan with an iron fist since late 2006.



Large portraits of the Turkmen president always adorn the walls of schools, offices, and buildings, as well as street billboards all over the country.



The Europe-based independent website Khronika Turkmenistan also confirmed that at least three schools in Ashgabat had ended their money collections in recent days.



Instead, school administrations are asking parents to bring paint, brushes, and other material for school renovations if they can afford to. But they are no longer putting pressure on poor families, the website reported.



RFE/RL tried to contact the Education Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office on May 18 but received no response.



School upgrades in Turkmenistan take place during the summer holidays. Sources say the government doesn't allocate money for renovations, leaving it to the school administration to try to raise the funds.



Each class in Turkmen schools has its own head teacher who is tasked with collecting money. If head teachers fail to raise the amount set by the school administration they must pay the rest from their own salaries, several teachers told RFE/RL.



"Otherwise, the head teacher faces demotion or will even be transferred from a full-time position to part-time," a teacher from Ashgabat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "So, the head teachers try to deliver at any cost in order to keep their jobs."



Head teachers in Ashgabat make about $570 a month on average, the teacher said. Teachers with part-time positions earn about $245 monthly.



Forcing parents to pay for renovations and other similar projects is widespread in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. Parents claim that if they don't pay, teachers retaliate by giving their children lower grades.



The illegal money collections have put a strain on many families in Turkmenistan, where the economy has long been plagued by massive unemployment, food shortages, and poverty despite the Central Asian country holding vast gas reserves.



Larger families that have several school-age children are hit the hardest as they often have to cut back on food and other essentials to pay for the school projects, parents say.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Ashgabat
Guwahati, May 21 : A college professor in Assam's Hailakandi district was arrested on Saturday for allegedly sending an objectionable e-mail to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Jomir Ahmed Choudhury -- an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Srikishan Sarda College in Hailakandi town, was later presented in the court on Saturday afternoon. The court granted him bail on a few conditions.

Superintendent of Police, Hailakandi, Gaurav Upadhyay said that Choudhury was arrested from the college campus on multiple offences.

According to the FIR filed by the district cyber cell in Hailakandi, Choudhury made his four-year-old son a petitioner and sent a four-page letter to Chief Minister Sarma.

It was alleged that he made a mockery of the state education department's flagship programme 'Gunotsav', and used "offensive words" to the Chief Minister in the e-mail.

It was learned that Choudhury also sent a similar letter to Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Upadhyay said that the e-mails also praised the Islamic system of education.

"The professor exploited his child and tried to disturb the communal harmony. This is seen very seriously and we have put all facts before the court," the police officer said.

The professor was charged with 294, 153(A), 153(B), 295 (A), 501, 505, and juvenile justice act 43(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
A victim of Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who murdered 13 women in a five-year killing spree, looked on as a TV crew shot a drama about him on her street in Leeds.

Marcella Claxton, 66, survived a violent ambush by Sutcliffe on her way home from a house party in May 1976. She was just 20.

Sutcliffe beat Ms Claxton over the head after mistaking her for a sex worker.

Left: Ms Claxton watches on as an ITV crew films a drama about the Yorkshire Ripper on her street in Leeds. Right: the Sutcliffe survivor, 66, confers with a security guard close to the set

Marcella Claxton (pictured as a young woman) survived a heinous attack by Peter Sutcliffe (right) five years before he was caught

She lost the baby she had been carrying for four months and needed brain surgery.

Ms Claxton also required more than 50 stitches, The Mirror reported.

Sutcliffe murdered 13 women and tried to kill seven more during a five-year killing spree between 1975 and 1980.

Locals in Chapeltown, north-east were taken aback that the crew is filming so close to Ms Claxton's home.

Actors in costume film the upcoming ITV drama in Chapeltown, north-east Leeds today

Claxton looks torn as the crew films the upcoming series on her street in Leeds earlier on

Neighbour Mercy Brown, 48, said: 'Imagine going for a walk in the streets where you live and seeing a film being made about your attackers crimes.'

Fellow resident Winston Campbell, 58, said: 'Seeing the actors brought those days back to me. It was very scary times around here.

'I hope they do the victims justice and treat them with respect.'

The ITV series stars ex-Corrie actress and Night Manager star Katherine Kelly.

Some of the notorious murderer's victims and their families reportedly cooperated in the making of the show.

Ms Claxton, who continues to get headaches and dizzy spells nearly 50 years after her attempted murder, said after the Ripper's death in 2020: 'I'm happy he's gone.

Actress Charley Webb (in police uniform) stars in the series. She is pictured talking to a crew member and an extra who is playing a sex worker

Charley Webb played Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale from 2002 to 2021

'At least now I may be able to get some closure.'

ITV commissioned the drama after the success of true crime shows Des and White House Farm.

The Yorkshire Ripper was jailed for 20 years in 1981, with the sentence converted to a whole-life order in 2010.

Police interviewed him no fewer than nine times during their five-year investigation.

Twelve of Sutcliffe's 13 victims. Top row (left to right): Wilma McCann, Emily Jackson, Irene Richardson and Patricia Atkinson. Middle row: Jayne McDonald, Jean Jordan, Yvonne Pearson and Helen Rytka. Bottom row: Vera Millward, Josephine Whitaker, Barbara Leach and Jacqueline Hill

Chapeltown, Leeds was chosen for a location of the series as it has period-appropriate houses

He often used the services of sex workers in Leeds and Bradford, targeting them.

Sutcliffe was finally pinched by police in Sheffield in 1981 for driving with false number plates.

At that point he confessed to the killings - and claimed the voice of God ordered him to commit them.

He died of Covid in prison in November 2020 aged 74.

Katherine Kenny plays Emily Jackson, Sutcliffe's second murder victim, in the new ITV series


LONDON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden is in Asia to drum up support for his country's answer to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but it will be a "miserable failure," a British scholar said Friday.

"China enjoys huge economic support in East Asia because it started in the early (19)90s and its market is huge," Martin Jacques, also a political commentator, tweeted. "The U.S. doesn't even offer market access."

"The U.S. pitch to East Asia is overwhelmingly military: economic support an afterthought. China is the opposite. Economic mutuality dominates its approach," Jacques noted.

Speaking of trade, the well-known scholar said there are three key trading agreements in East Asia, namely the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Belt and Road, but "the U.S. isn't in any of them."

"The U.S. missed the bus over 20 years ago and is still waiting at the bus stop," Jacques said.

On Friday, Biden began his first trip to Asia as president. 
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
LONDON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden is in Asia to drum up support for his country's answer to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but it will be a "miserable failure," a British scholar said Friday.

"China enjoys huge economic support in East Asia because it started in the early (19)90s and its market is huge," Martin Jacques, also a political commentator, tweeted. "The U.S. doesn't even offer market access."

"The U.S. pitch to East Asia is overwhelmingly military: economic support an afterthought. China is the opposite. Economic mutuality dominates its approach," Jacques noted.

Speaking of trade, the well-known scholar said there are three key trading agreements in East Asia, namely the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Belt and Road, but "the U.S. isn't in any of them."

"The U.S. missed the bus over 20 years ago and is still waiting at the bus stop," Jacques said.

On Friday, Biden began his first trip to Asia as president. 
LONDON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden is in Asia to drum up support for his country's answer to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but it will be a "miserable failure," a British scholar said Friday.

"China enjoys huge economic support in East Asia because it started in the early (19)90s and its market is huge," Martin Jacques, also a political commentator, tweeted. "The U.S. doesn't even offer market access."

"The U.S. pitch to East Asia is overwhelmingly military: economic support an afterthought. China is the opposite. Economic mutuality dominates its approach," Jacques noted.

Speaking of trade, the well-known scholar said there are three key trading agreements in East Asia, namely the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Belt and Road, but "the U.S. isn't in any of them."

"The U.S. missed the bus over 20 years ago and is still waiting at the bus stop," Jacques said.

On Friday, Biden began his first trip to Asia as president. 
New Delhi, May 21 : Satendra Malik's entire village -- Mokhra in Haryana -- has come out in support of the wrestler, who was recently handed a life ban by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for allegedly slapping a referee during the Commonwealth Games trials here.

Speaking to IANS, Satender said a panchayat was held in his village Mokhra and he presented his side and explained in detail the incident.

"I shared the video and also explained what happened there," said the Services wrestler. It was then unanimously decided in the panchayat that Satendra was innocent in this case and the international referee, Jagbir Singh allegedly provoked him.

"The members of panchayat will now meet WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh ji on Monday and request to uplift life-ban. My life is destroyed. I tell you what happened when I went to the referee and said in his ear 'tanne ke mil gaya mahari zindagi kharab karke (What did you achieve after ruining my life?)'. He got angry and slapped me -- you can see in the video as well. He first slapped me. I never abused him or said anything wrong to him," an emotional wrestler added.

Shameful incident on May 17! During the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials, spectators at the KD Jadhav Hall at the IG Stadium witnessed something shameful and unheard of even by Indian wrestling's standard. International referee Jagbir Singh was allegedly attacked by Satender.

The incident happened right in front of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Satender allegedly 'slapped' referee Jagbir Singh after losing the 125kg final bout. The Air Force wrestler was leading 3-0 with just 18 seconds left in the deciding bout when his opponent Mohit affected a 'take-down' move and also pushed Satender out of the mat for another point. However, referee Virender Malik did not award two points to Mohit for the 'takedown' move and gave only one point for the pushout.

Mohit then challenged the decision. Senior referee Jagbir Singh adjudicated the challenge with the help of video replays and ruled that Mohit should be given three points (two for takedown and one for pushout). The score thus became 3-3 and remained like that till the end. Mohit was declared the winner since he had scored the last point of the bout.

Satender then walked across to Mat 'A' and went straight to Jagbir, and allegedly assaulted him. The WFI officials promptly imposed a life ban on Malik.

However, a video went viral where it can be seen that Jagbir first slammed the wrestler before the latter slapped him.
New Delhi, May 21 : Satendra Malik's entire village -- Mokhra in Haryana -- has come out in support of the wrestler, who was recently handed a life ban by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for allegedly slapping a referee during the Commonwealth Games trials here.

Speaking to IANS, Satender said a panchayat was held in his village Mokhra and he presented his side and explained in detail the incident.

"I shared the video and also explained what happened there," said the Services wrestler. It was then unanimously decided in the panchayat that Satendra was innocent in this case and the international referee, Jagbir Singh allegedly provoked him.

"The members of panchayat will now meet WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh ji on Monday and request to uplift life-ban. My life is destroyed. I tell you what happened when I went to the referee and said in his ear 'tanne ke mil gaya mahari zindagi kharab karke (What did you achieve after ruining my life?)'. He got angry and slapped me -- you can see in the video as well. He first slapped me. I never abused him or said anything wrong to him," an emotional wrestler added.

Shameful incident on May 17! During the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials, spectators at the KD Jadhav Hall at the IG Stadium witnessed something shameful and unheard of even by Indian wrestling's standard. International referee Jagbir Singh was allegedly attacked by Satender.

The incident happened right in front of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Satender allegedly 'slapped' referee Jagbir Singh after losing the 125kg final bout. The Air Force wrestler was leading 3-0 with just 18 seconds left in the deciding bout when his opponent Mohit affected a 'take-down' move and also pushed Satender out of the mat for another point. However, referee Virender Malik did not award two points to Mohit for the 'takedown' move and gave only one point for the pushout.

Mohit then challenged the decision. Senior referee Jagbir Singh adjudicated the challenge with the help of video replays and ruled that Mohit should be given three points (two for takedown and one for pushout). The score thus became 3-3 and remained like that till the end. Mohit was declared the winner since he had scored the last point of the bout.

Satender then walked across to Mat 'A' and went straight to Jagbir, and allegedly assaulted him. The WFI officials promptly imposed a life ban on Malik.

However, a video went viral where it can be seen that Jagbir first slammed the wrestler before the latter slapped him.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
SUV

EV

The county having almost the same name as Brian P. Kemp is just a coincidence. On the other hand, the profiles presented in the teaser image of the ceremony clearly show the Ioniq 6 and the Ioniq 7. The Ioniq 5 seems to be there as well, but it seems to be a longer vehicle. It could be its second generation.Wed bet on that because the factory will only start to operate in 2025. By then, the Ioniq 5 will already be a four-year-old project, pretty close to the six-year limit that most vehicles are allowed to have. The current one could be still imported from South Korea until its new iteration emerges around 2027.For the American market, it is not unlikely that Hyundai will focus on the Ioniq 7 , a much larger. The local affordable option would be the Ioniq 6, which will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and similarly-sized sedans. Considering how far we are from the production start, we may also see different vehicles among the 300,000 units the factory will be able to make when it is at full throttle.The new factory is the second one Georgia announced in a matter of months. Rivian also said it would build a car plant in the state on December 16, 2021. So far, thecompany has faced fierce opposition from residents in the area it chose: they claim the factory will pollute groundwater reserves and have other environmental impacts there. Hyundai may see the same concerns emerge, but that is not as likely. After all, the group already has a factory in Georgia, more precisely, the Kia plant in West Point. If things go as planned, construction should begin in early 2023. When it achieves its maximum capacity, the Hyundai plants are expected to employ 8,100 people, which is intriguing.Rivian said it would make 400,000 EVs with 7,500 people. The Korean factory will make 100,000 fewer cars with 600 more people. Perhaps it has something to do with the battery plants that both of these companies will have in Georgia . They will have to tell us more about that when the time comes.


Guwahati, May 21 : A college professor in Assam's Hailakandi district was arrested on Saturday for allegedly sending an objectionable e-mail to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Jomir Ahmed Choudhury -- an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Srikishan Sarda College in Hailakandi town, was later presented in the court on Saturday afternoon. The court granted him bail on a few conditions.

Superintendent of Police, Hailakandi, Gaurav Upadhyay said that Choudhury was arrested from the college campus on multiple offences.

According to the FIR filed by the district cyber cell in Hailakandi, Choudhury made his four-year-old son a petitioner and sent a four-page letter to Chief Minister Sarma.

It was alleged that he made a mockery of the state education department's flagship programme 'Gunotsav', and used "offensive words" to the Chief Minister in the e-mail.

It was learned that Choudhury also sent a similar letter to Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Upadhyay said that the e-mails also praised the Islamic system of education.

"The professor exploited his child and tried to disturb the communal harmony. This is seen very seriously and we have put all facts before the court," the police officer said.

The professor was charged with 294, 153(A), 153(B), 295 (A), 501, 505, and juvenile justice act 43(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
Oracle co-founder and former CEO Larry Ellison was involved in a call where a number of influential GOP figuresincluding Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Trump attorney Jay Sekulow  brainstormed ways to contest the 2020 presidential election, reported the Washington Post. Details of the call which occurred on November 14, 2020 were revealed in new court filings from a lawsuit brought by voting rights organization Fair Fight against True The Vote, a conservative Texas vote monitoring organization that disputes the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison, True the Votes founder, Catherine Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor, according to court filings reviewed by the Post. He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so thats what Im working on now.

Ellison is a high-profile GOP donor and has hosted fundraisers for former president Donald Trump. He has seemingly never expressed doubts about the 2020 election results publicly. While the CEO has donated to both parties over the years as the Palm Desert Sun points out, hes poured a substantial amount of money into the GOP and conservative causes since the 2020 election. His $15 million donation in February to a super PAC associated with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is one of the largest of the 2022 election cycle so far.

Ellison's proximity to Trump has led to concerns that Oracle may have had an unfair advantage in competing for federal contracts during the former administration. Oracle nabbed a lucrative contract in 2020 to aid the Department of Health and Human Services to collect data on doctors who treat COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by Trump. It is also nearing a deal with TikTok to store their US data, which Trump approved in 2020.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
Srinagar, May 21 : The rescue operation launched to evacuate workers from the site of the collapsed tunnel in Khooni Nallah area of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district concluded on Saturday after the bodies of all 10 missing persons were retrieved from the debris, officials said.

The rescue operation was launched soon after the caving in of the tunnel on late Thursday night.

"A case of negligence has been registered following the collapse of an under construction tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban on May 19," a police officer said.

The deceased have been identified as Jadav Roy, Gautam Roy, Sudhir Roy, Dipak Roy and Parimal Roy all from West Bengal, and Shiva Chouhan from Assam, Nepalese national Navaraj Chaudhary and Kushi Ram Chaudhary, Mohammad Muzaffar and Mohammad Ishirat, both residents of Marog, district Ramban.

The joint rescue operation was conducted by the army, police, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, civil QRTs, and the NHAI as well as the machine operators.

On second day of the rescue operation, nine bodies were recovered whereas one dead body was recovered on Friday by the rescue teams.

The Deputy Commissioner said that on the directions of Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Rs 15 lakh compensation would be given to each of the next of the kin of the deceased by the construction company.

The Lt Governor has also announced Rs 1 lakh ex gratia each to the next of kin of the deceased from the Relief Fund.
Guwahati, May 21 : A college professor in Assam's Hailakandi district was arrested on Saturday for allegedly sending an objectionable e-mail to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Jomir Ahmed Choudhury -- an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Srikishan Sarda College in Hailakandi town, was later presented in the court on Saturday afternoon. The court granted him bail on a few conditions.

Superintendent of Police, Hailakandi, Gaurav Upadhyay said that Choudhury was arrested from the college campus on multiple offences.

According to the FIR filed by the district cyber cell in Hailakandi, Choudhury made his four-year-old son a petitioner and sent a four-page letter to Chief Minister Sarma.

It was alleged that he made a mockery of the state education department's flagship programme 'Gunotsav', and used "offensive words" to the Chief Minister in the e-mail.

It was learned that Choudhury also sent a similar letter to Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Upadhyay said that the e-mails also praised the Islamic system of education.

"The professor exploited his child and tried to disturb the communal harmony. This is seen very seriously and we have put all facts before the court," the police officer said.

The professor was charged with 294, 153(A), 153(B), 295 (A), 501, 505, and juvenile justice act 43(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
Kolkata, May 21 : At a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is having a tough time over the ongoing CBI probe into the irregularities in recruitment by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), an innovative parody video released by CPI(M)'s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has rubbed salt in the wound.

Taking cue from the hit Bengali song 'Basanta Eshe Geche' (the spring has arrived) from the film 'Chotushkone', DYFI's parody video, which has a mix of satire and pain, depicts the nitty-gritty of the scam in a musical mood.

The opening lines of the parody video, 'Paresh to feshe geche, Parthoo teshe geche' (Paresh is in the soup and Partha too is finished), clearly target Minister of State for Education, Paresh Chandra Adhikari, and former Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, both of whom are being grilled by CBI sleuths in connection with the recruitment scam.

In the video, the composer has detailed the hide-and-seek episode that Adhikari played with the CBI for around 48 hours before finally landing at the agency's office in Kolkata on Thursday evening.

Without making a direct reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the parody video indirectly targets her as it refers to the old Bengali saying, 'Kan tanle matha ashe' (the head is revealed when the ear is pulled). The video also hints at possible last-moment Centre-state understanding to manage the CBI probe in the matter.

While this is the satire part of the parody video, it also contains some pictographic and musical references to those agitating after being deprived of jobs despite figuring in the merit list to allegedly make rooms for out-of-turn candidates like Adhikari's daughter, Ankita Adhikari.

The parody video contains a number of pictographic representations of police action against the agitators.

The state secretariat member of DYFI in West Bengal, Kalatan Dasgupta, told IANS that this video has been released and is being circulated widely on social media platforms, not only by DYFI activists, but also by many who had been deprived of jobs.

"In the coming days, DYFI will be hitting the streets in a major way to organise a mass movement on this scam and in all our programmes the video will be played," Dasgupta said.
AN Offaly councillor and his wife have agreed a deal with Bank of Ireland in relation to their house in Clara.

An order for possession of Ken and Sandra Smollen's property at New Road was granted by Judge Colin Daly at Tullamore Circuit Court on Friday.

Judge Daly heard that an alternative repayment arrangement has been put in place and there is a stay on the execution of the possession order on condition continuous monthly payments of 1,130 are made.

The order was by consent and is the culmination of proceedings first brought by Bank of Ireland in 2014 because of mortgage arrears.

Finola Martin BL (instructed by Whitney Moore solicitors), for Bank of Ireland, was also granted an order substituting Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank for Bank of Ireland.

Ms Martin told the court Mr Smollen and Mrs Smollen had previously applied for a personal insolvency arrangement and it was refused by the Personal Insolvency Court.

That was appealed to the High Court where it was also refused. She said on foot of that the defendants were consenting to the order before the court.

Aisling Maloney, solicitor, who was present as an agent for the Smollens' solicitors, McKeon & Co, confirmed the order was by consent.

Ken Smollen is an independent councillor on Offaly County Council and the Charities Regulator lists him as trustee chairperson of the KS Food Appeal.
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider

But initial success was soon followed by the reappearance of Australias traditional enemy  complacency. By the time floods devastated parts of Queensland and NSW, Morrison had regressed to I dont hold a hose, mate mode. One of the most woeful moments of the floods was about one week into the disaster. It was hearing the mayor of Lismore, his town metres under water and 43,000 desperate residents fleeing or awaiting recue, asked about his experience with the new federal institution created to deal with precisely such events, the National Recovery and Resilience Agency. It was, Steve Krieg told The Drum, the first time hed heard of it. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Wanneroo Rugby Union Club for a barbecue. Credit:James Brickwood The leaden weight of complacency sits heavy, crushing initiative, defying solutions. Whether its climate change, aged care, economic reform or foreign policy, the Morrison government is good with talking points and token effort but not solutions. Why call a royal commission into aged care but refuse to implement key recommendations? Why call for the Respect@Work report but refuse to act on crucial findings? This is not a partisan point. A Liberal state government in NSW has shown reformist ambition on renewable energy and tax reform, and now is fully funding its anti-corruption body, the ICAC, among other areas. Inertia is not endemic to Liberal-National Coalition governments. Its specific to the Morrison government.

The deadweight of complacency has been on dismal display in the federal election. The threadbare offerings of new policy from the government attests to complacency, or perhaps exhaustion. In most areas, Anthony Albaneses Labor Party is careful to match its undervaulting unambition. In some, Labor matches the government but then adds about 5 per cent extra ambition. It offers more hope, but not so much as to give Morrison something to attack. Loading But what about the big news of the past week, the Coalitions first home-buying help policy? And Labors policy, also designed to help first home buyers? The hard truth is that both are gimmicks, not solutions. Australias problem is a shortage of housing. Nothing in the governments plan will add a single house to the national stock. It simply allows you to use some of your superannuation savings towards a deposit. So more dollars will be unleashed in pursuit of the same pool of housing. You might have more money to bid with, but so do the other 50,000 people, or however many might take up the plan. Morrison is content to offer an illusion, not a solution. Labors plan is similar. Except that instead of allowing you to borrow your own superannuation, Labor will let you borrow from the government. Labors extra margin of effort to actually solve the problem is a plan to build 30,000 new social and affordable homes over five years. The existing long-term shortfall in the housing stock is about 100,000 in NSW alone, and its growing year by year. Labors policy will only help at the margin.

Fascinating, isnt it? By offering these policies, the parties acknowledge the problem, yet refuse the effort to solve it. Lee Kuan Yew took a poor port city under constant threat of unrest and built it into prosperous, stable Singapore by requiring everyone to invest a percentage of their incomes in government-built apartments. Over time, the workers became homeowners. A strong middle class was created. Australias current leaders start in the opposite position, with a prosperous, stable, middle-class nation of home owners. And allow it to run down year by year. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles take a selfie during a visit to meet with supermarket workers in the seat of Chisholm on Friday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Both parties love to talk about their economic plans and their economic reforms. Its true that the Australian economy is growing strongly, that unemployment is gratifyingly low. It would be shocking if it were anything else. The government spent more than $300 billion in emergency pandemic stimulus, about 14 per cent of GDP. The noted econometric modeller Chris Murphy estimated the government was so zealous that it spent about $2 in stimulus for every $1 in lost income. It spent at least $112,000 for every job saved. And interest rates were so low that money was, in effect, free. Thats all fine in a crisis. But the crisis has passed. And still the Morrison government is haemorrhaging money. Its strong economic plan envisages running deficits for at least the next 14 years, adding to debt every year as Australia careens towards $1 trillion in federal debt, and beyond. This isnt a plan. Its a surrender. The Reserve Bank will take up the slack by raising interest rates.

Labor talks a good game about its productivity agenda. Productivity growth  getting more value in outputs from the same capital and labour inputs  is the ultimate source of improvement in living standards. And Labor does offer at least a glimmer of ambition with its policies for childcare, renewable energy and TAFE training. But its adopted these policies as politically popular, then added the gloss of productivity enhancement. Loading Now, this week, we see Labor craftily using the productivity angle as justification for its spending. In its costings unveiled on Thursday, Labor would spend $8.4 billion more than the Coalition over the next four years. So if the government is fecklessly adding to inflationary pressures, Labor is adding all of that, plus a touch more. For perspective, the federal government spends $625 billion a year. If a political party is unable to find $8 billion in savings out of $2.5 trillion, its not trying. The central point here is that neither party has a serious plan to reinvigorate the economy, to generate more income, above and beyond the current trajectory of a flatulent status quo. And no plan to reduce the national debt. There is no real economic reform. The government is too tired and the opposition too timid. If a political party occupies high office but doesnt use it to improve the country, what is it? It becomes merely a self-serving instrument of patronage. And thats exactly whats happening.

In new research this week, the Australia Institute revealed that Coalition cronyism was burgeoning on the quasi-judicial Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Academic Debra Wilkinson spent months scrutinising almost 1000 appointments to the tribunal over a quarter of a century. These jobs come with salaries for full-time members of $193,990 and up to $496,560 for deputy presidents. Its a review body. The job is to hear appeals against government decisions on migration, welfare, the NDIS and more. Her finding? About 5 per cent of appointments by the Howard and Rudd-Gillard governments had been of people with political backgrounds. Mates, in other words. Under Morrison that has exploded to 40 per cent. Some of the Morrison government grants programs reek of partisan preference, famously the sports rorts and car pork schemes. Of the $15 billion in new infrastructure funding announced in the latest federal budget, only one-third had been recommended by Infrastructure Australia as economically useful to the community. The rest? If its not helping the common good, its helping someones special interest. Loading

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
Lieutenant Governor & Democratic Senate Candidate John Fetterman Holds Campaign Event

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Senate candidate, greets an attendee during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pa., on April 30, 2022. Credit - Michelle GustafsonBloomberg/Getty Images

Welcome to The Back Booth, a weekend edition of The D.C. Brief. Here each Saturday, TIMEs politics newsletter will host a conversation between political professionals on the right and the left, pulling back the curtain on the conversations taking place in Washington when the tape stops rolling. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief here.

A proxy fight over the future of the Republican Party is in overtime, an orgy-alleging firebrand falls and Democrats are at odds over where their House campaign chief should run for another term if it means a primary against a fellow incumbent.

This week, The D.C. Brief chatted with two political pros who have literally shoveled millions of dollars into competitive races and others that captured the imagination of the donor class. From the right, Corry Bliss has long been one of the Republican Partys favorite fixers, a technocrat who has a record of saving dumpster-fire campaigns from themselves at the eleventh hour. He ran House Leaderships favored super PAC before moving into consulting.

On the left, Julia Rosen has enjoyed the head-of-the-table assignment as Democrats blended technology, money, and activism. A veteran of grassroots force MoveOn, fundraising platform ActBlue, and LGBT-advocacy coordinator the Equality Federation, Rosen has seen the evolution of the Democratic Party up close over the last two decades. She, too, is now a consultant.

The conversation has been edited.

Elliott: Welcome to The Back Booth, where well spend some time solving all that ails our politics. I had hoped wed have results in the Pennsylvania Senate race by now. Julia, what is your home state doing? You know the Fetterman DNA pretty well in the Pittsburgh area. Can that style win statewide?

Rosen: Greetings from Mars, Penn. I just happen to be back home this week.

Story continues

Fettermans everyman schtick is resonating widely. It worked for him when he ran for Lieutenant Governor and clearly worked this primary. He won every single county in the state, despite being highly identified with Western PA, which is of course not where all the voters are, especially during a Democratic primary.

Fetterman passes that incredibly rare authenticity test. He looks and sounds like that dude you see filling his truck at Sheetz, shaking his head at the gas prices. What he has done tremendously well is reflecting back to people the deep frustration they are all feeling. He just gets it.

That mattered way more than endorsements or arguments about electability. And its dramatically different from what you are on the other side right now. Hes coming out of this primary remarkably unscathed.

Bliss: Julia is right that John Fetterman doesnt look or sound like a normal politician. Clearly, his everyman persona had a strong appeal to Democratic primary voters on Tuesday. Personally, I thought Conor Lamb was one of the most impressive candidates to come out of the 2018 cycle. The fact that Fetterman blew him out illustrates how strong of a candidate he is. In a tough year you need non-traditional candidates who are good enough to defy gravity. It will be interesting to see if he can over perform with blue-collar/rural voters who have been trending our way.

Now after saying all that nice stuff about Fetterman, lets come back to reality. November is going to be about one thing and one thing only: a referendum on Bidens performance. Right now, Bidens approval rating in Pennsylvania is around 40% and gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon. If that doesnt change and change a lot between now and Election Day, Republicans can take a homeless guy off the street and he will easily win the race. Period, end of discussion.

Elliott: Corry, what the heck is going on with your side of the aisle there? Im sincerely surprised how close it is.

Bliss: If Im being honest, I have no idea whats going to happen in Pennsylvania. All joking aside, Trumps endorsement is still the most important factor in a Republican primary election. I see primary polling data in states and districts across the country and across the board, Trumps favorability with Republicans is somewhere in the low 80s. Candidates, campaigns, and resources matter, but all those other factors being equal, if you have the Trump endorsementand the money to let people know thatyou should win.

Elliott: We just watched Biden head off to Asia for his first trip, a visit with incredibly high stakes but very little sizzle with the stateside electorate. Is there any way for this to help the President reset his undeniably bad polling position?

Bliss: Having him out of the country will probably improve his numbers! Tell me the price of gas in November and I will tell you everything you need to know. Nothing else matters.

Elliott: You both know intra-party politicsespecially at committees. What is going to happen with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney? I saw AOC wants him to step down as chair of the House Democrats campaign committee if he runs for another term in a district already with an incumbent. (Which is interesting given AOC doesnt pay D-Trip dues in the first place)

Rosen: New York is a hot, hot mess. After watching two redistricting cycles by an independent commission in California, I am a huge advocate. We got the competitive House seats without the high stakes drama of New York, even while losing a district.

Maloney rushed to decide and now is in so much hot water with his caucus. AOC is saying what I think a lot of members are thinking. Id give anything to be in those rooms listening to the tea. It wont be pretty.

The Sherman/Berman race was a high-stakes drama in 2012, but youve now got multiple incumbent Democrat-on-incumbent Democrat races in New York, an area saturated with reporters. And its going to be a massive distraction from the real problems of the fundamentals compounded by thin resumes to run on from this Congress.

Elliott: Thanks much for your time on this. Im glad we were able to do this.
Lieutenant Governor & Democratic Senate Candidate John Fetterman Holds Campaign Event

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Senate candidate, greets an attendee during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pa., on April 30, 2022. Credit - Michelle GustafsonBloomberg/Getty Images

Welcome to The Back Booth, a weekend edition of The D.C. Brief. Here each Saturday, TIMEs politics newsletter will host a conversation between political professionals on the right and the left, pulling back the curtain on the conversations taking place in Washington when the tape stops rolling. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief here.

A proxy fight over the future of the Republican Party is in overtime, an orgy-alleging firebrand falls and Democrats are at odds over where their House campaign chief should run for another term if it means a primary against a fellow incumbent.

This week, The D.C. Brief chatted with two political pros who have literally shoveled millions of dollars into competitive races and others that captured the imagination of the donor class. From the right, Corry Bliss has long been one of the Republican Partys favorite fixers, a technocrat who has a record of saving dumpster-fire campaigns from themselves at the eleventh hour. He ran House Leaderships favored super PAC before moving into consulting.

On the left, Julia Rosen has enjoyed the head-of-the-table assignment as Democrats blended technology, money, and activism. A veteran of grassroots force MoveOn, fundraising platform ActBlue, and LGBT-advocacy coordinator the Equality Federation, Rosen has seen the evolution of the Democratic Party up close over the last two decades. She, too, is now a consultant.

The conversation has been edited.

Elliott: Welcome to The Back Booth, where well spend some time solving all that ails our politics. I had hoped wed have results in the Pennsylvania Senate race by now. Julia, what is your home state doing? You know the Fetterman DNA pretty well in the Pittsburgh area. Can that style win statewide?

Rosen: Greetings from Mars, Penn. I just happen to be back home this week.

Story continues

Fettermans everyman schtick is resonating widely. It worked for him when he ran for Lieutenant Governor and clearly worked this primary. He won every single county in the state, despite being highly identified with Western PA, which is of course not where all the voters are, especially during a Democratic primary.

Fetterman passes that incredibly rare authenticity test. He looks and sounds like that dude you see filling his truck at Sheetz, shaking his head at the gas prices. What he has done tremendously well is reflecting back to people the deep frustration they are all feeling. He just gets it.

That mattered way more than endorsements or arguments about electability. And its dramatically different from what you are on the other side right now. Hes coming out of this primary remarkably unscathed.

Bliss: Julia is right that John Fetterman doesnt look or sound like a normal politician. Clearly, his everyman persona had a strong appeal to Democratic primary voters on Tuesday. Personally, I thought Conor Lamb was one of the most impressive candidates to come out of the 2018 cycle. The fact that Fetterman blew him out illustrates how strong of a candidate he is. In a tough year you need non-traditional candidates who are good enough to defy gravity. It will be interesting to see if he can over perform with blue-collar/rural voters who have been trending our way.

Now after saying all that nice stuff about Fetterman, lets come back to reality. November is going to be about one thing and one thing only: a referendum on Bidens performance. Right now, Bidens approval rating in Pennsylvania is around 40% and gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon. If that doesnt change and change a lot between now and Election Day, Republicans can take a homeless guy off the street and he will easily win the race. Period, end of discussion.

Elliott: Corry, what the heck is going on with your side of the aisle there? Im sincerely surprised how close it is.

Bliss: If Im being honest, I have no idea whats going to happen in Pennsylvania. All joking aside, Trumps endorsement is still the most important factor in a Republican primary election. I see primary polling data in states and districts across the country and across the board, Trumps favorability with Republicans is somewhere in the low 80s. Candidates, campaigns, and resources matter, but all those other factors being equal, if you have the Trump endorsementand the money to let people know thatyou should win.

Elliott: We just watched Biden head off to Asia for his first trip, a visit with incredibly high stakes but very little sizzle with the stateside electorate. Is there any way for this to help the President reset his undeniably bad polling position?

Bliss: Having him out of the country will probably improve his numbers! Tell me the price of gas in November and I will tell you everything you need to know. Nothing else matters.

Elliott: You both know intra-party politicsespecially at committees. What is going to happen with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney? I saw AOC wants him to step down as chair of the House Democrats campaign committee if he runs for another term in a district already with an incumbent. (Which is interesting given AOC doesnt pay D-Trip dues in the first place)

Rosen: New York is a hot, hot mess. After watching two redistricting cycles by an independent commission in California, I am a huge advocate. We got the competitive House seats without the high stakes drama of New York, even while losing a district.

Maloney rushed to decide and now is in so much hot water with his caucus. AOC is saying what I think a lot of members are thinking. Id give anything to be in those rooms listening to the tea. It wont be pretty.

The Sherman/Berman race was a high-stakes drama in 2012, but youve now got multiple incumbent Democrat-on-incumbent Democrat races in New York, an area saturated with reporters. And its going to be a massive distraction from the real problems of the fundamentals compounded by thin resumes to run on from this Congress.

Elliott: Thanks much for your time on this. Im glad we were able to do this.
About one in three eligible voters have cast their ballot ahead of polling on election day with nearly 6 million Australians going through pre-poll centres.

A mix of pre-poll, postal and telephone votes means only about 8 million of 17 million voters are due through the doors on Saturday.

The Australian Electoral Commission will begin the task of counting ballots from tonight as the country votes for its next government.

Commissioner Tom Rogers warned voters that COVID-19 could mean longer waits with some polling booths struggling with staff shortages.

"Everybody is out there, we have thrown everything at it," Mr Rogers told the ABC on Saturday.

"It's been a huge drop-out rate that we've had to manage. Even in the last week there was something like a 15 per cent drop-out rate in our workforce."

The commission said about 5.54 million people made an early vote ahead of Saturday on top of a record 2.73 million people applying for a postal vote.

"It's a real change in the way that elections are being delivered over the last few elections in Australia with more and more Australians accessing those early voting options," Mr Rogers said.

A last minute change to regulations will allow people forced to isolate with COVID-19 to vote over the phone.

The commission has registered 45,000 people for telephone votes and another 27,000 have given ballots to their mobile team.

Mr Rogers said the commission had pushed for extended telephone voting time after registration officially closed on Tuesday.

He said the service was now running smoothly but told voters to call in prepared and knowing who they wanted to vote for.

Mr Rogers has also urged voters to be kind to election commission staff.

"Please be kind to our staff. They're your parents, your grandparents and your siblings," he said in a video on social media.
By 1942, the U.S. was waging war on two fronts in Europe and the Pacific. At least that's what the average, mediocre high school U.S. history class teaches us. If your history teacher actually gave a rat's behind about teaching you how things really went down, you'd know things were a hell of a lot more complicated than that. Allow us to paint the picture for you. It was mid-November 1942, during the Allied invasion of French Algeria in Northern Africa.Dubbed Operation Torch, this joint effort between the U.S., the U.K., French rebels, Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, united under the joint command of Dwight D. Eisenhauer, with his small but furious General George S. Patton and accompanying Allied command in tow. Up against a force consisting of the French-fascist puppet state in control of a French Algerian colony at the whim of the German war machine.During Operation Torch, Allied forces increasingly grew envious of their Axis enemies for riding something you might not expect. No, it wasn't a Bf-109 fighter plane, a Panzer tank, or a U-Boat. Instead, it was their motorcycles. BMWs, to be precise. Be it Germans, French, native Algerians, and even the Moroccan Axis sympathizers in cahoots with the French State, French Algeria, and the Germans, you could find Axis soldiers across North Africa trekking around on machines made by the brand that'd go on to define the German motorcycle industry.More specifically, American soldiers got a real kick out of overhead valve BMW R75s and flathead R71s. Both utilized boxer engines, i.e., engine blocks with cylinders horizontally opposed from each other, as opposed to in an inline or V-shaped configuration most often associated with cars and motorcycles alongside drive shaft propulsion instead of traditional chains and sprockets.Now, of course, Harley-Davidson had already committed to providing their factories for American armed forces in the initial aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, as did the rest of industrial America. Their primary contribution the war effort was called the WLA, based on their signature 45-degree V-twin engine with traditional chain and sprocket drive.But this all changed once Allied GIs got a hold of enough high-tech, easily maintainable BMWs by capturing German POWs and base camps in the Allied invasions of Casablanca, Algiers, and Oran. As the campaign progressed, exponentially more and more stunning R71s and R75s kept outclassing American iron with their grace, their beauty, and their ingenious simplicity.It had to be said, the Allied soldiers and officers, Americans especially, were downright jealous of the Axis and their German bikes. Something similar but ostensibly much more American was needed, clearly. Think of it as a P51 Mustang vs. the Bf-109 type of situation, if you will. The result was a limited production run of 1,000 units from Harley out of their Milwaukee, Wisconsin factory,Codenamed the XA (Experimental Army), this bike used a very similar two-cylinder boxer engine as the BMW's with compression ratings of 5.7:1, the XA's 45-cubic inch (740-cc) motor was every bit as cutting edge. 23 horsepower was on offer at 4,600 RPM in the XA compared to 22 in the R71 BMW and the 26 in the R75, essentially squeezing right in between the two German titans in terms of power.Though it must be said, the R75 was famously capable of powering a desert camouflage sidecar using the same driveshaft system as the rear wheels. A feat the American' and Harley-Davidson couldn't muster with the XA, although records indicate they did at least try. Propaganda pieces from the period indicate the air-cooled, flat-twin engine could consistently run with an oil temperature as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 Celsius.All thanks to more surface area of the engine making contact with wind turbulent air as the bike skips along at a top speed around 65 mph (105 km/h). By 1943, late model XAs came porting Harley's first telescopic fork front suspension, replacing an older leading link fork design.Though by the time the war in the Mediterranian and Africa was concluded and in the war in Europe it looked like victory was in sight, it became clear that the Jeep was the much-preferred means of transportation over just about everything else Allied forces could get their hands on.As a result, no further orders after the initial thousand were ever made. Harley spent the rest of the war focusing on producing their bread and butter WLA. It spent the rest of its time after the war to the present cementing its status as the number one name in American motorbikes.The XA example you see in the gallery, and responsible for bringing on all of the above, sits on loan from a private collector at the Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. A wonderful little gem we at autoevolution recently made a wonderful trip to. Check back soon for more on that.

One company has stepped up in a big way, on Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2022, to honor America's veterans  and those who assist them, honor their service and keep them top of mind.

During an appearance on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Saturday morning, Bill Kraus and Steve Newton, co-founders of Mission BBQ, announced from Ft. Myers, Florida, a donation of over $500,000 to the Honor Flight Network as part of their work in honoring all of America's military, past and present.

"Mission BBQ is the story of a couple of best friends that had a love of barbecue, but more importantly, a love of country  and wanted to build something that meant something," said Bill Kraus.

"And so we did open our first location on Sept. 11, 2011  to serve, honor and thank our American heroes," he added.

WISCONSIN FATHER-SON DUO THANK AMERICA'S MILITARY HEROES FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEART

Kraus said that his group "stand[s] alongside wonderful organizations" in America such as the Honor Flight Network  and is "forever thankful" for all that they do.

To show its gratitude, his group presented a check in the amount of $533,462 to the Honor Flight Network as part of Mission BBQ's ongoing devotion to, and support of, America's military heroes.

The money was raised through the sale of Mission BBQ's American Heroes cup, he said on Saturday morning.

The Honor Flight Network, said Matt Shuman, president and chairman of the board, "since [its founding in] 2005 has flown just over 250,000 veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials raised in their honor."

"It's an amazing and humbling experience," he added.

Honor Flight Network has over 130 hubs  and veterans come from all over the nation to visit the memorials in D.C., he also said.

The group is "incredibly thankful to their friends at BBQ Mission," he said, so that they can serve more of America's veterans.

Story continues

They still have 50,000 veterans on the wait list to make that trip and visit the memorials, he said.

Now, they will be using the generous donation to help make that happen for those who await a trip.

NEBRASKA TEEN ACCEPTED TO ALL 5 MILITARY ACADEMIES SETS OUT TO SERVE AMERICA

Last year at this time, the folks at Mission BBQ donated more than $1M to the USO.

"We step forward, we give back  to better our country in some small way," said Bill Kraus last year on "Fox & Friends" in announcing that award.

Armed Forces Day, an annual holiday since 1950, pays tribute to the men and women who serve across all six branches of the U.S. military.

Last year, in a piece published by Fox News, Newt Gingrich and Callista Gingrich noted of Armed Forces Day, "The security of our freedom, democracy and homeland are made possible through the selfless courage, patriotism and sacrifice of the American heroes in the U.S. armed forces."

They added, "We invite you to join us in thanking the members of our U.S. military on this Armed Forces Day. May God continue to bless our American military heroes and their families."
Guwahati, May 21 : The flood situation in Assam further deteriorated on Saturday with the death of four more persons, taking the death toll to 18, officials said, adding over 8.39 lakh people have been affected in 32 of the state's 34 districts.

According to the officials of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) the fresh deaths were reported from Cachar (2), Nagaon, and Hojai districts while one person is missing in Cachar district.

An ASDMA release said 8,39,691 people, including 1,45,126,children, of 3,246 villages in 32 districts have been affected.

It said that a total of 24,749 stranded persons have been evacuated with the help of disaster response forces and volunteers.

In all, 499 relief camps and 519 relief distribution centres have been opened in all the affected areas.

A total of 92,124 people are staying in the relief camps.

Over 1,00,732 hectare of crops have been affected.

The Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force, and the State Disaster Response Force, along with the district administrations, are working round the clock to rescue the stranded people and to provide relief to the marooned ones.

Among the worst-hit places in the state -- 3,39,427 people were affected in Nagaon district alone followed by 1,77,954 people in Cachar district, 70,233 in Hojai district, 44,382 in Darrang district, 16,382 in Karimganj district.

The water in three rivers -- Kopili, Disang and Brahmaputra, was flowing above the danger level in several places.

In view of the current flood and landslides, Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua on Saturday reviewed the flood preparedness with all the stakeholders including ASDMA, and further expedited the response and recovery services by deployment of additional resources and support system to the severely affected districts.

Meanwhile, the Unicef has deployed 7 teams of technical specialists and consultants to support the DDMAs of Cachar, Hojai, Darrang, Biswanath, Nagaon, Morigaon and Dima Hasao in monitoring the flood relief camps in accordance with the relief camp management SOPs, assessing ground situation and needs, and supporting relevant stakeholders in strengthening the response activities.

Several Ministers, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, and Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, are camping in the flood-ravaged areas to supervise the rescue and relief operations.

The situation in the hill section of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in Dima Hasao district remained serious on Saturday as rain continued to batter the area, affecting the Lumding-Badarpur single line railway route, which connects Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the southern part of Assam with the rest of the country.

According to NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer, Sabyasachi De, in the Lumding Division, 11 pairs of train services have been cancelled and five pairs of train services partially cancelled and short terminated or short originated.

Defence spokesman, Lt. Col. Angom Bobin Singh said Army and Assam Rifles personnel have continued the rescue operations in various parts of Assam.
SUV

EV

The county having almost the same name as Brian P. Kemp is just a coincidence. On the other hand, the profiles presented in the teaser image of the ceremony clearly show the Ioniq 6 and the Ioniq 7. The Ioniq 5 seems to be there as well, but it seems to be a longer vehicle. It could be its second generation.Wed bet on that because the factory will only start to operate in 2025. By then, the Ioniq 5 will already be a four-year-old project, pretty close to the six-year limit that most vehicles are allowed to have. The current one could be still imported from South Korea until its new iteration emerges around 2027.For the American market, it is not unlikely that Hyundai will focus on the Ioniq 7 , a much larger. The local affordable option would be the Ioniq 6, which will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and similarly-sized sedans. Considering how far we are from the production start, we may also see different vehicles among the 300,000 units the factory will be able to make when it is at full throttle.The new factory is the second one Georgia announced in a matter of months. Rivian also said it would build a car plant in the state on December 16, 2021. So far, thecompany has faced fierce opposition from residents in the area it chose: they claim the factory will pollute groundwater reserves and have other environmental impacts there. Hyundai may see the same concerns emerge, but that is not as likely. After all, the group already has a factory in Georgia, more precisely, the Kia plant in West Point. If things go as planned, construction should begin in early 2023. When it achieves its maximum capacity, the Hyundai plants are expected to employ 8,100 people, which is intriguing.Rivian said it would make 400,000 EVs with 7,500 people. The Korean factory will make 100,000 fewer cars with 600 more people. Perhaps it has something to do with the battery plants that both of these companies will have in Georgia . They will have to tell us more about that when the time comes.
SUV

EV

The county having almost the same name as Brian P. Kemp is just a coincidence. On the other hand, the profiles presented in the teaser image of the ceremony clearly show the Ioniq 6 and the Ioniq 7. The Ioniq 5 seems to be there as well, but it seems to be a longer vehicle. It could be its second generation.Wed bet on that because the factory will only start to operate in 2025. By then, the Ioniq 5 will already be a four-year-old project, pretty close to the six-year limit that most vehicles are allowed to have. The current one could be still imported from South Korea until its new iteration emerges around 2027.For the American market, it is not unlikely that Hyundai will focus on the Ioniq 7 , a much larger. The local affordable option would be the Ioniq 6, which will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and similarly-sized sedans. Considering how far we are from the production start, we may also see different vehicles among the 300,000 units the factory will be able to make when it is at full throttle.The new factory is the second one Georgia announced in a matter of months. Rivian also said it would build a car plant in the state on December 16, 2021. So far, thecompany has faced fierce opposition from residents in the area it chose: they claim the factory will pollute groundwater reserves and have other environmental impacts there. Hyundai may see the same concerns emerge, but that is not as likely. After all, the group already has a factory in Georgia, more precisely, the Kia plant in West Point. If things go as planned, construction should begin in early 2023. When it achieves its maximum capacity, the Hyundai plants are expected to employ 8,100 people, which is intriguing.Rivian said it would make 400,000 EVs with 7,500 people. The Korean factory will make 100,000 fewer cars with 600 more people. Perhaps it has something to do with the battery plants that both of these companies will have in Georgia . They will have to tell us more about that when the time comes.
SUV

EV

The county having almost the same name as Brian P. Kemp is just a coincidence. On the other hand, the profiles presented in the teaser image of the ceremony clearly show the Ioniq 6 and the Ioniq 7. The Ioniq 5 seems to be there as well, but it seems to be a longer vehicle. It could be its second generation.Wed bet on that because the factory will only start to operate in 2025. By then, the Ioniq 5 will already be a four-year-old project, pretty close to the six-year limit that most vehicles are allowed to have. The current one could be still imported from South Korea until its new iteration emerges around 2027.For the American market, it is not unlikely that Hyundai will focus on the Ioniq 7 , a much larger. The local affordable option would be the Ioniq 6, which will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and similarly-sized sedans. Considering how far we are from the production start, we may also see different vehicles among the 300,000 units the factory will be able to make when it is at full throttle.The new factory is the second one Georgia announced in a matter of months. Rivian also said it would build a car plant in the state on December 16, 2021. So far, thecompany has faced fierce opposition from residents in the area it chose: they claim the factory will pollute groundwater reserves and have other environmental impacts there. Hyundai may see the same concerns emerge, but that is not as likely. After all, the group already has a factory in Georgia, more precisely, the Kia plant in West Point. If things go as planned, construction should begin in early 2023. When it achieves its maximum capacity, the Hyundai plants are expected to employ 8,100 people, which is intriguing.Rivian said it would make 400,000 EVs with 7,500 people. The Korean factory will make 100,000 fewer cars with 600 more people. Perhaps it has something to do with the battery plants that both of these companies will have in Georgia . They will have to tell us more about that when the time comes.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has claimed he helped workers by sharing his own medical supplies, allowing them to 'rise like a phoenix' from the country's Covid crisis.

North Korea is in the midst of a Covid outbreak, having reportedly only recorded its first case on May 12 this year, despite the disease running rampant throughout the rest of the world over the past two years.

But, despite officials in the isolated country revealing it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms and a mostly unvaccinated populace, the North Korean leader has claimed progress.

Kim is reportedly considering relaxing virus restrictions in a bid to nurse a struggling economy and news outlets in the country have said the North Korean leader shared his own medical supplies with farmers in a bid to fight the virus.

Local newspaper reports said farm workers in South Hwanghae province were striving to achieve 'miraculous results' in rice-planting to repay Kim, describing how their leader has donated his personal medical supplies to help with anti-virus efforts, which the newspaper said allowed workers to 'rise like a phoenix.'

The outbreak has caused concern about serious tragedies in the poor, isolated country with one of the world's worst health care systems and a high tolerance for civilian suffering.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has claimed he helped workers during the country's Covid crisis by sharing he own medical supplies. Pictured: Kim Jong Un at a meeting on May 21, 2022

Experts say North Korea is almost certainly downplaying the true scale of the viral spread, including a strangely small death toll, to soften the political blow on Kim as he navigates the toughest moment in his decade of rule.

Around 219,030 North Koreans with fevers were identified in the 24 hours through 6pm Friday, the fifth straight daily increase of around 200,000, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency, which attributed the information to the government's anti-virus headquarters.

North Korea said more than 2.4 million people have fallen ill and 66 people have died since an unidentified fever began quickly spreading in late April, although the country has only been able to identify a handful of those cases as Covid-19 due to a lack of testing supplies.

After maintaining a dubious claim for two and a half years that it had perfectly blocked the virus from entering its territory, the North admitted to omicron infections last week.

The North has mobilised more than a million health workers to find people with fevers and isolate them at quarantine facilities.

Kim also imposed strict restrictions on travel between cities and towns and mobilized thousands of troops to help with the transport of medicine to pharmacies in the country's capital, Pyongyang, which has been the center of the outbreak.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) paying his respects for Marshal of the Korean People's Army Hyon Chol Hae, general adviser to the DPRK Ministry of National Defence, in Pyongyang

During a ruling party Politburo meeting on Saturday, Kim insisted the country was starting to bring the outbreak under control and called for tightened vigilance to maintain the 'affirmative trend' in the anti-virus campaign, KCNA said.

But Kim also seemed to hint at relaxing his pandemic response to ease his economic woes, instructing officials to actively modify the country's preventive measures based on the changing virus situation and to come up with various plans to revitalize the national economy.

KCNA said Politburo members debated ways for 'more effectively engineering and executing' the government's anti-virus policy in accordance with how the spread of the virus was being 'stably controlled and abated,' but the report did not specify what was discussed.

While imposing supposedly 'maximum' preventive measures, Kim has also stressed that his economic goals still should be met, and state media have described large groups of workers continuing to gather at farms, mining facilities, power stations and construction sites.

Experts say Kim can't afford to bring the country to a standstill that would unleash further shock on a fragile economy, strained by decades of mismanagement, crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons ambitions and pandemic border closures.

The virus hasn't stopped Kim from holding and attending important public events for his leadership.

State media showed him weeping during Saturday's state funeral for top North Korean military official Hyon Chol Hae, who is believed to have been involved in grooming Kim as a future leader during the rule of his father, Kim Jong Il.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has claimed he helped workers by sharing his own medical supplies, allowing them to 'rise like a phoenix' from the country's Covid crisis.

North Korea is in the midst of a Covid outbreak, having reportedly only recorded its first case on May 12 this year, despite the disease running rampant throughout the rest of the world over the past two years.

But, despite officials in the isolated country revealing it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms and a mostly unvaccinated populace, the North Korean leader has claimed progress.

Kim is reportedly considering relaxing virus restrictions in a bid to nurse a struggling economy and news outlets in the country have said the North Korean leader shared his own medical supplies with farmers in a bid to fight the virus.

Local newspaper reports said farm workers in South Hwanghae province were striving to achieve 'miraculous results' in rice-planting to repay Kim, describing how their leader has donated his personal medical supplies to help with anti-virus efforts, which the newspaper said allowed workers to 'rise like a phoenix.'

The outbreak has caused concern about serious tragedies in the poor, isolated country with one of the world's worst health care systems and a high tolerance for civilian suffering.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has claimed he helped workers during the country's Covid crisis by sharing he own medical supplies. Pictured: Kim Jong Un at a meeting on May 21, 2022

Experts say North Korea is almost certainly downplaying the true scale of the viral spread, including a strangely small death toll, to soften the political blow on Kim as he navigates the toughest moment in his decade of rule.

Around 219,030 North Koreans with fevers were identified in the 24 hours through 6pm Friday, the fifth straight daily increase of around 200,000, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency, which attributed the information to the government's anti-virus headquarters.

North Korea said more than 2.4 million people have fallen ill and 66 people have died since an unidentified fever began quickly spreading in late April, although the country has only been able to identify a handful of those cases as Covid-19 due to a lack of testing supplies.

After maintaining a dubious claim for two and a half years that it had perfectly blocked the virus from entering its territory, the North admitted to omicron infections last week.

The North has mobilised more than a million health workers to find people with fevers and isolate them at quarantine facilities.

Kim also imposed strict restrictions on travel between cities and towns and mobilized thousands of troops to help with the transport of medicine to pharmacies in the country's capital, Pyongyang, which has been the center of the outbreak.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) paying his respects for Marshal of the Korean People's Army Hyon Chol Hae, general adviser to the DPRK Ministry of National Defence, in Pyongyang

During a ruling party Politburo meeting on Saturday, Kim insisted the country was starting to bring the outbreak under control and called for tightened vigilance to maintain the 'affirmative trend' in the anti-virus campaign, KCNA said.

But Kim also seemed to hint at relaxing his pandemic response to ease his economic woes, instructing officials to actively modify the country's preventive measures based on the changing virus situation and to come up with various plans to revitalize the national economy.

KCNA said Politburo members debated ways for 'more effectively engineering and executing' the government's anti-virus policy in accordance with how the spread of the virus was being 'stably controlled and abated,' but the report did not specify what was discussed.

While imposing supposedly 'maximum' preventive measures, Kim has also stressed that his economic goals still should be met, and state media have described large groups of workers continuing to gather at farms, mining facilities, power stations and construction sites.

Experts say Kim can't afford to bring the country to a standstill that would unleash further shock on a fragile economy, strained by decades of mismanagement, crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons ambitions and pandemic border closures.

The virus hasn't stopped Kim from holding and attending important public events for his leadership.

State media showed him weeping during Saturday's state funeral for top North Korean military official Hyon Chol Hae, who is believed to have been involved in grooming Kim as a future leader during the rule of his father, Kim Jong Il.



A Russian paratrooper spotted close to the scene of an alleged execution of up to nine Ukrainians in Bucha has been 'identified'.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local.

The sequence is some of the most disturbing of the war, showing nine men being marched at gunpoint by Russian paratroopers.

Eight witnesses told reporters that the captive Ukrainians were ordered to a point where gunshots were heard.

Chingiz Atantayev, 37, was 'outed' by independent Russian media IStories, following up a story in The New York Times based both CCTV footage and a video shot by a local

Newly-uncovered CCTV footage shows two Russian paratroopers escorting a line of nine Ukrainian territorial defence volunteers who had surrendered to an office building in the city of Bucha where eight of them were later found dead

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published

At least eight were killed, according to newly uncovered drone footage and photographic evidence highlighted in an investigation by the US newspaper.

Now IStories - or Important Stories - claims to have used facial recognition software to identify one of Russian soldiers whose picture was published.

It cannot be established that he was a member of the execution squad, but The New York Times shows his face as a Russian paratrooper 'occupying Bucha around the same time the group of men were executed' on 4 March, and caught on camera close to the address where the men were brutally killed.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported.

Atantayev's face matched 'to a high degree of probability' the soldier seen in the newspaper's image, according to facial recognition software, IStories reported

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers.

In particular, the city is the base of the 104th and 234th airborne assault regiments - military units 32515 and 74268, respectively.

Both were present in Bucha before Russian forces retreated, according to reports.

Atantayev is subscribed to numerous social media groups related to the army, weapons and martial arts.

In 2017, seeking to improve housing conditions, he filed a lawsuit against the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Pskov court.

Originally from Magadan in the Russian Far East, his social media shows to be a resident of Pskov, in northwestern Russia, famous as home to some of the country's most elite paratroopers

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's (pictured) daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household

He wanted 'recognition' that his wife Tatiana Chesnak's daughter from a previous relationship was part of his household.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing.

The last time Atantayev visited his VK social media profile was on April 12.

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband.

She claimed The New York Times article was 'definitely fake'.

'Look for yourself, the soldiers there are clean-shaven,' she said.

'Do you think they went there like that?

'Therefore, it is not clear where they took these photos at all.'

In the footage, some Ukrainian captives are hunched, clasping the belts of those in front.

He was identified as a 'servicemen' and the legal action was apparently to secure better housing

IStories contacted his wife who refused to put journalists in contact with her husband

Others are seen with their hands over their heads.

A Russian ordered one of the Ukrainians: 'Walk to the right, bitch.'

The bodies were seen on the ground at the side of an office building at 144 Yablunska Street.

Russia repeatedly accused the West of inventing the scenes of multiple atrocities in Bucha.

It was claimed that the images were concocted to discredit the Russian military.
Russia has been accused of weaponizing food and holding grain for millions of people around the world hostage to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting called by the United States that the war has halted maritime trade in large areas of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, trapping Ukrainian agricultural exports and jeopardising global food supplies.

Blinken said the meeting, which he chaired, was taking place at a moment of unprecedented global hunger fueled by climate change and Covid-19 and made even worse by conflict.

Since Russias invasion on February 24, he said, its naval operations have sought to control access to the northwestern Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to block Ukrainian ports which the United States assesses to be a deliberate effort to block safe passage and shut down shipping.

As a result of the Russian governments actions, some 20 million tonnes of grain sit unused in Ukrainian silos as global food supplies dwindle, prices skyrocket, causing more around the world to experience food insecurity.

-Anthony Blinken

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as absolutely false claims by the U.S. and Western nations that we want to starve everyone to death and that only you and Ukraine allegedly care about how to save the lives of the country.

You assert that allegedly we are preventing agricultural products from being taken out of Ukraine by sea, he said.

However, the truth is that it is Ukraine and not Russia that has blocked 75 vessels from 17 states in the ports of Nikolaev, Kherson, Chernomorsk, Mariupol, Ochakov, Odesa and Yuzhniy and has mined the waterways.

Nebenzia warned: Unless this issue is resolved, we cannot speak of any opportunities to export Ukrainian grain by sea.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:


ASHGABAT -- Many schools in the authoritarian country of Turkmenistan have suddenly stopped the notorious practice of forcing parents to pay for school upgrades after independent media reported on the illegal extortion, Ashgabat residents say.



They also claimed that education and law enforcement officials have visited many Ashgabat schools in recent days, apparently to investigate the allegations of illegal money collections.



Citing several parents in Ashgabat and other cities, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service (known locally as Radio Azatlyk) reported that school administrations often demand students pay for school renovations at least once a year.



The amount they demand varies in each school, but usually ranges from about $28 to $42 per student. But students set to graduate this year must pay about $85 each, the parents said.



"After the reports by Azatlyk, representatives of the Education Ministry and prosecutors began visiting schools in Ashgabat to check [the allegations]," said a parent from the Turkmen capital on May 18.



There has been no official comment by Turkmen authorities to the RFE/RL reports, and visits by the officials also came with no prior announcement.



As the rumors of the visits spread in the city, school directors abruptly stopped collecting money, an Ashgabat resident said.



"Now, teachers are demanding students who had already paid the money to say that nobody had asked them for it," the parent said. He added that the students were ordered not to give any information to RFE/RL's Turkmen Service or other media.



"The teachers are threatening the students with 'grave' consequences," the man said. He spoke on condition of anonymity as Turkmen authorities don't tolerate criticism.



In the past several weeks, many schools in Ashgabat and other cities have also been collecting money from students to purchase portraits of the country's new president, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, to replace the photos of his predecessor -- his father.



Berdymukhammedov took over the presidency in March from Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ruled Turkmenistan with an iron fist since late 2006.



Large portraits of the Turkmen president always adorn the walls of schools, offices, and buildings, as well as street billboards all over the country.



The Europe-based independent website Khronika Turkmenistan also confirmed that at least three schools in Ashgabat had ended their money collections in recent days.



Instead, school administrations are asking parents to bring paint, brushes, and other material for school renovations if they can afford to. But they are no longer putting pressure on poor families, the website reported.



RFE/RL tried to contact the Education Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office on May 18 but received no response.



School upgrades in Turkmenistan take place during the summer holidays. Sources say the government doesn't allocate money for renovations, leaving it to the school administration to try to raise the funds.



Each class in Turkmen schools has its own head teacher who is tasked with collecting money. If head teachers fail to raise the amount set by the school administration they must pay the rest from their own salaries, several teachers told RFE/RL.



"Otherwise, the head teacher faces demotion or will even be transferred from a full-time position to part-time," a teacher from Ashgabat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "So, the head teachers try to deliver at any cost in order to keep their jobs."



Head teachers in Ashgabat make about $570 a month on average, the teacher said. Teachers with part-time positions earn about $245 monthly.



Forcing parents to pay for renovations and other similar projects is widespread in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. Parents claim that if they don't pay, teachers retaliate by giving their children lower grades.



The illegal money collections have put a strain on many families in Turkmenistan, where the economy has long been plagued by massive unemployment, food shortages, and poverty despite the Central Asian country holding vast gas reserves.



Larger families that have several school-age children are hit the hardest as they often have to cut back on food and other essentials to pay for the school projects, parents say.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Ashgabat
ASHGABAT -- Many schools in the authoritarian country of Turkmenistan have suddenly stopped the notorious practice of forcing parents to pay for school upgrades after independent media reported on the illegal extortion, Ashgabat residents say.



They also claimed that education and law enforcement officials have visited many Ashgabat schools in recent days, apparently to investigate the allegations of illegal money collections.



Citing several parents in Ashgabat and other cities, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service (known locally as Radio Azatlyk) reported that school administrations often demand students pay for school renovations at least once a year.



The amount they demand varies in each school, but usually ranges from about $28 to $42 per student. But students set to graduate this year must pay about $85 each, the parents said.



"After the reports by Azatlyk, representatives of the Education Ministry and prosecutors began visiting schools in Ashgabat to check [the allegations]," said a parent from the Turkmen capital on May 18.



There has been no official comment by Turkmen authorities to the RFE/RL reports, and visits by the officials also came with no prior announcement.



As the rumors of the visits spread in the city, school directors abruptly stopped collecting money, an Ashgabat resident said.



"Now, teachers are demanding students who had already paid the money to say that nobody had asked them for it," the parent said. He added that the students were ordered not to give any information to RFE/RL's Turkmen Service or other media.



"The teachers are threatening the students with 'grave' consequences," the man said. He spoke on condition of anonymity as Turkmen authorities don't tolerate criticism.



In the past several weeks, many schools in Ashgabat and other cities have also been collecting money from students to purchase portraits of the country's new president, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, to replace the photos of his predecessor -- his father.



Berdymukhammedov took over the presidency in March from Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ruled Turkmenistan with an iron fist since late 2006.



Large portraits of the Turkmen president always adorn the walls of schools, offices, and buildings, as well as street billboards all over the country.



The Europe-based independent website Khronika Turkmenistan also confirmed that at least three schools in Ashgabat had ended their money collections in recent days.



Instead, school administrations are asking parents to bring paint, brushes, and other material for school renovations if they can afford to. But they are no longer putting pressure on poor families, the website reported.



RFE/RL tried to contact the Education Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office on May 18 but received no response.



School upgrades in Turkmenistan take place during the summer holidays. Sources say the government doesn't allocate money for renovations, leaving it to the school administration to try to raise the funds.



Each class in Turkmen schools has its own head teacher who is tasked with collecting money. If head teachers fail to raise the amount set by the school administration they must pay the rest from their own salaries, several teachers told RFE/RL.



"Otherwise, the head teacher faces demotion or will even be transferred from a full-time position to part-time," a teacher from Ashgabat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "So, the head teachers try to deliver at any cost in order to keep their jobs."



Head teachers in Ashgabat make about $570 a month on average, the teacher said. Teachers with part-time positions earn about $245 monthly.



Forcing parents to pay for renovations and other similar projects is widespread in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. Parents claim that if they don't pay, teachers retaliate by giving their children lower grades.



The illegal money collections have put a strain on many families in Turkmenistan, where the economy has long been plagued by massive unemployment, food shortages, and poverty despite the Central Asian country holding vast gas reserves.



Larger families that have several school-age children are hit the hardest as they often have to cut back on food and other essentials to pay for the school projects, parents say.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Ashgabat
ASHGABAT -- Many schools in the authoritarian country of Turkmenistan have suddenly stopped the notorious practice of forcing parents to pay for school upgrades after independent media reported on the illegal extortion, Ashgabat residents say.



They also claimed that education and law enforcement officials have visited many Ashgabat schools in recent days, apparently to investigate the allegations of illegal money collections.



Citing several parents in Ashgabat and other cities, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service (known locally as Radio Azatlyk) reported that school administrations often demand students pay for school renovations at least once a year.



The amount they demand varies in each school, but usually ranges from about $28 to $42 per student. But students set to graduate this year must pay about $85 each, the parents said.



"After the reports by Azatlyk, representatives of the Education Ministry and prosecutors began visiting schools in Ashgabat to check [the allegations]," said a parent from the Turkmen capital on May 18.



There has been no official comment by Turkmen authorities to the RFE/RL reports, and visits by the officials also came with no prior announcement.



As the rumors of the visits spread in the city, school directors abruptly stopped collecting money, an Ashgabat resident said.



"Now, teachers are demanding students who had already paid the money to say that nobody had asked them for it," the parent said. He added that the students were ordered not to give any information to RFE/RL's Turkmen Service or other media.



"The teachers are threatening the students with 'grave' consequences," the man said. He spoke on condition of anonymity as Turkmen authorities don't tolerate criticism.



In the past several weeks, many schools in Ashgabat and other cities have also been collecting money from students to purchase portraits of the country's new president, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, to replace the photos of his predecessor -- his father.



Berdymukhammedov took over the presidency in March from Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ruled Turkmenistan with an iron fist since late 2006.



Large portraits of the Turkmen president always adorn the walls of schools, offices, and buildings, as well as street billboards all over the country.



The Europe-based independent website Khronika Turkmenistan also confirmed that at least three schools in Ashgabat had ended their money collections in recent days.



Instead, school administrations are asking parents to bring paint, brushes, and other material for school renovations if they can afford to. But they are no longer putting pressure on poor families, the website reported.



RFE/RL tried to contact the Education Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office on May 18 but received no response.



School upgrades in Turkmenistan take place during the summer holidays. Sources say the government doesn't allocate money for renovations, leaving it to the school administration to try to raise the funds.



Each class in Turkmen schools has its own head teacher who is tasked with collecting money. If head teachers fail to raise the amount set by the school administration they must pay the rest from their own salaries, several teachers told RFE/RL.



"Otherwise, the head teacher faces demotion or will even be transferred from a full-time position to part-time," a teacher from Ashgabat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "So, the head teachers try to deliver at any cost in order to keep their jobs."



Head teachers in Ashgabat make about $570 a month on average, the teacher said. Teachers with part-time positions earn about $245 monthly.



Forcing parents to pay for renovations and other similar projects is widespread in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. Parents claim that if they don't pay, teachers retaliate by giving their children lower grades.



The illegal money collections have put a strain on many families in Turkmenistan, where the economy has long been plagued by massive unemployment, food shortages, and poverty despite the Central Asian country holding vast gas reserves.



Larger families that have several school-age children are hit the hardest as they often have to cut back on food and other essentials to pay for the school projects, parents say.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Ashgabat
ASHGABAT -- Many schools in the authoritarian country of Turkmenistan have suddenly stopped the notorious practice of forcing parents to pay for school upgrades after independent media reported on the illegal extortion, Ashgabat residents say.



They also claimed that education and law enforcement officials have visited many Ashgabat schools in recent days, apparently to investigate the allegations of illegal money collections.



Citing several parents in Ashgabat and other cities, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service (known locally as Radio Azatlyk) reported that school administrations often demand students pay for school renovations at least once a year.



The amount they demand varies in each school, but usually ranges from about $28 to $42 per student. But students set to graduate this year must pay about $85 each, the parents said.



"After the reports by Azatlyk, representatives of the Education Ministry and prosecutors began visiting schools in Ashgabat to check [the allegations]," said a parent from the Turkmen capital on May 18.



There has been no official comment by Turkmen authorities to the RFE/RL reports, and visits by the officials also came with no prior announcement.



As the rumors of the visits spread in the city, school directors abruptly stopped collecting money, an Ashgabat resident said.



"Now, teachers are demanding students who had already paid the money to say that nobody had asked them for it," the parent said. He added that the students were ordered not to give any information to RFE/RL's Turkmen Service or other media.



"The teachers are threatening the students with 'grave' consequences," the man said. He spoke on condition of anonymity as Turkmen authorities don't tolerate criticism.



In the past several weeks, many schools in Ashgabat and other cities have also been collecting money from students to purchase portraits of the country's new president, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, to replace the photos of his predecessor -- his father.



Berdymukhammedov took over the presidency in March from Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ruled Turkmenistan with an iron fist since late 2006.



Large portraits of the Turkmen president always adorn the walls of schools, offices, and buildings, as well as street billboards all over the country.



The Europe-based independent website Khronika Turkmenistan also confirmed that at least three schools in Ashgabat had ended their money collections in recent days.



Instead, school administrations are asking parents to bring paint, brushes, and other material for school renovations if they can afford to. But they are no longer putting pressure on poor families, the website reported.



RFE/RL tried to contact the Education Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office on May 18 but received no response.



School upgrades in Turkmenistan take place during the summer holidays. Sources say the government doesn't allocate money for renovations, leaving it to the school administration to try to raise the funds.



Each class in Turkmen schools has its own head teacher who is tasked with collecting money. If head teachers fail to raise the amount set by the school administration they must pay the rest from their own salaries, several teachers told RFE/RL.



"Otherwise, the head teacher faces demotion or will even be transferred from a full-time position to part-time," a teacher from Ashgabat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "So, the head teachers try to deliver at any cost in order to keep their jobs."



Head teachers in Ashgabat make about $570 a month on average, the teacher said. Teachers with part-time positions earn about $245 monthly.



Forcing parents to pay for renovations and other similar projects is widespread in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. Parents claim that if they don't pay, teachers retaliate by giving their children lower grades.



The illegal money collections have put a strain on many families in Turkmenistan, where the economy has long been plagued by massive unemployment, food shortages, and poverty despite the Central Asian country holding vast gas reserves.



Larger families that have several school-age children are hit the hardest as they often have to cut back on food and other essentials to pay for the school projects, parents say.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Ashgabat

ASHGABAT -- Many schools in the authoritarian country of Turkmenistan have suddenly stopped the notorious practice of forcing parents to pay for school upgrades after independent media reported on the illegal extortion, Ashgabat residents say.



They also claimed that education and law enforcement officials have visited many Ashgabat schools in recent days, apparently to investigate the allegations of illegal money collections.



Citing several parents in Ashgabat and other cities, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service (known locally as Radio Azatlyk) reported that school administrations often demand students pay for school renovations at least once a year.



The amount they demand varies in each school, but usually ranges from about $28 to $42 per student. But students set to graduate this year must pay about $85 each, the parents said.



"After the reports by Azatlyk, representatives of the Education Ministry and prosecutors began visiting schools in Ashgabat to check [the allegations]," said a parent from the Turkmen capital on May 18.



There has been no official comment by Turkmen authorities to the RFE/RL reports, and visits by the officials also came with no prior announcement.



As the rumors of the visits spread in the city, school directors abruptly stopped collecting money, an Ashgabat resident said.



"Now, teachers are demanding students who had already paid the money to say that nobody had asked them for it," the parent said. He added that the students were ordered not to give any information to RFE/RL's Turkmen Service or other media.



"The teachers are threatening the students with 'grave' consequences," the man said. He spoke on condition of anonymity as Turkmen authorities don't tolerate criticism.



In the past several weeks, many schools in Ashgabat and other cities have also been collecting money from students to purchase portraits of the country's new president, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, to replace the photos of his predecessor -- his father.



Berdymukhammedov took over the presidency in March from Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ruled Turkmenistan with an iron fist since late 2006.



Large portraits of the Turkmen president always adorn the walls of schools, offices, and buildings, as well as street billboards all over the country.



The Europe-based independent website Khronika Turkmenistan also confirmed that at least three schools in Ashgabat had ended their money collections in recent days.



Instead, school administrations are asking parents to bring paint, brushes, and other material for school renovations if they can afford to. But they are no longer putting pressure on poor families, the website reported.



RFE/RL tried to contact the Education Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office on May 18 but received no response.



School upgrades in Turkmenistan take place during the summer holidays. Sources say the government doesn't allocate money for renovations, leaving it to the school administration to try to raise the funds.



Each class in Turkmen schools has its own head teacher who is tasked with collecting money. If head teachers fail to raise the amount set by the school administration they must pay the rest from their own salaries, several teachers told RFE/RL.



"Otherwise, the head teacher faces demotion or will even be transferred from a full-time position to part-time," a teacher from Ashgabat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. "So, the head teachers try to deliver at any cost in order to keep their jobs."



Head teachers in Ashgabat make about $570 a month on average, the teacher said. Teachers with part-time positions earn about $245 monthly.



Forcing parents to pay for renovations and other similar projects is widespread in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. Parents claim that if they don't pay, teachers retaliate by giving their children lower grades.



The illegal money collections have put a strain on many families in Turkmenistan, where the economy has long been plagued by massive unemployment, food shortages, and poverty despite the Central Asian country holding vast gas reserves.



Larger families that have several school-age children are hit the hardest as they often have to cut back on food and other essentials to pay for the school projects, parents say.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents in Ashgabat
Russia has been accused of weaponizing food and holding grain for millions of people around the world hostage to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting called by the United States that the war has halted maritime trade in large areas of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, trapping Ukrainian agricultural exports and jeopardising global food supplies.

Blinken said the meeting, which he chaired, was taking place at a moment of unprecedented global hunger fueled by climate change and Covid-19 and made even worse by conflict.

Since Russias invasion on February 24, he said, its naval operations have sought to control access to the northwestern Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to block Ukrainian ports which the United States assesses to be a deliberate effort to block safe passage and shut down shipping.

As a result of the Russian governments actions, some 20 million tonnes of grain sit unused in Ukrainian silos as global food supplies dwindle, prices skyrocket, causing more around the world to experience food insecurity.

-Anthony Blinken

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as absolutely false claims by the U.S. and Western nations that we want to starve everyone to death and that only you and Ukraine allegedly care about how to save the lives of the country.

You assert that allegedly we are preventing agricultural products from being taken out of Ukraine by sea, he said.

However, the truth is that it is Ukraine and not Russia that has blocked 75 vessels from 17 states in the ports of Nikolaev, Kherson, Chernomorsk, Mariupol, Ochakov, Odesa and Yuzhniy and has mined the waterways.

Nebenzia warned: Unless this issue is resolved, we cannot speak of any opportunities to export Ukrainian grain by sea.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
Russia has been accused of weaponizing food and holding grain for millions of people around the world hostage to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting called by the United States that the war has halted maritime trade in large areas of the Black Sea and made the region unsafe for navigation, trapping Ukrainian agricultural exports and jeopardising global food supplies.

Blinken said the meeting, which he chaired, was taking place at a moment of unprecedented global hunger fueled by climate change and Covid-19 and made even worse by conflict.

Since Russias invasion on February 24, he said, its naval operations have sought to control access to the northwestern Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to block Ukrainian ports which the United States assesses to be a deliberate effort to block safe passage and shut down shipping.

As a result of the Russian governments actions, some 20 million tonnes of grain sit unused in Ukrainian silos as global food supplies dwindle, prices skyrocket, causing more around the world to experience food insecurity.

-Anthony Blinken

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed as absolutely false claims by the U.S. and Western nations that we want to starve everyone to death and that only you and Ukraine allegedly care about how to save the lives of the country.

You assert that allegedly we are preventing agricultural products from being taken out of Ukraine by sea, he said.

However, the truth is that it is Ukraine and not Russia that has blocked 75 vessels from 17 states in the ports of Nikolaev, Kherson, Chernomorsk, Mariupol, Ochakov, Odesa and Yuzhniy and has mined the waterways.

Nebenzia warned: Unless this issue is resolved, we cannot speak of any opportunities to export Ukrainian grain by sea.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider
The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are expected to have their wedding there.

Kardashian and Baker will marry at Castello Brown in the village of Portofino, People reports.

The Kardashian-Jenner family is in Italy this weekend, reportedly for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding. Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, are expected to get married at Castello Brown, a castle in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, People reports.

The couple got engaged in October 2021 and have already had two ceremonies. The first was an unofficial ceremony in front of an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April. The second was a legal ceremony earlier this month in Santa Barbara, California, unnamed sources told People and TMZ.

A representative for the Kardashian-Jenner family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The wedding festivities appeared to kick off on Friday with dinner at a Portofino restaurant

The Kardashian-Jenner clan were spotted outside Ristorante Puny in Portofino on Friday and they all wore Dolce & Gabbana designs for the occasion, according to People.

Kourtney wore a sheer red skirt and a red corset with a matching faux fur stole, while Barker stuck to an all-black ensemble.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were spotted arm-in-arm while walking around Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

The duo hopped in a boat with Barker's daughter Alabama Barker and Atiana De La Hoya, the daughter of Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Alabama Barker, Atiana De La Hoya, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a boat in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe Kardashian donned a leopard-print, bodycon dress with black sunglasses and simple black heels for the evening.

Khloe Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kendall Jenner was spotted with her boyfriend, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, in a black corset and sheer black skirt. She finished the look with a cross pendant on a black choker.

Kendall Jenner holds hands with NBA star Devin Booker in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner also wore all-black, with Kylie in a black minidress and pointed boots. Kris sported a black slip dress with a sheer lace overlay, complete with floral embellishments and gold jewelry.

Story continues

Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim Kardashian wore a sleek two-piece set in a shade of gray. She wore her bleach-blonde hair straight.

Kim Kardashian in Portofino, Italy, on May 20, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but the brand did share a collage of the family's outfits on its Instagram Stories.

Dolce & Gabbana shared photos of the Kardashian-Jenner clan in Portofino on the brand's Instagram. Dolce & Gabbana/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family went out for lunch and a boat ride on Saturday

On Saturday, the group arrived for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. People reports that San Fruttuoso is a small fishing village only reachable on foot or by sea. The outlet also reported that the couple took Dolce & Gabbana's $35 million yacht to the abbey, where Kourtney and Barker were to receive a special blessing before getting married.

The Kardashian-Jenner family were photographed taking a smaller boat to the yacht.

Part of the Kardashian-Jenner family arriving on Dolce & Gabbana's "Fatima" yacht on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney stunned in an all-black look, starting with a corsetted minidress. She also wore black gloves and a black veil with blue lace trim. Her dress had a religious painting on the front, which was bedazzled in blue.

Kourtney Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kourtney was seen laughing and smiling with Barker and loved ones at their lunch reception.

Kourtney Kardashian at lunch in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kim, who wore a sheer black dress that came off her shoulders, held hands with her daughter North West. North stuck to all neutrals for her look.

Kim Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe went for brown, with lace-up boots and a taupe minidress.

Khloe Kardashian arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kylie popped in a floral dress and flat sandals, while Stormi wore a white sundress.

Kylie Jenner holding hands with her daughter Stormi Webster in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Kris Jenner wore a leopard-print dress with feather trim, also opting for flat sandals on the cobblestone walkway.

Kris Jenner arriving for lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Before leaving, Kendall was spotted with Booker in a brown, floral maxi dress. She also donned red lipstick for the outing.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker leaving lunch at the Abbey of San Fruttuoso in Portofino, Italy, on May 21, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Khloe shared photos of the afternoon's events on her Instagram Stories, noting that she was wearing "Dolce & Gabbana everything" while sitting next to Kourtney's daughter Penelope on a boat.

Khloe Kardashian documented her lunch in Portofino, Italy, on Instagram on May 21, 2022. Khloe Kardashian/Instagram

Kim stepped out with her daughter and niece for ice cream on Sunday

Kim stepped out in another all-gray look on Sunday, this time to grab ice cream with North and Penelope.

Kim Kardashian seen arriving into Portofino and getting an ice cream on May 22, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. NINO/GC Images

Kim accessorized the two-piece corset set with silver shades and an intricate cross necklace.

Kim Kardashian eating ice cream in Portofino, Italy, on May 22, 2022. NINO/GC Images

Alabama Barker shared photos of Sunday's ceremony  and Kourtney's dress  on Instagram

Barker's daughter posted pictures from the lavish ceremony on her Instagram Stories on Sunday. In one, Kourtney and Travis can be seen holding hands and kneeling. Kourtney appeared to be wearing a white dress with a cathedral-length train etched with the Virgin Mary in lace.

Alabama Barker's Instagram Story shows Kardashian and Barker in the midst of their wedding ceremony on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Another photo showed off Kourtney's beauty look  smokey eye makeup, a nude lip, and hair slicked back into her veil.

Alabama Barker poses with Kourtney Kardashian on her wedding day on May 22, 2022. Alabama Barker/Instagram

Read the original article on Insider

Lieutenant Governor & Democratic Senate Candidate John Fetterman Holds Campaign Event

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Senate candidate, greets an attendee during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pa., on April 30, 2022. Credit - Michelle GustafsonBloomberg/Getty Images

Welcome to The Back Booth, a weekend edition of The D.C. Brief. Here each Saturday, TIMEs politics newsletter will host a conversation between political professionals on the right and the left, pulling back the curtain on the conversations taking place in Washington when the tape stops rolling. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief here.

A proxy fight over the future of the Republican Party is in overtime, an orgy-alleging firebrand falls and Democrats are at odds over where their House campaign chief should run for another term if it means a primary against a fellow incumbent.

This week, The D.C. Brief chatted with two political pros who have literally shoveled millions of dollars into competitive races and others that captured the imagination of the donor class. From the right, Corry Bliss has long been one of the Republican Partys favorite fixers, a technocrat who has a record of saving dumpster-fire campaigns from themselves at the eleventh hour. He ran House Leaderships favored super PAC before moving into consulting.

On the left, Julia Rosen has enjoyed the head-of-the-table assignment as Democrats blended technology, money, and activism. A veteran of grassroots force MoveOn, fundraising platform ActBlue, and LGBT-advocacy coordinator the Equality Federation, Rosen has seen the evolution of the Democratic Party up close over the last two decades. She, too, is now a consultant.

The conversation has been edited.

Elliott: Welcome to The Back Booth, where well spend some time solving all that ails our politics. I had hoped wed have results in the Pennsylvania Senate race by now. Julia, what is your home state doing? You know the Fetterman DNA pretty well in the Pittsburgh area. Can that style win statewide?

Rosen: Greetings from Mars, Penn. I just happen to be back home this week.

Story continues

Fettermans everyman schtick is resonating widely. It worked for him when he ran for Lieutenant Governor and clearly worked this primary. He won every single county in the state, despite being highly identified with Western PA, which is of course not where all the voters are, especially during a Democratic primary.

Fetterman passes that incredibly rare authenticity test. He looks and sounds like that dude you see filling his truck at Sheetz, shaking his head at the gas prices. What he has done tremendously well is reflecting back to people the deep frustration they are all feeling. He just gets it.

That mattered way more than endorsements or arguments about electability. And its dramatically different from what you are on the other side right now. Hes coming out of this primary remarkably unscathed.

Bliss: Julia is right that John Fetterman doesnt look or sound like a normal politician. Clearly, his everyman persona had a strong appeal to Democratic primary voters on Tuesday. Personally, I thought Conor Lamb was one of the most impressive candidates to come out of the 2018 cycle. The fact that Fetterman blew him out illustrates how strong of a candidate he is. In a tough year you need non-traditional candidates who are good enough to defy gravity. It will be interesting to see if he can over perform with blue-collar/rural voters who have been trending our way.

Now after saying all that nice stuff about Fetterman, lets come back to reality. November is going to be about one thing and one thing only: a referendum on Bidens performance. Right now, Bidens approval rating in Pennsylvania is around 40% and gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon. If that doesnt change and change a lot between now and Election Day, Republicans can take a homeless guy off the street and he will easily win the race. Period, end of discussion.

Elliott: Corry, what the heck is going on with your side of the aisle there? Im sincerely surprised how close it is.

Bliss: If Im being honest, I have no idea whats going to happen in Pennsylvania. All joking aside, Trumps endorsement is still the most important factor in a Republican primary election. I see primary polling data in states and districts across the country and across the board, Trumps favorability with Republicans is somewhere in the low 80s. Candidates, campaigns, and resources matter, but all those other factors being equal, if you have the Trump endorsementand the money to let people know thatyou should win.

Elliott: We just watched Biden head off to Asia for his first trip, a visit with incredibly high stakes but very little sizzle with the stateside electorate. Is there any way for this to help the President reset his undeniably bad polling position?

Bliss: Having him out of the country will probably improve his numbers! Tell me the price of gas in November and I will tell you everything you need to know. Nothing else matters.

Elliott: You both know intra-party politicsespecially at committees. What is going to happen with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney? I saw AOC wants him to step down as chair of the House Democrats campaign committee if he runs for another term in a district already with an incumbent. (Which is interesting given AOC doesnt pay D-Trip dues in the first place)

Rosen: New York is a hot, hot mess. After watching two redistricting cycles by an independent commission in California, I am a huge advocate. We got the competitive House seats without the high stakes drama of New York, even while losing a district.

Maloney rushed to decide and now is in so much hot water with his caucus. AOC is saying what I think a lot of members are thinking. Id give anything to be in those rooms listening to the tea. It wont be pretty.

The Sherman/Berman race was a high-stakes drama in 2012, but youve now got multiple incumbent Democrat-on-incumbent Democrat races in New York, an area saturated with reporters. And its going to be a massive distraction from the real problems of the fundamentals compounded by thin resumes to run on from this Congress.

Elliott: Thanks much for your time on this. Im glad we were able to do this.
Lieutenant Governor & Democratic Senate Candidate John Fetterman Holds Campaign Event

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Senate candidate, greets an attendee during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pa., on April 30, 2022. Credit - Michelle GustafsonBloomberg/Getty Images

Welcome to The Back Booth, a weekend edition of The D.C. Brief. Here each Saturday, TIMEs politics newsletter will host a conversation between political professionals on the right and the left, pulling back the curtain on the conversations taking place in Washington when the tape stops rolling. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief here.

A proxy fight over the future of the Republican Party is in overtime, an orgy-alleging firebrand falls and Democrats are at odds over where their House campaign chief should run for another term if it means a primary against a fellow incumbent.

This week, The D.C. Brief chatted with two political pros who have literally shoveled millions of dollars into competitive races and others that captured the imagination of the donor class. From the right, Corry Bliss has long been one of the Republican Partys favorite fixers, a technocrat who has a record of saving dumpster-fire campaigns from themselves at the eleventh hour. He ran House Leaderships favored super PAC before moving into consulting.

On the left, Julia Rosen has enjoyed the head-of-the-table assignment as Democrats blended technology, money, and activism. A veteran of grassroots force MoveOn, fundraising platform ActBlue, and LGBT-advocacy coordinator the Equality Federation, Rosen has seen the evolution of the Democratic Party up close over the last two decades. She, too, is now a consultant.

The conversation has been edited.

Elliott: Welcome to The Back Booth, where well spend some time solving all that ails our politics. I had hoped wed have results in the Pennsylvania Senate race by now. Julia, what is your home state doing? You know the Fetterman DNA pretty well in the Pittsburgh area. Can that style win statewide?

Rosen: Greetings from Mars, Penn. I just happen to be back home this week.

Story continues

Fettermans everyman schtick is resonating widely. It worked for him when he ran for Lieutenant Governor and clearly worked this primary. He won every single county in the state, despite being highly identified with Western PA, which is of course not where all the voters are, especially during a Democratic primary.

Fetterman passes that incredibly rare authenticity test. He looks and sounds like that dude you see filling his truck at Sheetz, shaking his head at the gas prices. What he has done tremendously well is reflecting back to people the deep frustration they are all feeling. He just gets it.

That mattered way more than endorsements or arguments about electability. And its dramatically different from what you are on the other side right now. Hes coming out of this primary remarkably unscathed.

Bliss: Julia is right that John Fetterman doesnt look or sound like a normal politician. Clearly, his everyman persona had a strong appeal to Democratic primary voters on Tuesday. Personally, I thought Conor Lamb was one of the most impressive candidates to come out of the 2018 cycle. The fact that Fetterman blew him out illustrates how strong of a candidate he is. In a tough year you need non-traditional candidates who are good enough to defy gravity. It will be interesting to see if he can over perform with blue-collar/rural voters who have been trending our way.

Now after saying all that nice stuff about Fetterman, lets come back to reality. November is going to be about one thing and one thing only: a referendum on Bidens performance. Right now, Bidens approval rating in Pennsylvania is around 40% and gas prices are approaching $5 per gallon. If that doesnt change and change a lot between now and Election Day, Republicans can take a homeless guy off the street and he will easily win the race. Period, end of discussion.

Elliott: Corry, what the heck is going on with your side of the aisle there? Im sincerely surprised how close it is.

Bliss: If Im being honest, I have no idea whats going to happen in Pennsylvania. All joking aside, Trumps endorsement is still the most important factor in a Republican primary election. I see primary polling data in states and districts across the country and across the board, Trumps favorability with Republicans is somewhere in the low 80s. Candidates, campaigns, and resources matter, but all those other factors being equal, if you have the Trump endorsementand the money to let people know thatyou should win.

Elliott: We just watched Biden head off to Asia for his first trip, a visit with incredibly high stakes but very little sizzle with the stateside electorate. Is there any way for this to help the President reset his undeniably bad polling position?

Bliss: Having him out of the country will probably improve his numbers! Tell me the price of gas in November and I will tell you everything you need to know. Nothing else matters.

Elliott: You both know intra-party politicsespecially at committees. What is going to happen with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney? I saw AOC wants him to step down as chair of the House Democrats campaign committee if he runs for another term in a district already with an incumbent. (Which is interesting given AOC doesnt pay D-Trip dues in the first place)

Rosen: New York is a hot, hot mess. After watching two redistricting cycles by an independent commission in California, I am a huge advocate. We got the competitive House seats without the high stakes drama of New York, even while losing a district.

Maloney rushed to decide and now is in so much hot water with his caucus. AOC is saying what I think a lot of members are thinking. Id give anything to be in those rooms listening to the tea. It wont be pretty.

The Sherman/Berman race was a high-stakes drama in 2012, but youve now got multiple incumbent Democrat-on-incumbent Democrat races in New York, an area saturated with reporters. And its going to be a massive distraction from the real problems of the fundamentals compounded by thin resumes to run on from this Congress.

Elliott: Thanks much for your time on this. Im glad we were able to do this.

Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped.

Under current rules, such donors are completely anonymous  although those who have been involved since 2005 can be contacted by their biological offspring when those children turn 18.

But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which oversees the fertility industry, has warned popular DNA-testing websites make it harder to keep identities private.

Now the fertility watchdog is thinking about advising ministers to scrap anonymity for sperm and egg donors as part of an overhaul on fertility rules.

Peter Thompson, HFEA chief executive, said: We feel that the technology of cheap DNA tests throws into question the underlying assumption [of anonymity].

Given that, the responsible thing to do is to start a conversation about where we as a society want to go on these things. Its a big change.

Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped in an overhaul of the current rules (stock image)

He told The Guardian: You can see a position in the future where confidentiality just becomes impossible, whatever the attitude of families. The honest truth is that people will just find out.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated.

If men could choose to supply their name and contact details when they donate sperm, it would bring the UK closer to the US. In the States, some sperm banks offer women looking for donors a dossier of information, so detailed that it includes mens star sign, religion, hobbies and favourite type of pet.

Fertility charities are concerned that the current lack of known sperm donors, for women who want their childs biological father to be known to them, is pushing people online.

On websites such as Facebook, there is no shortage of sperm donors. However, some try to pressure women into sexual activity or father too many children in one area, raising the risk of unwitting incestuous relationships between them.

Mr Thompson said the HFEA had not settled on a proposal around anonymity. One option under consideration is the anonymity of donors being lifted at birth rather than at age 18.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated and has warned that DNA-testing websites make anonymity more difficult

Asked if this could deter donors, he said that had not been the case when the law changed in 2005. Although the number of donors dipped briefly, it then recovered.

The HFEA is also expected to request stronger powers to fine fertility clinics found to be selling useless add-on treatments. It also wants to make it easier for same-sex couples and single people to access treatment.

More than four million people in Britain are believed to be signed up to DNA-testing websites such as Ancestry DNA.

Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, has previously warned that donor anonymity is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee due to the popularity of such firms.

In a speech to the Fertility 2022 conference, she said: The reality is that donor anonymity as we knew it has gone.

It has long been overtaken by shifts in social attitudes about fertility treatment and donation, and the growth in affordable direct-to-consumer DNA tests, which allow individuals to match and establish their genetic relationships with an increasing degree of accuracy.




Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Two new laws in South Carolina require every school give elementary school teachers a 30-minute break each day without students and ban districts from turning over school lunch debt to collection agencies.

The bills were passed in the final days of the 2022 General Assembly session and signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster. Both passed the House and Senate unanimously.

The break bill requires teachers in elementary school and special education teachers who have students in their classes for most of the day get 30 minutes without any assigned duties or responsibilities.

ALSO READ: CMS, state of South Carolina give Teacher of the Year awards

Teacher groups requested the law, saying some teachers never had time to eat a lunch or even use the bathroom because they were watching students.

A second bill prohibits school districts from turning over debt a student owes for school lunches to a collection agency. Supporters said students need to eat regardless of their ability to pay and turning debt over to a collection agency was too drastic of a step.

(WATCH BELOW: South Carolina teachers plan demonstration to fight for better pay)




At 1 a.m., May 23, 1935, police smashed their way into North Yorks historic Jolly Miller Tavern on Yonge Street near York Mills in what was, the Toronto Star reported at the time, the biggest raid on illegal organized gambling in North York and Toronto history to that date.


By 1942, the U.S. was waging war on two fronts in Europe and the Pacific. At least that's what the average, mediocre high school U.S. history class teaches us. If your history teacher actually gave a rat's behind about teaching you how things really went down, you'd know things were a hell of a lot more complicated than that. Allow us to paint the picture for you. It was mid-November 1942, during the Allied invasion of French Algeria in Northern Africa.Dubbed Operation Torch, this joint effort between the U.S., the U.K., French rebels, Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, united under the joint command of Dwight D. Eisenhauer, with his small but furious General George S. Patton and accompanying Allied command in tow. Up against a force consisting of the French-fascist puppet state in control of a French Algerian colony at the whim of the German war machine.During Operation Torch, Allied forces increasingly grew envious of their Axis enemies for riding something you might not expect. No, it wasn't a Bf-109 fighter plane, a Panzer tank, or a U-Boat. Instead, it was their motorcycles. BMWs, to be precise. Be it Germans, French, native Algerians, and even the Moroccan Axis sympathizers in cahoots with the French State, French Algeria, and the Germans, you could find Axis soldiers across North Africa trekking around on machines made by the brand that'd go on to define the German motorcycle industry.More specifically, American soldiers got a real kick out of overhead valve BMW R75s and flathead R71s. Both utilized boxer engines, i.e., engine blocks with cylinders horizontally opposed from each other, as opposed to in an inline or V-shaped configuration most often associated with cars and motorcycles alongside drive shaft propulsion instead of traditional chains and sprockets.Now, of course, Harley-Davidson had already committed to providing their factories for American armed forces in the initial aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, as did the rest of industrial America. Their primary contribution the war effort was called the WLA, based on their signature 45-degree V-twin engine with traditional chain and sprocket drive.But this all changed once Allied GIs got a hold of enough high-tech, easily maintainable BMWs by capturing German POWs and base camps in the Allied invasions of Casablanca, Algiers, and Oran. As the campaign progressed, exponentially more and more stunning R71s and R75s kept outclassing American iron with their grace, their beauty, and their ingenious simplicity.It had to be said, the Allied soldiers and officers, Americans especially, were downright jealous of the Axis and their German bikes. Something similar but ostensibly much more American was needed, clearly. Think of it as a P51 Mustang vs. the Bf-109 type of situation, if you will. The result was a limited production run of 1,000 units from Harley out of their Milwaukee, Wisconsin factory,Codenamed the XA (Experimental Army), this bike used a very similar two-cylinder boxer engine as the BMW's with compression ratings of 5.7:1, the XA's 45-cubic inch (740-cc) motor was every bit as cutting edge. 23 horsepower was on offer at 4,600 RPM in the XA compared to 22 in the R71 BMW and the 26 in the R75, essentially squeezing right in between the two German titans in terms of power.Though it must be said, the R75 was famously capable of powering a desert camouflage sidecar using the same driveshaft system as the rear wheels. A feat the American' and Harley-Davidson couldn't muster with the XA, although records indicate they did at least try. Propaganda pieces from the period indicate the air-cooled, flat-twin engine could consistently run with an oil temperature as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 Celsius.All thanks to more surface area of the engine making contact with wind turbulent air as the bike skips along at a top speed around 65 mph (105 km/h). By 1943, late model XAs came porting Harley's first telescopic fork front suspension, replacing an older leading link fork design.Though by the time the war in the Mediterranian and Africa was concluded and in the war in Europe it looked like victory was in sight, it became clear that the Jeep was the much-preferred means of transportation over just about everything else Allied forces could get their hands on.As a result, no further orders after the initial thousand were ever made. Harley spent the rest of the war focusing on producing their bread and butter WLA. It spent the rest of its time after the war to the present cementing its status as the number one name in American motorbikes.The XA example you see in the gallery, and responsible for bringing on all of the above, sits on loan from a private collector at the Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. A wonderful little gem we at autoevolution recently made a wonderful trip to. Check back soon for more on that.
By 1942, the U.S. was waging war on two fronts in Europe and the Pacific. At least that's what the average, mediocre high school U.S. history class teaches us. If your history teacher actually gave a rat's behind about teaching you how things really went down, you'd know things were a hell of a lot more complicated than that. Allow us to paint the picture for you. It was mid-November 1942, during the Allied invasion of French Algeria in Northern Africa.Dubbed Operation Torch, this joint effort between the U.S., the U.K., French rebels, Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, united under the joint command of Dwight D. Eisenhauer, with his small but furious General George S. Patton and accompanying Allied command in tow. Up against a force consisting of the French-fascist puppet state in control of a French Algerian colony at the whim of the German war machine.During Operation Torch, Allied forces increasingly grew envious of their Axis enemies for riding something you might not expect. No, it wasn't a Bf-109 fighter plane, a Panzer tank, or a U-Boat. Instead, it was their motorcycles. BMWs, to be precise. Be it Germans, French, native Algerians, and even the Moroccan Axis sympathizers in cahoots with the French State, French Algeria, and the Germans, you could find Axis soldiers across North Africa trekking around on machines made by the brand that'd go on to define the German motorcycle industry.More specifically, American soldiers got a real kick out of overhead valve BMW R75s and flathead R71s. Both utilized boxer engines, i.e., engine blocks with cylinders horizontally opposed from each other, as opposed to in an inline or V-shaped configuration most often associated with cars and motorcycles alongside drive shaft propulsion instead of traditional chains and sprockets.Now, of course, Harley-Davidson had already committed to providing their factories for American armed forces in the initial aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, as did the rest of industrial America. Their primary contribution the war effort was called the WLA, based on their signature 45-degree V-twin engine with traditional chain and sprocket drive.But this all changed once Allied GIs got a hold of enough high-tech, easily maintainable BMWs by capturing German POWs and base camps in the Allied invasions of Casablanca, Algiers, and Oran. As the campaign progressed, exponentially more and more stunning R71s and R75s kept outclassing American iron with their grace, their beauty, and their ingenious simplicity.It had to be said, the Allied soldiers and officers, Americans especially, were downright jealous of the Axis and their German bikes. Something similar but ostensibly much more American was needed, clearly. Think of it as a P51 Mustang vs. the Bf-109 type of situation, if you will. The result was a limited production run of 1,000 units from Harley out of their Milwaukee, Wisconsin factory,Codenamed the XA (Experimental Army), this bike used a very similar two-cylinder boxer engine as the BMW's with compression ratings of 5.7:1, the XA's 45-cubic inch (740-cc) motor was every bit as cutting edge. 23 horsepower was on offer at 4,600 RPM in the XA compared to 22 in the R71 BMW and the 26 in the R75, essentially squeezing right in between the two German titans in terms of power.Though it must be said, the R75 was famously capable of powering a desert camouflage sidecar using the same driveshaft system as the rear wheels. A feat the American' and Harley-Davidson couldn't muster with the XA, although records indicate they did at least try. Propaganda pieces from the period indicate the air-cooled, flat-twin engine could consistently run with an oil temperature as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 Celsius.All thanks to more surface area of the engine making contact with wind turbulent air as the bike skips along at a top speed around 65 mph (105 km/h). By 1943, late model XAs came porting Harley's first telescopic fork front suspension, replacing an older leading link fork design.Though by the time the war in the Mediterranian and Africa was concluded and in the war in Europe it looked like victory was in sight, it became clear that the Jeep was the much-preferred means of transportation over just about everything else Allied forces could get their hands on.As a result, no further orders after the initial thousand were ever made. Harley spent the rest of the war focusing on producing their bread and butter WLA. It spent the rest of its time after the war to the present cementing its status as the number one name in American motorbikes.The XA example you see in the gallery, and responsible for bringing on all of the above, sits on loan from a private collector at the Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. A wonderful little gem we at autoevolution recently made a wonderful trip to. Check back soon for more on that.
By 1942, the U.S. was waging war on two fronts in Europe and the Pacific. At least that's what the average, mediocre high school U.S. history class teaches us. If your history teacher actually gave a rat's behind about teaching you how things really went down, you'd know things were a hell of a lot more complicated than that. Allow us to paint the picture for you. It was mid-November 1942, during the Allied invasion of French Algeria in Northern Africa.Dubbed Operation Torch, this joint effort between the U.S., the U.K., French rebels, Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, united under the joint command of Dwight D. Eisenhauer, with his small but furious General George S. Patton and accompanying Allied command in tow. Up against a force consisting of the French-fascist puppet state in control of a French Algerian colony at the whim of the German war machine.During Operation Torch, Allied forces increasingly grew envious of their Axis enemies for riding something you might not expect. No, it wasn't a Bf-109 fighter plane, a Panzer tank, or a U-Boat. Instead, it was their motorcycles. BMWs, to be precise. Be it Germans, French, native Algerians, and even the Moroccan Axis sympathizers in cahoots with the French State, French Algeria, and the Germans, you could find Axis soldiers across North Africa trekking around on machines made by the brand that'd go on to define the German motorcycle industry.More specifically, American soldiers got a real kick out of overhead valve BMW R75s and flathead R71s. Both utilized boxer engines, i.e., engine blocks with cylinders horizontally opposed from each other, as opposed to in an inline or V-shaped configuration most often associated with cars and motorcycles alongside drive shaft propulsion instead of traditional chains and sprockets.Now, of course, Harley-Davidson had already committed to providing their factories for American armed forces in the initial aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attacks, as did the rest of industrial America. Their primary contribution the war effort was called the WLA, based on their signature 45-degree V-twin engine with traditional chain and sprocket drive.But this all changed once Allied GIs got a hold of enough high-tech, easily maintainable BMWs by capturing German POWs and base camps in the Allied invasions of Casablanca, Algiers, and Oran. As the campaign progressed, exponentially more and more stunning R71s and R75s kept outclassing American iron with their grace, their beauty, and their ingenious simplicity.It had to be said, the Allied soldiers and officers, Americans especially, were downright jealous of the Axis and their German bikes. Something similar but ostensibly much more American was needed, clearly. Think of it as a P51 Mustang vs. the Bf-109 type of situation, if you will. The result was a limited production run of 1,000 units from Harley out of their Milwaukee, Wisconsin factory,Codenamed the XA (Experimental Army), this bike used a very similar two-cylinder boxer engine as the BMW's with compression ratings of 5.7:1, the XA's 45-cubic inch (740-cc) motor was every bit as cutting edge. 23 horsepower was on offer at 4,600 RPM in the XA compared to 22 in the R71 BMW and the 26 in the R75, essentially squeezing right in between the two German titans in terms of power.Though it must be said, the R75 was famously capable of powering a desert camouflage sidecar using the same driveshaft system as the rear wheels. A feat the American' and Harley-Davidson couldn't muster with the XA, although records indicate they did at least try. Propaganda pieces from the period indicate the air-cooled, flat-twin engine could consistently run with an oil temperature as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 Celsius.All thanks to more surface area of the engine making contact with wind turbulent air as the bike skips along at a top speed around 65 mph (105 km/h). By 1943, late model XAs came porting Harley's first telescopic fork front suspension, replacing an older leading link fork design.Though by the time the war in the Mediterranian and Africa was concluded and in the war in Europe it looked like victory was in sight, it became clear that the Jeep was the much-preferred means of transportation over just about everything else Allied forces could get their hands on.As a result, no further orders after the initial thousand were ever made. Harley spent the rest of the war focusing on producing their bread and butter WLA. It spent the rest of its time after the war to the present cementing its status as the number one name in American motorbikes.The XA example you see in the gallery, and responsible for bringing on all of the above, sits on loan from a private collector at the Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. A wonderful little gem we at autoevolution recently made a wonderful trip to. Check back soon for more on that.

If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option.
The Lincoln Memorial was closed after Georgetown student reportedly held a rowdy graduation party and left the steps littered with broken booze bottles.

The National Mall's park service announced on Twitter this morning that the iconic Washington Dc memorial was closed after a 'local university graduation celebration left litter, broken bottles and spilled wine and champagne covering the steps.'

Georgetown hasn't been confirmed as the college involved, they said they are 'monitoring' the situation. It is also reportedly a tradition for its students to head to the memorial to watch the sun rise after their graduation.

It has since been cleaned up and reopened, but the filth sparked fury - especially as the landmark's 100th birthday celebrations are due to kick-off soon.

Photos posted online show broken liquor bottles, crumpled water bottles, hair ties, and ribbons among the pools of drying liquids as the sun beamed down on the National Mall and the steps of the memorial, which turns 100 years on May 30.

Journalist Anthony Tilghman posted a picture of the broken bottles and trash littering the steps

The Lincoln Memorial closed its steps after a 'local university6' students - suspected to be from Georgetown - 'left litter, broken bottles and spilled wine and champagne covering the steps'

The memorial announced on Twitter that it would remove once it was 'safe,' and did reopen a few hours later

The park has since reopened after staff cleaned up the trash, a day ahead of the centennial celebrations.

It's reportedly a tradition for students to watch the sunrise at the memorial the day after graduation.

Although, the park's service did not say it was Georgetown University students, social has run rampant with rumors the students belonged to the school, which held commencement this weekend.

The school also hosted a senior ball on Friday evening that was only a few miles away from the memorial, according to the National Review. The party went from 9pm to 1am

Georgetown University told DailyMail.com on Saturday: 'We are monitoring the concerning and disappointing activity at the Lincoln Memorial.

'While Georgetown is one of several institutions celebrating graduation ceremonies this weekend, we have had no University-sponsored events at or around the Lincoln Memorial.

'We expect all members of our community to be responsible citizens of our campus and our city and be respectful of the history and institutions of Washington, DC.'

No arrests have been made and it is unclear if police were involved in the incident. Consuming alcohol is illegal on the National Mall.

More Georgetown students continue to graduate throughout the weekend as the law, foreign service, and health school students receive their degrees.



Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."



LAS VEGAS (AP)  In 2007, not long before Las Vegas frenzied real estate market imploded, Nevada lawmakers approved a seemingly minor tweak to a tax law.

The change ensured property owners could use a range of entities when shifting real estate to an affiliate to exempt these transactions from transfer taxes, according to an investigation by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Since then, the exemption has been cited in several lucrative deals on or near the Las Vegas Strip resort corridor  and an attorney who lobbied for the change indicated recently that this trend wasnt the intent of the legislation.

Overall, at least two dozen or so transactions in the Las Vegas area, totaling $27.5 billion, have closed since 2007 without any publicly reported real estate transfer taxes, according to a Review-Journal report titled How Las Vegas biggest real estate deals result in no transfer taxes.

Each of these deals were between separate buyers and sellers and involved hotel-casinos, malls and other properties mostly on or near Las Vegas famed casino corridor.

However, in about half of the deals tracked for this report, deeds filed with Clark County cited a transfer tax exemption allowed under state law when property owners transfer real estate from one entity to its parent, subsidiary or affiliate.

Such deals include the $4.2 billion cash sale of Bellagios real estate; the $3.89 billion sale of the Aria and Vdaras real estate; and the $1.1 billion sale of luxury mall Shops at Crystals.

Collectively, those three sales alone could have generated nearly $47 million in transfer tax revenue.

Instead, property records show, their combined transfer tax bill came to nothing.

PROBABLY A GOOD IDEA

In Southern Nevada, transfer taxes comprise a fraction of a propertys sales price and help fund low-income housing and the Clark County School District. The tax has been around for decades in Nevada, as have exemptions to it.

Nevadas transfer tax law was approved in 1967, state records indicate, and did not apply under multiple scenarios, including when a property was transferred to a government agency or when it changed hands as part of a bankruptcy.

By 1985, property owners could seek an exemption when transferring real estate between a corporation and an affiliated corporation. Then, in 2007, state lawmakers changed that exemptions language by swapping corporation for business entity.

At the time, a lobbyist for a Las Vegas developer did not pitch this as a way to help people avoid transfer taxes in lucrative purchases, but as a way for real estate investors to avoid being taxed more than once in certain land deals.

Russell Rowe, representing Focus Property Group, told state lawmakers at a March 2007 hearing that, as he saw it, the exemption in question applies to all entities, according to meeting minutes.

We want to make that clarification, he said at the time.

During the mid-2000s real estate bubble, Focus and other developers bought huge tracts of land at auction from the federal government for hundreds of millions of dollars to launch new master-planned communities around the Las Vegas valley.

In such deals, investors pool their money and buy the land through a limited liability company and then distribute the land among each other, Rowe told lawmakers.

The main entity pays transfer tax on the purchase and is potentially taxed again when it transfers the land to its members, he said.

When the measure, Senate Bill 154, was working its way through committees, then-Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus said a version of the proposal would not cost the state much in terms of lost revenue and is probably a good idea, meeting minutes show.

It would be strange for this committee to give developers a tax break and not senior citizens, Titus said, pointing to another proposed law at the time.

Titus, a Democrat from Las Vegas, now represents Nevadas 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her office told the Review-Journal recently that the transfer tax legislation was one of many bills she voted on during her time in the state Legislature, that she wasnt a leader on the issue, and that she doesnt have any other recollections to add.

Rowe, of Rowe Law Group, told the Review-Journal recently that the overall intent of the change was to prevent additional transfer taxes when the same people who bought land distributed the parcels among each other.

Thats different from what sounds like youre describing, he said.

Rowe also noted that the law was changed before real estate investment trusts became prevalent in the casino industry.

'LEGAL LOOPHOLE

Holly Unck, a vice president of transaction tax services in real estate brokerage CBRE Groups Phoenix office, wrote in a spring 2020 article on CBREs website that paying transfer taxes is a significant yet often overlooked cost of real estate deals.

To avoid it, the property is sometimes transferred to a corporate or partnership entity, and when ownership in that entity is sold, the transfer tax does not apply.

As states became aware of this legal loophole to avoid the payment of the transfer tax, they taxed sales of ownership interests in such entities, she wrote.

Unck listed several states that either impose or allow such taxes, including California, Michigan, New York and Florida. Nevada was not included.

After the Review-Journal asked to speak with Unck for this story, CBRE spokesman Aaron Richardson said the firm declined to comment.

He added that CBREs valuation and advisory services team is not involved in structuring deals to minimize the transfer tax; we assist clients in obtaining refunds if the tax has been overpaid.

Nevada Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, a longtime Las Vegas real estate broker, said she wasnt aware that lucrative deals were structured without transfer taxes.

After the Review-Journal outlined to her how investment giant Blackstone purchased the Bellagio  it acquired a limited liability company that held the real estate, and it did not buy the resort directly  Kasama compared that to buying stock in a company and figured it qualifies for a transfer tax exemption.

Kasama, a Republican and former president of trade association Nevada Realtors, said if the law is changed, there could be unintended consequences with the sale of goods.

She pointed to all the LLCs, corporations and business entities in place and years of existing contract law.

Chris Giunchigliani, a former Clark County commissioner who was a Nevada assemblywoman from the 1991 through 2005 legislative sessions, wasnt aware that deals were structured this way until the Review-Journal contacted her to ask about it.

Thats just disgusting to me, said Giunchigliani, a Democrat.

Giunchigliani noted that people pay transfer taxes when buying or selling homes, and she figured that companies might have found a way around the tax.

Somebody needs to take a look at that, she said.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.

If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.
Australia's Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese is no stranger to India, Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell said after incumbent conceded defeat in the election on Saturday.

Albanese, one of Australia's longest-serving politicians, led his Labor Party to its first election victory since 2013.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboM is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign he committed to deepen India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," O'Farrell tweeted.

If Albanese travels to Tokyo to attend the upcoming Quad leaders' meeting, then he is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Quad summit is on May 24.

The ties between India and have been on an upswing in the last few years.

Last month, the two countries inked a trade pact to diversify bilateral trade. In June 2020, India and elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support.

The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) allows the militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation.

The Australian Navy was part of the Malabar naval exercise hosted by India in November 2020 as well as last year.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Each week The Pantagraph profiles a different community member. Know someone we should talk to? Email kheather@pantagraph.com.

Name: Li Zeng

Position: Associate professor of film studies and president of AsiaConnect at Illinois State University

1. What is AsiaConnect?

AsiaConnect is an association of Illinois State University faculty and staff and Bloomington-Normal community members who work together in the interest of the Asian community.

2. What does Asian Pacific American Heritage Month present opportunities for?

It serves as a reminder for the country to remember and pay tribute to the cultural and historical contributions of people of Asian, Asian American or Pacific Islander ancestry. It also provides an opportunity for different communities to connect. Asian communities often organize cultural activities and events to celebrate Asian heritage, open to the general public. They are great venues to build understanding, connection and respect.

3. Has your group done any events this month, or are there any still planned?

AsiaConnect is an ISU affinity group. In May, most students and faculty have left for the summer break. Thus, we celebrated Asian heritage in April instead of in May. This year, we celebrated Asian Heritage Week from April 22-25. We partnered with Normal Public Library, Illinois Art Station and ISU Laboratory Schools and offered a series of activities, including Chinese art painting, Indian henna art, Thai cuisine demonstration, martial arts, Japanese art of paper folding, Chinese and Taiwanese tea tasting, Asian face painting, Asian music, and a fashion show.

I know that University High School also celebrated Asian Heritage Week, featured with Asian American movies, Asian games, arts, music/dance and Asian cuisines.

Metcalf also hosted the first Metcalf Asian Heritage Festival together with the Korea Academy of Language and Japanese Saturday School. Activities included Chinese kung fu, yoyo, Dai dance, Korean song, Japanese Kendo, India-Sri Lanka fusion dance, and music performance.

4. How can Asians advance into more leadership roles?

It is important for more Asians and Asian Americans to take leadership roles, to advocate for the rights and interests of the Asian community. For a long time, Asians and Asian Americans have been invisible and thus were almost viewed as neglectable. The rise of Asian hate crimes during the pandemic made many people in the community realize the significance of speaking up and the need for more leadership roles to push forward equitable and inclusive policies.

To advance into more leadership roles of course calls for more people from the Asian community to step up, but it also needs support and resources. For example, it requires organizations and institutions to structure leadership positions to reflect diversity, equity and inclusion, thus opening positions to the Black, Indigenous and people of color communities.

5. What issues does the Asian community still face?

Though there are not many reported hate crimes in Bloomington-Normal, anti-Asian racism is a serious issue that the Asian community faces. In addition, the model minority stereotype still dominates popular discourse about Asian Americans. We need to confront and address "the invisibility of anti-Asian racism."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Lincoln Memorial was closed after Georgetown student reportedly held a rowdy graduation party and left the steps littered with broken booze bottles.

The National Mall's park service announced on Twitter this morning that the iconic Washington Dc memorial was closed after a 'local university graduation celebration left litter, broken bottles and spilled wine and champagne covering the steps.'

Georgetown hasn't been confirmed as the college involved, they said they are 'monitoring' the situation. It is also reportedly a tradition for its students to head to the memorial to watch the sun rise after their graduation.

It has since been cleaned up and reopened, but the filth sparked fury - especially as the landmark's 100th birthday celebrations are due to kick-off soon.

Photos posted online show broken liquor bottles, crumpled water bottles, hair ties, and ribbons among the pools of drying liquids as the sun beamed down on the National Mall and the steps of the memorial, which turns 100 years on May 30.

Journalist Anthony Tilghman posted a picture of the broken bottles and trash littering the steps

The Lincoln Memorial closed its steps after a 'local university6' students - suspected to be from Georgetown - 'left litter, broken bottles and spilled wine and champagne covering the steps'

The memorial announced on Twitter that it would remove once it was 'safe,' and did reopen a few hours later

The park has since reopened after staff cleaned up the trash, a day ahead of the centennial celebrations.

It's reportedly a tradition for students to watch the sunrise at the memorial the day after graduation.

Although, the park's service did not say it was Georgetown University students, social has run rampant with rumors the students belonged to the school, which held commencement this weekend.

The school also hosted a senior ball on Friday evening that was only a few miles away from the memorial, according to the National Review. The party went from 9pm to 1am

Georgetown University told DailyMail.com on Saturday: 'We are monitoring the concerning and disappointing activity at the Lincoln Memorial.

'While Georgetown is one of several institutions celebrating graduation ceremonies this weekend, we have had no University-sponsored events at or around the Lincoln Memorial.

'We expect all members of our community to be responsible citizens of our campus and our city and be respectful of the history and institutions of Washington, DC.'

No arrests have been made and it is unclear if police were involved in the incident. Consuming alcohol is illegal on the National Mall.

More Georgetown students continue to graduate throughout the weekend as the law, foreign service, and health school students receive their degrees.
It is the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and the troops must remain vigilant to maintain the sanctity of the (LoC), Army Chief General Manoj Pande said on Saturday.

Pande, who is on his maiden visit to Kashmir after taking over as the Chief of the on April 30, arrived in Srinagar on Saturday.

The Army chief, accompanied by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Northern Army Commander, and Lieutenant General ADS Aujla, Chinar Corps Commander, proceeded to undertake a first-hand assessment of formations along the LoC in north Kashmir, the defence ministry's statement said.

Pande, whose Kashmir visit will end on Sunday, was briefed on the security situation and operational preparedness, it mentioned.

The formation commanders also briefed the Army chief on the existing ceasefire agreement on the LoC, development work on field fortifications, counter infiltration grid, operational preparedness and Army-citizen connect in border areas, it said.

"The Army chief, while interacting with the formation commanders, laid special emphasis on being vigilant and maintaining the sanctity of the Line of Control," it mentioned.

During his interaction with the troops, Pande complimented them for their high morale and professional competence, it noted.

On his arrival at Chinar Corps headquarters, Pande was briefed by Aujla on the overall security situation prevalent along the LoC and hinterland, it mentioned.

"The Army chief highlighted that it was the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and applauded Chinar Corps for their high level of morale and contribution to peace building in Jammu and Kashmir," it noted.

Pande complimented the excellent synergy exhibited by all sections of the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in "projecting a whole of government approach" that has resulted in improvement in the security situation conducive for fostering a new era of development in the Union Territory, it mentioned.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In what could be a big catch, the Rajasthan Police on Saturday arrested an Indian Army personnel, Pradeep Kumar, for spying for Pakistan`s intelligence agency ISI. According to the police, Kumar, who was recruited three years ago and was posted in the highly-sensitive Jodhpur regiment, was honey-trapped by a female agent from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The police believe that confidential information of military and strategic importance was sent to Pakistan. They came into contact through social media six months ago. The woman introduced herself as Chhadam, a resident of Madhya Pradesh. She sought confidential documents related to the Indian Army on the pretext of marriage. The woman made Pradeep Kumar believe that she worked for a company in Bengaluru.

Correction | Rajasthan police apprehended an Indian Army personnel, posted in highly-sensitive regiment in Jodhpur for allegedly leaking info to a female agent who works for the Pakistani intelligence agency, Umesh Mishra, DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan Police said in a statement pic.twitter.com/MjSytZVfGR  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

DG Intelligence, Umesh Mishra, said that Kumar has been taken into custody on suspicion of espionage. He is being interrogated, Mishra said.
The Rapid City Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a missing person who was last known to be in the area of Hot Springs/Custer, according to RCPD social media.

Police said 70-year-old Minnesota resident Jean Rosch left home, apparently planning to travel to the Southern Hills on May 8 or 9. She had contact with law enforcement in both Hot Springs and Custer on May 16. Family has not heard from her since. Jean is known to suffer from multiple health issues.

The post states Rosch is believed to be driving a blue 2003 Buick LeSabre with Minnesota license plate GYV 995 and damage to the front end.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Rapid City Police Department at 605-394-4131.

 Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com 

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
In what could be a big catch, the Rajasthan Police on Saturday arrested an Indian Army personnel, Pradeep Kumar, for spying for Pakistan`s intelligence agency ISI. According to the police, Kumar, who was recruited three years ago and was posted in the highly-sensitive Jodhpur regiment, was honey-trapped by a female agent from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The police believe that confidential information of military and strategic importance was sent to Pakistan. They came into contact through social media six months ago. The woman introduced herself as Chhadam, a resident of Madhya Pradesh. She sought confidential documents related to the Indian Army on the pretext of marriage. The woman made Pradeep Kumar believe that she worked for a company in Bengaluru.

Correction | Rajasthan police apprehended an Indian Army personnel, posted in highly-sensitive regiment in Jodhpur for allegedly leaking info to a female agent who works for the Pakistani intelligence agency, Umesh Mishra, DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan Police said in a statement pic.twitter.com/MjSytZVfGR  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

DG Intelligence, Umesh Mishra, said that Kumar has been taken into custody on suspicion of espionage. He is being interrogated, Mishra said.
In what could be a big catch, the Rajasthan Police on Saturday arrested an Indian Army personnel, Pradeep Kumar, for spying for Pakistan`s intelligence agency ISI. According to the police, Kumar, who was recruited three years ago and was posted in the highly-sensitive Jodhpur regiment, was honey-trapped by a female agent from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The police believe that confidential information of military and strategic importance was sent to Pakistan. They came into contact through social media six months ago. The woman introduced herself as Chhadam, a resident of Madhya Pradesh. She sought confidential documents related to the Indian Army on the pretext of marriage. The woman made Pradeep Kumar believe that she worked for a company in Bengaluru.

Correction | Rajasthan police apprehended an Indian Army personnel, posted in highly-sensitive regiment in Jodhpur for allegedly leaking info to a female agent who works for the Pakistani intelligence agency, Umesh Mishra, DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan Police said in a statement pic.twitter.com/MjSytZVfGR  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

DG Intelligence, Umesh Mishra, said that Kumar has been taken into custody on suspicion of espionage. He is being interrogated, Mishra said.
In what could be a big catch, the Rajasthan Police on Saturday arrested an Indian Army personnel, Pradeep Kumar, for spying for Pakistan`s intelligence agency ISI. According to the police, Kumar, who was recruited three years ago and was posted in the highly-sensitive Jodhpur regiment, was honey-trapped by a female agent from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The police believe that confidential information of military and strategic importance was sent to Pakistan. They came into contact through social media six months ago. The woman introduced herself as Chhadam, a resident of Madhya Pradesh. She sought confidential documents related to the Indian Army on the pretext of marriage. The woman made Pradeep Kumar believe that she worked for a company in Bengaluru.

Correction | Rajasthan police apprehended an Indian Army personnel, posted in highly-sensitive regiment in Jodhpur for allegedly leaking info to a female agent who works for the Pakistani intelligence agency, Umesh Mishra, DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan Police said in a statement pic.twitter.com/MjSytZVfGR  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

DG Intelligence, Umesh Mishra, said that Kumar has been taken into custody on suspicion of espionage. He is being interrogated, Mishra said.





It is the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and the troops must remain vigilant to maintain the sanctity of the (LoC), Army Chief General Manoj Pande said on Saturday.

Pande, who is on his maiden visit to Kashmir after taking over as the Chief of the on April 30, arrived in Srinagar on Saturday.

The Army chief, accompanied by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Northern Army Commander, and Lieutenant General ADS Aujla, Chinar Corps Commander, proceeded to undertake a first-hand assessment of formations along the LoC in north Kashmir, the defence ministry's statement said.

Pande, whose Kashmir visit will end on Sunday, was briefed on the security situation and operational preparedness, it mentioned.

The formation commanders also briefed the Army chief on the existing ceasefire agreement on the LoC, development work on field fortifications, counter infiltration grid, operational preparedness and Army-citizen connect in border areas, it said.

"The Army chief, while interacting with the formation commanders, laid special emphasis on being vigilant and maintaining the sanctity of the Line of Control," it mentioned.

During his interaction with the troops, Pande complimented them for their high morale and professional competence, it noted.

On his arrival at Chinar Corps headquarters, Pande was briefed by Aujla on the overall security situation prevalent along the LoC and hinterland, it mentioned.

"The Army chief highlighted that it was the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and applauded Chinar Corps for their high level of morale and contribution to peace building in Jammu and Kashmir," it noted.

Pande complimented the excellent synergy exhibited by all sections of the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in "projecting a whole of government approach" that has resulted in improvement in the security situation conducive for fostering a new era of development in the Union Territory, it mentioned.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.




If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.
If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.
If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.







If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.
If you've ever wondered why Hillary Clinton wouldn't go to Wisconsin, a last-straw omission that apparently cost her the 2016 election, the answer might just be in the latest filings of special counsel John Durham, who has teased a doozy out from former Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook.

According to Mark Wauck's Meaning in History:

I think we can say definitively that the wait has been worth it. John Durham has not let us down. I'm speaking, of course, of Hillary campaign manager Robbie Mook's testimony  obviously, under oath  at the Sussmann trial that the Alfa Bank Hoax was cleared for use by Hillary personally and was discussed within her inner circle: with John Podesta, Jake Sullivan, and Jennifer Palmieri. Maybe someday we'll learn how Durham pulled this off  getting this Clinton insider to turn on Hillary. It's a real coup.

So Hillary was behind the Russia-Russia-Russia hoax, and she was crazy enough to get her flunkies into the legal trouble she's currently gotten them in by ordering that information to get out.

According to Wauck, that's big, because that's an easily-understood-by-the-public scandal, and Hillary continues to have political ambitions as Joe Biden falls apart:

This story coming out of a trial that's under a reporting blackout by the MSM will have legs. Hillary will be finished. Of course she was a known liar and cheater already, but now she's a known liar and cheater in the specific context of the Russia Hoax, the 2016 election, and beyond  the faux impeachments of Trump, the four years of insane witchhunting after Trump. It will also rub off on the rigged 2020 election. It will rub off on the Dem party. Trump will get the word out. It will be all over social media. Even if there are no convictions, Durham has brought home the bacon.

Here's more from Leo Turrell:

What's vivid to me is that this isn't the only 2016 campaign scandal she was directly behind. She was also behind this, which I wrote about in February:

With revelations from Special Counsel John Durham's investigation that her 2016 campaign literally paid tech companies to spy on the Trump campaign, the Trump transition, the Trump residence, and the Trump White House, the question now is what kind of felony charges are coming.

...and this:

James O'Keefe's Project Veritas has released video evidence that left-wing organizer and high-level Democratic Party operative Robert Creamer is, in fact, linked directly to Hillary Clinton, who personally approved at least one of his disruptive tactics. Last week, O'Keefe produced video showing Creamer, the co-founder of the Democracy Partners consulting group, and his colleague, Scott Foval, discussing their past and present efforts to incite violence at Donald Trump rallies and other events. The stated goal was to create "anarchy" around Trump, presumably to make him less appealing to American voters. Foval described Democracy Partners as a contractor for the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook tried to evade the controversy by denying a direct link between Creamer and the campaign. When Breitbart News' Washington political editor, Matthew Boyle, confronted Mook about Creamer and his firm in the spin room after the third presidential debate, Mook claimed: "They've never worked for our campaign." When asked if Clinton had ever discussed the controversial political operations with Creamer directly, Mook replied: "I don't think so." Now, however, O'Keefe and Project Veritas have released video of Creamer claiming that Clinton directly approved one of his more bizarre plans  an effort to attract media attention and incite violence by dressing an activist in a Donald Duck costume and sending that activist into Trump events, emphasizing the argument that Trump was "ducking" releasing his tax returns.

So Hillary was spreading Russia hoax lies, spying on the Trump campaign, and fomenting violence at Trump rallies. She wasn't about campaigning for herself in this campaign, or campaigning to persuade voters  she was directly or nearly directly implicated in one dirty trick after another, some illegal, to Get Trump.

That's quite a Dr. Evil operation she had there with so many different tentacles, yet it may have been so many she had no time left to campaign. This is like the left's stereotype image of Richard Nixon, fuming about his enemies, but with a heavier serving of dirty tricks and sorry bids to take down Trump, none of which worked, but all of which weighed down on his presidency for no legitimate reason.

With Mook spilling the beans to Durham, quite possibly because he's forgotten he needed to keep it secret, it's obvious she wasn't even good at hiding her tracks. She spent so much her time trying to get Trump and so little of her time trying to persuade voters to vote for her that she somehow never made it to the presidency. And now word is out as to how corrupt and resentful she is. Wait till next time...if Mr. Durham doesn't cut this off right there with this latest indictment and trial.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with edited use of official portrait, public domain and Pixabay, Pixabay License image.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, claims it has won concessions  from Google in its antitrust battle against the search giant. On Friday, Match withdrew a restraining order after the two sides came to a temporary agreement on in-app payments.

Match filed the order against Google one day after it sued the company , alleging it had broken federal and state antitrust laws. At the center of the dispute is a policy change Google plans to implement next month. In the fall of 2020, the company  clarified  its stance on in-app payments, announcing it was moving toward requiring all Android developers to process payments involving digital goods and services through the Google Play Billing system. Following multiple extensions, developers have until June 1st to comply with the policy.

Match, however, claims Google had previously assured the company that it could use its own payments system. The company also claims Google threatened to remove its apps from the Play Store if Match did not comply with the policy change by the upcoming deadline.

Under their temporary agreement, Google will allow Match apps to remain on the Play Store and wont remove them for including alternate payment systems. Additionally, the search giant has agreed to make a good faith effort to address Match's concerns with Google Play Billing. Match, in turn, will make an effort to offer Googles billing system as an option to consumers.

Lastly, instead of paying Google a commission on in-app purchases that occur outside of the companys payment system, Match is establishing a $40 million escrow fund. Starting July 1st, Match will keep track of fees it would have normally owed Google. The fund will stay in place until the two sides go to court next April.

Following Matchs announcement, Google accused the company of publishing a misleading press release that mischaracterizes the terms of their agreement. "Match Groups claim that it can't integrate Plays billing system because it lacks key features contradicts the fact that Match Group has been proactively and successfully using Plays billing in more than 10 of its apps," Google said. The company added it would file a countersuit against Match for violating its Developer Distribution Agreement ahead of their 2023 trial.
This weekend, the Nebraska Cornhuskers continue to remain active on the transfer portal by hosting a former Texas wide receiver. Marcus Washington is visiting Lincoln this weekend. The St. Louis, Missouri native, would be the second former Longhorn (quarterback Casey Thompson) and third wide receiver (Trey Palmer, Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda) to join Nebraska via the portal should he decide to commit to the Huskers. In 2021, Washington had 18 receptions, 277 yards, and two touchdowns in only five games.

This is the second time that Nebraska has actively recruited the wideout. Washington was pursued by the Huskers coming out of high school. He would have two seasons of eligibility should he join his former Texas teammate. Fellow Big Ten team Purdue and Utah are both actively recruiting the former 4-star prospect.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinion.

Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!







The Rapid City Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a missing person who was last known to be in the area of Hot Springs/Custer, according to RCPD social media.

Police said 70-year-old Minnesota resident Jean Rosch left home, apparently planning to travel to the Southern Hills on May 8 or 9. She had contact with law enforcement in both Hot Springs and Custer on May 16. Family has not heard from her since. Jean is known to suffer from multiple health issues.

The post states Rosch is believed to be driving a blue 2003 Buick LeSabre with Minnesota license plate GYV 995 and damage to the front end.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Rapid City Police Department at 605-394-4131.

 Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com 

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, claims it has won concessions  from Google in its antitrust battle against the search giant. On Friday, Match withdrew a restraining order after the two sides came to a temporary agreement on in-app payments.

Match filed the order against Google one day after it sued the company , alleging it had broken federal and state antitrust laws. At the center of the dispute is a policy change Google plans to implement next month. In the fall of 2020, the company  clarified  its stance on in-app payments, announcing it was moving toward requiring all Android developers to process payments involving digital goods and services through the Google Play Billing system. Following multiple extensions, developers have until June 1st to comply with the policy.

Match, however, claims Google had previously assured the company that it could use its own payments system. The company also claims Google threatened to remove its apps from the Play Store if Match did not comply with the policy change by the upcoming deadline.

Under their temporary agreement, Google will allow Match apps to remain on the Play Store and wont remove them for including alternate payment systems. Additionally, the search giant has agreed to make a good faith effort to address Match's concerns with Google Play Billing. Match, in turn, will make an effort to offer Googles billing system as an option to consumers.

Lastly, instead of paying Google a commission on in-app purchases that occur outside of the companys payment system, Match is establishing a $40 million escrow fund. Starting July 1st, Match will keep track of fees it would have normally owed Google. The fund will stay in place until the two sides go to court next April.

Following Matchs announcement, Google accused the company of publishing a misleading press release that mischaracterizes the terms of their agreement. "Match Groups claim that it can't integrate Plays billing system because it lacks key features contradicts the fact that Match Group has been proactively and successfully using Plays billing in more than 10 of its apps," Google said. The company added it would file a countersuit against Match for violating its Developer Distribution Agreement ahead of their 2023 trial.






Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.







The youngest victim of the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting has been laid to rest, one week after a self-proclaimed white supremacist shot and killed 10 Black people and injured three other victims.

Mourners gathered for the funeral of Roberta Drury at the Assumption Church in Syracuse on Saturday morning to remember the big-hearted 32-year-old who had moved to Buffalo, New York, a decade earlier to care for her sick brother.

Family members wore t-shirts with her photo on as they listened to Friar Nicholas Spano describing how Robbie, as she was known, had a smile that could light up a room.

She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present, he said.

Ms Drury, who grew up in nearby Cicero, was described as somebody who couldnt walk a few steps without meeting a new friend in her obituary.

The 32-year-old was the first victim killed in last Saturdays massacre.

She had told a friend that she was going to walk to the Tops Friendly Market that day to pick up a few groceries.

Ms Drury is the second victim of Americas worst mass shooting this year to be laid to rest, after a private funeral was held on Friday for 67-year-old local church leader Heyward Patterson.

With Saturday marking one week on from the attack, a moment of silence will be held at Tops stores at 2.30pm on Saturday  the approximate time it took place.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 13 victims.

A candlelight vigil will also be held at the Tops supermarket on Saturday evening.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt remembering her (AP)

Five more funerals are scheduled for victims throughout the coming week, with civil rights activist group National Action Network reportedly planning to cover funeral expenses for all those killed.

Community leaders and victims families gathered on Thursday night to plead for justice for their loved ones, with civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Al Sharpton in attendance.

Story continues

We need to hold all that have aided and abetted the hate in this country accountable, Mr Sharpton said at the news conference outside Buffalos Antioch Baptist Church.

Earlier that day, Mr Gendron appeared in court where he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder and the families of victims heckled him as a coward.

The alleged shooter has pleaded not guilty and is due to return to court on 9 June.

The 18-year-old is accused of carrying out an act of pure evil after he allegedly livestreamed his racist attack on innocent shoppers in the predominantly Black community.

Mr Gendron is accused of driving around three hours from his home in Conklin to the Tops Friendly Market grocery store dressed in tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle last Saturday afternoon.

The casket of Roberta Drury being brought into the church at her funeral (Getty Images)

The gunman then opened fire outside the store first before moving through the supermarket aisles where he shot 13 people in total, killing 10.

Mr Gendron was taken into custody at the scene and made disturbing statements about his motive, making clear that he was filled with hate toward the Black community and was targeting Black people, according to officials.

The firearm used in the attack had the n-word written on it and the number 14  an apparent reference to a conspiracy theory.

According to an online manifesto which appears to have been posted by the gunman, Mr Gendron called himself a racist, white supremacist and antisemite and detailed how he had been inspired by other white supremacist mass shooters.

He also cited the debunked great replacement theory which has repeatedly been spouted by right-wing personalities such as Fox News Tucker Carlson  an extremist conspiracy theory that falsely claims there is a plot to diminish the influence of white people.

A mourner outside the church where Roberta Drurys funeral was held (AP)

Officials have since said that the gunman planned to continue the mass shooting at at least one other location in the community.

Questions are also mounting over how he was able to access a firearm after it emerged that he previously threatened to carry out a mass shooting at his school.

More charges are expected to be filed against Mr Gendron by the state and the US Department of Justice is also investigating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism and terrorism.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces New Yorks maximium penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

If charged and convicted of federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

He is currently being held on suicide watch and without bail in the custody of the Erie County Sheriffs Office.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.


SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
The Rapid City Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a missing person who was last known to be in the area of Hot Springs/Custer, according to RCPD social media.

Police said 70-year-old Minnesota resident Jean Rosch left home, apparently planning to travel to the Southern Hills on May 8 or 9. She had contact with law enforcement in both Hot Springs and Custer on May 16. Family has not heard from her since. Jean is known to suffer from multiple health issues.

The post states Rosch is believed to be driving a blue 2003 Buick LeSabre with Minnesota license plate GYV 995 and damage to the front end.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Rapid City Police Department at 605-394-4131.

 Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com 

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, claims it has won concessions  from Google in its antitrust battle against the search giant. On Friday, Match withdrew a restraining order after the two sides came to a temporary agreement on in-app payments.

Match filed the order against Google one day after it sued the company , alleging it had broken federal and state antitrust laws. At the center of the dispute is a policy change Google plans to implement next month. In the fall of 2020, the company  clarified  its stance on in-app payments, announcing it was moving toward requiring all Android developers to process payments involving digital goods and services through the Google Play Billing system. Following multiple extensions, developers have until June 1st to comply with the policy.

Match, however, claims Google had previously assured the company that it could use its own payments system. The company also claims Google threatened to remove its apps from the Play Store if Match did not comply with the policy change by the upcoming deadline.

Under their temporary agreement, Google will allow Match apps to remain on the Play Store and wont remove them for including alternate payment systems. Additionally, the search giant has agreed to make a good faith effort to address Match's concerns with Google Play Billing. Match, in turn, will make an effort to offer Googles billing system as an option to consumers.

Lastly, instead of paying Google a commission on in-app purchases that occur outside of the companys payment system, Match is establishing a $40 million escrow fund. Starting July 1st, Match will keep track of fees it would have normally owed Google. The fund will stay in place until the two sides go to court next April.

Following Matchs announcement, Google accused the company of publishing a misleading press release that mischaracterizes the terms of their agreement. "Match Groups claim that it can't integrate Plays billing system because it lacks key features contradicts the fact that Match Group has been proactively and successfully using Plays billing in more than 10 of its apps," Google said. The company added it would file a countersuit against Match for violating its Developer Distribution Agreement ahead of their 2023 trial.
Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, claims it has won concessions  from Google in its antitrust battle against the search giant. On Friday, Match withdrew a restraining order after the two sides came to a temporary agreement on in-app payments.

Match filed the order against Google one day after it sued the company , alleging it had broken federal and state antitrust laws. At the center of the dispute is a policy change Google plans to implement next month. In the fall of 2020, the company  clarified  its stance on in-app payments, announcing it was moving toward requiring all Android developers to process payments involving digital goods and services through the Google Play Billing system. Following multiple extensions, developers have until June 1st to comply with the policy.

Match, however, claims Google had previously assured the company that it could use its own payments system. The company also claims Google threatened to remove its apps from the Play Store if Match did not comply with the policy change by the upcoming deadline.

Under their temporary agreement, Google will allow Match apps to remain on the Play Store and wont remove them for including alternate payment systems. Additionally, the search giant has agreed to make a good faith effort to address Match's concerns with Google Play Billing. Match, in turn, will make an effort to offer Googles billing system as an option to consumers.

Lastly, instead of paying Google a commission on in-app purchases that occur outside of the companys payment system, Match is establishing a $40 million escrow fund. Starting July 1st, Match will keep track of fees it would have normally owed Google. The fund will stay in place until the two sides go to court next April.

Following Matchs announcement, Google accused the company of publishing a misleading press release that mischaracterizes the terms of their agreement. "Match Groups claim that it can't integrate Plays billing system because it lacks key features contradicts the fact that Match Group has been proactively and successfully using Plays billing in more than 10 of its apps," Google said. The company added it would file a countersuit against Match for violating its Developer Distribution Agreement ahead of their 2023 trial.






Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.











Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.













KALAMA  To help move forward plans for her future, a Kalama High School junior looked 402 years in the past to write a scholarship-winning essay.

On Friday, the Washington State Society of Mayflower Descendants awarded a $1,620 scholarship to Max Smee. She was one of 14 Washington 11th and 12th graders who applied by writing letters home as if they were passengers on the Mayflower.

Smee is the first winner who is not a direct descendant of Mayflower passengers.

The 17-year-old said she likes writing and history and enjoyed putting her own take into the fact-based essay.

I liked it more than expected, she said. I thought it would be like more homework but since I could follow my own path ... I could fall down rabbit holes.

Smee said she heard about the scholarship from her teacher Ken White, a society member, when he told a group of students. A couple months later, Smee decided to apply and began researching the Mayflower and digging into the lives of the Pilgrims.

One stood out, Myles Standish, who just happened to be Whites ancestor. After doing more research than likely necessary, Smee said she wrote the letter from Standishs point of view.

The essays were judged blind, so White didnt know a Kalama student won until after Smees essay was chosen.

It was a pleasure to read these, a pleasure that Max presented it from Myles Standishs perspective, he said. It was a joy to see it come together.

The society previously offered scholarships only to Mayflower descendants and first opened it up to anyone last year, White said. It will open up for another round of applicants in a few months and juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply, he said.

It was really exciting to grant the first scholarship, said Tom Brown, chair of the societys education committee. The process gives students a chance to learn from history, he said.

The letter had to include five historically significant events in chronological order that occurred during the colonys first seven years and conclude with a call to action or request for support.

The national Society of Mayflower Descendants was formed in 1897 to celebrate the memory of the Pilgrims, study and preserve their history, and present educational programs and distribute scholarships. The Washington chapter was formed in 1912, according to its website. Society members must trace their lineage back to the Mayflower.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes, a Texas law could allow individuals to sue major social media companies for removing content the users regard as political, even if its actually an extreme form of speech such as the neo-Nazi screed posted by Payton Gendron ahead of his arrest for a racist killing spree in Buffalo, New York. Texas Republican-dominated state Legislature passed a law last year in response to decisions by Facebook and Twitter to ban posts that contained hate speech, encouraged insurrection or advanced the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from President Donald Trump.

The laws assertion is that conservative speech is being stifled. Texas argues that major social media sites are tantamount to the modern soapbox in the public square  a place where all viewpoints should be permitted free of censorship. But the public square was never such a place, and there have always been recognized limits on what constitutes unacceptable forms of speech. Besides, Facebook and Twitter are private companies, which have always retained the right to set rules for usage of their sites. Just because the public is invited (free of charge) to participate doesnt mean any and all postings must be allowed, unfiltered.

While the Texas case works its way through the courts, lawyers representing Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and others have asked for an emergency Supreme Court ruling to block Texas and Florida from opening the floodgates for lawsuits. The danger of allowing states to set their own regulations is that it creates an unworkable hodgepodge of rules that cannot reasonably be applied solely within those states boundaries while restrictions remain in effect for the rest of the world.

The conservative argument, as Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley has tried to argue, is that the First Amendment applies to social media companies. The First Amendment applies only to government regulation of speech, not to private companies. Companies do, however, have a right not to be compelled to publish or post certain forms of speech against their will. Federal law  specifically Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act  allows social media companies to delete obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable third-party content. The law leaves it to those companies to determine what that otherwise objectionable content might be.

There seems little debate between Republicans and Democrats on the need for tighter federal regulation of social media sites because laws like Section 230 need updating, as Facebook has argued in full-page newspaper ads. But doing so is far easier said than done, mainly because its almost impossible to come up with language that draws a clean line between whats acceptable versus unacceptable. Until Congress comes up with a solution, the Supreme Court might be the last line of defense to stop the purveyors of hate speech and insurrection from expanding their networks online.
Unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes, a Texas law could allow individuals to sue major social media companies for removing content the users regard as political, even if its actually an extreme form of speech such as the neo-Nazi screed posted by Payton Gendron ahead of his arrest for a racist killing spree in Buffalo, New York. Texas Republican-dominated state Legislature passed a law last year in response to decisions by Facebook and Twitter to ban posts that contained hate speech, encouraged insurrection or advanced the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from President Donald Trump.

The laws assertion is that conservative speech is being stifled. Texas argues that major social media sites are tantamount to the modern soapbox in the public square  a place where all viewpoints should be permitted free of censorship. But the public square was never such a place, and there have always been recognized limits on what constitutes unacceptable forms of speech. Besides, Facebook and Twitter are private companies, which have always retained the right to set rules for usage of their sites. Just because the public is invited (free of charge) to participate doesnt mean any and all postings must be allowed, unfiltered.

While the Texas case works its way through the courts, lawyers representing Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and others have asked for an emergency Supreme Court ruling to block Texas and Florida from opening the floodgates for lawsuits. The danger of allowing states to set their own regulations is that it creates an unworkable hodgepodge of rules that cannot reasonably be applied solely within those states boundaries while restrictions remain in effect for the rest of the world.

The conservative argument, as Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley has tried to argue, is that the First Amendment applies to social media companies. The First Amendment applies only to government regulation of speech, not to private companies. Companies do, however, have a right not to be compelled to publish or post certain forms of speech against their will. Federal law  specifically Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act  allows social media companies to delete obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable third-party content. The law leaves it to those companies to determine what that otherwise objectionable content might be.

There seems little debate between Republicans and Democrats on the need for tighter federal regulation of social media sites because laws like Section 230 need updating, as Facebook has argued in full-page newspaper ads. But doing so is far easier said than done, mainly because its almost impossible to come up with language that draws a clean line between whats acceptable versus unacceptable. Until Congress comes up with a solution, the Supreme Court might be the last line of defense to stop the purveyors of hate speech and insurrection from expanding their networks online.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The youngest victim of the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting has been laid to rest, one week after a self-proclaimed white supremacist shot and killed 10 Black people and injured three other victims.

Mourners gathered for the funeral of Roberta Drury at the Assumption Church in Syracuse on Saturday morning to remember the big-hearted 32-year-old who had moved to Buffalo, New York, a decade earlier to care for her sick brother.

Family members wore t-shirts with her photo on as they listened to Friar Nicholas Spano describing how Robbie, as she was known, had a smile that could light up a room.

She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present, he said.

Ms Drury, who grew up in nearby Cicero, was described as somebody who couldnt walk a few steps without meeting a new friend in her obituary.

The 32-year-old was the first victim killed in last Saturdays massacre.

She had told a friend that she was going to walk to the Tops Friendly Market that day to pick up a few groceries.

Ms Drury is the second victim of Americas worst mass shooting this year to be laid to rest, after a private funeral was held on Friday for 67-year-old local church leader Heyward Patterson.

With Saturday marking one week on from the attack, a moment of silence will be held at Tops stores at 2.30pm on Saturday  the approximate time it took place.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 13 victims.

A candlelight vigil will also be held at the Tops supermarket on Saturday evening.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt remembering her (AP)

Five more funerals are scheduled for victims throughout the coming week, with civil rights activist group National Action Network reportedly planning to cover funeral expenses for all those killed.

Community leaders and victims families gathered on Thursday night to plead for justice for their loved ones, with civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Al Sharpton in attendance.

Story continues

We need to hold all that have aided and abetted the hate in this country accountable, Mr Sharpton said at the news conference outside Buffalos Antioch Baptist Church.

Earlier that day, Mr Gendron appeared in court where he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder and the families of victims heckled him as a coward.

The alleged shooter has pleaded not guilty and is due to return to court on 9 June.

The 18-year-old is accused of carrying out an act of pure evil after he allegedly livestreamed his racist attack on innocent shoppers in the predominantly Black community.

Mr Gendron is accused of driving around three hours from his home in Conklin to the Tops Friendly Market grocery store dressed in tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle last Saturday afternoon.

The casket of Roberta Drury being brought into the church at her funeral (Getty Images)

The gunman then opened fire outside the store first before moving through the supermarket aisles where he shot 13 people in total, killing 10.

Mr Gendron was taken into custody at the scene and made disturbing statements about his motive, making clear that he was filled with hate toward the Black community and was targeting Black people, according to officials.

The firearm used in the attack had the n-word written on it and the number 14  an apparent reference to a conspiracy theory.

According to an online manifesto which appears to have been posted by the gunman, Mr Gendron called himself a racist, white supremacist and antisemite and detailed how he had been inspired by other white supremacist mass shooters.

He also cited the debunked great replacement theory which has repeatedly been spouted by right-wing personalities such as Fox News Tucker Carlson  an extremist conspiracy theory that falsely claims there is a plot to diminish the influence of white people.

A mourner outside the church where Roberta Drurys funeral was held (AP)

Officials have since said that the gunman planned to continue the mass shooting at at least one other location in the community.

Questions are also mounting over how he was able to access a firearm after it emerged that he previously threatened to carry out a mass shooting at his school.

More charges are expected to be filed against Mr Gendron by the state and the US Department of Justice is also investigating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism and terrorism.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces New Yorks maximium penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

If charged and convicted of federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

He is currently being held on suicide watch and without bail in the custody of the Erie County Sheriffs Office.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
AP

Authorities say two people were fatally shot and seven more were wounded when a man involved in a fight opened fire in downtown Chicago
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
India on Saturday reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine stating that the path of "diplomacy and dialogue" was the best policy to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Briefing reporters on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: "Our position on Ukraine is amply clear and has been reiterated many times. Right from the time when hostilities began in February, we asked for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the path of diplomacy and dialogue remains the best policy to move forward in this regard." Playing down reports that the Quad was planning to expand to include more countries the foreign secretary said: "Right now I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of it." The foreign secretary said that Quad is a grouping of countries, sharing core values of democracy, pluralism and market economy, and Quad's corporations, are shaped principally by the goals of promoting peace and stability and prosperity in Indo Pacific. In this perspective, you would find a shared commitment to rule-based order and a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific, he said. "Quad partnership seeks to structure a constructive agenda broad elements -- fight against COVID-19 pandemic, its mitigation, efforts, how do we partner in the countries in region post covid recovery, and building the health security infrastructure going forward, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and working together to respond against the need of climate action," the foreign secretary said. "There is a need to build a resilient supply chain in Indo Pacific -- partnering of infrastructure corporation, that avoids burdening the countries with unsustainable debt," he said. He added that Indo-Pacific has challenges and opportunities. "When Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are talked about," he said. During his official visit on May 23-24 to participate in the Quad Summit, at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the United States President Joe Biden, and Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia on the sideline of the summit. PM Modi's bilateral meeting with US President Biden is slated for May 24. Meaanwhile, on India banning wheat exports, the foreign secretary said: "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met." (ANI)
The youngest victim of the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting has been laid to rest, one week after a self-proclaimed white supremacist shot and killed 10 Black people and injured three other victims.

Mourners gathered for the funeral of Roberta Drury at the Assumption Church in Syracuse on Saturday morning to remember the big-hearted 32-year-old who had moved to Buffalo, New York, a decade earlier to care for her sick brother.

Family members wore t-shirts with her photo on as they listened to Friar Nicholas Spano describing how Robbie, as she was known, had a smile that could light up a room.

She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present, he said.

Ms Drury, who grew up in nearby Cicero, was described as somebody who couldnt walk a few steps without meeting a new friend in her obituary.

The 32-year-old was the first victim killed in last Saturdays massacre.

She had told a friend that she was going to walk to the Tops Friendly Market that day to pick up a few groceries.

Ms Drury is the second victim of Americas worst mass shooting this year to be laid to rest, after a private funeral was held on Friday for 67-year-old local church leader Heyward Patterson.

With Saturday marking one week on from the attack, a moment of silence will be held at Tops stores at 2.30pm on Saturday  the approximate time it took place.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 13 victims.

A candlelight vigil will also be held at the Tops supermarket on Saturday evening.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt remembering her (AP)

Five more funerals are scheduled for victims throughout the coming week, with civil rights activist group National Action Network reportedly planning to cover funeral expenses for all those killed.

Community leaders and victims families gathered on Thursday night to plead for justice for their loved ones, with civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Al Sharpton in attendance.

Story continues

We need to hold all that have aided and abetted the hate in this country accountable, Mr Sharpton said at the news conference outside Buffalos Antioch Baptist Church.

Earlier that day, Mr Gendron appeared in court where he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder and the families of victims heckled him as a coward.

The alleged shooter has pleaded not guilty and is due to return to court on 9 June.

The 18-year-old is accused of carrying out an act of pure evil after he allegedly livestreamed his racist attack on innocent shoppers in the predominantly Black community.

Mr Gendron is accused of driving around three hours from his home in Conklin to the Tops Friendly Market grocery store dressed in tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle last Saturday afternoon.

The casket of Roberta Drury being brought into the church at her funeral (Getty Images)

The gunman then opened fire outside the store first before moving through the supermarket aisles where he shot 13 people in total, killing 10.

Mr Gendron was taken into custody at the scene and made disturbing statements about his motive, making clear that he was filled with hate toward the Black community and was targeting Black people, according to officials.

The firearm used in the attack had the n-word written on it and the number 14  an apparent reference to a conspiracy theory.

According to an online manifesto which appears to have been posted by the gunman, Mr Gendron called himself a racist, white supremacist and antisemite and detailed how he had been inspired by other white supremacist mass shooters.

He also cited the debunked great replacement theory which has repeatedly been spouted by right-wing personalities such as Fox News Tucker Carlson  an extremist conspiracy theory that falsely claims there is a plot to diminish the influence of white people.

A mourner outside the church where Roberta Drurys funeral was held (AP)

Officials have since said that the gunman planned to continue the mass shooting at at least one other location in the community.

Questions are also mounting over how he was able to access a firearm after it emerged that he previously threatened to carry out a mass shooting at his school.

More charges are expected to be filed against Mr Gendron by the state and the US Department of Justice is also investigating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism and terrorism.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces New Yorks maximium penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

If charged and convicted of federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

He is currently being held on suicide watch and without bail in the custody of the Erie County Sheriffs Office.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
The youngest victim of the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting has been laid to rest, one week after a self-proclaimed white supremacist shot and killed 10 Black people and injured three other victims.

Mourners gathered for the funeral of Roberta Drury at the Assumption Church in Syracuse on Saturday morning to remember the big-hearted 32-year-old who had moved to Buffalo, New York, a decade earlier to care for her sick brother.

Family members wore t-shirts with her photo on as they listened to Friar Nicholas Spano describing how Robbie, as she was known, had a smile that could light up a room.

She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present, he said.

Ms Drury, who grew up in nearby Cicero, was described as somebody who couldnt walk a few steps without meeting a new friend in her obituary.

The 32-year-old was the first victim killed in last Saturdays massacre.

She had told a friend that she was going to walk to the Tops Friendly Market that day to pick up a few groceries.

Ms Drury is the second victim of Americas worst mass shooting this year to be laid to rest, after a private funeral was held on Friday for 67-year-old local church leader Heyward Patterson.

With Saturday marking one week on from the attack, a moment of silence will be held at Tops stores at 2.30pm on Saturday  the approximate time it took place.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 13 victims.

A candlelight vigil will also be held at the Tops supermarket on Saturday evening.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt remembering her (AP)

Five more funerals are scheduled for victims throughout the coming week, with civil rights activist group National Action Network reportedly planning to cover funeral expenses for all those killed.

Community leaders and victims families gathered on Thursday night to plead for justice for their loved ones, with civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Al Sharpton in attendance.

Story continues

We need to hold all that have aided and abetted the hate in this country accountable, Mr Sharpton said at the news conference outside Buffalos Antioch Baptist Church.

Earlier that day, Mr Gendron appeared in court where he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder and the families of victims heckled him as a coward.

The alleged shooter has pleaded not guilty and is due to return to court on 9 June.

The 18-year-old is accused of carrying out an act of pure evil after he allegedly livestreamed his racist attack on innocent shoppers in the predominantly Black community.

Mr Gendron is accused of driving around three hours from his home in Conklin to the Tops Friendly Market grocery store dressed in tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle last Saturday afternoon.

The casket of Roberta Drury being brought into the church at her funeral (Getty Images)

The gunman then opened fire outside the store first before moving through the supermarket aisles where he shot 13 people in total, killing 10.

Mr Gendron was taken into custody at the scene and made disturbing statements about his motive, making clear that he was filled with hate toward the Black community and was targeting Black people, according to officials.

The firearm used in the attack had the n-word written on it and the number 14  an apparent reference to a conspiracy theory.

According to an online manifesto which appears to have been posted by the gunman, Mr Gendron called himself a racist, white supremacist and antisemite and detailed how he had been inspired by other white supremacist mass shooters.

He also cited the debunked great replacement theory which has repeatedly been spouted by right-wing personalities such as Fox News Tucker Carlson  an extremist conspiracy theory that falsely claims there is a plot to diminish the influence of white people.

A mourner outside the church where Roberta Drurys funeral was held (AP)

Officials have since said that the gunman planned to continue the mass shooting at at least one other location in the community.

Questions are also mounting over how he was able to access a firearm after it emerged that he previously threatened to carry out a mass shooting at his school.

More charges are expected to be filed against Mr Gendron by the state and the US Department of Justice is also investigating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism and terrorism.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces New Yorks maximium penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

If charged and convicted of federal charges, he could face the death penalty.

He is currently being held on suicide watch and without bail in the custody of the Erie County Sheriffs Office.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China's postal industry logged a steady increase in business revenue in the first four months of this year, official data showed.

During the period, the postal sector saw its business revenue rise 6.3 percent year on year to 421.97 billion yuan (about 63 billion U.S. dollars), according to data from the State Post Bureau.

In April alone, business revenue of this sector came in at 95.09 billion yuan, down 4.9 percent from a year ago.

China's courier companies handled a total of 31.71 billion parcels in the January-April period, an increase of 4.2 percent. Their business volume declined 11.9 percent last month to 7.48 billion parcels. 
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Morrison said in a speech that he has spoken to opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his victory, Xinhua news agency reported.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Reports of a tick that can make you allergic to some kinds of meat spreading along the East Coast have raised concerns about the critters, but theyre not new to North Carolina. The lone star tick is one of multiple types found in the state  a common one at that  and it is capable of causing medical issues such as the allergy thats drawn attention to it. If you do see one on your body, ...
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
By Trend

The meeting between the head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Azad Jafarli and Director General of the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro was held on May 20th.

The agenda of bilateral relations was talked over the meeting in the capital of culture of Azerbaijan- Shusha, within the framework of an international conference on "Advancing of Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable development through revitalization of cultural environment."

The sides discussed the areas of cooperation between the State Service and ICCROM, as well as exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage, joint organization of trainings and seminars on this purpose during the meeting.
Morrison said in a speech that he has spoken to opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his victory, Xinhua news agency reported.
Comedian Chappelle, 48, reportedly made new transphobic jokes during a surprise appearance at John Mulaney's show in Columbus. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing criticism after attendees at John Mulaney's Friday show in Columbus, Ohio claimed that the jokes he made during his surprise appearance were targeted at the transgender community.

No phones or recording devices were allowed at the Schottenstein Center event, however, attendees shared on social media that Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, had made a series of transphobic jokes as he performed the opening set. Many of the attendees, who were there to see Mulaney and did not know Chappelle would appear, were outraged by the alleged statements.

"My favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end," one Twitter user wrote.

my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end  rylan  (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022

"God dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old," another Twitter used said.

god dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old.  mads (@madtmac) May 21, 2022

okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one  maddie (@boobeoisie) May 21, 2022

the way the entire stadium stood and cheered for him made my heart sink. 2 girls behind me laughed harder at chappelle than they did at some of mulaneys jokes and i just couldnt fathom knowing what they wouldve thought about a trans person sitting right in front of them.  rae (spookiest version) (@raegan_givant) May 21, 2022

Many attendees demonstrated their disappointment with Mulaney, since he allegedly came onstage and hugged Chappelle after he performed the opening set.

Story continues

I take back every defense I've made of John mulaney, very divorced of him to have Dave Chappelle open for him and tell a bunch of transphobic jokes. Elon Musk-esque. It's serving moldy leftovers in the lunchbox in the office fridge.  terminallytwee (@terminallytwee) May 21, 2022

@mulaney John, so many of us think the whole world of you. so Im really disappointed that Dave Chappelle was at tonights Columbus show, doling out transphobic jokesand Im kind of devastated that you then embraced him and thanked the audience for dealing with it.  Kaitlin Ruiz (@Kaitlin_M_Ruiz) May 21, 2022

In contrast, some attendees were thrilled with the cameo by Chappelle. There were also several people defending both comedians, saying that just because Mulaney had Chappelle open for him doesn't mean he agrees with all of his jokes.

Paid to see John Mulaneys first standup post-rehab. Got to see Dave Chappelles first standup post-tackle. Money and time well-spent  Kyle Barker (@Eazy_Bake) May 21, 2022

So damn sick and tired of people CONSTANTLY dumping over John Mulaney. Just b/c he had Dave Chappelle open 4 him does NOT in ANY way, shape, fashion or form mean he agrees w/his EVERY joke, thought, etc. You can have an opener and disagree w/them. DAMN!  Victoria (@ukwildcatsfan is my other account) (@MulaneySpade85) May 21, 2022

Man, people are *salty* about Dave Chappelle showing up at the John Mulaney show in Columbus.



Anything goes at a comedy show. Grow up.    (@RuthsFoulBalls) May 21, 2022

It's been a tumultuous month for Chappelle, who was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as he performed as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The attacker rushed at him toward the end of the set and tackled him to the floor, according to footage gathered at the time. The man then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was found by security.

Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage



pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ  Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022

Chappelle was not injured in the incident, police reported. He continued on with his set, even making jokes about the attack.

Video: Chappelle attacker now charged in Dec. attempted murder case

"It was a trans man," he said, a reference to the controversy around comments he made in his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. In the special, he stated that "gender is a fact" and went on to defend Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is known for making transphobic statements.

Since his Netflix special sparked controversy, the comedian has continued to fuel the fire with additional jokes about the LGBTQ+ community. Back in November at the screening of his documentary Untitled, Chappelle reportedly used the anti-gay "f-slur" and made jokes about pronouns. He also pretended to identify as a woman to get a cushier prison cell.

Despite his statements, it's clear Chappelle won't be slowing down his momentum anytime soon. In February, it was announced that he would return to Netflix with a series of new specials, titled Chappelle's Home Team.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Former U.S. President Donald Trump shakes his fists as he makes his entrance into a rally held in Washington Township, Michigan, U.S. April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Emily Elconin

A Florida man showed officials investigating him for fraud a fake pardon signed by Donald Trump.

The US government seized $337,000 from Alexander Leszczynski, 22, the Justice Department said.

Leszczynski is charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering and faces up to 30 years in prison.

A Florida man who was under investigation for fraud tried to vindicate himself by producing a fake presidential pardon signed by former President Donald Trump, according to the Justice Department.

Alexander Leszczynski, 22 and from North Redington Beach, Florida, has been charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, a release from the Justice Department says.

"The United States ultimately seized $337,000 from an account Leszczynski controlled and, when he discovered that the money had been frozen, he attempted to have it released by producing a fabricated pardon purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump," the release says.

Presidential pardons offer "executive clemency, which is a broad term that applies to the President's constitutional power to exercise leniency toward persons who have committed federal crimes," the Justice Department says.

Leszczynski used fake charities such as Love & Bliss, Inc. to facilitate various fraudulent activities, according to the release. He, for example, applied for and successfully received two Payroll Protection Plan loans, given by the US Treasury during the course of the pandemic to offset financial burdens brought on by the coronavirus.

He also attempted to "deposit $2.7 million of worthless checks into the Love & Bliss, Inc. business account" and "laundered the proceeds of the PPP and check kiting schemes through multiple accounts in an effort to conceal those proceeds from the United States and forestall its recovery," according to the release.

Additionally, he filed multiple fraudulent deeds collectively valued at more than $300 million.

"When property owners and attorneys attempted to correct the fraudulent deeds, Leszczynski responded by sending harassing and threatening letters, emails, and faxes," the release says.

If convicted on all counts, Leszczynski could face up to 30 years in prison.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Australia's opposition leader Anthony Albanese vowed Saturday to make the country a renewable energy "superpower", after claiming victory in national elections

Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Australia's opposition leader Anthony Albanese vowed Saturday to make the country a renewable energy "superpower", after claiming victory in national elections.

"We can take advantage of the opportunity for Australia to be a renewable energy superpower," said the centre-left Labor Party leader.

Albanese has promised to cut carbon emissions by 43 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels, boost renewables, offer discounts for electric cars, and help build community-owned solar power and battery projects.

His party also plans to tighten up a mechanism to ensure polluters keep their emissions below historical levels.

But Labor has made no promise to close coal mines in the fossil fuel-dependent nation.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
Morrison said in a speech that he has spoken to opposition leader Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on his victory, Xinhua news agency reported.
By Trend

The meeting between the head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Azad Jafarli and Director General of the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro was held on May 20th.

The agenda of bilateral relations was talked over the meeting in the capital of culture of Azerbaijan- Shusha, within the framework of an international conference on "Advancing of Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable development through revitalization of cultural environment."

The sides discussed the areas of cooperation between the State Service and ICCROM, as well as exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage, joint organization of trainings and seminars on this purpose during the meeting.
About one in three eligible voters have cast their ballot ahead of polling on election day with nearly 6 million Australians going through pre-poll centres.

A mix of pre-poll, postal and telephone votes means only about 8 million of 17 million voters are due through the doors on Saturday.

The Australian Electoral Commission will begin the task of counting ballots from tonight as the country votes for its next government.

Commissioner Tom Rogers warned voters that COVID-19 could mean longer waits with some polling booths struggling with staff shortages.

"Everybody is out there, we have thrown everything at it," Mr Rogers told the ABC on Saturday.

"It's been a huge drop-out rate that we've had to manage. Even in the last week there was something like a 15 per cent drop-out rate in our workforce."

The commission said about 5.54 million people made an early vote ahead of Saturday on top of a record 2.73 million people applying for a postal vote.

"It's a real change in the way that elections are being delivered over the last few elections in Australia with more and more Australians accessing those early voting options," Mr Rogers said.

A last minute change to regulations will allow people forced to isolate with COVID-19 to vote over the phone.

The commission has registered 45,000 people for telephone votes and another 27,000 have given ballots to their mobile team.

Mr Rogers said the commission had pushed for extended telephone voting time after registration officially closed on Tuesday.

He said the service was now running smoothly but told voters to call in prepared and knowing who they wanted to vote for.

Mr Rogers has also urged voters to be kind to election commission staff.

"Please be kind to our staff. They're your parents, your grandparents and your siblings," he said in a video on social media.
By Trend

The meeting between the head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Azad Jafarli and Director General of the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro was held on May 20th.

The agenda of bilateral relations was talked over the meeting in the capital of culture of Azerbaijan- Shusha, within the framework of an international conference on "Advancing of Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable development through revitalization of cultural environment."

The sides discussed the areas of cooperation between the State Service and ICCROM, as well as exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage, joint organization of trainings and seminars on this purpose during the meeting.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Trend

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has corrected an error in its calculations to now project that India would become a $5-trillion economy by 2026-27, which is what the finance ministry has been saying of late, Trend reports citing Business Standard.

Last month, the data given by the Fund had shown that this could be achieved by only 2028-29, two years after the ministry's latest projections and a four-year delay over the original goal set by the government.

IMF staff discovered a data input error that led to an error in calculating India's gross domestic product (GDP)

denominated in US dollars, which was corrected, Luis E Breuer, senior resident representative - India, Nepal, and

Bhutan, at the Fund, told Business Standard in an emailed response. He said the data for real and nominal GDP

denominated in rupees are not affected.

More broadly, the Indian economy is recovering well from the pandemic with real GDP estimated to have recovered to above its pre-pandemic level by end-March 2022. The recovery is expected to continue although it is facing downside risks, including from external factors, Breuer said.
By Trend

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has corrected an error in its calculations to now project that India would become a $5-trillion economy by 2026-27, which is what the finance ministry has been saying of late, Trend reports citing Business Standard.

Last month, the data given by the Fund had shown that this could be achieved by only 2028-29, two years after the ministry's latest projections and a four-year delay over the original goal set by the government.

IMF staff discovered a data input error that led to an error in calculating India's gross domestic product (GDP)

denominated in US dollars, which was corrected, Luis E Breuer, senior resident representative - India, Nepal, and

Bhutan, at the Fund, told Business Standard in an emailed response. He said the data for real and nominal GDP

denominated in rupees are not affected.

More broadly, the Indian economy is recovering well from the pandemic with real GDP estimated to have recovered to above its pre-pandemic level by end-March 2022. The recovery is expected to continue although it is facing downside risks, including from external factors, Breuer said.






Bengaluru, May 21 (PTI) India will have urban air mobility in the form of Electric Vehicles Take Off and Landing (EVTOL) across the country once the trials in the United States and Canada are over, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

Speaking at India@2047, as part of the seventh edition of India Ideas Conclave, organised by India Foundation here, Scindia recalled that he had the opportunity of being exposed to the new reality in civil aviation -- the concept of the EVTOLS.

Also Read | Congress Leaks Badly, Youth May Lose Confidence, Says Shiv Sena.

"Today, the trial is happening with the US Air Force and the Canadian Air Force with EVTOLs. As soon as they get Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-US) and other certifications, we are going to try and ensure that they come and set up their manufacturing bases here," the Union Minister said.

"In the days to come, much like the robots we saw today, we hopefully will have Urban Air Mobility in the form of EVTOLs across the length and breadth of our country," he added.

The Union Minister said India is already in conversation with a number of producers in the US and Canada.

Scindia explained that the civil aviation technology will be first adopted by the air force. "And when that becomes proof of concept, then it can permeate into the civil space," the Minister told the audience.

Noting that the world-class infrastructure was the call of the hour for any developed nation, Scindia pointed out that the main challenge was high logistics cost.

"India prior to 2014 had 74 airports and over the last eight years, we have built an additional 67 airports, seaports and heliports. That number has gone from 74 in 70 years to 141 over the last eight years. It's our commitment to you (people) that by 2025 we will have more than 200 airports, heliports and waterdromes in India," the Minister said.

He added that India is not only looking at connecting international destinations to domestic sector or from one metro to another but looking at the last-mile connectivity.

"The growth will not come only from metros, it will come from the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Therefore, it is our endeavour to have a network of airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in place, with sea planes and waterdromes, and heliports, so that the overall last mile connectivity becomes a reality in India," Scindia said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru, May 21 (PTI) India will have urban air mobility in the form of Electric Vehicles Take Off and Landing (EVTOL) across the country once the trials in the United States and Canada are over, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

Speaking at India@2047, as part of the seventh edition of India Ideas Conclave, organised by India Foundation here, Scindia recalled that he had the opportunity of being exposed to the new reality in civil aviation -- the concept of the EVTOLS.

Also Read | Congress Leaks Badly, Youth May Lose Confidence, Says Shiv Sena.

"Today, the trial is happening with the US Air Force and the Canadian Air Force with EVTOLs. As soon as they get Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-US) and other certifications, we are going to try and ensure that they come and set up their manufacturing bases here," the Union Minister said.

"In the days to come, much like the robots we saw today, we hopefully will have Urban Air Mobility in the form of EVTOLs across the length and breadth of our country," he added.

The Union Minister said India is already in conversation with a number of producers in the US and Canada.

Scindia explained that the civil aviation technology will be first adopted by the air force. "And when that becomes proof of concept, then it can permeate into the civil space," the Minister told the audience.

Noting that the world-class infrastructure was the call of the hour for any developed nation, Scindia pointed out that the main challenge was high logistics cost.

"India prior to 2014 had 74 airports and over the last eight years, we have built an additional 67 airports, seaports and heliports. That number has gone from 74 in 70 years to 141 over the last eight years. It's our commitment to you (people) that by 2025 we will have more than 200 airports, heliports and waterdromes in India," the Minister said.

He added that India is not only looking at connecting international destinations to domestic sector or from one metro to another but looking at the last-mile connectivity.

"The growth will not come only from metros, it will come from the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Therefore, it is our endeavour to have a network of airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in place, with sea planes and waterdromes, and heliports, so that the overall last mile connectivity becomes a reality in India," Scindia said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Trend

Tajikistan and China discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening inter-parliamentary ties, Trend reports via press service of Dushanbe City Hall.

Mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Li Zhanshu noted that inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important part of Tajik-Chinese relations.

During the meeting, the Chinese side focused on expanding cooperation in construction and reconstruction of energy facilities, production base of "green technologies" such as electric vehicles and solar panels.

The parties also stressed that the enhancing cooperation in the spheres of culture education, healthcare, as well as fruitful interaction between Tajikistan and China are the main priorities of the bilateral partnership.
By Trend

Tajikistan and China discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening inter-parliamentary ties, Trend reports via press service of Dushanbe City Hall.

Mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Li Zhanshu noted that inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important part of Tajik-Chinese relations.

During the meeting, the Chinese side focused on expanding cooperation in construction and reconstruction of energy facilities, production base of "green technologies" such as electric vehicles and solar panels.

The parties also stressed that the enhancing cooperation in the spheres of culture education, healthcare, as well as fruitful interaction between Tajikistan and China are the main priorities of the bilateral partnership.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Reports of a tick that can make you allergic to some kinds of meat spreading along the East Coast have raised concerns about the critters, but theyre not new to North Carolina. The lone star tick is one of multiple types found in the state  a common one at that  and it is capable of causing medical issues such as the allergy thats drawn attention to it. If you do see one on your body, ...
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
An 18-year-old man was shot and killed early Friday during a fight outside an apartment on Tucson's southwest side, police say.

The altercation started about 12:30 a.m. when police say a groups of people went to an apartment in the 6300 block of South Headley Road, near West Valencia and South Mission roads.

Shots were fired as the confrontation escalated.

Police responded after several calls about gunfire. Officers found Edwin Jonatan Gutierrez severally wounded. He died at the scene.

No further details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Comedian Chappelle, 48, reportedly made new transphobic jokes during a surprise appearance at John Mulaney's show in Columbus. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing criticism after attendees at John Mulaney's Friday show in Columbus, Ohio claimed that the jokes he made during his surprise appearance were targeted at the transgender community.

No phones or recording devices were allowed at the Schottenstein Center event, however, attendees shared on social media that Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, had made a series of transphobic jokes as he performed the opening set. Many of the attendees, who were there to see Mulaney and did not know Chappelle would appear, were outraged by the alleged statements.

"My favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end," one Twitter user wrote.

my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end  rylan  (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022

"God dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old," another Twitter used said.

god dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old.  mads (@madtmac) May 21, 2022

okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one  maddie (@boobeoisie) May 21, 2022

the way the entire stadium stood and cheered for him made my heart sink. 2 girls behind me laughed harder at chappelle than they did at some of mulaneys jokes and i just couldnt fathom knowing what they wouldve thought about a trans person sitting right in front of them.  rae (spookiest version) (@raegan_givant) May 21, 2022

Many attendees demonstrated their disappointment with Mulaney, since he allegedly came onstage and hugged Chappelle after he performed the opening set.

Story continues

I take back every defense I've made of John mulaney, very divorced of him to have Dave Chappelle open for him and tell a bunch of transphobic jokes. Elon Musk-esque. It's serving moldy leftovers in the lunchbox in the office fridge.  terminallytwee (@terminallytwee) May 21, 2022

@mulaney John, so many of us think the whole world of you. so Im really disappointed that Dave Chappelle was at tonights Columbus show, doling out transphobic jokesand Im kind of devastated that you then embraced him and thanked the audience for dealing with it.  Kaitlin Ruiz (@Kaitlin_M_Ruiz) May 21, 2022

In contrast, some attendees were thrilled with the cameo by Chappelle. There were also several people defending both comedians, saying that just because Mulaney had Chappelle open for him doesn't mean he agrees with all of his jokes.

Paid to see John Mulaneys first standup post-rehab. Got to see Dave Chappelles first standup post-tackle. Money and time well-spent  Kyle Barker (@Eazy_Bake) May 21, 2022

So damn sick and tired of people CONSTANTLY dumping over John Mulaney. Just b/c he had Dave Chappelle open 4 him does NOT in ANY way, shape, fashion or form mean he agrees w/his EVERY joke, thought, etc. You can have an opener and disagree w/them. DAMN!  Victoria (@ukwildcatsfan is my other account) (@MulaneySpade85) May 21, 2022

Man, people are *salty* about Dave Chappelle showing up at the John Mulaney show in Columbus.



Anything goes at a comedy show. Grow up.    (@RuthsFoulBalls) May 21, 2022

It's been a tumultuous month for Chappelle, who was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as he performed as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The attacker rushed at him toward the end of the set and tackled him to the floor, according to footage gathered at the time. The man then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was found by security.

Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage



pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ  Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022

Chappelle was not injured in the incident, police reported. He continued on with his set, even making jokes about the attack.

Video: Chappelle attacker now charged in Dec. attempted murder case

"It was a trans man," he said, a reference to the controversy around comments he made in his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. In the special, he stated that "gender is a fact" and went on to defend Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is known for making transphobic statements.

Since his Netflix special sparked controversy, the comedian has continued to fuel the fire with additional jokes about the LGBTQ+ community. Back in November at the screening of his documentary Untitled, Chappelle reportedly used the anti-gay "f-slur" and made jokes about pronouns. He also pretended to identify as a woman to get a cushier prison cell.

Despite his statements, it's clear Chappelle won't be slowing down his momentum anytime soon. In February, it was announced that he would return to Netflix with a series of new specials, titled Chappelle's Home Team.
An 18-year-old man was shot and killed early Friday during a fight outside an apartment on Tucson's southwest side, police say.

The altercation started about 12:30 a.m. when police say a groups of people went to an apartment in the 6300 block of South Headley Road, near West Valencia and South Mission roads.

Shots were fired as the confrontation escalated.

Police responded after several calls about gunfire. Officers found Edwin Jonatan Gutierrez severally wounded. He died at the scene.

No further details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Reports of a tick that can make you allergic to some kinds of meat spreading along the East Coast have raised concerns about the critters, but theyre not new to North Carolina. The lone star tick is one of multiple types found in the state  a common one at that  and it is capable of causing medical issues such as the allergy thats drawn attention to it. If you do see one on your body, ...

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has assured that he would run an all-inclusive government, if he clinches his partys ticket and wins in the general election.

Mr Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, in a statement on Friday, said if elected president, everyone would be a stakeholder and contribute to nation building.

He made the remarks during a consultative visit to the Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, and delegates of the party at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.

Mr Amaechi, who lauded Mr Bello for his ambition to be president, in his fourties, however, said he is the most experienced of all the aspirants, strong enough to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Again, I welcome my friend Governor Bello, who wants to run. He is a young man; he is entitled to run for the office of the President, but I have more experience in governance and leadership roles than him.

I will carry everybody along. To appoint the minister coming from Kogi, I will come to you people and allow you to nominate whom you want.

The reason for that is to get everybody involved so that you can approach your minister and your minister will know that he is responsible to you.

Please dont vote for anybody else, vote for me. As Speaker, I was Chairman of Speakers Forum. As governor, I was the Chairman of Governors Forum, twice.

As DG of President Buhari Campaign, I managed everybody, I managed the campaign, thats experience.

And at the end of the day, we elected President Buhari. The first time in Nigeria that we removed an incumbent government. So, we were determined as we are determined now, he said.

Responding, Mr Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Edward Onoja, welcomed his co-aspirant.

Mr Bello said: We believe that God will give Nigeria the best product that can secure, unite and foster peace in the country.

We appreciate that you even remembered to come to Kogi State. To have gone round 28 states, it shows stamina, it shows strength. We wish you well, he said.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Comedian Chappelle, 48, reportedly made new transphobic jokes during a surprise appearance at John Mulaney's show in Columbus. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing criticism after attendees at John Mulaney's Friday show in Columbus, Ohio claimed that the jokes he made during his surprise appearance were targeted at the transgender community.

No phones or recording devices were allowed at the Schottenstein Center event, however, attendees shared on social media that Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, had made a series of transphobic jokes as he performed the opening set. Many of the attendees, who were there to see Mulaney and did not know Chappelle would appear, were outraged by the alleged statements.

"My favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end," one Twitter user wrote.

my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end  rylan  (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022

"God dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old," another Twitter used said.

god dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old.  mads (@madtmac) May 21, 2022

okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one  maddie (@boobeoisie) May 21, 2022

the way the entire stadium stood and cheered for him made my heart sink. 2 girls behind me laughed harder at chappelle than they did at some of mulaneys jokes and i just couldnt fathom knowing what they wouldve thought about a trans person sitting right in front of them.  rae (spookiest version) (@raegan_givant) May 21, 2022

Many attendees demonstrated their disappointment with Mulaney, since he allegedly came onstage and hugged Chappelle after he performed the opening set.

Story continues

I take back every defense I've made of John mulaney, very divorced of him to have Dave Chappelle open for him and tell a bunch of transphobic jokes. Elon Musk-esque. It's serving moldy leftovers in the lunchbox in the office fridge.  terminallytwee (@terminallytwee) May 21, 2022

@mulaney John, so many of us think the whole world of you. so Im really disappointed that Dave Chappelle was at tonights Columbus show, doling out transphobic jokesand Im kind of devastated that you then embraced him and thanked the audience for dealing with it.  Kaitlin Ruiz (@Kaitlin_M_Ruiz) May 21, 2022

In contrast, some attendees were thrilled with the cameo by Chappelle. There were also several people defending both comedians, saying that just because Mulaney had Chappelle open for him doesn't mean he agrees with all of his jokes.

Paid to see John Mulaneys first standup post-rehab. Got to see Dave Chappelles first standup post-tackle. Money and time well-spent  Kyle Barker (@Eazy_Bake) May 21, 2022

So damn sick and tired of people CONSTANTLY dumping over John Mulaney. Just b/c he had Dave Chappelle open 4 him does NOT in ANY way, shape, fashion or form mean he agrees w/his EVERY joke, thought, etc. You can have an opener and disagree w/them. DAMN!  Victoria (@ukwildcatsfan is my other account) (@MulaneySpade85) May 21, 2022

Man, people are *salty* about Dave Chappelle showing up at the John Mulaney show in Columbus.



Anything goes at a comedy show. Grow up.    (@RuthsFoulBalls) May 21, 2022

It's been a tumultuous month for Chappelle, who was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as he performed as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The attacker rushed at him toward the end of the set and tackled him to the floor, according to footage gathered at the time. The man then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was found by security.

Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage



pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ  Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022

Chappelle was not injured in the incident, police reported. He continued on with his set, even making jokes about the attack.

Video: Chappelle attacker now charged in Dec. attempted murder case

"It was a trans man," he said, a reference to the controversy around comments he made in his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. In the special, he stated that "gender is a fact" and went on to defend Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is known for making transphobic statements.

Since his Netflix special sparked controversy, the comedian has continued to fuel the fire with additional jokes about the LGBTQ+ community. Back in November at the screening of his documentary Untitled, Chappelle reportedly used the anti-gay "f-slur" and made jokes about pronouns. He also pretended to identify as a woman to get a cushier prison cell.

Despite his statements, it's clear Chappelle won't be slowing down his momentum anytime soon. In February, it was announced that he would return to Netflix with a series of new specials, titled Chappelle's Home Team.
Reports of a tick that can make you allergic to some kinds of meat spreading along the East Coast have raised concerns about the critters, but theyre not new to North Carolina. The lone star tick is one of multiple types found in the state  a common one at that  and it is capable of causing medical issues such as the allergy thats drawn attention to it. If you do see one on your body, ...
An 18-year-old man was shot and killed early Friday during a fight outside an apartment on Tucson's southwest side, police say.

The altercation started about 12:30 a.m. when police say a groups of people went to an apartment in the 6300 block of South Headley Road, near West Valencia and South Mission roads.

Shots were fired as the confrontation escalated.

Police responded after several calls about gunfire. Officers found Edwin Jonatan Gutierrez severally wounded. He died at the scene.

No further details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Information gathered indicates that approximately 18 basic schools in Assin North Municipality in the Central Region are currently facing infrastructure challenges; which is making teaching and learning unattractive. About 60% of these schools are studying under deplorable conditions.

As part of efforts to help salvage the situation, the Network for Assin Development, a non-governmental organization has taken a giant move by donating 80 dual desks and educational materials to Dwenakyi DA Primary School in the Assin North Municipality.

Presenting the items, the Executive Director for Network the Network for Assin Development (NAD), Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that teaching and learning have dwindled in the area as a result of the challenges confronting the schools.

It is in this regard, we are embarking on this donation exercise as part of the 2nd Phase of our project dubbed 'Boanimdea'.

"Education is a fundamental human right for all children and this right may not be realized if strategic measures are not put in place to ensure adequate infrastructure provision to schools, he stated.

Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that children living in the rural areas often struggle to have access to quality education; unlike students in urban areas that benefit from government all the time.

This he said, Dwenakyi is one of the communities that have been neglected when it comes to the provision of social amenities by government.

The Project Coordinator for Network Assin Development (NAD) Rev. Stephen Arthur, giving an overview of the project, noted that prior to their visit to the school some years ago they observed that the school is in dire need of educational materials.

"It is in this regard, we decided to come to their aid. The items donated are worth Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis, (10,000)," he stated.

This year's 4th edition of Boanimdea Project was held in collaboration with Mr. James Ken Coffie a businessman leaving in abroad.

The Chief of the Community, Nana Kofi Osuman commended the Network for Assin Development for coming to the aid of the community stressing that the donation will go long way to help improve teaching and learning in the area.
GREAT BARRINGTON  For the last decade, Molly Comstock has been a nomadic farmer, but that could all change very soon.

If You Go Harry Conklin Fund for Farmsteads Concert Series 8 p.m., May 27: Billy Keane and Chris Merenda, Apple Tree Inn, Lenox 6:30 p.m., June 26: The Lucky 5, Prairie Whale, Great Barrington 1 - 4 p.m., July 16: Family Friendly Fundraiser at The Acorn Toy Shop, Egremont TBA, Aug. 26: Time on Fire and The Revival Revival at the Egremont Barn, Egremont 7 p.m., Sept. 23: BTUs at Dewey Hall, Sheffield 2 - 5 p.m., Oct. 16: Lukas Schwartz & Friends at The Schumacher Center Cider Pressing, Great Barrington More information: berkshirecommunitylandtrust.org/get-involved/harry-conklin-fund-for-farmsteads-2 The series is sponsored by Dan Levinson of Main Street Resources

The Harry Conklin Fund for Farmsteads, a project of the Berkshire Community Land Trust, is hosting a fundraiser concert series this summer to help save Berkshire farmland and find a new home for Comstock and Colfax Farm. The kick-off concert will take place 8 p.m., Friday, May 27 at the Apple Tree Inn in Lenox, with Whiskey Treaty Roadshow members Billy Keane and Chris Merenda and special guests. While there is no cover charge, donations are appreciated.

It is so important that we preserve our community farmsteads here in Berkshire County and beyond. Having local farm fresh produce available at our markets is so beneficial for our health, especially now more than ever. Lets not only preserve these farmsteads, but also ensure that they grow and thrive for generations to come, Merenda said in a news release.

The Apple Tree Inn is donating a weekend stay in a premier room in the main house with breakfast for two, a value of over $750 that will be auctioned off the night of the kick-off concert.

The Lucky 5, The BTUs, Comstocks band, Time on Fire, the Revival Revival, and Lukas Schwartz, also will be performing as part of the summer series.

Comstock, who founded Colfax Farm in 2014, had been farming on leased land in Alford since 2018. The farm lost its lease in 2021. When that happened, the issue of land insecurity faced by many Berkshire farmers  essential to shaping a resilient local food system in a time of climate change  was brought to the forefront. The Harry Conklin Fund for Farmsteads was formed in response. Through community donations, the fund acquires farmland to lease to a local farmer for growing and housing.

Comstock announced in March, through a Go Fund Me page, that we have identified a site that would provide a home for Colfax Farm, and through the Berkshire Community Land Trust, save the farm into perpetuity for farmers to come. Currently, Comstock has raised slightly over $23,000 of a $350,000 goal through the site, gofund.me/1f54b424. Tax-deductible donations can also be made through the land trust at berkshirecommunitylandtrust.org/get-involved/harry-conklin-fund-for-farmsteads-2
Her son is awaiting verdict after his involvement in a murder... Egyptian Minister of Immigration: As a mother, I ask you to pray for me and my family
Her son is awaiting verdict after his involvement in a murder... Egyptian Minister of Immigration: As a mother, I ask you to pray for me and my family
By Trend

Denmark will open an embassy in Georgia, with the opening of the diplomatic representation revealed by Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod following a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge.

Kofod stressed the work for stability and democracy in eastern front states was more important than ever, in his announcement of the decision.

Darchiashvili noted the Georgian Government valued the country being high on Denmarks foreign policy agenda.

The top Georgian diplomat welcomed the decision to launch the Danish embassy, which he said represented another demonstration of our excellent relations and Denmarks unwavering support.
By Trend

Denmark will open an embassy in Georgia, with the opening of the diplomatic representation revealed by Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod following a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge.

Kofod stressed the work for stability and democracy in eastern front states was more important than ever, in his announcement of the decision.

Darchiashvili noted the Georgian Government valued the country being high on Denmarks foreign policy agenda.

The top Georgian diplomat welcomed the decision to launch the Danish embassy, which he said represented another demonstration of our excellent relations and Denmarks unwavering support.
By Trend

Denmark will open an embassy in Georgia, with the opening of the diplomatic representation revealed by Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod following a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge.

Kofod stressed the work for stability and democracy in eastern front states was more important than ever, in his announcement of the decision.

Darchiashvili noted the Georgian Government valued the country being high on Denmarks foreign policy agenda.

The top Georgian diplomat welcomed the decision to launch the Danish embassy, which he said represented another demonstration of our excellent relations and Denmarks unwavering support.
By Trend

Denmark will open an embassy in Georgia, with the opening of the diplomatic representation revealed by Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod following a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge.

Kofod stressed the work for stability and democracy in eastern front states was more important than ever, in his announcement of the decision.

Darchiashvili noted the Georgian Government valued the country being high on Denmarks foreign policy agenda.

The top Georgian diplomat welcomed the decision to launch the Danish embassy, which he said represented another demonstration of our excellent relations and Denmarks unwavering support.
By Trend

Denmark will open an embassy in Georgia, with the opening of the diplomatic representation revealed by Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod following a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge.

Kofod stressed the work for stability and democracy in eastern front states was more important than ever, in his announcement of the decision.

Darchiashvili noted the Georgian Government valued the country being high on Denmarks foreign policy agenda.

The top Georgian diplomat welcomed the decision to launch the Danish embassy, which he said represented another demonstration of our excellent relations and Denmarks unwavering support.
A venue for weddings and special events, a retreat for fishing and hunting and short-term rental of eight existing apartments and a main dwelling at the historic Kenmore Farm property in Amherst County recently received county officials zoning approval.

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on May 17 approved multiple special exception requests for those uses on a 47-acre parcel zoned Agricultural Residential (A-1) on Kenmore Road. The parcel owned by Clara Blanchard Trust, according to county documents, has a single-family dwelling, four units near that dwelling, a main house with two units and a neighboring structure and a lake has another two units.

The apartment buildings are legal nonconforming structures and were built before Amherst County had zoning regulations in 1982, said Jeremy Bryant, director of community development.

Events at Kenmore Farm, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 and has a circa-1856 brick antebellum Greek Revival farmhouse that serves as the centerpiece of the entire property of more than 130 acres, would have tents and catered meals delivered there, according to Wilson Blanchard, the petitioner for the project, in correspondence with Bryant through county documents.

Blanchard has said the property west of the town of Amherst is a special place historically to the county and to him personally. The property, which formerly was used as a preparatory school for college students, has been in his family for five generations.

According to conditions tied to the boards approval, guests at events shall be required to park on the property and not park on neighboring lots or any right-of-way outside of the property unless they have written permission and a parking attendant shall direct traffic during events with more than 75 attendees.

Another special exception request, for a short-term rental of a single-family dwelling at 779 River Road in Madison Heights on a 2.8-acre parcel owned by Alice Primm received the boards approval also during the meeting. The parcel zoned General Residential (R-2) borders the James River, Harris Creek and River Road.

In another matter, the board approved a priority ranking list for roads needing paving in the Virginia Department of Transportations six-year plan. Robert Brown, VDOTs Appomattox district residency engineer, said stretches along Lavender Lane and Campbells Mill Road are nearing completion and other projects on East Perch Road, Fox Hall Drive, Shady Mountain Road, Chestnut Lane and Beverly Town Road are set to begin this year.

We have a very aggressive construction schedule this year, Brown told supervisors of the planned paving. We are using a lot of outside resources other than state forces to construct these roads and we are going to do our best to get all of them completed this year and stay on track.

Supervisor Claudia Tucker stressed a need for a road in her district, Indian Creek Road, to move up the list.

A school bus cant go up that road anymore, Tucker told Brown. If you hit it just right youre going to go over the mountain. Theres orange cones up there  thats how dangerous it is.

Brown told Tucker he will look for temporary repairs that can address her concerns for that road until the project is addressed in upcoming years.

In other news: A redistricting measure that relocates just more than 450 residents from the countys District 4 election district to District 5 received the boards unanimous approval. Generally, each of the countys five election districts are intended to have below a 10% deviation in population from each other. The 2020 Census results had 6,318 residents in District 1; 6,076 in District 2; 6,485 in District 3; 6,626 in District 4 and 5,802 in District 5. The difference between District 4 and District 5 was greater than 10%, which called for the boundary change that put the District 4 final count at 6,173 and the District 5 mark at 6,255. Those redistricted from District 4 to District 5 will go from voting at Amelon Elementary School to the Monelison Middle School precinct.

The board unanimously approved two ordinances that allow the county to pursue civil penalties for violations in the areas of overgrown weeds, litter and abandoned vehicles. The code changes allow county staff to have another tool in addressing rising complaints in those areas, County Attorney Mark Popovich has said. Those found violating the vehicles ordinance will face either a class 1 misdemeanor or be subject to a civil penalty of $200 for the initial summons and $500 for each additional summons. If three civil penalties are issued to the same defendant for similar violations within 24 months, a subsequent offense may be charged as a class 3 misdemeanor, according to the county. For the refuse and weeds ordinance, property owners who violate it can now be subject to a minimum civil penalty of $50. Depending on the severity of the violation, more aggressive remedies may be pursued. Additional violations within 12 consecutive months will result in escalating fines. If three separate civil penalties are issued within 24 months, future violations may be charged as a class 3 misdemeanor.

Supervisors authorized funding from the Emergency Services Council to pay for a modern fire dynamics class, which enhances safety for firefighters. The 10-hour class costs $1,500. Sam Bryant, director of public safety, said the class will teach firefighters to be offensive or defensive when responding to fires.

Sara Lu Christian, a former longtime director of the Amherst County Recreation and Parks Department, was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the countys parks and recreation board. It would be a blessing for her to use her expertise, said David Pugh, the board of supervisors chair.

Stacey McBride, the countys finance director, reported to the board a $1.1 million surplus has been found in the current fiscal years budget. The influx comes from a rise in personal property tax and the value of vehicles going up. The board implemented a 20% reduction in personal property tax in the upcoming budget set to begin July 1. The surplus for one-time use can go to the countys fund for capital improvement projects, according to McBride.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
A debate between South Carolina eye doctor groups and the mobile optometry nonprofit Vision to Learn has come to a close after legislation was passed in the Statehouse.

Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill regulating the operation of mobile optometry units, solidifying Vision to Learn's future in the state.

The national nonprofit group provides free prescription glasses to children in Title I schools in Charleston along with several other cities across the U.S.

The bill was backed by members of the S.C Optometric Physicians Association seeking to regulate and coordinate standards for all residents who are provided eye care through mobile clinics.

The group was originally allowed to operate in the state in July 2021 after the Legislature gave the nonprofit a one-year pass to operate outside Title I schools.

The optometrist group opposed the nonprofit's model, arguing Vision to Learn's providers were offering sub-standard care because they do not dilate a student's eyes during an exam.

But specialists from Vision to Learn said the organization has updated its mobile clinic to include a fundus/retinal camera  a specialized microscope with an attached camera designed to photograph the rear part of the eye.

Officials from the organization told The Post and Courier the addition is something that was recommended to them by the optometrists group and, in some cases, can render better results than dilation.

In the past school year, the organization has provided over 1,500 local students with prescription glasses.

"With this new law, and support from partners throughout the state, thousands more students will be able to see clearly at school," said Damian Carroll, the national director and chief of staff of the organization.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
An 18-year-old man was shot and killed early Friday during a fight outside an apartment on Tucson's southwest side, police say.

The altercation started about 12:30 a.m. when police say a groups of people went to an apartment in the 6300 block of South Headley Road, near West Valencia and South Mission roads.

Shots were fired as the confrontation escalated.

Police responded after several calls about gunfire. Officers found Edwin Jonatan Gutierrez severally wounded. He died at the scene.

No further details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Her son is awaiting verdict after his involvement in a murder... Egyptian Minister of Immigration: As a mother, I ask you to pray for me and my family
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
Bengaluru, May 21 (PTI) India will have urban air mobility in the form of Electric Vehicles Take Off and Landing (EVTOL) across the country once the trials in the United States and Canada are over, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

Speaking at India@2047, as part of the seventh edition of India Ideas Conclave, organised by India Foundation here, Scindia recalled that he had the opportunity of being exposed to the new reality in civil aviation -- the concept of the EVTOLS.

Also Read | Congress Leaks Badly, Youth May Lose Confidence, Says Shiv Sena.

"Today, the trial is happening with the US Air Force and the Canadian Air Force with EVTOLs. As soon as they get Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-US) and other certifications, we are going to try and ensure that they come and set up their manufacturing bases here," the Union Minister said.

"In the days to come, much like the robots we saw today, we hopefully will have Urban Air Mobility in the form of EVTOLs across the length and breadth of our country," he added.

The Union Minister said India is already in conversation with a number of producers in the US and Canada.

Scindia explained that the civil aviation technology will be first adopted by the air force. "And when that becomes proof of concept, then it can permeate into the civil space," the Minister told the audience.

Noting that the world-class infrastructure was the call of the hour for any developed nation, Scindia pointed out that the main challenge was high logistics cost.

"India prior to 2014 had 74 airports and over the last eight years, we have built an additional 67 airports, seaports and heliports. That number has gone from 74 in 70 years to 141 over the last eight years. It's our commitment to you (people) that by 2025 we will have more than 200 airports, heliports and waterdromes in India," the Minister said.

He added that India is not only looking at connecting international destinations to domestic sector or from one metro to another but looking at the last-mile connectivity.

"The growth will not come only from metros, it will come from the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Therefore, it is our endeavour to have a network of airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in place, with sea planes and waterdromes, and heliports, so that the overall last mile connectivity becomes a reality in India," Scindia said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
By Trend

The meeting between the head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Azad Jafarli and Director General of the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro was held on May 20th.

The agenda of bilateral relations was talked over the meeting in the capital of culture of Azerbaijan- Shusha, within the framework of an international conference on "Advancing of Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable development through revitalization of cultural environment."

The sides discussed the areas of cooperation between the State Service and ICCROM, as well as exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage, joint organization of trainings and seminars on this purpose during the meeting.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Trend

The meeting between the head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Azad Jafarli and Director General of the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro was held on May 20th.

The agenda of bilateral relations was talked over the meeting in the capital of culture of Azerbaijan- Shusha, within the framework of an international conference on "Advancing of Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable development through revitalization of cultural environment."

The sides discussed the areas of cooperation between the State Service and ICCROM, as well as exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage, joint organization of trainings and seminars on this purpose during the meeting.
By Trend

The meeting between the head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Azad Jafarli and Director General of the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro was held on May 20th.

The agenda of bilateral relations was talked over the meeting in the capital of culture of Azerbaijan- Shusha, within the framework of an international conference on "Advancing of Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable development through revitalization of cultural environment."

The sides discussed the areas of cooperation between the State Service and ICCROM, as well as exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage, joint organization of trainings and seminars on this purpose during the meeting.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.


Information gathered indicates that approximately 18 basic schools in Assin North Municipality in the Central Region are currently facing infrastructure challenges; which is making teaching and learning unattractive. About 60% of these schools are studying under deplorable conditions.

As part of efforts to help salvage the situation, the Network for Assin Development, a non-governmental organization has taken a giant move by donating 80 dual desks and educational materials to Dwenakyi DA Primary School in the Assin North Municipality.

Presenting the items, the Executive Director for Network the Network for Assin Development (NAD), Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that teaching and learning have dwindled in the area as a result of the challenges confronting the schools.

It is in this regard, we are embarking on this donation exercise as part of the 2nd Phase of our project dubbed 'Boanimdea'.

"Education is a fundamental human right for all children and this right may not be realized if strategic measures are not put in place to ensure adequate infrastructure provision to schools, he stated.

Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that children living in the rural areas often struggle to have access to quality education; unlike students in urban areas that benefit from government all the time.

This he said, Dwenakyi is one of the communities that have been neglected when it comes to the provision of social amenities by government.

The Project Coordinator for Network Assin Development (NAD) Rev. Stephen Arthur, giving an overview of the project, noted that prior to their visit to the school some years ago they observed that the school is in dire need of educational materials.

"It is in this regard, we decided to come to their aid. The items donated are worth Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis, (10,000)," he stated.

This year's 4th edition of Boanimdea Project was held in collaboration with Mr. James Ken Coffie a businessman leaving in abroad.

The Chief of the Community, Nana Kofi Osuman commended the Network for Assin Development for coming to the aid of the community stressing that the donation will go long way to help improve teaching and learning in the area.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.

SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Reports of a tick that can make you allergic to some kinds of meat spreading along the East Coast have raised concerns about the critters, but theyre not new to North Carolina. The lone star tick is one of multiple types found in the state  a common one at that  and it is capable of causing medical issues such as the allergy thats drawn attention to it. If you do see one on your body, ...
A venue for weddings and special events, a retreat for fishing and hunting and short-term rental of eight existing apartments and a main dwelling at the historic Kenmore Farm property in Amherst County recently received county officials zoning approval.

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on May 17 approved multiple special exception requests for those uses on a 47-acre parcel zoned Agricultural Residential (A-1) on Kenmore Road. The parcel owned by Clara Blanchard Trust, according to county documents, has a single-family dwelling, four units near that dwelling, a main house with two units and a neighboring structure and a lake has another two units.

The apartment buildings are legal nonconforming structures and were built before Amherst County had zoning regulations in 1982, said Jeremy Bryant, director of community development.

Events at Kenmore Farm, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 and has a circa-1856 brick antebellum Greek Revival farmhouse that serves as the centerpiece of the entire property of more than 130 acres, would have tents and catered meals delivered there, according to Wilson Blanchard, the petitioner for the project, in correspondence with Bryant through county documents.

Blanchard has said the property west of the town of Amherst is a special place historically to the county and to him personally. The property, which formerly was used as a preparatory school for college students, has been in his family for five generations.

According to conditions tied to the boards approval, guests at events shall be required to park on the property and not park on neighboring lots or any right-of-way outside of the property unless they have written permission and a parking attendant shall direct traffic during events with more than 75 attendees.

Another special exception request, for a short-term rental of a single-family dwelling at 779 River Road in Madison Heights on a 2.8-acre parcel owned by Alice Primm received the boards approval also during the meeting. The parcel zoned General Residential (R-2) borders the James River, Harris Creek and River Road.

In another matter, the board approved a priority ranking list for roads needing paving in the Virginia Department of Transportations six-year plan. Robert Brown, VDOTs Appomattox district residency engineer, said stretches along Lavender Lane and Campbells Mill Road are nearing completion and other projects on East Perch Road, Fox Hall Drive, Shady Mountain Road, Chestnut Lane and Beverly Town Road are set to begin this year.

We have a very aggressive construction schedule this year, Brown told supervisors of the planned paving. We are using a lot of outside resources other than state forces to construct these roads and we are going to do our best to get all of them completed this year and stay on track.

Supervisor Claudia Tucker stressed a need for a road in her district, Indian Creek Road, to move up the list.

A school bus cant go up that road anymore, Tucker told Brown. If you hit it just right youre going to go over the mountain. Theres orange cones up there  thats how dangerous it is.

Brown told Tucker he will look for temporary repairs that can address her concerns for that road until the project is addressed in upcoming years.

In other news: A redistricting measure that relocates just more than 450 residents from the countys District 4 election district to District 5 received the boards unanimous approval. Generally, each of the countys five election districts are intended to have below a 10% deviation in population from each other. The 2020 Census results had 6,318 residents in District 1; 6,076 in District 2; 6,485 in District 3; 6,626 in District 4 and 5,802 in District 5. The difference between District 4 and District 5 was greater than 10%, which called for the boundary change that put the District 4 final count at 6,173 and the District 5 mark at 6,255. Those redistricted from District 4 to District 5 will go from voting at Amelon Elementary School to the Monelison Middle School precinct.

The board unanimously approved two ordinances that allow the county to pursue civil penalties for violations in the areas of overgrown weeds, litter and abandoned vehicles. The code changes allow county staff to have another tool in addressing rising complaints in those areas, County Attorney Mark Popovich has said. Those found violating the vehicles ordinance will face either a class 1 misdemeanor or be subject to a civil penalty of $200 for the initial summons and $500 for each additional summons. If three civil penalties are issued to the same defendant for similar violations within 24 months, a subsequent offense may be charged as a class 3 misdemeanor, according to the county. For the refuse and weeds ordinance, property owners who violate it can now be subject to a minimum civil penalty of $50. Depending on the severity of the violation, more aggressive remedies may be pursued. Additional violations within 12 consecutive months will result in escalating fines. If three separate civil penalties are issued within 24 months, future violations may be charged as a class 3 misdemeanor.

Supervisors authorized funding from the Emergency Services Council to pay for a modern fire dynamics class, which enhances safety for firefighters. The 10-hour class costs $1,500. Sam Bryant, director of public safety, said the class will teach firefighters to be offensive or defensive when responding to fires.

Sara Lu Christian, a former longtime director of the Amherst County Recreation and Parks Department, was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the countys parks and recreation board. It would be a blessing for her to use her expertise, said David Pugh, the board of supervisors chair.

Stacey McBride, the countys finance director, reported to the board a $1.1 million surplus has been found in the current fiscal years budget. The influx comes from a rise in personal property tax and the value of vehicles going up. The board implemented a 20% reduction in personal property tax in the upcoming budget set to begin July 1. The surplus for one-time use can go to the countys fund for capital improvement projects, according to McBride.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


New Delhi [India] May 21 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at two locations in Assam in connection with Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) case.

The anti-terror agency conducted these searches in the Barpeta district of Assam based on some specific input.

Also Read | Congress Leaks Badly, Youth May Lose Confidence, Says Shiv Sena.

The NIA claimed to have seized Jihadi literature used for imparting training and other incriminating documents during the searches conducted at the premises of arrested accused persons in the Barpeta district.

The case pertains to the disruption of an active module of ABT having affiliation to the proscribed organization Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent (AQIS), operating in Barpeta district of Assam led by a Bangladeshi who had entered India illegally and was active in recruiting, training and motivating impressionable youth to join jihadi outfits and work in "Ansars" (sleeper cells module) for creating a base for Al Qaeda in India.

Also Read | Dairy Farmers' Strike: Punjab, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh To Face Milk and Dairy Products Shortage Tomorrow Due to Strike.

The case was initially registered on March 4 this year at Barpeta Police Station in Barpeta district and re-registered by NIA on March 22 this year. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Mumbai, May 21: In a strong critique, the Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed deep concern over the fate of the Congress which it said is 'leaking' badly with so many leaders deserting the party. "The Congress' condition is like a cloudburst. The problem is where to put the patch and seal it. The leaks started on the concluding day of the party's recent Chintan Shivir in Rajasthan," the Sena said.

Sena's anxiety for the Congress - a ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally in Maharashtra - came on a crucial day when the grand old party was observing the death anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Shiv Sena Workers Protest Outside Amravati MP Navneet Rana's Residence in Mumbai (Watch Video).

It pointed out how the party lost leaders like Sunil Jakhar, Hardik Patel and in the past Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, yet - despite the outflow - everyone in Congress talks of 'reviving' the party.

Sunil Jakhar - the son of a veteran Congress leader from Punjab, the late Balram Jakhar -- led the Punjab Congress for years, but recently he was sidelined and needless importance was given to a new entrant Navjot Singh Sidhdu, the Sena said.

Before deserting the Congress for Bharatiya Janata Party, a hurt Sunil Jakhar asked: "I was only speaking in the interest of Punjab and the nation. The Congress tried to suppress my voice and gave me a notice. What did they achieve?" said the edits in the Sena newspapers 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana'.

"The Congress nurtured the leaders like Jakhar, Madhavrao Scindia and Jitendra Prasada, and even did a lot for their children Sunil, Jyotiraditya and Jitin, but their political ambitions were bigger than their fathers, and the Congress proved too small in comparison. They quit the Congress though it needed them in the crisis," said the Sena.

This, the Sena avers, points to a failure of the Congress leadership itself and expressed apprehension "what if the youth of the country do not see their future in the Congress", especially when it does not even have a full time president since some time now and ditto is the scene in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Though certain positive decisions were taken at the Chintan Shivir, the issue of Congress leadership remains in the dark, noted the Sena edits. In states where elections are due, leaders with a good public image should have been handled well by the Congress.

However, due to Sidhu, the Congress lost Punjab and Jakhar also left, Patel was not allowed to work as the Working President of Gujarat Congress, and he says his hands and feet tied in the race by the directionless party, and he also quit.

While leaving, Patel gave his piece of mind saying whenever the country needs them most the Congress 'leadership' is abroad, nothing will be achieved by abusing Ambani-Adani as every youth in Gujarat wants to emulate them, etc, said the Sena on the exit.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP fully geared for 2024 elections, the 'leaking emergency' continues in the Congress, which doesn't augur well for parliamentary democracy, warned the Sena.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2022 09:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, May 21: In a strong critique, the Shiv Sena on Saturday expressed deep concern over the fate of the Congress which it said is 'leaking' badly with so many leaders deserting the party. "The Congress' condition is like a cloudburst. The problem is where to put the patch and seal it. The leaks started on the concluding day of the party's recent Chintan Shivir in Rajasthan," the Sena said.

Sena's anxiety for the Congress - a ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally in Maharashtra - came on a crucial day when the grand old party was observing the death anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Shiv Sena Workers Protest Outside Amravati MP Navneet Rana's Residence in Mumbai (Watch Video).

It pointed out how the party lost leaders like Sunil Jakhar, Hardik Patel and in the past Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, yet - despite the outflow - everyone in Congress talks of 'reviving' the party.

Sunil Jakhar - the son of a veteran Congress leader from Punjab, the late Balram Jakhar -- led the Punjab Congress for years, but recently he was sidelined and needless importance was given to a new entrant Navjot Singh Sidhdu, the Sena said.

Before deserting the Congress for Bharatiya Janata Party, a hurt Sunil Jakhar asked: "I was only speaking in the interest of Punjab and the nation. The Congress tried to suppress my voice and gave me a notice. What did they achieve?" said the edits in the Sena newspapers 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana'.

"The Congress nurtured the leaders like Jakhar, Madhavrao Scindia and Jitendra Prasada, and even did a lot for their children Sunil, Jyotiraditya and Jitin, but their political ambitions were bigger than their fathers, and the Congress proved too small in comparison. They quit the Congress though it needed them in the crisis," said the Sena.

This, the Sena avers, points to a failure of the Congress leadership itself and expressed apprehension "what if the youth of the country do not see their future in the Congress", especially when it does not even have a full time president since some time now and ditto is the scene in states like Uttar Pradesh.

Though certain positive decisions were taken at the Chintan Shivir, the issue of Congress leadership remains in the dark, noted the Sena edits. In states where elections are due, leaders with a good public image should have been handled well by the Congress.

However, due to Sidhu, the Congress lost Punjab and Jakhar also left, Patel was not allowed to work as the Working President of Gujarat Congress, and he says his hands and feet tied in the race by the directionless party, and he also quit.

While leaving, Patel gave his piece of mind saying whenever the country needs them most the Congress 'leadership' is abroad, nothing will be achieved by abusing Ambani-Adani as every youth in Gujarat wants to emulate them, etc, said the Sena on the exit.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP fully geared for 2024 elections, the 'leaking emergency' continues in the Congress, which doesn't augur well for parliamentary democracy, warned the Sena.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2022 09:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Davos, May 21 (PTI) After a gap of nearly two-and-a-half years, Swiss ski resort town Davos is set to host the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting yet again with a host of global leaders including from India expected to deliberate over the Ukraine crisis, climate change and a host of other issues affecting the world.

The high-profile annual powwow of the rich and powerful from across the world will begin with a welcome reception on Sunday evening and will continue till Thursday, May 26.Those scheduled to speak include Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among a host of other world leaders.

Also Read | Australia Election Results 2022: PM Scott Morrison Concedes Defeat in Federal Elections.

From India, three union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya and Hardeep Singh Puri -- as well as several state leaders including two chief ministers -- Basavraj S Bommai and Y S Jaganmohan Reddy -- as well as KT Rama Rao from Telangana, Aditya Thackeray from Maharashtra and Thangam Thennarasu, along with several other public figures and a host of CEOs will be discussing key issues over the next six days here.

Overall, more than 50 heads of government or state are expected to attend the annual meeting, which generally takes place here in January when this small town is totally covered in snow, but this time it is happening during a sunny weather.The annual meeting of 2021 could not take place physically, while the 2022 one had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

Also Read | Australia Election Results 2022: Vote Count Begins for General Election After Polling Ends.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) said the Annual Meeting 2022 will focus on 'history at a turning point', the theme of the summit.

The issues to be discussed include government policies and business strategies against a backdrop of the global pandemic, and the war in Ukraine and geo-economic challenges.

The meeting convenes at a strategic point where public figures and global leaders will meet in-person to reconnect, exchange insights, gain fresh perspectives and advance solutions.

The meeting's overriding priority is to accelerate progress and make an impact in tackling global challenges and improving the state of the world, the WEF said.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders and experts from around the globe, all committed to the "Davos Spirit" of improving the state of the world.

Against the backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the unprecedented global context calls for purpose and resolve, and the meeting's ambition is to rise to these challenges, the WEF said.

Over the past two years, the World Economic Forum said, it has strengthened its impact initiatives, which deal with issues ranging from COVID-19 and climate change to education as well as technology and energy governance.

These include the Reskilling Revolution, an initiative to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030; an initiative on universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures to measure stakeholder capitalism; and the 1 Trillion trees initiative, 1t.org, to protect trees and forests and restore the planet's ecosystems.

With the world at such a critical turning point, global business and government leaders need to work together to develop long-term policies and strategies that will revitalise the hard-hit global economy, strengthen the progress made to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tackle the single greatest threat to humanity -- climate change, said the WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private partnership.

"The Annual Meeting is the first summit that brings global leaders together in this new situation characterised by an emerging multipolar world due to the pandemic and war.

"The fact that nearly 2,500 leaders from politics, business civil society and media come together in person demonstrates the need for a trusted, informal and action-oriented global platform to confront the issues in a crisis-driven world," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Cutting across the theme of the meeting are several priorities and issues that define the current moment and will shape the years to come.

The programme will focus on six thematic pillars. These include fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

These also include how to stabilise the real economy and the financial system, while also determining the future of balanced growth, globalisation and development; and building healthy and equitable societies.

The leaders will also discuss how to move beyond the health emergency phase of the pandemic, rebuilding in its wake and strengthening health resilience for future threats as well as investing in good jobs, living wages, skills and education, not forgetting to redefine stakeholder capitalism for a new context.

Over 1,250 leaders from the private sector will be participating, along with nearly 100 Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers -- the world's most promising tech and business start-ups and scale-ups.

Civil society will be represented by more than 200 leaders from NGOs, social entrepreneurs, academia, labour organisations, faith-based and religious groups, and over 400 media leaders and reporting press.

The Annual Meeting will also bring together younger generations, with 100 members of the Forum's Global Shaper and Young Global Leader communities participating.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
By Trend

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in a telephone conversation on Friday discussed Iran-India's bilateral ties and several regional and international issues, Trend reports citing IRNA.

Referring to positive relations between Tehran and New Delhi, Amirabdollahian said that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches special importance to relations with India.

He described Iran-India's cooperation in the direction of comprehensive development and their consultations on regional and international issues as indicators of growing relations.

Jaishankar, for his part, referred to the good level of relations between the two states, and expressed hope that cooperation and relations will be developed in various areas.

He invited his Iranian counterpart to travel to India for a meeting and close consultation with high-ranking officials of his country.
By Trend

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in a telephone conversation on Friday discussed Iran-India's bilateral ties and several regional and international issues, Trend reports citing IRNA.

Referring to positive relations between Tehran and New Delhi, Amirabdollahian said that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches special importance to relations with India.

He described Iran-India's cooperation in the direction of comprehensive development and their consultations on regional and international issues as indicators of growing relations.

Jaishankar, for his part, referred to the good level of relations between the two states, and expressed hope that cooperation and relations will be developed in various areas.

He invited his Iranian counterpart to travel to India for a meeting and close consultation with high-ranking officials of his country.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.

SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and




The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said only elected delegates will vote at the coming primaries and national convention.

This is in accordance with the provision of Section 84(8) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said in a statement on Saturday.

The announcement comes about a week after the National Assembly amended the section to allow statutory delegates vote at partys meetings, congresses and conventions.

These statutory delegates include presidents, governors and lawmakers.

During the speedy consideration and passage of the amendment bill, the lawmakers had said the existing section was an error that should be corrected.

Although both chambers of the legislature had passes and transmitted the proposed amendments to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent, the president has yet to do so.

In the statement, Mr Bature noted that delegates to vote at the Indirect Primaries and National Convention of political parties to elect candidates for elections shall be those democratically elected for that purpose only.

Consequently, those qualified and eligible to vote as delegates in the forthcoming Primaries and National Convention of our great Party, the PDP are the three Ad-Hoc delegates per ward, elected at the ward congresses and one national delegate per local government, elected at the Local Government Area congresses.

He also announced that State Houses of Assembly primaries to elect State House of Assembly candidates, earlier scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2022 will now hold on Sunday, May 22, 2022.

While the House of Representatives primaries to elect House of Representatives candidates will also hold on Sunday, May 22, 2022.

Already, preparations are in top gear for the partys presidential primary scheduled for May 28 and 29.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023


SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.





Her son is awaiting verdict after his involvement in a murder... Egyptian Minister of Immigration: As a mother, I ask you to pray for me and my family
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.

SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Rachael Colasanto didnt realize she needed to move to Tucson until she was already here.

Shes the kind of person from the New York suburbs who spends her young life assuming she will inevitably end up in the big city. And she did. Rachael was living in Bushwick, arguably the trendiest neighborhood in inarguably trendy Brooklyn, when she started making focaccia.

When friends are over, we sometimes find ourselves debating the best bread, she said.

Her partner, collagist and reason for leaving New York, Zakaria Zak Boucetta, is Moroccan. He speaks French and believes in the baguette. Rachael loves this about him, and also she wasnt convinced.

Baguette sandwiches ruin the top of my mouth with their crunchy outside, she said, the memory of pain flashing in her eyes. No, she prefers focaccia: a soft bread, easily cut in half with just enough crunch on the outside.

You can slice into it, bite into it with ease, Rachael said.

When she still lived in the city, she would make a special trip to the rock star vegetarian restaurant Superiority Burger on Fridays, when they used focaccia for a bun.

They were always experimenting, trying something new. It felt special to look forward to that one day a week, she said.

After her focaccia made a splash at a dinner party, Rachael started regularly making the Italian bread in a kitchen barely wider than a human wingspan. Though Rachael would describe herself as a purist in most areas, focaccia was somewhere she could play.

Im the kind of person who takes themselves way too seriously, she said. While focaccia can be straight-laced, topped simply with olives or herbs, she used the bread as a medium for expression.

Rachael considered herself a hobbyist until a chef friend from abroad lauded her work. Her focaccias crispy edges are tender in their olive-oiled fattiness, yielding to delightfully pillowy interior.

Ive had focaccia that wasnt using olive oil the way they should, she said. To get that crispy edge, you need to slather, she said.

Her flavor profiles catch your attention: a pink-crusted beet root focaccia with thyme, tarragon and coriander; artichoke and zaatar; chive and black garlic. Her favorite flavor is chimichurri, made with herbs, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, sesame and zaatar.

Under Arizonas cottage baking license, as a home baker shes not allowed to use fresh vegetables, so shes working on an adapted chimichurri recipe that uses dried cilantro. She attended a class about Tucsons heritage foods  incorporating those ingredients is the next challenge on her horizon.

While her chef friends praise was the validation she needed to launch a business, Holy Focaccia, out of her home kitchen, in New York it feels like whatever youre doing isnt special cause theres someone else doing it, she said. Though she knew she was making something really good, she worried she would reach a point where she was charging friends for a product she used to offer them for free at her house.

Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up

Enter a job offer from Rick Joy Studios in Tucson, delivered to her partner Zak, who is an architect. Rachael was willing to leave New York, but she wasnt trying to. The trope of a burnt-out Brooklynite, moving somewhere exotic in search of a simpler life? Thats not her story. I didnt know I needed to leave New York until I got here, she said.

She loves Tucson and can articulate what is so great about our town with the fresh eyes of a newcomer. She loves the sense of ease here, how when she looks at her barista, full of gratitude for her morning coffee, and thanks them, they both have a moment to connect on a human level. In New York, that precious exchange was lost in the bustle.

I think people value collaboration over competition here, she said. Zak has this colleague from Mexico City, who he asked, What is it about Tucson? What makes it special? [His colleague] responded saying, You come here and you dont have an ego. Its about learning and living, she said.

Holy Focaccia has mostly spread through word-of-mouth and recommendations on social media. I found out about Holy Focaccia when foodie Melissa Stihl featured Holy Focaccia in an Instagram Story. Some have heard about it from Rachaels neighbor, an early adopter. Most people find out through their friends.

For now, Rachael is still working full-time remotely, rolling out of bed for 6 a.m. Zoom calls on weekdays. She gets up just as early on weekends, but of her own volition, to go on a hike, or to prepare or bake her focaccia in her home.

Theres a morning golden hour, about 60 minutes past sunrise, when sunlight beams through her kitchen window. She gets up for that moment in the sun and to make bread that will be picked up on her front porch. That precious focaccia will then be broken and savored among friends, loved ones  neighbors and Tucsonans all.

Im here for the community, Rachael said. I feel like thats what so many people want.

Holy Focaccia

Location: Rachael Colasantos home in Barrio Viejo; she will disclose the address upon confirming your order.

Hours: Flavors of the week are posted on Wednesdays. Orders are accepted Wednesday-Saturday by Instagram direct message. Pickups are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Price: $8 for a piccola (6 inches by 9 inches) | $18 for a grande (12 inches by 16 inches)

For more information, check out their Instagram page.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Comedian Chappelle, 48, reportedly made new transphobic jokes during a surprise appearance at John Mulaney's show in Columbus. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing criticism after attendees at John Mulaney's Friday show in Columbus, Ohio claimed that the jokes he made during his surprise appearance were targeted at the transgender community.

No phones or recording devices were allowed at the Schottenstein Center event, however, attendees shared on social media that Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, had made a series of transphobic jokes as he performed the opening set. Many of the attendees, who were there to see Mulaney and did not know Chappelle would appear, were outraged by the alleged statements.

"My favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end," one Twitter user wrote.

my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end  rylan  (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022

"God dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old," another Twitter used said.

god dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old.  mads (@madtmac) May 21, 2022

okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one  maddie (@boobeoisie) May 21, 2022

the way the entire stadium stood and cheered for him made my heart sink. 2 girls behind me laughed harder at chappelle than they did at some of mulaneys jokes and i just couldnt fathom knowing what they wouldve thought about a trans person sitting right in front of them.  rae (spookiest version) (@raegan_givant) May 21, 2022

Many attendees demonstrated their disappointment with Mulaney, since he allegedly came onstage and hugged Chappelle after he performed the opening set.

Story continues

I take back every defense I've made of John mulaney, very divorced of him to have Dave Chappelle open for him and tell a bunch of transphobic jokes. Elon Musk-esque. It's serving moldy leftovers in the lunchbox in the office fridge.  terminallytwee (@terminallytwee) May 21, 2022

@mulaney John, so many of us think the whole world of you. so Im really disappointed that Dave Chappelle was at tonights Columbus show, doling out transphobic jokesand Im kind of devastated that you then embraced him and thanked the audience for dealing with it.  Kaitlin Ruiz (@Kaitlin_M_Ruiz) May 21, 2022

In contrast, some attendees were thrilled with the cameo by Chappelle. There were also several people defending both comedians, saying that just because Mulaney had Chappelle open for him doesn't mean he agrees with all of his jokes.

Paid to see John Mulaneys first standup post-rehab. Got to see Dave Chappelles first standup post-tackle. Money and time well-spent  Kyle Barker (@Eazy_Bake) May 21, 2022

So damn sick and tired of people CONSTANTLY dumping over John Mulaney. Just b/c he had Dave Chappelle open 4 him does NOT in ANY way, shape, fashion or form mean he agrees w/his EVERY joke, thought, etc. You can have an opener and disagree w/them. DAMN!  Victoria (@ukwildcatsfan is my other account) (@MulaneySpade85) May 21, 2022

Man, people are *salty* about Dave Chappelle showing up at the John Mulaney show in Columbus.



Anything goes at a comedy show. Grow up.    (@RuthsFoulBalls) May 21, 2022

It's been a tumultuous month for Chappelle, who was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as he performed as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The attacker rushed at him toward the end of the set and tackled him to the floor, according to footage gathered at the time. The man then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was found by security.

Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage



pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ  Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022

Chappelle was not injured in the incident, police reported. He continued on with his set, even making jokes about the attack.

Video: Chappelle attacker now charged in Dec. attempted murder case

"It was a trans man," he said, a reference to the controversy around comments he made in his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. In the special, he stated that "gender is a fact" and went on to defend Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is known for making transphobic statements.

Since his Netflix special sparked controversy, the comedian has continued to fuel the fire with additional jokes about the LGBTQ+ community. Back in November at the screening of his documentary Untitled, Chappelle reportedly used the anti-gay "f-slur" and made jokes about pronouns. He also pretended to identify as a woman to get a cushier prison cell.

Despite his statements, it's clear Chappelle won't be slowing down his momentum anytime soon. In February, it was announced that he would return to Netflix with a series of new specials, titled Chappelle's Home Team.
Comedian Chappelle, 48, reportedly made new transphobic jokes during a surprise appearance at John Mulaney's show in Columbus. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing criticism after attendees at John Mulaney's Friday show in Columbus, Ohio claimed that the jokes he made during his surprise appearance were targeted at the transgender community.

No phones or recording devices were allowed at the Schottenstein Center event, however, attendees shared on social media that Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, had made a series of transphobic jokes as he performed the opening set. Many of the attendees, who were there to see Mulaney and did not know Chappelle would appear, were outraged by the alleged statements.

"My favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end," one Twitter user wrote.

my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end  rylan  (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022

"God dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old," another Twitter used said.

god dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old.  mads (@madtmac) May 21, 2022

okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one  maddie (@boobeoisie) May 21, 2022

the way the entire stadium stood and cheered for him made my heart sink. 2 girls behind me laughed harder at chappelle than they did at some of mulaneys jokes and i just couldnt fathom knowing what they wouldve thought about a trans person sitting right in front of them.  rae (spookiest version) (@raegan_givant) May 21, 2022

Many attendees demonstrated their disappointment with Mulaney, since he allegedly came onstage and hugged Chappelle after he performed the opening set.

Story continues

I take back every defense I've made of John mulaney, very divorced of him to have Dave Chappelle open for him and tell a bunch of transphobic jokes. Elon Musk-esque. It's serving moldy leftovers in the lunchbox in the office fridge.  terminallytwee (@terminallytwee) May 21, 2022

@mulaney John, so many of us think the whole world of you. so Im really disappointed that Dave Chappelle was at tonights Columbus show, doling out transphobic jokesand Im kind of devastated that you then embraced him and thanked the audience for dealing with it.  Kaitlin Ruiz (@Kaitlin_M_Ruiz) May 21, 2022

In contrast, some attendees were thrilled with the cameo by Chappelle. There were also several people defending both comedians, saying that just because Mulaney had Chappelle open for him doesn't mean he agrees with all of his jokes.

Paid to see John Mulaneys first standup post-rehab. Got to see Dave Chappelles first standup post-tackle. Money and time well-spent  Kyle Barker (@Eazy_Bake) May 21, 2022

So damn sick and tired of people CONSTANTLY dumping over John Mulaney. Just b/c he had Dave Chappelle open 4 him does NOT in ANY way, shape, fashion or form mean he agrees w/his EVERY joke, thought, etc. You can have an opener and disagree w/them. DAMN!  Victoria (@ukwildcatsfan is my other account) (@MulaneySpade85) May 21, 2022

Man, people are *salty* about Dave Chappelle showing up at the John Mulaney show in Columbus.



Anything goes at a comedy show. Grow up.    (@RuthsFoulBalls) May 21, 2022

It's been a tumultuous month for Chappelle, who was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as he performed as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The attacker rushed at him toward the end of the set and tackled him to the floor, according to footage gathered at the time. The man then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was found by security.

Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage



pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ  Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022

Chappelle was not injured in the incident, police reported. He continued on with his set, even making jokes about the attack.

Video: Chappelle attacker now charged in Dec. attempted murder case

"It was a trans man," he said, a reference to the controversy around comments he made in his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. In the special, he stated that "gender is a fact" and went on to defend Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is known for making transphobic statements.

Since his Netflix special sparked controversy, the comedian has continued to fuel the fire with additional jokes about the LGBTQ+ community. Back in November at the screening of his documentary Untitled, Chappelle reportedly used the anti-gay "f-slur" and made jokes about pronouns. He also pretended to identify as a woman to get a cushier prison cell.

Despite his statements, it's clear Chappelle won't be slowing down his momentum anytime soon. In February, it was announced that he would return to Netflix with a series of new specials, titled Chappelle's Home Team.
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has assured that he would run an all-inclusive government, if he clinches his partys ticket and wins in the general election.

Mr Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, in a statement on Friday, said if elected president, everyone would be a stakeholder and contribute to nation building.

He made the remarks during a consultative visit to the Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, and delegates of the party at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.

Mr Amaechi, who lauded Mr Bello for his ambition to be president, in his fourties, however, said he is the most experienced of all the aspirants, strong enough to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Again, I welcome my friend Governor Bello, who wants to run. He is a young man; he is entitled to run for the office of the President, but I have more experience in governance and leadership roles than him.

I will carry everybody along. To appoint the minister coming from Kogi, I will come to you people and allow you to nominate whom you want.

The reason for that is to get everybody involved so that you can approach your minister and your minister will know that he is responsible to you.

Please dont vote for anybody else, vote for me. As Speaker, I was Chairman of Speakers Forum. As governor, I was the Chairman of Governors Forum, twice.

As DG of President Buhari Campaign, I managed everybody, I managed the campaign, thats experience.

And at the end of the day, we elected President Buhari. The first time in Nigeria that we removed an incumbent government. So, we were determined as we are determined now, he said.

Responding, Mr Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Edward Onoja, welcomed his co-aspirant.

Mr Bello said: We believe that God will give Nigeria the best product that can secure, unite and foster peace in the country.

We appreciate that you even remembered to come to Kogi State. To have gone round 28 states, it shows stamina, it shows strength. We wish you well, he said.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has assured that he would run an all-inclusive government, if he clinches his partys ticket and wins in the general election.

Mr Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, in a statement on Friday, said if elected president, everyone would be a stakeholder and contribute to nation building.

He made the remarks during a consultative visit to the Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, and delegates of the party at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.

Mr Amaechi, who lauded Mr Bello for his ambition to be president, in his fourties, however, said he is the most experienced of all the aspirants, strong enough to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Again, I welcome my friend Governor Bello, who wants to run. He is a young man; he is entitled to run for the office of the President, but I have more experience in governance and leadership roles than him.

I will carry everybody along. To appoint the minister coming from Kogi, I will come to you people and allow you to nominate whom you want.

The reason for that is to get everybody involved so that you can approach your minister and your minister will know that he is responsible to you.

Please dont vote for anybody else, vote for me. As Speaker, I was Chairman of Speakers Forum. As governor, I was the Chairman of Governors Forum, twice.

As DG of President Buhari Campaign, I managed everybody, I managed the campaign, thats experience.

And at the end of the day, we elected President Buhari. The first time in Nigeria that we removed an incumbent government. So, we were determined as we are determined now, he said.

Responding, Mr Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Edward Onoja, welcomed his co-aspirant.

Mr Bello said: We believe that God will give Nigeria the best product that can secure, unite and foster peace in the country.

We appreciate that you even remembered to come to Kogi State. To have gone round 28 states, it shows stamina, it shows strength. We wish you well, he said.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Davos, May 21 (PTI) After a gap of nearly two-and-a-half years, Swiss ski resort town Davos is set to host the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting yet again with a host of global leaders including from India expected to deliberate over the Ukraine crisis, climate change and a host of other issues affecting the world.

The high-profile annual powwow of the rich and powerful from across the world will begin with a welcome reception on Sunday evening and will continue till Thursday, May 26.Those scheduled to speak include Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, among a host of other world leaders.

Also Read | Australia Election Results 2022: PM Scott Morrison Concedes Defeat in Federal Elections.

From India, three union ministers -- Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya and Hardeep Singh Puri -- as well as several state leaders including two chief ministers -- Basavraj S Bommai and Y S Jaganmohan Reddy -- as well as KT Rama Rao from Telangana, Aditya Thackeray from Maharashtra and Thangam Thennarasu, along with several other public figures and a host of CEOs will be discussing key issues over the next six days here.

Overall, more than 50 heads of government or state are expected to attend the annual meeting, which generally takes place here in January when this small town is totally covered in snow, but this time it is happening during a sunny weather.The annual meeting of 2021 could not take place physically, while the 2022 one had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

Also Read | Australia Election Results 2022: Vote Count Begins for General Election After Polling Ends.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) said the Annual Meeting 2022 will focus on 'history at a turning point', the theme of the summit.

The issues to be discussed include government policies and business strategies against a backdrop of the global pandemic, and the war in Ukraine and geo-economic challenges.

The meeting convenes at a strategic point where public figures and global leaders will meet in-person to reconnect, exchange insights, gain fresh perspectives and advance solutions.

The meeting's overriding priority is to accelerate progress and make an impact in tackling global challenges and improving the state of the world, the WEF said.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders and experts from around the globe, all committed to the "Davos Spirit" of improving the state of the world.

Against the backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the unprecedented global context calls for purpose and resolve, and the meeting's ambition is to rise to these challenges, the WEF said.

Over the past two years, the World Economic Forum said, it has strengthened its impact initiatives, which deal with issues ranging from COVID-19 and climate change to education as well as technology and energy governance.

These include the Reskilling Revolution, an initiative to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and jobs by 2030; an initiative on universal environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics and disclosures to measure stakeholder capitalism; and the 1 Trillion trees initiative, 1t.org, to protect trees and forests and restore the planet's ecosystems.

With the world at such a critical turning point, global business and government leaders need to work together to develop long-term policies and strategies that will revitalise the hard-hit global economy, strengthen the progress made to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution and tackle the single greatest threat to humanity -- climate change, said the WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private partnership.

"The Annual Meeting is the first summit that brings global leaders together in this new situation characterised by an emerging multipolar world due to the pandemic and war.

"The fact that nearly 2,500 leaders from politics, business civil society and media come together in person demonstrates the need for a trusted, informal and action-oriented global platform to confront the issues in a crisis-driven world," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Cutting across the theme of the meeting are several priorities and issues that define the current moment and will shape the years to come.

The programme will focus on six thematic pillars. These include fostering global and regional cooperation; how to restore stability amid a new era of geopolitical conflict and tension as well as advancing trade, prosperity and partnerships; and securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth.

These also include how to stabilise the real economy and the financial system, while also determining the future of balanced growth, globalisation and development; and building healthy and equitable societies.

The leaders will also discuss how to move beyond the health emergency phase of the pandemic, rebuilding in its wake and strengthening health resilience for future threats as well as investing in good jobs, living wages, skills and education, not forgetting to redefine stakeholder capitalism for a new context.

Over 1,250 leaders from the private sector will be participating, along with nearly 100 Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers -- the world's most promising tech and business start-ups and scale-ups.

Civil society will be represented by more than 200 leaders from NGOs, social entrepreneurs, academia, labour organisations, faith-based and religious groups, and over 400 media leaders and reporting press.

The Annual Meeting will also bring together younger generations, with 100 members of the Forum's Global Shaper and Young Global Leader communities participating.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Zardari is due to arrive late Saturday on his maiden visit to China to hold comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to firm-up all-weather ties between the two countries.

This will be Bilawal's first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last month, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

The 33-year old, whose mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were former Prime Ministers is just back from New York where he held talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed strengthening the US- relations which deteriorated during the previous Imran Khan regime.

In his interviews to the media after his talks with Blinken, Bilawal ruled out that Pakistan's growing relationship with the US would hurt its ties to Beijing.

The Global Times reported that Bilawal is expected to arrive in China late Saturday and official activities will start from Sunday morning.

He is due to hold extensive consultations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday to establish first direct contact between the new government headed by Shehbaz Sharif with the Chinese leadership.

According to informed sources, the talks between both the Foreign Ministers will be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sunday.

Their meeting was being held in Guangzhou as Beijing is currently under semi-lockdown to contain the fast spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Bilawal is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials, state-run APP news agency reported earlier.

Ahead of his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness, he tweeted from his official account.

Foreign Minister Zardari's two-day visit to May 21 marks the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties almost a year after India.

India became the first non-Communist country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on April 1, 1950.

Bilawal already held talks with Wang through video link on May 12 followed by a virtual meeting between Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Their talks were focussed on strengthening the safeguarding of safety for Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan in view of the spate of attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide bomb attack at the Karachi University and revitalising the USD 60 billion Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is bogged down by delays.

India protested to China as the CPEC is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Close ties between Pakistan-China in the last 4-decades widely believed to be aimed at countering India remained steady despite the periodic political crisis in Pakistan leading to a change of governments including those by the military rulers.

During their talks Bilawal and Wang will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Foreign Office said on Friday.

In April, Bilawal's predecessor Shah Mehmood Qureshi during his visit to China has announced that Beijing has agreed to roll-over USD 4.5 billion debt due to be paid by Pakistan this year.

On Friday Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Bilawal visit will see his hope of taking China as the first destination of his overseas visits realised and also marks the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the new Pakistani government was formed.

"As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it is necessary for China and Pakistan to strengthen communication and coordination on major strategic issues and jointly respond to new developments in the and regional situation and various risks and challenges," Wang Wenbin said.

He said Wang Yi will hold a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views with Bilawal on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

"China hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to renew our traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, further deepen our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era," the spokesman said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



Jayathi Y. Murthy and Charles R. Martinez Jr. are the two finalists in Oregon State Universitys search for the next university president.

Murthy is the Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Martinez is the 12th dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin.

The two candidates will visit the Corvallis campus Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24 for public forums with the university community and in-person interviews with the Board of Trustees.

There will be casual conversation with Martinez on Monday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. and 1-1:45 p.m. in the Memorial Union Journey Room. Martinezs university forum, which will consist of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session, is Monday from 3-4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.

The casual conversation with Murthy will be Tuesday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. and 1-1:45 p.m. in the Memorial Union Journey Room. Murthys university forum is Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend these events in person, but they will also be livestreamed and recorded with a link for later viewing. A candidate community input form will go live Monday morning.

The board is expected to make a final decision by June 7, with the next president assuming his or her position in July.

More information about the presidential search process is available at https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/presidential-search.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Armed Bandits killed at least 360 persons in the first quarter of 2022 (January  March) in Kaduna State, a security report by the state government has revealed.

According to the 52-page quarterly report presented to the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by the Commisioner for internal security, Samjuel Aruwan, on Thursday, the figure also includes those killed in communal clashes.

The latest figure by the state government comes as attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the North-west heightened in the past few months.

In 2021, bandits killed 1,192 people in the state and kidnapped 3,348 others, according to SBM Intelligence.

Deaths from insecurity in the state in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in the North-east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, which are battling terrorism.

The gunmen attacked public and private institutions, schools, and communities as they intensified their campaigns in the state.

In August 2021, terrorists attacked the countrys foremost military institution  the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)  in Kaduna town. Five months earlier, the gunmen had attacked the Kaduna Airports FAAN Quarters.

Latest report

According to the report, 1,389 persons were kidnapped during the period under review within the three senatorial zones of the states.

Among the local government areas worst hit were Birnin Gwari, where 169 persons were kidnapped, Giwa 158, Igabi 263, Chikun 287 and Kajuru 203.

It also said no fewer than 249 people were kidnapped due to banditry and other violent attacks in the Kaduna South Senatorial District alone within the same period.

Other incidents are the rape of 10 women, including six minors, 258 injured due to banditry and communal clashes while 3,251 animals rustled during the period. Of the 3,251 animals, 3,137 were stolen from Kaduna Central, accounting for 97 per cent of the total.

According to the report, 41 bandits were neutralised by the ground force while more than 60 were neutralised through various air strikes carried out at identified bandit camps within the state.

Arms intercepted included 18 AK47 rifles, 7 sub-machine guns, 5 pump action rifles and ammunition which includes 22 AK47 magazines, 254 pump action cartridges, and 1,195 rounds of live ammunition, the report said.

Mr Aruwan said that bandits and other criminals carried out their attacks under the influence of various substances, adding that the purchase of drugs by bandits constitutes a major component of their expenditure.

Past experience

Insecurity in Kaduna reached a milestone on May 28 after a train heading for the northern city from Nigerias capital, Abuja was ambushed by suspected bandits, who bombed its tracks.

At least eight people were killed, and 168 were kidnapped and are still missing from the train carrying 970 passengers.

This unprecedented attack, attributed to the failure of authorities to act on intelligence reports, happened only a couple of days after PREMIUM TIMES reported that unidentified gunmen had stormed the Kaduna airport, killing an official on the runway.

Soldiers reportedly repelled the attack, and the airport was shut down.

Within 24 hours, another assault was carried out on the same stretch of tracks using improvised explosive devices, forcing the train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja to stop.

Although the rail line between the cities was first hit in October 2021 when bandits destroyed a portion of the track with explosives, the recent attacks was more severe.

It forced the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to announce, the next day, the suspension of operations on the route, until further notice.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

On the eve of what appears to be a hastily arranged meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, scheduled to take place under the auspices of the EU on 22 April, the need for progress is even greater, yet the chances of tangible achievement can only be contemplated with some caution.

From the ongoing demonstrations engulfing Yerevan to the spillovers of the Ukrainian crisis in the South Caucasus, numerous factors form the current backdrop against which negotiations will be conducted.

Armenia's "six-point package", long shrouded in obscurity, only revealed to the public a week ago, stands as a testament to Yerevan's obduracy to overcome the pressure of the peace-resistant section of the society and is clearly indicative that the old habits of the presently vanquished are yet to be dispelled.

Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, opined that the two offers, the original being made by Baku and the one recently placed in the public domain by Yerevan, should be integrated and form the backbone of a future peace deal. Given the futility of such a summation, the chances of talks progressing within the framework thereby offered are virtually non-existent.

It is true that Pashinyan is currently under pressure, and it is vital that the import of this is neither underestimated nor overestimated. When it comes to internal disquiet and the ongoing demonstrations, they are not yet sufficiently overwhelming to oust the incumbent government, but sufficiently consequential to derail the peace process.

There is a view in some analytical quarters of Armenia that Yerevan is currently pressured both by the West and Russia to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The pro-opposition Hraparak daily has recently published an article in which it was expounded that a comprehensive deal signed, under the pressure of either centres of power, will mean "the loss of Karabakh for Armenia''. The newspaper suggests that, if Yerevan succumbs to the West, the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians could be better protected once Russia is removed from this geography.

This is going to be the third EU-mediated trilateral meeting. The previous two were successful. In fact, the latter, on 6 April, marked the inception of a qualitatively new phase. The bilateral format was borne out of this and foundations were laid to commence negotiations around a peace treaty.

Yet, it is with regret that one has to acknowledge that the momentum it engendered has been insufficiently entrenched. As President Ilham Aliyev noted recently, the border commissions were supposed to meet on 29 April and 16-19 May, but nothing eventuated on either occasion, due to the last-minute change of mind from the Armenian side.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan did not accept the offer to discuss the future status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh included in Armenia's "six-point" plan, and that was the reason for their refusal to convene the last meeting.

In the meantime, on 19 May, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracy, in an interview to Armenpress, in a manner in want of diplomatic subtlety and discretion, reiterated some of the archaic constructs that were once pertinent to the now former conflict. Albeit not being of ultimately critical importance, her words did not go unnoticed in Baku.

"The shifting sands in Ukraine makes statesmanship much more problematic for all concerned than was the case after the trilateral agreement," Dr. Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, told me whilst evaluating the import of the recent unrest in Armenia in the context of the West-Russia confrontation. One can only concur. Both Baku and Yerevan want to ensure that their stance regarding the war in Ukraine is consummate with their exigencies of the post-2020 South Caucasus.

At present, the circumstances are of such a nature that only a jaundiced glance could be thrown at the forthcoming Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting. Prior to the 6 April summit, the overall feeling was one of cautious optimism, which was later justified. Now even a greater reserve seems to guide one's thinking. Yet, as the immutable truth of all time suggests, one cannot rule out anything and realpolitik reigns supreme.
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Davos ski resort at sunrise ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2020, the last time the conference was held in-person. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Russian oligarchs are known for throwing lavish parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

But this year, zero Russian businessmen or companies received the invite, according to multiple reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

Russian oligarchs  and their lavish parties  will be noticeably absent this year from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos as Putin's war on Ukraine nears its fourth month.

Not one Russian official, executive, or company received an invite to the exclusive conference, which kicks off on Monday. Meanwhile, a philanthropic group has turned the site's "Russia House" into an exhibition called the "Russia War Crimes House," Reuters reports.

It's the first time the conference will exclude Russians among its elite attendees since the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Bloomberg first reported. In 2020, Russians were the third most-represented billionaires in attendance, per the outlet.

"We are not engaging with any sanctioned individual and have frozen all relations with Russian entities," Amanda Russo, a WEF spokesperson, told Politico back in March. WEF did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment.

After two years of virtual-only events, the grand meeting of the world's political and economic elite is attempting to reclaim its place in a post-pandemic, war-torn world. The boycott is a far cry from WEF's response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2015, after which they invited President Vladimir Putin to speak at the event.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who is currently sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is known for throwing opulent after-parties at the conference. In 2018, the billionaire aluminum magnate hosted a bash featuring a performance by Spanish pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Two years prior, models dressed as flight attendants reportedly spoon-fed guests caviar and vodka shots, according to the Politico report.

Story continues

Ukrainian officials have quickly filled Russia's spots at Davos, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled to deliver a virtual keynote address on Monday.

The World Economic Forum condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, adding that it "will do whatever is possible to help and actively support humanitarian and diplomatic efforts."

"We only hope that  in the longer-term  reason will prevail and that the space for bridge-building and reconciliation once more emerges," the statement continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Whats it like in there? How do we climb inside the minds of the most intelligent, creative, offbeat or frightening people we know?

Actor Catherine McClements is up to the task of finding out. Her character in Melbourne Theatre Companys new thriller delves into The Sound Inside  the imagination and intelligence we harbour in our brains, often channelled by the literature we love.

Explaining this, she cant keep still. In a break from rehearsals, shes on the edge of her seat, all animation, hands whirling to make a point as she tries to bring her character alive while still sitting down.

From left, Shiv Palekar, Sarah Goodes and Catherine McClements contemplate the life of the mind in The Sound Inside. Credit:Eddie Jim

If this is the life of the mind, it certainly sends a charge through her body. Among many things, the plays about characters who love books ... they understand their lives through books and stories, she says. The two characters are quite alone in some ways but live a full life in other ways through writing and reading stories.
Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 21 (ANI): In order to ensure peace and communal harmony in the border state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab VK Bhawra on Saturday chaired two high-level meetings to review law and order and the crime situation in Amritsar and Jalandhar Commissionerates, Border Range, and Jalandhar Range.

The DGP was accompanied by ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and IGP Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh, as per a press release from DGP's office.

Also Read | Mumbai Rains 2022: City Ready for Monsoon Season, 78% of Nullah Desilting Work Completed, Says Aaditya Thackeray.

The first meeting was held at Police lines Amritsar, which was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Arun Pal Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohinish Chawla, and SSPs of Border Range. The second meeting was held in Jalandhar in the presence of Special DGP PAP Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota, CP Jalandhar Gurpreet Singh Toor, DIG Jalandhar Range S Boopathi, and SSPs of Jalandhar Range.

DGP VK Bhawra, while addressing these meetings, emphasized that action against terrorism, gangsters, and drugs should be assigned the highest priority and intensified.

Also Read | Fuel Prices Reduction a Formality, Says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

He also asked officers to remain extra alert in view of the forthcoming Ghallughara week to avert any untoward incident.

While directing CPs/SSPs to maintain public order, he also ordered them to take stern action against those trying to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State.

After the briefing with senior officers, the DGP had expressed satisfaction that Punjab Police has been doing a great job on the counter-terrorism front and various modules have already been busted in the state with the arrest of people involved in this crime.

He also gave clear instructions to officers not to let anyone disturb the peace and communal harmony in the State. If any person is found indulging in any violent activity, he should be dealt with firmly as per law of the land.

DGP VK Bhawra also cautioned the people of Punjab to remain alert and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious thing lying abandoned or unclaimed anywhere, in public places, trains, buses or restaurants etc. "People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Trend

Tajikistan and China discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening inter-parliamentary ties, Trend reports via press service of Dushanbe City Hall.

Mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Li Zhanshu noted that inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important part of Tajik-Chinese relations.

During the meeting, the Chinese side focused on expanding cooperation in construction and reconstruction of energy facilities, production base of "green technologies" such as electric vehicles and solar panels.

The parties also stressed that the enhancing cooperation in the spheres of culture education, healthcare, as well as fruitful interaction between Tajikistan and China are the main priorities of the bilateral partnership.
By Trend

Tajikistan and China discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening inter-parliamentary ties, Trend reports via press service of Dushanbe City Hall.

Mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Li Zhanshu noted that inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important part of Tajik-Chinese relations.

During the meeting, the Chinese side focused on expanding cooperation in construction and reconstruction of energy facilities, production base of "green technologies" such as electric vehicles and solar panels.

The parties also stressed that the enhancing cooperation in the spheres of culture education, healthcare, as well as fruitful interaction between Tajikistan and China are the main priorities of the bilateral partnership.
By Trend

The top defense body on Friday confirmed that the United Kingdom has lifted all restrictions on arms exports to Turkey, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

It felt more positive to see that positive steps that were promised earlier have been taken, implemented and removed, especially regarding some restrictions imposed on Turkey, said Ismail Demir, the head of Turkeys Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).

The British government in December announced it would resume exports but said new export licenses would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It had halted exports to Turkey after its military operation seeking to clear northern Syria of the terrorist organization PKKs Syrian wing, the YPG, in 2019.

It is important to take these positive steps, to act in the spirit of alliance, and we have seen how positive a positive agenda can be formed if the U.K. side behaves in accordance with this spirit, Demir told reporters during his visit to London.

He said important details on technical issues were discussed, and at the same time, steps were taken in principle to bring bilateral ties to a higher level in the field of defense. The meetings also addressed cooperation opportunities in other countries, Demir said.
By Trend

The top defense body on Friday confirmed that the United Kingdom has lifted all restrictions on arms exports to Turkey, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

It felt more positive to see that positive steps that were promised earlier have been taken, implemented and removed, especially regarding some restrictions imposed on Turkey, said Ismail Demir, the head of Turkeys Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).

The British government in December announced it would resume exports but said new export licenses would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It had halted exports to Turkey after its military operation seeking to clear northern Syria of the terrorist organization PKKs Syrian wing, the YPG, in 2019.

It is important to take these positive steps, to act in the spirit of alliance, and we have seen how positive a positive agenda can be formed if the U.K. side behaves in accordance with this spirit, Demir told reporters during his visit to London.

He said important details on technical issues were discussed, and at the same time, steps were taken in principle to bring bilateral ties to a higher level in the field of defense. The meetings also addressed cooperation opportunities in other countries, Demir said.
Whats it like in there? How do we climb inside the minds of the most intelligent, creative, offbeat or frightening people we know?

Actor Catherine McClements is up to the task of finding out. Her character in Melbourne Theatre Companys new thriller delves into The Sound Inside  the imagination and intelligence we harbour in our brains, often channelled by the literature we love.

Explaining this, she cant keep still. In a break from rehearsals, shes on the edge of her seat, all animation, hands whirling to make a point as she tries to bring her character alive while still sitting down.

From left, Shiv Palekar, Sarah Goodes and Catherine McClements contemplate the life of the mind in The Sound Inside. Credit:Eddie Jim

If this is the life of the mind, it certainly sends a charge through her body. Among many things, the plays about characters who love books ... they understand their lives through books and stories, she says. The two characters are quite alone in some ways but live a full life in other ways through writing and reading stories.
By Trend

The top defense body on Friday confirmed that the United Kingdom has lifted all restrictions on arms exports to Turkey, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

It felt more positive to see that positive steps that were promised earlier have been taken, implemented and removed, especially regarding some restrictions imposed on Turkey, said Ismail Demir, the head of Turkeys Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).

The British government in December announced it would resume exports but said new export licenses would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It had halted exports to Turkey after its military operation seeking to clear northern Syria of the terrorist organization PKKs Syrian wing, the YPG, in 2019.

It is important to take these positive steps, to act in the spirit of alliance, and we have seen how positive a positive agenda can be formed if the U.K. side behaves in accordance with this spirit, Demir told reporters during his visit to London.

He said important details on technical issues were discussed, and at the same time, steps were taken in principle to bring bilateral ties to a higher level in the field of defense. The meetings also addressed cooperation opportunities in other countries, Demir said.
By Trend

The top defense body on Friday confirmed that the United Kingdom has lifted all restrictions on arms exports to Turkey, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

It felt more positive to see that positive steps that were promised earlier have been taken, implemented and removed, especially regarding some restrictions imposed on Turkey, said Ismail Demir, the head of Turkeys Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).

The British government in December announced it would resume exports but said new export licenses would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It had halted exports to Turkey after its military operation seeking to clear northern Syria of the terrorist organization PKKs Syrian wing, the YPG, in 2019.

It is important to take these positive steps, to act in the spirit of alliance, and we have seen how positive a positive agenda can be formed if the U.K. side behaves in accordance with this spirit, Demir told reporters during his visit to London.

He said important details on technical issues were discussed, and at the same time, steps were taken in principle to bring bilateral ties to a higher level in the field of defense. The meetings also addressed cooperation opportunities in other countries, Demir said.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus

By Jennifer Rigby and Natalie Grover

LONDON (Reuters) - The World Health Organization was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Monkeypox is usually a mild viral illness, characterised by symptoms of fever as well as a distinctive bumpy rash.

"This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe," said Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) committee meeting to discuss the issue is the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH), which advises on infection risks that could pose a global health threat.

It would not be responsible for deciding whether the outbreak should be declared a public health emergency of international concern, WHO's highest form of alert, which is currently applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Story continues

"There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time," a senior U.S. administration official said.

COMMUNITY SPREAD

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he said.

Still, the WHO's European chief said he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox, according to the WHO.

British authorities said they have offered a smallpox vaccine to some healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed to monkeypox.

Since 1970, monkeypox cases have been reported in 11 African countries. Nigeria has had a large ongoing outbreak since 2017. So far this year, there have been 46 suspected cases, of which 15 have since been confirmed, according to the WHO.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria.

Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed outside Africa, according to a tracker https://twitter.com/MOUGK/status/1527055553876348928 by a University of Oxford academic.

Many of the cases are not linked to travel to the continent. As a result, the cause of this outbreak is unclear, although health authorities have said that there is potentially some degree of community spread.

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

In Britain, where 20 cases have been now confirmed, the UK Health Security Agency said the recent cases in the country were predominantly among men who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

Portugal detected nine more cases on Friday, taking its total to 23.

The previous tally of 14 cases were all detected in sexual health clinics and were men aged between 20 and 40 years old who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

It was too early to say if the illness has morphed into a sexually transmitted disease, said Alessio D'Amato, health commissioner of the Lazio region in Italy. Three cases have been reported so far in the country.

"The idea that there's some sort of sexual transmission in this, I think, is a little bit of a stretch," said Stuart Neil, professor of virology at Kings College London.

Scientists are sequencing the virus from different cases to see if they are linked, the WHO has said. The agency is expected to provide an update soon.

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby and Natalie Grover in London; additional reporting by Emma Pinedo Gonzalez, Emma Farge, Catriona Demony, Patricia Weiss, Eric Beech, Dan Williams and Michael Erman; Writing by Josephine Mason and Costas Pitas; Editing by Nick Macfie, David Clarke and Bill Berkrot)

Marion Cotillard looked incredible as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The actress, 46, put on a leggy display in a thigh-skimming pink minidress featuring silver embellishments as she posed up a storm for photographers.

She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event.

Sensational: Marion Cotillard put on a leggy display in a pink minidress as she attended a photo call for her film Brother And Sister during the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.

Marion was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit.

The French language movie, which is described as a heart wrenching drama sees Marion play Alice, a woman who is forced to reconnect with her estranged brother following their parent's death.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event.

Out of this world: She contrasted her look with a pair of black leather boots and opted not to wear any accessories for the glitzy event

Stunning: Her chocolate locks cascaded over her shoulder and she painted her nails a classic shade of black, while accentuating her natural beauty with a full face of make-up

Dapper: She was soon joined by Melvil Poupaud, who stars as Louis in the picture, who looked suave in a black pinstripe suit

She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts.

Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses.

The Taxi star let her brunette tresses fall in natural waves across her shoulders and accentuated her features with a light touch of make-up.

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

Unique: Elsewhere on Saturday, Marion showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out of Le Majestic Hotel during the 75th annual event

Incredible: She flaunted her toned pegs in a black and white panelled jacket, which she wore over a sparkling top and black cycling shorts

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

Looking good: Marion completed her unique ensemble with a pair of white heeled shoes and sported an oversized pair of white sunglasses

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.

By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.

Rachael Colasanto didnt realize she needed to move to Tucson until she was already here.

Shes the kind of person from the New York suburbs who spends her young life assuming she will inevitably end up in the big city. And she did. Rachael was living in Bushwick, arguably the trendiest neighborhood in inarguably trendy Brooklyn, when she started making focaccia.

When friends are over, we sometimes find ourselves debating the best bread, she said.

Her partner, collagist and reason for leaving New York, Zakaria Zak Boucetta, is Moroccan. He speaks French and believes in the baguette. Rachael loves this about him, and also she wasnt convinced.

Baguette sandwiches ruin the top of my mouth with their crunchy outside, she said, the memory of pain flashing in her eyes. No, she prefers focaccia: a soft bread, easily cut in half with just enough crunch on the outside.

You can slice into it, bite into it with ease, Rachael said.

When she still lived in the city, she would make a special trip to the rock star vegetarian restaurant Superiority Burger on Fridays, when they used focaccia for a bun.

They were always experimenting, trying something new. It felt special to look forward to that one day a week, she said.

After her focaccia made a splash at a dinner party, Rachael started regularly making the Italian bread in a kitchen barely wider than a human wingspan. Though Rachael would describe herself as a purist in most areas, focaccia was somewhere she could play.

Im the kind of person who takes themselves way too seriously, she said. While focaccia can be straight-laced, topped simply with olives or herbs, she used the bread as a medium for expression.

Rachael considered herself a hobbyist until a chef friend from abroad lauded her work. Her focaccias crispy edges are tender in their olive-oiled fattiness, yielding to delightfully pillowy interior.

Ive had focaccia that wasnt using olive oil the way they should, she said. To get that crispy edge, you need to slather, she said.

Her flavor profiles catch your attention: a pink-crusted beet root focaccia with thyme, tarragon and coriander; artichoke and zaatar; chive and black garlic. Her favorite flavor is chimichurri, made with herbs, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, sesame and zaatar.

Under Arizonas cottage baking license, as a home baker shes not allowed to use fresh vegetables, so shes working on an adapted chimichurri recipe that uses dried cilantro. She attended a class about Tucsons heritage foods  incorporating those ingredients is the next challenge on her horizon.

While her chef friends praise was the validation she needed to launch a business, Holy Focaccia, out of her home kitchen, in New York it feels like whatever youre doing isnt special cause theres someone else doing it, she said. Though she knew she was making something really good, she worried she would reach a point where she was charging friends for a product she used to offer them for free at her house.

Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up

Enter a job offer from Rick Joy Studios in Tucson, delivered to her partner Zak, who is an architect. Rachael was willing to leave New York, but she wasnt trying to. The trope of a burnt-out Brooklynite, moving somewhere exotic in search of a simpler life? Thats not her story. I didnt know I needed to leave New York until I got here, she said.

She loves Tucson and can articulate what is so great about our town with the fresh eyes of a newcomer. She loves the sense of ease here, how when she looks at her barista, full of gratitude for her morning coffee, and thanks them, they both have a moment to connect on a human level. In New York, that precious exchange was lost in the bustle.

I think people value collaboration over competition here, she said. Zak has this colleague from Mexico City, who he asked, What is it about Tucson? What makes it special? [His colleague] responded saying, You come here and you dont have an ego. Its about learning and living, she said.

Holy Focaccia has mostly spread through word-of-mouth and recommendations on social media. I found out about Holy Focaccia when foodie Melissa Stihl featured Holy Focaccia in an Instagram Story. Some have heard about it from Rachaels neighbor, an early adopter. Most people find out through their friends.

For now, Rachael is still working full-time remotely, rolling out of bed for 6 a.m. Zoom calls on weekdays. She gets up just as early on weekends, but of her own volition, to go on a hike, or to prepare or bake her focaccia in her home.

Theres a morning golden hour, about 60 minutes past sunrise, when sunlight beams through her kitchen window. She gets up for that moment in the sun and to make bread that will be picked up on her front porch. That precious focaccia will then be broken and savored among friends, loved ones  neighbors and Tucsonans all.

Im here for the community, Rachael said. I feel like thats what so many people want.

Holy Focaccia

Location: Rachael Colasantos home in Barrio Viejo; she will disclose the address upon confirming your order.

Hours: Flavors of the week are posted on Wednesdays. Orders are accepted Wednesday-Saturday by Instagram direct message. Pickups are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Price: $8 for a piccola (6 inches by 9 inches) | $18 for a grande (12 inches by 16 inches)

For more information, check out their Instagram page.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Dame Deborah James has said she was blown away after her charity T-shirt line sold out within hours of being launched.

The cancer campaigner, known as Bowel Babe, announced she was releasing the tops emblazoned with the motto Rebellious Hope on Thursday as part of a new clothing range.

But fans snapped up the first 10,000 T-shirts  created with fashion brand In The Style  within one hour.

Dame Deborah James has said she was blown away after her charity T-shirt Rebellious Hope line sold out within hours of being launched

The cancer campaigner, known as Bowel Babe, announced she was releasing the tops emblazoned with the motto Rebellious Hope on Thursday as part of a new clothing range

Another batch of 10,000 was then released which also sold out within minutes.

The sales have raised about 140,000 for Dame Deborahs Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK  with total donations soaring past 6.4million.

The 40-year-old, who is receiving end-of-life care for stage four bowel cancer, told The Sun: I cant believe how quickly it sold out. I am blown away yet again. The charity T-shirt is just a sneak peek but I am so proud.

Dame Deborah, whose memoir topped Amazons bestsellers chart this week, said her clothing collection will also include the dress she wore when Prince William presented her damehood.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND WE PRESENT THE COMPLETE "EMILY BRISK" SERIES - ONE AFTER THE OTHER! REDISCOVER OR READ FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS STRANGE SCIENCE FICTION TALE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- link to original show for listening to this 'on demand': https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/131/40992.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a bitter argument the Brisk sisters decided to take a vacation together to New York. Tom was dying to take his brand new Audi Q7 for a road trip anyways. This was an excellent opportunity. It was so great to see the city in all of it's height, splendor and filth again. Tom had almost juvenile fun playing his Techno downloads on his new sound-system. It put Emily's last mysterious experience with New York further tucked in to the back of her mind. Emily had a list of things she wanted to check out like Governor's Island. The first week was fun for everybody in the strangest way. After all the girls both had history in the city from years ago. On the Monday of the second week Nancy had to visit a special task force meeting at the Federal Plaza building. She had previously mentioned to Tom that she was working with the same task force back in Boston. It was expected to last a couple of hours and Tom and Emily decided to check out the old American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West in the mean time. Walking around the museum Tom talked about various examples in history where people mysteriously appeared from other versions of the same world. Emily was especially intrigued with "The Taured Man" and a man called Jophar Vorin from some mysterious country called Laxaria. Emily went on and on about how much missed Charmaine. Tom seemed to be the most sympathetic and understanding. Emily liked the way Tom seemed to wholly accept that Charmaine was a real person; not some kind of figment of her imagination. That helped so much. That task force that Nancy was part of was investigating a strange new organized crime group that was very violent and dangerous. Nancy was advised to remain fully armed at all times in New York. There was a horrible sense that this group was possibly watching the F.B.I. somehow. When she finally got back with Emily and Tom she was kind of nervous. She was very careful to conceal her concerns and heightened sense of readiness. On the last night in the Hilton Midtown Nancy didn't really relax or sleep well. That last morning; before the drive back to Boston, there was just one last address that Emily wanted to check out. She kept talking about how Charmaine had said "If you ever come to the South Bronx you should come to my house at 94 Locust Avenue and visit us..." As they drove down Locust Avenue there was laughter in the car. Emily had initially thought that maybe there would be the very same house where Charmaine lives with her mother. There were no houses! This was not a place where anybody had ever lived. That end of Locust was a heavy industrial area. Dust and the rumble of big rigs was everywhere, in fact Tom's Audi seemed tiny and out of place. A sudden unanimous decision to turn around and head to the highway for Boston resulted in Tom doing a quick u turn after East 133rd Street. What Nancy would immediately spot on the sidewalk would completely change the whole trip. As an F.B.I. agent she was compelled to abruptly request that Tom stop the car! On the sidewalk there was blonde teen aged girl on a strange looking bicycle who looked extremely upset. This part of the South Bronx was no place for a teen girl to be riding a bike around. Both sisters bounced out of the car and approached the girl when Emily suddenly yelled out "Charmaine!?! Is that you, Charmaine?" There on a sidewalk in this world's filthy and noisy South Bronx was the very same Charmaine whom Emily had befriended on that mysterious "private island". What in the world was she doing in this world? It was such a sudden shock and burst of emotion for Emily to finally see her again! Charmaine responded "Emily! I thought that I would never ever ever see you again!" She burst into tears and muttered "I've been such a bad girl. Where is my house? I've got to get home! My house has disappeared! My house is gone!! I don't know what is going on! My mother is going to miss me..." Emily wrapped her arms around Charmaine while she was clinging to her bicycle for dear life and shivering with terror. Nancy just stood there staring at them.
Rachael Colasanto didnt realize she needed to move to Tucson until she was already here.

Shes the kind of person from the New York suburbs who spends her young life assuming she will inevitably end up in the big city. And she did. Rachael was living in Bushwick, arguably the trendiest neighborhood in inarguably trendy Brooklyn, when she started making focaccia.

When friends are over, we sometimes find ourselves debating the best bread, she said.

Her partner, collagist and reason for leaving New York, Zakaria Zak Boucetta, is Moroccan. He speaks French and believes in the baguette. Rachael loves this about him, and also she wasnt convinced.

Baguette sandwiches ruin the top of my mouth with their crunchy outside, she said, the memory of pain flashing in her eyes. No, she prefers focaccia: a soft bread, easily cut in half with just enough crunch on the outside.

You can slice into it, bite into it with ease, Rachael said.

When she still lived in the city, she would make a special trip to the rock star vegetarian restaurant Superiority Burger on Fridays, when they used focaccia for a bun.

They were always experimenting, trying something new. It felt special to look forward to that one day a week, she said.

After her focaccia made a splash at a dinner party, Rachael started regularly making the Italian bread in a kitchen barely wider than a human wingspan. Though Rachael would describe herself as a purist in most areas, focaccia was somewhere she could play.

Im the kind of person who takes themselves way too seriously, she said. While focaccia can be straight-laced, topped simply with olives or herbs, she used the bread as a medium for expression.

Rachael considered herself a hobbyist until a chef friend from abroad lauded her work. Her focaccias crispy edges are tender in their olive-oiled fattiness, yielding to delightfully pillowy interior.

Ive had focaccia that wasnt using olive oil the way they should, she said. To get that crispy edge, you need to slather, she said.

Her flavor profiles catch your attention: a pink-crusted beet root focaccia with thyme, tarragon and coriander; artichoke and zaatar; chive and black garlic. Her favorite flavor is chimichurri, made with herbs, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, sesame and zaatar.

Under Arizonas cottage baking license, as a home baker shes not allowed to use fresh vegetables, so shes working on an adapted chimichurri recipe that uses dried cilantro. She attended a class about Tucsons heritage foods  incorporating those ingredients is the next challenge on her horizon.

While her chef friends praise was the validation she needed to launch a business, Holy Focaccia, out of her home kitchen, in New York it feels like whatever youre doing isnt special cause theres someone else doing it, she said. Though she knew she was making something really good, she worried she would reach a point where she was charging friends for a product she used to offer them for free at her house.

Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up

Enter a job offer from Rick Joy Studios in Tucson, delivered to her partner Zak, who is an architect. Rachael was willing to leave New York, but she wasnt trying to. The trope of a burnt-out Brooklynite, moving somewhere exotic in search of a simpler life? Thats not her story. I didnt know I needed to leave New York until I got here, she said.

She loves Tucson and can articulate what is so great about our town with the fresh eyes of a newcomer. She loves the sense of ease here, how when she looks at her barista, full of gratitude for her morning coffee, and thanks them, they both have a moment to connect on a human level. In New York, that precious exchange was lost in the bustle.

I think people value collaboration over competition here, she said. Zak has this colleague from Mexico City, who he asked, What is it about Tucson? What makes it special? [His colleague] responded saying, You come here and you dont have an ego. Its about learning and living, she said.

Holy Focaccia has mostly spread through word-of-mouth and recommendations on social media. I found out about Holy Focaccia when foodie Melissa Stihl featured Holy Focaccia in an Instagram Story. Some have heard about it from Rachaels neighbor, an early adopter. Most people find out through their friends.

For now, Rachael is still working full-time remotely, rolling out of bed for 6 a.m. Zoom calls on weekdays. She gets up just as early on weekends, but of her own volition, to go on a hike, or to prepare or bake her focaccia in her home.

Theres a morning golden hour, about 60 minutes past sunrise, when sunlight beams through her kitchen window. She gets up for that moment in the sun and to make bread that will be picked up on her front porch. That precious focaccia will then be broken and savored among friends, loved ones  neighbors and Tucsonans all.

Im here for the community, Rachael said. I feel like thats what so many people want.

Holy Focaccia

Location: Rachael Colasantos home in Barrio Viejo; she will disclose the address upon confirming your order.

Hours: Flavors of the week are posted on Wednesdays. Orders are accepted Wednesday-Saturday by Instagram direct message. Pickups are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Price: $8 for a piccola (6 inches by 9 inches) | $18 for a grande (12 inches by 16 inches)

For more information, check out their Instagram page.
Rachael Colasanto didnt realize she needed to move to Tucson until she was already here.

Shes the kind of person from the New York suburbs who spends her young life assuming she will inevitably end up in the big city. And she did. Rachael was living in Bushwick, arguably the trendiest neighborhood in inarguably trendy Brooklyn, when she started making focaccia.

When friends are over, we sometimes find ourselves debating the best bread, she said.

Her partner, collagist and reason for leaving New York, Zakaria Zak Boucetta, is Moroccan. He speaks French and believes in the baguette. Rachael loves this about him, and also she wasnt convinced.

Baguette sandwiches ruin the top of my mouth with their crunchy outside, she said, the memory of pain flashing in her eyes. No, she prefers focaccia: a soft bread, easily cut in half with just enough crunch on the outside.

You can slice into it, bite into it with ease, Rachael said.

When she still lived in the city, she would make a special trip to the rock star vegetarian restaurant Superiority Burger on Fridays, when they used focaccia for a bun.

They were always experimenting, trying something new. It felt special to look forward to that one day a week, she said.

After her focaccia made a splash at a dinner party, Rachael started regularly making the Italian bread in a kitchen barely wider than a human wingspan. Though Rachael would describe herself as a purist in most areas, focaccia was somewhere she could play.

Im the kind of person who takes themselves way too seriously, she said. While focaccia can be straight-laced, topped simply with olives or herbs, she used the bread as a medium for expression.

Rachael considered herself a hobbyist until a chef friend from abroad lauded her work. Her focaccias crispy edges are tender in their olive-oiled fattiness, yielding to delightfully pillowy interior.

Ive had focaccia that wasnt using olive oil the way they should, she said. To get that crispy edge, you need to slather, she said.

Her flavor profiles catch your attention: a pink-crusted beet root focaccia with thyme, tarragon and coriander; artichoke and zaatar; chive and black garlic. Her favorite flavor is chimichurri, made with herbs, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, sesame and zaatar.

Under Arizonas cottage baking license, as a home baker shes not allowed to use fresh vegetables, so shes working on an adapted chimichurri recipe that uses dried cilantro. She attended a class about Tucsons heritage foods  incorporating those ingredients is the next challenge on her horizon.

While her chef friends praise was the validation she needed to launch a business, Holy Focaccia, out of her home kitchen, in New York it feels like whatever youre doing isnt special cause theres someone else doing it, she said. Though she knew she was making something really good, she worried she would reach a point where she was charging friends for a product she used to offer them for free at her house.

Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up

Enter a job offer from Rick Joy Studios in Tucson, delivered to her partner Zak, who is an architect. Rachael was willing to leave New York, but she wasnt trying to. The trope of a burnt-out Brooklynite, moving somewhere exotic in search of a simpler life? Thats not her story. I didnt know I needed to leave New York until I got here, she said.

She loves Tucson and can articulate what is so great about our town with the fresh eyes of a newcomer. She loves the sense of ease here, how when she looks at her barista, full of gratitude for her morning coffee, and thanks them, they both have a moment to connect on a human level. In New York, that precious exchange was lost in the bustle.

I think people value collaboration over competition here, she said. Zak has this colleague from Mexico City, who he asked, What is it about Tucson? What makes it special? [His colleague] responded saying, You come here and you dont have an ego. Its about learning and living, she said.

Holy Focaccia has mostly spread through word-of-mouth and recommendations on social media. I found out about Holy Focaccia when foodie Melissa Stihl featured Holy Focaccia in an Instagram Story. Some have heard about it from Rachaels neighbor, an early adopter. Most people find out through their friends.

For now, Rachael is still working full-time remotely, rolling out of bed for 6 a.m. Zoom calls on weekdays. She gets up just as early on weekends, but of her own volition, to go on a hike, or to prepare or bake her focaccia in her home.

Theres a morning golden hour, about 60 minutes past sunrise, when sunlight beams through her kitchen window. She gets up for that moment in the sun and to make bread that will be picked up on her front porch. That precious focaccia will then be broken and savored among friends, loved ones  neighbors and Tucsonans all.

Im here for the community, Rachael said. I feel like thats what so many people want.

Holy Focaccia

Location: Rachael Colasantos home in Barrio Viejo; she will disclose the address upon confirming your order.

Hours: Flavors of the week are posted on Wednesdays. Orders are accepted Wednesday-Saturday by Instagram direct message. Pickups are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Price: $8 for a piccola (6 inches by 9 inches) | $18 for a grande (12 inches by 16 inches)

For more information, check out their Instagram page.
Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped.

Under current rules, such donors are completely anonymous  although those who have been involved since 2005 can be contacted by their biological offspring when those children turn 18.

But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which oversees the fertility industry, has warned popular DNA-testing websites make it harder to keep identities private.

Now the fertility watchdog is thinking about advising ministers to scrap anonymity for sperm and egg donors as part of an overhaul on fertility rules.

Peter Thompson, HFEA chief executive, said: We feel that the technology of cheap DNA tests throws into question the underlying assumption [of anonymity].

Given that, the responsible thing to do is to start a conversation about where we as a society want to go on these things. Its a big change.

Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped in an overhaul of the current rules (stock image)

He told The Guardian: You can see a position in the future where confidentiality just becomes impossible, whatever the attitude of families. The honest truth is that people will just find out.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated.

If men could choose to supply their name and contact details when they donate sperm, it would bring the UK closer to the US. In the States, some sperm banks offer women looking for donors a dossier of information, so detailed that it includes mens star sign, religion, hobbies and favourite type of pet.

Fertility charities are concerned that the current lack of known sperm donors, for women who want their childs biological father to be known to them, is pushing people online.

On websites such as Facebook, there is no shortage of sperm donors. However, some try to pressure women into sexual activity or father too many children in one area, raising the risk of unwitting incestuous relationships between them.

Mr Thompson said the HFEA had not settled on a proposal around anonymity. One option under consideration is the anonymity of donors being lifted at birth rather than at age 18.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated and has warned that DNA-testing websites make anonymity more difficult

Asked if this could deter donors, he said that had not been the case when the law changed in 2005. Although the number of donors dipped briefly, it then recovered.

The HFEA is also expected to request stronger powers to fine fertility clinics found to be selling useless add-on treatments. It also wants to make it easier for same-sex couples and single people to access treatment.

More than four million people in Britain are believed to be signed up to DNA-testing websites such as Ancestry DNA.

Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, has previously warned that donor anonymity is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee due to the popularity of such firms.

In a speech to the Fertility 2022 conference, she said: The reality is that donor anonymity as we knew it has gone.

It has long been overtaken by shifts in social attitudes about fertility treatment and donation, and the growth in affordable direct-to-consumer DNA tests, which allow individuals to match and establish their genetic relationships with an increasing degree of accuracy.

France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.






With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped.

Under current rules, such donors are completely anonymous  although those who have been involved since 2005 can be contacted by their biological offspring when those children turn 18.

But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which oversees the fertility industry, has warned popular DNA-testing websites make it harder to keep identities private.

Now the fertility watchdog is thinking about advising ministers to scrap anonymity for sperm and egg donors as part of an overhaul on fertility rules.

Peter Thompson, HFEA chief executive, said: We feel that the technology of cheap DNA tests throws into question the underlying assumption [of anonymity].

Given that, the responsible thing to do is to start a conversation about where we as a society want to go on these things. Its a big change.

Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped in an overhaul of the current rules (stock image)

He told The Guardian: You can see a position in the future where confidentiality just becomes impossible, whatever the attitude of families. The honest truth is that people will just find out.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated.

If men could choose to supply their name and contact details when they donate sperm, it would bring the UK closer to the US. In the States, some sperm banks offer women looking for donors a dossier of information, so detailed that it includes mens star sign, religion, hobbies and favourite type of pet.

Fertility charities are concerned that the current lack of known sperm donors, for women who want their childs biological father to be known to them, is pushing people online.

On websites such as Facebook, there is no shortage of sperm donors. However, some try to pressure women into sexual activity or father too many children in one area, raising the risk of unwitting incestuous relationships between them.

Mr Thompson said the HFEA had not settled on a proposal around anonymity. One option under consideration is the anonymity of donors being lifted at birth rather than at age 18.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated and has warned that DNA-testing websites make anonymity more difficult

Asked if this could deter donors, he said that had not been the case when the law changed in 2005. Although the number of donors dipped briefly, it then recovered.

The HFEA is also expected to request stronger powers to fine fertility clinics found to be selling useless add-on treatments. It also wants to make it easier for same-sex couples and single people to access treatment.

More than four million people in Britain are believed to be signed up to DNA-testing websites such as Ancestry DNA.

Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, has previously warned that donor anonymity is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee due to the popularity of such firms.

In a speech to the Fertility 2022 conference, she said: The reality is that donor anonymity as we knew it has gone.

It has long been overtaken by shifts in social attitudes about fertility treatment and donation, and the growth in affordable direct-to-consumer DNA tests, which allow individuals to match and establish their genetic relationships with an increasing degree of accuracy.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.





Comedian Chappelle, 48, reportedly made new transphobic jokes during a surprise appearance at John Mulaney's show in Columbus. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing criticism after attendees at John Mulaney's Friday show in Columbus, Ohio claimed that the jokes he made during his surprise appearance were targeted at the transgender community.

No phones or recording devices were allowed at the Schottenstein Center event, however, attendees shared on social media that Chappelle, who lives in Ohio, had made a series of transphobic jokes as he performed the opening set. Many of the attendees, who were there to see Mulaney and did not know Chappelle would appear, were outraged by the alleged statements.

"My favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end," one Twitter user wrote.

my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end  rylan  (@testosteronejew) May 21, 2022

"God dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old," another Twitter used said.

god dave chappelle at the columbus john mulaney show was so cringey - made me get second hand embarrassment at his re-used, bland, transphobic comedy that can literally be found in any online comment section from an edgy twelve year old.  mads (@madtmac) May 21, 2022

okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one  maddie (@boobeoisie) May 21, 2022

the way the entire stadium stood and cheered for him made my heart sink. 2 girls behind me laughed harder at chappelle than they did at some of mulaneys jokes and i just couldnt fathom knowing what they wouldve thought about a trans person sitting right in front of them.  rae (spookiest version) (@raegan_givant) May 21, 2022

Many attendees demonstrated their disappointment with Mulaney, since he allegedly came onstage and hugged Chappelle after he performed the opening set.

Story continues

I take back every defense I've made of John mulaney, very divorced of him to have Dave Chappelle open for him and tell a bunch of transphobic jokes. Elon Musk-esque. It's serving moldy leftovers in the lunchbox in the office fridge.  terminallytwee (@terminallytwee) May 21, 2022

@mulaney John, so many of us think the whole world of you. so Im really disappointed that Dave Chappelle was at tonights Columbus show, doling out transphobic jokesand Im kind of devastated that you then embraced him and thanked the audience for dealing with it.  Kaitlin Ruiz (@Kaitlin_M_Ruiz) May 21, 2022

In contrast, some attendees were thrilled with the cameo by Chappelle. There were also several people defending both comedians, saying that just because Mulaney had Chappelle open for him doesn't mean he agrees with all of his jokes.

Paid to see John Mulaneys first standup post-rehab. Got to see Dave Chappelles first standup post-tackle. Money and time well-spent  Kyle Barker (@Eazy_Bake) May 21, 2022

So damn sick and tired of people CONSTANTLY dumping over John Mulaney. Just b/c he had Dave Chappelle open 4 him does NOT in ANY way, shape, fashion or form mean he agrees w/his EVERY joke, thought, etc. You can have an opener and disagree w/them. DAMN!  Victoria (@ukwildcatsfan is my other account) (@MulaneySpade85) May 21, 2022

Man, people are *salty* about Dave Chappelle showing up at the John Mulaney show in Columbus.



Anything goes at a comedy show. Grow up.    (@RuthsFoulBalls) May 21, 2022

It's been a tumultuous month for Chappelle, who was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as he performed as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. The attacker rushed at him toward the end of the set and tackled him to the floor, according to footage gathered at the time. The man then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was found by security.

Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage



pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ  Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022

Chappelle was not injured in the incident, police reported. He continued on with his set, even making jokes about the attack.

Video: Chappelle attacker now charged in Dec. attempted murder case

"It was a trans man," he said, a reference to the controversy around comments he made in his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. In the special, he stated that "gender is a fact" and went on to defend Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who is known for making transphobic statements.

Since his Netflix special sparked controversy, the comedian has continued to fuel the fire with additional jokes about the LGBTQ+ community. Back in November at the screening of his documentary Untitled, Chappelle reportedly used the anti-gay "f-slur" and made jokes about pronouns. He also pretended to identify as a woman to get a cushier prison cell.

Despite his statements, it's clear Chappelle won't be slowing down his momentum anytime soon. In February, it was announced that he would return to Netflix with a series of new specials, titled Chappelle's Home Team.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in North Carolina, one way to keep safe is by getting vaccinated against the virus  and by getting booster doses when eligible for them.

Initial booster doses have been available to all adults in the U.S. since November 2021, with additional groups becoming eligible since then  including children ages 5 to 11, who became eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the past week.

And since March of this year, certain groups  those who are 50 and older or are immunocompromised  have been eligible for an additional, second booster dose.

But in its guidance about second booster doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even if youre eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get your second booster if you feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future.

So, should you wait to get a second booster, or should you get it now, as cases are surging? How long will your second booster be effective?

For answers to those questions and more, The News & Observer talked with Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health.

Heres what we learned. (Spoiler: Its probably a good idea to go ahead and get your second booster dose, if youre eligible.)

Who is eligible for a second COVID vaccine booster?

The following groups of people are currently eligible for a second booster of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:

Adults ages 50 and older.

Adults ages 18 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

People who received two doses  the one-dose vaccine, plus a booster  of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Children ages 12 to 17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine only.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible for a second booster dose, but the FDA authorized in the past week an initial booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

Note: Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not administered as second booster doses. You must get a Pfizer or Moderna shot as your second booster.

When can you get a second COVID vaccine booster?

If you are eligible for a second booster dose, you can receive it four months after you receive your initial booster dose.

If youre eligible for a second booster, should you get it now or wait?

In its guidance on second booster doses, the CDC outlines two scenarios when eligible people might wait to get their second booster:

Youve had COVID-19 within the past three months.

You feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future, either because a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022 or because a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant could become available.

But cases are surging now, months before fall 2022  so is it a good idea to get a second booster now? Yes, Wohl said.

I feel people should not wait to get the booster that they are eligible for, he said.

Boosters make a difference and waiting to get the shot and allow for a surge now because of wanting to be protected later from a surge that may happen does not make sense, Wohl said. There is a lot of COVID-19 being transmitted right now.

In particular, Wohl said people who are 70 and older are particularly at risk and should get their second booster shot immediately.

And even if youve had COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Wohl still advises you get a booster when eligible, though if they wanted to wait a month or so, I would not argue (much) with them, he said.

As the CDC suggests in their guidance, better vaccines in terms of durability and protection against variants are very likely, Wohl said, but that shouldnt keep you from getting a second booster now, if youre eligible.

Until then, we boost to beat back the pandemic, keep people out of our ICUs and funeral homes, and allow us to enjoy relaxing of mitigation strategies, he said.

How long will a second booster dose be effective?

In talking about how long a second booster dose will be effective in fighting the virus, Wohl cited data from Israel, where adults ages 60 and older were given a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The fourth shot, or second booster, added extra protection against serious COVID-19 and this was still evident months after the shot, Wohl said, while protection from mild, symptomatic infection waned after about a month and a half after the fourth shot.

So, a fourth shot protects for a while from getting even a bit sick and longer term from getting really sick, Wohl said. This is why people should get a booster now to protect them during this surge.

Additional information

More information about COVID-19 booster shots is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Information gathered indicates that approximately 18 basic schools in Assin North Municipality in the Central Region are currently facing infrastructure challenges; which is making teaching and learning unattractive. About 60% of these schools are studying under deplorable conditions.

As part of efforts to help salvage the situation, the Network for Assin Development, a non-governmental organization has taken a giant move by donating 80 dual desks and educational materials to Dwenakyi DA Primary School in the Assin North Municipality.

Presenting the items, the Executive Director for Network the Network for Assin Development (NAD), Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that teaching and learning have dwindled in the area as a result of the challenges confronting the schools.

It is in this regard, we are embarking on this donation exercise as part of the 2nd Phase of our project dubbed 'Boanimdea'.

"Education is a fundamental human right for all children and this right may not be realized if strategic measures are not put in place to ensure adequate infrastructure provision to schools, he stated.

Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that children living in the rural areas often struggle to have access to quality education; unlike students in urban areas that benefit from government all the time.

This he said, Dwenakyi is one of the communities that have been neglected when it comes to the provision of social amenities by government.

The Project Coordinator for Network Assin Development (NAD) Rev. Stephen Arthur, giving an overview of the project, noted that prior to their visit to the school some years ago they observed that the school is in dire need of educational materials.

"It is in this regard, we decided to come to their aid. The items donated are worth Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis, (10,000)," he stated.

This year's 4th edition of Boanimdea Project was held in collaboration with Mr. James Ken Coffie a businessman leaving in abroad.

The Chief of the Community, Nana Kofi Osuman commended the Network for Assin Development for coming to the aid of the community stressing that the donation will go long way to help improve teaching and learning in the area.
On a recent Tuesday, a trio of Pima County victim advocates went to assist police with a possible neglect case involving an older woman who was blind and spoke only Spanish.

The woman's daughter had arrived to help translate and was distraught, saying the person who was supposed to be caring for her mother had taken steps to keep the daughter away. She said she'd long wanted to help her mother but hadn't known what to do.

One of the advocates worked with the mother, speaking Spanish and giving her water in the afternoon heat. A second comforted the daughter, speaking in soft tones and offering tissues while just listening.

By the time the exchange was over, both mother and daughter said they felt supported and hopeful. It was just one everyday example of the myriad of situations the advocates respond to, "to help out in the community with folks suffering a loss or tragedy or crime," said Virginia Rodriguez, victim services director for the program run by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

But the program's volunteer force is down to nearly half its pre-pandemic size, and the County Attorney's Office is looking to rebuild its ranks as the need to support victims of crime grows.

The office's Victim Services Division was established in 1975, becoming the first in the country to provide comprehensive assistance to victims of crime both at the scene and while navigating the criminal justice process. There are a handful of advocates on staff.

For years, the office relied on a force of roughly 100 volunteer advocates to help keep the division staffed 24/7, but these days, there are about 55 volunteer advocates, Rodriguez said.

And, with a rise in violent crime in Pima County, calls for advocates are increasing.

Crisis support

Victim advocates provide in-person support and resources to help empower people seeking justice or recovering from trauma.

The division just completed its first training of 2022, which started in February and ran two nights a week for six weeks. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the training  which is usually open to members of the public  was restricted to prospective volunteers only.

With a second and unrestricted training scheduled for September and staffers hitting the streets in August to get the word out, Rodriguez hopes for a full class of advocates to help fill in the gaps in crisis coverage that have resulted due to decreased numbers.

Pima County's victim advocacy program was the first and remains one of the only in the country that includes both court support and on-scene crisis support, Rodriguez said.

"It's very important to the community. Our own community members come together from all walks of life in this common thread to help victims of crime," she said.

During their six weeks of training, advocates learn about working with victims of stalking, domestic violence and child abuse; providing death notifications; cultural awareness and more.

During a recent session on working with children, Victim Compensation Fund coordinator Rosanna Cortez spent two hours walking attendees through tactics that take into account the different impacts trauma can have on a person, to help them sensitively approach and assist a child who was the victim of or witness to a crime.

Cortez, who previously worked as an advocate for 18 years, was among a group of Pima County Attorney's Office advocates who provided support and help to first responders following the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Cortez assisted victims of the Tucson mass shooting involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others, and in 2017, Cortez led a team of PCAO advocates who traveled to Las Vegas to support victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting.

Cortez started the training session by talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE, which include things like physical and emotional abuse, neglect, caregiver mental illness and household violence.

"Given the statistics, we know people in this room have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences," she said. "Do whatever you need if you need to step out, but you know the drill. Someone will step out and check on you and make sure you're OK."

Helping children who are suffering

Cortez provided the group with statistics and facts surrounding child abuse in the form of a multiple choice quiz, with participants using noisemakers to indicate their selection.

From there, they moved onto resilience-building techniques to help empower children and provide them with a renewed or new sense of confidence. They talked about the neuroscience behind childhood brain development and what tools advocates can use to support a child's needs during a time of trauma.

"You may believe that you can help but might not really know what to do. We're hoping by the end of night, you have a few simple strategies and tools to act on if you were to encounter a child tomorrow," Cortez told the group.

Attendees watched videos, participated in discussions and role played ways to work with children in the aftermath of trauma, with Cortez explaining that advocates are mandated by law to report suspected abuse.

"This isn't theoretical, this is something we often have to do," she said. "Young kids disclose incidentally often and they may not realize they're disclosing. If you're the person they pick to tell, you've got to know what to do."

Cortez also taught prospective advocates appropriate things to say to a child when their loved one dies, along with things not to say. She also talked to them about drawing as an intervention tool and how it can be a helpful way for kids to express their feelings.

At the end of the session, attendees split into two groups to practice working with a drawing. Established victim advocates in attendance took on the roles of children and worked with prospective volunteers to practice asking questions about the child's drawing.

"We want you to recognize that every person in the room has the ability to help a child who is suffering," Cortez said.

Forming connections

While the bulk of volunteer advocates seem to be seniors and students, there's a wide diversity in age, political views and language, Rodriguez said. "We get people from all sorts of walks of life."

She said the volunteer force represents the "full spectrum of points of view" but has a built-in camaraderie thanks to the shared experiences.

"Riding along in that van, they can get somebody that grew up in the 1960s paired with someone who is a member of Generation Z," she said. "What other place can you have that face-to-face contact and communication that forms those connections?"

Now that county pandemic restrictions have been lifted, advocates are back in the field providing crisis response and Pima County's courts have opened up.

Rodriguez hopes to expand the program's reach. But that means doubling its volunteer pool so that advocates can provide 24/7 crisis response.

The minimum commitment per month for volunteers is 20 hours, with a variety of duties to choose from ranging from going out on crisis calls, attending court and helping out at the office.

The current greatest need is help with crisis call response, Rodriguez said. As of now, there aren't enough people to regularly cover the overnight shift, which runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

"We'd love to have folks on those shifts, but also having people in the office in the afternoon covering court is very helpful," Rodriguez said. "Crime has gone up and our law enforcement partners are short-staffed. We appreciate when they call us and trust that they call when they need us."

Last year was a record-breaking year for homicides in the city, with 93 homicides reported, according to the Tucson Police Department. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

Having relationships with law enforcement is critical to the program's success but also to having a healthy society in general, Rodriguez said.

Small gestures can mean large rewards

During that recent Tuesday shift, longtime advocate Leo Quesada teamed up with Nancy Davis and Angelica Santamaria, who both have less than a year of experience under their belts. Quesada, who works full-time for Southwest Gas and sits on the board of 88-CRIME, has been a volunteer advocate for 32 years.

Their first call  the possible neglect case  came in minutes after the start of their 5:30 shift, with Tucson police officers calling them to assist in the situation, which also involved a family dispute.

Santamaria, who said she speaks a little Spanish, walked over to the mother, who was seated in a chair, and dropped down to her level. Davis came to the side of the daughter, speaking softly and crouching on the ground so she was at eye level, offering water and, when needed, tissues.

Quesada, who was there mostly to supervise, stood back and watched the pair of newer advocates as they offered information about Adult Protective Services, resources for older adults on a limited budget, and the public fiduciary.

By the time the exchange was over, the daughter's tears of distress had dissipated, and she told Davis and Santamaria that she felt for the first time like someone listened to her side of the story and believed her. Davis smiled warmly at the young woman, tenderly touching her arm as they said their goodbyes.

Davis, a University of Arizona graduate and military wife, returned to Tucson with her husband roughly four years ago.

"I'm used to helping our neighbors in the military," she said. "This fills that void."

On Davis' first ride along, which was also with Quesada, she learned they had a Tucson connection. Nineteen years ago, Quesada was the advocate that responded to the hospital to help provide support to the family of Brandi Fenton, who was killed in a car crash. Davis is close friends with the Fenton family.

Santamaria will soon be training to be a pediatric nurse. She works in radiology at a local hospital and previously spent time working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then in the military. Santamaria found victim services when looking for volunteer opportunities that would fulfill her nursing school application requirement.

"I wanted to do something I like. My dad is a retired detective and he told me about victim services and what they do," she said.

Santamaria's required volunteer hours have long been fulfilled, but she has no plans to stop working as an advocate.

Quesada, who started volunteering as an advocate in the fall of 1989, knows the feeling. What started as a one-off ride-along at the suggestion of two advocates he knew through his work as a volunteer with TPD has turned into a way of life for Quesada and his family.

"They showed me the ropes that night and I really got hooked," he said. "I've been here ever since."

Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt

Victim Services Division To learn more about PCAO's Victim Services Division, visit pcao.pima.gov/pcao-divisions/victim-services/ For information about volunteering as an advocate or at PCAO, visit pcao.pima.gov/volunteers-interns/ To speak to an advocate, call (520) 724-5525 and ask to do so. Support is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding government holidays.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
By Trend

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will accompany President Joe Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president from May 21-24, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, Trend reports citing TASS.

US top diplomat will attend Bidens meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and join the leaders summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) whose members are Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Blinken will meet with Japans Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and discuss "global response" to Russias "military operation" in Ukraine, "the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas increasingly destabilizing behavior, and regional economic development.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine"

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :France's outgoing foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison losing polls on Saturday "suits me fine".

Canberra in September angered Paris by ditching a multibillion-dollar submarine contract with France in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

"The prime minister's defeat suits me fine," Le Drian said.

"The actions taken at the moment when they were taken were of such brutality and cynicism, and I would even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence," he added.

"I hope we can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future," he said, in comments to reporters as he handed over to his successor Catherine Colonna.

Le Drian accused Australia of back-stabbing and the United States of betrayal at the time.

Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the United States over the furore.

But President Emmanuel Macron later ordered the French ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.


Reports of a tick that can make you allergic to some kinds of meat spreading along the East Coast have raised concerns about the critters, but theyre not new to North Carolina. The lone star tick is one of multiple types found in the state  a common one at that  and it is capable of causing medical issues such as the allergy thats drawn attention to it. If you do see one on your body, ...
An 18-year-old man was shot and killed early Friday during a fight outside an apartment on Tucson's southwest side, police say.

The altercation started about 12:30 a.m. when police say a groups of people went to an apartment in the 6300 block of South Headley Road, near West Valencia and South Mission roads.

Shots were fired as the confrontation escalated.

Police responded after several calls about gunfire. Officers found Edwin Jonatan Gutierrez severally wounded. He died at the scene.

No further details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Information gathered indicates that approximately 18 basic schools in Assin North Municipality in the Central Region are currently facing infrastructure challenges; which is making teaching and learning unattractive. About 60% of these schools are studying under deplorable conditions.

As part of efforts to help salvage the situation, the Network for Assin Development, a non-governmental organization has taken a giant move by donating 80 dual desks and educational materials to Dwenakyi DA Primary School in the Assin North Municipality.

Presenting the items, the Executive Director for Network the Network for Assin Development (NAD), Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that teaching and learning have dwindled in the area as a result of the challenges confronting the schools.

It is in this regard, we are embarking on this donation exercise as part of the 2nd Phase of our project dubbed 'Boanimdea'.

"Education is a fundamental human right for all children and this right may not be realized if strategic measures are not put in place to ensure adequate infrastructure provision to schools, he stated.

Mr. Samuel Adobah noted that children living in the rural areas often struggle to have access to quality education; unlike students in urban areas that benefit from government all the time.

This he said, Dwenakyi is one of the communities that have been neglected when it comes to the provision of social amenities by government.

The Project Coordinator for Network Assin Development (NAD) Rev. Stephen Arthur, giving an overview of the project, noted that prior to their visit to the school some years ago they observed that the school is in dire need of educational materials.

"It is in this regard, we decided to come to their aid. The items donated are worth Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis, (10,000)," he stated.

This year's 4th edition of Boanimdea Project was held in collaboration with Mr. James Ken Coffie a businessman leaving in abroad.

The Chief of the Community, Nana Kofi Osuman commended the Network for Assin Development for coming to the aid of the community stressing that the donation will go long way to help improve teaching and learning in the area.

Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
GAYLORD, Mich.  A tornado that killed at least two people and injured dozens of others dropped out of the sky in far northern Michigan on Friday and onto a mobile home park before tearing a three-block hole through the small city of Gaylord.

It all just flashed before my eyes, said Logan Clayton, 18, who was at home in the Nottingham Forest mobile home park, where the deaths were reported, when the winds became so intense that one window shattered. He recalled seeing someone getting picked up, trailers getting picked up. It all just happened within 10 seconds and then it was gone.

As cleanup began on Saturday, and as more than 40 people were treated for injuries, officials struggled to make sense of the damage in a region where tornadoes are rare. One person remained unaccounted for, and crews were searching through wreckage from the EF-3 tornado, which the National Weather Service said had maximum winds of 140 miles per hour.

We were calling them out by name, trying to see if they were still in their damaged homes, said Chief Frank Claeys of the Gaylord Police Department. And when you see that, its a lot more personal when our officers know the names of people who live in those homes.
GAYLORD, Mich.  A tornado that killed at least two people and injured dozens of others dropped out of the sky in far northern Michigan on Friday and onto a mobile home park before tearing a three-block hole through the small city of Gaylord.

It all just flashed before my eyes, said Logan Clayton, 18, who was at home in the Nottingham Forest mobile home park, where the deaths were reported, when the winds became so intense that one window shattered. He recalled seeing someone getting picked up, trailers getting picked up. It all just happened within 10 seconds and then it was gone.

As cleanup began on Saturday, and as more than 40 people were treated for injuries, officials struggled to make sense of the damage in a region where tornadoes are rare. One person remained unaccounted for, and crews were searching through wreckage from the EF-3 tornado, which the National Weather Service said had maximum winds of 140 miles per hour.

We were calling them out by name, trying to see if they were still in their damaged homes, said Chief Frank Claeys of the Gaylord Police Department. And when you see that, its a lot more personal when our officers know the names of people who live in those homes.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped.

Under current rules, such donors are completely anonymous  although those who have been involved since 2005 can be contacted by their biological offspring when those children turn 18.

But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which oversees the fertility industry, has warned popular DNA-testing websites make it harder to keep identities private.

Now the fertility watchdog is thinking about advising ministers to scrap anonymity for sperm and egg donors as part of an overhaul on fertility rules.

Peter Thompson, HFEA chief executive, said: We feel that the technology of cheap DNA tests throws into question the underlying assumption [of anonymity].

Given that, the responsible thing to do is to start a conversation about where we as a society want to go on these things. Its a big change.

Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped in an overhaul of the current rules (stock image)

He told The Guardian: You can see a position in the future where confidentiality just becomes impossible, whatever the attitude of families. The honest truth is that people will just find out.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated.

If men could choose to supply their name and contact details when they donate sperm, it would bring the UK closer to the US. In the States, some sperm banks offer women looking for donors a dossier of information, so detailed that it includes mens star sign, religion, hobbies and favourite type of pet.

Fertility charities are concerned that the current lack of known sperm donors, for women who want their childs biological father to be known to them, is pushing people online.

On websites such as Facebook, there is no shortage of sperm donors. However, some try to pressure women into sexual activity or father too many children in one area, raising the risk of unwitting incestuous relationships between them.

Mr Thompson said the HFEA had not settled on a proposal around anonymity. One option under consideration is the anonymity of donors being lifted at birth rather than at age 18.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated and has warned that DNA-testing websites make anonymity more difficult

Asked if this could deter donors, he said that had not been the case when the law changed in 2005. Although the number of donors dipped briefly, it then recovered.

The HFEA is also expected to request stronger powers to fine fertility clinics found to be selling useless add-on treatments. It also wants to make it easier for same-sex couples and single people to access treatment.

More than four million people in Britain are believed to be signed up to DNA-testing websites such as Ancestry DNA.

Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, has previously warned that donor anonymity is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee due to the popularity of such firms.

In a speech to the Fertility 2022 conference, she said: The reality is that donor anonymity as we knew it has gone.

It has long been overtaken by shifts in social attitudes about fertility treatment and donation, and the growth in affordable direct-to-consumer DNA tests, which allow individuals to match and establish their genetic relationships with an increasing degree of accuracy.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Kebe Ikpi, acting coordinator, Child Protection Network of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, has advised security officials to stop proposing out-of-court settlement for cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Mr Ikpi gave the advice in Calabar during the second batch of a three-day training, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The training, which began on May 18, was to enhance the capacity of the corps in the state in handling issues of GBV.

When cases of GBV are made known to you as an officer, you should not for any reason encourage or propose an out-of-court settlement because somebodys life is at stake, Mr Ikpi said.

If it is a social welfare case, it can be handled by the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Social Welfare, who are trained to handle such cases.

Referral is the bedrock of GBV services because no one partner can provide all the services required by a survivor which may include counseling, rehabilitation and others, he added.

Blessing Ntamu, a psychologist with the GBV Centre in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, said the training was to prepare officers of NSCDC to provide psychosocial first aid for survivors as first responders.

Without training, security officials would treat survivors of GBV like other suspect or criminals and compound their cases.

This may even lead to depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and suicidal tendencies, she said.

Ms Ntamu added that while it was important to empower the girls, the boy child should not be neglected because the boys have to grow into better men if the issue of GBV must be effectively addressed.

Eremi John, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, said the training had boosted the capability of the corps in the state to handle and reduce cases of GBV.

He urged all, especially the men, to come out and speak up against GBV because if they were silent, their cases would not be heard and perpetrators would continue to go scot-free.

Marija Rakovic, UNFPA Head of Office in Cross River, urged the participants to meet in their various commands and discuss how to commence implementation of what they learnt in the training.

According to her, GBV is still high in Cross River and no one can fight it alone without effective collaboration.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
AUBURN, Ala.  Alabama's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has become a bitter high-dollar contest with the three strongest contenders jockeying for the nomination.

The leading candidates are U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks who won  and then lost  former President Donald Trump's backing in the race; Katie Boyd Britt, the former leader of Business Council of Alabama and Shelby's former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner best known as the helicopter pilot whose capture during a U.S. military mission in Somalia was chronicled in the "Black Hawk Down" book and subsequent movie.

Lillie Boddie, Karla M. Dupriest and Jake Schafer are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Observers say it's hard to predict whether the nomination will be settled in Tuesday's primary. The fractured field increases the chances that the race will go to a June 21 runoff, which is required unless one candidate captures more than 50% of Tuesday's vote. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant said the race has an up-for-grabs feel.

"It's anybody guess as to who's in first and who's in second in the runoff," he said.

As for the barrage of negative campaign ads in the primary's closing days, Mowery said: "The gloves have come off."

The Alabama race is one of several bitterly contested GOP primaries for open Senate seats. Retirements also sparked heated races this season in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and in Ohio. Trump further scrambled the Alabama race this spring when he rescinded his endorsement of Brooks. Both Britt and Durant have courted Trump's nod, but he has so far stayed out of the Alabama race.

"We look at this country and don't recognize it right now. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, every single thing in this nation is moving in the wrong direction," Britt said during a speech to the Republican Women of East Alabama.

Before leading the Business Council, Britt served as chief of staff to Shelby, one the Senate's most senior members and a traditional Republican known for his ability to bring home federal projects and funding to his home state.

But in speeches Britt, running under a slogan of Alabama First, has leaned away from her hefty Washington resume. She said it's important voters get to know her and kind of senator she will be. Her experience, she said, gave her an opportunity to understand how the Senate works.

"I can hit the ground running on day one. And for me, Alabama First is not just a slogan. It's a mission," she said.

Brooks, a six-term congressman from north Alabama, is banking on his long history with Alabama voters to overcome his feud with Trump.

"If you're a conservative Republican I would submit to you that I'm the only proven conservative in this race. With me there is no rolling the dice to determine how I'm going to go on major public policy issues," Brooks said, urging people to look up his ratings from the National Rifle Association, Heritage Action and other groups.

Despite losing Trump's backing, he continues to run as "MAGA Mo," invoking Trump's Make America Great Again slogan, and his campaign website continues to include old video footage of Trump praising the north Alabama congressman.

Trump initially endorsed Brooks last year, rewarding the conservative firebrand who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the Jan. 6, 2021 "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol insurrection.

"Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass," Brooks said. But Trump withdrew the endorsement in March after their relationship soured. Trump cites Brooks' languishing performance and accused the conservative congressman of going "woke" for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Trump has not made a new endorsement in the race. Both Durant and Britt have maintained they are the superior choice for Trump's backing if the race goes to a runoff.

At a speech in Phenix City, a town in the shadow of the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Durant pitched himself as the outsider in the race. He began a speech by describing his combat service  which included not just Somalia but Desert Storm and missions in Panama  and then working in the defense industry and founding an aerospace company.

"I'm not a politician," Durant said. "That is what people are tired of. That's why people want outsiders. That is why people want straight shooters."

Durant said his military experience separates him from those in Washington who "don't know what they're talking about" when discussing deploying troops.

"This is serious business. We don't deploy troops, we don't get in skirmishes, we don't try to do nation building unless we truly understand the commitment that we're about to make, not only financially, but the lives of young men and women, our national credibility, all those things that are on the line."

Durant, a helicopter pilot who was held prisoner after being shot down, is seeking the endorsement of Trump, who once disputed that Sen. John McCain was a war hero because he was held as a POW. "I like people that weren't captured," Trump said in 2015. Asked about that, Durant said he thought the divisions between the two were "based on politics, not based on service."

Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for "dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.

Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

The Super PACS have been responsible for many of the attack ads in the race. Alabama Patriots PAC spent $4 million to support Durant after receiving money from America's Project, a Virginia-based PAC associated with Jacob Harriman, a Marine Corps veteran who operates the organization, "More Perfect Union." Alabama's Future, a PAC opposing Brooks, has received $2 million from a Mitch McConnell-aligned PAC.

The Rev. Will Boyd, former Brighton mayor Brandaun Dean and retired Army veteran Lanny Kackson are vying for the Democratic nomination. However, Democrats have struggled in recent years statewide races in Alabama. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, harnessed a well-funded campaign and a scandal surrounding GOP nominee Roy Moore, to win a special election in 2017. But Jones, who was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in over two decades, lost the following election.

[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak believes that tax legislation needs to be changed and updated in accordance with the current conditions.

According to the press service of the Office of the President, he expressed this point of view at a meeting with representatives of business communities, including the CEO Club Ukraine, the Board business community, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs, in turn, spoke in favor of the need to improve the tax system of Ukraine to give business more freedom.

Yermak said that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a boom in investments is expected, including from the European Union. According to him, many companies already want to enter the Ukrainian market and are only waiting for the end of the war.

"So, it is important for us that we do not lose our own to keep our business alive, to keep it competitive, and so that such competitive conditions are created in the country that will encourage everyone who left to return," he said.

Representatives of the coalition of business communities invited the government team to consider a memorandum concluded between associations of entrepreneurs regarding the key foundations of post-war economic policy.

"We have no fundamental contradictions regarding building a free economy. There are specific issues in certain sectors, in particular in the tax system, which can be dealt with," Deputy Head of the Office Rostyslav Shurma said.

DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f




[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped.

Under current rules, such donors are completely anonymous  although those who have been involved since 2005 can be contacted by their biological offspring when those children turn 18.

But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which oversees the fertility industry, has warned popular DNA-testing websites make it harder to keep identities private.

Now the fertility watchdog is thinking about advising ministers to scrap anonymity for sperm and egg donors as part of an overhaul on fertility rules.

Peter Thompson, HFEA chief executive, said: We feel that the technology of cheap DNA tests throws into question the underlying assumption [of anonymity].

Given that, the responsible thing to do is to start a conversation about where we as a society want to go on these things. Its a big change.

Donors of sperm or eggs could lose their right to anonymity as the fertility regulator considers recommending the measure be scrapped in an overhaul of the current rules (stock image)

He told The Guardian: You can see a position in the future where confidentiality just becomes impossible, whatever the attitude of families. The honest truth is that people will just find out.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated.

If men could choose to supply their name and contact details when they donate sperm, it would bring the UK closer to the US. In the States, some sperm banks offer women looking for donors a dossier of information, so detailed that it includes mens star sign, religion, hobbies and favourite type of pet.

Fertility charities are concerned that the current lack of known sperm donors, for women who want their childs biological father to be known to them, is pushing people online.

On websites such as Facebook, there is no shortage of sperm donors. However, some try to pressure women into sexual activity or father too many children in one area, raising the risk of unwitting incestuous relationships between them.

Mr Thompson said the HFEA had not settled on a proposal around anonymity. One option under consideration is the anonymity of donors being lifted at birth rather than at age 18.

The HFEA has launched a review of UK fertility law to recommend to the Government what needs to be updated and has warned that DNA-testing websites make anonymity more difficult

Asked if this could deter donors, he said that had not been the case when the law changed in 2005. Although the number of donors dipped briefly, it then recovered.

The HFEA is also expected to request stronger powers to fine fertility clinics found to be selling useless add-on treatments. It also wants to make it easier for same-sex couples and single people to access treatment.

More than four million people in Britain are believed to be signed up to DNA-testing websites such as Ancestry DNA.

Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, has previously warned that donor anonymity is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee due to the popularity of such firms.

In a speech to the Fertility 2022 conference, she said: The reality is that donor anonymity as we knew it has gone.

It has long been overtaken by shifts in social attitudes about fertility treatment and donation, and the growth in affordable direct-to-consumer DNA tests, which allow individuals to match and establish their genetic relationships with an increasing degree of accuracy.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.

[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f

Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.

The summer semester at Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College starts May 23, and students can still register for the academic and technical classes they need for their degree.

Summer classes offer recent high school graduates or adult students planning to pursue post-secondary education the opportunity to get started on their two-year degree or training earlier. Interested students can start many of the technical programs offered on the Ozark campus during the summer, whether through the completion of academic requirements for the degree or by starting the technical classes offered, such as those through the Aviation Maintenance Technician program.

For those students who plan to pursue a bachelors degree at a four-year institution, these summer classes will transfer to almost any Alabama university thanks to the Alabama STARS Guide, which serves as a transfer guide for those students. The ease of academic credit transfer also makes summer classes at ESCC great for transient students who wish to complete a class while they are home for the summer.

Classes begin May 23, but students can register for classes until May 24. Students who wish to register for summer classes can call (334) 347-2623 to speak with a registration team member or visit escc.edu/registration to find links to the Colleges summer class schedule, the Colleges online advising form, and more.

Our ESCC Student Services staff works hard to help new students feel at home when they join the ESCC family, ESCC Director of Student Success Dava Foster said. Getting started in college can be a confusing process, but we are adamant to give our students the tools and information upfront to make their path to education and training easier, whether that is information on how to register for classes or how to apply for financial aid. A students success is ESCCs success.

When students register for summer classes, they also have access to the free support services offered through the College. These services include free tutoring, both in person and online, and access to technology through the Colleges laptop loan program. Laptops can be requested at escc.edu/laptop.

The summer semester is a great time to get a jumpstart on your degree or training, ESCC Interim President Danny Long said. Whether youre staying local to start your education, youre training for your career or youre just completing a few extra credit hours while at home during the summer, we are ready to help you meet your education and training needs and offer the support you need to be successful.

About Enterprise State Community College

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfills the Alabama Community College Systems mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain Associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.






Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."




Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
WASHINGTON  While President Joe Biden travels in Asia, his administration is scrambling to salvage next month's summit focused on Latin America.

The Summit of the Americas, which the United States is hosting for the first time since the inaugural event in 1994, has risked collapsing over concerns about the guest list. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to boycott if Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua aren't included. Unlike Washington, which considers the three autocratic governments as pariahs, Mexico's leftist leader maintains regular ties with them.

A hollow summit would undermine efforts by the U.S. to reassert its influence in Latin America when China is making inroads and concerns grow that democracy is backsliding in the region.

Now Biden is considering inviting a Cuban representative to attend the summit as an observer, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified while speaking about sensitive deliberations. It's unclear if Cuba would accept the invitation  which would be extended to someone in the foreign ministry, not the foreign minister himself  and whether that would assuage Lopez Obrador's concerns.

Lopez Obrador reiterated Friday that he "wants everyone to be invited," but indicated that he was hopeful about reaching a resolution, adding that "we have a lot of confidence in President Biden and he respects us."

Even if Lopez Obrador attends, there could still be a notable absence in Los Angeles: Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, who leads Latin America's most populous country, hasn't said whether he'll attend.

The uncertainty is a sign of chaotic planning for the summit, which is scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in Los Angeles. Normally, gatherings for heads of state are organized long in advance, with clear agendas and guest lists.

"There's no excuse that they didn't have enough time," said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "This is our chance to set a regional agenda. It's a great opportunity. And I'm afraid we're not going to take it."

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Ned Price, speaking for the U.S. State Department, said the first wave of invitations was sent out Thursday, but there could be additions. He declined to say who had gotten invitations.

He said speculation about who was attending was "understandable," noting that Biden will be the first U.S. president to attend the summit since 2015, when President Barack Obama went to Panama.

President Donald Trump skipped the next summit in Peru in 2018, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

"Our agenda is to focus on working together when it comes to the core challenges that face our hemisphere," Price said, including migration, climate change and the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuba's participation is often a controversial issue for the summit, which has been held every few years and includes countries from Canada to Chile. The island nation was not invited to the first gathering in Miami, but Obama made headlines by shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama.

Questions about Biden's approach to Latin America are piling up when his attention has been elsewhere. He's taken a lead in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, helping to forge an international coalition to punish Moscow with sanctions and arm Kyiv with new weapons.

Biden is also trying to refocus U.S. foreign policy on Asia, where he views the rising power of China as the country's foremost long-term challenge. He's currently on his first trip to the continent as president, visiting South Korea and Japan.

Berg argued that neglecting Latin America could undermine Biden's goals, since China has been trying to make inroads in the region.

"It's always been difficult for Latin America to get its due," he said. "But we're pretty close to being in a geopolitical situation where Latin America moves from a strategic asset for us to a strategic liability."

Instead of putting the finishing touches on the schedule for the Summit of the Americas, administration officials have been racing to ensure it doesn't devolve into an embarrassment.

Chris Dodd, a former U.S. senator from Connecticut chosen by Biden as a special adviser for the summit, spent two hours on Zoom with Lopez Obrador this week.

There's also been a steady drip of announcements adjusting U.S. policies toward the region.

For example, the U.S. is moving to ease some economic sanctions on Venezuela.

In addition, administration officials said they would loosen restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and allow Cuban immigrants to send more money back to people on the island.

The discussion about Cuba's potential participation in Los Angeles reflects a difficult diplomatic and political balancing act.

Biden faces pressure to invite Cuba from his counterparts in the region. In addition to Lopez Obrador, Bolivia's President Luis Arce has threatened to skip the summit.

But Biden risks domestic backlash if Cuba is included, and not just from Republicans. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Cuban American Democrat from New Jersey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an outspoken critic of the Cuban government.

___

Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed from Mexico City, and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed from Washington.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
WASHINGTON  While President Joe Biden travels in Asia, his administration is scrambling to salvage next month's summit focused on Latin America.

The Summit of the Americas, which the United States is hosting for the first time since the inaugural event in 1994, has risked collapsing over concerns about the guest list. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to boycott if Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua aren't included. Unlike Washington, which considers the three autocratic governments as pariahs, Mexico's leftist leader maintains regular ties with them.

A hollow summit would undermine efforts by the U.S. to reassert its influence in Latin America when China is making inroads and concerns grow that democracy is backsliding in the region.

Now Biden is considering inviting a Cuban representative to attend the summit as an observer, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified while speaking about sensitive deliberations. It's unclear if Cuba would accept the invitation  which would be extended to someone in the foreign ministry, not the foreign minister himself  and whether that would assuage Lopez Obrador's concerns.

Lopez Obrador reiterated Friday that he "wants everyone to be invited," but indicated that he was hopeful about reaching a resolution, adding that "we have a lot of confidence in President Biden and he respects us."

Even if Lopez Obrador attends, there could still be a notable absence in Los Angeles: Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, who leads Latin America's most populous country, hasn't said whether he'll attend.

The uncertainty is a sign of chaotic planning for the summit, which is scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in Los Angeles. Normally, gatherings for heads of state are organized long in advance, with clear agendas and guest lists.

"There's no excuse that they didn't have enough time," said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "This is our chance to set a regional agenda. It's a great opportunity. And I'm afraid we're not going to take it."

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Ned Price, speaking for the U.S. State Department, said the first wave of invitations was sent out Thursday, but there could be additions. He declined to say who had gotten invitations.

He said speculation about who was attending was "understandable," noting that Biden will be the first U.S. president to attend the summit since 2015, when President Barack Obama went to Panama.

President Donald Trump skipped the next summit in Peru in 2018, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

"Our agenda is to focus on working together when it comes to the core challenges that face our hemisphere," Price said, including migration, climate change and the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuba's participation is often a controversial issue for the summit, which has been held every few years and includes countries from Canada to Chile. The island nation was not invited to the first gathering in Miami, but Obama made headlines by shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama.

Questions about Biden's approach to Latin America are piling up when his attention has been elsewhere. He's taken a lead in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, helping to forge an international coalition to punish Moscow with sanctions and arm Kyiv with new weapons.

Biden is also trying to refocus U.S. foreign policy on Asia, where he views the rising power of China as the country's foremost long-term challenge. He's currently on his first trip to the continent as president, visiting South Korea and Japan.

Berg argued that neglecting Latin America could undermine Biden's goals, since China has been trying to make inroads in the region.

"It's always been difficult for Latin America to get its due," he said. "But we're pretty close to being in a geopolitical situation where Latin America moves from a strategic asset for us to a strategic liability."

Instead of putting the finishing touches on the schedule for the Summit of the Americas, administration officials have been racing to ensure it doesn't devolve into an embarrassment.

Chris Dodd, a former U.S. senator from Connecticut chosen by Biden as a special adviser for the summit, spent two hours on Zoom with Lopez Obrador this week.

There's also been a steady drip of announcements adjusting U.S. policies toward the region.

For example, the U.S. is moving to ease some economic sanctions on Venezuela.

In addition, administration officials said they would loosen restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and allow Cuban immigrants to send more money back to people on the island.

The discussion about Cuba's potential participation in Los Angeles reflects a difficult diplomatic and political balancing act.

Biden faces pressure to invite Cuba from his counterparts in the region. In addition to Lopez Obrador, Bolivia's President Luis Arce has threatened to skip the summit.

But Biden risks domestic backlash if Cuba is included, and not just from Republicans. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Cuban American Democrat from New Jersey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an outspoken critic of the Cuban government.

___

Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed from Mexico City, and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed from Washington.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak believes that tax legislation needs to be changed and updated in accordance with the current conditions.

According to the press service of the Office of the President, he expressed this point of view at a meeting with representatives of business communities, including the CEO Club Ukraine, the Board business community, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs, in turn, spoke in favor of the need to improve the tax system of Ukraine to give business more freedom.

Yermak said that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a boom in investments is expected, including from the European Union. According to him, many companies already want to enter the Ukrainian market and are only waiting for the end of the war.

"So, it is important for us that we do not lose our own to keep our business alive, to keep it competitive, and so that such competitive conditions are created in the country that will encourage everyone who left to return," he said.

Representatives of the coalition of business communities invited the government team to consider a memorandum concluded between associations of entrepreneurs regarding the key foundations of post-war economic policy.

"We have no fundamental contradictions regarding building a free economy. There are specific issues in certain sectors, in particular in the tax system, which can be dealt with," Deputy Head of the Office Rostyslav Shurma said.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."







Frances outgoing foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has taken a swipe at Scott Morrison just hours after the Australian prime minister conceded defeat, saying the Coalitions election loss suits me fine.

The veteran politician, who is leaving his post after five years, showed that nerves are still raw between the two administrations following the controversial termination of a $90 billion submarine contract.

Emmanuel Macron, right, accused Scott Morrison of lying over the AUKUS deal. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis

French officials expressed fury over Morrisons decision to leak a private text message from President Emmanuel Macron after the submarine contract was axed in favour of a new deal negotiated in secret with the US and Britain.

France was outraged that it was only informed of the alliance hours before the public announcement was made.
WASHINGTON  While President Joe Biden travels in Asia, his administration is scrambling to salvage next month's summit focused on Latin America.

The Summit of the Americas, which the United States is hosting for the first time since the inaugural event in 1994, has risked collapsing over concerns about the guest list. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to boycott if Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua aren't included. Unlike Washington, which considers the three autocratic governments as pariahs, Mexico's leftist leader maintains regular ties with them.

A hollow summit would undermine efforts by the U.S. to reassert its influence in Latin America when China is making inroads and concerns grow that democracy is backsliding in the region.

Now Biden is considering inviting a Cuban representative to attend the summit as an observer, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified while speaking about sensitive deliberations. It's unclear if Cuba would accept the invitation  which would be extended to someone in the foreign ministry, not the foreign minister himself  and whether that would assuage Lopez Obrador's concerns.

Lopez Obrador reiterated Friday that he "wants everyone to be invited," but indicated that he was hopeful about reaching a resolution, adding that "we have a lot of confidence in President Biden and he respects us."

Even if Lopez Obrador attends, there could still be a notable absence in Los Angeles: Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, who leads Latin America's most populous country, hasn't said whether he'll attend.

The uncertainty is a sign of chaotic planning for the summit, which is scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in Los Angeles. Normally, gatherings for heads of state are organized long in advance, with clear agendas and guest lists.

"There's no excuse that they didn't have enough time," said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "This is our chance to set a regional agenda. It's a great opportunity. And I'm afraid we're not going to take it."

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Ned Price, speaking for the U.S. State Department, said the first wave of invitations was sent out Thursday, but there could be additions. He declined to say who had gotten invitations.

He said speculation about who was attending was "understandable," noting that Biden will be the first U.S. president to attend the summit since 2015, when President Barack Obama went to Panama.

President Donald Trump skipped the next summit in Peru in 2018, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

"Our agenda is to focus on working together when it comes to the core challenges that face our hemisphere," Price said, including migration, climate change and the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuba's participation is often a controversial issue for the summit, which has been held every few years and includes countries from Canada to Chile. The island nation was not invited to the first gathering in Miami, but Obama made headlines by shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama.

Questions about Biden's approach to Latin America are piling up when his attention has been elsewhere. He's taken a lead in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, helping to forge an international coalition to punish Moscow with sanctions and arm Kyiv with new weapons.

Biden is also trying to refocus U.S. foreign policy on Asia, where he views the rising power of China as the country's foremost long-term challenge. He's currently on his first trip to the continent as president, visiting South Korea and Japan.

Berg argued that neglecting Latin America could undermine Biden's goals, since China has been trying to make inroads in the region.

"It's always been difficult for Latin America to get its due," he said. "But we're pretty close to being in a geopolitical situation where Latin America moves from a strategic asset for us to a strategic liability."

Instead of putting the finishing touches on the schedule for the Summit of the Americas, administration officials have been racing to ensure it doesn't devolve into an embarrassment.

Chris Dodd, a former U.S. senator from Connecticut chosen by Biden as a special adviser for the summit, spent two hours on Zoom with Lopez Obrador this week.

There's also been a steady drip of announcements adjusting U.S. policies toward the region.

For example, the U.S. is moving to ease some economic sanctions on Venezuela.

In addition, administration officials said they would loosen restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and allow Cuban immigrants to send more money back to people on the island.

The discussion about Cuba's potential participation in Los Angeles reflects a difficult diplomatic and political balancing act.

Biden faces pressure to invite Cuba from his counterparts in the region. In addition to Lopez Obrador, Bolivia's President Luis Arce has threatened to skip the summit.

But Biden risks domestic backlash if Cuba is included, and not just from Republicans. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Cuban American Democrat from New Jersey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an outspoken critic of the Cuban government.

___

Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed from Mexico City, and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed from Washington.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
WASHINGTON  The top U.S. military officer challenged the next generation of Army soldiers on Saturday to prepare America's military to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order. He told graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

"The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing," Milley told the cadets. "Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land."

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power. Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The U.S. has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military  in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases. Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted  from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region  so has the need for different types of weapons. Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The U.S. military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict. And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way U.S. forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted 2nd lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

"It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war," he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

"Consider for a moment that 26,000  26,000  soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I," Milley said. "Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris."

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, "That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill."

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: "we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall."
WASHINGTON  The top U.S. military officer challenged the next generation of Army soldiers on Saturday to prepare America's military to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order. He told graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

"The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing," Milley told the cadets. "Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land."

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power. Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The U.S. has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military  in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases. Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted  from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region  so has the need for different types of weapons. Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The U.S. military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict. And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way U.S. forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted 2nd lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

"It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war," he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

"Consider for a moment that 26,000  26,000  soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I," Milley said. "Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris."

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, "That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill."

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: "we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall."
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
AUBURN, Ala.  Alabama's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has become a bitter high-dollar contest with the three strongest contenders jockeying for the nomination.

The leading candidates are U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks who won  and then lost  former President Donald Trump's backing in the race; Katie Boyd Britt, the former leader of Business Council of Alabama and Shelby's former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner best known as the helicopter pilot whose capture during a U.S. military mission in Somalia was chronicled in the "Black Hawk Down" book and subsequent movie.

Lillie Boddie, Karla M. Dupriest and Jake Schafer are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Observers say it's hard to predict whether the nomination will be settled in Tuesday's primary. The fractured field increases the chances that the race will go to a June 21 runoff, which is required unless one candidate captures more than 50% of Tuesday's vote. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant said the race has an up-for-grabs feel.

"It's anybody guess as to who's in first and who's in second in the runoff," he said.

As for the barrage of negative campaign ads in the primary's closing days, Mowery said: "The gloves have come off."

The Alabama race is one of several bitterly contested GOP primaries for open Senate seats. Retirements also sparked heated races this season in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and in Ohio. Trump further scrambled the Alabama race this spring when he rescinded his endorsement of Brooks. Both Britt and Durant have courted Trump's nod, but he has so far stayed out of the Alabama race.

"We look at this country and don't recognize it right now. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, every single thing in this nation is moving in the wrong direction," Britt said during a speech to the Republican Women of East Alabama.

Before leading the Business Council, Britt served as chief of staff to Shelby, one the Senate's most senior members and a traditional Republican known for his ability to bring home federal projects and funding to his home state.

But in speeches Britt, running under a slogan of Alabama First, has leaned away from her hefty Washington resume. She said it's important voters get to know her and kind of senator she will be. Her experience, she said, gave her an opportunity to understand how the Senate works.

"I can hit the ground running on day one. And for me, Alabama First is not just a slogan. It's a mission," she said.

Brooks, a six-term congressman from north Alabama, is banking on his long history with Alabama voters to overcome his feud with Trump.

"If you're a conservative Republican I would submit to you that I'm the only proven conservative in this race. With me there is no rolling the dice to determine how I'm going to go on major public policy issues," Brooks said, urging people to look up his ratings from the National Rifle Association, Heritage Action and other groups.

Despite losing Trump's backing, he continues to run as "MAGA Mo," invoking Trump's Make America Great Again slogan, and his campaign website continues to include old video footage of Trump praising the north Alabama congressman.

Trump initially endorsed Brooks last year, rewarding the conservative firebrand who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the Jan. 6, 2021 "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol insurrection.

"Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass," Brooks said. But Trump withdrew the endorsement in March after their relationship soured. Trump cites Brooks' languishing performance and accused the conservative congressman of going "woke" for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Trump has not made a new endorsement in the race. Both Durant and Britt have maintained they are the superior choice for Trump's backing if the race goes to a runoff.

At a speech in Phenix City, a town in the shadow of the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Durant pitched himself as the outsider in the race. He began a speech by describing his combat service  which included not just Somalia but Desert Storm and missions in Panama  and then working in the defense industry and founding an aerospace company.

"I'm not a politician," Durant said. "That is what people are tired of. That's why people want outsiders. That is why people want straight shooters."

Durant said his military experience separates him from those in Washington who "don't know what they're talking about" when discussing deploying troops.

"This is serious business. We don't deploy troops, we don't get in skirmishes, we don't try to do nation building unless we truly understand the commitment that we're about to make, not only financially, but the lives of young men and women, our national credibility, all those things that are on the line."

Durant, a helicopter pilot who was held prisoner after being shot down, is seeking the endorsement of Trump, who once disputed that Sen. John McCain was a war hero because he was held as a POW. "I like people that weren't captured," Trump said in 2015. Asked about that, Durant said he thought the divisions between the two were "based on politics, not based on service."

Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for "dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.

Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

The Super PACS have been responsible for many of the attack ads in the race. Alabama Patriots PAC spent $4 million to support Durant after receiving money from America's Project, a Virginia-based PAC associated with Jacob Harriman, a Marine Corps veteran who operates the organization, "More Perfect Union." Alabama's Future, a PAC opposing Brooks, has received $2 million from a Mitch McConnell-aligned PAC.

The Rev. Will Boyd, former Brighton mayor Brandaun Dean and retired Army veteran Lanny Kackson are vying for the Democratic nomination. However, Democrats have struggled in recent years statewide races in Alabama. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, harnessed a well-funded campaign and a scandal surrounding GOP nominee Roy Moore, to win a special election in 2017. But Jones, who was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in over two decades, lost the following election.
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Kebe Ikpi, acting coordinator, Child Protection Network of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, has advised security officials to stop proposing out-of-court settlement for cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Mr Ikpi gave the advice in Calabar during the second batch of a three-day training, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The training, which began on May 18, was to enhance the capacity of the corps in the state in handling issues of GBV.

When cases of GBV are made known to you as an officer, you should not for any reason encourage or propose an out-of-court settlement because somebodys life is at stake, Mr Ikpi said.

If it is a social welfare case, it can be handled by the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Social Welfare, who are trained to handle such cases.

Referral is the bedrock of GBV services because no one partner can provide all the services required by a survivor which may include counseling, rehabilitation and others, he added.

Blessing Ntamu, a psychologist with the GBV Centre in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, said the training was to prepare officers of NSCDC to provide psychosocial first aid for survivors as first responders.

Without training, security officials would treat survivors of GBV like other suspect or criminals and compound their cases.

This may even lead to depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and suicidal tendencies, she said.

Ms Ntamu added that while it was important to empower the girls, the boy child should not be neglected because the boys have to grow into better men if the issue of GBV must be effectively addressed.

Eremi John, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, said the training had boosted the capability of the corps in the state to handle and reduce cases of GBV.

He urged all, especially the men, to come out and speak up against GBV because if they were silent, their cases would not be heard and perpetrators would continue to go scot-free.

Marija Rakovic, UNFPA Head of Office in Cross River, urged the participants to meet in their various commands and discuss how to commence implementation of what they learnt in the training.

According to her, GBV is still high in Cross River and no one can fight it alone without effective collaboration.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Kebe Ikpi, acting coordinator, Child Protection Network of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, has advised security officials to stop proposing out-of-court settlement for cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Mr Ikpi gave the advice in Calabar during the second batch of a three-day training, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The training, which began on May 18, was to enhance the capacity of the corps in the state in handling issues of GBV.

When cases of GBV are made known to you as an officer, you should not for any reason encourage or propose an out-of-court settlement because somebodys life is at stake, Mr Ikpi said.

If it is a social welfare case, it can be handled by the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Social Welfare, who are trained to handle such cases.

Referral is the bedrock of GBV services because no one partner can provide all the services required by a survivor which may include counseling, rehabilitation and others, he added.

Blessing Ntamu, a psychologist with the GBV Centre in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, said the training was to prepare officers of NSCDC to provide psychosocial first aid for survivors as first responders.

Without training, security officials would treat survivors of GBV like other suspect or criminals and compound their cases.

This may even lead to depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and suicidal tendencies, she said.

Ms Ntamu added that while it was important to empower the girls, the boy child should not be neglected because the boys have to grow into better men if the issue of GBV must be effectively addressed.

Eremi John, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, said the training had boosted the capability of the corps in the state to handle and reduce cases of GBV.

He urged all, especially the men, to come out and speak up against GBV because if they were silent, their cases would not be heard and perpetrators would continue to go scot-free.

Marija Rakovic, UNFPA Head of Office in Cross River, urged the participants to meet in their various commands and discuss how to commence implementation of what they learnt in the training.

According to her, GBV is still high in Cross River and no one can fight it alone without effective collaboration.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Kebe Ikpi, acting coordinator, Child Protection Network of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, has advised security officials to stop proposing out-of-court settlement for cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Mr Ikpi gave the advice in Calabar during the second batch of a three-day training, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The training, which began on May 18, was to enhance the capacity of the corps in the state in handling issues of GBV.

When cases of GBV are made known to you as an officer, you should not for any reason encourage or propose an out-of-court settlement because somebodys life is at stake, Mr Ikpi said.

If it is a social welfare case, it can be handled by the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Social Welfare, who are trained to handle such cases.

Referral is the bedrock of GBV services because no one partner can provide all the services required by a survivor which may include counseling, rehabilitation and others, he added.

Blessing Ntamu, a psychologist with the GBV Centre in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, said the training was to prepare officers of NSCDC to provide psychosocial first aid for survivors as first responders.

Without training, security officials would treat survivors of GBV like other suspect or criminals and compound their cases.

This may even lead to depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and suicidal tendencies, she said.

Ms Ntamu added that while it was important to empower the girls, the boy child should not be neglected because the boys have to grow into better men if the issue of GBV must be effectively addressed.

Eremi John, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, said the training had boosted the capability of the corps in the state to handle and reduce cases of GBV.

He urged all, especially the men, to come out and speak up against GBV because if they were silent, their cases would not be heard and perpetrators would continue to go scot-free.

Marija Rakovic, UNFPA Head of Office in Cross River, urged the participants to meet in their various commands and discuss how to commence implementation of what they learnt in the training.

According to her, GBV is still high in Cross River and no one can fight it alone without effective collaboration.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Kebe Ikpi, acting coordinator, Child Protection Network of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, has advised security officials to stop proposing out-of-court settlement for cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Mr Ikpi gave the advice in Calabar during the second batch of a three-day training, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The training, which began on May 18, was to enhance the capacity of the corps in the state in handling issues of GBV.

When cases of GBV are made known to you as an officer, you should not for any reason encourage or propose an out-of-court settlement because somebodys life is at stake, Mr Ikpi said.

If it is a social welfare case, it can be handled by the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Social Welfare, who are trained to handle such cases.

Referral is the bedrock of GBV services because no one partner can provide all the services required by a survivor which may include counseling, rehabilitation and others, he added.

Blessing Ntamu, a psychologist with the GBV Centre in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, said the training was to prepare officers of NSCDC to provide psychosocial first aid for survivors as first responders.

Without training, security officials would treat survivors of GBV like other suspect or criminals and compound their cases.

This may even lead to depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and suicidal tendencies, she said.

Ms Ntamu added that while it was important to empower the girls, the boy child should not be neglected because the boys have to grow into better men if the issue of GBV must be effectively addressed.

Eremi John, who spoke on behalf of the trainees, said the training had boosted the capability of the corps in the state to handle and reduce cases of GBV.

He urged all, especially the men, to come out and speak up against GBV because if they were silent, their cases would not be heard and perpetrators would continue to go scot-free.

Marija Rakovic, UNFPA Head of Office in Cross River, urged the participants to meet in their various commands and discuss how to commence implementation of what they learnt in the training.

According to her, GBV is still high in Cross River and no one can fight it alone without effective collaboration.

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
AUBURN, Ala.  Alabama's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has become a bitter high-dollar contest with the three strongest contenders jockeying for the nomination.

The leading candidates are U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks who won  and then lost  former President Donald Trump's backing in the race; Katie Boyd Britt, the former leader of Business Council of Alabama and Shelby's former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner best known as the helicopter pilot whose capture during a U.S. military mission in Somalia was chronicled in the "Black Hawk Down" book and subsequent movie.

Lillie Boddie, Karla M. Dupriest and Jake Schafer are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Observers say it's hard to predict whether the nomination will be settled in Tuesday's primary. The fractured field increases the chances that the race will go to a June 21 runoff, which is required unless one candidate captures more than 50% of Tuesday's vote. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant said the race has an up-for-grabs feel.

"It's anybody guess as to who's in first and who's in second in the runoff," he said.

As for the barrage of negative campaign ads in the primary's closing days, Mowery said: "The gloves have come off."

The Alabama race is one of several bitterly contested GOP primaries for open Senate seats. Retirements also sparked heated races this season in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and in Ohio. Trump further scrambled the Alabama race this spring when he rescinded his endorsement of Brooks. Both Britt and Durant have courted Trump's nod, but he has so far stayed out of the Alabama race.

"We look at this country and don't recognize it right now. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, every single thing in this nation is moving in the wrong direction," Britt said during a speech to the Republican Women of East Alabama.

Before leading the Business Council, Britt served as chief of staff to Shelby, one the Senate's most senior members and a traditional Republican known for his ability to bring home federal projects and funding to his home state.

But in speeches Britt, running under a slogan of Alabama First, has leaned away from her hefty Washington resume. She said it's important voters get to know her and kind of senator she will be. Her experience, she said, gave her an opportunity to understand how the Senate works.

"I can hit the ground running on day one. And for me, Alabama First is not just a slogan. It's a mission," she said.

Brooks, a six-term congressman from north Alabama, is banking on his long history with Alabama voters to overcome his feud with Trump.

"If you're a conservative Republican I would submit to you that I'm the only proven conservative in this race. With me there is no rolling the dice to determine how I'm going to go on major public policy issues," Brooks said, urging people to look up his ratings from the National Rifle Association, Heritage Action and other groups.

Despite losing Trump's backing, he continues to run as "MAGA Mo," invoking Trump's Make America Great Again slogan, and his campaign website continues to include old video footage of Trump praising the north Alabama congressman.

Trump initially endorsed Brooks last year, rewarding the conservative firebrand who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the Jan. 6, 2021 "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol insurrection.

"Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass," Brooks said. But Trump withdrew the endorsement in March after their relationship soured. Trump cites Brooks' languishing performance and accused the conservative congressman of going "woke" for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Trump has not made a new endorsement in the race. Both Durant and Britt have maintained they are the superior choice for Trump's backing if the race goes to a runoff.

At a speech in Phenix City, a town in the shadow of the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Durant pitched himself as the outsider in the race. He began a speech by describing his combat service  which included not just Somalia but Desert Storm and missions in Panama  and then working in the defense industry and founding an aerospace company.

"I'm not a politician," Durant said. "That is what people are tired of. That's why people want outsiders. That is why people want straight shooters."

Durant said his military experience separates him from those in Washington who "don't know what they're talking about" when discussing deploying troops.

"This is serious business. We don't deploy troops, we don't get in skirmishes, we don't try to do nation building unless we truly understand the commitment that we're about to make, not only financially, but the lives of young men and women, our national credibility, all those things that are on the line."

Durant, a helicopter pilot who was held prisoner after being shot down, is seeking the endorsement of Trump, who once disputed that Sen. John McCain was a war hero because he was held as a POW. "I like people that weren't captured," Trump said in 2015. Asked about that, Durant said he thought the divisions between the two were "based on politics, not based on service."

Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for "dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.

Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

The Super PACS have been responsible for many of the attack ads in the race. Alabama Patriots PAC spent $4 million to support Durant after receiving money from America's Project, a Virginia-based PAC associated with Jacob Harriman, a Marine Corps veteran who operates the organization, "More Perfect Union." Alabama's Future, a PAC opposing Brooks, has received $2 million from a Mitch McConnell-aligned PAC.

The Rev. Will Boyd, former Brighton mayor Brandaun Dean and retired Army veteran Lanny Kackson are vying for the Democratic nomination. However, Democrats have struggled in recent years statewide races in Alabama. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, harnessed a well-funded campaign and a scandal surrounding GOP nominee Roy Moore, to win a special election in 2017. But Jones, who was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in over two decades, lost the following election.
Asserting that he is particularly "anti-hate-politics, division and polarization", Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the country must continue to engage with the United States at all levels. In an interview with an international news agency, the Pakistan leader said, "I am particularly anti-politics of hate, division and polarization." "If we consistently pursue the politics -- either with us or against us, whether there is on an international level or any domestic level. I don't believe it will serve the interest of the poeple of Pakistan," he said further. The top Pakistani diplomat has concluded his maiden US trip during which he attended a global food security conference and held meetings with the US and UN officials. He termed the meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "very encouraging and very positive and productive." "This meeting was indeed an important first step and we believe that Pakistan must continue to engage with the United States at all levels," he said Bilawal said that in past the relationship between the two countries had remained under the influence of the events in Afghanistan. "The relationship between Pakistan and US in the past has been too coloured by the events of Afghanistan at the geo-strategical, geopolitical consideration and it's time for us to move beyond that to engage in a far broader, deeper and meaningful relationship," he said. The Pakistani Foriegn Minister also stressed upon the world to deal with Afghanistan's humanitarian and crumbling economic crisis. "Regardless of what we feel about the regime in Afghanistan, the world can't abandon the Afghan people," said Bilawal. "The total collapse of the Afghan economy would be a disaster for the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the international community," he added. Speaking about coordination in the economy, defence and military, Bilawal said, "If we continue to engage, then we can move forward in a more positive direction." He also rejected Imran Khan's accusation of a US conspiracy to topple his government through a confidence motion and termed it a "fanciful conspiracy theory based on a big lie." Commenting on his upcoming visit to China, Bilawal Bhutto said, "I don't think that our growing relationship with the US will damage ties with China." (ANI)
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa visited Irpin in Kyiv region on Saturday, May 21.

"War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians," he said on Twitter on Saturday.

He also said that he will never forget the visit to Irpin, where he "testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks."

Costa said that he arrived in Ukraine following the invitation made by the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion," he wrote.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa visited Irpin in Kyiv region on Saturday, May 21.

"War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians," he said on Twitter on Saturday.

He also said that he will never forget the visit to Irpin, where he "testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks."

Costa said that he arrived in Ukraine following the invitation made by the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion," he wrote.
Portugal to provide Ukraine with up to EUR 250 mln of financial support

Portugal will provide Ukraine with up to EUR 250 million of financial support. The memorandum was signed on Saturday in Kyiv by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa.

"Ukraine should receive the first tranche of up to EUR 100 million this year. This will help Ukraine maintain macroeconomic stability during the war and allow it to recover faster after our victory. Thanks to Portugal for this support!" Shmyhal wrote on his Telegram channel.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Zelensky: We are working to ensure that Russia compensates for everything it destroyed in Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he is working to ensure that Russia compensates for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine.

"We are working to ensure that Russia compensates in one way or another for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine. Every burned house. Every ruined school, ruined hospital. Each blown up house of culture and infrastructure facility. Every destroyed enterprise. Every shut down business, every hryvnia lost by people, enterprises, communities and the state. Russian money as compensation should reach every affected person, family, business," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.

"Of course, the Russian state will not even recognize that it is an aggressor. But its recognition is not required," the president added.
WASHINGTON  The top U.S. military officer challenged the next generation of Army soldiers on Saturday to prepare America's military to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order. He told graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

"The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing," Milley told the cadets. "Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land."

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power. Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The U.S. has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military  in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases. Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted  from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region  so has the need for different types of weapons. Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The U.S. military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict. And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way U.S. forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted 2nd lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

"It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war," he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

"Consider for a moment that 26,000  26,000  soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I," Milley said. "Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris."

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, "That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill."

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: "we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall."
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
(Tribune News Service)  Hillary Clinton personally signed off on a plan in 2016 to quietly pitch to the media the now-discredited theory that computer servers at former President Donald Trumps company had a secret communications link with a Russian bank, her former campaign manager told a jury.

Robby Mook, a witness in the trial of a former Clinton campaign lawyer charged with lying to the FBI, on Friday testified that he and others at the campaign werent totally confident in the veracity of the server data, but they sent it to reporters anyway a few months before the election.

All I remember is that she agreed with it, Mook said of Clinton. She thought we made the right decision.

The purported server link between the Trump Organization and Russia-based Alfa Bank was ultimately debunked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Former campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann is now on trial for allegedly lying to the FBI when he said he wasnt representing any client when he brought that claim to the agencys attention in September 2016.

Mook testified that neither he nor anyone else at the campaign directed Sussmann to take the information to the FBI and that the main focus was tipping off the media.

That seemed justified because evidence of a suspected secret back-channel between Trump and Russia was obviously incredibly alarming and concerning, Mook said. If true, he said, then thats probably something the American people should know when they vote. Mook said he believed reporters would take their own steps to verify the theory was true before publication.

At the time, Trumps actions had raised questions, Mook said, including making very favorable statements about (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, which was incredibly unusual for a Republican nominee. Mook also noted Trumps suggestion that the US leave the NATO military alliance and his extensive business dealings in Russia.

It isnt unusual for presidential campaigns to conduct opposition research on rivals so they can offer damaging information to the press. But the revelation of Clintons involvement in spreading a theory that her campaign didnt have faith in could bolster Trumps claims about a witch hunt during his presidency.

Still, other connections between Trump and Russia turned out to be true, as outlined in Special Counsel Robert Muellers report. For example, Trump campaign officials including Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort met with a group of Russians at Trump Tower on June 9, 2016, after Don Jr. had been told by an intermediary that they had dirt on Clinton that was part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump.

Trump also appeared to publicly encourage Russia to find Clintons missing emails.

The server theory was supplied to the Clinton campaign by its law firm, Perkins Coie, which had outsourced some of its opposition research to Fusion GPS.

Other witnesses

Mooks testimony doesnt support the government claim that Sussmann tipped the FBI on Clintons behalf. And earlier in the trial, other witnesses said there was no desire by the campaign to provide the information to the FBI.

According to Mook, the campaign didnt trust the FBI because then-Direct James Comey broke protocol and talked about the FBI probe into Clintons use of a private email server, Mook testified.

Two or three of the most damaging days of the campaign were caused by James Comey, not Donald Trump, Mook said. We didnt want to have anything to do with the organization at that time or engage them in that way.

___

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.










Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.










Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.









[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.

[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa visited Irpin in Kyiv region on Saturday, May 21.

"War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians," he said on Twitter on Saturday.

He also said that he will never forget the visit to Irpin, where he "testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks."

Costa said that he arrived in Ukraine following the invitation made by the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion," he wrote.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.

[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak believes that tax legislation needs to be changed and updated in accordance with the current conditions.

According to the press service of the Office of the President, he expressed this point of view at a meeting with representatives of business communities, including the CEO Club Ukraine, the Board business community, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs, in turn, spoke in favor of the need to improve the tax system of Ukraine to give business more freedom.

Yermak said that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a boom in investments is expected, including from the European Union. According to him, many companies already want to enter the Ukrainian market and are only waiting for the end of the war.

"So, it is important for us that we do not lose our own to keep our business alive, to keep it competitive, and so that such competitive conditions are created in the country that will encourage everyone who left to return," he said.

Representatives of the coalition of business communities invited the government team to consider a memorandum concluded between associations of entrepreneurs regarding the key foundations of post-war economic policy.

"We have no fundamental contradictions regarding building a free economy. There are specific issues in certain sectors, in particular in the tax system, which can be dealt with," Deputy Head of the Office Rostyslav Shurma said.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa visited Irpin in Kyiv region on Saturday, May 21.

"War always affects innocent people. Families that had their lives here, their jobs, their neighbourhood, had to abandon everything to try to save their lives. What impresses me the most is violence against civilians," he said on Twitter on Saturday.

He also said that he will never forget the visit to Irpin, where he "testified the evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks."

Costa said that he arrived in Ukraine following the invitation made by the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "I come here, as a sign of solidarity with this country and this people. We condemn the barbaric Russian invasion," he wrote.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Zelensky: We are working to ensure that Russia compensates for everything it destroyed in Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he is working to ensure that Russia compensates for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine.

"We are working to ensure that Russia compensates in one way or another for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine. Every burned house. Every ruined school, ruined hospital. Each blown up house of culture and infrastructure facility. Every destroyed enterprise. Every shut down business, every hryvnia lost by people, enterprises, communities and the state. Russian money as compensation should reach every affected person, family, business," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.

"Of course, the Russian state will not even recognize that it is an aggressor. But its recognition is not required," the president added.
Zelensky: We are working to ensure that Russia compensates for everything it destroyed in Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he is working to ensure that Russia compensates for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine.

"We are working to ensure that Russia compensates in one way or another for everything it has destroyed in Ukraine. Every burned house. Every ruined school, ruined hospital. Each blown up house of culture and infrastructure facility. Every destroyed enterprise. Every shut down business, every hryvnia lost by people, enterprises, communities and the state. Russian money as compensation should reach every affected person, family, business," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.

"Of course, the Russian state will not even recognize that it is an aggressor. But its recognition is not required," the president added.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak believes that tax legislation needs to be changed and updated in accordance with the current conditions.

According to the press service of the Office of the President, he expressed this point of view at a meeting with representatives of business communities, including the CEO Club Ukraine, the Board business community, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs, in turn, spoke in favor of the need to improve the tax system of Ukraine to give business more freedom.

Yermak said that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a boom in investments is expected, including from the European Union. According to him, many companies already want to enter the Ukrainian market and are only waiting for the end of the war.

"So, it is important for us that we do not lose our own to keep our business alive, to keep it competitive, and so that such competitive conditions are created in the country that will encourage everyone who left to return," he said.

Representatives of the coalition of business communities invited the government team to consider a memorandum concluded between associations of entrepreneurs regarding the key foundations of post-war economic policy.

"We have no fundamental contradictions regarding building a free economy. There are specific issues in certain sectors, in particular in the tax system, which can be dealt with," Deputy Head of the Office Rostyslav Shurma said.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
[PART ONE] [PART TWO] [PART THREE] [PART FOUR]

This is the third in a four-part series. The first part introduced Canadian imperialisms long-standing alliance with far-right Ukrainian nationalism. Part two investigated the origins of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi record of Krakivski Visti, which was edited by Mikhailo Chomiak, the grandfather of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Part four will examine how the Canadian state provided a safe haven to the Nazis fascist OUN (M) and OUN (B) collaborators, assisted them in whitewashing their crimes, and used them and far-right Ukrainian nationalism as instruments of its imperialist foreign and domestic policy.

Although bitterly divided over how to most effectively cooperate with the Nazis in bringing about an independent Ukraine, the rival Melnyk and Bandera wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalistsrespectively the OUN (M) and OUN (B)hailed and participated in the Nazis war of annihilation against the Soviet Union and served as the Nazis henchman in the Holocaust.

The Nazi invasion of the USSR was conceived of, from the start, as a war of extermination aimed at establishing German imperialist domination over colonies stretching to the Urals. It was characterized by unprecedented brutality and savagery. Under the Generalplan Ost, developed by state institutions and the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Berlin, the peoples living in Eastern Europe or Russia were to be exterminated or transformed into colonial slaves. As the bloody violence unleashed by this crusade gathered pace, Hitler and his closest collaborators moved in late 1941 to implement their final solution for Europes Jews, i.e., the planned and systematic extermination of 6 million people in the Holocaust.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), other contemporary right and far-right Ukrainian nationalists who promote, defend and whitewash the OUN, and their imperialist sponsors in Ottawa, Washington, London and Berlin make a series of self-serving, utterly fantastic claims about the OUNs record in World War II. All of them are a pack of lies.

German forces battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, in October 1941. (Wikipedia)

They claim that the OUN and the Banderite Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) were a national liberation movement. In reality, they were fascists, subservient to Nazi Germany and later to British and US imperialism. They claim the OUN and UPA fought both the Nazis and the Soviets. This despite the Ukrainian fascists having eagerly served in the June 1941 invasion of the USSR and their having continued to fight the Soviets, either directly under Nazi command or in coordination with them, until they were forced to flee in 1945 to the final Nazi redoubts in Vienna, Munich and elsewhere.

In particular the UCC and Ukrainian far-right venerate the genocidal record of the UPAa force whose leadership and fighters were largely comprised of fascists who, under Banderas orders, had previously served the Third Reichs war machine and the SS. Finally, the present-day defenders of the Ukrainian fascists claim that they played no part in the Holocaust. Were we not speaking of the extermination of well over 1 million Ukrainian Jews, this would be laughable. Numerous OUN documents and publications, during and even well before the outbreak of World War II, advocated mass violence against the Jews. Recent historical research has documented in chilling detail the OUN and UPA cadres participation in the Holocaustincluding in the rounding up of Jews, their mass slaughter and the staffing of the death campsas well as the murder of more than 100,000 Poles in ethnic cleansing operations and tens of thousands of Soviet Russian and Ukrainian partisans. The greater the evidence against the Ukrainian fascists, the louder their contemporary defenders scream. But they cannot cry loud enough to silence objective historical facts.

Canadian historian John Paul Himka, himself once a promoter of the myth of Bandera as national liberation fighter and a life-long liberal promoter of one form or another of Ukrainian national identity politics, has been forced to admit, through a confrontation with these facts, that the OUN was a criminal organization which participated in the genocide of European Jewry and in the ethnic cleansing of Poles. In his recent book, Ukrainian Nationalists and the Holocaust: OUN and UPA's Participation in the Destruction of Ukrainian Jewry, 19411944, Himka summarizes the OUN-UPA role in the Holocaust:

There were three major phases in which the nationalists contributed to the mass murder. ... First, militias organized by OUN were key actors in the anti-Jewish violence of the summer of 1941, in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The militias arrested Jews in order to subject them to forced labour, humiliation and murder; thousands of those arrested were executed by German units, mainly Einsatzgruppe C and Waffen SS Division Wiking. The Ukrainian nationalist militias assembled the Jews for the Germans violence, since they could identify Jews more easily than the invaders and knew the localities, including the Jewish neighbourhoods in the cities. Sometimes the violence was accompanied by bloody public spectacles, as in the pogroms unleashed in Lviv and Zolochiv in early July 1941; sometimes the OUN militias murdered selected Jews and their families more discreetly, and sometimes they just murdered all the Jews in the village. Second, OUN recruited for and infiltrated the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police in Galicia and the stationary Schutzmannschaften in Volhynia. These police units provided the indispensable manpower for the Holocaust. They rounded up Jews for deportation to the death camp at Belzec or for execution by shooting; although most of the actual killing was done by Germans, the Ukrainian policemen also killed in certain circumstances. These liquidations took place primarily from early 1942 to the middle of 1943. Third, early in 1943 thousands of these Ukrainian policemen deserted from German service to join the OUN-led nationalist insurgency. Possessed of some military training and familiarity with both weapons and killing, they took leadership positions in UPA. As soon as the former policemen joined them, UPA launched a massive ethnic cleansing project, at first in Volhynia and later in Galicia. Although it was primarily directed against Poles, there were other non-Ukrainian victims. In the winter of 1943-44, as the Red Army moved westward, UPA lured surviving Jews out of their hiding places in the forests, temporarily placed them in labor camps, and then murdered them.

The Ukrainian fascists and Operation Barbarossa

The rival wings of the OUN mobilized thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of their cadres and supporters to actively participate in Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union launched on June 22, 1941. They did so in multiple forms. In the months leading up to Operation Barbarossas launch, German military intelligence set up two Ukrainian battalions staffed mainly, if not exclusively, by OUN (B) supporters. The lead Ukrainian officer of the Nachtigall Battalion was, as we noted in Part 2, the close Bandera associate Roman Shukhevych, who would later become the military commander of the UPA.

This map depicts the German advances in 1941. Over 3 million troops invaded across the USSR's entire 1,800 kilometer long western Soviet border. Within the first year of the Eastern war, the Nazis and their local collaborators, most notably the Ukrainian fascists, had murdered large parts of the Jewish population.

Both the OUN (M) and (B) set up prohidny hruppy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they advanced into Soviet Ukraine. Many of them rapidly assumed police functions, that is suppressing the population, ferreting out supporters of the Soviet regime, and rounding up and killing Jews. The OUN (B) also formed a Ukrainian Peoples Militia, a paramilitary forced that worked behind the advancing German lines assisting the SS and the Einsatzgruppen death squads.

Krakivski Vistithe daily published by the OUN (M)-aligned Ukrainian Central Committee and edited by Chrystia Freelands grandfather, Mikhailo Chomiakwas all but delirious in the June 23, 1941 issue announcing the launching of what it called a holy war against the antichrist.

Under the heading The Most Justified War in History, Krakivski Visti declared:

Never before in history has there been a more just war than the war started by German troops on Sunday, June 22, 1941. The war that has begun today is something like a huge crusade for the liberation of man, for the liberation of nations, with liberation of the whole world from the terrible ghost of the antichrist. ... Today, the German Fuhrer will be the savior of all the peoples enslaved by Red Moscow ... the blood of German soldiers who had already died and will continue to die a heroic death in THIS holy war will become the foundation of a new future for all the liberated peoples of Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and all mankind.

Front page of an issue of Krakivski Visti published a few days after Operation Barbarossa's launch. The lead article, "In the Great Wave" is by Kubiyovych. He writes: "This is the long-awaited historical moment of rupture. On the orders of the Fuhrer of the German people, German armed forces have moved East, to the realm of darkness and Judeo-Bolshevik degeneracy."

As the Nazis set Operation Barbarossa in motion, both the OUN (M) and (B) were busy making plans for a greater role for themselves in a Nazi-led New Europe.

On June 10,1941, 12 days before the Nazi invasion, Krakivski Visti publisher and the Ukrainian Central Committee (UTsK) head Volodymyr Kubiyovych wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler outlining the OUN (M)s plan for a fascist Ukrainian state under the Third Reichs tutelage.

Kubiyovych's cover letter to Adolf Hitler introducing the accompanying plan for a fascist Ukrainian state.

In his letter he called for:

A Fuhrer state

Going back to the tradition of the Ukrainian Hetman state, the future Ukrainian state will have an authoritarian constitution. The executive power will be concentrated in the hands of a Fuhrer, (Vozhd).

One Party State

As an advisory body, the leadership of the political party and the advisory board made up of representatives of the various corporations will be available to assist him. A national party will be the only form of political organization in full and will form the basis of the state order as well as the single factor of national education and the organization of community life. 

Economy

 Like the leadership, the administration and the economy will also be organized in an authoritarian manner.

Hitler and the Nazis were not about to create a Ukrainian state, even one led by a Vozhd as slavishly obedient as Kubiyovych. They were, however, amenable to his proposal that Western Galicia be included in the territories of the General Government once it was occupied by the Nazi invaders. This allowed the UTsK to expand its operations into part of the Ukrainian heartland.

Ukrainian independence in bondage to Nazi-led German imperialism

According to the OUN (B)s own account, the OUN-staffed Nachtigall Battalion of the German army reached Lviv on June 30, 1941, and OUN leaders headed by Yaroslav Stetsko declared the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and formed a government.

To this day, the Ukrainian fascists and their defenders and apologists celebrate the Akt Proholoshenia Ukrainskoi Derzhavy (Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power) that Stetsko pronounced at a gathering in Lviv, on the same day a horrific pogrom against the citys Jewish population began, as a declaration of independence.

The proclamation is seldom quoted in full by Banderas Ukrainian nationalist apologizers. Because it would only serve to further underline that having arrived in Ukraine as eager participants in the Nazi war of extermination against the Soviet Union, they were not declaring Ukraines independence but its vassalage to Nazi-led German imperialism.

Concluding section of the OUN B's Proclamation of Ukrainian State Power pledging subservience to Nazi-led German imperialism. (Image Credit, State Archive of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.)

A short text that does not even use the word independence, the proclamation pledges that the Ukrainian state power will cooperate closely with National Socialist Great Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, to create a new order in Europe and the world ... and to strongly cooperate with the German army against the Muscovite occupation. ...

The Banderites were clearly trying to emulate their fellow fascist allies in Slovakia, where the Hlinka Guard had formed a government under Nazi tutelage, and the Croatian Ustasce, with which the OUN leaders had trained in the 1930s, who had been granted their own fascist puppet state.

Seeing the operational usefulness of the OUN-B terrorists, sections of the Wehrmacht (German military) welcomed the Lviv proclamation, and a group of Wehrmacht officers present when Stetsko made it reportedly cheered. But Hitler saw the vast fertile lands of Ukraine as too vital to his racialist-fascist project of creating Lebensraum for the Germans to allow any form of a Ukrainian state.

On July 5, 1941, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Berlin. Stetsko, who had named himself Ukraines Prime Minister, followed a week later. While detained in Berlin, Bandera and Stetsko continued to enjoy political freedom. Banderas correspondence, some of it marked Secret, continued. Bandera and Stetsko were released on July 14, and continued to negotiate with the Nazi regime, proposing various projects to different Nazi military and police organs. In a grovelling August 3, 1941 letter of protest to Hitler regarding Galicias separation from the rest of Ukraine and incorporation into the General Government, which was itself in part a reaction to the OUN-Bs proclamation, Bandera affirmed his deepest respect for Hitler as a fellow nationalist of the Western Mark.

Stepan Bandera monument in Ternopil in western Ukraine. With the active support of the government-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress, pro-NATO and EU "democratic" Ukrainian governments have systematically promoted the fascist Bandera, and his OUB (B) and UPA as freedom fighters. (Wikipedia)

Stetsko, for his, part affirmed that a Ukraine under their governance would function as a national forced labor camp for Nazi Germany: I know, he wrote, that the reconstruction of a sovereign and united Ukrainian state is possible only with (Nazi) Germanys victory ... we uphold the complete economic support of Germany by Ukraine with all available means ...

It was the Banderites assassination of Mykola Stisiborskyi, a rival leader and ideologue of the OUN (M), the Nazis other Ukrainian fascist allies, that caused the Nazis to again detain Bandera and Stetsko.

The OUNs supporters and apologists like to paint the custody of Stetsko and Bandera as something equivalent to the kind of brutal imprisonment the Nazis (and OUN!) meted out to communists, Jews, Roma and political prisoners. OUN pamphlets speak ominously of the concentration camps into which Stetsko and Bandera were put.

In reality, the OUN (B) leaders were held in Sonder und Ehrenhaft, a special and privileged status of detention the Nazis reserved for diplomats and heads of state. Moreover, they were allowed to continue to correspond with their followers embedded in the Nazi repressive apparatus, although the Nazis took steps to tighten their surveillance and control by integrating OUN militia and task force members into Ukrainian police units.

A typical cell at Zellenbau where Stetsko and Bandera were detained. Note the mattress and pillow.

Below, conditions for Jewish prisoners at Dachau, where members of the Waffen SS Galicia trained. Note the starving, brutalized human beings stacked like cord wood on shelves.

While in custody, Stetsko produced a document to which Ukrainian nationalists do not like to refer, his Zhitiepys or Life story. It further attests to OUNs support for the extermination of the Jews and fascist character.

I consider Marxism, wrote Stetsko, to be a product of the Jewish mind, which however, has been applied in practice in the Muscovite prison of peoples by the Muscovite-Asiatic people with the assistance of Jews. Moscow and Jewry are Ukraines greatest enemies and bearers of corrupting Bolshevik international ideas. I fully appreciate the undeniably harmful and hostile role of the Jews, who are helping Moscow to enslave Ukraine ... I therefore support the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine.

Because we are speaking of such grave matters, it must be emphasized that Stetsko used the words vinisheniyadestructionand eksterminatsii zhidivstveextermination of Jewry.

Excerpt from Stetsko's "Zhitiepys or "Life story."

In another passage, Stetsko forthrightly expounds the Ukrainian nationalists implacable opposition to and hatred of socialism and democracy:

I co-created the ideology and program of the Organization (OUN) as completely hostile to Marxism, democracy, and all class-based ideologies and programs. Politically, I support authoritarian, single-party system in Ukraine. In the social sphere, I support national solidarism, which is close to the National Socialist (Nazi) program, but mine differs in the particular features of the Ukrainian land ...

Stetskowho would succeed Bandera, on the latters death, as head of the OUN (B)was not telling the Nazis what he thought they wanted to hear to get out of prison, for which he volunteered. He was simply stating to his Nazi captors and patrons the already established policy of the OUN (B).

Borotba I diialnist OUN pidchas vinny (Struggle and Activities of the OUN in Wartime)an OUN (B) document prepared as a guide to the Ukrainian fascist prohidny hurupy (task forces) that supported and followed the Nazi armies as they invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941explicitly sanctioned mass murder: At a time of chaos and confusion, liquidation of undesirable Polish, Muscovite and Jewish activists is permitted, especially supporters of Jewish-Muscovite imperialism.

This document, which contemporary fascists supporters of the OUN continue to cite, further states:

Once the OUN establishes a government, it is to be based upon the following social principles:

The national minorities are divided into a) those that are friendly to us ... and b) those that are hostile to usMuscovites, Poles and Jews ...

Re: a) Have the same rights as Ukrainians ...

Re: b) Destruction in the struggle, especially those who defended the regime: deportation to their homelands, destruction, especially of the intelligentsia, which should not be allowed to hold any administrative positions. In general, we make it impossible to produce an intelligentsia that has access to schools, etc. For example, the so-called Polish peasants are to be assimilated, making them understand from the outset ... that they are Ukrainians, only forcibly assimilated to the Latin rite. Leaders are to be destroyed. Jews are to be isolated and removed from administrative positions so as to prevent sabotage. If, for example, there is an absolute need to retain a Jew in the economic administration, one of our militiamen should be placed over him and he should be liquidated for the slightest transgressions. Only Ukrainians and not foreign enemies can be leaders in the various branches of life. Assimilation of Jews is forbidden.

Working alongside and within the Nazi the security forces, the Ukrainian fascists of both factions of the OUN put these genocidal notions into practice in pursuit of their goal of establishing a Ukraine for the Ukrainiansthat is an ethnically pure Ukrainian state.

The Nachtigall Battalion and OUN (B) auxiliary groups participated in two murderous sprees in Lviv in 1941, from June 30 to July 3, and again from July 25 to 29, in which up to 9,000 of Lvivs Jews were murdered by Nazis and Ukrainian fascists. Similar pogroms occurred in Ternopil, Kremianets, Zolochev and Zboriv. These murder campaigns led to much larger mass shootings. Organized by the Einsatzgruppen death squads with the assistance and participation of OUN militia and police auxiliaries, they killed more than 50,000 people in the summer of 1941.

University of Ottawa political scientist Ivan Katchanovski, who has extensively researched and documented the dominant role former Ukrainian police and auxiliary forces involved in the slaughter of Jews played in the UPA, also points to the involvement of OUN (M)-led police in some of the most horrific crimes, including the September 1941 shooting of 34,000 Jews at Babi Yar in Kiev.

Many OUN (B) members who played a leading role in the auxiliary police units, including the infamous Mykola Lebed, received training in torture and other skills at German military and police schools run by the Gestapo and the SS. Lebed, who would go on to head the OUN (B)s ruthless SB security services, commanded the group of 120 Ukrainians recruited by the Nazis for training at the Zakopane Gestapo training school immediately following their invasion of Poland in 1939. After the war, he was a lifelong CIA asset, who ran the Prolog propaganda publishing house in the United States.

His training at the Zakopane Gestapo school involved the random selection of innocent Jews for hands-on torture and murder. An OUN-B defector, Mykyta Kosakivsky, would confess decades later how he witnessed Lebed enter some Jewish home  grab a Jew, and bring him to the Unit  Gestapo officers taught the proper methods of interrogation. [T]o induce the innocent Jew to confess that he had raped an Aryan woman, the German officers beat and tortured him, using their fists, a sword and iron bars. When he was bloody from head to toe, they applied salt and flame to his wounds  Later the Gestapo commander Rosenbaum beat the Jew again with an iron pipe and Lebid (sic) too assisted in that heroic action.

The Ukrainian fascists response to the turn in the war against the Nazis

The twin defeats of Hitlers armies at Stalingrad in the fall/winter of 1942-1943 and the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 caused both the rival factions of the Ukrainian fascists to make opportunistic and cynical tactical shifts.

In the spring of 1943, the OUN (M) began mobilizing its supporters to form a Ukrainian unit of the Waffen SS. Prior to the crisis prompted by the defeat at Stalingrad, the Nazis had restricted entry into the Waffen SS to pure Aryans. As the only Ukrainian-language publication allowed in the Nazi General Government, Krakivski Visti, under Chomiaks editorship, played a crucial role in this campaign.

A recruitment poster for the 14th Waffen SS Galizien showing the front page of Krakivski Visti, as well as a Waffen SS soldier about to murder a caricatured Jew with a sword

On May 16, 1943, Krakivski Visti published the following appeal from Kubiyovych:

The long-awaited moment has arrived when the Ukrainian people will again have the opportunity to come out with gun in hand to do battle against its most grievous foeBolshevism. The Fuhrer of the Greater German Reich has agreed to the formation of a separate Ukrainian volunteer military unit under the name of SS Infantry Division 'Galicia.' ... You must stand shoulder to shoulder with the invincible German army and destroy, once and for all, the Bolshevik beast ...

Kubiyovych himself became the Waffen SS Division Galiziens first official member, swearing an oath to the Waffen SS and to the SSs head Heinrich Himmler.

Krakivski Visti accompanied its recruitment campaign for the Waffen-SS with a foul torrent of anti-Semitic articles. German Press chief Emil Gasner demanded that these articles should be authored by Ukrainians, as opposed to the many reprints of German anti-Semitic content that the paper regularly published. These articles would serve to underline Ukrainian support for the Waffen SS recruitment campaign. Several volunteers stepped up, including Oleksander Mokh, who would later go on to a publishing career in Toronto. But before his immigration, his contributions to world literature consisted of such titles as How the Jews are Depraving Europe, How They (the Jews) helped the Bolsheviks and Conscience and Sodom, published in May and June 1943. These contributions are conspicuously absent from his biography in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, which was edited by none other than Kubiyovych himself and would ultimately come to be sponsored by the University of Albertas Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Photo credit: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

The Waffen SS 14th or Galicia Division was trained adjacent to various concentration and forced labour camps in 1943, including Dachau, according to the confessions of former division members. Camp inmates were forced to remove their hats when the new SS recruits marched by. They received two hours of indoctrination in National Socialist theory each week, while the rest of their days were filled with its practice. At the end of August 1943, the members swore an oath to Adolf Hitler, after having been tattooed with their blood group. As the 8,000 enlistment target was oversubscribed, those who did not make the cut were incorporated into four special police units, who also went on to participate in atrocities.

The Galicia Division would not see combat until February 1944, when it was sent into action against the resistance to the Nazis. In July 1944, the Division lost 73 percent of its forces at Brody resisting the Soviet counteroffensive which corresponded with the D-Day landings. The unit was rebuilt by the Nazis from reserve forces and sent to Slovakia to crush the uprising of the Slovak working class against fascist rule in early 1945.

The commanding officers of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien were drawn from the ranks of the worst Nazi mass murderers. Fritz Freitag was a veteran of Einsatzgruppen killings, who kept an extensive diary of his atrocities, with entries such as 114 prisoners taken, 283 Jews shot. SS-Obersturmbahnfuherer Franz Magall also recorded his Einsatzgruppen crimes in a diary: Driving women and children into swamps was not as successful as it should have been, since the swamps were not deep enough for them to sink.

Michael James Melnyk, who has written three books on the history of the Galicia Division, describes in minute detail the anti-partisan operations it conducted against the local population of Ukraine and then against the Slovaks. But as the son of a former Waffen SS member, he simply assumes that all of the units victims had it coming, as communists or partisans.

It is useful therefore to compare Melnyks description of the spring 1944 Huta Pieniacka massacre with the accounts of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and that of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences.

Melnyk justifies the atrocity as follows: The village (with approximately 1,000 inhabitants) is openly acknowledged to have become a well-fortified armed stronghold and major resistance centre for both Polish and Soviet led partisan groups. These partisans, in addition to harassing German supply columns and disrupting the rear areas of the German Army, are also known to have fought against the UPA as well as terrorizing the local Ukrainian population by raiding the surrounding villages. Melnyk then goes on to admit that the village was subject to a pacification action which ultimately led to the destruction of the village and the liquidation of many of the remaining civilian population, but that this was the work of the Germans. Melnyk also leaves out the fact that the people of Huta Pienacka had fled the massacres by the OUN (B) of more than 100,000 Poles and Jews in the previous year. The pacification action finished them off.

The Poles remember things differently:

... the crime was committed by the 4th battalion of the 14th division on February 28. On that day, early in the morning, soldiers of this division, dressed in white, masking outfits, surrounded the village. The village was cross-fired by artillery. SS men of the 14th Division of the SS Galizien entered the village, shooting the civilians rounded up at a church. The civilians, mostly women and children, were divided and locked in barns that were set on fire. Those who tried to run away were killed. Witnesses interrogated by the prosecutors of the Head Commission described the morbid details of the act. The crime was committed against women, children, and newborn babies.

The Ukrainian Academy of Science writes:

The SS detachments attack on the village was the result of the denunciation to the Ukrainian police by the population in Pidhirtsiv, which informed the Germans that the Poles of Huta Pieniacka were hiding Jews, supported Bolshevik partisans, stored weapons and so on. The Ukrainian SS men arrived in the village to conduct an inspection. When they began robbing the population, speaking Ukrainian to each other, the Poles took them for bandits in disguise, and began defending themselves. Then, a Ukrainian squadron of the SS arrived in the village from Pidhirtsiv. After having encircled the village, it began to murder people.

The OUN (B) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army

After the German surrender at Stalingrad in February 1943 and with support swelling among the Ukrainian people for the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazis, the OUN (B) began to prepare for the possibility that its Nazi allies could go down to defeat and the prospect of an independent Ukraine lost.

The OUN-organized Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is said to have been founded in October 1942. But it only emerged as a significant force in the spring of 1943 and then only as the result of the March-April 1943 mass desertion to it of Ukrainian police commanders and officers.

Some 4,000-6,000 Ukrainian police responded to the UPAs call to join its ranks in the Volhynia region of Nazi occupied-Poland in spring 1943. According to Katchanovski, at the end of that year police defectors continued to comprise more than half of all UPA fighters. The UPA would also be joined by others who had served as Nazi henchmen including in the Nachtigall and Roland German special operations battalions, and ultimately by deserters from the Waffen SS Galicia Division.

German officer visiting a Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft or auxiliary police unit near Kiev, in December 1942. The OUN (B) had systematically embedded its cadres in Ukrainian Schutzmannschaft. (Wikipedia)

At the height of its power, the UPA had perhaps 20,000 fighters, a majority of whom had previously served and/or fought alongside the Nazis.

The political significance of the mass police defection to the UPA cannot be overemphasized. If the OUN (B) could command thousands of police officers to defect to the UPA, it was because they were serving in the Nazis auxiliary police at the OUN (B)s instructions; and when they helped implement the mass extermination of the Jews of Ukraine, they did so under its discipline and at its behest.

Katchanovski, through a review of the biographies of 119 top-ranked and 210 middle-ranked OUN (B) leaders and UPA commanders, has demonstrated the extent to which this so-called national liberation movement was led and staffed by Nazi henchman. Based on the available evidence, he has established that 55 percent of middle ranking OUN/UPA cadre actively collaborated with the Nazi military, police and/or intelligence, as did 77 percent of the top-ranked OUN and UPA leaders. He stresses the true percentages are likely higher due to information gaps.

Lubomir Luciuk, a Royal Military College of Canada professor and recipient of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Shevchenko Medal, would have us believe the UPA fought both the Nazis AND the Soviets. But any anti-German military engagements were few, and inconsequential. Katchanovski has documented that only 6 percent of top OUN commanders, and only 3 percent of the top UPA commanders, died as the result of military engagement with the Germans, as opposed to 54 percent who died in combat with Soviet forces. Though 32 percent of OUN leaders were at some point taken prisoner by the Germans, almost all of them were released shortly thereafter. Objectively verifiable facts contradict the lies spun by the Ukrainian nationalists and their western imperialist allies.

Coincident with the Nazi tank army defeat in the Battle of Kursk, an OUN (B) congress in the summer of 1943 made a totally cynical and dishonest rhetorical shift, so as to position itself for a future attempt to court British and American imperialist support. It condemned National Socialist ideology and professed its support for national minorities. Essentially, this is where the OUN campaign of lying about itself and its political history begins.

In practice, the UPA continued to perpetrate mass violence. A systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing of up to 100,000 Poles in the Volhynia, Galicia, Lublin and Polesia regions peaked just as the OUN was declaring its love for national minorities. In June 1943, the commander of the UPA-North, Dmytro Klyachkivsky, issued a secret directive saying: We should make a large action of the liquidation of the Polish element. As the German armies withdraw, we should take advantage of this convenient moment for liquidating the entire male population in the age from 16 up to 60 years. ... Villages and settlements lying next to the massive forests, should disappear from the face of the earth. The majority of those massacred were in fact women and children. The murders continued until 1945. The UPA even shot the few conscripted Jewish doctors it had pressed into service.

Victims of a UPA massacre targeting Poles in the village of Lipniki in 1943. (Wikipedia)

Throughout the UPA played a role in protecting the Nazi rear, permitting German units to be deployed against the Soviets in a more efficient manner.

Facing the prospect of imminent defeat, the Nazis released Bandera from captivity in September 1944. This resulted in still closer cooperation between the UPA-OUN (B) and the Nazis in fighting the advancing Red Army. According to Banderas biographer, Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe, Bandera together with the other Ukrainian leading politicians such as Melnyk, Kubiyovych, and Pavlo Shandruk, agreed to help the Germans to mobilise Ukrainians for the fight against the Soviet Union.

As the Soviet Red Army inflicted defeat after defeat on the German Wehrmacht during 1944 and early 1945, bringing the collapse of Nazi Germany ever nearer, the Ukrainian nationalists of the OUN (B) and OUN (M) fled westwards. Freelands grandfather Mykhailo Chomiak and his collaborators travelled to Vienna, where they continued to publish Krakivski Visti. The last issue appeared in March 1945. Many leading figures ended up in displaced peoples camps, where OUN members operated mafia-like structures.

Bandera fled to Munich, where he would later collaborate with the CIA and West German intelligence. The OUN (B), after a brief suspension of its activities, was reconstituted under the auspices of Britains MI6 in 1946 to be used as an ally in an anti-Soviet insurgency in Ukraine that the Americans would covertly back until at least the end of the 1950s. By the mid-1950s, Banderas intransigent fascism had alienated the CIA and many of his former allies, who found it distasteful and politically out of step with western imperialist propaganda about democracy and freedom for captive nations. He was reputedly assassinated by a KGB agent in 1959. His wife and son fled to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to promote the OUN cause.

The surrender of the 14th (Galicia) Division of the Waffen SS to the British forces is illustrative of the campaign of lies told by the Ukrainian fascists to cover their tracks and clean up their political reputation to make themselves more palatable to their new Americanand Canadianmasters. Around April 25, 1945, just before its surrender, the members of the Galizien Division of the Waffen SS shed their uniforms and SS insignia and declared themselves to be the First Unit of the Ukrainian National Army. The British officers who first encountered them only later discovered who they were really dealing with. They were interned for several years before eventually being admitted as immigrants to the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

* * *

On April 27, every Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, Green and New Democratic Party MP present unanimously approved an NDP parliamentary motion labelling Russia's military operation in Ukraine an act of Genocide.

Clearly, the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Canadian ruling class and its political representatives is boundless.

Russias invasion of Ukraine is reactionary. But the claim that Moscow is carrying out genocide in Ukraine is a provocation aimed at diabolizing Russia and making any de-escalation of the conflict impossible, so Canadian imperialism and its allies can pursue their plans to subjugate Russia irrespective of the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives.

It is all the more grotesque coming from a state and political establishment that for eight decades has cultivated an alliance with those who aided and abetted Nazi genocide against the Jews of Ukraine. In the concluding part of this series we will document how Canadian imperialism provided refuge to the Ukrainian fascists, helped them cover up their crimes and has made use of them to advance its predatory interests, including in the preparation, instigation and waging of the current war.

To be continued.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak believes that tax legislation needs to be changed and updated in accordance with the current conditions.

According to the press service of the Office of the President, he expressed this point of view at a meeting with representatives of business communities, including the CEO Club Ukraine, the Board business community, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs, in turn, spoke in favor of the need to improve the tax system of Ukraine to give business more freedom.

Yermak said that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a boom in investments is expected, including from the European Union. According to him, many companies already want to enter the Ukrainian market and are only waiting for the end of the war.

"So, it is important for us that we do not lose our own to keep our business alive, to keep it competitive, and so that such competitive conditions are created in the country that will encourage everyone who left to return," he said.

Representatives of the coalition of business communities invited the government team to consider a memorandum concluded between associations of entrepreneurs regarding the key foundations of post-war economic policy.

"We have no fundamental contradictions regarding building a free economy. There are specific issues in certain sectors, in particular in the tax system, which can be dealt with," Deputy Head of the Office Rostyslav Shurma said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the rescuers in Enerhodar, temporarily occupied by Russia, who protested today, deserve support from all of Ukrainians.

"Today I definitely want to thank our people who do not stop fighting the occupation. And especially those who are now in the territory that is temporarily under the control of Russia, its army. In particular, the rescuers in Enerhodar who protested today deserve support from all of us. Thank you! Each and every one must show that the occupiers have no right to decide anything on our land. This is an important component of our victory," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.

Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the rescuers in Enerhodar, temporarily occupied by Russia, who protested today, deserve support from all of Ukrainians.

"Today I definitely want to thank our people who do not stop fighting the occupation. And especially those who are now in the territory that is temporarily under the control of Russia, its army. In particular, the rescuers in Enerhodar who protested today deserve support from all of us. Thank you! Each and every one must show that the occupiers have no right to decide anything on our land. This is an important component of our victory," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the rescuers in Enerhodar, temporarily occupied by Russia, who protested today, deserve support from all of Ukrainians.

"Today I definitely want to thank our people who do not stop fighting the occupation. And especially those who are now in the territory that is temporarily under the control of Russia, its army. In particular, the rescuers in Enerhodar who protested today deserve support from all of us. Thank you! Each and every one must show that the occupiers have no right to decide anything on our land. This is an important component of our victory," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak believes that tax legislation needs to be changed and updated in accordance with the current conditions.

According to the press service of the Office of the President, he expressed this point of view at a meeting with representatives of business communities, including the CEO Club Ukraine, the Board business community, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs, in turn, spoke in favor of the need to improve the tax system of Ukraine to give business more freedom.

Yermak said that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a boom in investments is expected, including from the European Union. According to him, many companies already want to enter the Ukrainian market and are only waiting for the end of the war.

"So, it is important for us that we do not lose our own to keep our business alive, to keep it competitive, and so that such competitive conditions are created in the country that will encourage everyone who left to return," he said.

Representatives of the coalition of business communities invited the government team to consider a memorandum concluded between associations of entrepreneurs regarding the key foundations of post-war economic policy.

"We have no fundamental contradictions regarding building a free economy. There are specific issues in certain sectors, in particular in the tax system, which can be dealt with," Deputy Head of the Office Rostyslav Shurma said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the rescuers in Enerhodar, temporarily occupied by Russia, who protested today, deserve support from all of Ukrainians.

"Today I definitely want to thank our people who do not stop fighting the occupation. And especially those who are now in the territory that is temporarily under the control of Russia, its army. In particular, the rescuers in Enerhodar who protested today deserve support from all of us. Thank you! Each and every one must show that the occupiers have no right to decide anything on our land. This is an important component of our victory," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the rescuers in Enerhodar, temporarily occupied by Russia, who protested today, deserve support from all of Ukrainians.

"Today I definitely want to thank our people who do not stop fighting the occupation. And especially those who are now in the territory that is temporarily under the control of Russia, its army. In particular, the rescuers in Enerhodar who protested today deserve support from all of us. Thank you! Each and every one must show that the occupiers have no right to decide anything on our land. This is an important component of our victory," Zelensky said in a video address on Saturday night.

DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f



DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f
DOWNLOAD BETA.02 SOURCE CODE SEE TABLE OF RECENT DEVELOPMENT BUILDS

Changes since version 8.0.207 1 January 2003

Now in reverse chronological order (newest first)

Also see:

All changes since July 2020 have been entered directly into this page. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.03 (IN PROGRESS - NOT UPLOADED YET) Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. ckuusx.c, stanza starting at line 4168 slightly rearranged to squelch another warning, 17 May 2022.

ckctel.c, about line 4669: case TELOPT_NEWENVIRON: type casts straightened out (again), 17 May 2022.

makefile: Added "linux-pedanditic" and "netbsd-pedantic" targets to check for warnings I normally wouldn't see. 18 May 2022.

makefile: Added -DNOWTMP to macos target to suppress "deprecated" warnings, 19 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: clarified "help function stripx" text, 20 May 2022.

ckuus2.c: improved "help function cvtdate" text; fixed an unquoted backslash in "help date" text. 21 May 2022.

The "install" and "uninstall" makefile targets will be improved to handle multilevel directories without depending on "mkdir -p", which isn't portable. C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01 16 May 2022 and Beta.02 17 May 2022 [ This page, which as of May 2022 would be about 200 pages long if printed, was originally a plain-text change log in chronological order (newest entries at the bottom). In May 2017 it was converted to HTML by a text-to-html Kermit script , and as of 27 July 2020 it has been rearranged so the latest information is at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and the formatting was improved by makeshift scripts and by hand.Compilation warnings in Beta.01-02 are fixed in Beta.03. Changes since Alpha.07 ] [ What's new in C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.02 corrects two fatal syntax errors in non-ANSI-C builds affecting only HP-UX. The rest of this section applies to both Beta.01 and Beta.02. The forthcoming new release of C-Kermit, expected "pretty soon" will be called 10.0 rather than 9.0.305, not so much because it's radically different from 9.0, but because (a) it's been over 10 years since the previous release and (b) it'll be my final release. Afterwards it can be further developed (or not) by the public via Github or whatever other collaborative Open-Source development methods supplant it. Meanwhile the previous test release, 9.0.305 Alpha.07, has proven to be quite stable. The new release should function normally on most modern Unix variations (and hopefully older ones as well), and also on VMS versions 5.4 through 8.4. I realize there are some as-yet unresolved issues on Solaris but there's nothing I can do about them without access. WHY NOW?: I have an infinitely long To-Do list for C-Kermit but I think it's a good idea to release this version ASAP, simply because the last formal release (9.0.302) fails to build on so many platforms where it was perfectly OK eleven years ago, due to changes in the underlying APIs, shuffling around of header files on different platforms and OS distributions, and changes in the C language and/or compilers. In fact, previous releases WILL NOT BUILD on most modern Linuxes due to a backwards-incompatible change in glibc. And even when they do produce an executable, it is only after issuing reams of warnings about constructions that used to be perfectly legal. Unix and C badly need a "stability layer" to keep programs working over the long term. ABOUT TEST BUILDS: During (and for decades prior to) the C-Kermit 9.0 development cycle in 2010-2011, I had direct access to over 200 different Unix platforms for development and test builds, not to mention the other OS families. Now I have access to exactly three: NetBSD, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. Before a proper new C-Kermit release can be made, I'll need help from users of the other Linux distributions, and of Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Minix, Android, and whatever other Unix varieties are still viable in the 2020s, plus (Open)VMS, as well OpenSSL and Kerberos (especially Heimdal) programmers if those security methods are to be carried forward. THE C-KERMIT MAKEFILE: The makefile has evolved from a single target (4.2BSD) in 1985 into a nearly 9000-line monster with (at this writing) over 750 targets. I haven't made any effort to "clean it up". The world is a big place, and who can say that there aren't still people out there running ancient versions of UNIX who might need a newer release of C-Kermit. Anyway it's like a Unix history museum. As is C-Kermit itself, with code to support all those ancient OS's: Bell Labs Unix V7, AT&T SVR3, 2.9BSD (16-bit!), Cray X/MP, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix, OSF/1, Venix, IX/370, NeXTstep, QNX, Xenix, DYNIX, SINIX, IRIX... ABOUT KERMIT 95: Almost all the changes noted in this document were made after the still-current release of Kermit 95 for Windows, 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, which is based on C-Kermit; in fact it is the Windows version of C-Kermit, similar the Unix version and VMS version. Thus all the fixes and improvements described here are missing from K95 2.1.3 of 1 January 2011, but will magically appear in any new release based upon the current C-Kermit source code.

C-Kermit 10.0 Beta.01-02 changes since Alpha.07

 New features

Serial-port speed selections for 1000000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 bps, suggested by Pali Rohar. The new high speeds have not been tested because I no longer have a computer with serial port.

New VDIRECTORY command with 1-letter synonym V, a convenient alias for the DIRECTORY command (and a familiar one to old DEC-20 hands) (the very first Kermit program was written on the DEC-20 in 1981).

New HELP COMPACT-SUBSTRING command to show the syntax for the compact substring notation that was added in C-Kermit 9.0.300.

HELP text improved for GREP, TRANSLATE, TOUCH /MODTIME, FREAD /TRIM, FUNCTION DIRECTORIES, FUNCTION FILEINFO.

New -DNODEPRECATED parameter for makefile KFLAGS to disinclude FTP, Telnet, and RLOGIN clients plus WTMP logging, all "deprecated" now. This saves only about 200K in the executable size.

New Makefile targets: New "list" target to list all targets and "count" target to show how many targets there are.

 Bugs fixed

(Beta.02 only) ckuusx.c, ckufio.c: correction of syntax errors affecting only non-ANSIC-C builds.

ckufio.c: Bug fixed affecting -DNOUUCP builds (such as Mac OS) when receiving a file in which C-Kermit created a bogus empty backup file (e.g. bug.txt.~1~). Reported and diagnosed by MacPorts port maintainer Lin Dongyu.

ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w: SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH applied to all packets when it should have applied only to Data packets, now it does details here.

ckuus3.c: Bug fixed in S-Expression parser; "if (xx = 0)" should have been "if (xx == 0)" (did you know that C-Kermit had a mini-LISP iterpreter built in?... What day is Easter in 2033?)

ckcfns.c: The 'debug(F110,"sipkt rp","",rp);' statement in sipkt() had a bad argument list all these years.

Extraneous line in "help function tablelook" removed.

SET HOST command switch /TIMEOUT: was removed because the supporting code was never written.

Top-level DEBUG command that was added in C-Kermit 9.0 was removed because it never did anything and there was no help text for it.

 Compiler warnings hushed

ckcftp.c: changed a long if-else-if.. (dangling else) sequence to a switch

ckctel.c: changed: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,request, strlen(request)); to: tn_ssbopt(TELOPT_NEWENVIRON,TELQUAL_SEND,(CHAR *)request, strlen((CHAR *)request)); /* 2022-01-27 */ in hopes of silencing some "Pointers are not assignment-compatible" and "Argument #1 is not the correct type" warnings on a platform I don't have access to (HP-UX).

ckcpro.w: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusr.c: fixed 7 dangling elses

ckuus2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus3.c: fixed 10 dangling elses

ckuus4.c: fixed 67 dangling elses

ckuus5.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus6.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuus7.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckuusx.c: Fixed several dummy ck_curpos() declarations to suppress warnings.

ckuusx.c: fixed 2 extraneous parentheses and 1 dangling else

ckcfn2.c: fixed 1 dangling else

ckutio.c: fixed 1 dangling else

makefile: added -Wdeprecated-declarations to macos target (for logwtmp)

C-Kermit 10.0: Brief summary of new features since 9.0.302

An essential adaptation to a change in Glibc 2.28 that broke C-Kermit and caused several major Linux distributions to drop it.

SET SPEED 1000000, 1500000, 2000000, 2500000, 3000000, 3500000, and 4000000 for high serial-port speeds on platforms that support them.

Numerous updates for VMS/OpenVMS operating systems from 5.4 to 8.4, so it is not orphaned.

Adaptation to Android (note) (build)

Unix only: New ability to run Kermit scripts in a pipeline, and to otherwise behave as a typical stdin/stdout/stderr program (example: the html script).

New CHANGE command for changing strings in external files. Like when you have a website with hundreds of pages in a whole directory tree that link to another website whose URL changed.

Unix makefile: new target make linux-nodeprecated to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support.

to build C-Kermit without "deprecated" features such as FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and (explained below) arrow-key support. And... the guts of the command processor were almost totally rewritten to allow IF-command and function arguments to be entered in a natural way. Sounds scary but I tested the result by using it heavily over 17 months.

TOUCH /MODTIME:xxx, like the Unix 'touch' command, sets a file's date. Works on single files, multiple files, and directory trees; many selection criteria are available.

Locale support for date formats, day and month names, system error messages, currency notaion, sorting and collation behavior, etc, plus the new functions \fdayname() and \fmonthname() that return the full name of the given day or month in the locale's language: locale.html, remind.html.

New variables: \v(year) = current year, \v(month) = current month (three letters), and \v(nmonth) = current month (numeric) to complete the set that already included \v(date), \v(day), and \v(nday), with \v(date), \v(day), and \v(month) rendered according to locale.

New IF conditions: NEQ, LLE, LGE, BINARY, TEXT.

Parsing of some REMOTE commands were broken, now fixed.

New (ECHO xxx) command for use within LISP S-expressions.

New \ffileinfo() function to get all the information available about a given file, used by the Photogallery script.

DIRECTORY /BRIEF /EXCEPT:xxx fixed (required for Photogallery), e.g. "dir /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:IMAGES *.jpg"

New \ffilecompare() function (tells whether two files are identical or differ, used in the renamejpgs script).

Some new date formats for \fcvtdate(): photogallery.html, remind.html.

In response to Unix full path names getting longer and longer all the time: Improved fullscreen file-transfer display to show user's login directory as ~/ and to truncate too-long lines from the left rather than the right.

The current directory shown in C-Kermit's default prompt now also uses ~/ notation to save space.

Numerous code changes to integrate with Kermit 95 source, a project that was active in 2013 but never completed. If you would like to have C-Kermit for Windows (previously known as Kermit 95 = K95) and you are a Windows programmer please (CLICK HERE) to see how you can help.

Numerous adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions, but more work is needed if anyone is actually going to make SSL connections with C-Kermit.

Countless fixes and adaptations to newer Unix platforms, libraries, and C compilers. Described below from HERE to HERE... about 2000 lines of text. And also in the abbreviated edit history found in the no-longer-appropriately named C-Kermit Daily Source Archive page. This type of pointless busy work will never end.

Current and pending issues

Version number The new version number, 10.0, is a change in format. Previous version numbers had three parts, e.g. 9.0.304 (major.minor.edit), the new one follows the modern two-part convention. However, "10.0" also pushes the number of digits in the built-in \v(version) variable from six (90304) to seven (1000000) (built-in \v() variables go back to about C-Kermit 5A(178), 1992, 30 years ago at this writing). Scripts that use the \v(version) variable in comparisons, e.g. if < \v(version) 900300 exit 1 "FATAL - C-Kermit 9.0.300 or later required." Future minor versions of C-Kermit should be 10.01, 10.02, etc (in case there might be more than ten of them), and the next major version should be 11.0. Note to future developers: C-Kermit's version numbers and dates are set near the top of ckcmai.c. Glibc conflicts C-Kermit has to multiplex simultaneous keyboard and communications i/o. The code for this has evolved over nearly 40 years at this writing and it's rather complex. A big goal from the beginning was efficiency because in the early days Kermit might have been running on a very slow computer. Thus C-Kermit uses the buffered fopen()/getc() interface for less context switching than the bare metal open()/read() interface for each character. Kermit's approach was fine until I added support for arrow keys in version 8.0 in 2003. Arrow keys are different from regular keys in that they generate multiple bytes instead of a single byte. So when there is a keyboard event Kermit has to peek ahead in the keyboard buffer to tell the difference, and if it's an arrow key, then Kermit "does something" rather than just transmitting the byte sequence, e.g. recalls the previous command. So far so good. But the API for peeking ahead is apparently offensive to the glibc people, and they are intent on removing it. The first step took place in 2021 and the result was that C-Kermit failed to compile. A workaround was found that fixed the problem, but the Gnu people don't approve of it and are determined to remove all possible ways of "poking around in stdio internals on *any* platform". They say that they will "consider" adding "musl-compatible __freadahead", whatever that is, maybe before they pull the plug on the current setup, maybe not. So the day will come when C-Kermit breaks again and then there will be four possibilities: Give up on arrow keys and rebuild C-Kermit with -DNOARROWKEYS (this has always been possible); Change thousands of lines of code to do single-byte instead of buffered reads as the Gnu people suggest; Take advantage of the new __readahead thing if it's appropriate but this won't be portable to older Linux versions; The Linux application packagers drop C-Kermit again. In the great scheme of things maybe arrow keys aren't so important, but who really knows? And then what happens when they change something else? The Gnu folks have a very narrow view. C-Kermit is not just a Linux program; in fact it predates Linux by six years. C-Kermit is portable among at least nine different operating system families and at least 190 different Unix varieties, the vast majority of which do not have Glibc. How can a total rewrite of C-Kermit's terminal i/o be tested on all those platforms? C-Kermit's code has been painfully, scrupulously designed to be portable among all those platforms. Most of them might be "legacy" now but that does not mean that they don't still exist and that people and companies and schools and government agencies don't depend on them for vital functions. In my view it is a CRIME to change an API when unknown numbers of programs rely on it and unknown numbers of people could depend on those programs. The entire world increasingly depends on software written in C for Unix, and particularly Linux. The absolute TOP priority for any new release of Linux or C or its libraries must be to preserve backwards compatibility so existing programs continue to compile, link, and work. This was a priority back in the days when software (including compilers) was mainly written by paid professionals who were responsible to  and in touch with!  their users. Today's Wild West software culture is not an improvement. Meanwhile I added a new target to the makefile: make linux-nodeprecated do eliminate everything that has been deprecated (directly or indirectly) up to now: FTP, Telnet, Rlogin, Wtmp logging, and arrow-key support. I'm sure I must have missed a few; they can be added at the top of the ckcdeb.h file. Security methods For the major surviving Unix-based operating systems such as Linux, *BSD, and Mac OS, the main default makefile targets (e.g. "make linux") do NOT include any security features such as SSL or Kerberos and never have. Separate targets are provided for the desired kind of security code, e.g. "make linux+ssl", "make linux+krb5", "make linux+krb5+ssl". But C-Kermit's interfaces to OpenSSL, Kerberos, etc, are not necessarily up to date or even functional. SSL and Kerberos programmers are welcome to make fixes and I will incorporate them into subsequent 10.0 Betas. As of 10.0 Beta.01 these builds work on certain platforms but not on others, depending mainly on which SSL and Kerberos versions are installed on the host. Summary: Kerberos IV and V support in Kermit should be up to date and solid, but many sites have switched from MIT Kerberos to Heimdal, which Kermit doesn't support, in which case builds such as "make linux+krb5" fail (some Heimdal code is present but evidently not enough).

Some adaptations to newer OpenSSL versions have been made but the target is moving too fast to keep up, and most builds such as "make linux+ssl" either fail or get tons of warnings.

Telnet and FTP servers secured by OpenSSL or Kerberos have vanished, and these were the whole reason that C-Kermit included these security methods.

The SSL and Kerberos code is still included in the source code if anybody cares to bring them up to date, presumably and preferably in a backwards-compatible way, so C-Kermit could be built with (e.g.) any version of OpenSSL, not just the latest one. WTMP log Apparently WTMP logging was "deprecated" in Macintosh OS at some point after C-Kermit 9.0 was released, resulting in "deprecated" warnings in ckufio.c. WTMP logging is (was) done when C-Kermit is running as a Kermit Internet Service Daemon (IKSD, similar to an FTP server but better) to log the sessions it hosted. Presumably WTMP will disappear some day and then C-Kermit builds will get fatal errors and compile time or link time. Kermit can be built without IKSD (and WTMP) by including -DNOIKSD in the KFLAGS. It can be built with IKSD but without WTMP via -DNOWTMP. Internet Kermit Service Daemon IKSD was secured by Kerberos or OpenSSL or any of C-Kermit's other built-in security methods, but since all of those are now in limbo, at least in terms of C-Kermit's interface to them, IKSD is no longer very useful. Still, it was a good idea and an even better one now in light of the retirement of FTP service. It could be revived using the external ssh client on the end that makes the connection (e.g. "ssh somehost.org 1649"), and an ssh server on TCP port 1649 that starts C-Kermit with the appropriate command-line options and with its stdin/out/err redirected to the ssh connection. Terminal emulation C-Kermit does not do terminal emulation. It simply writes incoming meterial to the screen, and passes your keystrokes along to the other computer. Terminal emulation is provided by the window in which C-Kermit is running. Normally this is not an issue, but one very handy feature that other terminal emulators (such as Kermit 95) have but C-Kermit lacks is key mapping , where you can assign any key or key combination (e.g. Alt-h, Ctrl-Alt-Shift-q, F1, Insert, etc) to send (or do) whatever you want. C-Kermit can't do that because it doesn't know what keys you actually pressed because either (a) your keyboard is connected to a different computer than the one where C-Kermit is running, or (b) there is no reliable and portable Unix API for obtaining key events and scan codes. C-Kermit does, however, have a SET KEY command, but it works only with ASCII keys (printable and control-characters). Unlike all the other C-Kermit versions (Unix, VMS, etc) C-Kermit for Windows  previously known as Kermit 95 or simply K95  does do terminal emulation because it is running on the same computer your keyboard and screen are connected to, so it can capture keycodes and write to video. Let's hope C-Kermit for Windows (CKW) can be released some day soon; if you're a Windows C programmer and would like to help out, CLICK HERE. Error messages C-Kermit's runtime error messages, especially those emanating from scripts, are particularly uninformative, as is the \v(lastcommand) variable. It's because some commands are executed by internally-defined macros composed of multiple commands, calling each other recursively. Also, a large chunk of code surrounded by { ... } in a script looks like a single command to the parser. Text blocks There has never been an intuitive way of assigning a multiline text block as the value of a macro. For example: define sometext { This is some text. This is the second line. The line above is empty. This line is indented. This line is not. } "echo \m(sometext)" shows leading and interline spaces eliminated, and the lines themselves are gathered into a single comma-separated-list. A whole new data structure would be required to accommodate multiline text blocks. Variable evaluation For historical reasons all \%x variables and \&x[] arrays are evaluated recursively. This is almost never desired and can wreak havoc when a value is a DOS or Windows pathname in which the directory separator is backslash. A "set variable-evaluation" command was added in C-Kermit 9.0, with choices "recursive" (default) and "simple". The default can never be changed to "simple" because that could break countless scripts that actually take advantage of the original evaluation method. But if you are writing a script with no intention of recursing and want to avoid having your \%x and \&x[] variable values garbled, put: if >= \v(version) 900000 set variable-evaluation simple at the beginning of the script. That way if your script is processing external data that happens to contain any backslashes, nothing bad will happen. But if someone executes the same script with C-Kermit 8.0 or earlier the risk is still there. Of course your script could print a warning, or even require an appropriate C-Kermit version. Meanwhile even with recursion disabled globally you can still force recursion when needed with the \frecurse() function: \frecurse(s1) s1 = name of \&x or \&x[] type variable Returns the result of evaluating the variable recursively. Minor bugs TOUCH /MODTIME:datetime does not accept all different date-time formats, only numeric yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss or yyyy:mm:dd. The HELP TOUCH text was updated to say this.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.07 24 January 2022

Aside from the new version number, the... most of them issued only by the very picky Mac OS Clang compiler:"Dangling else" is (or was) perfectly legal when used correctly; the C language was originally designed for use by people who knew what they were doing and was thoroughly documented by its authors, Kernighan and Plauger, in a book (two really: original C and ANSI C). It makes no sense to keep changing this or any other programming language out from under all the millions of programs that have already been written in it.details of each built-in function are shown by C-Kermit's HELP FUNCTIONcommand, e.g. "help function cvtdate" (or more briefly, "h fun cvtd").Only some minor changes this time, mainly to eliminate warnings from increasingly picky C compilers, e.g. "using the result of an assignment as a condition without parentheses" (which has always been perfectly legal), or "cast from pointer to integer of different size", etc. Some trouble with wait.h and time.h (where are they???): hopefully ameliorated, at least on some platforms. #include "ckuath.h" was omitted from three source files that needed it, and some ck_tn_enc_start/stop() routine references were misspelled, affecting only builds that included the optional SSL, Kerberos, or other security features.. A few missing text files were added to the tarball/zipfile so "make install" will work (not that you'd want to install an Alpha test, but somebody tried to and got the errors so...).

This version builds with MIT Kerberos 5 but not with Heimdal Kerberos. No work has been done on OpenSSL either, C-Kermit builds ok with it on some platforms, gets lots of warnings on others but still seems to work, and fails to build at all on others. Anyone who cares about this and can rectify the situation is welcome to pitch in!

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 15 December 2021

C-Kermit was first written in 1987 in the version of C that was specified in the then-current first edition ofby Kernighan and Ritchie (Prentice-Hall 1978). As the language became more and more standardized (or less and less, depending how you look at it: C89, C90, C95, C99, C11, C17, C2x...  as someone said, "The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from")... it became possible to write the same code in different ways. For example, there was an "old way" and a "new way" to declare a function. In a later version of C, the compiler might complain if you did something the old way and, conversely, if you did the same thing the new way then compilation would fail with older compilers.

A central principal of C-Kermit development is to keep all new releases backwards compatible, not only in its command repertoire but also in its compilability on every platform where it could be compiled before no matter how dated its C compiler might be. This is accomplished with a huge number of #ifdefs in the code; for example, every function is declared two different ways so it can be compiled by both old and new compilers.

Backwards compatiblity was preserved through C-Kermit 9.0.302 of 2011. This was possible because the Internet was still open enough for developers to get access to hundreds of different platforms going back to the early 1980s (e.g. 4.2BSD Unix, Bell Research Unix v8, early Xenix versions). Those days are gone, and so now non-backwards compatible code can creep into C-Kermit unnoticed until compilation is attempted on some old platform that the developers have no access to.

After the publication of C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 such a platform was encountered and numerous problems uncovered: unprotected ANSI-style function declarations, initialization of automatic arrays, and even the use of C++ features, such as // to introduce single-line comments. These were caught when Peter Eichhorn, Assyst GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany, C-Kermit's Mr. HP-UX since the late 1980s, who is responsible for most of the HP-UX makefile targets, started doing HP-UX builds for the first time since 2011. It turns out the HP-UX compiler (HP C 76.3 in this case) implements multiple C language definitions. By default it compiles in non-ANSI, non-optimizing, 1978 K&R C mode and complains loudly about any ANSI-C constructions it encounters, and then fails. A blessing in disguise, I'd say, since I no longer have access to any old-time machines or compilers to check backwards compatibility myself. So over the course of a week or two Peter found each problem (approximately one per day) and we fixed it. Hopefully, these fixes will allow builds on other pre-ANSI C platforms that C-Kermit has traditionally supported.

Meanwhile, two important notes:

C-Kermit's Kerberos support is now officially "deprecated". MIT has indicated that it no longer serves any purpose since no Kerberized Telnet or FTP servers are known to still be in service. The code won't be removed, and if anybody (including myself) can fix a problem, it will be fixed. Similarly, C-Kermit's OpenSSL support is also deprecated because no Telnet-S or SFTP servers are known to be in use any more, so there is no practical use for this code, even if it works. Unlike Kerberos, OpenSSL keeps shifting and changing out from under C-Kermit so that C-Kermit has adapted to each new OpenSSL release while still working with all the earlier ones. If someone other than me wants to take this on, fine, but it should not be done in a way that would break backwards compatibility with earlier OpenSSL releases; plenty of sites are still running 0.9xxx OpenSSL versions. The code will be left in place with little expectation that anybody will use it.

15 Dec 2021:

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021.

New makefile from Peter Eichhorn that enables successful compilation on both HP-UX 10.00 and 11.00. Makefile and main program dates changed 15 Dec 2021. 10 Dec 2021:

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: change /list *.[ch] isunicode ck_isunicode

On HP-UX 10.00, error 'cc: "ckcuni.c", line 16153: warning 562: Redeclaration of "isunicode" with a different storage class specifier: "isunicode" will have internal linkage.' This suggests that the system header files have their own prototypes for some library routine or variable of the same name. So I changed all references to isunicode to ck_isunicode. Luckily C-Kermit has a command for that: 9 Dec 2021:

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some other problems. When building C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.06 or later, if you get seemingly nonsensical error messages when compiling ckupty.c, add -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE to the makefile target's KFLAGS and try again. If that doesn't do it, then remove pty support altogether with KFLAGS="-DNOPTY"; this also works with older C-Kermit versions, but it sacrifices C-Kermit's ability to make SSH connections.

The hpux1000 makefile target (Hewlett-Packard Unix 10.00) build successfully for the first time, after much work. This was with HP C version 76.c and much assistance and detective work by Peter Eichhorn. A new directive -DNO_PTY_XOPEN_SOURCE was added to get arround problems caused by the #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500 directive that was added in 2014 (several years after C-Kermit was last built on HP-UX 10.00), which in turn was added to get around some problems. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusy.c:1538: char xbuf[32] enlarged a bit to silence warnings.

ckuusy.c:1538: enlarged a bit to silence warnings. 9 Dec 2021:

ckcfns.c:3364: debug(F110,"sipkt rpar","",rp); had its last two arguments reversed.

ckcfns.c:3364: had its last two arguments reversed. 9 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; to this: static char * tags[] = { "_whi", "_for", "_sw_", "_if_" }; In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules.

ckuusr.c about line 7928 - changed this: to this: In its earlier form, this statement would not be understood by a pre-ANSI C compiler, in which initialization of automatic arrays was not supported. This change is OK because the tags[] array is not referenced in any other modules. 8 Dec 2021:

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations.

Removed a CtrlG character that was accidentally inserted into ckupty.c, and one remaining old-school formfeed (CtrlL) in ckcfn2, found by Peter Eichhorn. Plus: Minor type or dimension mismatches between original and extern array declarations. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation.

ckuusr.c: Enclose #include "ckuath.h" in #ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION .. #endif. Given the 10+ modules that #include "ckuath.h" it might have made more sense to check this in ckuath.h itself, but all the modules bracketed the #include with ifdef CK_AUTHENTICATION..#endkf; ckuusr.c is the only one that didn't, and this caused failure in a non-ANSI compilation. 7 Dec 2021:

ckuus3.c: removed 19 C++-style single-line comments (//), which blow up old C compilers (or, in this case, modern ones operating in non-ANSI K&R) mode. (A pty is a psuedoterminal; Kermit's pty support is the basis of its SSH command, which lets you make secure SSH connections from C-Kermit to another computer; it also lets C-Kermit make a connection to a local application, such as Bash or EMACS.)

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.05 14 November 2021

As of December 6, 2021, 56 builds are listed in this table ; 48 of them successful, 8 of them failed.

16 Nov 2021:

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: macOS Catalina (10.15.7) x86_64 using "make macos" macOS Monterey (12.0.1) arm64 using "make macos" OpenVMS VAX V7.3 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" OpenVMS Alpha V8.4-2L1 with Process Software Multinet 5.5 TCP/IP using @CKVKER "O" Raspberry PiOS-32 Buster (Debian 10) using "make linux"

These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below.

Tony Nicholson reports clean builds of the November 14 code on: These are in addition to the succesful builds in the 14 November entry just below. 14 Nov 2021:

From William Bader:

"Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory".

Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed.

Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi".

I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. From Steven Schweda:

Removed the "#if 0" command in ckcdeb.h about line 6149, which is now extraneous. He also suggested removing the '#include "ckodir.h"' from ckuus6.c, but let's not do that until until we can once again check C-Kermit builds on MS Windows. He also suggested the printing of the MAXPATHLEN value in "show features" but it's not doing any harm, and until and unless CKMAXPATH can be 100% certified as the same thing, let's leave it in so at least we can check in case of any further confusion. Also he noticed some variations in the file permissions, now fixed. No functional changes. From Tony Nicholson:

I've confirmed a few file transfers using the new version against CP/M Kermit-80 v4.11 and PDP-11 T3.63 running under RSTS/E V10.1 (which has some extra fixes by Johnny Billquist on top of Brian Nelson's last version from the Kermit Archive). I'm using a USB to serial adapter (FTDI chipset) on my Mac minis to connect up via a LAT terminal server for my CP/M and PDP-11 tinkering as well as Kermit's built-in Telnet too. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: macOS 11.6.1 x86_64 with Xcode 13.1 (with the new target "make macos") Ubuntu Linux 21.10 x86_64 Raspberry Pi OS kernel 5.10.63-v7l+ on Raspberry Pi 4B

Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: OpenVMS 8.4 on HP rx2600 IA64 (no SSL) OpenVMS 8.4-2L3 on HP rx2660 IA64 (both with no SSL and vendor-supplied SSL 111 V1.1-1L based on OpenSSL 1.1.1l).

William Bader got a clean build on: Fedora 34 with non-Heimdal (MIT?) Kerberos

I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: Red Hat Linux 6.1 Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 NetBSD 9.2

From William Bader: "Fedora 34 doesn't have the Heimdal version of kerberos, and ckuath.c had some sections that needed an ifdef." I applied the diff but result does not build on NetBSD: "com_err.h: No such file or directory". Couldn't build in on Ubuntu because I don't have krb5 installed. Build failed on Red Hat: "/usr/bin/ld: cannot find -lgssapi". I'm not super concerned about Kerberos or SSL because I have no evidence that anybody is using them in C-Kermit. Kenji Rikitake reports clean builds of the November 7th upload on: Steven Schweda reports clean builds on: William Bader got a clean build on: I get clean builds (without SSL or Kerberos) on: 7 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file.

From Tony Nicholson: a newline was required in ckutio.c at about line 2493 to indicate an empty statement. A patch to ckudia.c at line 4995 that I missed. For VMS, ckvker.mms was missing from the Zip file. 6 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. makefile: Entirely new entries for macOS (new new name for Mac OS X and OS X). Use "make macos" on newer macOS versions; use "make macosx" for older ones. I'm not sure exactly where the cutoff is. Also an error in the linux entry where one of the "if test" clauses was missing the "if". ckcftp.c: xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.os_specific = ""; at about line 12575. ckcmai.c: Added #include multinet_root:[multinet.include.sys]time.h For VMS systems with Multinet TCP/IP, instead of <time.h> and then don't comment out ckcuni.c: Typo corrected at line 8268... if (c && 0xff80) should have been if (c & 0xff80). ckucns.c: xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = NUL;  xx.typ = 0; xx.dsp = XYFZ_A; xx.os_specific = ""; at line 469. ckcdia.c: if (lbuf && *lbuf)  if (strlen(lbuf) > 0) at line 4994. ckcdia.c: Several corrections in the "mymdmtype" section. ckuusr.c: Added missing "#include ckuath.h" for Kerberos builds. ckuus6.c: Supplied a missing %s for printf("?Modtime error on backup file:") about line 6303. ckuusx.c: For newer macOS's in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <curses.h>. ckutio.c: added missing semicolon after "for (p = ttname; isdigit(*p); p++)" at line 2490 (but I had already done that) In several modules the only change was an insertion of a blank line; I left those as-was: ckuus2.c ckcpro.w. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS."

From Tony Nicholson in Australia, who put a great deal of effort into clearing warnings from Apple's LLVM Clang C compiler that I don't get with gcc, notably tons of "add explicit braces to avoid dangling else". The original code is correct and complies with the definition of the C language, but is now considered dangerous by zealots. Also several warnings about constructions like while (c = *s++) { ... }: "place parentheses around the assignment to silence this warning". What I don't understand is how large segments of the world's economy can be based on software written in a language that keeps changing out from underneath it. Tony says, "I've managed to eliminate all but two warnings when compiled under macOS Catalina (10.15.7) on a x86_64 Mac mini, and under macOS Monterey (12.0.1) on an arm64 Mac mini. The remaining warnings are to do with use of a deprecated logwtmp() routine  still present in the current version of macOS." 6 Nov 2021:

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: An entirely new ckvker.com (DCL build procedure, the "VMS makefile"). An entirely new ckvfio.c module. ckcdeb.h: A comment about the definition of MAXPATHLEN (or lack of it) on VMS, clarifying a previous comment that is still there but "#ifdef 0"'d. ckctel.c: Two references to MAXPATHLEN changed to CKMAXPATH (explained in ckcdeb.h comment). ckufio.c: A reference to MAXPATHLEN in a comment at line 7436 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus3.c: Two reference to MAXPATHLEN in a stanza around line 12200 changed to CKMAXPATH. ckuus4.c: An allusion to MAXPATHLEN appears in a comment about line 64; I clarified that this section applies only for Kermit 95 for MS Windows and IBM OS/2 and didn't change it because OS/2-specific modules probably still use MAXPATHLEN rather than CKMAXPATH but we can deal with that if ever development on K95 resumes. Also, two references to MAXPATHLEN around line 10420 were changed to CKMAXPATH. A misplaced #endif matching #ifndef VMS at line 13942 was moved two statements down, where it should have been. in ckuus5.c at about line 10344 in the SHOW FEATURES code; Steven changed MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH, but I left the original and then added a new one for CKMAXPATH; this might be more helpful for troubleshooting. ckuus6.c: "???" by #include ckodir.h in an OS/2-Windows-specific section, same as in item 7 above. Changed all 17 other occurrences of MAXPATHLEN to CKMAXPATH. Corrected two misspellings of "weird" in comments.

From Steven Schweda, patches for: Compaq OpenVMS VAX V7.3, VSI OpenVMS AXP V8.4-2L1, andVSI OpenVMS V8.4-2L3 for Integrity, sent via Tony: 1 Nov 2021:

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN def MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ should have been: #ifndef MAXPATHLEN #define MAXPATHLEN 1024 #endif /* MAXPATHLEN */ How'd that happen!

From Tony Nicholson, in ckcdeb.h, about line 6143: should have been: How'd happen! 26-29 Oct 2021:

Bug: Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. Background: The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command is a relic of the days files were transferred over extremely sensitive and unreliable connections such as a noisy telephone line before the days of high-speed flow-controlled error-correcting modems (let alone the Internet). The longer a packet, the greater the chance of corruption by noise. The SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH command was a way to force a file through at a cost in efficiency. Analysis: This feature was implemented with insufficient thought: it limited the length of ALL sent packets including the "administrative" ones like those used for feature negotiation at the beginning of the transfer and for the filename. It doesn't matter what length file data packets are because each one carries just a piece of the file, and they are all reassembled by the receiver. But the protocol does not allow feature-negotiation strings or filenames to be split up over multiple packets. Maybe it should have. So now C-Kermit has been changed to apply the SEND PACKET-LENGTH setting only to outbound file Data packets. This is a rather fundamental change that, in a sense, has an impact on the definition of the protocol if only by making explicit the difference between administrative and data packets. The feature negotiation packets are about 30 characters (bytes) long and have never presented a problem. However, a filename can be any length at all. If it is longer than about 90 characters, it can be sent only in a long packet with prior permission from the file receiver, allowing file names up to about 9000 characters in length. If the filename is longer than the negotiated limit, even with today's fix, it is truncated. The fix, however, means that if the receiving Kermit doesn't support long packets, filenames longer than about 88 characters are truncated. This hardly ever happens in practice because filenames are rarely that long. But the story doesn't stop there because the file receiver can (but is not required to) send the name under which it stores the incoming file, perhaps including the path, so the user knows exactly how to find it on the receiving computer. This might be considerably longer than the original if it includes a path, such as: /net/w/0/htdocs/fdc/kermitproject/ftp/kermit/archives/ (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the sender's filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. The fact that it took 40 years for this problem to surface does not suggest a looming crisis and anyway, it's too late to change the protocol. Meanwhile, if we start having problems with very long filenames, various approaches are possible, such as: Do nothing; let long names be truncated. This could result in files overwriting each other; for example, a series of files whose names have the same first 100 characters, followed by a serial number. Overwriting in a case like this can be avoided with an appropriate SET FILE COLLISION command on the receiving end. Have the file sender convert too-long names into shorter names that are likely unique; for example, random sequences of letters and digits. In this case the user would have to pay attention to Kermit's messages to be able to identify the file on the receiving end, or to LOG TRANSACTIONS to have a record. Disposition: C-Kermit code was changed to make the SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH value apply only to outbound Data packets. Modules affected: ckcfns.c, ckcfn2.c, ckcfn3.c, ckcpro.w.

Reported by Jacques Charreyron: when C-Kermit was told to SET SEND PACKET-LENGTH 10 (by mistake, as it happens), the file that was sent (very slowly) arrived with its name truncated. (That's a typical path on one of the computers I use.) The pathname can also be included in the filename packet if you SEND /PATHNAMES:ABSOLUTE. But apparently nobody does this in combination with SET SEND PATHNAME-LENGTH because I have never received a complaint. 13 Oct 2021:

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c.

Changed "%d" in sprintf(vvbuf,"%d",crc16); in nvlook() to "%ld" to agree with type change of crc16 from int to long on 8 Oct 2020. ckuusr.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c.

Added serial-port speed of 1500000 bps (1.5MHz), from Elad Lahav. Enabled for Linux and QNX. ckcdeb.h, ckutio.c, ckuus3.c. 13 Oct 2021:

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998.

Ao Huang noticed a problem when sending a binary file over a Telnet connection using XMODEM external protocol via the sx application: if the data contains a 0xff byte (which is also Telnet IAC), it is doubled as it should be, but the next byte is skipped. Fixed in ckutio.c ttptycmd() about line 14998. 30 Sep 2021:

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c,

From Sebastien Villemot; a printw() statement was changed to fputs() to avoid gcc -Wformat -Werror=format-security warning on Debian. ckuusx.c, 8 May 2021:

From Kenji Rikitake, for modern Macintoshes (say, after Mac OS X 10.12?): in ckuusx.c in the termcap-related #ifdefs starting around line 30, #include <term.h>.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.04 14 September 2021

The following C-Kermit source files specific to the VMS version:

ckvold.c ckvcvt.c ckvrtl.c ckvcon.c ckvioc.c

in my working directory on Unix had lines terminated in CRLF (Carriage Return and Line Feed), which is appropriate for VMS, but not on a Unix file system. The install script created a Zip file that converted *all* source files to VMS format, but since these were already in VMS format and the zip program wasn't smart enough to recognize this, the copies of these files in the Zip archive were corrupted. Thanks to David Hittner for noticing and diagnosing the problem. 14 Sep 2021.

Also corrected a number warnings from the VMS C compiler reported by David Hittner, who is attempting to revive C-Kermit for VMS, including the new x86-64 version:

Reference to uninitialized 'ss' variable in a debug() statement in ckclib.c cksplit().

The MAXPATHLEN symbol came up undefined in ckuus4 fneval() so I added a catch-all definition for it in ckcdeb.h for when, after including all the other header files where it should be defined, it's still not defined. I arbitrarily chose 1024 as the value; this might need tuning. This change also fixes an error in the declaration of chgsourcedir[] in ckuus6.c

Variable "linkname" not declared in ckuus4.c fneval for \ffileinfo(). This is not surprising since VMS doesn't have file links. Rearranged the code so looking for a link happens only in Unix.

ckuus5.c evalmacroarg() changed from int to VOID because it doesn't return a value.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code error message "not a text file" was missing the filname argument.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code symbol STRDIRSEP was not defined for VMS -- an oversight; fixed in ckcdeb.h.

ckuus6.c domydir() CHANGE command code modtime error message too many arguments; added missing %s.

ckuus6.c boolexp(): another missing conversion specifier in a printf.

ckvtio.c ttflui(): "while ((n--) && xx_inc(2) >= 0) ; /* Ignore Warning - see comments */" (see comment in source code).

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.03 (THIS ONE WASN'T UPLOADED)

The "extern int errno;" declaration included by default for many non-Glibc Unixes has become a big problem. So I added a symbol DCL_ERRNO that can be defined in any desired makefile target, otherwise the declaration is omitted except on some old platforms where it has always been needed (e.g. some old Cray supercomputers). In the "linux" makefile target (which is supposed to work for ALL versions of Linux back to Day Zero), I added a stanza to check whether errno was declared in any header file and then only if it is not, to include DCL_ERRNO in the compilation flags at make time. This is in case any old, old Linux releases did not declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: make targetname KFLAGS=-DDCL_ERRNO Note that -DDCL_ERRNO results in "extern int errno;", and so is mainly appropriate for old platforms where errno is, indeed, an integer. In any case, after the special cases (CRAY, STRATUS, glibc), if DCL_ERRNO is not defined then we "#include <errno.h>". Modules affected: ckcdeb.h, makefile, 7 October 2020.

declare it (which I doubt) but anyway now this stanza can be added to other targets where errno might or might not be declared in the header files, or in any other anomolous cases. Or you can just include it in your 'make' command: Removed "extern int errno.h" conditionalized for VMS from ckcfns.c because this was already handled in ckcdeb.h, which is included by every C-Kermit module. Note that many other modules already include errno.h: ckcftp.c, ckcnet.c, ckcnet.h, ckuath.c, ckucmd.c, ckucns.c, ckucon.c, ckufio.c, ckupty.h, ckutio.c, ckuus4.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c. Better not to touch these unless conflicts arise, and rely on the header file's normal protection against multiple inclusion. ckcfns.c, 8 Oct 2020.

In the code for the SET SSL CIPHER-LIST and SHOW AUTHENTICATION commands, changed the SSL_METHOD function from TLSv1_method() to SSLv23_method(). Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus3.c,v 1.1 2020/04/08 15:22:07 rhialto Exp $". ckuus3.c, ckuus7.c, 8 Oct 2020.

Changed extern int crc16 to extern long crc16 in ckuus4.c. Patch from "$NetBSD: patch-ckuus4.c,v 1.1 2019/04/11 02:21:09 mrg Exp $".

Updated ckuusr.c edit number and date, because ckuus3.c and ckuus7.c are just two of nine parts of what was originally a single module. 8 Oct 2020.

Updated C-Kermit's date and Alpha level. ckcmai.c, 8 Oct 2020.

C-Kermit 9.0.305 Alpha.02 19 September 2020

Updated version and date info in ckcmai.c. 14 Sep 2021From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Remove clauses from the linux+krb5, linux+ssl, and linux+krb5+ssl makefile targets that tested to see if an executable was actually created, because they violate Debian policy. makefile, 18 September 2020.

From Sebastien Villemot (Debian): Add another "else if" to the search for the Kerberos 5 com_err library for Multiarch systems. makefile, 18 September 2020.

Addressed warnings issued by gcc 9.3.0 on Ubuntu 20.04.1:

sprintf() into a buffer declared to be 10 bytes long when values could (but never would) overflow it: function hhmmss(); increased the buffer size to 60. ckclib.c, 18 Sep 2020. NOTE: there were many warnings like this. In almost every case the code prechecked the length of data to be moved into the buffer. These warnings forced me to make buffers bigger unnecessarily. But why don't I just use snprintf()? Because C-Kermit is supposed to build on hundreds of different platforms, some dating back to before there was an snprintf(). Same thing for obuf[] in function shuffledate() (six times) and once for tmpbuf[] in function cmcvtdate(). ckucmd.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for xbuf[] in a debug clause in doinput() (even though the warning was erroneous because it claimed the buffer size was 9 when it was 24). ckuus4.c, 18 Sep 2020. Same thing for dbuf[] in function domydir(). ckuus6.c, 18 Sep 2020. Complaints about implicit definitions of tgetent(), tgetstr(), tputs(), and tgoto() in the curses-related routines fxdinit(), ck_termset(), ck_curpos(). See notes below. I had the prototypes commented out because they caused problems on some platforms. Uncommenting causes disaster on Red Hat, NetBSD, etc. I had to add a clause to the linux target that looks in /etc/issue for "Ubuntu" or "Debian" and if found defines a special symbol, NEEDCURSESPROTOTYPES. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. getslot() needed a prototype. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. Within getslot() ftruncate() needed a cast to void. ckuusx, 18 Sep 2020. The ages-old dilemma... what type is main()? Haven't had this complaint in decades. Replaced the #ifdef mess with something much simpler: if it's OS/2 or Windows, void; otherwise int, period. ckwart.c, 18 Sep 2020. Another sprintf() buffer issue corrected in snddir(). ckcfns.c, 18 Sep 2020. Implicit declaration of openpty(). I never needed to declare it before. Ubuntu says I need to include <pty.h>. I added a new stanza to the Linux target to include <pty.h> if it exists. makefile, 18 Sep 2020. (this should also eliminate the warning from pty_getpty() in ckupty.c) Commented out "system(ttname);", which raised an implicit declaration complaint. I can't even imagine what this statement was supposed to do. ttopen() in ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Bogus complaint about how I was using the return value of link() in ttlock(). Recoded it. ckutio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Fixed a write() statement in zclose() and ftruncate() call in logwtmp() to not ignore their return values. ckufio.c, 18 Sep 2020. Added #include <sys/wait.h> within #ifdef __NetBSD__ .. #endif. (even though "man 2 wait" says "<wait.h>". ckufio.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #include <util.h> to __NetBSD__ section of ckcdeb.h to fix implicit declaration warning for openpty() in ckupty.c and ckupty.c. 19 Sep 2020. Updated version to 9.0.305 Alpha.02 and updated EDITDATE and EDITNDATE. ckcmai.c, 19 Sep 2020. Increased yyyymmdd[] buffer length in cmcvtdate(): ckucmd.c, 19 Sep 2020. Doubled the size of linebuf[] in domydir() because one sprintf() was putting some extra stuff in it. ckuus6.c, 19 Sep 2020. Added #ifdefs relating to openpty() to ckcdeb.h because openpty() is used in several modules. Tested only in Linux and NetBSD. 19 Sep 2020. Casting to void did not suppress some "return value ignored" warnings  write(), ftruncate()  so I did "dummy = xxx();". getslot(), ckuusx.c, 19 Sep 2020.

9.0.305 Alpha.01 24 Jul 2020

__FILE_defined

The result builds with no warnings or errors on NetBSD 9.0, Red Hat 6.1, and Ubuntu 20.04.1. It also builds on Red Hat 6.1 with OpenSSL 1.0.1 with one minor warning, which is OK for now because a lot of work on the OpenSSL support is on the agenda, most notably adaptation to OpenSSL 1.1, which is not compatible with 1.0 (which, as I recall, was supposed to have an API that would be stable for all eternity).because GNU removed the symbol "" (which Kermit uses on glibc systems for stdin buffer-peeking) from its stdio headers, thus breaking C-Kermit builds on all platforms that use glibc. C-Kermit was pulled from at least theanddistributions because of this, as opposed to (say) contacting me so I could address the problem; I found out about it from Debian and Ubuntu users who found that C-Kermit had silently disappeared from apt-get libraries. The small change added to this Alpha version allows C-Kermit to be built in the normal way ("make linux"). Operational testing is needed on all glibc systems, and then hopefully C-Kermit can be added back to the distributions again, and it will also have a lot of new features, improvements, and fixes since the last release, 9.0.302 in August 2011.

Modules changed: ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c.

Date: 24 Jul 2020.

Results:

Platform No security OpenSSL Kerberos 5 Red Hat Linux 6.1 / OpenSSL 1.0.1e OK (no warnings) OK (no warnings) (libs not installed) NetBSD 9.0 / OpenSSL 1.1.1d OK (no warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed) Ubuntu Linux 20.04.1 / OpenSSL 1.1.1f OK (many warnings) Fails (many warnings) (libs not installed)

Note: This version was placed back in the Debian distribution 17 September 2020, but "will take some time before the package hits the Debian repositories because it needs to get manually approved, since it is a package reintroduction. Further updates will be much faster."

9.0.304 Dev.24 25 Apr 2020

Under certain circumstances, the CHANGE command could cause a segmentation fault. Diagnosis: a variable (k) was incremented before it was initialized. - domydir(), ckuus6.c, 25 April 2020.

The cmcvtdate() routine in ckucmd.c has been there since 2000 (C-Kermit 7.0); its purpose is to parse free-format date-times (possibly including offests and/or timezones) and convert them into canonical local-timezone date-times. It's used by the DATE command and also by any other command than can parse date-times, and by the script language \fcvtdate() function. Among the many formats I thought it was supposed to understand is the one used in Apache weblogs: yyyy:mm:dd:hh:mm:ss . Apparently this has never worked. I changed the cmcvtdate() routine (and thus the DATE command and the \fcvtdate() function) to preprocess its argument and strip the colons from any dates in this format before proceeding. ckucmd.c, ckcmai.c, 25 Apr 2020.

9.0.304 Dev.23 4 Sep 2018 (announced 31 Jan 2020)

It was annoying me that constructions like:

if \findex(not rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated,sin ranking) }

failed with a message like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\findex()> ". This has been the case forever. The standard advice was to work around in ways like this:

.x := \findex(not rated,\m(line)) if x .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking)

if \findex(not\32rated,\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

.notrated = not rated if \findex(\m(notrated),\m(line)) { .line := \freplace(\m(line),not rated, sin ranking) }

The IF command expects a keyword, a symbol, a number, or a "field", and therefore breaks on the first space. This is not a problem only with the IF command, nor only with the \findex() function; the same thing happens in any context where a "word" is expected and you include a \function() invocation that has spaces in its argument list. A universal fix was required at the very deepest level of the command parser: a state machine that recognizes function calls and prevents any blanks contained in their argument lists from triggering a premature word break. Now you can write function calls consistently in any context, no matter whether they contain spaces or not. The new code was added to gtword() and setatm() in ckucmd.c, enclosed in #ifdef FUNCTIONTEST..#endif , which is defined at the top of the file. 3-4 September 2018. By the way, doing this revealed significant unnecessary duplication of effort between gtword() and setatm(), not worth fixing at this late date.

CHANGE /COUNT:variablename always set the variable to 0 or 1, where it should have set it to the number of changes that it made. Diagnosis: it was sharing too much code with DIRECTORY /COUNT. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 8 May 2017.

Changed copyright year to 2018. ckcmai.c, 10 August 2018.

CHANGE command: Got rid of the "Would create temp file" message, it overwhelms all the other feedback. ckuus6.c, 10 August 2018.

\fpictureinfo(s[,&a]) apparently never has worked for getting the orientation of a JPG that comes straight out of a camera (or certain cameras). The reason I never noticed this is that I almost always run every image in a gallery through Photoshop first. Kermit only looks at the ImageLength (i.e. height) and ImageWidth Exif items, but in the camera's files they are the same for all orientations; the actual orientation is given by the Exif Orientation tag. Photoshop uses this to orient the picture properly when loading it, and sets the width and height correctly on writing it out.

But there is nothing Kermit can do about this; even if I could figure out how to find the Orientation tag, what would I do with it? Eventually it dawned on me that the right place to handle this (to fix the problem when it occurs in the Photogallery script) was on the Imagemagick command line. Simply adding -auto-orient did the trick. Photogallery 2.14, 21 Jul 2017. No changes to Kermit. But if there were an EXIF library for Unix...

Fixed Lisp (ROUND -5.6666 2), it was losing the minus sign (result 5.67 instead of -5.67). ckcklib.c, 19 July 2017.

Added a new option to \freplace() : a 5th argument specifying "word mode", meaning that the target string will be replaced only if it's a "word", i.e. surrounded by whitespace or punctuation, etc, so as to avoid the case where the target word happens to also be a substring of other words. For example, changing the word "a" to the word "the" without changing all the other letter a's to "the". That would be simple enough but I also wanted to handle things like replacing "--" by  and "..." by  (for the html-to-text script). Added 4 new routines  isalphanum(string), cisalphanum(char), nonalphanum(string), cnonalphanum(string)  which the \freplace() code uses to check the context of the target string. All of the new code is in #ifdef RPLWORDMODE..#endif , so can easily be deselected if necessary. ckuus[24].c, 5-7 Oct 2017.

Simplified "hints" given after a GET command failed. ckuus5.c, 8 Oct 2017.

I used this C-Kermit version myself continuously for 17 months with a ton of heavy-duty scripting and a great deal of testing on NetBSD and Red Hat Linux, finally installed it on the FTP server and announced it. 31 January 2020

9.0.304 Dev.22

Fixed \fcode() to not throw errors if given an empty string (or nothing at all) as an argument. ckuus4.c, 22 Apr 2017.

In the parser for DO command (macro invocation) Prior to C-Kermit 9.0.304 Dev.22, cmtxt() was called in all cases with zzstring. But this fouled up the identification of macro arguments when their values contained grouping characters such as doublequotes and braces. I changed the cmtxt() evaluation function pointer from zzstring to NULL, so we get a correct list of arguments, and then changed xwords (which was a big mess) to evaluate each one. I made a new evalmacroargument() routine for this, because xwords() needed to do this in about five places. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 24 Apr 2017.

Added a new routine newerrmsg(s); that prints an error message, and if it's from a command file, it shows the line number where the command started and the first part of the command (hence the need for snprintf(), to make the assembled message fit on one line). While working on xwords() I realized that the whole big mess was totally unnecessary now that I have the cksplit() C-Kermit library function, so I replaced the mess (or at least the "if (macro)" parts of it) with a single ckpslit() call. ckuusr.c, ckuus5.c, 25 Apr 2017.

The resulting Kermit program had big problems running production scripts, so the next few edits are to aid in tracking them down.

Added HAVE_SNPRINTF macro to ckcdeb.h so we can use snprintf() safely in conditionals. True for Linux, Mac OS X, and *BSD but others can be added easily. ckcdeb.h, 25 Apr 2017.

When used for macro arguments, cksplit() was using '\' as a quote character, and thus variable names were not being recognized. I added a new cksplit() argument for this, and it works, but now cksplit doesn't split the string into words. That was because 'while (c = *ss++ && !flag)' should have been 'while ((c = *ss++) && !flag)', now it is, all OK, except it didn't set the macro arguments. This goes back to when I decided to allow any number of macro args, instead of just 10, and created the macro argument vector \&_[] . For arguments 1-9, you also have to do addmac() for each argument, which I did. Really there should not be duplicate lists, but that's for another day. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

Fixed a bug in cksplit(), it wasn't filling the notsep[] string array, which could have affected CSV, TSV, or ALL include sets. ckclib.c, 26 Apr 2017.

newerrmsg() reveals that that the new "Definition is circular or too deep" errors are at the beginning of FOR and WHILE loops, but the loops still sort of work. This almost certainly is because FOR and WHILE are internally defined macros that have not been passed through command parser. Debugging continues

Fixed a bad debug() statement in the FOPEN (or FREAD?) code that was added in Dev.21 that could cause segfaults on certain platforms. ckuus7.c, 26 Apr 2017.

The FOR, WHILE, IF, and SWITCH commands are defined in ckuus5.c like this:

/* WHILE macro */ char *whil_def[] = { "_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel) {_getargs,", ":_..inc,\\%1,\\%2,goto _..inc,:_..bot,_putargs},", "_define break goto _..bot, _define continue goto _..inc,", "do _whi\\v(cmdlevel),_assign _whi\\v(cmdlevel)", ""};

It seemed to me that the easiest way to fix the problem with the built-in macros would be parse them the same way they were parsed before. I moved the internal-macro check to a routine, isinternalmacro(). It works by checking the macro name. We have to stick to the discipline that internal macros have names starting with '_' followed by 3 unique characters. For WHILE the "master macro" is '_while', and the generated macros are _whi2, whi3, etc, where the number indicates the execution stack level (so we can have nested loops). ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Then in ckuusr.c where the cmtxt() call was changed to not use zzstring, put the zzstring call back if it's an internal macro, in theory undoing the original change to dodo() but only for internal macros. After some serious juggling of the quoting levels in the internal WHILE macro definition, it worked. At least for my test script, and for the HTML script. ckuus5.c, ckuusr.c, 27 Apr 2017.

Now to fix the other internal macro definitions I fixed foz_def (the macro to use when the loop variable is a macro rather than a \%x variable), now it works too. ckuus5.c, 27 Apr 2017.

A problem with FOR was noted where the loop variable disappears inside the loop: "for \%i 99 99 1 { echo [\%i] }" printed "[]" instead of "[99]". Fixed by adjusting the quoting in for_def. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The IF command (also implemented as an internal macro) was adjusted the same way. ckuus5.c, 28 Apr 2017.

The next problem comes up when running the text-to-html script on this update notes file: it gets errors like "?<ERROR:MISSING_ARG:\farraylook()>". This problem was not in Kermit but in the script: \m(line) was being passed as an argument to a macro, and the line contained the string "\farraylook()". The argument is seen as \%1 from the macro's point of view and therefore evaluated recursively. The solution is to refer to this argument as \fcontents(\%1). No wonder the Kermit programming never caught on! I forgot about this, even though it was standard advice for (for example) passing Windows pathnames as arguments to macros. Anyway, with this change the html script runs without complaint and productes the correct result. April 28, 2017.

But running other long, complex production scripts, a new problem came up: when a macro passes one (or more) of its arguments to another macro, the other macro gets an empty value for it. dodo():

Makes a new macro level (maclvl) and a new command level (cmdlvl).

Initializes the new cmdlvl stack frame.

Initializes the return value for this level to NULL.

Deletes any old macro arguments (\%1-\%9) at this level.

Calls xwords() to get the new argument list.

Suppose macro A has been called with an argument \%1, and then invokes macro B with that same argument. Macro B gets "\%1" rather than the value of \%1, but since it is at a new level, \%1 does not have a value. Previously, these variables were evaluated in docmd() case XXDO, before dodo() was called, therefore they received the values from level where the macro was invoked. Now they are evaluated after dodo() starts a new macro level, but in the new level zzstring() doesn't find any definitions for the \%1-9 variables. The solution is not exactly elegant:

maclvl--; evalmacroarg(&p); maclvl++;

but it's the only safe way to do it, because it is only in this place that we know that (say) \%1 is on the macro invocation's argument list and not in some other context. ckuus5.c, 29 Apr 2017.

In running the suite of script-language torture tests, most of them (the ones published on the website) give the same results in previous and new C-Kermit. An incompatibility was noted in the 'demo' script:

ask \%x { Type 3 numbers separated by spaces or an empty line to quit: } if not def \%x break smallest \%x

In old Kermit, the 'smallest' macro saw three arguments; the new Kermit sees only one. I think the old behavior was too much magic; the new behavior is proper. From now on, if you want a macro to receive 3 arguments, you'll have to call it with three arguments. Or recode the macro to \fsplit() any compound arguments.

The S-Expression torture test gets errors now that it didn't before, but the errors are correct: e.g.

?Not defined - "c" ?sexp[37]: "(++ a 1 b 1 c 1 d)": Syntax error' ?Too few operands - "/ 2" ?sexp[110]: "(/ 2) ----} - c a)) t2 t1)..." ?Too few operands - "++" ?sexp[189]: "(++) ate result) f (objective \%1) ..."

Added FOPEN /STDOUT and FOPEN /STDERR. This allows a Kermit script to be fully pipeable. A minor wrinkle here was to not actually close any of these if the script contained an FCLOSE for them. ckcker.h, ckuus[27].c, 30 Apr 2017.

The SWITCH command internal macro definition needed another adjustment. ckuus5.c, 30 Apr 2017.

9.0.304 Dev.21

April 19, 2017: Coming back to the code after a year of not touching it. If there are still any C-Kermit users out there, they don't seem to have any issues. Nevertheless, I do believe there are problems with the OpenSSL support. But I'm really not qualified or equipped to deal with them.

It was bothering me that in Unix, you can't pipe a command or shell script to the kind of Kermit script that is designed to read from a file whose name specified on the command line; that is, that has an FOPEN /READ command in it. If FOPEN had a way to "open" standard input, then if no filename was given on the command line, FOPEN could accommodate:

if defined \%1 fopen /read \%c \%1 else fopen /stdin \%c if fail ...

So using this code, you could run a script "averages" in either of two ways:

average list # The 'list' file contains a list of numbers someprogram | average # 'someprogram' outputs a list of numbers

Code was added to support this. To see the C-Kermit changes search for "stdin" (case-independent) in ckuus7.c. It's not super-elegant, codewise, but I didn't want to totally redesign the data structures. Nothing was done for stdout or stderr, but they could follow the same path if there's ever a need. UNIX only for now, but could probably be adapted to VMS or Windows without much trouble. ckcker.h, ckuus2.c, ckuus7.c, 19 Apr 2017.

Added switches for GETC GETC /TIMEOUT:sec (so as not to have to SET ASK-TIMER before and after), /QUIET (so as not to see "?Timed out" message), and GETC /CHECK to see if anything is waiting to be read in the standard input stream (what it actually does is checks to see if stdin is a terminal; normally it won't have anything waiting if it is, and if it isn't, that means stdin is being piped to C-Kermit (or, more usefully, a C-Kermit script). This way a script can be written that can read its input from a disk file whose name is given on the command line, or have its input piped from another program, and still be able to give a usage message if no filename was given and nothing was piped. ckuus6.c, ckuus2.c, 21 Apr 2017.

Here's how to write a script that reads from a file if a filename was given or, if not, reads from stdin:

if defined \%1 { # filename given on command line fopen /read \%c \%1 if fail exit 1 } else { # No command-line argument given fopen /stdin \%c if fail exit 1 # Open failed (shouldn't happen) getc /check # Check if stdin is redirected. if fail exit 1 \m(usage) # If not exit with usage message. }

For this purpose, it turns out that IF NOT BACKGROUND works just as well as GETC /CHECK followed by IF FAIL. IF BACKGROUND is true not only if the program is running in the background, but also if its standard input is a pipe.

Updated makefile dates. makefile, 27 Apr 2016.

Updated Dev version and dates, plus added comments about how to do this. ckcmai.c, 27 Apr 2016.

LISP subsystem changes in April 2017

Fixed the LISP ECHO command to always do unquoting itself, so UNQUOTE is only necessary for things like creating a string valued variable in Lisp that can be referenced in the Kermit domain:

(setq a (unquote '(This is a Lisp string constant))) show macro a This is a Lisp string constant

We still need the inverse of Unquote, say REQUOTE or DOQUOTE or ADDQUOTE or IMPORT, whose argument is a variable containing a Kermit string, which returns the equivalent Lisp string. Like QUOTE, but evaluates the operand first.

The sexp torture test still runs correctly.

Meanwhile I think there is a lot of redundant or unused code in dosexp().

Explanation for docs:

Everything in an S-Expression is an operator, a variable name, a numerical constant, or a string constant. Strings in Lisp are represented as '(contents of string). The ECHO operator understands these and outputs them without the syntax, but it also understands regular Kermit strings, so you can use Kermit variables

Kermit variables that start with backslash like \%a, \v(date), etc, don't look like Lisp variables so they have to be quoted: (echo '(\%a) '(\v(date)))

Now do we need other string functions like CAR, CADDR, and CONCAT?

(End of April 27, 2016, notes)

....................

Added UNQUOTE command to deal with Lisp string constants like:

'(this is a string)

so they can be echoed without the syntax, or exported into Kermit land. Also fixed bug where dosexp() could return a previous value if the current one was empty. ckuus3.c, 26 Apr 2016.

There was no way to print stuff within S-Expression code, so I added an ECHO command that takes any number of arguments to be printed in series, but unlike the mainline ECHO command, this one evaluates each element in its argument list as an S-expression, or if it is not an S-Expression, then as a macro. Literal strings and Kermit backslash items (variables, function calls) must be entered as Lisp quoted strings:

(echo '(\fupper(abcdefg)))

which prints "ABCDEFG".

This example shows how Kermit code can be transformed to all Lisp:

define a three plus four is define b 3 define c 4 increment b c echo \m(a) \m(b)

Results in "three plus four is 7". The more-compact all-Lisp version gives the same result:

(setq b 3 c 4) (echo '(three plus four is) (+ b c))

Thus the main utility of the S-expression ECHO directive is to be able to print macro named variables (i.e. variables whose names don't start with backslash) without enclosing them in \m(). Or to put it another way, to be able to write LISP code that prints results in regular Lisp syntax without having to leave the Lisp environment. ckuus3.c, 25 Apr 2015.

\fcvtdate(string,code) code is a number or a variable with an integer value. Function args that must be numeric can be given as macro names without the \m(xxx) notation, i.e. just xxx, but that didn't work with \fcvtcate():

for i 1 6 1 { echo \m(i). \fcvtdate(,i) }

Now it does. ckuus4.c, 23 Mar 2016.

Fixed HELP SEXP to also show ROUND with optional second argument. ckuus2.c, 24 Apr 2016.

Dev.20

Dev.19

I got a report that the photogallery script could not create files in Mac OS X. Sure enough, C-Kermit 9.0.304 got an error every time it tried to create a file. This happened in both zchko() ("check if file can be created") and in zopeno() ("open file for output"), whichever was called first, even though the code in these routines had not changed, probably in decades. I couldn't take a debug log either because that required opening a file. The user who reported the problem discovered that if she created the desired file first outside of Kermit, then Kermit could open it for output. It seems that ever since 1985, I have been calling open() with just O_WRONLY. Evidently that's not good enough any more in recent Mac OS X releases; experimentation shows I have to use O_WRONLY|O_CREAT, but then I also have to put perms, so I put 0600. I made this change in both zchko() and zopeno(). Tests OK in Mac OS X 10.10.5, NetBSD 6.1.5, Solaris 9, and Linux RHEL6.6. ckufio.c, 16 Feb 2016.As noted, Dev.17 dumped core immediately upon startup on certain 64-bit platforms such as Ubuntu 15.04 and Mac OS X 10.11. Since I don't have access to these platforms I asked Mark Sapiro to look at the changes I made and try to narrow them down. He found that these did the trick:

--- cku304.17/ckucmd.h 2016-02-03 11:28:00.000000000 -0800 +++ cku304.18x/ckucmd.h 2016-02-04 17:54:33.872465535 -0800 @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ #define HLPBL 100 /* Help string buffer length */ #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define ATMBL 163808 /* Command atom buffer length */ +#define ATMBL 20470 /* Command atom buffer length */ #else #define ATMBL 10238 /* Command atom buffer length */ #endif /* CK_64BIT */ @@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ #else #ifdef BIGBUFOK #ifdef CK_64BIT -#define CMDBL 8388608 +#define CMDBL 65500 #else #define CMDBL 32763 #endif /* CK_64BIT */

So I put back my changes from to ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, and ckuusr.h, from Feb 3, and then made the adjustments just above. I suspect the segfaults occurred when a bunch of these very large buffers were malloc'd in cmsetup() upon program startup. Time will tell if the new values are safe. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Updated locale documentation on the website in locale.html, 5 Feb 2016.

Added new format code 6 to \fcvtdate() for "dd fullmonthname yyyy hh:mm:ss". This prints the monthname from the Locale, or if there is no Locale or it is disabled, the full monthname in English. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

In doing this, I noticed that if I included any command that referenced the locale in a kerbang script or any other script invoked on the command line, that the locale wasn't used. I moved the initialization of the locale a bit higher up in the program start code. ckcmai.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Added locale support to \fcvtdate() so month name comes out in the desired language in formats where an "English month name" was previously returned. Works OK in Red Hat EL6.6, but localized dates aren't supported on the other platforms I have access to (Solaris 9, various NetBSD versions). As a start, I always use 3-letter short month abbreviations, even though some countries might use longer ones. If anybody cares about this, they will let me know. But this way, all date formats that have textual month names come out in the same format and dates in the same format are always the same length. ckucmd.c, 5 Feb 2016.

Dev.18

Fixed four debug() statements that had a string as the final parameter instead of a number, noticed by gcc on NetBSD 7. ckuusx.c, ckudia.c, 4 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro says Dev.17 segfaults immediately on startup on Ubuntu 15.04. Asked him for a debug log. Meanwhile I checked the tarball, rebuilt from it, all OK on 64-bit Linux RHEL6 and on 32-bit NetBSD 6.1.5. Built on NebBSD 7.0 also, no problem there except a few new warnings. Backed off the 64-bit size changes. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 4 Feb 2016.

Dev.17

Added missing "help xmessage" text. ckuus2.c, 3 Feb 2016.

The command "date 29-feb-1996 +1year" failed with "?Base day out of range". Fixed in ckucmd.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Removed misleading display of Z_MAXCHAN from SHOW FEATURES because in Unix we don't use this symbol; we get the real maximum number of open files from sysconf(). ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Changed definitions of sizes of things (command buffers, packet buffers, etc) to be much bigger on 64-bit architectures. This will allow bigger script programs, bigger packet buffers (and thus conceivably faster file transfers), more macros, more variables, longer values of variables, etc. The bigger sizes are dependent on the symbol CK_64BIT, which is set in ckcdeb.h based on what it can figure out from compiler builtins, header files, etc, but can also be set on the CC command line in case ckcdeb.h doesn't pick it up. ckcdeb.h, ckcker.h, ckucmd.h, ckuusr.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for when defining CK_64BIT. ckcdeb.h, 3 Feb 2016.

Added __x86_64 to the symbols looked for and displayed by SHOW FEATURES. ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro also noticed that the "localarray" stresstest revealed that if an array (say \%a[]) was declared as local in a macro, but the same array was NOT declared at any higher level, then the array persisted even after the macro returned, instead of disappearing as it should. Fixed in popclvl(): ckuus5.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Mark Sapiro reported C-Kermit crashing on some platforms but not others when evaluating any rounding operation in an S-expression, e.g. (round 1.75). My mistake, I had sprintf() writing into a buffer that was too short. I know I should use snprintf() but it's not portable and it would be a big deal to enumerate all the platforms where it's available and where it's not and tailor the code accordingly, so I just made the buffer (more than) big enough, barring any misbehaving printf() format interpreters. ckround(): ckclib.c, 3 Feb 2016.

Used STRDIRSEP in the CHANGE code to keep it portable, in case C-Kermit is ever built on any non-Unix platform again (WARNING, VMS will still require some special code). ckuus6.c, 2 Feb 2016

We have always had DIRSEP and ISDIRSEP macros for referring to directory separators in the code, e.g. '/' for Unix, ':' for AOS/VS, '>' for VOS, '\' for OS-9, etc, but we needed a string version, so I added STRDIRSEP analogs for each DIRSEP (like "/" for '/') so we could use them as arguments to ckindex(), ckstrncat(), etc. ckcdeb.h, 2 Feb 2016.

In adding the /BACKUP switch, something caused a core dump when using /MODTIME:PRESERVE, a bad value in the "generic permissions" field of the zsattr struct when going to copy the modtime and perms from the original file to the backup file. It's because I wasn't initializing all the struct members. I changed zsattr() to defend itself against out-range-values, clarified the calling convenstions for zstime() in the opening comments (if you are not setting attribute blah, then set blah.len = 0 in the argument struct), and I fixed the struct initializations in the calling code. ckuus6.c, ckufio.c, 2 Feb 2016.

Added a /BACKUP:directory switch for CHANGE. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

Added a /DESTINATION:directory switch for CHANGE. Some problems I had doing this revealed an error in domydir() For reasons too hard to explain the DIRECTORY command sets a global flag "diractive" to let the command parsing routine cmifi2() know that a DIRECTORY command is in progress, and therefore to do some special things in that case when a wildcard expansion includes directory names. Later on I added TOUCH and CHANGE commands to domydir(), because writing separate routines would have meant duplicating tons of code. BUT The "diractive" flag should NOT be set when the command is TOUCH or CHANGE. Once that was fixed, the rest was pretty straightforward. ckuus6.c, 1 Feb 2016.

I discovered that the CHANGE command didn't work on Linux. This opened a whole big can of worms, read on

CHANGE command failed on platforms like Linux where fputs() did not return 0 on success. Fixed in ckuus6.c, 29 Jan 2016.

But after this fix it still didn't work if I did not have en environment variable defined that said what directory to use for temporary files because the \v(tmpdir) variable was not falling back correctly. In Unix, first it tried the environment variables CK_TMP, TMPDIR, TEMP, and TMP, in that order, and if nothing turned up it tried /tmp/. Then if the resulting value doesn't end in a directory separator, one is tacked on. There were a couple mistakes in the code causing the /tmp/ part to be skipped, and tacking '/' onto the null string, thus setting the temporary directory to be the root directory, resulting in big trouble when writing temporary files, e.g. in the FTP GET command, the CHANGE command, who knows what else. Fixed in ckuus4.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem with this was that the temporary directory might be referenced before it was defined, e.g. in an FTP GET command. Remedied by "invoking" \v(tmpdir) before any commands are processed. ckcmai.c, 29 Jan 2016.

And Yet Another Problem was that the SET TEMP-DIRECTORY command simply did not work. Plus it didn't store its argument as a full pathname, so it would not work after the user CD'd to someplace else. ckuus3.c, 29 Jan 2016.

A related problem was that IF WRITEABLE didn't work when given a directory name. Fixed in ckufio.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Another problem was that there was no SHOW TEMP-DIRECTORY command. Every SET should have a SHOW. Fixed in ckuusr.h, ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Updated HELP SET TEMP-DIRECTORY text. ckuus2.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Added TMP-DIRECTORY as an invisible synonym for TEMP-DIRECTORY in the SET and SHOW commands. ckuusr.c, 29 Jan 2016.

Dev.16

Updated copyright year to 2016. ckcmai.c, 18 Jan 2016.

Made a new "linux" target for the makefile. Kept the previous one available as "linux-2015". The feature tests in the old one looked for libraries in specific places, like "if test -f /usr/lib64/libncurses.so.5" which is stupid because there is an endless number of places where Linux packagers will dream up to put them, especially for multiarchitecture distributions. Well, who really knows where the libraries are, and what the library search path is? ld, right? So now instead of looking in 20 different places for (say) libncurses under several different names, we just ask ld if it can find it and if so  and if we also can identify the corresponding header file (if any)  then we set the appropriate HAVE_BLAH feature flags. makefile, 18 Jan 2016.

Mark Sapiro noticed that "OK" is no longer a valid IF condition (it was a synonym for SUCCESS), which is true; I removed it years ago because of some conflict but didn't make a note of it, can't remember the reason, but IF OK still showed up in HELP IF. Removed it in ckuus2.c, and put a new version of the iftest script in the script library. 31 Dec 2015.

Dev.15

Patches from Bernard Spil for LibreSSL: "Currently Kermit fails to build when openssl libraries have been built without SSLv3 are used (configure no-ssl2 nossl3). This has surfaced when building with the latest LibreSSL 2.3. In addition, there are issues with LibreSSL as it does not support SSL compression nor perl EGD as entropy source. Attached patches address all these issues. These can be improved upon by using only SSLv23_ methods or even TLS_ methods and setting SSL_CTX_set_options(ctx, SSL_OP_NO_SSL2 | SSL_OP_NO_SSL3) but I've tried to make the patches minimally intrusive. OpenSSL 1.1.0 will deprecate SSLv23_ methods and introduces compatible TLS_ methods." ckssl.h, ck_ssl.h, ck_ssl.c, ckcftp.c, ckupty.c. Built OK on NetBSD 6.1.5 with OpenSSL 1.0.1e and Linux RHEL6.6 with 1.0.1k, and also on both without SSL selected, but with some warnings; in functions 'tls_is_anon' and 'tls_is_krb5': "assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type".

Updated dates and Dev number, ckuus5.c, ckcmai.c.

Trying to build C-Kermit on Red Hat RHEL6 it failed at link time because it couldn't find libncurses. It was really hard to track this one down because all the symptoms were totally misleading. The real problem was that ncurses.h was not installed on the system, and the elaborate checking in the linux targe of the makefile didn't allow for the case when the libraries were installed but the header file not. After fixing the makefile it compiles and links correctly without curses support. Also fixed a large number rule lines that started with spaces in stead of Tab. makefile, 17 Dec 2015.

NOTE FOR DOCS: If C-Kermit builds silently but the result has no curses support, it means that lib[n]ncurses is missing OR [n]curses.h is missing. There should be a way to issue a message from the makefile but I couldn't find it (echo, @echo, etc, none of them worked).

Dev.14

Dev.13

ck_ssl.c: In function 'ssl_display_connect_details': ck_ssl.c:1089:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_anon': ck_ssl.c:3139:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type ck_ssl.c: In function 'tls_is_krb5': ck_ssl.c:3189:12: warning: assignment discards qualifiers from pointer target type

Two closing braces were missing in ck_ssl.c at line 2207, which prevented Dev.13 from being built with OpenSSL support. 10 Oct 2015.Compiles, links, and runs OK with "make netbsd+ssl" except for these warnings:Resulting binary connects with TLS 1.0 to https://www.google.com.

From Jake Thompson: "ckcftp.c is currently set up to allow only SSL 3.0 by default when using AUTH SSL/AUTH TLS, and no later versions (SSLv3_client_method). After the POODLE vulnerability, most sites have disabled SSL 3.0, allowing only TLS 1.0 or later. The attached patch changes ckcftp.c to allow TLS 1.0 and later only by default, adding a new bug option use-ssl-v3 in order to downgrade to SSL 3.0 if needed. ck_ssl.c looks like it may need similar changes; I haven't looked extensively." I applied Jake's patch to ckcftp.c, and the analogous patches to ssl_tn_init() and ssl_http_init() in ck_ssl.c, with improved structure and debug logging. 5 Feb 2015.

Apropos of the previous item, SHOW FUNCTIONS is not very useful. It gives a list of all the functions, period. But if I wanted to find only the functions that have to do with PIDs, it would be nice to be able to include a string to match the function names, as in "show function pid". Other examples include "show func info", "sho func code", "sho fun date", etc. This was added doshow() ckuus5.c, with a special function code parameter value added to kwdhelp() in ckucmd.c and new HELP FUNCTION text in ckuus2.c. It's not really pattern matching, just a substring. Anything more ambitious would have required a rewrite of kwdhelp(). 5 Feb 2015.

Changed \fgetpidinfo() to \fpidinfo() to be easier to find, but left the original name as an invisible synonym. ckuusr.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward Berner noticed that K95 built with Open Watcom was crashing because of "inconsistent extern declarations of vmode". vmode is declared BYTE vmode = VCMD; in ckoco2.c and referenced as extern BYTE in all but two cko*.c modules, but as extern int in all cku*.c modules except cko[tf]io.c. BYTE is not a known type to mainline C-Kermit code. However, all references to vmode in mainline code are within #ifdef OS2. Fixed in ckofio.c, ckotio.c, ckuus3.c, ckuus6.c, ckuus7.c, ckuusx.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Edward also reported a similar problem with marginbot, but in my sources all declarations are consistent (int). But he is working with 2003 source code, probably it's fixed.

SET LOGIN USER xxx did not evaluate xxx if it was a variable. If there was ever a reason for this I can't recall it. Fixed in ckuus3.c, 5 Feb 2015.

Dev.12

Fixed the previous fix. ckufio.c 9.0.220, 12 Jan 2015.

Updated copyright year to 2015. ckcmai.c, 11 Jan 2015.

On QNX 4.25 an FTP GET command always failed with a segmentation fault. In fact, this would happen in any Unix version of C-Kermit that has NOUUCP defined, such as Mac OS X. The code in the #ifdef NOUUCP section of zchko() was wrong, clobbering the variable (x) that held the length of filename string. I fixed zchko to not do that. ckufio.c 9.0.219, 11 Jan 2015.

Dev.11

I received reports from both Alan Jones and Harold Baldwin around the same time that REMOTE commands were getting "?Not confirmed" parse errors in C-Kermit 9.0.302 and later. Incredibly, this was broken long ago in remcfm(); see the comment there in ckuus7.c about line 7177. The problem was that I commented out the test for an empty cmtxt() result string. Apparently at least 10 years have passed without anybody noticing and reporting this (it works right in K95 2.1.3 from 2003). Fixed in ckuus7.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Updated HELP SET FILE text to mention that SET FILE COLLISION OVERWRITE doesn't work for a server unless it has also been told to ENABLE DELETE. ckuus2.c, 3 Nov 2014.

The photogallery script documentation contains a hint that didn't work, namely that to create a list of the names of all the non-thumbnail, non-resized original image files, use:

directory /brief /except:*-[tr].jpg /output:somefile *.jpg

This did not work; the /EXCEPT switch was ignored whenever the /BRIEF switch was included in a DIRECTORY command. Fixed in domydir() by moving two lines of code to where they always should have been. ckuus6.c, 3 Nov 2014.

Dev.10

From Mark Wooding: Fix inconsistent declarations of a couple variables across modules; he actually reported a bunch of them but all the serious ones (int vs long or off_t) had been fixed in 2005 with the introduction of CK_OFF_T, and the only two that needed fixing were char * vs char [] (prevcmd and cmdfil). ckucmd.c, ckuusy.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: supply default "(none)" value for \v(dialmsg). ckuus4.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Mark Wooding: add #define _XOPEN_SOURCE 500, #include <stdlib.h> in the PTY module, "Needed along with -DHAVE_PTMX for working ptys". Also fixed a debug() statement that had a string argument that should have been an int. ckupty.c, 23 Feb 2014.

From Ian Beckwith, updates to the Debian Linux MULTIARCH support. "I've checked through the patched makefile, every library is checked in /usr/lib/$(MULTIARCH)/, except for libdes425, which isn't in debian." These changes are presently in Debian testing for amd64, armel, armhf, i386, kfreebsd-amd64, kfreebsd-i386, mips, mipsel, powerpc, s390x, sparc. makefile, 23 Feb 2014.

Documentation for MULTIARCH:

From my to-do list.... I noticed a while back that \fsplit(s,&a,,TSV) could mess up if the data fields contained grouping characters like parens, quotes, brackets, or braces. \fsplit() and \fword() are handled by cksplit(), which is designed to allow grouping, nesting, quoting, recursion, and so on (for parsing such things as complex LISP S-expressions and Comma-separated lists full of quoting) and I guess some of that code was being executed for TSVs. Rather than mess with the existing code and possibly break something else, I added a chunk of new code at the beginning of the byte loop in cksplit() to handle TSVs, which are extremely simple, and so the new code is too. And also way more efficient. Seems to work right, and other things like LISP programs still work. ckclib.c, 31 Jan 2014.

Dev.09

Updated version number and date and copyright date. ckcmai.c and many other modules. 20 January 2014.

Fixed core dump that happened only in Solaris (as far as I know) with "ftp open kermitproject.org" (which should have been "ftp.kermitproject.org"). The problem was that perror() was being called with a pointer to an empty string, which should be OK but apparently is not in Solaris. ckcftp.c, 20 January 2014.

Various minor touch-ups to HELP, NEWS, VERSION text. ckuus[r2].c, 20 Jan 2014.

Added CHECK LOCALE. ckuus3.c, 20 Jan 2014.

Fixed an aggregrate array initialization (not legal in non-ANSI). ckuus4.c, 20 Jan 2014.

From David Goodwin: Remove all references to K95 registration and time-limited demo versions, and fix a couple minor compilation problems for the Windows version. ckcmai.c, ckcpro.w, ckucmd.c, ckuus[34rx].c, ckuusr.h, 20 Jan 2014.

Corrected HELP SHIFT text, which previously said it affected only arguments 1..9, but really affects all arguments, no matter how many. ckuus2.c, 17 Dec 2013.

Got rid of the "ok" keyword as an IF condition. OK was an undocumented and invisible synonym for SUCCESS, but this has bitten me too many times, when I create a variable named OK and use it as a "lazy IF condition" as in:

.ok = 0 if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] img_[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] dscf[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 else if match \&a[i] scan[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9].jpg .ok = 1 if not ok exit 1 "\&a[i]: Not a recognized image file name"

ckuus6.c, 17 Dec 2013.

For Unix only, changed default prompt to show "~/" instead of the full home path, which these days can get ridiculously long. So now, for example, "(/hmt/sirius1/prv0/kd/fdc/) C-Kermit>" becomes "(~/) C-Kermit>". If I'm cd'd to the "src" directory of my home directory, it's "(~/src/) C-Kermit>". If my current directory is not in my home tree, its full path is shown as before. ckuus5.c (definition of ckprompt), 17 Dec 2013.

Reported by Christoph Sievers the following sequence:

SET FTP AUTOENCRYPTION ON SET FTP AUTHTYPE TLS SET AUTH TLS VERBOSE ON SET AUTH TLS VERIFY NO ftp open 127.0.0.1 12345 /USER:f


SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
AUBURN, Ala.  Alabama's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has become a bitter high-dollar contest with the three strongest contenders jockeying for the nomination.

The leading candidates are U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks who won  and then lost  former President Donald Trump's backing in the race; Katie Boyd Britt, the former leader of Business Council of Alabama and Shelby's former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner best known as the helicopter pilot whose capture during a U.S. military mission in Somalia was chronicled in the "Black Hawk Down" book and subsequent movie.

Lillie Boddie, Karla M. Dupriest and Jake Schafer are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Observers say it's hard to predict whether the nomination will be settled in Tuesday's primary. The fractured field increases the chances that the race will go to a June 21 runoff, which is required unless one candidate captures more than 50% of Tuesday's vote. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant said the race has an up-for-grabs feel.

"It's anybody guess as to who's in first and who's in second in the runoff," he said.

As for the barrage of negative campaign ads in the primary's closing days, Mowery said: "The gloves have come off."

The Alabama race is one of several bitterly contested GOP primaries for open Senate seats. Retirements also sparked heated races this season in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and in Ohio. Trump further scrambled the Alabama race this spring when he rescinded his endorsement of Brooks. Both Britt and Durant have courted Trump's nod, but he has so far stayed out of the Alabama race.

"We look at this country and don't recognize it right now. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, every single thing in this nation is moving in the wrong direction," Britt said during a speech to the Republican Women of East Alabama.

Before leading the Business Council, Britt served as chief of staff to Shelby, one the Senate's most senior members and a traditional Republican known for his ability to bring home federal projects and funding to his home state.

But in speeches Britt, running under a slogan of Alabama First, has leaned away from her hefty Washington resume. She said it's important voters get to know her and kind of senator she will be. Her experience, she said, gave her an opportunity to understand how the Senate works.

"I can hit the ground running on day one. And for me, Alabama First is not just a slogan. It's a mission," she said.

Brooks, a six-term congressman from north Alabama, is banking on his long history with Alabama voters to overcome his feud with Trump.

"If you're a conservative Republican I would submit to you that I'm the only proven conservative in this race. With me there is no rolling the dice to determine how I'm going to go on major public policy issues," Brooks said, urging people to look up his ratings from the National Rifle Association, Heritage Action and other groups.

Despite losing Trump's backing, he continues to run as "MAGA Mo," invoking Trump's Make America Great Again slogan, and his campaign website continues to include old video footage of Trump praising the north Alabama congressman.

Trump initially endorsed Brooks last year, rewarding the conservative firebrand who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the Jan. 6, 2021 "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol insurrection.

"Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass," Brooks said. But Trump withdrew the endorsement in March after their relationship soured. Trump cites Brooks' languishing performance and accused the conservative congressman of going "woke" for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Trump has not made a new endorsement in the race. Both Durant and Britt have maintained they are the superior choice for Trump's backing if the race goes to a runoff.

At a speech in Phenix City, a town in the shadow of the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Durant pitched himself as the outsider in the race. He began a speech by describing his combat service  which included not just Somalia but Desert Storm and missions in Panama  and then working in the defense industry and founding an aerospace company.

"I'm not a politician," Durant said. "That is what people are tired of. That's why people want outsiders. That is why people want straight shooters."

Durant said his military experience separates him from those in Washington who "don't know what they're talking about" when discussing deploying troops.

"This is serious business. We don't deploy troops, we don't get in skirmishes, we don't try to do nation building unless we truly understand the commitment that we're about to make, not only financially, but the lives of young men and women, our national credibility, all those things that are on the line."

Durant, a helicopter pilot who was held prisoner after being shot down, is seeking the endorsement of Trump, who once disputed that Sen. John McCain was a war hero because he was held as a POW. "I like people that weren't captured," Trump said in 2015. Asked about that, Durant said he thought the divisions between the two were "based on politics, not based on service."

Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for "dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.

Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

The Super PACS have been responsible for many of the attack ads in the race. Alabama Patriots PAC spent $4 million to support Durant after receiving money from America's Project, a Virginia-based PAC associated with Jacob Harriman, a Marine Corps veteran who operates the organization, "More Perfect Union." Alabama's Future, a PAC opposing Brooks, has received $2 million from a Mitch McConnell-aligned PAC.

The Rev. Will Boyd, former Brighton mayor Brandaun Dean and retired Army veteran Lanny Kackson are vying for the Democratic nomination. However, Democrats have struggled in recent years statewide races in Alabama. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, harnessed a well-funded campaign and a scandal surrounding GOP nominee Roy Moore, to win a special election in 2017. But Jones, who was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in over two decades, lost the following election.
WASHINGTON  The top U.S. military officer challenged the next generation of Army soldiers on Saturday to prepare America's military to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order. He told graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

"The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing," Milley told the cadets. "Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land."

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power. Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The U.S. has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military  in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases. Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted  from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region  so has the need for different types of weapons. Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The U.S. military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict. And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way U.S. forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted 2nd lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

"It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war," he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

"Consider for a moment that 26,000  26,000  soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I," Milley said. "Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris."

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, "That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill."

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: "we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall."
AUBURN, Ala.  Alabama's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby has become a bitter high-dollar contest with the three strongest contenders jockeying for the nomination.

The leading candidates are U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks who won  and then lost  former President Donald Trump's backing in the race; Katie Boyd Britt, the former leader of Business Council of Alabama and Shelby's former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner best known as the helicopter pilot whose capture during a U.S. military mission in Somalia was chronicled in the "Black Hawk Down" book and subsequent movie.

Lillie Boddie, Karla M. Dupriest and Jake Schafer are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Observers say it's hard to predict whether the nomination will be settled in Tuesday's primary. The fractured field increases the chances that the race will go to a June 21 runoff, which is required unless one candidate captures more than 50% of Tuesday's vote. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant said the race has an up-for-grabs feel.

"It's anybody guess as to who's in first and who's in second in the runoff," he said.

As for the barrage of negative campaign ads in the primary's closing days, Mowery said: "The gloves have come off."

The Alabama race is one of several bitterly contested GOP primaries for open Senate seats. Retirements also sparked heated races this season in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and in Ohio. Trump further scrambled the Alabama race this spring when he rescinded his endorsement of Brooks. Both Britt and Durant have courted Trump's nod, but he has so far stayed out of the Alabama race.

"We look at this country and don't recognize it right now. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, every single thing in this nation is moving in the wrong direction," Britt said during a speech to the Republican Women of East Alabama.

Before leading the Business Council, Britt served as chief of staff to Shelby, one the Senate's most senior members and a traditional Republican known for his ability to bring home federal projects and funding to his home state.

But in speeches Britt, running under a slogan of Alabama First, has leaned away from her hefty Washington resume. She said it's important voters get to know her and kind of senator she will be. Her experience, she said, gave her an opportunity to understand how the Senate works.

"I can hit the ground running on day one. And for me, Alabama First is not just a slogan. It's a mission," she said.

Brooks, a six-term congressman from north Alabama, is banking on his long history with Alabama voters to overcome his feud with Trump.

"If you're a conservative Republican I would submit to you that I'm the only proven conservative in this race. With me there is no rolling the dice to determine how I'm going to go on major public policy issues," Brooks said, urging people to look up his ratings from the National Rifle Association, Heritage Action and other groups.

Despite losing Trump's backing, he continues to run as "MAGA Mo," invoking Trump's Make America Great Again slogan, and his campaign website continues to include old video footage of Trump praising the north Alabama congressman.

Trump initially endorsed Brooks last year, rewarding the conservative firebrand who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the Jan. 6, 2021 "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol insurrection.

"Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass," Brooks said. But Trump withdrew the endorsement in March after their relationship soured. Trump cites Brooks' languishing performance and accused the conservative congressman of going "woke" for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Trump has not made a new endorsement in the race. Both Durant and Britt have maintained they are the superior choice for Trump's backing if the race goes to a runoff.

At a speech in Phenix City, a town in the shadow of the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Durant pitched himself as the outsider in the race. He began a speech by describing his combat service  which included not just Somalia but Desert Storm and missions in Panama  and then working in the defense industry and founding an aerospace company.

"I'm not a politician," Durant said. "That is what people are tired of. That's why people want outsiders. That is why people want straight shooters."

Durant said his military experience separates him from those in Washington who "don't know what they're talking about" when discussing deploying troops.

"This is serious business. We don't deploy troops, we don't get in skirmishes, we don't try to do nation building unless we truly understand the commitment that we're about to make, not only financially, but the lives of young men and women, our national credibility, all those things that are on the line."

Durant, a helicopter pilot who was held prisoner after being shot down, is seeking the endorsement of Trump, who once disputed that Sen. John McCain was a war hero because he was held as a POW. "I like people that weren't captured," Trump said in 2015. Asked about that, Durant said he thought the divisions between the two were "based on politics, not based on service."

Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for "dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.

Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

The Super PACS have been responsible for many of the attack ads in the race. Alabama Patriots PAC spent $4 million to support Durant after receiving money from America's Project, a Virginia-based PAC associated with Jacob Harriman, a Marine Corps veteran who operates the organization, "More Perfect Union." Alabama's Future, a PAC opposing Brooks, has received $2 million from a Mitch McConnell-aligned PAC.

The Rev. Will Boyd, former Brighton mayor Brandaun Dean and retired Army veteran Lanny Kackson are vying for the Democratic nomination. However, Democrats have struggled in recent years statewide races in Alabama. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, harnessed a well-funded campaign and a scandal surrounding GOP nominee Roy Moore, to win a special election in 2017. But Jones, who was the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in over two decades, lost the following election.





Asserting that he is particularly "anti-hate-politics, division and polarization", Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the country must continue to engage with the United States at all levels. In an interview with an international news agency, the Pakistan leader said, "I am particularly anti-politics of hate, division and polarization." "If we consistently pursue the politics -- either with us or against us, whether there is on an international level or any domestic level. I don't believe it will serve the interest of the poeple of Pakistan," he said further. The top Pakistani diplomat has concluded his maiden US trip during which he attended a global food security conference and held meetings with the US and UN officials. He termed the meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "very encouraging and very positive and productive." "This meeting was indeed an important first step and we believe that Pakistan must continue to engage with the United States at all levels," he said Bilawal said that in past the relationship between the two countries had remained under the influence of the events in Afghanistan. "The relationship between Pakistan and US in the past has been too coloured by the events of Afghanistan at the geo-strategical, geopolitical consideration and it's time for us to move beyond that to engage in a far broader, deeper and meaningful relationship," he said. The Pakistani Foriegn Minister also stressed upon the world to deal with Afghanistan's humanitarian and crumbling economic crisis. "Regardless of what we feel about the regime in Afghanistan, the world can't abandon the Afghan people," said Bilawal. "The total collapse of the Afghan economy would be a disaster for the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the international community," he added. Speaking about coordination in the economy, defence and military, Bilawal said, "If we continue to engage, then we can move forward in a more positive direction." He also rejected Imran Khan's accusation of a US conspiracy to topple his government through a confidence motion and termed it a "fanciful conspiracy theory based on a big lie." Commenting on his upcoming visit to China, Bilawal Bhutto said, "I don't think that our growing relationship with the US will damage ties with China." (ANI)
Asserting that he is particularly "anti-hate-politics, division and polarization", Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the country must continue to engage with the United States at all levels. In an interview with an international news agency, the Pakistan leader said, "I am particularly anti-politics of hate, division and polarization." "If we consistently pursue the politics -- either with us or against us, whether there is on an international level or any domestic level. I don't believe it will serve the interest of the poeple of Pakistan," he said further. The top Pakistani diplomat has concluded his maiden US trip during which he attended a global food security conference and held meetings with the US and UN officials. He termed the meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "very encouraging and very positive and productive." "This meeting was indeed an important first step and we believe that Pakistan must continue to engage with the United States at all levels," he said Bilawal said that in past the relationship between the two countries had remained under the influence of the events in Afghanistan. "The relationship between Pakistan and US in the past has been too coloured by the events of Afghanistan at the geo-strategical, geopolitical consideration and it's time for us to move beyond that to engage in a far broader, deeper and meaningful relationship," he said. The Pakistani Foriegn Minister also stressed upon the world to deal with Afghanistan's humanitarian and crumbling economic crisis. "Regardless of what we feel about the regime in Afghanistan, the world can't abandon the Afghan people," said Bilawal. "The total collapse of the Afghan economy would be a disaster for the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the international community," he added. Speaking about coordination in the economy, defence and military, Bilawal said, "If we continue to engage, then we can move forward in a more positive direction." He also rejected Imran Khan's accusation of a US conspiracy to topple his government through a confidence motion and termed it a "fanciful conspiracy theory based on a big lie." Commenting on his upcoming visit to China, Bilawal Bhutto said, "I don't think that our growing relationship with the US will damage ties with China." (ANI)
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Asserting that he is particularly "anti-hate-politics, division and polarization", Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the country must continue to engage with the United States at all levels. In an interview with an international news agency, the Pakistan leader said, "I am particularly anti-politics of hate, division and polarization." "If we consistently pursue the politics -- either with us or against us, whether there is on an international level or any domestic level. I don't believe it will serve the interest of the poeple of Pakistan," he said further. The top Pakistani diplomat has concluded his maiden US trip during which he attended a global food security conference and held meetings with the US and UN officials. He termed the meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "very encouraging and very positive and productive." "This meeting was indeed an important first step and we believe that Pakistan must continue to engage with the United States at all levels," he said Bilawal said that in past the relationship between the two countries had remained under the influence of the events in Afghanistan. "The relationship between Pakistan and US in the past has been too coloured by the events of Afghanistan at the geo-strategical, geopolitical consideration and it's time for us to move beyond that to engage in a far broader, deeper and meaningful relationship," he said. The Pakistani Foriegn Minister also stressed upon the world to deal with Afghanistan's humanitarian and crumbling economic crisis. "Regardless of what we feel about the regime in Afghanistan, the world can't abandon the Afghan people," said Bilawal. "The total collapse of the Afghan economy would be a disaster for the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the international community," he added. Speaking about coordination in the economy, defence and military, Bilawal said, "If we continue to engage, then we can move forward in a more positive direction." He also rejected Imran Khan's accusation of a US conspiracy to topple his government through a confidence motion and termed it a "fanciful conspiracy theory based on a big lie." Commenting on his upcoming visit to China, Bilawal Bhutto said, "I don't think that our growing relationship with the US will damage ties with China." (ANI)
(Tribune News Service)  Hillary Clinton personally signed off on a plan in 2016 to quietly pitch to the media the now-discredited theory that computer servers at former President Donald Trumps company had a secret communications link with a Russian bank, her former campaign manager told a jury.

Robby Mook, a witness in the trial of a former Clinton campaign lawyer charged with lying to the FBI, on Friday testified that he and others at the campaign werent totally confident in the veracity of the server data, but they sent it to reporters anyway a few months before the election.

All I remember is that she agreed with it, Mook said of Clinton. She thought we made the right decision.

The purported server link between the Trump Organization and Russia-based Alfa Bank was ultimately debunked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Former campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann is now on trial for allegedly lying to the FBI when he said he wasnt representing any client when he brought that claim to the agencys attention in September 2016.

Mook testified that neither he nor anyone else at the campaign directed Sussmann to take the information to the FBI and that the main focus was tipping off the media.

That seemed justified because evidence of a suspected secret back-channel between Trump and Russia was obviously incredibly alarming and concerning, Mook said. If true, he said, then thats probably something the American people should know when they vote. Mook said he believed reporters would take their own steps to verify the theory was true before publication.

At the time, Trumps actions had raised questions, Mook said, including making very favorable statements about (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, which was incredibly unusual for a Republican nominee. Mook also noted Trumps suggestion that the US leave the NATO military alliance and his extensive business dealings in Russia.

It isnt unusual for presidential campaigns to conduct opposition research on rivals so they can offer damaging information to the press. But the revelation of Clintons involvement in spreading a theory that her campaign didnt have faith in could bolster Trumps claims about a witch hunt during his presidency.

Still, other connections between Trump and Russia turned out to be true, as outlined in Special Counsel Robert Muellers report. For example, Trump campaign officials including Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort met with a group of Russians at Trump Tower on June 9, 2016, after Don Jr. had been told by an intermediary that they had dirt on Clinton that was part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump.

Trump also appeared to publicly encourage Russia to find Clintons missing emails.

The server theory was supplied to the Clinton campaign by its law firm, Perkins Coie, which had outsourced some of its opposition research to Fusion GPS.

Other witnesses

Mooks testimony doesnt support the government claim that Sussmann tipped the FBI on Clintons behalf. And earlier in the trial, other witnesses said there was no desire by the campaign to provide the information to the FBI.

According to Mook, the campaign didnt trust the FBI because then-Direct James Comey broke protocol and talked about the FBI probe into Clintons use of a private email server, Mook testified.

Two or three of the most damaging days of the campaign were caused by James Comey, not Donald Trump, Mook said. We didnt want to have anything to do with the organization at that time or engage them in that way.

___

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Tribune News Service)  Hillary Clinton personally signed off on a plan in 2016 to quietly pitch to the media the now-discredited theory that computer servers at former President Donald Trumps company had a secret communications link with a Russian bank, her former campaign manager told a jury.

Robby Mook, a witness in the trial of a former Clinton campaign lawyer charged with lying to the FBI, on Friday testified that he and others at the campaign werent totally confident in the veracity of the server data, but they sent it to reporters anyway a few months before the election.

All I remember is that she agreed with it, Mook said of Clinton. She thought we made the right decision.

The purported server link between the Trump Organization and Russia-based Alfa Bank was ultimately debunked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Former campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann is now on trial for allegedly lying to the FBI when he said he wasnt representing any client when he brought that claim to the agencys attention in September 2016.

Mook testified that neither he nor anyone else at the campaign directed Sussmann to take the information to the FBI and that the main focus was tipping off the media.

That seemed justified because evidence of a suspected secret back-channel between Trump and Russia was obviously incredibly alarming and concerning, Mook said. If true, he said, then thats probably something the American people should know when they vote. Mook said he believed reporters would take their own steps to verify the theory was true before publication.

At the time, Trumps actions had raised questions, Mook said, including making very favorable statements about (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, which was incredibly unusual for a Republican nominee. Mook also noted Trumps suggestion that the US leave the NATO military alliance and his extensive business dealings in Russia.

It isnt unusual for presidential campaigns to conduct opposition research on rivals so they can offer damaging information to the press. But the revelation of Clintons involvement in spreading a theory that her campaign didnt have faith in could bolster Trumps claims about a witch hunt during his presidency.

Still, other connections between Trump and Russia turned out to be true, as outlined in Special Counsel Robert Muellers report. For example, Trump campaign officials including Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort met with a group of Russians at Trump Tower on June 9, 2016, after Don Jr. had been told by an intermediary that they had dirt on Clinton that was part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump.

Trump also appeared to publicly encourage Russia to find Clintons missing emails.

The server theory was supplied to the Clinton campaign by its law firm, Perkins Coie, which had outsourced some of its opposition research to Fusion GPS.

Other witnesses

Mooks testimony doesnt support the government claim that Sussmann tipped the FBI on Clintons behalf. And earlier in the trial, other witnesses said there was no desire by the campaign to provide the information to the FBI.

According to Mook, the campaign didnt trust the FBI because then-Direct James Comey broke protocol and talked about the FBI probe into Clintons use of a private email server, Mook testified.

Two or three of the most damaging days of the campaign were caused by James Comey, not Donald Trump, Mook said. We didnt want to have anything to do with the organization at that time or engage them in that way.

___

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca
(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca
(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca




Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).

(Natural News) Hackers conducting a deepening, massive ransomware attack against Costa Rica have now threatened to overthrow the government there if they dont get what they want.

The government actually declared a state of emergency last week following an attack launched by the Conti Group, which infected computer networks. But now, the objective has changed to overthrowing the government, according to The Associated Press.

Newly elected President Rodrigo Chaves told reporters on Monday that the Russian-speaking cyber-gang had bolstered its ransom payment to $20 million, adding that the attack crippled or affected 27 government institutions including agencies and utilities on the federal, state and municipal levels.

We are at war, and thats not an exaggeration, said Chaves, adding that officials believe they are dealing with a national terrorist group that has collaborators inside Costa Rica itself.

In a message Monday, Conti warned that it was working with people inside the government.

We have our insiders in your government, the group said. We are also working on gaining access to your other systems, you have no other options but to pay us. We know that you have hired a data recovery specialist, dont try to find workarounds.

We are determined to overthrow the government by means of a cyber attack, we have already shown you all the strength and power, you have introduced an emergency, the cyber gang added.

Despite Contis threat, however, experts say that they see regime change as highly unlikely  even if its the real goal.

We havent seen anything even close to this before and its quite a unique situation, Brett Callow, a ransomware analyst at Emsisoft, told AP News. The threat to overthrow the government is simply them making noise and not to be taken too seriously, I wouldnt say.

However, the threat that they could cause more disruption than they already have is potentially real and that there is no way of knowing how many other government departments they may have compromised but not yet encrypted, he added.

AP News noted further:

Conti attacked Costa Rica in April, accessing multiple critical systems in the Finance Ministry, including customs and tax collection. Other government systems were also affected and a month later not all are fully functioning.

Chaves declared a state of emergency over the attack as soon as he was sworn in last week. The U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of Conti leaders.

If the ransom is not promptly paid, Conti said it would delete the decryption keys which would effectively paralyze critical networks that are used to run key government agencies.

A statement last week from the U.S. State Department said the Conti group had been responsible for hundreds of ransomware incidents over the past two years.

The FBI estimates that as of January 2022, there had been over 1,000 victims of attacks associated with Conti ransomware with victim payouts exceeding $150,000,000, making the Conti Ransomware variant the costliest strain of ransomware ever documented, the statement said.

Is it possible that this is the first instance of a cyber gang attempting to overthrow a government with ransomware?

Callow, the cyber analyst, does not think so.

I believe this is simply a for-profit cyber attack. Nothing more, he said.

But what if hes wrong? There is a first time for everything, after all, and if regime change is the true objective, what is the group prepared to do if the ransomware isnt paid other than crash Costa Ricas systems?

If such an attack happened in the U.S. and the power grid, especially, was attacked, there would be resultant chaos in the streets and mass death, as previous analyses of such scenarios have forecasted. Why wouldnt a similar situation develop elsewhere?

Sources include:

APNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Nothing spells the end of the American empire like the era of Joe Biden.

Whereas Donald Trump was well on his way toward bringing our country back from the abyss, Bidens handlers have not just reversed course but they have hit the gas pedal and now were circling the drain faster than ever before, though, of course, the deep state had to literally steal Trumps reelection in order to put the death spiral back on track (and we let that happen without doing anything about it, by the way).

As a testament to Bidens phony presidency, a new audit has estimated that at least half and maybe more of Bidens Twitter followers are not real, either, as reported by Newsweek:

SparkToros tool found that 49.3 percent of accounts following the official @POTUS Twitter account are fake followers based on analysis of a number of factors, including location issues, default profile images and new users.

SparkToro defines fake followers as accounts that are unreachable and will not see the accounts tweets (either because theyre spam, bots, propaganda, etc. or because theyre no longer active on Twitter).

The software companys tool also found that Bidens account has more fake followers than most.

The discovery comes as the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, has made a staggering offer to buy Twitter  though that deal is now on hold until he can get a straight answer from the current CEO, Parag Agrawal, as to just how many accounts on the platform are bots and phonies.

Musk noted earlier this week that his $44 billion offer to buy the social media company would not move forward until the fake accounts were dealt with, as he has said that his offer was based on the companys public claim that only about 5 percent of users were bot accounts.

The Tesla and SpaceX founder and CEO has claimed that at least 20 percent of Twitters accounts are fake/spam accounts, a figure that was 4 times what Twitter claims, [and] could be *much* higher.

My offer was based on Twitters SEC filings being accurate, Musk wrote. Yesterday, Twitters CEO publicly refused to show proof of <5%. This deal cannot move forward until he does.

While it isnt clear how Musk arrived at the 20 percent figure and he and Agrawal exchanged a series of tweets about the issue of fake accounts on Monday, what is clear is that a) Twitter execs have lied in public filings regarding the number of phony accounts; b) Musk suspected all along they were lying; and c) he is now exposing the platforms massive fakery along with Bidens presidency.

We suspend over half a million spam accounts every day, usually before any of you even see them on Twitter. We also lock millions of accounts each week that we suspect may be spam, if they cant pass human verification challenges (captchas, phone verification, etc), Agrawal wrote on his platform this week.

He has also said the company estimated every quarter that less than five percent of monetizable daily active users (mDAU) were not real persons but bots.

And yet, anyone who spends any time at all on the platform can see that most responses to notable figures are obvious bot accounts (short bios, often with emojis or characters instead of photos of real people, with no blue check mark and a handful of followers  or none at all).

Following a 13-tweet threat from Agrawal, Musk responded with a poop emoji and wrote: So how do advertisers know what theyre getting for their money? This is fundamental to the financial health of Twitter.

A fake president who has fake followers on an influential social media platform that is rife with fake accounts. The American experiment in self-government is failing not because the system our founders devised and bequeathed us is inferior, its because those we have entrusted it to are.

Sources include:

Newsweek.com

NaturalNews.com

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca
(Natural News) Reawaken America Tour founder and Brighteon.TV host Clay Clark revealed that the Luciferian globalists and their allies are pushing the 666 iconography in their quest to enslave humanity.

Clark made this revelation during the May 18 episode of his program Thrive Time Show, where he aired his recent interview on The Alex Jones Show with the InfoWars founder. He pointed to two Congressional bills that contain the so-called devils number  House Resolution (HR) 6666 and HR 666. Both proposals were introduced by Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced HR 6666, or the COVID-19 Testing, Reaching And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Act, back in 2020. The act permits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by extension, to award grants to eligible entities to conduct [COVID-19] diagnostic testing, trace and monitor the contacts of infected individuals and support the quarantine of such contacts.

Clark, however, revealed that HR 6666 conceals a much more sinister agenda  that of medical martial law. This is actual legislation that has actually been authored by the U.S. Congress that would allow the [HHS] secretary to take you to a quarantine camp. That is not a theory; that is an actual document. Now they have codified it, and its just sitting there waiting to be passed, he told Jones.

The Thrive Time Show host added that the TRACE Act lined up with the CDCs idea of green zones or isolation facilities for COVID-infected individuals, akin to concentration camps. The CDC recommends [taking] you away from your home for a limited period of time  at least six months  to keep you from spreading the virus, said Clark.

Its a virus [thats] two weeks long [at the] maximum, but they want you to stay months in a prison. Remember Australia [when] they said: If you complain about being in a camp, well keep you longer to make you stop complaining? Its all about control. Its the cover for the re-education camps, the InfoWars founder said in reply. (Related: Australian government celebrates construction of covid quarantine camp, claims prisoners will be held for public safety.)

Clark also pointed to HR 666, otherwise known as the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2021. The bill introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) sought to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence. Clark decried HR 666 as legislation that would [make it] illegal for you to not agree with critical race theory.

Luciferians are diligent devils, most Christians are asleep at the wheel

Jones then asked why the globalist Luciferians and their allies are putting out the 666 iconography and if they were doing it to rub it in [peoples] noses.

Luciferians want to always show what theyre going to do before they do it, replied Clark. He then cited two other examples of the devils number being used, this time from the private sector.

The logo of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which operates the Large Hadron Collider, uses three sixes as its logo. CERN conducted a satanic ritual, which Jones described as people running around in black robes doing mock human sacrifices, during the grand opening of its headquarters in Switzerland.

Aside from CERN, Clark also mentioned that Microsoft and its founder Bill Gates own a patent for a cryptocurrency system that goes inside the human body. Incidentally, the patent was issued the serial number WO/2020/060606  another reference to the devils number.

The Reawaken America Tour founder pointed out that the patent fulfilled the book of Revelation, which states: Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

The Luciferians are diligent devils that want to put us in quarantine camps. [Theyre] diligently throwing out the number 666 and making their technology. [Meanwhile] many Christians  not your listeners, but many Christians  have been asleep behind the wheel, said Clark.

Im asking the Christians who are watching right now: Im calling on you to get involved. It is the Great Reawakening versus the Great Reset.

Watch the full May 18 episode of Thrive Time Show below. Catch new episodes of Thrive Time Show from Monday to Friday at 3:30-4 p.m. and Saturday at 12-12:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Be vigilant: The next phase of the plandemic is digital vaccine passports and World War III.

Mark of the Beast is here: Microchip implants that track your vaccination status are now being used in Sweden.

Vaccine mandates similar to forcing people into taking the Mark of the Beast, warns Scott Lively  Brighteon.TV.

CHILD QUARANTINE CAMPS: CDC opens up FEMA camps to hold children who might have been exposed to COVID-19.

Fascist Australia arrests healthy escapees from Camp Covid, threatens more extreme punishments for those who disobey.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Congress.gov 1

Congress.gov 2

Patentscope.WIPO.int
(Natural News) Hackers conducting a deepening, massive ransomware attack against Costa Rica have now threatened to overthrow the government there if they dont get what they want.

The government actually declared a state of emergency last week following an attack launched by the Conti Group, which infected computer networks. But now, the objective has changed to overthrowing the government, according to The Associated Press.

Newly elected President Rodrigo Chaves told reporters on Monday that the Russian-speaking cyber-gang had bolstered its ransom payment to $20 million, adding that the attack crippled or affected 27 government institutions including agencies and utilities on the federal, state and municipal levels.

We are at war, and thats not an exaggeration, said Chaves, adding that officials believe they are dealing with a national terrorist group that has collaborators inside Costa Rica itself.

In a message Monday, Conti warned that it was working with people inside the government.

We have our insiders in your government, the group said. We are also working on gaining access to your other systems, you have no other options but to pay us. We know that you have hired a data recovery specialist, dont try to find workarounds.

We are determined to overthrow the government by means of a cyber attack, we have already shown you all the strength and power, you have introduced an emergency, the cyber gang added.

Despite Contis threat, however, experts say that they see regime change as highly unlikely  even if its the real goal.

We havent seen anything even close to this before and its quite a unique situation, Brett Callow, a ransomware analyst at Emsisoft, told AP News. The threat to overthrow the government is simply them making noise and not to be taken too seriously, I wouldnt say.

However, the threat that they could cause more disruption than they already have is potentially real and that there is no way of knowing how many other government departments they may have compromised but not yet encrypted, he added.

AP News noted further:

Conti attacked Costa Rica in April, accessing multiple critical systems in the Finance Ministry, including customs and tax collection. Other government systems were also affected and a month later not all are fully functioning.

Chaves declared a state of emergency over the attack as soon as he was sworn in last week. The U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of Conti leaders.

If the ransom is not promptly paid, Conti said it would delete the decryption keys which would effectively paralyze critical networks that are used to run key government agencies.

A statement last week from the U.S. State Department said the Conti group had been responsible for hundreds of ransomware incidents over the past two years.

The FBI estimates that as of January 2022, there had been over 1,000 victims of attacks associated with Conti ransomware with victim payouts exceeding $150,000,000, making the Conti Ransomware variant the costliest strain of ransomware ever documented, the statement said.

Is it possible that this is the first instance of a cyber gang attempting to overthrow a government with ransomware?

Callow, the cyber analyst, does not think so.

I believe this is simply a for-profit cyber attack. Nothing more, he said.

But what if hes wrong? There is a first time for everything, after all, and if regime change is the true objective, what is the group prepared to do if the ransomware isnt paid other than crash Costa Ricas systems?

If such an attack happened in the U.S. and the power grid, especially, was attacked, there would be resultant chaos in the streets and mass death, as previous analyses of such scenarios have forecasted. Why wouldnt a similar situation develop elsewhere?

Sources include:

APNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Christian author warns against new Breathe With Me Yoga Barbie: 'Satan is after the children'

The new Breathe With Me meditation Barbie has garnered criticism from a Christian influencer who says the toy is coercing children into satanic practices linked to yoga.

Manufactured by Mattel, the doll retails at $24.99, and the packaging shows the Barbie in a seated yoga pose with her legs crossed and palms facing up. Children are encouraged to press a button on the doll's crescent moon necklace to listen to the sounds of "five guided meditations. The product is designed for children ages 3 years old and older.

According to Mattel: This meditation-themed doll celebrates one of her favorite ways to recharge using lights and sound  mindfulness meditation. The set comes with a Barbie doll, a puppy and four cloud emojis. Kids simply press the button in Barbie dolls necklace to activate one of five guided meditation exercises that use light and sound effects to inspire their own practice.

Her puppy helps her visualize  insert one of the cloud emojis into its head to represent a meditative thought bubble, then switch it up for new meditation inspiration. The puppy helps Barbie doll focus with visualization: place one of the four cloud emojis  Love Rainbow, Sad Rain, Happy Sunshine or Grumpy Red  into its head to express an emotion; switch them up to express a new feeling.

Yasmeen Suri, Christian speaker and author of the books, Beautiful Deception and The Fake God Reference Guide, took to Facebook earlier this month to warn parents that under the guise of self-care, yoga's methods are an invitation to an unforgiving spiritual realm. Suri came across the product while shopping at Target and shared a photo of the doll she saw on the shelves.

Satan always comes as appearing innocent. He will never come with horns and a pitchfork. This Barbie has five guided meditations. Remember, Yoga is Hinduism, Suri wrote in the May 3 Facebook post. You cannot separate the poses from the religion. Each pose is designed to invoke a Hindu deity in the spirit realm. I have seen children get possessed by demons.

The guided meditations are also problematic for a variety of reasons, according to Suri.

This Barbie also teaches you deep breathing (pranayama). Her pet is also involved. Satan is after the children. He wants to use them and indoctrinate them for his glory. Then, when he is done, he will destroy them, she declared.

As your kids grow, they will get rebellious, depressed and many will be suicidal, Suri added. You wont understand whats happening as a parent.

Suri, who hails from India, where Hinduism is the majority religion, added that God forbids all practices of [false religions]. She advised parents to remove all toys and clean your childrens room of all demonic attachments. Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Suris Facebook post has accumulated more than 70,000 reactions and nearly 50,000 comments as of Friday afternoon.

According to her website, Suri has personal experience with the spiritual realm because after coming to Christ, she was delivered from many New Age beliefs and false religious doctrines that she grew up believing in as a child raised in India. Suri, who now lives in the United States, has had her testimony featured on the Christian television program "The 700 Club."

Yoga is discouraged in many Christian circles because of its spiritual origin.

There are some professing Christians that have no issues with the teachings behind yoga and there are some that do. I am one that does, Suri told Newsweek. I do believe when we open ourselves up to occult-based practices, there are dangers of demonic activity.
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org

A team deployed from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office apprehended beauty pegeant organizer Manoj Pandey here on Saturday afternoon.

Pandey was identified on Wednesday by a 24-year-old woman who took to social media to allege that that she had been raped at a hotel by him while she was participating in the Miss Global International pageant held in the year 2014. She alleged that Pandey had had drugged and raped her and continued to expolit her for long since then by blackmailing her.

After the social media revelation led to an uproar and protests in the country. Social activists on Friday staged a protest near Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's residence over the sexual abuse cases in Nepal and demanded justice for the victims of the crimes.

The Nepal Police Headquarters formed a five-member committee under the direction of Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand to investigate the incident and take necessary action.

Senior Superintendent of Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar-led team also visited the alleged survivor's house on Friday.

Pandey, who also operates an educational consultancy and is said to be the perpetrator, was arrested today.

Demonstrations are taking place across major cities, including the capital, demanding justice for the girl and action against the perpetrator.

The woman uploaded a 20-part video series on social media in which she made the allegations. (ANI)

Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
(Natural News) Reawaken America Tour founder and Brighteon.TV host Clay Clark revealed that the Luciferian globalists and their allies are pushing the 666 iconography in their quest to enslave humanity.

Clark made this revelation during the May 18 episode of his program Thrive Time Show, where he aired his recent interview on The Alex Jones Show with the InfoWars founder. He pointed to two Congressional bills that contain the so-called devils number  House Resolution (HR) 6666 and HR 666. Both proposals were introduced by Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced HR 6666, or the COVID-19 Testing, Reaching And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Act, back in 2020. The act permits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by extension, to award grants to eligible entities to conduct [COVID-19] diagnostic testing, trace and monitor the contacts of infected individuals and support the quarantine of such contacts.

Clark, however, revealed that HR 6666 conceals a much more sinister agenda  that of medical martial law. This is actual legislation that has actually been authored by the U.S. Congress that would allow the [HHS] secretary to take you to a quarantine camp. That is not a theory; that is an actual document. Now they have codified it, and its just sitting there waiting to be passed, he told Jones.

The Thrive Time Show host added that the TRACE Act lined up with the CDCs idea of green zones or isolation facilities for COVID-infected individuals, akin to concentration camps. The CDC recommends [taking] you away from your home for a limited period of time  at least six months  to keep you from spreading the virus, said Clark.

Its a virus [thats] two weeks long [at the] maximum, but they want you to stay months in a prison. Remember Australia [when] they said: If you complain about being in a camp, well keep you longer to make you stop complaining? Its all about control. Its the cover for the re-education camps, the InfoWars founder said in reply. (Related: Australian government celebrates construction of covid quarantine camp, claims prisoners will be held for public safety.)

Clark also pointed to HR 666, otherwise known as the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2021. The bill introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) sought to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence. Clark decried HR 666 as legislation that would [make it] illegal for you to not agree with critical race theory.

Luciferians are diligent devils, most Christians are asleep at the wheel

Jones then asked why the globalist Luciferians and their allies are putting out the 666 iconography and if they were doing it to rub it in [peoples] noses.

Luciferians want to always show what theyre going to do before they do it, replied Clark. He then cited two other examples of the devils number being used, this time from the private sector.

The logo of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which operates the Large Hadron Collider, uses three sixes as its logo. CERN conducted a satanic ritual, which Jones described as people running around in black robes doing mock human sacrifices, during the grand opening of its headquarters in Switzerland.

Aside from CERN, Clark also mentioned that Microsoft and its founder Bill Gates own a patent for a cryptocurrency system that goes inside the human body. Incidentally, the patent was issued the serial number WO/2020/060606  another reference to the devils number.

The Reawaken America Tour founder pointed out that the patent fulfilled the book of Revelation, which states: Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

The Luciferians are diligent devils that want to put us in quarantine camps. [Theyre] diligently throwing out the number 666 and making their technology. [Meanwhile] many Christians  not your listeners, but many Christians  have been asleep behind the wheel, said Clark.

Im asking the Christians who are watching right now: Im calling on you to get involved. It is the Great Reawakening versus the Great Reset.

Watch the full May 18 episode of Thrive Time Show below. Catch new episodes of Thrive Time Show from Monday to Friday at 3:30-4 p.m. and Saturday at 12-12:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Be vigilant: The next phase of the plandemic is digital vaccine passports and World War III.

Mark of the Beast is here: Microchip implants that track your vaccination status are now being used in Sweden.

Vaccine mandates similar to forcing people into taking the Mark of the Beast, warns Scott Lively  Brighteon.TV.

CHILD QUARANTINE CAMPS: CDC opens up FEMA camps to hold children who might have been exposed to COVID-19.

Fascist Australia arrests healthy escapees from Camp Covid, threatens more extreme punishments for those who disobey.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Congress.gov 1

Congress.gov 2

Patentscope.WIPO.int
(Natural News) Reawaken America Tour founder and Brighteon.TV host Clay Clark revealed that the Luciferian globalists and their allies are pushing the 666 iconography in their quest to enslave humanity.

Clark made this revelation during the May 18 episode of his program Thrive Time Show, where he aired his recent interview on The Alex Jones Show with the InfoWars founder. He pointed to two Congressional bills that contain the so-called devils number  House Resolution (HR) 6666 and HR 666. Both proposals were introduced by Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced HR 6666, or the COVID-19 Testing, Reaching And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Act, back in 2020. The act permits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by extension, to award grants to eligible entities to conduct [COVID-19] diagnostic testing, trace and monitor the contacts of infected individuals and support the quarantine of such contacts.

Clark, however, revealed that HR 6666 conceals a much more sinister agenda  that of medical martial law. This is actual legislation that has actually been authored by the U.S. Congress that would allow the [HHS] secretary to take you to a quarantine camp. That is not a theory; that is an actual document. Now they have codified it, and its just sitting there waiting to be passed, he told Jones.

The Thrive Time Show host added that the TRACE Act lined up with the CDCs idea of green zones or isolation facilities for COVID-infected individuals, akin to concentration camps. The CDC recommends [taking] you away from your home for a limited period of time  at least six months  to keep you from spreading the virus, said Clark.

Its a virus [thats] two weeks long [at the] maximum, but they want you to stay months in a prison. Remember Australia [when] they said: If you complain about being in a camp, well keep you longer to make you stop complaining? Its all about control. Its the cover for the re-education camps, the InfoWars founder said in reply. (Related: Australian government celebrates construction of covid quarantine camp, claims prisoners will be held for public safety.)

Clark also pointed to HR 666, otherwise known as the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2021. The bill introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) sought to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence. Clark decried HR 666 as legislation that would [make it] illegal for you to not agree with critical race theory.

Luciferians are diligent devils, most Christians are asleep at the wheel

Jones then asked why the globalist Luciferians and their allies are putting out the 666 iconography and if they were doing it to rub it in [peoples] noses.

Luciferians want to always show what theyre going to do before they do it, replied Clark. He then cited two other examples of the devils number being used, this time from the private sector.

The logo of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which operates the Large Hadron Collider, uses three sixes as its logo. CERN conducted a satanic ritual, which Jones described as people running around in black robes doing mock human sacrifices, during the grand opening of its headquarters in Switzerland.

Aside from CERN, Clark also mentioned that Microsoft and its founder Bill Gates own a patent for a cryptocurrency system that goes inside the human body. Incidentally, the patent was issued the serial number WO/2020/060606  another reference to the devils number.

The Reawaken America Tour founder pointed out that the patent fulfilled the book of Revelation, which states: Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

The Luciferians are diligent devils that want to put us in quarantine camps. [Theyre] diligently throwing out the number 666 and making their technology. [Meanwhile] many Christians  not your listeners, but many Christians  have been asleep behind the wheel, said Clark.

Im asking the Christians who are watching right now: Im calling on you to get involved. It is the Great Reawakening versus the Great Reset.

Watch the full May 18 episode of Thrive Time Show below. Catch new episodes of Thrive Time Show from Monday to Friday at 3:30-4 p.m. and Saturday at 12-12:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Be vigilant: The next phase of the plandemic is digital vaccine passports and World War III.

Mark of the Beast is here: Microchip implants that track your vaccination status are now being used in Sweden.

Vaccine mandates similar to forcing people into taking the Mark of the Beast, warns Scott Lively  Brighteon.TV.

CHILD QUARANTINE CAMPS: CDC opens up FEMA camps to hold children who might have been exposed to COVID-19.

Fascist Australia arrests healthy escapees from Camp Covid, threatens more extreme punishments for those who disobey.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Congress.gov 1

Congress.gov 2

Patentscope.WIPO.int
(Natural News) Reawaken America Tour founder and Brighteon.TV host Clay Clark revealed that the Luciferian globalists and their allies are pushing the 666 iconography in their quest to enslave humanity.

Clark made this revelation during the May 18 episode of his program Thrive Time Show, where he aired his recent interview on The Alex Jones Show with the InfoWars founder. He pointed to two Congressional bills that contain the so-called devils number  House Resolution (HR) 6666 and HR 666. Both proposals were introduced by Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced HR 6666, or the COVID-19 Testing, Reaching And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Act, back in 2020. The act permits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by extension, to award grants to eligible entities to conduct [COVID-19] diagnostic testing, trace and monitor the contacts of infected individuals and support the quarantine of such contacts.

Clark, however, revealed that HR 6666 conceals a much more sinister agenda  that of medical martial law. This is actual legislation that has actually been authored by the U.S. Congress that would allow the [HHS] secretary to take you to a quarantine camp. That is not a theory; that is an actual document. Now they have codified it, and its just sitting there waiting to be passed, he told Jones.

The Thrive Time Show host added that the TRACE Act lined up with the CDCs idea of green zones or isolation facilities for COVID-infected individuals, akin to concentration camps. The CDC recommends [taking] you away from your home for a limited period of time  at least six months  to keep you from spreading the virus, said Clark.

Its a virus [thats] two weeks long [at the] maximum, but they want you to stay months in a prison. Remember Australia [when] they said: If you complain about being in a camp, well keep you longer to make you stop complaining? Its all about control. Its the cover for the re-education camps, the InfoWars founder said in reply. (Related: Australian government celebrates construction of covid quarantine camp, claims prisoners will be held for public safety.)

Clark also pointed to HR 666, otherwise known as the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2021. The bill introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) sought to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence. Clark decried HR 666 as legislation that would [make it] illegal for you to not agree with critical race theory.

Luciferians are diligent devils, most Christians are asleep at the wheel

Jones then asked why the globalist Luciferians and their allies are putting out the 666 iconography and if they were doing it to rub it in [peoples] noses.

Luciferians want to always show what theyre going to do before they do it, replied Clark. He then cited two other examples of the devils number being used, this time from the private sector.

The logo of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which operates the Large Hadron Collider, uses three sixes as its logo. CERN conducted a satanic ritual, which Jones described as people running around in black robes doing mock human sacrifices, during the grand opening of its headquarters in Switzerland.

Aside from CERN, Clark also mentioned that Microsoft and its founder Bill Gates own a patent for a cryptocurrency system that goes inside the human body. Incidentally, the patent was issued the serial number WO/2020/060606  another reference to the devils number.

The Reawaken America Tour founder pointed out that the patent fulfilled the book of Revelation, which states: Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

The Luciferians are diligent devils that want to put us in quarantine camps. [Theyre] diligently throwing out the number 666 and making their technology. [Meanwhile] many Christians  not your listeners, but many Christians  have been asleep behind the wheel, said Clark.

Im asking the Christians who are watching right now: Im calling on you to get involved. It is the Great Reawakening versus the Great Reset.

Watch the full May 18 episode of Thrive Time Show below. Catch new episodes of Thrive Time Show from Monday to Friday at 3:30-4 p.m. and Saturday at 12-12:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Be vigilant: The next phase of the plandemic is digital vaccine passports and World War III.

Mark of the Beast is here: Microchip implants that track your vaccination status are now being used in Sweden.

Vaccine mandates similar to forcing people into taking the Mark of the Beast, warns Scott Lively  Brighteon.TV.

CHILD QUARANTINE CAMPS: CDC opens up FEMA camps to hold children who might have been exposed to COVID-19.

Fascist Australia arrests healthy escapees from Camp Covid, threatens more extreme punishments for those who disobey.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Congress.gov 1

Congress.gov 2

Patentscope.WIPO.int
(Natural News) Reawaken America Tour founder and Brighteon.TV host Clay Clark revealed that the Luciferian globalists and their allies are pushing the 666 iconography in their quest to enslave humanity.

Clark made this revelation during the May 18 episode of his program Thrive Time Show, where he aired his recent interview on The Alex Jones Show with the InfoWars founder. He pointed to two Congressional bills that contain the so-called devils number  House Resolution (HR) 6666 and HR 666. Both proposals were introduced by Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced HR 6666, or the COVID-19 Testing, Reaching And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Act, back in 2020. The act permits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by extension, to award grants to eligible entities to conduct [COVID-19] diagnostic testing, trace and monitor the contacts of infected individuals and support the quarantine of such contacts.

Clark, however, revealed that HR 6666 conceals a much more sinister agenda  that of medical martial law. This is actual legislation that has actually been authored by the U.S. Congress that would allow the [HHS] secretary to take you to a quarantine camp. That is not a theory; that is an actual document. Now they have codified it, and its just sitting there waiting to be passed, he told Jones.

The Thrive Time Show host added that the TRACE Act lined up with the CDCs idea of green zones or isolation facilities for COVID-infected individuals, akin to concentration camps. The CDC recommends [taking] you away from your home for a limited period of time  at least six months  to keep you from spreading the virus, said Clark.

Its a virus [thats] two weeks long [at the] maximum, but they want you to stay months in a prison. Remember Australia [when] they said: If you complain about being in a camp, well keep you longer to make you stop complaining? Its all about control. Its the cover for the re-education camps, the InfoWars founder said in reply. (Related: Australian government celebrates construction of covid quarantine camp, claims prisoners will be held for public safety.)

Clark also pointed to HR 666, otherwise known as the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2021. The bill introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) sought to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence. Clark decried HR 666 as legislation that would [make it] illegal for you to not agree with critical race theory.

Luciferians are diligent devils, most Christians are asleep at the wheel

Jones then asked why the globalist Luciferians and their allies are putting out the 666 iconography and if they were doing it to rub it in [peoples] noses.

Luciferians want to always show what theyre going to do before they do it, replied Clark. He then cited two other examples of the devils number being used, this time from the private sector.

The logo of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which operates the Large Hadron Collider, uses three sixes as its logo. CERN conducted a satanic ritual, which Jones described as people running around in black robes doing mock human sacrifices, during the grand opening of its headquarters in Switzerland.

Aside from CERN, Clark also mentioned that Microsoft and its founder Bill Gates own a patent for a cryptocurrency system that goes inside the human body. Incidentally, the patent was issued the serial number WO/2020/060606  another reference to the devils number.

The Reawaken America Tour founder pointed out that the patent fulfilled the book of Revelation, which states: Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

The Luciferians are diligent devils that want to put us in quarantine camps. [Theyre] diligently throwing out the number 666 and making their technology. [Meanwhile] many Christians  not your listeners, but many Christians  have been asleep behind the wheel, said Clark.

Im asking the Christians who are watching right now: Im calling on you to get involved. It is the Great Reawakening versus the Great Reset.

Watch the full May 18 episode of Thrive Time Show below. Catch new episodes of Thrive Time Show from Monday to Friday at 3:30-4 p.m. and Saturday at 12-12:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Be vigilant: The next phase of the plandemic is digital vaccine passports and World War III.

Mark of the Beast is here: Microchip implants that track your vaccination status are now being used in Sweden.

Vaccine mandates similar to forcing people into taking the Mark of the Beast, warns Scott Lively  Brighteon.TV.

CHILD QUARANTINE CAMPS: CDC opens up FEMA camps to hold children who might have been exposed to COVID-19.

Fascist Australia arrests healthy escapees from Camp Covid, threatens more extreme punishments for those who disobey.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Congress.gov 1

Congress.gov 2

Patentscope.WIPO.int

(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca
(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca

(Natural News) The Canadian government has announced that it is banning equipment made by Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks, citing national security concerns.

Starting in September, all telecommunications companies in the country will be banned from obtaining new 4G and 5G equipment from these companies and must remove any existing Huawei and ZTE branded 5G equipment from their networks by June of 2024. The deadline for removing equipment from their 4G networks is the end of 2027.

In a statement, the Canadian government said that the move was fueled by concerns that suppliers may be forced to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in a manner that might conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.

One of the main concerns is Chinas national intelligence law, which could be used to require Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with state intelligence work. This could theoretically be used to force Chinese tech companies to pass sensitive information from their foreign networks on to the Chinese government.

In the Canadian governments policy statement accompanying the announcement, they cited concerns about the fact that 5G will bring about a significantly enhanced data capacity that will result in billions of connected devices and serve as a foundation for critical infrastructure and their digital economy. Therefore, ensuring its security is paramount.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: In the 21st century, cyber security is national security. From cyber attacks, to electronic espionage, to ransomware, the threats to Canadians are greater than ever, and we will protect them.

Canada joins US, UK and other countries in ban

Canadas decision was widely expected and follows the lead of the other countries in the Five Eyes Network, who are all restricting the use of equipment by these Chinese companies in their telecommunications networks. In the U.S., companies are spending billions of dollars removing and replacing equipment in their networks, while Australia and New Zealand have also restricted the use of this equipment for national security reasons. The U.K. banned Huawei equipment in 2020 and ordered it to be removed by 2027.

For its part, Huawei says that the concerns are based on a misreading of Chinese law. Huawei Canada said they were disappointed by the decision, writing in a statement: This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.

Canadas decision came after around three years of debate during a time that was marked by worsening relations with China. Canada arrested the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant in December 2018 on suspicion of violations of U.S. sanctions; China imprisoned two Canadian nationals just days later on accusations of espionage in what became a long-running dispute between the nations. When Meng was allowed to return to China last year as part of a deferred prosecution deal, the Chinese government released the Canadians.

The diplomatic tensions between the countries had been easing slightly recently, with China removing a three-year restriction it had placed on imports of canola seed from Canada, something that had been considered a retaliatory move for the arrest of Meng.

When asked if Canada is expecting Chinese retaliation for its moves against Huawei and ZTE, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the right decision was made, but other experts believe retaliation is forthcoming.

Speaking to CTV News Channels Power Play, former CSIS Director Ward Elcock said: Its likely that there will be some sort of retaliation. What that will be is pretty hard to guess but it could come in almost any form.

Sources for this article include:

TheVerge.com

CTVNews.ca

CBC.ca
(Natural News) A claimed infectious disease called monkeypox is spreading throughout Europe and North America, raising fears of another pandemic.

But of course its all an engineered scam, just like COVID.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is caused by the monkeypox virus. Back in 2003, the United States experienced its first serious outbreak of monkeypox with 47 confirmed and probable cases reported in the Midwest.

The current monkeypox outbreak is still quite small. The first case associated with the current outbreak was identified on May 7 in the United Kingdom in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where he or she is believed to have contracted the disease.

Since then, the outbreak has spread throughout parts of Western Europe and into North America. The U.K. has eight confirmed cases, Portugal has 20 and Spain has at least seven cases with another 22 probable infections being investigated. Italy has one confirmed case and Australia has two.

On Wednesday, May 18, the CDC, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, confirmed Americas first case of monkeypox in the current outbreak in a Massachusetts resident who tested positive after returning to the U.S. from a trip to Canada.

Canada itself has two confirmed cases and is investigating 17 suspected infections.

Monkeypox is considered to be a very rare disease. It causes fever, body aches, enlarged lymph nodes and painful, fluid-filled blisters  the pox  on the hands, feet and face. Cases that do not become severe usually resolve within two to four weeks.

Some versions of monkeypox are quite deadly and can kill up to 10 percent of the people it infects. But the version currently spreading around Western Europe and North America is a milder version with a fatality rate of less than one percent.

US orders millions of monkeypox vaccines after one confirmed case

Following confirmation of Americas first case of monkeypox during this outbreak, the federal government immediately ordered millions of doses of a vaccine against the monkeypox virus.

Bavarian Nordic, a Danish biotech company that makes such a vaccine, recently announced that it has received a $119 million order from the federal government, with the option for the White House to spend another $180 million for more vaccines if it wants.

Should this second option be exercised, it would work out to approximately 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine. (Related: US developing lethal, new genetically engineered viruses, including MOUSEPOX and MONKEYPOX will these be used to demand MORE JABS in the name of public safety?)

The federal governments order is for Bavarian Nordic to convert existing smallpox vaccines, which are supposedly already effective against monkeypox, into freeze-dried versions, which will have longer shelf lives. These converted vaccines will be manufactured in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. is not the only country rushing to stock up on the vaccine. Bavarian Nordic said it has secured a contract with at least one country in Europe for vaccines.

While the full circumstances around the current monkeypox cases in Europe remain to be elucidated, the speed at which these have evolved, combined with the potential for infections beyond the initial case going undetected, calls for a rapid and coordinated approach by the health authorities, and we are pleased to assist in this emergency situation, said Bavarian Nordic president and CEO Paul Chaplin in a statement.

For its part, the CDC said it is monitoring six other people who may also have monkeypox. CDC epidemiologist Andrea McCollum said she isnt particularly concerned about the outbreak becoming serious, but potential additional cases are likely.

Learn more about infectious disease outbreaks in the U.S. at Outbreak.news.

Watch this clip from The American Journal of InfoWars as host Harrison Hill Smith asks why the U.S. just rushed to buy 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine despite only a handful of confirmed and probable cases.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO unveils tyrannical amendments in the name of health emergency preparedness.

Bill Gates assembling a 3,000-person vaccine propaganda team to push more LIES and disinformation about vaccines being safe and effective.

Government audit: CDC, FDA, NIH caved to political interference, manipulated data, suppressed findings, altered guidance.

Former Big Pharma employee says entire industry knew engineered COVID-19 pandemic was coming.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org

CDC.gov

Fortune.com 1

Edition.CNN.com

ABC.net.au

Reuters.com

Fortune.com 2

Brighteon.com
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
(Natural News) A claimed infectious disease called monkeypox is spreading throughout Europe and North America, raising fears of another pandemic.

But of course its all an engineered scam, just like COVID.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is caused by the monkeypox virus. Back in 2003, the United States experienced its first serious outbreak of monkeypox with 47 confirmed and probable cases reported in the Midwest.

The current monkeypox outbreak is still quite small. The first case associated with the current outbreak was identified on May 7 in the United Kingdom in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where he or she is believed to have contracted the disease.

Since then, the outbreak has spread throughout parts of Western Europe and into North America. The U.K. has eight confirmed cases, Portugal has 20 and Spain has at least seven cases with another 22 probable infections being investigated. Italy has one confirmed case and Australia has two.

On Wednesday, May 18, the CDC, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, confirmed Americas first case of monkeypox in the current outbreak in a Massachusetts resident who tested positive after returning to the U.S. from a trip to Canada.

Canada itself has two confirmed cases and is investigating 17 suspected infections.

Monkeypox is considered to be a very rare disease. It causes fever, body aches, enlarged lymph nodes and painful, fluid-filled blisters  the pox  on the hands, feet and face. Cases that do not become severe usually resolve within two to four weeks.

Some versions of monkeypox are quite deadly and can kill up to 10 percent of the people it infects. But the version currently spreading around Western Europe and North America is a milder version with a fatality rate of less than one percent.

US orders millions of monkeypox vaccines after one confirmed case

Following confirmation of Americas first case of monkeypox during this outbreak, the federal government immediately ordered millions of doses of a vaccine against the monkeypox virus.

Bavarian Nordic, a Danish biotech company that makes such a vaccine, recently announced that it has received a $119 million order from the federal government, with the option for the White House to spend another $180 million for more vaccines if it wants.

Should this second option be exercised, it would work out to approximately 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine. (Related: US developing lethal, new genetically engineered viruses, including MOUSEPOX and MONKEYPOX will these be used to demand MORE JABS in the name of public safety?)

The federal governments order is for Bavarian Nordic to convert existing smallpox vaccines, which are supposedly already effective against monkeypox, into freeze-dried versions, which will have longer shelf lives. These converted vaccines will be manufactured in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. is not the only country rushing to stock up on the vaccine. Bavarian Nordic said it has secured a contract with at least one country in Europe for vaccines.

While the full circumstances around the current monkeypox cases in Europe remain to be elucidated, the speed at which these have evolved, combined with the potential for infections beyond the initial case going undetected, calls for a rapid and coordinated approach by the health authorities, and we are pleased to assist in this emergency situation, said Bavarian Nordic president and CEO Paul Chaplin in a statement.

For its part, the CDC said it is monitoring six other people who may also have monkeypox. CDC epidemiologist Andrea McCollum said she isnt particularly concerned about the outbreak becoming serious, but potential additional cases are likely.

Learn more about infectious disease outbreaks in the U.S. at Outbreak.news.

Watch this clip from The American Journal of InfoWars as host Harrison Hill Smith asks why the U.S. just rushed to buy 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine despite only a handful of confirmed and probable cases.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO unveils tyrannical amendments in the name of health emergency preparedness.

Bill Gates assembling a 3,000-person vaccine propaganda team to push more LIES and disinformation about vaccines being safe and effective.

Government audit: CDC, FDA, NIH caved to political interference, manipulated data, suppressed findings, altered guidance.

Former Big Pharma employee says entire industry knew engineered COVID-19 pandemic was coming.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org

CDC.gov

Fortune.com 1

Edition.CNN.com

ABC.net.au

Reuters.com

Fortune.com 2

Brighteon.com
Christian author warns against new Breathe With Me Yoga Barbie: 'Satan is after the children'

The new Breathe With Me meditation Barbie has garnered criticism from a Christian influencer who says the toy is coercing children into satanic practices linked to yoga.

Manufactured by Mattel, the doll retails at $24.99, and the packaging shows the Barbie in a seated yoga pose with her legs crossed and palms facing up. Children are encouraged to press a button on the doll's crescent moon necklace to listen to the sounds of "five guided meditations. The product is designed for children ages 3 years old and older.

According to Mattel: This meditation-themed doll celebrates one of her favorite ways to recharge using lights and sound  mindfulness meditation. The set comes with a Barbie doll, a puppy and four cloud emojis. Kids simply press the button in Barbie dolls necklace to activate one of five guided meditation exercises that use light and sound effects to inspire their own practice.

Her puppy helps her visualize  insert one of the cloud emojis into its head to represent a meditative thought bubble, then switch it up for new meditation inspiration. The puppy helps Barbie doll focus with visualization: place one of the four cloud emojis  Love Rainbow, Sad Rain, Happy Sunshine or Grumpy Red  into its head to express an emotion; switch them up to express a new feeling.

Yasmeen Suri, Christian speaker and author of the books, Beautiful Deception and The Fake God Reference Guide, took to Facebook earlier this month to warn parents that under the guise of self-care, yoga's methods are an invitation to an unforgiving spiritual realm. Suri came across the product while shopping at Target and shared a photo of the doll she saw on the shelves.

Satan always comes as appearing innocent. He will never come with horns and a pitchfork. This Barbie has five guided meditations. Remember, Yoga is Hinduism, Suri wrote in the May 3 Facebook post. You cannot separate the poses from the religion. Each pose is designed to invoke a Hindu deity in the spirit realm. I have seen children get possessed by demons.

The guided meditations are also problematic for a variety of reasons, according to Suri.

This Barbie also teaches you deep breathing (pranayama). Her pet is also involved. Satan is after the children. He wants to use them and indoctrinate them for his glory. Then, when he is done, he will destroy them, she declared.

As your kids grow, they will get rebellious, depressed and many will be suicidal, Suri added. You wont understand whats happening as a parent.

Suri, who hails from India, where Hinduism is the majority religion, added that God forbids all practices of [false religions]. She advised parents to remove all toys and clean your childrens room of all demonic attachments. Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Suris Facebook post has accumulated more than 70,000 reactions and nearly 50,000 comments as of Friday afternoon.

According to her website, Suri has personal experience with the spiritual realm because after coming to Christ, she was delivered from many New Age beliefs and false religious doctrines that she grew up believing in as a child raised in India. Suri, who now lives in the United States, has had her testimony featured on the Christian television program "The 700 Club."

Yoga is discouraged in many Christian circles because of its spiritual origin.

There are some professing Christians that have no issues with the teachings behind yoga and there are some that do. I am one that does, Suri told Newsweek. I do believe when we open ourselves up to occult-based practices, there are dangers of demonic activity.
Christian author warns against new Breathe With Me Yoga Barbie: 'Satan is after the children'

The new Breathe With Me meditation Barbie has garnered criticism from a Christian influencer who says the toy is coercing children into satanic practices linked to yoga.

Manufactured by Mattel, the doll retails at $24.99, and the packaging shows the Barbie in a seated yoga pose with her legs crossed and palms facing up. Children are encouraged to press a button on the doll's crescent moon necklace to listen to the sounds of "five guided meditations. The product is designed for children ages 3 years old and older.

According to Mattel: This meditation-themed doll celebrates one of her favorite ways to recharge using lights and sound  mindfulness meditation. The set comes with a Barbie doll, a puppy and four cloud emojis. Kids simply press the button in Barbie dolls necklace to activate one of five guided meditation exercises that use light and sound effects to inspire their own practice.

Her puppy helps her visualize  insert one of the cloud emojis into its head to represent a meditative thought bubble, then switch it up for new meditation inspiration. The puppy helps Barbie doll focus with visualization: place one of the four cloud emojis  Love Rainbow, Sad Rain, Happy Sunshine or Grumpy Red  into its head to express an emotion; switch them up to express a new feeling.

Yasmeen Suri, Christian speaker and author of the books, Beautiful Deception and The Fake God Reference Guide, took to Facebook earlier this month to warn parents that under the guise of self-care, yoga's methods are an invitation to an unforgiving spiritual realm. Suri came across the product while shopping at Target and shared a photo of the doll she saw on the shelves.

Satan always comes as appearing innocent. He will never come with horns and a pitchfork. This Barbie has five guided meditations. Remember, Yoga is Hinduism, Suri wrote in the May 3 Facebook post. You cannot separate the poses from the religion. Each pose is designed to invoke a Hindu deity in the spirit realm. I have seen children get possessed by demons.

The guided meditations are also problematic for a variety of reasons, according to Suri.

This Barbie also teaches you deep breathing (pranayama). Her pet is also involved. Satan is after the children. He wants to use them and indoctrinate them for his glory. Then, when he is done, he will destroy them, she declared.

As your kids grow, they will get rebellious, depressed and many will be suicidal, Suri added. You wont understand whats happening as a parent.

Suri, who hails from India, where Hinduism is the majority religion, added that God forbids all practices of [false religions]. She advised parents to remove all toys and clean your childrens room of all demonic attachments. Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Suris Facebook post has accumulated more than 70,000 reactions and nearly 50,000 comments as of Friday afternoon.

According to her website, Suri has personal experience with the spiritual realm because after coming to Christ, she was delivered from many New Age beliefs and false religious doctrines that she grew up believing in as a child raised in India. Suri, who now lives in the United States, has had her testimony featured on the Christian television program "The 700 Club."

Yoga is discouraged in many Christian circles because of its spiritual origin.

There are some professing Christians that have no issues with the teachings behind yoga and there are some that do. I am one that does, Suri told Newsweek. I do believe when we open ourselves up to occult-based practices, there are dangers of demonic activity.
Willow Creek announces staff cuts as pandemic ravages giving, church attendance

Nearly three months after offering his congregants a money-back guarantee if they tithed 10% of their income for a year and are not satisfied, Willow Creek Community Church Senior Pastor David Dummitt recently admitted the "hard reality" that the suburban Chicago megachurch has been forced to cut its staff due to the pandemic's impact on giving.

In a video shared on YouTube earlier this month, Dummitt said that as giving and attendance continued to fall during the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-campus church evaluated its spending habits to identify ways to save.

"Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with the churches across the country. But as you can see, and as you can imagine, that has fiscal impactions," Dummitt said.

"The rule of thumb for healthy churches is to maintain staffing costs at or below about 50% of your total operating budget. Currently, our staffing comprises 72% of our operating budget. So the hard reality is that we are in the process of rightsizing our staff, which unfortunately means some reductions," he continued. "We know this impacts individuals and families greatly, and we're committed to walking through this in as honoring a way as possible."

Dummitt, hired by Willow Creek shortly after the pandemic began in March 2020, said the church will also be looking at "innovative ways to leverage our facilities for income-generating, community-building opportunities."

On Wednesday, Willow Creek posted a statement on its website stating that the staff cuts will create about $6.5 million in savings and reduce staff expenses to 52% of the church's overall budget in 2023. At the end of 2021, the church was averaging 43% of its 2019 weekly average attendance and saw a decrease in contributions, the statement explains.

"These changes are difficult on staff members whom we love who will no longer have a staff role  some of them have been with us for many years," the statement reads. "We are providing generous financial care for each of these individuals, ranging between three months and one year based on tenure. Those on our healthcare plan will also see their insurance benefits extended. We care deeply for our staff, both those staying and those leaving, and are committed to walking alongside everyone well during this season."

The announcement comes after Dummit made headlines in February when he announced a money-back guarantee on tithes, which could be seen as an attempt to improve the church's struggling finances.

Texas Pastor Robert Morris first pitched the idea. He told Willow Creek congregants that he had been offering the same guarantee to his nearly 40,000-member Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, for 22 years, and no one ever asked for their money back.

"I don't want to exaggerate, but I'm sure thousands and thousands of people, and I'm sure it's multiplied, that have told me some way over the years through email, letters, whatever, 'this changed my life,'" Morris noted in a YouTube clip from his message on tithing the first 10% of one's income.

Morris urged Willow Creek members to take on the challenge.

"You know what? I'm so confident, I'll say it here. You tithe for one year, if you're not fully satisfied, Dave will give you your money back," he said with a chuckle.

Dummitt is shown awkwardly accepting the challenge.

"I'll just go ahead and say, yes. Just like the Lord said, test me in this. I think I'll go ahead and be bold and say if you do this for the year and you are not fully satisfied, we'll give the money back. I like that challenge," he said.

The Christian Post reached out to Willow Creek about the challenge at the time. While Dummitt was not immediately available for an interview, Willow Creek's Marketing and Communications Director Liz Schauer noted in an email that "Our team is still exploring the potential program."

Willow Creek's announcement comes as many churches, including megachurches, have been forced to close, merge with other congregations or get creative to survive the impact of COVID-19.

In January, the Potter's House of Denver announced the intent to sell its $12.2 million, 137,000-square-foot megachurch in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and go completely virtual.
The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins clarifies his Mormons are Christians comments

Dallas Jenkins, the creator of the most successfully crowdfunded series of all time, The Chosen, said he's setting the record straight for the last time on the matter of whether he believes Mormons are Christians.

Throughout the years, Jenkins has mentioned that he has friends who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church), among them being the brothers who launched Angel Studios, the streaming platform behind The Chosen." However, Jenkins, the son of Jerry B. Jenkins, the writer behind the bestselling Left Behind franchise, has repeatedly said the studio owners' beliefs have nothing to do with the content in the series.

In a video posted on YouTube Thursday, Jenkins addressed various rumors about his views concerning Mormonism and its connection to The Chosen, a popular multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ that has been viewed nearly 400 million times worldwide.

I probably need to add a little clarification to the LDS question when it comes to The Chosen, Jenkins said at the top of his video. The reason that I want to give this statement, or this comment, and have it be my final comment on the matter is because I've given dozens and dozens of comments about it that seemed to be unfortunately ignored by several people.

The filmmaker then shared questions he's been asked to respond to based on news articles that claimed such things as, "Dallas Jenkins says Mormons, LDS and Evangelicals love the same Jesus" and "LDS are Christians.

"Is it true that I said that? The answer is no, I did not, Jenkins said, adding that some of his past comments on this topic need more nuance and could have been misinterpreted.

"I think we can agree that words matter, nuance matters, and I probably could have given more context and clarity, he said. I've done hundreds and hundreds of interviews and written thousands of things about my faith and about the faith of others, and I try very hard to be nuanced. I try very hard to be cautious and wise and clarify every word that I use, but I don't always succeed. I think it's fair to say that this is one where I don't take back what I said, but I could have given it a little bit more clarity.

"I think it's also true that it would be a problem if I actually said those words definitively, Jenkins added. That would be a problem, and here's why: Not because there aren't LDS folks who aren't Christians and not because there aren't LDS and Evangelicals who love the same Jesus, but because it would be wrong of me to ever say that any one group believes any one thing altogether. That is just a level of arrogance that I don't have.

Jenkins assured that people who make blanket statements cause problems because of the labels that are assigned to groups overall.

"It would be just as dumb for me to say that all LDS are Christians as it would be to say that all Evangelicals are Christians or that all Catholics are Christians or any other faith tradition, he continued. It would also be dumb of me to say that none are! That's also a level of arrogance that I don't possess.

"When I've talked about my brothers and sisters in Christ, and when I talked about those LDS folks that I know who loved the same Jesus I do, I'm referring to some of the friends that I have who identify as LDS who I've gotten to know very deeply over the last few years, in particular. And I've had hundreds of hours of conversations with [them], and I stand by the statement that those friends of mine that I'm referring to absolutely love the same Jesus that I do, he said.

"You may still go, 'Well, that can't be true,' and that's your right to think that, Jenkins added. But it's not fair to say, 'Oh, then you are now speaking about everybody.' I know plenty of Evangelicals who I would say don't know the same Jesus that I do and don't love the same Jesus that I do.

The series writer and creator maintained that he has Mormon friends who believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the Jesus of the Gospels, the Jesus that Im portraying in the show, and I do believe and do stand by that statement.

Jenkins further stressed that he alone is responsible for the content in The Chosen and is inspired by the Bible.

"I've said many times the content of the show has zero influence or input from any form of faith tradition or church. None, he added.

Jenkins continued: "I'm a conservative Evangelical. I believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. I believe in the supremacy of God's Word. I believe in the Holy Trinity. I believe in God the Father, the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and all of the core tenants of Scripture.

The father of four said he has dedicated his life to study the Scriptures above anything else.

"I believe [that is] my job in my personal life. I believe that is your job as well, to get to know the authentic Jesus and the real Jesus as much as humanly possible, Jenkins said. When it comes to the content of the show, it's not my job in the show or outside of the show to try to give you all of the different versions of Jesus, or the wrong things that people say about Him. It's my job, both as a believer and as the creator of a show that is being seen by so many, to try to get that right, to try to portray Jesus accurately. Particularly also in our Bible studies and our devotional books, and our kids' books. We have tons of material that we're putting out; it's very important to get that right.

Jenkins also encouraged viewers not to substitute the show for reading the Bible for themselves or attending their local church for discipleship and Bible study.

In an earlier interview with Ruslan KD, Jenkins assured viewers that The Chosen did not receive any funding from Angel Studios or any religious organization. He maintained that while Angel Studios employs people who are Mormon, the company is only a "distribution partner," and "they don't actually fund it," he said.

The beliefs of (small-o) orthodox Christianity and the LDS church conflict in many areas, including beliefs about the trinity and salvation. To learn more, read here, here and listen here.




(Natural News) Eternal youth is just a few child blood infusions away, according to new research out of Stanford University.

Harvesting the blood, vital organs and other body parts out of innocent children and implanting all of it into aging adults is the key, experts say, to living forever. And the UK-based Telegraph newspaper seems to agree.

In a series of tweets, the Telegraph appears to celebrate the news that children  the younger the better  can be butchered up and turned into anti-aging remedies for adults.

Historically, cultures have revered the blood of the young, Telegraph Life tweeted, suggesting that murdering babies and children for their life essence is a wholesome and respectable tradition.

It was even rumoured that Kim Jong-il, the former North Korean dictator, injected himself with blood from healthy young virgins to slow the ageing process.

Describing the horrific concept as youth transplants, the Telegraph published a lengthy expose about how achieving immortality (more like absolute immorality) is as simple as drinking from the fountain of youth.

The fountain of youth, it seems, is youth itself, wrote Sarah Knapton, the Telegraphs science editor.

Young fecal microbes implanted into older bodies could reduce aging in eyes, stomach

According to Knapton, harvesting actual blood and body parts from real-life children is not what she is personally suggesting, anyway. Science, she says, can create artificial replicas of these things and turn them into pharmaceutical drugs.

Young people have more powerful cells which operate more efficiently and could restore vitality to ageing systems, she explains.

Researchers at Stanford tested this out on mice, showing that infused cerebrospinal fluid collected from young mice and implanted into old mice improve the older mices brain function, a breakthrough which could have enormous implications for dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions, Knapton contends.

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid found within the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord of humans, and is packed full of nutrients, signaling molecules and growth factors which nourish neurons, she adds.

Another less invasive but still-somewhat-disturbing application of this involves fecal transplants. Researchers from the Quadram Institute in Norwich, Great Britain, found that collecting fecal microbes from young mice and implanting them into older mice reversed aging in both the eyes and the stomach.

This type of process, as disgusting as it might sound, at least leave the young being intact. All that talk about blood and vital organs, though, hearkens back to the QAnon conspiracy trend and earlier reports we published about CPS (Child Protective Services) abductions and the adrenochrome situation.

Is this new Stanford study an attempt to normalize the idea of exploiting children for their anti-aging body parts? Are the powers that be trying to dull peoples senses to a concept that even a decade ago would have absolutely disgusted the nation?

It will only be a matter of time before this mad science is fully commercialized, in a similar manner to how fetal stem cells are taken from murdered babies and used to make dangerous vaccines, and the demand for young childrens blood and body parts to be harvested will skyrocket, warns Shane Trejo from Big League Politics.

It turns out that powerful tech corporations have poured billions of dollars into startup companies that intend to do exactly this. Harvesting the blood of children and turning it into drugs for adults trying to live forever appears to be the latest demonic agenda in the current age.

They hope to find a synthetic fountain of youth from researching the plasma of their young volunteers, Trejo adds. This work is changing the field of geroscience forever, for better or worse.

More stories like this one can be found at DemonicTimes.com.

Sources for this article include:

BigLeaguePolitics.com

Telegraph.co.uk

NaturalNews.com
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
21.05.2022 LISTEN

The Director of Operations at the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Luri Kanton has said that the relocation of the two tigers in a residential estate at Ridge in Osu, Accra would take about two months to be fully completed.

He also added that the animals, which belong to business mogul, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Freedom Jacob Caesar, pose no threats to the life of residents in the estate where the animals are currently being kept.

Some residents had expressed worry over the presence of the tigers in the estate, claiming that their presence made life unsafe for them, adding that all efforts to get the owner or the management of the facility to evacuate the animals had proven difficult.

The Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service issued a statement on Thursday, May 19, 2022 in which it indicated that it had reached out to the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to relocate the two animals to an appropriate facility.

Officials from the Wildlife Division subsequently visited the estate on Friday May 20, 2022 to inspect the facility and assess the situation.

Leading the delegation, Luri Kanton, Director of Operations shortly after the inspection acknowledged that a new structure would have to be constructed at a new location before the relocation of the animals could be done.

This, he stressed, would take about two months to be completed.

On the safety of residents, he claimed that the tigers were well protected enough and that they would be relocated after investigations.

Owner of the tigers, Mr. Bediako on his part, had in an interview with journalists, admitted that indeed he had two tigers in his estate and that he brought them in a bid to boost Ghana's tourism sector.

First, it is right, I have two tigers that I bought in a bid between Ghana and Dubai

I went in to buy these animals to add to the value of tourism in our country. I wanted to go into the Safari world by making sure that Ghana becomes the first country in the whole of West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa, except for South Africa, to have these animals, he explained.

DGN online
(Natural News) By a vote of 217-207, the House of Representatives just passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to supposedly help lower gas prices across the country. But how come Congress refuses to do the same thing with Big Pharma and its overpriced drug racket?

According to reports, the American government is now inserting itself into the energy markets by deciding which gas stations are setting unconscionably excessive prices and dealing with them accordingly.

If an energy seller is deemed to be exploiting the circumstances related to an energy emergency to increase prices unreasonably, then the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will have the power to take regulatory action.

This presidential emergency, as they are calling it, will last 30 days if passed by both branches of Congress. It could theoretically be renewed indefinitely as the president deems appropriate.

The measure would also prioritize FTC enforcement actions against firms with $500 million or more in annual wholesale or retail consumer fuel sales, reported The Epoch Times.

Only four Democrats voted against the bill along with 203 Republicans. Most Democrats supported it because they say their constituents are experiencing a lot of pain at the pump.

Our residents are so fed up with corporate greed, said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), a supporter of the measure.

Democrats say oil companies are intentionally limiting supply to reap record profits

According to the left, record-breaking energy prices are not a product of shortages but of corporate greed. Oil and gas firms are raking in record profits while Americans suffer. Tlaib pointed to Shell and Chevron as two examples.

Republicans like John Joyce of Pennsylvania, on the other hand, say that government intervention at a time like this will create long lines of cars at the gas station, much like what occurred during the 1970s.

Implementing price controls, he claims, amounts to socialist price fixing. Not only that, but there is plenty of domestic energy that Democrats, for whatever reason, do not want Americans to access.

Instead of creating price controls that would lead to less production and massive gas shortages, we need to rely on the energy that lies beneath the feet of my constituents in Pennsylvania, Joyce said on the House floor.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican from North Dakota, further revealed that the Biden regime is largely to blame for the energy crisis, including with its cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

In response, Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey, said that Republicans are mischaracterizing the scope of the legislation.

Were not giving the FTC the authority to set the price, he said, adding that oil companies dont want to increase production because they are making too much money with artificial scarcity.

You cannot ask oil and gas companies, particularly onshore companies, to increase production when the infrastructure doesnt exist to get that product to market, Armstrong shot back in defense of the Republican position.

In addition to passing the main bill, the House also passed two separate amendments, including one that would mandate an FTC investigation into alleged price gouging, including through cuts to refinery capacity.

The other amendment would create a new FTC unit to monitor fuel markets. (Related: Eco-terrorists in some areas are now smashing gas pumps to protest their alleged impact on climate change.)

The Sierra Club celebrated the bills passage on Twitter, saying it will hold Big Oil accountable while protecting communities from fossil fuel industry greed.

The Senate should act swiftly to pass this critical legislation, the Sierra Club added.

Meanwhile, not a peep can be heard about addressing pharmaceutical industry greed, which has been going on for much longer and at a much greater price to society.

To keep up with the latest news about the energy crisis, visit EnergySupply.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
(Natural News) Hackers conducting a deepening, massive ransomware attack against Costa Rica have now threatened to overthrow the government there if they dont get what they want.

The government actually declared a state of emergency last week following an attack launched by the Conti Group, which infected computer networks. But now, the objective has changed to overthrowing the government, according to The Associated Press.

Newly elected President Rodrigo Chaves told reporters on Monday that the Russian-speaking cyber-gang had bolstered its ransom payment to $20 million, adding that the attack crippled or affected 27 government institutions including agencies and utilities on the federal, state and municipal levels.

We are at war, and thats not an exaggeration, said Chaves, adding that officials believe they are dealing with a national terrorist group that has collaborators inside Costa Rica itself.

In a message Monday, Conti warned that it was working with people inside the government.

We have our insiders in your government, the group said. We are also working on gaining access to your other systems, you have no other options but to pay us. We know that you have hired a data recovery specialist, dont try to find workarounds.

We are determined to overthrow the government by means of a cyber attack, we have already shown you all the strength and power, you have introduced an emergency, the cyber gang added.

Despite Contis threat, however, experts say that they see regime change as highly unlikely  even if its the real goal.

We havent seen anything even close to this before and its quite a unique situation, Brett Callow, a ransomware analyst at Emsisoft, told AP News. The threat to overthrow the government is simply them making noise and not to be taken too seriously, I wouldnt say.

However, the threat that they could cause more disruption than they already have is potentially real and that there is no way of knowing how many other government departments they may have compromised but not yet encrypted, he added.

AP News noted further:

Conti attacked Costa Rica in April, accessing multiple critical systems in the Finance Ministry, including customs and tax collection. Other government systems were also affected and a month later not all are fully functioning.

Chaves declared a state of emergency over the attack as soon as he was sworn in last week. The U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of Conti leaders.

If the ransom is not promptly paid, Conti said it would delete the decryption keys which would effectively paralyze critical networks that are used to run key government agencies.

A statement last week from the U.S. State Department said the Conti group had been responsible for hundreds of ransomware incidents over the past two years.

The FBI estimates that as of January 2022, there had been over 1,000 victims of attacks associated with Conti ransomware with victim payouts exceeding $150,000,000, making the Conti Ransomware variant the costliest strain of ransomware ever documented, the statement said.

Is it possible that this is the first instance of a cyber gang attempting to overthrow a government with ransomware?

Callow, the cyber analyst, does not think so.

I believe this is simply a for-profit cyber attack. Nothing more, he said.

But what if hes wrong? There is a first time for everything, after all, and if regime change is the true objective, what is the group prepared to do if the ransomware isnt paid other than crash Costa Ricas systems?

If such an attack happened in the U.S. and the power grid, especially, was attacked, there would be resultant chaos in the streets and mass death, as previous analyses of such scenarios have forecasted. Why wouldnt a similar situation develop elsewhere?

Sources include:

APNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Hackers conducting a deepening, massive ransomware attack against Costa Rica have now threatened to overthrow the government there if they dont get what they want.

The government actually declared a state of emergency last week following an attack launched by the Conti Group, which infected computer networks. But now, the objective has changed to overthrowing the government, according to The Associated Press.

Newly elected President Rodrigo Chaves told reporters on Monday that the Russian-speaking cyber-gang had bolstered its ransom payment to $20 million, adding that the attack crippled or affected 27 government institutions including agencies and utilities on the federal, state and municipal levels.

We are at war, and thats not an exaggeration, said Chaves, adding that officials believe they are dealing with a national terrorist group that has collaborators inside Costa Rica itself.

In a message Monday, Conti warned that it was working with people inside the government.

We have our insiders in your government, the group said. We are also working on gaining access to your other systems, you have no other options but to pay us. We know that you have hired a data recovery specialist, dont try to find workarounds.

We are determined to overthrow the government by means of a cyber attack, we have already shown you all the strength and power, you have introduced an emergency, the cyber gang added.

Despite Contis threat, however, experts say that they see regime change as highly unlikely  even if its the real goal.

We havent seen anything even close to this before and its quite a unique situation, Brett Callow, a ransomware analyst at Emsisoft, told AP News. The threat to overthrow the government is simply them making noise and not to be taken too seriously, I wouldnt say.

However, the threat that they could cause more disruption than they already have is potentially real and that there is no way of knowing how many other government departments they may have compromised but not yet encrypted, he added.

AP News noted further:

Conti attacked Costa Rica in April, accessing multiple critical systems in the Finance Ministry, including customs and tax collection. Other government systems were also affected and a month later not all are fully functioning.

Chaves declared a state of emergency over the attack as soon as he was sworn in last week. The U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of Conti leaders.

If the ransom is not promptly paid, Conti said it would delete the decryption keys which would effectively paralyze critical networks that are used to run key government agencies.

A statement last week from the U.S. State Department said the Conti group had been responsible for hundreds of ransomware incidents over the past two years.

The FBI estimates that as of January 2022, there had been over 1,000 victims of attacks associated with Conti ransomware with victim payouts exceeding $150,000,000, making the Conti Ransomware variant the costliest strain of ransomware ever documented, the statement said.

Is it possible that this is the first instance of a cyber gang attempting to overthrow a government with ransomware?

Callow, the cyber analyst, does not think so.

I believe this is simply a for-profit cyber attack. Nothing more, he said.

But what if hes wrong? There is a first time for everything, after all, and if regime change is the true objective, what is the group prepared to do if the ransomware isnt paid other than crash Costa Ricas systems?

If such an attack happened in the U.S. and the power grid, especially, was attacked, there would be resultant chaos in the streets and mass death, as previous analyses of such scenarios have forecasted. Why wouldnt a similar situation develop elsewhere?

Sources include:

APNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Tamale Circuit Court presided by Alexander Oworae, has sentenced Lukman Razak , aged 37, electrician to a fine of 250 penalty units equivalent to Ghc3,000 or in default serve two years in prison.

The convict was charged with causing loss or damage to state property, defrauding and stealing and pleaded guilty to all the three charges.

The sentences of the convict are to run concurrently.

The Northern Regional Crime Officer, Supt. Bernard Baba Ananga told DGN Online that the convict was arrested on April 28, 2022.

According to him, a customer was disconnected for illegal connection and so he went to the Volta River Authority (VRA) for his meter.

He indicated that in the process of securing a new meter , the convict meet the customer and convinced him of acquiring a new express meter as requested for a fee of Gh 1,000 from the customer.

Supt said the customer became suspicious when the meter was brought to his residence and reported the incident to VRA who visited the customers residence and arrested an electrician who was sent by the convict to fix the said meter.

 with the help of others when we arrested the convict and searched him we found about 40 meter cards with him and we realized that those meters customers have been reporting that it's stolen were those the convict has been receiving and reselling and installing it to other customers.

The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) Public Relations Officer, Alhassan Abaaba, told DGN Online that the judge will serve as a deterrent to others engaged in stealing meters and illegal connection activities.

 This is a foundation for more prosecution to come, this indicates that the court now appreciates the difficulty we are going through and are now ready and prepared to assist us to curb the illegal connection act in the region.

He revealed that NEDCo lost about 46% of power they brought in which amounted to about Gh 8million within a quarter through power theft in the region.

 We feel that is too bad for business and those who do this are using it to promote their businesses and killing somebody's business this is not fair in the face of the law and morality, electricity is a utility but it is not also free and so electricity distribution is a shared responsibility when you play my part well you will get power but when you fail to play your part well you won't get the full complement of power that you want and so it's important that we all play our parts well for available, reliable and safe power supply for us to use.

Mr. Abaaba warned that NEDCo will use every legal means to ensure that they fight persons who assault their staff when they engage in their rightful duties.

 Henceforth we won't allow our staff to be beaten we won't allow our technicians to be assaulted we will also depend on the law that guarantees our safety and security to deal with anybody who attempts to assault our staff just like we are seeing today.

---DGN online
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) Yes, Big Pharmas evil agenda is all hidden in plain sight. Welcome to the socio-science-fiction world of Gilead. Imagine for a moment if Hitler had all but won WWII and began his takeover of America in New England. Hitler had used chemical weapons and medical experimentation, made by his Pharma Giant I.G. Farben, to wage genocide in Europe and the world, and if he had succeeded, the Handmaids Tale is a well-painted portrait of his dystopian America-to-be, as a white supremacist, totalitarian police state that has just overthrown the US government.

Welcome to the world of Gilead, a make-believe society built on genocide and slavery, and its all just fiction, or is it? Did you know Gilead Sciences is a real Pharma Giant right now in America? Thats right, Gilead, spelled the same way, and as in the NAZI series Handmaids Tale, manufactures the kidney-decimating, predominantly prescribed drug Remdesivir for COVID-19.

The question looms: Which Gilead are we talking about now, the one that makes designer deadly drugs for COVID or the ones from the HULU series who run a NAZI-style America where the rulers execute all political dissidents in public?

Is Remdesivir a population reduction bioweapon made by Gilead Sciences to help turn America into a NAZI-style police state, just like on TV?

There are many facets of a chemical weapons program, and Hitler knew this well. He used poisonous gas to kill millions of people in gas chambers they thought were showers, and he used medical experimentation to try to design the perfect human race of only white people with blond hair and superior genetics. Today, we see weapons of mass destruction being used by Big Pharma, just as IG Farben, the pharmaceutical giant of WWII, used to destroy the enemy (Jews, Blacks, and anyone with a physical or mental handicap) by the millions.

One facet of the Big Pharma attack on America today involves the drugs prescribed for people who check into hospitals with vaccine-venom-syndrome, also known as the Wuhan Virus SARS-CoV-2. Millions of Americans have been jabbed with experimental vaccine toxins that clog their blood, weaken their immune system, and send them right to the poison well for treatment  Gileads Remdesivir. Today, hospitals get a bonus the sicker you get from VVS and Remdesivir.

Remdesivir may contain ingredients that worsen Vaccine-Venom-Syndrome caused by the Wuhan Flu jabs, aimed at wiping out the weak

After failed clinical trials, the FDA approved Remdesivir for Americans to take while dying from vaccine-induced COVID-19. Gilead Sciences also signed a billion-dollar contract with the European Union to push their monopolistic, kidney-decimating drug on Europeans. Scientists around the world were baffled because Remdesivir clinical trials showed NO IMPACT of treatment for Wuhan virus infection whatsoever, so how did Gilead pull this whole thing off? Clinical trials for Remdesivir were a total bust and proved the drug does NOT reduce mortality or recovery time for people dying from Wuhan Virus.

Then again, do you think there were any clinical trials for Zyklon-B, the IG-Farben-manufactured gas (insecticide) that put millions of concentration camp prisoners to death in WWII? Remember, Nobel Prizes were awarded to the makers of Zyklon B that was used in the gas chambers to kill millions of innocent people. Will Gilead Sciences win a Nobel Prize soon for kidney-decimating Remdesivir?

The US Constitution suspended as Republic of Gilead changes America into military dictatorship where the Commander is a totalitarian scientist  sound familiar?

Imagine if Anthony Fauci was President and everyone knew that COVID vaccines and Remdesivir are designed to methodically kill off the unwanted populace, who are all subservient and feeble. Fauci is the architect of gain of function syndrome, a population reduction bioweapon, just like the Commander in Handmaids Tale is a scientist with control over all womens health and reproductive abilities.

The Republic of Gilead may be fiction in the HULU series, but in America today, if you catch Vaccine-Venom-Syndrome and go to the hospital for treatment, the new Republic of Gilead under the Fauci Regime has nearly every medical doctor in the country prescribing the new intravenously-administered drug called Remdesivir. Its like a chemotherapy drip that nearly guarantees your kidneys fail you (labeled death by Covid).

The state-sanctioned murder of dissidents in Handmaids Tale by Gilead Republic is not much different than the current Biden Regime force-injecting millions of Americans with Vaccine-Venom-Peptides. Instead of Gilead stoning people to death, now the new Gilead just prescribes them to death.

Pfizer, Moderna, Bayer, and Gilead are the I.G. Farben of yesteryear, all set to wipe out at least half of Earths population, and mostly political dissidents

The New World Order is no joke. Its not a fantasy social-science series on streaming services that you just turn off when youre done being entertained. Today, the NWO is attacking without firing a weapon, shooting a missile, or dropping a bomb. Its all about pharmaceuticals and dirty jabs, and the NAZI-run pharmaceutical conglomerate from World War II, Interessen-Gemeinschaft Farbenindustrie, has a few new names.

Handmaids Tale scene were dissident Janine is stoned to death:



Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on experimental Covid vaccines and Gilead medications that are suspected of containing deadly snake venom proteins.

Sources include:

Pandemic.news

Science.org

TruthWiki.org

NaturalNews.com


Rudyard Kiplings Kim is set to get an animated feature adaptation by Indian filmmaker Ketan Mehta.

Mehtas animation studio, Cosmos-Maya, will co-develop the film alongside Irish animation studio Piranha Bar. Mehta (Sardar, Mangal Pandey: The Rising) will direct.

More from Variety

Kim is a story by Kipling (pictured above) about Kimball OHara, AKA Kim, a savvy street kid turned child spy in colonial-era India who becomes an apprentice to a Shaolin monk. Kim is co-opted as a spy for the British Empire before embarking on an adventure of friendship, treachery and self-discovery.

Mehta, a recipient of Frances Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart (Hook, Dracula).

We couldnt be more pleased to announce our animated feature film version of the legendary text from none other than Rudyard Kipling, said Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta. Adapting this timeless tale, much beloved around the globe, is a true honor. With our co-production partner Piranha Bar, talented director Ketan Mehta, and acclaimed writer James V. Hart, were confident this will excite audiences all over the world. Were looking forward to bringing more partners on board for this brilliant IP, and its fantastic that well be able to have these conversations in person at the upcoming festival.

Piranha Bar CEO Dave Burke added: We are thrilled to be involved with Cosmos-Maya in bringing Kiplings final and most famous novel to the big screen. Creating the world of Lahore, Kimball OHara and the full ensemble of diverse characters has been an incredibly ambitious and successful undertaking for our teams in Ireland and Mumbai. We now set our sights on bringing Kiplings visually striking and emotionally gripping story of Kim, the original child spy, to life.

Story continues

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Rudyard Kiplings Kim is set to get an animated feature adaptation by Indian filmmaker Ketan Mehta.

Mehtas animation studio, Cosmos-Maya, will co-develop the film alongside Irish animation studio Piranha Bar. Mehta (Sardar, Mangal Pandey: The Rising) will direct.

More from Variety

Kim is a story by Kipling (pictured above) about Kimball OHara, AKA Kim, a savvy street kid turned child spy in colonial-era India who becomes an apprentice to a Shaolin monk. Kim is co-opted as a spy for the British Empire before embarking on an adventure of friendship, treachery and self-discovery.

Mehta, a recipient of Frances Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart (Hook, Dracula).

We couldnt be more pleased to announce our animated feature film version of the legendary text from none other than Rudyard Kipling, said Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta. Adapting this timeless tale, much beloved around the globe, is a true honor. With our co-production partner Piranha Bar, talented director Ketan Mehta, and acclaimed writer James V. Hart, were confident this will excite audiences all over the world. Were looking forward to bringing more partners on board for this brilliant IP, and its fantastic that well be able to have these conversations in person at the upcoming festival.

Piranha Bar CEO Dave Burke added: We are thrilled to be involved with Cosmos-Maya in bringing Kiplings final and most famous novel to the big screen. Creating the world of Lahore, Kimball OHara and the full ensemble of diverse characters has been an incredibly ambitious and successful undertaking for our teams in Ireland and Mumbai. We now set our sights on bringing Kiplings visually striking and emotionally gripping story of Kim, the original child spy, to life.

Story continues

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Rudyard Kiplings Kim is set to get an animated feature adaptation by Indian filmmaker Ketan Mehta.

Mehtas animation studio, Cosmos-Maya, will co-develop the film alongside Irish animation studio Piranha Bar. Mehta (Sardar, Mangal Pandey: The Rising) will direct.

More from Variety

Kim is a story by Kipling (pictured above) about Kimball OHara, AKA Kim, a savvy street kid turned child spy in colonial-era India who becomes an apprentice to a Shaolin monk. Kim is co-opted as a spy for the British Empire before embarking on an adventure of friendship, treachery and self-discovery.

Mehta, a recipient of Frances Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart (Hook, Dracula).

We couldnt be more pleased to announce our animated feature film version of the legendary text from none other than Rudyard Kipling, said Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta. Adapting this timeless tale, much beloved around the globe, is a true honor. With our co-production partner Piranha Bar, talented director Ketan Mehta, and acclaimed writer James V. Hart, were confident this will excite audiences all over the world. Were looking forward to bringing more partners on board for this brilliant IP, and its fantastic that well be able to have these conversations in person at the upcoming festival.

Piranha Bar CEO Dave Burke added: We are thrilled to be involved with Cosmos-Maya in bringing Kiplings final and most famous novel to the big screen. Creating the world of Lahore, Kimball OHara and the full ensemble of diverse characters has been an incredibly ambitious and successful undertaking for our teams in Ireland and Mumbai. We now set our sights on bringing Kiplings visually striking and emotionally gripping story of Kim, the original child spy, to life.

Story continues

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com

(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) continue their assault on democracy as they begin a weeklong meeting Sunday, May 22, in Geneva, Switzerland.

They seek to establish a pandemic treaty, which was recommended at a special session on December 1 last year by the World Health Assembly (WHA)  the decision-making body of the WHO.

If all goes according to plan, the WHO would have unprecedented, undemocratic jurisdiction over its 194 member nations. Under the treaty, the WHO could order mandatory vaccines, digital health IDs, lockdowns or anything else it wants as policy, regardless of what the public wants.

This means if a country signs up, its government would lose any sovereign power to decide its fate during another pandemic or other health crises. The WHO would have total control over the health regulations of all nations during pandemics or other health emergencies.

The World Council for Health has branded the proposed pandemic treat an undemocratic farce.

While alternative and independent media have covered this significant and world-changing potential power-grab by the WHO, the corporate media mostly remains silent over the issue.

However, after increasing pressure from concerned voters in the U.K., a few Members of Parliament (MPs) are now aware of plans by members of the WHO to discuss it in August 2022, make it law in 2023 and put it into practice by 2024. But in reality, countries like the U.K. are about to cede authority and oversight to the WHO with little to no communications, no debate and no referendum.

At the same time, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Joe Biden have announced their support for the proposed treaty, making it harder for MPs and legislators to voice their disagreement.

Pandemic treaty could be abused in the guise of protecting the public

Any vote in the WHA would be carried by a majority, but this means all member countries would be subject to the decision even if they disagreed due to a national democratic process. Additionally, any country not complying with WHO edicts may suffer economic sanctions.

The treaty would cover pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, but this could be abused in the guise of protecting the public. Under the treaty, interventions rejected in many countries like vaccine passports could become mandatory. (Related: Report: Wuhan scientists were ALLOWED TO REVISE Congressional briefing on COVID pandemic.)

Governments would be subject to decisions made by the WHO in relation to a pandemic as defined by the organization. Under the treaty, the WHO can determine what the science is.

Like what happened during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, experienced and qualified health practitioners with alternative views could be ignored.

Measures like lockdowns, testing and vaccinations can then be determined by the WHO. As a result, anyone who disagrees with WHO policies or was injured by them would have no choice as the organization will be considered an unelected body with immunity from challenge in any national court.

During the WHO and the WEF meeting, changes may be made to existing authorities that can extend the power of the WHO before the introduction of the actual pandemic treaty. This is crucial because this may reduce individual rights.

Final voting on the treaty will be held next year and it is slated to be implemented by 2024. According to the WHO, it will only be open to further consultative input until June 16 and 17.

According to the WHO website, many donors come from countries or their established agencies. However, the second largest contributor to the WHO finances from 2020 to 2021 was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributed $751,000,000.

The sponsorship of the WHO by pharmaceutical companies is allegedly at 70 percent because within the countries listed as donors to the WHO, most of the donations are made by interested bodies like Big Pharma instead of governments themselves.

Watch the video below for proof that the COVID-19 pandemic was a planned crisis.

This video is from the Corruption Exposure channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO now says three times more people died from covid than previously reported, but clearly it was the jabs.

UN whistleblower says World Health Organization is tip of the spear for global tyranny.

JAB EM YOUNG: FDA approves Pfizers booster vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 without consulting vaccine advisory panel.

EXCLUSIVE: Cobalt-60 dirty bombs combined with mRNA vaccine suppression of chromosomal repair mechanism could unleash CANCER DEATH WAVE across America and vaccine-compliant nations.

6 Elderly residents at Palo Alto nursing home DEAD within a week after getting injected with COVID vaccines.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Uncut.Substack.com

WHO.int

Brighteon.com
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a news release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor; one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes after a witness reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the news release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile joined her in her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 319-627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) continue their assault on democracy as they begin a weeklong meeting Sunday, May 22, in Geneva, Switzerland.

They seek to establish a pandemic treaty, which was recommended at a special session on December 1 last year by the World Health Assembly (WHA)  the decision-making body of the WHO.

If all goes according to plan, the WHO would have unprecedented, undemocratic jurisdiction over its 194 member nations. Under the treaty, the WHO could order mandatory vaccines, digital health IDs, lockdowns or anything else it wants as policy, regardless of what the public wants.

This means if a country signs up, its government would lose any sovereign power to decide its fate during another pandemic or other health crises. The WHO would have total control over the health regulations of all nations during pandemics or other health emergencies.

The World Council for Health has branded the proposed pandemic treat an undemocratic farce.

While alternative and independent media have covered this significant and world-changing potential power-grab by the WHO, the corporate media mostly remains silent over the issue.

However, after increasing pressure from concerned voters in the U.K., a few Members of Parliament (MPs) are now aware of plans by members of the WHO to discuss it in August 2022, make it law in 2023 and put it into practice by 2024. But in reality, countries like the U.K. are about to cede authority and oversight to the WHO with little to no communications, no debate and no referendum.

At the same time, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Joe Biden have announced their support for the proposed treaty, making it harder for MPs and legislators to voice their disagreement.

Pandemic treaty could be abused in the guise of protecting the public

Any vote in the WHA would be carried by a majority, but this means all member countries would be subject to the decision even if they disagreed due to a national democratic process. Additionally, any country not complying with WHO edicts may suffer economic sanctions.

The treaty would cover pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, but this could be abused in the guise of protecting the public. Under the treaty, interventions rejected in many countries like vaccine passports could become mandatory. (Related: Report: Wuhan scientists were ALLOWED TO REVISE Congressional briefing on COVID pandemic.)

Governments would be subject to decisions made by the WHO in relation to a pandemic as defined by the organization. Under the treaty, the WHO can determine what the science is.

Like what happened during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, experienced and qualified health practitioners with alternative views could be ignored.

Measures like lockdowns, testing and vaccinations can then be determined by the WHO. As a result, anyone who disagrees with WHO policies or was injured by them would have no choice as the organization will be considered an unelected body with immunity from challenge in any national court.

During the WHO and the WEF meeting, changes may be made to existing authorities that can extend the power of the WHO before the introduction of the actual pandemic treaty. This is crucial because this may reduce individual rights.

Final voting on the treaty will be held next year and it is slated to be implemented by 2024. According to the WHO, it will only be open to further consultative input until June 16 and 17.

According to the WHO website, many donors come from countries or their established agencies. However, the second largest contributor to the WHO finances from 2020 to 2021 was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributed $751,000,000.

The sponsorship of the WHO by pharmaceutical companies is allegedly at 70 percent because within the countries listed as donors to the WHO, most of the donations are made by interested bodies like Big Pharma instead of governments themselves.

Watch the video below for proof that the COVID-19 pandemic was a planned crisis.

This video is from the Corruption Exposure channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO now says three times more people died from covid than previously reported, but clearly it was the jabs.

UN whistleblower says World Health Organization is tip of the spear for global tyranny.

JAB EM YOUNG: FDA approves Pfizers booster vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 without consulting vaccine advisory panel.

EXCLUSIVE: Cobalt-60 dirty bombs combined with mRNA vaccine suppression of chromosomal repair mechanism could unleash CANCER DEATH WAVE across America and vaccine-compliant nations.

6 Elderly residents at Palo Alto nursing home DEAD within a week after getting injected with COVID vaccines.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Uncut.Substack.com

WHO.int

Brighteon.com
The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins clarifies his Mormons are Christians comments

Dallas Jenkins, the creator of the most successfully crowdfunded series of all time, The Chosen, said he's setting the record straight for the last time on the matter of whether he believes Mormons are Christians.

Throughout the years, Jenkins has mentioned that he has friends who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church), among them being the brothers who launched Angel Studios, the streaming platform behind The Chosen." However, Jenkins, the son of Jerry B. Jenkins, the writer behind the bestselling Left Behind franchise, has repeatedly said the studio owners' beliefs have nothing to do with the content in the series.

In a video posted on YouTube Thursday, Jenkins addressed various rumors about his views concerning Mormonism and its connection to The Chosen, a popular multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ that has been viewed nearly 400 million times worldwide.

I probably need to add a little clarification to the LDS question when it comes to The Chosen, Jenkins said at the top of his video. The reason that I want to give this statement, or this comment, and have it be my final comment on the matter is because I've given dozens and dozens of comments about it that seemed to be unfortunately ignored by several people.

The filmmaker then shared questions he's been asked to respond to based on news articles that claimed such things as, "Dallas Jenkins says Mormons, LDS and Evangelicals love the same Jesus" and "LDS are Christians.

"Is it true that I said that? The answer is no, I did not, Jenkins said, adding that some of his past comments on this topic need more nuance and could have been misinterpreted.

"I think we can agree that words matter, nuance matters, and I probably could have given more context and clarity, he said. I've done hundreds and hundreds of interviews and written thousands of things about my faith and about the faith of others, and I try very hard to be nuanced. I try very hard to be cautious and wise and clarify every word that I use, but I don't always succeed. I think it's fair to say that this is one where I don't take back what I said, but I could have given it a little bit more clarity.

"I think it's also true that it would be a problem if I actually said those words definitively, Jenkins added. That would be a problem, and here's why: Not because there aren't LDS folks who aren't Christians and not because there aren't LDS and Evangelicals who love the same Jesus, but because it would be wrong of me to ever say that any one group believes any one thing altogether. That is just a level of arrogance that I don't have.

Jenkins assured that people who make blanket statements cause problems because of the labels that are assigned to groups overall.

"It would be just as dumb for me to say that all LDS are Christians as it would be to say that all Evangelicals are Christians or that all Catholics are Christians or any other faith tradition, he continued. It would also be dumb of me to say that none are! That's also a level of arrogance that I don't possess.

"When I've talked about my brothers and sisters in Christ, and when I talked about those LDS folks that I know who loved the same Jesus I do, I'm referring to some of the friends that I have who identify as LDS who I've gotten to know very deeply over the last few years, in particular. And I've had hundreds of hours of conversations with [them], and I stand by the statement that those friends of mine that I'm referring to absolutely love the same Jesus that I do, he said.

"You may still go, 'Well, that can't be true,' and that's your right to think that, Jenkins added. But it's not fair to say, 'Oh, then you are now speaking about everybody.' I know plenty of Evangelicals who I would say don't know the same Jesus that I do and don't love the same Jesus that I do.

The series writer and creator maintained that he has Mormon friends who believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the Jesus of the Gospels, the Jesus that Im portraying in the show, and I do believe and do stand by that statement.

Jenkins further stressed that he alone is responsible for the content in The Chosen and is inspired by the Bible.

"I've said many times the content of the show has zero influence or input from any form of faith tradition or church. None, he added.

Jenkins continued: "I'm a conservative Evangelical. I believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. I believe in the supremacy of God's Word. I believe in the Holy Trinity. I believe in God the Father, the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and all of the core tenants of Scripture.

The father of four said he has dedicated his life to study the Scriptures above anything else.

"I believe [that is] my job in my personal life. I believe that is your job as well, to get to know the authentic Jesus and the real Jesus as much as humanly possible, Jenkins said. When it comes to the content of the show, it's not my job in the show or outside of the show to try to give you all of the different versions of Jesus, or the wrong things that people say about Him. It's my job, both as a believer and as the creator of a show that is being seen by so many, to try to get that right, to try to portray Jesus accurately. Particularly also in our Bible studies and our devotional books, and our kids' books. We have tons of material that we're putting out; it's very important to get that right.

Jenkins also encouraged viewers not to substitute the show for reading the Bible for themselves or attending their local church for discipleship and Bible study.

In an earlier interview with Ruslan KD, Jenkins assured viewers that The Chosen did not receive any funding from Angel Studios or any religious organization. He maintained that while Angel Studios employs people who are Mormon, the company is only a "distribution partner," and "they don't actually fund it," he said.

The beliefs of (small-o) orthodox Christianity and the LDS church conflict in many areas, including beliefs about the trinity and salvation. To learn more, read here, here and listen here.

(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Microsofts Bing search engine has made it difficult for people in North America to look up names of politically sensitive Chinese personalities, a cybersecurity and surveillance group found.

In a May 19 report, the Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out that Bings autofill system did not return potential suggestions when users searched for personalities deemed sensitive by Beijing. These personalities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and the late human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, did not show up in the autofill system in both English and Chinese. According to Citizen Lab, its findings stemmed from tests conducted in December 2021 that tried out almost 100,000 names in English and thousands in Chinese characters.

The group sought to determine through the tests if politically sensitive names were treated the same as others. But the emergence of the findings insinuated that this was not the case, and showed that censorship rules in China could be applied to searches coming from the U.S. and Canada.

We consistently found that Bing censors politically sensitive Chinese names, said the May 19 report.

If Microsoft had never engaged in Chinese censorship operations in the first place, there would be no way for them to spill into other regions, said report author Jeffrey Knockel, a senior research associate at Citizen Lab. He warned that censorship rules seeping from one part of the world into another becomes a risk, especially when internet platforms have a global user base. (Related: Microsoft admits Bing censors search results, says its necessary to promote equality.)

Microsoft responded to the report by claiming that the alleged censorship was a technical error and added that it had already addressed the issue. A spokeswoman for the tech giant elaborated that user behavior largely drives the autofill suggestions and that some suggestions not showing up does not mean they were censored.

A small number of users may have experienced a misconfiguration that prevented surfacing some valid autosuggest terms, and we thank Citizen Lab for bringing this to our attention, she said.

This was not the first time Microsoft had brushes with Chinese authorities over matters of censorship. Back in 2021, image and video searches for Tank Man  which featured an unidentified Chinese man standing in front of a tank column  did not return any results. The Tank Man image became a powerful symbol of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent massacre.

The censorship came amid the 32nd anniversary of the protests. Microsoft later managed to resolve the issue, but blamed it on human error.

Big Tech giants bow to Beijing censorship

Bings parent company Microsoft has had a long history in China, having established an office in the country back in 1992. Seventeen years later in 2009, a heavily censored version of Bing was launched in the country. The search engines Chinese counterpart deactivated the autofill feature in 2020 in compliance with Chinese laws.

Professional networking platform LinkedIn, also owned by Microsoft, has also complied with censorship demands from Beijing. It has blocked several human rights activists, journalists and academics on the site at the behest of the Chinese government. LinkedIn also shut down the sites social media function in 2021 as the Chinese Communist Party tightened its grip on large tech platforms.

Bings rival Google dominates the global search engine market, accounting for more than 90 percent of worldwide search traffic per analytics website Statcounter. Meanwhile, Bing is a distant second as it only accounts for three percent of worldwide search traffic. In China, domestic search engine Baidu rules the market as it accounts for 80 percent of the market share, while Bing is a distant second with nearly nine percent.

Google has also bowed to Beijings censorship demands through a controversial search engine called Dragonfly. Work on the China-exclusive search engine, however, came to a halt in December 2018 following political pressure and an internal dispute. Despite this, employees of the tech giant found that development on Dragonfly was still ongoing.

According to the Intercept, a group of Google employees managed to identify ongoing work on a batch of code linked to Dragonfly. Three internal sources confirmed the development, adding that staff members working on Dragonfly were not told to immediately cease their efforts. They were instead told to finish their current workloads, after which they would be allocated new tasks on other teams.

Dragonflys development had sparked anger inside the Alphabet-owned company, where many employees protested against its planned launch. The search engine was designed to censor broad categories of information associated with human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protest, reported the Intercept.

SearchEngine.news has more stories about online censorship.

Watch this video that talks about how Google is censoring search results that link to Brighteon.com.

This video is from the Truth Matters channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google partners with China to dominate the world with online tyranny, censorship and communism agendas.

Google goes all-in with Communist China; agrees to create state-controlled search engine that crushes human freedom.

Google now colluding with Communist China to crush freedom of religion by rigging religious freedom search results.

Google LIED about scrapping plans to launch censored search engine for China; Dragonfly is still being developed in secret, employees say.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

BBC.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after his two-day visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi.

The president who departed Nigeria on Thursday, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening around 4.pm in company of members of his entourage.

During his visit in Abu Dhabi, President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he conveyed his and Nigerias condolences on the demise of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Buhari also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

While congratulating the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed on his victory during the election, President Buhari expressed the hope that under his administration, the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

President Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Others included the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd) and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
(Natural News) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) continue their assault on democracy as they begin a weeklong meeting Sunday, May 22, in Geneva, Switzerland.

They seek to establish a pandemic treaty, which was recommended at a special session on December 1 last year by the World Health Assembly (WHA)  the decision-making body of the WHO.

If all goes according to plan, the WHO would have unprecedented, undemocratic jurisdiction over its 194 member nations. Under the treaty, the WHO could order mandatory vaccines, digital health IDs, lockdowns or anything else it wants as policy, regardless of what the public wants.

This means if a country signs up, its government would lose any sovereign power to decide its fate during another pandemic or other health crises. The WHO would have total control over the health regulations of all nations during pandemics or other health emergencies.

The World Council for Health has branded the proposed pandemic treat an undemocratic farce.

While alternative and independent media have covered this significant and world-changing potential power-grab by the WHO, the corporate media mostly remains silent over the issue.

However, after increasing pressure from concerned voters in the U.K., a few Members of Parliament (MPs) are now aware of plans by members of the WHO to discuss it in August 2022, make it law in 2023 and put it into practice by 2024. But in reality, countries like the U.K. are about to cede authority and oversight to the WHO with little to no communications, no debate and no referendum.

At the same time, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Joe Biden have announced their support for the proposed treaty, making it harder for MPs and legislators to voice their disagreement.

Pandemic treaty could be abused in the guise of protecting the public

Any vote in the WHA would be carried by a majority, but this means all member countries would be subject to the decision even if they disagreed due to a national democratic process. Additionally, any country not complying with WHO edicts may suffer economic sanctions.

The treaty would cover pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, but this could be abused in the guise of protecting the public. Under the treaty, interventions rejected in many countries like vaccine passports could become mandatory. (Related: Report: Wuhan scientists were ALLOWED TO REVISE Congressional briefing on COVID pandemic.)

Governments would be subject to decisions made by the WHO in relation to a pandemic as defined by the organization. Under the treaty, the WHO can determine what the science is.

Like what happened during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, experienced and qualified health practitioners with alternative views could be ignored.

Measures like lockdowns, testing and vaccinations can then be determined by the WHO. As a result, anyone who disagrees with WHO policies or was injured by them would have no choice as the organization will be considered an unelected body with immunity from challenge in any national court.

During the WHO and the WEF meeting, changes may be made to existing authorities that can extend the power of the WHO before the introduction of the actual pandemic treaty. This is crucial because this may reduce individual rights.

Final voting on the treaty will be held next year and it is slated to be implemented by 2024. According to the WHO, it will only be open to further consultative input until June 16 and 17.

According to the WHO website, many donors come from countries or their established agencies. However, the second largest contributor to the WHO finances from 2020 to 2021 was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributed $751,000,000.

The sponsorship of the WHO by pharmaceutical companies is allegedly at 70 percent because within the countries listed as donors to the WHO, most of the donations are made by interested bodies like Big Pharma instead of governments themselves.

Watch the video below for proof that the COVID-19 pandemic was a planned crisis.

This video is from the Corruption Exposure channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO now says three times more people died from covid than previously reported, but clearly it was the jabs.

UN whistleblower says World Health Organization is tip of the spear for global tyranny.

JAB EM YOUNG: FDA approves Pfizers booster vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 without consulting vaccine advisory panel.

EXCLUSIVE: Cobalt-60 dirty bombs combined with mRNA vaccine suppression of chromosomal repair mechanism could unleash CANCER DEATH WAVE across America and vaccine-compliant nations.

6 Elderly residents at Palo Alto nursing home DEAD within a week after getting injected with COVID vaccines.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Uncut.Substack.com

WHO.int

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) continue their assault on democracy as they begin a weeklong meeting Sunday, May 22, in Geneva, Switzerland.

They seek to establish a pandemic treaty, which was recommended at a special session on December 1 last year by the World Health Assembly (WHA)  the decision-making body of the WHO.

If all goes according to plan, the WHO would have unprecedented, undemocratic jurisdiction over its 194 member nations. Under the treaty, the WHO could order mandatory vaccines, digital health IDs, lockdowns or anything else it wants as policy, regardless of what the public wants.

This means if a country signs up, its government would lose any sovereign power to decide its fate during another pandemic or other health crises. The WHO would have total control over the health regulations of all nations during pandemics or other health emergencies.

The World Council for Health has branded the proposed pandemic treat an undemocratic farce.

While alternative and independent media have covered this significant and world-changing potential power-grab by the WHO, the corporate media mostly remains silent over the issue.

However, after increasing pressure from concerned voters in the U.K., a few Members of Parliament (MPs) are now aware of plans by members of the WHO to discuss it in August 2022, make it law in 2023 and put it into practice by 2024. But in reality, countries like the U.K. are about to cede authority and oversight to the WHO with little to no communications, no debate and no referendum.

At the same time, both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Joe Biden have announced their support for the proposed treaty, making it harder for MPs and legislators to voice their disagreement.

Pandemic treaty could be abused in the guise of protecting the public

Any vote in the WHA would be carried by a majority, but this means all member countries would be subject to the decision even if they disagreed due to a national democratic process. Additionally, any country not complying with WHO edicts may suffer economic sanctions.

The treaty would cover pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, but this could be abused in the guise of protecting the public. Under the treaty, interventions rejected in many countries like vaccine passports could become mandatory. (Related: Report: Wuhan scientists were ALLOWED TO REVISE Congressional briefing on COVID pandemic.)

Governments would be subject to decisions made by the WHO in relation to a pandemic as defined by the organization. Under the treaty, the WHO can determine what the science is.

Like what happened during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, experienced and qualified health practitioners with alternative views could be ignored.

Measures like lockdowns, testing and vaccinations can then be determined by the WHO. As a result, anyone who disagrees with WHO policies or was injured by them would have no choice as the organization will be considered an unelected body with immunity from challenge in any national court.

During the WHO and the WEF meeting, changes may be made to existing authorities that can extend the power of the WHO before the introduction of the actual pandemic treaty. This is crucial because this may reduce individual rights.

Final voting on the treaty will be held next year and it is slated to be implemented by 2024. According to the WHO, it will only be open to further consultative input until June 16 and 17.

According to the WHO website, many donors come from countries or their established agencies. However, the second largest contributor to the WHO finances from 2020 to 2021 was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributed $751,000,000.

The sponsorship of the WHO by pharmaceutical companies is allegedly at 70 percent because within the countries listed as donors to the WHO, most of the donations are made by interested bodies like Big Pharma instead of governments themselves.

Watch the video below for proof that the COVID-19 pandemic was a planned crisis.

This video is from the Corruption Exposure channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO now says three times more people died from covid than previously reported, but clearly it was the jabs.

UN whistleblower says World Health Organization is tip of the spear for global tyranny.

JAB EM YOUNG: FDA approves Pfizers booster vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 without consulting vaccine advisory panel.

EXCLUSIVE: Cobalt-60 dirty bombs combined with mRNA vaccine suppression of chromosomal repair mechanism could unleash CANCER DEATH WAVE across America and vaccine-compliant nations.

6 Elderly residents at Palo Alto nursing home DEAD within a week after getting injected with COVID vaccines.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Uncut.Substack.com

WHO.int

Brighteon.com
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.


Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."



(Natural News) Eternal youth is just a few child blood infusions away, according to new research out of Stanford University.

Harvesting the blood, vital organs and other body parts out of innocent children and implanting all of it into aging adults is the key, experts say, to living forever. And the UK-based Telegraph newspaper seems to agree.

In a series of tweets, the Telegraph appears to celebrate the news that children  the younger the better  can be butchered up and turned into anti-aging remedies for adults.

Historically, cultures have revered the blood of the young, Telegraph Life tweeted, suggesting that murdering babies and children for their life essence is a wholesome and respectable tradition.

It was even rumoured that Kim Jong-il, the former North Korean dictator, injected himself with blood from healthy young virgins to slow the ageing process.

Describing the horrific concept as youth transplants, the Telegraph published a lengthy expose about how achieving immortality (more like absolute immorality) is as simple as drinking from the fountain of youth.

The fountain of youth, it seems, is youth itself, wrote Sarah Knapton, the Telegraphs science editor.

Young fecal microbes implanted into older bodies could reduce aging in eyes, stomach

According to Knapton, harvesting actual blood and body parts from real-life children is not what she is personally suggesting, anyway. Science, she says, can create artificial replicas of these things and turn them into pharmaceutical drugs.

Young people have more powerful cells which operate more efficiently and could restore vitality to ageing systems, she explains.

Researchers at Stanford tested this out on mice, showing that infused cerebrospinal fluid collected from young mice and implanted into old mice improve the older mices brain function, a breakthrough which could have enormous implications for dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions, Knapton contends.

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid found within the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord of humans, and is packed full of nutrients, signaling molecules and growth factors which nourish neurons, she adds.

Another less invasive but still-somewhat-disturbing application of this involves fecal transplants. Researchers from the Quadram Institute in Norwich, Great Britain, found that collecting fecal microbes from young mice and implanting them into older mice reversed aging in both the eyes and the stomach.

This type of process, as disgusting as it might sound, at least leave the young being intact. All that talk about blood and vital organs, though, hearkens back to the QAnon conspiracy trend and earlier reports we published about CPS (Child Protective Services) abductions and the adrenochrome situation.

Is this new Stanford study an attempt to normalize the idea of exploiting children for their anti-aging body parts? Are the powers that be trying to dull peoples senses to a concept that even a decade ago would have absolutely disgusted the nation?

It will only be a matter of time before this mad science is fully commercialized, in a similar manner to how fetal stem cells are taken from murdered babies and used to make dangerous vaccines, and the demand for young childrens blood and body parts to be harvested will skyrocket, warns Shane Trejo from Big League Politics.

It turns out that powerful tech corporations have poured billions of dollars into startup companies that intend to do exactly this. Harvesting the blood of children and turning it into drugs for adults trying to live forever appears to be the latest demonic agenda in the current age.

They hope to find a synthetic fountain of youth from researching the plasma of their young volunteers, Trejo adds. This work is changing the field of geroscience forever, for better or worse.

More stories like this one can be found at DemonicTimes.com.

Sources for this article include:

BigLeaguePolitics.com

Telegraph.co.uk

NaturalNews.com

Hofit Golan wowed onlookers at the screening of Triangle Of Sadness during the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on Saturday.

The socialite, 36, commanded attention in a dramatic cream ruffled lace gown while elevating her height with a pair of dazzling silver heels.

She waved at gawking onlookers while putting on a show during her appearance.

Hot stuff: Hofit Golan commanded attention in a dramatic cream ruffled lace gown at the Triangle Of Sadness screening during Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Hofit wore her sandy tresses in a chic up-do while allowing for a selection of strands to loosely frame her face.

Starring Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean and Woody Harrelson, production on the highly-anticipated picture was paused twice in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

Triangle Of Sadness follows 'two models and a cleaning lady become stranded on a desert island with a group of billionaires'.

Looking good: She elevated her height with a pair of dazzling silver heels and opted not to wear any accessories

Waving: Hofit wore her sandy tresses in a chic up-do while allowing for a selection of strands to loosely frame her face

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Russia is permanently banning nearly 1,000 Americans, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, from entering the country in response to the United States support of Ukraine and the historic sanctions facing Moscow nearly three months into its invasion.

On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry published the list of 963 Americans barred from entering Russia  a largely symbolic move featuring a wide-ranging collection of Biden administration members, Republicans, tech executives, journalists, lawmakers who have died, regular U.S. citizens and even actor Morgan Freeman.

In the context of response to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national stop list, the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation, the Foreign Ministry said in a news release.

Some of those named on Saturdays list, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, were sanctioned in March and barred from entering Russia.

The list appears to include major officials from the Biden administration, such as Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki. The presidents son, Hunter Biden, is also named, as is former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Saturday.

One prominent name missing from the list: former president Donald Trump. In fact, the only prominent Trump administration official included in the ban is former secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

The Russian Foreign Ministrys list of 963 Americans includes many members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is not on the list. Also not listed is Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who delayed a Senate vote on aid for Ukraine last week when he was the only senator to object. The Senate passed the measure this week, and Biden signed the $40 billion package of new military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine into law on Saturday while visiting Seoul.

The new aid package signals that the United States and its allies are preparing for a longer conflict in the country. The package includes $20 billion in additional military aid that will finance the transfer of advanced weapons systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden, adding that the defense assistance is needed more than ever.

The list of banned Americans was released at a time when Russia is continuing intense shelling of Severodonetsk, the easternmost city under Ukraines control, which looks set to be the wars next major battlefield. Fighting is underway on the citys outskirts, and the Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol, Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said early Saturday. He said six civilians were killed on Friday during Russian bombardments in and around the city.

After the United States and other countries imposed historic sanctions on Russia due to the invasion, Americans remain stalwart in their support for Ukraine, with a large, bipartisan majority favoring increased sanctions against Russia and most also backing military and humanitarian support for Ukrainians, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll earlier this month. In all, 73 percent say the United States is doing either the right amount or too little to support Ukraine.

Russia announced its own sanctions against the United States in March, barring Biden and other administration officials from the country.

On Saturday, House Republicans such as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Paul Gosar of Arizona, as well as House Democrats including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, found themselves barred from Russia. In the Senate, Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Marco Rubio of Florida are on the list, as are Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mark Warner of Virginia and Dianne Feinstein of California.

Russia also named former senators John McCain, R-Ariz., Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, as among the current or ex-lawmakers barred from entering the country, even though they are all dead. McCain died in 2018 at 81. Reid died in December at age 82, while Hatch died last month at 88.

The collection of those banned from Russia includes people from all walks of life, according to a review of the list by The Washington Post. Eighty-six people named on Russias black list were identified only as U.S. citizens. Those barred include rabbis, an LBGTQ activist, an attorney in Iowa, executives at defense contractors and a history professor at Yale University.

Russia focused on the U.S. tech industry in naming Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft President Brad Smith to the list. American journalists barred by Russia include George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, Susan Glasser of the New Yorker, Bret Stephens of the New York Times and Bianna Golodryga of CNN. No journalists or hosts from Fox News were banned by Russia on Saturday, according to the list.

One of the surprise entries on the list was Freeman, 84, an Academy Award-winning actor. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted in his entry that Freeman made the stop list because in 2017 he recorded a video message accusing Russia of conspiring against the United States and calling for a fight against our country. Freeman spoke out against Russia in a video from a group that sought to raise awareness about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

We have been attacked, Freeman said at the time. We are at war.

Russia claimed Saturday that the list was published in response to the hostile actions taken by Washington during the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia does not seek confrontation and is open to honest, mutually respectful dialogue, separating the American people, who are always respected by us, from the U.S. authorities, who incite Russophobia, and those who serve them, the Foreign Ministry wrote. It is these people who are included in the Russian black list.
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Hofit Golan wowed onlookers at the screening of Triangle Of Sadness during the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on Saturday.

The socialite, 36, commanded attention in a dramatic cream ruffled lace gown while elevating her height with a pair of dazzling silver heels.

She waved at gawking onlookers while putting on a show during her appearance.

Hot stuff: Hofit Golan commanded attention in a dramatic cream ruffled lace gown at the Triangle Of Sadness screening during Cannes Film Festival on Saturday

Hofit wore her sandy tresses in a chic up-do while allowing for a selection of strands to loosely frame her face.

Starring Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean and Woody Harrelson, production on the highly-anticipated picture was paused twice in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

Triangle Of Sadness follows 'two models and a cleaning lady become stranded on a desert island with a group of billionaires'.

Looking good: She elevated her height with a pair of dazzling silver heels and opted not to wear any accessories

Waving: Hofit wore her sandy tresses in a chic up-do while allowing for a selection of strands to loosely frame her face

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Russia is permanently banning nearly 1,000 Americans, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, from entering the country in response to the United States support of Ukraine and the historic sanctions facing Moscow nearly three months into its invasion.

On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry published the list of 963 Americans barred from entering Russia  a largely symbolic move featuring a wide-ranging collection of Biden administration members, Republicans, tech executives, journalists, lawmakers who have died, regular U.S. citizens and even actor Morgan Freeman.

In the context of response to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national stop list, the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation, the Foreign Ministry said in a news release.

Some of those named on Saturdays list, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, were sanctioned in March and barred from entering Russia.

The list appears to include major officials from the Biden administration, such as Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki. The presidents son, Hunter Biden, is also named, as is former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Saturday.

One prominent name missing from the list: former president Donald Trump. In fact, the only prominent Trump administration official included in the ban is former secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

The Russian Foreign Ministrys list of 963 Americans includes many members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is not on the list. Also not listed is Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who delayed a Senate vote on aid for Ukraine last week when he was the only senator to object. The Senate passed the measure this week, and Biden signed the $40 billion package of new military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine into law on Saturday while visiting Seoul.

The new aid package signals that the United States and its allies are preparing for a longer conflict in the country. The package includes $20 billion in additional military aid that will finance the transfer of advanced weapons systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden, adding that the defense assistance is needed more than ever.

The list of banned Americans was released at a time when Russia is continuing intense shelling of Severodonetsk, the easternmost city under Ukraines control, which looks set to be the wars next major battlefield. Fighting is underway on the citys outskirts, and the Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol, Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said early Saturday. He said six civilians were killed on Friday during Russian bombardments in and around the city.

After the United States and other countries imposed historic sanctions on Russia due to the invasion, Americans remain stalwart in their support for Ukraine, with a large, bipartisan majority favoring increased sanctions against Russia and most also backing military and humanitarian support for Ukrainians, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll earlier this month. In all, 73 percent say the United States is doing either the right amount or too little to support Ukraine.

Russia announced its own sanctions against the United States in March, barring Biden and other administration officials from the country.

On Saturday, House Republicans such as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Paul Gosar of Arizona, as well as House Democrats including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, found themselves barred from Russia. In the Senate, Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Marco Rubio of Florida are on the list, as are Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mark Warner of Virginia and Dianne Feinstein of California.

Russia also named former senators John McCain, R-Ariz., Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, as among the current or ex-lawmakers barred from entering the country, even though they are all dead. McCain died in 2018 at 81. Reid died in December at age 82, while Hatch died last month at 88.

The collection of those banned from Russia includes people from all walks of life, according to a review of the list by The Washington Post. Eighty-six people named on Russias black list were identified only as U.S. citizens. Those barred include rabbis, an LBGTQ activist, an attorney in Iowa, executives at defense contractors and a history professor at Yale University.

Russia focused on the U.S. tech industry in naming Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft President Brad Smith to the list. American journalists barred by Russia include George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, Susan Glasser of the New Yorker, Bret Stephens of the New York Times and Bianna Golodryga of CNN. No journalists or hosts from Fox News were banned by Russia on Saturday, according to the list.

One of the surprise entries on the list was Freeman, 84, an Academy Award-winning actor. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted in his entry that Freeman made the stop list because in 2017 he recorded a video message accusing Russia of conspiring against the United States and calling for a fight against our country. Freeman spoke out against Russia in a video from a group that sought to raise awareness about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

We have been attacked, Freeman said at the time. We are at war.

Russia claimed Saturday that the list was published in response to the hostile actions taken by Washington during the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia does not seek confrontation and is open to honest, mutually respectful dialogue, separating the American people, who are always respected by us, from the U.S. authorities, who incite Russophobia, and those who serve them, the Foreign Ministry wrote. It is these people who are included in the Russian black list.
Russia is permanently banning nearly 1,000 Americans, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, from entering the country in response to the United States support of Ukraine and the historic sanctions facing Moscow nearly three months into its invasion.

On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry published the list of 963 Americans barred from entering Russia  a largely symbolic move featuring a wide-ranging collection of Biden administration members, Republicans, tech executives, journalists, lawmakers who have died, regular U.S. citizens and even actor Morgan Freeman.

In the context of response to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national stop list, the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation, the Foreign Ministry said in a news release.

Some of those named on Saturdays list, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, were sanctioned in March and barred from entering Russia.

The list appears to include major officials from the Biden administration, such as Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki. The presidents son, Hunter Biden, is also named, as is former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Saturday.

One prominent name missing from the list: former president Donald Trump. In fact, the only prominent Trump administration official included in the ban is former secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

The Russian Foreign Ministrys list of 963 Americans includes many members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is not on the list. Also not listed is Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who delayed a Senate vote on aid for Ukraine last week when he was the only senator to object. The Senate passed the measure this week, and Biden signed the $40 billion package of new military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine into law on Saturday while visiting Seoul.

The new aid package signals that the United States and its allies are preparing for a longer conflict in the country. The package includes $20 billion in additional military aid that will finance the transfer of advanced weapons systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden, adding that the defense assistance is needed more than ever.

The list of banned Americans was released at a time when Russia is continuing intense shelling of Severodonetsk, the easternmost city under Ukraines control, which looks set to be the wars next major battlefield. Fighting is underway on the citys outskirts, and the Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol, Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said early Saturday. He said six civilians were killed on Friday during Russian bombardments in and around the city.

After the United States and other countries imposed historic sanctions on Russia due to the invasion, Americans remain stalwart in their support for Ukraine, with a large, bipartisan majority favoring increased sanctions against Russia and most also backing military and humanitarian support for Ukrainians, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll earlier this month. In all, 73 percent say the United States is doing either the right amount or too little to support Ukraine.

Russia announced its own sanctions against the United States in March, barring Biden and other administration officials from the country.

On Saturday, House Republicans such as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Paul Gosar of Arizona, as well as House Democrats including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, found themselves barred from Russia. In the Senate, Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Marco Rubio of Florida are on the list, as are Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mark Warner of Virginia and Dianne Feinstein of California.

Russia also named former senators John McCain, R-Ariz., Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, as among the current or ex-lawmakers barred from entering the country, even though they are all dead. McCain died in 2018 at 81. Reid died in December at age 82, while Hatch died last month at 88.

The collection of those banned from Russia includes people from all walks of life, according to a review of the list by The Washington Post. Eighty-six people named on Russias black list were identified only as U.S. citizens. Those barred include rabbis, an LBGTQ activist, an attorney in Iowa, executives at defense contractors and a history professor at Yale University.

Russia focused on the U.S. tech industry in naming Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft President Brad Smith to the list. American journalists barred by Russia include George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, Susan Glasser of the New Yorker, Bret Stephens of the New York Times and Bianna Golodryga of CNN. No journalists or hosts from Fox News were banned by Russia on Saturday, according to the list.

One of the surprise entries on the list was Freeman, 84, an Academy Award-winning actor. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted in his entry that Freeman made the stop list because in 2017 he recorded a video message accusing Russia of conspiring against the United States and calling for a fight against our country. Freeman spoke out against Russia in a video from a group that sought to raise awareness about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

We have been attacked, Freeman said at the time. We are at war.

Russia claimed Saturday that the list was published in response to the hostile actions taken by Washington during the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia does not seek confrontation and is open to honest, mutually respectful dialogue, separating the American people, who are always respected by us, from the U.S. authorities, who incite Russophobia, and those who serve them, the Foreign Ministry wrote. It is these people who are included in the Russian black list.
Russia is permanently banning nearly 1,000 Americans, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, from entering the country in response to the United States support of Ukraine and the historic sanctions facing Moscow nearly three months into its invasion.

On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry published the list of 963 Americans barred from entering Russia  a largely symbolic move featuring a wide-ranging collection of Biden administration members, Republicans, tech executives, journalists, lawmakers who have died, regular U.S. citizens and even actor Morgan Freeman.

In the context of response to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national stop list, the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation, the Foreign Ministry said in a news release.

Some of those named on Saturdays list, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, were sanctioned in March and barred from entering Russia.

The list appears to include major officials from the Biden administration, such as Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki. The presidents son, Hunter Biden, is also named, as is former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Saturday.

One prominent name missing from the list: former president Donald Trump. In fact, the only prominent Trump administration official included in the ban is former secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

The Russian Foreign Ministrys list of 963 Americans includes many members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is not on the list. Also not listed is Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who delayed a Senate vote on aid for Ukraine last week when he was the only senator to object. The Senate passed the measure this week, and Biden signed the $40 billion package of new military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine into law on Saturday while visiting Seoul.

The new aid package signals that the United States and its allies are preparing for a longer conflict in the country. The package includes $20 billion in additional military aid that will finance the transfer of advanced weapons systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden, adding that the defense assistance is needed more than ever.

The list of banned Americans was released at a time when Russia is continuing intense shelling of Severodonetsk, the easternmost city under Ukraines control, which looks set to be the wars next major battlefield. Fighting is underway on the citys outskirts, and the Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol, Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said early Saturday. He said six civilians were killed on Friday during Russian bombardments in and around the city.

After the United States and other countries imposed historic sanctions on Russia due to the invasion, Americans remain stalwart in their support for Ukraine, with a large, bipartisan majority favoring increased sanctions against Russia and most also backing military and humanitarian support for Ukrainians, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll earlier this month. In all, 73 percent say the United States is doing either the right amount or too little to support Ukraine.

Russia announced its own sanctions against the United States in March, barring Biden and other administration officials from the country.

On Saturday, House Republicans such as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Paul Gosar of Arizona, as well as House Democrats including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, found themselves barred from Russia. In the Senate, Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Marco Rubio of Florida are on the list, as are Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Mark Warner of Virginia and Dianne Feinstein of California.

Russia also named former senators John McCain, R-Ariz., Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, as among the current or ex-lawmakers barred from entering the country, even though they are all dead. McCain died in 2018 at 81. Reid died in December at age 82, while Hatch died last month at 88.

The collection of those banned from Russia includes people from all walks of life, according to a review of the list by The Washington Post. Eighty-six people named on Russias black list were identified only as U.S. citizens. Those barred include rabbis, an LBGTQ activist, an attorney in Iowa, executives at defense contractors and a history professor at Yale University.

Russia focused on the U.S. tech industry in naming Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft President Brad Smith to the list. American journalists barred by Russia include George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, Susan Glasser of the New Yorker, Bret Stephens of the New York Times and Bianna Golodryga of CNN. No journalists or hosts from Fox News were banned by Russia on Saturday, according to the list.

One of the surprise entries on the list was Freeman, 84, an Academy Award-winning actor. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted in his entry that Freeman made the stop list because in 2017 he recorded a video message accusing Russia of conspiring against the United States and calling for a fight against our country. Freeman spoke out against Russia in a video from a group that sought to raise awareness about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

We have been attacked, Freeman said at the time. We are at war.

Russia claimed Saturday that the list was published in response to the hostile actions taken by Washington during the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia does not seek confrontation and is open to honest, mutually respectful dialogue, separating the American people, who are always respected by us, from the U.S. authorities, who incite Russophobia, and those who serve them, the Foreign Ministry wrote. It is these people who are included in the Russian black list.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) The administration of President Joe Biden is attempting to buy more allies for the United States through generous military aid packages and membership in military alliances before it starts a world war with Russia.

This was according to InfoWars host Owen Shroyer, who spoke about the matter during an episode of War Room.

Were at war and Russia is the enemy, said Shroyer. Were at war, no vote in Congress, no announcement, just Were at war with Russia.'

Shroyer is referencing a speech in the House of Representatives made by Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who claimed that the Republican Party should not criticize the Biden administration during wartime.

It is unfortunate that in a time of war, we spend all the time blaming our own president, said Hoyer. It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had a dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. I wish wed get off this and really focus on the enemy  I know theres a lot of politics here, but were at war. (Related: It is only a question of time before British and American troops are sent to Ukraine.)

Shroyer pointed out that one of the main ways the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for a war with Russia is through generous military aid packages.

Ukraine is the most well-known recipient of U.S. military aid. The Senate has recently approved a $40 billion aid package, which comes in addition to the $13.6 billion the U.S. has already spent on emergency assistance to the country.

But Ukraine is not the only recipient of U.S. military aid. In 2020, the top 10 recipients of military aid received over $9.3 billion. The top 10 recipients that year accounted for 77 percent of U.S. foreign military aid. This calculation also does not include the $5 billion in aid granted to Israel for its missile defense.

NATO membership for Finland a war guarantee

Another way the U.S. is attempting to shore up support for an eventual world war is through the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Biden recently said that NATO has an open door policy, and has welcomed Sweden and Finland, which are currently applying for membership.

NATO membership means the worlds strongest power, the United States, under Article 5 of NATO, would go to war against Russia, should it cross Finlands border, wrote Patrick J. Buchanan for the Ron Paul Institute. Nervous about Russian President Vladimir Putins intentions, Finland wants America legally and morally bound to fight Russia on its behalf, should Putin invade Finland as he invaded Ukraine.

While Buchanan believes the U.S. military is the worlds strongest, Shroyer believes otherwise simply because if Biden were to wield the military against Russia, the American people would wholeheartedly object.

They know theyre all going to lose  the American people hate them, the world hates them, said Shroyer. So their only hope now is to buy off the rest of these countries.

Buchanan himself doesnt see any good reason for the U.S. to defend Finland against Russia.

Finland is not Alaska; it is not Canada; it is 5,000 miles away, he wrote. And no one ever asserted during the Cold War, or for the decades since, that Finland was a U.S. vital interest. Why, then, would we consent, in advance, to go to war with Russia over Finland?

Learn more about the possibility of world war at WWIII.news.

Watch this video as Owen Shroyer breaks down how the Biden administration is attempting to buy more allies before starting a world war with Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. aid assisting Ukraine as Czech Republic sends tanks, artillery: Is this a World War III escalation?

Locations in the U.S. that you should avoid at all costs if a nuclear war with Russia erupts.

Do the conspirators now want World War III?

The Ukrainian conflict is a U.S./NATO proxy war, but one which Russia is poised to win decisively  Scott Ritter.

Oh great  Now we have a hot war with Russia and we are being warned that World War Three can only be nuclear.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com



FoxNews.com

Vox.com

USAFacts.org

USNews.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
(Natural News) Russian forces continue to make advances into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin has dubbed a special military operation even as Kyivs forces are still pushing back hard in other parts of the country.

More than 1,200 fighters have surrendered at Mariupols Azovstal steelworks plant since the initial reports earlier this week that 300 had laid down their arms, with the wounded transferred to a Russian-controlled hospital, the Russian Ministry of Defense noted.

The MoD said that 694 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up in Mariupols Azovstal steelworks have surrendered over the past 24 hours, according to a report by the countrys RIA news agency, Al-Jazeera reported.

But, according to regional reports, the Ukrainian Azov battalions top commanders had not yet come out of the Azovstal plant. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin was quoted as saying about the top officers: They have not let [the plant].

Those reports come in spite of Ukrainian military and defense officials saying on Tuesday that there had been an intentional decision made to end combat operations there. Ukrainians who laid down their weapons were taken prisoner and moved to Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin touted the move as an obvious surrender.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an evacuation operation.

The operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was initiated by our military and our intelligence officers with the goal to return them home. The work continues and this work requires tact and time, he said.

In keeping with their intent to push a certain pro-Ukraine narrative at all costs  in order to protect the $40 billion in new support paid for by American taxpayers  U.S. media outlets stuck up for the regimes in Kyiv and Washington, refusing to report the action as a surrender.

Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters were taken by bus to Russian-controlled territory, a New York Times report said, as an example. Ukraines president said the combat mission in the city was over, capping some of the longest, fiercest resistance.

Meanwhile, a separate report claims that Putin has replaced several top military commanders from the ranks following poor performances on the battlefield and unrealized objectives since the Feb. 24 invasion, according to The Foreign Desk, which cited intelligence officials from the United Kingdom:

The war in Ukraine has persisted for three months and western defense officials have repeatedly said Russian President Vladimir Putins ambitions in the former Soviet nation are flagging.

Moscows inability to make significant advances, capture Kharkiv and the sinking of the Russian warship the Moskva in the Black Sea  which was reported to be the notorious vessel involved in the Snake Island exchange during the early days of the war  has resulted in suspensions among leaders in Russias military.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense claimed a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating has plagued Russias military and security sectors.

Many officials involved in the invasion of Ukraine will likely be increasingly distracted by efforts to avoid personal culpability for Russias operational setbacks, the ministry added.

UK intelligence officials said that they think the organizational issues will put new stresses on Russias centralized model of command and control, which is a holdover from the days of the Soviet Union, and will lead officers on the ground to defer battlefield decisions to distant commanders.

It will be difficult for Russia to regain initiative under these conditions, the ministry concluded.

Reports continue to surface that Putin is blaming his militarys failures in Ukraine on top officials including army Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who is the long-serving Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The UK assessed this week that he has likely held onto that position though there have been claims from Ukrainian defense officials that he had been replaced.

Sources include:

ForeignDeskNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Natural News) A recent market meltdown in the broader crypto market has cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum suffering huge losses.

The massive meltdown was caused by the collapse of TerraUSD, one of the worlds biggest stablecoins. TerraUSD traded for as low as 23 cents amid panic selling and triggered a meltdown that sent cryptocurrency values plummeting. (Related: Stablecoins Terra and Luna crater, exposing some cryptos as highly unstable Ponzi scams.)

Bitcoin, the biggest cryptocurrency, dropped to its lowest level since 2020 ($27,000 per Bitcoin) last May 12. It has since recovered to above the $30,000 range. Nevertheless, market volatility is one reason why people may never be able to depend on cryptocurrencies and blockchain, which is the system that runs it.

Blockchains come with basic problems. Specifically, they require stunning loads of energy to maintain and they can be hacked in spite of popular belief.

Some experts think these issues make it improbable that blockchains will ever become crucial alternatives to banks.

Cryptocurrencies are the internets edition of money and they are special pieces of digital code that can be moved from one person to another. All cryptocurrencies utilize what is called blockchain technology, which is an account book that records transactions in code.

A blockchain permits all records of transactions to be recorded and checked, making it hard to change, hack or cheat the system. However, hackers can access blockchains in particular situations, resulting in irrecoverable monetary loss. A blockchain is merely a database that is distributed across a network of computers that was called a glorified spreadsheet by a New York professor.

When a blockchain transaction between two persons occurs, it is registered as a block of data, including information about the sender, the receiver and the number of coins. Computers in the network, which are called nodes, review the details of the trade to make sure it is right and verify transactions.

Blockchains not really unhackable

Contrary to what many people think, blockchains are not unhackable. Blockchain networks depend on miners or software users who solve transaction-related algorithms to review and validate transactions.

If these miners have bad intentions, then they can attack the blockchain network. Blockchain attacks have a wide range of brilliant names, such as Goldfinger attack, Sybil attack and 51 percent attack.

A 51 percent attack is an attack on a blockchain network where one group of miners own more than 50 percent of the networks computing power. This would be costly because the attackers would be able to now reject unwanted transactions or double-spend coins  the risk that a cryptocurrency is used twice or more, Marcus Sotiriou, an analyst at GlobalBlock, told MailOnline.

A 51 percent attack happened in 2019, when hackers took control of the Ethereum Classic blockchain. Access was employed to rewrite the chains transaction history contributing to about $1.1 million worth of the currency being taken from other users.

Before this incident, hackers were mostly targeting centralized exchanges or CEXs, which are organizations that organize cryptocurrency trading on a huge scale. Presently, about 99 percent of all cryptocurrency transactions happen on CEXs, examples of which are Coinbase, Bitmart and Binance.

Based on data gathered by NBC News, there were more than 20 crypto exchange hacks last year where a hacker took no less than $10 million in digital currency and at least six cases where hackers stole over $100 million.

If a cryptocurrency on a CEX is hacked the blockchain itself is not compromised; only the tokens that are on that exchange. Nevertheless, CEX hacks are worth noting as a significant security threat to cryptocurrencies, Sotiriou said.

Meanwhile, most cryptocurrencies traded larger last Sunday, May 15, providing a breath of fresh air for crypto investors. Although it wasnt a complete recovery, markets moved toward gains. Still, theres no denying that the cryptocurrency market is volatile as it went as high as $3 trillion and fell to as low as $1.2 trillion in the last six months.

Follow CryptoCult.news for more news about cryptocurrencies.

Watch the video below to know more about the recent crash of cryptocurrencies.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Bitcoin price briefly falls below $26,000 as crypto sell-off erases more than $200 billion from the market.

Drop in cryptocurrency prices raises questions about their stability.

Globalists could usher in Great Reset using state-owned BLOCKCHAIN infrastructure.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NBC News.com

Sg.Finance.Yahoo.com
Willow Creek announces staff cuts as pandemic ravages giving, church attendance

Nearly three months after offering his congregants a money-back guarantee if they tithed 10% of their income for a year and are not satisfied, Willow Creek Community Church Senior Pastor David Dummitt recently admitted the "hard reality" that the suburban Chicago megachurch has been forced to cut its staff due to the pandemic's impact on giving.

In a video shared on YouTube earlier this month, Dummitt said that as giving and attendance continued to fall during the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-campus church evaluated its spending habits to identify ways to save.

"Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with the churches across the country. But as you can see, and as you can imagine, that has fiscal impactions," Dummitt said.

"The rule of thumb for healthy churches is to maintain staffing costs at or below about 50% of your total operating budget. Currently, our staffing comprises 72% of our operating budget. So the hard reality is that we are in the process of rightsizing our staff, which unfortunately means some reductions," he continued. "We know this impacts individuals and families greatly, and we're committed to walking through this in as honoring a way as possible."

Dummitt, hired by Willow Creek shortly after the pandemic began in March 2020, said the church will also be looking at "innovative ways to leverage our facilities for income-generating, community-building opportunities."

On Wednesday, Willow Creek posted a statement on its website stating that the staff cuts will create about $6.5 million in savings and reduce staff expenses to 52% of the church's overall budget in 2023. At the end of 2021, the church was averaging 43% of its 2019 weekly average attendance and saw a decrease in contributions, the statement explains.

"These changes are difficult on staff members whom we love who will no longer have a staff role  some of them have been with us for many years," the statement reads. "We are providing generous financial care for each of these individuals, ranging between three months and one year based on tenure. Those on our healthcare plan will also see their insurance benefits extended. We care deeply for our staff, both those staying and those leaving, and are committed to walking alongside everyone well during this season."

The announcement comes after Dummit made headlines in February when he announced a money-back guarantee on tithes, which could be seen as an attempt to improve the church's struggling finances.

Texas Pastor Robert Morris first pitched the idea. He told Willow Creek congregants that he had been offering the same guarantee to his nearly 40,000-member Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, for 22 years, and no one ever asked for their money back.

"I don't want to exaggerate, but I'm sure thousands and thousands of people, and I'm sure it's multiplied, that have told me some way over the years through email, letters, whatever, 'this changed my life,'" Morris noted in a YouTube clip from his message on tithing the first 10% of one's income.

Morris urged Willow Creek members to take on the challenge.

"You know what? I'm so confident, I'll say it here. You tithe for one year, if you're not fully satisfied, Dave will give you your money back," he said with a chuckle.

Dummitt is shown awkwardly accepting the challenge.

"I'll just go ahead and say, yes. Just like the Lord said, test me in this. I think I'll go ahead and be bold and say if you do this for the year and you are not fully satisfied, we'll give the money back. I like that challenge," he said.

The Christian Post reached out to Willow Creek about the challenge at the time. While Dummitt was not immediately available for an interview, Willow Creek's Marketing and Communications Director Liz Schauer noted in an email that "Our team is still exploring the potential program."

Willow Creek's announcement comes as many churches, including megachurches, have been forced to close, merge with other congregations or get creative to survive the impact of COVID-19.

In January, the Potter's House of Denver announced the intent to sell its $12.2 million, 137,000-square-foot megachurch in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and go completely virtual.
Willow Creek announces staff cuts as pandemic ravages giving, church attendance

Nearly three months after offering his congregants a money-back guarantee if they tithed 10% of their income for a year and are not satisfied, Willow Creek Community Church Senior Pastor David Dummitt recently admitted the "hard reality" that the suburban Chicago megachurch has been forced to cut its staff due to the pandemic's impact on giving.

In a video shared on YouTube earlier this month, Dummitt said that as giving and attendance continued to fall during the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-campus church evaluated its spending habits to identify ways to save.

"Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with the churches across the country. But as you can see, and as you can imagine, that has fiscal impactions," Dummitt said.

"The rule of thumb for healthy churches is to maintain staffing costs at or below about 50% of your total operating budget. Currently, our staffing comprises 72% of our operating budget. So the hard reality is that we are in the process of rightsizing our staff, which unfortunately means some reductions," he continued. "We know this impacts individuals and families greatly, and we're committed to walking through this in as honoring a way as possible."

Dummitt, hired by Willow Creek shortly after the pandemic began in March 2020, said the church will also be looking at "innovative ways to leverage our facilities for income-generating, community-building opportunities."

On Wednesday, Willow Creek posted a statement on its website stating that the staff cuts will create about $6.5 million in savings and reduce staff expenses to 52% of the church's overall budget in 2023. At the end of 2021, the church was averaging 43% of its 2019 weekly average attendance and saw a decrease in contributions, the statement explains.

"These changes are difficult on staff members whom we love who will no longer have a staff role  some of them have been with us for many years," the statement reads. "We are providing generous financial care for each of these individuals, ranging between three months and one year based on tenure. Those on our healthcare plan will also see their insurance benefits extended. We care deeply for our staff, both those staying and those leaving, and are committed to walking alongside everyone well during this season."

The announcement comes after Dummit made headlines in February when he announced a money-back guarantee on tithes, which could be seen as an attempt to improve the church's struggling finances.

Texas Pastor Robert Morris first pitched the idea. He told Willow Creek congregants that he had been offering the same guarantee to his nearly 40,000-member Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, for 22 years, and no one ever asked for their money back.

"I don't want to exaggerate, but I'm sure thousands and thousands of people, and I'm sure it's multiplied, that have told me some way over the years through email, letters, whatever, 'this changed my life,'" Morris noted in a YouTube clip from his message on tithing the first 10% of one's income.

Morris urged Willow Creek members to take on the challenge.

"You know what? I'm so confident, I'll say it here. You tithe for one year, if you're not fully satisfied, Dave will give you your money back," he said with a chuckle.

Dummitt is shown awkwardly accepting the challenge.

"I'll just go ahead and say, yes. Just like the Lord said, test me in this. I think I'll go ahead and be bold and say if you do this for the year and you are not fully satisfied, we'll give the money back. I like that challenge," he said.

The Christian Post reached out to Willow Creek about the challenge at the time. While Dummitt was not immediately available for an interview, Willow Creek's Marketing and Communications Director Liz Schauer noted in an email that "Our team is still exploring the potential program."

Willow Creek's announcement comes as many churches, including megachurches, have been forced to close, merge with other congregations or get creative to survive the impact of COVID-19.

In January, the Potter's House of Denver announced the intent to sell its $12.2 million, 137,000-square-foot megachurch in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and go completely virtual.
REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."



REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
REDDING, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Eva didnt look too bad, considering three days earlier she nearly died in the jaws of a mountain lion.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois on Thursday night walked out of the VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding with her owner, Erin Wilson, at her side.

Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws.

But Eva was wagging her tail as Wilson sat down on some grass outside the clinic and wrapped her arms around the dog that she credits for saving her life.

I would do anything for her, she said. And I know now she would pretty much do anything for me. So its a good relationship to have. I know I can trust her.

Wilson said Eva came to her rescue while the two were on a hike along the remote Trinity River in Northwestern California Monday afternoon. Trinity County is about a four-hour drive northwest of Sacramento.

Wilson had just pulled her pickup off Highway 299 west of the town of Weaverville and headed down the trail to the river.

Eva was a few feet ahead of her and off a leash, when a mountain lion that had been hiding in some bushes along the trail jumped up and clawed her shoulder through her jacket, Wilson said.

The cougar growled and reared back as if it was going to attack Wilson, whos 24 and a petite 115-pounds. Wilson screamed Eva! and the dog turned around and tackled the cat.

Wilson said Thursday she has no doubt Eva saved her life.

If (Eva) had waited another second or two more, Wilson told The Bee on Thursday, it probably would have either jumped up and bit me in the face, in the head and the neck.

The dog quickly found itself outmatched, despite the cat appearing sickly.

Wilson said the cat clamped its fangs onto the dogs head and wouldnt let go. She tried hitting the cat with rocks and her fists. She tried getting her arm around its throat to pry it off. She gouged at its eyes. No matter hard she tried, it held on.

She ran back to her truck, grabbed a tire iron and flagged down Sharon Houston, who happened to be passing by on the highway. Houston grabbed a PVC pipe and some pepper spray, and the pair raced down and began beating the cat and screaming at it to let go.

I was yelling at it, Get the f--- off my dog. Get the f--- off my dog, Wilson said. And eventually it just let go, and Eva ran off.

Wilson picked up her glasses that had fallen off during the scuffle, and she gave Houston a hug before hopping into the truck. She never learned Houstons name until reading it in news articles following the attack.

Wilson raced down toward Redding with Eva bleeding on the seat beside her. She struggled not to cry Thursday outside the vets office as she remembered what it was like to see Eva start convulsing on the frantic drive down the hill.

I was begging her the whole time, Wilson said as she fought back tears. I was like, Just stay with me, dog. I love you. I cant live without you. Just dont go. Dont leave me. 

Wilson said she got the dog when Eva was about 4 months old from a family with young kids. They were overwhelmed by the dog.

Belgian Malinois are commonly used by members of the military and police officers (A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied the Navy SEALs on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden). Theyre a high-strung breed that Wilson admits probably wouldnt be an ideal choice for everyone.

Theyre really high drive, and theyre really intense, she said. But the pair just meshed, she said. Theyve since traveled around the country together with Wilsons fiance, Connor who was with Wilson Thursday to escort Eva home to the duck and turkey farm theyre starting in rural Trinity County, a place where Eva has lots of room to roam.

Eva is as close to a kid as she can come, Wilson said. I raised her from when she was a little, little baby. And shes always been really affectionate and really just a loving dog. And so, you know, you get a really close bond.

When they got to the Redding animal hospital, Eva was loaded on a stretcher and raced inside for treatment.

It was only then that Wilson said she thought about getting treated for her own wounds. Wilson only has a few bruises and scratches  thanks to Evas heroics.

State officials visited both Eva and the Wilson as they were beginning their investigation and hunt for the cat.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy said Thursday that DNA from samples taken off Eva and Wilson came back from a Sacramento-area lab showing that the animal that attacked them was indeed a mountain lion.

Despite thousands of mountain lions sharing California with 39 million people, there have only been around 20 confirmed cougar attacks in California over the past four decades. Three have been fatal.

Foy said Thursday that efforts to trap the mountain lion have so far been unsuccessful. If the cats caught, biologists will use the DNA to confirm its the same animal before deciding whether to kill it. A 1990 voter-approved law that banned mountain lion hunting in California gives wildlife officials discretion to kill mountain lions that attack pets, livestock or people.

As Eva has been recovering, Wilson began getting a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

After leaving the hospital, Wilson set up a GoFundMe account to get help for the vet bills. After Evas heroism became a national news story, more than $32,000 in donations poured in  far exceeding Thursdays vet bill that came to a little more than $3,000.

The money, Wilson said, will be used to pay for any medication Eva needs as well as Wilsons trip to the ER and her shots.

The rest Wilson said she plans to donate, maybe to a Belgian Malinois rescue or to mountain lion conservation and wildlife groups and charities for police and firefighters.

In the meantime, Eva is going to need weeks of rest, soft food, medicine and love.

Wilson knows just what to give her. Lots of treats and stuffed animals.

Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys, she wrote Thursday night on an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sleepy dog snuggling with a red stuffed bone and a couple of pink stuffed animals. She got a milkshake on the way home.

2022 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit at sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Natural News) A claimed infectious disease called monkeypox is spreading throughout Europe and North America, raising fears of another pandemic.

But of course its all an engineered scam, just like COVID.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is caused by the monkeypox virus. Back in 2003, the United States experienced its first serious outbreak of monkeypox with 47 confirmed and probable cases reported in the Midwest.

The current monkeypox outbreak is still quite small. The first case associated with the current outbreak was identified on May 7 in the United Kingdom in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where he or she is believed to have contracted the disease.

Since then, the outbreak has spread throughout parts of Western Europe and into North America. The U.K. has eight confirmed cases, Portugal has 20 and Spain has at least seven cases with another 22 probable infections being investigated. Italy has one confirmed case and Australia has two.

On Wednesday, May 18, the CDC, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, confirmed Americas first case of monkeypox in the current outbreak in a Massachusetts resident who tested positive after returning to the U.S. from a trip to Canada.

Canada itself has two confirmed cases and is investigating 17 suspected infections.

Monkeypox is considered to be a very rare disease. It causes fever, body aches, enlarged lymph nodes and painful, fluid-filled blisters  the pox  on the hands, feet and face. Cases that do not become severe usually resolve within two to four weeks.

Some versions of monkeypox are quite deadly and can kill up to 10 percent of the people it infects. But the version currently spreading around Western Europe and North America is a milder version with a fatality rate of less than one percent.

US orders millions of monkeypox vaccines after one confirmed case

Following confirmation of Americas first case of monkeypox during this outbreak, the federal government immediately ordered millions of doses of a vaccine against the monkeypox virus.

Bavarian Nordic, a Danish biotech company that makes such a vaccine, recently announced that it has received a $119 million order from the federal government, with the option for the White House to spend another $180 million for more vaccines if it wants.

Should this second option be exercised, it would work out to approximately 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine. (Related: US developing lethal, new genetically engineered viruses, including MOUSEPOX and MONKEYPOX will these be used to demand MORE JABS in the name of public safety?)

The federal governments order is for Bavarian Nordic to convert existing smallpox vaccines, which are supposedly already effective against monkeypox, into freeze-dried versions, which will have longer shelf lives. These converted vaccines will be manufactured in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. is not the only country rushing to stock up on the vaccine. Bavarian Nordic said it has secured a contract with at least one country in Europe for vaccines.

While the full circumstances around the current monkeypox cases in Europe remain to be elucidated, the speed at which these have evolved, combined with the potential for infections beyond the initial case going undetected, calls for a rapid and coordinated approach by the health authorities, and we are pleased to assist in this emergency situation, said Bavarian Nordic president and CEO Paul Chaplin in a statement.

For its part, the CDC said it is monitoring six other people who may also have monkeypox. CDC epidemiologist Andrea McCollum said she isnt particularly concerned about the outbreak becoming serious, but potential additional cases are likely.

Learn more about infectious disease outbreaks in the U.S. at Outbreak.news.

Watch this clip from The American Journal of InfoWars as host Harrison Hill Smith asks why the U.S. just rushed to buy 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine despite only a handful of confirmed and probable cases.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO unveils tyrannical amendments in the name of health emergency preparedness.

Bill Gates assembling a 3,000-person vaccine propaganda team to push more LIES and disinformation about vaccines being safe and effective.

Government audit: CDC, FDA, NIH caved to political interference, manipulated data, suppressed findings, altered guidance.

Former Big Pharma employee says entire industry knew engineered COVID-19 pandemic was coming.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org

CDC.gov

Fortune.com 1

Edition.CNN.com

ABC.net.au

Reuters.com

Fortune.com 2

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A claimed infectious disease called monkeypox is spreading throughout Europe and North America, raising fears of another pandemic.

But of course its all an engineered scam, just like COVID.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is caused by the monkeypox virus. Back in 2003, the United States experienced its first serious outbreak of monkeypox with 47 confirmed and probable cases reported in the Midwest.

The current monkeypox outbreak is still quite small. The first case associated with the current outbreak was identified on May 7 in the United Kingdom in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where he or she is believed to have contracted the disease.

Since then, the outbreak has spread throughout parts of Western Europe and into North America. The U.K. has eight confirmed cases, Portugal has 20 and Spain has at least seven cases with another 22 probable infections being investigated. Italy has one confirmed case and Australia has two.

On Wednesday, May 18, the CDC, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, confirmed Americas first case of monkeypox in the current outbreak in a Massachusetts resident who tested positive after returning to the U.S. from a trip to Canada.

Canada itself has two confirmed cases and is investigating 17 suspected infections.

Monkeypox is considered to be a very rare disease. It causes fever, body aches, enlarged lymph nodes and painful, fluid-filled blisters  the pox  on the hands, feet and face. Cases that do not become severe usually resolve within two to four weeks.

Some versions of monkeypox are quite deadly and can kill up to 10 percent of the people it infects. But the version currently spreading around Western Europe and North America is a milder version with a fatality rate of less than one percent.

US orders millions of monkeypox vaccines after one confirmed case

Following confirmation of Americas first case of monkeypox during this outbreak, the federal government immediately ordered millions of doses of a vaccine against the monkeypox virus.

Bavarian Nordic, a Danish biotech company that makes such a vaccine, recently announced that it has received a $119 million order from the federal government, with the option for the White House to spend another $180 million for more vaccines if it wants.

Should this second option be exercised, it would work out to approximately 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine. (Related: US developing lethal, new genetically engineered viruses, including MOUSEPOX and MONKEYPOX will these be used to demand MORE JABS in the name of public safety?)

The federal governments order is for Bavarian Nordic to convert existing smallpox vaccines, which are supposedly already effective against monkeypox, into freeze-dried versions, which will have longer shelf lives. These converted vaccines will be manufactured in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. is not the only country rushing to stock up on the vaccine. Bavarian Nordic said it has secured a contract with at least one country in Europe for vaccines.

While the full circumstances around the current monkeypox cases in Europe remain to be elucidated, the speed at which these have evolved, combined with the potential for infections beyond the initial case going undetected, calls for a rapid and coordinated approach by the health authorities, and we are pleased to assist in this emergency situation, said Bavarian Nordic president and CEO Paul Chaplin in a statement.

For its part, the CDC said it is monitoring six other people who may also have monkeypox. CDC epidemiologist Andrea McCollum said she isnt particularly concerned about the outbreak becoming serious, but potential additional cases are likely.

Learn more about infectious disease outbreaks in the U.S. at Outbreak.news.

Watch this clip from The American Journal of InfoWars as host Harrison Hill Smith asks why the U.S. just rushed to buy 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine despite only a handful of confirmed and probable cases.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO unveils tyrannical amendments in the name of health emergency preparedness.

Bill Gates assembling a 3,000-person vaccine propaganda team to push more LIES and disinformation about vaccines being safe and effective.

Government audit: CDC, FDA, NIH caved to political interference, manipulated data, suppressed findings, altered guidance.

Former Big Pharma employee says entire industry knew engineered COVID-19 pandemic was coming.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org

CDC.gov

Fortune.com 1

Edition.CNN.com

ABC.net.au

Reuters.com

Fortune.com 2

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A claimed infectious disease called monkeypox is spreading throughout Europe and North America, raising fears of another pandemic.

But of course its all an engineered scam, just like COVID.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is caused by the monkeypox virus. Back in 2003, the United States experienced its first serious outbreak of monkeypox with 47 confirmed and probable cases reported in the Midwest.

The current monkeypox outbreak is still quite small. The first case associated with the current outbreak was identified on May 7 in the United Kingdom in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where he or she is believed to have contracted the disease.

Since then, the outbreak has spread throughout parts of Western Europe and into North America. The U.K. has eight confirmed cases, Portugal has 20 and Spain has at least seven cases with another 22 probable infections being investigated. Italy has one confirmed case and Australia has two.

On Wednesday, May 18, the CDC, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, confirmed Americas first case of monkeypox in the current outbreak in a Massachusetts resident who tested positive after returning to the U.S. from a trip to Canada.

Canada itself has two confirmed cases and is investigating 17 suspected infections.

Monkeypox is considered to be a very rare disease. It causes fever, body aches, enlarged lymph nodes and painful, fluid-filled blisters  the pox  on the hands, feet and face. Cases that do not become severe usually resolve within two to four weeks.

Some versions of monkeypox are quite deadly and can kill up to 10 percent of the people it infects. But the version currently spreading around Western Europe and North America is a milder version with a fatality rate of less than one percent.

US orders millions of monkeypox vaccines after one confirmed case

Following confirmation of Americas first case of monkeypox during this outbreak, the federal government immediately ordered millions of doses of a vaccine against the monkeypox virus.

Bavarian Nordic, a Danish biotech company that makes such a vaccine, recently announced that it has received a $119 million order from the federal government, with the option for the White House to spend another $180 million for more vaccines if it wants.

Should this second option be exercised, it would work out to approximately 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine. (Related: US developing lethal, new genetically engineered viruses, including MOUSEPOX and MONKEYPOX will these be used to demand MORE JABS in the name of public safety?)

The federal governments order is for Bavarian Nordic to convert existing smallpox vaccines, which are supposedly already effective against monkeypox, into freeze-dried versions, which will have longer shelf lives. These converted vaccines will be manufactured in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. is not the only country rushing to stock up on the vaccine. Bavarian Nordic said it has secured a contract with at least one country in Europe for vaccines.

While the full circumstances around the current monkeypox cases in Europe remain to be elucidated, the speed at which these have evolved, combined with the potential for infections beyond the initial case going undetected, calls for a rapid and coordinated approach by the health authorities, and we are pleased to assist in this emergency situation, said Bavarian Nordic president and CEO Paul Chaplin in a statement.

For its part, the CDC said it is monitoring six other people who may also have monkeypox. CDC epidemiologist Andrea McCollum said she isnt particularly concerned about the outbreak becoming serious, but potential additional cases are likely.

Learn more about infectious disease outbreaks in the U.S. at Outbreak.news.

Watch this clip from The American Journal of InfoWars as host Harrison Hill Smith asks why the U.S. just rushed to buy 13 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine despite only a handful of confirmed and probable cases.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WHO unveils tyrannical amendments in the name of health emergency preparedness.

Bill Gates assembling a 3,000-person vaccine propaganda team to push more LIES and disinformation about vaccines being safe and effective.

Government audit: CDC, FDA, NIH caved to political interference, manipulated data, suppressed findings, altered guidance.

Former Big Pharma employee says entire industry knew engineered COVID-19 pandemic was coming.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org

CDC.gov

Fortune.com 1

Edition.CNN.com

ABC.net.au

Reuters.com

Fortune.com 2

Brighteon.com
Willow Creek announces staff cuts as pandemic ravages giving, church attendance

Nearly three months after offering his congregants a money-back guarantee if they tithed 10% of their income for a year and are not satisfied, Willow Creek Community Church Senior Pastor David Dummitt recently admitted the "hard reality" that the suburban Chicago megachurch has been forced to cut its staff due to the pandemic's impact on giving.

In a video shared on YouTube earlier this month, Dummitt said that as giving and attendance continued to fall during the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-campus church evaluated its spending habits to identify ways to save.

"Willow is about half of the size we were before COVID, which is right in line with the churches across the country. But as you can see, and as you can imagine, that has fiscal impactions," Dummitt said.

"The rule of thumb for healthy churches is to maintain staffing costs at or below about 50% of your total operating budget. Currently, our staffing comprises 72% of our operating budget. So the hard reality is that we are in the process of rightsizing our staff, which unfortunately means some reductions," he continued. "We know this impacts individuals and families greatly, and we're committed to walking through this in as honoring a way as possible."

Dummitt, hired by Willow Creek shortly after the pandemic began in March 2020, said the church will also be looking at "innovative ways to leverage our facilities for income-generating, community-building opportunities."

On Wednesday, Willow Creek posted a statement on its website stating that the staff cuts will create about $6.5 million in savings and reduce staff expenses to 52% of the church's overall budget in 2023. At the end of 2021, the church was averaging 43% of its 2019 weekly average attendance and saw a decrease in contributions, the statement explains.

"These changes are difficult on staff members whom we love who will no longer have a staff role  some of them have been with us for many years," the statement reads. "We are providing generous financial care for each of these individuals, ranging between three months and one year based on tenure. Those on our healthcare plan will also see their insurance benefits extended. We care deeply for our staff, both those staying and those leaving, and are committed to walking alongside everyone well during this season."

The announcement comes after Dummit made headlines in February when he announced a money-back guarantee on tithes, which could be seen as an attempt to improve the church's struggling finances.

Texas Pastor Robert Morris first pitched the idea. He told Willow Creek congregants that he had been offering the same guarantee to his nearly 40,000-member Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, for 22 years, and no one ever asked for their money back.

"I don't want to exaggerate, but I'm sure thousands and thousands of people, and I'm sure it's multiplied, that have told me some way over the years through email, letters, whatever, 'this changed my life,'" Morris noted in a YouTube clip from his message on tithing the first 10% of one's income.

Morris urged Willow Creek members to take on the challenge.

"You know what? I'm so confident, I'll say it here. You tithe for one year, if you're not fully satisfied, Dave will give you your money back," he said with a chuckle.

Dummitt is shown awkwardly accepting the challenge.

"I'll just go ahead and say, yes. Just like the Lord said, test me in this. I think I'll go ahead and be bold and say if you do this for the year and you are not fully satisfied, we'll give the money back. I like that challenge," he said.

The Christian Post reached out to Willow Creek about the challenge at the time. While Dummitt was not immediately available for an interview, Willow Creek's Marketing and Communications Director Liz Schauer noted in an email that "Our team is still exploring the potential program."

Willow Creek's announcement comes as many churches, including megachurches, have been forced to close, merge with other congregations or get creative to survive the impact of COVID-19.

In January, the Potter's House of Denver announced the intent to sell its $12.2 million, 137,000-square-foot megachurch in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and go completely virtual.
(Natural News) By a vote of 217-207, the House of Representatives just passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to supposedly help lower gas prices across the country. But how come Congress refuses to do the same thing with Big Pharma and its overpriced drug racket?

According to reports, the American government is now inserting itself into the energy markets by deciding which gas stations are setting unconscionably excessive prices and dealing with them accordingly.

If an energy seller is deemed to be exploiting the circumstances related to an energy emergency to increase prices unreasonably, then the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will have the power to take regulatory action.

This presidential emergency, as they are calling it, will last 30 days if passed by both branches of Congress. It could theoretically be renewed indefinitely as the president deems appropriate.

The measure would also prioritize FTC enforcement actions against firms with $500 million or more in annual wholesale or retail consumer fuel sales, reported The Epoch Times.

Only four Democrats voted against the bill along with 203 Republicans. Most Democrats supported it because they say their constituents are experiencing a lot of pain at the pump.

Our residents are so fed up with corporate greed, said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), a supporter of the measure.

Democrats say oil companies are intentionally limiting supply to reap record profits

According to the left, record-breaking energy prices are not a product of shortages but of corporate greed. Oil and gas firms are raking in record profits while Americans suffer. Tlaib pointed to Shell and Chevron as two examples.

Republicans like John Joyce of Pennsylvania, on the other hand, say that government intervention at a time like this will create long lines of cars at the gas station, much like what occurred during the 1970s.

Implementing price controls, he claims, amounts to socialist price fixing. Not only that, but there is plenty of domestic energy that Democrats, for whatever reason, do not want Americans to access.

Instead of creating price controls that would lead to less production and massive gas shortages, we need to rely on the energy that lies beneath the feet of my constituents in Pennsylvania, Joyce said on the House floor.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican from North Dakota, further revealed that the Biden regime is largely to blame for the energy crisis, including with its cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

In response, Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey, said that Republicans are mischaracterizing the scope of the legislation.

Were not giving the FTC the authority to set the price, he said, adding that oil companies dont want to increase production because they are making too much money with artificial scarcity.

You cannot ask oil and gas companies, particularly onshore companies, to increase production when the infrastructure doesnt exist to get that product to market, Armstrong shot back in defense of the Republican position.

In addition to passing the main bill, the House also passed two separate amendments, including one that would mandate an FTC investigation into alleged price gouging, including through cuts to refinery capacity.

The other amendment would create a new FTC unit to monitor fuel markets. (Related: Eco-terrorists in some areas are now smashing gas pumps to protest their alleged impact on climate change.)

The Sierra Club celebrated the bills passage on Twitter, saying it will hold Big Oil accountable while protecting communities from fossil fuel industry greed.

The Senate should act swiftly to pass this critical legislation, the Sierra Club added.

Meanwhile, not a peep can be heard about addressing pharmaceutical industry greed, which has been going on for much longer and at a much greater price to society.

To keep up with the latest news about the energy crisis, visit EnergySupply.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


(Natural News) By a vote of 217-207, the House of Representatives just passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to supposedly help lower gas prices across the country. But how come Congress refuses to do the same thing with Big Pharma and its overpriced drug racket?

According to reports, the American government is now inserting itself into the energy markets by deciding which gas stations are setting unconscionably excessive prices and dealing with them accordingly.

If an energy seller is deemed to be exploiting the circumstances related to an energy emergency to increase prices unreasonably, then the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will have the power to take regulatory action.

This presidential emergency, as they are calling it, will last 30 days if passed by both branches of Congress. It could theoretically be renewed indefinitely as the president deems appropriate.

The measure would also prioritize FTC enforcement actions against firms with $500 million or more in annual wholesale or retail consumer fuel sales, reported The Epoch Times.

Only four Democrats voted against the bill along with 203 Republicans. Most Democrats supported it because they say their constituents are experiencing a lot of pain at the pump.

Our residents are so fed up with corporate greed, said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), a supporter of the measure.

Democrats say oil companies are intentionally limiting supply to reap record profits

According to the left, record-breaking energy prices are not a product of shortages but of corporate greed. Oil and gas firms are raking in record profits while Americans suffer. Tlaib pointed to Shell and Chevron as two examples.

Republicans like John Joyce of Pennsylvania, on the other hand, say that government intervention at a time like this will create long lines of cars at the gas station, much like what occurred during the 1970s.

Implementing price controls, he claims, amounts to socialist price fixing. Not only that, but there is plenty of domestic energy that Democrats, for whatever reason, do not want Americans to access.

Instead of creating price controls that would lead to less production and massive gas shortages, we need to rely on the energy that lies beneath the feet of my constituents in Pennsylvania, Joyce said on the House floor.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican from North Dakota, further revealed that the Biden regime is largely to blame for the energy crisis, including with its cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

In response, Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey, said that Republicans are mischaracterizing the scope of the legislation.

Were not giving the FTC the authority to set the price, he said, adding that oil companies dont want to increase production because they are making too much money with artificial scarcity.

You cannot ask oil and gas companies, particularly onshore companies, to increase production when the infrastructure doesnt exist to get that product to market, Armstrong shot back in defense of the Republican position.

In addition to passing the main bill, the House also passed two separate amendments, including one that would mandate an FTC investigation into alleged price gouging, including through cuts to refinery capacity.

The other amendment would create a new FTC unit to monitor fuel markets. (Related: Eco-terrorists in some areas are now smashing gas pumps to protest their alleged impact on climate change.)

The Sierra Club celebrated the bills passage on Twitter, saying it will hold Big Oil accountable while protecting communities from fossil fuel industry greed.

The Senate should act swiftly to pass this critical legislation, the Sierra Club added.

Meanwhile, not a peep can be heard about addressing pharmaceutical industry greed, which has been going on for much longer and at a much greater price to society.

To keep up with the latest news about the energy crisis, visit EnergySupply.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Yes, Big Pharmas evil agenda is all hidden in plain sight. Welcome to the socio-science-fiction world of Gilead. Imagine for a moment if Hitler had all but won WWII and began his takeover of America in New England. Hitler had used chemical weapons and medical experimentation, made by his Pharma Giant I.G. Farben, to wage genocide in Europe and the world, and if he had succeeded, the Handmaids Tale is a well-painted portrait of his dystopian America-to-be, as a white supremacist, totalitarian police state that has just overthrown the US government.

Welcome to the world of Gilead, a make-believe society built on genocide and slavery, and its all just fiction, or is it? Did you know Gilead Sciences is a real Pharma Giant right now in America? Thats right, Gilead, spelled the same way, and as in the NAZI series Handmaids Tale, manufactures the kidney-decimating, predominantly prescribed drug Remdesivir for COVID-19.

The question looms: Which Gilead are we talking about now, the one that makes designer deadly drugs for COVID or the ones from the HULU series who run a NAZI-style America where the rulers execute all political dissidents in public?

Is Remdesivir a population reduction bioweapon made by Gilead Sciences to help turn America into a NAZI-style police state, just like on TV?

There are many facets of a chemical weapons program, and Hitler knew this well. He used poisonous gas to kill millions of people in gas chambers they thought were showers, and he used medical experimentation to try to design the perfect human race of only white people with blond hair and superior genetics. Today, we see weapons of mass destruction being used by Big Pharma, just as IG Farben, the pharmaceutical giant of WWII, used to destroy the enemy (Jews, Blacks, and anyone with a physical or mental handicap) by the millions.

One facet of the Big Pharma attack on America today involves the drugs prescribed for people who check into hospitals with vaccine-venom-syndrome, also known as the Wuhan Virus SARS-CoV-2. Millions of Americans have been jabbed with experimental vaccine toxins that clog their blood, weaken their immune system, and send them right to the poison well for treatment  Gileads Remdesivir. Today, hospitals get a bonus the sicker you get from VVS and Remdesivir.

Remdesivir may contain ingredients that worsen Vaccine-Venom-Syndrome caused by the Wuhan Flu jabs, aimed at wiping out the weak

After failed clinical trials, the FDA approved Remdesivir for Americans to take while dying from vaccine-induced COVID-19. Gilead Sciences also signed a billion-dollar contract with the European Union to push their monopolistic, kidney-decimating drug on Europeans. Scientists around the world were baffled because Remdesivir clinical trials showed NO IMPACT of treatment for Wuhan virus infection whatsoever, so how did Gilead pull this whole thing off? Clinical trials for Remdesivir were a total bust and proved the drug does NOT reduce mortality or recovery time for people dying from Wuhan Virus.

Then again, do you think there were any clinical trials for Zyklon-B, the IG-Farben-manufactured gas (insecticide) that put millions of concentration camp prisoners to death in WWII? Remember, Nobel Prizes were awarded to the makers of Zyklon B that was used in the gas chambers to kill millions of innocent people. Will Gilead Sciences win a Nobel Prize soon for kidney-decimating Remdesivir?

The US Constitution suspended as Republic of Gilead changes America into military dictatorship where the Commander is a totalitarian scientist  sound familiar?

Imagine if Anthony Fauci was President and everyone knew that COVID vaccines and Remdesivir are designed to methodically kill off the unwanted populace, who are all subservient and feeble. Fauci is the architect of gain of function syndrome, a population reduction bioweapon, just like the Commander in Handmaids Tale is a scientist with control over all womens health and reproductive abilities.

The Republic of Gilead may be fiction in the HULU series, but in America today, if you catch Vaccine-Venom-Syndrome and go to the hospital for treatment, the new Republic of Gilead under the Fauci Regime has nearly every medical doctor in the country prescribing the new intravenously-administered drug called Remdesivir. Its like a chemotherapy drip that nearly guarantees your kidneys fail you (labeled death by Covid).

The state-sanctioned murder of dissidents in Handmaids Tale by Gilead Republic is not much different than the current Biden Regime force-injecting millions of Americans with Vaccine-Venom-Peptides. Instead of Gilead stoning people to death, now the new Gilead just prescribes them to death.

Pfizer, Moderna, Bayer, and Gilead are the I.G. Farben of yesteryear, all set to wipe out at least half of Earths population, and mostly political dissidents

The New World Order is no joke. Its not a fantasy social-science series on streaming services that you just turn off when youre done being entertained. Today, the NWO is attacking without firing a weapon, shooting a missile, or dropping a bomb. Its all about pharmaceuticals and dirty jabs, and the NAZI-run pharmaceutical conglomerate from World War II, Interessen-Gemeinschaft Farbenindustrie, has a few new names.

Handmaids Tale scene were dissident Janine is stoned to death:



Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on experimental Covid vaccines and Gilead medications that are suspected of containing deadly snake venom proteins.

Sources include:

Pandemic.news

Science.org

TruthWiki.org

NaturalNews.com
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.
Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, easily won his partys nomination Saturday to seek a second term, topping challenger Dan Moy at a GOP district convention at Hampden-Sydney College.

Good received nearly 85% of the 1,759 weighted votes from convention delegates. He will seek re-election in a redrawn district that now includes 13,400 voters in northern Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

In a statement Good thanked convention delegates who made the trip to Farmville and backed him to seek another term.

The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. As a result of their policies, the cost of everything, from gas, to groceries, to rent is through the roof. There are shortages on shelves, including needs like baby formula, Good said.

Good, who has asserted that President Joe Biden should be impeached for failing to secure the nations Southern border, added: Our border is being overrun and drugs and criminals are flowing in. Our communities are getting less safe. Our freedoms are under attack.

I believe voters are going to give Republicans a chance to control Congress and stop the Biden agenda in its tracks, Good said. We must rise to that challenge, and do what we say we are going to do.

Good will now face Democrat Josh Throneburg, a minister and small-business owner, in a strong Republican district in which Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by 20 percentage points in the contest for governor. Democrats have not held the 5th District seat since January 2011, after Rep. Tom Perriello lost his re-election bid to Republican Robert Hurt.

This district has lacked real representation for far too long, Throneburg said in a statement. The reality is that Bob Good failed the people he serves. He failed to pass any notable legislation, and he failed to bring any significant projects or federal dollars home to the district.

Working families, veterans, farmers, senior citizens and children have all been left behind in service of Goods endless culture wars.

Good criticized the Democrats focus on combating climate change, asserting that Throneburg would be fighting every day to make gas and other energy costs skyrocket.

All told, the district includes all or part of 24 counties and cities. It stretches from Hanover, west to Albemarle County, and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line. The district includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville.

Goods opponent in Saturdays convention, Dan Moy, a retired Air Force colonel and head of the Charlottesville Republican Committee, asserted that Goods rhetoric in Washington is not helping the GOP.

Two years ago Good unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, in a drive-thru convention in Campbell County.

Also Saturday, Republicans picked nominees in two Northern Virginia congressional districts.

In a firehouse primary in the 10th District, Republicans are choosing a nominee among 11 candidates to run against Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

The contest featured ranked-choice voting. The prospect of multiple rounds of voting left the timing of a result unclear.

Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson led the GOP field in fundraising through May 1, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

The redrawn 10th District, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is competitive. McAuliffe edged Youngkin in the district by fewer than 2 percentage points.

Earlier Saturday, Karina Lipsman easily topped four other candidates and won the right to take on Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, in a heavily Democratic district that McAuliffe carried last year with 72% of the vote.

Lipsman, who was born in Ukraine and has worked in the financial and defense industries, led the field in fundraising through May 1.

The district includes a swath of Fairfax County and all of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

Voters will settle a number of Virginias congressional nominations in June 21 state-run primaries.

Beyer, who has held the 8th District seat since 2014, faces a Democratic primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh, a party activist in Arlington who works in the tech industry.






Haiti - News : Zapping...





Corruption investigation at Customs

The General Directorate of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), following reports and suspicions of corruption denounced, within the General Administration of Customs (AGD), an investigation was opened. A search was carried out on Friday May 20, 2022 at the premises of the General Directorate of the AGD by ULCC investigators.



Kidnapping attempt foiled

The police officers assigned to the Bon Repos sub-police station thwarted on May 19 around 9:40 in the evening, at Canaan 2 at the level of the "Nadal" Bridge, an attempted kidnapping on the person of Me Jean Wesly Merilus, Lawyer of the Bar of the Croix-des-Bouquets. The individuals opened fire on the police who responded, putting the kidnappers to flight.



Work stoppage announced at HUEH

Following the kidnapping Tuesday, May 17 of the medical director of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36696-haiti-news-zapping.html Dr. Jacques Pierre Pierre, the residents' committee of the HUEH announces a work stoppage until the release of the doctor.



DR : 325 Haitians repatriated to Haiti in 24 hours

Friday, May 20, 2022, 325 Haitians in an irregular migration situation (85%) out of the 385 arrested during the operation carried out the day before by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) at Cite Juan Bosch https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36705-haiti-flash-illegal-haitians-attack-dominican-immigration-staff.html , were repatriated to Haiti. 250 in 7 trucks around 7:00 a.m. and 75 more around 1:30 p.m. 60 of the 385 Haitians arrested were released after verification because they demonstrated that they were legal: Dominican identity card (cedula), residence permit, student card with an expiry date in 2023, up-to-date visa and other permits...



"Comme il Faut S.A." suspends its social programs and projects

The Compagnie des Tabacs Comme il Faut S.A. announces that it is suspending its social programs and projects. She postpones its distribution campaign and promotion of bonuses for its 95th birthday, following the hijacking on May 11, 2022 at the bottom of Delmas of a convoy of 5 trucks containing 4,860 cases of cigarettes, "Comme il faut" of a market value of more than one million US dollars https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-36650-icihaiti-insecurityhijacking-of-5-comme-il-faut-cigarette-trucks.html



"Haiti is a collapsed State" according to Leonel Fernandez

During his participation in the lunch of the "Corripio Communications Group" The former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, declared "[...] Currently, more than a failed state, Haiti is a collapsed State, because it does not There is no longer any authority in this country and this obliges us to strengthen our security mechanisms."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


With the World Health Organization (WHO) set to discuss a global pandemic treaty and far-reaching amendments to the 2005 International Health Regulations, we sit down with Dr. David Bell, an expert in global health and infectious disease.

Even though it doesnt directly change sovereignty, in effect, it does. It takes away the ability of the people of that country to make their own decisions, says Dr. Bell.

And more importantly, these proposals will create a bureaucracy whose existence is dependent on pandemics, says Dr. Bell. Theyll have a very vested interest in finding outbreaks, declaring them potential pandemics, and then responding. Its the way that they will survive.

And it appears that they will make lockdowns a permanent feature of pandemic responses, Dr. Bell says.

Dr. Bell is a public health physician. He has previously worked at the World Health Organization, as programme head for malaria and febrile diseases at the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) in Geneva, and as director of Global Health Technologies at the Intellectual Ventures Global Good Fund. He is now on the board of Pandemics, Data, and Analytics (PANDA), a group studying the worlds response to COVID-19.

Below is a rush transcript of this American Thought Leaders episode from May 21, 2022. This transcript may not be in its final form and may be updated.

Jan Jekielek: Dr. David Bell, such a pleasure to have you on American Thought Leaders.

David Bell: Thank you. Its good to be here.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, so were going to talk about something that everyone is buzzing about right now, this pandemic treaty. Ive heard it also called the pandemic accord. Also, the International Health Regulations that are being looked at simultaneously, this zero draft document, which recently, again, is a lot of people are commenting on. Theres a lot of really scary things being said about it.

Before we jump into that, okay, I want to get you just to tell me a little bit of how you have been over decades involved in the realm of global public health so people understand where youre coming from.

Mr. Bell: So Im a public health physician by background and had internal physician training before that, PhD in population health, which include disease modeling and infectious disease. So I have a background in the area of disease outbreaks, et cetera. I worked in the World Health Organization for about eight years, coordinating the rollout of malaria diagnostics at a village level. So its this global role based in the Philippines, in the original office there, and then led the fever and malaria portfolios at FIND, which is a foundation in Geneva, developing diagnostics or funding that.

Mr. Bell: I was Director of Global Health Technologies at Global Good Fund, which is or was essentially Bill Gates gates development lab in Seattle or in Bellevue, just out of Seattle. So what has happened in the last two years is not out of the blue, firstly. Theres been some shifts that we can go into towards the direction of verticalization and centralization of health control.

It was clear in February-March, 2020, that orthodox public health was essentially being abandoned in the response to COVID-19, and we never undid these lockdowns, and lockdown was a term that was used and its never been used before. Its not a public health term before that. So this is a new concept. So yeah, as this stretch out, I mean, its very clear from basic public health that something like what we now call a lockdown will be very harmful to a lot of people and to the population overall, and thats just orthodox public health.

When these were being pushed and we had modeling, giving numbers of dead without any relationship to age or comorbidities or the harm that a response would do, and public health, again, is weighing cost and benefits. Anything you do is going to have some cost and hopefully some benefits. Whether you do it and whether you keep doing it depends on knowing that the benefits are outweighing the cost. Those benefits are in health, which is broad. Its not just physical, but as WHO says its mental and societal health.

Its also in things like human rights. Its in the ability of families to get together and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner or see their dying loved ones. So its very clear that a lot of harm will be caused by lockdowns. There was very little noise about this. In the media, there was a very strange concentration on numbers dead. So New York Times every day would have 260 dead, 300 dead, no relationship to were these people very sick and soon to die anyway, how old were they, and it turns out they were the average age of death, though mainly were old people.

There was no context at all to any of this. It was just numbers out of the blue. No one could understand that, yes, but much more people died of cancer today or heart disease today, which has been the case right through. In the global health, international health field, the same thing was happening. We were locking down countries that were intrinsically not at risk from COVID from the beginning because we knew it was very much from China. We knew it was concentrated on old people or not exclusively, obviously, but very significantly and also on people with severe comorbidity, so metabolic disease, diabetes, obesity, et cetera.

If you look at countries such as in Sub-Saharan Africa, theres very few people in those categories. Theres less than 1% of the 1.3 billion people there are over 70. Half of people in Sub-Saharan Africa are 19 years or younger, so what we could class as children in the West. So they were very low risk of this virus, but yet we were doing the same thing. We were saying they should all close down, and we know in these countries, closing borders, forcing unemployment, closing markets are making health access, clinic access difficult, has huge implications. Its extremely harmful as is harming economies.

So we were doing this, but almost not talking about it, and from a public health point of view, its not really a sane response. So like many people, but unfortunately I think not enough, I got very concerned over the direction.

Mr. Jekielek: So theres these two elements that are going on here and simultaneously being looked at, right? Theres this pandemic treaty, theres this zero draft paper that was written up after some meetings earlier this month thats looking to build that treaty in the coming year. At the same time, theres these international health regulations that are being updated. I believe its the 2005 regulations. If you could just break down for me what is happening with these regulations, then well go into the implications.

Mr. Bell: Yeah, yeah, and theres a bit of misunderstanding about this. So the International Health Regulations were brought in in 2005 stimulated a bit by the SARS outbreak in 2003, which shook people up because it was a bad virus. It didnt kill many people, a few thousand people max, but it made a lot of noise and got people unfortunately excited about pandemics and I saw that in my colleagues in public health because a lot of public health isnt eye-catching and strengthening access to clinics, training health workers, does not get on the BBC, but being the team that goes in and fights an outbreak or that vaccinates kids and saves this number from this disease, does get on the BBC and is exciting, and we are all human. I think what weve been seeing is partly human response in the global health community, the public health community to this is much more exciting than the usual stuff and so they want to do it.

So the International Health Regulations were brought in 2005 that have been amended a couple times since. They already give quite strong powers. They have four site international law, and they give quite strong powers potentially to the director general of the WHO to declare pandemics and strongly recommend, which is very persuasive under this agreement, the closure of borders and the transfer of information, et cetera, about whats going on and gives the WHO some powers in theory to manage pandemics.

The way that international law has power varies by country-by-country. So there is already international law in place in this area. The IHR amendments, which are being put to the world health assembly next week, the governing body of the WHO, they strengthen the existing IHR in a number of ways. These include taking away the necessity of consulting with a country where the outbreak is taking place for the DG. They give regional directors, and theres six of them in the different WHO regions, the power to declare these outbreaks and health emergencies themselves, and it puts in place, which in a way is most worrying to me, a mechanism called a periodic review mechanism. It appears to be modeled on what the human rights council does in the UN.

So it will review countries every year, review their pandemic preparedness, see if theyre complying with the IHR recommend slash tell them to improve things that arent up to scratch. So this will include inspections and just starting to build a bureaucracy around the existence of pandemics. I think this is more dangerous than the health regulations themselves. The health regulations can be overridden in most countries by international law. Its very hard for a small country, its easy for a big country because theyre more powerful, but building a pandemic bureaucracy or pandemic industry like this, which is building on whats already been done over the last decade, is dangerous because it is going to shift resources to this area. So in a way, that is detrimental to overall health.

So the treaty, as its called, is a parallel mechanism of the WHO. This will also have force. Its intended under international law. Its very similar to IHR amendments, but will go further, but it is giving far more power to the WHO. It will strengthen the ability further of the director general to direct this. It mentioned in its text issues such as misinformation, disinformation, et cetera. So it sounds as if it will look at having some powers over censorship and control of information, which again is extremely difficult if youve got a bureaucracy whose existence is dependent on pandemics because theyll have a very vested interest in finding outbreaks, declaring them potential pandemics, and then responding. Its the way that they all survive.

Mr. Bell: So the zero draft that is going also to the World Health Assembly this week is an initial working document towards this pandemic treaty, which its intended will be discussed and agreed next year in the WHO, in the World Health Assembly, and would then come into force when countries ratify, et cetera. Itll take two-thirds of the countries to agree to that, the IHR amendments, say, 50% because its just amending what is already in international law.

Mr. Jekielek: So I wanted to actually talk about something that I got recently from Congressman Chris Smith. He offered commentary on the US amendments, what he calls the Biden amendments that are being proposed to the work that is being done here. He said the alarming amendments offered by the Biden administration to the WHOs international health regulations would grant new unilateral authority to Director General Tedros to declare a public health crisis in the United States or other sovereign nations, without any consultation with the US or other WHO member. Specifically, the Biden amendment would strike the current regulation that requires the WHO to consult with an attempt to obtain verification from the state party in whose territory the event is allegedly occurring in, and in seeding the United States ability to declare and respond to an infectious disease outbreak within the United States dependent on the judgment of a corrupt and complicit UN bureaucracy. Of course, he flags, this is something hes been talking about for decades, the potential CCP, Chinese Communist Party malign influence. What are your thoughts?

Mr. Bell: The wording is something like there should be an attempt at consultation, but if the country says that this is their business, go away, the WHO is now empowered to ignore that. This has very big implications. Closing borders in a lot of countries kills people. It interrupts supply lines. It destroys a tourist industry on which a lot of people and a lot of countries are dependent. We dont realize in the West, but in low middle income countries, these issues, peoples livelihoods are dependent on this. It has huge implications for trade and economies, and we are giving the power to a person and an emergency committee, which the DG consults with, which is being set up under the IHR amendment, but he is not required to go with that committees finding. He can override that committee and still declare a public health emergency if he or she thinks they should.

The same power is given to these six regional directors, which is new. So you can see the potential where countries can influence these individuals and the organization to target another country or indeed private interests can influence these people, and its important for people to understand that WHO is different now than it was when it was set up 70 years ago. It was set up funded by countries almost exclusively with core funding. They gave money, allocated money, and the WHO decided how best to spend that.

Now, most of the funding is directed funding, which means is given to the WHO to do this task or that activity. So the donor decides where the money will be spent and can be very directive. Ive seen it to the point of these are the people who should be involved in the work, and this is where it will be done, et cetera. This is a timeline.

The other big change is theres a very large increase in private funding and corporate funding for the WHO. So rather than being just responsible to the funders who represent people, their countries, it is now also responsible to the funders who are private individuals or corporations such as big pharma who had large direct and indirect funders of WHO.

There are obvious implications there if this is an organization, which is deciding essentially the issues that have a huge impact on the health and freedom of people and populations that there are private corporate interests whose job is to maximize return for their shareholders, who can through funding direct the direction of the WHO and clearly have an influence on its decisions.

Mr. Jekielek: Now, thats absolutely fascinating, and I want to talk more about that because, obviously, theres many, many implications of this shift, and I mean, having worked in a Gates-funded lab, youve probably seen some of these implications actually in play. Before I go there, I want to talk again and go back to the lockdowns that you were talking about earlier, right? A number of commentators, and this is also my read, are seeing this as a codification of the lockdown policies that were instituted in the past despite their incredible failure, frankly, and just this whole thing just seems like a very, very bizarre thing, and is that how you see it?

Mr. Bell: It is bizarre, but its not bizarre, depending on your point of view. From a public health point of view, it is bizarre. So pandemics come very infrequently. The WHO lists, before COVID there was four pandemics in 120 years. The big one was the Spanish flu, 1918 to 1919, killed 20 to 50 million people, but probably the majority of those have thought to have died from secondary pneumonia because we didnt have antibiotics, yeah? Before that, the big pandemics, the Black Death, et cetera. There were mostly bacteria such as bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, which are now not a big problem because we have antibiotics, which despite resistances on, still work very well.

Mr. Bell: After the Spanish flu, we had the influenza outbreak. It was called the Asian flu in 57 to 58. There was another, 68 to 69, the Hong Kong flu. Thats when Woodstock went ahead. I mean, life went on normally during these. Theres about a million people are thought to have died from influenza in each in a much smaller world population. Then we had, WHO listed as a pandemic, the swine flu outbreak. They declared it a pandemic, but between 120 and 240,000 people were thought to have died. Thats less than dying normally from the flu each year.

So pandemics, apart from the pre-antibiotic era have had very low mortalities. We can get to COVID in a moment, and theyre very infrequently, occurred once a generation. So there is not a rush to change things now in terms of pandemics, unless people think that theres another pandemic. I mean, naturally, it doesnt make sense that theres going to be another pandemic very soon. So lets assume that theres only natural forces here and that we can put concerns of bioterrorism, et cetera aside. its a different issue.

So theyre a rare event, and the lockdowns, as I said, theyre a new way of doing things. We know that theyre very harmful. So 2019, so just before COVID, late 2019, the WHO released its pandemic influenza guidelines, where they said only in extreme conditions do you have prolonged border closes, workplace closes, et cetera. They strongly recommend against them because they pointed out that they can do more harm than good.

We know that the numbers are pretty shocking for what has been done from these lockdowns. So we know just about 140 million people or more have been added to people on the edge of starvation, and thats likely to get worse. Weve damaged supply lines and malaria has gone up. So malaria last 2020, an 60,000-70,000 children died of malaria compared to the previous year, and much of this will be because they couldnt get to clinics when they had a fever.

TB, HIV, we know will be going up. The vaccine programs for preventable childhood diseases have been severely harmed in a lot of countries. So we expect more children die from that. Schools have been closed, which has a huge impact on the future in terms of ability for people to get out of poverty and get their countries out of poverty. Its estimated, UNICEF, I think, estimates an extra 10 million girls will be forced into child marriage because of closure of schools and poverty. UNICEF also, they calculated in 2020 alone in South Asia, so India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, that area, six countries, about 228,000 children, infants, are thought to have died from lockdowns alone and an extra 400,000 teenage pregnancies. So thats just in South Asia. Thats just in 2020 alone from lockdowns.

So extrapolate that across the world. Its hard to see that we have not caused far more mortality from the lockdowns than from COVID itself. Even the world banks or the global financing facility is harmed. The world bank has estimated among women and children that probably true have died from lockdown for everyone that died of COVID.

So we know weve done this huge harm. To their credit, UNICEF have documented this very well. Oxfam, even WHO with malaria, et cetera, were documenting these harms. Yet, we are also in parallel pushing very rapidly these IHR amendments and this treaty as its called, which will make lockdowns, essentially it seems, a permanent feature of pandemic responses.

So without any detailed analysis, did this really help versus harm? So weve done huge harm, and weve done it in just one or two years. If we keep doing this, this will be cumulative. Poverty is cumulative. Interrupting supply lines is cumulative harm. So we can expect both in terms of health, in terms of womens rights, basic human rights, education, GDP of countries, which has a big impact on health, particularly in low income countries, we can expect that we will compound this every time this happens. Were building out a bureaucracy whose existence will be dependent on surveilling to try to find various outbreaks, doing modeling, which could suggest, and if you look at the modeling used in COVID, will suggest therell be exponential growth, which is not really biologically plausible, and then that will be used to institute pandemics to close borders, to do these things because without this, this bureaucracy, theyre touting three to 10 billion dollars a year to fund this bureaucracy and this response.

You cant justify that money unless youre doing something. So they theyll need to be declaring outbreaks and instituting these measures. So we are putting in place extremely harmful measure without having done any serious analysis on whether its even a good idea, was it a bad mistake or was it overall benefit the last time we did it, which is the previous two years, and were doing it to something which is not an urgent matter in historic terms, and certainly not compared to disease burden from other diseases, even through COVID. More people die of other infectious diseases. More people die of metabolic diseases, cancer, and they die much younger on average than COVID.

Mr. Jekielek: So let me see if Im hearing you correctly here, right? You said its bizarre, but its not bizarre, right? Essentially, I think youre saying that this is being codified possibly be simply to justify the existence of this new bureaucracy funded to the tune of multiple billions a year.

Mr. Bell: So it makes sense to have surveillance for outbreaks, clearly, yeah? It makes sense to have some sort of response. The response that has happened for COVID is unusual in public health. Its very vertical. Its very pharmaceutically oriented. It included measures, which we know reduce the ability to fight viral infections, so confined people to their homes, kept them out of the sun. We had seen an increase in obesity in children and adults in the US because gyms are closed. Theres less exercise. People cant go walking, et cetera. So that all makes us more susceptible. COVID is very much a disease of, its a metabolic disease as much as a viral disease if you  A large proportion of the people who died from COVID have severe metabolic disease, and that is why their immune system was unable to cope with this virus, but a lot of people have made a lot of money out of this, and you dont make money by getting people fit or not much. You make a lot of money by selling vaccines.

So the people who made that money are very influential as we know in pushing these measures. So you can say that thats related. You can say its coincidental, but people who are outspoken in doing away with orthodox public health and saying, We should lockdown. We should put people out of workplaces. We should close gyms. We should stop travel, and theyve generally kept traveling noticeably, but theyve also made tens of billions of dollars from this unusual response, and they are also significant in people and corporations, and they are also significant in funding the WHO and in pushing the same agenda of building this bureaucracy to fight pandemic.

So weve seen the GERM initiative, for instance, which is a private recommendation from Bill Gates to do essentially the same thing as is being recommended in the WHO proposed treaty. There are also other parallel mechanisms by the world bank and the IMF, et cetera, which are also allocating money towards either the same or parallel bureaucracy. Normally, and in the past, WHO was very strict on conflict of interest. Normally, if someone is making lots and lots of money from a particular public health measure, you are not saying that theyre causing it, but you would exclude them from any involvement in decisions.

Its just common sense. Its the way that you manage society to manage conflict of interest and so on because were all human, but we are seeing the opposite. Were seeing large donors who have no specific background in public health. Were seeing the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies being in the mainstream media as the gurus of public health without any clear statements along with that this person or this company has just made tens of billions of dollars from exactly what theyre advocating. So yeah.

So if you look at this from a business point of view, its not mad, its a very sensible business strategy. If you have essentially an amoral attitude to business, if you are trying to maximize returns to your shareholders, and youre running a pharmaceutical, then you dont concentrate on getting people physically well so that they can have natural resistance to disease. You concentrate on selling the product for the disease that they have, and the more people have a disease, the more you sell that product. I mean, thats how a business makes more money.

So in public health, its absolutely vital to exclude any possibility of that influencing population health. For the last two years, weve seen quite the opposite in the media and, unfortunately, I think in the international health institutions and their leaders who are really, clearly working closely with these groups rather than keeping them at arms length.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, lets dive in to how this funding structure has changed over past years. This is actually quite, quite interesting. For example, its pretty obvious that Bill Gates has a lot of influence at the WHO. I think his foundations are the number two funder of the organization. Of course, not all, of course. You were talking about pharmaceutical companies funding all sorts of directed projects. So theres two things I want to discuss. One is how that landscape has really changed over the past years and how we arrived at this situation that you just described over the last two years. Thats one piece. Then the second piece is, basically, what are the implications of these types of structures where very, very directed funding is going for very directed work that I suppose might be in the direct interest of the funder, right?

Mr. Bell: If you go back 25 years, there was the World Health Organization and then some organizations like UNICEF, et cetera, that were involved in global health, public health. It was called tropical health or international health then, and not many others. So there were schools that concentrated on this, but they were low-funded. Disease programs in countries had very low funding. Around the year 2000, a lot of money started to become available initially from countries. The global fund for AIDS, TB, and malaria was instituted to fight those three diseases.

The idea was that it would be a conduit for money to the countries. Its now grown into quite a big bureaucracy, but its become the main funder internationally of HIV, TB, and malaria with the exception of HIV where PEPFAR and the US government has a very big separate fund, and it puts out about three or four billion dollars a year for these diseases, and thats mostly country money, but its also private money.

It had a big impact. It was good at the time, and it still does a lot of useful things because giving a lot of money for these diseases will help by basic drugs for malaria, et cetera, diagnostics, drugs for HIV, et cetera. Its keeping a lot of people alive who would otherwise die. So this influx money was in many ways a very good thing for a lot of people, but it brought with it the idea of particularly public-private partnerships, where the private sector would partner with the public sector because the public sector didnt have much money and the private sector did. So it seems, again, a good thing. Youre bringing more money to the problem. Youre bringing private sector expertise, et cetera, on running programs.

The problem is that along with that, clearly, the private sector has to have other agendas because they have shareholders that they have to please. So inevitably, you start shifting in a certain direction, and that is not going to be towards the classics or the WHO horizontal idea of health where communities are empowered to manage their own health and decide their own priorities. Its going to be towards stuff that you can make money from, so particularly vertical approaches and commodity-based.

So then other organizations started cropping up. So Gavi, which concentrates on vaccination and getting vaccines out and mostly vaccines for vaccine-preventable diseases for children. So again, in essence, a good thing. Unitaid was set up, which is all these, and Gavi and Unitaid have both private and country money again.

The WHO, officially, the World Health Assembly, its just country, so that in theory is the governance of WHO. Gavi and Unitaid, and CEPI, which is a newer one, which is just concentrated on pandemics and started a few years ago, they also have private influence on the board, and these organizations also have far lacks of rules in terms of accepting private money and corporate money. So theyre quite significantly financed from the private sector, and they also give money to WHO so they could be a conduit for private sector money to WHO.

So with this more money, which can be a good thing, we have this increasing, particularly Western corporate influence on global health by companies and by individuals who have investments in companies who will make a lot more profit if they sell more commodities to these countries. So you immediately have this conflict of interest arising, and that doesnt appear to have been managed very well. Certainly, I think in COVID-19 were seeing apparently where that is led. So the response now is not that surprising given what has happened and the way that health has changed and the significant increase of private sector and corporate influence over the direction of global policy.

Mr. Jekielek: So the question thats just coming to my mind, again, I have to think about this lockdown policy that is so different from everything that was acceptable in 2019 as you outlined earlier, right? It wasnt just the US that the did this. It wasnt just China that did this. It was, frankly, most countries. Theres a few very, very stark outliers in States, in the US, and so forth, but almost everybody did this. So is this, I guess, the power to institute, to influence this policy, is that already sitting at the WHO or somewhere else or where is that?

Mr. Bell: So the power to recommend it is there. Where the countries bow that power varies. So we saw countries this time such as Sweden, Tanzania, a few others that did not lockdown, did not institute masking policies, et cetera, and they appear to have had the same COVID mortality as other countries, and it appears that theyre having less collateral damage, which isnt surprising. We dont expect these policies to really help within their alliance respiratory virus overall. They may slow it down slightly. If youre locking down countries like India or parts of Africa or other fairly dense population centers, youre not stopping people from interacting with each other. People live in very high density situations. They need to go out every day to get food. They dont have refrigerators. They need to go to communal toilets, whatever. I mean, theyre going to keep interacting and they have to go to markets, but all youre doing is stopping them from getting any income.

So instead of being at risk of the virus on an income, theyre at risk of the virus with no income. So we dont expect that really to help. In Western countries, again, we saw, I mean, the policies are very strange on things like curfews, I mean, as if the virus only spreads after 10:00 PM. So if you stop people from going out at 10:00 PM, youll stop the spread. Its just that, I mean, really, these are the ludicrous things to do from a public health point of view.

We knew very early on that it was concentrated particularly on old people and people who were already sick with metabolic disease. So we could have concentrated on them, and a lot of people advocated for that, but the idea of locking down children and working age adults who are fit and well and are intrinsically very low risk from this virus and thereby putting them at all these other public health risks, it is not irrational response.

Mr. Jekielek: So yet what youre describing as an irrational response ostensibly and with the data to support that it isnt a good response widely available now is essentially being codified as a way to deal with pandemics going forward with a massive bureaucracy. People are describing this as a power grab. Never let a good crisis go to waste is another euphemism that I hear often. I mean, so everything youre telling me right now, I keep coming back to this, what is going on, right? Is this whats going on?

Mr. Bell: Yeah, and its hard for me to see the WHO, in a way, running a power grid. The WHO is influenced by the countries, which comprise its assembly, is influenced by the private donors and the corporate donors who funded a lot of its programs. So it responds to those who direct it. So it certainly is pushing a very new way of managing health and of managing decision making in health, particularly in outbreaks that is clearly to the advantage of these donors of WHO. That is also potentially because of the harm it seems to be doing to economies and democracy. Its potentially to the advantage of certain countries within WHO as well.

The world is a diverse place. Not all countries agree with each other. So it would be strange if countries werent taking advantage of this whole situation to further their strategic interests over the interest of other countries.

Mr. Jekielek: One of the concerns a number of commentators have about this pandemic treaty and this upgrade to the regulations is a loss of sovereignty. What do you think?

Mr. Bell: So it depends on the country, but it has to be ratified to come into force, but if WHO can override countries and recommend border closures, et cetera, irrespective of the countrys intent, then it does take away, in effect, its taking away sovereignty. It can isolate a country and cause huge economic harm against that countrys wishes. So it can be used as an instrument to target countries, to target certain regions, and it is extremely difficult for small countries to oppose these international laws because then other countries who back then can introduce sanctions or there can be monitor instruments from the IMF and world bank that are withheld, et cetera. So there are a lot of ways that even though it doesnt directly change sovereignty, in effect it does. It takes away the ability of the people of that country to make their own decisions.

Mr. Jekielek: Again, not to beat a dead horse here, but for countries that do have huge influence of the WHO or private institutions that have huge influence of over the WHO, that seems to be giving them a lot of power to dictate effectively policy of other countries.

Mr. Bell: Absolutely. Yes. If we build this bureaucracy, a lot of the funding will be directly or indirectly from these private interests. We will have hundreds, perhaps thousands of people in these organizations that depend on pleasing a donor to keep their job and keep the job of those around them, keep their pension fund, keep their health benefits, et cetera. So there is a big incentive structure in these organizations to please the donor. People for good reasons want to keep their team funded, keep their coworkers in a job, but the effect of that is that you end up giving very strong influence to these interests, these funders.

So if they need a very low threshold for declaring a public health emergency and having teams go and investigate in these countries, then they will do that. If you surveil with PCR tests or whatever for viruses, youll find them. The definition of a pandemic, importantly, is if the WHO doesnt include severity. Its very loose definition. Its not clearly defined within the WHO, but it is essentially a widespread of a pathogen, a virus, bacteria. It doesnt have to kill people. It doesnt have to be severe. It has to be widespread. The rhinovirus, lots of viruses are widespread. New viruses, respiratory virus will always become widespread.

In these regulations, the international health regulation amendments and in the draft ideas for the pandemic treaty, you dont have to have a pandemic. You have to have a threat for a pandemic. The treat zero draft envisions private sector involvement in this, in data gathering, in modeling, predictive modeling as we saw last time, COVID, and in the response. So it doesnt have to be a severe pandemic or a severe outbreak, a severe disease. It doesnt even have to break out much. It just has to be something they notice that is new, that is a threat. So yeah, its something that can be used almost perpetually to institute local, regional or global lockdowns and interruption of trade and all that goes with it and the harms that accrue from those.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, and I understand that these organizations arent just funding these international organizations. Theyre funding related organizations.

Mr. Bell: Well, they are. We have the same predominant funders now funding the training colleges. So theres been a proliferation of global health schools or global health colleges, theyre called, within universities, particularly in North America, also in Europe, and they receive partial or very significant funding from the same sources, private sources, and theyre for very clearly specified purposes.

So this is training the people who work in these organizations. Theyre funding the research for a lot of these diseases now from the modeling group. So in COVID, there is a very significant impact of modeling, which turned out to be well-off mark from Imperial College in London and from IHME at the University of Washington in the US. Theyre both funded very heavily from the same source.

So in the zero draft of the treaty, the WHO treaty thats being proposed, there is a specific mention of the inclusion of private research, private data gathering, private predictive modeling, so non-government, within the program that is being proposed that will assess whether a pandemic should have a response or an outbreak should have a response and, therefore, whether pharmaceutical companies, for instance, will make lots of money or not.

So yeah, these conflicts of interests arent just at the WHO level. The whole system has gone this way, and it may be for good intent. People want to spend their money on something that is useful, but in the end, it means that one person or one very small group of individuals is extremely influential. They have a different background than most other people. Their priorities are different. They have other interests that theyre protecting. These people, these corporations, et cetera, are doing what the colonial companies of Britain and Holland and so on did in the past.

So its very much a form of colonialism. Theyre really controlling the lives of populations in other countries to quite a large extent by owning this whole process from top to bottom, that you are making decisions that you think are best and that your funder thinks are best, but not necessarily that the people that are going to suffer the consequences think the best.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, what youre describing, of course, is rife with potential conflicts of interest and also creates this opportunity for a group think, even among a small group of people. If those people are experiencing group think, suddenly that can get implemented at a global scale it would seem.

Mr. Bell: Very much so, yeah. Weve seen that in all aspects of the last two years where its extremely difficult for professionals to step out of line. So it is group think, but with the hammer in the background as well that you could lose your job if you dont comply.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, so maybe I want to finish up with just your motivation because what youre doing, what youre talking about here in this interview is very, very different from what a lot of people in your field, in these international organizations or global funds or so forth are actually doing and saying. So what is it that is making you do this a little bit differently or a lot differently?

Mr. Bell: Well, firstly, Im not alone. Im part of an organization, organization PANDA, which is trying to promote really open discourse and honest debate and evidence in science and public health. There are other organizations trying to address this as well. Public health is about costs and benefits. You cant be a public health physician without weighing these up for a new intervention and figuring out whats the best way to address the populations need. If you are actively doing harm, its not really an excuse to say that youre following orders.

So there are people in these organizations who are clearly trying to put out data on the harm thats being done. UNICEF and others have put out very useful information on this thats really important but seems to be ignored. The same organization, which is dedicated to vaccinating children, is now the lead implementer for COVAX, which is COVID-19 vaccination in low income countries.

So we know that from a recent study, which included WHO and CDC personnel, that almost everyone in Africa is now immune to COVID. They were immune back in  There was over 70% estimated back in September 2021, that was before Omicron. So were going to assume everyones immune. We know that natural immunity is as good or better than COVID vaccination, but we have UNICEF at the same time leading this push to vaccinate all these already million people at a cost that theyre talking about 35 billion dollars globally, and to give one booster, the cost would then go up to about 61 billion.

So youre talking about 20 times or 15 times what we spend every year on malaria, and this is just for a vaccine which doesnt stop transmission. So yeah, this is insane. It doesnt make sense. So its hard to go along with because you cant go away with something which is not just insane, but is doing a lot of specific harm to people. It doesnt fit with what public health is supposed to be. Rational thought has gone out the window here.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, Dr. David Bell, any final, quick thoughts as we finish?

Mr. Bell: I think its really important that people educate themselves quickly and that they understand the history of pandemics, they understand the real risk and the relatively low risk compared to other diseases, and that they pressure parliaments because its parliament where this will stop or Congress in this country, et cetera. They need to get their local members to ask questions and to demand rational debate around these issues of why are we in such a rush, why are we not looking at the costs as well as the benefits, and just questioning the whole conflict of interest that has grown around this area so that we need to step back and we need our government to insist that everyone steps back, takes a deep breath, and then restructures global health free of conflicts of interest, et cetera, so that we can make rational decisions at a population base and more profit base.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, Dr. David Bell, its such a pleasure to have you on the show.

Mr. Bell: Thanks, Jan. It was a pleasure.

Mr. Jekielek: Thank you all for joining Dr. Bell and me for this episode of American Thought Leaders. Im your host Jan Jekielek.

The Epoch Times is growing quickly and were currently hiring an associate producer to join the Epoch TV team to work on both American Thought Leaders and Cassius Corner. Its a time of rampant misinformation and propaganda, and youll be part of the solution as we bring back honest journalism. If youre interested or you know someone who might be a good fit, head over to ept.ms/associateproducer. Thats ept.ms/associateproducer, all one word. We look forward to hearing from you. Try a 14-day free trial of Epoch TV at ept.ms/freetrialjan. Thats ept.ms/freetrial J-A-N.

Subscribe to the American Thought Leaders newsletter so you never miss an episode.

* Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List.

Follow EpochTV on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV

Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV

Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus

Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV

Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Primary school students harvest new hybrid rice in a paddy field during a themed activity on Aug. 31, 2021 in Chongqing, China. (Chen Shichuan/VCG via Getty Images)

Beijing Re-Instates Labor Courses to Address Manpower Shortage: Former Professor

The Chinese regimes top educational watchdog has again added labor courses to the curricula of primary and secondary schools in China.

From the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, during the Cultural Revolution period, Chinese students had to work in factories or in the countryside, and the communist authorities called this political education campaign learning from the workers and peasants.

The regimes Ministry of Education published in March 2022 Compulsory Education Labor Courses Standards (2022 Edition), which will take effect in September. Official online guidelines require labor courses to average no less than one hour per week in class and one week per school year on the job, which means that students in grades 1 to 9 will have to do manual or physical labor for at least one class hour per week starting in the autumn semester.

Labor education is to be done both on and off campus. Labor skills include cleaning, cooking, handicrafts, manufacturing, services, and others.

For the senior grades, education via labor includes working as volunteers in farm fields, factories, aged care facilities, and disability facilities.

Way to Address Labor Shortage: Former Chinese History Professor

Liu Yinquan, a former professor of history at Weifang University in Chinas eastern Shandong Province, said that the CCPs purpose of re-incorporating labor classes into the curricula is to tackle its shortage of workers.

Because of the one-child policy that had been implemented for a long time, Chinas population has decreased sharply. On top of that, a big issue the CCP now faces is that fewer and fewer young people are willing to be a worker, a farmer, or a cleaner. There is not going to be enough workforce [in China], said Liu in a recent interview with the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times.

China recorded a net growth of 480,000 people in 2021, according to a news portal of the regimes Xinhua newsgroup, in February 2022.

A statistical bulletin of the Ministry of Education in August 2021 revealed that there were 156 million primary and secondary students, from grades one to nine, in 2020.

Liu expressed his worries about the health of students doing the labor courses.

There must be professionals in this area to calculate childrens labor time, and their hygiene and safety must be taken care of, Liu said.

According to a report by the CCP mouthpiece Xinhua News Agency in August 2006, due to labor shortages, Xinjiang has organized primary and middle school students and students from college and universities to pick cotton in the fields since 1994. But the Chinese authorities issued a notice in 2006, banning primary pupils in Xinjiang from doing such work because the intensity of labor is not conducive to their physical and mental health.

The 2022 Compulsory Education Labor Courses Standards stipulate that labor education content is arranged in four stages based on the age of the students.

Students in the first two grades are required to learn cleaning and garbage disposal on campus and cooking at home. Older students are required to learn how to grow vegetables and raise household poultry and animals. Grade seven to nine students will learn skills in aquaculture, farming, metalwork, carpentry, electronics, clothing, textile, ceramics, and other industries. They are also required to work as volunteers to help the disabled and take care of the aged people.

Li Xinan contributed to the report.
A large China Mobile advertising board on the side of a building in Hong Kong on March 14, 2010. (Daniel Sorabji/AFP via Getty Images)

Many Provinces Disconnect Receipt of Mobile Calls and SMS From Outside China

While Chinas lengthy and difficult lockdown shows no sign of abating, telecom authorities in many provinces recently stopped cellphone calls and text messages from outside the mainland, including from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, saying it is necessary to prevent fraudulent calls.

The move adds to concerns over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expanding its lockdown and quickly closing the countrys doors, Sheng Xue, a Canada-based Chinese writer, told The Epoch Times sister media NTD on May 15.

Obviously, the CCP is deliberately secluding the country and cutting off contact between Chinese people and the outside world, said Sheng.

According to Chinese official media Xinhua on May 15, customers in Zhejiang Province have already received a message from China Mobile saying Zhejiang Mobile will, by default, halt receipt of international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan calls in order to combat foreign fraudulent calls.

Anyone needing to receive a call from outside China, must request a confirmed registration before May 20, otherwise, the relevant functions will cease, said the message.

China Mobiles Zhejiang Province office confirmed that the message was true and the company was notifying users in batches via SMS.

The regimes in Henan, Jiangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang Provinces shut down Mobiles SMS-receiving functions starting last August, as reported by several Chinese official media.

State-owned China Mobile is the worlds largest mobile network operator with 966.638 million subscribers as of March 2022, covering all of China and Hong Kong.

An office worker talks on a mobile phone in front of a China Unicom logo, California-based Apples partner in China, in Beijing on January 5, 2012. (Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images)

China Mobile is not alone in its move, the other two largest telecom giants, China Unicom and China Telecom, have also disconnected some international call services in some areas of China.

These three carriers control the majority of Chinas cell phone dynamics.

A November 2021 guidance, released to local citizens by the Public Security Bureau of Shantou city, Guangdong Province, said, By subscribing to the three major carriers, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, you can effectively and intelligently intercept the overseas fraudulent calls.

As of May 15, the topics China Mobiles response to the default shutdown of international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan calls and Default shut down in some areas on Sinas Microblogging pages sparked comments or concerns from nearly 2 million netizens.

Some satirized the opinion that the authorities are so considerate of the people, yet customers have never received a single overseas scam call. Now, they will possibly be unable to receive calls from friends and relatives abroad.

A number of comments accused the authorities of blatant and unconstitutional blocking of communication freedom, akin to a regression to a second Korea. Such posts were immediately censored. The U.S-based Chinese media Vision Times managed to take a screenshot of some of them.

The above-mentioned provinces that dropped the international call service are only trial points and the new regulations will soon be extended to all of China, Guo Tao, a media worker from central Chinas Jiangxi Province, told Radio Free Asia on May 16.

According to Guo, the CCPs limited cut-off of communications between China and the rest of the world is part of its lockdown policy.

This is to prepare for future actions, such as monitoring, sealing off the country, and blocking the network. Those SMS and telephone controls are only a preliminary measure. They are step by step tightening [their] grip from weak to strong, and the most important thing is that they [the CCP] want a total lockdown, Guo said.

This would bring forward a North Korea-style atmosphere, a people-and-information highly barricaded environment, said Tang Jingyuan, current affairs commentator in an interview with NTD on May 18, citing, that only in such a situation can those in power complete the cult of the individual and consolidate absolute power.

Tang pointed out, that in previous years, whenever the CCP begins to close Chinas doors, there must be a pressing crisis within the Communist Party, that is, when the Chinese regime is faltering and feeling extremely fragile in its ability to resist impacts from outside, so it instinctively beefs up its power within the country.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Corruption investigation at Customs

The General Directorate of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), following reports and suspicions of corruption denounced, within the General Administration of Customs (AGD), an investigation was opened. A search was carried out on Friday May 20, 2022 at the premises of the General Directorate of the AGD by ULCC investigators.



Kidnapping attempt foiled

The police officers assigned to the Bon Repos sub-police station thwarted on May 19 around 9:40 in the evening, at Canaan 2 at the level of the "Nadal" Bridge, an attempted kidnapping on the person of Me Jean Wesly Merilus, Lawyer of the Bar of the Croix-des-Bouquets. The individuals opened fire on the police who responded, putting the kidnappers to flight.



Work stoppage announced at HUEH

Following the kidnapping Tuesday, May 17 of the medical director of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36696-haiti-news-zapping.html Dr. Jacques Pierre Pierre, the residents' committee of the HUEH announces a work stoppage until the release of the doctor.



DR : 325 Haitians repatriated to Haiti in 24 hours

Friday, May 20, 2022, 325 Haitians in an irregular migration situation (85%) out of the 385 arrested during the operation carried out the day before by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) at Cite Juan Bosch https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36705-haiti-flash-illegal-haitians-attack-dominican-immigration-staff.html , were repatriated to Haiti. 250 in 7 trucks around 7:00 a.m. and 75 more around 1:30 p.m. 60 of the 385 Haitians arrested were released after verification because they demonstrated that they were legal: Dominican identity card (cedula), residence permit, student card with an expiry date in 2023, up-to-date visa and other permits...



"Comme il Faut S.A." suspends its social programs and projects

The Compagnie des Tabacs Comme il Faut S.A. announces that it is suspending its social programs and projects. She postpones its distribution campaign and promotion of bonuses for its 95th birthday, following the hijacking on May 11, 2022 at the bottom of Delmas of a convoy of 5 trucks containing 4,860 cases of cigarettes, "Comme il faut" of a market value of more than one million US dollars https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-36650-icihaiti-insecurityhijacking-of-5-comme-il-faut-cigarette-trucks.html



"Haiti is a collapsed State" according to Leonel Fernandez

During his participation in the lunch of the "Corripio Communications Group" The former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, declared "[...] Currently, more than a failed state, Haiti is a collapsed State, because it does not There is no longer any authority in this country and this obliges us to strengthen our security mechanisms."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(L): Omar Bojang, an 18-year-old known gang member wanted for murder; (R): Bojang and Matthew Godwin driving on a scooter in a Bronx, New York City area. (Courtesy of New York Police Department)

NYC Teen Arrested for Murder in Connection to Shooting Death of 11-Year-Old Girl

A 15-year-old boy in New York City is facing murder charges in connection to the fatal shooting of Kyhara Tay in the Bronx earlier this week, authorities said.

Keechant Sewell, the commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), confirmed during a news conference that the teen, identified as Matthew Godwin, was arrested for murder, manslaughter, and possession of a weapon just before 2 a.m. on Friday.

Godwin was seen in surveillance footage on the back of a scooter as he opened fire on a 13-year-old boy, the intended target. The bullet missed the teen boy and instead hit Tay in the stomach.

Instead of hitting his intended target  [Godwin] ended the life of a totally innocent, completely uninvolved 11-year-old girl, Sewell said. I wont say she was in the wrong place, because why shouldnt an 11-year-old child be able to stand outside in broad daylight?

The teenagers who took Kyharas life, a sixth-grader who, as her father said, didnt even have the chance to grow up,  have devastated a family, while at the same time ending their own lives as they know them, she added.

Authorities have launched a citywide manhunt to arrest a second suspect, identified as 18-year-old Omar Bojang. He is believed to be the driver of the scooter.

A reward of up to $10,000 was being offered in connection with the case for information leading to an arrest. It is unclear if Godwins arrest came from a community tip.

This is Omar Bojang. He is wanted in connection to the homicide of 11-year-old Kyhara Tay. Someone knows him. Have any info on his whereabouts or this incident? DM @nypdtips or call 800-577-TIPS pic.twitter.com/q4hz7xU6xe  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 20, 2022

???? $????????,???????????? ???????????????????????? is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment/conviction of the individual(s) who shot and killed an 11-year-old girl near Fox Street and E. 165 Street in #TheBronx. Call #800577TIPS. ????Help us share this far and wide. https://t.co/ZaPSyMgau6 pic.twitter.com/BKMWdeJIrU  Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) May 17, 2022

Bojang is no stranger to law enforcement officials and was arrested in June 2020 for gun possession and was also wanted for a robbery pattern. He is known to Bronx police in connection with gang activity.

In April 2020, Bojang and another male, identified as a 27-year-old Blood gang member, were involved in a shooting. He was shot in the leg that day, an NYPC detective said during Fridays press briefing. In November 2020, he got shot in the leg again during an exchange of gunfire between Bojang and rival gang members, the detective added.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams expressed frustration on Friday over a flow of guns and a surge of gun violence incidents in the city, saying the number of youth shooting victims is increasing as younger and younger children are obtaining firearms.

This is what were dealing with over and over: kids killing kidsillegal guns are as easy to buy as candy and comic books. They are everywhere, Adams said, adding that he has never witnessed anything like this before in his professional career.

NYPD officers made 410 gun arrests in March, bringing the total number of such arrests in the first quarter of 2022 to 1,207, according to an April 6 NYPD press release. This is the highest number of gun arrests on a quarterly basis since early 2021, when 1,385 arrests were reported. Arrests in March 2022 were 28.2 percent higher than in March 2021.

Shooting incidents in the city rose by 16.2 percent during this period, while homicides dropped by 15.8 percent. In 2021, there were nearly 4,500 gun arrests, and 470 of those suspects were people under the age of 18, according to the NYPD.

From NTD News
Primary school students harvest new hybrid rice in a paddy field during a themed activity on Aug. 31, 2021 in Chongqing, China. (Chen Shichuan/VCG via Getty Images)

Beijing Re-Instates Labor Courses to Address Manpower Shortage: Former Professor

The Chinese regimes top educational watchdog has again added labor courses to the curricula of primary and secondary schools in China.

From the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, during the Cultural Revolution period, Chinese students had to work in factories or in the countryside, and the communist authorities called this political education campaign learning from the workers and peasants.

The regimes Ministry of Education published in March 2022 Compulsory Education Labor Courses Standards (2022 Edition), which will take effect in September. Official online guidelines require labor courses to average no less than one hour per week in class and one week per school year on the job, which means that students in grades 1 to 9 will have to do manual or physical labor for at least one class hour per week starting in the autumn semester.

Labor education is to be done both on and off campus. Labor skills include cleaning, cooking, handicrafts, manufacturing, services, and others.

For the senior grades, education via labor includes working as volunteers in farm fields, factories, aged care facilities, and disability facilities.

Way to Address Labor Shortage: Former Chinese History Professor

Liu Yinquan, a former professor of history at Weifang University in Chinas eastern Shandong Province, said that the CCPs purpose of re-incorporating labor classes into the curricula is to tackle its shortage of workers.

Because of the one-child policy that had been implemented for a long time, Chinas population has decreased sharply. On top of that, a big issue the CCP now faces is that fewer and fewer young people are willing to be a worker, a farmer, or a cleaner. There is not going to be enough workforce [in China], said Liu in a recent interview with the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times.

China recorded a net growth of 480,000 people in 2021, according to a news portal of the regimes Xinhua newsgroup, in February 2022.

A statistical bulletin of the Ministry of Education in August 2021 revealed that there were 156 million primary and secondary students, from grades one to nine, in 2020.

Liu expressed his worries about the health of students doing the labor courses.

There must be professionals in this area to calculate childrens labor time, and their hygiene and safety must be taken care of, Liu said.

According to a report by the CCP mouthpiece Xinhua News Agency in August 2006, due to labor shortages, Xinjiang has organized primary and middle school students and students from college and universities to pick cotton in the fields since 1994. But the Chinese authorities issued a notice in 2006, banning primary pupils in Xinjiang from doing such work because the intensity of labor is not conducive to their physical and mental health.

The 2022 Compulsory Education Labor Courses Standards stipulate that labor education content is arranged in four stages based on the age of the students.

Students in the first two grades are required to learn cleaning and garbage disposal on campus and cooking at home. Older students are required to learn how to grow vegetables and raise household poultry and animals. Grade seven to nine students will learn skills in aquaculture, farming, metalwork, carpentry, electronics, clothing, textile, ceramics, and other industries. They are also required to work as volunteers to help the disabled and take care of the aged people.

Li Xinan contributed to the report.



556 Shares Share

I recently wrote a letter to the Davidson County, TN judge who will sentence RaDonda Vaught, a former Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse convicted on two felony counts in the 2017 death of a patient. RaDonda faces up to 12 years in prison for her role in a complex chain of events that led to the death of Charlene Murphey. I shared my belief that incarcerating Ms. Vaught will not serve to protect the citizens of Tennessee. Nor will her incarceration advance the safety of patients in Tennessee or elsewhere.

I fear criminalization of on-the-job errors and harsh sentencing will have a measurably deleterious impact on efforts to improve our care delivery system. The experience of frontline health care workers and their complex, sometimes perplexing stories fuel the improvement cycle. If the lived experiences of nurses, who may rightly fear punishment for cognitive slips and lapses, are extinguished, we will be left with little ability to close the chasm between work as imagined and work as done.

In my letter to the sentencing judge, I respectfully offered three points that beg leniency:

1. The nurses conductthe on-the-job errors and choices she made. Some have suggested the degree that RaDonda operated in auto-pilot mode while caring for Charlene Murphey on December 26, 2017 is rare. A quick scan of widely publicized cases reveals RaDondas errors were very similar to those made by nurses caring for the Quaid twins in a Neonatal ICU in 2007. These errors could have resulted in irreparably tragic consequences.

It is likely disconcerting to recognize that nurses, and other frontline health care professionals, are fallible. I dont raise the issue of on-the-job cognitive slips and lapses to excuse them. But rather to point out that when we fail to design and monitor systems to withstand the predictable errors and choices fallible humans will make, we see a reoccurrence of events that are reasonably preventable through robust system design.

2. Safety is a property of the system. If we consider the series of events that claimed Charlene Murpheys life, we can quantify the relative value of each system component that was omitted or absent. My colleagues in system engineering and human factors estimate that a well-managed barcode scanning process would have reduced the risk of receiving the wrong drug in error by 99.9 percent, even when administered by a nurse who failed to perform visual checks of the medication label.

3. The organizational response. Many wonder if the easiest, most obvious thing horrified leaders could see in the waning days of 2017 were the errors made by one fallible nurse. It is tempting, even reassuring, to think that RaDonda Vaughts conduct was so different, so otherworldly, so divorced from the ecosystem in which she practiced that system safety could be restored with her removal. This approach to improvement and justice is highly problematic; in this tragic case, most importantly, it prevented the organization from fast-tracking effective, sustainable prevention measures that would have substantially decreased the risk of reoccurrence. Questions about the model of workplace justice applied to RaDondawho stood at the front end of a complex and, perhaps, under-guarded systemremain unanswered.

From a place of personal accountability and commitment to system improvement, RaDonda Vaughts conduct in the aftermath of this tragic event has been exemplary. She told what she knew, as soon as she knew it, to any stakeholder, for any purpose in hopes that understanding her actions, state of mind, priorities, omissions, and flaws could help her patient or any other. Much of what we have learned comes from the painful, candid narrative of RaDonda Vaught, at no small consequence to herself. She is the nurse the patient safety community has longed for, indeed has spent two-and-half decades nurturing.

She should not go to jail.

Barbara L. Olson is a nurse and senior advisor, The Just Culture Company. She supports health care clients in planning and sustaining Just Culture as a system of workplace justice and can be reached on Twitter @safetynurse.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank (ECB), speaks at a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Lagarde Calls for Crypto Crackdown, Says Theyre Based on Nothing

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has taken aim at cryptocurrencies, arguing in an interview on Dutch television that theyre essentially worth nothing as they lack underlying assets as an anchor to safety while calling for them to be regulated.

Lagarde made the remarks in an interview on the Dutch television program College Tour, due to be released on May 22, according to Politico.

I have said all along the crypto assets are highly speculative, very risky assets, Lagarde told the program. My very humble assessment is that it is worth nothing. It is based on nothing, there is no underlying assets to act as an anchor of safety.

She added that shes worried about people speculating on cryptocurrencies with their life savings as they may not be aware of the risks.

Lagarde said shes concerned about those who have no understanding of the risks, who will lose it all and who will be terribly disappointed, which is why I believe that that should be regulated, as per Bloomberg.

In January, Lagarde called for global regulation of Bitcoin, telling Reuters in an interview at the time that the digital currency had been used for money laundering and arguing for rules that would close related loopholes.

Bitcoin is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity, Lagarde told the outlet in an interview at the Reuters Next conference.

While Lagarde did not elaborate on money laundering specifics related to cryptocurrencies, she argued for regulation that would be agreed upon and applied at a global level because if there is an escape, that escape will be used, referring to regulatory loopholes.

Her remarks come amid recent turmoil in crypto markets, which have shed over $1 trillion in value over the past six months.

Other crypto woes include the collapse in value of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin, which was supposed to be pegged 11 to the U.S. dollar but which has fallen to around six cents as of May 21, according to CoinMarketCap.

The spectacular UST plunge prompted Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler to say earlier in the week that he, like Lagarde, worries that investors will be hurt in crypto markets.

I think a lot of these tokens will fail, Gensler told reporters after a House Appropriations Committee panel hearing on May 18. I fear that in crypto  theres going to be a lot of people hurt, and that will undermine some of the confidence in markets and trust in markets writ large.

Besides regulators and other officials ramping up their crypto criticism, other prominent individuals have expressed reservations about the asset class.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on May 19 that he hasnt invested in crypto because it isnt adding to society.

I dont own any, Gates wrote. I like investing in things that have valuable output. The value of companies is based on how they make great products. The value of crypto is just what some other person decides someone else will pay for it so not adding to society like other investments.

Like Gates, Lagarde, too, doesnt own any crypto, telling the College Tour program that she wants to practice what I preach.

Other ECB officials have made critical remarks with regard to cryptocurrencies and, like Lagarde, have called for them to be regulated.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Albert Bourla, chief executive officer of Pfizer pharmaceutical company, at the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 17, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Pfizer Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit From COVID-19 Vaccine Trial, Citing Prototype Agreement

Pfizer has asked a U.S. court to throw out a lawsuit from a whistleblower who revealed problems at sites that tested Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine.

Brook Jackson, the whistleblower, alleged in a suit that was unsealed in February that Pfizer and associated parties violated clinical trial regulations and federal laws, including the False Claims Act.

In its motion to dismiss, Pfizer stated that the regulations dont apply to its vaccine contract with the U.S. Department of Defense because the agreement was executed under the departments Other Transaction Authority (OTA), which gives contract holders the ability to skirt many rules and laws that typically apply to contracts.

That means that Jacksons claim that Pfizer must still comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation is simply wrong, according to Pfizer.

Warner Mendenhall, a lawyer who is working on Jacksons case, said in a recent interview that Pfizer has clearly not followed federal procurement laws.

And now theyre saying, Of course we didnt follow federal procurement laws, we didnt have tothis was just for a prototype,' he said.

Mendenhall, who declined an interview request, said lawyers for Jackson are working on figuring out legal ways to counter Pfizers argument.

We may lose on this issue because their contract imposes  none of the normal checks and balances on quality control and consumer protection that we fought for decades in this country, he said.

The contract in question was outlined in a base agreement and a statement of work for the agreement, which was signed in the summer of 2020.

The government agreed to pay up to $1.9 billion for 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, pending U.S. regulatory clearance. That included the manufacturing of the vaccine on top of researching and developing it.

The contract was granted under the prototype provision, which falls under the OTA. The rules for prototypes state that just one of four conditions must be satisfied. The condition that was satisfied in the Pfizer contract was the involvement of a nontraditional defense contractor.

Federal law defines nontraditional defense contractors as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed a contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense for at least one year preceding the solicitation of the OTA agreement. Pfizer has dozens of contracts with the military.

That means the government certified an absurd fiction to use an OTA to grant the contract, Kathryn Ardizzone, counsel with Knowledge Ecology International, told The Epoch Times in an email.

The Department of Defense and other government agencies have increased the use of the OTA over time. Thirty-four such agreements were hammered out in fiscal year 2016; by fiscal year 2018, that number was 173, according to the Government Accountability Office (pdf).

Because the agreements shield contract holders from some regulations and laws, the increasing use of OTAs, which includes in contexts where its inappropriate to do so, is undermining the rule of law and jeopardizing the publics interests, according to Ardizzone. The Pfizer contract is an example of an inappropriate context because the contract was not about producing a prototype, she said.

As far as Pfizers argument about the FAR not applying to the agreement, its not clear if thats the case.

The base agreement only mentions the regulations pertaining to the handling of classified information. The statement of work doesnt mention any.

Im not sure what it means when an OTA is silent on a regulation that appears in the FAR, Ardizzone said. That would be up for the judge to decide, and it might side with Pfizer since the prevailing view is that FAR regulations do not necessarily apply for an OTA.

Pfizer, in its motion to dismiss, noted that the government didnt join Jacksons suitit was filed on the governments behalfnor have regulators rescinded clearance of its vaccine, which was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2020, after Jackson revealed issues at sites managed by Ventavia Research Group, a Pfizer subcontractor.

The agreement makes no mention of the FDA regulations and FAR provisions cited in relators complaint, the motion reads. The agreement instead conditions payment, more simply, on Pfizers delivery of an FDA authorized or approved product. Pfizers vaccine has satisfied that condition since December 2020, as the complaint acknowledges, and the vaccine continues to satisfy that condition today. The Court should reject Relators express certification claim for this reason alone.
A 20-year-old woman succumbed to injuries after she accidentally fell from the window on the second floor of a shopping complex on Brigade Road on Saturday. Her male friend, who fell from the same place and sustained severe injuries, is undergoing treatment in a hospital.

The deceased is Liya, a resident of Frazer Town and the injured has been identified as Chris Peter, a native of Andhra Pradesh. Both were B.Com second-year students at a private college.

Preliminary investigation by Cubbon Park Police suggests that the incident took place around 1.20 pm. The duo had gone to have juice in the complex.

The injured youth informed officers that they were walking on the stairs when they lost balance and fell from the window. The window didn't have iron grills, so the window glass/fiber sheet broke. The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors examining her declared her dead, Deputy Commissioner of Police SD Sharanappa said.

The injured person wasn't able to divulge more information as he was in shock, Sharanappa said. Once he recovers we will question him more about other details, he added.

Another senior officer said that it looks like Peter tried to rescue his friend Liya when she slipped from the stairs, but he also lost balance and fell to the ground.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Corruption investigation at Customs

The General Directorate of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), following reports and suspicions of corruption denounced, within the General Administration of Customs (AGD), an investigation was opened. A search was carried out on Friday May 20, 2022 at the premises of the General Directorate of the AGD by ULCC investigators.



Kidnapping attempt foiled

The police officers assigned to the Bon Repos sub-police station thwarted on May 19 around 9:40 in the evening, at Canaan 2 at the level of the "Nadal" Bridge, an attempted kidnapping on the person of Me Jean Wesly Merilus, Lawyer of the Bar of the Croix-des-Bouquets. The individuals opened fire on the police who responded, putting the kidnappers to flight.



Work stoppage announced at HUEH

Following the kidnapping Tuesday, May 17 of the medical director of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36696-haiti-news-zapping.html Dr. Jacques Pierre Pierre, the residents' committee of the HUEH announces a work stoppage until the release of the doctor.



DR : 325 Haitians repatriated to Haiti in 24 hours

Friday, May 20, 2022, 325 Haitians in an irregular migration situation (85%) out of the 385 arrested during the operation carried out the day before by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) at Cite Juan Bosch https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36705-haiti-flash-illegal-haitians-attack-dominican-immigration-staff.html , were repatriated to Haiti. 250 in 7 trucks around 7:00 a.m. and 75 more around 1:30 p.m. 60 of the 385 Haitians arrested were released after verification because they demonstrated that they were legal: Dominican identity card (cedula), residence permit, student card with an expiry date in 2023, up-to-date visa and other permits...



"Comme il Faut S.A." suspends its social programs and projects

The Compagnie des Tabacs Comme il Faut S.A. announces that it is suspending its social programs and projects. She postpones its distribution campaign and promotion of bonuses for its 95th birthday, following the hijacking on May 11, 2022 at the bottom of Delmas of a convoy of 5 trucks containing 4,860 cases of cigarettes, "Comme il faut" of a market value of more than one million US dollars https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-36650-icihaiti-insecurityhijacking-of-5-comme-il-faut-cigarette-trucks.html



"Haiti is a collapsed State" according to Leonel Fernandez

During his participation in the lunch of the "Corripio Communications Group" The former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, declared "[...] Currently, more than a failed state, Haiti is a collapsed State, because it does not There is no longer any authority in this country and this obliges us to strengthen our security mechanisms."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Corruption investigation at Customs

The General Directorate of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), following reports and suspicions of corruption denounced, within the General Administration of Customs (AGD), an investigation was opened. A search was carried out on Friday May 20, 2022 at the premises of the General Directorate of the AGD by ULCC investigators.



Kidnapping attempt foiled

The police officers assigned to the Bon Repos sub-police station thwarted on May 19 around 9:40 in the evening, at Canaan 2 at the level of the "Nadal" Bridge, an attempted kidnapping on the person of Me Jean Wesly Merilus, Lawyer of the Bar of the Croix-des-Bouquets. The individuals opened fire on the police who responded, putting the kidnappers to flight.



Work stoppage announced at HUEH

Following the kidnapping Tuesday, May 17 of the medical director of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36696-haiti-news-zapping.html Dr. Jacques Pierre Pierre, the residents' committee of the HUEH announces a work stoppage until the release of the doctor.



DR : 325 Haitians repatriated to Haiti in 24 hours

Friday, May 20, 2022, 325 Haitians in an irregular migration situation (85%) out of the 385 arrested during the operation carried out the day before by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) at Cite Juan Bosch https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36705-haiti-flash-illegal-haitians-attack-dominican-immigration-staff.html , were repatriated to Haiti. 250 in 7 trucks around 7:00 a.m. and 75 more around 1:30 p.m. 60 of the 385 Haitians arrested were released after verification because they demonstrated that they were legal: Dominican identity card (cedula), residence permit, student card with an expiry date in 2023, up-to-date visa and other permits...



"Comme il Faut S.A." suspends its social programs and projects

The Compagnie des Tabacs Comme il Faut S.A. announces that it is suspending its social programs and projects. She postpones its distribution campaign and promotion of bonuses for its 95th birthday, following the hijacking on May 11, 2022 at the bottom of Delmas of a convoy of 5 trucks containing 4,860 cases of cigarettes, "Comme il faut" of a market value of more than one million US dollars https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-36650-icihaiti-insecurityhijacking-of-5-comme-il-faut-cigarette-trucks.html



"Haiti is a collapsed State" according to Leonel Fernandez

During his participation in the lunch of the "Corripio Communications Group" The former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, declared "[...] Currently, more than a failed state, Haiti is a collapsed State, because it does not There is no longer any authority in this country and this obliges us to strengthen our security mechanisms."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















With the World Health Organization (WHO) set to discuss a global pandemic treaty and far-reaching amendments to the 2005 International Health Regulations, we sit down with Dr. David Bell, an expert in global health and infectious disease.

Even though it doesnt directly change sovereignty, in effect, it does. It takes away the ability of the people of that country to make their own decisions, says Dr. Bell.

And more importantly, these proposals will create a bureaucracy whose existence is dependent on pandemics, says Dr. Bell. Theyll have a very vested interest in finding outbreaks, declaring them potential pandemics, and then responding. Its the way that they will survive.

And it appears that they will make lockdowns a permanent feature of pandemic responses, Dr. Bell says.

Dr. Bell is a public health physician. He has previously worked at the World Health Organization, as programme head for malaria and febrile diseases at the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) in Geneva, and as director of Global Health Technologies at the Intellectual Ventures Global Good Fund. He is now on the board of Pandemics, Data, and Analytics (PANDA), a group studying the worlds response to COVID-19.

Below is a rush transcript of this American Thought Leaders episode from May 21, 2022. This transcript may not be in its final form and may be updated.

Jan Jekielek: Dr. David Bell, such a pleasure to have you on American Thought Leaders.

David Bell: Thank you. Its good to be here.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, so were going to talk about something that everyone is buzzing about right now, this pandemic treaty. Ive heard it also called the pandemic accord. Also, the International Health Regulations that are being looked at simultaneously, this zero draft document, which recently, again, is a lot of people are commenting on. Theres a lot of really scary things being said about it.

Before we jump into that, okay, I want to get you just to tell me a little bit of how you have been over decades involved in the realm of global public health so people understand where youre coming from.

Mr. Bell: So Im a public health physician by background and had internal physician training before that, PhD in population health, which include disease modeling and infectious disease. So I have a background in the area of disease outbreaks, et cetera. I worked in the World Health Organization for about eight years, coordinating the rollout of malaria diagnostics at a village level. So its this global role based in the Philippines, in the original office there, and then led the fever and malaria portfolios at FIND, which is a foundation in Geneva, developing diagnostics or funding that.

Mr. Bell: I was Director of Global Health Technologies at Global Good Fund, which is or was essentially Bill Gates gates development lab in Seattle or in Bellevue, just out of Seattle. So what has happened in the last two years is not out of the blue, firstly. Theres been some shifts that we can go into towards the direction of verticalization and centralization of health control.

It was clear in February-March, 2020, that orthodox public health was essentially being abandoned in the response to COVID-19, and we never undid these lockdowns, and lockdown was a term that was used and its never been used before. Its not a public health term before that. So this is a new concept. So yeah, as this stretch out, I mean, its very clear from basic public health that something like what we now call a lockdown will be very harmful to a lot of people and to the population overall, and thats just orthodox public health.

When these were being pushed and we had modeling, giving numbers of dead without any relationship to age or comorbidities or the harm that a response would do, and public health, again, is weighing cost and benefits. Anything you do is going to have some cost and hopefully some benefits. Whether you do it and whether you keep doing it depends on knowing that the benefits are outweighing the cost. Those benefits are in health, which is broad. Its not just physical, but as WHO says its mental and societal health.

Its also in things like human rights. Its in the ability of families to get together and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner or see their dying loved ones. So its very clear that a lot of harm will be caused by lockdowns. There was very little noise about this. In the media, there was a very strange concentration on numbers dead. So New York Times every day would have 260 dead, 300 dead, no relationship to were these people very sick and soon to die anyway, how old were they, and it turns out they were the average age of death, though mainly were old people.

There was no context at all to any of this. It was just numbers out of the blue. No one could understand that, yes, but much more people died of cancer today or heart disease today, which has been the case right through. In the global health, international health field, the same thing was happening. We were locking down countries that were intrinsically not at risk from COVID from the beginning because we knew it was very much from China. We knew it was concentrated on old people or not exclusively, obviously, but very significantly and also on people with severe comorbidity, so metabolic disease, diabetes, obesity, et cetera.

If you look at countries such as in Sub-Saharan Africa, theres very few people in those categories. Theres less than 1% of the 1.3 billion people there are over 70. Half of people in Sub-Saharan Africa are 19 years or younger, so what we could class as children in the West. So they were very low risk of this virus, but yet we were doing the same thing. We were saying they should all close down, and we know in these countries, closing borders, forcing unemployment, closing markets are making health access, clinic access difficult, has huge implications. Its extremely harmful as is harming economies.

So we were doing this, but almost not talking about it, and from a public health point of view, its not really a sane response. So like many people, but unfortunately I think not enough, I got very concerned over the direction.

Mr. Jekielek: So theres these two elements that are going on here and simultaneously being looked at, right? Theres this pandemic treaty, theres this zero draft paper that was written up after some meetings earlier this month thats looking to build that treaty in the coming year. At the same time, theres these international health regulations that are being updated. I believe its the 2005 regulations. If you could just break down for me what is happening with these regulations, then well go into the implications.

Mr. Bell: Yeah, yeah, and theres a bit of misunderstanding about this. So the International Health Regulations were brought in in 2005 stimulated a bit by the SARS outbreak in 2003, which shook people up because it was a bad virus. It didnt kill many people, a few thousand people max, but it made a lot of noise and got people unfortunately excited about pandemics and I saw that in my colleagues in public health because a lot of public health isnt eye-catching and strengthening access to clinics, training health workers, does not get on the BBC, but being the team that goes in and fights an outbreak or that vaccinates kids and saves this number from this disease, does get on the BBC and is exciting, and we are all human. I think what weve been seeing is partly human response in the global health community, the public health community to this is much more exciting than the usual stuff and so they want to do it.

So the International Health Regulations were brought in 2005 that have been amended a couple times since. They already give quite strong powers. They have four site international law, and they give quite strong powers potentially to the director general of the WHO to declare pandemics and strongly recommend, which is very persuasive under this agreement, the closure of borders and the transfer of information, et cetera, about whats going on and gives the WHO some powers in theory to manage pandemics.

The way that international law has power varies by country-by-country. So there is already international law in place in this area. The IHR amendments, which are being put to the world health assembly next week, the governing body of the WHO, they strengthen the existing IHR in a number of ways. These include taking away the necessity of consulting with a country where the outbreak is taking place for the DG. They give regional directors, and theres six of them in the different WHO regions, the power to declare these outbreaks and health emergencies themselves, and it puts in place, which in a way is most worrying to me, a mechanism called a periodic review mechanism. It appears to be modeled on what the human rights council does in the UN.

So it will review countries every year, review their pandemic preparedness, see if theyre complying with the IHR recommend slash tell them to improve things that arent up to scratch. So this will include inspections and just starting to build a bureaucracy around the existence of pandemics. I think this is more dangerous than the health regulations themselves. The health regulations can be overridden in most countries by international law. Its very hard for a small country, its easy for a big country because theyre more powerful, but building a pandemic bureaucracy or pandemic industry like this, which is building on whats already been done over the last decade, is dangerous because it is going to shift resources to this area. So in a way, that is detrimental to overall health.

So the treaty, as its called, is a parallel mechanism of the WHO. This will also have force. Its intended under international law. Its very similar to IHR amendments, but will go further, but it is giving far more power to the WHO. It will strengthen the ability further of the director general to direct this. It mentioned in its text issues such as misinformation, disinformation, et cetera. So it sounds as if it will look at having some powers over censorship and control of information, which again is extremely difficult if youve got a bureaucracy whose existence is dependent on pandemics because theyll have a very vested interest in finding outbreaks, declaring them potential pandemics, and then responding. Its the way that they all survive.

Mr. Bell: So the zero draft that is going also to the World Health Assembly this week is an initial working document towards this pandemic treaty, which its intended will be discussed and agreed next year in the WHO, in the World Health Assembly, and would then come into force when countries ratify, et cetera. Itll take two-thirds of the countries to agree to that, the IHR amendments, say, 50% because its just amending what is already in international law.

Mr. Jekielek: So I wanted to actually talk about something that I got recently from Congressman Chris Smith. He offered commentary on the US amendments, what he calls the Biden amendments that are being proposed to the work that is being done here. He said the alarming amendments offered by the Biden administration to the WHOs international health regulations would grant new unilateral authority to Director General Tedros to declare a public health crisis in the United States or other sovereign nations, without any consultation with the US or other WHO member. Specifically, the Biden amendment would strike the current regulation that requires the WHO to consult with an attempt to obtain verification from the state party in whose territory the event is allegedly occurring in, and in seeding the United States ability to declare and respond to an infectious disease outbreak within the United States dependent on the judgment of a corrupt and complicit UN bureaucracy. Of course, he flags, this is something hes been talking about for decades, the potential CCP, Chinese Communist Party malign influence. What are your thoughts?

Mr. Bell: The wording is something like there should be an attempt at consultation, but if the country says that this is their business, go away, the WHO is now empowered to ignore that. This has very big implications. Closing borders in a lot of countries kills people. It interrupts supply lines. It destroys a tourist industry on which a lot of people and a lot of countries are dependent. We dont realize in the West, but in low middle income countries, these issues, peoples livelihoods are dependent on this. It has huge implications for trade and economies, and we are giving the power to a person and an emergency committee, which the DG consults with, which is being set up under the IHR amendment, but he is not required to go with that committees finding. He can override that committee and still declare a public health emergency if he or she thinks they should.

The same power is given to these six regional directors, which is new. So you can see the potential where countries can influence these individuals and the organization to target another country or indeed private interests can influence these people, and its important for people to understand that WHO is different now than it was when it was set up 70 years ago. It was set up funded by countries almost exclusively with core funding. They gave money, allocated money, and the WHO decided how best to spend that.

Now, most of the funding is directed funding, which means is given to the WHO to do this task or that activity. So the donor decides where the money will be spent and can be very directive. Ive seen it to the point of these are the people who should be involved in the work, and this is where it will be done, et cetera. This is a timeline.

The other big change is theres a very large increase in private funding and corporate funding for the WHO. So rather than being just responsible to the funders who represent people, their countries, it is now also responsible to the funders who are private individuals or corporations such as big pharma who had large direct and indirect funders of WHO.

There are obvious implications there if this is an organization, which is deciding essentially the issues that have a huge impact on the health and freedom of people and populations that there are private corporate interests whose job is to maximize return for their shareholders, who can through funding direct the direction of the WHO and clearly have an influence on its decisions.

Mr. Jekielek: Now, thats absolutely fascinating, and I want to talk more about that because, obviously, theres many, many implications of this shift, and I mean, having worked in a Gates-funded lab, youve probably seen some of these implications actually in play. Before I go there, I want to talk again and go back to the lockdowns that you were talking about earlier, right? A number of commentators, and this is also my read, are seeing this as a codification of the lockdown policies that were instituted in the past despite their incredible failure, frankly, and just this whole thing just seems like a very, very bizarre thing, and is that how you see it?

Mr. Bell: It is bizarre, but its not bizarre, depending on your point of view. From a public health point of view, it is bizarre. So pandemics come very infrequently. The WHO lists, before COVID there was four pandemics in 120 years. The big one was the Spanish flu, 1918 to 1919, killed 20 to 50 million people, but probably the majority of those have thought to have died from secondary pneumonia because we didnt have antibiotics, yeah? Before that, the big pandemics, the Black Death, et cetera. There were mostly bacteria such as bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, which are now not a big problem because we have antibiotics, which despite resistances on, still work very well.

Mr. Bell: After the Spanish flu, we had the influenza outbreak. It was called the Asian flu in 57 to 58. There was another, 68 to 69, the Hong Kong flu. Thats when Woodstock went ahead. I mean, life went on normally during these. Theres about a million people are thought to have died from influenza in each in a much smaller world population. Then we had, WHO listed as a pandemic, the swine flu outbreak. They declared it a pandemic, but between 120 and 240,000 people were thought to have died. Thats less than dying normally from the flu each year.

So pandemics, apart from the pre-antibiotic era have had very low mortalities. We can get to COVID in a moment, and theyre very infrequently, occurred once a generation. So there is not a rush to change things now in terms of pandemics, unless people think that theres another pandemic. I mean, naturally, it doesnt make sense that theres going to be another pandemic very soon. So lets assume that theres only natural forces here and that we can put concerns of bioterrorism, et cetera aside. its a different issue.

So theyre a rare event, and the lockdowns, as I said, theyre a new way of doing things. We know that theyre very harmful. So 2019, so just before COVID, late 2019, the WHO released its pandemic influenza guidelines, where they said only in extreme conditions do you have prolonged border closes, workplace closes, et cetera. They strongly recommend against them because they pointed out that they can do more harm than good.

We know that the numbers are pretty shocking for what has been done from these lockdowns. So we know just about 140 million people or more have been added to people on the edge of starvation, and thats likely to get worse. Weve damaged supply lines and malaria has gone up. So malaria last 2020, an 60,000-70,000 children died of malaria compared to the previous year, and much of this will be because they couldnt get to clinics when they had a fever.

TB, HIV, we know will be going up. The vaccine programs for preventable childhood diseases have been severely harmed in a lot of countries. So we expect more children die from that. Schools have been closed, which has a huge impact on the future in terms of ability for people to get out of poverty and get their countries out of poverty. Its estimated, UNICEF, I think, estimates an extra 10 million girls will be forced into child marriage because of closure of schools and poverty. UNICEF also, they calculated in 2020 alone in South Asia, so India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, that area, six countries, about 228,000 children, infants, are thought to have died from lockdowns alone and an extra 400,000 teenage pregnancies. So thats just in South Asia. Thats just in 2020 alone from lockdowns.

So extrapolate that across the world. Its hard to see that we have not caused far more mortality from the lockdowns than from COVID itself. Even the world banks or the global financing facility is harmed. The world bank has estimated among women and children that probably true have died from lockdown for everyone that died of COVID.

So we know weve done this huge harm. To their credit, UNICEF have documented this very well. Oxfam, even WHO with malaria, et cetera, were documenting these harms. Yet, we are also in parallel pushing very rapidly these IHR amendments and this treaty as its called, which will make lockdowns, essentially it seems, a permanent feature of pandemic responses.

So without any detailed analysis, did this really help versus harm? So weve done huge harm, and weve done it in just one or two years. If we keep doing this, this will be cumulative. Poverty is cumulative. Interrupting supply lines is cumulative harm. So we can expect both in terms of health, in terms of womens rights, basic human rights, education, GDP of countries, which has a big impact on health, particularly in low income countries, we can expect that we will compound this every time this happens. Were building out a bureaucracy whose existence will be dependent on surveilling to try to find various outbreaks, doing modeling, which could suggest, and if you look at the modeling used in COVID, will suggest therell be exponential growth, which is not really biologically plausible, and then that will be used to institute pandemics to close borders, to do these things because without this, this bureaucracy, theyre touting three to 10 billion dollars a year to fund this bureaucracy and this response.

You cant justify that money unless youre doing something. So they theyll need to be declaring outbreaks and instituting these measures. So we are putting in place extremely harmful measure without having done any serious analysis on whether its even a good idea, was it a bad mistake or was it overall benefit the last time we did it, which is the previous two years, and were doing it to something which is not an urgent matter in historic terms, and certainly not compared to disease burden from other diseases, even through COVID. More people die of other infectious diseases. More people die of metabolic diseases, cancer, and they die much younger on average than COVID.

Mr. Jekielek: So let me see if Im hearing you correctly here, right? You said its bizarre, but its not bizarre, right? Essentially, I think youre saying that this is being codified possibly be simply to justify the existence of this new bureaucracy funded to the tune of multiple billions a year.

Mr. Bell: So it makes sense to have surveillance for outbreaks, clearly, yeah? It makes sense to have some sort of response. The response that has happened for COVID is unusual in public health. Its very vertical. Its very pharmaceutically oriented. It included measures, which we know reduce the ability to fight viral infections, so confined people to their homes, kept them out of the sun. We had seen an increase in obesity in children and adults in the US because gyms are closed. Theres less exercise. People cant go walking, et cetera. So that all makes us more susceptible. COVID is very much a disease of, its a metabolic disease as much as a viral disease if you  A large proportion of the people who died from COVID have severe metabolic disease, and that is why their immune system was unable to cope with this virus, but a lot of people have made a lot of money out of this, and you dont make money by getting people fit or not much. You make a lot of money by selling vaccines.

So the people who made that money are very influential as we know in pushing these measures. So you can say that thats related. You can say its coincidental, but people who are outspoken in doing away with orthodox public health and saying, We should lockdown. We should put people out of workplaces. We should close gyms. We should stop travel, and theyve generally kept traveling noticeably, but theyve also made tens of billions of dollars from this unusual response, and they are also significant in people and corporations, and they are also significant in funding the WHO and in pushing the same agenda of building this bureaucracy to fight pandemic.

So weve seen the GERM initiative, for instance, which is a private recommendation from Bill Gates to do essentially the same thing as is being recommended in the WHO proposed treaty. There are also other parallel mechanisms by the world bank and the IMF, et cetera, which are also allocating money towards either the same or parallel bureaucracy. Normally, and in the past, WHO was very strict on conflict of interest. Normally, if someone is making lots and lots of money from a particular public health measure, you are not saying that theyre causing it, but you would exclude them from any involvement in decisions.

Its just common sense. Its the way that you manage society to manage conflict of interest and so on because were all human, but we are seeing the opposite. Were seeing large donors who have no specific background in public health. Were seeing the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies being in the mainstream media as the gurus of public health without any clear statements along with that this person or this company has just made tens of billions of dollars from exactly what theyre advocating. So yeah.

So if you look at this from a business point of view, its not mad, its a very sensible business strategy. If you have essentially an amoral attitude to business, if you are trying to maximize returns to your shareholders, and youre running a pharmaceutical, then you dont concentrate on getting people physically well so that they can have natural resistance to disease. You concentrate on selling the product for the disease that they have, and the more people have a disease, the more you sell that product. I mean, thats how a business makes more money.

So in public health, its absolutely vital to exclude any possibility of that influencing population health. For the last two years, weve seen quite the opposite in the media and, unfortunately, I think in the international health institutions and their leaders who are really, clearly working closely with these groups rather than keeping them at arms length.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, lets dive in to how this funding structure has changed over past years. This is actually quite, quite interesting. For example, its pretty obvious that Bill Gates has a lot of influence at the WHO. I think his foundations are the number two funder of the organization. Of course, not all, of course. You were talking about pharmaceutical companies funding all sorts of directed projects. So theres two things I want to discuss. One is how that landscape has really changed over the past years and how we arrived at this situation that you just described over the last two years. Thats one piece. Then the second piece is, basically, what are the implications of these types of structures where very, very directed funding is going for very directed work that I suppose might be in the direct interest of the funder, right?

Mr. Bell: If you go back 25 years, there was the World Health Organization and then some organizations like UNICEF, et cetera, that were involved in global health, public health. It was called tropical health or international health then, and not many others. So there were schools that concentrated on this, but they were low-funded. Disease programs in countries had very low funding. Around the year 2000, a lot of money started to become available initially from countries. The global fund for AIDS, TB, and malaria was instituted to fight those three diseases.

The idea was that it would be a conduit for money to the countries. Its now grown into quite a big bureaucracy, but its become the main funder internationally of HIV, TB, and malaria with the exception of HIV where PEPFAR and the US government has a very big separate fund, and it puts out about three or four billion dollars a year for these diseases, and thats mostly country money, but its also private money.

It had a big impact. It was good at the time, and it still does a lot of useful things because giving a lot of money for these diseases will help by basic drugs for malaria, et cetera, diagnostics, drugs for HIV, et cetera. Its keeping a lot of people alive who would otherwise die. So this influx money was in many ways a very good thing for a lot of people, but it brought with it the idea of particularly public-private partnerships, where the private sector would partner with the public sector because the public sector didnt have much money and the private sector did. So it seems, again, a good thing. Youre bringing more money to the problem. Youre bringing private sector expertise, et cetera, on running programs.

The problem is that along with that, clearly, the private sector has to have other agendas because they have shareholders that they have to please. So inevitably, you start shifting in a certain direction, and that is not going to be towards the classics or the WHO horizontal idea of health where communities are empowered to manage their own health and decide their own priorities. Its going to be towards stuff that you can make money from, so particularly vertical approaches and commodity-based.

So then other organizations started cropping up. So Gavi, which concentrates on vaccination and getting vaccines out and mostly vaccines for vaccine-preventable diseases for children. So again, in essence, a good thing. Unitaid was set up, which is all these, and Gavi and Unitaid have both private and country money again.

The WHO, officially, the World Health Assembly, its just country, so that in theory is the governance of WHO. Gavi and Unitaid, and CEPI, which is a newer one, which is just concentrated on pandemics and started a few years ago, they also have private influence on the board, and these organizations also have far lacks of rules in terms of accepting private money and corporate money. So theyre quite significantly financed from the private sector, and they also give money to WHO so they could be a conduit for private sector money to WHO.

So with this more money, which can be a good thing, we have this increasing, particularly Western corporate influence on global health by companies and by individuals who have investments in companies who will make a lot more profit if they sell more commodities to these countries. So you immediately have this conflict of interest arising, and that doesnt appear to have been managed very well. Certainly, I think in COVID-19 were seeing apparently where that is led. So the response now is not that surprising given what has happened and the way that health has changed and the significant increase of private sector and corporate influence over the direction of global policy.

Mr. Jekielek: So the question thats just coming to my mind, again, I have to think about this lockdown policy that is so different from everything that was acceptable in 2019 as you outlined earlier, right? It wasnt just the US that the did this. It wasnt just China that did this. It was, frankly, most countries. Theres a few very, very stark outliers in States, in the US, and so forth, but almost everybody did this. So is this, I guess, the power to institute, to influence this policy, is that already sitting at the WHO or somewhere else or where is that?

Mr. Bell: So the power to recommend it is there. Where the countries bow that power varies. So we saw countries this time such as Sweden, Tanzania, a few others that did not lockdown, did not institute masking policies, et cetera, and they appear to have had the same COVID mortality as other countries, and it appears that theyre having less collateral damage, which isnt surprising. We dont expect these policies to really help within their alliance respiratory virus overall. They may slow it down slightly. If youre locking down countries like India or parts of Africa or other fairly dense population centers, youre not stopping people from interacting with each other. People live in very high density situations. They need to go out every day to get food. They dont have refrigerators. They need to go to communal toilets, whatever. I mean, theyre going to keep interacting and they have to go to markets, but all youre doing is stopping them from getting any income.

So instead of being at risk of the virus on an income, theyre at risk of the virus with no income. So we dont expect that really to help. In Western countries, again, we saw, I mean, the policies are very strange on things like curfews, I mean, as if the virus only spreads after 10:00 PM. So if you stop people from going out at 10:00 PM, youll stop the spread. Its just that, I mean, really, these are the ludicrous things to do from a public health point of view.

We knew very early on that it was concentrated particularly on old people and people who were already sick with metabolic disease. So we could have concentrated on them, and a lot of people advocated for that, but the idea of locking down children and working age adults who are fit and well and are intrinsically very low risk from this virus and thereby putting them at all these other public health risks, it is not irrational response.

Mr. Jekielek: So yet what youre describing as an irrational response ostensibly and with the data to support that it isnt a good response widely available now is essentially being codified as a way to deal with pandemics going forward with a massive bureaucracy. People are describing this as a power grab. Never let a good crisis go to waste is another euphemism that I hear often. I mean, so everything youre telling me right now, I keep coming back to this, what is going on, right? Is this whats going on?

Mr. Bell: Yeah, and its hard for me to see the WHO, in a way, running a power grid. The WHO is influenced by the countries, which comprise its assembly, is influenced by the private donors and the corporate donors who funded a lot of its programs. So it responds to those who direct it. So it certainly is pushing a very new way of managing health and of managing decision making in health, particularly in outbreaks that is clearly to the advantage of these donors of WHO. That is also potentially because of the harm it seems to be doing to economies and democracy. Its potentially to the advantage of certain countries within WHO as well.

The world is a diverse place. Not all countries agree with each other. So it would be strange if countries werent taking advantage of this whole situation to further their strategic interests over the interest of other countries.

Mr. Jekielek: One of the concerns a number of commentators have about this pandemic treaty and this upgrade to the regulations is a loss of sovereignty. What do you think?

Mr. Bell: So it depends on the country, but it has to be ratified to come into force, but if WHO can override countries and recommend border closures, et cetera, irrespective of the countrys intent, then it does take away, in effect, its taking away sovereignty. It can isolate a country and cause huge economic harm against that countrys wishes. So it can be used as an instrument to target countries, to target certain regions, and it is extremely difficult for small countries to oppose these international laws because then other countries who back then can introduce sanctions or there can be monitor instruments from the IMF and world bank that are withheld, et cetera. So there are a lot of ways that even though it doesnt directly change sovereignty, in effect it does. It takes away the ability of the people of that country to make their own decisions.

Mr. Jekielek: Again, not to beat a dead horse here, but for countries that do have huge influence of the WHO or private institutions that have huge influence of over the WHO, that seems to be giving them a lot of power to dictate effectively policy of other countries.

Mr. Bell: Absolutely. Yes. If we build this bureaucracy, a lot of the funding will be directly or indirectly from these private interests. We will have hundreds, perhaps thousands of people in these organizations that depend on pleasing a donor to keep their job and keep the job of those around them, keep their pension fund, keep their health benefits, et cetera. So there is a big incentive structure in these organizations to please the donor. People for good reasons want to keep their team funded, keep their coworkers in a job, but the effect of that is that you end up giving very strong influence to these interests, these funders.

So if they need a very low threshold for declaring a public health emergency and having teams go and investigate in these countries, then they will do that. If you surveil with PCR tests or whatever for viruses, youll find them. The definition of a pandemic, importantly, is if the WHO doesnt include severity. Its very loose definition. Its not clearly defined within the WHO, but it is essentially a widespread of a pathogen, a virus, bacteria. It doesnt have to kill people. It doesnt have to be severe. It has to be widespread. The rhinovirus, lots of viruses are widespread. New viruses, respiratory virus will always become widespread.

In these regulations, the international health regulation amendments and in the draft ideas for the pandemic treaty, you dont have to have a pandemic. You have to have a threat for a pandemic. The treat zero draft envisions private sector involvement in this, in data gathering, in modeling, predictive modeling as we saw last time, COVID, and in the response. So it doesnt have to be a severe pandemic or a severe outbreak, a severe disease. It doesnt even have to break out much. It just has to be something they notice that is new, that is a threat. So yeah, its something that can be used almost perpetually to institute local, regional or global lockdowns and interruption of trade and all that goes with it and the harms that accrue from those.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, and I understand that these organizations arent just funding these international organizations. Theyre funding related organizations.

Mr. Bell: Well, they are. We have the same predominant funders now funding the training colleges. So theres been a proliferation of global health schools or global health colleges, theyre called, within universities, particularly in North America, also in Europe, and they receive partial or very significant funding from the same sources, private sources, and theyre for very clearly specified purposes.

So this is training the people who work in these organizations. Theyre funding the research for a lot of these diseases now from the modeling group. So in COVID, there is a very significant impact of modeling, which turned out to be well-off mark from Imperial College in London and from IHME at the University of Washington in the US. Theyre both funded very heavily from the same source.

So in the zero draft of the treaty, the WHO treaty thats being proposed, there is a specific mention of the inclusion of private research, private data gathering, private predictive modeling, so non-government, within the program that is being proposed that will assess whether a pandemic should have a response or an outbreak should have a response and, therefore, whether pharmaceutical companies, for instance, will make lots of money or not.

So yeah, these conflicts of interests arent just at the WHO level. The whole system has gone this way, and it may be for good intent. People want to spend their money on something that is useful, but in the end, it means that one person or one very small group of individuals is extremely influential. They have a different background than most other people. Their priorities are different. They have other interests that theyre protecting. These people, these corporations, et cetera, are doing what the colonial companies of Britain and Holland and so on did in the past.

So its very much a form of colonialism. Theyre really controlling the lives of populations in other countries to quite a large extent by owning this whole process from top to bottom, that you are making decisions that you think are best and that your funder thinks are best, but not necessarily that the people that are going to suffer the consequences think the best.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, what youre describing, of course, is rife with potential conflicts of interest and also creates this opportunity for a group think, even among a small group of people. If those people are experiencing group think, suddenly that can get implemented at a global scale it would seem.

Mr. Bell: Very much so, yeah. Weve seen that in all aspects of the last two years where its extremely difficult for professionals to step out of line. So it is group think, but with the hammer in the background as well that you could lose your job if you dont comply.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, so maybe I want to finish up with just your motivation because what youre doing, what youre talking about here in this interview is very, very different from what a lot of people in your field, in these international organizations or global funds or so forth are actually doing and saying. So what is it that is making you do this a little bit differently or a lot differently?

Mr. Bell: Well, firstly, Im not alone. Im part of an organization, organization PANDA, which is trying to promote really open discourse and honest debate and evidence in science and public health. There are other organizations trying to address this as well. Public health is about costs and benefits. You cant be a public health physician without weighing these up for a new intervention and figuring out whats the best way to address the populations need. If you are actively doing harm, its not really an excuse to say that youre following orders.

So there are people in these organizations who are clearly trying to put out data on the harm thats being done. UNICEF and others have put out very useful information on this thats really important but seems to be ignored. The same organization, which is dedicated to vaccinating children, is now the lead implementer for COVAX, which is COVID-19 vaccination in low income countries.

So we know that from a recent study, which included WHO and CDC personnel, that almost everyone in Africa is now immune to COVID. They were immune back in  There was over 70% estimated back in September 2021, that was before Omicron. So were going to assume everyones immune. We know that natural immunity is as good or better than COVID vaccination, but we have UNICEF at the same time leading this push to vaccinate all these already million people at a cost that theyre talking about 35 billion dollars globally, and to give one booster, the cost would then go up to about 61 billion.

So youre talking about 20 times or 15 times what we spend every year on malaria, and this is just for a vaccine which doesnt stop transmission. So yeah, this is insane. It doesnt make sense. So its hard to go along with because you cant go away with something which is not just insane, but is doing a lot of specific harm to people. It doesnt fit with what public health is supposed to be. Rational thought has gone out the window here.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, Dr. David Bell, any final, quick thoughts as we finish?

Mr. Bell: I think its really important that people educate themselves quickly and that they understand the history of pandemics, they understand the real risk and the relatively low risk compared to other diseases, and that they pressure parliaments because its parliament where this will stop or Congress in this country, et cetera. They need to get their local members to ask questions and to demand rational debate around these issues of why are we in such a rush, why are we not looking at the costs as well as the benefits, and just questioning the whole conflict of interest that has grown around this area so that we need to step back and we need our government to insist that everyone steps back, takes a deep breath, and then restructures global health free of conflicts of interest, et cetera, so that we can make rational decisions at a population base and more profit base.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, Dr. David Bell, its such a pleasure to have you on the show.

Mr. Bell: Thanks, Jan. It was a pleasure.

Mr. Jekielek: Thank you all for joining Dr. Bell and me for this episode of American Thought Leaders. Im your host Jan Jekielek.

The Epoch Times is growing quickly and were currently hiring an associate producer to join the Epoch TV team to work on both American Thought Leaders and Cassius Corner. Its a time of rampant misinformation and propaganda, and youll be part of the solution as we bring back honest journalism. If youre interested or you know someone who might be a good fit, head over to ept.ms/associateproducer. Thats ept.ms/associateproducer, all one word. We look forward to hearing from you. Try a 14-day free trial of Epoch TV at ept.ms/freetrialjan. Thats ept.ms/freetrial J-A-N.

Subscribe to the American Thought Leaders newsletter so you never miss an episode.

* Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List.

Follow EpochTV on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV

Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV

Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus

Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV

Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


556 Shares Share

I recently wrote a letter to the Davidson County, TN judge who will sentence RaDonda Vaught, a former Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse convicted on two felony counts in the 2017 death of a patient. RaDonda faces up to 12 years in prison for her role in a complex chain of events that led to the death of Charlene Murphey. I shared my belief that incarcerating Ms. Vaught will not serve to protect the citizens of Tennessee. Nor will her incarceration advance the safety of patients in Tennessee or elsewhere.

I fear criminalization of on-the-job errors and harsh sentencing will have a measurably deleterious impact on efforts to improve our care delivery system. The experience of frontline health care workers and their complex, sometimes perplexing stories fuel the improvement cycle. If the lived experiences of nurses, who may rightly fear punishment for cognitive slips and lapses, are extinguished, we will be left with little ability to close the chasm between work as imagined and work as done.

In my letter to the sentencing judge, I respectfully offered three points that beg leniency:

1. The nurses conductthe on-the-job errors and choices she made. Some have suggested the degree that RaDonda operated in auto-pilot mode while caring for Charlene Murphey on December 26, 2017 is rare. A quick scan of widely publicized cases reveals RaDondas errors were very similar to those made by nurses caring for the Quaid twins in a Neonatal ICU in 2007. These errors could have resulted in irreparably tragic consequences.

It is likely disconcerting to recognize that nurses, and other frontline health care professionals, are fallible. I dont raise the issue of on-the-job cognitive slips and lapses to excuse them. But rather to point out that when we fail to design and monitor systems to withstand the predictable errors and choices fallible humans will make, we see a reoccurrence of events that are reasonably preventable through robust system design.

2. Safety is a property of the system. If we consider the series of events that claimed Charlene Murpheys life, we can quantify the relative value of each system component that was omitted or absent. My colleagues in system engineering and human factors estimate that a well-managed barcode scanning process would have reduced the risk of receiving the wrong drug in error by 99.9 percent, even when administered by a nurse who failed to perform visual checks of the medication label.

3. The organizational response. Many wonder if the easiest, most obvious thing horrified leaders could see in the waning days of 2017 were the errors made by one fallible nurse. It is tempting, even reassuring, to think that RaDonda Vaughts conduct was so different, so otherworldly, so divorced from the ecosystem in which she practiced that system safety could be restored with her removal. This approach to improvement and justice is highly problematic; in this tragic case, most importantly, it prevented the organization from fast-tracking effective, sustainable prevention measures that would have substantially decreased the risk of reoccurrence. Questions about the model of workplace justice applied to RaDondawho stood at the front end of a complex and, perhaps, under-guarded systemremain unanswered.

From a place of personal accountability and commitment to system improvement, RaDonda Vaughts conduct in the aftermath of this tragic event has been exemplary. She told what she knew, as soon as she knew it, to any stakeholder, for any purpose in hopes that understanding her actions, state of mind, priorities, omissions, and flaws could help her patient or any other. Much of what we have learned comes from the painful, candid narrative of RaDonda Vaught, at no small consequence to herself. She is the nurse the patient safety community has longed for, indeed has spent two-and-half decades nurturing.

She should not go to jail.

Barbara L. Olson is a nurse and senior advisor, The Just Culture Company. She supports health care clients in planning and sustaining Just Culture as a system of workplace justice and can be reached on Twitter @safetynurse.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
565 Shares Share

I recently wrote a letter to the Davidson County, TN judge who will sentence RaDonda Vaught, a former Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse convicted on two felony counts in the 2017 death of a patient. RaDonda faces up to 12 years in prison for her role in a complex chain of events that led to the death of Charlene Murphey. I shared my belief that incarcerating Ms. Vaught will not serve to protect the citizens of Tennessee. Nor will her incarceration advance the safety of patients in Tennessee or elsewhere.

I fear criminalization of on-the-job errors and harsh sentencing will have a measurably deleterious impact on efforts to improve our care delivery system. The experience of frontline health care workers and their complex, sometimes perplexing stories fuel the improvement cycle. If the lived experiences of nurses, who may rightly fear punishment for cognitive slips and lapses, are extinguished, we will be left with little ability to close the chasm between work as imagined and work as done.

In my letter to the sentencing judge, I respectfully offered three points that beg leniency:

1. The nurses conductthe on-the-job errors and choices she made. Some have suggested the degree that RaDonda operated in auto-pilot mode while caring for Charlene Murphey on December 26, 2017 is rare. A quick scan of widely publicized cases reveals RaDondas errors were very similar to those made by nurses caring for the Quaid twins in a Neonatal ICU in 2007. These errors could have resulted in irreparably tragic consequences.

It is likely disconcerting to recognize that nurses, and other frontline health care professionals, are fallible. I dont raise the issue of on-the-job cognitive slips and lapses to excuse them. But rather to point out that when we fail to design and monitor systems to withstand the predictable errors and choices fallible humans will make, we see a reoccurrence of events that are reasonably preventable through robust system design.

2. Safety is a property of the system. If we consider the series of events that claimed Charlene Murpheys life, we can quantify the relative value of each system component that was omitted or absent. My colleagues in system engineering and human factors estimate that a well-managed barcode scanning process would have reduced the risk of receiving the wrong drug in error by 99.9 percent, even when administered by a nurse who failed to perform visual checks of the medication label.

3. The organizational response. Many wonder if the easiest, most obvious thing horrified leaders could see in the waning days of 2017 were the errors made by one fallible nurse. It is tempting, even reassuring, to think that RaDonda Vaughts conduct was so different, so otherworldly, so divorced from the ecosystem in which she practiced that system safety could be restored with her removal. This approach to improvement and justice is highly problematic; in this tragic case, most importantly, it prevented the organization from fast-tracking effective, sustainable prevention measures that would have substantially decreased the risk of reoccurrence. Questions about the model of workplace justice applied to RaDondawho stood at the front end of a complex and, perhaps, under-guarded systemremain unanswered.

From a place of personal accountability and commitment to system improvement, RaDonda Vaughts conduct in the aftermath of this tragic event has been exemplary. She told what she knew, as soon as she knew it, to any stakeholder, for any purpose in hopes that understanding her actions, state of mind, priorities, omissions, and flaws could help her patient or any other. Much of what we have learned comes from the painful, candid narrative of RaDonda Vaught, at no small consequence to herself. She is the nurse the patient safety community has longed for, indeed has spent two-and-half decades nurturing.

She should not go to jail.

Barbara L. Olson is a nurse and senior advisor, The Just Culture Company. She supports health care clients in planning and sustaining Just Culture as a system of workplace justice and can be reached on Twitter @safetynurse.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Justice Department Releases Guide on How Convicted Individuals Can Exercise the Right to Vote

The Justice Department announced Friday a guide to address the issue of voting rights in different states after being convicted of a felony.

The guide details steps that can help one understand whether and how a convicted American citizen, who meets the age and residency requirements, can exercise their right to vote. It also provides information on how to regain lost rights along with contact details of state officials.

Each state has different policies and laws surrounding voting rights for those convicted. In some states, these individuals keep their rights intact, while in others, they lose them for a specific period of time or sometimes forever. A few states strip the right to vote, especially for crimes related to election fraud.

According to the guide (pdf), Vermont, Puerto Rico, Maine, and Washington, D.C., allow convicted citizens the right to vote, even if theyre incarcerated.

In Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington state, incarcerated individuals cannot vote. They can register to vote after their release.

Those incarcerated cannot vote in California unless their conviction is a juvenile adjudication made under Section 203 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

If convicted of a felony, the individual loses the right to vote in Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas. They need to complete any court-ordered supervision, probation, or parole, and register to exercise the right again.

In Alabama, the individual loses voting rights if convicted of certain felonies under state law like murder, rape, sodomy, or possession of obscene matter. In order to restore rights, they would need to seek a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Parole.

The right to vote is the foundation of American democracy and it is critical for returning citizens to have reliable information concerning what voting rules apply after a criminal conviction, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said in the accompanying news release.

The right to vote affirms returning citizens membership and belonging in the broader community. And it helps to ensure that the communities to which they belong have a meaningful opportunity to elect representatives of their choosing.

The 2022 U.S. midterm elections will be held on Nov. 8 when all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be contested.

Besides this, there will be voting taking place in numerous states and local regions. This will be the first election after redistricting based on the 2020 census.

Significant miscounts have been discovered in the 2020 census with mostly red states losing out on congressional seats while mostly blue states gaining seats.
A large China Mobile advertising board on the side of a building in Hong Kong on March 14, 2010. (Daniel Sorabji/AFP via Getty Images)

Many Provinces Disconnect Receipt of Mobile Calls and SMS From Outside China

While Chinas lengthy and difficult lockdown shows no sign of abating, telecom authorities in many provinces recently stopped cellphone calls and text messages from outside the mainland, including from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, saying it is necessary to prevent fraudulent calls.

The move adds to concerns over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expanding its lockdown and quickly closing the countrys doors, Sheng Xue, a Canada-based Chinese writer, told The Epoch Times sister media NTD on May 15.

Obviously, the CCP is deliberately secluding the country and cutting off contact between Chinese people and the outside world, said Sheng.

According to Chinese official media Xinhua on May 15, customers in Zhejiang Province have already received a message from China Mobile saying Zhejiang Mobile will, by default, halt receipt of international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan calls in order to combat foreign fraudulent calls.

Anyone needing to receive a call from outside China, must request a confirmed registration before May 20, otherwise, the relevant functions will cease, said the message.

China Mobiles Zhejiang Province office confirmed that the message was true and the company was notifying users in batches via SMS.

The regimes in Henan, Jiangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang Provinces shut down Mobiles SMS-receiving functions starting last August, as reported by several Chinese official media.

State-owned China Mobile is the worlds largest mobile network operator with 966.638 million subscribers as of March 2022, covering all of China and Hong Kong.

An office worker talks on a mobile phone in front of a China Unicom logo, California-based Apples partner in China, in Beijing on January 5, 2012. (Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images)

China Mobile is not alone in its move, the other two largest telecom giants, China Unicom and China Telecom, have also disconnected some international call services in some areas of China.

These three carriers control the majority of Chinas cell phone dynamics.

A November 2021 guidance, released to local citizens by the Public Security Bureau of Shantou city, Guangdong Province, said, By subscribing to the three major carriers, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, you can effectively and intelligently intercept the overseas fraudulent calls.

As of May 15, the topics China Mobiles response to the default shutdown of international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan calls and Default shut down in some areas on Sinas Microblogging pages sparked comments or concerns from nearly 2 million netizens.

Some satirized the opinion that the authorities are so considerate of the people, yet customers have never received a single overseas scam call. Now, they will possibly be unable to receive calls from friends and relatives abroad.

A number of comments accused the authorities of blatant and unconstitutional blocking of communication freedom, akin to a regression to a second Korea. Such posts were immediately censored. The U.S-based Chinese media Vision Times managed to take a screenshot of some of them.

The above-mentioned provinces that dropped the international call service are only trial points and the new regulations will soon be extended to all of China, Guo Tao, a media worker from central Chinas Jiangxi Province, told Radio Free Asia on May 16.

According to Guo, the CCPs limited cut-off of communications between China and the rest of the world is part of its lockdown policy.

This is to prepare for future actions, such as monitoring, sealing off the country, and blocking the network. Those SMS and telephone controls are only a preliminary measure. They are step by step tightening [their] grip from weak to strong, and the most important thing is that they [the CCP] want a total lockdown, Guo said.

This would bring forward a North Korea-style atmosphere, a people-and-information highly barricaded environment, said Tang Jingyuan, current affairs commentator in an interview with NTD on May 18, citing, that only in such a situation can those in power complete the cult of the individual and consolidate absolute power.

Tang pointed out, that in previous years, whenever the CCP begins to close Chinas doors, there must be a pressing crisis within the Communist Party, that is, when the Chinese regime is faltering and feeling extremely fragile in its ability to resist impacts from outside, so it instinctively beefs up its power within the country.
The logo for Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Google Private Browsing Mode Not Really Private, Texas Lawsuit Says

WASHINGTONThe Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a private browsing mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.

Texas, Indiana, Washington state, and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users privacy.

Paxtons filing adds Googles Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or private browsing is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.

The lawsuit said Google offers the option of private browsing that could include viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads.

The suit said in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.

Google said on Thursday that Paxtons filing is again based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data.

We strongly dispute these claims and will vigorously defend ourselves to set the record straight, it added.

Paxton previously alleged Google misled consumers by continuing to track their location even when users sought to prevent it.

Google has a Location History setting and informs users if they turn it off the places you go are no longer stored, Texas said.

In January, an Arizona judge ruled allegations Google deceived users with unclear smartphone location tracking settings should be weighed by a jury, refusing to toss out a lawsuit brought by the states attorney general.

By David Shepardson
The logo for Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Google Private Browsing Mode Not Really Private, Texas Lawsuit Says

WASHINGTONThe Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a private browsing mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.

Texas, Indiana, Washington state, and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users privacy.

Paxtons filing adds Googles Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or private browsing is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.

The lawsuit said Google offers the option of private browsing that could include viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads.

The suit said in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.

Google said on Thursday that Paxtons filing is again based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data.

We strongly dispute these claims and will vigorously defend ourselves to set the record straight, it added.

Paxton previously alleged Google misled consumers by continuing to track their location even when users sought to prevent it.

Google has a Location History setting and informs users if they turn it off the places you go are no longer stored, Texas said.

In January, an Arizona judge ruled allegations Google deceived users with unclear smartphone location tracking settings should be weighed by a jury, refusing to toss out a lawsuit brought by the states attorney general.

By David Shepardson

A large China Mobile advertising board on the side of a building in Hong Kong on March 14, 2010. (Daniel Sorabji/AFP via Getty Images)

Many Provinces Disconnect Receipt of Mobile Calls and SMS From Outside China

While Chinas lengthy and difficult lockdown shows no sign of abating, telecom authorities in many provinces recently stopped cellphone calls and text messages from outside the mainland, including from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, saying it is necessary to prevent fraudulent calls.

The move adds to concerns over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expanding its lockdown and quickly closing the countrys doors, Sheng Xue, a Canada-based Chinese writer, told The Epoch Times sister media NTD on May 15.

Obviously, the CCP is deliberately secluding the country and cutting off contact between Chinese people and the outside world, said Sheng.

According to Chinese official media Xinhua on May 15, customers in Zhejiang Province have already received a message from China Mobile saying Zhejiang Mobile will, by default, halt receipt of international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan calls in order to combat foreign fraudulent calls.

Anyone needing to receive a call from outside China, must request a confirmed registration before May 20, otherwise, the relevant functions will cease, said the message.

China Mobiles Zhejiang Province office confirmed that the message was true and the company was notifying users in batches via SMS.

The regimes in Henan, Jiangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang Provinces shut down Mobiles SMS-receiving functions starting last August, as reported by several Chinese official media.

State-owned China Mobile is the worlds largest mobile network operator with 966.638 million subscribers as of March 2022, covering all of China and Hong Kong.

An office worker talks on a mobile phone in front of a China Unicom logo, California-based Apples partner in China, in Beijing on January 5, 2012. (Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images)

China Mobile is not alone in its move, the other two largest telecom giants, China Unicom and China Telecom, have also disconnected some international call services in some areas of China.

These three carriers control the majority of Chinas cell phone dynamics.

A November 2021 guidance, released to local citizens by the Public Security Bureau of Shantou city, Guangdong Province, said, By subscribing to the three major carriers, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, you can effectively and intelligently intercept the overseas fraudulent calls.

As of May 15, the topics China Mobiles response to the default shutdown of international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan calls and Default shut down in some areas on Sinas Microblogging pages sparked comments or concerns from nearly 2 million netizens.

Some satirized the opinion that the authorities are so considerate of the people, yet customers have never received a single overseas scam call. Now, they will possibly be unable to receive calls from friends and relatives abroad.

A number of comments accused the authorities of blatant and unconstitutional blocking of communication freedom, akin to a regression to a second Korea. Such posts were immediately censored. The U.S-based Chinese media Vision Times managed to take a screenshot of some of them.

The above-mentioned provinces that dropped the international call service are only trial points and the new regulations will soon be extended to all of China, Guo Tao, a media worker from central Chinas Jiangxi Province, told Radio Free Asia on May 16.

According to Guo, the CCPs limited cut-off of communications between China and the rest of the world is part of its lockdown policy.

This is to prepare for future actions, such as monitoring, sealing off the country, and blocking the network. Those SMS and telephone controls are only a preliminary measure. They are step by step tightening [their] grip from weak to strong, and the most important thing is that they [the CCP] want a total lockdown, Guo said.

This would bring forward a North Korea-style atmosphere, a people-and-information highly barricaded environment, said Tang Jingyuan, current affairs commentator in an interview with NTD on May 18, citing, that only in such a situation can those in power complete the cult of the individual and consolidate absolute power.

Tang pointed out, that in previous years, whenever the CCP begins to close Chinas doors, there must be a pressing crisis within the Communist Party, that is, when the Chinese regime is faltering and feeling extremely fragile in its ability to resist impacts from outside, so it instinctively beefs up its power within the country.
Albert Bourla, chief executive officer of Pfizer pharmaceutical company, at the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 17, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Pfizer Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit From COVID-19 Vaccine Trial, Citing Prototype Agreement

Pfizer has asked a U.S. court to throw out a lawsuit from a whistleblower who revealed problems at sites that tested Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine.

Brook Jackson, the whistleblower, alleged in a suit that was unsealed in February that Pfizer and associated parties violated clinical trial regulations and federal laws, including the False Claims Act.

In its motion to dismiss, Pfizer stated that the regulations dont apply to its vaccine contract with the U.S. Department of Defense because the agreement was executed under the departments Other Transaction Authority (OTA), which gives contract holders the ability to skirt many rules and laws that typically apply to contracts.

That means that Jacksons claim that Pfizer must still comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation is simply wrong, according to Pfizer.

Warner Mendenhall, a lawyer who is working on Jacksons case, said in a recent interview that Pfizer has clearly not followed federal procurement laws.

And now theyre saying, Of course we didnt follow federal procurement laws, we didnt have tothis was just for a prototype,' he said.

Mendenhall, who declined an interview request, said lawyers for Jackson are working on figuring out legal ways to counter Pfizers argument.

We may lose on this issue because their contract imposes  none of the normal checks and balances on quality control and consumer protection that we fought for decades in this country, he said.

The contract in question was outlined in a base agreement and a statement of work for the agreement, which was signed in the summer of 2020.

The government agreed to pay up to $1.9 billion for 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, pending U.S. regulatory clearance. That included the manufacturing of the vaccine on top of researching and developing it.

The contract was granted under the prototype provision, which falls under the OTA. The rules for prototypes state that just one of four conditions must be satisfied. The condition that was satisfied in the Pfizer contract was the involvement of a nontraditional defense contractor.

Federal law defines nontraditional defense contractors as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed a contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense for at least one year preceding the solicitation of the OTA agreement. Pfizer has dozens of contracts with the military.

That means the government certified an absurd fiction to use an OTA to grant the contract, Kathryn Ardizzone, counsel with Knowledge Ecology International, told The Epoch Times in an email.

The Department of Defense and other government agencies have increased the use of the OTA over time. Thirty-four such agreements were hammered out in fiscal year 2016; by fiscal year 2018, that number was 173, according to the Government Accountability Office (pdf).

Because the agreements shield contract holders from some regulations and laws, the increasing use of OTAs, which includes in contexts where its inappropriate to do so, is undermining the rule of law and jeopardizing the publics interests, according to Ardizzone. The Pfizer contract is an example of an inappropriate context because the contract was not about producing a prototype, she said.

As far as Pfizers argument about the FAR not applying to the agreement, its not clear if thats the case.

The base agreement only mentions the regulations pertaining to the handling of classified information. The statement of work doesnt mention any.

Im not sure what it means when an OTA is silent on a regulation that appears in the FAR, Ardizzone said. That would be up for the judge to decide, and it might side with Pfizer since the prevailing view is that FAR regulations do not necessarily apply for an OTA.

Pfizer, in its motion to dismiss, noted that the government didnt join Jacksons suitit was filed on the governments behalfnor have regulators rescinded clearance of its vaccine, which was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2020, after Jackson revealed issues at sites managed by Ventavia Research Group, a Pfizer subcontractor.

The agreement makes no mention of the FDA regulations and FAR provisions cited in relators complaint, the motion reads. The agreement instead conditions payment, more simply, on Pfizers delivery of an FDA authorized or approved product. Pfizers vaccine has satisfied that condition since December 2020, as the complaint acknowledges, and the vaccine continues to satisfy that condition today. The Court should reject Relators express certification claim for this reason alone.
Albert Bourla, chief executive officer of Pfizer pharmaceutical company, at the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 17, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Pfizer Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit From COVID-19 Vaccine Trial, Citing Prototype Agreement

Pfizer has asked a U.S. court to throw out a lawsuit from a whistleblower who revealed problems at sites that tested Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine.

Brook Jackson, the whistleblower, alleged in a suit that was unsealed in February that Pfizer and associated parties violated clinical trial regulations and federal laws, including the False Claims Act.

In its motion to dismiss, Pfizer stated that the regulations dont apply to its vaccine contract with the U.S. Department of Defense because the agreement was executed under the departments Other Transaction Authority (OTA), which gives contract holders the ability to skirt many rules and laws that typically apply to contracts.

That means that Jacksons claim that Pfizer must still comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation is simply wrong, according to Pfizer.

Warner Mendenhall, a lawyer who is working on Jacksons case, said in a recent interview that Pfizer has clearly not followed federal procurement laws.

And now theyre saying, Of course we didnt follow federal procurement laws, we didnt have tothis was just for a prototype,' he said.

Mendenhall, who declined an interview request, said lawyers for Jackson are working on figuring out legal ways to counter Pfizers argument.

We may lose on this issue because their contract imposes  none of the normal checks and balances on quality control and consumer protection that we fought for decades in this country, he said.

The contract in question was outlined in a base agreement and a statement of work for the agreement, which was signed in the summer of 2020.

The government agreed to pay up to $1.9 billion for 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, pending U.S. regulatory clearance. That included the manufacturing of the vaccine on top of researching and developing it.

The contract was granted under the prototype provision, which falls under the OTA. The rules for prototypes state that just one of four conditions must be satisfied. The condition that was satisfied in the Pfizer contract was the involvement of a nontraditional defense contractor.

Federal law defines nontraditional defense contractors as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed a contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense for at least one year preceding the solicitation of the OTA agreement. Pfizer has dozens of contracts with the military.

That means the government certified an absurd fiction to use an OTA to grant the contract, Kathryn Ardizzone, counsel with Knowledge Ecology International, told The Epoch Times in an email.

The Department of Defense and other government agencies have increased the use of the OTA over time. Thirty-four such agreements were hammered out in fiscal year 2016; by fiscal year 2018, that number was 173, according to the Government Accountability Office (pdf).

Because the agreements shield contract holders from some regulations and laws, the increasing use of OTAs, which includes in contexts where its inappropriate to do so, is undermining the rule of law and jeopardizing the publics interests, according to Ardizzone. The Pfizer contract is an example of an inappropriate context because the contract was not about producing a prototype, she said.

As far as Pfizers argument about the FAR not applying to the agreement, its not clear if thats the case.

The base agreement only mentions the regulations pertaining to the handling of classified information. The statement of work doesnt mention any.

Im not sure what it means when an OTA is silent on a regulation that appears in the FAR, Ardizzone said. That would be up for the judge to decide, and it might side with Pfizer since the prevailing view is that FAR regulations do not necessarily apply for an OTA.

Pfizer, in its motion to dismiss, noted that the government didnt join Jacksons suitit was filed on the governments behalfnor have regulators rescinded clearance of its vaccine, which was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2020, after Jackson revealed issues at sites managed by Ventavia Research Group, a Pfizer subcontractor.

The agreement makes no mention of the FDA regulations and FAR provisions cited in relators complaint, the motion reads. The agreement instead conditions payment, more simply, on Pfizers delivery of an FDA authorized or approved product. Pfizers vaccine has satisfied that condition since December 2020, as the complaint acknowledges, and the vaccine continues to satisfy that condition today. The Court should reject Relators express certification claim for this reason alone.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


The logo for Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Google Private Browsing Mode Not Really Private, Texas Lawsuit Says

WASHINGTONThe Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a private browsing mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.

Texas, Indiana, Washington state, and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users privacy.

Paxtons filing adds Googles Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or private browsing is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.

The lawsuit said Google offers the option of private browsing that could include viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads.

The suit said in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.

Google said on Thursday that Paxtons filing is again based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data.

We strongly dispute these claims and will vigorously defend ourselves to set the record straight, it added.

Paxton previously alleged Google misled consumers by continuing to track their location even when users sought to prevent it.

Google has a Location History setting and informs users if they turn it off the places you go are no longer stored, Texas said.

In January, an Arizona judge ruled allegations Google deceived users with unclear smartphone location tracking settings should be weighed by a jury, refusing to toss out a lawsuit brought by the states attorney general.

By David Shepardson
The logo for Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Google Private Browsing Mode Not Really Private, Texas Lawsuit Says

WASHINGTONThe Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a private browsing mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.

Texas, Indiana, Washington state, and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users privacy.

Paxtons filing adds Googles Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or private browsing is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.

The lawsuit said Google offers the option of private browsing that could include viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads.

The suit said in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.

Google said on Thursday that Paxtons filing is again based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data.

We strongly dispute these claims and will vigorously defend ourselves to set the record straight, it added.

Paxton previously alleged Google misled consumers by continuing to track their location even when users sought to prevent it.

Google has a Location History setting and informs users if they turn it off the places you go are no longer stored, Texas said.

In January, an Arizona judge ruled allegations Google deceived users with unclear smartphone location tracking settings should be weighed by a jury, refusing to toss out a lawsuit brought by the states attorney general.

By David Shepardson
Prime Minister on Saturday congratulated Australia's Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party's victory in the country's federal election, which makes him Australia's prime minister-elect.

PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country's 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted. "Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia's Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India- economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition's nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India- comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 21, 2022) congratulated Australia`s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese for his party`s victory in the country`s federal election, which makes him Australia`s prime minister-elect. PM Modi said that he is looking forward to working towards the shared interest between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region." tweeted PM Modi.

Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister! I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2022

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country`s 31st Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese thanked people for voting for him. "Thank you Australia," he Tweeted.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change," he added.

Australia`s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded election defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Taking to Twitter today, the high commissioner said that Anthony Albanese had travelled to New Delhi as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.

"Australia`s Prime Minister-elect @AlboMP is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991 and led a parliamentary delegation in 2018. During the campaign, he committed to deepening India-Australia economic, strategic and people-to-people links," he said.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: "Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I have congratulated him on his election victory."

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party. The result marks an end to the coalition`s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison`s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Quad Summit in Japan on May 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his new Australian counterpart. Albanese has confirmed that he will attend the Quad summit in Japan next week as well.

Addressing the special ministry of external affairs briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "In their (India-Australia) interaction, the two leaders will review the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank (ECB), speaks at a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Lagarde Calls for Crypto Crackdown, Says Theyre Based on Nothing

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has taken aim at cryptocurrencies, arguing in an interview on Dutch television that theyre essentially worth nothing as they lack underlying assets as an anchor to safety while calling for them to be regulated.

Lagarde made the remarks in an interview on the Dutch television program College Tour, due to be released on May 22, according to Politico.

I have said all along the crypto assets are highly speculative, very risky assets, Lagarde told the program. My very humble assessment is that it is worth nothing. It is based on nothing, there is no underlying assets to act as an anchor of safety.

She added that shes worried about people speculating on cryptocurrencies with their life savings as they may not be aware of the risks.

Lagarde said shes concerned about those who have no understanding of the risks, who will lose it all and who will be terribly disappointed, which is why I believe that that should be regulated, as per Bloomberg.

In January, Lagarde called for global regulation of Bitcoin, telling Reuters in an interview at the time that the digital currency had been used for money laundering and arguing for rules that would close related loopholes.

Bitcoin is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity, Lagarde told the outlet in an interview at the Reuters Next conference.

While Lagarde did not elaborate on money laundering specifics related to cryptocurrencies, she argued for regulation that would be agreed upon and applied at a global level because if there is an escape, that escape will be used, referring to regulatory loopholes.

Her remarks come amid recent turmoil in crypto markets, which have shed over $1 trillion in value over the past six months.

Other crypto woes include the collapse in value of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin, which was supposed to be pegged 11 to the U.S. dollar but which has fallen to around six cents as of May 21, according to CoinMarketCap.

The spectacular UST plunge prompted Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler to say earlier in the week that he, like Lagarde, worries that investors will be hurt in crypto markets.

I think a lot of these tokens will fail, Gensler told reporters after a House Appropriations Committee panel hearing on May 18. I fear that in crypto  theres going to be a lot of people hurt, and that will undermine some of the confidence in markets and trust in markets writ large.

Besides regulators and other officials ramping up their crypto criticism, other prominent individuals have expressed reservations about the asset class.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on May 19 that he hasnt invested in crypto because it isnt adding to society.

I dont own any, Gates wrote. I like investing in things that have valuable output. The value of companies is based on how they make great products. The value of crypto is just what some other person decides someone else will pay for it so not adding to society like other investments.

Like Gates, Lagarde, too, doesnt own any crypto, telling the College Tour program that she wants to practice what I preach.

Other ECB officials have made critical remarks with regard to cryptocurrencies and, like Lagarde, have called for them to be regulated.
Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank (ECB), speaks at a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Lagarde Calls for Crypto Crackdown, Says Theyre Based on Nothing

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has taken aim at cryptocurrencies, arguing in an interview on Dutch television that theyre essentially worth nothing as they lack underlying assets as an anchor to safety while calling for them to be regulated.

Lagarde made the remarks in an interview on the Dutch television program College Tour, due to be released on May 22, according to Politico.

I have said all along the crypto assets are highly speculative, very risky assets, Lagarde told the program. My very humble assessment is that it is worth nothing. It is based on nothing, there is no underlying assets to act as an anchor of safety.

She added that shes worried about people speculating on cryptocurrencies with their life savings as they may not be aware of the risks.

Lagarde said shes concerned about those who have no understanding of the risks, who will lose it all and who will be terribly disappointed, which is why I believe that that should be regulated, as per Bloomberg.

In January, Lagarde called for global regulation of Bitcoin, telling Reuters in an interview at the time that the digital currency had been used for money laundering and arguing for rules that would close related loopholes.

Bitcoin is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity, Lagarde told the outlet in an interview at the Reuters Next conference.

While Lagarde did not elaborate on money laundering specifics related to cryptocurrencies, she argued for regulation that would be agreed upon and applied at a global level because if there is an escape, that escape will be used, referring to regulatory loopholes.

Her remarks come amid recent turmoil in crypto markets, which have shed over $1 trillion in value over the past six months.

Other crypto woes include the collapse in value of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin, which was supposed to be pegged 11 to the U.S. dollar but which has fallen to around six cents as of May 21, according to CoinMarketCap.

The spectacular UST plunge prompted Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler to say earlier in the week that he, like Lagarde, worries that investors will be hurt in crypto markets.

I think a lot of these tokens will fail, Gensler told reporters after a House Appropriations Committee panel hearing on May 18. I fear that in crypto  theres going to be a lot of people hurt, and that will undermine some of the confidence in markets and trust in markets writ large.

Besides regulators and other officials ramping up their crypto criticism, other prominent individuals have expressed reservations about the asset class.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on May 19 that he hasnt invested in crypto because it isnt adding to society.

I dont own any, Gates wrote. I like investing in things that have valuable output. The value of companies is based on how they make great products. The value of crypto is just what some other person decides someone else will pay for it so not adding to society like other investments.

Like Gates, Lagarde, too, doesnt own any crypto, telling the College Tour program that she wants to practice what I preach.

Other ECB officials have made critical remarks with regard to cryptocurrencies and, like Lagarde, have called for them to be regulated.
Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank (ECB), speaks at a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Lagarde Calls for Crypto Crackdown, Says Theyre Based on Nothing

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has taken aim at cryptocurrencies, arguing in an interview on Dutch television that theyre essentially worth nothing as they lack underlying assets as an anchor to safety while calling for them to be regulated.

Lagarde made the remarks in an interview on the Dutch television program College Tour, due to be released on May 22, according to Politico.

I have said all along the crypto assets are highly speculative, very risky assets, Lagarde told the program. My very humble assessment is that it is worth nothing. It is based on nothing, there is no underlying assets to act as an anchor of safety.

She added that shes worried about people speculating on cryptocurrencies with their life savings as they may not be aware of the risks.

Lagarde said shes concerned about those who have no understanding of the risks, who will lose it all and who will be terribly disappointed, which is why I believe that that should be regulated, as per Bloomberg.

In January, Lagarde called for global regulation of Bitcoin, telling Reuters in an interview at the time that the digital currency had been used for money laundering and arguing for rules that would close related loopholes.

Bitcoin is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity, Lagarde told the outlet in an interview at the Reuters Next conference.

While Lagarde did not elaborate on money laundering specifics related to cryptocurrencies, she argued for regulation that would be agreed upon and applied at a global level because if there is an escape, that escape will be used, referring to regulatory loopholes.

Her remarks come amid recent turmoil in crypto markets, which have shed over $1 trillion in value over the past six months.

Other crypto woes include the collapse in value of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin, which was supposed to be pegged 11 to the U.S. dollar but which has fallen to around six cents as of May 21, according to CoinMarketCap.

The spectacular UST plunge prompted Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler to say earlier in the week that he, like Lagarde, worries that investors will be hurt in crypto markets.

I think a lot of these tokens will fail, Gensler told reporters after a House Appropriations Committee panel hearing on May 18. I fear that in crypto  theres going to be a lot of people hurt, and that will undermine some of the confidence in markets and trust in markets writ large.

Besides regulators and other officials ramping up their crypto criticism, other prominent individuals have expressed reservations about the asset class.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on May 19 that he hasnt invested in crypto because it isnt adding to society.

I dont own any, Gates wrote. I like investing in things that have valuable output. The value of companies is based on how they make great products. The value of crypto is just what some other person decides someone else will pay for it so not adding to society like other investments.

Like Gates, Lagarde, too, doesnt own any crypto, telling the College Tour program that she wants to practice what I preach.

Other ECB officials have made critical remarks with regard to cryptocurrencies and, like Lagarde, have called for them to be regulated.
A large China Mobile advertising board on the side of a building in Hong Kong on March 14, 2010. (Daniel Sorabji/AFP via Getty Images)

Many Provinces Disconnect Receipt of Mobile Calls and SMS From Outside China

While Chinas lengthy and difficult lockdown shows no sign of abating, telecom authorities in many provinces recently stopped cellphone calls and text messages from outside the mainland, including from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, saying it is necessary to prevent fraudulent calls.

The move adds to concerns over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expanding its lockdown and quickly closing the countrys doors, Sheng Xue, a Canada-based Chinese writer, told The Epoch Times sister media NTD on May 15.

Obviously, the CCP is deliberately secluding the country and cutting off contact between Chinese people and the outside world, said Sheng.

According to Chinese official media Xinhua on May 15, customers in Zhejiang Province have already received a message from China Mobile saying Zhejiang Mobile will, by default, halt receipt of international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan calls in order to combat foreign fraudulent calls.

Anyone needing to receive a call from outside China, must request a confirmed registration before May 20, otherwise, the relevant functions will cease, said the message.

China Mobiles Zhejiang Province office confirmed that the message was true and the company was notifying users in batches via SMS.

The regimes in Henan, Jiangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang Provinces shut down Mobiles SMS-receiving functions starting last August, as reported by several Chinese official media.

State-owned China Mobile is the worlds largest mobile network operator with 966.638 million subscribers as of March 2022, covering all of China and Hong Kong.

An office worker talks on a mobile phone in front of a China Unicom logo, California-based Apples partner in China, in Beijing on January 5, 2012. (Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images)

China Mobile is not alone in its move, the other two largest telecom giants, China Unicom and China Telecom, have also disconnected some international call services in some areas of China.

These three carriers control the majority of Chinas cell phone dynamics.

A November 2021 guidance, released to local citizens by the Public Security Bureau of Shantou city, Guangdong Province, said, By subscribing to the three major carriers, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, you can effectively and intelligently intercept the overseas fraudulent calls.

As of May 15, the topics China Mobiles response to the default shutdown of international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan calls and Default shut down in some areas on Sinas Microblogging pages sparked comments or concerns from nearly 2 million netizens.

Some satirized the opinion that the authorities are so considerate of the people, yet customers have never received a single overseas scam call. Now, they will possibly be unable to receive calls from friends and relatives abroad.

A number of comments accused the authorities of blatant and unconstitutional blocking of communication freedom, akin to a regression to a second Korea. Such posts were immediately censored. The U.S-based Chinese media Vision Times managed to take a screenshot of some of them.

The above-mentioned provinces that dropped the international call service are only trial points and the new regulations will soon be extended to all of China, Guo Tao, a media worker from central Chinas Jiangxi Province, told Radio Free Asia on May 16.

According to Guo, the CCPs limited cut-off of communications between China and the rest of the world is part of its lockdown policy.

This is to prepare for future actions, such as monitoring, sealing off the country, and blocking the network. Those SMS and telephone controls are only a preliminary measure. They are step by step tightening [their] grip from weak to strong, and the most important thing is that they [the CCP] want a total lockdown, Guo said.

This would bring forward a North Korea-style atmosphere, a people-and-information highly barricaded environment, said Tang Jingyuan, current affairs commentator in an interview with NTD on May 18, citing, that only in such a situation can those in power complete the cult of the individual and consolidate absolute power.

Tang pointed out, that in previous years, whenever the CCP begins to close Chinas doors, there must be a pressing crisis within the Communist Party, that is, when the Chinese regime is faltering and feeling extremely fragile in its ability to resist impacts from outside, so it instinctively beefs up its power within the country.
A large China Mobile advertising board on the side of a building in Hong Kong on March 14, 2010. (Daniel Sorabji/AFP via Getty Images)

Many Provinces Disconnect Receipt of Mobile Calls and SMS From Outside China

While Chinas lengthy and difficult lockdown shows no sign of abating, telecom authorities in many provinces recently stopped cellphone calls and text messages from outside the mainland, including from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, saying it is necessary to prevent fraudulent calls.

The move adds to concerns over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) expanding its lockdown and quickly closing the countrys doors, Sheng Xue, a Canada-based Chinese writer, told The Epoch Times sister media NTD on May 15.

Obviously, the CCP is deliberately secluding the country and cutting off contact between Chinese people and the outside world, said Sheng.

According to Chinese official media Xinhua on May 15, customers in Zhejiang Province have already received a message from China Mobile saying Zhejiang Mobile will, by default, halt receipt of international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan calls in order to combat foreign fraudulent calls.

Anyone needing to receive a call from outside China, must request a confirmed registration before May 20, otherwise, the relevant functions will cease, said the message.

China Mobiles Zhejiang Province office confirmed that the message was true and the company was notifying users in batches via SMS.

The regimes in Henan, Jiangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang Provinces shut down Mobiles SMS-receiving functions starting last August, as reported by several Chinese official media.

State-owned China Mobile is the worlds largest mobile network operator with 966.638 million subscribers as of March 2022, covering all of China and Hong Kong.

An office worker talks on a mobile phone in front of a China Unicom logo, California-based Apples partner in China, in Beijing on January 5, 2012. (Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images)

China Mobile is not alone in its move, the other two largest telecom giants, China Unicom and China Telecom, have also disconnected some international call services in some areas of China.

These three carriers control the majority of Chinas cell phone dynamics.

A November 2021 guidance, released to local citizens by the Public Security Bureau of Shantou city, Guangdong Province, said, By subscribing to the three major carriers, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, you can effectively and intelligently intercept the overseas fraudulent calls.

As of May 15, the topics China Mobiles response to the default shutdown of international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan calls and Default shut down in some areas on Sinas Microblogging pages sparked comments or concerns from nearly 2 million netizens.

Some satirized the opinion that the authorities are so considerate of the people, yet customers have never received a single overseas scam call. Now, they will possibly be unable to receive calls from friends and relatives abroad.

A number of comments accused the authorities of blatant and unconstitutional blocking of communication freedom, akin to a regression to a second Korea. Such posts were immediately censored. The U.S-based Chinese media Vision Times managed to take a screenshot of some of them.

The above-mentioned provinces that dropped the international call service are only trial points and the new regulations will soon be extended to all of China, Guo Tao, a media worker from central Chinas Jiangxi Province, told Radio Free Asia on May 16.

According to Guo, the CCPs limited cut-off of communications between China and the rest of the world is part of its lockdown policy.

This is to prepare for future actions, such as monitoring, sealing off the country, and blocking the network. Those SMS and telephone controls are only a preliminary measure. They are step by step tightening [their] grip from weak to strong, and the most important thing is that they [the CCP] want a total lockdown, Guo said.

This would bring forward a North Korea-style atmosphere, a people-and-information highly barricaded environment, said Tang Jingyuan, current affairs commentator in an interview with NTD on May 18, citing, that only in such a situation can those in power complete the cult of the individual and consolidate absolute power.

Tang pointed out, that in previous years, whenever the CCP begins to close Chinas doors, there must be a pressing crisis within the Communist Party, that is, when the Chinese regime is faltering and feeling extremely fragile in its ability to resist impacts from outside, so it instinctively beefs up its power within the country.
A sign is displayed at the entrance of the headquarters for Chicago Public Schools in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 5, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Cybercriminals Steal Records of 500,000 Chicago Students in Huge Data Breach

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has revealed that nearly half a million students and over 50,000 staff members have fallen prey to a massive data breach involving the theft of personal information via a ransomware attack.

A technology vendor for CPS called Battelle for Kids notified the school district that, on Dec. 1, 2021, an unauthorized party gained access to 495,448 student records and 56,138 staff records, according to a May 20 statement from CPS.

The stolen student records span a four-year period from 2015 to 2019 and include name, date of birth, gender, grade level, school, student ID number, information about the courses students had taken, and student scores from performance tasks used for teacher evaluations.

The staff records that were involved in the breach include name, school, employee ID number, CPS email address, and information about courses taught during the four-year span.

CPS said that no Social Security numbers, no financial information, no health data, no current course or schedule information, no home addresses, no course grades, no standardized test scores, and no teacher evaluation scores were part of the security breach.

Edward Wagner, acting chief information officer at CPS, said in a letter to parents (pdf) that there is no evidence at this time that suggests the stolen data has been misused or provided to other parties.

According to data security experts, including law enforcement, the lack of financial information contained in the data decreases the likelihood that the data will be misused, Wagner wrote.

Wagner said the incident has been reported to law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and is now under investigation.

Battelle for Kids is currently monitoring and will continue to monitor the internet in case the data is posted or distributed, Wagner wrote.

CPS said that the vendor, Battelle for Kids, had taken mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood of similar data breaches in the future, including enhancing network security and hiring a third-party security firm to provide up-to-date defenses and industry-leading practices in terms of cybersecurity.

It comes as multiple national cybersecurity authorities earlier this week revealed the top ten cyber attack vectors most commonly used by criminals to breach networks.

Cyber actors routinely exploit poor security configurations (either misconfigured or left unsecured), weak controls, and other poor cyber hygiene practices to gain initial access or as part of other tactics to compromise a victims system, reads the joint advisory, released by agencies from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The cybersecurity alert includes guidance to mitigate vulnerabilities such as poor security controls, weak security configurations, and bad practices that are routinely exploited by threat actors.

Mitigation measures include ramping up the use of multi-factor authentication and the use of dedicated administrative workstations for privileged user sessions, while limiting the ability of local administrator accounts to log in remotely.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."



Justice Department Releases Guide on How Convicted Individuals Can Exercise the Right to Vote

The Justice Department announced Friday a guide to address the issue of voting rights in different states after being convicted of a felony.

The guide details steps that can help one understand whether and how a convicted American citizen, who meets the age and residency requirements, can exercise their right to vote. It also provides information on how to regain lost rights along with contact details of state officials.

Each state has different policies and laws surrounding voting rights for those convicted. In some states, these individuals keep their rights intact, while in others, they lose them for a specific period of time or sometimes forever. A few states strip the right to vote, especially for crimes related to election fraud.

According to the guide (pdf), Vermont, Puerto Rico, Maine, and Washington, D.C., allow convicted citizens the right to vote, even if theyre incarcerated.

In Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington state, incarcerated individuals cannot vote. They can register to vote after their release.

Those incarcerated cannot vote in California unless their conviction is a juvenile adjudication made under Section 203 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

If convicted of a felony, the individual loses the right to vote in Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas. They need to complete any court-ordered supervision, probation, or parole, and register to exercise the right again.

In Alabama, the individual loses voting rights if convicted of certain felonies under state law like murder, rape, sodomy, or possession of obscene matter. In order to restore rights, they would need to seek a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Parole.

The right to vote is the foundation of American democracy and it is critical for returning citizens to have reliable information concerning what voting rules apply after a criminal conviction, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said in the accompanying news release.

The right to vote affirms returning citizens membership and belonging in the broader community. And it helps to ensure that the communities to which they belong have a meaningful opportunity to elect representatives of their choosing.

The 2022 U.S. midterm elections will be held on Nov. 8 when all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be contested.

Besides this, there will be voting taking place in numerous states and local regions. This will be the first election after redistricting based on the 2020 census.

Significant miscounts have been discovered in the 2020 census with mostly red states losing out on congressional seats while mostly blue states gaining seats.
Foster families are prevalent in our society and essential to the child welfare system. Eastern Illinois University graduate student Kayli Worthey has written this article that explains how we can support those who take on the role of foster parent.

Kayli says: According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System there were 407,493 children in foster care as of September 30, 2020. Almost half of the foster children are placed with non-relative foster families that act as their foster parents for less than a month to over five years. In 2019, there were 6,034 foster non-relative foster families in Illinois.

Foster parents play a critical role in the lives of youth in foster care and experience countless stressors, yet there is little information on how to support foster parents as friends and families.

Foster parents still struggle with burnout, judgment, child behavior and emotional issues, foster care agency relationships and policies, and issues with biological parents. Research has found that successful foster families are associated with social support like friends and family members.

As friends and family of foster families, it is vital to support these families while also respecting boundaries. Here are five ways you can support the foster families in your life:

1. Dont judge

There are many different reasons individuals and couples choose to foster children. Whether it is an individuals way to be a parent, a couples way to give back to the community, or even to help a family member in a time of need, foster parents do not need criticism regarding their choices. Foster parents may also face backlash over their parenting methods and discipline methods. Rather than commenting on things foster parents should be doing, take a step back and support your family member or friend by offering supportive words or a cup of coffee.

2. Offer emotional support

Sometimes, the best thing one can do is just be there for their loved ones, including foster parents. Fostering is a stressful journey with court dates, parental visits, and parenting in general. Foster parenthood and the complex hustle and bustle that comes with it can often leave foster parents feeling lonely and confused. Regularly check in with your friends or family to see how theyre doing. Be with them to listen, laugh and even cry with them. A vent session can be healing for foster parents. They may also just need a hug.

3. Invite them to practice self-care strategies

Even though foster parents will probably be focused on their foster children, they cant forget about taking care of themselves. It will be an adjustment period for foster parents as they add to their home and their stress level. However, one wont be able to provide the best care for their foster child if they cannot manage their stress. Remind the foster parents to take a break when needed, and that self-care is not selfish, it is essential! Invite them to go on a walk or to the gym. Join them in starting a new hobby or anything that can help them decompress.

4. Offer concrete support

When foster parents are running around trying to get children to appointments, in-home visits, assessments, family visits, school, and after-school activities, it is hard to find time to cook a nice meal, spend time with their spouse, clean the house, or run small errands. Prepare dinner for the family. Whether it is a frozen meal, crockpot dinner, or a gift certificate to a restaurant, it takes the stress off the foster parents to prepare dinner for at least one night.

Another way you can provide support is by helping foster parents with day-to-day tasks like cleaning around the house, running errands, or mowing the lawn.

5. Encourage them

Sometimes all a parent needs to hear is that they are doing a great job and that its normal to struggle with foster parenthood. Foster parents need to hear that there is no graceful way of foster parenting and that its okay. The important thing is that they are trying, and they are working hard to provide a healthy and stable home for their foster children. Offer encouraging words to the foster parents in your life as the simple You are doing an amazing job can go a long way during a rough patch.

For the complete article with references visit extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files.

Cheri Burcham is the Family Life Educator at the U of I Extension.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
565 Shares Share

I recently wrote a letter to the Davidson County, TN judge who will sentence RaDonda Vaught, a former Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse convicted on two felony counts in the 2017 death of a patient. RaDonda faces up to 12 years in prison for her role in a complex chain of events that led to the death of Charlene Murphey. I shared my belief that incarcerating Ms. Vaught will not serve to protect the citizens of Tennessee. Nor will her incarceration advance the safety of patients in Tennessee or elsewhere.

I fear criminalization of on-the-job errors and harsh sentencing will have a measurably deleterious impact on efforts to improve our care delivery system. The experience of frontline health care workers and their complex, sometimes perplexing stories fuel the improvement cycle. If the lived experiences of nurses, who may rightly fear punishment for cognitive slips and lapses, are extinguished, we will be left with little ability to close the chasm between work as imagined and work as done.

In my letter to the sentencing judge, I respectfully offered three points that beg leniency:

1. The nurses conductthe on-the-job errors and choices she made. Some have suggested the degree that RaDonda operated in auto-pilot mode while caring for Charlene Murphey on December 26, 2017 is rare. A quick scan of widely publicized cases reveals RaDondas errors were very similar to those made by nurses caring for the Quaid twins in a Neonatal ICU in 2007. These errors could have resulted in irreparably tragic consequences.

It is likely disconcerting to recognize that nurses, and other frontline health care professionals, are fallible. I dont raise the issue of on-the-job cognitive slips and lapses to excuse them. But rather to point out that when we fail to design and monitor systems to withstand the predictable errors and choices fallible humans will make, we see a reoccurrence of events that are reasonably preventable through robust system design.

2. Safety is a property of the system. If we consider the series of events that claimed Charlene Murpheys life, we can quantify the relative value of each system component that was omitted or absent. My colleagues in system engineering and human factors estimate that a well-managed barcode scanning process would have reduced the risk of receiving the wrong drug in error by 99.9 percent, even when administered by a nurse who failed to perform visual checks of the medication label.

3. The organizational response. Many wonder if the easiest, most obvious thing horrified leaders could see in the waning days of 2017 were the errors made by one fallible nurse. It is tempting, even reassuring, to think that RaDonda Vaughts conduct was so different, so otherworldly, so divorced from the ecosystem in which she practiced that system safety could be restored with her removal. This approach to improvement and justice is highly problematic; in this tragic case, most importantly, it prevented the organization from fast-tracking effective, sustainable prevention measures that would have substantially decreased the risk of reoccurrence. Questions about the model of workplace justice applied to RaDondawho stood at the front end of a complex and, perhaps, under-guarded systemremain unanswered.

From a place of personal accountability and commitment to system improvement, RaDonda Vaughts conduct in the aftermath of this tragic event has been exemplary. She told what she knew, as soon as she knew it, to any stakeholder, for any purpose in hopes that understanding her actions, state of mind, priorities, omissions, and flaws could help her patient or any other. Much of what we have learned comes from the painful, candid narrative of RaDonda Vaught, at no small consequence to herself. She is the nurse the patient safety community has longed for, indeed has spent two-and-half decades nurturing.

She should not go to jail.

Barbara L. Olson is a nurse and senior advisor, The Just Culture Company. She supports health care clients in planning and sustaining Just Culture as a system of workplace justice and can be reached on Twitter @safetynurse.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
556 Shares Share

I recently wrote a letter to the Davidson County, TN judge who will sentence RaDonda Vaught, a former Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse convicted on two felony counts in the 2017 death of a patient. RaDonda faces up to 12 years in prison for her role in a complex chain of events that led to the death of Charlene Murphey. I shared my belief that incarcerating Ms. Vaught will not serve to protect the citizens of Tennessee. Nor will her incarceration advance the safety of patients in Tennessee or elsewhere.

I fear criminalization of on-the-job errors and harsh sentencing will have a measurably deleterious impact on efforts to improve our care delivery system. The experience of frontline health care workers and their complex, sometimes perplexing stories fuel the improvement cycle. If the lived experiences of nurses, who may rightly fear punishment for cognitive slips and lapses, are extinguished, we will be left with little ability to close the chasm between work as imagined and work as done.

In my letter to the sentencing judge, I respectfully offered three points that beg leniency:

1. The nurses conductthe on-the-job errors and choices she made. Some have suggested the degree that RaDonda operated in auto-pilot mode while caring for Charlene Murphey on December 26, 2017 is rare. A quick scan of widely publicized cases reveals RaDondas errors were very similar to those made by nurses caring for the Quaid twins in a Neonatal ICU in 2007. These errors could have resulted in irreparably tragic consequences.

It is likely disconcerting to recognize that nurses, and other frontline health care professionals, are fallible. I dont raise the issue of on-the-job cognitive slips and lapses to excuse them. But rather to point out that when we fail to design and monitor systems to withstand the predictable errors and choices fallible humans will make, we see a reoccurrence of events that are reasonably preventable through robust system design.

2. Safety is a property of the system. If we consider the series of events that claimed Charlene Murpheys life, we can quantify the relative value of each system component that was omitted or absent. My colleagues in system engineering and human factors estimate that a well-managed barcode scanning process would have reduced the risk of receiving the wrong drug in error by 99.9 percent, even when administered by a nurse who failed to perform visual checks of the medication label.

3. The organizational response. Many wonder if the easiest, most obvious thing horrified leaders could see in the waning days of 2017 were the errors made by one fallible nurse. It is tempting, even reassuring, to think that RaDonda Vaughts conduct was so different, so otherworldly, so divorced from the ecosystem in which she practiced that system safety could be restored with her removal. This approach to improvement and justice is highly problematic; in this tragic case, most importantly, it prevented the organization from fast-tracking effective, sustainable prevention measures that would have substantially decreased the risk of reoccurrence. Questions about the model of workplace justice applied to RaDondawho stood at the front end of a complex and, perhaps, under-guarded systemremain unanswered.

From a place of personal accountability and commitment to system improvement, RaDonda Vaughts conduct in the aftermath of this tragic event has been exemplary. She told what she knew, as soon as she knew it, to any stakeholder, for any purpose in hopes that understanding her actions, state of mind, priorities, omissions, and flaws could help her patient or any other. Much of what we have learned comes from the painful, candid narrative of RaDonda Vaught, at no small consequence to herself. She is the nurse the patient safety community has longed for, indeed has spent two-and-half decades nurturing.

She should not go to jail.

Barbara L. Olson is a nurse and senior advisor, The Just Culture Company. She supports health care clients in planning and sustaining Just Culture as a system of workplace justice and can be reached on Twitter @safetynurse.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com


The logo for Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Google Private Browsing Mode Not Really Private, Texas Lawsuit Says

WASHINGTONThe Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a private browsing mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.

Texas, Indiana, Washington state, and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users privacy.

Paxtons filing adds Googles Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or private browsing is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.

The lawsuit said Google offers the option of private browsing that could include viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads.

The suit said in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.

Google said on Thursday that Paxtons filing is again based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data.

We strongly dispute these claims and will vigorously defend ourselves to set the record straight, it added.

Paxton previously alleged Google misled consumers by continuing to track their location even when users sought to prevent it.

Google has a Location History setting and informs users if they turn it off the places you go are no longer stored, Texas said.

In January, an Arizona judge ruled allegations Google deceived users with unclear smartphone location tracking settings should be weighed by a jury, refusing to toss out a lawsuit brought by the states attorney general.

By David Shepardson
The logo for Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Google Private Browsing Mode Not Really Private, Texas Lawsuit Says

WASHINGTONThe Google search engine collects data on users who think they can be anonymous if they use a private browsing mode, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed on Thursday, filing an amended privacy lawsuit against the Alphabet Inc unit.

Texas, Indiana, Washington state, and the District of Columbia filed separate suits against Google in January in state courts over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users privacy.

Paxtons filing adds Googles Incognito mode to the lawsuit filed in January. Incognito mode or private browsing is a web browser function that Paxton said implies Google will not track search history or location activity.

The lawsuit said Google offers the option of private browsing that could include viewing highly personal websites that might indicate, for example, their medical history, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. Or maybe they simply want to buy a surprise gift without the gift recipient being tipped off by a barrage of targeted ads.

The suit said in reality, Google deceptively collects an array of personal data even when a user has engaged Incognito mode.

Google said on Thursday that Paxtons filing is again based on inaccurate claims and outdated assertions about our settings. We have always built privacy features into our products and provided robust controls for location data.

We strongly dispute these claims and will vigorously defend ourselves to set the record straight, it added.

Paxton previously alleged Google misled consumers by continuing to track their location even when users sought to prevent it.

Google has a Location History setting and informs users if they turn it off the places you go are no longer stored, Texas said.

In January, an Arizona judge ruled allegations Google deceived users with unclear smartphone location tracking settings should be weighed by a jury, refusing to toss out a lawsuit brought by the states attorney general.

By David Shepardson
Foster families are prevalent in our society and essential to the child welfare system. Eastern Illinois University graduate student Kayli Worthey has written this article that explains how we can support those who take on the role of foster parent.

Kayli says: According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System there were 407,493 children in foster care as of September 30, 2020. Almost half of the foster children are placed with non-relative foster families that act as their foster parents for less than a month to over five years. In 2019, there were 6,034 foster non-relative foster families in Illinois.

Foster parents play a critical role in the lives of youth in foster care and experience countless stressors, yet there is little information on how to support foster parents as friends and families.

Foster parents still struggle with burnout, judgment, child behavior and emotional issues, foster care agency relationships and policies, and issues with biological parents. Research has found that successful foster families are associated with social support like friends and family members.

As friends and family of foster families, it is vital to support these families while also respecting boundaries. Here are five ways you can support the foster families in your life:

1. Dont judge

There are many different reasons individuals and couples choose to foster children. Whether it is an individuals way to be a parent, a couples way to give back to the community, or even to help a family member in a time of need, foster parents do not need criticism regarding their choices. Foster parents may also face backlash over their parenting methods and discipline methods. Rather than commenting on things foster parents should be doing, take a step back and support your family member or friend by offering supportive words or a cup of coffee.

2. Offer emotional support

Sometimes, the best thing one can do is just be there for their loved ones, including foster parents. Fostering is a stressful journey with court dates, parental visits, and parenting in general. Foster parenthood and the complex hustle and bustle that comes with it can often leave foster parents feeling lonely and confused. Regularly check in with your friends or family to see how theyre doing. Be with them to listen, laugh and even cry with them. A vent session can be healing for foster parents. They may also just need a hug.

3. Invite them to practice self-care strategies

Even though foster parents will probably be focused on their foster children, they cant forget about taking care of themselves. It will be an adjustment period for foster parents as they add to their home and their stress level. However, one wont be able to provide the best care for their foster child if they cannot manage their stress. Remind the foster parents to take a break when needed, and that self-care is not selfish, it is essential! Invite them to go on a walk or to the gym. Join them in starting a new hobby or anything that can help them decompress.

4. Offer concrete support

When foster parents are running around trying to get children to appointments, in-home visits, assessments, family visits, school, and after-school activities, it is hard to find time to cook a nice meal, spend time with their spouse, clean the house, or run small errands. Prepare dinner for the family. Whether it is a frozen meal, crockpot dinner, or a gift certificate to a restaurant, it takes the stress off the foster parents to prepare dinner for at least one night.

Another way you can provide support is by helping foster parents with day-to-day tasks like cleaning around the house, running errands, or mowing the lawn.

5. Encourage them

Sometimes all a parent needs to hear is that they are doing a great job and that its normal to struggle with foster parenthood. Foster parents need to hear that there is no graceful way of foster parenting and that its okay. The important thing is that they are trying, and they are working hard to provide a healthy and stable home for their foster children. Offer encouraging words to the foster parents in your life as the simple You are doing an amazing job can go a long way during a rough patch.

For the complete article with references visit extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files.

Cheri Burcham is the Family Life Educator at the U of I Extension.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Foster families are prevalent in our society and essential to the child welfare system. Eastern Illinois University graduate student Kayli Worthey has written this article that explains how we can support those who take on the role of foster parent.

Kayli says: According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System there were 407,493 children in foster care as of September 30, 2020. Almost half of the foster children are placed with non-relative foster families that act as their foster parents for less than a month to over five years. In 2019, there were 6,034 foster non-relative foster families in Illinois.

Foster parents play a critical role in the lives of youth in foster care and experience countless stressors, yet there is little information on how to support foster parents as friends and families.

Foster parents still struggle with burnout, judgment, child behavior and emotional issues, foster care agency relationships and policies, and issues with biological parents. Research has found that successful foster families are associated with social support like friends and family members.

As friends and family of foster families, it is vital to support these families while also respecting boundaries. Here are five ways you can support the foster families in your life:

1. Dont judge

There are many different reasons individuals and couples choose to foster children. Whether it is an individuals way to be a parent, a couples way to give back to the community, or even to help a family member in a time of need, foster parents do not need criticism regarding their choices. Foster parents may also face backlash over their parenting methods and discipline methods. Rather than commenting on things foster parents should be doing, take a step back and support your family member or friend by offering supportive words or a cup of coffee.

2. Offer emotional support

Sometimes, the best thing one can do is just be there for their loved ones, including foster parents. Fostering is a stressful journey with court dates, parental visits, and parenting in general. Foster parenthood and the complex hustle and bustle that comes with it can often leave foster parents feeling lonely and confused. Regularly check in with your friends or family to see how theyre doing. Be with them to listen, laugh and even cry with them. A vent session can be healing for foster parents. They may also just need a hug.

3. Invite them to practice self-care strategies

Even though foster parents will probably be focused on their foster children, they cant forget about taking care of themselves. It will be an adjustment period for foster parents as they add to their home and their stress level. However, one wont be able to provide the best care for their foster child if they cannot manage their stress. Remind the foster parents to take a break when needed, and that self-care is not selfish, it is essential! Invite them to go on a walk or to the gym. Join them in starting a new hobby or anything that can help them decompress.

4. Offer concrete support

When foster parents are running around trying to get children to appointments, in-home visits, assessments, family visits, school, and after-school activities, it is hard to find time to cook a nice meal, spend time with their spouse, clean the house, or run small errands. Prepare dinner for the family. Whether it is a frozen meal, crockpot dinner, or a gift certificate to a restaurant, it takes the stress off the foster parents to prepare dinner for at least one night.

Another way you can provide support is by helping foster parents with day-to-day tasks like cleaning around the house, running errands, or mowing the lawn.

5. Encourage them

Sometimes all a parent needs to hear is that they are doing a great job and that its normal to struggle with foster parenthood. Foster parents need to hear that there is no graceful way of foster parenting and that its okay. The important thing is that they are trying, and they are working hard to provide a healthy and stable home for their foster children. Offer encouraging words to the foster parents in your life as the simple You are doing an amazing job can go a long way during a rough patch.

For the complete article with references visit extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files.

Cheri Burcham is the Family Life Educator at the U of I Extension.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (R) speaks as U.S. President Joe Biden listens during a news press conference at the Presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, 2022. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool/Getty Images)

First Biden-Yoon Summit Discusses North Korea, Supply Chains, and Security

Bidens first Asia trip aims to counter Chinese influence and cement U.S. leadership in Indo-Pacific

President Joe Biden, on Friday, landed in South Korea on his first trip to Asia since taking office. The five-day itinerary, which will also take him to Japan, aims to strengthen Indo-Pacific alliances to counter Chinese influence.

After touching down in Seoul, Biden first toured Samsungs chip complex in Pyeongtaek, accompanied by the new South Korean president, Yoon Suk-yeol, and guided by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus is one of the worlds largest semiconductor factories, accounting for approximately 15 percent of global memory chip production, according to The Korea Times.

During the tour, Biden underscored South Korea as a reliable, trusted partner with shared values amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the growing Chinese influence that has destabilized the global supply chains, posing a grave threat to economic and national security.

Yoon said he shares Bidens view and that Bidens visit to Pyeongtaek Campus  manifests the significance of semiconductors in economic and national security [and recalls] the meaning of the Korea-U.S. global comprehensive alliance through semiconductors, The Korea Times reported.

On May 21 local time, Yoon and Biden held their first summit at the new presidential office in Seouls central district of Yongsan. The two leaders reportedly discussed a range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including North Koreas nuclear program and supply chain risks, Yonhap News Agency reported.

According to the joint statement issued after the summit, the two leaders committed to cooperating closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), deepening economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth.

The White House briefing on Feb. 11 introduced an Indo-Pacific economic framework (IPEF) that outlines the United States key priorities to align with allies and partners in order to compete more effectively with China in a technology race.

The strategy addresses Chinas much more assertive and aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of establishing a high-tech supply chain without China.

Biden and Yoon also agreed to discuss expanding joint military exercises between the two nations amid growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula, the joint statement said.

Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the presidential National Security Office, told reporters earlier this week that the first thing the two sides will do during the summit will be to come up with an action plan for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, Yonhap reported.

The Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) was established in 2016 by the Trump and Moon Jae-in administrations to ramp up discussions over various measures on extended deterrence against North Korea. But its talks have not been held since 2018, as both the United States and South Korea then worked on holding a summit with North Korea.

According to the joint statement, Biden [reaffirmed] the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to [South Korea] using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (R) speaks as U.S. President Joe Biden listens during a news press conference at the Presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, 2022. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool/Getty Images)

First Biden-Yoon Summit Discusses North Korea, Supply Chains, and Security

Bidens first Asia trip aims to counter Chinese influence and cement U.S. leadership in Indo-Pacific

President Joe Biden, on Friday, landed in South Korea on his first trip to Asia since taking office. The five-day itinerary, which will also take him to Japan, aims to strengthen Indo-Pacific alliances to counter Chinese influence.

After touching down in Seoul, Biden first toured Samsungs chip complex in Pyeongtaek, accompanied by the new South Korean president, Yoon Suk-yeol, and guided by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus is one of the worlds largest semiconductor factories, accounting for approximately 15 percent of global memory chip production, according to The Korea Times.

During the tour, Biden underscored South Korea as a reliable, trusted partner with shared values amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the growing Chinese influence that has destabilized the global supply chains, posing a grave threat to economic and national security.

Yoon said he shares Bidens view and that Bidens visit to Pyeongtaek Campus  manifests the significance of semiconductors in economic and national security [and recalls] the meaning of the Korea-U.S. global comprehensive alliance through semiconductors, The Korea Times reported.

On May 21 local time, Yoon and Biden held their first summit at the new presidential office in Seouls central district of Yongsan. The two leaders reportedly discussed a range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including North Koreas nuclear program and supply chain risks, Yonhap News Agency reported.

According to the joint statement issued after the summit, the two leaders committed to cooperating closely through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), deepening economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth.

The White House briefing on Feb. 11 introduced an Indo-Pacific economic framework (IPEF) that outlines the United States key priorities to align with allies and partners in order to compete more effectively with China in a technology race.

The strategy addresses Chinas much more assertive and aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of establishing a high-tech supply chain without China.

Biden and Yoon also agreed to discuss expanding joint military exercises between the two nations amid growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

Both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula, the joint statement said.

Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the presidential National Security Office, told reporters earlier this week that the first thing the two sides will do during the summit will be to come up with an action plan for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen the reliable and effective extended deterrence, Yonhap reported.

The Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) was established in 2016 by the Trump and Moon Jae-in administrations to ramp up discussions over various measures on extended deterrence against North Korea. But its talks have not been held since 2018, as both the United States and South Korea then worked on holding a summit with North Korea.

According to the joint statement, Biden [reaffirmed] the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to [South Korea] using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities.
Christine Lagarde, head of the European Central Bank (ECB), speaks at a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Lagarde Calls for Crypto Crackdown, Says Theyre Based on Nothing

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has taken aim at cryptocurrencies, arguing in an interview on Dutch television that theyre essentially worth nothing as they lack underlying assets as an anchor to safety while calling for them to be regulated.

Lagarde made the remarks in an interview on the Dutch television program College Tour, due to be released on May 22, according to Politico.

I have said all along the crypto assets are highly speculative, very risky assets, Lagarde told the program. My very humble assessment is that it is worth nothing. It is based on nothing, there is no underlying assets to act as an anchor of safety.

She added that shes worried about people speculating on cryptocurrencies with their life savings as they may not be aware of the risks.

Lagarde said shes concerned about those who have no understanding of the risks, who will lose it all and who will be terribly disappointed, which is why I believe that that should be regulated, as per Bloomberg.

In January, Lagarde called for global regulation of Bitcoin, telling Reuters in an interview at the time that the digital currency had been used for money laundering and arguing for rules that would close related loopholes.

Bitcoin is a highly speculative asset, which has conducted some funny business and some interesting and totally reprehensible money laundering activity, Lagarde told the outlet in an interview at the Reuters Next conference.

While Lagarde did not elaborate on money laundering specifics related to cryptocurrencies, she argued for regulation that would be agreed upon and applied at a global level because if there is an escape, that escape will be used, referring to regulatory loopholes.

Her remarks come amid recent turmoil in crypto markets, which have shed over $1 trillion in value over the past six months.

Other crypto woes include the collapse in value of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin, which was supposed to be pegged 11 to the U.S. dollar but which has fallen to around six cents as of May 21, according to CoinMarketCap.

The spectacular UST plunge prompted Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler to say earlier in the week that he, like Lagarde, worries that investors will be hurt in crypto markets.

I think a lot of these tokens will fail, Gensler told reporters after a House Appropriations Committee panel hearing on May 18. I fear that in crypto  theres going to be a lot of people hurt, and that will undermine some of the confidence in markets and trust in markets writ large.

Besides regulators and other officials ramping up their crypto criticism, other prominent individuals have expressed reservations about the asset class.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on May 19 that he hasnt invested in crypto because it isnt adding to society.

I dont own any, Gates wrote. I like investing in things that have valuable output. The value of companies is based on how they make great products. The value of crypto is just what some other person decides someone else will pay for it so not adding to society like other investments.

Like Gates, Lagarde, too, doesnt own any crypto, telling the College Tour program that she wants to practice what I preach.

Other ECB officials have made critical remarks with regard to cryptocurrencies and, like Lagarde, have called for them to be regulated.
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
Bellows Falls Middle School. A Windham County sheriff's deputy was placed on administrative leave Friday for inadvertently firing a service weapon in their home, which is near the school.
The circus is coming to town  in two different locations.

Two separate circus companies are setting up big tops on Tuesday in Longview and Castle Rock.

Jordan World Circus is hosting two, two-hour performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County fairgrounds on Seventh Avenue in Longview.

Culpepper & Merriweather, an Oklahoma-based company, is hosting two 90-minute shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the open field behind the Castle Rock Elementary School on Huntington Avenue South.

Longview

The Jordan World Circus is a traveling circus owned by a Las Vegas couple with a background in aerial performances, according to its website. The company says events include a high wire, a juggling clown, a bounce house, face painting, elephant rides and food concessions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under can attend for free.

Ticket locations Longview: jordancircus.com Castle rock: www.cmcircus.com

Cascade Select Market.

Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Bredfields True Value Hardware.

Vault Books & Brew. *Tickets at stores must be purchased before circus day.

Castle Rock

Jonathon Rodeback is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce president and Castle Rock Pharmacy owner. He said the chamber is sponsoring the circus to bring togetherness after the pandemics long periods of isolation.

We thought it would be a fun thing to do for the community, especially after the shutdowns, he said. Its a good way to reunite.

Performances include aerialists, cockatoos, tigers named Delilah and Solomon and a lion named Wendell, according to the companys website.

Castle Rock circus advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older. The day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

Rodeback said the last time the circus came to Castle Rock was around 2006. This year, elementary school students can watch organizers set up the tent during the day, and attend at night, he added.

Its a good family event, he said.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The circus is coming to town  in two different locations.

Two separate circus companies are setting up big tops on Tuesday in Longview and Castle Rock.

Jordan World Circus is hosting two, two-hour performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County fairgrounds on Seventh Avenue in Longview.

Culpepper & Merriweather, an Oklahoma-based company, is hosting two 90-minute shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the open field behind the Castle Rock Elementary School on Huntington Avenue South.

Longview

The Jordan World Circus is a traveling circus owned by a Las Vegas couple with a background in aerial performances, according to its website. The company says events include a high wire, a juggling clown, a bounce house, face painting, elephant rides and food concessions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under can attend for free.

Ticket locations Longview: jordancircus.com Castle rock: www.cmcircus.com

Cascade Select Market.

Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Bredfields True Value Hardware.

Vault Books & Brew. *Tickets at stores must be purchased before circus day.

Castle Rock

Jonathon Rodeback is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce president and Castle Rock Pharmacy owner. He said the chamber is sponsoring the circus to bring togetherness after the pandemics long periods of isolation.

We thought it would be a fun thing to do for the community, especially after the shutdowns, he said. Its a good way to reunite.

Performances include aerialists, cockatoos, tigers named Delilah and Solomon and a lion named Wendell, according to the companys website.

Castle Rock circus advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older. The day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

Rodeback said the last time the circus came to Castle Rock was around 2006. This year, elementary school students can watch organizers set up the tent during the day, and attend at night, he added.

Its a good family event, he said.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Currently, the Coalition and Labor hold 61 Senate seats between them. The remaining 15 seats are shared between the Greens (with nine seats), Pauline Hansons One Nation (with two seats), the Jacqui Lambie Network, Centre Alliance, the Rex Patrick Team and the Liberal Democrats. Pauline Hanson is up for election, as are Rex Patrick and Stirling Griff (both formerly of the Nick Xenophon Team) and Green senators from Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

The most interesting contests are occurring in Tasmania, the ACT, Queensland and South Australia. In Tasmania, the Jacqui Lambie Network is aiming for a second representative at the expense of Liberal Eric Abetz. In the ACT, Climate 200-backed independent David Pocock is a strong challenger to disrupt the longstanding pattern of Labor and Liberal holding one seat apiece. In Queensland, the Senate competition is fierce, with Pauline Hanson competing against the Greens, Clive Palmer and former state premier Campbell Newman, who is running for the Liberal Democrats. In South Australia, while Nick Xenophon is returning to the ballot, the Greens and Labor are optimistic of their chances of picking up extra seats.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is in battle in Queensland against the Greens, Clive Palmer and Liberal Democrat candidate, the former state premier Campbell Newman. Credit:James Brickwood

In policy terms, two possible scenarios are likely to arise from Saturdays election. The first is the potential shift to a more progressive Senate. This would be achieved if Labors increased popularity in the House also flows through to its Senate vote, which is possible in states such as South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. If a consistent proportion of voters continue to vote for the Greens as their alternate party in the Senate, we might see that party pick hold their existing three seats and pick up another in South Australia. There is also a real chance that David Pocock is elected in the ACT. The alignment of these parties and Senators positions on climate change has the potential to create a unique window of opportunity to pursue more proactive legislation on transitioning to a greener economy.

The second scenario would see a more complex constellation of actors with the balance of power distributed between Hanson, Lambie, Xenophon and Palmer. While there is a temptation to categorise senators into progressive and conservative camps, in many ways the issues on which these senators campaign defy clear ideological alignments.


ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
PODGORICA -- Eight years after the contract was first signed, the initial section of a controversial highway project in Montenegro paid for by a massive $1 billion Chinese loan is nearing completion -- but it still faces lingering questions about its future.

Once hailed by China as a landmark deal within the Belt and Road Initiative -- its globe-spanning infrastructure project -- the highway has since become a cautionary tale that fused together the perils of poor-quality Chinese construction and cursory lending practices with endemic local corruption concerns in the Balkan country.

Montenegro initially borrowed nearly $1 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2014 to fund the first portion of a 163-kilometer highway to link the port city of Bar with neighboring Serbia under the promise of bolstering economic activity in the Balkan country, but Podgorica was instead saddled with debts to China that totaled more than one-third of the government's annual budget.

That long chapter looks set to close, with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announcing in May that the first 41-kilometer section of the highway would open this summer.

Ervin Ibrahimovic, Montenegro's minister of capital investments, said during remarks broadcast on state television on May 16 that it could be unveiled in July, although he did not specify what still needed to be completed.

But the story of the controversial highway is far from over, with the future of the remaining 122 kilometers of the originally planned road still unbuilt. At the moment, the initial stretch of road fades out into the middle of a large, forested area and no funds are currently available to continue building the remaining portion.

That has led to growing scrutiny and speculation from local activists and international donors about Beijing's objectives in Montenegro and the Balkans, as well as the motives of the previous government that first gave the green light to the highway.

"Any further delay in the opening of the highway is a direct loss for the state and citizens," Dejan Milovac from the watchdog organization The Network for Affirmation of the Nongovernmental Sector (MANS), told RFE/RL.

The original deadline for completion of the highway was November 2019, which was since been pushed back multiple times by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the state company undertaking the construction, which cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the source of the delays.

MANS estimated that the multiple postponements the project has experienced have led to lost revenue from the would-be toll road, with Milovac saying that four successive governments being unaware of when the highway will be completed points to "how frivolously the state approached the project."

Montenegro's Long Road

Despite failing several feasibility studies, the project was inked by then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's government, who took out the massive Chinese loan to fund the highway and enveloped it in a cloud of secrecy.

In addition to the feasibility studies, questions of the profitability and necessity of the highway have followed it since its inception. Djukanovic's government also received construction offers from multiple foreign companies, including the U.S. engineering and construction giant Bechtel, that proposed a more modest and less costly project that ultimately lost out to the CRBC.

The 2014 loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China has been made public, but nearly all other documents relating to the Montenegrin highway have been classified as secret by Podgorica.

Amid delays and mounting debt, the engineering project found itself at the heart of a heated debate on Chinese influence in Europe when Podgorica raised concerns that it would be unable to meet its payments to the Export-Import Bank, a state lender, in 2021.

The small Balkan country of just 620,000 people eventually struck a deal with one French and two U.S. banks to restructure the $1 billion Chinese loan and has since made its first debt payment.

The highway, which according to one study could be the world's most expensive road at an estimated $23.8 million per kilometer, has also faced issues over its quality, with former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic visiting the project in December 2021 and criticizing what he said was poor construction.

Krivokapic was ousted in a no-confidence vote in late February and replaced in April by Abazovic, who has been a longtime critic of the highway and first sounded the alarm about debt concerns over the loan during a March 2021 trip to Brussels.

Abazovic's government has signaled a tougher line than its predecessors in pushing back against CRBC and construction delays. Miroslav Masic, director-general for state roads at Montenegro's Capital Investments Ministry, told RFE/RL that apart from an initial extension to November 2020 due to the pandemic, that the government believes that CRBC's reasons for delays are unfounded. "Everything after that [November 2020] deadline is [CRBC]'s responsibility," he said.

CRBC did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment about the delays.

Damage Control

Masic says that the government has already begun a procedure to recuperate costs from CRBC due to the multiple delays in the form of penalties. "Certainly, by the end of the project, these penalties can be issued and an overview of costs incurred due to delays can be made," he said.

Milovac from MANS says the current government is right to claim compensation from the Chinese construction firm, but adds that CRBC is not solely responsible for the controversy and problems associated with the troubled highway project.

Only after the complete publication of all the documents and contracts related to the highway, he says, will it be clear who holds responsibility. "On several occasions, we had delays that were approved by previous ministries without the public being fully aware of the exact reasons for that," Milovac said. "As soon as it was approved, we can assume that the blame was also on [the Montenegrin] side and not only on the Chinese side."

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Predrag Tomovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:


CHICAGO (AP)  The personal information of more than half a million Chicago Public Schools students and staff was compromised in a ransomware attack last December, but the vendor didn't report it to the district until last month, officials said.

The data breach occurred Dec. 1 and technology vendor Battelle for Kids notified CPS April on 26, the district said Friday. A server used to store student and staff information was breached and four years' worth of records were accessed, CPS said.

In total, 495,448 student and 56,138 employee records were accessed from 2015-16 through 2018-2019 school years, CPS said. The data included students names, schools, dates of birth, gender, CPS identification numbers, state student identification numbers, class schedule information and scores on course-specific assessments used for teacher evaluations.

Employee data accessed for those years included names, employee identification numbers, school and course information and emails and usernames.

CPS said the breached server did not store any other records.

There were no Social Security numbers, no financial information, no health data, no current course or schedule information, no home addresses and no course grades, standardized test scores, or teacher evaluation scores exposed in this incident, the district said in a statement.

CPS said there is no evidence the data has been misused, posted or distributed, but offered affected families a year of credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

CPS representatives said the district has been informing affected families and staff and would also notify those whose records werent accessed to provide them with peace of mind.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security both investigated the breach and the vendor is monitoring and will continue to monitor the internet in case the data is posted or distributed," CPS said.

Battelle for Kids was hired to help district leaders conduct CPS REACH teacher evaluation program. Those evaluations take into account the growth in students academic performance each year.

CPS said it was notified of the breach by Battelle for Kids via a mailed letter on April 26, but it did not have specific information as to which students were affected, nor did CPS know that staff information was also compromised until May 11.

CPS said that because its contract with the vendor states that it should immediately notify the district of any data breach, it is addressing the delayed notification and other issues in the handling of data with Battelle for Kids."

Battelle for Kids said Friday in a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times that the company immediately engaged a national cybersecurity firm to assess the scope of the incident and took steps to mitigate the potential impact."

The company said it has since put in place stronger security protocols but did not answer why it did not inform CPS of the breach while the assessment was underway.

CPS has had a relationship with Battelle for Kids since 2012, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The most recent contract was signed in January  a month after the breach  and is supposed to top out at about $90,000 for a year ending Jan. 31, 2023.

Between 2012 and 2020, the Board of Education paid $1.4 million to the Ohio-based company, the Sun-Times reported, citing an online database of CPS vendor payments.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The circus is coming to town  in two different locations.

Two separate circus companies are setting up big tops on Tuesday in Longview and Castle Rock.

Jordan World Circus is hosting two, two-hour performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County fairgrounds on Seventh Avenue in Longview.

Culpepper & Merriweather, an Oklahoma-based company, is hosting two 90-minute shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the open field behind the Castle Rock Elementary School on Huntington Avenue South.

Longview

The Jordan World Circus is a traveling circus owned by a Las Vegas couple with a background in aerial performances, according to its website. The company says events include a high wire, a juggling clown, a bounce house, face painting, elephant rides and food concessions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under can attend for free.

Ticket locations Longview: jordancircus.com Castle rock: www.cmcircus.com

Cascade Select Market.

Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Bredfields True Value Hardware.

Vault Books & Brew. *Tickets at stores must be purchased before circus day.

Castle Rock

Jonathon Rodeback is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce president and Castle Rock Pharmacy owner. He said the chamber is sponsoring the circus to bring togetherness after the pandemics long periods of isolation.

We thought it would be a fun thing to do for the community, especially after the shutdowns, he said. Its a good way to reunite.

Performances include aerialists, cockatoos, tigers named Delilah and Solomon and a lion named Wendell, according to the companys website.

Castle Rock circus advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older. The day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

Rodeback said the last time the circus came to Castle Rock was around 2006. This year, elementary school students can watch organizers set up the tent during the day, and attend at night, he added.

Its a good family event, he said.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
PODGORICA -- Eight years after the contract was first signed, the initial section of a controversial highway project in Montenegro paid for by a massive $1 billion Chinese loan is nearing completion -- but it still faces lingering questions about its future.

Once hailed by China as a landmark deal within the Belt and Road Initiative -- its globe-spanning infrastructure project -- the highway has since become a cautionary tale that fused together the perils of poor-quality Chinese construction and cursory lending practices with endemic local corruption concerns in the Balkan country.

Montenegro initially borrowed nearly $1 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2014 to fund the first portion of a 163-kilometer highway to link the port city of Bar with neighboring Serbia under the promise of bolstering economic activity in the Balkan country, but Podgorica was instead saddled with debts to China that totaled more than one-third of the government's annual budget.

That long chapter looks set to close, with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announcing in May that the first 41-kilometer section of the highway would open this summer.

Ervin Ibrahimovic, Montenegro's minister of capital investments, said during remarks broadcast on state television on May 16 that it could be unveiled in July, although he did not specify what still needed to be completed.

But the story of the controversial highway is far from over, with the future of the remaining 122 kilometers of the originally planned road still unbuilt. At the moment, the initial stretch of road fades out into the middle of a large, forested area and no funds are currently available to continue building the remaining portion.

That has led to growing scrutiny and speculation from local activists and international donors about Beijing's objectives in Montenegro and the Balkans, as well as the motives of the previous government that first gave the green light to the highway.

"Any further delay in the opening of the highway is a direct loss for the state and citizens," Dejan Milovac from the watchdog organization The Network for Affirmation of the Nongovernmental Sector (MANS), told RFE/RL.

The original deadline for completion of the highway was November 2019, which was since been pushed back multiple times by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the state company undertaking the construction, which cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the source of the delays.

MANS estimated that the multiple postponements the project has experienced have led to lost revenue from the would-be toll road, with Milovac saying that four successive governments being unaware of when the highway will be completed points to "how frivolously the state approached the project."

Montenegro's Long Road

Despite failing several feasibility studies, the project was inked by then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's government, who took out the massive Chinese loan to fund the highway and enveloped it in a cloud of secrecy.

In addition to the feasibility studies, questions of the profitability and necessity of the highway have followed it since its inception. Djukanovic's government also received construction offers from multiple foreign companies, including the U.S. engineering and construction giant Bechtel, that proposed a more modest and less costly project that ultimately lost out to the CRBC.

The 2014 loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China has been made public, but nearly all other documents relating to the Montenegrin highway have been classified as secret by Podgorica.

Amid delays and mounting debt, the engineering project found itself at the heart of a heated debate on Chinese influence in Europe when Podgorica raised concerns that it would be unable to meet its payments to the Export-Import Bank, a state lender, in 2021.

The small Balkan country of just 620,000 people eventually struck a deal with one French and two U.S. banks to restructure the $1 billion Chinese loan and has since made its first debt payment.

The highway, which according to one study could be the world's most expensive road at an estimated $23.8 million per kilometer, has also faced issues over its quality, with former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic visiting the project in December 2021 and criticizing what he said was poor construction.

Krivokapic was ousted in a no-confidence vote in late February and replaced in April by Abazovic, who has been a longtime critic of the highway and first sounded the alarm about debt concerns over the loan during a March 2021 trip to Brussels.

Abazovic's government has signaled a tougher line than its predecessors in pushing back against CRBC and construction delays. Miroslav Masic, director-general for state roads at Montenegro's Capital Investments Ministry, told RFE/RL that apart from an initial extension to November 2020 due to the pandemic, that the government believes that CRBC's reasons for delays are unfounded. "Everything after that [November 2020] deadline is [CRBC]'s responsibility," he said.

CRBC did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment about the delays.

Damage Control

Masic says that the government has already begun a procedure to recuperate costs from CRBC due to the multiple delays in the form of penalties. "Certainly, by the end of the project, these penalties can be issued and an overview of costs incurred due to delays can be made," he said.

Milovac from MANS says the current government is right to claim compensation from the Chinese construction firm, but adds that CRBC is not solely responsible for the controversy and problems associated with the troubled highway project.

Only after the complete publication of all the documents and contracts related to the highway, he says, will it be clear who holds responsibility. "On several occasions, we had delays that were approved by previous ministries without the public being fully aware of the exact reasons for that," Milovac said. "As soon as it was approved, we can assume that the blame was also on [the Montenegrin] side and not only on the Chinese side."

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Predrag Tomovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica
Bellows Falls Middle School. A Windham County sheriff's deputy was placed on administrative leave Friday for inadvertently firing a service weapon in their home, which is near the school.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) speaks to members of the media at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 13, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Lawmaker Calls on Capitol Police to Release Tapes After False Allegation by Jan. 6 Panel

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), ranking Republican member of the House Administration Committee, is calling on the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) to release security footage tapes from Jan. 5, 2021, after the chambers Jan. 6 panel made demonstrably false allegations against another House Republican.

Davis cited recent press reports, [that] the partisan January 6th Select Committee has falsely accused Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.)  of leading so-called reconnaissance tours of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, in a letter to the USCP.

This charge is demonstrably false, Davis wrote. As you are aware, [Administration] Committee Minority staff have reviewed all footage in question and have confirmed no reconnaissance tours occurred.

Davis rejected claims that the tapes he requested would pose a security risk if released to the public, noting that the same tapes have already been made public in some capacity.

Any argument that this footage represents sensitive security information was destroyed once the Board provided copies to Democrat impeachment managers for public dissemination or it otherwise became available to the public, he wrote.

If the Board has any hope of preserving a reputation as an unbiased security agency and re-establishing itself as a non-partisan entity, there is no alternative but to release the tapes. If the Board does not release the relevant footage in a timely manner, I will have no choice but to exercise my authority under 2 U.S.C.  1979 to release the footage myself.

The Jan. 6 panel originally leveled the accusation against Loudermilk in a May 19 letter requesting his voluntary cooperation in advancing our investigation (pdf).

We believe you have information regarding a tour you led through parts of the Capitol complex on Jan. 5, 2021, the letter said.

The foregoing information raises questions to which the Select Committee must seek answers. Public reporting and witness accounts indicate some individuals and groups engaged in efforts to gather information about the layout of the U.S. Capitol, as well as the House and Senate office buildings, in advance of January 6, 2021. For example, in the week following January 6th, Members urged law enforcement leaders to investigate sightings of outside groups in the complex on January 5th that appeared to be associated with the rally at the White House the following day.'

However, GOP members of the House Administration Committee have refuted the claim, saying that their own review of the tapes inside the Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, showed that no tours had been givena claim that Davis appears confident enough to back up with a public release of the tapes in question.

The Jan. 6 panel, for its part, has made the opposite assertion, saying that the Select Committees review of evidence directly contradicts that denial.

In a response to the letter, Loudermilk said that he had met with a constituent family with young children in House Office buildings that day, and blasted the Jan. 6 panel as a political circus.

On May 21, former President Donald Trumpwhose backing continues to hold heavy weight among GOP votersgave Loudermilk his primary endorsement, calling Loudermilk a fantastic Representative for the incredible people of Georgias 11th Congressional District.

The USCP and the Jan. 6 panel didnt respond by press time to a request for comment on Daviss comments.


Bellows Falls Middle School. A Windham County sheriff's deputy was placed on administrative leave Friday for inadvertently firing a service weapon in their home, which is near the school.
Bellows Falls Middle School. A Windham County sheriff's deputy was placed on administrative leave Friday for inadvertently firing a service weapon in their home, which is near the school.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
PODGORICA -- Eight years after the contract was first signed, the initial section of a controversial highway project in Montenegro paid for by a massive $1 billion Chinese loan is nearing completion -- but it still faces lingering questions about its future.

Once hailed by China as a landmark deal within the Belt and Road Initiative -- its globe-spanning infrastructure project -- the highway has since become a cautionary tale that fused together the perils of poor-quality Chinese construction and cursory lending practices with endemic local corruption concerns in the Balkan country.

Montenegro initially borrowed nearly $1 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2014 to fund the first portion of a 163-kilometer highway to link the port city of Bar with neighboring Serbia under the promise of bolstering economic activity in the Balkan country, but Podgorica was instead saddled with debts to China that totaled more than one-third of the government's annual budget.

That long chapter looks set to close, with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announcing in May that the first 41-kilometer section of the highway would open this summer.

Ervin Ibrahimovic, Montenegro's minister of capital investments, said during remarks broadcast on state television on May 16 that it could be unveiled in July, although he did not specify what still needed to be completed.

But the story of the controversial highway is far from over, with the future of the remaining 122 kilometers of the originally planned road still unbuilt. At the moment, the initial stretch of road fades out into the middle of a large, forested area and no funds are currently available to continue building the remaining portion.

That has led to growing scrutiny and speculation from local activists and international donors about Beijing's objectives in Montenegro and the Balkans, as well as the motives of the previous government that first gave the green light to the highway.

"Any further delay in the opening of the highway is a direct loss for the state and citizens," Dejan Milovac from the watchdog organization The Network for Affirmation of the Nongovernmental Sector (MANS), told RFE/RL.

The original deadline for completion of the highway was November 2019, which was since been pushed back multiple times by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the state company undertaking the construction, which cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the source of the delays.

MANS estimated that the multiple postponements the project has experienced have led to lost revenue from the would-be toll road, with Milovac saying that four successive governments being unaware of when the highway will be completed points to "how frivolously the state approached the project."

Montenegro's Long Road

Despite failing several feasibility studies, the project was inked by then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's government, who took out the massive Chinese loan to fund the highway and enveloped it in a cloud of secrecy.

In addition to the feasibility studies, questions of the profitability and necessity of the highway have followed it since its inception. Djukanovic's government also received construction offers from multiple foreign companies, including the U.S. engineering and construction giant Bechtel, that proposed a more modest and less costly project that ultimately lost out to the CRBC.

The 2014 loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China has been made public, but nearly all other documents relating to the Montenegrin highway have been classified as secret by Podgorica.

Amid delays and mounting debt, the engineering project found itself at the heart of a heated debate on Chinese influence in Europe when Podgorica raised concerns that it would be unable to meet its payments to the Export-Import Bank, a state lender, in 2021.

The small Balkan country of just 620,000 people eventually struck a deal with one French and two U.S. banks to restructure the $1 billion Chinese loan and has since made its first debt payment.

The highway, which according to one study could be the world's most expensive road at an estimated $23.8 million per kilometer, has also faced issues over its quality, with former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic visiting the project in December 2021 and criticizing what he said was poor construction.

Krivokapic was ousted in a no-confidence vote in late February and replaced in April by Abazovic, who has been a longtime critic of the highway and first sounded the alarm about debt concerns over the loan during a March 2021 trip to Brussels.

Abazovic's government has signaled a tougher line than its predecessors in pushing back against CRBC and construction delays. Miroslav Masic, director-general for state roads at Montenegro's Capital Investments Ministry, told RFE/RL that apart from an initial extension to November 2020 due to the pandemic, that the government believes that CRBC's reasons for delays are unfounded. "Everything after that [November 2020] deadline is [CRBC]'s responsibility," he said.

CRBC did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment about the delays.

Damage Control

Masic says that the government has already begun a procedure to recuperate costs from CRBC due to the multiple delays in the form of penalties. "Certainly, by the end of the project, these penalties can be issued and an overview of costs incurred due to delays can be made," he said.

Milovac from MANS says the current government is right to claim compensation from the Chinese construction firm, but adds that CRBC is not solely responsible for the controversy and problems associated with the troubled highway project.

Only after the complete publication of all the documents and contracts related to the highway, he says, will it be clear who holds responsibility. "On several occasions, we had delays that were approved by previous ministries without the public being fully aware of the exact reasons for that," Milovac said. "As soon as it was approved, we can assume that the blame was also on [the Montenegrin] side and not only on the Chinese side."

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Predrag Tomovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica
PODGORICA -- Eight years after the contract was first signed, the initial section of a controversial highway project in Montenegro paid for by a massive $1 billion Chinese loan is nearing completion -- but it still faces lingering questions about its future.

Once hailed by China as a landmark deal within the Belt and Road Initiative -- its globe-spanning infrastructure project -- the highway has since become a cautionary tale that fused together the perils of poor-quality Chinese construction and cursory lending practices with endemic local corruption concerns in the Balkan country.

Montenegro initially borrowed nearly $1 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2014 to fund the first portion of a 163-kilometer highway to link the port city of Bar with neighboring Serbia under the promise of bolstering economic activity in the Balkan country, but Podgorica was instead saddled with debts to China that totaled more than one-third of the government's annual budget.

That long chapter looks set to close, with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announcing in May that the first 41-kilometer section of the highway would open this summer.

Ervin Ibrahimovic, Montenegro's minister of capital investments, said during remarks broadcast on state television on May 16 that it could be unveiled in July, although he did not specify what still needed to be completed.

But the story of the controversial highway is far from over, with the future of the remaining 122 kilometers of the originally planned road still unbuilt. At the moment, the initial stretch of road fades out into the middle of a large, forested area and no funds are currently available to continue building the remaining portion.

That has led to growing scrutiny and speculation from local activists and international donors about Beijing's objectives in Montenegro and the Balkans, as well as the motives of the previous government that first gave the green light to the highway.

"Any further delay in the opening of the highway is a direct loss for the state and citizens," Dejan Milovac from the watchdog organization The Network for Affirmation of the Nongovernmental Sector (MANS), told RFE/RL.

The original deadline for completion of the highway was November 2019, which was since been pushed back multiple times by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the state company undertaking the construction, which cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the source of the delays.

MANS estimated that the multiple postponements the project has experienced have led to lost revenue from the would-be toll road, with Milovac saying that four successive governments being unaware of when the highway will be completed points to "how frivolously the state approached the project."

Montenegro's Long Road

Despite failing several feasibility studies, the project was inked by then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's government, who took out the massive Chinese loan to fund the highway and enveloped it in a cloud of secrecy.

In addition to the feasibility studies, questions of the profitability and necessity of the highway have followed it since its inception. Djukanovic's government also received construction offers from multiple foreign companies, including the U.S. engineering and construction giant Bechtel, that proposed a more modest and less costly project that ultimately lost out to the CRBC.

The 2014 loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China has been made public, but nearly all other documents relating to the Montenegrin highway have been classified as secret by Podgorica.

Amid delays and mounting debt, the engineering project found itself at the heart of a heated debate on Chinese influence in Europe when Podgorica raised concerns that it would be unable to meet its payments to the Export-Import Bank, a state lender, in 2021.

The small Balkan country of just 620,000 people eventually struck a deal with one French and two U.S. banks to restructure the $1 billion Chinese loan and has since made its first debt payment.

The highway, which according to one study could be the world's most expensive road at an estimated $23.8 million per kilometer, has also faced issues over its quality, with former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic visiting the project in December 2021 and criticizing what he said was poor construction.

Krivokapic was ousted in a no-confidence vote in late February and replaced in April by Abazovic, who has been a longtime critic of the highway and first sounded the alarm about debt concerns over the loan during a March 2021 trip to Brussels.

Abazovic's government has signaled a tougher line than its predecessors in pushing back against CRBC and construction delays. Miroslav Masic, director-general for state roads at Montenegro's Capital Investments Ministry, told RFE/RL that apart from an initial extension to November 2020 due to the pandemic, that the government believes that CRBC's reasons for delays are unfounded. "Everything after that [November 2020] deadline is [CRBC]'s responsibility," he said.

CRBC did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment about the delays.

Damage Control

Masic says that the government has already begun a procedure to recuperate costs from CRBC due to the multiple delays in the form of penalties. "Certainly, by the end of the project, these penalties can be issued and an overview of costs incurred due to delays can be made," he said.

Milovac from MANS says the current government is right to claim compensation from the Chinese construction firm, but adds that CRBC is not solely responsible for the controversy and problems associated with the troubled highway project.

Only after the complete publication of all the documents and contracts related to the highway, he says, will it be clear who holds responsibility. "On several occasions, we had delays that were approved by previous ministries without the public being fully aware of the exact reasons for that," Milovac said. "As soon as it was approved, we can assume that the blame was also on [the Montenegrin] side and not only on the Chinese side."

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Predrag Tomovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The circus is coming to town  in two different locations.

Two separate circus companies are setting up big tops on Tuesday in Longview and Castle Rock.

Jordan World Circus is hosting two, two-hour performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County fairgrounds on Seventh Avenue in Longview.

Culpepper & Merriweather, an Oklahoma-based company, is hosting two 90-minute shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the open field behind the Castle Rock Elementary School on Huntington Avenue South.

Longview

The Jordan World Circus is a traveling circus owned by a Las Vegas couple with a background in aerial performances, according to its website. The company says events include a high wire, a juggling clown, a bounce house, face painting, elephant rides and food concessions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under can attend for free.

Ticket locations Longview: jordancircus.com Castle rock: www.cmcircus.com

Cascade Select Market.

Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Bredfields True Value Hardware.

Vault Books & Brew. *Tickets at stores must be purchased before circus day.

Castle Rock

Jonathon Rodeback is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce president and Castle Rock Pharmacy owner. He said the chamber is sponsoring the circus to bring togetherness after the pandemics long periods of isolation.

We thought it would be a fun thing to do for the community, especially after the shutdowns, he said. Its a good way to reunite.

Performances include aerialists, cockatoos, tigers named Delilah and Solomon and a lion named Wendell, according to the companys website.

Castle Rock circus advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older. The day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

Rodeback said the last time the circus came to Castle Rock was around 2006. This year, elementary school students can watch organizers set up the tent during the day, and attend at night, he added.

Its a good family event, he said.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Wayne State College has announced that 46 students have been chosen for the highly selective Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) for fall 2022. Established in 1989 and successfully launching health-care careers ever since, RHOP is a unique cooperative program between Wayne State and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to meet the health care needs of rural communities, which make up a majority of Nebraska.

Students selected for the program come from rural Nebraska, know the unique needs of their community, and are dedicated and passionate about their home state and its rural health care needs. RHOP represents that commitment and prepares students to return to rural Nebraska and care for its citizens.

RHOPs benefits include a full-tuition scholarship at Wayne State and guaranteed admission to UNMC. RHOP participants pursue their studies at WSC and UNMC, with the amount of time at each institution determined by the program in which they are enrolled. Students who apply for the program must be a rural Nebraska resident.

RHOP participating fields include Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Medical Lab Science, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy (new for fall 2022), Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Radiography.

Area students selected for RHOP for fall 2022 are:

Dentistry

North Bend: Jordan Ondracek.

Medical Laboratory Science

Snyder: Madison Mandel.

Medicine

Fremont: Cal Janke.

North Bend: Travis Byrd.

West Point: Saige Miserez.

Pharmacy

West Point: Kayla Fischer.

Physician Assistant

Wahoo: Luke Polacek.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) speaks to members of the media at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 13, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Lawmaker Calls on Capitol Police to Release Tapes After False Allegation by Jan. 6 Panel

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), ranking Republican member of the House Administration Committee, is calling on the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) to release security footage tapes from Jan. 5, 2021, after the chambers Jan. 6 panel made demonstrably false allegations against another House Republican.

Davis cited recent press reports, [that] the partisan January 6th Select Committee has falsely accused Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.)  of leading so-called reconnaissance tours of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, in a letter to the USCP.

This charge is demonstrably false, Davis wrote. As you are aware, [Administration] Committee Minority staff have reviewed all footage in question and have confirmed no reconnaissance tours occurred.

Davis rejected claims that the tapes he requested would pose a security risk if released to the public, noting that the same tapes have already been made public in some capacity.

Any argument that this footage represents sensitive security information was destroyed once the Board provided copies to Democrat impeachment managers for public dissemination or it otherwise became available to the public, he wrote.

If the Board has any hope of preserving a reputation as an unbiased security agency and re-establishing itself as a non-partisan entity, there is no alternative but to release the tapes. If the Board does not release the relevant footage in a timely manner, I will have no choice but to exercise my authority under 2 U.S.C.  1979 to release the footage myself.

The Jan. 6 panel originally leveled the accusation against Loudermilk in a May 19 letter requesting his voluntary cooperation in advancing our investigation (pdf).

We believe you have information regarding a tour you led through parts of the Capitol complex on Jan. 5, 2021, the letter said.

The foregoing information raises questions to which the Select Committee must seek answers. Public reporting and witness accounts indicate some individuals and groups engaged in efforts to gather information about the layout of the U.S. Capitol, as well as the House and Senate office buildings, in advance of January 6, 2021. For example, in the week following January 6th, Members urged law enforcement leaders to investigate sightings of outside groups in the complex on January 5th that appeared to be associated with the rally at the White House the following day.'

However, GOP members of the House Administration Committee have refuted the claim, saying that their own review of the tapes inside the Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, showed that no tours had been givena claim that Davis appears confident enough to back up with a public release of the tapes in question.

The Jan. 6 panel, for its part, has made the opposite assertion, saying that the Select Committees review of evidence directly contradicts that denial.

In a response to the letter, Loudermilk said that he had met with a constituent family with young children in House Office buildings that day, and blasted the Jan. 6 panel as a political circus.

On May 21, former President Donald Trumpwhose backing continues to hold heavy weight among GOP votersgave Loudermilk his primary endorsement, calling Loudermilk a fantastic Representative for the incredible people of Georgias 11th Congressional District.

The USCP and the Jan. 6 panel didnt respond by press time to a request for comment on Daviss comments.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) speaks to members of the media at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 13, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Lawmaker Calls on Capitol Police to Release Tapes After False Allegation by Jan. 6 Panel

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), ranking Republican member of the House Administration Committee, is calling on the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) to release security footage tapes from Jan. 5, 2021, after the chambers Jan. 6 panel made demonstrably false allegations against another House Republican.

Davis cited recent press reports, [that] the partisan January 6th Select Committee has falsely accused Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.)  of leading so-called reconnaissance tours of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, in a letter to the USCP.

This charge is demonstrably false, Davis wrote. As you are aware, [Administration] Committee Minority staff have reviewed all footage in question and have confirmed no reconnaissance tours occurred.

Davis rejected claims that the tapes he requested would pose a security risk if released to the public, noting that the same tapes have already been made public in some capacity.

Any argument that this footage represents sensitive security information was destroyed once the Board provided copies to Democrat impeachment managers for public dissemination or it otherwise became available to the public, he wrote.

If the Board has any hope of preserving a reputation as an unbiased security agency and re-establishing itself as a non-partisan entity, there is no alternative but to release the tapes. If the Board does not release the relevant footage in a timely manner, I will have no choice but to exercise my authority under 2 U.S.C.  1979 to release the footage myself.

The Jan. 6 panel originally leveled the accusation against Loudermilk in a May 19 letter requesting his voluntary cooperation in advancing our investigation (pdf).

We believe you have information regarding a tour you led through parts of the Capitol complex on Jan. 5, 2021, the letter said.

The foregoing information raises questions to which the Select Committee must seek answers. Public reporting and witness accounts indicate some individuals and groups engaged in efforts to gather information about the layout of the U.S. Capitol, as well as the House and Senate office buildings, in advance of January 6, 2021. For example, in the week following January 6th, Members urged law enforcement leaders to investigate sightings of outside groups in the complex on January 5th that appeared to be associated with the rally at the White House the following day.'

However, GOP members of the House Administration Committee have refuted the claim, saying that their own review of the tapes inside the Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, showed that no tours had been givena claim that Davis appears confident enough to back up with a public release of the tapes in question.

The Jan. 6 panel, for its part, has made the opposite assertion, saying that the Select Committees review of evidence directly contradicts that denial.

In a response to the letter, Loudermilk said that he had met with a constituent family with young children in House Office buildings that day, and blasted the Jan. 6 panel as a political circus.

On May 21, former President Donald Trumpwhose backing continues to hold heavy weight among GOP votersgave Loudermilk his primary endorsement, calling Loudermilk a fantastic Representative for the incredible people of Georgias 11th Congressional District.

The USCP and the Jan. 6 panel didnt respond by press time to a request for comment on Daviss comments.
The circus is coming to town  in two different locations.

Two separate circus companies are setting up big tops on Tuesday in Longview and Castle Rock.

Jordan World Circus is hosting two, two-hour performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County fairgrounds on Seventh Avenue in Longview.

Culpepper & Merriweather, an Oklahoma-based company, is hosting two 90-minute shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the open field behind the Castle Rock Elementary School on Huntington Avenue South.

Longview

The Jordan World Circus is a traveling circus owned by a Las Vegas couple with a background in aerial performances, according to its website. The company says events include a high wire, a juggling clown, a bounce house, face painting, elephant rides and food concessions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under can attend for free.

Ticket locations Longview: jordancircus.com Castle rock: www.cmcircus.com

Cascade Select Market.

Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Bredfields True Value Hardware.

Vault Books & Brew. *Tickets at stores must be purchased before circus day.

Castle Rock

Jonathon Rodeback is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce president and Castle Rock Pharmacy owner. He said the chamber is sponsoring the circus to bring togetherness after the pandemics long periods of isolation.

We thought it would be a fun thing to do for the community, especially after the shutdowns, he said. Its a good way to reunite.

Performances include aerialists, cockatoos, tigers named Delilah and Solomon and a lion named Wendell, according to the companys website.

Castle Rock circus advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older. The day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

Rodeback said the last time the circus came to Castle Rock was around 2006. This year, elementary school students can watch organizers set up the tent during the day, and attend at night, he added.

Its a good family event, he said.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

PODGORICA -- Eight years after the contract was first signed, the initial section of a controversial highway project in Montenegro paid for by a massive $1 billion Chinese loan is nearing completion -- but it still faces lingering questions about its future.

Once hailed by China as a landmark deal within the Belt and Road Initiative -- its globe-spanning infrastructure project -- the highway has since become a cautionary tale that fused together the perils of poor-quality Chinese construction and cursory lending practices with endemic local corruption concerns in the Balkan country.

Montenegro initially borrowed nearly $1 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2014 to fund the first portion of a 163-kilometer highway to link the port city of Bar with neighboring Serbia under the promise of bolstering economic activity in the Balkan country, but Podgorica was instead saddled with debts to China that totaled more than one-third of the government's annual budget.

That long chapter looks set to close, with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announcing in May that the first 41-kilometer section of the highway would open this summer.

Ervin Ibrahimovic, Montenegro's minister of capital investments, said during remarks broadcast on state television on May 16 that it could be unveiled in July, although he did not specify what still needed to be completed.

But the story of the controversial highway is far from over, with the future of the remaining 122 kilometers of the originally planned road still unbuilt. At the moment, the initial stretch of road fades out into the middle of a large, forested area and no funds are currently available to continue building the remaining portion.

That has led to growing scrutiny and speculation from local activists and international donors about Beijing's objectives in Montenegro and the Balkans, as well as the motives of the previous government that first gave the green light to the highway.

"Any further delay in the opening of the highway is a direct loss for the state and citizens," Dejan Milovac from the watchdog organization The Network for Affirmation of the Nongovernmental Sector (MANS), told RFE/RL.

The original deadline for completion of the highway was November 2019, which was since been pushed back multiple times by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the state company undertaking the construction, which cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the source of the delays.

MANS estimated that the multiple postponements the project has experienced have led to lost revenue from the would-be toll road, with Milovac saying that four successive governments being unaware of when the highway will be completed points to "how frivolously the state approached the project."

Montenegro's Long Road

Despite failing several feasibility studies, the project was inked by then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's government, who took out the massive Chinese loan to fund the highway and enveloped it in a cloud of secrecy.

In addition to the feasibility studies, questions of the profitability and necessity of the highway have followed it since its inception. Djukanovic's government also received construction offers from multiple foreign companies, including the U.S. engineering and construction giant Bechtel, that proposed a more modest and less costly project that ultimately lost out to the CRBC.

The 2014 loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China has been made public, but nearly all other documents relating to the Montenegrin highway have been classified as secret by Podgorica.

Amid delays and mounting debt, the engineering project found itself at the heart of a heated debate on Chinese influence in Europe when Podgorica raised concerns that it would be unable to meet its payments to the Export-Import Bank, a state lender, in 2021.

The small Balkan country of just 620,000 people eventually struck a deal with one French and two U.S. banks to restructure the $1 billion Chinese loan and has since made its first debt payment.

The highway, which according to one study could be the world's most expensive road at an estimated $23.8 million per kilometer, has also faced issues over its quality, with former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic visiting the project in December 2021 and criticizing what he said was poor construction.

Krivokapic was ousted in a no-confidence vote in late February and replaced in April by Abazovic, who has been a longtime critic of the highway and first sounded the alarm about debt concerns over the loan during a March 2021 trip to Brussels.

Abazovic's government has signaled a tougher line than its predecessors in pushing back against CRBC and construction delays. Miroslav Masic, director-general for state roads at Montenegro's Capital Investments Ministry, told RFE/RL that apart from an initial extension to November 2020 due to the pandemic, that the government believes that CRBC's reasons for delays are unfounded. "Everything after that [November 2020] deadline is [CRBC]'s responsibility," he said.

CRBC did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment about the delays.

Damage Control

Masic says that the government has already begun a procedure to recuperate costs from CRBC due to the multiple delays in the form of penalties. "Certainly, by the end of the project, these penalties can be issued and an overview of costs incurred due to delays can be made," he said.

Milovac from MANS says the current government is right to claim compensation from the Chinese construction firm, but adds that CRBC is not solely responsible for the controversy and problems associated with the troubled highway project.

Only after the complete publication of all the documents and contracts related to the highway, he says, will it be clear who holds responsibility. "On several occasions, we had delays that were approved by previous ministries without the public being fully aware of the exact reasons for that," Milovac said. "As soon as it was approved, we can assume that the blame was also on [the Montenegrin] side and not only on the Chinese side."

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Predrag Tomovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica
PODGORICA -- Eight years after the contract was first signed, the initial section of a controversial highway project in Montenegro paid for by a massive $1 billion Chinese loan is nearing completion -- but it still faces lingering questions about its future.

Once hailed by China as a landmark deal within the Belt and Road Initiative -- its globe-spanning infrastructure project -- the highway has since become a cautionary tale that fused together the perils of poor-quality Chinese construction and cursory lending practices with endemic local corruption concerns in the Balkan country.

Montenegro initially borrowed nearly $1 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2014 to fund the first portion of a 163-kilometer highway to link the port city of Bar with neighboring Serbia under the promise of bolstering economic activity in the Balkan country, but Podgorica was instead saddled with debts to China that totaled more than one-third of the government's annual budget.

That long chapter looks set to close, with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announcing in May that the first 41-kilometer section of the highway would open this summer.

Ervin Ibrahimovic, Montenegro's minister of capital investments, said during remarks broadcast on state television on May 16 that it could be unveiled in July, although he did not specify what still needed to be completed.

But the story of the controversial highway is far from over, with the future of the remaining 122 kilometers of the originally planned road still unbuilt. At the moment, the initial stretch of road fades out into the middle of a large, forested area and no funds are currently available to continue building the remaining portion.

That has led to growing scrutiny and speculation from local activists and international donors about Beijing's objectives in Montenegro and the Balkans, as well as the motives of the previous government that first gave the green light to the highway.

"Any further delay in the opening of the highway is a direct loss for the state and citizens," Dejan Milovac from the watchdog organization The Network for Affirmation of the Nongovernmental Sector (MANS), told RFE/RL.

The original deadline for completion of the highway was November 2019, which was since been pushed back multiple times by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the state company undertaking the construction, which cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the source of the delays.

MANS estimated that the multiple postponements the project has experienced have led to lost revenue from the would-be toll road, with Milovac saying that four successive governments being unaware of when the highway will be completed points to "how frivolously the state approached the project."

Montenegro's Long Road

Despite failing several feasibility studies, the project was inked by then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's government, who took out the massive Chinese loan to fund the highway and enveloped it in a cloud of secrecy.

In addition to the feasibility studies, questions of the profitability and necessity of the highway have followed it since its inception. Djukanovic's government also received construction offers from multiple foreign companies, including the U.S. engineering and construction giant Bechtel, that proposed a more modest and less costly project that ultimately lost out to the CRBC.

The 2014 loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China has been made public, but nearly all other documents relating to the Montenegrin highway have been classified as secret by Podgorica.

Amid delays and mounting debt, the engineering project found itself at the heart of a heated debate on Chinese influence in Europe when Podgorica raised concerns that it would be unable to meet its payments to the Export-Import Bank, a state lender, in 2021.

The small Balkan country of just 620,000 people eventually struck a deal with one French and two U.S. banks to restructure the $1 billion Chinese loan and has since made its first debt payment.

The highway, which according to one study could be the world's most expensive road at an estimated $23.8 million per kilometer, has also faced issues over its quality, with former Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic visiting the project in December 2021 and criticizing what he said was poor construction.

Krivokapic was ousted in a no-confidence vote in late February and replaced in April by Abazovic, who has been a longtime critic of the highway and first sounded the alarm about debt concerns over the loan during a March 2021 trip to Brussels.

Abazovic's government has signaled a tougher line than its predecessors in pushing back against CRBC and construction delays. Miroslav Masic, director-general for state roads at Montenegro's Capital Investments Ministry, told RFE/RL that apart from an initial extension to November 2020 due to the pandemic, that the government believes that CRBC's reasons for delays are unfounded. "Everything after that [November 2020] deadline is [CRBC]'s responsibility," he said.

CRBC did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment about the delays.

Damage Control

Masic says that the government has already begun a procedure to recuperate costs from CRBC due to the multiple delays in the form of penalties. "Certainly, by the end of the project, these penalties can be issued and an overview of costs incurred due to delays can be made," he said.

Milovac from MANS says the current government is right to claim compensation from the Chinese construction firm, but adds that CRBC is not solely responsible for the controversy and problems associated with the troubled highway project.

Only after the complete publication of all the documents and contracts related to the highway, he says, will it be clear who holds responsibility. "On several occasions, we had delays that were approved by previous ministries without the public being fully aware of the exact reasons for that," Milovac said. "As soon as it was approved, we can assume that the blame was also on [the Montenegrin] side and not only on the Chinese side."

Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by Predrag Tomovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Podgorica
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:





Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The circus is coming to town  in two different locations.

Two separate circus companies are setting up big tops on Tuesday in Longview and Castle Rock.

Jordan World Circus is hosting two, two-hour performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County fairgrounds on Seventh Avenue in Longview.

Culpepper & Merriweather, an Oklahoma-based company, is hosting two 90-minute shows at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the open field behind the Castle Rock Elementary School on Huntington Avenue South.

Longview

The Jordan World Circus is a traveling circus owned by a Las Vegas couple with a background in aerial performances, according to its website. The company says events include a high wire, a juggling clown, a bounce house, face painting, elephant rides and food concessions.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under can attend for free.

Ticket locations Longview: jordancircus.com Castle rock: www.cmcircus.com

Cascade Select Market.

Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Bredfields True Value Hardware.

Vault Books & Brew. *Tickets at stores must be purchased before circus day.

Castle Rock

Jonathon Rodeback is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce president and Castle Rock Pharmacy owner. He said the chamber is sponsoring the circus to bring togetherness after the pandemics long periods of isolation.

We thought it would be a fun thing to do for the community, especially after the shutdowns, he said. Its a good way to reunite.

Performances include aerialists, cockatoos, tigers named Delilah and Solomon and a lion named Wendell, according to the companys website.

Castle Rock circus advance tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors ages 65 and older. The day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

Rodeback said the last time the circus came to Castle Rock was around 2006. This year, elementary school students can watch organizers set up the tent during the day, and attend at night, he added.

Its a good family event, he said.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Wayne State College has announced that 46 students have been chosen for the highly selective Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) for fall 2022. Established in 1989 and successfully launching health-care careers ever since, RHOP is a unique cooperative program between Wayne State and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to meet the health care needs of rural communities, which make up a majority of Nebraska.

Students selected for the program come from rural Nebraska, know the unique needs of their community, and are dedicated and passionate about their home state and its rural health care needs. RHOP represents that commitment and prepares students to return to rural Nebraska and care for its citizens.

RHOPs benefits include a full-tuition scholarship at Wayne State and guaranteed admission to UNMC. RHOP participants pursue their studies at WSC and UNMC, with the amount of time at each institution determined by the program in which they are enrolled. Students who apply for the program must be a rural Nebraska resident.

RHOP participating fields include Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Medical Lab Science, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy (new for fall 2022), Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Radiography.

Area students selected for RHOP for fall 2022 are:

Dentistry

North Bend: Jordan Ondracek.

Medical Laboratory Science

Snyder: Madison Mandel.

Medicine

Fremont: Cal Janke.

North Bend: Travis Byrd.

West Point: Saige Miserez.

Pharmacy

West Point: Kayla Fischer.

Physician Assistant

Wahoo: Luke Polacek.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


International sanctions against the Taliban government have left neighboring Central Asian countries unable to recover debts

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million.

International sanctions against the Taliban government in Afghanistan are also hitting the pockets of its neighbors in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are unable to recover debts worth $100 million for electricity supplied to Afghanistan because Kabul cannot transfer the cash, Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported on May 18.

We want to pay, but the problem is in the banks, Akhtar Mohammad Nusrat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Water, said.

Afghanistan imports over 80 percent of its electricity, at an annual cost of some $220 million, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a watchdog created by the U.S. Congress.

Uzbekistan is its biggest electricity supplier. This year, around half of Afghanistans imported power is coming from Uzbekistan and most of the rest from Tajikistan.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban came to power, which is adjusted annually.

Uzbekistan is contracted to supply Afghanistan with 2 billion kilowatt hours of power this year for $100 million. Tajikistan is committed to supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt hours for $69 million.

When, or if, they will get that money is anyones guess.

Neither Uzbekistan, which enjoys cordial relations with the Taliban, nor Tajikistan, which has not turned off the lights over the unpaid debts, luckily for their neighbors over the border.

Any halt to electricity supplies from Central Asia risks leaving over 10 million Afghans in the dark, the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, has warned.

TOLOnews did not specify how much of the debt is owed to each country, but the bulk is due to Uzbekistan.

In January and February the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, power company made payments of $6 million to Tajikistan, out of what was a $33 million debt at the start of 2022.

That has not helped reduce the overall size of Afghanistans electricity debt to its two neighbors, which has not budged from the sum of $100 million since late last year.

The procedures via which Afghanistan transferred the money to Tajikistan were not specified.

Related: High Gasoline And Diesel Prices Are Here To Stay

Amanullah Ghalib, a former head of DABS, blamed the war in Ukraine for creating complications in the banking process for Afghanistans neighbors, TOLOnews reported.

That may be so, but sanctions against the Taliban and the related problem of an acute shortage of government revenue are likely a bigger problem.

The Taliban face severe revenue shortages that inhibit the ability to provide both domestically and externally generated electricity to the power grid, SIGAR reported in January.

At the end of last year the UNDP drew a direct link between Afghanistans unpaid electricity bills and the freeze on its assets, as well as a decline in international aid after the Taliban came to power.

With this in mind, Uzbekistan has led calls for the international community to unfreeze Afghanistans assets, to help mitigate the countrys humanitarian crisis.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Chicago Public Schools says the personal information of more than a half-million district students and staff was compromised in a ransomware attack on a district vendor last December
Chicago Public Schools says the personal information of more than a half-million district students and staff was compromised in a ransomware attack on a district vendor last December
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Noida, May 21 : The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association held a candlelight meet in Noida on Saturday evening to pay tributes to Rahul Bhat, who was shot dead by terrorists last week.

Kashmiri Pandit youth, Rahul Bhat was shot dead by terrorists inside his office in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on May 12.

He used to work as a clerk in the Tehsildar's office in the Chadoora area of Budgam district under the special employment package for Kashmiri migrants in 2011.

The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association demanded justice and their relocation to safe environment in the wake of a spurt in the attacks on minority community members in the Valley, raising slogans for strict action against the killers of Bhat.

Talking to IANS, Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator of Global Kashmiri Pandits Diaspora, said, "Even after decades, an atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley for Kashmiri Pandits. We demand justice from the government for this brutal killing. I also asked for their relocation to safer places on urgent basis." "Removing Article 370 was a historical step in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and we all appreciated that step by the Central government, but the root cause of displacement still remain in the Valley," said Kamal Hak, President of Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association.

He added that the atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley and this brutal killing of Rahul Bhat is the reflection of it.

Meanwhile, massive protests are underway across the country over the horrific killing of Rahul Bhat.

However, tbe J&K government has now sanctioned the compassionate appointment of Bhat's widow, Meenakshi Raina with the pay scale between Rs 14,800-47,100 in Nowabad Government Higher Secondary School.
Noida, May 21 : The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association held a candlelight meet in Noida on Saturday evening to pay tributes to Rahul Bhat, who was shot dead by terrorists last week.

Kashmiri Pandit youth, Rahul Bhat was shot dead by terrorists inside his office in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on May 12.

He used to work as a clerk in the Tehsildar's office in the Chadoora area of Budgam district under the special employment package for Kashmiri migrants in 2011.

The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association demanded justice and their relocation to safe environment in the wake of a spurt in the attacks on minority community members in the Valley, raising slogans for strict action against the killers of Bhat.

Talking to IANS, Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator of Global Kashmiri Pandits Diaspora, said, "Even after decades, an atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley for Kashmiri Pandits. We demand justice from the government for this brutal killing. I also asked for their relocation to safer places on urgent basis." "Removing Article 370 was a historical step in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and we all appreciated that step by the Central government, but the root cause of displacement still remain in the Valley," said Kamal Hak, President of Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association.

He added that the atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley and this brutal killing of Rahul Bhat is the reflection of it.

Meanwhile, massive protests are underway across the country over the horrific killing of Rahul Bhat.

However, tbe J&K government has now sanctioned the compassionate appointment of Bhat's widow, Meenakshi Raina with the pay scale between Rs 14,800-47,100 in Nowabad Government Higher Secondary School.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Noida, May 21 : The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association held a candlelight meet in Noida on Saturday evening to pay tributes to Rahul Bhat, who was shot dead by terrorists last week.

Kashmiri Pandit youth, Rahul Bhat was shot dead by terrorists inside his office in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on May 12.

He used to work as a clerk in the Tehsildar's office in the Chadoora area of Budgam district under the special employment package for Kashmiri migrants in 2011.

The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association demanded justice and their relocation to safe environment in the wake of a spurt in the attacks on minority community members in the Valley, raising slogans for strict action against the killers of Bhat.

Talking to IANS, Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator of Global Kashmiri Pandits Diaspora, said, "Even after decades, an atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley for Kashmiri Pandits. We demand justice from the government for this brutal killing. I also asked for their relocation to safer places on urgent basis." "Removing Article 370 was a historical step in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and we all appreciated that step by the Central government, but the root cause of displacement still remain in the Valley," said Kamal Hak, President of Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association.

He added that the atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley and this brutal killing of Rahul Bhat is the reflection of it.

Meanwhile, massive protests are underway across the country over the horrific killing of Rahul Bhat.

However, tbe J&K government has now sanctioned the compassionate appointment of Bhat's widow, Meenakshi Raina with the pay scale between Rs 14,800-47,100 in Nowabad Government Higher Secondary School.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Photo: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer

George Miller, one of the last true weirdos, has returned to Cannes and moviemaking after a seven-year hiatus with Three Thousand Years of Longing, a messy, maximalist fairy tale within a fairy tale within a fairy tale (about telling fairy tales) that feels like his answer to The Princess Bride. The film, which premiered last night at the festival to a six-minute standing ovation and mixed-to-positive reviews, has got Millers signature goofiness, earnestness, streaks of darkness, and whimsicality all over it. Its imperfect  there are some oddly low-grade CGI moments, a few cringey visual jokes, and a final section that addresses Brexit and colonialist racism in a way that feels a little on-the-nose and forced  but ultimately impossible to resist in its bighearted, hopeful, off-the-wall wackiness. Miller, whos been patiently working to adapt this A.S. Byatt short story since the 90s, is telling a story about the importance of telling stories. Its pure of intention and childlike in its sense of wonder, but it doesnt skimp on the freakiness  there are supernatural sex scenes, a man whose head explodes into spiders, a sex prison lined with fur, Idris Elba sporting elf ears and occasionally expanding to the size of an entire hotel room, and elderly ladies calling Tilda Swinton a fuckface.

Tilda Swinton stars as narratologist Dr. Alithea Binnie  perhaps the second-most Tilda Swintonesque name ever given to Tilda Swinton after Tilda Swinton  who travels the world giving lectures on the purpose of storytelling through the ages. After one such lecture in Istanbul, she purchases a blue bottle from an antique shop, heads back to her hotel room (which happens to be the one where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express), gives the bottle a good scrub with her electric toothbrush, and out pops a gigantic Idris Elba, coated in flecks of gold and scales. Hes a djinn whos been trapped for the titular length of time, and hes desperate to be freed.

All the djinn wants is to grant Dr. Binnie three wishes so he can get the hell out of our cacophonous modern cities, and all she wants is to avoid doing so, having spent her lonely but academically fulfilling life studying wish-fulfillment stories that all end badly. In the interest of persuading her otherwise, the djinn tells her richly detailed stories about his life, his various imprisonments, and the women he has loved and seduced with his otherworldly wisdom (he learns modern English from a TV screen in a few seconds flat) and sexual prowess (something to do with smoke and glitter). As the film darts from the small hotel room  where Elba and Swinton spend most of the film chatting in bathrobes  to the far more sweeping, CGI-filled worlds of the Ottoman Empire and the Queen of Shebas bedchambers, it manages to hold onto its Miller-esque tone, that specific combo of bizarro sweetness.

At the press conference the next morning, Swinton, Elba, and Miller were asked not once but twice what their own three wishes might be (visibly exhausted by the question, they mostly demurred and referred to their hopes for the film, but Elba admitted to wanting an electric Ferrari). They cheerfully recounted how theyd all ended up working together. Swinton  a self-described Miller superfan who said she tells her kids, Thatll do, pig, when they accomplish a task  and Miller met by chance at a Cannes lunch five years ago: I was invited to a celebration lunch, and I was very shy and I didnt know very many people there, and I sat down opposite someone I didnt recognize. And we just fell into a very beautiful conversation. About 15 minutes in, I realized it was George Miller, she said, to laughter. And that was it. The die was cast. We hung out the whole day. We sat together with Bong Joon Ho in the evening. That was a very good table. We became friends quite quickly and deeply. About a year later, Miller emailed her the script. I dont pick roles. I pick people, added Swinton. And I always have, and its really served me well. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Im not changing it now.

You pick your directors, they dont pick you, said a charmed Miller. I realized very early on that I joined the great club of directors with whom Tilda has worked not only once but several times. Ive had the first taste  I hope that the future sees us doing something else. Swinton, who earlier joked that shed wished shed been asked to do Mad Max: Furiosa, jumped in: Ive got witnesses!

Elba and Miller made each others acquaintance a few years ago at the BAFTAs, where Millers wife and longtime film editor, Margaret Sixel, said the only person she was interested in meeting at the awards show was Elba. I didnt think he knew who I was, laughed Elba. A year later, my agent calls me and says, George Miller would like to talk to you. After I fainted and got up off the floor, I began talking to George. Elba was the only actor Miller ever considered for the role, which required an actor with the ability to project both groundedness and the fantastical. Luckily, if I hadnt met you and gotten a strong sense of you, I would have no idea who could play the djinn. I honestly to this day couldnt name anyone. Im sure there are a lot of people, Miller said. Theres no other actors that could do it, joked Elba.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The writer is a development and communications consultant and the author of Kabul Blogs: My Days in the Life of Afghanistan

Of the 4,169 women who experienced sexual violence, 82 per cent said the perpetrator was their husband

There is evidence that women often stay in violent relationships as they have nowhere to go and are afraid they will lose the roof over their heads and their children. (Representational Image/ DC File)

In 2022, India is one of the 36 countries where it is not a crime for a husband to rape his wife. By 2019, 150 countries had criminalised marital rape.

In Indian law, under the exception to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, sexual intercourse between a man and his wife, if she is over the age of 15, is not rape. Recently, this was challenged by petitions to the Delhi high court and after hearings, a week ago, a split verdict on the issue of criminalisation of marital rape was given. The case will now go to the Supreme Court.

How prevalent is sexual violence in marriage? In the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), conducted over 2019-20, women between the ages of 18 and 49 (who were currently or previously married) were asked about different types of violence they faced from their spouse. The responses suggest that one in every 25 women  often or sometimes  experienced sexual violence by their husbands.

Of the 4,169 women who experienced sexual violence, 82 per cent said the perpetrator was their husband. Of this, 84 per cent said their husbands physically forced them to have sexual intercourse with him even when they did not want to. This falls within the Indian Penal Codes definition of rape.

Why then is it so difficult to talk about marital rape in India? And why is it important to seek legislation on it? Lets start with marriage. In arranged, love, or arranged love marriages, it is assumed there will be sex, for procreation, and pleasure.

Young men and women in India have little knowledge of their bodies. Families dont talk about it, as parents themselves are uncomfortable or lack the knowledge, language, and way to approach the subject. Schools have been reluctant to accept sex education curricula and often opposed it. Most young people, studies suggest, learn about sex and sexuality from pornography and friends.

Opposition and reluctance to sex education is based on the belief that if young people are taught about sex and sexuality, they will want to have sex, and that is not acceptable to our social mores. But young people are having sex, often without protection, or knowledge of their bodies or consequences of their acts, emotional and physical.

Parents are keen that their daughters marry so they will not have to be responsible for them. Sons are married, so they do not stray, sexually. Young men are socialised to believe that proof of their manhood is by having sex with their wives on the wedding night. For many women, not prepared for their marital duties when it comes to sex, marriage night is a rape night.

Rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse have different legal definitions. In general, they are all forms of violence in which there is sexual contact without consent  and includes vaginal or anal penetration, oral sex, and genital touching.

Consent is tricky business. The #MeToo movement brought attention to the complex issue of consent. In intimate relationships, technically, consent is when one person agrees to or gives permission to another person to do something. It means agreeing to an action based on knowledge of what that action involves, its likely consequences and having the option of saying no. In the Indian context, often these factors are missing. Therefore, the notion of consent gets somewhat blurry.

Globally too, there are attempts to speak to the nature of this complexity. The UK has attempted messaging that likens consent to a cup of tea, based on the idea that you wouldnt force someone to drink a cup of tea they didnt want, just because you made it for them.

Back to the NFHS-5, where now 80 per cent of women participants believe that refusing sex to their husband is justified for any or all these reasons  if he has a sexually transmitted disease; he has sex with other women; or because she is tired/not in the mood. As many as 66 per cent of Indian men agree. And the percentage of adults who agree that women have a right to refuse sex to their husbands for all three reasons has increased by 12 per cent for women and three per cent of men from the last NHFS-4 (2015-16). This is progress.

The question is: will a law on marital rape be effective and address violence against women, or could it go the way of other laws passed over the last three decades  sex determination tests (to curb male child preference), sexual harassment in the workplace and the prevention of child sexual abuse  where women eventually end up bearing the brunt of speaking out, without satisfactory outcomes?

There is evidence that women often stay in violent relationships as they have nowhere to go and are afraid they will lose the roof over their heads and their children. Many are not economically independent and there are not enough systems in place for halfway houses or counselling for abused women.

The call for criminalisation of marital rape stems from a social movement, with collective agency. Here, the law is a first step. Multiple steps are needed to ensure that women have individual agency to be able to consent in sexual relationships in marriage.

Without the necessary complementary efforts in sex and sexuality education in the family, schools, institutions of higher learning, the workforce, the notion of consent to sex in marriage will be a pipe dream.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the country's parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraine's sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.




A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Photo: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer

George Miller, one of the last true weirdos, has returned to Cannes and moviemaking after a seven-year hiatus with Three Thousand Years of Longing, a messy, maximalist fairy tale within a fairy tale within a fairy tale (about telling fairy tales) that feels like his answer to The Princess Bride. The film, which premiered last night at the festival to a six-minute standing ovation and mixed-to-positive reviews, has got Millers signature goofiness, earnestness, streaks of darkness, and whimsicality all over it. Its imperfect  there are some oddly low-grade CGI moments, a few cringey visual jokes, and a final section that addresses Brexit and colonialist racism in a way that feels a little on-the-nose and forced  but ultimately impossible to resist in its bighearted, hopeful, off-the-wall wackiness. Miller, whos been patiently working to adapt this A.S. Byatt short story since the 90s, is telling a story about the importance of telling stories. Its pure of intention and childlike in its sense of wonder, but it doesnt skimp on the freakiness  there are supernatural sex scenes, a man whose head explodes into spiders, a sex prison lined with fur, Idris Elba sporting elf ears and occasionally expanding to the size of an entire hotel room, and elderly ladies calling Tilda Swinton a fuckface.

Tilda Swinton stars as narratologist Dr. Alithea Binnie  perhaps the second-most Tilda Swintonesque name ever given to Tilda Swinton after Tilda Swinton  who travels the world giving lectures on the purpose of storytelling through the ages. After one such lecture in Istanbul, she purchases a blue bottle from an antique shop, heads back to her hotel room (which happens to be the one where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express), gives the bottle a good scrub with her electric toothbrush, and out pops a gigantic Idris Elba, coated in flecks of gold and scales. Hes a djinn whos been trapped for the titular length of time, and hes desperate to be freed.

All the djinn wants is to grant Dr. Binnie three wishes so he can get the hell out of our cacophonous modern cities, and all she wants is to avoid doing so, having spent her lonely but academically fulfilling life studying wish-fulfillment stories that all end badly. In the interest of persuading her otherwise, the djinn tells her richly detailed stories about his life, his various imprisonments, and the women he has loved and seduced with his otherworldly wisdom (he learns modern English from a TV screen in a few seconds flat) and sexual prowess (something to do with smoke and glitter). As the film darts from the small hotel room  where Elba and Swinton spend most of the film chatting in bathrobes  to the far more sweeping, CGI-filled worlds of the Ottoman Empire and the Queen of Shebas bedchambers, it manages to hold onto its Miller-esque tone, that specific combo of bizarro sweetness.

At the press conference the next morning, Swinton, Elba, and Miller were asked not once but twice what their own three wishes might be (visibly exhausted by the question, they mostly demurred and referred to their hopes for the film, but Elba admitted to wanting an electric Ferrari). They cheerfully recounted how theyd all ended up working together. Swinton  a self-described Miller superfan who said she tells her kids, Thatll do, pig, when they accomplish a task  and Miller met by chance at a Cannes lunch five years ago: I was invited to a celebration lunch, and I was very shy and I didnt know very many people there, and I sat down opposite someone I didnt recognize. And we just fell into a very beautiful conversation. About 15 minutes in, I realized it was George Miller, she said, to laughter. And that was it. The die was cast. We hung out the whole day. We sat together with Bong Joon Ho in the evening. That was a very good table. We became friends quite quickly and deeply. About a year later, Miller emailed her the script. I dont pick roles. I pick people, added Swinton. And I always have, and its really served me well. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Im not changing it now.

You pick your directors, they dont pick you, said a charmed Miller. I realized very early on that I joined the great club of directors with whom Tilda has worked not only once but several times. Ive had the first taste  I hope that the future sees us doing something else. Swinton, who earlier joked that shed wished shed been asked to do Mad Max: Furiosa, jumped in: Ive got witnesses!

Elba and Miller made each others acquaintance a few years ago at the BAFTAs, where Millers wife and longtime film editor, Margaret Sixel, said the only person she was interested in meeting at the awards show was Elba. I didnt think he knew who I was, laughed Elba. A year later, my agent calls me and says, George Miller would like to talk to you. After I fainted and got up off the floor, I began talking to George. Elba was the only actor Miller ever considered for the role, which required an actor with the ability to project both groundedness and the fantastical. Luckily, if I hadnt met you and gotten a strong sense of you, I would have no idea who could play the djinn. I honestly to this day couldnt name anyone. Im sure there are a lot of people, Miller said. Theres no other actors that could do it, joked Elba.
Photo: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer

George Miller, one of the last true weirdos, has returned to Cannes and moviemaking after a seven-year hiatus with Three Thousand Years of Longing, a messy, maximalist fairy tale within a fairy tale within a fairy tale (about telling fairy tales) that feels like his answer to The Princess Bride. The film, which premiered last night at the festival to a six-minute standing ovation and mixed-to-positive reviews, has got Millers signature goofiness, earnestness, streaks of darkness, and whimsicality all over it. Its imperfect  there are some oddly low-grade CGI moments, a few cringey visual jokes, and a final section that addresses Brexit and colonialist racism in a way that feels a little on-the-nose and forced  but ultimately impossible to resist in its bighearted, hopeful, off-the-wall wackiness. Miller, whos been patiently working to adapt this A.S. Byatt short story since the 90s, is telling a story about the importance of telling stories. Its pure of intention and childlike in its sense of wonder, but it doesnt skimp on the freakiness  there are supernatural sex scenes, a man whose head explodes into spiders, a sex prison lined with fur, Idris Elba sporting elf ears and occasionally expanding to the size of an entire hotel room, and elderly ladies calling Tilda Swinton a fuckface.

Tilda Swinton stars as narratologist Dr. Alithea Binnie  perhaps the second-most Tilda Swintonesque name ever given to Tilda Swinton after Tilda Swinton  who travels the world giving lectures on the purpose of storytelling through the ages. After one such lecture in Istanbul, she purchases a blue bottle from an antique shop, heads back to her hotel room (which happens to be the one where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express), gives the bottle a good scrub with her electric toothbrush, and out pops a gigantic Idris Elba, coated in flecks of gold and scales. Hes a djinn whos been trapped for the titular length of time, and hes desperate to be freed.

All the djinn wants is to grant Dr. Binnie three wishes so he can get the hell out of our cacophonous modern cities, and all she wants is to avoid doing so, having spent her lonely but academically fulfilling life studying wish-fulfillment stories that all end badly. In the interest of persuading her otherwise, the djinn tells her richly detailed stories about his life, his various imprisonments, and the women he has loved and seduced with his otherworldly wisdom (he learns modern English from a TV screen in a few seconds flat) and sexual prowess (something to do with smoke and glitter). As the film darts from the small hotel room  where Elba and Swinton spend most of the film chatting in bathrobes  to the far more sweeping, CGI-filled worlds of the Ottoman Empire and the Queen of Shebas bedchambers, it manages to hold onto its Miller-esque tone, that specific combo of bizarro sweetness.

At the press conference the next morning, Swinton, Elba, and Miller were asked not once but twice what their own three wishes might be (visibly exhausted by the question, they mostly demurred and referred to their hopes for the film, but Elba admitted to wanting an electric Ferrari). They cheerfully recounted how theyd all ended up working together. Swinton  a self-described Miller superfan who said she tells her kids, Thatll do, pig, when they accomplish a task  and Miller met by chance at a Cannes lunch five years ago: I was invited to a celebration lunch, and I was very shy and I didnt know very many people there, and I sat down opposite someone I didnt recognize. And we just fell into a very beautiful conversation. About 15 minutes in, I realized it was George Miller, she said, to laughter. And that was it. The die was cast. We hung out the whole day. We sat together with Bong Joon Ho in the evening. That was a very good table. We became friends quite quickly and deeply. About a year later, Miller emailed her the script. I dont pick roles. I pick people, added Swinton. And I always have, and its really served me well. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Im not changing it now.

You pick your directors, they dont pick you, said a charmed Miller. I realized very early on that I joined the great club of directors with whom Tilda has worked not only once but several times. Ive had the first taste  I hope that the future sees us doing something else. Swinton, who earlier joked that shed wished shed been asked to do Mad Max: Furiosa, jumped in: Ive got witnesses!

Elba and Miller made each others acquaintance a few years ago at the BAFTAs, where Millers wife and longtime film editor, Margaret Sixel, said the only person she was interested in meeting at the awards show was Elba. I didnt think he knew who I was, laughed Elba. A year later, my agent calls me and says, George Miller would like to talk to you. After I fainted and got up off the floor, I began talking to George. Elba was the only actor Miller ever considered for the role, which required an actor with the ability to project both groundedness and the fantastical. Luckily, if I hadnt met you and gotten a strong sense of you, I would have no idea who could play the djinn. I honestly to this day couldnt name anyone. Im sure there are a lot of people, Miller said. Theres no other actors that could do it, joked Elba.
Photo: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer

George Miller, one of the last true weirdos, has returned to Cannes and moviemaking after a seven-year hiatus with Three Thousand Years of Longing, a messy, maximalist fairy tale within a fairy tale within a fairy tale (about telling fairy tales) that feels like his answer to The Princess Bride. The film, which premiered last night at the festival to a six-minute standing ovation and mixed-to-positive reviews, has got Millers signature goofiness, earnestness, streaks of darkness, and whimsicality all over it. Its imperfect  there are some oddly low-grade CGI moments, a few cringey visual jokes, and a final section that addresses Brexit and colonialist racism in a way that feels a little on-the-nose and forced  but ultimately impossible to resist in its bighearted, hopeful, off-the-wall wackiness. Miller, whos been patiently working to adapt this A.S. Byatt short story since the 90s, is telling a story about the importance of telling stories. Its pure of intention and childlike in its sense of wonder, but it doesnt skimp on the freakiness  there are supernatural sex scenes, a man whose head explodes into spiders, a sex prison lined with fur, Idris Elba sporting elf ears and occasionally expanding to the size of an entire hotel room, and elderly ladies calling Tilda Swinton a fuckface.

Tilda Swinton stars as narratologist Dr. Alithea Binnie  perhaps the second-most Tilda Swintonesque name ever given to Tilda Swinton after Tilda Swinton  who travels the world giving lectures on the purpose of storytelling through the ages. After one such lecture in Istanbul, she purchases a blue bottle from an antique shop, heads back to her hotel room (which happens to be the one where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express), gives the bottle a good scrub with her electric toothbrush, and out pops a gigantic Idris Elba, coated in flecks of gold and scales. Hes a djinn whos been trapped for the titular length of time, and hes desperate to be freed.

All the djinn wants is to grant Dr. Binnie three wishes so he can get the hell out of our cacophonous modern cities, and all she wants is to avoid doing so, having spent her lonely but academically fulfilling life studying wish-fulfillment stories that all end badly. In the interest of persuading her otherwise, the djinn tells her richly detailed stories about his life, his various imprisonments, and the women he has loved and seduced with his otherworldly wisdom (he learns modern English from a TV screen in a few seconds flat) and sexual prowess (something to do with smoke and glitter). As the film darts from the small hotel room  where Elba and Swinton spend most of the film chatting in bathrobes  to the far more sweeping, CGI-filled worlds of the Ottoman Empire and the Queen of Shebas bedchambers, it manages to hold onto its Miller-esque tone, that specific combo of bizarro sweetness.

At the press conference the next morning, Swinton, Elba, and Miller were asked not once but twice what their own three wishes might be (visibly exhausted by the question, they mostly demurred and referred to their hopes for the film, but Elba admitted to wanting an electric Ferrari). They cheerfully recounted how theyd all ended up working together. Swinton  a self-described Miller superfan who said she tells her kids, Thatll do, pig, when they accomplish a task  and Miller met by chance at a Cannes lunch five years ago: I was invited to a celebration lunch, and I was very shy and I didnt know very many people there, and I sat down opposite someone I didnt recognize. And we just fell into a very beautiful conversation. About 15 minutes in, I realized it was George Miller, she said, to laughter. And that was it. The die was cast. We hung out the whole day. We sat together with Bong Joon Ho in the evening. That was a very good table. We became friends quite quickly and deeply. About a year later, Miller emailed her the script. I dont pick roles. I pick people, added Swinton. And I always have, and its really served me well. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Im not changing it now.

You pick your directors, they dont pick you, said a charmed Miller. I realized very early on that I joined the great club of directors with whom Tilda has worked not only once but several times. Ive had the first taste  I hope that the future sees us doing something else. Swinton, who earlier joked that shed wished shed been asked to do Mad Max: Furiosa, jumped in: Ive got witnesses!

Elba and Miller made each others acquaintance a few years ago at the BAFTAs, where Millers wife and longtime film editor, Margaret Sixel, said the only person she was interested in meeting at the awards show was Elba. I didnt think he knew who I was, laughed Elba. A year later, my agent calls me and says, George Miller would like to talk to you. After I fainted and got up off the floor, I began talking to George. Elba was the only actor Miller ever considered for the role, which required an actor with the ability to project both groundedness and the fantastical. Luckily, if I hadnt met you and gotten a strong sense of you, I would have no idea who could play the djinn. I honestly to this day couldnt name anyone. Im sure there are a lot of people, Miller said. Theres no other actors that could do it, joked Elba.
New Delhi, May 22 : Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, Vivek Kumar was appointed as the Personal Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Joint Secretary level on Saturday.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal for the appointment of Vivek Kumar as PS to Modi.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Vivek Kumar, IFS (2004) as PS to Prime Minister at the Joint Secretary level in the Prime Minister's Office with pay at level 14 of the pay matrix," said a release from the Department of Personnel and Training.

Vivek Kumar is an IFS officer of 2004 batch, who joined the Prime Minister's Office as a Deputy Secretary in 2014.

He completed his B.Tech in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and has served in diplomatic positions in Russia and Australia.

New Delhi, May 22 : Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, Vivek Kumar was appointed as the Personal Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Joint Secretary level on Saturday.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal for the appointment of Vivek Kumar as PS to Modi.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Vivek Kumar, IFS (2004) as PS to Prime Minister at the Joint Secretary level in the Prime Minister's Office with pay at level 14 of the pay matrix," said a release from the Department of Personnel and Training.

Vivek Kumar is an IFS officer of 2004 batch, who joined the Prime Minister's Office as a Deputy Secretary in 2014.

He completed his B.Tech in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and has served in diplomatic positions in Russia and Australia.

New Delhi, May 22 : Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, Vivek Kumar was appointed as the Personal Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Joint Secretary level on Saturday.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal for the appointment of Vivek Kumar as PS to Modi.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Vivek Kumar, IFS (2004) as PS to Prime Minister at the Joint Secretary level in the Prime Minister's Office with pay at level 14 of the pay matrix," said a release from the Department of Personnel and Training.

Vivek Kumar is an IFS officer of 2004 batch, who joined the Prime Minister's Office as a Deputy Secretary in 2014.

He completed his B.Tech in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and has served in diplomatic positions in Russia and Australia.
Alyssa Castanuela is shown in this photo with her two children. She was attacked by her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend Wednesday and is in the ICU at Colorado Springs UC Health Memorial Hospital.



Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards

You can start a war but rest assured that someone else will end it for you and certainly not on your terms. This is the predicament that President Vladimir Putin confronts as the Russian aggression of Ukraine completes three months on May 24, 2022.

President Putin obviously has not read or for that matter understood the profound wisdom of Sun Tzu  the Chinese master strategist who had proclaimed in his treatise the Art of War way back in fifth century BCE that the greatest victory is that which requires no battle and the wise warrior avoids the battle. If President Putins objective of invading Ukraine was to stop the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (Nato) and reorder the European Security architecture to Russias advantage he has achieved exactly the reverse.

Way back in 2007 at the Munich Security Summit, Mr Putin had made his reservations about the eastwards expansion of Nato explicit, Nato expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself, or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust.

Responding to a question, Mr Putin elaborated further, Regarding our perception of Natos eastern expansion, I already mentioned the guarantees that were made and that are not being observed today. Do you happen to think that this is normal practice in international affairs? But all right, forget it. Forget these guarantees.

With respect to democracy and Nato expansion. Nato is not a universal organisation, as opposed to the UN. It is first and foremost a military and political alliance, military and political! Well, ensuring ones own security is the right of any sovereign state. We are not arguing against this. Of course, we are not objecting to this. But why is it necessary to put military infrastructure on our borders during this expansion?

This 2007 speech by Mr Putin represented the most stinging repudiation of the United States-led unipolar system that had become the centrepiece of the international order after the collapse of the Berlin War in 1989. His subsequent actions  the invasion of Georgia in August 2008 or six years hence the wide-ranging military operation against Ukraine, whereby Russia occupied Crimea and large swathes of eastern Ukraines Donbas region and its ramped up presence in Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR)  were all designed to test the redlines of the Western Alliance.

The West chose not to react to this salami slicing land grab by Moscow. Russian successes in Syria in terms of ensuring that the Bashar al-Assad regime stays in the saddle coupled with the ignominious American withdrawal from Afghanistan in the August of 2021 further emboldened the regime in the Kremlin to set the stage for its next audacity.

However, this is where Mr Putin miscalculated for the show of force which if properly leveraged is far more potent than the use of force. Had Mr Putin kept his forces massed on the borders of Ukraine and allowed his ground level commanders to make shallow forays into Ukraine thereby demonstrating both intent and resolve, he may have succeeded in reordering the European security architecture to his own benefit much more efficiently than the current catastrophe he has unleashed.

For, let us not forget that Ukraine is nothing more than a chess piece and that too a pawn in the larger strategic rivalry to shape the post unipolar world order that has now been in the works at least since 2008, the year when the great economic meltdown took place. Ukraine today, unfortunately, is what Belgium was to the Anglo-French rivalry in the nineteenth century or what Poland was to the German-Russian competition for the better part of the two preceding centuries or, for that matter, Afghanistan was to the American intent to delegitimise communism and, by implication, the Soviet Union itself in 1979-1989.

Sacrificing the interests of Ukraine whose destiny in any case does not lie westwards irrespective of what the outcome of the current war may be would not have been more than the bat of an eyelid for the Western allies. In any case, even today the Western alliance has decided to fight the Russians to the last Ukrainian.

By launching this ill-conceived aggression of Ukraine, Mr Putin set the cat among the European pigeons. No one was sure in the February of 2022 where this juggernaut would stop for Ukraine was expected to topple like a pack of cards. This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards.

With the possible exception of Turkey that in any case is the Muslim outlier to the Anglo-Saxon construct called the European Union or the core of Nato, Europeans of all shades and hues have come together to stop the Russians. It has also triggered of a rejig of the European security architecture much to Moscows detriment bringing Nato closer to the Russian frontier rather than pushing it away.

It has had the consequence of pushing even neutral and friendly nations to Russia squarely into the Nato orbit. While in theory Finland that had signed a peace treaty with the erstwhile Soviet Union on April 6, 1948, that gave Moscow the right to dictate Helsinkis foreign and security policies was finally able to extricate itself from the clutches of the Russian bear by another treaty initialled on January 20, 1992, negating its earlier subservience, in practice Finland continued to be mindful of Russias security interests right up to today.

Now all this is set to change. With Sweden shedding its two-century-old neutrality and with Finland in lockstep with it, both countries are set to apply for joining Nato. What started off as Russias attempt to push Nato away from its borders has only ended up bringing Nato much closer than even earlier.

This is only the beginning. If reports about Russia losing one third of its land forces in three months in Ukraine are anywhere nearly true, then the Western Allies will not relent till the time they do not bleed Russia white. What will the ultimate consequences be of this ill-considered adventure for Russia time will tell.
This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards

You can start a war but rest assured that someone else will end it for you and certainly not on your terms. This is the predicament that President Vladimir Putin confronts as the Russian aggression of Ukraine completes three months on May 24, 2022.

President Putin obviously has not read or for that matter understood the profound wisdom of Sun Tzu  the Chinese master strategist who had proclaimed in his treatise the Art of War way back in fifth century BCE that the greatest victory is that which requires no battle and the wise warrior avoids the battle. If President Putins objective of invading Ukraine was to stop the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (Nato) and reorder the European Security architecture to Russias advantage he has achieved exactly the reverse.

Way back in 2007 at the Munich Security Summit, Mr Putin had made his reservations about the eastwards expansion of Nato explicit, Nato expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself, or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust.

Responding to a question, Mr Putin elaborated further, Regarding our perception of Natos eastern expansion, I already mentioned the guarantees that were made and that are not being observed today. Do you happen to think that this is normal practice in international affairs? But all right, forget it. Forget these guarantees.

With respect to democracy and Nato expansion. Nato is not a universal organisation, as opposed to the UN. It is first and foremost a military and political alliance, military and political! Well, ensuring ones own security is the right of any sovereign state. We are not arguing against this. Of course, we are not objecting to this. But why is it necessary to put military infrastructure on our borders during this expansion?

This 2007 speech by Mr Putin represented the most stinging repudiation of the United States-led unipolar system that had become the centrepiece of the international order after the collapse of the Berlin War in 1989. His subsequent actions  the invasion of Georgia in August 2008 or six years hence the wide-ranging military operation against Ukraine, whereby Russia occupied Crimea and large swathes of eastern Ukraines Donbas region and its ramped up presence in Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR)  were all designed to test the redlines of the Western Alliance.

The West chose not to react to this salami slicing land grab by Moscow. Russian successes in Syria in terms of ensuring that the Bashar al-Assad regime stays in the saddle coupled with the ignominious American withdrawal from Afghanistan in the August of 2021 further emboldened the regime in the Kremlin to set the stage for its next audacity.

However, this is where Mr Putin miscalculated for the show of force which if properly leveraged is far more potent than the use of force. Had Mr Putin kept his forces massed on the borders of Ukraine and allowed his ground level commanders to make shallow forays into Ukraine thereby demonstrating both intent and resolve, he may have succeeded in reordering the European security architecture to his own benefit much more efficiently than the current catastrophe he has unleashed.

For, let us not forget that Ukraine is nothing more than a chess piece and that too a pawn in the larger strategic rivalry to shape the post unipolar world order that has now been in the works at least since 2008, the year when the great economic meltdown took place. Ukraine today, unfortunately, is what Belgium was to the Anglo-French rivalry in the nineteenth century or what Poland was to the German-Russian competition for the better part of the two preceding centuries or, for that matter, Afghanistan was to the American intent to delegitimise communism and, by implication, the Soviet Union itself in 1979-1989.

Sacrificing the interests of Ukraine whose destiny in any case does not lie westwards irrespective of what the outcome of the current war may be would not have been more than the bat of an eyelid for the Western allies. In any case, even today the Western alliance has decided to fight the Russians to the last Ukrainian.

By launching this ill-conceived aggression of Ukraine, Mr Putin set the cat among the European pigeons. No one was sure in the February of 2022 where this juggernaut would stop for Ukraine was expected to topple like a pack of cards. This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards.

With the possible exception of Turkey that in any case is the Muslim outlier to the Anglo-Saxon construct called the European Union or the core of Nato, Europeans of all shades and hues have come together to stop the Russians. It has also triggered of a rejig of the European security architecture much to Moscows detriment bringing Nato closer to the Russian frontier rather than pushing it away.

It has had the consequence of pushing even neutral and friendly nations to Russia squarely into the Nato orbit. While in theory Finland that had signed a peace treaty with the erstwhile Soviet Union on April 6, 1948, that gave Moscow the right to dictate Helsinkis foreign and security policies was finally able to extricate itself from the clutches of the Russian bear by another treaty initialled on January 20, 1992, negating its earlier subservience, in practice Finland continued to be mindful of Russias security interests right up to today.

Now all this is set to change. With Sweden shedding its two-century-old neutrality and with Finland in lockstep with it, both countries are set to apply for joining Nato. What started off as Russias attempt to push Nato away from its borders has only ended up bringing Nato much closer than even earlier.

This is only the beginning. If reports about Russia losing one third of its land forces in three months in Ukraine are anywhere nearly true, then the Western Allies will not relent till the time they do not bleed Russia white. What will the ultimate consequences be of this ill-considered adventure for Russia time will tell.

New Delhi, May 22 : A Special NIA Court in Kolkata on Saturday convicted three persons in a terror case and awarded them a five-year jail term.

The court awarded a jail term to Jakir Sk, Bapi Ghosh, Mohammed Jamiul, who were convicted under sections 120B, 489B, 489C of IPC and also slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 each for committing the offence.

The case is related to recovery of fake Indian counterfeit currency notes having face value of Rs 7,00,000 in denomination of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 from the possession of accused Sk and Ghosh by West Bengal Police at Ballalpur Belly bridge Mor beside NH-34 road under the jurisdiction of Farakka police station.

The case was initially registered on April 11, 2019, at Farakka police station in Murshidabad district and later on the probe was taken over by the NIA on May 9, 2019.

After investigation, a charge sheet was filed on July 9, 2019, against two accused persons and a supplementary charge sheet was filed against one accused on December 13, 2019.
New Delhi, May 22 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at two locations in Assam's Barpeta district in connection with a case related to Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a Bangladesh-based terror organisation.

The case pertains to disruption of an active module of ABT having affiliation to proscribed organisation, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, operating in Barpeta district led by a Bangladeshi national, who had entered India illegally and was active in recruiting, training and motivating impressionable youth to join jihadi outfits and work in ABT's (sleeper cells module) for creating a base for Al-Qaeda in India.

The case was initially registered on March 4 at Barpeta police station and later on, the probe was taken over by the NIA on March 22.

"During the searches conducted today at the premises of accused persons in Barpeta district, jihadi literature used for imparting training and other incriminating documents have been seized," the NIA official said.
Noida, May 21 : The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association held a candlelight meet in Noida on Saturday evening to pay tributes to Rahul Bhat, who was shot dead by terrorists last week.

Kashmiri Pandit youth, Rahul Bhat was shot dead by terrorists inside his office in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on May 12.

He used to work as a clerk in the Tehsildar's office in the Chadoora area of Budgam district under the special employment package for Kashmiri migrants in 2011.

The Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association demanded justice and their relocation to safe environment in the wake of a spurt in the attacks on minority community members in the Valley, raising slogans for strict action against the killers of Bhat.

Talking to IANS, Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator of Global Kashmiri Pandits Diaspora, said, "Even after decades, an atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley for Kashmiri Pandits. We demand justice from the government for this brutal killing. I also asked for their relocation to safer places on urgent basis." "Removing Article 370 was a historical step in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and we all appreciated that step by the Central government, but the root cause of displacement still remain in the Valley," said Kamal Hak, President of Kashmiri Migrants Welfare Association.

He added that the atmosphere of fear prevails in the Valley and this brutal killing of Rahul Bhat is the reflection of it.

Meanwhile, massive protests are underway across the country over the horrific killing of Rahul Bhat.

However, tbe J&K government has now sanctioned the compassionate appointment of Bhat's widow, Meenakshi Raina with the pay scale between Rs 14,800-47,100 in Nowabad Government Higher Secondary School.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The writer is a development and communications consultant and the author of Kabul Blogs: My Days in the Life of Afghanistan

Of the 4,169 women who experienced sexual violence, 82 per cent said the perpetrator was their husband

There is evidence that women often stay in violent relationships as they have nowhere to go and are afraid they will lose the roof over their heads and their children. (Representational Image/ DC File)

In 2022, India is one of the 36 countries where it is not a crime for a husband to rape his wife. By 2019, 150 countries had criminalised marital rape.

In Indian law, under the exception to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, sexual intercourse between a man and his wife, if she is over the age of 15, is not rape. Recently, this was challenged by petitions to the Delhi high court and after hearings, a week ago, a split verdict on the issue of criminalisation of marital rape was given. The case will now go to the Supreme Court.

How prevalent is sexual violence in marriage? In the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), conducted over 2019-20, women between the ages of 18 and 49 (who were currently or previously married) were asked about different types of violence they faced from their spouse. The responses suggest that one in every 25 women  often or sometimes  experienced sexual violence by their husbands.

Of the 4,169 women who experienced sexual violence, 82 per cent said the perpetrator was their husband. Of this, 84 per cent said their husbands physically forced them to have sexual intercourse with him even when they did not want to. This falls within the Indian Penal Codes definition of rape.

Why then is it so difficult to talk about marital rape in India? And why is it important to seek legislation on it? Lets start with marriage. In arranged, love, or arranged love marriages, it is assumed there will be sex, for procreation, and pleasure.

Young men and women in India have little knowledge of their bodies. Families dont talk about it, as parents themselves are uncomfortable or lack the knowledge, language, and way to approach the subject. Schools have been reluctant to accept sex education curricula and often opposed it. Most young people, studies suggest, learn about sex and sexuality from pornography and friends.

Opposition and reluctance to sex education is based on the belief that if young people are taught about sex and sexuality, they will want to have sex, and that is not acceptable to our social mores. But young people are having sex, often without protection, or knowledge of their bodies or consequences of their acts, emotional and physical.

Parents are keen that their daughters marry so they will not have to be responsible for them. Sons are married, so they do not stray, sexually. Young men are socialised to believe that proof of their manhood is by having sex with their wives on the wedding night. For many women, not prepared for their marital duties when it comes to sex, marriage night is a rape night.

Rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse have different legal definitions. In general, they are all forms of violence in which there is sexual contact without consent  and includes vaginal or anal penetration, oral sex, and genital touching.

Consent is tricky business. The #MeToo movement brought attention to the complex issue of consent. In intimate relationships, technically, consent is when one person agrees to or gives permission to another person to do something. It means agreeing to an action based on knowledge of what that action involves, its likely consequences and having the option of saying no. In the Indian context, often these factors are missing. Therefore, the notion of consent gets somewhat blurry.

Globally too, there are attempts to speak to the nature of this complexity. The UK has attempted messaging that likens consent to a cup of tea, based on the idea that you wouldnt force someone to drink a cup of tea they didnt want, just because you made it for them.

Back to the NFHS-5, where now 80 per cent of women participants believe that refusing sex to their husband is justified for any or all these reasons  if he has a sexually transmitted disease; he has sex with other women; or because she is tired/not in the mood. As many as 66 per cent of Indian men agree. And the percentage of adults who agree that women have a right to refuse sex to their husbands for all three reasons has increased by 12 per cent for women and three per cent of men from the last NHFS-4 (2015-16). This is progress.

The question is: will a law on marital rape be effective and address violence against women, or could it go the way of other laws passed over the last three decades  sex determination tests (to curb male child preference), sexual harassment in the workplace and the prevention of child sexual abuse  where women eventually end up bearing the brunt of speaking out, without satisfactory outcomes?

There is evidence that women often stay in violent relationships as they have nowhere to go and are afraid they will lose the roof over their heads and their children. Many are not economically independent and there are not enough systems in place for halfway houses or counselling for abused women.

The call for criminalisation of marital rape stems from a social movement, with collective agency. Here, the law is a first step. Multiple steps are needed to ensure that women have individual agency to be able to consent in sexual relationships in marriage.

Without the necessary complementary efforts in sex and sexuality education in the family, schools, institutions of higher learning, the workforce, the notion of consent to sex in marriage will be a pipe dream.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Mumbai, May 21 : Reacting sharply to the reduction in fuel prices, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that the Centre should stop these pretensions and slash excise duties on petrol-diesel.

The Chief Minister said that two months ago, the Central government had increased the excise duty on petrol by Rs 18.42 per liter and on Saturday it has announced to slash it by Rs 8.

Similarly, excise duty on diesel had also been increased by Rs 18.24 and now it has been reduced by Rs 6.

"First increase the prices at large-scale and then slash them at nominal scale, and then do the pretentiousness of slashing prices. This is not right," Thackeray said.

He also called upon the citizens of India not to get trapped in government data.

"The people of the country would get relief in the true sense only if excise duty is slashed as much as it was six-seven years ago," Thackeray demanded.

The CM was slamming the Centre's decision on Saturday evening, giving some relief in excise duties that would help reduce the prices, which evoked mixed reactions.

Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said in the past eight years, the government has looted the people of Rs 27 lakh crore and now it is giving some small relief.

"The BJP government should reduce all taxes to the 2014 level, and slash cooking gas cylinder rates to Rs 400 if they really want to unburden the people," Londhe said.

The excise duty reduction came amid widespread protests since the past few weeks against the massive rates of petrol, diesel and cooking gas which have made life miserable for the common masses without any corresponding increase in their incomes.

The Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress, besides many smaller parties, social groups, NGOs and others have been carrying out series of agitations across the state to draw the BJP's attention to the miseries facing the common man.

Earlier in the week, the Pune NCP staged a protest and attempted to present a box of bangles to Union Minister Smriti Irani, asking her to hand it over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to draw his attention to the scalding fuel prices.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Ahmedabad, May 22 : The Youth Congress in Gujarat has said it is planning to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17 as "National Unemployment Day".

Gujarat Youth Congress president Vishwanath Singh Vaghela told IANS they have started an employment campaign for the youth of the state -- "Gujarat Maange Rojgari".

The campaign has started on May 17, and it would be conducted in several phases. "As part of this campaign, we are encircling the employment offices of each district," he said.

"We will celebrate Prime Minister Modi's birthday as National Unemployment Day. The Gujarat Youth Congress will release the National Unemployment Register and send 1 lakh 'Get Well Soon' cards to the Prime Minister to keep him informed of other activities going on in the state," Vaghela said.

Asked if the Gujarat Youth Congress could be a pillar for the Indian National Congress (INC), Vaghela said, "Among the current leaders of Gujarat Congress, some leaders including Jagdish Thakor were part of the Youth Congress. That is why the Youth Congress is important in the INC as well." Meanwhile, he said the resignation of Hardik Patel from the Congress "doesn't matter".

"Even today, a large number of young people are joining us. Congress is the oldest party... one member's exit doesn't affect much," he added.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.
POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the country's parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraine's sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the country's parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraine's sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the country's parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraine's sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russia's brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the country's parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraine's sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return" of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russia's claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraine's military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day."

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraine's success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navy's 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases," he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances D'Emilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
Photo: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer

George Miller, one of the last true weirdos, has returned to Cannes and moviemaking after a seven-year hiatus with Three Thousand Years of Longing, a messy, maximalist fairy tale within a fairy tale within a fairy tale (about telling fairy tales) that feels like his answer to The Princess Bride. The film, which premiered last night at the festival to a six-minute standing ovation and mixed-to-positive reviews, has got Millers signature goofiness, earnestness, streaks of darkness, and whimsicality all over it. Its imperfect  there are some oddly low-grade CGI moments, a few cringey visual jokes, and a final section that addresses Brexit and colonialist racism in a way that feels a little on-the-nose and forced  but ultimately impossible to resist in its bighearted, hopeful, off-the-wall wackiness. Miller, whos been patiently working to adapt this A.S. Byatt short story since the 90s, is telling a story about the importance of telling stories. Its pure of intention and childlike in its sense of wonder, but it doesnt skimp on the freakiness  there are supernatural sex scenes, a man whose head explodes into spiders, a sex prison lined with fur, Idris Elba sporting elf ears and occasionally expanding to the size of an entire hotel room, and elderly ladies calling Tilda Swinton a fuckface.

Tilda Swinton stars as narratologist Dr. Alithea Binnie  perhaps the second-most Tilda Swintonesque name ever given to Tilda Swinton after Tilda Swinton  who travels the world giving lectures on the purpose of storytelling through the ages. After one such lecture in Istanbul, she purchases a blue bottle from an antique shop, heads back to her hotel room (which happens to be the one where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express), gives the bottle a good scrub with her electric toothbrush, and out pops a gigantic Idris Elba, coated in flecks of gold and scales. Hes a djinn whos been trapped for the titular length of time, and hes desperate to be freed.

All the djinn wants is to grant Dr. Binnie three wishes so he can get the hell out of our cacophonous modern cities, and all she wants is to avoid doing so, having spent her lonely but academically fulfilling life studying wish-fulfillment stories that all end badly. In the interest of persuading her otherwise, the djinn tells her richly detailed stories about his life, his various imprisonments, and the women he has loved and seduced with his otherworldly wisdom (he learns modern English from a TV screen in a few seconds flat) and sexual prowess (something to do with smoke and glitter). As the film darts from the small hotel room  where Elba and Swinton spend most of the film chatting in bathrobes  to the far more sweeping, CGI-filled worlds of the Ottoman Empire and the Queen of Shebas bedchambers, it manages to hold onto its Miller-esque tone, that specific combo of bizarro sweetness.

At the press conference the next morning, Swinton, Elba, and Miller were asked not once but twice what their own three wishes might be (visibly exhausted by the question, they mostly demurred and referred to their hopes for the film, but Elba admitted to wanting an electric Ferrari). They cheerfully recounted how theyd all ended up working together. Swinton  a self-described Miller superfan who said she tells her kids, Thatll do, pig, when they accomplish a task  and Miller met by chance at a Cannes lunch five years ago: I was invited to a celebration lunch, and I was very shy and I didnt know very many people there, and I sat down opposite someone I didnt recognize. And we just fell into a very beautiful conversation. About 15 minutes in, I realized it was George Miller, she said, to laughter. And that was it. The die was cast. We hung out the whole day. We sat together with Bong Joon Ho in the evening. That was a very good table. We became friends quite quickly and deeply. About a year later, Miller emailed her the script. I dont pick roles. I pick people, added Swinton. And I always have, and its really served me well. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Im not changing it now.

You pick your directors, they dont pick you, said a charmed Miller. I realized very early on that I joined the great club of directors with whom Tilda has worked not only once but several times. Ive had the first taste  I hope that the future sees us doing something else. Swinton, who earlier joked that shed wished shed been asked to do Mad Max: Furiosa, jumped in: Ive got witnesses!

Elba and Miller made each others acquaintance a few years ago at the BAFTAs, where Millers wife and longtime film editor, Margaret Sixel, said the only person she was interested in meeting at the awards show was Elba. I didnt think he knew who I was, laughed Elba. A year later, my agent calls me and says, George Miller would like to talk to you. After I fainted and got up off the floor, I began talking to George. Elba was the only actor Miller ever considered for the role, which required an actor with the ability to project both groundedness and the fantastical. Luckily, if I hadnt met you and gotten a strong sense of you, I would have no idea who could play the djinn. I honestly to this day couldnt name anyone. Im sure there are a lot of people, Miller said. Theres no other actors that could do it, joked Elba.

Photo: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer

George Miller, one of the last true weirdos, has returned to Cannes and moviemaking after a seven-year hiatus with Three Thousand Years of Longing, a messy, maximalist fairy tale within a fairy tale within a fairy tale (about telling fairy tales) that feels like his answer to The Princess Bride. The film, which premiered last night at the festival to a six-minute standing ovation and mixed-to-positive reviews, has got Millers signature goofiness, earnestness, streaks of darkness, and whimsicality all over it. Its imperfect  there are some oddly low-grade CGI moments, a few cringey visual jokes, and a final section that addresses Brexit and colonialist racism in a way that feels a little on-the-nose and forced  but ultimately impossible to resist in its bighearted, hopeful, off-the-wall wackiness. Miller, whos been patiently working to adapt this A.S. Byatt short story since the 90s, is telling a story about the importance of telling stories. Its pure of intention and childlike in its sense of wonder, but it doesnt skimp on the freakiness  there are supernatural sex scenes, a man whose head explodes into spiders, a sex prison lined with fur, Idris Elba sporting elf ears and occasionally expanding to the size of an entire hotel room, and elderly ladies calling Tilda Swinton a fuckface.

Tilda Swinton stars as narratologist Dr. Alithea Binnie  perhaps the second-most Tilda Swintonesque name ever given to Tilda Swinton after Tilda Swinton  who travels the world giving lectures on the purpose of storytelling through the ages. After one such lecture in Istanbul, she purchases a blue bottle from an antique shop, heads back to her hotel room (which happens to be the one where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express), gives the bottle a good scrub with her electric toothbrush, and out pops a gigantic Idris Elba, coated in flecks of gold and scales. Hes a djinn whos been trapped for the titular length of time, and hes desperate to be freed.

All the djinn wants is to grant Dr. Binnie three wishes so he can get the hell out of our cacophonous modern cities, and all she wants is to avoid doing so, having spent her lonely but academically fulfilling life studying wish-fulfillment stories that all end badly. In the interest of persuading her otherwise, the djinn tells her richly detailed stories about his life, his various imprisonments, and the women he has loved and seduced with his otherworldly wisdom (he learns modern English from a TV screen in a few seconds flat) and sexual prowess (something to do with smoke and glitter). As the film darts from the small hotel room  where Elba and Swinton spend most of the film chatting in bathrobes  to the far more sweeping, CGI-filled worlds of the Ottoman Empire and the Queen of Shebas bedchambers, it manages to hold onto its Miller-esque tone, that specific combo of bizarro sweetness.

At the press conference the next morning, Swinton, Elba, and Miller were asked not once but twice what their own three wishes might be (visibly exhausted by the question, they mostly demurred and referred to their hopes for the film, but Elba admitted to wanting an electric Ferrari). They cheerfully recounted how theyd all ended up working together. Swinton  a self-described Miller superfan who said she tells her kids, Thatll do, pig, when they accomplish a task  and Miller met by chance at a Cannes lunch five years ago: I was invited to a celebration lunch, and I was very shy and I didnt know very many people there, and I sat down opposite someone I didnt recognize. And we just fell into a very beautiful conversation. About 15 minutes in, I realized it was George Miller, she said, to laughter. And that was it. The die was cast. We hung out the whole day. We sat together with Bong Joon Ho in the evening. That was a very good table. We became friends quite quickly and deeply. About a year later, Miller emailed her the script. I dont pick roles. I pick people, added Swinton. And I always have, and its really served me well. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Im not changing it now.

You pick your directors, they dont pick you, said a charmed Miller. I realized very early on that I joined the great club of directors with whom Tilda has worked not only once but several times. Ive had the first taste  I hope that the future sees us doing something else. Swinton, who earlier joked that shed wished shed been asked to do Mad Max: Furiosa, jumped in: Ive got witnesses!

Elba and Miller made each others acquaintance a few years ago at the BAFTAs, where Millers wife and longtime film editor, Margaret Sixel, said the only person she was interested in meeting at the awards show was Elba. I didnt think he knew who I was, laughed Elba. A year later, my agent calls me and says, George Miller would like to talk to you. After I fainted and got up off the floor, I began talking to George. Elba was the only actor Miller ever considered for the role, which required an actor with the ability to project both groundedness and the fantastical. Luckily, if I hadnt met you and gotten a strong sense of you, I would have no idea who could play the djinn. I honestly to this day couldnt name anyone. Im sure there are a lot of people, Miller said. Theres no other actors that could do it, joked Elba.
This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards

You can start a war but rest assured that someone else will end it for you and certainly not on your terms. This is the predicament that President Vladimir Putin confronts as the Russian aggression of Ukraine completes three months on May 24, 2022.

President Putin obviously has not read or for that matter understood the profound wisdom of Sun Tzu  the Chinese master strategist who had proclaimed in his treatise the Art of War way back in fifth century BCE that the greatest victory is that which requires no battle and the wise warrior avoids the battle. If President Putins objective of invading Ukraine was to stop the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (Nato) and reorder the European Security architecture to Russias advantage he has achieved exactly the reverse.

Way back in 2007 at the Munich Security Summit, Mr Putin had made his reservations about the eastwards expansion of Nato explicit, Nato expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself, or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust.

Responding to a question, Mr Putin elaborated further, Regarding our perception of Natos eastern expansion, I already mentioned the guarantees that were made and that are not being observed today. Do you happen to think that this is normal practice in international affairs? But all right, forget it. Forget these guarantees.

With respect to democracy and Nato expansion. Nato is not a universal organisation, as opposed to the UN. It is first and foremost a military and political alliance, military and political! Well, ensuring ones own security is the right of any sovereign state. We are not arguing against this. Of course, we are not objecting to this. But why is it necessary to put military infrastructure on our borders during this expansion?

This 2007 speech by Mr Putin represented the most stinging repudiation of the United States-led unipolar system that had become the centrepiece of the international order after the collapse of the Berlin War in 1989. His subsequent actions  the invasion of Georgia in August 2008 or six years hence the wide-ranging military operation against Ukraine, whereby Russia occupied Crimea and large swathes of eastern Ukraines Donbas region and its ramped up presence in Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR)  were all designed to test the redlines of the Western Alliance.

The West chose not to react to this salami slicing land grab by Moscow. Russian successes in Syria in terms of ensuring that the Bashar al-Assad regime stays in the saddle coupled with the ignominious American withdrawal from Afghanistan in the August of 2021 further emboldened the regime in the Kremlin to set the stage for its next audacity.

However, this is where Mr Putin miscalculated for the show of force which if properly leveraged is far more potent than the use of force. Had Mr Putin kept his forces massed on the borders of Ukraine and allowed his ground level commanders to make shallow forays into Ukraine thereby demonstrating both intent and resolve, he may have succeeded in reordering the European security architecture to his own benefit much more efficiently than the current catastrophe he has unleashed.

For, let us not forget that Ukraine is nothing more than a chess piece and that too a pawn in the larger strategic rivalry to shape the post unipolar world order that has now been in the works at least since 2008, the year when the great economic meltdown took place. Ukraine today, unfortunately, is what Belgium was to the Anglo-French rivalry in the nineteenth century or what Poland was to the German-Russian competition for the better part of the two preceding centuries or, for that matter, Afghanistan was to the American intent to delegitimise communism and, by implication, the Soviet Union itself in 1979-1989.

Sacrificing the interests of Ukraine whose destiny in any case does not lie westwards irrespective of what the outcome of the current war may be would not have been more than the bat of an eyelid for the Western allies. In any case, even today the Western alliance has decided to fight the Russians to the last Ukrainian.

By launching this ill-conceived aggression of Ukraine, Mr Putin set the cat among the European pigeons. No one was sure in the February of 2022 where this juggernaut would stop for Ukraine was expected to topple like a pack of cards. This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards.

With the possible exception of Turkey that in any case is the Muslim outlier to the Anglo-Saxon construct called the European Union or the core of Nato, Europeans of all shades and hues have come together to stop the Russians. It has also triggered of a rejig of the European security architecture much to Moscows detriment bringing Nato closer to the Russian frontier rather than pushing it away.

It has had the consequence of pushing even neutral and friendly nations to Russia squarely into the Nato orbit. While in theory Finland that had signed a peace treaty with the erstwhile Soviet Union on April 6, 1948, that gave Moscow the right to dictate Helsinkis foreign and security policies was finally able to extricate itself from the clutches of the Russian bear by another treaty initialled on January 20, 1992, negating its earlier subservience, in practice Finland continued to be mindful of Russias security interests right up to today.

Now all this is set to change. With Sweden shedding its two-century-old neutrality and with Finland in lockstep with it, both countries are set to apply for joining Nato. What started off as Russias attempt to push Nato away from its borders has only ended up bringing Nato much closer than even earlier.

This is only the beginning. If reports about Russia losing one third of its land forces in three months in Ukraine are anywhere nearly true, then the Western Allies will not relent till the time they do not bleed Russia white. What will the ultimate consequences be of this ill-considered adventure for Russia time will tell.
This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards

You can start a war but rest assured that someone else will end it for you and certainly not on your terms. This is the predicament that President Vladimir Putin confronts as the Russian aggression of Ukraine completes three months on May 24, 2022.

President Putin obviously has not read or for that matter understood the profound wisdom of Sun Tzu  the Chinese master strategist who had proclaimed in his treatise the Art of War way back in fifth century BCE that the greatest victory is that which requires no battle and the wise warrior avoids the battle. If President Putins objective of invading Ukraine was to stop the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (Nato) and reorder the European Security architecture to Russias advantage he has achieved exactly the reverse.

Way back in 2007 at the Munich Security Summit, Mr Putin had made his reservations about the eastwards expansion of Nato explicit, Nato expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself, or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust.

Responding to a question, Mr Putin elaborated further, Regarding our perception of Natos eastern expansion, I already mentioned the guarantees that were made and that are not being observed today. Do you happen to think that this is normal practice in international affairs? But all right, forget it. Forget these guarantees.

With respect to democracy and Nato expansion. Nato is not a universal organisation, as opposed to the UN. It is first and foremost a military and political alliance, military and political! Well, ensuring ones own security is the right of any sovereign state. We are not arguing against this. Of course, we are not objecting to this. But why is it necessary to put military infrastructure on our borders during this expansion?

This 2007 speech by Mr Putin represented the most stinging repudiation of the United States-led unipolar system that had become the centrepiece of the international order after the collapse of the Berlin War in 1989. His subsequent actions  the invasion of Georgia in August 2008 or six years hence the wide-ranging military operation against Ukraine, whereby Russia occupied Crimea and large swathes of eastern Ukraines Donbas region and its ramped up presence in Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR)  were all designed to test the redlines of the Western Alliance.

The West chose not to react to this salami slicing land grab by Moscow. Russian successes in Syria in terms of ensuring that the Bashar al-Assad regime stays in the saddle coupled with the ignominious American withdrawal from Afghanistan in the August of 2021 further emboldened the regime in the Kremlin to set the stage for its next audacity.

However, this is where Mr Putin miscalculated for the show of force which if properly leveraged is far more potent than the use of force. Had Mr Putin kept his forces massed on the borders of Ukraine and allowed his ground level commanders to make shallow forays into Ukraine thereby demonstrating both intent and resolve, he may have succeeded in reordering the European security architecture to his own benefit much more efficiently than the current catastrophe he has unleashed.

For, let us not forget that Ukraine is nothing more than a chess piece and that too a pawn in the larger strategic rivalry to shape the post unipolar world order that has now been in the works at least since 2008, the year when the great economic meltdown took place. Ukraine today, unfortunately, is what Belgium was to the Anglo-French rivalry in the nineteenth century or what Poland was to the German-Russian competition for the better part of the two preceding centuries or, for that matter, Afghanistan was to the American intent to delegitimise communism and, by implication, the Soviet Union itself in 1979-1989.

Sacrificing the interests of Ukraine whose destiny in any case does not lie westwards irrespective of what the outcome of the current war may be would not have been more than the bat of an eyelid for the Western allies. In any case, even today the Western alliance has decided to fight the Russians to the last Ukrainian.

By launching this ill-conceived aggression of Ukraine, Mr Putin set the cat among the European pigeons. No one was sure in the February of 2022 where this juggernaut would stop for Ukraine was expected to topple like a pack of cards. This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards.

With the possible exception of Turkey that in any case is the Muslim outlier to the Anglo-Saxon construct called the European Union or the core of Nato, Europeans of all shades and hues have come together to stop the Russians. It has also triggered of a rejig of the European security architecture much to Moscows detriment bringing Nato closer to the Russian frontier rather than pushing it away.

It has had the consequence of pushing even neutral and friendly nations to Russia squarely into the Nato orbit. While in theory Finland that had signed a peace treaty with the erstwhile Soviet Union on April 6, 1948, that gave Moscow the right to dictate Helsinkis foreign and security policies was finally able to extricate itself from the clutches of the Russian bear by another treaty initialled on January 20, 1992, negating its earlier subservience, in practice Finland continued to be mindful of Russias security interests right up to today.

Now all this is set to change. With Sweden shedding its two-century-old neutrality and with Finland in lockstep with it, both countries are set to apply for joining Nato. What started off as Russias attempt to push Nato away from its borders has only ended up bringing Nato much closer than even earlier.

This is only the beginning. If reports about Russia losing one third of its land forces in three months in Ukraine are anywhere nearly true, then the Western Allies will not relent till the time they do not bleed Russia white. What will the ultimate consequences be of this ill-considered adventure for Russia time will tell.
This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards

You can start a war but rest assured that someone else will end it for you and certainly not on your terms. This is the predicament that President Vladimir Putin confronts as the Russian aggression of Ukraine completes three months on May 24, 2022.

President Putin obviously has not read or for that matter understood the profound wisdom of Sun Tzu  the Chinese master strategist who had proclaimed in his treatise the Art of War way back in fifth century BCE that the greatest victory is that which requires no battle and the wise warrior avoids the battle. If President Putins objective of invading Ukraine was to stop the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (Nato) and reorder the European Security architecture to Russias advantage he has achieved exactly the reverse.

Way back in 2007 at the Munich Security Summit, Mr Putin had made his reservations about the eastwards expansion of Nato explicit, Nato expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself, or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust.

Responding to a question, Mr Putin elaborated further, Regarding our perception of Natos eastern expansion, I already mentioned the guarantees that were made and that are not being observed today. Do you happen to think that this is normal practice in international affairs? But all right, forget it. Forget these guarantees.

With respect to democracy and Nato expansion. Nato is not a universal organisation, as opposed to the UN. It is first and foremost a military and political alliance, military and political! Well, ensuring ones own security is the right of any sovereign state. We are not arguing against this. Of course, we are not objecting to this. But why is it necessary to put military infrastructure on our borders during this expansion?

This 2007 speech by Mr Putin represented the most stinging repudiation of the United States-led unipolar system that had become the centrepiece of the international order after the collapse of the Berlin War in 1989. His subsequent actions  the invasion of Georgia in August 2008 or six years hence the wide-ranging military operation against Ukraine, whereby Russia occupied Crimea and large swathes of eastern Ukraines Donbas region and its ramped up presence in Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR)  were all designed to test the redlines of the Western Alliance.

The West chose not to react to this salami slicing land grab by Moscow. Russian successes in Syria in terms of ensuring that the Bashar al-Assad regime stays in the saddle coupled with the ignominious American withdrawal from Afghanistan in the August of 2021 further emboldened the regime in the Kremlin to set the stage for its next audacity.

However, this is where Mr Putin miscalculated for the show of force which if properly leveraged is far more potent than the use of force. Had Mr Putin kept his forces massed on the borders of Ukraine and allowed his ground level commanders to make shallow forays into Ukraine thereby demonstrating both intent and resolve, he may have succeeded in reordering the European security architecture to his own benefit much more efficiently than the current catastrophe he has unleashed.

For, let us not forget that Ukraine is nothing more than a chess piece and that too a pawn in the larger strategic rivalry to shape the post unipolar world order that has now been in the works at least since 2008, the year when the great economic meltdown took place. Ukraine today, unfortunately, is what Belgium was to the Anglo-French rivalry in the nineteenth century or what Poland was to the German-Russian competition for the better part of the two preceding centuries or, for that matter, Afghanistan was to the American intent to delegitimise communism and, by implication, the Soviet Union itself in 1979-1989.

Sacrificing the interests of Ukraine whose destiny in any case does not lie westwards irrespective of what the outcome of the current war may be would not have been more than the bat of an eyelid for the Western allies. In any case, even today the Western alliance has decided to fight the Russians to the last Ukrainian.

By launching this ill-conceived aggression of Ukraine, Mr Putin set the cat among the European pigeons. No one was sure in the February of 2022 where this juggernaut would stop for Ukraine was expected to topple like a pack of cards. This united Europe like never before much the same way as they had come together to resist Hitlers blitzkrieg 1939 onwards.

With the possible exception of Turkey that in any case is the Muslim outlier to the Anglo-Saxon construct called the European Union or the core of Nato, Europeans of all shades and hues have come together to stop the Russians. It has also triggered of a rejig of the European security architecture much to Moscows detriment bringing Nato closer to the Russian frontier rather than pushing it away.

It has had the consequence of pushing even neutral and friendly nations to Russia squarely into the Nato orbit. While in theory Finland that had signed a peace treaty with the erstwhile Soviet Union on April 6, 1948, that gave Moscow the right to dictate Helsinkis foreign and security policies was finally able to extricate itself from the clutches of the Russian bear by another treaty initialled on January 20, 1992, negating its earlier subservience, in practice Finland continued to be mindful of Russias security interests right up to today.

Now all this is set to change. With Sweden shedding its two-century-old neutrality and with Finland in lockstep with it, both countries are set to apply for joining Nato. What started off as Russias attempt to push Nato away from its borders has only ended up bringing Nato much closer than even earlier.

This is only the beginning. If reports about Russia losing one third of its land forces in three months in Ukraine are anywhere nearly true, then the Western Allies will not relent till the time they do not bleed Russia white. What will the ultimate consequences be of this ill-considered adventure for Russia time will tell.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building

A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building
A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building




Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building
A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building
A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in the deaths in a mother and son from North Carolina who were found dead in the grass behind their apartment building




Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023

Innovative start-up and early-stage companies from across Ireland are being called on to enter InterTradeIrelands Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition, with the closing date for entries, Friday 27th May, fast approaching.

The largest business competition of its kind, Seedcorn boasts an overall prize fund of 300,000 and gives companies the opportunity to become investor ready with expert feedback on business plans and pitches as well as increased exposure to investors.

For the second consecutive year, a 20,000 prize is also up for grabs for best investment proposal from a company operating in the low carbon/green sector.

Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland, urged new-start and early-stage companies to enter ahead of the fast-approaching deadline.

The benefits of entering go well beyond the significant cash prize  each company that enters wins access to new investor networks and the opportunity to get expert feedback on their business proposals from real-world investors, Connor Sweeney said.

Seedcorn has been key to some of the islands biggest start-up success stories, and we want to help the next generation of start-ups as they seek to grow. I would urge ambitious young firms from every corner of Ireland to embrace this opportunity and enter by the 27th of May deadline.

For further information on the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition, and to enter, please visit https://intertradeireland.com/ seedcorn.

The closing date for entries is 1pm on Friday 27 May 2022.
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023







Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Asylum seekers in the dusty, violence-plagued Mexican border city of Reynosa were back to playing an uncertain waiting game Saturday, their dreams of entering the United States frustrated anew by a health rule imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They say they're going to open the border today. Do you think that's true?" asked Michelle, a 26-year-old Haitian who had come to the pedestrian bridge crossing the Rio Grande hoping for good news.

She was left disappointed, however.

A federal judge ruled Friday that the rule known as Title 42 -- meant to stem the spread of Covid, it can effectively prevent anyone without a visa from entering the United States, even to claim asylum -- must remain in effect.

Using social media, migrants in Reynosa have followed the legal showdown between the White House, which wants to lift the rule, and Republican governors of more than 20 states, who argue that relaxing it would spur a huge and inadequately controlled influx of migrants.

On Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays issued an injunction siding with those Republican-led states in support of the rule, first imposed under President Donald Trump.

"The Plaintiff States contend that the Termination Order will result in a surge of border crossings, and that this surge will result in an increase in illegal immigrants residing in the states," the ruling said.

"The court finds that the plaintiff states have satisfied each of the requirements for a preliminary injunction."

The White House said it would abide by the ruling, but that the Department of Justice would appeal.

"The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court," a statement said.

- Uncertainty, confusion -

Reynosa, across the border from the Texan city of McAllen, lies in one of Mexico's most violent regions and has been shaken by turf wars between rival drug cartels in recent years.

Story continues

Last year the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that migrants deported to Reynosa under Title 42 were at risk of kidnapping and violence.

Those stranded in the Mexican city face a host of additional concerns, including housing, healthcare, food and their children's well-being.

Lifting Title 42 would have a sting in the tail. Migrants deported to Mexico under its terms can now try to enter the United States as many times as they want. But if deported to their home country, they would face another long and potentially dangerous journey back to the border.

"If they lift it (Title 42), the United States will deport more people. It's better for us that they extend it," said Sarah Jimenez, from the Dominican Republic, who is traveling with her Haitian husband.

"There's a lot of uncertainty and little official information," said Anayeli Flores, an aid worker with MSF. "People are confused.

Meantime, migrants keep flowing into Reynosa.

In early May, the authorities moved nearly 2,000 of them, including women and children, out of a square in the city center where they had camped for months.

Some sleep on the streets, while the more fortunate rent apartments for 1,500 to 2,000 pesos a month ($75 to $100).

"My wife wanted to go home. Not me, because as soon as you cross the river, it's glory -- the dream of many, not just me," said a Honduran migrant.

Pastor Hector Silva runs a shelter, but it is now out of room, and with migrants continuing to arrive, frustration levels are growing.

"You have to do your part, too," he told a group of migrants.

"You have to go find a job, you have to find a home for your wife, to protect your child from the sun."

st-dr/bbk
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023


Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has called for the removal from office of Ibrahim Maqari, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, over his comments following the mob killing of Deborah Samuel , a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

Mr Soyinka spoke at the launching of the memorial publication on the late Ibrahim Attahiru, a general in the Nigerian Army, on Saturday in Abuja.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office, said Mr Soyinka.

It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement.

We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

Following the killing of Ms Samuel over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, Mr Maqari had justified the action saying Muslims have some red lines which must not be crossed.

Mr Soyinka said the cleric should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office.

The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba.

The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics.

Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right.

And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any.

Read Mr Soyinkas full speech below:

In Time Of Crisis: Civilian And Soldier

(Address at the launching of the memorial publication on the late General Ibrahim Attahiru at Ladi Kwale Hall, Abuja on Saturday May 21, 2022)

General Ibrahim Attahiru would be immensely pleased and appreciative if he could become aware of another passing being commemorated today, indeed this very moment. The connection is that the late Prince Tony Uranta, whose week-long remembrance rites have also commenced in Lagos, and Opobo, shared an article of faith with the late General, namely, that the sustainable security of society is crucially dependent on a tripod whose three legs are : the People, the Army and the government. Thus, the weakness or flaws in any one leg leads to the collapse of society. The mandatory implication of this in practical terms is that each must come to the aid of others to compensate for weaknesses, but also to enthrone mutual understanding and collaboration. Tony Uranta actualized this credo by forming a Troops support initiative in 2019 under the name //WECARE. I did not hesitate to serve on the board. Regretfully, owing to my notoriously charged existence, my membership has been more symbolic than active.

Why do I regret this? And why do I readily welcome any opportunity to make up for this deficiency? Well, to begin with, I happen to have been raised in a family with a military history that goes all the way back to World War II. Those who have browsed through my childhood biography will recall the story of my first encounter with a serving member of the then West African Frontier Force, then on leave from, or freshly discharged from the war theatre. My sister and I engaged in unequal combat with him when he visited our home in Ake parsonage, Abeokuta. Our parents were absent on that day, and this stranger in uniform conducted himself in a less than decorous manner. In retrospect, I find it one of the most hilarious episodes of childhood, and I sometimes suspect that it laid the foundation for the total demystification of militarism that is part of my makeup, but also induced lasting empathy with the humanity of the serving man.

That family connection has been sustained. At the inception of the Boko Haram insurgency, a close family member served at the war front where he and his soldiers took the brunt of the earliest onslaughts from that product of religious lunacy. I received first-hand accounts of the challenging technicalities of engaging such an unpredictable foe whose most lethal weaponry was  fanaticism  increasingly augmented by sophisticated hardware that my cousins own forces sorely lacked. Such anomalous series of confrontations, accompanied by the irony of his superiors demands of a rapid and definitive victory over the enemy, are thus not new and remain depressing. Indeed this high-ranking officer did eventually find himself under court-martial on a charge of cowardice in face of the enemy and was duly convicted. He appealed and, backed by corroborated evidence, was vindicated. His dismissal was reversed, but his punitive demotion was not. Such cases are not new or rare. The case files of that feisty lawyer and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, are filled with instances of such miscarriages of justice, sometimes rectified, more often subsumed under the formula of esprit de corps, a fear of inserting a disruptive note in a system based on unquestioning obedience to orders. Some of us are constantly exposed, far more than generally realized, to the grisly details of these internal contradictions in the disciplined services  and that includes engagements on the international field, such as UN Peacekeeping forces and, closer home, ECOMOG. Ones empathy with the fighting man thus goes beyond even the self-exposure to the ultimate sacrifice at the battle front. Even where we are powerless to ameliorate their condition as the third leg of the uneven, delicately balanced tripod, we identify with their frustrations, their sacrifices, and honour their memory. Along their career, we also develop lasting friendships.

I never did meet Attahiru but, thanks to his widows dedication, I believe I do know him. That is not difficult for someone of my temperament, and whose occupation requires probing beneath skin and flesh and even beyond bone into marrow to discern reality from hype. One instinctively re-constitutes the truthful persona from a uniformity of attributes offered from colleagues within his profession, but also from without, those whose paths happen to have intersected with his. It also helps that one of the spurs to my acceptance to be here today was a senior colleague of his who had preceded him hence, the late Ibrahim Alfa, with whom I was especially close. Those of you who have read my memoirs YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN will surely recollect my account of the circumstances that brought Ibrahim and me together and resulted in a remarkable bonding. That friendship did not go unnoticed, since it led to the late dictator Sani Abacha imposing on Ibrahim a special assignment: he was to track down this very speaker  a plane always ready at short notice  to convey overtures of peace talks during a desperate phase of that dictators misbegotten venture into power. I no longer recall how much detail of that episode I recounted in YOU MUST SET FORTH AT DAWN but, I do testify that Alfa did catch up with me in London, carried out his diplomatic mission in all seriousness, but with the aplomb and finesse of one endowed with a deep sense of humour. After which, having receiced the very answer he expected, we both went drinking in a secure wine bar in Bayswater. Perhaps the only difference in an imaginary encounter with Attahiru in place of Alfa is that Attahiru would have sipped water or orange juice in place of wine.

But finally, on a far more lethal note, let us contribute the following to this nations ongoing navigation of military/civilian cross-currents, one that is characterized by prolonged irregular warfare that tasks the bravest and the best, nullifies even the advantages of tested experience. We can only repeat that incessant cry from the civilian front: do not neglect the potential contribution of that third leg. Stop feeling threatened by the prospect of abandoning the monopoly of the means to defensive violence  in other words  Demystify the uniform and demystify the gun. In this nature of conflict, it is not an army that is at war but the entirety of the nation. This cry has been only been part heeded, and then, only patchily, in certain parts of the country, but we have surely seen the successes scored through that approach to synergy against overwhelming odds. The times are not normal and thus require off-beat, lateral thinking, new constructs outside orthodox boxes of military engagement. Above all, let no one imagine that the ongoing insurgency will forever remain within its present borders. It spreads. It contaminates. It breeds mutations in the least expected places. To anticipate, and prepare, is not even military thinking but the urging of common sense  and that, is universal territory. However, let me explain that this implicit call for total mobilization is not meant to expand the military as a career but to induce its social integration as a calling. The entirety of national life, lifestyle, priorities, urgently demands re-designing to respond, holistically, to the exigencies of current abnormalities. The much-touted, consistently sidelined, willfully misrepresented call for National Restructuring, for instance, as well as proposals for state and community policing, are only alternative and/or partial expressions of this holistic and urgent imperative. We continue to ignore it at the peril of total, messy, irreversible disintegration.

And now, a confession. Buffeted from every sensory direction by the absolute conviction that there does exist a basic, inner code of self-regulation, what we might call the Lowest Common Denominator that governs all who consider themselves members of the human family, it is unavoidable that I devote the rest of this contribution to a series of apologies. The first goes to the convener of this very event, the widow, Madam Fati Attahiru. That apology is deserved by my momentary decision  not once, but twice  to cancel my appearance here today, despite a firm commitment. The explanation for such a negative impulse has to do with my oft-stated view that certain kinds of assault on human sensibility in this nation should attract nothing less than a total shut down in whichever affected state, until that untoward event is resolved. That consideration has a long history. It became galvanized, not surprisingly, by an unprecedented human desecration, an event that inserted the word Chibok into global awareness in the tragic mode, to be followed by Dapchi, then evolve into a haphazard venture, with schools as primary targets. It did not end there. As that new culture in child degradation, commonly referred to as kidnapping, became rampant, I seized whatever occasion I found to reiterate that position, namely that whenever any member of our community goes missing, only to resurface as the voice of an invisible surrogate negotiating his sale like any other market commodity, such a state should shut down totally, leaving only security agencies at large to restore to us our collective dignity.

My spate of apologies, as you must have anticipated by now, extends further back in time. They instigate memory all the way back to my response to the family, clan, village, and state of that innocent man, Akaluka, whose severed head was stuck on a pole behind which his murderers sang, danced, jubilated and extolled the might and peace of Allah against whom, it was alleged, that victim had committed the unpardonable crime of blasphemy, Akaluka was hunted down, dragged out of a police station where he had taken refuge, dehumanized and butchered. Does that scenario ring painfully familiar? My apologies leap over numerous unremarked, unrecorded mimics, simply reduced to statistics in a nations subconscious, to plead for acceptance by the family of Madame Oluwatosin, a schoolteacher posted to Bauchi in a routine educational process, as invigilator. She was similarly hunted down like wild quarry, stripped naked, dragged to her messy death which culminated in a funeral pyre of motor tyres, She was accused, like Akaluka, of having disrespected a factory line copy of a book known as the Koran! Again, does that reel from history spin once again on familiar grooves? Just to add piquancy to this feast of the macabre, the torturers, the killers in that preceding instance were also school pupils, and of a model secondary institution. She was also dragged out from sanctuary  the headmasters home or office, where she had fled for protection. For those who dispute the truism that history merely repeats itself, the young Deborah is merely a tragic disputant. Tawdry, dismal, inglorious history, never mind the sight of jubilating mobs, fouling the air with chants of victory and parading the spoils of war.

But why do I burden myself with this jeremiad of apologies.? Simply for the reasons I have just stated. It would have been, at its most profound, a dereliction of duty, and our event today is to commemorate that communal imperative that sustains faith in our collective being. No one will deny that we all owe a duty to the living, but some incline to the stance that such duty terminates with the living. Well, in my school of reflection and the testimony of history, that duty extends to death and beyond. That claim is grounded, not in mere sentiment, not in attachment to morbidity or unassuaged grief but in banal self-interest. For instance if, having failed to save Akaluka, having failed to rescue Oluwatosin, setting aside hundreds, possibly thousands of others, we had openly, justly and rigorously ensured justice in the crime that terminated their existences, we would not now be apologizing to the late victim of such religion-inspired barbarity  Ms. Deborah Samuel.

Of course, we are not all to be found within the same terrain of sensibilities  absolutely no! And that has been demonstrated most vividly by the very nature of responses that have been exacted after the nations recent exercise in human sacrifice. The nations president, traditional rulers  among them the Sultan of Sokoto who also serves as the Amir of Nigerian moslems, women organizations, workers unions and professionals from all walks of life, young and old, have raised their voices in accents of apology and condemnation. However, a glorified cleric, no less than the Grand Vizier oi the iconic Mosque of the nations capital, Abuja, has inserted a dissenting voice. The young woman, Deborah, he declared, deserved her death. This mullah, allegedly a man of learning, since his name is professorially captioned, says that there is a line, a red line that none of us must cross, no matter who we are, what we think, profess or value. Like the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, this mere mortal has declared himself a Supreme Being with the power of life and death over all the denizens of the world. His call is unambiguous. Professor Ibrahim Maqari has placed his myrmidons of faith on the alert, primed to emulate the example of these death-dealing mutants of fanatic indoctrination.

Permit me a digression, one that is however pertinent to this occasion. I must take you back to a certain indelibly bloodstained day of December 2015. On that day, and not for the first time in the career of a certain religious sect, hundreds of lives were mown down in broad daylight, and within minutes, in the state of Kaduna. The presumed leaders of the alleged provocation were locked up, charged with every kind of criminal conduct, and are still battling, even till today, for their full liberation. Now, what exactly was their crime? They also had drawn a line. That line, they declared, should not be crossed by any. Well, it seemed they had met their match. The Army also had a line, but the Shiite leaders appeared not to know where it was drawn, For that, they paid a deadly forfeit of numerous lives.

So there we are, arbitrary lines crisscrossing, drawn by individuals and constituencies of beliefs and non-beliefs, of power and aspirants of power. Nowhere do the belligerents profess the common constitutional line and the boundaries of legitimate conduct that supposedly define the imperatives of cohabitation and respect for a human commonality known as  life. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is being demonstrated that an ancient line remains forever with us and that those who deliberately kill defenceless civilians are regarded as war criminals, to be placed on trial at the first opportunity, A Russian soldier, at this very moment, is undergoing that line of instruction. He has not only pleaded guilty, but actually confronted the widow with the words I am sorry. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari however insists, with a handful of others including a vocal serving policeman quite recently, that there is no remorse attached to the torture and lynching of a young student on this earth we all share. To anyone who cares to listen, Maqari has implicitly directed his followers to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion, and in a nation beset on all sides by wars of ultra-nationalism and religious fanaticism. That is the message of a supposedly holy man to youths, to us, his message to a nation embroiled in a madness of multiple insurgencies.

I have also drawn my own line. I drew it decades ago, as contained in numerous statements, among them, most pertinently, THE UNAPPEASABLE PRICE OF APPEASEMENT  pertinent because it is within the cesspit of appeasement that this nation is currently mired. I was compelled to draw my own line when an acting governor of Zamfara state assumed the right to pronounce a killing fatwa on a young Nigerian journalist for alleged blasphemy, enjoined his listeners wherever situated in the world to terminate the existence of that young woman. That same ex-governor  for those who have missed the comic sequel  has actually thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency of this nation. A macabre joke that is however beyond any form of amusement. Yet such is the one-sided tolerance culture of the nation, its permissiveness empowers murder through surrogates, instigating killing sprees at will, and sometimes even assume personal supervision of a mission of death and destruction. No matter which, such enemies of life are free to contend for a position of power on a national level, where they can proceed to draw lines against the rest of the world at will and spread the cloak of immunity as reward of unconscionable defiance.

It is time for all group interests to draw their lines, to decide where they intersect with others, where they run parallel, and where they diverge and/or snarl into a chaotic maze. If Professor Grand Imam Maqari can draw a line in blood, the rest of the community of equal rights must proceed to draw their own, but they will do so in less primitive, bloodthirsty mode, in full respect of human dignity.

That apostate of the creed of humanity, Professor Maqari, must be removed from office. It is no longer sufficient for all to declaim that Islam is this and that, that the Sharia is thus and thus, that Prophet Mohammed set this or that example and made this or that humanistic pronouncement. We have gone beyond theocratic rhetoric that merely pays lip service to civilized norms. Let all pietistic denunciations be backed by affirmative action.

The Grand Seer of Abuja mosque should be hounded from office. He should be tried under any existing laws that approximate hate rhetoric, incitement to murder and abuse of office. The nation is confronted with just two propositions: One, that the Sultan of Sokoto is right, a position that is daily reinforced by voices stretching from even Zamfara in the north to the southern voice of the Chief Imam of the Yoruba. The alternative position is that Professor Ibrahim Maqari is the acknowledged Oracle of Islamic Ethics. Between the two, a choice must be made, a choice that is both moral and constitutional. Both the Sultan and Professor Maqafi cannot be right. And that choice does not belong to any esoteric domain. It is not grounded in privileged, hermetic caucuses of religious doctrine and interior revelations. It is not subject to spiritual pietism. It is straightforward: either murder is criminal and abhorrent, or it is a legitimate pastime, to be indulged at whim and by any. What exactly is blasphemy in a polity of religious pluralism? Presumably, the twenty-four heroic lawyers who have sprung to the defence of the accused killers will also take up that question and enlighten us along the exposition of their briefs. Until then, however, the protocols of association, known as the constitution, remain the sole arbiter. We, on this side of humanity, must draw our defining line, and that line reads simply: do not extend your religious predisposition beyond the realms of constitutional legitimacy. Do not flout the protocols of association. Else, pack your private baggage of homicidal precepts and depart for the purist wilderness of blind Submission.

We have already paid, and are still paying too high a price for the culture of Appeasement and Impunity. Let it end now, in Affirmative Action. That a new generation should also be programmed to aspire to brutish existence below the Lowest Common Denominators of what constitutes human ? Surely that is where any self-respecting nation should draw its defining, unbreakable line!

Wole SOYINKA

Abuja, May 21, 2022

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
DENYS KARLOVSKYI  SATURDAY, 21 MAY 2022, 19:10

The Russian Navy has threatened to fire at a civilian vessel flying the flag of the Republic of Togo which was sailing in the territorial waters of Ukraine.

Source: Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "This morning, the civilian vessel Britta K, under the flag of the Republic of Togo, which was making a transit passage through Ukrainian territorial waters near Zmiinyi (Snake) Island, received a signal from the Russians demanding that it leave the territorial waters of the Russian Federation, otherwise weapons would be used on it."

Details: In an audio recording posted by the Ukrainian Navy, a Russian military officer warns the ship's helmsmen that they are allegedly sailing in Russian territorial waters, although the map shows that the ship is in waters that are considered Ukrainian by international treaties.

The Russian fleet was ready to shoot at a civilian vessel.

Background: The Russians lost a military boat following successful air attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the Russian military on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

A Taser. Craig F. Walker/Getty Images

A Texas deputy is accused of using a taser on her three children.

Xochitl Ortiz, a former deputy with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office, was arrested on Wednesday.

She's accused of using a compliance technique on her kids aged 8, 11, and 12.

A Texas police officer was arrested and accused of using a taser on her three children, several outlets reported.

KHOU 11 reported that Xochitl Ortiz, 34, a former deputy with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office, was charged with three counts of injury to a child with bodily injury.

Court documents obtained by KHOU 11 and the Daily Beast said Ortiz used a taser on the children aged 8, 11, and 12, in early April.

Ortiz used the taser in drive-stun mode, a compliance technique on the kids' bodies including their hands, shoulders, and buttocks, according to court documents. The taser used belonged to Ortiz' boyfriend, Christopher Worthington, who is also a police officer in Harris County.

The Daily Beast reported that Ortiz's children reported the incident to their father, who is currently going through a divorce with Ortiz. The children said they did not feel safe in Ortiz's home.

Citing prosecutors, the Daily Beast reported that Worthington was present when the children were tasered.

Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman told Insider in a statement that he was notified of the allegations on April 14 and began investigating. Ortiz was arrested on Wednesday and has since been fired. KHOU 11 also reported that Ortiz's boyfriend has also been fired.

"Any allegation of police misconduct, rather on duty or off, instantly becomes our top priority," Herman said. "Every one of us who puts on this uniform wants to maintain the pride in our agency and our profession and we can only do that by fully investigating any allegations of wrongdoing. I am sincerely grateful for our partner agencies, who joined with us in this investigation."

Ortiz is being held on a $150,000 bond in the Harris County Jail.

Read the original article on Insider
A Taser. Craig F. Walker/Getty Images

A Texas deputy is accused of using a taser on her three children.

Xochitl Ortiz, a former deputy with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office, was arrested on Wednesday.

She's accused of using a compliance technique on her kids aged 8, 11, and 12.

A Texas police officer was arrested and accused of using a taser on her three children, several outlets reported.

KHOU 11 reported that Xochitl Ortiz, 34, a former deputy with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office, was charged with three counts of injury to a child with bodily injury.

Court documents obtained by KHOU 11 and the Daily Beast said Ortiz used a taser on the children aged 8, 11, and 12, in early April.

Ortiz used the taser in drive-stun mode, a compliance technique on the kids' bodies including their hands, shoulders, and buttocks, according to court documents. The taser used belonged to Ortiz' boyfriend, Christopher Worthington, who is also a police officer in Harris County.

The Daily Beast reported that Ortiz's children reported the incident to their father, who is currently going through a divorce with Ortiz. The children said they did not feel safe in Ortiz's home.

Citing prosecutors, the Daily Beast reported that Worthington was present when the children were tasered.

Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman told Insider in a statement that he was notified of the allegations on April 14 and began investigating. Ortiz was arrested on Wednesday and has since been fired. KHOU 11 also reported that Ortiz's boyfriend has also been fired.

"Any allegation of police misconduct, rather on duty or off, instantly becomes our top priority," Herman said. "Every one of us who puts on this uniform wants to maintain the pride in our agency and our profession and we can only do that by fully investigating any allegations of wrongdoing. I am sincerely grateful for our partner agencies, who joined with us in this investigation."

Ortiz is being held on a $150,000 bond in the Harris County Jail.

Read the original article on Insider
Asylum seekers in the dusty, violence-plagued Mexican border city of Reynosa were back to playing an uncertain waiting game Saturday, their dreams of entering the United States frustrated anew by a health rule imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They say they're going to open the border today. Do you think that's true?" asked Michelle, a 26-year-old Haitian who had come to the pedestrian bridge crossing the Rio Grande hoping for good news.

She was left disappointed, however.

A federal judge ruled Friday that the rule known as Title 42 -- meant to stem the spread of Covid, it can effectively prevent anyone without a visa from entering the United States, even to claim asylum -- must remain in effect.

Using social media, migrants in Reynosa have followed the legal showdown between the White House, which wants to lift the rule, and Republican governors of more than 20 states, who argue that relaxing it would spur a huge and inadequately controlled influx of migrants.

On Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays issued an injunction siding with those Republican-led states in support of the rule, first imposed under President Donald Trump.

"The Plaintiff States contend that the Termination Order will result in a surge of border crossings, and that this surge will result in an increase in illegal immigrants residing in the states," the ruling said.

"The court finds that the plaintiff states have satisfied each of the requirements for a preliminary injunction."

The White House said it would abide by the ruling, but that the Department of Justice would appeal.

"The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court," a statement said.

- Uncertainty, confusion -

Reynosa, across the border from the Texan city of McAllen, lies in one of Mexico's most violent regions and has been shaken by turf wars between rival drug cartels in recent years.

Story continues

Last year the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that migrants deported to Reynosa under Title 42 were at risk of kidnapping and violence.

Those stranded in the Mexican city face a host of additional concerns, including housing, healthcare, food and their children's well-being.

Lifting Title 42 would have a sting in the tail. Migrants deported to Mexico under its terms can now try to enter the United States as many times as they want. But if deported to their home country, they would face another long and potentially dangerous journey back to the border.

"If they lift it (Title 42), the United States will deport more people. It's better for us that they extend it," said Sarah Jimenez, from the Dominican Republic, who is traveling with her Haitian husband.

"There's a lot of uncertainty and little official information," said Anayeli Flores, an aid worker with MSF. "People are confused.

Meantime, migrants keep flowing into Reynosa.

In early May, the authorities moved nearly 2,000 of them, including women and children, out of a square in the city center where they had camped for months.

Some sleep on the streets, while the more fortunate rent apartments for 1,500 to 2,000 pesos a month ($75 to $100).

"My wife wanted to go home. Not me, because as soon as you cross the river, it's glory -- the dream of many, not just me," said a Honduran migrant.

Pastor Hector Silva runs a shelter, but it is now out of room, and with migrants continuing to arrive, frustration levels are growing.

"You have to do your part, too," he told a group of migrants.

"You have to go find a job, you have to find a home for your wife, to protect your child from the sun."

st-dr/bbk
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.


The council area of Brimbank in Melbournes west has had the highest number of COVID deaths in Victoria in the first four months of the year, more than its death toll for all of 2021.

Data obtained exclusively from Victorias Health Department reveals the areas that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 deaths this year, with all of those areas recording a higher death toll between January and April than in the entire previous year.

Seventy-nine people have died so far this year in Brimbank, compared with 63 in 2021. It had a higher toll in 2020 when 101 people died. The area, which takes in suburbs including Sunshine, Keilor Park and St Albans, has had more than 43,000 COVID-19 cases so far this year.

Sunshine Hospitals COVID-19 intensive care ward. The hospital is in the Brimbank council area. Credit:Justin McManus

The south-eastern council areas of Casey and Monash have each recorded 74 deaths so far this year, while 65 people have died in Greater Dandenong.
Two years ago, the pandemic made what was clear even more obvious.

Indiana doesn't direct enough resources toward public health.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, having acknowledged that the demands COVID placed on health resources highlighted the need for more spending in this area, announced the formation of a 15-person public health commission. Its mission was to spend the next year finding ways to improve the overall health of Indiana residents.

More: Editorial: A treatment plan for Indiana's ailing public health spending?

Holcomb's executive order in August 2021 established the Governors Public Health Commission. The commission launched a series of listening sessions around the state to gather input about Indianas public health system, and has been meeting monthly to learn more about the challenges confronting public health professionals in Indiana.

The listening sessions have concluded, and on Thursday, the commission began the process of preparing its final report for the governor by the end of the summer, in time for 2023 budget discussions.

The focus of last week's meeting was the role of emergency preparedness, without which "communities would be at risk of greater consequences when disaster does strike, and our health as a state would suffer, let alone long-term economic stability and resiliency," noted commission co-chair Dr. Judy Monroe, a former Indiana state health officer, who serves as CEO and president of the foundation supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the state's COVID response is clearly factoring into the commission's work, the panels scope is intended to go far beyond this crisis.

That's fitting, given that long before the pandemic struck, Indiana consistently ranked near the bottom in spending on public health and preparedness to handle a public health emergency. The need for this commission is obvious here in Indiana, with its lower life expectancies and higher health care costs.

Story continues

At a listening session last month, Grant County Health Officer Dr. William David Moore noted that the state is 40th out of 50 states in terms of public health funding. "And its reflected in the health of our community."

Among the issues addressed by speakers were drug and staffing crises, communication and funding. Multiple people who spoke up during public comment asked the commission to make sure the state doesnt lose touch with local health departments.

Moore said he's "hopeful" that Indiana is taking a thorough look at public health: "The issues that theyre raising are right on point, and they give us an opportunity to do that."

But he said that while the discussion is a good start, he wants to see action.

He's right. As encouraging as the governor's words acknowledging the problem are, as welcome as the creation of a public health commission is, it will mean little without a commitment to acting, to putting state money and a comprehensive plan behind the words.

In his 2018 State of the State address, Holcomb noted, We all know, a healthy Indiana depends first and foremost on the health of our people.

It's long past time to get to work on the cure for an ailing public health system.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eric Holcomb's order established the Governors Public Health Commission.

Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two years ago, the pandemic made what was clear even more obvious.

Indiana doesn't direct enough resources toward public health.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, having acknowledged that the demands COVID placed on health resources highlighted the need for more spending in this area, announced the formation of a 15-person public health commission. Its mission was to spend the next year finding ways to improve the overall health of Indiana residents.

More: Editorial: A treatment plan for Indiana's ailing public health spending?

Holcomb's executive order in August 2021 established the Governors Public Health Commission. The commission launched a series of listening sessions around the state to gather input about Indianas public health system, and has been meeting monthly to learn more about the challenges confronting public health professionals in Indiana.

The listening sessions have concluded, and on Thursday, the commission began the process of preparing its final report for the governor by the end of the summer, in time for 2023 budget discussions.

The focus of last week's meeting was the role of emergency preparedness, without which "communities would be at risk of greater consequences when disaster does strike, and our health as a state would suffer, let alone long-term economic stability and resiliency," noted commission co-chair Dr. Judy Monroe, a former Indiana state health officer, who serves as CEO and president of the foundation supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the state's COVID response is clearly factoring into the commission's work, the panels scope is intended to go far beyond this crisis.

That's fitting, given that long before the pandemic struck, Indiana consistently ranked near the bottom in spending on public health and preparedness to handle a public health emergency. The need for this commission is obvious here in Indiana, with its lower life expectancies and higher health care costs.

Story continues

At a listening session last month, Grant County Health Officer Dr. William David Moore noted that the state is 40th out of 50 states in terms of public health funding. "And its reflected in the health of our community."

Among the issues addressed by speakers were drug and staffing crises, communication and funding. Multiple people who spoke up during public comment asked the commission to make sure the state doesnt lose touch with local health departments.

Moore said he's "hopeful" that Indiana is taking a thorough look at public health: "The issues that theyre raising are right on point, and they give us an opportunity to do that."

But he said that while the discussion is a good start, he wants to see action.

He's right. As encouraging as the governor's words acknowledging the problem are, as welcome as the creation of a public health commission is, it will mean little without a commitment to acting, to putting state money and a comprehensive plan behind the words.

In his 2018 State of the State address, Holcomb noted, We all know, a healthy Indiana depends first and foremost on the health of our people.

It's long past time to get to work on the cure for an ailing public health system.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eric Holcomb's order established the Governors Public Health Commission.
"NEET-PG 2022 concluded smoothly at all centres. A total of 2,06,301 candidates were scheduled to appear and 1,82,318 appeared," an official source told ANI.

A total of 1,77,415 candidates registered and around 93 per cent appeared last year in NEET-PG 2021.

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has successfully conducted the NEET-PG 2022. The exam was held from 9 am to 12:30 pm as a computer-based test (CBT) mode.

More than 1,800 independent faculty appointed by NBEMS appraised the conduct of examination at the test centre, sources added.

As per the sources, "Around 18,000 invigilators of TCS attended the examination. Central observers of NBEMS also visited the centres in real time to oversee the conduct of the examination."

However, there were challenges to the testing centre in Silchar due to heavy rains for which the centre with local administration and appraisers arranged a temporary bridge overnight and a bus for candidates to reach the centre.

A command centre was set up at the NBEMS office where NBEMS and TCS technical teams coordinated the entire examination.

"We all from NBEMS are indebted to your support in the successful completion of this mammoth exercise," top health ministry sources remarked. (ANI)
Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year.

The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot.

And this week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare.'

Baby mine: Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth to her infant daughter Samantha during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year

She had visualized herself clinging to the grab handle over a car door as the baby crowned  and very nearly underwent just such an ordeal in real life.

'I ended up getting a lovely and very conscientious Uber driver, which is not what you want when you're in labor,' the Shameless star recalled. 'I wanna go! Like if it's an orange, just take that as a green and go.'

When she was 'a couple minutes from the hospital' she 'was fully in contractions and didn't realize I was nine centimeters dilated at that point, so it was like real close.'

Emmy explained to Ryan, who has never had children, that she was 'basically 10 minutes away from having a baby.'

Proud parents: The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot

She and her Uber driver 'were driving towards the hospital and the light was like turning orange and I was like: "Go, go, go, go!" And he was like: "We're just gonna  we're just gonna hit the break and stop here."'

Her Uber driver proceeded out of an abundance of caution because, as he told her, he wanted her to arrive 'safely' at the hospital.

'And I was like: "I would like that too!" I would like to get there,' said Emmy, who explained that her labor 'progressed very quickly' once it began.

Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane.

Chat show set: This week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare'

Angelyne first gained attention in the '80s when her notorious billboards appeared around Los Angeles and made her famous for being famous.

She jealously guarded the secret of her real identity until The Hollywood Reporter writer Gary Baum lifted the veil from it in 2017.

Angelyne was born Ronia Tamar Goldberg in communist Poland and immigrated to America with her parents, who survived Nazi concentration camps.

The Hollywood Reporter is one of the production companies behind the miniseries, which was created by Lars And The Real Girl screenwriter Nancy Oliver.

In character: Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane

Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt.'

She remarked: 'I don't think they want me to see it, and beyond that I don't want to see it,' but said she had given the makers notes on how she was 'visually' shown.

'But nobody's going to look like me,' she declared. 'There's only one Marilyn, there's only one Elvis, there's only one Michael Jackson, and there's only one Angelyne. People can try to emulate but really there's only one.'

The real deal: Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt'

During a new interview with Inside Edition she dished that she 'had a little glimpse' of the series 'and I refused to watch it' as 'it doesn't do me justice.'

Angelyne has also disputed the Hollywood Reporter's characterization of her personal history, declaring: 'No, I was born Angelyne.'

She denounced the show again to TMZ, saying no one was fit to play her besides herself and that she consequently is making her own film on 'the real Angelyne.'
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
The number of speed camera fines has doubled in four years, raking in more than $200 million last year, as road safety experts call for a cut in inner-city speed limits.

Data from Revenue NSW shows more than a million speed camera fines totalling $201 million were issued in 2020-21  double the 479,489 speed camera fines worth $105 million in 2016-17.

Motorists on Moore Park Road in Paddington. Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit. Credit:Rhett Wyman

And the figure will be even larger this financial year, as more than a million speed camera fines worth $198 million have already been issued in the nine months to March 2022.

Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit.




For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.
Its the afternoon peak and cars are slowly trundling down Mickleham Road in Greenvale. The road is congested because thousands of vehicles are heading north to Melbournes booming outer growth suburbs, where infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the ballooning population.

This is predominantly safe Labor territory, largely ignored by both major parties during the election campaign, as the growing pains that come with a city on steroids continue to intensify.

Tamara Nolan knows all too well the pain and frustration of driving in Melbournes north. Credit:Joe Armao

Rail is non-existent, and bus infrastructure is still in its infancy, says Tamara Nolan, president of Greenvale Residents Association. Weve got little infrastructure that actually helps us get anywhere; therefore were on the roads and the roads are at capacity.

Nolans complaints are not new. They can be traced back decades to when state governments started unlocking land for housing developments, but not investing in enough infrastructure to keep pace with rapidly growing demand.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
The number of speed camera fines has doubled in four years, raking in more than $200 million last year, as road safety experts call for a cut in inner-city speed limits.

Data from Revenue NSW shows more than a million speed camera fines totalling $201 million were issued in 2020-21  double the 479,489 speed camera fines worth $105 million in 2016-17.

Motorists on Moore Park Road in Paddington. Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit. Credit:Rhett Wyman

And the figure will be even larger this financial year, as more than a million speed camera fines worth $198 million have already been issued in the nine months to March 2022.

Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit.
The number of speed camera fines has doubled in four years, raking in more than $200 million last year, as road safety experts call for a cut in inner-city speed limits.

Data from Revenue NSW shows more than a million speed camera fines totalling $201 million were issued in 2020-21  double the 479,489 speed camera fines worth $105 million in 2016-17.

Motorists on Moore Park Road in Paddington. Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit. Credit:Rhett Wyman

And the figure will be even larger this financial year, as more than a million speed camera fines worth $198 million have already been issued in the nine months to March 2022.

Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size There is a line in Hollywood interviews where questions about the subjects work life and personal life intersect. How they are navigated depends on everyones mood in the moment, though PR minders notoriously dislike them. But as actor Jennifer Connelly and I ease into a conversation about her new film, Top Gun: Maverick, we begin with a definitely work-related question: is Tom Cruise a good kisser? For a split second, the question takes her by surprise. It is a work-related question, I assure her, as she is playing the love interest to the film franchises star, Tom Cruise, in the long-awaited Top Gun sequel. I honestly cant  the 51-year-old begins, before laughing at my somewhat improbable logic. There is no way to answer that question. Its an impossible question to answer, Jennifer finally declares. I will say it was such a satisfying moment in their relationship and so earned, Jennifer says. So I really liked that. I really liked the moment and how it was shot. And Tom Cruise was a wonderful person to work with.

He has a very strong presence. He has a lot of magnetism. Hes also incredibly engaged in what hes doing. If hes talking to you, hes incredibly engaged in that conversation, and present. Thats really striking. To say Top Gun: Maverick has been decades in the making would be an understatement. The original Top Gun was released in 1986 and starred Cruise as pilot Pete Maverick Mitchell, Val Kilmer as Tom Iceman Kazansky and Anthony Edwards as Nick Goose Bradshaw, Mavericks best friend. Those characters, and their interactions, are writ large in pop culture.

The sequel picks up some three decades later, when Maverick, now involved romantically with Jennifers character, Penny Benjamin, is called back to duty to train young pilots for a new mission. One of them is Bradley Rooster Bradshaw (Miles Teller), Gooses son, an encounter which forces both men to reckon with their grief. Jennifer Connelly plays Penny Benjamin alongside Tom Cruise as Captain Pete Maverick Mitchell in Top gun: Maverick. I thought in the original, the storyline with Goose, that it was dramatic and moving, but I do think that theres something especially poignant about this storyline between Maverick and Gooses son, Jennifer says. And maybe that is appropriate for the point in his life in which we meet Maverick in this chapter. It does seem to feel like hes taking stock of the way hes relevant, who he is, what he has left to do, what he needs to confront. It is quite self-reflective.

I love that about the film. I thought it gave the movie its own reason to be, beyond just being an homage.

Advertisement

On the Kleenex index of emotion-churning stories, we could give it a score of three-and-a-half, perhaps four, out of five. The films director, Joseph Kosinski, has beautifully woven two threads  the fast-paced mission story, but also the more personal story which involves Jennifers character, Penny  into one. I cant remember him precisely articulating how the stories fit together, Jennifer says. But we did talk about how she fits into his life, who she is to him and who he is to her. I like their story. I like that we had heard mention of this woman, so we know shes always been in his life. And they have clearly moved in and out of each others lives a few times. In the early 1980s, still in her early teens, Jennifer landed two roles which had a huge impact on her fledgling career. The first was in Once Upon a Time in America, directed by Sergio Leone  a legendary crime thriller directed by a legendary director. It was followed by Phenomena, directed by another Italian auteur, the horror master Dario Argento. Loading Early in her career, Jennifer was known for supporting roles in films such as Jim Hensons fantasy Labyrinth (1986), which also starred David Bowie, the neo-noir crime thriller Mulholland Falls (1996), Alex Proyass Dark City (1998), which was filmed in Sydney, and Ron Howards A Beautiful Mind (2001), for which she won the Oscar for best supporting actress. She stepped away from film around the time of her first childs birth in 1997, returning several years later to more complex leading roles, such as the traumatised Dahlia in the horror-psychological thriller Dark Water (2005), grief-damaged mother Grace in Reservation Road (2007) and the mentally unstable Virginia in Dustin Lance Blacks Virginia (2010). I dont tend to think of things in general as being that binary, Jennifer says, referring to the two acts into which I have carved her filmography. Certainly things have changed, but then, I started working as a child, so the roles have changed because it would be weird [if they had not].

Advertisement

I think there have been more chapters than just two, Jennifer says. But if I were going to split my career into two chapters, then the shift would probably be when I really consciously took on making movies as my own choice, and that happened once I became a mum. When I bring up the subject of her husband, British actor Paul Bettany, Jennifers face is infused with warmth. Still, shes not sure how to explain the magic of him. You may have noticed that Im bad at picking one thing, one moment that was the turning point, one quality that defines, and so on, she says. I struggle to think in those singular terms. I have met Paul, I tell her, and always found him charming. The stuff one sees, what he presents, he is that, Jennifer says. Hes a really generous person with his love and his kindness. I think that is something people feel in public, people that he works with. I think he makes people feel appreciated and cared for and loved. That is genuine. And in his personal life, he is that way, hes a remarkably good friend, and I think all of his friends would say that about him, she adds. Hes always there, always available, always someone they can rely on. So I think thats one quality that you see and is actually the way he is. And I think its one of the really special things about him. Connelly believes enormous ground has been gained in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Credit:Paola Kudacki/Trunk Archive/Snapper Images Jennifer has three children  son Kai, from a relationship with photographer David Dugan, and two children with Paul, son Stellan and daughter Agnes. What Ive learnt so far as a parent is that every relationship is different, she says. Its so hard to make these general statements because the relationships that I have with each of my three kids is so different because of the things that weve gone through. And they came here as such different people. As an actor in Hollywood, Jennifer has always pushed for a louder voice in terms of the work she is doing. And she believes enormous ground has been gained in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Things are still far from ideal but the improvement, she says, has been substantial.

Advertisement

I think theres still room for things to go further, but I do think things have changed, Jennifer says. Ive had experiences  and I wont say the experiences Ive had  where Ive read something, a change in a script, and said, I dont think you can position a woman in this way. They didnt necessarily see it but theyre open to hearing that conversation and that point of view. And thats great. The culture of film sets has changed too, she says, especially how intimacy scenes are filmed, that there are now intimacy co-ordinators on film sets, which never existed before. I mean, it was crazy before. In the 80s, people just went la la la and pretended it wasnt happening. Now everything is discussed and agreed upon. Connelly says the introduction of intimacy co-ordinators on set has been a big step in changing the culture: In the 80s, people just went la la la and pretended it wasnt happening. Now everything is discussed and agreed upon. It is also valuable, she says, not to over-emphasise the moment, so its still possible to have a scene in a movie which has intimacy, and its still a scene  so its not real life any more than the rest of it is real life. For now, Jennifer is pleased that Top Gun: Maverick is finally making it to theatres. It was filmed in 2018 and 2019, and its planned release in 2020 was delayed by the pandemic. There were re-shoots and there was additional filming, so it doesnt feel that long to me, Jennifer says. Everything about this pandemic was nothing like anything any of us had experienced, so it didnt feel particular to this film and its release. But I am glad its coming out, and that well be able to go to movie theatres to see it. Top Gun: Maverick is in cinemas May 26. To read more from Sunday Life magazine, click here.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A significant part of the problem, she says, is precisely those little single-use plastic fish and food packets, and the death of the refill system: When I was a child, I would go to a store and I would bring my bottle and [buy] maybe five or 10 [Philippine] pesos of [cooking] oil. That was the traditional way in most cultures in the region. That all changed when sachets and single-use plastic were introduced. A fish-shaped soy sauce container from Port Phillip Bay. Credit:Darren James But thats not even the worst of it. A global system

The world produces around 1.8 billion tonnes of garbage every year. According to one report, if all this was put on dump trucks the line would circle the planet 24 times. Approximately one-tenth of this refuse enters the global waste trade. This essentially translates to rich countries sending their waste to less economically advanced countries, like those in South-east Asia. Around 12 per cent of municipal waste generated in the US is plastic, equating to 32.4 million tonnes in 2018. Countries such as the USA, Canada and South Korea are among the leaders in waste exporting. In 2018, the US transported an average of 429 large shipping containers of plastic waste alone every day. Since China banned imports of waste from 2017, much of this garbage now ends up in Africa and Asia. Since these countries are often ill-equipped to deal with the influx - in South-east Asia, 75 per cent of it is not recycled - that means a lot of it ends up in waterways or oceans, either via direct dumping or simply being washed there by rains. Loading

Greenpeace reported a 171 per cent increase to almost 2.25 million tonnes annually in plastic waste imported by South-east Asian countries between 2016-2018. To this heaving swell of plastic waste, add a tsunami of plastic generated by COVID-19 measures around the world since early 2020. In the early stages of the outbreak, one NGO reported there were already 1.5 billion mainly plastic-based surgical masks in the worlds oceans. By 2021, an additional 140 million used test kits, 144,000 syringes and packaging from 8 billion vaccine doses were generated as governments sought to stem the virus. Pandemic measures have also put many Asian waste businesses into lockdown, ensuring that even as the plastic continues flowing in, facilities are not operating and workers are stuck at home. Invariably the waste gets dumped, often illegally through murky waste trafficking channels. A new deal? At the entrance to the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, in February, was an extraordinarily powerful sculpture by Canadian artist Benjamin von Wong: a tap, suspended in the sky, spews a stream of plastic trash onto the forecourt grass.

Artwork by Benjamin von Wong Turn off the plastic tap artwork outside the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. Credit:Stuff (NZ) Maybe it had some effect, because the meeting rounded off with a major resolution to stop all plastic pollution by 2024. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said in a statement the agreement between 175 member nations is the most important environmental deal since the Paris climate accord. Susan Gardner, director of UNEPs ecosystems division, says: Countries have said We want to do something about plastics and this is urgent. Were so serious about this we believe whats needed is something legally binding. Gardner referenced the Minamata Convention on mercury, which took some five years to launch in 2017. In this case, member states are so determined ... that they want to do it in about half the time. That ambition, in terms of substance as well as the pace, is unprecedented.

Big money lagging But even a solid UN agreement may not be enough. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been tracked since the 1980s and measures over 1.55 million square kilometres - more than twice the size of Texas. In 2016, it was predicted it would take until 2050 for plastic in the oceans to outweigh sea life. Now it seems we might get there this decade. Its possible to imagine that nations could adhere to their own measurements under a UN convention while shoving the plastic waste problem offshore and into the oceans. With this in mind, Aguilar notes a regional process has been underway through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This led to the Bangkok Declaration, issued in 2019.

But Aguilar says that agreement is not looking at reduction, not looking at the source. So it was kind of problematic; more cure than prevention. That source has a name. Or more precisely, it has around a hundred names, those of the corporations largely responsible for manufacturing single-use plastic. According to Australian NGO the Minderoo Foundation, around 60 per cent of the total investment in these companies comes from just 20 major banks, such as Barclays, HSBC and Bank of America. The organisation reported in 2021 that 20 asset managers  led by US companies Vanguard Group, BlackRock and Capital Group  hold over $US300 billion worth of shares in the parent companies of single-use plastic polymer producers. Of this, $US10 billion is directly linked to single-use polymer production.

As noted by Minderoo, Pennsylvania-based Vanguard Group is a significant investor in this sector. The asset manager invests in a number of the top 10 plastics manufacturers in the world. In an email statement, a spokesperson for Vanguard said: Regardless of industry, we expect companies to take into account government policies, commitments and regulation in their strategies and plans, particularly where the policy  results in a material exposure. A 2021 company report notes the investor met with 734 companies across 29 industries as part of its stewardship program. The categories of engagement are based on governance and material risk. There is no mention of plastic in the report even though four of the top 10 plastics producers (including both US-based companies in that group, ExxonMobil and Dow) were met. Given most of these companies are transnational conglomerates, and given the asset managers listed categories of engagement, it seems unlikely that the issue of plastic pollution entered any of these formal meetings. On this evidence, as international and regional organisations seem to be getting more and more ambitious in curtailing plastic pollution in oceans and elsewhere, the corporate sector looks to be lagging.
A significant part of the problem, she says, is precisely those little single-use plastic fish and food packets, and the death of the refill system: When I was a child, I would go to a store and I would bring my bottle and [buy] maybe five or 10 [Philippine] pesos of [cooking] oil. That was the traditional way in most cultures in the region. That all changed when sachets and single-use plastic were introduced. A fish-shaped soy sauce container from Port Phillip Bay. Credit:Darren James But thats not even the worst of it. A global system

The world produces around 1.8 billion tonnes of garbage every year. According to one report, if all this was put on dump trucks the line would circle the planet 24 times. Approximately one-tenth of this refuse enters the global waste trade. This essentially translates to rich countries sending their waste to less economically advanced countries, like those in South-east Asia. Around 12 per cent of municipal waste generated in the US is plastic, equating to 32.4 million tonnes in 2018. Countries such as the USA, Canada and South Korea are among the leaders in waste exporting. In 2018, the US transported an average of 429 large shipping containers of plastic waste alone every day. Since China banned imports of waste from 2017, much of this garbage now ends up in Africa and Asia. Since these countries are often ill-equipped to deal with the influx - in South-east Asia, 75 per cent of it is not recycled - that means a lot of it ends up in waterways or oceans, either via direct dumping or simply being washed there by rains. Loading

Greenpeace reported a 171 per cent increase to almost 2.25 million tonnes annually in plastic waste imported by South-east Asian countries between 2016-2018. To this heaving swell of plastic waste, add a tsunami of plastic generated by COVID-19 measures around the world since early 2020. In the early stages of the outbreak, one NGO reported there were already 1.5 billion mainly plastic-based surgical masks in the worlds oceans. By 2021, an additional 140 million used test kits, 144,000 syringes and packaging from 8 billion vaccine doses were generated as governments sought to stem the virus. Pandemic measures have also put many Asian waste businesses into lockdown, ensuring that even as the plastic continues flowing in, facilities are not operating and workers are stuck at home. Invariably the waste gets dumped, often illegally through murky waste trafficking channels. A new deal? At the entrance to the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, in February, was an extraordinarily powerful sculpture by Canadian artist Benjamin von Wong: a tap, suspended in the sky, spews a stream of plastic trash onto the forecourt grass.

Artwork by Benjamin von Wong Turn off the plastic tap artwork outside the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. Credit:Stuff (NZ) Maybe it had some effect, because the meeting rounded off with a major resolution to stop all plastic pollution by 2024. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said in a statement the agreement between 175 member nations is the most important environmental deal since the Paris climate accord. Susan Gardner, director of UNEPs ecosystems division, says: Countries have said We want to do something about plastics and this is urgent. Were so serious about this we believe whats needed is something legally binding. Gardner referenced the Minamata Convention on mercury, which took some five years to launch in 2017. In this case, member states are so determined ... that they want to do it in about half the time. That ambition, in terms of substance as well as the pace, is unprecedented.

Big money lagging But even a solid UN agreement may not be enough. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been tracked since the 1980s and measures over 1.55 million square kilometres - more than twice the size of Texas. In 2016, it was predicted it would take until 2050 for plastic in the oceans to outweigh sea life. Now it seems we might get there this decade. Its possible to imagine that nations could adhere to their own measurements under a UN convention while shoving the plastic waste problem offshore and into the oceans. With this in mind, Aguilar notes a regional process has been underway through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This led to the Bangkok Declaration, issued in 2019.

But Aguilar says that agreement is not looking at reduction, not looking at the source. So it was kind of problematic; more cure than prevention. That source has a name. Or more precisely, it has around a hundred names, those of the corporations largely responsible for manufacturing single-use plastic. According to Australian NGO the Minderoo Foundation, around 60 per cent of the total investment in these companies comes from just 20 major banks, such as Barclays, HSBC and Bank of America. The organisation reported in 2021 that 20 asset managers  led by US companies Vanguard Group, BlackRock and Capital Group  hold over $US300 billion worth of shares in the parent companies of single-use plastic polymer producers. Of this, $US10 billion is directly linked to single-use polymer production.

As noted by Minderoo, Pennsylvania-based Vanguard Group is a significant investor in this sector. The asset manager invests in a number of the top 10 plastics manufacturers in the world. In an email statement, a spokesperson for Vanguard said: Regardless of industry, we expect companies to take into account government policies, commitments and regulation in their strategies and plans, particularly where the policy  results in a material exposure. A 2021 company report notes the investor met with 734 companies across 29 industries as part of its stewardship program. The categories of engagement are based on governance and material risk. There is no mention of plastic in the report even though four of the top 10 plastics producers (including both US-based companies in that group, ExxonMobil and Dow) were met. Given most of these companies are transnational conglomerates, and given the asset managers listed categories of engagement, it seems unlikely that the issue of plastic pollution entered any of these formal meetings. On this evidence, as international and regional organisations seem to be getting more and more ambitious in curtailing plastic pollution in oceans and elsewhere, the corporate sector looks to be lagging.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
A significant part of the problem, she says, is precisely those little single-use plastic fish and food packets, and the death of the refill system: When I was a child, I would go to a store and I would bring my bottle and [buy] maybe five or 10 [Philippine] pesos of [cooking] oil. That was the traditional way in most cultures in the region. That all changed when sachets and single-use plastic were introduced. A fish-shaped soy sauce container from Port Phillip Bay. Credit:Darren James But thats not even the worst of it. A global system

The world produces around 1.8 billion tonnes of garbage every year. According to one report, if all this was put on dump trucks the line would circle the planet 24 times. Approximately one-tenth of this refuse enters the global waste trade. This essentially translates to rich countries sending their waste to less economically advanced countries, like those in South-east Asia. Around 12 per cent of municipal waste generated in the US is plastic, equating to 32.4 million tonnes in 2018. Countries such as the USA, Canada and South Korea are among the leaders in waste exporting. In 2018, the US transported an average of 429 large shipping containers of plastic waste alone every day. Since China banned imports of waste from 2017, much of this garbage now ends up in Africa and Asia. Since these countries are often ill-equipped to deal with the influx - in South-east Asia, 75 per cent of it is not recycled - that means a lot of it ends up in waterways or oceans, either via direct dumping or simply being washed there by rains. Loading

Greenpeace reported a 171 per cent increase to almost 2.25 million tonnes annually in plastic waste imported by South-east Asian countries between 2016-2018. To this heaving swell of plastic waste, add a tsunami of plastic generated by COVID-19 measures around the world since early 2020. In the early stages of the outbreak, one NGO reported there were already 1.5 billion mainly plastic-based surgical masks in the worlds oceans. By 2021, an additional 140 million used test kits, 144,000 syringes and packaging from 8 billion vaccine doses were generated as governments sought to stem the virus. Pandemic measures have also put many Asian waste businesses into lockdown, ensuring that even as the plastic continues flowing in, facilities are not operating and workers are stuck at home. Invariably the waste gets dumped, often illegally through murky waste trafficking channels. A new deal? At the entrance to the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, in February, was an extraordinarily powerful sculpture by Canadian artist Benjamin von Wong: a tap, suspended in the sky, spews a stream of plastic trash onto the forecourt grass.

Artwork by Benjamin von Wong Turn off the plastic tap artwork outside the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. Credit:Stuff (NZ) Maybe it had some effect, because the meeting rounded off with a major resolution to stop all plastic pollution by 2024. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said in a statement the agreement between 175 member nations is the most important environmental deal since the Paris climate accord. Susan Gardner, director of UNEPs ecosystems division, says: Countries have said We want to do something about plastics and this is urgent. Were so serious about this we believe whats needed is something legally binding. Gardner referenced the Minamata Convention on mercury, which took some five years to launch in 2017. In this case, member states are so determined ... that they want to do it in about half the time. That ambition, in terms of substance as well as the pace, is unprecedented.

Big money lagging But even a solid UN agreement may not be enough. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been tracked since the 1980s and measures over 1.55 million square kilometres - more than twice the size of Texas. In 2016, it was predicted it would take until 2050 for plastic in the oceans to outweigh sea life. Now it seems we might get there this decade. Its possible to imagine that nations could adhere to their own measurements under a UN convention while shoving the plastic waste problem offshore and into the oceans. With this in mind, Aguilar notes a regional process has been underway through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This led to the Bangkok Declaration, issued in 2019.

But Aguilar says that agreement is not looking at reduction, not looking at the source. So it was kind of problematic; more cure than prevention. That source has a name. Or more precisely, it has around a hundred names, those of the corporations largely responsible for manufacturing single-use plastic. According to Australian NGO the Minderoo Foundation, around 60 per cent of the total investment in these companies comes from just 20 major banks, such as Barclays, HSBC and Bank of America. The organisation reported in 2021 that 20 asset managers  led by US companies Vanguard Group, BlackRock and Capital Group  hold over $US300 billion worth of shares in the parent companies of single-use plastic polymer producers. Of this, $US10 billion is directly linked to single-use polymer production.

As noted by Minderoo, Pennsylvania-based Vanguard Group is a significant investor in this sector. The asset manager invests in a number of the top 10 plastics manufacturers in the world. In an email statement, a spokesperson for Vanguard said: Regardless of industry, we expect companies to take into account government policies, commitments and regulation in their strategies and plans, particularly where the policy  results in a material exposure. A 2021 company report notes the investor met with 734 companies across 29 industries as part of its stewardship program. The categories of engagement are based on governance and material risk. There is no mention of plastic in the report even though four of the top 10 plastics producers (including both US-based companies in that group, ExxonMobil and Dow) were met. Given most of these companies are transnational conglomerates, and given the asset managers listed categories of engagement, it seems unlikely that the issue of plastic pollution entered any of these formal meetings. On this evidence, as international and regional organisations seem to be getting more and more ambitious in curtailing plastic pollution in oceans and elsewhere, the corporate sector looks to be lagging.
A significant part of the problem, she says, is precisely those little single-use plastic fish and food packets, and the death of the refill system: When I was a child, I would go to a store and I would bring my bottle and [buy] maybe five or 10 [Philippine] pesos of [cooking] oil. That was the traditional way in most cultures in the region. That all changed when sachets and single-use plastic were introduced. A fish-shaped soy sauce container from Port Phillip Bay. Credit:Darren James But thats not even the worst of it. A global system

The world produces around 1.8 billion tonnes of garbage every year. According to one report, if all this was put on dump trucks the line would circle the planet 24 times. Approximately one-tenth of this refuse enters the global waste trade. This essentially translates to rich countries sending their waste to less economically advanced countries, like those in South-east Asia. Around 12 per cent of municipal waste generated in the US is plastic, equating to 32.4 million tonnes in 2018. Countries such as the USA, Canada and South Korea are among the leaders in waste exporting. In 2018, the US transported an average of 429 large shipping containers of plastic waste alone every day. Since China banned imports of waste from 2017, much of this garbage now ends up in Africa and Asia. Since these countries are often ill-equipped to deal with the influx - in South-east Asia, 75 per cent of it is not recycled - that means a lot of it ends up in waterways or oceans, either via direct dumping or simply being washed there by rains. Loading

Greenpeace reported a 171 per cent increase to almost 2.25 million tonnes annually in plastic waste imported by South-east Asian countries between 2016-2018. To this heaving swell of plastic waste, add a tsunami of plastic generated by COVID-19 measures around the world since early 2020. In the early stages of the outbreak, one NGO reported there were already 1.5 billion mainly plastic-based surgical masks in the worlds oceans. By 2021, an additional 140 million used test kits, 144,000 syringes and packaging from 8 billion vaccine doses were generated as governments sought to stem the virus. Pandemic measures have also put many Asian waste businesses into lockdown, ensuring that even as the plastic continues flowing in, facilities are not operating and workers are stuck at home. Invariably the waste gets dumped, often illegally through murky waste trafficking channels. A new deal? At the entrance to the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, in February, was an extraordinarily powerful sculpture by Canadian artist Benjamin von Wong: a tap, suspended in the sky, spews a stream of plastic trash onto the forecourt grass.

Artwork by Benjamin von Wong Turn off the plastic tap artwork outside the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. Credit:Stuff (NZ) Maybe it had some effect, because the meeting rounded off with a major resolution to stop all plastic pollution by 2024. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said in a statement the agreement between 175 member nations is the most important environmental deal since the Paris climate accord. Susan Gardner, director of UNEPs ecosystems division, says: Countries have said We want to do something about plastics and this is urgent. Were so serious about this we believe whats needed is something legally binding. Gardner referenced the Minamata Convention on mercury, which took some five years to launch in 2017. In this case, member states are so determined ... that they want to do it in about half the time. That ambition, in terms of substance as well as the pace, is unprecedented.

Big money lagging But even a solid UN agreement may not be enough. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been tracked since the 1980s and measures over 1.55 million square kilometres - more than twice the size of Texas. In 2016, it was predicted it would take until 2050 for plastic in the oceans to outweigh sea life. Now it seems we might get there this decade. Its possible to imagine that nations could adhere to their own measurements under a UN convention while shoving the plastic waste problem offshore and into the oceans. With this in mind, Aguilar notes a regional process has been underway through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This led to the Bangkok Declaration, issued in 2019.

But Aguilar says that agreement is not looking at reduction, not looking at the source. So it was kind of problematic; more cure than prevention. That source has a name. Or more precisely, it has around a hundred names, those of the corporations largely responsible for manufacturing single-use plastic. According to Australian NGO the Minderoo Foundation, around 60 per cent of the total investment in these companies comes from just 20 major banks, such as Barclays, HSBC and Bank of America. The organisation reported in 2021 that 20 asset managers  led by US companies Vanguard Group, BlackRock and Capital Group  hold over $US300 billion worth of shares in the parent companies of single-use plastic polymer producers. Of this, $US10 billion is directly linked to single-use polymer production.

As noted by Minderoo, Pennsylvania-based Vanguard Group is a significant investor in this sector. The asset manager invests in a number of the top 10 plastics manufacturers in the world. In an email statement, a spokesperson for Vanguard said: Regardless of industry, we expect companies to take into account government policies, commitments and regulation in their strategies and plans, particularly where the policy  results in a material exposure. A 2021 company report notes the investor met with 734 companies across 29 industries as part of its stewardship program. The categories of engagement are based on governance and material risk. There is no mention of plastic in the report even though four of the top 10 plastics producers (including both US-based companies in that group, ExxonMobil and Dow) were met. Given most of these companies are transnational conglomerates, and given the asset managers listed categories of engagement, it seems unlikely that the issue of plastic pollution entered any of these formal meetings. On this evidence, as international and regional organisations seem to be getting more and more ambitious in curtailing plastic pollution in oceans and elsewhere, the corporate sector looks to be lagging.








Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense has won contracts worth more than $400 million with industry partners, including contracts to replace Javelin anti-tank missiles to help Ukraine repel Russia.

The Tucson-based Javelin Joint Venture, comprised of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded two Army contracts worth a total of $309 million to produce Javelin missiles and launchers.

And Raytheon and partner Kongsberg Defence of Norway were awarded a two-year, $102.7 million contract option to produce Naval Strike Missile systems for the Navys Over-the-Horizon Weapon System, a long-range anti-ship missile system.

Replenishing Javelins

The Army recently awarded the Javelin Joint Venture separate contract options of $238 million and $71 million for Javelin systems, with estimated completion dates in 2025.

The Pentagon is looking to increase Javelin production since the U.S. has sent more than 5,500 Javelins and its allies including the United Kingdom have sent thousands more to Ukraine, which has reportedly used them along with other weapons to destroy hundreds of Russian tanks and vehicles.

Raytheon leads the Javelin joint venture in Tucson and provides system engineering and management support and production of the command launch unit, missile guidance and system software.

Lockheed provides missile engineering and production support and assembles the missile rounds in Alabama.

The Javelin  which costs about $215,000 per copy  can be fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher or from military vehicles. The system uses heat-seeking infrared guidance and automatically locks onto targets up to about 2 miles away to deliver a 19-pound, armor-penetrating warhead.

First fielded in 1996, the Javelin has been incrementally upgraded and is in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as about 20 allied nations, with extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Naval Strike Missile

The Naval Strike Missile contract is a follow-on to a production contract awarded to Raytheon and partner Kongsberg in 2018 worth up to $850 million.

Originally developed by Kongsberg, the missile has been in service with the navies of Norway and Poland since 2012 and is planned as a long-range weapon system for the Navys Littoral Combat Ships and future guided-missile frigates.

The Naval Strike Missile is undergoing operational testing and is deployed aboard the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), while a ground-launched version is being tested by the Marine Corps.

With a range of more than 100 miles, the $2 million Naval Strike Missile can elude enemy radar and defense systems by performing evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitudes, Raytheon says. The missile uses a combination of guidance systems including GPS and imaging infrared homing and carries a 276-pound high explosive warhead.

Raytheon co-produces the Naval Strike Missile with Kongsberg, with missile component production in Tucson and launcher manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.










SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The number of speed camera fines has doubled in four years, raking in more than $200 million last year, as road safety experts call for a cut in inner-city speed limits.

Data from Revenue NSW shows more than a million speed camera fines totalling $201 million were issued in 2020-21  double the 479,489 speed camera fines worth $105 million in 2016-17.

Motorists on Moore Park Road in Paddington. Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit. Credit:Rhett Wyman

And the figure will be even larger this financial year, as more than a million speed camera fines worth $198 million have already been issued in the nine months to March 2022.

Labors roads spokesman John Graham said there had been a significant increase in fines for low-range speeding offences up to 10 km/h over the limit.
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference that year was plunged into turmoil over attempts to define museums as democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. The lengthy statement was rejected by several countries as a fuzzy collection of political correctness and trendy posturing, The Art Newspaper reported. Some expressed alarm at the omission of words such as education or even collection, which they consider essential to a museums mission. Chan calls the definition ambitious and aspirational, which was difficult for some institutions in some countries to find a way to aspire to be, and still have secure funding. Seb Chan, president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, says choosing what to collect, preserve and display is necessarily political. Credit:Chris Hopkins Former chief executive of Museums Victoria Patrick Greene says the disagreements arose out of a feeling that ICOMs existing definition did not adequately describe what a museum is in the 21st century.

The result was an aspirational statement rather than a precise description of a museum, he says: It no longer describes the many characteristics that would commonly be found in museums, but instead it embraces elements that we might wish to be found in museums. Greene, who now heads EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, says he supported efforts to encourage museums to embrace human rights, but that would be better achieved by an aspirational statement that would accompany the definition. Museums often find themselves tangled in some of the thorniest issues of the day - most obviously in Ukraine, where museums have been attacked and cultural heritage stolen or destroyed during Russias invasion. Museums in Europe and North America face pressure to decolonise, including returning human remains and stolen objects, yet also risk a conservative backlash. The dependence of cultural institutions on corporate sponsorship and wealthy donors has also been a divisive topic. Museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune. Linda Young, Deakin Univesity

Despite the ideological rift, ICOM has spent the last couple of years working on a new definition that will be presented to museum directors at this years conference in Prague. Linda Young, an honorary fellow at Deakin Universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says each definition is pretty anodyne and doubts whether museum heads will come to an agreement in Prague. In the end, museums are not much of a panacea for injustice because ultimately (or at the beginning) they are creatures of their paymasters: who pays the piper calls the tune, Young says. The heads of Australias cultural institutions opted for wording that describes a museum as a permanent, not-for-profit institution that collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits, and communicates in an inclusive, diversified and participatory way. There are no standout differences between the definitions, just matters of emphasis and breadth, says Mathew Trinca, chairman of ICOM Australia.

Dr Mathew Trinca, director of the National Museum of Australia, says it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But he says: I think it is useful to have a workable and broadly accepted definition of museums and their role. Brian Oldman, chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, says the broad purpose of museums is to engage, share, educate and raise awareness for collections through research, engagement and display. Whichever way the ICOM debate decides, this will not change the way museums across Australia and New Zealand will go about their work, or the role that museums play in the community, he says. The culture wars have moved onto new battlegrounds - the ABC, universities, statues - since then prime minister John Howard expressed concern about the black armband view of history - a phrase coined in 1993 by historian Geoffrey Blainey.

Two decades ago, the newly opened National Museum of Australia was one of the most prominent battlegrounds of the culture wars, criticised for displays about the stolen generations, frontier wars and European settlement. The Canberra-based museum was attacked for developing a false image of the past and being influenced by Marxist rubbish. Hostilities have since eased between the federal government and the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition about Australias oldest spy agency. Most of us have had plenty on our plates in recent years and we have been dealing with those issues of how best to serve our audiences at a time of great challenge during COVID-19, and given the fact that resources are always tight, says Trinca, who also heads the NMA. The dinosaur exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Credit:Eddie Jim

Yet the ongoing stoushes over the building of the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta and redevelopment of the AWM in Canberra show decisions on how to depict history, let alone pay for staff and buildings, are deeply political. Sydney is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar museum-building boom, with the construction of the Art Gallery of NSWs new Sydney Modern wing and redevelopment of the Powerhouses Ultimo site. The City of Sydney last week pledged $300,000 towards Sydneys first queer museum on Oxford Street, while the NSW government plans to turn Parramattas convict-era Female Factory into a history museum. Sydney Living Museums is also preparing a multimillion-dollar business case to turn the old Registrar-Generals Building on Macquarie Street into a museum. Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah dismisses the haggling over definitions as a waste of time compared to the dramatic changes she says museums must undergo to be more vital and more useful in the world.

The Powerhouse Museum director Lisa Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums. Credit:Brook Mitchell Loading The whole idea of a museum industry body arguing over what the definition of a museum is illustrates the overall lack of relevance and connection it has to the tsunami of cultural change that is happening within institutions across the world, she says. With a new building under construction in Parramatta and a $500 million redevelopment of its Ultimo headquarters, it is hard to think of a museum undergoing more dramatic, and controversial, change than the Powerhouse Museum. Havilahs vision includes upending the old hierarchies and structures that constrain museums.

The future museum will be an ever-changing reflection of the many communities it serves, not tied to precedent or definition, a place that connects us in new ways with each other and the world, more useful and present in our lives, she says. Loading Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell is equally ambitious about the cultural institutions she governs, including the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum and Scienceworks Museum. Crosswell says the collections inspire visitors to engage in lifes deep mysteries and big questions. Museums can lead by example and connect with the real issues faced by individuals in everyday life, she says. This is especially pertinent within the Australian context and representation of First Peoples and their stories.

Museums can provoke new ways of thinking to foster a sense of inclusion, wellbeing and shared identity. With its poo machine, wall of porcelain vulvas and music and art festivals, Australias most provocative cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, has dazzled visitors like few other Australian museums. On the one hand, MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says he believes museums are, or should aspire to be, above politics. MONAs director of curatorial affairs Jarrod Rawlins says museums reflect the magic and wonder of our world, and that beauty is lost when seeking agreement. Credit:Andrew Bain But he adds: I believe museums should commit to social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and all other characteristics that make you a good citizen, regardless of your political viewpoint or goals.
We had a nice little nap after our lunch at Ippudo. Also, we had dinner reservations in the 7th and of course the Missus would want to walk there and back, so we'd be putting in a few miles on this day....I wanted to get in a bit of rest.

I knew that our walk to Arnaud Nicolas was going to be about 3 miles each way and we had reservations for right when they opened at 7pm. So we headed out at around 530 to give us some time to window shop, dawdle, and make stops to check things out.

Sunset was after 9pm in Paris, so it still looked like a bright and sunny Saturday. Look how busy it was along the Seine.

We actually took a longer route because the Missus wanted to see how things were coming along at Notre Dame.

Things were much more calm in the 7th......

We got to Arnaud Nicolas right at opening time. Arnaud Nicolas had sort of become a tradition for us since we first ate here at the end of 2017. We made it a point to try and revisit whenever we could. We had reservations for our last night in Paris back at the end of 2019, but due to getting stranded by the transit strike we never made it. So we were looking forward to this meal. Once seated we noticed a couple of things.....the staff, though still friendly were not quite up to snuff....our Server was so nice, but really couldn't tell us about the wine or even the dishes...I'm guessing Covid staff shortages and such. The place also filled up quite quickly, which is not the norm in Paris where folks eat a bit later.....after a few moments it became quite clear, all the customers were either Ex-pats or tourists.

Listening in to what folks ordered was interesting as no one ordered any charcuterie; which to us is what Arnaud Nicolas winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) at the young age of 24 was known for. And soon, again probably due to Covid staffing, the three staff were pretty much in the weeds.

As for us......this is what we got...

The Asperges Vertes - green asparagus dish was fine.

The asparagus, in season during our visit was sweet and tender, the egg yolk added a creamy-richness, though the popcorn seemed a weird addition; perhaps it was added for texture, but it really didn't seem to belong in this dish.

Of course the Foie Gras Mi-Cuit was delicious.

Perfectly textured, with a wonderful balance of offal-sweet tones, it's one of my favorites versions.

Sadly, another favorite of mine, the Pate en Croute of pork and foie gras really fell short. In the past, it was the crisp, light pastry that really made this a favorite of mine. This time it was really hard and chewy....it was even difficult to cut! It was also very cold, which detracted from the flavors as well.

The Fromage de Tete - head cheese also wasn't quite the same as before as it lacked the complex combination of flavors from the different porky pig head parts.....it was strangely on the bland side. We were happy to have the nice and punchy Sauce Gribiche on hand.

The Missus had always enjoyed the Rum Baba here and I was relieved that She still liked it.

While I had a Calvados as my digestif.

Overall, we were a bit disappointed with this meal....perhaps we had expected too much...perhaps Covid had really affected supplies.....we did give the place a pass on the service because of it.

Perhaps next time we'll just order takeout from the deli and have a foie gras picnic.

Arnaud Nicolas

46 Avenue de la Bourdonnais

75007 Paris, France

After dinner, the Missus wanted to see one of Her favorite views of the Eiffel Tower, so we headed across the Seine to the area around Trocadero.

Where She snapped a ton of photos.

I noticed how peaceful things looked along the Seine so we went down the stairs and walked along the river; where we came across something wonderful.

A group of folks had gathered both on the sidewalk above and along the river.

There was a sign was set-up, candles, photographers, a violinist! Music was playing! All with a view of the Eiffel Tower!

A nervous looking gentleman in a suit paced back and forth......it looks like a marriage proposal was going to happen.

As time passed more people gathered...all here to watch the spectacle. All strangers sharing in a special moment.

We figured that the proposal was to go down when the when the lights of the Eiffel Tower were sparkling!

How romantic!

That time came and went.....it seems the bride to be was a bit late.

Regardless, a few minutes later, a young lady appeared on the walkway and covered her mouth in surprise as she saw the sign.......we all cheered at her arrival. The Missus has an actual video of this, but it was kind of on the dark side, so I didn't include it.

The music played, the crowd cheered, and I'm fairly certain she said "yes".

We were thrilled to have seen this.......

The Missus and I kept smiling during our walk back to the apartment.

Romance is indeed alive in the "City of Lights". Wouldn't you agree?



SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
"NEET-PG 2022 concluded smoothly at all centres. A total of 2,06,301 candidates were scheduled to appear and 1,82,318 appeared," an official source told ANI.

A total of 1,77,415 candidates registered and around 93 per cent appeared last year in NEET-PG 2021.

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has successfully conducted the NEET-PG 2022. The exam was held from 9 am to 12:30 pm as a computer-based test (CBT) mode.

More than 1,800 independent faculty appointed by NBEMS appraised the conduct of examination at the test centre, sources added.

As per the sources, "Around 18,000 invigilators of TCS attended the examination. Central observers of NBEMS also visited the centres in real time to oversee the conduct of the examination."

However, there were challenges to the testing centre in Silchar due to heavy rains for which the centre with local administration and appraisers arranged a temporary bridge overnight and a bus for candidates to reach the centre.

A command centre was set up at the NBEMS office where NBEMS and TCS technical teams coordinated the entire examination.

"We all from NBEMS are indebted to your support in the successful completion of this mammoth exercise," top health ministry sources remarked. (ANI)
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Two years ago, the pandemic made what was clear even more obvious.

Indiana doesn't direct enough resources toward public health.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, having acknowledged that the demands COVID placed on health resources highlighted the need for more spending in this area, announced the formation of a 15-person public health commission. Its mission was to spend the next year finding ways to improve the overall health of Indiana residents.

More: Editorial: A treatment plan for Indiana's ailing public health spending?

Holcomb's executive order in August 2021 established the Governors Public Health Commission. The commission launched a series of listening sessions around the state to gather input about Indianas public health system, and has been meeting monthly to learn more about the challenges confronting public health professionals in Indiana.

The listening sessions have concluded, and on Thursday, the commission began the process of preparing its final report for the governor by the end of the summer, in time for 2023 budget discussions.

The focus of last week's meeting was the role of emergency preparedness, without which "communities would be at risk of greater consequences when disaster does strike, and our health as a state would suffer, let alone long-term economic stability and resiliency," noted commission co-chair Dr. Judy Monroe, a former Indiana state health officer, who serves as CEO and president of the foundation supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the state's COVID response is clearly factoring into the commission's work, the panels scope is intended to go far beyond this crisis.

That's fitting, given that long before the pandemic struck, Indiana consistently ranked near the bottom in spending on public health and preparedness to handle a public health emergency. The need for this commission is obvious here in Indiana, with its lower life expectancies and higher health care costs.

Story continues

At a listening session last month, Grant County Health Officer Dr. William David Moore noted that the state is 40th out of 50 states in terms of public health funding. "And its reflected in the health of our community."

Among the issues addressed by speakers were drug and staffing crises, communication and funding. Multiple people who spoke up during public comment asked the commission to make sure the state doesnt lose touch with local health departments.

Moore said he's "hopeful" that Indiana is taking a thorough look at public health: "The issues that theyre raising are right on point, and they give us an opportunity to do that."

But he said that while the discussion is a good start, he wants to see action.

He's right. As encouraging as the governor's words acknowledging the problem are, as welcome as the creation of a public health commission is, it will mean little without a commitment to acting, to putting state money and a comprehensive plan behind the words.

In his 2018 State of the State address, Holcomb noted, We all know, a healthy Indiana depends first and foremost on the health of our people.

It's long past time to get to work on the cure for an ailing public health system.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eric Holcomb's order established the Governors Public Health Commission.
Two years ago, the pandemic made what was clear even more obvious.

Indiana doesn't direct enough resources toward public health.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, having acknowledged that the demands COVID placed on health resources highlighted the need for more spending in this area, announced the formation of a 15-person public health commission. Its mission was to spend the next year finding ways to improve the overall health of Indiana residents.

More: Editorial: A treatment plan for Indiana's ailing public health spending?

Holcomb's executive order in August 2021 established the Governors Public Health Commission. The commission launched a series of listening sessions around the state to gather input about Indianas public health system, and has been meeting monthly to learn more about the challenges confronting public health professionals in Indiana.

The listening sessions have concluded, and on Thursday, the commission began the process of preparing its final report for the governor by the end of the summer, in time for 2023 budget discussions.

The focus of last week's meeting was the role of emergency preparedness, without which "communities would be at risk of greater consequences when disaster does strike, and our health as a state would suffer, let alone long-term economic stability and resiliency," noted commission co-chair Dr. Judy Monroe, a former Indiana state health officer, who serves as CEO and president of the foundation supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the state's COVID response is clearly factoring into the commission's work, the panels scope is intended to go far beyond this crisis.

That's fitting, given that long before the pandemic struck, Indiana consistently ranked near the bottom in spending on public health and preparedness to handle a public health emergency. The need for this commission is obvious here in Indiana, with its lower life expectancies and higher health care costs.

Story continues

At a listening session last month, Grant County Health Officer Dr. William David Moore noted that the state is 40th out of 50 states in terms of public health funding. "And its reflected in the health of our community."

Among the issues addressed by speakers were drug and staffing crises, communication and funding. Multiple people who spoke up during public comment asked the commission to make sure the state doesnt lose touch with local health departments.

Moore said he's "hopeful" that Indiana is taking a thorough look at public health: "The issues that theyre raising are right on point, and they give us an opportunity to do that."

But he said that while the discussion is a good start, he wants to see action.

He's right. As encouraging as the governor's words acknowledging the problem are, as welcome as the creation of a public health commission is, it will mean little without a commitment to acting, to putting state money and a comprehensive plan behind the words.

In his 2018 State of the State address, Holcomb noted, We all know, a healthy Indiana depends first and foremost on the health of our people.

It's long past time to get to work on the cure for an ailing public health system.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eric Holcomb's order established the Governors Public Health Commission.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year.

The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot.

And this week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare.'

Baby mine: Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth to her infant daughter Samantha during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year

She had visualized herself clinging to the grab handle over a car door as the baby crowned  and very nearly underwent just such an ordeal in real life.

'I ended up getting a lovely and very conscientious Uber driver, which is not what you want when you're in labor,' the Shameless star recalled. 'I wanna go! Like if it's an orange, just take that as a green and go.'

When she was 'a couple minutes from the hospital' she 'was fully in contractions and didn't realize I was nine centimeters dilated at that point, so it was like real close.'

Emmy explained to Ryan, who has never had children, that she was 'basically 10 minutes away from having a baby.'

Proud parents: The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot

She and her Uber driver 'were driving towards the hospital and the light was like turning orange and I was like: "Go, go, go, go!" And he was like: "We're just gonna  we're just gonna hit the break and stop here."'

Her Uber driver proceeded out of an abundance of caution because, as he told her, he wanted her to arrive 'safely' at the hospital.

'And I was like: "I would like that too!" I would like to get there,' said Emmy, who explained that her labor 'progressed very quickly' once it began.

Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane.

Chat show set: This week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare'

Angelyne first gained attention in the '80s when her notorious billboards appeared around Los Angeles and made her famous for being famous.

She jealously guarded the secret of her real identity until The Hollywood Reporter writer Gary Baum lifted the veil from it in 2017.

Angelyne was born Ronia Tamar Goldberg in communist Poland and immigrated to America with her parents, who survived Nazi concentration camps.

The Hollywood Reporter is one of the production companies behind the miniseries, which was created by Lars And The Real Girl screenwriter Nancy Oliver.

In character: Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane

Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt.'

She remarked: 'I don't think they want me to see it, and beyond that I don't want to see it,' but said she had given the makers notes on how she was 'visually' shown.

'But nobody's going to look like me,' she declared. 'There's only one Marilyn, there's only one Elvis, there's only one Michael Jackson, and there's only one Angelyne. People can try to emulate but really there's only one.'

The real deal: Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt'

During a new interview with Inside Edition she dished that she 'had a little glimpse' of the series 'and I refused to watch it' as 'it doesn't do me justice.'

Angelyne has also disputed the Hollywood Reporter's characterization of her personal history, declaring: 'No, I was born Angelyne.'

She denounced the show again to TMZ, saying no one was fit to play her besides herself and that she consequently is making her own film on 'the real Angelyne.'
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
I was sitting at a cafe in the late afternoon when I heard a newsflash that Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh had been shot dead in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Jenin after an Israeli army raid.

I froze and then was overwhelmed with anger, sadness and that familiar feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach each time Palestine loses another voice it cant afford to lose. Shireen was close to my circle of friends and relatives in Jerusalem. I did not know her very well, but she still felt like family. It was a sentiment shared by Palestinians and Arabs who had never met her but who had watched her in their living rooms for decades.

I first met Shireen in 1996 when I was working at the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Ramallah, training the first generation of Palestinian television journalists. She was quiet but passionate about journalism and wanted to learn as much as possible about storytelling.

The Palestinians had access to the airwaves for the first time in decades after the Oslo Accords between the PLO and Israel were signed in 1993. The PBC was on two levels; radio, where Shireen worked on a program called Voice of Palestine, was upstairs, and television was downstairs. Voice of Palestines talkback format was already making waves as ordinary Palestinians seized the opportunity to vent their problems publicly.
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Until 2010, Australia was one of just two countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development without a national paid parental leave scheme.

But more than a decade later, that policy no longer meets the diverse needs of many families.

Fathers must be encouraged to take their paid parental leave under use it or lose it provisions. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

Under Australias public policy, primary carers were eligible for 18 weeks of leave while dads and partners could take two weeks, paid at the minimum wage, provided they were on unpaid leave.

These two provisions were combined in the last federal budget, allowing families to choose how they split and share the leave, a win for single parents.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (A...

Sadique Abubakar, retired chief of air staff, has joined the governorship race in Bauchi on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abubakar served as chief of air staff from 2015 to January 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him and other service chiefs.

The president later appointed him as Nigerias ambassador to Chad. He has resigned that appointment.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, the former ambassador said he inaugurated his campaign office on Thursday and gave vehicles to party leaders in the state.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign. pic.twitter.com/9gqSSe4oNm  Air Marshal Abubakar (@CAS_AMSadique) May 21, 2022





Abubakar said if elected governor, he would bring Bauchi back on track to recovery and sustainable development.

On Thursday, I commissioned my #Bauchi2023 Governorship campaign office and distributed branded vehicles to the State party office, LGA party office, and LGA advisory committee in furtherance of my campaign, he tweeted.

Today our state is bedeviled by high unemployment, poor health, and a large number of out-of-school children. Our focus is to ensure that Bauchi is back on track to recovery and sustainable development. On the issue of out-of-school children, we will revive and bring back to life our comatose public education.

On the issue of maternity death, we will provide facilities and expertise that will help, and by the grace of God, curb the menace of maternal death due to lack of healthcare access.

And on the path of agriculture we will devise new ways to secure the people and support them in realizing higher yields beyond the normal subsistence level to an industrial level.

We thank the State Party Chairman and his excos, dignitaries, and the great people of Bauchi for honoring our invitation to this event. We want to use this opportunity to call on our delegates to put this partys interest and elect a candidate that has the will, determination and support of the people to win the election come 2023.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost...





Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun and presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will boost the agricultural potential of Jigawa state if he is elected president.

Amosun said this on Friday at a meeting with Jigawa APC delegates in Dutse, the state capital.

Jigawa is known for its high concentration of date palm farms.

Speaking on his plans for the state, Amosun said the date palm industry in the state will receive a boost, adding that farmers would learn new methods and skills to enable them improve on production.

If elected, we will make Jigawa one of the food baskets of Nigeria. We will do this by making sure that we feed Nigerians with quality date palm and provoke its exportation to West Africa, NAN quoted him as saying.

So, on May 29 and 30, I need your support, Jigawa delegates. I will count on your support, and even if you dont see on those days, remember what we discussed.

In his remarks, Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa governor, described Amosun as a brilliant man who made Ogun what it is today while he was governor.

Amosun had, on May 5, declared his intention to contest the presidency.

Speaking on his ambition, he had said it was in response to calls to to contribute towards developing Nigeria.

This is to honour the historic call and duty to honour the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to renergise our faith in the future of country even in the face of threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists. A duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised about our shared faith, he had said.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
The Catholic diocese of Gboko, Benue state, has suspended Hyacinth Alia, one of its priests, for joining the 2023 governorship race. A...





The Catholic diocese of Gboko, Benue state, has suspended Hyacinth Alia, one of its priests, for joining the 2023 governorship race.

Alia had, in April 2022, declared his intention to contest the 2023 governorship election in Benue state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He had also submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms earlier in May.

Speaking at a media briefing on May 11, Alia had said his mission was to ensure that government continues to priorotise the needs of residents.

Benue is broken enough and its time to fix it. I joined partisan politics to salvage the state from collapse, he had said at the roll-out of his seven-point agenda for the state.

But in a letter dated May 20, 2022, and addressed to priests and members of the congregation, William Avenya, bishop of the Catholic diocese of Gboko, said the canon law of the Catholic church forbids its clerics from being involved in partisan politics.

Avenya said Alia has been barred from public ministry until he ceases from contumacy, adding that the priest had been admonished severally before the action was taken.

I write to communicate to you the suspension of my priest, Revd. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, from public ministry after series of admonitions to him Ex can. 1371, 2 CIC, the statement reads.

The Mother Church does not allow her clerics to get involved in partisan politics on their own Ex Can. 285, 3 CIC.

You are aware that my son, your brother and your priest, has purchased the party forms to contest for the Office of the Governor of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is totally against our vocation.

Therefore, to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church in the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, I have suspended him from the exercise of sacred ministry.

This canonical suspension takes effect from the moment it is communicated to him and lasts until he ceases from contumacy.
The Catholic diocese of Gboko, Benue state, has suspended Hyacinth Alia, one of its priests, for joining the 2023 governorship race. A...





The Catholic diocese of Gboko, Benue state, has suspended Hyacinth Alia, one of its priests, for joining the 2023 governorship race.

Alia had, in April 2022, declared his intention to contest the 2023 governorship election in Benue state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He had also submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms earlier in May.

Speaking at a media briefing on May 11, Alia had said his mission was to ensure that government continues to priorotise the needs of residents.

Benue is broken enough and its time to fix it. I joined partisan politics to salvage the state from collapse, he had said at the roll-out of his seven-point agenda for the state.

But in a letter dated May 20, 2022, and addressed to priests and members of the congregation, William Avenya, bishop of the Catholic diocese of Gboko, said the canon law of the Catholic church forbids its clerics from being involved in partisan politics.

Avenya said Alia has been barred from public ministry until he ceases from contumacy, adding that the priest had been admonished severally before the action was taken.

I write to communicate to you the suspension of my priest, Revd. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, from public ministry after series of admonitions to him Ex can. 1371, 2 CIC, the statement reads.

The Mother Church does not allow her clerics to get involved in partisan politics on their own Ex Can. 285, 3 CIC.

You are aware that my son, your brother and your priest, has purchased the party forms to contest for the Office of the Governor of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is totally against our vocation.

Therefore, to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church in the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, I have suspended him from the exercise of sacred ministry.

This canonical suspension takes effect from the moment it is communicated to him and lasts until he ceases from contumacy.
The Catholic diocese of Gboko, Benue state, has suspended Hyacinth Alia, one of its priests, for joining the 2023 governorship race. A...





The Catholic diocese of Gboko, Benue state, has suspended Hyacinth Alia, one of its priests, for joining the 2023 governorship race.

Alia had, in April 2022, declared his intention to contest the 2023 governorship election in Benue state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He had also submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms earlier in May.

Speaking at a media briefing on May 11, Alia had said his mission was to ensure that government continues to priorotise the needs of residents.

Benue is broken enough and its time to fix it. I joined partisan politics to salvage the state from collapse, he had said at the roll-out of his seven-point agenda for the state.

But in a letter dated May 20, 2022, and addressed to priests and members of the congregation, William Avenya, bishop of the Catholic diocese of Gboko, said the canon law of the Catholic church forbids its clerics from being involved in partisan politics.

Avenya said Alia has been barred from public ministry until he ceases from contumacy, adding that the priest had been admonished severally before the action was taken.

I write to communicate to you the suspension of my priest, Revd. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, from public ministry after series of admonitions to him Ex can. 1371, 2 CIC, the statement reads.

The Mother Church does not allow her clerics to get involved in partisan politics on their own Ex Can. 285, 3 CIC.

You are aware that my son, your brother and your priest, has purchased the party forms to contest for the Office of the Governor of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is totally against our vocation.

Therefore, to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church in the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, I have suspended him from the exercise of sacred ministry.

This canonical suspension takes effect from the moment it is communicated to him and lasts until he ceases from contumacy.




Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.









A significant part of the problem, she says, is precisely those little single-use plastic fish and food packets, and the death of the refill system: When I was a child, I would go to a store and I would bring my bottle and [buy] maybe five or 10 [Philippine] pesos of [cooking] oil. That was the traditional way in most cultures in the region. That all changed when sachets and single-use plastic were introduced. A fish-shaped soy sauce container from Port Phillip Bay. Credit:Darren James But thats not even the worst of it. A global system

The world produces around 1.8 billion tonnes of garbage every year. According to one report, if all this was put on dump trucks the line would circle the planet 24 times. Approximately one-tenth of this refuse enters the global waste trade. This essentially translates to rich countries sending their waste to less economically advanced countries, like those in South-east Asia. Around 12 per cent of municipal waste generated in the US is plastic, equating to 32.4 million tonnes in 2018. Countries such as the USA, Canada and South Korea are among the leaders in waste exporting. In 2018, the US transported an average of 429 large shipping containers of plastic waste alone every day. Since China banned imports of waste from 2017, much of this garbage now ends up in Africa and Asia. Since these countries are often ill-equipped to deal with the influx - in South-east Asia, 75 per cent of it is not recycled - that means a lot of it ends up in waterways or oceans, either via direct dumping or simply being washed there by rains. Loading

Greenpeace reported a 171 per cent increase to almost 2.25 million tonnes annually in plastic waste imported by South-east Asian countries between 2016-2018. To this heaving swell of plastic waste, add a tsunami of plastic generated by COVID-19 measures around the world since early 2020. In the early stages of the outbreak, one NGO reported there were already 1.5 billion mainly plastic-based surgical masks in the worlds oceans. By 2021, an additional 140 million used test kits, 144,000 syringes and packaging from 8 billion vaccine doses were generated as governments sought to stem the virus. Pandemic measures have also put many Asian waste businesses into lockdown, ensuring that even as the plastic continues flowing in, facilities are not operating and workers are stuck at home. Invariably the waste gets dumped, often illegally through murky waste trafficking channels. A new deal? At the entrance to the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, in February, was an extraordinarily powerful sculpture by Canadian artist Benjamin von Wong: a tap, suspended in the sky, spews a stream of plastic trash onto the forecourt grass.

Artwork by Benjamin von Wong Turn off the plastic tap artwork outside the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. Credit:Stuff (NZ) Maybe it had some effect, because the meeting rounded off with a major resolution to stop all plastic pollution by 2024. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), said in a statement the agreement between 175 member nations is the most important environmental deal since the Paris climate accord. Susan Gardner, director of UNEPs ecosystems division, says: Countries have said We want to do something about plastics and this is urgent. Were so serious about this we believe whats needed is something legally binding. Gardner referenced the Minamata Convention on mercury, which took some five years to launch in 2017. In this case, member states are so determined ... that they want to do it in about half the time. That ambition, in terms of substance as well as the pace, is unprecedented.

Big money lagging But even a solid UN agreement may not be enough. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been tracked since the 1980s and measures over 1.55 million square kilometres - more than twice the size of Texas. In 2016, it was predicted it would take until 2050 for plastic in the oceans to outweigh sea life. Now it seems we might get there this decade. Its possible to imagine that nations could adhere to their own measurements under a UN convention while shoving the plastic waste problem offshore and into the oceans. With this in mind, Aguilar notes a regional process has been underway through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This led to the Bangkok Declaration, issued in 2019.

But Aguilar says that agreement is not looking at reduction, not looking at the source. So it was kind of problematic; more cure than prevention. That source has a name. Or more precisely, it has around a hundred names, those of the corporations largely responsible for manufacturing single-use plastic. According to Australian NGO the Minderoo Foundation, around 60 per cent of the total investment in these companies comes from just 20 major banks, such as Barclays, HSBC and Bank of America. The organisation reported in 2021 that 20 asset managers  led by US companies Vanguard Group, BlackRock and Capital Group  hold over $US300 billion worth of shares in the parent companies of single-use plastic polymer producers. Of this, $US10 billion is directly linked to single-use polymer production.

As noted by Minderoo, Pennsylvania-based Vanguard Group is a significant investor in this sector. The asset manager invests in a number of the top 10 plastics manufacturers in the world. In an email statement, a spokesperson for Vanguard said: Regardless of industry, we expect companies to take into account government policies, commitments and regulation in their strategies and plans, particularly where the policy  results in a material exposure. A 2021 company report notes the investor met with 734 companies across 29 industries as part of its stewardship program. The categories of engagement are based on governance and material risk. There is no mention of plastic in the report even though four of the top 10 plastics producers (including both US-based companies in that group, ExxonMobil and Dow) were met. Given most of these companies are transnational conglomerates, and given the asset managers listed categories of engagement, it seems unlikely that the issue of plastic pollution entered any of these formal meetings. On this evidence, as international and regional organisations seem to be getting more and more ambitious in curtailing plastic pollution in oceans and elsewhere, the corporate sector looks to be lagging.
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
Two years ago, the pandemic made what was clear even more obvious.

Indiana doesn't direct enough resources toward public health.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, having acknowledged that the demands COVID placed on health resources highlighted the need for more spending in this area, announced the formation of a 15-person public health commission. Its mission was to spend the next year finding ways to improve the overall health of Indiana residents.

More: Editorial: A treatment plan for Indiana's ailing public health spending?

Holcomb's executive order in August 2021 established the Governors Public Health Commission. The commission launched a series of listening sessions around the state to gather input about Indianas public health system, and has been meeting monthly to learn more about the challenges confronting public health professionals in Indiana.

The listening sessions have concluded, and on Thursday, the commission began the process of preparing its final report for the governor by the end of the summer, in time for 2023 budget discussions.

The focus of last week's meeting was the role of emergency preparedness, without which "communities would be at risk of greater consequences when disaster does strike, and our health as a state would suffer, let alone long-term economic stability and resiliency," noted commission co-chair Dr. Judy Monroe, a former Indiana state health officer, who serves as CEO and president of the foundation supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the state's COVID response is clearly factoring into the commission's work, the panels scope is intended to go far beyond this crisis.

That's fitting, given that long before the pandemic struck, Indiana consistently ranked near the bottom in spending on public health and preparedness to handle a public health emergency. The need for this commission is obvious here in Indiana, with its lower life expectancies and higher health care costs.

Story continues

At a listening session last month, Grant County Health Officer Dr. William David Moore noted that the state is 40th out of 50 states in terms of public health funding. "And its reflected in the health of our community."

Among the issues addressed by speakers were drug and staffing crises, communication and funding. Multiple people who spoke up during public comment asked the commission to make sure the state doesnt lose touch with local health departments.

Moore said he's "hopeful" that Indiana is taking a thorough look at public health: "The issues that theyre raising are right on point, and they give us an opportunity to do that."

But he said that while the discussion is a good start, he wants to see action.

He's right. As encouraging as the governor's words acknowledging the problem are, as welcome as the creation of a public health commission is, it will mean little without a commitment to acting, to putting state money and a comprehensive plan behind the words.

In his 2018 State of the State address, Holcomb noted, We all know, a healthy Indiana depends first and foremost on the health of our people.

It's long past time to get to work on the cure for an ailing public health system.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eric Holcomb's order established the Governors Public Health Commission.
Two years ago, the pandemic made what was clear even more obvious.

Indiana doesn't direct enough resources toward public health.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, having acknowledged that the demands COVID placed on health resources highlighted the need for more spending in this area, announced the formation of a 15-person public health commission. Its mission was to spend the next year finding ways to improve the overall health of Indiana residents.

More: Editorial: A treatment plan for Indiana's ailing public health spending?

Holcomb's executive order in August 2021 established the Governors Public Health Commission. The commission launched a series of listening sessions around the state to gather input about Indianas public health system, and has been meeting monthly to learn more about the challenges confronting public health professionals in Indiana.

The listening sessions have concluded, and on Thursday, the commission began the process of preparing its final report for the governor by the end of the summer, in time for 2023 budget discussions.

The focus of last week's meeting was the role of emergency preparedness, without which "communities would be at risk of greater consequences when disaster does strike, and our health as a state would suffer, let alone long-term economic stability and resiliency," noted commission co-chair Dr. Judy Monroe, a former Indiana state health officer, who serves as CEO and president of the foundation supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the state's COVID response is clearly factoring into the commission's work, the panels scope is intended to go far beyond this crisis.

That's fitting, given that long before the pandemic struck, Indiana consistently ranked near the bottom in spending on public health and preparedness to handle a public health emergency. The need for this commission is obvious here in Indiana, with its lower life expectancies and higher health care costs.

Story continues

At a listening session last month, Grant County Health Officer Dr. William David Moore noted that the state is 40th out of 50 states in terms of public health funding. "And its reflected in the health of our community."

Among the issues addressed by speakers were drug and staffing crises, communication and funding. Multiple people who spoke up during public comment asked the commission to make sure the state doesnt lose touch with local health departments.

Moore said he's "hopeful" that Indiana is taking a thorough look at public health: "The issues that theyre raising are right on point, and they give us an opportunity to do that."

But he said that while the discussion is a good start, he wants to see action.

He's right. As encouraging as the governor's words acknowledging the problem are, as welcome as the creation of a public health commission is, it will mean little without a commitment to acting, to putting state money and a comprehensive plan behind the words.

In his 2018 State of the State address, Holcomb noted, We all know, a healthy Indiana depends first and foremost on the health of our people.

It's long past time to get to work on the cure for an ailing public health system.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eric Holcomb's order established the Governors Public Health Commission.



For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.

In the company of loved ones  its how Sheri Farmer, if given a choice, always celebrates the most important moments in life.

Her birthday last week was no exception. The longtime Tulsan, who turned 77, spent the day of May 17 surrounded by family, enjoying meals out and other fun with her husband, daughters and grandchildren.

But if Farmer family gatherings are always full of joy and laughter, they also serve as a sobering reminder. And again, the recent birthday outing was no exception.

We thought of who wasnt there with us, Sheri said.

A lot of things have changed, she added, in the 45 years since her first child, Lori, was murdered.

But awareness of her absence is not one of them. Its always there, every time the family comes together.

This June 13 will mark the 45th anniversary of the 1977 killings of Tulsa-area Girls Scouts Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, who were found slain after their first night of summer camp at Camp Scott in Mayes County.

The haunting, unsolved case is the subject of an original four-episode ABC News docuseries that premieres this week on Hulu.

Its titled Keeper of the Ashes: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, with all episodes scheduled to release Tuesday.

Despite a history of turning down such requests, Sheri, a longtime victims rights advocate, and her husband, Dr. Bo Farmer, agreed to participate in the series and share their story.

The Tulsa World also participated in the series, which was inspired in part by a 2017 World project.

University of Oklahoma visiting journalism professor Mike Boettcher, an award-winning war correspondent, is a producer on the series.

Compelling evidence

Ahead of the premiere, the Farmers, who among the surviving families have taken the lead in keeping the case alive, sat down with the World last week to talk about its status.

Since the 40th anniversary of the crimes in 2017, DNA and other developments have moved the case forward for the first time in years.

Finally, the Farmers say, they feel like they can know for certain what happened the night their daughter was slain.

Made public three weeks ago, the most recent DNA testing in the case, while officially inconclusive, strongly suggests the involvement of longtime main suspect Gene Leroy Hart, who was acquitted at trial of the crimes.

The testing yielded partial DNA profiles that matched the late Hart while eliminating several other potential suspects.

Officials said that, outside of Hart, every other potential suspect in the case has now been eliminated.

Bo Farmer has long been convinced that Hart, who died while in prison on unrelated charges, was responsible for the slayings.

Every bit of information weve gotten over the last 40 years has just continued to nail it down more and more, he said, adding that the DNA results just solidified his opinion.

However, while always leaning toward Harts guilt, Sheri believed for years that a second person could have been directly involved.

The recent findings are compelling and have provided more clarity on that point, she said.

It does narrow it down. And it does lead to Hart, she said, adding that like her husband, she now is satisfied that Hart not only committed the murders but was the sole direct participant.

That said, the couple and investigators remain open to the possibility that the killer mightve had help afterward.

Bo said: The evidence shows that if there was anybody else involved, it would have been in the role of an after-the-fact accomplice. Somebody who helped him get away, maybe helped him try to clean up.

Following Harts acquittal in 1979, the Farmers stood at their daughters grave and made a commitment to her to never give up seeking justice. Finding out who, if anyone, helped the killer is part of that mission, they said.

There could be a sliver of the pie that is still left on the table, Bo said.

Ive said this all along and still do: Somebody right now has some answers and could come forward, Sheri added.

The couple praised the efforts of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Mayes County Sheriffs Office, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which helped with the investigation.

Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed and Andrea Sweich, director of OSBIs criminalistic services division, are particularly deserving of credit, they said.

They have gone above and beyond on our behalf, Sheri said. We are humbled and grateful. They are not only heroes, they are friends. Theyve kept us informed of everything as its happened.

From the day it began in 1977, the case has spawned conspiracy theories, with rumors persisting that Hart was framed by authorities. It was a central contention of his defense team at trial.

However, the Farmers have never believed it.

I never met anybody in law enforcement that I thought was trying to do that, Sheri said. And weve known every sheriff, weve known prosecutors, every director of OSBI.

Telling the ugly

The Farmers, who have been selective about interviews through the years, have been approached several times in the past few months about film projects.

Interest always ramps up around anniversaries, they said.

However, while turning most down, they pondered and ultimately chose to participate in the ABC series, which they were first approached about in spring 2021.

Were getting older, for one thing, Bo said. And the reality is, somebody is going to do a documentary whether we are involved or not. So we decided we might as well entertain doing it with whoever we think will do the best job and represent us, and where we have at least some input.

The ABC project also was appealing because it was planned as four episodes, which would allow for deeper exploration, they said.

The Farmers will see the projects results for the first time when the series premieres.

Sheri said her overall hope is that it conveys to viewers that a horrific thing happened to three children. Three separate families. And we all got through it the best way that we could.

She further hopes that, while rightly depicting the families as resilient, the series is honest about their struggles.

I told the (filmmakers) that if youre going to tell this, you have to tell the ugly, she said. And it was ugly. I went through a lot of depression and other things to try to get to the other side. People have to know that.

Bo added: Its been one day after another for whatever 365 times 45 years is. You take it day by day. And you can either cowboy up and face the next day or you can fall apart.

And we have fallen apart at times, Sheri said. No question about it.

At the 45-year mark, time has brought, if not wisdom, at least perspective, the couple said.

More and more, day by day, I realize how much I fall back on and rely on my faith, Bo said.

Sheri, too, relies on her faith, she said, and finds additional meaning through advocacy.

She was advocating for crime victims rights when the concept barely existed, and will continue to do so, she said, as long as shes able.

Most recently that included pushing for the successful passage of Marsys Law for Oklahoma, which among other things gives surviving families the right to receive timely notification of developments in their case.

However, whatever is up next for Sheri, one central fact of life is not going to change.

Lori is still not here, she said.

Im at peace, but that does not mean closure. When I sit down for my birthday with my daughters, youll see me laughing  and yet I am aware were not all there. And thats still real. Theres no closure that will change that.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year.

The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot.

And this week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare.'

Baby mine: Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth to her infant daughter Samantha during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year

She had visualized herself clinging to the grab handle over a car door as the baby crowned  and very nearly underwent just such an ordeal in real life.

'I ended up getting a lovely and very conscientious Uber driver, which is not what you want when you're in labor,' the Shameless star recalled. 'I wanna go! Like if it's an orange, just take that as a green and go.'

When she was 'a couple minutes from the hospital' she 'was fully in contractions and didn't realize I was nine centimeters dilated at that point, so it was like real close.'

Emmy explained to Ryan, who has never had children, that she was 'basically 10 minutes away from having a baby.'

Proud parents: The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot

She and her Uber driver 'were driving towards the hospital and the light was like turning orange and I was like: "Go, go, go, go!" And he was like: "We're just gonna  we're just gonna hit the break and stop here."'

Her Uber driver proceeded out of an abundance of caution because, as he told her, he wanted her to arrive 'safely' at the hospital.

'And I was like: "I would like that too!" I would like to get there,' said Emmy, who explained that her labor 'progressed very quickly' once it began.

Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane.

Chat show set: This week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare'

Angelyne first gained attention in the '80s when her notorious billboards appeared around Los Angeles and made her famous for being famous.

She jealously guarded the secret of her real identity until The Hollywood Reporter writer Gary Baum lifted the veil from it in 2017.

Angelyne was born Ronia Tamar Goldberg in communist Poland and immigrated to America with her parents, who survived Nazi concentration camps.

The Hollywood Reporter is one of the production companies behind the miniseries, which was created by Lars And The Real Girl screenwriter Nancy Oliver.

In character: Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane

Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt.'

She remarked: 'I don't think they want me to see it, and beyond that I don't want to see it,' but said she had given the makers notes on how she was 'visually' shown.

'But nobody's going to look like me,' she declared. 'There's only one Marilyn, there's only one Elvis, there's only one Michael Jackson, and there's only one Angelyne. People can try to emulate but really there's only one.'

The real deal: Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt'

During a new interview with Inside Edition she dished that she 'had a little glimpse' of the series 'and I refused to watch it' as 'it doesn't do me justice.'

Angelyne has also disputed the Hollywood Reporter's characterization of her personal history, declaring: 'No, I was born Angelyne.'

She denounced the show again to TMZ, saying no one was fit to play her besides herself and that she consequently is making her own film on 'the real Angelyne.'
Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year.

The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot.

And this week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare.'

Baby mine: Emmy Rossum revealed that she nearly gave birth to her infant daughter Samantha during her Uber drive to the hospital in May of last year

She had visualized herself clinging to the grab handle over a car door as the baby crowned  and very nearly underwent just such an ordeal in real life.

'I ended up getting a lovely and very conscientious Uber driver, which is not what you want when you're in labor,' the Shameless star recalled. 'I wanna go! Like if it's an orange, just take that as a green and go.'

When she was 'a couple minutes from the hospital' she 'was fully in contractions and didn't realize I was nine centimeters dilated at that point, so it was like real close.'

Emmy explained to Ryan, who has never had children, that she was 'basically 10 minutes away from having a baby.'

Proud parents: The 35-year-old actress shares her 11-month-old daughter Samantha with her husband Sam Esmail, who created Mr. Robot

She and her Uber driver 'were driving towards the hospital and the light was like turning orange and I was like: "Go, go, go, go!" And he was like: "We're just gonna  we're just gonna hit the break and stop here."'

Her Uber driver proceeded out of an abundance of caution because, as he told her, he wanted her to arrive 'safely' at the hospital.

'And I was like: "I would like that too!" I would like to get there,' said Emmy, who explained that her labor 'progressed very quickly' once it began.

Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane.

Chat show set: This week during an appearance on Live! With Kelly And Ryan she shared that the way her labor unfolded almost caused her to live out 'my worst nightmare'

Angelyne first gained attention in the '80s when her notorious billboards appeared around Los Angeles and made her famous for being famous.

She jealously guarded the secret of her real identity until The Hollywood Reporter writer Gary Baum lifted the veil from it in 2017.

Angelyne was born Ronia Tamar Goldberg in communist Poland and immigrated to America with her parents, who survived Nazi concentration camps.

The Hollywood Reporter is one of the production companies behind the miniseries, which was created by Lars And The Real Girl screenwriter Nancy Oliver.

In character: Emmy is doing the talk-show circuit to plug her Peacock miniseries about the 1980s kitsch icon Angelyne, she of the pink Cadillac and towering blonde mane

Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt.'

She remarked: 'I don't think they want me to see it, and beyond that I don't want to see it,' but said she had given the makers notes on how she was 'visually' shown.

'But nobody's going to look like me,' she declared. 'There's only one Marilyn, there's only one Elvis, there's only one Michael Jackson, and there's only one Angelyne. People can try to emulate but really there's only one.'

The real deal: Angelyne herself denounced Emmy's show to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt'

During a new interview with Inside Edition she dished that she 'had a little glimpse' of the series 'and I refused to watch it' as 'it doesn't do me justice.'

Angelyne has also disputed the Hollywood Reporter's characterization of her personal history, declaring: 'No, I was born Angelyne.'

She denounced the show again to TMZ, saying no one was fit to play her besides herself and that she consequently is making her own film on 'the real Angelyne.'
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.




The Sacrament of Penance (or Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession) is one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic Church doctrine states that the Sacrament of Penance was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples in order to bring about spiritual healing for the wounded soul. While we sometimes think of penance as a directed or voluntary act to demonstrate ones true repentance (with practical, spiritual or devotional works), that is only one part within the larger context of this Roman Catholic sacrament.

A Roman Catholic definition of the Sacrament of Penance includes the following statement from Edward J. Hanna of Catholic Answers:

Penance is a supernatural moral virtue whereby the sinner is disposed to hatred of his sin as an offense against God and to a firm purpose of amendment and satisfaction. The principal act in the exercise of this virtue is the detestation of sin, not of sin in general nor of that which others commit, but of ones own sin.

The Bible speaks plenty about repentance. But the question here is not about repenting, but how that is accomplished. While Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance includes the passages that speak to the need for turning from sin and turning to Christ, the singular issue at hand is the nature of the Church. Thus, the singular biblical reference supporting the Sacrament of Penance is this statement of Jesus:

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld (John 20:22-23).

Thus, penance is both a regulating means of discipleship and a judicial act of the Church to guard against unbelief. There are significant differences between the Roman Catholic understanding of penance and the Protestant understanding of confession of sin and assurance of pardon.

The Practice of Penance

The Sacrament of Penance begins with confession. The confession should ordinarily be made to a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. Such a confession must be followed by contrition or a genuine demonstrated sorrow for ones sin. Defenders of the Roman Magisterium will maintain that the priestly word of forgiveness is intended to reflect Gods forgiveness to the individual through the merits of Jesus Christ. Wherever one comes down on the matter, the priest plays an indispensable part in what happens next. The penitential step that follows requires the priest to judge whether an act of penance (a visible sign) would be helpful to seal contrition (an invisible reality).

When the priest believes that such a visible sign will improve the invisible necessity, then the priest would direct the penitent to perform an act designed to prove repentance. The act of penance could include devotional practices such as Ave Maria (Hail Mary), or an act of charity, e.g., giving time to assist the needy. The goal of such acts of penance is to encourage practical reconciliation with God (and others, and self). Positional reconciliation with God is accomplished through repentance and a transfer of trust to Jesus Christ. But differences remain.

While the praxis of penance involves those particulars, the concept of penance requires an understanding of the Roman Catholic view of sin. Actual sins that are perpetrated by an individual are a result of another category of sin: original sin. Original sin is the spiritual state of the unregenerate humanity inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Original sin is part of the fallen condition of human beings and extends throughout even the cosmos. The doctrine of original sin and actual sin is identical in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It is at this point that the Roman Catholic Church differentiates the sins into those that are venial, and those that are mortal.

Venial sins, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, are those violations of Gods moral law that break fellowship with God, as well as us and others. Mortal sins are those most heinous sins against God and his church that effectually demonstrate an unconverted soul. As to whether one loses salvation at the point of the mortal sin, as some suggest, or whether the mortal sin is a de facto sign of unbelief, remains a debate within the Roman Catholic Church. That being said, mortal sins require the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Essentially, as a Protestant might think of it, if a mortal sin demonstrates that one is truly an unbeliever, not nearly falling down but falling away, and the Sacrament of Penance would be the equivalent of praying an evangelical prayer of salvation. It is comparable to walking the aisle to dedicate or rededicate ones self to Christ, or going to a pastor for confession and counseling.

While entire doctoral dissertations have been written on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we will have to limit our discussion to this brief overview. I do think it would be helpful to look at each part of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation and provide a Protestant or Reformed response. For those Roman Catholic readers (and Anglo-Catholic, Old Catholic), we make the distinction as a matter of clarification; seeking to model fairness in noting honest doctrinal differences, but also underscoring our common commitments and similarities.

Lets look at the stone that blocks the pathway of unity between Roman Catholic Christians and Protestant believers.





Photo credit: Getty Images/palidachan

Continuity and Discontinuity of Penance in Churches

For Christians in the Protestant and Reformed faith  it is to be recalled that the word reformed is a historical description to designate spiritual and doctrinal reform within the one Holy Catholic Church, not apart from it  penance has had somewhat of an ambiguous past.

Continuity: Some Protestants Practice a Formal Penance

Several large Christian communities within the global Protestant Christian faith continue to practice penance in some form, though not calling the act a sacrament. The Reformed faith recognizes two sacraments: baptism and the Lords Supper. For example, the Anglican Communions has parishes (of the St. Augustine Prayer Book) which continue to practice a form of penance and reconciliation. The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) published a renewed Book of Common Prayer in 2019. A penitential service for forgiveness of sins appears within a section on healing. This most recent edition of the Prayer Book provides an explanation for penance in relation to healing:

Because physical, emotional, and spiritual healing are often interrelated, it is particularly appropriate to encourage confession, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the context of ministry to the sick. The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. They teach that private Absolution should be retained in the churches, (Augsburg Confession, XI.1), because Jesus commissioned His disciples to forgive sins: If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld (John 20:23). We do not coerce individuals to go to their pastor for Confession and Absolution, nor do we require complete enumeration of all sins. However, we do encourage people to go to their pastor for private absolution, because it is the very voice of the Gospel and shows consciences sure and firm comfort (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XI 2).

Discontinuity: No Protestant Church Recognizes Human Priestly Mediation between God and Man

A significant practical and doctrinal distinctive is the priestly or human intercessory actions of the Roman Catholic Church. Any hint of adding representatives to the one Mediator stands in sharp contrast to the more relational activity of the Anglican priest or Reformed pastor in a Protestant or Reformed church. In Protestantism, Christian clergy are not recognized as possessing special authority or power inherent in their office, but rather a spiritual direction arising from the churches recognition of the pastors vocation and, most essentially, the pastors relationship with the parishioner.

So, in summary, the principle of going to a member of the Christian clergy to confess ones sin is not heterodox for a Protestant believer. Indeed, some communities encourage the practice. The difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants over Penance turns on the essential nature of the priesthood and works of supererogation (human works or contributions that supposedly add merit to the believers account before God). Article XIV of the Book of Common Prayer (2019) states that supererogation cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

The classification of sins is also an example of continuity and discontinuity between Reformed and Roman Catholic churches.

The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church clearly defines classes of sins. However, the confessional documents of Protestantismthe 39 Articles of Religion, the Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Confession, as well as Lutheran and other continental documents of confession  do not necessarily distinguish between sins by calling them either venial or mortal. Nevertheless, the Church recognizes that there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16). When one examines the violation of Gods law, one immediately understands that the severity of one violation of Gods law may have a greater consequence than another.

For instants, a failure to observe the Sabbath day will bring about a judicial response within ones own body. An entire nation can suffer from ignoring Gods first and seventh commandments. Usually, the judgment that one incurs upon oneself for such sin takes time. Indeed, the judgment may even be unseen. However, the taking of another human life through premeditated murder is a grievous violation of Gods law which will bring swift and immediate judgment. While one may speak accurately of all sins being equally intolerable and heinous before the throne of God, the Lord does, in fact, speak of some sins as abominations.

So, the Bible does inarguably classify the severity of and the potential disruption to self and society of certain sins. Again, we recognize that there are differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in speaking of sin, but the entire Christian church acknowledges that original sin is the poison spring from which emanates and flows all sorts of spiritual calamity. Likewise, the worldwide Christian church recognizes that some sins carry greater destructive force than others (e.g., murder, sexual sin).

Continuity: The Need for Reconciliation with God and Others Is as Important to Protestants as it Is to Roman Catholics

While priestly intercession and sacerdotal doctrine are absent in Protestant and Evangelical church life, the expression of reconciliation is a strong current in evangelical theology. All true Christian churches advocate that humankind is separated from Almighty God and must be reconciled to Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that what God has required, God has provided. God has required atonement for sin through the mediator of a New Covenant, his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When one turns to God and confesses his sin, with necessary contrition, the Bible teaches us that ones sin is positionally imputed to the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. God requires a holy life and has provided that life through Jesus. The removal of one and the imputation of another is the heart of the Gospel. When one believes in Christ, there is a great transfer: Christ receives our sin and we receive His life.

Discontinuity: The Act of Penance Itself

When a priest directs a parishioner to perform an act of penance to demonstrate his or her faithfulness to God, there may be an element of quid pro quo involved. That may be less of a doctrinal distinctive than a practical and unavoidable consequence. Discipline in Reformed churches is always restorative, not punitive. Thus, while a Reformed minister might develop a plan for penance to help the sinner find new life and return to the life of the Church, that minister would never order an act of penance apart from faith. Protestant confessions of faith uniformly understand that the Bible teaches that the power of clergy (clerks of the Church, i.e., ministers, pastors, presbyters, priests in Anglicanism) is spiritual only. Thus, any plan of penance would be an act of spiritual guidance. Usually, this guidance includes devotional acts such as reading the Bible or prayer. Such acts might also include forgiving another by writing a letter. All of the Christian church agrees that Jesus Christ taught that there should be fruit to our lives. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16.) Once more, we see that the differences often arise in practices, rituals, and traditions, rather than in substance.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So to summarize there is continuity and discontinuity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches regarding reconciliation and penance. The Word of God is clear: humankind is born with original sin. From that sin nature flows actual sin. We need a savior. The Bible teaches us that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the man Christ Jesus. We also should confess our sins to one another. Pastors have been instituted by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry. So, the minister is undoubtedly engaged in supporting the peace and purity of the Church. However, the ministers authority is in the Word of God. When the evangelical minister encourages an act of faith in keeping with a changed life, and with practically demonstrating that Jesus Christ is ones Lord, such guidance is spiritual direction aimed at restoration, growth, and discipleship, never punishment.

Some of us can understand why Martin Luther was hesitant to remove confession and penance. In fact, he did not remove it. Luther and many of the Reformers continued reconciliation and penance, not as a sacrament, but as a way to express our commitment to the confession of sins and walking in faith with changed lives. Go and sin more and show fruits of righteousness remains as valid today as when our precious Savior spoke the words. And on that point, we all can agree.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Photoboyko

MICHAEL A. MILTON (Ph.D., University of Wales; MPA, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MDIV, Knox Theological Seminary; Cert. in Higher Education Teaching, Harvard University) serves as the Provost and James Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism at Erskine College and Seminary. A Presbyterian minister (PCA, ARP), Milton has penned more than thirty books, hundreds of articles in journals, magazines, opinion columns, and newspapers. As president of the D. James Kennedy Institute and Faith for Living, Milton has served as a public theologian. His work has been cited on numerous national media outlets as he provides historic Christian insights into faith and life in a changing world. Dr. Milton's record of ministry includes seminary chancellor, president of three seminaries, senior minister of one of America's historic churches, founder of three congregations, and a Christian academy. A composer and artist, Mike and Mae Milton reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Learn more at michaelmilton.org/about. [from a press release by McCain& Associates.]
The Sacrament of Penance (or Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession) is one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic Church doctrine states that the Sacrament of Penance was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples in order to bring about spiritual healing for the wounded soul. While we sometimes think of penance as a directed or voluntary act to demonstrate ones true repentance (with practical, spiritual or devotional works), that is only one part within the larger context of this Roman Catholic sacrament.

A Roman Catholic definition of the Sacrament of Penance includes the following statement from Edward J. Hanna of Catholic Answers:

Penance is a supernatural moral virtue whereby the sinner is disposed to hatred of his sin as an offense against God and to a firm purpose of amendment and satisfaction. The principal act in the exercise of this virtue is the detestation of sin, not of sin in general nor of that which others commit, but of ones own sin.

The Bible speaks plenty about repentance. But the question here is not about repenting, but how that is accomplished. While Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance includes the passages that speak to the need for turning from sin and turning to Christ, the singular issue at hand is the nature of the Church. Thus, the singular biblical reference supporting the Sacrament of Penance is this statement of Jesus:

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld (John 20:22-23).

Thus, penance is both a regulating means of discipleship and a judicial act of the Church to guard against unbelief. There are significant differences between the Roman Catholic understanding of penance and the Protestant understanding of confession of sin and assurance of pardon.

The Practice of Penance

The Sacrament of Penance begins with confession. The confession should ordinarily be made to a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. Such a confession must be followed by contrition or a genuine demonstrated sorrow for ones sin. Defenders of the Roman Magisterium will maintain that the priestly word of forgiveness is intended to reflect Gods forgiveness to the individual through the merits of Jesus Christ. Wherever one comes down on the matter, the priest plays an indispensable part in what happens next. The penitential step that follows requires the priest to judge whether an act of penance (a visible sign) would be helpful to seal contrition (an invisible reality).

When the priest believes that such a visible sign will improve the invisible necessity, then the priest would direct the penitent to perform an act designed to prove repentance. The act of penance could include devotional practices such as Ave Maria (Hail Mary), or an act of charity, e.g., giving time to assist the needy. The goal of such acts of penance is to encourage practical reconciliation with God (and others, and self). Positional reconciliation with God is accomplished through repentance and a transfer of trust to Jesus Christ. But differences remain.

While the praxis of penance involves those particulars, the concept of penance requires an understanding of the Roman Catholic view of sin. Actual sins that are perpetrated by an individual are a result of another category of sin: original sin. Original sin is the spiritual state of the unregenerate humanity inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Original sin is part of the fallen condition of human beings and extends throughout even the cosmos. The doctrine of original sin and actual sin is identical in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It is at this point that the Roman Catholic Church differentiates the sins into those that are venial, and those that are mortal.

Venial sins, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, are those violations of Gods moral law that break fellowship with God, as well as us and others. Mortal sins are those most heinous sins against God and his church that effectually demonstrate an unconverted soul. As to whether one loses salvation at the point of the mortal sin, as some suggest, or whether the mortal sin is a de facto sign of unbelief, remains a debate within the Roman Catholic Church. That being said, mortal sins require the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Essentially, as a Protestant might think of it, if a mortal sin demonstrates that one is truly an unbeliever, not nearly falling down but falling away, and the Sacrament of Penance would be the equivalent of praying an evangelical prayer of salvation. It is comparable to walking the aisle to dedicate or rededicate ones self to Christ, or going to a pastor for confession and counseling.

While entire doctoral dissertations have been written on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we will have to limit our discussion to this brief overview. I do think it would be helpful to look at each part of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation and provide a Protestant or Reformed response. For those Roman Catholic readers (and Anglo-Catholic, Old Catholic), we make the distinction as a matter of clarification; seeking to model fairness in noting honest doctrinal differences, but also underscoring our common commitments and similarities.

Lets look at the stone that blocks the pathway of unity between Roman Catholic Christians and Protestant believers.





Photo credit: Getty Images/palidachan

Continuity and Discontinuity of Penance in Churches

For Christians in the Protestant and Reformed faith  it is to be recalled that the word reformed is a historical description to designate spiritual and doctrinal reform within the one Holy Catholic Church, not apart from it  penance has had somewhat of an ambiguous past.

Continuity: Some Protestants Practice a Formal Penance

Several large Christian communities within the global Protestant Christian faith continue to practice penance in some form, though not calling the act a sacrament. The Reformed faith recognizes two sacraments: baptism and the Lords Supper. For example, the Anglican Communions has parishes (of the St. Augustine Prayer Book) which continue to practice a form of penance and reconciliation. The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) published a renewed Book of Common Prayer in 2019. A penitential service for forgiveness of sins appears within a section on healing. This most recent edition of the Prayer Book provides an explanation for penance in relation to healing:

Because physical, emotional, and spiritual healing are often interrelated, it is particularly appropriate to encourage confession, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the context of ministry to the sick. The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. They teach that private Absolution should be retained in the churches, (Augsburg Confession, XI.1), because Jesus commissioned His disciples to forgive sins: If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld (John 20:23). We do not coerce individuals to go to their pastor for Confession and Absolution, nor do we require complete enumeration of all sins. However, we do encourage people to go to their pastor for private absolution, because it is the very voice of the Gospel and shows consciences sure and firm comfort (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XI 2).

Discontinuity: No Protestant Church Recognizes Human Priestly Mediation between God and Man

A significant practical and doctrinal distinctive is the priestly or human intercessory actions of the Roman Catholic Church. Any hint of adding representatives to the one Mediator stands in sharp contrast to the more relational activity of the Anglican priest or Reformed pastor in a Protestant or Reformed church. In Protestantism, Christian clergy are not recognized as possessing special authority or power inherent in their office, but rather a spiritual direction arising from the churches recognition of the pastors vocation and, most essentially, the pastors relationship with the parishioner.

So, in summary, the principle of going to a member of the Christian clergy to confess ones sin is not heterodox for a Protestant believer. Indeed, some communities encourage the practice. The difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants over Penance turns on the essential nature of the priesthood and works of supererogation (human works or contributions that supposedly add merit to the believers account before God). Article XIV of the Book of Common Prayer (2019) states that supererogation cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

The classification of sins is also an example of continuity and discontinuity between Reformed and Roman Catholic churches.

The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church clearly defines classes of sins. However, the confessional documents of Protestantismthe 39 Articles of Religion, the Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Confession, as well as Lutheran and other continental documents of confession  do not necessarily distinguish between sins by calling them either venial or mortal. Nevertheless, the Church recognizes that there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16). When one examines the violation of Gods law, one immediately understands that the severity of one violation of Gods law may have a greater consequence than another.

For instants, a failure to observe the Sabbath day will bring about a judicial response within ones own body. An entire nation can suffer from ignoring Gods first and seventh commandments. Usually, the judgment that one incurs upon oneself for such sin takes time. Indeed, the judgment may even be unseen. However, the taking of another human life through premeditated murder is a grievous violation of Gods law which will bring swift and immediate judgment. While one may speak accurately of all sins being equally intolerable and heinous before the throne of God, the Lord does, in fact, speak of some sins as abominations.

So, the Bible does inarguably classify the severity of and the potential disruption to self and society of certain sins. Again, we recognize that there are differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in speaking of sin, but the entire Christian church acknowledges that original sin is the poison spring from which emanates and flows all sorts of spiritual calamity. Likewise, the worldwide Christian church recognizes that some sins carry greater destructive force than others (e.g., murder, sexual sin).

Continuity: The Need for Reconciliation with God and Others Is as Important to Protestants as it Is to Roman Catholics

While priestly intercession and sacerdotal doctrine are absent in Protestant and Evangelical church life, the expression of reconciliation is a strong current in evangelical theology. All true Christian churches advocate that humankind is separated from Almighty God and must be reconciled to Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that what God has required, God has provided. God has required atonement for sin through the mediator of a New Covenant, his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When one turns to God and confesses his sin, with necessary contrition, the Bible teaches us that ones sin is positionally imputed to the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. God requires a holy life and has provided that life through Jesus. The removal of one and the imputation of another is the heart of the Gospel. When one believes in Christ, there is a great transfer: Christ receives our sin and we receive His life.

Discontinuity: The Act of Penance Itself

When a priest directs a parishioner to perform an act of penance to demonstrate his or her faithfulness to God, there may be an element of quid pro quo involved. That may be less of a doctrinal distinctive than a practical and unavoidable consequence. Discipline in Reformed churches is always restorative, not punitive. Thus, while a Reformed minister might develop a plan for penance to help the sinner find new life and return to the life of the Church, that minister would never order an act of penance apart from faith. Protestant confessions of faith uniformly understand that the Bible teaches that the power of clergy (clerks of the Church, i.e., ministers, pastors, presbyters, priests in Anglicanism) is spiritual only. Thus, any plan of penance would be an act of spiritual guidance. Usually, this guidance includes devotional acts such as reading the Bible or prayer. Such acts might also include forgiving another by writing a letter. All of the Christian church agrees that Jesus Christ taught that there should be fruit to our lives. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16.) Once more, we see that the differences often arise in practices, rituals, and traditions, rather than in substance.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So to summarize there is continuity and discontinuity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches regarding reconciliation and penance. The Word of God is clear: humankind is born with original sin. From that sin nature flows actual sin. We need a savior. The Bible teaches us that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the man Christ Jesus. We also should confess our sins to one another. Pastors have been instituted by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry. So, the minister is undoubtedly engaged in supporting the peace and purity of the Church. However, the ministers authority is in the Word of God. When the evangelical minister encourages an act of faith in keeping with a changed life, and with practically demonstrating that Jesus Christ is ones Lord, such guidance is spiritual direction aimed at restoration, growth, and discipleship, never punishment.

Some of us can understand why Martin Luther was hesitant to remove confession and penance. In fact, he did not remove it. Luther and many of the Reformers continued reconciliation and penance, not as a sacrament, but as a way to express our commitment to the confession of sins and walking in faith with changed lives. Go and sin more and show fruits of righteousness remains as valid today as when our precious Savior spoke the words. And on that point, we all can agree.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Photoboyko

MICHAEL A. MILTON (Ph.D., University of Wales; MPA, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MDIV, Knox Theological Seminary; Cert. in Higher Education Teaching, Harvard University) serves as the Provost and James Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism at Erskine College and Seminary. A Presbyterian minister (PCA, ARP), Milton has penned more than thirty books, hundreds of articles in journals, magazines, opinion columns, and newspapers. As president of the D. James Kennedy Institute and Faith for Living, Milton has served as a public theologian. His work has been cited on numerous national media outlets as he provides historic Christian insights into faith and life in a changing world. Dr. Milton's record of ministry includes seminary chancellor, president of three seminaries, senior minister of one of America's historic churches, founder of three congregations, and a Christian academy. A composer and artist, Mike and Mae Milton reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Learn more at michaelmilton.org/about. [from a press release by McCain& Associates.]
The Sacrament of Penance (or Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession) is one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic Church doctrine states that the Sacrament of Penance was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples in order to bring about spiritual healing for the wounded soul. While we sometimes think of penance as a directed or voluntary act to demonstrate ones true repentance (with practical, spiritual or devotional works), that is only one part within the larger context of this Roman Catholic sacrament.

A Roman Catholic definition of the Sacrament of Penance includes the following statement from Edward J. Hanna of Catholic Answers:

Penance is a supernatural moral virtue whereby the sinner is disposed to hatred of his sin as an offense against God and to a firm purpose of amendment and satisfaction. The principal act in the exercise of this virtue is the detestation of sin, not of sin in general nor of that which others commit, but of ones own sin.

The Bible speaks plenty about repentance. But the question here is not about repenting, but how that is accomplished. While Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance includes the passages that speak to the need for turning from sin and turning to Christ, the singular issue at hand is the nature of the Church. Thus, the singular biblical reference supporting the Sacrament of Penance is this statement of Jesus:

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld (John 20:22-23).

Thus, penance is both a regulating means of discipleship and a judicial act of the Church to guard against unbelief. There are significant differences between the Roman Catholic understanding of penance and the Protestant understanding of confession of sin and assurance of pardon.

The Practice of Penance

The Sacrament of Penance begins with confession. The confession should ordinarily be made to a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. Such a confession must be followed by contrition or a genuine demonstrated sorrow for ones sin. Defenders of the Roman Magisterium will maintain that the priestly word of forgiveness is intended to reflect Gods forgiveness to the individual through the merits of Jesus Christ. Wherever one comes down on the matter, the priest plays an indispensable part in what happens next. The penitential step that follows requires the priest to judge whether an act of penance (a visible sign) would be helpful to seal contrition (an invisible reality).

When the priest believes that such a visible sign will improve the invisible necessity, then the priest would direct the penitent to perform an act designed to prove repentance. The act of penance could include devotional practices such as Ave Maria (Hail Mary), or an act of charity, e.g., giving time to assist the needy. The goal of such acts of penance is to encourage practical reconciliation with God (and others, and self). Positional reconciliation with God is accomplished through repentance and a transfer of trust to Jesus Christ. But differences remain.

While the praxis of penance involves those particulars, the concept of penance requires an understanding of the Roman Catholic view of sin. Actual sins that are perpetrated by an individual are a result of another category of sin: original sin. Original sin is the spiritual state of the unregenerate humanity inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Original sin is part of the fallen condition of human beings and extends throughout even the cosmos. The doctrine of original sin and actual sin is identical in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It is at this point that the Roman Catholic Church differentiates the sins into those that are venial, and those that are mortal.

Venial sins, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, are those violations of Gods moral law that break fellowship with God, as well as us and others. Mortal sins are those most heinous sins against God and his church that effectually demonstrate an unconverted soul. As to whether one loses salvation at the point of the mortal sin, as some suggest, or whether the mortal sin is a de facto sign of unbelief, remains a debate within the Roman Catholic Church. That being said, mortal sins require the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Essentially, as a Protestant might think of it, if a mortal sin demonstrates that one is truly an unbeliever, not nearly falling down but falling away, and the Sacrament of Penance would be the equivalent of praying an evangelical prayer of salvation. It is comparable to walking the aisle to dedicate or rededicate ones self to Christ, or going to a pastor for confession and counseling.

While entire doctoral dissertations have been written on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we will have to limit our discussion to this brief overview. I do think it would be helpful to look at each part of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation and provide a Protestant or Reformed response. For those Roman Catholic readers (and Anglo-Catholic, Old Catholic), we make the distinction as a matter of clarification; seeking to model fairness in noting honest doctrinal differences, but also underscoring our common commitments and similarities.

Lets look at the stone that blocks the pathway of unity between Roman Catholic Christians and Protestant believers.





Photo credit: Getty Images/palidachan

Continuity and Discontinuity of Penance in Churches

For Christians in the Protestant and Reformed faith  it is to be recalled that the word reformed is a historical description to designate spiritual and doctrinal reform within the one Holy Catholic Church, not apart from it  penance has had somewhat of an ambiguous past.

Continuity: Some Protestants Practice a Formal Penance

Several large Christian communities within the global Protestant Christian faith continue to practice penance in some form, though not calling the act a sacrament. The Reformed faith recognizes two sacraments: baptism and the Lords Supper. For example, the Anglican Communions has parishes (of the St. Augustine Prayer Book) which continue to practice a form of penance and reconciliation. The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) published a renewed Book of Common Prayer in 2019. A penitential service for forgiveness of sins appears within a section on healing. This most recent edition of the Prayer Book provides an explanation for penance in relation to healing:

Because physical, emotional, and spiritual healing are often interrelated, it is particularly appropriate to encourage confession, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the context of ministry to the sick. The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. They teach that private Absolution should be retained in the churches, (Augsburg Confession, XI.1), because Jesus commissioned His disciples to forgive sins: If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld (John 20:23). We do not coerce individuals to go to their pastor for Confession and Absolution, nor do we require complete enumeration of all sins. However, we do encourage people to go to their pastor for private absolution, because it is the very voice of the Gospel and shows consciences sure and firm comfort (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XI 2).

Discontinuity: No Protestant Church Recognizes Human Priestly Mediation between God and Man

A significant practical and doctrinal distinctive is the priestly or human intercessory actions of the Roman Catholic Church. Any hint of adding representatives to the one Mediator stands in sharp contrast to the more relational activity of the Anglican priest or Reformed pastor in a Protestant or Reformed church. In Protestantism, Christian clergy are not recognized as possessing special authority or power inherent in their office, but rather a spiritual direction arising from the churches recognition of the pastors vocation and, most essentially, the pastors relationship with the parishioner.

So, in summary, the principle of going to a member of the Christian clergy to confess ones sin is not heterodox for a Protestant believer. Indeed, some communities encourage the practice. The difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants over Penance turns on the essential nature of the priesthood and works of supererogation (human works or contributions that supposedly add merit to the believers account before God). Article XIV of the Book of Common Prayer (2019) states that supererogation cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

The classification of sins is also an example of continuity and discontinuity between Reformed and Roman Catholic churches.

The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church clearly defines classes of sins. However, the confessional documents of Protestantismthe 39 Articles of Religion, the Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Confession, as well as Lutheran and other continental documents of confession  do not necessarily distinguish between sins by calling them either venial or mortal. Nevertheless, the Church recognizes that there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16). When one examines the violation of Gods law, one immediately understands that the severity of one violation of Gods law may have a greater consequence than another.

For instants, a failure to observe the Sabbath day will bring about a judicial response within ones own body. An entire nation can suffer from ignoring Gods first and seventh commandments. Usually, the judgment that one incurs upon oneself for such sin takes time. Indeed, the judgment may even be unseen. However, the taking of another human life through premeditated murder is a grievous violation of Gods law which will bring swift and immediate judgment. While one may speak accurately of all sins being equally intolerable and heinous before the throne of God, the Lord does, in fact, speak of some sins as abominations.

So, the Bible does inarguably classify the severity of and the potential disruption to self and society of certain sins. Again, we recognize that there are differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in speaking of sin, but the entire Christian church acknowledges that original sin is the poison spring from which emanates and flows all sorts of spiritual calamity. Likewise, the worldwide Christian church recognizes that some sins carry greater destructive force than others (e.g., murder, sexual sin).

Continuity: The Need for Reconciliation with God and Others Is as Important to Protestants as it Is to Roman Catholics

While priestly intercession and sacerdotal doctrine are absent in Protestant and Evangelical church life, the expression of reconciliation is a strong current in evangelical theology. All true Christian churches advocate that humankind is separated from Almighty God and must be reconciled to Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that what God has required, God has provided. God has required atonement for sin through the mediator of a New Covenant, his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When one turns to God and confesses his sin, with necessary contrition, the Bible teaches us that ones sin is positionally imputed to the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. God requires a holy life and has provided that life through Jesus. The removal of one and the imputation of another is the heart of the Gospel. When one believes in Christ, there is a great transfer: Christ receives our sin and we receive His life.

Discontinuity: The Act of Penance Itself

When a priest directs a parishioner to perform an act of penance to demonstrate his or her faithfulness to God, there may be an element of quid pro quo involved. That may be less of a doctrinal distinctive than a practical and unavoidable consequence. Discipline in Reformed churches is always restorative, not punitive. Thus, while a Reformed minister might develop a plan for penance to help the sinner find new life and return to the life of the Church, that minister would never order an act of penance apart from faith. Protestant confessions of faith uniformly understand that the Bible teaches that the power of clergy (clerks of the Church, i.e., ministers, pastors, presbyters, priests in Anglicanism) is spiritual only. Thus, any plan of penance would be an act of spiritual guidance. Usually, this guidance includes devotional acts such as reading the Bible or prayer. Such acts might also include forgiving another by writing a letter. All of the Christian church agrees that Jesus Christ taught that there should be fruit to our lives. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16.) Once more, we see that the differences often arise in practices, rituals, and traditions, rather than in substance.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So to summarize there is continuity and discontinuity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches regarding reconciliation and penance. The Word of God is clear: humankind is born with original sin. From that sin nature flows actual sin. We need a savior. The Bible teaches us that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the man Christ Jesus. We also should confess our sins to one another. Pastors have been instituted by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry. So, the minister is undoubtedly engaged in supporting the peace and purity of the Church. However, the ministers authority is in the Word of God. When the evangelical minister encourages an act of faith in keeping with a changed life, and with practically demonstrating that Jesus Christ is ones Lord, such guidance is spiritual direction aimed at restoration, growth, and discipleship, never punishment.

Some of us can understand why Martin Luther was hesitant to remove confession and penance. In fact, he did not remove it. Luther and many of the Reformers continued reconciliation and penance, not as a sacrament, but as a way to express our commitment to the confession of sins and walking in faith with changed lives. Go and sin more and show fruits of righteousness remains as valid today as when our precious Savior spoke the words. And on that point, we all can agree.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Photoboyko

MICHAEL A. MILTON (Ph.D., University of Wales; MPA, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MDIV, Knox Theological Seminary; Cert. in Higher Education Teaching, Harvard University) serves as the Provost and James Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism at Erskine College and Seminary. A Presbyterian minister (PCA, ARP), Milton has penned more than thirty books, hundreds of articles in journals, magazines, opinion columns, and newspapers. As president of the D. James Kennedy Institute and Faith for Living, Milton has served as a public theologian. His work has been cited on numerous national media outlets as he provides historic Christian insights into faith and life in a changing world. Dr. Milton's record of ministry includes seminary chancellor, president of three seminaries, senior minister of one of America's historic churches, founder of three congregations, and a Christian academy. A composer and artist, Mike and Mae Milton reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Learn more at michaelmilton.org/about. [from a press release by McCain& Associates.]
The Sacrament of Penance (or Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession) is one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic Church doctrine states that the Sacrament of Penance was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples in order to bring about spiritual healing for the wounded soul. While we sometimes think of penance as a directed or voluntary act to demonstrate ones true repentance (with practical, spiritual or devotional works), that is only one part within the larger context of this Roman Catholic sacrament.

A Roman Catholic definition of the Sacrament of Penance includes the following statement from Edward J. Hanna of Catholic Answers:

Penance is a supernatural moral virtue whereby the sinner is disposed to hatred of his sin as an offense against God and to a firm purpose of amendment and satisfaction. The principal act in the exercise of this virtue is the detestation of sin, not of sin in general nor of that which others commit, but of ones own sin.

The Bible speaks plenty about repentance. But the question here is not about repenting, but how that is accomplished. While Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance includes the passages that speak to the need for turning from sin and turning to Christ, the singular issue at hand is the nature of the Church. Thus, the singular biblical reference supporting the Sacrament of Penance is this statement of Jesus:

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld (John 20:22-23).

Thus, penance is both a regulating means of discipleship and a judicial act of the Church to guard against unbelief. There are significant differences between the Roman Catholic understanding of penance and the Protestant understanding of confession of sin and assurance of pardon.

The Practice of Penance

The Sacrament of Penance begins with confession. The confession should ordinarily be made to a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. Such a confession must be followed by contrition or a genuine demonstrated sorrow for ones sin. Defenders of the Roman Magisterium will maintain that the priestly word of forgiveness is intended to reflect Gods forgiveness to the individual through the merits of Jesus Christ. Wherever one comes down on the matter, the priest plays an indispensable part in what happens next. The penitential step that follows requires the priest to judge whether an act of penance (a visible sign) would be helpful to seal contrition (an invisible reality).

When the priest believes that such a visible sign will improve the invisible necessity, then the priest would direct the penitent to perform an act designed to prove repentance. The act of penance could include devotional practices such as Ave Maria (Hail Mary), or an act of charity, e.g., giving time to assist the needy. The goal of such acts of penance is to encourage practical reconciliation with God (and others, and self). Positional reconciliation with God is accomplished through repentance and a transfer of trust to Jesus Christ. But differences remain.

While the praxis of penance involves those particulars, the concept of penance requires an understanding of the Roman Catholic view of sin. Actual sins that are perpetrated by an individual are a result of another category of sin: original sin. Original sin is the spiritual state of the unregenerate humanity inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Original sin is part of the fallen condition of human beings and extends throughout even the cosmos. The doctrine of original sin and actual sin is identical in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It is at this point that the Roman Catholic Church differentiates the sins into those that are venial, and those that are mortal.

Venial sins, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, are those violations of Gods moral law that break fellowship with God, as well as us and others. Mortal sins are those most heinous sins against God and his church that effectually demonstrate an unconverted soul. As to whether one loses salvation at the point of the mortal sin, as some suggest, or whether the mortal sin is a de facto sign of unbelief, remains a debate within the Roman Catholic Church. That being said, mortal sins require the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Essentially, as a Protestant might think of it, if a mortal sin demonstrates that one is truly an unbeliever, not nearly falling down but falling away, and the Sacrament of Penance would be the equivalent of praying an evangelical prayer of salvation. It is comparable to walking the aisle to dedicate or rededicate ones self to Christ, or going to a pastor for confession and counseling.

While entire doctoral dissertations have been written on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we will have to limit our discussion to this brief overview. I do think it would be helpful to look at each part of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation and provide a Protestant or Reformed response. For those Roman Catholic readers (and Anglo-Catholic, Old Catholic), we make the distinction as a matter of clarification; seeking to model fairness in noting honest doctrinal differences, but also underscoring our common commitments and similarities.

Lets look at the stone that blocks the pathway of unity between Roman Catholic Christians and Protestant believers.





Photo credit: Getty Images/palidachan

Continuity and Discontinuity of Penance in Churches

For Christians in the Protestant and Reformed faith  it is to be recalled that the word reformed is a historical description to designate spiritual and doctrinal reform within the one Holy Catholic Church, not apart from it  penance has had somewhat of an ambiguous past.

Continuity: Some Protestants Practice a Formal Penance

Several large Christian communities within the global Protestant Christian faith continue to practice penance in some form, though not calling the act a sacrament. The Reformed faith recognizes two sacraments: baptism and the Lords Supper. For example, the Anglican Communions has parishes (of the St. Augustine Prayer Book) which continue to practice a form of penance and reconciliation. The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) published a renewed Book of Common Prayer in 2019. A penitential service for forgiveness of sins appears within a section on healing. This most recent edition of the Prayer Book provides an explanation for penance in relation to healing:

Because physical, emotional, and spiritual healing are often interrelated, it is particularly appropriate to encourage confession, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the context of ministry to the sick. The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. They teach that private Absolution should be retained in the churches, (Augsburg Confession, XI.1), because Jesus commissioned His disciples to forgive sins: If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld (John 20:23). We do not coerce individuals to go to their pastor for Confession and Absolution, nor do we require complete enumeration of all sins. However, we do encourage people to go to their pastor for private absolution, because it is the very voice of the Gospel and shows consciences sure and firm comfort (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XI 2).

Discontinuity: No Protestant Church Recognizes Human Priestly Mediation between God and Man

A significant practical and doctrinal distinctive is the priestly or human intercessory actions of the Roman Catholic Church. Any hint of adding representatives to the one Mediator stands in sharp contrast to the more relational activity of the Anglican priest or Reformed pastor in a Protestant or Reformed church. In Protestantism, Christian clergy are not recognized as possessing special authority or power inherent in their office, but rather a spiritual direction arising from the churches recognition of the pastors vocation and, most essentially, the pastors relationship with the parishioner.

So, in summary, the principle of going to a member of the Christian clergy to confess ones sin is not heterodox for a Protestant believer. Indeed, some communities encourage the practice. The difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants over Penance turns on the essential nature of the priesthood and works of supererogation (human works or contributions that supposedly add merit to the believers account before God). Article XIV of the Book of Common Prayer (2019) states that supererogation cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

The classification of sins is also an example of continuity and discontinuity between Reformed and Roman Catholic churches.

The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church clearly defines classes of sins. However, the confessional documents of Protestantismthe 39 Articles of Religion, the Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Confession, as well as Lutheran and other continental documents of confession  do not necessarily distinguish between sins by calling them either venial or mortal. Nevertheless, the Church recognizes that there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16). When one examines the violation of Gods law, one immediately understands that the severity of one violation of Gods law may have a greater consequence than another.

For instants, a failure to observe the Sabbath day will bring about a judicial response within ones own body. An entire nation can suffer from ignoring Gods first and seventh commandments. Usually, the judgment that one incurs upon oneself for such sin takes time. Indeed, the judgment may even be unseen. However, the taking of another human life through premeditated murder is a grievous violation of Gods law which will bring swift and immediate judgment. While one may speak accurately of all sins being equally intolerable and heinous before the throne of God, the Lord does, in fact, speak of some sins as abominations.

So, the Bible does inarguably classify the severity of and the potential disruption to self and society of certain sins. Again, we recognize that there are differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in speaking of sin, but the entire Christian church acknowledges that original sin is the poison spring from which emanates and flows all sorts of spiritual calamity. Likewise, the worldwide Christian church recognizes that some sins carry greater destructive force than others (e.g., murder, sexual sin).

Continuity: The Need for Reconciliation with God and Others Is as Important to Protestants as it Is to Roman Catholics

While priestly intercession and sacerdotal doctrine are absent in Protestant and Evangelical church life, the expression of reconciliation is a strong current in evangelical theology. All true Christian churches advocate that humankind is separated from Almighty God and must be reconciled to Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that what God has required, God has provided. God has required atonement for sin through the mediator of a New Covenant, his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When one turns to God and confesses his sin, with necessary contrition, the Bible teaches us that ones sin is positionally imputed to the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. God requires a holy life and has provided that life through Jesus. The removal of one and the imputation of another is the heart of the Gospel. When one believes in Christ, there is a great transfer: Christ receives our sin and we receive His life.

Discontinuity: The Act of Penance Itself

When a priest directs a parishioner to perform an act of penance to demonstrate his or her faithfulness to God, there may be an element of quid pro quo involved. That may be less of a doctrinal distinctive than a practical and unavoidable consequence. Discipline in Reformed churches is always restorative, not punitive. Thus, while a Reformed minister might develop a plan for penance to help the sinner find new life and return to the life of the Church, that minister would never order an act of penance apart from faith. Protestant confessions of faith uniformly understand that the Bible teaches that the power of clergy (clerks of the Church, i.e., ministers, pastors, presbyters, priests in Anglicanism) is spiritual only. Thus, any plan of penance would be an act of spiritual guidance. Usually, this guidance includes devotional acts such as reading the Bible or prayer. Such acts might also include forgiving another by writing a letter. All of the Christian church agrees that Jesus Christ taught that there should be fruit to our lives. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16.) Once more, we see that the differences often arise in practices, rituals, and traditions, rather than in substance.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So to summarize there is continuity and discontinuity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches regarding reconciliation and penance. The Word of God is clear: humankind is born with original sin. From that sin nature flows actual sin. We need a savior. The Bible teaches us that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the man Christ Jesus. We also should confess our sins to one another. Pastors have been instituted by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry. So, the minister is undoubtedly engaged in supporting the peace and purity of the Church. However, the ministers authority is in the Word of God. When the evangelical minister encourages an act of faith in keeping with a changed life, and with practically demonstrating that Jesus Christ is ones Lord, such guidance is spiritual direction aimed at restoration, growth, and discipleship, never punishment.

Some of us can understand why Martin Luther was hesitant to remove confession and penance. In fact, he did not remove it. Luther and many of the Reformers continued reconciliation and penance, not as a sacrament, but as a way to express our commitment to the confession of sins and walking in faith with changed lives. Go and sin more and show fruits of righteousness remains as valid today as when our precious Savior spoke the words. And on that point, we all can agree.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Photoboyko

MICHAEL A. MILTON (Ph.D., University of Wales; MPA, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MDIV, Knox Theological Seminary; Cert. in Higher Education Teaching, Harvard University) serves as the Provost and James Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism at Erskine College and Seminary. A Presbyterian minister (PCA, ARP), Milton has penned more than thirty books, hundreds of articles in journals, magazines, opinion columns, and newspapers. As president of the D. James Kennedy Institute and Faith for Living, Milton has served as a public theologian. His work has been cited on numerous national media outlets as he provides historic Christian insights into faith and life in a changing world. Dr. Milton's record of ministry includes seminary chancellor, president of three seminaries, senior minister of one of America's historic churches, founder of three congregations, and a Christian academy. A composer and artist, Mike and Mae Milton reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Learn more at michaelmilton.org/about. [from a press release by McCain& Associates.]
The Sacrament of Penance (or Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession) is one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic Church doctrine states that the Sacrament of Penance was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ through his disciples in order to bring about spiritual healing for the wounded soul. While we sometimes think of penance as a directed or voluntary act to demonstrate ones true repentance (with practical, spiritual or devotional works), that is only one part within the larger context of this Roman Catholic sacrament.

A Roman Catholic definition of the Sacrament of Penance includes the following statement from Edward J. Hanna of Catholic Answers:

Penance is a supernatural moral virtue whereby the sinner is disposed to hatred of his sin as an offense against God and to a firm purpose of amendment and satisfaction. The principal act in the exercise of this virtue is the detestation of sin, not of sin in general nor of that which others commit, but of ones own sin.

The Bible speaks plenty about repentance. But the question here is not about repenting, but how that is accomplished. While Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance includes the passages that speak to the need for turning from sin and turning to Christ, the singular issue at hand is the nature of the Church. Thus, the singular biblical reference supporting the Sacrament of Penance is this statement of Jesus:

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld (John 20:22-23).

Thus, penance is both a regulating means of discipleship and a judicial act of the Church to guard against unbelief. There are significant differences between the Roman Catholic understanding of penance and the Protestant understanding of confession of sin and assurance of pardon.

The Practice of Penance

The Sacrament of Penance begins with confession. The confession should ordinarily be made to a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. Such a confession must be followed by contrition or a genuine demonstrated sorrow for ones sin. Defenders of the Roman Magisterium will maintain that the priestly word of forgiveness is intended to reflect Gods forgiveness to the individual through the merits of Jesus Christ. Wherever one comes down on the matter, the priest plays an indispensable part in what happens next. The penitential step that follows requires the priest to judge whether an act of penance (a visible sign) would be helpful to seal contrition (an invisible reality).

When the priest believes that such a visible sign will improve the invisible necessity, then the priest would direct the penitent to perform an act designed to prove repentance. The act of penance could include devotional practices such as Ave Maria (Hail Mary), or an act of charity, e.g., giving time to assist the needy. The goal of such acts of penance is to encourage practical reconciliation with God (and others, and self). Positional reconciliation with God is accomplished through repentance and a transfer of trust to Jesus Christ. But differences remain.

While the praxis of penance involves those particulars, the concept of penance requires an understanding of the Roman Catholic view of sin. Actual sins that are perpetrated by an individual are a result of another category of sin: original sin. Original sin is the spiritual state of the unregenerate humanity inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Original sin is part of the fallen condition of human beings and extends throughout even the cosmos. The doctrine of original sin and actual sin is identical in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It is at this point that the Roman Catholic Church differentiates the sins into those that are venial, and those that are mortal.

Venial sins, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, are those violations of Gods moral law that break fellowship with God, as well as us and others. Mortal sins are those most heinous sins against God and his church that effectually demonstrate an unconverted soul. As to whether one loses salvation at the point of the mortal sin, as some suggest, or whether the mortal sin is a de facto sign of unbelief, remains a debate within the Roman Catholic Church. That being said, mortal sins require the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Essentially, as a Protestant might think of it, if a mortal sin demonstrates that one is truly an unbeliever, not nearly falling down but falling away, and the Sacrament of Penance would be the equivalent of praying an evangelical prayer of salvation. It is comparable to walking the aisle to dedicate or rededicate ones self to Christ, or going to a pastor for confession and counseling.

While entire doctoral dissertations have been written on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we will have to limit our discussion to this brief overview. I do think it would be helpful to look at each part of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation and provide a Protestant or Reformed response. For those Roman Catholic readers (and Anglo-Catholic, Old Catholic), we make the distinction as a matter of clarification; seeking to model fairness in noting honest doctrinal differences, but also underscoring our common commitments and similarities.

Lets look at the stone that blocks the pathway of unity between Roman Catholic Christians and Protestant believers.





Photo credit: Getty Images/palidachan

Continuity and Discontinuity of Penance in Churches

For Christians in the Protestant and Reformed faith  it is to be recalled that the word reformed is a historical description to designate spiritual and doctrinal reform within the one Holy Catholic Church, not apart from it  penance has had somewhat of an ambiguous past.

Continuity: Some Protestants Practice a Formal Penance

Several large Christian communities within the global Protestant Christian faith continue to practice penance in some form, though not calling the act a sacrament. The Reformed faith recognizes two sacraments: baptism and the Lords Supper. For example, the Anglican Communions has parishes (of the St. Augustine Prayer Book) which continue to practice a form of penance and reconciliation. The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) published a renewed Book of Common Prayer in 2019. A penitential service for forgiveness of sins appears within a section on healing. This most recent edition of the Prayer Book provides an explanation for penance in relation to healing:

Because physical, emotional, and spiritual healing are often interrelated, it is particularly appropriate to encourage confession, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the context of ministry to the sick. The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. They teach that private Absolution should be retained in the churches, (Augsburg Confession, XI.1), because Jesus commissioned His disciples to forgive sins: If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld (John 20:23). We do not coerce individuals to go to their pastor for Confession and Absolution, nor do we require complete enumeration of all sins. However, we do encourage people to go to their pastor for private absolution, because it is the very voice of the Gospel and shows consciences sure and firm comfort (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XI 2).

Discontinuity: No Protestant Church Recognizes Human Priestly Mediation between God and Man

A significant practical and doctrinal distinctive is the priestly or human intercessory actions of the Roman Catholic Church. Any hint of adding representatives to the one Mediator stands in sharp contrast to the more relational activity of the Anglican priest or Reformed pastor in a Protestant or Reformed church. In Protestantism, Christian clergy are not recognized as possessing special authority or power inherent in their office, but rather a spiritual direction arising from the churches recognition of the pastors vocation and, most essentially, the pastors relationship with the parishioner.

So, in summary, the principle of going to a member of the Christian clergy to confess ones sin is not heterodox for a Protestant believer. Indeed, some communities encourage the practice. The difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants over Penance turns on the essential nature of the priesthood and works of supererogation (human works or contributions that supposedly add merit to the believers account before God). Article XIV of the Book of Common Prayer (2019) states that supererogation cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

The classification of sins is also an example of continuity and discontinuity between Reformed and Roman Catholic churches.

The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church clearly defines classes of sins. However, the confessional documents of Protestantismthe 39 Articles of Religion, the Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Confession, as well as Lutheran and other continental documents of confession  do not necessarily distinguish between sins by calling them either venial or mortal. Nevertheless, the Church recognizes that there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16). When one examines the violation of Gods law, one immediately understands that the severity of one violation of Gods law may have a greater consequence than another.

For instants, a failure to observe the Sabbath day will bring about a judicial response within ones own body. An entire nation can suffer from ignoring Gods first and seventh commandments. Usually, the judgment that one incurs upon oneself for such sin takes time. Indeed, the judgment may even be unseen. However, the taking of another human life through premeditated murder is a grievous violation of Gods law which will bring swift and immediate judgment. While one may speak accurately of all sins being equally intolerable and heinous before the throne of God, the Lord does, in fact, speak of some sins as abominations.

So, the Bible does inarguably classify the severity of and the potential disruption to self and society of certain sins. Again, we recognize that there are differences between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in speaking of sin, but the entire Christian church acknowledges that original sin is the poison spring from which emanates and flows all sorts of spiritual calamity. Likewise, the worldwide Christian church recognizes that some sins carry greater destructive force than others (e.g., murder, sexual sin).

Continuity: The Need for Reconciliation with God and Others Is as Important to Protestants as it Is to Roman Catholics

While priestly intercession and sacerdotal doctrine are absent in Protestant and Evangelical church life, the expression of reconciliation is a strong current in evangelical theology. All true Christian churches advocate that humankind is separated from Almighty God and must be reconciled to Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that what God has required, God has provided. God has required atonement for sin through the mediator of a New Covenant, his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When one turns to God and confesses his sin, with necessary contrition, the Bible teaches us that ones sin is positionally imputed to the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. God requires a holy life and has provided that life through Jesus. The removal of one and the imputation of another is the heart of the Gospel. When one believes in Christ, there is a great transfer: Christ receives our sin and we receive His life.

Discontinuity: The Act of Penance Itself

When a priest directs a parishioner to perform an act of penance to demonstrate his or her faithfulness to God, there may be an element of quid pro quo involved. That may be less of a doctrinal distinctive than a practical and unavoidable consequence. Discipline in Reformed churches is always restorative, not punitive. Thus, while a Reformed minister might develop a plan for penance to help the sinner find new life and return to the life of the Church, that minister would never order an act of penance apart from faith. Protestant confessions of faith uniformly understand that the Bible teaches that the power of clergy (clerks of the Church, i.e., ministers, pastors, presbyters, priests in Anglicanism) is spiritual only. Thus, any plan of penance would be an act of spiritual guidance. Usually, this guidance includes devotional acts such as reading the Bible or prayer. Such acts might also include forgiving another by writing a letter. All of the Christian church agrees that Jesus Christ taught that there should be fruit to our lives. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16.) Once more, we see that the differences often arise in practices, rituals, and traditions, rather than in substance.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So to summarize there is continuity and discontinuity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant churches regarding reconciliation and penance. The Word of God is clear: humankind is born with original sin. From that sin nature flows actual sin. We need a savior. The Bible teaches us that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the man Christ Jesus. We also should confess our sins to one another. Pastors have been instituted by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry. So, the minister is undoubtedly engaged in supporting the peace and purity of the Church. However, the ministers authority is in the Word of God. When the evangelical minister encourages an act of faith in keeping with a changed life, and with practically demonstrating that Jesus Christ is ones Lord, such guidance is spiritual direction aimed at restoration, growth, and discipleship, never punishment.

Some of us can understand why Martin Luther was hesitant to remove confession and penance. In fact, he did not remove it. Luther and many of the Reformers continued reconciliation and penance, not as a sacrament, but as a way to express our commitment to the confession of sins and walking in faith with changed lives. Go and sin more and show fruits of righteousness remains as valid today as when our precious Savior spoke the words. And on that point, we all can agree.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Photoboyko

MICHAEL A. MILTON (Ph.D., University of Wales; MPA, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MDIV, Knox Theological Seminary; Cert. in Higher Education Teaching, Harvard University) serves as the Provost and James Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism at Erskine College and Seminary. A Presbyterian minister (PCA, ARP), Milton has penned more than thirty books, hundreds of articles in journals, magazines, opinion columns, and newspapers. As president of the D. James Kennedy Institute and Faith for Living, Milton has served as a public theologian. His work has been cited on numerous national media outlets as he provides historic Christian insights into faith and life in a changing world. Dr. Milton's record of ministry includes seminary chancellor, president of three seminaries, senior minister of one of America's historic churches, founder of three congregations, and a Christian academy. A composer and artist, Mike and Mae Milton reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Learn more at michaelmilton.org/about. [from a press release by McCain& Associates.]

Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.

For Anne Moore-Sparks, being the new president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is a dream come true.

The skill sets Ive gained in other jobs  in economic development, health care and education  play well into my role with the chamber, she said.

Moore-Sparks has been on the job since April 4 and replaced Alexis Erhardt who left the role for a job with the University of Virginia.

Born and raised in Danville, Moore-Sparks declared herself a proud product of the city school system.

She graduated from George Washington High School in 1983 and subsequently earned a bachelors degree in business administration at Averett University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Southside and the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership.

I left for Atlanta after college, but then moved back in 2001 when my mothers health was declining, she said.

Since returning to Danville, she has worked for the city in both the office of economic development and community development, Gateway Health, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and with the Danville Public Schools as a community engagement and business partnership specialist, teacher quality specialist and director of the DPS Education Foundation.

I was working for the city in 2004 and involved in community engagements and then economic development as a project manager. I was seeing the downtown revitalization, and it was exciting to be a part of the next chapter in Danville, she recalled. All of the businesses I worked for previously have been chamber members.

Moore-Sparks speaks optimistically and enthusiastically of the future ahead for both the chamber and the Danville area from a comfortable, sunny office at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. The chamber relocated its office there in 2020.

The move was very beneficial as it allows us to collaborate with and engage in conversations and work with those in economic development and the growth in the region, she said. The IALR is a hub, and it was a good move to relocate here.

She has four basic goals as she begins her new career serving the 600 businesses that are chamber members.

My first focus is getting a staff established and getting key positions filled, she said. We need to get this house in order to provide foundational stability.

Her next goal is to accelerate business growth for the members by providing resources and networks.

I am focused on membership recruitment, retention and engagement. COVID presented some challenges and limited our face-to-face events, but we have gone back to them now, she said.

Upcoming events include a Workforce Summit on Wednesday, Business at Breakfast meetings, the Legislative Breakfast, the annual meeting and Businesses on Tour.

We host about 60 events a year, which range from informal networking to more formal meetings that focus on issues that affect businesses in a 1,000-square-foot area, she said. Our footprint is Danville, Pittsylvania County, Chatham, Gretna and Hurt. One of my priorities is how to best engage our members, especially in the northern part of the county.

Her third goal is to listen and learn.

Right now as the new chamber president and CEO, I am really just listening and learning and talking to as many members and stakeholders as possible, so I can be informed and educated about the Chamber, she explained.

Her fourth goal is putting together a strategic plan.

The beauty of a strategic plan is that its a tool that provides a road map for three to five years ahead. Part of that process initially is to interview members and talk about their needs and challenges and make sure the chamber is well-informed and can meet the needs of the businesses, she said.

Her goal for her first 100 days on the job is to meet with 100 members.

Im five weeks in, and Im halfway there, she said. Ive been touring facilities and meeting with stakeholders, thought leaders and economic development leaders. I want to get a better understanding of their issues.

Even with all those ambitious, lofty goals, Moore-Sparks is having fun.

Im a people person, and those who know me know I love meeting people, talking about the value of the chamber and building relationships, so Ive really enjoyed that part, she said. At the end of the day, isnt it all about building the relationships we have?

Im a firm believer in that.

Elzey is a freelance writer for the Register & Bee. She can be reached at susanelzey@yahoo.com.

Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Northern Saratoga County, including the village of Schuylerville where Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik lives, has been redrawn into the 20th District where Rep. Paul Tonko will run for re-election, under final congressional redistricting maps finalized late Friday.

Stefanik announced in a statement Saturday that she will continue to run in the 21st District, which would involve relocating her principal residence into the newly drawn district.

I look forward to running for re-election in NY-21 where I have been honored and humbled to earn historic support every election cycle. I will always work my very hardest to deliver real results for the hardworking families in Upstate New York and the North Country, Stefanik said in a statement.

Tonko has previously said he will run in the new 20th District, which would involve relocating his principal residence.

Amsterdam, where Tonko now lives, was redrawn into the new 21st District, where Stefanik is running for re-election.

All of Saratoga County is now in the new 20th District, along with Albany and Schenectady counties, and the cities of Troy and Rensselaer in Rensselaer County, under the final maps that court-appointed expert Jonathan Cervas, of Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh, drew.

Residents of Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany counties  and the city of Troy  will benefit from a unified voice in Congress next year. I am thankful for that, but I am deeply disappointed that the Special Master creates an incomplete congressional district for the Capital Region by excluding the city of Amsterdam, Tonko said in a statement.

The rest of Rensselaer County, among other areas, was added to the new 21st District.

The mayors of Albany, Amsterdam, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy held a press conference on Wednesday, in advance of the maps being finalized, to criticize splitting up of the five Capital District cities into separate congressional districts.

Their request was mostly heeded.

Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy are in the new 20th District, while Amsterdam is in the new 21st District.

In his commentary on the Capital Region, the Special Master (court-appointed expert) makes clear that in drawing the maps he prioritized arbitrary political boundaries over the way people actually work, live, and play, Tonko said. This does not make for a fairer map or a more representative district. As the outpouring of feedback this week showed, citizens of Amsterdam are fully part of our Capital Region community, regardless of what one post-grad from Pennsylvania thinks.

The maps replace maps that the state Legislature adopted and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed in February. Those maps carved out Glens Falls and Queensbury in Warren County and moved those communities into the 20th Congressional District.

A state Supreme Court judge in late March threw out the Legislatures plan, saying the maps were unfairly drawn to give an advantage to the Democratic Party.

Matt Castelli, one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Stefanik, reiterated Saturday he will run in the new 21st District.

Our district has become more competitive for the right kind of Democrat, one who can unify a broad coalition of support across the now 15 counties that make up NY-21, Castelli, a former CIA counterterrorism official from the town of Saratoga, said in a press release.

Actually, the district may be less competitive, depending on the comparison.

The final 21st District has a 14.54 percentage-point Republican enrollment advantage, according to Cervas, the court-appointed expert who drew the maps, a fraction less than the maps that the state Legislature had adopted in February, and a state Supreme Court judge overturned.

The current 21st District has an 11.54 percentage-point Republican enrollment advantage.

Castelli, too, would have to relocate into the 21st District before taking office, if he wins the general election.

Matt Putorti, the other Democratic candidate, reiterated Saturday that he is a candidate in the 21st District.

Maps are final. Im proud to announce that I will continue to run in NY-21, Putorti, a lawyer from Whitehall, posted on Twitter.

Alex DeGrasse, a senior adviser to Stefanik, said in a statement that the new 21st District is covered by four media markets, Albany, Plattsburgh/Burlington, Watertown and Utica, one more than in previous campaigns.

Democrats will have to spend more than ever before to try to get their name out, he said.

Stefanik had $2.84 million in her campaign fund, as of March 31, the most recent report to the Federal Election Commission.

Castelli had $431,682 and Putorti $244,190 in their respective campaign funds, as of March 31.

In the 20th District, Liz Lemery Joy, a former blogger and speaker from Schenectady, is challenging Tonko.

The final 20th Congressional District has a 16.42 percentage-point Democratic enrollment advantage, according to Cervas, compared with 19 percentage points in the current 20th District.

Considered as a whole, statewide, the maps are more favorable to Republicans than the maps that the Legislature adopted in February.

The Democratic-drawn maps would have given their party a strong majority in 22 of 26 congressional districts.

The final lines create five Republican-leaning districts, up from four, and at least four other districts where Republicans would be competitive.

In the New York City area, the court-appointed expert made some revisions to proposed maps to alleviate some of the concerns that were raised that the maps divided communities of cultural and racial interests.

The maps now reflect a deeper understanding of minority and other communities. Ultimately, as he (the court-appointed expert) indicates, he valued compactness above all else, said Susan Lerner, executive director of the public interest advocacy group Common Cause New York, in a press release.

Cervas said he had inadvertently proposed splitting Black communities in Brooklyn.

State Senate districts

Also on Friday, the court finalized new state Senate maps, which would alter the representation in Washington County.

The new 45th Senate District, where Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, is the incumbent, includes the northern tip of Washington County, all of Warren, Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties, and eastern St. Lawrence County.

The new 44th Senate District, where Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, is the incumbent, includes all of Saratoga County and a small portion of Schenectady County.

The new 43rd Senate District, which is an open seat, includes central and southern Washington County, all of Rensselaer Country, and a small portion of Albany County.

Congressional and state legislative district boundaries are redrawn every 10 years, based on the latest census.

Congressional and state Senate primaries are scheduled for Aug. 23.

State Assembly, gubernatorial and lieutenant governor primaries are scheduled for June 28.

Voting in Assembly districts will be based on maps that the state Legislature adopted in February.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Maury Thompson covered local government and politics for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He continues to follow regional politics as a freelance writer.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4
Northern Saratoga County, including the village of Schuylerville where Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik lives, has been redrawn into the 20th District where Rep. Paul Tonko will run for re-election, under final congressional redistricting maps finalized late Friday.

Stefanik announced in a statement Saturday that she will continue to run in the 21st District, which would involve relocating her principal residence into the newly drawn district.

I look forward to running for re-election in NY-21 where I have been honored and humbled to earn historic support every election cycle. I will always work my very hardest to deliver real results for the hardworking families in Upstate New York and the North Country, Stefanik said in a statement.

Tonko has previously said he will run in the new 20th District, which would involve relocating his principal residence.

Amsterdam, where Tonko now lives, was redrawn into the new 21st District, where Stefanik is running for re-election.

All of Saratoga County is now in the new 20th District, along with Albany and Schenectady counties, and the cities of Troy and Rensselaer in Rensselaer County, under the final maps that court-appointed expert Jonathan Cervas, of Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh, drew.

Residents of Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany counties  and the city of Troy  will benefit from a unified voice in Congress next year. I am thankful for that, but I am deeply disappointed that the Special Master creates an incomplete congressional district for the Capital Region by excluding the city of Amsterdam, Tonko said in a statement.

The rest of Rensselaer County, among other areas, was added to the new 21st District.

The mayors of Albany, Amsterdam, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy held a press conference on Wednesday, in advance of the maps being finalized, to criticize splitting up of the five Capital District cities into separate congressional districts.

Their request was mostly heeded.

Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy are in the new 20th District, while Amsterdam is in the new 21st District.

In his commentary on the Capital Region, the Special Master (court-appointed expert) makes clear that in drawing the maps he prioritized arbitrary political boundaries over the way people actually work, live, and play, Tonko said. This does not make for a fairer map or a more representative district. As the outpouring of feedback this week showed, citizens of Amsterdam are fully part of our Capital Region community, regardless of what one post-grad from Pennsylvania thinks.

The maps replace maps that the state Legislature adopted and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed in February. Those maps carved out Glens Falls and Queensbury in Warren County and moved those communities into the 20th Congressional District.

A state Supreme Court judge in late March threw out the Legislatures plan, saying the maps were unfairly drawn to give an advantage to the Democratic Party.

Matt Castelli, one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Stefanik, reiterated Saturday he will run in the new 21st District.

Our district has become more competitive for the right kind of Democrat, one who can unify a broad coalition of support across the now 15 counties that make up NY-21, Castelli, a former CIA counterterrorism official from the town of Saratoga, said in a press release.

Actually, the district may be less competitive, depending on the comparison.

The final 21st District has a 14.54 percentage-point Republican enrollment advantage, according to Cervas, the court-appointed expert who drew the maps, a fraction less than the maps that the state Legislature had adopted in February, and a state Supreme Court judge overturned.

The current 21st District has an 11.54 percentage-point Republican enrollment advantage.

Castelli, too, would have to relocate into the 21st District before taking office, if he wins the general election.

Matt Putorti, the other Democratic candidate, reiterated Saturday that he is a candidate in the 21st District.

Maps are final. Im proud to announce that I will continue to run in NY-21, Putorti, a lawyer from Whitehall, posted on Twitter.

Alex DeGrasse, a senior adviser to Stefanik, said in a statement that the new 21st District is covered by four media markets, Albany, Plattsburgh/Burlington, Watertown and Utica, one more than in previous campaigns.

Democrats will have to spend more than ever before to try to get their name out, he said.

Stefanik had $2.84 million in her campaign fund, as of March 31, the most recent report to the Federal Election Commission.

Castelli had $431,682 and Putorti $244,190 in their respective campaign funds, as of March 31.

In the 20th District, Liz Lemery Joy, a former blogger and speaker from Schenectady, is challenging Tonko.

The final 20th Congressional District has a 16.42 percentage-point Democratic enrollment advantage, according to Cervas, compared with 19 percentage points in the current 20th District.

Considered as a whole, statewide, the maps are more favorable to Republicans than the maps that the Legislature adopted in February.

The Democratic-drawn maps would have given their party a strong majority in 22 of 26 congressional districts.

The final lines create five Republican-leaning districts, up from four, and at least four other districts where Republicans would be competitive.

In the New York City area, the court-appointed expert made some revisions to proposed maps to alleviate some of the concerns that were raised that the maps divided communities of cultural and racial interests.

The maps now reflect a deeper understanding of minority and other communities. Ultimately, as he (the court-appointed expert) indicates, he valued compactness above all else, said Susan Lerner, executive director of the public interest advocacy group Common Cause New York, in a press release.

Cervas said he had inadvertently proposed splitting Black communities in Brooklyn.

State Senate districts

Also on Friday, the court finalized new state Senate maps, which would alter the representation in Washington County.

The new 45th Senate District, where Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, is the incumbent, includes the northern tip of Washington County, all of Warren, Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties, and eastern St. Lawrence County.

The new 44th Senate District, where Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, is the incumbent, includes all of Saratoga County and a small portion of Schenectady County.

The new 43rd Senate District, which is an open seat, includes central and southern Washington County, all of Rensselaer Country, and a small portion of Albany County.

Congressional and state legislative district boundaries are redrawn every 10 years, based on the latest census.

Congressional and state Senate primaries are scheduled for Aug. 23.

State Assembly, gubernatorial and lieutenant governor primaries are scheduled for June 28.

Voting in Assembly districts will be based on maps that the state Legislature adopted in February.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Maury Thompson covered local government and politics for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He continues to follow regional politics as a freelance writer.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4
Northern Saratoga County, including the village of Schuylerville where Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik lives, has been redrawn into the 20th District where Rep. Paul Tonko will run for re-election, under final congressional redistricting maps finalized late Friday.

Stefanik announced in a statement Saturday that she will continue to run in the 21st District, which would involve relocating her principal residence into the newly drawn district.

I look forward to running for re-election in NY-21 where I have been honored and humbled to earn historic support every election cycle. I will always work my very hardest to deliver real results for the hardworking families in Upstate New York and the North Country, Stefanik said in a statement.

Tonko has previously said he will run in the new 20th District, which would involve relocating his principal residence.

Amsterdam, where Tonko now lives, was redrawn into the new 21st District, where Stefanik is running for re-election.

All of Saratoga County is now in the new 20th District, along with Albany and Schenectady counties, and the cities of Troy and Rensselaer in Rensselaer County, under the final maps that court-appointed expert Jonathan Cervas, of Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh, drew.

Residents of Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany counties  and the city of Troy  will benefit from a unified voice in Congress next year. I am thankful for that, but I am deeply disappointed that the Special Master creates an incomplete congressional district for the Capital Region by excluding the city of Amsterdam, Tonko said in a statement.

The rest of Rensselaer County, among other areas, was added to the new 21st District.

The mayors of Albany, Amsterdam, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy held a press conference on Wednesday, in advance of the maps being finalized, to criticize splitting up of the five Capital District cities into separate congressional districts.

Their request was mostly heeded.

Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy are in the new 20th District, while Amsterdam is in the new 21st District.

In his commentary on the Capital Region, the Special Master (court-appointed expert) makes clear that in drawing the maps he prioritized arbitrary political boundaries over the way people actually work, live, and play, Tonko said. This does not make for a fairer map or a more representative district. As the outpouring of feedback this week showed, citizens of Amsterdam are fully part of our Capital Region community, regardless of what one post-grad from Pennsylvania thinks.

The maps replace maps that the state Legislature adopted and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed in February. Those maps carved out Glens Falls and Queensbury in Warren County and moved those communities into the 20th Congressional District.

A state Supreme Court judge in late March threw out the Legislatures plan, saying the maps were unfairly drawn to give an advantage to the Democratic Party.

Matt Castelli, one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Stefanik, reiterated Saturday he will run in the new 21st District.

Our district has become more competitive for the right kind of Democrat, one who can unify a broad coalition of support across the now 15 counties that make up NY-21, Castelli, a former CIA counterterrorism official from the town of Saratoga, said in a press release.

Actually, the district may be less competitive, depending on the comparison.

The final 21st District has a 14.54 percentage-point Republican enrollment advantage, according to Cervas, the court-appointed expert who drew the maps, a fraction less than the maps that the state Legislature had adopted in February, and a state Supreme Court judge overturned.

The current 21st District has an 11.54 percentage-point Republican enrollment advantage.

Castelli, too, would have to relocate into the 21st District before taking office, if he wins the general election.

Matt Putorti, the other Democratic candidate, reiterated Saturday that he is a candidate in the 21st District.

Maps are final. Im proud to announce that I will continue to run in NY-21, Putorti, a lawyer from Whitehall, posted on Twitter.

Alex DeGrasse, a senior adviser to Stefanik, said in a statement that the new 21st District is covered by four media markets, Albany, Plattsburgh/Burlington, Watertown and Utica, one more than in previous campaigns.

Democrats will have to spend more than ever before to try to get their name out, he said.

Stefanik had $2.84 million in her campaign fund, as of March 31, the most recent report to the Federal Election Commission.

Castelli had $431,682 and Putorti $244,190 in their respective campaign funds, as of March 31.

In the 20th District, Liz Lemery Joy, a former blogger and speaker from Schenectady, is challenging Tonko.

The final 20th Congressional District has a 16.42 percentage-point Democratic enrollment advantage, according to Cervas, compared with 19 percentage points in the current 20th District.

Considered as a whole, statewide, the maps are more favorable to Republicans than the maps that the Legislature adopted in February.

The Democratic-drawn maps would have given their party a strong majority in 22 of 26 congressional districts.

The final lines create five Republican-leaning districts, up from four, and at least four other districts where Republicans would be competitive.

In the New York City area, the court-appointed expert made some revisions to proposed maps to alleviate some of the concerns that were raised that the maps divided communities of cultural and racial interests.

The maps now reflect a deeper understanding of minority and other communities. Ultimately, as he (the court-appointed expert) indicates, he valued compactness above all else, said Susan Lerner, executive director of the public interest advocacy group Common Cause New York, in a press release.

Cervas said he had inadvertently proposed splitting Black communities in Brooklyn.

State Senate districts

Also on Friday, the court finalized new state Senate maps, which would alter the representation in Washington County.

The new 45th Senate District, where Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, is the incumbent, includes the northern tip of Washington County, all of Warren, Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties, and eastern St. Lawrence County.

The new 44th Senate District, where Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, is the incumbent, includes all of Saratoga County and a small portion of Schenectady County.

The new 43rd Senate District, which is an open seat, includes central and southern Washington County, all of Rensselaer Country, and a small portion of Albany County.

Congressional and state legislative district boundaries are redrawn every 10 years, based on the latest census.

Congressional and state Senate primaries are scheduled for Aug. 23.

State Assembly, gubernatorial and lieutenant governor primaries are scheduled for June 28.

Voting in Assembly districts will be based on maps that the state Legislature adopted in February.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Maury Thompson covered local government and politics for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He continues to follow regional politics as a freelance writer.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4

Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.



Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Some Republicans in the state Senate want to fire John Tate II from his role as chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission, although the Legislatures Republican leadership doesnt appear to want to go that far.

Tate, a career social worker, is also president of the Racine City Council and the alderman who represents District No. 3.

He came under fire as the head of the Parole Commission earlier this month after he approved the parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who stabbed his wife to death in 1997, allegedly because he had seen her dancing with African-American men at a bar. At least one of the couples children was believed to have witnessed the murder and, when they were found by neighbors, the children had their mothers blood on them.

After the family of the murdered woman, Johanna Rose, raised complaints about Balsewicz being paroled after serving 25 years of his 80-year sentence, Gov. Tony Evers called on Tate to revoke the parole.

On May 13, Tate did order the parole revoked, days after telling The Journal Times that doing so might open the state up to a lawsuit that the state will likely lose.

Balsewicz barely was eligible for parole. Those sentenced to prison in Wisconsin since 2000 are not eligible for parole after the Legislature instituted what are known as Truth in Sentencing laws.

Throughout the controversy, Republicans have repeatedly attacked what they see as soft-on-crime policies of Evers, while Evers and Tate have both continually supported reducing Wisconsins prison population.

In a statement Wednesday, state Sen. Steve Nass, a Whitewater Republican whose district until this year included a slice of southwestern Racine County, said John Tate has refused to resign. Governor Tony Evers has refused to remove Tate from his position. Now, Senate Republican leaders have refused to take action that is within our authority.

I am supporting an effort by Senator Roger Roth to utilize a procedural maneuver  Joint Rule 81-Joint Petitions  to force an extraordinary session to reject the appointment of John Tate. If a majority of members in both the Assembly and Senate sign the joint petition, an extraordinary session would be commenced on May 26, 2022. Only the State Senate would actually then convene in session and vote on the appointment of John Tate.

Like with many of Evers appointments to state leadership roles, the GOP-controlled Legislature has never actually confirmed the appointment of Tate, but Tate is still able to continue leading the Parole Commission without the confirmation. Because of that, the Legislature could utilize the procedural maneuver Roth suggested. Roth has circulated a petition looking to activate Joint Rule 81, multiple media outlets have reported.

Nass continued: John Tate must be removed from his position. I will vote to reject his appointment and end his authority on the Parole Commission.

Firing an Evers appointee wouldnt be unprecedented.

In 2019, Senate Republicans voted to fire Brad Pfaff, who had been nominated to head the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Previously, a governors appointee had not been denied by the Senate since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.

Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.


You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
During the march of the Resistance Movement on May 21, its participants stopped at government dachas chanting "Shame," and "Nikol is a traitor."

In turn, the Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament from the opposition Ishkhan Saghatelyan, addressing the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, said he does not have a mandate to represent the country on behalf of the people, and any agreement he has acquired is invalid.

Look how many prime ministers have come for you and how many more will come, you should just leave. You have one way - a quick resignation, without any shocks. And do not try to destabilize this country, you must leave without blood, the blood that you have already shed is enough, Saghatelyan said.

The participants of the procession headed towards the French Square.


Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.
Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.
Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.
Business writer

Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.


Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again said his country will oppose applications by Finland and Sweden to join NATO unless his security conditions are met. Analysts say Erdogan may be looking for more attention to his concerns from U.S. President Joe Biden. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu, says evil and politics will not divide Nigeria.

He made this known while soliciting support from APC delegates In Jigawa State ahead of the partys presidential primaries.

Mr Tinubu, also referred to as one of the national leaders of the APC, said despite his keen interest about the contest, he believes on the supremacy of Nigeria above any personal interest.

The presidential aspirant alleged that there were some evil forces that wish evil for Nigeria but certainly, they will fail as good people of the country are praying to God to save the country.

We must work together to build the nation and make Nigeria to grow bigger than all of us.

I am here before you to solicit your support and I hope you will vote for me at our partys presidential primary.

I assure you that if given the mandate, we will join hands with all good people of Nigeria to move the country forward for peace, unity and prosperity.

My dreams and plans are to have a Jigawa that is full of opportunity of farming, commerce and trade, as well as a country with full opportunities for health care services, education and food security for all, Mr Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Governor Muhammad Badaru said Mr Tinubu is a pan-Nigerian with broad based support across the country and beyond.

Mr Badaru, who described Mr Tinubu as a father, recalled how he was looking for a platform to contest for governorship election in 2011, and Mr Tinubu gave him the opportunity in Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN).

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.




You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu, says evil and politics will not divide Nigeria.

He made this known while soliciting support from APC delegates In Jigawa State ahead of the partys presidential primaries.

Mr Tinubu, also referred to as one of the national leaders of the APC, said despite his keen interest about the contest, he believes on the supremacy of Nigeria above any personal interest.

The presidential aspirant alleged that there were some evil forces that wish evil for Nigeria but certainly, they will fail as good people of the country are praying to God to save the country.

We must work together to build the nation and make Nigeria to grow bigger than all of us.

I am here before you to solicit your support and I hope you will vote for me at our partys presidential primary.

I assure you that if given the mandate, we will join hands with all good people of Nigeria to move the country forward for peace, unity and prosperity.

My dreams and plans are to have a Jigawa that is full of opportunity of farming, commerce and trade, as well as a country with full opportunities for health care services, education and food security for all, Mr Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Governor Muhammad Badaru said Mr Tinubu is a pan-Nigerian with broad based support across the country and beyond.

Mr Badaru, who described Mr Tinubu as a father, recalled how he was looking for a platform to contest for governorship election in 2011, and Mr Tinubu gave him the opportunity in Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN).

(NAN)

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images

Cannes Film Festival removed an activist from Fridays red-carpet premiere of George Millers Three Thousand Years of Longing. It appeared that the unidentified activist was protesting the sexual violence against women in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. According to firsthand accounts, she jumped onto the carpet, stripped off all of her clothes, and began screaming on her knees in front of photographers. The activist was covered in body paint depicting the Ukrainian flag across her chest, along with the phrase Stop Raping Us. The protester also had the word SCUM on her back, together with red paint that resembled blood across her stomach and thighs. Cannes security then rushed the protester and removed her from the red carpet. Journalist Kyle Buchanan caught the incident on camera and was blocked from filming by security. The activist appears to belong to the French activist group SCUM, who posted an explanation on Twitter. Festival attendees and onlookers appeared unfazed in videos and photographs of the incident. Vulture has reached out to the festival for a statement.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

A protester painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag is ejected from the #CannesFilmFestival red carpet pic.twitter.com/4aXekA27AP  Reuters Showbiz (@ReutersShowbiz) May 20, 2022

SCUM activist walks the red carpet at #Cannes2022 festival to denounce sexual violence against Ukrainian women in the war pic.twitter.com/9OfgERc49f  SCUM (@scum_officiel) May 20, 2022

This years festival is taking place amid calls to boycott Russian films in solidarity with Ukraine. In a compromise with Russian filmmakers and those calling for boycotts, the festival agreed to ban official Russian state delegations and individuals connected with Putin, all the while allowing Russian filmmakers to attend. In last months defense of the decision, Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux said, We dont give in to political correctness, we dont give in to cultural boycott. We go on a case-by-case basis.

Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returned to the Palais for the first time since 2016 with his new film Tchaikovskys Wife. However, he was embroiled in controversy in a May 19 press conference over his films financial ties to the Russian Israeli oligarch Roman Abramovich. I fully understand people who are calling for boycotts, Serebrennikov told the press. I understand them because theyre so pained, so hurt by what is happening in the country. Although he called the war in Ukraine a total catastrophe, he believes that we shouldnt boycott language, we shouldnt boycott Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, Tchaikovsky, deprive people of music, the theater, cinema. On the contrary, this is what makes people feel alive.

Serebrennikovs film was financed by Abramovichs Kinoprime film fund. At Thursdays press conference, the director noted that the Russian Israeli oligarch was recently sanctioned by the U.K. and others for his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin, although Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lobbied President Joe Biden on Abramovichs behalf, according to a Variety report.
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
Naomi Campbell cut a glamorous figure as she arrived at the Women in Cinema Celebration event during the 75th Annual Cannes Film festival in France on Saturday.

The supermodel, 51, wore an eye-catching floor-length dress covered in dark pink flowers as she posed up a storm at the event.

She was joined by fellow model Alessandra Ambrosio, 41, who wore a sweeping princess-style nude mesh gown adorned with pink flowers as she walked the black carpet.

Glitterati: Naomi Campbell (left) looked glamorous in a pink sweeping gown while Alessandra Ambrosio (right) donned a nude mesh dress at Cannes' Women in Cinema event

The garment featured a sweetheart neckline and its thin straps were covered with sparkling gold sequins.

The Victoria's Secret star wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty facial featured and smiled as she posed at the bash.

After arriving separately, Naomi confidently posed with her hands on her hips while wearing her long-sleeved ensemble.

Strike a pose: The supermodel, 51, wore an eye-catching floor-length dress covered in dark pink floral detail

Glitzy: The Brazilian model, 41, wore a sweeping floor-length nude mesh gown adorned with pink flowers as she walked the black carpet

Glamour puss: Alessandra was seen posing on the sweeping driveway the the event's venue Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc a short way away from Cannes

Star quality: Sadie Frost, 56, looked stylish in a white satin trousers suit as she posed up at the bash

Beautiful: Naomie Harris looked incredible as she arrived at the Women in Cinema Celebration event

Stylish: The No Time To Die star, 45, wowed in an eye-catching sheer white gown with a cinched waist design

Looking good: She looked elegant in a pair of white heels, while carrying a shimmering silver clutch bag to match her accessories

Before heading out for the evening, Alessandra posed for a photoshoot on a balcony at the Hotel Martinez.

She could be seen leaning back on the blue and gold railing as she had her photo snapped in the golden sunlight of the early evening.

The catwalk pro was seen gazing off into the distance as she enjoyed the warm weather in the South of France.

Snap happy: Before heading out for the evening, Alessandra posed for a photoshoot on a balcony at the Hotel Martinez

Golden hour: She could be seen leaning back on the blue and gold railing as she had her photo snapped in the golden sunlight of the early evening

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

Summer heat: The catwalk pro was seen gazing off into the distance as she enjoyed the warm weather in the South of France

Picture perfect: A pal was on hand to take a photo of the model as she stood on the balcony in her glamorous ensemble

Working her angles: The photographer could be seen taking shots from a number of different places in a bid to get the perfect snap

Stunning: Also in attendance at the event was Victoria Silvstedt who donned a black long-sleeved mini dress

Performance: Model and singer Suki Waterhouse took to the stage for a performance during the event

Show: The star let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders as she took to the stage

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

Pose: Naomi added to her outfit with a pair of silver hoop earrings

Glowing: Alessandra accentuated her natural beauty with a light palette of makeup

Radiant: Model Sara Sampaio opted for a black sequinned dress with a low cut neckline (pictured with film producer Mohammed Al Turki)

Sensational: Naomi styled her locks into a chic updo for the evening (pictured with Tahar Rahim and Mohammed Al Turki)

Couple: Toni Garrn looked radint in a white long-sleeved gown as she attended the event alongside her husband Alex Pettyfer (pictured with Numan Acar and Mohammed Al Turki)

Pals: Naomi appeared in good spirirts as she posed for a snap with actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

On track: After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony

Movie magic: The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

Silver screen: The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty






Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Story continues

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The mediasphere is saturated with messages from GOP hopefuls making a big push for the May 24 primary, because thats where the races will be decided. There is a Democratic Party and likely some viable candidates, but our conservative state is overwhelmingly Republican.

If youve paid attention to campaign advertising this election season, you can get a pretty good idea of what Republican incumbents and challengers think of voters. They apparently believe that every Republican voter has rigid far-right beliefs and wants leaders completely void of empathy and compassion, hard-liners who see themselves as hammers and every social issue as a nail.

Many candidates for office have found a way to include images of them firing weapons in their campaign ads.

Among them is incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, who has curiously made national issues that are completely out of her purview an integral part of her campaign. Her latest advertisement touts a bill she signed into law recently eliminating the permit requirement for carrying a concealed weapon. In it, she is going through her purse, cataloging the contents: lipstick...iPhoneSmith&Wesson .38!

Meanwhile, every channel is overrun with news from Buffalo, New York, where a young white man walked into a grocery store with a semiautomatic weapon and opened fire, killing 10 shoppers and injuring three others. It wasnt an anomaly. The next day, there were five mass shootings  two in Texas, two in North Carolina, and one in California. Those shootings left another four people dead and injured 23.

Since May 1 in the United States, 34 mass shooting incidents have left 32 people dead and 159 injured by gunfire. Since the first of the year, 214 have died in mass shootings, with 859 injured.

Wed like to believe the candidates are wrong about the will of Alabama voters. We, too, support the Second Amendment, and wed like to think that while Alabamians have a constitution right to bear arms, theyd also like our leaders work to stop the senseless firearm slaughter that unfolds in our nation virtually every day. Its not a zero-sum, all-or-nothing proposition. Its a knotty, complicated issue that requires nuance and statesmanship to successfully address.

If Alabama voters concerned about the epidemic of gun violence in the United States hope to elect candidates with a well-reasoned approach to the issue, they may be out of luck.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
The mediasphere is saturated with messages from GOP hopefuls making a big push for the May 24 primary, because thats where the races will be decided. There is a Democratic Party and likely some viable candidates, but our conservative state is overwhelmingly Republican.

If youve paid attention to campaign advertising this election season, you can get a pretty good idea of what Republican incumbents and challengers think of voters. They apparently believe that every Republican voter has rigid far-right beliefs and wants leaders completely void of empathy and compassion, hard-liners who see themselves as hammers and every social issue as a nail.

Many candidates for office have found a way to include images of them firing weapons in their campaign ads.

Among them is incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, who has curiously made national issues that are completely out of her purview an integral part of her campaign. Her latest advertisement touts a bill she signed into law recently eliminating the permit requirement for carrying a concealed weapon. In it, she is going through her purse, cataloging the contents: lipstick...iPhoneSmith&Wesson .38!

Meanwhile, every channel is overrun with news from Buffalo, New York, where a young white man walked into a grocery store with a semiautomatic weapon and opened fire, killing 10 shoppers and injuring three others. It wasnt an anomaly. The next day, there were five mass shootings  two in Texas, two in North Carolina, and one in California. Those shootings left another four people dead and injured 23.

Since May 1 in the United States, 34 mass shooting incidents have left 32 people dead and 159 injured by gunfire. Since the first of the year, 214 have died in mass shootings, with 859 injured.

Wed like to believe the candidates are wrong about the will of Alabama voters. We, too, support the Second Amendment, and wed like to think that while Alabamians have a constitution right to bear arms, theyd also like our leaders work to stop the senseless firearm slaughter that unfolds in our nation virtually every day. Its not a zero-sum, all-or-nothing proposition. Its a knotty, complicated issue that requires nuance and statesmanship to successfully address.

If Alabama voters concerned about the epidemic of gun violence in the United States hope to elect candidates with a well-reasoned approach to the issue, they may be out of luck.

Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'






Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.
And thats where well end our live coverage of the federal election results.

Well be back to bring you all the updates in the morning when the counting of votes resumes as Labor remains hopeful of scoring enough seats to form a majority government.

Thanks for your company today.

To recap, Anthony Albanese hit the streets of Marrickville.

Scott Morrison headed to church, where he wept as he read passages from the bible about failure.

And Peter Dutton confirmed he would throw his hat in the ring to be the next Liberal leader.


For many students, the traditional educational model works just fine: A teacher stands in front of the class lecturing, students take notes, perhaps engage in discussion; they read assignments and answer questions about the reading, and they learn what they need to learn.

But for students who don't learn well that way, more of the same won't help. More of the same may doom them to a life of dead-end jobs or worse, which hurts not only them but the rest of us, as they eat up public resources without contributing to our economy. What struggling students need  what all of us need them to receive  is teaching that engages their attention and imagination.

This isnt new information. Its something everybody who pays attention to education has known for years, and its something our editorial staff warned about a year ago as South Carolina school districts began receiving a windfall of federal funding that was supposed to help already-struggling students who were thrown further behind by COVID-19 disruptions.

Use the federal funding to do a reset, we urged, to create targeted programs that will bring kids back not just to where they would have been without the pandemic but to where they should be.

Create dual-enrollment, early college, entrepreneurship and apprenticeship programs, which have proven to engage struggling high school students. In elementary and middle school, infuse Montessori, arts integration, foreign languages or project-based learning into the curriculum. Extend the learning opportunities well into the afternoons and the regular school year into the summer.

Instead of traditional summer school classes, provide programs kids actually want: literacy camps, youth employment programs that include a classroom component, computer programming and digital design courses that include reading and math skills, and field trips  with related reading assignments before and after  to museums, technical colleges and local businesses.

Taking a creative approach to summer programs might be more important than doing it during the regular school year, because summer can provide a last shot at reclaiming students who struggled during the regular school year. Get it right, and you can spark a new interest in learning; get it wrong, and you could lose them forever.

A year later, The Post and Couriers Maura Turcotte reports some encouraging news about how school districts have responded  and a lot of depressing news.

Ms. Turcotte analyzed last year's summer school programs in 67 of the states 77 traditional school districts. At least 46 said they offered enrichment programs or activities in elementary and middle schools. By necessity, she left it to the districts to determine what constituted enrichment, so the number with truly engaging programs is likely much lower; some, for instance, counted afternoon playtime outside. And most districts didnt offer such programs in high school, where they relied instead on credit-recovery programs, which have the advantage of keeping kids on track to graduate but rarely inspire them.

More disturbing: 60% of the districts used virtual programs for at least some students, even though one thing the pandemic drove home is how inadequate computer classes are  particularly for students who dont do well in the traditional model.

Equally disturbing: Although some didnt answer the question, only two districts actually reported tracking the performance of their summer school students into the following year, meaning that most designed this year's summer programs without good data to tell them how well last years worked.

Nobody expected the districts to get everything right, but its essential that they use this windfall of one-time funding not just to put more bodies into their summer programs or to buy more education programs, but to launch new ways of teaching their students who are most difficult to teach. That means the programs they provide need to improve every year. Our whole state is counting on them to succeed.
On Friday, Craig McLachlan dropped his defamation proceedings against The Sydney Morning Herald, the ABC and Christie Whelan Brown concerning allegations he indecently assaulted and sexually harassed female performers during the 2014 stage production of the Rocky Horror Show.

His lawsuit was the latest example of a powerful, well-connected man using the law to silence and chill speech concerning accusations of abuse by women. It follows in the footsteps of similar cases such as those brought by Johnny Depp and lawyer Alan Dershowitz in the United States and media executive Eric Brion in France, though McLachlan was never accused of rape.

Craig McLachlan this week with his partner Vanessa Scammell. Credit:Nick Moir

These lawsuits attempt to preserve the reputations of powerful men, to demonstrate that they are not (depending on the case) rapists, sexual harassers, predators or domestic abusers and to award them (often sizeable) compensation for the damage unfairly done to their reputations. Such actions attempt to convince the jury or judge, and thus the public, that the allegations are false, that the women voicing them are liars, malicious, mad or lacking in credibility. We are asked not to believe the accusers.

The problem is we know statistically  and women know through experience  that false reporting of sexual assault, abuse and harassment is exceedingly rare. And in order to encourage awareness, reduce shame and push for substantive change, women are increasingly claiming a right to speak out about the abuse theyve suffered, to encourage one another to speak, to demand recognition of this everyday reality.
Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday.
On Friday, Craig McLachlan dropped his defamation proceedings against The Sydney Morning Herald, the ABC and Christie Whelan Brown concerning allegations he indecently assaulted and sexually harassed female performers during the 2014 stage production of the Rocky Horror Show.

His lawsuit was the latest example of a powerful, well-connected man using the law to silence and chill speech concerning accusations of abuse by women. It follows in the footsteps of similar cases such as those brought by Johnny Depp and lawyer Alan Dershowitz in the United States and media executive Eric Brion in France, though McLachlan was never accused of rape.

Craig McLachlan this week with his partner Vanessa Scammell. Credit:Nick Moir

These lawsuits attempt to preserve the reputations of powerful men, to demonstrate that they are not (depending on the case) rapists, sexual harassers, predators or domestic abusers and to award them (often sizeable) compensation for the damage unfairly done to their reputations. Such actions attempt to convince the jury or judge, and thus the public, that the allegations are false, that the women voicing them are liars, malicious, mad or lacking in credibility. We are asked not to believe the accusers.

The problem is we know statistically  and women know through experience  that false reporting of sexual assault, abuse and harassment is exceedingly rare. And in order to encourage awareness, reduce shame and push for substantive change, women are increasingly claiming a right to speak out about the abuse theyve suffered, to encourage one another to speak, to demand recognition of this everyday reality.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.



President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies, Dr Ishmael Norman has said Ghanaians must act if the terrorists are already here in the country.

He believes they are already in the country, adding that some may have been married to Ghanaians.

Speaking in interview with TV3 on Saturday May 21 in relation to the caution given by the National Security against the potential attack on Ghana, he said they are not just near Ghana, they are in Ghana.

He added Some of them will even marry Ghanaian men or women. We have to assume that they are already here. The National Security warning is a good one, I believe the terrorists are already in Ghana.

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said that it is very worrying reports of potential attacks of extremist elements targeted at Ghana.

He said as the government increases the alertness of intelligence and security agencies, all Ghanaians need to be more security conscious and be quick to report any suspicious persons or packages to security agencies.

Very worrying reports of potential attacks of extremist elements targeted at Ghana. As we heighten the alertness of intelligence and security agencies, all of us need to be more security conscious and be quick to report any suspicious persons or packages to security agencies, the Ofoase Ayirebi lawmaker tweeted on Saturday May 21.

New York City public schools have been blasted for introducing a children's book that features a 'queer' main character that hails AOC and her Squad, while mocking Mitch McConnell.

A book titled: What You Don't Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood has reportedly been distributed to NYC school libraries, according to the New York Post.

The picture book is intended for 10 and 11-year-olds and is reportedly labeled as part of the Universal Mosaic independent reading curriculum, which the Department of Education is expected to launch next year.

The book was written and illustrated by Brooklynite Anastasia Higginbotham and centers around a black 'gay sixth-grader' named Demetrius, who isn't out yet, but is learning to love himself and navigate school, home, and church.

Demetrius can be seen in the book feeling comfortable and 'safe' around his mother swearing, but unsafe in church.

One Staten Island mom called it a 'horrible book' that is anti-Catholic and mixes church and state.

She and another mother said the principal of PS 3 in Pleasant Plains was refusing to distribute it among students. The school was also reportedly going through other books to determine if they were appropriate for students.

One of the pivotal scenes in the book is in church, where the main character, Demetrius he feels 'shameful' in church because he's gay. After his soul leaves his body, he has a conversation with Jesus, where he asks if he's going to 'punish' people who hate on the LGBT+ community and whether or not Billy Porter and Mitch McConnell are deserving of love

Anastasia Higginbotham, of Brooklyn, wrote and illustrated a book about a 'gay sixth-grader' who is learning to love himself and navigate school, home, and church

One of the pivotal points in the book is when Demetrius and his mother attend church and he has a woke conversation with Jesus.

As he and his mother sit in the pew, he says: 'Churches can preach all they want about love - the only thing that I feel when Im here is shame.'

As the boy's soul leaves his body, he is met with Jesus, where he asks the holy figure if he 'knows what's happening down there?' and if it 'hurts your feelings if I don't believe in you?'

The understanding Jesus replies: 'It's my job to believe in you and I do.'

Demetrius then asked Jesus: 'So we're cool?' The big man replied: 'Always.'

Later on in the fictional conversation, the little boy, who comes from a split family, asks Jesus: 'Are you going to punish the people of Earth who hate me and blame it on you?'

Jesus replies that he wouldn't, but that 'everyone is invited to love and be loved.'

As they continue to fly down what appears to be a red carpet, a Billy Porter lookalike appears wearing a black dress, to which Demetrius questions if he should be loved.

Jesus replies: 'Especially him! Love the dress, Billy!'

Next up is a Mitch McConnell lookalike, where Demetrius asked: 'Even...?'

Jesus replies: 'Yes.'

During an online reading on the book, Higginbotham confirmed it was the politician.

'Thats Mitch McConnell. And the child wants to know if even Mitch McConnell is invited to love and be loved considering all the harm he is causing,' she said.

The book goes on to show his parents watching TV with the names of US Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez on the screen.

The narrator goes on to say, according to the New York Post: 'We will rewrite the rules we live by and love the world into balance,' suggesting AOC's Squad is path to the future.

Demetrius also says he feels 'loved and seen' when his mother cusses in front of him about politicians endangering the lives of transgender children

Parents are also concerned about a few other books that reported made the Universal Mosaic curriculum, which was introduced by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Among the titles is a book called The Bell Rang, which is recommended for kindergarteners and discusses slavery. Another title I'm Not A Girl is about a transgender child and is recommended for first-graders. A preschool-level book called Our Skin, reportedly blames racism on white people.

However, the Department of Education told the New York Post that What You Don't Know and Our Skin are not on the list, despite parents saying they were marked as so in libraries.

A State Island Council Joseph Borelli said the books were a 'poor parting gift from the prior administration.'

The book, titled: What You Don't Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood is reportedly a part of the Universal Mosaic collection that former Mayor Bill de Blasio started and is expected to roll out in schools next year. Parents are claiming the book has been labeled as a part of the collection, but the Department of Education says otherwise

The book also reported displays the names of AOC and her Squad (pictured) and suggests they are the way to the future

'Thankfully, most of my principals have used them as paperweights. There isnt any value in trying to offend parents and confuse students,' Borelli said.

Bion Bartning, the founder of Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism - which is based in NYC - said the books were 'well intentioned,' but 'bringing political and ideological materials into the classroom can undermine trust between families and schools.'

'Being inclusive starts with listening to diverse perspectives, and accepting the culture, values and deeply held beliefs of all families who are part of the school community,' he said.
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Group for Interparliamentary Relations with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss Ukraine's recent European integration steps.

This was reported by the official website of the head of state, as seen by Ukrinform.

"Ukraine has promptly done its part to obtain EU candidate status, and now the ball is in the EU's pitch," Zhovkva said.

The parties agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate nation for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.

Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians, and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the wake Russia's armed aggression, backed not only by political statements but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.

"We appreciate all care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," he added.

Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed Italys continued support for Ukrainians in defending their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly impressed by the terrible consequences the war has brought to the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited during their trip.

Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about President Zelensky's initiative to patronize the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the effort to rebuild Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office expressed his expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT.

The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo: www.president.gov.ua

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Group for Interparliamentary Relations with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss Ukraine's recent European integration steps.

This was reported by the official website of the head of state, as seen by Ukrinform.

"Ukraine has promptly done its part to obtain EU candidate status, and now the ball is in the EU's pitch," Zhovkva said.

The parties agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate nation for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.

Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians, and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the wake Russia's armed aggression, backed not only by political statements but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.

"We appreciate all care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," he added.

Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed Italys continued support for Ukrainians in defending their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly impressed by the terrible consequences the war has brought to the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited during their trip.

Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about President Zelensky's initiative to patronize the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the effort to rebuild Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office expressed his expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT.

The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo: www.president.gov.ua
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Group for Interparliamentary Relations with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss Ukraine's recent European integration steps.

This was reported by the official website of the head of state, as seen by Ukrinform.

"Ukraine has promptly done its part to obtain EU candidate status, and now the ball is in the EU's pitch," Zhovkva said.

The parties agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate nation for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.

Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians, and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the wake Russia's armed aggression, backed not only by political statements but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.

"We appreciate all care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," he added.

Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed Italys continued support for Ukrainians in defending their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly impressed by the terrible consequences the war has brought to the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited during their trip.

Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about President Zelensky's initiative to patronize the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the effort to rebuild Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office expressed his expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT.

The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo: www.president.gov.ua
Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea.

During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love.'

'Yes, and she loves you. She is a really big fan of yours, personally,' Justin told Chelsea and co-host Catherine Law.

Making it official: Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea; the couple pictured here in May 2022

'I really like her as well. Am I allowed to say her name? Is that OK?' the comedienne asked.

'Yes,' the New Girl alum replied.

'Kate Bosworth is who you are dating,' Chelsea said.

Cloud nine: During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love'

'Yes,' Justin responded.

The Dodgeball star went on to say that being in love was 'such a wonderful feeling.'

The Connecticut native told the My Horizontal Life author that he appreciated how open she was about her 'happiness and joy' over her romance with new boyfriend Jo Koy.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'But there's something about it, for me, that I feel like I need to protect and keep sacred because it feels sacred,' Justin explained.

'It's just the best,' he added.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'So it's something I want to protect and keep, you know?'

PDA: Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan; Justin seen in 2019

Romantic: In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii; Kate seen in May 2022

Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan.

In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii.

Earlier in April, the co-stars confirmed their blossoming new relationship while holding hands after a romantic dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles.

After months of romance rumors, the pair beamed as they exited the upscale Italian eatery together following their meal.

In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate.

At last: In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate

'I had gotten to a place where I was comfortable with myself, I was ready to be  I didn't know it at the time  but I was ready for the one,' he told the Bachelor alum, 41, who is happily dating Sarah Partain.

He continued: 'I want to [talk about it], but I also want to be protective. I want to scream it from the rooftops, but I also want to be protective. It's sacred.'

Still, Long did not mention Bosworth by name. That interview comes just four months after the He's Just Not That Into You actor revealed on a different podcast that he was off the market.

Shortly after, PageSix uncovered that the new lady in his life was actress Kate Bosworth, whom he made a movie with in 2021.

Earlier that year, the blonde beauty announced her split from 51-year-old husband Michael Polish.

Co-stars: PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

In May she talked up Justin on Instagram when they wrapped the movie: 'Holy moly @justinlong you are a truly spectacular / fun / funny / kind / rare / thoughtful / totally. f*kn. rad human being.'

She added, 'THANK YOU for lifting us up you kept it light & full of laughter daily, even through the toughest moments. You gnome how much I love ya (sorry had to ;).'

And an insider told the site that this autumn he went with the beauty on her trip to Padaste Manor in Estonia. They reportedly had a 'romantic weekend.'

Justin then confirmed his relationship status during his podcast a in December while discussing the controversial pizza topping of pineapple with comic Fortune Feimster.

Speaking on his 'Life is Short with Justin Long' podcast, the actor said when asked to give her favorite topping: 'This is controversial: pineapple.'

Exes: Kate was married to director Michael Polish from 2013 to 2021

To which, Justin replied: 'People have been saying that lately. It's funny, my girlfriend said hers is  she loves the pineapple, too. I've never been with anyone who likes pineapple on pizza.'

A source later told Us Weekly: 'They've been dating for a few months now. They secretly have been on a few getaways together. They both love to travel.'

Adding that the couple is 'not hiding the fact that they're together', rather they're 'just staying low-key and private about their relationship.'

Kate and Justin moved quickly and are reportedly already living together.

Long has previously been linked to Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst and Drew Barrymore.

Kate and her ex Michael were last photographed together in January of 2021. The couple met in 2011 during the making of the adventure drama Big Sur, which she starred in and he directed.

Kate and Michael announced their engagement in August 2012 and married on August 31, 2013 at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.
Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea.

During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love.'

'Yes, and she loves you. She is a really big fan of yours, personally,' Justin told Chelsea and co-host Catherine Law.

Making it official: Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea; the couple pictured here in May 2022

'I really like her as well. Am I allowed to say her name? Is that OK?' the comedienne asked.

'Yes,' the New Girl alum replied.

'Kate Bosworth is who you are dating,' Chelsea said.

Cloud nine: During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love'

'Yes,' Justin responded.

The Dodgeball star went on to say that being in love was 'such a wonderful feeling.'

The Connecticut native told the My Horizontal Life author that he appreciated how open she was about her 'happiness and joy' over her romance with new boyfriend Jo Koy.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'But there's something about it, for me, that I feel like I need to protect and keep sacred because it feels sacred,' Justin explained.

'It's just the best,' he added.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'So it's something I want to protect and keep, you know?'

PDA: Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan; Justin seen in 2019

Romantic: In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii; Kate seen in May 2022

Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan.

In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii.

Earlier in April, the co-stars confirmed their blossoming new relationship while holding hands after a romantic dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles.

After months of romance rumors, the pair beamed as they exited the upscale Italian eatery together following their meal.

In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate.

At last: In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate

'I had gotten to a place where I was comfortable with myself, I was ready to be  I didn't know it at the time  but I was ready for the one,' he told the Bachelor alum, 41, who is happily dating Sarah Partain.

He continued: 'I want to [talk about it], but I also want to be protective. I want to scream it from the rooftops, but I also want to be protective. It's sacred.'

Still, Long did not mention Bosworth by name. That interview comes just four months after the He's Just Not That Into You actor revealed on a different podcast that he was off the market.

Shortly after, PageSix uncovered that the new lady in his life was actress Kate Bosworth, whom he made a movie with in 2021.

Earlier that year, the blonde beauty announced her split from 51-year-old husband Michael Polish.

Co-stars: PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

In May she talked up Justin on Instagram when they wrapped the movie: 'Holy moly @justinlong you are a truly spectacular / fun / funny / kind / rare / thoughtful / totally. f*kn. rad human being.'

She added, 'THANK YOU for lifting us up you kept it light & full of laughter daily, even through the toughest moments. You gnome how much I love ya (sorry had to ;).'

And an insider told the site that this autumn he went with the beauty on her trip to Padaste Manor in Estonia. They reportedly had a 'romantic weekend.'

Justin then confirmed his relationship status during his podcast a in December while discussing the controversial pizza topping of pineapple with comic Fortune Feimster.

Speaking on his 'Life is Short with Justin Long' podcast, the actor said when asked to give her favorite topping: 'This is controversial: pineapple.'

Exes: Kate was married to director Michael Polish from 2013 to 2021

To which, Justin replied: 'People have been saying that lately. It's funny, my girlfriend said hers is  she loves the pineapple, too. I've never been with anyone who likes pineapple on pizza.'

A source later told Us Weekly: 'They've been dating for a few months now. They secretly have been on a few getaways together. They both love to travel.'

Adding that the couple is 'not hiding the fact that they're together', rather they're 'just staying low-key and private about their relationship.'

Kate and Justin moved quickly and are reportedly already living together.

Long has previously been linked to Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst and Drew Barrymore.

Kate and her ex Michael were last photographed together in January of 2021. The couple met in 2011 during the making of the adventure drama Big Sur, which she starred in and he directed.

Kate and Michael announced their engagement in August 2012 and married on August 31, 2013 at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Group for Interparliamentary Relations with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss Ukraine's recent European integration steps.

This was reported by the official website of the head of state, as seen by Ukrinform.

"Ukraine has promptly done its part to obtain EU candidate status, and now the ball is in the EU's pitch," Zhovkva said.

The parties agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate nation for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.

Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians, and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the wake Russia's armed aggression, backed not only by political statements but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.

"We appreciate all care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," he added.

Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed Italys continued support for Ukrainians in defending their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly impressed by the terrible consequences the war has brought to the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited during their trip.

Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about President Zelensky's initiative to patronize the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the effort to rebuild Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office expressed his expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT.

The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo: www.president.gov.ua

Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.
On a summer morning in southern Idaho, the day breaks early, before 6 a.m. The air is stale, never fully cooled from the heat of the day before.

In the indigo hour when night becomes morning, dozens of people  most from Mexico  queue for the van that will shuttle them to the picking fields. For the next 15 hours, they harvest. Ladders teeter on the uneven, parched earth. Cherries are quickly pulled from high branches by the handful.

The fruit isnt for them. Like most regions in the country whose economies rely on exporting food, little of whats picked here makes it onto the plates of the people who harvested it.

At the end of the daylight hours, a company bus returns and drives the farmworkers to the Walmart, on the far side of town, where they can shop for groceries and gloves. Farmworkers forced to shop late at night have frequently been met with depleted shelves ever since the early days of the pandemic. They buy what little they can, then re-board the van that brings them home. Many fall asleep hungry.

In 2020, when the pandemic began, organizer Samantha Guerrero drove across the low, parched hills of Idahos Canyon County to a neighborhood she calls Farmway Village. First built as a labor camp, the low-income housing complex has become home to many of the countys agricultural employees. Guerrero had planned to distribute information about the new virus. But what she found wasnt a lack of information; it was a lack of good groceries. Shes been working to change that ever since.

For immigrant farmworkers, food is in short supply: The only thing close to that place is a gas station, Guerrero told me. That means they only have access to the processed foods sold there.

Guerrero works for the nonprofit Idaho Organization of Resource Councils, which is trying to change things. Recently, it started distributing culturally relevant foods, like masa for corn tortillas, and some local, organic farmers let volunteers glean produce like tomatoes and pumpkins to redistribute.

Yet the need is widespread  in Idaho and elsewhere where farmworkers are needed  and even the best-organized mutual aid projects cant meet the demand. Nonprofits try to help, but they arent equipped to make the systems-level changes needed to end the lack of nutritious food and the hunger suffered by farmworkers and other immigrants.

Local food pantries try, but theyre not always an answer. Many farmworkers come from agricultural communities south of our border with Mexico, Guerrero says. Theyre used to fresh fruits, home-raised meats, or hand-pressed tortillas. Even though these immigrant communities are the primary audience for many food pantries, the canned and boxed food they provide can be unrecognizable to the people they serve.

This holds true across the West. Ive spoken to other farmworkers and organizers in Montana, Oregon and the Dakotas, and all echo those sentiments. We havent diminished the hunger of the workers who feed us.

There are 3 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. For more than 20 years, migration from Mexico has been largely driven by economic hardship that began in 1994, when the NAFTA treaty crashed the value of the peso. Now, migrants from that country and Central America are increasingly coming north to escape drug violence, or when landslides, hurricanes, and other disasters hastened by the changing climate force them to flee.

When many workers land at large, corporate-owned farms, they sometimes find harsh conditions; this February, for example, the U.S. Department of Labor found that one large Idaho farm had shortchanged its 69 workers by $159,000.

Ninety-one percent of counties with the highest rates of overall food insecurity are rural, and workers there face soaring costs of food and a declining number of grocery stores, as consolidation and rising real estate values close outlets. Although farmworkers harvest fruit and vegetables all day, it is odd, but true, that they are living in food deserts.

I have to say, Guerrero says, sighing, that there is a lot of abundance (in Idaho). There is enough to go around. Its just all going elsewhere.

Astra Lincoln is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to lively debate about Western issues. She writes in Oregon.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


Eva Mendes took to Instagram on Friday to show off her six-year-old daughter Amada's styling skills.

The 48-year-old actress shared a photo in which she was seen modeling orange leather knee-high boots that Amada had decorated with colorful stickers.

'Photography and styling stickers on my boots courtesy of my 6 year old,' the proud mom wrote in the caption.

Proud mom: Eva Mendes took to Instagram on Friday to show off her six-year-old daughter Amada's styling skills. The 48-year-old actress shared a photo in which she was seen modeling orange leather knee-high boots that Amada had decorated with colorful stickers

She continued, 'When she first started putting stickers on my shoes, I didnt notice until I was out running errands and I looked down and realized shed done it again.

'Love it. So much. Such a fun phase.

'Would love to hear about the cute things your kids do that melt your heart.'

In the snap, the Hitch star posed on a stump and reclined back against a tree as she showed off her youngest daughter's handiwork.

Family: Eva shares Amada and daughter Esmeralda with her partner of eleven years Ryan Gosling, 41. Seen in 2019

The Miami native was clad in a cream-colored ribbed long-sleeved shirt and a black cotton skirt that had a side slit.

The beauty's long caramel locks fell over her shoulder as she rested one hand on her head and stretched out her other arm.

The 2 Fast 2 Furious performer donned orange tortoiseshell shades as she gazed down at the camera.

Eva shares Amada and daughter Esmeralda with her partner of eleven years Ryan Gosling, 41.

Funny: On Thursday, the star posted a snap in which she was seen through a window that had a reflection of her children playing on a trampoline in the yard, joking in the caption that her children had photobombed her shoot for her new line of sponges

On Thursday, the star posted a snap in which she was seen through a window that had a reflection of her children playing on a trampoline in the yard.

'Portrait of a Lady reflecting on the unfortunate reflection of a trampoline below her chin, left behind by her children who knew the backyard needed to be clean because Mama had to shoot content for her new line of sponges,' she joked in the caption.

Earlier in May, Eva announced that she had become a co-owner of Sakura Style, a lifestyle brand of kitchen cleaning tools.

Longtime loves: Mendes and Gosling began dating in September 2011 after working together on the film The Place Beyond The Pines. Pictured in 2012

Mendes and Gosling began dating in September 2011 after working together on the film The Place Beyond The Pines.

The couple welcomed Esmeralda in September 2014 and Amada in April 2016.

In April 2019, Eva revealed that she did not want children before meeting Ryan, telling Women's Health: 'Ryan Gosling happened. I mean, falling in love with him. Then it made sense for me to have... not kids, but his kids. It was very specific to him.'

The Training Day star further elaborated in October 2020 when speaking to radio station Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa: 'I never wanted babies before until I fell in love with Ryan, and it kind of worked out to where I was 40 and having my first baby.'

She added, 'I think I was 42 for the second one, so it worked out in that way that I had a career and then I change my focus to my family.'
With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


On a summer morning in southern Idaho, the day breaks early, before 6 a.m. The air is stale, never fully cooled from the heat of the day before.

In the indigo hour when night becomes morning, dozens of people  most from Mexico  queue for the van that will shuttle them to the picking fields. For the next 15 hours, they harvest. Ladders teeter on the uneven, parched earth. Cherries are quickly pulled from high branches by the handful.

The fruit isnt for them. Like most regions in the country whose economies rely on exporting food, little of whats picked here makes it onto the plates of the people who harvested it.

At the end of the daylight hours, a company bus returns and drives the farmworkers to the Walmart, on the far side of town, where they can shop for groceries and gloves. Farmworkers forced to shop late at night have frequently been met with depleted shelves ever since the early days of the pandemic. They buy what little they can, then re-board the van that brings them home. Many fall asleep hungry.

In 2020, when the pandemic began, organizer Samantha Guerrero drove across the low, parched hills of Idahos Canyon County to a neighborhood she calls Farmway Village. First built as a labor camp, the low-income housing complex has become home to many of the countys agricultural employees. Guerrero had planned to distribute information about the new virus. But what she found wasnt a lack of information; it was a lack of good groceries. Shes been working to change that ever since.

For immigrant farmworkers, food is in short supply: The only thing close to that place is a gas station, Guerrero told me. That means they only have access to the processed foods sold there.

Guerrero works for the nonprofit Idaho Organization of Resource Councils, which is trying to change things. Recently, it started distributing culturally relevant foods, like masa for corn tortillas, and some local, organic farmers let volunteers glean produce like tomatoes and pumpkins to redistribute.

Yet the need is widespread  in Idaho and elsewhere where farmworkers are needed  and even the best-organized mutual aid projects cant meet the demand. Nonprofits try to help, but they arent equipped to make the systems-level changes needed to end the lack of nutritious food and the hunger suffered by farmworkers and other immigrants.

Local food pantries try, but theyre not always an answer. Many farmworkers come from agricultural communities south of our border with Mexico, Guerrero says. Theyre used to fresh fruits, home-raised meats, or hand-pressed tortillas. Even though these immigrant communities are the primary audience for many food pantries, the canned and boxed food they provide can be unrecognizable to the people they serve.

This holds true across the West. Ive spoken to other farmworkers and organizers in Montana, Oregon and the Dakotas, and all echo those sentiments. We havent diminished the hunger of the workers who feed us.

There are 3 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. For more than 20 years, migration from Mexico has been largely driven by economic hardship that began in 1994, when the NAFTA treaty crashed the value of the peso. Now, migrants from that country and Central America are increasingly coming north to escape drug violence, or when landslides, hurricanes, and other disasters hastened by the changing climate force them to flee.

When many workers land at large, corporate-owned farms, they sometimes find harsh conditions; this February, for example, the U.S. Department of Labor found that one large Idaho farm had shortchanged its 69 workers by $159,000.

Ninety-one percent of counties with the highest rates of overall food insecurity are rural, and workers there face soaring costs of food and a declining number of grocery stores, as consolidation and rising real estate values close outlets. Although farmworkers harvest fruit and vegetables all day, it is odd, but true, that they are living in food deserts.

I have to say, Guerrero says, sighing, that there is a lot of abundance (in Idaho). There is enough to go around. Its just all going elsewhere.

Astra Lincoln is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to lively debate about Western issues. She writes in Oregon.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
On a summer morning in southern Idaho, the day breaks early, before 6 a.m. The air is stale, never fully cooled from the heat of the day before.

In the indigo hour when night becomes morning, dozens of people  most from Mexico  queue for the van that will shuttle them to the picking fields. For the next 15 hours, they harvest. Ladders teeter on the uneven, parched earth. Cherries are quickly pulled from high branches by the handful.

The fruit isnt for them. Like most regions in the country whose economies rely on exporting food, little of whats picked here makes it onto the plates of the people who harvested it.

At the end of the daylight hours, a company bus returns and drives the farmworkers to the Walmart, on the far side of town, where they can shop for groceries and gloves. Farmworkers forced to shop late at night have frequently been met with depleted shelves ever since the early days of the pandemic. They buy what little they can, then re-board the van that brings them home. Many fall asleep hungry.

In 2020, when the pandemic began, organizer Samantha Guerrero drove across the low, parched hills of Idahos Canyon County to a neighborhood she calls Farmway Village. First built as a labor camp, the low-income housing complex has become home to many of the countys agricultural employees. Guerrero had planned to distribute information about the new virus. But what she found wasnt a lack of information; it was a lack of good groceries. Shes been working to change that ever since.

For immigrant farmworkers, food is in short supply: The only thing close to that place is a gas station, Guerrero told me. That means they only have access to the processed foods sold there.

Guerrero works for the nonprofit Idaho Organization of Resource Councils, which is trying to change things. Recently, it started distributing culturally relevant foods, like masa for corn tortillas, and some local, organic farmers let volunteers glean produce like tomatoes and pumpkins to redistribute.

Yet the need is widespread  in Idaho and elsewhere where farmworkers are needed  and even the best-organized mutual aid projects cant meet the demand. Nonprofits try to help, but they arent equipped to make the systems-level changes needed to end the lack of nutritious food and the hunger suffered by farmworkers and other immigrants.

Local food pantries try, but theyre not always an answer. Many farmworkers come from agricultural communities south of our border with Mexico, Guerrero says. Theyre used to fresh fruits, home-raised meats, or hand-pressed tortillas. Even though these immigrant communities are the primary audience for many food pantries, the canned and boxed food they provide can be unrecognizable to the people they serve.

This holds true across the West. Ive spoken to other farmworkers and organizers in Montana, Oregon and the Dakotas, and all echo those sentiments. We havent diminished the hunger of the workers who feed us.

There are 3 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. For more than 20 years, migration from Mexico has been largely driven by economic hardship that began in 1994, when the NAFTA treaty crashed the value of the peso. Now, migrants from that country and Central America are increasingly coming north to escape drug violence, or when landslides, hurricanes, and other disasters hastened by the changing climate force them to flee.

When many workers land at large, corporate-owned farms, they sometimes find harsh conditions; this February, for example, the U.S. Department of Labor found that one large Idaho farm had shortchanged its 69 workers by $159,000.

Ninety-one percent of counties with the highest rates of overall food insecurity are rural, and workers there face soaring costs of food and a declining number of grocery stores, as consolidation and rising real estate values close outlets. Although farmworkers harvest fruit and vegetables all day, it is odd, but true, that they are living in food deserts.

I have to say, Guerrero says, sighing, that there is a lot of abundance (in Idaho). There is enough to go around. Its just all going elsewhere.

Astra Lincoln is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to lively debate about Western issues. She writes in Oregon.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT



With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


With just about a week to the presidential primary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), it is very clear that some influential figures in the party can no longer hide their preference for a presidential candidate from the North in the 2023 general election even as pressure mounts on the party to cede the ticket to the Southern part of the country.

As the high-wire politicking becomes intense ahead of the primary, indications have emerged that the bloc is presently having a hard time selling the candidature of Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who is from Gashua, Yobe State, North East, as their preferred candidate, to other powerful interests in the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THEWILL Newspaper's cover story for the week, titled, APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Plot to Adopt Lawan, Retain Presidency in North Hits Brick Wall, looks at how some influential governors in the party are currently opposed to the plan to impose Lawan, a move that is backed by APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu; Imo State governor , Hope Uzodinma; Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and others. The story examines the intrigues and power play involved as a Southern aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, now appears to be the preferred successor to President Buhari.

On our backpage, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Austyn Ogannah, in a piece titled, Beyond Banning Okada in Our Towns, writes on the mob mentality of commercial motorcyclists in the country and in Lagos especially as well as their penchant to resort to jungle justice at the first sign of slight. He notes that the danger of such an illegality is immediately apparent, saying there cannot be a society of law and order where a group can snuff out the life of a citizen without recourse to the extant laws of the land.

DOWNTOWN, the colourful all-gloss lifestyle and culture magazine of THEWILL, in its fully digital version this week, features on its cover, Bukky George-Taylor, who has been aptly described as the 'Queen of PR' as the co-founder of the lifestyle app; CRAWL, which shows the hottest places to visit in Nigeria, shares her experience in the tourism business as well as other ventures she's presently involved in.

As always, our edition for this week is loaded; so relax and enjoy our exciting package. Get a copy from this Sunday and through the week nationwide at newsstands. Digital copies are available on: www.thewillnigeria.com / www.thewilldowntown.com / ISSUU.COM and PRESSREADER.COM

And for the latest trends and updates, follow our handles on: Twitter: @thewillng @thewilldowntown and Instagram: @thewillnewspaper @thewilldowntown @thewillsociety

Signed: MANAGEMENT


Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival.

The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels.

She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style.

Looking good: Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival

Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit.

On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in.

According to IMDb, the film is about a 'lonely and bitter British woman' who encounters a genie during a trip to Istanbul.

Dr. Alithea Binnie (played by Tilda) is granted three wishes, which forces her to realise she has a 'desire to be loved'.

Stylish: The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels

Stunning: She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

Bold: Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit

Amazing: On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in

Making a return: After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

Popular: In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

Back to normal: The festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying

Famous festival: Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

Looking good: Riley Keough looked elegant as she stepped onto the red carpet in a chic mesh grey gown

Gorgeous: The actress, 32, opted for a natural dewy makeup look while her auburn tresses were styled in loose curls

Out with a bang: The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28

Lovely: Vicky Krieps donned a sophisticated white skirt suit as she walked the red carpet

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival.

The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels.

She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style.

Looking good: Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival

Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit.

On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in.

According to IMDb, the film is about a 'lonely and bitter British woman' who encounters a genie during a trip to Istanbul.

Dr. Alithea Binnie (played by Tilda) is granted three wishes, which forces her to realise she has a 'desire to be loved'.

Stylish: The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels

Stunning: She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

Bold: Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit

Amazing: On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in

Making a return: After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

Popular: In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

Back to normal: The festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying

Famous festival: Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

Looking good: Riley Keough looked elegant as she stepped onto the red carpet in a chic mesh grey gown

Gorgeous: The actress, 32, opted for a natural dewy makeup look while her auburn tresses were styled in loose curls

Out with a bang: The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28

Lovely: Vicky Krieps donned a sophisticated white skirt suit as she walked the red carpet

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival.

The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels.

She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style.

Looking good: Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival

Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit.

On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in.

According to IMDb, the film is about a 'lonely and bitter British woman' who encounters a genie during a trip to Istanbul.

Dr. Alithea Binnie (played by Tilda) is granted three wishes, which forces her to realise she has a 'desire to be loved'.

Stylish: The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels

Stunning: She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

Bold: Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit

Amazing: On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in

Making a return: After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

Popular: In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

Back to normal: The festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying

Famous festival: Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

Looking good: Riley Keough looked elegant as she stepped onto the red carpet in a chic mesh grey gown

Gorgeous: The actress, 32, opted for a natural dewy makeup look while her auburn tresses were styled in loose curls

Out with a bang: The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28

Lovely: Vicky Krieps donned a sophisticated white skirt suit as she walked the red carpet

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Group for Interparliamentary Relations with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss Ukraine's recent European integration steps.

This was reported by the official website of the head of state, as seen by Ukrinform.

"Ukraine has promptly done its part to obtain EU candidate status, and now the ball is in the EU's pitch," Zhovkva said.

The parties agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate nation for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.

Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians, and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the wake Russia's armed aggression, backed not only by political statements but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.

"We appreciate all care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," he added.

Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed Italys continued support for Ukrainians in defending their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly impressed by the terrible consequences the war has brought to the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited during their trip.

Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about President Zelensky's initiative to patronize the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the effort to rebuild Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office expressed his expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT.

The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo: www.president.gov.ua
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies, Dr Ishmael Norman has said Ghanaians must act if the terrorists are already here in the country.

He believes they are already in the country, adding that some may have been married to Ghanaians.

Speaking in interview with TV3 on Saturday May 21 in relation to the caution given by the National Security against the potential attack on Ghana, he said they are not just near Ghana, they are in Ghana.

He added Some of them will even marry Ghanaian men or women. We have to assume that they are already here. The National Security warning is a good one, I believe the terrorists are already in Ghana.

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said that it is very worrying reports of potential attacks of extremist elements targeted at Ghana.

He said as the government increases the alertness of intelligence and security agencies, all Ghanaians need to be more security conscious and be quick to report any suspicious persons or packages to security agencies.

Very worrying reports of potential attacks of extremist elements targeted at Ghana. As we heighten the alertness of intelligence and security agencies, all of us need to be more security conscious and be quick to report any suspicious persons or packages to security agencies, the Ofoase Ayirebi lawmaker tweeted on Saturday May 21.
Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, met with Ugo Cappellacci, Chairman of the Group for Interparliamentary Relations with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to discuss Ukraine's recent European integration steps.

This was reported by the official website of the head of state, as seen by Ukrinform.

"Ukraine has promptly done its part to obtain EU candidate status, and now the ball is in the EU's pitch," Zhovkva said.

The parties agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate nation for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.

Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians, and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the wake Russia's armed aggression, backed not only by political statements but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.

"We appreciate all care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," he added.

Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed Italys continued support for Ukrainians in defending their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly impressed by the terrible consequences the war has brought to the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited during their trip.

Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about President Zelensky's initiative to patronize the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the effort to rebuild Ukraine.

The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office expressed his expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT.

The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Photo: www.president.gov.ua
Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival.

The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels.

She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style.

Looking good: Tilda Swinton looked the epitome of chic on Saturday as she attended the screening of R.M.N during the 75th annual Cannes film festival

Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit.

On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in.

According to IMDb, the film is about a 'lonely and bitter British woman' who encounters a genie during a trip to Istanbul.

Dr. Alithea Binnie (played by Tilda) is granted three wishes, which forces her to realise she has a 'desire to be loved'.

Stylish: The actress, 61, stood out from the crowd in an eye-catching white shirt dress which she teamed with a pair of matching heels

Stunning: She wore her platinum blonde tresses cut short, slicked back and combed over to the left in her trademark style

After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony.

The film chosen to open the festival was Final Cut, a comedy love letter to filmmaking and Z-list zombie movies from the team behind the award-winning The Artist.

There is set to be an array of TikTok stars taking to the red carpet this year after organisers sought to refresh their image by partnering with the video streaming platform, which is sponsoring an award for short films.

In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28, hoping for a return to form for cinema's most glamorous event after two years when it was hampered by Covid-19 restrictions.

Bold: Tilda wore minimal makeup, adding a slick of red lipstick to brighten her white outfit

Amazing: On Friday, the actress attended the premiere of the film Three Thousand Years, which she stars in

Making a return: After Cannes was entirely cancelled in 2020 and held under strict health protocols in 2021, the red carpet returned in all its glamour on Tuesday night for the Opening Ceremony

'We are ready. The town hall has just redone everything - the whole place - so we hope it will go well,' said Jeremie Tripet, manager of 'L'Avenue', a bistro just off the main drag known as La Croisette.

One major exception is the absence of Russians, due to the impact of sanctions over the war in Ukraine and a ruling from the organisers that state-linked delegates are not welcome. China is also expected to have a limited presence due to its continuing Covid restrictions.

But otherwise the festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying.

Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings.

Popular: In total, some 35,000 film professionals are expected to attend the festival between May 17 and 28

The two-week annual event will see hotly-anticipated films Top Gun: Maverick and King of Rock 'N Roll' biopic Elvis shown.

There's a lot of excitement around the Elvis Presley biopic from Australia's Baz Luhrmann, hoping to recreate the buzz he generated when he brought the can-can to Cannes with Moulin Rouge! 20 years ago.

Elvis, playing out of competition, sees newcomer Austin Butler stepping into The King's blue suede shoes. Tom Hanks plays his infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

There are 21 films in the race for the Palme d'Or, including the latest body-horror fable from David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future, starring Lea Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

Back to normal: The festival is keen to put the pandemic in the past, with no mandatory masks or health passes this year - and no restrictions to partying

Famous festival: Film fans can get stuck into the usual feast of new releases and competition entries, braving the festival's famously opinionated crowds, who are never shy about cheering and booing during screenings

The Canadian director told IndieWire it is likely to cause walkouts 'within the first five minutes'.

There are only five women directors in the competition, hoping to follow the success of last year's winner, Titane, which made Julia Ducournau only the second female to win the Palme.

Alongside all the glitz, festival director Thierry Fremaux said Cannes aimed to keep the war in Ukraine in the spotlight.

'Together we will have a great festival - we will think a lot about cinema without ever stopping thinking about Ukraine.'

The final film by Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravicius, who was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine last month, will get a special screening.

Looking good: Riley Keough looked elegant as she stepped onto the red carpet in a chic mesh grey gown

Gorgeous: The actress, 32, opted for a natural dewy makeup look while her auburn tresses were styled in loose curls

Out with a bang: The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28

Lovely: Vicky Krieps donned a sophisticated white skirt suit as she walked the red carpet

He was shooting a follow-up to his celebrated documentary Mariupolis, about the conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region, when he was reportedly captured and killed.

The main competition also includes exiled Russian Kirill Serebrennikov, who was unable to attend for his two previous nominations due to a politically charged conviction for embezzlement back home.

Fremaux said the festival wanted to lend a hand to 'the Russians who take risks to resist' while offering 'absolute and non-negotiable support to the Ukrainian people'.

The jury charged with selecting the winners this year includes Indian superstar Deepika Padukone and Iran's two-time Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, and is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon.

The world's biggest film festival will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on May 28.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.


Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.
Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea.

During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love.'

'Yes, and she loves you. She is a really big fan of yours, personally,' Justin told Chelsea and co-host Catherine Law.

Making it official: Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea; the couple pictured here in May 2022

'I really like her as well. Am I allowed to say her name? Is that OK?' the comedienne asked.

'Yes,' the New Girl alum replied.

'Kate Bosworth is who you are dating,' Chelsea said.

Cloud nine: During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love'

'Yes,' Justin responded.

The Dodgeball star went on to say that being in love was 'such a wonderful feeling.'

The Connecticut native told the My Horizontal Life author that he appreciated how open she was about her 'happiness and joy' over her romance with new boyfriend Jo Koy.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'But there's something about it, for me, that I feel like I need to protect and keep sacred because it feels sacred,' Justin explained.

'It's just the best,' he added.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'So it's something I want to protect and keep, you know?'

PDA: Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan; Justin seen in 2019

Romantic: In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii; Kate seen in May 2022

Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan.

In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii.

Earlier in April, the co-stars confirmed their blossoming new relationship while holding hands after a romantic dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles.

After months of romance rumors, the pair beamed as they exited the upscale Italian eatery together following their meal.

In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate.

At last: In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate

'I had gotten to a place where I was comfortable with myself, I was ready to be  I didn't know it at the time  but I was ready for the one,' he told the Bachelor alum, 41, who is happily dating Sarah Partain.

He continued: 'I want to [talk about it], but I also want to be protective. I want to scream it from the rooftops, but I also want to be protective. It's sacred.'

Still, Long did not mention Bosworth by name. That interview comes just four months after the He's Just Not That Into You actor revealed on a different podcast that he was off the market.

Shortly after, PageSix uncovered that the new lady in his life was actress Kate Bosworth, whom he made a movie with in 2021.

Earlier that year, the blonde beauty announced her split from 51-year-old husband Michael Polish.

Co-stars: PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

In May she talked up Justin on Instagram when they wrapped the movie: 'Holy moly @justinlong you are a truly spectacular / fun / funny / kind / rare / thoughtful / totally. f*kn. rad human being.'

She added, 'THANK YOU for lifting us up you kept it light & full of laughter daily, even through the toughest moments. You gnome how much I love ya (sorry had to ;).'

And an insider told the site that this autumn he went with the beauty on her trip to Padaste Manor in Estonia. They reportedly had a 'romantic weekend.'

Justin then confirmed his relationship status during his podcast a in December while discussing the controversial pizza topping of pineapple with comic Fortune Feimster.

Speaking on his 'Life is Short with Justin Long' podcast, the actor said when asked to give her favorite topping: 'This is controversial: pineapple.'

Exes: Kate was married to director Michael Polish from 2013 to 2021

To which, Justin replied: 'People have been saying that lately. It's funny, my girlfriend said hers is  she loves the pineapple, too. I've never been with anyone who likes pineapple on pizza.'

A source later told Us Weekly: 'They've been dating for a few months now. They secretly have been on a few getaways together. They both love to travel.'

Adding that the couple is 'not hiding the fact that they're together', rather they're 'just staying low-key and private about their relationship.'

Kate and Justin moved quickly and are reportedly already living together.

Long has previously been linked to Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst and Drew Barrymore.

Kate and her ex Michael were last photographed together in January of 2021. The couple met in 2011 during the making of the adventure drama Big Sur, which she starred in and he directed.

Kate and Michael announced their engagement in August 2012 and married on August 31, 2013 at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
SPRINGFIELD  Despite continuing to court Republican voters ahead of the June 28 primary election, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin again refused to say whether he voted for former President Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Irvin, considered a frontrunner for the Illinois GOP gubernatorial nomination, briefly met with reporters following a Saturday morning campaign event in Springfield. It was one of the final stops of a three-day, 16-event campaign swing across the state to promote early voting, which started Thursday.

Asked point blank whether he voted for Trump, who was GOPs presidential candidate in 2016 and 2020 and is widely considered the favorite to win the nomination in 2024 if he runs, Irvin deflected, saying that in general elections, I'm a Republican. I always vote for Republicans.

Pressed again to confirm whether that included Trump, Irvin offered a similar iteration of his previous answer: In general elections, I always vote Republican, he said.

A number of media outlets want to talk about the White House and national politics, Irvin added. This is about the state of Illinois. That's exactly what J.B. Pritzker wants to be talking about  anything other than his record.

Irvin has been pressed on the question several times by members of the media and his fellow primary challengers since entering the race in January.

But Irvin thus far has sidestepped the Trump question, a reflection of the former presidents continued popularity among Republican primary voters despite his broad unpopularity in the Democratic-leaning state.

While other Republican gubernatorial candidates like state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, and businessman Gary Rabine have embraced Trump and have even sought out his endorsement, Irvin has kept the former president at a distance, hoping to get through the Republican primary without alienating moderate suburban voters he needs to defeat Democratic incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November.

As long as we're talking about other things  national politics and the White House  we're not talking about what we need to move Illinois forward, Irvin said. And that's what we need to be talking about.

Yet at the same time, national politics and Trump have been a feature of Irvins campaign literature. Several negative mail pieces on fellow candidates Bailey and venture capitalist Jesse Sullivan have accused the pair of being secret agents for the Never Trump agenda and for supporting Democrats in the past.

Bailey voted in the 2008 Democratic primary, which he says was part of a conservative effort to prevent Hillary Clinton from winning the nomination. He has voted Republican in every other partisan primary he's participated in since 1989. And he served as a Trump delegate to the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Irvin has pulled Democratic primary ballots in 2014, 2016 and 2020 as well as in local primary elections in 2017 and 2021. He voted Republican in the 2018 primary.

Irvin told the station that he did not recall sending the texts, adding that he disagreed with Trump on some things but that the administration "delivered positive results" on issues ranging from tax cuts to public safety.

On his campaign's mailers attacking Bailey and Sullivan, Irvin said that "it's important that we point out everybody's record."

"Those are their words, that's their background," Irvin said. "We want to point it out so our voters know who the people are."

Early voting is now underway across most of the state, and primary Election Day is just over five weeks away.

The limited amount of public polling released indicates Irvin leads in the primary with Bailey as his closest challenger and Rabine, Sullivan, former state Sen. Paul Schimpf and attorney Max Solomon further behind.

Irvin is easily the best financed of the group with hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, the state's wealthiest man, largely underwriting his campaign.

Thus far, the billionaire has donated $45 million to Irvin's campaign. More is likely on the way as Griffin seeks to fulfill his pledge to go "all in" to defeat fellow billionaire Pritzker.

Irvin and lieutenant governor running mate Avery Bourne are leading a "slate" of GOP candidates for statewide office this year, including state Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, for treasurer; Steve Kim for attorney general; former U.S. Attorney John Milhiser for secretary of state; and McHenry County Auditor Shannon Teresi for comptroller.

The entire slate has appeared together at events across the state the past few days. Kim told the crowd gathered at the headquarters of the Sangamon County Republican Party, which included several local Republican elected officials and precinct committeemen, that it was "a great few days."

"I will say, though, I am jealous of those running statewide in Rhode Island," Kim said, jokingly mentioning the country's smallest state by land area.

Milhiser, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois from 2018 until 2021, said the slate would help usher in a "red wave" in the state.

"We have the right candidates here to make sure that red wave does not stop at the border of Illinois, but continues through Illinois and puts in place strong, conservative Republican candidates in statewide office, which we have to do to take our state back," Milhiser said.

In brief remarks, Irvin stayed on script, attacking Pritzker for a rise in crime and highlighting recent corruption cases involving high-level Democrats, most notably former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Irvin also focused on his biography, mentioning growing up in a housing project in Aurora with a single mother and overcoming the odds, joining the military and eventually becoming a lawyer.

"I became a lawyer, a prosecutor, an alderman and the mayor of my hometown," Irvin said. "I pulled myself up by my bootstraps so I could live the American Dream. I am living proof that America is the greatest country in the world and Illinois is the greatest state in the union."

Contact Brenden Moore at 217-421-7984. Follow him on Twitter: @brendenmoore13

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SPRINGFIELD  Despite continuing to court Republican voters ahead of the June 28 primary election, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin again refused to say whether he voted for former President Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Irvin, considered a frontrunner for the Illinois GOP gubernatorial nomination, briefly met with reporters following a Saturday morning campaign event in Springfield. It was one of the final stops of a three-day, 16-event campaign swing across the state to promote early voting, which started Thursday.

Asked point blank whether he voted for Trump, who was GOPs presidential candidate in 2016 and 2020 and is widely considered the favorite to win the nomination in 2024 if he runs, Irvin deflected, saying that in general elections, I'm a Republican. I always vote for Republicans.

Pressed again to confirm whether that included Trump, Irvin offered a similar iteration of his previous answer: In general elections, I always vote Republican, he said.

A number of media outlets want to talk about the White House and national politics, Irvin added. This is about the state of Illinois. That's exactly what J.B. Pritzker wants to be talking about  anything other than his record.

Irvin has been pressed on the question several times by members of the media and his fellow primary challengers since entering the race in January.

But Irvin thus far has sidestepped the Trump question, a reflection of the former presidents continued popularity among Republican primary voters despite his broad unpopularity in the Democratic-leaning state.

While other Republican gubernatorial candidates like state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, and businessman Gary Rabine have embraced Trump and have even sought out his endorsement, Irvin has kept the former president at a distance, hoping to get through the Republican primary without alienating moderate suburban voters he needs to defeat Democratic incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November.

As long as we're talking about other things  national politics and the White House  we're not talking about what we need to move Illinois forward, Irvin said. And that's what we need to be talking about.

Yet at the same time, national politics and Trump have been a feature of Irvins campaign literature. Several negative mail pieces on fellow candidates Bailey and venture capitalist Jesse Sullivan have accused the pair of being secret agents for the Never Trump agenda and for supporting Democrats in the past.

Bailey voted in the 2008 Democratic primary, which he says was part of a conservative effort to prevent Hillary Clinton from winning the nomination. He has voted Republican in every other partisan primary he's participated in since 1989. And he served as a Trump delegate to the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Irvin has pulled Democratic primary ballots in 2014, 2016 and 2020 as well as in local primary elections in 2017 and 2021. He voted Republican in the 2018 primary.

Irvin told the station that he did not recall sending the texts, adding that he disagreed with Trump on some things but that the administration "delivered positive results" on issues ranging from tax cuts to public safety.

On his campaign's mailers attacking Bailey and Sullivan, Irvin said that "it's important that we point out everybody's record."

"Those are their words, that's their background," Irvin said. "We want to point it out so our voters know who the people are."

Early voting is now underway across most of the state, and primary Election Day is just over five weeks away.

The limited amount of public polling released indicates Irvin leads in the primary with Bailey as his closest challenger and Rabine, Sullivan, former state Sen. Paul Schimpf and attorney Max Solomon further behind.

Irvin is easily the best financed of the group with hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, the state's wealthiest man, largely underwriting his campaign.

Thus far, the billionaire has donated $45 million to Irvin's campaign. More is likely on the way as Griffin seeks to fulfill his pledge to go "all in" to defeat fellow billionaire Pritzker.

Irvin and lieutenant governor running mate Avery Bourne are leading a "slate" of GOP candidates for statewide office this year, including state Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, for treasurer; Steve Kim for attorney general; former U.S. Attorney John Milhiser for secretary of state; and McHenry County Auditor Shannon Teresi for comptroller.

The entire slate has appeared together at events across the state the past few days. Kim told the crowd gathered at the headquarters of the Sangamon County Republican Party, which included several local Republican elected officials and precinct committeemen, that it was "a great few days."

"I will say, though, I am jealous of those running statewide in Rhode Island," Kim said, jokingly mentioning the country's smallest state by land area.

Milhiser, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois from 2018 until 2021, said the slate would help usher in a "red wave" in the state.

"We have the right candidates here to make sure that red wave does not stop at the border of Illinois, but continues through Illinois and puts in place strong, conservative Republican candidates in statewide office, which we have to do to take our state back," Milhiser said.

In brief remarks, Irvin stayed on script, attacking Pritzker for a rise in crime and highlighting recent corruption cases involving high-level Democrats, most notably former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Irvin also focused on his biography, mentioning growing up in a housing project in Aurora with a single mother and overcoming the odds, joining the military and eventually becoming a lawyer.

"I became a lawyer, a prosecutor, an alderman and the mayor of my hometown," Irvin said. "I pulled myself up by my bootstraps so I could live the American Dream. I am living proof that America is the greatest country in the world and Illinois is the greatest state in the union."

Contact Brenden Moore at 217-421-7984. Follow him on Twitter: @brendenmoore13

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.





New York City public schools have been blasted for introducing a children's book that features a 'queer' main character that hails AOC and her Squad, while mocking Mitch McConnell.

A book titled: What You Don't Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood has reportedly been distributed to NYC school libraries, according to the New York Post.

The picture book is intended for 10 and 11-year-olds and is reportedly labeled as part of the Universal Mosaic independent reading curriculum, which the Department of Education is expected to launch next year.

The book was written and illustrated by Brooklynite Anastasia Higginbotham and centers around a black 'gay sixth-grader' named Demetrius, who isn't out yet, but is learning to love himself and navigate school, home, and church.

Demetrius can be seen in the book feeling comfortable and 'safe' around his mother swearing, but unsafe in church.

One Staten Island mom called it a 'horrible book' that is anti-Catholic and mixes church and state.

She and another mother said the principal of PS 3 in Pleasant Plains was refusing to distribute it among students. The school was also reportedly going through other books to determine if they were appropriate for students.

One of the pivotal scenes in the book is in church, where the main character, Demetrius he feels 'shameful' in church because he's gay. After his soul leaves his body, he has a conversation with Jesus, where he asks if he's going to 'punish' people who hate on the LGBT+ community and whether or not Billy Porter and Mitch McConnell are deserving of love

Anastasia Higginbotham, of Brooklyn, wrote and illustrated a book about a 'gay sixth-grader' who is learning to love himself and navigate school, home, and church

One of the pivotal points in the book is when Demetrius and his mother attend church and he has a woke conversation with Jesus.

As he and his mother sit in the pew, he says: 'Churches can preach all they want about love - the only thing that I feel when Im here is shame.'

As the boy's soul leaves his body, he is met with Jesus, where he asks the holy figure if he 'knows what's happening down there?' and if it 'hurts your feelings if I don't believe in you?'

The understanding Jesus replies: 'It's my job to believe in you and I do.'

Demetrius then asked Jesus: 'So we're cool?' The big man replied: 'Always.'

Later on in the fictional conversation, the little boy, who comes from a split family, asks Jesus: 'Are you going to punish the people of Earth who hate me and blame it on you?'

Jesus replies that he wouldn't, but that 'everyone is invited to love and be loved.'

As they continue to fly down what appears to be a red carpet, a Billy Porter lookalike appears wearing a black dress, to which Demetrius questions if he should be loved.

Jesus replies: 'Especially him! Love the dress, Billy!'

Next up is a Mitch McConnell lookalike, where Demetrius asked: 'Even...?'

Jesus replies: 'Yes.'

During an online reading on the book, Higginbotham confirmed it was the politician.

'Thats Mitch McConnell. And the child wants to know if even Mitch McConnell is invited to love and be loved considering all the harm he is causing,' she said.

The book goes on to show his parents watching TV with the names of US Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez on the screen.

The narrator goes on to say, according to the New York Post: 'We will rewrite the rules we live by and love the world into balance,' suggesting AOC's Squad is path to the future.

Demetrius also says he feels 'loved and seen' when his mother cusses in front of him about politicians endangering the lives of transgender children

Parents are also concerned about a few other books that reported made the Universal Mosaic curriculum, which was introduced by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Among the titles is a book called The Bell Rang, which is recommended for kindergarteners and discusses slavery. Another title I'm Not A Girl is about a transgender child and is recommended for first-graders. A preschool-level book called Our Skin, reportedly blames racism on white people.

However, the Department of Education told the New York Post that What You Don't Know and Our Skin are not on the list, despite parents saying they were marked as so in libraries.

A State Island Council Joseph Borelli said the books were a 'poor parting gift from the prior administration.'

The book, titled: What You Don't Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood is reportedly a part of the Universal Mosaic collection that former Mayor Bill de Blasio started and is expected to roll out in schools next year. Parents are claiming the book has been labeled as a part of the collection, but the Department of Education says otherwise

The book also reported displays the names of AOC and her Squad (pictured) and suggests they are the way to the future

'Thankfully, most of my principals have used them as paperweights. There isnt any value in trying to offend parents and confuse students,' Borelli said.

Bion Bartning, the founder of Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism - which is based in NYC - said the books were 'well intentioned,' but 'bringing political and ideological materials into the classroom can undermine trust between families and schools.'

'Being inclusive starts with listening to diverse perspectives, and accepting the culture, values and deeply held beliefs of all families who are part of the school community,' he said.
For many students, the traditional educational model works just fine: A teacher stands in front of the class lecturing, students take notes, perhaps engage in discussion; they read assignments and answer questions about the reading, and they learn what they need to learn.

But for students who don't learn well that way, more of the same won't help. More of the same may doom them to a life of dead-end jobs or worse, which hurts not only them but the rest of us, as they eat up public resources without contributing to our economy. What struggling students need  what all of us need them to receive  is teaching that engages their attention and imagination.

This isnt new information. Its something everybody who pays attention to education has known for years, and its something our editorial staff warned about a year ago as South Carolina school districts began receiving a windfall of federal funding that was supposed to help already-struggling students who were thrown further behind by COVID-19 disruptions.

Use the federal funding to do a reset, we urged, to create targeted programs that will bring kids back not just to where they would have been without the pandemic but to where they should be.

Create dual-enrollment, early college, entrepreneurship and apprenticeship programs, which have proven to engage struggling high school students. In elementary and middle school, infuse Montessori, arts integration, foreign languages or project-based learning into the curriculum. Extend the learning opportunities well into the afternoons and the regular school year into the summer.

Instead of traditional summer school classes, provide programs kids actually want: literacy camps, youth employment programs that include a classroom component, computer programming and digital design courses that include reading and math skills, and field trips  with related reading assignments before and after  to museums, technical colleges and local businesses.

Taking a creative approach to summer programs might be more important than doing it during the regular school year, because summer can provide a last shot at reclaiming students who struggled during the regular school year. Get it right, and you can spark a new interest in learning; get it wrong, and you could lose them forever.

A year later, The Post and Couriers Maura Turcotte reports some encouraging news about how school districts have responded  and a lot of depressing news.

Ms. Turcotte analyzed last year's summer school programs in 67 of the states 77 traditional school districts. At least 46 said they offered enrichment programs or activities in elementary and middle schools. By necessity, she left it to the districts to determine what constituted enrichment, so the number with truly engaging programs is likely much lower; some, for instance, counted afternoon playtime outside. And most districts didnt offer such programs in high school, where they relied instead on credit-recovery programs, which have the advantage of keeping kids on track to graduate but rarely inspire them.

More disturbing: 60% of the districts used virtual programs for at least some students, even though one thing the pandemic drove home is how inadequate computer classes are  particularly for students who dont do well in the traditional model.

Equally disturbing: Although some didnt answer the question, only two districts actually reported tracking the performance of their summer school students into the following year, meaning that most designed this year's summer programs without good data to tell them how well last years worked.

Nobody expected the districts to get everything right, but its essential that they use this windfall of one-time funding not just to put more bodies into their summer programs or to buy more education programs, but to launch new ways of teaching their students who are most difficult to teach. That means the programs they provide need to improve every year. Our whole state is counting on them to succeed.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.


SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea.

During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love.'

'Yes, and she loves you. She is a really big fan of yours, personally,' Justin told Chelsea and co-host Catherine Law.

Making it official: Justin Long named Kate Bosworth as his girlfriend for the first time during an appearance on this week's episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast Dear Chelsea; the couple pictured here in May 2022

'I really like her as well. Am I allowed to say her name? Is that OK?' the comedienne asked.

'Yes,' the New Girl alum replied.

'Kate Bosworth is who you are dating,' Chelsea said.

Cloud nine: During the episode, the 47-year-old host congratulated the 43-year-old actor on being 'newly in love'

'Yes,' Justin responded.

The Dodgeball star went on to say that being in love was 'such a wonderful feeling.'

The Connecticut native told the My Horizontal Life author that he appreciated how open she was about her 'happiness and joy' over her romance with new boyfriend Jo Koy.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'But there's something about it, for me, that I feel like I need to protect and keep sacred because it feels sacred,' Justin explained.

'It's just the best,' he added.

'I've never had anything like this before; I've never experienced this,' the Live Free or Die Hard actor admitted.

'So it's something I want to protect and keep, you know?'

PDA: Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan; Justin seen in 2019

Romantic: In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii; Kate seen in May 2022

Last week, Kate, 39, and Justin were spotted holding hands while strolling around Manhattan.

In April, the loved-up couple were seen packing on the PDA during a tropical getaway to Hawaii.

Earlier in April, the co-stars confirmed their blossoming new relationship while holding hands after a romantic dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles.

After months of romance rumors, the pair beamed as they exited the upscale Italian eatery together following their meal.

In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate.

At last: In a recent episode of The Viall Files, Long gushed to host Nick Viall about his love life after finally finding himself ready to meet his soul mate

'I had gotten to a place where I was comfortable with myself, I was ready to be  I didn't know it at the time  but I was ready for the one,' he told the Bachelor alum, 41, who is happily dating Sarah Partain.

He continued: 'I want to [talk about it], but I also want to be protective. I want to scream it from the rooftops, but I also want to be protective. It's sacred.'

Still, Long did not mention Bosworth by name. That interview comes just four months after the He's Just Not That Into You actor revealed on a different podcast that he was off the market.

Shortly after, PageSix uncovered that the new lady in his life was actress Kate Bosworth, whom he made a movie with in 2021.

Earlier that year, the blonde beauty announced her split from 51-year-old husband Michael Polish.

Co-stars: PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

PageSix said that 'the two met while filming a movie in Fayetteville, Ark., [in 2021]'

In May she talked up Justin on Instagram when they wrapped the movie: 'Holy moly @justinlong you are a truly spectacular / fun / funny / kind / rare / thoughtful / totally. f*kn. rad human being.'

She added, 'THANK YOU for lifting us up you kept it light & full of laughter daily, even through the toughest moments. You gnome how much I love ya (sorry had to ;).'

And an insider told the site that this autumn he went with the beauty on her trip to Padaste Manor in Estonia. They reportedly had a 'romantic weekend.'

Justin then confirmed his relationship status during his podcast a in December while discussing the controversial pizza topping of pineapple with comic Fortune Feimster.

Speaking on his 'Life is Short with Justin Long' podcast, the actor said when asked to give her favorite topping: 'This is controversial: pineapple.'

Exes: Kate was married to director Michael Polish from 2013 to 2021

To which, Justin replied: 'People have been saying that lately. It's funny, my girlfriend said hers is  she loves the pineapple, too. I've never been with anyone who likes pineapple on pizza.'

A source later told Us Weekly: 'They've been dating for a few months now. They secretly have been on a few getaways together. They both love to travel.'

Adding that the couple is 'not hiding the fact that they're together', rather they're 'just staying low-key and private about their relationship.'

Kate and Justin moved quickly and are reportedly already living together.

Long has previously been linked to Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst and Drew Barrymore.

Kate and her ex Michael were last photographed together in January of 2021. The couple met in 2011 during the making of the adventure drama Big Sur, which she starred in and he directed.

Kate and Michael announced their engagement in August 2012 and married on August 31, 2013 at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.
Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.
Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.
Republicans in the 5th Congressional District gathered at Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday and made their voices heard: Good is more than enough.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Good was nominated on Saturday to represent the Republican Party during this Novembers general election. The freshman congressman is seeking a second term on The Hill later this year.

Good was nominated in convincing fashion, receiving 1,488 votes to his opponents 271.

On the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, Goods fire burned as hot as the weather outside.

The freshman congressman thanked his supporters for being Ultra-MAGA, attacked the media for hoping for a different outcome and riled his supporters to take back the country, including the House of Representatives, Senate and White House in the next two years.

They dont know why you vote like you do, Good said to his supporters inside the field house.

Good faced one opponent at the convention, Dan Moy, of Charlottesville, who is a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

During his speech at the convention, Moy criticized Good for being the loudest member of Congress, but said he has no real results to his name.

For some voters in the 5th District, the choice to nominate Good to be the partys representative was an easy one.

Peter Cefaratti, a delegate who cast his vote for Good, said it means a lot to him to be able to cast a vote for a representative who represents me ... cause I cant be there to do it myself.

Cefaratti said the issues that matter to him are the ones Good fights for, which is why he wants to send the Congressman back to Washington for two more years.

He doesnt compromise, which is a hard concept for some people to understand, Cefaratti said. He doesnt give ground because conservatives have given enough ground.

He wants to re-gain territory weve lost.

Gary Barve, a Lynchburg resident who also cast his vote for Good, said the congressman had his 100% support in the face of the challenge from Moy.

Bob Good is a great Congressman, Barve said.

Barve said Goods trustworthiness is the chief reason he supported the freshman congressman during Saturdays nominating convention.

On the other side, supporters of Moy did not leave the convention with the same ringing endorsement of Good as his supporters did.

Madeleine Chandler, a delegate who cast her vote for Moy, said Good didnt do enough in Washington during his first term, which is why she chose to support his opponent.

I think he could have accomplished more than he did in two years in his position, Chandler told The (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

During a speech at the convention, Good cited a ranking of members of Congress ability to work across the aisle that had him ranked 433 out of 435.

In response, Good said I am not in Washington to work with the Democrats, Im there to defeat the Democrats.

Despite voting for Moy, Chandler said she would have no problem backing Good during the general election, as she hopes to keep the 5th district red.

This years convention was a return to normal for Republicans in the 5th district. Last years convention was held as a drive-thru convention in Lynchburg, which saw Good defeat then-incumbent Denver Riggleman 58% to 42%.

Now a two-time nominee in the 5th, Good is hoping to parlay his own partys support into another term representing the people of Central Virginia.

The country has suffered ... its what they want, Good said speaking about Democrats in Washington.

But were going to have a massive shift manifest itself in the electorate this November.

Good now will begin his general election campaign, where he will face challenger Josh Throneburg of Charlottesville. Throneburg was selected as the nominee last month after his primary opponents failed to register for the primary ballot.
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'


Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'

Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
Advertisement

West Point's class of 2022 tossed their caps in the air as they celebrated their commencement and commissioning ceremony Saturday.

More than 1,000 enthusiastic cadets took part in the traditional throw to mark the end of their four years at America's most prestigious military academy, which is located in Upstate New York.

During the graduation ceremony, Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, challenged cadets to prepare to fight future wars that may look little like the wars of today.

'The world you are being commissioned into has the potential for significant international conflict between great powers. And that potential is increasing, not decreasing,' Milley told the cadets.

Cadets graduated in glorious sunshine as the north east basked in one of the hottest May days on record, and the good weather seemed to further boost the atmosphere among the already excited graduates.

They were filmed lined up in neat rows in immaculate uniforms during the ceremony and speech, but were also filmed embracing one another with afffectionate huge.

The cadets successfully completed the New York academy's courses and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Army.

Following their graduation, the cadets will be trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Course.

They then will have to choose among more than 36 branch-specific majors before being sent to an occupational Army unit for three years.

Approximately 1,000 enthusiastic cadets tossed their hats in the air to mark the end of their four years at the West Point US Military Academy

Class of 2022 cadets celebrate their graduation during commencement ceremonies at the US Military Academy West Point, on May 21

They were first trained on planning, training and Army operations during the Basic Officer Leader Cours

Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the graduation address to the 1014 cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2022

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order.

He told graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready.

'Whatever overmatch we, the United States, enjoyed militarily for the last 70 years is closing quickly, and the United States will be, in fact, we already are challenged in every domain of warfare, space, cyber, maritime, air, and of course land,' Milley said.

America, he said, is no longer the unchallenged global power.

Instead, it is being tested in Europe by Russian aggression in Ukraine, in Asia by China's dramatic economic and military growth as well as North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, and in the Middle East and Africa by instability from terrorists.

Milley painted a grim picture of a world that is becoming more unstable, with great powers intent on changing the global order

Graduating cadets at West Point that they will bear the responsibility to make sure America is ready, Milley said

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies

Drawing a parallel with what military officials are seeing in Russia's war on Ukraine, Milley said future warfare will be highly complex, with elusive enemies and urban warfare that requires long-range precision weapons, and new advanced technologies.

The US has already been rushing new, high-tech drones and other weapons to the Ukrainian military - in some cases equipment that was just in the early prototype phases.

Weapons such as the shoulder-launched kamikaze Switchblade drones are being used against the Russians, even as they are still evolving.

And as the war in Ukraine has shifted - from Russia's unsuccessful battle to take Kyiv to a gritty urban battle for towns in the eastern Donbas region - so has the need for different types of weapons.

Early weeks focused on long-range precision weapons such as Stinger and Javelin missiles, but now the emphasis is on artillery, and increased shipments of howitzers.

United States Military Academy graduating cadets attend their graduation ceremony

ieutenant General and Superintendent Darryl A. Williams speaks during the 2022 West Point Commencement Ceremony

Graduating cadets hug each other during their commencement ceremony

Life at West Point West Point has more than 200 years of history and is America's most prestigious military academy. In order to be admitted to the academy, applicants must be no older than 23, be a US citizen, not be married or have children and must have excellent grades and leadership. After graduating, cadets will attend a Basic Officer Leader Course where they will study general Army operations, planning, and training. They will then choose to study branch-specific material and join an unit for three years. Cadets must serve at least eight years in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. Source: West Point website Advertisement

And over the next 25 to 30 years, the fundamental character of war and its weapons will continue to change.

The US military, Milley said, can't cling to concepts and weapons of old, but must urgently modernize and develop the force and equipment that can deter or, if needed, win in a global conflict.

And the graduating officers, he said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and fight.

As the Army's leaders of tomorrow, Milley said, the newly minted Second Lieutenants will be fighting with robotic tanks, ships and airplanes, and relying on artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels, 3-D manufacturing and human engineering.

'It will be your generation that will carry the burden and shoulder the responsibility to maintain the peace, to contain and to prevent the outbreak of great power war,' he said.

In stark terms, Milley described what failing to prevent wars between great powers looks like.

'Consider for a moment that 26,000 - 26,000 - soldiers and Marines were killed in only six weeks from October to November of 1918 in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne in World War I,' Milley said.

'Consider also that 26,000 U.S. troops were killed in the eight weeks in the summer of 1944 from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Paris.'

The graduating officers, Milley said, will have to change the way US forces think, train and figh

Excited recent graduates at West Point congratulate each other

Recalling the 58,000 Americans killed in just the summer of 1944 as World War II raged, he added, 'That is the human cost of great-power war. The butcher's bill.'

Thinking back to his own graduation, Milley paraphrased a popular Bob Dylan song from the time: 'we can feel the light breeze in the air. And right now as we sit here on the plain at West Point, we can see the storm flags fluttering in the wind. We can hear in the distance the loud clap of thunder. The hard rain is about to fall.'
(Newser)  Rising seas are encroaching on one of the nation's most storied military installations, where thousands of recruits are molded into Marines each year amid the salt marshes of South Carolina's Lowcountry region. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is particularly vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion, and other impacts of climate change, a Defense Department-funded "resiliency review" noted last month. Some scientists project that by 2099, three-quarters of the island could be under water during high tides each day, the AP reports. Military authorities say they're confident they can keep the second-oldest Marine Corps base intact, for now, through small-scale changes to existing infrastructure projects.

Maj. Marc Blair, Parris Island's environmental director, describes this strategy as "the art of the small." In practice, it means such things as raising a culvert that needs to be repaired anyway, limiting development in low-lying areas, and adding floodproofing measures to firing range upgrades. Others advocate much larger and more expensive solutions, such as building huge seawalls around the base, or moving Marine Corps training away from the coast altogether. Parris Island has an outsize role in military lore and pop culture as a proving ground for Marines who have served in every major conflict since World War I. It remains a crucial training ground, along with Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. But the rising sea is proving to be a formidable enemy.

Salt marsh makes up more than half of the base's 8,000 acres, and the depot's highest point is just 13 feet above sea level. It is linked to the mainland by a single road that's susceptible to flooding. Low-lying areas on the island and the nearby Marine Corps air station already flood about 10 times a year, and by 2050, "the currently flood-prone areas within both bases could experience tidal flooding more than 300 times annually and be underwater nearly 30 percent of the year given the highest scenario," according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Already, day-to-day disruptions are growing, including nuisance flooding on roads and rising temperatures and humidity. Those wetter, hotter days could limit outdoor training. More than 500 people on Parris Island suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion between 2016 and 2020.

(Read more ocean levels stories.)
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two U.S. envoys on Afghanistan have pressed for girls' education and more freedoms for Afghan women during a meeting with the Taliban's chief diplomat.

"Girls must be back in school, women free to move & work w/o restrictions for progress to normalized relations," U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West said on Twitter after a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban-led government's foreign minister.

West added that he and U.S. special envoy Rina Amir "conveyed unified international opposition to ongoing and expanding restrictions on women and girls' rights and roles in society."

Since surging back to power last year, the Taliban has imposed a slew of restrictions on women and girls, including an order earlier this month calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burqa.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven last week expressed their "strongest opposition" to the decree, saying the hard-line group was "further isolating" itself internationally.

Many women remain barred from returning to work and girls are largely cut off from secondary schooling. The government in March further curtailed women's rights by saying they should not be offered transport on trips of more 72 kilometers unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Meanwhile, the economic and security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.

West said he and Muttaqi discussed economic stabilization in Afghanistan and concerns about terrorist attacks on civilians.

"Dialogue will continue in support of Afghan people and our national interests," West said.

The Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 as international forces withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of fighting.

Most of the world's countries do not recognize the Taliban-led government amid concerns that the militants are not living up to their promises of respecting human rights.

The United States and other have frozen Afghan assets held abroad.

U.S. President Joe Biden in February signed an executive order that will free up half of the $7 billion of the Afghan reserves it holds to set up a humanitarian-aid trust fund for distribution through groups providing relief to Afghans.

The remaining $3.5 billion will stay in the United States and be used to fund ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including for claims against the Taliban by the families of victims of the September 11 attacks.

With reporting by AFP
Cottar's 1920s Camp is popular with guests yearning to recreate "Out of Africa"  but without the malaria, lion attacks and airplane crashes.

It's the oldest and most prestigious lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara wildlife reserve, a luxury 100-year-old establishment with Edwardian-style tented bedrooms, a mahogany bar overlooking the open bush and outdoor canvas baths that make you feel like Robert Redford could start washing your hair at any minute.

A hundred years after its launch, the camp is still beloved by film stars, royalty and heads of state  one of the owner Calvin Cottar's many after-dinner stories involves an actual queen running back to the jeep after being interrupted mid-pee by an irate lioness.

And yet, with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, younger Kenyans have started questioning whether White-run lodges should even be using Britain's long and often devastating period of colonial rule as a way to sell vacations  a subject that has gained traction on Twitter and was tackled by a recent exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum.

Perhaps surprisingly, even as his business continues to market its upscale brand of nostalgia, Cottar thinks they have a point.

Cottar's family has been very much embroiled in the history of Kenya: his great-grandfather Charles was an American hunter famous for surviving leopard attacks and developing a reputation for befriending tribal communities.

His son took on the mantle and opened a lodge of his own but was gored to death by a rhino. Calvin Cottar himself shows no fear of the bush, happily walking alone for hours without even a gun for protection.

The camp is the latest incarnation of a family business that has seen Cottar men welcoming royalty to hunt on their land for decades  although it is Calvin who orchestrated the revival of these early decadent safaris, but with the shots coming from cameras rather than guns.

Beasts and vintage sofas

A deep-rooted familiarity with colonial Kenya is woven into the way the lodge runs. There are ornate writing desks and four-poster beds in each bedroom, waiters carry silver trays of gins and tonic out to the pool before lunch, and long mahogany tables are laid for dinner, when guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle.

The recently renovated open-front mess tent, meanwhile, is as opulent as it gets with crystal whisky tumblers, oil portraits, vintage mirrors and antique teak dressers.

But despite all the pomp and ceremony, it's also a place where the bush outside constantly intrudes. At night, guests sit around the fire with local Masai guides  and more often than not a giant eland antelope with tusks that could kill will saunter up to Cottar and start drinking red wine from his glass. Usually he will laugh, take another sip and tell everyone not to get too close as "they're actually pretty dangerous."

One recent morning, in and among the vintage Chesterfield sofas, brass gramophones and antique chandeliers, the body of a dead waterbuck antelope was found.

It felt like a scene from an Agatha Christie novel, had she gone through a surrealist phase. The animal was lying in a pool of its own blood while surrounded by first-edition books and leather armchairs.

"Fighting for breeding rights," Cottar said with a nod, and asked his team to drag it down to the watering hole to see what would eat it. (Answer: hyenas, which cackled that eerie laugh of theirs and left barely a bone undevoured.)

It does all feel deeply reminiscent of an old, largely lost world and Cottar is happy to admit that he too feels uncomfortable by the extent to which colonialism sells.

"White Africans in particular have to change," he says  somewhat ironically  over tea in the library one afternoon.

"All this 1920s decor is tricky though because there is still such an appetite for it, and the guys who work here don't mind  it's just theater for them  but urbanite Kenyans are vehemently anti anything colonial-looking, and I get it."

Interestingly, despite being well aware of the problems that can arise from capitalizing on this period, Cottar has no plans to change the aesthetic. This is because he thinks the far bigger problem facing Kenya is that of land ownership, and that by attracting high-paying guests to his camp  who in the most part want these Edwardian signifiers  he will be in a better position to transform the way high-end hospitality and local tribes interact.

A war with the animals

At times it sounds like he is calling for an end to people just like him. Ex-colonials still own a surprisingly high proportion of the land here  Hugh Cholmondeley, a British lord, for example, has 48,000 acres of prime farmland north of Lake Naivasha, which he uses for conservation and cattle-breeding  while foreign-owned organizations and hotel groups have bought thousands of hectares around the country's national parks and turned them into wildlife-focused conservancies.

Cottar is against all of it, arguing that buying the land the Masai have always lived on forces them into subsistence farming elsewhere, and into a war with the animals that eat their crops and kill their cattle.

Wildlife is dying because fences  simple structures made of wood and wire  now cover huge swathes of the Masai Mara. They impede all migrations and are the reason why, even with poaching figures dropping each year, lion and elephant populations are in freefall.

The solution, Calvin says, is biodiversity easements, which sounds complicated but which actually means renting the land from the Masai rather than owning it. This ensures they have a fixed income each month and no longer need to rely on farming to survive. It also means they have an incentive to keep the animals alive rather than poison them, as one dead elephant or lion means less rent in their pockets.

As a result  despite coming from a large landowning family  Cottar himself now owns very little land, having given most of it away. He believes others should follow suit.

Whether this will make him popular with the White community  people whose families, like his own, have been in Kenya since the days of British rule  is not something that keeps him up at night. "Oh they all think I'm completely mad when I suggest they pay rent on their own land," he says.

His desire to work towards creating a fairer Kenya is also clear within the camp. The entire team is Kenyan, from the camp manager to the highly acclaimed chef. The guides, meanwhile, are all local Masais, some of whom now own the land they work on.

Forward thinking?

Every day, they take his millionaire and celebrity guests out in the strikingly beautiful conservancy that surrounds the camp. It's a world straight out of an Attenborough documentary, where animals roam free without any human interference  prides of lions with scratches on their faces after fights with buffalo; young cheetahs, fat and glossy in the hot sunshine.

And elephants wherever you turn, posing as professionally as any influencer against mountain backdrops. Often, jeeps are surrounded by breeding herds and while the more life-weary matriarchs stride ahead, curious teenagers surge around the vehicle to get a closer look.

The strong relationships that the family has with the tribes mean their community projects are also impressive; activities, accompanied by Masai guides, include looking for medicinal herbs in the open bush (with a hunter-gatherer tribesman whose life story has had 9.2 million views on YouTube), tracking endangered pangolins and working with a vulture rescue group.

Towards the end of any trip, guides usually insist that guests climb out of the metal safety net that is the jeep and try to understand how the Masai feel living here  and why it is the entire ecosystem that needs protection rather than any individual species.

Stalking out in the bush on foot, standing at the same level as the animals, listening for their footsteps or distant alarm calls, touching the damp leaves and smelling the crushed mint and grass underfoot, is an extraordinary feeling and leaves guests unsure if they are predator or prey.

And whether they are in the most forward-thinking camp in Kenya or on a mind-bending trip back to Britain's colonial past.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cottar's 1920s Camp is popular with guests yearning to recreate "Out of Africa"  but without the malaria, lion attacks and airplane crashes.

It's the oldest and most prestigious lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara wildlife reserve, a luxury 100-year-old establishment with Edwardian-style tented bedrooms, a mahogany bar overlooking the open bush and outdoor canvas baths that make you feel like Robert Redford could start washing your hair at any minute.

A hundred years after its launch, the camp is still beloved by film stars, royalty and heads of state  one of the owner Calvin Cottar's many after-dinner stories involves an actual queen running back to the jeep after being interrupted mid-pee by an irate lioness.

And yet, with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, younger Kenyans have started questioning whether White-run lodges should even be using Britain's long and often devastating period of colonial rule as a way to sell vacations  a subject that has gained traction on Twitter and was tackled by a recent exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum.

Perhaps surprisingly, even as his business continues to market its upscale brand of nostalgia, Cottar thinks they have a point.

Cottar's family has been very much embroiled in the history of Kenya: his great-grandfather Charles was an American hunter famous for surviving leopard attacks and developing a reputation for befriending tribal communities.

His son took on the mantle and opened a lodge of his own but was gored to death by a rhino. Calvin Cottar himself shows no fear of the bush, happily walking alone for hours without even a gun for protection.

The camp is the latest incarnation of a family business that has seen Cottar men welcoming royalty to hunt on their land for decades  although it is Calvin who orchestrated the revival of these early decadent safaris, but with the shots coming from cameras rather than guns.

Beasts and vintage sofas

A deep-rooted familiarity with colonial Kenya is woven into the way the lodge runs. There are ornate writing desks and four-poster beds in each bedroom, waiters carry silver trays of gins and tonic out to the pool before lunch, and long mahogany tables are laid for dinner, when guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle.

The recently renovated open-front mess tent, meanwhile, is as opulent as it gets with crystal whisky tumblers, oil portraits, vintage mirrors and antique teak dressers.

But despite all the pomp and ceremony, it's also a place where the bush outside constantly intrudes. At night, guests sit around the fire with local Masai guides  and more often than not a giant eland antelope with tusks that could kill will saunter up to Cottar and start drinking red wine from his glass. Usually he will laugh, take another sip and tell everyone not to get too close as "they're actually pretty dangerous."

One recent morning, in and among the vintage Chesterfield sofas, brass gramophones and antique chandeliers, the body of a dead waterbuck antelope was found.

It felt like a scene from an Agatha Christie novel, had she gone through a surrealist phase. The animal was lying in a pool of its own blood while surrounded by first-edition books and leather armchairs.

"Fighting for breeding rights," Cottar said with a nod, and asked his team to drag it down to the watering hole to see what would eat it. (Answer: hyenas, which cackled that eerie laugh of theirs and left barely a bone undevoured.)

It does all feel deeply reminiscent of an old, largely lost world and Cottar is happy to admit that he too feels uncomfortable by the extent to which colonialism sells.

"White Africans in particular have to change," he says  somewhat ironically  over tea in the library one afternoon.

"All this 1920s decor is tricky though because there is still such an appetite for it, and the guys who work here don't mind  it's just theater for them  but urbanite Kenyans are vehemently anti anything colonial-looking, and I get it."

Interestingly, despite being well aware of the problems that can arise from capitalizing on this period, Cottar has no plans to change the aesthetic. This is because he thinks the far bigger problem facing Kenya is that of land ownership, and that by attracting high-paying guests to his camp  who in the most part want these Edwardian signifiers  he will be in a better position to transform the way high-end hospitality and local tribes interact.

A war with the animals

At times it sounds like he is calling for an end to people just like him. Ex-colonials still own a surprisingly high proportion of the land here  Hugh Cholmondeley, a British lord, for example, has 48,000 acres of prime farmland north of Lake Naivasha, which he uses for conservation and cattle-breeding  while foreign-owned organizations and hotel groups have bought thousands of hectares around the country's national parks and turned them into wildlife-focused conservancies.

Cottar is against all of it, arguing that buying the land the Masai have always lived on forces them into subsistence farming elsewhere, and into a war with the animals that eat their crops and kill their cattle.

Wildlife is dying because fences  simple structures made of wood and wire  now cover huge swathes of the Masai Mara. They impede all migrations and are the reason why, even with poaching figures dropping each year, lion and elephant populations are in freefall.

The solution, Calvin says, is biodiversity easements, which sounds complicated but which actually means renting the land from the Masai rather than owning it. This ensures they have a fixed income each month and no longer need to rely on farming to survive. It also means they have an incentive to keep the animals alive rather than poison them, as one dead elephant or lion means less rent in their pockets.

As a result  despite coming from a large landowning family  Cottar himself now owns very little land, having given most of it away. He believes others should follow suit.

Whether this will make him popular with the White community  people whose families, like his own, have been in Kenya since the days of British rule  is not something that keeps him up at night. "Oh they all think I'm completely mad when I suggest they pay rent on their own land," he says.

His desire to work towards creating a fairer Kenya is also clear within the camp. The entire team is Kenyan, from the camp manager to the highly acclaimed chef. The guides, meanwhile, are all local Masais, some of whom now own the land they work on.

Forward thinking?

Every day, they take his millionaire and celebrity guests out in the strikingly beautiful conservancy that surrounds the camp. It's a world straight out of an Attenborough documentary, where animals roam free without any human interference  prides of lions with scratches on their faces after fights with buffalo; young cheetahs, fat and glossy in the hot sunshine.

And elephants wherever you turn, posing as professionally as any influencer against mountain backdrops. Often, jeeps are surrounded by breeding herds and while the more life-weary matriarchs stride ahead, curious teenagers surge around the vehicle to get a closer look.

The strong relationships that the family has with the tribes mean their community projects are also impressive; activities, accompanied by Masai guides, include looking for medicinal herbs in the open bush (with a hunter-gatherer tribesman whose life story has had 9.2 million views on YouTube), tracking endangered pangolins and working with a vulture rescue group.

Towards the end of any trip, guides usually insist that guests climb out of the metal safety net that is the jeep and try to understand how the Masai feel living here  and why it is the entire ecosystem that needs protection rather than any individual species.

Stalking out in the bush on foot, standing at the same level as the animals, listening for their footsteps or distant alarm calls, touching the damp leaves and smelling the crushed mint and grass underfoot, is an extraordinary feeling and leaves guests unsure if they are predator or prey.

And whether they are in the most forward-thinking camp in Kenya or on a mind-bending trip back to Britain's colonial past.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Director of Content and Operations

Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
About 100 people gathered on Friday for the grand opening of Custer State Parks Bison Center, located near the bison corral complex off Wildlife Loop Road.

The barn-style building tells the story of the parks bison herd through a mixture of interactive and educational exhibits, including samples of an American Bisons summer coat beside a winter coat.

A timeline of the history of bison, specifically the herd of nearly 1,400 that now live in the park, spans the three walls. The herd started at a mere 36.

A computer screen features footage of the annual Buffalo Roundup and Auction where the bison are given health checks, vaccinations and some of the herd is auctioned off to maintain a sustainable population at the park. Several full-body bison mounts also adorn the building.

The center was made possible by a $4 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, $500,000 allocated from the South Dakota Legislature, and an additional $500,000 in private donations raised by the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, according to a Custer State Park press release.

Speakers at the event included Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden; Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust; Cabinet Secretary of Game, Fish & Parks Kevin Robling; and Custer State Park Superintendent Matt Snyder.

I love this park. For more than a century, Custer State Park has been known as the states crown jewel. Today that jewel just got a little bit brighter, Robling said. We strive to serve and connect people and families to the outdoors, and our vision is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations, and this facility will do just that.

Snyder thanked the staff at Game, Fish & Parks in Custer State Park, the state engineers office staff, Perspective, Inc., and architectural design studio, Brett Olson and his staff at Mac Construction, Betty Brennan and her staff at Taylor Studios, who designed the interior of the building, and so many subcontractors who put forth a tremendous effort to see this (happen) quickly.

For those who may have been with us last year at the roundup at the end of September (2021), we had a little bit of concrete coming out of the ground, and just a few short months later, look at where were standing today. Its amazing, Snyder said.

The parks interpretive programs manager, Lydia Austin, said she and her team worked with the Helmsley Foundation for the building itself, and her team worked together on designing the displays, writing text and photo selection. In the early planning, meetings centered around what type of bison story the new center would tell.

The bison story is such a huge part of North America. It was hard to take it and reduce it down to our building, Austin said. In the end of the conversations, we decided we wanted to tell the story of the Custer State Park herd, how we became a conservation herd, how we still manage our animals. We still protect them for future generations, and we said that was the story we wanted to stick to.

For many Native American cultures, the bison is a significant cultural and spiritual animal. Austin said the park recognizes this, but chose to focus primarily on Custer State Park's herd. There is a small section on a poster recognizing the significance of bison to Native Americans, but the center doesn't include materials elaborating on that.

"Buffalo are attached to so many stories. Whose story do we tell? Is it our story to tell? In the end, we really decided we're going to tell Custer State Park's story. That's the one we're comfortable with, and we know we're telling the correct story," Austin said.

Rhoden spoke at the ribbon cutting. He told the Journal afterwards the center will enhance visitors' experiences at the buffalo roundup.

"I think it's really special because we have tens of thousands of people that come to the roundup. They see the roundup, but they don't know what's going on. They don't know the history behind the buffalo, so this gives them an idea of what it's all about," Rhoden said. "The buffalo is such a big part of our culture and heritage in South Dakota that sometimes we tend to forget about it."

Saturday and Sunday are Custer State Park's open house and free fishing weekend. There is no admission charge and fishing licenses are not needed. Camping fees and fishing regulations and limits still apply.

 Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com 

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two U.S. envoys on Afghanistan have pressed for girls' education and more freedoms for Afghan women during a meeting with the Taliban's chief diplomat.

"Girls must be back in school, women free to move & work w/o restrictions for progress to normalized relations," U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West said on Twitter after a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban-led government's foreign minister.

West added that he and U.S. special envoy Rina Amir "conveyed unified international opposition to ongoing and expanding restrictions on women and girls' rights and roles in society."

Since surging back to power last year, the Taliban has imposed a slew of restrictions on women and girls, including an order earlier this month calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burqa.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven last week expressed their "strongest opposition" to the decree, saying the hard-line group was "further isolating" itself internationally.

Many women remain barred from returning to work and girls are largely cut off from secondary schooling. The government in March further curtailed women's rights by saying they should not be offered transport on trips of more 72 kilometers unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Meanwhile, the economic and security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.

West said he and Muttaqi discussed economic stabilization in Afghanistan and concerns about terrorist attacks on civilians.

"Dialogue will continue in support of Afghan people and our national interests," West said.

The Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 as international forces withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of fighting.

Most of the world's countries do not recognize the Taliban-led government amid concerns that the militants are not living up to their promises of respecting human rights.

The United States and other have frozen Afghan assets held abroad.

U.S. President Joe Biden in February signed an executive order that will free up half of the $7 billion of the Afghan reserves it holds to set up a humanitarian-aid trust fund for distribution through groups providing relief to Afghans.

The remaining $3.5 billion will stay in the United States and be used to fund ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including for claims against the Taliban by the families of victims of the September 11 attacks.

With reporting by AFP
Two U.S. envoys on Afghanistan have pressed for girls' education and more freedoms for Afghan women during a meeting with the Taliban's chief diplomat.

"Girls must be back in school, women free to move & work w/o restrictions for progress to normalized relations," U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West said on Twitter after a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban-led government's foreign minister.

West added that he and U.S. special envoy Rina Amir "conveyed unified international opposition to ongoing and expanding restrictions on women and girls' rights and roles in society."

Since surging back to power last year, the Taliban has imposed a slew of restrictions on women and girls, including an order earlier this month calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burqa.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven last week expressed their "strongest opposition" to the decree, saying the hard-line group was "further isolating" itself internationally.

Many women remain barred from returning to work and girls are largely cut off from secondary schooling. The government in March further curtailed women's rights by saying they should not be offered transport on trips of more 72 kilometers unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Meanwhile, the economic and security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.

West said he and Muttaqi discussed economic stabilization in Afghanistan and concerns about terrorist attacks on civilians.

"Dialogue will continue in support of Afghan people and our national interests," West said.

The Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 as international forces withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of fighting.

Most of the world's countries do not recognize the Taliban-led government amid concerns that the militants are not living up to their promises of respecting human rights.

The United States and other have frozen Afghan assets held abroad.

U.S. President Joe Biden in February signed an executive order that will free up half of the $7 billion of the Afghan reserves it holds to set up a humanitarian-aid trust fund for distribution through groups providing relief to Afghans.

The remaining $3.5 billion will stay in the United States and be used to fund ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including for claims against the Taliban by the families of victims of the September 11 attacks.

With reporting by AFP
Two U.S. envoys on Afghanistan have pressed for girls' education and more freedoms for Afghan women during a meeting with the Taliban's chief diplomat.

"Girls must be back in school, women free to move & work w/o restrictions for progress to normalized relations," U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West said on Twitter after a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban-led government's foreign minister.

West added that he and U.S. special envoy Rina Amir "conveyed unified international opposition to ongoing and expanding restrictions on women and girls' rights and roles in society."

Since surging back to power last year, the Taliban has imposed a slew of restrictions on women and girls, including an order earlier this month calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burqa.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven last week expressed their "strongest opposition" to the decree, saying the hard-line group was "further isolating" itself internationally.

Many women remain barred from returning to work and girls are largely cut off from secondary schooling. The government in March further curtailed women's rights by saying they should not be offered transport on trips of more 72 kilometers unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Meanwhile, the economic and security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.

West said he and Muttaqi discussed economic stabilization in Afghanistan and concerns about terrorist attacks on civilians.

"Dialogue will continue in support of Afghan people and our national interests," West said.

The Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 as international forces withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of fighting.

Most of the world's countries do not recognize the Taliban-led government amid concerns that the militants are not living up to their promises of respecting human rights.

The United States and other have frozen Afghan assets held abroad.

U.S. President Joe Biden in February signed an executive order that will free up half of the $7 billion of the Afghan reserves it holds to set up a humanitarian-aid trust fund for distribution through groups providing relief to Afghans.

The remaining $3.5 billion will stay in the United States and be used to fund ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including for claims against the Taliban by the families of victims of the September 11 attacks.

With reporting by AFP
Two U.S. envoys on Afghanistan have pressed for girls' education and more freedoms for Afghan women during a meeting with the Taliban's chief diplomat.

"Girls must be back in school, women free to move & work w/o restrictions for progress to normalized relations," U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West said on Twitter after a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban-led government's foreign minister.

West added that he and U.S. special envoy Rina Amir "conveyed unified international opposition to ongoing and expanding restrictions on women and girls' rights and roles in society."

Since surging back to power last year, the Taliban has imposed a slew of restrictions on women and girls, including an order earlier this month calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burqa.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven last week expressed their "strongest opposition" to the decree, saying the hard-line group was "further isolating" itself internationally.

Many women remain barred from returning to work and girls are largely cut off from secondary schooling. The government in March further curtailed women's rights by saying they should not be offered transport on trips of more 72 kilometers unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Meanwhile, the economic and security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.

West said he and Muttaqi discussed economic stabilization in Afghanistan and concerns about terrorist attacks on civilians.

"Dialogue will continue in support of Afghan people and our national interests," West said.

The Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 as international forces withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of fighting.

Most of the world's countries do not recognize the Taliban-led government amid concerns that the militants are not living up to their promises of respecting human rights.

The United States and other have frozen Afghan assets held abroad.

U.S. President Joe Biden in February signed an executive order that will free up half of the $7 billion of the Afghan reserves it holds to set up a humanitarian-aid trust fund for distribution through groups providing relief to Afghans.

The remaining $3.5 billion will stay in the United States and be used to fund ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including for claims against the Taliban by the families of victims of the September 11 attacks.

With reporting by AFP
Cottar's 1920s Camp is popular with guests yearning to recreate "Out of Africa"  but without the malaria, lion attacks and airplane crashes.

It's the oldest and most prestigious lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara wildlife reserve, a luxury 100-year-old establishment with Edwardian-style tented bedrooms, a mahogany bar overlooking the open bush and outdoor canvas baths that make you feel like Robert Redford could start washing your hair at any minute.

A hundred years after its launch, the camp is still beloved by film stars, royalty and heads of state  one of the owner Calvin Cottar's many after-dinner stories involves an actual queen running back to the jeep after being interrupted mid-pee by an irate lioness.

And yet, with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, younger Kenyans have started questioning whether White-run lodges should even be using Britain's long and often devastating period of colonial rule as a way to sell vacations  a subject that has gained traction on Twitter and was tackled by a recent exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum.

Perhaps surprisingly, even as his business continues to market its upscale brand of nostalgia, Cottar thinks they have a point.

Cottar's family has been very much embroiled in the history of Kenya: his great-grandfather Charles was an American hunter famous for surviving leopard attacks and developing a reputation for befriending tribal communities.

His son took on the mantle and opened a lodge of his own but was gored to death by a rhino. Calvin Cottar himself shows no fear of the bush, happily walking alone for hours without even a gun for protection.

The camp is the latest incarnation of a family business that has seen Cottar men welcoming royalty to hunt on their land for decades  although it is Calvin who orchestrated the revival of these early decadent safaris, but with the shots coming from cameras rather than guns.

Beasts and vintage sofas

A deep-rooted familiarity with colonial Kenya is woven into the way the lodge runs. There are ornate writing desks and four-poster beds in each bedroom, waiters carry silver trays of gins and tonic out to the pool before lunch, and long mahogany tables are laid for dinner, when guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle.

The recently renovated open-front mess tent, meanwhile, is as opulent as it gets with crystal whisky tumblers, oil portraits, vintage mirrors and antique teak dressers.

But despite all the pomp and ceremony, it's also a place where the bush outside constantly intrudes. At night, guests sit around the fire with local Masai guides  and more often than not a giant eland antelope with tusks that could kill will saunter up to Cottar and start drinking red wine from his glass. Usually he will laugh, take another sip and tell everyone not to get too close as "they're actually pretty dangerous."

One recent morning, in and among the vintage Chesterfield sofas, brass gramophones and antique chandeliers, the body of a dead waterbuck antelope was found.

It felt like a scene from an Agatha Christie novel, had she gone through a surrealist phase. The animal was lying in a pool of its own blood while surrounded by first-edition books and leather armchairs.

"Fighting for breeding rights," Cottar said with a nod, and asked his team to drag it down to the watering hole to see what would eat it. (Answer: hyenas, which cackled that eerie laugh of theirs and left barely a bone undevoured.)

It does all feel deeply reminiscent of an old, largely lost world and Cottar is happy to admit that he too feels uncomfortable by the extent to which colonialism sells.

"White Africans in particular have to change," he says  somewhat ironically  over tea in the library one afternoon.

"All this 1920s decor is tricky though because there is still such an appetite for it, and the guys who work here don't mind  it's just theater for them  but urbanite Kenyans are vehemently anti anything colonial-looking, and I get it."

Interestingly, despite being well aware of the problems that can arise from capitalizing on this period, Cottar has no plans to change the aesthetic. This is because he thinks the far bigger problem facing Kenya is that of land ownership, and that by attracting high-paying guests to his camp  who in the most part want these Edwardian signifiers  he will be in a better position to transform the way high-end hospitality and local tribes interact.

A war with the animals

At times it sounds like he is calling for an end to people just like him. Ex-colonials still own a surprisingly high proportion of the land here  Hugh Cholmondeley, a British lord, for example, has 48,000 acres of prime farmland north of Lake Naivasha, which he uses for conservation and cattle-breeding  while foreign-owned organizations and hotel groups have bought thousands of hectares around the country's national parks and turned them into wildlife-focused conservancies.

Cottar is against all of it, arguing that buying the land the Masai have always lived on forces them into subsistence farming elsewhere, and into a war with the animals that eat their crops and kill their cattle.

Wildlife is dying because fences  simple structures made of wood and wire  now cover huge swathes of the Masai Mara. They impede all migrations and are the reason why, even with poaching figures dropping each year, lion and elephant populations are in freefall.

The solution, Calvin says, is biodiversity easements, which sounds complicated but which actually means renting the land from the Masai rather than owning it. This ensures they have a fixed income each month and no longer need to rely on farming to survive. It also means they have an incentive to keep the animals alive rather than poison them, as one dead elephant or lion means less rent in their pockets.

As a result  despite coming from a large landowning family  Cottar himself now owns very little land, having given most of it away. He believes others should follow suit.

Whether this will make him popular with the White community  people whose families, like his own, have been in Kenya since the days of British rule  is not something that keeps him up at night. "Oh they all think I'm completely mad when I suggest they pay rent on their own land," he says.

His desire to work towards creating a fairer Kenya is also clear within the camp. The entire team is Kenyan, from the camp manager to the highly acclaimed chef. The guides, meanwhile, are all local Masais, some of whom now own the land they work on.

Forward thinking?

Every day, they take his millionaire and celebrity guests out in the strikingly beautiful conservancy that surrounds the camp. It's a world straight out of an Attenborough documentary, where animals roam free without any human interference  prides of lions with scratches on their faces after fights with buffalo; young cheetahs, fat and glossy in the hot sunshine.

And elephants wherever you turn, posing as professionally as any influencer against mountain backdrops. Often, jeeps are surrounded by breeding herds and while the more life-weary matriarchs stride ahead, curious teenagers surge around the vehicle to get a closer look.

The strong relationships that the family has with the tribes mean their community projects are also impressive; activities, accompanied by Masai guides, include looking for medicinal herbs in the open bush (with a hunter-gatherer tribesman whose life story has had 9.2 million views on YouTube), tracking endangered pangolins and working with a vulture rescue group.

Towards the end of any trip, guides usually insist that guests climb out of the metal safety net that is the jeep and try to understand how the Masai feel living here  and why it is the entire ecosystem that needs protection rather than any individual species.

Stalking out in the bush on foot, standing at the same level as the animals, listening for their footsteps or distant alarm calls, touching the damp leaves and smelling the crushed mint and grass underfoot, is an extraordinary feeling and leaves guests unsure if they are predator or prey.

And whether they are in the most forward-thinking camp in Kenya or on a mind-bending trip back to Britain's colonial past.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cottar's 1920s Camp is popular with guests yearning to recreate "Out of Africa"  but without the malaria, lion attacks and airplane crashes.

It's the oldest and most prestigious lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara wildlife reserve, a luxury 100-year-old establishment with Edwardian-style tented bedrooms, a mahogany bar overlooking the open bush and outdoor canvas baths that make you feel like Robert Redford could start washing your hair at any minute.

A hundred years after its launch, the camp is still beloved by film stars, royalty and heads of state  one of the owner Calvin Cottar's many after-dinner stories involves an actual queen running back to the jeep after being interrupted mid-pee by an irate lioness.

And yet, with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, younger Kenyans have started questioning whether White-run lodges should even be using Britain's long and often devastating period of colonial rule as a way to sell vacations  a subject that has gained traction on Twitter and was tackled by a recent exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum.

Perhaps surprisingly, even as his business continues to market its upscale brand of nostalgia, Cottar thinks they have a point.

Cottar's family has been very much embroiled in the history of Kenya: his great-grandfather Charles was an American hunter famous for surviving leopard attacks and developing a reputation for befriending tribal communities.

His son took on the mantle and opened a lodge of his own but was gored to death by a rhino. Calvin Cottar himself shows no fear of the bush, happily walking alone for hours without even a gun for protection.

The camp is the latest incarnation of a family business that has seen Cottar men welcoming royalty to hunt on their land for decades  although it is Calvin who orchestrated the revival of these early decadent safaris, but with the shots coming from cameras rather than guns.

Beasts and vintage sofas

A deep-rooted familiarity with colonial Kenya is woven into the way the lodge runs. There are ornate writing desks and four-poster beds in each bedroom, waiters carry silver trays of gins and tonic out to the pool before lunch, and long mahogany tables are laid for dinner, when guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle.

The recently renovated open-front mess tent, meanwhile, is as opulent as it gets with crystal whisky tumblers, oil portraits, vintage mirrors and antique teak dressers.

But despite all the pomp and ceremony, it's also a place where the bush outside constantly intrudes. At night, guests sit around the fire with local Masai guides  and more often than not a giant eland antelope with tusks that could kill will saunter up to Cottar and start drinking red wine from his glass. Usually he will laugh, take another sip and tell everyone not to get too close as "they're actually pretty dangerous."

One recent morning, in and among the vintage Chesterfield sofas, brass gramophones and antique chandeliers, the body of a dead waterbuck antelope was found.

It felt like a scene from an Agatha Christie novel, had she gone through a surrealist phase. The animal was lying in a pool of its own blood while surrounded by first-edition books and leather armchairs.

"Fighting for breeding rights," Cottar said with a nod, and asked his team to drag it down to the watering hole to see what would eat it. (Answer: hyenas, which cackled that eerie laugh of theirs and left barely a bone undevoured.)

It does all feel deeply reminiscent of an old, largely lost world and Cottar is happy to admit that he too feels uncomfortable by the extent to which colonialism sells.

"White Africans in particular have to change," he says  somewhat ironically  over tea in the library one afternoon.

"All this 1920s decor is tricky though because there is still such an appetite for it, and the guys who work here don't mind  it's just theater for them  but urbanite Kenyans are vehemently anti anything colonial-looking, and I get it."

Interestingly, despite being well aware of the problems that can arise from capitalizing on this period, Cottar has no plans to change the aesthetic. This is because he thinks the far bigger problem facing Kenya is that of land ownership, and that by attracting high-paying guests to his camp  who in the most part want these Edwardian signifiers  he will be in a better position to transform the way high-end hospitality and local tribes interact.

A war with the animals

At times it sounds like he is calling for an end to people just like him. Ex-colonials still own a surprisingly high proportion of the land here  Hugh Cholmondeley, a British lord, for example, has 48,000 acres of prime farmland north of Lake Naivasha, which he uses for conservation and cattle-breeding  while foreign-owned organizations and hotel groups have bought thousands of hectares around the country's national parks and turned them into wildlife-focused conservancies.

Cottar is against all of it, arguing that buying the land the Masai have always lived on forces them into subsistence farming elsewhere, and into a war with the animals that eat their crops and kill their cattle.

Wildlife is dying because fences  simple structures made of wood and wire  now cover huge swathes of the Masai Mara. They impede all migrations and are the reason why, even with poaching figures dropping each year, lion and elephant populations are in freefall.

The solution, Calvin says, is biodiversity easements, which sounds complicated but which actually means renting the land from the Masai rather than owning it. This ensures they have a fixed income each month and no longer need to rely on farming to survive. It also means they have an incentive to keep the animals alive rather than poison them, as one dead elephant or lion means less rent in their pockets.

As a result  despite coming from a large landowning family  Cottar himself now owns very little land, having given most of it away. He believes others should follow suit.

Whether this will make him popular with the White community  people whose families, like his own, have been in Kenya since the days of British rule  is not something that keeps him up at night. "Oh they all think I'm completely mad when I suggest they pay rent on their own land," he says.

His desire to work towards creating a fairer Kenya is also clear within the camp. The entire team is Kenyan, from the camp manager to the highly acclaimed chef. The guides, meanwhile, are all local Masais, some of whom now own the land they work on.

Forward thinking?

Every day, they take his millionaire and celebrity guests out in the strikingly beautiful conservancy that surrounds the camp. It's a world straight out of an Attenborough documentary, where animals roam free without any human interference  prides of lions with scratches on their faces after fights with buffalo; young cheetahs, fat and glossy in the hot sunshine.

And elephants wherever you turn, posing as professionally as any influencer against mountain backdrops. Often, jeeps are surrounded by breeding herds and while the more life-weary matriarchs stride ahead, curious teenagers surge around the vehicle to get a closer look.

The strong relationships that the family has with the tribes mean their community projects are also impressive; activities, accompanied by Masai guides, include looking for medicinal herbs in the open bush (with a hunter-gatherer tribesman whose life story has had 9.2 million views on YouTube), tracking endangered pangolins and working with a vulture rescue group.

Towards the end of any trip, guides usually insist that guests climb out of the metal safety net that is the jeep and try to understand how the Masai feel living here  and why it is the entire ecosystem that needs protection rather than any individual species.

Stalking out in the bush on foot, standing at the same level as the animals, listening for their footsteps or distant alarm calls, touching the damp leaves and smelling the crushed mint and grass underfoot, is an extraordinary feeling and leaves guests unsure if they are predator or prey.

And whether they are in the most forward-thinking camp in Kenya or on a mind-bending trip back to Britain's colonial past.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
My mother might never forgive me if I revealed her age on these pages but suffice to say, she was a child when the Queen acceded to the throne in 1952.

Ask her what she remembers from that time and she says: 'Chocolate was on the ration, no one had any money, but we just got on with our lives.'

Ask my dad, who was a teenager at the time, and he says: 'Going out, drinking and meeting girls.'

A lot has changed since then  but not everything. People still want treats, they still love to socialise and they still need places to live, work and have fun.

In a good space: British Land is developing Regent's Place in King's Cross

Successful businesses are those which recognise those necessities, but also move with the times.

Several firms are living examples of that. They were listed on the stock market back in the 1950s and are still thriving today.

One of those is British Land. It was founded in 1856 to help individuals buy plots of land so they could vote in General Elections.

The group was floated on the stock market nearly a century later, having helped to rebuild much of Central London after the Blitz.

The company still has an active presence in the capital, but the group has been transformed since those days, both in terms of the properties it owns and the way they are managed.

Two-thirds of British Land's portfolio is now devoted to what chief executive Simon Carter describes as 'campuses'  developments that include homes, offices, shops, places to eat and drink, and plenty of outdoor space.

Regent's Place in King's Cross is one such venue  rapidly turning into a technology hub, as well as a sought-after venue for retailers, restaurateurs and hipsters.

Carter is also developing a 53-acre site in Canada Water, East London, which will have 3,000 net-zero homes as well as offices, swimming pools, shops and acres of parkland.

Even older sites, such as Broadgate in the City, are constantly under review, with buildings from the 1980s renovated and turned into energy-efficient, top-end properties, peppered with the collaborative spaces that are in demand today.

British Land is also the largest owner of retail parks across the country  out-of-town centres such as Meadowhall in Yorkshire, Whiteley in Hampshire and Fort Kinnaird near Edinburgh.

These were hit during the pandemic, but they have bounced back in recent months, with occupancy now at more than 97 per cent.

Showing that even large companies can be nimble, British Land has swiftly moved into another sector  urban logistics  where it has built up a 1billion-plus portfolio in the past year, most of it in London, where distribution centres are in desperately short supply.

Results last week showed that British Land's ability to pre-empt and adapt to change is paying off handsomely. Profits for 2021 rose 25 per cent to 251million, the portfolio increased almost 7 per cent in value to more than 10billion, and the dividend surged 46 per cent to 21.92p. Significantly too, new leases rose to ten-year highs and rental agreements were consistently ahead of the market.

Midas verdict: British Land has stood the test of time for more than 160 years, and recent activity suggests that it will continue to do so. The group cannot buck the wider economy, but it builds places where people and businesses want to be  at prices they can afford. The shares were more than 6 before the pandemic. Now just 5.19, they are an attractive, long-term buy.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: BLND Contact: britishland.com or 020 7486 4466
My mother might never forgive me if I revealed her age on these pages but suffice to say, she was a child when the Queen acceded to the throne in 1952.

Ask her what she remembers from that time and she says: 'Chocolate was on the ration, no one had any money, but we just got on with our lives.'

Ask my dad, who was a teenager at the time, and he says: 'Going out, drinking and meeting girls.'

A lot has changed since then  but not everything. People still want treats, they still love to socialise and they still need places to live, work and have fun.

In a good space: British Land is developing Regent's Place in King's Cross

Successful businesses are those which recognise those necessities, but also move with the times.

Several firms are living examples of that. They were listed on the stock market back in the 1950s and are still thriving today.

One of those is British Land. It was founded in 1856 to help individuals buy plots of land so they could vote in General Elections.

The group was floated on the stock market nearly a century later, having helped to rebuild much of Central London after the Blitz.

The company still has an active presence in the capital, but the group has been transformed since those days, both in terms of the properties it owns and the way they are managed.

Two-thirds of British Land's portfolio is now devoted to what chief executive Simon Carter describes as 'campuses'  developments that include homes, offices, shops, places to eat and drink, and plenty of outdoor space.

Regent's Place in King's Cross is one such venue  rapidly turning into a technology hub, as well as a sought-after venue for retailers, restaurateurs and hipsters.

Carter is also developing a 53-acre site in Canada Water, East London, which will have 3,000 net-zero homes as well as offices, swimming pools, shops and acres of parkland.

Even older sites, such as Broadgate in the City, are constantly under review, with buildings from the 1980s renovated and turned into energy-efficient, top-end properties, peppered with the collaborative spaces that are in demand today.

British Land is also the largest owner of retail parks across the country  out-of-town centres such as Meadowhall in Yorkshire, Whiteley in Hampshire and Fort Kinnaird near Edinburgh.

These were hit during the pandemic, but they have bounced back in recent months, with occupancy now at more than 97 per cent.

Showing that even large companies can be nimble, British Land has swiftly moved into another sector  urban logistics  where it has built up a 1billion-plus portfolio in the past year, most of it in London, where distribution centres are in desperately short supply.

Results last week showed that British Land's ability to pre-empt and adapt to change is paying off handsomely. Profits for 2021 rose 25 per cent to 251million, the portfolio increased almost 7 per cent in value to more than 10billion, and the dividend surged 46 per cent to 21.92p. Significantly too, new leases rose to ten-year highs and rental agreements were consistently ahead of the market.

Midas verdict: British Land has stood the test of time for more than 160 years, and recent activity suggests that it will continue to do so. The group cannot buck the wider economy, but it builds places where people and businesses want to be  at prices they can afford. The shares were more than 6 before the pandemic. Now just 5.19, they are an attractive, long-term buy.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: BLND Contact: britishland.com or 020 7486 4466
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
South Abington Twp. on Saturday hosted a memorial service to recognize and honor police officers who have died in the line of duty. Police Chief Robert Gerrity said the event  at Chinchilla Hose Company on Shady Lane Road  was held on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police Northeastern Lodge 63, which includes officers from Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Close
About 100 people gathered on Friday for the grand opening of Custer State Parks Bison Center, located near the bison corral complex off Wildlife Loop Road.

The barn-style building tells the story of the parks bison herd through a mixture of interactive and educational exhibits, including samples of an American Bisons summer coat beside a winter coat.

A timeline of the history of bison, specifically the herd of nearly 1,400 that now live in the park, spans the three walls. The herd started at a mere 36.

A computer screen features footage of the annual Buffalo Roundup and Auction where the bison are given health checks, vaccinations and some of the herd is auctioned off to maintain a sustainable population at the park. Several full-body bison mounts also adorn the building.

The center was made possible by a $4 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, $500,000 allocated from the South Dakota Legislature, and an additional $500,000 in private donations raised by the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, according to a Custer State Park press release.

Speakers at the event included Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden; Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust; Cabinet Secretary of Game, Fish & Parks Kevin Robling; and Custer State Park Superintendent Matt Snyder.

I love this park. For more than a century, Custer State Park has been known as the states crown jewel. Today that jewel just got a little bit brighter, Robling said. We strive to serve and connect people and families to the outdoors, and our vision is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations, and this facility will do just that.

Snyder thanked the staff at Game, Fish & Parks in Custer State Park, the state engineers office staff, Perspective, Inc., and architectural design studio, Brett Olson and his staff at Mac Construction, Betty Brennan and her staff at Taylor Studios, who designed the interior of the building, and so many subcontractors who put forth a tremendous effort to see this (happen) quickly.

For those who may have been with us last year at the roundup at the end of September (2021), we had a little bit of concrete coming out of the ground, and just a few short months later, look at where were standing today. Its amazing, Snyder said.

The parks interpretive programs manager, Lydia Austin, said she and her team worked with the Helmsley Foundation for the building itself, and her team worked together on designing the displays, writing text and photo selection. In the early planning, meetings centered around what type of bison story the new center would tell.

The bison story is such a huge part of North America. It was hard to take it and reduce it down to our building, Austin said. In the end of the conversations, we decided we wanted to tell the story of the Custer State Park herd, how we became a conservation herd, how we still manage our animals. We still protect them for future generations, and we said that was the story we wanted to stick to.

For many Native American cultures, the bison is a significant cultural and spiritual animal. Austin said the park recognizes this, but chose to focus primarily on Custer State Park's herd. There is a small section on a poster recognizing the significance of bison to Native Americans, but the center doesn't include materials elaborating on that.

"Buffalo are attached to so many stories. Whose story do we tell? Is it our story to tell? In the end, we really decided we're going to tell Custer State Park's story. That's the one we're comfortable with, and we know we're telling the correct story," Austin said.

Rhoden spoke at the ribbon cutting. He told the Journal afterwards the center will enhance visitors' experiences at the buffalo roundup.

"I think it's really special because we have tens of thousands of people that come to the roundup. They see the roundup, but they don't know what's going on. They don't know the history behind the buffalo, so this gives them an idea of what it's all about," Rhoden said. "The buffalo is such a big part of our culture and heritage in South Dakota that sometimes we tend to forget about it."

Saturday and Sunday are Custer State Park's open house and free fishing weekend. There is no admission charge and fishing licenses are not needed. Camping fees and fishing regulations and limits still apply.

 Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com 

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Cottar's 1920s Camp is popular with guests yearning to recreate "Out of Africa"  but without the malaria, lion attacks and airplane crashes.

It's the oldest and most prestigious lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara wildlife reserve, a luxury 100-year-old establishment with Edwardian-style tented bedrooms, a mahogany bar overlooking the open bush and outdoor canvas baths that make you feel like Robert Redford could start washing your hair at any minute.

A hundred years after its launch, the camp is still beloved by film stars, royalty and heads of state  one of the owner Calvin Cottar's many after-dinner stories involves an actual queen running back to the jeep after being interrupted mid-pee by an irate lioness.

And yet, with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, younger Kenyans have started questioning whether White-run lodges should even be using Britain's long and often devastating period of colonial rule as a way to sell vacations  a subject that has gained traction on Twitter and was tackled by a recent exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum.

Perhaps surprisingly, even as his business continues to market its upscale brand of nostalgia, Cottar thinks they have a point.

Cottar's family has been very much embroiled in the history of Kenya: his great-grandfather Charles was an American hunter famous for surviving leopard attacks and developing a reputation for befriending tribal communities.

His son took on the mantle and opened a lodge of his own but was gored to death by a rhino. Calvin Cottar himself shows no fear of the bush, happily walking alone for hours without even a gun for protection.

The camp is the latest incarnation of a family business that has seen Cottar men welcoming royalty to hunt on their land for decades  although it is Calvin who orchestrated the revival of these early decadent safaris, but with the shots coming from cameras rather than guns.

Beasts and vintage sofas

A deep-rooted familiarity with colonial Kenya is woven into the way the lodge runs. There are ornate writing desks and four-poster beds in each bedroom, waiters carry silver trays of gins and tonic out to the pool before lunch, and long mahogany tables are laid for dinner, when guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle.

The recently renovated open-front mess tent, meanwhile, is as opulent as it gets with crystal whisky tumblers, oil portraits, vintage mirrors and antique teak dressers.

But despite all the pomp and ceremony, it's also a place where the bush outside constantly intrudes. At night, guests sit around the fire with local Masai guides  and more often than not a giant eland antelope with tusks that could kill will saunter up to Cottar and start drinking red wine from his glass. Usually he will laugh, take another sip and tell everyone not to get too close as "they're actually pretty dangerous."

One recent morning, in and among the vintage Chesterfield sofas, brass gramophones and antique chandeliers, the body of a dead waterbuck antelope was found.

It felt like a scene from an Agatha Christie novel, had she gone through a surrealist phase. The animal was lying in a pool of its own blood while surrounded by first-edition books and leather armchairs.

"Fighting for breeding rights," Cottar said with a nod, and asked his team to drag it down to the watering hole to see what would eat it. (Answer: hyenas, which cackled that eerie laugh of theirs and left barely a bone undevoured.)

It does all feel deeply reminiscent of an old, largely lost world and Cottar is happy to admit that he too feels uncomfortable by the extent to which colonialism sells.

"White Africans in particular have to change," he says  somewhat ironically  over tea in the library one afternoon.

"All this 1920s decor is tricky though because there is still such an appetite for it, and the guys who work here don't mind  it's just theater for them  but urbanite Kenyans are vehemently anti anything colonial-looking, and I get it."

Interestingly, despite being well aware of the problems that can arise from capitalizing on this period, Cottar has no plans to change the aesthetic. This is because he thinks the far bigger problem facing Kenya is that of land ownership, and that by attracting high-paying guests to his camp  who in the most part want these Edwardian signifiers  he will be in a better position to transform the way high-end hospitality and local tribes interact.

A war with the animals

At times it sounds like he is calling for an end to people just like him. Ex-colonials still own a surprisingly high proportion of the land here  Hugh Cholmondeley, a British lord, for example, has 48,000 acres of prime farmland north of Lake Naivasha, which he uses for conservation and cattle-breeding  while foreign-owned organizations and hotel groups have bought thousands of hectares around the country's national parks and turned them into wildlife-focused conservancies.

Cottar is against all of it, arguing that buying the land the Masai have always lived on forces them into subsistence farming elsewhere, and into a war with the animals that eat their crops and kill their cattle.

Wildlife is dying because fences  simple structures made of wood and wire  now cover huge swathes of the Masai Mara. They impede all migrations and are the reason why, even with poaching figures dropping each year, lion and elephant populations are in freefall.

The solution, Calvin says, is biodiversity easements, which sounds complicated but which actually means renting the land from the Masai rather than owning it. This ensures they have a fixed income each month and no longer need to rely on farming to survive. It also means they have an incentive to keep the animals alive rather than poison them, as one dead elephant or lion means less rent in their pockets.

As a result  despite coming from a large landowning family  Cottar himself now owns very little land, having given most of it away. He believes others should follow suit.

Whether this will make him popular with the White community  people whose families, like his own, have been in Kenya since the days of British rule  is not something that keeps him up at night. "Oh they all think I'm completely mad when I suggest they pay rent on their own land," he says.

His desire to work towards creating a fairer Kenya is also clear within the camp. The entire team is Kenyan, from the camp manager to the highly acclaimed chef. The guides, meanwhile, are all local Masais, some of whom now own the land they work on.

Forward thinking?

Every day, they take his millionaire and celebrity guests out in the strikingly beautiful conservancy that surrounds the camp. It's a world straight out of an Attenborough documentary, where animals roam free without any human interference  prides of lions with scratches on their faces after fights with buffalo; young cheetahs, fat and glossy in the hot sunshine.

And elephants wherever you turn, posing as professionally as any influencer against mountain backdrops. Often, jeeps are surrounded by breeding herds and while the more life-weary matriarchs stride ahead, curious teenagers surge around the vehicle to get a closer look.

The strong relationships that the family has with the tribes mean their community projects are also impressive; activities, accompanied by Masai guides, include looking for medicinal herbs in the open bush (with a hunter-gatherer tribesman whose life story has had 9.2 million views on YouTube), tracking endangered pangolins and working with a vulture rescue group.

Towards the end of any trip, guides usually insist that guests climb out of the metal safety net that is the jeep and try to understand how the Masai feel living here  and why it is the entire ecosystem that needs protection rather than any individual species.

Stalking out in the bush on foot, standing at the same level as the animals, listening for their footsteps or distant alarm calls, touching the damp leaves and smelling the crushed mint and grass underfoot, is an extraordinary feeling and leaves guests unsure if they are predator or prey.

And whether they are in the most forward-thinking camp in Kenya or on a mind-bending trip back to Britain's colonial past.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Cottar's 1920s Camp is popular with guests yearning to recreate "Out of Africa"  but without the malaria, lion attacks and airplane crashes.

It's the oldest and most prestigious lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara wildlife reserve, a luxury 100-year-old establishment with Edwardian-style tented bedrooms, a mahogany bar overlooking the open bush and outdoor canvas baths that make you feel like Robert Redford could start washing your hair at any minute.

A hundred years after its launch, the camp is still beloved by film stars, royalty and heads of state  one of the owner Calvin Cottar's many after-dinner stories involves an actual queen running back to the jeep after being interrupted mid-pee by an irate lioness.

And yet, with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, younger Kenyans have started questioning whether White-run lodges should even be using Britain's long and often devastating period of colonial rule as a way to sell vacations  a subject that has gained traction on Twitter and was tackled by a recent exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum.

Perhaps surprisingly, even as his business continues to market its upscale brand of nostalgia, Cottar thinks they have a point.

Cottar's family has been very much embroiled in the history of Kenya: his great-grandfather Charles was an American hunter famous for surviving leopard attacks and developing a reputation for befriending tribal communities.

His son took on the mantle and opened a lodge of his own but was gored to death by a rhino. Calvin Cottar himself shows no fear of the bush, happily walking alone for hours without even a gun for protection.

The camp is the latest incarnation of a family business that has seen Cottar men welcoming royalty to hunt on their land for decades  although it is Calvin who orchestrated the revival of these early decadent safaris, but with the shots coming from cameras rather than guns.

Beasts and vintage sofas

A deep-rooted familiarity with colonial Kenya is woven into the way the lodge runs. There are ornate writing desks and four-poster beds in each bedroom, waiters carry silver trays of gins and tonic out to the pool before lunch, and long mahogany tables are laid for dinner, when guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle.

The recently renovated open-front mess tent, meanwhile, is as opulent as it gets with crystal whisky tumblers, oil portraits, vintage mirrors and antique teak dressers.

But despite all the pomp and ceremony, it's also a place where the bush outside constantly intrudes. At night, guests sit around the fire with local Masai guides  and more often than not a giant eland antelope with tusks that could kill will saunter up to Cottar and start drinking red wine from his glass. Usually he will laugh, take another sip and tell everyone not to get too close as "they're actually pretty dangerous."

One recent morning, in and among the vintage Chesterfield sofas, brass gramophones and antique chandeliers, the body of a dead waterbuck antelope was found.

It felt like a scene from an Agatha Christie novel, had she gone through a surrealist phase. The animal was lying in a pool of its own blood while surrounded by first-edition books and leather armchairs.

"Fighting for breeding rights," Cottar said with a nod, and asked his team to drag it down to the watering hole to see what would eat it. (Answer: hyenas, which cackled that eerie laugh of theirs and left barely a bone undevoured.)

It does all feel deeply reminiscent of an old, largely lost world and Cottar is happy to admit that he too feels uncomfortable by the extent to which colonialism sells.

"White Africans in particular have to change," he says  somewhat ironically  over tea in the library one afternoon.

"All this 1920s decor is tricky though because there is still such an appetite for it, and the guys who work here don't mind  it's just theater for them  but urbanite Kenyans are vehemently anti anything colonial-looking, and I get it."

Interestingly, despite being well aware of the problems that can arise from capitalizing on this period, Cottar has no plans to change the aesthetic. This is because he thinks the far bigger problem facing Kenya is that of land ownership, and that by attracting high-paying guests to his camp  who in the most part want these Edwardian signifiers  he will be in a better position to transform the way high-end hospitality and local tribes interact.

A war with the animals

At times it sounds like he is calling for an end to people just like him. Ex-colonials still own a surprisingly high proportion of the land here  Hugh Cholmondeley, a British lord, for example, has 48,000 acres of prime farmland north of Lake Naivasha, which he uses for conservation and cattle-breeding  while foreign-owned organizations and hotel groups have bought thousands of hectares around the country's national parks and turned them into wildlife-focused conservancies.

Cottar is against all of it, arguing that buying the land the Masai have always lived on forces them into subsistence farming elsewhere, and into a war with the animals that eat their crops and kill their cattle.

Wildlife is dying because fences  simple structures made of wood and wire  now cover huge swathes of the Masai Mara. They impede all migrations and are the reason why, even with poaching figures dropping each year, lion and elephant populations are in freefall.

The solution, Calvin says, is biodiversity easements, which sounds complicated but which actually means renting the land from the Masai rather than owning it. This ensures they have a fixed income each month and no longer need to rely on farming to survive. It also means they have an incentive to keep the animals alive rather than poison them, as one dead elephant or lion means less rent in their pockets.

As a result  despite coming from a large landowning family  Cottar himself now owns very little land, having given most of it away. He believes others should follow suit.

Whether this will make him popular with the White community  people whose families, like his own, have been in Kenya since the days of British rule  is not something that keeps him up at night. "Oh they all think I'm completely mad when I suggest they pay rent on their own land," he says.

His desire to work towards creating a fairer Kenya is also clear within the camp. The entire team is Kenyan, from the camp manager to the highly acclaimed chef. The guides, meanwhile, are all local Masais, some of whom now own the land they work on.

Forward thinking?

Every day, they take his millionaire and celebrity guests out in the strikingly beautiful conservancy that surrounds the camp. It's a world straight out of an Attenborough documentary, where animals roam free without any human interference  prides of lions with scratches on their faces after fights with buffalo; young cheetahs, fat and glossy in the hot sunshine.

And elephants wherever you turn, posing as professionally as any influencer against mountain backdrops. Often, jeeps are surrounded by breeding herds and while the more life-weary matriarchs stride ahead, curious teenagers surge around the vehicle to get a closer look.

The strong relationships that the family has with the tribes mean their community projects are also impressive; activities, accompanied by Masai guides, include looking for medicinal herbs in the open bush (with a hunter-gatherer tribesman whose life story has had 9.2 million views on YouTube), tracking endangered pangolins and working with a vulture rescue group.

Towards the end of any trip, guides usually insist that guests climb out of the metal safety net that is the jeep and try to understand how the Masai feel living here  and why it is the entire ecosystem that needs protection rather than any individual species.

Stalking out in the bush on foot, standing at the same level as the animals, listening for their footsteps or distant alarm calls, touching the damp leaves and smelling the crushed mint and grass underfoot, is an extraordinary feeling and leaves guests unsure if they are predator or prey.

And whether they are in the most forward-thinking camp in Kenya or on a mind-bending trip back to Britain's colonial past.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
My mother might never forgive me if I revealed her age on these pages but suffice to say, she was a child when the Queen acceded to the throne in 1952.

Ask her what she remembers from that time and she says: 'Chocolate was on the ration, no one had any money, but we just got on with our lives.'

Ask my dad, who was a teenager at the time, and he says: 'Going out, drinking and meeting girls.'

A lot has changed since then  but not everything. People still want treats, they still love to socialise and they still need places to live, work and have fun.

In a good space: British Land is developing Regent's Place in King's Cross

Successful businesses are those which recognise those necessities, but also move with the times.

Several firms are living examples of that. They were listed on the stock market back in the 1950s and are still thriving today.

One of those is British Land. It was founded in 1856 to help individuals buy plots of land so they could vote in General Elections.

The group was floated on the stock market nearly a century later, having helped to rebuild much of Central London after the Blitz.

The company still has an active presence in the capital, but the group has been transformed since those days, both in terms of the properties it owns and the way they are managed.

Two-thirds of British Land's portfolio is now devoted to what chief executive Simon Carter describes as 'campuses'  developments that include homes, offices, shops, places to eat and drink, and plenty of outdoor space.

Regent's Place in King's Cross is one such venue  rapidly turning into a technology hub, as well as a sought-after venue for retailers, restaurateurs and hipsters.

Carter is also developing a 53-acre site in Canada Water, East London, which will have 3,000 net-zero homes as well as offices, swimming pools, shops and acres of parkland.

Even older sites, such as Broadgate in the City, are constantly under review, with buildings from the 1980s renovated and turned into energy-efficient, top-end properties, peppered with the collaborative spaces that are in demand today.

British Land is also the largest owner of retail parks across the country  out-of-town centres such as Meadowhall in Yorkshire, Whiteley in Hampshire and Fort Kinnaird near Edinburgh.

These were hit during the pandemic, but they have bounced back in recent months, with occupancy now at more than 97 per cent.

Showing that even large companies can be nimble, British Land has swiftly moved into another sector  urban logistics  where it has built up a 1billion-plus portfolio in the past year, most of it in London, where distribution centres are in desperately short supply.

Results last week showed that British Land's ability to pre-empt and adapt to change is paying off handsomely. Profits for 2021 rose 25 per cent to 251million, the portfolio increased almost 7 per cent in value to more than 10billion, and the dividend surged 46 per cent to 21.92p. Significantly too, new leases rose to ten-year highs and rental agreements were consistently ahead of the market.

Midas verdict: British Land has stood the test of time for more than 160 years, and recent activity suggests that it will continue to do so. The group cannot buck the wider economy, but it builds places where people and businesses want to be  at prices they can afford. The shares were more than 6 before the pandemic. Now just 5.19, they are an attractive, long-term buy.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: BLND Contact: britishland.com or 020 7486 4466
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Irelands premier has said his Government will do everything we possibly can to provide for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland.

It came as Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said the Government is preparing to spend around three billion euro (2.5 billion) in 2023 on welcoming and supporting those arriving from the war-torn country.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, speaking on his way to a Cabinet meeting set to be dominated by the war in Ukraine, said he had met refugees over the weekend.

Their gratitude to the kindness of the people of Ireland was heartfelt, he said.

This is a horrific war that is having a terrible toll on families and, in a shared humanity, we must do everything we possibly can within our energies and with our resources to do what we can.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Republic of Ireland will do all it can to support Ukrainian refugees (Niall Carson/PA)

We want this war to end; it should end, because too much life has been lost.

Around 25,000 Ukrainian refugees have now arrived in the Republic of Ireland, putting pressure on the Government to find housing and accommodation.

Mass and emergency accommodation centres have already started to be used.

Mr McGrath said the primary focus of Cabinet discussions on Tuesday will be accommodation for refugees.

He said ministers will be looking at all of the options that are available to Government to find accommodation as quickly as possible.

The system is now under real strain and we are at the point of offering accommodation that is not at the standard we would like but is necessary because ultimately these refugees are fleeing war and our first duty is to provide safety and security for them and to meet their basic needs, he said.
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Irelands premier has said his Government will do everything we possibly can to provide for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland.

It came as Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said the Government is preparing to spend around three billion euro (2.5 billion) in 2023 on welcoming and supporting those arriving from the war-torn country.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, speaking on his way to a Cabinet meeting set to be dominated by the war in Ukraine, said he had met refugees over the weekend.

Their gratitude to the kindness of the people of Ireland was heartfelt, he said.

This is a horrific war that is having a terrible toll on families and, in a shared humanity, we must do everything we possibly can within our energies and with our resources to do what we can.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Republic of Ireland will do all it can to support Ukrainian refugees (Niall Carson/PA)

We want this war to end; it should end, because too much life has been lost.

Around 25,000 Ukrainian refugees have now arrived in the Republic of Ireland, putting pressure on the Government to find housing and accommodation.

Mass and emergency accommodation centres have already started to be used.

Mr McGrath said the primary focus of Cabinet discussions on Tuesday will be accommodation for refugees.

He said ministers will be looking at all of the options that are available to Government to find accommodation as quickly as possible.

The system is now under real strain and we are at the point of offering accommodation that is not at the standard we would like but is necessary because ultimately these refugees are fleeing war and our first duty is to provide safety and security for them and to meet their basic needs, he said.

The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Oracle co-founder and former CEO Larry Ellison was involved in a call where a number of influential GOP figuresincluding Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Trump attorney Jay Sekulow  brainstormed ways to contest the 2020 presidential election, reported the Washington Post. Details of the call which occurred on November 14, 2020 were revealed in new court filings from a lawsuit brought by voting rights organization Fair Fight against True The Vote, a conservative Texas vote monitoring organization that disputes the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison, True the Votes founder, Catherine Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor, according to court filings reviewed by the Post. He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so thats what Im working on now.

Ellison is a high-profile GOP donor and has hosted fundraisers for former president Donald Trump. He has seemingly never expressed doubts about the 2020 election results publicly. While the CEO has donated to both parties over the years as the Palm Desert Sun points out, hes poured a substantial amount of money into the GOP and conservative causes since the 2020 election. His $15 million donation in February to a super PAC associated with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is one of the largest of the 2022 election cycle so far.

Ellison's proximity to Trump has led to concerns that Oracle may have had an unfair advantage in competing for federal contracts during the former administration. Oracle nabbed a lucrative contract in 2020 to aid the Department of Health and Human Services to collect data on doctors who treat COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by Trump. It is also nearing a deal with TikTok to store their US data, which Trump approved in 2020.
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) on Saturday took to the streets to support the former Anambra governor, who is a presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos.

The march which was in solidarity and support of the presidential hopeful, was tagged #1MillionManMarch4PeterObi.

The former Governor of Anambra State would jostle the partys ticket at the intraparty election scheduled for May 28 and 29 in Abuja alongside the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others.

Mr Obi was in Lagos on Thursday to meet with delegates ahead of the primary election.

The march was held in the Lekki phase 1 and Ikeja area of the state simultaneously.

At 10 am, several youths from Archbishop Vinning Anglican Church gathered and began the march at about 10:30 am.

One of the supporters, Emmanuel Kelechi, said that Mr Obi will bring a turnaround in the country.

I am here because of Peter Obi. Nobody paid us a dime to be here. We are here because we are tired of the way things are going on in this country, he said.

We want a new system and we know that Peter Obi can drive us to where we want to be. We are here so that posterity would hold us. We want a Nigeria where it is okay for everyone.

According to Daniel Olumese, the presidential hopeful is the light at the end of the tunnel.

PDP has a structure already. Other parties are not as organised as this party. Peter Obi is a competent man who has proven himself over the years.

He is a self-made man. I am saying that this man is the only person capable of saving Nigeria. Nigeria is at the edge and that is why I am here to rekindle hope. He is not thinking about his family but Nigeria.

The support group led by one Ijeoma Okoro delivered a letter endorsing the presidential aspirant at the party secretariat in Agege.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
Two U.S. envoys on Afghanistan have pressed for girls' education and more freedoms for Afghan women during a meeting with the Taliban's chief diplomat.

"Girls must be back in school, women free to move & work w/o restrictions for progress to normalized relations," U.S. Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West said on Twitter after a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban-led government's foreign minister.

West added that he and U.S. special envoy Rina Amir "conveyed unified international opposition to ongoing and expanding restrictions on women and girls' rights and roles in society."

Since surging back to power last year, the Taliban has imposed a slew of restrictions on women and girls, including an order earlier this month calling for women to only show their eyes and recommending they wear the head-to-toe burqa.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven last week expressed their "strongest opposition" to the decree, saying the hard-line group was "further isolating" itself internationally.

Many women remain barred from returning to work and girls are largely cut off from secondary schooling. The government in March further curtailed women's rights by saying they should not be offered transport on trips of more 72 kilometers unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Meanwhile, the economic and security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.

West said he and Muttaqi discussed economic stabilization in Afghanistan and concerns about terrorist attacks on civilians.

"Dialogue will continue in support of Afghan people and our national interests," West said.

The Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 as international forces withdrew from Afghanistan following two decades of fighting.

Most of the world's countries do not recognize the Taliban-led government amid concerns that the militants are not living up to their promises of respecting human rights.

The United States and other have frozen Afghan assets held abroad.

U.S. President Joe Biden in February signed an executive order that will free up half of the $7 billion of the Afghan reserves it holds to set up a humanitarian-aid trust fund for distribution through groups providing relief to Afghans.

The remaining $3.5 billion will stay in the United States and be used to fund ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including for claims against the Taliban by the families of victims of the September 11 attacks.

With reporting by AFP
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Johnson City, TN (37604)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 84F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
Johnson City, TN (37604)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 84F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
Johnson City, TN (37604)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 84F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
Illinois peaked at 27 U.S. House seats after the 1910 Census and subsequent reapportionment. That lasted until the 1940 Census, when Illinois dropped to 26 seats in Congress.

Weve been steadily losing ground ever since. Its not that we lost population, its that other states in the West and the South grew much faster. California had just eleven congressional districts as a result of the 1910 Census. It now has 53.

Our downward trajectory has often been demoralizing, but even more so during the past decade as professional naysayers and outlets like the Chicago Tribune editorial board trumpeted annual Census estimates which showed huge, six-figure population losses.

By December of 2020, those annual census estimates showed Illinois had lost about 240,000 people, or 2% of its population.

Illinois is a deepening population sinkhole flanked by states that are adding people, businesses, jobs, the Tribune editorial board opined. The estimated Illinois population is 12,587,530, down more than 240,000 since the 2010 census. Thats more than Waukegan and Naperville, combined.

The paper went on: So tell us again, Democratic power brokers who rule Illinois. Tell us what great jobs youre doing. Tell us that these worsening annual population losses arent an indictment of anti-jobs, high-spending policies. Tell us its just snowbirds fleeing the weather here. Tell us you need to keep raising taxes.

When the official 2020 Census count showed those previous estimates were wildly wrong and Illinois net population loss was only 18,000 people, those same folks either changed the subject or harumphed that, whatever the case, Illinois was still a net loser and had fallen to the rank of sixth largest state behind Pennsylvania.

To this day, political candidates and pundits still regularly trumpet our losses as evidence that we are a state in horrific decline while offering simplistic policy prescriptions based on numbers that have, as of last week, turned out to be more inaccurate than we ever knew.

As you probably know by now, the U.S. Census Bureau admitted last week that it had screwed up Illinois decennial headcount and the state actually grew by about 250,000 people  thats almost a 500,000-person swing from the December 2020 estimate. Were back to being the fifth largest state and our population has surpassed 13 million people for the first time ever.

This is excellent news, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement issued hours after the Census Bureau admitted its blunder. It confirms what most of us already know: Illinois is a great place to live and work. We need more people cheering for Illinois and fewer spelunking for misery.

I cannot imagine anyone actually cheering for Illinois. Were just not that way here. Pessimism is in our collective bones, partly because it has been beaten into our beings for so many years by opinion leaders, and partly because, well, we do indeed suck at so many things.

In reality, more people leave Illinois in search of greater economic opportunities, lower costs of living or even better winter weather than move here. Its still a problem that must be dealt with.

But this eager acceptance of Illinois decline as an overwhelming cold, hard scientific fact needs to be reexamined by the news media, which has repeatedly perpetuated what has apparently turned out to be a widely believed myth. The Tribune has almost seemed to revel in the stories of Illinois population loss. And where the Tribune goes, so goes most of the rest of the states news outlets.

You dont have to cheerlead for Illinois. Nobody would buy that, anyway. But the almost perverse pleasure some get at running down this states already bad reputation needs to be called out.

And what about those annual population estimates, which turned out to be almost 500,000 Illinoisans below the final number released last week?

US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi sits on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Census Bureau. Back in January, Krishnamoorthi asked the Census Bureau for a methodological review of its annual state population estimates.

Last week, Rep. Krishnamoorthi again pressed the Census Bureau for answers, this time about why Illinois was so grossly undercounted in the decennial census. The agency owes him, and the rest of us, some answers. Now.

Rich Miller publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Roberta Anne Drury, who family members called Robbie, was the kind of person who welcomed everybody. She'd probably even greet you if you passed by on the street.

Photos: Funeral for Roberta Drury Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, wh

"Robbie was more than just a name," said her sister, Amanda Drury. "We just want to make sure that everyone remembers her smile, her love, her compassion. Everyone was in her family."

Family and friends gathered Saturday morning at Assumption Church in Syracuse for a Mass of Christian Burial for 32-year-old Roberta Drury, who was one of the 10 people killed in a mass shooting May 14 when a white supremacist from the Southern Tier attacked the Tops supermarket at Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo where she, and many others, were just doing their grocery shopping on a beautiful spring day.

Hers was the second funeral to be held so far, after Heyward Patterson, a 67-year-old church deacon, was laid to rest Friday in Buffalo. More funerals for the victims will follow in the week ahead.

The Rev. Nicholas Spano led the Mass inside Assumption Church, a massive structure where those gathered were seated in wooden pews beneath imposing stone columns and arches. Light from candles flickered above them as the mourners consoled one another.

Spano repeatedly referred to Roberta and her loving nature as "light in the darkness."

The Rev. Daren Jaime of The People's A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse also spoke at Saturday's Mass, reminding friends and family that Drury lives on "through each and every one of you."

"Roberta reflected God's love every time she cared for her brother, every time she greeted someone on the street," Spano said.

Her aunt Lisa Drury said she will remember the hugs she would get from her niece, from the time she was a tiny baby who had just recently been adopted by Lisa Drury's brother Philip Drury and his then-wife, Leslie VanGiesen.

"Remember her for her open arms," Lisa Drury said.

Roberta Drury grew up in Cicero, a town north of Syracuse, and attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. For the past 10 years, she lived in Buffalo, helping to take care of her brother Christopher Moyer, who is recovering from a battle with leukemia. She often helped her brother, his wife and his two children with tasks such as grocery shopping  often at the Tops where she was killed.

"It's almost ironic," Lisa Drury said, "because she was taken in such an act of hatred, and she truly loved and embraced everybody. If she was struggling in her life, she still loved on you."

Lisa Drury's son Mitch is just a little younger than Roberta, so there were plenty of family photos and time spent together in the early years at Lisa Drury's parents' house in North Syracuse.

Her son just turned 32 years old Monday  the same age Roberta was.

"I'm looking at him thinking, his life is just beginning," said Lisa Drury. "It's just not fair. At 32 years old, you're just starting to come into yourself."

Friends from Buffalo also made the trip for her funeral. One man, who said he was a cousin from Virginia, wore a shirt with Roberta's face on it  on the back, it read: "To my new guardian angel, watch over me."

Family and friends had gathered the day before for calling hours. Lisa Drury said they stayed together as a family until after 11 p.m., thinking back to all their memories with Roberta.

Amanda Drury said she will cherish her memories of their family's annual vacation, when 15 to 20 aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and sometimes childhood friends would hit the road for Wildwood, N.J. There, they'd rent a house, with everyone squished into bunk beds. They loved to go to a photography studio on the boardwalk, dressing up in old-timey clothes to take a family portrait, giggling the whole time.

Roberta was always the one who convinced everyone to get in the water.

Amanda Drury described her sister as a lover of nature who enjoyed long walks and observing the world around her.

Aunt of shooting victim Roberta Drury: 'We're trying to make sense of something that is so senseless' Roberta Drury, 32, was one of the 10 people killed when an 18-year-old white supremacist arrived Saturday afternoon at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue and started shooting.

For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Roberta's honor to the Buffalo Zoo  where Roberta and her sister would often go when Amanda Drury came to Western New York to visit.

In addition to Amanda Drury and Christopher Moyer, Roberta is survived by her parents; grandfather John Traeger; siblings Daniel Moyer, Nicole VanGiesen and Brett VanGiesen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

And many more friends made along the way.

"Everybody was Robbie's family," Amanda Drury said.

Jon Harris can be reached at 716-849-3482 or jharris@buffnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByJonHarris.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Illinois peaked at 27 U.S. House seats after the 1910 Census and subsequent reapportionment. That lasted until the 1940 Census, when Illinois dropped to 26 seats in Congress.

Weve been steadily losing ground ever since. Its not that we lost population, its that other states in the West and the South grew much faster. California had just eleven congressional districts as a result of the 1910 Census. It now has 53.

Our downward trajectory has often been demoralizing, but even more so during the past decade as professional naysayers and outlets like the Chicago Tribune editorial board trumpeted annual Census estimates which showed huge, six-figure population losses.

By December of 2020, those annual census estimates showed Illinois had lost about 240,000 people, or 2% of its population.

Illinois is a deepening population sinkhole flanked by states that are adding people, businesses, jobs, the Tribune editorial board opined. The estimated Illinois population is 12,587,530, down more than 240,000 since the 2010 census. Thats more than Waukegan and Naperville, combined.

The paper went on: So tell us again, Democratic power brokers who rule Illinois. Tell us what great jobs youre doing. Tell us that these worsening annual population losses arent an indictment of anti-jobs, high-spending policies. Tell us its just snowbirds fleeing the weather here. Tell us you need to keep raising taxes.

When the official 2020 Census count showed those previous estimates were wildly wrong and Illinois net population loss was only 18,000 people, those same folks either changed the subject or harumphed that, whatever the case, Illinois was still a net loser and had fallen to the rank of sixth largest state behind Pennsylvania.

To this day, political candidates and pundits still regularly trumpet our losses as evidence that we are a state in horrific decline while offering simplistic policy prescriptions based on numbers that have, as of last week, turned out to be more inaccurate than we ever knew.

As you probably know by now, the U.S. Census Bureau admitted last week that it had screwed up Illinois decennial headcount and the state actually grew by about 250,000 people  thats almost a 500,000-person swing from the December 2020 estimate. Were back to being the fifth largest state and our population has surpassed 13 million people for the first time ever.

This is excellent news, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement issued hours after the Census Bureau admitted its blunder. It confirms what most of us already know: Illinois is a great place to live and work. We need more people cheering for Illinois and fewer spelunking for misery.

I cannot imagine anyone actually cheering for Illinois. Were just not that way here. Pessimism is in our collective bones, partly because it has been beaten into our beings for so many years by opinion leaders, and partly because, well, we do indeed suck at so many things.

In reality, more people leave Illinois in search of greater economic opportunities, lower costs of living or even better winter weather than move here. Its still a problem that must be dealt with.

But this eager acceptance of Illinois decline as an overwhelming cold, hard scientific fact needs to be reexamined by the news media, which has repeatedly perpetuated what has apparently turned out to be a widely believed myth. The Tribune has almost seemed to revel in the stories of Illinois population loss. And where the Tribune goes, so goes most of the rest of the states news outlets.

You dont have to cheerlead for Illinois. Nobody would buy that, anyway. But the almost perverse pleasure some get at running down this states already bad reputation needs to be called out.

And what about those annual population estimates, which turned out to be almost 500,000 Illinoisans below the final number released last week?

US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi sits on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Census Bureau. Back in January, Krishnamoorthi asked the Census Bureau for a methodological review of its annual state population estimates.

Last week, Rep. Krishnamoorthi again pressed the Census Bureau for answers, this time about why Illinois was so grossly undercounted in the decennial census. The agency owes him, and the rest of us, some answers. Now.

Rich Miller publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

How ironic that on the day the Government outlined its legislative plans to safeguard cash on the high street, Lloyds Bank took another wrecking ball to its branch network.

How many more swings of such destructive balls will be triggered by the big banks before the Government finally gets its welcome legislation through Parliament sometime next year? Quite a few I fear.

Although the Government, currently short on friends, should be applauded for finally outlining its legislative plans on ensuring nationwide access to cash, let's not get too carried away.

Another one bites the dust: The delay in Government legislation has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

After all, the Government said it would legislate more than two years ago, only for the pandemic to push its promise into the long grass.

The delay has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

Banks have used the cover of lockdowns to go about their culling without more than a whimper of protest as home-working and online shopping became the norms. (Most of the protest being channelled through our Personal Finance pages).

The rise and rise of contactless payment and mobile banking has given the big banks the perfect excuse to close branches, claiming cash is no longer king.

Already this year, 227 branches have either been closed or put on notice of impending closure  more than a third being Lloyds Bank brands (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds).

I imagine that by the time legislation finally gets on the statute book, a similar amount  probably more  will have been given the chop. And, for sure, no one in Government will have batted an eyelid.

Although the nitty gritty of the planned legislation is thin, we know it will form part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

We have also been told the banks will be required to give both consumers and small businesses convenient access to cash and cash deposit facilities.

How convenient we don't know  that has yet to be worked out. But the theory is that we will never be that far from cash  even if we're up a hill as I was last week in the Lake District.

Standing on top of Loughrigg Fell and looking down on glorious Rydal Water, I was still no more than 40 minutes away from an array of cashpoint machines (but not bank branches) in Ambleside.

The new legislation will be overseen by the great and good of the Financial Conduct Authority. When not on strike, they will ensure the banks are complying with the rules.

How effective the regulator will be remains to be seen, but it's better than the current regime which allows the banks pretty much a free rein on branch and cashpoint machine closures.

It's heartening that the likes of Natalie Ceeney  the leading expert on access to cash  support the Government's plan to legislate.

Last week, she made an excellent observation about the need for continued access to cash  in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis.

'Reliance on cash isn't simply about age,' she told me  referring to the fact that it's often argued it is only the elderly who are cash-dependent.

'The biggest driver of reliance on cash is poverty  access to cash is vital for those 1.5million households who can't afford internet access and the millions who don't own a smartphone.'

She added: 'So I commend the Government for its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in society, small businesses and remote and rural communities.'

What I  and other banking experts such as the well-regarded Derek French  fear is that access to cash will become increasingly impersonal, available primarily through either cashpoint machines or cashback services in shops.

Sadly, high street bank branches, offering access to face-to-face advice, will continue to get the wrecking ball treatment.

Maybe shared banking hubs, much championed by Personal Finance and French, will finally catch on  providing the chance for customers to speak to personnel from their bank on selected days. I do hope so.

Easy high street access to cash, yes please.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday


A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
My Fair Lady

London Coliseum Until August 27, 3hrs

Rating:

This import from Broadway is, happily, full of Brits. Notably Downton Abbey and The Crowns Harry Hadden-Paton, making his musical debut as Professor Higgins. (A terrifying task, given how the ghost of Rex Harrison still haunts the role.)

Vanessa Redgrave, as Higginss mother, proves theres nothing like a Dame to posh up a cast. And then theres Amara Okereke as the guttersnipe Eliza.

The first black British actor to play the part, shes a firecracker  common as muck, hilarious, full-voiced, and horribly hurt.

Amara Okereke (above, centre, with Harry Hadden-Paton and Malcolm Sinclair) is the first black British actor to play Eliza - and shes a firecracker

What a cultural mix this musical is. Alan J. Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) were Yanks who distilled an intensely English musical from Irishman George Bernard Shaws 1912 play, Pygmalion.

The great news is that Bartlett Shers direction doesnt bulldoze the show with politically correct disapproval of its blatant misogyny. And Okerekes ethnicity deepens Elizas struggle to enter society and master the rain in Spain.

Hadden-Patons young Higgins is very funny, if a tad too keen to be liked. At heart hes a big baby, as Vanessa Redgrave makes clear by flinging up her hands in despair.

Malcolm Sinclair plays the sidekick Pickering  with a hint of a kink for womens dresses. But this is just as much about Higginss transformation as Elizas.

Henry Hadden-Patons (above) young Higgins is very funny, if a tad too keen to be liked, but at heart he's a big baby

Ive Grown Accustomed To Her Face is all the more romantic for its lack of power ballad passion. The show is a joy to look at.

Catherine Zubers astonishing costumes are a riot of ostrich feathers and parasols at the Ascot races (where Freddy Eynsford-Hill  a bonkers Sharif Afifi  loses his heart to Eliza who famously yells at a horse Move yer bloomin arse).

The design scheme  plum, grey and mauve  is by Michael Yeargan, who conjures up a mock-elegant pre-war England on the cusp of catastrophe.

The Coliseum resident orchestra swells to fill the venues vastness and theres a Baz Luhrmann-like riot of excess in the company knees-up with Stephen K. Amos as the strutting dustman Doolittle.

I come back to Okerekes (above, right, with Vanessa Redgrave) boldness. Her performance saves this famous musical from its own datedness, giving it a living, fully female pulse

But I come back to Okerekes boldness. Her performance saves this famous musical from its own datedness, giving it a living, fully female pulse.

Loverly!
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
How ironic that on the day the Government outlined its legislative plans to safeguard cash on the high street, Lloyds Bank took another wrecking ball to its branch network.

How many more swings of such destructive balls will be triggered by the big banks before the Government finally gets its welcome legislation through Parliament sometime next year? Quite a few I fear.

Although the Government, currently short on friends, should be applauded for finally outlining its legislative plans on ensuring nationwide access to cash, let's not get too carried away.

Another one bites the dust: The delay in Government legislation has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

After all, the Government said it would legislate more than two years ago, only for the pandemic to push its promise into the long grass.

The delay has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

Banks have used the cover of lockdowns to go about their culling without more than a whimper of protest as home-working and online shopping became the norms. (Most of the protest being channelled through our Personal Finance pages).

The rise and rise of contactless payment and mobile banking has given the big banks the perfect excuse to close branches, claiming cash is no longer king.

Already this year, 227 branches have either been closed or put on notice of impending closure  more than a third being Lloyds Bank brands (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds).

I imagine that by the time legislation finally gets on the statute book, a similar amount  probably more  will have been given the chop. And, for sure, no one in Government will have batted an eyelid.

Although the nitty gritty of the planned legislation is thin, we know it will form part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

We have also been told the banks will be required to give both consumers and small businesses convenient access to cash and cash deposit facilities.

How convenient we don't know  that has yet to be worked out. But the theory is that we will never be that far from cash  even if we're up a hill as I was last week in the Lake District.

Standing on top of Loughrigg Fell and looking down on glorious Rydal Water, I was still no more than 40 minutes away from an array of cashpoint machines (but not bank branches) in Ambleside.

The new legislation will be overseen by the great and good of the Financial Conduct Authority. When not on strike, they will ensure the banks are complying with the rules.

How effective the regulator will be remains to be seen, but it's better than the current regime which allows the banks pretty much a free rein on branch and cashpoint machine closures.

It's heartening that the likes of Natalie Ceeney  the leading expert on access to cash  support the Government's plan to legislate.

Last week, she made an excellent observation about the need for continued access to cash  in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis.

'Reliance on cash isn't simply about age,' she told me  referring to the fact that it's often argued it is only the elderly who are cash-dependent.

'The biggest driver of reliance on cash is poverty  access to cash is vital for those 1.5million households who can't afford internet access and the millions who don't own a smartphone.'

She added: 'So I commend the Government for its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in society, small businesses and remote and rural communities.'

What I  and other banking experts such as the well-regarded Derek French  fear is that access to cash will become increasingly impersonal, available primarily through either cashpoint machines or cashback services in shops.

Sadly, high street bank branches, offering access to face-to-face advice, will continue to get the wrecking ball treatment.

Maybe shared banking hubs, much championed by Personal Finance and French, will finally catch on  providing the chance for customers to speak to personnel from their bank on selected days. I do hope so.

Easy high street access to cash, yes please.
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced the setting up of an International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to "boost the medical tourism sector in Northeast India".

The Minister also announced major initiatives to boost the traditional medicinal practice including Sowa Rigpa, Ayurveda and Naturopathy in the state.

Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling off Second Floor of 5th Avenue Mall in Bengaluru.

The Minister attended the National Workshop on Sowa Rigpa - the traditional and ancient medicinal practice of Himalayan people in Sikkim.

Underlying the importance of Sowa Rigpa and its further exposure among people for enriching their quality of life, a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa Hospital is going to be set up in Sikkim, according to an official release.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Student Stabbed to Death by 'Jilted Suitor' in Aurangabad.

Highlighting the importance of Ayush based growth in the region, the Union Ayush Minister said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility to set up a Research Council for Sowa Rigpa.

He said Yoga and Wellness Centres will be set up at every Gram Panchayat in the state and Ayurveda Medical College will be set up in the state under Satellite Institute Programme.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), under the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Gangtok in Sikkim. The workshop was attended by Practitioners, Academicians, students and other stakeholders of the Sowa Rigpa medicinal practice of Himalayan people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, the Bloomington Police Department announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a weapon  specifically, a gun without serial numbers, commonly called a "ghost gun."

At the time of the arrest early Monday, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But later in the week, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like they're building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passing was cause for celebration among many anti-gun violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

'Piece of the puzzle'

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislation's chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium "Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022. Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some Central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington earlier this week was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared to the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a local chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just don't have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

'Another scheme'

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes, but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

What's happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They can't just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. It's just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasn't to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when they're ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.

More work ahead

Democrats say making sure unserialized guns get serial numbers is a small price to pay to prevent gun violence.

I think that we do a lot of things in the name of public safety, Hirschauer said. And this is just one small thing that people need to do now.

If you buy a car, there's a title attached to that car, Buckner said. But if you're adept enough to make your own car, to build your own car from scratch, you have to register that car with the Secretary of State. It's the same concept (with the ghost gun ban).

At the bill signing on Wednesday, Pritzker criticized Republican lawmakers and gun lobbyists for rallying against the ban.

Why isnt this a bipartisan bill? Because now its an election year, Pritzker said. The NRA gun lobby has told Republicans they cant vote for a bill like that. So they didnt.

Gun rights groups are likely to pursue legal action to challenge the ban, according to both Pearson and Rowe. Sances said shes confident the law is constitutionally sound and that any legal challenges will fail.

As disagreements over gun laws persist, lawmakers and activists agree that theres still much more to be done to end gun violence.

Investing money and resources in underserved communities is a key component to violence prevention, Buckner said.

Vanessa Nelson-Knox, co-chair of the transformational Justice Task Force with Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, agrees.

She said lawmakers and activists alike should focus on prioritizing restorative justice, or repairing the harm done primarily to low income and Black communities.

This includes helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and making sure people have access to proper addiction and mental health treatment.

When people do better it helps the whole community. It doesn't just help them, it helps everyone, she said. So it's in our best interest to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to be okay.

Kade Heather contributed to this story.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday

Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams




Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams




The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0









A battle of the bunting has broken out after the wealthy residents of a west London road blocked Jubilee celebrations on a nearby high street.

Traders on Barnes High Street in Richmond were planning a packed calendar of events but have had to cancel because residents of Nassau Road, where the average house price is 3.5 million, complained about buses being diverted past their homes for the event.

Other locals are said to be disappointed about the cancellation. To add insult to injury, Nassau Road will be holding its own Jubilee party. Vickie El-Rayyes, 50, who owns artisan homeware and clothing store Dilli Grey, said: Its so disappointing. We would have liked a party as retailers dont often do things together.

A colourful window display in the family run Daniel Department Store in Peascod Street. Streets, shops and restaurants in Windsor are adorned with Union Jack flags, bunting and Platinum Jubilee displays

A view of the preparations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee around the Buckingham palace in London

I was going to get a table and put it out on the street but now Ill close the shop. One local mother-of-two said: After the Covid dreariness, this was going to be some fun.

The event, organised by Richmond Council and Barnes Community Association, would have seen the high street shut on June 4 with buses diverted down Nassau Road. But residents said they had not been consulted and were not keen to have diesel fumes in our residential road. One pensioner said the plans would create massive disruption, adding: We all took the view that we should have been asked. I dont care if we are called selfish.

Another homeowner said: Buses would mean we cant put up the bunting.

But not everyone on Nassau Road agreed, with one warning: We risk being called the worst street in Britain but theres quite a lot of people who were for it. Most of the residents have second homes anyway so they wouldnt even be there.

A battle of the bunting has broken out after the wealthy residents of a west London road blocked Jubilee celebrations on a nearby high street.

Traders on Barnes High Street in Richmond were planning a packed calendar of events but have had to cancel because residents of Nassau Road, where the average house price is 3.5 million, complained about buses being diverted past their homes for the event.

Other locals are said to be disappointed about the cancellation. To add insult to injury, Nassau Road will be holding its own Jubilee party. Vickie El-Rayyes, 50, who owns artisan homeware and clothing store Dilli Grey, said: Its so disappointing. We would have liked a party as retailers dont often do things together.

A colourful window display in the family run Daniel Department Store in Peascod Street. Streets, shops and restaurants in Windsor are adorned with Union Jack flags, bunting and Platinum Jubilee displays

A view of the preparations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee around the Buckingham palace in London

I was going to get a table and put it out on the street but now Ill close the shop. One local mother-of-two said: After the Covid dreariness, this was going to be some fun.

The event, organised by Richmond Council and Barnes Community Association, would have seen the high street shut on June 4 with buses diverted down Nassau Road. But residents said they had not been consulted and were not keen to have diesel fumes in our residential road. One pensioner said the plans would create massive disruption, adding: We all took the view that we should have been asked. I dont care if we are called selfish.

Another homeowner said: Buses would mean we cant put up the bunting.

But not everyone on Nassau Road agreed, with one warning: We risk being called the worst street in Britain but theres quite a lot of people who were for it. Most of the residents have second homes anyway so they wouldnt even be there.
A battle of the bunting has broken out after the wealthy residents of a west London road blocked Jubilee celebrations on a nearby high street.

Traders on Barnes High Street in Richmond were planning a packed calendar of events but have had to cancel because residents of Nassau Road, where the average house price is 3.5 million, complained about buses being diverted past their homes for the event.

Other locals are said to be disappointed about the cancellation. To add insult to injury, Nassau Road will be holding its own Jubilee party. Vickie El-Rayyes, 50, who owns artisan homeware and clothing store Dilli Grey, said: Its so disappointing. We would have liked a party as retailers dont often do things together.

A colourful window display in the family run Daniel Department Store in Peascod Street. Streets, shops and restaurants in Windsor are adorned with Union Jack flags, bunting and Platinum Jubilee displays

A view of the preparations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee around the Buckingham palace in London

I was going to get a table and put it out on the street but now Ill close the shop. One local mother-of-two said: After the Covid dreariness, this was going to be some fun.

The event, organised by Richmond Council and Barnes Community Association, would have seen the high street shut on June 4 with buses diverted down Nassau Road. But residents said they had not been consulted and were not keen to have diesel fumes in our residential road. One pensioner said the plans would create massive disruption, adding: We all took the view that we should have been asked. I dont care if we are called selfish.

Another homeowner said: Buses would mean we cant put up the bunting.

But not everyone on Nassau Road agreed, with one warning: We risk being called the worst street in Britain but theres quite a lot of people who were for it. Most of the residents have second homes anyway so they wouldnt even be there.
How ironic that on the day the Government outlined its legislative plans to safeguard cash on the high street, Lloyds Bank took another wrecking ball to its branch network.

How many more swings of such destructive balls will be triggered by the big banks before the Government finally gets its welcome legislation through Parliament sometime next year? Quite a few I fear.

Although the Government, currently short on friends, should be applauded for finally outlining its legislative plans on ensuring nationwide access to cash, let's not get too carried away.

Another one bites the dust: The delay in Government legislation has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

After all, the Government said it would legislate more than two years ago, only for the pandemic to push its promise into the long grass.

The delay has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

Banks have used the cover of lockdowns to go about their culling without more than a whimper of protest as home-working and online shopping became the norms. (Most of the protest being channelled through our Personal Finance pages).

The rise and rise of contactless payment and mobile banking has given the big banks the perfect excuse to close branches, claiming cash is no longer king.

Already this year, 227 branches have either been closed or put on notice of impending closure  more than a third being Lloyds Bank brands (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds).

I imagine that by the time legislation finally gets on the statute book, a similar amount  probably more  will have been given the chop. And, for sure, no one in Government will have batted an eyelid.

Although the nitty gritty of the planned legislation is thin, we know it will form part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

We have also been told the banks will be required to give both consumers and small businesses convenient access to cash and cash deposit facilities.

How convenient we don't know  that has yet to be worked out. But the theory is that we will never be that far from cash  even if we're up a hill as I was last week in the Lake District.

Standing on top of Loughrigg Fell and looking down on glorious Rydal Water, I was still no more than 40 minutes away from an array of cashpoint machines (but not bank branches) in Ambleside.

The new legislation will be overseen by the great and good of the Financial Conduct Authority. When not on strike, they will ensure the banks are complying with the rules.

How effective the regulator will be remains to be seen, but it's better than the current regime which allows the banks pretty much a free rein on branch and cashpoint machine closures.

It's heartening that the likes of Natalie Ceeney  the leading expert on access to cash  support the Government's plan to legislate.

Last week, she made an excellent observation about the need for continued access to cash  in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis.

'Reliance on cash isn't simply about age,' she told me  referring to the fact that it's often argued it is only the elderly who are cash-dependent.

'The biggest driver of reliance on cash is poverty  access to cash is vital for those 1.5million households who can't afford internet access and the millions who don't own a smartphone.'

She added: 'So I commend the Government for its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in society, small businesses and remote and rural communities.'

What I  and other banking experts such as the well-regarded Derek French  fear is that access to cash will become increasingly impersonal, available primarily through either cashpoint machines or cashback services in shops.

Sadly, high street bank branches, offering access to face-to-face advice, will continue to get the wrecking ball treatment.

Maybe shared banking hubs, much championed by Personal Finance and French, will finally catch on  providing the chance for customers to speak to personnel from their bank on selected days. I do hope so.

Easy high street access to cash, yes please.
Any investment that has generated wealth since before the Coronation must have firm foundations. That is true for the 36 investment trusts that predate the Queen's accession to the throne.

They have survived the stock market crashes that peppered the early 1970s, October 1987 (Black Monday), 2000 (the bursting of the dotcom bubble), 2008 and 2020 in the wake of the pandemic. Some of the oldest trusts have invested customers' money through the reign of six Monarchs.

So what is the secret to their longevity?

Looking ahead: Among the 36 trusts in existence longer than the Queen's reign, some could provide excellent future returns

The earliest trusts were created under Queen Victoria to allow ordinary investors to benefit from global industrial expansion.

Foreign & Colonial was the first, established in 1868 and investing in government bonds from across the world, including South America. Later, Scottish American funded the construction of the US railways while Scottish Mortgage offered mortgages to Malaysian plantation owners who produced the rubber used in the tyres of the Model T Ford car.

Several trusts have the word 'Scottish' in their name as they were founded so that Dundee merchants, who were profiting from a boom in sales of jute  a natural fibre  had somewhere to stash their money.

John Newlands, an investment trust historian, says F&C was started to give the investor of 'moderate means' a chance to make money. It is a role the trust still fulfils. He says: 'Fads, fashions and arcane financial schemes have come and gone over the past 70 years, but investment trusts have survived and thrived, based on granite-like foundations.'

Since their inception, the assets held by the UK's oldest trusts have changed. For example, F&C's biggest holdings are now shares in tech giants Microsoft, Alphabet and Apple, while Scottish Mortgage holds Covid vaccine maker Moderna and electric car giant Tesla in its portfolio.

Myron Jobson, head of personal finance at investment platform Interactive Investor, says the trusts' 'nimbleness to adapt to fundamental economic shifts' by changing the investments they favour confirms 'the robustness of their strategy'.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, a director of the Association of Investment Companies, says portfolio changes prove the ability of these stalwarts to adapt. She adds: 'It's reassuring for investors to see that over the last 70 years, investment companies have survived bouts of market turbulence.'

Platinum performances

According to Investment platform AJ Bell, over the past 20 years, Scottish Mortgage has turned 1,000 into 13,150. BlackRock Smaller Companies, founded in 1906 as the North British Canadian Investment Company, has turned the same sum into 9,349. No trusts predating the Queen's accession would have lost money over 20 years. The lowest return is 106.3 per cent from Aberdeen Diversified Income & Growth.

James Carthew, investment trust specialist at fund data group QuotedData, agrees the flexibility older trusts have shown has been key to their success, saying: 'One of the strengths is their ability to adapt to changing market environments.'

An independent board steers the trust, hiring and firing investment managers, adapting objectives and driving down management fees.

However, Carthew says most of the older trusts focus on equities. So investors wanting to invest in different types of assets, such as property, infrastructure and renewable energy, will need to look at newer trusts.

Kyle Caldwell, fund specialist at Interactive Investor, says people must also be aware that investment trusts have features making them riskier than competing vehicles, such as unit trusts or open ended investment companies. The managers can borrow money to increase a trust's exposure to equities, improving returns if stock markets are rising, but perpetuate losses if share prices are sliding. And because trusts are traded on the stock market, their share price may not fully reflect the value of the underlying assets.

He says: 'They were once derided as 'dinosaurs' run by fuddy-duddies, but, 70 years since the Queen's accession to the throne, they are thriving rather than becoming extinct.'

The funds to pick

Among the 36 trusts in existence longer than the Queen's reign, some could provide excellent future returns.

Caldwell likes UK-focused City of London, founded in 1891 and run by Job Curtis since 1991. Curtis focuses on high-yielding, cash generative businesses. Top holdings include Diageo, Shell, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, National Grid and HSBC.

Over the past three years, the trust has delivered an overall return of 17 per cent. Its income is equivalent to an annual 4.6 per cent.

Caldwell also rates Bankers because of its global diversity. Top holdings include American Express, Microsoft and AstraZeneca. Three-year returns are 20 per cent and the income is equivalent to 2 per cent a year.

Shares in Scottish Mortgage have almost halved from their November 2021 peak. But three-year returns still stand at 52 per cent. Carthew says the company's focus on 'identifying and backing future market leaders' should ensure strong long-term returns.

He adds: 'The longevity of these trusts and the strong corporate governance that keeps them focused on the needs of investors makes them ideal long-term savings vehicles.

'I'd expect most to still be around in 70 years' time.'
Any investment that has generated wealth since before the Coronation must have firm foundations. That is true for the 36 investment trusts that predate the Queen's accession to the throne.

They have survived the stock market crashes that peppered the early 1970s, October 1987 (Black Monday), 2000 (the bursting of the dotcom bubble), 2008 and 2020 in the wake of the pandemic. Some of the oldest trusts have invested customers' money through the reign of six Monarchs.

So what is the secret to their longevity?

Looking ahead: Among the 36 trusts in existence longer than the Queen's reign, some could provide excellent future returns

The earliest trusts were created under Queen Victoria to allow ordinary investors to benefit from global industrial expansion.

Foreign & Colonial was the first, established in 1868 and investing in government bonds from across the world, including South America. Later, Scottish American funded the construction of the US railways while Scottish Mortgage offered mortgages to Malaysian plantation owners who produced the rubber used in the tyres of the Model T Ford car.

Several trusts have the word 'Scottish' in their name as they were founded so that Dundee merchants, who were profiting from a boom in sales of jute  a natural fibre  had somewhere to stash their money.

John Newlands, an investment trust historian, says F&C was started to give the investor of 'moderate means' a chance to make money. It is a role the trust still fulfils. He says: 'Fads, fashions and arcane financial schemes have come and gone over the past 70 years, but investment trusts have survived and thrived, based on granite-like foundations.'

Since their inception, the assets held by the UK's oldest trusts have changed. For example, F&C's biggest holdings are now shares in tech giants Microsoft, Alphabet and Apple, while Scottish Mortgage holds Covid vaccine maker Moderna and electric car giant Tesla in its portfolio.

Myron Jobson, head of personal finance at investment platform Interactive Investor, says the trusts' 'nimbleness to adapt to fundamental economic shifts' by changing the investments they favour confirms 'the robustness of their strategy'.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, a director of the Association of Investment Companies, says portfolio changes prove the ability of these stalwarts to adapt. She adds: 'It's reassuring for investors to see that over the last 70 years, investment companies have survived bouts of market turbulence.'

Platinum performances

According to Investment platform AJ Bell, over the past 20 years, Scottish Mortgage has turned 1,000 into 13,150. BlackRock Smaller Companies, founded in 1906 as the North British Canadian Investment Company, has turned the same sum into 9,349. No trusts predating the Queen's accession would have lost money over 20 years. The lowest return is 106.3 per cent from Aberdeen Diversified Income & Growth.

James Carthew, investment trust specialist at fund data group QuotedData, agrees the flexibility older trusts have shown has been key to their success, saying: 'One of the strengths is their ability to adapt to changing market environments.'

An independent board steers the trust, hiring and firing investment managers, adapting objectives and driving down management fees.

However, Carthew says most of the older trusts focus on equities. So investors wanting to invest in different types of assets, such as property, infrastructure and renewable energy, will need to look at newer trusts.

Kyle Caldwell, fund specialist at Interactive Investor, says people must also be aware that investment trusts have features making them riskier than competing vehicles, such as unit trusts or open ended investment companies. The managers can borrow money to increase a trust's exposure to equities, improving returns if stock markets are rising, but perpetuate losses if share prices are sliding. And because trusts are traded on the stock market, their share price may not fully reflect the value of the underlying assets.

He says: 'They were once derided as 'dinosaurs' run by fuddy-duddies, but, 70 years since the Queen's accession to the throne, they are thriving rather than becoming extinct.'

The funds to pick

Among the 36 trusts in existence longer than the Queen's reign, some could provide excellent future returns.

Caldwell likes UK-focused City of London, founded in 1891 and run by Job Curtis since 1991. Curtis focuses on high-yielding, cash generative businesses. Top holdings include Diageo, Shell, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, National Grid and HSBC.

Over the past three years, the trust has delivered an overall return of 17 per cent. Its income is equivalent to an annual 4.6 per cent.

Caldwell also rates Bankers because of its global diversity. Top holdings include American Express, Microsoft and AstraZeneca. Three-year returns are 20 per cent and the income is equivalent to 2 per cent a year.

Shares in Scottish Mortgage have almost halved from their November 2021 peak. But three-year returns still stand at 52 per cent. Carthew says the company's focus on 'identifying and backing future market leaders' should ensure strong long-term returns.

He adds: 'The longevity of these trusts and the strong corporate governance that keeps them focused on the needs of investors makes them ideal long-term savings vehicles.

'I'd expect most to still be around in 70 years' time.'
British scientists are aiming to grow real steaks in a laboratory within 12 months in a breakthrough global first.

The products would be indistinguishable from a high-end cut bought from a butcher and might one day even replace the need for farms, according to 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT).

Bosses at the firm say their technology allows them to make 100 per cent lab-grown meat  what it describes as meat as you know it  which could be on restaurant menus within five years.

The process uses cells taken from a healthy animal, such as a cow, which are then stored in a liquid agent before being transferred to a bioreactor to grow the steak.

Scientists take cells from the cow and put the extracted DNA not a special liquid

The resulting mixture is placed into a cell bank and then into a bioreactor which grows the 'cuts of meat'

The final step in the process is to send the 'meat' to the shop or restaurant for cooking

Unlike previous efforts, 3DBT claims their steak will be biologically and structurally indistinguishable from the real thing.

Scientist Dr Che Connon, 3DBTs chief executive, said: Theres probably about 20 companies or more around the world working on different [lab meat] aspects. But as far as we can tell these are mince or other forms but not whole cut.

Geoff Baker, director of 3DBTs parent company BSF Enterprise, says the companys tech could revolutionise food production. He said: Cell agriculture is the next most exciting technology coming along. Itll solve food shortages, itll solve greenhouse gases because of the reduction of meat from farms, its the future of farming.

Thousands of cells can be extracted from a living cow using a single, painless biopsy. They are then put into a bioreactor, where they are added to a chemical growth agent called City-Mix, that increases the number of cells.

These are then placed in a cell bank before being transferred to a tissue bioreactor, which stimulates the cells to turn into the structured fibres you find in muscles. The company wont disclose exactly what happens in the bioreactors to protect its intellectual property. But this is the stage that turns the cells into the product that tastes and looks like a normal steak.

3DBT, which began as a start-up business working from Newcastle University, has already completed groundbreaking work making the worlds first human corneas  which it says could restore the sight of millions of people.

Theoretically the biopsies could be from any animal from pigs to fish and chicken

Theoretically the biopsies could be from any animal from pigs to fish and chicken. It could also be used to make leather and even one day human muscle for grafts. Another area where it could make a seismic difference is in growing the meat or skin of exotic and endangered animals to disrupt some of the illegal wildlife trade.

This could mean making crocodile-skin handbags or replicating controversial delicacies.

Baker said: If you think of shark fin soup, we can make the shark fin and no one would know the difference.

Thousands of steaks could be made from just one biopsy.

But such Frankensteak meat manufacturing dreams are not without controversy.

Some researchers have warned lab-grown meat may need so much energy that it does more damage to the climate in the long run than farming. However, the warnings do not take into account the rise in green energy sources or that fewer cattle could significantly reduce methane emissions.

3DBT is not itself a food manufacturer, but would instead supply the technology to other groups who can then grow the meat.

BSF Enterprise listed on the London Stock Exchange last week and it is now valued at 7.7 million.
Collapse: Chantal Coady built Rococo into a thriving business with five shops selling 2.5million of chocolate a year

When the Duke of Cambridge presented her with an OBE in 2014, life was sweet for businesswoman Chantal Coady, the founder of luxury chocolate brand Rococo.

On meeting Prince William, she revealed in a newspaper interview: 'He said how wonderful to get an honour for making chocolate. We both roared with laughter.'

Yet, just eight years on, that taste of success has long since gone after a painful ordeal that Coady has said 'took me to the brink, both emotionally and financially'  and has left her family home on the line.

Rococo, once a thriving business that sold more than 2.5million of chocolate a year, has collapsed owing more than 1.5million to creditors and Coady has been pushed out of the company she spent almost four decades building up.

Even worse, Coady faces losing the family home she shares with husband James Booth, an acupuncturist, and their two children after using the South London property as security for loans taken out to try to save the company.

Court filings show that Coady will this week launch legal action against NatWest, which had been her company's lender since the 1990s.

It is understood that Coady is trying to protect herself from paying debts owed by Rococo to the high street bank after the company was finally liquidated two years ago.

Meanwhile, a feud with Rococo's chief executive and shareholder, financier Rupert Morley, has left a bitter taste.

Coady is understood to be aggrieved by the way he bought her business out of administration for 700,000 in 2019 and set up a new company using the Rococo brand name. At its peak, with five central London shops, the company had been valued at 10million.

A source close to the case says: 'Losing Rococo was utterly devastating for Coady. She lost a fortune and has been forced to launch this legal action to save her home.

'NatWest should be ashamed of itself for not looking after a longstanding customer better.'

Coady, 63, started out selling chocolate at Harrods aged 19 and founded Rococo in 1983 when she opened a shop on the King's Road in Chelsea, South West London.

Enjoyed by supermodels, Hollywood actors and even the Queen, who reportedly kept Rococo chocolates in a secret cupboard at Buckingham Palace, Rococo grew into a leading brand that was stocked in Waitrose and Harvey Nichols, and served on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights.

But the business started to struggle after the 2008 financial crisis and it turned to NatWest to raise more money to stay afloat.

In 2012, Coady and her husband reluctantly agreed to put their Victorian terraced house on the line under a joint personal guarantee for Rococo's debt.

The couple believed they would be protected from losing their home by an agreement with NatWest, called a debenture. The two sides disagree over whether that protection, first provided by NatWest in 2006, is still in place.

Court papers show Coady is applying to ensure the original agreement with NatWest is upheld, and to freeze any payments to creditors until the legal tangle is resolved.

Morley, who is a trustee of Comic Relief and a non-executive director at US billionaire Bill Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital, came in as an investor in 2017.

He bought 33 per cent of the business for 350,000 that year and the following year supplied a 200,000 loan. By 2019, however, Rococo had been loss-making for a number of years, and insolvency documents said its working capital was 'not sufficient to support its cash flow requirements'.

The report, from insolvency firm BDO, also said that some of the firm's creditors were threatening legal action if overdue payments were not made. Morley applied to the courts in May that year to put the company into administration and urgently find a rescue buyer.

Following a marketing process to almost 200 potential buyers, resulting in eight offers, Morley bought the business for 700,000 himself in June 2019 through a new firm he had set up called Rococo London.

BDO said the offer represented the best outcome for creditors, but Coady disputes this. Coady's original company, Rococo Chocolates Ltd, went into liquidation in May 2020.

Both Morley and Coady declined to comment for this report. However, in a recent interview, Coady hinted that relations between the two were not cordial.

'Losing Rococo was like watching everything I loved being thrown off a cliff,' she said. 'I got absolutely nothing for a lifetime's work.'

A spokesperson for BDO, which handled Rococo's collapse and is named in the upcoming High Court case alongside NatWest, said: 'Since a court order to place Rococo Chocolates Ltd into administration in 2019 and its subsequent liquidation, the joint administrators and joint liquidators have discharged their duties entirely properly in this matter and will continue to do so.

'The joint liquidators have issued a cross-application for directions to fulfil their duties to creditors.'

NatWest said: 'We cannot comment on this case as it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.'
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.

The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.




The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.










SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.


Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.

A battle of the bunting has broken out after the wealthy residents of a west London road blocked Jubilee celebrations on a nearby high street.

Traders on Barnes High Street in Richmond were planning a packed calendar of events but have had to cancel because residents of Nassau Road, where the average house price is 3.5 million, complained about buses being diverted past their homes for the event.

Other locals are said to be disappointed about the cancellation. To add insult to injury, Nassau Road will be holding its own Jubilee party. Vickie El-Rayyes, 50, who owns artisan homeware and clothing store Dilli Grey, said: Its so disappointing. We would have liked a party as retailers dont often do things together.

A colourful window display in the family run Daniel Department Store in Peascod Street. Streets, shops and restaurants in Windsor are adorned with Union Jack flags, bunting and Platinum Jubilee displays

A view of the preparations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee around the Buckingham palace in London

I was going to get a table and put it out on the street but now Ill close the shop. One local mother-of-two said: After the Covid dreariness, this was going to be some fun.

The event, organised by Richmond Council and Barnes Community Association, would have seen the high street shut on June 4 with buses diverted down Nassau Road. But residents said they had not been consulted and were not keen to have diesel fumes in our residential road. One pensioner said the plans would create massive disruption, adding: We all took the view that we should have been asked. I dont care if we are called selfish.

Another homeowner said: Buses would mean we cant put up the bunting.

But not everyone on Nassau Road agreed, with one warning: We risk being called the worst street in Britain but theres quite a lot of people who were for it. Most of the residents have second homes anyway so they wouldnt even be there.

(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams
Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams
Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday

SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
Benediction Cert: 12A, 2hrs 17mins

Rating:

The Innocents Cert: 15, 1hr 57mins

Rating:

The Road Dance Cert: 15, 1hr 56mins

Rating:

Siegfried Sassoon is rightly celebrated as one of the great First World War poets but it is often forgotten that, unlike his friend Wilfred Owen, killed in action just before the war ended, Sassoon lived well into the modern age, eventually dying in 1967 at the age of 80.

Benediction, the new film from veteran British director Terence Davies, explores the poets long, turbulent and often unhappy life.

It makes an awkward start, jumping between Sassoons late-life conversion to Roman Catholicism and his youthful prime, half a century earlier, and what would shape his life  the war, his famous A Soldiers Declaration which saw him sent to Craiglockhart Psychiatric Hospital rather than face a court martial, and his homosexuality.

Jack Lowden (above) is excellent as the younger Siegfried Sassoon in this new film exploring the poets long, turbulent and often unhappy life

Jack Lowden is excellent as the younger Sassoon, although with Davies supplying a screenplay that often comes across as a blend of clever verbal jousting and over-polished bons mots and a cast of characters that include Ivor Novello, Edith Sitwell and the socialite Stephen Tennant it teeters occasionally on the edge of period, Evelyn Waugh-style pastiche.

The Innocents is an impressive Scandinavian chiller that sees young Ida (Rakel Lenora Flottum) arriving with her parents and autistic sister to begin their new life on a Norwegian housing estate.

Shes resentful of the attention her mute and distant sister receives and has trouble making friends. But when she finally befriends Ben (Sam Ashraf) he turns out to have magical powers.

Is it a trick or something more extraordinary? Ida has no idea and is too young to care.

But we do care, especially when the pair befriend another little girl with special talents, Aisha (Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim).

Yes, theres a touch of X-Men: Kids but the childrens naturalistic performances are extraordinary and, with director Eskil Vogt playing it totally straight, its impact is quite something.

The Road Dance is a period drama set on the Scottish island of Harris during the First World War and revolves around life-changing events that take place at a dance held to say goodbye to a remote villages conscripted young men.

For pretty Kirsty (Hermione Corfield) its already a bad day as she waves off her beau, Murdo, but its about to get much worse.

Its a little clunky in the later stages but atmospheric and authentic-feeling too.
Collapse: Chantal Coady built Rococo into a thriving business with five shops selling 2.5million of chocolate a year

When the Duke of Cambridge presented her with an OBE in 2014, life was sweet for businesswoman Chantal Coady, the founder of luxury chocolate brand Rococo.

On meeting Prince William, she revealed in a newspaper interview: 'He said how wonderful to get an honour for making chocolate. We both roared with laughter.'

Yet, just eight years on, that taste of success has long since gone after a painful ordeal that Coady has said 'took me to the brink, both emotionally and financially'  and has left her family home on the line.

Rococo, once a thriving business that sold more than 2.5million of chocolate a year, has collapsed owing more than 1.5million to creditors and Coady has been pushed out of the company she spent almost four decades building up.

Even worse, Coady faces losing the family home she shares with husband James Booth, an acupuncturist, and their two children after using the South London property as security for loans taken out to try to save the company.

Court filings show that Coady will this week launch legal action against NatWest, which had been her company's lender since the 1990s.

It is understood that Coady is trying to protect herself from paying debts owed by Rococo to the high street bank after the company was finally liquidated two years ago.

Meanwhile, a feud with Rococo's chief executive and shareholder, financier Rupert Morley, has left a bitter taste.

Coady is understood to be aggrieved by the way he bought her business out of administration for 700,000 in 2019 and set up a new company using the Rococo brand name. At its peak, with five central London shops, the company had been valued at 10million.

A source close to the case says: 'Losing Rococo was utterly devastating for Coady. She lost a fortune and has been forced to launch this legal action to save her home.

'NatWest should be ashamed of itself for not looking after a longstanding customer better.'

Coady, 63, started out selling chocolate at Harrods aged 19 and founded Rococo in 1983 when she opened a shop on the King's Road in Chelsea, South West London.

Enjoyed by supermodels, Hollywood actors and even the Queen, who reportedly kept Rococo chocolates in a secret cupboard at Buckingham Palace, Rococo grew into a leading brand that was stocked in Waitrose and Harvey Nichols, and served on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights.

But the business started to struggle after the 2008 financial crisis and it turned to NatWest to raise more money to stay afloat.

In 2012, Coady and her husband reluctantly agreed to put their Victorian terraced house on the line under a joint personal guarantee for Rococo's debt.

The couple believed they would be protected from losing their home by an agreement with NatWest, called a debenture. The two sides disagree over whether that protection, first provided by NatWest in 2006, is still in place.

Court papers show Coady is applying to ensure the original agreement with NatWest is upheld, and to freeze any payments to creditors until the legal tangle is resolved.

Morley, who is a trustee of Comic Relief and a non-executive director at US billionaire Bill Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital, came in as an investor in 2017.

He bought 33 per cent of the business for 350,000 that year and the following year supplied a 200,000 loan. By 2019, however, Rococo had been loss-making for a number of years, and insolvency documents said its working capital was 'not sufficient to support its cash flow requirements'.

The report, from insolvency firm BDO, also said that some of the firm's creditors were threatening legal action if overdue payments were not made. Morley applied to the courts in May that year to put the company into administration and urgently find a rescue buyer.

Following a marketing process to almost 200 potential buyers, resulting in eight offers, Morley bought the business for 700,000 himself in June 2019 through a new firm he had set up called Rococo London.

BDO said the offer represented the best outcome for creditors, but Coady disputes this. Coady's original company, Rococo Chocolates Ltd, went into liquidation in May 2020.

Both Morley and Coady declined to comment for this report. However, in a recent interview, Coady hinted that relations between the two were not cordial.

'Losing Rococo was like watching everything I loved being thrown off a cliff,' she said. 'I got absolutely nothing for a lifetime's work.'

A spokesperson for BDO, which handled Rococo's collapse and is named in the upcoming High Court case alongside NatWest, said: 'Since a court order to place Rococo Chocolates Ltd into administration in 2019 and its subsequent liquidation, the joint administrators and joint liquidators have discharged their duties entirely properly in this matter and will continue to do so.

'The joint liquidators have issued a cross-application for directions to fulfil their duties to creditors.'

NatWest said: 'We cannot comment on this case as it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.'
Collapse: Chantal Coady built Rococo into a thriving business with five shops selling 2.5million of chocolate a year

When the Duke of Cambridge presented her with an OBE in 2014, life was sweet for businesswoman Chantal Coady, the founder of luxury chocolate brand Rococo.

On meeting Prince William, she revealed in a newspaper interview: 'He said how wonderful to get an honour for making chocolate. We both roared with laughter.'

Yet, just eight years on, that taste of success has long since gone after a painful ordeal that Coady has said 'took me to the brink, both emotionally and financially'  and has left her family home on the line.

Rococo, once a thriving business that sold more than 2.5million of chocolate a year, has collapsed owing more than 1.5million to creditors and Coady has been pushed out of the company she spent almost four decades building up.

Even worse, Coady faces losing the family home she shares with husband James Booth, an acupuncturist, and their two children after using the South London property as security for loans taken out to try to save the company.

Court filings show that Coady will this week launch legal action against NatWest, which had been her company's lender since the 1990s.

It is understood that Coady is trying to protect herself from paying debts owed by Rococo to the high street bank after the company was finally liquidated two years ago.

Meanwhile, a feud with Rococo's chief executive and shareholder, financier Rupert Morley, has left a bitter taste.

Coady is understood to be aggrieved by the way he bought her business out of administration for 700,000 in 2019 and set up a new company using the Rococo brand name. At its peak, with five central London shops, the company had been valued at 10million.

A source close to the case says: 'Losing Rococo was utterly devastating for Coady. She lost a fortune and has been forced to launch this legal action to save her home.

'NatWest should be ashamed of itself for not looking after a longstanding customer better.'

Coady, 63, started out selling chocolate at Harrods aged 19 and founded Rococo in 1983 when she opened a shop on the King's Road in Chelsea, South West London.

Enjoyed by supermodels, Hollywood actors and even the Queen, who reportedly kept Rococo chocolates in a secret cupboard at Buckingham Palace, Rococo grew into a leading brand that was stocked in Waitrose and Harvey Nichols, and served on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights.

But the business started to struggle after the 2008 financial crisis and it turned to NatWest to raise more money to stay afloat.

In 2012, Coady and her husband reluctantly agreed to put their Victorian terraced house on the line under a joint personal guarantee for Rococo's debt.

The couple believed they would be protected from losing their home by an agreement with NatWest, called a debenture. The two sides disagree over whether that protection, first provided by NatWest in 2006, is still in place.

Court papers show Coady is applying to ensure the original agreement with NatWest is upheld, and to freeze any payments to creditors until the legal tangle is resolved.

Morley, who is a trustee of Comic Relief and a non-executive director at US billionaire Bill Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital, came in as an investor in 2017.

He bought 33 per cent of the business for 350,000 that year and the following year supplied a 200,000 loan. By 2019, however, Rococo had been loss-making for a number of years, and insolvency documents said its working capital was 'not sufficient to support its cash flow requirements'.

The report, from insolvency firm BDO, also said that some of the firm's creditors were threatening legal action if overdue payments were not made. Morley applied to the courts in May that year to put the company into administration and urgently find a rescue buyer.

Following a marketing process to almost 200 potential buyers, resulting in eight offers, Morley bought the business for 700,000 himself in June 2019 through a new firm he had set up called Rococo London.

BDO said the offer represented the best outcome for creditors, but Coady disputes this. Coady's original company, Rococo Chocolates Ltd, went into liquidation in May 2020.

Both Morley and Coady declined to comment for this report. However, in a recent interview, Coady hinted that relations between the two were not cordial.

'Losing Rococo was like watching everything I loved being thrown off a cliff,' she said. 'I got absolutely nothing for a lifetime's work.'

A spokesperson for BDO, which handled Rococo's collapse and is named in the upcoming High Court case alongside NatWest, said: 'Since a court order to place Rococo Chocolates Ltd into administration in 2019 and its subsequent liquidation, the joint administrators and joint liquidators have discharged their duties entirely properly in this matter and will continue to do so.

'The joint liquidators have issued a cross-application for directions to fulfil their duties to creditors.'

NatWest said: 'We cannot comment on this case as it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.'
Collapse: Chantal Coady built Rococo into a thriving business with five shops selling 2.5million of chocolate a year

When the Duke of Cambridge presented her with an OBE in 2014, life was sweet for businesswoman Chantal Coady, the founder of luxury chocolate brand Rococo.

On meeting Prince William, she revealed in a newspaper interview: 'He said how wonderful to get an honour for making chocolate. We both roared with laughter.'

Yet, just eight years on, that taste of success has long since gone after a painful ordeal that Coady has said 'took me to the brink, both emotionally and financially'  and has left her family home on the line.

Rococo, once a thriving business that sold more than 2.5million of chocolate a year, has collapsed owing more than 1.5million to creditors and Coady has been pushed out of the company she spent almost four decades building up.

Even worse, Coady faces losing the family home she shares with husband James Booth, an acupuncturist, and their two children after using the South London property as security for loans taken out to try to save the company.

Court filings show that Coady will this week launch legal action against NatWest, which had been her company's lender since the 1990s.

It is understood that Coady is trying to protect herself from paying debts owed by Rococo to the high street bank after the company was finally liquidated two years ago.

Meanwhile, a feud with Rococo's chief executive and shareholder, financier Rupert Morley, has left a bitter taste.

Coady is understood to be aggrieved by the way he bought her business out of administration for 700,000 in 2019 and set up a new company using the Rococo brand name. At its peak, with five central London shops, the company had been valued at 10million.

A source close to the case says: 'Losing Rococo was utterly devastating for Coady. She lost a fortune and has been forced to launch this legal action to save her home.

'NatWest should be ashamed of itself for not looking after a longstanding customer better.'

Coady, 63, started out selling chocolate at Harrods aged 19 and founded Rococo in 1983 when she opened a shop on the King's Road in Chelsea, South West London.

Enjoyed by supermodels, Hollywood actors and even the Queen, who reportedly kept Rococo chocolates in a secret cupboard at Buckingham Palace, Rococo grew into a leading brand that was stocked in Waitrose and Harvey Nichols, and served on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights.

But the business started to struggle after the 2008 financial crisis and it turned to NatWest to raise more money to stay afloat.

In 2012, Coady and her husband reluctantly agreed to put their Victorian terraced house on the line under a joint personal guarantee for Rococo's debt.

The couple believed they would be protected from losing their home by an agreement with NatWest, called a debenture. The two sides disagree over whether that protection, first provided by NatWest in 2006, is still in place.

Court papers show Coady is applying to ensure the original agreement with NatWest is upheld, and to freeze any payments to creditors until the legal tangle is resolved.

Morley, who is a trustee of Comic Relief and a non-executive director at US billionaire Bill Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital, came in as an investor in 2017.

He bought 33 per cent of the business for 350,000 that year and the following year supplied a 200,000 loan. By 2019, however, Rococo had been loss-making for a number of years, and insolvency documents said its working capital was 'not sufficient to support its cash flow requirements'.

The report, from insolvency firm BDO, also said that some of the firm's creditors were threatening legal action if overdue payments were not made. Morley applied to the courts in May that year to put the company into administration and urgently find a rescue buyer.

Following a marketing process to almost 200 potential buyers, resulting in eight offers, Morley bought the business for 700,000 himself in June 2019 through a new firm he had set up called Rococo London.

BDO said the offer represented the best outcome for creditors, but Coady disputes this. Coady's original company, Rococo Chocolates Ltd, went into liquidation in May 2020.

Both Morley and Coady declined to comment for this report. However, in a recent interview, Coady hinted that relations between the two were not cordial.

'Losing Rococo was like watching everything I loved being thrown off a cliff,' she said. 'I got absolutely nothing for a lifetime's work.'

A spokesperson for BDO, which handled Rococo's collapse and is named in the upcoming High Court case alongside NatWest, said: 'Since a court order to place Rococo Chocolates Ltd into administration in 2019 and its subsequent liquidation, the joint administrators and joint liquidators have discharged their duties entirely properly in this matter and will continue to do so.

'The joint liquidators have issued a cross-application for directions to fulfil their duties to creditors.'

NatWest said: 'We cannot comment on this case as it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.'
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) has warned a private developer to stay away from its land at Cantonment.

According to the church, the four-acre land, located close to Saint Thomas Aquinas Senior High School, at Cantonment, in Accra, had illegally been acquired by the developer.

Torgbui Gobah Tengey, President of the Defenders of the First Group of EPCG, at a news conference, in Accra, on Friday, claimed the church acquired the land in the 1950s when an American Missionaries from the church were departing the country.

This property belongs to the EP Church. It was given to us by the American Missionaries in the 50s when they were leaving.

Such is how we have acquired most of our property, some we bought, some were given to us free, he emphasised.

Torgbui Tengey, noted that in November 2021, the church filed an order for an interlocutory injunction at the High Court, Land Division, upon realising that the land had been taken over and being developed by a private company.

He said despite this injunction, the developer had failed to stop the development, which he added, amounted to contempt.

He called on the encroacher to immediately halt all development activities on the property until all legal matters were determined.

We don't do these things anywhere in the world, using by force to take someone's property. They know that this property belongs to the EPCG and we have been to the court, yet they are continuing with development, he said.

Torgbui Tengey cautioned that, even though the church respected the law and would wait on the court to determine the rightful owner of the property, it would, however, not sit aloft should development on the land continue.

We want them to realise that we are not going to fight them, the law will fight them but we are warning them in advance, that all through the law will be taking its course, they shouldn't think there is nobody coming here to fight for the property.

We are law-abiding but when it comes to a critical point as defenders, we are here to defend the property, he cautioned.

Mr Paul Avuyi, a Presbyter of the EPCG expressed worry over what he termed the impunity at which individuals and groups were grabbing lands needed to

He, therefore, urged the courts to, in such matters, expedite the determination of the cases to forestall any unforeseen circumstance.

We talk of a constitution that rules a country and one of the major aspects of good governance is the rule of law, but you will realise that in this country of ours, there is so much disrespect for the law and the courts, that, a court has given an injunction, and it's happening everywhere, but they defiled the court's injunction and continue to work. So, if there is violence, who is to blame?

So, we think that the court system in dealing with such things must be handled promptly so that people who are engaging in this disrespect and lawless business are dealt with severely to be a deterrent to other members of society because there is so much greed, selfishness and that is destroying the country, Mr Avuyi noted.

GNA
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced the setting up of an International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to "boost the medical tourism sector in Northeast India".

The Minister also announced major initiatives to boost the traditional medicinal practice including Sowa Rigpa, Ayurveda and Naturopathy in the state.

Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling off Second Floor of 5th Avenue Mall in Bengaluru.

The Minister attended the National Workshop on Sowa Rigpa - the traditional and ancient medicinal practice of Himalayan people in Sikkim.

Underlying the importance of Sowa Rigpa and its further exposure among people for enriching their quality of life, a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa Hospital is going to be set up in Sikkim, according to an official release.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Student Stabbed to Death by 'Jilted Suitor' in Aurangabad.

Highlighting the importance of Ayush based growth in the region, the Union Ayush Minister said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility to set up a Research Council for Sowa Rigpa.

He said Yoga and Wellness Centres will be set up at every Gram Panchayat in the state and Ayurveda Medical College will be set up in the state under Satellite Institute Programme.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), under the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Gangtok in Sikkim. The workshop was attended by Practitioners, Academicians, students and other stakeholders of the Sowa Rigpa medicinal practice of Himalayan people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
How ironic that on the day the Government outlined its legislative plans to safeguard cash on the high street, Lloyds Bank took another wrecking ball to its branch network.

How many more swings of such destructive balls will be triggered by the big banks before the Government finally gets its welcome legislation through Parliament sometime next year? Quite a few I fear.

Although the Government, currently short on friends, should be applauded for finally outlining its legislative plans on ensuring nationwide access to cash, let's not get too carried away.

Another one bites the dust: The delay in Government legislation has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

After all, the Government said it would legislate more than two years ago, only for the pandemic to push its promise into the long grass.

The delay has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

Banks have used the cover of lockdowns to go about their culling without more than a whimper of protest as home-working and online shopping became the norms. (Most of the protest being channelled through our Personal Finance pages).

The rise and rise of contactless payment and mobile banking has given the big banks the perfect excuse to close branches, claiming cash is no longer king.

Already this year, 227 branches have either been closed or put on notice of impending closure  more than a third being Lloyds Bank brands (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds).

I imagine that by the time legislation finally gets on the statute book, a similar amount  probably more  will have been given the chop. And, for sure, no one in Government will have batted an eyelid.

Although the nitty gritty of the planned legislation is thin, we know it will form part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

We have also been told the banks will be required to give both consumers and small businesses convenient access to cash and cash deposit facilities.

How convenient we don't know  that has yet to be worked out. But the theory is that we will never be that far from cash  even if we're up a hill as I was last week in the Lake District.

Standing on top of Loughrigg Fell and looking down on glorious Rydal Water, I was still no more than 40 minutes away from an array of cashpoint machines (but not bank branches) in Ambleside.

The new legislation will be overseen by the great and good of the Financial Conduct Authority. When not on strike, they will ensure the banks are complying with the rules.

How effective the regulator will be remains to be seen, but it's better than the current regime which allows the banks pretty much a free rein on branch and cashpoint machine closures.

It's heartening that the likes of Natalie Ceeney  the leading expert on access to cash  support the Government's plan to legislate.

Last week, she made an excellent observation about the need for continued access to cash  in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis.

'Reliance on cash isn't simply about age,' she told me  referring to the fact that it's often argued it is only the elderly who are cash-dependent.

'The biggest driver of reliance on cash is poverty  access to cash is vital for those 1.5million households who can't afford internet access and the millions who don't own a smartphone.'

She added: 'So I commend the Government for its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in society, small businesses and remote and rural communities.'

What I  and other banking experts such as the well-regarded Derek French  fear is that access to cash will become increasingly impersonal, available primarily through either cashpoint machines or cashback services in shops.

Sadly, high street bank branches, offering access to face-to-face advice, will continue to get the wrecking ball treatment.

Maybe shared banking hubs, much championed by Personal Finance and French, will finally catch on  providing the chance for customers to speak to personnel from their bank on selected days. I do hope so.

Easy high street access to cash, yes please.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.



Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced the setting up of an International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to "boost the medical tourism sector in Northeast India".

The Minister also announced major initiatives to boost the traditional medicinal practice including Sowa Rigpa, Ayurveda and Naturopathy in the state.

Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling off Second Floor of 5th Avenue Mall in Bengaluru.

The Minister attended the National Workshop on Sowa Rigpa - the traditional and ancient medicinal practice of Himalayan people in Sikkim.

Underlying the importance of Sowa Rigpa and its further exposure among people for enriching their quality of life, a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa Hospital is going to be set up in Sikkim, according to an official release.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Student Stabbed to Death by 'Jilted Suitor' in Aurangabad.

Highlighting the importance of Ayush based growth in the region, the Union Ayush Minister said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility to set up a Research Council for Sowa Rigpa.

He said Yoga and Wellness Centres will be set up at every Gram Panchayat in the state and Ayurveda Medical College will be set up in the state under Satellite Institute Programme.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), under the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Gangtok in Sikkim. The workshop was attended by Practitioners, Academicians, students and other stakeholders of the Sowa Rigpa medicinal practice of Himalayan people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
How ironic that on the day the Government outlined its legislative plans to safeguard cash on the high street, Lloyds Bank took another wrecking ball to its branch network.

How many more swings of such destructive balls will be triggered by the big banks before the Government finally gets its welcome legislation through Parliament sometime next year? Quite a few I fear.

Although the Government, currently short on friends, should be applauded for finally outlining its legislative plans on ensuring nationwide access to cash, let's not get too carried away.

Another one bites the dust: The delay in Government legislation has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

After all, the Government said it would legislate more than two years ago, only for the pandemic to push its promise into the long grass.

The delay has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

Banks have used the cover of lockdowns to go about their culling without more than a whimper of protest as home-working and online shopping became the norms. (Most of the protest being channelled through our Personal Finance pages).

The rise and rise of contactless payment and mobile banking has given the big banks the perfect excuse to close branches, claiming cash is no longer king.

Already this year, 227 branches have either been closed or put on notice of impending closure  more than a third being Lloyds Bank brands (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds).

I imagine that by the time legislation finally gets on the statute book, a similar amount  probably more  will have been given the chop. And, for sure, no one in Government will have batted an eyelid.

Although the nitty gritty of the planned legislation is thin, we know it will form part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

We have also been told the banks will be required to give both consumers and small businesses convenient access to cash and cash deposit facilities.

How convenient we don't know  that has yet to be worked out. But the theory is that we will never be that far from cash  even if we're up a hill as I was last week in the Lake District.

Standing on top of Loughrigg Fell and looking down on glorious Rydal Water, I was still no more than 40 minutes away from an array of cashpoint machines (but not bank branches) in Ambleside.

The new legislation will be overseen by the great and good of the Financial Conduct Authority. When not on strike, they will ensure the banks are complying with the rules.

How effective the regulator will be remains to be seen, but it's better than the current regime which allows the banks pretty much a free rein on branch and cashpoint machine closures.

It's heartening that the likes of Natalie Ceeney  the leading expert on access to cash  support the Government's plan to legislate.

Last week, she made an excellent observation about the need for continued access to cash  in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis.

'Reliance on cash isn't simply about age,' she told me  referring to the fact that it's often argued it is only the elderly who are cash-dependent.

'The biggest driver of reliance on cash is poverty  access to cash is vital for those 1.5million households who can't afford internet access and the millions who don't own a smartphone.'

She added: 'So I commend the Government for its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in society, small businesses and remote and rural communities.'

What I  and other banking experts such as the well-regarded Derek French  fear is that access to cash will become increasingly impersonal, available primarily through either cashpoint machines or cashback services in shops.

Sadly, high street bank branches, offering access to face-to-face advice, will continue to get the wrecking ball treatment.

Maybe shared banking hubs, much championed by Personal Finance and French, will finally catch on  providing the chance for customers to speak to personnel from their bank on selected days. I do hope so.

Easy high street access to cash, yes please.
How ironic that on the day the Government outlined its legislative plans to safeguard cash on the high street, Lloyds Bank took another wrecking ball to its branch network.

How many more swings of such destructive balls will be triggered by the big banks before the Government finally gets its welcome legislation through Parliament sometime next year? Quite a few I fear.

Although the Government, currently short on friends, should be applauded for finally outlining its legislative plans on ensuring nationwide access to cash, let's not get too carried away.

Another one bites the dust: The delay in Government legislation has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

After all, the Government said it would legislate more than two years ago, only for the pandemic to push its promise into the long grass.

The delay has sparked a proverbial bonfire of branches and free-to-use cashpoint machines.

Banks have used the cover of lockdowns to go about their culling without more than a whimper of protest as home-working and online shopping became the norms. (Most of the protest being channelled through our Personal Finance pages).

The rise and rise of contactless payment and mobile banking has given the big banks the perfect excuse to close branches, claiming cash is no longer king.

Already this year, 227 branches have either been closed or put on notice of impending closure  more than a third being Lloyds Bank brands (Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds).

I imagine that by the time legislation finally gets on the statute book, a similar amount  probably more  will have been given the chop. And, for sure, no one in Government will have batted an eyelid.

Although the nitty gritty of the planned legislation is thin, we know it will form part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

We have also been told the banks will be required to give both consumers and small businesses convenient access to cash and cash deposit facilities.

How convenient we don't know  that has yet to be worked out. But the theory is that we will never be that far from cash  even if we're up a hill as I was last week in the Lake District.

Standing on top of Loughrigg Fell and looking down on glorious Rydal Water, I was still no more than 40 minutes away from an array of cashpoint machines (but not bank branches) in Ambleside.

The new legislation will be overseen by the great and good of the Financial Conduct Authority. When not on strike, they will ensure the banks are complying with the rules.

How effective the regulator will be remains to be seen, but it's better than the current regime which allows the banks pretty much a free rein on branch and cashpoint machine closures.

It's heartening that the likes of Natalie Ceeney  the leading expert on access to cash  support the Government's plan to legislate.

Last week, she made an excellent observation about the need for continued access to cash  in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis.

'Reliance on cash isn't simply about age,' she told me  referring to the fact that it's often argued it is only the elderly who are cash-dependent.

'The biggest driver of reliance on cash is poverty  access to cash is vital for those 1.5million households who can't afford internet access and the millions who don't own a smartphone.'

She added: 'So I commend the Government for its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in society, small businesses and remote and rural communities.'

What I  and other banking experts such as the well-regarded Derek French  fear is that access to cash will become increasingly impersonal, available primarily through either cashpoint machines or cashback services in shops.

Sadly, high street bank branches, offering access to face-to-face advice, will continue to get the wrecking ball treatment.

Maybe shared banking hubs, much championed by Personal Finance and French, will finally catch on  providing the chance for customers to speak to personnel from their bank on selected days. I do hope so.

Easy high street access to cash, yes please.

The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
Crowning glory: The Queen's Coronation in 1953

If you have a Royal commemorative mug collecting dust on the mantelpiece, now is the time to spruce it up and raise a toast to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

But while most patriotic pottery is little more than a memento worth a few pennies, you should still be careful when lifting that Royal cup for a late spring clean  as you could be holding a historic treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Excitement around 70 years of Queen Elizabeth being our Monarch is expected to raise the value of rare Royal mementos that are decades or centuries old.

The Mail on Sunday looks at the most sought-after collectors' items from the past  as well as pieces issued recently  that are most likely to enjoy price rises over the years to come.

Antiques trader and Royal memorabilia collector Ann Parker advises that scarcity is key to finding good investment pieces  which is why historic rather than modern pottery is worth more.

She says: 'Mugs and cups tend to be the most sought-after items because of their aesthetic appeal. However, only pieces kept in pristine condition are collectable.'

Parker, from Hungerford in Berkshire, adds: 'The loving cup is a traditional favourite due its elegant design  but over time many break because the two handles that stick out from it are so fragile.'

A Spode limited edition loving cup made to celebrate the Queen's silver wedding anniversary in 1972 sells for more than 200 today, according to Parker.

It originally would have cost about 10  so that's an increase of 1,900 per cent!

A loving cup produced to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 might fetch around 175.

Most current Platinum Jubilee loving cups are unlikely to rise in value because they have been mass produced.

However, if you can get your hands on a strictly limited edition then it may become sought after by future collectors reflecting on the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Such pottery might include a 175 Royal Crown Derby platinum loving cup being produced in a strictly limited number of just 500.

Royal mugs with illustrations from designer Eric Ravilious are among the most sought after from the 20th Century. He was involved in the design of coronation mugs for Edward VIII and George VI.

Ravilious was killed in conflict as a war artist in the Second World War, but his skills were so admired they were copied for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Given their unique iconic design, a Ravilious-style 1953 coronation mug can fetch 100. Other cups given to schoolchildren at the coronation may fetch just 20.

Dan Wade, manager at dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles, says: 'Unexpected events are often where values soar  and when the Queen's uncle Edward VIII became king in 1936 no one could have predicted that by the end of that same year he would have abdicated so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

'A Ravilious Wedgwood coronation mug had already been made to mark his crowning in May 1937  but it never happened.'

An example of this mug sold for 650 earlier this year. Other makes of mugs designed for his coronation can still fetch 100  but if you find altered 'abdication' mugs they can fetch 200. The Ravilious mug was then hurriedly redesigned for the coronation of the Queen's father King George VI in 1937. These can also fetch more than 600.

Wade points out this is not the first time potters have been caught out by Royal events that have boosted the price of mugs.

The coronation of Edward VII was due to take place in June 1902 but was delayed until August that same year after he suffered appendicitis and almost died.

But the delay  announced just three days before he was due to be crowned  came too late for the pottery producers.

If you have a coronation mug for Edward VII with the revised date of August 1902 it could be worth 200.

Royal memorabilia can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 when ceremonial pomp was encouraged after 11 years of puritanical austerity under Oliver Cromwell. Hand-made Royal plates by English Delft marking the coronation are extremely rare and can fetch more than 60,000.

Sought after: The silver wedding Spode loving cup

It was not until transfer printing for pottery was invented that Royal pottery became more widely available.

King George III was the first beneficiary and plates for his 1761 coronation can now fetch 7,000.

The commemorative market for pottery only really took off under the reign of Queen Victoria  allowing loyal subjects a chance to see who was sitting on the throne.

Cups for Queen Victoria's 1838 coronation can sell for 1,000 today  because so few were produced. But by the time of her diamond jubilee 60 years later, the market was awash with mass-produced souvenirs. As a result, Queen Victoria diamond jubilee cups might sell for just 30 today.

Doulton earned its Royal Warrant in 1901 from King Edward VII. It is not the only great potter to consider when buying commemorative pieces.

Other great makers include Minton, Royal Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Coalport, Copeland Spode, Moorcroft, Davenport and Royal Delft.

Unpopularity can also pay dividends for Royal pottery collectors. For example, when 'mad' King George III died in 1820 the nation did not mourn him much.

When his philandering son George IV took to the throne, respect for the Monarchy was at an all-time low and no one wanted to buy any commemorative china to mark the occasion. As a result, few mugs were purchased and survive to this day. Because of their rarity, these can sell for 3,500.

Items with mistakes can also command high prices. Del Boy, from TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, would be proud of the 10,000 misspelt pieces of bone china sold last month commemorating 'the platinum jubbly'.

These were initially sold by Wholesale Clearance UK for 20. But collectors spotting the mistake started snapping them up and they were later offered for sale at up to 300 on auction websites.

Whole Clearance UK says it almost sparked a bidding war among collectors.

Humorous one-offs can also add to appeal. A Spitting Image Prince Charles mug costing 2 in 1981 can now fetch 400. The mug is rare as its pottery ears stuck out so much they easily got broken.

A limited edition 1992 'Annus Horribilis' mug can sell for 100. This mug was wreathed with holly to show what a prickly time the Queen was having  Andrew and Fergie separated and Windsor Castle caught fire.

Although recent times have been challenging for the Royal Family, this is a year to celebrate one of our greatest monarchs.
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'


It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.

Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced the setting up of an International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to "boost the medical tourism sector in Northeast India".

The Minister also announced major initiatives to boost the traditional medicinal practice including Sowa Rigpa, Ayurveda and Naturopathy in the state.

Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling off Second Floor of 5th Avenue Mall in Bengaluru.

The Minister attended the National Workshop on Sowa Rigpa - the traditional and ancient medicinal practice of Himalayan people in Sikkim.

Underlying the importance of Sowa Rigpa and its further exposure among people for enriching their quality of life, a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa Hospital is going to be set up in Sikkim, according to an official release.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Student Stabbed to Death by 'Jilted Suitor' in Aurangabad.

Highlighting the importance of Ayush based growth in the region, the Union Ayush Minister said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility to set up a Research Council for Sowa Rigpa.

He said Yoga and Wellness Centres will be set up at every Gram Panchayat in the state and Ayurveda Medical College will be set up in the state under Satellite Institute Programme.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), under the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Gangtok in Sikkim. The workshop was attended by Practitioners, Academicians, students and other stakeholders of the Sowa Rigpa medicinal practice of Himalayan people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced the setting up of an International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to "boost the medical tourism sector in Northeast India".

The Minister also announced major initiatives to boost the traditional medicinal practice including Sowa Rigpa, Ayurveda and Naturopathy in the state.

Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling off Second Floor of 5th Avenue Mall in Bengaluru.

The Minister attended the National Workshop on Sowa Rigpa - the traditional and ancient medicinal practice of Himalayan people in Sikkim.

Underlying the importance of Sowa Rigpa and its further exposure among people for enriching their quality of life, a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa Hospital is going to be set up in Sikkim, according to an official release.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Student Stabbed to Death by 'Jilted Suitor' in Aurangabad.

Highlighting the importance of Ayush based growth in the region, the Union Ayush Minister said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility to set up a Research Council for Sowa Rigpa.

He said Yoga and Wellness Centres will be set up at every Gram Panchayat in the state and Ayurveda Medical College will be set up in the state under Satellite Institute Programme.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), under the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Gangtok in Sikkim. The workshop was attended by Practitioners, Academicians, students and other stakeholders of the Sowa Rigpa medicinal practice of Himalayan people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday announced the setting up of an International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to "boost the medical tourism sector in Northeast India".

The Minister also announced major initiatives to boost the traditional medicinal practice including Sowa Rigpa, Ayurveda and Naturopathy in the state.

Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling off Second Floor of 5th Avenue Mall in Bengaluru.

The Minister attended the National Workshop on Sowa Rigpa - the traditional and ancient medicinal practice of Himalayan people in Sikkim.

Underlying the importance of Sowa Rigpa and its further exposure among people for enriching their quality of life, a 30-bed Sowa Rigpa Hospital is going to be set up in Sikkim, according to an official release.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 18-Year-Old Girl Student Stabbed to Death by 'Jilted Suitor' in Aurangabad.

Highlighting the importance of Ayush based growth in the region, the Union Ayush Minister said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility to set up a Research Council for Sowa Rigpa.

He said Yoga and Wellness Centres will be set up at every Gram Panchayat in the state and Ayurveda Medical College will be set up in the state under Satellite Institute Programme.

The two-day workshop was organised by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), under the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) at Gangtok in Sikkim. The workshop was attended by Practitioners, Academicians, students and other stakeholders of the Sowa Rigpa medicinal practice of Himalayan people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.

A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Bad Relations

Cressida Connolly Viking 14.99

History casts a long shadow in this stylish family saga. A soldier wins a Victoria Cross in the Crimean War, only for his marriage to collapse on his return to England.

His tangled family tree stretches from Cornwall to Australia and, as we catch up with his dysfunctional dynasty in the 1970s and again post-Brexit, a lot of loose ends need to be tied up.

In lesser hands it would all feel rather corny, but Connolly brings real emotional depth to the characters.

Max Davidson

Thrown

Sara Cox Coronet 14.99

Clearly inspired by hosting The Great Pottery Throw Down, Coxs warm, funny debut heads into a community centre where a pottery class changes the lives of four women.

Louise craves an artistic life, single mum Becky is a reluctant romantic, Jameela has fertility issues and Sheila longs to live in Spain.

Add a handsome pottery instructor, a partner with a secret and a criminal ex, and you have a lovable novel that explores female friendship, heartfelt passions and the ties that bind.

Eithne Farry

Here Goes Nothing

Steve Toltz Sceptre 18.99

Angus Mooney announces his own murder in the novels opening line. What follows is a wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, a more devastating virus than Covid is laying waste to humanity.

Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year.

Simon Humphreys

The Murder Rule

Dervla McTiernan HarperCollins 14.99

Lawyer-turned-writer McTiernan sets her latest thriller in the US, rather than in her native Ireland.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is ruthlessly fixated on becoming part of an Innocence Project crusade to free convicted rapist and murderer Michael Dandridge.

It soon becomes clear that her true motivation is to sabotage the campaign rather than to help it. But why? This is a thoroughly engrossing mystery, let down a little by a credibility-straining courtroom finale.

John Williams
Tehran [Iran], May 21 (ANI/Xinhua): At the invitation of Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Omani capital Muscat on Monday to discuss bilateral economic, political and cultural relations, the Iranian president's website said in a statement on Saturday.

Raisi is scheduled to meet the sultan of Oman, sign cooperation documents, and meet Iranians residing in the Arab state as well as Omani traders and businessmen during the one-day visit, according to the statement.

Also Read | Moscow Bans Canada PM Justin Trudeau's Wife Sophie Trudeau, Country's Air Force Commander Eric Jean Kenny and 24 Others From Entering Russia.

The visit will be Raisi's first trip to Oman after taking office in August 2021 as Iranian president.Before Raisi's visit, a delegation comprising 50 Iranian traders and businessmen visited Oman to lay the groundwork for the strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations.

Since taking office, Raisi has constantly highlighted the need for enhancing trade and economic cooperation with Arab neighbours. (ANI/Xinhua)

Also Read | Australia Election Results 2022: PM Scott Morrison Concedes Defeat in Federal Elections.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.










SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.











SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Success: Peter Pritchard with a staff member's dog called Walter

Peter Pritchard talks about Pets At Home with such enthusiasm that it's easy to forget he's leaving.

'I genuinely don't think I'll ever do anything better than this,' the neatly groomed 51-year-old quips, just days before he steps down as chief executive at Britain's biggest pet store.

'How bad is it if you're working with dogs all day? It's been such a wonderful, exciting, emotional journey. I've loved every second of it,' he says.

The chain has become one of Britain's retail success stories. Set up over three decades ago by entrepreneur Anthony Preston, it has grown from one shop in Chester to become the dominant force in the market with 455 stores.

Things have changed since then, Pritchard says. 'Technology and digitalisation play a really important role now.

'But there's nothing like speaking to a person, especially when something's difficult. You need empathy and understanding.'

Pritchard says the secret of the company's success during his tenure has been to look at the world from an owner's point of view.

'We're not born as pet owners. We all stumble on through and learn from experience. Often our job is to educate owners. It's probably the most important thing we do,' he says.

Pritchard joined from Asda as commercial director in 2011. He was promoted to take over from his boss after a profit slide in 2018.

He decided Pets At Home had not kept up with evolving customer demands. So, he slashed prices to compete with online rivals such as Amazon and accelerated the shift from selling pet food and accessories to more profitable services such as veterinary practices and dog grooming.

Things were already getting back on track when the pandemic struck. Unexpectedly, Pets At Home became a big lockdown winner.

Deemed an essential retailer, business boomed as people sought solace in cats and dogs from enforced social isolation. As a result, the number of pet-owning homes soared by 3.2million to 17million. The remedial action taken by Pritchard on price and services paid off handsomely.

Results this week are expected to show record underlying pre-tax profits of around 140million, up from 93.5million in 2021.

But with 23 per cent of the 6.2billion market, the business is undoubtedly encountering the same post-pandemic headwinds as other retailers.

The shares, still twice as high as when Pritchard took over, have almost halved from their peak last November amid market jitters about the consumer.

Pritchard, who will be replaced by Lyssa McGowan from Sky TV, admits Britain is heading for turbulent waters. But the chain is banking on our professed love of pets to ride it out.

'The pets sector is incredibly resilient,' he insists. 'The number of pet owners has increased and they're going to be with us for the next ten to 15 years.'

He thinks structural shifts such as working from home are also here to stay and he sees no sign yet of an uptick in abandoned pets as increasingly cash-strapped pet owners, facing a cost-of-living squeeze, go back to the office.

'We're entering a really challenging economic environment but I don't think we're going to see a big relinquishing of pets. When we ask customers where they're going to cut back, pets sit on a par with children, it's the last thing on the list.'

One aspect of the business likely to see it through tougher times is its veterinary practices, which he describes as 'the jewel in the crown'.

Having expanded rapidly via acquisition before he became CEO, Pritchard performed radical surgery, culling underperforming practices in poor locations and buying out some loss-making joint ventures.

Operating under the Vets4Pets brand, it grew by 15 to 20 per cent during the pandemic. There are now 450 vet practices, many of them in-store, manned by some of the chain's 16,000 people.

On Friday, the company announced a new chief operating officer for Vets4Pets, Louise Stonier, who has been with Pets At Home since 2004.

Pritchard, who earned 2.4million last year, has come a long way from his childhood in a council house in Bootle, Merseyside. One of four children, his dad was a postie, while his mum held down two jobs  as a dinner lady and in a sausage factory  to make ends meet.

As he reflects on the cost of living crisis, he says: 'I know what it's like when you've got no money because that's how we grew up. The thing I love about my parents is they just instilled really good values  being a good person, working hard, living within your means.'

His first job was on the till at Marks & Spencer 'with just two hours training'.

Spells at Sainsbury's, Iceland and Asda followed, where he learned from retail legends including Allan Leighton, Archie Norman and Richard Baker before he was recruited by Pets At Home.

Pritchard likes to keep things simple. He says: 'At the end of the day, a dog and cat need two things in life. They need food and they need love. Our role is to keep in tune with the changing owner.'

Perhaps most surprising of all, the specialist retailer has mainly stuck to a traditional bricks and mortar approach  online sales still only account for around 16 per cent of revenue.

He clearly has fans in the City. One top fund manager told The Mail on Sunday that he has combed almost all his other retail stocks from his portfolio over the past five years, but has held on to Pets At Home.

So why is Pritchard going? 'I'm leaving with a really heavy heart but I'm at that point now where I want to regain control of my diary again and try and get the balance right in my life.

'I'm really looking forward to travelling again, it's always been a passion. For the last three years, I do feel to a degree like a caged animal. Like everyone else, my world has shrunk right down. The plan is to have a breather and re-acquaint myself with myself and my family because it's been quite a busy time.'

He has been linked to a number of vacancies, including a return to Asda, where the chief executive's post is vacant. But he rules out another big job.

'I'm exploring a couple of things that will keep me occupied. I'm far, far too young to retire.'

But he adds: 'If I wanted to work full-time, I would have stayed at Pets At Home.'
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
Discounts: Jordon was saving 10,000 a year using coupons aged 16

On a good day Coupon Kid Jordon Cox earns thousands of pounds an hour teaching people to save money.

He became famous at 16 for saving more than 10,000 a year using coupons and vouchers  and now commands huge fees for sharing his money-saving tips.

But he still hates paying full price for a Krispy Kreme doughnut and looks for a coupon to get a discount on all purchases.

Now 25, he divides his time between his family home in Essex and his boyfriend's home in the New Forest.

What did your parents teach you about money?

I gained all my money knowledge when I was 15 and my parents split up. When they divorced, I had to learn about money to help my mum out. That's where my love of couponing came from.

We had to cut back on holidays and eating out at restaurants and focus on essential bills. I started cutting coupons out of newspapers and printing out vouchers to save money, so we could do more of the stuff we used to enjoy before my parents' divorce. I developed an obsession for it.

Once I used a coupon I found to buy dog food for 1  even though we don't have a dog. We ended up giving the food to charity. That first year, we saved a lot of money using coupons: between 10,000 and 15,000.

Paper coupons are now starting to become a thing of the past. The way to save money now is via apps on your phone.

How did couponing make you famous in the first place?

I started posting the deals and discounts I had found on Facebook. For example, I'd post my receipts showing I'd got 100 worth of shopping at Tesco for 32 using coupons. People began following me, so I started giving tips on how to use coupons to save money.

When I was 16, a journalist saw my Facebook page and wrote about one of my shopping trips in the Daily Mail. The story got picked up by BBC Breakfast and I was invited on to the show.

Interest exploded and overnight my page got thousands more followers. From that point on, what had been a hobby turned into a business.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

No. I've been lucky in that regard. I didn't go to university  I went straight into the working world and have been able to earn a decent salary while still living with my mum. That has really helped because I haven't had to pay bills or rent.

I have been saving for the past ten years to buy my first home. But I have a boyfriend who already has his own home, so I am debating whether I should use my savings to get a holiday home in Florida instead.

Have you ever been paid silly money?

Yes. I was recently paid 3,000 for an hour-long speaking engagement which was amazing. It went straight into my savings.

What was the best year of your financial life?

The past year. Until recently, I was working for money website moneysavingexpert.com. Now, as well as public speaking and going on tour, I've got my own website. I have also been doing TV and radio and writing for different clients. I'd rather not to say how much I earned, but it was a decent amount of money.

What is the most expensive thing you bought for fun?

It was a 2,000 week-long holiday at Atlantis, a grand hotel in Dubai. I took my mother as a Christmas present in 2019. Of course, I found a discount on it: about 400. And I earned cashback on my flight and hotel booking.

I'm signed up to most loyalty schemes and have been collecting Avios points for years.

I still try not to pay full price for anything. I'm probably the tightest person anyone ever meets. If I have to pay full price for a Krispy Kreme donut, I cry inside.

Even at the supermarket, I use digital coupons from an app called Shopmium. You get money back when you take a picture of your receipt after you've shopped.

What is your biggest money mistake?

I invested in Tesla shares before they shot up in price  then I got bored and frustrated that nothing much was happening and sold them far too early. If I hadn't done that, I would have more than doubled my investment.

I've never really had the patience for investing. With couponing, you instantly see the money you will save. Investing is a different world and I probably need to learn more about it.

Do you save into a pension?

No. But I do save into a Lifetime Isa, so I am saving for my future. But I think that money will go towards purchasing my first property. Hopefully having a home will pay off when I do want to retire.

What is the one little luxury you treat yourself to?

I eat out at least once a fortnight  I've always loved it as an escape from reality. But I always use a coupon or a discount.

If I go to a chain such as Frankie & Benny's or Pizza Express, I can usually get a good money-off voucher and the bill usually comes to between 20 and 25 for two people.

Whenever I eat at restaurants, I always use JamDoughnut  a cashback app where you can save up to 12 per cent every time you eat.

If you were Chancellor, what is the first thing you would do?

I would fund more financial education and business literacy lessons for children and adults, and introduce a compulsory finance course for GCSE students.

I think more teenagers would start their own businesses if they had such financial lessons at school  instead of spending lots of money going to university because they don't really know what else to do.

Learning about finance at a young age turned out to be the best financial decision I ever made.

Everyone needs to learn how to manage their money, whereas personally I haven't needed to use any algebra I learnt at school.

Do you donate money to charity?

Yes. I do a lot of fundraising for charity Crohn's and Colitis UK. I have Crohn's disease myself which is a disease that affects your bowels and intestines.

What is your number one financial priority?

Never to worry about money again. By the time I am in my 30s, I want to be in a position where I'm earning a decent income, have my own house and am financially secure enough to be bringing up the next generation of coupon kids.

Visit jordoncox.com to listen to his podcast or read his latest money-saving blog.








SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.










SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) has warned a private developer to stay away from its land at Cantonment.

According to the church, the four-acre land, located close to Saint Thomas Aquinas Senior High School, at Cantonment, in Accra, had illegally been acquired by the developer.

Torgbui Gobah Tengey, President of the Defenders of the First Group of EPCG, at a news conference, in Accra, on Friday, claimed the church acquired the land in the 1950s when an American Missionaries from the church were departing the country.

This property belongs to the EP Church. It was given to us by the American Missionaries in the 50s when they were leaving.

Such is how we have acquired most of our property, some we bought, some were given to us free, he emphasised.

Torgbui Tengey, noted that in November 2021, the church filed an order for an interlocutory injunction at the High Court, Land Division, upon realising that the land had been taken over and being developed by a private company.

He said despite this injunction, the developer had failed to stop the development, which he added, amounted to contempt.

He called on the encroacher to immediately halt all development activities on the property until all legal matters were determined.

We don't do these things anywhere in the world, using by force to take someone's property. They know that this property belongs to the EPCG and we have been to the court, yet they are continuing with development, he said.

Torgbui Tengey cautioned that, even though the church respected the law and would wait on the court to determine the rightful owner of the property, it would, however, not sit aloft should development on the land continue.

We want them to realise that we are not going to fight them, the law will fight them but we are warning them in advance, that all through the law will be taking its course, they shouldn't think there is nobody coming here to fight for the property.

We are law-abiding but when it comes to a critical point as defenders, we are here to defend the property, he cautioned.

Mr Paul Avuyi, a Presbyter of the EPCG expressed worry over what he termed the impunity at which individuals and groups were grabbing lands needed to

He, therefore, urged the courts to, in such matters, expedite the determination of the cases to forestall any unforeseen circumstance.

We talk of a constitution that rules a country and one of the major aspects of good governance is the rule of law, but you will realise that in this country of ours, there is so much disrespect for the law and the courts, that, a court has given an injunction, and it's happening everywhere, but they defiled the court's injunction and continue to work. So, if there is violence, who is to blame?

So, we think that the court system in dealing with such things must be handled promptly so that people who are engaging in this disrespect and lawless business are dealt with severely to be a deterrent to other members of society because there is so much greed, selfishness and that is destroying the country, Mr Avuyi noted.

GNA
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here



SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
A war of words broke out yesterday over a meeting between Boris Johnson and Sue Gray ahead of her long-awaited Partygate report, after both sides denied initiating the meeting.

Ms Grays report into lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street, set to be published by the end of the week, comes after the Metropolitan Police concluded its 460,000 investigation after issuing 126 fines to 83 people, including the PM, his wife Carrie Johnson, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

No 10 hopes that Ms Grays report will mark the end of the saga, which has dominated headlines despite the Ukraine and cost-of-living crises.

Sue Gray (above) is set to publish her report on lockdown parties at Downing Street this week

Yesterday, Sky News revealed Ms Gray and Mr Johnson met several weeks ago to discuss the report prompting Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner to demand the Prime Minister urgently explain why the secret meeting had taken place. She said: Public confidence in the process is already depleted, and people deserve to know the truth. The Sue Gray report must be published in full and with all accompanying evidence.

No 10 hit back, with a source saying: The PM did not request the meeting and hasnt tried to influence the outcome in any way.

But then a spokesman for the inquiry disputed claims Ms Gray had initiated the meeting, which discussed whether photos from the parties would be made public.

Boris Johnson (above) reportedly met with Sue Gray several weeks ago to discuss the report

Separately, The Mail on Sunday has been told the pair discussed whether pictures containing intelligence officers could be published  something denied by No 10.

Tensions are also running high within No 10 over the fines, in particular the gender divide.

It is understood that about three-quarters of those receiving penalties were young, female members of staff. A source said: Its not a good look. The older males seem to have escaped lightly while younger staff who felt they had no option but to attend have been hit. It looks as if the old boys network  and expensive legal advice  saved them.

Sue Gray has reportedly demanded the Partygate scandal ringleaders are named in her report

Around 30 people, including the PM, have already been told they are likely to be named by Ms Gray. They have until tonight to lodge any objection. Mr Johnson will then face another inquiry into whether he lied to Parliament when he claimed that no laws had been broken in Downing Street.

Claims are also circulating around Westminster about a so-called karaoke and cocaine party that young MPs  mainly Tories but at least one Labour  held in London but not on the Parliamentary Estate during the week of the local elections.

No 10 said the Sue Gray report was completely independent and it was her decision what to publish.

Ms Rayner, like Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, has promised to resign if fined over the Beergate meeting they attended in Durham.
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd May, 2022) A senior Russian defense official accused Ukrainian troops in control of parts of the eastern Donetsk region of pulling heavy artillery and military hardware to schools and nurseries.

Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had not allowed evacuations from the cities of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar and Novoekonomichne and apparently planned to use civilians as "human shields."

"Ukrainian armed forces have holed up in Bakhmut's School No 2, Chasiv Yar's Vocational School No 22, and in Novoekonomichne's Solnyshko kindergarten and School No 1.

They are storing military equipment and rocket launchers on the grounds," Mizintsev said.

The Russian military has located Ukrainian military equipment in a nursery and a shipbuilding college in Mykolaiv in the Donetsk region and an arms depot in a school in the central city of Dnipro.

Mizintsev also said that Ukrainian troops had bombed residential areas in the village of Mykolaivka in Luhansk region, killing and wounding civilians. He said Ukrainian media workers and reporters from the New York Times had photographed the aftermath of the strikes and would likely blame them on Russia.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death.

But enrolled on a clinical trial for a new dementia drug and something almost inconceivable occurred  The fog began to lift, says the retired journalist.

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all.

While he had been forced to give up writing, he is now no longer lost for words and has taken up part-time work transcribing court reports for local journalists. Hed given up driving after having a few accidents, but is now confident behind the wheel again. I live a relatively normal life, he adds.

It is, without doubt, a story of hope. Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease at just 54, Phil Gutis was facing a bleak prognosis that will be all too familiar to many  the whittling away of memories, the loss of speech then movement, and ultimately an early death

Despite the fact that dementia is universally accepted to be incurable and always progressive, the treatment  a monthly injection of the medication aducanumab  has not simply slowed Phils illness, or held it at bay, as was initially hoped. Six years after his initial diagnosis, the former New York Times reporter seems to be getting better. Phil now performs well in memory tests, and his doctors say he barely seems to have dementia at all

Phil  who lives, fittingly, in New Hope, Pennsylvania  also spends his days speaking on behalf of dementia charities or briefing politicians and journalists about his disease.

Today, when we talk on the phone, he is in Washington DC, where he has travelled  alone  to give a lecture at a major medical conference. And given his remarkable story, there is much to say.

Recalling his diagnosis in 2016, which came after holes began to appear in his memory, Phil says: There were tears in the car on the way home. Given what I knew about the disease, I didnt expect to live longer than five years.

Once the dust had settled, he began to get his affairs in order. I wrote my will, and my partner Tim and I decided to finally get married so that he could make decisions for me when I was no longer able to.

I went into the [aducanumab] trial because I felt like Id nothing to lose.

To say that decision was life-changing would be an understatement. During our chat, Im struck by how coherent he is. At no point in our conversation does Phil lose track of what we are talking about or repeat himself  things that one might reasonably expect from someone who has been living with dementia for so long.

His astonishing case has been reported the world over, and it isnt hard to see why. It will, no doubt, have given those staring down the barrel of a similar diagnosis cause for optimism.

But is it all that it seems?

Phil was enrolled into a clinical trial which lifted the fog of Alzheimer's - which is expected to affect one in 50 Britons by 2050. It kills 6,000 Britons every month making it the nation's leading

More than 900,000 people in the UK today suffer some kind of dementia, with Alzheimers being the most common form. Cases are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades as people live longer  the disease becomes more common with age.

By 2050, it is expected that one in 50 of us will have it. Dementia kills more than 6,000 Britons every month, making it our leading cause of death, and there is no cure.

Even finding a treatment that can make a small difference to symptoms has foxed scientists, which is what makes Phils story all the more noteworthy.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy.

In June last year, US drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted aducanumab, which is sold under the brand name Aduhelm, fast-track approval for use. The Alzheimers Association  the countrys biggest campaign group which has pressed for the medicine to be given the green light  hailed it a turning point in the treatment of the disease. However, the decision was not universally welcomed. Indeed, three members of the FDA advisory committee resigned in protest and the body was accused of collaborating too closely with the drugs maker, Biogen, sparking an internal investigation which is ongoing.

Given such a success story, one might think aducanumab would be on the fast track for approval on the NHS. But it isnt. Indeed, the drug has become mired in controversy

It also transpired that the Alzheimers Association had received more than 220,000 from Biogen in 2020, raising further questions.

One of the three FDA committee members who stepped down, Harvard professor of medicine Aaron Kesselheim, branded aducanumab probably the worst drug approval decision in recent US history.

The key concern was that, despite early studies showing promise, aducanumab had failed in clinical trials to show any major improvements in patients symptoms.

The regulator waved it through on the promise that Biogen would provide more evidence in the coming years. Many in the medical community warned this set a dangerous precedent.

In the UK, some doctors argue the drug should be offered to patients, but others have forcefully rejected the 40,000-a-year treatment, proclaiming its supposed benefits to be implausible.

As a result of the debacle, last week US lawmakers announced plans to shake up the FDAs approval process to make it harder to grant licences without strong evidence.

So what is going on? Are British patients missing out on a revolutionary treatment thats freely available across the Pond  or have we had a lucky escape?

To answer, first we must look at what aducanumab is.

The drug targets amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimers patients. Normally these proteins circulate in the blood, but for reasons not fully understood, they clump together, forming what are known as plaques. These plaques collect between neurons and disrupt cell function, eventually causing permanent brain damage.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype

Aducanumab works by harnessing the immune system to send out antibodies that sweep away these plaques and halting deterioration  in theory, at least.

Biogen released its first set of trial data in 2017, based on the treatment of 166 patients. The findings appeared promising: scans showed amyloid plaques visibly disappearing in the brains of those given the drug.

Whether this also brings about any improvement in patients dementia symptoms, however, has been trickier to prove. Early results suggested it did but a second, larger study was abruptly stopped in 2019 when it appeared the drug was not performing any better than a placebo.

Biogen restarted the study, claiming that in patients given the highest doses for the longest amount of time, there were clinical benefits.

Crucially, the FDA approved aducanumab in June 2021 based only on the data that showed plaque clearance  agreeing to wait for evidence about cognitive effects.

In September this arrived: aducanumab improved mental capacity by less than one per cent.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last week, British experts were in agreement: the drug had failed to live up to the hype.

Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London Institute of Mental Health, says: Theres no evidence in the data that any patient did better after taking aducanumab.

Worse still, further safety data published in November showed that a staggering 41 per cent of patients on the trial suffered serious side effects, including brain bleeding or swelling. One 75-year-old woman in Canada died, although the exact cause isnt yet known.

Despite all of this, Biogen is pressing on. It is already beginning to recruit for a new aducanumab trial, in the hope that this will show better results. Meanwhile, two more amyloid drugs are expected to present results in the coming months  gantenerumab and solanezumab, developed by drug giants Roche and Eli Lilly respectively. And this is despite less-than-convincing early trial results.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist formerly of the University of Oxford, doesnt hold out much hope for these, saying: I wont be surprised if these drugs dont make a difference.

Even the scientist who first discovered the connection between amyloid and Alzheimers has raised doubts. Professor Sir John Hardy, dementia researcher at University College London, says: Amyloid drugs are not going to be the wonders we once thought they would be.

Prof Hardy believes the treatments are being given too late. Aducanumab seems to have the most impact on patients whose disease is caught early. But the majority of people are not picked up in the early stages, and by the time they start the drug, the damage has already been done to their brain, which cant be reversed.

But Prof Howard remains completely unconvinced. Small studies have shown that giving anti-amyloid drugs to patients at genetic high risk of dementia when theyre in their 40s and 50s made no difference to whether they developed the disease or not, he says. There are also serious ethical problems with giving healthy people very strong drugs which carry a risk of life-threatening side effects.

Drug companies began to develop medicines that could rid the brain of amyloid plaques in the 1990s. One of the first, called AN-1792, led to severe side effects, including brain bleeds, and hospitalised a number of trial participants.

Whats more, several patients who responded well to the treatment still died of Alzheimers within four years of receiving the drug.

When researchers examined the brains of the dead, they found no sign of amyloid plaque.

As far back as 20 years ago, we knew that clearing amyloid from the brain doesnt stop the disease from progressing, says Prof Howard. Its a terrible reflection of the lack of novel thinking in Alzheimers research that we kept at it with the amyloid drugs.

Some scientists argue that drug developers are attacking the wrong target. Amyloid, they say, is not the cause of Alzheimers but a side effect of the disease.

Its becoming increasingly clear that an amyloid build-up is triggered by some other reaction in the brain, says Baroness Greenfield, who recently left the University of Oxford to set up her own Alzheimers research company, Neuro-Bio, which is developing a new dementia treatment.

Time and time again weve seen these drugs clear amyloid but have no impact on the disease. We need to find the reaction that is causing the amyloid to develop.

Prof Howard agrees. Removing the amyloid is a bit like trying to put out a fire by focusing on the smoke, he says. Youre not getting to the root of the problem.

So why, then, has so much time  and drug company money  been spent chasing this apparent pipedream? Baroness Greenfield says that, in a field with so few scientific breakthroughs, aducanumab quite easily became the only contender.

When youre in a desert and someone offers you a drop of water, youll buy it in an instant, she says.

A lot of time and energy went into this research. The more you invest in an idea, the more protective you get and the more unwilling you become to see its shortcomings.

So what of Mr Gutis and his amazing turnaround? Few would argue his story isnt extremely encouraging. But there seems little prospect that others would have similar reactions to aducanumab.

While stating he could not comment on any one individual, Prof Howard says: The most these drugs can do  in theory  is slow the progression of the disease. It is completely implausible that patients could improve on it.

The one thing we know about dementia is that it always gets worse over time. If I knew of someone who, many years after being diagnosed with Alzheimers had not deteriorated at all, and was in fact suffering fewer symptoms, not more, I would suggest they sought a reassessment.

Its unusual, but possible, to be misdiagnosed with dementia.

A case in point, just last week it emerged that a man in Anstey, Leicestershire, had lived for seven years believing he had dementia, having been wrongly diagnosed in 2014. Alex Preston was 55 when doctors told him he had early-onset Alzheimers, after undergoing two scans and completing several memory tests over a period of about six months.

At the time he was suffering from low mood and anxiety. Mr Preston said: When they diagnosed me, I had no reason not to believe it. I knew I was going to lose my job and my world fell apart.

Later, he threw himself into dementia charity work and, like Mr Gutis, gave talks at medical conferences.

But during the pandemic, a nurse suggested further tests were carried out, and they revealed that the original diagnosis was wrong.

An independent investigation into the case has been started by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Despite the gloom surrounding aducanumab  which is never likely to be approved by the NHS  Prof Howard says he is optimistic that a major Alzheimers discovery is just around the corner.

Its easy to get demoralised, but the history of medicine proves that things do get better. New breakthroughs and new treatments will come, which is why we have to keep funding research, no matter how many times trials fail.

In response to our article, a spokesman for the Alzheimers Association said: We make decisions based on science, and the needs of our constituents. No contribution from any organisation impacts the Alzheimers Associations decision-making, nor our positions on issues related to people living with Alzheimers and other dementia, and their families.

Total contributions from the pharmaceutical industry make up less than one per cent of the Associations total contributed revenue.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
The Daily Beast

Tom Williams/Getty The mass murder of 19 children and two of their teachers in Texas last week prompted Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to say hes hopeful Senators can find a bipartisan solution to the problem. But if that sort of response sounds familiarand not particularly inspiringthats because hes said it before, only to close the door later.McConnell told CNN that he encouraged Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to engage with Democrats Sens. Chris Murphy (CT) and Sen. Krysten Sinema
Few things satisfy Skip Gallagher like sanding wood.

The University of New Orleans chemistry instructor, Algiers Point activist and former Louisiana statehouse candidate would grab old shutters and baseboards discarded after Hurricane Katrina, toss them in his truck and set about working over the grain, hour upon tedious hour.

You leave me alone with an old-growth piece of cypress or old pine  its gorgeous, said Gallagher, 59. I dont know anyone who has spent more time sanding than me. Its pretty sad.

Lately, Gallagher has turned his embrace of mind-numbing tedium into a civic power tool, training it for more than a year on the New Orleans Police Department. The results have been scandalous.

The FBI is in the midst of a widening probe into alleged payroll fraud on the force, thanks to timesheets that Gallagher spent an estimated 1,600 hours gathering, compiling and analyzing. He says his research shows numerous officers double-dipping with on-duty shifts and off-duty security jobs, or logging implausible hours.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson recently said 11 officers are in the federal crosshairs, with five having received FBI target letters. The Police Department, the New Orleans inspector general and the Office of Independent Police Monitor launched their own investigation into the timesheets of 33 officers, based on data from Gallagher's hand-built spreadsheets.

The officers under scrutiny could see criminal charges. An internal report on a police captain, Sabrina Richardson, has been referred to District Attorney Jason Williams office for possible charges.

The scandal has left egg on the faces of City Hall and Police Department officials as they reach the homestretch of federal oversight of the Police Department after a decade. Gallaghers efforts exposed a police force that didnt  and now says that it couldnt  track compliance with officer work limits. City Hall has pledged several reforms.

The Office of Police Secondary Employment, set up in 2013 to regulate the off-duty work, said last fall that it audited officers hours regularly and saw no concerns about officers logging improper hours. But Gallaghers spreadsheets suggest otherwise.

Its their job. They should be investigating it, and theyre not, Gallagher said. Its not fun going through, without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of pages of records. Its tedious. Its a lot of work. What worries me is that Ive been at this almost a year and six months, and its still going on.

Who do you go to?

Gallaghers query began by happenstance. A former student, Karl Von Derhaar, was a civilian working for the Police Department's crime laboratory when Von Derhaars boss, Sgt. Michael Stalbert, and two other officers went to Von Derhaars home in September 2020 to escort him for a drug test. Von Derhaar resigned and later received back pay.

Von Derhaar started searching government salaries online and found that Stalbert and several other officers were pulling hefty salaries. Some officers eclipsed $200,000 annually when shifts, overtime and off-duty security details were combined. Curiously, the highest-paid officers were mostly rank-and-file.

Although the police Public Integrity Bureau is supposed to investigate officer misconduct, Von Derhaar didnt trust it with the information. So he called Gallaghers UNO office.

Who do you go to when you have suspicions like that? You can file a PIB complaint. But then, is PIB going to do anything? Is this going to come back to haunt you? asked Von Derhaar, a forensic drug chemist.

Gallagher began filing a slew of records requests, which now number in the hundreds. He started with Stalbert, who is among the five officers that received FBI target letters.

If Stalbert was the spark, the pandemic was the fuel, said Gallagher, whose office walls are lined with colorful photos from travels to far-off lands: Burma, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Palau.

Usually when school is out Im gone. COVID kept me here, he said. Dont know what other people did for COVID, but I started digging through these records.

Gallagher discovered timesheets showing as many as 31 hours worked in a day. Hes identified 10 ploys that officers use to commit fraud, he said, and close to a dozen sleep details," regular off-duty police jobs where attendance appears to be optional.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lately, Gallagher has been reviewing data from license-plate readers to pinpoint officers whereabouts and match them against their timesheets.

Im really encouraged that the FBI has taken an interest in this. I truly hope that they look at little deeper, Gallagher said. Its well over 50 officers who have serious payroll issues that would be difficult to explain. Were not talking about an issue or two or three.

A rare bird

Gallagher, who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago to teach nights at UNO, has mixed it up with city officials before. A former Algiers Point Association president, he was involved in a neighborhood push to restore Mississippi River ferry service that was halted after Hurricane Katrina. He pressed the Regional Transit Authority over inspection reports for new ferryboats that sat idle, and he sued RTA over public records.

He parlayed that neighborhood activism into a run for state representative in 2015 but finished third in a six-person field, for a seat won by Gary Carter Jr. Gallagher netted 16 percent of the vote.

Hes like, If I dont [run], who will? And the answer is nobody. Hes a rare bird, said Fay Faron, a retired private investigator and close friend who ran Gallaghers campaign.

Not everyone is thrilled with Gallaghers recent sleuthing. Some challenge the severity of payroll abuses he says he has uncovered.

These things can be much more complicated than they look on their face, said Donovan Livacarri, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police. My suggestion to everybody would be not to jump to any conclusions, and wait until all of the evidence is on the table.

Even police give credit

Asked what credit the Police Department gives Gallagher for rooting out corruption on the force, the agency, in a statement, called his efforts helpful, while adding that an official investigation must occur before any officers are sanctioned.

Every opportunity is a learning experience. We learned of gaps in the secondary employment system that may not otherwise have been discovered, the agency said.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who is overseeing the Police Department consent decree, described the allegations as concerning at a hearing last month, though not an obstacle to clearing federal oversight.

Jonathan Aronie, the federal monitor, put a sanguine spin on the revelations. The scandal, while quite disturbing, also reflects much about the change on the upside, Aronie said. A diligent citizen discovered much of this because New Orleans was transparent with its data.

Anonymous calls, suspicious cars

Still, Gallagher paints a far more frustrating and perilous picture, saying City Hall stalled many of his early data requests for months. As he began soliciting more records and probing timesheets, Gallagher started fearing for his safety.

Ive had anonymous calls. Ive been followed by multiple unmarked cars all the way to campus. Ive had relatives and friends approached by uniformed officers - not in a threatening way but trying to find out information about me, he said. Multiple times.

Gallagher, whose given name is Charles, considered going to Mississippi for awhile to get away from it all, to the home of his parents, a retired engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who did a tour in Vietnam, and a mother who wrote a newspaper column in Gauthier.

He ended up staying put, and the calls subsided last fall after the scandal blew up. The anonymous calls he gets now, Gallagher said, come from tipsters.

Gallagher still works his spreadsheets daily, in his office between classes or at night. Hes automated the process recently, he said, making it faster to birddog misconduct from high-earning officers.

The behavior is still occurring, and it has to stop. Youre allowing active NOPD officers to continue to steal.

Now look, Im a chemist, but I can read the law, he said. I'm not giving up now. Im pretty tenacious.
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday



A former member of Donald Trump's cabinet is plotting to snap up British digital lender Atom Bank in a move that could see it listed on the American stock market.

Wilbur Ross, who served as commerce secretary, is in advanced talks with the Durham-based lender regarding a 700million merger with his special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Ross Acquisition Corp II.

SPACs are shell companies that are listed on stock markets, then raise money with the aim of finding a firm to acquire.

Plotting: Wilbur Ross is in advanced talks with Durham-based lender Atom Bank

If a deal is reached, Atom Bank would join several other prominent UK firms that have gone public via SPAC mergers. They include car-buying website Cazoo and Vertical, an electric aircraft company set up by OVO Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick.

The talks were first reported by Sky News.

Atom Bank, which operates through a mobile phone app, had previously considered plans to list on the stock market. However, the expectation was that it would float in London due to its focus in the UK.

Ross was nicknamed the 'King of Bankruptcy' on Wall Street for buying up distressed coal and steel firms and selling them for large profits.

In 2010, his private equity firm took a stake in Virgin Money shortly before it bought a chunk of Northern Rock. Ross then cashed out in 2016. Atom Bank was contacted for comment.
Collapse: Chantal Coady built Rococo into a thriving business with five shops selling 2.5million of chocolate a year

When the Duke of Cambridge presented her with an OBE in 2014, life was sweet for businesswoman Chantal Coady, the founder of luxury chocolate brand Rococo.

On meeting Prince William, she revealed in a newspaper interview: 'He said how wonderful to get an honour for making chocolate. We both roared with laughter.'

Yet, just eight years on, that taste of success has long since gone after a painful ordeal that Coady has said 'took me to the brink, both emotionally and financially'  and has left her family home on the line.

Rococo, once a thriving business that sold more than 2.5million of chocolate a year, has collapsed owing more than 1.5million to creditors and Coady has been pushed out of the company she spent almost four decades building up.

Even worse, Coady faces losing the family home she shares with husband James Booth, an acupuncturist, and their two children after using the South London property as security for loans taken out to try to save the company.

Court filings show that Coady will this week launch legal action against NatWest, which had been her company's lender since the 1990s.

It is understood that Coady is trying to protect herself from paying debts owed by Rococo to the high street bank after the company was finally liquidated two years ago.

Meanwhile, a feud with Rococo's chief executive and shareholder, financier Rupert Morley, has left a bitter taste.

Coady is understood to be aggrieved by the way he bought her business out of administration for 700,000 in 2019 and set up a new company using the Rococo brand name. At its peak, with five central London shops, the company had been valued at 10million.

A source close to the case says: 'Losing Rococo was utterly devastating for Coady. She lost a fortune and has been forced to launch this legal action to save her home.

'NatWest should be ashamed of itself for not looking after a longstanding customer better.'

Coady, 63, started out selling chocolate at Harrods aged 19 and founded Rococo in 1983 when she opened a shop on the King's Road in Chelsea, South West London.

Enjoyed by supermodels, Hollywood actors and even the Queen, who reportedly kept Rococo chocolates in a secret cupboard at Buckingham Palace, Rococo grew into a leading brand that was stocked in Waitrose and Harvey Nichols, and served on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights.

But the business started to struggle after the 2008 financial crisis and it turned to NatWest to raise more money to stay afloat.

In 2012, Coady and her husband reluctantly agreed to put their Victorian terraced house on the line under a joint personal guarantee for Rococo's debt.

The couple believed they would be protected from losing their home by an agreement with NatWest, called a debenture. The two sides disagree over whether that protection, first provided by NatWest in 2006, is still in place.

Court papers show Coady is applying to ensure the original agreement with NatWest is upheld, and to freeze any payments to creditors until the legal tangle is resolved.

Morley, who is a trustee of Comic Relief and a non-executive director at US billionaire Bill Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital, came in as an investor in 2017.

He bought 33 per cent of the business for 350,000 that year and the following year supplied a 200,000 loan. By 2019, however, Rococo had been loss-making for a number of years, and insolvency documents said its working capital was 'not sufficient to support its cash flow requirements'.

The report, from insolvency firm BDO, also said that some of the firm's creditors were threatening legal action if overdue payments were not made. Morley applied to the courts in May that year to put the company into administration and urgently find a rescue buyer.

Following a marketing process to almost 200 potential buyers, resulting in eight offers, Morley bought the business for 700,000 himself in June 2019 through a new firm he had set up called Rococo London.

BDO said the offer represented the best outcome for creditors, but Coady disputes this. Coady's original company, Rococo Chocolates Ltd, went into liquidation in May 2020.

Both Morley and Coady declined to comment for this report. However, in a recent interview, Coady hinted that relations between the two were not cordial.

'Losing Rococo was like watching everything I loved being thrown off a cliff,' she said. 'I got absolutely nothing for a lifetime's work.'

A spokesperson for BDO, which handled Rococo's collapse and is named in the upcoming High Court case alongside NatWest, said: 'Since a court order to place Rococo Chocolates Ltd into administration in 2019 and its subsequent liquidation, the joint administrators and joint liquidators have discharged their duties entirely properly in this matter and will continue to do so.

'The joint liquidators have issued a cross-application for directions to fulfil their duties to creditors.'

NatWest said: 'We cannot comment on this case as it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.'
SHELBYVILLE  A Shelbyville man has been charged in connection with a high-speed chase and putting the lives of pursuing deputies at danger because of his reckless driving.

In all, Chad Hammond, 49, of Shelbyville faces eight felony charges in Shelby County Circuit Court related to two separate incidents. The charges include aggravated fleeing of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine with a prior conviction, driving with license revoked or suspended, aggravated assault, criminal damage to government property and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Shelby County State's Attorney Nicole Kroncke said in the new release that some of the charges stem from a May 17 incident during which Hammond fled from a Shelby County Sherriff's Department deputy at speeds greater than 20 mph above the speed limit and causing damage to the squad car.

Hammond is also accused of assaulting another deputy by driving in a way that put the officer at risk of being struck by the vehicle.

Kroncke said the leaving the scene of a personal injury accident charge stems from an incident that occurred Nov. 5, 2019 and involved an individual over the age of 60.

In both cases, Hammond is accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license with eight prior convictions for the same offense.

Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is set for June 8.

Contact Corryn Brock at 217-238-6858. Follow her on Twitter at @corryn_brock.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Three co-founders of M&C Saatchi have thrown their weight behind communications giant Next 15's 310million takeover of the pioneering advertising agency.

Industry veterans David Kershaw, Jeremy Sinclair and Bill Muirhead all plan to back the deal, which was revealed on Friday and has already won the unanimous support of M&C Saatchi's board.

The trio founded the agency with brothers Maurice and Charles in 1995 after an American activist investor ousted them from their original group, Saatchi & Saatchi, which was behind Margaret Thatcher's famous 'Labour Isn't Working' campaign.

Bidding war: Next 15's bid trumps a series of rejected offers from deputy chairman and tech industry veteran Vin Murria, which M&C Saatchi claimed were undervalued

Next 15's bid trumps a series of rejected offers from deputy chairman and tech industry veteran Vin Murria, which M&C Saatchi claimed were undervalued. Murria is the bid target's biggest shareholder.

Murria said on Friday she would not increase her most recent bid, which was at a lower value than Next 15's. M&C Saatchi's second-largest backer Octopus Investments has withdrawn its earlier support for her bid  though it has not confirmed if it supports Next 15's deal.

Kershaw, Sinclair and Muirhead  who now run a consultancy called Act111  still collectively own more than 8 per cent of the AIM-listed company's stock. This makes them crucial backers for Next 15 to get its takeover across the line.

Kershaw said: 'I can speak on behalf of my fellow founders that we will certainly support it. It is good from a shareholder point of view, puts it at a value we think is fair and for the people in the business we're delighted as well.'



Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
Jayathi Y. Murthy and Charles R. Martinez Jr. are the two finalists in Oregon State Universitys search for the next university president.

Murthy is the Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Martinez is the 12th dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin.

The two candidates will visit the Corvallis campus Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24 for public forums with the university community and in-person interviews with the Board of Trustees.

There will be casual conversation with Martinez on Monday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. and 1-1:45 p.m. in the Memorial Union Journey Room. Martinezs university forum, which will consist of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session, is Monday from 3-4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.

The casual conversation with Murthy will be Tuesday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. and 1-1:45 p.m. in the Memorial Union Journey Room. Murthys university forum is Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend these events in person, but they will also be livestreamed and recorded with a link for later viewing. A candidate community input form will go live Monday morning.

The board is expected to make a final decision by June 7, with the next president assuming his or her position in July.

More information about the presidential search process is available at https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/presidential-search.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday






Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday

Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday

Three co-founders of M&C Saatchi have thrown their weight behind communications giant Next 15's 310million takeover of the pioneering advertising agency.

Industry veterans David Kershaw, Jeremy Sinclair and Bill Muirhead all plan to back the deal, which was revealed on Friday and has already won the unanimous support of M&C Saatchi's board.

The trio founded the agency with brothers Maurice and Charles in 1995 after an American activist investor ousted them from their original group, Saatchi & Saatchi, which was behind Margaret Thatcher's famous 'Labour Isn't Working' campaign.

Bidding war: Next 15's bid trumps a series of rejected offers from deputy chairman and tech industry veteran Vin Murria, which M&C Saatchi claimed were undervalued

Next 15's bid trumps a series of rejected offers from deputy chairman and tech industry veteran Vin Murria, which M&C Saatchi claimed were undervalued. Murria is the bid target's biggest shareholder.

Murria said on Friday she would not increase her most recent bid, which was at a lower value than Next 15's. M&C Saatchi's second-largest backer Octopus Investments has withdrawn its earlier support for her bid  though it has not confirmed if it supports Next 15's deal.

Kershaw, Sinclair and Muirhead  who now run a consultancy called Act111  still collectively own more than 8 per cent of the AIM-listed company's stock. This makes them crucial backers for Next 15 to get its takeover across the line.

Kershaw said: 'I can speak on behalf of my fellow founders that we will certainly support it. It is good from a shareholder point of view, puts it at a value we think is fair and for the people in the business we're delighted as well.'
Advertisement

The youngest victim of the racist Buffalo supermarket massacre that killed 10 has been laid to rest aged just 32.

Roberta Drury was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury, or Robbie, as she was known, grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help care for her brother in his fight against leukemia.

She was shot to death on May 14 by by white supremacist gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market.

'There are no words to fully express the depth and breadth of this tragedy,' Nicholas Spano, parochial vicar of Assumption Church in Syracuse, said during the service.

'Last Saturday, May 14, our corner of the world was changed forever,' Spano said. 'Lives ended, dreams shattered and our state was plunged into mourning.'

Twelve other people were shot, ten succumbed to their injuries.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire at the supermarket, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the store.

Shortly before the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault and his racist motivations.

The casket of Roberta Drury is brought into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, NY Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury, 32, was remembered at her funeral for her love for family and friends, tenacity, 'and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'

Katherine Mielnicki sits on the steps and cries outside of Roberta Drury's funeral service, Saturday, May 21 in Syracuse. 'I can't go in there, I just can't do it,' said Mielnicki, who lived with Drury for a time

She was shot to death on May 14 by by gunman Peyton Gendron, 18, while she was buying groceries at the Tops Friendly Market

Family members follow the casket of Roberta Drury into her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with her photograph on it before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison

The stately brick church where Drury's service was held is not far from where she grew up in Cicero. Her family wrote in her obituary that she 'couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend'.

'Robbie always made a big deal about someone when she saw them, always making sure they felt noticed and loved,' her sister, Amanda, told The Associated Press.

The family asked that donations be made to the Buffalo Zoo, a place the sisters enjoyed walking through, Amanda Drury said.

'She was that light that shone through whatever darkness might have been present,' Spano said at the service.

He said mourners would remember Drury's 'kindness  love for family and friends, her perseverance, her tenacity, and most of all, that smile that could light up a room'.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized. A private service was held on Friday for Heyward Patterson, the deacon at a church near the supermarket.

More funerals are scheduled for the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its shops in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims at 2.30pm on Saturday, the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

Buffalo mayor Byron Brown also called for 123 seconds of silence from 2.28pm to 2.31pm, followed by the ringing of church bells 13 times throughout the city to honor the 10 killed and three hurt.

A candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening.

Among those killed were security guard Aaron Salter, grandmother Ruth Whitfield, civil rights activist Katherine Massey, Pearly Young, breast cancer survivor Celestine Chaney, church deacon Heyward Patterson, mother-of-two Geraldine Talley, Andre Macknie and father-of-three Margus Morrison.

Enrique Owens, a cousin of Roberta Drury, wears a t-shirt with a photograph of her as a little girl before her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

A hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury arrives at Assumption Church for her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Roberta Drury's aunt, Julie Julian, and grandfather, John Traeger, comfort each other as the hearse carrying the casket of Roberta Drury drives away after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Pall bearers carry the casket of Roberta Drury after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week

Family members watch as Roberta Drury's casket is blessed by priests after her funeral service, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Syracuse, N.Y. Drury was one of 10 killed during a mass shooting at a supermarket last week in Buffalo

Gendron appeared in court Thursday and remained silent throughout the proceeding despite being heckled by a victim's distraught family member who yelled out, 'Payton, you're a coward!'

The first-degree murder indictment, which covers all 10 deaths, was handed up Wednesday, Assistant district attorney Gary Hackbush announced in court.

In New York, prosecutors can charge a defendant with first-degree murder only under special circumstances, including when multiple people are killed in a single incident, like in the Buffalo shooting.

The single count against Gendron covers all 10 deaths at Tops Friendly Market.

Gendron will be back in court on June 9 at 9.30am He is being held without bail.

The courtroom remained quiet until the end as Gendron, cuffed and shackled was escorted out by a heavy security detail, only the sounds of his chains clinking, when one of the victims' family members yelled out angrily at him from the courtroom gallery.

Payton Gendron, 18, wears all orange as he's brought into the courtroom Thursday and indicted on first-degree murder after Saturday's massacre at Tops Friendly Market

Payton Gendron is led into the courtroom for a hearing at Erie County Court

Following the attack, Gendron posted hundreds of pages of writings to online discussion groups where he detailed his plans for the assault, doubled down on his racist beliefs, and posted photos of him in a hazmat suit at school.

Investigators have been examining documents, which included a private diary he kept on the chat platform Discord.

The massacre at the Tops supermarket was unsettling even in a nation that has become almost numb to mass shootings. Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online.

The diary said Gendron planned his attack in secret, with no outside help, but Discord confirmed Wednesday that an invitation to access his private writings was sent to a small group of people about 30 minutes before the assault began.

Some of them accepted the invitation. It was unclear how many read what he had written or logged on to view the assault live. It also wasn't clear whether anyone tried to alert law enforcement.

Dr. Rajan Basra, a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) told Dailymail.com that a manifesto he posted online was meant to be his 'grand' public statement, but said 'it's unoriginal: much of it is plagiarized from earlier attackers' manifestos, and it features the typical racist memes found on extremist forums.'

'But it's his diary that stands out as it gives us a look at the person behind that public image,' he said.

Entries from the diary that was provided to DailyMail.com included hand-drawn maps of the Tops Friendly Market, where the attack took place, a map of Rochester and a photo of Gendron wearing a hazmat suit while at school.

Gendron reportedly had initially scouted out Rochester for the shooting but decided on Buffalo when he discovered it had a larger population of black residents.

Payton Gendron had attended his school wearing a full hazmat suit, according to his diary

Gendron posted a photo of another hand drawn map of Tops Friendly Supermarket which he had visited ahead of the massacre

This is the second time Gendron has appeared in court following the shooting that left 10 people dead and several injured.

At his initial court appearance last week, Gendron's court-appointed lawyer entered a plea of 'not guilty' on his behalf.

Wearing a paper outfit and mask, the teen spoke Saturday only to confirm he understood the charge against him. His lawyer said he'd be pleading not guilty, despite Gendron publishing a manifesto and diary outlining his plans, and admitting they were racially-motivated.

Gendron's online writings said he planned the assault after becoming infatuated with white supremacist ideology he encountered online. Investigators have been poring over that manifesto and other evidence since.

Thirteen people were struck by gunfire, most of them black, and 10 of the victims died, before the gunman surrendered to police confronting him inside the grocery store.

The FBI immediately said it was investigating the rampage as a hate crime and an act of 'racially motivated violent extremism,' and authorities have pointed to a white supremacist manifesto he is suspected of posting online before the shooting.

Late Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo.

Alleged Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron, pictured at his arraignment Saturday, is due back in court Thursday after allegedly killing 10 people in a racist hate crime

Gendron (pictured here at his hearing on Saturday) will appear before Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah for a felony hearing Thursday morning

Gendron was arrested Saturday after allegedly killing 10 people at a Tops Market supermarket in Buffalo, Upstate New York. Police say the massacre was motivated by the 18 year-old's hatred for black people

Family members of the Buffalo shooting suspect, Gendron (pictured here), say they believe the pandemic and its enforced isolation took its toll on the shooter's mental health which ultimately led to last weekend's horrific actions.

President Joe Biden condemned the Buffalo mass shooting as an act by 'a lone gunman, armed with weapons of war and a hate-filled soul' during an event honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the last year

President Joe Biden, in a visit to Buffalo on Tuesday, condemned white nationalists, as well as online platforms, media outlets and political rhetoric he criticized for spreading racist conspiracy theories.

'What happened here is simple and straightforward - terrorism, terrorism, domestic terrorism,' Biden said.

New York state Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday opened an investigation into several social media platforms she said the Buffalo grocery store gunman used to plan, promote and broadcast the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced additional measures aimed at curbing domestic terrorism, including legislation to tighten New York gun laws and a directive for state police to exercise their authority to disarm individuals deemed a public threat under the state's red-flag law.

She accused social media sites of allowing violent extremism to flourish, and said the Buffalo shooting reflected an intersection between 'the mainstreaming of hate speech ... and the easy access to military-style weapons.'

Gendron is accused of having webcast video of the attack he was committing in real time onto Twitch, a live video platform owned by Amazon.com.

While Twitch said it took down the video within two minutes, screenshots from the broadcast circulated on social media through the day. And footage of the livestream could still be found on the internet as recently as Wednesday morning.

Gendron also posted an image of the gun he used in the attack. He wrote vulgar words, including the names of other white supremacists on it

A photo posted to Gendron's online diary shows supplies he gathered prior to shooting

Gendron allegedly murdered 10 people in a 'racist hate crime ' at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY on Saturday. People are seen outside the store after the shooting

Mourners react while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Sunday
I laughed out loud in Marks & Spencer when I found that they are now selling something called Chicken Kyiv.

This is apparently just like their old Chicken Kiev, only with added propaganda. I am told that there is now also a No Chicken Kyiv for vegans, without any actual chicken in it.

Not since the wild frenzy after the death of Princess Diana have I ever met such a wave of ignorant sentiment. Nobody knows anything about Ukraine. Everyone has ferocious opinions about it.

The other night I shocked a distinguished Oxford academic by informing her that the lovely, angelic, saintly, perfect Ukrainians had blocked off the water supply to Crimea in 2014.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender

She was rightly shocked by this nasty, uncivilised act of spite, but it was far more shocking that this highly educated person did not know this important fact.

In the same way almost nobody, in education, politics or journalism, knows about the nasty, racist roots of Ukrainian nationalism, the horrible history of the vicious Stepan Bandera (now a Ukrainian national hero), or the Kiev states discriminatory scorn for the Russian language. If Canada treated its French speakers as Ukraine treats its Russian speakers, there would be international outrage.

Worst of all is the widespread ignorance of the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky, in my view an admirable man, was elected on a programme of peace with Russia. But when he tried to do as he had promised, he was blocked by parts of his own army, who publicly confronted him and humiliated him.

At the same time his political rivals, including the neo-Nazis who very definitely do exist in Ukraine, went on the streets to denounce any sort of deal. President Zelensky crumbled. And the war came.

I have mentioned here before that the first act of violence in this war was actually the Western-backed mob putsch which overthrew Ukraines lawful government in 2014.

This was the true beginning of all the horror. And while it does not excuse the idiotic and brutal Putin invasion, it very much helps to explain it.

Look, I respect those who take Ukraines side in this war. They have a valid point of view which I happen not to share. But what I object to is the wholly one-sided nature of public opinion here. It is so bad that it is a positive disadvantage to know anything about the subject.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers

And it reached its peak last week when the Ukrainian defenders of the Mariupol steelworks, many of them in fact the neo-Nazis of the Azov battalion who proudly wear SS emblems on their official uniforms, surrendered.

The UK media coverage of this event strove mightily not to mention the neo-Nazis and to avoid using the word surrender.

The Mariupol garrison was said instead to have been evacuated into Russian-held territory. Pictures showed them disarmed and being frisked by Russian soldiers. But we are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated.

Refusal to accept such obvious reality is a sign of madness.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat.

Perhaps someone could explain it to me, over a plate of Chicken Kyiv and a bottle of vodka. But for any debate to take place, well have to start accepting that there are two sides to this argument.

I personally have no idea what British interest is served by slavishly backing the American policy of stirring up trouble in Ukraine and goading Russia into combat

We are so much in the grip of a one-sided view of this conflict that we could not even admit they had capitulated

Was I being mischievous when I called last week for England to secede from the UK? Yes, and no. I campaigned for years to keep Britain together and loathed Blairite devolution. But it has happened now, and I do not think it is very English to wait passively to be jilted. I would love to be there when Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford get the phone calls telling them, There, you have what you wanted. Independence begins at midnight tonight. England is back!

My spies in the BBC have uncovered another mystery in the Corporations archive. Back in 1990, they made a remarkable, prophetic film called The March, starring the luminous Juliet Stevenson. It depicted a vast procession of poor Africans heading for the Straits of Gibraltar, while European leaders squabbled over how to cope with their arrival.

The huge questions of how the rich world can help the poor world without destroying itself were raised and not answered. But the drama showed, long before this began to happen, that the sea is no longer the barrier between Africa and Europe that everyone used to think it was. In fact, David Camerons ill-considered overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya brought about the very crisis which The March foretold.

You might think the BBC would be anxious to show such an astonishing thing again. But there are, yet again, no plans to make it available.

The joke's on us

I very much like the rainbow helmet sported by Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent James Sutherland. I think the whole police force should wear them, always, in future. It will remind us that, while we hired the police to deter and fight crime, they prefer to do something else.

But in that case, why do they still think they are entitled to take our money for doing it? Let them go private, and see who will pay them for whatever it is they now get up to. Eventually it will sink in that the only thing to do, if we want an actual police force, is to set up a new one, and get rid of the monstrous, arrogant failure which has stolen the honourable name of police from what used to be a fine body of men and women.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
A Painful Reckoning

Haitis payments to its former slave masters added up for generations, costing its economy billions of dollars over time, The Times analysis found, and a little-known public bank called the Caisse des Depots et Consignations collected the vast majority of the money.

But after Haitis disastrous earthquake in 2010, Didier Le Bret, the French ambassador, said the bank reached out to him to help and, at least partly, make amends: It donated about $400,000.

A spokesman for the bank said the donation was simply part of its policy to help countries afflicted by humanitarian disaster. But Augustin de Romanet, the banks director at the time of the donation, told The Times that there were probably some useful things to do toward Haiti, in view of what had happened in the past.

The banks discreet gesture, however small, spoke to a broader phenomenon: Mr. Aristide has been out of power since 2004, but his fight has forced a slow, often painful, reckoning in France.

In recent years, famous intellectuals have spoken out in favor of restitution, and academics have increasingly explored the economic and legal aspects of reparations. Last year, Frances national public research organization published a database listing compensation paid to French slaveholders, including the ones from Haiti.

Myriam Cottias, who oversaw the database, was a member of the French commission that dismissed Mr. Aristides calls for restitution two decades ago. But she said that her views had changed, and that reparations should be discussed.

The debate, yes, it must be raised, she said.

The French authorities have, at times, shown some willingness to address this past as well. In mid-December, Frances finance ministry hosted, for the first time, an international symposium on the economics of slavery, with conferences focusing specifically on the history of Haitis payments to France.

But the public discussion has involved some rhetorical tightrope walking.

In his 2015 speech, Mr. Hollande, Frances president, acknowledged that Haitis payments to its former slave masters were sometimes called the ransom of independence.

When I come to Haiti, he said, I will, for my part, pay off the debt we have.

The crowd before him, which included African heads of state and the Haitian president, instantly stood up in applause.

People cried, recalled Michaelle Jean, the former secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie, who attended the speech. It was immense.

A few hours later, Mr. Hollandes aides issued a major caveat: Mr. Hollande was speaking only of a moral debt France owed to Haiti, not a financial one. The French government maintains the same position today. (Mr. Hollande declined to comment for this article.)

Frances delicate stance toward Haiti reflects a lingering uncertainty, at times a malaise, over the way to address the countrys colonial and slave-owning past. In 2016, Frances parliament symbolically repealed the 1825 ordinance that required the Haitian payments to former slaveholders  but stopped short of considering any financial restitution.

One cannot, objectively, present the slightest argument that claims we owe nothing to Haiti, Christiane Taubira, a justice minister in Mr. Hollandes government, said in an interview.

Looking back, Mr. Aristide said that his restitution campaign had at least led to French acknowledgments of its past.

If I hadnt asked the question in 2003, probably in 2015 Francois Hollande wouldnt have admitted to the debt, he said.

That was a step, he said. Its not finished.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
The Prince of Wales will resist calls to abandon his pet projects when he becomes King, The Mail on Sunday understands.

Instead he will find new ways to champion favourite causes, throwing open Royal palaces and bringing people together to find solutions.

One insider described it as a plan to be a convenor King rather than a campaigner King. Significantly, it appears he has agreed not to be outspoken or to court controversy.

It is said the Prince summed up his new approach during a meeting in the Canadian capital of Ottawa on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England. Even if people just turn up to see what its like inside my house, they may then stay to solve the problems that we face, he told them.

Prince Charles and Camilla sign the Veteran Affairs Canada visitor's book on May 18

Charles has been criticised for his strong views on subjects such as architecture, homeopathy, organic food and traditional farming methods, and some have questioned how his opinions will fit with the impartiality required of the monarch.

It seems, however, that his future interventions will have a focus on listening rather than speaking.

A Royal source said: He never gives up on issues and keeps going back to people to find out what progress has been made.

A Royal source told The Mail on Sunday: 'He never gives up on issues and keeps going back'

Charles is likely to have a very different style of monarchy to the Queen's, experts anticipate

But this is the distinction: not solving problems himself but listening to peoples concerns and bringing others together to solve them.

That is likely to lead to a different style of monarchy from the Queens  a record-breaking reign in which few people have ever heard her personal views.

It also marks a departure for Charles, who has earned both admiration and criticism for interventions such as describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a monstrous carbuncle.

He will, however, maintain the networks of friendship he has built up. The source continued: The Prince has relationships that go back a long way  some of the indigenous leaders he met in Canada are people hes been speaking to for decades. His mother was much younger when she came to the Throne, but he has had a lifetime as a Royal.

Charles met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Ottowa during a short visit this week

Another insider said: We know what the Prince thinks about various subjects, so theres no possibility of putting the genie back in the bottle. What he chooses to say will be very important, yet he can still be bold enough to make an impact but do it very skilfully.

Last weeks three-day Canadian tour provided the biggest sign yet of how he would perform his duties. It was notable, for instance, that he used a flight to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to make changes to a farewell speech so as to acknowledge the suffering of indigenous children in Anglican Residential Schools. Aides revealed that what had been planned as a few remarks was transformed into a strongly worded statement.

Charles had earlier met survivors as Canada nears the first anniversary of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked childrens graves.

A keen ecologist, Charles has outspoken views on architecture, farming, homeopathy and more

His approach was welcomed, with one leader telling him: You must have been indigenous in another life because you understand us.

The Prince also privately presented chiefs from the Dettah community with two bird boxes, handmade at his Highgrove estate, so they can track native wildlife.

A source said that the Prince, who has found common ground with the Elders on their passion for the environment, has arranged to follow up with the community to see if the boxes work.

It is thought that much of this soft diplomacy will continue when he becomes King  behind the scenes and away from the cameras.
Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday.
Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia

MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.

Biden said, "John understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, and he will ably represent the Administration on important national security issues.

While accepting the White House job, Kirby thanked Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months. Kirby said Austin has been more than just my boss; hes been a mentor and a confidante, and he has helped make me a better communicator.

Austin said Kirby will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

Kirby, who also served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is moving to the White House as it navigates a range of foreign policy challenges, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to North Korea's nuclear program. Kirby has been a fixture on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is valued in the administration for seeming to handle even the thorniest foreign policy questions with ease.

The NSC under Biden has not previously had someone in a dedicated, high-level strategic communications role.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
(Newser)  When he was 20 years old, Harel Hershtik planned and executed a murder, shooting his victim in the head and burying the body in a crime that a quarter of a century later is still widely remembered for its grisly details. Today, he is the brains behind an Israeli health-tech startup, poised to make millions of dollars with the backing of prominent public figures and deep-pocket investors. Neither his conviction for premeditated murder, his lengthy prison sentence, nor his parole board-mandated nightly house arrest have obstructed his rise. His partners tout him as a successful case of rehabilitation and second chances. But with his company set to go public, Hershtiks past is coming under new scrutiny, reports the AP.

Questions are being raised about whether someone who took a persons life deserves to rehabilitate his own to such an extent. But it's also an astounding tale of a life derailed and improbably set back on track through a combination of intellect, drive, and guile. Today, Hershtik, 46, is the vice president of strategy and technology at Scentech Medical, a company he founded in 2018 while behind bars and which says its product can detect certain diseases through a breath test. In a three-hour interview with the AP, his first with an international news outlet, he repeatedly expressed remorse for his crime. At 14, Hershtik met Yaakov Sela, a charismatic snake trapper with a coterie of young fans.

Hershtik, who said he was physically and emotionally abused over his weight by peers, loved snakes and met Sela at a zootherapy program. The two ultimately partnered to crossbreed the reptiles. But the relationship morphed from a mentorship to one of "mutual loathing," according to court documents. In 1996, Sela discovered that Hershtik had stolen 49,000 shekels (about $15,000 at the time) from him; court documents say Hershtik concocted a plan to drive Sela to banks around the country, duping him into thinking he was gathering up the money to pay him back. Instead, Hershtik and an accomplice shot Sela dead on the trip and buried his body in a grove in the Golan Heights. Weeks later, hikers saw a hand poking up from the earth, and Selas body was found. The sensational crime gripped the nation.

In court documents, prosecutors say Hershtik schemed and lied in his attempt to distance himself from the killing. Today, Hershtik said he was compelled to lie so that he could protect the others involved in the scheme, which included a friend eventually found to be mentally unstable as well as his mother. After Hershtiks accomplice confessed to police, Hershtik was sentenced to life in prison; he was paroled in 2021. But in a sense, Hershtik flourished behind bars. He earned two doctorates, in math and chemistry, and he got married three separate times (he is currently divorced). He said he established 31 companies, installing CEOs to run the day-to-day activities of his companies, and sold six of them. (Read the lengthy full story, which explains more about Scentech, valued at around $250 million.)
(Newser)  When he was 20 years old, Harel Hershtik planned and executed a murder, shooting his victim in the head and burying the body in a crime that a quarter of a century later is still widely remembered for its grisly details. Today, he is the brains behind an Israeli health-tech startup, poised to make millions of dollars with the backing of prominent public figures and deep-pocket investors. Neither his conviction for premeditated murder, his lengthy prison sentence, nor his parole board-mandated nightly house arrest have obstructed his rise. His partners tout him as a successful case of rehabilitation and second chances. But with his company set to go public, Hershtiks past is coming under new scrutiny, reports the AP.

Questions are being raised about whether someone who took a persons life deserves to rehabilitate his own to such an extent. But it's also an astounding tale of a life derailed and improbably set back on track through a combination of intellect, drive, and guile. Today, Hershtik, 46, is the vice president of strategy and technology at Scentech Medical, a company he founded in 2018 while behind bars and which says its product can detect certain diseases through a breath test. In a three-hour interview with the AP, his first with an international news outlet, he repeatedly expressed remorse for his crime. At 14, Hershtik met Yaakov Sela, a charismatic snake trapper with a coterie of young fans.

Hershtik, who said he was physically and emotionally abused over his weight by peers, loved snakes and met Sela at a zootherapy program. The two ultimately partnered to crossbreed the reptiles. But the relationship morphed from a mentorship to one of "mutual loathing," according to court documents. In 1996, Sela discovered that Hershtik had stolen 49,000 shekels (about $15,000 at the time) from him; court documents say Hershtik concocted a plan to drive Sela to banks around the country, duping him into thinking he was gathering up the money to pay him back. Instead, Hershtik and an accomplice shot Sela dead on the trip and buried his body in a grove in the Golan Heights. Weeks later, hikers saw a hand poking up from the earth, and Selas body was found. The sensational crime gripped the nation.

In court documents, prosecutors say Hershtik schemed and lied in his attempt to distance himself from the killing. Today, Hershtik said he was compelled to lie so that he could protect the others involved in the scheme, which included a friend eventually found to be mentally unstable as well as his mother. After Hershtiks accomplice confessed to police, Hershtik was sentenced to life in prison; he was paroled in 2021. But in a sense, Hershtik flourished behind bars. He earned two doctorates, in math and chemistry, and he got married three separate times (he is currently divorced). He said he established 31 companies, installing CEOs to run the day-to-day activities of his companies, and sold six of them. (Read the lengthy full story, which explains more about Scentech, valued at around $250 million.)
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
NORMAL  Police are investigating after gunfire was reported Friday night in west Normal.

Sgt. Rob Cherry with the Normal Police Department said officers were called at 11:02 p.m. to a report of shots fired around White Oak Road and College Avenue.

He said Saturday there is no ongoing threat to the public, and shell casings were recovered from the scene.

Cherry said no arrests have been made and police are still investigating. Additionally, he said no injuries were reported.

No further information was available Saturday.

This is at least the third shots fired incident this year in Normal. Officers were called in January to the 200 block of Lindell Drive after apartments and cars were struck by gunfire.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has discussed by phone with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries and the need to adopt the 6th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Zelensky issued the relevant report on Twitter, according to Ukrinform.

"Had a phone conversation with #MarioDraghi at his initiative. Talked about defensive cooperation, the need to accelerate the 6th package of sanctions and unblock Ukrainian ports," Zelensky wrote.

The president added that he thanked Italy for its unconditional support for Ukraine on its path to the European Union.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on May 21, Ugo Cappellacci, chairman of the parliamentary group for interparliamentary relations with Ukraine, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, visited Kyiv. Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva discussed with the delegation Ukraine's recent steps toward European integration.

Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office


The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
Police bosses who have failed to tackle misconduct among rank-and-file officers are being given lessons in moral courage, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Sergeants and inspectors at West Midlands Police have been deemed so poor at dealing with serious disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism, theyre now sent on training courses that instil the confidence they need to stand up to bad behaviour.

Other forces are understood to provide so-called bystander training over fears that poor conduct is going unchecked. It is designed to ensure officers know how to confront colleagues and team members when necessary.

In a speech at a conference of senior police officers, Detective Chief Inspector Rod Rose, of West Midlands Police, said: Theres a lack of will by sergeants and inspectors  it comes from a confidence issue. Were having to give them moral courage courses because of that lack of will to deal with issues.

I cant believe we are the only force doing that, but its worrying when weve got line managers who wont do their job.

But one West Midlands officer scoffed at the notion that such lessons were required.

Senior officers at West Midlands Police who are failing to tackle disciplinary issues, such as misogyny and racism are being given 'Moral Courage' training to help boost confidence. Pictured: Protesters at West Midlands Police headquarters during a Black Lives Matter protest

They said: We run into dangerous situations all the time but we need moral courage training? Give me a break.

Confirming the initiative, West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: We have started a learning programme called Moral Courage which builds on the work that we have been undertaking for quite some time to ensure we maintain the highest of standards.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last year by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women.

And former Scotland Yard boss Cressida Dick stepped down last month amid fallout from a watchdog report into allegations of bullying, violence towards women and discriminatory language by officers.

The police have been rocked by a string of scandals, including the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard (pictured) last year by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, whose comments to colleagues in messaging groups gave plenty of clues that he was a danger to women

Tory MP Tim Loughton, of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: The issue that has undermined policing more than anything is this canteen culture and laddism which has led to awful cases of misconduct and sexism.

'While this problem needs to be tackled, it is very concerning that officers are not already rooting out bad behaviour and are instead having to be instructed to do so through moral courage training.

The revelation comes as the National Police Chiefs Council launches a national action plan for forces to tackle racism.

Tyron Joyce, West Yorkshires Assistant Chief Constable who is leading the campaign, said forces would have to learn about local black history and that training programmes would be revised to make sure they are all anti-racist.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.



A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Lauding India for not buckling under the "US pressure" and buying the discounted oil from Russia, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government was also working on the same thing with the help of an independent foreign policy and slammed Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led government for "running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin". This comes after the Indian government reduced the price of petrol by Rs 9.5 per litre and Diesel by Rs 7 per litre. "Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy," Imran Khan tweeted while retweeting an information about reduction of the petrol and diesel prices in India. Imran Khan said "Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs" bowed to the external pressure forcing a regime change, and "are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin." "For our govt, Pakistan's interest was supreme but unfortunately the local Mir Jafars & Mir Sadiqs bowed to external pressure forcing a regime change, and are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin," the former PM tweeted. (ANI)
Lauding India for not buckling under the "US pressure" and buying the discounted oil from Russia, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his government was also working on the same thing with the help of an independent foreign policy and slammed Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led government for "running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin". This comes after the Indian government reduced the price of petrol by Rs 9.5 per litre and Diesel by Rs 7 per litre. "Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy," Imran Khan tweeted while retweeting an information about reduction of the petrol and diesel prices in India. Imran Khan said "Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs" bowed to the external pressure forcing a regime change, and "are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin." "For our govt, Pakistan's interest was supreme but unfortunately the local Mir Jafars & Mir Sadiqs bowed to external pressure forcing a regime change, and are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin," the former PM tweeted. (ANI)
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has discussed by phone with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries and the need to adopt the 6th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Zelensky issued the relevant report on Twitter, according to Ukrinform.

"Had a phone conversation with #MarioDraghi at his initiative. Talked about defensive cooperation, the need to accelerate the 6th package of sanctions and unblock Ukrainian ports," Zelensky wrote.

The president added that he thanked Italy for its unconditional support for Ukraine on its path to the European Union.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on May 21, Ugo Cappellacci, chairman of the parliamentary group for interparliamentary relations with Ukraine, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, visited Kyiv. Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva discussed with the delegation Ukraine's recent steps toward European integration.

Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has discussed by phone with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries and the need to adopt the 6th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Zelensky issued the relevant report on Twitter, according to Ukrinform.

"Had a phone conversation with #MarioDraghi at his initiative. Talked about defensive cooperation, the need to accelerate the 6th package of sanctions and unblock Ukrainian ports," Zelensky wrote.

The president added that he thanked Italy for its unconditional support for Ukraine on its path to the European Union.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on May 21, Ugo Cappellacci, chairman of the parliamentary group for interparliamentary relations with Ukraine, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, visited Kyiv. Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva discussed with the delegation Ukraine's recent steps toward European integration.

Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has discussed by phone with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries and the need to adopt the 6th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Zelensky issued the relevant report on Twitter, according to Ukrinform.

"Had a phone conversation with #MarioDraghi at his initiative. Talked about defensive cooperation, the need to accelerate the 6th package of sanctions and unblock Ukrainian ports," Zelensky wrote.

The president added that he thanked Italy for its unconditional support for Ukraine on its path to the European Union.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on May 21, Ugo Cappellacci, chairman of the parliamentary group for interparliamentary relations with Ukraine, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, visited Kyiv. Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva discussed with the delegation Ukraine's recent steps toward European integration.

Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Earlier this month, the Mayiladuthurai district administration had banned the Dharmapuram Aadheenam mutt seer from travelling on palanquins carried by people in a ritual called the 'Pattina Pravesham'.

The seer was carried from his abbey to the mausoleum of tombs of his predecessors by his disciples on a palanquin Saturday. Pattina Pravesham will be held on Sunday, wherein the seer will be carried on a palanquin through the city.

The RDO of Mayiladuthurai, J. Balaji, had denied permission for the ritual of Pattina Pravesham following objections from the Dravidian and Periyarist outfits.

The outfits had claimed that the mutt's centuries old practice was regressive and violative of human rights.

The state government revoked the ban after the Dharmapuram Aadheenam seer, Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal, met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and sought his intervention to revoke the ban on Pattina Pravesham.

The opposition BJP and AIADMK had come out against the ban announced by the Mayiladuthurai RDO.

The palanquin bearers had also said that there were no rights violations as they did not have any objection to carrying the seer as he was their spiritual guru.

The palanquin carriers had pointed out that they have been regarded as 'Sripatham Thangigal' for several generations.

With the state government revoking the ban, all eyes are now Sunday's programme.

--IANS aal/arm

( 267 Words)

2022-05-21-20:22:03 (IANS)
The Karnataka High Court on Saturday sentenced a man to seven years in prison for his role in the suicide of a woman. The woman ended her life after being abused and assaulted by the accused who was her neighbour. She held him responsible for taking the extreme step. The high court had quashed the lower court order of acquittal of the accused, Shanta Shetty. The bench headed by Justice S. Rachaiah passed the order after considering the petition submitted by the Chamarajanagar police challenging the acquittal of the accused. The court observed that the accused was acquitted by the lower court for lack of certification on mental health of the deceased lady. The certification in this case is a mere technicality and it can't be considered as an evidence, the court noted. "If the statement is trustworthy, it could be considered as an evidence. The statements recorded prior to her death was authenticated by the victim and it proved that the person was in sound mental condition," the court said. The deceased's husband and other eye witnesses had confirmed that the victim ended her life for not being able to bear the insult by the accused person. The head constable had recorded her statement, the court said. The accused had quarrelled with the victim on June 12, 2008. He had questioned her as to why she fought with his wife. He also abused and dragged her out of her house and assaulted her. The accused had also told the victim that it is better she died. The victim then poured kerosene and set herself ablaze. She succumbed to her injuries at a hospital five days later. --IANS mka/kvd/arm ( 296 Words) 2022-05-21-20:02:03 (IANS)

Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
Madam Nkrumah and President Weah

20.05.2022 LISTEN

President of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed Liberias commitment to ECOWAS goals and objectives for regional peace, stability, and reintegration.

He, however, called on ECOWAS to take decisive and expedient interventions in resolving the crisis in Guinea.

He also assured ECOWAS of the Liberian Governments commitment to providing an enabling environment for ECOWAS to execute its mandate under the Office of the Resident Representative.

President Weah made the remarks during a short ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia during which the newly appointed Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah presented her letters of credence to the President of Liberia in Monrovia.

Madam Nkrumah, who is a former chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ghana after the presentation held discussions with President Weah and high-level members of his cabinet.

She also conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou to President Weah a statement from the office copied to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult in Tema stated.

Madam Nkrumah commended President Weah for his commitment to ECOWAS goal towards peace and stability in Liberia, the sub-region, and specifically his support for decisions that have come out of the various ECOWAS summit relative to peace in Guinea and Mali.

She also congratulated the Liberian President for his role as the first Head of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) which is an ECOWAS agency responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states for the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

On behalf of ECOWAS, Madam Nkrumah assured President Weah of ECOWAS commitment to supporting the peace and stability of Liberia and its young democracy.
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
The indigenous Kirat community of Nepal came together on Saturday to celebrate their new year and perform the Sakela Dance in person. Hundreds of Kirati community members gathered on the ground just next to the Army Pavilion, commonly known as Tundikhel dancing and praying to the god with the onset of the harvest festival which is also known as Ubhauli. Kirat men and women clad in traditional attire are observing the festival by beating the drums, cymbals and imitating the activities of birds and other animals and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshipping the land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health and property. "Ubhauli festival signifies the start of plantation of crops, it means pushing upward we set up our main god for worship and it is the worship of our community's main god. We come together in traditional attire bringing our homemade liquors and coming to worship the god. The time to sow or plant the crops is celebrated as Ubhauli, and then comes the Mangsir Purnima (around November), when we harvest our crops which is celebrated as Udhauli. Now we are praying for better harvest, better future of our children and their progress," Ambika Rai, one of the revellers present in the mass celebration of the festival told ANI. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/ Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. "Sakela has high significance and importance, it has been danced and followed for the ages but inside the Rai community itself, the tradition of Sakela dance is slowly facing the threat of extinction. In the previous years, in Kathmandu, we didn't use to celebrate the Sakela as we celebrate it now. When I was first here in Kathmandu, we were not allowed to observe it here on this ground but now the restriction has been removed and we are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety," Nir Bahadur Rai, another reveller told ANI. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe that ancestors would get angry if they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practised in the same way as in the old time. However, the practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days. A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform a dance together in the circle. (ANI)
The indigenous Kirat community of Nepal came together on Saturday to celebrate their new year and perform the Sakela Dance in person. Hundreds of Kirati community members gathered on the ground just next to the Army Pavilion, commonly known as Tundikhel dancing and praying to the god with the onset of the harvest festival which is also known as Ubhauli. Kirat men and women clad in traditional attire are observing the festival by beating the drums, cymbals and imitating the activities of birds and other animals and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshipping the land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health and property. "Ubhauli festival signifies the start of plantation of crops, it means pushing upward we set up our main god for worship and it is the worship of our community's main god. We come together in traditional attire bringing our homemade liquors and coming to worship the god. The time to sow or plant the crops is celebrated as Ubhauli, and then comes the Mangsir Purnima (around November), when we harvest our crops which is celebrated as Udhauli. Now we are praying for better harvest, better future of our children and their progress," Ambika Rai, one of the revellers present in the mass celebration of the festival told ANI. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/ Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. "Sakela has high significance and importance, it has been danced and followed for the ages but inside the Rai community itself, the tradition of Sakela dance is slowly facing the threat of extinction. In the previous years, in Kathmandu, we didn't use to celebrate the Sakela as we celebrate it now. When I was first here in Kathmandu, we were not allowed to observe it here on this ground but now the restriction has been removed and we are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety," Nir Bahadur Rai, another reveller told ANI. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe that ancestors would get angry if they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practised in the same way as in the old time. However, the practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days. A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform a dance together in the circle. (ANI)
The indigenous Kirat community of Nepal came together on Saturday to celebrate their new year and perform the Sakela Dance in person. Hundreds of Kirati community members gathered on the ground just next to the Army Pavilion, commonly known as Tundikhel dancing and praying to the god with the onset of the harvest festival which is also known as Ubhauli. Kirat men and women clad in traditional attire are observing the festival by beating the drums, cymbals and imitating the activities of birds and other animals and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshipping the land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health and property. "Ubhauli festival signifies the start of plantation of crops, it means pushing upward we set up our main god for worship and it is the worship of our community's main god. We come together in traditional attire bringing our homemade liquors and coming to worship the god. The time to sow or plant the crops is celebrated as Ubhauli, and then comes the Mangsir Purnima (around November), when we harvest our crops which is celebrated as Udhauli. Now we are praying for better harvest, better future of our children and their progress," Ambika Rai, one of the revellers present in the mass celebration of the festival told ANI. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/ Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. "Sakela has high significance and importance, it has been danced and followed for the ages but inside the Rai community itself, the tradition of Sakela dance is slowly facing the threat of extinction. In the previous years, in Kathmandu, we didn't use to celebrate the Sakela as we celebrate it now. When I was first here in Kathmandu, we were not allowed to observe it here on this ground but now the restriction has been removed and we are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety," Nir Bahadur Rai, another reveller told ANI. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe that ancestors would get angry if they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practised in the same way as in the old time. However, the practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days. A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform a dance together in the circle. (ANI)
The indigenous Kirat community of Nepal came together on Saturday to celebrate their new year and perform the Sakela Dance in person. Hundreds of Kirati community members gathered on the ground just next to the Army Pavilion, commonly known as Tundikhel dancing and praying to the god with the onset of the harvest festival which is also known as Ubhauli. Kirat men and women clad in traditional attire are observing the festival by beating the drums, cymbals and imitating the activities of birds and other animals and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshipping the land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health and property. "Ubhauli festival signifies the start of plantation of crops, it means pushing upward we set up our main god for worship and it is the worship of our community's main god. We come together in traditional attire bringing our homemade liquors and coming to worship the god. The time to sow or plant the crops is celebrated as Ubhauli, and then comes the Mangsir Purnima (around November), when we harvest our crops which is celebrated as Udhauli. Now we are praying for better harvest, better future of our children and their progress," Ambika Rai, one of the revellers present in the mass celebration of the festival told ANI. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/ Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. "Sakela has high significance and importance, it has been danced and followed for the ages but inside the Rai community itself, the tradition of Sakela dance is slowly facing the threat of extinction. In the previous years, in Kathmandu, we didn't use to celebrate the Sakela as we celebrate it now. When I was first here in Kathmandu, we were not allowed to observe it here on this ground but now the restriction has been removed and we are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety," Nir Bahadur Rai, another reveller told ANI. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe that ancestors would get angry if they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practised in the same way as in the old time. However, the practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days. A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform a dance together in the circle. (ANI)

The indigenous Kirat community of Nepal came together on Saturday to celebrate their new year and perform the Sakela Dance in person. Hundreds of Kirati community members gathered on the ground just next to the Army Pavilion, commonly known as Tundikhel dancing and praying to the god with the onset of the harvest festival which is also known as Ubhauli. Kirat men and women clad in traditional attire are observing the festival by beating the drums, cymbals and imitating the activities of birds and other animals and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshipping the land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health and property. "Ubhauli festival signifies the start of plantation of crops, it means pushing upward we set up our main god for worship and it is the worship of our community's main god. We come together in traditional attire bringing our homemade liquors and coming to worship the god. The time to sow or plant the crops is celebrated as Ubhauli, and then comes the Mangsir Purnima (around November), when we harvest our crops which is celebrated as Udhauli. Now we are praying for better harvest, better future of our children and their progress," Ambika Rai, one of the revellers present in the mass celebration of the festival told ANI. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/ Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. "Sakela has high significance and importance, it has been danced and followed for the ages but inside the Rai community itself, the tradition of Sakela dance is slowly facing the threat of extinction. In the previous years, in Kathmandu, we didn't use to celebrate the Sakela as we celebrate it now. When I was first here in Kathmandu, we were not allowed to observe it here on this ground but now the restriction has been removed and we are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety," Nir Bahadur Rai, another reveller told ANI. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe that ancestors would get angry if they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practised in the same way as in the old time. However, the practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days. A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform a dance together in the circle. (ANI)
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
A black trainee vicar was blocked from becoming a Church of England priest after a white bishop voiced concerns about his belief that Britain was not institutionally racist.

In the latest storm to hit the Church, Calvin Robinson, a TV presenter and political commentator, accused senior figures last night of torpedoing his planned ordination because of his conservative and anti-woke views.

Internal emails obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked to be shown examples of Mr Robinsons tweets amid mounting alarm within the Church over his criticism of bleeding-heart liberal vicars and the Churchs race policy.

In one, The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist.

Mr Robinson, a former teacher who has trained for two years to become an ordained member of the clergy, has been told that plans for him to serve as a deacon at a parish in London have been axed.

Last night he described the decision as soul-destroying and claimed it followed a sustained campaign against him by the Bishop of Edmonton over his views, including on whether Britain and the Church were institutionally racist. These people are claiming they are institutionally racist, yet they are disregarding the opinion of an ethnic minority because it is not fitting their narrative, he said.

In comments set to rock the Churchs hierarchy, he questioned whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has claimed the Church is deeply institutionally racist, had a part in blocking his ordination.

Calvin Robinson, a trainee priest, was blocked by the Church of England from becoming a vicar after a white bishop took issue with his claim that Britain is not institutionally racist

I would love to know how big a role the Archbishop had in it because he has certainly been a part of the conversation. He is the boss and the fact they have gone ahead and cancelled me suggests that he was happy with that.

The controversy comes after the Archbishop was criticised for using his Easter Day sermon to attack Government plans to send migrants to Rwanda as ungodly.

The Church said last night there were only a few clergy positions in London and no suitable option available in London for Mr Robinson, who became a trainee vicar  an ordinand  at St Stephens House, a theological college at the University of Oxford, in October 2020.

The emails reveal that even before starting his studies, Mr Robinsons public comments were being scrutinised by church leaders. He claimed on ITVs Good Morning Britain in September 2020 that the Black Lives Matter movement was stoking racial tensions, adding: There are elements of racism in this country we need to stamp out, but while we are seeing everything as racist we are kind of undermining those racial issues we need to address.

That day the Bishop of Edmonton emailed the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, and a PR adviser to the Diocese of London to register concern about Mr Robinsons denial of institutional racism in Britain. Calvin Robinson is not only a political commentator, but hes an ordinand and former teacher in this area, he added. Despite the Churchs view on racism, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities concluded in March 2021 that Britain did not have a systemic racism problem. In November 2021 senior Church leaders received a complaint after Mr Robinson shared on social media a Daily Mail investigation that exposed how the Church gave official advice that being baptised could help failed asylum seekers stay in Britain.

It followed news that suicide bomber Enzo Almeni, who detonated a device at a hospital in Liverpool last year, was baptised there as a Christian in 2015. Mr Robinson, by then a GB News commentator, tweeted that misguided bleeding-heart liberal vicars could be complicit in recent terror attack, adding: Not to mention abuse of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism.

Bishop Wickham criticised the highly irresponsible comments in an email to Emma Ineson, assistant bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and said they remained online after 27 migrants died in the English Channel. These are clear examples as to why, in my opinion, his ordination should be looked at very closely indeed, he wrote. Calvins Twitter feed is here. It is worth scrolling down. He revealed the Archbishop of Canterbury had asked for examples of Calvin Robinsons tweets and highlighted that Mr Robinson had also criticised the findings of the Churchs anti-racism taskforce, which recommended quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy. Bishop Ineson said she would show the information to Archbishop Welby.

Mr Robinson was to be ordained as a deacon with a part-time role as assistant curate at St Albans Church in Holborn, central London. But in February the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told him the role was likely to prove problematic, and would not lead to a fruitful or happy formation for you in your early years in ordained ministry. Mr Robinson offered to reduce his media work but was told he would still not be able to take up the proposed role because that moment had passed.

The Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton (pictured), voiced his fears to senior church leaders after Mr Robinson insisted that Britain was not riven with racism. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, he wrote

At a meeting with Mr Robinson this month, Bishop Mullally insisted the decision was not about his politics, but because his presence on social media and TV is often divisive and brings disunity.

Tory MP Tom Hunt backed Mr Robinson last night, saying: The message the Church seems comfortable to send out is that its OK to propagate some political views but not others. Sadly, Church of England congregations will continue to decline as millions of Christians are alienated by its behaviour.

Mr Robinson announced last night he was leaving the Church of England and joining the breakaway conservative Global Anglican Future Conference.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops of Edmonton and London declined to comment. The Diocese of London said: We have a limited number of curacies available. In this instance, it is felt that there is no suitable option available that London can offer. We continue to be in conversation with Calvin, are willing to work with him to discern the right way forward, and we keep him in our prayers.

Why do the white middle class clergy find it so hard to accept that I don't see racism lurking in every corner?

BY CALVIN ROBINSON

Sitting in an ornate study in the Old Deanery  a 17th Century mansion house opposite St Pauls Cathedral  the Bishop of London put her hand on my arm and quietly said something that left me astounded.

Calvin, as a white woman I can tell you that the Church IS institutionally racist, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally told me.

We had been discussing the Churchs race policy, which I had been vocally objecting to for some time. The Bishop could not understand that as a black man, I simply did not share her  and the Church hierarchys  view on this contentious issue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has proclaimed that the Church of England is deeply institutionally racist and called for radical and decisive action. Last year an Anti-Racism Task Force recommended using quotas to boost the number of black and ethnic-minority senior clergy, introducing salaried racial justice officers in all 42 dioceses and launching racial justice Sunday once a year.

I fundamentally disagreed with this approach, which is based on a faith in divisive Left-wing Critical Race Theory, instead of the teachings of Christ. I believe it is divisive and offensive.

I have experienced plenty of racism in my life, but it has always been down to a minority of malicious individuals. I do not think the claim that either the Church, or wider society, is institutionally racist has ever been supported by robust evidence.

The Bishop of Londons hushed condescension during our meeting made me realise that any dissent from the Churchs ingrained view, which to me seems like nothing more than virtue-signalling, is not welcomed. The Church claims it wants to listen to the perspectives of minorities  well, I am one of them but it doesnt appear to want to hear my view because it also happens to be a conservative one.

For the past two years I have been training for ordination at St Stephens House at the University of Oxford. I was due to begin a curacy at a lovely parish in Holborn, Central London, and within a year I hoped to be ordained a priest.

It takes a long time to acknowledge a call from God to serve as a priest, and its a vocation that often involves the sacrifice of leaving behind a successful career. I gave up my career as an assistant headteacher and consultant for the Department for Education to throw myself into my theological studies.

My role in Holborn was to be part-time, what the bishops called bi-vocational  allowing me to balance my work for the parish with my role in the media. The arrangement had been designed as an acknowledgment that I see my media work, which reaches a huge audience, as part of my calling and future ministry.

Mr Robinson also claimed that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally (pictured), lectured him about racism in the church, insisting that as a white woman I can tell you that the Church is institutionally racist

I was therefore staggered to be told that the Church could no longer offer me the position.

During a Zoom call, the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, told me that there had been a lot of turbulence over some of the views I had expressed online and on TV. It was no secret that senior figures in the Church disliked me. I am after all a traditionalist  which means I do not believe in the ordination of women  and I have never been afraid to voice my criticism of the Churchs drift away from what I, and many of its parishioners, think are its core values.

I did not expect everyone to agree with me, but what I did expect is the right to express my own opinions. I had always been taught that the Church of England was a broad church.

I later discovered that Church leaders in London appeared to have had deep misgivings about my ordination from the very beginning of my training  despite spending more than 20,000 of parishioners money on sending me to study theology at Oxford.

Emails that I obtained via data-protection rules revealed that bishops at the very top of the Church had been closely scrutinising my public comments.

His political agenda is I guess what you would call libertarian  anti-woke, anti-identity politics, Covid-sceptical, the Bishop of Fulham wrote in one email. His tweets get him into trouble sometimes and there have been complaints to the Bishop of London that he shouldnt be ordained.

One particular email stood out. It was written by the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, to the Bishop of London and one of the Churchs PR advisers. Calvins comments concern me about denying institutional racism in this country, the Bishop wrote.

But why was this white, middle-class clergyman so worried about my perfectly legitimate view that Britain is not riven with systemic racism?

Perhaps he did not regard my view as valid and his real concern was that I did not adhere to the Churchs liberal agenda.

It was confirmation to me that the Church, like our Civil Service and universities, is under the control of people with the same Left-leaning, woke mindset.

If the Church is institutionally racist, as the Archbishop of Canterbury insists, then why have he and other senior figures, including Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, not resigned? After all, they have all been bishops for years, which suggests they have been unable to solve the problem.

And its not just issues of race and gender. It seems the Church will affirm any liberal progressive secular view, but clamp down on conservative views, either political or theological.

If you defend family values, the sanctity of marriage, all human life being sacred, or the fact that God made us male and female, youll face opprobrium.

Something has gone wrong. The established Church is entering apostasy, and the faithful masses in the congregations and the hard-working clergy deserve better.

Since my ordination was blocked Ive been contacted by clergymen and lay people up and down the country who have been sharing their stories of how theyve been silenced by the Church for holding conservative views.

It is perhaps no surprise the Church has been in slow and steady decline for decades. The average attendance at Sunday services across the country fell from 740,000 in 2016 to 690,000 in 2019.

After becoming increasingly disillusioned, I recently decided to leave the Church of England and join a more orthodox institution, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Walking away from the Church of England has been heartbreaking.

People often quizzed me on why, if I was so troubled by its direction, I was also so determined to take holy orders in the Church of England. It was because, for me, the Church is the body of Christ and, perhaps naively, I thought I could help pull things back on track from within.

But I have, sadly, been proved wrong. Comfortable in its liberal world view, the Church of England is completely unwilling to change.
WEST POINT - General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told West Point's graduating class on Saturday that wars they fight might bear little resemblance to today's because of technological advances.

But Milley told the 1,014 cadets who were about to become second lieutenants in the Army that their mission remains the same: defending the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley enters Michie Stadium for the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in Highland Falls on Saturday.

"This is what you are committing to today," Milley said. "You never turn your back on the Constitution...And you are going to lead our nation's most precious resource, the other young men and women who are serving."

Milley is the nation's highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - who was last year's West Point commencement speaker - and the National Security Council.

Before Milley began the serious part of his address, he asked the cadets before him to stand and face their parents, siblings and other family members in the stands at Michie Stadium.

Cadets take part in the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in Highland Falls on Saturday.

"Give a big round of applause to your families, because they are the reason you are here right now," Milley said.

Milley painted a bleak picture of the world in which the new second lieutenants will begin their military careers, one where there is "potential for great conflicts."

"You are entering a difficult world," Milley said.

Russian aggression in Europe, the economic and military rise of China and others all pose challenges to the United States, which once was a largely unchallenged superpower, Milley said.

And technology is changing that landscape in many ways, he noted.

"No matter where you are in the world, you can be observed by some device," Milley said. "And if you can be seen, you can be hit."

Milley said future wars could involve more urban fighting, like what has been taking place in Ukraine since Russia invaded, and less rural combat.

Newburgh Illuminated: Annual festival will celebrate city's diversity and dynamism

Story continues

Clean energy: New Paltz building the firehouse of the future

Guilty plea: Highland Falls mayor admits 2021 petition fraud

But Lt. General Darryl Williams, West Point's superintendent, told the cadets they are up to the task.

Cadets take the oath of office during the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point.

"The 47 months you have been here have been challenging and tough," Williams said. "But you are now prepared to support and defend the Constitution, and to fight and win our nation's wars. You are ready to lead. You are ready to fight. You are ready to win."

Saturday's graduation also saw the return of a tradition at West Point graduations that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic: the participation of children in the hat-toss that ends the ceremony.

Graduating cadets toss their covers in the air at the end of the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday.

At the call of "class dismissed," the now-second lieutenants jubilantly tossed their covers in the air.

Then, from the north end of the stadium, a crowd of kids raced in, scrambling to grab one of the souvenirs. Each is allowed to keep one hat.

The West Point class of 2022 included 13 international cadets - two each from Poland, Thailand and Tunisia, and one each from Albania, Bhutan, Cambodia, Romania, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

They will return to their home countries and serve their time in military service there.

Cadets take part in the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in Highland Falls, N.Y. on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Nineteen of the graduates came from the mid- and lower Hudson Valley region: Daniel Alaimo of West Nyack, James Bellucci of Pawling, Jacob Burgess of Cornwall-on-Hudson, Noah Daigle of Warwick, Nolan Green of Fort Montgomery, Brandon Hernandez of New City, Matthew Jabloner of Chappaqua, Michael Jones of Middletown, Eric Kulkarini of Wappingers Falls, Nicholas Mackey of Marlboro, Oscar Pereira of Hastings-on-Hudson, Caroline Raymond of Mahopac, Emma San Martin of Ossining, Timothy Stewart Jr. of Maybrook, and Joseph Dawson, Alexander Evangelista, Heather Graham, Kimberly Kean and Josiah Spain, all of West Point.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, the Poughkeepsie Journal and the Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @MikeRandall845

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: West Point graduates 1,014 new second lieutenants, 19 from region
WEST POINT - General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told West Point's graduating class on Saturday that wars they fight might bear little resemblance to today's because of technological advances.

But Milley told the 1,014 cadets who were about to become second lieutenants in the Army that their mission remains the same: defending the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley enters Michie Stadium for the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in Highland Falls on Saturday.

"This is what you are committing to today," Milley said. "You never turn your back on the Constitution...And you are going to lead our nation's most precious resource, the other young men and women who are serving."

Milley is the nation's highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin - who was last year's West Point commencement speaker - and the National Security Council.

Before Milley began the serious part of his address, he asked the cadets before him to stand and face their parents, siblings and other family members in the stands at Michie Stadium.

Cadets take part in the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in Highland Falls on Saturday.

"Give a big round of applause to your families, because they are the reason you are here right now," Milley said.

Milley painted a bleak picture of the world in which the new second lieutenants will begin their military careers, one where there is "potential for great conflicts."

"You are entering a difficult world," Milley said.

Russian aggression in Europe, the economic and military rise of China and others all pose challenges to the United States, which once was a largely unchallenged superpower, Milley said.

And technology is changing that landscape in many ways, he noted.

"No matter where you are in the world, you can be observed by some device," Milley said. "And if you can be seen, you can be hit."

Milley said future wars could involve more urban fighting, like what has been taking place in Ukraine since Russia invaded, and less rural combat.

Newburgh Illuminated: Annual festival will celebrate city's diversity and dynamism

Story continues

Clean energy: New Paltz building the firehouse of the future

Guilty plea: Highland Falls mayor admits 2021 petition fraud

But Lt. General Darryl Williams, West Point's superintendent, told the cadets they are up to the task.

Cadets take the oath of office during the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point.

"The 47 months you have been here have been challenging and tough," Williams said. "But you are now prepared to support and defend the Constitution, and to fight and win our nation's wars. You are ready to lead. You are ready to fight. You are ready to win."

Saturday's graduation also saw the return of a tradition at West Point graduations that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic: the participation of children in the hat-toss that ends the ceremony.

Graduating cadets toss their covers in the air at the end of the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday.

At the call of "class dismissed," the now-second lieutenants jubilantly tossed their covers in the air.

Then, from the north end of the stadium, a crowd of kids raced in, scrambling to grab one of the souvenirs. Each is allowed to keep one hat.

The West Point class of 2022 included 13 international cadets - two each from Poland, Thailand and Tunisia, and one each from Albania, Bhutan, Cambodia, Romania, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

They will return to their home countries and serve their time in military service there.

Cadets take part in the 2022 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in Highland Falls, N.Y. on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Nineteen of the graduates came from the mid- and lower Hudson Valley region: Daniel Alaimo of West Nyack, James Bellucci of Pawling, Jacob Burgess of Cornwall-on-Hudson, Noah Daigle of Warwick, Nolan Green of Fort Montgomery, Brandon Hernandez of New City, Matthew Jabloner of Chappaqua, Michael Jones of Middletown, Eric Kulkarini of Wappingers Falls, Nicholas Mackey of Marlboro, Oscar Pereira of Hastings-on-Hudson, Caroline Raymond of Mahopac, Emma San Martin of Ossining, Timothy Stewart Jr. of Maybrook, and Joseph Dawson, Alexander Evangelista, Heather Graham, Kimberly Kean and Josiah Spain, all of West Point.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, the Poughkeepsie Journal and the Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @MikeRandall845

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: West Point graduates 1,014 new second lieutenants, 19 from region



President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has discussed by phone with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries and the need to adopt the 6th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Zelensky issued the relevant report on Twitter, according to Ukrinform.

"Had a phone conversation with #MarioDraghi at his initiative. Talked about defensive cooperation, the need to accelerate the 6th package of sanctions and unblock Ukrainian ports," Zelensky wrote.

The president added that he thanked Italy for its unconditional support for Ukraine on its path to the European Union.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on May 21, Ugo Cappellacci, chairman of the parliamentary group for interparliamentary relations with Ukraine, and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, visited Kyiv. Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva discussed with the delegation Ukraine's recent steps toward European integration.

Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia
MU health expert: Monkeypox is so far not expected to spread to Columbia
(Newser)  After their presidents met Saturday in Seoul, the US and South Korea announced they might broaden their joint military exercises in the face of North Korea's aggressive nuclear missile program. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the exercises are "key to our combined defense capability" during a press conference with Biden, adding, "We are going to step up our exercises." The joint statement the two nations released contained less of a commitment, USA Today reports, saying the presidents agreed to begin talks "to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula."

The exercises were smaller during President Trump's administration than they had been. North Korea considers them hostile acts, and Biden said he'd agree to a meeting with President Kim Jong Un, provided he was sincere and serious about it, per the Washington Post. The statement said Biden and Yoon agreed that North Korea's nuclear program "presents a grave threat not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the rest of Asia and the world." Yoon, who took office less than two weeks ago after promising to be tougher with North Korea, was pleased. "President Biden and I see eye to eye on so many fronts," he said, per the New York Times.

A US president has never visited South Korea so quickly after an election; Yoon said during his campaign he wanted closer ties. "We've gotten a chance to get to know one another personally," Biden said during a state dinner Saturday night, adding, "I think maybe we told each other too much." Biden is on a five-day Asia trip. He was scheduled to fly after the dinner to Japan, where he's to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well asthe leaders of India and Australia. (Read more diplomacy stories.)
The indigenous Kirat community of Nepal came together on Saturday to celebrate their new year and perform the Sakela Dance in person. Hundreds of Kirati community members gathered on the ground just next to the Army Pavilion, commonly known as Tundikhel dancing and praying to the god with the onset of the harvest festival which is also known as Ubhauli. Kirat men and women clad in traditional attire are observing the festival by beating the drums, cymbals and imitating the activities of birds and other animals and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshipping the land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health and property. "Ubhauli festival signifies the start of plantation of crops, it means pushing upward we set up our main god for worship and it is the worship of our community's main god. We come together in traditional attire bringing our homemade liquors and coming to worship the god. The time to sow or plant the crops is celebrated as Ubhauli, and then comes the Mangsir Purnima (around November), when we harvest our crops which is celebrated as Udhauli. Now we are praying for better harvest, better future of our children and their progress," Ambika Rai, one of the revellers present in the mass celebration of the festival told ANI. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/ Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. "Sakela has high significance and importance, it has been danced and followed for the ages but inside the Rai community itself, the tradition of Sakela dance is slowly facing the threat of extinction. In the previous years, in Kathmandu, we didn't use to celebrate the Sakela as we celebrate it now. When I was first here in Kathmandu, we were not allowed to observe it here on this ground but now the restriction has been removed and we are celebrating it with fervour and gaiety," Nir Bahadur Rai, another reveller told ANI. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe that ancestors would get angry if they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practised in the same way as in the old time. However, the practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days. A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform a dance together in the circle. (ANI)
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'


Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno


In a major move, Bahrains first business angels company Tenmou has increased its investment in Unipal, an online platform providing exclusive benefits to students in the kingdom. Also it aims to enter a new investment plan with Tao Media, an online platform that connects media organizations to freelancers.

The announcement into the Bahraini startup was made at the first investment committee of Tenmou, which provides both mentorship and capital to high-potential, innovative Bahraini entrepreneurs from the seed stage.

This move comes after its Unipal's founders displayed a remarkable ability to invest the previous "Tenmou" financing in attaining several excellent successes in terms of improving the operating model, boosting the work team, and expanding the company, said Tenmou in a statement.

Tenmou pointed out that Unipal had supported so many Bahraini students, partnered with numerous universities and high schools, and is currently expanding into Saudi Arabia, a key reason for its investment boost.

Unipal secured 50% of the student population, as they have helped students save over $100,000 and that the value it is bringing to Bahrain and students not only locally but regionally is incredibly significant.

Tenmou said its want to help Unipal accelerate its growth in the kingdom.

"Boosting the investment in Unipal and proceeding with a new deal for Tao Media indicates Tenmou's desire to form strategic partnerships with Bahraini startups that demonstrate their potential to grow," explained Tenmou's CEO Nawaf Al koheji.

"Tenmou's investment committee selected these companies after meetings with many startups that have pitched to the company and discussed their investment plans," he added.

During its meeting with Tao Media, one of its founders Ali Albanna said the company aims to create a social impact and help so many businesses run efficiently and effectively within the media industry.

The investment committee in Tenmou announced its entry into new investment plans in Tao Media, an online platform with a wide database reaching 35+ countries.

The organisation, which connects media organizations to freelancers, has also secured an international deal.
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno



Ahmedabad, May 22 : The Central government has cancelled the Damanganga-Par-Tapi-Narmada link project on the request of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, protecting the interests of the tribal people of the state.

The tribal community and opposition Congress were opposing the project since a long time and held protests spearheaded by Congress MLA Anant Patel.

Announcing the cancellation of the river project, the Chief Minister said the project has been successfully cancelled after conveying to the Central government the representation and sentiment of the tribal community that the tribal areas around the rivers would be affected.

Mentioning that the implementation of this scheme would displace many tribals in south Gujarat, the opposition Congress had spread misconceptions and misinformation among the tribals.

This project has been dropped by giving priority to the interests of the tribals.

Gujarat Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel said along with several river link projects in the country, the Tapi-Narmada project was also announced and financial provision was made in the Union Budget.

The Damanganga-Par-Tapi-Narmada-link project has been cancelled in the interest of the tribals, for which Bhupendra Patel himself visited south Gujarat to announce it.

On this occasion, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Energy Mukesh Patel, Minister of State for Water Resources and Water Supply Jitubhai Chaudhari, Member of Parliament and State Organisation Chairman C.R. Patil, Former Ministers, Ramanlal Patkar and Kanti Gamit, and tribal leaders were also present.
Ahmedabad, May 22 : The Central government has cancelled the Damanganga-Par-Tapi-Narmada link project on the request of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, protecting the interests of the tribal people of the state.

The tribal community and opposition Congress were opposing the project since a long time and held protests spearheaded by Congress MLA Anant Patel.

Announcing the cancellation of the river project, the Chief Minister said the project has been successfully cancelled after conveying to the Central government the representation and sentiment of the tribal community that the tribal areas around the rivers would be affected.

Mentioning that the implementation of this scheme would displace many tribals in south Gujarat, the opposition Congress had spread misconceptions and misinformation among the tribals.

This project has been dropped by giving priority to the interests of the tribals.

Gujarat Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel said along with several river link projects in the country, the Tapi-Narmada project was also announced and financial provision was made in the Union Budget.

The Damanganga-Par-Tapi-Narmada-link project has been cancelled in the interest of the tribals, for which Bhupendra Patel himself visited south Gujarat to announce it.

On this occasion, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Energy Mukesh Patel, Minister of State for Water Resources and Water Supply Jitubhai Chaudhari, Member of Parliament and State Organisation Chairman C.R. Patil, Former Ministers, Ramanlal Patkar and Kanti Gamit, and tribal leaders were also present.
NORMAL  Young Black scholars from the Twin Cities were celebrated Saturday at an Umoja ceremony held on the Illinois State University campus.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Psi Lambda Chapter, along with the Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event served as recognition of graduating high school students and their families, with honors rooted in African traditions.

James Love, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, told The Pantagraph that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate Black cultural and heritage, and review African American history and predominant Black icons in the United States.

We want (graduates) to see that and let them know theyre capable of more as theyre transitioning into college, he said.

Love explained that they started holding the Umoja ceremony in 2016, and that its name means unity in Swahili.

So when celebrating the high school students, he said they want to ensure they bring in the community to provide that unity.

We loop that into the celebration and we want to make sure unity is very present and theyre not forgetting their heritage, Love said.

Also in the Saturday event program was the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Evry Voice & Sing, reciting of the Ancestors Prayer and the Ancestral Libations, and presentations of honor cords for graduates to wear with their gowns.

The keynote speaker was Vernon Smith Jr., a graduate of Normal Community High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He works as a reporter for Fox 2 in the St. Louis area.

He addressed graduates about how his parents gave him a document listing six key topics, with many bullets points for each. Smith said one was freedom, and its first point was to be responsible. He said students can stay out as late as they want to now, but they should not make a habit of it every weekend.

The second, he said, was make good decisions and dont embarrass your parents. And the third, Smith said, was dont get caught up with crowds that go wild with new freedoms; he later continued that those crowds dont always make it to graduation. Some dont make it to sophomore year.

Smith said he doesnt want to make it seem like you cant have fun in college, however, be smart about the decisions you make, and remember, you went there for an education.

Smith also encouraged graduates to set up their future by networking, and getting involved in organizations. One he joined connected him with the anchor at the news station he now works at.

Mom and Dad arent going to be there to help you find these jobs once your college graduation rolls around, he said.

Smith also told the graduating students to know their worth as Black students of excellence.

The reason we have events like these where we can celebrate Black excellence is because they count us out. They don't care enough to acknowledge our achievements or talk about the issues you'll face on the college campus, Smith said.

One graduating senior was Alexander Williams Jr., whos set to earn his diploma from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Since being away from home, Williams said he was glad to have his friends and family  including his sister Sahara, a sophomore at Normal Community West High School  come together on Saturday.

He plans to study physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with plans to transfer into computer science.

Latrice Samuel, a sponsor for the Normal West Black Student Union, said the ceremony was very organized, and it was great to celebrate Black excellence and our Black children.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In a major move, Bahrains first business angels company Tenmou has increased its investment in Unipal, an online platform providing exclusive benefits to students in the kingdom. Also it aims to enter a new investment plan with Tao Media, an online platform that connects media organizations to freelancers.

The announcement into the Bahraini startup was made at the first investment committee of Tenmou, which provides both mentorship and capital to high-potential, innovative Bahraini entrepreneurs from the seed stage.

This move comes after its Unipal's founders displayed a remarkable ability to invest the previous "Tenmou" financing in attaining several excellent successes in terms of improving the operating model, boosting the work team, and expanding the company, said Tenmou in a statement.

Tenmou pointed out that Unipal had supported so many Bahraini students, partnered with numerous universities and high schools, and is currently expanding into Saudi Arabia, a key reason for its investment boost.

Unipal secured 50% of the student population, as they have helped students save over $100,000 and that the value it is bringing to Bahrain and students not only locally but regionally is incredibly significant.

Tenmou said its want to help Unipal accelerate its growth in the kingdom.

"Boosting the investment in Unipal and proceeding with a new deal for Tao Media indicates Tenmou's desire to form strategic partnerships with Bahraini startups that demonstrate their potential to grow," explained Tenmou's CEO Nawaf Al koheji.

"Tenmou's investment committee selected these companies after meetings with many startups that have pitched to the company and discussed their investment plans," he added.

During its meeting with Tao Media, one of its founders Ali Albanna said the company aims to create a social impact and help so many businesses run efficiently and effectively within the media industry.

The investment committee in Tenmou announced its entry into new investment plans in Tao Media, an online platform with a wide database reaching 35+ countries.

The organisation, which connects media organizations to freelancers, has also secured an international deal.
NORMAL  Young Black scholars from the Twin Cities were celebrated Saturday at an Umoja ceremony held on the Illinois State University campus.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Psi Lambda Chapter, along with the Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event served as recognition of graduating high school students and their families, with honors rooted in African traditions.

James Love, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, told The Pantagraph that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate Black cultural and heritage, and review African American history and predominant Black icons in the United States.

We want (graduates) to see that and let them know theyre capable of more as theyre transitioning into college, he said.

Love explained that they started holding the Umoja ceremony in 2016, and that its name means unity in Swahili.

So when celebrating the high school students, he said they want to ensure they bring in the community to provide that unity.

We loop that into the celebration and we want to make sure unity is very present and theyre not forgetting their heritage, Love said.

Also in the Saturday event program was the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Evry Voice & Sing, reciting of the Ancestors Prayer and the Ancestral Libations, and presentations of honor cords for graduates to wear with their gowns.

The keynote speaker was Vernon Smith Jr., a graduate of Normal Community High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He works as a reporter for Fox 2 in the St. Louis area.

He addressed graduates about how his parents gave him a document listing six key topics, with many bullets points for each. Smith said one was freedom, and its first point was to be responsible. He said students can stay out as late as they want to now, but they should not make a habit of it every weekend.

The second, he said, was make good decisions and dont embarrass your parents. And the third, Smith said, was dont get caught up with crowds that go wild with new freedoms; he later continued that those crowds dont always make it to graduation. Some dont make it to sophomore year.

Smith said he doesnt want to make it seem like you cant have fun in college, however, be smart about the decisions you make, and remember, you went there for an education.

Smith also encouraged graduates to set up their future by networking, and getting involved in organizations. One he joined connected him with the anchor at the news station he now works at.

Mom and Dad arent going to be there to help you find these jobs once your college graduation rolls around, he said.

Smith also told the graduating students to know their worth as Black students of excellence.

The reason we have events like these where we can celebrate Black excellence is because they count us out. They don't care enough to acknowledge our achievements or talk about the issues you'll face on the college campus, Smith said.

One graduating senior was Alexander Williams Jr., whos set to earn his diploma from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Since being away from home, Williams said he was glad to have his friends and family  including his sister Sahara, a sophomore at Normal Community West High School  come together on Saturday.

He plans to study physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with plans to transfer into computer science.

Latrice Samuel, a sponsor for the Normal West Black Student Union, said the ceremony was very organized, and it was great to celebrate Black excellence and our Black children.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
NORMAL  Young Black scholars from the Twin Cities were celebrated Saturday at an Umoja ceremony held on the Illinois State University campus.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Psi Lambda Chapter, along with the Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event served as recognition of graduating high school students and their families, with honors rooted in African traditions.

James Love, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, told The Pantagraph that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate Black cultural and heritage, and review African American history and predominant Black icons in the United States.

We want (graduates) to see that and let them know theyre capable of more as theyre transitioning into college, he said.

Love explained that they started holding the Umoja ceremony in 2016, and that its name means unity in Swahili.

So when celebrating the high school students, he said they want to ensure they bring in the community to provide that unity.

We loop that into the celebration and we want to make sure unity is very present and theyre not forgetting their heritage, Love said.

Also in the Saturday event program was the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Evry Voice & Sing, reciting of the Ancestors Prayer and the Ancestral Libations, and presentations of honor cords for graduates to wear with their gowns.

The keynote speaker was Vernon Smith Jr., a graduate of Normal Community High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He works as a reporter for Fox 2 in the St. Louis area.

He addressed graduates about how his parents gave him a document listing six key topics, with many bullets points for each. Smith said one was freedom, and its first point was to be responsible. He said students can stay out as late as they want to now, but they should not make a habit of it every weekend.

The second, he said, was make good decisions and dont embarrass your parents. And the third, Smith said, was dont get caught up with crowds that go wild with new freedoms; he later continued that those crowds dont always make it to graduation. Some dont make it to sophomore year.

Smith said he doesnt want to make it seem like you cant have fun in college, however, be smart about the decisions you make, and remember, you went there for an education.

Smith also encouraged graduates to set up their future by networking, and getting involved in organizations. One he joined connected him with the anchor at the news station he now works at.

Mom and Dad arent going to be there to help you find these jobs once your college graduation rolls around, he said.

Smith also told the graduating students to know their worth as Black students of excellence.

The reason we have events like these where we can celebrate Black excellence is because they count us out. They don't care enough to acknowledge our achievements or talk about the issues you'll face on the college campus, Smith said.

One graduating senior was Alexander Williams Jr., whos set to earn his diploma from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Since being away from home, Williams said he was glad to have his friends and family  including his sister Sahara, a sophomore at Normal Community West High School  come together on Saturday.

He plans to study physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with plans to transfer into computer science.

Latrice Samuel, a sponsor for the Normal West Black Student Union, said the ceremony was very organized, and it was great to celebrate Black excellence and our Black children.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Feria en el Canon, Reyes Padilla. Matriarch, Darby Raymond-Overstreet. Chair Stair, Mick Burson. Davetta, Natalie Voelker. Last Indian Market, Cara Romero. Prev 1 of 5 Next

Editors note: The fourth Sunday of each month, Journal Arts Editor Adrian Gomez tells the stories behind some of the hidden gems you can see across the state in Gimme Five.

Art is powerful.

It has the ability to stop one in their tracks.

It also starts plenty a conversation.

As one walks around the city of Albuquerque, there are hundreds of public art pieces  each with its own story and purpose.

During the pandemic, the Albuquerque Arts Board stepped up to support a variety of artist groups that were experiencing overnight cancellations and closures.

In particular, when the Spanish Market and Indian Market in Santa Fe, which include many artists of New Mexico, were canceled.

Numerous arts festivals and fairs were also canceled.

By summer 2020, the Public Art Program had released four separate calls for existing works of art to try to help visual two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists.

Within months, the arts board had selected 84 works of art and helped get $300,000 into the arts community.

Were so fortunate that voters approve general obligation bonds because that gives us money for the Public Art Program, says Sherri Brueggemann, manager of the Public Art Urban Enhancement Division. We have four primary artist audiences, which were the audiences that were impacted by Spanish and Indian markets. We worked with those organizations to help artists submit online.

Brueggemann says the other two groups are visual artists and artists working in smaller sculpture scale.

These would be placed in government buildings, she says. We dont typically do small sculpture because theres a lot of handling for us, though its important to have those smaller 3D works.

Brueggemann says since the county moved out of City Hall there has been a lot of reorganization happening in the building.

The city has redone the hallways and painted the walls, she says. By the time the project is completed, we will have places for every piece of art.

The time line for completion is in the fall and Brueggemann hopes to have a holiday open house, which will include the convention center.

The artists will then be able to see the 84 new works installed, she says. The city staff is so appreciative of having the art. The public visits these buildings and the art helps not only give a piece of culture, but warms up the area.

The Albuquerque Arts Board highlights five of the 84 pieces.

1. Reyes Padilla, Feria en el Canon

Padilla is a New Mexico native known for utilizing synesthesia, where he sees color through music. The piece is mica shales and acrylic on canvas, and is located at the convention center.

Years ago, I learned from Reyes that he was going back to his familys property in northern New Mexico to mine his own mica, Brueggemann says. This was one of his biggest pieces at the time.

Brueggemann says the piece had an added mystical quality and the darkness of the painting brings a new level of texture.

Im so pleased that this was a phase in his career, she says.

2. Darby Raymond-Overstreet, Matriarch

Raymond-Overstreets piece is scanned Navajo textile, canvas, print, pine and yarn. It is located on the sixth floor of City Hall in the Department of Arts and Culture lobby.

Darby was one of the artists that had been already invited to Indian Market, Brueggemann says.

Raymond-Overstreet lives in Chimayo, although she was born and raised in Arizona.

Brueggemann said she studies, works with and creates Navajo/Dine pattern designs that materialize through portraits, landscapes and abstract forms.

Her work is heavily inspired by and derived from Traditional Dine/Navajo textiles, with particular interest in pieces woven in the late 1800s-1950s.

3. Mick Burson, Chair Stair

The piece is oil, acrylic and graphite on canvas. It is located in the Convention Center.

Brueggemann says the painting pushes the idea of still life.

Amazingly, we have the perfect place for this, she says. Its in the convention center, where a lot of conferences are held. We often line up chairs and this piece is a great abstraction of the way we think of furniture inside the convention center.

4. Natalie Voelker, Davetta

In 2017, local activist Davetta Wilson sat for Voelker.

Davetta has been a prominent community organizers and supporter for years, Brueggemann says. Shes done these projects for the International District and now the piece will hang there.

Brueggemann says Davetta traveled to the National Portait Gallery in London in 2019 and then through Europe after that through mid-2020.

Brueggemann has always enjoyed Voelkers work.

Whats amazing about Natalies work is she paints every day people and captures them in their attire, she says. Shes able to capture all their mannerisms.

Voelkers selected pieces, which also includes Melissa, are both oil on canvas. Both will be installed at the International District Library.

5. Cara Romero, Last Indian Market

The piece is photography archival pigment and is located on the first floor of City Hall in the Albuquerque Community Safety office.

Romero is a Santa Fe-based photographer and was featured in PBS Craft in America in 2019.

She is a member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

Brueggemann says its been an interesting process of finding a location for Romeros piece.

There are many subtle iconic images in this piece, she says. Some are not so subtle and thats what makes it great. Its hanging in the Community Safety office, and visitors and employees like it a lot. It sparks a lot of dialogue, which is what its meant to do.
Feria en el Canon, Reyes Padilla. Matriarch, Darby Raymond-Overstreet. Chair Stair, Mick Burson. Davetta, Natalie Voelker. Last Indian Market, Cara Romero. Prev 1 of 5 Next

Editors note: The fourth Sunday of each month, Journal Arts Editor Adrian Gomez tells the stories behind some of the hidden gems you can see across the state in Gimme Five.

Art is powerful.

It has the ability to stop one in their tracks.

It also starts plenty a conversation.

As one walks around the city of Albuquerque, there are hundreds of public art pieces  each with its own story and purpose.

During the pandemic, the Albuquerque Arts Board stepped up to support a variety of artist groups that were experiencing overnight cancellations and closures.

In particular, when the Spanish Market and Indian Market in Santa Fe, which include many artists of New Mexico, were canceled.

Numerous arts festivals and fairs were also canceled.

By summer 2020, the Public Art Program had released four separate calls for existing works of art to try to help visual two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists.

Within months, the arts board had selected 84 works of art and helped get $300,000 into the arts community.

Were so fortunate that voters approve general obligation bonds because that gives us money for the Public Art Program, says Sherri Brueggemann, manager of the Public Art Urban Enhancement Division. We have four primary artist audiences, which were the audiences that were impacted by Spanish and Indian markets. We worked with those organizations to help artists submit online.

Brueggemann says the other two groups are visual artists and artists working in smaller sculpture scale.

These would be placed in government buildings, she says. We dont typically do small sculpture because theres a lot of handling for us, though its important to have those smaller 3D works.

Brueggemann says since the county moved out of City Hall there has been a lot of reorganization happening in the building.

The city has redone the hallways and painted the walls, she says. By the time the project is completed, we will have places for every piece of art.

The time line for completion is in the fall and Brueggemann hopes to have a holiday open house, which will include the convention center.

The artists will then be able to see the 84 new works installed, she says. The city staff is so appreciative of having the art. The public visits these buildings and the art helps not only give a piece of culture, but warms up the area.

The Albuquerque Arts Board highlights five of the 84 pieces.

1. Reyes Padilla, Feria en el Canon

Padilla is a New Mexico native known for utilizing synesthesia, where he sees color through music. The piece is mica shales and acrylic on canvas, and is located at the convention center.

Years ago, I learned from Reyes that he was going back to his familys property in northern New Mexico to mine his own mica, Brueggemann says. This was one of his biggest pieces at the time.

Brueggemann says the piece had an added mystical quality and the darkness of the painting brings a new level of texture.

Im so pleased that this was a phase in his career, she says.

2. Darby Raymond-Overstreet, Matriarch

Raymond-Overstreets piece is scanned Navajo textile, canvas, print, pine and yarn. It is located on the sixth floor of City Hall in the Department of Arts and Culture lobby.

Darby was one of the artists that had been already invited to Indian Market, Brueggemann says.

Raymond-Overstreet lives in Chimayo, although she was born and raised in Arizona.

Brueggemann said she studies, works with and creates Navajo/Dine pattern designs that materialize through portraits, landscapes and abstract forms.

Her work is heavily inspired by and derived from Traditional Dine/Navajo textiles, with particular interest in pieces woven in the late 1800s-1950s.

3. Mick Burson, Chair Stair

The piece is oil, acrylic and graphite on canvas. It is located in the Convention Center.

Brueggemann says the painting pushes the idea of still life.

Amazingly, we have the perfect place for this, she says. Its in the convention center, where a lot of conferences are held. We often line up chairs and this piece is a great abstraction of the way we think of furniture inside the convention center.

4. Natalie Voelker, Davetta

In 2017, local activist Davetta Wilson sat for Voelker.

Davetta has been a prominent community organizers and supporter for years, Brueggemann says. Shes done these projects for the International District and now the piece will hang there.

Brueggemann says Davetta traveled to the National Portait Gallery in London in 2019 and then through Europe after that through mid-2020.

Brueggemann has always enjoyed Voelkers work.

Whats amazing about Natalies work is she paints every day people and captures them in their attire, she says. Shes able to capture all their mannerisms.

Voelkers selected pieces, which also includes Melissa, are both oil on canvas. Both will be installed at the International District Library.

5. Cara Romero, Last Indian Market

The piece is photography archival pigment and is located on the first floor of City Hall in the Albuquerque Community Safety office.

Romero is a Santa Fe-based photographer and was featured in PBS Craft in America in 2019.

She is a member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

Brueggemann says its been an interesting process of finding a location for Romeros piece.

There are many subtle iconic images in this piece, she says. Some are not so subtle and thats what makes it great. Its hanging in the Community Safety office, and visitors and employees like it a lot. It sparks a lot of dialogue, which is what its meant to do.
When youve landed a starring role in a hit TV series, raising a few glasses on a night out with mum seems the perfik way for an actress to celebrate.

Joelle Rae chose a summery cream floral minidress and sandals for an alfresco dinner last week to toast her success in being cast as the new Mariette in the second series of ITVs The Larkins.

The 21-year-old certainly looked excited by the prospect of taking the role that shot Catherine Zeta-Jones to international stardom in the original Darling Buds Of May series. Joelle was enjoying drinks and dinner at Muccis on the trendy Kings Road in Chelsea, West London. Fittingly, diners enter the Italian restaurant via a red carpet.

When you've landed a starring role in a hit TV series, raising a few glasses on a night out with mum seems the 'perfik' way for an actress to celebrate - just like Joelle Rae, 21, pictured after drinks at Mucci's Italian restaurant in Chelsea

The Lincolnshire-born actress chatted animatedly over a glass of red wine before eagerly tucking into pizza. She brought the relaxing meal to an end by downing a limoncello digestif liqueur, later telling her 30,000 Instagram followers: A week of joy, and carbs, a LOT of carbs, carbs so good they make you cross eyed.

The actress also showed off a large tattoo of a bird inked on her right arm which make-up staff on The Larkins will likely have to cover for the TV drama.

When it was announced she would be taking over the role of the Larkins eldest child from 30-year-old Sabrina Bartlett, she wrote: So unbelievably excited to announce that Im taking on the notorious role of Mariette, following in the footsteps of such wonderfully talented women.

'Ive already been made to feel like part of the family by an incredible team of people and so looking forward to getting on set, dreams coming true.

DRINKING IT IN: Joelle enjoys red wine and a limoncello liqueur at the alfresco meal to celebrate her new role

It may be Joelles last evening out for a while as she begins filming this week, alongside Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan, who will play her parents Pop and Ma Larkin. However, Walsh has played down the use of perfick, which became a catchphrase when David Jason took the role in the 1990s.

The Mail on Sunday revealed this month how Miss Bartlett quit the show after complaining about the behaviour of co-star Tok Stephen, who plays Cedric Charley Charlton. An investigation was launched into his conduct, but he will be returning for series two.

Feria en el Canon, Reyes Padilla. Matriarch, Darby Raymond-Overstreet. Chair Stair, Mick Burson. Davetta, Natalie Voelker. Last Indian Market, Cara Romero. Prev 1 of 5 Next

Editors note: The fourth Sunday of each month, Journal Arts Editor Adrian Gomez tells the stories behind some of the hidden gems you can see across the state in Gimme Five.

Art is powerful.

It has the ability to stop one in their tracks.

It also starts plenty a conversation.

As one walks around the city of Albuquerque, there are hundreds of public art pieces  each with its own story and purpose.

During the pandemic, the Albuquerque Arts Board stepped up to support a variety of artist groups that were experiencing overnight cancellations and closures.

In particular, when the Spanish Market and Indian Market in Santa Fe, which include many artists of New Mexico, were canceled.

Numerous arts festivals and fairs were also canceled.

By summer 2020, the Public Art Program had released four separate calls for existing works of art to try to help visual two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists.

Within months, the arts board had selected 84 works of art and helped get $300,000 into the arts community.

Were so fortunate that voters approve general obligation bonds because that gives us money for the Public Art Program, says Sherri Brueggemann, manager of the Public Art Urban Enhancement Division. We have four primary artist audiences, which were the audiences that were impacted by Spanish and Indian markets. We worked with those organizations to help artists submit online.

Brueggemann says the other two groups are visual artists and artists working in smaller sculpture scale.

These would be placed in government buildings, she says. We dont typically do small sculpture because theres a lot of handling for us, though its important to have those smaller 3D works.

Brueggemann says since the county moved out of City Hall there has been a lot of reorganization happening in the building.

The city has redone the hallways and painted the walls, she says. By the time the project is completed, we will have places for every piece of art.

The time line for completion is in the fall and Brueggemann hopes to have a holiday open house, which will include the convention center.

The artists will then be able to see the 84 new works installed, she says. The city staff is so appreciative of having the art. The public visits these buildings and the art helps not only give a piece of culture, but warms up the area.

The Albuquerque Arts Board highlights five of the 84 pieces.

1. Reyes Padilla, Feria en el Canon

Padilla is a New Mexico native known for utilizing synesthesia, where he sees color through music. The piece is mica shales and acrylic on canvas, and is located at the convention center.

Years ago, I learned from Reyes that he was going back to his familys property in northern New Mexico to mine his own mica, Brueggemann says. This was one of his biggest pieces at the time.

Brueggemann says the piece had an added mystical quality and the darkness of the painting brings a new level of texture.

Im so pleased that this was a phase in his career, she says.

2. Darby Raymond-Overstreet, Matriarch

Raymond-Overstreets piece is scanned Navajo textile, canvas, print, pine and yarn. It is located on the sixth floor of City Hall in the Department of Arts and Culture lobby.

Darby was one of the artists that had been already invited to Indian Market, Brueggemann says.

Raymond-Overstreet lives in Chimayo, although she was born and raised in Arizona.

Brueggemann said she studies, works with and creates Navajo/Dine pattern designs that materialize through portraits, landscapes and abstract forms.

Her work is heavily inspired by and derived from Traditional Dine/Navajo textiles, with particular interest in pieces woven in the late 1800s-1950s.

3. Mick Burson, Chair Stair

The piece is oil, acrylic and graphite on canvas. It is located in the Convention Center.

Brueggemann says the painting pushes the idea of still life.

Amazingly, we have the perfect place for this, she says. Its in the convention center, where a lot of conferences are held. We often line up chairs and this piece is a great abstraction of the way we think of furniture inside the convention center.

4. Natalie Voelker, Davetta

In 2017, local activist Davetta Wilson sat for Voelker.

Davetta has been a prominent community organizers and supporter for years, Brueggemann says. Shes done these projects for the International District and now the piece will hang there.

Brueggemann says Davetta traveled to the National Portait Gallery in London in 2019 and then through Europe after that through mid-2020.

Brueggemann has always enjoyed Voelkers work.

Whats amazing about Natalies work is she paints every day people and captures them in their attire, she says. Shes able to capture all their mannerisms.

Voelkers selected pieces, which also includes Melissa, are both oil on canvas. Both will be installed at the International District Library.

5. Cara Romero, Last Indian Market

The piece is photography archival pigment and is located on the first floor of City Hall in the Albuquerque Community Safety office.

Romero is a Santa Fe-based photographer and was featured in PBS Craft in America in 2019.

She is a member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

Brueggemann says its been an interesting process of finding a location for Romeros piece.

There are many subtle iconic images in this piece, she says. Some are not so subtle and thats what makes it great. Its hanging in the Community Safety office, and visitors and employees like it a lot. It sparks a lot of dialogue, which is what its meant to do.
Feria en el Canon, Reyes Padilla. Matriarch, Darby Raymond-Overstreet. Chair Stair, Mick Burson. Davetta, Natalie Voelker. Last Indian Market, Cara Romero. Prev 1 of 5 Next

Editors note: The fourth Sunday of each month, Journal Arts Editor Adrian Gomez tells the stories behind some of the hidden gems you can see across the state in Gimme Five.

Art is powerful.

It has the ability to stop one in their tracks.

It also starts plenty a conversation.

As one walks around the city of Albuquerque, there are hundreds of public art pieces  each with its own story and purpose.

During the pandemic, the Albuquerque Arts Board stepped up to support a variety of artist groups that were experiencing overnight cancellations and closures.

In particular, when the Spanish Market and Indian Market in Santa Fe, which include many artists of New Mexico, were canceled.

Numerous arts festivals and fairs were also canceled.

By summer 2020, the Public Art Program had released four separate calls for existing works of art to try to help visual two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists.

Within months, the arts board had selected 84 works of art and helped get $300,000 into the arts community.

Were so fortunate that voters approve general obligation bonds because that gives us money for the Public Art Program, says Sherri Brueggemann, manager of the Public Art Urban Enhancement Division. We have four primary artist audiences, which were the audiences that were impacted by Spanish and Indian markets. We worked with those organizations to help artists submit online.

Brueggemann says the other two groups are visual artists and artists working in smaller sculpture scale.

These would be placed in government buildings, she says. We dont typically do small sculpture because theres a lot of handling for us, though its important to have those smaller 3D works.

Brueggemann says since the county moved out of City Hall there has been a lot of reorganization happening in the building.

The city has redone the hallways and painted the walls, she says. By the time the project is completed, we will have places for every piece of art.

The time line for completion is in the fall and Brueggemann hopes to have a holiday open house, which will include the convention center.

The artists will then be able to see the 84 new works installed, she says. The city staff is so appreciative of having the art. The public visits these buildings and the art helps not only give a piece of culture, but warms up the area.

The Albuquerque Arts Board highlights five of the 84 pieces.

1. Reyes Padilla, Feria en el Canon

Padilla is a New Mexico native known for utilizing synesthesia, where he sees color through music. The piece is mica shales and acrylic on canvas, and is located at the convention center.

Years ago, I learned from Reyes that he was going back to his familys property in northern New Mexico to mine his own mica, Brueggemann says. This was one of his biggest pieces at the time.

Brueggemann says the piece had an added mystical quality and the darkness of the painting brings a new level of texture.

Im so pleased that this was a phase in his career, she says.

2. Darby Raymond-Overstreet, Matriarch

Raymond-Overstreets piece is scanned Navajo textile, canvas, print, pine and yarn. It is located on the sixth floor of City Hall in the Department of Arts and Culture lobby.

Darby was one of the artists that had been already invited to Indian Market, Brueggemann says.

Raymond-Overstreet lives in Chimayo, although she was born and raised in Arizona.

Brueggemann said she studies, works with and creates Navajo/Dine pattern designs that materialize through portraits, landscapes and abstract forms.

Her work is heavily inspired by and derived from Traditional Dine/Navajo textiles, with particular interest in pieces woven in the late 1800s-1950s.

3. Mick Burson, Chair Stair

The piece is oil, acrylic and graphite on canvas. It is located in the Convention Center.

Brueggemann says the painting pushes the idea of still life.

Amazingly, we have the perfect place for this, she says. Its in the convention center, where a lot of conferences are held. We often line up chairs and this piece is a great abstraction of the way we think of furniture inside the convention center.

4. Natalie Voelker, Davetta

In 2017, local activist Davetta Wilson sat for Voelker.

Davetta has been a prominent community organizers and supporter for years, Brueggemann says. Shes done these projects for the International District and now the piece will hang there.

Brueggemann says Davetta traveled to the National Portait Gallery in London in 2019 and then through Europe after that through mid-2020.

Brueggemann has always enjoyed Voelkers work.

Whats amazing about Natalies work is she paints every day people and captures them in their attire, she says. Shes able to capture all their mannerisms.

Voelkers selected pieces, which also includes Melissa, are both oil on canvas. Both will be installed at the International District Library.

5. Cara Romero, Last Indian Market

The piece is photography archival pigment and is located on the first floor of City Hall in the Albuquerque Community Safety office.

Romero is a Santa Fe-based photographer and was featured in PBS Craft in America in 2019.

She is a member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

Brueggemann says its been an interesting process of finding a location for Romeros piece.

There are many subtle iconic images in this piece, she says. Some are not so subtle and thats what makes it great. Its hanging in the Community Safety office, and visitors and employees like it a lot. It sparks a lot of dialogue, which is what its meant to do.
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
NORMAL  Young Black scholars from the Twin Cities were celebrated Saturday at an Umoja ceremony held on the Illinois State University campus.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Psi Lambda Chapter, along with the Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event served as recognition of graduating high school students and their families, with honors rooted in African traditions.

James Love, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, told The Pantagraph that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate Black cultural and heritage, and review African American history and predominant Black icons in the United States.

We want (graduates) to see that and let them know theyre capable of more as theyre transitioning into college, he said.

Love explained that they started holding the Umoja ceremony in 2016, and that its name means unity in Swahili.

So when celebrating the high school students, he said they want to ensure they bring in the community to provide that unity.

We loop that into the celebration and we want to make sure unity is very present and theyre not forgetting their heritage, Love said.

Also in the Saturday event program was the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Evry Voice & Sing, reciting of the Ancestors Prayer and the Ancestral Libations, and presentations of honor cords for graduates to wear with their gowns.

The keynote speaker was Vernon Smith Jr., a graduate of Normal Community High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He works as a reporter for Fox 2 in the St. Louis area.

He addressed graduates about how his parents gave him a document listing six key topics, with many bullets points for each. Smith said one was freedom, and its first point was to be responsible. He said students can stay out as late as they want to now, but they should not make a habit of it every weekend.

The second, he said, was make good decisions and dont embarrass your parents. And the third, Smith said, was dont get caught up with crowds that go wild with new freedoms; he later continued that those crowds dont always make it to graduation. Some dont make it to sophomore year.

Smith said he doesnt want to make it seem like you cant have fun in college, however, be smart about the decisions you make, and remember, you went there for an education.

Smith also encouraged graduates to set up their future by networking, and getting involved in organizations. One he joined connected him with the anchor at the news station he now works at.

Mom and Dad arent going to be there to help you find these jobs once your college graduation rolls around, he said.

Smith also told the graduating students to know their worth as Black students of excellence.

The reason we have events like these where we can celebrate Black excellence is because they count us out. They don't care enough to acknowledge our achievements or talk about the issues you'll face on the college campus, Smith said.

One graduating senior was Alexander Williams Jr., whos set to earn his diploma from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Since being away from home, Williams said he was glad to have his friends and family  including his sister Sahara, a sophomore at Normal Community West High School  come together on Saturday.

He plans to study physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with plans to transfer into computer science.

Latrice Samuel, a sponsor for the Normal West Black Student Union, said the ceremony was very organized, and it was great to celebrate Black excellence and our Black children.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
This image, provided by Steven Bischer, shows an upended vehicle following an apparent tornado in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022. (Steven Bischer via AP)

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Otsego County After Rare Tornado Hits City

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday declared a state of emergency for Otsego County after a tornado hit the Gaylord area and left significant damage to buildings and roads.

I have declared a state of emergency for Otsego County to rush resources to the affected areas, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate our states response, she said while visiting the emergency operations center in Gaylord.

A rare northern Michigan tornado tore through Gaylord, a small city of about 4,200 people, on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 40 others as it flipped vehicles, tore roofs from buildings, and downed trees and power lines.

Gaylord is about 230 miles northwest of Detroit.

The police confirmed two persons died in the tornado.

Both persons were in their 70s and lived in the Nottingham Forest mobile home park in Gaylord, which was among the first sites hit by the tornado Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service pegged the tornado as EF3, on a scale of 05, with maximum winds of 140 mph.

Jack Elliott inspects his 2017 Dodge in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022, after a red pine crushed the vehicle during a tornado. (John Russell/AP Photo)

Roofs and walls at some businesses in the tornados path were shredded. Cars and trucks were turned on their sides or completely flipped over. A video posted online showed a dark funnel cloud approaching as anxious drivers looked on or slowly drove away.

We have a lot of debris to clear, state police Lt. Derrick Carroll said.

Police said about 6,500 customers are still out of power as of Saturday morning.

The City of Gaylord imposed a curfew between 7:00 p.m. Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The authorities urged residents to stay away from the roads.

Crews are having difficulty getting power restored due to people getting in the way. Stay away from workers and let them do their job. It makes the scene unsafe for everyone and delays our recovery efforts, Michigan State Police said in a social media post.

Gaylord doesnt have tornado sirens. Carroll said anyone with a mobile phone got a code red warning from the weather service about 10 minutes before the tornado struck.

John Boris of the weather service post in Gaylord said the tornado passed through the community in about three minutes but was on the ground in the region for 26 minutesa fairly long time.

We dont get a whole lot of tornadoes, said Boris, a science and operations officer. In the state of Michigan, in general, we typically average about 15 or so [a year] and more of those are downstate than they are up to the north. Its pretty unusual.

Boris said warm, 80-degree air earlier Friday and strong winds moving east across Lake Michigan were key conditions producing the tornado.

A link to climate change probably doesnt fit, he said.

Its very difficult to attribute something very specific like this to a large-scale signal like that, Boris said. If we had these more frequently, that may be a signal.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.
CenterPoint Energy's main office in Downtown Evansville, Indiana.

EVANSVILLE, Ind.  CenterPoint Energy shareholders voted to express disapproval of CEO David Lesars $37.8 million compensation during an annual shareholder meeting Friday.

But the vote, which came in the form of a non-binding advisory resolution that alerted stakeholders to how much money Lesar made last year, won't change how much Lesar pocketed in 2021.

But it is quite notable in that utility shareholders very rarely vote down resolutions related to executive pay," said Karlee Weinmann, a manager with the Energy and Policy Institute, a watchdog group that first published Lesars compensation last week.

Indiana: CenterPoint CEO earns millions as Evansville-area residents' heating bills double

According to a proxy statement CenterPoint filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Lesar collected a base salary of about $1.4 million in 2021. But he also netted more than $33 million in stock awards and more than $500,000 in perks such as traveling on company or chartered planes, his own security detail, use of a car, and relocation expenses.

The news came after a winter in which some Evansville-area residents saw their heating bills double due to large increases in natural gas prices and distribution charges.

CenterPoint customers in Southwestern Indiana also pay the highest electrical rates in the state, which often peak in the summer.

For subscribers: 'Unaffordable': CenterPoint ratepayers struggle to keep up as costs skyrocket

We believe that this underlines the CenterPoint administrations disconnect from working-class people just looking to be able to afford their utility bills, Kendall Foust, an advocate with the activist group Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy, told the Courier & Press last week.

In a statement, CenterPoint called the $33 million in stock a one-time retention award. They said Lesar recognize(s) the importance of utility costs for our customers."

Story continues

They claimed one of his priorities is to reduce the company's expenses and pass savings onto customers.

Lesar made $11.9 million in compensation in 2020, when he took over as CEO mid-year. More than $8 million of that came from stock, according to the proxy statement.

We  value and respect the perspectives of our shareholders, and the board will take their views on executive compensation into consideration as we evaluate an approach that will serve the company and our investors, CenterPoint board member and compensation committee chair Ted Pound said a news release after the shareholders meeting.

According to the Energy and Policy Institute, Lesars pay far outpaced CEO compensation at peer companies in 2021.

Contact Jon Webb at jon.webb@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: CenterPoint shareholders disapprove of CEO's $37.8M compensation
CenterPoint Energy's main office in Downtown Evansville, Indiana.

EVANSVILLE, Ind.  CenterPoint Energy shareholders voted to express disapproval of CEO David Lesars $37.8 million compensation during an annual shareholder meeting Friday.

But the vote, which came in the form of a non-binding advisory resolution that alerted stakeholders to how much money Lesar made last year, won't change how much Lesar pocketed in 2021.

But it is quite notable in that utility shareholders very rarely vote down resolutions related to executive pay," said Karlee Weinmann, a manager with the Energy and Policy Institute, a watchdog group that first published Lesars compensation last week.

Indiana: CenterPoint CEO earns millions as Evansville-area residents' heating bills double

According to a proxy statement CenterPoint filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Lesar collected a base salary of about $1.4 million in 2021. But he also netted more than $33 million in stock awards and more than $500,000 in perks such as traveling on company or chartered planes, his own security detail, use of a car, and relocation expenses.

The news came after a winter in which some Evansville-area residents saw their heating bills double due to large increases in natural gas prices and distribution charges.

CenterPoint customers in Southwestern Indiana also pay the highest electrical rates in the state, which often peak in the summer.

For subscribers: 'Unaffordable': CenterPoint ratepayers struggle to keep up as costs skyrocket

We believe that this underlines the CenterPoint administrations disconnect from working-class people just looking to be able to afford their utility bills, Kendall Foust, an advocate with the activist group Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy, told the Courier & Press last week.

In a statement, CenterPoint called the $33 million in stock a one-time retention award. They said Lesar recognize(s) the importance of utility costs for our customers."

Story continues

They claimed one of his priorities is to reduce the company's expenses and pass savings onto customers.

Lesar made $11.9 million in compensation in 2020, when he took over as CEO mid-year. More than $8 million of that came from stock, according to the proxy statement.

We  value and respect the perspectives of our shareholders, and the board will take their views on executive compensation into consideration as we evaluate an approach that will serve the company and our investors, CenterPoint board member and compensation committee chair Ted Pound said a news release after the shareholders meeting.

According to the Energy and Policy Institute, Lesars pay far outpaced CEO compensation at peer companies in 2021.

Contact Jon Webb at jon.webb@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: CenterPoint shareholders disapprove of CEO's $37.8M compensation
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno

Kumrovec, May 22 : The 130th birthday of Yugoslavia leader Josip Broz Tito was celebrated at his hometown in Croatia, as thousands of people from across Croatia as well as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and other former Yugoslavian states arrived here for this gathering.

Tito celebrated his 130th birthday on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Many people wore T-shirts, badges with Tito's pictures, as well as Yugoslavian hats with red stars, and waved flags with Tito's name on them. In addition to speeches by Croatian and former Yugoslavian figures, songs and dances of Yugoslavian times were also performed to the crowds.

"Tito was and remains a symbol of persistence, principality, determination, courage and vision," said former Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, who was among the speakers addressing the gathering.

The presence of so many people on this occasion proves how much significance Tito means not only for Croatia, but also for the whole former Yugoslavia, as well as the whole world, Robert Splajt, Mayor of Kumrovec, said.

Olga Vodusek from neighbouring Slovenia said he has been visiting here each year on this occasion, except that was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are arriving here because this is the place where we can recall the good times when we all lived together, when we were richer and safer, in our common country that was socialist and democratic," he told Xinhua, lamenting the dissolved Yugoslavia as "a mistake".

The celebration was organised by the Croatian Anti-Fascist Alliance, Krapina-Zagorje County and Kumrovec Municipality.

Tito was born in Kumrovec in May 1892 and he had been the leader of Yugoslavia until he passed away in May 1980.
Kumrovec, May 22 : The 130th birthday of Yugoslavia leader Josip Broz Tito was celebrated at his hometown in Croatia, as thousands of people from across Croatia as well as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and other former Yugoslavian states arrived here for this gathering.

Tito celebrated his 130th birthday on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Many people wore T-shirts, badges with Tito's pictures, as well as Yugoslavian hats with red stars, and waved flags with Tito's name on them. In addition to speeches by Croatian and former Yugoslavian figures, songs and dances of Yugoslavian times were also performed to the crowds.

"Tito was and remains a symbol of persistence, principality, determination, courage and vision," said former Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, who was among the speakers addressing the gathering.

The presence of so many people on this occasion proves how much significance Tito means not only for Croatia, but also for the whole former Yugoslavia, as well as the whole world, Robert Splajt, Mayor of Kumrovec, said.

Olga Vodusek from neighbouring Slovenia said he has been visiting here each year on this occasion, except that was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are arriving here because this is the place where we can recall the good times when we all lived together, when we were richer and safer, in our common country that was socialist and democratic," he told Xinhua, lamenting the dissolved Yugoslavia as "a mistake".

The celebration was organised by the Croatian Anti-Fascist Alliance, Krapina-Zagorje County and Kumrovec Municipality.

Tito was born in Kumrovec in May 1892 and he had been the leader of Yugoslavia until he passed away in May 1980.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 p.m. Friday. The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvanias automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the laws 0.5% margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormicks lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ozs lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bushs unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trumps campaign and Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in Novembers midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trumps clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and U.S. Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormicks campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

When every single vote cast in this U.S. Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win, his campaign said.

Ozs campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The states 67 counties have until Tuesdays deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the states top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormicks campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Ozs campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winners margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TVs The Dr. Oz Show, had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nations first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
As the Russian shells explode, everyone takes cover  apart from Patron, who doesnt even flinch.

But then Patron is a national hero, recently awarded a medal for valour by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has 250,000 Instagram followers and is the star of billboards symbolising his countrys defiance of Vladimir Putin.

Patron the Jack Russell has become a billboard worthy war hero as his bomb disposal skills have helped the team find over 200 Russian landmines and unexploded bombs

He is also a Jack Russell originally bought to appear in pedigree dog shows, but who has detected more than 200 deadly Russian landmines and unexploded bombs.

Wagging his tail, Patron  whose name translates to Bullet in English  earns his reward of a piece of cheese from his owner and handler Mykhailo Iliev. He has to be careful with the treats. Patron weighs 4kg, handily less than the 5kg that sets off most Russian munitions.

The two-year-old pet found fame when Ukraines State Emergency Service posted a video online of their mascot working in the war-torn northern city of Chernihiv. He received his medal at the presidential palace in Kyiv with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was visiting, looking on.

As we travel to the landmine- strewn forests around Chernihiv, troops and police officers at checkpoints cheer Patron and pose for selfies. He gets a lot more tired now because of all the attention, says Mykhailo. But its good to keep up the guys morale.

Patron even helps the digging-in of the explosives before they are destroyed

Patron, the medal winning explosives dog pictured with his owner 33 year old Mykhailo Iliev

Zelenskiy awarded Patron at a news conference in Kyiv with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

He is the 'soul and mascot' of the group and helps the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) in clearing explosives

Patron sniffs out entire sites and detects bombs with support from his 19 strong bomb disposal team

Reaching a clearing, Patron soon finds abandoned Russian trenches crammed with empty cases of missiles for Russias Grad truck-mounted rocket launchers. Wearing his blue military harness, adorned with an embroidered bullet, Patron darts through the thicket to sniff out live munitions.

After buying Patron, Mykhailo soon realised the dog could help his work as a bomb disposal expert.

My wife is also in the services and there was no one at home to look after him, so I have taken him to work with me every day since he was two months old, he says.

The Jack Russell terriers bravery has become something of an internet hit for his exploits

Patron continues to help pyrotechnicians in the Chernihiv region to clean the land of Russian 'gifts'

Sometimes, at the end of a day of hard work, Patron the dog is rewarded with a cheesy treat

This is his life, it is all he has known. It is just a matter of chance that we have such a capable dog. He is not a service dog, he is my pet, but he has an amazing nose and is an avid learner. He was meant to be a show dog but his destiny was to save peoples lives, not to win prizes.

From six months, Patron was trained to detect TNT and gunpowder. When he does, he stops rigid and stands with his nose down until Mykhailo and his team approach.

A Telegram post from the Ukrainian emergency services calls the small, cute pup: 'our militant dog'

More recently Patron's valiant efforts have earned him a few fans who have drawn the four-legged soldier

One of Mykhailos colleagues on the front line in Kharkiv was recently injured when a mine exploded. Does he worry about Patron? Of course, I am afraid every day for him and about all of my guys, he says. But for every month of war, it takes us about a year to clear up all the mines and unexploded shells.

As we talk, Mykhailos team are alerted to abandoned Russian shells, smoke bombs and other canisters nearby. When we arrive, a dozen troops insist on having photographs with the canine celebrity.

Patron, a two-year-old Jack Russell, pictured alongside TM-62M AT and PMN-1 AP Russian landmines

The tiny dog soon confirms the cache is live and wags his tail as Mykhailo fetches his body armour and helmet from the car. Patron knows a lump of cheese is coming.

Mykhailo and his team carefully place the shells in a hole that, rather charmingly, Patron helps to dig before they are blown up. The blast is ear-splitting, but Patron simply wags his tail. He is used to it, says Mykhailo. This is a normal day.

Patron, the pint-sized Jack Russel whose name means 'cartridge' or 'bullet', is quickly becoming a canine symbol of Ukrainian patriotism

The two-year-old dog has gained social media fame after charming followers as well as the pyrotechnicians in Chernihiv

An adorable cheese-loving Jack Russell has been helping Ukrainian forces by sniffing out explosives

Normal days are rare nowadays for the 19-strong bomb disposal team. Their workload has risen tenfold since the February invasion.

Even indefatigable Patron feels the strain. Some days he is so tired that he does not eat his evening meal. He comes home, has a drink of water and just crashes out, says Mykhailo. But he always wakes up excited to go again the next day.
Moscow, May 22 : The Russian Foreign Ministry has unveiled a long list of 963 US citizens, who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named US President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the Ministry said on Saturday in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Xinhua news agency reported.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

Moscow, May 22 : The Russian Foreign Ministry has unveiled a long list of 963 US citizens, who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named US President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the Ministry said on Saturday in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Xinhua news agency reported.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Moscow, May 22 : The Russian Foreign Ministry has unveiled a long list of 963 US citizens, who are permanently barred from entering Russia, including previously named US President Joe Biden.

The blacklist was formed in response to constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States, the Ministry said on Saturday in a statement, adding that the hostile actions, which boomerang against Washington itself, will continue to receive a proper response.

Earlier on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that 26 Canadian nationals are permanently banned from entering Russia in retaliation to Ottawa's anti-Russian sanctions, including the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Xinhua news agency reported.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
A jilted mother-of-three whose partner ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home.

Lorna Garnett says she was left heartbroken after her partner of ten years decided to leave her for Sofiia Karkadym just ten days after she moved into their hours after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Tony Garnett, 29, a security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Jilted mother Lorna Garnett whose partner Tony ran off with a Ukrainian refugee has shared her anger after she let the woman into her home. Pictured: Tony and Lorna before the split

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

But, speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Lorna said she believes Sofiia 'set her sights on Anthony from the start, decided she wanted him and she took him'.

She added: 'She didn't care about the devastation that was left behind. Everything I knew has been turned on its head in the space of two weeks.'

Lorna told the newspaper she had reservations about the scheme but felt it was the right thing to do after seeing the 'terrifying' situation in Ukraine on the news.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war in Ukraine

She said: 'I decided it was the right thing to do to put a roof over someone's head and help them when they were in desperate need.

'And this is how Sofiia has repaid me for giving her a home.'

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee under the Government's scheme.

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Just 10 days after moving in with the Garnett family, Sofiia (pictured) and lover Tony moved out

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war. Pictured: are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city of Lviv in February

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

Sofiia said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and they are living their own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) moved in with Tony and his parents while they find their own place

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mother and father, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

'I am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake came to Kenosha County with a simple message: Thank you.

The visit on Thursday was the latest stop in a statewide tour that Timberlake is making to express appreciation to public health staff and health care workers for the work they have done and continue to do in response to COVID-19.

We held an appreciation event at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol to recognize the resilient work of local partners in providing direct service to their communitys most vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations, Timberlake said. The event highlighted the incredible work local public health organizations and Vaccine Community Outreach grantees have done, and continue to do. From the Health Equity Task Force to Kenosha Countys Human Services on the Go mobile unit, these teams truly mobilized their COVID-19 responses throughout Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, and Rock counties.

Joining Timberlake as speakers at the event at were Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge, Kenosha County Health Officer Jen Freiheit, Kenosha County Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services Director Rebecca Dutter and Tamarra Coleman, chairwoman of Kenosha Countys Health Equity Task Force.

Freiheit gave high praise to the Kenosha County Public Health team, as well as the many community partners whose involvement shaped the COVID-19 response.

I have never worked in a community where the community partners all just showed up, said Freiheit, who began working in Kenosha County just months before the pandemic began. They might not agree, but they come together, and theyve worked with us on several different scenarios of how we can improve the community. Its really beautiful; its really amazing.

Freiheit said it became apparent early in the pandemic that mobility would be a response issue.

When stakeholders realized early on in the pandemic that there were people in isolation who didnt have access to masks and thermometers, Kenosha County Public Health staff delivered hundreds of them to porches all over the county, she said.

Later, when it became clear that not everyone would come out to vaccination clinics, mobile vaccination missions were launched to get education and shots out into the community, particularly where vaccine access was lower and hesitancy was higher.

That work, conducted in a partnership between Kenosha County Public Health and the Health Equity Task Force, begat the next level of mobility  the Kenosha County Human Services on the Go program, which brought vaccination and other relevant services on a bus out to targeted neighborhoods last summer.

Human Services on the Go will resume this summer, said Dutter, whose division is overseeing the effort.

Timberlake praised the efforts.

The work they put in going door-to-door to confront harmful misinformation and make available much-needed services has built a foundation for a new model of public health going forward, Timberlake said. These tools will only serve to create healthier communities all around.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
CenterPoint Energy's main office in Downtown Evansville, Indiana.

EVANSVILLE, Ind.  CenterPoint Energy shareholders voted to express disapproval of CEO David Lesars $37.8 million compensation during an annual shareholder meeting Friday.

But the vote, which came in the form of a non-binding advisory resolution that alerted stakeholders to how much money Lesar made last year, won't change how much Lesar pocketed in 2021.

But it is quite notable in that utility shareholders very rarely vote down resolutions related to executive pay," said Karlee Weinmann, a manager with the Energy and Policy Institute, a watchdog group that first published Lesars compensation last week.

Indiana: CenterPoint CEO earns millions as Evansville-area residents' heating bills double

According to a proxy statement CenterPoint filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Lesar collected a base salary of about $1.4 million in 2021. But he also netted more than $33 million in stock awards and more than $500,000 in perks such as traveling on company or chartered planes, his own security detail, use of a car, and relocation expenses.

The news came after a winter in which some Evansville-area residents saw their heating bills double due to large increases in natural gas prices and distribution charges.

CenterPoint customers in Southwestern Indiana also pay the highest electrical rates in the state, which often peak in the summer.

For subscribers: 'Unaffordable': CenterPoint ratepayers struggle to keep up as costs skyrocket

We believe that this underlines the CenterPoint administrations disconnect from working-class people just looking to be able to afford their utility bills, Kendall Foust, an advocate with the activist group Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy, told the Courier & Press last week.

In a statement, CenterPoint called the $33 million in stock a one-time retention award. They said Lesar recognize(s) the importance of utility costs for our customers."

Story continues

They claimed one of his priorities is to reduce the company's expenses and pass savings onto customers.

Lesar made $11.9 million in compensation in 2020, when he took over as CEO mid-year. More than $8 million of that came from stock, according to the proxy statement.

We  value and respect the perspectives of our shareholders, and the board will take their views on executive compensation into consideration as we evaluate an approach that will serve the company and our investors, CenterPoint board member and compensation committee chair Ted Pound said a news release after the shareholders meeting.

According to the Energy and Policy Institute, Lesars pay far outpaced CEO compensation at peer companies in 2021.

Contact Jon Webb at jon.webb@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: CenterPoint shareholders disapprove of CEO's $37.8M compensation
NORMAL  Young Black scholars from the Twin Cities were celebrated Saturday at an Umoja ceremony held on the Illinois State University campus.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Psi Lambda Chapter, along with the Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event served as recognition of graduating high school students and their families, with honors rooted in African traditions.

James Love, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, told The Pantagraph that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate Black cultural and heritage, and review African American history and predominant Black icons in the United States.

We want (graduates) to see that and let them know theyre capable of more as theyre transitioning into college, he said.

Love explained that they started holding the Umoja ceremony in 2016, and that its name means unity in Swahili.

So when celebrating the high school students, he said they want to ensure they bring in the community to provide that unity.

We loop that into the celebration and we want to make sure unity is very present and theyre not forgetting their heritage, Love said.

Also in the Saturday event program was the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Evry Voice & Sing, reciting of the Ancestors Prayer and the Ancestral Libations, and presentations of honor cords for graduates to wear with their gowns.

The keynote speaker was Vernon Smith Jr., a graduate of Normal Community High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He works as a reporter for Fox 2 in the St. Louis area.

He addressed graduates about how his parents gave him a document listing six key topics, with many bullets points for each. Smith said one was freedom, and its first point was to be responsible. He said students can stay out as late as they want to now, but they should not make a habit of it every weekend.

The second, he said, was make good decisions and dont embarrass your parents. And the third, Smith said, was dont get caught up with crowds that go wild with new freedoms; he later continued that those crowds dont always make it to graduation. Some dont make it to sophomore year.

Smith said he doesnt want to make it seem like you cant have fun in college, however, be smart about the decisions you make, and remember, you went there for an education.

Smith also encouraged graduates to set up their future by networking, and getting involved in organizations. One he joined connected him with the anchor at the news station he now works at.

Mom and Dad arent going to be there to help you find these jobs once your college graduation rolls around, he said.

Smith also told the graduating students to know their worth as Black students of excellence.

The reason we have events like these where we can celebrate Black excellence is because they count us out. They don't care enough to acknowledge our achievements or talk about the issues you'll face on the college campus, Smith said.

One graduating senior was Alexander Williams Jr., whos set to earn his diploma from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Since being away from home, Williams said he was glad to have his friends and family  including his sister Sahara, a sophomore at Normal Community West High School  come together on Saturday.

He plans to study physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with plans to transfer into computer science.

Latrice Samuel, a sponsor for the Normal West Black Student Union, said the ceremony was very organized, and it was great to celebrate Black excellence and our Black children.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.



Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Preakness entrant Epicenter (L), the runner up in the Kentucky Derby horse race, leaves the track after a workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2022. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Near-Record Heat for Preakness Another Test for Epicenter

BALTIMOREEpicenter lost the Kentucky Derby because of a hot pace.

Now hell face hot temperatures in the Preakness.

Two weeks after getting passed by 801 long shot Rich Strike just before the finish line at the Derby, Epicenter goes into Saturdays Preakness as the favorite and clearly the class of the nine-horse field. In a race without Rich Strike and no chance at a Triple Crown, there is still some buzz largely because of filly Secret Oath and that it will be a test of whether Epicenter can beat the heat that could approach a record high.

You handle what you have control over and put yourself in the best position possible and try to eliminate as many variables that could get in the way of that, Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said. If its actually 95, 96 degrees here, and we know it can be pretty sticky when it gets warm in Baltimore, so I think that all of them are going to have to deal with that.

Hes a big horse turning back in 14 days, so just make sure hes drinking plenty of water and hydrated, just like your kids.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) for Saturday afternoon, with just a slight dip before the 7:01 p.m. ET post time for the 147th running of the Preakness. The record is 96, set in 1934 when High Quest won the race.

Epicenter is the morning line 65 favorite to join that list of Preakness winners after finishing a tough-luck second in the Derby. Even after owner Rick Dawson decided not to run Rich Strike at Pimlico Race Course to take a swing at an unlikely Triple Crown, his upset at Churchill Downs was still the talk of the week, especially for those around the horse who was cruising to victory until he wasnt.

Even my 6-year-old after the race, he looked at me and said, Daddy, Epicenter ran the best race, Epicenter owner Ron Winchell said. He ran a great race, so the confidence level is great. But with any big race, you just hope you show up and run, and so I think if he shows up and runs, were in a good position.

Kenny McPeek, who won the 2020 Preakness with filly Swiss Skydiver, called Epicenter definitely the horse to beat and said the favorite would likely need to regress for his grey 101 shot Creative Minister to finish first. But he and co-majority owner Greg Back felt confident enough to pony up $150,000 to enter him in the race.

Trainer Kenny McPeek holds Creative Minister following a training session for the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes, talks with the media outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 19, 2022. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

McPeek told Back if Creative Minister won his race on the Derby undercard, Well run him anywhere you want to run himthe moon if you want. He was fast enough to show evidence he belonged in the company of the other Preakness horses.

What is it Wayne Gretzky said? You never make a shot you dont take, McPeek said. Thats the fun of the sport.  If you feel like youve got a legitimate chance to just hit the board, you cant be scared because a lot happens.

A lot would have to happen for 501 long shot Fenwick to pull off another Triple Crown shocker and slightly less for 301 Happy Jack, who finished 14th in the Derby, or 201 Skippylongstocking to win the $1.65 million, 1 3/16-mile Preakness. Theres plenty of respect for the chances of 61 Simplification, who was fourth in the Derby, as well as 72 second choice on the morning line Early Voting.

But the most chatter around the Preakness is about Secret Oath, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks, who 86-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is betting can beat the boys. Absent the Derby winnerthe fourth consecutive year theres no real chance at a Triple Crown at the Preaknessthe focus is on the filly in what Lukas called an otherwise vanilla race.

If you dont have the filly in here, the mood is zilch, said Lukas, who is going for a record-tying seventh Preakness victory. The filly made this at least have a little bit of interest.

McPeek was glad it felt like old times at the Preakness, especially after it was run in October two years ago with no fans in the stands. He fondly recalled his first trip to Baltimore in 1995, when Lukas was in his heyday.

Ive put a few miles on since then and a few belt loops are missing and Ive shaved my head since then, but Waynes still here, McPeek said. Wheres Bob?

Bob, of course, is two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, whose absence at Pimlico is jarring after years in the spotlight. Currently serving a suspension in Kentucky for medication violations thats being honored by Maryland and other states, he wasnt allowed to enter horses in the Derby or Preakness.

But he does have a presence in 121 late entry Armagnac, whom Baffert trained and saddled in three races before transferring him to former assistant Tim Yakteen. After Taiba finished 12th and Messier 15th in the Derby with Bafferts shadow hanging over the race, theres less pressure this time.

Im trying to get under the radar, Yakteen said. I enjoyed the Derby. I wish we wouldve had a different outcome.

Winchell, Asmussen, and Epicenter jockey Joel Rosario feel the same way after turning for home under the twin spires at Churchill Downs thinking theyd won the Kentucky Derby.

That was very, very exciting at that point, Rosario said. What can I say? The horse had run really well. It wouldve been really great if we couldve won that, but thats how it goes sometimes.

Concerned about the heat and disappointed hes not getting another opportunity to beat Rich Strike, Asmussen isnt worried about positioning at the Preakness as long as Epicenter is in front at the wire. He shares his owners confidence but is a bit more wary about expressing it after the crushing Derby defeat.

It was, I believe, the longest shot on the board that actually won the race, he said, so you cant count anybody out.

By Stephen Whyno
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
This image, provided by Steven Bischer, shows an upended vehicle following an apparent tornado in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022. (Steven Bischer via AP)

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Otsego County After Rare Tornado Hits City

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday declared a state of emergency for Otsego County after a tornado hit the Gaylord area and left significant damage to buildings and roads.

I have declared a state of emergency for Otsego County to rush resources to the affected areas, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate our states response, she said while visiting the emergency operations center in Gaylord.

A rare northern Michigan tornado tore through Gaylord, a small city of about 4,200 people, on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 40 others as it flipped vehicles, tore roofs from buildings, and downed trees and power lines.

Gaylord is about 230 miles northwest of Detroit.

The police confirmed two persons died in the tornado.

Both persons were in their 70s and lived in the Nottingham Forest mobile home park in Gaylord, which was among the first sites hit by the tornado Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service pegged the tornado as EF3, on a scale of 05, with maximum winds of 140 mph.

Jack Elliott inspects his 2017 Dodge in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022, after a red pine crushed the vehicle during a tornado. (John Russell/AP Photo)

Roofs and walls at some businesses in the tornados path were shredded. Cars and trucks were turned on their sides or completely flipped over. A video posted online showed a dark funnel cloud approaching as anxious drivers looked on or slowly drove away.

We have a lot of debris to clear, state police Lt. Derrick Carroll said.

Police said about 6,500 customers are still out of power as of Saturday morning.

The City of Gaylord imposed a curfew between 7:00 p.m. Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The authorities urged residents to stay away from the roads.

Crews are having difficulty getting power restored due to people getting in the way. Stay away from workers and let them do their job. It makes the scene unsafe for everyone and delays our recovery efforts, Michigan State Police said in a social media post.

Gaylord doesnt have tornado sirens. Carroll said anyone with a mobile phone got a code red warning from the weather service about 10 minutes before the tornado struck.

John Boris of the weather service post in Gaylord said the tornado passed through the community in about three minutes but was on the ground in the region for 26 minutesa fairly long time.

We dont get a whole lot of tornadoes, said Boris, a science and operations officer. In the state of Michigan, in general, we typically average about 15 or so [a year] and more of those are downstate than they are up to the north. Its pretty unusual.

Boris said warm, 80-degree air earlier Friday and strong winds moving east across Lake Michigan were key conditions producing the tornado.

A link to climate change probably doesnt fit, he said.

Its very difficult to attribute something very specific like this to a large-scale signal like that, Boris said. If we had these more frequently, that may be a signal.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.
This image, provided by Steven Bischer, shows an upended vehicle following an apparent tornado in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022. (Steven Bischer via AP)

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Otsego County After Rare Tornado Hits City

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday declared a state of emergency for Otsego County after a tornado hit the Gaylord area and left significant damage to buildings and roads.

I have declared a state of emergency for Otsego County to rush resources to the affected areas, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate our states response, she said while visiting the emergency operations center in Gaylord.

A rare northern Michigan tornado tore through Gaylord, a small city of about 4,200 people, on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 40 others as it flipped vehicles, tore roofs from buildings, and downed trees and power lines.

Gaylord is about 230 miles northwest of Detroit.

The police confirmed two persons died in the tornado.

Both persons were in their 70s and lived in the Nottingham Forest mobile home park in Gaylord, which was among the first sites hit by the tornado Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service pegged the tornado as EF3, on a scale of 05, with maximum winds of 140 mph.

Jack Elliott inspects his 2017 Dodge in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022, after a red pine crushed the vehicle during a tornado. (John Russell/AP Photo)

Roofs and walls at some businesses in the tornados path were shredded. Cars and trucks were turned on their sides or completely flipped over. A video posted online showed a dark funnel cloud approaching as anxious drivers looked on or slowly drove away.

We have a lot of debris to clear, state police Lt. Derrick Carroll said.

Police said about 6,500 customers are still out of power as of Saturday morning.

The City of Gaylord imposed a curfew between 7:00 p.m. Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The authorities urged residents to stay away from the roads.

Crews are having difficulty getting power restored due to people getting in the way. Stay away from workers and let them do their job. It makes the scene unsafe for everyone and delays our recovery efforts, Michigan State Police said in a social media post.

Gaylord doesnt have tornado sirens. Carroll said anyone with a mobile phone got a code red warning from the weather service about 10 minutes before the tornado struck.

John Boris of the weather service post in Gaylord said the tornado passed through the community in about three minutes but was on the ground in the region for 26 minutesa fairly long time.

We dont get a whole lot of tornadoes, said Boris, a science and operations officer. In the state of Michigan, in general, we typically average about 15 or so [a year] and more of those are downstate than they are up to the north. Its pretty unusual.

Boris said warm, 80-degree air earlier Friday and strong winds moving east across Lake Michigan were key conditions producing the tornado.

A link to climate change probably doesnt fit, he said.

Its very difficult to attribute something very specific like this to a large-scale signal like that, Boris said. If we had these more frequently, that may be a signal.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.
CenterPoint Energy's main office in Downtown Evansville, Indiana.

EVANSVILLE, Ind.  CenterPoint Energy shareholders voted to express disapproval of CEO David Lesars $37.8 million compensation during an annual shareholder meeting Friday.

But the vote, which came in the form of a non-binding advisory resolution that alerted stakeholders to how much money Lesar made last year, won't change how much Lesar pocketed in 2021.

But it is quite notable in that utility shareholders very rarely vote down resolutions related to executive pay," said Karlee Weinmann, a manager with the Energy and Policy Institute, a watchdog group that first published Lesars compensation last week.

Indiana: CenterPoint CEO earns millions as Evansville-area residents' heating bills double

According to a proxy statement CenterPoint filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Lesar collected a base salary of about $1.4 million in 2021. But he also netted more than $33 million in stock awards and more than $500,000 in perks such as traveling on company or chartered planes, his own security detail, use of a car, and relocation expenses.

The news came after a winter in which some Evansville-area residents saw their heating bills double due to large increases in natural gas prices and distribution charges.

CenterPoint customers in Southwestern Indiana also pay the highest electrical rates in the state, which often peak in the summer.

For subscribers: 'Unaffordable': CenterPoint ratepayers struggle to keep up as costs skyrocket

We believe that this underlines the CenterPoint administrations disconnect from working-class people just looking to be able to afford their utility bills, Kendall Foust, an advocate with the activist group Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy, told the Courier & Press last week.

In a statement, CenterPoint called the $33 million in stock a one-time retention award. They said Lesar recognize(s) the importance of utility costs for our customers."

Story continues

They claimed one of his priorities is to reduce the company's expenses and pass savings onto customers.

Lesar made $11.9 million in compensation in 2020, when he took over as CEO mid-year. More than $8 million of that came from stock, according to the proxy statement.

We  value and respect the perspectives of our shareholders, and the board will take their views on executive compensation into consideration as we evaluate an approach that will serve the company and our investors, CenterPoint board member and compensation committee chair Ted Pound said a news release after the shareholders meeting.

According to the Energy and Policy Institute, Lesars pay far outpaced CEO compensation at peer companies in 2021.

Contact Jon Webb at jon.webb@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: CenterPoint shareholders disapprove of CEO's $37.8M compensation
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
CenterPoint Energy's main office in Downtown Evansville, Indiana.

EVANSVILLE, Ind.  CenterPoint Energy shareholders voted to express disapproval of CEO David Lesars $37.8 million compensation during an annual shareholder meeting Friday.

But the vote, which came in the form of a non-binding advisory resolution that alerted stakeholders to how much money Lesar made last year, won't change how much Lesar pocketed in 2021.

But it is quite notable in that utility shareholders very rarely vote down resolutions related to executive pay," said Karlee Weinmann, a manager with the Energy and Policy Institute, a watchdog group that first published Lesars compensation last week.

Indiana: CenterPoint CEO earns millions as Evansville-area residents' heating bills double

According to a proxy statement CenterPoint filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Lesar collected a base salary of about $1.4 million in 2021. But he also netted more than $33 million in stock awards and more than $500,000 in perks such as traveling on company or chartered planes, his own security detail, use of a car, and relocation expenses.

The news came after a winter in which some Evansville-area residents saw their heating bills double due to large increases in natural gas prices and distribution charges.

CenterPoint customers in Southwestern Indiana also pay the highest electrical rates in the state, which often peak in the summer.

For subscribers: 'Unaffordable': CenterPoint ratepayers struggle to keep up as costs skyrocket

We believe that this underlines the CenterPoint administrations disconnect from working-class people just looking to be able to afford their utility bills, Kendall Foust, an advocate with the activist group Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy, told the Courier & Press last week.

In a statement, CenterPoint called the $33 million in stock a one-time retention award. They said Lesar recognize(s) the importance of utility costs for our customers."

Story continues

They claimed one of his priorities is to reduce the company's expenses and pass savings onto customers.

Lesar made $11.9 million in compensation in 2020, when he took over as CEO mid-year. More than $8 million of that came from stock, according to the proxy statement.

We  value and respect the perspectives of our shareholders, and the board will take their views on executive compensation into consideration as we evaluate an approach that will serve the company and our investors, CenterPoint board member and compensation committee chair Ted Pound said a news release after the shareholders meeting.

According to the Energy and Policy Institute, Lesars pay far outpaced CEO compensation at peer companies in 2021.

Contact Jon Webb at jon.webb@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: CenterPoint shareholders disapprove of CEO's $37.8M compensation

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake came to Kenosha County with a simple message: Thank you.

The visit on Thursday was the latest stop in a statewide tour that Timberlake is making to express appreciation to public health staff and health care workers for the work they have done and continue to do in response to COVID-19.

We held an appreciation event at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol to recognize the resilient work of local partners in providing direct service to their communitys most vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations, Timberlake said. The event highlighted the incredible work local public health organizations and Vaccine Community Outreach grantees have done, and continue to do. From the Health Equity Task Force to Kenosha Countys Human Services on the Go mobile unit, these teams truly mobilized their COVID-19 responses throughout Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, and Rock counties.

Joining Timberlake as speakers at the event at were Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge, Kenosha County Health Officer Jen Freiheit, Kenosha County Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services Director Rebecca Dutter and Tamarra Coleman, chairwoman of Kenosha Countys Health Equity Task Force.

Freiheit gave high praise to the Kenosha County Public Health team, as well as the many community partners whose involvement shaped the COVID-19 response.

I have never worked in a community where the community partners all just showed up, said Freiheit, who began working in Kenosha County just months before the pandemic began. They might not agree, but they come together, and theyve worked with us on several different scenarios of how we can improve the community. Its really beautiful; its really amazing.

Freiheit said it became apparent early in the pandemic that mobility would be a response issue.

When stakeholders realized early on in the pandemic that there were people in isolation who didnt have access to masks and thermometers, Kenosha County Public Health staff delivered hundreds of them to porches all over the county, she said.

Later, when it became clear that not everyone would come out to vaccination clinics, mobile vaccination missions were launched to get education and shots out into the community, particularly where vaccine access was lower and hesitancy was higher.

That work, conducted in a partnership between Kenosha County Public Health and the Health Equity Task Force, begat the next level of mobility  the Kenosha County Human Services on the Go program, which brought vaccination and other relevant services on a bus out to targeted neighborhoods last summer.

Human Services on the Go will resume this summer, said Dutter, whose division is overseeing the effort.

Timberlake praised the efforts.

The work they put in going door-to-door to confront harmful misinformation and make available much-needed services has built a foundation for a new model of public health going forward, Timberlake said. These tools will only serve to create healthier communities all around.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
NORMAL  Young Black scholars from the Twin Cities were celebrated Saturday at an Umoja ceremony held on the Illinois State University campus.

Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Nu Psi Lambda Chapter, along with the Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event served as recognition of graduating high school students and their families, with honors rooted in African traditions.

James Love, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, told The Pantagraph that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate Black cultural and heritage, and review African American history and predominant Black icons in the United States.

We want (graduates) to see that and let them know theyre capable of more as theyre transitioning into college, he said.

Love explained that they started holding the Umoja ceremony in 2016, and that its name means unity in Swahili.

So when celebrating the high school students, he said they want to ensure they bring in the community to provide that unity.

We loop that into the celebration and we want to make sure unity is very present and theyre not forgetting their heritage, Love said.

Also in the Saturday event program was the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Evry Voice & Sing, reciting of the Ancestors Prayer and the Ancestral Libations, and presentations of honor cords for graduates to wear with their gowns.

The keynote speaker was Vernon Smith Jr., a graduate of Normal Community High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He works as a reporter for Fox 2 in the St. Louis area.

He addressed graduates about how his parents gave him a document listing six key topics, with many bullets points for each. Smith said one was freedom, and its first point was to be responsible. He said students can stay out as late as they want to now, but they should not make a habit of it every weekend.

The second, he said, was make good decisions and dont embarrass your parents. And the third, Smith said, was dont get caught up with crowds that go wild with new freedoms; he later continued that those crowds dont always make it to graduation. Some dont make it to sophomore year.

Smith said he doesnt want to make it seem like you cant have fun in college, however, be smart about the decisions you make, and remember, you went there for an education.

Smith also encouraged graduates to set up their future by networking, and getting involved in organizations. One he joined connected him with the anchor at the news station he now works at.

Mom and Dad arent going to be there to help you find these jobs once your college graduation rolls around, he said.

Smith also told the graduating students to know their worth as Black students of excellence.

The reason we have events like these where we can celebrate Black excellence is because they count us out. They don't care enough to acknowledge our achievements or talk about the issues you'll face on the college campus, Smith said.

One graduating senior was Alexander Williams Jr., whos set to earn his diploma from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Since being away from home, Williams said he was glad to have his friends and family  including his sister Sahara, a sophomore at Normal Community West High School  come together on Saturday.

He plans to study physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with plans to transfer into computer science.

Latrice Samuel, a sponsor for the Normal West Black Student Union, said the ceremony was very organized, and it was great to celebrate Black excellence and our Black children.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Harry Styles' record company has been accused of using 'dirty tricks' to ensure his single won the charts battle with Eurovision hero Sam Ryder .

Industry sources say Sony was determined to have the former One Direction star's track, As It Was, in top spot as his new album Harry's House was released this weekend.

To help drive sales, the company released limited-edition hand- numbered CDs on May 13, the first day of the chart week which runs from Friday to Friday.

Just as Styles' website began distributing the limited records for 2.49  70p more than a standard CD  excitement about Ryder's track Spaceman and its prospects of winning Eurovision the following day was growing.

Critics suggest that Sony calculated that because physical CD sales register more points towards achieving the No 1 spot than the purchase of a stream, they could secure victory by promoting the hand-numbered CDs.

Harry Styles signed with Sony in 2016 after One Direction announced their hiatus (pictured) Performing on NBC's 'Today' at New York's Rockefeller Plaza this month

Whatever the strategy, Sony achieved success on Friday as Styles, 28, notched up his seventh week at No 1  with Ryder at No 2.

Sources close to Sony last night pointed out that the hand-numbered CDs were available to pre-order before May 13 and insisted it was always part of Styles' carefully managed campaign.

No rules were broken and the insider scoffed at suggestions that it was a deliberate strategy to scupper Ryder's No 1 hopes.

But another industry source said: 'Sam was doing so well and actually overtook Harry in the midweeks, but the chatter is that Sony decided to make sure that Harry was home and dry by releasing the hand- numbered CDs.

'CDs count more than streams so having numbered ones made it all much more appealing for his fans.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder who came second in the competition overtook Harry in the midweek charts, but Sony decided to make sure that Harry got the No1 spot by pushing the limited edition hand- numbered CDs to fans (pictured) Rehearsing his song 'Space Man' for Eurovision earlier this month in Turin, Italy

Sam made Eurovision history as he scored the most points Great Britain has had in decades

'Sam was at a disadvantage because people didn't really start looking for him properly until Saturday, a day after the chart week began.' Styles' continued stay at No 1 in the singles chart came as his first album in five years was released amid fanfare in New York, and The Sunday Times Rich List revealed he is the wealthiest UK musician under the age of 30, with a fortune of 100 million  up 25 million in the past year.

Ryder, 32, who was hailed for coming second in the Eurovision song contest final  the UK's highest finish since 1997  played down his rivalry with Styles. He said: 'I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music. He stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates  a freedom of expression, of inclusivity.'
A water cooling tower that was found to have traces of legionella pneumophila bacteria, which may have helped cause the recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Bronx, is seen on top of the United States Post Office at 558 Grand Concourse, in the Bronx borough of New York on Aug. 13, 2015. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

NYC Health Department Investigates Cases of Legionnaires Disease in Bronx

The New York Health Department announced Friday that an investigation is being conducted into a community cluster of Legionnaires disease in the Highbridge neighborhood in the Bronx and adjacent areas.

Since May 9, four individuals have been diagnosed with the diseasea type of pneumonia characterized by flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and breathing difficultieswith results pending for other people.

According to a press release by the health department, no one associated with the cluster has been reported dead. At 10 percent, the mortality rate for Legionnaires disease is high. It can be treated with antibiotics when caught early and is not found to be contagious generally.

People get infected when they breathe in water vapor that contains the bacteria, Legionella.

Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever, grows in lakes, streams, and other freshwater environments, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Legionella evolves into a health concern when it spreads in building water systems.

The health department is presently sampling and testing water from all cooling tower systems in the area where the cluster was discovered.

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, authorities are advising people to remain alert and get tested for both diseases if any symptoms crop up. Cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems are favorable for bacterial growth.

Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible, said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan.

Legionnaires disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.

There isnt any issue consuming cold water from the tap as the bacteria is not dangerous when ingested through drinking water, according to the health department.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Department of Health is investigating three cases of Legionnaires disease in guests who stayed at the Hilton/Hampton Inn Parsippany Hotel between July 2021 and October 2021.

Guests have all since recovered. The department, in coordination with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Health and Human Services Department, is trying to determine if the hotel was a possible source of these infections.

Samples have been collected from the buildings water systems while hotel management is taking action to disinfect the premises.

In 2018, health departments across the country reported nearly 10,000 cases of Legionnaires disease.

This image, provided by Steven Bischer, shows an upended vehicle following an apparent tornado in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022. (Steven Bischer via AP)

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Otsego County After Rare Tornado Hits City

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday declared a state of emergency for Otsego County after a tornado hit the Gaylord area and left significant damage to buildings and roads.

I have declared a state of emergency for Otsego County to rush resources to the affected areas, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate our states response, she said while visiting the emergency operations center in Gaylord.

A rare northern Michigan tornado tore through Gaylord, a small city of about 4,200 people, on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 40 others as it flipped vehicles, tore roofs from buildings, and downed trees and power lines.

Gaylord is about 230 miles northwest of Detroit.

The police confirmed two persons died in the tornado.

Both persons were in their 70s and lived in the Nottingham Forest mobile home park in Gaylord, which was among the first sites hit by the tornado Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service pegged the tornado as EF3, on a scale of 05, with maximum winds of 140 mph.

Jack Elliott inspects his 2017 Dodge in Gaylord, Mich., on May 20, 2022, after a red pine crushed the vehicle during a tornado. (John Russell/AP Photo)

Roofs and walls at some businesses in the tornados path were shredded. Cars and trucks were turned on their sides or completely flipped over. A video posted online showed a dark funnel cloud approaching as anxious drivers looked on or slowly drove away.

We have a lot of debris to clear, state police Lt. Derrick Carroll said.

Police said about 6,500 customers are still out of power as of Saturday morning.

The City of Gaylord imposed a curfew between 7:00 p.m. Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday. The authorities urged residents to stay away from the roads.

Crews are having difficulty getting power restored due to people getting in the way. Stay away from workers and let them do their job. It makes the scene unsafe for everyone and delays our recovery efforts, Michigan State Police said in a social media post.

Gaylord doesnt have tornado sirens. Carroll said anyone with a mobile phone got a code red warning from the weather service about 10 minutes before the tornado struck.

John Boris of the weather service post in Gaylord said the tornado passed through the community in about three minutes but was on the ground in the region for 26 minutesa fairly long time.

We dont get a whole lot of tornadoes, said Boris, a science and operations officer. In the state of Michigan, in general, we typically average about 15 or so [a year] and more of those are downstate than they are up to the north. Its pretty unusual.

Boris said warm, 80-degree air earlier Friday and strong winds moving east across Lake Michigan were key conditions producing the tornado.

A link to climate change probably doesnt fit, he said.

Its very difficult to attribute something very specific like this to a large-scale signal like that, Boris said. If we had these more frequently, that may be a signal.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.
BERTRAND  When Jennifer Weber began a fundraiser to aid fire departments who battled recent southwest Nebraska wild fires, she was hoping to give back about $1,000.

Weber has owned Pretty & Fabulous Boutique and T-shirt Print Shop in Bertrand since 2017. In April, she had a T-shirt designed to honor first responders. The proceeds from the sale of the shirts would be donated to local area fire departments directly affected by the fires. Within a matter of days, over $30,000 was raised.

A friend told her she should do a fundraiser for fire departments shortly after the Road 739 Fire in April near Arapahoe. The fires hit close to home for Weber whose husband is a volunteer with the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department. However, she got busy and decided to wait before starting on the project. But just a few short weeks later, another fire ravaged over 40,000 acres near Cambridge. Weber knew she couldnt wait any longer.

She contacted her designer, Emma Larson of Loomis, about what she wanted to do. Larson ran with the idea of a Prairie Strong T-shirt. Weber opened online sales of the shirt April 23, and she created a post about it on Facebook. Her initial post reached 85,235 people and was shared 685 times.

Weber was hopeful to just be able to give a little back to local departments, but the impact has spread farther than she could have imagined. By April 27, Weber realized that people had ordered shirts from 22 states. Her new goal was to try to sell a shirt to customers in all 50 states.

I left (the sale) open a little bit longer just because people were still ordering, she explained.

When she closed the sale on May 1, shirts were purchased from 47 states and one to a U.S. military base in Europe. Even though Pretty & Fabulous is a full-fledged print shop, Weber knew when sales reached over $10,000 in just a few hours she would need to recruit help to print the shirts. She has worked with Sayler Screenprinting in Kearney, and she reached out to them for assistance.

On Monday when I hit $10,000, I called Kyle, and I was like, OK, Im either going to have to shut it down because this is going to take me weeks on a manual, or Im going to need your help. Hes like, Nope, we got you. He goes, Leave it open. Do what you can, and well get them made for you. So it was awesome to team up with him and awesome to work with another printer, said Weber.

Weber received 40 boxes of shirts last week. She was waiting for graduation to wrap up in order to obtain a location large enough to begin sorting and organizing all the shirts to be shipped. Shes had about 10 local volunteers  many with ties to the fire departments  who have offered to help her with the process of getting shirts out the door.

Weber has a long list of fire departments she is planning to donate the proceeds to, including departments in south-central Nebraska who responded to the Road 739 and 702 fires and those who responded to a fire near Elsie and Wallace.

As word spread about the T-shirts, Weber has heard from many locals who missed the chance to purchase a shirt or werent sure how to buy it online. Sales for the T-shirts has been reopened online at prettyandfab.com under Prairie Strong. It will remain open until after Memorial Day. The funds raised will go to area fire departments that were missed in the first round.

I hope to be able to help as many volunteer fire departments as I can. This could not have been done without the support received across the state and the U.S., she said. It is truly amazing to watch people come together and work together during hard times. This is what makes Nebraska such an amazing place to live, neighbors helping neighbors.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue and GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene greet people during a Bikers for Trump campaign event held at the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill on May 20, 2022 in Plainville, Georgia. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene got a lot more attention than David Perdue at a Friday night rally.

Attendees praised Greene's combative attitude, but seemed not to really know Perdue.

One observer said they find the obsession with Greene disturbing.

PLAINVILLE, Georgia  "She always draws a crowd," a 52-year-old Gordon County resident said as Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene thundered into the parking lot of the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill flanked by any army of engine-revving bikers.

The grand entrance riled up everyone there to show Trump-backed candidates some love ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary. Greene joined gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue, who is trying to chip away at incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp's 30-point lead, and attorney general hopeful John Gordon at the Friday night rally, which took place in Greene's congressional district.

Many of the attendees cheered for Greene as she emerged from the stripped-down Humvee with a campaign sign strapped to its back. Insider spotted at least a dozen people wearing Marjorie Taylor Greene campaign gear in the crowd of about 150 who gathered for the last-minute addition to Perdue's closing weekend sprint.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia chats with Crazy Acres Bar & Grill owner Jerry Stroup after pulling into the parking lot for a Bikers for Trump rally on May 20, in Plainville, Georgia. Warren Rojas/Insider

"Marjorie Taylor Greene brought us out. We have been supporting her since day one," district resident Christie Ellis, 50, said of her affection for the freshman lawmaker. Greene routinely stokes culture wars on Capitol Hill, has voted against nearly every Ukraine-related bill Congress has taken up since Russia invaded the neighboring country, and has taken advantage of the same proxy voting rules she has repeatedly criticized to skip nearly two dozen votes.

Greene immediately set to shoring up the support she'll need to overcome her five GOP primary challengers. She worked the crowd by stopping to pose for selfies, took swigs of her Shock Top Belgian white ale after clinking bottles with beer-toting patrons, and said hello to the kids that star-struck moms rushed over to meet her.

Story continues

"Like Donald Trump, she tells it like it is. You don't have to read her mind," Bikers for Trump founder and rally organizer Chris Cox said to raucous applause as he summoned Greene to the stage to say a few words. Cox also wrapped her in his Trump-branded vest, which Greene proudly sported as she posed for pictures on one of the motorcycles parked in the lot.

Perdue, who had ditched the blazer he was wearing earlier in the day while jet-setting from Augusta to Savannah for a campaign stop with 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee turned House hopeful Sarah Palin, rolled up his sleeves and mingled as well. Though he'd previously represented the area as senator, Perdue reintroduced himself to guys playing pool, awkwardly fist-bumped tattooed bikers, and snuck sips of his soda as others swigged frosty Coors Lights.

When it was his turn on the main stage, Perdue tried to fire everyone up by railing about the "rigged and stolen" presidential election, and how Kemp "sold us out."

Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue speaks during a Bikers for Trump campaign event held at the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill on May 20, 2022 in Plainville, Georgia. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Joel Burnz, 24, wasn't swayed one bit.

"I'm undecided," Burnz said after Perdue finished speaking, telling Insider he planned to spend the weekend "doing homework" ahead of Tuesday's primary.

The 52-year-old local, who declined to give his name, didn't fault Perdue for trying. But he said he wasn't surprised Greene had stolen the spotlight, adding that he likes to play a game with friends and neighbors who fawn over her: he asks them to name the area's prior congressional representative.

"No one knows," the local said, shrugging off the erasure of five-term lawmaker Tom Graves' public service as a consequence of a political system that rewards celebrity above civic duty.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gallup-born Rachelle B. Pablo (Dine) is the first Native American curator at 516 ARTS.

Pablo grew up helping her grandmother gather the wool for her weaving. The arts were imbued within her culture.

It was mesmerizing to see my grandmother; she didnt work out her designs on a piece of paper, she said.

This has been an extensive journey that began in 2011, she continued. I was a former tradesman within Local 49 (the sheetmetal union.) And the recession occurred and I took that opportunity to continue my education.

A U.S. Army veteran, Pablo holds a masters degree in art history from the University of Delaware, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts in studio arts with a minor in museum studies and a certificate in business and entrepreneurship. She also has an associate of arts in anthropology and liberal arts degree from Central New Mexico Community College.

I hope to contribute authentic interpretations of Indigenous art and contribute insight from the Native American perspective into art in general, Pablo said. 516 ARTS is already a part of that. I feel that art is an international language.

Pablo completed a curatorial fellowship program at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts and has performed a variety of internships and projects at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe.

Her father owned horses. Pablo fondly remembers accompanying him to pick up the horseshoes.

The horsemen or the ranch lifestyle, a lot of art is included, she said. Its a lifestyle; its a work of art. Theres a lot of leather work; they forged metal for our ranches.

Pablo also serves as a board member of IndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization focusing on music, arts, outreach and community events.

The position is supported in part by a grant to 516 ARTS from the Henry Luce Foundation in their area of Native American Intellectual Leadership.

Rachelles focus on Indigenous art is a great fit with our long-time priority of centering Native artists, executive director Suzanne Sbarge said. She brings scholarship on Native American art, understanding of the complexities of cultures in New Mexico and varied life experiences to the job.

Founded in 2006, 516 ARTS is a noncollecting contemporary art museum with a strong history of putting Indigenous artists and curators into its programming.

Gallup-born Rachelle B. Pablo (Dine) is the first Native American curator at 516 ARTS.

Pablo grew up helping her grandmother gather the wool for her weaving. The arts were imbued within her culture.

It was mesmerizing to see my grandmother; she didnt work out her designs on a piece of paper, she said.

This has been an extensive journey that began in 2011, she continued. I was a former tradesman within Local 49 (the sheetmetal union.) And the recession occurred and I took that opportunity to continue my education.

A U.S. Army veteran, Pablo holds a masters degree in art history from the University of Delaware, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts in studio arts with a minor in museum studies and a certificate in business and entrepreneurship. She also has an associate of arts in anthropology and liberal arts degree from Central New Mexico Community College.

I hope to contribute authentic interpretations of Indigenous art and contribute insight from the Native American perspective into art in general, Pablo said. 516 ARTS is already a part of that. I feel that art is an international language.

Pablo completed a curatorial fellowship program at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts and has performed a variety of internships and projects at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe.

Her father owned horses. Pablo fondly remembers accompanying him to pick up the horseshoes.

The horsemen or the ranch lifestyle, a lot of art is included, she said. Its a lifestyle; its a work of art. Theres a lot of leather work; they forged metal for our ranches.

Pablo also serves as a board member of IndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization focusing on music, arts, outreach and community events.

The position is supported in part by a grant to 516 ARTS from the Henry Luce Foundation in their area of Native American Intellectual Leadership.

Rachelles focus on Indigenous art is a great fit with our long-time priority of centering Native artists, executive director Suzanne Sbarge said. She brings scholarship on Native American art, understanding of the complexities of cultures in New Mexico and varied life experiences to the job.

Founded in 2006, 516 ARTS is a noncollecting contemporary art museum with a strong history of putting Indigenous artists and curators into its programming.
Gallup-born Rachelle B. Pablo (Dine) is the first Native American curator at 516 ARTS.

Pablo grew up helping her grandmother gather the wool for her weaving. The arts were imbued within her culture.

It was mesmerizing to see my grandmother; she didnt work out her designs on a piece of paper, she said.

This has been an extensive journey that began in 2011, she continued. I was a former tradesman within Local 49 (the sheetmetal union.) And the recession occurred and I took that opportunity to continue my education.

A U.S. Army veteran, Pablo holds a masters degree in art history from the University of Delaware, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts in studio arts with a minor in museum studies and a certificate in business and entrepreneurship. She also has an associate of arts in anthropology and liberal arts degree from Central New Mexico Community College.

I hope to contribute authentic interpretations of Indigenous art and contribute insight from the Native American perspective into art in general, Pablo said. 516 ARTS is already a part of that. I feel that art is an international language.

Pablo completed a curatorial fellowship program at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts and has performed a variety of internships and projects at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe.

Her father owned horses. Pablo fondly remembers accompanying him to pick up the horseshoes.

The horsemen or the ranch lifestyle, a lot of art is included, she said. Its a lifestyle; its a work of art. Theres a lot of leather work; they forged metal for our ranches.

Pablo also serves as a board member of IndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization focusing on music, arts, outreach and community events.

The position is supported in part by a grant to 516 ARTS from the Henry Luce Foundation in their area of Native American Intellectual Leadership.

Rachelles focus on Indigenous art is a great fit with our long-time priority of centering Native artists, executive director Suzanne Sbarge said. She brings scholarship on Native American art, understanding of the complexities of cultures in New Mexico and varied life experiences to the job.

Founded in 2006, 516 ARTS is a noncollecting contemporary art museum with a strong history of putting Indigenous artists and curators into its programming.
Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue and GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene greet people during a Bikers for Trump campaign event held at the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill on May 20, 2022 in Plainville, Georgia. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene got a lot more attention than David Perdue at a Friday night rally.

Attendees praised Greene's combative attitude, but seemed not to really know Perdue.

One observer said they find the obsession with Greene disturbing.

PLAINVILLE, Georgia  "She always draws a crowd," a 52-year-old Gordon County resident said as Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene thundered into the parking lot of the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill flanked by any army of engine-revving bikers.

The grand entrance riled up everyone there to show Trump-backed candidates some love ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary. Greene joined gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue, who is trying to chip away at incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp's 30-point lead, and attorney general hopeful John Gordon at the Friday night rally, which took place in Greene's congressional district.

Many of the attendees cheered for Greene as she emerged from the stripped-down Humvee with a campaign sign strapped to its back. Insider spotted at least a dozen people wearing Marjorie Taylor Greene campaign gear in the crowd of about 150 who gathered for the last-minute addition to Perdue's closing weekend sprint.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia chats with Crazy Acres Bar & Grill owner Jerry Stroup after pulling into the parking lot for a Bikers for Trump rally on May 20, in Plainville, Georgia. Warren Rojas/Insider

"Marjorie Taylor Greene brought us out. We have been supporting her since day one," district resident Christie Ellis, 50, said of her affection for the freshman lawmaker. Greene routinely stokes culture wars on Capitol Hill, has voted against nearly every Ukraine-related bill Congress has taken up since Russia invaded the neighboring country, and has taken advantage of the same proxy voting rules she has repeatedly criticized to skip nearly two dozen votes.

Greene immediately set to shoring up the support she'll need to overcome her five GOP primary challengers. She worked the crowd by stopping to pose for selfies, took swigs of her Shock Top Belgian white ale after clinking bottles with beer-toting patrons, and said hello to the kids that star-struck moms rushed over to meet her.

Story continues

"Like Donald Trump, she tells it like it is. You don't have to read her mind," Bikers for Trump founder and rally organizer Chris Cox said to raucous applause as he summoned Greene to the stage to say a few words. Cox also wrapped her in his Trump-branded vest, which Greene proudly sported as she posed for pictures on one of the motorcycles parked in the lot.

Perdue, who had ditched the blazer he was wearing earlier in the day while jet-setting from Augusta to Savannah for a campaign stop with 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee turned House hopeful Sarah Palin, rolled up his sleeves and mingled as well. Though he'd previously represented the area as senator, Perdue reintroduced himself to guys playing pool, awkwardly fist-bumped tattooed bikers, and snuck sips of his soda as others swigged frosty Coors Lights.

When it was his turn on the main stage, Perdue tried to fire everyone up by railing about the "rigged and stolen" presidential election, and how Kemp "sold us out."

Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue speaks during a Bikers for Trump campaign event held at the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill on May 20, 2022 in Plainville, Georgia. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Joel Burnz, 24, wasn't swayed one bit.

"I'm undecided," Burnz said after Perdue finished speaking, telling Insider he planned to spend the weekend "doing homework" ahead of Tuesday's primary.

The 52-year-old local, who declined to give his name, didn't fault Perdue for trying. But he said he wasn't surprised Greene had stolen the spotlight, adding that he likes to play a game with friends and neighbors who fawn over her: he asks them to name the area's prior congressional representative.

"No one knows," the local said, shrugging off the erasure of five-term lawmaker Tom Graves' public service as a consequence of a political system that rewards celebrity above civic duty.

Read the original article on Business Insider


Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


While actor Evan Rachel Wood is known for roles in projects like Westworld and her journey to change domestic abuse laws in California, shes begun to share other parts of her life, too. The star has a child, Jack, with her ex-husband, actor Jamie Bell. Despite her active social media presence, shes very private about her son. Although Wood doesnt post pics of her kid, she did reveal the difficulties of solo motherhood in a 2022 Mothers Day post.

Evan Rachel Wood recently posted about her son on Instagram

Evan Rachel Woods post was a mothers day message to herself. As someone without a partner, Wood explained, she doesnt have anyone to dedicate a note to her. So this year, she decided to make her own post, thanking herself.

I am a queer, single, working, Mom, who is a survivor, and its normal for me to feel constantly judged, she wrote on Instagram. I dont get feedback or a thank you I very much have to rely on myself for almost all things. Alongside the text, Wood posted a picture of her profile, holding a box of flowers. The actor goes on to thank herself for all she does for her son, almost single-handedly.

Jamie Bell and Evan Rachel Woods relationship ended years ago

Actress Evan Rachel Wood (L) and actor Jamie Bell, wearing Gucci, attend the LACMA 2013 Art + Film Gala honoring Martin Scorsese and David Hockney presented by Gucci at LACMA on November 2, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for LACMA)

Evan Rachel Wood and Jacks father, Jamie Bell, arent together anymore. According to ET Online, Jamie and Wood were married for two years, between 2012 and 2014. The two fought it out in family court over custody of Jack, according to The Cut. As of 2017, Jamie claimed that he and Wood were co-parenting well. Hes now married to actor Kate Mara.

Unfortunately, Woods outing of her abuser, Marilyn Manson, has affected her son. Manson fans have sent her multiple death threats, and shes often feared for her and her sons safety. The validity of the threats came up in Woods custody hearings. She claims Bell isnt supportive of her journey to get justice for her abuse. Wood told The Cut that shes spent thousands on extra security measures, including bulletproof glass, to protect herself and Jack.

Even though motherhood has been hard for Wood, especially after naming her abuser, Wood wouldnt change it for the world.

Wood claims that motherhood saved her

Woods post continued. I am almost 9 years Into motherhood, and it has been the hardest thing I have ever and will ever do, but it also saved my life and taught me more than I could have ever imagined, she wrote. Although motherhood has been hard, Wood is still happy to have her son.

In her interview in The Cut, the actor shares that, in some ways, her son has seen her change thanks to her journey to get justice for her abuse. Wood says at one point, after the social media post that finally named Manson, Jack asked his mother, Why are you acting so weird? Wood claims she replied, Because Im free. Youve just never seen me not have this on my back.

Wood wrote in her letter to herself that shes happy shes been able to be a model for her son. Thank you for always working on yourself so they dont have to inherit all your demons, she wrote to herself. Thank you for modeling resilience and self-care.

RELATED: Evan Rachel Wood and Marilyn Manson: Whats Their Age Difference and How Long Did They Date?
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The Charity Commission has criticised the trustees of British Pakistani Christians for failing to ensure proper safeguarding measures were in place.

The regulator opened a compliance case into the charity in 2020 after concerns regarding a specific safeguarding incident that occurred when it was operating overseas.

The Commission investigated the trustees response to the incident and found failures in its handling and its safeguarding procedures.

The regulator said British Pakistani Christians, formerly known as British Pakistani Christians Association (BPCA), had broad charitable objectives.

These encompass tackling poverty, conducting overseas programmes and religious activities, the regulator identified confusion among the trustees about the aims and activities of the charity.

It also criticised the charitys lack of robust financial controls for its overseas work.

An action plan was issued to the charity in April 2020. While it had worked on the guidance provided, it had not complied in full, the regulator said, which resulted in it filing an official warning and action plan to address its failings in February 2021.

After assessing the charitys progress, the Commission has warned the BPCA to continue following formal advice to improve, particularly in terms of conflicts of interest. The regulator has now closed its compliance case.

Conflicts of interest

Wilson Chowdhry founded BPCA in 2013 and it became registered as a charity two years later.

He resigned shortly before the Commissions case into the charity began in June 2019, for personal reasons, he said.

His wife, Juliet Chowdhry, then became chair. According to accounts filed with the Charity Commission, there are currently three other trustees of the charity.

In 2021, Civil Society News discovered Wilson had maintained connections with the charity despite the regulators concerns about conflicts of interest.

BPCA admitted that last year it still operated from a building owned by the founder.

The Commission has provided formal advice to the trustees that address these concerns, particularly those concerning conflicts of interest.

'We are glad the investigation is over'

According to the accounts filed with the Commission for the financial year ending 2021, the charitys total income was over 92,000 and it had a total expenditure of over 139,000.

Juliet Chowdhury, chair of BCPA, told Civil Society News: We are glad the investigation is over and our focus can return to the desperate suffering people that we support.

Working with the Charity Commission we have introduced improved safeguarding and other measures that enhance the level of service that we provide to some of the most vulnerable Christians in South Asia.

Everyone who comes into contact with a charity has a right to feel safe

Tracy Howarth, assistant director of casework at the Charity Commission, said: Everyone who comes into contact with a charity has a right to feel safe.

Trustees must make safeguarding a governance priority, ensuring that the charity protects people from harm, and responds promptly and effectively when things do go wrong. Unfortunately, that hasnt always been the case at BPCA. We found the charitys trustees lacked sufficient oversight and expertise to protect people who came into contact with the charity.

I am pleased that our firm action in this case has resulted in clear improvements in the charitys approach to safeguarding. We now expect the trustees to address outstanding issues, and ensure the charitys governance improves into the future.

Editor's note

This article was edited on 26 May to add a comment from the charity, which was received after the article was published.

sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
BERTRAND  When Jennifer Weber began a fundraiser to aid fire departments who battled recent southwest Nebraska wild fires, she was hoping to give back about $1,000.

Weber has owned Pretty & Fabulous Boutique and T-shirt Print Shop in Bertrand since 2017. In April, she had a T-shirt designed to honor first responders. The proceeds from the sale of the shirts would be donated to local area fire departments directly affected by the fires. Within a matter of days, over $30,000 was raised.

A friend told her she should do a fundraiser for fire departments shortly after the Road 739 Fire in April near Arapahoe. The fires hit close to home for Weber whose husband is a volunteer with the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department. However, she got busy and decided to wait before starting on the project. But just a few short weeks later, another fire ravaged over 40,000 acres near Cambridge. Weber knew she couldnt wait any longer.

She contacted her designer, Emma Larson of Loomis, about what she wanted to do. Larson ran with the idea of a Prairie Strong T-shirt. Weber opened online sales of the shirt April 23, and she created a post about it on Facebook. Her initial post reached 85,235 people and was shared 685 times.

Weber was hopeful to just be able to give a little back to local departments, but the impact has spread farther than she could have imagined. By April 27, Weber realized that people had ordered shirts from 22 states. Her new goal was to try to sell a shirt to customers in all 50 states.

I left (the sale) open a little bit longer just because people were still ordering, she explained.

When she closed the sale on May 1, shirts were purchased from 47 states and one to a U.S. military base in Europe. Even though Pretty & Fabulous is a full-fledged print shop, Weber knew when sales reached over $10,000 in just a few hours she would need to recruit help to print the shirts. She has worked with Sayler Screenprinting in Kearney, and she reached out to them for assistance.

On Monday when I hit $10,000, I called Kyle, and I was like, OK, Im either going to have to shut it down because this is going to take me weeks on a manual, or Im going to need your help. Hes like, Nope, we got you. He goes, Leave it open. Do what you can, and well get them made for you. So it was awesome to team up with him and awesome to work with another printer, said Weber.

Weber received 40 boxes of shirts last week. She was waiting for graduation to wrap up in order to obtain a location large enough to begin sorting and organizing all the shirts to be shipped. Shes had about 10 local volunteers  many with ties to the fire departments  who have offered to help her with the process of getting shirts out the door.

Weber has a long list of fire departments she is planning to donate the proceeds to, including departments in south-central Nebraska who responded to the Road 739 and 702 fires and those who responded to a fire near Elsie and Wallace.

As word spread about the T-shirts, Weber has heard from many locals who missed the chance to purchase a shirt or werent sure how to buy it online. Sales for the T-shirts has been reopened online at prettyandfab.com under Prairie Strong. It will remain open until after Memorial Day. The funds raised will go to area fire departments that were missed in the first round.

I hope to be able to help as many volunteer fire departments as I can. This could not have been done without the support received across the state and the U.S., she said. It is truly amazing to watch people come together and work together during hard times. This is what makes Nebraska such an amazing place to live, neighbors helping neighbors.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
BERTRAND  When Jennifer Weber began a fundraiser to aid fire departments who battled recent southwest Nebraska wild fires, she was hoping to give back about $1,000.

Weber has owned Pretty & Fabulous Boutique and T-shirt Print Shop in Bertrand since 2017. In April, she had a T-shirt designed to honor first responders. The proceeds from the sale of the shirts would be donated to local area fire departments directly affected by the fires. Within a matter of days, over $30,000 was raised.

A friend told her she should do a fundraiser for fire departments shortly after the Road 739 Fire in April near Arapahoe. The fires hit close to home for Weber whose husband is a volunteer with the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department. However, she got busy and decided to wait before starting on the project. But just a few short weeks later, another fire ravaged over 40,000 acres near Cambridge. Weber knew she couldnt wait any longer.

She contacted her designer, Emma Larson of Loomis, about what she wanted to do. Larson ran with the idea of a Prairie Strong T-shirt. Weber opened online sales of the shirt April 23, and she created a post about it on Facebook. Her initial post reached 85,235 people and was shared 685 times.

Weber was hopeful to just be able to give a little back to local departments, but the impact has spread farther than she could have imagined. By April 27, Weber realized that people had ordered shirts from 22 states. Her new goal was to try to sell a shirt to customers in all 50 states.

I left (the sale) open a little bit longer just because people were still ordering, she explained.

When she closed the sale on May 1, shirts were purchased from 47 states and one to a U.S. military base in Europe. Even though Pretty & Fabulous is a full-fledged print shop, Weber knew when sales reached over $10,000 in just a few hours she would need to recruit help to print the shirts. She has worked with Sayler Screenprinting in Kearney, and she reached out to them for assistance.

On Monday when I hit $10,000, I called Kyle, and I was like, OK, Im either going to have to shut it down because this is going to take me weeks on a manual, or Im going to need your help. Hes like, Nope, we got you. He goes, Leave it open. Do what you can, and well get them made for you. So it was awesome to team up with him and awesome to work with another printer, said Weber.

Weber received 40 boxes of shirts last week. She was waiting for graduation to wrap up in order to obtain a location large enough to begin sorting and organizing all the shirts to be shipped. Shes had about 10 local volunteers  many with ties to the fire departments  who have offered to help her with the process of getting shirts out the door.

Weber has a long list of fire departments she is planning to donate the proceeds to, including departments in south-central Nebraska who responded to the Road 739 and 702 fires and those who responded to a fire near Elsie and Wallace.

As word spread about the T-shirts, Weber has heard from many locals who missed the chance to purchase a shirt or werent sure how to buy it online. Sales for the T-shirts has been reopened online at prettyandfab.com under Prairie Strong. It will remain open until after Memorial Day. The funds raised will go to area fire departments that were missed in the first round.

I hope to be able to help as many volunteer fire departments as I can. This could not have been done without the support received across the state and the U.S., she said. It is truly amazing to watch people come together and work together during hard times. This is what makes Nebraska such an amazing place to live, neighbors helping neighbors.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

SRS and Politics Reporter

I cover the Savannah River Site and politics. I previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. I am graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston (W.Va.).
The Charity Commission has criticised the trustees of British Pakistani Christians for failing to ensure proper safeguarding measures were in place.

The regulator opened a compliance case into the charity in 2020 after concerns regarding a specific safeguarding incident that occurred when it was operating overseas.

The Commission investigated the trustees response to the incident and found failures in its handling and its safeguarding procedures.

The regulator said British Pakistani Christians, formerly known as British Pakistani Christians Association (BPCA), had broad charitable objectives.

These encompass tackling poverty, conducting overseas programmes and religious activities, the regulator identified confusion among the trustees about the aims and activities of the charity.

It also criticised the charitys lack of robust financial controls for its overseas work.

An action plan was issued to the charity in April 2020. While it had worked on the guidance provided, it had not complied in full, the regulator said, which resulted in it filing an official warning and action plan to address its failings in February 2021.

After assessing the charitys progress, the Commission has warned the BPCA to continue following formal advice to improve, particularly in terms of conflicts of interest. The regulator has now closed its compliance case.

Conflicts of interest

Wilson Chowdhry founded BPCA in 2013 and it became registered as a charity two years later.

He resigned shortly before the Commissions case into the charity began in June 2019, for personal reasons, he said.

His wife, Juliet Chowdhry, then became chair. According to accounts filed with the Charity Commission, there are currently three other trustees of the charity.

In 2021, Civil Society News discovered Wilson had maintained connections with the charity despite the regulators concerns about conflicts of interest.

BPCA admitted that last year it still operated from a building owned by the founder.

The Commission has provided formal advice to the trustees that address these concerns, particularly those concerning conflicts of interest.

'We are glad the investigation is over'

According to the accounts filed with the Commission for the financial year ending 2021, the charitys total income was over 92,000 and it had a total expenditure of over 139,000.

Juliet Chowdhury, chair of BCPA, told Civil Society News: We are glad the investigation is over and our focus can return to the desperate suffering people that we support.

Working with the Charity Commission we have introduced improved safeguarding and other measures that enhance the level of service that we provide to some of the most vulnerable Christians in South Asia.

Everyone who comes into contact with a charity has a right to feel safe

Tracy Howarth, assistant director of casework at the Charity Commission, said: Everyone who comes into contact with a charity has a right to feel safe.

Trustees must make safeguarding a governance priority, ensuring that the charity protects people from harm, and responds promptly and effectively when things do go wrong. Unfortunately, that hasnt always been the case at BPCA. We found the charitys trustees lacked sufficient oversight and expertise to protect people who came into contact with the charity.

I am pleased that our firm action in this case has resulted in clear improvements in the charitys approach to safeguarding. We now expect the trustees to address outstanding issues, and ensure the charitys governance improves into the future.

Editor's note

This article was edited on 26 May to add a comment from the charity, which was received after the article was published.

sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,





Oracle co-founder and former CEO Larry Ellison was involved in a call where a number of influential GOP figuresincluding Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Trump attorney Jay Sekulow  brainstormed ways to contest the 2020 presidential election, reported the Washington Post. Details of the call which occurred on November 14, 2020 were revealed in new court filings from a lawsuit brought by voting rights organization Fair Fight against True The Vote, a conservative Texas vote monitoring organization that disputes the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison, True the Votes founder, Catherine Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor, according to court filings reviewed by the Post. He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so thats what Im working on now.

Ellison is a high-profile GOP donor and has hosted fundraisers for former president Donald Trump. He has seemingly never expressed doubts about the 2020 election results publicly. While the CEO has donated to both parties over the years as the Palm Desert Sun points out, hes poured a substantial amount of money into the GOP and conservative causes since the 2020 election. His $15 million donation in February to a super PAC associated with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is one of the largest of the 2022 election cycle so far.

Ellison's proximity to Trump has led to concerns that Oracle may have had an unfair advantage in competing for federal contracts during the former administration. Oracle nabbed a lucrative contract in 2020 to aid the Department of Health and Human Services to collect data on doctors who treat COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by Trump. It is also nearing a deal with TikTok to store their US data, which Trump approved in 2020.



SRS and Politics Reporter

I cover the Savannah River Site and politics. I previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. I am graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston (W.Va.).

BERTRAND  When Jennifer Weber began a fundraiser to aid fire departments who battled recent southwest Nebraska wild fires, she was hoping to give back about $1,000.

Weber has owned Pretty & Fabulous Boutique and T-shirt Print Shop in Bertrand since 2017. In April, she had a T-shirt designed to honor first responders. The proceeds from the sale of the shirts would be donated to local area fire departments directly affected by the fires. Within a matter of days, over $30,000 was raised.

A friend told her she should do a fundraiser for fire departments shortly after the Road 739 Fire in April near Arapahoe. The fires hit close to home for Weber whose husband is a volunteer with the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department. However, she got busy and decided to wait before starting on the project. But just a few short weeks later, another fire ravaged over 40,000 acres near Cambridge. Weber knew she couldnt wait any longer.

She contacted her designer, Emma Larson of Loomis, about what she wanted to do. Larson ran with the idea of a Prairie Strong T-shirt. Weber opened online sales of the shirt April 23, and she created a post about it on Facebook. Her initial post reached 85,235 people and was shared 685 times.

Weber was hopeful to just be able to give a little back to local departments, but the impact has spread farther than she could have imagined. By April 27, Weber realized that people had ordered shirts from 22 states. Her new goal was to try to sell a shirt to customers in all 50 states.

I left (the sale) open a little bit longer just because people were still ordering, she explained.

When she closed the sale on May 1, shirts were purchased from 47 states and one to a U.S. military base in Europe. Even though Pretty & Fabulous is a full-fledged print shop, Weber knew when sales reached over $10,000 in just a few hours she would need to recruit help to print the shirts. She has worked with Sayler Screenprinting in Kearney, and she reached out to them for assistance.

On Monday when I hit $10,000, I called Kyle, and I was like, OK, Im either going to have to shut it down because this is going to take me weeks on a manual, or Im going to need your help. Hes like, Nope, we got you. He goes, Leave it open. Do what you can, and well get them made for you. So it was awesome to team up with him and awesome to work with another printer, said Weber.

Weber received 40 boxes of shirts last week. She was waiting for graduation to wrap up in order to obtain a location large enough to begin sorting and organizing all the shirts to be shipped. Shes had about 10 local volunteers  many with ties to the fire departments  who have offered to help her with the process of getting shirts out the door.

Weber has a long list of fire departments she is planning to donate the proceeds to, including departments in south-central Nebraska who responded to the Road 739 and 702 fires and those who responded to a fire near Elsie and Wallace.

As word spread about the T-shirts, Weber has heard from many locals who missed the chance to purchase a shirt or werent sure how to buy it online. Sales for the T-shirts has been reopened online at prettyandfab.com under Prairie Strong. It will remain open until after Memorial Day. The funds raised will go to area fire departments that were missed in the first round.

I hope to be able to help as many volunteer fire departments as I can. This could not have been done without the support received across the state and the U.S., she said. It is truly amazing to watch people come together and work together during hard times. This is what makes Nebraska such an amazing place to live, neighbors helping neighbors.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


When a court appointed expert last week issued new State Senate maps with the potential of pitting several incumbents against each other, it appeared a series of epic political battles was about to erupt around Western New York.

But a State Supreme Court justice early Saturday morning approved final maps tweaked by a "special master" over the past few days, and it now seems certain that most local Senate incumbents avoid serious challenges, and that new districts will better represent similar communities as much as possible.

Justice Patrick F. McAllister's order finally allows Senate campaigning to proceed with a degree of certainty, and avoids the possibility of primary showdowns between established Democrats like Sean M. Ryan and Timothy M. Kennedy of Buffalo.

"A lot of people on both teams are breathing a bit easier," one top Democrat who asked not to be identified said Saturday.

Still, some incumbents and those eyeing a race face crunch time decisions now that district lines appear final at the conclusion of a long legal battle that began back in February.

Highlights of the new Senate plan include:

 Separate districts for Kennedy and Ryan after Kennedy last week was lumped into a new entity now represented by Republican Patrick M. Gallivan of Elma. While nothing is yet certain, the new districts now alleviate a potential showdown between Kennedy and Gallivan in a GOP-dominated district, while also precluding a Kennedy move to more Democratic turf, possibly sparking a race against Ryan.

"There were lots of 'could haves' here," said Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy J. Zellner. "This could have led to a big problem."

 Ryan now inherits much of Amherst, raising questions for incumbent Republican Edward A. Rath III, who had previously passed on seeking a second term rather than face Kennedy and his well-stocked campaign treasury on the original lines. But when Special Master Jonathan Cervas of Carnegie Mellon University (appointed by McAllister to draw fairer maps than those he deemed gerrymandered by State Legislature Democrats) on May 16 issued new maps appearing more favorable to a Republican, Rath said he was back in.

Now he must face Ryan, who gains parts of Amherst along with West Seneca, the Town of Tonawanda, Grand Island and North Buffalo in a primarily Democratic district. That causes observers to wonder if Rath is reassessing his "in again, out again" candidacy. He did not return calls on Saturday seeking comment.

 Questions now surround the Republican candidacy of former County Executive Joel A. Giambra, who was already waging an aggressive effort against Ryan and said he would address the situation on Sunday. Under the old maps now substantially altered in the final version, Giambra was encouraged by the lines and demographics offered by competing in the Tonawandas and Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls now is assigned to Sen. Rob Ortt of North Tonawanda, the Senate Minority leader. Ortt sounded his approval of the process on Saturday.

"Now, we can look forward," Ortt said, "and Im confident both in the slate of candidates prepared to join the Senate Republican Conference and New Yorkers who will make their voices heard at the ballot box this November."

The redistricting process, mandated every 10 years by the census, became especially complicated this year after an Independent Redistricting Commission established by the voters in a 2014 constitutional amendment failed to reach consensus.

Democratic supermajorities in the Senate and Assembly then imposed their own maps, which judges extending all the way to the Court of Appeals labeled gerrymandered and unconstitutional.

From his court in Bath, McAllister appointed Cervas to draw fairer maps, which were released May 16. Since then, appeals over the final lines were submitted from across the state, causing the master to reassess some of his original submissions, including some in Erie County.

"There were comments that the previous split between a more urban district and a more rural district did not respect neighborhood interests," Cervas wrote in the final submission. "The configuration has been changed to provide a clearer separation between more urban and rural populations of the county."

County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was among dozens submitting opposition letters to McAllister last week.

I am very disappointed by the proposed new congressional and Senate districts that separate the City of Lackawanna, my hometown, from the City of Buffalo, he said. "Both cities closely share common minority populations and ethnicities, interests, and history, as well as municipal lines.

Lackawanna and Buffalo remain contiguous in the new congressional and Senate maps, and several minority districts remain intact.

"I was very happy the judge reunited the African American community, and the districts seem to fit the Democratic candidates," Zellner said.

Petitioning for the new districts began Saturday.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Oracle co-founder and former CEO Larry Ellison was involved in a call where a number of influential GOP figuresincluding Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Fox News anchor Sean Hannity and Trump attorney Jay Sekulow  brainstormed ways to contest the 2020 presidential election, reported the Washington Post. Details of the call which occurred on November 14, 2020 were revealed in new court filings from a lawsuit brought by voting rights organization Fair Fight against True The Vote, a conservative Texas vote monitoring organization that disputes the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Jim was on a call this evening with Jay Sekulow, Lindsey O. Graham, Sean Hannity, and Larry Ellison, True the Votes founder, Catherine Engelbrecht, wrote to a donor, according to court filings reviewed by the Post. He explained the work we were doing and they asked for a preliminary report asap, to be used to rally their troops internally, so thats what Im working on now.

Ellison is a high-profile GOP donor and has hosted fundraisers for former president Donald Trump. He has seemingly never expressed doubts about the 2020 election results publicly. While the CEO has donated to both parties over the years as the Palm Desert Sun points out, hes poured a substantial amount of money into the GOP and conservative causes since the 2020 election. His $15 million donation in February to a super PAC associated with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is one of the largest of the 2022 election cycle so far.

Ellison's proximity to Trump has led to concerns that Oracle may have had an unfair advantage in competing for federal contracts during the former administration. Oracle nabbed a lucrative contract in 2020 to aid the Department of Health and Human Services to collect data on doctors who treat COVID-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by Trump. It is also nearing a deal with TikTok to store their US data, which Trump approved in 2020.
Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue and GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene greet people during a Bikers for Trump campaign event held at the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill on May 20, 2022 in Plainville, Georgia. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene got a lot more attention than David Perdue at a Friday night rally.

Attendees praised Greene's combative attitude, but seemed not to really know Perdue.

One observer said they find the obsession with Greene disturbing.

PLAINVILLE, Georgia  "She always draws a crowd," a 52-year-old Gordon County resident said as Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene thundered into the parking lot of the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill flanked by any army of engine-revving bikers.

The grand entrance riled up everyone there to show Trump-backed candidates some love ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary. Greene joined gubernatorial hopeful David Perdue, who is trying to chip away at incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp's 30-point lead, and attorney general hopeful John Gordon at the Friday night rally, which took place in Greene's congressional district.

Many of the attendees cheered for Greene as she emerged from the stripped-down Humvee with a campaign sign strapped to its back. Insider spotted at least a dozen people wearing Marjorie Taylor Greene campaign gear in the crowd of about 150 who gathered for the last-minute addition to Perdue's closing weekend sprint.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia chats with Crazy Acres Bar & Grill owner Jerry Stroup after pulling into the parking lot for a Bikers for Trump rally on May 20, in Plainville, Georgia. Warren Rojas/Insider

"Marjorie Taylor Greene brought us out. We have been supporting her since day one," district resident Christie Ellis, 50, said of her affection for the freshman lawmaker. Greene routinely stokes culture wars on Capitol Hill, has voted against nearly every Ukraine-related bill Congress has taken up since Russia invaded the neighboring country, and has taken advantage of the same proxy voting rules she has repeatedly criticized to skip nearly two dozen votes.

Greene immediately set to shoring up the support she'll need to overcome her five GOP primary challengers. She worked the crowd by stopping to pose for selfies, took swigs of her Shock Top Belgian white ale after clinking bottles with beer-toting patrons, and said hello to the kids that star-struck moms rushed over to meet her.

Story continues

"Like Donald Trump, she tells it like it is. You don't have to read her mind," Bikers for Trump founder and rally organizer Chris Cox said to raucous applause as he summoned Greene to the stage to say a few words. Cox also wrapped her in his Trump-branded vest, which Greene proudly sported as she posed for pictures on one of the motorcycles parked in the lot.

Perdue, who had ditched the blazer he was wearing earlier in the day while jet-setting from Augusta to Savannah for a campaign stop with 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee turned House hopeful Sarah Palin, rolled up his sleeves and mingled as well. Though he'd previously represented the area as senator, Perdue reintroduced himself to guys playing pool, awkwardly fist-bumped tattooed bikers, and snuck sips of his soda as others swigged frosty Coors Lights.

When it was his turn on the main stage, Perdue tried to fire everyone up by railing about the "rigged and stolen" presidential election, and how Kemp "sold us out."

Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue speaks during a Bikers for Trump campaign event held at the Crazy Acres Bar & Grill on May 20, 2022 in Plainville, Georgia. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Joel Burnz, 24, wasn't swayed one bit.

"I'm undecided," Burnz said after Perdue finished speaking, telling Insider he planned to spend the weekend "doing homework" ahead of Tuesday's primary.

The 52-year-old local, who declined to give his name, didn't fault Perdue for trying. But he said he wasn't surprised Greene had stolen the spotlight, adding that he likes to play a game with friends and neighbors who fawn over her: he asks them to name the area's prior congressional representative.

"No one knows," the local said, shrugging off the erasure of five-term lawmaker Tom Graves' public service as a consequence of a political system that rewards celebrity above civic duty.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The word chilling in the subtitle aptly describes Midnight Hour, the thematic title of a crime-fiction anthology and its 20 distinctive short stories. Some are noir, several dip into horror and many carry a stealthy punch.

What sets this collection apart from many other short story anthologies is that each story in Midnight Hour is authored by a different, talented writer of color.

Abby L. Vandiver is one of the contributors and is the anthologys editor.

And more.

Vandiver held key behind-the-scenes roles in bringing Midnight Hour to life. She did the first edit of the anthology. She said she managed the book; that is, she organized the copy and turned it in on time.

It was my idea to do the anthology and I reached out to the (fellow) members of Crime Writers of Color. The book is not an offshoot of (the organization), but I think it is a good collecting pool, she said in a phone interview from her home in Cleveland.

Vandiver worked in another significant role  as literary agent for the books authors. As the agent, I did the submissions to publishers to sell our anthology. It was bought by Crooked Lane Books, Vandiver said.

She believes that being included in the anthology boosts the exposure for contributors who are unknown and previously unpublished.

For Midnight Hour, Vandiver wrote the noir story The Bridge. Its about a woman who agrees to kill a friends husband. Readers must wait until the end to see a twist in the murder-for-hire scheme and the surprise revelation of the killers identity.

I wrote it because I was trying to teach myself to write short stories, Vandiver explained. My first (effort) was 20,000 words. I got the next story down to 14,000. The Bridge was the first one that was under 5,000 words. Most short stories are between 5,000 and 7,000 words.

Vandiver herself is widely known for her cozy mysteries featuring protagonist Romaine Wilder. This coming August, her novel Where Wild Peaches Grow, is to be released under the pen name Cade Bentley. Its not a mystery.

David Heska Wanbli Weidens contribution Skin won the Western Writers of Americas Spur Award for Best Short Story. Its about an attempt to steal a prized rare book from a religious school in Rapid City, South Dakota. The cover of the late 18th century book is said to have been made  get ready for this  from the skin of a Native American. He had been killed in battle by a white man, a character states, who flayed and tanned the flesh from the corpse and used it for the books binding. The theft has an honorable purpose: A medicine man should follow proper spiritual steps and give the book a decent burial.

Weiden, an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, is a professor of Native American Studies and Political Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Three stories in Midnight Hour have been nominated for awards. Richie Narvaezs Docs at Midnight was nominated for the Malice Domestic Agatha Award for Best Short Story. Tracy Clarks Lucky Thirteen and V.M. Burns The Vermeer Conspiracy were nominated for an Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award in the Best Short Story category.

The trade magazine Publishers Weekly gave Midnight Hour a starred review, stating, Each contributor offers a surprising and original take on the mystery genre. Full of varied voices, this volume is must reading for mystery aficionados.

One contributor, Gigi Pandian,has New Mexico family ties. She said her mother was raised in Albuquerque and an aunt lives in Santa Fe. Her father is from India.

Vandiver said the anthology makes the statement that people of color write books and we read books.

 n n

Crime Writers of Color is described on its website as an ad hoc,informal association of authors seeking to present a strong and united voice for members who self-identify as crime/mystery writers from traditionally under-represented racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Visit crimewritersofcolor.com for more information.
Its our turn.

Until Saturday, Its Buffalos Turn, meant, Super Bowl victory is ours this year!

Since Buffalo became the latest target of the white supremacist movement, Its our turn now means something very different.

Saturdays massacre at Tops was the result of a coordinated, unchecked movement whose very purpose is to enrage marginalized people. Hate poisons the psyche of the unheard and stokes the fears of the vulnerable. Its bottom feeder leaders spew venom and encourage their enraged followers to take out their enemies. They blame Blacks or women or Jews or gays or Asians, whatever contributor to the American mosaic they decide should be in its cross hairs. None of us is safe.

We have a duty to fight todays Nazis and their propaganda machine, from the vilest parts of the dark web to the mainstream media outlets whose business plans are built on ginning people up by fueling fear and focusing blame.

After the crash of Flight 3407, Buffalo led the charge for measures to address problems. It took over 12 years, but thanks to determined Buffalonians, we all fly more safely.

Local Muslim community members reported suspicious activities to the FBI, leading to the arrest of the Lackawanna Six. They didnt look the other way. Instead, they recognized the threat they saw with their own eyes  and they acted. Courageously.

When the Lackawanna Six were found guilty of providing material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, Western New York didnt break out into riots. We showed the world the power of diversity and inclusion and how a community can move forward together, peacefully.

On Saturday, a gunman came to Buffalo to destroy lives, but he wasnt a lone wolf. He was part of a pack of lies spread by haters who find community on the internet. Its up to us, Buffalo, to help figure out how to connect the dots and hold hawkers of hate accountable.

The guns capacity was enhanced by a machinist who amplified the power of his assault weapon. Lets make sure that the machinist is held liable.

There were signs the gunman suffered from mental illness. Lets demand that our health care system and reporting mechanisms are coordinated, with checks and balances in place, to seal the cracks people fall through.

Lets be brave enough to challenge hate speech wherever we encounter it.

Lets visit www.racialequitybuffalo.org to learn how each of us can help address the segregation that has held our community back for too long.

Itll take courage, determination, patience, and strategy to combat it. But if not us, who? Its our turn. Lets go, Buffalo.

Kate Masiello is Buffalos former first lady and co-creator of our local chapter of the Million Mom March.
Its our turn.

Until Saturday, Its Buffalos Turn, meant, Super Bowl victory is ours this year!

Since Buffalo became the latest target of the white supremacist movement, Its our turn now means something very different.

Saturdays massacre at Tops was the result of a coordinated, unchecked movement whose very purpose is to enrage marginalized people. Hate poisons the psyche of the unheard and stokes the fears of the vulnerable. Its bottom feeder leaders spew venom and encourage their enraged followers to take out their enemies. They blame Blacks or women or Jews or gays or Asians, whatever contributor to the American mosaic they decide should be in its cross hairs. None of us is safe.

We have a duty to fight todays Nazis and their propaganda machine, from the vilest parts of the dark web to the mainstream media outlets whose business plans are built on ginning people up by fueling fear and focusing blame.

After the crash of Flight 3407, Buffalo led the charge for measures to address problems. It took over 12 years, but thanks to determined Buffalonians, we all fly more safely.

Local Muslim community members reported suspicious activities to the FBI, leading to the arrest of the Lackawanna Six. They didnt look the other way. Instead, they recognized the threat they saw with their own eyes  and they acted. Courageously.

When the Lackawanna Six were found guilty of providing material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, Western New York didnt break out into riots. We showed the world the power of diversity and inclusion and how a community can move forward together, peacefully.

On Saturday, a gunman came to Buffalo to destroy lives, but he wasnt a lone wolf. He was part of a pack of lies spread by haters who find community on the internet. Its up to us, Buffalo, to help figure out how to connect the dots and hold hawkers of hate accountable.

The guns capacity was enhanced by a machinist who amplified the power of his assault weapon. Lets make sure that the machinist is held liable.

There were signs the gunman suffered from mental illness. Lets demand that our health care system and reporting mechanisms are coordinated, with checks and balances in place, to seal the cracks people fall through.

Lets be brave enough to challenge hate speech wherever we encounter it.

Lets visit www.racialequitybuffalo.org to learn how each of us can help address the segregation that has held our community back for too long.

Itll take courage, determination, patience, and strategy to combat it. But if not us, who? Its our turn. Lets go, Buffalo.

Kate Masiello is Buffalos former first lady and co-creator of our local chapter of the Million Mom March.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."












Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


BERTRAND  When Jennifer Weber began a fundraiser to aid fire departments who battled recent southwest Nebraska wild fires, she was hoping to give back about $1,000.

Weber has owned Pretty & Fabulous Boutique and T-shirt Print Shop in Bertrand since 2017. In April, she had a T-shirt designed to honor first responders. The proceeds from the sale of the shirts would be donated to local area fire departments directly affected by the fires. Within a matter of days, over $30,000 was raised.

A friend told her she should do a fundraiser for fire departments shortly after the Road 739 Fire in April near Arapahoe. The fires hit close to home for Weber whose husband is a volunteer with the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department. However, she got busy and decided to wait before starting on the project. But just a few short weeks later, another fire ravaged over 40,000 acres near Cambridge. Weber knew she couldnt wait any longer.

She contacted her designer, Emma Larson of Loomis, about what she wanted to do. Larson ran with the idea of a Prairie Strong T-shirt. Weber opened online sales of the shirt April 23, and she created a post about it on Facebook. Her initial post reached 85,235 people and was shared 685 times.

Weber was hopeful to just be able to give a little back to local departments, but the impact has spread farther than she could have imagined. By April 27, Weber realized that people had ordered shirts from 22 states. Her new goal was to try to sell a shirt to customers in all 50 states.

I left (the sale) open a little bit longer just because people were still ordering, she explained.

When she closed the sale on May 1, shirts were purchased from 47 states and one to a U.S. military base in Europe. Even though Pretty & Fabulous is a full-fledged print shop, Weber knew when sales reached over $10,000 in just a few hours she would need to recruit help to print the shirts. She has worked with Sayler Screenprinting in Kearney, and she reached out to them for assistance.

On Monday when I hit $10,000, I called Kyle, and I was like, OK, Im either going to have to shut it down because this is going to take me weeks on a manual, or Im going to need your help. Hes like, Nope, we got you. He goes, Leave it open. Do what you can, and well get them made for you. So it was awesome to team up with him and awesome to work with another printer, said Weber.

Weber received 40 boxes of shirts last week. She was waiting for graduation to wrap up in order to obtain a location large enough to begin sorting and organizing all the shirts to be shipped. Shes had about 10 local volunteers  many with ties to the fire departments  who have offered to help her with the process of getting shirts out the door.

Weber has a long list of fire departments she is planning to donate the proceeds to, including departments in south-central Nebraska who responded to the Road 739 and 702 fires and those who responded to a fire near Elsie and Wallace.

As word spread about the T-shirts, Weber has heard from many locals who missed the chance to purchase a shirt or werent sure how to buy it online. Sales for the T-shirts has been reopened online at prettyandfab.com under Prairie Strong. It will remain open until after Memorial Day. The funds raised will go to area fire departments that were missed in the first round.

I hope to be able to help as many volunteer fire departments as I can. This could not have been done without the support received across the state and the U.S., she said. It is truly amazing to watch people come together and work together during hard times. This is what makes Nebraska such an amazing place to live, neighbors helping neighbors.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The word chilling in the subtitle aptly describes Midnight Hour, the thematic title of a crime-fiction anthology and its 20 distinctive short stories. Some are noir, several dip into horror and many carry a stealthy punch.

What sets this collection apart from many other short story anthologies is that each story in Midnight Hour is authored by a different, talented writer of color.

Abby L. Vandiver is one of the contributors and is the anthologys editor.

And more.

Vandiver held key behind-the-scenes roles in bringing Midnight Hour to life. She did the first edit of the anthology. She said she managed the book; that is, she organized the copy and turned it in on time.

It was my idea to do the anthology and I reached out to the (fellow) members of Crime Writers of Color. The book is not an offshoot of (the organization), but I think it is a good collecting pool, she said in a phone interview from her home in Cleveland.

Vandiver worked in another significant role  as literary agent for the books authors. As the agent, I did the submissions to publishers to sell our anthology. It was bought by Crooked Lane Books, Vandiver said.

She believes that being included in the anthology boosts the exposure for contributors who are unknown and previously unpublished.

For Midnight Hour, Vandiver wrote the noir story The Bridge. Its about a woman who agrees to kill a friends husband. Readers must wait until the end to see a twist in the murder-for-hire scheme and the surprise revelation of the killers identity.

I wrote it because I was trying to teach myself to write short stories, Vandiver explained. My first (effort) was 20,000 words. I got the next story down to 14,000. The Bridge was the first one that was under 5,000 words. Most short stories are between 5,000 and 7,000 words.

Vandiver herself is widely known for her cozy mysteries featuring protagonist Romaine Wilder. This coming August, her novel Where Wild Peaches Grow, is to be released under the pen name Cade Bentley. Its not a mystery.

David Heska Wanbli Weidens contribution Skin won the Western Writers of Americas Spur Award for Best Short Story. Its about an attempt to steal a prized rare book from a religious school in Rapid City, South Dakota. The cover of the late 18th century book is said to have been made  get ready for this  from the skin of a Native American. He had been killed in battle by a white man, a character states, who flayed and tanned the flesh from the corpse and used it for the books binding. The theft has an honorable purpose: A medicine man should follow proper spiritual steps and give the book a decent burial.

Weiden, an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, is a professor of Native American Studies and Political Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Three stories in Midnight Hour have been nominated for awards. Richie Narvaezs Docs at Midnight was nominated for the Malice Domestic Agatha Award for Best Short Story. Tracy Clarks Lucky Thirteen and V.M. Burns The Vermeer Conspiracy were nominated for an Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award in the Best Short Story category.

The trade magazine Publishers Weekly gave Midnight Hour a starred review, stating, Each contributor offers a surprising and original take on the mystery genre. Full of varied voices, this volume is must reading for mystery aficionados.

One contributor, Gigi Pandian,has New Mexico family ties. She said her mother was raised in Albuquerque and an aunt lives in Santa Fe. Her father is from India.

Vandiver said the anthology makes the statement that people of color write books and we read books.

 n n

Crime Writers of Color is described on its website as an ad hoc,informal association of authors seeking to present a strong and united voice for members who self-identify as crime/mystery writers from traditionally under-represented racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Visit crimewritersofcolor.com for more information.
Gallup-born Rachelle B. Pablo (Dine) is the first Native American curator at 516 ARTS.

Pablo grew up helping her grandmother gather the wool for her weaving. The arts were imbued within her culture.

It was mesmerizing to see my grandmother; she didnt work out her designs on a piece of paper, she said.

This has been an extensive journey that began in 2011, she continued. I was a former tradesman within Local 49 (the sheetmetal union.) And the recession occurred and I took that opportunity to continue my education.

A U.S. Army veteran, Pablo holds a masters degree in art history from the University of Delaware, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts in studio arts with a minor in museum studies and a certificate in business and entrepreneurship. She also has an associate of arts in anthropology and liberal arts degree from Central New Mexico Community College.

I hope to contribute authentic interpretations of Indigenous art and contribute insight from the Native American perspective into art in general, Pablo said. 516 ARTS is already a part of that. I feel that art is an international language.

Pablo completed a curatorial fellowship program at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts and has performed a variety of internships and projects at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe.

Her father owned horses. Pablo fondly remembers accompanying him to pick up the horseshoes.

The horsemen or the ranch lifestyle, a lot of art is included, she said. Its a lifestyle; its a work of art. Theres a lot of leather work; they forged metal for our ranches.

Pablo also serves as a board member of IndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization focusing on music, arts, outreach and community events.

The position is supported in part by a grant to 516 ARTS from the Henry Luce Foundation in their area of Native American Intellectual Leadership.

Rachelles focus on Indigenous art is a great fit with our long-time priority of centering Native artists, executive director Suzanne Sbarge said. She brings scholarship on Native American art, understanding of the complexities of cultures in New Mexico and varied life experiences to the job.

Founded in 2006, 516 ARTS is a noncollecting contemporary art museum with a strong history of putting Indigenous artists and curators into its programming.


Even at the height of the pandemic, when air travel seemed to drop off a cliff, Cape Air was still shuttling passengers from the Hi-line down to Billings and back.

"It never really dried up," said Kevin Ploehn, director of the Billings airport.

After all, he said, the need for chemotherapy treatments and other vital services that rural Montanans can only find in larger cities like Billings still carried on. And the only way to make that trip quickly and cheaply was on a Cape Air flight.

These days, a nationwide commercial pilot shortage is threatening that vital rural air service in a way the pandemic never did, and small regional carriers like Cape Air are especially vulnerable.

In just the last couple weeks, the airline lost five pilots to larger carriers who were recruiting for needed staff, Ploehn said.

"Some of (the national carriers) are just parking planes because they don't have the staff," Ploehn said last week.

Cape Air is what's known as an Essential Air Service, or EAS, carrier. The federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is awarded to air carriers servicing rural parts of the country where air travel without the subsidy would be prohibitively expensive.

Cape Air, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract for a third time at the end of 2019, and as it works to continue to provide rural air service, the pilot shortage threatens to severely restrict it or upend it altogether.

"It's definitely an emergency situation," said Walt McNutt, chairman of the Sidney-Richland airport authority board in Eastern Montana and a member of the state's Essential Air Service Board.

"It's not just a today situation," he said.

Cape Air has made moves to guarantee the service always has 10 pilots to fly in Eastern Montana, but it's had to reduce the number of flights it provides in order to do so.

Up until this spring, Cape Air provided five round-trip flights between Sidney and Billings and maintained daily flights from Billings to Havre, Wolf Point, Glendive and Glasgow. For Sidney, it's reduced that to two direct flights from Sidney to Billings and then combined it with its two flights to Glendive that then continue on to Billings.

The reduced flights reverberate throughout Eastern Montana. The biggest impact could be on the Sidney-Richland airport, which the state has designated a primary airport because it boards 10,000 flyers every year.

The primary airport designation qualifies Sidney-Richland for $1 million in annual federal funding, a portion of which the airport has to match. McNutt worries that the reduction in Cape Air flights will cause the airport's boarding numbers to drop below the 10,000-passenger threshold threatening its primary status.

Were that to happen, the airport's annual federal funding would drop from $1 million to $600,000, a significant hit to a small, regional airport, McNutt said.

While some EAS carriers have reduced flights to respond to the pilot shortage, others are looking to drop their EAS contracts altogether.

Earlier this year, SkyWest announced plans to end EAS flights in June to 29 of the communities it serves. SkyWest is the EAS carrier for Butte and West Yellowstone but the 29 communities SkyWest planned to leave did not impact its service in Montana; most were east of the Mississippi.

In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered SkyWest to remain in those communities until an alternative airline can come in to service the EAS contracts.

McNutt believes its unlikely something similar would happen in Eastern Montana.

"(Cape Air) likes Montana," he said. "They're going to stay in Montana."

Speaking on background, officials at the carrier said Montana was an important part of their air service.

Subsidies play a huge role in EAS contracts; it's the only reason commercial air service in rural parts of the country can exist.

In 2021, Cape Air received roughly $2.4 million per city for service to Wolf Point, Glendive and Havre. It received $2.2 million for service to Glasgow and it received $4.5 million for its service to Sidney. In all, Cape Airs contract to connect the five Eastern Montana communities to Billings is $13.9 million a year.

While the pilot shortage has reduced the number of flights Cape Air offers in Eastern Montana it's still possible every day to get a flight between Billings and Hi-Line communities.

And that's a good thing, McNutt said.

"We don't have a railroad, we don't have a bus, we don't have any other transportation," he said of Eastern Montana. "We'd really be in a bind if we lost this."

The immediate problem for both rural communities dependent on EAS carriers and the carriers providing that service is figuring out how to get more pilots flying commercial planes.

The FAA currently has listed 164,000 pilots cleared to fly commercial flights in the United States. It would need an additional 13,500 pilots to meet the current demand and then an additional 6,000 pilots a year moving forward to keep up with demand and replace retiring pilots, he said.

"That's if they did something today," McNutt said.

A number of issues are contributing to the shortage.

Federal regulations require pilots to retire from commercial airline service at 65 and training new pilots is both expensive and time intensive. The pandemic has played a role. COVID-19 shutdowns accelerated early retirements for pilots and slowed training for new recruits.

Additionally, many of the pilots now reaching retirement age came up through military service in the 1970s and 1980s and these days the military produces far fewer pilots than it did in the late 20th century.

But the biggest issue, according to airline managers and airport operators, is the FAA's 2010 requirement that commercial airline pilots log 1,500 flight hours before they enter a cockpit.

The requirement was born of tragedy. In 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. In response, Congress passed a law in 2010 directing the FAA to require first officers on commercial flights to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Previously, the requirement was anywhere between 250 hours and 500 hours. The steep increase in hours means it takes pilots longer to get certified  more than two years  and it makes it more expensive, McNutt said.

Worst of all, it didn't address the problems that caused the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, airline experts have said. Both the pilot and first officer on the flight had more than 1,500 flight hours. Lack of proper training and fatigue appeared to be bigger factors, investigators said.

FAA's 2010 requirement put a premium on more flight hours at the expense of better training and it created the bottleneck that's impacted the entire industry today, airport officials said.

In an effort to train up pilots and meet the requirement, Cape Air doubles up and puts an extra pilot in the cockpits of its flights to help get the needed 1,500 hours. Cape Air flies twin engine Cessna 402s, which seat nine passengers and require only one pilot.

Those extra pilots who fly to get their 1,500 hours then agree to remain with Cape Air for three years after receiving their Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

It doesn't always work, McNutt said. Especially now with the pilot shortage, bigger carriers are poaching Cape Air's newly minted pilots, he said.

McNutt and Ploehn said it'll be years before the pilot shortage eases. And even if the FAA changed its flight hours requirement today, it would still take three years to get pilot numbers up to where they should be, McNutt said.

In the meantime they're hopeful Cape Air will remain in Eastern Montana. When the carrier secured the EAS contract for a third time in 2019 it meant Cape Air had provided essential air service to Eastern Montana longer than the two carriers that proceeded it, Silver Airways and Great Lakes Air.

And for good reason, Ploehn said. Cape Air's been able to provide EAS service much better than the previous two carriers; Cape Air is consistent, timely and flyers know its reliable.

"These guys have always run the best service," Ploehn said.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Even at the height of the pandemic, when air travel seemed to drop off a cliff, Cape Air was still shuttling passengers from the Hi-line down to Billings and back.

"It never really dried up," said Kevin Ploehn, director of the Billings airport.

After all, he said, the need for chemotherapy treatments and other vital services that rural Montanans can only find in larger cities like Billings still carried on. And the only way to make that trip quickly and cheaply was on a Cape Air flight.

These days, a nationwide commercial pilot shortage is threatening that vital rural air service in a way the pandemic never did, and small regional carriers like Cape Air are especially vulnerable.

In just the last couple weeks, the airline lost five pilots to larger carriers who were recruiting for needed staff, Ploehn said.

"Some of (the national carriers) are just parking planes because they don't have the staff," Ploehn said last week.

Cape Air is what's known as an Essential Air Service, or EAS, carrier. The federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is awarded to air carriers servicing rural parts of the country where air travel without the subsidy would be prohibitively expensive.

Cape Air, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract for a third time at the end of 2019, and as it works to continue to provide rural air service, the pilot shortage threatens to severely restrict it or upend it altogether.

"It's definitely an emergency situation," said Walt McNutt, chairman of the Sidney-Richland airport authority board in Eastern Montana and a member of the state's Essential Air Service Board.

"It's not just a today situation," he said.

Cape Air has made moves to guarantee the service always has 10 pilots to fly in Eastern Montana, but it's had to reduce the number of flights it provides in order to do so.

Up until this spring, Cape Air provided five round-trip flights between Sidney and Billings and maintained daily flights from Billings to Havre, Wolf Point, Glendive and Glasgow. For Sidney, it's reduced that to two direct flights from Sidney to Billings and then combined it with its two flights to Glendive that then continue on to Billings.

The reduced flights reverberate throughout Eastern Montana. The biggest impact could be on the Sidney-Richland airport, which the state has designated a primary airport because it boards 10,000 flyers every year.

The primary airport designation qualifies Sidney-Richland for $1 million in annual federal funding, a portion of which the airport has to match. McNutt worries that the reduction in Cape Air flights will cause the airport's boarding numbers to drop below the 10,000-passenger threshold threatening its primary status.

Were that to happen, the airport's annual federal funding would drop from $1 million to $600,000, a significant hit to a small, regional airport, McNutt said.

While some EAS carriers have reduced flights to respond to the pilot shortage, others are looking to drop their EAS contracts altogether.

Earlier this year, SkyWest announced plans to end EAS flights in June to 29 of the communities it serves. SkyWest is the EAS carrier for Butte and West Yellowstone but the 29 communities SkyWest planned to leave did not impact its service in Montana; most were east of the Mississippi.

In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered SkyWest to remain in those communities until an alternative airline can come in to service the EAS contracts.

McNutt believes its unlikely something similar would happen in Eastern Montana.

"(Cape Air) likes Montana," he said. "They're going to stay in Montana."

Speaking on background, officials at the carrier said Montana was an important part of their air service.

Subsidies play a huge role in EAS contracts; it's the only reason commercial air service in rural parts of the country can exist.

In 2021, Cape Air received roughly $2.4 million per city for service to Wolf Point, Glendive and Havre. It received $2.2 million for service to Glasgow and it received $4.5 million for its service to Sidney. In all, Cape Airs contract to connect the five Eastern Montana communities to Billings is $13.9 million a year.

While the pilot shortage has reduced the number of flights Cape Air offers in Eastern Montana it's still possible every day to get a flight between Billings and Hi-Line communities.

And that's a good thing, McNutt said.

"We don't have a railroad, we don't have a bus, we don't have any other transportation," he said of Eastern Montana. "We'd really be in a bind if we lost this."

The immediate problem for both rural communities dependent on EAS carriers and the carriers providing that service is figuring out how to get more pilots flying commercial planes.

The FAA currently has listed 164,000 pilots cleared to fly commercial flights in the United States. It would need an additional 13,500 pilots to meet the current demand and then an additional 6,000 pilots a year moving forward to keep up with demand and replace retiring pilots, he said.

"That's if they did something today," McNutt said.

A number of issues are contributing to the shortage.

Federal regulations require pilots to retire from commercial airline service at 65 and training new pilots is both expensive and time intensive. The pandemic has played a role. COVID-19 shutdowns accelerated early retirements for pilots and slowed training for new recruits.

Additionally, many of the pilots now reaching retirement age came up through military service in the 1970s and 1980s and these days the military produces far fewer pilots than it did in the late 20th century.

But the biggest issue, according to airline managers and airport operators, is the FAA's 2010 requirement that commercial airline pilots log 1,500 flight hours before they enter a cockpit.

The requirement was born of tragedy. In 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. In response, Congress passed a law in 2010 directing the FAA to require first officers on commercial flights to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Previously, the requirement was anywhere between 250 hours and 500 hours. The steep increase in hours means it takes pilots longer to get certified  more than two years  and it makes it more expensive, McNutt said.

Worst of all, it didn't address the problems that caused the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, airline experts have said. Both the pilot and first officer on the flight had more than 1,500 flight hours. Lack of proper training and fatigue appeared to be bigger factors, investigators said.

FAA's 2010 requirement put a premium on more flight hours at the expense of better training and it created the bottleneck that's impacted the entire industry today, airport officials said.

In an effort to train up pilots and meet the requirement, Cape Air doubles up and puts an extra pilot in the cockpits of its flights to help get the needed 1,500 hours. Cape Air flies twin engine Cessna 402s, which seat nine passengers and require only one pilot.

Those extra pilots who fly to get their 1,500 hours then agree to remain with Cape Air for three years after receiving their Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

It doesn't always work, McNutt said. Especially now with the pilot shortage, bigger carriers are poaching Cape Air's newly minted pilots, he said.

McNutt and Ploehn said it'll be years before the pilot shortage eases. And even if the FAA changed its flight hours requirement today, it would still take three years to get pilot numbers up to where they should be, McNutt said.

In the meantime they're hopeful Cape Air will remain in Eastern Montana. When the carrier secured the EAS contract for a third time in 2019 it meant Cape Air had provided essential air service to Eastern Montana longer than the two carriers that proceeded it, Silver Airways and Great Lakes Air.

And for good reason, Ploehn said. Cape Air's been able to provide EAS service much better than the previous two carriers; Cape Air is consistent, timely and flyers know its reliable.

"These guys have always run the best service," Ploehn said.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Even at the height of the pandemic, when air travel seemed to drop off a cliff, Cape Air was still shuttling passengers from the Hi-line down to Billings and back.

"It never really dried up," said Kevin Ploehn, director of the Billings airport.

After all, he said, the need for chemotherapy treatments and other vital services that rural Montanans can only find in larger cities like Billings still carried on. And the only way to make that trip quickly and cheaply was on a Cape Air flight.

These days, a nationwide commercial pilot shortage is threatening that vital rural air service in a way the pandemic never did, and small regional carriers like Cape Air are especially vulnerable.

In just the last couple weeks, the airline lost five pilots to larger carriers who were recruiting for needed staff, Ploehn said.

"Some of (the national carriers) are just parking planes because they don't have the staff," Ploehn said last week.

Cape Air is what's known as an Essential Air Service, or EAS, carrier. The federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is awarded to air carriers servicing rural parts of the country where air travel without the subsidy would be prohibitively expensive.

Cape Air, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract for a third time at the end of 2019, and as it works to continue to provide rural air service, the pilot shortage threatens to severely restrict it or upend it altogether.

"It's definitely an emergency situation," said Walt McNutt, chairman of the Sidney-Richland airport authority board in Eastern Montana and a member of the state's Essential Air Service Board.

"It's not just a today situation," he said.

Cape Air has made moves to guarantee the service always has 10 pilots to fly in Eastern Montana, but it's had to reduce the number of flights it provides in order to do so.

Up until this spring, Cape Air provided five round-trip flights between Sidney and Billings and maintained daily flights from Billings to Havre, Wolf Point, Glendive and Glasgow. For Sidney, it's reduced that to two direct flights from Sidney to Billings and then combined it with its two flights to Glendive that then continue on to Billings.

The reduced flights reverberate throughout Eastern Montana. The biggest impact could be on the Sidney-Richland airport, which the state has designated a primary airport because it boards 10,000 flyers every year.

The primary airport designation qualifies Sidney-Richland for $1 million in annual federal funding, a portion of which the airport has to match. McNutt worries that the reduction in Cape Air flights will cause the airport's boarding numbers to drop below the 10,000-passenger threshold threatening its primary status.

Were that to happen, the airport's annual federal funding would drop from $1 million to $600,000, a significant hit to a small, regional airport, McNutt said.

While some EAS carriers have reduced flights to respond to the pilot shortage, others are looking to drop their EAS contracts altogether.

Earlier this year, SkyWest announced plans to end EAS flights in June to 29 of the communities it serves. SkyWest is the EAS carrier for Butte and West Yellowstone but the 29 communities SkyWest planned to leave did not impact its service in Montana; most were east of the Mississippi.

In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered SkyWest to remain in those communities until an alternative airline can come in to service the EAS contracts.

McNutt believes its unlikely something similar would happen in Eastern Montana.

"(Cape Air) likes Montana," he said. "They're going to stay in Montana."

Speaking on background, officials at the carrier said Montana was an important part of their air service.

Subsidies play a huge role in EAS contracts; it's the only reason commercial air service in rural parts of the country can exist.

In 2021, Cape Air received roughly $2.4 million per city for service to Wolf Point, Glendive and Havre. It received $2.2 million for service to Glasgow and it received $4.5 million for its service to Sidney. In all, Cape Airs contract to connect the five Eastern Montana communities to Billings is $13.9 million a year.

While the pilot shortage has reduced the number of flights Cape Air offers in Eastern Montana it's still possible every day to get a flight between Billings and Hi-Line communities.

And that's a good thing, McNutt said.

"We don't have a railroad, we don't have a bus, we don't have any other transportation," he said of Eastern Montana. "We'd really be in a bind if we lost this."

The immediate problem for both rural communities dependent on EAS carriers and the carriers providing that service is figuring out how to get more pilots flying commercial planes.

The FAA currently has listed 164,000 pilots cleared to fly commercial flights in the United States. It would need an additional 13,500 pilots to meet the current demand and then an additional 6,000 pilots a year moving forward to keep up with demand and replace retiring pilots, he said.

"That's if they did something today," McNutt said.

A number of issues are contributing to the shortage.

Federal regulations require pilots to retire from commercial airline service at 65 and training new pilots is both expensive and time intensive. The pandemic has played a role. COVID-19 shutdowns accelerated early retirements for pilots and slowed training for new recruits.

Additionally, many of the pilots now reaching retirement age came up through military service in the 1970s and 1980s and these days the military produces far fewer pilots than it did in the late 20th century.

But the biggest issue, according to airline managers and airport operators, is the FAA's 2010 requirement that commercial airline pilots log 1,500 flight hours before they enter a cockpit.

The requirement was born of tragedy. In 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. In response, Congress passed a law in 2010 directing the FAA to require first officers on commercial flights to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Previously, the requirement was anywhere between 250 hours and 500 hours. The steep increase in hours means it takes pilots longer to get certified  more than two years  and it makes it more expensive, McNutt said.

Worst of all, it didn't address the problems that caused the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, airline experts have said. Both the pilot and first officer on the flight had more than 1,500 flight hours. Lack of proper training and fatigue appeared to be bigger factors, investigators said.

FAA's 2010 requirement put a premium on more flight hours at the expense of better training and it created the bottleneck that's impacted the entire industry today, airport officials said.

In an effort to train up pilots and meet the requirement, Cape Air doubles up and puts an extra pilot in the cockpits of its flights to help get the needed 1,500 hours. Cape Air flies twin engine Cessna 402s, which seat nine passengers and require only one pilot.

Those extra pilots who fly to get their 1,500 hours then agree to remain with Cape Air for three years after receiving their Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

It doesn't always work, McNutt said. Especially now with the pilot shortage, bigger carriers are poaching Cape Air's newly minted pilots, he said.

McNutt and Ploehn said it'll be years before the pilot shortage eases. And even if the FAA changed its flight hours requirement today, it would still take three years to get pilot numbers up to where they should be, McNutt said.

In the meantime they're hopeful Cape Air will remain in Eastern Montana. When the carrier secured the EAS contract for a third time in 2019 it meant Cape Air had provided essential air service to Eastern Montana longer than the two carriers that proceeded it, Silver Airways and Great Lakes Air.

And for good reason, Ploehn said. Cape Air's been able to provide EAS service much better than the previous two carriers; Cape Air is consistent, timely and flyers know its reliable.

"These guys have always run the best service," Ploehn said.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."

Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e82c633d08)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d6188)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e82c633d08)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d6188)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e838492790)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d6188)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d6188)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d4c50)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e82d3ff220)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e82d3ff220)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Under new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea looks to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific. gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is gearing up to reorganize the country's trade relations by reducing its dependence on China and building "supply chain alliances."







The world's No. 2 economy is by far South Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for 25 percent of total trade last year, followed by the United States, whose share stands at 15 percent.







But under Yoon's new conservative administration  which is seen as being more hawkish towards China  Korea is looking to forge closer ties with a range of economies in the Indo-Pacific.







The shift is set to take place as the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) materializes. While it is not a free trade pact, the trade rule-setting initiative is set to boost the economic alliance among members, which include South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The framework was launched via a virtual meeting during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Tokyo, Monday, after his stop in Seoul for a summit with Yoon.







During Biden's visit to Korea, the two leaders pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership not only in regional security, but also for their respective economies. The U.S. president visited Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, immediately after he arrived in the country on Friday, in what was seen as a symbolic move to highlight South Korea's cooperation in the global chip supply chain. "The (South) Korea-U.S. alliance must evolve in an era in which economic security is key," Yoon said at a press conference following his meeting with Biden on Saturday.







Securing supply chains for critical goods and materials has emerged as a priority for many countries following the coronavirus pandemic and amid heightened tensions between China and the U.S.







But data shows Korea has a long way to go.







In the first three quarters of last year, 3,941 out of 12,586 items that South Korea imported had a minimum 80 percent dependency on a particular country, data from the Korea International Trade Association showed. Some 1,850 items, or almost half, had at least an 80 percent dependency on China.







"Whether it be rare earth or noble gas  there are sufficient reserves elsewhere outside China," said Kim Ba-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.







"The problem is the cost of extracting the resources elsewhere is likely to be higher due to environmental regulations."







South Korea's government is seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose signatories span economies in North and South America, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific.







The Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, estimated that Korea could gain $86 billion annually by joining the trade bloc, as it would boost the country's role "in Asian and North American supply chains by lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers with economies such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam."







All 11 member nations of the CPTPP need to approve new members, with negotiations expected to take at least a year.







South Korea will also increase economic cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia after joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which went into effect in January.







RCEP is the world's largest trade bloc, with 15 member states centered on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also includes non-ASEAN economies.







The election of Yoon as South Korea's president has raised questions over the future direction of relations between Seoul and Beijing.







He has taken a tougher stance on China than his predecessor Moon Jae-in, but South Korea's reliance on Chinese imports, especially those used in its world-leading electronics sector, will be hard to break.







Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Xi'an, China / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics





Electrical and electronic equipment account for the largest portion of imports from China, including unfinished semiconductors that are completed in Korea.







South Korea imported $17.93 billion of semi-finished chips from China in 2020, which made up 39.5 percent of the total value of imported semiconductors.







The country also relies on China for rare earths  a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Korea is among the world's top five global producers of EV batteries. Rare earth minerals are also used in semiconductors and cars.







Semiconductors and rare earths are among the four items the Biden administration has identified as critical strategic assets, with electric vehicle batteries and pharmaceutical ingredients being the others.?







Major economies are scrambling to ensure stable supplies of these items, especially after the disruptions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.







Countries such as Germany, Japan and the U.S. have sought to diversify their rare earth imports from China to other countries such as Brazil and Vietnam.







However, both countries still largely lack the technology needed to produce and refine the rare earth materials in a form that can be used for industrial purposes. China produced 85 percent of the world's refined rare earths in 2020.







"Import diversification of key items for which many countries have relied on China will depend on how fast the US and EU jump into development projects, and what the regulatory scheme looks like in the countries with the resources," Kim said.







Environmental regulations in Southeast Asia are not stringent at the moment, but are likely to become stronger due to growing global demand, Kim said. China has benefited from decades of rare earth production free of such regulations.







"Meanwhile, items that can be immediately produced by making infrastructure investments, and other items that do not require an industrial ecosystem, would likely be substituted in a short amount of time," the researcher said.







South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, in the upper photo and on the right in the bottom photo, speaks in Seoul during a video call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in these images provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, May 16. Yonhap





In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries should jointly oppose attempts at decoupling and maintain the global supply chain.







Wang said China's massive market offers potential for Korean businesses, while cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy would lead to greater benefits.







Moon Jong-chol, who is also a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, said it was possible for countries in the Indo-Pacific to "partially" substitute imports from China in "limited areas" when considering the tech capabilities and resources each had.







"The shift has been possible, for example, in the assembly of smartphones, which relatively does not require high levels of technology," he said. "But China will still play a considerable role in trade with Korea."


Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


Peter Dutton will likely become the nation's next Opposition leader after prime minister Scott Morrison announced he would step down as he conceded election defeat.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg who was touted as a future leader is at risk of losing his seat to independent Monique Ryan after suffering a more than 10 per cent swing against him.

The party will choose a new leader when it next meets, but Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said it's not an urgent move for an opposition.

'There's not so much urgency on that in opposition so I think we need to take that time to make sure we are clear about who is part of the team going forward,' he told the ABC.

Peter Dutton will likely become the nation's next opposition leader after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he would step down as he conceded election defeat

The party will choose a new leader when it next meets, but Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said it's not an urgent move for an opposition (pictured, Mr Morrison with wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'(We'll) then look very carefully at the options in deciding that. Australia needs a strong alternative government.'

The party is likely to wait until the election results are finalised and party room numbers are confirmed before meeting to elect a new leader, he added.

Senator Birmingham said the party needed to listen to the community after they faced an electoral wipeout in inner-city seats, with five "teal" independents set to claim victory over Liberals.

'If the Liberal Party can listen and unite, in terms of listening to the messages the electorate has sent us ... and then unite in terms of how we respond to those then we have an enormous opportunity,' he said.

Sydney's Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink and Melbourne-based former journalist Zoe Daniel are all independents on track to claim seats.

But Mr Frydenberg has so far refused to concede the Melbourne seat of Kooyong to Ms Ryan, but acknowledged the gap would be hard to narrow.

'While it's mathematically possible that we win in Kooyong, it's definitely difficult," he said.

In his concession speech, Mr Morrison said he hoped his treasurer and friend would retain his seat.

Mr Dutton also expressed sorrow for his Liberal colleagues as he claimed victory in his Brisbane-based seat of Dickson

'Josh, I can't just call a friend, I can refer to him as a brother. Josh and I have a deep and abiding friendship,' he said.

'I want to wish you and your family the best for the future. I'm looking forward to those counts improving because Josh Frydenberg should be remaining in this Liberal Party and remaining in the federal Parliament.'

Mr Dutton also expressed sorrow for his Liberal colleagues as he claimed victory in his Brisbane-based seat of Dickson.

'We have, as a Liberal family, suffered a terrible day today. There are some amazing people who supported the Liberal Party day in, day out. Through good times and bad,' he said.

'They are hurting tonight. I want to acknowledge them. I want to acknowledge the work of the prime minister and Josh Frydenberg.'
Peter Dutton will likely become the nation's next Opposition leader after prime minister Scott Morrison announced he would step down as he conceded election defeat.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg who was touted as a future leader is at risk of losing his seat to independent Monique Ryan after suffering a more than 10 per cent swing against him.

The party will choose a new leader when it next meets, but Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said it's not an urgent move for an opposition.

'There's not so much urgency on that in opposition so I think we need to take that time to make sure we are clear about who is part of the team going forward,' he told the ABC.

Peter Dutton will likely become the nation's next opposition leader after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he would step down as he conceded election defeat

The party will choose a new leader when it next meets, but Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said it's not an urgent move for an opposition (pictured, Mr Morrison with wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey on Saturday)

'(We'll) then look very carefully at the options in deciding that. Australia needs a strong alternative government.'

The party is likely to wait until the election results are finalised and party room numbers are confirmed before meeting to elect a new leader, he added.

Senator Birmingham said the party needed to listen to the community after they faced an electoral wipeout in inner-city seats, with five "teal" independents set to claim victory over Liberals.

'If the Liberal Party can listen and unite, in terms of listening to the messages the electorate has sent us ... and then unite in terms of how we respond to those then we have an enormous opportunity,' he said.

Sydney's Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink and Melbourne-based former journalist Zoe Daniel are all independents on track to claim seats.

But Mr Frydenberg has so far refused to concede the Melbourne seat of Kooyong to Ms Ryan, but acknowledged the gap would be hard to narrow.

'While it's mathematically possible that we win in Kooyong, it's definitely difficult," he said.

In his concession speech, Mr Morrison said he hoped his treasurer and friend would retain his seat.

Mr Dutton also expressed sorrow for his Liberal colleagues as he claimed victory in his Brisbane-based seat of Dickson

'Josh, I can't just call a friend, I can refer to him as a brother. Josh and I have a deep and abiding friendship,' he said.

'I want to wish you and your family the best for the future. I'm looking forward to those counts improving because Josh Frydenberg should be remaining in this Liberal Party and remaining in the federal Parliament.'

Mr Dutton also expressed sorrow for his Liberal colleagues as he claimed victory in his Brisbane-based seat of Dickson.

'We have, as a Liberal family, suffered a terrible day today. There are some amazing people who supported the Liberal Party day in, day out. Through good times and bad,' he said.

'They are hurting tonight. I want to acknowledge them. I want to acknowledge the work of the prime minister and Josh Frydenberg.'
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.




WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.

Biden said, "John understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, and he will ably represent the Administration on important national security issues.

While accepting the White House job, Kirby thanked Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months. Kirby said Austin has been more than just my boss; hes been a mentor and a confidante, and he has helped make me a better communicator.

Austin said Kirby will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

Kirby, who also served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is moving to the White House as it navigates a range of foreign policy challenges, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to North Korea's nuclear program. Kirby has been a fixture on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is valued in the administration for seeming to handle even the thorniest foreign policy questions with ease.

The NSC under Biden has not previously had someone in a dedicated, high-level strategic communications role.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Painting by Adrian Aguirre, Oil on canvas, 2020

LAS CRUCES - The June 2022 exhibition in the Dona Ana Arts Council gallery is La Frontera: Hopes & Fears in which five artists from the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on the migration of people across La Frontera, the worlds most frequently crossed international border.

All five artists, in their own unique voice and in a range of media  painting, drawing, mixed media, video, and photography  document the emotional landscape facing those who cross La Frontera, according to a news release. The combined work of the five artists tells a larger story of what the border really means to those who cross it and contributes to our understanding of the reality of their experiences.

The featured artists are the following:

Adrian Aguirre grew up on both sides of the El Paso/Juarez border, crossing the bridge daily to attend school. This experience influenced his perspective on borders and immigration and is reflected in his work which consists of portraiture and representations of life as experienced by the immigrant or refugee. There is also a political agenda in his work, sometimes subtle sometimes not so subtle.

Cleo Arevalo, "Between Selfishness And Sympathy," 2019 video projection And barbed wire installation

Cleo Arevalo is a conceptual multimedia artist who creates prints, ready-made objects, and installations that examine what she describes as the globalized oppression of the masses, primarily through an analysis of the cultural meanings of language. She received her BFA in Studio Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso and moved on to multimedia at the graduate level at New Mexico State University. She teaches at El Paso Community College.

Elizabeth Calil Zarur, "Pieta," 2019

Elizabeth Calil Zarur holds a BFA in Printmaking and Drawing, an MFA in Fiber Arts, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art. During her 30-year career teaching art history at New Mexico State University and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, she published extensively and curated several exhibitions. Her art works in this exhibition are inspired by the combination of traditional 19th century Mexican retablos and santos, and present-day photographic documentation of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, all of which represents the very few possessions displaced populations carry with them when crossing La Frontera.

Story continues

Paul Ratje, originally from Mesilla, New Mexico, studied photojournalism and foreign languages at New Mexico State University. After living in Taiwan, where he began his career in photojournalism, he returned home to the El Paso area. He feels his true calling is documenting immigration and border issues and revealing the humanity in the immigration story. His collection of images is part of his Crossing the Line storytelling project which focuses on the lives of present-day immigrants living in the U.S.

Sterling Trantham, "Welder 1," Sept 1995

Sterling Trantham is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, documentary photographer, photographic educator, and a National Geographic Faculty Fellow. He lives in La Mesa, New Mexico, and teaches photography at El Paso Community College. Trantham, who first photographed the border wall separating Mexico and the U.S. in 1995, describes the wall as a complicated phenomenon, one with multifaceted economic consequences as well as deeply human consequences.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from June 1 to June 28 at the Dona Ana Arts Council located at 250 W. Amador. The hours include regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, First Friday Art Ramble, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.daarts.org or call the Dona Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

Keep reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dona Ana Arts Councils announces new exhibit, 'La Frontera: Hopes & Fears'
This summer, Mitchell Community College is sponsoring a free six-week academic program for first year students to gain college experience and develop a network of support prior to beginning their first year. Within the program, first year Mitchell students take two courses, attend weekly workshops and meet faculty and staff who will support them during the upcoming academic year. Additionally, first year students earn free college credit through their participation in the program.

Offered during the Summer Bridge Program, ACA 111 College Student Success introduces new students to the college campus, student resources, academic programs, study skills and life management skills. The second course COM 110 Introduction to Communication provides an overview of the basic concepts of communication and the skills necessary to communicate to various audiences  a crucial skill needed by students to succeed in future academic and professional contexts.

Research suggests that participating in a high-quality, challenging summer transition program, like the Summer Bridge Program, followed by comprehensive support throughout the academic year, increases academic excellence, engagement within the university with peers, and a strong sense of belonging to the community college, said Dr. JJ McEachern, vice president of student services at Mitchell Community College.

With the goal of supporting a diverse community of first year students, the Summer Bridge Program is designed to help students develop the confidence needed to support their academic and social experiences while in college. Overall, the program works to develop skills that will aid students in a successful transition to the college environment.

While enrolled in the program, students can expect to learn in small class sizes while also engaging with instructors, graduate students, and mentors who will share tips and strategies for a successful progression into a collegiate setting. Students will also gain academic support that will continue into the academic year and will participate in a variety of activities and events to familiarize themselves with the departments and other resources on campus.

All incoming first year students can apply to the program, but Mitchell is prioritizing students who identify as first generation or from an underserved population. Interested students must apply by May 27. To apply, visit https://mitchellcc.edu/summer-bridge. Students must complete the Mitchell Admissions Application and the Summer Bridge Application; it is also preferred that students complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA.

Orientation for the Summer Bridge Program is June 7. Classes occur June 21 through July 28, Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.

Biden said, "John understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, and he will ably represent the Administration on important national security issues.

While accepting the White House job, Kirby thanked Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months. Kirby said Austin has been more than just my boss; hes been a mentor and a confidante, and he has helped make me a better communicator.

Austin said Kirby will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

Kirby, who also served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is moving to the White House as it navigates a range of foreign policy challenges, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to North Korea's nuclear program. Kirby has been a fixture on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is valued in the administration for seeming to handle even the thorniest foreign policy questions with ease.

The NSC under Biden has not previously had someone in a dedicated, high-level strategic communications role.
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8384ae580)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef428)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8384ae580)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef428)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8384db8b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef428)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef428)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d5e48)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8388d6cb0)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8388d6cb0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0

Three races for seats in the Idaho Legislature were decided by 40 votes or fewer during Tuesdays primary election, and at least one of those contests is headed for a recount.

The tightest race was between seven-term incumbent Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, and Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell, which was decided by just six votes. Syme has already requested a recount, he told the Idaho Statesman.

I owe that to my supporters and to the public for the process, to make sure its correct when its that close, Syme said in a phone interview.

Idaho law permits a losing candidate to seek a recount, but a written request must be made to the state attorney generals office within 20 days of the elections certification. For primary races in the Legislature, that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 1, making Monday, June 21, the deadline to request a recount, Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told the Statesman.

For contests where the margin of victory is five votes or fewer, or within one-tenth of a percent  whichever is greater  the recount comes at no cost. Symes District 9 House race meets that requirement.

Two other races with razor-thin margins were decided by 36 votes and 37 votes, respectively, and do not qualify for free recounts. Races like that cost the losing candidate $100 per precinct for a recount, and campaign funds may be used to cover the fees, Houck said.

In the House District 34 B primary race, incumbent Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, lost to challenger Britt Raybould by 36 votes, or a difference of about seven-tenths of a percent. Raybould previously held the seat for a single term, from 2018 to 2020, but lost to Nate by 294 votes in the 2020 Republican primary. This time, with redrawn boundaries through redistricting, she prevailed.

We lost a close one last night, by just 36 votes! Nates campaign posted to its Facebook page on Wednesday morning. Thank you to all of my supporters who worked so hard, Im humbled by your efforts. We ran a race you can be proud of!

Nate did not return phone and email requests on Thursday from the Statesman seeking comment about whether he might request a recount.

In the Senate District 24 Republican primary, five-term incumbent Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, lost by 37 votes, or nearly half a percent, to challenger Glenneda Zuiderveld. Patrick told the Statesman he consulted the attorney generals office and was considering a recount, which he estimated would cost as much as $5,000 for all precincts in the district.

Im thinking about it but not sure I will. I havent decided, Patrick said by phone. Its close enough, and would not take a lot of change. I dont know if there will be any change, but it might be worth inquiring.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor at the Times-News. Contact Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3233.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e82c633b48)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389e7ec8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e82c633b48)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389e7ec8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e838492a80)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389e7ec8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389e7ec8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d55f0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8388c6318)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8388c6318)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8388ee6e8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8388cff48)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8388ee6e8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8388cff48)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e83884fc50)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8388cff48)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8388cff48)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d4ff0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8388cfb70)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8388cfb70)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."
The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Seizing on the 50th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the local branch of Japan Post Co. will put 246 kinds of Ryukyu Islands postage stamps on public display for the first time this summer.

The stamps were issued in Okinawa while it was under U.S. control following the war, and later kept in storage by the branch.

The designs of the stamps reflect Okinawa's nature and its historical background. Stamp collectors, or philatelists, have also been conveying the historical and artistic value of these stamps through a special exhibition and other means.

An official concerned expressed his hope that "with these postage stamps, people will take an interest in the process Okinawa went through before it was returned to Japan."

Depicted on the stamps are things like cycads, tropical fish, Ryukyu dance and the Shureimon gate. The pictures are peculiar to Okinawa and drawn in vivid colors, but they also show prices in a variety of denominations, including the Japanese yen and the B-type yen -- a form of military currency used in U.S.-occupied Okinawa -- as well as U.S. dollars and cents. There are even stamps on which the original B-yen prices have been crossed out with double lines and revised to cents.

Naoki Shinzato, 54, an official of the branch, explains, "Looking at the prices alone, you can guess that Okinawa went through tumultuous times back then."

Okinawa's local administrative functions were devastated by the war, so the residents' administrative organization set up by the U.S. military government handled postal matters, such as inquiring about the whereabouts of relatives, free of charge. In July 1946, the then civilian government of Okinawa enacted the postal law. This banned the use of Japanese stamps issued before the war, making it necessary to issue new stamps.

The civilian government -- and later the Postal Agency, which was part of the Government of the Ryukyu Islands established by the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands to succeed the civilian government -- issued 248 kinds of postal stamps from July 1948 through April 1972.

Tsunekazu Kobashigawa, 82, a former Postal Agency official who was involved in the drawing of the stamps and now lives in Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture, recalls: "Postal stamps of the Ryukyu Islands are quite popular among stamp collectors both at home and abroad, and we sold many kinds of stamps to respond to their demands. Once the decision was made to return Okinawa to Japan, they sold out quickly."

After Okinawa's return to Japan, the Postal Agency was incorporated into the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, and later became a branch of Japan Post, which was created when the public-run postal services entity went private. The branch office had kept the old Ryukyu Islands stamps at its storehouse. In the process of being sorted over the past few years, 246 kinds have been identified.

The stamps will be on show for the public at a special exhibition at Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha from Aug. 16 to 21. A public display of Ryukyu Islands stamps that were never circulated is said to be rare.

The popularity of postal stamps from the Ryukyu Islands is strong among philatelists even today. Noboru Omine, 90, from Naha who has been collecting postal stamps for about 70 years, spoke about the charm of Ryukyu Islands stamps.

"With lots of local painters and photographers involved in the designs of the Ryukyu Islands stamps, their quality is high. They have a distinctive beauty with a blend of local nostalgia and exoticism," he said.

Some volunteer members of the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation, to which Omine belongs, published an enlarged edition of the full catalogue of Okinawa postal stamps on May 1. It carries anecdotes related to Okinawa's postal service history and its stamps, such as that the first stamp with a price in U.S. dollars had a simple design because it was printed hastily. Another anecdote explains that when a stamp was issued in April 1972 in commemoration of the ratification of the Japan-U.S. agreement on the return of Okinawa to Japan, those who opposed Okinawa's return tried to block its release.

The foundation held a special exhibition of Ryukyu Islands stamps at the Postal Museum Japan at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, that ran until May 15.

Yusuke Kido, 29, who had a pivotal role in organizing the exhibition, has been a great lover of the Ryukyu Islands stamps since he was an elementary school pupil. The Tokyoite said: "Even though I don't know about Okinawa in its pre-return days, I can conjure up images of what it was like back then through these stamps. I hope that many people will turn their thoughts to Okinawa under U.S. control."
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The Oregon Legislature will set up a work group to consider budget, legal and service questions that will arise if the U.S. Supreme Court follows through with a decision to overturn or restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion.

House Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis announced the task force on Thursday, May 19.

"Time and again, Oregonians have clearly affirmed their support for making abortion and other care safe and accessible to all," Rayfield, a Democrat, said in a statement.

"While other states roll back protections and attempt to criminalize health care access, this collaborative process with providers, clinics and elected leaders will make sure Oregon is prepared to support access to care in this changing landscape. We can't be complacent."

Oregon is the only state with no restrictions  the Legislature removed penalties four years before the high court legalized it in 1973  and lawmakers wrote guarantees of access into state law in 2017.

Voters also have rejected five ballot measures between 1986 and 2018 to ban or restrict abortion or public funding.

Legislative members of the task force are Reps. Travis Nelson of North Portland and Andrea Valderrama of east Portland, and Sens. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward of Beaverton and Kate Lieber of Portland. Nelson is a nurse and Steiner Hayward a physician. All are Democrats; no Republicans voted for the 2017 law guaranteeing access.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

A spokesman for Rayfield said other work group members will be drawn from community groups, providers and clinics.

Nelson referred to the leaked draft of an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would do away with the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

"We have to prepare for a future in which opponents of reproductive freedom are committed to turning the clock back even further," he said. "It's outrageous and unprecedented, and we will be prepared if these nightmares become reality."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, 23% of Oregon women lived in counties without access to abortion in 2017  and that access could be reduced further if women in Eastern Oregon cannot turn to medical care in Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Idaho has passed a ban on abortions after six weeks; the law is set to take effect if the Supreme Court eliminates abortion as a federal right.

"The impact of overturning Roe will be felt largely by Black, Latino and Indigenous people, immigrants, people living with low incomes and people in rural areas," Valderrama said. "Our communities have long faced barriers to abortion access and will be a focal point of this work."

Oregon's other neighbors are likely to support abortion rights, although half of the 50 states are poised to ban or restrict them once the high court acts.

State access

Oregon's 2017 law requires private health insurance plans to cover abortion and other reproductive services  an exception is made for plans offered by religious employers  and provides access to services for low-income women who would otherwise qualify for state-supported health care, except for their immigration status. The Oregon Health Plan already covers abortion for low-income women, but only state funds pay for it, since Congress barred federal funds with some exceptions back in 1976.

The Legislature in its 2022 session added $15 million to expand the capacity of providers and support for patient needs. According to preliminary 2021 figures from the Oregon Health Authority, out-of-state patients accounted for 632 of a total 6,577 abortions.

Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she stands ready to help lawmakers and the work group.

"I pledge to work alongside our elected champions and community partners to help keep Oregon a safe and welcoming place for anyone from anywhere who seeks access to abortion care," she said.

According to Rayfield, recommendations from the work group may include policy, administrative and budget proposals to protect, strengthen and expand equitable access to all forms of reproductive care, gender-affirming care and quality of care.

Recommendations may also include protections for populations being targeted, including LGBTQ children, families and adults; reproductive and gender-affirming care patients and providers; health navigators and assisters; and more. The work group also may evaluate risks and mitigate legislative and legal gaps in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to overturn other landmark decisions protecting the rights to use of contraceptives and more.

The high court in 1965 struck down a Connecticut ban on contraceptives. Advocates say if the court declines to recognize a right to personal privacy by overturning a federal right to abortion, it could open the way to rulings affecting other rights, including marriage by same-sex couples.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Three races for seats in the Idaho Legislature were decided by 40 votes or fewer during Tuesdays primary election, and at least one of those contests is headed for a recount.

The tightest race was between seven-term incumbent Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, and Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell, which was decided by just six votes. Syme has already requested a recount, he told the Idaho Statesman.

I owe that to my supporters and to the public for the process, to make sure its correct when its that close, Syme said in a phone interview.

Idaho law permits a losing candidate to seek a recount, but a written request must be made to the state attorney generals office within 20 days of the elections certification. For primary races in the Legislature, that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 1, making Monday, June 21, the deadline to request a recount, Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told the Statesman.

For contests where the margin of victory is five votes or fewer, or within one-tenth of a percent  whichever is greater  the recount comes at no cost. Symes District 9 House race meets that requirement.

Two other races with razor-thin margins were decided by 36 votes and 37 votes, respectively, and do not qualify for free recounts. Races like that cost the losing candidate $100 per precinct for a recount, and campaign funds may be used to cover the fees, Houck said.

In the House District 34 B primary race, incumbent Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, lost to challenger Britt Raybould by 36 votes, or a difference of about seven-tenths of a percent. Raybould previously held the seat for a single term, from 2018 to 2020, but lost to Nate by 294 votes in the 2020 Republican primary. This time, with redrawn boundaries through redistricting, she prevailed.

We lost a close one last night, by just 36 votes! Nates campaign posted to its Facebook page on Wednesday morning. Thank you to all of my supporters who worked so hard, Im humbled by your efforts. We ran a race you can be proud of!

Nate did not return phone and email requests on Thursday from the Statesman seeking comment about whether he might request a recount.

In the Senate District 24 Republican primary, five-term incumbent Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, lost by 37 votes, or nearly half a percent, to challenger Glenneda Zuiderveld. Patrick told the Statesman he consulted the attorney generals office and was considering a recount, which he estimated would cost as much as $5,000 for all precincts in the district.

Im thinking about it but not sure I will. I havent decided, Patrick said by phone. Its close enough, and would not take a lot of change. I dont know if there will be any change, but it might be worth inquiring.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor at the Times-News. Contact Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3233.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.

Biden said, "John understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, and he will ably represent the Administration on important national security issues.

While accepting the White House job, Kirby thanked Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months. Kirby said Austin has been more than just my boss; hes been a mentor and a confidante, and he has helped make me a better communicator.

Austin said Kirby will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

Kirby, who also served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is moving to the White House as it navigates a range of foreign policy challenges, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to North Korea's nuclear program. Kirby has been a fixture on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is valued in the administration for seeming to handle even the thorniest foreign policy questions with ease.

The NSC under Biden has not previously had someone in a dedicated, high-level strategic communications role.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Even at the height of the pandemic, when air travel seemed to drop off a cliff, Cape Air was still shuttling passengers from the Hi-line down to Billings and back.

"It never really dried up," said Kevin Ploehn, director of the Billings airport.

After all, he said, the need for chemotherapy treatments and other vital services that rural Montanans can only find in larger cities like Billings still carried on. And the only way to make that trip quickly and cheaply was on a Cape Air flight.

These days, a nationwide commercial pilot shortage is threatening that vital rural air service in a way the pandemic never did, and small regional carriers like Cape Air are especially vulnerable.

In just the last couple weeks, the airline lost five pilots to larger carriers who were recruiting for needed staff, Ploehn said.

"Some of (the national carriers) are just parking planes because they don't have the staff," Ploehn said last week.

Cape Air is what's known as an Essential Air Service, or EAS, carrier. The federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is awarded to air carriers servicing rural parts of the country where air travel without the subsidy would be prohibitively expensive.

Cape Air, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract for a third time at the end of 2019, and as it works to continue to provide rural air service, the pilot shortage threatens to severely restrict it or upend it altogether.

"It's definitely an emergency situation," said Walt McNutt, chairman of the Sidney-Richland airport authority board in Eastern Montana and a member of the state's Essential Air Service Board.

"It's not just a today situation," he said.

Cape Air has made moves to guarantee the service always has 10 pilots to fly in Eastern Montana, but it's had to reduce the number of flights it provides in order to do so.

Up until this spring, Cape Air provided five round-trip flights between Sidney and Billings and maintained daily flights from Billings to Havre, Wolf Point, Glendive and Glasgow. For Sidney, it's reduced that to two direct flights from Sidney to Billings and then combined it with its two flights to Glendive that then continue on to Billings.

The reduced flights reverberate throughout Eastern Montana. The biggest impact could be on the Sidney-Richland airport, which the state has designated a primary airport because it boards 10,000 flyers every year.

The primary airport designation qualifies Sidney-Richland for $1 million in annual federal funding, a portion of which the airport has to match. McNutt worries that the reduction in Cape Air flights will cause the airport's boarding numbers to drop below the 10,000-passenger threshold threatening its primary status.

Were that to happen, the airport's annual federal funding would drop from $1 million to $600,000, a significant hit to a small, regional airport, McNutt said.

While some EAS carriers have reduced flights to respond to the pilot shortage, others are looking to drop their EAS contracts altogether.

Earlier this year, SkyWest announced plans to end EAS flights in June to 29 of the communities it serves. SkyWest is the EAS carrier for Butte and West Yellowstone but the 29 communities SkyWest planned to leave did not impact its service in Montana; most were east of the Mississippi.

In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered SkyWest to remain in those communities until an alternative airline can come in to service the EAS contracts.

McNutt believes its unlikely something similar would happen in Eastern Montana.

"(Cape Air) likes Montana," he said. "They're going to stay in Montana."

Speaking on background, officials at the carrier said Montana was an important part of their air service.

Subsidies play a huge role in EAS contracts; it's the only reason commercial air service in rural parts of the country can exist.

In 2021, Cape Air received roughly $2.4 million per city for service to Wolf Point, Glendive and Havre. It received $2.2 million for service to Glasgow and it received $4.5 million for its service to Sidney. In all, Cape Airs contract to connect the five Eastern Montana communities to Billings is $13.9 million a year.

While the pilot shortage has reduced the number of flights Cape Air offers in Eastern Montana it's still possible every day to get a flight between Billings and Hi-Line communities.

And that's a good thing, McNutt said.

"We don't have a railroad, we don't have a bus, we don't have any other transportation," he said of Eastern Montana. "We'd really be in a bind if we lost this."

The immediate problem for both rural communities dependent on EAS carriers and the carriers providing that service is figuring out how to get more pilots flying commercial planes.

The FAA currently has listed 164,000 pilots cleared to fly commercial flights in the United States. It would need an additional 13,500 pilots to meet the current demand and then an additional 6,000 pilots a year moving forward to keep up with demand and replace retiring pilots, he said.

"That's if they did something today," McNutt said.

A number of issues are contributing to the shortage.

Federal regulations require pilots to retire from commercial airline service at 65 and training new pilots is both expensive and time intensive. The pandemic has played a role. COVID-19 shutdowns accelerated early retirements for pilots and slowed training for new recruits.

Additionally, many of the pilots now reaching retirement age came up through military service in the 1970s and 1980s and these days the military produces far fewer pilots than it did in the late 20th century.

But the biggest issue, according to airline managers and airport operators, is the FAA's 2010 requirement that commercial airline pilots log 1,500 flight hours before they enter a cockpit.

The requirement was born of tragedy. In 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. In response, Congress passed a law in 2010 directing the FAA to require first officers on commercial flights to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Previously, the requirement was anywhere between 250 hours and 500 hours. The steep increase in hours means it takes pilots longer to get certified  more than two years  and it makes it more expensive, McNutt said.

Worst of all, it didn't address the problems that caused the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, airline experts have said. Both the pilot and first officer on the flight had more than 1,500 flight hours. Lack of proper training and fatigue appeared to be bigger factors, investigators said.

FAA's 2010 requirement put a premium on more flight hours at the expense of better training and it created the bottleneck that's impacted the entire industry today, airport officials said.

In an effort to train up pilots and meet the requirement, Cape Air doubles up and puts an extra pilot in the cockpits of its flights to help get the needed 1,500 hours. Cape Air flies twin engine Cessna 402s, which seat nine passengers and require only one pilot.

Those extra pilots who fly to get their 1,500 hours then agree to remain with Cape Air for three years after receiving their Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

It doesn't always work, McNutt said. Especially now with the pilot shortage, bigger carriers are poaching Cape Air's newly minted pilots, he said.

McNutt and Ploehn said it'll be years before the pilot shortage eases. And even if the FAA changed its flight hours requirement today, it would still take three years to get pilot numbers up to where they should be, McNutt said.

In the meantime they're hopeful Cape Air will remain in Eastern Montana. When the carrier secured the EAS contract for a third time in 2019 it meant Cape Air had provided essential air service to Eastern Montana longer than the two carriers that proceeded it, Silver Airways and Great Lakes Air.

And for good reason, Ploehn said. Cape Air's been able to provide EAS service much better than the previous two carriers; Cape Air is consistent, timely and flyers know its reliable.

"These guys have always run the best service," Ploehn said.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

The CDC on Thursday approved a third dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for youth 5 to 11, regardless of pre-existing conditions or immunocompromisation.

The FDA earlier this week recommended allowing the booster for all kids in this group and the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices agreed, though the number who have received the first two doses remains low at around 30% nationwide. In Wisconsin, just 25% of those 5 to 11 have had both initial shots.

Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups, leaving them vulnerable to serious illness, CDC director Rochelle Walensky said in a press release. With over 18 million doses administered in this age group, we know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected. Children are eligible for the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine  the only brand currently authorized for minors  five months or more out from their second shot. Child doses are smaller than those for teen and adult groups.

The booster recommendation comes as COVID cases begin to climb following a drop after the peak of the original omicron strain. Infections on a national, state and local level are up significantly over the past month, with La Crosse County labeled as having high disease activity by the CDC.

Per the CDC, since the start of the pandemic more than 4.8 million youth 5 to 11 have contracted COVID-19, with 15,000 hospitalizations and over 180 deaths.

As cases increase across the country, a booster dose will safely help restore and enhance protection against severe disease, the CDC states.

Mayo Clinic urges youth who have been previously infected to have their initial and booster shots, as protection wanes over time. In addition, while breakthrough infections were more common with omicron, hospitalizations and deaths remained significantly lower among the vaccinated. A CDC study, which looked at 397 children age 5-11 hospitalized for COVID between Dec. 2021 to Feb. 2022, found 87% were not fully vaccinated.

Greater vaccination rates mean variants are less likely to develop, and Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Mayo, notes Ensuring children in this age group are protected by vaccination and receiving their booster dose will allow them to more safely participate in the summertime activities many families are looking forward to, including travel.

At least one booster dose is now available to all persons over 5 who have completed the initial series, and fourth doses are advised for those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and anyone over 50 at least four months out from their previous shot.

Youth under 5 remain the only age group not eligible for any form of COVID vaccine. Approval of a baby and toddler version has been long delayed, but the FDA is anticipated to review Modernas application for a two-shot, 1/4 size dose course next month. Pfizer is expected to present data for a three-shot course for those 6 months to 4 in the near future.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The CDC on Thursday approved a third dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for youth 5 to 11, regardless of pre-existing conditions or immunocompromisation.

The FDA earlier this week recommended allowing the booster for all kids in this group and the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices agreed, though the number who have received the first two doses remains low at around 30% nationwide. In Wisconsin, just 25% of those 5 to 11 have had both initial shots.

Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups, leaving them vulnerable to serious illness, CDC director Rochelle Walensky said in a press release. With over 18 million doses administered in this age group, we know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected. Children are eligible for the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine  the only brand currently authorized for minors  five months or more out from their second shot. Child doses are smaller than those for teen and adult groups.

The booster recommendation comes as COVID cases begin to climb following a drop after the peak of the original omicron strain. Infections on a national, state and local level are up significantly over the past month, with La Crosse County labeled as having high disease activity by the CDC.

Per the CDC, since the start of the pandemic more than 4.8 million youth 5 to 11 have contracted COVID-19, with 15,000 hospitalizations and over 180 deaths.

As cases increase across the country, a booster dose will safely help restore and enhance protection against severe disease, the CDC states.

Mayo Clinic urges youth who have been previously infected to have their initial and booster shots, as protection wanes over time. In addition, while breakthrough infections were more common with omicron, hospitalizations and deaths remained significantly lower among the vaccinated. A CDC study, which looked at 397 children age 5-11 hospitalized for COVID between Dec. 2021 to Feb. 2022, found 87% were not fully vaccinated.

Greater vaccination rates mean variants are less likely to develop, and Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Mayo, notes Ensuring children in this age group are protected by vaccination and receiving their booster dose will allow them to more safely participate in the summertime activities many families are looking forward to, including travel.

At least one booster dose is now available to all persons over 5 who have completed the initial series, and fourth doses are advised for those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and anyone over 50 at least four months out from their previous shot.

Youth under 5 remain the only age group not eligible for any form of COVID vaccine. Approval of a baby and toddler version has been long delayed, but the FDA is anticipated to review Modernas application for a two-shot, 1/4 size dose course next month. Pfizer is expected to present data for a three-shot course for those 6 months to 4 in the near future.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The CDC on Thursday approved a third dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for youth 5 to 11, regardless of pre-existing conditions or immunocompromisation.

The FDA earlier this week recommended allowing the booster for all kids in this group and the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices agreed, though the number who have received the first two doses remains low at around 30% nationwide. In Wisconsin, just 25% of those 5 to 11 have had both initial shots.

Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups, leaving them vulnerable to serious illness, CDC director Rochelle Walensky said in a press release. With over 18 million doses administered in this age group, we know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected. Children are eligible for the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine  the only brand currently authorized for minors  five months or more out from their second shot. Child doses are smaller than those for teen and adult groups.

The booster recommendation comes as COVID cases begin to climb following a drop after the peak of the original omicron strain. Infections on a national, state and local level are up significantly over the past month, with La Crosse County labeled as having high disease activity by the CDC.

Per the CDC, since the start of the pandemic more than 4.8 million youth 5 to 11 have contracted COVID-19, with 15,000 hospitalizations and over 180 deaths.

As cases increase across the country, a booster dose will safely help restore and enhance protection against severe disease, the CDC states.

Mayo Clinic urges youth who have been previously infected to have their initial and booster shots, as protection wanes over time. In addition, while breakthrough infections were more common with omicron, hospitalizations and deaths remained significantly lower among the vaccinated. A CDC study, which looked at 397 children age 5-11 hospitalized for COVID between Dec. 2021 to Feb. 2022, found 87% were not fully vaccinated.

Greater vaccination rates mean variants are less likely to develop, and Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Mayo, notes Ensuring children in this age group are protected by vaccination and receiving their booster dose will allow them to more safely participate in the summertime activities many families are looking forward to, including travel.

At least one booster dose is now available to all persons over 5 who have completed the initial series, and fourth doses are advised for those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and anyone over 50 at least four months out from their previous shot.

Youth under 5 remain the only age group not eligible for any form of COVID vaccine. Approval of a baby and toddler version has been long delayed, but the FDA is anticipated to review Modernas application for a two-shot, 1/4 size dose course next month. Pfizer is expected to present data for a three-shot course for those 6 months to 4 in the near future.

Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Coronation Street's Alison King has allegedly split from her toyboy fiance David Stuckey.

The soap star, 49, had planned to exchange vows with the IT consultant, 40, in Greece before coronavirus restrictions forced them to cancel their May 2020 ceremony with just weeks to go.

It has now been claimed the couple - who began dating in March 2018 - had 'grown apart' and have 'parted amicably'.

Exes: Corrie's Alison King has 'split' from her fiance David Stuckey because they 'grew apart'... after their Greek wedding was cancelled by Covid (pictured in 2019)

A source told The Sun: 'Alison and David have sadly decided to separate. They were very much in love for a long time but have ended up growing apart.

'They parted amicably and both wish each other the best in the future.'

Alison's representatives have been contacted for comment by MailOnline.

David popped the question with a ring he designed himself during a romantic sunset cruise in Portugal - which they nearly had to cancel thanks to a slew of ominous clouds on the horizon.

Oh no! The soap star, 49, had planned to exchange vows with the IT consultant, 40, in Greece before Covid forced them to cancel their May 2020 ceremony (pictured in-character)

Officially introducing her fiance during an interview with OK! Magazine in 2019, the star also revealed that she had 'an inkling' David was going to propose and made sure she brought along a Rolex on the trip as an engagement present for him.

Revealing that the proposal happened just a few days before their one-year anniversary, she explained: 'I had an inkling he was going to pop the question because he kept putting something on my finger and going: "right, close your eyes and forget this ever happened!"'

'Wed also discussed marriage, too. I think we both went from "no, we dont ever need to get married" to "oh, we really want to get married!"'

Shame: It has now been claimed the couple - who began dating in March 2018 - had 'grown apart' and have 'parted amicably' (pictured in 2019)

Alison explained that the lead-up to the proposal wasn't all smooth sailing, as they were met with 'black clouds over the sea while driving towards the port at Albufeira.'

However, with a team of dedicated crew-members, the cruise carried on as planned, and IT Salesman David got down on bended knee to pop the question with a ring he had designed himself.

Alison gushed: 'Id bought him a Rolex as an engagement present too. I said: "Yes please," and then I gave him the watch! It was perfect, even though it didnt go to plan!'

Discussing their age gap, she claimed that he's 'already very mature' and wanted someone with children, as he was a father himself.

Happier times: A source said: 'Alison and David have sadly decided to separate. They were very much in love for a long time but have ended up growing apart (pictured in 2019)

With the proposal happening over the summer, a source told The Sun at the time that Alison is 'very excited' after her partner popped the question.

The source said some of Alison's closest friends in the cast such as Kym Marsh and Jane Danson were thrilled to learn of her engagement news.

They said: 'Ali is so popular with everyone on the cobbles. They think it's wonderful.

Detailing their love story, the actress, who is known for playing Carla Connor on Corrie, revealed that they met in March 2018 after being set up by their mutual personal trainer.

'The engagement is a lovely surprise. Ali is over the moon. Ali has obviously endured heartache in the past. But she is hoping those days are now firmly behind her. She is very excited about what the future holds.'

It comes after Alison broke off her engagement to Corrie sound technician Adam Huckett in 2012. The couple share daughter Daisy, ten.

Despite getting engaged in September 2011 on a trip to Paris, it was revealed in October 2012 that the pair had split.

Alison then dated Hollyoaks assistant director Paul Slavin, after the couple were spotted together in 2016.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8384ae580)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef0f8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8384ae580)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef0f8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8384db8b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef0f8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8389ef0f8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8349d5e48)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8389a6c58)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e8389a6c58)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Painting by Adrian Aguirre, Oil on canvas, 2020

LAS CRUCES - The June 2022 exhibition in the Dona Ana Arts Council gallery is La Frontera: Hopes & Fears in which five artists from the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on the migration of people across La Frontera, the worlds most frequently crossed international border.

All five artists, in their own unique voice and in a range of media  painting, drawing, mixed media, video, and photography  document the emotional landscape facing those who cross La Frontera, according to a news release. The combined work of the five artists tells a larger story of what the border really means to those who cross it and contributes to our understanding of the reality of their experiences.

The featured artists are the following:

Adrian Aguirre grew up on both sides of the El Paso/Juarez border, crossing the bridge daily to attend school. This experience influenced his perspective on borders and immigration and is reflected in his work which consists of portraiture and representations of life as experienced by the immigrant or refugee. There is also a political agenda in his work, sometimes subtle sometimes not so subtle.

Cleo Arevalo, "Between Selfishness And Sympathy," 2019 video projection And barbed wire installation

Cleo Arevalo is a conceptual multimedia artist who creates prints, ready-made objects, and installations that examine what she describes as the globalized oppression of the masses, primarily through an analysis of the cultural meanings of language. She received her BFA in Studio Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso and moved on to multimedia at the graduate level at New Mexico State University. She teaches at El Paso Community College.

Elizabeth Calil Zarur, "Pieta," 2019

Elizabeth Calil Zarur holds a BFA in Printmaking and Drawing, an MFA in Fiber Arts, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art. During her 30-year career teaching art history at New Mexico State University and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, she published extensively and curated several exhibitions. Her art works in this exhibition are inspired by the combination of traditional 19th century Mexican retablos and santos, and present-day photographic documentation of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, all of which represents the very few possessions displaced populations carry with them when crossing La Frontera.

Story continues

Paul Ratje, originally from Mesilla, New Mexico, studied photojournalism and foreign languages at New Mexico State University. After living in Taiwan, where he began his career in photojournalism, he returned home to the El Paso area. He feels his true calling is documenting immigration and border issues and revealing the humanity in the immigration story. His collection of images is part of his Crossing the Line storytelling project which focuses on the lives of present-day immigrants living in the U.S.

Sterling Trantham, "Welder 1," Sept 1995

Sterling Trantham is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, documentary photographer, photographic educator, and a National Geographic Faculty Fellow. He lives in La Mesa, New Mexico, and teaches photography at El Paso Community College. Trantham, who first photographed the border wall separating Mexico and the U.S. in 1995, describes the wall as a complicated phenomenon, one with multifaceted economic consequences as well as deeply human consequences.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from June 1 to June 28 at the Dona Ana Arts Council located at 250 W. Amador. The hours include regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, First Friday Art Ramble, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.daarts.org or call the Dona Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

Keep reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dona Ana Arts Councils announces new exhibit, 'La Frontera: Hopes & Fears'
Painting by Adrian Aguirre, Oil on canvas, 2020

LAS CRUCES - The June 2022 exhibition in the Dona Ana Arts Council gallery is La Frontera: Hopes & Fears in which five artists from the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on the migration of people across La Frontera, the worlds most frequently crossed international border.

All five artists, in their own unique voice and in a range of media  painting, drawing, mixed media, video, and photography  document the emotional landscape facing those who cross La Frontera, according to a news release. The combined work of the five artists tells a larger story of what the border really means to those who cross it and contributes to our understanding of the reality of their experiences.

The featured artists are the following:

Adrian Aguirre grew up on both sides of the El Paso/Juarez border, crossing the bridge daily to attend school. This experience influenced his perspective on borders and immigration and is reflected in his work which consists of portraiture and representations of life as experienced by the immigrant or refugee. There is also a political agenda in his work, sometimes subtle sometimes not so subtle.

Cleo Arevalo, "Between Selfishness And Sympathy," 2019 video projection And barbed wire installation

Cleo Arevalo is a conceptual multimedia artist who creates prints, ready-made objects, and installations that examine what she describes as the globalized oppression of the masses, primarily through an analysis of the cultural meanings of language. She received her BFA in Studio Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso and moved on to multimedia at the graduate level at New Mexico State University. She teaches at El Paso Community College.

Elizabeth Calil Zarur, "Pieta," 2019

Elizabeth Calil Zarur holds a BFA in Printmaking and Drawing, an MFA in Fiber Arts, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art. During her 30-year career teaching art history at New Mexico State University and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, she published extensively and curated several exhibitions. Her art works in this exhibition are inspired by the combination of traditional 19th century Mexican retablos and santos, and present-day photographic documentation of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, all of which represents the very few possessions displaced populations carry with them when crossing La Frontera.

Story continues

Paul Ratje, originally from Mesilla, New Mexico, studied photojournalism and foreign languages at New Mexico State University. After living in Taiwan, where he began his career in photojournalism, he returned home to the El Paso area. He feels his true calling is documenting immigration and border issues and revealing the humanity in the immigration story. His collection of images is part of his Crossing the Line storytelling project which focuses on the lives of present-day immigrants living in the U.S.

Sterling Trantham, "Welder 1," Sept 1995

Sterling Trantham is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, documentary photographer, photographic educator, and a National Geographic Faculty Fellow. He lives in La Mesa, New Mexico, and teaches photography at El Paso Community College. Trantham, who first photographed the border wall separating Mexico and the U.S. in 1995, describes the wall as a complicated phenomenon, one with multifaceted economic consequences as well as deeply human consequences.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from June 1 to June 28 at the Dona Ana Arts Council located at 250 W. Amador. The hours include regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, First Friday Art Ramble, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.daarts.org or call the Dona Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

Keep reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dona Ana Arts Councils announces new exhibit, 'La Frontera: Hopes & Fears'
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Three races for seats in the Idaho Legislature were decided by 40 votes or fewer during Tuesdays primary election, and at least one of those contests is headed for a recount.

The tightest race was between seven-term incumbent Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, and Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell, which was decided by just six votes. Syme has already requested a recount, he told the Idaho Statesman.

I owe that to my supporters and to the public for the process, to make sure its correct when its that close, Syme said in a phone interview.

Idaho law permits a losing candidate to seek a recount, but a written request must be made to the state attorney generals office within 20 days of the elections certification. For primary races in the Legislature, that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 1, making Monday, June 21, the deadline to request a recount, Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told the Statesman.

For contests where the margin of victory is five votes or fewer, or within one-tenth of a percent  whichever is greater  the recount comes at no cost. Symes District 9 House race meets that requirement.

Two other races with razor-thin margins were decided by 36 votes and 37 votes, respectively, and do not qualify for free recounts. Races like that cost the losing candidate $100 per precinct for a recount, and campaign funds may be used to cover the fees, Houck said.

In the House District 34 B primary race, incumbent Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, lost to challenger Britt Raybould by 36 votes, or a difference of about seven-tenths of a percent. Raybould previously held the seat for a single term, from 2018 to 2020, but lost to Nate by 294 votes in the 2020 Republican primary. This time, with redrawn boundaries through redistricting, she prevailed.

We lost a close one last night, by just 36 votes! Nates campaign posted to its Facebook page on Wednesday morning. Thank you to all of my supporters who worked so hard, Im humbled by your efforts. We ran a race you can be proud of!

Nate did not return phone and email requests on Thursday from the Statesman seeking comment about whether he might request a recount.

In the Senate District 24 Republican primary, five-term incumbent Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, lost by 37 votes, or nearly half a percent, to challenger Glenneda Zuiderveld. Patrick told the Statesman he consulted the attorney generals office and was considering a recount, which he estimated would cost as much as $5,000 for all precincts in the district.

Im thinking about it but not sure I will. I havent decided, Patrick said by phone. Its close enough, and would not take a lot of change. I dont know if there will be any change, but it might be worth inquiring.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor at the Times-News. Contact Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3233.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Three races for seats in the Idaho Legislature were decided by 40 votes or fewer during Tuesdays primary election, and at least one of those contests is headed for a recount.

The tightest race was between seven-term incumbent Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, and Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell, which was decided by just six votes. Syme has already requested a recount, he told the Idaho Statesman.

I owe that to my supporters and to the public for the process, to make sure its correct when its that close, Syme said in a phone interview.

Idaho law permits a losing candidate to seek a recount, but a written request must be made to the state attorney generals office within 20 days of the elections certification. For primary races in the Legislature, that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 1, making Monday, June 21, the deadline to request a recount, Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told the Statesman.

For contests where the margin of victory is five votes or fewer, or within one-tenth of a percent  whichever is greater  the recount comes at no cost. Symes District 9 House race meets that requirement.

Two other races with razor-thin margins were decided by 36 votes and 37 votes, respectively, and do not qualify for free recounts. Races like that cost the losing candidate $100 per precinct for a recount, and campaign funds may be used to cover the fees, Houck said.

In the House District 34 B primary race, incumbent Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, lost to challenger Britt Raybould by 36 votes, or a difference of about seven-tenths of a percent. Raybould previously held the seat for a single term, from 2018 to 2020, but lost to Nate by 294 votes in the 2020 Republican primary. This time, with redrawn boundaries through redistricting, she prevailed.

We lost a close one last night, by just 36 votes! Nates campaign posted to its Facebook page on Wednesday morning. Thank you to all of my supporters who worked so hard, Im humbled by your efforts. We ran a race you can be proud of!

Nate did not return phone and email requests on Thursday from the Statesman seeking comment about whether he might request a recount.

In the Senate District 24 Republican primary, five-term incumbent Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, lost by 37 votes, or nearly half a percent, to challenger Glenneda Zuiderveld. Patrick told the Statesman he consulted the attorney generals office and was considering a recount, which he estimated would cost as much as $5,000 for all precincts in the district.

Im thinking about it but not sure I will. I havent decided, Patrick said by phone. Its close enough, and would not take a lot of change. I dont know if there will be any change, but it might be worth inquiring.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor at the Times-News. Contact Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3233.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Even at the height of the pandemic, when air travel seemed to drop off a cliff, Cape Air was still shuttling passengers from the Hi-line down to Billings and back.

"It never really dried up," said Kevin Ploehn, director of the Billings airport.

After all, he said, the need for chemotherapy treatments and other vital services that rural Montanans can only find in larger cities like Billings still carried on. And the only way to make that trip quickly and cheaply was on a Cape Air flight.

These days, a nationwide commercial pilot shortage is threatening that vital rural air service in a way the pandemic never did, and small regional carriers like Cape Air are especially vulnerable.

In just the last couple weeks, the airline lost five pilots to larger carriers who were recruiting for needed staff, Ploehn said.

"Some of (the national carriers) are just parking planes because they don't have the staff," Ploehn said last week.

Cape Air is what's known as an Essential Air Service, or EAS, carrier. The federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is awarded to air carriers servicing rural parts of the country where air travel without the subsidy would be prohibitively expensive.

Cape Air, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract for a third time at the end of 2019, and as it works to continue to provide rural air service, the pilot shortage threatens to severely restrict it or upend it altogether.

"It's definitely an emergency situation," said Walt McNutt, chairman of the Sidney-Richland airport authority board in Eastern Montana and a member of the state's Essential Air Service Board.

"It's not just a today situation," he said.

Cape Air has made moves to guarantee the service always has 10 pilots to fly in Eastern Montana, but it's had to reduce the number of flights it provides in order to do so.

Up until this spring, Cape Air provided five round-trip flights between Sidney and Billings and maintained daily flights from Billings to Havre, Wolf Point, Glendive and Glasgow. For Sidney, it's reduced that to two direct flights from Sidney to Billings and then combined it with its two flights to Glendive that then continue on to Billings.

The reduced flights reverberate throughout Eastern Montana. The biggest impact could be on the Sidney-Richland airport, which the state has designated a primary airport because it boards 10,000 flyers every year.

The primary airport designation qualifies Sidney-Richland for $1 million in annual federal funding, a portion of which the airport has to match. McNutt worries that the reduction in Cape Air flights will cause the airport's boarding numbers to drop below the 10,000-passenger threshold threatening its primary status.

Were that to happen, the airport's annual federal funding would drop from $1 million to $600,000, a significant hit to a small, regional airport, McNutt said.

While some EAS carriers have reduced flights to respond to the pilot shortage, others are looking to drop their EAS contracts altogether.

Earlier this year, SkyWest announced plans to end EAS flights in June to 29 of the communities it serves. SkyWest is the EAS carrier for Butte and West Yellowstone but the 29 communities SkyWest planned to leave did not impact its service in Montana; most were east of the Mississippi.

In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered SkyWest to remain in those communities until an alternative airline can come in to service the EAS contracts.

McNutt believes its unlikely something similar would happen in Eastern Montana.

"(Cape Air) likes Montana," he said. "They're going to stay in Montana."

Speaking on background, officials at the carrier said Montana was an important part of their air service.

Subsidies play a huge role in EAS contracts; it's the only reason commercial air service in rural parts of the country can exist.

In 2021, Cape Air received roughly $2.4 million per city for service to Wolf Point, Glendive and Havre. It received $2.2 million for service to Glasgow and it received $4.5 million for its service to Sidney. In all, Cape Airs contract to connect the five Eastern Montana communities to Billings is $13.9 million a year.

While the pilot shortage has reduced the number of flights Cape Air offers in Eastern Montana it's still possible every day to get a flight between Billings and Hi-Line communities.

And that's a good thing, McNutt said.

"We don't have a railroad, we don't have a bus, we don't have any other transportation," he said of Eastern Montana. "We'd really be in a bind if we lost this."

The immediate problem for both rural communities dependent on EAS carriers and the carriers providing that service is figuring out how to get more pilots flying commercial planes.

The FAA currently has listed 164,000 pilots cleared to fly commercial flights in the United States. It would need an additional 13,500 pilots to meet the current demand and then an additional 6,000 pilots a year moving forward to keep up with demand and replace retiring pilots, he said.

"That's if they did something today," McNutt said.

A number of issues are contributing to the shortage.

Federal regulations require pilots to retire from commercial airline service at 65 and training new pilots is both expensive and time intensive. The pandemic has played a role. COVID-19 shutdowns accelerated early retirements for pilots and slowed training for new recruits.

Additionally, many of the pilots now reaching retirement age came up through military service in the 1970s and 1980s and these days the military produces far fewer pilots than it did in the late 20th century.

But the biggest issue, according to airline managers and airport operators, is the FAA's 2010 requirement that commercial airline pilots log 1,500 flight hours before they enter a cockpit.

The requirement was born of tragedy. In 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. In response, Congress passed a law in 2010 directing the FAA to require first officers on commercial flights to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Previously, the requirement was anywhere between 250 hours and 500 hours. The steep increase in hours means it takes pilots longer to get certified  more than two years  and it makes it more expensive, McNutt said.

Worst of all, it didn't address the problems that caused the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, airline experts have said. Both the pilot and first officer on the flight had more than 1,500 flight hours. Lack of proper training and fatigue appeared to be bigger factors, investigators said.

FAA's 2010 requirement put a premium on more flight hours at the expense of better training and it created the bottleneck that's impacted the entire industry today, airport officials said.

In an effort to train up pilots and meet the requirement, Cape Air doubles up and puts an extra pilot in the cockpits of its flights to help get the needed 1,500 hours. Cape Air flies twin engine Cessna 402s, which seat nine passengers and require only one pilot.

Those extra pilots who fly to get their 1,500 hours then agree to remain with Cape Air for three years after receiving their Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

It doesn't always work, McNutt said. Especially now with the pilot shortage, bigger carriers are poaching Cape Air's newly minted pilots, he said.

McNutt and Ploehn said it'll be years before the pilot shortage eases. And even if the FAA changed its flight hours requirement today, it would still take three years to get pilot numbers up to where they should be, McNutt said.

In the meantime they're hopeful Cape Air will remain in Eastern Montana. When the carrier secured the EAS contract for a third time in 2019 it meant Cape Air had provided essential air service to Eastern Montana longer than the two carriers that proceeded it, Silver Airways and Great Lakes Air.

And for good reason, Ploehn said. Cape Air's been able to provide EAS service much better than the previous two carriers; Cape Air is consistent, timely and flyers know its reliable.

"These guys have always run the best service," Ploehn said.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Even at the height of the pandemic, when air travel seemed to drop off a cliff, Cape Air was still shuttling passengers from the Hi-line down to Billings and back.

"It never really dried up," said Kevin Ploehn, director of the Billings airport.

After all, he said, the need for chemotherapy treatments and other vital services that rural Montanans can only find in larger cities like Billings still carried on. And the only way to make that trip quickly and cheaply was on a Cape Air flight.

These days, a nationwide commercial pilot shortage is threatening that vital rural air service in a way the pandemic never did, and small regional carriers like Cape Air are especially vulnerable.

In just the last couple weeks, the airline lost five pilots to larger carriers who were recruiting for needed staff, Ploehn said.

"Some of (the national carriers) are just parking planes because they don't have the staff," Ploehn said last week.

Cape Air is what's known as an Essential Air Service, or EAS, carrier. The federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is awarded to air carriers servicing rural parts of the country where air travel without the subsidy would be prohibitively expensive.

Cape Air, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was awarded the contract for a third time at the end of 2019, and as it works to continue to provide rural air service, the pilot shortage threatens to severely restrict it or upend it altogether.

"It's definitely an emergency situation," said Walt McNutt, chairman of the Sidney-Richland airport authority board in Eastern Montana and a member of the state's Essential Air Service Board.

"It's not just a today situation," he said.

Cape Air has made moves to guarantee the service always has 10 pilots to fly in Eastern Montana, but it's had to reduce the number of flights it provides in order to do so.

Up until this spring, Cape Air provided five round-trip flights between Sidney and Billings and maintained daily flights from Billings to Havre, Wolf Point, Glendive and Glasgow. For Sidney, it's reduced that to two direct flights from Sidney to Billings and then combined it with its two flights to Glendive that then continue on to Billings.

The reduced flights reverberate throughout Eastern Montana. The biggest impact could be on the Sidney-Richland airport, which the state has designated a primary airport because it boards 10,000 flyers every year.

The primary airport designation qualifies Sidney-Richland for $1 million in annual federal funding, a portion of which the airport has to match. McNutt worries that the reduction in Cape Air flights will cause the airport's boarding numbers to drop below the 10,000-passenger threshold threatening its primary status.

Were that to happen, the airport's annual federal funding would drop from $1 million to $600,000, a significant hit to a small, regional airport, McNutt said.

While some EAS carriers have reduced flights to respond to the pilot shortage, others are looking to drop their EAS contracts altogether.

Earlier this year, SkyWest announced plans to end EAS flights in June to 29 of the communities it serves. SkyWest is the EAS carrier for Butte and West Yellowstone but the 29 communities SkyWest planned to leave did not impact its service in Montana; most were east of the Mississippi.

In March, the U.S. Department of Transportation ordered SkyWest to remain in those communities until an alternative airline can come in to service the EAS contracts.

McNutt believes its unlikely something similar would happen in Eastern Montana.

"(Cape Air) likes Montana," he said. "They're going to stay in Montana."

Speaking on background, officials at the carrier said Montana was an important part of their air service.

Subsidies play a huge role in EAS contracts; it's the only reason commercial air service in rural parts of the country can exist.

In 2021, Cape Air received roughly $2.4 million per city for service to Wolf Point, Glendive and Havre. It received $2.2 million for service to Glasgow and it received $4.5 million for its service to Sidney. In all, Cape Airs contract to connect the five Eastern Montana communities to Billings is $13.9 million a year.

While the pilot shortage has reduced the number of flights Cape Air offers in Eastern Montana it's still possible every day to get a flight between Billings and Hi-Line communities.

And that's a good thing, McNutt said.

"We don't have a railroad, we don't have a bus, we don't have any other transportation," he said of Eastern Montana. "We'd really be in a bind if we lost this."

The immediate problem for both rural communities dependent on EAS carriers and the carriers providing that service is figuring out how to get more pilots flying commercial planes.

The FAA currently has listed 164,000 pilots cleared to fly commercial flights in the United States. It would need an additional 13,500 pilots to meet the current demand and then an additional 6,000 pilots a year moving forward to keep up with demand and replace retiring pilots, he said.

"That's if they did something today," McNutt said.

A number of issues are contributing to the shortage.

Federal regulations require pilots to retire from commercial airline service at 65 and training new pilots is both expensive and time intensive. The pandemic has played a role. COVID-19 shutdowns accelerated early retirements for pilots and slowed training for new recruits.

Additionally, many of the pilots now reaching retirement age came up through military service in the 1970s and 1980s and these days the military produces far fewer pilots than it did in the late 20th century.

But the biggest issue, according to airline managers and airport operators, is the FAA's 2010 requirement that commercial airline pilots log 1,500 flight hours before they enter a cockpit.

The requirement was born of tragedy. In 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. In response, Congress passed a law in 2010 directing the FAA to require first officers on commercial flights to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Previously, the requirement was anywhere between 250 hours and 500 hours. The steep increase in hours means it takes pilots longer to get certified  more than two years  and it makes it more expensive, McNutt said.

Worst of all, it didn't address the problems that caused the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, airline experts have said. Both the pilot and first officer on the flight had more than 1,500 flight hours. Lack of proper training and fatigue appeared to be bigger factors, investigators said.

FAA's 2010 requirement put a premium on more flight hours at the expense of better training and it created the bottleneck that's impacted the entire industry today, airport officials said.

In an effort to train up pilots and meet the requirement, Cape Air doubles up and puts an extra pilot in the cockpits of its flights to help get the needed 1,500 hours. Cape Air flies twin engine Cessna 402s, which seat nine passengers and require only one pilot.

Those extra pilots who fly to get their 1,500 hours then agree to remain with Cape Air for three years after receiving their Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

It doesn't always work, McNutt said. Especially now with the pilot shortage, bigger carriers are poaching Cape Air's newly minted pilots, he said.

McNutt and Ploehn said it'll be years before the pilot shortage eases. And even if the FAA changed its flight hours requirement today, it would still take three years to get pilot numbers up to where they should be, McNutt said.

In the meantime they're hopeful Cape Air will remain in Eastern Montana. When the carrier secured the EAS contract for a third time in 2019 it meant Cape Air had provided essential air service to Eastern Montana longer than the two carriers that proceeded it, Silver Airways and Great Lakes Air.

And for good reason, Ploehn said. Cape Air's been able to provide EAS service much better than the previous two carriers; Cape Air is consistent, timely and flyers know its reliable.

"These guys have always run the best service," Ploehn said.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.



Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

There have been times when the gravity of a certain crime has left us uncomfortable for hours, days and some even months. We often wonder how someone in their right mind could go to such a dreadful extent, right?



This is exactly how the newly released Netflix documentary Our Father will make you feel. It features a harrowing story of a fertility doctor impregnating several unsuspecting women with his own sperm and WITHOUT their consent.

netflix

It narrates the journey of a woman named Jacoba Ballard, who discovers as many as 94 half-siblings of herself and it doesn't have a happy ending, mind you!



In its duration of almost 90 minutes, youll be served with waves of horrors thatll make you squirm in your seat.



It begins with Ballard discovering a heinous truth about her own life - She was secretly fathered by her mothers fertility doctor, who continuously impregnated many women without their knowledge in the 1980s.

netflix

It all started with Jacoba and her quest to know her family ancestry. She signed up for 23andme, a DNA test to map her family line only to be confronted with the most harrowing truth of her life.

Much to her chagrin, Jacoba witnessed the ugliest reality that she isnt biologically related to the man that she thought was her father. If this wasnt ground shaking enough, over the time, she discovered that she had several undocumented siblings.

netflix

Soon, this led her on an investigative mission and her findings were far from pleasant. The discovery that she made soon turned into a nightmare. After undertaking the DNA test, she had expected three siblings as the doctor had informed her mother that one donor is only used for a maximum of three times. In the first go, Ballard was alerted to 10 half-siblings within a small radius.



Soon she reached the conclusion that the common factor in all of this was Dr Donald Cline.

netflix

Upon further investigation, it was found out that for decades, Cline would destroy all the samples that would reach the clinic including both donors and respective husbands. During the process of insemination, he would masturbate in the next room, collect his sperms and then insert his own semen in unsuspecting women waiting in the other room.



By this point, most of you would be wondering was it for cheap thrills or was there a legit motive behind his wrongdoing? Well, there is an extremely twisted reason - turns out that doctor Cline was an elder of the church and a religious fanatic who was somewhat motivated by a cult that believed that a certain section of the society is god sent and are supposed to reproduce as many times as possible.

netflix

As the documentary goes on, Jacoba finds more and more half-siblings and surprisingly most of them are found to be living in close proximity to each other for decades. It also ignites a sickening fear that they could have even coupled up over the years.



A group of siblings also had a meeting with their father and thats when Cline handed over a note to Jacoba which has Christian scripture Jeremiah 1:5 scribbled on it. The verse read,



'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

Apparently, this scripture is also a popular reading from the Quiverfull cult movement. This cult of a conservative Christian group believed that large families are a blessing and children are viewed as arrows that are meant to be shot into the world, in the hopes that one day, they may rise to positions of prominence and power.

netflix

Theres also a racist angle involved in this belief. In the documentary, it has been mentioned that this child-rearing practice stemmed from the idea that other races were infiltrating the white race. Thats the reason why Jacoba and all her siblings had blonde hair and blue eyes. In her own words, 'Its almost like were like this perfect Aryan clan and its disgusting.'



One would think that such a big scandal would not go unpunished. However, Don Cline got almost away with it because there was no legislation that termed illicit donor insemination as illegal in the 80s.

netflix

It was only in 2018 that mothers and daughters successfully passed this legislation in Indiana that made such practice illegal. The documentary highlights that there is currently no federal law preventing it probably because these are rare and unlikely circumstances. However, by the end of the documentary comes this revelation: "Thanks to at-home DNA testing, 44 additional doctors have been found to have used their own sperm to inseminate fertility patients."

As for Cline, in 2018, he finally surrendered his license to the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, who also voted to ban him from ever being able to reinstate his license again.

People on the internet have been voicing their disgust after watching this dreadful film.

After watching Our Father on Netflix I am disgusted that a total of 45 fertility doctors used their own damn sperm to impregnate their patients. And that ish is legal. This country is so disrespectful to the uterus. #OurFather   Tee  (@bettawerkbish) May 11, 2022

While yall want to regulate uteruses, there NEEDS to be a federal law against illicit donor inseminations. Dr. Clines ass should be in PRISON for rape and his offspring should get back child support. A $500 fine? Tf?! 94+ siblings? Our Father is so disgusting and heartbreaking.  Jennifer D. Laws (@jenniferdlaws) May 12, 2022

Our Father on Netflix is way too timely, in terms of reproductive justice and the religious right. Im exhausted. pic.twitter.com/hSqUXfkP8E  Maddy Sperling (@saintmaddysday) May 11, 2022

Everyone go watch the OUR FATHER documentary on Netflix its a terrifying parallel to our current reproductive rights issues. The whole thing is seriously disturbing but particularly the scene thats 57 minutes into the doc about the QUIVERFULL movement  emm can i get uhhhhhhhhh (@emm_kirk) May 11, 2022

If you havent watched the Our Father documentary on Netflix, then you really have no idea how physically and legally unprotected and vulnerable women truly are. This story is dark, but its even more sinister in ways you dont expect.  Sharon I Was Right about 2022 Kaplan  (@shakaplan) May 12, 2022

Though it's definitely not an easy watch, it's thrilling to watch Ballard and her newfound siblings turn their trauma into a campaign for justice and accountability.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Painting by Adrian Aguirre, Oil on canvas, 2020

LAS CRUCES - The June 2022 exhibition in the Dona Ana Arts Council gallery is La Frontera: Hopes & Fears in which five artists from the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on the migration of people across La Frontera, the worlds most frequently crossed international border.

All five artists, in their own unique voice and in a range of media  painting, drawing, mixed media, video, and photography  document the emotional landscape facing those who cross La Frontera, according to a news release. The combined work of the five artists tells a larger story of what the border really means to those who cross it and contributes to our understanding of the reality of their experiences.

The featured artists are the following:

Adrian Aguirre grew up on both sides of the El Paso/Juarez border, crossing the bridge daily to attend school. This experience influenced his perspective on borders and immigration and is reflected in his work which consists of portraiture and representations of life as experienced by the immigrant or refugee. There is also a political agenda in his work, sometimes subtle sometimes not so subtle.

Cleo Arevalo, "Between Selfishness And Sympathy," 2019 video projection And barbed wire installation

Cleo Arevalo is a conceptual multimedia artist who creates prints, ready-made objects, and installations that examine what she describes as the globalized oppression of the masses, primarily through an analysis of the cultural meanings of language. She received her BFA in Studio Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso and moved on to multimedia at the graduate level at New Mexico State University. She teaches at El Paso Community College.

Elizabeth Calil Zarur, "Pieta," 2019

Elizabeth Calil Zarur holds a BFA in Printmaking and Drawing, an MFA in Fiber Arts, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art. During her 30-year career teaching art history at New Mexico State University and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, she published extensively and curated several exhibitions. Her art works in this exhibition are inspired by the combination of traditional 19th century Mexican retablos and santos, and present-day photographic documentation of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, all of which represents the very few possessions displaced populations carry with them when crossing La Frontera.

Story continues

Paul Ratje, originally from Mesilla, New Mexico, studied photojournalism and foreign languages at New Mexico State University. After living in Taiwan, where he began his career in photojournalism, he returned home to the El Paso area. He feels his true calling is documenting immigration and border issues and revealing the humanity in the immigration story. His collection of images is part of his Crossing the Line storytelling project which focuses on the lives of present-day immigrants living in the U.S.

Sterling Trantham, "Welder 1," Sept 1995

Sterling Trantham is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, documentary photographer, photographic educator, and a National Geographic Faculty Fellow. He lives in La Mesa, New Mexico, and teaches photography at El Paso Community College. Trantham, who first photographed the border wall separating Mexico and the U.S. in 1995, describes the wall as a complicated phenomenon, one with multifaceted economic consequences as well as deeply human consequences.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from June 1 to June 28 at the Dona Ana Arts Council located at 250 W. Amador. The hours include regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, First Friday Art Ramble, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.daarts.org or call the Dona Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

Keep reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dona Ana Arts Councils announces new exhibit, 'La Frontera: Hopes & Fears'
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Three races for seats in the Idaho Legislature were decided by 40 votes or fewer during Tuesdays primary election, and at least one of those contests is headed for a recount.

The tightest race was between seven-term incumbent Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, and Rep. Scott Syme, R-Caldwell, which was decided by just six votes. Syme has already requested a recount, he told the Idaho Statesman.

I owe that to my supporters and to the public for the process, to make sure its correct when its that close, Syme said in a phone interview.

Idaho law permits a losing candidate to seek a recount, but a written request must be made to the state attorney generals office within 20 days of the elections certification. For primary races in the Legislature, that is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 1, making Monday, June 21, the deadline to request a recount, Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told the Statesman.

For contests where the margin of victory is five votes or fewer, or within one-tenth of a percent  whichever is greater  the recount comes at no cost. Symes District 9 House race meets that requirement.

Two other races with razor-thin margins were decided by 36 votes and 37 votes, respectively, and do not qualify for free recounts. Races like that cost the losing candidate $100 per precinct for a recount, and campaign funds may be used to cover the fees, Houck said.

In the House District 34 B primary race, incumbent Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, lost to challenger Britt Raybould by 36 votes, or a difference of about seven-tenths of a percent. Raybould previously held the seat for a single term, from 2018 to 2020, but lost to Nate by 294 votes in the 2020 Republican primary. This time, with redrawn boundaries through redistricting, she prevailed.

We lost a close one last night, by just 36 votes! Nates campaign posted to its Facebook page on Wednesday morning. Thank you to all of my supporters who worked so hard, Im humbled by your efforts. We ran a race you can be proud of!

Nate did not return phone and email requests on Thursday from the Statesman seeking comment about whether he might request a recount.

In the Senate District 24 Republican primary, five-term incumbent Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, lost by 37 votes, or nearly half a percent, to challenger Glenneda Zuiderveld. Patrick told the Statesman he consulted the attorney generals office and was considering a recount, which he estimated would cost as much as $5,000 for all precincts in the district.

Im thinking about it but not sure I will. I havent decided, Patrick said by phone. Its close enough, and would not take a lot of change. I dont know if there will be any change, but it might be worth inquiring.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor at the Times-News. Contact Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3233.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Retired Lt. Colonel John Nelson commanded many helicopter squadrons during his 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a combat search and rescue pilot.

The responsibilities were many and weighty for the Sandy Run resident who saw his military leadership role as one of service to his country and to his fellowman.

"One thing I loved about the Air Force was, particularly in the rescue business, you got to lead from the point end of the spear," the 64-year-old Nelson said. "You do the same thing you expect your people to do and you do it with them."

"If you do that and you do it well, they will walk over for broken glass for you," he said. "That is what leadership is all about: doing what your people do."

Nelson's military career embodied this servant leadership mindset that blossomed as he grew into young adulthood.

USC to Air Force

Born in Columbia in March 1958 at the old Columbia hospital on Harden Street the same day as his future wife, Nelson grew up in the Sandy Run community of Calhoun County. He attended Bethlehem Elementary School during the time of integration and was one of three white kids in the school during his eighth-grade year.

He then attended the former John Ford High School in Calhoun County and ended up switching to Swansea High School, where he would graduate in 1976.

A son of a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nelson said his father, who worked as a foreman at The State newspaper in Columbia, was a corporal in the Corps who personally witnessed much of the carnage of war during his time of service.

"My father really did not encourage me to join the military," Nelson said. "I kind of plowed my own row to do that."

Nelson entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and joined the ROTC program with the intention to pursue a civil engineering degree. He soon realized it was not for him after he failed chemistry and calculus.

Being on probation and in danger of failing out of school, he changed his major and ended up graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and economics and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

"I guess it was a calling more than anything else," Nelson said, when asked why he joined ROTC. "It was a calling of service."

A part of this calling was Nelson's desire to take flight.

"I wanted to be a pilot," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to fly a fixed wing."

Nelson started flying at Owens Field in downtown Columbia in 1978, learning to fly as part of the Air Force ROTCs flight instruction program.

The change of major helped Nelson flourish, becoming a commandant of the cadet corps at USC and finishing with a grade-point average of over 3.

He served as the flight commander of the ROTC and led cadets in drill during his sophomore year. He also had a job with the South Carolina Tax Commission and did other odd jobs during this time in college.

During his sophomore year at USC at the age of 20, Nelson attended basic training to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the summer. He drilled and conducted other exercises. It was there that he was partnered with a female cadet to conduct a mental acumen test.

As a self-described "not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Nelson said he was fortunate to have her as a partner because she was "really brainy and figured it out."

"It helped me out in the rest of life," Nelson said. "Hey, everybody has deficiencies and what successful people do is recognize folks that can complement and help you overcome those deficiencies."

At Dover, Nelson was introduced to C5 cargo planes and other aircraft but flying in the planes did not attract him.

"I was trying to get comfortable with this and like this," he said, noting that he met some crew members and did not find their duties attractive. "I was like, you know, now I am not sure I want to fly these eight-hour carryover legs and cargo jets. I really wanted to be in a fighter jet. I still wanted to fly but I was not feeling it."

The next summer was a third lieutenant two-week program for cadets at Maryland's Andrews Air Force Base. There his first flight was with Vice President Walter Mondale to Boston.

He recalled stopping at Boston, and when Mondale was otherwise occupied, he was able to sit in Mondale's seat and use the vice president's phone and called his future wife, Peg, on the vice president's phone.

But the jet life still did grab him.

It was not until later in the week when he was introduced to the First Helicopter Squadron, whose role was to fly U.S. political leaders to a safe location in the event of a national emergency.

"They put me on a helicopter flight," Nelson recalled, noting the military would train and fly in the city of Baltimore. "There was a rooftop helipad that we came and landed on it. I will never forget when we were landing and taking off: It was in between two big old brick buildings. I remember taking off and counting those bricks. It was close right in there."

"It clicked," Nelson said. "I said, that is it. That is what I want to do. It was just like a light switch."

When he got back to USC, his commandant, who was a jet pilot, tried to talk him out of being a helicopter pilot.

"He had a real bias about it," Nelson said. "I stuck to my guns and I don't regret it one bit."

After graduation, Nelson worked part-time and enjoyed newlywed life.

Military service

In January 1981, he entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant and helicopter pilot.

Nelson's first assignment was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he did basic start-up training through October 1981. He was trained by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force at the fort.

From there he was sent to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he received his first H-3 helicopter, graduating fifth out of class of eight.

His first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base as part of the tactical air support squadrons.

"Nobody else wanted to go where I wanted to go," Nelson said, noting he was happy to be heading back home to South Carolina.

The squadrons' main purpose was to ready for quick dispersal in the event of a Soviet attack on the United States. The helicopters were designed to fly people and equipment for ground forces as well as a secondary rescue mission.

For the first 3-1/2 years at Shaw, he flew CH-3s and worked his way up the ranks of flying expertise. He never had to engage in live battle.

"Thank God we never had to do it," Nelson said. "If we had to do our mission that would mean that the Soviet Union would have attacked Europe and we would have had World War III."

Training with the CH-3 was done throughout the United States and Canada over those years.

After the three years, Nelson said he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he got involved in combat rescue. He joined the 33rd rescue squadron at the Kadena Air Base.

There was he was flying the Sikorsky HH-3E, also known as the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) task forces to recover downed airmen during the Vietnam War.

The HH-3E carried both armor plating and armament to protect it from hostile forces during rescues of aircrews in a combat area.

"I never had to do it live," Nelson said. "We practiced the mess out of it. We would go from Okinawa, to Korea, to the Philippines."

As part of his training, his squadron joined rescue squadrons in Korea and the Philippines as part of "Jolly Drags," supporting each other with five-hour training flights.

The hours and days of training came in handy one evening in June 1986.

Nelson said an F-15C pilot's plane malfunctioned but he was able to eject safely, landing about 110 miles off the coast of Okinawa in the East China Sea.

Nelson was readying to go on a training flight as an instructor of the squadron, but his duty shifted. Nelson was qualified in night water operations and was the aircraft commander for the successful rescue operation.

"That is one of the moments I remember," Nelson said, noting this was the first real-life rescue he was able to conduct. "I will never forget that woman (the pilot's wife) coming in that helicopter and hugging her husband. I still get choked up about it. That did it for me. That was a great day."

Nelson said though the squadron was considered the "stepchild," in Okinawa for about two days the squadron was celebrated as heroes for the rescue.

"Our whole job for the first half of my Air Force career was to go in and save a fighter pilot who had a bad day and make sure he ends his day in a better position," Nelson said. I was not one of those people that was a fighter pilot wanna-be."

"I did exactly what I wanted to do in the military," Nelson said. "I did not go out and fly a fast jet and do airbags and drop bombs on people. I very much supported the military in the mission and things that we did. The element that really called out to me was the rescue part of it."

He would end up doing multiple tours to Kuwait and Turkey, supporting similar operations.

Six months after he left Okinawa, five guys --one of which Nelson knew in Shaw -- perished during a night water operation training. The helicopter backed into the water, exploded and flipped over. Three of the five guys were lost.

"Tom was one that was lost," Nelson said. "You lose those guys. We lost three of the five doing that maneuver."

"Over the years where we had the losses is just people training," Nelson said. "We did lose some in combat but it was mainly due to air refueling accidents. I have over two handfuls of friends and associates that lost lives doing what I do."

After Okinawa, Nelson went to Montgomery, Alabama, to Maxwell Air Force Base to squadron officer school. There he trained young officers for three years to "be better young officers."

"It is competitive," Nelson said. "Everybody wanted to go to squadron officer school and be a distinguished graduate."

After Alabama, Nelson went back to Kirtland Air Force Base and served as a H-3 instructor pilot at the air base in the early 1990s. He was one of the last to fly the H-3 helicopters as the aircraft was soon retired.

Nelson then became a H-60 pilot and instructor, also at Kirtland.

Nelson was transferred to Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland, where he flew the rescue H-60s.

The British had helped provide security to the country during World War II but when British troops had to leave to fight in the war, the United States established a presence in the country to house its fighter interceptors designed to be in place to attack Soviet bombers if they came across the ice caps, Nelson said.

"We had a lot of fighters who needed a rescue element there because if one of those fighters ... went into that very cold water, they had about 15 minutes of life," Nelson said. "It was great flying. It was a very hostile environment: cold, dark and windy."

Nelson said while in Iceland, he did participate in a rescue as part of a formation.

"We never went anywhere except in formation," Nelson said, noting the environment was too hostile to go alone.

Around Christmas 1994, Nelson was deployed as an operations officer from Iceland to Kuwait following the Gulf War to enforce the no-fly zone and to carry out rescue missions.

In a few years, he ended up at Holloman AFB in New Mexico as an operations officer. By this time, Nelson had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. At the base he continued to fly H-60s and served as an instructor.

Nelson left New Mexico to command the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. The squadron was considered one of the largest units in the world, with about 14 primary aircraft, Nelson said.

The Kosovo War had begun, so Nelson was deployed to Brindisi, Italy, where he flew across the Adriatic Ocean and did missions supporting the war effort. The helicopter squadron worked with special operations aircraft in conducting the rescue missions.

After Kosova, Nelson oversaw a number of deployments and rescue missions, including a rescue mission that traveled from Moody in Georgia to Bermuda to help a British cargo ship with a crew in distress.

"It was so busy," he said. "All but two months we were deployed somewhere. We were just a real busy squadron."

In addition to wartime deployments, Nelson oversaw non-conflict-related flights.

One such flight required the squadron to be diverted from Kuwait to South Africa to Mozambique, Africa, in response to massive flooding rescues as part of Operation Atlas Response in 2000.

"I will never forgot calling those wives and telling them your husband is not coming home they have to go to this other thing," Nelson said, holding back tears. "Those are things those guys are trained to do. I was proud of them for doing that."

From Moody's, Nelson went to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia during the War in Afghanistan, recalling how everyone was on high alert following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Nelson was responsible for scheduling and ensuring rescue assets for missions during the war from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"In our case, our aircraft were armored but we were defensive," Nelson said. "In all my workings, we were what was considered a combative aircraft. In other words, we could legally under the rules of war be engaged."

Nelson said while he never had to fire upon an enemy combatant, he did witness combat between other aircraft. For his service, he received five meritorious medals.

Taking flight in civilian life

As retirement from the U.S. Air Force neared, Nelson's friend, who also served in the Air Force, hooked him up with a medical transport company in the United States called Omniflight CareForce.

Nelson joined the transport response unit in October 2005 prior to his retirement from the Air Force in February 2006. He trained on the Bell 206 helicopter while a member of the Air Force.

"For two or three months, I was getting paid by the Air Force and the CareForce," he said. "I just retired from the Air Force and then, boom, right into doing what I was trained to do with CareForce in Columbia."

Nelson officially joined the company, which has now become Air Methods LifeNet South Carolina, in the winter of 2007.

Since that time, Nelson has been the lead pilot at LifeNet 3 Base at the Regional Medical Center. He says he believes he has done over 1,500 medical missions in the past 15 years.

In both his military and civilian life, Nelson says there have been many nights away from home and family.

Nelson praised his wife of 42 years, Peg, for her dedication and faithfulness to be a military wife and her sacrifice for the family. The couple have a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Meg, and seven grandchildren.

"She was fantastic the whole time," Nelson said, noting Peg's service as a military wife was recognized in 1984 as she was named the Spouse of the Year at Shaw Air Force Base.

Nelson said what families have to go through is as much of a service as those who are wearing the uniform.

An example of this is when his wife Peg taught at a Christian school in Okinawa while they were overseas.

When he was away from his family at the air base in Okinawa, she got ill and the military chaplains and medical staff helped her while he could not be there.

"The military is your family," Nelson said, holding back tears. "These were tremendous people you worked with. Working with that caliber of people is kind of what sustained me and being privileged enough to be a part of that. These were really special people."

Now as a civilian pilot in the medical field, service continues to be a hallmark of his life.

"It is a box of chocolates every day," he said. "In a given week, I am going to fly four or five flights and probably two or three of them probably save somebody's life. You never know what is going to happen."

He says he has gotten letters from parents thanking him for saving their child's life. These letters are what keep him going.

In addition to his work with LifeNet, Nelson has served as a Calhoun County councilman for the past 12 years.

He chose not to run for re-election, having promised his constituents he would not run for more than three terms.

When he is not busy saving lives through LifeNet, Nelson is also currently raising 14 grass-fed Angus cows.

The couple also attend the Southern Methodist Church in the Sandy Run area, where they help tutor children.

When he does have down time, he is planning to go camping with his wife.

"We just need time off just the two of us," he said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The British home-educated community has remained relatively outside the scope of government until now. (Altrendo Images/Shutterstock)

Parents in England Who Fail to Register Home Schooling Fear New Sanctions

Parents who home educate are worried about a new law that strengthens the powers of authorities to issue fines and force children into mainstream schools if they dont comply with the rollout of a new mandatory register.

The British Governments Schools Bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, is a new ambitious piece of legislation that aims to raise schooling standards across the country by increasing attendance and improving safeguarding.

But parents of home-educated children told The Epoch Times that they now face a frightening prospect that they are being judged by a whole set of standards made for the schools they wanted to remove their children from in the first place.

Their concerns centre around the Governments plan to set up a new compulsory national register of children. If the law passes, the penalty for non-compliance to this register, or failure to provide all information requested, could lead to a 2,500 fine or up to 3 months imprisonment.

F rightening prospect

In the UK, home education means that your child is not on a school roll and the parents take full responsibility for their childrens education. While being home-schooled, children remain on their school roll and received a combination of support from schools.

The home-educated community has remained relatively outside the scope of government until now as its not known how many are in it. The Association of Directors of Childrens Services (ADCS) gave a rough figure of 81,200 in 2021. Though it is an underestimate, as registration is voluntary, that number has likely increased.

The Government claims that there are increased concerns about the rising numbers of children not on a school roll (either due to being home-educated, attending full-time non-school alternative provision, or missing education completely), and that some of these children may not be receiving a suitable education or not be known to the local authority at all.

However, some in the home-educated community are fearful that new powers will be handed to the government, on top of the ones it already has.

Home education expert Hannah Canavan, who provides advice to 26,000 followers on Tiktok, told The Epoch Times she had several concerns with the new Bill.

The irony is that a lot of these children have been pulled out of school because of the issues in school. Its the same administration that has created the environment that we are not happy for our kids to be in that will be checking on our kids, she said.

Canavan said that she doesnt agree with standards set in British schools, such as the curriculum [which sets out the national programmes of study] and standardised testing, which is why we are home educating, she said.

Canavan added that the concern is that the register is a gateway for them to implement the same standards for home educators and that she expected home assessments will be the next step to happen.

It makes us guilty until proven innocent, she said.

There are so many parents sending their children to failing schools and there are no consequences for that, but with home educators, there seems to be a whole set of standards. Why are schools allowed to let kids down and let bullying run rife? she added.

School Attendance Order (SAO)



Last year, Portsmouth Home Education Group took Portsmouth City Council (PCC) to court over claims it treated some parents as criminals for choosing not to send their children to mainstream schools. The parents got sent School Attendance Orders (SAO), demanding their children return to a mainstream classroom within two weeks.

Local authorities have no formal powers or duty to monitor the provision of home education. However, they do have a duty to identify children they deem are not receiving a suitable education so they can intervene.



The most concerning element of these propositions for home educators in Portsmouth are the suggested changes to the SAO process, a Portsmouth Home Education Group spokesperson told The Epoch Times by email. She said that Portsmouth City Council issues a high number of SAOs.



The group said that they were concerned about the shorter timeframe to respond to an SAO; the suggestion of higher fines making the idea of fighting against the LA [local authoritities] in court an even more frightening prospect; and being prosecuted for the same offence twice, which is almost unheard of in any other area of the legal system.

A lack of recourse to fight or appeal the system was also a source of concern for the parents.

Combined with this, the Bill does not lay out any system of oversight or redress to deal with an overzealous LA, like Portsmouth. This equates to much greater power in the LAs hands, and will only mean more persecution of Portsmouth families, who only have the best interests of their children at heart, she said.



Children dropping off the radar

A Government spokesperson did not answer The Epoch Times specific questions but pointed to the Departments of Education blog post that reflected its position on the homeschooling register.

While the vast majority of home educating parents do an excellent job, its important that home education doesnt result in children dropping off the radar and becoming vulnerable to poor standards of education or risks to their safety and wellbeing, it wrote.

The creation of local authority administered registers for children not in school will allow us to support local authorities to make sure they know where every child is being educated, that it is of the right quality, and that support is offered to home educating families, the government wrote.

In its Children not in School, Schools Bill Factsheet released in May, the Government said that it does not intend to criminalise parents who fail to provide information for their home-educated child to be registered with the local authority.

An appropriate response to a failure to register is to take steps to determine whether the child is being suitably educated and, if not, to get that child into school, it added.
Painting by Adrian Aguirre, Oil on canvas, 2020

LAS CRUCES - The June 2022 exhibition in the Dona Ana Arts Council gallery is La Frontera: Hopes & Fears in which five artists from the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on the migration of people across La Frontera, the worlds most frequently crossed international border.

All five artists, in their own unique voice and in a range of media  painting, drawing, mixed media, video, and photography  document the emotional landscape facing those who cross La Frontera, according to a news release. The combined work of the five artists tells a larger story of what the border really means to those who cross it and contributes to our understanding of the reality of their experiences.

The featured artists are the following:

Adrian Aguirre grew up on both sides of the El Paso/Juarez border, crossing the bridge daily to attend school. This experience influenced his perspective on borders and immigration and is reflected in his work which consists of portraiture and representations of life as experienced by the immigrant or refugee. There is also a political agenda in his work, sometimes subtle sometimes not so subtle.

Cleo Arevalo, "Between Selfishness And Sympathy," 2019 video projection And barbed wire installation

Cleo Arevalo is a conceptual multimedia artist who creates prints, ready-made objects, and installations that examine what she describes as the globalized oppression of the masses, primarily through an analysis of the cultural meanings of language. She received her BFA in Studio Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso and moved on to multimedia at the graduate level at New Mexico State University. She teaches at El Paso Community College.

Elizabeth Calil Zarur, "Pieta," 2019

Elizabeth Calil Zarur holds a BFA in Printmaking and Drawing, an MFA in Fiber Arts, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art. During her 30-year career teaching art history at New Mexico State University and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, she published extensively and curated several exhibitions. Her art works in this exhibition are inspired by the combination of traditional 19th century Mexican retablos and santos, and present-day photographic documentation of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, all of which represents the very few possessions displaced populations carry with them when crossing La Frontera.

Story continues

Paul Ratje, originally from Mesilla, New Mexico, studied photojournalism and foreign languages at New Mexico State University. After living in Taiwan, where he began his career in photojournalism, he returned home to the El Paso area. He feels his true calling is documenting immigration and border issues and revealing the humanity in the immigration story. His collection of images is part of his Crossing the Line storytelling project which focuses on the lives of present-day immigrants living in the U.S.

Sterling Trantham, "Welder 1," Sept 1995

Sterling Trantham is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, documentary photographer, photographic educator, and a National Geographic Faculty Fellow. He lives in La Mesa, New Mexico, and teaches photography at El Paso Community College. Trantham, who first photographed the border wall separating Mexico and the U.S. in 1995, describes the wall as a complicated phenomenon, one with multifaceted economic consequences as well as deeply human consequences.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from June 1 to June 28 at the Dona Ana Arts Council located at 250 W. Amador. The hours include regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, First Friday Art Ramble, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.daarts.org or call the Dona Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

Keep reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dona Ana Arts Councils announces new exhibit, 'La Frontera: Hopes & Fears'
Painting by Adrian Aguirre, Oil on canvas, 2020

LAS CRUCES - The June 2022 exhibition in the Dona Ana Arts Council gallery is La Frontera: Hopes & Fears in which five artists from the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on the migration of people across La Frontera, the worlds most frequently crossed international border.

All five artists, in their own unique voice and in a range of media  painting, drawing, mixed media, video, and photography  document the emotional landscape facing those who cross La Frontera, according to a news release. The combined work of the five artists tells a larger story of what the border really means to those who cross it and contributes to our understanding of the reality of their experiences.

The featured artists are the following:

Adrian Aguirre grew up on both sides of the El Paso/Juarez border, crossing the bridge daily to attend school. This experience influenced his perspective on borders and immigration and is reflected in his work which consists of portraiture and representations of life as experienced by the immigrant or refugee. There is also a political agenda in his work, sometimes subtle sometimes not so subtle.

Cleo Arevalo, "Between Selfishness And Sympathy," 2019 video projection And barbed wire installation

Cleo Arevalo is a conceptual multimedia artist who creates prints, ready-made objects, and installations that examine what she describes as the globalized oppression of the masses, primarily through an analysis of the cultural meanings of language. She received her BFA in Studio Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso and moved on to multimedia at the graduate level at New Mexico State University. She teaches at El Paso Community College.

Elizabeth Calil Zarur, "Pieta," 2019

Elizabeth Calil Zarur holds a BFA in Printmaking and Drawing, an MFA in Fiber Arts, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art. During her 30-year career teaching art history at New Mexico State University and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, she published extensively and curated several exhibitions. Her art works in this exhibition are inspired by the combination of traditional 19th century Mexican retablos and santos, and present-day photographic documentation of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, all of which represents the very few possessions displaced populations carry with them when crossing La Frontera.

Story continues

Paul Ratje, originally from Mesilla, New Mexico, studied photojournalism and foreign languages at New Mexico State University. After living in Taiwan, where he began his career in photojournalism, he returned home to the El Paso area. He feels his true calling is documenting immigration and border issues and revealing the humanity in the immigration story. His collection of images is part of his Crossing the Line storytelling project which focuses on the lives of present-day immigrants living in the U.S.

Sterling Trantham, "Welder 1," Sept 1995

Sterling Trantham is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, documentary photographer, photographic educator, and a National Geographic Faculty Fellow. He lives in La Mesa, New Mexico, and teaches photography at El Paso Community College. Trantham, who first photographed the border wall separating Mexico and the U.S. in 1995, describes the wall as a complicated phenomenon, one with multifaceted economic consequences as well as deeply human consequences.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from June 1 to June 28 at the Dona Ana Arts Council located at 250 W. Amador. The hours include regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, First Friday Art Ramble, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.daarts.org or call the Dona Ana Arts Council at 575-523-6403.

Keep reading:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dona Ana Arts Councils announces new exhibit, 'La Frontera: Hopes & Fears'


VALPARAISO  Porter County is wrapping up stormwater drainage studies for Shorewood Forest and the greater South Haven area, dealing with major issues in huge subdivisions. Its going to be costly.

The Shorewood Forest projects come with an estimated price of nearly $10 million.

Drainage projects needed for New South Haven, Coventry and Salt Creek Commons add up to nearly $25 million.

The Department of Development & Stormwater Management has an annual budget of just $2 million a year to do drainage projects throughout the county.

County Engineer Michael Novotney said what these subdivisions are facing is similar to whats happening at subdivisions throughout the county. Its just that these are very large subdivisions.

Shorewood Forest, for example, has 960 residential lots on almost 900 acres. Lake Louise, the 230-acre centerpiece of the hilly subdivision, has a 1,680-acre watershed. The lake is going to be dredged by the property owners association.

A lot of these ravines experience erosion, which increases sediment into Lake Louise, county staff engineer Chelsey Gordon told the Stormwater Management Board last week. The ravine projects alone will cost an estimated $4 million.

About half the storm sewers are in substandard condition, so many will need to be replaced. Where possible, pipes will be relined to extend their useful life. If pipes collapse, sinkholes can occur, not only making repairs much more costly but also endangering public safety.

Shorewood Forest wasnt built with county intervention in drainage issues in mind.

When a previous county Board of Commissioners accepted control of infrastructure in the subdivision, they just waved their magic wand and did it, said Jeff Good, R-Center, who heads both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board. They skipped the legal work to make sure the county would have access to the infrastructure when it was time to address problems, he said.

Theres some ongoing property owners who dont want to grant access, Gordon said.

Some of the plats possibly have some wiggle room, Novotney said. Generally speaking, the plats are recorded in a way that doesnt give us access to any of the easements.

Shorewood Forest and the South Haven area were built within about a decade of each other, Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said.

In New South Haven, about 70% of the pipes can be relined. In Salt Creek Commons, however, 70% need to be replaced and 15% relined.

Coventry is in the worst condition, Novotney said. All of those pipes need to be replaced.

These are not problems that are going to go away, he said. They are only going to get worse.

At least we have some ideas where the failures are going to occur, Novotney added.

Within five years, the county could see catastrophic failure of the storm sewers and water in houses if the problems arent addressed, Biggs said.

It all depends on cash flow for us, Novotney said.

Hes hoping the county will authorize use of some of its $33 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to begin addressing problems in Shorewood Forest and greater South Haven.

We have a roadmap. We have a more solid understanding of their needs, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A first-of-its-kind state program is helping local students go straight from high school to careers in fields like construction and engineering through internships with local companies.

Education Service District No. 112 hosts eight in-person technical courses called Flipped internships across 30 Southwest Washington districts, including Cowlitz County.

The program looks to funnel homegrown potential hires trained in needed skills into jobs in Cowlitz County, an area known for its manufacturing and for having an unemployment rate consistently higher than the national average.

Bringing people home to work here

Historically, the state Employment Security Department says Cowlitz County is about two percentage points higher than the national unemployment average during good times and up four points higher during recessions.

As part of Flipped internships, companies come into classrooms of middle and high school students, teach them workplace skills and get them started on planning careers early, said Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest Washington project manager.

As of May, eight companies have participated in Flipped since Career Connect Southwest launched in 2020, and they hope to invite five more by the end of this school year, Mullen said.

Longview civil engineering firm Gibbs and Olson was one of the eight  and the first Longview-based company  to join the program at R.A. Long High School, said Rich Gushman, the firms president.

Officials from Gibbs and Olson for the last two school years have partnered with R.A. Longs STEM students to develop a construction project based on a real example from the firm.

Gibbs and Olson has not yet hired an in-office intern through Flipped, Gushman said, but the companys current internship program has resulted in soon-to-be college graduates who will have a job waiting for them in their hometown.

Weve had good luck bringing people home to work here, but we want to try to connect with those people earlier so they know about us before they go to school, Gushman said. I didnt know this company existed when I was in high school.

A new look on trades

The focus on career and technical education (CTE), which works to teach specific trades to students and set them up with apprenticeships, has gotten more recognition in recent memory, Mullen said.

When I was in school, vocational education was the way we talked about it, Mullen said. It was considered a path for students who werent bound for college and even had associations with students who maybe didnt do great in school. CTE is not that. CTE is very rigorous and advanced. ... It really is for every student because everyone is going to end up working.

States starting in the 1980s increased required courses for students, emphasizing academic skills like math, literacy and social skills. Career and technical education went on the backburner; research center Brookings Institute estimates between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by high schoolers dropped 14%.

Mullen said he has noticed the state is now acknowledging that students in more rural counties, with local jobs that require specialized skills, should have the option to take those classes. As of 2019, the state Employment Security Department reports one-sixth of Cowlitz Countys employment base was in manufacturing.

Participation in CTE does not mean a student is more or less likely to graduate, or that they will enroll in college, but it can predict a higher chance of employment, according to Brookings.

And employment is what many sectors need during recent supply shortages, lack of applicants and skyrocketing prices.

As folks experience the shortages in so many fields, theres a new appreciation for students that want to work with their hands and are preparing for work, Mullen said.

More local options

High school students across Cowlitz County have access to dual credit programs focusing on these technical skills, hoping to help them get jobs in the most available regional sectors like technology, engineering and natural resources.

Through the Lower Columbia Colleges career and technical education program, 18 high schools and districts  including Longview School District, Kelso High School, Rainier High School and the Vancouver School District  currently offer college credits for students.

Locally the most popular include classes in computer science, robotics, construction and automotive technology, all of which can transfer to any Washington state two-year college or institution and some four-year colleges, according to LCCs website.

Just last week, Kalama School District got more than $300,000 in state grants to fund a new computer lab and robotics courses at Kalama High School. The grant also allows students to earn up to 12 computer science dual credits at LCC, an increase from the original eight.

A state law passed this year also increased the funding per pupil in career and technical education classes, according to the bills text. It secures ways for public school districts to financially support these classes, also requiring them to report how many students are enrolled in them.

Emily Buker, a Gibbs and Olson intern who came on-board through LCC, said she wasnt yet sure what she wanted to do after her time as a manufacturing major at LCC, so she took her supervisors suggestion to join the firm as a month-long trainee.

This is the first internship Ive done and I have really enjoyed it, Buker said. Ive feel like Ive learned a lot, and learned a lot of how to do real-world stuff.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  Porter County is wrapping up stormwater drainage studies for Shorewood Forest and the greater South Haven area, dealing with major issues in huge subdivisions. Its going to be costly.

The Shorewood Forest projects come with an estimated price of nearly $10 million.

Drainage projects needed for New South Haven, Coventry and Salt Creek Commons add up to nearly $25 million.

The Department of Development & Stormwater Management has an annual budget of just $2 million a year to do drainage projects throughout the county.

County Engineer Michael Novotney said what these subdivisions are facing is similar to whats happening at subdivisions throughout the county. Its just that these are very large subdivisions.

Shorewood Forest, for example, has 960 residential lots on almost 900 acres. Lake Louise, the 230-acre centerpiece of the hilly subdivision, has a 1,680-acre watershed. The lake is going to be dredged by the property owners association.

A lot of these ravines experience erosion, which increases sediment into Lake Louise, county staff engineer Chelsey Gordon told the Stormwater Management Board last week. The ravine projects alone will cost an estimated $4 million.

About half the storm sewers are in substandard condition, so many will need to be replaced. Where possible, pipes will be relined to extend their useful life. If pipes collapse, sinkholes can occur, not only making repairs much more costly but also endangering public safety.

Shorewood Forest wasnt built with county intervention in drainage issues in mind.

When a previous county Board of Commissioners accepted control of infrastructure in the subdivision, they just waved their magic wand and did it, said Jeff Good, R-Center, who heads both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board. They skipped the legal work to make sure the county would have access to the infrastructure when it was time to address problems, he said.

Theres some ongoing property owners who dont want to grant access, Gordon said.

Some of the plats possibly have some wiggle room, Novotney said. Generally speaking, the plats are recorded in a way that doesnt give us access to any of the easements.

Shorewood Forest and the South Haven area were built within about a decade of each other, Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said.

In New South Haven, about 70% of the pipes can be relined. In Salt Creek Commons, however, 70% need to be replaced and 15% relined.

Coventry is in the worst condition, Novotney said. All of those pipes need to be replaced.

These are not problems that are going to go away, he said. They are only going to get worse.

At least we have some ideas where the failures are going to occur, Novotney added.

Within five years, the county could see catastrophic failure of the storm sewers and water in houses if the problems arent addressed, Biggs said.

It all depends on cash flow for us, Novotney said.

Hes hoping the county will authorize use of some of its $33 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to begin addressing problems in Shorewood Forest and greater South Haven.

We have a roadmap. We have a more solid understanding of their needs, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  Porter County is wrapping up stormwater drainage studies for Shorewood Forest and the greater South Haven area, dealing with major issues in huge subdivisions. Its going to be costly.

The Shorewood Forest projects come with an estimated price of nearly $10 million.

Drainage projects needed for New South Haven, Coventry and Salt Creek Commons add up to nearly $25 million.

The Department of Development & Stormwater Management has an annual budget of just $2 million a year to do drainage projects throughout the county.

County Engineer Michael Novotney said what these subdivisions are facing is similar to whats happening at subdivisions throughout the county. Its just that these are very large subdivisions.

Shorewood Forest, for example, has 960 residential lots on almost 900 acres. Lake Louise, the 230-acre centerpiece of the hilly subdivision, has a 1,680-acre watershed. The lake is going to be dredged by the property owners association.

A lot of these ravines experience erosion, which increases sediment into Lake Louise, county staff engineer Chelsey Gordon told the Stormwater Management Board last week. The ravine projects alone will cost an estimated $4 million.

About half the storm sewers are in substandard condition, so many will need to be replaced. Where possible, pipes will be relined to extend their useful life. If pipes collapse, sinkholes can occur, not only making repairs much more costly but also endangering public safety.

Shorewood Forest wasnt built with county intervention in drainage issues in mind.

When a previous county Board of Commissioners accepted control of infrastructure in the subdivision, they just waved their magic wand and did it, said Jeff Good, R-Center, who heads both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board. They skipped the legal work to make sure the county would have access to the infrastructure when it was time to address problems, he said.

Theres some ongoing property owners who dont want to grant access, Gordon said.

Some of the plats possibly have some wiggle room, Novotney said. Generally speaking, the plats are recorded in a way that doesnt give us access to any of the easements.

Shorewood Forest and the South Haven area were built within about a decade of each other, Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said.

In New South Haven, about 70% of the pipes can be relined. In Salt Creek Commons, however, 70% need to be replaced and 15% relined.

Coventry is in the worst condition, Novotney said. All of those pipes need to be replaced.

These are not problems that are going to go away, he said. They are only going to get worse.

At least we have some ideas where the failures are going to occur, Novotney added.

Within five years, the county could see catastrophic failure of the storm sewers and water in houses if the problems arent addressed, Biggs said.

It all depends on cash flow for us, Novotney said.

Hes hoping the county will authorize use of some of its $33 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to begin addressing problems in Shorewood Forest and greater South Haven.

We have a roadmap. We have a more solid understanding of their needs, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.
From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
A first-of-its-kind state program is helping local students go straight from high school to careers in fields like construction and engineering through internships with local companies.

Education Service District No. 112 hosts eight in-person technical courses called Flipped internships across 30 Southwest Washington districts, including Cowlitz County.

The program looks to funnel homegrown potential hires trained in needed skills into jobs in Cowlitz County, an area known for its manufacturing and for having an unemployment rate consistently higher than the national average.

Bringing people home to work here

Historically, the state Employment Security Department says Cowlitz County is about two percentage points higher than the national unemployment average during good times and up four points higher during recessions.

As part of Flipped internships, companies come into classrooms of middle and high school students, teach them workplace skills and get them started on planning careers early, said Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest Washington project manager.

As of May, eight companies have participated in Flipped since Career Connect Southwest launched in 2020, and they hope to invite five more by the end of this school year, Mullen said.

Longview civil engineering firm Gibbs and Olson was one of the eight  and the first Longview-based company  to join the program at R.A. Long High School, said Rich Gushman, the firms president.

Officials from Gibbs and Olson for the last two school years have partnered with R.A. Longs STEM students to develop a construction project based on a real example from the firm.

Gibbs and Olson has not yet hired an in-office intern through Flipped, Gushman said, but the companys current internship program has resulted in soon-to-be college graduates who will have a job waiting for them in their hometown.

Weve had good luck bringing people home to work here, but we want to try to connect with those people earlier so they know about us before they go to school, Gushman said. I didnt know this company existed when I was in high school.

A new look on trades

The focus on career and technical education (CTE), which works to teach specific trades to students and set them up with apprenticeships, has gotten more recognition in recent memory, Mullen said.

When I was in school, vocational education was the way we talked about it, Mullen said. It was considered a path for students who werent bound for college and even had associations with students who maybe didnt do great in school. CTE is not that. CTE is very rigorous and advanced. ... It really is for every student because everyone is going to end up working.

States starting in the 1980s increased required courses for students, emphasizing academic skills like math, literacy and social skills. Career and technical education went on the backburner; research center Brookings Institute estimates between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by high schoolers dropped 14%.

Mullen said he has noticed the state is now acknowledging that students in more rural counties, with local jobs that require specialized skills, should have the option to take those classes. As of 2019, the state Employment Security Department reports one-sixth of Cowlitz Countys employment base was in manufacturing.

Participation in CTE does not mean a student is more or less likely to graduate, or that they will enroll in college, but it can predict a higher chance of employment, according to Brookings.

And employment is what many sectors need during recent supply shortages, lack of applicants and skyrocketing prices.

As folks experience the shortages in so many fields, theres a new appreciation for students that want to work with their hands and are preparing for work, Mullen said.

More local options

High school students across Cowlitz County have access to dual credit programs focusing on these technical skills, hoping to help them get jobs in the most available regional sectors like technology, engineering and natural resources.

Through the Lower Columbia Colleges career and technical education program, 18 high schools and districts  including Longview School District, Kelso High School, Rainier High School and the Vancouver School District  currently offer college credits for students.

Locally the most popular include classes in computer science, robotics, construction and automotive technology, all of which can transfer to any Washington state two-year college or institution and some four-year colleges, according to LCCs website.

Just last week, Kalama School District got more than $300,000 in state grants to fund a new computer lab and robotics courses at Kalama High School. The grant also allows students to earn up to 12 computer science dual credits at LCC, an increase from the original eight.

A state law passed this year also increased the funding per pupil in career and technical education classes, according to the bills text. It secures ways for public school districts to financially support these classes, also requiring them to report how many students are enrolled in them.

Emily Buker, a Gibbs and Olson intern who came on-board through LCC, said she wasnt yet sure what she wanted to do after her time as a manufacturing major at LCC, so she took her supervisors suggestion to join the firm as a month-long trainee.

This is the first internship Ive done and I have really enjoyed it, Buker said. Ive feel like Ive learned a lot, and learned a lot of how to do real-world stuff.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A first-of-its-kind state program is helping local students go straight from high school to careers in fields like construction and engineering through internships with local companies.

Education Service District No. 112 hosts eight in-person technical courses called Flipped internships across 30 Southwest Washington districts, including Cowlitz County.

The program looks to funnel homegrown potential hires trained in needed skills into jobs in Cowlitz County, an area known for its manufacturing and for having an unemployment rate consistently higher than the national average.

Bringing people home to work here

Historically, the state Employment Security Department says Cowlitz County is about two percentage points higher than the national unemployment average during good times and up four points higher during recessions.

As part of Flipped internships, companies come into classrooms of middle and high school students, teach them workplace skills and get them started on planning careers early, said Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest Washington project manager.

As of May, eight companies have participated in Flipped since Career Connect Southwest launched in 2020, and they hope to invite five more by the end of this school year, Mullen said.

Longview civil engineering firm Gibbs and Olson was one of the eight  and the first Longview-based company  to join the program at R.A. Long High School, said Rich Gushman, the firms president.

Officials from Gibbs and Olson for the last two school years have partnered with R.A. Longs STEM students to develop a construction project based on a real example from the firm.

Gibbs and Olson has not yet hired an in-office intern through Flipped, Gushman said, but the companys current internship program has resulted in soon-to-be college graduates who will have a job waiting for them in their hometown.

Weve had good luck bringing people home to work here, but we want to try to connect with those people earlier so they know about us before they go to school, Gushman said. I didnt know this company existed when I was in high school.

A new look on trades

The focus on career and technical education (CTE), which works to teach specific trades to students and set them up with apprenticeships, has gotten more recognition in recent memory, Mullen said.

When I was in school, vocational education was the way we talked about it, Mullen said. It was considered a path for students who werent bound for college and even had associations with students who maybe didnt do great in school. CTE is not that. CTE is very rigorous and advanced. ... It really is for every student because everyone is going to end up working.

States starting in the 1980s increased required courses for students, emphasizing academic skills like math, literacy and social skills. Career and technical education went on the backburner; research center Brookings Institute estimates between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by high schoolers dropped 14%.

Mullen said he has noticed the state is now acknowledging that students in more rural counties, with local jobs that require specialized skills, should have the option to take those classes. As of 2019, the state Employment Security Department reports one-sixth of Cowlitz Countys employment base was in manufacturing.

Participation in CTE does not mean a student is more or less likely to graduate, or that they will enroll in college, but it can predict a higher chance of employment, according to Brookings.

And employment is what many sectors need during recent supply shortages, lack of applicants and skyrocketing prices.

As folks experience the shortages in so many fields, theres a new appreciation for students that want to work with their hands and are preparing for work, Mullen said.

More local options

High school students across Cowlitz County have access to dual credit programs focusing on these technical skills, hoping to help them get jobs in the most available regional sectors like technology, engineering and natural resources.

Through the Lower Columbia Colleges career and technical education program, 18 high schools and districts  including Longview School District, Kelso High School, Rainier High School and the Vancouver School District  currently offer college credits for students.

Locally the most popular include classes in computer science, robotics, construction and automotive technology, all of which can transfer to any Washington state two-year college or institution and some four-year colleges, according to LCCs website.

Just last week, Kalama School District got more than $300,000 in state grants to fund a new computer lab and robotics courses at Kalama High School. The grant also allows students to earn up to 12 computer science dual credits at LCC, an increase from the original eight.

A state law passed this year also increased the funding per pupil in career and technical education classes, according to the bills text. It secures ways for public school districts to financially support these classes, also requiring them to report how many students are enrolled in them.

Emily Buker, a Gibbs and Olson intern who came on-board through LCC, said she wasnt yet sure what she wanted to do after her time as a manufacturing major at LCC, so she took her supervisors suggestion to join the firm as a month-long trainee.

This is the first internship Ive done and I have really enjoyed it, Buker said. Ive feel like Ive learned a lot, and learned a lot of how to do real-world stuff.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
By Trend

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan approved the main directions for the development of railway transport in Kyrgyzstan for 2022-2026. The decision was made today at the meeting, 24kg reported, Trend reports citing Uzdaily.

The Cabinet expects that this will not only create conditions for the long-term development and improvement of railway transport and infrastructure, but also ensure an increase in the level and quality of passenger and freight transportation by rail.

The development of the railway industry is one of the priorities of the Cabinet of Ministers. In the fall, it is planned to launch the largest project in the history of our independence - the construction of a railway along the route China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan. We need to support this project, said Akylbek Zhaparov, head of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The Greens are declaring a 'Greens-slide' in the lower house as the party remains on track for a historic electoral win.

The minor party is set to gain two seats in Queensland, including Liberal-held Ryan and Labor-held Griffith, based on ABC projections on Saturday night. Postal and pre-poll votes are still to be counted.

The seats of Brisbane, Macnamara in Victoria and Richmond in NSW remained unresolved, but early counts showed a lean towards the Greens from the major parties.

Greens leader Adam Bandt declared the election a "Greens-slide" on Twitter.

"People have backed us in record numbers and delivered a massive mandate for action on climate and inequality," he said.

Mr Bandt won the first lower house seat for the minor party in 2010 representing Melbourne.

A parliamentary balance of power held by the Greens would preference stable, effective and progressive government, he said.

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten said affluent people voted Greens because they don't have to worry about their finances.

'Part of the challenge for Labor in the inner-city seats, and I have to contend with the Greens in my seat too, is very affluent people tend to vote Green because they don't have a worry in the world,' he told the Nine Network.

Former Liberal foreign minister Julie Bishop agreed and called it a "luxury" to vote for the Greens.

But Mr Bandt said voters told him they were supporting the party for the first time this election not only because of climate action but because they didn't see many key policy differences between Labor and the coalition.

He credited a people-powered campaign in Queensland for the Greens' success.

'We didn't go small target. We were very clear that there is a better and fairer way and that is a big part of the reason why we are seeing the results," he told ABC News.

If the Greens do hold the balance of power on the crossbench, they would approach the parliament with an open mind, Mr Bandt pledged.

'It's stable and effective and progressive government that would be our priority, with action on climate and action on inequality,' he said.

The Greens held the balance of power along with independents on the crossbench following a hung parliament at the 2010 election.

Homeowners will be eligible for up to $20,000 in flood resilience grants as part of a package proposed by the federal Greens in the lead up to the election.

Inside the Greens' plan to change Australia

The Australian Greens have pledged to legalise marijuana, wipe student debt, make childcare free and ban petrol cars in an ambitious election agenda.

Last month, the Greens announced they would spend at least $66billion of taxpayers' money to wipe all student debt and leader Adam Bandt is set to announce more big-spending plans in the coming weeks.

Here Daily Mail Australia takes a look at what they have promised so far in policies that will cost hundreds of billions.

$20k to grants to help Aussies protect their homes against climate change

The Greens announced flood resilience grants of up to $20,000 for homeowners.

It's to ensure property and homeowners are covered in the face of increasing floods and cyclones.

The grant would match contributions from the homeowner into the scheme.

A homeowner might apply for $15,000 and put in $15,000 of their own money for total capital works of $30,000.

The Greens say urgent action is required to protect existing homes' liveability and keeping them resilient to climate damage, especially in Queensland.

Artists to be paid $772.60 a week

With punters flocking back to festivals and concerts, the Greens are proposing artists should always have a financial cushion to fall back on.

Up to 10,000 artists could sign up for the Greens' proposed pilot program in which they would be paid $772.60 a week for a year.

The party argues the Artists Wage would free creatives to focus on their craft after struggling to make ends meet following two years of cancellations due to the pandemic and cuts to government arts funding.

Wipe student debt

The Greens want to wipe all student loan debts, meaning Aussies with student loan debt would not be required to pay it back.

'Student debt should not be an added burden on people who are already struggling, especially after the impacts of the pandemic,' said Education spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi.

'Many current MPs, including the Prime Minister, went to university when it was free, but now students are being saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in study debt that often takes decades to repay.'

In 2020-21, the average student debt in Australia was $23,685. The total value of HELP debt in 2020 was $66.6billion.

The Greens also want to make childcare, school, TAFE and university free.

University was free in Australia from 1974 but fees were re-introduced in the 1980s.

Legalise weed

The Greens believe drug use should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal issue.

They would legalise, tax and regulate cannabis, fund pill testing at festivals and establish safe injecting facilities in each capital city.

The Greens want to set up a regulated cannabis market with an Australian Cannabis Agency to issue licences for production and sale and ensure quality.

The Greens believe drug use should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal issue

Aussies would be allowed to grow six plants at home for personal use but there would be big fines for selling without a licence.

Adverts for the drug would be banned.

'The major parties in this countries are intent on pushing forward a policy that criminalises drug users, supports an unregulated and dangerous market and makes people fear seeking help when they need it,' the Greens say on their website.

Ban petrol cars

The Greens want to immediately ban the construction of new coal, oil and gas infrastructure.

Their target is to phase out the mining, burning and export of thermal coal by 2030.

They also want to stop subsidies for fossil fuel companies, ban political donations from these industries and re-introduce a carbon price.

The Greens would also end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, subsidise electric cars and build charging stations across the country

They would spend billions on renewable energy and storage to make sure Australia's electricity comes from 100 per cent renewable sources.

The Greens would also end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, subsidise electric cars and build charging stations across the country.

They want to spend $25 billion on more rail and bus services and build a high-speed rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane.

The Greens also want to end land clearing and native forest logging and plant millions of trees.

Make more healthcare free

The Greens want to make dental care free at the point of use under the Medicare system.

They would also spend $4.8billion to provide unlimited psychologist or psychiatrist mental health sessions under Medicare.

The Greens want to make dental care free at the point of use under the Medicare system

Parental leave at $100,000 a year

The Greens want to shake up parental leave to give parents 26 weeks off.

Their plan involves giving each parent six weeks off on a 'use it or lose it' basis and another 14 weeks on top of that for a couple to share between them.

The leave would be paid by taxpayers at the carer's wage up to $100,000 per year, instead of at minimum wage.

There would also be superannuation paid on all parental leave.

Minimum wage hike

The Greens want to make the minimum wage 60 per cent of the median wage.

The median wage for full-time people in Australia is currently $1,835 a week and 60 per cent of this would be $1,101.

This would make the minimum annual wage $57,264 per year, up from $40,175 per year or $772.60 per week.

Slash defence spending

The Greens - who call their defence spokesman the peace and disarmament spokesman - want to slash defence spending to 1.5 per cent of GDP.

They want to cut down on guns and tanks and instead maintain a 'light, readily deployable and highly mobile force that meets the needs of our place in the world'.

The Greens - who call their defence spokesman the peace and disarmament spokesman - want to slash defence spending to 1.5 per cent of GDP

The Greens also want laws to stop Governments going to war without Parliamentary approval, a move that critics say would damage the nation's ability to act swiftly in face of threats.

The Greens also want to 'renegotiate' the nation's alliance with the US and ban killer drones.

They want to end the offshore detention of illegal immigrants and increase refugee intake to 50,000 a year.

End racism and sexism

The Greens say 'racism is widespread in Australia' and 'racial trauma is an everyday reality for so many people'.

They would mandate anti-racism training for all federal MPs and Commonwealth employees and spend $5million on an anti-racism campaign.

The Greens also say 'we live in a rape culture: one that normalises sexual assault as ''boys will be boys''.'

They would mandate that all MPs undertake regular, comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment training and fund a national respectful relationships program in public schools.

Tax the rich even more

The Greens have proposed a billionaires' tax which takes six per cent of wealth from anyone with a net worth of more than $1billion.

They say this tax on 122 Australian citizens would raise approximately $40billion over 10 years.

They also want a Corporate Super-Profits Tax, which applies a 40 per cent tax to companies with revenue over $100million a year.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.
The Greens are declaring a 'Greens-slide' in the lower house as the party remains on track for a historic electoral win.

The minor party is set to gain two seats in Queensland, including Liberal-held Ryan and Labor-held Griffith, based on ABC projections on Saturday night. Postal and pre-poll votes are still to be counted.

The seats of Brisbane, Macnamara in Victoria and Richmond in NSW remained unresolved, but early counts showed a lean towards the Greens from the major parties.

Greens leader Adam Bandt declared the election a "Greens-slide" on Twitter.

"People have backed us in record numbers and delivered a massive mandate for action on climate and inequality," he said.

Mr Bandt won the first lower house seat for the minor party in 2010 representing Melbourne.

A parliamentary balance of power held by the Greens would preference stable, effective and progressive government, he said.

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten said affluent people voted Greens because they don't have to worry about their finances.

'Part of the challenge for Labor in the inner-city seats, and I have to contend with the Greens in my seat too, is very affluent people tend to vote Green because they don't have a worry in the world,' he told the Nine Network.

Former Liberal foreign minister Julie Bishop agreed and called it a "luxury" to vote for the Greens.

But Mr Bandt said voters told him they were supporting the party for the first time this election not only because of climate action but because they didn't see many key policy differences between Labor and the coalition.

He credited a people-powered campaign in Queensland for the Greens' success.

'We didn't go small target. We were very clear that there is a better and fairer way and that is a big part of the reason why we are seeing the results," he told ABC News.

If the Greens do hold the balance of power on the crossbench, they would approach the parliament with an open mind, Mr Bandt pledged.

'It's stable and effective and progressive government that would be our priority, with action on climate and action on inequality,' he said.

The Greens held the balance of power along with independents on the crossbench following a hung parliament at the 2010 election.

Homeowners will be eligible for up to $20,000 in flood resilience grants as part of a package proposed by the federal Greens in the lead up to the election.

Inside the Greens' plan to change Australia

The Australian Greens have pledged to legalise marijuana, wipe student debt, make childcare free and ban petrol cars in an ambitious election agenda.

Last month, the Greens announced they would spend at least $66billion of taxpayers' money to wipe all student debt and leader Adam Bandt is set to announce more big-spending plans in the coming weeks.

Here Daily Mail Australia takes a look at what they have promised so far in policies that will cost hundreds of billions.

$20k to grants to help Aussies protect their homes against climate change

The Greens announced flood resilience grants of up to $20,000 for homeowners.

It's to ensure property and homeowners are covered in the face of increasing floods and cyclones.

The grant would match contributions from the homeowner into the scheme.

A homeowner might apply for $15,000 and put in $15,000 of their own money for total capital works of $30,000.

The Greens say urgent action is required to protect existing homes' liveability and keeping them resilient to climate damage, especially in Queensland.

Artists to be paid $772.60 a week

With punters flocking back to festivals and concerts, the Greens are proposing artists should always have a financial cushion to fall back on.

Up to 10,000 artists could sign up for the Greens' proposed pilot program in which they would be paid $772.60 a week for a year.

The party argues the Artists Wage would free creatives to focus on their craft after struggling to make ends meet following two years of cancellations due to the pandemic and cuts to government arts funding.

Wipe student debt

The Greens want to wipe all student loan debts, meaning Aussies with student loan debt would not be required to pay it back.

'Student debt should not be an added burden on people who are already struggling, especially after the impacts of the pandemic,' said Education spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi.

'Many current MPs, including the Prime Minister, went to university when it was free, but now students are being saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in study debt that often takes decades to repay.'

In 2020-21, the average student debt in Australia was $23,685. The total value of HELP debt in 2020 was $66.6billion.

The Greens also want to make childcare, school, TAFE and university free.

University was free in Australia from 1974 but fees were re-introduced in the 1980s.

Legalise weed

The Greens believe drug use should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal issue.

They would legalise, tax and regulate cannabis, fund pill testing at festivals and establish safe injecting facilities in each capital city.

The Greens want to set up a regulated cannabis market with an Australian Cannabis Agency to issue licences for production and sale and ensure quality.

The Greens believe drug use should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal issue

Aussies would be allowed to grow six plants at home for personal use but there would be big fines for selling without a licence.

Adverts for the drug would be banned.

'The major parties in this countries are intent on pushing forward a policy that criminalises drug users, supports an unregulated and dangerous market and makes people fear seeking help when they need it,' the Greens say on their website.

Ban petrol cars

The Greens want to immediately ban the construction of new coal, oil and gas infrastructure.

Their target is to phase out the mining, burning and export of thermal coal by 2030.

They also want to stop subsidies for fossil fuel companies, ban political donations from these industries and re-introduce a carbon price.

The Greens would also end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, subsidise electric cars and build charging stations across the country

They would spend billions on renewable energy and storage to make sure Australia's electricity comes from 100 per cent renewable sources.

The Greens would also end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, subsidise electric cars and build charging stations across the country.

They want to spend $25 billion on more rail and bus services and build a high-speed rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane.

The Greens also want to end land clearing and native forest logging and plant millions of trees.

Make more healthcare free

The Greens want to make dental care free at the point of use under the Medicare system.

They would also spend $4.8billion to provide unlimited psychologist or psychiatrist mental health sessions under Medicare.

The Greens want to make dental care free at the point of use under the Medicare system

Parental leave at $100,000 a year

The Greens want to shake up parental leave to give parents 26 weeks off.

Their plan involves giving each parent six weeks off on a 'use it or lose it' basis and another 14 weeks on top of that for a couple to share between them.

The leave would be paid by taxpayers at the carer's wage up to $100,000 per year, instead of at minimum wage.

There would also be superannuation paid on all parental leave.

Minimum wage hike

The Greens want to make the minimum wage 60 per cent of the median wage.

The median wage for full-time people in Australia is currently $1,835 a week and 60 per cent of this would be $1,101.

This would make the minimum annual wage $57,264 per year, up from $40,175 per year or $772.60 per week.

Slash defence spending

The Greens - who call their defence spokesman the peace and disarmament spokesman - want to slash defence spending to 1.5 per cent of GDP.

They want to cut down on guns and tanks and instead maintain a 'light, readily deployable and highly mobile force that meets the needs of our place in the world'.

The Greens - who call their defence spokesman the peace and disarmament spokesman - want to slash defence spending to 1.5 per cent of GDP

The Greens also want laws to stop Governments going to war without Parliamentary approval, a move that critics say would damage the nation's ability to act swiftly in face of threats.

The Greens also want to 'renegotiate' the nation's alliance with the US and ban killer drones.

They want to end the offshore detention of illegal immigrants and increase refugee intake to 50,000 a year.

End racism and sexism

The Greens say 'racism is widespread in Australia' and 'racial trauma is an everyday reality for so many people'.

They would mandate anti-racism training for all federal MPs and Commonwealth employees and spend $5million on an anti-racism campaign.

The Greens also say 'we live in a rape culture: one that normalises sexual assault as ''boys will be boys''.'

They would mandate that all MPs undertake regular, comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment training and fund a national respectful relationships program in public schools.

Tax the rich even more

The Greens have proposed a billionaires' tax which takes six per cent of wealth from anyone with a net worth of more than $1billion.

They say this tax on 122 Australian citizens would raise approximately $40billion over 10 years.

They also want a Corporate Super-Profits Tax, which applies a 40 per cent tax to companies with revenue over $100million a year.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.


WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."




From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  Porter County is wrapping up stormwater drainage studies for Shorewood Forest and the greater South Haven area, dealing with major issues in huge subdivisions. Its going to be costly.

The Shorewood Forest projects come with an estimated price of nearly $10 million.

Drainage projects needed for New South Haven, Coventry and Salt Creek Commons add up to nearly $25 million.

The Department of Development & Stormwater Management has an annual budget of just $2 million a year to do drainage projects throughout the county.

County Engineer Michael Novotney said what these subdivisions are facing is similar to whats happening at subdivisions throughout the county. Its just that these are very large subdivisions.

Shorewood Forest, for example, has 960 residential lots on almost 900 acres. Lake Louise, the 230-acre centerpiece of the hilly subdivision, has a 1,680-acre watershed. The lake is going to be dredged by the property owners association.

A lot of these ravines experience erosion, which increases sediment into Lake Louise, county staff engineer Chelsey Gordon told the Stormwater Management Board last week. The ravine projects alone will cost an estimated $4 million.

About half the storm sewers are in substandard condition, so many will need to be replaced. Where possible, pipes will be relined to extend their useful life. If pipes collapse, sinkholes can occur, not only making repairs much more costly but also endangering public safety.

Shorewood Forest wasnt built with county intervention in drainage issues in mind.

When a previous county Board of Commissioners accepted control of infrastructure in the subdivision, they just waved their magic wand and did it, said Jeff Good, R-Center, who heads both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board. They skipped the legal work to make sure the county would have access to the infrastructure when it was time to address problems, he said.

Theres some ongoing property owners who dont want to grant access, Gordon said.

Some of the plats possibly have some wiggle room, Novotney said. Generally speaking, the plats are recorded in a way that doesnt give us access to any of the easements.

Shorewood Forest and the South Haven area were built within about a decade of each other, Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said.

In New South Haven, about 70% of the pipes can be relined. In Salt Creek Commons, however, 70% need to be replaced and 15% relined.

Coventry is in the worst condition, Novotney said. All of those pipes need to be replaced.

These are not problems that are going to go away, he said. They are only going to get worse.

At least we have some ideas where the failures are going to occur, Novotney added.

Within five years, the county could see catastrophic failure of the storm sewers and water in houses if the problems arent addressed, Biggs said.

It all depends on cash flow for us, Novotney said.

Hes hoping the county will authorize use of some of its $33 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to begin addressing problems in Shorewood Forest and greater South Haven.

We have a roadmap. We have a more solid understanding of their needs, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  Porter County is wrapping up stormwater drainage studies for Shorewood Forest and the greater South Haven area, dealing with major issues in huge subdivisions. Its going to be costly.

The Shorewood Forest projects come with an estimated price of nearly $10 million.

Drainage projects needed for New South Haven, Coventry and Salt Creek Commons add up to nearly $25 million.

The Department of Development & Stormwater Management has an annual budget of just $2 million a year to do drainage projects throughout the county.

County Engineer Michael Novotney said what these subdivisions are facing is similar to whats happening at subdivisions throughout the county. Its just that these are very large subdivisions.

Shorewood Forest, for example, has 960 residential lots on almost 900 acres. Lake Louise, the 230-acre centerpiece of the hilly subdivision, has a 1,680-acre watershed. The lake is going to be dredged by the property owners association.

A lot of these ravines experience erosion, which increases sediment into Lake Louise, county staff engineer Chelsey Gordon told the Stormwater Management Board last week. The ravine projects alone will cost an estimated $4 million.

About half the storm sewers are in substandard condition, so many will need to be replaced. Where possible, pipes will be relined to extend their useful life. If pipes collapse, sinkholes can occur, not only making repairs much more costly but also endangering public safety.

Shorewood Forest wasnt built with county intervention in drainage issues in mind.

When a previous county Board of Commissioners accepted control of infrastructure in the subdivision, they just waved their magic wand and did it, said Jeff Good, R-Center, who heads both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board. They skipped the legal work to make sure the county would have access to the infrastructure when it was time to address problems, he said.

Theres some ongoing property owners who dont want to grant access, Gordon said.

Some of the plats possibly have some wiggle room, Novotney said. Generally speaking, the plats are recorded in a way that doesnt give us access to any of the easements.

Shorewood Forest and the South Haven area were built within about a decade of each other, Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said.

In New South Haven, about 70% of the pipes can be relined. In Salt Creek Commons, however, 70% need to be replaced and 15% relined.

Coventry is in the worst condition, Novotney said. All of those pipes need to be replaced.

These are not problems that are going to go away, he said. They are only going to get worse.

At least we have some ideas where the failures are going to occur, Novotney added.

Within five years, the county could see catastrophic failure of the storm sewers and water in houses if the problems arent addressed, Biggs said.

It all depends on cash flow for us, Novotney said.

Hes hoping the county will authorize use of some of its $33 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to begin addressing problems in Shorewood Forest and greater South Haven.

We have a roadmap. We have a more solid understanding of their needs, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  Porter County is wrapping up stormwater drainage studies for Shorewood Forest and the greater South Haven area, dealing with major issues in huge subdivisions. Its going to be costly.

The Shorewood Forest projects come with an estimated price of nearly $10 million.

Drainage projects needed for New South Haven, Coventry and Salt Creek Commons add up to nearly $25 million.

The Department of Development & Stormwater Management has an annual budget of just $2 million a year to do drainage projects throughout the county.

County Engineer Michael Novotney said what these subdivisions are facing is similar to whats happening at subdivisions throughout the county. Its just that these are very large subdivisions.

Shorewood Forest, for example, has 960 residential lots on almost 900 acres. Lake Louise, the 230-acre centerpiece of the hilly subdivision, has a 1,680-acre watershed. The lake is going to be dredged by the property owners association.

A lot of these ravines experience erosion, which increases sediment into Lake Louise, county staff engineer Chelsey Gordon told the Stormwater Management Board last week. The ravine projects alone will cost an estimated $4 million.

About half the storm sewers are in substandard condition, so many will need to be replaced. Where possible, pipes will be relined to extend their useful life. If pipes collapse, sinkholes can occur, not only making repairs much more costly but also endangering public safety.

Shorewood Forest wasnt built with county intervention in drainage issues in mind.

When a previous county Board of Commissioners accepted control of infrastructure in the subdivision, they just waved their magic wand and did it, said Jeff Good, R-Center, who heads both the Board of Commissioners and the Stormwater Management Board. They skipped the legal work to make sure the county would have access to the infrastructure when it was time to address problems, he said.

Theres some ongoing property owners who dont want to grant access, Gordon said.

Some of the plats possibly have some wiggle room, Novotney said. Generally speaking, the plats are recorded in a way that doesnt give us access to any of the easements.

Shorewood Forest and the South Haven area were built within about a decade of each other, Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said.

In New South Haven, about 70% of the pipes can be relined. In Salt Creek Commons, however, 70% need to be replaced and 15% relined.

Coventry is in the worst condition, Novotney said. All of those pipes need to be replaced.

These are not problems that are going to go away, he said. They are only going to get worse.

At least we have some ideas where the failures are going to occur, Novotney added.

Within five years, the county could see catastrophic failure of the storm sewers and water in houses if the problems arent addressed, Biggs said.

It all depends on cash flow for us, Novotney said.

Hes hoping the county will authorize use of some of its $33 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to begin addressing problems in Shorewood Forest and greater South Haven.

We have a roadmap. We have a more solid understanding of their needs, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.
A first-of-its-kind state program is helping local students go straight from high school to careers in fields like construction and engineering through internships with local companies.

Education Service District No. 112 hosts eight in-person technical courses called Flipped internships across 30 Southwest Washington districts, including Cowlitz County.

The program looks to funnel homegrown potential hires trained in needed skills into jobs in Cowlitz County, an area known for its manufacturing and for having an unemployment rate consistently higher than the national average.

Bringing people home to work here

Historically, the state Employment Security Department says Cowlitz County is about two percentage points higher than the national unemployment average during good times and up four points higher during recessions.

As part of Flipped internships, companies come into classrooms of middle and high school students, teach them workplace skills and get them started on planning careers early, said Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest Washington project manager.

As of May, eight companies have participated in Flipped since Career Connect Southwest launched in 2020, and they hope to invite five more by the end of this school year, Mullen said.

Longview civil engineering firm Gibbs and Olson was one of the eight  and the first Longview-based company  to join the program at R.A. Long High School, said Rich Gushman, the firms president.

Officials from Gibbs and Olson for the last two school years have partnered with R.A. Longs STEM students to develop a construction project based on a real example from the firm.

Gibbs and Olson has not yet hired an in-office intern through Flipped, Gushman said, but the companys current internship program has resulted in soon-to-be college graduates who will have a job waiting for them in their hometown.

Weve had good luck bringing people home to work here, but we want to try to connect with those people earlier so they know about us before they go to school, Gushman said. I didnt know this company existed when I was in high school.

A new look on trades

The focus on career and technical education (CTE), which works to teach specific trades to students and set them up with apprenticeships, has gotten more recognition in recent memory, Mullen said.

When I was in school, vocational education was the way we talked about it, Mullen said. It was considered a path for students who werent bound for college and even had associations with students who maybe didnt do great in school. CTE is not that. CTE is very rigorous and advanced. ... It really is for every student because everyone is going to end up working.

States starting in the 1980s increased required courses for students, emphasizing academic skills like math, literacy and social skills. Career and technical education went on the backburner; research center Brookings Institute estimates between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by high schoolers dropped 14%.

Mullen said he has noticed the state is now acknowledging that students in more rural counties, with local jobs that require specialized skills, should have the option to take those classes. As of 2019, the state Employment Security Department reports one-sixth of Cowlitz Countys employment base was in manufacturing.

Participation in CTE does not mean a student is more or less likely to graduate, or that they will enroll in college, but it can predict a higher chance of employment, according to Brookings.

And employment is what many sectors need during recent supply shortages, lack of applicants and skyrocketing prices.

As folks experience the shortages in so many fields, theres a new appreciation for students that want to work with their hands and are preparing for work, Mullen said.

More local options

High school students across Cowlitz County have access to dual credit programs focusing on these technical skills, hoping to help them get jobs in the most available regional sectors like technology, engineering and natural resources.

Through the Lower Columbia Colleges career and technical education program, 18 high schools and districts  including Longview School District, Kelso High School, Rainier High School and the Vancouver School District  currently offer college credits for students.

Locally the most popular include classes in computer science, robotics, construction and automotive technology, all of which can transfer to any Washington state two-year college or institution and some four-year colleges, according to LCCs website.

Just last week, Kalama School District got more than $300,000 in state grants to fund a new computer lab and robotics courses at Kalama High School. The grant also allows students to earn up to 12 computer science dual credits at LCC, an increase from the original eight.

A state law passed this year also increased the funding per pupil in career and technical education classes, according to the bills text. It secures ways for public school districts to financially support these classes, also requiring them to report how many students are enrolled in them.

Emily Buker, a Gibbs and Olson intern who came on-board through LCC, said she wasnt yet sure what she wanted to do after her time as a manufacturing major at LCC, so she took her supervisors suggestion to join the firm as a month-long trainee.

This is the first internship Ive done and I have really enjoyed it, Buker said. Ive feel like Ive learned a lot, and learned a lot of how to do real-world stuff.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A first-of-its-kind state program is helping local students go straight from high school to careers in fields like construction and engineering through internships with local companies.

Education Service District No. 112 hosts eight in-person technical courses called Flipped internships across 30 Southwest Washington districts, including Cowlitz County.

The program looks to funnel homegrown potential hires trained in needed skills into jobs in Cowlitz County, an area known for its manufacturing and for having an unemployment rate consistently higher than the national average.

Bringing people home to work here

Historically, the state Employment Security Department says Cowlitz County is about two percentage points higher than the national unemployment average during good times and up four points higher during recessions.

As part of Flipped internships, companies come into classrooms of middle and high school students, teach them workplace skills and get them started on planning careers early, said Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest Washington project manager.

As of May, eight companies have participated in Flipped since Career Connect Southwest launched in 2020, and they hope to invite five more by the end of this school year, Mullen said.

Longview civil engineering firm Gibbs and Olson was one of the eight  and the first Longview-based company  to join the program at R.A. Long High School, said Rich Gushman, the firms president.

Officials from Gibbs and Olson for the last two school years have partnered with R.A. Longs STEM students to develop a construction project based on a real example from the firm.

Gibbs and Olson has not yet hired an in-office intern through Flipped, Gushman said, but the companys current internship program has resulted in soon-to-be college graduates who will have a job waiting for them in their hometown.

Weve had good luck bringing people home to work here, but we want to try to connect with those people earlier so they know about us before they go to school, Gushman said. I didnt know this company existed when I was in high school.

A new look on trades

The focus on career and technical education (CTE), which works to teach specific trades to students and set them up with apprenticeships, has gotten more recognition in recent memory, Mullen said.

When I was in school, vocational education was the way we talked about it, Mullen said. It was considered a path for students who werent bound for college and even had associations with students who maybe didnt do great in school. CTE is not that. CTE is very rigorous and advanced. ... It really is for every student because everyone is going to end up working.

States starting in the 1980s increased required courses for students, emphasizing academic skills like math, literacy and social skills. Career and technical education went on the backburner; research center Brookings Institute estimates between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by high schoolers dropped 14%.

Mullen said he has noticed the state is now acknowledging that students in more rural counties, with local jobs that require specialized skills, should have the option to take those classes. As of 2019, the state Employment Security Department reports one-sixth of Cowlitz Countys employment base was in manufacturing.

Participation in CTE does not mean a student is more or less likely to graduate, or that they will enroll in college, but it can predict a higher chance of employment, according to Brookings.

And employment is what many sectors need during recent supply shortages, lack of applicants and skyrocketing prices.

As folks experience the shortages in so many fields, theres a new appreciation for students that want to work with their hands and are preparing for work, Mullen said.

More local options

High school students across Cowlitz County have access to dual credit programs focusing on these technical skills, hoping to help them get jobs in the most available regional sectors like technology, engineering and natural resources.

Through the Lower Columbia Colleges career and technical education program, 18 high schools and districts  including Longview School District, Kelso High School, Rainier High School and the Vancouver School District  currently offer college credits for students.

Locally the most popular include classes in computer science, robotics, construction and automotive technology, all of which can transfer to any Washington state two-year college or institution and some four-year colleges, according to LCCs website.

Just last week, Kalama School District got more than $300,000 in state grants to fund a new computer lab and robotics courses at Kalama High School. The grant also allows students to earn up to 12 computer science dual credits at LCC, an increase from the original eight.

A state law passed this year also increased the funding per pupil in career and technical education classes, according to the bills text. It secures ways for public school districts to financially support these classes, also requiring them to report how many students are enrolled in them.

Emily Buker, a Gibbs and Olson intern who came on-board through LCC, said she wasnt yet sure what she wanted to do after her time as a manufacturing major at LCC, so she took her supervisors suggestion to join the firm as a month-long trainee.

This is the first internship Ive done and I have really enjoyed it, Buker said. Ive feel like Ive learned a lot, and learned a lot of how to do real-world stuff.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.





Marana police said the woman entered Walmart in a mental health crisis. Though she had a gun, she did not wave it at anyone as she asked for help Friday morning.

From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.
The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.
The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.

From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.

In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.


From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
From a place like Tucson, you get a great view of the tragic absurdity of Great Replacement Theory as is spreads across the United States.

At base, this is the idea that white people around the world are being pushed to extinction by non-whites. In its recent U.S. version  embraced by the gunman who massacred 10 black people in Buffalo last week  its the conspiracy theory that Democrats or Jews are trying to replace white Americans with Third World immigrants who will vote Democratic.

The idea wouldnt really matter, except it has been the motive for at least four mass shootings in the United States since 2018, including one in El Paso targeting Hispanics that killed 23 people, and two at synagogues that killed 12 people. And now, about 30% of Americans think a deliberate great replacement is occurring, according to a detailed December poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From here in Tucson, though, its easier to see than in most of the country that the gradual demographic shift the United States is experiencing is nothing compared to the conquests, moving borders and demographic revolutions of relatively recent history.

The Tohono Oodham Nation as it exists now stands just to Tucsons south and west, home to a people who used to predominate in this region until they suffered replacement, or at least displacement, by other Indigenous people such as the Apache, Spanish settlers beginning in the 1700s, then Mexicans, and finally Anglo Americans.

We also live, of course, in the Gadsden Purchase, the last land added to the continental United States in 1854. Without moving, Mexican families living in the northwestern frontier of their country became residents of the southwestern borderlands of the United States.

Like it or not, they suddenly became Americans and part of a minority group in their new country. The presence of so many Mexicanos and Indigenous people delayed the admission of Arizona and New Mexico to statehood, as Indiana Sen. Albert Beveridge questioned whether the states were American enough.

It wasnt until the railroad arrived in March 1880 that white Anglo residents moved to Tucson in great numbers, and they didnt become a majority of the citys population until the 1900s. Now, a century later, people of Hispanic origin, who may be of any race under U.S. Census guidelines, are gradually becoming the majority again. So it goes.

Whiteness, nationhood and borders

The underlying fear in todays great replacement panic is that the United States will unalterably change and white Anglos will no longer have control. This fear is older than the country itself.

Take this infamous observation made by Benjamin Franklin in 1755: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our Complexion.

Yes, Franklin, one of the greatest geniuses of American history, was worried that Germans immigrants would bring not just their language and customs but their swarthy complexion to the English colonies. At this same time, years of war were beginning to expel Indigenous people from areas of Pennsylvania west of Franklins Philadelphia.

He feared replacement by one group even as his fellow Pennsylvanians conducted it on another.

This pattern has repeated over and over, with some European nationalities  Irish and Italian immigrants, for example  first being viewed as replacements and denied the attribute of whiteness, then eventually being incorporated into the American majority.

Whiteness as a category is something thats constantly shifting throughout U.S. history, said Anita Huizar-Hernandez, an associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the UA.

Her research focuses on late 19th and early 20th century literature in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I called her because Id read about her 2019 nonfiction book, Forging Arizona, describing the efforts of a 19th Century American con artist to claim his wife was a Spanish heiress in an effort to obtain a massive land grant in this region newly belonging to the United States.

What Huizar-Hernandez emphasized is how not just whiteness, but nationhood and borders themselves have been shifting concepts  the product of human will, not nature.

Feeding border hysteria

I suspect people like Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host who is likely the top spreader of the Great Replacement idea, would agree that our borders are human constructs. He just wants us to use them, as he frequently says, to keep Third-World migrants out.

He has repeatedly alleged, even after the Buffalo massacre, that President Joe Biden is deliberately letting migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border so they will tip the electoral balance in favor of Democrats in the future.

Now, unlike some others on the left of the right-left political axis, Im not opposed to border enforcement. Thats why I think we should abandon Title 42, a public-health mandate, and return to enforcing normal immigration laws, with asylum seekers directed through the ports of entries, not giving themselves up en masse to Border Patrol agents between ports.

This is a way to create more order on the border. But it would not help feed the border hysteria that proves so politically profitable year after year.

When Carlson links border policies to the great replacement idea, millions of viewers think he is lifting the veil on a secret truth. But the claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

There is no way for people who sneak into the United States illegally now or who are admitted preliminarily as asylum seekers, to become a mass of citizens and voters in the foreseeable future. People shout amnesty, but there is little chance of an amnesty passing Congress. They havent even approved legal status for enrollees in the DACA program, let alone citizenship.

People living in the USA illegally, or in a tenuous status like DACA, or simply living here as non-citizen legal residents, cant vote, and they dont. There is no realistic way many of them will.

But all the talk of foreigners invading and voting and taking over the country serves a political purpose. It agitates the largely older, conservative and Republican voters who watch Carlsons show. It builds suspicion among them about any votes that may go against Republicans, and about our voting system itself.

It builds belief that people in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Phoenix  not coincidentally, all cities where many nonwhite voters live  must have cheated in 2020. If all the real Americans love Donald Trump, then how could he possibly have lost?

Demographic change gradual

This debate, like many in recent years, boils down to the age-old question of how you define an American and the country itself. If the slippery label of whiteness is inherent to your definition of a real American or of the USA, then youre going to be open to the Great Replacement idea.

Politicians like Trump have made the decline of American greatness and whiteness central to their appeal. Supporters like U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters, a Tucson Republican, have continued the appeal to fear. But they usually imply the decline of white America without saying it outright.

America isnt just an idea. Were a country. Were a people with a history and a culture, Masters said in a February video. When was the last time you heard a leftist say anything good at all about our people? They dont do it. If it were up to them, we wouldnt even exist.

As usual, the appeal to white existential fear was just below the surface.

But there is an alternative to fear  openness to change and even optimism about our burgeoning American multicultural democracy.

This idea that were trying to hold on so that nothing changes, its a fools errand, said Huizar-Hernandez, who is moving to a new job at Arizona State this fall. You can tell that from your own life. We all grow up. In some ways that is terrifying, but that is the human experience. You have to be OK with it, or it will drive you nuts.

Tucsons history shows this. The gradual demographic change happening in the United States today, all under the same American constitutional system, is nothing compared to the conquests and upheavals of relatively recent history here.

Far from a cause for fear, it is a cause for hope and celebration of the countrys continual rebirth.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.
The Virginia Parent Teacher Association on Saturday held its first annual membership conference since the pandemic began, gathering days after the Youngkin administration released a critical report about the states K-12 public school performance.

Virginia PTA President Pamela Croom said in an interview that the conference at Hanover Countys Atlee High School is an exciting time to bring our leaders back together, to re-energize them so that they are able to take information back to their home communities  and equip them with tools, resources and services so they are equipped to work within their communities [and] to work with parents in their own school.

Virginia PTA, chartered in 1921, is a nonpartisan volunteer organization focused on child advocacy. There are over 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginias schools.

Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera gave a brief overview of the administrations recent education report and answered a few questions from PTA attendees.

The report, which state education officials presented Thursday, found that Virginias public school closures during COVID-19 exacerbated existing declines in student achievement, with the most devastating learning loss affecting Black and Hispanic students and students living in poverty.

Guidera said Saturday, work is being done for the state to reconfirm its commitment to accountability and transparency in order to ensure high standards within education.

I see that as the role of the state  to ensure that there is access to quality education for every child in Virginia. That we set the standards, we set up the guidance on how to do that and [that] were making sure theres equitable access to quality education. Guidera said in response to a question.

Croom said the Virginia PTA is still evaluating Thursdays report.

We support our students. We believe in our students, we believe that they are going to school doing the best that they are capable of doing, Croom said. If theres concern about how our children are actually performing in school then we need to look at how we are funding our schools and making sure we are fully funding our schools.

Other speakers included Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award winners: Henrico County School Board member Alicia Atkins, Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

Dont forget to help your school, help your community, Warner said.

Its unfortunate in many ways  not due to your doing necessarily  you somehow become the focal point of culture wars, he said. Generally, in most cases [they] dont have anything to do with how youre going to take your kid and their fellow students through a good educational experience in public schools.

Warner touched on federal funding for schools, food insecurity and access to broadband, the latter of which received applause from the crowd. At the conclusion of his remarks, unbeknownst to Warner, he became a recipient of the Virginia PTAs Honorary Life Membership award.

Meta Viers and Jessica Garrison, PTA members at Alexandrias William Ramsay Elementary School, traveled from Northern Virginia for Saturdays conference.

Let me be frank about this. We are part of a Title I school and have a very diverse community, said Viers, the schools PTA secretary.

Our focus is a lot on the basics, making sure kids get breakfast in the morning and supporting the services that they need. We are really trying to make sure we get a good amount of parent engagement and involvement and that our voices are heard.

At each PTA meeting, there are three language interpreters, Garrison said, to support the immigrant populations that feed into the school. William Ramsay has four official languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.

Garrison said the schools PTA has worked hard this year to not only ensure that the students and overall school are supported, but also the parents.

The parents want to be involved as the PTA members, but they struggle, not always receiving communication in their native language, said Garrison, the PTAs treasurer.

Garrison and Viers said that with great food insecurity at William Ramsay  where all students receive a free breakfast and qualify for either free or reduced lunch  it was a positive thing at Saturdays conference to see representatives of other school communities concerned about food insecurity throughout the state.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
A first-of-its-kind state program is helping local students go straight from high school to careers in fields like construction and engineering through internships with local companies.

Education Service District No. 112 hosts eight in-person technical courses called Flipped internships across 30 Southwest Washington districts, including Cowlitz County.

The program looks to funnel homegrown potential hires trained in needed skills into jobs in Cowlitz County, an area known for its manufacturing and for having an unemployment rate consistently higher than the national average.

Bringing people home to work here

Historically, the state Employment Security Department says Cowlitz County is about two percentage points higher than the national unemployment average during good times and up four points higher during recessions.

As part of Flipped internships, companies come into classrooms of middle and high school students, teach them workplace skills and get them started on planning careers early, said Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest Washington project manager.

As of May, eight companies have participated in Flipped since Career Connect Southwest launched in 2020, and they hope to invite five more by the end of this school year, Mullen said.

Longview civil engineering firm Gibbs and Olson was one of the eight  and the first Longview-based company  to join the program at R.A. Long High School, said Rich Gushman, the firms president.

Officials from Gibbs and Olson for the last two school years have partnered with R.A. Longs STEM students to develop a construction project based on a real example from the firm.

Gibbs and Olson has not yet hired an in-office intern through Flipped, Gushman said, but the companys current internship program has resulted in soon-to-be college graduates who will have a job waiting for them in their hometown.

Weve had good luck bringing people home to work here, but we want to try to connect with those people earlier so they know about us before they go to school, Gushman said. I didnt know this company existed when I was in high school.

A new look on trades

The focus on career and technical education (CTE), which works to teach specific trades to students and set them up with apprenticeships, has gotten more recognition in recent memory, Mullen said.

When I was in school, vocational education was the way we talked about it, Mullen said. It was considered a path for students who werent bound for college and even had associations with students who maybe didnt do great in school. CTE is not that. CTE is very rigorous and advanced. ... It really is for every student because everyone is going to end up working.

States starting in the 1980s increased required courses for students, emphasizing academic skills like math, literacy and social skills. Career and technical education went on the backburner; research center Brookings Institute estimates between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by high schoolers dropped 14%.

Mullen said he has noticed the state is now acknowledging that students in more rural counties, with local jobs that require specialized skills, should have the option to take those classes. As of 2019, the state Employment Security Department reports one-sixth of Cowlitz Countys employment base was in manufacturing.

Participation in CTE does not mean a student is more or less likely to graduate, or that they will enroll in college, but it can predict a higher chance of employment, according to Brookings.

And employment is what many sectors need during recent supply shortages, lack of applicants and skyrocketing prices.

As folks experience the shortages in so many fields, theres a new appreciation for students that want to work with their hands and are preparing for work, Mullen said.

More local options

High school students across Cowlitz County have access to dual credit programs focusing on these technical skills, hoping to help them get jobs in the most available regional sectors like technology, engineering and natural resources.

Through the Lower Columbia Colleges career and technical education program, 18 high schools and districts  including Longview School District, Kelso High School, Rainier High School and the Vancouver School District  currently offer college credits for students.

Locally the most popular include classes in computer science, robotics, construction and automotive technology, all of which can transfer to any Washington state two-year college or institution and some four-year colleges, according to LCCs website.

Just last week, Kalama School District got more than $300,000 in state grants to fund a new computer lab and robotics courses at Kalama High School. The grant also allows students to earn up to 12 computer science dual credits at LCC, an increase from the original eight.

A state law passed this year also increased the funding per pupil in career and technical education classes, according to the bills text. It secures ways for public school districts to financially support these classes, also requiring them to report how many students are enrolled in them.

Emily Buker, a Gibbs and Olson intern who came on-board through LCC, said she wasnt yet sure what she wanted to do after her time as a manufacturing major at LCC, so she took her supervisors suggestion to join the firm as a month-long trainee.

This is the first internship Ive done and I have really enjoyed it, Buker said. Ive feel like Ive learned a lot, and learned a lot of how to do real-world stuff.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In 2015 Caroline Jones spoke to TV Tonight about Australian Story and how she started in journalism.

Caroline Jones recalls a recent, happenstance meeting at the Sydney Writers Festival with none other than Jana Wendt. For any onlooker, it must have been a surreal moment, as two iconic female television journalists came face to face.

This beautiful woman came to stand beside me and there she was. We may have met before, but not to have a conversation as we did that day. And of course, we remarked that my declining to join 60 Minutes in a way opened the door for her to say yes a little later, Jones says.

Decades earlier, Gerald Stone had invited Jones to leave the ABC to become the first female presenter for 60 Minutes.

A question in the middle of the night in a hotel room in New York, when I was on a United States broadcasting study tour. It was a phone call at 1:30 a.m. she recalls.

I said I will think about it, thank you very much. But at that time I was with Four Corners. I suppose I was also doing ABC Current Affairs radio every morning. I thought, Well this is pretty good, I think I better stay. Isnt it interesting? A lot of the crossroads that your life presents couldve been very different. 

Indeed. Over her 52 year career, Jones has never worked with any other broadcaster other than the ABC. She was the first woman reporter on This Day Tonight, from 1968-72, and the first woman to anchor Four Corners, from 1972-81. She has been with Australian Story for all of its 19 years -remarkably, still a ratings drawcard every Monday night. Jones first joined ABC at 26 years of age in Canberra, in 1963.

I have always worked with the ABC on and off over all these years. What a privilege, she declares.

My generation didnt have as an ideal, the pursuit of variety and constant change which I think is prevalent today. It was more about finding a career and an opportunity if it opens up before you and do your best to stay there.

Jones grew up in a household of women, growing up in Murrurundi, NSW while her father was off to war.

My grandfather Ashley Pountney, the son of a convict made good in Australia, was the editor of some of the first newspapers in north-west New South Wales. So I thought I had ink in my veins and I did have a sense that I would love to be in journalism, but it would take a while to get there.

Graham Chisholm was the one who gave me my first job at the ABC. Bruce Buchanan invited me to This Day Tonight and Alan Martin invited me to Four Corners.

Her first assignment was to interview the wife of a new American ambassador with an old Stellavox recorder, a task she concedes she was terrible at. But working within ABC Canberra armed her with plenty of skills for life.

When you start in a regional centre I think it puts you at a great advantage because you have to do a bit of everything. Youre typing scripts, you are probably doing some makeup for the weatherman, youre certainly making cups of tea for the politicians whove come over from Parliament House to be interviewed by somebody much more important than you. And you are given your first chance of interviewing on radio and television, she says.

But I think the breadth of experience that you can gain, probably still today in a regional centre, is of great benefit.

Australian Story, was developed partially from her own radio programme, and has become a beacon of success for the ABC.

Deb Fleming, the executive producer of Australian Story, says that the two inspirations for Australian Story which began in 1996 that wonderful documentary program of A Big Country and the radio program that I had conducted on ABC Radio National for eight years, The Search for Meaning, which was storytelling by a great variety of the country men and women from across the country.

The show is renowned for profiling individuals, both famous and non-famous, through their own words. Frequently the subjects are about rising above adversity, regularly moving a fervent audience.

Our feedback from the public is viewers appreciate having the subject tell his or her own story rather than having a reporter mediating it. I think Deb Flemings judgment was very wise in that regard. So we have no narration only by the subject or those others associated with the story and its kind of a relief, says Jones.

With such acclaim, Australian Story is also well-regarded by profile Australians looking to make a statement, or even making news. Jones recalls those featuring Hazel Hawke.

She was generous enough when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease to agree to do a program with us. How generous. At that time when we were being warned of what has now become something of an epidemic of dementia population, she continues.

It was illuminating a matter of great public interest with a particular moving personal story. And thats good work.

Originally published July 27, 2015.


Boris Johnson previously vowed to privatise the a*** out of the Passport Office'

Half of all applications to be processed on time as systems not fit for purpose

Passport Office staff have privately complained their systems are not fit for purpose as the beleaguered Government agency battles a backlog of half a million applications.

Thousands of summer holidays could be cancelled over the delays, with workers warning the current crisis is just the beginning of a very lengthy scenario, according to a cache of 263 internal messages obtained by The Times.

Staff have hit out at their creaking IT systems and accused Teleperformance  which handles the passport advice line  of giving customers poor, misleading advice and exacerbating public anger. Experts have warned that passport delays could cost Britons up to 1 billion in cancelled holidays over the summer, with only half of all applications estimated to be processed on time.

Andy Anderson, founder of the Passport Waiting Times website, said the Passport Office was completely overrun with demand and unable to properly field calls.

Dr Rachael Huggins, a GP based in Lancashire, said she and her paramedic husband could be forced to cancel a 2,000 trip to Spain with their children next week because the Passport Office appears to have lost her sons document.

Passport Office staff battles a backlog of half a million applications (Stock image) Following a surge in passport applications after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, people are reported to be having to wait up to 10 weeks to get their UK passports renewed

She said: I was told there was no way to check. Nobody could call me back. There was no way to speak to the upgrade team.

They will call me hopefully 24-48 hours before our flight, but can you imagine my husband answering in the middle of cardiac arrest?

Sian Jordan, 45, from Thatcham, Berkshire, lost her 600 holiday deposit last Friday because her sons passport had not arrived  despite applying for it in February.

She told The Mail on Sunday: I do feel for them because they must be under so much pressure but they cant keep fobbing people off. Its scandalous.

Boris Johnson last month vowed to privatise the a*** out of the Passport Office if officials fail to stem the number of applications breaching the ten-week turnaround target. But workers lashed out at the Prime Ministers remarks, with one reportedly saying they are not sitting around drinking coffee and nibbling on cheese as Boris suggests.

A Passport Office spokesperson said 250,000 passport applications were completed each week and the overwhelming majority were turned around within ten weeks.

It emerged on Friday that the DVLA, another Government agency beset by backlogs, paid nearly 2.2 million in performance payments to staff.

The backlog in licence applications peaked at 1.6 million last year and has since been cut to about 800,000 after more staff were drafted in.
Paris St Germains Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Metz (Michel Spingler/AP/PA) (AP)

Kylian Mbappe celebrated his new three-year deal with a hat-trick as Ligue 1 champions PSG signed off in style with a 5-0 rout of 10-man Metz.

Mbappe, whose continued presence at the Parc des Princes was confirmed before kick-off, struck twice within four first-half minutes before Neymar made it 3-0, and then completed his treble within five minutes of the restart.

The visitors cause was not aided by Boubacar Traores premature departure for a second bookable offence and Angel Di Maria, playing his final game for PSG, added a fifth with 23 minutes remaining.

Gerson scored twice to help Marseille leapfrog Monaco into second place and the Champions League group stage with a 4-0 victory over Strasbourg with Cengiz Under and substitute Cedric Bakambu also among the goals.

Wissam Ben Yedder looked to have handed Monaco victory at Lens until substitute Ignatius Ganago snatched a 2-2 draw with a stoppage-time equaliser.

Rennes substitute Serhou Guirassy scored in the third minute of added time to secure a 2-2 draw at Lille and fourth place on goal difference.

The home side led twice through Timothy Weah, whose second came just two minutes from time, but Benjamin Bourigeaud and Guirassy ensured it finished 2-2.

5th in Ligue 1 after another crazy night and @AndyDelort9s hat trick, #OGCNice will play in the @europacnfleague playoffs next season #IssaNissa pic.twitter.com/80rJiEec3p  OGC Nice  (@ogcnice_eng) May 21, 2022

That meant Andy Delorts heroics counted for little after he scored a remarkable seven-minute hat-trick to fire Nice to a 3-2 victory at Reims.

Story continues

With his side trailing to early goals from Hugo Ekitike and Kamory Doumbia, Delort converted a 75th-minute penalty and then levelled two minutes later before claiming an 82nd-minute winner.

Sekou Mara helped himself to a double as relegated Bordeaux finished the campaign with a 4-2 victory at Brest.

Goals from Moussa Dembele and Housem Aouar gave Lyon a 2-1 win at Clermont, while Thomas Manganis penalty and Mathias Pereira Lages strike saw Angers beat Montpellier 2-0.

           !   #HVFC #DaiVerona pic.twitter.com/onUg8bIXoN  Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) May 21, 2022

Elsewhere, Lorient and 10-man Troyes drew 1-1 with Armand Lauriente cancelling out Yoann Touzghars opener to claim a point for the home side, while Ludovic Blas and substitute Romain Hamouma were on target as Nantes and St Etienne took a point apiece.

In Serie A, Martin Honglas late equaliser banked Verona a point from a thrilling 3-3 draw at Lazio.

The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead inside 14 minutes through Giovanni Simeone and Kevin Lasagna, and although the hosts were level before the half-hour mark thanks to Jovane Cabral and Felipe Anderson and went ahead through substitute Pedro, Martin Honglas 76th-minute goal meant it finished all square.

Alfred Duncan and Nicolas Gonzalez from the penalty spot scored in stoppage time at the end of both halves to ensure Juventus season ended in disappointing fashion with a 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina.

Musa Barrows 66th-minute goal was enough to earn Bologna victory at relegated Genoa, while Substitute Leo Stulac fired Empoli to a 1-0 win at Atalanta.

In LaLiga, Maximiliano Gomezs first-half strike and Nestor Araujos own goal after the break secured a 2-0 home victory for Valencia over Celta Vigo which lifted them into ninth place.

Nine-man Red Bull Leipzig staged a remarkable fightback to win the German DFB Cup final on penalties.

Maximilian Eggestein had given Freiburg a 19th-minute lead before Leipzig were reduced to 10 men when Marcel Halstenberg was sent off, but they levelled through Christopher Nkunku to take it to extra time and although Kevin Kampl was also dismissed, prevailed 4-2 on penalties.
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Scientists are trialling a potentially ground-breaking vaccine that they hope will protect people from developing pancreatic cancer.

A team at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in the US has just given the preventative jab to their first volunteer, a woman with a family history of the disease.

They want to equip her body with the tools to identify rogue cells that could become cancerous, enabling her immune system to launch pre-emptive search and destroy missions that will continually nip the problem in the bud.

A novel approach to the disease  which now claims almost 10,000 lives a year in the UK alone  is desperately needed.

While survival rates for other major cancers have steadily climbed over recent years, they remain stubbornly low for pancreatic cancer with three-quarters dying within a year of diagnosis. Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze died from it, aged 57, in 2009  18 months after being diagnosed.

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze (pictured) died from pancreatic cancer, aged 57, in 2009  18 months after being diagnosed

Oncologist Dr Neeha Zaidi, who is leading the trial, said: The best way of treating this disease is catching it early because its so challenging. As the cancer develops, it becomes harder to treat. And its very good at hiding from our immune system.

Experts have found more than 90 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases happen after the organs cells develop a mutation to a particular gene called KRAS. The mutation makes cells divide uncontrollably, which eventually means cancer.

But some people are more prone to developing the KRAS fault than others and scientists think if you can eliminate cells containing the errant gene, you may be able to prevent pancreatic cancer.

People arent born with this mutation, the alteration occurs later in life, added Dr Zaidi. But we know theres a huge window of opportunity, as it takes at least a decade from the first KRAS mutation occurring, to the development of pancreatic cancer.

The vaccine prompts the immune system to recognise cells containing the mutated KRAS gene through tiny protein flags on the surface.

The JHU trial will initially involve 25 healthy volunteers at high risk of pancreatic cancer due to family history. The team want to check the jab is safe and gauge the immune response it triggers. In particular, they will look for T-cells specifically capable of recognising KRAS-infected cells.

A team at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in the US has just given the preventative jab to their first volunteer, a woman with a family history of the disease. A file photo is used above

There have been major strides in the science of cancer immunology, including the vaccination of 12-year-olds against human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer.

But Dr Zaidi warned it could take a decade to get hard evidence that the vaccine  or a tweaked mRNA-based successor  prevented pancreatic cancer. This is the first step to a very large goal, she stressed.

KRAS expert Professor Julian Downward, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, added: Theres a 30-year track record of people trying to do this. But if one could get a vaccine that was really effective and it could be rolled out in a population-wide vaccination strategy, that would make a big difference.

WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.







Boris Johnson previously vowed to privatise the a*** out of the Passport Office'

Half of all applications to be processed on time as systems not fit for purpose

Passport Office staff have privately complained their systems are not fit for purpose as the beleaguered Government agency battles a backlog of half a million applications.

Thousands of summer holidays could be cancelled over the delays, with workers warning the current crisis is just the beginning of a very lengthy scenario, according to a cache of 263 internal messages obtained by The Times.

Staff have hit out at their creaking IT systems and accused Teleperformance  which handles the passport advice line  of giving customers poor, misleading advice and exacerbating public anger. Experts have warned that passport delays could cost Britons up to 1 billion in cancelled holidays over the summer, with only half of all applications estimated to be processed on time.

Andy Anderson, founder of the Passport Waiting Times website, said the Passport Office was completely overrun with demand and unable to properly field calls.

Dr Rachael Huggins, a GP based in Lancashire, said she and her paramedic husband could be forced to cancel a 2,000 trip to Spain with their children next week because the Passport Office appears to have lost her sons document.

Passport Office staff battles a backlog of half a million applications (Stock image) Following a surge in passport applications after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, people are reported to be having to wait up to 10 weeks to get their UK passports renewed

She said: I was told there was no way to check. Nobody could call me back. There was no way to speak to the upgrade team.

They will call me hopefully 24-48 hours before our flight, but can you imagine my husband answering in the middle of cardiac arrest?

Sian Jordan, 45, from Thatcham, Berkshire, lost her 600 holiday deposit last Friday because her sons passport had not arrived  despite applying for it in February.

She told The Mail on Sunday: I do feel for them because they must be under so much pressure but they cant keep fobbing people off. Its scandalous.

Boris Johnson last month vowed to privatise the a*** out of the Passport Office if officials fail to stem the number of applications breaching the ten-week turnaround target. But workers lashed out at the Prime Ministers remarks, with one reportedly saying they are not sitting around drinking coffee and nibbling on cheese as Boris suggests.

A Passport Office spokesperson said 250,000 passport applications were completed each week and the overwhelming majority were turned around within ten weeks.

It emerged on Friday that the DVLA, another Government agency beset by backlogs, paid nearly 2.2 million in performance payments to staff.

The backlog in licence applications peaked at 1.6 million last year and has since been cut to about 800,000 after more staff were drafted in.
Two Democrats are running for the position of District 5 Lee County Commissioner in the 2022 primary election on May 24: Incumbent Richard LaGrand Sr. and John Andrew Harris. There are no candidates running for the seat in the Democratic primary.

Richard LaGrand Sr. (I)

LaGrand, 67, has lived and worked in Lee County for more than three decades and was elected as the Lee County Commissioner of District 5 in 2018.

During his time in office, a tornado struck the Beauregard community killing 23 people, and LaGrand worked with Samaritans Purse to establish search and rescue operations and was involved in approving numerous building permits to rebuild destroyed homes.

He listed other highlights as funding the development of Loachapoka Community Park, paving several roads in Lee County, renovating the Lee County Courthouse, expanding the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and establishing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in Lee County.

LaGrand has been the morning show host of Hallelujah 1520 AM for 35 years, has been an employee at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center for 34 years, and served five years as a house parent for foster children at Lee County Youth Development Center.

As a volunteer, he served as President of the East Alabama Services for the Elderly Board, works regularly with Covington Recreation Center, worked closely with the Lee County Youth Development Center and works with programs that help seniors, specifically those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.

LaGrand said serving as commissioner has been an amazing experience, and if reelected he plans to improve transportation and broadband, support seniors and fight trash and littering in the community.

He points out that the next elected commissioner will be making decisions on how to allocate $32 million worth of funds from the American Rescue Plan.

He said he would like for some of the money to go towards paving more roads, programs for seniors and affordable housing.

I believe Im the best candidate and Ive got a vision for the future, LaGrand said.

John Andrew Harris

Harris, 71, was born in Opelika and has worked as a public servant and public official most of his life.

Hes served on the Opelika City Council for eight years, worked in the child nutrition program in a school system for 34 years and owned a grocery store in Opelika for 15 years.

Harris is currently the chairman of political action for the NAACP for the state of Alabama and has recently partnered with Harvest Time Food ministry to help create food banks and food distribution centers in the areas of Opelika and Roanoke. Harris also has a consulting business, J.E. Harris Inc.

He said he was elected as an Opelika City Councilman in 1986 and was the first of two African-Americans in the position. He served until 1994, when he was elected to be the District 5 Lee County Commissioner.

Harris served as commissioner for 24 years unopposed from 1994 until 2018. He said he decided to run for the position after receiving calls from citizens who asked him to run again.

They said they dont have a voice to speak out for the community on different concerns, Harris said. I was the type of person that cared about the community, talked to the people and formed a bond with them.

If elected, Harris plans to focus on infrastructure, education, transportation, voting rights and workforce and economic development. He wants to bring more jobs to the area and have more opportunities to keep people in the community.

Harris said he will also make sure the Loachapoka area is not left behind or ignored.

I want to thank the people of Lee County for their outpouring of support and for calling, Harris said. That means a lot to me.
Two Democrats are running for the position of District 5 Lee County Commissioner in the 2022 primary election on May 24: Incumbent Richard LaGrand Sr. and John Andrew Harris. There are no candidates running for the seat in the Democratic primary.

Richard LaGrand Sr. (I)

LaGrand, 67, has lived and worked in Lee County for more than three decades and was elected as the Lee County Commissioner of District 5 in 2018.

During his time in office, a tornado struck the Beauregard community killing 23 people, and LaGrand worked with Samaritans Purse to establish search and rescue operations and was involved in approving numerous building permits to rebuild destroyed homes.

He listed other highlights as funding the development of Loachapoka Community Park, paving several roads in Lee County, renovating the Lee County Courthouse, expanding the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and establishing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in Lee County.

LaGrand has been the morning show host of Hallelujah 1520 AM for 35 years, has been an employee at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center for 34 years, and served five years as a house parent for foster children at Lee County Youth Development Center.

As a volunteer, he served as President of the East Alabama Services for the Elderly Board, works regularly with Covington Recreation Center, worked closely with the Lee County Youth Development Center and works with programs that help seniors, specifically those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.

LaGrand said serving as commissioner has been an amazing experience, and if reelected he plans to improve transportation and broadband, support seniors and fight trash and littering in the community.

He points out that the next elected commissioner will be making decisions on how to allocate $32 million worth of funds from the American Rescue Plan.

He said he would like for some of the money to go towards paving more roads, programs for seniors and affordable housing.

I believe Im the best candidate and Ive got a vision for the future, LaGrand said.

John Andrew Harris

Harris, 71, was born in Opelika and has worked as a public servant and public official most of his life.

Hes served on the Opelika City Council for eight years, worked in the child nutrition program in a school system for 34 years and owned a grocery store in Opelika for 15 years.

Harris is currently the chairman of political action for the NAACP for the state of Alabama and has recently partnered with Harvest Time Food ministry to help create food banks and food distribution centers in the areas of Opelika and Roanoke. Harris also has a consulting business, J.E. Harris Inc.

He said he was elected as an Opelika City Councilman in 1986 and was the first of two African-Americans in the position. He served until 1994, when he was elected to be the District 5 Lee County Commissioner.

Harris served as commissioner for 24 years unopposed from 1994 until 2018. He said he decided to run for the position after receiving calls from citizens who asked him to run again.

They said they dont have a voice to speak out for the community on different concerns, Harris said. I was the type of person that cared about the community, talked to the people and formed a bond with them.

If elected, Harris plans to focus on infrastructure, education, transportation, voting rights and workforce and economic development. He wants to bring more jobs to the area and have more opportunities to keep people in the community.

Harris said he will also make sure the Loachapoka area is not left behind or ignored.

I want to thank the people of Lee County for their outpouring of support and for calling, Harris said. That means a lot to me.
Two Democrats are running for the position of District 5 Lee County Commissioner in the 2022 primary election on May 24: Incumbent Richard LaGrand Sr. and John Andrew Harris. There are no candidates running for the seat in the Democratic primary.

Richard LaGrand Sr. (I)

LaGrand, 67, has lived and worked in Lee County for more than three decades and was elected as the Lee County Commissioner of District 5 in 2018.

During his time in office, a tornado struck the Beauregard community killing 23 people, and LaGrand worked with Samaritans Purse to establish search and rescue operations and was involved in approving numerous building permits to rebuild destroyed homes.

He listed other highlights as funding the development of Loachapoka Community Park, paving several roads in Lee County, renovating the Lee County Courthouse, expanding the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and establishing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in Lee County.

LaGrand has been the morning show host of Hallelujah 1520 AM for 35 years, has been an employee at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center for 34 years, and served five years as a house parent for foster children at Lee County Youth Development Center.

As a volunteer, he served as President of the East Alabama Services for the Elderly Board, works regularly with Covington Recreation Center, worked closely with the Lee County Youth Development Center and works with programs that help seniors, specifically those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.

LaGrand said serving as commissioner has been an amazing experience, and if reelected he plans to improve transportation and broadband, support seniors and fight trash and littering in the community.

He points out that the next elected commissioner will be making decisions on how to allocate $32 million worth of funds from the American Rescue Plan.

He said he would like for some of the money to go towards paving more roads, programs for seniors and affordable housing.

I believe Im the best candidate and Ive got a vision for the future, LaGrand said.

John Andrew Harris

Harris, 71, was born in Opelika and has worked as a public servant and public official most of his life.

Hes served on the Opelika City Council for eight years, worked in the child nutrition program in a school system for 34 years and owned a grocery store in Opelika for 15 years.

Harris is currently the chairman of political action for the NAACP for the state of Alabama and has recently partnered with Harvest Time Food ministry to help create food banks and food distribution centers in the areas of Opelika and Roanoke. Harris also has a consulting business, J.E. Harris Inc.

He said he was elected as an Opelika City Councilman in 1986 and was the first of two African-Americans in the position. He served until 1994, when he was elected to be the District 5 Lee County Commissioner.

Harris served as commissioner for 24 years unopposed from 1994 until 2018. He said he decided to run for the position after receiving calls from citizens who asked him to run again.

They said they dont have a voice to speak out for the community on different concerns, Harris said. I was the type of person that cared about the community, talked to the people and formed a bond with them.

If elected, Harris plans to focus on infrastructure, education, transportation, voting rights and workforce and economic development. He wants to bring more jobs to the area and have more opportunities to keep people in the community.

Harris said he will also make sure the Loachapoka area is not left behind or ignored.

I want to thank the people of Lee County for their outpouring of support and for calling, Harris said. That means a lot to me.
RTHK: Russia steps up Donbas attacks

Russia intensified an offensive in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine on Saturday and stopped providing gas to Finland, escalating Moscow's dispute with the West over energy payments.

After ending weeks of resistance by the last Ukrainian fighters in the strategic southeastern city of Mariupol, Russia is waging what appears to be a major offensive in Luhansk, one of two provinces in Donbas.

Russian-backed separatists already controlled swathes of territory in Luhansk and the neighbouring Donetsk province before the February 24 attack, but Moscow wants to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Donbas.

Ukrainian forces in those eastern separatist-controlled regions said on Saturday they had repelled nine attacks and destroyed five tanks and 10 other armoured vehicles in the previous 24 hours. They said that as of 9pm local time, there was still fighting in four unspecified locations.

Russian forces were using aircraft, artillery, tanks, rockets, mortars and missiles along the entire front line to attack civilian structures and residential areas, the Ukrainians said in a Facebook post. At least seven people were killed in the Donetsk region, the forces said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told local television that while the fighting would be bloody, and victory difficult, the end would come only through diplomacy.

"For them, all these victories  the occupation of Crimea or Donbas  is very temporary. And all this will return  since this is our territory," he said on Saturday.

The end of fighting in Mariupol, the biggest city Russia has captured so far, could be crucial to its ambitions in Donbas. It gives Russian President Vladimir Putin a rare victory after a series of setbacks in nearly three months of combat.

Russia's state gas company, Gazprom, said it halted gas exports to Finland after it refused to agree to Russian demands that it pay for Russian gas in roubles because of Western sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine.

Finland and Sweden applied this week to join the Nato military alliance, a decision spurred by the Ukraine war. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2022-05-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
When Virgil Ortiz was growing up at Cochiti Pueblo, his imagination soared with such sci-fi classics as Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica.

Today the groundbreaking artist incorporates that fantastical imagery with traditional and contemporary clay methods woven with the story of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.

This year hes been named the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture Living Treasure, kicking off the Memorial Day Native Treasures Market on May 28-30 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The annual designation honors Native artists making outstanding contributions to the field of Indigenous arts and culture.

They had called me about accepting it, Ortiz said from his Cochiti Pueblo studio. I thought it just a nomination. I was very happy; I had no idea. I was very grateful.

The artist has been working on a film called Recon Watchmen to open as the inaugural piece for Santa Fes New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary to open this winter.

Were going up to the Bisti Badlands in the Four Corners area, Ortiz said. Its like another world, just like White Sands. Its a really awesome space with rock formations.

The main focus will be a huge projection of the largest clay pieces Ive ever done, he added.

Some of those pieces are 5-feet-tall, 600-pound warriors.

Ive always wanted to go large to bring the public into the world of these characters, Oriz said.

Their mission is to gather information and store it in their bodies and wait for PoPay. Ortiz said. PoPay was the leader of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.

Corvis and Grus, Recon Watchmen, 2021. Virgil Ortiz collaboration with award-winning bead artist, Elias Not Afraid (Apsaalooke). (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Mopez, Recon Watchman, 2022, high-fire clay and glazes, 28x23x16 inches. (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Recon Watchmen masks drying before the painting and surfacing embellishments. (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Artist Virgil Ortiz meticulously sculpts a headdress for his Recon Watchmen character, the newest character release from his Revolt 1680/2180 saga. (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Prev 1 of 5 Next

Ortiz has spent 20 years working on a script, Revolt 1680/2180, his sci-fi-meets-pueblo version of the Pueblo Revolt, which takes place in both 1680 and 2180.

The Pueblo Revolt was a revolution against Spanish religious, economic and political institutions imposed upon the pueblos. Historians consider it critical to the survival of pueblo cultural traditions, lands, languages, religions and sovereignty.

Its really Americas first revolution, but nobody calls it that, Ortiz said.

For the new pieces, Ortiz collaborated with award-winning bead artist Elias Not Afraid (Apsaalooke) via Zoom and FaceTime during the pandemic. The work also represents his first dive into color.

I reached out to some of my friends, he said. Elias beadwork is amazing.

The beads sparkle in designs marking the characters faces like paint.

I carved into these pieces and left him room to place the beads, Ortiz continued. They represent microchips. Im working with color like never before.

He fires the glazes multiple times.

The larger pieces have to dry for at least six months, he explained. We have access to hydraulic lifts. Sometimes we need to build inside the kiln. Its just a whole learning curve.

Ortiz says he is regularly embarrassed when he shows his work in Europe. In London, Paris and Prague, everyone knows the story of the Pueblo Revolt.

The Europeans know it more than Americans, he said. They all know what Im talking about. I go to metro areas like New York and Los Angeles and theyve never heard of it.

The project is much bigger than Ortiz; its about his people.

I call myself a conduit, he said. I dont think its a talent. I get a lot of messages of how to do it, when to release them. It could be my ancestors, it could be my parents. Theres no way to explain it. Ive never questioned it, whether Im meditating or zoning out or in dreams.

Ortiz has won multiple awards at Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Indian Market and other events. His pottery can be found in museums worldwide.
When Virgil Ortiz was growing up at Cochiti Pueblo, his imagination soared with such sci-fi classics as Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica.

Today the groundbreaking artist incorporates that fantastical imagery with traditional and contemporary clay methods woven with the story of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.

This year hes been named the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture Living Treasure, kicking off the Memorial Day Native Treasures Market on May 28-30 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The annual designation honors Native artists making outstanding contributions to the field of Indigenous arts and culture.

They had called me about accepting it, Ortiz said from his Cochiti Pueblo studio. I thought it just a nomination. I was very happy; I had no idea. I was very grateful.

The artist has been working on a film called Recon Watchmen to open as the inaugural piece for Santa Fes New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary to open this winter.

Were going up to the Bisti Badlands in the Four Corners area, Ortiz said. Its like another world, just like White Sands. Its a really awesome space with rock formations.

The main focus will be a huge projection of the largest clay pieces Ive ever done, he added.

Some of those pieces are 5-feet-tall, 600-pound warriors.

Ive always wanted to go large to bring the public into the world of these characters, Oriz said.

Their mission is to gather information and store it in their bodies and wait for PoPay. Ortiz said. PoPay was the leader of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.

Corvis and Grus, Recon Watchmen, 2021. Virgil Ortiz collaboration with award-winning bead artist, Elias Not Afraid (Apsaalooke). (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Mopez, Recon Watchman, 2022, high-fire clay and glazes, 28x23x16 inches. (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Recon Watchmen masks drying before the painting and surfacing embellishments. (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Artist Virgil Ortiz meticulously sculpts a headdress for his Recon Watchmen character, the newest character release from his Revolt 1680/2180 saga. (Courtesy of Kamden Storm) Prev 1 of 5 Next

Ortiz has spent 20 years working on a script, Revolt 1680/2180, his sci-fi-meets-pueblo version of the Pueblo Revolt, which takes place in both 1680 and 2180.

The Pueblo Revolt was a revolution against Spanish religious, economic and political institutions imposed upon the pueblos. Historians consider it critical to the survival of pueblo cultural traditions, lands, languages, religions and sovereignty.

Its really Americas first revolution, but nobody calls it that, Ortiz said.

For the new pieces, Ortiz collaborated with award-winning bead artist Elias Not Afraid (Apsaalooke) via Zoom and FaceTime during the pandemic. The work also represents his first dive into color.

I reached out to some of my friends, he said. Elias beadwork is amazing.

The beads sparkle in designs marking the characters faces like paint.

I carved into these pieces and left him room to place the beads, Ortiz continued. They represent microchips. Im working with color like never before.

He fires the glazes multiple times.

The larger pieces have to dry for at least six months, he explained. We have access to hydraulic lifts. Sometimes we need to build inside the kiln. Its just a whole learning curve.

Ortiz says he is regularly embarrassed when he shows his work in Europe. In London, Paris and Prague, everyone knows the story of the Pueblo Revolt.

The Europeans know it more than Americans, he said. They all know what Im talking about. I go to metro areas like New York and Los Angeles and theyve never heard of it.

The project is much bigger than Ortiz; its about his people.

I call myself a conduit, he said. I dont think its a talent. I get a lot of messages of how to do it, when to release them. It could be my ancestors, it could be my parents. Theres no way to explain it. Ive never questioned it, whether Im meditating or zoning out or in dreams.

Ortiz has won multiple awards at Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Indian Market and other events. His pottery can be found in museums worldwide.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Scientists are trialling a potentially ground-breaking vaccine that they hope will protect people from developing pancreatic cancer.

A team at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in the US has just given the preventative jab to their first volunteer, a woman with a family history of the disease.

They want to equip her body with the tools to identify rogue cells that could become cancerous, enabling her immune system to launch pre-emptive search and destroy missions that will continually nip the problem in the bud.

A novel approach to the disease  which now claims almost 10,000 lives a year in the UK alone  is desperately needed.

While survival rates for other major cancers have steadily climbed over recent years, they remain stubbornly low for pancreatic cancer with three-quarters dying within a year of diagnosis. Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze died from it, aged 57, in 2009  18 months after being diagnosed.

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze (pictured) died from pancreatic cancer, aged 57, in 2009  18 months after being diagnosed

Oncologist Dr Neeha Zaidi, who is leading the trial, said: The best way of treating this disease is catching it early because its so challenging. As the cancer develops, it becomes harder to treat. And its very good at hiding from our immune system.

Experts have found more than 90 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases happen after the organs cells develop a mutation to a particular gene called KRAS. The mutation makes cells divide uncontrollably, which eventually means cancer.

But some people are more prone to developing the KRAS fault than others and scientists think if you can eliminate cells containing the errant gene, you may be able to prevent pancreatic cancer.

People arent born with this mutation, the alteration occurs later in life, added Dr Zaidi. But we know theres a huge window of opportunity, as it takes at least a decade from the first KRAS mutation occurring, to the development of pancreatic cancer.

The vaccine prompts the immune system to recognise cells containing the mutated KRAS gene through tiny protein flags on the surface.

The JHU trial will initially involve 25 healthy volunteers at high risk of pancreatic cancer due to family history. The team want to check the jab is safe and gauge the immune response it triggers. In particular, they will look for T-cells specifically capable of recognising KRAS-infected cells.

A team at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in the US has just given the preventative jab to their first volunteer, a woman with a family history of the disease. A file photo is used above

There have been major strides in the science of cancer immunology, including the vaccination of 12-year-olds against human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer.

But Dr Zaidi warned it could take a decade to get hard evidence that the vaccine  or a tweaked mRNA-based successor  prevented pancreatic cancer. This is the first step to a very large goal, she stressed.

KRAS expert Professor Julian Downward, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, added: Theres a 30-year track record of people trying to do this. But if one could get a vaccine that was really effective and it could be rolled out in a population-wide vaccination strategy, that would make a big difference.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
RTHK: Albanese to lead Australia, but independents gain

Australia's Labor Party was set to end almost a decade of conservative rule as the government was swept away in Saturday's election by a wave of support for candidates who campaigned for more action on climate change and may hold the balance of power.

Partial results showed that while Labor had made small gains, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal-National coalition had been punished by voters in Western Australia and affluent urban seats in particular.

The Greens and a group of so-called "teal independents", who campaigned on policies of gender equality and tackling climate change, put on a strong showing, tapping voter anger over inaction on the environment after some of the worst floods and fires to hit Australia.

"Tonight, I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming prime minister, Anthony Albanese. And I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening," said Morrison.

Albanese, speaking as he headed to his party celebrations, said he wanted to unite the country and "end the climate wars".

"I think people want to come together, look for our common interest, look towards that sense of common purpose. I think people have had enough of division, what they want is to come together as a nation and I intend to lead that."

Albanese said he aimed to be sworn in swiftly so he could attend a meeting of the Quad security grouping in Tokyo on Tuesday. He promised constitutional recognition and parliamentary representation for Indigenous Aboriginals, as well as the establishment of an anti-corruption commission.

In results so far, Labor had yet to reach the 76 of the 151 lower house seats required to form a government alone. Final results could take time as counting of a record number of postal votes is completed.

In one of the biggest hits to the government, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said it would be "difficult" for him to hold the long-held Liberal seat of Kooyong in Melbourne against an independent newcomer. (Reuters)

______________________________

Last updated: 2022-05-22 HKT 03:55

This story has been published on: 2022-05-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

KEARNEY  Megan Allen is from a family of nurses.

Allens great-grandmother was in the nursing field, and her grandma and mother are nurses. One of Allens cousins is a nurse practitioner, said Allen, an RN at Kearney Regional Medical Center.

She said if it hadnt been for her mothers encouragement, she might not have chosen a health care profession.

My mom wanted one of us to be a nurse and so it was me, Allen said. A lot of what she said about nursing is that it runs in the family, but she also said, Megan, youre such a caring person.

It is Allens caring attitude that prompts her to make friendly visits with patients, especially patients who suffer from nagging, chronic conditions. She said theres a soft spot in her heart for anyone who is regularly in and out of the hospital.

One of those patients is Sara Merchant from Axtell. She nominated Allen for the Health Care Heroes Award because, in Merchants mind, Allens caring attitude and encouragement may have saved her life.

Merchant said almost two years of medical setbacks left her weary from the struggle.

Her prolonged battle with kidney stones, perforated bowels, a surgical opening in her stomach, a chronic neuromuscular disorder, and fatigue and weakness took a toll on her fighting spirit. She said she became disheartened having a feeding tube and tracheotomy.

To Merchant, it seemed as if the only news she received about her health was bad news.

Merchant penned a note describing her frustration and hopelessness. When Allen dropped by her hospital room, Merchant handed her the message.

Asked recently about the contents of that note, Merchant stood silent, but then she said Allen was a lifesaver on that day, just as she had been another time during Merchants struggles.

Doctors had discharged Merchant, but as she prepared to roll the patient outside on a wheelchair, Allen sensed something wasnt right. Merchant was weak and in pain, so Allen questioned the decision to discharge. Merchant just didnt seem ready to go home.

Merchant described what happened next in her nomination of Allen for the Health Care Heroes Award:

When I was in the hospital and about to be discharged I stood up, not feeling good, and she (Allen) said, Youre not going anywhere. They took some tests and they found out I had a perforated bowel. I was told that if I had left the hospital I could have died.

Allen insisted to the doctors that day that something wasnt right with Merchant. She said it was a challenge speaking up to the hospitals veterans because she had worked at KRMC just a few months and hadnt established her credibility.

Merchant said the seriousness of her illness constantly challenged her to be hopeful.

Thats where Allens caring attitude and encouragement proved their worth.

Merchant said, She sat and listened to me. I felt like I just wanted to give up because of everything negative going on. But it gives a patient hope when they know someone is listening. She was truly my life saver!

Allen is an RN in KRMCs Progressive Care Unit, where patients receive care after the Intensive Care Unit.

She said nursing has its tough days, but feeling patients appreciation makes nursing worth the heartache.

Knowing that you have helped someone and changed their life is the best part of my job, Allen said.
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."

Paris St Germains Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Metz (Michel Spingler/AP/PA) (AP)

Kylian Mbappe celebrated his new three-year deal with a hat-trick as Ligue 1 champions PSG signed off in style with a 5-0 rout of 10-man Metz.

Mbappe, whose continued presence at the Parc des Princes was confirmed before kick-off, struck twice within four first-half minutes before Neymar made it 3-0, and then completed his treble within five minutes of the restart.

The visitors cause was not aided by Boubacar Traores premature departure for a second bookable offence and Angel Di Maria, playing his final game for PSG, added a fifth with 23 minutes remaining.

Gerson scored twice to help Marseille leapfrog Monaco into second place and the Champions League group stage with a 4-0 victory over Strasbourg with Cengiz Under and substitute Cedric Bakambu also among the goals.

Wissam Ben Yedder looked to have handed Monaco victory at Lens until substitute Ignatius Ganago snatched a 2-2 draw with a stoppage-time equaliser.

Rennes substitute Serhou Guirassy scored in the third minute of added time to secure a 2-2 draw at Lille and fourth place on goal difference.

The home side led twice through Timothy Weah, whose second came just two minutes from time, but Benjamin Bourigeaud and Guirassy ensured it finished 2-2.

5th in Ligue 1 after another crazy night and @AndyDelort9s hat trick, #OGCNice will play in the @europacnfleague playoffs next season #IssaNissa pic.twitter.com/80rJiEec3p  OGC Nice  (@ogcnice_eng) May 21, 2022

That meant Andy Delorts heroics counted for little after he scored a remarkable seven-minute hat-trick to fire Nice to a 3-2 victory at Reims.

Story continues

With his side trailing to early goals from Hugo Ekitike and Kamory Doumbia, Delort converted a 75th-minute penalty and then levelled two minutes later before claiming an 82nd-minute winner.

Sekou Mara helped himself to a double as relegated Bordeaux finished the campaign with a 4-2 victory at Brest.

Goals from Moussa Dembele and Housem Aouar gave Lyon a 2-1 win at Clermont, while Thomas Manganis penalty and Mathias Pereira Lages strike saw Angers beat Montpellier 2-0.

           !   #HVFC #DaiVerona pic.twitter.com/onUg8bIXoN  Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) May 21, 2022

Elsewhere, Lorient and 10-man Troyes drew 1-1 with Armand Lauriente cancelling out Yoann Touzghars opener to claim a point for the home side, while Ludovic Blas and substitute Romain Hamouma were on target as Nantes and St Etienne took a point apiece.

In Serie A, Martin Honglas late equaliser banked Verona a point from a thrilling 3-3 draw at Lazio.

The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead inside 14 minutes through Giovanni Simeone and Kevin Lasagna, and although the hosts were level before the half-hour mark thanks to Jovane Cabral and Felipe Anderson and went ahead through substitute Pedro, Martin Honglas 76th-minute goal meant it finished all square.

Alfred Duncan and Nicolas Gonzalez from the penalty spot scored in stoppage time at the end of both halves to ensure Juventus season ended in disappointing fashion with a 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina.

Musa Barrows 66th-minute goal was enough to earn Bologna victory at relegated Genoa, while Substitute Leo Stulac fired Empoli to a 1-0 win at Atalanta.

In LaLiga, Maximiliano Gomezs first-half strike and Nestor Araujos own goal after the break secured a 2-0 home victory for Valencia over Celta Vigo which lifted them into ninth place.

Nine-man Red Bull Leipzig staged a remarkable fightback to win the German DFB Cup final on penalties.

Maximilian Eggestein had given Freiburg a 19th-minute lead before Leipzig were reduced to 10 men when Marcel Halstenberg was sent off, but they levelled through Christopher Nkunku to take it to extra time and although Kevin Kampl was also dismissed, prevailed 4-2 on penalties.

A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'




Alyona Mazurenko  Saturday, 21 May 2022, 22:30

Petro Andriushchenko, Advisor to Mariupols Mayor, said that Russian occupiers are changing over the command of the filtration camps and checkpoints on the outskirts of Mariupol.

Source: Petro Andriushchenko on Telegram

Quote from Andriushchenko: "Our sources in the city say that there is a change over of the occupation forces at the checkpoints and filtration points on the way from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia.

Collaborators and representatives of the so-called peoples militia of the DPR [the self-declared Donetsk Peoples Republic - ed.] are replaced with members of the Russian Guard and Kadyrovites."

Background:



Two Democrats are running for the position of District 5 Lee County Commissioner in the 2022 primary election on May 24: Incumbent Richard LaGrand Sr. and John Andrew Harris. There are no candidates running for the seat in the Democratic primary.

Richard LaGrand Sr. (I)

LaGrand, 67, has lived and worked in Lee County for more than three decades and was elected as the Lee County Commissioner of District 5 in 2018.

During his time in office, a tornado struck the Beauregard community killing 23 people, and LaGrand worked with Samaritans Purse to establish search and rescue operations and was involved in approving numerous building permits to rebuild destroyed homes.

He listed other highlights as funding the development of Loachapoka Community Park, paving several roads in Lee County, renovating the Lee County Courthouse, expanding the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and establishing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in Lee County.

LaGrand has been the morning show host of Hallelujah 1520 AM for 35 years, has been an employee at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center for 34 years, and served five years as a house parent for foster children at Lee County Youth Development Center.

As a volunteer, he served as President of the East Alabama Services for the Elderly Board, works regularly with Covington Recreation Center, worked closely with the Lee County Youth Development Center and works with programs that help seniors, specifically those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.

LaGrand said serving as commissioner has been an amazing experience, and if reelected he plans to improve transportation and broadband, support seniors and fight trash and littering in the community.

He points out that the next elected commissioner will be making decisions on how to allocate $32 million worth of funds from the American Rescue Plan.

He said he would like for some of the money to go towards paving more roads, programs for seniors and affordable housing.

I believe Im the best candidate and Ive got a vision for the future, LaGrand said.

John Andrew Harris

Harris, 71, was born in Opelika and has worked as a public servant and public official most of his life.

Hes served on the Opelika City Council for eight years, worked in the child nutrition program in a school system for 34 years and owned a grocery store in Opelika for 15 years.

Harris is currently the chairman of political action for the NAACP for the state of Alabama and has recently partnered with Harvest Time Food ministry to help create food banks and food distribution centers in the areas of Opelika and Roanoke. Harris also has a consulting business, J.E. Harris Inc.

He said he was elected as an Opelika City Councilman in 1986 and was the first of two African-Americans in the position. He served until 1994, when he was elected to be the District 5 Lee County Commissioner.

Harris served as commissioner for 24 years unopposed from 1994 until 2018. He said he decided to run for the position after receiving calls from citizens who asked him to run again.

They said they dont have a voice to speak out for the community on different concerns, Harris said. I was the type of person that cared about the community, talked to the people and formed a bond with them.

If elected, Harris plans to focus on infrastructure, education, transportation, voting rights and workforce and economic development. He wants to bring more jobs to the area and have more opportunities to keep people in the community.

Harris said he will also make sure the Loachapoka area is not left behind or ignored.

I want to thank the people of Lee County for their outpouring of support and for calling, Harris said. That means a lot to me.
Two Democrats are running for the position of District 5 Lee County Commissioner in the 2022 primary election on May 24: Incumbent Richard LaGrand Sr. and John Andrew Harris. There are no candidates running for the seat in the Democratic primary.

Richard LaGrand Sr. (I)

LaGrand, 67, has lived and worked in Lee County for more than three decades and was elected as the Lee County Commissioner of District 5 in 2018.

During his time in office, a tornado struck the Beauregard community killing 23 people, and LaGrand worked with Samaritans Purse to establish search and rescue operations and was involved in approving numerous building permits to rebuild destroyed homes.

He listed other highlights as funding the development of Loachapoka Community Park, paving several roads in Lee County, renovating the Lee County Courthouse, expanding the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and establishing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in Lee County.

LaGrand has been the morning show host of Hallelujah 1520 AM for 35 years, has been an employee at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center for 34 years, and served five years as a house parent for foster children at Lee County Youth Development Center.

As a volunteer, he served as President of the East Alabama Services for the Elderly Board, works regularly with Covington Recreation Center, worked closely with the Lee County Youth Development Center and works with programs that help seniors, specifically those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.

LaGrand said serving as commissioner has been an amazing experience, and if reelected he plans to improve transportation and broadband, support seniors and fight trash and littering in the community.

He points out that the next elected commissioner will be making decisions on how to allocate $32 million worth of funds from the American Rescue Plan.

He said he would like for some of the money to go towards paving more roads, programs for seniors and affordable housing.

I believe Im the best candidate and Ive got a vision for the future, LaGrand said.

John Andrew Harris

Harris, 71, was born in Opelika and has worked as a public servant and public official most of his life.

Hes served on the Opelika City Council for eight years, worked in the child nutrition program in a school system for 34 years and owned a grocery store in Opelika for 15 years.

Harris is currently the chairman of political action for the NAACP for the state of Alabama and has recently partnered with Harvest Time Food ministry to help create food banks and food distribution centers in the areas of Opelika and Roanoke. Harris also has a consulting business, J.E. Harris Inc.

He said he was elected as an Opelika City Councilman in 1986 and was the first of two African-Americans in the position. He served until 1994, when he was elected to be the District 5 Lee County Commissioner.

Harris served as commissioner for 24 years unopposed from 1994 until 2018. He said he decided to run for the position after receiving calls from citizens who asked him to run again.

They said they dont have a voice to speak out for the community on different concerns, Harris said. I was the type of person that cared about the community, talked to the people and formed a bond with them.

If elected, Harris plans to focus on infrastructure, education, transportation, voting rights and workforce and economic development. He wants to bring more jobs to the area and have more opportunities to keep people in the community.

Harris said he will also make sure the Loachapoka area is not left behind or ignored.

I want to thank the people of Lee County for their outpouring of support and for calling, Harris said. That means a lot to me.

A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'





WARSON WOODS  Nine months after the first Afghan refugees arrived in St. Louis, dozens of families gathered Saturday to celebrate new homes, new jobs and new friends.

The days storms pushed the picnic indoors, to the gymnasium at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church in Warson Woods. Ann Wittman, a volunteer with Welcome Neighbor STL, raised her voice above the din of conversations, mostly in Pashto, to greet the crowd.

Now is the time to take a breath and say thank you, God for our blessings, Wittman told them.

The International Institute of St. Louis announced this month that it had placed almost 600 Afghans in permanent housing, the first of many hurdles the refugees face as they restart their lives in a strange country.

The International Institute provides help for the first 90 days. Wittmans organization, along with the Christian Friends of New Americans and Oasis International, have been picking up the mantle, providing necessities like clothing, home goods and car repairs.

A month ago, representatives from those agencies formed HumanKind STL, to focus exclusively on fundraising.

This just came about because of the urgent need, said Wittman, who lives in Ellisville. It was so unprecedented to have hundreds of families arrive overnight.

Sardar Khanmomand came to St. Louis in early March. Ten days before the picnic, the 19-year-old and his eight younger siblings moved out of a hotel room and into a house with their parents.

Khanmomand applied for a job on the night shift so he can study during the day. But he doesnt have a car and is wary of walking to work in the dark.

Right now, life is hard, he said.

Many of the refugees, who tend to have families nearly as big as the Khanmomands, lack transportation. Few speak English. Degrees they earned at home dont translate here. Its as though years of their lives have been erased.

Ihsanullah Ihsans arrival in St. Louis felt almost as chaotic as his life was before he left Afghanistan. His family of 11 moved into a house, then quickly moved out when a bullet came through a window while two of his daughters were playing. They lost their deposit and had to scramble to pay for a hotel.

But their situation is beginning to stabilize. A few weeks ago, they found another place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. The Ihsan children attend Nahed Chapman, a school for immigrant students. They love it.

Seeing my kids go to school is a good thing, he said through a translator. Education in America is good.

Four days ago, Ihsan started a job at a pizzeria in Jennings. He earned his drivers permit. Now, he needs a vehicle.

Its really, really hard without a car, he said.

Transportation is an almost universal hardship among the Afghan families. But they also need washers and dryers, assistance with medical care and guidance navigating the school system.

Haroon Safi of south St. Louis can empathize. He moved to the city in 2014, one of just a few Afghan immigrants living here at the time.

Things get settled gradually and slowly, Safi said. He and his 14-year-old son, Ahmad, bounced around Saturday, translating conversations between Afghans and Americans.

Some of the afternoons activities needed no interpretation: Kids shot baskets and showboated with glittery hula hoops. Moms piled plates high with pasta salad and homemade cookies. And bags were filled with donated shoes, toys and games.

The picnic is a beginning and not an end, Wittman, the Welcome Neighbor STL volunteer, told the group in English, with Safi echoing her in Pashto.

Were not going anywhere, she said.

For more information on HumanKind STL, email humankindstl@gmail.com.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
South Carolina could add a parental bill of rights to its state constitution in 2024.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson told those attending the Aiken County Republican Rally in The Alley Saturday morning that his office is working on a parental bill of rights that would go into the state constitution if an amendment adding it is approved by voters in the 2024 general election.

He said the amendment would protect the rights of parents to have notice and consent and transparency with teachers and school administrators.

In South Carolina, the constitution is usually amended after voters cast their ballots to approve an item placed on their ballots by the South Carolina General Assembly prior to the election.

If the parental bill of rights follows a similar pattern, a bill adding the amendment to 2024 ballots would need to be approved by the South Carolina General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.

As such, the fate of such a bill would depend on the state continuing to have Republican supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly and a governor receptive to the idea.

Bills establishing a parental bill of rights in law but not into the state constitution were filed in the Senate and House in late 2021. The Senate bill was filed by S.C. Sen. Dwight Loftis, R-Greenville, and referred to the Family and Veterans Service Committee. The House bill was filed by S.C. Rep. R.J. May, R-Lexington, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Neither bill moved forward in those committees.

Wilson was one of several statewide officials facing primary challengers to speak at the Rally in The Alley event Saturday morning. Others included Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Secretary of State Mark Hammond and Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.

Attorney General candidate Lauren Martel, gubernatorial candidate Harrison "Trucker Bob" Musselwhite, secretary of state candidate Keith Blandford and agriculture commissioner candidates Bob Rozier and Bill Bledsoe also spoke at the event before noon.

Bledsoe was asked to stop speaking around five minutes into a speech making several as of yet unfounded allegations about the Chinese government that didn't appear to have anything to do with his campaign for agriculture commissioner.

State superintendent of education candidates Ellen Weaver and Bryan Chapman and Musselwhite's running mate, Zoe Warren, were expected to speak in the afternoon.

S.C. Rep. Bart Blackwell, R-Aiken, and his primary opponent, Betsy Lamb, and several county council candidates also spoke at the event.

Congressman Joe Wilson, S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, and S.C. Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken also spoke at the event but do not face primary opponents and will not be on the June 14 primary ballot.

Wilson faces Democrat Judd Larkins in the Nov. 8 general election.

Young was reelected to a four-year term in 2020 and will not be on the ballot in November. He said during his speech that he would be running for reelection in 2024.

Taylor will be on the Nov. 8 ballot but does not face opposition to retain the seat he holds.

Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California? Should it always be a full-day program like first grade? These questions are at the heart of two newly introduced bills that could significantly shift the early education landscape in California if they eventually become law.

In a state with almost 3 million children under age 5, many advocates laud this proposed expansion of kindergarten as a way to champion early education, but some parents and experts are conflicted about how the kindergarten experience may change.

State Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, has spearheaded a bill to make kindergarten mandatory while Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. While both types of proposals have been broached before, if these pieces of legislation pass this time around, they may reimagine the scope of kindergarten in California.

"Both these issues have been in need of reform for a long time," said Scott Moore, head of Kidango, a nonprofit organization that runs many Bay Area child care centers. "Our understanding of just how important the early years are no longer jibes with a policy established when we thought children did not begin to learn until they turned 5."

Making kindergarten mandatory may help close the state's widening achievement gaps, some advocates say, because some children who skip kindergarten may have a hard time catching up with their peers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Senate Bill 70, which would require all students to complete a year in kindergarten before entering first grade, passed the Senate in January before heading to the Assembly.

"While the vast majority of children already go to kindergarten, why should it be the only grade that is optional?" said Moore. "It's time to stop treating kindergarten as the lesser grade, and instead, state policy needs to reflect the reality: It's a critical part of a child's success in school and life."

Children from low-income families often start school with fewer academic skills than their more affluent peers, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Rubio, who spent 17 years as a public school teacher and principal, learned this firsthand.

Kindergarten is not compulsory in California and most other states, although it is required in 19 states, according to the Education Commission of the States, a research group that tracks education policy. Children in California are required to enroll in school at age 6, but only about 5% to 7% of students do not enroll in kindergarten, according to the California Kindergarten Association, in an average year.

"Parents, and sometimes even teachers, are shocked when we tell them that kindergarten is not currently mandatory in California," said Gennie Gorback, president of the California Kindergarten Association. "Most people already see kindergarten as an important step in a child's educational journey."

However, there are also those who question the need for a new government mandate focused on early education. When a similar mandatory kindergarten bill passed the Legislature in 2014, it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown, who invoked the importance of parental choice.

"I would prefer to let parents determine what is best for their children," he said.

That's precisely how Amie Zheng, a Menlo Park mother of two, feels. She kept her son out of preschool during the worst of the pandemic out of caution. A stay-at-home mom, she feels parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children.

"I think it's always good to have a choice. Different families have different situations," Zheng said. "Kids are so different too. Maybe some kids are just not ready to go to school that early. If one decided to keep their kid home a little longer, that's totally understandable."

Mandating full-day kindergarten is also generating myriad reactions from parents and teachers. Currently, school districts may offer full or part-day programs as they see fit, but full-day programs are the norm. Roughly 22% of schools only offer part-day programs, according to 2021-22 data from the California Department of Education.

Under Assembly Bill 1973, school districts would be required to offer full-day kindergarten at all high-need schools by 2027-28 and to all students by the 2030-31 school year. Schools would be able to offer part-day kindergarten in addition to the full-day program. A recent department survey found that part-day programs average 3.5 hours per day, while full-day programs average 5.6 hours per day.

"When it comes to early education, more is more," said Moore. "Studies have confirmed what many educators and parents intuit: If it works for three hours a day, it works even better for six or more hours a day. And most important, most families need and want full-day."

Many experts and advocates agree that a full-day program makes more sense for working families who need school for child care as well as academics.

"It is much more reflective of family needs," said Beth Graue, director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. "In an era where fewer and fewer parents stay home and children have been to preschool and day care, half-day kindergarten is a burden on working families."

However, part-time kindergarten is considered optimal by some families, particularly those who believe a shorter school day is more developmentally appropriate for young children. A Legislative Analyst's Office report noted that meeting parent and teacher preferences was a key reason that some schools choose the part-time option.

It should be noted that elementary schools in poorer communities are far more likely to operate full-day programs than schools located in economically better-off neighborhoods, research shows. Since child care is generally quite costly, only privileged families can afford to hire nannies, for instance, or arrange for a stay-at-home parent in a high-cost-of-living state.

Meanwhile, some teachers support making kindergarten mandatory and full-time largely because they believe the standards are now too rigorous. Since they can't rejigger the standards, at least they can give children a leg up to meet them.

"The compression of the kindergarten curriculum in the past 20 years created a critical need to implement these changes," said Randall Freeman, a retired kindergarten teacher with a doctorate in early childhood education.

Some teachers believe that small children learn best through play, as much research suggests, but that academics tends to dominate today's curriculum.

"As a result of standards, what I had taught in first grade, I had to teach in kindergarten," said Freeman. "All research about how young children learn through play was discarded in favor of nothing but academics. Kindergarten students at age 5 were required to be reading by the end of the year. A year younger and less time in the day has resulted in a proper mess."

Many experts agree that play is the secret sauce when trying to make learning fun. That's also a key reason many support full-day kindergarten. A longer day allows more time for play at school.

"When curriculum is developmentally appropriate, full-day is great support for children's development," said Graue. "It should provide more time for play, and it is much more reflective of family needs."
Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese will begin their final days of campaigning in Melbourne before voting in Sydney, as the leaders bid to win last-ditch votes ahead of the close of polls on Saturday night.

The marginal Victorian seat of Chisholm, held by Liberal MP Gladys Liu, is in Labors sights, while the Coalition is trying to win Corangamite from Labors Libby Coker. Both leaders dashed across states on Friday as they tried to cover as much ground as they could into seats they hoped to win.

Scott and Jenny Morrison campaigning in Perth. Credit:James Brickwood

After six weeks of campaigning, neither side has expressed much confidence they will win the required seats for a majority government. Labor is ahead in the published opinion polls, but the experience of the shock loss in 2019 has made the party cautious.

One Tasmanian Liberal, who asked not to be named so they could discuss the Coalitions election prospects, said there was a genuine possibility the government could lose the seats of Bass and Braddon and fall short of winning Lyons from Labor.



South Carolina could add a parental bill of rights to its state constitution in 2024.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson told those attending the Aiken County Republican Rally in The Alley Saturday morning that his office is working on a parental bill of rights that would go into the state constitution if an amendment adding it is approved by voters in the 2024 general election.

He said the amendment would protect the rights of parents to have notice and consent and transparency with teachers and school administrators.

In South Carolina, the constitution is usually amended after voters cast their ballots to approve an item placed on their ballots by the South Carolina General Assembly prior to the election.

If the parental bill of rights follows a similar pattern, a bill adding the amendment to 2024 ballots would need to be approved by the South Carolina General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.

As such, the fate of such a bill would depend on the state continuing to have Republican supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly and a governor receptive to the idea.

Bills establishing a parental bill of rights in law but not into the state constitution were filed in the Senate and House in late 2021. The Senate bill was filed by S.C. Sen. Dwight Loftis, R-Greenville, and referred to the Family and Veterans Service Committee. The House bill was filed by S.C. Rep. R.J. May, R-Lexington, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Neither bill moved forward in those committees.

Wilson was one of several statewide officials facing primary challengers to speak at the Rally in The Alley event Saturday morning. Others included Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Secretary of State Mark Hammond and Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.

Attorney General candidate Lauren Martel, gubernatorial candidate Harrison "Trucker Bob" Musselwhite, secretary of state candidate Keith Blandford and agriculture commissioner candidates Bob Rozier and Bill Bledsoe also spoke at the event before noon.

Bledsoe was asked to stop speaking around five minutes into a speech making several as of yet unfounded allegations about the Chinese government that didn't appear to have anything to do with his campaign for agriculture commissioner.

State superintendent of education candidates Ellen Weaver and Bryan Chapman and Musselwhite's running mate, Zoe Warren, were expected to speak in the afternoon.

S.C. Rep. Bart Blackwell, R-Aiken, and his primary opponent, Betsy Lamb, and several county council candidates also spoke at the event.

Congressman Joe Wilson, S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, and S.C. Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken also spoke at the event but do not face primary opponents and will not be on the June 14 primary ballot.

Wilson faces Democrat Judd Larkins in the Nov. 8 general election.

Young was reelected to a four-year term in 2020 and will not be on the ballot in November. He said during his speech that he would be running for reelection in 2024.

Taylor will be on the Nov. 8 ballot but does not face opposition to retain the seat he holds.






Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement


The team at Ballance Agri-Nutrients celebrated the opening of their newly extended and renovated building in Mount Maunganui on Friday and planted a time capsule.

After two years and an investment of approximately $5 million the new wing and renovated offices are now complete.

An integral part of the event was the burying of a time capsule to be opened in 2072.

Over 70 items were included from staff uniform, photos, utility bills, company publications, newspapers, a Covid information pack, product samples, to name a few, as well as a list of predictions for what the world will be like when the time capsule is opened.

I can only imagine the humour in 50 years time when the Ballance team open and read our stories and see the examples of innovation and reflect on how far they have come, says Balance CEO Mark Wynne.

We are a proud co-operative collectively owned by 17,000 farming and growing families throughout New Zealand.

Balance Chair Duncal Coull says Farmers and growers have intergenerational businesses.

To be able to walk alongside them, we need to build resilience in our network.

This intergenerational investment to future-proof our home in Mount Maunganui is a small snapshot of our overall network investment.

Through-out New Zealand we are investing in smart technology and future-proofing our assets to ensure New Zealands primary sector continues to be the backbone of our economy.

Buildings are just buildings, they have no feelings, its our people that create the atmosphere and culture. The Ballance team will continue to focus on innovation, creating more sustainable nutrient solutions, and in the case of this building, a more sustainable work environment, says Duncan.

Our values of caring for the land and people of New Zealand are evident through-out the building, from the 100% wool carpet, to the trees that were sourced from all over New Zealand and the use of recycled materials wherever possible, says Mark.

The vibrant interior reflects Ballances aspiration to provide their team with a welcoming, contemporary and bright workspace.

The design team drew inspiration from the Ballance brand and New Zealand native plants and products. The tables, chairs and furniture coverings are all made from recycled materials, and the coffee table in reception is a re-purposed milk shed trolley.

Everything you see, and touch reflects the natural environment, Ballance and New Zealand farmers and growers, says Duncan.

At the opening a Mighty Totara tree was planted by staff. The Totara can live for one thousand years, signifying strength and longevity. New Zealands story is often told through Totara, as it is at the heart of Maori carving and culture. The durability of the timber is why it was used as fence posts.

The Totara was donated by Turning Point Trust a mental health and wellbeing agency based at the Historic Village (17th Ave, Tauranga). Turning Point offers vocational work streams, one of which is a Horticulture group.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern

Jenny Wan-Chen Lo, from Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, left, comforts Sunny Chen at a news conference held at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Chen is one of the survivors of the shooting that took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Local leaders gathered Saturday to express support for the Taiwanese congregation of a Laguna Woods church that was recently targeted by a gunman who killed one parishioner and wounded five others in what authorities have characterized as a "politically motivated hate incident."

Richard Lin, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, was among those who condemned the attack at Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Orange County. Lin, speaking at a news conference in the church parking lot, said that the Taiwanese people have "a strong belief that we have differences, but we share a common future."

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Sunday shooting at the Taiwanese church, which rents space at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods.

Chou, a U.S. citizen who was born in Taiwan, apparently had a grievance with the Taiwanese community, police said. According to Taiwanese media, Chou had ties to a mainland Chinese-backed organization opposed to Taiwans independence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chous hatred toward the island, documented in handwritten notes recovered by authorities, appears to have begun when he felt he wasnt treated well while living there. A former neighbor said that Chous life unraveled after his wife left him and that his mental health had been in decline.

John Cheng, a 52-year-old doctor, died from gunshot wounds that he suffered when he tackled the gunman. His actions, which allowed other parishioners to subdue and disarm the shooter, likely saved many lives, authorities said. Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were shot and wounded. Four of them sustained critical injuries.

The Rev. Albany Lee, the church's pastor, said Saturday that he had met Cheng just once. He was visiting Cheng's mother, who had recently lost her husband, when he met the doctor. "I can still vividly see him in front of me now," Lee said. Armed security guards and sheriff's deputies stood on the fringes of the crowd.

Cheng, Lee said, "followed Christ's teaching to the end." The church's congregants "hardly knew him, but he gave his life to the people around him," Lee said. Dozens of people were inside the church when the shooting began and some of the survivors attended Saturday's news conference.

Flowers were piled in front of the church's sign on El Toro Road. Someone had placed a photograph of Cheng near the flowers; written beneath it was the word "Hero."

The Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church plans to hold a service Sunday that will be open to the public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
President Biden on Saturday signed a new $40 billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as the country braced for a drawn-out war of attrition in its eastern regions, vowing that it would not stop fighting until all Russian forces were expelled.

Yet on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine acknowledged that ultimately the conflict would require a diplomatic solution, raising questions about exactly what that would mean.

Mr. Zelensky said that Russia had thwarted an initial attempt to end the war through dialogue and that now the conflict was very difficult. Speaking on the third anniversary of his inauguration as president, he said that the war will be bloody but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

Despite a recent string of setbacks and a shortage of manpower and equipment, Russia pressed ahead with its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, and with its propaganda offensive at home, hours after claiming to have achieved complete control of the port city of Mariupol, in what would be its most significant gain since the war started.
President Biden on Saturday signed a new $40 billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as the country braced for a drawn-out war of attrition in its eastern regions, vowing that it would not stop fighting until all Russian forces were expelled.

Yet on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine acknowledged that ultimately the conflict would require a diplomatic solution, raising questions about exactly what that would mean.

Mr. Zelensky said that Russia had thwarted an initial attempt to end the war through dialogue and that now the conflict was very difficult. Speaking on the third anniversary of his inauguration as president, he said that the war will be bloody but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

Despite a recent string of setbacks and a shortage of manpower and equipment, Russia pressed ahead with its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, and with its propaganda offensive at home, hours after claiming to have achieved complete control of the port city of Mariupol, in what would be its most significant gain since the war started.
President Biden on Saturday signed a new $40 billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as the country braced for a drawn-out war of attrition in its eastern regions, vowing that it would not stop fighting until all Russian forces were expelled.

Yet on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine acknowledged that ultimately the conflict would require a diplomatic solution, raising questions about exactly what that would mean.

Mr. Zelensky said that Russia had thwarted an initial attempt to end the war through dialogue and that now the conflict was very difficult. Speaking on the third anniversary of his inauguration as president, he said that the war will be bloody but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

Despite a recent string of setbacks and a shortage of manpower and equipment, Russia pressed ahead with its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, and with its propaganda offensive at home, hours after claiming to have achieved complete control of the port city of Mariupol, in what would be its most significant gain since the war started.
President Biden on Saturday signed a new $40 billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as the country braced for a drawn-out war of attrition in its eastern regions, vowing that it would not stop fighting until all Russian forces were expelled.

Yet on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine acknowledged that ultimately the conflict would require a diplomatic solution, raising questions about exactly what that would mean.

Mr. Zelensky said that Russia had thwarted an initial attempt to end the war through dialogue and that now the conflict was very difficult. Speaking on the third anniversary of his inauguration as president, he said that the war will be bloody but the end will definitely be in diplomacy.

Despite a recent string of setbacks and a shortage of manpower and equipment, Russia pressed ahead with its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, and with its propaganda offensive at home, hours after claiming to have achieved complete control of the port city of Mariupol, in what would be its most significant gain since the war started.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.

In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, Vivek Kumar was appointed as the Personal Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Joint Secretary level on Saturday.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal for the appointment of Vivek Kumar as PS to Modi.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Vivek Kumar, IFS (2004) as PS to Prime Minister at the Joint Secretary level in the Prime Minister's Office with pay at level 14 of the pay matrix," said a release from the Department of Personnel and Training.

Vivek Kumar is an IFS officer of 2004 batch, who joined the Prime Minister's Office as a Deputy Secretary in 2014.

He completed his B.Tech in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and has served in diplomatic positions in Russia and Australia.
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer, Vivek Kumar was appointed as the Personal Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Joint Secretary level on Saturday.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal for the appointment of Vivek Kumar as PS to Modi.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Vivek Kumar, IFS (2004) as PS to Prime Minister at the Joint Secretary level in the Prime Minister's Office with pay at level 14 of the pay matrix," said a release from the Department of Personnel and Training.

Vivek Kumar is an IFS officer of 2004 batch, who joined the Prime Minister's Office as a Deputy Secretary in 2014.

He completed his B.Tech in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and has served in diplomatic positions in Russia and Australia.


Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne




In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.




TEHRAN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Omani capital Muscat on Monday to discuss bilateral economic, political and cultural relations, the Iranian president's website said in a statement on Saturday.

Raisi is scheduled to meet the sultan of Oman, sign cooperation documents, and meet Iranians residing in the Arab state as well as Omani traders and businessmen during the one-day visit, according to the statement.

The visit will be Raisi's first trip to Oman after taking office in August 2021 as Iranian president.

Before Raisi's visit, a delegation comprising 50 Iranian traders and businessmen visited Oman to lay the groundwork for the strengthening of bilateral economic and trade relations.

Since taking office, Raisi has constantly highlighted the need for enhancing trade and economic cooperation with Arab neighbors. 




In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne

Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne
Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne
Former President Donald Trump speaks during the American Freedom Tour at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, on May 14, 2022. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Trump Asks Where Do I Get My Reputation Back? After Revealing Testimony From Clinton Campaign Manager

Former President Donald Trump called the Russia probe against him one of the greatest political scandals in history after May 20 court testimony revealed that Hillary Clinton had given the approval to disseminate the claims linking him to a Russian bank.

This is one of the greatest political scandals in history, Trump told Fox News on May 21. For three years, I had to fight her off, and fight those crooked people off, and youll never get your reputation fully back.

Where do I get my reputation back?

Trump said the resources poured into finding whether he and members of his campaign had worked with Russia to meddle with the 2016 election had diverted attention on what could have been a real danger with Russia.

Robby Mook, Clintons former campaign manager, told a federal court on May 20 that he was first briefed about the allegations of a purported secret back channel between Trumps business and Russias Alfa Bank by the Clinton campaigns top lawyer, Marc Elias.

The campaign didnt immediately act on the allegations for fear that they werent credible, Mook said, noting that the campaign officials lacked the subject matter expertise to assess the claims. When the group decided to share the information with the media, he ran the decision by Clinton.

We told her we have this, and we want to share it with a reporter. She agreed to that, he said.

He said he couldnt remember when Clinton gave the green light, saying that all I can remember is she agreed with the decision. She thought we made the right decision.

Robby Mook, campaign manager for Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaks aboard the campaign plane while traveling to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 28, 2016. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Despite not being totally confident in the allegations, the campaign staffer later passed the information to a reporter, who they expected would vet it.

Our hope was they were going to run it down, that it would be substantive and accurate, Mook said.

Slate published a story on Oct. 31, 2016, and Clinton highlighted it in a post on Twitter later that evening.

Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank, she wrote.

Michael Sussmann, a former Clinton campaign attorney, had separately handed over a thumb drive and white papers supporting the TrumpRussia allegations to the FBI.

Former FBI General Counsel James Baker, a central player in the Russia investigations, said he would have acted differently if he had known Trumps opponent was behind the claims. He said he likely wouldnt have met with Sussmann if he had known he was acting on behalf of the Clinton campaign.

It would have raised very serious questions, certainly, about the credibility of the source and the veracity of the information, Baker, whos now working as Twitters deputy general counsel, said in federal court testimony on May 19. It would also have raised a substantial concern in my mind about whether we were going to be played.

Sussmann has been accused of lying to the FBI by telling Baker he wasnt working for any client when he presented the allegations to the agency. Both Elias and Mook said Sussmann acted without obtaining the campaigns prior permission.

Asked if Clinton had approved Sussmanns meeting with the FBI, Mook replied that he was not aware.

I dont know why she would do so, he said when questioned a second time.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
The team at Ballance Agri-Nutrients celebrated the opening of their newly extended and renovated building in Mount Maunganui on Friday and planted a time capsule.

After two years and an investment of approximately $5 million the new wing and renovated offices are now complete.

An integral part of the event was the burying of a time capsule to be opened in 2072.

Over 70 items were included from staff uniform, photos, utility bills, company publications, newspapers, a Covid information pack, product samples, to name a few, as well as a list of predictions for what the world will be like when the time capsule is opened.

I can only imagine the humour in 50 years time when the Ballance team open and read our stories and see the examples of innovation and reflect on how far they have come, says Balance CEO Mark Wynne.

We are a proud co-operative collectively owned by 17,000 farming and growing families throughout New Zealand.

Balance Chair Duncal Coull says Farmers and growers have intergenerational businesses.

To be able to walk alongside them, we need to build resilience in our network.

This intergenerational investment to future-proof our home in Mount Maunganui is a small snapshot of our overall network investment.

Through-out New Zealand we are investing in smart technology and future-proofing our assets to ensure New Zealands primary sector continues to be the backbone of our economy.

Buildings are just buildings, they have no feelings, its our people that create the atmosphere and culture. The Ballance team will continue to focus on innovation, creating more sustainable nutrient solutions, and in the case of this building, a more sustainable work environment, says Duncan.

Our values of caring for the land and people of New Zealand are evident through-out the building, from the 100% wool carpet, to the trees that were sourced from all over New Zealand and the use of recycled materials wherever possible, says Mark.

The vibrant interior reflects Ballances aspiration to provide their team with a welcoming, contemporary and bright workspace.

The design team drew inspiration from the Ballance brand and New Zealand native plants and products. The tables, chairs and furniture coverings are all made from recycled materials, and the coffee table in reception is a re-purposed milk shed trolley.

Everything you see, and touch reflects the natural environment, Ballance and New Zealand farmers and growers, says Duncan.

At the opening a Mighty Totara tree was planted by staff. The Totara can live for one thousand years, signifying strength and longevity. New Zealands story is often told through Totara, as it is at the heart of Maori carving and culture. The durability of the timber is why it was used as fence posts.

The Totara was donated by Turning Point Trust a mental health and wellbeing agency based at the Historic Village (17th Ave, Tauranga). Turning Point offers vocational work streams, one of which is a Horticulture group.
The team at Ballance Agri-Nutrients celebrated the opening of their newly extended and renovated building in Mount Maunganui on Friday and planted a time capsule.

After two years and an investment of approximately $5 million the new wing and renovated offices are now complete.

An integral part of the event was the burying of a time capsule to be opened in 2072.

Over 70 items were included from staff uniform, photos, utility bills, company publications, newspapers, a Covid information pack, product samples, to name a few, as well as a list of predictions for what the world will be like when the time capsule is opened.

I can only imagine the humour in 50 years time when the Ballance team open and read our stories and see the examples of innovation and reflect on how far they have come, says Balance CEO Mark Wynne.

We are a proud co-operative collectively owned by 17,000 farming and growing families throughout New Zealand.

Balance Chair Duncal Coull says Farmers and growers have intergenerational businesses.

To be able to walk alongside them, we need to build resilience in our network.

This intergenerational investment to future-proof our home in Mount Maunganui is a small snapshot of our overall network investment.

Through-out New Zealand we are investing in smart technology and future-proofing our assets to ensure New Zealands primary sector continues to be the backbone of our economy.

Buildings are just buildings, they have no feelings, its our people that create the atmosphere and culture. The Ballance team will continue to focus on innovation, creating more sustainable nutrient solutions, and in the case of this building, a more sustainable work environment, says Duncan.

Our values of caring for the land and people of New Zealand are evident through-out the building, from the 100% wool carpet, to the trees that were sourced from all over New Zealand and the use of recycled materials wherever possible, says Mark.

The vibrant interior reflects Ballances aspiration to provide their team with a welcoming, contemporary and bright workspace.

The design team drew inspiration from the Ballance brand and New Zealand native plants and products. The tables, chairs and furniture coverings are all made from recycled materials, and the coffee table in reception is a re-purposed milk shed trolley.

Everything you see, and touch reflects the natural environment, Ballance and New Zealand farmers and growers, says Duncan.

At the opening a Mighty Totara tree was planted by staff. The Totara can live for one thousand years, signifying strength and longevity. New Zealands story is often told through Totara, as it is at the heart of Maori carving and culture. The durability of the timber is why it was used as fence posts.

The Totara was donated by Turning Point Trust a mental health and wellbeing agency based at the Historic Village (17th Ave, Tauranga). Turning Point offers vocational work streams, one of which is a Horticulture group.
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans voted Saturday not to endorse anyone for governor ahead of the GOP primary in August, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch falling just short of the 60% needed to get the nod  and cash  that comes with winning the party's official backing.

It marked the first time delegates have not endorsed a candidate for governor. Many activists, and one of Kleefisch's rivals, had argued for not endorsing anyone, saying it would fracture the party.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will advance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, in a race thats a top priority for both parties nationally. In addition to Kleefisch, who polls have shown is leading the field, other candidates are construction business co-owner Tim Michels; business consultant and former Marine Kevin Nicholson; and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun.

The Republican endorsement has been highly sought after because it unlocks funding from the state party, which can then spend as much as it wants on the winner. Now the top candidates will fight it out without any official backing from the party.

Kleefisch got 55%, while no endorsement got 43% on the final ballot. The other candidates were all in the single digits.

After the vote, Kleefisch declared victory, saying she feels terrific with getting majority support despite falling short of what was needed for the endorsement.

Kleefisch, the only woman running for governor, served eight years under former Gov. Scott Walker between 2011 and 2019.

She described herself at the annual convention outside of Madison as a tea party mom and highlighted her victory in a 2011 recall election and her opposition to abortion.

Now Im not a biologist. Kleefisch said. But I am a woman and I will not let a man like Tony Evers tell me how Im supposed to feel about Roe. I will win this because I can speak with a mothers heart.

She portrayed herself as a fighter, opposed to vaccine mandates, in support of school choice and the only candidate tested against the liberal mob, referring to protesters who demonstrated against Walkers ending of collective bargaining for most public workers.

Michels, the most recent candidate to get in the race, dismissed attacks against him for living out of state part-time for years, calling them garbage and political smear.

I am in this to win, but I am not here to tear down this convention or any other candidate for governor, Michels said. He didnt directly ask for an endorsement, saying he wanted attendees votes in August and November.

Nicholson, a former Marine, advocated for no endorsement, but he kept his name in consideration.

I want Republicans to win and we cant do that if our party is fractured, he said. An endorsement today does not put us in a position of strength.

Delegates approved a rule change earlier Saturday that allowed for the no endorsement option.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who supports Kleefisch, downplayed the importance of winning the endorsement, likening it to a straw poll and saying its just one indicator of a candidates strength.

Evers has issued more vetoes than any governor in Wisconsin history in blocking the Republican-controlled Legislatures agenda. A Republican governor would give the GOP the power to enact any laws it wished.

The Republican Party has endorsed candidates since 2009, including the past three governors races. Winning that backing was crucial to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons win in his first race in 2010. Johnson, who is up for reelection this year, focused his speech not on Democrats running against him but instead defending his record and attacking the media.

I cant even breathe without them taking my exhalation and distorting and twisting it, Johnson said of the media. My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.

Divisions within the Republican Party have been a distraction: Some Republicans have called for the ouster of Vos for not pursuing former President Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud vigorously enough and refusing to decertify President Joe Bidens win.

We have no ability to decertify the election and go back, Vos said, generating loud boos from many in the crowd. We need to focus on moving forward.

All of the GOP gubernatorial candidates have questioned the legitimacy of Bidens win in Wisconsin, even though the outcome has withstood recounts, lawsuits, an audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau and a review by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Ramthun, whose campaign for governor is focused on decertifying Bidens win in 2020, told convention attendees that he would personally perform a forensic audit on both the primary and the general election.

Election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, he said to cheers.

Trump hasnt endorsed anyone in the governors race primary, but all of the main candidates except for Nicholson have met with him to try and get his blessing.

Republicans also voted not to endorse in the races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. They did endorse treasurer candidate Orlando Owens, who is running for an office with almost no official duties or powers. Johnson, who has no Republican challenger, was also endorsed.

The state Democratic Party convention will be June 25 in La Crosse. Democrats do not endorse.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during the American Freedom Tour at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, on May 14, 2022. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Trump Asks Where Do I Get My Reputation Back? After Revealing Testimony From Clinton Campaign Manager

Former President Donald Trump called the Russia probe against him one of the greatest political scandals in history after May 20 court testimony revealed that Hillary Clinton had given the approval to disseminate the claims linking him to a Russian bank.

This is one of the greatest political scandals in history, Trump told Fox News on May 21. For three years, I had to fight her off, and fight those crooked people off, and youll never get your reputation fully back.

Where do I get my reputation back?

Trump said the resources poured into finding whether he and members of his campaign had worked with Russia to meddle with the 2016 election had diverted attention on what could have been a real danger with Russia.

Robby Mook, Clintons former campaign manager, told a federal court on May 20 that he was first briefed about the allegations of a purported secret back channel between Trumps business and Russias Alfa Bank by the Clinton campaigns top lawyer, Marc Elias.

The campaign didnt immediately act on the allegations for fear that they werent credible, Mook said, noting that the campaign officials lacked the subject matter expertise to assess the claims. When the group decided to share the information with the media, he ran the decision by Clinton.

We told her we have this, and we want to share it with a reporter. She agreed to that, he said.

He said he couldnt remember when Clinton gave the green light, saying that all I can remember is she agreed with the decision. She thought we made the right decision.

Robby Mook, campaign manager for Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaks aboard the campaign plane while traveling to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 28, 2016. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Despite not being totally confident in the allegations, the campaign staffer later passed the information to a reporter, who they expected would vet it.

Our hope was they were going to run it down, that it would be substantive and accurate, Mook said.

Slate published a story on Oct. 31, 2016, and Clinton highlighted it in a post on Twitter later that evening.

Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank, she wrote.

Michael Sussmann, a former Clinton campaign attorney, had separately handed over a thumb drive and white papers supporting the TrumpRussia allegations to the FBI.

Former FBI General Counsel James Baker, a central player in the Russia investigations, said he would have acted differently if he had known Trumps opponent was behind the claims. He said he likely wouldnt have met with Sussmann if he had known he was acting on behalf of the Clinton campaign.

It would have raised very serious questions, certainly, about the credibility of the source and the veracity of the information, Baker, whos now working as Twitters deputy general counsel, said in federal court testimony on May 19. It would also have raised a substantial concern in my mind about whether we were going to be played.

Sussmann has been accused of lying to the FBI by telling Baker he wasnt working for any client when he presented the allegations to the agency. Both Elias and Mook said Sussmann acted without obtaining the campaigns prior permission.

Asked if Clinton had approved Sussmanns meeting with the FBI, Mook replied that he was not aware.

I dont know why she would do so, he said when questioned a second time.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Donald Trump has responded to court testimony indicating that Hillary Clinton approved disseminating discredited claims that a 'covert server' in Trump Tower communicated with a Russian bank.

'This is one of the greatest political scandals in history,' Trump told Fox News Digital on Saturday, a day after former Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook testified in a Virginia court.

Mook testified that in 2016 Clinton 'agreed' to share the secret server allegations with the media. The claims were later dismissed by the FBI as unfounded.

'Where do I get my reputation back?' asked Trump. 'For three years, I had to fight her off, and fight those crooked people off, and you'll never get your reputation fully back.'

Trump also lashed out at fellow Republicans Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, and his own Attorney General Bill Barr, accusing them of failing to respond more forcefully to the Russian collusion claims.

Donald Trump has responded to court testimony indicating that Hillary Clinton approved disseminating discredited claims about a 'covert server' in Trump Tower

The testimony came in the trial of former Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussman, who is accused of lying to the FBI about his campaign ties

'I had to fight them off,' Trump said. 'And if we had real leadership, instead of people like Mitch McConnell, they would do something about it. And guys like Bill Barr. They would have done something about it.'

Mook's testimony came in the trial of former Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussman, who is accused of lying to the FBI about his campaign ties when he brought them allegations that a secret server in Trump Tower was communicating with Kremlin-controlled Alfa Bank.

Former FBI General Counsel James Baker testified Thursday that the bureau investigated the 'covert server' allegation and found that 'there was nothing there.'

Sussman was the first to be charged in Special Counsel John Durham's investigation into the origins of the FBI's 2016 Trump-Russia probe.

Mook told the court that he was first briefed about Alfa Bank by campaign general counsel Marc Elias.

He said he also discussed it with then senior adviser Jake Sullivan - now the White House National Security Adviser- and campaign chairman John Podesta about whether to share the information with a reporter.

Robby Mook testified that in 2016 Clinton 'agreed' to share the secret server allegations with the media

'I discussed it with Hillary as well,' Mook told the court.

He also admitted the campaign wasn't 'totally confident in the legitimacy of the data', but was hoping a reporter would follow it up and determine if it was 'accurate' or 'substantive.'

FBI general counsel Jame Baker (above) said he was '100 percent confident' that Sussmann told him during the Sept. 19, 2016 meeting at FBI headquarters that he was not there on behalf of any particular client

'I don't remember the substance of the conversation, but notionally, the discussion was, hey, we have this and we want to share it with a reporter,' Mook said.

They decided to share it with the reporter after the meeting, he testified.

'I recall it being a member of our press staff,' Mook said. 'We authorized a staff member to share it with the media.'

The court was also shown the infamous October 31, 2016, message from Hillary saying: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

She included a statement from Sullivan titled 'exposing Trump's Secret Line of Communication to Russia'.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests and that of another client - although the campaign says it never authorized Sussmans actions.

Sussman, is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests and that of another client - although the campaign says it never authorized Sussmans actions

Mook said he also discussed the Alfa Bank link with Clinton's senior aide Jake Sullivan, who is now President Joe Biden's National Security Adviser

James Baker was the FBI's general counsel in September 2016 when Sussmann scheduled a meeting to provide him with computer data that Sussmann said showed a potential secret communications channel between Alfa Bank and the Trump Organization.

Sussmann is accused of lying to Baker during that meeting by saying he was not presenting the computer data on behalf of a particular client.

Prosecutors allege Sussmann was not forthcoming about his Clinton ties because he assumed the FBI would consider the information less credible if it thought it was being presented with a partisan intent.

The Sussmann prosecution was brought by John Durham, the prosecutor appointed as special counsel during the Trump administration to investigate potential government wrongdoing during the early days of the investigation into Russian election interference and potential ties with the Trump campaign.

Defense lawyers have denied that Sussmann lied during the meeting and have suggested that it's impossible for prosecutors to prove exactly what he said because only Baker and Sussmann were in the meeting and neither of them took notes.

Surplus equipment from the Automotive Technology department at North Platte Community College will find new life in West Africa  providing hope for impoverished families.

NPCC automotive instructor Mike Janecek donated an oscilloscope and other diagnostic equipment to the Municipal Vocational Training Center of Pikine, a non-profit school that exists to serve underprivileged youth in the slums of Senegals capital, Dakar.

The oscilloscope is an electronic testing device that displays different voltages and tests various electrical components. It is used by automotive technicians to diagnose problems in vehicles.

The one sent to the training center will be used for demonstrations by Robert Columbine, a missionary and mechanics instructor for WorldVenture.

He teaches mechanics for the training center, which is the result of a partnership between Foyers Shama and the City of Pikine, situated in the suburbs of Dakar.

Foyers Shama aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of Senegal and the fight against poverty and social exclusion.

The organization defines its goal as giving young people on the street or in difficulty, such as the poor, illiterate and those excluded from the formal school system, an opportunity to live with dignity through education, training and professional integration and to create small, income-generating economic units to guarantee sustainability within the most disadvantaged sections of Senegalese society.

To do that, it works in partnership with local authorities to create Community Vocational Training Centers wherever needed in Senegal.

Statistics have shown that Senegal is one of the countries where the household poverty rate is very high. World Population Review estimates the rate at 46.7% for 2022.

According to Foyers Shama, the country is experiencing a rural-to-urban migration with much of its population giving up agricultural work and moving to the cities in search of more lucrative and sustainable incomes.

Dakar, which is the center for almost all of Senegals industries and economic activities, is the first choice for those searching for a better life. Many settle in Pikine without the means to provide for even basic necessities such as food, housing or an education.

Youth from those poor families often end up on the street - uneducated, idle and without hope for the future. Because of that, Foyers Shama identified Pikine as the perfect location for its first Community Vocational Training Center.

Janecek learned about Foyers Shama through a friend who teaches automotive classes in Pittsburgh, Penn.

He posted on Facebook that he had sent some older equipment from his school to the training center, Janecek said. I happened to be going through some of our surplus equipment that our department had cycled out. It was still viable, but with more advanced technology available, the college had upgraded to newer and better equipment. I knew the older stuff wouldnt bring anything at auction, so I was hoping to find a place to donate it to.

His friend put him in touch with Columbine, who was extremely excited about the idea of obtaining the oscilloscope for the training center.

Columbine plans to use the diagnostic equipment to train young Senegalese to be mechanics and business owners, in the hope that it will empower them to provide for their families and strengthen the fabric of their society by enabling them to lift themselves out of poverty.

More more information about Foyers Shama go to pornichetsenegal.wixsite.com/website/informatique-copy.

Additional information about the Automotive Technology program at NPCC is available at catalog.mpcc.edu/course-catalog/programs/automotive-technology.
Surplus equipment from the Automotive Technology department at North Platte Community College will find new life in West Africa  providing hope for impoverished families.

NPCC automotive instructor Mike Janecek donated an oscilloscope and other diagnostic equipment to the Municipal Vocational Training Center of Pikine, a non-profit school that exists to serve underprivileged youth in the slums of Senegals capital, Dakar.

The oscilloscope is an electronic testing device that displays different voltages and tests various electrical components. It is used by automotive technicians to diagnose problems in vehicles.

The one sent to the training center will be used for demonstrations by Robert Columbine, a missionary and mechanics instructor for WorldVenture.

He teaches mechanics for the training center, which is the result of a partnership between Foyers Shama and the City of Pikine, situated in the suburbs of Dakar.

Foyers Shama aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of Senegal and the fight against poverty and social exclusion.

The organization defines its goal as giving young people on the street or in difficulty, such as the poor, illiterate and those excluded from the formal school system, an opportunity to live with dignity through education, training and professional integration and to create small, income-generating economic units to guarantee sustainability within the most disadvantaged sections of Senegalese society.

To do that, it works in partnership with local authorities to create Community Vocational Training Centers wherever needed in Senegal.

Statistics have shown that Senegal is one of the countries where the household poverty rate is very high. World Population Review estimates the rate at 46.7% for 2022.

According to Foyers Shama, the country is experiencing a rural-to-urban migration with much of its population giving up agricultural work and moving to the cities in search of more lucrative and sustainable incomes.

Dakar, which is the center for almost all of Senegals industries and economic activities, is the first choice for those searching for a better life. Many settle in Pikine without the means to provide for even basic necessities such as food, housing or an education.

Youth from those poor families often end up on the street - uneducated, idle and without hope for the future. Because of that, Foyers Shama identified Pikine as the perfect location for its first Community Vocational Training Center.

Janecek learned about Foyers Shama through a friend who teaches automotive classes in Pittsburgh, Penn.

He posted on Facebook that he had sent some older equipment from his school to the training center, Janecek said. I happened to be going through some of our surplus equipment that our department had cycled out. It was still viable, but with more advanced technology available, the college had upgraded to newer and better equipment. I knew the older stuff wouldnt bring anything at auction, so I was hoping to find a place to donate it to.

His friend put him in touch with Columbine, who was extremely excited about the idea of obtaining the oscilloscope for the training center.

Columbine plans to use the diagnostic equipment to train young Senegalese to be mechanics and business owners, in the hope that it will empower them to provide for their families and strengthen the fabric of their society by enabling them to lift themselves out of poverty.

More more information about Foyers Shama go to pornichetsenegal.wixsite.com/website/informatique-copy.

Additional information about the Automotive Technology program at NPCC is available at catalog.mpcc.edu/course-catalog/programs/automotive-technology.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
In a diplomatic salvo of its own, Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday released a list of 963 people who would be barred for life from entering Russia, among them Mr. Biden, the actor Morgan Freeman and the New York Times columnist Bret Stephens. The ministry described its move as necessary retaliation against the hostile actions of the United States.

Against the backdrop of an unfolding debate about what a final settlement might look like, Russian and Ukrainian forces dug in on the battlefield, conscious that every military victory would turn into a diplomatic advantage.

The Ukrainian military said on Saturday that Russia was demining the port of Mariupol in an attempt to get it running again. Reopening the port would tighten Moscows control over the parts of southern and eastern Ukraine that it controls, as well as increase its economic leverage over the Black Sea, where its navy is dominant.

And Russian forces have become entrenched in areas outside of the city of Kharkiv, presenting a formidable obstacle to any Ukrainian efforts to press their advantage in that area.

Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. The streams winding path cuts through the heart of the region where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian defenders  around the cities of Izium, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Sievierodonetsk  creating major obstacles to Moscows offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern
The Twins announced a series of roster moves today, with reporters such as Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press passing them along. Righty Bailey Ober has been reinstated from the injured list while fellow righty Trevor Megill has had his contract selected. To make room on the active roster, lefty Devin Smeltzer was optioned while righty Josh Winder was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement. To make room for Megill on the 40-man roster, righty Chris Vallimont has been designated for assignment. Winders placement is retroactive to May 18.

With the Ober and Winder moves, the rotation adds one arm and subtracts another. Ober went on the IL at the end of April with a groin strain. Prior to that, his season was off to a nice start, as he had thrown 19 2/3 innings with a 2.75 ERA, 19% strikeout rate and 6% walk rate. Due to injuries to Ober and Dylan Bundy, Winder stepped up and threw 29 1/3 innings for the Twins. In that time, he put up an ERA of 3.68 with an 18.9% strikeout rate and 7.4% walk rate.

With Chris Paddack undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Minnesota rotation now consists of Ober, Bundy, Chris Archer, Joe Ryan and Sonny Gray. No timetable was provided for Winders absence, but a shoulder issue is always at least a bit concerning for a pitcher. As long as hes out, the club will have to think about who the sixth starter will be the next time one is needed. Options on the 40-man roster include Smeltzer, Jordan Balazovic, Ronny Henriquez, Cole Sands and Drew Strotman.

Megill, 28, made his MLB debut with the Cubs last year, throwing 23 2/3 innings out of their bullpen with an 8.37 ERA. Thats an obvious indicator of poor results, but it wasnt all bad. He struck out 26.1% of batters faced and walked just 7%, both of those numbers being better than league average. However, his 24.1% HR/FB rate was more than double last years 10% league average. He was non-tendered and then signed by the Twins on a minors deal. Hes carried that profile over into 2022 so far, though with much better results overall. Through 11 innings in Triple-A, he has a 3.27 ERA. His 34.1% strikeout rate is fantastic, though his HR/FB rate is 33.3%, but that represents just two dingers. He has a couple of option years remaining, meaning he could be shuttled between Triple-A and the majors as long as he can hang onto a spot on the 40-man.

Vallimont, 25, just earned his spot on the roster in November, ahead of the Rule 5 draft that ended up being canceled due to the lockout. However, through 19 innings so far in Double-A this year, he has a 9.95 ERA. His 31.1% strikeout rate at this level last year has dropped all the way down to 17.9%. His walk rate also jumped from 14.6% to 20.5%. Those results were evidently enough for the Twins to risk losing him. They will have a week to trade him or put him on waivers. Given his youth and ability to be optioned, he could attract the interest of clubs that need pitching depth who are willing to dismiss this years struggles as a small sample blip.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
This years bet had to be the easiest in years for Maryland politicians at the Preakness Stakes.

From Republican Gov. Larry Hogan to Baltimores Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott, and others in between, elected officials were putting their money on Early Voting, a horse with strong Baltimore ties.

This [name] is timely, this is relevant, said Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Shes running for reelection and said its the first time shes bet on a horse race.

Nick Mosby, Marilyns husband and the Baltimore City Council president, said Early Voting was his choice because of the name. Mosby said he lost his bets on Black-Eyed Susan Day, but seemed optimistic for Saturdays races.

Scott echoed his city counterparts  I chose it because of the name, he said  but had plans to place some additional bets.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore said he would bet on the horse with Baltimore ties because you bet on horses from here. Early Votings owner, Seth Klarman, grew up blocks from Pimlico, and Hogan said he was backing the horse because Klarman gave him some inside knowledge Friday night.

Beyond the bets, most of Marylands politicos were there to shake hands, smile for cameras, see constituents and show off their finest race day outfits. Opting for a tan suit and straw hat, Hogan spent most of his time in the state tent, wheeling and dealing with cabinet officials and business owners he hoped to lure to Maryland to create more jobs, he said.

Marilyn and NIck Mosby had the honor of presenting the trophy to the winner of the Gallorette Stakes, an earlier race won by horse Technical Analysis. Mosby had a locally made fascinator on her head and black and white Jordans with peach shoelaces for her feet. Husband Nick had on a specially made short suit  literally he wore shorts  from Baltimore-based mens store Benedetto Haberdashery.

Scott and Moore had on blue suits. Thiru Vignarajah, who is running against Marilyn Mosby for states attorney, also had a blue suit.

Story continues

But they were just a few of the important people in Pimlicos exclusive infield chalets or elsewhere on the grounds. Ravens players and coaches, like cornerback Marlon Humphrey and John Harbaugh, attended. Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz was there. Actress Lupita Nyongo, singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee and celebrity chef Bobby Flay all were spotted.

Music mogul Kevin Liles was back Saturday after producing Friday nights star-studded Preakness Live Culinary Art & Music Festival, the first ever.

The festival was such a hit that it, not the horses, was the talk of the day for most of the Democratic politicos in attendance. Scott spent 25 years of his life living in Park Heights, the neighborhood around Pimlico, and didnt attend his first Preakness until 2019.

He said the addition of Preakness Live made the annual horse race inclusive to all of Baltimore, not just the privileged.

We felt like Preakness was an event in our neighborhood, but now its an event for the neighborhood, Scott said.

Liles event had a superstar lineup including Megan Thee Stallion, an eight-time Grammy-winner, as well as legendary singer Ms. Lauryn Hill and Club Quarantines D-Nice. Liles said the event was a way to get all of Baltimore involved with Preakness.

The one special thing about Baltimore is, when we have access, we get engaged, Liles, a West Baltimore native, said.

Hogan, who did not attend Preakness Live, said it was encouraging to see the crowds back this year despite the oppressive heat. Hogan also commented on the lack of work done to Pimlico since the General Assembly approved $375 million in bond funding two years ago to renovate the track in Baltimore and in Laurel. The money came at a time officials were worried Pimlicos owners, The Stronach Group, would move the annual race to Laurel.

I think COVID had a lot to do with some of the slowness, because you just cant get materials or workers, everything was sort of shut down, Hogan said. Theyve got to step it up and make a little more progress quickly, but its just wonderful to have all the crowds back here today, and I think its just going to get better in the future.

Baltimore Sun Editor Micha Green contributed to this story.


The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans voted Saturday not to endorse anyone for governor ahead of the GOP primary in August, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch falling just short of the 60% needed to get the nod  and cash  that comes with winning the party's official backing.

It marked the first time delegates have not endorsed a candidate for governor. Many activists, and one of Kleefisch's rivals, had argued for not endorsing anyone, saying it would fracture the party.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will advance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, in a race thats a top priority for both parties nationally. In addition to Kleefisch, who polls have shown is leading the field, other candidates are construction business co-owner Tim Michels; business consultant and former Marine Kevin Nicholson; and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun.

The Republican endorsement has been highly sought after because it unlocks funding from the state party, which can then spend as much as it wants on the winner. Now the top candidates will fight it out without any official backing from the party.

Kleefisch got 55%, while no endorsement got 43% on the final ballot. The other candidates were all in the single digits.

After the vote, Kleefisch declared victory, saying she feels terrific with getting majority support despite falling short of what was needed for the endorsement.

Kleefisch, the only woman running for governor, served eight years under former Gov. Scott Walker between 2011 and 2019.

She described herself at the annual convention outside of Madison as a tea party mom and highlighted her victory in a 2011 recall election and her opposition to abortion.

Now Im not a biologist. Kleefisch said. But I am a woman and I will not let a man like Tony Evers tell me how Im supposed to feel about Roe. I will win this because I can speak with a mothers heart.

She portrayed herself as a fighter, opposed to vaccine mandates, in support of school choice and the only candidate tested against the liberal mob, referring to protesters who demonstrated against Walkers ending of collective bargaining for most public workers.

Michels, the most recent candidate to get in the race, dismissed attacks against him for living out of state part-time for years, calling them garbage and political smear.

I am in this to win, but I am not here to tear down this convention or any other candidate for governor, Michels said. He didnt directly ask for an endorsement, saying he wanted attendees votes in August and November.

Nicholson, a former Marine, advocated for no endorsement, but he kept his name in consideration.

I want Republicans to win and we cant do that if our party is fractured, he said. An endorsement today does not put us in a position of strength.

Delegates approved a rule change earlier Saturday that allowed for the no endorsement option.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who supports Kleefisch, downplayed the importance of winning the endorsement, likening it to a straw poll and saying its just one indicator of a candidates strength.

Evers has issued more vetoes than any governor in Wisconsin history in blocking the Republican-controlled Legislatures agenda. A Republican governor would give the GOP the power to enact any laws it wished.

The Republican Party has endorsed candidates since 2009, including the past three governors races. Winning that backing was crucial to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons win in his first race in 2010. Johnson, who is up for reelection this year, focused his speech not on Democrats running against him but instead defending his record and attacking the media.

I cant even breathe without them taking my exhalation and distorting and twisting it, Johnson said of the media. My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.

Divisions within the Republican Party have been a distraction: Some Republicans have called for the ouster of Vos for not pursuing former President Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud vigorously enough and refusing to decertify President Joe Bidens win.

We have no ability to decertify the election and go back, Vos said, generating loud boos from many in the crowd. We need to focus on moving forward.

All of the GOP gubernatorial candidates have questioned the legitimacy of Bidens win in Wisconsin, even though the outcome has withstood recounts, lawsuits, an audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau and a review by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Ramthun, whose campaign for governor is focused on decertifying Bidens win in 2020, told convention attendees that he would personally perform a forensic audit on both the primary and the general election.

Election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, he said to cheers.

Trump hasnt endorsed anyone in the governors race primary, but all of the main candidates except for Nicholson have met with him to try and get his blessing.

Republicans also voted not to endorse in the races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. They did endorse treasurer candidate Orlando Owens, who is running for an office with almost no official duties or powers. Johnson, who has no Republican challenger, was also endorsed.

The state Democratic Party convention will be June 25 in La Crosse. Democrats do not endorse.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern
Amid the pandemic, the Cooligans of New Bern took their parade entertainment to people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

This weekend hundreds of Shriners will be in the area for the group's annual Spring Ceremonial and parade.

The parade in downtown New Bern starts at noon at Kafer Park on George Street and goes onto Broad Street then Middle Street. It ends at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on South Front Street.

The Sudan Shriners, which is made up of members from South Carolina to Virginia, holds ceremonials and parades in different place each year. This year, they are in New Bern, home of Cleveland Woolard who was elected illustrious potentate and installed to office in January.

Woolard said 40 units are scheduled to participate in the parade, including animal characters, clowns and miniature automobiles. He said he expects the event will be fun for everyone.

More: Kessler Collection turns down Sudan Shriners property for second time

Woolard joined the Sudan Temple Fraternal Order of the Shrine in 1983. He has served for 10 years as part of the Divan, the organization's executive council that serves as the group's management team for both fraternal and business activities. He became a member of the Sudan Chef Crew in 1987, serving as its director twice.

The Sudan Shriners group in New Bern is the third largest of the 200 Shriners Temples around the world and has been in New Bern since 1917.

Woolard has been involved in the Annual Shriner's Fish Fry in New Bern for more than 30 years and has served as chairman for many years, The event raises thousands of dollars with all proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing excellent specialty care. Care is provided to all children in need regardless of the patients ability to pay. For more information about children in need of medical care contact any Shriner or call Patient Referral at 1-800-237-5055.

Story continues

Woolard is a graduate of New Bern High School and attended Craven Community College. He had a long career as an engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He also was named one of New Bern's 52 Faces by the Sun Journal.

Cleveland Woolard is the Sudan Shriners 105th potentate.

Woolard said the events in New Bern will be about having fun and helping children.

"New Bern has always welcomed us with open arms," he said.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: New Bern Sun Journal

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Annual Shriner's parade rescheduled and set for Saturday in New Bern
This week the KCMO homicide count moved past last year's historic total.

Moreover, this reaction from our blog community resonates . . .

"There goes the theory that police stations prevent crime or spur economic development. Although, this is sample 1,044. Sad that these criminals just don't care. They murder anywhere. No limits."



Check more deets . . .

Officers said they heard gunfire in the area of the 1100 block of Linwood. Police found a woman inside a vehicle and she was unresponsive.

The victim was declared dead at the scene . . . A child was also in the car but was uninjured.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Charges filed in fatal shooting near Kansas City police station KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -- Charges have been filed in the fatal shooting of a woman that happened near the Kansas City Police Department's Central Patrol Division. Elliot Nevels, 34, is charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and endangering the welfare of a child.

Developing . . .


The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
The Cajundome was flooded with graduation guests Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the Lafayette Parish school systems Class of 2022 said farewell to high school and hello to the next chapter.

The pride from the seniors cheering sections was evident as loved ones shouted their names through cupped hands, leaped to their feet with waving arms and grasped balloon bouquets, flowers and congratulatory banners at Ovey Comeaux High Schools ceremony Saturday.

Schools Superintendent Irma Trosclair praised the seniors hard work; across the district, 1,632 students in the Class of 2022 took a total of 5,487 dual enrollment courses, earned 3,788 career credentials and received over $41.9 million in scholarship offers.

The superintendent encouraged the newly minted graduates to live courageously, persevere through challenges and prioritize being people of character, much like they did in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

In school, you receive lesson after lesson after lesson, and then youre given a test. However, in life the tests usually come first and the lessons come afterward. Life is about learning from the tough tests that you will face, Trosclair said, paraphrasing a speech from Grambling State Universitys graduation.

Comeaux Principal Renee White reminded her students that theyre now responsible for writing the stories of their lives  where they travel next, what characters will appear and for how long, whether theyll experience love and adventure, and how their stories will end.

I like to think about life as a book, White said. What has occurred in chapter one of your book really has about 20% to do with what you had control over.  The future chapters of your book will be based on the decisions that you make. You get to decide what comes next and who will be part of each chapter.

White took time in her speech to call out students accomplishments, whether for technical education credentials, extracurricular involvement or good character, including several who lived a favorite school saying, Be great, be kind and be a Spartan.

Sydney Liles, 17, was one of the students cheered for her Spartan-like attitude.

Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

From the time I met Sydney, she has continued to work beyond anyones expectations and continues to make me proud on a daily basis. I have seen Sydney smile through extreme pain and persevere when many others would have given up, the principal said.

Liles, who graduated beside her twin brother, Charles, said she was stunned when White singled her out for praise. The teen was diagnosed at age 12 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular disease that can impact nerves that transmit messages throughout the body and control muscles. She began using a wheelchair at the end of her sophomore year.

The Comeaux graduate said crossing the high school finish line brought with it a swirl of emotion  disbelief at how quickly the time passed, accomplishment at her hard work, joy, sadness the experience is over  but she said she felt empowered after walking across the graduation stage.

When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease, I was told I wouldnt be able to walk for graduation. It was a really big moment for me to be able to walk right before my brother and have that normal moment where Im just like anybody else, Liles said. I cried afterward.

Liles plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to study political science with a pre-law focus and her brother, Charles, plans to attend UL to study electrical engineering.

Family members for TyReek Boykins traveled from Texas and Alabama to join his graduation cheering squad, many of the roughly 15-person crew bedecked in customized TyReeks Grad Squad T-shirts.

The Comeaux graduates cousin, 21-year-old Alexys Edwards, said she remembers the challenges and commitment needed to make it to the graduation stage and said she was proud to see her baby cousin take that big step.

Boykins grandmother, Georgia Kimble, drove down from Alexandria for the Saturday morning ceremony and was elated to be there for her only grandsons special day. Boykins plans to attend college for business and nutrition science, she said.

Im just bubbling over with joy.  Im just so thankful to God that I could see this moment. This is what Ive been praying for  this day and to see him walk across that stage, Kimble said.
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans voted Saturday not to endorse anyone for governor ahead of the GOP primary in August, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch falling just short of the 60% needed to get the nod  and cash  that comes with winning the party's official backing.

It marked the first time delegates have not endorsed a candidate for governor. Many activists, and one of Kleefisch's rivals, had argued for not endorsing anyone, saying it would fracture the party.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will advance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, in a race thats a top priority for both parties nationally. In addition to Kleefisch, who polls have shown is leading the field, other candidates are construction business co-owner Tim Michels; business consultant and former Marine Kevin Nicholson; and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun.

The Republican endorsement has been highly sought after because it unlocks funding from the state party, which can then spend as much as it wants on the winner. Now the top candidates will fight it out without any official backing from the party.

Kleefisch got 55%, while no endorsement got 43% on the final ballot. The other candidates were all in the single digits.

After the vote, Kleefisch declared victory, saying she feels terrific with getting majority support despite falling short of what was needed for the endorsement.

Kleefisch, the only woman running for governor, served eight years under former Gov. Scott Walker between 2011 and 2019.

She described herself at the annual convention outside of Madison as a tea party mom and highlighted her victory in a 2011 recall election and her opposition to abortion.

Now Im not a biologist. Kleefisch said. But I am a woman and I will not let a man like Tony Evers tell me how Im supposed to feel about Roe. I will win this because I can speak with a mothers heart.

She portrayed herself as a fighter, opposed to vaccine mandates, in support of school choice and the only candidate tested against the liberal mob, referring to protesters who demonstrated against Walkers ending of collective bargaining for most public workers.

Michels, the most recent candidate to get in the race, dismissed attacks against him for living out of state part-time for years, calling them garbage and political smear.

I am in this to win, but I am not here to tear down this convention or any other candidate for governor, Michels said. He didnt directly ask for an endorsement, saying he wanted attendees votes in August and November.

Nicholson, a former Marine, advocated for no endorsement, but he kept his name in consideration.

I want Republicans to win and we cant do that if our party is fractured, he said. An endorsement today does not put us in a position of strength.

Delegates approved a rule change earlier Saturday that allowed for the no endorsement option.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who supports Kleefisch, downplayed the importance of winning the endorsement, likening it to a straw poll and saying its just one indicator of a candidates strength.

Evers has issued more vetoes than any governor in Wisconsin history in blocking the Republican-controlled Legislatures agenda. A Republican governor would give the GOP the power to enact any laws it wished.

The Republican Party has endorsed candidates since 2009, including the past three governors races. Winning that backing was crucial to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons win in his first race in 2010. Johnson, who is up for reelection this year, focused his speech not on Democrats running against him but instead defending his record and attacking the media.

I cant even breathe without them taking my exhalation and distorting and twisting it, Johnson said of the media. My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.

Divisions within the Republican Party have been a distraction: Some Republicans have called for the ouster of Vos for not pursuing former President Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud vigorously enough and refusing to decertify President Joe Bidens win.

We have no ability to decertify the election and go back, Vos said, generating loud boos from many in the crowd. We need to focus on moving forward.

All of the GOP gubernatorial candidates have questioned the legitimacy of Bidens win in Wisconsin, even though the outcome has withstood recounts, lawsuits, an audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau and a review by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Ramthun, whose campaign for governor is focused on decertifying Bidens win in 2020, told convention attendees that he would personally perform a forensic audit on both the primary and the general election.

Election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, he said to cheers.

Trump hasnt endorsed anyone in the governors race primary, but all of the main candidates except for Nicholson have met with him to try and get his blessing.

Republicans also voted not to endorse in the races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. They did endorse treasurer candidate Orlando Owens, who is running for an office with almost no official duties or powers. Johnson, who has no Republican challenger, was also endorsed.

The state Democratic Party convention will be June 25 in La Crosse. Democrats do not endorse.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne

Then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, on March 30, 2022. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Centre-Left Labor Wins Australian Federal Election, Anthony Albanese to Become PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons centre-right coalition government has been defeated at the federal election, with Anthony Albanese awaiting vote counting to determine if his centre-left Labor party can form a majority government.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night with Labor projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament76 seats are needed to win majority government.

The coalition is projected to hold 59 seats, with as many as 15 crossbenchers including four left-wing Greens MPs, according to election analyst William Bowe.

However, as vote counting continued the Australian Electoral Commission officially listed Labor as holding 75 seats, the coalition 51, with 12 crossbenchers, and the remaining undecided.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

Together we begin the work of building a better future for all Australians, Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Albanese is expected to be sworn in on Monday, along with senior members of his cabinet, before heading to Tokyo for the Quad meeting with the leaders of Japan, the United States, and India.

Morrison is set to remain in Parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

He said despite the final result not yet being known he believed it was important the nation had certainty of leadership and Australia could be represented at the Quad meeting.

The Liberal leader noted it had been a time of great upheaval.

It has imposed a heavy price on our country and on all Australians and I think all Australians have felt that deeply, he said.

And weve seen in our own politics a great deal of disruption as the way people have voted today with major parties having one of the lowest primary votes weve ever seen.

Labors primary vote of 32 percent was lower than it achieved when it lost the 2019 election, while the coalition scored 35 percent.

That says a lot about the upheaval thats taking place in our nation and I think it is important for our nation to heal and to move forward, Morrison said.

Albanese, who has often spoken of growing up in social housing and being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to reach for the stars.

I want Australia to continue to be a country thatno matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name isplaces no restrictions on your journey in life.

Vote counting will continue on Sunday.

The final result of the half-Senate election is yet to be determined.

By Paul Osborne
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans voted Saturday not to endorse anyone for governor ahead of the GOP primary in August, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch falling just short of the 60% needed to get the nod  and cash  that comes with winning the party's official backing.

It marked the first time delegates have not endorsed a candidate for governor. Many activists, and one of Kleefisch's rivals, had argued for not endorsing anyone, saying it would fracture the party.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will advance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, in a race thats a top priority for both parties nationally. In addition to Kleefisch, who polls have shown is leading the field, other candidates are construction business co-owner Tim Michels; business consultant and former Marine Kevin Nicholson; and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun.

The Republican endorsement has been highly sought after because it unlocks funding from the state party, which can then spend as much as it wants on the winner. Now the top candidates will fight it out without any official backing from the party.

Kleefisch got 55%, while no endorsement got 43% on the final ballot. The other candidates were all in the single digits.

After the vote, Kleefisch declared victory, saying she feels terrific with getting majority support despite falling short of what was needed for the endorsement.

Kleefisch, the only woman running for governor, served eight years under former Gov. Scott Walker between 2011 and 2019.

She described herself at the annual convention outside of Madison as a tea party mom and highlighted her victory in a 2011 recall election and her opposition to abortion.

Now Im not a biologist. Kleefisch said. But I am a woman and I will not let a man like Tony Evers tell me how Im supposed to feel about Roe. I will win this because I can speak with a mothers heart.

She portrayed herself as a fighter, opposed to vaccine mandates, in support of school choice and the only candidate tested against the liberal mob, referring to protesters who demonstrated against Walkers ending of collective bargaining for most public workers.

Michels, the most recent candidate to get in the race, dismissed attacks against him for living out of state part-time for years, calling them garbage and political smear.

I am in this to win, but I am not here to tear down this convention or any other candidate for governor, Michels said. He didnt directly ask for an endorsement, saying he wanted attendees votes in August and November.

Nicholson, a former Marine, advocated for no endorsement, but he kept his name in consideration.

I want Republicans to win and we cant do that if our party is fractured, he said. An endorsement today does not put us in a position of strength.

Delegates approved a rule change earlier Saturday that allowed for the no endorsement option.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who supports Kleefisch, downplayed the importance of winning the endorsement, likening it to a straw poll and saying its just one indicator of a candidates strength.

Evers has issued more vetoes than any governor in Wisconsin history in blocking the Republican-controlled Legislatures agenda. A Republican governor would give the GOP the power to enact any laws it wished.

The Republican Party has endorsed candidates since 2009, including the past three governors races. Winning that backing was crucial to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons win in his first race in 2010. Johnson, who is up for reelection this year, focused his speech not on Democrats running against him but instead defending his record and attacking the media.

I cant even breathe without them taking my exhalation and distorting and twisting it, Johnson said of the media. My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.

Divisions within the Republican Party have been a distraction: Some Republicans have called for the ouster of Vos for not pursuing former President Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud vigorously enough and refusing to decertify President Joe Bidens win.

We have no ability to decertify the election and go back, Vos said, generating loud boos from many in the crowd. We need to focus on moving forward.

All of the GOP gubernatorial candidates have questioned the legitimacy of Bidens win in Wisconsin, even though the outcome has withstood recounts, lawsuits, an audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau and a review by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Ramthun, whose campaign for governor is focused on decertifying Bidens win in 2020, told convention attendees that he would personally perform a forensic audit on both the primary and the general election.

Election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, he said to cheers.

Trump hasnt endorsed anyone in the governors race primary, but all of the main candidates except for Nicholson have met with him to try and get his blessing.

Republicans also voted not to endorse in the races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. They did endorse treasurer candidate Orlando Owens, who is running for an office with almost no official duties or powers. Johnson, who has no Republican challenger, was also endorsed.

The state Democratic Party convention will be June 25 in La Crosse. Democrats do not endorse.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This week the KCMO homicide count moved past last year's historic total.

Moreover, this reaction from our blog community resonates . . .

"There goes the theory that police stations prevent crime or spur economic development. Although, this is sample 1,044. Sad that these criminals just don't care. They murder anywhere. No limits."



Check more deets . . .

Officers said they heard gunfire in the area of the 1100 block of Linwood. Police found a woman inside a vehicle and she was unresponsive.

The victim was declared dead at the scene . . . A child was also in the car but was uninjured.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Charges filed in fatal shooting near Kansas City police station KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -- Charges have been filed in the fatal shooting of a woman that happened near the Kansas City Police Department's Central Patrol Division. Elliot Nevels, 34, is charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and endangering the welfare of a child.

Developing . . .


MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans voted Saturday not to endorse anyone for governor ahead of the GOP primary in August, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch falling just short of the 60% needed to get the nod  and cash  that comes with winning the party's official backing.

It marked the first time delegates have not endorsed a candidate for governor. Many activists, and one of Kleefisch's rivals, had argued for not endorsing anyone, saying it would fracture the party.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will advance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, in a race thats a top priority for both parties nationally. In addition to Kleefisch, who polls have shown is leading the field, other candidates are construction business co-owner Tim Michels; business consultant and former Marine Kevin Nicholson; and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun.

The Republican endorsement has been highly sought after because it unlocks funding from the state party, which can then spend as much as it wants on the winner. Now the top candidates will fight it out without any official backing from the party.

Kleefisch got 55%, while no endorsement got 43% on the final ballot. The other candidates were all in the single digits.

After the vote, Kleefisch declared victory, saying she feels terrific with getting majority support despite falling short of what was needed for the endorsement.

Kleefisch, the only woman running for governor, served eight years under former Gov. Scott Walker between 2011 and 2019.

She described herself at the annual convention outside of Madison as a tea party mom and highlighted her victory in a 2011 recall election and her opposition to abortion.

Now Im not a biologist. Kleefisch said. But I am a woman and I will not let a man like Tony Evers tell me how Im supposed to feel about Roe. I will win this because I can speak with a mothers heart.

She portrayed herself as a fighter, opposed to vaccine mandates, in support of school choice and the only candidate tested against the liberal mob, referring to protesters who demonstrated against Walkers ending of collective bargaining for most public workers.

Michels, the most recent candidate to get in the race, dismissed attacks against him for living out of state part-time for years, calling them garbage and political smear.

I am in this to win, but I am not here to tear down this convention or any other candidate for governor, Michels said. He didnt directly ask for an endorsement, saying he wanted attendees votes in August and November.

Nicholson, a former Marine, advocated for no endorsement, but he kept his name in consideration.

I want Republicans to win and we cant do that if our party is fractured, he said. An endorsement today does not put us in a position of strength.

Delegates approved a rule change earlier Saturday that allowed for the no endorsement option.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who supports Kleefisch, downplayed the importance of winning the endorsement, likening it to a straw poll and saying its just one indicator of a candidates strength.

Evers has issued more vetoes than any governor in Wisconsin history in blocking the Republican-controlled Legislatures agenda. A Republican governor would give the GOP the power to enact any laws it wished.

The Republican Party has endorsed candidates since 2009, including the past three governors races. Winning that backing was crucial to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons win in his first race in 2010. Johnson, who is up for reelection this year, focused his speech not on Democrats running against him but instead defending his record and attacking the media.

I cant even breathe without them taking my exhalation and distorting and twisting it, Johnson said of the media. My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.

Divisions within the Republican Party have been a distraction: Some Republicans have called for the ouster of Vos for not pursuing former President Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud vigorously enough and refusing to decertify President Joe Bidens win.

We have no ability to decertify the election and go back, Vos said, generating loud boos from many in the crowd. We need to focus on moving forward.

All of the GOP gubernatorial candidates have questioned the legitimacy of Bidens win in Wisconsin, even though the outcome has withstood recounts, lawsuits, an audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau and a review by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

Ramthun, whose campaign for governor is focused on decertifying Bidens win in 2020, told convention attendees that he would personally perform a forensic audit on both the primary and the general election.

Election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, he said to cheers.

Trump hasnt endorsed anyone in the governors race primary, but all of the main candidates except for Nicholson have met with him to try and get his blessing.

Republicans also voted not to endorse in the races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. They did endorse treasurer candidate Orlando Owens, who is running for an office with almost no official duties or powers. Johnson, who has no Republican challenger, was also endorsed.

The state Democratic Party convention will be June 25 in La Crosse. Democrats do not endorse.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This years bet had to be the easiest in years for Maryland politicians at the Preakness Stakes.

From Republican Gov. Larry Hogan to Baltimores Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott, and others in between, elected officials were putting their money on Early Voting, a horse with strong Baltimore ties.

This [name] is timely, this is relevant, said Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Shes running for reelection and said its the first time shes bet on a horse race.

Nick Mosby, Marilyns husband and the Baltimore City Council president, said Early Voting was his choice because of the name. Mosby said he lost his bets on Black-Eyed Susan Day, but seemed optimistic for Saturdays races.

Scott echoed his city counterparts  I chose it because of the name, he said  but had plans to place some additional bets.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore said he would bet on the horse with Baltimore ties because you bet on horses from here. Early Votings owner, Seth Klarman, grew up blocks from Pimlico, and Hogan said he was backing the horse because Klarman gave him some inside knowledge Friday night.

Beyond the bets, most of Marylands politicos were there to shake hands, smile for cameras, see constituents and show off their finest race day outfits. Opting for a tan suit and straw hat, Hogan spent most of his time in the state tent, wheeling and dealing with cabinet officials and business owners he hoped to lure to Maryland to create more jobs, he said.

Marilyn and NIck Mosby had the honor of presenting the trophy to the winner of the Gallorette Stakes, an earlier race won by horse Technical Analysis. Mosby had a locally made fascinator on her head and black and white Jordans with peach shoelaces for her feet. Husband Nick had on a specially made short suit  literally he wore shorts  from Baltimore-based mens store Benedetto Haberdashery.

Scott and Moore had on blue suits. Thiru Vignarajah, who is running against Marilyn Mosby for states attorney, also had a blue suit.

Story continues

But they were just a few of the important people in Pimlicos exclusive infield chalets or elsewhere on the grounds. Ravens players and coaches, like cornerback Marlon Humphrey and John Harbaugh, attended. Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz was there. Actress Lupita Nyongo, singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee and celebrity chef Bobby Flay all were spotted.

Music mogul Kevin Liles was back Saturday after producing Friday nights star-studded Preakness Live Culinary Art & Music Festival, the first ever.

The festival was such a hit that it, not the horses, was the talk of the day for most of the Democratic politicos in attendance. Scott spent 25 years of his life living in Park Heights, the neighborhood around Pimlico, and didnt attend his first Preakness until 2019.

He said the addition of Preakness Live made the annual horse race inclusive to all of Baltimore, not just the privileged.

We felt like Preakness was an event in our neighborhood, but now its an event for the neighborhood, Scott said.

Liles event had a superstar lineup including Megan Thee Stallion, an eight-time Grammy-winner, as well as legendary singer Ms. Lauryn Hill and Club Quarantines D-Nice. Liles said the event was a way to get all of Baltimore involved with Preakness.

The one special thing about Baltimore is, when we have access, we get engaged, Liles, a West Baltimore native, said.

Hogan, who did not attend Preakness Live, said it was encouraging to see the crowds back this year despite the oppressive heat. Hogan also commented on the lack of work done to Pimlico since the General Assembly approved $375 million in bond funding two years ago to renovate the track in Baltimore and in Laurel. The money came at a time officials were worried Pimlicos owners, The Stronach Group, would move the annual race to Laurel.

I think COVID had a lot to do with some of the slowness, because you just cant get materials or workers, everything was sort of shut down, Hogan said. Theyve got to step it up and make a little more progress quickly, but its just wonderful to have all the crowds back here today, and I think its just going to get better in the future.

Baltimore Sun Editor Micha Green contributed to this story.


This years bet had to be the easiest in years for Maryland politicians at the Preakness Stakes.

From Republican Gov. Larry Hogan to Baltimores Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott, and others in between, elected officials were putting their money on Early Voting, a horse with strong Baltimore ties.

This [name] is timely, this is relevant, said Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Shes running for reelection and said its the first time shes bet on a horse race.

Nick Mosby, Marilyns husband and the Baltimore City Council president, said Early Voting was his choice because of the name. Mosby said he lost his bets on Black-Eyed Susan Day, but seemed optimistic for Saturdays races.

Scott echoed his city counterparts  I chose it because of the name, he said  but had plans to place some additional bets.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore said he would bet on the horse with Baltimore ties because you bet on horses from here. Early Votings owner, Seth Klarman, grew up blocks from Pimlico, and Hogan said he was backing the horse because Klarman gave him some inside knowledge Friday night.

Beyond the bets, most of Marylands politicos were there to shake hands, smile for cameras, see constituents and show off their finest race day outfits. Opting for a tan suit and straw hat, Hogan spent most of his time in the state tent, wheeling and dealing with cabinet officials and business owners he hoped to lure to Maryland to create more jobs, he said.

Marilyn and NIck Mosby had the honor of presenting the trophy to the winner of the Gallorette Stakes, an earlier race won by horse Technical Analysis. Mosby had a locally made fascinator on her head and black and white Jordans with peach shoelaces for her feet. Husband Nick had on a specially made short suit  literally he wore shorts  from Baltimore-based mens store Benedetto Haberdashery.

Scott and Moore had on blue suits. Thiru Vignarajah, who is running against Marilyn Mosby for states attorney, also had a blue suit.

Story continues

But they were just a few of the important people in Pimlicos exclusive infield chalets or elsewhere on the grounds. Ravens players and coaches, like cornerback Marlon Humphrey and John Harbaugh, attended. Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz was there. Actress Lupita Nyongo, singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee and celebrity chef Bobby Flay all were spotted.

Music mogul Kevin Liles was back Saturday after producing Friday nights star-studded Preakness Live Culinary Art & Music Festival, the first ever.

The festival was such a hit that it, not the horses, was the talk of the day for most of the Democratic politicos in attendance. Scott spent 25 years of his life living in Park Heights, the neighborhood around Pimlico, and didnt attend his first Preakness until 2019.

He said the addition of Preakness Live made the annual horse race inclusive to all of Baltimore, not just the privileged.

We felt like Preakness was an event in our neighborhood, but now its an event for the neighborhood, Scott said.

Liles event had a superstar lineup including Megan Thee Stallion, an eight-time Grammy-winner, as well as legendary singer Ms. Lauryn Hill and Club Quarantines D-Nice. Liles said the event was a way to get all of Baltimore involved with Preakness.

The one special thing about Baltimore is, when we have access, we get engaged, Liles, a West Baltimore native, said.

Hogan, who did not attend Preakness Live, said it was encouraging to see the crowds back this year despite the oppressive heat. Hogan also commented on the lack of work done to Pimlico since the General Assembly approved $375 million in bond funding two years ago to renovate the track in Baltimore and in Laurel. The money came at a time officials were worried Pimlicos owners, The Stronach Group, would move the annual race to Laurel.

I think COVID had a lot to do with some of the slowness, because you just cant get materials or workers, everything was sort of shut down, Hogan said. Theyve got to step it up and make a little more progress quickly, but its just wonderful to have all the crowds back here today, and I think its just going to get better in the future.

Baltimore Sun Editor Micha Green contributed to this story.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
John Mulaney is taking some heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told jokes that some audience members found to be transphobic and homophobic.

The Saturday Night Live alum, 39, held a show on Friday night in Columbus, Ohio and brought out the legendary comedian Chappelle to open the show, TMZ reported.

The audience had their phones locked in pouches so they couldn't record any of the show, but fans who attended took to Twitter afterward to voice their displeasure.

Backlash: John Mulaney is taking heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told some reportedly transphobic and homophobic jokes (pictured 2020). It's not the first time Chappelle's jokes have gotten

One fan wrote sarcastically, 'my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end.'

The fan, who identified as transgender later on in his series of tweets, said he 'can safely say i am not a fan of mulaneys anymore.'

Another attendee wrote, 'okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one.'

'yall ever hear ~12,000 people laugh at a transphobic joke, while youre a trans person in the audience who didnt know the transphobic comedian would make a surprise appearance at the John Mulaney show? yeah. wasnt fun. f*** you D.C.,' another audience member wrote.

Frustrated: Fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at having to sit throw Chappelle's set

Surprised: One fan seemed genuinely surprised about why Chappelle was brought out onstage

Not happy: One fan seemed angry that they were forced to sit through the controversial comedian's set

Forgetting his fans? Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting'

Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting.'

Though it doesn't appear that anyone filmed Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told.

The user wrote, 'Dave Chapelle @ John Mulaney OH thread: gonna shoot this off into the great ethereal since i was at the John Mulaney show tonight: -Yes, Chapelle was there. -He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife? He then paused, smiled a bit, and moved on quickly."

'- The homophobic joke was him saying maybe you two are gay, I dont know, nothing wrong with that if thats the case.'

While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because he lived locally and 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' so he may not have had a final say on the matter, another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney at a different show last month.

Trying to fill in the blanks: Though it doesn't appear that anyone got a video of Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told

Joke about gender fluidity: 'He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife?'

Passing the buck? While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney last month

Joking about his attack: The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him

In addition, accounts seem to vary on how many offensive jokes the comedian told at the event with some fans saying 'a bunch' and others seeming to think it was less.

Chappelle's jokes about the transgender community have landed him in hot water on several occasions. Back in 2021, his Netflix special The Closer received criticism for jokes he made defending previous anti-trans statements from author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.

The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity when opening for Mulaney on Friday referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him.

Chappelle stirred up more controversy right after being tackled when he joked that his assailant, now identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, was a transgender man.

Though he's receiving quite a bit of criticism, John Mulaney has not yet made a public statement regarding the Washington D.C. native's appearance at the show.




London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.






QUESTION: My company has just entered a new market with limited competition. Should I focus on differentiating my offering from the old way of doing things, or should I focus on the handful of businesses working to establish the market?

ANSWER: As with many issues in business, the answer to this question is, It depends. You should seek first to differentiate your product or service from the alternative that prospective customers in your target market segment are most likely to pursue if they do not buy from you.

Therefore, if members of your target market segment would most likely do things the old way if they didnt buy from you, by all means focus on communicating how your offering is superior to the old way of doing things. Alternatively, if members of your target market segment who dont buy from you would most likely purchase from one of your new market competitors, you should focus on differentiating your offering from them.

In making this judgment, it is critical to define your target market segment correctly. Well use handheld calculators as an example. When first introduced, they were, at least in part, a replacement for the slide rule (yes, unfortunately, we are old enough to remember this). If you were a calculator manufacturer in the very early days of this new technology and defined your target market as all people who used slide rules, you would have sought to differentiate calculators from slide rules. However, a more narrow definition of the target market might have yielded a very different answer.

Many people employed as engineers and scientists used slide rules. They had been doing so for years. They probably werent going to change, at least not quickly. However, there was a group of early adopters who would likely move immediately to calculators. They were called students. In the mid-1970s, students stopped learning to use slide rules and migrated en mass to calculators. They no longer seriously considered slide rules.

If you defined your target market as engineering and science students, it would have done you no good to differentiate your product from slide rules. They werent going to buy a slide rule anyway. You would have needed to differentiate your offering from other calculators, because if a student didnt buy your product, he or she would surely buy a different calculator. This competition led to the functionality wars between Texas Instruments and Hewlett Packard. The point is that defining your target market segment is critical.

It may well be that youll decide to focus on touting the benefits of your product versus the old way of doing things, because if a prospective customer doesnt purchase your offering, theyll likely do things the old way. However, remember that this strategy is likely to be successful only in the short-term. Once the new market is successfully established, youll be competing against those who helped you build this market. Eventually, youll have to differentiate your offering from theirs.

Our best advice is to differentiate your offering from your target customers likely alternative to purchasing from you. However, even if your initial marketing message will focus on why your offering is better than doing things the old way, dont lose sight of your new market competitors. Have a plan for differentiating yourself from them, because at some point you will have to do so.

Its a fair bet that if Texas Instruments had just focused on being better than slide rules, Hewlett Packard would have put them out of the calculator business in a hurry.
QUESTION: My company has just entered a new market with limited competition. Should I focus on differentiating my offering from the old way of doing things, or should I focus on the handful of businesses working to establish the market?

ANSWER: As with many issues in business, the answer to this question is, It depends. You should seek first to differentiate your product or service from the alternative that prospective customers in your target market segment are most likely to pursue if they do not buy from you.

Therefore, if members of your target market segment would most likely do things the old way if they didnt buy from you, by all means focus on communicating how your offering is superior to the old way of doing things. Alternatively, if members of your target market segment who dont buy from you would most likely purchase from one of your new market competitors, you should focus on differentiating your offering from them.

In making this judgment, it is critical to define your target market segment correctly. Well use handheld calculators as an example. When first introduced, they were, at least in part, a replacement for the slide rule (yes, unfortunately, we are old enough to remember this). If you were a calculator manufacturer in the very early days of this new technology and defined your target market as all people who used slide rules, you would have sought to differentiate calculators from slide rules. However, a more narrow definition of the target market might have yielded a very different answer.

Many people employed as engineers and scientists used slide rules. They had been doing so for years. They probably werent going to change, at least not quickly. However, there was a group of early adopters who would likely move immediately to calculators. They were called students. In the mid-1970s, students stopped learning to use slide rules and migrated en mass to calculators. They no longer seriously considered slide rules.

If you defined your target market as engineering and science students, it would have done you no good to differentiate your product from slide rules. They werent going to buy a slide rule anyway. You would have needed to differentiate your offering from other calculators, because if a student didnt buy your product, he or she would surely buy a different calculator. This competition led to the functionality wars between Texas Instruments and Hewlett Packard. The point is that defining your target market segment is critical.

It may well be that youll decide to focus on touting the benefits of your product versus the old way of doing things, because if a prospective customer doesnt purchase your offering, theyll likely do things the old way. However, remember that this strategy is likely to be successful only in the short-term. Once the new market is successfully established, youll be competing against those who helped you build this market. Eventually, youll have to differentiate your offering from theirs.

Our best advice is to differentiate your offering from your target customers likely alternative to purchasing from you. However, even if your initial marketing message will focus on why your offering is better than doing things the old way, dont lose sight of your new market competitors. Have a plan for differentiating yourself from them, because at some point you will have to do so.

Its a fair bet that if Texas Instruments had just focused on being better than slide rules, Hewlett Packard would have put them out of the calculator business in a hurry.
China is seeking to refill its strategic crude stock pipes with discounted Russian oil, a sign that Beijing is strengthening its ties with Moscow as the country stands alone after launching its military operation against Ukraine. Responding to whether China supports Russia by buying more energy and other commodities, Foreign Minister spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Friday said, "China and Russia will continue to conduct normal trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit." Wenbin said that China does not agree that the issues could be resolved with the sanctions, which they claimed "lack the basis of international law". "Reality has long proven that sanctions not only fail to resolve problems but will create new ones," Al Jazeera quoted Wenbin as saying. The US and UK have already banned the import of Russian oil. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a ban on Russian oil in early May and said, "Putin must pay a price, a high price, for his brutal aggression." Since the western countries imposed the ban on Russian oil, there has been a shift in the way the global oil market operates as the analysts predicted that the 2.5 billion barrels of oil a day that was originally headed to the EU will no longer find a home, as reported by Al Jazeera. "We're going to see a structural change in the global oil market, really, in the form of Europe no longer being reliant on Russian energy," Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at London-based economic research firm Capital Economics said. While China is willing to buy the remaining oil, it will face higher transportation costs. As redirecting the Russian oil by sea to China would require supertankers, making weeks-long journeys from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, and then through the Suez Canal before reaching Asian ports. Meanwhile, Iran's export to China has also witnessed a sharp fall since the Ukraine war began, according to Al Jazeera citing a new report by data and analytics firm Kpler. The report also indicated that Beijing has been buying up the Russian Ural, the benchmark for Russian crude, at a heavy discount since February. "China is now clearly buying more Urals cargoes. Exports of Urals to China have more than tripled. That comes despite a weakening in Chinese imports," Homayoun Falakshahi, a senior analyst at Kpler said. (ANI)
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald
Two people were shot early Saturday morning and three people were arrested following a shooting on Pearl Street, Buffalo police said.

And authorities ordered Senor Tequila Mexican Restaurant to shut down, alleging that the shots were "fired from the front of the restaurant" and that the two gunmen were inside the establishment before the shooting.

Just after 2 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a vehicle as it was driving by, police said. A 25-year-old woman who was inside the car was shot as was a 23-year-old man who was outside the vehicle, according to police.

The victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center. The man was listed in critical condition and the woman was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Police said detectives with the BPD Intelligence Unit witnesses the shooting. Kyle Mickens, 23, and Dalton Edge Jr., 24, both of Buffalo were charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Detectives also arrested Nicky Lofton, 24, of Buffalo who was at the scene. Police said he was in possession of a loaded "ghost gun," which is a gun bought in parts and assembled at home that doesn't have a serial number.

On Saturday, Mayor Byron Brown and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia ordered Senor Tequila to be shut down immediately.

In a notice posted to the front of the restaurant, the order says that police have investigated several "violent offenses" at the establishment including an arrest involving the illegal possession of a handgun of someone trying to get into the bar on May 2, a stabbing inside the bar on March 6 and an assault on March 12.

"Please be advised that, if you neglect or refuse to comply with my directive, any member of the police force is empowered to close Senior Tequila Mexican Restaurant and keep it closed," Gramaglia said in the notice.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
John Mulaney is taking some heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told jokes that some audience members found to be transphobic and homophobic.

The Saturday Night Live alum, 39, held a show on Friday night in Columbus, Ohio and brought out the legendary comedian Chappelle to open the show, TMZ reported.

The audience had their phones locked in pouches so they couldn't record any of the show, but fans who attended took to Twitter afterward to voice their displeasure.

Backlash: John Mulaney is taking heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told some reportedly transphobic and homophobic jokes (pictured 2020). It's not the first time Chappelle's jokes have gotten

One fan wrote sarcastically, 'my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end.'

The fan, who identified as transgender later on in his series of tweets, said he 'can safely say i am not a fan of mulaneys anymore.'

Another attendee wrote, 'okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one.'

'yall ever hear ~12,000 people laugh at a transphobic joke, while youre a trans person in the audience who didnt know the transphobic comedian would make a surprise appearance at the John Mulaney show? yeah. wasnt fun. f*** you D.C.,' another audience member wrote.

Frustrated: Fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at having to sit throw Chappelle's set

Surprised: One fan seemed genuinely surprised about why Chappelle was brought out onstage

Not happy: One fan seemed angry that they were forced to sit through the controversial comedian's set

Forgetting his fans? Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting'

Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting.'

Though it doesn't appear that anyone filmed Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told.

The user wrote, 'Dave Chapelle @ John Mulaney OH thread: gonna shoot this off into the great ethereal since i was at the John Mulaney show tonight: -Yes, Chapelle was there. -He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife? He then paused, smiled a bit, and moved on quickly."

'- The homophobic joke was him saying maybe you two are gay, I dont know, nothing wrong with that if thats the case.'

While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because he lived locally and 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' so he may not have had a final say on the matter, another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney at a different show last month.

Trying to fill in the blanks: Though it doesn't appear that anyone got a video of Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told

Joke about gender fluidity: 'He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife?'

Passing the buck? While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney last month

Joking about his attack: The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him

In addition, accounts seem to vary on how many offensive jokes the comedian told at the event with some fans saying 'a bunch' and others seeming to think it was less.

Chappelle's jokes about the transgender community have landed him in hot water on several occasions. Back in 2021, his Netflix special The Closer received criticism for jokes he made defending previous anti-trans statements from author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.

The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity when opening for Mulaney on Friday referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him.

Chappelle stirred up more controversy right after being tackled when he joked that his assailant, now identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, was a transgender man.

Though he's receiving quite a bit of criticism, John Mulaney has not yet made a public statement regarding the Washington D.C. native's appearance at the show.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

After the Oscars, the Palme dOr is the most prestigious film award in the business, and its a lot less predictable. Coming from a jury usually comprised of actors and directors, it arrives as the outcome of furious debate and often conflicting values about the nature of the art form. There is no mathematical formula for predicting the Palme dOr, and educated guesswork can be misleading, but its still worth a shot.

Handed out at the festival since 1955, the golden prize represents the pinnacle of prestige for the filmmaker who receives it. As Cannes presents itself as the nexus of the greatest cinema on the planet, the prize is an extension of that mentality, and it invites winners into an exclusive club that spans film history. Recipients of the Palme dOr have ranged from Black Orpheus and La Dolce Vita to Apocalypse Now. In some cases, the prize has anointed emerging talent, such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul with Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives or Ruben Ostlund with The Square; at others, it has provided the opportunity to celebrate a veteran filmmaker at the top of their game, from Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) to Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, I, Daniel Blake) to Michael Haneke (Amour, The White Ribbon).

More from IndieWire

The Palme has been handed out to filmmakers from a wide array of backgrounds, though only two women have won the award before: Jane Campion (The Piano) and, last year, Julia Ducourneau (Titane). The absence of parity is one of many representational issues for the festival, but the jury is at the mercy of the program and must work with its options.

The outcome can go a lot of different directions. The year Steven Spielberg headed the jury, several members wanted to give the Palme to the grim Russian drama Leviathan, but the prize instead went to lesbian romance Blue is the Warmest Color. And in the year that Toni Erdmann was a critical favorite, jury president George Miller reportedly hated it; the prize went to I, Daniel Blake. When Pedro Almodovar served as president, he was a passionate fan of the queer period piece BPM, but a lack of jury consensus resulted in the award going to The Square. The president may be a prominent voice at the table, but gets one vote along with the rest of the jurors, and its impossible to know whether they can find common ground until the penultimate day of the festival when deliberation takes place.

Story continues

What will this years jury do? Again, that question has no obvious answer, but there are some clues that will help inform possibilities as this years 21-film competition unfurls over the course of the festival. The jury is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon, who was at Cannes last year with a daring physical turn in Titane, but is generally known for starring in socially-conscious dramas told from more traditional points of view (like 2016s The Measure of a Man, which landed him a Cannes prize for Best Actor). Penelope Cruz was initially supposed to head the jury, but had to drop out due to scheduling issues.

Often, actor-driven juries are inclined to anoint more accessible emotional undertakings, while filmmakers advocate for ambitious cinematic gambles, and directors actually outnumber Lindon on his own jury. Most of them have premiered recent films in competition at the festival: Asghar Farhadi (A Hero), Ladj Ly (Les Miserables), Jeff Nichols (Mud), and Joaquim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), and they all make complex work that juggles filmmaking artistry with emotional weight. Theres also an actor-turned-director in Rebecca Hall, whose Passing premiered at Sundance last year, in addition to actors Deepika Pauline, Noomi Rapace, and Jasmine Trinca.

The jury generally watches two to three films a day over the course of the 12-day festival on the same timeline as the rest of the exclusive crowd. That means the Palme dOr race evolves on a day-to-day basis. As usual, this list will be updated throughout the festival to reflect the changing narrative. The ranking goes from least to most likely to win, and the list reflects the quality of the lineup, the presumed preferences of the jury, and whatever Cannes gossip happens to be making its way around the Croisette.

That means a lot can change, so keep checking back here for updates in the days ahead. The Palme dOr will be handed out at the closing ceremony on Saturday, May 28.

20. Brother and Sister

Brother and Sister - Credit: Wild Bunch

Wild Bunch

French director Arnaud Desplechin is a Cannes regular who tends to make talky family dramas, and his latest is no exception. The grim story of adult siblings (Melvin Poupaud and Marion Cotillard) who argue about jealousy over each other success gets exacerbated when their parents wind up in the hospital and theyre forced to attempt reconciliation. Critics have been unkind to the melodrama at the core of the movie, and with its unadventurous plot, the movie is unlikely to make much of an impact on this years jury. Read IndieWires review here.

19. The Eight Mountains

The Eight Mountains - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

Belgian director Felix van Groeningen was nominated for an Oscar for Broken Circle Breakdown, but makes his first appearance in Cannes competition with this adaptation of the 2016 novel, co-directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch in her debut. The gorgeous, pensive drama looks at a pair of men who befriend each other in a remote mountain town during childhood and develop a complex adult relationship informed in part by the gap in privilege that impacts their maturation. At two-and-a-half hours, this voiceover-heavy character study lacks much in the way of conflict, so its hard to imagine it leaving much of a lasting effect on this years jury. Read IndieWires full review here.

18. Tchaikovskys Wife

Tchaikovskys Wife

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has been making controversial headlines due to the oligarch who helped finance the film, and its very presence in this years competition has elicited backlash due to the war in Ukraine. If the movie was a frontrunner for the Palme dOr, that discussion would get a lot more complicated with this years jury, but its unlikely theyll give the top prize to this moody look at the famed composers first wife, who went mad after discovering his sexuality. Though some members of the jury may appreciate the surreal flourishes and an attempt to complicate Russian cultural history, that response is more likely to yield another category win like screenplay. Read IndieWires review here.

17. The Stars at Noon

The Stars at Noon - Credit: A24/Cannes

A24/Cannes

Claire Denis first time in Cannes competition since Chocolat is another mostly English-language effort from the directors Best Director win for Fire at Berlinale earlier this year. This time, she adapts Denis Johnsons novel about a young American journalist (Margaret Qualley) who meets an enigmatic British businessman (Joe Alwyn) in Nicaragua and develops a heated romance with him. Equal parts sensual melodrama and espionage drama, the movie features Denis usual visual prowess and emotional intensity, though some critics have been put off by the slow-burn plot and murky politics. The jury may appreciate the performances at the center what ultimately amounts to a minimalist two-hander, but is almost certain to focus on other possibilities for the Palme. Read IndieWires review here.

16. Forever Young

Forever Young - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

French actor-turned-director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi last came to Cannes with A Castle in Italy in 2013, and returns with this far more personal 80s-set work about an acting troupe working under famed theater director Patrice Chereau. The ensemble drama follows a group of actors accepted to Chereaus exclusive school as they hang out, fall in love, and contend with tragic developments that endanger their future. Tedeschi trades big plot twists for subtle world-building and lingering in the complexities of a coming-of-age story rooted in a precise moment for French youth culture. That lack of cohesive drama may hold the movie back from much traction in the Palme conversation, though some members of the jury may respect enough about the emotional focus of the work (and its fixation on evolving creative identity) to anoint it with another prize, perhaps for its screenplay.

15. Nostalgia

Nostalgia

Italian director Mario Martones new thriller follows middle-aged man who returns to Naples to see his mother, and in the process, revisit the neighborhood where he grew up. In the process, of dealing with his frail mothers needs, he reckons with how much his life has changed, as well as the world that leaves behind. That includes his own childhood friend, who stuck around and became a prominent local bad guy. Reviews have been respectful but not ecstatic for this moody look at the struggle to reconcile ones past and present. Given its straightforward narrative and accessible emotions, the film might appeal to some jurors for its cohesiveness, but it lacks the kind of singular emotion that tends to push certain contenders into Palme territory. Read IndieWires review here.

14. Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish director Ruben Ostlunds first English-language feature (and first directing credit since his Palme dOr winner The Square) is a wild and provocative class satire designed to make its audiences squirm. Ostlund delivers a riotous skewering of the fashion world that finds a young pair of celebrity influencers (Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean) as two of several unfortunate passengers on a cruise ship on the verge of catastrophe at the helm of its Marxist captain (Woody Harrelson). The movie begins at a leisurely pace before careening into chaos in a slew of bodily fluids as everything goes ridiculously wrong onboard and a few survivors find themselves washed up on a deserted island. Ostlunds kooky style and obvious symbolism isnt for everyone, and its hard to imagine that this divisive title would win over enough jury members to convince them that the director deserves another Palme. But its a very Cannes sort of crowdpleaser, and one that will almost certainly lead to furious debates that could yield some sort of prize at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

13. Boy From Heaven

Boy from Heaven - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish-Egyptian director Tarik Saleh (The Nile Hilton Incident) makes his Cannes debut with this tense critical look at corruption within Cairos religious institutions. The story of a fishermans son (Tawfeek Barhom) from a remote town who gets a scholarship to go to school in Cairo, the movie finds the young man drawn into a conspiratorial scenario in which a government agent attempts to turn him into an informant and influence the election of the new imam. Critics have compared the movie to John Grisham and John le Carre alike, as the film utilizes a sophisticated thriller aesthetic to explore complex questions about the potential for religious institutes to exert power over facets of society. Saleh (who has been banned from Egypt) is the kind of socially conscious filmmaker whose work may strike some jurors as Palme-worthy, though the films rather straightforward plot (and some plot holes) could hold it back from consensus. Read IndieWires review here.

12. Holy Spider

Holy Spider

Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi returns to Cannes with his follow-up to 2018s Un Certain Regard winner Border with a disturbing look at a notorious true crime story in Iran: the story of so-called spider killer Saeed Hanaei (Mehdi Bajestani) who murdered 16 prostitutes in Mashad in 2001 before his arrest. Hanaei believed he was on a holy mission to cleanse the city, and after he was captured, a lot of local extremists  and even some media outlets  agreed with him. The movie explores this infuriating saga through the eyes of a fictional female journalist (Zahra Amir Ebrahimi) who tracks down the culprit while contending with misogyny and indifference from authorities. Abbasi shot the movie in Jordan to circumnavigate Iranian censorship, and the movies critical look at the country strikes a contrast with much work from the country that has been approved by its censors. That representational achievement helps this grounded procedural stand out, and the movie has been well-received. At the same time, its rather straightforward narrative approach makes it less of a Palme contender than the sort of respectable achievement the jury may want to acknowledge through another prize  perhaps best actress for Ebrahimi, making her big comeback after she was humiliated in Iran and forced to reboot her career abroad. Read IndieWires review here.

11. Leilas Brothers

Iranian director Saeed Roustaees first Cannes entry (his crime drama Just 6.5 was a critical hit) is a complex ensemble drama about a formerly successful family in which an elderly man (Saeed Poursamimi) contemplates whether or not to disperse his wealth among his five kids. In the meantime, the grown offspring bicker endlessly, with the four men of the household swirling around the titular Leila Taraneh Alidoosti) as she navigates their toxic masculinity and attempts to salvage the familys financial stability. The movies epic runtime and rather straightforward narrative could hold it back from Palme consideration, though Roustaees ability to juggle so many characters with credible performances and constant energy means that appreciation for it could linger. At the very least, the film should figure into conversations about prizes for performances and possibly the screenplay.

10. Decision to Leave

Decision to Leave - Credit: Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Korean auteur Park Chan-wooks first feature since 2016s The Handmaiden marks a notable shift for the genre director best known for the violent extremes of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy. A kind of romantic noir that keeps audiences guessing until the end, the movie stars Park Hae-il as a detective who becomes obsessed with the widow (Tang Wei) of a man who dies under mysterious circumstances in a climbing accident. Instead of following the traditional beats of a murder mystery, however, Decision to Leave deals more with the investigator figuring out the intricacies of the widows former marital troubles even as the man contends with some of his own. The result is a stylish and even sensitive work from a director not usually known for those qualities, but the skillful filmmaking remains intact. The movie itself is a bit of a strange mishmash that heads toward a fairly predictable twists, which means the jury might not want to give it the top prize over a more fully realized work. But Park is such a talented filmmaker that could still wind up with some kind of award at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

9. RMN

R.M.N. - Credit: IFC Films

IFC Films

Fifteen years ago, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the Palme dOr for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days at the height of the Romanian New Wave, and has maintained a steady output of Cannes successes since then. His 2012 drama Beyond the Hills scored him a Best Screenplay award and 2016s Graduation won him Best Director. Few filmmakers win the Palme more than once, but Mungius effective blend of social realism and bleak-but-gripping scenarios have been so consistently strong that it wouldnt be unthinkable for him to bag the gold once more. Thats certainly a possibility for RMN, another grim and insightful look at provincial life and uncomfortable power structures from a director who digs into them better than anyone. The story of a dyspeptic man who quits his job in Germany to return to his village in Transylvania, RMN initially focuses on his efforts to help his young child while developing a romance with a local woman, but eventually it expands to look at the way the community reacts to the arrival of several immigrant workers. While the protagonist faced xenophobia in his old job, the new arrivals face the same racism here, an irony that leads to a series of taut showdowns and gripping conversations about personal values and bias. Blending jittery naturalism with thrilling showdowns and even a surreal climax, RMN is Mungius most fully realized work since 4 Months, but its cerebral formalism may alienate some jurors in a year with such a wide array of options.

8. Pacifiction

Catalan director Albert Serra is a cinematic provocateur with a compelling history at Cannes that includes his Jean-Pierre Leaud drama The Death of Louis XIV and the 18th century hardcore-sex-in-the-woods saga Liberte, which played Un Certain Regard in 2019. His new work is once again a study of powerful men who exploit disenfranchised people, but operates on a more dreamlike plane that has already invited comparisons to Apichatpong Weerasethakul and David Lynch. Benoit Magimel stars in a memorial central performance as a French diplomat who travels to Tahiti to take stock of the island and relish his authority there. Much of the movie finds the man absorbing island life, including an extraordinary sequence in which he rides waves alongside locals on a jetski, and others at a local dive bar that capture the prevalent malaise. In the meantime, paranoia about old nuclear tests in the region and a possible submarine lurking in nearby waters add a dose of paranoia to the proceedings that may or may not be reflective of central characters own psychological instability. In terms of pure cinematic ambition, Pacifiction is certainly the most enigmatic and challenging work in this years competition, one sure to stir up admiration and curiosity among this years jury that could help it figure into awards discussions. That could mean an acting prize for Magimel or even a Grand Prix if respect for the filmmaking is high with many jurors, but the aimless nature of the narrative means it may not be quite cohesive enough to score the consensus needed for the Palme.

8. Mother and Son

Mother and Son

Leonor Serrailes first film in Cannes competition follows up her 2017 debut, Camera dOr winner Jeune Femme, and her sophomore effort is proof that her first feature wasnt a fluke. A moving look at the experiences of single mother Rose (Annabelle Lengronne) who immigrates to Paris from the Ivory Coast with her two young sons, the movie is narrated by one of the boys from his adult perspective as the events play out in the late 1980s. The drama is light on huge plot twists and heavy on texture, as it follows Rose through a series of relationships with men who cant quite gel with the rest of her family unit, and the boys struggle to fit in. As her older son stumbles through his teen years and gets into trouble, Mother and Son evolves into an intriguing investigation into French identity and the challenges it presents to an outsider hoping to blend it. The movie fizzles over time as it advances toward the present day, and amounts to a series of well-directed scenes rather than some greater whole. That makes it a tough candidate for the Palme, even though it is the final film to screen in competition. Some jurors might want to reward it for performances or script but its hard to see it taking the top prize over more cohesive works this year.

7. Broker

Broker - Credit: screenshot

screenshot

Among the Palme dOr veterans at this years festival, Japans Hirokazu Kore-eda has done particularly well with emotional crowdpleasers. His subtle approach to family dramas has yielded ecstatic praise for everything from Like Father, Like Son to Shoplifters, which won him the Palme and eventually an Oscar nomination. The filmmaker has entered an intriguing new career phase working outside the country, first with 2019s French production The Truth (which premiered at Venice), and now this Korean-set outing that brings him back to familiar terrain. This time, he follows a pair of men (Gang Dong-won and Parasite star Song Kang-ho) who run an underground hustle to sell babies on the black market after theyre abandoned at a church. After theyre confronted by the remorseful mother (Lee Ji-eun) about their scheme, she decides to embark with them on a road trip to find the child a new home. Meanwhile, a pair of female police officers trail the trio, as Broker settles into the kind of lighthearted dramedy with deeper emotions lingering beneath the surface that Kore-eda does so well. The familiar genre elements at play here  the road trip in particular  do simplify the proceedings to some degree, even though Kore-edas skillful direction remains intact. The jury may appreciate some of the observations about family bonds and obligations, which could compel them to award the movie something for its script or performances. A Palme win isnt out of the question either, as the premise is compelling enough to leave a mark and Kore-eda is definitely the kind of filmmaker well-positioned to join the two-timer club. But the jury may also feel stronger about other films with more intense emotion and filmmaking ambition.

6. Tori and Lokita

Belgian Filmmakers Luc Dardenne (r) and Jean-pierre Dardenne (l) - Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Few filmmakers thrive at Cannes better than Belgian duo Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, whose intense approach to social realism have gone a long way in these parts. The siblings have won the Palme dOr twice, for Rosetta and The Child, in addition to a screenplay prize for Lornas Silence and the Grand Prix for The Kid With a Bike. Their latest is another timely character study, in this case focusing on a pair of African immigrants who pass as brother and sister while trying to get their immigration papers. In an attempt to stabilize their existence, Lokita (Joely Mbundu) gets by with drug dealing while plotting a better life and hopes to bring 11-year-old Tori (Pablo Schils) with her. But things get very bad very quickly as the Dardennes economic storytelling kicks in, and the movie evolves into a real-time thriller right on schedule. As usual, the Dardennes intense storytelling throbs with anger over economic disparity and violence that doesnt make things easy for its viewers right down to the unsettling finale. The emotional weight of the drama could have a lasting effect on this years jury, but nobodys won the Palme three times before, and the concision of the film means that it might be perceived as too small for the top prize. Still, its certain to remain in the conversation as one of the strongest filmmaking achievements in this years competition, and stands a good shot at winning something at the end of the day.

5. Armageddon Time

Armageddon Time - Credit: Focus Features

Focus Features

Over the years, Cannes has been a far more receptive audience to James Gray than his audiences back home in the U.S. The festival has screened five of his eight features at the festival: The Yards, We Own the Night, The Immigrant, Two Lovers, and now Armageddon Time. As an American director with European sensibilities, Grays penchant for intimate family dramas has often performed well with festival audiences, though the Palme dOr has been elusive all that time. His latest may get him closer than his previous efforts, if only because its such an obvious personal project designed to make its emotions accessible to the audience. The Queens-set 1980s set ensemble piece follows a young Jewish boy (Michael Banks Repeta) who befriends a young African American classmate (Jaylin Webb) while contending with the menacing expectations of his parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) as well as his immigrant grandfather (Anthony Hopkins). Even as a familiar, emotionally resonant nostalgia piece, Armageddon Time has a lot on its mind about the impact of class and privilege on modern America, so its possible the Cannes jury might find some consensus on that front. At the same time, the movies narrow perspective (its a white perspective on racism) may rub some of the jurors the wrong way, and it lacks the kind of cinematic ambition that may be more likely to excite the filmmakers among them. Read IndieWires review here.

4. Crimes of the Future

Crimes of the Future - Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection

Courtesy Everett Collection

David Cronenberg has returned to Cannes with his first feature since 2014 Cannes entry Maps to the Stars, and enthusiasm for his dystopian vision of physicality could not be higher. The directors two-decade-old script about a couple of performance artists (Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux) who remove artificial organs onstage as a kind of surreal performance, explores the interplay of technology and identity in ways that feel fresh and anticipatory even as they invite plenty of debate. Given the filmmaker-heavy jury, the movie is definitely one to keep an eye on: Directors have tremendous admiration for the 79-year-old filmmakers complex and singular vision behind the camera as well as his resilience; the movies blend of timely ideas and cinematic provocations also suggests the potential for a major prize. At the same time, Cronenbergs work can be as baffling as it is insightful and ambitious. Some who have seen it at the festival have a lot of questions about what they just watched. If jury president Lindon is one of them, he may push back on a Palme win. For now, though, this one seems like a strong contender for many reasons, including the convincing Its his time argument: Cronenberg has been to Cannes many times, and even headed the jury himself in 1999  but unlike other veterans in the competition this year, hasnt won the Palme yet. Read IndieWires review here.

3. Showing Up

Showing Up

Kelly Reichardts first film in competition is a world apart from 2020s First Cow, and not just because it takes place in the present. Here, rather than exploring vast expanse of the Pacific Northwest, the filmmaker magnifies the plight of the modern artist. Thats Lizzy (Michelle Williams, in her fourth collaboration with the director), a curmudgeonly Portland ceramicist enmeshed in the neurotic process of preparing a new show while struggling to pay rent to her artist landlord (Hong Chau) and contending with the rest of her unstable creative family (including a mentally ill brother played by First Cow star John Magaro). Nobody does understatement like Reichardt, and her new movie is yet another constant stream of subtle moments, though they accumulate into an agreeable character study with occasional bursts of comedy and profound insights into the alienating effects of creative desire. (Theres also a subplot involving an injured pigeon thats second only to Eo as the great animal rights statement of this years festival.) Even at her best, Reichardts style is an acquired taste, and some members of this years jury might feel that the muted narrative is so slow-paced. But the film is one of the best-reviewed titles in this years competition, with enough intelligence and singular vision to stand out from a busy pack of titles. It should at the very least figure into some discussions about the various awards in play. Read IndieWires review here.

2. Eo

EO - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

At 84, Polish auteur Jerzy Skolimoski has lost none of his penchant for cinematic ambition, and this modern update of Robert Bressons Au Hasard Balthazar is unexpected treat: a nearly-wordless story of the titular donkey (the title translates as Hee Haw) as he endures a vignette-like journey through different human hands as his constant case takes on metaphorical value. A vegan-friendly saga akin to Cow and Gunda, Skolimoski meditation on animal intelligence amidst human indifference isnt exactly complex, but its poignant and engaging all the same. The jury might be inclined to reward the movie for its astute use of film language and Skolimoskis longstanding reputation. Some might find it too slight for the big prize  but that very slightness is also what makes the film accessible, and its premise has the power to linger enough for jurors Read IndieWires review here.

1. Close

Close - Credit: A24

A24

Belgian director Lukas Dhonts returns to Cannes follows his debut effort, Girl, which won the Un Certain Regard section in 2018. Now, at the age of 30, Dhont could very well become the youngest director to nab the Palme since a 26-year-old Steven Sodbergh took it for Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 1989 (before that, Louise Malle won it at 24 for co-directing The Silent World with Jacques Cousteau). Dhonts sensitive drama looks at a 12-year-old boy Leo (Eden Dambrine) who deals with the fallout of a tragedy involving best friend Remi (Gustav De Waele). Though some critics have struggled with the particulars of that twist, Dhonts confident directorial approach brings a level of authenticity to material that could easily devolve into mopey melodrama, and instead functions as an astute look at burgeoning queer desire as well as early heartbreak. This years filmmaker-heavy jury is likely to appreciate the blend of filmmaking confidence, strong performances, and emotional accessibility, a delicate juggling act that makes the movie far more likely to remain a Palme contender than other more divisive titles. Even if some jurors have reservations about aspects of Close (which A24 bought for U.S. distribution at the festival), its a more obvious consensus title than anything else in the competition. Read IndieWires review here.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
After the Oscars, the Palme dOr is the most prestigious film award in the business, and its a lot less predictable. Coming from a jury usually comprised of actors and directors, it arrives as the outcome of furious debate and often conflicting values about the nature of the art form. There is no mathematical formula for predicting the Palme dOr, and educated guesswork can be misleading, but its still worth a shot.

Handed out at the festival since 1955, the golden prize represents the pinnacle of prestige for the filmmaker who receives it. As Cannes presents itself as the nexus of the greatest cinema on the planet, the prize is an extension of that mentality, and it invites winners into an exclusive club that spans film history. Recipients of the Palme dOr have ranged from Black Orpheus and La Dolce Vita to Apocalypse Now. In some cases, the prize has anointed emerging talent, such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul with Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives or Ruben Ostlund with The Square; at others, it has provided the opportunity to celebrate a veteran filmmaker at the top of their game, from Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) to Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, I, Daniel Blake) to Michael Haneke (Amour, The White Ribbon).

More from IndieWire

The Palme has been handed out to filmmakers from a wide array of backgrounds, though only two women have won the award before: Jane Campion (The Piano) and, last year, Julia Ducourneau (Titane). The absence of parity is one of many representational issues for the festival, but the jury is at the mercy of the program and must work with its options.

The outcome can go a lot of different directions. The year Steven Spielberg headed the jury, several members wanted to give the Palme to the grim Russian drama Leviathan, but the prize instead went to lesbian romance Blue is the Warmest Color. And in the year that Toni Erdmann was a critical favorite, jury president George Miller reportedly hated it; the prize went to I, Daniel Blake. When Pedro Almodovar served as president, he was a passionate fan of the queer period piece BPM, but a lack of jury consensus resulted in the award going to The Square. The president may be a prominent voice at the table, but gets one vote along with the rest of the jurors, and its impossible to know whether they can find common ground until the penultimate day of the festival when deliberation takes place.

Story continues

What will this years jury do? Again, that question has no obvious answer, but there are some clues that will help inform possibilities as this years 21-film competition unfurls over the course of the festival. The jury is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon, who was at Cannes last year with a daring physical turn in Titane, but is generally known for starring in socially-conscious dramas told from more traditional points of view (like 2016s The Measure of a Man, which landed him a Cannes prize for Best Actor). Penelope Cruz was initially supposed to head the jury, but had to drop out due to scheduling issues.

Often, actor-driven juries are inclined to anoint more accessible emotional undertakings, while filmmakers advocate for ambitious cinematic gambles, and directors actually outnumber Lindon on his own jury. Most of them have premiered recent films in competition at the festival: Asghar Farhadi (A Hero), Ladj Ly (Les Miserables), Jeff Nichols (Mud), and Joaquim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), and they all make complex work that juggles filmmaking artistry with emotional weight. Theres also an actor-turned-director in Rebecca Hall, whose Passing premiered at Sundance last year, in addition to actors Deepika Pauline, Noomi Rapace, and Jasmine Trinca.

The jury generally watches two to three films a day over the course of the 12-day festival on the same timeline as the rest of the exclusive crowd. That means the Palme dOr race evolves on a day-to-day basis. As usual, this list will be updated throughout the festival to reflect the changing narrative. The ranking goes from least to most likely to win, and the list reflects the quality of the lineup, the presumed preferences of the jury, and whatever Cannes gossip happens to be making its way around the Croisette.

That means a lot can change, so keep checking back here for updates in the days ahead. The Palme dOr will be handed out at the closing ceremony on Saturday, May 28.

20. Brother and Sister

Brother and Sister - Credit: Wild Bunch

Wild Bunch

French director Arnaud Desplechin is a Cannes regular who tends to make talky family dramas, and his latest is no exception. The grim story of adult siblings (Melvin Poupaud and Marion Cotillard) who argue about jealousy over each other success gets exacerbated when their parents wind up in the hospital and theyre forced to attempt reconciliation. Critics have been unkind to the melodrama at the core of the movie, and with its unadventurous plot, the movie is unlikely to make much of an impact on this years jury. Read IndieWires review here.

19. The Eight Mountains

The Eight Mountains - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

Belgian director Felix van Groeningen was nominated for an Oscar for Broken Circle Breakdown, but makes his first appearance in Cannes competition with this adaptation of the 2016 novel, co-directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch in her debut. The gorgeous, pensive drama looks at a pair of men who befriend each other in a remote mountain town during childhood and develop a complex adult relationship informed in part by the gap in privilege that impacts their maturation. At two-and-a-half hours, this voiceover-heavy character study lacks much in the way of conflict, so its hard to imagine it leaving much of a lasting effect on this years jury. Read IndieWires full review here.

18. Tchaikovskys Wife

Tchaikovskys Wife

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has been making controversial headlines due to the oligarch who helped finance the film, and its very presence in this years competition has elicited backlash due to the war in Ukraine. If the movie was a frontrunner for the Palme dOr, that discussion would get a lot more complicated with this years jury, but its unlikely theyll give the top prize to this moody look at the famed composers first wife, who went mad after discovering his sexuality. Though some members of the jury may appreciate the surreal flourishes and an attempt to complicate Russian cultural history, that response is more likely to yield another category win like screenplay. Read IndieWires review here.

17. The Stars at Noon

The Stars at Noon - Credit: A24/Cannes

A24/Cannes

Claire Denis first time in Cannes competition since Chocolat is another mostly English-language effort from the directors Best Director win for Fire at Berlinale earlier this year. This time, she adapts Denis Johnsons novel about a young American journalist (Margaret Qualley) who meets an enigmatic British businessman (Joe Alwyn) in Nicaragua and develops a heated romance with him. Equal parts sensual melodrama and espionage drama, the movie features Denis usual visual prowess and emotional intensity, though some critics have been put off by the slow-burn plot and murky politics. The jury may appreciate the performances at the center what ultimately amounts to a minimalist two-hander, but is almost certain to focus on other possibilities for the Palme. Read IndieWires review here.

16. Forever Young

Forever Young - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

French actor-turned-director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi last came to Cannes with A Castle in Italy in 2013, and returns with this far more personal 80s-set work about an acting troupe working under famed theater director Patrice Chereau. The ensemble drama follows a group of actors accepted to Chereaus exclusive school as they hang out, fall in love, and contend with tragic developments that endanger their future. Tedeschi trades big plot twists for subtle world-building and lingering in the complexities of a coming-of-age story rooted in a precise moment for French youth culture. That lack of cohesive drama may hold the movie back from much traction in the Palme conversation, though some members of the jury may respect enough about the emotional focus of the work (and its fixation on evolving creative identity) to anoint it with another prize, perhaps for its screenplay.

15. Nostalgia

Nostalgia

Italian director Mario Martones new thriller follows middle-aged man who returns to Naples to see his mother, and in the process, revisit the neighborhood where he grew up. In the process, of dealing with his frail mothers needs, he reckons with how much his life has changed, as well as the world that leaves behind. That includes his own childhood friend, who stuck around and became a prominent local bad guy. Reviews have been respectful but not ecstatic for this moody look at the struggle to reconcile ones past and present. Given its straightforward narrative and accessible emotions, the film might appeal to some jurors for its cohesiveness, but it lacks the kind of singular emotion that tends to push certain contenders into Palme territory. Read IndieWires review here.

14. Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish director Ruben Ostlunds first English-language feature (and first directing credit since his Palme dOr winner The Square) is a wild and provocative class satire designed to make its audiences squirm. Ostlund delivers a riotous skewering of the fashion world that finds a young pair of celebrity influencers (Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean) as two of several unfortunate passengers on a cruise ship on the verge of catastrophe at the helm of its Marxist captain (Woody Harrelson). The movie begins at a leisurely pace before careening into chaos in a slew of bodily fluids as everything goes ridiculously wrong onboard and a few survivors find themselves washed up on a deserted island. Ostlunds kooky style and obvious symbolism isnt for everyone, and its hard to imagine that this divisive title would win over enough jury members to convince them that the director deserves another Palme. But its a very Cannes sort of crowdpleaser, and one that will almost certainly lead to furious debates that could yield some sort of prize at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

13. Boy From Heaven

Boy from Heaven - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish-Egyptian director Tarik Saleh (The Nile Hilton Incident) makes his Cannes debut with this tense critical look at corruption within Cairos religious institutions. The story of a fishermans son (Tawfeek Barhom) from a remote town who gets a scholarship to go to school in Cairo, the movie finds the young man drawn into a conspiratorial scenario in which a government agent attempts to turn him into an informant and influence the election of the new imam. Critics have compared the movie to John Grisham and John le Carre alike, as the film utilizes a sophisticated thriller aesthetic to explore complex questions about the potential for religious institutes to exert power over facets of society. Saleh (who has been banned from Egypt) is the kind of socially conscious filmmaker whose work may strike some jurors as Palme-worthy, though the films rather straightforward plot (and some plot holes) could hold it back from consensus. Read IndieWires review here.

12. Holy Spider

Holy Spider

Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi returns to Cannes with his follow-up to 2018s Un Certain Regard winner Border with a disturbing look at a notorious true crime story in Iran: the story of so-called spider killer Saeed Hanaei (Mehdi Bajestani) who murdered 16 prostitutes in Mashad in 2001 before his arrest. Hanaei believed he was on a holy mission to cleanse the city, and after he was captured, a lot of local extremists  and even some media outlets  agreed with him. The movie explores this infuriating saga through the eyes of a fictional female journalist (Zahra Amir Ebrahimi) who tracks down the culprit while contending with misogyny and indifference from authorities. Abbasi shot the movie in Jordan to circumnavigate Iranian censorship, and the movies critical look at the country strikes a contrast with much work from the country that has been approved by its censors. That representational achievement helps this grounded procedural stand out, and the movie has been well-received. At the same time, its rather straightforward narrative approach makes it less of a Palme contender than the sort of respectable achievement the jury may want to acknowledge through another prize  perhaps best actress for Ebrahimi, making her big comeback after she was humiliated in Iran and forced to reboot her career abroad. Read IndieWires review here.

11. Leilas Brothers

Iranian director Saeed Roustaees first Cannes entry (his crime drama Just 6.5 was a critical hit) is a complex ensemble drama about a formerly successful family in which an elderly man (Saeed Poursamimi) contemplates whether or not to disperse his wealth among his five kids. In the meantime, the grown offspring bicker endlessly, with the four men of the household swirling around the titular Leila Taraneh Alidoosti) as she navigates their toxic masculinity and attempts to salvage the familys financial stability. The movies epic runtime and rather straightforward narrative could hold it back from Palme consideration, though Roustaees ability to juggle so many characters with credible performances and constant energy means that appreciation for it could linger. At the very least, the film should figure into conversations about prizes for performances and possibly the screenplay.

10. Decision to Leave

Decision to Leave - Credit: Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Korean auteur Park Chan-wooks first feature since 2016s The Handmaiden marks a notable shift for the genre director best known for the violent extremes of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy. A kind of romantic noir that keeps audiences guessing until the end, the movie stars Park Hae-il as a detective who becomes obsessed with the widow (Tang Wei) of a man who dies under mysterious circumstances in a climbing accident. Instead of following the traditional beats of a murder mystery, however, Decision to Leave deals more with the investigator figuring out the intricacies of the widows former marital troubles even as the man contends with some of his own. The result is a stylish and even sensitive work from a director not usually known for those qualities, but the skillful filmmaking remains intact. The movie itself is a bit of a strange mishmash that heads toward a fairly predictable twists, which means the jury might not want to give it the top prize over a more fully realized work. But Park is such a talented filmmaker that could still wind up with some kind of award at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

9. RMN

R.M.N. - Credit: IFC Films

IFC Films

Fifteen years ago, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the Palme dOr for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days at the height of the Romanian New Wave, and has maintained a steady output of Cannes successes since then. His 2012 drama Beyond the Hills scored him a Best Screenplay award and 2016s Graduation won him Best Director. Few filmmakers win the Palme more than once, but Mungius effective blend of social realism and bleak-but-gripping scenarios have been so consistently strong that it wouldnt be unthinkable for him to bag the gold once more. Thats certainly a possibility for RMN, another grim and insightful look at provincial life and uncomfortable power structures from a director who digs into them better than anyone. The story of a dyspeptic man who quits his job in Germany to return to his village in Transylvania, RMN initially focuses on his efforts to help his young child while developing a romance with a local woman, but eventually it expands to look at the way the community reacts to the arrival of several immigrant workers. While the protagonist faced xenophobia in his old job, the new arrivals face the same racism here, an irony that leads to a series of taut showdowns and gripping conversations about personal values and bias. Blending jittery naturalism with thrilling showdowns and even a surreal climax, RMN is Mungius most fully realized work since 4 Months, but its cerebral formalism may alienate some jurors in a year with such a wide array of options.

8. Pacifiction

Catalan director Albert Serra is a cinematic provocateur with a compelling history at Cannes that includes his Jean-Pierre Leaud drama The Death of Louis XIV and the 18th century hardcore-sex-in-the-woods saga Liberte, which played Un Certain Regard in 2019. His new work is once again a study of powerful men who exploit disenfranchised people, but operates on a more dreamlike plane that has already invited comparisons to Apichatpong Weerasethakul and David Lynch. Benoit Magimel stars in a memorial central performance as a French diplomat who travels to Tahiti to take stock of the island and relish his authority there. Much of the movie finds the man absorbing island life, including an extraordinary sequence in which he rides waves alongside locals on a jetski, and others at a local dive bar that capture the prevalent malaise. In the meantime, paranoia about old nuclear tests in the region and a possible submarine lurking in nearby waters add a dose of paranoia to the proceedings that may or may not be reflective of central characters own psychological instability. In terms of pure cinematic ambition, Pacifiction is certainly the most enigmatic and challenging work in this years competition, one sure to stir up admiration and curiosity among this years jury that could help it figure into awards discussions. That could mean an acting prize for Magimel or even a Grand Prix if respect for the filmmaking is high with many jurors, but the aimless nature of the narrative means it may not be quite cohesive enough to score the consensus needed for the Palme.

8. Mother and Son

Mother and Son

Leonor Serrailes first film in Cannes competition follows up her 2017 debut, Camera dOr winner Jeune Femme, and her sophomore effort is proof that her first feature wasnt a fluke. A moving look at the experiences of single mother Rose (Annabelle Lengronne) who immigrates to Paris from the Ivory Coast with her two young sons, the movie is narrated by one of the boys from his adult perspective as the events play out in the late 1980s. The drama is light on huge plot twists and heavy on texture, as it follows Rose through a series of relationships with men who cant quite gel with the rest of her family unit, and the boys struggle to fit in. As her older son stumbles through his teen years and gets into trouble, Mother and Son evolves into an intriguing investigation into French identity and the challenges it presents to an outsider hoping to blend it. The movie fizzles over time as it advances toward the present day, and amounts to a series of well-directed scenes rather than some greater whole. That makes it a tough candidate for the Palme, even though it is the final film to screen in competition. Some jurors might want to reward it for performances or script but its hard to see it taking the top prize over more cohesive works this year.

7. Broker

Broker - Credit: screenshot

screenshot

Among the Palme dOr veterans at this years festival, Japans Hirokazu Kore-eda has done particularly well with emotional crowdpleasers. His subtle approach to family dramas has yielded ecstatic praise for everything from Like Father, Like Son to Shoplifters, which won him the Palme and eventually an Oscar nomination. The filmmaker has entered an intriguing new career phase working outside the country, first with 2019s French production The Truth (which premiered at Venice), and now this Korean-set outing that brings him back to familiar terrain. This time, he follows a pair of men (Gang Dong-won and Parasite star Song Kang-ho) who run an underground hustle to sell babies on the black market after theyre abandoned at a church. After theyre confronted by the remorseful mother (Lee Ji-eun) about their scheme, she decides to embark with them on a road trip to find the child a new home. Meanwhile, a pair of female police officers trail the trio, as Broker settles into the kind of lighthearted dramedy with deeper emotions lingering beneath the surface that Kore-eda does so well. The familiar genre elements at play here  the road trip in particular  do simplify the proceedings to some degree, even though Kore-edas skillful direction remains intact. The jury may appreciate some of the observations about family bonds and obligations, which could compel them to award the movie something for its script or performances. A Palme win isnt out of the question either, as the premise is compelling enough to leave a mark and Kore-eda is definitely the kind of filmmaker well-positioned to join the two-timer club. But the jury may also feel stronger about other films with more intense emotion and filmmaking ambition.

6. Tori and Lokita

Belgian Filmmakers Luc Dardenne (r) and Jean-pierre Dardenne (l) - Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Few filmmakers thrive at Cannes better than Belgian duo Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, whose intense approach to social realism have gone a long way in these parts. The siblings have won the Palme dOr twice, for Rosetta and The Child, in addition to a screenplay prize for Lornas Silence and the Grand Prix for The Kid With a Bike. Their latest is another timely character study, in this case focusing on a pair of African immigrants who pass as brother and sister while trying to get their immigration papers. In an attempt to stabilize their existence, Lokita (Joely Mbundu) gets by with drug dealing while plotting a better life and hopes to bring 11-year-old Tori (Pablo Schils) with her. But things get very bad very quickly as the Dardennes economic storytelling kicks in, and the movie evolves into a real-time thriller right on schedule. As usual, the Dardennes intense storytelling throbs with anger over economic disparity and violence that doesnt make things easy for its viewers right down to the unsettling finale. The emotional weight of the drama could have a lasting effect on this years jury, but nobodys won the Palme three times before, and the concision of the film means that it might be perceived as too small for the top prize. Still, its certain to remain in the conversation as one of the strongest filmmaking achievements in this years competition, and stands a good shot at winning something at the end of the day.

5. Armageddon Time

Armageddon Time - Credit: Focus Features

Focus Features

Over the years, Cannes has been a far more receptive audience to James Gray than his audiences back home in the U.S. The festival has screened five of his eight features at the festival: The Yards, We Own the Night, The Immigrant, Two Lovers, and now Armageddon Time. As an American director with European sensibilities, Grays penchant for intimate family dramas has often performed well with festival audiences, though the Palme dOr has been elusive all that time. His latest may get him closer than his previous efforts, if only because its such an obvious personal project designed to make its emotions accessible to the audience. The Queens-set 1980s set ensemble piece follows a young Jewish boy (Michael Banks Repeta) who befriends a young African American classmate (Jaylin Webb) while contending with the menacing expectations of his parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) as well as his immigrant grandfather (Anthony Hopkins). Even as a familiar, emotionally resonant nostalgia piece, Armageddon Time has a lot on its mind about the impact of class and privilege on modern America, so its possible the Cannes jury might find some consensus on that front. At the same time, the movies narrow perspective (its a white perspective on racism) may rub some of the jurors the wrong way, and it lacks the kind of cinematic ambition that may be more likely to excite the filmmakers among them. Read IndieWires review here.

4. Crimes of the Future

Crimes of the Future - Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection

Courtesy Everett Collection

David Cronenberg has returned to Cannes with his first feature since 2014 Cannes entry Maps to the Stars, and enthusiasm for his dystopian vision of physicality could not be higher. The directors two-decade-old script about a couple of performance artists (Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux) who remove artificial organs onstage as a kind of surreal performance, explores the interplay of technology and identity in ways that feel fresh and anticipatory even as they invite plenty of debate. Given the filmmaker-heavy jury, the movie is definitely one to keep an eye on: Directors have tremendous admiration for the 79-year-old filmmakers complex and singular vision behind the camera as well as his resilience; the movies blend of timely ideas and cinematic provocations also suggests the potential for a major prize. At the same time, Cronenbergs work can be as baffling as it is insightful and ambitious. Some who have seen it at the festival have a lot of questions about what they just watched. If jury president Lindon is one of them, he may push back on a Palme win. For now, though, this one seems like a strong contender for many reasons, including the convincing Its his time argument: Cronenberg has been to Cannes many times, and even headed the jury himself in 1999  but unlike other veterans in the competition this year, hasnt won the Palme yet. Read IndieWires review here.

3. Showing Up

Showing Up

Kelly Reichardts first film in competition is a world apart from 2020s First Cow, and not just because it takes place in the present. Here, rather than exploring vast expanse of the Pacific Northwest, the filmmaker magnifies the plight of the modern artist. Thats Lizzy (Michelle Williams, in her fourth collaboration with the director), a curmudgeonly Portland ceramicist enmeshed in the neurotic process of preparing a new show while struggling to pay rent to her artist landlord (Hong Chau) and contending with the rest of her unstable creative family (including a mentally ill brother played by First Cow star John Magaro). Nobody does understatement like Reichardt, and her new movie is yet another constant stream of subtle moments, though they accumulate into an agreeable character study with occasional bursts of comedy and profound insights into the alienating effects of creative desire. (Theres also a subplot involving an injured pigeon thats second only to Eo as the great animal rights statement of this years festival.) Even at her best, Reichardts style is an acquired taste, and some members of this years jury might feel that the muted narrative is so slow-paced. But the film is one of the best-reviewed titles in this years competition, with enough intelligence and singular vision to stand out from a busy pack of titles. It should at the very least figure into some discussions about the various awards in play. Read IndieWires review here.

2. Eo

EO - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

At 84, Polish auteur Jerzy Skolimoski has lost none of his penchant for cinematic ambition, and this modern update of Robert Bressons Au Hasard Balthazar is unexpected treat: a nearly-wordless story of the titular donkey (the title translates as Hee Haw) as he endures a vignette-like journey through different human hands as his constant case takes on metaphorical value. A vegan-friendly saga akin to Cow and Gunda, Skolimoski meditation on animal intelligence amidst human indifference isnt exactly complex, but its poignant and engaging all the same. The jury might be inclined to reward the movie for its astute use of film language and Skolimoskis longstanding reputation. Some might find it too slight for the big prize  but that very slightness is also what makes the film accessible, and its premise has the power to linger enough for jurors Read IndieWires review here.

1. Close

Close - Credit: A24

A24

Belgian director Lukas Dhonts returns to Cannes follows his debut effort, Girl, which won the Un Certain Regard section in 2018. Now, at the age of 30, Dhont could very well become the youngest director to nab the Palme since a 26-year-old Steven Sodbergh took it for Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 1989 (before that, Louise Malle won it at 24 for co-directing The Silent World with Jacques Cousteau). Dhonts sensitive drama looks at a 12-year-old boy Leo (Eden Dambrine) who deals with the fallout of a tragedy involving best friend Remi (Gustav De Waele). Though some critics have struggled with the particulars of that twist, Dhonts confident directorial approach brings a level of authenticity to material that could easily devolve into mopey melodrama, and instead functions as an astute look at burgeoning queer desire as well as early heartbreak. This years filmmaker-heavy jury is likely to appreciate the blend of filmmaking confidence, strong performances, and emotional accessibility, a delicate juggling act that makes the movie far more likely to remain a Palme contender than other more divisive titles. Even if some jurors have reservations about aspects of Close (which A24 bought for U.S. distribution at the festival), its a more obvious consensus title than anything else in the competition. Read IndieWires review here.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
After the Oscars, the Palme dOr is the most prestigious film award in the business, and its a lot less predictable. Coming from a jury usually comprised of actors and directors, it arrives as the outcome of furious debate and often conflicting values about the nature of the art form. There is no mathematical formula for predicting the Palme dOr, and educated guesswork can be misleading, but its still worth a shot.

Handed out at the festival since 1955, the golden prize represents the pinnacle of prestige for the filmmaker who receives it. As Cannes presents itself as the nexus of the greatest cinema on the planet, the prize is an extension of that mentality, and it invites winners into an exclusive club that spans film history. Recipients of the Palme dOr have ranged from Black Orpheus and La Dolce Vita to Apocalypse Now. In some cases, the prize has anointed emerging talent, such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul with Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives or Ruben Ostlund with The Square; at others, it has provided the opportunity to celebrate a veteran filmmaker at the top of their game, from Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) to Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, I, Daniel Blake) to Michael Haneke (Amour, The White Ribbon).

More from IndieWire

The Palme has been handed out to filmmakers from a wide array of backgrounds, though only two women have won the award before: Jane Campion (The Piano) and, last year, Julia Ducourneau (Titane). The absence of parity is one of many representational issues for the festival, but the jury is at the mercy of the program and must work with its options.

The outcome can go a lot of different directions. The year Steven Spielberg headed the jury, several members wanted to give the Palme to the grim Russian drama Leviathan, but the prize instead went to lesbian romance Blue is the Warmest Color. And in the year that Toni Erdmann was a critical favorite, jury president George Miller reportedly hated it; the prize went to I, Daniel Blake. When Pedro Almodovar served as president, he was a passionate fan of the queer period piece BPM, but a lack of jury consensus resulted in the award going to The Square. The president may be a prominent voice at the table, but gets one vote along with the rest of the jurors, and its impossible to know whether they can find common ground until the penultimate day of the festival when deliberation takes place.

Story continues

What will this years jury do? Again, that question has no obvious answer, but there are some clues that will help inform possibilities as this years 21-film competition unfurls over the course of the festival. The jury is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon, who was at Cannes last year with a daring physical turn in Titane, but is generally known for starring in socially-conscious dramas told from more traditional points of view (like 2016s The Measure of a Man, which landed him a Cannes prize for Best Actor). Penelope Cruz was initially supposed to head the jury, but had to drop out due to scheduling issues.

Often, actor-driven juries are inclined to anoint more accessible emotional undertakings, while filmmakers advocate for ambitious cinematic gambles, and directors actually outnumber Lindon on his own jury. Most of them have premiered recent films in competition at the festival: Asghar Farhadi (A Hero), Ladj Ly (Les Miserables), Jeff Nichols (Mud), and Joaquim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), and they all make complex work that juggles filmmaking artistry with emotional weight. Theres also an actor-turned-director in Rebecca Hall, whose Passing premiered at Sundance last year, in addition to actors Deepika Pauline, Noomi Rapace, and Jasmine Trinca.

The jury generally watches two to three films a day over the course of the 12-day festival on the same timeline as the rest of the exclusive crowd. That means the Palme dOr race evolves on a day-to-day basis. As usual, this list will be updated throughout the festival to reflect the changing narrative. The ranking goes from least to most likely to win, and the list reflects the quality of the lineup, the presumed preferences of the jury, and whatever Cannes gossip happens to be making its way around the Croisette.

That means a lot can change, so keep checking back here for updates in the days ahead. The Palme dOr will be handed out at the closing ceremony on Saturday, May 28.

20. Brother and Sister

Brother and Sister - Credit: Wild Bunch

Wild Bunch

French director Arnaud Desplechin is a Cannes regular who tends to make talky family dramas, and his latest is no exception. The grim story of adult siblings (Melvin Poupaud and Marion Cotillard) who argue about jealousy over each other success gets exacerbated when their parents wind up in the hospital and theyre forced to attempt reconciliation. Critics have been unkind to the melodrama at the core of the movie, and with its unadventurous plot, the movie is unlikely to make much of an impact on this years jury. Read IndieWires review here.

19. The Eight Mountains

The Eight Mountains - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

Belgian director Felix van Groeningen was nominated for an Oscar for Broken Circle Breakdown, but makes his first appearance in Cannes competition with this adaptation of the 2016 novel, co-directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch in her debut. The gorgeous, pensive drama looks at a pair of men who befriend each other in a remote mountain town during childhood and develop a complex adult relationship informed in part by the gap in privilege that impacts their maturation. At two-and-a-half hours, this voiceover-heavy character study lacks much in the way of conflict, so its hard to imagine it leaving much of a lasting effect on this years jury. Read IndieWires full review here.

18. Tchaikovskys Wife

Tchaikovskys Wife

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has been making controversial headlines due to the oligarch who helped finance the film, and its very presence in this years competition has elicited backlash due to the war in Ukraine. If the movie was a frontrunner for the Palme dOr, that discussion would get a lot more complicated with this years jury, but its unlikely theyll give the top prize to this moody look at the famed composers first wife, who went mad after discovering his sexuality. Though some members of the jury may appreciate the surreal flourishes and an attempt to complicate Russian cultural history, that response is more likely to yield another category win like screenplay. Read IndieWires review here.

17. The Stars at Noon

The Stars at Noon - Credit: A24/Cannes

A24/Cannes

Claire Denis first time in Cannes competition since Chocolat is another mostly English-language effort from the directors Best Director win for Fire at Berlinale earlier this year. This time, she adapts Denis Johnsons novel about a young American journalist (Margaret Qualley) who meets an enigmatic British businessman (Joe Alwyn) in Nicaragua and develops a heated romance with him. Equal parts sensual melodrama and espionage drama, the movie features Denis usual visual prowess and emotional intensity, though some critics have been put off by the slow-burn plot and murky politics. The jury may appreciate the performances at the center what ultimately amounts to a minimalist two-hander, but is almost certain to focus on other possibilities for the Palme. Read IndieWires review here.

16. Forever Young

Forever Young - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

French actor-turned-director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi last came to Cannes with A Castle in Italy in 2013, and returns with this far more personal 80s-set work about an acting troupe working under famed theater director Patrice Chereau. The ensemble drama follows a group of actors accepted to Chereaus exclusive school as they hang out, fall in love, and contend with tragic developments that endanger their future. Tedeschi trades big plot twists for subtle world-building and lingering in the complexities of a coming-of-age story rooted in a precise moment for French youth culture. That lack of cohesive drama may hold the movie back from much traction in the Palme conversation, though some members of the jury may respect enough about the emotional focus of the work (and its fixation on evolving creative identity) to anoint it with another prize, perhaps for its screenplay.

15. Nostalgia

Nostalgia

Italian director Mario Martones new thriller follows middle-aged man who returns to Naples to see his mother, and in the process, revisit the neighborhood where he grew up. In the process, of dealing with his frail mothers needs, he reckons with how much his life has changed, as well as the world that leaves behind. That includes his own childhood friend, who stuck around and became a prominent local bad guy. Reviews have been respectful but not ecstatic for this moody look at the struggle to reconcile ones past and present. Given its straightforward narrative and accessible emotions, the film might appeal to some jurors for its cohesiveness, but it lacks the kind of singular emotion that tends to push certain contenders into Palme territory. Read IndieWires review here.

14. Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish director Ruben Ostlunds first English-language feature (and first directing credit since his Palme dOr winner The Square) is a wild and provocative class satire designed to make its audiences squirm. Ostlund delivers a riotous skewering of the fashion world that finds a young pair of celebrity influencers (Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean) as two of several unfortunate passengers on a cruise ship on the verge of catastrophe at the helm of its Marxist captain (Woody Harrelson). The movie begins at a leisurely pace before careening into chaos in a slew of bodily fluids as everything goes ridiculously wrong onboard and a few survivors find themselves washed up on a deserted island. Ostlunds kooky style and obvious symbolism isnt for everyone, and its hard to imagine that this divisive title would win over enough jury members to convince them that the director deserves another Palme. But its a very Cannes sort of crowdpleaser, and one that will almost certainly lead to furious debates that could yield some sort of prize at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

13. Boy From Heaven

Boy from Heaven - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish-Egyptian director Tarik Saleh (The Nile Hilton Incident) makes his Cannes debut with this tense critical look at corruption within Cairos religious institutions. The story of a fishermans son (Tawfeek Barhom) from a remote town who gets a scholarship to go to school in Cairo, the movie finds the young man drawn into a conspiratorial scenario in which a government agent attempts to turn him into an informant and influence the election of the new imam. Critics have compared the movie to John Grisham and John le Carre alike, as the film utilizes a sophisticated thriller aesthetic to explore complex questions about the potential for religious institutes to exert power over facets of society. Saleh (who has been banned from Egypt) is the kind of socially conscious filmmaker whose work may strike some jurors as Palme-worthy, though the films rather straightforward plot (and some plot holes) could hold it back from consensus. Read IndieWires review here.

12. Holy Spider

Holy Spider

Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi returns to Cannes with his follow-up to 2018s Un Certain Regard winner Border with a disturbing look at a notorious true crime story in Iran: the story of so-called spider killer Saeed Hanaei (Mehdi Bajestani) who murdered 16 prostitutes in Mashad in 2001 before his arrest. Hanaei believed he was on a holy mission to cleanse the city, and after he was captured, a lot of local extremists  and even some media outlets  agreed with him. The movie explores this infuriating saga through the eyes of a fictional female journalist (Zahra Amir Ebrahimi) who tracks down the culprit while contending with misogyny and indifference from authorities. Abbasi shot the movie in Jordan to circumnavigate Iranian censorship, and the movies critical look at the country strikes a contrast with much work from the country that has been approved by its censors. That representational achievement helps this grounded procedural stand out, and the movie has been well-received. At the same time, its rather straightforward narrative approach makes it less of a Palme contender than the sort of respectable achievement the jury may want to acknowledge through another prize  perhaps best actress for Ebrahimi, making her big comeback after she was humiliated in Iran and forced to reboot her career abroad. Read IndieWires review here.

11. Leilas Brothers

Iranian director Saeed Roustaees first Cannes entry (his crime drama Just 6.5 was a critical hit) is a complex ensemble drama about a formerly successful family in which an elderly man (Saeed Poursamimi) contemplates whether or not to disperse his wealth among his five kids. In the meantime, the grown offspring bicker endlessly, with the four men of the household swirling around the titular Leila Taraneh Alidoosti) as she navigates their toxic masculinity and attempts to salvage the familys financial stability. The movies epic runtime and rather straightforward narrative could hold it back from Palme consideration, though Roustaees ability to juggle so many characters with credible performances and constant energy means that appreciation for it could linger. At the very least, the film should figure into conversations about prizes for performances and possibly the screenplay.

10. Decision to Leave

Decision to Leave - Credit: Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Korean auteur Park Chan-wooks first feature since 2016s The Handmaiden marks a notable shift for the genre director best known for the violent extremes of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy. A kind of romantic noir that keeps audiences guessing until the end, the movie stars Park Hae-il as a detective who becomes obsessed with the widow (Tang Wei) of a man who dies under mysterious circumstances in a climbing accident. Instead of following the traditional beats of a murder mystery, however, Decision to Leave deals more with the investigator figuring out the intricacies of the widows former marital troubles even as the man contends with some of his own. The result is a stylish and even sensitive work from a director not usually known for those qualities, but the skillful filmmaking remains intact. The movie itself is a bit of a strange mishmash that heads toward a fairly predictable twists, which means the jury might not want to give it the top prize over a more fully realized work. But Park is such a talented filmmaker that could still wind up with some kind of award at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

9. RMN

R.M.N. - Credit: IFC Films

IFC Films

Fifteen years ago, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the Palme dOr for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days at the height of the Romanian New Wave, and has maintained a steady output of Cannes successes since then. His 2012 drama Beyond the Hills scored him a Best Screenplay award and 2016s Graduation won him Best Director. Few filmmakers win the Palme more than once, but Mungius effective blend of social realism and bleak-but-gripping scenarios have been so consistently strong that it wouldnt be unthinkable for him to bag the gold once more. Thats certainly a possibility for RMN, another grim and insightful look at provincial life and uncomfortable power structures from a director who digs into them better than anyone. The story of a dyspeptic man who quits his job in Germany to return to his village in Transylvania, RMN initially focuses on his efforts to help his young child while developing a romance with a local woman, but eventually it expands to look at the way the community reacts to the arrival of several immigrant workers. While the protagonist faced xenophobia in his old job, the new arrivals face the same racism here, an irony that leads to a series of taut showdowns and gripping conversations about personal values and bias. Blending jittery naturalism with thrilling showdowns and even a surreal climax, RMN is Mungius most fully realized work since 4 Months, but its cerebral formalism may alienate some jurors in a year with such a wide array of options.

8. Pacifiction

Catalan director Albert Serra is a cinematic provocateur with a compelling history at Cannes that includes his Jean-Pierre Leaud drama The Death of Louis XIV and the 18th century hardcore-sex-in-the-woods saga Liberte, which played Un Certain Regard in 2019. His new work is once again a study of powerful men who exploit disenfranchised people, but operates on a more dreamlike plane that has already invited comparisons to Apichatpong Weerasethakul and David Lynch. Benoit Magimel stars in a memorial central performance as a French diplomat who travels to Tahiti to take stock of the island and relish his authority there. Much of the movie finds the man absorbing island life, including an extraordinary sequence in which he rides waves alongside locals on a jetski, and others at a local dive bar that capture the prevalent malaise. In the meantime, paranoia about old nuclear tests in the region and a possible submarine lurking in nearby waters add a dose of paranoia to the proceedings that may or may not be reflective of central characters own psychological instability. In terms of pure cinematic ambition, Pacifiction is certainly the most enigmatic and challenging work in this years competition, one sure to stir up admiration and curiosity among this years jury that could help it figure into awards discussions. That could mean an acting prize for Magimel or even a Grand Prix if respect for the filmmaking is high with many jurors, but the aimless nature of the narrative means it may not be quite cohesive enough to score the consensus needed for the Palme.

8. Mother and Son

Mother and Son

Leonor Serrailes first film in Cannes competition follows up her 2017 debut, Camera dOr winner Jeune Femme, and her sophomore effort is proof that her first feature wasnt a fluke. A moving look at the experiences of single mother Rose (Annabelle Lengronne) who immigrates to Paris from the Ivory Coast with her two young sons, the movie is narrated by one of the boys from his adult perspective as the events play out in the late 1980s. The drama is light on huge plot twists and heavy on texture, as it follows Rose through a series of relationships with men who cant quite gel with the rest of her family unit, and the boys struggle to fit in. As her older son stumbles through his teen years and gets into trouble, Mother and Son evolves into an intriguing investigation into French identity and the challenges it presents to an outsider hoping to blend it. The movie fizzles over time as it advances toward the present day, and amounts to a series of well-directed scenes rather than some greater whole. That makes it a tough candidate for the Palme, even though it is the final film to screen in competition. Some jurors might want to reward it for performances or script but its hard to see it taking the top prize over more cohesive works this year.

7. Broker

Broker - Credit: screenshot

screenshot

Among the Palme dOr veterans at this years festival, Japans Hirokazu Kore-eda has done particularly well with emotional crowdpleasers. His subtle approach to family dramas has yielded ecstatic praise for everything from Like Father, Like Son to Shoplifters, which won him the Palme and eventually an Oscar nomination. The filmmaker has entered an intriguing new career phase working outside the country, first with 2019s French production The Truth (which premiered at Venice), and now this Korean-set outing that brings him back to familiar terrain. This time, he follows a pair of men (Gang Dong-won and Parasite star Song Kang-ho) who run an underground hustle to sell babies on the black market after theyre abandoned at a church. After theyre confronted by the remorseful mother (Lee Ji-eun) about their scheme, she decides to embark with them on a road trip to find the child a new home. Meanwhile, a pair of female police officers trail the trio, as Broker settles into the kind of lighthearted dramedy with deeper emotions lingering beneath the surface that Kore-eda does so well. The familiar genre elements at play here  the road trip in particular  do simplify the proceedings to some degree, even though Kore-edas skillful direction remains intact. The jury may appreciate some of the observations about family bonds and obligations, which could compel them to award the movie something for its script or performances. A Palme win isnt out of the question either, as the premise is compelling enough to leave a mark and Kore-eda is definitely the kind of filmmaker well-positioned to join the two-timer club. But the jury may also feel stronger about other films with more intense emotion and filmmaking ambition.

6. Tori and Lokita

Belgian Filmmakers Luc Dardenne (r) and Jean-pierre Dardenne (l) - Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Few filmmakers thrive at Cannes better than Belgian duo Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, whose intense approach to social realism have gone a long way in these parts. The siblings have won the Palme dOr twice, for Rosetta and The Child, in addition to a screenplay prize for Lornas Silence and the Grand Prix for The Kid With a Bike. Their latest is another timely character study, in this case focusing on a pair of African immigrants who pass as brother and sister while trying to get their immigration papers. In an attempt to stabilize their existence, Lokita (Joely Mbundu) gets by with drug dealing while plotting a better life and hopes to bring 11-year-old Tori (Pablo Schils) with her. But things get very bad very quickly as the Dardennes economic storytelling kicks in, and the movie evolves into a real-time thriller right on schedule. As usual, the Dardennes intense storytelling throbs with anger over economic disparity and violence that doesnt make things easy for its viewers right down to the unsettling finale. The emotional weight of the drama could have a lasting effect on this years jury, but nobodys won the Palme three times before, and the concision of the film means that it might be perceived as too small for the top prize. Still, its certain to remain in the conversation as one of the strongest filmmaking achievements in this years competition, and stands a good shot at winning something at the end of the day.

5. Armageddon Time

Armageddon Time - Credit: Focus Features

Focus Features

Over the years, Cannes has been a far more receptive audience to James Gray than his audiences back home in the U.S. The festival has screened five of his eight features at the festival: The Yards, We Own the Night, The Immigrant, Two Lovers, and now Armageddon Time. As an American director with European sensibilities, Grays penchant for intimate family dramas has often performed well with festival audiences, though the Palme dOr has been elusive all that time. His latest may get him closer than his previous efforts, if only because its such an obvious personal project designed to make its emotions accessible to the audience. The Queens-set 1980s set ensemble piece follows a young Jewish boy (Michael Banks Repeta) who befriends a young African American classmate (Jaylin Webb) while contending with the menacing expectations of his parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) as well as his immigrant grandfather (Anthony Hopkins). Even as a familiar, emotionally resonant nostalgia piece, Armageddon Time has a lot on its mind about the impact of class and privilege on modern America, so its possible the Cannes jury might find some consensus on that front. At the same time, the movies narrow perspective (its a white perspective on racism) may rub some of the jurors the wrong way, and it lacks the kind of cinematic ambition that may be more likely to excite the filmmakers among them. Read IndieWires review here.

4. Crimes of the Future

Crimes of the Future - Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection

Courtesy Everett Collection

David Cronenberg has returned to Cannes with his first feature since 2014 Cannes entry Maps to the Stars, and enthusiasm for his dystopian vision of physicality could not be higher. The directors two-decade-old script about a couple of performance artists (Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux) who remove artificial organs onstage as a kind of surreal performance, explores the interplay of technology and identity in ways that feel fresh and anticipatory even as they invite plenty of debate. Given the filmmaker-heavy jury, the movie is definitely one to keep an eye on: Directors have tremendous admiration for the 79-year-old filmmakers complex and singular vision behind the camera as well as his resilience; the movies blend of timely ideas and cinematic provocations also suggests the potential for a major prize. At the same time, Cronenbergs work can be as baffling as it is insightful and ambitious. Some who have seen it at the festival have a lot of questions about what they just watched. If jury president Lindon is one of them, he may push back on a Palme win. For now, though, this one seems like a strong contender for many reasons, including the convincing Its his time argument: Cronenberg has been to Cannes many times, and even headed the jury himself in 1999  but unlike other veterans in the competition this year, hasnt won the Palme yet. Read IndieWires review here.

3. Showing Up

Showing Up

Kelly Reichardts first film in competition is a world apart from 2020s First Cow, and not just because it takes place in the present. Here, rather than exploring vast expanse of the Pacific Northwest, the filmmaker magnifies the plight of the modern artist. Thats Lizzy (Michelle Williams, in her fourth collaboration with the director), a curmudgeonly Portland ceramicist enmeshed in the neurotic process of preparing a new show while struggling to pay rent to her artist landlord (Hong Chau) and contending with the rest of her unstable creative family (including a mentally ill brother played by First Cow star John Magaro). Nobody does understatement like Reichardt, and her new movie is yet another constant stream of subtle moments, though they accumulate into an agreeable character study with occasional bursts of comedy and profound insights into the alienating effects of creative desire. (Theres also a subplot involving an injured pigeon thats second only to Eo as the great animal rights statement of this years festival.) Even at her best, Reichardts style is an acquired taste, and some members of this years jury might feel that the muted narrative is so slow-paced. But the film is one of the best-reviewed titles in this years competition, with enough intelligence and singular vision to stand out from a busy pack of titles. It should at the very least figure into some discussions about the various awards in play. Read IndieWires review here.

2. Eo

EO - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

At 84, Polish auteur Jerzy Skolimoski has lost none of his penchant for cinematic ambition, and this modern update of Robert Bressons Au Hasard Balthazar is unexpected treat: a nearly-wordless story of the titular donkey (the title translates as Hee Haw) as he endures a vignette-like journey through different human hands as his constant case takes on metaphorical value. A vegan-friendly saga akin to Cow and Gunda, Skolimoski meditation on animal intelligence amidst human indifference isnt exactly complex, but its poignant and engaging all the same. The jury might be inclined to reward the movie for its astute use of film language and Skolimoskis longstanding reputation. Some might find it too slight for the big prize  but that very slightness is also what makes the film accessible, and its premise has the power to linger enough for jurors Read IndieWires review here.

1. Close

Close - Credit: A24

A24

Belgian director Lukas Dhonts returns to Cannes follows his debut effort, Girl, which won the Un Certain Regard section in 2018. Now, at the age of 30, Dhont could very well become the youngest director to nab the Palme since a 26-year-old Steven Sodbergh took it for Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 1989 (before that, Louise Malle won it at 24 for co-directing The Silent World with Jacques Cousteau). Dhonts sensitive drama looks at a 12-year-old boy Leo (Eden Dambrine) who deals with the fallout of a tragedy involving best friend Remi (Gustav De Waele). Though some critics have struggled with the particulars of that twist, Dhonts confident directorial approach brings a level of authenticity to material that could easily devolve into mopey melodrama, and instead functions as an astute look at burgeoning queer desire as well as early heartbreak. This years filmmaker-heavy jury is likely to appreciate the blend of filmmaking confidence, strong performances, and emotional accessibility, a delicate juggling act that makes the movie far more likely to remain a Palme contender than other more divisive titles. Even if some jurors have reservations about aspects of Close (which A24 bought for U.S. distribution at the festival), its a more obvious consensus title than anything else in the competition. Read IndieWires review here.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
After the Oscars, the Palme dOr is the most prestigious film award in the business, and its a lot less predictable. Coming from a jury usually comprised of actors and directors, it arrives as the outcome of furious debate and often conflicting values about the nature of the art form. There is no mathematical formula for predicting the Palme dOr, and educated guesswork can be misleading, but its still worth a shot.

Handed out at the festival since 1955, the golden prize represents the pinnacle of prestige for the filmmaker who receives it. As Cannes presents itself as the nexus of the greatest cinema on the planet, the prize is an extension of that mentality, and it invites winners into an exclusive club that spans film history. Recipients of the Palme dOr have ranged from Black Orpheus and La Dolce Vita to Apocalypse Now. In some cases, the prize has anointed emerging talent, such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul with Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives or Ruben Ostlund with The Square; at others, it has provided the opportunity to celebrate a veteran filmmaker at the top of their game, from Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) to Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, I, Daniel Blake) to Michael Haneke (Amour, The White Ribbon).

More from IndieWire

The Palme has been handed out to filmmakers from a wide array of backgrounds, though only two women have won the award before: Jane Campion (The Piano) and, last year, Julia Ducourneau (Titane). The absence of parity is one of many representational issues for the festival, but the jury is at the mercy of the program and must work with its options.

The outcome can go a lot of different directions. The year Steven Spielberg headed the jury, several members wanted to give the Palme to the grim Russian drama Leviathan, but the prize instead went to lesbian romance Blue is the Warmest Color. And in the year that Toni Erdmann was a critical favorite, jury president George Miller reportedly hated it; the prize went to I, Daniel Blake. When Pedro Almodovar served as president, he was a passionate fan of the queer period piece BPM, but a lack of jury consensus resulted in the award going to The Square. The president may be a prominent voice at the table, but gets one vote along with the rest of the jurors, and its impossible to know whether they can find common ground until the penultimate day of the festival when deliberation takes place.

Story continues

What will this years jury do? Again, that question has no obvious answer, but there are some clues that will help inform possibilities as this years 21-film competition unfurls over the course of the festival. The jury is headed by French actor Vincent Lindon, who was at Cannes last year with a daring physical turn in Titane, but is generally known for starring in socially-conscious dramas told from more traditional points of view (like 2016s The Measure of a Man, which landed him a Cannes prize for Best Actor). Penelope Cruz was initially supposed to head the jury, but had to drop out due to scheduling issues.

Often, actor-driven juries are inclined to anoint more accessible emotional undertakings, while filmmakers advocate for ambitious cinematic gambles, and directors actually outnumber Lindon on his own jury. Most of them have premiered recent films in competition at the festival: Asghar Farhadi (A Hero), Ladj Ly (Les Miserables), Jeff Nichols (Mud), and Joaquim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), and they all make complex work that juggles filmmaking artistry with emotional weight. Theres also an actor-turned-director in Rebecca Hall, whose Passing premiered at Sundance last year, in addition to actors Deepika Pauline, Noomi Rapace, and Jasmine Trinca.

The jury generally watches two to three films a day over the course of the 12-day festival on the same timeline as the rest of the exclusive crowd. That means the Palme dOr race evolves on a day-to-day basis. As usual, this list will be updated throughout the festival to reflect the changing narrative. The ranking goes from least to most likely to win, and the list reflects the quality of the lineup, the presumed preferences of the jury, and whatever Cannes gossip happens to be making its way around the Croisette.

That means a lot can change, so keep checking back here for updates in the days ahead. The Palme dOr will be handed out at the closing ceremony on Saturday, May 28.

20. Brother and Sister

Brother and Sister - Credit: Wild Bunch

Wild Bunch

French director Arnaud Desplechin is a Cannes regular who tends to make talky family dramas, and his latest is no exception. The grim story of adult siblings (Melvin Poupaud and Marion Cotillard) who argue about jealousy over each other success gets exacerbated when their parents wind up in the hospital and theyre forced to attempt reconciliation. Critics have been unkind to the melodrama at the core of the movie, and with its unadventurous plot, the movie is unlikely to make much of an impact on this years jury. Read IndieWires review here.

19. The Eight Mountains

The Eight Mountains - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

Belgian director Felix van Groeningen was nominated for an Oscar for Broken Circle Breakdown, but makes his first appearance in Cannes competition with this adaptation of the 2016 novel, co-directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch in her debut. The gorgeous, pensive drama looks at a pair of men who befriend each other in a remote mountain town during childhood and develop a complex adult relationship informed in part by the gap in privilege that impacts their maturation. At two-and-a-half hours, this voiceover-heavy character study lacks much in the way of conflict, so its hard to imagine it leaving much of a lasting effect on this years jury. Read IndieWires full review here.

18. Tchaikovskys Wife

Tchaikovskys Wife

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has been making controversial headlines due to the oligarch who helped finance the film, and its very presence in this years competition has elicited backlash due to the war in Ukraine. If the movie was a frontrunner for the Palme dOr, that discussion would get a lot more complicated with this years jury, but its unlikely theyll give the top prize to this moody look at the famed composers first wife, who went mad after discovering his sexuality. Though some members of the jury may appreciate the surreal flourishes and an attempt to complicate Russian cultural history, that response is more likely to yield another category win like screenplay. Read IndieWires review here.

17. The Stars at Noon

The Stars at Noon - Credit: A24/Cannes

A24/Cannes

Claire Denis first time in Cannes competition since Chocolat is another mostly English-language effort from the directors Best Director win for Fire at Berlinale earlier this year. This time, she adapts Denis Johnsons novel about a young American journalist (Margaret Qualley) who meets an enigmatic British businessman (Joe Alwyn) in Nicaragua and develops a heated romance with him. Equal parts sensual melodrama and espionage drama, the movie features Denis usual visual prowess and emotional intensity, though some critics have been put off by the slow-burn plot and murky politics. The jury may appreciate the performances at the center what ultimately amounts to a minimalist two-hander, but is almost certain to focus on other possibilities for the Palme. Read IndieWires review here.

16. Forever Young

Forever Young - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

French actor-turned-director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi last came to Cannes with A Castle in Italy in 2013, and returns with this far more personal 80s-set work about an acting troupe working under famed theater director Patrice Chereau. The ensemble drama follows a group of actors accepted to Chereaus exclusive school as they hang out, fall in love, and contend with tragic developments that endanger their future. Tedeschi trades big plot twists for subtle world-building and lingering in the complexities of a coming-of-age story rooted in a precise moment for French youth culture. That lack of cohesive drama may hold the movie back from much traction in the Palme conversation, though some members of the jury may respect enough about the emotional focus of the work (and its fixation on evolving creative identity) to anoint it with another prize, perhaps for its screenplay.

15. Nostalgia

Nostalgia

Italian director Mario Martones new thriller follows middle-aged man who returns to Naples to see his mother, and in the process, revisit the neighborhood where he grew up. In the process, of dealing with his frail mothers needs, he reckons with how much his life has changed, as well as the world that leaves behind. That includes his own childhood friend, who stuck around and became a prominent local bad guy. Reviews have been respectful but not ecstatic for this moody look at the struggle to reconcile ones past and present. Given its straightforward narrative and accessible emotions, the film might appeal to some jurors for its cohesiveness, but it lacks the kind of singular emotion that tends to push certain contenders into Palme territory. Read IndieWires review here.

14. Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish director Ruben Ostlunds first English-language feature (and first directing credit since his Palme dOr winner The Square) is a wild and provocative class satire designed to make its audiences squirm. Ostlund delivers a riotous skewering of the fashion world that finds a young pair of celebrity influencers (Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean) as two of several unfortunate passengers on a cruise ship on the verge of catastrophe at the helm of its Marxist captain (Woody Harrelson). The movie begins at a leisurely pace before careening into chaos in a slew of bodily fluids as everything goes ridiculously wrong onboard and a few survivors find themselves washed up on a deserted island. Ostlunds kooky style and obvious symbolism isnt for everyone, and its hard to imagine that this divisive title would win over enough jury members to convince them that the director deserves another Palme. But its a very Cannes sort of crowdpleaser, and one that will almost certainly lead to furious debates that could yield some sort of prize at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

13. Boy From Heaven

Boy from Heaven - Credit: Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

Swedish-Egyptian director Tarik Saleh (The Nile Hilton Incident) makes his Cannes debut with this tense critical look at corruption within Cairos religious institutions. The story of a fishermans son (Tawfeek Barhom) from a remote town who gets a scholarship to go to school in Cairo, the movie finds the young man drawn into a conspiratorial scenario in which a government agent attempts to turn him into an informant and influence the election of the new imam. Critics have compared the movie to John Grisham and John le Carre alike, as the film utilizes a sophisticated thriller aesthetic to explore complex questions about the potential for religious institutes to exert power over facets of society. Saleh (who has been banned from Egypt) is the kind of socially conscious filmmaker whose work may strike some jurors as Palme-worthy, though the films rather straightforward plot (and some plot holes) could hold it back from consensus. Read IndieWires review here.

12. Holy Spider

Holy Spider

Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi returns to Cannes with his follow-up to 2018s Un Certain Regard winner Border with a disturbing look at a notorious true crime story in Iran: the story of so-called spider killer Saeed Hanaei (Mehdi Bajestani) who murdered 16 prostitutes in Mashad in 2001 before his arrest. Hanaei believed he was on a holy mission to cleanse the city, and after he was captured, a lot of local extremists  and even some media outlets  agreed with him. The movie explores this infuriating saga through the eyes of a fictional female journalist (Zahra Amir Ebrahimi) who tracks down the culprit while contending with misogyny and indifference from authorities. Abbasi shot the movie in Jordan to circumnavigate Iranian censorship, and the movies critical look at the country strikes a contrast with much work from the country that has been approved by its censors. That representational achievement helps this grounded procedural stand out, and the movie has been well-received. At the same time, its rather straightforward narrative approach makes it less of a Palme contender than the sort of respectable achievement the jury may want to acknowledge through another prize  perhaps best actress for Ebrahimi, making her big comeback after she was humiliated in Iran and forced to reboot her career abroad. Read IndieWires review here.

11. Leilas Brothers

Iranian director Saeed Roustaees first Cannes entry (his crime drama Just 6.5 was a critical hit) is a complex ensemble drama about a formerly successful family in which an elderly man (Saeed Poursamimi) contemplates whether or not to disperse his wealth among his five kids. In the meantime, the grown offspring bicker endlessly, with the four men of the household swirling around the titular Leila Taraneh Alidoosti) as she navigates their toxic masculinity and attempts to salvage the familys financial stability. The movies epic runtime and rather straightforward narrative could hold it back from Palme consideration, though Roustaees ability to juggle so many characters with credible performances and constant energy means that appreciation for it could linger. At the very least, the film should figure into conversations about prizes for performances and possibly the screenplay.

10. Decision to Leave

Decision to Leave - Credit: Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Courtesy Cannes Film Festival

Korean auteur Park Chan-wooks first feature since 2016s The Handmaiden marks a notable shift for the genre director best known for the violent extremes of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy. A kind of romantic noir that keeps audiences guessing until the end, the movie stars Park Hae-il as a detective who becomes obsessed with the widow (Tang Wei) of a man who dies under mysterious circumstances in a climbing accident. Instead of following the traditional beats of a murder mystery, however, Decision to Leave deals more with the investigator figuring out the intricacies of the widows former marital troubles even as the man contends with some of his own. The result is a stylish and even sensitive work from a director not usually known for those qualities, but the skillful filmmaking remains intact. The movie itself is a bit of a strange mishmash that heads toward a fairly predictable twists, which means the jury might not want to give it the top prize over a more fully realized work. But Park is such a talented filmmaker that could still wind up with some kind of award at the end of the festival. Read IndieWires review here.

9. RMN

R.M.N. - Credit: IFC Films

IFC Films

Fifteen years ago, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the Palme dOr for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days at the height of the Romanian New Wave, and has maintained a steady output of Cannes successes since then. His 2012 drama Beyond the Hills scored him a Best Screenplay award and 2016s Graduation won him Best Director. Few filmmakers win the Palme more than once, but Mungius effective blend of social realism and bleak-but-gripping scenarios have been so consistently strong that it wouldnt be unthinkable for him to bag the gold once more. Thats certainly a possibility for RMN, another grim and insightful look at provincial life and uncomfortable power structures from a director who digs into them better than anyone. The story of a dyspeptic man who quits his job in Germany to return to his village in Transylvania, RMN initially focuses on his efforts to help his young child while developing a romance with a local woman, but eventually it expands to look at the way the community reacts to the arrival of several immigrant workers. While the protagonist faced xenophobia in his old job, the new arrivals face the same racism here, an irony that leads to a series of taut showdowns and gripping conversations about personal values and bias. Blending jittery naturalism with thrilling showdowns and even a surreal climax, RMN is Mungius most fully realized work since 4 Months, but its cerebral formalism may alienate some jurors in a year with such a wide array of options.

8. Pacifiction

Catalan director Albert Serra is a cinematic provocateur with a compelling history at Cannes that includes his Jean-Pierre Leaud drama The Death of Louis XIV and the 18th century hardcore-sex-in-the-woods saga Liberte, which played Un Certain Regard in 2019. His new work is once again a study of powerful men who exploit disenfranchised people, but operates on a more dreamlike plane that has already invited comparisons to Apichatpong Weerasethakul and David Lynch. Benoit Magimel stars in a memorial central performance as a French diplomat who travels to Tahiti to take stock of the island and relish his authority there. Much of the movie finds the man absorbing island life, including an extraordinary sequence in which he rides waves alongside locals on a jetski, and others at a local dive bar that capture the prevalent malaise. In the meantime, paranoia about old nuclear tests in the region and a possible submarine lurking in nearby waters add a dose of paranoia to the proceedings that may or may not be reflective of central characters own psychological instability. In terms of pure cinematic ambition, Pacifiction is certainly the most enigmatic and challenging work in this years competition, one sure to stir up admiration and curiosity among this years jury that could help it figure into awards discussions. That could mean an acting prize for Magimel or even a Grand Prix if respect for the filmmaking is high with many jurors, but the aimless nature of the narrative means it may not be quite cohesive enough to score the consensus needed for the Palme.

8. Mother and Son

Mother and Son

Leonor Serrailes first film in Cannes competition follows up her 2017 debut, Camera dOr winner Jeune Femme, and her sophomore effort is proof that her first feature wasnt a fluke. A moving look at the experiences of single mother Rose (Annabelle Lengronne) who immigrates to Paris from the Ivory Coast with her two young sons, the movie is narrated by one of the boys from his adult perspective as the events play out in the late 1980s. The drama is light on huge plot twists and heavy on texture, as it follows Rose through a series of relationships with men who cant quite gel with the rest of her family unit, and the boys struggle to fit in. As her older son stumbles through his teen years and gets into trouble, Mother and Son evolves into an intriguing investigation into French identity and the challenges it presents to an outsider hoping to blend it. The movie fizzles over time as it advances toward the present day, and amounts to a series of well-directed scenes rather than some greater whole. That makes it a tough candidate for the Palme, even though it is the final film to screen in competition. Some jurors might want to reward it for performances or script but its hard to see it taking the top prize over more cohesive works this year.

7. Broker

Broker - Credit: screenshot

screenshot

Among the Palme dOr veterans at this years festival, Japans Hirokazu Kore-eda has done particularly well with emotional crowdpleasers. His subtle approach to family dramas has yielded ecstatic praise for everything from Like Father, Like Son to Shoplifters, which won him the Palme and eventually an Oscar nomination. The filmmaker has entered an intriguing new career phase working outside the country, first with 2019s French production The Truth (which premiered at Venice), and now this Korean-set outing that brings him back to familiar terrain. This time, he follows a pair of men (Gang Dong-won and Parasite star Song Kang-ho) who run an underground hustle to sell babies on the black market after theyre abandoned at a church. After theyre confronted by the remorseful mother (Lee Ji-eun) about their scheme, she decides to embark with them on a road trip to find the child a new home. Meanwhile, a pair of female police officers trail the trio, as Broker settles into the kind of lighthearted dramedy with deeper emotions lingering beneath the surface that Kore-eda does so well. The familiar genre elements at play here  the road trip in particular  do simplify the proceedings to some degree, even though Kore-edas skillful direction remains intact. The jury may appreciate some of the observations about family bonds and obligations, which could compel them to award the movie something for its script or performances. A Palme win isnt out of the question either, as the premise is compelling enough to leave a mark and Kore-eda is definitely the kind of filmmaker well-positioned to join the two-timer club. But the jury may also feel stronger about other films with more intense emotion and filmmaking ambition.

6. Tori and Lokita

Belgian Filmmakers Luc Dardenne (r) and Jean-pierre Dardenne (l) - Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Stephanie Lecocq/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Few filmmakers thrive at Cannes better than Belgian duo Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, whose intense approach to social realism have gone a long way in these parts. The siblings have won the Palme dOr twice, for Rosetta and The Child, in addition to a screenplay prize for Lornas Silence and the Grand Prix for The Kid With a Bike. Their latest is another timely character study, in this case focusing on a pair of African immigrants who pass as brother and sister while trying to get their immigration papers. In an attempt to stabilize their existence, Lokita (Joely Mbundu) gets by with drug dealing while plotting a better life and hopes to bring 11-year-old Tori (Pablo Schils) with her. But things get very bad very quickly as the Dardennes economic storytelling kicks in, and the movie evolves into a real-time thriller right on schedule. As usual, the Dardennes intense storytelling throbs with anger over economic disparity and violence that doesnt make things easy for its viewers right down to the unsettling finale. The emotional weight of the drama could have a lasting effect on this years jury, but nobodys won the Palme three times before, and the concision of the film means that it might be perceived as too small for the top prize. Still, its certain to remain in the conversation as one of the strongest filmmaking achievements in this years competition, and stands a good shot at winning something at the end of the day.

5. Armageddon Time

Armageddon Time - Credit: Focus Features

Focus Features

Over the years, Cannes has been a far more receptive audience to James Gray than his audiences back home in the U.S. The festival has screened five of his eight features at the festival: The Yards, We Own the Night, The Immigrant, Two Lovers, and now Armageddon Time. As an American director with European sensibilities, Grays penchant for intimate family dramas has often performed well with festival audiences, though the Palme dOr has been elusive all that time. His latest may get him closer than his previous efforts, if only because its such an obvious personal project designed to make its emotions accessible to the audience. The Queens-set 1980s set ensemble piece follows a young Jewish boy (Michael Banks Repeta) who befriends a young African American classmate (Jaylin Webb) while contending with the menacing expectations of his parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) as well as his immigrant grandfather (Anthony Hopkins). Even as a familiar, emotionally resonant nostalgia piece, Armageddon Time has a lot on its mind about the impact of class and privilege on modern America, so its possible the Cannes jury might find some consensus on that front. At the same time, the movies narrow perspective (its a white perspective on racism) may rub some of the jurors the wrong way, and it lacks the kind of cinematic ambition that may be more likely to excite the filmmakers among them. Read IndieWires review here.

4. Crimes of the Future

Crimes of the Future - Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection

Courtesy Everett Collection

David Cronenberg has returned to Cannes with his first feature since 2014 Cannes entry Maps to the Stars, and enthusiasm for his dystopian vision of physicality could not be higher. The directors two-decade-old script about a couple of performance artists (Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux) who remove artificial organs onstage as a kind of surreal performance, explores the interplay of technology and identity in ways that feel fresh and anticipatory even as they invite plenty of debate. Given the filmmaker-heavy jury, the movie is definitely one to keep an eye on: Directors have tremendous admiration for the 79-year-old filmmakers complex and singular vision behind the camera as well as his resilience; the movies blend of timely ideas and cinematic provocations also suggests the potential for a major prize. At the same time, Cronenbergs work can be as baffling as it is insightful and ambitious. Some who have seen it at the festival have a lot of questions about what they just watched. If jury president Lindon is one of them, he may push back on a Palme win. For now, though, this one seems like a strong contender for many reasons, including the convincing Its his time argument: Cronenberg has been to Cannes many times, and even headed the jury himself in 1999  but unlike other veterans in the competition this year, hasnt won the Palme yet. Read IndieWires review here.

3. Showing Up

Showing Up

Kelly Reichardts first film in competition is a world apart from 2020s First Cow, and not just because it takes place in the present. Here, rather than exploring vast expanse of the Pacific Northwest, the filmmaker magnifies the plight of the modern artist. Thats Lizzy (Michelle Williams, in her fourth collaboration with the director), a curmudgeonly Portland ceramicist enmeshed in the neurotic process of preparing a new show while struggling to pay rent to her artist landlord (Hong Chau) and contending with the rest of her unstable creative family (including a mentally ill brother played by First Cow star John Magaro). Nobody does understatement like Reichardt, and her new movie is yet another constant stream of subtle moments, though they accumulate into an agreeable character study with occasional bursts of comedy and profound insights into the alienating effects of creative desire. (Theres also a subplot involving an injured pigeon thats second only to Eo as the great animal rights statement of this years festival.) Even at her best, Reichardts style is an acquired taste, and some members of this years jury might feel that the muted narrative is so slow-paced. But the film is one of the best-reviewed titles in this years competition, with enough intelligence and singular vision to stand out from a busy pack of titles. It should at the very least figure into some discussions about the various awards in play. Read IndieWires review here.

2. Eo

EO - Credit: Cannes

Cannes

At 84, Polish auteur Jerzy Skolimoski has lost none of his penchant for cinematic ambition, and this modern update of Robert Bressons Au Hasard Balthazar is unexpected treat: a nearly-wordless story of the titular donkey (the title translates as Hee Haw) as he endures a vignette-like journey through different human hands as his constant case takes on metaphorical value. A vegan-friendly saga akin to Cow and Gunda, Skolimoski meditation on animal intelligence amidst human indifference isnt exactly complex, but its poignant and engaging all the same. The jury might be inclined to reward the movie for its astute use of film language and Skolimoskis longstanding reputation. Some might find it too slight for the big prize  but that very slightness is also what makes the film accessible, and its premise has the power to linger enough for jurors Read IndieWires review here.

1. Close

Close - Credit: A24

A24

Belgian director Lukas Dhonts returns to Cannes follows his debut effort, Girl, which won the Un Certain Regard section in 2018. Now, at the age of 30, Dhont could very well become the youngest director to nab the Palme since a 26-year-old Steven Sodbergh took it for Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 1989 (before that, Louise Malle won it at 24 for co-directing The Silent World with Jacques Cousteau). Dhonts sensitive drama looks at a 12-year-old boy Leo (Eden Dambrine) who deals with the fallout of a tragedy involving best friend Remi (Gustav De Waele). Though some critics have struggled with the particulars of that twist, Dhonts confident directorial approach brings a level of authenticity to material that could easily devolve into mopey melodrama, and instead functions as an astute look at burgeoning queer desire as well as early heartbreak. This years filmmaker-heavy jury is likely to appreciate the blend of filmmaking confidence, strong performances, and emotional accessibility, a delicate juggling act that makes the movie far more likely to remain a Palme contender than other more divisive titles. Even if some jurors have reservations about aspects of Close (which A24 bought for U.S. distribution at the festival), its a more obvious consensus title than anything else in the competition. Read IndieWires review here.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.



Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald
Indian Army personnel has been identified as Pradeep Kumar, police said.

"Rajasthan police apprehended an Indian Army personnel, posted in the highly-sensitive regiment in Jodhpur for allegedly leaking information to a female agent who works for the Pakistani intelligence agency," Umesh Mishra, DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan Police said in a statement.

According to the police, Kumar was posted in the highly sensitive regiment of the Indian Army in Jodhpur and he was in constant contact with the female agent through social media and was sharing information of strategic importance.

Acting on the Army personnel, on May 18, the interrogation was started after taking him into custody in the afternoon, police said in a press statement.

About six to seven months ago, a call came from the said woman on the mobile phone of the accused, after which both of them started talking to each other through chat, voice call and video call on WhatsApp.

A woman introduced herself as Chhadam, a resident of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

She sought confidential documents related to the Indian Army on the pretext of marriage to the accused. The accused stole the photos of the army related documents from his office and sent to the female agent, the police said.

On the confirmation of the above facts, a case has been registered against the accused under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and arrested. (ANI)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."





Indian Army personnel has been identified as Pradeep Kumar, police said.

"Rajasthan police apprehended an Indian Army personnel, posted in the highly-sensitive regiment in Jodhpur for allegedly leaking information to a female agent who works for the Pakistani intelligence agency," Umesh Mishra, DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan Police said in a statement.

According to the police, Kumar was posted in the highly sensitive regiment of the Indian Army in Jodhpur and he was in constant contact with the female agent through social media and was sharing information of strategic importance.

Acting on the Army personnel, on May 18, the interrogation was started after taking him into custody in the afternoon, police said in a press statement.

About six to seven months ago, a call came from the said woman on the mobile phone of the accused, after which both of them started talking to each other through chat, voice call and video call on WhatsApp.

A woman introduced herself as Chhadam, a resident of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

She sought confidential documents related to the Indian Army on the pretext of marriage to the accused. The accused stole the photos of the army related documents from his office and sent to the female agent, the police said.

On the confirmation of the above facts, a case has been registered against the accused under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and arrested. (ANI)

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
John Mulaney is taking some heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told jokes that some audience members found to be transphobic and homophobic.

The Saturday Night Live alum, 39, held a show on Friday night in Columbus, Ohio and brought out the legendary comedian Chappelle to open the show, TMZ reported.

The audience had their phones locked in pouches so they couldn't record any of the show, but fans who attended took to Twitter afterward to voice their displeasure.

Backlash: John Mulaney is taking heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told some reportedly transphobic and homophobic jokes (pictured 2020). It's not the first time Chappelle's jokes have gotten

One fan wrote sarcastically, 'my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end.'

The fan, who identified as transgender later on in his series of tweets, said he 'can safely say i am not a fan of mulaneys anymore.'

Another attendee wrote, 'okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one.'

'yall ever hear ~12,000 people laugh at a transphobic joke, while youre a trans person in the audience who didnt know the transphobic comedian would make a surprise appearance at the John Mulaney show? yeah. wasnt fun. f*** you D.C.,' another audience member wrote.

Frustrated: Fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at having to sit throw Chappelle's set

Surprised: One fan seemed genuinely surprised about why Chappelle was brought out onstage

Not happy: One fan seemed angry that they were forced to sit through the controversial comedian's set

Forgetting his fans? Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting'

Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting.'

Though it doesn't appear that anyone filmed Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told.

The user wrote, 'Dave Chapelle @ John Mulaney OH thread: gonna shoot this off into the great ethereal since i was at the John Mulaney show tonight: -Yes, Chapelle was there. -He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife? He then paused, smiled a bit, and moved on quickly."

'- The homophobic joke was him saying maybe you two are gay, I dont know, nothing wrong with that if thats the case.'

While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because he lived locally and 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' so he may not have had a final say on the matter, another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney at a different show last month.

Trying to fill in the blanks: Though it doesn't appear that anyone got a video of Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told

Joke about gender fluidity: 'He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife?'

Passing the buck? While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney last month

Joking about his attack: The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him

In addition, accounts seem to vary on how many offensive jokes the comedian told at the event with some fans saying 'a bunch' and others seeming to think it was less.

Chappelle's jokes about the transgender community have landed him in hot water on several occasions. Back in 2021, his Netflix special The Closer received criticism for jokes he made defending previous anti-trans statements from author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.

The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity when opening for Mulaney on Friday referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him.

Chappelle stirred up more controversy right after being tackled when he joked that his assailant, now identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, was a transgender man.

Though he's receiving quite a bit of criticism, John Mulaney has not yet made a public statement regarding the Washington D.C. native's appearance at the show.
John Mulaney is taking some heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told jokes that some audience members found to be transphobic and homophobic.

The Saturday Night Live alum, 39, held a show on Friday night in Columbus, Ohio and brought out the legendary comedian Chappelle to open the show, TMZ reported.

The audience had their phones locked in pouches so they couldn't record any of the show, but fans who attended took to Twitter afterward to voice their displeasure.

Backlash: John Mulaney is taking heat after Dave Chappelle opened for him in Ohio and told some reportedly transphobic and homophobic jokes (pictured 2020). It's not the first time Chappelle's jokes have gotten

One fan wrote sarcastically, 'my favorite part of tonight was when dave chappelle ambushed us at the john mulaney show, told a bunch of transphobic jokes, a massive stadium of people laughed, and then john mulaney hugged him at the end.'

The fan, who identified as transgender later on in his series of tweets, said he 'can safely say i am not a fan of mulaneys anymore.'

Another attendee wrote, 'okay so tell me why I just went to the John Mulaney show and Dave Chappelle was a surprise opener and made not only a transphobic joke but a homophobic one.'

'yall ever hear ~12,000 people laugh at a transphobic joke, while youre a trans person in the audience who didnt know the transphobic comedian would make a surprise appearance at the John Mulaney show? yeah. wasnt fun. f*** you D.C.,' another audience member wrote.

Frustrated: Fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at having to sit throw Chappelle's set

Surprised: One fan seemed genuinely surprised about why Chappelle was brought out onstage

Not happy: One fan seemed angry that they were forced to sit through the controversial comedian's set

Forgetting his fans? Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting'

Another person who went to the show pointed out that Mulaney had a strong LGBTQ+ fanbase and found that having Chappelle open for him was 'just deeply disappointing and upsetting.'

Though it doesn't appear that anyone filmed Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told.

The user wrote, 'Dave Chapelle @ John Mulaney OH thread: gonna shoot this off into the great ethereal since i was at the John Mulaney show tonight: -Yes, Chapelle was there. -He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife? He then paused, smiled a bit, and moved on quickly."

'- The homophobic joke was him saying maybe you two are gay, I dont know, nothing wrong with that if thats the case.'

While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because he lived locally and 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' so he may not have had a final say on the matter, another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney at a different show last month.

Trying to fill in the blanks: Though it doesn't appear that anyone got a video of Chappelle's performance, one fan tried to give the Twitterverse a sort of play-by-play of the jokes that were told

Joke about gender fluidity: 'He made one transphobic joke, the joke was one line after one line of setup and it went as followed: I mean, it wasnt a gun, it was a knife! A gun that identifies as a knife?'

Passing the buck? While that user argued that Mulaney may have only had Chappelle open for him because 'the tour is funded by Netflix,' another user was quick to point out that Chappelle had reportedly opened for Mulaney last month

Joking about his attack: The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him

In addition, accounts seem to vary on how many offensive jokes the comedian told at the event with some fans saying 'a bunch' and others seeming to think it was less.

Chappelle's jokes about the transgender community have landed him in hot water on several occasions. Back in 2021, his Netflix special The Closer received criticism for jokes he made defending previous anti-trans statements from author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.

The Chappelle Show star's joke about gender fluidity when opening for Mulaney on Friday referenced an incident that took place late last month when he was tackled by a man at the Hollywood Bowl who had a knife shaped like a gun with him.

Chappelle stirred up more controversy right after being tackled when he joked that his assailant, now identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, was a transgender man.

Though he's receiving quite a bit of criticism, John Mulaney has not yet made a public statement regarding the Washington D.C. native's appearance at the show.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her.

Britains cancel culture crisis was pulled into sharp focus last week when it was claimed that the A-level student had been branded a heretic for questioning pro-trans remarks made by the member of the House of Lords when she visited the school.

The sixth-former was reportedly subjected to a verbal pile-on by up to 60 students after debating her views with the peer during a questions-and-answers session at the private school in the Home Counties.

Last night, the Baroness  who The Mail on Sunday is not naming to protect the identity of the student  said she felt she had parted on amicable terms with the pupil.

The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her (file photo)

I spoke about a wide range of human rights issues, the peer said. One young woman challenged some of my views and was treated with the same courtesy as everyone else who took part.

She added: I was not aware of any consequences from our interactions and thought that we had parted on amicable terms.

Insisting the young woman had the right to make her views known, the Baroness joined politicians and advocates who have said the girl should have been free to argue her case

Among them is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, who last week condemned the utterly shameful treatment of the sixth-former by students gripped by quasi-religious fanaticism.

The Baronesss comments may bring some comfort to the 18-year-old, whose experience was highlighted by one of her teachers on the Transgender Trends website.

Yesterday, the girl told The Times: It made me think I was mad. Otherwise how could people turn on me so bitterly?

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi described the row as hugely concerning.

It is understood that the school disputes the version of events outlined in the media.
Seniors are regularly bombarded with phone, email, and text scammers from across the world, and where you live and visit both in real time and virtually can make you a target.

More Around the House: Local construction academies building houses, careers

Getting ready: Start preparations for an active hurricane season now

Seniors must be mindful that clever scammers will take nuggets of information from your homes location to convince you that their enterprise is legitimate.

Be aware that most scammers are not just blindly calling you from a list of names, but these groups are using information mined from you to target your money.

Living in a beautiful retirement community can be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but senior homeowners must be aware that these developments are viewed as ripe fields of scamming opportunities.

A community of 55-plus residents is assumed to have its fair share of senior citizens that can easily be taken advantage of. If you receive a call, email, or text from someone who claims to be representing your development and is requesting personal information, do not give it to them.

When providing information, it should be through contact that you have initiated with someone that is trusted from information you have verified. These scammers may refer to geography around your development or a homeowners association board member that you are familiar with in order to give them some form of legitimacy.

Any information you provide like an address, email, or phone number can be used against you in a scam. Dont communicate with unknown parties on the phone, email, or text. Also be mindful that although you can block these people from your electronic devices, nothing prevents them from showing up at your home.

The Better Business Bureau is one of the resources seniors can use to report scams or fraud.

Scammers like to knock on doors, especially unscrupulous roofers, lawn services, garage door, and driveway repair people. They will come to your door and tell you they were doing work for your neighbors and noticed that you had a severe problem with your home, such as an issue with your roof.

Story continues

Here is a simple rule about home repairs, you should be the person identifying a problem around your home and then, you should call licensed repair people who are trusted in the community.

Never, ever do business with someone who just knocks on your door looking for work, and please, never share any information about yourself, bank accounts, credit card, or home mortgage information. One of the most important things you can do is to never sign anything from someone soliciting business at your door.

Where you go both physically and virtually can lead to a wave of scammers. Every time you complete an entry form for a prize or coupon, you are giving valuable information to scammers. Completing a registration card for a free vacation or meal, and then placing it in a box on a counter, is like putting your private information on a billboard.

Do you know that scammers will even go to legitimate businesses who have drawing boxes just to steal the forms out of the box? A registration form lying on a counter or being completed virtually online is giving scammers a blueprint on how to take your money, and it also tells them what is important to you.

The spring and summer are busy times for scammers trying to take advantage of seniors in Florida because many people are considering projects around the house.

Dont make it easy, protect all of your information and do not engage with anyone you dont know regarding your personal information. Something as innocent as giving a person your middle name could help a scammer crack a password.

Additionally, never answer those questions on social media that discuss first car, first date location, year you were born, etc., because these are just slick techniques for scammers to crack your passwords and mine information about you.

With the concentration of senior housing in Lake and Sumter Counties, seniors should be very mindful they are always a target. The best advice to keep from getting scammed is to not engage unknown people, do not provide any personal information, end calls with unfamiliar people immediately, and delete messages from unknown parties. Dont trust anyone that you really dont know.

Don Magruder is the CEO of Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc., and he is also the host of the Around the House Show which can be seen at AroundtheHouse.TV.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Where you live and go invites scammers
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
If you catch a dancer young enough, you can teach them technique.

With time, a dance instructor can change a young students muscles and how their body turns out, increase their flexibility and train their feet, legs, and back to stretch farther.

You just cant teach passion, longtime Dothan dance teacher Tracy Solomon said.

Those dancers with a drive and passion for dance  even if their technique is not the best  will likely go further than the best technical dancer who has no passion.

You can tell their drive, their heart, their passion  that, theyre born with, Solomon said. God gave that to them. You cant teach that. You cant teach drive; you cant teach passion and love for dance. You just cant teach it. You can teach steps all day long.

The trick for dance teachers is to not allow a dancer to burn out at a young age, she said. Even if they want to be in the studio five days a week, they shouldnt, she said.

Having wrapped up her final dance class, Solomon sat behind her desk at Dothan School of Dance. Nearby, a sign leaned against one of two throne chairs in the office. It read: The Legend Has Retired. It was a bittersweet day for Solomon, who after 45 years as the owner of the Dothan School of Dance chose to take her final bow as a dance instructor and business owner.

Solomon has turned over the reins of the Dothan dance school to her daughter, Ashlie Wells. Solomons Enterprise School of Dance has been sold to Christina Hardy, a fellow instructor and a board member of the Southeast Alabama Dance Company.

Im known around the area as a very strict and disciplined teacher  I am, I am that, Solomon said. Ive mellowed some in my old age, but still the art form of ballet is a very disciplined art form.

Solomons former dance students have an impressive list of accomplishments  theyve become Rockettes as well as Miss Alabama winners and a Miss America winner (she taught Heather Whitestone). Theyve danced in a Justin Beiber video, on Broadway, and choreographed for Cher.

They are ballet dancers and doctors and teachers and even a U.S. Senate candidate.

Teaching young dancers was what Solomon knew she wanted to do from a young age.

I just knew that I loved teaching; I knew that that was exactly what God put me here to do, Solomon said. There was no question about it.

She started dancing when she was 8 years old at Inezs School of Dance  a one-room dance studio located near Cherokee Avenue and West Main Street. When she was 11, she came under the tutelage of Dothan School of Dances original owner. By 15, she was teaching dance classes at the school and hit the road to teach at different locations when she was 16.

When I graduated I knew exactly what I wanted to do, Solomon said. My heart was so big to teach young children, but I realized I had a lot more to learn too.

After high school, she went off to Kent State University for two summers to attend Dance Masters of America teachers training school. While she learned how to be a teacher, she also studied with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and with renowned jazz dancer and choreographer Gus Giordano in Chicago.

At 20, Solomons parents agreed to take the money saved for her college and help her buy into Dothan School of Dance as a partner in 1976. A year later, Solomon became sole owner of the school. She had great mentors that she turned to on a regular basis.

I was so young; I had so much to learn, Solomon said. I learned so many lessons the hard way... I burned a lot of bridges when I was young. I learned a lot of lessons growing up that Ill never forget. I believe its Gods purpose to put things into your life to make you smarter, to make you more knowledgeable, and I still am learning lessons every day about this business.

By 1979, Solomon saw that the dance studio and a yearly recital wasnt enough of an outlet for the young dancers she was training. She founded the Dothan Ballet and Dance Company, a nonprofit dance company with a board of directors. Later, the company became what is known as the Southeast Alabama Dance Company, or SEADAC. Solomon was the companys artistic director for 25 years before she took on the role as executive director. Her daughter now serves as SEADACs artistic director.

Solomon plans to stay on as executive director of SEADAC, now in its 44th year with Solomon hoping to lead it to its 50th year before she steps aside.

In the more than four decades since Solomon became owner of the Dothan School of Dance, the business outgrew two other sites before Solomon purchased the former Rex appliance store on Ross Clark Circle near West Main. Solomon opened the Enterprise School of Dance, which has 250 students, in 1996.

With a black and white checkered exterior, the 16,000-square-foot Dothan school has five studios, and runs 85 dance classes a week for 360 students. From the brightly-painted interior to the geometric floor designs, the office throne chairs, and opulent furnishings in the lobby, the school was decorated with Solomons tastes in mind and to make young dancers feel happy upon entering. The decorator knew Solomon personally.

I just have a different taste, Solomon said. I dont want to be like everybody else at all. I dont like the same thing that everybody else likes. I want to be unique; I want to be different.

Solomon began seriously thinking about retirement about a year ago after her daughter indicated she was ready to take over the school. But it was when her husband, Arch Solomon, underwent a quadruple bypass and valve repair at UAB Hospital in February that Solomon said she knew it was time to step back.

My time, our time, is just too precious, she said. Im about to be 64 this year, so I just think its time.

A dance teachers job is different from other jobs, she said. Dance students typically arrive for classes after school, which means a dance teacher often cant attend their own childrens or grandchildrens activities or even be home in time to cook supper for their family. Solomon said shes ready to do normal family activities and travel with her husband.

My husbands even talking about getting a Winnebago, whatever you call those things, a motor home, Solomon said, laughing. I dont know if Im ready for that or not.

Peggy Ussery is a Dothan Eagle staff writer and can be reached at aussery@dothaneagle.com or 334-712-7963. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
If you catch a dancer young enough, you can teach them technique.

With time, a dance instructor can change a young students muscles and how their body turns out, increase their flexibility and train their feet, legs, and back to stretch farther.

You just cant teach passion, longtime Dothan dance teacher Tracy Solomon said.

Those dancers with a drive and passion for dance  even if their technique is not the best  will likely go further than the best technical dancer who has no passion.

You can tell their drive, their heart, their passion  that, theyre born with, Solomon said. God gave that to them. You cant teach that. You cant teach drive; you cant teach passion and love for dance. You just cant teach it. You can teach steps all day long.

The trick for dance teachers is to not allow a dancer to burn out at a young age, she said. Even if they want to be in the studio five days a week, they shouldnt, she said.

Having wrapped up her final dance class, Solomon sat behind her desk at Dothan School of Dance. Nearby, a sign leaned against one of two throne chairs in the office. It read: The Legend Has Retired. It was a bittersweet day for Solomon, who after 45 years as the owner of the Dothan School of Dance chose to take her final bow as a dance instructor and business owner.

Solomon has turned over the reins of the Dothan dance school to her daughter, Ashlie Wells. Solomons Enterprise School of Dance has been sold to Christina Hardy, a fellow instructor and a board member of the Southeast Alabama Dance Company.

Im known around the area as a very strict and disciplined teacher  I am, I am that, Solomon said. Ive mellowed some in my old age, but still the art form of ballet is a very disciplined art form.

Solomons former dance students have an impressive list of accomplishments  theyve become Rockettes as well as Miss Alabama winners and a Miss America winner (she taught Heather Whitestone). Theyve danced in a Justin Beiber video, on Broadway, and choreographed for Cher.

They are ballet dancers and doctors and teachers and even a U.S. Senate candidate.

Teaching young dancers was what Solomon knew she wanted to do from a young age.

I just knew that I loved teaching; I knew that that was exactly what God put me here to do, Solomon said. There was no question about it.

She started dancing when she was 8 years old at Inezs School of Dance  a one-room dance studio located near Cherokee Avenue and West Main Street. When she was 11, she came under the tutelage of Dothan School of Dances original owner. By 15, she was teaching dance classes at the school and hit the road to teach at different locations when she was 16.

When I graduated I knew exactly what I wanted to do, Solomon said. My heart was so big to teach young children, but I realized I had a lot more to learn too.

After high school, she went off to Kent State University for two summers to attend Dance Masters of America teachers training school. While she learned how to be a teacher, she also studied with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and with renowned jazz dancer and choreographer Gus Giordano in Chicago.

At 20, Solomons parents agreed to take the money saved for her college and help her buy into Dothan School of Dance as a partner in 1976. A year later, Solomon became sole owner of the school. She had great mentors that she turned to on a regular basis.

I was so young; I had so much to learn, Solomon said. I learned so many lessons the hard way... I burned a lot of bridges when I was young. I learned a lot of lessons growing up that Ill never forget. I believe its Gods purpose to put things into your life to make you smarter, to make you more knowledgeable, and I still am learning lessons every day about this business.

By 1979, Solomon saw that the dance studio and a yearly recital wasnt enough of an outlet for the young dancers she was training. She founded the Dothan Ballet and Dance Company, a nonprofit dance company with a board of directors. Later, the company became what is known as the Southeast Alabama Dance Company, or SEADAC. Solomon was the companys artistic director for 25 years before she took on the role as executive director. Her daughter now serves as SEADACs artistic director.

Solomon plans to stay on as executive director of SEADAC, now in its 44th year with Solomon hoping to lead it to its 50th year before she steps aside.

In the more than four decades since Solomon became owner of the Dothan School of Dance, the business outgrew two other sites before Solomon purchased the former Rex appliance store on Ross Clark Circle near West Main. Solomon opened the Enterprise School of Dance, which has 250 students, in 1996.

With a black and white checkered exterior, the 16,000-square-foot Dothan school has five studios, and runs 85 dance classes a week for 360 students. From the brightly-painted interior to the geometric floor designs, the office throne chairs, and opulent furnishings in the lobby, the school was decorated with Solomons tastes in mind and to make young dancers feel happy upon entering. The decorator knew Solomon personally.

I just have a different taste, Solomon said. I dont want to be like everybody else at all. I dont like the same thing that everybody else likes. I want to be unique; I want to be different.

Solomon began seriously thinking about retirement about a year ago after her daughter indicated she was ready to take over the school. But it was when her husband, Arch Solomon, underwent a quadruple bypass and valve repair at UAB Hospital in February that Solomon said she knew it was time to step back.

My time, our time, is just too precious, she said. Im about to be 64 this year, so I just think its time.

A dance teachers job is different from other jobs, she said. Dance students typically arrive for classes after school, which means a dance teacher often cant attend their own childrens or grandchildrens activities or even be home in time to cook supper for their family. Solomon said shes ready to do normal family activities and travel with her husband.

My husbands even talking about getting a Winnebago, whatever you call those things, a motor home, Solomon said, laughing. I dont know if Im ready for that or not.

Peggy Ussery is a Dothan Eagle staff writer and can be reached at aussery@dothaneagle.com or 334-712-7963. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.



For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Gordon-Conwell Seminary to sell 100-acre main campus to preserve 'long-term fiscal health'

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has announced plans to sell its 100-plus acre campus in Massachusetts and move to a yet-to-be-determined location in the Boston metropolitan area.

In an announcement earlier this week, the multi-site seminary with over 1,400 students worldwide stated intentions to sell its Hamilton campus as part of a "staged process."

Gordon-Conwell Director of Marketing & Communications Debora de Paula Hoyle told The Christian Post in an e-mail that the decision is "aimed at supporting the long-term fiscal health" of the institution, which dates back to 1888.

"The seminary's budget has been increasingly focused on the maintenance of its Hamilton campus despite more students than ever before utilizing other campuses and remote options in lieu of the in-person Hamilton campus experience," said Hoyle.

"Selling the campus will allow us to avert these financial trends while funding a new generation of programs and faculty  while connecting us to our urban roots and communities in Boston."

The seminary's announcement stated that it hopes to "leverage the economic value of its main campus" by "selling significant portions, or all, of its 100+ acre Hamilton campus and exploring facilities in the Metro Boston area."

Hoyle said that while Gordon-Conwell doesn't "have exact locations yet" for where it will move its Hamilton campus staff, "we do hope to locate in several neighborhoods throughout the city rather than just one central location."

"It is also important to us that our homes in Boston provide us with a connection to the cultural and religious diversity of the city's many unique neighborhoods," she added.

Gordon-Conwell President Scott Sunquist stated that the eventual move to Boston "is the latest of a long series of re-inventions for our institution."

"Change has been a constant at Gordon-Conwell, from its origins in the basement of Temple Baptist Church in North Philadelphia and its sister institutions Boston Missionary Training Institute and Clarendon Street Church," Sunquist said.

"In the years since our founding, we've evolved continuously to meet the needs of the global Church and next generation of Christ-centered leaders who will lead it."

Sunquist said the city provides a "rich tapestry of local, diverse churches" for the seminary to embrace its "urban roots."

"We will also be placing ourselves in the strongest financial position we have been in a quarter of a century, allowing us to better fulfill our calling to equip Church leaders to think theologically, engage globally, and live biblically," he said.

In addition to its Hamilton location, Gordon-Conwell lists campuses in downtown Boston, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.

The seminary also boasts a student body that includes people representing 85 different denominations and 50 countries. Gordon-Conswell's stated goal is to "develop Christian leaders who are thoughtful, globally aware, spiritually mature and ready for a broad array of ministries."

In an interview with The Christian Post last year, Sunquist said his seminary focuses on "discipleship and virtue formation in theological education," including "communal formation."

"This is intentional, personal and communal formation that is not detached from academic formation," said Sunquist at the time. "Thus, we are working hard at biblical contexts  as we always have  but we are now working harder than we previously had to understand contemporary contexts: social, political, economic, etc."

"Thus, we are adding virtue formation, in the form of discipleship, to the lives of all of our students while they are students at Gordon-Conwell."
Gordon-Conwell Seminary to sell 100-acre main campus to preserve 'long-term fiscal health'

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has announced plans to sell its 100-plus acre campus in Massachusetts and move to a yet-to-be-determined location in the Boston metropolitan area.

In an announcement earlier this week, the multi-site seminary with over 1,400 students worldwide stated intentions to sell its Hamilton campus as part of a "staged process."

Gordon-Conwell Director of Marketing & Communications Debora de Paula Hoyle told The Christian Post in an e-mail that the decision is "aimed at supporting the long-term fiscal health" of the institution, which dates back to 1888.

"The seminary's budget has been increasingly focused on the maintenance of its Hamilton campus despite more students than ever before utilizing other campuses and remote options in lieu of the in-person Hamilton campus experience," said Hoyle.

"Selling the campus will allow us to avert these financial trends while funding a new generation of programs and faculty  while connecting us to our urban roots and communities in Boston."

The seminary's announcement stated that it hopes to "leverage the economic value of its main campus" by "selling significant portions, or all, of its 100+ acre Hamilton campus and exploring facilities in the Metro Boston area."

Hoyle said that while Gordon-Conwell doesn't "have exact locations yet" for where it will move its Hamilton campus staff, "we do hope to locate in several neighborhoods throughout the city rather than just one central location."

"It is also important to us that our homes in Boston provide us with a connection to the cultural and religious diversity of the city's many unique neighborhoods," she added.

Gordon-Conwell President Scott Sunquist stated that the eventual move to Boston "is the latest of a long series of re-inventions for our institution."

"Change has been a constant at Gordon-Conwell, from its origins in the basement of Temple Baptist Church in North Philadelphia and its sister institutions Boston Missionary Training Institute and Clarendon Street Church," Sunquist said.

"In the years since our founding, we've evolved continuously to meet the needs of the global Church and next generation of Christ-centered leaders who will lead it."

Sunquist said the city provides a "rich tapestry of local, diverse churches" for the seminary to embrace its "urban roots."

"We will also be placing ourselves in the strongest financial position we have been in a quarter of a century, allowing us to better fulfill our calling to equip Church leaders to think theologically, engage globally, and live biblically," he said.

In addition to its Hamilton location, Gordon-Conwell lists campuses in downtown Boston, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.

The seminary also boasts a student body that includes people representing 85 different denominations and 50 countries. Gordon-Conswell's stated goal is to "develop Christian leaders who are thoughtful, globally aware, spiritually mature and ready for a broad array of ministries."

In an interview with The Christian Post last year, Sunquist said his seminary focuses on "discipleship and virtue formation in theological education," including "communal formation."

"This is intentional, personal and communal formation that is not detached from academic formation," said Sunquist at the time. "Thus, we are working hard at biblical contexts  as we always have  but we are now working harder than we previously had to understand contemporary contexts: social, political, economic, etc."

"Thus, we are adding virtue formation, in the form of discipleship, to the lives of all of our students while they are students at Gordon-Conwell."





First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
Young people seeking a year-round tan are turning to an illegal nasal spray that can darken skin within hours  even though doctors warn it could cause cancer.

Cowboy companies are specifically targeting teenagers by selling the unregulated sprays in flavours such as bubblegum, watermelon and kiwi fruit, while reality stars and other influencers sing their praises across social media.

But skin specialists say the artificial hormone they contain, called melanotan, could lead to malignant melanoma, a serious form of cancer responsible for about 2,300 deaths in the UK every year.

Among 74 reported side effects are headaches, nausea and kidney damage.

BEFORE: 19-year-old waitress Parris Morey before using her tanning nasal spray

AFTER: Ms Morey admits she is 'addicted' to tanning and promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products

Yet the spray, sold under brand names such as Turbo Tan and Mellow Tan, is widely available online for as little as 9.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist with the British Skin Foundation, told The Mail on Sunday that nasal tanning sprays could lead to fatal skin cancer by overstimulating cells that produce the skin-darkening pigment melanin.

She said: This could increase the risk of the most deadly type of skin cancer  melanoma. This has been reported with the use of melanotan, alongside dramatic changes in skin moles.

Dr Sophie Shotter, who runs a mole-scanning service at her Kent clinic, added: Its scary that something that has had absolutely no testing, is unregulated and unlicensed, has side effects and stimulates a cell that we know is responsible for one of the most dangerous types of cancer, is being sold illegally.

It is so worrying that it is everywhere, especially on TikTok. None of the companies selling these products has to pay for advertising because these people on TikTok are showing off the product for free.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Bethan Kershaw, who appears in the MTV reality show Geordie Shore, told her 700,000 followers that she had used sprays from a company called Real Tan, while social media influencer Georgia Fox showed her 84,000 followers a video of herself inhaling it, saying: A nasal spray a day keeps the paleness away.

Melanotan is a synthetic hormone originally developed to treat erectile and female sexual dysfunction, but rogue beauty businesses noticed it resulted in a quick tan and began marketing the product as a tanning aid.

After inhaling the spray, users go out into the sun or under a sunbed to activate it.

A Mail on Sunday reporter ordered a 10mg vial of melanotan nasal spray from the website Puretan in just few clicks.

Nowhere were the health risks mentioned  and, in fact, the company falsely hailed the substance as possibly helping to prevent skin cancer.

Parris Morey, a 19-year-old waitress from Coventry, promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products. She inhales melanotan every day, and said: I saw videos on TikTok, people promoting them, and that made me want to do them. I thought theyd be great and theyd help me build my tan up.

I am addicted to tanning. It is always on my mind. Apart from Christmas, there has not been a day in the last two-and-a-half years that Ive not been on a sunbed.

She said she had no idea that selling the sprays was illegal, nor of the serious health risks, but added: Sometimes the spray does hurt  it is just a weird feeling having liquid going up my nostrils.

When I first did them I was quite wary, but I thought a lot of people do them now. If I knew there were really bad side effects, then maybe I wouldnt do it. But I was never told they were so bad.

TikTok user Madison Sutton (pictured left) gushed about the tanning nasal sprays working without the use of a sunbed, while Hannah Tayy (pictured right) joked about not caring about the risks associated with the products

Personal trainer Katherine Jones, 27, has used nasal sprays daily for four years, but said: I am not worried about my health in relation to the product. Alcohol is legal yet not good for you.

In an attempt to target the spread of nasal sprays on TikTok, Dr Shotter posted her own video on the platform highlighting the risks.

But she was dismayed by the reaction. She said: I was so shocked by how many comments said things like, Processed meat causes cancer as well.

Yes, it can, but this is not a competition. This is actually about thinking whether this is a risk worth taking when there are so many great fake tans available.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it has been taking appropriate regulatory action to remove nasal tanning sprays from the market for the past ten years if they claim health benefits. But it is powerless to act if the only claim is that the product would give you a deeper tan.

Puretan did not respond to a request for comment.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.


Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor resigns, sets out on deep pursuit of God and His Truth

Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor announced Friday that he's resigning from the popular worship ministry.

The worship music ministry that's an extension of the charismatic Bethel Church in Redding, California, has exploded in popularity in recent years. And Taylor and his team have created songs that are sung in churches worldwide.

While Bethel Music didn't immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, Taylor shared details about his decision in a post on social media.

After 13 wonderful and challenging years, Ive resigned as CEO of Bethel Music, he wrote in an Instagram post. When we founded the label, we knew God was going to use us to build something special, but Gods plan was even bigger than our dreams  and we had big dreams, he added.

The father of two shared the news of his departure alongside a photo of his family. Taylors post went on to describe how Bethel Music defied the odds.

We had no investment capital and minimal support, so with the little revenue we had, I hired a part-time bookkeeper and got an intern. At that time, the music industry was in a downward spiral and labels were doing massive layoffs, he said.

Taylor continued: As we tried to create our own label, we were told we could never do it on our own. They didnt play worship on the radio back then and they told us we wouldnt ever be on the radio. When we wanted to bring worship to the world on tour, we were told people wouldnt host us. We had to listen to God and believe in our hearts the impossible could happen, and it did.

The musician said he greatly enjoyed stepping into the unknown and trusting God. As they did that, they saw God make the impossible possible.

Taylor maintained that he was grateful for his time at Bethel in Redding, and now he and his family are embarking on a new journey in Tennessee.

As for what is next for Taylor, he ended by saying he has been on a deep pursuit of God, His truth, His presence, and His direction as I enter into my second-half of life.

Theres so much noise and distraction out there and its easy to get lost in it. I have a lot of plans and opportunities in front of me, but Jesus showed us that the greatest call is to love God, to love yourself, and to love people, and this is what Im going to do next, he concluded.

Taylor added that he's excited for the beginning of the next chapter.

In 2018, the songwriter and his wife found themselves in need of a miracle as their two young children battled a dangerous E. coli infection.

Thousands of believers worldwide prayed for the children's recovery and, through medical treatment and prayer, the Taylors' prayers were answered
Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor resigns, sets out on deep pursuit of God and His Truth

Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor announced Friday that he's resigning from the popular worship ministry.

The worship music ministry that's an extension of the charismatic Bethel Church in Redding, California, has exploded in popularity in recent years. And Taylor and his team have created songs that are sung in churches worldwide.

While Bethel Music didn't immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, Taylor shared details about his decision in a post on social media.

After 13 wonderful and challenging years, Ive resigned as CEO of Bethel Music, he wrote in an Instagram post. When we founded the label, we knew God was going to use us to build something special, but Gods plan was even bigger than our dreams  and we had big dreams, he added.

The father of two shared the news of his departure alongside a photo of his family. Taylors post went on to describe how Bethel Music defied the odds.

We had no investment capital and minimal support, so with the little revenue we had, I hired a part-time bookkeeper and got an intern. At that time, the music industry was in a downward spiral and labels were doing massive layoffs, he said.

Taylor continued: As we tried to create our own label, we were told we could never do it on our own. They didnt play worship on the radio back then and they told us we wouldnt ever be on the radio. When we wanted to bring worship to the world on tour, we were told people wouldnt host us. We had to listen to God and believe in our hearts the impossible could happen, and it did.

The musician said he greatly enjoyed stepping into the unknown and trusting God. As they did that, they saw God make the impossible possible.

Taylor maintained that he was grateful for his time at Bethel in Redding, and now he and his family are embarking on a new journey in Tennessee.

As for what is next for Taylor, he ended by saying he has been on a deep pursuit of God, His truth, His presence, and His direction as I enter into my second-half of life.

Theres so much noise and distraction out there and its easy to get lost in it. I have a lot of plans and opportunities in front of me, but Jesus showed us that the greatest call is to love God, to love yourself, and to love people, and this is what Im going to do next, he concluded.

Taylor added that he's excited for the beginning of the next chapter.

In 2018, the songwriter and his wife found themselves in need of a miracle as their two young children battled a dangerous E. coli infection.

Thousands of believers worldwide prayed for the children's recovery and, through medical treatment and prayer, the Taylors' prayers were answered
Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor resigns, sets out on deep pursuit of God and His Truth

Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor announced Friday that he's resigning from the popular worship ministry.

The worship music ministry that's an extension of the charismatic Bethel Church in Redding, California, has exploded in popularity in recent years. And Taylor and his team have created songs that are sung in churches worldwide.

While Bethel Music didn't immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, Taylor shared details about his decision in a post on social media.

After 13 wonderful and challenging years, Ive resigned as CEO of Bethel Music, he wrote in an Instagram post. When we founded the label, we knew God was going to use us to build something special, but Gods plan was even bigger than our dreams  and we had big dreams, he added.

The father of two shared the news of his departure alongside a photo of his family. Taylors post went on to describe how Bethel Music defied the odds.

We had no investment capital and minimal support, so with the little revenue we had, I hired a part-time bookkeeper and got an intern. At that time, the music industry was in a downward spiral and labels were doing massive layoffs, he said.

Taylor continued: As we tried to create our own label, we were told we could never do it on our own. They didnt play worship on the radio back then and they told us we wouldnt ever be on the radio. When we wanted to bring worship to the world on tour, we were told people wouldnt host us. We had to listen to God and believe in our hearts the impossible could happen, and it did.

The musician said he greatly enjoyed stepping into the unknown and trusting God. As they did that, they saw God make the impossible possible.

Taylor maintained that he was grateful for his time at Bethel in Redding, and now he and his family are embarking on a new journey in Tennessee.

As for what is next for Taylor, he ended by saying he has been on a deep pursuit of God, His truth, His presence, and His direction as I enter into my second-half of life.

Theres so much noise and distraction out there and its easy to get lost in it. I have a lot of plans and opportunities in front of me, but Jesus showed us that the greatest call is to love God, to love yourself, and to love people, and this is what Im going to do next, he concluded.

Taylor added that he's excited for the beginning of the next chapter.

In 2018, the songwriter and his wife found themselves in need of a miracle as their two young children battled a dangerous E. coli infection.

Thousands of believers worldwide prayed for the children's recovery and, through medical treatment and prayer, the Taylors' prayers were answered
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'.

The message was posted in response to a weekly No 11 newsletter from Mr Sunak, in which he detailed an additional 40 million of aid for Ukraine.

It is not the first time the senior Labour figure has landed herself in hot water for her remarks about those on the other side of the Commons. The former care worker resorted to calling senior Conservatives 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian ... piece of scum' in a foul-mouthed tirade at last year's Labour party conference.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media

She was forced to apologise after her incendiary words began trending on Twitter in the wake of the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Lee Anderson, Tory MP for Ashfield, accused Ms Rayner of behaving pathetically after the latest controversial outburst.

He said: 'I don't know what it is about Angela Rayner and the Left that have it in for successful people running the country, surely it's much better for successful people who are successes in business to hold the purse strings of the country rather than somebody whose only claim to fame is dishing out insults.

'She is someone throughout her career who has made childish insults against Conservative politicians and now she's having a go at Rishi, who by the way is one of the most polite politicians you'll ever wish to meet. He's a real gentleman, regardless of your politics.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'It wasn't a coincidence that she shouts out 'Tory scum'. This ludicrous angry abuse that comes from her just winds up the morons on the hard-Left to go and take direct action.

'You can't complain about being got at on Twitter if you spend your time abusing others on Twitter.' Other commentators pointed to the hypocrisy of the move, after Ms Rayner urged people to engage in a 'kinder' form of politics in 2019.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'

She wrote at the time: 'The nasty tweets and social media comments I've had over the last 24hrs prove we have a problem with some on the Left that cannot disagree respectfully. I would also like to thank the many members who have given me lots of support and positive messages.'

Ms Rayner's remarks came as Mr Sunak and his wife made their debut on The Sunday Times Rich List with a joint fortune of 730 million. The Chancellor and Akshata Murty were placed 222nd in the top 250 richest people in the UK  making Mr Sunak the first frontline politician to be included on the Rich List since the wealth rankings began in 1989.

A number of Opposition politicians, including Labour's Wes Streeting, reacted with fury, as the rest of the population face a swingeing cost of living crisis.

Mr Streeting said: 'The Chancellor who plunged half a million more children into poverty with his Spring Statement has made The Sunday Times Rich List.'
Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'.

The message was posted in response to a weekly No 11 newsletter from Mr Sunak, in which he detailed an additional 40 million of aid for Ukraine.

It is not the first time the senior Labour figure has landed herself in hot water for her remarks about those on the other side of the Commons. The former care worker resorted to calling senior Conservatives 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian ... piece of scum' in a foul-mouthed tirade at last year's Labour party conference.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media

She was forced to apologise after her incendiary words began trending on Twitter in the wake of the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Lee Anderson, Tory MP for Ashfield, accused Ms Rayner of behaving pathetically after the latest controversial outburst.

He said: 'I don't know what it is about Angela Rayner and the Left that have it in for successful people running the country, surely it's much better for successful people who are successes in business to hold the purse strings of the country rather than somebody whose only claim to fame is dishing out insults.

'She is someone throughout her career who has made childish insults against Conservative politicians and now she's having a go at Rishi, who by the way is one of the most polite politicians you'll ever wish to meet. He's a real gentleman, regardless of your politics.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'It wasn't a coincidence that she shouts out 'Tory scum'. This ludicrous angry abuse that comes from her just winds up the morons on the hard-Left to go and take direct action.

'You can't complain about being got at on Twitter if you spend your time abusing others on Twitter.' Other commentators pointed to the hypocrisy of the move, after Ms Rayner urged people to engage in a 'kinder' form of politics in 2019.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'

She wrote at the time: 'The nasty tweets and social media comments I've had over the last 24hrs prove we have a problem with some on the Left that cannot disagree respectfully. I would also like to thank the many members who have given me lots of support and positive messages.'

Ms Rayner's remarks came as Mr Sunak and his wife made their debut on The Sunday Times Rich List with a joint fortune of 730 million. The Chancellor and Akshata Murty were placed 222nd in the top 250 richest people in the UK  making Mr Sunak the first frontline politician to be included on the Rich List since the wealth rankings began in 1989.

A number of Opposition politicians, including Labour's Wes Streeting, reacted with fury, as the rest of the population face a swingeing cost of living crisis.

Mr Streeting said: 'The Chancellor who plunged half a million more children into poverty with his Spring Statement has made The Sunday Times Rich List.'
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
If you catch a dancer young enough, you can teach them technique.

With time, a dance instructor can change a young students muscles and how their body turns out, increase their flexibility and train their feet, legs, and back to stretch farther.

You just cant teach passion, longtime Dothan dance teacher Tracy Solomon said.

Those dancers with a drive and passion for dance  even if their technique is not the best  will likely go further than the best technical dancer who has no passion.

You can tell their drive, their heart, their passion  that, theyre born with, Solomon said. God gave that to them. You cant teach that. You cant teach drive; you cant teach passion and love for dance. You just cant teach it. You can teach steps all day long.

The trick for dance teachers is to not allow a dancer to burn out at a young age, she said. Even if they want to be in the studio five days a week, they shouldnt, she said.

Having wrapped up her final dance class, Solomon sat behind her desk at Dothan School of Dance. Nearby, a sign leaned against one of two throne chairs in the office. It read: The Legend Has Retired. It was a bittersweet day for Solomon, who after 45 years as the owner of the Dothan School of Dance chose to take her final bow as a dance instructor and business owner.

Solomon has turned over the reins of the Dothan dance school to her daughter, Ashlie Wells. Solomons Enterprise School of Dance has been sold to Christina Hardy, a fellow instructor and a board member of the Southeast Alabama Dance Company.

Im known around the area as a very strict and disciplined teacher  I am, I am that, Solomon said. Ive mellowed some in my old age, but still the art form of ballet is a very disciplined art form.

Solomons former dance students have an impressive list of accomplishments  theyve become Rockettes as well as Miss Alabama winners and a Miss America winner (she taught Heather Whitestone). Theyve danced in a Justin Beiber video, on Broadway, and choreographed for Cher.

They are ballet dancers and doctors and teachers and even a U.S. Senate candidate.

Teaching young dancers was what Solomon knew she wanted to do from a young age.

I just knew that I loved teaching; I knew that that was exactly what God put me here to do, Solomon said. There was no question about it.

She started dancing when she was 8 years old at Inezs School of Dance  a one-room dance studio located near Cherokee Avenue and West Main Street. When she was 11, she came under the tutelage of Dothan School of Dances original owner. By 15, she was teaching dance classes at the school and hit the road to teach at different locations when she was 16.

When I graduated I knew exactly what I wanted to do, Solomon said. My heart was so big to teach young children, but I realized I had a lot more to learn too.

After high school, she went off to Kent State University for two summers to attend Dance Masters of America teachers training school. While she learned how to be a teacher, she also studied with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and with renowned jazz dancer and choreographer Gus Giordano in Chicago.

At 20, Solomons parents agreed to take the money saved for her college and help her buy into Dothan School of Dance as a partner in 1976. A year later, Solomon became sole owner of the school. She had great mentors that she turned to on a regular basis.

I was so young; I had so much to learn, Solomon said. I learned so many lessons the hard way... I burned a lot of bridges when I was young. I learned a lot of lessons growing up that Ill never forget. I believe its Gods purpose to put things into your life to make you smarter, to make you more knowledgeable, and I still am learning lessons every day about this business.

By 1979, Solomon saw that the dance studio and a yearly recital wasnt enough of an outlet for the young dancers she was training. She founded the Dothan Ballet and Dance Company, a nonprofit dance company with a board of directors. Later, the company became what is known as the Southeast Alabama Dance Company, or SEADAC. Solomon was the companys artistic director for 25 years before she took on the role as executive director. Her daughter now serves as SEADACs artistic director.

Solomon plans to stay on as executive director of SEADAC, now in its 44th year with Solomon hoping to lead it to its 50th year before she steps aside.

In the more than four decades since Solomon became owner of the Dothan School of Dance, the business outgrew two other sites before Solomon purchased the former Rex appliance store on Ross Clark Circle near West Main. Solomon opened the Enterprise School of Dance, which has 250 students, in 1996.

With a black and white checkered exterior, the 16,000-square-foot Dothan school has five studios, and runs 85 dance classes a week for 360 students. From the brightly-painted interior to the geometric floor designs, the office throne chairs, and opulent furnishings in the lobby, the school was decorated with Solomons tastes in mind and to make young dancers feel happy upon entering. The decorator knew Solomon personally.

I just have a different taste, Solomon said. I dont want to be like everybody else at all. I dont like the same thing that everybody else likes. I want to be unique; I want to be different.

Solomon began seriously thinking about retirement about a year ago after her daughter indicated she was ready to take over the school. But it was when her husband, Arch Solomon, underwent a quadruple bypass and valve repair at UAB Hospital in February that Solomon said she knew it was time to step back.

My time, our time, is just too precious, she said. Im about to be 64 this year, so I just think its time.

A dance teachers job is different from other jobs, she said. Dance students typically arrive for classes after school, which means a dance teacher often cant attend their own childrens or grandchildrens activities or even be home in time to cook supper for their family. Solomon said shes ready to do normal family activities and travel with her husband.

My husbands even talking about getting a Winnebago, whatever you call those things, a motor home, Solomon said, laughing. I dont know if Im ready for that or not.

Peggy Ussery is a Dothan Eagle staff writer and can be reached at aussery@dothaneagle.com or 334-712-7963. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
If you catch a dancer young enough, you can teach them technique.

With time, a dance instructor can change a young students muscles and how their body turns out, increase their flexibility and train their feet, legs, and back to stretch farther.

You just cant teach passion, longtime Dothan dance teacher Tracy Solomon said.

Those dancers with a drive and passion for dance  even if their technique is not the best  will likely go further than the best technical dancer who has no passion.

You can tell their drive, their heart, their passion  that, theyre born with, Solomon said. God gave that to them. You cant teach that. You cant teach drive; you cant teach passion and love for dance. You just cant teach it. You can teach steps all day long.

The trick for dance teachers is to not allow a dancer to burn out at a young age, she said. Even if they want to be in the studio five days a week, they shouldnt, she said.

Having wrapped up her final dance class, Solomon sat behind her desk at Dothan School of Dance. Nearby, a sign leaned against one of two throne chairs in the office. It read: The Legend Has Retired. It was a bittersweet day for Solomon, who after 45 years as the owner of the Dothan School of Dance chose to take her final bow as a dance instructor and business owner.

Solomon has turned over the reins of the Dothan dance school to her daughter, Ashlie Wells. Solomons Enterprise School of Dance has been sold to Christina Hardy, a fellow instructor and a board member of the Southeast Alabama Dance Company.

Im known around the area as a very strict and disciplined teacher  I am, I am that, Solomon said. Ive mellowed some in my old age, but still the art form of ballet is a very disciplined art form.

Solomons former dance students have an impressive list of accomplishments  theyve become Rockettes as well as Miss Alabama winners and a Miss America winner (she taught Heather Whitestone). Theyve danced in a Justin Beiber video, on Broadway, and choreographed for Cher.

They are ballet dancers and doctors and teachers and even a U.S. Senate candidate.

Teaching young dancers was what Solomon knew she wanted to do from a young age.

I just knew that I loved teaching; I knew that that was exactly what God put me here to do, Solomon said. There was no question about it.

She started dancing when she was 8 years old at Inezs School of Dance  a one-room dance studio located near Cherokee Avenue and West Main Street. When she was 11, she came under the tutelage of Dothan School of Dances original owner. By 15, she was teaching dance classes at the school and hit the road to teach at different locations when she was 16.

When I graduated I knew exactly what I wanted to do, Solomon said. My heart was so big to teach young children, but I realized I had a lot more to learn too.

After high school, she went off to Kent State University for two summers to attend Dance Masters of America teachers training school. While she learned how to be a teacher, she also studied with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and with renowned jazz dancer and choreographer Gus Giordano in Chicago.

At 20, Solomons parents agreed to take the money saved for her college and help her buy into Dothan School of Dance as a partner in 1976. A year later, Solomon became sole owner of the school. She had great mentors that she turned to on a regular basis.

I was so young; I had so much to learn, Solomon said. I learned so many lessons the hard way... I burned a lot of bridges when I was young. I learned a lot of lessons growing up that Ill never forget. I believe its Gods purpose to put things into your life to make you smarter, to make you more knowledgeable, and I still am learning lessons every day about this business.

By 1979, Solomon saw that the dance studio and a yearly recital wasnt enough of an outlet for the young dancers she was training. She founded the Dothan Ballet and Dance Company, a nonprofit dance company with a board of directors. Later, the company became what is known as the Southeast Alabama Dance Company, or SEADAC. Solomon was the companys artistic director for 25 years before she took on the role as executive director. Her daughter now serves as SEADACs artistic director.

Solomon plans to stay on as executive director of SEADAC, now in its 44th year with Solomon hoping to lead it to its 50th year before she steps aside.

In the more than four decades since Solomon became owner of the Dothan School of Dance, the business outgrew two other sites before Solomon purchased the former Rex appliance store on Ross Clark Circle near West Main. Solomon opened the Enterprise School of Dance, which has 250 students, in 1996.

With a black and white checkered exterior, the 16,000-square-foot Dothan school has five studios, and runs 85 dance classes a week for 360 students. From the brightly-painted interior to the geometric floor designs, the office throne chairs, and opulent furnishings in the lobby, the school was decorated with Solomons tastes in mind and to make young dancers feel happy upon entering. The decorator knew Solomon personally.

I just have a different taste, Solomon said. I dont want to be like everybody else at all. I dont like the same thing that everybody else likes. I want to be unique; I want to be different.

Solomon began seriously thinking about retirement about a year ago after her daughter indicated she was ready to take over the school. But it was when her husband, Arch Solomon, underwent a quadruple bypass and valve repair at UAB Hospital in February that Solomon said she knew it was time to step back.

My time, our time, is just too precious, she said. Im about to be 64 this year, so I just think its time.

A dance teachers job is different from other jobs, she said. Dance students typically arrive for classes after school, which means a dance teacher often cant attend their own childrens or grandchildrens activities or even be home in time to cook supper for their family. Solomon said shes ready to do normal family activities and travel with her husband.

My husbands even talking about getting a Winnebago, whatever you call those things, a motor home, Solomon said, laughing. I dont know if Im ready for that or not.

Peggy Ussery is a Dothan Eagle staff writer and can be reached at aussery@dothaneagle.com or 334-712-7963. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her.

Britains cancel culture crisis was pulled into sharp focus last week when it was claimed that the A-level student had been branded a heretic for questioning pro-trans remarks made by the member of the House of Lords when she visited the school.

The sixth-former was reportedly subjected to a verbal pile-on by up to 60 students after debating her views with the peer during a questions-and-answers session at the private school in the Home Counties.

Last night, the Baroness  who The Mail on Sunday is not naming to protect the identity of the student  said she felt she had parted on amicable terms with the pupil.

The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her (file photo)

I spoke about a wide range of human rights issues, the peer said. One young woman challenged some of my views and was treated with the same courtesy as everyone else who took part.

She added: I was not aware of any consequences from our interactions and thought that we had parted on amicable terms.

Insisting the young woman had the right to make her views known, the Baroness joined politicians and advocates who have said the girl should have been free to argue her case

Among them is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, who last week condemned the utterly shameful treatment of the sixth-former by students gripped by quasi-religious fanaticism.

The Baronesss comments may bring some comfort to the 18-year-old, whose experience was highlighted by one of her teachers on the Transgender Trends website.

Yesterday, the girl told The Times: It made me think I was mad. Otherwise how could people turn on me so bitterly?

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi described the row as hugely concerning.

It is understood that the school disputes the version of events outlined in the media.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. (Photo:AFP)

ADILABAD: The Telangana government is likely to encourage the cultivation of cotton crop on large scale this kharif in the state in general and erstwhile Adilabad district in particular following huge demand for Telanganas cotton in the international market and good price for cotton.

The involvement of the state government in commercial operations of cotton production is minimal unlike paddy, pulses and maize and jowar. Cotton cultivation is generally taken up in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad districts.

The Central government announced MSP for cotton and the price will be decided based on the price being offered for the cotton in the international market. Even the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) does not involve in operations if the private traders offer more than MSP to the cotton.

Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. The Central government also increased the MSP and offered Rs 625 per quintal in the last kharif.

It is said that this decision was taken against the backdrop of ambiguity over purchasing paddy in the state. There was good demand for cotton in the market and average farmers got Rs 8,000 per quintal and recently the price reached Rs 14,000 in Khammam. Many times, the cotton price crossed Rs 10,000 and this is considered a good price for the cotton during the last kharif.

In a meeting held recently in Nirmal, agriculture minister Niranjan Reddy appealed to the farmers to focus on cultivation of cotton crop this kharif following the good price farmers got for their produce in the last kharif season.

The state government is of the opinion that floods during the last kharif resulted in low cotton yield but this time cotton crop may yield good profits. On the other hand, farmers are also showing interest to cultivate cotton in this kharif and the area of cotton cultivation may increase drastically this time.

Cotton crop was cultivated on 3.85 acres in the last kharif in Adilabad district and the area of cotton cultivation may go up to 4 lakh this kharif. The state government wants to take advantage of the demand and good price of cotton crop in the international market. There is good demand for Adilabad cotton in the international market because of its high staple length unlike cotton cultivated in other areas in the country.
Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. (Photo:AFP)

ADILABAD: The Telangana government is likely to encourage the cultivation of cotton crop on large scale this kharif in the state in general and erstwhile Adilabad district in particular following huge demand for Telanganas cotton in the international market and good price for cotton.

The involvement of the state government in commercial operations of cotton production is minimal unlike paddy, pulses and maize and jowar. Cotton cultivation is generally taken up in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad districts.

The Central government announced MSP for cotton and the price will be decided based on the price being offered for the cotton in the international market. Even the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) does not involve in operations if the private traders offer more than MSP to the cotton.

Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. The Central government also increased the MSP and offered Rs 625 per quintal in the last kharif.

It is said that this decision was taken against the backdrop of ambiguity over purchasing paddy in the state. There was good demand for cotton in the market and average farmers got Rs 8,000 per quintal and recently the price reached Rs 14,000 in Khammam. Many times, the cotton price crossed Rs 10,000 and this is considered a good price for the cotton during the last kharif.

In a meeting held recently in Nirmal, agriculture minister Niranjan Reddy appealed to the farmers to focus on cultivation of cotton crop this kharif following the good price farmers got for their produce in the last kharif season.

The state government is of the opinion that floods during the last kharif resulted in low cotton yield but this time cotton crop may yield good profits. On the other hand, farmers are also showing interest to cultivate cotton in this kharif and the area of cotton cultivation may increase drastically this time.

Cotton crop was cultivated on 3.85 acres in the last kharif in Adilabad district and the area of cotton cultivation may go up to 4 lakh this kharif. The state government wants to take advantage of the demand and good price of cotton crop in the international market. There is good demand for Adilabad cotton in the international market because of its high staple length unlike cotton cultivated in other areas in the country.
HYDERABAD/KARIMNAGAR: In order to reconnect with the farmers, the state Congress started Rachabanda programme across the state on Saturday. This follows former AICC president Rahul Gandhis suggestion to party leaders to go to villages and explain the Warangal Declaration to farmers.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A. Revanth Reddy formally launched the programme at Akkampet, the native place of Telangana ideologue late Prof K. Jayashankar. Revanth Reddy interacted with farmers and people in the village and had community lunch with them.

Speaking on the occasion, Revanth Reddy said his desire to see the birthplace of Prof. Jayashankar, who had showed a path for achieving statehood, had brought him to Akkampet but was disappointed at the backwardness of the village. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had not installed a single statue of Prof. Jayashankar in his native place, he pointed out. The TRS government was successful in removing the memory of Prof. Jayashankar, he said.

On coming to power, the Congress would adopt Akkampet which has a population of more than 5,000 and make it into a new revenue village and turn it into a model for others, he said and appealed to the people to bury Chandrashekar Rao and TRS leader Madhusudhana Chary who had promised to establish a Jayashankar Smriti Vanam during the upcoming elections.

I am promising in front of Pochamma Thalli goddess and sitting underneath the banyan tree that the Congress will beat KCR with slippers and dethrone him, he said. The Congress would form the government in the state after 12 months and strictly implement the Warangal Declaration for the wellbeing of the farming sector, he added.

Earlier, Revanth Reddy offered special prayers to the presiding deities at Agrahampahad where mini Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara is held every two years simultaneous to the Medaram Jatara. He went on a padayatra along with other party leaders from Agrahampahad to Akkampet.

Revanth Reddy said he was ready to participate in the movement against the state governments land pooling scheme and in support of farmers to protect their lands. Later, Revanth Reddy visited all the colonies in the village and interacted with the people.

CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka explained to farmers the Warangal Declaration in Nedunur village in Kandukur mandal of Ranga Reddy district, and said Rs 2 lakh crop loans would be waived at one go when the party came to power. He said each farmer had incurred around Rs 5 lakh debt as the government had failed to implement its crop loan waiver.

Nalgonda MP N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah took part in Rachabandas in Suryapet and Siddipet districts respectively. They said the Congress would come to power both at the Centre and in the state and bring back Indiramma Rajyam.

Earlier, Congress leaders paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary. Bhatti Vikramarka along with former PCC president V. Hanumantha Rao garlanded the statue of Rajiv Gandhi at Panjagutta Circle. Later, Congress leaders offered floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi here at the Gandhi Bhavan.
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
AP Director General of Police (DGP) K.V. Rajendranath Reddy on Saturday assured that a fair investigation will be conducted into the death of Veedhi Subramanyam. (DC)

TIRUPATI / KAKINADA: AP Director General of Police (DGP) K.V. Rajendranath Reddy on Saturday assured that a fair investigation will be conducted into the death of Veedhi Subramanyam, former car driver of MLC Ananta Uday Bhaskar.

In his maiden reaction on the case at a press conference in Tirupati, the DGP explained that investigation will pick up pace once the report on post-mortem of Subramanyam is received. He pointed out that a case has already been registered.

We will soon take a call on interrogating the accused, Rajendranath Reddy maintained.

The DGPs assurance came soon after family members of YSRC MLCs former driver agreed for post-mortem on his body. Kakinada district superintendent of police M. Ravindranath Babu told Deccan Chronicle that as per report of the post-mortem, criminal sections booked in the case will be altered.

Meanwhile, authorities deployed police in large numbers at the mortuary of Government General Hospital in Kakinada, where the body of Subramanyam had been kept prior to the post-mortem. Telugu Desam leaders, including partys fact-finding committee comprising former ministers Pithani Satyanarayana, K.S. Jawahar and P. Sujatha tried to break into the mortuary room. But police prevented them from doing so. This led to a scuffle between police and TD activists, in which party leader M.S. Raju got injured.

CPI, CPM and CPI (ML) Liberation members staged a dharna in front of the mortuary, protesting against what they called the killing of Subramanyam. CPM leaders M. Rajasekhar, D. Sesh Babji, K. Veerababu, CPI district secretary T. Madhu and Liberation leader B. Banagarraju demanded that the government order a detailed probe into the past criminal history of YSRC MLC Ananta Babu as well as his role in Subramanyams death case.

High Court advocate J. Sravan Kumar demanded that the police book the ruling YSRC MLC under section 302. He maintained that had there really been an accident, Ananta Babu should have informed the police or got 108 ambulance for treatment of his ex-car drivers injuries.

Sravan Kumar declared that schedule castes organisations will launch a massive agitation and block national highways if the state government does not do justice to Subramanyams family members.

AP Bar Council members observed that there has been clear suppression of material facts in the case when it is clear that Ananta Babu is an accused in the case.
Christians in India say police officer who burned down their church is threatening to kill them

Christians in Indias central state of Chhattisgarh are accusing authorities of not taking action against a police officer who burned down their house church building and threatened to arrest them in a fabricated case and kill them if they continued to hold worship services.

The house church belonging to a tribal (aboriginal) Christian, Kadti Gurva from Kistaram village in Sukma districts Konta area, was burned down by a police officer identified as Sub-Inspector Bhavesh Shende from the Kistaram police station in February, but no action has been taken against the officer, Morning Star News reported this week.

On Feb. 3, the officer barged into the church during a worship service and warned them against gathering for prayer and worship, and threatened to charge them with being communist Naxalite or Maoist rebels.

A day later, the officer summoned Gurva and a church member named Turram Kanna to the police station where he ordered them to burn down their church. The two Christians refused.

We refused to burn the church, they stated in a complaint sent to the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. And when we refused to do anything of that sort, he abused us in filthy language and threatened to kill us. He said that he will falsely book us  and send us to jail.

On Feb. 5, the officer again summoned the two Christians and told them he had initiated the burning down of their church structure. He told us that he has got our worship place burned and warned us that we must not do such a thing again [meeting for prayer or worship], or else he will arrest us and send us to jail, the complaint says.

Two days later, Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal and church leaders met with the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and submitted their complaint, requesting an inquiry and dismissal of Shende for burning the church.

As of Saturday, no action had been taken against officer Shinde.

Government is hand-in-glove with the perpetrators of violence, Pannalal was quoted as saying. The police in Chhattisgarh have also been saffronized [color symbolic of Hindu nationalism]. Because the government is not taking proper action, they [perpetrators] are encouraged to persecute the Christians.

Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. Hindu nationalists claim that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

According to a report by the United Christian Forum, 2021 was the most violent year for the countrys Christian population, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of persecution last year.

The UCF attributed the high number of attacks to mobs that target Christians, brutally assault them, and then file false claims of "illegal" conversions.

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF.

Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
HYDERABAD/KARIMNAGAR: In order to reconnect with the farmers, the state Congress started Rachabanda programme across the state on Saturday. This follows former AICC president Rahul Gandhis suggestion to party leaders to go to villages and explain the Warangal Declaration to farmers.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A. Revanth Reddy formally launched the programme at Akkampet, the native place of Telangana ideologue late Prof K. Jayashankar. Revanth Reddy interacted with farmers and people in the village and had community lunch with them.

Speaking on the occasion, Revanth Reddy said his desire to see the birthplace of Prof. Jayashankar, who had showed a path for achieving statehood, had brought him to Akkampet but was disappointed at the backwardness of the village. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had not installed a single statue of Prof. Jayashankar in his native place, he pointed out. The TRS government was successful in removing the memory of Prof. Jayashankar, he said.

On coming to power, the Congress would adopt Akkampet which has a population of more than 5,000 and make it into a new revenue village and turn it into a model for others, he said and appealed to the people to bury Chandrashekar Rao and TRS leader Madhusudhana Chary who had promised to establish a Jayashankar Smriti Vanam during the upcoming elections.

I am promising in front of Pochamma Thalli goddess and sitting underneath the banyan tree that the Congress will beat KCR with slippers and dethrone him, he said. The Congress would form the government in the state after 12 months and strictly implement the Warangal Declaration for the wellbeing of the farming sector, he added.

Earlier, Revanth Reddy offered special prayers to the presiding deities at Agrahampahad where mini Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara is held every two years simultaneous to the Medaram Jatara. He went on a padayatra along with other party leaders from Agrahampahad to Akkampet.

Revanth Reddy said he was ready to participate in the movement against the state governments land pooling scheme and in support of farmers to protect their lands. Later, Revanth Reddy visited all the colonies in the village and interacted with the people.

CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka explained to farmers the Warangal Declaration in Nedunur village in Kandukur mandal of Ranga Reddy district, and said Rs 2 lakh crop loans would be waived at one go when the party came to power. He said each farmer had incurred around Rs 5 lakh debt as the government had failed to implement its crop loan waiver.

Nalgonda MP N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah took part in Rachabandas in Suryapet and Siddipet districts respectively. They said the Congress would come to power both at the Centre and in the state and bring back Indiramma Rajyam.

Earlier, Congress leaders paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary. Bhatti Vikramarka along with former PCC president V. Hanumantha Rao garlanded the statue of Rajiv Gandhi at Panjagutta Circle. Later, Congress leaders offered floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi here at the Gandhi Bhavan.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. (Photo:AFP)

ADILABAD: The Telangana government is likely to encourage the cultivation of cotton crop on large scale this kharif in the state in general and erstwhile Adilabad district in particular following huge demand for Telanganas cotton in the international market and good price for cotton.

The involvement of the state government in commercial operations of cotton production is minimal unlike paddy, pulses and maize and jowar. Cotton cultivation is generally taken up in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad districts.

The Central government announced MSP for cotton and the price will be decided based on the price being offered for the cotton in the international market. Even the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) does not involve in operations if the private traders offer more than MSP to the cotton.

Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. The Central government also increased the MSP and offered Rs 625 per quintal in the last kharif.

It is said that this decision was taken against the backdrop of ambiguity over purchasing paddy in the state. There was good demand for cotton in the market and average farmers got Rs 8,000 per quintal and recently the price reached Rs 14,000 in Khammam. Many times, the cotton price crossed Rs 10,000 and this is considered a good price for the cotton during the last kharif.

In a meeting held recently in Nirmal, agriculture minister Niranjan Reddy appealed to the farmers to focus on cultivation of cotton crop this kharif following the good price farmers got for their produce in the last kharif season.

The state government is of the opinion that floods during the last kharif resulted in low cotton yield but this time cotton crop may yield good profits. On the other hand, farmers are also showing interest to cultivate cotton in this kharif and the area of cotton cultivation may increase drastically this time.

Cotton crop was cultivated on 3.85 acres in the last kharif in Adilabad district and the area of cotton cultivation may go up to 4 lakh this kharif. The state government wants to take advantage of the demand and good price of cotton crop in the international market. There is good demand for Adilabad cotton in the international market because of its high staple length unlike cotton cultivated in other areas in the country.
Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. (Photo:AFP)

ADILABAD: The Telangana government is likely to encourage the cultivation of cotton crop on large scale this kharif in the state in general and erstwhile Adilabad district in particular following huge demand for Telanganas cotton in the international market and good price for cotton.

The involvement of the state government in commercial operations of cotton production is minimal unlike paddy, pulses and maize and jowar. Cotton cultivation is generally taken up in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad districts.

The Central government announced MSP for cotton and the price will be decided based on the price being offered for the cotton in the international market. Even the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) does not involve in operations if the private traders offer more than MSP to the cotton.

Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. The Central government also increased the MSP and offered Rs 625 per quintal in the last kharif.

It is said that this decision was taken against the backdrop of ambiguity over purchasing paddy in the state. There was good demand for cotton in the market and average farmers got Rs 8,000 per quintal and recently the price reached Rs 14,000 in Khammam. Many times, the cotton price crossed Rs 10,000 and this is considered a good price for the cotton during the last kharif.

In a meeting held recently in Nirmal, agriculture minister Niranjan Reddy appealed to the farmers to focus on cultivation of cotton crop this kharif following the good price farmers got for their produce in the last kharif season.

The state government is of the opinion that floods during the last kharif resulted in low cotton yield but this time cotton crop may yield good profits. On the other hand, farmers are also showing interest to cultivate cotton in this kharif and the area of cotton cultivation may increase drastically this time.

Cotton crop was cultivated on 3.85 acres in the last kharif in Adilabad district and the area of cotton cultivation may go up to 4 lakh this kharif. The state government wants to take advantage of the demand and good price of cotton crop in the international market. There is good demand for Adilabad cotton in the international market because of its high staple length unlike cotton cultivated in other areas in the country.

Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. (Photo:AFP)

ADILABAD: The Telangana government is likely to encourage the cultivation of cotton crop on large scale this kharif in the state in general and erstwhile Adilabad district in particular following huge demand for Telanganas cotton in the international market and good price for cotton.

The involvement of the state government in commercial operations of cotton production is minimal unlike paddy, pulses and maize and jowar. Cotton cultivation is generally taken up in Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad districts.

The Central government announced MSP for cotton and the price will be decided based on the price being offered for the cotton in the international market. Even the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) does not involve in operations if the private traders offer more than MSP to the cotton.

Cotton yield has come down drastically following floods and unexpected rains during the last kharif and this resulted in the price hike for cotton. The Central government also increased the MSP and offered Rs 625 per quintal in the last kharif.

It is said that this decision was taken against the backdrop of ambiguity over purchasing paddy in the state. There was good demand for cotton in the market and average farmers got Rs 8,000 per quintal and recently the price reached Rs 14,000 in Khammam. Many times, the cotton price crossed Rs 10,000 and this is considered a good price for the cotton during the last kharif.

In a meeting held recently in Nirmal, agriculture minister Niranjan Reddy appealed to the farmers to focus on cultivation of cotton crop this kharif following the good price farmers got for their produce in the last kharif season.

The state government is of the opinion that floods during the last kharif resulted in low cotton yield but this time cotton crop may yield good profits. On the other hand, farmers are also showing interest to cultivate cotton in this kharif and the area of cotton cultivation may increase drastically this time.

Cotton crop was cultivated on 3.85 acres in the last kharif in Adilabad district and the area of cotton cultivation may go up to 4 lakh this kharif. The state government wants to take advantage of the demand and good price of cotton crop in the international market. There is good demand for Adilabad cotton in the international market because of its high staple length unlike cotton cultivated in other areas in the country.
The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her.

Britains cancel culture crisis was pulled into sharp focus last week when it was claimed that the A-level student had been branded a heretic for questioning pro-trans remarks made by the member of the House of Lords when she visited the school.

The sixth-former was reportedly subjected to a verbal pile-on by up to 60 students after debating her views with the peer during a questions-and-answers session at the private school in the Home Counties.

Last night, the Baroness  who The Mail on Sunday is not naming to protect the identity of the student  said she felt she had parted on amicable terms with the pupil.

The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her (file photo)

I spoke about a wide range of human rights issues, the peer said. One young woman challenged some of my views and was treated with the same courtesy as everyone else who took part.

She added: I was not aware of any consequences from our interactions and thought that we had parted on amicable terms.

Insisting the young woman had the right to make her views known, the Baroness joined politicians and advocates who have said the girl should have been free to argue her case

Among them is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, who last week condemned the utterly shameful treatment of the sixth-former by students gripped by quasi-religious fanaticism.

The Baronesss comments may bring some comfort to the 18-year-old, whose experience was highlighted by one of her teachers on the Transgender Trends website.

Yesterday, the girl told The Times: It made me think I was mad. Otherwise how could people turn on me so bitterly?

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi described the row as hugely concerning.

It is understood that the school disputes the version of events outlined in the media.
The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her.

Britains cancel culture crisis was pulled into sharp focus last week when it was claimed that the A-level student had been branded a heretic for questioning pro-trans remarks made by the member of the House of Lords when she visited the school.

The sixth-former was reportedly subjected to a verbal pile-on by up to 60 students after debating her views with the peer during a questions-and-answers session at the private school in the Home Counties.

Last night, the Baroness  who The Mail on Sunday is not naming to protect the identity of the student  said she felt she had parted on amicable terms with the pupil.

The peer embroiled in a row over an 18-year-old girl who was reportedly hounded out of her school for defending the right to question transgender ideology has backed the teenagers right to disagree with her (file photo)

I spoke about a wide range of human rights issues, the peer said. One young woman challenged some of my views and was treated with the same courtesy as everyone else who took part.

She added: I was not aware of any consequences from our interactions and thought that we had parted on amicable terms.

Insisting the young woman had the right to make her views known, the Baroness joined politicians and advocates who have said the girl should have been free to argue her case

Among them is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, who last week condemned the utterly shameful treatment of the sixth-former by students gripped by quasi-religious fanaticism.

The Baronesss comments may bring some comfort to the 18-year-old, whose experience was highlighted by one of her teachers on the Transgender Trends website.

Yesterday, the girl told The Times: It made me think I was mad. Otherwise how could people turn on me so bitterly?

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi described the row as hugely concerning.

It is understood that the school disputes the version of events outlined in the media.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices



KCR, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made a high-visibility trip with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Delhi on Saturday, the second day of his nationwide tour.

"There is a need for creating a sensation in national politics. That sensation will soon be witnessed. Everyone will see what will happen in future," Rao said when media personnel asked him about his talks with Yadav and Kejriwal.

Chandrashekar Rao made these remarks during his visit to a Mohalla Clinic in Mohammadpur and Sarvodaya School in Moti Bagh, both showpieces of the Delhi government, along with Kejriwal to see first-hand their functioning and to study the reforms brought in by the AAP government in public health and education sectors for the benefit of the poor.

When media personnel sought details of his 'political talks' with Yadav and Kejriwal, Chandrashekar Rao said, "This is not the venue to talk about politics. I am here to examine the government schools and hospitals run by the Delhi government."

Heaping praise on the AAP leader, Rao said, Kejriwal is doing an extraordinary job. In fact, the Telangana government launched Basti Dawakhanas inspired by Kejriwal's Mohalla Clinics. We have recently launched Mana Ooru-Mana Badi to improve government schools in Telangana. Our visit to Delhi government's Sarvodaya Schools will help learn better practices and replicate the same in Telangana."

The Chief Minister praised the 'Delhi model of education' and desired that it should be implemented across the country. He said he would soon send a delegation of teachers from Telangana to study the Delhi model of education.

The Chief Minister, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, as part of his national tour to visit various states until May 30, held talks with Akhilesh Yadav for about one-and-a-half hours at his official residence on Tughlaq road.

TRS sources said Chandrashekar Rao discussed forging an Opposition front minus the Congress to take on BJP-led NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha polls with Yadav and Kejriwal.

He reportedly told them that he would continue his efforts to convince all the parties to forge an Opposition front against the NDA without the Congress for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'.

The message was posted in response to a weekly No 11 newsletter from Mr Sunak, in which he detailed an additional 40 million of aid for Ukraine.

It is not the first time the senior Labour figure has landed herself in hot water for her remarks about those on the other side of the Commons. The former care worker resorted to calling senior Conservatives 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian ... piece of scum' in a foul-mouthed tirade at last year's Labour party conference.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media

She was forced to apologise after her incendiary words began trending on Twitter in the wake of the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Lee Anderson, Tory MP for Ashfield, accused Ms Rayner of behaving pathetically after the latest controversial outburst.

He said: 'I don't know what it is about Angela Rayner and the Left that have it in for successful people running the country, surely it's much better for successful people who are successes in business to hold the purse strings of the country rather than somebody whose only claim to fame is dishing out insults.

'She is someone throughout her career who has made childish insults against Conservative politicians and now she's having a go at Rishi, who by the way is one of the most polite politicians you'll ever wish to meet. He's a real gentleman, regardless of your politics.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'It wasn't a coincidence that she shouts out 'Tory scum'. This ludicrous angry abuse that comes from her just winds up the morons on the hard-Left to go and take direct action.

'You can't complain about being got at on Twitter if you spend your time abusing others on Twitter.' Other commentators pointed to the hypocrisy of the move, after Ms Rayner urged people to engage in a 'kinder' form of politics in 2019.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'

She wrote at the time: 'The nasty tweets and social media comments I've had over the last 24hrs prove we have a problem with some on the Left that cannot disagree respectfully. I would also like to thank the many members who have given me lots of support and positive messages.'

Ms Rayner's remarks came as Mr Sunak and his wife made their debut on The Sunday Times Rich List with a joint fortune of 730 million. The Chancellor and Akshata Murty were placed 222nd in the top 250 richest people in the UK  making Mr Sunak the first frontline politician to be included on the Rich List since the wealth rankings began in 1989.

A number of Opposition politicians, including Labour's Wes Streeting, reacted with fury, as the rest of the population face a swingeing cost of living crisis.

Mr Streeting said: 'The Chancellor who plunged half a million more children into poverty with his Spring Statement has made The Sunday Times Rich List.'





First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy interacts with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich. (Image by arrangement)

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Davos for the 52nd annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held from May 22-26.

Andhra Pradesh will sign an agreement with WEF founder Prof. Claus Schwab on Sunday morning. Through this agreement, the forum will guide the state in six areas: Access to new technology, quality human resources for industries, sustainable products, worldwide distribution systems for state-made products, and data sharing and value addition to products.

Reddy will meet Shyam Bishen, head of the department of health - WEF healthcare, and BCG global chairman Hans-Paul Burkner.

The Chief Minister will be addressing global leaders at the Congress Center on the 2030 industrial development agenda. He will deliberate on latest approaches and strategies to support the revival of manufacturing and identify specific areas where public-private and international cooperation help upgrade industrial strategies.

Reddy will showcase the states transformational journey through new governance paradigms with the SDG aligned policies, in areas such as eradication of poverty, providing universal health care to the masses, quality education and skill development, reforming agriculture to improve farmers income and preparing the state for the future growth.

Officials stated that the WEF theme is aligned with the theme of AP.

Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the Telugu fraternity at Zurich.

Young people seeking a year-round tan are turning to an illegal nasal spray that can darken skin within hours  even though doctors warn it could cause cancer.

Cowboy companies are specifically targeting teenagers by selling the unregulated sprays in flavours such as bubblegum, watermelon and kiwi fruit, while reality stars and other influencers sing their praises across social media.

But skin specialists say the artificial hormone they contain, called melanotan, could lead to malignant melanoma, a serious form of cancer responsible for about 2,300 deaths in the UK every year.

Among 74 reported side effects are headaches, nausea and kidney damage.

BEFORE: 19-year-old waitress Parris Morey before using her tanning nasal spray

AFTER: Ms Morey admits she is 'addicted' to tanning and promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products

Yet the spray, sold under brand names such as Turbo Tan and Mellow Tan, is widely available online for as little as 9.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist with the British Skin Foundation, told The Mail on Sunday that nasal tanning sprays could lead to fatal skin cancer by overstimulating cells that produce the skin-darkening pigment melanin.

She said: This could increase the risk of the most deadly type of skin cancer  melanoma. This has been reported with the use of melanotan, alongside dramatic changes in skin moles.

Dr Sophie Shotter, who runs a mole-scanning service at her Kent clinic, added: Its scary that something that has had absolutely no testing, is unregulated and unlicensed, has side effects and stimulates a cell that we know is responsible for one of the most dangerous types of cancer, is being sold illegally.

It is so worrying that it is everywhere, especially on TikTok. None of the companies selling these products has to pay for advertising because these people on TikTok are showing off the product for free.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Bethan Kershaw, who appears in the MTV reality show Geordie Shore, told her 700,000 followers that she had used sprays from a company called Real Tan, while social media influencer Georgia Fox showed her 84,000 followers a video of herself inhaling it, saying: A nasal spray a day keeps the paleness away.

Melanotan is a synthetic hormone originally developed to treat erectile and female sexual dysfunction, but rogue beauty businesses noticed it resulted in a quick tan and began marketing the product as a tanning aid.

After inhaling the spray, users go out into the sun or under a sunbed to activate it.

A Mail on Sunday reporter ordered a 10mg vial of melanotan nasal spray from the website Puretan in just few clicks.

Nowhere were the health risks mentioned  and, in fact, the company falsely hailed the substance as possibly helping to prevent skin cancer.

Parris Morey, a 19-year-old waitress from Coventry, promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products. She inhales melanotan every day, and said: I saw videos on TikTok, people promoting them, and that made me want to do them. I thought theyd be great and theyd help me build my tan up.

I am addicted to tanning. It is always on my mind. Apart from Christmas, there has not been a day in the last two-and-a-half years that Ive not been on a sunbed.

She said she had no idea that selling the sprays was illegal, nor of the serious health risks, but added: Sometimes the spray does hurt  it is just a weird feeling having liquid going up my nostrils.

When I first did them I was quite wary, but I thought a lot of people do them now. If I knew there were really bad side effects, then maybe I wouldnt do it. But I was never told they were so bad.

TikTok user Madison Sutton (pictured left) gushed about the tanning nasal sprays working without the use of a sunbed, while Hannah Tayy (pictured right) joked about not caring about the risks associated with the products

Personal trainer Katherine Jones, 27, has used nasal sprays daily for four years, but said: I am not worried about my health in relation to the product. Alcohol is legal yet not good for you.

In an attempt to target the spread of nasal sprays on TikTok, Dr Shotter posted her own video on the platform highlighting the risks.

But she was dismayed by the reaction. She said: I was so shocked by how many comments said things like, Processed meat causes cancer as well.

Yes, it can, but this is not a competition. This is actually about thinking whether this is a risk worth taking when there are so many great fake tans available.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it has been taking appropriate regulatory action to remove nasal tanning sprays from the market for the past ten years if they claim health benefits. But it is powerless to act if the only claim is that the product would give you a deeper tan.

Puretan did not respond to a request for comment.
Young people seeking a year-round tan are turning to an illegal nasal spray that can darken skin within hours  even though doctors warn it could cause cancer.

Cowboy companies are specifically targeting teenagers by selling the unregulated sprays in flavours such as bubblegum, watermelon and kiwi fruit, while reality stars and other influencers sing their praises across social media.

But skin specialists say the artificial hormone they contain, called melanotan, could lead to malignant melanoma, a serious form of cancer responsible for about 2,300 deaths in the UK every year.

Among 74 reported side effects are headaches, nausea and kidney damage.

BEFORE: 19-year-old waitress Parris Morey before using her tanning nasal spray

AFTER: Ms Morey admits she is 'addicted' to tanning and promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products

Yet the spray, sold under brand names such as Turbo Tan and Mellow Tan, is widely available online for as little as 9.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist with the British Skin Foundation, told The Mail on Sunday that nasal tanning sprays could lead to fatal skin cancer by overstimulating cells that produce the skin-darkening pigment melanin.

She said: This could increase the risk of the most deadly type of skin cancer  melanoma. This has been reported with the use of melanotan, alongside dramatic changes in skin moles.

Dr Sophie Shotter, who runs a mole-scanning service at her Kent clinic, added: Its scary that something that has had absolutely no testing, is unregulated and unlicensed, has side effects and stimulates a cell that we know is responsible for one of the most dangerous types of cancer, is being sold illegally.

It is so worrying that it is everywhere, especially on TikTok. None of the companies selling these products has to pay for advertising because these people on TikTok are showing off the product for free.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Bethan Kershaw, who appears in the MTV reality show Geordie Shore, told her 700,000 followers that she had used sprays from a company called Real Tan, while social media influencer Georgia Fox showed her 84,000 followers a video of herself inhaling it, saying: A nasal spray a day keeps the paleness away.

Melanotan is a synthetic hormone originally developed to treat erectile and female sexual dysfunction, but rogue beauty businesses noticed it resulted in a quick tan and began marketing the product as a tanning aid.

After inhaling the spray, users go out into the sun or under a sunbed to activate it.

A Mail on Sunday reporter ordered a 10mg vial of melanotan nasal spray from the website Puretan in just few clicks.

Nowhere were the health risks mentioned  and, in fact, the company falsely hailed the substance as possibly helping to prevent skin cancer.

Parris Morey, a 19-year-old waitress from Coventry, promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products. She inhales melanotan every day, and said: I saw videos on TikTok, people promoting them, and that made me want to do them. I thought theyd be great and theyd help me build my tan up.

I am addicted to tanning. It is always on my mind. Apart from Christmas, there has not been a day in the last two-and-a-half years that Ive not been on a sunbed.

She said she had no idea that selling the sprays was illegal, nor of the serious health risks, but added: Sometimes the spray does hurt  it is just a weird feeling having liquid going up my nostrils.

When I first did them I was quite wary, but I thought a lot of people do them now. If I knew there were really bad side effects, then maybe I wouldnt do it. But I was never told they were so bad.

TikTok user Madison Sutton (pictured left) gushed about the tanning nasal sprays working without the use of a sunbed, while Hannah Tayy (pictured right) joked about not caring about the risks associated with the products

Personal trainer Katherine Jones, 27, has used nasal sprays daily for four years, but said: I am not worried about my health in relation to the product. Alcohol is legal yet not good for you.

In an attempt to target the spread of nasal sprays on TikTok, Dr Shotter posted her own video on the platform highlighting the risks.

But she was dismayed by the reaction. She said: I was so shocked by how many comments said things like, Processed meat causes cancer as well.

Yes, it can, but this is not a competition. This is actually about thinking whether this is a risk worth taking when there are so many great fake tans available.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it has been taking appropriate regulatory action to remove nasal tanning sprays from the market for the past ten years if they claim health benefits. But it is powerless to act if the only claim is that the product would give you a deeper tan.

Puretan did not respond to a request for comment.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
ISTANBUL  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed his objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO with the two Nordic countries' leaders, Erdogan's office said.

He spoke to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in separate calls to address Ankara's concerns about those it considers terrorists in their countries, the presidential communications office said in a statement.

It said Erdogan called upon Sweden to lift defensive weapons export restrictions it imposed on Turkey over Turkey's 2019 incursion into northern Syria. Erdogan also said he expected Stockholm to take "concrete and serious steps" against the Kurdish Workers' Party, or PKK, and other groups that Turkey views as terrorists.

He told Niinisto "that an understanding that ignores terrorist organizations that pose a threat to an ally within NATO is incompatible with the spirit of friendship and alliance," the statement added.

In another call, the Turkish president also raised Turkey's concerns with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has said he would listen to Turkey's concerns on the matter.

On Thursday, Niinisto and Andersson visited Washington, where they spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden about their bids to join NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

While other NATO nation appear welcoming to have Finland and Sweden join, Turkey has raised objections to their accession, principally over the presence of alleged terrorists in their countries and the block on arms sales.
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'.

The message was posted in response to a weekly No 11 newsletter from Mr Sunak, in which he detailed an additional 40 million of aid for Ukraine.

It is not the first time the senior Labour figure has landed herself in hot water for her remarks about those on the other side of the Commons. The former care worker resorted to calling senior Conservatives 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian ... piece of scum' in a foul-mouthed tirade at last year's Labour party conference.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media

She was forced to apologise after her incendiary words began trending on Twitter in the wake of the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Lee Anderson, Tory MP for Ashfield, accused Ms Rayner of behaving pathetically after the latest controversial outburst.

He said: 'I don't know what it is about Angela Rayner and the Left that have it in for successful people running the country, surely it's much better for successful people who are successes in business to hold the purse strings of the country rather than somebody whose only claim to fame is dishing out insults.

'She is someone throughout her career who has made childish insults against Conservative politicians and now she's having a go at Rishi, who by the way is one of the most polite politicians you'll ever wish to meet. He's a real gentleman, regardless of your politics.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'It wasn't a coincidence that she shouts out 'Tory scum'. This ludicrous angry abuse that comes from her just winds up the morons on the hard-Left to go and take direct action.

'You can't complain about being got at on Twitter if you spend your time abusing others on Twitter.' Other commentators pointed to the hypocrisy of the move, after Ms Rayner urged people to engage in a 'kinder' form of politics in 2019.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'

She wrote at the time: 'The nasty tweets and social media comments I've had over the last 24hrs prove we have a problem with some on the Left that cannot disagree respectfully. I would also like to thank the many members who have given me lots of support and positive messages.'

Ms Rayner's remarks came as Mr Sunak and his wife made their debut on The Sunday Times Rich List with a joint fortune of 730 million. The Chancellor and Akshata Murty were placed 222nd in the top 250 richest people in the UK  making Mr Sunak the first frontline politician to be included on the Rich List since the wealth rankings began in 1989.

A number of Opposition politicians, including Labour's Wes Streeting, reacted with fury, as the rest of the population face a swingeing cost of living crisis.

Mr Streeting said: 'The Chancellor who plunged half a million more children into poverty with his Spring Statement has made The Sunday Times Rich List.'
Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'.

The message was posted in response to a weekly No 11 newsletter from Mr Sunak, in which he detailed an additional 40 million of aid for Ukraine.

It is not the first time the senior Labour figure has landed herself in hot water for her remarks about those on the other side of the Commons. The former care worker resorted to calling senior Conservatives 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian ... piece of scum' in a foul-mouthed tirade at last year's Labour party conference.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media

She was forced to apologise after her incendiary words began trending on Twitter in the wake of the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Lee Anderson, Tory MP for Ashfield, accused Ms Rayner of behaving pathetically after the latest controversial outburst.

He said: 'I don't know what it is about Angela Rayner and the Left that have it in for successful people running the country, surely it's much better for successful people who are successes in business to hold the purse strings of the country rather than somebody whose only claim to fame is dishing out insults.

'She is someone throughout her career who has made childish insults against Conservative politicians and now she's having a go at Rishi, who by the way is one of the most polite politicians you'll ever wish to meet. He's a real gentleman, regardless of your politics.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'It wasn't a coincidence that she shouts out 'Tory scum'. This ludicrous angry abuse that comes from her just winds up the morons on the hard-Left to go and take direct action.

'You can't complain about being got at on Twitter if you spend your time abusing others on Twitter.' Other commentators pointed to the hypocrisy of the move, after Ms Rayner urged people to engage in a 'kinder' form of politics in 2019.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'

She wrote at the time: 'The nasty tweets and social media comments I've had over the last 24hrs prove we have a problem with some on the Left that cannot disagree respectfully. I would also like to thank the many members who have given me lots of support and positive messages.'

Ms Rayner's remarks came as Mr Sunak and his wife made their debut on The Sunday Times Rich List with a joint fortune of 730 million. The Chancellor and Akshata Murty were placed 222nd in the top 250 richest people in the UK  making Mr Sunak the first frontline politician to be included on the Rich List since the wealth rankings began in 1989.

A number of Opposition politicians, including Labour's Wes Streeting, reacted with fury, as the rest of the population face a swingeing cost of living crisis.

Mr Streeting said: 'The Chancellor who plunged half a million more children into poverty with his Spring Statement has made The Sunday Times Rich List.'
Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'.

The message was posted in response to a weekly No 11 newsletter from Mr Sunak, in which he detailed an additional 40 million of aid for Ukraine.

It is not the first time the senior Labour figure has landed herself in hot water for her remarks about those on the other side of the Commons. The former care worker resorted to calling senior Conservatives 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian ... piece of scum' in a foul-mouthed tirade at last year's Labour party conference.

Angela Rayner was last night accused of turning Labour into the 'true nasty party' after launching a baseless attack against Rishi Sunak on social media

She was forced to apologise after her incendiary words began trending on Twitter in the wake of the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Lee Anderson, Tory MP for Ashfield, accused Ms Rayner of behaving pathetically after the latest controversial outburst.

He said: 'I don't know what it is about Angela Rayner and the Left that have it in for successful people running the country, surely it's much better for successful people who are successes in business to hold the purse strings of the country rather than somebody whose only claim to fame is dishing out insults.

'She is someone throughout her career who has made childish insults against Conservative politicians and now she's having a go at Rishi, who by the way is one of the most polite politicians you'll ever wish to meet. He's a real gentleman, regardless of your politics.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'It wasn't a coincidence that she shouts out 'Tory scum'. This ludicrous angry abuse that comes from her just winds up the morons on the hard-Left to go and take direct action.

'You can't complain about being got at on Twitter if you spend your time abusing others on Twitter.' Other commentators pointed to the hypocrisy of the move, after Ms Rayner urged people to engage in a 'kinder' form of politics in 2019.

The party's deputy leader sparked outrage after she told the Chancellor on Twitter to 'do one'  a slang insult meaning 'get lost'

She wrote at the time: 'The nasty tweets and social media comments I've had over the last 24hrs prove we have a problem with some on the Left that cannot disagree respectfully. I would also like to thank the many members who have given me lots of support and positive messages.'

Ms Rayner's remarks came as Mr Sunak and his wife made their debut on The Sunday Times Rich List with a joint fortune of 730 million. The Chancellor and Akshata Murty were placed 222nd in the top 250 richest people in the UK  making Mr Sunak the first frontline politician to be included on the Rich List since the wealth rankings began in 1989.

A number of Opposition politicians, including Labour's Wes Streeting, reacted with fury, as the rest of the population face a swingeing cost of living crisis.

Mr Streeting said: 'The Chancellor who plunged half a million more children into poverty with his Spring Statement has made The Sunday Times Rich List.'
Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor resigns, sets out on deep pursuit of God and His Truth

Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor announced Friday that he's resigning from the popular worship ministry.

The worship music ministry that's an extension of the charismatic Bethel Church in Redding, California, has exploded in popularity in recent years. And Taylor and his team have created songs that are sung in churches worldwide.

While Bethel Music didn't immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, Taylor shared details about his decision in a post on social media.

After 13 wonderful and challenging years, Ive resigned as CEO of Bethel Music, he wrote in an Instagram post. When we founded the label, we knew God was going to use us to build something special, but Gods plan was even bigger than our dreams  and we had big dreams, he added.

The father of two shared the news of his departure alongside a photo of his family. Taylors post went on to describe how Bethel Music defied the odds.

We had no investment capital and minimal support, so with the little revenue we had, I hired a part-time bookkeeper and got an intern. At that time, the music industry was in a downward spiral and labels were doing massive layoffs, he said.

Taylor continued: As we tried to create our own label, we were told we could never do it on our own. They didnt play worship on the radio back then and they told us we wouldnt ever be on the radio. When we wanted to bring worship to the world on tour, we were told people wouldnt host us. We had to listen to God and believe in our hearts the impossible could happen, and it did.

The musician said he greatly enjoyed stepping into the unknown and trusting God. As they did that, they saw God make the impossible possible.

Taylor maintained that he was grateful for his time at Bethel in Redding, and now he and his family are embarking on a new journey in Tennessee.

As for what is next for Taylor, he ended by saying he has been on a deep pursuit of God, His truth, His presence, and His direction as I enter into my second-half of life.

Theres so much noise and distraction out there and its easy to get lost in it. I have a lot of plans and opportunities in front of me, but Jesus showed us that the greatest call is to love God, to love yourself, and to love people, and this is what Im going to do next, he concluded.

Taylor added that he's excited for the beginning of the next chapter.

In 2018, the songwriter and his wife found themselves in need of a miracle as their two young children battled a dangerous E. coli infection.

Thousands of believers worldwide prayed for the children's recovery and, through medical treatment and prayer, the Taylors' prayers were answered
Young people seeking a year-round tan are turning to an illegal nasal spray that can darken skin within hours  even though doctors warn it could cause cancer.

Cowboy companies are specifically targeting teenagers by selling the unregulated sprays in flavours such as bubblegum, watermelon and kiwi fruit, while reality stars and other influencers sing their praises across social media.

But skin specialists say the artificial hormone they contain, called melanotan, could lead to malignant melanoma, a serious form of cancer responsible for about 2,300 deaths in the UK every year.

Among 74 reported side effects are headaches, nausea and kidney damage.

BEFORE: 19-year-old waitress Parris Morey before using her tanning nasal spray

AFTER: Ms Morey admits she is 'addicted' to tanning and promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products

Yet the spray, sold under brand names such as Turbo Tan and Mellow Tan, is widely available online for as little as 9.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist with the British Skin Foundation, told The Mail on Sunday that nasal tanning sprays could lead to fatal skin cancer by overstimulating cells that produce the skin-darkening pigment melanin.

She said: This could increase the risk of the most deadly type of skin cancer  melanoma. This has been reported with the use of melanotan, alongside dramatic changes in skin moles.

Dr Sophie Shotter, who runs a mole-scanning service at her Kent clinic, added: Its scary that something that has had absolutely no testing, is unregulated and unlicensed, has side effects and stimulates a cell that we know is responsible for one of the most dangerous types of cancer, is being sold illegally.

It is so worrying that it is everywhere, especially on TikTok. None of the companies selling these products has to pay for advertising because these people on TikTok are showing off the product for free.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Influencers on the social media platform promote the spray as a harmless tan-enhancer.

Bethan Kershaw, who appears in the MTV reality show Geordie Shore, told her 700,000 followers that she had used sprays from a company called Real Tan, while social media influencer Georgia Fox showed her 84,000 followers a video of herself inhaling it, saying: A nasal spray a day keeps the paleness away.

Melanotan is a synthetic hormone originally developed to treat erectile and female sexual dysfunction, but rogue beauty businesses noticed it resulted in a quick tan and began marketing the product as a tanning aid.

After inhaling the spray, users go out into the sun or under a sunbed to activate it.

A Mail on Sunday reporter ordered a 10mg vial of melanotan nasal spray from the website Puretan in just few clicks.

Nowhere were the health risks mentioned  and, in fact, the company falsely hailed the substance as possibly helping to prevent skin cancer.

Parris Morey, a 19-year-old waitress from Coventry, promotes the nasal sprays to her 14,000 TikTok followers in exchange for free products. She inhales melanotan every day, and said: I saw videos on TikTok, people promoting them, and that made me want to do them. I thought theyd be great and theyd help me build my tan up.

I am addicted to tanning. It is always on my mind. Apart from Christmas, there has not been a day in the last two-and-a-half years that Ive not been on a sunbed.

She said she had no idea that selling the sprays was illegal, nor of the serious health risks, but added: Sometimes the spray does hurt  it is just a weird feeling having liquid going up my nostrils.

When I first did them I was quite wary, but I thought a lot of people do them now. If I knew there were really bad side effects, then maybe I wouldnt do it. But I was never told they were so bad.

TikTok user Madison Sutton (pictured left) gushed about the tanning nasal sprays working without the use of a sunbed, while Hannah Tayy (pictured right) joked about not caring about the risks associated with the products

Personal trainer Katherine Jones, 27, has used nasal sprays daily for four years, but said: I am not worried about my health in relation to the product. Alcohol is legal yet not good for you.

In an attempt to target the spread of nasal sprays on TikTok, Dr Shotter posted her own video on the platform highlighting the risks.

But she was dismayed by the reaction. She said: I was so shocked by how many comments said things like, Processed meat causes cancer as well.

Yes, it can, but this is not a competition. This is actually about thinking whether this is a risk worth taking when there are so many great fake tans available.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said it has been taking appropriate regulatory action to remove nasal tanning sprays from the market for the past ten years if they claim health benefits. But it is powerless to act if the only claim is that the product would give you a deeper tan.

Puretan did not respond to a request for comment.
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Kiev, May 21 : The work on clearing the territory of Ukraine from the landmines scattered during the conflict with Russia would take between five and seven years, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official.

About 300,000 square metres of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said on Friday at the first meeting of the International Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Akopyan added that Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, Kiev is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

Gordon-Conwell Seminary to sell 100-acre main campus to preserve 'long-term fiscal health'

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has announced plans to sell its 100-plus acre campus in Massachusetts and move to a yet-to-be-determined location in the Boston metropolitan area.

In an announcement earlier this week, the multi-site seminary with over 1,400 students worldwide stated intentions to sell its Hamilton campus as part of a "staged process."

Gordon-Conwell Director of Marketing & Communications Debora de Paula Hoyle told The Christian Post in an e-mail that the decision is "aimed at supporting the long-term fiscal health" of the institution, which dates back to 1888.

"The seminary's budget has been increasingly focused on the maintenance of its Hamilton campus despite more students than ever before utilizing other campuses and remote options in lieu of the in-person Hamilton campus experience," said Hoyle.

"Selling the campus will allow us to avert these financial trends while funding a new generation of programs and faculty  while connecting us to our urban roots and communities in Boston."

The seminary's announcement stated that it hopes to "leverage the economic value of its main campus" by "selling significant portions, or all, of its 100+ acre Hamilton campus and exploring facilities in the Metro Boston area."

Hoyle said that while Gordon-Conwell doesn't "have exact locations yet" for where it will move its Hamilton campus staff, "we do hope to locate in several neighborhoods throughout the city rather than just one central location."

"It is also important to us that our homes in Boston provide us with a connection to the cultural and religious diversity of the city's many unique neighborhoods," she added.

Gordon-Conwell President Scott Sunquist stated that the eventual move to Boston "is the latest of a long series of re-inventions for our institution."

"Change has been a constant at Gordon-Conwell, from its origins in the basement of Temple Baptist Church in North Philadelphia and its sister institutions Boston Missionary Training Institute and Clarendon Street Church," Sunquist said.

"In the years since our founding, we've evolved continuously to meet the needs of the global Church and next generation of Christ-centered leaders who will lead it."

Sunquist said the city provides a "rich tapestry of local, diverse churches" for the seminary to embrace its "urban roots."

"We will also be placing ourselves in the strongest financial position we have been in a quarter of a century, allowing us to better fulfill our calling to equip Church leaders to think theologically, engage globally, and live biblically," he said.

In addition to its Hamilton location, Gordon-Conwell lists campuses in downtown Boston, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.

The seminary also boasts a student body that includes people representing 85 different denominations and 50 countries. Gordon-Conswell's stated goal is to "develop Christian leaders who are thoughtful, globally aware, spiritually mature and ready for a broad array of ministries."

In an interview with The Christian Post last year, Sunquist said his seminary focuses on "discipleship and virtue formation in theological education," including "communal formation."

"This is intentional, personal and communal formation that is not detached from academic formation," said Sunquist at the time. "Thus, we are working hard at biblical contexts  as we always have  but we are now working harder than we previously had to understand contemporary contexts: social, political, economic, etc."

"Thus, we are adding virtue formation, in the form of discipleship, to the lives of all of our students while they are students at Gordon-Conwell."




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor resigns, sets out on deep pursuit of God and His Truth

Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor announced Friday that he's resigning from the popular worship ministry.

The worship music ministry that's an extension of the charismatic Bethel Church in Redding, California, has exploded in popularity in recent years. And Taylor and his team have created songs that are sung in churches worldwide.

While Bethel Music didn't immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment, Taylor shared details about his decision in a post on social media.

After 13 wonderful and challenging years, Ive resigned as CEO of Bethel Music, he wrote in an Instagram post. When we founded the label, we knew God was going to use us to build something special, but Gods plan was even bigger than our dreams  and we had big dreams, he added.

The father of two shared the news of his departure alongside a photo of his family. Taylors post went on to describe how Bethel Music defied the odds.

We had no investment capital and minimal support, so with the little revenue we had, I hired a part-time bookkeeper and got an intern. At that time, the music industry was in a downward spiral and labels were doing massive layoffs, he said.

Taylor continued: As we tried to create our own label, we were told we could never do it on our own. They didnt play worship on the radio back then and they told us we wouldnt ever be on the radio. When we wanted to bring worship to the world on tour, we were told people wouldnt host us. We had to listen to God and believe in our hearts the impossible could happen, and it did.

The musician said he greatly enjoyed stepping into the unknown and trusting God. As they did that, they saw God make the impossible possible.

Taylor maintained that he was grateful for his time at Bethel in Redding, and now he and his family are embarking on a new journey in Tennessee.

As for what is next for Taylor, he ended by saying he has been on a deep pursuit of God, His truth, His presence, and His direction as I enter into my second-half of life.

Theres so much noise and distraction out there and its easy to get lost in it. I have a lot of plans and opportunities in front of me, but Jesus showed us that the greatest call is to love God, to love yourself, and to love people, and this is what Im going to do next, he concluded.

Taylor added that he's excited for the beginning of the next chapter.

In 2018, the songwriter and his wife found themselves in need of a miracle as their two young children battled a dangerous E. coli infection.

Thousands of believers worldwide prayed for the children's recovery and, through medical treatment and prayer, the Taylors' prayers were answered
As is often the case with wetland enhancement projects, the old saying, build it and they will come, rings true. That was definitely the case when Teller Wildlife Refuge completed its second phase of a wetland enhancement project funded by the Cross Charitable Foundation.

The project was aimed at the removal of dense monotypic cattail stands through excavation, providing for shallow open water areas that are attractive to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. One species of shorebird, the black-necked stilt, was the first arrival this year on the recently completed project.

Black-necked stilts belong to a family of shorebirds named Recurvirostridae, meaning bent beak in Latin. These birds have beautiful black and white plumage with long pink legs, perfectly designed for wading. In fact, of all bird species, only the flamingo has a longer leg length in proportion to its body. Like other wading and shorebirds, researchers speculate that the pink color of the stilt's feet may actually attract small prey, as the birds wade through the shallows. If you can observe the bird with a spotting scope, note the slight upward curve in the long black bill which aids in the probing and capturing of prey items. These birds feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates and larva, yet will occasionally eat small fish and frogs.

Black-necked stilts are found throughout the Intermountain West, breeding in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah where they are particularly fond of the emergent marshes of the Great Salt Lake. Here in the Bitterroot, the best spot to see them would be at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville. A drive through the vehicle tour route in June will likely reveal several pairs of stilts either tending to their young or a soon-to-hatch nest.

One behavior of this bird is its reputation for being quite vocal, repeating bursts of sharp, raspy "chirp, chirp, chirp" calls if you approach. It only seems to increase in volume and intensity as you get closer to a pair of stilts. If you ever notice several black-necked stilts flying circles around you, occasionally landing near you, and jumping into the air repeatedly, you may be witnessing what scientists refer to as the popcorn display, as they look like popcorn popping out of a pot once the kernel pops! This behavior is intended to scare or lure the predator away, even if that predator is wearing a Western hat and waders.

Black-necked stilts will migrate south of their breeding grounds in the fall, ending up in southern U.S. and Mexico. They are also an inhabitant of South America and one subspecies, the Hawaiian black-necked stilt, is federally listed as endangered and is only found on the Hawaiian Islands. This subspecies is nearly identical to its mainland cousin yet the Hawaiian bird has a slightly larger bill and legs.

Both male and female stilts will assist with building the nest, which is typically on the ground consisting of soft sand or vegetation. At times you may even find them actually on floating mats of bulrush and other aquatic plants. I recall touring the marshes of the Great Salt Lake in an airboat where we had to slow the craft to not create any wave wake, which could have flooded the nest and eggs sitting only about two inches above the surface of the water.

In most cases, the nest is near the shore with three to four eggs deposited as the female takes charge of the incubation.

From a conservation perspective, the North American Breeding Bird Survey found that black-necked stilt numbers remained stable from 1966 through 2015. The main threat is the loss of shallow wetlands that these birds depend upon for foraging. Projects like the recent Teller wetland enhancement will benefit shorebirds species and ensure this handsome bird continues to return to the Bitterroot each spring, where local school kids out on a Teller field trip might get to witness a popcorn dance!

Sam Lawry, Teller Wildlife Refuge executive director, has over 40 years in the wildlife conservation profession. His contributions to the Ravalli Republic are intended to share some of that knowledge of wildlife in the Bitterroot with the community. If you would like more information about Teller Wildlife Refuge please visit our website at tellerwildlife.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0




If you catch a dancer young enough, you can teach them technique.

With time, a dance instructor can change a young students muscles and how their body turns out, increase their flexibility and train their feet, legs, and back to stretch farther.

You just cant teach passion, longtime Dothan dance teacher Tracy Solomon said.

Those dancers with a drive and passion for dance  even if their technique is not the best  will likely go further than the best technical dancer who has no passion.

You can tell their drive, their heart, their passion  that, theyre born with, Solomon said. God gave that to them. You cant teach that. You cant teach drive; you cant teach passion and love for dance. You just cant teach it. You can teach steps all day long.

The trick for dance teachers is to not allow a dancer to burn out at a young age, she said. Even if they want to be in the studio five days a week, they shouldnt, she said.

Having wrapped up her final dance class, Solomon sat behind her desk at Dothan School of Dance. Nearby, a sign leaned against one of two throne chairs in the office. It read: The Legend Has Retired. It was a bittersweet day for Solomon, who after 45 years as the owner of the Dothan School of Dance chose to take her final bow as a dance instructor and business owner.

Solomon has turned over the reins of the Dothan dance school to her daughter, Ashlie Wells. Solomons Enterprise School of Dance has been sold to Christina Hardy, a fellow instructor and a board member of the Southeast Alabama Dance Company.

Im known around the area as a very strict and disciplined teacher  I am, I am that, Solomon said. Ive mellowed some in my old age, but still the art form of ballet is a very disciplined art form.

Solomons former dance students have an impressive list of accomplishments  theyve become Rockettes as well as Miss Alabama winners and a Miss America winner (she taught Heather Whitestone). Theyve danced in a Justin Beiber video, on Broadway, and choreographed for Cher.

They are ballet dancers and doctors and teachers and even a U.S. Senate candidate.

Teaching young dancers was what Solomon knew she wanted to do from a young age.

I just knew that I loved teaching; I knew that that was exactly what God put me here to do, Solomon said. There was no question about it.

She started dancing when she was 8 years old at Inezs School of Dance  a one-room dance studio located near Cherokee Avenue and West Main Street. When she was 11, she came under the tutelage of Dothan School of Dances original owner. By 15, she was teaching dance classes at the school and hit the road to teach at different locations when she was 16.

When I graduated I knew exactly what I wanted to do, Solomon said. My heart was so big to teach young children, but I realized I had a lot more to learn too.

After high school, she went off to Kent State University for two summers to attend Dance Masters of America teachers training school. While she learned how to be a teacher, she also studied with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and with renowned jazz dancer and choreographer Gus Giordano in Chicago.

At 20, Solomons parents agreed to take the money saved for her college and help her buy into Dothan School of Dance as a partner in 1976. A year later, Solomon became sole owner of the school. She had great mentors that she turned to on a regular basis.

I was so young; I had so much to learn, Solomon said. I learned so many lessons the hard way... I burned a lot of bridges when I was young. I learned a lot of lessons growing up that Ill never forget. I believe its Gods purpose to put things into your life to make you smarter, to make you more knowledgeable, and I still am learning lessons every day about this business.

By 1979, Solomon saw that the dance studio and a yearly recital wasnt enough of an outlet for the young dancers she was training. She founded the Dothan Ballet and Dance Company, a nonprofit dance company with a board of directors. Later, the company became what is known as the Southeast Alabama Dance Company, or SEADAC. Solomon was the companys artistic director for 25 years before she took on the role as executive director. Her daughter now serves as SEADACs artistic director.

Solomon plans to stay on as executive director of SEADAC, now in its 44th year with Solomon hoping to lead it to its 50th year before she steps aside.

In the more than four decades since Solomon became owner of the Dothan School of Dance, the business outgrew two other sites before Solomon purchased the former Rex appliance store on Ross Clark Circle near West Main. Solomon opened the Enterprise School of Dance, which has 250 students, in 1996.

With a black and white checkered exterior, the 16,000-square-foot Dothan school has five studios, and runs 85 dance classes a week for 360 students. From the brightly-painted interior to the geometric floor designs, the office throne chairs, and opulent furnishings in the lobby, the school was decorated with Solomons tastes in mind and to make young dancers feel happy upon entering. The decorator knew Solomon personally.

I just have a different taste, Solomon said. I dont want to be like everybody else at all. I dont like the same thing that everybody else likes. I want to be unique; I want to be different.

Solomon began seriously thinking about retirement about a year ago after her daughter indicated she was ready to take over the school. But it was when her husband, Arch Solomon, underwent a quadruple bypass and valve repair at UAB Hospital in February that Solomon said she knew it was time to step back.

My time, our time, is just too precious, she said. Im about to be 64 this year, so I just think its time.

A dance teachers job is different from other jobs, she said. Dance students typically arrive for classes after school, which means a dance teacher often cant attend their own childrens or grandchildrens activities or even be home in time to cook supper for their family. Solomon said shes ready to do normal family activities and travel with her husband.

My husbands even talking about getting a Winnebago, whatever you call those things, a motor home, Solomon said, laughing. I dont know if Im ready for that or not.

Peggy Ussery is a Dothan Eagle staff writer and can be reached at aussery@dothaneagle.com or 334-712-7963. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo on Monday to participate in the Quad summit along with the US President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan. The summit is taking place under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Situations arising because of the ongoing conflict and food crisis are some of the important issues that will be on the table of the Quad.

During his two-day trip that will last for about 40 hours, the PM has 23 engagements lined up  ranging from bilateral meetings with the US President, PMs of Japan and Australia, to addressing the Indian community and meeting with business leaders. Announcing the visit, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Mr Modi will interact with at least 36 Japanese CEOs during his visit.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo on May 24 along with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the US and the Prime Minister of Australia. The forthcoming Quad summit provides an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global issues of mutual interest. The leaders will review the progress of Quad initiatives and working groups, identify new areas of cooperation and provide strategic guidance and vision for future collaboration," the MEA said.

When asked about the summit, FS stated that the Indo-Pacific has both challenges and opportunities, and that when Quad leaders speak, both challenges and opportunities are discussed."Right now, I don't think there is any conversation going on over further expansion of Quad," Mr Kwatra said.

On Ukraine, the FS said India's position is amply clear and reiterated many times that immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue remain the best policy to move forward in this regard. With regard to food security and Indias latest decision to ban wheat exports, the FS said, "We are extremely clear about the principles and needs of food security in India, which are paramount for us. Yet, at the same time, we are careful in ensuring the needs of economies, vulnerable to risks of food security, wherever possible are met."

Giving details of the PM's engagement, FS said he will have a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden on May 24 while terming the India-US relationship to be multi-faceted and that it has acquired momentum, depth and is diversified. Mr Modi will meet the Japanese PM during which discussions on deepening bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, clean energy and cooperation in the northeast are on the agenda.

"The next Australian PM is likely to attend the Quad Summit. It is expected that the PM will meet the new Australian leader in Tokyo. In their interaction, the two leaders will review India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The last bilateral meeting was held virtually in March this year," the FS added.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices




For the first time, the state Republican Party will not endorse any of the GOP candidates running to unseat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers this fall after former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won the majority of votes at the state GOP party convention, but came about 6 percentage points short of the votes needed to secure the partys endorsement and the resources that come with it.

The first vote cast by delegates gathering at Middletons Madison Marriott West for the annual state GOP convention on Saturday was to add a no endorsement box to the state partys ballot, an option thats been demanded by a growing number of county parties critical of the partys endorsement process and establishment Republicans in Wisconsin, who theyve blamed for losses in recent statewide elections.

Hours later, the four top Republicans in the gubernatorial race  Kleefisch, former Marine Kevin Nicholson, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, and construction business owner Tim Michels  failed to get the 60% of delegate votes needed to secure the endorsement. More than 40% of the roughly 1,500 delegates voted in favor of a no endorsement option.

Despite disagreement on the endorsement process and continued discourse within the party over the now 18-month-old presidential election, Republicans tried to champion a message of unity as the only way to defeat Evers and stave off a packed field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh.

Not only does our nation need to be unified and heal, our party needs to be unified as well, Johnson said. It seems fitting and proper that our Republican voters will decide who our nominees are going to be.

But Republicans fixation on the 2020 election has led to disagreement within the party. Several county parties have passed resolutions seeking decertification of the 2020 elections results, something thats been described as a constitutional impossibility by legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has said he believes there was widespread voter fraud.

Speaking in a panel discussion, Vos was met with boos from delegates when he said the Legislature has no ability to decertify the election. Vos told reporters after the panel that the opposition hes faced from some within the party is the result of diversity of thought.

I think for most of the people who are watching, it is crystal clear that we need to focus on the future, solve the problems that happened in 2020, make sure we know exactly what they were so they cant happen again, but we have to focus on winning in 2022 and then ultimately winning in 2024, Vos said.

Persistent skepticism over the presidential election has been fueled in large part by former President Donald Trumps pressure on the party to accept his unfounded claims of widespread fraud, despite recounts, court decisions and multiple reviews affirming that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

Yes, election integrity is the No. 1 issue in the state, Ramthun said during his 12-minute pitch for the partys nomination. I will never stop pursuing closure for truth and transparency to get it right so we can feel comfortable about what we do when we go to the ballot location.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Michels have also taken aim at the 2020 election, which Kleefisch described as rigged and Michels said was maybe stolen. On Saturday, candidates focused largely on the goal of unseating Evers this fall when each were given 12 minutes to speak before endorsement votes were taken.

Recent polling by the Marquette Law School found that Republicans who are the most doubtful over the accuracy of the 2020 election are also the most enthused to vote this fall. Election skepticism could tip the scales among the states impassioned primary voters, but the topic is less appealing to the larger makeup of general election voters.

Vos said hes not concerned that election skepticism could dampen GOP turnout this fall, noting that Saturdays convention was one of the most excited crowds that Ive seen in my lifetime.

There is more enthusiasm for conservative candidates this year than we have seen in a generation, he said. Thats a preface of whats going to happen this fall.

No endorsement

The state GOP party in 2009 removed the option to not endorse candidates at the annual state convention.

Facing pressure from county parties seeking to eliminate the state partys endorsement process, a no endorsement option was added to the ballot by the partys rules committee Saturday morning. Some delegates have said the endorsement helps determine viable candidates leading up to the primary, while others criticized what theyve called a process that allows establishment Republicans to hand pick preferred candidates.

A proposed amendment to strike the no endorsement option from the ballot failed on a 338-509 vote, according to a count of delegates Saturday.

What well be doing from the party perspective is supporting the Republican theme as we move forward until we have candidates after Aug. 9, state GOP party chair Paul Farrow said in an interview Friday with WisPolitics.com.

Kleefisch, who received more than 50% of delegates votes in two separate rounds of voting but not enough to secure the endorsement, said she was declaring victory when speaking with reporters after the vote.

To see the support in here today was nothing short of amazing to me, Kleefisch said.

Nicholson, who has pressed for eliminating the endorsement process and encouraged delegates to check the no endorsement box, received about 3% of votes.

There is no doubt that Rebecca Kleefisch wanted this incredibly badly, she lost, and at the end of the day the people of Wisconsin won, Nicholson told reporters after Saturdays vote. I very clearly told everybody to vote for no endorsement ... no endorsement carried the day  we won.

Kleefisch received endorsement votes from almost 52% of delegates on the first ballot, with the no endorsement option receiving more than 36% of votes. While Ramthun, Nicholson and Michels each received less than 6%, Ramthuns 5.1% was the third most, placing him on the second ballot. Kleefisch saw a minimal bump in the second round of voting, however, reaching about 54.6% while the no endorsement option received almost 43% of votes.

Other races

The party also did not endorse a candidate in the races for state attorney general and lieutenant governor, with Republicans in both races also failing to secure the 60% of votes needed for an endorsement. In those races, attorney general candidate Eric Toney received the most votes with almost 54%, while state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, came out on top in the packed field for lieutenant governor with almost 46% of votes.

In the secretary of state race, candidates Amy Loudenbeck and Jay Schroeder also failed to secure enough votes for the partys endorsement.

The only party endorsements approved Saturday were for Johnson in the U.S. Senate race and state treasurer candidate Orlando Owens.

Resolutions

Floor motions presented at Saturdays convention to demand that the state Legislature rescind the states 10 electoral votes in the presidential election and calling on Vos to resign as Assembly speaker for not taking enough action after the 2020 election failed to secure the majority of votes needed to pass.

The partys focus on the 2020 election  a topic that took center stage at last years state GOP convention  was also evident in some of the resolutions passed by delegates on Saturday, including measures calling for all ballots to be hand-counted on Election Day and dissolving the Wisconsin Elections Commission, a GOP-created agency that has come under fire from Republicans for how the 2020 election was administered.

While the resolutions would need to be drafted and passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor to take effect, the proposals underscore the partys priorities if a Republican defeats Evers in the Nov. 8 general election. Evers has vetoed multiple bills passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature seeking to place more restrictions on election administration, drop boxes and absentee ballots.

Kleefisch, Nicholson and Ramthun have called for dismantling the state Elections Commission. Michels proposes drastically overhauling the agency, including terminating all six members of the bipartisan commission.

Other resolutions to pass include measures opposing vaccine mandates, criminalizing physical treatments for minors who want to transition their gender and supporting the death penalty for people who kill police officers.

Republicans voted in support of resolutions laying out the partys opposition to universal gun background checks and support for bans on abortions and the teaching of critical race theory  a decades-old academic framework used to understand how racism has affected laws and institutions. The concept has become a primary campaign talking point among conservatives trying to galvanize their base and drive school board recalls.

Speaking with reporters outside the convention in front of a mobile billboard that read GOP Dumpster Fire, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Republicans are at each others throats trying to figure out who can be most extreme.

Throughout this governors race, weve seen a group of four Republican candidates leapfrog each other further and further to the extreme and radical right, Wikler said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
Baloch separatists are trying every possible way to halt Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) work as they perceive that China has joined hands with Pakistan security forces in plundering their resources. Recently, Balochistan Liberation Army attempted to blow up the convoy of Chinese workers but it failed when Pakistan police arrested a suspected female suicide bomber on Monday, Asia Times reported. Police arrested the woman, suspecting that she is a suicide bomber. The law enforcement officers claimed that she was planning to blow herself up to kill several Chinese nationals working on the flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Last month, three Chinese tutors and their drivers were killed in a suicide operation carried out by a female operative of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Karachi University's Confucius Center. Not only this, but in July 2021, a bus carrying Chinese workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa faced an attack, leaving 10 dead and 28 others injured. "Baloch separatists perceive the Chinese as their enemies, considering them as 'partners in crime' with the Pakistan security forces in 'plundering the Balochistan resources,' which they want to halt," Mansur Khan Mahsud, the executive director of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC), an independent think tank said. "This is precisely the reason that they had warned the Chinese companies several times to leave Balochistan," he added. Mahsud further said that now they are using women for suicide attacks to grab the media attention, which served the purpose of the Baloch insurgents as they need to tell the outside world how desperate they are to 'liberate' their homeland. In view of the situation, Chinese leadership seeking an immediate halt to militant activities in regions where their companies are involved in strategic projects under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Asia Times. Currently, Pakistani authorities are more concerned with the second phase of the CPEC, which revolves around the private sector running the industrial zones and businesses. The second phase also entails greater participation by Chinese companies, which means more Chinese nationals will be in the country and the risk to their life also increases. (ANI)
As is often the case with wetland enhancement projects, the old saying, build it and they will come, rings true. That was definitely the case when Teller Wildlife Refuge completed its second phase of a wetland enhancement project funded by the Cross Charitable Foundation.

The project was aimed at the removal of dense monotypic cattail stands through excavation, providing for shallow open water areas that are attractive to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. One species of shorebird, the black-necked stilt, was the first arrival this year on the recently completed project.

Black-necked stilts belong to a family of shorebirds named Recurvirostridae, meaning bent beak in Latin. These birds have beautiful black and white plumage with long pink legs, perfectly designed for wading. In fact, of all bird species, only the flamingo has a longer leg length in proportion to its body. Like other wading and shorebirds, researchers speculate that the pink color of the stilt's feet may actually attract small prey, as the birds wade through the shallows. If you can observe the bird with a spotting scope, note the slight upward curve in the long black bill which aids in the probing and capturing of prey items. These birds feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates and larva, yet will occasionally eat small fish and frogs.

Black-necked stilts are found throughout the Intermountain West, breeding in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah where they are particularly fond of the emergent marshes of the Great Salt Lake. Here in the Bitterroot, the best spot to see them would be at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville. A drive through the vehicle tour route in June will likely reveal several pairs of stilts either tending to their young or a soon-to-hatch nest.

One behavior of this bird is its reputation for being quite vocal, repeating bursts of sharp, raspy "chirp, chirp, chirp" calls if you approach. It only seems to increase in volume and intensity as you get closer to a pair of stilts. If you ever notice several black-necked stilts flying circles around you, occasionally landing near you, and jumping into the air repeatedly, you may be witnessing what scientists refer to as the popcorn display, as they look like popcorn popping out of a pot once the kernel pops! This behavior is intended to scare or lure the predator away, even if that predator is wearing a Western hat and waders.

Black-necked stilts will migrate south of their breeding grounds in the fall, ending up in southern U.S. and Mexico. They are also an inhabitant of South America and one subspecies, the Hawaiian black-necked stilt, is federally listed as endangered and is only found on the Hawaiian Islands. This subspecies is nearly identical to its mainland cousin yet the Hawaiian bird has a slightly larger bill and legs.

Both male and female stilts will assist with building the nest, which is typically on the ground consisting of soft sand or vegetation. At times you may even find them actually on floating mats of bulrush and other aquatic plants. I recall touring the marshes of the Great Salt Lake in an airboat where we had to slow the craft to not create any wave wake, which could have flooded the nest and eggs sitting only about two inches above the surface of the water.

In most cases, the nest is near the shore with three to four eggs deposited as the female takes charge of the incubation.

From a conservation perspective, the North American Breeding Bird Survey found that black-necked stilt numbers remained stable from 1966 through 2015. The main threat is the loss of shallow wetlands that these birds depend upon for foraging. Projects like the recent Teller wetland enhancement will benefit shorebirds species and ensure this handsome bird continues to return to the Bitterroot each spring, where local school kids out on a Teller field trip might get to witness a popcorn dance!

Sam Lawry, Teller Wildlife Refuge executive director, has over 40 years in the wildlife conservation profession. His contributions to the Ravalli Republic are intended to share some of that knowledge of wildlife in the Bitterroot with the community. If you would like more information about Teller Wildlife Refuge please visit our website at tellerwildlife.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
As is often the case with wetland enhancement projects, the old saying, build it and they will come, rings true. That was definitely the case when Teller Wildlife Refuge completed its second phase of a wetland enhancement project funded by the Cross Charitable Foundation.

The project was aimed at the removal of dense monotypic cattail stands through excavation, providing for shallow open water areas that are attractive to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. One species of shorebird, the black-necked stilt, was the first arrival this year on the recently completed project.

Black-necked stilts belong to a family of shorebirds named Recurvirostridae, meaning bent beak in Latin. These birds have beautiful black and white plumage with long pink legs, perfectly designed for wading. In fact, of all bird species, only the flamingo has a longer leg length in proportion to its body. Like other wading and shorebirds, researchers speculate that the pink color of the stilt's feet may actually attract small prey, as the birds wade through the shallows. If you can observe the bird with a spotting scope, note the slight upward curve in the long black bill which aids in the probing and capturing of prey items. These birds feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates and larva, yet will occasionally eat small fish and frogs.

Black-necked stilts are found throughout the Intermountain West, breeding in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah where they are particularly fond of the emergent marshes of the Great Salt Lake. Here in the Bitterroot, the best spot to see them would be at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville. A drive through the vehicle tour route in June will likely reveal several pairs of stilts either tending to their young or a soon-to-hatch nest.

One behavior of this bird is its reputation for being quite vocal, repeating bursts of sharp, raspy "chirp, chirp, chirp" calls if you approach. It only seems to increase in volume and intensity as you get closer to a pair of stilts. If you ever notice several black-necked stilts flying circles around you, occasionally landing near you, and jumping into the air repeatedly, you may be witnessing what scientists refer to as the popcorn display, as they look like popcorn popping out of a pot once the kernel pops! This behavior is intended to scare or lure the predator away, even if that predator is wearing a Western hat and waders.

Black-necked stilts will migrate south of their breeding grounds in the fall, ending up in southern U.S. and Mexico. They are also an inhabitant of South America and one subspecies, the Hawaiian black-necked stilt, is federally listed as endangered and is only found on the Hawaiian Islands. This subspecies is nearly identical to its mainland cousin yet the Hawaiian bird has a slightly larger bill and legs.

Both male and female stilts will assist with building the nest, which is typically on the ground consisting of soft sand or vegetation. At times you may even find them actually on floating mats of bulrush and other aquatic plants. I recall touring the marshes of the Great Salt Lake in an airboat where we had to slow the craft to not create any wave wake, which could have flooded the nest and eggs sitting only about two inches above the surface of the water.

In most cases, the nest is near the shore with three to four eggs deposited as the female takes charge of the incubation.

From a conservation perspective, the North American Breeding Bird Survey found that black-necked stilt numbers remained stable from 1966 through 2015. The main threat is the loss of shallow wetlands that these birds depend upon for foraging. Projects like the recent Teller wetland enhancement will benefit shorebirds species and ensure this handsome bird continues to return to the Bitterroot each spring, where local school kids out on a Teller field trip might get to witness a popcorn dance!

Sam Lawry, Teller Wildlife Refuge executive director, has over 40 years in the wildlife conservation profession. His contributions to the Ravalli Republic are intended to share some of that knowledge of wildlife in the Bitterroot with the community. If you would like more information about Teller Wildlife Refuge please visit our website at tellerwildlife.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.




A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
Changing the method of assessing road fees in Butte would bring in about $20,000 more in annual revenue that pays for routine maintenance such as grading, graveling, snow plowing and filling potholes, updated figures show.

In the big picture, the switch from an $87.71 per parcel to per unit assessment wouldnt change the overall revenue total much. It would go from about $1.58 million now to $1.60 million.

But some commissioners, including Shawn Fredrickson and Eric Mankins, think the change could be a more equitable way to tax those who use the countys roads and they wanted updated facts and figures to compare the methods.

Fredrickson said Friday he is leaning toward pursuing the change but first wants to hear an upcoming presentation by Public Works Director Mark Neary on how the road dollars were spent the past few years and what the maintenance plan is this year.

He thinks the county is heading in the right direction on use of the money, he said, but I really want to see the numbers.

Danette Gleason, Butte-Silver Bows budget director, presented updated revenue figures and projections to the council Wednesday night. Both assessment methods employ a flat $87.71 fee annually.

But instead of charging a flat rate for most parcels, the alternative method would assess the fee by units. They would include houses, commercial property and hotels as before but also take in individual apartments, separate dwellings in duplexes and four-plexes and all mobile homes in a park.

Instead of applying a single fee to each of 40 mobile home parks in Butte, collectively bringing in $3,508, all 440 mobile homes in those parks would be assessed. That would bring in an additional $35,084, according to updated numbers.

The fee is currently charged to 529 apartment complexes and duplexes and triplexes, each as single entities. Under the change, each apartment and living quarters in duplexes and triplexes would be charged. That would mean 2,894 assessed units generating an additional $207,434.

The bulk of the revenue would still come from residential property. About 14,000 individual assessments are made with either method, both bringing in about $1.23 million.

But there would be a big change regarding vacant land.

Currently, 2,603 vacant parcels valued at $5,000 or more are assessed the road fee. They would no longer be charged under the per-unit method, meaning about $228,000 less in revenue.

If the per-unit method had been applied two years ago, it would have brought in about $5,200 more than the current method. Today it would generate about $20,000 more.

Gleason said the increase reflects additional housing construction Butte has seen in the past couple of years. But the overall amount of revenue under each method is only $20,000 apart.

So really what you're comparing here and what you're really looking at analyzing is what's the best and the most equitable and fair method that you as a council can apply to our community, Gleason told commissioners.

Some commissioners say almost everyone uses roads in some form or fashion, even if taking a bus or taxi at times, and the per-unit method is a fairer way of assessing the fees.

Neary is tentatively scheduled to discuss revenue expenditures before council on June 15. Changing the method would require an ordinance change, a process that can take weeks if not longer.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Ex-Labor leader Bill Shorten has set the record straight on election morning about his famous sausage sandwich blunder at the 2016 poll.

In an interview with the Today Show from his Melbourne electorate of Maribyrnong, Mr Shorten decided to address the 'scandal' when he was widely ridiculed after eating a sausage sandwich from the middle.

'Listen, I just want to clear up the great scandal of the 2016 election. The bread roll which I ate from the middle, you would have needed to have the jaws of, you know, a great white to eat it from the end.

'It would have done my dentures.'

Then Opposition leader Bll Shorten created an online scandal in 2016 on election morning when he ate a sausage sandwich from the middle

I'm eating it in a way which is not setting Twitter alight with accusations,' Mr Shorten said of the 2022 election sausage he ate this morning

Mr Shorten said he'd already had a sausage sandwich at Holy Rosary Primary School in Kensington with white bread, onion and sausage this morning which was 'very good'.

'[And] I'm eating it in a way which is not setting Twitter alight with accusations,' he said, referring to the social media pile-on that followed his sausage sandwich blunder at Strathfield North Public School in Sydney's inner-west,

'I don't want to eat unnecessary carbs,' he added.

Current Labor leader Anthony Albanese narrowly avoided a similar fate this election campaign when attacked the polling booth staple in Perth

In 2019, the then-Greens leader Richard Di Natale was photographed 'attacking' a sausage with gusto

Current Labor leader Anthony Albanese narrowly avoided a similar fate this election campaign when attacked the polling booth staple in Perth.

His awkward attempt was captured by a photographer but did not reach the viral heights of Mr Shorten's effort.

In 2019, the then-Greens leader Richard Di Natale was photographed 'attacking' a sausage with gusto - complete with toppings including mustard, onions and tomato sauce.

The image, from federal election day in Melbourne at St Kilda, became a hit online due to Di Natale's clear enthusiasm for the snag - but he still lost his leadership role the following year.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg murders a sausage sanger in his Melbourne electorate of Kooyong on election day

In the UK, then Labour leader Ed Miliband was photographed in 2014 devouring a bacon sandwich when out buying flowers for his wife

In the UK, then Labour leader Ed Miliband was photographed in 2014 devouring a bacon sandwich when out buying flowers for his wife.

The image became legendary after it appeared on the front page of a national UK newspaper, destroying his credibility among the British public.

Miliband later resigned as Britain's Labour Party leader after being defeated by Tory Prime Minister David Cameron in the general election.

London Evening Standard photographer Jeremy Selwyn snapped the now infamous images, and knew he had struck gold.

A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
Ex-Labor leader Bill Shorten has set the record straight on election morning about his famous sausage sandwich blunder at the 2016 poll.

In an interview with the Today Show from his Melbourne electorate of Maribyrnong, Mr Shorten decided to address the 'scandal' when he was widely ridiculed after eating a sausage sandwich from the middle.

'Listen, I just want to clear up the great scandal of the 2016 election. The bread roll which I ate from the middle, you would have needed to have the jaws of, you know, a great white to eat it from the end.

'It would have done my dentures.'

Then Opposition leader Bll Shorten created an online scandal in 2016 on election morning when he ate a sausage sandwich from the middle

I'm eating it in a way which is not setting Twitter alight with accusations,' Mr Shorten said of the 2022 election sausage he ate this morning

Mr Shorten said he'd already had a sausage sandwich at Holy Rosary Primary School in Kensington with white bread, onion and sausage this morning which was 'very good'.

'[And] I'm eating it in a way which is not setting Twitter alight with accusations,' he said, referring to the social media pile-on that followed his sausage sandwich blunder at Strathfield North Public School in Sydney's inner-west,

'I don't want to eat unnecessary carbs,' he added.

Current Labor leader Anthony Albanese narrowly avoided a similar fate this election campaign when attacked the polling booth staple in Perth

In 2019, the then-Greens leader Richard Di Natale was photographed 'attacking' a sausage with gusto

Current Labor leader Anthony Albanese narrowly avoided a similar fate this election campaign when attacked the polling booth staple in Perth.

His awkward attempt was captured by a photographer but did not reach the viral heights of Mr Shorten's effort.

In 2019, the then-Greens leader Richard Di Natale was photographed 'attacking' a sausage with gusto - complete with toppings including mustard, onions and tomato sauce.

The image, from federal election day in Melbourne at St Kilda, became a hit online due to Di Natale's clear enthusiasm for the snag - but he still lost his leadership role the following year.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg murders a sausage sanger in his Melbourne electorate of Kooyong on election day

In the UK, then Labour leader Ed Miliband was photographed in 2014 devouring a bacon sandwich when out buying flowers for his wife

In the UK, then Labour leader Ed Miliband was photographed in 2014 devouring a bacon sandwich when out buying flowers for his wife.

The image became legendary after it appeared on the front page of a national UK newspaper, destroying his credibility among the British public.

Miliband later resigned as Britain's Labour Party leader after being defeated by Tory Prime Minister David Cameron in the general election.

London Evening Standard photographer Jeremy Selwyn snapped the now infamous images, and knew he had struck gold.
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'










A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'






WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results


1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results

A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results

WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."


A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'



BRATTLEBORO  With Yoshi Manale leaving less than six months into the job of town manager, community members are saying they'll miss his fresh




Kiev, May 21 : The work on clearing the territory of Ukraine from the landmines scattered during the conflict with Russia would take between five and seven years, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official.

About 300,000 square metres of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said on Friday at the first meeting of the International Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Akopyan added that Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, Kiev is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kiev, May 21 : The work on clearing the territory of Ukraine from the landmines scattered during the conflict with Russia would take between five and seven years, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official.

About 300,000 square metres of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said on Friday at the first meeting of the International Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Akopyan added that Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, Kiev is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement








Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'



MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company




A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.
London: The World Health Organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. Credit:AP

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, Madrid time, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections, taking the total to 30.

Madrid authorities have been working on tracing the cases mainly from a single outbreak in a sauna, regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero told reporters on Friday. The word sauna is used in Spain to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.



Food produced by controversial gene-editing techniques could be in supermarkets as early as next year, the Environment Secretary said yesterday.

George Eustice said changes to the law outlined in the recent Queens Speech should pass through Parliament in the next few months.

And he insisted gene-edited food would benefit both consumers and producers  amid warnings from scientists about the unknown health and environmental effects of the technology.

Mr Eustice said he expected the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill to get Royal Assent this year. He added: We will then have a regime that enables us to issue a marketing authorisation for any gene-edited seeds.

George Eustice said changes to the law outlined in the recent Queens Speech should pass through Parliament in the next few months

Therell probably be some of these crops that are already available and bred in other parts of the world. So its possible that we could have some of these crops... ready to be deployed during the course of next year.

Gene-editing aims to produce crops which are more disease-resistant, or to boost the resilience and yields of livestock. It differs from genetically modified (GM) produce  dubbed Frankenfood  in that it alters the existing DNA of a plant or animal, rather than adding DNA from different species.

Soybeans producing longer-lasting oil and tomatoes with higher levels of blood pressure-lowering compounds are examples of what could become available.

Mr Eustice told the i newspaper it would be three to five years before significant numbers of crops developed in the UK appeared on our shelves. He said gene editing would be introduced in crops before a decision is made on livestock.

Opponents say more research and checks are needed. Liz ONeill of GM Freeze said: Gene editing is GM with better PR  there is much that can go wrong.
Food produced by controversial gene-editing techniques could be in supermarkets as early as next year, the Environment Secretary said yesterday.

George Eustice said changes to the law outlined in the recent Queens Speech should pass through Parliament in the next few months.

And he insisted gene-edited food would benefit both consumers and producers  amid warnings from scientists about the unknown health and environmental effects of the technology.

Mr Eustice said he expected the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill to get Royal Assent this year. He added: We will then have a regime that enables us to issue a marketing authorisation for any gene-edited seeds.

George Eustice said changes to the law outlined in the recent Queens Speech should pass through Parliament in the next few months

Therell probably be some of these crops that are already available and bred in other parts of the world. So its possible that we could have some of these crops... ready to be deployed during the course of next year.

Gene-editing aims to produce crops which are more disease-resistant, or to boost the resilience and yields of livestock. It differs from genetically modified (GM) produce  dubbed Frankenfood  in that it alters the existing DNA of a plant or animal, rather than adding DNA from different species.

Soybeans producing longer-lasting oil and tomatoes with higher levels of blood pressure-lowering compounds are examples of what could become available.

Mr Eustice told the i newspaper it would be three to five years before significant numbers of crops developed in the UK appeared on our shelves. He said gene editing would be introduced in crops before a decision is made on livestock.

Opponents say more research and checks are needed. Liz ONeill of GM Freeze said: Gene editing is GM with better PR  there is much that can go wrong.


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Many cancer patients promised radiation therapy treatment centres ahead of the last federal election are still waiting as tens of millions of dollars worth of grant money gathers dust.

The federal government promised $63 million during the 2019 election campaign for radiotherapy centres in 13 locations across regional Australia, described at the time as a significant win for local cancer patients. But many of the projects have not progressed.

Former Cancer Council chief executive Professor Sanchia Aranda says the lack of access to regional radiotherapy means patients face travelling long distances for potentially life-saving care. Credit:Peter Braig

While contracts have been signed to build radiotherapy centres in Griffith, Taree and Kempsey in NSW and another is being built at Tweed Valley Hospital on the states far north coast, sites where promised centres never appeared include Gladstone in Queensland, Armidale, Grafton and Bega in NSW, and East Gippsland in Victoria. Plans for a centre in Geraldton, Western Australia have stalled amid a funding dispute.

Voters in the Queensland seat of Flynn are now being promised $1.9 million for a satellite telehealth clinic  including a bus to take patients to the nearest radiotherapy centre 1.5 hours away  in Gladstone if they vote for Liberal National Party candidate Colin Boyce.
Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.




WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Alyssa Castanuela is shown in this photo with her two children. She was attacked by her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend Wednesday and is in the ICU at Colorado Springs UC Health Memorial Hospital.










You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close










You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close






Rome, May 21 : Italy is importing three times more of oil from Russia than it did before the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to news reports.

A story published in the Financial Times on Friday reported that Italy had quadrupled the amount of Russian crude oil it imports to 450,000 barrels per day.

The dramatic increase is due to a distorting impact of sanctions against Russia, the report said.

The developments are based around the ISAB oil refinery on the southern Italian island of Sicily, which is owned by Moscow-based Lukoil, Xinhua news agency reported.

Because of sanctions, ISAB is unable to obtain lines of credit for purchases from other crude oil producers, meaning the refinery must rely entirely on supplies from Lukoil, the reports added.

"It's paradoxical because the European Union wanted to penalise Russian energy imports but here they have actually been incentivised by the sanctions," said Alessandro Tripoli, General-Secretary for southern Sicily with the Federation for Energy, Fashion, Chemistry, and related workers, which is part of the CISL trade union.

According to commodity data company Kpler, the dramatic increase means Italy is on the verge of surpassing the Netherlands as the European Union's biggest importer of Russian crude oil.

Earlier this month, the European Union vowed to end imports of Russian crude oil to most member states, including Italy, by the end of this year.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text



Changing the method of assessing road fees in Butte would bring in about $20,000 more in annual revenue that pays for routine maintenance such as grading, graveling, snow plowing and filling potholes, updated figures show.

In the big picture, the switch from an $87.71 per parcel to per unit assessment wouldnt change the overall revenue total much. It would go from about $1.58 million now to $1.60 million.

But some commissioners, including Shawn Fredrickson and Eric Mankins, think the change could be a more equitable way to tax those who use the countys roads and they wanted updated facts and figures to compare the methods.

Fredrickson said Friday he is leaning toward pursuing the change but first wants to hear an upcoming presentation by Public Works Director Mark Neary on how the road dollars were spent the past few years and what the maintenance plan is this year.

He thinks the county is heading in the right direction on use of the money, he said, but I really want to see the numbers.

Danette Gleason, Butte-Silver Bows budget director, presented updated revenue figures and projections to the council Wednesday night. Both assessment methods employ a flat $87.71 fee annually.

But instead of charging a flat rate for most parcels, the alternative method would assess the fee by units. They would include houses, commercial property and hotels as before but also take in individual apartments, separate dwellings in duplexes and four-plexes and all mobile homes in a park.

Instead of applying a single fee to each of 40 mobile home parks in Butte, collectively bringing in $3,508, all 440 mobile homes in those parks would be assessed. That would bring in an additional $35,084, according to updated numbers.

The fee is currently charged to 529 apartment complexes and duplexes and triplexes, each as single entities. Under the change, each apartment and living quarters in duplexes and triplexes would be charged. That would mean 2,894 assessed units generating an additional $207,434.

The bulk of the revenue would still come from residential property. About 14,000 individual assessments are made with either method, both bringing in about $1.23 million.

But there would be a big change regarding vacant land.

Currently, 2,603 vacant parcels valued at $5,000 or more are assessed the road fee. They would no longer be charged under the per-unit method, meaning about $228,000 less in revenue.

If the per-unit method had been applied two years ago, it would have brought in about $5,200 more than the current method. Today it would generate about $20,000 more.

Gleason said the increase reflects additional housing construction Butte has seen in the past couple of years. But the overall amount of revenue under each method is only $20,000 apart.

So really what you're comparing here and what you're really looking at analyzing is what's the best and the most equitable and fair method that you as a council can apply to our community, Gleason told commissioners.

Some commissioners say almost everyone uses roads in some form or fashion, even if taking a bus or taxi at times, and the per-unit method is a fairer way of assessing the fees.

Neary is tentatively scheduled to discuss revenue expenditures before council on June 15. Changing the method would require an ordinance change, a process that can take weeks if not longer.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results



SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement





SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."

WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Canberra, May 21 : Voting opened in Australia's general election on Saturday morning.

Polling booths across the country opened to millions of Australians at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will remain open until 6 p.m. when counting of votes will start, Xinhua news agency reported.

In order to form a majority government, either the coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday evening, the Labor leads the coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 per cent for the coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 years and above to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year.





Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement

































WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.


WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."

















WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
Kiev, May 21 : The work on clearing the territory of Ukraine from the landmines scattered during the conflict with Russia would take between five and seven years, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official.

About 300,000 square metres of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said on Friday at the first meeting of the International Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Akopyan added that Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, Kiev is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kiev, May 21 : The work on clearing the territory of Ukraine from the landmines scattered during the conflict with Russia would take between five and seven years, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official.

About 300,000 square metres of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said on Friday at the first meeting of the International Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Akopyan added that Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, Kiev is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

Kiev, May 21 : The work on clearing the territory of Ukraine from the landmines scattered during the conflict with Russia would take between five and seven years, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official.

About 300,000 square metres of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said on Friday at the first meeting of the International Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Akopyan added that Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, Kiev is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."




The Downtown building that houses Paisans restaurant is in danger of immediately collapsing onto nearby buildings and the street below, a development the owner says could risk public lives, according to a demolition request for the building filed this week. But a Downtown City Council member called the request hyperbolic, adding that the city wouldnt allow the building to remain open if a catastrophe were actually imminent.

The ongoing deterioration of the buildings underground parking garage has reached a point where it cannot continue to hold up the building, Greg Rice, the buildings owner, said in a demolition request filed Monday.

The facade of the building, 131 W. Wilson St., has also started to bow out, Rice wrote, which could lead to falling brick either injuring or even killing a person.

It is time for this building to be closed to the public, Rice said.

If the city does not grant a demolition permit, the building is at risk of falling, he continued. If the building falls, it could collapse onto the adjacent apartment buildings, the public streets, or the railroad, all of which could risk public lives.

Ald. Mike Verveer, who represents Downtown, said that while the building does need to be demolished, city building inspectors have found that its structural integrity is not as dire as Rice claims.

I just want to reassure Downtown stakeholders and the community that if the building was in danger of immediate collapse, city building inspectors would order it empty and block off public access to the street below, Verveer said.

Rice submitted a notice to the city that he wanted to tear the building down in April. A development team has also proposed a 14-story, mixed use building on the site that would have a deck-top pool and roughly 250 apartments. The developer, who has an option to buy the site, has not stepped forward publicly because Rice is locked in a legal battle with the buildings remaining tenants, Verveer said.

Verveer added he believes Rice made the over the top demolition request to push out the tenants.

I believe that the citys being used as a tool to further the interests of the property owner, and I find that unfortunate, Verveer said.

Rice had not responded to a request for comment.

Matt Tucker, the citys director of building inspection, said the sites engineers, Pierce Engineers, who work independently of Rice, have not alerted the city of an imminent collapse.

The bottom line is everything has been stable, Tucker said, adding that the city will follow up with the engineering firm in case there is new information about the integrity of the building.

Multiple closings

The building has closed and reopened twice since September. It first closed over structural concerns, and again when Rice did not comply with inspection requirements, the city said at the time.

Wally Borowski, the owner of Paisans, said Rice had not told him about the buildings alleged condition.

Borowski was cutting a pizza Friday afternoon in the kitchen of the restaurant, which remains open.

I would say youve got to be kidding me, Borowski responded when told about Rices demolition request. The city has said its safe. Wheres this coming from?

After city inspectors first closed the building in September, steel posts were installed in the underground parking garage.

In his letter, Rice said the posts are meant to be temporary and may loosen 180 days after installation, a date that passed in mid-April.

Chunks of concrete ceiling in the garage continue to break off and fall onto the parking floors on occasion, endangering the lives of anyone entering the parking garage, Rice said in his letter.

Most have left

Tucker said the use of the shores has been extended, and that their presence is typically a means to encourage people to fix a building.

Most tenants have vacated the building in the last six months, but a few remain, Rice said.

Any tenant that insists on remaining in the building at this point or delaying its demolition is putting its own interests above public safety, he said in the demolition request.

Verveer said Rice and his company have allowed the building to deteriorate over the years.

If anyones to be blamed, its them, he said.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Mahailya Pryer and Cara Hentschel

Two Springfield women have pleaded guilty to being involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.

Cara Hentschel and Mahailya Pryer pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in the Capitol building. They now face a maximum possible sentence of six months in prison followed by five years of probation.

The two were also charged with other crimes relating to that day including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building; and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, however, the other counts of their indictment were dismissed as a part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

In addition to dismissing the other counts, the plea agreement also states that the duo must cooperate with law enforcement in their further investigation into what happened at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Five others from Springfield have already been sentenced for their involvement in the Jan. 6 riots. Three men got probation; while a husband and wife (one of whom was a former teacher) were sentenced to home detention and community service.

More: Springfield couple sentenced to house detention for Jan. 6 riot at U.S. Capitol

Court documents say Hentschel and Pryer were charged based on an online tip to the FBI pointing investigators to Hentschels Facebook page where she had posted photos of her and Pryer at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

More: 2 more Springfield women charged in Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol

According to court documents, the pair admitted to investigators that they entered the Capitol building through the Rotunda doors as alarms sounded. The pair admitted to staying inside the building and walking around for roughly 12 minutes before leaving.

Nationwide, more than 700 people have been charged, and more than 100 people have pleaded guilty, in connection with the events of Jan. 6. Of those, most have received probation, but some have received incarceration sentences, the longest thus far being a Florida man who was sentenced to five years in prison.

Story continues

More: 3 Springfield-area men get probation for roles in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

The riot on Jan. 6 left five people dead and forced lawmakers to seek shelter, including then-Vice President Mike Pence. Following that day, now-former President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives. They accused him of inciting the violence at the Capitol by pushing false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

Neither Hentschels nor Pryers attorney could be reached for comment by press time. The two are set to be sentenced in August.

Jordan Meier covers public safety for the Springfield News-Leader. Contact her at jmeier@news-leader.com, or on Twitter @Jordan_Meier644.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Jan. 6 Capitol riot: Two Springfield women plead guilty


Virginia Ginni Thomas reportedly personally urged Arizona lawmakers to push a rogue pro-Trump slate of electors after President Joe Biden won the state in the 2020 election.

The controversial wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sent emails urging the lawmakers to pick a clean slate of electors even though Biden was declared the winner by authorities, The Washington Post reported on Friday.

Thomas sent emails to Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Rep. Shawnna Bolick, who this year is running for Arizona secretary of state. That would make her the top elections administrator in Arizona.

As state lawmakers, you have the Constitutional power and authority to protect the integrity of our elections  and we need you to exercise that power now! the email said. Never before in our nations history have our elections been so threatened by fraud and unconstitutional procedures..

Her involvement in promoting Trumps false narrative, which culminated in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, was first revealed in multiple text messages she sent to then-Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows urging him to help reverse the election results.

Justice Thomas, meanwhile, has taken part in the courts consideration of lawsuits challenging the election results. The court turned away every challenge without a hearing, though Thomas was among three conservative justices who said cases from Pennsylvania should be heard.

Like so many married couples, we share many of the same ideals, principles, and aspirations for America, said Ginni Thomas. But we have our own separate careers, and our own ideas and opinions too. Clarence doesnt discuss his work with me, and I dont involve him in my work, Thomas told The Washington Free Beacon in an interview published in March.





OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.



A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'
A successful young tradie who had his life torn apart after being wrongly accused of drugging and raping a hip law student believes they're both victims of the 'MeToo Movement' gone mad.

It took Victoria Police eight long months to receive the forensic drug results Phoenix Cooper believed would clear his name.

But when they came back negative - he was charged anyway.

The woman Mr Cooper had picked-up at a trendy nightspot in Melbourne's inner east was supposedly convinced by her law student mates that he must have drugged her.

Phoenix Cooper was wrongly accused of drugging and raping a woman he had simply hit-it-off with at a trendy pub. The woman's law student mates described him as 'some random'

Phoenix Cooper was forced to employ high-priced barrister Philip Dunn, QC (right) to defend himself at the Supreme Court of Victoria

How else could 'some random' - as her mate's later described the tradie - have gone home with their well-to-do Brighton mate who was on the path to becoming a hot shot lawyer.

On May 6, Mr Cooper, now aged 25, was found unanimously not guilty by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury of raping the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The trial had been held at the state's highest criminal court due to one of the alleged victim's mates' strong connections to the County Court of Victoria, where rape trials are usually held.

CCTV played to that jury had shown Mr Cooper kiss the woman three times while enjoying a cigar outside Elsternwick's Antique Bar on April 20, 2019.

They would leave together hand-in-hand shortly after to catch an Uber to his St Kilda East apartment - a short ride from where they had hit-it-off.

Both had enjoyed a good deal of booze, but the 'memory fade' of his 'date' that night would come back to haunt them both.

The tradie, who owns and operates his own successful company, had faced 25-years behind bars had he been convicted of the crime.

Mr Cooper spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week in the hope that other young men don't wind up behind bars after a drunken hook-up.

'Why did nobody put the brakes on this? Why has it gone this far? Imagine you had a son and your son was in a situation like this? Or a mate? Or a brother? It could happen to anyone,' he said.

Mr Cooper believes he inadvertently became embroiled in the 'MeToo Movement' - a social movement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and rape culture, in which people publicise their experiences of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

'Look, don't get me wrong, I believe in the MeToo Movement. But this is wrong. This is not rape in any world. There are guys going through this every single day that are facing years in prison and they can't afford proper legal support and end up in jail on flimsy, flimsy charges,' he said.

Mr Cooper, who was represented by top Melbourne silk Philip Dunn, QC, said his defence cost more than $200,000.

Walk of Shame: Phoenix Cooper was chased down the road and photographed after wrongly being accused of raping a drunken law student, who was convinced by her mates that he had done wrong. Cooper is pictured with lawyer Zyg Zayler from Melasecca Kelly Zayler

Despite his life being turned upside down, his business damaged and reputation dragged through the mud, the young tradie still expressed empathy for the woman who had pursued the rape claims.

'In my opinion, by them pushing this forward, not only did they obviously put me through hell, but they put this girl through hell by having to go through a trial that she was never going to win,' Mr Cooper said.

'I mean, she was a victim too, because her mates absolutely convinced her she had been drugged.'

In hindsight, several false moves had decided both Mr Cooper and the woman's fate.

She had made the mistake of leaving her purse and house keys behind at the venue.

He had made the mistake of answering the phone when her mates phoned him up to return them.

It was the decent thing to do, Mr Cooper told Daily Mail Australia.

The short version goes: after briefly having sex with the woman at his home, Mr Cooper welcomed her worried mates inside to collect her.

She had only been at his house for 45 minutes.

In an Uber with the law students - both now lawyers - she was convinced by them that Mr Cooper had drugged her.

Distraught at the suggestion, and having consumed the equivalent of somewhere between double and four times the legal alcohol limit to drive a car, the woman agreed to be taken to hospital to be forensically analysed with a view to allege rape.

The jury heard the woman recorded a 15 out of 15 on the Glascow Coma Scale - a clinical test used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury - a little under an hour after the alleged rape.

'Her friends convinced her that she had been drugged ... In her mind, she probably felt like she was drugged. She didn't know what was going on. It's just a really bad sequence of events that led into this,' Mr Cooper said.

When questioned, Mr Cooper immediately made open and full admissions to both police and the woman about what had happened at his apartment that night.

Mr Cooper's supposed victim had been trawling dating sites in the hours before she hooked-up with him at Elsternwick's Antique Bar in 2019

Mr Cooper and the woman were captured on CCTV on these seats enjoying kisses before leaving together. She would later claim to have no memory of having sex with him

FORMER NRL PLAYER TRISTAN SAILOR FOUND NOT GUILTY In March, the son of Australian rugby league and union legend Wendell Sailor was found not guilty of a similar allegation of rape. Tristan Sailor, 23, faced NSW District Court trial after the woman said she could not remember having oral, vaginal and anal sex him in 2020. Like Cooper, the woman had been captured on CCTV drinking, touching and hugging each other. Both of them had been blind drunk when they later went into her bedroom and had sex. The woman said she 'blacked out' and assumed she had sex without giving consent the next day. Sailor had been on the cusp of following in his father's footsteps and making his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons when he was charged. Last month, Souths Logan Magpies, one of the Broncos feeder clubs, confirmed it had signed the former Dragons utility. Advertisement

Months later, when the drug results came back negative, detectives charged Mr Cooper with rape all the same.

'The police didn't actually perform any investigation until the drugs came back negative,' Mr Cooper said.

The jury heard the alleged victim repeatedly contacted police asking them to charge Mr Cooper upon learning the drug results.

'She's a victim. And she writes the note saying 'I want and need him charged'. She's making contact with the police, taking an active role in it,' Mr Dunn told the jury.

'Why does she need him charged ... the defence suggests because she's now an entrenched victim.'

While Mr Cooper had been desperate to enter the witness box and tell the jury what happened that night, he accepted legal advice not to.

The alleged victim had given her side of the story in open court, but under the law it is unable to be viewed - and therefore reported - by anyone other than the jury, judge and barristers involved in the hearing.

Mr Cooper, who is in the process of filing an official complaint with Victoria Police's Ethical Standards Department, claimed he had been the victim of a 'one-sided' investigation.

'The (police) spent hours with (the woman) and her university mates, but 30 minutes with me. It's like their mind was made up that I was guilty,' he said.

Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd, QC had ticked-off on the prosecution arguing the woman clearly must have been asleep or too drunk to give consent to sex.

Philip Dunn, QC (right) convinced the jury Phoenix Cooper (left) had no reason in the world to think the woman had not consented to jumping on top of him and having sex

Under the law, a person cannot be convicted of rape if the jury accepts they had a 'reasonable belief' that consent was given.

It was an unusual prosecution considering the absence of drugs in the woman's system, CCTV footage showing the couple leaving the venue and the woman's total lack of memory.

The jury had heard it was the woman who had stripped off and climbed on top of Mr Cooper in bed.

Mr Cooper said ordinary blokes who dare to go home with a woman after a night on the drink ought think twice.

'I mean you go home with a girl, she's all over you, she's kissing you, you're making out at the table, you're having cigars, you get asked where you live and you get in an Uber together and she's coming back to your house, she's kissing you, she sits on top of you and has sex with you. You don't think that you've done anything wrong,' he said.

'Anybody could be put into this situation if you're out drinking and you're at a bar and you meet a girl. This could happen to anybody and you think every single weekend people are out and guys are going home with girls. It's bound to happen more and more and I believe the laws need to be looked at.'

The jury was told Phoenix Cooper sported tattoos (pictured) and had been a bit of a bragger. He now struggles to trust women

Forensic doctors found the only substance in the woman's system had been the large amount of booze she had consumed at the Antique Bar (pictured)

Mr Cooper pondered why an equally intoxicated woman's claims were held in higher regard with Victorian authorities than a male.

'The man is held to a standard of being sober, which I think is wrong,' he said.

'This is happening to more and more guys because of this law ... you know drunken hook-ups and a girl can't remember the next day. But just because she can't remember doesn't mean there's not consent. '

Mr Cooper said he was unlikely to ever attempt to take a woman home from the pub again.

'The stress of the trial - being called a rapist and fighting for your life - it has severely impacted my relationships, my work life and put a hold on my life for over three years,' he said.

'It's hard for me to trust women anymore and finding a relationship is not something I want to do at the moment.'


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
What would the Founding Fathers do if they could travel to our current political turmoil and see the state of the Union they created? Watch Americas great, new, and dramatic patriotic movie, No Time to Run, and find out!

Director: Eric Williams



Feature Films:

Cinema collection: http://epochcinema.com

Epoch Original content: http://epochoriginal.com

Feature Films: https://www.theepochtimes.com/featured-films

* Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List.

Follow EpochTV on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus

Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV

Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV

Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus

Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV

Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV




1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results


A million Americans have been lost to the pandemic, according to the federal governments official count, making this a disaster that defies most comparisons. And yet its so much worse.

By the time the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the nation had reached the bleak crossroads last week, it was in all likelihood old news and a gross underestimate.

According to one recent systematic study of global excess mortality, the difference between expected and actual deaths, the United States had likely already lost 1.13 million due to the pandemic by the end of last year  more than any other country in the world save India, home to over a billion more souls. The study found that global deaths at that point may have reached 18 million, about three times the number indicated by official counts. As researchers from the Seattle-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation noted in the medical journal the Lancet, Official statistics on reported COVID-19 deaths provide only a partial picture of the true burden of mortality.

Even the partial picture is difficult to behold. According to the official toll alone, weve lost a population equal to that of Californias capital twice. In just over two years, the virus has killed more Americans than AIDS, the 1918 influenza or a quarter-centurys worth of seasonal flu. Its killed more than the Civil War or the World Wars.

And despite the political and public will to believe otherwise, the virus isnt done yet. Americans are still dying at a rate of more than 300 a day, a toll were likely underestimating. Its not just in number but also in kind that the official count understates the loss. Whats most sickening is how much of it was wholly avoidable.

More than 400,000 deaths have taken place during the year since highly effective vaccines became widely available. A study led by researchers at Brown University found that nearly 320,000 of those deaths could have been prevented by vaccines. Middling vaccination rates ultimately pushed the United States COVID deaths per capita past those of devastated Western European countries such as Italy, Britain and France.

California, which outperformed the country on vaccinations and imposed stricter precautions, offers another measure of what could have been prevented. If Californias death rate were the countrys, as a striking Bay Area News Group analysis showed, nearly a quarter of those million Americans  more than 240,000  would be alive today. If the country endured the pandemic as well as the Bay Area, which took a more cautious approach than California as a whole, nearly two-thirds of the dead  more than 650,000  would not have been lost.

But even the safest region in one of the safest large American states is only a partial measure of what could have been prevented. As the excess mortality study showed, a number of countries weathered the pandemic with a small fraction of Californias losses per capita.

These deaths need not have been prevented through economically and socially devastating lockdowns or an improbable triumph over anti-vaccine misinformation.

Even now, governments, businesses and people in the most careful corners of a careful state are forgoing precautions with minimal downsides, such as indoor masking and workplace, school and restaurant vaccination requirements.

That speaks to an even farther-reaching American disaster: the perpetual triumph of individual whim over collective wisdom.

When Patricia Dowd collapsed in her San Jose home in February 2020, becoming one of the earliest coronavirus losses in America, neither she nor the rest of the country knew what killed her, much less how to save her life.

Now the equivalent of Dowds city and more lie dead amid a willful and widespread rejection of all that we have learned.

Josh Gohlke is deputy California opinion editor for The Sacramento Bee.





SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results









WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe









Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.


SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.


OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.



WASHINGTON  One of President Bidens favorite stories is about the thousands of miles he traveled with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, back when they were their respective nations vice presidents. Ive spent a lot of time with Xi Jinping  they tell me more than any other world leader has, he said when he told the story at a Democratic Party fundraiser earlier this month.

The story has many purposes, among them a reminder that Biden, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before becoming vice president, has  at least in his own estimation  a deep understanding of East Asia, of the threats posed by communist China and despotic North Korea, and of the possibilities of cooperating with Japan and South Korea, among other nations, on security and trade.

President Biden boards Air Force One for a trip to South Korea and Japan at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Thursday. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Bidens expertise in Asian affairs will be put to the test when he travels to Japan and South Korea this week, his first trip to the continent as president.

Here are three key developments to watch for.

How much influence does the United States retain in East Asia?

For the last several months, Biden has marshaled support for the U.S.-led effort to bolster Ukraine as it defends itself against an unprovoked Russian invasion. Before leaving for Asia on Thursday, he welcomed the leaders of Finland and Sweden to the White House, endorsing their application to join NATO.

Now he is heading to a region where U.S. power is viewed much more ambiguously, and, in the case of North Korea, with outright hostility. We think this trip is going to put on full display President Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday, and that it will show, in living color, that the United States can at once lead the free world in responding to Russia's war in Ukraine and at the same time chart a course for effective, principled American leadership and engagement in a region that will define much of the future of the 21st century.

Biden has tried to restore the order shredded by former President Donald Trump, who pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and openly expressed his fond regard for the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. He started a trade war with China and later accused Beijing of concealing the origins of the coronavirus, which many in his administration thought to have originated in a laboratory in the city of Wuhan (it is more likely to have come from a wildlife market there, although this has still not been definitively resolved).

Story continues

"I think there is a lot of support for U.S. engagement in the region," says Eric Altbach, a senior vice president at the Albright Stonebridge Group who served in the State Department and the White House as a foreign policy expert under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Trumps withdrawal from the TPP undercut our credibility in a major way, Altbach told Yahoo News in a phone interview. "The United States has had nothing meaningful to offer until now."

In June 2019, President Donald Trump prepares to shake hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Biden has thus far kept Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods in place, in what could be seen as recognition that he shares his predecessors view that the communist superpower poses the greatest threat to U.S. geopolitical influence. But he has also sought to draw other Asian nations to his side, in contrast to Trumps renegade approach.

Last year, Biden signed a new security agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Partnership (AUKUS), under which nuclear submarines sold by the U.S. and the United Kingdom to Australia will sail in the Pacific from a new base that Australia plans to build on its eastern coast.

We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it will evolve, because the future of each of our nations, and indeed the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific, enduring and flourishing in the decades ahead, Biden said last September as the tripartite agreement was unveiled.

Although China wasnt mentioned once by any of the three AUKUS nation leaders in their accompanying remarks, there was little doubt that the new agreement was meant as a bulwark against Beijing. In response, China recently signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, citing the need to confront what it described as Western aggression.

President Biden holds a virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping of China from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 15, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Australia, together with the U.S. and the U.K., is forming a military bloc and provoking an arms race in the South Pacific, without any consultations with island countries of the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said.

Trade constitutes another American effort to reassert dominance in East Asia, in a bid to reverse what has been described as its steady decoupling from Western economies in the region.

Earlier this month, Biden hosted a summit with Southeast Asian leaders, announcing a bevy of new investments that signaled a reengagement that experts and elected leaders welcomed but considered probably insufficient.

In the end, the summit went well, wrote one Australian foreign policy expert, Susannah Patton. But context matters, and overall, the U.S. continues to lose influence to China in Southeast Asia."

While in Japan, Biden will unveil the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Sullivan described on Wednesday as a new model designed to tackle new economic challenges  from setting the rules of the digital economy to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, to managing the energy transition, to investing in clean, modern, high-standards infrastructure.

How will North Korea greet Biden?

In Seoul, people prepare a banner on Thursday showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Biden for a rally demanding the withdrawal of anti-North Korea policies. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

In 2019, Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to visit North Korea. Biden will not be making such a foray, but even as he continues to see China as a primary long-term threat, the unpredictable and secretive regime in Pyongyang poses a danger of its own.

On Wednesday, South Koreas deputy national security official, Kim Tae-hyo, said North Korea was preparing to greet Bidens visit to the Korean Peninsula with a troubling gesture.

"Preparations for launching missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, are understood to be imminent," Kim said. While such a test could be seen as mere bluster, it is also a reminder that North Korea remains a problem that no American president has successfully resolved.

If North Korea conducts a long-range missile or nuclear test during Bidens Seoul visit, it clearly marks a deliberate provocation aimed at extorting concessions from Washington, a South Korean expert on North Korean affairs told the Washington Post.

I dont think theres any question that North Korea has grown increasingly frustrated at its inability to force the U.S. back to the negotiation table on terms favorable to North Korea," Altbach of Albright Stonebridge told Yahoo News, referring to the diplomatic negotiations with the nuclear power that unraveled during the Trump administration.

North Korea is also experiencing what it says are its first COVID-19 cases, although observers believe the closed nation simply concealed earlier outbreaks. Whatever the case, a public announcement of positive cases could signal a humanitarian crisis in the works, given the lack of medical infrastructure and no vaccinations whatever.

At the Suseo Railway Station in Seoul on March 25, 2021, people watch a TV a news program showing North Korea's missile launch. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Human Rights Watch has called on Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to put aside their nuclear concerns and work through international bodies like the United Nations to encourage North Korea to accept offers of monitored deliveries of food, medicine, vaccines, and the infrastructure to preserve and distribute vaccines.

So far, Pyongyang has rebuffed offers of aid.

What is the future of Taiwan?

The historically fraught status of Taiwan offers a parallel in East Asia to the tensions that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Since 1949, China has viewed the island  which is separated from the mainland by 100 miles of water  as under the purview of Beijing.

Taiwan, however, has an independence movement that China views as a threat. The gunman who attacked a Taiwanese church in Southern California last Sunday is believed to have acted out of hatred of the Taiwanese people and their desire for independence, according to law enforcement officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has made some China analysts worry that it could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan, effectively ending any possibility of independence for the island.

Hours before Biden and Xi, the Chinese leader, spoke in March about the situation in Ukraine, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what could only be interpreted as a reminder to Washington. A U.S. guided missile destroyer shadowed the carrier at least partly on its route, Reuters reported.

The ultimate goal of reunification with Taiwan is one of the top priorities of Chinese leaders, Altbach told Yahoo News. I don't think the travails of the Russians in Ukraine are a direct corollary to the challenges [Chinese leaders] would face in Taiwan.

The White House has insisted that Biden respects Chinese claims on Taiwan, but the delicate balance on the issue could easily be upset, especially by a provocation on Chinas part. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the United States appeared to be preparing for the possibility of such an aggressive move and was persuading Taiwan to purchase weapons that could repel a Chinese invasion of the island.

There has been this wake-up call in the Pentagon to make sure Taiwan is serious, China expert Bonnie S. Glasser told the Times, and we need to get serious too."







1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results
1. Yes. If the price of gas keeps rising, a long road trip is going to be out of the question.

2. Yes. Its bound to take toll on the vacation budget; well have to make other plans.

3. No. It may take longer to pay off my gas cards, but high prices wont change my plans.

4.No. Im planning to fly for my vacation, so gas prices wont be much of a factor.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing what prices will be several weeks from now .

Vote

View Results












SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
SPRINGFIELD  The official misconduct case against a Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center senior staff member was dismissed on Thursday.

Union County States Attorney Tyler Tripp dropped the charges, related to a cover-up of abuse at the state-run facility, against Choates quality assurance manager Gary Goins.

The dismissal allows for charges to be refiled.

These cases continue to be under investigation, Tripp said Friday.

He declined further comment.

The state-run Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, houses 225 people who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. It is operated by the Department of Human Services.

Goins was charged with one count of official misconduct for obstructing a criminal investigation.

The charge alleged that Goins breached DHS inspector general investigative protocols by reviewing a file pertaining to an active Illinois State Police investigation of criminal conduct in order to gain a personal advantage.

The investigation involved an allegation of abuse of a patient by Choate staff member Kevin Jackson, who faces an aggravated battery charge. Jackson is accused of repeatedly striking a female patient with a belt and is scheduled to go on trial on Sept. 13.

Goins intended to gain advantage in defense of his and other administrators actions by gathering information from that file to cover-up Jacksons alleged criminal conduct, the charges alleged.

A court filing stated that one of the administrators directed a staff member to interview the victim before ISP investigators spoke to her. This was documented in a medical chart note that was later amended at the direction of Choate administrative staff, according to court records.

In a motion to dismiss filed in January, Goins attorney Wesley Wilkins stated that the grand jury that returned the indictment against Goins heard inaccurate information.

Wilkins stated in the motion that his review of the grand jury transcript showed that a witness testified that inspector general investigative protocols were codified in statute and that violating those protocols was illegal. That witness stated a review of the investigative file by anyone other than a person designated as an investigator was a violation of the protocols.

Wilkins contended that those statements were incorrect and that the protocols are administrative in nature, not statutory.

Union County Circuit Judge Tyler Edmonds dismissed the case against Teresa Smith, another Choate Administrator, based on similar legal arguments and a review of the OIG investigative protocols.

The judge stated that the protocol does not prevent anyone from reviewing documents, but instead only limits who can be designated as an investigator.

Choate Director Bryant Davis and Goins were indicted last June. Davis charges were still pending on Friday.

Twelve Choate employees have been charged with felonies in the last two and half years, including Smith, Bryant and Goins.

Former mental health technician Charles W. Mills is accused of the sexual assault of a female Choate resident who has a diagnosis of severe or profound intellectual disability. That case is pending.

Another mental health technician, Bradley Cross, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the head and pulling their hair.

In other pending cases, Choate workers Johnny Brimm, Bobby Lee, Matthew Wiseman and Dalton Anderson all face aggravated battery charges in connection with abuse of patients at Choate. Mark Allen, Cody Barger and Jonathan Lingle pleaded guilty to lesser charges in connection with the abuse of patients.

Allen faced three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly punching a patient in the face and head, pushing him to the ground and kicking him in the head. He also faced one count of felony intimidation. In December, he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice. The other charges were dropped.

Allen was sentenced to two years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must complete an anger management class.

Barger and Lingle were charged with lying to investigators and failing to report instances of abuse that included witnessing a worker forcing a patient to drink a cup of hot sauce and another incident that ended with a patient sustaining a broken arm.

Lingle pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of community service with credit for four days in county jail he served before posting bail. Barger also pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He, too, received a sentence of two years of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
OC Dems Call for California Democratic Party Secretarys Resignation

Some Democrats are calling for Melahat Rafiei, the former head of the Orange County Democratic Party and current secretary of the California Democratic Party, to resign after it was revealed she was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of bribing public officials in 2019 prior to her involvement as a cooperating witness in a corruption probe.

The FBI tapped Rafieis phone for about month in the summer of 2019 and arrested her on Oct. 28, 2019.

Rafiei told local media on May 19 that she is Cooperating Witness 1 known as CW1 in a criminal complaint filed this week in a U.S. District Court. The complaint alleges CW1 was involved in planning bribery schemes in Irvine and Anaheim.

In Anaheim, the investigation led to the arrest of former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Todd Ament and has prompted calls for Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to resign over alleged corruption in the sale of Angel Stadium.

Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The complaint against Rafiei was dismissed without prejudice at the request of the government, according to the FBI report.

However, FBI agents suspected Rafiei omitted material facts to investigators throughout the FBI probe, including additional instances where she offered to pay bribes to elected public officials.

Based on the governments interaction with CW1 and CW1s counsel, I believe CW1s motive for cooperating in this investigation was to receive leniency for the federal criminal violation CW1 was originally arrested for, as well as other possible criminal conduct. The government has not made any promises of leniency to CW1 or CW1s counsel, FBI Special Agent Brian Adkins stated in his affidavit, filed on Monday.

CW1 and the government have not been able to reach an agreement on a pre-indictment resolution, and at this time, there is no further cooperation expected.

Rafiei, who runs Progressive Solutions Consulting, is a well-known political consultant in Orange County and has worked on several election campaigns, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khans campaign, who did not respond to an inquiry on Friday.

Rafiei could not be reached for comment on Thursday and has not responded to multiple inquiries.

Kathleen Treseder, a Democrat running for a seat on Irvine City Council, told The Epoch Times Friday that Rafiei should step down from her high-profile role in the Democratic Party.

The Irvine Civic Center in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. 9John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I think that she should resign immediately. The bribery scheme, if true, is corruption which harms the community, Treseder said. Elected officials, they cant look out for the best interests of the community, if theyre being paid to make decisions that oppose those best interests. Its as simple as that.

Treseder posted on Facebook an excerpt from the FBI report that reveals Rafiei, a cannabis consultant, schemed to solicit money from two cannabis dealers with the intention of paying bribes to two elected members of the Irvine City Council in exchange for the Council Members performing official acts, resulting in the passage of favorable cannabis laws.

Let me tell you something, Treseder wrote on Facebook. If Im elected to Irvine City Council and someone tries to bribe me, Ill say no and contact the FBI. You should be able to trust your elected officials to look out for the best interests of the community.

Several Democratic sources told The Epoch Times that many Democrats have called for Rafieis resignation, while others are staying silent and taking a wait-and-see approach to the situation before passing judgement.

Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, has called for Rafiei to step down as state party secretary as well as all her other positions in the state, including the OC Fair Boardto which she was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the Voice of OC.

The Democratic Party will never condone misconduct. I trust the facts will come out in due course and the Democratic Party of Orange County supports a full investigation of corruption against any individual, Briceno told the Voice of OC. I think she should resign.

Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran, a Democrat, declined to give his opinion on the matter.

I have no comment, Agran said. Im just simply trying to absorb  the various reports about what may or may not have transpired here.

Former Irvine councilwoman Melissa Fox, also a Democratic Party member, could not be reached for comment on Friday.


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


Zimbabwean high achiever Mr Tafadzwa Chikoto, who was recently elected Mayor of Corby, a steel town in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday met President Mnangagwa at State House and promised to use his networks to invest in the vast opportunities found in the country.

Ambassador Mutsvangwa, who attended Tuesdays meeting said synergies were mulled particularly in the iron and steel industry.

I had the special honour and privilege to marvel at two high achieving Zimbabweans. One is an jackpot winning President EDM, who is delivering stellar economic growth to his nation Zimbabwe as it shrugs off intentionally debilitating, onerous sanctions imposed by inimical nations.

The other is a youthful Zimbabwe Diasporan success story as Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto scores big in shepherding Corby a steel town in the UK, he said.

When the two met, Cde Mutsvangwa said, discussions touched on the investment opportunities present in Zimbabwe.

Serendipity came into play as Zimbabwe is on the cusp of being a global league steel producer through the Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project.

The two remarkable political figures who share common nationality inevitably ended up exploring potential synergies in global steel trade. They zeroed in on tantalizing prospects of enhancing bilateral relations between historical partners that are Zimbabwe and UK.

They both agreed on a visit by the youthful Corby Mayor to Mvuma-Chivhu Manhize Steel Project ahead of his return to Corby, said Cde Mutsvangwa. Herald


President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.

President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will start offering a fifth dose of COVID-19 vaccines to priority groups from June 9 onwards, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Friday.

The priority groups include leaders of the government, the senate, the parliament, frontline health workers, government officials, civil servants, armed forces, the elderly, staff of embassies, national and international organizations, journalists, and celebrities.

He said the interval between the fourth and the fifth doses is at least three months.

"Vaccines have not only played a critical role in preventing deaths and infections, but also help prevent other infectious diseases such as flu," Hun Sen said in a voice message released publicly.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said the Southeast Asian country has reported no new cases of COVID-19 for 14 days straight, and there are only eight active cases in the kingdom.

Cambodia has so far inoculated at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 15 million people, or 93.8 percent of its 16 million population, the health ministry said, adding that of them, 14.27 million, or 89 percent, have been fully vaccinated with two required shots.

Also, some 9 million, or 56.2 percent, have got a third dose, and 2.3 million, or 14.4 percent, have had a fourth dose.

Buoyed by its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has resumed all socioeconomic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers without quarantine since November last year.

China's Sinovac and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines have been widely used in the kingdom's immunization program. 
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.

ADDIS ABABA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Friday said quality data is critical to fostering inter-regional cooperation on migration.

The statement was made by Edlam Yemeru, acting director of UNECA's Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division, as she emphasized that using high quality data is critical to fostering inter-regional cooperation on the implementation of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration (GCM).

"The UNECA continues working closely with member states and other relevant institutions to strengthen their national capacities on generation, analysis and dissemination of disaggregated migration data to support evidence-based policymaking and programming to fully integrate migration into development planning," a UNECA statement issued Friday quoted Yemeru as saying.

"In the long term, we want to see migration statistics being integrated into national censuses and surveys," Yemeru added.

The UNECA further underscored the need to reframe migration as a "development agenda now more than ever."

According to the latest figures from the UNECA, remittances to Africa amounted to 78.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, which is said to be three times higher than the foreign aid received by the continent during the same year.

Yemeru further emphasized the need to position migration as a means of recovery and build resilience of the African continent from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other external shocks.

She said the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement is one such major opportunity, which will transform the continent, significantly boosting the GDP growth, manufacturing capacity and employment creation.

"In this context, migration and labour mobility become critical. The benefits of free trade envisaged in the AfCFTA are not attainable without the free movement of people," Yemeru said.

"It is, therefore, urgent to swiftly implement the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to eliminate barriers to the movement of people within the continent and to enable African countries to reap the benefits of regular labour migration, because most Africans migrate within the continent, not outside."

Yemeru stressed that the UNECA remains determined to strengthening its collaboration with African countries and regional entities to expedite the full activation of the African continental free trade pact to ensure its maximize benefits for the continent and its resilience. 
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349



SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western U.S. state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting Monday through the school year which ends June 3, as COVID-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement Friday from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, the announcement said. Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March.

City Superintendent Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation. "Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens said.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 among students and staff," he noted.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000. When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 percent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 percent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalizations as high as in mid-March. 

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.



Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]

Tomatoes may get more attention, but throughout Italy, lemon also often finds its way into pasta.

Along the Amalfi coast, ring-shaped calamarata pasta is paired with clams, parsley, garlic and fried strips of a sweet local lemon. In Sicily, broken pasta comes studded with toasted pistachios, Parmesan, and a lemons juice and zest. And in Rome, the juice is whisked with olive oil, cream and Parmesan for al dente tagliatelle.

The sour and subtly sweet citrus balances the noodles starch and the sauces heft, functioning much like the dose of freshly ground black pepper that offsets pecorino Romano in cacio e pepe. And it serves much the same role as tomato often does, providing acidity that cuts through cheese.

In fact, the pairing of lemons and pasta is arguably more traditional than red sauce itself, as the fruit arrived in Italy at least 1,500 years before tomatoes.

Lemon features prominently in one pasta in our book COOKish, which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Bright, bracing lemon zest and juice perk up the savoriness of garlic, pancetta and capers, while a dusting of golden crisp breadcrumbs adds texture.

This spaghetti also is a one-pot wonder: We cook the pasta in a minimal amount of water, and the starchy liquid that results forms a lightly thickened sauce that coats the noodles.

Start to finish: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

4 ounces pancetta, chopped

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

 cup drained capers, chopped

1 pound spaghetti

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, cook the panko and oil, stirring, until golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in a pinch of salt. In the same pot, cook the pancetta, stirring, until crisp. Add the garlic and most of the capers; cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add 4 cups water and  teaspoon each salt and pepper, then boil. Stir in the pasta, cover and cook, stirring, until al dente. Off heat, stir in the remaining capers and lemon zest and juice; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

Optional garnish: Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley OR finely grated pecorino Romano cheese OR both.

EDITORS NOTE: For more recipes, go to Christopher Kimballs Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Sugo allAmatriciana (sauce Amatriciana) is a classic Roman tomato-based sauce that includes guanciale (cured pork jowl) and Pecorino Romano cheese. The guanciale is cooked until crisp and the rendered fat helps create the delicious porky flavor base of the sauce. The salty Pecorino Romano cheese adds flavor and creaminess. What sets this sauce apart from some other traditional red sauces is that the tomatoes are very lightly cooked, which makes the tomato flavor lighter and fresher than a long-stewed tomato sauce.

In this recipe I stay (mostly) true to the original by keeping both ingredients and cook time minimal. I also reached out to Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela Prakash, our resident Mediterranean expert, for advice. She told me that she had a killer Amatriciana at Evan Funkes Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles. She said his version was very pork-forward and served with rigatoni. I kept that in mind when developing this recipe.

I made the recipe a few times, each time with varying amounts of guanciale. For my taste buds, the version that reigned supreme was the one with the most guanciale. Not only was the sauce delicious, but it also had the exact right amount of guanciale pieces to chew on. The best part about this sauce  besides the way it tastes  is how quickly the whole meal comes together. Big flavor in under 30 minutes? Count me in!

What does Amatriciana mean in Italian?

Amatriciana gets its name from Amatrice, the town about a two-hour drive east of Rome where this sauce originated. Original iterations of the sauce, known as pasta alla gricia, didnt include tomato. This white version of Amatriciana is said to get its name from the Italian word gricio, an early Roman word for bread-makers and sellers of other basic food staples. Pasta alla gricia is also considered to be the predecessor to what we know today as carbonara. The Amatrice version of Amatriciana is served with spaghetti. When the sauce made its way to Roma, bucatini was swapped in.

Whats the difference between Arrabiata and Amatriciana?

Arrabiata sauce and Amatriciana are both tomato-based, but otherwise they are distinct. Arrabiata doesnt have guanciale or Pecorino Romano in it. Arrabiata is known for its signature heat, which comes from plenty of red pepper flakes.

Amatriciana essentials

The guanciale: You cant have Amatriciana without guanciale. The fat of the guanciale is the base of the sauce. Guanicale is cured with salt and spices and some have more spices rubbed on the exterior than others. If possible, choose a guanciale that has a lesser amount of spices. Any guanciale will do  just know that if you have a guanciale with more spices on the exterior, those spices will season the sauce. If you cant find guanciale, some recipes recommend swapping in pancetta. The dish will still be delicious, but know you wont be making true Amatriciana.

Trim the guanciale into lardons, and cook until the meat is crisp and the fat has rendered. The fat is whisked into the tomato sauce, which gives the sauce its signature porky flavor.

The tomatoes: I call for crushed or diced canned tomatoes in this recipe, but you can also use passata. Barely cook the sauce to keep the flavors fresh and light.

The pasta: Original iterations of the sauce used spaghetti. Bucatini came on to the scene after the sauce made its way to Rome. If you travel to Rome today, youll likely find it served with bucatini. Nowadays, rigatoni is also frequently used.

The cheese: Pecorino Romano is a salty dry cheese used in this sauce. If you cant find it you can substitute for Parmesan  but, again, it wont be true Amatriciana.

A little something extra

True Amatriciana doesnt include garlic or oregano, but in this recipe I add a couple cloves of crushed garlic and a large sprig of marjoram to add another layer of gentle flavor to the sauce. I crush, gently simmer, and then remove the aromatics so they dont overpower the sauce. You can sub the marjoram with oregano or you can omit the garlic and marjoram all together.

Bucatini all'Amatriciana

Serves 4 to 6

Kosher salt

1 pound dried bucatini or rigatoni pasta

2 cloves garlic (optional)

3 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese

8 ounces unsliced guanciale, preferably unseasoned

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or passata (about 3 cups)

1 (about 4-inch) sprig fresh marjoram or oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more as for serving

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.

2. Crush 2 garlic cloves if using and discard the peels. Finely grate 3 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese on the smallest holes of the box grater (about 1 1/4 cups). Using a sharp knife, cut 8 ounces of guanciale into 1/4-inch thick matchsticks that are about 1 inch long. Line a plate with paper towels.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12 inch high-sided skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the guanciale and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp all over, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the guanciale to the prepared plate with a slotted spoon.

4. Add 1 pound dried bucatini or rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, 8 to 12 minutes.

5. Return the skillet with the guanciale fat to low heat. Slowly add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or pureed tomatoes or passata (about 3 cups). Be careful; it may bubble and sputter. Add the garlic cloves, 1 (4-inch) fresh marjoram or oregano sprig, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

6. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a bare simmer, stirring vigorously to combine. Simmer until the flavors meld butthe tomatoes do not reduce much, 8 to 10 minutes. If the pasta is not ready, turn off the heat.

9. Remove and discard the garlic cloves and herb sprig. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooked guanciale and 1/4 cup of the cheese for garnish. Add the remaining guanciale and cheese to the sauce and stir to combine.

10. When the pasta is ready, use tongs to transfer the pasta into the skillet. Toss, over low heat, until the pasta is well coated with sauce, adding the pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed to make it saucy (2 to 4 tablespoons). Serve topped with the reserved guanciale, cheese and more red pepper flakes if desired.

Recipe note: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.

(Amelia Rampe is senior recipe editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.




MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

ADDIS ABABA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Friday said quality data is critical to fostering inter-regional cooperation on migration.

The statement was made by Edlam Yemeru, acting director of UNECA's Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division, as she emphasized that using high quality data is critical to fostering inter-regional cooperation on the implementation of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration (GCM).

"The UNECA continues working closely with member states and other relevant institutions to strengthen their national capacities on generation, analysis and dissemination of disaggregated migration data to support evidence-based policymaking and programming to fully integrate migration into development planning," a UNECA statement issued Friday quoted Yemeru as saying.

"In the long term, we want to see migration statistics being integrated into national censuses and surveys," Yemeru added.

The UNECA further underscored the need to reframe migration as a "development agenda now more than ever."

According to the latest figures from the UNECA, remittances to Africa amounted to 78.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, which is said to be three times higher than the foreign aid received by the continent during the same year.

Yemeru further emphasized the need to position migration as a means of recovery and build resilience of the African continent from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other external shocks.

She said the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement is one such major opportunity, which will transform the continent, significantly boosting the GDP growth, manufacturing capacity and employment creation.

"In this context, migration and labour mobility become critical. The benefits of free trade envisaged in the AfCFTA are not attainable without the free movement of people," Yemeru said.

"It is, therefore, urgent to swiftly implement the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to eliminate barriers to the movement of people within the continent and to enable African countries to reap the benefits of regular labour migration, because most Africans migrate within the continent, not outside."

Yemeru stressed that the UNECA remains determined to strengthening its collaboration with African countries and regional entities to expedite the full activation of the African continental free trade pact to ensure its maximize benefits for the continent and its resilience. 
ADDIS ABABA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Friday said quality data is critical to fostering inter-regional cooperation on migration.

The statement was made by Edlam Yemeru, acting director of UNECA's Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division, as she emphasized that using high quality data is critical to fostering inter-regional cooperation on the implementation of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration (GCM).

"The UNECA continues working closely with member states and other relevant institutions to strengthen their national capacities on generation, analysis and dissemination of disaggregated migration data to support evidence-based policymaking and programming to fully integrate migration into development planning," a UNECA statement issued Friday quoted Yemeru as saying.

"In the long term, we want to see migration statistics being integrated into national censuses and surveys," Yemeru added.

The UNECA further underscored the need to reframe migration as a "development agenda now more than ever."

According to the latest figures from the UNECA, remittances to Africa amounted to 78.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, which is said to be three times higher than the foreign aid received by the continent during the same year.

Yemeru further emphasized the need to position migration as a means of recovery and build resilience of the African continent from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other external shocks.

She said the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement is one such major opportunity, which will transform the continent, significantly boosting the GDP growth, manufacturing capacity and employment creation.

"In this context, migration and labour mobility become critical. The benefits of free trade envisaged in the AfCFTA are not attainable without the free movement of people," Yemeru said.

"It is, therefore, urgent to swiftly implement the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to eliminate barriers to the movement of people within the continent and to enable African countries to reap the benefits of regular labour migration, because most Africans migrate within the continent, not outside."

Yemeru stressed that the UNECA remains determined to strengthening its collaboration with African countries and regional entities to expedite the full activation of the African continental free trade pact to ensure its maximize benefits for the continent and its resilience. 

BUENOS AIRES, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Argentina has applied more than 101 million vaccine shots against COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Friday.

According to the ministry's Public Vaccination Monitor, some 107,697,020 vaccine doses have been distributed around the country, and of those, 101,147,280 have been applied since the onset of the pandemic in the South American country.

To date, 40,762,398 people have received their first shot, while 37,405,047 people have been fully vaccinated and 19,953,595 people have been boosted.

The top health official for Buenos Aires province, Nicolas Kreplak, said Friday the country is undergoing a "fourth wave" of infections driven by a subvariant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The subvariant is "30 percent more contagious than the one we had in January," but many of the cases have been "mild," so the wave has so far had little impact on hospitalizations and deaths, he said.

As of May 15, Argentina registered 9,135,308 COVID-19 cases and 128,776 related deaths. 
BUENOS AIRES, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Argentina has applied more than 101 million vaccine shots against COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Friday.

According to the ministry's Public Vaccination Monitor, some 107,697,020 vaccine doses have been distributed around the country, and of those, 101,147,280 have been applied since the onset of the pandemic in the South American country.

To date, 40,762,398 people have received their first shot, while 37,405,047 people have been fully vaccinated and 19,953,595 people have been boosted.

The top health official for Buenos Aires province, Nicolas Kreplak, said Friday the country is undergoing a "fourth wave" of infections driven by a subvariant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The subvariant is "30 percent more contagious than the one we had in January," but many of the cases have been "mild," so the wave has so far had little impact on hospitalizations and deaths, he said.

As of May 15, Argentina registered 9,135,308 COVID-19 cases and 128,776 related deaths. 

Aussie punters have put the big supermarket chains to the ultimate test by trialing their democracy sausage offerings to find which one is best.

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi snags were put to the test by consumer advocacy group Choice - and it found there was a clear winner.

Its report found 'the golden ratio for a perfect sausage is 80 per cent meat to 20 per cent fat', observing each grocery store used different ratios.

Aldi got nods for cheaper product, but the Coles sausage won top gong for higher meat content

Top marks were awarded to a the balance of fat, meat and sodium content, and how many Aussie ingredients were present in each sausage product.

Coles nabbed top prize, namely for its meat and fat ratio, with 77 per cent of the product containing meat compared to the fat content.

German giant Aldi came in behind Coles in second place for having the cheapest snag, but lost points for high fat content with 21.4 grams of fat per 100g.

Its packaging, which said their sausage contained 'beef, lamb or chicken', also prevented them from taking first prize honours.

In last place, the Woolworths sausage had the lowest meat and sodium content, and the lowest percentage of Aussie ingredients at 92 per cent, compared with 97 per cent for the Coles sausage and 96 per cent for Aldi.

The democracy sausage has been a stalwart for Aussies heading to the polls, with more than 2,000 polling places offering them around the country this year, according to democracysausage.org.

Meat-fat ratio was an important aspect researchers assessed to discover the best supermarket sausage

The website said the ACT offered the best opportunity for voters to wolf down a snag with more than 84 per cent of voters expected to have access to a sausage sizzle.

Tasmanian polling places provided the slimmest opportunity, with almost 30 per cent of voters have access to a sausage.

Food Safety Information Council chair Cathy Moir says sausage sizzles and bake sales are great to raise money for schools and community organisations, but pointed out that care was needed to make sure they don't become spreaders of foodborne illness.

She says every slap-up and treat stall should have a supervisor to make sure everyone follows food safety rules.

A separate person should be designated to take orders and money so the cooks can concentrate on handling the food safely.

Running water and soap need to be available wherever raw meat or poultry is being handled, and going to the toilet, face- or hair-touching, nose-blowing and leaving stalls to shake hands with election-day customers are all serious no-nos.

Never handle food for others while feeling unwell, and when transporting food only travel a short distance and make sure they are covered and cool.

Meat cuts should be kept under 5C until it is time to slap them on the barbie, and a probe thermometer should be used to check that sausages, hamburger patties and poultry are cooked to at least 75C.

'If you run a cake stall, don't include riskier ingredients such as fresh cream or raw or partially cooked eggs,' Ms Moir said.

'Make sure cakes are covered to protect them from insects and people sneezing on them.'

Fundraisers might also need to be registered with local councils.






Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
As Pro-Nox has gained prominence in the medical and aesthetic industries, CAREstream America was delighted to observe National Pro-Nox Day on May 15, 2022!

ORLANDO, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CAREstream America was established in 2013 with a vision to expand its Canadian roots of distributing premium respiratory, aesthetic, and pain management solutions into the United States. One of CAREstream's most distinguished products is Pro-Nox, an FDA cleared, self-administered analgesic gas delivery system designed to alleviate pain and anxiety during procedures for adult and pediatric patients. Employing a 50/50 mixture of Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide, Pro-Nox has become the leading pain-relieving choice for thousands of clinicians and their patients.

Over 5,000 practices across the United States and Canada have integrated Pro-Nox as a vital component to their practice or facility. It has proven to be an incredibly versatile device, used in treatments including RF Microneedling, focused ultrasound, tattoo removal, aesthetic injectables, ablative and non-ablative laser treatments, hair restoration, urology, and even labor and delivery.

Patients can effectively manage their discomfort by taking an initial 5-7 deep breaths through Pro-Nox tubing at their own pace and then continuing this series of breaths throughout the treatment. Since Pro-Nox wears off within 10 minutes, patients can leave their treatments free of analgesic effects, and practitioners can complete procedures faster and with significantly more ease.

Marcel Besse, Executive Director of Pro-Nox Aesthetics, accredits Pro-Nox for jumpstarting a new wave of "painless treatments" with its anti-anxiety, relaxing effects. It has also increased growth for practices as more and more patients develop a positive outlook on their procedures, making it easy to achieve their aesthetic or medical goals.

Besse believes that "Pro-Nox helps practitioners answer the inevitable "Will it hurt?" question and has completely redefined what it means to undergo procedures  whether they're invasive or noninvasive. Typically, apprehensive patients either dread or completely shy away from medical/aesthetic procedures due to the possibility of pain. I wholeheartedly believe that Pro-Nox breaks that stigma and gives doctors and patients a better opportunity to connect, makes patients happier, and increases the practitioner's overall success."

Jason Pozner M.D., renowned plastic surgeon, thanks Pro-Nox because it "has changed the way we practice plastic surgery. Not only does my staff use Pro-Nox daily for minimally invasive treatments, now most of our eyelid surgery, deep lasers and small volume liposuction is being done with small amounts of oral or IM medications along with Pro-Nox."

"Now, more than ever, we need to make our patients feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable. I have been so impressed with how Pro-Nox has helped us manage all of this," added Doris Day, M.D., board-certified dermatologist.

"What are the benefits of Pro-Nox? Well, there's two benefits  one is to the patient, and two is to the practice. The patient feels a sense of euphoria in the face of pain. Once patients find out your technique is painless, word-of-mouth referrals increase, patient retention increases, and better outcomes increase once you're known as the "painless practice," remarked board-certified plastic surgeon, Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

As Pro-Nox has gained prominence in the medical and aesthetic industries, CAREstream America was delighted to observe National Pro-Nox Day on May 15, 2022! Pro-Nox has become a well-known name with growth seen in units sold, social media engagement, and overall notability  earning this device national recognition.

CAREstream America has made it a priority to ensure Pro-Nox is available not only to aesthetic offices and birthing centers, but to many other medical specialties dealing with procedure discomfort and anxiety. Connect for a private demo and follow @pronoxcsa on Instagram to celebrate annually on May 15th!

About CAREstream America

The CAREstream group is dedicated to bettering the lives of its employees, patients and customers through premium services and products. CAREstream has been serving customer's respiratory and anesthesia needs for over 20 years. In 2013, CAREstream America was formed to expand its distribution of aesthetic and biologic solutions including Pro-Nox, Alpha2Active A2M, CAREprp, water-jet technologies to help shape the body and more. Both divisions also offer a variety of additional cutting-edge solutions to furnish quality care for facilities within aesthetics, orthopedics, labor and delivery, urology, hospitals and more. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. and the VeinViewer device are also elements of the CAREstream Group.www.carestreamamerica.com | www.christiemed.com

PRESS CONTACT

Marcel Besse855-892-3872https://www.pro-nox.com/home/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carestream-america-proclaims-may-15-national-pro-nox-day--celebrating-the-top-pain-relieving-analgesic-301552363.html

SOURCE Pro-Nox by CAREstream America
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a news release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor; one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes after a witness reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the news release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile joined her in her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 319-627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Gap year students could lose thousands of pounds after a charity collapsed on Thursday.

Raleigh International, a charity used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ran into financial difficulties and closed days after it took money raised to fund trips abroad.

Charity administrators blamed travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic as well as cuts in government spending on foreign aid which made fundraising difficult.

Days before the charity closed many prospective volunteers paid thousands of pounds they had fundraised for their trips.

They received no warning the organisation was facing trouble as it is now in voluntary liquidation.

Raleigh International has met with a financial services firm and is taking legal advice over the situation, but cannot yet guarantee all the money will be returned.

The charities 47 staff have lost their jobs and future trips have been cancelled, even for volunteers who have already paid thousands to go.

A gap year charity that sent Wills and Kate to work on projects in Chile in their teens has collapsed. Raleigh International said its finances were hit hard by the pandemic and travel rules

As teenagers The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in projects run by Raleigh International in Chile, missing eachother by weeks.

Rosie Giesler, 20, from west London, had given 3,800 she raised for a rainforest conservation trip to Costa Rica. 'It came as a complete shock when I heard about the collapse.

'It was going to be one of the high- lights of my year' she said.

The charity sent tens of thousands of young volunteers on life-changing opportunities to work abroad on ten-week health, education, and construction projects in some of the poorest communities around the world since they were founded in 1978.

Carter Backer Winter, the firm appointed to handle Raleigh International's affairs, said: 'The charity is mindful that volunteers who have paid funds will be concerned about the status of these funds and legal advice is being sought in this regard.'
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
New York, NY, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DR PLANT just launched its 2022 newly upgraded Dendrobium Relieve Wrinkle Massage Eye Cream! The new eye cream is another masterpiece of the dendrobium family product matrix. It uses the alpine dendrobium orchid as its main ingredient, is made according to a five "0" formula and can be used together with the eye Pilates method, opening up a new scientific journey of anti-aging eye skin care.

In the world of skin care where products are of prime importance, doing more scientific research on products gives consumers more peace of mind. Dr. Yang Lixin of the "DR PLANT R&D Center" of the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has after extensively researching 8 ancient Chinese medical books and 243 skin care plants and doing activity tests on 13 skin care plants used by the Naxi ethnic minority, found out that the dendrobium orchid growing in the high mountain area contains purer and richer nutrients than the ordinary dendrobium orchid. Furthermore, its DPPH free radical clearance rate, tyrosinase inhibition activity rate, as well as collagen secretion rate are showing outstanding data performances.

In order to better bring out the skin care value of the dendrobium orchid, the R&D team of DR PLANT issued the patent - "a Dendrobium officinale extract and its preparation method". This patent maximizes the preservation of the active ingredients of the plant, and furthermore has a safety rate and extraction rate that is second to none in China. Consequently, DR PLANT uses "black technology" to extract the active ingredients of the Dendrobium orchid, which is growing at an altitude of about 1600 meters, breaking through technical barriers, challenging the "high difficulty" categorization of the industry, adding 70 times dendrobium essence for the first time ever, and thereby enhancing the moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin brightening effect, providing a multi-dimensional care for the skin around the eyes.

Due to the direct contact of cosmetics with the human body, quality and safety issues have always attracted much attention. The "Cosmetic Efficacy Claim Evaluation Specification" implemented in May 2021 puts forward higher requirements for the listing of functional cosmetics, and enterprises and brands that cannot support efficacy evaluation are gradually eliminated. For DR PLANT with its strong scientific research strength, this is a good opportunity to show its skills.

As the only Chinese skin care brand with the support of national scientific research forces, DR PLANT jointly established the "DR PLANT R&D Center" with the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2014. In addition to basic research, DR PLANT also promotes the "scientific research industry chain". Headed by the "DR PLANT R&D Center" at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the company set up the Tokyo Hanfang Skin Care Scientific Research Center in Japan, the Shunde Formulation and Clinical Research Base, the Beijing Asia-Pacific Institute of Dermatology, and the Kunming Botanical Skin Care R&D Laboratory, thus forming a complete structure of "1 center and 4 bases" in the "scientific and technological research and development innovation chain" of DR PLANT.

"DR PLANT R&D Center" at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences

At present, the DR PLANT Dendrobium Relieve Wrinkle Massage Eye Cream has been listed in mainland China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In the future, DR PLANT will continue to refine its strength, and increase its investment into scientific research in order to create more high-quality alpine plant skin care products, leading Chinese brands to the world, and letting the world fall in love with Chinese cosmetics!

Media contact

Company Name: DR PLANT

Email: douy@drplant.com.cn

Disclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any other product or service in this press release. Products mentioned in the press release are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, prevent or treat any disease or health condition and they are not to be considered a medical device or medicine. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not to purchase the product. Consult your health advisor, attorney, or doctor for advice. For more info, please contact brandnewsproject@gmail.com.

Attachment
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
New York, NY, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DR PLANT just launched its 2022 newly upgraded Dendrobium Relieve Wrinkle Massage Eye Cream! The new eye cream is another masterpiece of the dendrobium family product matrix. It uses the alpine dendrobium orchid as its main ingredient, is made according to a five "0" formula and can be used together with the eye Pilates method, opening up a new scientific journey of anti-aging eye skin care.

In the world of skin care where products are of prime importance, doing more scientific research on products gives consumers more peace of mind. Dr. Yang Lixin of the "DR PLANT R&D Center" of the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has after extensively researching 8 ancient Chinese medical books and 243 skin care plants and doing activity tests on 13 skin care plants used by the Naxi ethnic minority, found out that the dendrobium orchid growing in the high mountain area contains purer and richer nutrients than the ordinary dendrobium orchid. Furthermore, its DPPH free radical clearance rate, tyrosinase inhibition activity rate, as well as collagen secretion rate are showing outstanding data performances.

In order to better bring out the skin care value of the dendrobium orchid, the R&D team of DR PLANT issued the patent - "a Dendrobium officinale extract and its preparation method". This patent maximizes the preservation of the active ingredients of the plant, and furthermore has a safety rate and extraction rate that is second to none in China. Consequently, DR PLANT uses "black technology" to extract the active ingredients of the Dendrobium orchid, which is growing at an altitude of about 1600 meters, breaking through technical barriers, challenging the "high difficulty" categorization of the industry, adding 70 times dendrobium essence for the first time ever, and thereby enhancing the moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin brightening effect, providing a multi-dimensional care for the skin around the eyes.

Due to the direct contact of cosmetics with the human body, quality and safety issues have always attracted much attention. The "Cosmetic Efficacy Claim Evaluation Specification" implemented in May 2021 puts forward higher requirements for the listing of functional cosmetics, and enterprises and brands that cannot support efficacy evaluation are gradually eliminated. For DR PLANT with its strong scientific research strength, this is a good opportunity to show its skills.

As the only Chinese skin care brand with the support of national scientific research forces, DR PLANT jointly established the "DR PLANT R&D Center" with the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2014. In addition to basic research, DR PLANT also promotes the "scientific research industry chain". Headed by the "DR PLANT R&D Center" at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the company set up the Tokyo Hanfang Skin Care Scientific Research Center in Japan, the Shunde Formulation and Clinical Research Base, the Beijing Asia-Pacific Institute of Dermatology, and the Kunming Botanical Skin Care R&D Laboratory, thus forming a complete structure of "1 center and 4 bases" in the "scientific and technological research and development innovation chain" of DR PLANT.

"DR PLANT R&D Center" at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences

At present, the DR PLANT Dendrobium Relieve Wrinkle Massage Eye Cream has been listed in mainland China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In the future, DR PLANT will continue to refine its strength, and increase its investment into scientific research in order to create more high-quality alpine plant skin care products, leading Chinese brands to the world, and letting the world fall in love with Chinese cosmetics!

Media contact

Company Name: DR PLANT

Email: douy@drplant.com.cn

Disclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any other product or service in this press release. Products mentioned in the press release are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, prevent or treat any disease or health condition and they are not to be considered a medical device or medicine. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not to purchase the product. Consult your health advisor, attorney, or doctor for advice. For more info, please contact brandnewsproject@gmail.com.

Attachment
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a news release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor; one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes after a witness reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the news release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile joined her in her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 319-627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
New York, NY, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DR PLANT just launched its 2022 newly upgraded Dendrobium Relieve Wrinkle Massage Eye Cream! The new eye cream is another masterpiece of the dendrobium family product matrix. It uses the alpine dendrobium orchid as its main ingredient, is made according to a five "0" formula and can be used together with the eye Pilates method, opening up a new scientific journey of anti-aging eye skin care.

In the world of skin care where products are of prime importance, doing more scientific research on products gives consumers more peace of mind. Dr. Yang Lixin of the "DR PLANT R&D Center" of the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has after extensively researching 8 ancient Chinese medical books and 243 skin care plants and doing activity tests on 13 skin care plants used by the Naxi ethnic minority, found out that the dendrobium orchid growing in the high mountain area contains purer and richer nutrients than the ordinary dendrobium orchid. Furthermore, its DPPH free radical clearance rate, tyrosinase inhibition activity rate, as well as collagen secretion rate are showing outstanding data performances.

In order to better bring out the skin care value of the dendrobium orchid, the R&D team of DR PLANT issued the patent - "a Dendrobium officinale extract and its preparation method". This patent maximizes the preservation of the active ingredients of the plant, and furthermore has a safety rate and extraction rate that is second to none in China. Consequently, DR PLANT uses "black technology" to extract the active ingredients of the Dendrobium orchid, which is growing at an altitude of about 1600 meters, breaking through technical barriers, challenging the "high difficulty" categorization of the industry, adding 70 times dendrobium essence for the first time ever, and thereby enhancing the moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin brightening effect, providing a multi-dimensional care for the skin around the eyes.

Due to the direct contact of cosmetics with the human body, quality and safety issues have always attracted much attention. The "Cosmetic Efficacy Claim Evaluation Specification" implemented in May 2021 puts forward higher requirements for the listing of functional cosmetics, and enterprises and brands that cannot support efficacy evaluation are gradually eliminated. For DR PLANT with its strong scientific research strength, this is a good opportunity to show its skills.

As the only Chinese skin care brand with the support of national scientific research forces, DR PLANT jointly established the "DR PLANT R&D Center" with the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2014. In addition to basic research, DR PLANT also promotes the "scientific research industry chain". Headed by the "DR PLANT R&D Center" at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the company set up the Tokyo Hanfang Skin Care Scientific Research Center in Japan, the Shunde Formulation and Clinical Research Base, the Beijing Asia-Pacific Institute of Dermatology, and the Kunming Botanical Skin Care R&D Laboratory, thus forming a complete structure of "1 center and 4 bases" in the "scientific and technological research and development innovation chain" of DR PLANT.

"DR PLANT R&D Center" at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences

At present, the DR PLANT Dendrobium Relieve Wrinkle Massage Eye Cream has been listed in mainland China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In the future, DR PLANT will continue to refine its strength, and increase its investment into scientific research in order to create more high-quality alpine plant skin care products, leading Chinese brands to the world, and letting the world fall in love with Chinese cosmetics!

Media contact

Company Name: DR PLANT

Email: douy@drplant.com.cn

Disclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any other product or service in this press release. Products mentioned in the press release are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, prevent or treat any disease or health condition and they are not to be considered a medical device or medicine. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not to purchase the product. Consult your health advisor, attorney, or doctor for advice. For more info, please contact brandnewsproject@gmail.com.

Attachment
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Gap year students could lose thousands of pounds after a charity collapsed on Thursday.

Raleigh International, a charity used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ran into financial difficulties and closed days after it took money raised to fund trips abroad.

Charity administrators blamed travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic as well as cuts in government spending on foreign aid which made fundraising difficult.

Days before the charity closed many prospective volunteers paid thousands of pounds they had fundraised for their trips.

They received no warning the organisation was facing trouble as it is now in voluntary liquidation.

Raleigh International has met with a financial services firm and is taking legal advice over the situation, but cannot yet guarantee all the money will be returned.

The charities 47 staff have lost their jobs and future trips have been cancelled, even for volunteers who have already paid thousands to go.

A gap year charity that sent Wills and Kate to work on projects in Chile in their teens has collapsed. Raleigh International said its finances were hit hard by the pandemic and travel rules

As teenagers The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in projects run by Raleigh International in Chile, missing eachother by weeks.

Rosie Giesler, 20, from west London, had given 3,800 she raised for a rainforest conservation trip to Costa Rica. 'It came as a complete shock when I heard about the collapse.

'It was going to be one of the high- lights of my year' she said.

The charity sent tens of thousands of young volunteers on life-changing opportunities to work abroad on ten-week health, education, and construction projects in some of the poorest communities around the world since they were founded in 1978.

Carter Backer Winter, the firm appointed to handle Raleigh International's affairs, said: 'The charity is mindful that volunteers who have paid funds will be concerned about the status of these funds and legal advice is being sought in this regard.'

Gap year students could lose thousands of pounds after a charity collapsed on Thursday.

Raleigh International, a charity used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ran into financial difficulties and closed days after it took money raised to fund trips abroad.

Charity administrators blamed travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic as well as cuts in government spending on foreign aid which made fundraising difficult.

Days before the charity closed many prospective volunteers paid thousands of pounds they had fundraised for their trips.

They received no warning the organisation was facing trouble as it is now in voluntary liquidation.

Raleigh International has met with a financial services firm and is taking legal advice over the situation, but cannot yet guarantee all the money will be returned.

The charities 47 staff have lost their jobs and future trips have been cancelled, even for volunteers who have already paid thousands to go.

A gap year charity that sent Wills and Kate to work on projects in Chile in their teens has collapsed. Raleigh International said its finances were hit hard by the pandemic and travel rules

As teenagers The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in projects run by Raleigh International in Chile, missing eachother by weeks.

Rosie Giesler, 20, from west London, had given 3,800 she raised for a rainforest conservation trip to Costa Rica. 'It came as a complete shock when I heard about the collapse.

'It was going to be one of the high- lights of my year' she said.

The charity sent tens of thousands of young volunteers on life-changing opportunities to work abroad on ten-week health, education, and construction projects in some of the poorest communities around the world since they were founded in 1978.

Carter Backer Winter, the firm appointed to handle Raleigh International's affairs, said: 'The charity is mindful that volunteers who have paid funds will be concerned about the status of these funds and legal advice is being sought in this regard.'

FRIDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- From 1999 to 2019, the overall cancer death rate decreased significantly among Black men and women, but in 2019, cancer death rates were still highest for Blacks versus other racial and ethnic groups, according to a brief report published online May 19 in JAMA Oncology.

Wayne R. Lawrence, Dr.P.H., from the National Institutes of Health in Rockville, Maryland, and colleagues examined national trends in cancer mortality from 1999 to 2019 among Black individuals by demographic characteristics and compared cancer death rates in 2019 for Blacks versus other racial and ethnic groups.

The researchers found 1,361,663 deaths from cancer among Black individuals from 1999 to 2019. The overall cancer death rate decreased significantly among Black men and women (average annual percent change [AAPC], 2.6 and 1.5 percent, respectively). Decreases in death rates were seen for most cancer types, with the greatest decreases for stomach cancer among women and lung cancer among men (AAPC, 3.4 and 3.8 percent, respectively). Among men and women aged 65 to 79 years, there was a significant increase in deaths from liver cancer (AAPC, 3.8 and 1.8 percent, respectively). There was also an increasing trend seen in uterine cancer mortality. Compared with non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, and White individuals and Hispanic/Latino individuals, Black men and women had the highest cancer death rates in 2019.

"In 2019, Black individuals continued to have the highest cancer mortality rates compared with other racial and ethnic groups, suggesting a need to address the pervasiveness of longstanding racial and ethnic inequities," the authors write.

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
Children could be negatively impacted by the design of a new roundabout intersection at Fourth Street and Lockett Road, some Flagstaff community members say.

The roundabout is a city-approved improvement project currently in the property acquisition phase of development, but given its proximity to several schools and heavy pedestrian use of the intersection, concerned community members have requested that the roundabout design be further evaluated.

Flagstaff City Council, in response to those concerns, has agendized a design discussion for the May 31 regular work sessions.

Designs for the roundabout, which is a $2 million Highway Safety Improvement Project funded primarily through federal grants, were presented to Council over a year ago. At that time commuters expressed concerns over the complexity of the two-lane, non-circular design as well as the necessary property acquisition that would displace a family home on the corner of the intersection. Nonetheless, the roundabout was deemed important for reducing the high frequency of vehicle collisions at the intersection and improving the intersection for cyclists and pedestrians. The project continued to move through the design phase.

Now in the property acquisition phase, community members restated concerns over the roundabout design during Tuesdays city council meeting.

We realize the ship has left the dock, said Cindy Roe, executive director of the Pine Forest Charter School on the corner of the existing intersection. But I would like Council to consider: is there enough data from the pedestrian traffic study regarding children?

The Pine Forest School has about 200 kids ages 3 to 14 in attendance and is one of four schools near the intersection along with Mount Elden Middle School, Puente de Hozho, and the Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool. The East Flagstaff Community Library is also situated on the existing intersection.

Roe stated that she sees more than 20 children using the existing intersection each day, and while not perfect, shes not convinced the new roundabout design will be any easier for children to navigate.

Children developmentally may or may not be able to cognate how they are crossing the crosswalk, Roe said. And we dont have funds to put crossing guards out there.

Johanna Payton, a teacher at the Pine Forest School, is more concerned with the schools loss of property. In the current design, the intersection will encroach on the boundaries of the schoolyard and require the removal of multiple old-growth trees.

Our schoolyard is our primary classroom, said Payton, adding that the trees have educational, historical and ecological value. They are priceless, and no amount of money we get for the property will ever bring them back. They might not even be able to grow back with current climate change conditions.

Payton said the loss of these trees as well as the act of bringing the road closer to the school buildings would enact a mental and emotional toll on the schoolchildren.

[Council] has a duty to be stewards for the 200 children at our school, she said.

During Tuesdays meeting, it was determined 6-1  only Councilmember Adam Shimoni voted nay  that Council would move ahead with a first read of the ordinance that would authorize property acquisition for the roundabout project.

Outside of Tuesdays city council meeting, other community members voiced similar concerns.

I am all for roundabouts to help traffic flow in Flagstaff, said Rhea Stevenson. But this particular intersection has a lot of student, family and child crossing.

Stevenson is concerned that the dynamics of the two-lane roundabout will not slow traffic enough to make the crosswalks safe.

There needs to be a lot of consideration for the kids crossing that intersection," Stevenson added.

In a letter to city council, Bianca Aiken, who intends to send her children to Mount Elden Middle School, wrote that in an intersection known for its high flow of children and pedestrian traffic, pedestrian and bike safety should be held to a higher degree of consideration than traffic flow efficiency. Aiken urged Council to pause the project, collect and share evidence based data that demonstrates heightened safety for intersection users.

She also queried why she hadnt heard about the project until Tuesday.

I am asking that the city work harder to do community outreach to determine that major projects like this are aligned with those who will be directly impacted, Aiken wrote.

Thea Karlin, who intends to run as a write-in candidate in the upcoming city council elections, echoed Aikens concerns.

I feel that the timing of this project and the pandemic has been unfortunate for both the amazing teams working hard on this project and the Flagstaff citizens impacted by it, Karlin wrote. I feel with more education on the process  or awareness of the information being available  the members of the public who are concerned for safety, and rightly so, would feel more at ease.

A second reading and adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for the Council meeting on June 7. Meanwhile, Shimoni intends to host a virtual town hall on the subject prior to May 31.

Sean Golightly can be reached at sgolightly@azdailysun.com

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
FRIDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- From 1999 to 2019, the overall cancer death rate decreased significantly among Black men and women, but in 2019, cancer death rates were still highest for Blacks versus other racial and ethnic groups, according to a brief report published online May 19 in JAMA Oncology.

Wayne R. Lawrence, Dr.P.H., from the National Institutes of Health in Rockville, Maryland, and colleagues examined national trends in cancer mortality from 1999 to 2019 among Black individuals by demographic characteristics and compared cancer death rates in 2019 for Blacks versus other racial and ethnic groups.

The researchers found 1,361,663 deaths from cancer among Black individuals from 1999 to 2019. The overall cancer death rate decreased significantly among Black men and women (average annual percent change [AAPC], 2.6 and 1.5 percent, respectively). Decreases in death rates were seen for most cancer types, with the greatest decreases for stomach cancer among women and lung cancer among men (AAPC, 3.4 and 3.8 percent, respectively). Among men and women aged 65 to 79 years, there was a significant increase in deaths from liver cancer (AAPC, 3.8 and 1.8 percent, respectively). There was also an increasing trend seen in uterine cancer mortality. Compared with non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, and White individuals and Hispanic/Latino individuals, Black men and women had the highest cancer death rates in 2019.

"In 2019, Black individuals continued to have the highest cancer mortality rates compared with other racial and ethnic groups, suggesting a need to address the pervasiveness of longstanding racial and ethnic inequities," the authors write.

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.

A late season snowstorm has moved into the Pikes Peak region and could drop 6-12 inches of snow overnight in lower elevations, and 12-18 inches for the mountains and the Palmer Divide, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, and forecasters warn that the heavy, wet snow could cause damage to trees and powerlines. Overnight temperatures could drop below freezing in El Paso County.

Click or tap here for road conditions around Colorado.

Click or tap here for the latest flight information at Colorado Springs Airport.

TODAY'S LATEST UPDATES

7:30 p.m.

According to CDOT:

Westbound I-70, at mile point 195 (Cooper Mountain | Vail Pass) due to a crash at mile point 189.





US 6 (Loveland Pass) is closed due to adverse conditions.





Eastbound I-70, at mile point 176 (Vail Pass | Copper Mountain) due to adverse conditions.

5 p.m. The National Weather Service in Pueblo reports wet roads, and low visibility on I-25 near County Line in El Paso County. Weather Service forecasters say heavy snow bands are expected in the Pikes Peak area throughout the evening.

*5:00PM* Very wet roads being observed. Low visibility and low clouds over County Line in El Paso County on the Palmer Divide. #COwx #Colorado Courtesy of @ColoradoDOT pic.twitter.com/VQb9gitULN  NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 20, 2022

4:45 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department is on accident alert status due to weather and road conditions. Read more about cold reporting here.

1:51 p.m.: To report any down trees or power lines, visit: coloradosprings.gov/forestry/page/street-tree-maintenance-requests.

1:14 p.m.: Some flights at Colorado Springs Airport have been cancelled and other delayed. Click or tap here to find out if yours is one of them.

12:12 p.m.: The Colorado Rockies game against the New York Mets, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Friday, has been postponed. It is now scheduled for Saturday at 1:10 p.m. as the first game of a split doubleheader.

10:18 a.m.: The Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event was originally set to take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, a private ceremony will be held to honor law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

10:12 a.m.: The North Pole-Santa's Workshop opening has been delayed indefinitely due to anticipated snowfall. The opening was originally scheduled for Saturday.

The El Pomar Center announced that the El Pomar Foundations Penrose Heritage Museum 80th Anniversary Open House has been postponed indefinitely. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday.

7:25 a.m.: With the forecast predicting sleet and cold temperatures early Friday and snow later in the day, CHSAA announced day two of the state track and field meet will be postponed.

TODAY'S FORECAST

It's not time to put away the winter coats just yet.

Temperatures have cooled down and a winter storm warning is in effect until Saturday at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Highs are expected to be near 50 in Colorado Springs Friday, with an 80% chance of rain and snow and 100% chance overnight. Temps will hit freezing tonight with expected lows in the low 30s.

Showers are expected in after 2 p.m. Friday, and rain is forecast to turn into snow overnight Friday, with snow showers starting after 11 p.m. Projected snow accumulation is 3 to 7 inches.

Snow and rain are expected to continue Saturday with potential new snow amounts between 1 and 3 inches.

Travelers are being cautioned about road conditions.

The National Weather Service Boulder tweeted: "The worst commute will be Friday PM into Saturday AM for the I-25 corridor. Please prepare for snow covered roads and do not crowd the plow!"

Roads in the Rocky Mountain National Park are closed as they anticipate possible new snow amounts up to 31 inches.

Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Showers, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 50. East wind around 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain showers before 9 p.m., then rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., then snow showers after 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow before 2 p.m., then rain and snow likely. High near 41. North wind 5-10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southeast wind 10-15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5-15 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Watch: Spring snowstorm catches Denver off guard
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)


The 2022 edition of EDC Las Vegas thumps to life starting Friday (May 20) at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Featuring more than 300 acts playing across nine stages and four art cars, the desert festival expects to draw roughly 475,000 attendees over three days.

Cant make it? Dont sweat it. EDC producer Insomniac Events is hosting a festival livestream featuring sets from the events largest stages  kineticFIELD, cosmicMEADOW and circuitGROUNDS  via the companys InsomniacTV channel. Find the stream below. The event is also happening via Roblox, TikTok and content creation app Lomotif. The stream begins at 5 p.m. PT.

More from Billboard

Artists streaming live from EDC Las Vegas include Fisher, Zedd, Porter Robinson, Alesso, ARMNHMR, Charlotte de Witte, Whipped Cream, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Illenium, Joel Corry, John Summit, LP Giobbi, Moore Kismet, San Holo, Vintage Culture and many others.

Additionally, backstage interviews and additional live performances will happen via Insomniac Radio, available online and via the Insomniac app.

This is the first time EDC Las Vegas  the worlds biggest electronic music festival  has happened during its regularly scheduled May dates since 2019, with the 2020 event canceled due to the pandemic and the 2021 event pushed to last October. Theres people that need this in their lives in a big way, Insomniac Events Founder and CEO told Billboard of EDC last fall. It helps them manage their anxiety or whatever theyre struggling with. The personal messages, the thoughts of suicide, people that were not happy. The amount of stories that I would get and we get on other channels, I mean, it was a lot.

Story continues

Join in on the return celebration by streaming the festival all weekend long.

Click here to read the full article.



Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349







SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western U.S. state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting Monday through the school year which ends June 3, as COVID-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement Friday from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, the announcement said. Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March.

City Superintendent Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation. "Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens said.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 among students and staff," he noted.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000. When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 percent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 percent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalizations as high as in mid-March. 
SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western U.S. state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting Monday through the school year which ends June 3, as COVID-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement Friday from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, the announcement said. Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March.

City Superintendent Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation. "Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens said.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 among students and staff," he noted.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000. When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 percent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 percent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalizations as high as in mid-March. 
SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western U.S. state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting Monday through the school year which ends June 3, as COVID-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement Friday from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, the announcement said. Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March.

City Superintendent Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation. "Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens said.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 among students and staff," he noted.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000. When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 percent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 percent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalizations as high as in mid-March. 
Gap year students could lose thousands of pounds after a charity collapsed on Thursday.

Raleigh International, a charity used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ran into financial difficulties and closed days after it took money raised to fund trips abroad.

Charity administrators blamed travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic as well as cuts in government spending on foreign aid which made fundraising difficult.

Days before the charity closed many prospective volunteers paid thousands of pounds they had fundraised for their trips.

They received no warning the organisation was facing trouble as it is now in voluntary liquidation.

Raleigh International has met with a financial services firm and is taking legal advice over the situation, but cannot yet guarantee all the money will be returned.

The charities 47 staff have lost their jobs and future trips have been cancelled, even for volunteers who have already paid thousands to go.

A gap year charity that sent Wills and Kate to work on projects in Chile in their teens has collapsed. Raleigh International said its finances were hit hard by the pandemic and travel rules

As teenagers The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in projects run by Raleigh International in Chile, missing eachother by weeks.

Rosie Giesler, 20, from west London, had given 3,800 she raised for a rainforest conservation trip to Costa Rica. 'It came as a complete shock when I heard about the collapse.

'It was going to be one of the high- lights of my year' she said.

The charity sent tens of thousands of young volunteers on life-changing opportunities to work abroad on ten-week health, education, and construction projects in some of the poorest communities around the world since they were founded in 1978.

Carter Backer Winter, the firm appointed to handle Raleigh International's affairs, said: 'The charity is mindful that volunteers who have paid funds will be concerned about the status of these funds and legal advice is being sought in this regard.'




Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.



Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


Gap year students could lose thousands of pounds after a charity collapsed on Thursday.

Raleigh International, a charity used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ran into financial difficulties and closed days after it took money raised to fund trips abroad.

Charity administrators blamed travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic as well as cuts in government spending on foreign aid which made fundraising difficult.

Days before the charity closed many prospective volunteers paid thousands of pounds they had fundraised for their trips.

They received no warning the organisation was facing trouble as it is now in voluntary liquidation.

Raleigh International has met with a financial services firm and is taking legal advice over the situation, but cannot yet guarantee all the money will be returned.

The charities 47 staff have lost their jobs and future trips have been cancelled, even for volunteers who have already paid thousands to go.

A gap year charity that sent Wills and Kate to work on projects in Chile in their teens has collapsed. Raleigh International said its finances were hit hard by the pandemic and travel rules

As teenagers The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in projects run by Raleigh International in Chile, missing eachother by weeks.

Rosie Giesler, 20, from west London, had given 3,800 she raised for a rainforest conservation trip to Costa Rica. 'It came as a complete shock when I heard about the collapse.

'It was going to be one of the high- lights of my year' she said.

The charity sent tens of thousands of young volunteers on life-changing opportunities to work abroad on ten-week health, education, and construction projects in some of the poorest communities around the world since they were founded in 1978.

Carter Backer Winter, the firm appointed to handle Raleigh International's affairs, said: 'The charity is mindful that volunteers who have paid funds will be concerned about the status of these funds and legal advice is being sought in this regard.'
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349



Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Kathmandu, May 21

Nepal Police has commissioned a high-level team to investigate an eight-year-old rape case that came to the surface recently via social media.

The national police organisation says it formed a five-member team led by SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed Nepal Police to look into the case.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, the House of Representatives had also directed the government to investigate the case that involved a beauty pageant organiser.

Activists and members of the public have also launched a movement to press the government for a fair investigation and action against the culprit.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
LAKE CITY, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellianos Coffee, the southeastern-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has announced a new partnership with First Federal Bank, securing $25 million dollars in funding for franchisees. The new partnership will allow franchisees to streamline the lending process to confidently and quickly attain their business loans, allowing their stores to become operational as soon as possible.

Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos CoffeeEllianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key (386) 243-1213 [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellianos-coffee-partners-with-first-federal-bank-to-secure-25-million-in-funding-for-franchisees-301552365.html

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.

President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
As Pro-Nox has gained prominence in the medical and aesthetic industries, CAREstream America was delighted to observe National Pro-Nox Day on May 15, 2022!

ORLANDO, Fla., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CAREstream America was established in 2013 with a vision to expand its Canadian roots of distributing premium respiratory, aesthetic, and pain management solutions into the United States. One of CAREstream's most distinguished products is Pro-Nox, an FDA cleared, self-administered analgesic gas delivery system designed to alleviate pain and anxiety during procedures for adult and pediatric patients. Employing a 50/50 mixture of Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide, Pro-Nox has become the leading pain-relieving choice for thousands of clinicians and their patients.

Over 5,000 practices across the United States and Canada have integrated Pro-Nox as a vital component to their practice or facility. It has proven to be an incredibly versatile device, used in treatments including RF Microneedling, focused ultrasound, tattoo removal, aesthetic injectables, ablative and non-ablative laser treatments, hair restoration, urology, and even labor and delivery.

Patients can effectively manage their discomfort by taking an initial 5-7 deep breaths through Pro-Nox tubing at their own pace and then continuing this series of breaths throughout the treatment. Since Pro-Nox wears off within 10 minutes, patients can leave their treatments free of analgesic effects, and practitioners can complete procedures faster and with significantly more ease.

Marcel Besse, Executive Director of Pro-Nox Aesthetics, accredits Pro-Nox for jumpstarting a new wave of "painless treatments" with its anti-anxiety, relaxing effects. It has also increased growth for practices as more and more patients develop a positive outlook on their procedures, making it easy to achieve their aesthetic or medical goals.

Besse believes that "Pro-Nox helps practitioners answer the inevitable "Will it hurt?" question and has completely redefined what it means to undergo procedures  whether they're invasive or noninvasive. Typically, apprehensive patients either dread or completely shy away from medical/aesthetic procedures due to the possibility of pain. I wholeheartedly believe that Pro-Nox breaks that stigma and gives doctors and patients a better opportunity to connect, makes patients happier, and increases the practitioner's overall success."

Jason Pozner M.D., renowned plastic surgeon, thanks Pro-Nox because it "has changed the way we practice plastic surgery. Not only does my staff use Pro-Nox daily for minimally invasive treatments, now most of our eyelid surgery, deep lasers and small volume liposuction is being done with small amounts of oral or IM medications along with Pro-Nox."

"Now, more than ever, we need to make our patients feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable. I have been so impressed with how Pro-Nox has helped us manage all of this," added Doris Day, M.D., board-certified dermatologist.

"What are the benefits of Pro-Nox? Well, there's two benefits  one is to the patient, and two is to the practice. The patient feels a sense of euphoria in the face of pain. Once patients find out your technique is painless, word-of-mouth referrals increase, patient retention increases, and better outcomes increase once you're known as the "painless practice," remarked board-certified plastic surgeon, Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

As Pro-Nox has gained prominence in the medical and aesthetic industries, CAREstream America was delighted to observe National Pro-Nox Day on May 15, 2022! Pro-Nox has become a well-known name with growth seen in units sold, social media engagement, and overall notability  earning this device national recognition.

CAREstream America has made it a priority to ensure Pro-Nox is available not only to aesthetic offices and birthing centers, but to many other medical specialties dealing with procedure discomfort and anxiety. Connect for a private demo and follow @pronoxcsa on Instagram to celebrate annually on May 15th!

About CAREstream America

The CAREstream group is dedicated to bettering the lives of its employees, patients and customers through premium services and products. CAREstream has been serving customer's respiratory and anesthesia needs for over 20 years. In 2013, CAREstream America was formed to expand its distribution of aesthetic and biologic solutions including Pro-Nox, Alpha2Active A2M, CAREprp, water-jet technologies to help shape the body and more. Both divisions also offer a variety of additional cutting-edge solutions to furnish quality care for facilities within aesthetics, orthopedics, labor and delivery, urology, hospitals and more. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. and the VeinViewer device are also elements of the CAREstream Group.www.carestreamamerica.com | www.christiemed.com

PRESS CONTACT

Marcel Besse855-892-3872https://www.pro-nox.com/home/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carestream-america-proclaims-may-15-national-pro-nox-day--celebrating-the-top-pain-relieving-analgesic-301552363.html

SOURCE Pro-Nox by CAREstream America

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
Tomatoes may get more attention, but throughout Italy, lemon also often finds its way into pasta.

Along the Amalfi coast, ring-shaped calamarata pasta is paired with clams, parsley, garlic and fried strips of a sweet local lemon. In Sicily, broken pasta comes studded with toasted pistachios, Parmesan, and a lemons juice and zest. And in Rome, the juice is whisked with olive oil, cream and Parmesan for al dente tagliatelle.

The sour and subtly sweet citrus balances the noodles starch and the sauces heft, functioning much like the dose of freshly ground black pepper that offsets pecorino Romano in cacio e pepe. And it serves much the same role as tomato often does, providing acidity that cuts through cheese.

In fact, the pairing of lemons and pasta is arguably more traditional than red sauce itself, as the fruit arrived in Italy at least 1,500 years before tomatoes.

Lemon features prominently in one pasta in our book COOKish, which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Bright, bracing lemon zest and juice perk up the savoriness of garlic, pancetta and capers, while a dusting of golden crisp breadcrumbs adds texture.

This spaghetti also is a one-pot wonder: We cook the pasta in a minimal amount of water, and the starchy liquid that results forms a lightly thickened sauce that coats the noodles.

Start to finish: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

4 ounces pancetta, chopped

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

 cup drained capers, chopped

1 pound spaghetti

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, cook the panko and oil, stirring, until golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in a pinch of salt. In the same pot, cook the pancetta, stirring, until crisp. Add the garlic and most of the capers; cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add 4 cups water and  teaspoon each salt and pepper, then boil. Stir in the pasta, cover and cook, stirring, until al dente. Off heat, stir in the remaining capers and lemon zest and juice; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

Optional garnish: Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley OR finely grated pecorino Romano cheese OR both.

EDITORS NOTE: For more recipes, go to Christopher Kimballs Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
NEW YORK, May 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Congress has less and less pressure to actually do the hard work necessary to pass legislation that would provide stable, long-term answers, as the country's presidents rely on their limited executive power more and more and the Supreme Court keeps getting dragged into multiple debates, major U.S. news portal Politico reported on Thursday.

"The Supreme Court has recently become the focus of the most contentious political debates in this country, including abortion and religious liberty, precisely because presidents and the courts have been trying to pinch hit for a Congress that is no longer in the business of legislating," said the report.

"The less Congress did, the more political problems fell to the other two branches to solve," said Politico in this Opinion article. "I am going to be working with Congress where I can to accomplish this, but I am also going to act on my own if Congress is deadlocked," former president Barrack Obama was quoted as once quipping.

Today, Congress still uses Supreme Court decisions to score political points, but they no longer use their legislative power to supercede them, according to the report.

"The lesson of the last 50 years is clear: Congress won't act if they don't have to," said the report. "Congress was already inert -- unable or uninterested in tackling the big stuff -- and the only thing keeping America from plunging into the abyss is an executive branch and a judicial branch willing to step up to address our biggest crises." 
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.

Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.



President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will start offering a fifth dose of COVID-19 vaccines to priority groups from June 9 onwards, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Friday.

The priority groups include leaders of the government, the senate, the parliament, frontline health workers, government officials, civil servants, armed forces, the elderly, staff of embassies, national and international organizations, journalists, and celebrities.

He said the interval between the fourth and the fifth doses is at least three months.

"Vaccines have not only played a critical role in preventing deaths and infections, but also help prevent other infectious diseases such as flu," Hun Sen said in a voice message released publicly.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said the Southeast Asian country has reported no new cases of COVID-19 for 14 days straight, and there are only eight active cases in the kingdom.

Cambodia has so far inoculated at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 15 million people, or 93.8 percent of its 16 million population, the health ministry said, adding that of them, 14.27 million, or 89 percent, have been fully vaccinated with two required shots.

Also, some 9 million, or 56.2 percent, have got a third dose, and 2.3 million, or 14.4 percent, have had a fourth dose.

Buoyed by its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has resumed all socioeconomic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers without quarantine since November last year.

China's Sinovac and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines have been widely used in the kingdom's immunization program. 
PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will start offering a fifth dose of COVID-19 vaccines to priority groups from June 9 onwards, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Friday.

The priority groups include leaders of the government, the senate, the parliament, frontline health workers, government officials, civil servants, armed forces, the elderly, staff of embassies, national and international organizations, journalists, and celebrities.

He said the interval between the fourth and the fifth doses is at least three months.

"Vaccines have not only played a critical role in preventing deaths and infections, but also help prevent other infectious diseases such as flu," Hun Sen said in a voice message released publicly.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said the Southeast Asian country has reported no new cases of COVID-19 for 14 days straight, and there are only eight active cases in the kingdom.

Cambodia has so far inoculated at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 15 million people, or 93.8 percent of its 16 million population, the health ministry said, adding that of them, 14.27 million, or 89 percent, have been fully vaccinated with two required shots.

Also, some 9 million, or 56.2 percent, have got a third dose, and 2.3 million, or 14.4 percent, have had a fourth dose.

Buoyed by its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has resumed all socioeconomic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers without quarantine since November last year.

China's Sinovac and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines have been widely used in the kingdom's immunization program. 
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
A womens faith-based medical clinic was vandalized this week in Auburn.

At around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the clinics sign was scratched with a key, and the cars of staff members were also keyed, according to workers at the clinic, who notified police.

Womens Hope Medical Clinic is a Christian organization dedicated to counseling and meeting the needs of those facing unplanned pregnancies. The clinic provides free ultrasound, parenting education, post-abortion support and other services, and its states that it does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control.

While the clinic does not identify itself as Catholic and partners with a range of church denominations in the area, parishioners from St. Michaels Catholic Church and students with Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry volunteer there.

Theres just been a lot of encouragement on social media to vandalize Catholic churches and pro-life ministries, said the Rev. Peyton Plessala, parochial vicar at St. Michaels.

On May 2, Politico revealed that the Supreme Court voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito and leaked from inside the court to the media outlet.

The teachings of Catholicism oppose abortion because they aim to honor the dignity of all life from conception to natural death, Plessala said.

Earlier this month, the White House condemned an attack on an anti-abortion office in Wisconsin. The groups headquarters was set on fire, graffitied and vandalized.

I thought Auburn was going to be relatively immune to that because were in the Southeast, Plessala said. People are pretty respectful and polite.

He said that on Mothers Day, St. Michaels called for extra police support as a precaution.

President Joe Biden is a practicing Catholic but has called for more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, according to a statement published by the White House.

I think you can be Democratic and be Catholic, said Kyle Byrne, a St. Michaels parishioner and recent Auburn University graduate. But I think the thing that you cant compromise on as a Catholic is abortion.

Ginny Wilder, an AU nursing student and parishioner, agreed. I dont think that being pro-choice is fully living up to the Catholic teachings, she said.

Biden opposed abortion earlier in his political career, and now supports Roe v. Wade.

Hes supportive of politics that are in direct contradiction to Catholic Church teaching, Plessala said. Its very scandalizing.

Plessala said that both parties have views with which the Catholic Church disagrees, and that St. Michaels welcomes parishioners from all parties and does not concern itself with politics.

My principal concern is not with American politics, Plessala said. My principal concern is with the honoring of the dignity of human life and all forms.

Womens Hope Medical Clinic is holding a prayer vigil open to all from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, which is election day in Lee County, to pray for the clinic and the Supreme Court.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Cameroonian President Paul Biya (C) attends the National Day celebration in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020.

In the capital, Yaounde, the country's leader Paul Biya presided over the event that saw hundreds of soldiers and civilians marched past in front of national and international dignitaries.

A contingent of Para-commandos from the neighbouring Republic of the Congo also took part in the march-past during the event.

March-pasts took place in all the 10 regions of the country including war-torn Anglophone regions where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations.

May 20 is one of the most important days on the Cameroonian calendar, marking the day in 1972 when a national referendum created a unitary state, removing the federal state that had officially ruled Cameroon since it was unified in 1961. 

Military vehicles are driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Soldiers take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People take part in a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A military vehicle is driven during a parade to celebrate the National Day in Yaounde, Cameroon, on May 20, 2022. Cameroon marked on Friday the 50th anniversary of its National Day with a military and civilian parade for the first time since the first case of coronavirus was detected in the Central African nation in March 2020. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
This image from NASA TV shows the Boeing Starliner approaching the International Space Station, Friday, May 20, 2022. Boeing's astronaut capsule has arrived at the International Space Station in a critical repeat test flight. Only a test dummy was aboard the capsule for Friday's docking, a huge achievement for Boeing after years of false starts. (NASA via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  With only a test dummy aboard, Boeings astronaut capsule pulled up and parked at the International Space Station for the first time Friday, a huge achievement for the company after years of false starts.

The only other time Boeings Starliner flew in space, it never got anywhere near the station, ending up in the wrong orbit.

This time, the overhauled spacecraft made it to the right spot following Thursdays launch and docked at the station 25 hours later. The automated rendezvous went off without a major hitch, despite a pair of thrusters that failed during liftoff.

Boeings flight comes three years after Elon Musks Spacex pulled off the same test. SpaceX has since launched 18 astronauts to the space station for NASA, as well as tourists.

With Starliner's arrival, NASA finally realized its longtime effort to have two crew capsules from competing U.S. companies flying to the space station. A SpaceX Dragon capsule was parked nearby.

If the rest of Starliners mission goes well, Boeing could be ready to launch its first crew by the end of this year. The astronauts likely to serve on the first Starliner crew joined Boeing and NASA flight controllers in Houston, as the action unfolded nearly 270 miles (435 kilometers) up.

NASA wants redundancy when it comes to the Florida-based astronaut taxi service. Administrator Bill Nelson said Boeings long road with Starliner underscores the importance of having two types of crew capsules. U.S. astronauts were stuck riding Russian rockets once the shuttle program ended, until SpaceXs first crew flight in 2020.

Boeings first Starliner test flight in 2019 was plagued by software errors that cut the mission short and could have doomed the spacecraft. Those were corrected, but when the new capsule awaited liftoff last summer, corroded valves halted the countdown. More repairs followed, as Boeing chalked up nearly $600 million in do-over costs.

Before letting Starliner get close to the space station Friday, Boeing ground controllers practiced maneuvering the capsule and tested its robotic vision system. Everything checked out well, Boeing said, except for a cooling loop and the two failed thrusters. The capsule held a steady temperature, however, and had plenty of other thrusters for steering.

Once Starliner was within 10 miles (15 kilometers) of the space station, Boeing flight controllers in Houston could see the space station through the capsule's cameras. We're waving. Can you see us? joked station astronaut Bob Hines.

The gleaming white-with-blue-trim capsule hovered 33 feet (10 meters) from the station for close to two hours  considerably longer than planned  as flight controllers adjusted its docking ring and ensured everything else was in order. When the green light finally came, Starliner closed the gap in four minutes, eliciting cheers in Boeing's control center.

The space stations seven astronauts will unload groceries and gear from Starliner and pack it up with experiments. Unlike SpaceXs Dragon capsule that splashes down off the Florida coast, Starliner will aim for a landing in New Mexico next Wednesday.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Kathmandu, May 21

Nepal Police has commissioned a high-level team to investigate an eight-year-old rape case that came to the surface recently via social media.

The national police organisation says it formed a five-member team led by SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed Nepal Police to look into the case.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, the House of Representatives had also directed the government to investigate the case that involved a beauty pageant organiser.

Activists and members of the public have also launched a movement to press the government for a fair investigation and action against the culprit.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a demonstration against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the demonstrators, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war. 

Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease. 
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
A taxi driver who travelled to Poland as part of an aid convoy returned to the UK with a family of four Ukrainian refugees.

Cabbie Richard Gough was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm.

While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London.

He told the Mail on Sunday: As cab drivers we take people from A to B, but we thought we could use our skills to help somebody else... I didnt just want to take people down the road, I wanted to take people the distance. I was happy to go anywhere  Italy, France or, of course, back to England.

Cabbie Richard Gough (right) was so moved by the plight of those displaced by Russias invasion of Ukraine that he drove 1,200 miles to a refugee centre in the city of Chelm. While there, he met the Rebrova family and offered to take them to safety and their sponsor family in West London. Yulia Rebrova with her daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, and with Ulia's mother Irena

Before the war, Yulia, husband Roman and their two daughters Zlata, eight, and Angelina, four, had been living in Kyiv. While Roman stayed behind to join the war effort, the rest of his family fled with Yulias mother, Irena, 61.

Describing their escape as missiles began to fall, Yulia, 38, said: It was an animal fear. We were terrified for our lives, our childrens lives.

Many of Yulias neighbours left Kyiv for Bucha, the scene of some of Russias worst atrocities, but the Rebrovas instead took a train to Poland where they met Mr Gough, from Epsom, Surrey.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help. Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Richard pictured with the family

Being in Chelm was shocking. Seeing people get off the buses, some of them carrying their whole lives in plastic bags, was a humbling experience, he said.

Alerted that the Rebrovas were trying to get to the UK to meet a host family that had been arranged via social media, Mr Gough stepped in to help.

Without him, Yulia believes, they would still be in the camp. Hes a person with a capital P. In Ukrainian, we say a person with a capital P to explain that someone is great, she said.

During the trip to the UK, the group struggled to navigate Home Office bureaucracy over visas. On arrival in the French city of Dunkirk, they faced delays until their sponsors lobbied MPs to step in and finally arrived last month.

Since then, Yulia, who ran her own market research company in Kyiv, has got a job as a housekeeper in a hotel and her eldest daughter has started school.

Were here to be safe, said Yulia. In Ukraine, you wonder, Is something going to land on my head? Am I going to get shelled? Its like youre sitting in a trap.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.



Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.



Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Gap year students could lose thousands of pounds after a charity collapsed on Thursday.

Raleigh International, a charity used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ran into financial difficulties and closed days after it took money raised to fund trips abroad.

Charity administrators blamed travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic as well as cuts in government spending on foreign aid which made fundraising difficult.

Days before the charity closed many prospective volunteers paid thousands of pounds they had fundraised for their trips.

They received no warning the organisation was facing trouble as it is now in voluntary liquidation.

Raleigh International has met with a financial services firm and is taking legal advice over the situation, but cannot yet guarantee all the money will be returned.

The charities 47 staff have lost their jobs and future trips have been cancelled, even for volunteers who have already paid thousands to go.

A gap year charity that sent Wills and Kate to work on projects in Chile in their teens has collapsed. Raleigh International said its finances were hit hard by the pandemic and travel rules

As teenagers The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in projects run by Raleigh International in Chile, missing eachother by weeks.

Rosie Giesler, 20, from west London, had given 3,800 she raised for a rainforest conservation trip to Costa Rica. 'It came as a complete shock when I heard about the collapse.

'It was going to be one of the high- lights of my year' she said.

The charity sent tens of thousands of young volunteers on life-changing opportunities to work abroad on ten-week health, education, and construction projects in some of the poorest communities around the world since they were founded in 1978.

Carter Backer Winter, the firm appointed to handle Raleigh International's affairs, said: 'The charity is mindful that volunteers who have paid funds will be concerned about the status of these funds and legal advice is being sought in this regard.'
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.

The Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs on Thursday opted to clear all but one of the dozen schools listed as out of compliance with a state law barring the use of any American Indian mascot or symbol in public schools unless that school had an agreement with a Native American tribe.


Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.

A late season snowstorm has moved into the Pikes Peak region and could drop 6-12 inches of snow overnight in lower elevations, and 12-18 inches for the mountains and the Palmer Divide, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, and forecasters warn that the heavy, wet snow could cause damage to trees and powerlines. Overnight temperatures could drop below freezing in El Paso County.

Click or tap here for road conditions around Colorado.

Click or tap here for the latest flight information at Colorado Springs Airport.

TODAY'S LATEST UPDATES

7:30 p.m.

According to CDOT:

Westbound I-70, at mile point 195 (Cooper Mountain | Vail Pass) due to a crash at mile point 189.





US 6 (Loveland Pass) is closed due to adverse conditions.





Eastbound I-70, at mile point 176 (Vail Pass | Copper Mountain) due to adverse conditions.

5 p.m. The National Weather Service in Pueblo reports wet roads, and low visibility on I-25 near County Line in El Paso County. Weather Service forecasters say heavy snow bands are expected in the Pikes Peak area throughout the evening.

*5:00PM* Very wet roads being observed. Low visibility and low clouds over County Line in El Paso County on the Palmer Divide. #COwx #Colorado Courtesy of @ColoradoDOT pic.twitter.com/VQb9gitULN  NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 20, 2022

4:45 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department is on accident alert status due to weather and road conditions. Read more about cold reporting here.

1:51 p.m.: To report any down trees or power lines, visit: coloradosprings.gov/forestry/page/street-tree-maintenance-requests.

1:14 p.m.: Some flights at Colorado Springs Airport have been cancelled and other delayed. Click or tap here to find out if yours is one of them.

12:12 p.m.: The Colorado Rockies game against the New York Mets, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Friday, has been postponed. It is now scheduled for Saturday at 1:10 p.m. as the first game of a split doubleheader.

10:18 a.m.: The Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event was originally set to take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, a private ceremony will be held to honor law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

10:12 a.m.: The North Pole-Santa's Workshop opening has been delayed indefinitely due to anticipated snowfall. The opening was originally scheduled for Saturday.

The El Pomar Center announced that the El Pomar Foundations Penrose Heritage Museum 80th Anniversary Open House has been postponed indefinitely. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday.

7:25 a.m.: With the forecast predicting sleet and cold temperatures early Friday and snow later in the day, CHSAA announced day two of the state track and field meet will be postponed.

TODAY'S FORECAST

It's not time to put away the winter coats just yet.

Temperatures have cooled down and a winter storm warning is in effect until Saturday at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Highs are expected to be near 50 in Colorado Springs Friday, with an 80% chance of rain and snow and 100% chance overnight. Temps will hit freezing tonight with expected lows in the low 30s.

Showers are expected in after 2 p.m. Friday, and rain is forecast to turn into snow overnight Friday, with snow showers starting after 11 p.m. Projected snow accumulation is 3 to 7 inches.

Snow and rain are expected to continue Saturday with potential new snow amounts between 1 and 3 inches.

Travelers are being cautioned about road conditions.

The National Weather Service Boulder tweeted: "The worst commute will be Friday PM into Saturday AM for the I-25 corridor. Please prepare for snow covered roads and do not crowd the plow!"

Roads in the Rocky Mountain National Park are closed as they anticipate possible new snow amounts up to 31 inches.

Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Showers, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 50. East wind around 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain showers before 9 p.m., then rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., then snow showers after 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow before 2 p.m., then rain and snow likely. High near 41. North wind 5-10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southeast wind 10-15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5-15 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Watch: Spring snowstorm catches Denver off guard

SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western U.S. state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting Monday through the school year which ends June 3, as COVID-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement Friday from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, the announcement said. Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March.

City Superintendent Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation. "Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens said.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 among students and staff," he noted.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000. When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 percent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 percent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalizations as high as in mid-March. 




President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.


An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
A late season snowstorm has moved into the Pikes Peak region and could drop 6-12 inches of snow overnight in lower elevations, and 12-18 inches for the mountains and the Palmer Divide, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, and forecasters warn that the heavy, wet snow could cause damage to trees and powerlines. Overnight temperatures could drop below freezing in El Paso County.

Click or tap here for road conditions around Colorado.

Click or tap here for the latest flight information at Colorado Springs Airport.

TODAY'S LATEST UPDATES

7:30 p.m.

According to CDOT:

Westbound I-70, at mile point 195 (Cooper Mountain | Vail Pass) due to a crash at mile point 189.





US 6 (Loveland Pass) is closed due to adverse conditions.





Eastbound I-70, at mile point 176 (Vail Pass | Copper Mountain) due to adverse conditions.

5 p.m. The National Weather Service in Pueblo reports wet roads, and low visibility on I-25 near County Line in El Paso County. Weather Service forecasters say heavy snow bands are expected in the Pikes Peak area throughout the evening.

*5:00PM* Very wet roads being observed. Low visibility and low clouds over County Line in El Paso County on the Palmer Divide. #COwx #Colorado Courtesy of @ColoradoDOT pic.twitter.com/VQb9gitULN  NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 20, 2022

4:45 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department is on accident alert status due to weather and road conditions. Read more about cold reporting here.

1:51 p.m.: To report any down trees or power lines, visit: coloradosprings.gov/forestry/page/street-tree-maintenance-requests.

1:14 p.m.: Some flights at Colorado Springs Airport have been cancelled and other delayed. Click or tap here to find out if yours is one of them.

12:12 p.m.: The Colorado Rockies game against the New York Mets, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Friday, has been postponed. It is now scheduled for Saturday at 1:10 p.m. as the first game of a split doubleheader.

10:18 a.m.: The Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event was originally set to take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, a private ceremony will be held to honor law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

10:12 a.m.: The North Pole-Santa's Workshop opening has been delayed indefinitely due to anticipated snowfall. The opening was originally scheduled for Saturday.

The El Pomar Center announced that the El Pomar Foundations Penrose Heritage Museum 80th Anniversary Open House has been postponed indefinitely. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday.

7:25 a.m.: With the forecast predicting sleet and cold temperatures early Friday and snow later in the day, CHSAA announced day two of the state track and field meet will be postponed.

TODAY'S FORECAST

It's not time to put away the winter coats just yet.

Temperatures have cooled down and a winter storm warning is in effect until Saturday at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Highs are expected to be near 50 in Colorado Springs Friday, with an 80% chance of rain and snow and 100% chance overnight. Temps will hit freezing tonight with expected lows in the low 30s.

Showers are expected in after 2 p.m. Friday, and rain is forecast to turn into snow overnight Friday, with snow showers starting after 11 p.m. Projected snow accumulation is 3 to 7 inches.

Snow and rain are expected to continue Saturday with potential new snow amounts between 1 and 3 inches.

Travelers are being cautioned about road conditions.

The National Weather Service Boulder tweeted: "The worst commute will be Friday PM into Saturday AM for the I-25 corridor. Please prepare for snow covered roads and do not crowd the plow!"

Roads in the Rocky Mountain National Park are closed as they anticipate possible new snow amounts up to 31 inches.

Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Showers, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 50. East wind around 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain showers before 9 p.m., then rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., then snow showers after 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow before 2 p.m., then rain and snow likely. High near 41. North wind 5-10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southeast wind 10-15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5-15 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Watch: Spring snowstorm catches Denver off guard
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.


SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western U.S. state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting Monday through the school year which ends June 3, as COVID-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement Friday from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, the announcement said. Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March.

City Superintendent Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation. "Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens said.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 among students and staff," he noted.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000. When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with COVID-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 percent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 percent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalizations as high as in mid-March. 

A womens faith-based medical clinic was vandalized this week in Auburn.

At around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the clinics sign was scratched with a key, and the cars of staff members were also keyed, according to workers at the clinic, who notified police.

Womens Hope Medical Clinic is a Christian organization dedicated to counseling and meeting the needs of those facing unplanned pregnancies. The clinic provides free ultrasound, parenting education, post-abortion support and other services, and its states that it does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control.

While the clinic does not identify itself as Catholic and partners with a range of church denominations in the area, parishioners from St. Michaels Catholic Church and students with Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry volunteer there.

Theres just been a lot of encouragement on social media to vandalize Catholic churches and pro-life ministries, said the Rev. Peyton Plessala, parochial vicar at St. Michaels.

On May 2, Politico revealed that the Supreme Court voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito and leaked from inside the court to the media outlet.

The teachings of Catholicism oppose abortion because they aim to honor the dignity of all life from conception to natural death, Plessala said.

Earlier this month, the White House condemned an attack on an anti-abortion office in Wisconsin. The groups headquarters was set on fire, graffitied and vandalized.

I thought Auburn was going to be relatively immune to that because were in the Southeast, Plessala said. People are pretty respectful and polite.

He said that on Mothers Day, St. Michaels called for extra police support as a precaution.

President Joe Biden is a practicing Catholic but has called for more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, according to a statement published by the White House.

I think you can be Democratic and be Catholic, said Kyle Byrne, a St. Michaels parishioner and recent Auburn University graduate. But I think the thing that you cant compromise on as a Catholic is abortion.

Ginny Wilder, an AU nursing student and parishioner, agreed. I dont think that being pro-choice is fully living up to the Catholic teachings, she said.

Biden opposed abortion earlier in his political career, and now supports Roe v. Wade.

Hes supportive of politics that are in direct contradiction to Catholic Church teaching, Plessala said. Its very scandalizing.

Plessala said that both parties have views with which the Catholic Church disagrees, and that St. Michaels welcomes parishioners from all parties and does not concern itself with politics.

My principal concern is not with American politics, Plessala said. My principal concern is with the honoring of the dignity of human life and all forms.

Womens Hope Medical Clinic is holding a prayer vigil open to all from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, which is election day in Lee County, to pray for the clinic and the Supreme Court.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A womens faith-based medical clinic was vandalized this week in Auburn.

At around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the clinics sign was scratched with a key, and the cars of staff members were also keyed, according to workers at the clinic, who notified police.

Womens Hope Medical Clinic is a Christian organization dedicated to counseling and meeting the needs of those facing unplanned pregnancies. The clinic provides free ultrasound, parenting education, post-abortion support and other services, and its states that it does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control.

While the clinic does not identify itself as Catholic and partners with a range of church denominations in the area, parishioners from St. Michaels Catholic Church and students with Auburn Catholic Campus Ministry volunteer there.

Theres just been a lot of encouragement on social media to vandalize Catholic churches and pro-life ministries, said the Rev. Peyton Plessala, parochial vicar at St. Michaels.

On May 2, Politico revealed that the Supreme Court voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito and leaked from inside the court to the media outlet.

The teachings of Catholicism oppose abortion because they aim to honor the dignity of all life from conception to natural death, Plessala said.

Earlier this month, the White House condemned an attack on an anti-abortion office in Wisconsin. The groups headquarters was set on fire, graffitied and vandalized.

I thought Auburn was going to be relatively immune to that because were in the Southeast, Plessala said. People are pretty respectful and polite.

He said that on Mothers Day, St. Michaels called for extra police support as a precaution.

President Joe Biden is a practicing Catholic but has called for more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, according to a statement published by the White House.

I think you can be Democratic and be Catholic, said Kyle Byrne, a St. Michaels parishioner and recent Auburn University graduate. But I think the thing that you cant compromise on as a Catholic is abortion.

Ginny Wilder, an AU nursing student and parishioner, agreed. I dont think that being pro-choice is fully living up to the Catholic teachings, she said.

Biden opposed abortion earlier in his political career, and now supports Roe v. Wade.

Hes supportive of politics that are in direct contradiction to Catholic Church teaching, Plessala said. Its very scandalizing.

Plessala said that both parties have views with which the Catholic Church disagrees, and that St. Michaels welcomes parishioners from all parties and does not concern itself with politics.

My principal concern is not with American politics, Plessala said. My principal concern is with the honoring of the dignity of human life and all forms.

Womens Hope Medical Clinic is holding a prayer vigil open to all from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, which is election day in Lee County, to pray for the clinic and the Supreme Court.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.



President Joe Biden declared a new era for U.S.-ASEAN relations at the end of an in-person summit with regional leaders in Washington last week.



The ASEAN centrality is the very heart of my administrations strategy in pursuing the future we all want to see, he told his ASEAN guests in the State Departments Harry S Truman building. And I mean that sincerely.



Washington made a fresh $150 million pledge to fund the bloc on economy, health, energy, education, including a $60 million allocation for maritime security endeavors undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guards. And Biden appointed national security staffer Yohannes Abraham as the new U.S. ambassador to ASEAN, a position that has been vacant since January 2017.



It was indeed an eventful week in Washington for all involved, marking a renewed U.S. commitment to ASEAN after four years of neglect under former President Trump. But experts caution that keeping up the momentum  and effectively engaging ASEAN in U.S. efforts to counter Chinas regional influence  remains an uphill challenge.



The fact that the Summit finally took place after a postponement in March is positive and much needed at this juncture, said Sharon Seah, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institutes ASEAN Studies Centre in Singapore.



ASEAN cannot escape the fact that China is in its own backyard and the US acknowledges that. The US has also said that they did not expect ASEAN to choose sides. This is something that ASEAN member states are loath to do, she added.



Still, Seah said the eight-page joint vision statement that came out of the summit helped create a common sense of U.S. goals in the region, where ASEAN stands strategically, and the role of its members in maintaining global balance.



The momentum should be maintained by working towards the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that will be announced in November, she said.

Challenging China



The summit took place amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the blocs struggle to address the post-coup crisis in Myanmar.



The joint statement issued after the summit also addressed the South China Sea dispute, in which China has overlapped maritime border claims with four ASEAN members  Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.



We recognise the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity, the statement reads. We emphasise the importance of practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation.



Chinese and ASEAN officials will gather this month in Cambodia, the current ASEAN chair, to continue negotiations over the South China Seas code of conduct, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing on May 13.



Cambodia, during its last time in the ASEAN chair more than a decade ago, blocked mention of the dispute in a joint resolution, a move widely seen as a favor to Beijing.



China continues to provoke its smaller neighbors over South China Sea claims, such as the Chinese Coast Guards issuing a summer fishing moratorium in contested waters with Vietnam from May 1 to August 16 and its coast guards law promulgated in 2021, viewed by experts as a move to assert its jurisdiction that could undermine code of conduct talks.



Among the U.S. $150 million pledge to ASEAN, $60 million of which goes to new regional maritime initiatives, most of which will be led by the U.S. Coast Guard focused on countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.



And the U.S. remains deeply concerned about the presence of Chinas military in Cambodias Ream Naval base in Sihanoukville, which it worries could become a permanent port for Beijings navy in the region.

Both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his deputy, Wendy Sherman, separately met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in Washington to reiterate U.S. concerns over the base, which was at the center of U.S. sanctions against senior Cambodian military figures last year.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government has insisted that Cambodia would not allow any foreign militaries to operate in the country, and has shrugged off suggestions that Phnom Penh, through Chinese largesse and investment, is becoming a proxy for Beijing in the ASEAN bloc.



Pongphisoot Busbarat, an assistant professor in international relations at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, agreed that the China factor still looms large. Asean will not be willing to take any stronger position or moves if that will affect its relations with China.



Not Enough?



Busbarat told VOA Khmer that the U.S. endeavor to boost ties with ASEAN via the Washington summit was still relatively modest.



The US economic initiatives that should be the main thrust to push the ties further are still unclear. Nothing specific was mentioned in the Statement besides what has already been in place, he said.



For example, the promise of a $150 million package to Asean on regional development is still minimal. This cannot be expected to create any strong impact but rather be a symbol and good gesture, Busbarat added.

Susannah Patton, a research fellow who directs the power and diplomacy project at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the U.S. needs a sharper focus when it comes to engaging Southeast Asia.



The US also needs to deliver some bigger programs or initiatives through ASEAN institutions, to help mitigate the perception that the US prefers to work around ASEAN in groups such as the Quad, she told VOA Khmer, referring to the alliance between the U.S., Australia, India and Japan.



Economic anticipation



The summit was not used to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  a much-anticipated U.S. scheme to boost economic ties in the region  though it was reportedly discussed in the meetings last week.



Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking to the city-states media after the summit, said there had not been much substance thus far regarding the framework, though he said the summit has its own value and was a new start.



He added the U.S. played an indispensable role in ensuring regional security, but added that US participation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be only limited to security and defence. It must also consist of economic cooperation, and also include other areas such as on environmental issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris told ASEAN leaders during a working lunch on May 13 that the U.S.-ASEAN economic partnership was in American interests too, saying it directly affects the prosperity and security of the American people.



On the issue of prosperity, resilient supply chains in Southeast Asia benefit American consumers. When global supply chains are flowing, more goods are available and prices, of course, come down, Harris added.



However, Biden, like his predecessor, has been inclined toward economic protectionism and prioritizing goods Made in America, which could run counter to serious expansion of trade relations with regions like Southeast Asia.



Though expectations are high that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework could be a launching pad for trade relations envisioned under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was scrapped by Trump before taking effect, its unclear whether that is realistic, said Patton of the Lowy Institute.



The [IPEF] is unlikely to meet Southeast Asian countries' demands, she told VOA Khmer. During the recent US-ASEAN Summit, even ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia who would be among the most likely participants expressed reservations about the IPEF and which aspects they would join.



Keeping the Momentum



Speaking after Harris on May 13, Hun Sen verbally invited Biden to Phnom Penh in November to attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit and the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit. If Biden comes to Phnom Penh, it would be the first time in five years that a U.S. president attended ASEAN-led meetings in person.



Trump visited Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting and attended ASEAN-led summits in the Philippines in 2017. He later came to Southeast Asia twice  to Singapore in 2018 and to Hanoi in 2019  only to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sending then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-National Security Advisor Robert OBrien to other summits.



Though the Biden administration is restoring attention to the region, Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said there could be policy shifts after the U.S. midterm election this year and presidential elections two years from now.



The question of whether another Trump-ian administration is a possibility in 2024 has been on the minds of some ASEAN countries, Seah said.



Executive decisions can be easily overturned by the next President. Pragmatically speaking, one way is to embed engagement by way of a Congressionally-approved agreement e.g. in the area of economic cooperation. Once multilateral obligations are signed into law, it is harder to overturn, she added.



Patton added the fact ASEAN is reluctant to challenge China could also remain a barrier to advance intimate ties with the U.S. ASEAN countries will need to work harder to influence the US, and not just wait for the US to come to them, she said.
This image from NASA TV shows the Boeing Starliner approaching the International Space Station, Friday, May 20, 2022. Boeing's astronaut capsule has arrived at the International Space Station in a critical repeat test flight. Only a test dummy was aboard the capsule for Friday's docking, a huge achievement for Boeing after years of false starts. (NASA via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  With only a test dummy aboard, Boeings astronaut capsule pulled up and parked at the International Space Station for the first time Friday, a huge achievement for the company after years of false starts.

The only other time Boeings Starliner flew in space, it never got anywhere near the station, ending up in the wrong orbit.

This time, the overhauled spacecraft made it to the right spot following Thursdays launch and docked at the station 25 hours later. The automated rendezvous went off without a major hitch, despite a pair of thrusters that failed during liftoff.

Boeings flight comes three years after Elon Musks Spacex pulled off the same test. SpaceX has since launched 18 astronauts to the space station for NASA, as well as tourists.

With Starliner's arrival, NASA finally realized its longtime effort to have two crew capsules from competing U.S. companies flying to the space station. A SpaceX Dragon capsule was parked nearby.

If the rest of Starliners mission goes well, Boeing could be ready to launch its first crew by the end of this year. The astronauts likely to serve on the first Starliner crew joined Boeing and NASA flight controllers in Houston, as the action unfolded nearly 270 miles (435 kilometers) up.

NASA wants redundancy when it comes to the Florida-based astronaut taxi service. Administrator Bill Nelson said Boeings long road with Starliner underscores the importance of having two types of crew capsules. U.S. astronauts were stuck riding Russian rockets once the shuttle program ended, until SpaceXs first crew flight in 2020.

Boeings first Starliner test flight in 2019 was plagued by software errors that cut the mission short and could have doomed the spacecraft. Those were corrected, but when the new capsule awaited liftoff last summer, corroded valves halted the countdown. More repairs followed, as Boeing chalked up nearly $600 million in do-over costs.

Before letting Starliner get close to the space station Friday, Boeing ground controllers practiced maneuvering the capsule and tested its robotic vision system. Everything checked out well, Boeing said, except for a cooling loop and the two failed thrusters. The capsule held a steady temperature, however, and had plenty of other thrusters for steering.

Once Starliner was within 10 miles (15 kilometers) of the space station, Boeing flight controllers in Houston could see the space station through the capsule's cameras. We're waving. Can you see us? joked station astronaut Bob Hines.

The gleaming white-with-blue-trim capsule hovered 33 feet (10 meters) from the station for close to two hours  considerably longer than planned  as flight controllers adjusted its docking ring and ensured everything else was in order. When the green light finally came, Starliner closed the gap in four minutes, eliciting cheers in Boeing's control center.

The space stations seven astronauts will unload groceries and gear from Starliner and pack it up with experiments. Unlike SpaceXs Dragon capsule that splashes down off the Florida coast, Starliner will aim for a landing in New Mexico next Wednesday.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.







By Trevor Hunnicutt, Josh Smith and Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - President Joe Biden and his new South Korean counterpart agreed on Saturday to hold bigger military drills and deploy more U.S. weapons if necessary to deter North Korea, while offering to send COVID-19 vaccines and potentially meet Kim Jong Un.

Biden and Yoon Suk-yeol said their countries' decades-old alliance needed to develop not only to face North Korean threats but to keep the Indo-Pacific region "free and open" and protect global supply chains.

The two leaders are meeting in Seoul for their first diplomatic engagement since the South Korean president's inauguration 11 days ago. The encounter between allies was clouded by intelligence showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is prepared to conduct nuclear or missile tests.

Yoon had sought more assurances that the United States would boost its deterrence against North Korean threats. In a joint statement, Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary.

The two sides agreed to consider expanding their combined military drills, which had been scaled back in recent years over COVID-19 and efforts to lower tensions with the North.

The United States also promised to deploy "strategic assets" - which typically include long-range bomber aircraft, missile submarines, or aircraft carriers - if necessary to deter North Korea, according to the statement.

Both leaders said they were committed to denuclearising North Korea and were open to diplomacy with Pyongyang.

"With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether he was serious," Biden told a joint news conference.

He said Washington had offered COVID-19 vaccines to China and North Korea, which is combating its first acknowledged outbreak. "We've got no response," Biden said.

North Korea reported more than 200,000 new patients suffering from fever for a fifth consecutive day on Saturday, but the country has little in the way of vaccines or modern treatment for the pandemic.

Story continues

EXPANDING ALLIANCE

The U.S.-South Korea alliance, which dates to the 1950-1953 Korean War, must further develop to keep the Indo-Pacific "free and open", Biden said.

He said the alliance was built on opposition to changing borders by force - an apparent reference to Russia's war in Ukraine and China's claims over Taiwan.

The joint statement called for preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

When asked by reporters about possible reactions from Beijing, Yoon's national security advisor Kim Sung-han said those issues were directly linked with South Korea's national interests, as its ships use the routes.

"So I think there would be little room for Chinese retaliation or misunderstandings about this," he said.

Changes in international trade and supply chains gave new impetus for the United States and South Korea to deepen their relationship, Yoon said, calling for cooperation on electric batteries and semiconductors.

Biden used the visit to tout investments in the United States by Korean companies, including a move by South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group to invest about $5.5 billion to build its first dedicated fully electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States.

The two leaders toured a Samsung semiconductor plant on Friday, where Biden said countries like the United States and South Korea that "share values" needed to cooperate more to protect economic and national security.

Yoon said the concept of economic security will include cooperating in case of shocks in the foreign exchange market.

The South Korean president, keen to play a bigger role in regional issues, said his country would join Biden's Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which will be announced during the trip to set standards on labour, the environment and supply chains.

China is South Korea's top trading partner, and Yoon's aides emphasized that neither the joint statement or the IPEF explicitly excluded any country.

While White House officials have sought to play down any explicit message of countering China, it is a theme of Biden's trip and one that has caught the eye of Beijing.

"We hope that the U.S. will match its words with deeds and work with countries in the region to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, instead of plotting division and confrontation," Chinese envoy for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming, said on Twitter.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Hyonhee Shin, Jack Kim, Eric Beech and Josh Smith; Editing by William Mallard and Mike Harrison)
And when speaking of tiltrotors, theres really only one aircraft that fits the bill: the Osprey , a strange machine put together by Bell and Boeing with the goal of giving the American military access to the advantages of helicopter-style take-off and aircraft flight in a single package.Around in the skies of the world since the 1980s, the thing draws its power from two engines developing 6,150 shaft horsepower each. What makes them truly special is that they sit in dedicated nacelles, located at the ends of long wings, and can shift position to provide either lift or forward motion.The general range of an Osprey is of almost 500 miles (over 800 km) with 24 troops on board or over 2,500 miles (4,000 or so km) in self-deploy mode. But with aerial refueling, that range is only a number on a piece of paper: back in April, for instance, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 ( VMM-363 ) took their MV-22 Ospreys on a 5,443 miles (8,760 km) self-deploy journey.The tiltrotor featured in the main photo of this piece is with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), a CV-22 Osprey captured on film during an approach to an aerial tanker for a refueling op that took place in mid-April over Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.Shot from up close, the Osprey proudly displays its rapidly spinning and absolutely massive blades, each covering a diameter of 38 feet (over 11 meters). And it looks quite fancy, too, especially given how the 58th Special Operations Wing machine was flying as part of a two-week documentation of the 58th SOW by the publication Vertical Magazine.
What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil








What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires












What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil







Today

Mostly clear. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 68F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 68F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunshine. High 94F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has identified the man killed this week during a standoff with SWAT teams as 37-year-old Rolando Abel Rojas.

Maricopa County sheriff's deputies shot and killed Rojas on Wednesday afternoon in the town of Guadalupe.

Sgt. Calbert Gillett, an MCSO spokesperson, said at the time that deputies were dispatched about 1:30 p.m. to the area near Avenida Del Yaqui and Calle Pitaya after receiving a call about a man acting erratically, firing a gun near a school, according to MCSO.

When deputies responded, Rojas took a "stationary position" at the front porch of a nearby residence, which was adjacent to the north fence of the grade school.

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and Tempe police supported deputies as law enforcement used a drone to get a visual of Rojas, who then began shooting at the drone, Gillett said.

Gillett said MCSO and Tempe police called their respective SWAT teams to establish a perimeter around the residence when Rojas shot at members of the MCSO SWAT team, who returned fire, striking him.

Rojas was pronounced dead at the scene, Gillett said. No deputies were injured, Gillett said.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MCSO identifies man killed in standoff with SWAT teams in Guadalupe



Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness -- especially if you paid for it.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has made a point of not taking advantage -- or not taking full advantage -- of federal assistance in the form of supplemental food assistance, expanded unemployment benefits and now $120 million in the latest wave of rental assistance funding, according to a recent Omaha World-Herald story.

This is federal money from taxpayers, Nebraskans among them. Some of the money may end up in Nebraska anyway, though not the full measure. That means Nebraskans are footing the bill to help those in need in other states -- which isn't a bad thing necessarily -- but there are those here still in need.

When Ricketts indicated the state wouldn't take the latest money for rental assistance, the Legislature passed a bill directing him to accept the funds. Ricketts vetoed the bill, and the override effort fell one vote short.

Ricketts' rationale is that the COVID emergency is over. And while the worst of this medical disaster might be behind us, the economic pain lingers. Left in COVID's wake are tens of thousands in Nebraska who are feeling the pinch.

Early in the pandemic, the governor did take advantage of federal funds -- mostly for businesses, government reimbursements and for the state's unemployment trust fund. He also praised the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Ricketts has said his concern is that accepting things like food, unemployment and rental aid will turn us into a welfare state. That would be a pretty quick change in direction from a population he routinely touts as industrious and hard-working.

How, exactly, Ricketts understands the plight of folks who earn far less than he does is unclear. Social workers -- the boots on the ground -- paint a much different picture.

Presumably closer to their constituents, state senators had the chance to override the governor's veto and didn't.

Three state senators -- John Arch, Tom Brewer and Curt Friesen -- were present but didn't vote. Their decision left their constituents unrepresented on this issue and became de facto votes to deny renters and landlords in need additional assistance.

The precise impacts of COVID are difficult to isolate. But there are people in need. Playing politics with the lives -- and livelihoods -- of those facing financial strain is wrong, especially when the means to help are available.

Nebraskans recognize the need to attract workers and families. Educational and professional opportunities certainly don't hurt. But sending a signal that we're a compassionate state willing to help one another might not be such a bad recruiting tool, either.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0












The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.

The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.

The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
A committee of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) was to meet yesterday to review the sudden explosion of monkeypox cases across the globe.

More than 130 cases of known (80) or suspected (50) monkeypox cases are under investigation spanning 12 non-African countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada, Australia and the United States.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. [AP Photo/Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC]

Only one of these confirmed cases has been linked to travel from Nigeria, a country known to have endemic monkeypox. The man, who developed a rash on April 29, flew to the UK on May 4 and informed authorities of his symptoms. He was immediately isolated, and the blisters were sampled and sent for PCR testing at Porton Down science park, which confirmed the infection on May 7.

What has public health officials concerned is that cases are geographically dispersed across Europe, the Atlantic and as far as Oceania. They suspect that the disease has been spreading undetected for some time. These developments shouldnt come as a surprise, as all social restrictions against COVID have been lifted and international flights have begun carrying hundreds of millions of passengers this year. Meanwhile, public health efforts have been decimated by two years of non-stop waves of infections.

The WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, noted, Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, the disease can be more severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. It remains to be seen if previous infection to SARS-CoV-2 will predispose people to complications from monkeypox.

Genomic sequencing of the current strain of the monkeypox suggests it is the less severe West Africa clade (genomic family), with a case fatality rate of less than one percent, or the mild version. The clade from the Congo basin carries a ten percent fatality rate. However, n article published in Nature yesterday stated, Exactly how much the strain causing the current outbreaks differs from the one in western Africaand whether the viruses popping up in various countries are linked to one anotherremains unknown.

Dr. Raina MacIntyre, infectious disease epidemiologist and monkeypox expert at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said that answers to these questions are critical in explaining if the sudden rise in cases is a byproduct of a mutation that allows the monkeypox virus to transit more efficiently than the ancestral versions. It would also answer if the outbreaks can be traced back to a single origin.

The deputy director of the CDCs division of high consequences pathogens and pathology, Jennifer McQuiston, said earlier in the week about the monkeypox epidemic, [While] were seeing this expansion of confirmed and suspect cases globally, we have a sense that no one has their arms around this to know how large and expansive it might be. And given how much travel there is between the United States and Europe, I am very confident were going to see cases in the United States.

Currently six people are being monitored who were close contacts of the man who flew back to the UK from Nigeria. Another man in Massachusetts with confirmed monkeypox had been in Quebec, where several cases have been confirmed. Another man currently at Bellevue Hospital is being investigated for infection, according to the New York City Health Department.

The disparate cases imply undetected spread has been taking place. Usually, the disease manifests in lesions that begin on the face and spread to the other parts of the body, forming into blisters that burst, then scar, leading to the pathognomonic (disease-specific) skin lesions. The consequence here is that monkeypox does not go unnoticed to the infected person or others. If the monkeypox virus is spreading asymptomatically, that would have significant public health ramifications.

Health authorities have also been perplexed by the fact that most of the cases have been among young and middle-aged men, many of whom are gay or bisexual and have sex with men (GBMSM). MacIntyre told Nature she suspects that the virus was coincidentally introduced into a GBMSM community, and the virus has continued circulating there. Such reports will certainly lead to stigmatizing this community once more, as with HIV.

However, Dr. Kluge warned, As we enter the summer season in the European region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many.

Vaccines against smallpox offer 85 percent protection against monkeypox, as the variola virus is very similar. However, smallpox vaccination ended in 1980 when the disease was eradicated, meaning that those younger than 45 are unvaccinated and thus fully susceptible to the monkeypox virus. This of course includes all children, who are not less severely infected, as they have been so far with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, decades of waning immunity to smallpox have likely made the elderly vulnerable again.

Public health authorities are attempting to assure the public that ample supplies of smallpox vaccines, including antiviral treatments against monkeypox virus, are available. But instead of employing these in mass vaccination campaigns, healthcare workers would utilize a method called ring vaccination, where close contacts of infected patients would receive these treatments. However, this implies a program of contact tracing would be necessary to detail every chain of transmission.

Countries are beginning to secure contracts with the maker of the smallpox vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, a Danish company. On Wednesday, the company said BARDA (the US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the Strategic National Stockpile) had exercised a $119 million option to manufacture the freeze-dried doses of Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine live, non-replicating) in 2023 and 2024 to replace the current stock of bulk vaccine, according to Fierce Pharma.

They also said, U.S. company Emergent BioSolutions also has an FDA-approved smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, which isnt available in the EU. Emergent nabbed an award worth up to $2 billion to deliver ACAM2000 to the Strategic National Stockpile over 10 years.
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company

The first trailer for Dolly Alderton's hotly anticipated Everything I Know About Love debuted on Friday.

Inspired by the author's own bestselling memoir of the same name, the BBC series is said to give an unflinching look at bad dates, heartaches and surviving your 20s.

The seven part drama, written by the author, follows best friends Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley) as they attempt to navigate life in London.

Soon: The first trailer for Dolly Alderton's hotly anticipated Everything I Know About Love debuted on Friday. Which will follow (R-L) Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley) as they attempt to navigate life in London.

The trailer starts with pals Maggie (Emma ) and Birdy (Bel) preparing for a girl's night out after moving to the city.

'Is it hard being the prettiest girl in the entire world?' Maggie asks her friend, before the pair are joined for drinks by Nell (Marli Siu) and Amara (Aliyah Odoffin).

The foursome set off for their 'first Friday night in their first London house' as they enjoy a wild night of partying.

Exciting: The trailer starts with pals Maggie (Emma ) and Birdy (Bel) preparing for a girl's night out after moving into their new home together in London

Fun: The pair are then seen heading off on a girls night out with pals Nell (Marli Siu) and Amara (Aliyah Odoffin).

Later Birdy tells a group of strangers how Maggie is her 'child hood sweetheart' and the pair are seen in flashback in the infancy of their now strong friendship.

The pals are then seen settling into their new life in the capitol as they roll down a large grassy hill and later practice their dance moves.

A nervous Birdy also ventures on a date, having pre-prepared topics for her romantic outing.

'Council tax?' Maggie wonders as she reads the list ' Russel Brand?'.

First date: A nervous Birdy also ventures on a date, having pre-prepared topics for her romantic outing

Shocked: Later Birdy is caught in bed with her date, as a nude Maggie desperately attempting to cover up from the surprise visitor

Later Birdy is caught in bed with her date, as a nude Maggie desperately attempts to cover herself from the surprise visitor.

The girls' friendship is then seen to change as Birdy begins a relationship her best friend is left feeling rejected.

'People only say nothing wont changes when things are changing' a sad Maggie cries - as she eats a large block of cheese in bed.

As Birdy settles down in a happy relationship Maggie exclaims: 'Everyone is so boring, sorry but I want to live before I die'.

Changing times: The girls' friendship is then seen to change as Birdy begins a relationship and Maggie is left feeling rejected (L-R) Marli Siu and Amara Aliyah Odoffin

Sad: 'People only say nothing changes when things are changing' a sad Maggie cries - as she eats a large block of cheese in bed

Crashing her pals romantic evening with a large sombrero and an inflatable penis.

The girls are then seen making love and exploring their maturity as Amara says: 'We're in this short grubby phase of life that's so short lived'.

With the main character's friendship reaching breaking point Maggie cries: 'You've always been my most important person'.

Only for a tearful Birdy to reply: 'I don't know if we should be that to each other anymore'.

Saucy: The girls are then seen making love and exploring their maturity as Amara says: 'we're in this short grubby phase of life that's so short lived'

NSFW: The show is being directed by China Moo-Young (Intergalactic, Harlots) and produced by Working Title Television (We Are Lady Parts, Hanna)

The show is being directed by China Moo-Young (Intergalactic, Harlots) and produced by Working Title Television (We Are Lady Parts, Hanna).

The story is set in a 2012 London house-share with flashbacks to suburban adolescence in the early noughties, the series is an unflinching deep dive into bad dates, heartaches and humiliations and begs the question: can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up?

Dolly says: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love. Aisha Bywaters has helped us find our dream cast and we are so excited to see them inhabit the world of the show and bring its stories and relationships to life.'

Set the scene: The story is set in a 2012 London house-share with flashbacks to suburban adolescence in the early noughties, the series is an unflinching deep dive into bad dates, heartaches and humiliations and begs the question: can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up?

Can't wait: China Moo-Young, Director says: 'We have a sublime cast for Everything I Know About Love and I'm so excited to see them bring all the heart and humour of Dolly's scripts to life on screen

China Moo-Young, Director says: 'We have a sublime cast for Everything I Know About Love and I'm so excited to see them bring all the heart and humour of Dolly's scripts to life on screen.'

Jo McClellan, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama says: 'The BBC are incredibly excited to have this talented young cast join Dolly, China and the Working Title team to create this funny, uplifting and big-hearted show about friendship and love.'

Surian Fletcher-Jones, Executive Producer for Working Title Television, added: 'We at Working Title are incredibly proud to be working with the phenomenally talented Dolly Alderton.

Star turn: Emma (right) is known for her roles as Feef Symonds in spy thriller Traitors and for playing Princess Renfri in Netflix series The Witcher. Meanwhile, Bel (left) has had roles in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, BBC drama Informer and coming-of-age film Diary of a Teenage Girl in which she played the lead role as Minnie Goetze

'It has been a real joy helping to bring her vision to life alongside our brilliant lead director, China Moo-Young and producer, Simon Maloney. We can't wait to get going with this genuinely hilarious and heartfelt show.'

Emma is known for her roles as Feef Symonds in spy thriller Traitors and for playing Princess Renfri in Netflix series The Witcher.

She has also appeared in and short film Dreamlands and is set to feature in upcoming Sex Pistols miniseries Pistol, where she plays Nancy Spungen.

Author: On the casting, author Dolly, 32, said: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love

Meanwhile, Bel has had roles in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, BBC drama Informer and coming-of-age film Diary of a Teenage Girl in which she played the lead role as Minnie Goetze.

The show is described by the BBC as 'a generous, funny, warm-hearted and uplifting Sex & The City for Millennials.'

On the casting, author Dolly, 32, said: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love.

Everything I Know About Love will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer June 7

Everything I Know About Love premieres June 8 only on Stan in Australia.
The first trailer for Dolly Alderton's hotly anticipated Everything I Know About Love debuted on Friday.

Inspired by the author's own bestselling memoir of the same name, the BBC series is said to give an unflinching look at bad dates, heartaches and surviving your 20s.

The seven part drama, written by the author, follows best friends Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley) as they attempt to navigate life in London.

Soon: The first trailer for Dolly Alderton's hotly anticipated Everything I Know About Love debuted on Friday. Which will follow (R-L) Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley) as they attempt to navigate life in London.

The trailer starts with pals Maggie (Emma ) and Birdy (Bel) preparing for a girl's night out after moving to the city.

'Is it hard being the prettiest girl in the entire world?' Maggie asks her friend, before the pair are joined for drinks by Nell (Marli Siu) and Amara (Aliyah Odoffin).

The foursome set off for their 'first Friday night in their first London house' as they enjoy a wild night of partying.

Exciting: The trailer starts with pals Maggie (Emma ) and Birdy (Bel) preparing for a girl's night out after moving into their new home together in London

Fun: The pair are then seen heading off on a girls night out with pals Nell (Marli Siu) and Amara (Aliyah Odoffin).

Later Birdy tells a group of strangers how Maggie is her 'child hood sweetheart' and the pair are seen in flashback in the infancy of their now strong friendship.

The pals are then seen settling into their new life in the capitol as they roll down a large grassy hill and later practice their dance moves.

A nervous Birdy also ventures on a date, having pre-prepared topics for her romantic outing.

'Council tax?' Maggie wonders as she reads the list ' Russel Brand?'.

First date: A nervous Birdy also ventures on a date, having pre-prepared topics for her romantic outing

Shocked: Later Birdy is caught in bed with her date, as a nude Maggie desperately attempting to cover up from the surprise visitor

Later Birdy is caught in bed with her date, as a nude Maggie desperately attempts to cover herself from the surprise visitor.

The girls' friendship is then seen to change as Birdy begins a relationship her best friend is left feeling rejected.

'People only say nothing wont changes when things are changing' a sad Maggie cries - as she eats a large block of cheese in bed.

As Birdy settles down in a happy relationship Maggie exclaims: 'Everyone is so boring, sorry but I want to live before I die'.

Changing times: The girls' friendship is then seen to change as Birdy begins a relationship and Maggie is left feeling rejected (L-R) Marli Siu and Amara Aliyah Odoffin

Sad: 'People only say nothing changes when things are changing' a sad Maggie cries - as she eats a large block of cheese in bed

Crashing her pals romantic evening with a large sombrero and an inflatable penis.

The girls are then seen making love and exploring their maturity as Amara says: 'We're in this short grubby phase of life that's so short lived'.

With the main character's friendship reaching breaking point Maggie cries: 'You've always been my most important person'.

Only for a tearful Birdy to reply: 'I don't know if we should be that to each other anymore'.

Saucy: The girls are then seen making love and exploring their maturity as Amara says: 'we're in this short grubby phase of life that's so short lived'

NSFW: The show is being directed by China Moo-Young (Intergalactic, Harlots) and produced by Working Title Television (We Are Lady Parts, Hanna)

The show is being directed by China Moo-Young (Intergalactic, Harlots) and produced by Working Title Television (We Are Lady Parts, Hanna).

The story is set in a 2012 London house-share with flashbacks to suburban adolescence in the early noughties, the series is an unflinching deep dive into bad dates, heartaches and humiliations and begs the question: can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up?

Dolly says: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love. Aisha Bywaters has helped us find our dream cast and we are so excited to see them inhabit the world of the show and bring its stories and relationships to life.'

Set the scene: The story is set in a 2012 London house-share with flashbacks to suburban adolescence in the early noughties, the series is an unflinching deep dive into bad dates, heartaches and humiliations and begs the question: can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up?

Can't wait: China Moo-Young, Director says: 'We have a sublime cast for Everything I Know About Love and I'm so excited to see them bring all the heart and humour of Dolly's scripts to life on screen

China Moo-Young, Director says: 'We have a sublime cast for Everything I Know About Love and I'm so excited to see them bring all the heart and humour of Dolly's scripts to life on screen.'

Jo McClellan, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama says: 'The BBC are incredibly excited to have this talented young cast join Dolly, China and the Working Title team to create this funny, uplifting and big-hearted show about friendship and love.'

Surian Fletcher-Jones, Executive Producer for Working Title Television, added: 'We at Working Title are incredibly proud to be working with the phenomenally talented Dolly Alderton.

Star turn: Emma (right) is known for her roles as Feef Symonds in spy thriller Traitors and for playing Princess Renfri in Netflix series The Witcher. Meanwhile, Bel (left) has had roles in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, BBC drama Informer and coming-of-age film Diary of a Teenage Girl in which she played the lead role as Minnie Goetze

'It has been a real joy helping to bring her vision to life alongside our brilliant lead director, China Moo-Young and producer, Simon Maloney. We can't wait to get going with this genuinely hilarious and heartfelt show.'

Emma is known for her roles as Feef Symonds in spy thriller Traitors and for playing Princess Renfri in Netflix series The Witcher.

She has also appeared in and short film Dreamlands and is set to feature in upcoming Sex Pistols miniseries Pistol, where she plays Nancy Spungen.

Author: On the casting, author Dolly, 32, said: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love

Meanwhile, Bel has had roles in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, BBC drama Informer and coming-of-age film Diary of a Teenage Girl in which she played the lead role as Minnie Goetze.

The show is described by the BBC as 'a generous, funny, warm-hearted and uplifting Sex & The City for Millennials.'

On the casting, author Dolly, 32, said: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love.

Everything I Know About Love will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer June 7

Everything I Know About Love premieres June 8 only on Stan in Australia.
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
The first trailer for Dolly Alderton's hotly anticipated Everything I Know About Love debuted on Friday.

Inspired by the author's own bestselling memoir of the same name, the BBC series is said to give an unflinching look at bad dates, heartaches and surviving your 20s.

The seven part drama, written by the author, follows best friends Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley) as they attempt to navigate life in London.

Soon: The first trailer for Dolly Alderton's hotly anticipated Everything I Know About Love debuted on Friday. Which will follow (R-L) Maggie (Emma Appleton) and Birdy (Bel Powley) as they attempt to navigate life in London.

The trailer starts with pals Maggie (Emma ) and Birdy (Bel) preparing for a girl's night out after moving to the city.

'Is it hard being the prettiest girl in the entire world?' Maggie asks her friend, before the pair are joined for drinks by Nell (Marli Siu) and Amara (Aliyah Odoffin).

The foursome set off for their 'first Friday night in their first London house' as they enjoy a wild night of partying.

Exciting: The trailer starts with pals Maggie (Emma ) and Birdy (Bel) preparing for a girl's night out after moving into their new home together in London

Fun: The pair are then seen heading off on a girls night out with pals Nell (Marli Siu) and Amara (Aliyah Odoffin).

Later Birdy tells a group of strangers how Maggie is her 'child hood sweetheart' and the pair are seen in flashback in the infancy of their now strong friendship.

The pals are then seen settling into their new life in the capitol as they roll down a large grassy hill and later practice their dance moves.

A nervous Birdy also ventures on a date, having pre-prepared topics for her romantic outing.

'Council tax?' Maggie wonders as she reads the list ' Russel Brand?'.

First date: A nervous Birdy also ventures on a date, having pre-prepared topics for her romantic outing

Shocked: Later Birdy is caught in bed with her date, as a nude Maggie desperately attempting to cover up from the surprise visitor

Later Birdy is caught in bed with her date, as a nude Maggie desperately attempts to cover herself from the surprise visitor.

The girls' friendship is then seen to change as Birdy begins a relationship her best friend is left feeling rejected.

'People only say nothing wont changes when things are changing' a sad Maggie cries - as she eats a large block of cheese in bed.

As Birdy settles down in a happy relationship Maggie exclaims: 'Everyone is so boring, sorry but I want to live before I die'.

Changing times: The girls' friendship is then seen to change as Birdy begins a relationship and Maggie is left feeling rejected (L-R) Marli Siu and Amara Aliyah Odoffin

Sad: 'People only say nothing changes when things are changing' a sad Maggie cries - as she eats a large block of cheese in bed

Crashing her pals romantic evening with a large sombrero and an inflatable penis.

The girls are then seen making love and exploring their maturity as Amara says: 'We're in this short grubby phase of life that's so short lived'.

With the main character's friendship reaching breaking point Maggie cries: 'You've always been my most important person'.

Only for a tearful Birdy to reply: 'I don't know if we should be that to each other anymore'.

Saucy: The girls are then seen making love and exploring their maturity as Amara says: 'we're in this short grubby phase of life that's so short lived'

NSFW: The show is being directed by China Moo-Young (Intergalactic, Harlots) and produced by Working Title Television (We Are Lady Parts, Hanna)

The show is being directed by China Moo-Young (Intergalactic, Harlots) and produced by Working Title Television (We Are Lady Parts, Hanna).

The story is set in a 2012 London house-share with flashbacks to suburban adolescence in the early noughties, the series is an unflinching deep dive into bad dates, heartaches and humiliations and begs the question: can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up?

Dolly says: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love. Aisha Bywaters has helped us find our dream cast and we are so excited to see them inhabit the world of the show and bring its stories and relationships to life.'

Set the scene: The story is set in a 2012 London house-share with flashbacks to suburban adolescence in the early noughties, the series is an unflinching deep dive into bad dates, heartaches and humiliations and begs the question: can platonic love survive romantic love as we grow up?

Can't wait: China Moo-Young, Director says: 'We have a sublime cast for Everything I Know About Love and I'm so excited to see them bring all the heart and humour of Dolly's scripts to life on screen

China Moo-Young, Director says: 'We have a sublime cast for Everything I Know About Love and I'm so excited to see them bring all the heart and humour of Dolly's scripts to life on screen.'

Jo McClellan, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama says: 'The BBC are incredibly excited to have this talented young cast join Dolly, China and the Working Title team to create this funny, uplifting and big-hearted show about friendship and love.'

Surian Fletcher-Jones, Executive Producer for Working Title Television, added: 'We at Working Title are incredibly proud to be working with the phenomenally talented Dolly Alderton.

Star turn: Emma (right) is known for her roles as Feef Symonds in spy thriller Traitors and for playing Princess Renfri in Netflix series The Witcher. Meanwhile, Bel (left) has had roles in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, BBC drama Informer and coming-of-age film Diary of a Teenage Girl in which she played the lead role as Minnie Goetze

'It has been a real joy helping to bring her vision to life alongside our brilliant lead director, China Moo-Young and producer, Simon Maloney. We can't wait to get going with this genuinely hilarious and heartfelt show.'

Emma is known for her roles as Feef Symonds in spy thriller Traitors and for playing Princess Renfri in Netflix series The Witcher.

She has also appeared in and short film Dreamlands and is set to feature in upcoming Sex Pistols miniseries Pistol, where she plays Nancy Spungen.

Author: On the casting, author Dolly, 32, said: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love

Meanwhile, Bel has had roles in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, BBC drama Informer and coming-of-age film Diary of a Teenage Girl in which she played the lead role as Minnie Goetze.

The show is described by the BBC as 'a generous, funny, warm-hearted and uplifting Sex & The City for Millennials.'

On the casting, author Dolly, 32, said: 'I am beyond thrilled with every actor we have on board for Everything I Know About Love.

Everything I Know About Love will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer June 7

Everything I Know About Love premieres June 8 only on Stan in Australia.
A committee of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) was to meet yesterday to review the sudden explosion of monkeypox cases across the globe.

More than 130 cases of known (80) or suspected (50) monkeypox cases are under investigation spanning 12 non-African countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada, Australia and the United States.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. [AP Photo/Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC]

Only one of these confirmed cases has been linked to travel from Nigeria, a country known to have endemic monkeypox. The man, who developed a rash on April 29, flew to the UK on May 4 and informed authorities of his symptoms. He was immediately isolated, and the blisters were sampled and sent for PCR testing at Porton Down science park, which confirmed the infection on May 7.

What has public health officials concerned is that cases are geographically dispersed across Europe, the Atlantic and as far as Oceania. They suspect that the disease has been spreading undetected for some time. These developments shouldnt come as a surprise, as all social restrictions against COVID have been lifted and international flights have begun carrying hundreds of millions of passengers this year. Meanwhile, public health efforts have been decimated by two years of non-stop waves of infections.

The WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, noted, Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, the disease can be more severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. It remains to be seen if previous infection to SARS-CoV-2 will predispose people to complications from monkeypox.

Genomic sequencing of the current strain of the monkeypox suggests it is the less severe West Africa clade (genomic family), with a case fatality rate of less than one percent, or the mild version. The clade from the Congo basin carries a ten percent fatality rate. However, n article published in Nature yesterday stated, Exactly how much the strain causing the current outbreaks differs from the one in western Africaand whether the viruses popping up in various countries are linked to one anotherremains unknown.

Dr. Raina MacIntyre, infectious disease epidemiologist and monkeypox expert at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said that answers to these questions are critical in explaining if the sudden rise in cases is a byproduct of a mutation that allows the monkeypox virus to transit more efficiently than the ancestral versions. It would also answer if the outbreaks can be traced back to a single origin.

The deputy director of the CDCs division of high consequences pathogens and pathology, Jennifer McQuiston, said earlier in the week about the monkeypox epidemic, [While] were seeing this expansion of confirmed and suspect cases globally, we have a sense that no one has their arms around this to know how large and expansive it might be. And given how much travel there is between the United States and Europe, I am very confident were going to see cases in the United States.

Currently six people are being monitored who were close contacts of the man who flew back to the UK from Nigeria. Another man in Massachusetts with confirmed monkeypox had been in Quebec, where several cases have been confirmed. Another man currently at Bellevue Hospital is being investigated for infection, according to the New York City Health Department.

The disparate cases imply undetected spread has been taking place. Usually, the disease manifests in lesions that begin on the face and spread to the other parts of the body, forming into blisters that burst, then scar, leading to the pathognomonic (disease-specific) skin lesions. The consequence here is that monkeypox does not go unnoticed to the infected person or others. If the monkeypox virus is spreading asymptomatically, that would have significant public health ramifications.

Health authorities have also been perplexed by the fact that most of the cases have been among young and middle-aged men, many of whom are gay or bisexual and have sex with men (GBMSM). MacIntyre told Nature she suspects that the virus was coincidentally introduced into a GBMSM community, and the virus has continued circulating there. Such reports will certainly lead to stigmatizing this community once more, as with HIV.

However, Dr. Kluge warned, As we enter the summer season in the European region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many.

Vaccines against smallpox offer 85 percent protection against monkeypox, as the variola virus is very similar. However, smallpox vaccination ended in 1980 when the disease was eradicated, meaning that those younger than 45 are unvaccinated and thus fully susceptible to the monkeypox virus. This of course includes all children, who are not less severely infected, as they have been so far with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, decades of waning immunity to smallpox have likely made the elderly vulnerable again.

Public health authorities are attempting to assure the public that ample supplies of smallpox vaccines, including antiviral treatments against monkeypox virus, are available. But instead of employing these in mass vaccination campaigns, healthcare workers would utilize a method called ring vaccination, where close contacts of infected patients would receive these treatments. However, this implies a program of contact tracing would be necessary to detail every chain of transmission.

Countries are beginning to secure contracts with the maker of the smallpox vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, a Danish company. On Wednesday, the company said BARDA (the US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the Strategic National Stockpile) had exercised a $119 million option to manufacture the freeze-dried doses of Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine live, non-replicating) in 2023 and 2024 to replace the current stock of bulk vaccine, according to Fierce Pharma.

They also said, U.S. company Emergent BioSolutions also has an FDA-approved smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, which isnt available in the EU. Emergent nabbed an award worth up to $2 billion to deliver ACAM2000 to the Strategic National Stockpile over 10 years.
A committee of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) was to meet yesterday to review the sudden explosion of monkeypox cases across the globe.

More than 130 cases of known (80) or suspected (50) monkeypox cases are under investigation spanning 12 non-African countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada, Australia and the United States.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. [AP Photo/Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC]

Only one of these confirmed cases has been linked to travel from Nigeria, a country known to have endemic monkeypox. The man, who developed a rash on April 29, flew to the UK on May 4 and informed authorities of his symptoms. He was immediately isolated, and the blisters were sampled and sent for PCR testing at Porton Down science park, which confirmed the infection on May 7.

What has public health officials concerned is that cases are geographically dispersed across Europe, the Atlantic and as far as Oceania. They suspect that the disease has been spreading undetected for some time. These developments shouldnt come as a surprise, as all social restrictions against COVID have been lifted and international flights have begun carrying hundreds of millions of passengers this year. Meanwhile, public health efforts have been decimated by two years of non-stop waves of infections.

The WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, noted, Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, the disease can be more severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. It remains to be seen if previous infection to SARS-CoV-2 will predispose people to complications from monkeypox.

Genomic sequencing of the current strain of the monkeypox suggests it is the less severe West Africa clade (genomic family), with a case fatality rate of less than one percent, or the mild version. The clade from the Congo basin carries a ten percent fatality rate. However, n article published in Nature yesterday stated, Exactly how much the strain causing the current outbreaks differs from the one in western Africaand whether the viruses popping up in various countries are linked to one anotherremains unknown.

Dr. Raina MacIntyre, infectious disease epidemiologist and monkeypox expert at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said that answers to these questions are critical in explaining if the sudden rise in cases is a byproduct of a mutation that allows the monkeypox virus to transit more efficiently than the ancestral versions. It would also answer if the outbreaks can be traced back to a single origin.

The deputy director of the CDCs division of high consequences pathogens and pathology, Jennifer McQuiston, said earlier in the week about the monkeypox epidemic, [While] were seeing this expansion of confirmed and suspect cases globally, we have a sense that no one has their arms around this to know how large and expansive it might be. And given how much travel there is between the United States and Europe, I am very confident were going to see cases in the United States.

Currently six people are being monitored who were close contacts of the man who flew back to the UK from Nigeria. Another man in Massachusetts with confirmed monkeypox had been in Quebec, where several cases have been confirmed. Another man currently at Bellevue Hospital is being investigated for infection, according to the New York City Health Department.

The disparate cases imply undetected spread has been taking place. Usually, the disease manifests in lesions that begin on the face and spread to the other parts of the body, forming into blisters that burst, then scar, leading to the pathognomonic (disease-specific) skin lesions. The consequence here is that monkeypox does not go unnoticed to the infected person or others. If the monkeypox virus is spreading asymptomatically, that would have significant public health ramifications.

Health authorities have also been perplexed by the fact that most of the cases have been among young and middle-aged men, many of whom are gay or bisexual and have sex with men (GBMSM). MacIntyre told Nature she suspects that the virus was coincidentally introduced into a GBMSM community, and the virus has continued circulating there. Such reports will certainly lead to stigmatizing this community once more, as with HIV.

However, Dr. Kluge warned, As we enter the summer season in the European region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many.

Vaccines against smallpox offer 85 percent protection against monkeypox, as the variola virus is very similar. However, smallpox vaccination ended in 1980 when the disease was eradicated, meaning that those younger than 45 are unvaccinated and thus fully susceptible to the monkeypox virus. This of course includes all children, who are not less severely infected, as they have been so far with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, decades of waning immunity to smallpox have likely made the elderly vulnerable again.

Public health authorities are attempting to assure the public that ample supplies of smallpox vaccines, including antiviral treatments against monkeypox virus, are available. But instead of employing these in mass vaccination campaigns, healthcare workers would utilize a method called ring vaccination, where close contacts of infected patients would receive these treatments. However, this implies a program of contact tracing would be necessary to detail every chain of transmission.

Countries are beginning to secure contracts with the maker of the smallpox vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, a Danish company. On Wednesday, the company said BARDA (the US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the Strategic National Stockpile) had exercised a $119 million option to manufacture the freeze-dried doses of Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine live, non-replicating) in 2023 and 2024 to replace the current stock of bulk vaccine, according to Fierce Pharma.

They also said, U.S. company Emergent BioSolutions also has an FDA-approved smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, which isnt available in the EU. Emergent nabbed an award worth up to $2 billion to deliver ACAM2000 to the Strategic National Stockpile over 10 years.
The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness -- especially if you paid for it.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has made a point of not taking advantage -- or not taking full advantage -- of federal assistance in the form of supplemental food assistance, expanded unemployment benefits and now $120 million in the latest wave of rental assistance funding, according to a recent Omaha World-Herald story.

This is federal money from taxpayers, Nebraskans among them. Some of the money may end up in Nebraska anyway, though not the full measure. That means Nebraskans are footing the bill to help those in need in other states -- which isn't a bad thing necessarily -- but there are those here still in need.

When Ricketts indicated the state wouldn't take the latest money for rental assistance, the Legislature passed a bill directing him to accept the funds. Ricketts vetoed the bill, and the override effort fell one vote short.

Ricketts' rationale is that the COVID emergency is over. And while the worst of this medical disaster might be behind us, the economic pain lingers. Left in COVID's wake are tens of thousands in Nebraska who are feeling the pinch.

Early in the pandemic, the governor did take advantage of federal funds -- mostly for businesses, government reimbursements and for the state's unemployment trust fund. He also praised the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Ricketts has said his concern is that accepting things like food, unemployment and rental aid will turn us into a welfare state. That would be a pretty quick change in direction from a population he routinely touts as industrious and hard-working.

How, exactly, Ricketts understands the plight of folks who earn far less than he does is unclear. Social workers -- the boots on the ground -- paint a much different picture.

Presumably closer to their constituents, state senators had the chance to override the governor's veto and didn't.

Three state senators -- John Arch, Tom Brewer and Curt Friesen -- were present but didn't vote. Their decision left their constituents unrepresented on this issue and became de facto votes to deny renters and landlords in need additional assistance.

The precise impacts of COVID are difficult to isolate. But there are people in need. Playing politics with the lives -- and livelihoods -- of those facing financial strain is wrong, especially when the means to help are available.

Nebraskans recognize the need to attract workers and families. Educational and professional opportunities certainly don't hurt. But sending a signal that we're a compassionate state willing to help one another might not be such a bad recruiting tool, either.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness -- especially if you paid for it.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has made a point of not taking advantage -- or not taking full advantage -- of federal assistance in the form of supplemental food assistance, expanded unemployment benefits and now $120 million in the latest wave of rental assistance funding, according to a recent Omaha World-Herald story.

This is federal money from taxpayers, Nebraskans among them. Some of the money may end up in Nebraska anyway, though not the full measure. That means Nebraskans are footing the bill to help those in need in other states -- which isn't a bad thing necessarily -- but there are those here still in need.

When Ricketts indicated the state wouldn't take the latest money for rental assistance, the Legislature passed a bill directing him to accept the funds. Ricketts vetoed the bill, and the override effort fell one vote short.

Ricketts' rationale is that the COVID emergency is over. And while the worst of this medical disaster might be behind us, the economic pain lingers. Left in COVID's wake are tens of thousands in Nebraska who are feeling the pinch.

Early in the pandemic, the governor did take advantage of federal funds -- mostly for businesses, government reimbursements and for the state's unemployment trust fund. He also praised the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Ricketts has said his concern is that accepting things like food, unemployment and rental aid will turn us into a welfare state. That would be a pretty quick change in direction from a population he routinely touts as industrious and hard-working.

How, exactly, Ricketts understands the plight of folks who earn far less than he does is unclear. Social workers -- the boots on the ground -- paint a much different picture.

Presumably closer to their constituents, state senators had the chance to override the governor's veto and didn't.

Three state senators -- John Arch, Tom Brewer and Curt Friesen -- were present but didn't vote. Their decision left their constituents unrepresented on this issue and became de facto votes to deny renters and landlords in need additional assistance.

The precise impacts of COVID are difficult to isolate. But there are people in need. Playing politics with the lives -- and livelihoods -- of those facing financial strain is wrong, especially when the means to help are available.

Nebraskans recognize the need to attract workers and families. Educational and professional opportunities certainly don't hurt. But sending a signal that we're a compassionate state willing to help one another might not be such a bad recruiting tool, either.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Ellianos Coffee is experiencing accelerated growth throughout the southeast, with twenty-two stores currently open and over sixty stores in some stage of development. The new partnership with First Federal Bank comes at a pivotal moment in the franchise's history and will mean even more expedient growth and franchisee satisfaction.

First Federal Bank is a community-based bank founded in 1962 in Lake City, Florida, the same hometown as the coffee franchise. First Federal Bank has grown from four employees in 1962 to over 800 employees in 2022 and offers a complete line of business financial solutions, services, and loans. With SBA and USDA lending offices throughout Florida and in multiple states, First Federal Bank is optimally positioned to work with new and existing Ellianos franchisees.

Offering two different types of loans for franchisees, skilled loan officers at First Federal Bank will carefully evaluate the needs of each Ellianos franchisee to provide them with the best lending option to suit their business goals.

The first lending option First Federal Bank offers franchisees is the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. This option includes terms up to 15 years, requires less personal liquidity, and requires a 10% minimum cash down at closing, among other qualifications.

The second lending option available for Ellianos franchisees through First Federal is a traditional Commercial Loan, which includes terms up to 10 years. The franchisee needs higher personal liquidity, a higher minimum credit score, and a larger down payment at closing, in addition to a few other requirements. In comparison to SBA financing, this option has lower closing costs.

In a recent interview, Rob Hughes, CGGL Division President of First Federal Bank, commented on the partnership stating, "Lending to people opening small businesses is helping them fulfill the American dream." He went on to state, "Being able to offer flexible programs ensures we can meet the needs of all Ellianos' franchisees whether they are in startup mode or expanding their existing businesses."

First Federal Bank stands by its core values to be community-oriented, focus on customer service, provide financial stability, and be trustworthy. These values support its mission and vision, shape its culture, and provide a foundation for its future.

Ellianos Coffee President, Scott Stewart, spoke on the partnership, stating, "We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with First Federal Bank. Every member of their team is truly committed to their core values and ready to help our franchisees accomplish their business goals. We're looking forward to seeing our new and existing franchisees succeed as a result of this key relationship."

The coffee industry proved to be recession-proof throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow annually by 4.32%. Because of its distinctive double-sided drive-thru-only model, Ellianos Coffee experienced record-breaking sales throughout 2020 in the heart of the pandemic, perfectly poised to accommodate the unique conditions. Since the pandemic, the demand for drive-thru service has, in part, catapulted Ellianos into an unprecedented growth stage. First Federal Bank's lending program will ensure franchisees can take full advantage of the current booming coffee industry climate as quickly as possible and transform their stores from a dream to a reality.

About First Federal Bank

First Federal Bank is a community-based mutual savings bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA, and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida, with assets totaling over $3 billion.

First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla., for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Ellianos Coffee

Ellianos was founded in 2002 with the mission to serve 'Italian Quality at America's Pace.' Founders Scott and Pam Stewart have continued their dedicated work of expanding the franchise while making everyone feel like part of the family. The franchise is experiencing exponential growth but remains true to its core values and mission. There are currently 22 operating store locations, with over sixty more locations in some stage of development.

In 2022, the Franchise Business Review (FBR) named Ellianos a Top Franchise, following its 2021 recognition as a Top Food Franchise. Entrepreneur Magazine also named Ellianos on its Top Food Franchise list in 2021. If you would like to learn more about Ellianos Coffee franchising opportunities, please visit www.ellianos.com/franchising/.

CONTACT: Holly Key

(386) 243-1213

[email protected]

SOURCE Ellianos Coffee Company
Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness -- especially if you paid for it.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has made a point of not taking advantage -- or not taking full advantage -- of federal assistance in the form of supplemental food assistance, expanded unemployment benefits and now $120 million in the latest wave of rental assistance funding, according to a recent Omaha World-Herald story.

This is federal money from taxpayers, Nebraskans among them. Some of the money may end up in Nebraska anyway, though not the full measure. That means Nebraskans are footing the bill to help those in need in other states -- which isn't a bad thing necessarily -- but there are those here still in need.

When Ricketts indicated the state wouldn't take the latest money for rental assistance, the Legislature passed a bill directing him to accept the funds. Ricketts vetoed the bill, and the override effort fell one vote short.

Ricketts' rationale is that the COVID emergency is over. And while the worst of this medical disaster might be behind us, the economic pain lingers. Left in COVID's wake are tens of thousands in Nebraska who are feeling the pinch.

Early in the pandemic, the governor did take advantage of federal funds -- mostly for businesses, government reimbursements and for the state's unemployment trust fund. He also praised the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Ricketts has said his concern is that accepting things like food, unemployment and rental aid will turn us into a welfare state. That would be a pretty quick change in direction from a population he routinely touts as industrious and hard-working.

How, exactly, Ricketts understands the plight of folks who earn far less than he does is unclear. Social workers -- the boots on the ground -- paint a much different picture.

Presumably closer to their constituents, state senators had the chance to override the governor's veto and didn't.

Three state senators -- John Arch, Tom Brewer and Curt Friesen -- were present but didn't vote. Their decision left their constituents unrepresented on this issue and became de facto votes to deny renters and landlords in need additional assistance.

The precise impacts of COVID are difficult to isolate. But there are people in need. Playing politics with the lives -- and livelihoods -- of those facing financial strain is wrong, especially when the means to help are available.

Nebraskans recognize the need to attract workers and families. Educational and professional opportunities certainly don't hurt. But sending a signal that we're a compassionate state willing to help one another might not be such a bad recruiting tool, either.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.









The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
A committee of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) was to meet yesterday to review the sudden explosion of monkeypox cases across the globe.

More than 130 cases of known (80) or suspected (50) monkeypox cases are under investigation spanning 12 non-African countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada, Australia and the United States.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. [AP Photo/Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC]

Only one of these confirmed cases has been linked to travel from Nigeria, a country known to have endemic monkeypox. The man, who developed a rash on April 29, flew to the UK on May 4 and informed authorities of his symptoms. He was immediately isolated, and the blisters were sampled and sent for PCR testing at Porton Down science park, which confirmed the infection on May 7.

What has public health officials concerned is that cases are geographically dispersed across Europe, the Atlantic and as far as Oceania. They suspect that the disease has been spreading undetected for some time. These developments shouldnt come as a surprise, as all social restrictions against COVID have been lifted and international flights have begun carrying hundreds of millions of passengers this year. Meanwhile, public health efforts have been decimated by two years of non-stop waves of infections.

The WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, noted, Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, the disease can be more severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. It remains to be seen if previous infection to SARS-CoV-2 will predispose people to complications from monkeypox.

Genomic sequencing of the current strain of the monkeypox suggests it is the less severe West Africa clade (genomic family), with a case fatality rate of less than one percent, or the mild version. The clade from the Congo basin carries a ten percent fatality rate. However, n article published in Nature yesterday stated, Exactly how much the strain causing the current outbreaks differs from the one in western Africaand whether the viruses popping up in various countries are linked to one anotherremains unknown.

Dr. Raina MacIntyre, infectious disease epidemiologist and monkeypox expert at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said that answers to these questions are critical in explaining if the sudden rise in cases is a byproduct of a mutation that allows the monkeypox virus to transit more efficiently than the ancestral versions. It would also answer if the outbreaks can be traced back to a single origin.

The deputy director of the CDCs division of high consequences pathogens and pathology, Jennifer McQuiston, said earlier in the week about the monkeypox epidemic, [While] were seeing this expansion of confirmed and suspect cases globally, we have a sense that no one has their arms around this to know how large and expansive it might be. And given how much travel there is between the United States and Europe, I am very confident were going to see cases in the United States.

Currently six people are being monitored who were close contacts of the man who flew back to the UK from Nigeria. Another man in Massachusetts with confirmed monkeypox had been in Quebec, where several cases have been confirmed. Another man currently at Bellevue Hospital is being investigated for infection, according to the New York City Health Department.

The disparate cases imply undetected spread has been taking place. Usually, the disease manifests in lesions that begin on the face and spread to the other parts of the body, forming into blisters that burst, then scar, leading to the pathognomonic (disease-specific) skin lesions. The consequence here is that monkeypox does not go unnoticed to the infected person or others. If the monkeypox virus is spreading asymptomatically, that would have significant public health ramifications.

Health authorities have also been perplexed by the fact that most of the cases have been among young and middle-aged men, many of whom are gay or bisexual and have sex with men (GBMSM). MacIntyre told Nature she suspects that the virus was coincidentally introduced into a GBMSM community, and the virus has continued circulating there. Such reports will certainly lead to stigmatizing this community once more, as with HIV.

However, Dr. Kluge warned, As we enter the summer season in the European region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many.

Vaccines against smallpox offer 85 percent protection against monkeypox, as the variola virus is very similar. However, smallpox vaccination ended in 1980 when the disease was eradicated, meaning that those younger than 45 are unvaccinated and thus fully susceptible to the monkeypox virus. This of course includes all children, who are not less severely infected, as they have been so far with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, decades of waning immunity to smallpox have likely made the elderly vulnerable again.

Public health authorities are attempting to assure the public that ample supplies of smallpox vaccines, including antiviral treatments against monkeypox virus, are available. But instead of employing these in mass vaccination campaigns, healthcare workers would utilize a method called ring vaccination, where close contacts of infected patients would receive these treatments. However, this implies a program of contact tracing would be necessary to detail every chain of transmission.

Countries are beginning to secure contracts with the maker of the smallpox vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, a Danish company. On Wednesday, the company said BARDA (the US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the Strategic National Stockpile) had exercised a $119 million option to manufacture the freeze-dried doses of Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine live, non-replicating) in 2023 and 2024 to replace the current stock of bulk vaccine, according to Fierce Pharma.

They also said, U.S. company Emergent BioSolutions also has an FDA-approved smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, which isnt available in the EU. Emergent nabbed an award worth up to $2 billion to deliver ACAM2000 to the Strategic National Stockpile over 10 years.
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
A committee of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) was to meet yesterday to review the sudden explosion of monkeypox cases across the globe.

More than 130 cases of known (80) or suspected (50) monkeypox cases are under investigation spanning 12 non-African countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada, Australia and the United States.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. [AP Photo/Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC]

Only one of these confirmed cases has been linked to travel from Nigeria, a country known to have endemic monkeypox. The man, who developed a rash on April 29, flew to the UK on May 4 and informed authorities of his symptoms. He was immediately isolated, and the blisters were sampled and sent for PCR testing at Porton Down science park, which confirmed the infection on May 7.

What has public health officials concerned is that cases are geographically dispersed across Europe, the Atlantic and as far as Oceania. They suspect that the disease has been spreading undetected for some time. These developments shouldnt come as a surprise, as all social restrictions against COVID have been lifted and international flights have begun carrying hundreds of millions of passengers this year. Meanwhile, public health efforts have been decimated by two years of non-stop waves of infections.

The WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, noted, Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, the disease can be more severe, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. It remains to be seen if previous infection to SARS-CoV-2 will predispose people to complications from monkeypox.

Genomic sequencing of the current strain of the monkeypox suggests it is the less severe West Africa clade (genomic family), with a case fatality rate of less than one percent, or the mild version. The clade from the Congo basin carries a ten percent fatality rate. However, n article published in Nature yesterday stated, Exactly how much the strain causing the current outbreaks differs from the one in western Africaand whether the viruses popping up in various countries are linked to one anotherremains unknown.

Dr. Raina MacIntyre, infectious disease epidemiologist and monkeypox expert at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said that answers to these questions are critical in explaining if the sudden rise in cases is a byproduct of a mutation that allows the monkeypox virus to transit more efficiently than the ancestral versions. It would also answer if the outbreaks can be traced back to a single origin.

The deputy director of the CDCs division of high consequences pathogens and pathology, Jennifer McQuiston, said earlier in the week about the monkeypox epidemic, [While] were seeing this expansion of confirmed and suspect cases globally, we have a sense that no one has their arms around this to know how large and expansive it might be. And given how much travel there is between the United States and Europe, I am very confident were going to see cases in the United States.

Currently six people are being monitored who were close contacts of the man who flew back to the UK from Nigeria. Another man in Massachusetts with confirmed monkeypox had been in Quebec, where several cases have been confirmed. Another man currently at Bellevue Hospital is being investigated for infection, according to the New York City Health Department.

The disparate cases imply undetected spread has been taking place. Usually, the disease manifests in lesions that begin on the face and spread to the other parts of the body, forming into blisters that burst, then scar, leading to the pathognomonic (disease-specific) skin lesions. The consequence here is that monkeypox does not go unnoticed to the infected person or others. If the monkeypox virus is spreading asymptomatically, that would have significant public health ramifications.

Health authorities have also been perplexed by the fact that most of the cases have been among young and middle-aged men, many of whom are gay or bisexual and have sex with men (GBMSM). MacIntyre told Nature she suspects that the virus was coincidentally introduced into a GBMSM community, and the virus has continued circulating there. Such reports will certainly lead to stigmatizing this community once more, as with HIV.

However, Dr. Kluge warned, As we enter the summer season in the European region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many.

Vaccines against smallpox offer 85 percent protection against monkeypox, as the variola virus is very similar. However, smallpox vaccination ended in 1980 when the disease was eradicated, meaning that those younger than 45 are unvaccinated and thus fully susceptible to the monkeypox virus. This of course includes all children, who are not less severely infected, as they have been so far with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Also, decades of waning immunity to smallpox have likely made the elderly vulnerable again.

Public health authorities are attempting to assure the public that ample supplies of smallpox vaccines, including antiviral treatments against monkeypox virus, are available. But instead of employing these in mass vaccination campaigns, healthcare workers would utilize a method called ring vaccination, where close contacts of infected patients would receive these treatments. However, this implies a program of contact tracing would be necessary to detail every chain of transmission.

Countries are beginning to secure contracts with the maker of the smallpox vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, a Danish company. On Wednesday, the company said BARDA (the US Department of Health and Human Services Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the Strategic National Stockpile) had exercised a $119 million option to manufacture the freeze-dried doses of Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine live, non-replicating) in 2023 and 2024 to replace the current stock of bulk vaccine, according to Fierce Pharma.

They also said, U.S. company Emergent BioSolutions also has an FDA-approved smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, which isnt available in the EU. Emergent nabbed an award worth up to $2 billion to deliver ACAM2000 to the Strategic National Stockpile over 10 years.

Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick

Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Josh Smith and Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - President Joe Biden and his new South Korean counterpart agreed on Saturday to hold bigger military drills and deploy more U.S. weapons if necessary to deter North Korea, while offering to send COVID-19 vaccines and potentially meet Kim Jong Un.

Biden and Yoon Suk-yeol said their countries' decades-old alliance needed to develop not only to face North Korean threats but to keep the Indo-Pacific region "free and open" and protect global supply chains.

The two leaders are meeting in Seoul for their first diplomatic engagement since the South Korean president's inauguration 11 days ago. The encounter between allies was clouded by intelligence showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is prepared to conduct nuclear or missile tests.

Yoon had sought more assurances that the United States would boost its deterrence against North Korean threats. In a joint statement, Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary.

The two sides agreed to consider expanding their combined military drills, which had been scaled back in recent years over COVID-19 and efforts to lower tensions with the North.

The United States also promised to deploy "strategic assets" - which typically include long-range bomber aircraft, missile submarines, or aircraft carriers - if necessary to deter North Korea, according to the statement.

Both leaders said they were committed to denuclearising North Korea and were open to diplomacy with Pyongyang.

"With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether he was serious," Biden told a joint news conference.

He said Washington had offered COVID-19 vaccines to China and North Korea, which is combating its first acknowledged outbreak. "We've got no response," Biden said.

North Korea reported more than 200,000 new patients suffering from fever for a fifth consecutive day on Saturday, but the country has little in the way of vaccines or modern treatment for the pandemic.

Story continues

EXPANDING ALLIANCE

The U.S.-South Korea alliance, which dates to the 1950-1953 Korean War, must further develop to keep the Indo-Pacific "free and open", Biden said.

He said the alliance was built on opposition to changing borders by force - an apparent reference to Russia's war in Ukraine and China's claims over Taiwan.

The joint statement called for preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

When asked by reporters about possible reactions from Beijing, Yoon's national security advisor Kim Sung-han said those issues were directly linked with South Korea's national interests, as its ships use the routes.

"So I think there would be little room for Chinese retaliation or misunderstandings about this," he said.

Changes in international trade and supply chains gave new impetus for the United States and South Korea to deepen their relationship, Yoon said, calling for cooperation on electric batteries and semiconductors.

Biden used the visit to tout investments in the United States by Korean companies, including a move by South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group to invest about $5.5 billion to build its first dedicated fully electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States.

The two leaders toured a Samsung semiconductor plant on Friday, where Biden said countries like the United States and South Korea that "share values" needed to cooperate more to protect economic and national security.

Yoon said the concept of economic security will include cooperating in case of shocks in the foreign exchange market.

The South Korean president, keen to play a bigger role in regional issues, said his country would join Biden's Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which will be announced during the trip to set standards on labour, the environment and supply chains.

China is South Korea's top trading partner, and Yoon's aides emphasized that neither the joint statement or the IPEF explicitly excluded any country.

While White House officials have sought to play down any explicit message of countering China, it is a theme of Biden's trip and one that has caught the eye of Beijing.

"We hope that the U.S. will match its words with deeds and work with countries in the region to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, instead of plotting division and confrontation," Chinese envoy for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming, said on Twitter.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Hyonhee Shin, Jack Kim, Eric Beech and Josh Smith; Editing by William Mallard and Mike Harrison)
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Josh Smith and Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - President Joe Biden and his new South Korean counterpart agreed on Saturday to hold bigger military drills and deploy more U.S. weapons if necessary to deter North Korea, while offering to send COVID-19 vaccines and potentially meet Kim Jong Un.

Biden and Yoon Suk-yeol said their countries' decades-old alliance needed to develop not only to face North Korean threats but to keep the Indo-Pacific region "free and open" and protect global supply chains.

The two leaders are meeting in Seoul for their first diplomatic engagement since the South Korean president's inauguration 11 days ago. The encounter between allies was clouded by intelligence showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is prepared to conduct nuclear or missile tests.

Yoon had sought more assurances that the United States would boost its deterrence against North Korean threats. In a joint statement, Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary.

The two sides agreed to consider expanding their combined military drills, which had been scaled back in recent years over COVID-19 and efforts to lower tensions with the North.

The United States also promised to deploy "strategic assets" - which typically include long-range bomber aircraft, missile submarines, or aircraft carriers - if necessary to deter North Korea, according to the statement.

Both leaders said they were committed to denuclearising North Korea and were open to diplomacy with Pyongyang.

"With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether he was serious," Biden told a joint news conference.

He said Washington had offered COVID-19 vaccines to China and North Korea, which is combating its first acknowledged outbreak. "We've got no response," Biden said.

North Korea reported more than 200,000 new patients suffering from fever for a fifth consecutive day on Saturday, but the country has little in the way of vaccines or modern treatment for the pandemic.

Story continues

EXPANDING ALLIANCE

The U.S.-South Korea alliance, which dates to the 1950-1953 Korean War, must further develop to keep the Indo-Pacific "free and open", Biden said.

He said the alliance was built on opposition to changing borders by force - an apparent reference to Russia's war in Ukraine and China's claims over Taiwan.

The joint statement called for preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

When asked by reporters about possible reactions from Beijing, Yoon's national security advisor Kim Sung-han said those issues were directly linked with South Korea's national interests, as its ships use the routes.

"So I think there would be little room for Chinese retaliation or misunderstandings about this," he said.

Changes in international trade and supply chains gave new impetus for the United States and South Korea to deepen their relationship, Yoon said, calling for cooperation on electric batteries and semiconductors.

Biden used the visit to tout investments in the United States by Korean companies, including a move by South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group to invest about $5.5 billion to build its first dedicated fully electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States.

The two leaders toured a Samsung semiconductor plant on Friday, where Biden said countries like the United States and South Korea that "share values" needed to cooperate more to protect economic and national security.

Yoon said the concept of economic security will include cooperating in case of shocks in the foreign exchange market.

The South Korean president, keen to play a bigger role in regional issues, said his country would join Biden's Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which will be announced during the trip to set standards on labour, the environment and supply chains.

China is South Korea's top trading partner, and Yoon's aides emphasized that neither the joint statement or the IPEF explicitly excluded any country.

While White House officials have sought to play down any explicit message of countering China, it is a theme of Biden's trip and one that has caught the eye of Beijing.

"We hope that the U.S. will match its words with deeds and work with countries in the region to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, instead of plotting division and confrontation," Chinese envoy for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming, said on Twitter.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Hyonhee Shin, Jack Kim, Eric Beech and Josh Smith; Editing by William Mallard and Mike Harrison)

The sale price threshold for North Platte speculative single family house construction in the local Shot in the Arm housing incentive program has increased to $325,000. It was previously capped at $285,000.

The North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp. made the announcement after confirming the change with Nebraska Department of Economic Development, according to a press release from Gary Person, Chamber CEO and president.

The Nebraska Legislature adopted the new workforce housing threshold recently, and DED will accept it as a standard in existing programs also. To qualify, house construction may not have been started prior to April 18.

Chamber & Development has 34 single-family speculative housing incentive slots still available for contractors. Each incentive is worth $12,000 at the time of drywall installation. The new homes must be sold on the open market and cannot be pre-sold custom houses.

The house must be reasonably ready for occupancy by April 1, 2023, and have reached the drywall stage to qualify. The program is part of Phase 3 of the North Platte Shot in the Arm housing incentive program. The incentives will be issued on a first-come first-served basis if the developer has provided the Chamber notice in advance of their development intentions.

The Chamber & Development Corp. partnered with the states Rural Workforce Housing Fund, the city of North Plattes Quality Growth Fund, Great Plains Health and its economic incentive business partners to provide the funding. Additional housing projects in the program are underway with upper-floor development downtown and a Lincoln County Community Development Corp. rehabilitation program for eight houses.

Developers interested in constructing single-family housing in North Platte can apply for the incentives by contacting the Chamber at 308-532-4966 or emailing gary@nparea.com or cassie@nparea.com.

Any new speculative home construction in North Platte is eligible, if it meets the criteria of 1,400 square feet, three bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, two-car garage and sale price of $325,000 or less. Townhomes can qualify both sides of the duplex. More information can be found at nparea.com/shot-in-the-arm-housing-incentive.

Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol on Friday in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine, after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalized.

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraines Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mill's defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant's defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on Feb. 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupol's capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscows control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The city's loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance. An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the evacuation of his forces from the miles of tunnels and bunkers beneath Azovstal was done to save the lives of the fighters.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldn't make it out alive.

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscow's forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of historys most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing.

In other developments Friday:

 Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraines partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us, he said in his nightly video address.

 The Group of Seven major economies and global financial institutions agreed to provide more money to bolster Ukraines finances, bringing the total to $19.8 billion. In the U.S., President Joe Biden was expected to sign a $40 billion package of military and economic aid to Ukraine and its allies.

 Russia will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday, the Finnish state energy company said, just days after Finland applied to join NATO. Finland had refused Moscows demand that it pay for gas in rubles. The cutoff is not expected to have any major immediate effect. Natural gas accounted for just 6% of Finlands total energy consumption in 2020, Finnish broadcaster YLE said.

 A captured Russian soldier accused of killing a civilian awaited his fate in Ukraines first war crimes trial. Sgt. Vadim Shishimarin, 21, could get life in prison.

 Russian lawmakers proposed a bill to lift the age limit of 40 for Russians volunteering for military service. Currently, all Russian men 18 to 27 must undergo a year of service, though many get college deferments and other exemptions.

Heavy fighting was reported Friday in the Donbas, a mostly Russian-speaking expanse of coal mines and factories.

Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk, said Russian forces shelled the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway from multiple directions, taking aim at the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.

The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region," he said via email.

Moscows troops have also been trying for weeks to seize Severodonetsk, a key city in the Donbas, and at least 12 people were killed there on Friday, Haidai said. A school that was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children, was hit, and more than 60 houses were destroyed across the region, he added.

But he said the Russians took losses in the attack on Severodonetsk and were forced to retreat. His account could not be independently verified.

Another city, Rubizhne, has been completely destroyed, Haidai said. Its fate can be compared to that of Mariupol.

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
A state senator said it is extra special the Montana Constitution is getting the attention from the public during its 50th anniversary celebration as the document is facing challenges.

There are 20 pieces now before the supreme court around constitutionality and never before in our history have we had a sitting legislator refer to the constitution as a socialist rag, that needs to be tossed out, she said. I will tell you that in my belief the Constitution is in serious danger of perhaps even being repealed.

Sands spoke Thursday at the Montana Historical Society and gave the third of four lectures during May on the 1972 Constitutional Convention, also known as ConCon.

She said it is up to all to protect and defend the Constitution, but earlier in her speech referenced her concerns that the document was under some scrutiny.

In late 2021, GOP state Rep. Derek Skees said in late 2021 the Constitution's right of privacy clause gave state courts a legal basis for blocking new abortion restrictions and calling the document a socialist rag that should be replaced.

Sands, a Democrat from Missoula, did not attend the 1972 convention, but said she knew 11 of the 19 female delegates. Overall, 100 delegates served at the convention. None were Native American.

She said the number of female delegates was quite stunning for its time.

She said the convention did not stand alone, but grew out of the 60s and 70s, a tremendous time for social change and movements for social justice and women were demanding larger leadership roles in all aspects of society. Sands offered the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the National Organization for Women being founded in 1967 and the Clean Air Act and Environmental Protection Agency both coming about in 1970 as some examples.

She said the women of the Con Con came out of that rich, cultural stew and were not in it for personal gain, which she added she could not say about some of the men elected as delegates.

She said the middle class also wanted to see change, saying they wanted to modernize government, wanted more transparency and wanted to reduce corruption in government.

Sands said the changing times really influenced those 19 women to run as delegates. The women had varying backgrounds and ranged in age from 24-73, which was slightly younger than all the male delegates.

One reason that women were successful in getting on as delegates was that no already elected to office could run, Sands said.

Because of that it created a social space there that wasnt already occupied by the political elites, etc. she said. That may be one reason why these women had a better chance and other newcomers  they are not beholden to the traditional parties or political powers.

She said a majority of the female delegates had college degrees, some advanced. Through the various organizations they were members of, many of the women knew each other for a decade or more.

The League of Women Voters played a critical role in calling for the convention, 11 of their members being elected delegates and in getting the constitution ratified, Sands said.

Bathrooms became something of a battleground as the male delegates put up a sign at the closest bathroom, which was not out in public space, forcing the women to walk out into the public space, where lobbyists were to find a bathroom.

She said there were other dynamics, one female delegate said she did not like being patted on the shoulder and called kiddo.

Yes, the women delegates were aware that they had to really had to prove themselves in this environment but they really had the support of each other and I think that was important to being able to claim that space, rightfully so, to declare that space as equals and to demand the respect they were owed, Sands said.

Delegate Dorothy Eck said the women were not intimidated at all, and had come to the convention better prepared on the issues than the men, Sands said.

Delegate Arlyne Reichert said the women were among the smartest delegates and held their own.

Delegate Mae Nan Ellingson, the youngest delegate, was respected for her thorough research and thoughtful opinions.

The female delegates were Betty Babcock, Grace Bates, Virginia Blend, Jean Bowman, Daphne Bugbee (Jones), Edith Van Buskirk, Marjorie Cain, Louise Cross, Dorothy Eck and Marian Erdmann.

Other delegates were Rachell Mansfield, Veronica OSullivan, Katie Payne, Catherine Pemberton, Arlyne Reichert, Mae Nan Robinson (Ellingson), Lynn Sparks, Lucile Speer and Margaret Warden.

"Give these amazing women a round of applause, we owe them so much," Sands said. later adding "Praise the Lord and protect the Constitution."

The May 26 program Before and After the Montana Constitution of 1972 is a panel discussion with Bob Brown and Dorothy Bradley, moderated by Evan Barrett. It is at 4:30 p.m. People can attend at the Montana Historical Society in Helena or view on the MTHS YouTube Channel. Story was updated to correct last name of Lucile Speer.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.




A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.

POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol on Friday in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine, after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalized.

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraines Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mill's defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant's defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on Feb. 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupol's capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscows control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The city's loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance. An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the evacuation of his forces from the miles of tunnels and bunkers beneath Azovstal was done to save the lives of the fighters.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldn't make it out alive.

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscow's forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of historys most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing.

In other developments Friday:

 Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraines partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us, he said in his nightly video address.

 The Group of Seven major economies and global financial institutions agreed to provide more money to bolster Ukraines finances, bringing the total to $19.8 billion. In the U.S., President Joe Biden was expected to sign a $40 billion package of military and economic aid to Ukraine and its allies.

 Russia will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday, the Finnish state energy company said, just days after Finland applied to join NATO. Finland had refused Moscows demand that it pay for gas in rubles. The cutoff is not expected to have any major immediate effect. Natural gas accounted for just 6% of Finlands total energy consumption in 2020, Finnish broadcaster YLE said.

 A captured Russian soldier accused of killing a civilian awaited his fate in Ukraines first war crimes trial. Sgt. Vadim Shishimarin, 21, could get life in prison.

 Russian lawmakers proposed a bill to lift the age limit of 40 for Russians volunteering for military service. Currently, all Russian men 18 to 27 must undergo a year of service, though many get college deferments and other exemptions.

Heavy fighting was reported Friday in the Donbas, a mostly Russian-speaking expanse of coal mines and factories.

Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk, said Russian forces shelled the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway from multiple directions, taking aim at the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.

The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region," he said via email.

Moscows troops have also been trying for weeks to seize Severodonetsk, a key city in the Donbas, and at least 12 people were killed there on Friday, Haidai said. A school that was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children, was hit, and more than 60 houses were destroyed across the region, he added.

But he said the Russians took losses in the attack on Severodonetsk and were forced to retreat. His account could not be independently verified.

Another city, Rubizhne, has been completely destroyed, Haidai said. Its fate can be compared to that of Mariupol.

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.


A Taliban mandate that women cover their faces while on television is seen as an attempt to erase female journalists, say media and women's rights activists.

Afghan media outlets on Thursday said the Taliban Ministry of Vice and Virtue informed them that female presenters must cover their faces while on air.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told media on Thursday the move is "a religious order" that all women, including journalists, should obey.

"It helps them with their modesty and honor. It helps with their family's modesty. It is not something to call a threat," said Mujahid.

But female journalists and rights activists who spoke with VOA see the order as a further obstacle to them working. Many see it as a step backward and say it will be harder to communicate if their faces are covered.

"We are very concerned about the new restrictions," Lima Spesali, a presenter at the Kabul station 1TV, said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Taliban are imposing further restrictions on women journalists."

"In their first decrees, they recommended (to us) to observe hijab, and today they are telling us to cover our faces. Later, I think, they will bar women (media) from appearing on TV and order them to stay home," said Spesali.

Spesali said that the orders are making it difficult for women to work as journalists.

One female journalist in Kabul, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told VOA that by ordering women to cover their faces on air, the Taliban want "to erase them from media."

She called the new rule a violation of rights for women and journalists.

Parwiz Aminzada, a spokesperson for the Afghan Independent Journalists Association, told VOA he agrees that the hijab should be observed, "but not the way it is now."

"We believe that we should talk and have a discussion or a dialogue on how hijab has to be observed by media in Afghanistan so we can reach a conclusion that is acceptable to all the parties," Aminzada said.

Somia Walizada, a board member of the Afghan Journalists Center who is based in Turkey, says she sees the order as "a warning for female journalists."

"In addition to having a negative psychological impact, female journalists will not be able to communicate their message to their audience on TV by wearing niqab," she said, referring to a veil that covers the face.

She called on the Taliban to reconsider the order.

But TOLOnews, in a statement Thursday, said that the Taliban have called the order "a final verdict and not up for discussion."

After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on women, including their rights to education, work and travel.

Women are now required to cover up from head to toe when outside their homes.

Heather Barr, of the international nonprofit Human Rights Watch, told VOA's Afghan Service the mask mandate aims to "erase women" from public life.

"This rule for women journalists is incredibly harmful and it is a violation of their rights, their expression and it is another step toward the Taliban's efforts to erase women completely from public life in Afghanistan," she said.

The Taliban takeover had an immediate impact on female journalists, media rights groups say.

A joint survey by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association in December found that 84% of women journalists and media workers had lost their jobs since August 2021.

Khadija Ashraf, who used to be managing editor of Bakhtar News Agency in Ghazni province, told VOA the restrictions will make life for the few female journalists still in Afghanistan even more difficult.

"Many female journalists were forced to leave Afghanistan. Female journalists in the provinces have to stay home. And the new restrictions will make it difficult for those who are still working," Ashraf said. She moved to Europe after the takeover.

"If this continues, we will not have any female journalists, and no one will be there to raise the voices of women in Afghanistan," she said.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan division.
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Josh Smith and Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - President Joe Biden and his new South Korean counterpart agreed on Saturday to hold bigger military drills and deploy more U.S. weapons if necessary to deter North Korea, while offering to send COVID-19 vaccines and potentially meet Kim Jong Un.

Biden and Yoon Suk-yeol said their countries' decades-old alliance needed to develop not only to face North Korean threats but to keep the Indo-Pacific region "free and open" and protect global supply chains.

The two leaders are meeting in Seoul for their first diplomatic engagement since the South Korean president's inauguration 11 days ago. The encounter between allies was clouded by intelligence showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is prepared to conduct nuclear or missile tests.

Yoon had sought more assurances that the United States would boost its deterrence against North Korean threats. In a joint statement, Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary.

The two sides agreed to consider expanding their combined military drills, which had been scaled back in recent years over COVID-19 and efforts to lower tensions with the North.

The United States also promised to deploy "strategic assets" - which typically include long-range bomber aircraft, missile submarines, or aircraft carriers - if necessary to deter North Korea, according to the statement.

Both leaders said they were committed to denuclearising North Korea and were open to diplomacy with Pyongyang.

"With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether he was serious," Biden told a joint news conference.

He said Washington had offered COVID-19 vaccines to China and North Korea, which is combating its first acknowledged outbreak. "We've got no response," Biden said.

North Korea reported more than 200,000 new patients suffering from fever for a fifth consecutive day on Saturday, but the country has little in the way of vaccines or modern treatment for the pandemic.

Story continues

EXPANDING ALLIANCE

The U.S.-South Korea alliance, which dates to the 1950-1953 Korean War, must further develop to keep the Indo-Pacific "free and open", Biden said.

He said the alliance was built on opposition to changing borders by force - an apparent reference to Russia's war in Ukraine and China's claims over Taiwan.

The joint statement called for preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

When asked by reporters about possible reactions from Beijing, Yoon's national security advisor Kim Sung-han said those issues were directly linked with South Korea's national interests, as its ships use the routes.

"So I think there would be little room for Chinese retaliation or misunderstandings about this," he said.

Changes in international trade and supply chains gave new impetus for the United States and South Korea to deepen their relationship, Yoon said, calling for cooperation on electric batteries and semiconductors.

Biden used the visit to tout investments in the United States by Korean companies, including a move by South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group to invest about $5.5 billion to build its first dedicated fully electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States.

The two leaders toured a Samsung semiconductor plant on Friday, where Biden said countries like the United States and South Korea that "share values" needed to cooperate more to protect economic and national security.

Yoon said the concept of economic security will include cooperating in case of shocks in the foreign exchange market.

The South Korean president, keen to play a bigger role in regional issues, said his country would join Biden's Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which will be announced during the trip to set standards on labour, the environment and supply chains.

China is South Korea's top trading partner, and Yoon's aides emphasized that neither the joint statement or the IPEF explicitly excluded any country.

While White House officials have sought to play down any explicit message of countering China, it is a theme of Biden's trip and one that has caught the eye of Beijing.

"We hope that the U.S. will match its words with deeds and work with countries in the region to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, instead of plotting division and confrontation," Chinese envoy for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming, said on Twitter.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Hyonhee Shin, Jack Kim, Eric Beech and Josh Smith; Editing by William Mallard and Mike Harrison)
What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil
What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil












KYIV, Ukraine -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devoted his nightly video address to Ukraines demand that Russia be held financially responsible for the damage its forces are inflicting on Ukraine.

Just on Friday, he noted, the Russian army fired a missile at the northeastern Kharkiv region, destroying a cultural center in Lozova, and also hit the cities of Odesa in the south, Poltava in the east and Zhytomyr in the west.

In the eastern Donbas, where the Russian attack has been fiercest, he said Russian troops turned the towns of Rubizhne and Volnovakha into ruins, just as they did with Mariupol, and were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk.

Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He said a legal mechanism should be created through which everyone who suffered from Russias actions would be able to receive compensation.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:

 West rushes more aid as Mariupol teeters and fighting rages

 AP PHOTOS: Shattered lives and recovery in Ukraine war

 Russia to cut Finlands natural gas in latest energy clash

 In Ukraine, surviving when your home is blasted

 I cant see the light: War fuels surging prices in Europe

 Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:

POKROVSK, Ukraine  Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol on Friday in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine, after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

KYIV, Ukraine -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devoted his nightly video address to Ukraines demand that Russia be held financially responsible for the damage its forces are inflicting on Ukraine.

Just on Friday, he noted, the Russian army fired a missile at the northeastern Kharkiv region, destroying a cultural center in Lozova, and also hit the cities of Odesa in the south, Poltava in the east and Zhytomyr in the west.

In the eastern Donbas, where the Russian attack has been fiercest, he said the Russian troops turned the towns of Rubizhne and Volnovakha into ruins, just as they did with Mariupol, and were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk.

Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys.

He said Ukraine was urging its partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to be used to compensate those who suffered from Russian aggression.

That would be fair, Zelenskyy said. And Russia would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us.

LVIV, Ukraine  President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed a weeks-long mystery about the siege of the Azovstal in the strategic port city of Mariupol: How were supplies delivered to the steel mills defenders?

Ukrainian pilots risked Russian anti-aircraft fire to fly medicine, food and water to the steel mill on helicopters, suffering a large amount of casualties, Zelenskyy said in an interview published Friday on the third anniversary of his inauguration as president. He said the effort also included retrieval of bodies and picking up the wounded.

To save what he called heroes holed up in the massive, ruined remains of the steel mill, a very large number of people, our pilots, were killed flying in on the operation.

They are absolutely heroic people, who knew that it would be difficult, knew that to fly would be almost impossible, Zelenskyy said.

He said the airlift couldnt be reported earlier because no safe air corridor to the plant had been established, and that powerful anti-aircraft weapons were in place.

A great many weeks, pilots flew helicopters, knowing that there was a 90 percent chance they wouldnt return.

BERLIN  The Germany news agency dpa reports that the country will ship the first 15 Gepard anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine in July.

Dpa reported Friday that the delivery, which includes training and almost 60,000 rounds of ammunition, was agreed following talks between Germanys defense minister and her Ukrainian counterpart.

Gepard  German for cheetah  is considered highly effective against low-flying aircraft and lightly armored ground targets.

It was decommissioned by the German military in 2012 but some 50 mothballed units are being restored by manufacturer KMW for use by Ukraine.

LVIV, Ukraine  A Russian missile struck a Ukrainian cultural center in the Kharkiv region on Friday, injuring seven people, including an 11-year-old child, in an attack that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called absolute evil.

Zelenskyys social media channel on Friday released video showing a large explosion hitting the newly renovated Palace of Culture in Lozova. The building was partly destroyed and the roof caught fire, Ukraines emergency services reported.

The occupiers identified culture, education and humanity as their enemies, Zelenskyy wrote. What is in the minds of people who choose such targets? Absolute evil, absolute stupidity.

Lozovas Palace of Culture is the site of classes, festivals, plays and concerts. It opened in 1977 and includes an auditorium, a lecture hall, three dance halls, a gym and multiple rooms for classes and club meetings.

The Kharkiv region is close to the border with Russia, which invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Ukrainian troops have been pushing back some Russian forces from the area.

LVIV, Ukraine  Russian forces on Friday continued attacking the cities of Lysychansk and Severodonetsk in Ukraines eastern region of Luhansk to try to cut the area off from the rest of Ukraine, the regions governor said.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai told The Associated Press Russian forces were focused on the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway, which he said is the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.

The road is extremely important because its the only connection to other regions of the country, he said via email. The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region.

Russian forces are constantly shelling the road from multiple directions, but Ukrainian armored transports are still able to get through, Haidai added.

One of Fridays attacks was on a school in Severodonetsk sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children. Three adults were killed, Haidai said on Telegram.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Friday, the liberation of the Luhansk Peoples Republic is nearing completion.

LVIV, Ukraine  Russian forces have been trying for weeks to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday Russian forces now control 90% of the region.

Twelve people were killed in the latest attack in Severodonetsk and more than 60 houses were destroyed, Haidai said on Telegram. He called the attack on Severodonetsk unsuccessful, adding "the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated. His remarks couldn't be independently verified.

Haidai said on Telegram on Thursday that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

He told The Associated Press that another city the Russians have been targeting, Rubizhne, has been completely destroyed.

Haidai said damaged buildings have been looted, and Russian forces have forcibly deported residents, cut off all communications, and removed all modern equipment from the hospitals and schools and taken it to Russia.

KYIV, Ukraine  The Vatican foreign minister paid tribute to the dead at a mass grave in the Ukrainian city of Bucha, praying that horrors like this may be always avoided.

Archbishop Richard Gallagher wrapped up a three-day visit to Ukraine on Friday by visiting what he called three of the most martyred cities, Vorzel, Bucha and Irpin, where Russian soldiers are accused of atrocities against Ukrainian civilians.

Gallagher later told reporters at a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that he wanted to bring Pope Francis solidarity to the Ukrainian people and promote dialogue and negotiation to find a peaceful resolution what he called this senseless conflict sparked by Russias aggression against Ukraine.

The Vatican has been toeing a delicate diplomatic line with Ukraine, condemning the death and destruction but seeking to maintain a channel of dialogue open with Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.

BERLIN  Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder plans to leave the board of directors of Russian state energy company Rosneft as a backlash over his ties with Russia and its energy sector mounts.

Schroeder, 78, is the chairman of Rosnefts board. Rosneft said Friday that Schroeder announced the impossibility of extending his powers on the board of directors of the company.

The announcement came a day after German lawmakers agreed to strip Schroeder of his taxpayer-funded office and staff.

Schroeder, 78, led Germany from 1998 to 2005. He has become increasingly isolated in recent months due to his work for state-controlled Russian energy companies.

MILAN  The Council of Europe secretary-general said the human rights organization is supporting Ukrainian prosecutors as they investigate gross human rights violations committed during the Russian invasion.

Marija Pejcinovic Buric told a news conference in Turin, Italy that during a visit to Kiev last week he witnessed the severity and scale of the devastation inflicted on Ukraine." He said that included the rape, torture, the killing of civilians and combatants.

She said that confirms the Council of Europes decision to expel Russia after the invasion. The organization based in Strasbourg, France was founded after World War II to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe, comprised of 46 member states.

The secretary-general said the Council of Europe was uniquely positioned to support Ukraine and an independent judiciary.

MILAN  Italys foreign minister said Friday that Italy has submitted a peace plan for Ukraine to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said during a Council of Europe meeting in Turin, Italy, that the plan submitted Thursday calls for local cease-fires to evacuate civilians along humanitarian corridors, and creating the conditions for a general cease-fire leading to a long-lasting peace.

In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was aware of the plan, adding the European Union is putting all our efforts into trying to bring this conflict to an end.

Borrell said its up to Ukraine to decide the terms of any negotiations. He said that he hopes that when the time comes for negotiations to take place, Ukraine will be able to negotiate from a position of strength.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  Russia will cut off natural gas to Finland after the Nordic country that applied for NATO membership this week refused Russian President Vladimir Putins demand to pay in rubles, the Finnish state-owned energy company said Friday.

Finland is the latest country to lose the energy supply, which is used to generate electricity and power industry, after rejecting Russias decree.

Poland and Bulgaria were cut off late last month by Russia but, along with Finland, they were relatively minor customers who had prepared to move away from Russian natural gas.

Putin has declared that unfriendly foreign buyers open two accounts in state-owned Gazprombank, one to pay in euros and dollars as specified in contracts and another in rubles.

MOSCOW  Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country has faced a barrage of cyberattacks from the West amid the invasion of Ukraine but has successfully fended them off.

Speaking Friday to members of Russias Security Council, Putin noted that the challenges in this area have become even more pressing, serious and extensive.

He charged that an outright aggression has been unleashed against Russia, a war has been waged in the information space.

Putin added that the cyber-aggression against us, the same as the attack on Russia by sanctions in general, has failed.

He ordered officials to perfect and enhance the mechanisms of ensuring information security at critically important industrial facilities which have a direct bearing on our countrys defensive capability, and the stable development of the economic and social spheres.

WARSAW, Poland  Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Friday hailed the prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

Morawiecki spoke alongside visiting Portugals Prime Minister Antonio Costa with whom he had discussed the war in neighboring Ukraine.

Concerned for their security, Finland and Sweden applied this week to join the military alliance, against Russias threats aimed at discouraging the move.

Finland shares a long land border with Russia and Sweden neighbors Russia through the Baltic Sea basin.

We believe these are sovereign decisions by the countries and we will be very happy if Finland and Sweden join NATO swiftly, Morawiecki said.

BERLIN  Germany and Qatar have signed an agreement to deepen their cooperation on energy, as Berlin seeks to diversify its natural gas supplies and ultimately stop using Russian gas.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a news conference alongside Qatars emir that the agreement signed Friday opens many opportunities for successful cooperation. He said that Qatar also has enormous potential for renewable energies and for the production of hydrogen.

Germany plans to build two liquefied natural gas terminals to bring in gas from suppliers such as Qatar.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said that whatever we can provide for energy security in Europe even during this period, we will make sure that we can provide. He didnt give any figures.

Russias defense minister says 1,908 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the Azovstal steelworks, the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the port city of Mariupol, have surrendered so far.

Nationalists blocked off at the plant started to surrender. As of now, 1,908 people have laid down arms, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by the Russian media as saying Friday.

On Thursday, the Russian military put the total of surrendered fighters at 1,730. It remains unclear how many fighters are still holed up in the giant steel plants maze of underground tunnels and bunkers.

Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov Regiment, said Friday that the defenders of Mariupol  a group of Ukrainian fighters from various military and law enforcement units - have received an order to cease the defense of the city. The intention is to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison, he said.

Speaking in a video statement released on Telegram, Prokopenko also said that the seriously wounded received the necessary assistance and they were able to be evacuated with further exchange and delivery to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

It was not clear from the video whether Prokopenko was still at the plant. His right arm was bandaged above the elbow.

GENEVA  The international Red Cross says it has been visiting prisoners of war on all sides since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine almost three months ago.

The International Committee of the Red Cross didnt specify what all sides meant, but it is believed to mean Russian and Ukrainian government forces, as well as pro-Russian separatists who have been waging an armed struggle in eastern Ukraine against the Kyiv government since 2014. It could also include foreign fighters who might have been captured.

A Red Cross statement Friday said the POW visits had enabled it to pass on information to hundreds of families about their loved ones.

The ICRC did not specify how many families had been informed about their relatives, or where the visits took place. It said only that the visits had taken place in recent months.

The statement came a day after the humanitarian agency broke its silence about prisoners of war in the nearly three-month-long conflict, announcing it has registered hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war this week from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. It remains unclear how many fighters are still holed up in the giant steel plants maze of underground tunnels and bunkers.

Many more families need answers; the ICRC must have full access to POWs and civilian internees, wherever they are held, in order to provide those answers, the Geneva-based organization said.

Some humanitarian law experts have questioned why the ICRC took so long to announce its POW visits, a key part of its mandate.

The ICRC often operates confidentially in its role to help protect civilians, prisoners of war and other noncombatants in conflicts, and ensure the respect of the rules of war.

KOENIGSWINTER, Germany  Germanys finance minister says the Group of Seven leading economies and global financial institutions are providing $19.8 billion in aid to bolster Ukraines public finances.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner told reporters Friday that $9.5 billion of the total was mobilized at meetings of the G-7 finance ministers in Koenigswinter, Germany, this week.

He said the goal is to ensure that Ukraines financial situation does not affect its ability to defend itself against Russias invasion.

We agreed on concrete actions to deepen multilateral economic cooperation and underlined our commitment to our united response to Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and to our unwavering support to Ukraine, a G-7 statement said.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum says natural gas imports from Russia will be halted on Saturday, after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles.

Russia demanded payment in rubles after sanctions were imposed against Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine in February.

Gasums CEO Mika Wiljanen called it highly regrettable that the gas supplies will now be stopped.

But there will be no disruptions in the gas supply network, he said in a statement.

The group was informed by Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom in April that future payments in the supply contract must be made in Russian currency instead of euros.

In Finland, natural gas accounted for 6% of the total energy consumption in 2020, Finnish broadcaster YLE said. Almost all gas is imported from Russia and last year the share of Russian natural gas imports was 92%.

Poland and Bulgaria, which also have refused to pay Gazprom in rubles, have had their gas cut off.

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkeys president says he is engaged in telephone diplomacy with foreign counterparts over the bids by Sweden and Finland to join NATO.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Friday that his country is determined not to approve membership of the alliance for countries accused by Turkey of supporting what it calls terror organizations.

Erdogan has placed an obstacle to Sweden and Finland joining the alliance. He accuses Stockholm - and to a lesser extent Helsinki -- of supporting the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, and other groups that Turkey views as terrorists and a threat to its national security.

Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO, also accuses the two Nordic countries of imposing restrictions on exports of defense industry equipment to Turkey and of failing to extradite suspects wanted by Turkey.

Erdogan told reporters that he spoke to Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday and would hold further discussions with British and Finnish leaders on Saturday.

Sweden and Finland formally applied to join the military alliance this week. All 30 NATO members need to approve the entry of new members.

WARSAW, Poland  Poland and Portugal are trying to figure out ways of bringing Ukraine into the European Union even if some countries in the bloc balk at granting it speedy access.

Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced the effort after talks Friday in Warsaw with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

Morawiecki said that if some EU nations protest vehemently, together with Portugal we want to work out an appropriate package that would be attractive for Ukraine and will show that Ukraines place is in the EU.

Germany, for example, has spoken out against a swift EU membership path for Ukraine, which currently fighting a ferocious war against Russias invasion. All 27 EU members need to approve an enlargement to include Ukraine.

Costa said EU leaders should not stick to inflexible regulations but be pragmatic and respond to the current events. He urged a decision at an EU summit scheduled for June.

KOENIGSWINTER, Germany  Germanys finance minister says the Group of Seven leading economies are set to agree on more than $18 billion in aid for Ukrainian defense efforts.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Friday that Ukrainians resisting Russias invasion are not only defending themselves, they are defending our values.

A representative from the U.S. Treasury Department declined to confirm the amount set to be allocated at a meeting of G-7 finance ministers in Germany, and a spokesman from the German finance ministry declined to comment to The Associated Press.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other leaders have spoken this week about the need for allies to put together enough additional aid to help Ukraine get through the Russian invasion.

KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United States for the $40 billion aid package, which got final congressional approval on Thursday.

This is a demonstration of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom, Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation.

He also thanked the European Union for its support.

And for our partners this is not just an expense or a gift. This is their contribution to security, Zelenskyy said. For defending Ukraine also defends them from new wars and crises that Russia could provoke if it is successful in the war against Ukraine. Therefore, we must together ensure that Russias aggression against our state has no success, not militarily, economically or any other.

Zelenskyy said Ukraines monthly budget deficit is $5 billion and so to survive in the war for freedom, we need quick and sufficient financial support.

The U.S. has announced a shipment of $100 million in military equipment to Ukraine, separate from what will be coming from the $40 billion approved by Congress. The latest package includes 18 more howitzers as well as anti-artillery radar systems, both of which the U.S. has provided to Ukraine already since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian troops were intensifying their attacks in the Donbas.

It is hell there and thats not an exaggeration, he said in his nightly video address to the nation. The brutal and completely senseless bombardment of Severodonetsk. Twelve dead and dozens wounded there in just one day.

Zelenskyy said Russian strikes on the northeastern Chernihiv region included a terrible strike on the village of Desna, where he said many were killed and rescuers were still going through the rubble.

The bombing and shelling of our other cities, the air and missile strikes by the Russian army, are not simply military operations in a time of war... It is a conscious and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible, Zelenskyy said. To destroy more homes, public sites, businesses. This is what will be qualified as genocide of the Ukrainian people and for which the occupiers will definitely be brought to justice.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil

What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil
What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil












KYIV, Ukraine -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devoted his nightly video address to Ukraines demand that Russia be held financially responsible for the damage its forces are inflicting on Ukraine.

Just on Friday, he noted, the Russian army fired a missile at the northeastern Kharkiv region, destroying a cultural center in Lozova, and also hit the cities of Odesa in the south, Poltava in the east and Zhytomyr in the west.

In the eastern Donbas, where the Russian attack has been fiercest, he said Russian troops turned the towns of Rubizhne and Volnovakha into ruins, just as they did with Mariupol, and were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk.

Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He said a legal mechanism should be created through which everyone who suffered from Russias actions would be able to receive compensation.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:

 West rushes more aid as Mariupol teeters and fighting rages

 AP PHOTOS: Shattered lives and recovery in Ukraine war

 Russia to cut Finlands natural gas in latest energy clash

 In Ukraine, surviving when your home is blasted

 I cant see the light: War fuels surging prices in Europe

 Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:

POKROVSK, Ukraine  Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol on Friday in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine, after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

A Russian state TV correspondent said on Telegram that among those surrendering Friday was Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment.

KYIV, Ukraine -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devoted his nightly video address to Ukraines demand that Russia be held financially responsible for the damage its forces are inflicting on Ukraine.

Just on Friday, he noted, the Russian army fired a missile at the northeastern Kharkiv region, destroying a cultural center in Lozova, and also hit the cities of Odesa in the south, Poltava in the east and Zhytomyr in the west.

In the eastern Donbas, where the Russian attack has been fiercest, he said the Russian troops turned the towns of Rubizhne and Volnovakha into ruins, just as they did with Mariupol, and were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk.

Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys.

He said Ukraine was urging its partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to be used to compensate those who suffered from Russian aggression.

That would be fair, Zelenskyy said. And Russia would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us.

LVIV, Ukraine  President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed a weeks-long mystery about the siege of the Azovstal in the strategic port city of Mariupol: How were supplies delivered to the steel mills defenders?

Ukrainian pilots risked Russian anti-aircraft fire to fly medicine, food and water to the steel mill on helicopters, suffering a large amount of casualties, Zelenskyy said in an interview published Friday on the third anniversary of his inauguration as president. He said the effort also included retrieval of bodies and picking up the wounded.

To save what he called heroes holed up in the massive, ruined remains of the steel mill, a very large number of people, our pilots, were killed flying in on the operation.

They are absolutely heroic people, who knew that it would be difficult, knew that to fly would be almost impossible, Zelenskyy said.

He said the airlift couldnt be reported earlier because no safe air corridor to the plant had been established, and that powerful anti-aircraft weapons were in place.

A great many weeks, pilots flew helicopters, knowing that there was a 90 percent chance they wouldnt return.

BERLIN  The Germany news agency dpa reports that the country will ship the first 15 Gepard anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine in July.

Dpa reported Friday that the delivery, which includes training and almost 60,000 rounds of ammunition, was agreed following talks between Germanys defense minister and her Ukrainian counterpart.

Gepard  German for cheetah  is considered highly effective against low-flying aircraft and lightly armored ground targets.

It was decommissioned by the German military in 2012 but some 50 mothballed units are being restored by manufacturer KMW for use by Ukraine.

LVIV, Ukraine  A Russian missile struck a Ukrainian cultural center in the Kharkiv region on Friday, injuring seven people, including an 11-year-old child, in an attack that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called absolute evil.

Zelenskyys social media channel on Friday released video showing a large explosion hitting the newly renovated Palace of Culture in Lozova. The building was partly destroyed and the roof caught fire, Ukraines emergency services reported.

The occupiers identified culture, education and humanity as their enemies, Zelenskyy wrote. What is in the minds of people who choose such targets? Absolute evil, absolute stupidity.

Lozovas Palace of Culture is the site of classes, festivals, plays and concerts. It opened in 1977 and includes an auditorium, a lecture hall, three dance halls, a gym and multiple rooms for classes and club meetings.

The Kharkiv region is close to the border with Russia, which invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Ukrainian troops have been pushing back some Russian forces from the area.

LVIV, Ukraine  Russian forces on Friday continued attacking the cities of Lysychansk and Severodonetsk in Ukraines eastern region of Luhansk to try to cut the area off from the rest of Ukraine, the regions governor said.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai told The Associated Press Russian forces were focused on the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway, which he said is the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.

The road is extremely important because its the only connection to other regions of the country, he said via email. The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region.

Russian forces are constantly shelling the road from multiple directions, but Ukrainian armored transports are still able to get through, Haidai added.

One of Fridays attacks was on a school in Severodonetsk sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children. Three adults were killed, Haidai said on Telegram.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Friday, the liberation of the Luhansk Peoples Republic is nearing completion.

LVIV, Ukraine  Russian forces have been trying for weeks to seize Severodonetsk, a key site in the Donbas thats outside the territory separatists have held for several years.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Friday Russian forces now control 90% of the region.

Twelve people were killed in the latest attack in Severodonetsk and more than 60 houses were destroyed, Haidai said on Telegram. He called the attack on Severodonetsk unsuccessful, adding "the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated. His remarks couldn't be independently verified.

Haidai said on Telegram on Thursday that Russian forces just want to destroy the city.

He told The Associated Press that another city the Russians have been targeting, Rubizhne, has been completely destroyed.

Haidai said damaged buildings have been looted, and Russian forces have forcibly deported residents, cut off all communications, and removed all modern equipment from the hospitals and schools and taken it to Russia.

KYIV, Ukraine  The Vatican foreign minister paid tribute to the dead at a mass grave in the Ukrainian city of Bucha, praying that horrors like this may be always avoided.

Archbishop Richard Gallagher wrapped up a three-day visit to Ukraine on Friday by visiting what he called three of the most martyred cities, Vorzel, Bucha and Irpin, where Russian soldiers are accused of atrocities against Ukrainian civilians.

Gallagher later told reporters at a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that he wanted to bring Pope Francis solidarity to the Ukrainian people and promote dialogue and negotiation to find a peaceful resolution what he called this senseless conflict sparked by Russias aggression against Ukraine.

The Vatican has been toeing a delicate diplomatic line with Ukraine, condemning the death and destruction but seeking to maintain a channel of dialogue open with Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.

BERLIN  Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder plans to leave the board of directors of Russian state energy company Rosneft as a backlash over his ties with Russia and its energy sector mounts.

Schroeder, 78, is the chairman of Rosnefts board. Rosneft said Friday that Schroeder announced the impossibility of extending his powers on the board of directors of the company.

The announcement came a day after German lawmakers agreed to strip Schroeder of his taxpayer-funded office and staff.

Schroeder, 78, led Germany from 1998 to 2005. He has become increasingly isolated in recent months due to his work for state-controlled Russian energy companies.

MILAN  The Council of Europe secretary-general said the human rights organization is supporting Ukrainian prosecutors as they investigate gross human rights violations committed during the Russian invasion.

Marija Pejcinovic Buric told a news conference in Turin, Italy that during a visit to Kiev last week he witnessed the severity and scale of the devastation inflicted on Ukraine." He said that included the rape, torture, the killing of civilians and combatants.

She said that confirms the Council of Europes decision to expel Russia after the invasion. The organization based in Strasbourg, France was founded after World War II to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe, comprised of 46 member states.

The secretary-general said the Council of Europe was uniquely positioned to support Ukraine and an independent judiciary.

MILAN  Italys foreign minister said Friday that Italy has submitted a peace plan for Ukraine to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said during a Council of Europe meeting in Turin, Italy, that the plan submitted Thursday calls for local cease-fires to evacuate civilians along humanitarian corridors, and creating the conditions for a general cease-fire leading to a long-lasting peace.

In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was aware of the plan, adding the European Union is putting all our efforts into trying to bring this conflict to an end.

Borrell said its up to Ukraine to decide the terms of any negotiations. He said that he hopes that when the time comes for negotiations to take place, Ukraine will be able to negotiate from a position of strength.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  Russia will cut off natural gas to Finland after the Nordic country that applied for NATO membership this week refused Russian President Vladimir Putins demand to pay in rubles, the Finnish state-owned energy company said Friday.

Finland is the latest country to lose the energy supply, which is used to generate electricity and power industry, after rejecting Russias decree.

Poland and Bulgaria were cut off late last month by Russia but, along with Finland, they were relatively minor customers who had prepared to move away from Russian natural gas.

Putin has declared that unfriendly foreign buyers open two accounts in state-owned Gazprombank, one to pay in euros and dollars as specified in contracts and another in rubles.

MOSCOW  Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country has faced a barrage of cyberattacks from the West amid the invasion of Ukraine but has successfully fended them off.

Speaking Friday to members of Russias Security Council, Putin noted that the challenges in this area have become even more pressing, serious and extensive.

He charged that an outright aggression has been unleashed against Russia, a war has been waged in the information space.

Putin added that the cyber-aggression against us, the same as the attack on Russia by sanctions in general, has failed.

He ordered officials to perfect and enhance the mechanisms of ensuring information security at critically important industrial facilities which have a direct bearing on our countrys defensive capability, and the stable development of the economic and social spheres.

WARSAW, Poland  Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Friday hailed the prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

Morawiecki spoke alongside visiting Portugals Prime Minister Antonio Costa with whom he had discussed the war in neighboring Ukraine.

Concerned for their security, Finland and Sweden applied this week to join the military alliance, against Russias threats aimed at discouraging the move.

Finland shares a long land border with Russia and Sweden neighbors Russia through the Baltic Sea basin.

We believe these are sovereign decisions by the countries and we will be very happy if Finland and Sweden join NATO swiftly, Morawiecki said.

BERLIN  Germany and Qatar have signed an agreement to deepen their cooperation on energy, as Berlin seeks to diversify its natural gas supplies and ultimately stop using Russian gas.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a news conference alongside Qatars emir that the agreement signed Friday opens many opportunities for successful cooperation. He said that Qatar also has enormous potential for renewable energies and for the production of hydrogen.

Germany plans to build two liquefied natural gas terminals to bring in gas from suppliers such as Qatar.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said that whatever we can provide for energy security in Europe even during this period, we will make sure that we can provide. He didnt give any figures.

Russias defense minister says 1,908 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the Azovstal steelworks, the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the port city of Mariupol, have surrendered so far.

Nationalists blocked off at the plant started to surrender. As of now, 1,908 people have laid down arms, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by the Russian media as saying Friday.

On Thursday, the Russian military put the total of surrendered fighters at 1,730. It remains unclear how many fighters are still holed up in the giant steel plants maze of underground tunnels and bunkers.

Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov Regiment, said Friday that the defenders of Mariupol  a group of Ukrainian fighters from various military and law enforcement units - have received an order to cease the defense of the city. The intention is to save lives and health of the servicemen of the garrison, he said.

Speaking in a video statement released on Telegram, Prokopenko also said that the seriously wounded received the necessary assistance and they were able to be evacuated with further exchange and delivery to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

It was not clear from the video whether Prokopenko was still at the plant. His right arm was bandaged above the elbow.

GENEVA  The international Red Cross says it has been visiting prisoners of war on all sides since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine almost three months ago.

The International Committee of the Red Cross didnt specify what all sides meant, but it is believed to mean Russian and Ukrainian government forces, as well as pro-Russian separatists who have been waging an armed struggle in eastern Ukraine against the Kyiv government since 2014. It could also include foreign fighters who might have been captured.

A Red Cross statement Friday said the POW visits had enabled it to pass on information to hundreds of families about their loved ones.

The ICRC did not specify how many families had been informed about their relatives, or where the visits took place. It said only that the visits had taken place in recent months.

The statement came a day after the humanitarian agency broke its silence about prisoners of war in the nearly three-month-long conflict, announcing it has registered hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war this week from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. It remains unclear how many fighters are still holed up in the giant steel plants maze of underground tunnels and bunkers.

Many more families need answers; the ICRC must have full access to POWs and civilian internees, wherever they are held, in order to provide those answers, the Geneva-based organization said.

Some humanitarian law experts have questioned why the ICRC took so long to announce its POW visits, a key part of its mandate.

The ICRC often operates confidentially in its role to help protect civilians, prisoners of war and other noncombatants in conflicts, and ensure the respect of the rules of war.

KOENIGSWINTER, Germany  Germanys finance minister says the Group of Seven leading economies and global financial institutions are providing $19.8 billion in aid to bolster Ukraines public finances.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner told reporters Friday that $9.5 billion of the total was mobilized at meetings of the G-7 finance ministers in Koenigswinter, Germany, this week.

He said the goal is to ensure that Ukraines financial situation does not affect its ability to defend itself against Russias invasion.

We agreed on concrete actions to deepen multilateral economic cooperation and underlined our commitment to our united response to Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and to our unwavering support to Ukraine, a G-7 statement said.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark  Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum says natural gas imports from Russia will be halted on Saturday, after the Finns refused to pay for it in rubles.

Russia demanded payment in rubles after sanctions were imposed against Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine in February.

Gasums CEO Mika Wiljanen called it highly regrettable that the gas supplies will now be stopped.

But there will be no disruptions in the gas supply network, he said in a statement.

The group was informed by Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom in April that future payments in the supply contract must be made in Russian currency instead of euros.

In Finland, natural gas accounted for 6% of the total energy consumption in 2020, Finnish broadcaster YLE said. Almost all gas is imported from Russia and last year the share of Russian natural gas imports was 92%.

Poland and Bulgaria, which also have refused to pay Gazprom in rubles, have had their gas cut off.

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkeys president says he is engaged in telephone diplomacy with foreign counterparts over the bids by Sweden and Finland to join NATO.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Friday that his country is determined not to approve membership of the alliance for countries accused by Turkey of supporting what it calls terror organizations.

Erdogan has placed an obstacle to Sweden and Finland joining the alliance. He accuses Stockholm - and to a lesser extent Helsinki -- of supporting the Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, and other groups that Turkey views as terrorists and a threat to its national security.

Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO, also accuses the two Nordic countries of imposing restrictions on exports of defense industry equipment to Turkey and of failing to extradite suspects wanted by Turkey.

Erdogan told reporters that he spoke to Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday and would hold further discussions with British and Finnish leaders on Saturday.

Sweden and Finland formally applied to join the military alliance this week. All 30 NATO members need to approve the entry of new members.

WARSAW, Poland  Poland and Portugal are trying to figure out ways of bringing Ukraine into the European Union even if some countries in the bloc balk at granting it speedy access.

Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced the effort after talks Friday in Warsaw with visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

Morawiecki said that if some EU nations protest vehemently, together with Portugal we want to work out an appropriate package that would be attractive for Ukraine and will show that Ukraines place is in the EU.

Germany, for example, has spoken out against a swift EU membership path for Ukraine, which currently fighting a ferocious war against Russias invasion. All 27 EU members need to approve an enlargement to include Ukraine.

Costa said EU leaders should not stick to inflexible regulations but be pragmatic and respond to the current events. He urged a decision at an EU summit scheduled for June.

KOENIGSWINTER, Germany  Germanys finance minister says the Group of Seven leading economies are set to agree on more than $18 billion in aid for Ukrainian defense efforts.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Friday that Ukrainians resisting Russias invasion are not only defending themselves, they are defending our values.

A representative from the U.S. Treasury Department declined to confirm the amount set to be allocated at a meeting of G-7 finance ministers in Germany, and a spokesman from the German finance ministry declined to comment to The Associated Press.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other leaders have spoken this week about the need for allies to put together enough additional aid to help Ukraine get through the Russian invasion.

KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United States for the $40 billion aid package, which got final congressional approval on Thursday.

This is a demonstration of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom, Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation.

He also thanked the European Union for its support.

And for our partners this is not just an expense or a gift. This is their contribution to security, Zelenskyy said. For defending Ukraine also defends them from new wars and crises that Russia could provoke if it is successful in the war against Ukraine. Therefore, we must together ensure that Russias aggression against our state has no success, not militarily, economically or any other.

Zelenskyy said Ukraines monthly budget deficit is $5 billion and so to survive in the war for freedom, we need quick and sufficient financial support.

The U.S. has announced a shipment of $100 million in military equipment to Ukraine, separate from what will be coming from the $40 billion approved by Congress. The latest package includes 18 more howitzers as well as anti-artillery radar systems, both of which the U.S. has provided to Ukraine already since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian troops were intensifying their attacks in the Donbas.

It is hell there and thats not an exaggeration, he said in his nightly video address to the nation. The brutal and completely senseless bombardment of Severodonetsk. Twelve dead and dozens wounded there in just one day.

Zelenskyy said Russian strikes on the northeastern Chernihiv region included a terrible strike on the village of Desna, where he said many were killed and rescuers were still going through the rubble.

The bombing and shelling of our other cities, the air and missile strikes by the Russian army, are not simply military operations in a time of war... It is a conscious and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible, Zelenskyy said. To destroy more homes, public sites, businesses. This is what will be qualified as genocide of the Ukrainian people and for which the occupiers will definitely be brought to justice.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0











Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness -- especially if you paid for it.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has made a point of not taking advantage -- or not taking full advantage -- of federal assistance in the form of supplemental food assistance, expanded unemployment benefits and now $120 million in the latest wave of rental assistance funding, according to a recent Omaha World-Herald story.

This is federal money from taxpayers, Nebraskans among them. Some of the money may end up in Nebraska anyway, though not the full measure. That means Nebraskans are footing the bill to help those in need in other states -- which isn't a bad thing necessarily -- but there are those here still in need.

When Ricketts indicated the state wouldn't take the latest money for rental assistance, the Legislature passed a bill directing him to accept the funds. Ricketts vetoed the bill, and the override effort fell one vote short.

Ricketts' rationale is that the COVID emergency is over. And while the worst of this medical disaster might be behind us, the economic pain lingers. Left in COVID's wake are tens of thousands in Nebraska who are feeling the pinch.

Early in the pandemic, the governor did take advantage of federal funds -- mostly for businesses, government reimbursements and for the state's unemployment trust fund. He also praised the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Ricketts has said his concern is that accepting things like food, unemployment and rental aid will turn us into a welfare state. That would be a pretty quick change in direction from a population he routinely touts as industrious and hard-working.

How, exactly, Ricketts understands the plight of folks who earn far less than he does is unclear. Social workers -- the boots on the ground -- paint a much different picture.

Presumably closer to their constituents, state senators had the chance to override the governor's veto and didn't.

Three state senators -- John Arch, Tom Brewer and Curt Friesen -- were present but didn't vote. Their decision left their constituents unrepresented on this issue and became de facto votes to deny renters and landlords in need additional assistance.

The precise impacts of COVID are difficult to isolate. But there are people in need. Playing politics with the lives -- and livelihoods -- of those facing financial strain is wrong, especially when the means to help are available.

Nebraskans recognize the need to attract workers and families. Educational and professional opportunities certainly don't hurt. But sending a signal that we're a compassionate state willing to help one another might not be such a bad recruiting tool, either.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil


The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
MONTREAL, May 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that a new Chairperson and the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 5, 2022, were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote are available below.

Shauneen Bruder was unanimously elected by the board of directors as board chair. Ms. Bruder was, until her retirement on October 31, 2019, the Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. Ms. Bruder joined CNs board in 2017.

I am honoured to become the Chair of the CN Board of Directors. I would like to thank Robert Pace for his leadership over many years and wish him the best as he retires from the Board. I am also pleased to welcome David Freeman, Robert Knight, and Susan C. Jones to the Board. They bring to their roles a deep expertise in transportation, operations and executive leadership which will be an asset as CN continues its journey to become the unquestioned leader among North American railways. The newly elected board and I very much look forward to working with our new CEO, Tracy Robinson.

I would also like to reiterate our commitment to recruiting a francophone and Quebec based director. We intend to appoint the new director in the coming months. We have selected a leading Montreal based search firm to assist us with the search. CN takes this process very seriously. It will be rigorous, of the highest integrity and consistent with our principles of best in class governance.

- Shauneen Bruder, Chair of the Board of CN.

Election of Directors

On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of CN during the election of directors held at CNs Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting) on May 20, 2022 via online webcast are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Shauneen Bruder 544,480,950 98.34 % 9,173,285 1.66 % Jo-ann dePass Olsovsky 552,824,951 99.85 % 829,409 0.15 % David Freeman 552,423,390 99.78 % 1,230,538 0.22 % Denise Gray 543,381,273 98.14 % 10,273,087 1.86 % Justin M. Howell 549,719,019 99.29 % 3,935,341 0.71 % Susan C. Jones 548,081,435 98.99 % 5,572,925 1.01 % Robert Knight 552,587,333 99.81 % 1,066,893 0.19 % The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch 523,729,949 94.60 % 29,924,411 5.40 % Margaret A. McKenzie 547,907,964 98.96 % 5,746,396 1.04 % Robert L. Phillips 527,223,659 95.23 % 26,430,701 4.77 % Tracy Robinson 552,839,626 99.85 % 814,734 0.15 %

Biographical information on all directors is available at http://www.cn.ca/en/investors/regulatory-filings

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 20, 2022 will be filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

Meeting QuestionsAny questions related to the Meeting that were not answered during the Meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at www.cn.ca/en/investors. The questions and answers will remain available until one week after the Meeting.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Contacts:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 [email protected] (514) 399-0052 [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company


Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.


A state senator said it is extra special the Montana Constitution is getting the attention from the public during its 50th anniversary celebration as the document is facing challenges.

There are 20 pieces now before the supreme court around constitutionality and never before in our history have we had a sitting legislator refer to the constitution as a socialist rag, that needs to be tossed out, she said. I will tell you that in my belief the Constitution is in serious danger of perhaps even being repealed.

Sands spoke Thursday at the Montana Historical Society and gave the third of four lectures during May on the 1972 Constitutional Convention, also known as ConCon.

She said it is up to all to protect and defend the Constitution, but earlier in her speech referenced her concerns that the document was under some scrutiny.

In late 2021, GOP state Rep. Derek Skees said in late 2021 the Constitution's right of privacy clause gave state courts a legal basis for blocking new abortion restrictions and calling the document a socialist rag that should be replaced.

Sands, a Democrat from Missoula, did not attend the 1972 convention, but said she knew 11 of the 19 female delegates. Overall, 100 delegates served at the convention. None were Native American.

She said the number of female delegates was quite stunning for its time.

She said the convention did not stand alone, but grew out of the 60s and 70s, a tremendous time for social change and movements for social justice and women were demanding larger leadership roles in all aspects of society. Sands offered the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the National Organization for Women being founded in 1967 and the Clean Air Act and Environmental Protection Agency both coming about in 1970 as some examples.

She said the women of the Con Con came out of that rich, cultural stew and were not in it for personal gain, which she added she could not say about some of the men elected as delegates.

She said the middle class also wanted to see change, saying they wanted to modernize government, wanted more transparency and wanted to reduce corruption in government.

Sands said the changing times really influenced those 19 women to run as delegates. The women had varying backgrounds and ranged in age from 24-73, which was slightly younger than all the male delegates.

One reason that women were successful in getting on as delegates was that no already elected to office could run, Sands said.

Because of that it created a social space there that wasnt already occupied by the political elites, etc. she said. That may be one reason why these women had a better chance and other newcomers  they are not beholden to the traditional parties or political powers.

She said a majority of the female delegates had college degrees, some advanced. Through the various organizations they were members of, many of the women knew each other for a decade or more.

The League of Women Voters played a critical role in calling for the convention, 11 of their members being elected delegates and in getting the constitution ratified, Sands said.

Bathrooms became something of a battleground as the male delegates put up a sign at the closest bathroom, which was not out in public space, forcing the women to walk out into the public space, where lobbyists were to find a bathroom.

She said there were other dynamics, one female delegate said she did not like being patted on the shoulder and called kiddo.

Yes, the women delegates were aware that they had to really had to prove themselves in this environment but they really had the support of each other and I think that was important to being able to claim that space, rightfully so, to declare that space as equals and to demand the respect they were owed, Sands said.

Delegate Dorothy Eck said the women were not intimidated at all, and had come to the convention better prepared on the issues than the men, Sands said.

Delegate Arlyne Reichert said the women were among the smartest delegates and held their own.

Delegate Mae Nan Ellingson, the youngest delegate, was respected for her thorough research and thoughtful opinions.

The female delegates were Betty Babcock, Grace Bates, Virginia Blend, Jean Bowman, Daphne Bugbee (Jones), Edith Van Buskirk, Marjorie Cain, Louise Cross, Dorothy Eck and Marian Erdmann.

Other delegates were Rachell Mansfield, Veronica OSullivan, Katie Payne, Catherine Pemberton, Arlyne Reichert, Mae Nan Robinson (Ellingson), Lynn Sparks, Lucile Speer and Margaret Warden.

"Give these amazing women a round of applause, we owe them so much," Sands said. later adding "Praise the Lord and protect the Constitution."

The May 26 program Before and After the Montana Constitution of 1972 is a panel discussion with Bob Brown and Dorothy Bradley, moderated by Evan Barrett. It is at 4:30 p.m. People can attend at the Montana Historical Society in Helena or view on the MTHS YouTube Channel. Story was updated to correct last name of Lucile Speer.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness -- especially if you paid for it.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has made a point of not taking advantage -- or not taking full advantage -- of federal assistance in the form of supplemental food assistance, expanded unemployment benefits and now $120 million in the latest wave of rental assistance funding, according to a recent Omaha World-Herald story.

This is federal money from taxpayers, Nebraskans among them. Some of the money may end up in Nebraska anyway, though not the full measure. That means Nebraskans are footing the bill to help those in need in other states -- which isn't a bad thing necessarily -- but there are those here still in need.

When Ricketts indicated the state wouldn't take the latest money for rental assistance, the Legislature passed a bill directing him to accept the funds. Ricketts vetoed the bill, and the override effort fell one vote short.

Ricketts' rationale is that the COVID emergency is over. And while the worst of this medical disaster might be behind us, the economic pain lingers. Left in COVID's wake are tens of thousands in Nebraska who are feeling the pinch.

Early in the pandemic, the governor did take advantage of federal funds -- mostly for businesses, government reimbursements and for the state's unemployment trust fund. He also praised the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Ricketts has said his concern is that accepting things like food, unemployment and rental aid will turn us into a welfare state. That would be a pretty quick change in direction from a population he routinely touts as industrious and hard-working.

How, exactly, Ricketts understands the plight of folks who earn far less than he does is unclear. Social workers -- the boots on the ground -- paint a much different picture.

Presumably closer to their constituents, state senators had the chance to override the governor's veto and didn't.

Three state senators -- John Arch, Tom Brewer and Curt Friesen -- were present but didn't vote. Their decision left their constituents unrepresented on this issue and became de facto votes to deny renters and landlords in need additional assistance.

The precise impacts of COVID are difficult to isolate. But there are people in need. Playing politics with the lives -- and livelihoods -- of those facing financial strain is wrong, especially when the means to help are available.

Nebraskans recognize the need to attract workers and families. Educational and professional opportunities certainly don't hurt. But sending a signal that we're a compassionate state willing to help one another might not be such a bad recruiting tool, either.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

WAVERLY  Two teens have been detained for allegedly confining a teenage girl in a tree house and sexually abusing her over the course of two days.

Chad Chapline, 17, originally from Ogden, is charged with false imprisonment and second-degree sexual abuse. He is charged as an adult. He was transferred to the Allamakee County Jail pending trial.

Also detained was a 15-year-old boy, who was taken to the Eldora Juvenile Detention Center pending a hearing to see if the case will remain in juvenile court.

Details werent available, but court records allege the two fled from the LSI-Bremwood Campus youth center. They took turns holding the victim down and covering her mouth while the other sexually abused her on May 14 and 15. She was also threatened with a knife blade, records state.

The attack happened in a treehouse in a wooded area in southwest Waverly.

Officers with Waverly police questioned Chapline about the attack on Sunday.

Bond was set at $100,000 during an initial appearance in Bremer County District Court on Tuesday.
WAVERLY  Two teens have been detained for allegedly confining a teenage girl in a tree house and sexually abusing her over the course of two days.

Chad Chapline, 17, originally from Ogden, is charged with false imprisonment and second-degree sexual abuse. He is charged as an adult. He was transferred to the Allamakee County Jail pending trial.

Also detained was a 15-year-old boy, who was taken to the Eldora Juvenile Detention Center pending a hearing to see if the case will remain in juvenile court.

Details werent available, but court records allege the two fled from the LSI-Bremwood Campus youth center. They took turns holding the victim down and covering her mouth while the other sexually abused her on May 14 and 15. She was also threatened with a knife blade, records state.

The attack happened in a treehouse in a wooded area in southwest Waverly.

Officers with Waverly police questioned Chapline about the attack on Sunday.

Bond was set at $100,000 during an initial appearance in Bremer County District Court on Tuesday.


























Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
Balance of Visible Trade showed a deficit of Rs 16,596 million in March 2022, higher by 52.8% compared to the previous month and by 63.3% compared to the corresponding month of 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021. In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%) were our major exports destinations while our imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).Trade_M_Mar22_200522



Partager et informez vous aussi......

0 shares Share

Tweet

LinkedIn

Articles similaires
RACINE  One man is dead after being shot by a Racine Police officer just after 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.

The name of the man has not been publicly released.

Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson said during a City Hall press conference at 7 p.m. Friday that he had not yet confirmed that next-of-kin had been notified. No new information was released as of press time Saturday.

According to initial reports from local and state officials, at 1:03 p.m. Friday, an officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was the subject of a search warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson said the initial traffic stop was attempted near the intersection of 12th Street and Schiller Street.

A brief vehicular pursuit ensued, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Then, the suspect fled on foot, ignoring the officers commands to stop and drop to the ground, Robinson said.

An initial report from DCI stated: Following a foot chase, the subject was seen with a handgun.

No details about how the handgun was seen have been released, including if it was being held in the subjects hands or carried in some other fashion. Robinson described the suspect as an armed man.

The Racine Police Department released a photograph of the gun, lying in grass with a No. 1 evidence marker next to it. The firearm appears to be a Springfield XD handgun.

Without giving specifics, Robinson said Friday that the suspect took an action that led to the officer firing their gun, killing the suspect. Officials took no questions during Fridays press conference at City Hall, which lasted less than four minutes, leaving it publicly unknown what the action was.

Life-saving measures were attempted  onlookers videos show officers performing CPR  and the individual was taken in a Racine Fire Department ambulance to Ascension All Saints Hospital on Spring Street in Racine, but was pronounced deceased there.

There is body-camera footage of the shooting, DCI and Robinson both said.

The officer involved has been placed on leave, officials said.

In attendance at Fridays press conference were two representatives from DCI, Robinson, Mayor Cory Mason and Racine Police Criminalist Todd Hoover, president of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

The shooting occurred in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side, near Carroll Street, about a block west of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Center Street, and a block north of where the initial traffic stop was attempted.

Robinson said the foot pursuit went over a fence and up a small hill.

DCI is leading the investigation, as it does with all officer-involved shootings in Wisconsin. DCI reported that the Wisconsin State Crime Lab and State Patrol are assisting in the investigation. The Racine County Sheriffs Office and the Mount Pleasant Police Department also responded to the scene Friday.

Robinson said that, upon the conclusion of DCIs investigation, the investigative reports will go to the Racine County District Attorneys Office.

Crackdown

Robinson opened Fridays press conference by referencing how the city has experienced a 49% increase in shots fired reports so far in 2022 as compared to the year prior, including six homicides (all by guns) as of May 15. In 2021, there had only been three homicides in the city, as of May 15, 2021.

Robinson indicated that Fridays traffic stop which turned fatal was sparked by the RPD aiming to crack down on illegally possessed guns.

In an effort to curb the gun violence, Racine Police have been executing search warrants on identified vehicles and persons, Robinson said.

According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Department of Justice, based on the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, about 1 in 5 (21%) of all state and federal prisoners reported that they had possessed or carried a firearm when they committed the offense for which they were serving time in prison...

An estimated 287,400 prisoners had possessed a firearm during their offense. Among these, more than half (56%) had either stolen it (6%), found it at the scene of the crime (7%), or obtained it off the street or from the underground market (43%). Most of the remainder (25%) had obtained it from a family member or friend, or as a gift. Seven percent had purchased it under their own name from a licensed firearm dealer.

Ryan Patterson of The Journal Times contributed to this report.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
RACINE  One man is dead after being shot by a Racine Police officer just after 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.

The name of the man has not been publicly released.

Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson said during a City Hall press conference at 7 p.m. Friday that he had not yet confirmed that next-of-kin had been notified. No new information was released as of press time Saturday.

According to initial reports from local and state officials, at 1:03 p.m. Friday, an officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was the subject of a search warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson said the initial traffic stop was attempted near the intersection of 12th Street and Schiller Street.

A brief vehicular pursuit ensued, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Then, the suspect fled on foot, ignoring the officers commands to stop and drop to the ground, Robinson said.

An initial report from DCI stated: Following a foot chase, the subject was seen with a handgun.

No details about how the handgun was seen have been released, including if it was being held in the subjects hands or carried in some other fashion. Robinson described the suspect as an armed man.

The Racine Police Department released a photograph of the gun, lying in grass with a No. 1 evidence marker next to it. The firearm appears to be a Springfield XD handgun.

Without giving specifics, Robinson said Friday that the suspect took an action that led to the officer firing their gun, killing the suspect. Officials took no questions during Fridays press conference at City Hall, which lasted less than four minutes, leaving it publicly unknown what the action was.

Life-saving measures were attempted  onlookers videos show officers performing CPR  and the individual was taken in a Racine Fire Department ambulance to Ascension All Saints Hospital on Spring Street in Racine, but was pronounced deceased there.

There is body-camera footage of the shooting, DCI and Robinson both said.

The officer involved has been placed on leave, officials said.

In attendance at Fridays press conference were two representatives from DCI, Robinson, Mayor Cory Mason and Racine Police Criminalist Todd Hoover, president of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

The shooting occurred in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side, near Carroll Street, about a block west of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Center Street, and a block north of where the initial traffic stop was attempted.

Robinson said the foot pursuit went over a fence and up a small hill.

DCI is leading the investigation, as it does with all officer-involved shootings in Wisconsin. DCI reported that the Wisconsin State Crime Lab and State Patrol are assisting in the investigation. The Racine County Sheriffs Office and the Mount Pleasant Police Department also responded to the scene Friday.

Robinson said that, upon the conclusion of DCIs investigation, the investigative reports will go to the Racine County District Attorneys Office.

Crackdown

Robinson opened Fridays press conference by referencing how the city has experienced a 49% increase in shots fired reports so far in 2022 as compared to the year prior, including six homicides (all by guns) as of May 15. In 2021, there had only been three homicides in the city, as of May 15, 2021.

Robinson indicated that Fridays traffic stop which turned fatal was sparked by the RPD aiming to crack down on illegally possessed guns.

In an effort to curb the gun violence, Racine Police have been executing search warrants on identified vehicles and persons, Robinson said.

According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Department of Justice, based on the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, about 1 in 5 (21%) of all state and federal prisoners reported that they had possessed or carried a firearm when they committed the offense for which they were serving time in prison...

An estimated 287,400 prisoners had possessed a firearm during their offense. Among these, more than half (56%) had either stolen it (6%), found it at the scene of the crime (7%), or obtained it off the street or from the underground market (43%). Most of the remainder (25%) had obtained it from a family member or friend, or as a gift. Seven percent had purchased it under their own name from a licensed firearm dealer.

Ryan Patterson of The Journal Times contributed to this report.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has identified the man killed this week during a standoff with SWAT teams as 37-year-old Rolando Abel Rojas.

Maricopa County sheriff's deputies shot and killed Rojas on Wednesday afternoon in the town of Guadalupe.

Sgt. Calbert Gillett, an MCSO spokesperson, said at the time that deputies were dispatched about 1:30 p.m. to the area near Avenida Del Yaqui and Calle Pitaya after receiving a call about a man acting erratically, firing a gun near a school, according to MCSO.

When deputies responded, Rojas took a "stationary position" at the front porch of a nearby residence, which was adjacent to the north fence of the grade school.

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and Tempe police supported deputies as law enforcement used a drone to get a visual of Rojas, who then began shooting at the drone, Gillett said.

Gillett said MCSO and Tempe police called their respective SWAT teams to establish a perimeter around the residence when Rojas shot at members of the MCSO SWAT team, who returned fire, striking him.

Rojas was pronounced dead at the scene, Gillett said. No deputies were injured, Gillett said.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MCSO identifies man killed in standoff with SWAT teams in Guadalupe
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has identified the man killed this week during a standoff with SWAT teams as 37-year-old Rolando Abel Rojas.

Maricopa County sheriff's deputies shot and killed Rojas on Wednesday afternoon in the town of Guadalupe.

Sgt. Calbert Gillett, an MCSO spokesperson, said at the time that deputies were dispatched about 1:30 p.m. to the area near Avenida Del Yaqui and Calle Pitaya after receiving a call about a man acting erratically, firing a gun near a school, according to MCSO.

When deputies responded, Rojas took a "stationary position" at the front porch of a nearby residence, which was adjacent to the north fence of the grade school.

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and Tempe police supported deputies as law enforcement used a drone to get a visual of Rojas, who then began shooting at the drone, Gillett said.

Gillett said MCSO and Tempe police called their respective SWAT teams to establish a perimeter around the residence when Rojas shot at members of the MCSO SWAT team, who returned fire, striking him.

Rojas was pronounced dead at the scene, Gillett said. No deputies were injured, Gillett said.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MCSO identifies man killed in standoff with SWAT teams in Guadalupe




The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.


The Daily Beast

Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty/Texas DPSAn 18 year-old who shot up a school killing 19 children and 2 teachers had a long history of anger and aggression that was somehow overlooked for far too long. Those who knew Salvador Ramos say that he was plagued with violent tendencies and carried evil with him wherever he went.Let me tell you about Salvador, says Jamie Arellano, who attended Uvalde High School with Ramos. He would go to the park and try to pick on people a


The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.

What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil

The 43 members of the King George High School graduating class who attended King George Elementary take a victory lap, of sorts, at their old school on Friday during a Senior Walk. More than 700 elementary school students were on hand to cheer and wave checkered flags for the older students, who once stood in their shoes, as part of the events theme of Life is a Highway.

Members of local classic car groups got in on the celebration, as did parents, staff and PTA members, who waited at the finish line. It is a happy time and moment for King George County schools, said Sarah Ritchie, counselor at King George Elementary, who coordinated the event.

King Georges graduating class was scheduled to take the real walk, and get their diplomas, Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Other graduation ceremonies are planned this weekend throughout the Fredericksburg area.
RACINE  One man is dead after being shot by a Racine Police officer just after 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.

The name of the man has not been publicly released.

Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson said during a City Hall press conference at 7 p.m. Friday that he had not yet confirmed that next-of-kin had been notified. No new information was released as of press time Saturday.

According to initial reports from local and state officials, at 1:03 p.m. Friday, an officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was the subject of a search warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson said the initial traffic stop was attempted near the intersection of 12th Street and Schiller Street.

A brief vehicular pursuit ensued, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Then, the suspect fled on foot, ignoring the officers commands to stop and drop to the ground, Robinson said.

An initial report from DCI stated: Following a foot chase, the subject was seen with a handgun.

No details about how the handgun was seen have been released, including if it was being held in the subjects hands or carried in some other fashion. Robinson described the suspect as an armed man.

The Racine Police Department released a photograph of the gun, lying in grass with a No. 1 evidence marker next to it. The firearm appears to be a Springfield XD handgun.

Without giving specifics, Robinson said Friday that the suspect took an action that led to the officer firing their gun, killing the suspect. Officials took no questions during Fridays press conference at City Hall, which lasted less than four minutes, leaving it publicly unknown what the action was.

Life-saving measures were attempted  onlookers videos show officers performing CPR  and the individual was taken in a Racine Fire Department ambulance to Ascension All Saints Hospital on Spring Street in Racine, but was pronounced deceased there.

There is body-camera footage of the shooting, DCI and Robinson both said.

The officer involved has been placed on leave, officials said.

In attendance at Fridays press conference were two representatives from DCI, Robinson, Mayor Cory Mason and Racine Police Criminalist Todd Hoover, president of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

The shooting occurred in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side, near Carroll Street, about a block west of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Center Street, and a block north of where the initial traffic stop was attempted.

Robinson said the foot pursuit went over a fence and up a small hill.

DCI is leading the investigation, as it does with all officer-involved shootings in Wisconsin. DCI reported that the Wisconsin State Crime Lab and State Patrol are assisting in the investigation. The Racine County Sheriffs Office and the Mount Pleasant Police Department also responded to the scene Friday.

Robinson said that, upon the conclusion of DCIs investigation, the investigative reports will go to the Racine County District Attorneys Office.

Crackdown

Robinson opened Fridays press conference by referencing how the city has experienced a 49% increase in shots fired reports so far in 2022 as compared to the year prior, including six homicides (all by guns) as of May 15. In 2021, there had only been three homicides in the city, as of May 15, 2021.

Robinson indicated that Fridays traffic stop which turned fatal was sparked by the RPD aiming to crack down on illegally possessed guns.

In an effort to curb the gun violence, Racine Police have been executing search warrants on identified vehicles and persons, Robinson said.

According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Department of Justice, based on the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, about 1 in 5 (21%) of all state and federal prisoners reported that they had possessed or carried a firearm when they committed the offense for which they were serving time in prison...

An estimated 287,400 prisoners had possessed a firearm during their offense. Among these, more than half (56%) had either stolen it (6%), found it at the scene of the crime (7%), or obtained it off the street or from the underground market (43%). Most of the remainder (25%) had obtained it from a family member or friend, or as a gift. Seven percent had purchased it under their own name from a licensed firearm dealer.

Ryan Patterson of The Journal Times contributed to this report.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




What goes up must eventually come down, including satellites that are currently orbiting the earth. After their work is done, they will be deliberately tossed back into the atmosphere where they will burn up in the high altitudes. Little, if any, will actually hit the ground. But sometimes a satellite fails and falls back to earth unpredictably, posing hazard to human population, wildlife and the environment. And what if the satellite contained an active nuclear reactor?

During the Cold War period, both the United States of America and the Soviet Union launched dozens of nuclear-powered satellites into space. The first was Transit-4A, launched by the US in 1961. It was one of numerous satellites launched between 1959-88 to provide satellite navigation service to the US Navy. It was the first satellite navigation system before GPS. The Transit system had a total of 41 orbiting satellites, of which a handful of them were nuclear-powered. Many of them, while no longer functional, are still in orbit with their reactor core intact.

Between 1964 and 1978, the US launched a further seven nuclear-powered satellites for the Nimbus program. The Nimbus satellites helped meteorologists study the earths weather, its changing climate, the ozone layer, sea ice and so on. The technology and lessons learned from the Nimbus missions are the heritage of most of the Earth-observing satellites NASA and NOAA have launched over the past decades. Out of the seven Nimbus satellites, two are still in orbit.

The Soviet Union began launching nuclear satellites into space in 1965. For the next 22 years they launched over thirty satellites, each carrying a small nuclear reactor on board to power the various instruments. These satellites were mostly of reconnaissance type meant to spy upon the US Navys vessels and submarines. The satellites used radar to detect marine traffic, and because the radar signal rapidly loses power with distance, the satellites had to be placed in low earth orbit where there was significant drag from air molecules. The air resistance prohibited the use of large solar panels, leaving nuclear power as an attractive and probably the only alternative.

The majority of these satellites carried type BES-5 nuclear reactors fueled by uranium-235. Because of space and weight constraints, the fuel was highly enriched to weapons-grade level so that the reactors were fast, efficient and small, not to mention, extremely powerful. A typical BES-5 nuclear reactor weighed less than 400 kg and generated 100 kW of thermal power, of which about 3 kW was converted to usable electric power. The reactor was mounted inside a separate unit that could be jettisoned further up into space into a higher orbit once the satellite reached the end of its operational life. This way the dead satellite could safely re-enter earths atmosphere without the risk of radioactive contamination. But as far as space missions are concerned, things dont always work out as planned.

Cosmos 954

Cosmos 954 (also spelled Kosmos 954) was launched on 18 September 1977 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It orbited the earth between 259 and 277 kilometers every 89.5 minutes. On board was a liquid sodiumpotassium thermionic converter driven by a nuclear reactor containing around 50 kilograms of uranium-235. Within weeks of launch, the satellites orbit became erratic and it was understood that Cosmos 954 would have a very short life. As Soviet operators struggled to control their failing spacecraft, they realized that Cosmos 954 would fall back to earth very soon. To make matter worse, the system which was intended to dispose the spent reactor core into a safe orbit failed.

In a rare gesture of responsibility and accountability, the Soviet Union preemptively notified the United States, as well as all nations that lay directly under the flightpath of the ailing satellite, about a possible radioactive fallout. In a series of secret meetings with the US, officials of the Soviet Union provided details about Cosmos 954s nuclear reactor. The US in turn warned its NATO partners that Cosmos 954 was expected to fall, and offered to help clean

up any radioactive contamination that might result.

Cosmos-954 BES-5 type reactor scheme

On 24 January 1978, a few minutes before sunrise, Cosmos 954 entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke up over Canada. Debris from the satellite fell along a 600-kilometer path from Great Slave Lake to Baker Lake, including portions of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The subsequent search and clean-up operation cost Canada nearly CA$14 million, while the US spent some USD 2.5 million. Canada later billed the Soviet Union CA$6 million, of which only half the amount was paid.

The original satellite was believed to have weighed between 4 and 5 tons. Of this, only about 65 kilograms of material was recovered. Except for one large fragment, all were radioactive.

An immediate concern after the fall of Cosmos 954 was that a sufficiently large part of the core might have survived re-entry and crashed through the ice to become submerged in water, where it might have become critical. This is because water acts as a moderator, slowing down neutrons and allowing the chain reaction to start. Experts calculated that as little as 22 kg of highly enriched uranium could become critical under these conditions. Despite extensive search, the core was never found. It was concluded that the core had disintegrated almost completely.

In a paper published in August 1984 in Health Physics, the authors noted that at least a quarter of the reactor (about 7 to 8 kg) had fallen in the form of fine particles less than 1mm in diameter. These micro particles fell like an invisible slow fog on the Northwest Territories and on the barren Arctic and sub-Arctic land. The remaining three quarters evaporated into a fine mist and remained suspended in the atmosphere for years, before slowly descending to the earths surface. By this time, radioactive decay would have removed most of the shorter-lived radionuclides posing little health risks. As for the millimeter-sized particles, the authors noted that if an individual accidentally swallowed one, it would pass through the digestive tract and out of the body within 48 hours, giving the person a radiation dose no more than a conventional X-ray.

Looking for radioactive debris. Photo: Nevada National Security

Incidentally, Cosmos 954 was not the first nuclear-powered satellite to fail. In 1973, a launch failure of a similar satellite caused the reactor to drop into the Pacific Ocean north of Japan. Another Soviet spy satellite, Cosmos 1402, malfunctioned and fell into the Indian Ocean in 1983. The ejection system failed to jettison the reactor to a higher orbit causing the reactor to fall separately a few days later over the South Atlantic Ocean, completely disintegrating as it did so.

There is a possibility that such an event could occur again in future. There are many nuclear-powered satellites launched during the Cold War period that are still orbiting the earth. Although their orbits are high and currently stable, collision with space debris and meteorites could knock them out of their designated orbits and towards earth.

Nuclear power is still used in space exploration, such as in rovers and scientific instruments on another planetary body, but no longer to power earth orbiting satellites. The hazards from a possible failure far outweighs any potential gain from such a system.

A piece of the satellite lying in snow. Photo: Library and Archives Canada

A Cosmos 954 debris at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

References:

# Atomic Energy Control Board, Canada, https://inis.iaea.org/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/12/595/12595268.pdf

# CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP85B01152R000200260006-4.pdf

# Health Physics, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6480350

# Alexander F. Cohen, https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=yjil






Placeholder while article actions load

How would you feel about getting on a flight knowing that the pilot had been having suicidal thoughts? If youre a regular passenger, youve probably already done it. Few things in aviation evoke greater horror than the prospect of a pilot who deliberately drives a plane into the ground. Thats what happened, notoriously, with Germanwings Flight 9525 in 2015, when 150 were killed after the first officer locked the captain out of the cockpit and steered the plane into an Alpine mountain.

Its such an alarming prospect that some suspected pilot suicides remain hotly disputed, as with the crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 soon after departure from New York in 1999. Intentional crashing is among the theories posited for the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014, though no conclusion has been made. Now that possibility hangs over the fate of China Eastern Airlines Corp. Flight 5735, which may have had its controls pushed into a deliberate nosedive ahead of its crash on March 21, the Wall Street Journal reported this week.

Advertisement

For all the understandable alarm that such incidents attract, the solution is almost certainly to be more open about mental health, not more restrictive. Of roughly a billion commercial aircraft trips carried out since the 1970s, pilot suicide has only been suggested in eight crashes. The far greater risk is that the culture of aviation is preventing pilots from being honest about their state of mind and thus allowing depression and other disorders to fester without sufferers seeking the treatment they need.

Commercial pilots are among the few professionals who must pass medical tests, typically taken annually, to certify their ongoing fitness for work. Theyll include physical checks of eyesight and hearing, as well as asking if pilots have experienced mental health issues or seen a psychologist.

Pilots have this reluctance toward reporting their mental health, says Corrie Ackland, a psychologist at the University of New South Wales whos studying the issue. Its not easy to become a pilot. They do a lot to achieve success, and to carry out an action that may very well jeopardize their medical is a risk theyre not prepared to take.

Advertisement

Its not hard to see the problem with this setup. Ideally, pilots having mental health issues should be seeking out help and declaring it to their employer  but theyre far less likely to do so if it might end their careers. Even more intrusive ways of checking someones mental state are easy to hack. Those wanting to conceal depression will know that when asked: In the past two weeks, how often have you felt little pleasure in doing things? the answer to give is: Not at all.

Compare anonymous surveys of aviators to ones where their identities are disclosed, and its clear that a taboo is fully in place. One self-reported questionnaire conducted by New Zealand pilots while renewing their medical certificates found that just 1.9% suffered from depression, levels far lower than those reported among the general population. An anonymous survey of 1,848 pilots conducted in the wake of the Germanwings crash, however, found 12.6% suffered from depression and 4.1% had experienced suicidal thoughts within the past two weeks. While that might sound worryingly high, its pretty much in line with levels in the general population and, in particular, high-stress occupations.

Its hardly surprising that pilots suffer from mental health problems. Separation from family and non-work social networks, disrupted sleep, and irregular work hours all come with the territory. Add to the mix a reluctance to seek help, and its remarkable rates of depression arent even higher.

Advertisement

Exacerbating the problem is the sheer stress of the job itself. Most flights occur without incident, but thats because pilots need to be meticulous in following procedures while having the mental flexibility to troubleshoot in real time. Even then, increasingly sophisticated systems make the job harder because the machines they fly are more complex and difficult to understand.

In his book No Mans Land, Captain Kevin Sullivan details the numerous computer failures he had to wrestle with when Qantas Flight 72 plunged towards the earth over Western Australia in 2008. The second part of the book outlines the aftermath  the severe mental trauma he faced after landing his stricken aircraft. The former U.S. naval pilot ended up retiring from commercial aviation as a result.

Few pilots face events as dramatic as QF72, but strict deadlines, tight budgets and job insecurity amplify the impact of even minor incidents. Most dont write a book about their experience or get the level of peer or corporate support Sullivan received.

Advertisement

Airlines are understandably paranoid about all aspects of safety, including mental health. The problem is, the current stigma around addressing the topic clearly isnt serving those ends. The pilot who crashed Germanwings Flight 9525 had a history of depression that was known to the airline, but didnt proactively disclose a serious deterioration in his mental condition four months before the crash  something the accident report attributed in part to his fear of losing his license.

A simple solution may be to do more to promote indefinite leave, and even retirement or temporary redeployment to ground duties for pilots facing mental health issues. Solid guarantees by airlines that a self-report wont end an aviators career in the skies would encourage sufferers to find the help they need.

The medical profession itself may have useful lessons, having pushed back against laws requiring mandatory reporting of mental health issues to regulators so that such action is only taken in the rare cases where patients might be at risk. That suggests a far more honest approach to the problem, and one that will minimize the risk that pilots see the best solution as trying to conceal and repress their true state of mind.

Advertisement

If you want to treat depression, the first and most useful step is usually to start talking about it. Thats a lesson the aviation industry would do well to heed.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:



Having One Pilot in the Cockpit Is a Terrible Idea: Culpan and Fickling



China Jet Crash Risks Another Setback for Boeing: Brooke Sutherland



Despite Tragedies, Indonesias Air Safety Is Improving Fast: David Fickling

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

Tim Culpan is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering technology in Asia. Previously, he was a technology reporter for Bloomberg News.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article



A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Violent storms buffeting western Germany on Friday killed at least one man and injured about 40 people, 10 of them seriously, when an apparent tornado raked several towns, police and local media said.

Images on social media showed an apparent tornado with its distinctive spinning cyclone flinging debris through the air, though the German Weather Service did not immediately confirm a tornado had occurred.

The 38-year-old man in the far-western town of Wittgert died of head injuries sustained when he fell after suffering an electric shock in a flooded cellar, local media quoted police as saying.

Police said up to 40 people had been injured in Paderborn, a town of about 150,000 halfway between Frankfurt and Hamburg. Rail and road transport were disrupted throughout the region.

In nearby Hellinghausen, images shared on social media showed that a steeple had been ripped from the roof of a church tower and its remains scattered around the churchyard.

Police posted images showing trees felled or split in half, as well as roofs that had been swept clean of tiles by the winds in Paderborn.

"Sheeting and insulation were blown kilometers away. Countless roofs are uncovered or damaged. Many trees still lie on destroyed cars," city police said in a statement.

They asked residents to stay at home. The German Weather Service warned that the stormy weather was set to continue.

Meteorologists said the extreme weather was caused by hot air coming from Africa meeting relatively cooler air moving down from northern Europe.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
"Glad to meet Her Excellency Shirin Amonzoda, Minister of Labor, Immigration and Employment of Tajikistan. Discussed possibilities of increasing engagements on IT, skill development, tourism, and education," the Union Minister tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and encouraged them to participate in the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' He further asked them to continue contributing to India's growth story during 'Amrit Kaal'.

"Delighted to interact with Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Proud of their splendid achievements. Encouraged them to participate in #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue contributing to India's growth story during #AmritKaal," Muraleedharan tweeted.

"Pleased to launch Mobile App of @IndiainNewYork amidst members of the Indian Diaspora in New York. An example of Technology driven people-centric initiative in delivery of public services," he added.

The Union Minister who is on an eight-day visit to the US has participated in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on 'Global Food Security-Call to Action' and in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security' and both were chaired by US Secretary of State Blinken.

He is also leading the Indian delegation for the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) being held by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) among other engagements. (ANI)


Alaska's regional carrier, Horizon Air, will cut its daily flights to and from Yakima Air Terminal to one each direction starting Sept. 7. The early morning departure to SeaTac and late-night arrival in Yakima will no longer be available.
Actor and comedian Rebel Wilson has revealed that she was sexually harassed by a male co-star while working on a film before the #MeToo movement swept Hollywood. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in an interview with People magazine, Wilson recalled sexual harassment by an unnamed male co-star, who after calling her into a room and pulling "down his pants," asked her in front of his friends to "perform a lewd act." "It was awful and disgusting. And all the behaviour afterwards -- this was all before #MeToo -- where they kind of tried to destroy me and my career. If it had happened after #MeToo, then I could have just blasted them," she said, reported the outlet. It further stated that when Wilson took her complaint to her agency and the studio, something she described as "a big step," she discovered others had also reported him. Despite reporting, Wilson said she still grapples with her response, even asking why she stayed in that working situation. "I should have left. It wasn't worth it. But at the same time, I was like, 'Oh well, do the right thing, be a professional and finish the movie.' Now I would never do that," she explained, as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
"Glad to meet Her Excellency Shirin Amonzoda, Minister of Labor, Immigration and Employment of Tajikistan. Discussed possibilities of increasing engagements on IT, skill development, tourism, and education," the Union Minister tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and encouraged them to participate in the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' He further asked them to continue contributing to India's growth story during 'Amrit Kaal'.

"Delighted to interact with Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Proud of their splendid achievements. Encouraged them to participate in #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue contributing to India's growth story during #AmritKaal," Muraleedharan tweeted.

"Pleased to launch Mobile App of @IndiainNewYork amidst members of the Indian Diaspora in New York. An example of Technology driven people-centric initiative in delivery of public services," he added.

The Union Minister who is on an eight-day visit to the US has participated in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on 'Global Food Security-Call to Action' and in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security' and both were chaired by US Secretary of State Blinken.

He is also leading the Indian delegation for the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) being held by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) among other engagements. (ANI)

ST. LOUIS  The region cleaned up on Friday after at least eight tornadoes touched down one day earlier. Homeowners patched roofs in Kirkwood. Crews chainsawed downed trees in Warson Woods. And thousands were still without power, scattered across the region, from Defiance to Edwardsville.

The National Weather Service sent survey teams to various locations Friday to see if damage had the signature of a tornado, which manifests differently than that inflicted by straight-line winds. Trees downed by a tornado, for instance, could be found laying across one another, rather than pointing in the same direction.

The damage tends to get pulled together into patterns that sort of intersect, said Jon Carney, a local NWS meteorologist.

By late afternoon, preliminary survey results from the agencys teams identified at least seven separate tornadoes, and counting, that occurred during the Thursday storms that swept through the region. That number potentially stood to rise as survey work continued.

Five of those local tornadoes were in Missouri: near Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Frontenac in St. Louis County, and near St. Clair and Leslie in Franklin County.

Three more of the regions tornadoes touched down in Illinois: one near Okawville and another that traced a path from Breese to Greenville. A third, near the tiny town of Summerfield in St. Clair County, was confirmed Friday early evening.

The NWS said all of the twisters were designated as either an EF0 or EF1  the weakest levels on the scale that measures their intensity. Nearly all of them were short-lived and perhaps on the ground for a minute or less, said Carney, the NWS meteorologist. Of yesterdays local tornadoes, the one that tracked from around Breese to Greenville had the longest path, at nearly 17 miles, as well as the highest estimated peak wind speeds, at 110 mph.

No injuries were reported in the storms.

The Kirkwood tornado, an EF0, downed trees along its 3-mile path around 5 p.m. Thursday, damaging homes and cars, including in Warson Woods, near Kirkwood. It moved northeast before dissipating near Brentwood, forecasters said.

Near Breese, where the survey team said another tornado struck, there were damaged sheds and grain bins, said Jayson Gosselin, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Weldon Spring. Debris went 7,000 feet in the air during the storm.

About 6,000 Ameren utility customers in Missouri and Illinois were still without power Friday morning, and the number shrank to less than 2,000 by 7 p.m.

Some areas had to contend with flash flooding on Thursday evening  particularly in low-lying parts of south St. Louis, for instance, where vehicles on roadways and even Interstate 55 were engulfed by high water and where some sewers were pushed to the limit.

We had a long night, said Sean Hadley, a spokesman for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The sewers took on more water than they could handle.

Hadley said that the utility fielded 180 calls overnight, with the majority coming from south St. Louis.

He said lots of debris blocking sewer inlets was one factor that contributed to street flooding and noted that water reached up to porch height on some streets, preventing residents from leaving their homes.

Typically when you get street flooding, its because theres a blockage somewhere, said Hadley. The water didnt have anywhere to go.

Overall, though, he said the sewage system was able to keep operating as intended and that the utility has braved far worse  with past episodes of high water prompting hundreds more phone calls.

Rainfall Thursday was spotty, with some areas getting far more than others. And waterlogged spots around south St. Louis and south St. Louis County received the most rain in the region, with 2 to 3 inches falling in those places.

Thunderstorms could return after midnight Friday, though they will likely not be severe; Gosselin said they could produce small hail.

Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Bryce Gray Reporter covering energy and the environment for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bryce Gray Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Officials put a 90-day pause on prescribed burns across the country on Friday as crews continue to fight a massive blaze  partially started as a prescribed burn  that has torched hundreds of homes and sent thousands fleeing northeastern New Mexico.

The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire is currently at 306,472 acres and 40% contained. In 48 hours the blaze grew about 4,000 acres, paling in comparison to earlier activity.

On Friday, fire crews continued to make progress holding back the flames being fanned by gusty winds amid historic dry conditions in the state. Some cooler weather in the forecast gave officials optimism going forward.

The fire became the largest in state history days ago, leading Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to meet with U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

Within hours of that meeting, Moore put a 90-day pause on prescribed burns across the country as the agency reviews protocols, decision support tools and practices ahead of planned operations this fall.

He said prescribed burns go as planned in 99.84% of cases but in rare circumstances the flames can move outside the project area and turn into wildfires.

Wildfires are increasingly extreme because of climate change, drought and dry fuels across many parts of the country, Moore said. Prescribed burn operations are essential tools managers need to protect communities and first responders, improve forest conditions and reduce the threat of extreme fires.

Lujan Grisham said she was glad to hear of Moores decision.

It is critical that federal agencies update and modernize these practices in response to a changing climate, as what used to be considered extreme conditions are now much more common, she said in a released statement. The situation unfolding in New Mexico right now demonstrates without a doubt the grave consequences of neglecting to do so.

In recent weeks, state officials have blasted the U.S. Forest Service for proceeding with the planned prescribed burn, despite strong winds and extreme drought conditions.

Lujan Grisham said the state will work with the Forest Service to ensure voices at the local level are heard as the agency reviews its process concerning prescribed burns.

As I did today, I will continue to relentlessly pursue every available avenue for resources that make affected New Mexicans whole and prevents a tragedy like this one from happening again, she said.

The Forest Service released a statement Friday saying the agency has initiated a Declared Wildfire Review of the decisions made and conditions on the ground prior to the Las Dispensas prescribed fire which led to the Hermits Peak Fire.

This review is being conducted to glean lessons learned and help improve the prescribed fire program, the statement read.

Meanwhile, officials were making headway on containing the blaze despite bad weather.

Jason Coil, operations section chief, said crews have done an incredible job holding the containment of the fire. He said a small spot fire sprouted to the northwest of the blaze, leading to some evacuations nearby, but firefighters were going to focus on snuffing it.

Nothing makes me feel better than making Stewarts models incorrect, Coil said, referring to Fire Behavior Analyst Stewart Turners earlier predictions that the fire would likely grow significantly Friday.

Turner said things are looking really good weather-wise for the next several days. The weather chart  measuring levels of moisture, heat and wind  had most of its reds and oranges replaced by green, signifying an end to critical fire weather.

Turner said cloud cover and humidity will move into the area Saturday and he expected a lot of containment to come out of the opportunity.

Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Officials put a 90-day pause on prescribed burns across the country on Friday as crews continue to fight a massive blaze  partially started as a prescribed burn  that has torched hundreds of homes and sent thousands fleeing northeastern New Mexico.

The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire is currently at 306,472 acres and 40% contained. In 48 hours the blaze grew about 4,000 acres, paling in comparison to earlier activity.

On Friday, fire crews continued to make progress holding back the flames being fanned by gusty winds amid historic dry conditions in the state. Some cooler weather in the forecast gave officials optimism going forward.

The fire became the largest in state history days ago, leading Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to meet with U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

Within hours of that meeting, Moore put a 90-day pause on prescribed burns across the country as the agency reviews protocols, decision support tools and practices ahead of planned operations this fall.

He said prescribed burns go as planned in 99.84% of cases but in rare circumstances the flames can move outside the project area and turn into wildfires.

Wildfires are increasingly extreme because of climate change, drought and dry fuels across many parts of the country, Moore said. Prescribed burn operations are essential tools managers need to protect communities and first responders, improve forest conditions and reduce the threat of extreme fires.

Lujan Grisham said she was glad to hear of Moores decision.

It is critical that federal agencies update and modernize these practices in response to a changing climate, as what used to be considered extreme conditions are now much more common, she said in a released statement. The situation unfolding in New Mexico right now demonstrates without a doubt the grave consequences of neglecting to do so.

In recent weeks, state officials have blasted the U.S. Forest Service for proceeding with the planned prescribed burn, despite strong winds and extreme drought conditions.

Lujan Grisham said the state will work with the Forest Service to ensure voices at the local level are heard as the agency reviews its process concerning prescribed burns.

As I did today, I will continue to relentlessly pursue every available avenue for resources that make affected New Mexicans whole and prevents a tragedy like this one from happening again, she said.

The Forest Service released a statement Friday saying the agency has initiated a Declared Wildfire Review of the decisions made and conditions on the ground prior to the Las Dispensas prescribed fire which led to the Hermits Peak Fire.

This review is being conducted to glean lessons learned and help improve the prescribed fire program, the statement read.

Meanwhile, officials were making headway on containing the blaze despite bad weather.

Jason Coil, operations section chief, said crews have done an incredible job holding the containment of the fire. He said a small spot fire sprouted to the northwest of the blaze, leading to some evacuations nearby, but firefighters were going to focus on snuffing it.

Nothing makes me feel better than making Stewarts models incorrect, Coil said, referring to Fire Behavior Analyst Stewart Turners earlier predictions that the fire would likely grow significantly Friday.

Turner said things are looking really good weather-wise for the next several days. The weather chart  measuring levels of moisture, heat and wind  had most of its reds and oranges replaced by green, signifying an end to critical fire weather.

Turner said cloud cover and humidity will move into the area Saturday and he expected a lot of containment to come out of the opportunity.









ST. LOUIS  The region cleaned up on Friday after at least eight tornadoes touched down one day earlier. Homeowners patched roofs in Kirkwood. Crews chainsawed downed trees in Warson Woods. And thousands were still without power, scattered across the region, from Defiance to Edwardsville.

The National Weather Service sent survey teams to various locations Friday to see if damage had the signature of a tornado, which manifests differently than that inflicted by straight-line winds. Trees downed by a tornado, for instance, could be found laying across one another, rather than pointing in the same direction.

The damage tends to get pulled together into patterns that sort of intersect, said Jon Carney, a local NWS meteorologist.

By late afternoon, preliminary survey results from the agencys teams identified at least seven separate tornadoes, and counting, that occurred during the Thursday storms that swept through the region. That number potentially stood to rise as survey work continued.

Five of those local tornadoes were in Missouri: near Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Frontenac in St. Louis County, and near St. Clair and Leslie in Franklin County.

Three more of the regions tornadoes touched down in Illinois: one near Okawville and another that traced a path from Breese to Greenville. A third, near the tiny town of Summerfield in St. Clair County, was confirmed Friday early evening.

The NWS said all of the twisters were designated as either an EF0 or EF1  the weakest levels on the scale that measures their intensity. Nearly all of them were short-lived and perhaps on the ground for a minute or less, said Carney, the NWS meteorologist. Of yesterdays local tornadoes, the one that tracked from around Breese to Greenville had the longest path, at nearly 17 miles, as well as the highest estimated peak wind speeds, at 110 mph.

No injuries were reported in the storms.

The Kirkwood tornado, an EF0, downed trees along its 3-mile path around 5 p.m. Thursday, damaging homes and cars, including in Warson Woods, near Kirkwood. It moved northeast before dissipating near Brentwood, forecasters said.

Near Breese, where the survey team said another tornado struck, there were damaged sheds and grain bins, said Jayson Gosselin, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Weldon Spring. Debris went 7,000 feet in the air during the storm.

About 6,000 Ameren utility customers in Missouri and Illinois were still without power Friday morning, and the number shrank to less than 2,000 by 7 p.m.

Some areas had to contend with flash flooding on Thursday evening  particularly in low-lying parts of south St. Louis, for instance, where vehicles on roadways and even Interstate 55 were engulfed by high water and where some sewers were pushed to the limit.

We had a long night, said Sean Hadley, a spokesman for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The sewers took on more water than they could handle.

Hadley said that the utility fielded 180 calls overnight, with the majority coming from south St. Louis.

He said lots of debris blocking sewer inlets was one factor that contributed to street flooding and noted that water reached up to porch height on some streets, preventing residents from leaving their homes.

Typically when you get street flooding, its because theres a blockage somewhere, said Hadley. The water didnt have anywhere to go.

Overall, though, he said the sewage system was able to keep operating as intended and that the utility has braved far worse  with past episodes of high water prompting hundreds more phone calls.

Rainfall Thursday was spotty, with some areas getting far more than others. And waterlogged spots around south St. Louis and south St. Louis County received the most rain in the region, with 2 to 3 inches falling in those places.

Thunderstorms could return after midnight Friday, though they will likely not be severe; Gosselin said they could produce small hail.

Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Bryce Gray Reporter covering energy and the environment for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bryce Gray Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today


Actor and comedian Rebel Wilson has revealed that she was sexually harassed by a male co-star while working on a film before the #MeToo movement swept Hollywood. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in an interview with People magazine, Wilson recalled sexual harassment by an unnamed male co-star, who after calling her into a room and pulling "down his pants," asked her in front of his friends to "perform a lewd act." "It was awful and disgusting. And all the behaviour afterwards -- this was all before #MeToo -- where they kind of tried to destroy me and my career. If it had happened after #MeToo, then I could have just blasted them," she said, reported the outlet. It further stated that when Wilson took her complaint to her agency and the studio, something she described as "a big step," she discovered others had also reported him. Despite reporting, Wilson said she still grapples with her response, even asking why she stayed in that working situation. "I should have left. It wasn't worth it. But at the same time, I was like, 'Oh well, do the right thing, be a professional and finish the movie.' Now I would never do that," she explained, as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)


Alaska's regional carrier, Horizon Air, will cut its daily flights to and from Yakima Air Terminal to one each direction starting Sept. 7. The early morning departure to SeaTac and late-night arrival in Yakima will no longer be available.


It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


COLUMBIA  Striking Starbucks workers continued to picket outside a Columbia cafe on May 20, even as workers from other locations were brought in.

The restaurant's drive-thru lane was staffed by workers from other locations, according to striking employee Sophie Ryan, who was among the picketers.

The cafe had been entirely closed when the strike began. Its dining area remained closed on May 20.

The strike started after the Millwood Avenue stores manager was fired over the unionization efforts, Ryan said.

The manager was fired for resisting managers who wanted her to participate in tactics to scare her employees out of unionizing, according to a statement from the South Carolina branch of the Industrial Workers of the World union.

The Industrial Workers branch also accused Starbucks managers of threatening employees benefits if they approved a union.

A Starbucks spokesman said that employees, whom the company calls partners, are not pressured on their views of a union. The company prefers to have a more direct relationship with staff so that it can quickly change policies when necessary, but respects their rights to organize and vote, the spokesman said.

The manager in question has been fired from the company, but that was because of misconduct including disrespectful behavior toward a supervisor and failing to provide leadership for the store, the spokesman said.

The firing was not a result of the unionization effort to gather signatures, the spokesman said.

Meetings between management and staff in the evening of May 19 offered no progress and were mostly focused on getting the cafe reopened, Ryan said.

The Starbucks in Columbia has begun the process of voting to unionize. Results will be announced May 26.

Starbucks stores throughout the country have began to unionize since workers at a Buffalo, N.Y., location became the first in the chain to formally join a union in late 2021.

Stores in Anderson and Sumter have petitioned to hold a union vote, and there have been labor organization pushes at stores in North Carolina in Durham and Raleigh, according to National Labor Relations Board data.

At least three Starbucks stores in Georgia and another four in Tennessee have petitioned to unionize.
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The video of a speech in Kannada by Canadian parliamentarian Chandra Arya in the Canada parliament has gone viral on the social media. The gesture of love for the mother-tongue is being appreciated all over the country. Chandra Arya wrote on Twitter: "I spoke my mother tongue (first language) Kannada in the Canadian parliament. This beautiful language has a long history and is spoken by about 50 million people. This is the first time Kannada is spoken in any parliament in the world outside of India." Chandra Arya addressed the Canadian parliament: "Respected chairperson, I am happy that I got an opportunity to address the Canada parliament in my mother tongue. It is a matter of pride for 5 crore people of Karnataka that a person from the village Dwalalu in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district has been elected as the member of Parliament in Canada and addressing the house in his language. "In 2018, Kannadigas of Canada have celebrated the Kannada Rajyotsava Day in the parliament. I will end my address with the lines of a song written by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and sung by Late Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, 'no matter wherever you are, be a Kannadiga'. Thank you Chairman," he says. The video shows other Canadian parliamentarians applauding for the speech. The 59-second video has been shared by dignitaries including Karnataka Higher Education Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan. --IANS mka/pgh ( 242 Words) 2022-05-20-23:20:04 (IANS)
The video of a speech in Kannada by Canadian parliamentarian Chandra Arya in the Canada parliament has gone viral on the social media. The gesture of love for the mother-tongue is being appreciated all over the country. Chandra Arya wrote on Twitter: "I spoke my mother tongue (first language) Kannada in the Canadian parliament. This beautiful language has a long history and is spoken by about 50 million people. This is the first time Kannada is spoken in any parliament in the world outside of India." Chandra Arya addressed the Canadian parliament: "Respected chairperson, I am happy that I got an opportunity to address the Canada parliament in my mother tongue. It is a matter of pride for 5 crore people of Karnataka that a person from the village Dwalalu in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district has been elected as the member of Parliament in Canada and addressing the house in his language. "In 2018, Kannadigas of Canada have celebrated the Kannada Rajyotsava Day in the parliament. I will end my address with the lines of a song written by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and sung by Late Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, 'no matter wherever you are, be a Kannadiga'. Thank you Chairman," he says. The video shows other Canadian parliamentarians applauding for the speech. The 59-second video has been shared by dignitaries including Karnataka Higher Education Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan. --IANS mka/pgh ( 242 Words) 2022-05-20-23:20:04 (IANS)
The video of a speech in Kannada by Canadian parliamentarian Chandra Arya in the Canada parliament has gone viral on the social media. The gesture of love for the mother-tongue is being appreciated all over the country. Chandra Arya wrote on Twitter: "I spoke my mother tongue (first language) Kannada in the Canadian parliament. This beautiful language has a long history and is spoken by about 50 million people. This is the first time Kannada is spoken in any parliament in the world outside of India." Chandra Arya addressed the Canadian parliament: "Respected chairperson, I am happy that I got an opportunity to address the Canada parliament in my mother tongue. It is a matter of pride for 5 crore people of Karnataka that a person from the village Dwalalu in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district has been elected as the member of Parliament in Canada and addressing the house in his language. "In 2018, Kannadigas of Canada have celebrated the Kannada Rajyotsava Day in the parliament. I will end my address with the lines of a song written by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and sung by Late Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, 'no matter wherever you are, be a Kannadiga'. Thank you Chairman," he says. The video shows other Canadian parliamentarians applauding for the speech. The 59-second video has been shared by dignitaries including Karnataka Higher Education Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan. --IANS mka/pgh ( 242 Words) 2022-05-20-23:20:04 (IANS)
The video of a speech in Kannada by Canadian parliamentarian Chandra Arya in the Canada parliament has gone viral on the social media. The gesture of love for the mother-tongue is being appreciated all over the country. Chandra Arya wrote on Twitter: "I spoke my mother tongue (first language) Kannada in the Canadian parliament. This beautiful language has a long history and is spoken by about 50 million people. This is the first time Kannada is spoken in any parliament in the world outside of India." Chandra Arya addressed the Canadian parliament: "Respected chairperson, I am happy that I got an opportunity to address the Canada parliament in my mother tongue. It is a matter of pride for 5 crore people of Karnataka that a person from the village Dwalalu in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district has been elected as the member of Parliament in Canada and addressing the house in his language. "In 2018, Kannadigas of Canada have celebrated the Kannada Rajyotsava Day in the parliament. I will end my address with the lines of a song written by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and sung by Late Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, 'no matter wherever you are, be a Kannadiga'. Thank you Chairman," he says. The video shows other Canadian parliamentarians applauding for the speech. The 59-second video has been shared by dignitaries including Karnataka Higher Education Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan. --IANS mka/pgh ( 242 Words) 2022-05-20-23:20:04 (IANS)

The video of a speech in Kannada by Canadian parliamentarian Chandra Arya in the Canada parliament has gone viral on the social media. The gesture of love for the mother-tongue is being appreciated all over the country. Chandra Arya wrote on Twitter: "I spoke my mother tongue (first language) Kannada in the Canadian parliament. This beautiful language has a long history and is spoken by about 50 million people. This is the first time Kannada is spoken in any parliament in the world outside of India." Chandra Arya addressed the Canadian parliament: "Respected chairperson, I am happy that I got an opportunity to address the Canada parliament in my mother tongue. It is a matter of pride for 5 crore people of Karnataka that a person from the village Dwalalu in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district has been elected as the member of Parliament in Canada and addressing the house in his language. "In 2018, Kannadigas of Canada have celebrated the Kannada Rajyotsava Day in the parliament. I will end my address with the lines of a song written by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and sung by Late Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, 'no matter wherever you are, be a Kannadiga'. Thank you Chairman," he says. The video shows other Canadian parliamentarians applauding for the speech. The 59-second video has been shared by dignitaries including Karnataka Higher Education Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan. --IANS mka/pgh ( 242 Words) 2022-05-20-23:20:04 (IANS)

A 36-year-old woman was shot and killed Friday evening in the 6000 block of Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans police said.

Officers were called to the scene at 4:49 p.m. and said Emergency Medical Services declared the woman dead there.

The Police Department is investigating the killing and did not immediately release more information. Those with information regarding this case are encouraged to call (504) 658-5300 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.
New Orleans police reopened eastbound Interstate 10 at Downman Road on Friday evening, after closing a stretch of highway for 1 hours to investigate a shooting.

Police reopened the eastbound lanes from Downman to Crowder Boulevard at about 6:30 p.m., according to the Louisiana Department of Traffic and Development. At that time, eastbound traffic was backed up for around 5 miles to St. Bernard Avenue on both I-10 and I-610.

The section of highway was blocked off at about 5 p.m., just as rush hour traffic hit the roads, so police could investigate a shooting on I-10 near Crowder, where a man was reportedly wounded in the leg. The shooting was reported to police at 4:01 p.m., Emergency Medical Services took the man to a hospital for treatment.
A Missoula man was arrested on suspicion of violently raping a woman at the Poverello Center last week, and may be connected to other recent sexual assaults on the University of Montana campus.

Evan D. Twiford, 46, is charged with aggravated sexual intercourse without consent. Prosecutors say he's also being investigated by other law enforcement agencies in Missoula for separate cases.

On Wednesday, Missoula police responded to the Poverello Center after a staff member notified law enforcement that a woman wanted to report a sexual assault that had occurred the week before.

Officers were informed by another Poverello employee that University of Montana police had been there earlier investigating a male suspect in connection with campus sex assaults, according to Missoula County charging documents.

The survivor of one incident reported to campus police that around 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday, she was walking in the corridor on the first floor of the University Center, according to a UM timely warning alert sent out the same day. A man walking in the opposite direction intentionally moved closer to the woman as the two passed each other and grabbed her breast.

While charging documents didn't mention Tuesday's fondling incident, they did say a Poverello employee indicated to police they thought the suspect being sought by campus police might be the same person accused of assaulting the woman at the Poverello.

The survivor at the Poverello said Friday's attack happened in the courtyard. She gave a physical description of the suspect, describing him as in his late 30s to 40s, thin, white and tall. She also mentioned he was wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses.

The survivor said she reported the assault to medical staff on Friday, but they didnt do anything.

The woman also mentioned a second woman was attacked the day prior.

When officers asked if he was a resident at the Poverello, the woman said he comes in here and starts assaulting women," charging documents said.

At the time of the incident, the woman told officers she was changing her clothes behind a blanket that her friend was holding up.

Suddenly, Twiford had taken her friends spot and was holding the blanket.

Twiford pulled at her pants and started attacking her, charging documents said. He began punching her and raped her. Photos taken by officers showed bruising and injuries on the survivor.

Because of previous trauma, the survivor said she blacked out. The last thing she recalled was Twiford leaving and dropping the blanket, she told police.

On Wednesday, officers located Twiford outside of the Poverello Center. He was wearing a maroon coat and black bicycle helmet.

Police thought he might match the description of another sexual assault report taken earlier in the week by city police. In that case, two women told law enforcement they were assaulted near the Kim Williams Trail by a man on a bike.

Using video surveillance from the Poverello, police reviewed footage of the alleged assault. The footage was too blurry to confirm the man in it was Twiford, but did show the man lying next to the survivor, making a lot of movement.

Poverello staff advised officers that two additional women recently disclosed sexual assaults by Twiford, but hadnt reported them to the police yet.

University police also responded to the Poverello and confirmed Twiford was a suspect in their case. Details of the university polices case were not disclosed in the charging documents.

On Thursday, campus officials sent out an update on the fondling incident. It said a suspect had been arrested and is facing charges, but campus police didnt provide a name.

At Twiford's initial appearance on Thursday afternoon, Missoula County Deputy Attorney Andrea Haney asked Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway to give Twiford $300,000 bail.

Haney mentioned Twiford is being investigated by multiple other law enforcement agencies in Missoula.

Victims have been accosted in different settings, and they have been particularly vulnerable, she added.

Public defender Ted Fellman requested Twiford be given a lower bond, saying a smaller monetary amount would likely keep the defendant in custody.

The allegations are terrifying, Holloway said. She set bail at $250,000. If Twiford posts bail, hes ordered to have no contact with any prosecution witnesses or victims.

Twifords arraignment is set for June 6 in Missoula County District Court.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1
A Missoula man was arrested on suspicion of violently raping a woman at the Poverello Center last week, and may be connected to other recent sexual assaults on the University of Montana campus.

Evan D. Twiford, 46, is charged with aggravated sexual intercourse without consent. Prosecutors say he's also being investigated by other law enforcement agencies in Missoula for separate cases.

On Wednesday, Missoula police responded to the Poverello Center after a staff member notified law enforcement that a woman wanted to report a sexual assault that had occurred the week before.

Officers were informed by another Poverello employee that University of Montana police had been there earlier investigating a male suspect in connection with campus sex assaults, according to Missoula County charging documents.

The survivor of one incident reported to campus police that around 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday, she was walking in the corridor on the first floor of the University Center, according to a UM timely warning alert sent out the same day. A man walking in the opposite direction intentionally moved closer to the woman as the two passed each other and grabbed her breast.

While charging documents didn't mention Tuesday's fondling incident, they did say a Poverello employee indicated to police they thought the suspect being sought by campus police might be the same person accused of assaulting the woman at the Poverello.

The survivor at the Poverello said Friday's attack happened in the courtyard. She gave a physical description of the suspect, describing him as in his late 30s to 40s, thin, white and tall. She also mentioned he was wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses.

The survivor said she reported the assault to medical staff on Friday, but they didnt do anything.

The woman also mentioned a second woman was attacked the day prior.

When officers asked if he was a resident at the Poverello, the woman said he comes in here and starts assaulting women," charging documents said.

At the time of the incident, the woman told officers she was changing her clothes behind a blanket that her friend was holding up.

Suddenly, Twiford had taken her friends spot and was holding the blanket.

Twiford pulled at her pants and started attacking her, charging documents said. He began punching her and raped her. Photos taken by officers showed bruising and injuries on the survivor.

Because of previous trauma, the survivor said she blacked out. The last thing she recalled was Twiford leaving and dropping the blanket, she told police.

On Wednesday, officers located Twiford outside of the Poverello Center. He was wearing a maroon coat and black bicycle helmet.

Police thought he might match the description of another sexual assault report taken earlier in the week by city police. In that case, two women told law enforcement they were assaulted near the Kim Williams Trail by a man on a bike.

Using video surveillance from the Poverello, police reviewed footage of the alleged assault. The footage was too blurry to confirm the man in it was Twiford, but did show the man lying next to the survivor, making a lot of movement.

Poverello staff advised officers that two additional women recently disclosed sexual assaults by Twiford, but hadnt reported them to the police yet.

University police also responded to the Poverello and confirmed Twiford was a suspect in their case. Details of the university polices case were not disclosed in the charging documents.

On Thursday, campus officials sent out an update on the fondling incident. It said a suspect had been arrested and is facing charges, but campus police didnt provide a name.

At Twiford's initial appearance on Thursday afternoon, Missoula County Deputy Attorney Andrea Haney asked Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway to give Twiford $300,000 bail.

Haney mentioned Twiford is being investigated by multiple other law enforcement agencies in Missoula.

Victims have been accosted in different settings, and they have been particularly vulnerable, she added.

Public defender Ted Fellman requested Twiford be given a lower bond, saying a smaller monetary amount would likely keep the defendant in custody.

The allegations are terrifying, Holloway said. She set bail at $250,000. If Twiford posts bail, hes ordered to have no contact with any prosecution witnesses or victims.

Twifords arraignment is set for June 6 in Missoula County District Court.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

A Missoula man was arrested on suspicion of violently raping a woman at the Poverello Center last week, and may be connected to other recent sexual assaults on the University of Montana campus.

Evan D. Twiford, 46, is charged with aggravated sexual intercourse without consent. Prosecutors say he's also being investigated by other law enforcement agencies in Missoula for separate cases.

On Wednesday, Missoula police responded to the Poverello Center after a staff member notified law enforcement that a woman wanted to report a sexual assault that had occurred the week before.

Officers were informed by another Poverello employee that University of Montana police had been there earlier investigating a male suspect in connection with campus sex assaults, according to Missoula County charging documents.

The survivor of one incident reported to campus police that around 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday, she was walking in the corridor on the first floor of the University Center, according to a UM timely warning alert sent out the same day. A man walking in the opposite direction intentionally moved closer to the woman as the two passed each other and grabbed her breast.

While charging documents didn't mention Tuesday's fondling incident, they did say a Poverello employee indicated to police they thought the suspect being sought by campus police might be the same person accused of assaulting the woman at the Poverello.

The survivor at the Poverello said Friday's attack happened in the courtyard. She gave a physical description of the suspect, describing him as in his late 30s to 40s, thin, white and tall. She also mentioned he was wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses.

The survivor said she reported the assault to medical staff on Friday, but they didnt do anything.

The woman also mentioned a second woman was attacked the day prior.

When officers asked if he was a resident at the Poverello, the woman said he comes in here and starts assaulting women," charging documents said.

At the time of the incident, the woman told officers she was changing her clothes behind a blanket that her friend was holding up.

Suddenly, Twiford had taken her friends spot and was holding the blanket.

Twiford pulled at her pants and started attacking her, charging documents said. He began punching her and raped her. Photos taken by officers showed bruising and injuries on the survivor.

Because of previous trauma, the survivor said she blacked out. The last thing she recalled was Twiford leaving and dropping the blanket, she told police.

On Wednesday, officers located Twiford outside of the Poverello Center. He was wearing a maroon coat and black bicycle helmet.

Police thought he might match the description of another sexual assault report taken earlier in the week by city police. In that case, two women told law enforcement they were assaulted near the Kim Williams Trail by a man on a bike.

Using video surveillance from the Poverello, police reviewed footage of the alleged assault. The footage was too blurry to confirm the man in it was Twiford, but did show the man lying next to the survivor, making a lot of movement.

Poverello staff advised officers that two additional women recently disclosed sexual assaults by Twiford, but hadnt reported them to the police yet.

University police also responded to the Poverello and confirmed Twiford was a suspect in their case. Details of the university polices case were not disclosed in the charging documents.

On Thursday, campus officials sent out an update on the fondling incident. It said a suspect had been arrested and is facing charges, but campus police didnt provide a name.

At Twiford's initial appearance on Thursday afternoon, Missoula County Deputy Attorney Andrea Haney asked Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway to give Twiford $300,000 bail.

Haney mentioned Twiford is being investigated by multiple other law enforcement agencies in Missoula.

Victims have been accosted in different settings, and they have been particularly vulnerable, she added.

Public defender Ted Fellman requested Twiford be given a lower bond, saying a smaller monetary amount would likely keep the defendant in custody.

The allegations are terrifying, Holloway said. She set bail at $250,000. If Twiford posts bail, hes ordered to have no contact with any prosecution witnesses or victims.

Twifords arraignment is set for June 6 in Missoula County District Court.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.




Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.

Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Violent storms buffeting western Germany on Friday killed at least one man and injured about 40 people, 10 of them seriously, when an apparent tornado raked several towns, police and local media said.

Images on social media showed an apparent tornado with its distinctive spinning cyclone flinging debris through the air, though the German Weather Service did not immediately confirm a tornado had occurred.

The 38-year-old man in the far-western town of Wittgert died of head injuries sustained when he fell after suffering an electric shock in a flooded cellar, local media quoted police as saying.

Police said up to 40 people had been injured in Paderborn, a town of about 150,000 halfway between Frankfurt and Hamburg. Rail and road transport were disrupted throughout the region.

In nearby Hellinghausen, images shared on social media showed that a steeple had been ripped from the roof of a church tower and its remains scattered around the churchyard.

Police posted images showing trees felled or split in half, as well as roofs that had been swept clean of tiles by the winds in Paderborn.

"Sheeting and insulation were blown kilometers away. Countless roofs are uncovered or damaged. Many trees still lie on destroyed cars," city police said in a statement.

They asked residents to stay at home. The German Weather Service warned that the stormy weather was set to continue.

Meteorologists said the extreme weather was caused by hot air coming from Africa meeting relatively cooler air moving down from northern Europe.




We present the last of three parts of the short story "The Fall of the House of Usher," by Edgar Allan Poe. The story was originally adapted and recorded by the U.S. Department of State.

I was visiting an old friend of mine, Roderick Usher, in his old stone house, his palace, where a feeling of death hung on the air. I saw how fear was pressing on his heart and mind. Now his only sister, the lady Madeline, had died and we had put her body in its resting place, in a room inside the cold walls of the palace, a damp, dark vault, a fearful place. As we looked down upon her face, I saw that there was a strong likeness between the two. Indeed, said Usher, we were born on the same day, and the tie between us has always been strong.

We did not long look down at her, for fear and wonder filled our hearts. There was still a little color in her face and there seemed to be a smile on her lips. We closed the heavy iron door and returned to the rooms above, which were hardly less gloomy than the vault.

And now a change came in the sickness of my friends mind. He went from room to room with a hurried step. His face was, if possible, whiter and more ghastly than before, and the light in his eyes had gone. The trembling in his voice seemed to show the greatest fear. At times he sat looking at nothing for hours, as if listening to some sound I could not hear. I felt his condition, slowly but certainly, gaining power over me; I felt that his wild ideas were becoming fixed in my own mind.

As I was going to bed late in the night of the seventh or eighth day after we placed the lady Madeline within the vault, I experienced the full power of such feelings. Sleep did not come  while the hours passed. My mind fought against the nervousness. I tried to believe that much, if not all, of what I felt was due to the gloomy room, to the dark wall coverings, which in a rising wind moved on the walls. But my efforts were useless. A trembling I could not stop filled my body, and fear without reason caught my heart. I sat up, looking into the darkness of my room, listening  I do not know why  to certain low sounds which came when the storm was quiet. A feeling of horror lay upon me like a heavy weight. I put on my clothes and began walking nervously around the room.

I had been walking for a very short time when I heard a light step coming toward my door. I knew it was Usher. In a moment I saw him at my door, as usual very white, but there was a wild laugh in his eyes. Even so, I was glad to have his company. And have you not seen it? he said. He hurried to one of the windows and opened it to the storm.

The force of the entering wind nearly lifted us from our feet. It was, indeed, a stormy but beautiful night, and wildly strange. The heavy, low-hanging clouds which seemed to press down upon the house, flew from all directions against each other, always returning and never passing away in the distance. With their great thickness they cut off all light from the moon and the stars. But we could see them because they were lighted from below by the air itself, which we could see, rising from the dark lake and from the stones of the house itself.

You must not  you shall not look out at this! I said to Usher, as I led him from the window to a seat. This appearance which surprises you so has been seen in other places, too. Perhaps the lake is the cause. Let us close this window; the air is cold. Here is one of the stories you like best. I will read and you shall listen and thus we will live through this fearful night together.

The old book which I had picked up was one written by a fool for fools to read, and it was not, in truth, one that Usher liked. It was, however, the only one within easy reach. He seemed to listen quietly. Then I came to a part of the story in which a man, a strong man full of wine, begins to break down a door, and the sound of the dry wood as it breaks can be heard through all the forest around him.

Here I stopped, for it seemed to me that from some very distant part of the house sounds came to my ears like those of which I had been reading. It must have been this likeness that had made me notice them, for the sounds themselves, with the storm still increasing, were nothing to stop or interest me.

I continued the story, and read how the man, now entering through the broken door, discovers a strange and terrible animal of the kind so often found in these old stories. He strikes it and it falls, with such a cry that he has to close his ears with his hands. Here again I stopped.

There could be no doubt. This time I did hear a distant sound, very much like the cry of the animal in the story. I tried to control myself so that my friend would see nothing of what I felt. I was not certain that he had heard the sound, although he had clearly changed in some way. He had slowly moved his chair so that I could not see him well. I did see that his lips were moving as if he were speaking to himself. His head had dropped forward, but I knew he was not asleep, for his eyes were open and he was moving his body from side to side.

I began reading again, and quickly came to a part of the story where a heavy piece of iron falls on a stone floor with a ringing sound. These words had just passed my lips when I heard clearly, but from far away, a loud ringing sound  as if something of iron had indeed fallen heavily upon a stone floor, or as if an iron door had closed.

I lost control of myself completely, and jumped up from my chair. Usher still sat, moving a little from side to side. His eyes were turned to the floor. I rushed to his chair. As I placed my hand on his shoulder, I felt that his whole body was trembling; a sickly smile touched his lips; he spoke in a low, quick, and nervous voice as if he did not know I was there.

Yes! he said. I heard it! Many minutes, many hours, many days have I heard it  but I did not dare to speak! We have put her living in the vault! Did I not say that my senses were too strong? I heard her first movements many days ago  yet I did not dare to speak! And now, that story  but the sounds were hers! Oh, where shall I run?! She is coming  coming to ask why I put her there too soon. I hear her footsteps on the stairs. I hear the heavy beating of her heart. Here he jumped up and cried as if he were giving up his soul: I tell you, she now stands at the door!!

The great door to which he was pointing now slowly opened. It was the work of the rushing wind, perhaps  but no  outside that door a shape did stand, the tall figure, in its grave-clothes, of the lady Madeline of Usher. There was blood upon her white dress, and the signs of her terrible efforts to escape were upon every part of her thin form. For a moment she remained trembling at the door; then, with a low cry, she fell heavily in upon her brother; in her pain, as she died at last, she carried him down with her, down to the floor. He too was dead, killed by his own fear.

I rushed from the room; I rushed from the house. I ran. The storm was around me in all its strength as I crossed the bridge. Suddenly a wild light moved along the ground at my feet, and I turned to see where it could have come from, for only the great house and its darkness were behind me. The light was that of the full moon, of a bloodred moon, which was now shining through that break in the front wall, that crack which I thought I had seen when I first saw the palace. Then only a little crack, it now widened as I watched. A strong wind came rushing over me  the whole face of the moon appeared. I saw the great walls falling apart. There was a long and stormy shouting sound  and the deep black lake closed darkly over all that remained of the House of Usher.

Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. How do you act in scary situations? How do you in act in very sad situations? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page.

Quiz - The Fall of the House of Usher, Part Three Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

For Teachers

This lesson plan, based on the CALLA method, teaches the strategy Paraphrase to help students understand the story.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

palace  n. the official home of a king, queen, president, or other official

vault  n. a locked room where money or valuable things are kept

likeness - n. the quality or state of being alike or similar especially in appearance

ghastly  adj. very shocking or horrible

trembling  v. shaking slightly because you are afraid, nervous, or excited

certain  adj. used to refer to a quality that is noticed but that is difficult to explain or describe

horror  n. a very strong feeling of fear, dread, and shock

doubt  n. a feeling of being unsure about something

rush  v. to move or do something very quickly or in a way that shows you are in a hurry

figure - n. a person or animal that can be seen only as a shape or outline

grave  n. a hole in the ground for burying a dead body

You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close







Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
A Missoula man was arrested on suspicion of violently raping a woman at the Poverello Center last week, and may be connected to other recent sexual assaults on the University of Montana campus.

Evan D. Twiford, 46, is charged with aggravated sexual intercourse without consent. Prosecutors say he's also being investigated by other law enforcement agencies in Missoula for separate cases.

On Wednesday, Missoula police responded to the Poverello Center after a staff member notified law enforcement that a woman wanted to report a sexual assault that had occurred the week before.

Officers were informed by another Poverello employee that University of Montana police had been there earlier investigating a male suspect in connection with campus sex assaults, according to Missoula County charging documents.

The survivor of one incident reported to campus police that around 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday, she was walking in the corridor on the first floor of the University Center, according to a UM timely warning alert sent out the same day. A man walking in the opposite direction intentionally moved closer to the woman as the two passed each other and grabbed her breast.

While charging documents didn't mention Tuesday's fondling incident, they did say a Poverello employee indicated to police they thought the suspect being sought by campus police might be the same person accused of assaulting the woman at the Poverello.

The survivor at the Poverello said Friday's attack happened in the courtyard. She gave a physical description of the suspect, describing him as in his late 30s to 40s, thin, white and tall. She also mentioned he was wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses.

The survivor said she reported the assault to medical staff on Friday, but they didnt do anything.

The woman also mentioned a second woman was attacked the day prior.

When officers asked if he was a resident at the Poverello, the woman said he comes in here and starts assaulting women," charging documents said.

At the time of the incident, the woman told officers she was changing her clothes behind a blanket that her friend was holding up.

Suddenly, Twiford had taken her friends spot and was holding the blanket.

Twiford pulled at her pants and started attacking her, charging documents said. He began punching her and raped her. Photos taken by officers showed bruising and injuries on the survivor.

Because of previous trauma, the survivor said she blacked out. The last thing she recalled was Twiford leaving and dropping the blanket, she told police.

On Wednesday, officers located Twiford outside of the Poverello Center. He was wearing a maroon coat and black bicycle helmet.

Police thought he might match the description of another sexual assault report taken earlier in the week by city police. In that case, two women told law enforcement they were assaulted near the Kim Williams Trail by a man on a bike.

Using video surveillance from the Poverello, police reviewed footage of the alleged assault. The footage was too blurry to confirm the man in it was Twiford, but did show the man lying next to the survivor, making a lot of movement.

Poverello staff advised officers that two additional women recently disclosed sexual assaults by Twiford, but hadnt reported them to the police yet.

University police also responded to the Poverello and confirmed Twiford was a suspect in their case. Details of the university polices case were not disclosed in the charging documents.

On Thursday, campus officials sent out an update on the fondling incident. It said a suspect had been arrested and is facing charges, but campus police didnt provide a name.

At Twiford's initial appearance on Thursday afternoon, Missoula County Deputy Attorney Andrea Haney asked Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway to give Twiford $300,000 bail.

Haney mentioned Twiford is being investigated by multiple other law enforcement agencies in Missoula.

Victims have been accosted in different settings, and they have been particularly vulnerable, she added.

Public defender Ted Fellman requested Twiford be given a lower bond, saying a smaller monetary amount would likely keep the defendant in custody.

The allegations are terrifying, Holloway said. She set bail at $250,000. If Twiford posts bail, hes ordered to have no contact with any prosecution witnesses or victims.

Twifords arraignment is set for June 6 in Missoula County District Court.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1



Criticising the Kerala government for the SilverLine project, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said the state is heading toward the Sri Lankan tragedy due to borrowings. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Attacking state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IUML leader in a press conference said, "The LDF government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unable to recognize the seriousness. The government is not going in the right way. Kerala is heading towards the Sri Lanka tragedy." "The Left government is pushing Kerala into a severe financial crisis," Kunhalikutty said. "Those who are unable to pay the salaries of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers are talking about the Rs 2 lakh crore SilverLine project. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is trying to implement projects that are harmful to the environment," he said. The semi high-speed rail project, which is known as the Silverline Project, aims to connect Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south minimizing a twelve-hour long distance to four hours. It was started by the Pinarayi Vijayan government during its second term. Meanwhile, talking about the Thrikkakara assembly bypoll that is going to be held on May 31, PK Kunhalikutty accused the LDF government of doing politics over it. "The LDF government is seeking communal favour. It is not appropriate to engage in political activity on the basis of caste or religion. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been strongly opposed to minority-majority communalism," he said. Thrikkakara assembly by-election will be held on May 31. The counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI)
After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan's objectionable comment against Pakistan Muslim League-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz during his Multan rally, politicians, journalists and civil societies members criticized Khan for his "sexist and misogynist" statement, a local media reported. Addressing the Multan rally, Imran Khan, citing Nawaz's Sargodha rally said, "In that speech, she uttered my name with such passion that I would like to tell her, Maryam, please be careful, your husband may get upset because you were constantly repeating my name." Following his comment, many politicians, journalists and civil society members poured out their strong disapproval on social media, Geo News reported. Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who also happens to be Nawaz's paternal uncle, expressed strong disapproval of Imran Khan's statement and said that the entire nation, especially women, should strongly condemn the "deplorable language used against the daughter of the nation Maryam Nawaz." "Your crimes against the country and the nation cannot be hidden under your lowly humour. How could those -- who cannot respect the sanctity of Masjid Nabawi (PBUH) -- be expected to respect the honour of someone's mothers, sisters, and daughters?" Sharif tweeted. "Imran is the first person in history to fall into this abyss of rudeness as the leader of a party. His party went out to make a nation but spoiled the morals of the people instead. To Allah, we belong and to Him, we shall return," he added. Reacting to the Imran Khan's sexist comment, former President Asif Ali Zardari said that he condemned the derogatory language used by the PTI Chairman, reported Geo News. "Those who have mothers and sisters in their homes do not use such language against other women," the PPP co-chairman said. "Please, do not stoop so low in the name of politics." He further said that every person's mother, sister, and daughter was worthy of respect and that was the message of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to the nation. Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, taking to Twitter, also condemned Khan's statement and said that the coalition government was trying to save the mothers and daughters of Pakistan from "this evil." "These are the same people who want to silence women journalists by calling them sell-outs [when they criticise their parties]," Geo News quoted Aurangzeb saying. (ANI)
Criticising the Kerala government for the SilverLine project, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said the state is heading toward the Sri Lankan tragedy due to borrowings. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Attacking state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IUML leader in a press conference said, "The LDF government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unable to recognize the seriousness. The government is not going in the right way. Kerala is heading towards the Sri Lanka tragedy." "The Left government is pushing Kerala into a severe financial crisis," Kunhalikutty said. "Those who are unable to pay the salaries of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers are talking about the Rs 2 lakh crore SilverLine project. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is trying to implement projects that are harmful to the environment," he said. The semi high-speed rail project, which is known as the Silverline Project, aims to connect Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south minimizing a twelve-hour long distance to four hours. It was started by the Pinarayi Vijayan government during its second term. Meanwhile, talking about the Thrikkakara assembly bypoll that is going to be held on May 31, PK Kunhalikutty accused the LDF government of doing politics over it. "The LDF government is seeking communal favour. It is not appropriate to engage in political activity on the basis of caste or religion. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been strongly opposed to minority-majority communalism," he said. Thrikkakara assembly by-election will be held on May 31. The counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI)
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel along with President Joe Biden to Tokyo from May 21 to 24, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Price said that the US president on his first trip to Asia since taking office will meet the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit, while the Secretary will meet with Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and other senior Japanese officials. "The Secretary and the Foreign Minister will discuss our global response to President Putin's continued brutal war on Ukraine, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's increasingly destabilizing behaviour, and U.S.-Japan cooperation under the new Economic Policy Consultative Committee (EPCC), including on regional economic development," the statement read. According to the statement, the Secretary will join the President for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will tackle 21st-century economic challenges and deliver for the American people and people in the region. "The Secretary's visit will reaffirm the U.S.-Japan Alliance's central role as the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world," the statement added. Meanwhile, the US President has already boarded the Air Force 1 on Thursday (local time) afternoon for Seoul to embark on a visit to South Korea and Japan -- a trip that the White House says "comes at a pivotal moment" for his foreign policy agenda. Shifting focus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Biden's foreign agenda will occupy a clear focus on Asia, a message that will be clearly heard in Beijing. Biden begins his journey in Seoul and wraps the visit in Tokyo where he would participate in a second in-person Quad summit with his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan, that includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They last met in September at the White House. "The message we're trying to send on this trip is a message of an affirmative vision of what the world can look like if the democracies and open societies of the world stand together to shape the rules of the road, to define the security architecture of the region, to reinforce strong, powerful, historic alliances, and we think putting that on display over four days bilaterally with the ROK and Japan, through the Quad, through the Indo-Pacific economic framework, it will send a powerful message. We think that message will be heard everywhere," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday. On Tuesday leaders of the QUAD will meet for the second in-person summit. Biden is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the Indian and Australian leaders on the sidelines of the summit. (ANI)
Criticising the Kerala government for the SilverLine project, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said the state is heading toward the Sri Lankan tragedy due to borrowings. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Attacking state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IUML leader in a press conference said, "The LDF government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unable to recognize the seriousness. The government is not going in the right way. Kerala is heading towards the Sri Lanka tragedy." "The Left government is pushing Kerala into a severe financial crisis," Kunhalikutty said. "Those who are unable to pay the salaries of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers are talking about the Rs 2 lakh crore SilverLine project. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is trying to implement projects that are harmful to the environment," he said. The semi high-speed rail project, which is known as the Silverline Project, aims to connect Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south minimizing a twelve-hour long distance to four hours. It was started by the Pinarayi Vijayan government during its second term. Meanwhile, talking about the Thrikkakara assembly bypoll that is going to be held on May 31, PK Kunhalikutty accused the LDF government of doing politics over it. "The LDF government is seeking communal favour. It is not appropriate to engage in political activity on the basis of caste or religion. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been strongly opposed to minority-majority communalism," he said. Thrikkakara assembly by-election will be held on May 31. The counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI)
Criticising the Kerala government for the SilverLine project, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said the state is heading toward the Sri Lankan tragedy due to borrowings. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Attacking state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IUML leader in a press conference said, "The LDF government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unable to recognize the seriousness. The government is not going in the right way. Kerala is heading towards the Sri Lanka tragedy." "The Left government is pushing Kerala into a severe financial crisis," Kunhalikutty said. "Those who are unable to pay the salaries of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers are talking about the Rs 2 lakh crore SilverLine project. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is trying to implement projects that are harmful to the environment," he said. The semi high-speed rail project, which is known as the Silverline Project, aims to connect Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south minimizing a twelve-hour long distance to four hours. It was started by the Pinarayi Vijayan government during its second term. Meanwhile, talking about the Thrikkakara assembly bypoll that is going to be held on May 31, PK Kunhalikutty accused the LDF government of doing politics over it. "The LDF government is seeking communal favour. It is not appropriate to engage in political activity on the basis of caste or religion. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been strongly opposed to minority-majority communalism," he said. Thrikkakara assembly by-election will be held on May 31. The counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI)



"Glad to meet Her Excellency Shirin Amonzoda, Minister of Labor, Immigration and Employment of Tajikistan. Discussed possibilities of increasing engagements on IT, skill development, tourism, and education," the Union Minister tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and encouraged them to participate in the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' He further asked them to continue contributing to India's growth story during 'Amrit Kaal'.

"Delighted to interact with Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Proud of their splendid achievements. Encouraged them to participate in #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue contributing to India's growth story during #AmritKaal," Muraleedharan tweeted.

"Pleased to launch Mobile App of @IndiainNewYork amidst members of the Indian Diaspora in New York. An example of Technology driven people-centric initiative in delivery of public services," he added.

The Union Minister who is on an eight-day visit to the US has participated in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on 'Global Food Security-Call to Action' and in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security' and both were chaired by US Secretary of State Blinken.

He is also leading the Indian delegation for the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) being held by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) among other engagements. (ANI)
"Glad to meet Her Excellency Shirin Amonzoda, Minister of Labor, Immigration and Employment of Tajikistan. Discussed possibilities of increasing engagements on IT, skill development, tourism, and education," the Union Minister tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and encouraged them to participate in the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' He further asked them to continue contributing to India's growth story during 'Amrit Kaal'.

"Delighted to interact with Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Proud of their splendid achievements. Encouraged them to participate in #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue contributing to India's growth story during #AmritKaal," Muraleedharan tweeted.

"Pleased to launch Mobile App of @IndiainNewYork amidst members of the Indian Diaspora in New York. An example of Technology driven people-centric initiative in delivery of public services," he added.

The Union Minister who is on an eight-day visit to the US has participated in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on 'Global Food Security-Call to Action' and in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security' and both were chaired by US Secretary of State Blinken.

He is also leading the Indian delegation for the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) being held by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) among other engagements. (ANI)

A man who matched the description of someone seen following pre-teen girls home from a school bus stop this month faces a federal second-degree burglary complaint.

William Parnell, 19, admitted to police following his arrest Wednesday that he burglarized a south Tulsa home, thinking a child was probably in the residence at the time, a court affidavit states.

A 10-year-old girl told police she was home by herself Monday in the area of 84th Street and Oswego Avenue when she noticed a masked man in her backyard looking at her.

The girl said she was able to flee the home and alert a neighbor, who reported seeing a man climbing a fence before running north on Oswego.

Responding police officers and the girls parents found that a glass door in the back of the house had been broken.

The parents reported that a loaded semi-automatic handgun was missing.

According to a police affidavit, Parnell told police he threw the stolen pistol into a Jenks pond. The weapon has not been recovered, according to the Wednesday-dated affidavit.

Tulsa federal prosecutors charged Parnell on Friday with one count of second-degree burglary in Indian Country.

Tulsa police arrested Parnell at St. Francis Hospital South, 10501 E. 91st St., on Wednesday after being called there to investigate an assault on a nurse, according to the affidavit by by Tulsa Police Department Detective Jon Paul Baker, which was submitted in support of a warrant for Parnells arrest.

Parnell told police he checked into the hospital on Tuesday after taking too many pills, according to the affidavit.

Hospital officials told police that Parnell began punching a wall and mirror in his room on Wednesday before hitting his own head against a wall.

Parnell is alleged to have shoved a nurse into a wall when the nurse tried to intervene. Parnell then wrapped his arms around the nurse from behind until the nurse was able to break free and notify other hospital staff.

Parnells arrest follows at least two earlier reports of a man following young girls home from a school bus stop in south Tulsa.

In one case, the parents of the 10-year-old girl whose home was burglarized Monday told police that on May 13 a man matching Parnells description had rung their front doorbell after pulling on the storm door. The man asked if he could use the bathroom, they said.

Another parent told police that also on May 13 she confronted a man who matched Parnells description when he tried to follow her 12-year-old daughter home from the school bus stop.

I am just walking here, the neighbor reported the man saying after being confronted.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The statement said the air defences have intercepted most missiles, which were fired from the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

The pro-government Sham FM radio said strikes at the international airport in Damascus have caused a fire near it, leading to the postponement of two flights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the Israelis targeted military sites in the Jamraya area, as well as sites in the southwestern countryside of Damascus and the international airport.

It said most missiles reached their targets, adding this is the 13th Israeli attack on Syria in 2022. (ANI/Xinhua)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel along with President Joe Biden to Tokyo from May 21 to 24, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Price said that the US president on his first trip to Asia since taking office will meet the Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit, while the Secretary will meet with Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and other senior Japanese officials. "The Secretary and the Foreign Minister will discuss our global response to President Putin's continued brutal war on Ukraine, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's increasingly destabilizing behaviour, and U.S.-Japan cooperation under the new Economic Policy Consultative Committee (EPCC), including on regional economic development," the statement read. According to the statement, the Secretary will join the President for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will tackle 21st-century economic challenges and deliver for the American people and people in the region. "The Secretary's visit will reaffirm the U.S.-Japan Alliance's central role as the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world," the statement added. Meanwhile, the US President has already boarded the Air Force 1 on Thursday (local time) afternoon for Seoul to embark on a visit to South Korea and Japan -- a trip that the White House says "comes at a pivotal moment" for his foreign policy agenda. Shifting focus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Biden's foreign agenda will occupy a clear focus on Asia, a message that will be clearly heard in Beijing. Biden begins his journey in Seoul and wraps the visit in Tokyo where he would participate in a second in-person Quad summit with his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan, that includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They last met in September at the White House. "The message we're trying to send on this trip is a message of an affirmative vision of what the world can look like if the democracies and open societies of the world stand together to shape the rules of the road, to define the security architecture of the region, to reinforce strong, powerful, historic alliances, and we think putting that on display over four days bilaterally with the ROK and Japan, through the Quad, through the Indo-Pacific economic framework, it will send a powerful message. We think that message will be heard everywhere," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday. On Tuesday leaders of the QUAD will meet for the second in-person summit. Biden is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the Indian and Australian leaders on the sidelines of the summit. (ANI)





A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.



This idea of a second statue would be called "Tughlak's action". The new statue can be installed at another location, the letter read. "The original statue should remain in the same place and must not be touched/shifted. There can be no compromise on both these things. We would welcome any beautification work that is taken up but the sanctity of the location should be maintained at all times," Congress said in a letter. "We will also welcome any steps taken to beautify the entire stretch of the MG Road. The proposal for the construction of restrooms, food stalls, a small library etc as a part of the project is totally unacceptable, as they will adversely impact the sanctity of the park," it read further. (ANI)


Criticising the Kerala government for the SilverLine project, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said the state is heading toward the Sri Lankan tragedy due to borrowings. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Attacking state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IUML leader in a press conference said, "The LDF government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unable to recognize the seriousness. The government is not going in the right way. Kerala is heading towards the Sri Lanka tragedy." "The Left government is pushing Kerala into a severe financial crisis," Kunhalikutty said. "Those who are unable to pay the salaries of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers are talking about the Rs 2 lakh crore SilverLine project. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is trying to implement projects that are harmful to the environment," he said. The semi high-speed rail project, which is known as the Silverline Project, aims to connect Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south minimizing a twelve-hour long distance to four hours. It was started by the Pinarayi Vijayan government during its second term. Meanwhile, talking about the Thrikkakara assembly bypoll that is going to be held on May 31, PK Kunhalikutty accused the LDF government of doing politics over it. "The LDF government is seeking communal favour. It is not appropriate to engage in political activity on the basis of caste or religion. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been strongly opposed to minority-majority communalism," he said. Thrikkakara assembly by-election will be held on May 31. The counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI)

Criticising the Kerala government for the SilverLine project, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said the state is heading toward the Sri Lankan tragedy due to borrowings. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Attacking state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, IUML leader in a press conference said, "The LDF government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unable to recognize the seriousness. The government is not going in the right way. Kerala is heading towards the Sri Lanka tragedy." "The Left government is pushing Kerala into a severe financial crisis," Kunhalikutty said. "Those who are unable to pay the salaries of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers are talking about the Rs 2 lakh crore SilverLine project. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is trying to implement projects that are harmful to the environment," he said. The semi high-speed rail project, which is known as the Silverline Project, aims to connect Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south minimizing a twelve-hour long distance to four hours. It was started by the Pinarayi Vijayan government during its second term. Meanwhile, talking about the Thrikkakara assembly bypoll that is going to be held on May 31, PK Kunhalikutty accused the LDF government of doing politics over it. "The LDF government is seeking communal favour. It is not appropriate to engage in political activity on the basis of caste or religion. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been strongly opposed to minority-majority communalism," he said. Thrikkakara assembly by-election will be held on May 31. The counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI)

Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
Clinton Supporter Who Led Disinformation Board Until Resignation Says She Wasnt a Partisan Actor

The woman who led the Biden administrations Disinformation Governance Board until resigning this week is claiming she was going about her job in a nonpartisan way despite previously declaring publicly her support for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

To say that Im just a partisan actor was wildly out of context, the woman, Nina Jankowicz, said on MSNBC on May 18.

There are 250,000 employees at the Department of Homeland Security, I was one of them. We all have different political inclinations. And we all checked them at the door, Jankowicz added on CBS on May 19.

The board was first disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a congressional hearing in late April. He said it was aimed at preventing false or misleading information from being used in the electoral process ahead of the midterm elections.

The effort quickly drew criticism, in part due to Jankowiczs past.

Jankowicz not only has donated to Democrat candidates, but volunteered for Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She has also repeatedly praised Democrat officials on social media while denigrating Republican ones.

Jankowicz also in the past promoted dubious claims, including the claim that reports on the laptop computer owned by President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation scheme.

Mayorkas called Jankowicz a neutral and renowned expert who was eminently qualified to lead the board. Jankowicz worked for the Woodrow Wilson Center, a think tank, before joining the administration. But Mayorkas, under questioning, also said he was not aware of all of Jankowiczs posts, including statements shed made defending the dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele that has not held up under scrutiny.

I wasnt adjudicating on what was true or false, but just trying to equip people with information they could use in issues of national security. I dont think that my political convictions really come into play here, Jankowicz said on CBS when asked about the criticism of her social media posts. I think its quite ironic that Republicans would decontextualized a couple of tweets in a career that has been marked by reasonableness, nuance and bipartisanship.

She also said that after her position became known, she received an onslaught of violent threats.

The Department of Homeland Security, after reports emerged of Jankowiczs resignation, confirmed that the boards work would be paused while a group reviewed its mission.

The review is being conducted through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which includes figures that have also spread misleading claims that some have described as disinformation.

A group of House Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a resolution on Thursday that would compel the Biden administration to turn over documents relating to the creation, implementation, and pause of the board.

While I welcome the news that the board has been paused, the Administration hasnt provided the American people with any information on how long this pause will last, let alone how the board was created, which specific activities it is intended to conduct, or what prevents the board from violating the Constitution, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said in a statement. Im proud to introduce a resolution of inquiry to demand answers from the Biden Administration on this un-American creation. We cannot allow the federal government to undermine the First Amendment with political tools that referee free speech.
The statement said the air defences have intercepted most missiles, which were fired from the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

The pro-government Sham FM radio said strikes at the international airport in Damascus have caused a fire near it, leading to the postponement of two flights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the Israelis targeted military sites in the Jamraya area, as well as sites in the southwestern countryside of Damascus and the international airport.

It said most missiles reached their targets, adding this is the 13th Israeli attack on Syria in 2022. (ANI/Xinhua)
The statement said the air defences have intercepted most missiles, which were fired from the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

The pro-government Sham FM radio said strikes at the international airport in Damascus have caused a fire near it, leading to the postponement of two flights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the Israelis targeted military sites in the Jamraya area, as well as sites in the southwestern countryside of Damascus and the international airport.

It said most missiles reached their targets, adding this is the 13th Israeli attack on Syria in 2022. (ANI/Xinhua)
The statement said the air defences have intercepted most missiles, which were fired from the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

The pro-government Sham FM radio said strikes at the international airport in Damascus have caused a fire near it, leading to the postponement of two flights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the Israelis targeted military sites in the Jamraya area, as well as sites in the southwestern countryside of Damascus and the international airport.

It said most missiles reached their targets, adding this is the 13th Israeli attack on Syria in 2022. (ANI/Xinhua)
The statement said the air defences have intercepted most missiles, which were fired from the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

The pro-government Sham FM radio said strikes at the international airport in Damascus have caused a fire near it, leading to the postponement of two flights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said the Israelis targeted military sites in the Jamraya area, as well as sites in the southwestern countryside of Damascus and the international airport.

It said most missiles reached their targets, adding this is the 13th Israeli attack on Syria in 2022. (ANI/Xinhua)

"Glad to meet Her Excellency Shirin Amonzoda, Minister of Labor, Immigration and Employment of Tajikistan. Discussed possibilities of increasing engagements on IT, skill development, tourism, and education," the Union Minister tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and encouraged them to participate in the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' He further asked them to continue contributing to India's growth story during 'Amrit Kaal'.

"Delighted to interact with Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Proud of their splendid achievements. Encouraged them to participate in #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue contributing to India's growth story during #AmritKaal," Muraleedharan tweeted.

"Pleased to launch Mobile App of @IndiainNewYork amidst members of the Indian Diaspora in New York. An example of Technology driven people-centric initiative in delivery of public services," he added.

The Union Minister who is on an eight-day visit to the US has participated in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on 'Global Food Security-Call to Action' and in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security' and both were chaired by US Secretary of State Blinken.

He is also leading the Indian delegation for the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) being held by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) among other engagements. (ANI)
"Glad to meet Her Excellency Shirin Amonzoda, Minister of Labor, Immigration and Employment of Tajikistan. Discussed possibilities of increasing engagements on IT, skill development, tourism, and education," the Union Minister tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Union Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and encouraged them to participate in the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' He further asked them to continue contributing to India's growth story during 'Amrit Kaal'.

"Delighted to interact with Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Proud of their splendid achievements. Encouraged them to participate in #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue contributing to India's growth story during #AmritKaal," Muraleedharan tweeted.

"Pleased to launch Mobile App of @IndiainNewYork amidst members of the Indian Diaspora in New York. An example of Technology driven people-centric initiative in delivery of public services," he added.

The Union Minister who is on an eight-day visit to the US has participated in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on 'Global Food Security-Call to Action' and in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security' and both were chaired by US Secretary of State Blinken.

He is also leading the Indian delegation for the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) being held by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) among other engagements. (ANI)
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Officials put a 90-day pause on prescribed burns across the country on Friday as crews continue to fight a massive blaze  partially started as a prescribed burn  that has torched hundreds of homes and sent thousands fleeing northeastern New Mexico.

The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire is currently at 306,472 acres and 40% contained. In 48 hours the blaze grew about 4,000 acres, paling in comparison to earlier activity.

On Friday, fire crews continued to make progress holding back the flames being fanned by gusty winds amid historic dry conditions in the state. Some cooler weather in the forecast gave officials optimism going forward.

The fire became the largest in state history days ago, leading Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to meet with U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

Within hours of that meeting, Moore put a 90-day pause on prescribed burns across the country as the agency reviews protocols, decision support tools and practices ahead of planned operations this fall.

He said prescribed burns go as planned in 99.84% of cases but in rare circumstances the flames can move outside the project area and turn into wildfires.

Wildfires are increasingly extreme because of climate change, drought and dry fuels across many parts of the country, Moore said. Prescribed burn operations are essential tools managers need to protect communities and first responders, improve forest conditions and reduce the threat of extreme fires.

Lujan Grisham said she was glad to hear of Moores decision.

It is critical that federal agencies update and modernize these practices in response to a changing climate, as what used to be considered extreme conditions are now much more common, she said in a released statement. The situation unfolding in New Mexico right now demonstrates without a doubt the grave consequences of neglecting to do so.

In recent weeks, state officials have blasted the U.S. Forest Service for proceeding with the planned prescribed burn, despite strong winds and extreme drought conditions.

Lujan Grisham said the state will work with the Forest Service to ensure voices at the local level are heard as the agency reviews its process concerning prescribed burns.

As I did today, I will continue to relentlessly pursue every available avenue for resources that make affected New Mexicans whole and prevents a tragedy like this one from happening again, she said.

The Forest Service released a statement Friday saying the agency has initiated a Declared Wildfire Review of the decisions made and conditions on the ground prior to the Las Dispensas prescribed fire which led to the Hermits Peak Fire.

This review is being conducted to glean lessons learned and help improve the prescribed fire program, the statement read.

Meanwhile, officials were making headway on containing the blaze despite bad weather.

Jason Coil, operations section chief, said crews have done an incredible job holding the containment of the fire. He said a small spot fire sprouted to the northwest of the blaze, leading to some evacuations nearby, but firefighters were going to focus on snuffing it.

Nothing makes me feel better than making Stewarts models incorrect, Coil said, referring to Fire Behavior Analyst Stewart Turners earlier predictions that the fire would likely grow significantly Friday.

Turner said things are looking really good weather-wise for the next several days. The weather chart  measuring levels of moisture, heat and wind  had most of its reds and oranges replaced by green, signifying an end to critical fire weather.

Turner said cloud cover and humidity will move into the area Saturday and he expected a lot of containment to come out of the opportunity.


A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.









ST. LOUIS  The region cleaned up on Friday after at least eight tornadoes touched down one day earlier. Homeowners patched roofs in Kirkwood. Crews chainsawed downed trees in Warson Woods. And thousands were still without power, scattered across the region, from Defiance to Edwardsville.

The National Weather Service sent survey teams to various locations Friday to see if damage had the signature of a tornado, which manifests differently than that inflicted by straight-line winds. Trees downed by a tornado, for instance, could be found laying across one another, rather than pointing in the same direction.

The damage tends to get pulled together into patterns that sort of intersect, said Jon Carney, a local NWS meteorologist.

By late afternoon, preliminary survey results from the agencys teams identified at least seven separate tornadoes, and counting, that occurred during the Thursday storms that swept through the region. That number potentially stood to rise as survey work continued.

Five of those local tornadoes were in Missouri: near Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Frontenac in St. Louis County, and near St. Clair and Leslie in Franklin County.

Three more of the regions tornadoes touched down in Illinois: one near Okawville and another that traced a path from Breese to Greenville. A third, near the tiny town of Summerfield in St. Clair County, was confirmed Friday early evening.

The NWS said all of the twisters were designated as either an EF0 or EF1  the weakest levels on the scale that measures their intensity. Nearly all of them were short-lived and perhaps on the ground for a minute or less, said Carney, the NWS meteorologist. Of yesterdays local tornadoes, the one that tracked from around Breese to Greenville had the longest path, at nearly 17 miles, as well as the highest estimated peak wind speeds, at 110 mph.

No injuries were reported in the storms.

The Kirkwood tornado, an EF0, downed trees along its 3-mile path around 5 p.m. Thursday, damaging homes and cars, including in Warson Woods, near Kirkwood. It moved northeast before dissipating near Brentwood, forecasters said.

Near Breese, where the survey team said another tornado struck, there were damaged sheds and grain bins, said Jayson Gosselin, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Weldon Spring. Debris went 7,000 feet in the air during the storm.

About 6,000 Ameren utility customers in Missouri and Illinois were still without power Friday morning, and the number shrank to less than 2,000 by 7 p.m.

Some areas had to contend with flash flooding on Thursday evening  particularly in low-lying parts of south St. Louis, for instance, where vehicles on roadways and even Interstate 55 were engulfed by high water and where some sewers were pushed to the limit.

We had a long night, said Sean Hadley, a spokesman for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The sewers took on more water than they could handle.

Hadley said that the utility fielded 180 calls overnight, with the majority coming from south St. Louis.

He said lots of debris blocking sewer inlets was one factor that contributed to street flooding and noted that water reached up to porch height on some streets, preventing residents from leaving their homes.

Typically when you get street flooding, its because theres a blockage somewhere, said Hadley. The water didnt have anywhere to go.

Overall, though, he said the sewage system was able to keep operating as intended and that the utility has braved far worse  with past episodes of high water prompting hundreds more phone calls.

Rainfall Thursday was spotty, with some areas getting far more than others. And waterlogged spots around south St. Louis and south St. Louis County received the most rain in the region, with 2 to 3 inches falling in those places.

Thunderstorms could return after midnight Friday, though they will likely not be severe; Gosselin said they could produce small hail.

Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Bryce Gray Reporter covering energy and the environment for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bryce Gray Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
One dead, nearly two dozen injured as Michigan tornado causes 'catastrophic' damage


Alaska's regional carrier, Horizon Air, will cut its daily flights to and from Yakima Air Terminal to one each direction starting Sept. 7. The early morning departure to SeaTac and late-night arrival in Yakima will no longer be available.



Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.





Washington exports more than 300 crops and products, making it the most trade-dependent state in the union.
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon.

The 52-year-old performer appeared to be enjoying her time on the set of the forthcoming feature, as she smiled while working with several of the project's crew members.

The upcoming crime-comedy movie will see the actress reunite with her former Pulp Fiction costar Samuel L. Jackson.

Hard at work: Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon

Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set.

The Kill Bill volumes One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie.

The Academy Award-nominated actress accessorized with a lovely set of earrings and carried a brown leather purse.

Her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders and paired well with the dominant tone of her outfit.

Standing out: Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set

Fashionable: The Kill Bill volumes. One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie

Official news about The Kill Room's development was initially revealed last month by The Hollywood Reporter.

The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star.

They are then forced to pit the forces of the criminal underworld against those of the art world.

Jackson, 73, is currently set to portray the assassin's boss, while Thurman will play an art dealer.

Storyline: The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star

Other cast members include Joe Manganiello, Dree Hemingway and Matthew Maher.

The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month.

Director Nicol Paone spoke to the media outlet and noted that the upcoming movie, which featured 'an already incredible script,' was not something that he ever imagined himself directing.

Keeping it in the family: The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month

'Getting to make The Kill Room...with Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson is beyond my wildest dreams,' he said.

The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads.

'Every moment they're onscreen, they are both enviable and eye-catching. I am eternally grateful to both of them for saying yes, and I am thrilled to bring this to life,' he stated.

Producers Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman added: 'The combination of Uma and Sam for this project is a dream come true.'

Appreciative: The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads; Hawke is seen on set earlier this month

The pair went on to speak about their confidence in Paone's directing abilities.

'We are certain that Nicol is going to deliver a special film, and one that strikes the perfect balance between dark humor and edge-of-your-seat thrills,' they said.

The Kill Room's release date has not been revealed to the public as of yet.





A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


HARRISBURG  A federal court ruled Friday that mail-in ballots without a required date on the return envelope must be allowed in a 2021 Pennsylvania county judge race, a decision that could complicate vote counting in the states U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Elections officials, lawyers and candidates are scrambling to understand and respond to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision, which was issued late in the day without a written opinion laying out its rationale.

It had an immediate effect in Pennsylvanias too-close-to-call Republican primary contest for U.S. Senate, where counties are still adding up votes in the race between celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund executive David McCormick.

McCormick has been doing better than Oz among mail-in ballots and McCormicks campaign quickly wrote to the states 67 counties to advise them of the decision and request a hearing if they wont count the ballots in question.

There are 257 mail and absentee votes at issue in the Lehigh County judge race, enough to potentially sway the results. The Republican candidate leads the Democrat by 74 votes and neither has been sworn in. The contested ballots had been received on time, by the end of Election Day.

The three-judge panels judgment said the state election laws requirement of a date next to the voters signature on the outside of return envelopes was immaterial. They said they found no reason to refuse counting the ballots that were set aside in the Nov. 2, 2021, election for common pleas judge in Lehigh County.

Department of State spokeswoman Grace Griffaton said Friday the Pennsylvania elections agency planned to canvass counties to determine how many of those ballots inside envelopes without signatures have been tossed, and officials plan to issue fresh guidance based on the ruling.

In Philadelphia, officials said that in the Tuesday primary they received 2,103 mail ballots without the requisite date, including 103 from Republican voters.

The handwritten dates are required even though mail-in ballots are usually postmarked and routinely stamped when received by county elections offices.

The trailing candidate, Zac Cohen, lost a state lawsuit over the signature requirement earlier this year and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to take the appeal.

Five voters whose ballots were thrown out in that election, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, then filed a federal lawsuit. They lost at the district court level before the appeals judges overturned that decision on Friday.

Reggie Shuford, the state ACLU chapter executive director, called the decision an important moment in the struggle to ensure that people who choose to participate in elections have their votes counted.

Cohens lawyer, Adam Bonin, said mail-in ballots that were allowed tended to favor Democrats in that election.

Were thrilled that the court recognizes that these voters should be heard and their ballots opened, Bonin said. The date requirement serves no purpose and it shouldnt be used to prevent timely received ballots from being counted.

The Republican candidate in the judge race, David Ritter, said in an email he was disappointed with the 3rd Circuit decision and noted the written opinion had not been issued.

When we are in receipt of the full opinion, we will thoroughly review its contents, and decide on any further action at that time, Ritter said.

Pennsylvania allowed only limited use of absentee mail-in ballots until 2019, when a state law permitted them for voters who did not otherwise qualify from a list of acceptable excuses. Mail-in ballots proved popular in 2020, as the pandemic raged, but their widespread use has also brought litigation over the new law.

A lawsuit seeking to invalidate the mail-in voting law is pending before the state Supreme Court. More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians voted by mail during 2020s presidential election, most of them Democrats, out of 6.9 million total votes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Alaska's regional carrier, Horizon Air, will cut its daily flights to and from Yakima Air Terminal to one each direction starting Sept. 7. The early morning departure to SeaTac and late-night arrival in Yakima will no longer be available.
Actor and comedian Rebel Wilson has revealed that she was sexually harassed by a male co-star while working on a film before the #MeToo movement swept Hollywood. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in an interview with People magazine, Wilson recalled sexual harassment by an unnamed male co-star, who after calling her into a room and pulling "down his pants," asked her in front of his friends to "perform a lewd act." "It was awful and disgusting. And all the behaviour afterwards -- this was all before #MeToo -- where they kind of tried to destroy me and my career. If it had happened after #MeToo, then I could have just blasted them," she said, reported the outlet. It further stated that when Wilson took her complaint to her agency and the studio, something she described as "a big step," she discovered others had also reported him. Despite reporting, Wilson said she still grapples with her response, even asking why she stayed in that working situation. "I should have left. It wasn't worth it. But at the same time, I was like, 'Oh well, do the right thing, be a professional and finish the movie.' Now I would never do that," she explained, as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It could be an audition for Village People.

The doctor, the utility lineman, the rancher, the legislator, the internet service provider, and the financial analyst. Each of them insisting they have the right credentials to be the fifth member of Montanas Public Service Commission, which regulates companies Montanans have no choice but to use.

Montana is one of the few states in the nation that elects its utility commissioners. The only job requirement is that candidates be of voting age and live in their district. Base pay is $112,444.80 plus benefits. District 5, which includes Flathead, Lake, Lewis & Clark, and Teton counties is on the June 7 primary ballot.

Candidates who run for PSC say the question voters often ask is what the commission does. Past candidates have run successfully on issues completely unrelated to commission work, including gun rights, ANTIFA, abortion and ending the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Anyone who receives electricity or natural gas service from someone other than a cooperative, has a home budget affected by PSC decisions. The commission is a quasi-judicial body created by the legislature to balance a monopoly utilitys right to a fixed return on investment with the consumers right to a reasonable price and reliable service.

Proceedings before the commission play out like cases in civil court. PSC decisions have lasting impacts on utility customers and Montanas economy. As monopoly utilities acquire power plants and infrastructure, their customers are committed to long-term debt to pay for those assets, while also paying for maintenance, operations and repairs. Its the PSC that determines what customers debt burden should be. A bad decision can leave customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars more for assets, plus interest, than what the assets are worth.

The Republican race drew four candidates, three from Flathead County, which has produced at least half the votes for District 5 primary races in the last 20 years. Past candidates have won the Republican primary without winning Flathead County, but a second-place finish there is a must have to win the district.

The Democratic race pits Helena internet service provider Kevin Hamm of Helena against retired finance manager John Repke of Whitefish. Democrats havent had a contested primary involving these counties previously.

Hamm touts his experience in the federally regulated ISP world, answering to both customers and regulators, as his foundation for understanding what public service obligations are for an essential service. He tells voters that if the Public Service Commission isnt balancing the needs of utilities and customers, ratepayers feel it. The economic consequences of not properly regulating monopolies impacts everyone negatively.

As Hamm told Lee Montana Newspapers, earlier everyone needs the lights to come on regardless of what their politics are.

Everybody needs the lights on. And if you're going to advance your cause, the lights need to be on, the internet needs to work, your phone needs to work. And that comes from making the PSC work, Hamm said. So you probably want to vote for somebody for the PSC that actually understands these things.

Repke was a finance manager for Waste Management, a multi-state garbage hauler thats no stranger to public services. Repke said his strength is understanding the economics of business and what constitutes a fair rate, which was part of his job at WM.

The PSC listens to proposals and evaluates them. Im a businessman. Ive been in private business for 40 years, in finance, in large companies. I respect businesses. We want to make sure that energy is reliable and secure, but we also have to make sure they arent passing costs to ratepayers that they shouldnt be and that takes some analysis to understand, Repke has said on the campaign trail.

Republican Derek Skees could speak to the importance of Flathead County. This isnt his first campaign for PSC commissioner. He won Flathead County in the 2014 primary, but lost the district to current Commissioner Brad Johnson, who is termed out. In that case, a second Flathead candidate, John Campbell made up the difference in the county.

The 2022 Republican primary kicked off with allegations of sandbagging between Skees, a legislator who announced his PSC campaign at the end of the 2021 session, and Joe Dooling, a Helena area rancher and office holder in the Lewis and Clark County Republican Party.

Skees has served on the House energy committee for several terms. Its that experience that he puts forth as his qualification for utility commissioner. One of his committee assignments was oversight of the PSC.

Dooling did work for the engineering firm that built the Montana Alberta Tie Line, one of only three large transmission lines moving power out of Montana. That infrastructure background and agriculture business experience is the base of what Dooling argues makes him qualified.

The candidates stirring the pot in Flathead County are Ann Bukacek, a physician and key figure in the Montana anti-abortion movement. Dr. Annie hasnt been a Montana candidate for office before, but her organizing and name recognition are strong in conservative circles. Its that grassroots advocacy, that Bukacek says shows she can listen to a consumer base. Bukacek has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her positions.

Dean Crabb is the third Flathead resident. Hes a retired utility line worker, who says that familiarity with infrastructure is whats missing from the PSC. He would like commissioners to be actively inspecting infrastructure and literally factoring in the nuts and bolts of infrastructure when setting customer rates.

Crabb tells Lee Montana Newspapers that the commission must work with monopoly utilities and not be adversarial.

Every candidate, Republican and Democrat, running in District 5 has to some degree called out the dysfunction of the PSC. Whether its commissioners sleeping through meetings, impersonating state legislators, spying on each others email accounts, or using government resources for personal political campaigns, the behavior of current commissioners hasnt gone unnoticed.

I dont think this is a shocker of a statement to say the PSC has been a little bit of a joke. Weve seen commissioners sleeping. Weve seen them flying first class around the country, misusing dollars and audits happening, Dooling said at a livestreamed forum in Choteau. What I hope to bring to the Public Service Commission is bring it back to a level of respect the job needs to have.

Skees takes a more moderate tone to the current commission. As a member of the Montana Legislatures Energy Telecommunications Interim Committee, Skees has seen the past couple audits of the Public Service Commission.

The failures were mostly clerical errors, not turning in receipts correctly, not expensing trips, the chairman using it for first-class flights. So, it was an economic failure, not a statutory failure, Skees said, noting that the commission did address the concerns cited in its last fiscal audit. The commission is improving, Skees tells voters. He would like to be part of those improvements.

A point of clarification, the chairman Skees refers to is Brad Johnson, the current commissioner for District 5. Johnson was chairman during the last legislative audit of PSC finances. Johnson stepped down from chairman to vice chairman last year and was replaced as chairman by James Brown, a current candidate for state Supreme Court.

Browns title is no longer chairman, its president, a change the PSC made unanimously earlier this year for clarity. Commissioners also changed Johnsons title to vice president.

Skees has said he is the only District 5 candidate endorsed by every commissioner except President Brown, who as a supreme court candidate is avoiding endorsing candidates.

Skees is the only state legislator campaigning to join the PSC this year, but he wouldnt be the only legislator elected to the commission. Jennifer Fielder elected in 2020, is a former legislator who replaced yet another former legislator, Bob Lake, on the commission. Randy Pinocci, elected in 2018, is a former legislator as well.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

A group of Mexicans walk back into Mexico after being returned halfway along the international bridge from the United States under Title 42, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Judge Blocks Biden Administration From Lifting Title 42

Policy remains in place amid ongoing litigation

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a border policy that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel illegal immigrants at the southern U.S. border back to Mexico on public health grounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 47-page ruling on Friday, Judge Robert Summerhays in Louisiana granted a nationwide injunction to block the termination of Title 42, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) move to terminate the policy didnt comply with the Administrative Procedure Act that requires public notice and time to gather public comment on the plan.

Simply put, the CDC has not explained how the present circumstances prevented the CDC from issuing the Termination Order through the required notice and comment process under the [Administrative Procedure Act], Summerhays wrote. The notice and comment process can potentially take months to complete.

Given the impact of the Termination Order on the Plaintiff States and their showing that the CDC did not comply with the [Administrative Procedure Act], the Court concludes that the public interest would be served by a preliminary injunction preventing the termination of the CDCs Title 42 Orders, the ruling reads.

The ruling means the CDC is blocked from terminating Title 42, and the policy will remain in place amid ongoing litigation until a final decision is made on the merits of the case. The full trial is likely to take many months.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it will appeal the latest ruling.

The [CDC] invoked its authority under Title 42 due to the unprecedented public-health dangers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has now determined, in its expert opinion, that continued reliance on this authority is no longer warranted in light of the current public-health circumstances. That decision was a lawful exercise of CDCs authority, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The Department of Justice intends to appeal the courts decision in Louisiana et al. v. CDC et al.

The White House said it disagreed with the courts ruling, but would comply with it pending the DOJs appeal.

The authority to set public health policy nationally should rest with the Centers for Disease Control, not with a single district court, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Since Title 42s implementation in March 2020 under the Trump administration, border agents have been able to turn illegal immigrants away from the southern U.S. border over 1.9 million times without giving them a chance to seek asylum.

The CDC had announced on April 1 it would end the emergency border powers on May 23, citing declining cases of COVID-19 and increased availability of vaccines and therapeutics.

Prior to the CDCs announcement, White House director of communications Kate Bedingfield said that ending Title 42 would result in an expected influx of people to the border.

The CDC decision prompted 24 states, led by the attorneys general of Arizona, Louisiana, and Missouri, to file a lawsuit on April 4, seeking an injunction to keep the policy in place. The states, all with Republican attorneys general, argued in part that the termination of Title 42 would induce a significant increase of illegal immigration into the United States, with many migrants asserting non-meritorious asylum claims.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Twitter called the ruling by Summerhays a great win.

Republicans and some Democrats in Congress had criticized the CDCs decision to lift Title 42 over the likelihood of higher migrant crossings, saying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not prepared to handle the increased migrant numbers.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had said on May 1 the agency was preparing for a possible flood of U.S.-bound immigrants at the southern border, saying there could be as many as 18,000 migrants a day if Title 42 is terminated.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and other Democrats previously said the Title 42 expulsions put vulnerable migrants in danger and were not based on science.

A separate court ruling blocks the Biden administration from expelling families to places where they could be persecuted or tortured.

In April, border agents encountered more than 234,000 attempts by migrants to cross the southern border, marking a new monthly record, according to latest data from the DHS.

Reuters contributed to this report.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
HEBRON  A Fort Ann man is facing charges after police said he drove drunk and without a license.

State police responded to a Hebron residence on May 13 just before 10 a.m. for a report of an unwanted person. When police arrived, the trooper found Richard J. Wagner, 56, in the driveway of a home where he had shown up uninvited.

An investigation determined that he had ridden his motorcycle to the residence and the bike was still running in the driveway, police said.

The trooper could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Wagners breath and he was determined to have a revoked drivers license. Wagner submitted a breath sample with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%  1  times the legal limit.

Wagner was charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle-alcohol and misdemeanors of DWI and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.08%.

Wagner was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Hebron Town Court on June 20.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
HARRISBURG  A federal court ruled Friday that mail-in ballots without a required date on the return envelope must be allowed in a 2021 Pennsylvania county judge race, a decision that could complicate vote counting in the states U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Elections officials, lawyers and candidates are scrambling to understand and respond to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision, which was issued late in the day without a written opinion laying out its rationale.

It had an immediate effect in Pennsylvanias too-close-to-call Republican primary contest for U.S. Senate, where counties are still adding up votes in the race between celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund executive David McCormick.

McCormick has been doing better than Oz among mail-in ballots and McCormicks campaign quickly wrote to the states 67 counties to advise them of the decision and request a hearing if they wont count the ballots in question.

There are 257 mail and absentee votes at issue in the Lehigh County judge race, enough to potentially sway the results. The Republican candidate leads the Democrat by 74 votes and neither has been sworn in. The contested ballots had been received on time, by the end of Election Day.

The three-judge panels judgment said the state election laws requirement of a date next to the voters signature on the outside of return envelopes was immaterial. They said they found no reason to refuse counting the ballots that were set aside in the Nov. 2, 2021, election for common pleas judge in Lehigh County.

Department of State spokeswoman Grace Griffaton said Friday the Pennsylvania elections agency planned to canvass counties to determine how many of those ballots inside envelopes without signatures have been tossed, and officials plan to issue fresh guidance based on the ruling.

In Philadelphia, officials said that in the Tuesday primary they received 2,103 mail ballots without the requisite date, including 103 from Republican voters.

The handwritten dates are required even though mail-in ballots are usually postmarked and routinely stamped when received by county elections offices.

The trailing candidate, Zac Cohen, lost a state lawsuit over the signature requirement earlier this year and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to take the appeal.

Five voters whose ballots were thrown out in that election, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, then filed a federal lawsuit. They lost at the district court level before the appeals judges overturned that decision on Friday.

Reggie Shuford, the state ACLU chapter executive director, called the decision an important moment in the struggle to ensure that people who choose to participate in elections have their votes counted.

Cohens lawyer, Adam Bonin, said mail-in ballots that were allowed tended to favor Democrats in that election.

Were thrilled that the court recognizes that these voters should be heard and their ballots opened, Bonin said. The date requirement serves no purpose and it shouldnt be used to prevent timely received ballots from being counted.

The Republican candidate in the judge race, David Ritter, said in an email he was disappointed with the 3rd Circuit decision and noted the written opinion had not been issued.

When we are in receipt of the full opinion, we will thoroughly review its contents, and decide on any further action at that time, Ritter said.

Pennsylvania allowed only limited use of absentee mail-in ballots until 2019, when a state law permitted them for voters who did not otherwise qualify from a list of acceptable excuses. Mail-in ballots proved popular in 2020, as the pandemic raged, but their widespread use has also brought litigation over the new law.

A lawsuit seeking to invalidate the mail-in voting law is pending before the state Supreme Court. More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians voted by mail during 2020s presidential election, most of them Democrats, out of 6.9 million total votes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'




Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
HEBRON  A Fort Ann man is facing charges after police said he drove drunk and without a license.

State police responded to a Hebron residence on May 13 just before 10 a.m. for a report of an unwanted person. When police arrived, the trooper found Richard J. Wagner, 56, in the driveway of a home where he had shown up uninvited.

An investigation determined that he had ridden his motorcycle to the residence and the bike was still running in the driveway, police said.

The trooper could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Wagners breath and he was determined to have a revoked drivers license. Wagner submitted a breath sample with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%  1  times the legal limit.

Wagner was charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle-alcohol and misdemeanors of DWI and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.08%.

Wagner was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Hebron Town Court on June 20.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald



HEBRON  A Fort Ann man is facing charges after police said he drove drunk and without a license.

State police responded to a Hebron residence on May 13 just before 10 a.m. for a report of an unwanted person. When police arrived, the trooper found Richard J. Wagner, 56, in the driveway of a home where he had shown up uninvited.

An investigation determined that he had ridden his motorcycle to the residence and the bike was still running in the driveway, police said.

The trooper could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Wagners breath and he was determined to have a revoked drivers license. Wagner submitted a breath sample with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%  1  times the legal limit.

Wagner was charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle-alcohol and misdemeanors of DWI and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.08%.

Wagner was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Hebron Town Court on June 20.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'





About 75 community members gathered at the Benton County Courthouse Thursday night to commemorate the most recent lives lost to hate crimes  the Buffalo ten and Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Woods, CA.

Ten Black people in Buffalo, NY were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old white supremacist gunman in a grocery store May 14.

Cheng died confronting a shooter at the Geneva Presbyterian Church service May 15. He was the lone victim of that shooting, although more could have been killed had he not acted as quickly as he did, according to reports.

The Linn-Benton NAACP branch organized the vigil, and members of the Rho Beta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the unending violence and fear the Black community faces every day.

We are living in a world where we have chosen hate over love, color over humanity, evil over goodness, said Joel P. Shungu, President of the Oregon State University NAACP. Yet we still walk around in our communities as if we are perfect, because we fear hurting people's feelings and stepping on toes.

Activist Coordinator Chelle Williams noted how few people attended the vigil compared to how many showed up to mourn George Floyd in 2020. Maybe, she said, they were just tired.

When is it going to stop? Williams said. Where is there a safe place for us? Were not safe in churches, movie theaters, grocery stores or even at home.

Oregon State University student Mateo Olmos encouraged the community members  many of whom were white  to be radical about justice in their daily lives.

It cant be small, he said. You have to be radical in your family, you have to be radical in your community, you have to be radical with your children. You have to let them know what kind of world we live in and how they can make it better in the future.

Linn-Benton NAACP branch President Jason J. Dorsette spoke about the intersection of racism and gun violence in America, and how exhausting it is to see the same racially-motivated crimes happen over and over again.

Were running out of time. Were running out of patience, Dorsette said. Sending thoughts, prayers, well wishes, good energy and anything else you want to send for comfort to the victims and their families will not bring them back.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The vigil ended with Dorsette saying every Buffalo victims name, and the mourners echoing it back as loudly as they could. Along with the names  Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden  Dorsette read what family members and friends wrote about them in an effort to humanize the casualties.

This is the least we can do, Dorsette said. 'Cause it could have been you and it could have been me.

Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

About 75 community members gathered at the Benton County Courthouse Thursday night to commemorate the most recent lives lost to hate crimes  the Buffalo ten and Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Woods, CA.

Ten Black people in Buffalo, NY were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old white supremacist gunman in a grocery store May 14.

Cheng died confronting a shooter at the Geneva Presbyterian Church service May 15. He was the lone victim of that shooting, although more could have been killed had he not acted as quickly as he did, according to reports.

The Linn-Benton NAACP branch organized the vigil, and members of the Rho Beta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the unending violence and fear the Black community faces every day.

We are living in a world where we have chosen hate over love, color over humanity, evil over goodness, said Joel P. Shungu, President of the Oregon State University NAACP. Yet we still walk around in our communities as if we are perfect, because we fear hurting people's feelings and stepping on toes.

Activist Coordinator Chelle Williams noted how few people attended the vigil compared to how many showed up to mourn George Floyd in 2020. Maybe, she said, they were just tired.

When is it going to stop? Williams said. Where is there a safe place for us? Were not safe in churches, movie theaters, grocery stores or even at home.

Oregon State University student Mateo Olmos encouraged the community members  many of whom were white  to be radical about justice in their daily lives.

It cant be small, he said. You have to be radical in your family, you have to be radical in your community, you have to be radical with your children. You have to let them know what kind of world we live in and how they can make it better in the future.

Linn-Benton NAACP branch President Jason J. Dorsette spoke about the intersection of racism and gun violence in America, and how exhausting it is to see the same racially-motivated crimes happen over and over again.

Were running out of time. Were running out of patience, Dorsette said. Sending thoughts, prayers, well wishes, good energy and anything else you want to send for comfort to the victims and their families will not bring them back.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The vigil ended with Dorsette saying every Buffalo victims name, and the mourners echoing it back as loudly as they could. Along with the names  Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden  Dorsette read what family members and friends wrote about them in an effort to humanize the casualties.

This is the least we can do, Dorsette said. 'Cause it could have been you and it could have been me.

Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

The families of four people  including three teens  who died in a February plane crash off of North Carolinas coast are suing the companies that owned the plane and employed the pilot. The suit claims the pilot failed to properly fly the single-engine plane in weather conditions with limited visibility, making the firms liable. All eight people aboard the Pilatus PC-12/47 died when it descended into the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks. Four teenagers and two adults on the plane were returning from a hunting trip. The two others were the pilot and his adult son, who was a student pilot. The wrongful death suit was filed Tuesday in Carteret County court.
The families of four people  including three teens  who died in a February plane crash off of North Carolinas coast are suing the companies that owned the plane and employed the pilot. The suit claims the pilot failed to properly fly the single-engine plane in weather conditions with limited visibility, making the firms liable. All eight people aboard the Pilatus PC-12/47 died when it descended into the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks. Four teenagers and two adults on the plane were returning from a hunting trip. The two others were the pilot and his adult son, who was a student pilot. The wrongful death suit was filed Tuesday in Carteret County court.
The families of four people  including three teens  who died in a February plane crash off of North Carolinas coast are suing the companies that owned the plane and employed the pilot. The suit claims the pilot failed to properly fly the single-engine plane in weather conditions with limited visibility, making the firms liable. All eight people aboard the Pilatus PC-12/47 died when it descended into the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks. Four teenagers and two adults on the plane were returning from a hunting trip. The two others were the pilot and his adult son, who was a student pilot. The wrongful death suit was filed Tuesday in Carteret County court.
The families of four people  including three teens  who died in a February plane crash off of North Carolinas coast are suing the companies that owned the plane and employed the pilot. The suit claims the pilot failed to properly fly the single-engine plane in weather conditions with limited visibility, making the firms liable. All eight people aboard the Pilatus PC-12/47 died when it descended into the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks. Four teenagers and two adults on the plane were returning from a hunting trip. The two others were the pilot and his adult son, who was a student pilot. The wrongful death suit was filed Tuesday in Carteret County court.
Authorities said Stratton has special needs and has not taken her medication in more than 12 hours.

"We are reaching out in hopes that someone will see her and contact the Munster Police Department so that we can reunite her with her family," police said.

The teen was last seen wearing a red "North Lawndale" hoodie with a phoenix on it; a blue and purple T-shirt, grey pajama pants and dark brown UGG style boots with white fur.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Warren County Health Services reported 90 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, 29 of which stemmed from home tests.

The county has reported 379 new cases over the last five days.

The seven-day positivity rate for Warren County was reported at 9.6% on Friday, according to Health Services.

There were 10 COVID-related hospitalizations on Warren County on Friday, which is one less than on Thursday.

Glens Falls Hospital reported 26 COVID-related hospitalizations. There were no COVID patients in the ICU on Friday.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved COVID booster shots for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Heath Services is waiting for guidelines from the state and will post information on the countys COVID hub site when the vaccinations become available locally.

Health Services will host a COVID vaccine clinic at the Warren County Municipal Center on Tuesday. Information and registration links can be found on the countys COVID hub site.

Washington County

Washington County Public Health has not updated its COVID report since May 13, when there were 131 active cases in the county.

State data was not updated for Friday. According to the most recent state data that was updated on Thursday, Washington County had 40 residents test positive out of 367 tests administered.

Capital

Region/statewide

According to Warren County Health Services, there were 217 COVID-related hospitalizations throughout the Capital Region on Friday, which is 15 fewer than on Thursday.

The most recent state data, which was updated on Thursday, reported that the Capital Region had a seven-day positivity rate of 12.6%.

The seven-day positivity rate for the state was reported at 8.66% on Friday.

Jay Mullen is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls, Warren County and crime and courts. You can reach him at 518-742-3224 or jmullen@poststar.com.

Love 0 Funny 6 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
HARRISBURG  A federal court ruled Friday that mail-in ballots without a required date on the return envelope must be allowed in a 2021 Pennsylvania county judge race, a decision that could complicate vote counting in the states U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Elections officials, lawyers and candidates are scrambling to understand and respond to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision, which was issued late in the day without a written opinion laying out its rationale.

It had an immediate effect in Pennsylvanias too-close-to-call Republican primary contest for U.S. Senate, where counties are still adding up votes in the race between celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund executive David McCormick.

McCormick has been doing better than Oz among mail-in ballots and McCormicks campaign quickly wrote to the states 67 counties to advise them of the decision and request a hearing if they wont count the ballots in question.

There are 257 mail and absentee votes at issue in the Lehigh County judge race, enough to potentially sway the results. The Republican candidate leads the Democrat by 74 votes and neither has been sworn in. The contested ballots had been received on time, by the end of Election Day.

The three-judge panels judgment said the state election laws requirement of a date next to the voters signature on the outside of return envelopes was immaterial. They said they found no reason to refuse counting the ballots that were set aside in the Nov. 2, 2021, election for common pleas judge in Lehigh County.

Department of State spokeswoman Grace Griffaton said Friday the Pennsylvania elections agency planned to canvass counties to determine how many of those ballots inside envelopes without signatures have been tossed, and officials plan to issue fresh guidance based on the ruling.

In Philadelphia, officials said that in the Tuesday primary they received 2,103 mail ballots without the requisite date, including 103 from Republican voters.

The handwritten dates are required even though mail-in ballots are usually postmarked and routinely stamped when received by county elections offices.

The trailing candidate, Zac Cohen, lost a state lawsuit over the signature requirement earlier this year and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to take the appeal.

Five voters whose ballots were thrown out in that election, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, then filed a federal lawsuit. They lost at the district court level before the appeals judges overturned that decision on Friday.

Reggie Shuford, the state ACLU chapter executive director, called the decision an important moment in the struggle to ensure that people who choose to participate in elections have their votes counted.

Cohens lawyer, Adam Bonin, said mail-in ballots that were allowed tended to favor Democrats in that election.

Were thrilled that the court recognizes that these voters should be heard and their ballots opened, Bonin said. The date requirement serves no purpose and it shouldnt be used to prevent timely received ballots from being counted.

The Republican candidate in the judge race, David Ritter, said in an email he was disappointed with the 3rd Circuit decision and noted the written opinion had not been issued.

When we are in receipt of the full opinion, we will thoroughly review its contents, and decide on any further action at that time, Ritter said.

Pennsylvania allowed only limited use of absentee mail-in ballots until 2019, when a state law permitted them for voters who did not otherwise qualify from a list of acceptable excuses. Mail-in ballots proved popular in 2020, as the pandemic raged, but their widespread use has also brought litigation over the new law.

A lawsuit seeking to invalidate the mail-in voting law is pending before the state Supreme Court. More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians voted by mail during 2020s presidential election, most of them Democrats, out of 6.9 million total votes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
FORT EDWARD  Its not just consumers feeling the bite of higher fuel costs.

The Washington County Board of Supervisors added $1 million to the county Highway Department budget Friday to cover gasoline and diesel costs through the end of the year. The money came from the county fund balance.

Hebron Supervisor Brian Campbell, chair of the boards Finance Committee, said the county buys all its vehicle fuel through the Highway Department.

Other departments with vehicles, such as the Sheriffs Office or Social Services, in turn purchase their fuel from the Highway Department.

We dont know if prices will rise or drop between now and the end of the year, Campbell said. If they drop, the surplus can go back to the general fund.

In other matters Friday:

The board set a public hearing for proposed Local Law C, authorizing the use of videoconferencing for committee and Board of Supervisors meetings. Earlier this year, the state Legislature amended the states Open Meetings Law to give municipalities the option of meeting remotely, which had been introduced on an emergency basis during the COVID shutdowns. Under the countys proposed law, members of the board or committee would have to be physically present at meetings except in extraordinary circumstances such as disability, illness, care-giving responsibilities or other significant or unexpected factors or events that would keep the member away. Members attending remotely would have to be visible, audible and identifiable by the public. Public notice for the meeting would have to state that videoconferencing would be used, where the public could view and/or participate in the meeting, where required documents would be posted or available, and cite a physical location where the public could attend. Members of the public at a meeting with a videoconference link could comment or participate remotely as if they were in person. Meetings would be recorded and posted within five business days of the meeting. The full text of the proposed law can be viewed at www.washingtoncountyny.gov/documentcenter/view/20737. The hearing will be held at 10:05 a.m. June 17 in the Board of Supervisors chambers.

The county will receive another $368,952 in federal funds for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which can be put toward technology upgrades in the Department of Social Services building, furniture, and equipment replacement. The money is part of the federal American Rescue Plan. Campbell said HEAP funds are usually to purchase fuel for low-income households. Grants to pay for the programs administration are rare.

The board added $288,160 in previously approved ARP funds to the Department of Social Services budget for outreach, recruitment and training for foster care services, and outreach and training for regulated home day care.

The board approved adding an assistant district attorney to the District Attorneys Office. The workload has increased due to state changes in how evidence in criminal cases must be shared with the defense. The new position will be funded by state aid to local municipalities.

The board ratified a 2022-2024 contract with the Correction Officers Association. The contract provides for an average net cost increase of 5.9% over the life of the contract.

Vietnam veteran John Svandrlik, a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Adirondack Chapter 79 in Fort Ann, presented the board with a photograph of a plaque the chapter placed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in 2009. Fifty-five Washington County residents are listed on the Vietnam veterans wall at SUNY Adirondack, Svandrlik said. Of those, 18 died in the service. Fort Ann Supervisor Samuel Hall, the board chairman, said he wants the county to collect artifacts and history from the VVA chapter before its members are all gone. The photograph will be displayed in the county municipal building, he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
VALPARAISO  An accomplice to a double homicide received a measure of justice Friday that left many only half satisfied.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish imposed a 20-year sentence Friday on 21-year-old John S. Silva II, of Hamlet.

Silva pleaded guilty April 7 to charges of attempted armed robbery, welfare fraud and aiding in the voluntary manslaughter of two teenagers.

Prosecutors charged Silva and Connor Kerner, 21, of Valparaiso, with in the Feb. 25, 2019, murder of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John.

Kerner is serving a 154-year prison term after being found guilty during a 2020 jury trial, but a separate jury last year couldnt reach a unanimous verdict against Silva.

Defense attorney John Cantrell told the judge Friday that attorneys for the defense and prosecution crafted a compromise guilty plea for Silva after last years deadlocked jurors gave both sides insights into what they thought was proved to be Silvas share in the crime.

The judge said he had major reservations with the deal. It tortures my soul, but the court will accept this plea.

Silva said very little. I want to say Im very sorry to everyone in this courtroom, he said.

Five members of the Lanham and Grill family expressed their fury at Silva, who stared down at the defense table except when Grills mother and father both commanded him to look at me when I talk to you.

While relieved Silvas guilty plea spared them another jury trial, family spoke to the court about the loss of Molley Lanham, who they described as a caring and strong-willed young woman who excelled in dance and sports.

Stacy Spejewski, Lanhams mother, told Silva he will have a second chance at life at the end of his sentence, but not her daughter, who died only because she gave her friend, Grill, a car ride to the fatal meeting.

I miss her so much, Spejewski said.

Prosecutors say Kerner lured Grill to Kerner's grandparents' home, near Hebron in rural south Porter County, with the promise of a drug deal.

But Kerner planned to rob Grill and brought Silva along as backup. Silva sat armed with a 9 mm pistol in the homes basement.

Lanham drove Grill to the house but stayed in her car while Grill went inside to bargain with Kerner.

Prosecutors said Kerner shot Grill six times and then finished him by beating him with a pipe wrench.

Kerner then fatally shot Lanham, with a gun Silva provided, after promising not to harm her.

Silva defense attorneys argued at last years trial Silva was overwhelmed with fear of Kerner but never intended to take part in a homicide.

The judge told Silva he made all the wrong choices. He said Silva could have gone to high school that day or even skilled school and played video games at home.

You could have used that pistol to protect Molley. You could have called 911, but you chose the cowardly path at each turn, Fish said.

Later, Kerner loaded the two bodies into the trunk of a Honda Civic around midnight the same day of the killings, drove it to an area near the rural community of Boone Grove and set the vehicles and bodies afire.

The welfare fraud involved Silva receiving more than $2,000 in unemployment benefits while concealing that he was locked up at the Porter County Jail awaiting trial in the case.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'




THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald
Sasse Statement on NSBA Report NEWS PROVIDED BY

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse

May 20, 2022



WASHINGTON, May 20, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the National School Boards Association released a report detailing how Biden Administration officials worked hand-in-hand with progressive activists in the lead up to the Department of Justice's memo targeting parents. "The report confirms what I said last fall: Attorney General Garland's memo was a political hack job, drummed up by progressive activists and their partners in the Biden White House to chill parents' exercise of free speech. Everyone is against mob violence and threats of intimidation  but that's not what this debacle is about. This is a scandal because parents shouldn't have to worry about getting a call from the FBI if they speak up at school board meetings. There's nothing criminal about moms and dads getting involved in their kids' education. There's nothing criminal about spirited debate. Speech shouldn't be labeled terrorism or criminal just because it is politically inconvenient for the President and the activists who support him. Attorney General Garland and a whole bunch of folks at the White House have a lot of explaining to do." SOURCE U.S. Senator Ben Sasse



CONTACT: James Wegmann, 202-224-4224



Share Tweet
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
About 75 community members gathered at the Benton County Courthouse Thursday night to commemorate the most recent lives lost to hate crimes  the Buffalo ten and Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Woods, CA.

Ten Black people in Buffalo, NY were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old white supremacist gunman in a grocery store May 14.

Cheng died confronting a shooter at the Geneva Presbyterian Church service May 15. He was the lone victim of that shooting, although more could have been killed had he not acted as quickly as he did, according to reports.

The Linn-Benton NAACP branch organized the vigil, and members of the Rho Beta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the unending violence and fear the Black community faces every day.

We are living in a world where we have chosen hate over love, color over humanity, evil over goodness, said Joel P. Shungu, President of the Oregon State University NAACP. Yet we still walk around in our communities as if we are perfect, because we fear hurting people's feelings and stepping on toes.

Activist Coordinator Chelle Williams noted how few people attended the vigil compared to how many showed up to mourn George Floyd in 2020. Maybe, she said, they were just tired.

When is it going to stop? Williams said. Where is there a safe place for us? Were not safe in churches, movie theaters, grocery stores or even at home.

Oregon State University student Mateo Olmos encouraged the community members  many of whom were white  to be radical about justice in their daily lives.

It cant be small, he said. You have to be radical in your family, you have to be radical in your community, you have to be radical with your children. You have to let them know what kind of world we live in and how they can make it better in the future.

Linn-Benton NAACP branch President Jason J. Dorsette spoke about the intersection of racism and gun violence in America, and how exhausting it is to see the same racially-motivated crimes happen over and over again.

Were running out of time. Were running out of patience, Dorsette said. Sending thoughts, prayers, well wishes, good energy and anything else you want to send for comfort to the victims and their families will not bring them back.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The vigil ended with Dorsette saying every Buffalo victims name, and the mourners echoing it back as loudly as they could. Along with the names  Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden  Dorsette read what family members and friends wrote about them in an effort to humanize the casualties.

This is the least we can do, Dorsette said. 'Cause it could have been you and it could have been me.

Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Sasse Statement on NSBA Report NEWS PROVIDED BY

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse

May 20, 2022



WASHINGTON, May 20, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the National School Boards Association released a report detailing how Biden Administration officials worked hand-in-hand with progressive activists in the lead up to the Department of Justice's memo targeting parents. "The report confirms what I said last fall: Attorney General Garland's memo was a political hack job, drummed up by progressive activists and their partners in the Biden White House to chill parents' exercise of free speech. Everyone is against mob violence and threats of intimidation  but that's not what this debacle is about. This is a scandal because parents shouldn't have to worry about getting a call from the FBI if they speak up at school board meetings. There's nothing criminal about moms and dads getting involved in their kids' education. There's nothing criminal about spirited debate. Speech shouldn't be labeled terrorism or criminal just because it is politically inconvenient for the President and the activists who support him. Attorney General Garland and a whole bunch of folks at the White House have a lot of explaining to do." SOURCE U.S. Senator Ben Sasse



CONTACT: James Wegmann, 202-224-4224



Share Tweet
About 75 community members gathered at the Benton County Courthouse Thursday night to commemorate the most recent lives lost to hate crimes  the Buffalo ten and Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Woods, CA.

Ten Black people in Buffalo, NY were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old white supremacist gunman in a grocery store May 14.

Cheng died confronting a shooter at the Geneva Presbyterian Church service May 15. He was the lone victim of that shooting, although more could have been killed had he not acted as quickly as he did, according to reports.

The Linn-Benton NAACP branch organized the vigil, and members of the Rho Beta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the unending violence and fear the Black community faces every day.

We are living in a world where we have chosen hate over love, color over humanity, evil over goodness, said Joel P. Shungu, President of the Oregon State University NAACP. Yet we still walk around in our communities as if we are perfect, because we fear hurting people's feelings and stepping on toes.

Activist Coordinator Chelle Williams noted how few people attended the vigil compared to how many showed up to mourn George Floyd in 2020. Maybe, she said, they were just tired.

When is it going to stop? Williams said. Where is there a safe place for us? Were not safe in churches, movie theaters, grocery stores or even at home.

Oregon State University student Mateo Olmos encouraged the community members  many of whom were white  to be radical about justice in their daily lives.

It cant be small, he said. You have to be radical in your family, you have to be radical in your community, you have to be radical with your children. You have to let them know what kind of world we live in and how they can make it better in the future.

Linn-Benton NAACP branch President Jason J. Dorsette spoke about the intersection of racism and gun violence in America, and how exhausting it is to see the same racially-motivated crimes happen over and over again.

Were running out of time. Were running out of patience, Dorsette said. Sending thoughts, prayers, well wishes, good energy and anything else you want to send for comfort to the victims and their families will not bring them back.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The vigil ended with Dorsette saying every Buffalo victims name, and the mourners echoing it back as loudly as they could. Along with the names  Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden  Dorsette read what family members and friends wrote about them in an effort to humanize the casualties.

This is the least we can do, Dorsette said. 'Cause it could have been you and it could have been me.

Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


QUEENSBURY  A bipartisan group of supervisors are in favor of a $2 cap on gas tax in Warren County.

Queensbury at-large Supervisor Doug Beaty brought the issue up before the Warren County Board of Supervisors during its meeting on Friday.

Beaty said Republican Queensbury at-large Supervisor Rachel Seeber, Democrat Glens Falls Ward 3 Supervisor Claudia Braymer, Democrat Glens Falls Ward 1 Supervisor Jack Diamond, Republican Queensbury at-large Supervisor Brad Magowen, Republican Glens Falls Ward 4 Supervisor Dan Bruno and Democrat Johnsburg Supervisor Andrea Hogan are all in favor of a gas tax cap.

We all agree that the primary focus of our jobs is to do the very best we can for our county residents, Beaty said.

He said that it would be the right thing for the board to do, and they would be joining the state and other counties in lowering the taxes associated with filling up at the pump.

A number of counties, including Saratoga County, have passed a $2 tax cap on gas, and the state has already suspended its gas tax, which is 16 cents per gallon.

Were going to be proposing a resolution, not today but in the near future, that Warren County only collect the taxes up to $2, Beaty said to the board.

Beaty said that he was getting his hair cut last week in Queensbury. The woman who cuts his hair recently raised her prices by $2, according to Beaty.

He said that he asked her if she had lost any customers due to the rise in price. She told him that she has lost one customer, but not because of the price of a haircut.

She told Beaty that the lost customer couldnt afford the gas to drive from her home in South Glens Falls to get her hair cut.

This is significant. This isnt for the rich. This actually hurts the very most vulnerable in our county, Beaty said.

He cited a recent poll that indicated 70% of Americans felt that the price of gas is the most pressing issue in the country.

Beaty told the board that there have been 13 counties in the state to pass a cap on gas tax. He said that you could ask why the other counties havent followed suit, but not all counties are in the same position as Warren County.

Warren County recently found itself with a $4.8 million surplus in its budget for the first four months of the year. Beaty said there has to be revenue coming into the county through taxes to pay for things such as road paving.

But Im a firm believer in taking less of their money and letting them keep it in their pockets rather than giving it to us, he said. I believe if we have an opportunity to give (the residents) more of their own money and keep it in their pockets, we do it.

Warren County missed the deadline to apply to set the tax cap to start on June 1, but Beaty said that the proposition would cap the tax from Sept. 1 through the end of the year.

Braymer said she hopes the board will support this effort.

It is an important thing to try to help anyone filling their tanks in the county, she said. Residents could still be hurting at the pumps by the time Sept. 1 rolls around, Braymer added.

Its only a few cents. I do think it will add up and make a difference for people, she said. And luckily for us, since we missed the first deadline, well still be able to collect this tax over the summer while our tourists are here.

Jay Mullen is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls, Warren County and crime and courts. You can reach him at 518-742-3224 or jmullen@poststar.com.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
About 75 community members gathered at the Benton County Courthouse Thursday night to commemorate the most recent lives lost to hate crimes  the Buffalo ten and Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Woods, CA.

Ten Black people in Buffalo, NY were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old white supremacist gunman in a grocery store May 14.

Cheng died confronting a shooter at the Geneva Presbyterian Church service May 15. He was the lone victim of that shooting, although more could have been killed had he not acted as quickly as he did, according to reports.

The Linn-Benton NAACP branch organized the vigil, and members of the Rho Beta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the unending violence and fear the Black community faces every day.

We are living in a world where we have chosen hate over love, color over humanity, evil over goodness, said Joel P. Shungu, President of the Oregon State University NAACP. Yet we still walk around in our communities as if we are perfect, because we fear hurting people's feelings and stepping on toes.

Activist Coordinator Chelle Williams noted how few people attended the vigil compared to how many showed up to mourn George Floyd in 2020. Maybe, she said, they were just tired.

When is it going to stop? Williams said. Where is there a safe place for us? Were not safe in churches, movie theaters, grocery stores or even at home.

Oregon State University student Mateo Olmos encouraged the community members  many of whom were white  to be radical about justice in their daily lives.

It cant be small, he said. You have to be radical in your family, you have to be radical in your community, you have to be radical with your children. You have to let them know what kind of world we live in and how they can make it better in the future.

Linn-Benton NAACP branch President Jason J. Dorsette spoke about the intersection of racism and gun violence in America, and how exhausting it is to see the same racially-motivated crimes happen over and over again.

Were running out of time. Were running out of patience, Dorsette said. Sending thoughts, prayers, well wishes, good energy and anything else you want to send for comfort to the victims and their families will not bring them back.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The vigil ended with Dorsette saying every Buffalo victims name, and the mourners echoing it back as loudly as they could. Along with the names  Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden  Dorsette read what family members and friends wrote about them in an effort to humanize the casualties.

This is the least we can do, Dorsette said. 'Cause it could have been you and it could have been me.

Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
While the stakes are higher for both anti-abortion advocate Marsha Brown and abortion rights advocate Enid Mastrianni, it is still business as usual.

Some demonstrators from both sides of the abortion rights issue would have been voicing their concerns regardless of whether the 1973 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade had been challenged.

While it could be argued that stakes are much higher for abortion rights advocates  if the decision is overturned it will have the biggest impact on people who want access to abortion to remain a constitutional right  it would still be legal in the state of New York, regardless.

Anti-abortion activist Marsha Brown stands outside of the Planned Parenthood offices on Bay Road, Queensbury, just about every day, and has been protesting for a long time with a sign that reads, I regret my abortion.

By the time Brown was 18, she already had three children and another on the way. She said she made the difficult decision at the time to have her fourth child aborted, a decision she says she now regrets.

Brown married young, and says the father wasnt around to help her with the children, which is what contributed to her difficult decision.

Brown is outside of the Bay Road health clinic up to five days a week, and she said she hopes to dissuade women from getting an abortion.

Do the signs work?

Brown said that there are four babies on Earth because of her.

She is not always alone on Bay Road. Every Monday, a group of men and women gather, as they say, to pray for women who may be getting an abortion, and also for the people who work at the clinic.

While religion connects these two parties, Brown identifies as a Protestant, while the other group of five to seven people are Catholic.

Jeff Smith, part of the Catholic group, says he and a few others have been praying outside of Planned Parenthood since 1997, and used to gather on Warren Street in Glens Falls when the health clinic was there.

While Brown was a little distanced one Monday from those who were invoking the Hail Mary prayer, Brown said the two parties are friends.

My sister is in the ICU right now. They came to visit her, and they pray for her, Brown said.

Abortion rights activist Enid Mastrianni has been organizing protests since the 1990s when she organized rallies on welfare rights. In 2017, she organized the womens march in Glens Falls, in which some 1,500 people attended. While abortion rights had not been challenged then, Mastrianni said that its all connected.

Whats next? Mastrianni asked, adding that if women dont make their voices heard, they can risk losing a lot more.

Everybody should vote. Women should run for office, Mastrianni said.

On May 14, Mastrianni organized an abortion rights rally in Glens Falls City Park, where some 100 people showed up and chanted my body, my choice.

In 2013, I noticed the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood, when it was on Warren Street, were getting more aggressive, said Mastrianni.

Whether this was specifically Smiths group is unclear. Smith and others in his group who now gather on Bay Road said they have never been aggressive and only pray in hopes of saving the lives of babies.

Mastrianni said the group on Warren Street was the catalyst for starting an online group called Glens Falls Planned Parenthood Counter Protest: Get Your Girl On. She said there are now about 700 people in the group.

Also at the May 14 rally in Glens Falls were Lori Trzop, vice president of health care operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and Matt Kopans, a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Abortion rights were codified in New York in 2019, Kopans said. This means that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions will still be legal in New York.

Kopans said that if it is overturned, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be a haven and that the organization will most likely see an influx of patients.

Kopans said if the right to an abortion is overturned federally, up to 26 states would potentially ban abortion.

Another spokesperson for Planned Parenthood said that 80% of Americans support the right to an abortion.

The right to an abortion is health care, Trzop said.

Providing abortions is only one element of what Planned Parenthood does. We provide other essential womens reproductive health services. People should remember that, Kopans said.

Along with Planned Parenthood, government leaders of New York are working on providing secure protection for abortion rights in the state, solidifying the idea that New York is a safe haven for those seeking an abortion.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding of $35 million for a state Abortion Services Provider Fund, that will go toward statewide abortion service providers.

A majority of the funding will go toward expanding access to abortion, such as increasing health clinic staff and to help cover costs for the underinsured or uninsured.

A smaller portion will go toward providing additional security and safety for patients.

Will this additional funding affect the anti-abortion demonstrators outside Planned Parenthood in Queensbury?

Kopans and Trzop said that as long as the demonstrators outside of the health clinic are not preventing patients from going inside the clinic or threatening their safety, then probably not.

If they are praying peacefully, that is their right. As long as they are not imposing anything on us. Were not looking to impose anything on anyone, Kopans said.

We respect other peoples religious choices. They should respect the choices of others, he added.

Drew Wardle is a reporter for The Post-Star. You can contact him at 518-681-7343 or email him at dwardle@poststar.com.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The $40 billion U.S. package of assistance for Ukraine as it tries to fend off Russia's aggression is hitching a ride on a commercial flight to South Korea so it can be signed by President Joe Biden.

The Senate voted Thursday to finalize the new military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as Biden was making his way to the South Korean capital, Seoul. Biden is in Asia for meetings with the leaders of South Korea, Japan and members of the Indo-Pacific group known as the Quad.

A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said the bill was being flown to South Korea by a U.S. government official who was already planning to travel to the region on a commercial flight as part of the individual's official duties. It was not clear when the bill would arrive, but the president was expected to sign it before he heads to Tokyo on Sunday.

For decades, bills that needed an urgent signature were routinely flown by White House aides to the president if he was abroad.

In 2005, President George W. Bush flew back to Washington from his Texas ranch to sign legislation requiring doctors to continue feeding a comatose Florida woman, Terri Schiavo, whose husband wanted to let her die.

An autopen was used for the first time for a bill signing in 2011, when President Barack Obama signed an extension of the Patriot Act into law while he was traveling in Europe.

He used the machine - which was widely used at the time for mundane commercial and government purposes  because Congress took unexpectedly long to approve the renewal of that law. Its anti-terrorism powers were minutes from expiring at midnight East Coast time when Obama, in France, was awakened to sign the measure.

The Ukraine bill includes $20 billion in military aid that is expected to finance the transfer of advanced weapons systems, $8 billion in general economic support for Ukraine, nearly $5 billion in global food aid to address potential food shortages sparked by the collapse of the Ukrainian agricultural economy, and more than $1 billion in combined support for refugees.

Fram reported from Washington

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has invited the public to join her at a swearing-in ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Kenosha County Veterans Honor Plaza.

The plaza is located off the entrance to the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park on Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue).

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil will administer an affirmation of the oath of office to Kerkman, who was elected County Executive on April 5 and has been serving since taking the official oath on April 18.

Steve Tindall, a U.S. Navy veteran who is active in veterans efforts in and around Kenosha County, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Kerkman comes to the County Executives Office after representing much of the area in the Wisconsin Assembly for nearly 22 years.

It is my honor to serve as Kenosha County Executive, and it will be my privilege to celebrate with the community on Wednesday, Kerkman said. I very much look forward to working over the next four years with citizens from across our county and with our partners in all levels of government, to make Kenosha County even stronger.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers for one of his frontbenchers at a polling booth.

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf- the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing ALP candidate Linda Burney in the seat of Barton - which is next door to Mr Albanese's seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-south - while she mingled with voters.

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne.

Anthony Albanese 's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt has continued to support her former husband during his election campaign by handing out flyers at a polling booth

Ms Tebbutt wore matching blue pants and a jacket along with a red scarf - the Labor Party's signature colour - outside Carlton South Public School, in Sydney's south, on Saturday

Her show of support came as her former husband spent the morning with his new partner Jodie Haydon at a polling booth at Carnegie Primary School in Melbourne

Mr Albanese was in town to support Higgins Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

Excited supporters crowded around him with several of them offering their pet dogs for him to hold.

The Opposition leader smiled ear to ear as he held an adorable cavoodle in his arms while a gushing Ms Haydon patted the animal.

Ms Tebbutt has been supporting Mr Albanese throughout his election campaign, even minding her former husband's beloved cavoodle Toto, three years after she suddenly walked out on their marriage.

The 58-year-old was seen taking Toto for a run near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday, while the Labor leader was on the hustings in Perth.

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'.

'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said.

A fit-looking Ms Tebbutt took Toto for a jog around the neighbourhood on Tuesday morning before heading back home.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and stays at both their houses. The pair jointly organised his birthday party.

The former deputy premier of NSW cradled a stack of flyers endorsing Barton ALP candidate Linda Burney while she mingled with voters

Mr Albanese hit it off with supporters with several of them eager for him to hold their pet dogs

The Opposition leader was in Melbourne to throw his support behind Higgins candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah

'It was a really good night, 'Mr Albanese said. 'We both spoke at the 21st. It was a good occasion.

'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great. He's terrific.'

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing assistance to Mr Albanese as he continued to criss-cross the nation ahead of Saturday's poll.

Mr Albanese said their relationship was 'fine'.

'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' he Albanese said. 'She's been helping in very practical ways. We talk regularly about what Nathan's doing, or the dog.'

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 19-year marriage - and 30-year relationship - on New Year's Day in 2019.

'It was a life-changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old told Daily Mail Australia last Friday.

Mr Albanese has spoken of being blindsided when Ms Tebbutt ended their 30-year relationship on New Year's Day in 2019. 'It was a life changing thing because it wasn't expected,' the 59-year-old Daily Mail Australia last Friday

Ms Tebbutt, who is CEO of the NSW Mental Health Co-ordinating Council, was providing practical assistance to Mr Albanese ahead of Saturday's poll. 'She's looking after Toto at the moment,' Mr Albanese said

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company when he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid. Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto and campaign draft speeches in April

'So it was a shock and I found it quite personally traumatic because I didn't understand it.

'What I had to come to terms with was I needed to accept it rather than understand it. And I did that. Real life is complex and things get thrown at you.'

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met more than 12 months after Ms Tebbutt left him.

The couple appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' he said. 'But I consider myself to be very fortunate to be in a relationship with Jodie.

'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me, as has Nathan spent time on the campaign trail as well.'

Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt is actively campaigning for him to become prime minister, three years after she suddenly walked out on their 19-year marriage. She is pictured walking his cavoodle Toto near her home in Sydney's inner-west on Tuesday

Mr Albanese is now in a relationship with 43-year-old First State Super finance worker Jodie Haydon, who he met at a conference in Melbourne in March 2020. The couple, pictured in April, appears relaxed and happy together but Albanese won't use words like love publicly

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt met in Young Labor during the late 1980s.

Ms Tebbutt was the state's first female deputy premier and held the position under Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally from 2008 to 2011.

She was a Member of the Upper House from 1998 until being elected the Member for Marrickville in 2005 and retired from politics in 2015.

Mr Albanese has said he 'didn't see it coming' when his wife told him their marriage was over four months before the 2019 election in which Scott Morrison beat then Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

'I didn't see it as ending,' he told Karl Stefanovic in March this year. 'We'd spent Christmas together, I thought we would end our life together. That was the vision that I had.'

Asked if Ms Tebbutt supported his bid to lead the country, Mr Albanese told Daily Mail Australia, 'Absolutely she does'. 'She's out there campaigning for me to be prime minister,' he said

Nathan had just completed his HSC and turned 18 when the split occurred.

'It's made for a difficult period,' Mr Albanese told the ABC. 'I certainly will always, always remember New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for that momentous event in my life.'

'It was a really tough period and that's the truth and I've acknowledged that.

'I think part of going through a difficult period and coming out the other end is acknowledging that you're going through it. I found it very tough. The relationship was 30 years old.'

In March 2019 Mr Albanese took three weeks off work and visited London and Portugal - a trip he credited with helping him heal after the break-up.

'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he has said.

Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have a son Nathan who turned 21 last December and shares time between their homes. 'I have a fantastic relationship with my son, which is great,' Mr Albanese said. 'He's terrific.' Father and son are pictured together on May 1

'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.'

In March 2020, Mr Albanese attended a dinner event in Melbourne where he met his future partner Ms Haydon.

The avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter took to the stage and addressed the guests. 'I said there's always a random Souths supporter in the room and she yelled out, 'Yep, me. Go the rabbits',' he said.

Mr Albanese said he was making his way around the function introducing himself to other guests when he met Ms Haydon.

'It turned out she lives in the inner-west of Sydney and we had a fair bit in common,' he said.

'I think successful personal relationships are ones that are personal,' Mr Albanese said of his relationship with Ms Haydon. ' 'She works fulltime but she's been able to spend time on the campaign trail and that's been very good for me.' The couple is pictured in Brisbane last week

'She suggested we might like to catch up so we caught up for a beer basically and we found that we got on pretty well.

'We caught up for a beer a few weeks later and things went from there. It's nice to have someone to spend time with.'

Mr Albanese told The Australian Women's Weekly in February he was 'protective' of his relationship with Ms Haydon.

'I'm the one running for public office,' he said.

'Jodie has to put up with... if we're out having dinner, put up with people coming up and photos and all of that. But it's part of the deal, it's part of who I am.'

The Labor leader uploaded a photo to Twitter of Toto on April 29 after he left Covid isolation and while doing a live cross with ABC. It was swiftly deleted as it showed Mr Albanese's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar

Toto has featured regularly during the election campaign, and kept Mr Albanese company while he was trapped in his inner-west home after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Albanese shared a snap on social media of himself with Toto in April.

'Working on my campaign launch speech with my iso companion, Toto. #isoday2' he tweeted from the kitchen table of his home.

Toto was clad in a bandanna with the words 'ALBO' written across it.

The day he was allowed to return to campaigning Mr Albanese shared another image of Toto watching on as he did live television interviews with the ABC and Today.

That picture had to be swiftly deleted because it clearly showed the prime ministerial hopeful's mobile phone number on a tag on Toto's collar.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).



About 75 community members gathered at the Benton County Courthouse Thursday night to commemorate the most recent lives lost to hate crimes  the Buffalo ten and Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Woods, CA.

Ten Black people in Buffalo, NY were allegedly murdered by an 18-year-old white supremacist gunman in a grocery store May 14.

Cheng died confronting a shooter at the Geneva Presbyterian Church service May 15. He was the lone victim of that shooting, although more could have been killed had he not acted as quickly as he did, according to reports.

The Linn-Benton NAACP branch organized the vigil, and members of the Rho Beta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the unending violence and fear the Black community faces every day.

We are living in a world where we have chosen hate over love, color over humanity, evil over goodness, said Joel P. Shungu, President of the Oregon State University NAACP. Yet we still walk around in our communities as if we are perfect, because we fear hurting people's feelings and stepping on toes.

Activist Coordinator Chelle Williams noted how few people attended the vigil compared to how many showed up to mourn George Floyd in 2020. Maybe, she said, they were just tired.

When is it going to stop? Williams said. Where is there a safe place for us? Were not safe in churches, movie theaters, grocery stores or even at home.

Oregon State University student Mateo Olmos encouraged the community members  many of whom were white  to be radical about justice in their daily lives.

It cant be small, he said. You have to be radical in your family, you have to be radical in your community, you have to be radical with your children. You have to let them know what kind of world we live in and how they can make it better in the future.

Linn-Benton NAACP branch President Jason J. Dorsette spoke about the intersection of racism and gun violence in America, and how exhausting it is to see the same racially-motivated crimes happen over and over again.

Were running out of time. Were running out of patience, Dorsette said. Sending thoughts, prayers, well wishes, good energy and anything else you want to send for comfort to the victims and their families will not bring them back.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The vigil ended with Dorsette saying every Buffalo victims name, and the mourners echoing it back as loudly as they could. Along with the names  Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter, Geraldine Talley, Celestine Chaney, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden  Dorsette read what family members and friends wrote about them in an effort to humanize the casualties.

This is the least we can do, Dorsette said. 'Cause it could have been you and it could have been me.

Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'


Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.





Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Transgender child molester and accused murderer Hannah Tubbs appeared in court in California on Friday for a brief hearing in the murder case, and was remanded in custody on a $1 million bond.

Tubbs, 26, has been charged with murder over the April 2019 killing of Michael Clark, who was robbed and drowned while camping in Lake Isabella, a picturesque tourist town on the edge of Sequoia National Forest, 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

Charges were filed on May 10.

On Friday, in a very brief appearance before Judge David Zulfa in Bakersfield, California, Tubbs was held in custody until a next hearing, set for June.

No plea was entered.

Tubbs is seen in court on Friday, in Bakersfield. During a brief hearing, which lasted less than a minute, Tubbs was remanded to a male jail until their June hearing

Tubbs was charged on May 10 with the murder of Michael Clark, 22, who was killed in April 2019 while camping in Lake Isabella, California

Tubbs is pictured being ushered out of court in Bakersfield, California on Friday after the brief hearing

Important to point out, Kern County has Tubbs detained in a mens jail and is referring to him as James, his legal name, instead of Hannah.

I am also in possession of numerous in custody calls from Tubbs in LA which appear to show he was not being genuine w/ his transgender claim  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 10, 2022

Tubbs is believed to have began transitioning from male to female in 2014, when they were 19.

The serial offender was charged as a man for the murder of Clark, under their birth name James, but Judge Zulfa on Friday referred to the bearded detainee as Hannah. Tubbs was then sent to be held in the male jail, until the next hearing.

Tubbs is pictured in their November 2021 booking photo

Tubbs was already a high-profile figure before the murder charges were filed, and more and more detail has emerged about the multiple offenses in multiple states.

Tubbs is currently serving a two-year sentence for child sex offenses committed when she was 17, in 2014.

Tubbs, a local vagrant, had hidden in a stall in a Denny's fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, inside the women's bathroom, waiting for his victim to come in.

He then molested her.

It has since emerged that less than six months before attacking the 10-year-old girl, Tubbs has been given a four-year sentence for attacking a man with a knife.

Tubbs had also been twice convicted of aggravated battery in Idaho.

The case came to prominence last year after woke LA prosecutor George Gascon allowed her to be tried in the juvenile system, as the child sex abuse was committed when she was 17.

Gascon has since said he was unaware of the previous litany of offenses, and should have been harsher.

Tubbs was also caught on a prison phone boasting about the lenient treatment.

The transgender convict, who is charged with molesting a young girl in 2014, is currently locked up at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility in Bakersfield, California after being charged with murder on May 10. Pictured: CCTV images of Tubbs entering a Denny's restaurant in Palmdale, California, where a 10-year-old girl was molested in the bathroom

Tubbs is now being held on a $1million bond in Kern County, California, after being charged with second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the death of 22-year-old Michael Clark. Clark's body was found washed up in the Kern River (pictured) in August 2019, after he disappeared months earlier in April

Now DailyMail.com can reveal that 'transient' Tubbs has a lengthy history of violent crime and continued to identify as a man until at least March 2020, going by the name Cesar.

Tubbs, who was raised by his failed actor father Edward, 64, in Washington and California, was accused in 2013 of fondling a four-year-old girl.

A year later, Tubbs attacked the 10-year-old in the Denny's bathroom.

Tubbs was first jailed in 2017 after being convicted of drug possession and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm in Kootenai County, Idaho.

After being released in March 2019, she then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California.

Her father Edward was living there at the time, and was himself arrested for assault with a deadly weapon in June 2019 - for which he is currently still on probation.

Court papers seen by DailyMail.com show how one-person crimewave Tubbs committed a string of violent offenses in the area between spring 2019 and March 2020.

During the same period, Tubbs was also rearrested and served another six months in Idaho after being hit with another battery charge and two probation violations.

Tubbs's Lake Isabella crimewave began in late April 2019 with the alleged robbery and murder of Clark, although she wasn't charged in that crime until last month.

Tubbs was two weeks away from turning 18 years old when police said she walked into a women's bathroom, locked a 10-year-old girl in a stall, grabbed her by the throat, shoved her hand down the child's pants and proceeded to sexually assault her in 2014

After being released in March 2019, Tubbs then moved to Lake Isabella  a picturesque tourist area on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest in California  where her father was living

In May 2019, Tubbs was arrested and charged with purchasing a stolen car and possessing a quantity of methamphetamine.

Those charges were then dropped to allow Tubbs to be prosecuted for a March 2020 knife attack which took place after she was released from Kootenai County Jail for a second time.

According to charging documents, Tubbs  then known as Cesar  inflicted 'great bodily injury' on the victim who is named in court papers as 'John Doe'.

Tubbs is now facing a life sentence in adult jail if convicted of the murder of Clark.

It is unclear when she decided to transition - it is believed to be around 2014 - but she is being prosecuted as a man in Kern County, and was prosecuted as a man over the March 2020 knife attack.

LA DA George Gascon has admitted that convicted child molester Hannah Tubbs, 26 should not have been prosecuted as a juvenile and should have received a harsher sentence for sexually assault a child

Gascon, whose policies allowed her to be tried as a juvenile female and placed in a prison alongside female minors, admitted in February that the sentence she received for child molesting was too lenient.

The LA County DA, who is now facing a recall vote, said: 'After her sentencing in our case, I became aware of extremely troubling statements she made about her case, the resolution of it and the young girl that she harmed.

'If we knew about her disregard for the harm she caused, we would have handled this case differently.'

Tubbs showed no remorse for the molestation offense and even bragged to her father about the lax sentence over the jailhouse phone.

She also called herself a 'tranny', boasted that her trans status would allow her a better jail cell and reminded dad Edward to refer to her as 'she'.

In the November 2021 call, she was also gleeful about not having to register as a sex offender, and said 'nothing' will be done to punish her for violently assaulting the 10-year-old, according to an audio recording that was obtained by Fox.

Tubbs said: 'So now they're going to put me with other trannies that have seen their cases like mine or with one tranny like me that has a case like mine.

Tubbs has a vast criminal record including arrests in multiple states. She is pictured in some of her old mugshots taken prior to her transition from a man to a woman

Tubbs told her father: 'So when you come to court, make sure you address me as her.'

LA County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, a prosecutor and supporter of the movement to recall Gascon, said earlier this year that Tubbs was too dangerous to be in the juvenile system.

He said: 'This was done with limited guidance and no concerns for public safety. This clearly shows you the dangerous aspect of the blanket policies of George Gascon.

'Under George Gascon's 'reforms', a 26-year-old admitted child molester is being housed with juveniles.

'She may be released early, back into the community, with no sex registration. Only innocent victims and the public suffer because of George Gascon's so-called progress.

'This is not somebody who should appear in the juvenile system.'
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is conducting a joint operation with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) targeting top-of-the-range vehicles believed to have been stolen in neighbouring countries and smuggled into the country.

The operation is not only being conducted in Zimbabwe, but in the region at large as police seek to stop the theft of posh vehicles that are often smuggled to foreign nations.

Most of the vehicles are smuggled using fake documents before their engines and chassis numbers are tampered with to obtain genuine documents.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the police were participating in such an operation.

We are not only targeting posh vehicles but stolen and unregistered vehicles and those that were not cleared properly. On unregistered vehicles, we are saying there is no reason whatsoever that they should be driven without number plates because the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) informed us that they have no backlogs and that they have adequate registration number plates in stock, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the CVR had notified the police that once someone applied for registration number plates, they will be able to get them within 48 hours.

A team of detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad and other sections countrywide has since been deployed to conduct the blitz that is targeting the luxurious vehicles.

Law enforcement agents from other countries within the region are also carrying out the operation.

ZRP will soon release statistics of vehicles it has impounded so far.

In 2014, Interpol and ZRP conducted an operation code-named Usalamu targeting stolen vehicles.

The operation was being conducted in other Interpol member countries and law enforcement agents were targeting Isuzu trucks and Toyota Fortuner SUVs, which were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Nearly 7,2 million cars were reported stolen in 127 countries worldwide in 2013. Most of the vehicles were lost through car-jacking while others were stolen from parking lots.

Interpols Stolen Motor Vehicles database contains more than 7,2 million records submitted by 127 member countries. There has been a large increase in the use of the SMV database in recent years  from three million searches in 2007 to more than 100 million searches, Interpol said then.

In 2005, 3 296 263 vehicles were stolen, in 2012 there were 7 250 909, 7 097 877 in 2011 and in 2010 there were 7 156 792 reports. In 2004, the figure was 7 288 741.

Interpol also said: Vehicle crime is a highly organised criminal activity affecting all regions of the whole world and with clear links to organised crime and terrorism.

Interpol is the worlds largest international police organisation, with 190 members. Its role is to enable police around the world to work together.

All member countries are connected through a secure communications system known as I-24/ 7.

This gives police real-time access to criminal databases containing millions of records globally.

Interpols unique system of notices is used to alert member countries to fugitives, dangerous criminals, missing persons, and weapons threats.

In 2017, a Tanzanian national was arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he had reportedly stolen at gunpoint in South Africa. Herald

The proverb that fortune favours the bold rang true after Henrietta Graham dared to publicly announce one of her acting goals last December.

When Graham, 18, told The Sunday Age she would like a role on Neighbours one day, little did she know the declaration would help her realise the dream.

Henrietta Graham, centre, on the set of Neighbours, with actors Rebekah Elmaloglou and Stefan Dennis. Credit:Scott McNaughton

The article, about Grahams enrolment in a new filmmaking course for people with disability, caught the eye of publicist Kelly Davis from Fremantle, the production company that makes the long-running series.

Davis thought it a lovely story and showed it to Neighbours producer Andrew Thompson.
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The proverb that fortune favours the bold rang true after Henrietta Graham dared to publicly announce one of her acting goals last December.

When Graham, 18, told The Sunday Age she would like a role on Neighbours one day, little did she know the declaration would help her realise the dream.

Henrietta Graham, centre, on the set of Neighbours, with actors Rebekah Elmaloglou and Stefan Dennis. Credit:Scott McNaughton

The article, about Grahams enrolment in a new filmmaking course for people with disability, caught the eye of publicist Kelly Davis from Fremantle, the production company that makes the long-running series.

Davis thought it a lovely story and showed it to Neighbours producer Andrew Thompson.

Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.

KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip





May 20CARTHAGE  A Peru man is accused of giving prescription drugs to a teenage girl who reportedly was dropped off Tuesday at the Carthage Town Office.

Jared R. Bernard, 20, was arrested on two counts of aggravated furnishing of scheduled drugs.

Deputy Alec Frost and Deputy Stephen Cusson responded about 10 a.m. to the office, Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. wrote in an email Thursday.

Following an investigation, it was discovered the 16-year-old girl is from the Belfast area. She was picked up by a man and taken to a residence on West Side Road in Carthage, Nichols said.

Bernard allegedly provided the girl with Percocet, a narcotic pain reliever that contains oxycodone, and Xanax, which is prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. She was also fed marijuana and alcohol, Nichols said.

Frost arrested Bernard, who was taken to the Franklin County jail in Farmington and released later in the day on $200 bail. He is scheduled to appear June 7 at a Farmington court.

The teenager was taken to the Rumford Hospital by Med-Care Ambulance to be examined, and her parents were contacted.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.



Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoards Dairyman.

As the 55th World Dairy Expo approaches, Expo is searching for college students who are passionate about the dairy industry to be part of the 2022 media team. Four students have the opportunity to spend WDE as media interns giving them an intimate look at the storied event.

Under the direction of Expos communications manager, media interns assist with media initiatives at World Dairy Expo and the management of the Media Room, Expos on-site resource for reporters, writers and photographers. This week-long internship in Madison, Wisconsin provides students with an active role in writing press releases, creating content, and executing social media plans while engaging with media professionals and dairy industry representatives from around the globe.



The media intern team is a key element in the successful execution of this must-attend event for the global dairy industry, highlights Katie Schmitt, WDE Communications Manager. Expo is excited to once again offer this unique opportunity to students from across the country who are passionate about the dairy industry and looking for a great hands-on experience.

Qualified individuals are actively pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in a dairy, agriculture, or communications-related field with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Students should visit World Dairy Expos website, www.worlddairyexpo.com, and select Careers under the About Us tab for the complete job description and all pertinent application details. Questions about this position should be directed to Schmitt at kschmitt@wdexpo.com.



Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. The global dairy industry will return to Madison, Wisconsin for the 55th event, October 2  7, 2022, when the worlds largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.comor follow WDE onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,LinkedIn,orYouTubefor more information.
The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoards Dairyman.

As the 55th World Dairy Expo approaches, Expo is searching for college students who are passionate about the dairy industry to be part of the 2022 media team. Four students have the opportunity to spend WDE as media interns giving them an intimate look at the storied event.

Under the direction of Expos communications manager, media interns assist with media initiatives at World Dairy Expo and the management of the Media Room, Expos on-site resource for reporters, writers and photographers. This week-long internship in Madison, Wisconsin provides students with an active role in writing press releases, creating content, and executing social media plans while engaging with media professionals and dairy industry representatives from around the globe.



The media intern team is a key element in the successful execution of this must-attend event for the global dairy industry, highlights Katie Schmitt, WDE Communications Manager. Expo is excited to once again offer this unique opportunity to students from across the country who are passionate about the dairy industry and looking for a great hands-on experience.

Qualified individuals are actively pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in a dairy, agriculture, or communications-related field with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Students should visit World Dairy Expos website, www.worlddairyexpo.com, and select Careers under the About Us tab for the complete job description and all pertinent application details. Questions about this position should be directed to Schmitt at kschmitt@wdexpo.com.



Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. The global dairy industry will return to Madison, Wisconsin for the 55th event, October 2  7, 2022, when the worlds largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.comor follow WDE onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,LinkedIn,orYouTubefor more information.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Beijing extends COVID control measures amid local outbreak

Xinhua) 09:33, May 21, 2022

A medic takes a swab sample from a man for nucleic acid test at Xidan area in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Beijing will maintain strict and tight COVID-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said at a press briefing Friday.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue suspending in-person classes, said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government.

Fengtai District will tighten epidemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan District are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian District will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The national capital reported 54 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the Beijing municipal disease prevention and control center.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven COVID-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan District since May 18. More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralized quarantine site, said Li Zhenjian, vice president of the university.

The national capital has classified 15 areas as high-risk for COVID-19 and 23 as medium-risk.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Beijing extends COVID control measures amid local outbreak

Xinhua) 09:33, May 21, 2022

A medic takes a swab sample from a man for nucleic acid test at Xidan area in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Beijing will maintain strict and tight COVID-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said at a press briefing Friday.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue suspending in-person classes, said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government.

Fengtai District will tighten epidemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan District are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian District will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The national capital reported 54 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the Beijing municipal disease prevention and control center.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven COVID-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan District since May 18. More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralized quarantine site, said Li Zhenjian, vice president of the university.

The national capital has classified 15 areas as high-risk for COVID-19 and 23 as medium-risk.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Beijing extends COVID control measures amid local outbreak

Xinhua) 09:33, May 21, 2022

A medic takes a swab sample from a man for nucleic acid test at Xidan area in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Beijing will maintain strict and tight COVID-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said at a press briefing Friday.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue suspending in-person classes, said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government.

Fengtai District will tighten epidemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan District are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian District will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The national capital reported 54 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the Beijing municipal disease prevention and control center.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven COVID-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan District since May 18. More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralized quarantine site, said Li Zhenjian, vice president of the university.

The national capital has classified 15 areas as high-risk for COVID-19 and 23 as medium-risk.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

Beijing extends COVID control measures amid local outbreak

Xinhua) 09:33, May 21, 2022

A medic takes a swab sample from a man for nucleic acid test at Xidan area in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Beijing will maintain strict and tight COVID-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said at a press briefing Friday.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue suspending in-person classes, said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government.

Fengtai District will tighten epidemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan District are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian District will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The national capital reported 54 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the Beijing municipal disease prevention and control center.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven COVID-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan District since May 18. More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralized quarantine site, said Li Zhenjian, vice president of the university.

The national capital has classified 15 areas as high-risk for COVID-19 and 23 as medium-risk.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.


Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.




Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.






Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.

Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.


A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'




Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)


The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon.

The 52-year-old performer appeared to be enjoying her time on the set of the forthcoming feature, as she smiled while working with several of the project's crew members.

The upcoming crime-comedy movie will see the actress reunite with her former Pulp Fiction costar Samuel L. Jackson.

Hard at work: Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon

Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set.

The Kill Bill volumes One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie.

The Academy Award-nominated actress accessorized with a lovely set of earrings and carried a brown leather purse.

Her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders and paired well with the dominant tone of her outfit.

Standing out: Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set

Fashionable: The Kill Bill volumes. One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie

Official news about The Kill Room's development was initially revealed last month by The Hollywood Reporter.

The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star.

They are then forced to pit the forces of the criminal underworld against those of the art world.

Jackson, 73, is currently set to portray the assassin's boss, while Thurman will play an art dealer.

Storyline: The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star

Other cast members include Joe Manganiello, Dree Hemingway and Matthew Maher.

The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month.

Director Nicol Paone spoke to the media outlet and noted that the upcoming movie, which featured 'an already incredible script,' was not something that he ever imagined himself directing.

Keeping it in the family: The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month

'Getting to make The Kill Room...with Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson is beyond my wildest dreams,' he said.

The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads.

'Every moment they're onscreen, they are both enviable and eye-catching. I am eternally grateful to both of them for saying yes, and I am thrilled to bring this to life,' he stated.

Producers Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman added: 'The combination of Uma and Sam for this project is a dream come true.'

Appreciative: The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads; Hawke is seen on set earlier this month

The pair went on to speak about their confidence in Paone's directing abilities.

'We are certain that Nicol is going to deliver a special film, and one that strikes the perfect balance between dark humor and edge-of-your-seat thrills,' they said.

The Kill Room's release date has not been revealed to the public as of yet.
The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)


China's State Council appoints John Lee as HKSAR chief executive

Xinhua) 09:32, May 21, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, decided at a meeting Friday to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting and signed a State Council decree on the appointment.

Lee won the chief executive election on May 8.

The meeting deliberated a report of the HKSAR government on the election. Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the meeting on the selection process of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive designate.

John Lee's election win by an overwhelming majority shows the common aspiration of all sectors in Hong Kong to embark on a new journey in solidarity, Xia said in his report.

Addressing the meeting, Premier Li said the central government will maintain the firm commitment to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Li vowed to ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and that Hong Kong is administered by patriots.

The central government will fully support the HKSAR chief executive and government in exercising law-based governance, said the premier.

He also vowed to support Hong Kong in consolidating and elevating its status as a global financial, trade and shipping center, in accelerating the pace to build itself into an international center for innovation and technology, and in maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.

Li expressed his belief that John Lee, after taking office, will unite and lead the new HKSAR government and people from all walks of life to break new ground in Hong Kong's development.

Vice Premier Han Zheng and other State Council leaders attended the meeting. 

Premier Li Keqiang signs a State Council decree on the appointment of John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a State Council meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Premier Li Keqiang presides over a State Council meeting to appoint John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. Lee will assume office on July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'

A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
A public high school's decision to remove the front doors of toilet blocks in order to create 'non-gendered' facilities has been met with fury among parents.

In a letter sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised the changes to the current toilet facilities had been implemented.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of all young people is important to us. We understand that accessing toilet facilities whilst at school can cause anxiety for some students,' Mr Kuss wrote in the letter.

In a letter (pictured) sent to parents and caregivers, Principal of Golden Grove High School in Adelaide, Peter Kuss, advised that changes of the current toilet facilities had been implemented

'The guidelines for the provision of student toilets has evolved over time.

The high school is currently undertaking a new $15 million redevelopment.

'New toilets provided as part of the recent capital works project... have been constructed to meet the new standards,' Mr Kuss added.

This included providing lockable, non-gendered, individual cubicles, with handwashing included inside the cubicle, accessed directly from common spaces or open corridors.

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'

Mr Kuss claimed the school was 'taking the steps to modify the design of the existing toilet blocks so they mimic as much as possible the look and feel of the toilet facilities in the new buildings'.

'Hence, we will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers.'

Mr Kuss added: 'We believe this action will provide greater safety for student usage and will more closely align our older toilet blocks with the new standards.'

'We will be removing the outer doors leading into the existing toilet blocks (pictured) so the toilets in these spaces are more easily accessible from the foyers,' Mr Kuss wrote to parents

The changes, however, had been met with heavy criticism from parents, reported The Advertiser.

One mother said her children 'no longer feel safe and feel their privacy has been compromised.'

'The cubicles on some of the toilets can be seen by students and teachers walking past,' she added.

'I've had other parents tell me their kids will not use the toilets either.'

An Education Department spokesperson has claimed that the school's toilets are adequately private.

'Students' privacy isn't compromised. All the cubicles have lockable doors and only hand washing areas are visible from hallways or foyers.'
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon.

The 52-year-old performer appeared to be enjoying her time on the set of the forthcoming feature, as she smiled while working with several of the project's crew members.

The upcoming crime-comedy movie will see the actress reunite with her former Pulp Fiction costar Samuel L. Jackson.

Hard at work: Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon

Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set.

The Kill Bill volumes One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie.

The Academy Award-nominated actress accessorized with a lovely set of earrings and carried a brown leather purse.

Her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders and paired well with the dominant tone of her outfit.

Standing out: Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set

Fashionable: The Kill Bill volumes. One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie

Official news about The Kill Room's development was initially revealed last month by The Hollywood Reporter.

The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star.

They are then forced to pit the forces of the criminal underworld against those of the art world.

Jackson, 73, is currently set to portray the assassin's boss, while Thurman will play an art dealer.

Storyline: The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star

Other cast members include Joe Manganiello, Dree Hemingway and Matthew Maher.

The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month.

Director Nicol Paone spoke to the media outlet and noted that the upcoming movie, which featured 'an already incredible script,' was not something that he ever imagined himself directing.

Keeping it in the family: The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month

'Getting to make The Kill Room...with Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson is beyond my wildest dreams,' he said.

The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads.

'Every moment they're onscreen, they are both enviable and eye-catching. I am eternally grateful to both of them for saying yes, and I am thrilled to bring this to life,' he stated.

Producers Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman added: 'The combination of Uma and Sam for this project is a dream come true.'

Appreciative: The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads; Hawke is seen on set earlier this month

The pair went on to speak about their confidence in Paone's directing abilities.

'We are certain that Nicol is going to deliver a special film, and one that strikes the perfect balance between dark humor and edge-of-your-seat thrills,' they said.

The Kill Room's release date has not been revealed to the public as of yet.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip



Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoards Dairyman.

As the 55th World Dairy Expo approaches, Expo is searching for college students who are passionate about the dairy industry to be part of the 2022 media team. Four students have the opportunity to spend WDE as media interns giving them an intimate look at the storied event.

Under the direction of Expos communications manager, media interns assist with media initiatives at World Dairy Expo and the management of the Media Room, Expos on-site resource for reporters, writers and photographers. This week-long internship in Madison, Wisconsin provides students with an active role in writing press releases, creating content, and executing social media plans while engaging with media professionals and dairy industry representatives from around the globe.



The media intern team is a key element in the successful execution of this must-attend event for the global dairy industry, highlights Katie Schmitt, WDE Communications Manager. Expo is excited to once again offer this unique opportunity to students from across the country who are passionate about the dairy industry and looking for a great hands-on experience.

Qualified individuals are actively pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in a dairy, agriculture, or communications-related field with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Students should visit World Dairy Expos website, www.worlddairyexpo.com, and select Careers under the About Us tab for the complete job description and all pertinent application details. Questions about this position should be directed to Schmitt at kschmitt@wdexpo.com.



Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. The global dairy industry will return to Madison, Wisconsin for the 55th event, October 2  7, 2022, when the worlds largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.comor follow WDE onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,LinkedIn,orYouTubefor more information.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip

Wells Fargo Advisors, a subsidiary of banking giant Wells Fargo & Company, has agreed to pay $7 million to settle charges that it violated federal anti-money laundering statutes by failing to file suspicious activity reports, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced Friday.

According to the accusations outlined in an SEC release, the subsidiary failed to properly implement a new version of its internal anti-money laundering, or AML, monitoring and alert system it adopted in January 2019. As a result, it failed to timely file at least 25 suspicious activity reports, some as recently as October 2021, related to wire transfers to or from foreign countries deemed at risk of facilitating "money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illegal money movements," the SEC said.

Wells Fargo Advisors also failed to file at least nine other suspicious activity reports starting in April 2017 after it allegedly failed to appropriately process wire transfer data, the SEC said.

When SEC registrants like Wells Fargo Advisors fail to comply with their AML obligations, they put the investing public at risk because they deprive regulators of timely information about possible money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illegal money movements, Gurbir S. Grewal, director of the SECs Division of Enforcement, said in a statement. Through this enforcement action, we are not only holding Wells Fargo Advisors accountable, but also sending a loud and clear message to other registrants that AML obligations are sacrosanct.

In a statement, the company said: "At Wells Fargo Advisors, we take regulatory responsibilities seriously. This matter refers to legacy issues that impacted a transaction monitoring system and the issues were resolved promptly upon discovery."

In addition to the $7 million penalty, Wells Fargo Advisors, without admitting or denying the SECs findings, agreed to a censure and a cease and desist order.

The latest charge adds to the bank's recent history of alleged improprieties. Wells Fargo agreed to pay a total of $185 million in fines in 2016 after it was found to have opened more than 1.5 million checking and savings accounts, as well as 500,000 credit card accounts, without customers' consent. That scandal led to the ouster of former CEO John Stumpf, as well as his successor, Tim Sloan.

In 2019, The Wall Street Journal wrote of Wells Fargo: "Nearly every one of its business lines is under investigation by a government agency, including the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission."

This week, Wells Fargo was the subject of a New York Times investigation that found it was conducting job interviews to satisfy diversity hiring quotas, even when the job had already been offered to another candidate. A Wells Fargo representative told the newspaper: "To the extent that individual employees are engaging in the behavior as described by The New York Times, we do not tolerate it."
Wells Fargo Advisors, a subsidiary of banking giant Wells Fargo & Company, has agreed to pay $7 million to settle charges that it violated federal anti-money laundering statutes by failing to file suspicious activity reports, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced Friday.

According to the accusations outlined in an SEC release, the subsidiary failed to properly implement a new version of its internal anti-money laundering, or AML, monitoring and alert system it adopted in January 2019. As a result, it failed to timely file at least 25 suspicious activity reports, some as recently as October 2021, related to wire transfers to or from foreign countries deemed at risk of facilitating "money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illegal money movements," the SEC said.

Wells Fargo Advisors also failed to file at least nine other suspicious activity reports starting in April 2017 after it allegedly failed to appropriately process wire transfer data, the SEC said.

When SEC registrants like Wells Fargo Advisors fail to comply with their AML obligations, they put the investing public at risk because they deprive regulators of timely information about possible money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illegal money movements, Gurbir S. Grewal, director of the SECs Division of Enforcement, said in a statement. Through this enforcement action, we are not only holding Wells Fargo Advisors accountable, but also sending a loud and clear message to other registrants that AML obligations are sacrosanct.

In a statement, the company said: "At Wells Fargo Advisors, we take regulatory responsibilities seriously. This matter refers to legacy issues that impacted a transaction monitoring system and the issues were resolved promptly upon discovery."

In addition to the $7 million penalty, Wells Fargo Advisors, without admitting or denying the SECs findings, agreed to a censure and a cease and desist order.

The latest charge adds to the bank's recent history of alleged improprieties. Wells Fargo agreed to pay a total of $185 million in fines in 2016 after it was found to have opened more than 1.5 million checking and savings accounts, as well as 500,000 credit card accounts, without customers' consent. That scandal led to the ouster of former CEO John Stumpf, as well as his successor, Tim Sloan.

In 2019, The Wall Street Journal wrote of Wells Fargo: "Nearly every one of its business lines is under investigation by a government agency, including the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission."

This week, Wells Fargo was the subject of a New York Times investigation that found it was conducting job interviews to satisfy diversity hiring quotas, even when the job had already been offered to another candidate. A Wells Fargo representative told the newspaper: "To the extent that individual employees are engaging in the behavior as described by The New York Times, we do not tolerate it."









KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.

Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.
Germany is playing a prominent role in the NATO proxy war with Russia and thus accepts the risk of a third world war. The government statement made by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the federal parliament on Thursday morning and the ensuing debate made clear how aggressively German imperialism is behaving once again, 77 years after the end of the Second World War.

In his speech, Scholz bluntly explained the war aims of Germany and NATO: A military victory over nuclear-armed Russia. We all have one goal: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive, said the chancellor. This is the aim with everything we do. With our sanctions against Russia, the reception of millions of refugees in the European Union, the humanitarian, development and economic assistance to Ukraine and, indeed, the supply of weapons, including heavy weaponry.

After initial hesitation, Germany is delivering weapons to Ukraine en masse. Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, in the past two weeks alone, 2,450 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22 anti-tank missiles and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines have arrived in Ukraine and been distributed to units of the local army. This was confirmed by Ukrainian government sources.

The list of German arms deliveries gets ever longer with the latest tranche, commented the news magazine. Previously, Berlin had already delivered anti-tank weapons, armored vehicles, millions of ammunition rounds of various calibres and explosives to Ukraine. On the lists, in addition, there are also 15 bunker-breaking weapons, so-called bunker fists, or remote detonators for explosive devices.

At the end of April, Germanys parliament officially decided to deliver heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Since then, this has moved ahead at full speed. On Wednesday, the Social Democrat-led Ministry of Defense announced another circular exchange with the Czech Republic. The German army provided Prague with 15 Leopard 2 A4 tanks and also took over the training of Czech soldiers, the ministry announced on Twitter. In return, the Czech Republic supplied tanks of Soviet design to Ukraine.

A similar circular exchange has already been agreed with Poland and Slovakia. At the same time, Germany is also pushing ahead with the delivery of tanks and other heavy equipment from its own stockpiles. Among other things, 50 anti-aircraft Cheetah tanks and seven self-propelled howitzer 2000s will be delivered to Ukraine. The delivery of 88 Leopard 1 combat tanks and 100 Marder artillery tanks is also being prepared by the German arms giant Rheinmetall.

In line with the official propaganda, Scholz tried to portray the massive arms deliveries as de-escalating peace measures. Helping a brutally attacked country to defend itself is not an escalation, but a contribution to warding off the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, he claimed. Nor is anything being done that will turn NATO into a war party.

Chancellor Scholz at the May Day rally in Dusseldorf

This is a lie and an absurdity in several respects. On the one hand, Scholz is well aware that the growing military support for Ukraine poses the risk of a nuclear third world war. On April 22, he told Der Spiegel that every effort must be made to avoid a direct military confrontation between NATO and a highly armed superpower such as Russia, a nuclear power. The issue is preventing an escalation that leads to a third world war.

On the other hand, NATO has in fact long been a war party, and not only since the Putin regime invaded Ukraine. The imperialist powers have been waging war for decades in order to assert their economic and strategic interests. The wars of aggression and regime-change operations in Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, which all violated international law, have in the last 30 years destroyed entire countries and killed millions of people.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the NATO powers have systematically encircled Russia with the aim of turning the resource-rich country into a semi-colony that they can dominate and exploit. In 2014, Washington and Berlin orchestrated a right-wing coup in Ukraine to install an anti-Russian regime in the former Soviet republic. Subsequently, the Ukrainian military and far-right militias in the country were systematically upgraded. Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022 was the desperate response of a reactionary capitalist regime to NATOs offensive.

Today, Germany is no more a peace power than it was on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Together with the United States, it is the most aggressive imperialist actor. The ruling class is using the war in Ukraine provoked by NATO to implement long-cherished plans for armament and emergence as a great power.

The focus is on the massive rearmament of the German army. We will secure and strengthen our own defence capability, Scholz announced in parliament. For this, the military needs the special fund of 100 billion. He added that good talks are also ongoing with the opposition parties to obtain the necessary majority to anchor the special fund in the Basic Law.

A key goal is the strengthening of Germany within NATO and militarising Europe under German leadership. With the special fund, we are sending a clear message to friends and allies, Scholz explained. As Europes most populous and economically strongest nation, Germany is serious when we talk about the duty of assistance and collective defence.

In the future, our defence systems and our investments must also be coordinated more closely and agreed upon at the European level. The key is more efficiency and more complementarity ... to integrate the European defence industry more closely, and thus take a big step towards the future in the direction of a common European defence. He added that the necessary steps will be discussed at the EU special summit at the end of the month.

German tanks arriving at Sestokai station, Lithuania, Feb. 24, 2017, for the deployment of the German-led NATO battlegroup (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Berlins war and great power plans, which also aim to strengthen Germany against the US and China, are supported by all parties in parliament. In the debate, spokespersons from all political groups sought to outdo each other with calls for more arms supplies for Ukraine, tougher economic warfare against Russia and a more aggressive German rearmament programme.

The leader of the parliamentary group of the Greens, Katharina Droge, underlined that the former pacifists are today the leading militarists. Our message to Putin is: we will never stop supporting Ukraine, she insisted. Our support applies as long as it is necessary. Yes, that means the supply of heavy weaponry, because Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And that means adopting further economic sanctions packages.

Christian Durr, the chairman of the Free Democrats parliamentary group, also praised the Federal Governments war policy, which has an increasingly dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people: As part of the traffic light coalition, we have indeed started a new era here. We deliver weapons to war zones. We are breaking off economic relations with a former trading partner. We are investing heavily in our army. That has never happened before.

The opposition leader and leader of the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz, called for a faster implementation of the promised arms deliveries. At the same time, he assured Scholz that his parliamentary group is with you on what you said in your government statement on 27 February, namely 100 billion for the military and, in the long term, more than 2 percent of our GDP each year for defence.

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, described Russias war of aggression as a catalyst that has exacerbated the crisis and exposed the shortcomings of our military and security policy. She called on the Federal Government to actually invest the 100 billion earmarked for the German army in our own army.

The Left Party is also part of the war conspiracy. Putin should not win the war, demanded the leader of the Left Partys parliamentary group, Amira Mohamed Ali. At the same time, she warned against never-ending arms deliveries. From the Left Partys point of view, Russia is to be brought to its knees primarily by economic warfare. Sanctions must be directed against the economic power base of the Putin system, demands a motion from the party executive for the upcoming party congress.

The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is the only party that opposes the militarist madness and gives a voice to the growing opposition among workers and young people. Under the title No Third World War! Billions for health and workers instead of armament and war! the SGP will hold an online event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

The statement promoting the meeting declares, This madness cannot be ended by appeals to the warmongers, but only by an international anti-war movement. The Russian and Ukrainian workers must unite with the workers of all countries to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism.

Register here to join the event and discuss this socialist perspective with the SGP.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.


Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will join ex-Sen. David Perdue for a rally in Georgia on Friday as Perdue seeks to defeat Gov. Brian Kemp in the Republican primary next week.

Proud to have @SarahPalinUSAs endorsement and looking forward to having her join us in Savannah on Friday! Perdue wrote on Twitter.

Perdue, who has been endorsed by former President Trump, is well behind in the polls against Kemp.

A Fox News poll on Wednesday had Kemp at 60 percent support and Perdue at just 28 percent.

Whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will face off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams.

Palins trip to Georgia brings the star power of the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee to the state.

I believe David is the only candidate who can win the fight against Abrams, and thats why Im proud to endorse him, Palin said. David is an America First fighter with a proven record of results, and he will be an outstanding Governor of Georgia.

Palins endorsement comes as she is running her own campaign to replace the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). Trump endorsed Palin soon after she announced her run for Congress, calling her tough and smart and will never back down.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is among the Republicans lending help to Kemp. Pence will be attending an event to support Kemp on May 23, one day before primary voting begins.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.




FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0






FLORENCE, Ala. (AP)  A capital murder suspect who authorities say went on the lam for 10 days with the help of an Alabama jail official was ordered to provide a DNA sample to prosecutors.

Lauderdale County District Judge Carole C. Medley did not cite a reason why the sample was needed from Casey White, but she approved the state's request in an order Wednesday, records show.

Keep scrolling for photos from the search for Casey White and Vicky White

White, who is being held at a state prison after being recaptured in Indiana last week, must provide the sample by Friday or "as soon as practicable," Medley said, and a defense lawyer can observe the process.

White was charged with escape after leaving the Lauderdale County jail in a patrol car driven by Vicky White, the assistant corrections director. Casey White surrendered after being cornered in Evansville, Indiana, and Vicky White, 56, died of a gunshot wound that a coroner determined was self-inflicted.

An attorney for Casey White has not commented publicly since the arrest and did not oppose the request for a DNA sample, made in the escape case. But the prisoner's mother said she doubts her son knew about the escape until Vicky White came to take him from jail for a supposed mental evaluation April 29.

White is scheduled to go on trial in June on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, although a delay is possible. Authorities said the man confessed to the killing in 2020 while in prison for other crimes.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)





Move towards U.S.-China decoupling a recipe for disaster, says Yales Stephen Roach

21:05, May 20, 2022 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

File photo shows Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, speaking during an interview with Xinhua in New Haven, the United States, Feb. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yuan)

A move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China, said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, on Tuesday during an online interview with Peoples Daily Online.

The former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia also warned that the U.S.-China relationship has gone from bad to worse, which will have serious consequences for world stability and global growth if the conflict continues, adding that new approaches are urgently needed to address the confrontation.

The current approach to conflict resolution, which can best be examined through the so-called Phase-One trade deal that was reached between the United States and China in January of 2020, is a failed approach. It has not worked at all in alleviating tensions, said Roach, who proposes a different approach to addressing the relationship in his new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives, which will be published in October.

Look to the benefits of expanded growth opportunities

Some politicians and experts from the U.S. believe that cutting ties with China would be beneficial for the U.S. When asked about these claims, Roach said that a move towards U.S.-China decoupling is a recipe for disaster for the U.S. and China.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. and China have built a deep and strong relationship, but right now there are political pressures that have arisen that have had a serious impact on the relationship, said Roach.

He explained that the high level of tariffs that have been imposed by the U.S., with reciprocal tariffs imposed by China on U.S. products, are negative for both countries.

Photo taken on March 19, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

We have to recognize that the current framework of tariff escalation and sanctions on technology and other companies is counterproductive, said Roach.

Both the United States and China are heavily integrated with the rest of the world, he said. You cant address these imbalances on a country-by-country basis, Roach said, who is an economist by training. If you want to restore greater balance, we in America need to save more and you in China need to save less and that will be a very important step in resolving the trade imbalances. However, he pointed out that the idea of improving our relationship by narrowing a bilateral trade imbalance is not only counterproductive, but it misses the real opportunity that we need to seize.

The best way to ensure expanded growth opportunities between the U.S. and China, he recommended is to go back to negotiating a new bilateral investment treaty, something that we were very close to reaching an agreement on before Donald Trump was elected president [in November 2016].

We need to look at growth rather than attempting to fix a multilateral trade imbalance by focusing incorrectly on bilateral trade deficits or surpluses, Roach added. We have the wrong approach. And we need a new approach.

Shift away from distrust towards a more trusting relationship

Roachs first and highly consequential recommendation is to find areas of mutual interest where the two sides can start to shift back away from a climate of distrust towards a more trusting relationship between the two countries. He highlighted three areas in particular that provide opportunities for rebuilding trust: climate change, global health policy and cyber security.

Last year, the two countries released their China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which aimed to better address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

But Roach said that the climate agreement at this point is tentative at best and given that the world economy is now weakening again amid sharply rising oil prices, countries are reverting back to greater reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy such as coal, which raises renewed concerns about further emissions and their impact on the climate, especially in light of another year of severe weather witnessed all around the world.

The second area that Roach proposed for the two sides to focus on is global health. There continues to be great animosity between the U.S. and China on issues over the sources of COVID-19. He added the two sides have failed to move beyond that and embrace collaborative efforts in global health and disease prevention practices.

By definition, this pandemic is not a China problem. Its not a U.S. problem. Its not a problem for any one country. Its a problem that is global in scope, he argued. No one country can solve a global pandemic on its own.

In such a highly interconnected world, and given the very high level of transmissibility of the newest variants of COVID-19, the economist strongly urged nations to come together and share best practices in terms of public health and scientific development.

The third area of mutual interest that Roach proposed is cybersecurity, especially with the recent outbreak of ransomware attacks and continued foreign pressures on online hacking and cyber espionage, which has become a threat that is even more urgent to address today given the outbreak of military conflict in Eastern Europe. He said that American and Chinese experts in the area of cybersecurity should reestablish contact and mutual collaboration on a military-to-military basis as well as on private-to-private sector basis, and establish new protocols for cybersecurity.

A visitor tries paying with e-CNY at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, July 7, 2021. (Peoples Daily Online/Long Wei)

New approaches to addressing the relationship

We need to do that before it's too late, Roach said, who stressed four new approaches to address the U.S.-China relationship that is in need of serious attention.

The first approach is rebuilding mutual trust, by focusing on climate, global health and cybersecurity. Without trust, we will get nowhere in resolving the deepening conflict that continues to impact both the United States and China, he said. The second proposal is abandoning the Phase-One trade deal and its associated tariffs because it has been counterproductive for both countries. Moving ahead and completing negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty is the third approach, with a focus on growth as opposed to bilateral trade imbalances. And the fourth one is building a new framework of engagement between the two nations.

We used to have these once or twice a year, big summits, called the U.S.China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which were abandoned during the Trump administration and have not been restarted under the Biden administration. Roach said. Those meetings accomplished next to nothing, and I do not think they should resume. The U.S.-China relationship is far important to be addressed through these infrequent and superficial engagements.

We need a new framework of engagement, with Roach proposing that the two sides set up a new institution: a U.S.-China secretariat. This office would be located in a neutral third country that is staffed by experts from China and the U.S., and would work full time on all aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, including economy and trade, social issues, cultural issues, political issues, cyber issues, collaborative areas in health, and climate.

Such a secretariat would manage and develop joint policy proposals on both sides that are to be presented regularly to leaders in both the government and the legislature in both countries, said Roach. He added that the secretariat would also serve as the first stop to monitor existing bilateral agreements and resolve the inevitable disputes that arise.

A view of the Qinzhou port in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Oct 27, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The US-China conflict, which is continuing to this day on the trade front and the technology front, and the Cold War-type rhetoric between the U.S. and China, must be resolved. A failure to do so will have serious consequences for world stability, and for global growth, Roach concluded. With the world now, in the grips of a very serious conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we need the U.S. and China to act in a more constructive way to preserve world peace as well.

Stephen Roachs four-point proposal for U.S.-China conflict resolution is spelled out in detail in the final part of his forthcoming new book, Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives (Yale University Press, forthcoming October 2022).

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)

The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
The cast of Ten Percent' (Prime Video)

John Morton is a francophile. Everything in Paris is so effortlessly beautiful, he says, eyes wide. The French even argue in a stylish way. London is not like that.

Were discussing the W1A creators latest TV series, Ten Percent, a London-based adaptation of Call My Agent!, the French comedy-drama about a group of talent agents in Paris. The series, which launched in 2015, became a word-of-mouth hit on Netflix during the pandemic (Ten Percent has been made by streaming rival Amazon). The original was set to end after its fourth season in 2021, but given its newfound popularity, both a fifth season and a film were commissioned.

Morton was a fan early on. I loved it, he says, recalling bingeing the entire series. There was no point trying to replicate the French show; we dont move like that in our cultural and professional lives in the UK. The energy is different. Transplanting it all onto new soil, that was the challenge. One of the key differences, he adds, is communication. The very thing that makes the French show so appealing is that the characters will tell each other how they feel. But us Brits are very poor at saying what we mean; part of growing up in Britain is understanding that. And so that passion and emotion is in our show, but its buried deeper. Its a different rhythm.

That said, some characters and storylines in Ten Percent are directly modelled on Call My Agents originals. Some of them look startlingly alike, too  Rebecca Humphries, who plays the doe-eyed assistant of agency boss Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), is a dead ringer for her French counterpart, Laure Calamy. It would be easy to view Mortons show as mere replication, particularly because its first episode is almost identical to that of Call My Agent, with Kelly Macdonald taking over from Cecile de France as the actor who, overnight, has become too old to play certain roles. However, Morton explains, this was a case of imitation being the highest form of flattery.

Story continues

It was one of my favourite episodes, he says of the French version. It feels so true and yet so ridiculous that shes told to have plastic surgery to get parts. Why wouldnt one tell that story? There was an accidental benefit, too. Having a big slug of what loyal fans remember from the French show in the first episode takes them with us instead of alienating them. So, practically, it felt like not a bad thing to do.

From there, though, Ten Percent diverges quite sharply from the original. Different dynamics. New nightmares. And many, many more actors having meltdowns. Novelty also comes by way of celebrity appearances, with Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, and David Oyelowo all on the line-up of actors playing themselves.

Then theres the added twist of the father-son relationship between Jonathan and the avuncular Richard Nightingale (Jim Broadbent), who, as in the French version, dies at the start of the show, swiftly sending the agency into financial turmoil. Hence the American company that rushes in to save the day, one nauseatingly earnest platitude at a time.

Camille Cottin (R) in Call My Agent! (Christophe Brachet)

And then there is the cast. Davenport, Maggie Steed, Lydia Leonard and Prasanna Puwanarajah comprise the central quartet of agents. I absolutely loved Camille Cottin, says Leonard, who plays Rebecca Fox, the acerbic, high-powered agent who is very similar to Cottins Andrea in the French show. Out of nerves I had to stop watching [Call My Agent!] because Camille is so brilliant, she adds. Youve got to make it your own.

The scripts  shrewd, laden with farce, and unmistakably British  made that fairly straightforward. They just had this signature John Morton authorship, says Puwanarajah, who plays Dan Bala. Reading them, I wasnt thinking of the French show; it wasnt really on set with us.

Having said that, Puwanarajah did get the French casts blessing to remake the show. Sort of. A friend of mine encountered one of the actors in the original show and told him he knew one of the guys in the remake. The actor embraced him and said, I give all my love to him. How nice is that? Would Brits be like that? Or would we just panic and say, Oh, well, I hope theyre not very good.

But back to the celebrity guests, who, Morton says, have one of the hardest jobs on set. Theyre not really doing parodies of themselves, he explains. What were asking them to do is something slightly different and more selfless, because their job is to bring believability. Their job is to bring all that authenticity into the show, rather than do a comic turn.

Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the biz, none of the featured guests were chosen specifically for their roles. The only way of proceeding was to bash a name into the script as a placeholder, and say: This story has to work for a number of actors roughly at that stage in their career, explains Morton. Because if you become loyal to one particular character and they cant do it, youre stumped. You have to trust your luck a bit; we got lucky eight times.

Lydia Leonard, Prasanna Puwanarajah and Maggie Steed as three of the four main agents in the show (Rob Youngson)

All of the actors who guest-star are established British talents. Its not beyond the realms of possibility that among them could be Davenport himself, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Talented Mr Ripley and Coupling. I remember talking to our casting director and asking, Is Jack too famous? Morton says. (The answer is No, adds Davenport.) But we thought, f*** it, hes right for the part, the writer says.

Nonetheless, the process of actors playing parts alongside other actors playing themselves is an odd one, particularly for Davenport, who says he knows 80 per cent of those making guest appearances. Ive been doing this for a long time, so in terms of situations that actors have to face, Ive done most of them. But Ive never been in a scene with a friend, who is sort of playing themselves but Im playing some other guy. It was like having vertigo.

Playing an agent, it transpires, was an enlightening experience for all, despite the obvious fact that each of the actors involved has their own agent, and would presumably have understood the role more than most. I have an even higher degree of admiration for agents now, says Leonard, who has been with hers since drama school. Theres quite a lot of comedy in the white lies that are told to lubricate the cogs of this industry behind the scenes. It does have to happen quite a lot.

Davenport, who confesses hes usually not much of a researcher, took his agent out for lunch to quiz him on the job when he got the part. He said one of the hardest aspects is that all day long youre making someones career, and then seconds later crushing someone elses dreams. Its very hard to hold those two things at once in a day.

The most arduous part, though, seems to be managing multiple egos at once. All clients think their agent is only thinking about them, says Davenport. They have to make it seem like thats the case. Its a quality of attention that doesnt really exist in nature. So I found that really interesting. He pauses. Even this poorly researched actor was able to, for once, steal some good stuff.

Camille Cottin as the acerbic Rebecca Fox in the original show (Christophe Brachet  Monvoisin Productions/Mother Productions/FTV)

To anyone outside the industry, the various shambles that happen in the show  actors being played off against one another for the same roles, playing love interests while harbouring secret crushes on each other, agents sleeping with potential clients  might seem far-fetched. But this, while heightened, is the nature of acting.

Its the confluence of time and financial pressures versus people whose job it is to be vulnerable in public, explains Davenport. There are huge stakes involved, and so when that goes wrong, it can make for unusual and funny scenarios. None of the dilemmas in the show felt like a reach.

I ask Puwanarajah if he might have any anecdotes ripe for fictionalising. Yes! he replies, so quickly that it prompts a laugh from Leonard, who is sitting beside him in an adjacent suite to Morton and Davenport. A strong yes, he continues. I think the show is at its best when a personal thing refracts into a major cultural or societal question around representation or age. Ive had moments where an agent I was trying to get to sign me said: The scene youre in was very dark, and obviously youre very dark, so I couldnt really see you.

Much has been said about the success of Call My Agent!. If Ten Percent matches up, it wont be for the obvious reason that it offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, with all of its glittering celebrity intrigue. That, Morton says, is just what sells the show. What makes people want to watch it is something altogether different.

I think the thing that makes you want to watch the next episode is that theres something recognisable in each of these characters, and you dont have to be a talent agent to see that. Indeed, theres grief. Theres romance. Theres even an inappropriate office crush. Human experiences that arent limited to agents, A-listers, or anyone else.

The first principle of writing is that people are just people in the end, adds Morton. Theyre agents, yes, but theyre first and foremost fallible people. On the whole, despite the fact theyre living in a pretty adversarial world, theyre mostly trying to do the right thing. And you want them to get it right eventually.

Ten Percent comes to Prime Video on Thursday 28 April
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.






KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 19:45 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed Saturday to further strengthen deterrence against security threats posed by North Korea during their first summit talks in Seoul, condemning Pyongyang for recent escalatory ballistic missile tests.

Yoon and Biden shared the view that North Korea's nuclear program presents a "grave threat" not only to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also the rest of Asia and the world and sought complete denuclearization of the peninsula, according to the joint statement released after the two-hour summit talks.

The two leaders agreed to "initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around" the peninsula, the statement said.

In responding to North Korean as well as common economic challenges, Yoon and Biden stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan.

"I think it's critically important that we have a very close trilateral relationship, including economically as well as militarily," Biden said in his joint press conference with Yoon after the meeting.

Given the frayed relationships between South Korea and Japan due to disputes over trade and historical issues stemming from the Japanese colonial era, Biden pointed to the need to improve the two Asian neighbors' ties "in a way that's mutually acceptable and agreeable to both countries," according to a senior U.S. official.

On the economic front, Yoon said during the joint press conference that South Korea will join the soon-to-be launched Indo-Pacific economic framework, known as IPEF. "Our two nations will work in concert to build the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, and taking that first step is to participate" in the framework, he said.

The two leaders agreed to work together to develop a comprehensive IPEF that will deepen economic engagement on priority issues, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and other priorities geared toward promoting sustainable economic growth, according to the joint statement.

The launch of the IPEF is expected to be formally announced during Biden's stay in Japan on the second leg of his Asia trip. The U.S. leader will fly to Japan on Sunday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the following day.

The Biden administration has proposed the IPEF as a key vehicle for U.S. engagement in a region expected to drive global growth for years to come.

The presidents of South Korea and the United States held talks amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula following several rounds of missile launches from North Korea. Speculation is rife that the North has completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Meanwhile, the two leaders shared concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the reclusive country and vowed to provide assistance by working with the international community, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable North Koreans.

Both South Korea and the United States have already offered to extend aid to the country. Biden said at the joint press conference that Pyongyang has not responded to the U.S. offer to provide vaccines against COVID-19.

On the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Biden said at the news conference that it would depend on whether Kim is "sincere and serious." His predecessor Donald Trump held direct talks with Kim.

As Yoon was sworn in as president on May 10, Saturday's summit is the earliest in a term that a South Korean leader has held a bilateral meeting with the American president.

Biden started on Friday a five-day visit to Asia, his first trip to the region since taking office last year.

In case any major provocation from Pyongyang occurs during Biden's visit to Seoul, the two leaders will command the combined forces of their countries as a "plan B," according to South Korea's presidential office.

In its latest round of missile launches, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles on May 12, marking the third launch this month.

Yoon, in marked contrast to his predecessor Moon Jae In, is known for taking a hard-line stance on North Korea.

Related coverage:

Biden opens Asia trip, says supply chain vital in South Korea plant tour

North Korea could test ICBM in coming days: Japan defense minister

U.S. vows firm response to any North Korea threat during Biden Asia trip


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15
ZURICH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2022) Already eight countries in Europe have confirmed cases of monkeypox, Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, says.

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told Sputnik on Friday that the organization had been notified of 37 confirmed monkeypox cases, with another 71 suspected cases under investigation.

"To date, at least eight countries in the WHO European Region - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - have reported cases of monkeypox in recent days. Outside of countries where monkeypox is known to be endemic, recent similar cases have also been reported in Australia, Canada and the United States," WHO regional director Kluge said in a Friday statement.

He specified that most of the cases registered in Europe are mild, but they require special attention.

"These recent cases are atypical for several reasons. Firstly, because in this instance all but one of the recent cases have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic, in West Africa or Central Africa.

Secondly, because most of the initial cases found are being detected through sexual health services and are among men who have sex with men. And thirdly, because of the geographically dispersed nature of the cases across Europe and beyond, this suggests that transmission may have been ongoing for some time," Kluge explained.

According to the WHO, most people usually recover from monkeypox within a few weeks without treatment, but the disease can be more severe in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. The symptoms are initially flu-like, such as fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, which are then followed by a widespread rash.

The monkeypox virus is not easily transmitted and usually spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, with an infected individual. The virus can enter the human body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, eyes, nose and mouth, and via bodily fluids.


Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2
DECATUR  Over 100 volunteers gathered Friday for Community Impact Day, a partnership between the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Block by Block to help advance the Johns Hill Neighborhood Revitalization project.

This community impact day gives me chills, said Ellen Hearn, executive director of Decatur Block by Block.

The volunteer from numerous Decatur businesses focused on landscaping projects, like cleaning out yards, cutting down trees and brush, pulling weeds, and more on 13 different properties in the neighborhood.

Most projects were conducted on homes along East Clay Street. Properties were chosen from a pool of applications from residents in the Johns Hill neighborhood.

Hearn said she can already see a difference in the neighborhood after previous volunteer efforts and city-funded projects.

It's amazing how when you upgrade the landscape and then you drive by a couple of days later, you see people who are now putting out plants and decorating their patios, Hearn said. It does become a renaissance.

Chamber President Mirinda Rothrock said she was glad to see business leaders involved in the volunteer projects.

These are our businesses that want to impact the community, Rothrock said. They want to do something. They want to be physically involved.

All the projects completed on Community Impact Day were funded through a grant provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Hearn said.

The foundation has previously committed over $8 million to revitalization projects and infrastructure improvements in the Johns Hill neighborhood.

Volunteers from various local businesses said they appreciated the chance to give back to their community.

Ian Bain, a supervisor at MCK CPAs & Advisors, said hes already hoping to get involved in the next impact day.

It's just nice to be able to do something like this and to help other people, Bain said.

Martin Mooney, a factory manager at Caterpillar, said this is the biggest event Caterpillar employees have participated in since the start of the pandemic.

Caterpillar employees made up over 60 of the days volunteers.

The last couple of years we haven't been able to get out and do things like this in the community. This is one of the first things that we've been able to step out and do, said Eric Smith, also a a factory manager at Caterpillar.

In fact, so many employees were interested in volunteering, Smith said, they had to turn some away.

Everyone was eager to get help, Mooney said.

Hearn and Rothrock have big hopes for more community revitalization projects. There are still around 30 more properties Decatur Block by Block wants to focus on, Hearn said.

Rothrock said theyre already working on planning another Community Impact Day for the fall. She hopes the work done this week encourages other people to get involved.

When you start having pride in your place, where you live, where you congregate near this park, I think that it just starts a cascading effect, she said. And we hope that it will branch through the neighborhoods.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Sri Lanka's police Media Spokesman Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nihal Thalduwa on Friday said that they have received 484 photographs and 73 videos regarding the attack on protesters at Temple Trees and Galle Face Green site. The police media spokesperson said that they have received 669 pieces of information and 31 of them are the complaints regarding damages, Colombo Page reported. He thanked the public for providing information in this manner so that justice could be done expeditiously to the victims of this violence, reported Colombo Page. Meanwhile, on Thursday, frustrated protesters accumulated outside Sri Lanka's President Secretary's office amidst large scale security deployment in place. The angry mob of protesters were seen staging a demonstration against the dire economic crisis which has consumed the island country. The violence of the protesters had forced extensive security to be positioned near the President's Secretary's office. Earlier, Sri Lanka also witnessed massive protests at 'Galle Face' in Colombo in front of the Presidential Secretariat. Over 100 dissenters were injured at the Galle Face protest site during violent clashes resulting in a nationwide curfew. 200 people were arrested in Sri Lanka on various charges including violation of curfew, attacking the public and causing damages to public and private properties. The police forces also publicly released pictures of several people and sought public assistance to identify and arrest them for "indulging in violent attacks on unarmed, peaceful protesters at Galle Face and Kollupitiya on May 9." The island nation also witnessed a series of violent incidents including the burning of houses of several parliamentarians after a clash between a pro-government group and anti-government protestors near the residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Presently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens. (ANI)

WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.






Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15
Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15
Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15


ZURICH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2022) Already eight countries in Europe have confirmed cases of monkeypox, Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, says.

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told Sputnik on Friday that the organization had been notified of 37 confirmed monkeypox cases, with another 71 suspected cases under investigation.

"To date, at least eight countries in the WHO European Region - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - have reported cases of monkeypox in recent days. Outside of countries where monkeypox is known to be endemic, recent similar cases have also been reported in Australia, Canada and the United States," WHO regional director Kluge said in a Friday statement.

He specified that most of the cases registered in Europe are mild, but they require special attention.

"These recent cases are atypical for several reasons. Firstly, because in this instance all but one of the recent cases have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic, in West Africa or Central Africa.

Secondly, because most of the initial cases found are being detected through sexual health services and are among men who have sex with men. And thirdly, because of the geographically dispersed nature of the cases across Europe and beyond, this suggests that transmission may have been ongoing for some time," Kluge explained.

According to the WHO, most people usually recover from monkeypox within a few weeks without treatment, but the disease can be more severe in young children, pregnant women, and individuals who are immunocompromised. The symptoms are initially flu-like, such as fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, which are then followed by a widespread rash.

The monkeypox virus is not easily transmitted and usually spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, with an infected individual. The virus can enter the human body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, eyes, nose and mouth, and via bodily fluids.



ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The government is taking all necessary steps at the national and provincial levels to ensure the security of Chinese nationals and companies in Pakistan, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

There is a clear, continuous and strong commitment from the leadership regarding the security details of Chinese nationals and companies working in Pakistan, specifically on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said here during a weekly media briefing.

It is especially important in the context of the protection of CPEC itself, and there is a continuing discussion with the Chinese side on this matter, the spokesperson said.

"We also remain in touch with our Chinese friends on any possible moves that we may need to take to advance our shared objectives with regard to countering terrorism and protecting CPEC and related personnel and infrastructure," he added.

"We are confident that we will together take steps to effectively deal with the challenge and to take forward the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership," the spokesperson added. 

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The government is taking all necessary steps at the national and provincial levels to ensure the security of Chinese nationals and companies in Pakistan, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

There is a clear, continuous and strong commitment from the leadership regarding the security details of Chinese nationals and companies working in Pakistan, specifically on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said here during a weekly media briefing.

It is especially important in the context of the protection of CPEC itself, and there is a continuing discussion with the Chinese side on this matter, the spokesperson said.

"We also remain in touch with our Chinese friends on any possible moves that we may need to take to advance our shared objectives with regard to countering terrorism and protecting CPEC and related personnel and infrastructure," he added.

"We are confident that we will together take steps to effectively deal with the challenge and to take forward the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership," the spokesperson added. 
ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The government is taking all necessary steps at the national and provincial levels to ensure the security of Chinese nationals and companies in Pakistan, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

There is a clear, continuous and strong commitment from the leadership regarding the security details of Chinese nationals and companies working in Pakistan, specifically on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said here during a weekly media briefing.

It is especially important in the context of the protection of CPEC itself, and there is a continuing discussion with the Chinese side on this matter, the spokesperson said.

"We also remain in touch with our Chinese friends on any possible moves that we may need to take to advance our shared objectives with regard to countering terrorism and protecting CPEC and related personnel and infrastructure," he added.

"We are confident that we will together take steps to effectively deal with the challenge and to take forward the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership," the spokesperson added. 

A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2
WASHINGTON  Rudolph W. Giuliani, who helped lead President Donald J. Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election as his personal lawyer, sat on Friday for a lengthy interview with the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, according to people familiar with the closed-door interview.

Mr. Giulianis interview, which was virtual, lasted for more than seven hours, the people said. The interview was transcribed, and he was under oath. He took a break in the middle of it to host his hourlong afternoon radio show.

It was unclear what Mr. Giuliani told the committee, but his centrality to Mr. Trumps various attempts to subvert the election made him a potentially pivotal witness for the panel, with knowledge of details about interactions with members of Congress and others involved in the plans.

Mr. Giuliani, whose interview was reported earlier by CNN, had negotiated with the panel about testifying for months, and he reached an agreement to speak about matters other than his conversations with Mr. Trump or any other topic he believed was covered by attorney-client privilege.




For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.


London: The World Health Organization was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe. In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Monkeypox is usually a mild viral illness, characterised by symptoms of fever as well as a distinctive bumpy rash.

"This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe," said Germany`s armed forces` medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) committee meeting to discuss the issue is the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH), which advises on infection risks that could pose a global health threat.

It would not be responsible for deciding whether the outbreak should be declared a public health emergency of international concern, WHO`s highest form of alert, which is currently applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time," a senior U.S. administration official said.

COMMUNITY SPREAD

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he said.

Still, the WHO`s European chief said he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox, according to the WHO.

British authorities said they have offered a smallpox vaccine to some healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed to monkeypox.

Since 1970, monkeypox cases have been reported in 11 African countries. Nigeria has had a large ongoing outbreak since 2017. So far this year, there have been 46 suspected cases, of which 15 have since been confirmed, according to the WHO.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria.

Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed outside Africa, according to a tracker https://twitter.com/MOUGK/status/1527055553876348928 by a University of Oxford academic.

So far we counted 66 confirmed and suspected cases of #monkeypox across 5 countries. Downloadable list of cases + additional metadata and sources here:https://t.co/zeTmq4AR31 Collaboration w/ @johnbrownstein @davidmpigott @kara_sewalk @globaldothealth @healthmap  Moritz Kraemer (@MOUGK) May 18, 2022

Many of the cases are not linked to travel to the continent. As a result, the cause of this outbreak is unclear, although health authorities have said that there is potentially some degree of community spread.

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

In Britain, where 20 cases have been now confirmed, the UK Health Security Agency said the recent cases in the country were predominantly among men who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

Portugal detected nine more cases on Friday, taking its total to 23.

The previous tally of 14 cases were all detected in sexual health clinics and were men aged between 20 and 40 years old who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

It was too early to say if the illness has morphed into a sexually transmitted disease, said Alessio D`Amato, health commissioner of the Lazio region in Italy. Three cases have been reported so far in the country.

"The idea that there`s some sort of sexual transmission in this, I think, is a little bit of a stretch," said Stuart Neil, professor of virology at Kings College London.

Scientists are sequencing the virus from different cases to see if they are linked, the WHO has said.

Live TV
Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky is known for flawless and age-defying complexion.

And on Friday, the 45-year-old Spanish model and actress announced that she's releasing her very own skincare line called Purely Byron.

Elsa said the line celebrates her beloved adopted hometown that she shares with Chris, 38, and that it will deliver 'powerful, natural skincare  that works'.

Surprise announcement: Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky, 45, announced on Friday that she's releasing a skincare line that 'celebrates Byron Bay'

Elsa shared the news on Instagram with her more than 4.9million followers.

'After so much hard work, I am excited to finally show you, Purely Byron,' she wrote.

'This is my dream come true, to launch a skincare brand that celebrates this place I love so much.'

New products: Elsa said the line celebrates her beloved adopted hometown that she shares with Chris, 38, and that it will deliver 'powerful, natural skincare  that works'

She added: 'Powerful, natural skincare  that works. Made right here in Byron.'

Elsa shared a picture of the products, which included the likes of a macadamia oil balm in front of a rose gold derma roller.

Back in 2020, the Fast and the Furious star revealed to Gritty Pretty the five beauty products she 'can't live without', including a $15 supplement and a celebrity-loved moisturiser.

She said she swears by the $15.99 Swisse Ultivite multivitamin for keeping her healthy year-round, while she also looks after her skin by lathering it in Creme De La Mer's celebrity-loved $242 moisturising cream.

Stunning: Elsa is known for flawless and age-defying complexion (pictured makeup free)

Elsewhere in her beauty bag, Elsa said she adores Charlotte Tilbury's Light Wonder Foundation, $65.

Elsa is also a fan of Luma's On The Glow Highlighter in Bronze Voyage, $29.95, which she said is 'beautiful' for enhancing the eyes and cheekbones.

When it comes to perfume, Elsa loves Dior's J'Adore, $99.

At the time, Elsa also shared her fitness secrets.

'I try to work out at least three times a week and if I can, I'll do yoga on other days,' she told the publication.

'I get the kids to come train with me and I give them tiny weights  it becomes something interesting for them as well.'
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are ashamed of alleged discrimination and bias within their ranks in a new report.

A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing, due to be published next week, will commit to being institutionally anti-racist.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers and the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics and training for the police service.

According to The Guardian, the report will state: We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.

Stephen Lawrences murder sparked the landmark Macpherson inquiry (Family handout/PA)

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find stigmatising and humiliating.

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrences unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of institutional racism.

The blueprint will add: Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing  and we will.

We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

The plan will be open to consultation (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policings history is a failure.

It adds: Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters  particularly stop and search  confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.

The Met Polices former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it wont be believed in communities.

Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are ashamed of alleged discrimination and bias within their ranks in a new report.

A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing, due to be published next week, will commit to being institutionally anti-racist.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers and the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics and training for the police service.

According to The Guardian, the report will state: We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.

Stephen Lawrences murder sparked the landmark Macpherson inquiry (Family handout/PA)

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find stigmatising and humiliating.

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrences unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of institutional racism.

The blueprint will add: Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing  and we will.

We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

The plan will be open to consultation (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policings history is a failure.

It adds: Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters  particularly stop and search  confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.

The Met Polices former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it wont be believed in communities.

Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.

London: The World Health Organization was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe. In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Monkeypox is usually a mild viral illness, characterised by symptoms of fever as well as a distinctive bumpy rash.

"This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe," said Germany`s armed forces` medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) committee meeting to discuss the issue is the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH), which advises on infection risks that could pose a global health threat.

It would not be responsible for deciding whether the outbreak should be declared a public health emergency of international concern, WHO`s highest form of alert, which is currently applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time," a senior U.S. administration official said.

COMMUNITY SPREAD

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he said.

Still, the WHO`s European chief said he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox, according to the WHO.

British authorities said they have offered a smallpox vaccine to some healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed to monkeypox.

Since 1970, monkeypox cases have been reported in 11 African countries. Nigeria has had a large ongoing outbreak since 2017. So far this year, there have been 46 suspected cases, of which 15 have since been confirmed, according to the WHO.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria.

Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed outside Africa, according to a tracker https://twitter.com/MOUGK/status/1527055553876348928 by a University of Oxford academic.

So far we counted 66 confirmed and suspected cases of #monkeypox across 5 countries. Downloadable list of cases + additional metadata and sources here:https://t.co/zeTmq4AR31 Collaboration w/ @johnbrownstein @davidmpigott @kara_sewalk @globaldothealth @healthmap  Moritz Kraemer (@MOUGK) May 18, 2022

Many of the cases are not linked to travel to the continent. As a result, the cause of this outbreak is unclear, although health authorities have said that there is potentially some degree of community spread.

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

In Britain, where 20 cases have been now confirmed, the UK Health Security Agency said the recent cases in the country were predominantly among men who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

Portugal detected nine more cases on Friday, taking its total to 23.

The previous tally of 14 cases were all detected in sexual health clinics and were men aged between 20 and 40 years old who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

It was too early to say if the illness has morphed into a sexually transmitted disease, said Alessio D`Amato, health commissioner of the Lazio region in Italy. Three cases have been reported so far in the country.

"The idea that there`s some sort of sexual transmission in this, I think, is a little bit of a stretch," said Stuart Neil, professor of virology at Kings College London.

Scientists are sequencing the virus from different cases to see if they are linked, the WHO has said.

Live TV

For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.




An Indian ship laden with urgent relief supplies like rice, medicines and milk powder for the people of crisis-hit is scheduled to reach Colombo on Sunday, the Indian High Commission said here on Friday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off a ship laden with relief supplies, the first to be dispatched to Sri Lanka, from Chennai on on Wednesday.

The first consignment comprises 9,000 metric tonne (MT) of rice, 200 MT milk powder and 24 MT life-saving medicines with a combined value of Rs 45 crore.

"People of #India, standing by their bretheren in #SriLanka. Rice, milk powder and medicines worth more than SLR 2billion is scheduled to reach #Colombo on Sunday," the Indian mission tweeted.

Chief Minister Stalin flagged off the cargo carrying the relief, from the Chennai Port, in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and senior officials.

is going through the worst since independence in 1948. A crippling shortage of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials while power cuts and soaring food prices heaped misery on the people.

The has also triggered a political crisis in and a demand for the resignation of the powerful Rajapaksas.

India has said that as an eternal and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, New Delhi is fully supportive of the island nation's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

In keeping with India's Neighbourhood First policy, New Delhi has extended this year alone support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on May 10.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky is known for flawless and age-defying complexion.

And on Friday, the 45-year-old Spanish model and actress announced that she's releasing her very own skincare line called Purely Byron.

Elsa said the line celebrates her beloved adopted hometown that she shares with Chris, 38, and that it will deliver 'powerful, natural skincare  that works'.

Surprise announcement: Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky, 45, announced on Friday that she's releasing a skincare line that 'celebrates Byron Bay'

Elsa shared the news on Instagram with her more than 4.9million followers.

'After so much hard work, I am excited to finally show you, Purely Byron,' she wrote.

'This is my dream come true, to launch a skincare brand that celebrates this place I love so much.'

New products: Elsa said the line celebrates her beloved adopted hometown that she shares with Chris, 38, and that it will deliver 'powerful, natural skincare  that works'

She added: 'Powerful, natural skincare  that works. Made right here in Byron.'

Elsa shared a picture of the products, which included the likes of a macadamia oil balm in front of a rose gold derma roller.

Back in 2020, the Fast and the Furious star revealed to Gritty Pretty the five beauty products she 'can't live without', including a $15 supplement and a celebrity-loved moisturiser.

She said she swears by the $15.99 Swisse Ultivite multivitamin for keeping her healthy year-round, while she also looks after her skin by lathering it in Creme De La Mer's celebrity-loved $242 moisturising cream.

Stunning: Elsa is known for flawless and age-defying complexion (pictured makeup free)

Elsewhere in her beauty bag, Elsa said she adores Charlotte Tilbury's Light Wonder Foundation, $65.

Elsa is also a fan of Luma's On The Glow Highlighter in Bronze Voyage, $29.95, which she said is 'beautiful' for enhancing the eyes and cheekbones.

When it comes to perfume, Elsa loves Dior's J'Adore, $99.

At the time, Elsa also shared her fitness secrets.

'I try to work out at least three times a week and if I can, I'll do yoga on other days,' she told the publication.

'I get the kids to come train with me and I give them tiny weights  it becomes something interesting for them as well.'
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
An Indian ship laden with urgent relief supplies like rice, medicines and milk powder for the people of crisis-hit is scheduled to reach Colombo on Sunday, the Indian High Commission said here on Friday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off a ship laden with relief supplies, the first to be dispatched to Sri Lanka, from Chennai on on Wednesday.

The first consignment comprises 9,000 metric tonne (MT) of rice, 200 MT milk powder and 24 MT life-saving medicines with a combined value of Rs 45 crore.

"People of #India, standing by their bretheren in #SriLanka. Rice, milk powder and medicines worth more than SLR 2billion is scheduled to reach #Colombo on Sunday," the Indian mission tweeted.

Chief Minister Stalin flagged off the cargo carrying the relief, from the Chennai Port, in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and senior officials.

is going through the worst since independence in 1948. A crippling shortage of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials while power cuts and soaring food prices heaped misery on the people.

The has also triggered a political crisis in and a demand for the resignation of the powerful Rajapaksas.

India has said that as an eternal and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, New Delhi is fully supportive of the island nation's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

In keeping with India's Neighbourhood First policy, New Delhi has extended this year alone support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on May 10.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indian ship laden with urgent relief supplies like rice, medicines and milk powder for the people of crisis-hit is scheduled to reach Colombo on Sunday, the Indian High Commission said here on Friday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off a ship laden with relief supplies, the first to be dispatched to Sri Lanka, from Chennai on on Wednesday.

The first consignment comprises 9,000 metric tonne (MT) of rice, 200 MT milk powder and 24 MT life-saving medicines with a combined value of Rs 45 crore.

"People of #India, standing by their bretheren in #SriLanka. Rice, milk powder and medicines worth more than SLR 2billion is scheduled to reach #Colombo on Sunday," the Indian mission tweeted.

Chief Minister Stalin flagged off the cargo carrying the relief, from the Chennai Port, in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and senior officials.

is going through the worst since independence in 1948. A crippling shortage of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials while power cuts and soaring food prices heaped misery on the people.

The has also triggered a political crisis in and a demand for the resignation of the powerful Rajapaksas.

India has said that as an eternal and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, New Delhi is fully supportive of the island nation's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

In keeping with India's Neighbourhood First policy, New Delhi has extended this year alone support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on May 10.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
The Supreme Court Friday transferred the civil suit filed by Hindu devotees on Gyanvapi mosque from civil judge (senior division) to district judge, Varanasi saying looking at the complexities and sensitivity of the issue, it is better for a senior judicial officer to handle the case.

The Supreme Court on Friday transferred a plea filed by Hindu devotees seeking to pray at the Gyanvapi mosque complex, to district judge, Varanasi, while saying the determination of character of a shrine is not prohibited under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, arguing for Anjuman Intezamia Masjid questioned the appointment of a judicial commissioner in the suit as it was barred under the 1991 law.

Read | Babri plaintiff warns of 'agitation' if Gyanvapi, Shahi Idgah mosques taken by 'force'

A three-judge bench presided over by Justice D Y Chandrachud, however, said there are various nuances of the Act which will fall for consideration.

"The ascertainment of religious character is not barred under the Act. The ascertainment of religious character of a place as a processual instrument may not fall foul of Section 3 or 4 of the Act. These are matters where we will not hazard an opinion. We are in a dialogue," the bench said.

The court pointed out a scenario where a place of worship has both an Aghyari (Parsi temple of fire) and a cross. "Does the presence of cross not make the place an Aghyari? Does the presence of cross make it a Christian place? Such hybrid nature are not unknown in India," the bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and P S Narasimha, said.

The 1991 Act  which had mandated maintaining character of all shrines as prevailed on August 15, 1947, would become a dead letter  if the suit is allowed to be heard, Ahmadi claimed.

The court, however, said the suit filed by a group of women led by Rakhi Singh, which was till now heard by a Civil Judge (senior division) Varanasi, should be examined by a senior and experienced judicial officer of UP Higher Judicial Service in view of the complexity and sensitivity of the matter.

The court ordered the District Judge should examine the maintainability of the suit on priority as sought by Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Varanasi. It also directed that its interim order passed on May 17 for protecting 'Shivling' as claimed by Hindu side should remain in operation till maintainability of the suit is decided and thereafter for eight weeks to enable parties to pursue legal remedies.

The court also directed the District Magistrate Varanasi to make arrangement for 'vazu' (ablution for Muslims) before offering namaz.

During the hearing, Ahmadi contended the suit is attempting to alter the status quo in existence for 500 years. He also questioned selective leaks of the Commissioner's report on videographic survey.

"There is a narrative being created. Commission reports are being leaked selectively. This is disturbing communal harmony. Don't look at this from the point of one suit alone. Look at the ramifications across the country," he said.

The court, however, said its interim order on May 17 would balance the interests of contesting parties. It also said selective leaks of the Commissioner's report must stop.

The court put the matter for consideration in July.
As of March 11, army tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life in prison.

A relative waits in front of the Insein Prison for the release of prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2022.

Myanmars junta condemned seven youths to death this week in the Yangon region after a secret military tribunal found them guilty of murder, a junta newspaper reported.

The seven, all from all from Hlaingtharyar township in the countrys largest city Yangon Region, were ruled guilty of taking part in the March 6 murder of a ward official suspected of being a police informer and sentenced to death on Wednesday under Section 54 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

As of March 11, military tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life imprisonment, RFA reporting has revealed. No executions have been reported by the military regime that overthrew Myanmars elected government on Feb. 1, 2021.

The seven were identified as Ye Min Naing, Soe Moe, Thant Zin, Daewa, San Shay, Athay Lay and Aye Aye Min.

Another youth, Htet Myat Naing from Yangons North Dagon township, was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Law for having links to and collecting money for terrorist organizations.

An underground youth activist in Yangon said the military is imposing harsh punishments on young people to discourage them from participating in resistance movements against the junta, the junta newspaper said.

"The deliberate arrests of young people and such harsh sentences are attempts to intimidate the youth not to be involved in the revolution. No matter what they do, young people are already determined to march on with this, he told RFA.

Lawyers have argued that the sentences imposed by military tribunals handing down highest sentences on the youth are unjust and punishable.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said the government was not targeting young people but was prosecuting violators of the law.

According to Thai-based rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma, a total of 10,707 people were arrested and 1,072 of them were imprisoned between Feb. 1, 2021 and May 19, 2022, and 72 have been sentenced to death, including 2 children. And another 41 have been sentenced to death in absentia.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written by Paul Eckert.
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2


State lawmakers Friday night unveiled proposed legislation that would allow homeowners with older roofs to still get property insurance and create a fund for Floridians who want to upgrade their homes.

Under a policy plan unveiled three days before lawmakers return to Tallahassee to tackle Floridas property insurance crisis, companies would be blocked from denying coverage because of a roofs age if the roof is less than 15 years old.

And for roofs that are older than 15 years, insurers would have to allow homeowners to have an inspection on the roofs condition before refusing coverage. If the inspection shows the roof has five or more years of useful life left, the insurance company could not reject coverage simply because of age.

The ideas are meant to halt one of the worst side effects from the states insurance crisis. As insurance companies have seen a rise in roof claims, theyve refused to insure homes with older roofs, shedding policies and forcing homeowners to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new roof just to get coverage.

READ MORE: As cost of condo insurance soars, legislators remain silent

The proposals were announced after weeks of negotiations between leaders of the House and Senate and staff working for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who earlier this week promised a very significant package to address the crisis.

In addition to roofs, lawmakers are proposing:

 Assigning $2 billion to a new reinsurance program  insurance that insurers buy  to cover losses during hurricane season. Insurers that buy into the program would have to reduce homeowners rates by June 30.

 Creating a host of limits on attorneys fees in lawsuits against insurance companies. Insurers have blamed lawyers for causing double-digit rate increases for most Floridians.

 Allowing Floridians to receive up to $10,000 for home-hardening improvements on their homesteaded properties valued at $500,000 or less. Homeowners would receive $2 for every $1 they spend.

Story continues

The proposal balances fair costs and protections for consumers, Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, wrote to senators Friday night, while adding reasonable guardrails for insurance companies against the frivolous litigation and fraudulent claims that drive up rates for everyone.

Lawmakers would also keep a closer eye on insurance companies that fail. Within two months after an insurer is ordered into insolvency, the state would have to conduct a report about why the company failed. Earlier this week, the Herald/Times reported that while state law requires such reports to be done, the reports are completed years later, and few people knew such reports existed.

The Office of Insurance Regulation would also create a new insurer stability unit to increase regulatory oversight, and the office would be required to open an investigation when consumer complaints suggest a trend in the marketplace rather than an isolated incident, according to a summary of the legislation by the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers are being recalled to Tallahassee because they failed to agree on legislation to address the property insurance crisis during their 60-day legislative session earlier this year.

While the changes announced this week could quickly address one aspect of the crisis  denials for older roofs  it remains unclear whether the changes will result in serious relief for Floridians experiencing double-digit rate increases.

For months, observers and analysts have been warning that without significant reforms, the property insurance crisis would pose a terrifying threat to homeowners.

Theyre going to lose their homes. Theyre going to be forced to sell their properties, Mark Friedlander, director of communications for the industry-backed Insurance Information Institute, told a panel hosted by a ratings agency on Thursday. They cant afford the insurance anymore. Theyre going to have to give up that lifetime investment of their home and put it on the market because now their premium is higher than their mortgage payment.

The proposed legislation would create an exemption in the states building code, so that roofs that are more than 25% damaged but already comply with the 2007 building code may be repaired instead of being required to be replaced.

Insurance companies would also be allowed to offer policies with a separate roof deductible that would not exceed 2% of the policy dwelling limits or 50% of the roof replacement costs. Homeowners would be required to get a discount for selecting that policy, and the deductible would not apply if the home is a total loss, or damaged by a hurricane, a fallen tree branch or a roof loss requiring a repair of less than 50% of the roof.


The EV market in India has seen a sudden spurt in demand with the sustained increase in . However, the options within the EV space are limited today, though the current players are aiming to address this issue. With many electric vehicles due to be launched in the days ahead, lets take a look at some electric cars that are likely to hit the road in India.

Ioniq 5

The all-new Ioniq 5 electric has already been listed by Motors India on its official website, in a sign that the electric vehicle is soon expected to hit the Indian market. Hyundai Ioniq 5 is expected to be offered in two battery options --58 kWh battery and 77.4 kWh battery. Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 will arrive in India in the form of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits.

Kia EV6

The luxury EV is expected to be launched by June 2022, while the bookings for the newest SUV from Kia may commence soon. Priced between Rs 65 lakh and Rs 70 lakh, only 100 units will be initially brought in completely built-up (CBU) format. The car will be offered in both the rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 528 km.

i4

is planning to expand its electric vehicle lineup in India, and is expected to launch the new i4 electric sedan on May 26, 2022, in the Rs 60-80 lakh price band. The all electric sedan could be available in one or two variants. Showcased with an 83.9 kWh battery pack, the luxury EV has a certified range between 493 and 590 km.

Tata Altroz EV

As the announcement from confirmed that the development work on Tata Altroz EV is currently underway, the hatchback is expected to hit the road later this year.

Mercedes EQS

This five-seater luxury sedan is expected to be launched in October 2022. The second all-electric offering from Mercedes Benz India is being offered in two versions globally- the EQS 450 with 333 hp and the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC with 523 hp and all-wheel drive. The luxury EV will be brought in CBU format.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

The luxury compact SUV Volvo XC40 Recharge is an improved version of the Volvo XC40 and is expected to be launched in July 2022. The SUV priced abt Rs 74-75 lakh comes loaded with all tech and safety features. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is likely to be offered in only one variant i.e., the P8.
As of March 11, army tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life in prison.

A relative waits in front of the Insein Prison for the release of prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2022.

Myanmars junta condemned seven youths to death this week in the Yangon region after a secret military tribunal found them guilty of murder, a junta newspaper reported.

The seven, all from all from Hlaingtharyar township in the countrys largest city Yangon Region, were ruled guilty of taking part in the March 6 murder of a ward official suspected of being a police informer and sentenced to death on Wednesday under Section 54 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

As of March 11, military tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life imprisonment, RFA reporting has revealed. No executions have been reported by the military regime that overthrew Myanmars elected government on Feb. 1, 2021.

The seven were identified as Ye Min Naing, Soe Moe, Thant Zin, Daewa, San Shay, Athay Lay and Aye Aye Min.

Another youth, Htet Myat Naing from Yangons North Dagon township, was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Law for having links to and collecting money for terrorist organizations.

An underground youth activist in Yangon said the military is imposing harsh punishments on young people to discourage them from participating in resistance movements against the junta, the junta newspaper said.

"The deliberate arrests of young people and such harsh sentences are attempts to intimidate the youth not to be involved in the revolution. No matter what they do, young people are already determined to march on with this, he told RFA.

Lawyers have argued that the sentences imposed by military tribunals handing down highest sentences on the youth are unjust and punishable.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said the government was not targeting young people but was prosecuting violators of the law.

According to Thai-based rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma, a total of 10,707 people were arrested and 1,072 of them were imprisoned between Feb. 1, 2021 and May 19, 2022, and 72 have been sentenced to death, including 2 children. And another 41 have been sentenced to death in absentia.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written by Paul Eckert.

Sri Lanka's police Media Spokesman Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nihal Thalduwa on Friday said that they have received 484 photographs and 73 videos regarding the attack on protesters at Temple Trees and Galle Face Green site. The police media spokesperson said that they have received 669 pieces of information and 31 of them are the complaints regarding damages, Colombo Page reported. He thanked the public for providing information in this manner so that justice could be done expeditiously to the victims of this violence, reported Colombo Page. Meanwhile, on Thursday, frustrated protesters accumulated outside Sri Lanka's President Secretary's office amidst large scale security deployment in place. The angry mob of protesters were seen staging a demonstration against the dire economic crisis which has consumed the island country. The violence of the protesters had forced extensive security to be positioned near the President's Secretary's office. Earlier, Sri Lanka also witnessed massive protests at 'Galle Face' in Colombo in front of the Presidential Secretariat. Over 100 dissenters were injured at the Galle Face protest site during violent clashes resulting in a nationwide curfew. 200 people were arrested in Sri Lanka on various charges including violation of curfew, attacking the public and causing damages to public and private properties. The police forces also publicly released pictures of several people and sought public assistance to identify and arrest them for "indulging in violent attacks on unarmed, peaceful protesters at Galle Face and Kollupitiya on May 9." The island nation also witnessed a series of violent incidents including the burning of houses of several parliamentarians after a clash between a pro-government group and anti-government protestors near the residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Presently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens. (ANI)
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



As of March 11, army tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life in prison.

A relative waits in front of the Insein Prison for the release of prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2022.

Myanmars junta condemned seven youths to death this week in the Yangon region after a secret military tribunal found them guilty of murder, a junta newspaper reported.

The seven, all from all from Hlaingtharyar township in the countrys largest city Yangon Region, were ruled guilty of taking part in the March 6 murder of a ward official suspected of being a police informer and sentenced to death on Wednesday under Section 54 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

As of March 11, military tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life imprisonment, RFA reporting has revealed. No executions have been reported by the military regime that overthrew Myanmars elected government on Feb. 1, 2021.

The seven were identified as Ye Min Naing, Soe Moe, Thant Zin, Daewa, San Shay, Athay Lay and Aye Aye Min.

Another youth, Htet Myat Naing from Yangons North Dagon township, was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Law for having links to and collecting money for terrorist organizations.

An underground youth activist in Yangon said the military is imposing harsh punishments on young people to discourage them from participating in resistance movements against the junta, the junta newspaper said.

"The deliberate arrests of young people and such harsh sentences are attempts to intimidate the youth not to be involved in the revolution. No matter what they do, young people are already determined to march on with this, he told RFA.

Lawyers have argued that the sentences imposed by military tribunals handing down highest sentences on the youth are unjust and punishable.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said the government was not targeting young people but was prosecuting violators of the law.

According to Thai-based rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma, a total of 10,707 people were arrested and 1,072 of them were imprisoned between Feb. 1, 2021 and May 19, 2022, and 72 have been sentenced to death, including 2 children. And another 41 have been sentenced to death in absentia.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written by Paul Eckert.




WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.



WASHINGTON  Rudolph W. Giuliani, who helped lead President Donald J. Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election as his personal lawyer, sat on Friday for a lengthy interview with the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, according to people familiar with the closed-door interview.

Mr. Giulianis interview, which was virtual, lasted for more than seven hours, the people said. The interview was transcribed, and he was under oath. He took a break in the middle of it to host his hourlong afternoon radio show.

It was unclear what Mr. Giuliani told the committee, but his centrality to Mr. Trumps various attempts to subvert the election made him a potentially pivotal witness for the panel, with knowledge of details about interactions with members of Congress and others involved in the plans.

Mr. Giuliani, whose interview was reported earlier by CNN, had negotiated with the panel about testifying for months, and he reached an agreement to speak about matters other than his conversations with Mr. Trump or any other topic he believed was covered by attorney-client privilege.



Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]





Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15
Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers.

Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ.

Though fans of the star may have been eager to get their hands on a Travis Scott hoodie or utility vest, it was the collab's sneakers that peaked the most interest.

Major hype: Over one million Travis Scott fans reportedly signed up for a raffle in order to obtain a pair of the rapper's new Nike Air Trainers. Scott, 31, and Nike worked together on an entire collection - which was released Friday - that features footwear and clothing items, according to TMZ; Scott pictured on May 15

TMZ noted that Scott and his team actively worked with web developers to come up with what was described as 'anti-bot protection,' referring to automated programs that have become infamous for skipping online lines.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes.

The media outlet also pointed out that the rapper may release another collaboration with Nike next week. A set of the sportswear brand's Airmaxes with the performer's personal touch may be part of a future collection with the brand.

Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5, which was the first of the planned three-day festival. Astroworld Festival had previously been held in 2018 and 2019 in Houston.

Sources divulged to the outlet that the Air Trainers, which are available in two colorways, garnered 'over one million' raffle entries were submitted in just 30 minutes

Building hype: Scott shared several promotional images for his new collaboration to his Instagram account on Friday

Baring his feelings: The performer also shared an image to his Instagram account with a text graphic that read: 'Emotions high Love u guys'

First: Scott's collaboration with Nike marks his first merchandise release since the deadly Astroworld Festival, which took place last November in his hometown of Houston, Texas (pictured)

A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27.

Dozens of other individuals suffered various injuries during the event, and the rapper was later accused of ignoring warnings from both the crowd and his team.

The planned second and third days of Astroworld were promptly canceled.

Scott eventually released an apology video for the events of the festival on his Instagram Story, which was met with near-instant backlash. Many accused the rapper of being insincere, with some taking issue with the fact he placed a black-and-white filter over the apology video.

He was subsequently dropped by several of his sponsors and had numerous collaborations with various brands canceled in the aftermath of the concert.

Tragic: A large crowd crush occurred during the rapper's set on Friday, November 5. A total of ten fatalities were confirmed, with victims ranging from age nine to 27; Scott pictured on May 7

The rapper later became the focus of numerous lawsuits related to the events of the festival.

Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month.

The hitmaker went on to appear during a televised performance at the Billboard Music Awards, which took place on Sunday evening. The rapper performed his tracks Mafia and Lost Forever, during which he was accompanied by both Diddy and French Montana.

Low-profile: Scott kept a low profile for several months, before making his first public stage appearance since the festival at a nightclub in Miami earlier this month; Travis pictured on May 15



Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]
A Rock Island man who spent 22 years in solitary confinement was convicted Thursday of felony gun crimes by a federal jury.

Anthony Gay was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following three days of testimony, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the federal courthouse in Peoria. Gay faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, according to the news release.

Gay was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Rock Island police officers for a traffic violation on May 31, 2020. Gay fled from the traffic stop but fell as he was being chased by police and was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen where Gay fell, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

About two weeks later, Rock Island police were called to a motel where Gay had been renting a room. Prosecutors said motel staff discovered a bag of .45 ammunition while cleaning Gary's room and removing his belonging.

"The government also established that Gay had a number of prior felony convictions, including robbery, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon in prison," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Gay was released from prison in 2018 after serving 24 years in prison, 22 of which were spent in solitary confinement in Illinois.

Gay was sent to prison in 1994 when he was 20 years old for violating probation on a robbery charge. He was driving a car without a license and was on parole for a robbery in which he stole a hat and a $1 bill. His original seven-year prison term was subsequently extended with additional sentences totaling 90 years for assaulting correctional officers, including throwing bodily fluids. A mistake in sentencing led to consecutive sentences for each of those 17 offenses committed between 1998 and 2001.

Gay filed a lawsuit after his release against the Illinois Department of Corrections for psychological damage suffered during solitary confinement and abuse from prison guards.

While serving his original seven-year sentence, Gay alleges in court filings that he began to manifest a mental illness that caused him to act erratically. He was placed in solitary confinement following a fight with another inmate.

During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. He was prescribed psychotropic drugs, but that did not stop him from self-harming, Gay told The Pantagraph earlier this year.

Gay said that rather than being treated for his mental illness, he was continuously punished for his actions by being placed in solitary confinement with little human interaction. He was typically not allowed outside his cell, even for meals, and was only sometimes let out for short periods to exercise, The Pantagraph reported.

Settlement offer reached with Rock Island

Also on Thursday, the city of Rock Island reached a tentative settlement offer with Gay in a lawsuit filed against the city and two Rock Island police officers for alleged misconduct over a May 2020 traffic stop.

According to court filings, Gay on Thursday accepted an "offer of judgment from the city and two officers for $22,500, plus attorneys fees and costs, according to court filings. An offer of judgment, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68, is used to encourage settlements and protect parties willing to settle early in the litigation process.

Gay's attorney and an attorney for the Rock Island police officers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday morning.

In his complaint, Gay claims he was in a vehicle with family members stopped at an intersection on May 23, 2020, when they were shot at 13 times. Gay, in his handwritten complaint, said a cousin had been shot and killed earlier that day and two other cousins were injured in the shooting, and that he and three other cousins had left the hospital when the shooting occurred.

Gay said he was ordered at gunpoint by responding Rock Island police officer J.T. Key to put his hands in the air and get on his knees. He claims another officer, Scott Gable, "aggressive cuffed and forced" him to his knees after telling officers he could not kneel. While cuffed, Gay alleges Key "ran up and kneed" him in the face.

He also alleges police illegally searched him, threw his phone and illegally seized $1,500 in cash and a hotel key.

His suit claims Rock Island police violated his Fourth Amendment right, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Other counts alleged in the complaint include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unlawful detainment, unlawful imprisonment and denial of equal protection.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, who Gay alleges ignored and failed to report his claims of police misconduct, on Friday said he was unaware of the offer of judgment and could not comment.

Phone messages left with city administration and police officials were not immediately returned early Friday afternoon.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2



Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.


Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]


FAIR Applauds Preliminary Injunction against Lifting Title 42

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2022

Ruling Will Partially 'Restrain' the Biden Effort to End All Border Enforcement

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in response to a preliminary injunction blocking the Biden administration's plan to cancel Title 42, effective Monday:

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is a national, nonprofit, public-interest, membership organization of concerned citizens who share a common belief that our nation's immigration policies must be reformed to serve the national interest. Visit FAIR's website at www.fairus.org . (PRNewsFoto/FAIR)

"The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) applauds Judge Robert R. Summerhays' preliminary injunction ruling blocking the Biden administration from lifting Title 42, the only remaining mechanism for controlling our southern border.

"In its 16 months in power, the Biden administration has consciously created an unprecedented surge of illegal migration with Title 42 serving as the last constraint on its plan to completely abandon enforcement of our border. By the Department of Homeland Security's own reckoning, their decision to cancel Title 42 would have led to at least an immediate doubling of April's record number of illegal entries, all of whom they planned to quickly process and disperse around the country.

"Judge Summerhays' ruling may prevent the crisis from becoming exponentially worse, but it is not a solution to the problem the Biden administration is deliberately inflicting on the American public. The ball is now in Congress' court, which has the power to hold this rogue administration accountable for its ongoing refusal to carry out its constitutional obligation to enforce our nation's immigration laws."

Media contact: Preston Huennekens (phuennekens@fairus.org)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fair-applauds-preliminary-injunction-against-lifting-title-42-301552358.html

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)







You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]



WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The Kansas Supreme Court Friday disbarred a prosecutor who it said engaged in "a serious pattern of grossly unethical misconduct" during a 2012 trial that led to a woman being sentenced to life in prison for the murders of her ex-husband and his fiancee.

Prosecutor Jacqie Spradling "repeatedly made arguments to the jury that lacked any evidentiary support, intentionally lied to this court in her briefs and in oral arguments, and made false statements during the disciplinary investigation," the court wrote in its opinion Friday.

Spradling can no longer practice law in Kansas. An attorney for Spradling did not immediately respond to a request for comment. One justice dissented, calling Spradling one of the most skilled, successful, and expert trial attorneys in this state," though acknowledging that she made "mistakes" that were "serious and costly."

It's been 20 years since Kansas couple Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness were found gunned down in Harkness' Topeka home. In August, for the second time, Sisco's ex-wife Dana Chandler will be tried for the double murder.

Sisco, 47, and his fiancee, Harkness, 53, were each shot multiple times with a 9 mm weapon on July 7, 2002. Chandler, now 62, was questioned in the immediate aftermath, but wasn't charged at first.

For the next nine years the case received frequent publicity as investigators sought information from the public. "48 Hours" broadcast the show "Haunted" in October 2009, which looked at the cold case, including a 2007 report commissioned by law enforcement that concluded that Chandler was, in the view of law enforcement, the "primary suspect."

A detective told CBS' "48 Hours" in 2009 that investigators ruled out robbery as a motive early on, noting that Sisco had "a fairly substantial amount of cash in (his) pockets" when his body was found, money won that night at a nearby casino. Harkness was found wearing a diamond bracelet, a Rolex watch and a gold ring, according to court records.

Story continues

Instead, law enforcement focused on family members and the people who knew the victims, ultimately zeroing in on Chandler.

She was arrested and entered not guilty pleas to two counts of first-degree murder in 2011. A year later, after a trial in which her children testified against her, a Shawnee County jury convicted her on both counts and she was sentenced to life in prison. "48 Hours" broadcast a second show, "My Dad's Killer," in September 2012, reporting on the case and Chandler's trial and conviction.

The March 2012 trial included 10 days of testimony, 80 witnesses and nearly 900 exhibits, "yet despite this testimonial and documentary bulk, the State's case relied on limited circumstantial evidence," the Kansas Supreme Court would later write in ruling on her appeal from her conviction.

The evidence presented by prosecutor Jacqie Spradling wasn't just circumstantial. In at least one instance, it was "made-up" and "misleading," according to the Kansas Supreme Court, which in 2018 overturned Chandler's conviction.

In Spradling's closing arguments she asked the jury, "How else do we know the defendant is guilty? Mike got a protection from abuse, a court order."

Spradling continued: "He applied and said, 'Hey, judge, please order this woman to stay away from me and the judge agreed. And in 1998, meaning one year after he filed for the divorce, he was continuing to have problems with the defendant not leaving him alone. So he got a court order saying she has to stay away. The protection from abuse order did not stop the defendant, though."

In fact, the court said in its 2018 opinion, no such order of protection was in the trial record.

The Kansas Supreme Court found other "errors" by the prosecutor, but concluded that the prosecution's false claim about a protection order was itself enough to overturn the conviction, because it "conveyed serious adverse impressions to the jury."

"They improperly declared that a judge independently reviewed Chandler's behavior and concluded she was dangerous enough to justify a court order for Mike's protection. They also told the jury Chandler was so out of control that she violated that court order," the Kansas Supreme Court wrote then.

But the court did not dismiss the case outright and ruled instead that there was sufficient evidence to retry Chandler. It held that she "had motive and opportunity and engaged in suspicious behavior after the murders."

It found she "exhibited obsession" with Sisco and Harkness, "'increasing' during the time leading up to the murders, as there was evidence it escalated from harassing, following, and telephone calls to uninvited entry into Mike's home." "As to opportunity," the court observed, her "whereabouts were unconfirmed" at the time of the murders. And "her inconsistent statements also constitute suspicious post-murder conduct demonstrating consciousness of guilt," the court found.

In 2021, a state disciplinary board concluded that Spradling had taken a "win-at-all-costs" approach to Chandler's and one other case. It recommended that she be disbarred and that her law license be permanently suspended. Spradling's appeal of that decision ended in today's disbarment by the Kansas Supreme Court.

After Chandler's conviction was overturned, she was transferred from a state prison to the Shawnee County jail, where she has remained since 2018 awaiting her new trial.

In the years since, she has tried unsuccessfully to get the charges against her tossed or the trial moved to a different county.

One motion to dismiss filed by Chandler sought to highlight alternative suspects, including a neighbor who allegedly used a check stolen from Harkness' home. That motion was denied.

In another unsuccessful motion to dismiss, on the grounds of "misuse of the media," Chandler accused investigators of plotting to use "48 Hours" and coverage from other media outlets "to gain a tactical advantage for prosecution."

In the motion, she cited an internal 2003 detective's memo, "floating the idea of using the media to develop leads in the crime," as well as a 2009 request by investigators to have a DNA test expedited in the hopes that it could be included in a "48 Hours" episode.

After the first "48 Hours" show aired, detectives cited it in an effort to get one of Chandler's relatives to cooperate, a transcript of the interrogation shows. After her conviction was overturned, Chandler tried unsuccessfully several times to subpoena a "48 Hours" producer and a correspondent, before eventually withdrawing her request to do so.

The motion also cited NBC and Discovery: ID coverage of her case, as well as extensive local newspaper coverage.

A filing by attorneys seeking a change of venue for Chandler's trial sought to highlight the impact of media coverage in Shawnee County, where her upcoming trial will take place.

A research firm hired by her attorneys conducted a survey in Shawnee and nearby Johnson County. Of 302 people in Shawnee surveyed, 200 recognized the case, and 99 said they believed Chandler to be guilty. In Johnson County, just 25 out of 302 people surveyed recognized the case, with five people believing Chandler was guilty. Their request to move the trial location was denied.

Chandler, who maintains her innocence, is being held in jail on $1,000,000 bond. She has asked repeatedly for a reduction in that amount but those requests have been denied. Her jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 1.

San Francisco archbishop says Nancy Pelosi can't receive communion

Oklahoma passes strict bill banning nearly all abortions

Biden takes first trip to Asia since taking office



You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
As of March 11, army tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life in prison.

A relative waits in front of the Insein Prison for the release of prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2022.

Myanmars junta condemned seven youths to death this week in the Yangon region after a secret military tribunal found them guilty of murder, a junta newspaper reported.

The seven, all from all from Hlaingtharyar township in the countrys largest city Yangon Region, were ruled guilty of taking part in the March 6 murder of a ward official suspected of being a police informer and sentenced to death on Wednesday under Section 54 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

As of March 11, military tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life imprisonment, RFA reporting has revealed. No executions have been reported by the military regime that overthrew Myanmars elected government on Feb. 1, 2021.

The seven were identified as Ye Min Naing, Soe Moe, Thant Zin, Daewa, San Shay, Athay Lay and Aye Aye Min.

Another youth, Htet Myat Naing from Yangons North Dagon township, was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Law for having links to and collecting money for terrorist organizations.

An underground youth activist in Yangon said the military is imposing harsh punishments on young people to discourage them from participating in resistance movements against the junta, the junta newspaper said.

"The deliberate arrests of young people and such harsh sentences are attempts to intimidate the youth not to be involved in the revolution. No matter what they do, young people are already determined to march on with this, he told RFA.

Lawyers have argued that the sentences imposed by military tribunals handing down highest sentences on the youth are unjust and punishable.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said the government was not targeting young people but was prosecuting violators of the law.

According to Thai-based rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma, a total of 10,707 people were arrested and 1,072 of them were imprisoned between Feb. 1, 2021 and May 19, 2022, and 72 have been sentenced to death, including 2 children. And another 41 have been sentenced to death in absentia.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written by Paul Eckert.
WARSAW, Poland  The three-year-old was too sick to leave his hotel room.

Stanislav Iskra has had congenital heart disease since he was born. A second surgery was already planned for when he turned three.

Then the war started.

Now, as the young Ukrainian lay in his hotel bed 500 miles from home, his oxygen levels dipped dangerously low. His pulse raced. Hed spent the night feverish and throwing up. His lips and fingertips had turned purple.

Downstairs, a volunteer doctor hustled from patient to patient in the hotel storage room being used as a makeshift doctors office. As Dr. Mary Tao listened to childrens lungs and doled out cough syrup, a volunteer told her about Stanislav.

Could Dr. Tao visit his room?

The California physician was expecting to see dehydration or stomach flu, like she had in other shelters filled with families who had fled the war. Volunteers knew Stanislav was sick, but they hadnt heard about his heart defect.

When the doctor entered the ninth-floor room and saw Stanislav, she knew: The boys heart needed treatment now.

The 5.4 million Ukrainians who have fled the country since Russias attack arrived in places like Poland needing food, shelter, and safety.

But, once hundreds of them reached their temporary destination  this hotel where most of the rooms are rented by Nebraskans for Ukrainian refugees  they also needed medical care.

Some were dehydrated and exhausted after fleeing home and walking dozens of miles. Others needed treatment for chronic conditions: Diabetes. Dementia. Heart failure.

And one little boy arrived suffering from a congenital heart defect.

Stanislav and his mother, Nataliia, are staying at the Best Western Hotel Felix Warsaw, the de facto headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-led effort to raise funds and shelter refugee families.

For the sick boy and others in the hotel, the stopgap solution has become a cobbled-together network of volunteer doctors and nurses from Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, too. They use donated medicines and supplies the doctors and nurses bring with them from across the world. They dispense over-the-counter medicines bought by Operation Safe Harbor funds at pharmacies around Warsaw.

In this spare room on the hotels eighth floor, volunteers, including some from Nebraska, all cross paths as they work to keep Ukrainian families healthy. Its where, on any given day, they do whatever they can to manage the myriad health crises that unfold.

On a recent Friday, volunteer Dr. Anastasia Shnitser, born in Ukraine and now living in Pennsylvania, treated 15 patients in two hours. While Shnitser visited with patients, Nebraska volunteers managed the line of mothers and children waiting to be seen: Are you here for the doctor? She is with someone, but please wait in the hall, they said, using a translation app on their phones.

Nebraska-born nurses Kathleen Nene DeRoos Nolan and Margaret Mundy Hageman spent their days in the hotel piecing together a list of every room. Whos staying there? What medications do they take? What illnesses and pains are they dealing with?

The pair started instituting regular room visits, checking on the medications of older patients, making sure they werent taking too much or too little of something. They referred people to nearby Polish clinics when an illness needed a prescription medication.

And then theres the day when Tao and Dr. Yelena Kolezeva visited. A string of sick children awaited them in the hallway. And then they learned of Stanislav upstairs, urgently needing care.

Tao, the LA-based doctor, needed to convince his mother that a trip to the hospital was necessary and wouldnt cost a fortune. Volunteers needed to find someone who could translate both Polish and Russian when the ambulance arrived at the hospital. And they needed to rein in their own emotions  Lincoln resident and volunteer Mandy Haase-Thomas, the operations director at the Lincoln Childrens Museum, held back tears as she figured out how to get Stanislav care.

When Stanislav and his mother arrived in Warsaw, they were told it would take at least a year to see a cardiologist, regardless of the 3-year-olds diagnosis. Had they stayed in Ukraine, he possibly could have gotten surgery, his mother thinks. But it was too big a risk  shells frequently fly over the Kiev-area clinic where he would have been treated, and emergency rooms are overrun with the wounded, she said.

In both Ukraine and Poland, shelters and clinics need medical supplies. Tao and her team brought with them dozens of checked suitcases and rolling bags that they pulled off the baggage claim and lugged to their hotel. They shipped a pallet loaded with supplies that made a byzantine trip through customs before arriving in Warsaw.

In all, they delivered about 1,000 pounds of medicines and supplies, most of it they eventually drove into Ukraine. Tao put $30,000 of her own savings and loans toward making the deliveries possible.

The American doctors hosted clinics in Ukrainian churches and orphanages, where lines snaked out the doors and people waited hours to be seen.

Through her nonprofit, Agape Blessings Cure, Tao is working on establishing more telehealth resources for people still in Ukraine to alleviate pressure on a healthcare system strained by war. Shes trying to buy at-home medical exam kits  handheld devices that let patients check vitals and exams from home, using an app to connect them with doctors abroad.

A shipment of the handheld machines did arrive in Kiev earlier in the war. They were destroyed by Russian shells before Tao could get to them.

In the hotel, a stockpile of donated medicines and supplies fill up a corner of the eighth-floor room. Before, Operation Safe Harbor had a cardboard box filled with a random assortment of over-the-counter medicines. Now, the supplies take up large plastic drawers, each labeled in both Russian and English in Shnitsers doctors scrawl.

DeRoos Nolan, the Omahan who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said it feels like the lessons shes learned from each step in her career have come together as shes helped refugee families.

She spent years working in home rehab, visiting multiple houses a day and treating different medical needs in each. She spent time working in the ICU, prioritizing needs and problem solving as quickly as possible.

Now, she specializes in infectious disease prevention  a fitting skill set for the hotel. With so many people living in close quarters, the spread of colds, flus and COVID-19 is inevitable.

Mundy Hageman, the Omaha native who now lives in a Minneapolis suburb, spent most of her career focusing on mental health with young children. She hoped to hold a group therapy session for the mothers in the hotel. But the two nurses were spread too thin, and lacked the ability to translate sessions.

At the moment, keeping families physically healthy is somewhat manageable, the two said during a Zoom interview in mid-May. Volunteers keep an ongoing supply of medicine flowing into the hotel. Theyve learned more about the Polish health care system, and know the location of all the closest pharmacies and clinics.

But in a hotel filled with stories of trauma, theyre worried about the families mental health needs. At a clinic in Warsaw, Nolan asked if there were any mental health supports for refugee families.

No, clinic staff said. But they offered sessions for those aiding refugees.

Theres also the fear that volunteer support will start to dwindle the longer the war goes on.

Tao only crossed paths with Stanislav and his mother because the doctor missed her flight out of Warsaw that morning  she and her team had been stuck in the miles-long line of cars leaving Ukraine, after spending a week hosting clinics throughout the country.

An hour after Tao visited Stanislav in his hotel room, the 3-year-old was being raced to the hospital in an ambulance.

He left the hospital with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics and a referral for a cardiac surgeon.

His mother was told someone would call to set up an appointment. Its been a week and she hasnt heard back.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
As of March 11, army tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life in prison.

A relative waits in front of the Insein Prison for the release of prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2022.

Myanmars junta condemned seven youths to death this week in the Yangon region after a secret military tribunal found them guilty of murder, a junta newspaper reported.

The seven, all from all from Hlaingtharyar township in the countrys largest city Yangon Region, were ruled guilty of taking part in the March 6 murder of a ward official suspected of being a police informer and sentenced to death on Wednesday under Section 54 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

As of March 11, military tribunals in the Yangon region have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life imprisonment, RFA reporting has revealed. No executions have been reported by the military regime that overthrew Myanmars elected government on Feb. 1, 2021.

The seven were identified as Ye Min Naing, Soe Moe, Thant Zin, Daewa, San Shay, Athay Lay and Aye Aye Min.

Another youth, Htet Myat Naing from Yangons North Dagon township, was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison under Section 50(j) of the Anti-Terrorism Law for having links to and collecting money for terrorist organizations.

An underground youth activist in Yangon said the military is imposing harsh punishments on young people to discourage them from participating in resistance movements against the junta, the junta newspaper said.

"The deliberate arrests of young people and such harsh sentences are attempts to intimidate the youth not to be involved in the revolution. No matter what they do, young people are already determined to march on with this, he told RFA.

Lawyers have argued that the sentences imposed by military tribunals handing down highest sentences on the youth are unjust and punishable.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said the government was not targeting young people but was prosecuting violators of the law.

According to Thai-based rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma, a total of 10,707 people were arrested and 1,072 of them were imprisoned between Feb. 1, 2021 and May 19, 2022, and 72 have been sentenced to death, including 2 children. And another 41 have been sentenced to death in absentia.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written by Paul Eckert.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
Live news updates: Sri Lanka's prime minister has warned of a food shortage as the island nation battles a devastating economic crisis and vowed the government will buy enough fertiliser for the next planting season to boost harvests. A decision in April last year by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ban all chemical fertilisers drastically cut crop yields and although the government has reversed the ban, no substantial imports have yet taken place.

Issuing an alert to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Central government has asked them to keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation, in wake of a rapid spurt of cases abroad, and send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

India attracted total foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow of $83.57 billion in the financial year 2021-22, up by 1.95 per cent on-year, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday. Total includes equity capital of unincorporated bodies, reinvest earnings and other capital.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.

The weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown in China has taken a huge mental health toll, with more than 40 percent of the city's 26 million residents reporting symptoms of depression in a recent poll.



Shanghai residents have been battling food shortages, barriers to medical treatment, repeated mass, compulsory PCR and antigen testing, as well as the constant threat of being sent off to an isolation camp or makeshift hospital, having their pets killed and their homes ransacked by "disinfection" teams, or being welded inside their homes by local officials keen to hit the right quotas in the service of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy.



A poll of more than 1,000 Shanghai residents conducted by the @Zhaoluming Weibo account found that more than 400 of them reported having experienced a "depressed mood" during lockdown.



A resident of downtown Shanghai surnamed Wang said he believes the true number of depressed people could be much higher.



"Forty percent? I would say more like 80 percent," Wang said. "Everyone has a sense of resentment and their psychology isn't quite normal, whole communities shut up like animals in a zoo."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

Qiu Jianzhen, director of the outpatient department of psychological counseling and treatment at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, said in a recent interview with state broadcaster CCTV that the number of calls to the center's psychological hotline had nearly tripled in the past month to more than 3,000.



Eighty percent of callers cited the pandemic as an issue for their mental health, Qiu said.



"If you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance, the neighborhood committee needs to sign off with a certificate and a letter of commitment," Wang told RFA. "There is a lot of anger about that, because what if it's urgent?"



"Most of the people who live in my compound are temporary workers, so if they can't work, they get no wages," he said. "Even if they lift the lockdown, who will compensate us for the loss of more than a month's income?"



"How can the small company bosses do that ... when they are going bankrupt themselves?"



Visible toll

Wang lives in a low-income district of Puxi with his family, and was mostly worried about how to feed his kids when lockdown came.

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters



"Adults can maybe get by on frozen food, but I was worried about the kids not having any milk or any fruit," Wang said. "We would try to make a 950 ml bottle of milk last a few days, but then what would we do after that?"



And it's not just the economically marginalized who are suffering.



Wang said the burden on working parents will likely increase now that people are gradually returning to work.



"My former colleague was complaining that now they have to try to grab food, keep up with antigen and PCR testing, talk to their kids' teachers, all while taking part in meetings via video call," he said. "She's going crazy."



Wang said the toll taken on people's well-being was very visible in his neighborhood.



"There were people who jumped off the top of the building in the residential neighborhood next to us, and I saw news of people jumping from buildings, not just in text, but video clips, which have a psychological impact in themselves," Wang said.



"It's hard not to be depressed in such circumstances," he said.



A white-collar worker surnamed Li, who works for a large foreign company, said he has sought out psychological counseling during lockdown despite not having financial worries.



"It's like being incarcerated for one or two months," Li said. "Loss of freedom over a long period of time will give rise to a lot of negative emotions, the most prominent of which is anger."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

'I totally lost control'

A resident of Jing'an district surnamed said she had a mental breakdown over the authorities' chaotic handling of mass COVID-19 tests, after she started to show symptoms on , but was left without a PCR test despite requesting one.



"On the night of I went totally crazy, calling the emergency services many times," said. "I totally lost control."



"If the ambulance hadn't come, I would have run out right there ... and started spreading the virus."



Eventually, and her symptomatic family were taken to an isolation facility, but she suspects the delay in testing them was due to a political attempt to massage new case figures.



She pointed to repeated complaints on social media that officials appeared to hand out test results and change them at will.



"There were people testing positives and they said they were negative, and people testing negative who they said were positive," said.



In universities students have complained of unclean food and lack of support for their mental health.



A psychology lecturer surnamed Chen said one woman had to spend thousands of yuan to escape the city by private taxi after being stuck in a situation of food scarcity while suffering from anorexia nervosa.



"She couldn't eat, and her mental state was very bad," he said. "She had a relapse [of anorexia] after being stuck inside the dorm building since early March."



Serene, an international school counselor, said many of her students have gone back to their parental homes, while mental health problems have doubled among those who remained.



"It's mostly about conflicts with parents, but since the pandemic also about difficulties with distance-learning," she said. "There is also the lack of interaction with peers and lack of social support."



"One of my students was having difficulty with interpersonal communication, but he had bravely begun to take the first steps before the pandemic, and had formed some relationships," she said. "But when the pandemic came ... he told me he feared he would never make friends again."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown in China has taken a huge mental health toll, with more than 40 percent of the city's 26 million residents reporting symptoms of depression in a recent poll.



Shanghai residents have been battling food shortages, barriers to medical treatment, repeated mass, compulsory PCR and antigen testing, as well as the constant threat of being sent off to an isolation camp or makeshift hospital, having their pets killed and their homes ransacked by "disinfection" teams, or being welded inside their homes by local officials keen to hit the right quotas in the service of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy.



A poll of more than 1,000 Shanghai residents conducted by the @Zhaoluming Weibo account found that more than 400 of them reported having experienced a "depressed mood" during lockdown.



A resident of downtown Shanghai surnamed Wang said he believes the true number of depressed people could be much higher.



"Forty percent? I would say more like 80 percent," Wang said. "Everyone has a sense of resentment and their psychology isn't quite normal, whole communities shut up like animals in a zoo."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

Qiu Jianzhen, director of the outpatient department of psychological counseling and treatment at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, said in a recent interview with state broadcaster CCTV that the number of calls to the center's psychological hotline had nearly tripled in the past month to more than 3,000.



Eighty percent of callers cited the pandemic as an issue for their mental health, Qiu said.



"If you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance, the neighborhood committee needs to sign off with a certificate and a letter of commitment," Wang told RFA. "There is a lot of anger about that, because what if it's urgent?"



"Most of the people who live in my compound are temporary workers, so if they can't work, they get no wages," he said. "Even if they lift the lockdown, who will compensate us for the loss of more than a month's income?"



"How can the small company bosses do that ... when they are going bankrupt themselves?"



Visible toll

Wang lives in a low-income district of Puxi with his family, and was mostly worried about how to feed his kids when lockdown came.

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters



"Adults can maybe get by on frozen food, but I was worried about the kids not having any milk or any fruit," Wang said. "We would try to make a 950 ml bottle of milk last a few days, but then what would we do after that?"



And it's not just the economically marginalized who are suffering.



Wang said the burden on working parents will likely increase now that people are gradually returning to work.



"My former colleague was complaining that now they have to try to grab food, keep up with antigen and PCR testing, talk to their kids' teachers, all while taking part in meetings via video call," he said. "She's going crazy."



Wang said the toll taken on people's well-being was very visible in his neighborhood.



"There were people who jumped off the top of the building in the residential neighborhood next to us, and I saw news of people jumping from buildings, not just in text, but video clips, which have a psychological impact in themselves," Wang said.



"It's hard not to be depressed in such circumstances," he said.



A white-collar worker surnamed Li, who works for a large foreign company, said he has sought out psychological counseling during lockdown despite not having financial worries.



"It's like being incarcerated for one or two months," Li said. "Loss of freedom over a long period of time will give rise to a lot of negative emotions, the most prominent of which is anger."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

'I totally lost control'

A resident of Jing'an district surnamed said she had a mental breakdown over the authorities' chaotic handling of mass COVID-19 tests, after she started to show symptoms on , but was left without a PCR test despite requesting one.



"On the night of I went totally crazy, calling the emergency services many times," said. "I totally lost control."



"If the ambulance hadn't come, I would have run out right there ... and started spreading the virus."



Eventually, and her symptomatic family were taken to an isolation facility, but she suspects the delay in testing them was due to a political attempt to massage new case figures.



She pointed to repeated complaints on social media that officials appeared to hand out test results and change them at will.



"There were people testing positives and they said they were negative, and people testing negative who they said were positive," said.



In universities students have complained of unclean food and lack of support for their mental health.



A psychology lecturer surnamed Chen said one woman had to spend thousands of yuan to escape the city by private taxi after being stuck in a situation of food scarcity while suffering from anorexia nervosa.



"She couldn't eat, and her mental state was very bad," he said. "She had a relapse [of anorexia] after being stuck inside the dorm building since early March."



Serene, an international school counselor, said many of her students have gone back to their parental homes, while mental health problems have doubled among those who remained.



"It's mostly about conflicts with parents, but since the pandemic also about difficulties with distance-learning," she said. "There is also the lack of interaction with peers and lack of social support."



"One of my students was having difficulty with interpersonal communication, but he had bravely begun to take the first steps before the pandemic, and had formed some relationships," she said. "But when the pandemic came ... he told me he feared he would never make friends again."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown in China has taken a huge mental health toll, with more than 40 percent of the city's 26 million residents reporting symptoms of depression in a recent poll.



Shanghai residents have been battling food shortages, barriers to medical treatment, repeated mass, compulsory PCR and antigen testing, as well as the constant threat of being sent off to an isolation camp or makeshift hospital, having their pets killed and their homes ransacked by "disinfection" teams, or being welded inside their homes by local officials keen to hit the right quotas in the service of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy.



A poll of more than 1,000 Shanghai residents conducted by the @Zhaoluming Weibo account found that more than 400 of them reported having experienced a "depressed mood" during lockdown.



A resident of downtown Shanghai surnamed Wang said he believes the true number of depressed people could be much higher.



"Forty percent? I would say more like 80 percent," Wang said. "Everyone has a sense of resentment and their psychology isn't quite normal, whole communities shut up like animals in a zoo."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

Qiu Jianzhen, director of the outpatient department of psychological counseling and treatment at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, said in a recent interview with state broadcaster CCTV that the number of calls to the center's psychological hotline had nearly tripled in the past month to more than 3,000.



Eighty percent of callers cited the pandemic as an issue for their mental health, Qiu said.



"If you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance, the neighborhood committee needs to sign off with a certificate and a letter of commitment," Wang told RFA. "There is a lot of anger about that, because what if it's urgent?"



"Most of the people who live in my compound are temporary workers, so if they can't work, they get no wages," he said. "Even if they lift the lockdown, who will compensate us for the loss of more than a month's income?"



"How can the small company bosses do that ... when they are going bankrupt themselves?"



Visible toll

Wang lives in a low-income district of Puxi with his family, and was mostly worried about how to feed his kids when lockdown came.

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters



"Adults can maybe get by on frozen food, but I was worried about the kids not having any milk or any fruit," Wang said. "We would try to make a 950 ml bottle of milk last a few days, but then what would we do after that?"



And it's not just the economically marginalized who are suffering.



Wang said the burden on working parents will likely increase now that people are gradually returning to work.



"My former colleague was complaining that now they have to try to grab food, keep up with antigen and PCR testing, talk to their kids' teachers, all while taking part in meetings via video call," he said. "She's going crazy."



Wang said the toll taken on people's well-being was very visible in his neighborhood.



"There were people who jumped off the top of the building in the residential neighborhood next to us, and I saw news of people jumping from buildings, not just in text, but video clips, which have a psychological impact in themselves," Wang said.



"It's hard not to be depressed in such circumstances," he said.



A white-collar worker surnamed Li, who works for a large foreign company, said he has sought out psychological counseling during lockdown despite not having financial worries.



"It's like being incarcerated for one or two months," Li said. "Loss of freedom over a long period of time will give rise to a lot of negative emotions, the most prominent of which is anger."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

'I totally lost control'

A resident of Jing'an district surnamed said she had a mental breakdown over the authorities' chaotic handling of mass COVID-19 tests, after she started to show symptoms on , but was left without a PCR test despite requesting one.



"On the night of I went totally crazy, calling the emergency services many times," said. "I totally lost control."



"If the ambulance hadn't come, I would have run out right there ... and started spreading the virus."



Eventually, and her symptomatic family were taken to an isolation facility, but she suspects the delay in testing them was due to a political attempt to massage new case figures.



She pointed to repeated complaints on social media that officials appeared to hand out test results and change them at will.



"There were people testing positives and they said they were negative, and people testing negative who they said were positive," said.



In universities students have complained of unclean food and lack of support for their mental health.



A psychology lecturer surnamed Chen said one woman had to spend thousands of yuan to escape the city by private taxi after being stuck in a situation of food scarcity while suffering from anorexia nervosa.



"She couldn't eat, and her mental state was very bad," he said. "She had a relapse [of anorexia] after being stuck inside the dorm building since early March."



Serene, an international school counselor, said many of her students have gone back to their parental homes, while mental health problems have doubled among those who remained.



"It's mostly about conflicts with parents, but since the pandemic also about difficulties with distance-learning," she said. "There is also the lack of interaction with peers and lack of social support."



"One of my students was having difficulty with interpersonal communication, but he had bravely begun to take the first steps before the pandemic, and had formed some relationships," she said. "But when the pandemic came ... he told me he feared he would never make friends again."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
Placeholder while article actions load

Veteran wins earplug lawsuit against 3M Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight A jury in Pensacola, Fla., federal court on Friday ordered 3M to pay $77.5 million to a U.S. Army veteran who said he suffered hearing damage as a result of using the companys military-issue earplugs. The verdict for veteran James Beal is the largest yet for an individual in a sprawling litigation over the earplugs that as of May 16 included more than 290,000 claims in the Pensacola court, by far the largest mass tort litigation in U.S. history.

Beals trial was the last of an initial set of 16 trials held to test the strength of plaintiffs claims and facilitate settlement talks. Of those bellwether trials, plaintiffs prevailed in 10, winning a total of nearly $300 million. Juries sided with 3M in the remaining six.

It is clear 3Ms defenses  whether in the courts, to investors, or the public  are unconvincing and without merit, lawyers for the plaintiffs said in a joint statement.

Advertisement

We are disappointed and will appeal todays verdict, the company said in a statement. As in previous bellwether trials, we were prevented from presenting crucial evidence to the jury, and we will address that issue, among others, in our appeal.

Beal, who served in the Army from 2005 to 2009 and in the Army Reserves until 2011, said he wore 3Ms Combat Arms Earplugs version 2 while using a variety of weapons and as a result suffers from hearing loss and tinnitus.

Aearo Technologies, which 3M bought in 2008, developed the earplugs, which were issued to military service members between 2003 and 2015. Plaintiffs allege the company hid design flaws, fudged test results and failed to provide instructions for the proper use of the earplugs.

 Reuters

First Hyundai EV plant in U.S. planned for Ga.

South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group said on Friday it plans to invest about $5.54 billion to build its first dedicated full electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Advertisement

Hyundai will break ground on its new facility in Georgia in early 2023 and is expected to begin commercial production in the first half of 2025 with an annual capacity of 300,000 EV units, the company said in a statement.

The South Korean auto group said it intends to create about 8,100 jobs.

Hyundai Motor Group, which houses Hyundai Motor and Kia, added that the battery manufacturing facility will be established through a strategic partnership, details of which will be disclosed at a later stage.

The plant is a key part of Hyundais $7.4 billion planned investment in the United States through 2025 to foster future mobility.

 Reuters

Wells Fargo Advisors to settle SEC case

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday said Wells Fargo Advisors had agreed to pay $7 million to settle charges of anti-money laundering-related violations.

Advertisement

The regulator said Wells Fargo Advisors failed to file at least 34 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in a timely manner between April 2017 and October 2021.

At Wells Fargo Advisors, we take regulatory responsibilities seriously, bank spokeswoman Shea Leordeanu said in an emailed statement. This matter refers to legacy issues that impacted a transaction monitoring system and the issues were resolved promptly upon discovery.

The lapse arose because the broker failed to properly implement and test a new version of its internal anti-money laundering (AML) transaction monitoring and alert system adopted in January 2019, the SEC said. The system failed to reconcile the different country codes.

 Reuters

Match Group said on Friday that Alphabet's Google will allow the dating apps maker to offer users a choice in payment systems, eliminating Google's control over user data. Match sued Google in May, calling the action a "last resort" to prevent Tinder and its other apps from being booted off the Google Play store for refusing to share up to 30 percent of sales. The company said it has withdrawn its request for a temporary restraining order against Google after some concessions, including eliminating its complete control over user data.

 From news services

GiftOutline Gift Article

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
AUBURN  Auburn Fire Chief Mark Fritz said the department's fire academy program happened out of necessity.

At the start of the Auburn Fire Department Recruit Firefighter Training Program Graduation Ceremony on Friday morning, Fritz told people gathered at the event at the fire station that different central New York agencies had recruited personnel they needed trained.

Sixteen recruits were set to graduate, with seven for the AFD and others who will work in departments in Oswego, Cortland and Manlius.

Fritz said the Auburn Fire Department had opened fire academies in the past, "so once it became obvious that the only option we had was to conduct our own fire academy," Auburn's own program was devised, with about three weeks to put it together. Assistant Auburn Fire Chiefs William DiFabio and Michael Grady were instructors.

The participants came to the station five days a week for nine weeks, with each day starting at 6 a.m, Fritz added.

"When they walk out of here, with their badges on their uniforms, they will have gone from recruits to firefighters," he said, then addressing the recruits. "Men, I have watched you through this process. I have you seen grow, I've seen you mature, I've seen you come together as a team."

Fritz said he was proud of the recruits. DiFabio talked about the challenging tasks the recruits dealt with as a part of their training and how well they did.

"I truly believe in front of me are the future leaders of the Auburn, Oswego, Cortland and Manlius fire departments," DiFabio said. "Remember, men, being a leader doesn't necessarily have anything to do with on what's on your job."

Other speakers included Grady and Oswego graduate Jeff Blanchard, who served as the class speaker. Blanchard talked about the lessons he learned that aren't found in textbooks, including continuing to try if you don't succeed at first, actively hydrating and that "fire service is family."

Officials from each department placed firefighter badges on their new recruits, with Fritz doing the honors for the Auburn personnel.

After the ceremony, Fritz said last fall, the AFD received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency paying the salaries and benefits of five firefighters for three years, but those firefighters would have be hired within six months.

Earlier this year it became clear the Auburn department wouldn't be able to get their recruits in any fire academies because spots weren't open, Fritz said, which made it necessary for Auburn to start its own program. In addition to those five recruits, two more were brought on because of a couple retirements, so the seven recruits were hired before the academy started.

Several AFD members are state certified fire instructors and other departments had recruits, so they were offered seats in Auburn's program, Fritz said. Auburn had previously held fire academies as needed, Fritz said that when "I came on 27 years ago, I was in an AFD academy." He also said if Auburn and other departments had these needs again, they would consider rerunning the academy program. Fritz said the academy was "just the beginning" for every recruit, since every one will go back to their departments and receive additional training for the rest of their careers.

For example. Auburn's seven recruits will begin emergency medical technician training for four weeks starting Monday, Fritz said. After, they will be assigned to their companies and receive more training. Fritz praised the recruits and everyone else who helped bring the academy to fruition

"I've very proud of (the recruits), I'm very proud of my staff for being able to put this academy together with such short notice, and very pleased with the level of instruction that they were able to deliver," he said. "The fact that all 16 candidates were successful is a testament to the program."

During the ceremony, Auburn recruit Michael Boglione received recognition for getting the best time on the Candidate Physical Ability Test, an assessment for firefighters. Boglione, who is from Auburn, said he was happy about getting the best time, since he was the oldest of the recruits.

Adding his prior job was working on and installing garage doors, Boglione said people he knows in fire service suggested he take the civil service test and explained the career. He congratulated his fellow recruits.

"It's a relief to be done, but exciting to start our new careers," he said.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
AUBURN  Auburn Fire Chief Mark Fritz said the department's fire academy program happened out of necessity.

At the start of the Auburn Fire Department Recruit Firefighter Training Program Graduation Ceremony on Friday morning, Fritz told people gathered at the event at the fire station that different central New York agencies had recruited personnel they needed trained.

Sixteen recruits were set to graduate, with seven for the AFD and others who will work in departments in Oswego, Cortland and Manlius.

Fritz said the Auburn Fire Department had opened fire academies in the past, "so once it became obvious that the only option we had was to conduct our own fire academy," Auburn's own program was devised, with about three weeks to put it together. Assistant Auburn Fire Chiefs William DiFabio and Michael Grady were instructors.

The participants came to the station five days a week for nine weeks, with each day starting at 6 a.m, Fritz added.

"When they walk out of here, with their badges on their uniforms, they will have gone from recruits to firefighters," he said, then addressing the recruits. "Men, I have watched you through this process. I have you seen grow, I've seen you mature, I've seen you come together as a team."

Fritz said he was proud of the recruits. DiFabio talked about the challenging tasks the recruits dealt with as a part of their training and how well they did.

"I truly believe in front of me are the future leaders of the Auburn, Oswego, Cortland and Manlius fire departments," DiFabio said. "Remember, men, being a leader doesn't necessarily have anything to do with on what's on your job."

Other speakers included Grady and Oswego graduate Jeff Blanchard, who served as the class speaker. Blanchard talked about the lessons he learned that aren't found in textbooks, including continuing to try if you don't succeed at first, actively hydrating and that "fire service is family."

Officials from each department placed firefighter badges on their new recruits, with Fritz doing the honors for the Auburn personnel.

After the ceremony, Fritz said last fall, the AFD received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency paying the salaries and benefits of five firefighters for three years, but those firefighters would have be hired within six months.

Earlier this year it became clear the Auburn department wouldn't be able to get their recruits in any fire academies because spots weren't open, Fritz said, which made it necessary for Auburn to start its own program. In addition to those five recruits, two more were brought on because of a couple retirements, so the seven recruits were hired before the academy started.

Several AFD members are state certified fire instructors and other departments had recruits, so they were offered seats in Auburn's program, Fritz said. Auburn had previously held fire academies as needed, Fritz said that when "I came on 27 years ago, I was in an AFD academy." He also said if Auburn and other departments had these needs again, they would consider rerunning the academy program. Fritz said the academy was "just the beginning" for every recruit, since every one will go back to their departments and receive additional training for the rest of their careers.

For example. Auburn's seven recruits will begin emergency medical technician training for four weeks starting Monday, Fritz said. After, they will be assigned to their companies and receive more training. Fritz praised the recruits and everyone else who helped bring the academy to fruition

"I've very proud of (the recruits), I'm very proud of my staff for being able to put this academy together with such short notice, and very pleased with the level of instruction that they were able to deliver," he said. "The fact that all 16 candidates were successful is a testament to the program."

During the ceremony, Auburn recruit Michael Boglione received recognition for getting the best time on the Candidate Physical Ability Test, an assessment for firefighters. Boglione, who is from Auburn, said he was happy about getting the best time, since he was the oldest of the recruits.

Adding his prior job was working on and installing garage doors, Boglione said people he knows in fire service suggested he take the civil service test and explained the career. He congratulated his fellow recruits.

"It's a relief to be done, but exciting to start our new careers," he said.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Farmers Edge Inc. (Farmers Edge or the Company) (TSX: FDGE), a global leader in digital agriculture, today announced the departure of its Chief Technology Officer Ron Osborne, effective May 31, 2022.

Osborne joined Farmers Edge in 2014 and championed a culture of continuous innovation. Under his leadership, the Company made significant technological strides in artificial intelligence and machine learning, attracted leading tech talent, accelerated its development velocity, launched next-generation digital tools, and established the right technology foundation for future growth and success. Osborne will remain involved as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.

I would like to thank Ron for his exceptional leadership, unrelenting dedication, and extraordinary contributions to the Company over the last eight years. The progress made in our technology has been nothing short of incredible. He has a unique combination of talent, expertise, deep industry knowledge, and genuine passion for agriculture. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Ron and help Farmers Edge forge a path of global leadership. We wish him success in all his future endeavours, says Wade Barnes, Farmers Edge Founder and CEO.

Ron Osborne shared his thoughts: Ive had an immensely fulfilling career with Farmers Edge. It has been an honour and privilege to lead a team of incredibly talented individuals, determined to go far beyond industry standards to transform data into intelligence and deliver disruptive technologies. I am very pleased to have helped Farmers Edge progress to an exciting state of its technological evolution. This team has my absolute confidence that they will continue to build on the excellent work we did together and develop cutting-edge innovations to cement the Companys leadership in the industry.

About Farmers Edge

Farmers Edge is a global leader in digital agriculture, revolutionizing the industry with a broad portfolio of proprietary technological innovations, spanning hardware, software, and services. Powered by a unique combination of connected field sensors, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and agronomic expertise, the Companys digital platform turns data into actions and intelligent insights, delivering value to all stakeholders of the agricultural ecosystem. Farmers Edge disruptive technologies accelerate digital adoption on the farm and beyond, protecting our global resources and ensuring sustainable food production for a rapidly growing population. For more information, please visit www.farmersedge.ca and SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005471/en/

Farmers Edge Media Relations:

Richard Berman

[email protected]

(647) 294-8372

Source: Farmers Edge
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

Vendor Insights

The carbon accounting software market is fragmented, and the vendors are deploying organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including:

Carbon Analytics Ltd.

CarbonetiX

ENGIE SA

Greenstep Oy

Intelex Technologies Inc.

Lisam Systems SA

SAP SE

SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd.

Simble Solutions Ltd.

Wolters Kluwer NV

Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings. View a Sample Report .

Geographical Market Analysis

North America will provide maximum growth opportunities in the carbon accounting software market during the forecast period. According to our research, the region will contribute to 37% of the global market growth. The US is a major country for the carbon accounting software market in North America. Concerns among corporations regarding increasing CO2 emission rates will drive the carbon accounting software market growth in North America during the forecast period.

Know more about this market's geographical distribution along with a detailed analysis of the top regions. View our Report Snapshot

Key Segment Analysis

The oil and gas segment will have significant market share growth during the forecast period. Oil and gas enterprises need carbon accounting software to account for and report carbon emissions from various stages of their value chain.

View a Report Sample: to know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years.

Key Market Drivers & Challenges:

The need to reduce the overall costs incurred by enterprises is driving the carbon accounting software market. The use of carbon accounting can help enterprises identify business activities that use more energy, which helps reduce the use of energy as well as resources. Thus, measuring the carbon footprint helps in reducing the overall costs incurred by enterprises.

The difficulty in capturing energy usage data will challenge the carbon accounting software market during the forecast period. However, most organizations rarely track their energy usage. Estimating the use of energy by equipment such as chillers, trucks, fleets, remote offices, and generators is complex and time-consuming.

Download a report sample for highlights on market Drivers & Challenges impacting the market.

Customize Your Report

Don't miss out on the opportunity to speak to our analyst and know more insights about this market report. Our analysts can also help you customize this report according to your needs. Our analysts and industry experts will work directly with you to understand your requirements and provide you with customized data in a short amount of time.

We offer customization at the time of purchase. Speak to our Analyst now!

Related Reports:

Vendor Management Software Market by End-user, Deployment, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026

Recruitment Software Market by Deployment and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026

Carbon Accounting Software Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 25% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 6.38 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 22.43 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 37% Key consumer countries US, China, Germany, UK, Japan, and Saudi Arabia Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled Carbon Analytics Ltd., CarbonetiX, ENGIE SA, Greenstep Oy, Intelex Technologies Inc., Lisam Systems SA, SAP SE, SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd., Simble Solutions Ltd., and Wolters Kluwer NV Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 09: Parent market



Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 12: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2021

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026

Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

4 Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 18: Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.7 Market condition

Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026

5 Market Segmentation by End-user

5.1 Market segments

Exhibit 24: Chart on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 25: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%)

5.2 Comparison by End-user

Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by End-user



Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by End-user

5.3 Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 28: Chart on Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 29: Data Table on Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 30: Chart on Telecommunication - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Telecommunication - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.4 Oil and gas - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 32: Chart on Oil and gas - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Oil and gas - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 34: Chart on Oil and gas - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Oil and gas - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.5 Technology - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 36: Chart on Technology - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Technology - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 38: Chart on Technology - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Technology - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.6 Power and utilities - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 40: Chart on Power and utilities - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Power and utilities - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 42: Chart on Power and utilities - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Power and utilities - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 44: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 46: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.8 Market opportunity by End-user

Exhibit 48: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million)

6 Customer Landscape

6.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 49: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

7 Geographic Landscape

7.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 50: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%)

7.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 52: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 53: Data Table on Geographic comparison

7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 55: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 56: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 57: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 59: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 60: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 61: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 62: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 63: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 64: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 65: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 67: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 68: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 69: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 71: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 72: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 73: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 74: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 75: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 76: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 77: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 79: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 80: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 81: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 82: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 83: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 84: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 85: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 86: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 87: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 88: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 89: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 90: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 91: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 92: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 93: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.13 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 94: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

8.2 Market challenges

8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 95: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026

8.4 Market trends

9 Vendor Landscape

9.1 Overview

9.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 96: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

9.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 97: Overview on factors of disruption

9.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 98: Impact of key risks on business

10 Vendor Analysis

10.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 99: Vendors covered

10.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 100: Matrix on vendor position and classification

10.3 Carbon Analytics Ltd.

Exhibit 101: Carbon Analytics Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 102: Carbon Analytics Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 103: Carbon Analytics Ltd. - Key offerings

10.4 CarbonetiX

Exhibit 104: CarbonetiX - Overview



Exhibit 105: CarbonetiX - Product / Service



Exhibit 106: CarbonetiX - Key offerings

10.5 ENGIE SA

Exhibit 107: ENGIE SA - Overview

- Overview

Exhibit 108: ENGIE SA - Business segments

- Business segments

Exhibit 109: ENGIE SA - Key news

- Key news

Exhibit 110: ENGIE SA - Key offerings

- Key offerings

Exhibit 111: ENGIE SA - Segment focus

10.6 Greenstep Oy

Exhibit 112: Greenstep Oy - Overview



Exhibit 113: Greenstep Oy - Product / Service



Exhibit 114: Greenstep Oy - Key offerings

10.7 Intelex Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 115: Intelex Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 116: Intelex Technologies Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 117: Intelex Technologies Inc. - Key offerings

10.8 Lisam Systems SA

Exhibit 118: Lisam Systems SA - Overview



Exhibit 119: Lisam Systems SA - Product / Service



Exhibit 120: Lisam Systems SA - Key offerings

10.9 SAP SE

Exhibit 121: SAP SE - Overview



Exhibit 122: SAP SE - Business segments



Exhibit 123: SAP SE - Key news



Exhibit 124: SAP SE - Key offerings



Exhibit 125: SAP SE - Segment focus

10.10 SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 126: SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 127: SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 128: SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings

10.11 Simble Solutions Ltd.

Exhibit 129: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 130: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 131: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 132: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Segment focus

10.12 Wolters Kluwer NV

Exhibit 133: Wolters Kluwer NV - Overview



Exhibit 134: Wolters Kluwer NV - Business segments



Exhibit 135: Wolters Kluwer NV - Key offerings



Exhibit 136: Wolters Kluwer NV - Segment focus

11 Appendix

11.1 Scope of the report

11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 137: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 138: Exclusions checklist

11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 139: Currency conversion rates for US$

11.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 140: Research methodology



Exhibit 141: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 142: Information sources

11.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 143: List of abbreviations

About Us:

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Farmers Edge Inc. (Farmers Edge or the Company) (TSX: FDGE), a global leader in digital agriculture, today announced the departure of its Chief Technology Officer Ron Osborne, effective May 31, 2022.

Osborne joined Farmers Edge in 2014 and championed a culture of continuous innovation. Under his leadership, the Company made significant technological strides in artificial intelligence and machine learning, attracted leading tech talent, accelerated its development velocity, launched next-generation digital tools, and established the right technology foundation for future growth and success. Osborne will remain involved as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.

I would like to thank Ron for his exceptional leadership, unrelenting dedication, and extraordinary contributions to the Company over the last eight years. The progress made in our technology has been nothing short of incredible. He has a unique combination of talent, expertise, deep industry knowledge, and genuine passion for agriculture. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Ron and help Farmers Edge forge a path of global leadership. We wish him success in all his future endeavours, says Wade Barnes, Farmers Edge Founder and CEO.

Ron Osborne shared his thoughts: Ive had an immensely fulfilling career with Farmers Edge. It has been an honour and privilege to lead a team of incredibly talented individuals, determined to go far beyond industry standards to transform data into intelligence and deliver disruptive technologies. I am very pleased to have helped Farmers Edge progress to an exciting state of its technological evolution. This team has my absolute confidence that they will continue to build on the excellent work we did together and develop cutting-edge innovations to cement the Companys leadership in the industry.

About Farmers Edge

Farmers Edge is a global leader in digital agriculture, revolutionizing the industry with a broad portfolio of proprietary technological innovations, spanning hardware, software, and services. Powered by a unique combination of connected field sensors, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and agronomic expertise, the Companys digital platform turns data into actions and intelligent insights, delivering value to all stakeholders of the agricultural ecosystem. Farmers Edge disruptive technologies accelerate digital adoption on the farm and beyond, protecting our global resources and ensuring sustainable food production for a rapidly growing population. For more information, please visit www.farmersedge.ca and SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005471/en/

Farmers Edge Media Relations:

Richard Berman

[email protected]

(647) 294-8372

Source: Farmers Edge
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.





Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 

CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 

The weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown in China has taken a huge mental health toll, with more than 40 percent of the city's 26 million residents reporting symptoms of depression in a recent poll.



Shanghai residents have been battling food shortages, barriers to medical treatment, repeated mass, compulsory PCR and antigen testing, as well as the constant threat of being sent off to an isolation camp or makeshift hospital, having their pets killed and their homes ransacked by "disinfection" teams, or being welded inside their homes by local officials keen to hit the right quotas in the service of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy.



A poll of more than 1,000 Shanghai residents conducted by the @Zhaoluming Weibo account found that more than 400 of them reported having experienced a "depressed mood" during lockdown.



A resident of downtown Shanghai surnamed Wang said he believes the true number of depressed people could be much higher.



"Forty percent? I would say more like 80 percent," Wang said. "Everyone has a sense of resentment and their psychology isn't quite normal, whole communities shut up like animals in a zoo."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

Qiu Jianzhen, director of the outpatient department of psychological counseling and treatment at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, said in a recent interview with state broadcaster CCTV that the number of calls to the center's psychological hotline had nearly tripled in the past month to more than 3,000.



Eighty percent of callers cited the pandemic as an issue for their mental health, Qiu said.



"If you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance, the neighborhood committee needs to sign off with a certificate and a letter of commitment," Wang told RFA. "There is a lot of anger about that, because what if it's urgent?"



"Most of the people who live in my compound are temporary workers, so if they can't work, they get no wages," he said. "Even if they lift the lockdown, who will compensate us for the loss of more than a month's income?"



"How can the small company bosses do that ... when they are going bankrupt themselves?"



Visible toll

Wang lives in a low-income district of Puxi with his family, and was mostly worried about how to feed his kids when lockdown came.

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters



"Adults can maybe get by on frozen food, but I was worried about the kids not having any milk or any fruit," Wang said. "We would try to make a 950 ml bottle of milk last a few days, but then what would we do after that?"



And it's not just the economically marginalized who are suffering.



Wang said the burden on working parents will likely increase now that people are gradually returning to work.



"My former colleague was complaining that now they have to try to grab food, keep up with antigen and PCR testing, talk to their kids' teachers, all while taking part in meetings via video call," he said. "She's going crazy."



Wang said the toll taken on people's well-being was very visible in his neighborhood.



"There were people who jumped off the top of the building in the residential neighborhood next to us, and I saw news of people jumping from buildings, not just in text, but video clips, which have a psychological impact in themselves," Wang said.



"It's hard not to be depressed in such circumstances," he said.



A white-collar worker surnamed Li, who works for a large foreign company, said he has sought out psychological counseling during lockdown despite not having financial worries.



"It's like being incarcerated for one or two months," Li said. "Loss of freedom over a long period of time will give rise to a lot of negative emotions, the most prominent of which is anger."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

'I totally lost control'

A resident of Jing'an district surnamed said she had a mental breakdown over the authorities' chaotic handling of mass COVID-19 tests, after she started to show symptoms on , but was left without a PCR test despite requesting one.



"On the night of I went totally crazy, calling the emergency services many times," said. "I totally lost control."



"If the ambulance hadn't come, I would have run out right there ... and started spreading the virus."



Eventually, and her symptomatic family were taken to an isolation facility, but she suspects the delay in testing them was due to a political attempt to massage new case figures.



She pointed to repeated complaints on social media that officials appeared to hand out test results and change them at will.



"There were people testing positives and they said they were negative, and people testing negative who they said were positive," said.



In universities students have complained of unclean food and lack of support for their mental health.



A psychology lecturer surnamed Chen said one woman had to spend thousands of yuan to escape the city by private taxi after being stuck in a situation of food scarcity while suffering from anorexia nervosa.



"She couldn't eat, and her mental state was very bad," he said. "She had a relapse [of anorexia] after being stuck inside the dorm building since early March."



Serene, an international school counselor, said many of her students have gone back to their parental homes, while mental health problems have doubled among those who remained.



"It's mostly about conflicts with parents, but since the pandemic also about difficulties with distance-learning," she said. "There is also the lack of interaction with peers and lack of social support."



"One of my students was having difficulty with interpersonal communication, but he had bravely begun to take the first steps before the pandemic, and had formed some relationships," she said. "But when the pandemic came ... he told me he feared he would never make friends again."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.


The weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown in China has taken a huge mental health toll, with more than 40 percent of the city's 26 million residents reporting symptoms of depression in a recent poll.



Shanghai residents have been battling food shortages, barriers to medical treatment, repeated mass, compulsory PCR and antigen testing, as well as the constant threat of being sent off to an isolation camp or makeshift hospital, having their pets killed and their homes ransacked by "disinfection" teams, or being welded inside their homes by local officials keen to hit the right quotas in the service of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy.



A poll of more than 1,000 Shanghai residents conducted by the @Zhaoluming Weibo account found that more than 400 of them reported having experienced a "depressed mood" during lockdown.



A resident of downtown Shanghai surnamed Wang said he believes the true number of depressed people could be much higher.



"Forty percent? I would say more like 80 percent," Wang said. "Everyone has a sense of resentment and their psychology isn't quite normal, whole communities shut up like animals in a zoo."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

Qiu Jianzhen, director of the outpatient department of psychological counseling and treatment at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, said in a recent interview with state broadcaster CCTV that the number of calls to the center's psychological hotline had nearly tripled in the past month to more than 3,000.



Eighty percent of callers cited the pandemic as an issue for their mental health, Qiu said.



"If you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance, the neighborhood committee needs to sign off with a certificate and a letter of commitment," Wang told RFA. "There is a lot of anger about that, because what if it's urgent?"



"Most of the people who live in my compound are temporary workers, so if they can't work, they get no wages," he said. "Even if they lift the lockdown, who will compensate us for the loss of more than a month's income?"



"How can the small company bosses do that ... when they are going bankrupt themselves?"



Visible toll

Wang lives in a low-income district of Puxi with his family, and was mostly worried about how to feed his kids when lockdown came.

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters



"Adults can maybe get by on frozen food, but I was worried about the kids not having any milk or any fruit," Wang said. "We would try to make a 950 ml bottle of milk last a few days, but then what would we do after that?"



And it's not just the economically marginalized who are suffering.



Wang said the burden on working parents will likely increase now that people are gradually returning to work.



"My former colleague was complaining that now they have to try to grab food, keep up with antigen and PCR testing, talk to their kids' teachers, all while taking part in meetings via video call," he said. "She's going crazy."



Wang said the toll taken on people's well-being was very visible in his neighborhood.



"There were people who jumped off the top of the building in the residential neighborhood next to us, and I saw news of people jumping from buildings, not just in text, but video clips, which have a psychological impact in themselves," Wang said.



"It's hard not to be depressed in such circumstances," he said.



A white-collar worker surnamed Li, who works for a large foreign company, said he has sought out psychological counseling during lockdown despite not having financial worries.



"It's like being incarcerated for one or two months," Li said. "Loss of freedom over a long period of time will give rise to a lot of negative emotions, the most prominent of which is anger."

Photo illustration by RFA; Reuters

'I totally lost control'

A resident of Jing'an district surnamed said she had a mental breakdown over the authorities' chaotic handling of mass COVID-19 tests, after she started to show symptoms on , but was left without a PCR test despite requesting one.



"On the night of I went totally crazy, calling the emergency services many times," said. "I totally lost control."



"If the ambulance hadn't come, I would have run out right there ... and started spreading the virus."



Eventually, and her symptomatic family were taken to an isolation facility, but she suspects the delay in testing them was due to a political attempt to massage new case figures.



She pointed to repeated complaints on social media that officials appeared to hand out test results and change them at will.



"There were people testing positives and they said they were negative, and people testing negative who they said were positive," said.



In universities students have complained of unclean food and lack of support for their mental health.



A psychology lecturer surnamed Chen said one woman had to spend thousands of yuan to escape the city by private taxi after being stuck in a situation of food scarcity while suffering from anorexia nervosa.



"She couldn't eat, and her mental state was very bad," he said. "She had a relapse [of anorexia] after being stuck inside the dorm building since early March."



Serene, an international school counselor, said many of her students have gone back to their parental homes, while mental health problems have doubled among those who remained.



"It's mostly about conflicts with parents, but since the pandemic also about difficulties with distance-learning," she said. "There is also the lack of interaction with peers and lack of social support."



"One of my students was having difficulty with interpersonal communication, but he had bravely begun to take the first steps before the pandemic, and had formed some relationships," she said. "But when the pandemic came ... he told me he feared he would never make friends again."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.



President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
Placeholder while article actions load

Veteran wins earplug lawsuit against 3M Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight A jury in Pensacola, Fla., federal court on Friday ordered 3M to pay $77.5 million to a U.S. Army veteran who said he suffered hearing damage as a result of using the companys military-issue earplugs. The verdict for veteran James Beal is the largest yet for an individual in a sprawling litigation over the earplugs that as of May 16 included more than 290,000 claims in the Pensacola court, by far the largest mass tort litigation in U.S. history.

Beals trial was the last of an initial set of 16 trials held to test the strength of plaintiffs claims and facilitate settlement talks. Of those bellwether trials, plaintiffs prevailed in 10, winning a total of nearly $300 million. Juries sided with 3M in the remaining six.

It is clear 3Ms defenses  whether in the courts, to investors, or the public  are unconvincing and without merit, lawyers for the plaintiffs said in a joint statement.

Advertisement

We are disappointed and will appeal todays verdict, the company said in a statement. As in previous bellwether trials, we were prevented from presenting crucial evidence to the jury, and we will address that issue, among others, in our appeal.

Beal, who served in the Army from 2005 to 2009 and in the Army Reserves until 2011, said he wore 3Ms Combat Arms Earplugs version 2 while using a variety of weapons and as a result suffers from hearing loss and tinnitus.

Aearo Technologies, which 3M bought in 2008, developed the earplugs, which were issued to military service members between 2003 and 2015. Plaintiffs allege the company hid design flaws, fudged test results and failed to provide instructions for the proper use of the earplugs.

 Reuters

First Hyundai EV plant in U.S. planned for Ga.

South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group said on Friday it plans to invest about $5.54 billion to build its first dedicated full electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Advertisement

Hyundai will break ground on its new facility in Georgia in early 2023 and is expected to begin commercial production in the first half of 2025 with an annual capacity of 300,000 EV units, the company said in a statement.

The South Korean auto group said it intends to create about 8,100 jobs.

Hyundai Motor Group, which houses Hyundai Motor and Kia, added that the battery manufacturing facility will be established through a strategic partnership, details of which will be disclosed at a later stage.

The plant is a key part of Hyundais $7.4 billion planned investment in the United States through 2025 to foster future mobility.

 Reuters

Wells Fargo Advisors to settle SEC case

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday said Wells Fargo Advisors had agreed to pay $7 million to settle charges of anti-money laundering-related violations.

Advertisement

The regulator said Wells Fargo Advisors failed to file at least 34 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in a timely manner between April 2017 and October 2021.

At Wells Fargo Advisors, we take regulatory responsibilities seriously, bank spokeswoman Shea Leordeanu said in an emailed statement. This matter refers to legacy issues that impacted a transaction monitoring system and the issues were resolved promptly upon discovery.

The lapse arose because the broker failed to properly implement and test a new version of its internal anti-money laundering (AML) transaction monitoring and alert system adopted in January 2019, the SEC said. The system failed to reconcile the different country codes.

 Reuters

Match Group said on Friday that Alphabet's Google will allow the dating apps maker to offer users a choice in payment systems, eliminating Google's control over user data. Match sued Google in May, calling the action a "last resort" to prevent Tinder and its other apps from being booted off the Google Play store for refusing to share up to 30 percent of sales. The company said it has withdrawn its request for a temporary restraining order against Google after some concessions, including eliminating its complete control over user data.

 From news services

GiftOutline Gift Article
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.




SALT LAKE CITY  Republicans are coming out swinging against Wall Streets growing efforts to consider factors like long-term environmental risk in investment decisions, the latest indication that the GOP is willing to damage its relationship with big business to score culture war points.

Many are targeting a concept known as ESG  which stands for environmental, social and governance  a sustainable investment trend sweeping the financial world. Red state officials deride it as politically correct and woke and are trying to stop investors who contract with states from adopting it on any level.

For right-wing activists who previously brought criticisms of critical race theory (CRT), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social emotional learning (SEL) to the forefront, its the latest acronym-based source of outrage to find a home at rallies, in conservative media and in legislatures.

ESG has yet to take hold as mainstream political messaging, but backlash against it is gaining steam. Last week, former Vice President Mike Pence attacked the concept during a speech in Houston. And on Wednesday, the same day he said on Twitter he planned to vote Republican, Elon Musk attacked it after Tesla lost its place on the S&P 500s ESG Index. He called it a scam weaponized by phony social justice warriors.

The concept calls on investors to consider criteria such as environmental risk, pay equity or how transparent companies are in their accounting practices. Aided by recently proposed disclosure requirements and analysis from ratings agencies, they have adopted the principles to such an extent that those who use them control $16.6 trillion in investments held in the U.S.

In response, Republicans  historically known for supporting fewer regulations  are in many places attempting to impose new rules on investors. Their efforts reflect how members of the party are willing to distance themselves from big business to push back against those they see as ideological foes.

I dont think were the party of big business anymore. Were the party of people  more specifically, were the party of working people. And the problem that we have is with big banks and corporations right now trying to dictate how were going to live our lives, West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore said.

Opponents criticize ESG as politicized and a potentially costly diversion from purely financial investment principles, while advocates say considering the criteria more accurately accounts for risk and promises steadier returns.

We focus on sustainability not because were environmentalists, but because we are capitalists and fiduciaries to our clients, Larry Fink, CEO of investment firm BlackRock and a leading proponent, told clients in a letter this year.

But Moore and others including Utahs Republican state treasurer Marlo Oaks argue favoring green investment over fossil fuels denies key industries access to the financial system and capital. They have targeted S&P Global Ratings for appending ESG scores to their traditional state credit ratings. They worry that without changes, their scores could make borrowing for projects like schools or roads costlier.

In an April letter, Oaks demanded S&P retract analysis that rated Utah as moderately negative in terms of environmental risk due to long-term challenges regarding water supply, which could remain a constraint for its economy ... given pervasive drought conditions in the western U.S.

The letter was co-signed by the governor, legislative leaders and the states congressional delegation, including Sen. Mitt Romney, whose former firm Bain Capital calls ESG factors strategic, fact-based and diligence-driven. It said ratings system attempts to legitimize a dubious and unproven exercise and attacks the unreliability and inherently political nature of ESG factors in investment decisions.

Though he likened ESG to critical race theory, Oaks said he was mostly concerned with capital markets and what he called attempts by fossil fuel opponents to manipulate them by pressuring investors to pick businesses with high ESG scores.

DEI, CRT, SEL. It can be hard to keep up with the acronyms, he wrote on an economics blog last month, but theres a relatively new one you need to know: ESG.

Investors making carbon neutral or net zero criteria common were, in effect, Oaks said, limiting access to capital for oil and gas businesses, hurting their returns and potentially contributing to gas price spikes.

In more than a dozen red states, officials dispute the idea that the energy transition underway could make fossil fuel-related investments riskier in the long term. They argue employing asset managers with a preference for green investments uses state funds to further agendas out of sync with constituents.

In statehouses, anti-green investing efforts are backed by conservative groups such as the American Legislative Exchange Council and the Heartland Institute, a think-tank skeptical of scientific consensus on human-caused climate change that has backed bills that either divest state funds from financial institutions that use ESG or forbid them from using it to score businesses or individuals.

In Texas, West Virginia and Kentucky, lawmakers have passed bills requiring state funds limit transactions with companies that shun fossil fuels. Wyoming considered banning social credit scores that evaluate businesses using criteria that differ from accounting and other financial metrics, like ESG

After conservative talk show host Glenn Beck visited the Idaho Statehouse and referred to ESG as critical race theory on steroids, the Legislature passed a law in March prohibiting investment of state funds in companies that prioritize commitments to ESG over returns.

The American Legislative Exchange Council recently published model policy that would subject banks managing state pensions to new regulations limiting investments driven by what it calls social, political and ideological goals.

Though the policy doesnt mention it outright, Jonathan Williams, the groups chief economist, said ESGs mainstreaming amid broader trends of political correctness was a driving force. He said his research shows that incorporating factors beyond traditional financial metrics can lower the rate of return for already underfunded state pensions.

Sustainable investing advocates deny that charge and say considering the risks and realities of climate change amounts to responsible investing.

West Virginia and Arkansas recently divested their pension funds from BlackRock in response to the asset manager adding businesses with smaller carbon footprints to its portfolios. Moore, West Virginias treasurer, hopes more will follow.

Though its drawing enthusiasm, the green investment discourse differs from recurring debates over gender and sexuality or how history is taught. Both proponents and detractors acknowledged theyre surprised pensions, credit ratings and investment decisions have become campaign rally fodder.

Last month at the Utah state partys convention, thousands of Republicans roared when Sen. Mike Lee described green investment in similar terms to critical race theory  another acronym-based foil: Between CRT and ESG and MSNBC, we get way too much B.S., Lee said.

Bryan McGannon, a lobbyist with US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, said opponents were wrong in framing sustainable investing trends as political. If states refuse to reckon with how the future will likely rely less on fossil fuels and limit how environmental risk can be considered, he said, theyre making decisions with incomplete information.

If a states not considering those risks, it may be a signal to an investor that this might not be a wise government to be putting our money with, McGannon said. Investors use a huge swath of information, and ESG is a piece of that mosaic.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
AUBURN  Auburn Fire Chief Mark Fritz said the department's fire academy program happened out of necessity.

At the start of the Auburn Fire Department Recruit Firefighter Training Program Graduation Ceremony on Friday morning, Fritz told people gathered at the event at the fire station that different central New York agencies had recruited personnel they needed trained.

Sixteen recruits were set to graduate, with seven for the AFD and others who will work in departments in Oswego, Cortland and Manlius.

Fritz said the Auburn Fire Department had opened fire academies in the past, "so once it became obvious that the only option we had was to conduct our own fire academy," Auburn's own program was devised, with about three weeks to put it together. Assistant Auburn Fire Chiefs William DiFabio and Michael Grady were instructors.

The participants came to the station five days a week for nine weeks, with each day starting at 6 a.m, Fritz added.

"When they walk out of here, with their badges on their uniforms, they will have gone from recruits to firefighters," he said, then addressing the recruits. "Men, I have watched you through this process. I have you seen grow, I've seen you mature, I've seen you come together as a team."

Fritz said he was proud of the recruits. DiFabio talked about the challenging tasks the recruits dealt with as a part of their training and how well they did.

"I truly believe in front of me are the future leaders of the Auburn, Oswego, Cortland and Manlius fire departments," DiFabio said. "Remember, men, being a leader doesn't necessarily have anything to do with on what's on your job."

Other speakers included Grady and Oswego graduate Jeff Blanchard, who served as the class speaker. Blanchard talked about the lessons he learned that aren't found in textbooks, including continuing to try if you don't succeed at first, actively hydrating and that "fire service is family."

Officials from each department placed firefighter badges on their new recruits, with Fritz doing the honors for the Auburn personnel.

After the ceremony, Fritz said last fall, the AFD received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency paying the salaries and benefits of five firefighters for three years, but those firefighters would have be hired within six months.

Earlier this year it became clear the Auburn department wouldn't be able to get their recruits in any fire academies because spots weren't open, Fritz said, which made it necessary for Auburn to start its own program. In addition to those five recruits, two more were brought on because of a couple retirements, so the seven recruits were hired before the academy started.

Several AFD members are state certified fire instructors and other departments had recruits, so they were offered seats in Auburn's program, Fritz said. Auburn had previously held fire academies as needed, Fritz said that when "I came on 27 years ago, I was in an AFD academy." He also said if Auburn and other departments had these needs again, they would consider rerunning the academy program. Fritz said the academy was "just the beginning" for every recruit, since every one will go back to their departments and receive additional training for the rest of their careers.

For example. Auburn's seven recruits will begin emergency medical technician training for four weeks starting Monday, Fritz said. After, they will be assigned to their companies and receive more training. Fritz praised the recruits and everyone else who helped bring the academy to fruition

"I've very proud of (the recruits), I'm very proud of my staff for being able to put this academy together with such short notice, and very pleased with the level of instruction that they were able to deliver," he said. "The fact that all 16 candidates were successful is a testament to the program."

During the ceremony, Auburn recruit Michael Boglione received recognition for getting the best time on the Candidate Physical Ability Test, an assessment for firefighters. Boglione, who is from Auburn, said he was happy about getting the best time, since he was the oldest of the recruits.

Adding his prior job was working on and installing garage doors, Boglione said people he knows in fire service suggested he take the civil service test and explained the career. He congratulated his fellow recruits.

"It's a relief to be done, but exciting to start our new careers," he said.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.




President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung

The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung


CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
Palestinian teen shot in Israeli raid in occupied West Bank View Photo

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and its not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
Palestinian teen shot in Israeli raid in occupied West Bank View Photo

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and its not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
Newly discovered emails show that Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was more deeply involved in baseless efforts to overturn the 2020 election than previously known
Palestinian teen shot in Israeli raid in occupied West Bank View Photo

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian militant as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed. It said another Palestinian  an 18-year-old  was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Later Saturday, the militant group Islamic Jihad said al-Fayyed was a member of its armed wing.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and its not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.
PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding celebration is in full swing!

The soon-to-be newlyweds began their festivities in Italy with a special dinner at Ristorante Puny on Friday, a source tells PEOPLE.

"You can feel all the love. Everyone is very excited to celebrate Kourtney and Travis," the source says.

The insider adds that romance is in the air, "It's a beautiful evening, Kourtney looks gorgeous!"

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

RELATED: All About the Italian Castle Where Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Will Have Their Wedding Ceremony

Kardashian, 43, and Barker, 46, were joined by their friends and loved ones for a personalized dinner to celebrate their love ahead of their nuptials.

"They have a special menu with Italian wine, hand-made trofie al pesto pasta, sea bass and coffee parfaits," the source says of their meal. "The menu is decorated with a heart."

For the dinner, Kardashian wore a sexy red structured bodysuit with a sheer skirt and a matching fur stole by Dolce & Gabbana. Her groom wore a black tweed jacket with classic tailored pants, also by Dolce & Gabbana.

The couple is set to marry at Castello Brown, a 16th-century castle in the seaside town of Portofino.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Pack on the PDA in Italy Ahead of Their Wedding Weekend

Located on the coast of northern Italy just southeast of the city of Genoa, Portofino is certainly a picture-perfect wedding location. Not only does the castle boast breathtaking views of Portofino bay and the Mediterranean Sea, it's also rich in history.

Castello Brown was a military stronghold dating all the way back to 1425, according to the venue's website. In the eighteenth century, the castle fell under French rule, and Napoleon Bonaparte even guarded the structure with his troops in an effort to ward off British ships passing through.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Story continues

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum and the Blink-182 rocker, who got engaged in October 2021, legally tied the knot in Santa Barbara on Sunday, an insider told PEOPLE. Their close friends and family were present for the intimate ceremony.

"They had to legally get married first ahead of their big Italian wedding, which is happening very soon," the source said. "All the details are set and the whole family, including all the kids, are very excited."

RELATED VIDEO: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Are Legally Married: Source

Ahead of their legal ceremony, Kardashian and Barker had a "practice wedding" after the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas last month. The ceremony took place at around 2 a.m. local time at One Love Wedding Chapel, complete with an Elvis Presley impersonator who officiated the ceremony.

Kardashian and Barker did not obtain a marriage license, and Kourtney clarified a few days later that it wasn't a legal marriage.

"Once upon a time in a land far, far away (Las Vegas) at 2am, after an epic night and a little tequila, a queen and her handsome king ventured out to the only open chapel with an Elvis and got married (with no license)," she captioned a series of PDA-filled photos. "Practice makes perfect."
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The tradition of literary translation from Arabic is not long. It was only in 1966, when Al-Tayeb Salihs Season of Migration to the North was published, that a contemporary Arabic-language title attracted international attention when it appeared in English just three years later as part of the legendary Heinemann African Writers series in a translation by Denys Johnson-Davieswho was himself the winner of the very first Sheikh Zayed Book Award for translation in 2007. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Arabic as an official UN language. Then, in 1988, Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize.

These are all significant milestones. But they show just how much road there is left to travel. After all, Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with some 370 million users, yet Mahfouz still the only Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel.

Much of this has to do with translation, Mark Linz, the trailblazing director of the American University in Cairo Press, who died in 2013, was instrumental in bringing Mahfouz to English-language readers for the first time  and was a regular visitor to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. English, being a gateway language, Linz helped introduce Mahfouz, and scores of other authors Linz published in translation, to the world. It was Linz who became Denys Johnson-Davies publisher of record late in his life. (Mahfouz was responsible his own SZBA, when in 2015 that Hanawa Haruo won the SZBA for translating Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy into Japanese.

Today, according to the latest UNESCO Index Translation Statistics, while Arabic is only 29th on the top 50 list of "target languages", which considers translation of titles into specific languages, it is significantly stronger in translations from Arabic to other languages, where it ranks 17th on the list of "original language translation.

What changed? When considering the production of Arabic language books, one needs to take in the entirety of the Arab-speaking world, which includes 22 countries of the Arab league: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. While accurate statistics are difficult to come by, the online bookseller Neelwafurat has estimated the production of new Arabic books at between 15,000 and 18,000 titles per year, of which 20% are translations from other languages. That means that foreign publishers have a minimum of 12,000 new titles per year to choose from.

In the United States, 321 books were translated and published by mainstream trade houses from 2008 until the end of 2021, according to Publishers Weekly's Translation Database. It is clear that Arabic language books are garnering more and more international attention as well. To wit: the awarding of the 2019 International Booker Prize to Celestial Bodies, a book about a trio of Omani sisters who take different paths in life by Jokha Alharthi, in a translation from Arabic by Marilyn Booth. It was published in Sandstone Press.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is contributing to this wave of change. Not only does it offer awards to translators from Arabic, but it offers funding to support, facilitate, and foster the translation of books from Arabic into other languages. The programthe Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant Initiativewas introduced in 2018 to help support the translation and publication of SZBA-winning and short-listed Arabic language books around the world. Sixteen books have been translated into multiple languages since the launch of the grant, including English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Georgian, and Ukrainian.

This year, five international publishers were awarded translation grants, resulting in six translations of SZBA-winning titles. Among these titles are 2017 winner Hatless by Kuwaiti author Lateefah Buti, which is being translated into English by Nancy Roberts in collaboration with Darf Publishers; 2020 winner Lilac Girl by Palestinian-American author Ibtisam Barakat, translated into German by Suleman Taufiq to be published by Germanys Sujet Verlag; and 2014 winner Thirty Poems for Children by Lebanese poet Jawdat Fakhreddine, translated into French by Leila Tahir and into English by Huda Fakhreddine with Bookland Press.

From the Literature category, 2018 winner Remorse Test by Syrian author Khalil Sweileh has been translated into German by Suleman Taufiq by Sujet Verlag. Lastly, the 2015 winner The Madmen of Bethlehem by Palestinian author Osama Alaysa, was translated into Georgian by Darejan Gardavadze to bepublished by Intelekti Publishing.

Through the SZBA Translation Grants it becomes clear that Arabic-language literature resonates around the world, even in times of crisis. This year two Ukrainian publishers Eleonora Simonova of Nora-Druk Publishers and Anetta Antonenko of her eponymous imprint discovered books by acclaimed Lebanese and Syrian authors for translation. They note the opportunities for cultural exchange supported by the SZBA translation grant, which comes at a time when it is essential to support Ukrainian translators and publishers. In this way, the SZBA is having an impact far from home and where it can have the greatest cultural impact.
The tradition of literary translation from Arabic is not long. It was only in 1966, when Al-Tayeb Salihs Season of Migration to the North was published, that a contemporary Arabic-language title attracted international attention when it appeared in English just three years later as part of the legendary Heinemann African Writers series in a translation by Denys Johnson-Davieswho was himself the winner of the very first Sheikh Zayed Book Award for translation in 2007. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Arabic as an official UN language. Then, in 1988, Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize.

These are all significant milestones. But they show just how much road there is left to travel. After all, Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with some 370 million users, yet Mahfouz still the only Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel.

Much of this has to do with translation, Mark Linz, the trailblazing director of the American University in Cairo Press, who died in 2013, was instrumental in bringing Mahfouz to English-language readers for the first time  and was a regular visitor to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. English, being a gateway language, Linz helped introduce Mahfouz, and scores of other authors Linz published in translation, to the world. It was Linz who became Denys Johnson-Davies publisher of record late in his life. (Mahfouz was responsible his own SZBA, when in 2015 that Hanawa Haruo won the SZBA for translating Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy into Japanese.

Today, according to the latest UNESCO Index Translation Statistics, while Arabic is only 29th on the top 50 list of "target languages", which considers translation of titles into specific languages, it is significantly stronger in translations from Arabic to other languages, where it ranks 17th on the list of "original language translation.

What changed? When considering the production of Arabic language books, one needs to take in the entirety of the Arab-speaking world, which includes 22 countries of the Arab league: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. While accurate statistics are difficult to come by, the online bookseller Neelwafurat has estimated the production of new Arabic books at between 15,000 and 18,000 titles per year, of which 20% are translations from other languages. That means that foreign publishers have a minimum of 12,000 new titles per year to choose from.

In the United States, 321 books were translated and published by mainstream trade houses from 2008 until the end of 2021, according to Publishers Weekly's Translation Database. It is clear that Arabic language books are garnering more and more international attention as well. To wit: the awarding of the 2019 International Booker Prize to Celestial Bodies, a book about a trio of Omani sisters who take different paths in life by Jokha Alharthi, in a translation from Arabic by Marilyn Booth. It was published in Sandstone Press.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is contributing to this wave of change. Not only does it offer awards to translators from Arabic, but it offers funding to support, facilitate, and foster the translation of books from Arabic into other languages. The programthe Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant Initiativewas introduced in 2018 to help support the translation and publication of SZBA-winning and short-listed Arabic language books around the world. Sixteen books have been translated into multiple languages since the launch of the grant, including English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Georgian, and Ukrainian.

This year, five international publishers were awarded translation grants, resulting in six translations of SZBA-winning titles. Among these titles are 2017 winner Hatless by Kuwaiti author Lateefah Buti, which is being translated into English by Nancy Roberts in collaboration with Darf Publishers; 2020 winner Lilac Girl by Palestinian-American author Ibtisam Barakat, translated into German by Suleman Taufiq to be published by Germanys Sujet Verlag; and 2014 winner Thirty Poems for Children by Lebanese poet Jawdat Fakhreddine, translated into French by Leila Tahir and into English by Huda Fakhreddine with Bookland Press.

From the Literature category, 2018 winner Remorse Test by Syrian author Khalil Sweileh has been translated into German by Suleman Taufiq by Sujet Verlag. Lastly, the 2015 winner The Madmen of Bethlehem by Palestinian author Osama Alaysa, was translated into Georgian by Darejan Gardavadze to bepublished by Intelekti Publishing.

Through the SZBA Translation Grants it becomes clear that Arabic-language literature resonates around the world, even in times of crisis. This year two Ukrainian publishers Eleonora Simonova of Nora-Druk Publishers and Anetta Antonenko of her eponymous imprint discovered books by acclaimed Lebanese and Syrian authors for translation. They note the opportunities for cultural exchange supported by the SZBA translation grant, which comes at a time when it is essential to support Ukrainian translators and publishers. In this way, the SZBA is having an impact far from home and where it can have the greatest cultural impact.
The tradition of literary translation from Arabic is not long. It was only in 1966, when Al-Tayeb Salihs Season of Migration to the North was published, that a contemporary Arabic-language title attracted international attention when it appeared in English just three years later as part of the legendary Heinemann African Writers series in a translation by Denys Johnson-Davieswho was himself the winner of the very first Sheikh Zayed Book Award for translation in 2007. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Arabic as an official UN language. Then, in 1988, Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize.

These are all significant milestones. But they show just how much road there is left to travel. After all, Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with some 370 million users, yet Mahfouz still the only Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel.

Much of this has to do with translation, Mark Linz, the trailblazing director of the American University in Cairo Press, who died in 2013, was instrumental in bringing Mahfouz to English-language readers for the first time  and was a regular visitor to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. English, being a gateway language, Linz helped introduce Mahfouz, and scores of other authors Linz published in translation, to the world. It was Linz who became Denys Johnson-Davies publisher of record late in his life. (Mahfouz was responsible his own SZBA, when in 2015 that Hanawa Haruo won the SZBA for translating Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy into Japanese.

Today, according to the latest UNESCO Index Translation Statistics, while Arabic is only 29th on the top 50 list of "target languages", which considers translation of titles into specific languages, it is significantly stronger in translations from Arabic to other languages, where it ranks 17th on the list of "original language translation.

What changed? When considering the production of Arabic language books, one needs to take in the entirety of the Arab-speaking world, which includes 22 countries of the Arab league: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. While accurate statistics are difficult to come by, the online bookseller Neelwafurat has estimated the production of new Arabic books at between 15,000 and 18,000 titles per year, of which 20% are translations from other languages. That means that foreign publishers have a minimum of 12,000 new titles per year to choose from.

In the United States, 321 books were translated and published by mainstream trade houses from 2008 until the end of 2021, according to Publishers Weekly's Translation Database. It is clear that Arabic language books are garnering more and more international attention as well. To wit: the awarding of the 2019 International Booker Prize to Celestial Bodies, a book about a trio of Omani sisters who take different paths in life by Jokha Alharthi, in a translation from Arabic by Marilyn Booth. It was published in Sandstone Press.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is contributing to this wave of change. Not only does it offer awards to translators from Arabic, but it offers funding to support, facilitate, and foster the translation of books from Arabic into other languages. The programthe Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant Initiativewas introduced in 2018 to help support the translation and publication of SZBA-winning and short-listed Arabic language books around the world. Sixteen books have been translated into multiple languages since the launch of the grant, including English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Georgian, and Ukrainian.

This year, five international publishers were awarded translation grants, resulting in six translations of SZBA-winning titles. Among these titles are 2017 winner Hatless by Kuwaiti author Lateefah Buti, which is being translated into English by Nancy Roberts in collaboration with Darf Publishers; 2020 winner Lilac Girl by Palestinian-American author Ibtisam Barakat, translated into German by Suleman Taufiq to be published by Germanys Sujet Verlag; and 2014 winner Thirty Poems for Children by Lebanese poet Jawdat Fakhreddine, translated into French by Leila Tahir and into English by Huda Fakhreddine with Bookland Press.

From the Literature category, 2018 winner Remorse Test by Syrian author Khalil Sweileh has been translated into German by Suleman Taufiq by Sujet Verlag. Lastly, the 2015 winner The Madmen of Bethlehem by Palestinian author Osama Alaysa, was translated into Georgian by Darejan Gardavadze to bepublished by Intelekti Publishing.

Through the SZBA Translation Grants it becomes clear that Arabic-language literature resonates around the world, even in times of crisis. This year two Ukrainian publishers Eleonora Simonova of Nora-Druk Publishers and Anetta Antonenko of her eponymous imprint discovered books by acclaimed Lebanese and Syrian authors for translation. They note the opportunities for cultural exchange supported by the SZBA translation grant, which comes at a time when it is essential to support Ukrainian translators and publishers. In this way, the SZBA is having an impact far from home and where it can have the greatest cultural impact.
The tradition of literary translation from Arabic is not long. It was only in 1966, when Al-Tayeb Salihs Season of Migration to the North was published, that a contemporary Arabic-language title attracted international attention when it appeared in English just three years later as part of the legendary Heinemann African Writers series in a translation by Denys Johnson-Davieswho was himself the winner of the very first Sheikh Zayed Book Award for translation in 2007. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Arabic as an official UN language. Then, in 1988, Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize.

These are all significant milestones. But they show just how much road there is left to travel. After all, Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with some 370 million users, yet Mahfouz still the only Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel.

Much of this has to do with translation, Mark Linz, the trailblazing director of the American University in Cairo Press, who died in 2013, was instrumental in bringing Mahfouz to English-language readers for the first time  and was a regular visitor to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. English, being a gateway language, Linz helped introduce Mahfouz, and scores of other authors Linz published in translation, to the world. It was Linz who became Denys Johnson-Davies publisher of record late in his life. (Mahfouz was responsible his own SZBA, when in 2015 that Hanawa Haruo won the SZBA for translating Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy into Japanese.

Today, according to the latest UNESCO Index Translation Statistics, while Arabic is only 29th on the top 50 list of "target languages", which considers translation of titles into specific languages, it is significantly stronger in translations from Arabic to other languages, where it ranks 17th on the list of "original language translation.

What changed? When considering the production of Arabic language books, one needs to take in the entirety of the Arab-speaking world, which includes 22 countries of the Arab league: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. While accurate statistics are difficult to come by, the online bookseller Neelwafurat has estimated the production of new Arabic books at between 15,000 and 18,000 titles per year, of which 20% are translations from other languages. That means that foreign publishers have a minimum of 12,000 new titles per year to choose from.

In the United States, 321 books were translated and published by mainstream trade houses from 2008 until the end of 2021, according to Publishers Weekly's Translation Database. It is clear that Arabic language books are garnering more and more international attention as well. To wit: the awarding of the 2019 International Booker Prize to Celestial Bodies, a book about a trio of Omani sisters who take different paths in life by Jokha Alharthi, in a translation from Arabic by Marilyn Booth. It was published in Sandstone Press.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is contributing to this wave of change. Not only does it offer awards to translators from Arabic, but it offers funding to support, facilitate, and foster the translation of books from Arabic into other languages. The programthe Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant Initiativewas introduced in 2018 to help support the translation and publication of SZBA-winning and short-listed Arabic language books around the world. Sixteen books have been translated into multiple languages since the launch of the grant, including English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Georgian, and Ukrainian.

This year, five international publishers were awarded translation grants, resulting in six translations of SZBA-winning titles. Among these titles are 2017 winner Hatless by Kuwaiti author Lateefah Buti, which is being translated into English by Nancy Roberts in collaboration with Darf Publishers; 2020 winner Lilac Girl by Palestinian-American author Ibtisam Barakat, translated into German by Suleman Taufiq to be published by Germanys Sujet Verlag; and 2014 winner Thirty Poems for Children by Lebanese poet Jawdat Fakhreddine, translated into French by Leila Tahir and into English by Huda Fakhreddine with Bookland Press.

From the Literature category, 2018 winner Remorse Test by Syrian author Khalil Sweileh has been translated into German by Suleman Taufiq by Sujet Verlag. Lastly, the 2015 winner The Madmen of Bethlehem by Palestinian author Osama Alaysa, was translated into Georgian by Darejan Gardavadze to bepublished by Intelekti Publishing.

Through the SZBA Translation Grants it becomes clear that Arabic-language literature resonates around the world, even in times of crisis. This year two Ukrainian publishers Eleonora Simonova of Nora-Druk Publishers and Anetta Antonenko of her eponymous imprint discovered books by acclaimed Lebanese and Syrian authors for translation. They note the opportunities for cultural exchange supported by the SZBA translation grant, which comes at a time when it is essential to support Ukrainian translators and publishers. In this way, the SZBA is having an impact far from home and where it can have the greatest cultural impact.

The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
A staff member introduces a Huawei smart phone to a customer during its launching event in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Ailun)

In 2022, Huawei will increase its support for a Green and Digital Asia-Pacific region by promoting digital infrastructure, low-carbon development, and digital inclusion.

SINGAPORE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China's telecom giant Huawei will continue to support the digital innovation and digital economy in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, said Ken Hu, Huawei's rotating chairman, at the Huawei APAC Digital Innovation Congress concluded here on Friday.

"The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most culturally and economically vibrant regions in the world. It has long played an important role in global economic growth, and now plays an equally important role in digital innovation," said Hu during the two-day event.

Moving forward, Huawei will keep investing heavily in innovation to help partners in the region meet their strategic development goals, said Hu.

In 2022, Huawei will increase its support for a Green and Digital APAC by promoting digital infrastructure, low-carbon development, and digital inclusion, he said.

Nicholas Ma, president of Huawei Asia Pacific Enterprise Business, said at the event that the digital economy and digitalization is expanding rapidly in the region. Huawei predicts that digitalization will transform production systems in all industries, creating a potential value of 27 trillion U.S. dollars.

Chinese tech giant Huawei's entry into Malaysia will help boost Malaysia's adoption of 5G technology with the signing of a provisioning agreement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct. 3, 2019. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Yang Mee Eng, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation, said that the Huawei APAC Digital Innovation Congress 2022 marks another critical milestone in the ASEAN Foundation-Huawei partnership to continue creating a talent development-focused learning ecosystem that will help address the digital skills shortage in the region.

The Huawei APAC Digital Innovation Congress, jointly held by Huawei and the ASEAN Foundation, was held on May 19-20 in Singapore, gathering over 1,500 government officials, experts, researchers, partners, and analysts from more than 10 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to explore the future of digital innovation and the digital economy. Topics included ongoing advancements in ICT, speeding up digital transformation across industries, as well as green and low-carbon development.

Over two days of the event, Huawei signed 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry customers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh for Smart Campus, Data Center, Digital Power, and HUAWEI CLOUD. 
More than 200 Special Olympics athletes hit the track at Kennedy High School in Sacramento for their first unified event since 2019. It brings me a lot of joy that my students are recognized for more than their disability, said Chloe Stidger, a Kennedy High special education teacher. George Zinner, an adaptive physical education teacher with the Sacramento City Unified School District, appreciates the feeling of normalcy with competitions returning for the first time in more than two years.

The tradition of literary translation from Arabic is not long. It was only in 1966, when Al-Tayeb Salihs Season of Migration to the North was published, that a contemporary Arabic-language title attracted international attention when it appeared in English just three years later as part of the legendary Heinemann African Writers series in a translation by Denys Johnson-Davieswho was himself the winner of the very first Sheikh Zayed Book Award for translation in 2007. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Arabic as an official UN language. Then, in 1988, Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize.

These are all significant milestones. But they show just how much road there is left to travel. After all, Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with some 370 million users, yet Mahfouz still the only Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel.

Much of this has to do with translation, Mark Linz, the trailblazing director of the American University in Cairo Press, who died in 2013, was instrumental in bringing Mahfouz to English-language readers for the first time  and was a regular visitor to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. English, being a gateway language, Linz helped introduce Mahfouz, and scores of other authors Linz published in translation, to the world. It was Linz who became Denys Johnson-Davies publisher of record late in his life. (Mahfouz was responsible his own SZBA, when in 2015 that Hanawa Haruo won the SZBA for translating Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy into Japanese.

Today, according to the latest UNESCO Index Translation Statistics, while Arabic is only 29th on the top 50 list of "target languages", which considers translation of titles into specific languages, it is significantly stronger in translations from Arabic to other languages, where it ranks 17th on the list of "original language translation.

What changed? When considering the production of Arabic language books, one needs to take in the entirety of the Arab-speaking world, which includes 22 countries of the Arab league: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. While accurate statistics are difficult to come by, the online bookseller Neelwafurat has estimated the production of new Arabic books at between 15,000 and 18,000 titles per year, of which 20% are translations from other languages. That means that foreign publishers have a minimum of 12,000 new titles per year to choose from.

In the United States, 321 books were translated and published by mainstream trade houses from 2008 until the end of 2021, according to Publishers Weekly's Translation Database. It is clear that Arabic language books are garnering more and more international attention as well. To wit: the awarding of the 2019 International Booker Prize to Celestial Bodies, a book about a trio of Omani sisters who take different paths in life by Jokha Alharthi, in a translation from Arabic by Marilyn Booth. It was published in Sandstone Press.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is contributing to this wave of change. Not only does it offer awards to translators from Arabic, but it offers funding to support, facilitate, and foster the translation of books from Arabic into other languages. The programthe Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant Initiativewas introduced in 2018 to help support the translation and publication of SZBA-winning and short-listed Arabic language books around the world. Sixteen books have been translated into multiple languages since the launch of the grant, including English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Georgian, and Ukrainian.

This year, five international publishers were awarded translation grants, resulting in six translations of SZBA-winning titles. Among these titles are 2017 winner Hatless by Kuwaiti author Lateefah Buti, which is being translated into English by Nancy Roberts in collaboration with Darf Publishers; 2020 winner Lilac Girl by Palestinian-American author Ibtisam Barakat, translated into German by Suleman Taufiq to be published by Germanys Sujet Verlag; and 2014 winner Thirty Poems for Children by Lebanese poet Jawdat Fakhreddine, translated into French by Leila Tahir and into English by Huda Fakhreddine with Bookland Press.

From the Literature category, 2018 winner Remorse Test by Syrian author Khalil Sweileh has been translated into German by Suleman Taufiq by Sujet Verlag. Lastly, the 2015 winner The Madmen of Bethlehem by Palestinian author Osama Alaysa, was translated into Georgian by Darejan Gardavadze to bepublished by Intelekti Publishing.

Through the SZBA Translation Grants it becomes clear that Arabic-language literature resonates around the world, even in times of crisis. This year two Ukrainian publishers Eleonora Simonova of Nora-Druk Publishers and Anetta Antonenko of her eponymous imprint discovered books by acclaimed Lebanese and Syrian authors for translation. They note the opportunities for cultural exchange supported by the SZBA translation grant, which comes at a time when it is essential to support Ukrainian translators and publishers. In this way, the SZBA is having an impact far from home and where it can have the greatest cultural impact.
The tradition of literary translation from Arabic is not long. It was only in 1966, when Al-Tayeb Salihs Season of Migration to the North was published, that a contemporary Arabic-language title attracted international attention when it appeared in English just three years later as part of the legendary Heinemann African Writers series in a translation by Denys Johnson-Davieswho was himself the winner of the very first Sheikh Zayed Book Award for translation in 2007. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Arabic as an official UN language. Then, in 1988, Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize.

These are all significant milestones. But they show just how much road there is left to travel. After all, Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with some 370 million users, yet Mahfouz still the only Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel.

Much of this has to do with translation, Mark Linz, the trailblazing director of the American University in Cairo Press, who died in 2013, was instrumental in bringing Mahfouz to English-language readers for the first time  and was a regular visitor to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. English, being a gateway language, Linz helped introduce Mahfouz, and scores of other authors Linz published in translation, to the world. It was Linz who became Denys Johnson-Davies publisher of record late in his life. (Mahfouz was responsible his own SZBA, when in 2015 that Hanawa Haruo won the SZBA for translating Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy into Japanese.

Today, according to the latest UNESCO Index Translation Statistics, while Arabic is only 29th on the top 50 list of "target languages", which considers translation of titles into specific languages, it is significantly stronger in translations from Arabic to other languages, where it ranks 17th on the list of "original language translation.

What changed? When considering the production of Arabic language books, one needs to take in the entirety of the Arab-speaking world, which includes 22 countries of the Arab league: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. While accurate statistics are difficult to come by, the online bookseller Neelwafurat has estimated the production of new Arabic books at between 15,000 and 18,000 titles per year, of which 20% are translations from other languages. That means that foreign publishers have a minimum of 12,000 new titles per year to choose from.

In the United States, 321 books were translated and published by mainstream trade houses from 2008 until the end of 2021, according to Publishers Weekly's Translation Database. It is clear that Arabic language books are garnering more and more international attention as well. To wit: the awarding of the 2019 International Booker Prize to Celestial Bodies, a book about a trio of Omani sisters who take different paths in life by Jokha Alharthi, in a translation from Arabic by Marilyn Booth. It was published in Sandstone Press.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is contributing to this wave of change. Not only does it offer awards to translators from Arabic, but it offers funding to support, facilitate, and foster the translation of books from Arabic into other languages. The programthe Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant Initiativewas introduced in 2018 to help support the translation and publication of SZBA-winning and short-listed Arabic language books around the world. Sixteen books have been translated into multiple languages since the launch of the grant, including English, German, French, Italian, Greek, Georgian, and Ukrainian.

This year, five international publishers were awarded translation grants, resulting in six translations of SZBA-winning titles. Among these titles are 2017 winner Hatless by Kuwaiti author Lateefah Buti, which is being translated into English by Nancy Roberts in collaboration with Darf Publishers; 2020 winner Lilac Girl by Palestinian-American author Ibtisam Barakat, translated into German by Suleman Taufiq to be published by Germanys Sujet Verlag; and 2014 winner Thirty Poems for Children by Lebanese poet Jawdat Fakhreddine, translated into French by Leila Tahir and into English by Huda Fakhreddine with Bookland Press.

From the Literature category, 2018 winner Remorse Test by Syrian author Khalil Sweileh has been translated into German by Suleman Taufiq by Sujet Verlag. Lastly, the 2015 winner The Madmen of Bethlehem by Palestinian author Osama Alaysa, was translated into Georgian by Darejan Gardavadze to bepublished by Intelekti Publishing.

Through the SZBA Translation Grants it becomes clear that Arabic-language literature resonates around the world, even in times of crisis. This year two Ukrainian publishers Eleonora Simonova of Nora-Druk Publishers and Anetta Antonenko of her eponymous imprint discovered books by acclaimed Lebanese and Syrian authors for translation. They note the opportunities for cultural exchange supported by the SZBA translation grant, which comes at a time when it is essential to support Ukrainian translators and publishers. In this way, the SZBA is having an impact far from home and where it can have the greatest cultural impact.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
Home > 2022 > Review of The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British (...)

Reviewed by Ryan W. Booth (Washington State University)

The 1945 Burma Campaign and the Transformation of the British Indian Army

by Raymond Callahan, Daniel Marston

Lawrence: University Press of Kansas

January 2021

296 pages

ISBN-10  :  0700630414

Hardcover: ISBN 978-0-7006-3041-7

If ever there was a war that probably did not need another book written about it, World War II might be a good candidate. Raymond A. Callahan and Daniel Marston enter the fray and beg to differ with a brilliant book on the oft-overlooked Burma Campaign. The clashes of the British and British Indian Army against the imperial Japanese represent some of the fiercest fighting during the whole gruesome war, but they rarely catch the attention of historians intent on rehashing beaches, island hopping, or bulges. Callahan and Marston demand our attention to be recentered on South Asia and the importance of this theater of the war. They make a convincing case.

While the title of this book identifies 1945 as the pivotal year, the book covers much more history than that. The narrative follows a traditional debacle to triumph storyline. The difference is that General William Slim is not at its center. In 1942, Slim oversaw the withdrawal of British forces from Burma back to India in defeat, the nadir of the war in South Asia. But the path to victory was not just due to Slims determination and devoted cadre of officers, an oft-repeated narrative due to an overreliance on his memoir, Defeat into Victory (1956), for campaign details.

Callahan and Marston take a much broader sweep of the whole international scope of the South Asian campaign. From this lofty scale one begins to appreciate the delicate diplomatic balancing acts between the British and Americans to maintain the much-needed air support for the troops on the ground. President Franklin Roosevelt liked Louis Mountbatten, so against the wishes of many senior officers, British prime minister Winston Churchill put Mountbatten in charge of the South East Asia Command (SEAC). One quickly surmises that the British rarely had the best man to put forward but followed instead a promotion policy of the man to do the least damage approach.

As the British Empire frayed at the edges, it required different strategies to fight the war. While the effort can be read as an impressive victory, it can also be seen as one that was a nip and tuck affair. The British found themselves forced to speed up the Indianization of their officer corps. Having suffered heavy casualties in 1944-45, the British brought in the 81st West African Division as reinforcements. One cannot help seeing decolonization around the corner as these troops prop up the floundering empire against a foundering one.

Decolonization becomes a key theme in chapter 6. Where most World War II books end with the signing of the surrender on September 2, 1945, Callahan and Marston carry the story of the British Indian Army into 1946. With this expanded scope of the narrative, the reader sees a nascent United Nations force attempting to smash independence movements in places like Java and Vietnam. One persons freedom fighter is anothers terrorist, and the British Indian Army played a role in it. They also experienced even more virulent racism at the hands of the Dutch and French while deployed abroad.

This book excels most as a transnational explanatory guide to the history of the Burma Campaign. It captures the tension of fighting Japanese, jungles, and monsoons. It also explains the internecine conflict within the British chain of command. The gossipy tidbits about Churchill and Mountbatten are particularly delightful.

It will come as no surprise that this is a top-down history. It leaves room for future scholars to fill in some much-needed gaps in the historical literature about the experiences of the Indian officers or the West African troops. It would begin by naming them and proceed with describing their experiences of that war. It would not be simple but would be worth the effort. One could hope that this is in the pipeline at the University Press of Kansas as part of their Modern War Studies series. It would make a fine companion piece to this work.

The book is divided into a preface, introduction, six chapters, and a conclusion. The book is richly aided by a whopping nineteen photographs and three maps. The endnotes are filled with many helpful sources for further research as well as interesting tidbits. The index is also very useful.

Overall, this is a very good book written by two highly esteemed historians. It is apparent that they are at the prime of their craft and bring this all to bear in this volume. Callahan and Marston are pointing the way to a rich area of study for those who wish to see beyond the well-trod paths of yore.

[This review from (H-War, May, 2022) H-Net is reproduced here under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.]

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung
The authorities have mobilized medical students to help out overwhelmed doctors in the citys hospitals.

Members of the North Korean army supply medicines to residents at a pharmacy, amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo on May 18, 2022.

North Korean authorities are mobilizing medical students in the capital of Pyongyang to help in hospitals suddenly overwhelmed with cases of COVID-19, sources in the country told RFA. Even so, deaths continue to rise due to lack of proper care and from counterfeit medicines as treatment options remain limited in the impoverished and isolated country.

After more than two years of denying any North Korean had contracted the coronavirus, the country finally announced its first cases and deaths last week, saying the Omicron variant had begun to spread among participants of a large-scale military parade in late April.

The long-term denial means doctors in the capitals many hospitals are not up to speed on how to treat coronavirus, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

As a result, some elderly people infected with Omicron and people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes died because they did not receive proper treatment, said the source.

In addition, there are a number of people who have died due to side effects from medicines they purchased on their own without proper prescriptions, the source said.

Pyongyang, with 2.9 million residents living relatively closely to one another, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

They declared an emergency and mobilized doctors from each hospital in the city, then they even began mobilizing med students, a Pyongyang resident told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

All residents in the city are subject to intensive medical screenings. They must check their temperature and report any abnormal symptoms twice a day, the source said.

The demand for fever reducers and antibiotics has greatly increased. Many people travel from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and amoxicillin, said the source. Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases like COVID-19.

Authorities began to release wartime emergency medicines and have placed uniformed military doctors at pharmacies to prevent stealing. So now it is possible to buy necessary medicines, said the source.

As home to most of the countrys privileged elites, Pyongyang has superior health care facilities than exist in the provinces.

In the city of Hamhung, in the eastern province of South Hamgyong, people had been crowding hospitals weeks before the declared emergency, complaining of coronavirus symptoms, a medical source there told RFA.

There are provincial hospitals and city hospitals, as well as health institutions and facilities in provincial cities like Hamhung. However, in the case of county-level hospitals, there are only a few beds with poor medical equipment and facilities, and inexperienced doctors, the second source said.

I am worried about whether they can cope with it. It will be of great help if the authorities receive aid from the U.N. or medicines made in South Korea, which are effective and safe, the source said.

About 2.2 million people have been hit by outbreaks of fever, 65 of whom have died, according to data based on reports from North Korean state media published by 38 North, a site that provides analysis on the country and is run by the U.S.-based think tank the Stimson Center. Around 1.5 million are reported to have made recoveries, while 754,800 are undergoing treatment.

The country has only a handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which 38 North attributed to insufficient testing capabilities. Data published on the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center showed North Korea with only one confirmed COVID-19 case and six deaths as of Friday evening.

Accurate reporting

The numbers provided by state media are likely accurate, Ahn Kyungsoo, head of dprkhealth.org, a South Korea-based website that tracks North Koreas healthcare situation.

But Ahn said that not all fever cases are necessarily coronavirus.

In the middle of April is when seasons change in Korea. The North Korean authorities have released statistics since the end of April. There are inevitably a lot of people who develop fevers that time of the year due to the change of seasons. And the main symptoms are almost the same as those of cold patients who get ill in-between seasons, he said.

The cumulative number of people with fever that the North Korean authorities are talking about is not an individual person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Their definition of cured does not mean the full recovery from COVID-19, but only that fever symptoms have disappeared. These are the people who have been released from quarantine, he said, adding that test kits in North Korea are scarce, and tallies can only be kept by observing symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and sore throats.

Ahn said that even with a lot of help from the international community in the form of donated vaccines, North Koreans would still have trouble inoculating everyone because of a lack of cold storage and an inability to quickly transport vaccines to most parts of the country.

Also, it takes time for the vaccine to take effect after one is vaccinated. From the perspective of North Korea, it will take quite a while even if they get the vaccine tomorrow. So, I think getting as many oral treatments as possible would be more advantageous than the vaccine.

Translated by Claire Lee and Leejin J. Chung


The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The June 5 races wont shift the power balance but may affirm support for a newish opposition party.

Commune counsellors line up to cast their vote in a Senate election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia February 25, 2018. Cambodians will vote for the next batch of counsellors on June 5, 2022.

Cambodia will launch a two-week election campaign for local commune councils Saturday, a contest for grassroots bodies that wont tip the scales of power in a country autocratic Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled for nearly four decades, but also seen as a measure of electoral integrity.

The limited power of commune councilswho vote on behalf of their constituents in the 2024 elections for the Cambodian Senatehasnt dampened anticipation ahead of the June 5 election in a country that has endured a five-year crackdown on civil liberties and other freedoms by Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

The CPP, the only party large enough to field candidates nationwide, is expected to win a landslide victory, enjoying the power of incumbency and patronage in what Hun Sun has effectively turned into a one-party state at the national level.

Commune elections in Cambodia have always been a low stakes affair for the ruling party because of how much control they have in rural areas at the local level, said Sophal Ear, an author and policy analyst who teaches at Arizona State University.

And this next commune election is no different but even more extreme in how much control there is at the national level, he added.

But election watchers are looking at the contest between the CPP and 16 other parties for 11,622 seats in 1,652 rural and urban precincts to find out how much support the opposition Candlelight Party can win in the atmosphere and after months of harassment from the ruling party.

Civic and political space in Cambodia has receded and regressed due to what is effectively all-intrusive single-party rule, said Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.

The outlook for human rights and democracy in the country remains disconcerting on many fronts, especially in the lead up to the commune elections, he told RFA.

The Candlelight Party has risen from the ashes of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), whose strong showing in previous communal elections in 2017 prompted Hun Sen have the party dissolved, paving the way for his CPP to win all 125 parliamentary seats in 2018.

The Candlelight Party was founded in 1995 by Hun Sens political rival Sam Rainsy, who is now living in exile facing a raft of charges his supporters say are designed to keep him out of politics.

Candlelight, which merged with another party to form the CNRP in 2012 but is not subject to the opposition ban, is now the second largest political party in Cambodia and the largest opposition party.

The party has been gaining steam over the past year. With its rise has come what Candlelight officials say are made up accusations that the party has used fake names for candidates and has put forward candidates in violation of Cambodian election laws.

Several Candlelight Party activists have been jailed on allegations of submitting false documents to run in the communal elections.

In February, authorities in the northwestern province of Battambang ordered the Candlelight Party to remove a sign from a citizens house, even though national officials pledged a free and fair campaign, without political and partisan discrimination.

On April 9, Prak Seyha  a party youth leader for Phnom Penhs Kambol district  was attacked and beaten by a mob.

That same day, Choeun Sarim, a party candidate for Phnom Penhs Chhbar Ampov district, was killed in traffic while traveling by motorbike from southern Cambodias Takeo province to the capital, Phnom Penh.

His wife said he had been threatened and assaulted prior to his death, which she said was caused by a blow from behind.

On April 11, Khorn Tun, a Candlelight Party activist and a commune candidate in Tabaung Khmom provinces Ponhea Krek district  was attacked by unidentified men who threw rocks at her home.

Flags and marches

The Candlelight Party has sent flags, about 3 million leaflets and party uniforms to its supporters around the country, the partys vice president Thach Setha told RFAs Khmer Service.

The party plans to march through the streets of Phnom Penh with thousands of supporters on Saturday in an effort to drum up more support.

We urge all activists and supporters to participate in our march to express their support for the Candlelight Party and to show up for a chance, he said.

The ruling party has also been active in shipping out materials for the campaign, but will not hold massive rallies, CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA.

Activists will visit voters houses to inform them about the partys political platform, he said, adding that the most active days will be the first and last days of the campaign period.

The countrys third largest party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia, a royalist party known as Funcinpec, plans to hold a rally with the party president and about 1,000 supporters in Kandal province in the south, the partys spokesman Ngouen Raden told RFA.

In each province, working groups will meet voters at their houses, he said.

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday urged the parties to comply with measures intended to keep the campaigns peaceful and nonviolent. It also asked authorities at all levels to remain neutral and impartial, allowing all candidates access to public places.

The NEC is working with authorities to coordinate marches planned by party supporters so that confrontation can be avoided, the commissions spokesman, Hang Puthea, told RFA.

Until now, there are no negative issues reported yet. I have observed that each party has already prepared for the election campaign tomorrow at 6 a.m., he said.

The Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel) has deployed 20 monitors to follow campaigns in Phnom Penh and other areas, Kang Savan, a monitor for the NGO, told RFA.

Despite the trappings of a healthy campaign, the contest fails to meet basic definitions of democracy, said Ear.

Managed democracyif you even call it thatin Cambodia is about giving people little to no choice in reality, so long as the main opposition party is excluded, he told RFA.

When you race but disqualify your main competition, is that a real race? No. It's not what anyone who believes in democracy does.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 

CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely. 
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.






AUBURN  Auburn Fire Chief Mark Fritz said the department's fire academy program happened out of necessity.

At the start of the Auburn Fire Department Recruit Firefighter Training Program Graduation Ceremony on Friday morning, Fritz told people gathered at the event at the fire station that different central New York agencies had recruited personnel they needed trained.

Sixteen recruits were set to graduate, with seven for the AFD and others who will work in departments in Oswego, Cortland and Manlius.

Fritz said the Auburn Fire Department had opened fire academies in the past, "so once it became obvious that the only option we had was to conduct our own fire academy," Auburn's own program was devised, with about three weeks to put it together. Assistant Auburn Fire Chiefs William DiFabio and Michael Grady were instructors.

The participants came to the station five days a week for nine weeks, with each day starting at 6 a.m, Fritz added.

"When they walk out of here, with their badges on their uniforms, they will have gone from recruits to firefighters," he said, then addressing the recruits. "Men, I have watched you through this process. I have you seen grow, I've seen you mature, I've seen you come together as a team."

Fritz said he was proud of the recruits. DiFabio talked about the challenging tasks the recruits dealt with as a part of their training and how well they did.

"I truly believe in front of me are the future leaders of the Auburn, Oswego, Cortland and Manlius fire departments," DiFabio said. "Remember, men, being a leader doesn't necessarily have anything to do with on what's on your job."

Other speakers included Grady and Oswego graduate Jeff Blanchard, who served as the class speaker. Blanchard talked about the lessons he learned that aren't found in textbooks, including continuing to try if you don't succeed at first, actively hydrating and that "fire service is family."

Officials from each department placed firefighter badges on their new recruits, with Fritz doing the honors for the Auburn personnel.

After the ceremony, Fritz said last fall, the AFD received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency paying the salaries and benefits of five firefighters for three years, but those firefighters would have be hired within six months.

Earlier this year it became clear the Auburn department wouldn't be able to get their recruits in any fire academies because spots weren't open, Fritz said, which made it necessary for Auburn to start its own program. In addition to those five recruits, two more were brought on because of a couple retirements, so the seven recruits were hired before the academy started.

Several AFD members are state certified fire instructors and other departments had recruits, so they were offered seats in Auburn's program, Fritz said. Auburn had previously held fire academies as needed, Fritz said that when "I came on 27 years ago, I was in an AFD academy." He also said if Auburn and other departments had these needs again, they would consider rerunning the academy program. Fritz said the academy was "just the beginning" for every recruit, since every one will go back to their departments and receive additional training for the rest of their careers.

For example. Auburn's seven recruits will begin emergency medical technician training for four weeks starting Monday, Fritz said. After, they will be assigned to their companies and receive more training. Fritz praised the recruits and everyone else who helped bring the academy to fruition

"I've very proud of (the recruits), I'm very proud of my staff for being able to put this academy together with such short notice, and very pleased with the level of instruction that they were able to deliver," he said. "The fact that all 16 candidates were successful is a testament to the program."

During the ceremony, Auburn recruit Michael Boglione received recognition for getting the best time on the Candidate Physical Ability Test, an assessment for firefighters. Boglione, who is from Auburn, said he was happy about getting the best time, since he was the oldest of the recruits.

Adding his prior job was working on and installing garage doors, Boglione said people he knows in fire service suggested he take the civil service test and explained the career. He congratulated his fellow recruits.

"It's a relief to be done, but exciting to start our new careers," he said.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
AUBURN  Auburn Fire Chief Mark Fritz said the department's fire academy program happened out of necessity.

At the start of the Auburn Fire Department Recruit Firefighter Training Program Graduation Ceremony on Friday morning, Fritz told people gathered at the event at the fire station that different central New York agencies had recruited personnel they needed trained.

Sixteen recruits were set to graduate, with seven for the AFD and others who will work in departments in Oswego, Cortland and Manlius.

Fritz said the Auburn Fire Department had opened fire academies in the past, "so once it became obvious that the only option we had was to conduct our own fire academy," Auburn's own program was devised, with about three weeks to put it together. Assistant Auburn Fire Chiefs William DiFabio and Michael Grady were instructors.

The participants came to the station five days a week for nine weeks, with each day starting at 6 a.m, Fritz added.

"When they walk out of here, with their badges on their uniforms, they will have gone from recruits to firefighters," he said, then addressing the recruits. "Men, I have watched you through this process. I have you seen grow, I've seen you mature, I've seen you come together as a team."

Fritz said he was proud of the recruits. DiFabio talked about the challenging tasks the recruits dealt with as a part of their training and how well they did.

"I truly believe in front of me are the future leaders of the Auburn, Oswego, Cortland and Manlius fire departments," DiFabio said. "Remember, men, being a leader doesn't necessarily have anything to do with on what's on your job."

Other speakers included Grady and Oswego graduate Jeff Blanchard, who served as the class speaker. Blanchard talked about the lessons he learned that aren't found in textbooks, including continuing to try if you don't succeed at first, actively hydrating and that "fire service is family."

Officials from each department placed firefighter badges on their new recruits, with Fritz doing the honors for the Auburn personnel.

After the ceremony, Fritz said last fall, the AFD received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency paying the salaries and benefits of five firefighters for three years, but those firefighters would have be hired within six months.

Earlier this year it became clear the Auburn department wouldn't be able to get their recruits in any fire academies because spots weren't open, Fritz said, which made it necessary for Auburn to start its own program. In addition to those five recruits, two more were brought on because of a couple retirements, so the seven recruits were hired before the academy started.

Several AFD members are state certified fire instructors and other departments had recruits, so they were offered seats in Auburn's program, Fritz said. Auburn had previously held fire academies as needed, Fritz said that when "I came on 27 years ago, I was in an AFD academy." He also said if Auburn and other departments had these needs again, they would consider rerunning the academy program. Fritz said the academy was "just the beginning" for every recruit, since every one will go back to their departments and receive additional training for the rest of their careers.

For example. Auburn's seven recruits will begin emergency medical technician training for four weeks starting Monday, Fritz said. After, they will be assigned to their companies and receive more training. Fritz praised the recruits and everyone else who helped bring the academy to fruition

"I've very proud of (the recruits), I'm very proud of my staff for being able to put this academy together with such short notice, and very pleased with the level of instruction that they were able to deliver," he said. "The fact that all 16 candidates were successful is a testament to the program."

During the ceremony, Auburn recruit Michael Boglione received recognition for getting the best time on the Candidate Physical Ability Test, an assessment for firefighters. Boglione, who is from Auburn, said he was happy about getting the best time, since he was the oldest of the recruits.

Adding his prior job was working on and installing garage doors, Boglione said people he knows in fire service suggested he take the civil service test and explained the career. He congratulated his fellow recruits.

"It's a relief to be done, but exciting to start our new careers," he said.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Eight people are vying for one seat on Hanover Countys School Board.

The Mechanicsville district seat on the seven-member board expires June 30. Hanover is one of 16 localities in Virginia that appoints its school board members. Theres no public election; rather, board members are appointed by the countys Board of Supervisors for four-year, staggered terms. The Mechanicsville supervisor is W. Canova Peterson.

Each individual publicly nominated themselves at the supervisors April 27 board meeting, or were nominated by someone else. A ninth nominee  Chris Cray  was nominated by another individual at that meeting, though Cray has since declined the nomination.

Each candidate will be interviewed by Peterson, and the full Board of Supervisors will vote on the appointment at its May 25 meeting. The Times-Dispatch asked each candidate a series of questions. Their responses began last Sunday. Todays candidate is Kimberly Thurston.

WHO: Hanover resident Kimberly Thurston is a single mom to three children, ages 8 to 13, in Hanover schools.

QUESTION: What compelled you to nominate yourself? What qualities would you bring to the Hanover County School Board?

THURSTON: I nominated myself because I wanted to see a parent with children in the school system on the board who is current on the issues facing our schools, and who would also represent Hanover with respect, courtesy and dignity. I have worked tirelessly since my children started in Hanover schools to represent my district as a parent at meetings, volunteering in the classrooms and on committees. My students will be in the Hanover education system for years to come, and my family will live and work in the community that our students give back to once they have graduated.

QUESTION: What are the most pressing issues or challenges facing Hanover County schools? How would you address them?

THURSTON: The pressing issues facing Hanover Schools are continuing and improving the record of excellence Hanover is known for, keeping and rewarding our fine educators, and bullying prevention/consequences. Improving the quality education Hanover provides to their students is important to me as a single parent because I cannot afford to move my children to a more rigorous private school. Public education benefits all citizens. I will improve our quality education by helping form policies that allow teachers to teach quality curriculum that educates our students in what they need to succeed in the real world.

I will advocate for policies that discipline unruly students so other students can stay focused on tasks at hand, and advocate for salary improvements for our hardworking teachers during the budget process. I want to encourage parental involvement and transparency with curriculum, books, PTAs, PTSOs and booster clubs. I also see the possibility of refocusing educational opportunities to encourage traditional subjects and trades.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Celebration of new state grants in Groveland View Photo

Groveland, CA  The community of Groveland, along with Caltrans and Tuolumne County leaders, came out today to celebrate over a million in state funding to make upgrades along Highway 120 and Mary Laveroni Park.

The grants were announced in March, with $1.27 million in Clean California grants going to Groveland, as earlier reported here. District 4 Tuolumne Supervisor Kathleen Haff, who represents Groveland, spoke at todays event and told Clarke Broadcasting, I was blown away, actually, to find out that Groveland really scored so well.

Of those funds, Tuolumne County received $249,000 for the Groveland Vibrant Connections to Public Spaces project to make improvements to a parking lot on Ponderosa Lane, off the highway. These include new public bathrooms, and a tourism kiosk with what the town has to offer, bringing a boost to the areas economy. Haff explained, Then theyll [visitors] be better able to want to venture out into the community to find the different shops and businesses. The wayfinding kiosk will help them do just that. So, I think it will be helpful to businesses, especially. 

The funding for these projects comes from Governor Gavin Newsoms Clean California $1.1 billion initiative, which is a multi-year clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform public spaces. Caltrans District 10 Director Dennis Agar, echoed Haff, stating, These projects will provide economic benefits for Groveland and the entire region during its construction and afterward. Travelers will also have a safe, attractive location to park their vehicles and spend some time enjoying Main Street in Groveland.

The rest of the funds, just over $1 million, went to the Groveland Community Services District (GCSD) for its Groveland Community Asset Rehabilitation and Beautification project to give Mary Laveroni Park a facelift. The improvements include enlarging the existing restroom, shaded picnic areas and a covered transit center, as well as access roads and trails linked to the historic Hetch Hetchy Railroad grade for hiking and exploring. Further details are on the flyer.

It will be great for all the people who live there to have that amenity right there near the trail. There will also be a restroom along the trail from the new resilience center as well, detailed Haff, adding, Well be well equipped to really help people see outdoors, enjoy nature, and hit the trail.

Haff stated that these projects will take several years to complete.



SALT LAKE CITY  Republicans are coming out swinging against Wall Streets growing efforts to consider factors like long-term environmental risk in investment decisions, the latest indication that the GOP is willing to damage its relationship with big business to score culture war points.

Many are targeting a concept known as ESG  which stands for environmental, social and governance  a sustainable investment trend sweeping the financial world. Red state officials deride it as politically correct and woke and are trying to stop investors who contract with states from adopting it on any level.

For right-wing activists who previously brought criticisms of critical race theory (CRT), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social emotional learning (SEL) to the forefront, its the latest acronym-based source of outrage to find a home at rallies, in conservative media and in legislatures.

ESG has yet to take hold as mainstream political messaging, but backlash against it is gaining steam. Last week, former Vice President Mike Pence attacked the concept during a speech in Houston. And on Wednesday, the same day he said on Twitter he planned to vote Republican, Elon Musk attacked it after Tesla lost its place on the S&P 500s ESG Index. He called it a scam weaponized by phony social justice warriors.

The concept calls on investors to consider criteria such as environmental risk, pay equity or how transparent companies are in their accounting practices. Aided by recently proposed disclosure requirements and analysis from ratings agencies, they have adopted the principles to such an extent that those who use them control $16.6 trillion in investments held in the U.S.

In response, Republicans  historically known for supporting fewer regulations  are in many places attempting to impose new rules on investors. Their efforts reflect how members of the party are willing to distance themselves from big business to push back against those they see as ideological foes.

I dont think were the party of big business anymore. Were the party of people  more specifically, were the party of working people. And the problem that we have is with big banks and corporations right now trying to dictate how were going to live our lives, West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore said.

Opponents criticize ESG as politicized and a potentially costly diversion from purely financial investment principles, while advocates say considering the criteria more accurately accounts for risk and promises steadier returns.

We focus on sustainability not because were environmentalists, but because we are capitalists and fiduciaries to our clients, Larry Fink, CEO of investment firm BlackRock and a leading proponent, told clients in a letter this year.

But Moore and others including Utahs Republican state treasurer Marlo Oaks argue favoring green investment over fossil fuels denies key industries access to the financial system and capital. They have targeted S&P Global Ratings for appending ESG scores to their traditional state credit ratings. They worry that without changes, their scores could make borrowing for projects like schools or roads costlier.

In an April letter, Oaks demanded S&P retract analysis that rated Utah as moderately negative in terms of environmental risk due to long-term challenges regarding water supply, which could remain a constraint for its economy ... given pervasive drought conditions in the western U.S.

The letter was co-signed by the governor, legislative leaders and the states congressional delegation, including Sen. Mitt Romney, whose former firm Bain Capital calls ESG factors strategic, fact-based and diligence-driven. It said ratings system attempts to legitimize a dubious and unproven exercise and attacks the unreliability and inherently political nature of ESG factors in investment decisions.

Though he likened ESG to critical race theory, Oaks said he was mostly concerned with capital markets and what he called attempts by fossil fuel opponents to manipulate them by pressuring investors to pick businesses with high ESG scores.

DEI, CRT, SEL. It can be hard to keep up with the acronyms, he wrote on an economics blog last month, but theres a relatively new one you need to know: ESG.

Investors making carbon neutral or net zero criteria common were, in effect, Oaks said, limiting access to capital for oil and gas businesses, hurting their returns and potentially contributing to gas price spikes.

In more than a dozen red states, officials dispute the idea that the energy transition underway could make fossil fuel-related investments riskier in the long term. They argue employing asset managers with a preference for green investments uses state funds to further agendas out of sync with constituents.

In statehouses, anti-green investing efforts are backed by conservative groups such as the American Legislative Exchange Council and the Heartland Institute, a think-tank skeptical of scientific consensus on human-caused climate change that has backed bills that either divest state funds from financial institutions that use ESG or forbid them from using it to score businesses or individuals.

In Texas, West Virginia and Kentucky, lawmakers have passed bills requiring state funds limit transactions with companies that shun fossil fuels. Wyoming considered banning social credit scores that evaluate businesses using criteria that differ from accounting and other financial metrics, like ESG

After conservative talk show host Glenn Beck visited the Idaho Statehouse and referred to ESG as critical race theory on steroids, the Legislature passed a law in March prohibiting investment of state funds in companies that prioritize commitments to ESG over returns.

The American Legislative Exchange Council recently published model policy that would subject banks managing state pensions to new regulations limiting investments driven by what it calls social, political and ideological goals.

Though the policy doesnt mention it outright, Jonathan Williams, the groups chief economist, said ESGs mainstreaming amid broader trends of political correctness was a driving force. He said his research shows that incorporating factors beyond traditional financial metrics can lower the rate of return for already underfunded state pensions.

Sustainable investing advocates deny that charge and say considering the risks and realities of climate change amounts to responsible investing.

West Virginia and Arkansas recently divested their pension funds from BlackRock in response to the asset manager adding businesses with smaller carbon footprints to its portfolios. Moore, West Virginias treasurer, hopes more will follow.

Though its drawing enthusiasm, the green investment discourse differs from recurring debates over gender and sexuality or how history is taught. Both proponents and detractors acknowledged theyre surprised pensions, credit ratings and investment decisions have become campaign rally fodder.

Last month at the Utah state partys convention, thousands of Republicans roared when Sen. Mike Lee described green investment in similar terms to critical race theory  another acronym-based foil: Between CRT and ESG and MSNBC, we get way too much B.S., Lee said.

Bryan McGannon, a lobbyist with US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, said opponents were wrong in framing sustainable investing trends as political. If states refuse to reckon with how the future will likely rely less on fossil fuels and limit how environmental risk can be considered, he said, theyre making decisions with incomplete information.

If a states not considering those risks, it may be a signal to an investor that this might not be a wise government to be putting our money with, McGannon said. Investors use a huge swath of information, and ESG is a piece of that mosaic.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
More than 200 Special Olympics athletes hit the track at Kennedy High School in Sacramento for their first unified event since 2019. It brings me a lot of joy that my students are recognized for more than their disability, said Chloe Stidger, a Kennedy High special education teacher. George Zinner, an adaptive physical education teacher with the Sacramento City Unified School District, appreciates the feeling of normalcy with competitions returning for the first time in more than two years.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.

President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.
President Joe Biden during his trip to Seoul Saturday called for expanding the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Korea  including taking on threats to the global order like Russia's brutal Ukraine invasion.

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and fielded a question about whether he was willing to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. He was also asked whether the U.S. would assist North Korea now that it has experienced skyrocketing coronavirus cases.

'Yes we've offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but to China as well and we're prepared to do that immediately. We've gotten no response,' Biden said.

On meeting with Kim  who got summit meetings from predecessor Donald Trump during his tenure  Biden included caveats.

'With regard to whether I would meet with the leader of North Korea, it would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious.'

The president's comments came after U.S. officials warned that Kim could try to make a statement during Biden's visit by firing off another ICBM or conducting a nuclear test.

'It would depend on whether he was sincere and whether it was serious,' President Joe Biden said at a press conference when asked whether he would meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un

President Joe Biden (left) stands alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday

Biden met with Yoon Saturday in Seoul as the two men pledged to work together to maintain the rules-based international order.

'Putins war against Ukraine isnt just a matter for Europe. It's an attack on democracy and the core international principle of sovereignty and international integrity,' Biden said at the start of a press conference Saturday.

The two men met for about two hours, and committed to 'further strengthen deterrence and ensure close cooperation to address the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'  as North Korea's threat of further nuclear or ballistic missiles tests hung over Biden's trip.

According to a joint statement, 'both leaders agree to initiate discussions to expand the scope and scale of combined military exercises and training on and around the Korean Peninsula.'

Those exercises have send a strong signal of U.S.-Korean cooperation in the past amid North Korea's repeated saber rattling.

The statement also said the U.S. was willing to use nuclear weapons if necessary to ensure South Korea's defense.

'President Biden affirms the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities,' it said.

Biden also said the two agreed on 'promoting stability across the Taiwan Strait'  a reference to the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

After repeating lines from domestic speeches about American economic strength, Biden said the U.S. economy was poised to grow at a rate faster than China's for the first time since 1976.

Yoon also pointed to his country's economic strength and added responsibilities  saying it was the world's 10th largest while also being a 'cultural powerhouse.'

Yoon said he was prepared to present an 'audacious plan' that will 'vastly strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life' for the people of North Korea.

Yoon, who took a hard line during his election campaign, said the 'door to dialogue remains open' if North Korea 'genuinely embarks upon denuclearization.'

But he also called a strong defense against potential threats from the DPRK 'paramount.'

Also hanging over Biden's trip is the war in Ukraine, and the two countries want to make it an area of emphasis.

'Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and to broaden its focus beyond the Korean Peninsula to take on global challenges, including threats to the rules-based international order, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two Leaders committed to increase cooperation on a broad range of priority issues including critical technologies, economic and energy security, global health, and climate change,' according to a White House readout of their meeting.

The two men met for a packed day of diplomacy with the country's new leader, who has only been in office for 11 days.

Biden began his day with a solemn gesture to honor Korea's war dead, including in the Korean War. Biden donned white gloves and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Then, he sprinkled three pinches of incense ash into an urn, followed by a moment of silence.

After that, it was onto some of the traditional diplomacy that Biden savors, with a formal meeting with Korea's new president Yoon at the People's House.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) greets President Joe Biden (R) prior to their meeting in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday. Biden and Yoon were set to discuss security issues, North Korea, supply chain matters and other issues

President Joe Biden places incense in the memorial flame during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of Koreans who died to protect their country. It was his first public event Saturday at the start of his trip to Korea

President Joe Biden (left) took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seoul National Cemetery. The site honors soldiers including those who died in the Korean War

Biden took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

MENU FOR SOUTH KOREA'S STATE DINNER FOR BIDEN Special cold dishes: black sesame tofu, vegetable rolls, stuffed cucumber, seasoned deodeok and ginseng vegetable rolls Pine mushroom porridge and water kimchi Dumplings wrapped in cabbage Sous-vide beef ribs and sauteed vegetables Bibimbap and tofu ball soup Rice cake with nuts, fresh fruits and orange jelly Cold green plum tea Side dishes: white cabbage kimchi, braised lotus roots and mung bean pancakes Advertisement

Yoon moved his official offices from the Blue House to a defense ministry compound.

'Today with this visit we're taking the cooperation between our countries to new heights,' Biden said, gushing about a partnership he said was built on 'shared sacrifice.'

He mentioned the North Korea threat and said cooperation was 'essential' on the global stage.

Biden and Yoon each wore masks during their outdoor greeting. South Korea has been dealing with its own coronavirus issues, and maintains an indoor mask mandate.

Saturday night, the men met in a more festive setting - a state dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Biden was welcomed to the dinner - which he's attending stag as the first lady is in Latin America - by a colorfully dressed honor guard.

'It is a pleasure to welcome you here tonight,' Yoon said. 'The ROK-U.S. alliance was forced in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War. Since then, the alliance has been a strong foundation, which buttresses Korea's economy, growth and prosperity based on free democracy and market economy.'

Yoon pledged to 'draw and design a new future vision of our alliance with you, Mr. President.'

The Korean leader then quoted Yeats 'one of your favorite poets,' he told Biden, who had a laugh.

Biden then held up a glass and gave his toast, opening it with the closeness he felt to the new leader.

'We shared a lot of stories from our early beginnings and I think maybe we told each other too much, I don't know,' Biden said to laughs.

President Joe Biden gives a toast Saturday night at a state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul

President Joe Biden (right) and Yoon Suk Yeol (left) arrive at Saturday night's state dinner at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

President Joe Biden stands to give a toast at the state dinner in South Korea Saturday

President Joe Biden (right) will spend Saturday with South Korea's new leader, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left), who he toured a Samsung plant with Friday

New South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) spoke after the tour of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, introducing President Joe Biden (left)

President Joe Biden (right) arrives at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus on Friday and greets South Korea's new President Yoon Suk-yeol (left)

President Joe Biden (center) receives a tour Friday of the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in South Korea alongside (from left) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong

President Joe Biden greets a worker at the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea on Friday, his first stop in Asia

Air Force One with President Joe Biden arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday to kick-off the president's first tour of Asia since taking office in 2021

During their first meeting Friday evening, at Samsung's Pyeongtaek Campus, Biden addressed a crowd and accidentally called Yoon 'Moon,' before correcting himself.

'And President Moon  Yoon  you thank you everything you've done,' Biden said.

Yoon won election, in part, because he said he'd take a tougher stance against North Korea.

Moon had tried to promote a peaceful reconciliation between the two Koreas.

Yoon pledged that he would not ease sanctions on his northern neighbor until leader Kim Jong Un made 'active efforts in complete and verifiable denuclearization.'

At the same time, Yoon revealed an 'audacious' plan during his May 10 inaugural address to revive North Korea's economy if Kim committed to denuclearization.

The U.S. and South Korea could use COVID assistance as an additional carrot, as North Korea has reported a whopping 1.72 million patients who have 'fever' symptoms - with 62 deaths - as of Tuesday.

South Korea has offered to send medical supplies including vaccines, tests and masks.

In the run-up to Biden's trip - his first to Asia as president - National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was open about the fact North Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test while the president was in the region.

'Our intelligence does reflect the genuine possibility that there will be either a further missile test, including long-range missile test, or a nuclear test, or frankly both in the days leading into, on or after the presidents trip to the region,' said Wednesday from the podium.

'We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan,' he added.

North Korea has already conducted 15 ballistic missile tests this year, as well as seven nuclear tests.

South Korea's spy agency said North Korea has been making preparations for another test.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin greets U.S. President Joe Biden as he arrives at Osan Air Base (ROK) in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, May 20, 2022

Pedestrians walk past banners calling for strength of the South Korea-US alliance near the US embassy in Seoul on May 20, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea

Biden toured the Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor manufacturing plant in Pyeongtaek

He's leaving the United States just days before the pandemic-era Title 42 policy is lifted

Biden did not stop to answer reporters' shouted questions but waved before boarding his plane

On Thursday on board Air Force One, Sullivan said the U.S., South Korea and Japan - the country Biden is headed to next - had already prepared a joint response.

'We are prepared for those eventualities, we are coordinated closely with both the ROK and Japan. We know what we will do to respond to them,' Sullivan said.

He added that a North Korean missile or nuclear test 'could cause the United States only to increase our fortitude in terms of defending our allies and cause adjustments to the way that our military is postured in the region.'

'As far as the trip is concerned, I think all it would do is underscore, it would underscore one of the main messages that we are sending on this trip, which is that the United States is here for our allies and partners,' Sullivan said.

'We are here to help provide deterrence and defense for the ROK and Japan. We will respond to any threats and any aggression decisively,' he added.

Whatever North Korea dictator Kim's plans, Biden plans to also focus on the alliance between the two large economies.

Biden's first stop in South Korea Friday evening was to a Samsung micro-chip facility, which he toured alongside Yoon.

'This is an auspicious start to my visit, because it's emblematic of the future cooperation and innovation our nations can and must build together,' Biden said, delivering remarks alongside Yoon after touring two parts of the enormous Pyeongtaek facility.

Biden and Yoon, along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, toured a floor of the facility and received a technical briefing on how semiconductor wafers are made.

Biden mistakenly messed up the name of where Samsung is building a U.S. plant - calling it Tyler, not Taylor, Texas.

On Sunday, Biden will meet with the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group and deliver remarks on the company's decision to invest in a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia.

It is certain that Russia's war on Ukraine will come up, as Biden tries to keep allies unified in aiding Ukraine and trying to confront Russia through punitive sanctions.

Biden will sign the just-passed $40 billion Ukrain aid package while on the trip.

The Senate passed the bill while Biden was traveling to Asia on board Air Force One.

Meanwhile, Biden is looking to reaffirm his administration's commitment to allies and partners in the region who fear China's increased aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Biden is skipping a trip to the DMZ on this trip - the Korean Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea.

He last visited the DMZ as president in 2013.

President Joe Biden (left), serving as vice president, visited the DMZ in 2013. He looked into North Korea with binoculars alongside granddaughter Finnegan Biden (right)

Former President Donald Trump (right) visited the DMZ in June of 2019 and was the first American leader to meet with a North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (left), in the space between North and South Korea

More recently, former President Donald Trump went to the DMZ in June of 2019 and crossed into North Korea, making history by meeting Kim, a year after they first held talks in Singapore and several months after talks fizzled out in Vietnam.

On Thursday Sullivan told reporters it wasn't too dangerous for Biden to go to the DMZ, but rather the president had been there, done that.

'The president's been to the DMZ before, it's not too dangerous, no. In fact senior U.S. government officials go there on a regular basis,' Sullivan told DailyMail.com. 'He felt on this trip, rather than repeat that, he wanted an opportunity to actually see where the rubber hits the road in terms of U.S.-ROK forces sitting side-by-side are managing the theater. We will do that at the airbase.'

He'll do this by making an appearance Sunday at the Air Operations Center's Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where Air Force One landed Friday evening.

After Saturday and Sunday's meetings in South Korea, Biden will then travel to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who's been in that position since October.

The two leaders previously met on the sidelines of the G7 in March.

'We believe that the U.S.-Japan alliance at this moment under these two leaders is at an all-time high. This visit can take us even higher,' Sullivan said.

Biden's overtures to South Korea and Japan, two Asian democracies, are to provide a counter-balance to rising China, which has gotten cozier with North Korea since nuclear talks ended with the last U.S. administration in 2019.

After taking office last year, Biden's first world leader at the White House was Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, with South Korea's former President Moon visiting a month later.

While in Tokyo, Biden will also participate in his second in-person meeting of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia, another strategic alliance meant to keep China in check.

This will be the first time Kishida will participate, alongside Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Australia's May 21 general election is complicating participation in the Quad meeting, as it will be held just three days before the Tokyo gathering is scheduled.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wouldn't say on Wednesday who would represent Australia at the summit.

'I believe that the Quad meeting will go ahead, I don't have any more specifics than that,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing when asked about Australia's participation.

Morrison is being challenged by Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese.

Also in Tokyo, the White House said Biden will release an 'ambitious economic initiative for the region.'

First Lady Jill Biden beat her husband to Asia, traveling to Tokyo in July to appear at the summer Olympics.


Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Winston-Salem police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with Tuesdays shooting death of a man in Danville, Va., authorities said.

The Danville Police Department announced the arrest of Andrew Jovanni Menjivar, 24, in a news release. Menjivar has an address in Winston Salem and has ties to Greensboro, according to authorities. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Brandon Alexander Gore, Danville police said. A police SWAT team found Menjivar in Washington Park at 1490 Broad St., Winston-Salem police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, Menjivar was arrested in the 200 block of Bond Street, police said. Menjivar was being held Friday night in the Forsyth County Jail, where he is scheduled for a court hearing Monday, police said.

Menjivar is facing extradition back to Virginia, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said.

The search for Menjivar was a team effort between Danville police investigators and Winston-Salem and Greensboro officers since Tuesday, Danville police said.

The search was aided with the help of concerned citizens throughout the investigation, Danville police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Danville police officers went to an apartment complex at 1575 Richmond Blvd. on a report of a man being shot outside an apartment, police said.

Officers found Gore, 29, in a breezeway of the building, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Menjivar and Gore knew each other and that the shooting was not random.

In February 2014, when Menjivar was 16, he and his older brother, Christopher Shane Jenkins of Tobaccoville, were involved with a 29-hour standoff with Winston-Salem police at the Travelers Inn at 5906 University Parkway.

Jenkins initially told police that Menjivar was his hostage whom he threatened to kill, police said. However, Jenkins eventually surrendered to police and Menjivar wasnt harmed. The standoff shut down businesses and involved about 200 law enforcement officers.

After Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, a federal judge sentenced Jenkins to serve three years and four months in federal prison.

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
As U.S. farmers head to the fields to plant this years crops, prices for grains like corn and soybeans are near record highs. As VOAs Kane Farabaugh reports, those high prices come with increased costs for both farmers and consumers.







New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)



In honor of World Bee Day, Guerlains second cohort of its Women for Bees program in partnership with UNESCO and Angelina Jolie has been launched.

This new phase of the initiative will take place in the villages of Siem Reap, Cambodia, where 11 trainees will learn about beekeeping, a practice that is integral to wildlife preservation. Jolie, who founded her organization, the MJP Foundation, in Cambodia in 2003, has worked since to help develop Cambodian communities and preserve their natural resources.

More from WWD

Said Jolie on the importance of beekeeping in a statement, It is one way to provide a livelihood for families that is flexible, sustainable and balances forest conservation with providing for the community.

With bees being an endangered species, Guerlain and its partners aim to help restore the global bee population through initiatives such as this six-month training, the first round of which took place in the South of France in 2021.

This new cohort of Cambodian women entrepreneurs are becoming members of a worldwide community of women beekeepers who help strengthen local biodiversity with their bee colonies, and work to pass on their knowledge of the crucial role that bees and pollination play in world food security, said Guerlain president Veronique Courtois.

As part of the initiative, 20 percent of in-store and online Guerlain sales made between May 20 and 22 will be donated to the Guerlain for Bees Conservation Programme.

Additionally, a limited-edition Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil has been released, featuring art by Tomas Libertiny in honor of the occasion. Guerlain has also pledged to donate 20 euros for every Instagram repost of the visual designed by Libertiny that includes the hashtags #GuerlainforBees and #WorldBeeDay.

FOR MORE FROM WWD.COM, SEE:

Prada, UNESCO Unveil Ocean-Focused Education Program for Toddles in France

Story continues

Luna Rossa Helps Collect Waste From the Seas

Neiman Marcus Group Details ESG Initiatives

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
In honor of World Bee Day, Guerlains second cohort of its Women for Bees program in partnership with UNESCO and Angelina Jolie has been launched.

This new phase of the initiative will take place in the villages of Siem Reap, Cambodia, where 11 trainees will learn about beekeeping, a practice that is integral to wildlife preservation. Jolie, who founded her organization, the MJP Foundation, in Cambodia in 2003, has worked since to help develop Cambodian communities and preserve their natural resources.

More from WWD

Said Jolie on the importance of beekeeping in a statement, It is one way to provide a livelihood for families that is flexible, sustainable and balances forest conservation with providing for the community.

With bees being an endangered species, Guerlain and its partners aim to help restore the global bee population through initiatives such as this six-month training, the first round of which took place in the South of France in 2021.

This new cohort of Cambodian women entrepreneurs are becoming members of a worldwide community of women beekeepers who help strengthen local biodiversity with their bee colonies, and work to pass on their knowledge of the crucial role that bees and pollination play in world food security, said Guerlain president Veronique Courtois.

As part of the initiative, 20 percent of in-store and online Guerlain sales made between May 20 and 22 will be donated to the Guerlain for Bees Conservation Programme.

Additionally, a limited-edition Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil has been released, featuring art by Tomas Libertiny in honor of the occasion. Guerlain has also pledged to donate 20 euros for every Instagram repost of the visual designed by Libertiny that includes the hashtags #GuerlainforBees and #WorldBeeDay.

FOR MORE FROM WWD.COM, SEE:

Prada, UNESCO Unveil Ocean-Focused Education Program for Toddles in France

Story continues

Luna Rossa Helps Collect Waste From the Seas

Neiman Marcus Group Details ESG Initiatives

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The Linn County Sheriffs Office has arrested a Lebanon man accused of committing multiple sex crimes against a minor.

Officers arrested Dominik Alan Brian Schermerhorn, 19, on suspicion of rape, sodomy, strangulation, sexual abuse and encouraging child sexual abuse.

According to court documents, the alleged crimes occurred between Oct. 1, 2021 and May 14, 2022. Schermerhorn allegedly sexually abused a victim who was under the age of 16 during multiple incidents.

Schermerhorn was scheduled to be arraigned in Linn County Circuit Court Friday, May 20 on charges of third-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, strangulation, third-degree sodomy, third-degree sexual abuse, using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1
The Linn County Sheriffs Office has arrested a Lebanon man accused of committing multiple sex crimes against a minor.

Officers arrested Dominik Alan Brian Schermerhorn, 19, on suspicion of rape, sodomy, strangulation, sexual abuse and encouraging child sexual abuse.

According to court documents, the alleged crimes occurred between Oct. 1, 2021 and May 14, 2022. Schermerhorn allegedly sexually abused a victim who was under the age of 16 during multiple incidents.

Schermerhorn was scheduled to be arraigned in Linn County Circuit Court Friday, May 20 on charges of third-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, strangulation, third-degree sodomy, third-degree sexual abuse, using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2


Attorney General Merrick Garland (L) and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco attend an event marking the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act at the Department of Justice Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington on May 20, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DOJ Announces Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Initiatives Including Reporting Hotline

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 20 announced new initiatives worth $10 million to curb hate crimes and other bias-related incidents.

This comes just days after the House passed legislation to authorize dedicated offices within U.S. federal government departments to monitor domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

As part of the DOJs efforts, it released new guidance with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is also $5 million for grant opportunities to set up state-run hate crime reporting hotlines and support community-based approaches to prevent and address hate crimes. The DOJ will also hire its first language access coordinator.

Throughout our history, and to this day, hate crimes have a singular impact because of the terror and fear they inflict on entire communities, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a release.

No one in this country should have to fear the threat of hate fueled violence. The Justice Department will continue to use every resource at its disposal to confront unlawful acts of hate, and to hold accountable those who perpetrate them.

Establishment media reports of violence against Asian Americans spiked since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, one Kentucky State University professor scoured publicly available information on around 100 attacks on Asians reported by the police between 2020 and 2021 and determined that in over 60 percent of the cases the suspect was identified as black.

Historically, hate crimes are underreported with most victims, especially immigrants, hesitant to go to authorities. Reliable national data on anti-Asian hate crimes is also scarce.

The DOJs announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes and Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Acts. Since January 2021, the DOJ has said it has secured more than 35 convictions of defendants charged with bias-motivated crimes.

The DOJ defined a hate crime as a crime that is motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The most common form, nearly 30 percent, is vandalism or property damage.

However, there are now more crimes considered bias-related or hate crimes.

There has also been a national campaign of billboards, outdoor ads, radio streaming, and social media ads, along with conferences, resources, and training to help the community and law enforcement identify them.

The DOJ said it has gone above and beyond its remit under the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and expedited the review of certain hate crimes by including additional types of hate crimes. It included a full list of its actions to combat hate crimes in a release.

HHS Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said that amid a spike in hate crimes against many communities during the pandemic some people were still afraid to leave their homes out of fear for their physical safety.

Becerra, who also co-chairs the White House Initiative and Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said the Biden administration was committed to combatting hate crimes against all Americans.






As U.S. farmers head to the fields to plant this years crops, prices for grains like corn and soybeans are near record highs. As VOAs Kane Farabaugh reports, those high prices come with increased costs for both farmers and consumers.
LIMA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Peru's interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids has revived in recent months, driven by greater awareness of such vehicles' benefits to users, a local industrial expert said.

"There has been a significant increase in the sale of these vehicles and the push being given comes basically from the private sector," said Alberto Morisaki, the manager of Economic Studies at the Peruvian Automotive Association (AAP).

Carmakers are entering this market segment with new models "at competitive prices," Morisaki said in an interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

In the first quarter, light electric vehicle sales reached 744 units, up by 136 percent from a year ago, showed data from the AAP.

In 2021, some 1,450 units were sold, a figure the association expects to "easily" surpass in 2022 with the sale of some 2,000 electric cars, he said.

The key to the jump in sales is educational campaigns launched by carmakers and their marketing firms promoting the advantages of driving EVs, he added.

"More information is being given by the brands about the use of these vehicles, not just about the savings in terms of fuel consumption, now with gasoline being so expensive, but also their savings in terms of maintenance costs, since they have many fewer parts than an internal combustion vehicle," Morisaki said.

The cost of running an EV is 60 percent to 70 percent lower than a standard automobile, he noted.

For those concerned about how far EVs can go, Morisaki said they can now run more than 400 km on a full charge, so today this issue "is no longer a problem."

Concerns about air pollution are also driving sales, Morisaki said, as people become more aware of the importance of living in a "good" environment that reduces the chances of disease or death due to cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

"People are also more aware of the benefits of using these vehicles in regard to pollution. That is, they emit less polluting gases into the atmosphere, less particulate matter. In the case of electric vehicles, that emission is zero," said the industry expert. 

LIMA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Peru's interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids has revived in recent months, driven by greater awareness of such vehicles' benefits to users, a local industrial expert said.

"There has been a significant increase in the sale of these vehicles and the push being given comes basically from the private sector," said Alberto Morisaki, the manager of Economic Studies at the Peruvian Automotive Association (AAP).

Carmakers are entering this market segment with new models "at competitive prices," Morisaki said in an interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

In the first quarter, light electric vehicle sales reached 744 units, up by 136 percent from a year ago, showed data from the AAP.

In 2021, some 1,450 units were sold, a figure the association expects to "easily" surpass in 2022 with the sale of some 2,000 electric cars, he said.

The key to the jump in sales is educational campaigns launched by carmakers and their marketing firms promoting the advantages of driving EVs, he added.

"More information is being given by the brands about the use of these vehicles, not just about the savings in terms of fuel consumption, now with gasoline being so expensive, but also their savings in terms of maintenance costs, since they have many fewer parts than an internal combustion vehicle," Morisaki said.

The cost of running an EV is 60 percent to 70 percent lower than a standard automobile, he noted.

For those concerned about how far EVs can go, Morisaki said they can now run more than 400 km on a full charge, so today this issue "is no longer a problem."

Concerns about air pollution are also driving sales, Morisaki said, as people become more aware of the importance of living in a "good" environment that reduces the chances of disease or death due to cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

"People are also more aware of the benefits of using these vehicles in regard to pollution. That is, they emit less polluting gases into the atmosphere, less particulate matter. In the case of electric vehicles, that emission is zero," said the industry expert. 




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
New Delhi: Associate professor of Delhi University's Hindu College Ratan Lal was arrested on Friday night for his objectionable social media post referring to claims about a 'Shivling' found inside Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque complex, police said.

They said Lal was arrested under Indian Penal Code sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 295A (deliberate act to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion) by the Cyber Police Station, North.

ALSO READ: Gyanvapi mosque row: Supreme Court transfers case to district judge in Varanasi

An FIR was lodged against Lal on Tuesday night based on a complaint filed by a Delhi-based lawyer.

In his complaint, advocate Vineet Jindal said Lal had recently shared a "derogatory, inciting and provocating Facebook post on the Shivling".

The statement made by Lal on his Facebook account is "instigating and provoking", he said in the complaint.

The statement was posted on the issue of a 'Shivling' found in the Gyanvapi mosque complex which is very sensitive in nature and the matter is pending before the court, the lawyer said in his complaint.

Defending his post earlier, Lal had said, "In India, if you speak about anything, someone or the other's sentiment will be hurt. So this is nothing new. I am a historian and have made several observations. As I wrote them down, I have used very guarded language in my post and still this. I will defend myself."

Live TV
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Cannes: A woman who stripped off her clothes to reveal a message against rape written on her body crashed the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years of Longing' on Friday (May 20). The woman, who was protesting against sexual violence against women in Ukraine, had to be removed from the venue. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the woman stripped off all of her clothes as she fell to her knees screaming in front of the assembled photographers, as per eyewitnesses. Security guards were seen rushing over to her and covering her with a coat. She had put paint over her body in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and the words 'Stop Raping Us' across her chest and abdomen.

The woman also appeared to have blood-red paint over her lower back and legs with the word 'SCUM' written on her back. As per the outlet, the incident happened on the red carpet at the premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing', starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. The director and stars were in attendance when the episode took place. While she yelled 'Don't rape us!', security quickly encircled her and took her off the red carpet.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of Russian soldiers raping Ukrainian civilians, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made an emotional address at the opening ceremony of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival through a live satellite video address and called on the filmmakers to confront dictators. Russia's war in Ukraine has often been in the spotlight at this year's Cannes festival, which is screening several films from Ukrainian filmmakers. The festival barred Russians with ties to the Kremlin from attending.

(With inputs from Agencies)



New Delhi: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP vice President Dr Raman Singh took a target at leader Rahul Gandhi and called him a non-playing Captain of Congress, who neither scores nor take wickets. The BJP leader also took a swipe at the grand old partys recently concluded Chintan Shivir, which aimed to strategise for the coming 2024 General elections and prepare a roadmap ahead, reported ANI. Speaking to the media after the BJP national office bearers meeting concluded in Jaipur, Singh said Rahul Gandhi neither wants to become a captain nor wants to enter the field. On Congresss Chintin Shivir, Singh said that the party has left with only two states since the last time such a brainstorming session happened.

"I remember that when Chintan Shivir was held in 2013, they (Congress) had governments in 13 states. The same Chintan Shivir happened again in 2022 and the government remained in two states only. I feel after this Chintan Shivir, there will be no Congress government left in any state, said Singh

He further said as per Congress` policy and thinking, it is not a "Chintan Shivir" but a "Chinta Shivir" These people (Congress) want to make a person captain, who himself does not want to be a captain. He is not ready to become a non-playing captain either. Rahul Gandhi is neither scoring runs nor taking wickets," Singh attacked further.

Congress is limited to only 3 people, says Singh

Attacking the Gandhi family, the BJP vice president said, "The party is only limited to three people. They can`t rise above or think above it. The party has lost its faith in the public. They have looted the people of this country for a long time, now they will not get that opportunity."

Singh criticised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel`s Chhattisgarh model and said that Baghel sought votes for the Congress in Assembly elections of Assam and Uttar Pradesh in the name of the model but they suffered defeat in both states.

BJP office bearers meeting

The meeting of BJP national office bearers was held in Jaipur on Friday, wherein it has been decided that many events will be organized across the country to commemorate the completion of eight years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government at the Centre. PM Modi also addressed the senior office bearers of the saffron pafrty.

Along with this, all the Union Ministers will be given the responsibility to go to different states to contact and communicate with the people taking benefit of the central government schemes. The meeting was aimed to plan for the coming assembly elections.

(With ANI inputs)

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Attorney General Merrick Garland (L) and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco attend an event marking the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act at the Department of Justice Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington on May 20, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DOJ Announces Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Initiatives Including Reporting Hotline

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 20 announced new initiatives worth $10 million to curb hate crimes and other bias-related incidents.

This comes just days after the House passed legislation to authorize dedicated offices within U.S. federal government departments to monitor domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

As part of the DOJs efforts, it released new guidance with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is also $5 million for grant opportunities to set up state-run hate crime reporting hotlines and support community-based approaches to prevent and address hate crimes. The DOJ will also hire its first language access coordinator.

Throughout our history, and to this day, hate crimes have a singular impact because of the terror and fear they inflict on entire communities, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a release.

No one in this country should have to fear the threat of hate fueled violence. The Justice Department will continue to use every resource at its disposal to confront unlawful acts of hate, and to hold accountable those who perpetrate them.

Establishment media reports of violence against Asian Americans spiked since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, one Kentucky State University professor scoured publicly available information on around 100 attacks on Asians reported by the police between 2020 and 2021 and determined that in over 60 percent of the cases the suspect was identified as black.

Historically, hate crimes are underreported with most victims, especially immigrants, hesitant to go to authorities. Reliable national data on anti-Asian hate crimes is also scarce.

The DOJs announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes and Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Acts. Since January 2021, the DOJ has said it has secured more than 35 convictions of defendants charged with bias-motivated crimes.

The DOJ defined a hate crime as a crime that is motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The most common form, nearly 30 percent, is vandalism or property damage.

However, there are now more crimes considered bias-related or hate crimes.

There has also been a national campaign of billboards, outdoor ads, radio streaming, and social media ads, along with conferences, resources, and training to help the community and law enforcement identify them.

The DOJ said it has gone above and beyond its remit under the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and expedited the review of certain hate crimes by including additional types of hate crimes. It included a full list of its actions to combat hate crimes in a release.

HHS Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said that amid a spike in hate crimes against many communities during the pandemic some people were still afraid to leave their homes out of fear for their physical safety.

Becerra, who also co-chairs the White House Initiative and Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said the Biden administration was committed to combatting hate crimes against all Americans.
Attorney General Merrick Garland (L) and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco attend an event marking the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act at the Department of Justice Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington on May 20, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DOJ Announces Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Initiatives Including Reporting Hotline

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 20 announced new initiatives worth $10 million to curb hate crimes and other bias-related incidents.

This comes just days after the House passed legislation to authorize dedicated offices within U.S. federal government departments to monitor domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

As part of the DOJs efforts, it released new guidance with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is also $5 million for grant opportunities to set up state-run hate crime reporting hotlines and support community-based approaches to prevent and address hate crimes. The DOJ will also hire its first language access coordinator.

Throughout our history, and to this day, hate crimes have a singular impact because of the terror and fear they inflict on entire communities, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a release.

No one in this country should have to fear the threat of hate fueled violence. The Justice Department will continue to use every resource at its disposal to confront unlawful acts of hate, and to hold accountable those who perpetrate them.

Establishment media reports of violence against Asian Americans spiked since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, one Kentucky State University professor scoured publicly available information on around 100 attacks on Asians reported by the police between 2020 and 2021 and determined that in over 60 percent of the cases the suspect was identified as black.

Historically, hate crimes are underreported with most victims, especially immigrants, hesitant to go to authorities. Reliable national data on anti-Asian hate crimes is also scarce.

The DOJs announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes and Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Acts. Since January 2021, the DOJ has said it has secured more than 35 convictions of defendants charged with bias-motivated crimes.

The DOJ defined a hate crime as a crime that is motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The most common form, nearly 30 percent, is vandalism or property damage.

However, there are now more crimes considered bias-related or hate crimes.

There has also been a national campaign of billboards, outdoor ads, radio streaming, and social media ads, along with conferences, resources, and training to help the community and law enforcement identify them.

The DOJ said it has gone above and beyond its remit under the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and expedited the review of certain hate crimes by including additional types of hate crimes. It included a full list of its actions to combat hate crimes in a release.

HHS Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said that amid a spike in hate crimes against many communities during the pandemic some people were still afraid to leave their homes out of fear for their physical safety.

Becerra, who also co-chairs the White House Initiative and Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said the Biden administration was committed to combatting hate crimes against all Americans.
Attorney General Merrick Garland (L) and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco attend an event marking the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act at the Department of Justice Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington on May 20, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DOJ Announces Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Initiatives Including Reporting Hotline

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 20 announced new initiatives worth $10 million to curb hate crimes and other bias-related incidents.

This comes just days after the House passed legislation to authorize dedicated offices within U.S. federal government departments to monitor domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

As part of the DOJs efforts, it released new guidance with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is also $5 million for grant opportunities to set up state-run hate crime reporting hotlines and support community-based approaches to prevent and address hate crimes. The DOJ will also hire its first language access coordinator.

Throughout our history, and to this day, hate crimes have a singular impact because of the terror and fear they inflict on entire communities, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a release.

No one in this country should have to fear the threat of hate fueled violence. The Justice Department will continue to use every resource at its disposal to confront unlawful acts of hate, and to hold accountable those who perpetrate them.

Establishment media reports of violence against Asian Americans spiked since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, one Kentucky State University professor scoured publicly available information on around 100 attacks on Asians reported by the police between 2020 and 2021 and determined that in over 60 percent of the cases the suspect was identified as black.

Historically, hate crimes are underreported with most victims, especially immigrants, hesitant to go to authorities. Reliable national data on anti-Asian hate crimes is also scarce.

The DOJs announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes and Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Acts. Since January 2021, the DOJ has said it has secured more than 35 convictions of defendants charged with bias-motivated crimes.

The DOJ defined a hate crime as a crime that is motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The most common form, nearly 30 percent, is vandalism or property damage.

However, there are now more crimes considered bias-related or hate crimes.

There has also been a national campaign of billboards, outdoor ads, radio streaming, and social media ads, along with conferences, resources, and training to help the community and law enforcement identify them.

The DOJ said it has gone above and beyond its remit under the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and expedited the review of certain hate crimes by including additional types of hate crimes. It included a full list of its actions to combat hate crimes in a release.

HHS Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said that amid a spike in hate crimes against many communities during the pandemic some people were still afraid to leave their homes out of fear for their physical safety.

Becerra, who also co-chairs the White House Initiative and Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said the Biden administration was committed to combatting hate crimes against all Americans.
Attorney General Merrick Garland (L) and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco attend an event marking the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act at the Department of Justice Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington on May 20, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

DOJ Announces Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Initiatives Including Reporting Hotline

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 20 announced new initiatives worth $10 million to curb hate crimes and other bias-related incidents.

This comes just days after the House passed legislation to authorize dedicated offices within U.S. federal government departments to monitor domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

As part of the DOJs efforts, it released new guidance with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is also $5 million for grant opportunities to set up state-run hate crime reporting hotlines and support community-based approaches to prevent and address hate crimes. The DOJ will also hire its first language access coordinator.

Throughout our history, and to this day, hate crimes have a singular impact because of the terror and fear they inflict on entire communities, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a release.

No one in this country should have to fear the threat of hate fueled violence. The Justice Department will continue to use every resource at its disposal to confront unlawful acts of hate, and to hold accountable those who perpetrate them.

Establishment media reports of violence against Asian Americans spiked since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, one Kentucky State University professor scoured publicly available information on around 100 attacks on Asians reported by the police between 2020 and 2021 and determined that in over 60 percent of the cases the suspect was identified as black.

Historically, hate crimes are underreported with most victims, especially immigrants, hesitant to go to authorities. Reliable national data on anti-Asian hate crimes is also scarce.

The DOJs announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes and Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Acts. Since January 2021, the DOJ has said it has secured more than 35 convictions of defendants charged with bias-motivated crimes.

The DOJ defined a hate crime as a crime that is motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The most common form, nearly 30 percent, is vandalism or property damage.

However, there are now more crimes considered bias-related or hate crimes.

There has also been a national campaign of billboards, outdoor ads, radio streaming, and social media ads, along with conferences, resources, and training to help the community and law enforcement identify them.

The DOJ said it has gone above and beyond its remit under the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and expedited the review of certain hate crimes by including additional types of hate crimes. It included a full list of its actions to combat hate crimes in a release.

HHS Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said that amid a spike in hate crimes against many communities during the pandemic some people were still afraid to leave their homes out of fear for their physical safety.

Becerra, who also co-chairs the White House Initiative and Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said the Biden administration was committed to combatting hate crimes against all Americans.


New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)

New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who was planning to visit Ayodhya on June 5, has been called an "unfortunate man" who has missed the opportunity to visit the holy spot as he failed to apologise to the North Indians, said BJP MP from Kaiserganj on Friday, reported PTI. Thackeray has put on hold his visit amid opposition from BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had warned that the MNS chief will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders an apology for "humiliating" north Indians in the past, which Thackeray has failed to do yet. "He had a good opportunity to come to Ayodhya after apologising but he again missed that opportunity. He is very unfortunate and misfortune is not leaving him," the Kaiserganj MP said.

Had Raj Thackeray apologised to saints, CM Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then the anger of people would have subsided but by not apologising, he has opened their wounds once again. That's why I have decided that my ongoing protest over his visit will not be postponed," he added.

Had he apologised, I would have taken it as a change of heart on his part, the MP said. But by not apologising, he has proved that he is firm on his actions and considers them as correct, Singh added.

The MP said he will tour the entire Uttar Pradesh, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. He said his June 5 yatra will not be for lodging a protest against Thackeray but to celebrate the UP chief minister's birthday.

On that day, thousands of people will celebrate Yogiji's birthday according to the Vedic tradition at Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya, he added.

Raj Thackeray postpones Ayodhya trip

Raj Thackeray, who was on a visit to Pune recently, cancelled his visit due to health reasons and returned to Mumbai. According to the information received, Raj Thackeray has injured his leg and is likely to undergo surgery. According to the information, Raj Thackeray will give official information about the visit only after consulting the doctor.

BJP using Raj Thackeray for political gain: Shiv Sena

Soon after Thackerays announcement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the 'BJP was using the MNS chief' for political gain.

He said, "I got to know from the media that the other party (MNS) cancelled some programs in Ayodhya. We would have supported them. After all, there's a huge section of Shiv Sena supporters in Ayodhya. He (Raj Thackeray) is being used by the BJP. Some people understand it late."

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP vice President Dr Raman Singh took a target at leader Rahul Gandhi and called him a non-playing Captain of Congress, who neither scores nor take wickets. The BJP leader also took a swipe at the grand old partys recently concluded Chintan Shivir, which aimed to strategise for the coming 2024 General elections and prepare a roadmap ahead, reported ANI. Speaking to the media after the BJP national office bearers meeting concluded in Jaipur, Singh said Rahul Gandhi neither wants to become a captain nor wants to enter the field. On Congresss Chintin Shivir, Singh said that the party has left with only two states since the last time such a brainstorming session happened.

"I remember that when Chintan Shivir was held in 2013, they (Congress) had governments in 13 states. The same Chintan Shivir happened again in 2022 and the government remained in two states only. I feel after this Chintan Shivir, there will be no Congress government left in any state, said Singh

He further said as per Congress` policy and thinking, it is not a "Chintan Shivir" but a "Chinta Shivir" These people (Congress) want to make a person captain, who himself does not want to be a captain. He is not ready to become a non-playing captain either. Rahul Gandhi is neither scoring runs nor taking wickets," Singh attacked further.

Congress is limited to only 3 people, says Singh

Attacking the Gandhi family, the BJP vice president said, "The party is only limited to three people. They can`t rise above or think above it. The party has lost its faith in the public. They have looted the people of this country for a long time, now they will not get that opportunity."

Singh criticised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel`s Chhattisgarh model and said that Baghel sought votes for the Congress in Assembly elections of Assam and Uttar Pradesh in the name of the model but they suffered defeat in both states.

BJP office bearers meeting

The meeting of BJP national office bearers was held in Jaipur on Friday, wherein it has been decided that many events will be organized across the country to commemorate the completion of eight years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government at the Centre. PM Modi also addressed the senior office bearers of the saffron pafrty.

Along with this, all the Union Ministers will be given the responsibility to go to different states to contact and communicate with the people taking benefit of the central government schemes. The meeting was aimed to plan for the coming assembly elections.

(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP vice President Dr Raman Singh took a target at leader Rahul Gandhi and called him a non-playing Captain of Congress, who neither scores nor take wickets. The BJP leader also took a swipe at the grand old partys recently concluded Chintan Shivir, which aimed to strategise for the coming 2024 General elections and prepare a roadmap ahead, reported ANI. Speaking to the media after the BJP national office bearers meeting concluded in Jaipur, Singh said Rahul Gandhi neither wants to become a captain nor wants to enter the field. On Congresss Chintin Shivir, Singh said that the party has left with only two states since the last time such a brainstorming session happened.

"I remember that when Chintan Shivir was held in 2013, they (Congress) had governments in 13 states. The same Chintan Shivir happened again in 2022 and the government remained in two states only. I feel after this Chintan Shivir, there will be no Congress government left in any state, said Singh

He further said as per Congress` policy and thinking, it is not a "Chintan Shivir" but a "Chinta Shivir" These people (Congress) want to make a person captain, who himself does not want to be a captain. He is not ready to become a non-playing captain either. Rahul Gandhi is neither scoring runs nor taking wickets," Singh attacked further.

Congress is limited to only 3 people, says Singh

Attacking the Gandhi family, the BJP vice president said, "The party is only limited to three people. They can`t rise above or think above it. The party has lost its faith in the public. They have looted the people of this country for a long time, now they will not get that opportunity."

Singh criticised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel`s Chhattisgarh model and said that Baghel sought votes for the Congress in Assembly elections of Assam and Uttar Pradesh in the name of the model but they suffered defeat in both states.

BJP office bearers meeting

The meeting of BJP national office bearers was held in Jaipur on Friday, wherein it has been decided that many events will be organized across the country to commemorate the completion of eight years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government at the Centre. PM Modi also addressed the senior office bearers of the saffron pafrty.

Along with this, all the Union Ministers will be given the responsibility to go to different states to contact and communicate with the people taking benefit of the central government schemes. The meeting was aimed to plan for the coming assembly elections.

(With ANI inputs)






Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The Linn County Sheriffs Office has arrested a Lebanon man accused of committing multiple sex crimes against a minor.

Officers arrested Dominik Alan Brian Schermerhorn, 19, on suspicion of rape, sodomy, strangulation, sexual abuse and encouraging child sexual abuse.

According to court documents, the alleged crimes occurred between Oct. 1, 2021 and May 14, 2022. Schermerhorn allegedly sexually abused a victim who was under the age of 16 during multiple incidents.

Schermerhorn was scheduled to be arraigned in Linn County Circuit Court Friday, May 20 on charges of third-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, strangulation, third-degree sodomy, third-degree sexual abuse, using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe









Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.


Cannes: A woman who stripped off her clothes to reveal a message against rape written on her body crashed the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years of Longing' on Friday (May 20). The woman, who was protesting against sexual violence against women in Ukraine, had to be removed from the venue. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the woman stripped off all of her clothes as she fell to her knees screaming in front of the assembled photographers, as per eyewitnesses. Security guards were seen rushing over to her and covering her with a coat. She had put paint over her body in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and the words 'Stop Raping Us' across her chest and abdomen.

The woman also appeared to have blood-red paint over her lower back and legs with the word 'SCUM' written on her back. As per the outlet, the incident happened on the red carpet at the premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing', starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. The director and stars were in attendance when the episode took place. While she yelled 'Don't rape us!', security quickly encircled her and took her off the red carpet.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of Russian soldiers raping Ukrainian civilians, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made an emotional address at the opening ceremony of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival through a live satellite video address and called on the filmmakers to confront dictators. Russia's war in Ukraine has often been in the spotlight at this year's Cannes festival, which is screening several films from Ukrainian filmmakers. The festival barred Russians with ties to the Kremlin from attending.

(With inputs from Agencies)
Cannes: A woman who stripped off her clothes to reveal a message against rape written on her body crashed the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years of Longing' on Friday (May 20). The woman, who was protesting against sexual violence against women in Ukraine, had to be removed from the venue. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the woman stripped off all of her clothes as she fell to her knees screaming in front of the assembled photographers, as per eyewitnesses. Security guards were seen rushing over to her and covering her with a coat. She had put paint over her body in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and the words 'Stop Raping Us' across her chest and abdomen.

The woman also appeared to have blood-red paint over her lower back and legs with the word 'SCUM' written on her back. As per the outlet, the incident happened on the red carpet at the premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing', starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. The director and stars were in attendance when the episode took place. While she yelled 'Don't rape us!', security quickly encircled her and took her off the red carpet.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of Russian soldiers raping Ukrainian civilians, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made an emotional address at the opening ceremony of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival through a live satellite video address and called on the filmmakers to confront dictators. Russia's war in Ukraine has often been in the spotlight at this year's Cannes festival, which is screening several films from Ukrainian filmmakers. The festival barred Russians with ties to the Kremlin from attending.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Cannes: A woman who stripped off her clothes to reveal a message against rape written on her body crashed the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years of Longing' on Friday (May 20). The woman, who was protesting against sexual violence against women in Ukraine, had to be removed from the venue. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the woman stripped off all of her clothes as she fell to her knees screaming in front of the assembled photographers, as per eyewitnesses. Security guards were seen rushing over to her and covering her with a coat. She had put paint over her body in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and the words 'Stop Raping Us' across her chest and abdomen.

The woman also appeared to have blood-red paint over her lower back and legs with the word 'SCUM' written on her back. As per the outlet, the incident happened on the red carpet at the premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing', starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. The director and stars were in attendance when the episode took place. While she yelled 'Don't rape us!', security quickly encircled her and took her off the red carpet.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of Russian soldiers raping Ukrainian civilians, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made an emotional address at the opening ceremony of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival through a live satellite video address and called on the filmmakers to confront dictators. Russia's war in Ukraine has often been in the spotlight at this year's Cannes festival, which is screening several films from Ukrainian filmmakers. The festival barred Russians with ties to the Kremlin from attending.

(With inputs from Agencies)
Cannes: A woman who stripped off her clothes to reveal a message against rape written on her body crashed the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years of Longing' on Friday (May 20). The woman, who was protesting against sexual violence against women in Ukraine, had to be removed from the venue. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the woman stripped off all of her clothes as she fell to her knees screaming in front of the assembled photographers, as per eyewitnesses. Security guards were seen rushing over to her and covering her with a coat. She had put paint over her body in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and the words 'Stop Raping Us' across her chest and abdomen.

The woman also appeared to have blood-red paint over her lower back and legs with the word 'SCUM' written on her back. As per the outlet, the incident happened on the red carpet at the premiere of George Miller's 'Three Thousand Years Of Longing', starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. The director and stars were in attendance when the episode took place. While she yelled 'Don't rape us!', security quickly encircled her and took her off the red carpet.

On the Cannes red carpet for George Millers new movie, the woman in front of me stripped off all her clothes (covered in body paint) and fell to her knees screaming in front of photographers. Cannes authorities rushed over, covered her in a coat, & blocked my camera from filming pic.twitter.com/JFdWlwVMEw  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 20, 2022

Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of Russian soldiers raping Ukrainian civilians, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made an emotional address at the opening ceremony of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival through a live satellite video address and called on the filmmakers to confront dictators. Russia's war in Ukraine has often been in the spotlight at this year's Cannes festival, which is screening several films from Ukrainian filmmakers. The festival barred Russians with ties to the Kremlin from attending.

(With inputs from Agencies)


Drug court attendees came together in Scotts Bluff County this week to celebrate the work theyve done to get their lives back on track during National Drug Court Month.

The celebration was held Monday at the District 12 Reporting Center in Gering.

It takes the desire to make real changes and good changes in your lives, Adrian Rubottom, children and family supervisor for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, told the group. I want to thank all of you for doing that, and for taking the program seriously, and for making the effort to make your lives better, because you all deserve good lives.

Andee Hardesty, Scotts Bluff Countys drug court coordinator, said each drug court across the state holds its own celebrations which emphasize what the courts do best.

They motivate attendees to push towards sobriety, she said, to become better, to do better, and to not be an addict anymore.

Though around 10 recovering addicts attended the celebration, two in particular shared their stories with the group to help them learn from their mistakes and stay on the path to recovery.

For Josefina Gomez, drugs had been a central part of her life. Shed been arrested for selling or using drugs several times.

It finally took me this last number to realize that doing drugs is not a way of life, Gomez told the group.

She said she has been in drug court since October 2001, taking various classes along the way.

Im 41 years old, and I was tired of being locked up, she said.

She was missing out on the lives of her sons, now all in their late teens or early twenties. Shed provide financial support, but wasnt able to be there to spend time with them.

...I was there for the money. I was kind of buying their love. I wasnt there as a mother, she said.

At first, Gomez said she tried to play the drug court system. Her parents took in her sons when the state took custody away from her for doing methamphetamine.

She now wants to take care of her aging parents like they took care of her and her kids. She hangs out with her family, she said, and that gives her the strength to stay sober.

My kids are what gets me through this, she said.

Gomez said she is glad to be part of the drug court program.

I realized that the more you put into the program, the more you get out of it, she said, adding that its helped her find opportunities for jobs. ...My story can help others. I would like to be a mentor for children ... whatever their reasons for doing drugs, we have to find a way to help them.

Nowadays, Gomez said, whenever shes in a situation where she might be tempted to do drugs, she weighs the pros or cons as to what might happen, and decides against it every time.

Robert Scott Jr. decided hed start his story at the beginning.

Ive been in trouble since I was 12 years old, he told the assembled drug court group. I was in and out of juvie halls, penitentiary. I did 11 years and 8 months in my first sentence in Massachusetts, I did 13 years in Wyoming State Penitentiary. I have 29 felonies. I should be in prison the rest of my life.

Despite his record, he said hes turning over a new leaf thanks to the effort hes put in at drug court. His problems started with a toxic father, he says.

I was 12 years old and I went to go ask my mother for some money to go to the store and buy some candy, Scott said, describing his dad telling him belligerently that he couldnt ask his mother for money. From that moment on I knew I had to be a man. I had to go get my own money ... I started selling drugs, smoking weed and drinking. Ive been in and out of the system my whole life. Im 48 years old and I still struggle.

Scott said he struggled with communication and anger issues. He said he would snatch purses, take the money and mail back the IDs and driver's licenses back to his victims because he still had a conscience.

Prison didnt reform him, he said. It just taught him how to be a better liar and a better thief. Even in entirely different states, he was still around the same types of people who led him down such a path in the first place.

He has four sons by four different women, but admitted he was barely around in their lives.

Im glad I have boys, but Im sad Ive never been there for them, he said.

Now, Scott serves in a mentorship program helping other youths. Since joining drug court, he says he has also gotten sober. He acquired a 401k and a drivers license and has grown closer to his brother. He mows lawns and helps people move furniture as a side job. He gave his cousin a job referral and a place to stay.

I figured if I can give back, it can make me a better person, he said.

For anyone struggling with addiction, he said he recommends cutting people out of their lives who encourage toxic behavior. Being in the program has put him in contact with people who have been good to him and supportive of his goals. He said he still tries to reach out to them as much as he can.

Drug court is all about putting the effort in. ... You just have to be honest with yourself, Scott said. ...Im just trying to do the best I can. I know I can do better, I just need to put more effort into my goals.

Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.











Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe







Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.





Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.





















A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.
HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.


HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.
HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
NEW ORLEANS, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 11, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSCR), if they purchased or acquired the Company's Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's March 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Oscar Health investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-oscr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Oscar Health and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.

On November 10, 2021, the Company disclosed a net loss for the quarter of $212.7 million, an increase of $133.6 million year-over-year, and that its Medical Loss Ratio ("MLR") for the third quarter 2021 increased 920 basis points year-over-year, to 99.7%, "primarily driven by higher net COVID costs as compared to the net benefit in 3Q20, an unfavorable prior year Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) result, and the impact of significant SEP membership growth."

On this news, shares of Oscar Health fell $4.05 per share, or 24.5%, to close at $12.47 per share on November 11, 2021.

The case is Carpenter v. Oscar Health, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-03885.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 11, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSCR), if they purchased or acquired the Company's Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's March 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Oscar Health investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-oscr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Oscar Health and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.

On November 10, 2021, the Company disclosed a net loss for the quarter of $212.7 million, an increase of $133.6 million year-over-year, and that its Medical Loss Ratio ("MLR") for the third quarter 2021 increased 920 basis points year-over-year, to 99.7%, "primarily driven by higher net COVID costs as compared to the net benefit in 3Q20, an unfavorable prior year Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) result, and the impact of significant SEP membership growth."

On this news, shares of Oscar Health fell $4.05 per share, or 24.5%, to close at $12.47 per share on November 11, 2021.

The case is Carpenter v. Oscar Health, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-03885.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
The fall is not only about silencing the press but also due to the amplification of governmental propaganda.

Seema Chishti writes: Indias rank has seen a dramatic fall in the World Press Freedom Index maintained by the media watchdog, the Paris-based Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF). The decline has been precipitous but has been continual for the past three years. The truth about Indian media being successfully coerced and persuaded to parrot the governmental tune has destroyed the myth of post-Emergency immunity that the big media had been proud to flaunt in the world till eight years ago. Now, India is in the bottom 30 worst nations out of 180. It is the worst record among countries that call themselves a democracy. In terms of the numbers, the RSF has changed the methodology, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and five broad subheads: political context, economic context, legal framework, security, and sociocultural context. Indias rank is somewhat salvaged by its score on the legal framework and partly on its score on sociocultural metric. Both these factors predate the present regime, which has done nothing to bolster press freedom and everything to undermine it. As far as the use of the National Security Act, sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against journalists go, these are unprecedented times. The union government has helped the analysis on press unfreedom in India by using Kashmir as a Petri dish for early experimentation of tools, and subsequently deployed widely. Recently, the editor of Kashmir Walla, Fahad Shah, along with two other colleagues from the erstwhile state, have been arrested for doing journalism. The crimes included the act of reporting truths or views that journalists in any placeidentifying as a democracyare entitled and in fact obligated to do so. The routine follows, inflicting the process on journalists, keeping them in jail, and then rearresting them on separate charges, involving more jail time. The Azhimukham journalist from Kerala, Siddique Kappan, is in jail for reasons that can, again, only be described as journalism. Ironically, when India ranked 150, he was marking his 575th day in jail. Fourteen different ways have been observed in which press freedom is being curtailed, a comprehensive range of actionseach possibly picked out from older playbooksbut their simultaneous deployment having an impact, which is of nuclear proportions and has the effect of just choking the media. This includes the new laws to censorby executive fiatdigital news content via the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the intimidation of social media intermediaries to delete content the government (and the ruling party) disapproves of, the banning of television stations on undisclosed national security grounds, the use of official agencies to harass media houses and journalists in the name of economic offences, the unprecedented use of internet blackouts, and favouritism and vindictiveness in the allocation of government advertising. As the Institute of Perception Studies Rate The Debate has revealed, it is not about silencing the press alone. What is being done is to amplify governmental points of view and propaganda by acts of commission too. Primetime television never gave more than 10% of its time to the steep rise in fuel price in MarchApril. This was to minimise the negative perception about the union government, with its main job being to divert and distract, in order to shield the government from negative sentiments. Indira Gandhis Emergency had a censorship in place, but to see cheerleaders in the private sector tom-tom the governments point of view distorts the information space beyond repair. The role of keeping government accountable was something the media helped undertake before 2014. In fact, the current regime has seen a dramatic fall in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports, a 75% drop over the last five years. From 55 reports in 2015, it was down to 14 in 2020. There were no defence audits in 2021 and just three railway audits. In terms of the number of CAG reports placed in Parliament, Narendra Modis predecessor, Manmohan Singh placed all on the floor. Not so with the current regime as 33 reports have not been made public. But one will not be able to tell even if they watched television news or read the largest circulating dailies. The absence of press freedom is having a more dangerous impact on Indias democracy. It is a persuasive case that Amartya Sen makes: that accountability and democracy ensures no famines. But transposing this principle to the ruin that COVID-19 left behind puts a big question mark over whether India remains a democracy in the full sense or not. Analysts rightly point out that the biggest institutional enforcer of accountability in the case of a public health crisis like this has to be the media. It is the abject failure of the media that allows the ruling regime to not only dodge the mirror that the World Health Organization numbers have shown the government on COVID-19 deaths being 10 times the official number but then it also tom-toms the governments COVID-19 management as a success story. All in all, snuffing out press freedom is injurious to a nations health.

The fall is not only about silencing the press but also due to the amplification of governmental propaganda.

Seema Chishti writes: Indias rank has seen a dramatic fall in the World Press Freedom Index maintained by the media watchdog, the Paris-based Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF). The decline has been precipitous but has been continual for the past three years. The truth about Indian media being successfully coerced and persuaded to parrot the governmental tune has destroyed the myth of post-Emergency immunity that the big media had been proud to flaunt in the world till eight years ago. Now, India is in the bottom 30 worst nations out of 180. It is the worst record among countries that call themselves a democracy. In terms of the numbers, the RSF has changed the methodology, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and five broad subheads: political context, economic context, legal framework, security, and sociocultural context. Indias rank is somewhat salvaged by its score on the legal framework and partly on its score on sociocultural metric. Both these factors predate the present regime, which has done nothing to bolster press freedom and everything to undermine it. As far as the use of the National Security Act, sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against journalists go, these are unprecedented times. The union government has helped the analysis on press unfreedom in India by using Kashmir as a Petri dish for early experimentation of tools, and subsequently deployed widely. Recently, the editor of Kashmir Walla, Fahad Shah, along with two other colleagues from the erstwhile state, have been arrested for doing journalism. The crimes included the act of reporting truths or views that journalists in any placeidentifying as a democracyare entitled and in fact obligated to do so. The routine follows, inflicting the process on journalists, keeping them in jail, and then rearresting them on separate charges, involving more jail time. The Azhimukham journalist from Kerala, Siddique Kappan, is in jail for reasons that can, again, only be described as journalism. Ironically, when India ranked 150, he was marking his 575th day in jail. Fourteen different ways have been observed in which press freedom is being curtailed, a comprehensive range of actionseach possibly picked out from older playbooksbut their simultaneous deployment having an impact, which is of nuclear proportions and has the effect of just choking the media. This includes the new laws to censorby executive fiatdigital news content via the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the intimidation of social media intermediaries to delete content the government (and the ruling party) disapproves of, the banning of television stations on undisclosed national security grounds, the use of official agencies to harass media houses and journalists in the name of economic offences, the unprecedented use of internet blackouts, and favouritism and vindictiveness in the allocation of government advertising. As the Institute of Perception Studies Rate The Debate has revealed, it is not about silencing the press alone. What is being done is to amplify governmental points of view and propaganda by acts of commission too. Primetime television never gave more than 10% of its time to the steep rise in fuel price in MarchApril. This was to minimise the negative perception about the union government, with its main job being to divert and distract, in order to shield the government from negative sentiments. Indira Gandhis Emergency had a censorship in place, but to see cheerleaders in the private sector tom-tom the governments point of view distorts the information space beyond repair. The role of keeping government accountable was something the media helped undertake before 2014. In fact, the current regime has seen a dramatic fall in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports, a 75% drop over the last five years. From 55 reports in 2015, it was down to 14 in 2020. There were no defence audits in 2021 and just three railway audits. In terms of the number of CAG reports placed in Parliament, Narendra Modis predecessor, Manmohan Singh placed all on the floor. Not so with the current regime as 33 reports have not been made public. But one will not be able to tell even if they watched television news or read the largest circulating dailies. The absence of press freedom is having a more dangerous impact on Indias democracy. It is a persuasive case that Amartya Sen makes: that accountability and democracy ensures no famines. But transposing this principle to the ruin that COVID-19 left behind puts a big question mark over whether India remains a democracy in the full sense or not. Analysts rightly point out that the biggest institutional enforcer of accountability in the case of a public health crisis like this has to be the media. It is the abject failure of the media that allows the ruling regime to not only dodge the mirror that the World Health Organization numbers have shown the government on COVID-19 deaths being 10 times the official number but then it also tom-toms the governments COVID-19 management as a success story. All in all, snuffing out press freedom is injurious to a nations health.
The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news







remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


NEW ORLEANS, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 1, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Riskified Ltd. (the "Company") (NYSE: RSKD), if they purchased or acquired the Company's Class A common stock in or traceable to the Company's July 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Riskified investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-rskd/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Riskified and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) as the Company expanded its user base, the quality of the Company's machine learning platform had deteriorated (rather than improved as represented in the Registration Statement); (ii) the Company had expanded its customer base into industries with relatively high rates of fraud  including partnerships with cryptocurrency and remittance business  in which the Company had limited experience, and that this expansion had negatively impacted the effectiveness of the Company's machine learning platform; (iii) the Company suffered from materially higher chargebacks and cost of revenue and depressed gross profits and gross profit margins during its third fiscal quarter of 2021; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's representations in its Registration Statement were materially false and misleading, and lacked a factual basis.

The case is Thomas v. Riskified Ltd., et al., No. 22-cv-03545.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
China officially reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 31, 2021, after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations on Dec. 10. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang Yi.



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Wang said that in the past six months since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, both sides have promoted bilateral cooperation at high speed and of a high standard, making a good start.

That fully demonstrates that the resumption conforms to the general trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, he said.

China regards Nicaragua as a reliable and important partner, firmly supports its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects the development path it has independently chosen, Wang stressed.

Wang said he appreciates Nicaragua for adhering to the one-China principle, opposing any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests.

China, Wang said, is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Nicaragua under the framework of the Belt and Road, so as to turn their complementary advantages into cooperation momentum.

The Chinese side firmly supports Nicaragua's economic and social development and will continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua in its fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

He expressed his expectation that the two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of an early harvest arrangement, and on this basis, launch the negotiation on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Staff members transport Chinese COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China encourages enterprises with strength and good reputation to take an active part in Nicaragua's economic development, and stands ready to work with Nicaragua to push forward cooperation in such fields as culture and education, said Wang.

The Chinese diplomat noted that China supports the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nicaraguan universities and boosting local exchanges, so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for the two countries' friendship.

Both China and Nicaragua are committed to safeguarding fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and power politics and supporting democratic international relations, said Wang.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Moncada, for his part, said that there is only one China in the world and Nicaragua will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have achieved rapid and high-quality development, Moncada said, thanking China for its substantial assistance in Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic as well as in its economic and social development.

Nicaragua highly recognizes a series of international initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to support and join the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the minister said.

Nicaragua is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, and join hands with China to oppose hegemonism, advance the process of world multi-polarization and safeguard world peace and security, he added. 
China officially reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 31, 2021, after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations on Dec. 10. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang Yi.



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Wang said that in the past six months since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, both sides have promoted bilateral cooperation at high speed and of a high standard, making a good start.

That fully demonstrates that the resumption conforms to the general trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, he said.

China regards Nicaragua as a reliable and important partner, firmly supports its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects the development path it has independently chosen, Wang stressed.

Wang said he appreciates Nicaragua for adhering to the one-China principle, opposing any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests.

China, Wang said, is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Nicaragua under the framework of the Belt and Road, so as to turn their complementary advantages into cooperation momentum.

The Chinese side firmly supports Nicaragua's economic and social development and will continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua in its fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

He expressed his expectation that the two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of an early harvest arrangement, and on this basis, launch the negotiation on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Staff members transport Chinese COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China encourages enterprises with strength and good reputation to take an active part in Nicaragua's economic development, and stands ready to work with Nicaragua to push forward cooperation in such fields as culture and education, said Wang.

The Chinese diplomat noted that China supports the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nicaraguan universities and boosting local exchanges, so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for the two countries' friendship.

Both China and Nicaragua are committed to safeguarding fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and power politics and supporting democratic international relations, said Wang.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Moncada, for his part, said that there is only one China in the world and Nicaragua will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have achieved rapid and high-quality development, Moncada said, thanking China for its substantial assistance in Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic as well as in its economic and social development.

Nicaragua highly recognizes a series of international initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to support and join the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the minister said.

Nicaragua is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, and join hands with China to oppose hegemonism, advance the process of world multi-polarization and safeguard world peace and security, he added. 
China officially reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 31, 2021, after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations on Dec. 10. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang Yi.



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Wang said that in the past six months since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, both sides have promoted bilateral cooperation at high speed and of a high standard, making a good start.

That fully demonstrates that the resumption conforms to the general trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, he said.

China regards Nicaragua as a reliable and important partner, firmly supports its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects the development path it has independently chosen, Wang stressed.

Wang said he appreciates Nicaragua for adhering to the one-China principle, opposing any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests.

China, Wang said, is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Nicaragua under the framework of the Belt and Road, so as to turn their complementary advantages into cooperation momentum.

The Chinese side firmly supports Nicaragua's economic and social development and will continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua in its fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

He expressed his expectation that the two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of an early harvest arrangement, and on this basis, launch the negotiation on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Staff members transport Chinese COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China encourages enterprises with strength and good reputation to take an active part in Nicaragua's economic development, and stands ready to work with Nicaragua to push forward cooperation in such fields as culture and education, said Wang.

The Chinese diplomat noted that China supports the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nicaraguan universities and boosting local exchanges, so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for the two countries' friendship.

Both China and Nicaragua are committed to safeguarding fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and power politics and supporting democratic international relations, said Wang.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Moncada, for his part, said that there is only one China in the world and Nicaragua will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have achieved rapid and high-quality development, Moncada said, thanking China for its substantial assistance in Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic as well as in its economic and social development.

Nicaragua highly recognizes a series of international initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to support and join the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the minister said.

Nicaragua is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, and join hands with China to oppose hegemonism, advance the process of world multi-polarization and safeguard world peace and security, he added. 
China officially reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 31, 2021, after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations on Dec. 10. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang Yi.



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Wang said that in the past six months since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, both sides have promoted bilateral cooperation at high speed and of a high standard, making a good start.

That fully demonstrates that the resumption conforms to the general trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, he said.

China regards Nicaragua as a reliable and important partner, firmly supports its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects the development path it has independently chosen, Wang stressed.

Wang said he appreciates Nicaragua for adhering to the one-China principle, opposing any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests.

China, Wang said, is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Nicaragua under the framework of the Belt and Road, so as to turn their complementary advantages into cooperation momentum.

The Chinese side firmly supports Nicaragua's economic and social development and will continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua in its fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

He expressed his expectation that the two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of an early harvest arrangement, and on this basis, launch the negotiation on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Staff members transport Chinese COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China encourages enterprises with strength and good reputation to take an active part in Nicaragua's economic development, and stands ready to work with Nicaragua to push forward cooperation in such fields as culture and education, said Wang.

The Chinese diplomat noted that China supports the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nicaraguan universities and boosting local exchanges, so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for the two countries' friendship.

Both China and Nicaragua are committed to safeguarding fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and power politics and supporting democratic international relations, said Wang.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Moncada, for his part, said that there is only one China in the world and Nicaragua will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have achieved rapid and high-quality development, Moncada said, thanking China for its substantial assistance in Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic as well as in its economic and social development.

Nicaragua highly recognizes a series of international initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to support and join the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the minister said.

Nicaragua is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, and join hands with China to oppose hegemonism, advance the process of world multi-polarization and safeguard world peace and security, he added. 
China officially reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 31, 2021, after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations on Dec. 10. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang Yi.



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Wang said that in the past six months since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, both sides have promoted bilateral cooperation at high speed and of a high standard, making a good start.

That fully demonstrates that the resumption conforms to the general trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, he said.

China regards Nicaragua as a reliable and important partner, firmly supports its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects the development path it has independently chosen, Wang stressed.

Wang said he appreciates Nicaragua for adhering to the one-China principle, opposing any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests.

China, Wang said, is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Nicaragua under the framework of the Belt and Road, so as to turn their complementary advantages into cooperation momentum.

The Chinese side firmly supports Nicaragua's economic and social development and will continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua in its fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

He expressed his expectation that the two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of an early harvest arrangement, and on this basis, launch the negotiation on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Staff members transport Chinese COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China encourages enterprises with strength and good reputation to take an active part in Nicaragua's economic development, and stands ready to work with Nicaragua to push forward cooperation in such fields as culture and education, said Wang.

The Chinese diplomat noted that China supports the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nicaraguan universities and boosting local exchanges, so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for the two countries' friendship.

Both China and Nicaragua are committed to safeguarding fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and power politics and supporting democratic international relations, said Wang.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Moncada, for his part, said that there is only one China in the world and Nicaragua will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have achieved rapid and high-quality development, Moncada said, thanking China for its substantial assistance in Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic as well as in its economic and social development.

Nicaragua highly recognizes a series of international initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to support and join the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the minister said.

Nicaragua is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, and join hands with China to oppose hegemonism, advance the process of world multi-polarization and safeguard world peace and security, he added. 
China officially reopens its embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 31, 2021, after the two countries resumed diplomatic relations on Dec. 10. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang Yi.



BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Wang said that in the past six months since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, both sides have promoted bilateral cooperation at high speed and of a high standard, making a good start.

That fully demonstrates that the resumption conforms to the general trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, he said.

China regards Nicaragua as a reliable and important partner, firmly supports its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects the development path it has independently chosen, Wang stressed.

Wang said he appreciates Nicaragua for adhering to the one-China principle, opposing any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests.

China, Wang said, is ready to strengthen the docking of development strategies with Nicaragua under the framework of the Belt and Road, so as to turn their complementary advantages into cooperation momentum.

The Chinese side firmly supports Nicaragua's economic and social development and will continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua in its fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

He expressed his expectation that the two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of an early harvest arrangement, and on this basis, launch the negotiation on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Staff members transport Chinese COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

China encourages enterprises with strength and good reputation to take an active part in Nicaragua's economic development, and stands ready to work with Nicaragua to push forward cooperation in such fields as culture and education, said Wang.

The Chinese diplomat noted that China supports the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Nicaraguan universities and boosting local exchanges, so as to consolidate public support and social foundation for the two countries' friendship.

Both China and Nicaragua are committed to safeguarding fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and power politics and supporting democratic international relations, said Wang.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Nicaragua in international affairs, jointly hold high the banner of multilateralism, promote international solidarity and cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Moncada, for his part, said that there is only one China in the world and Nicaragua will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle.

Since the resumption of their diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have achieved rapid and high-quality development, Moncada said, thanking China for its substantial assistance in Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic as well as in its economic and social development.

Nicaragua highly recognizes a series of international initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to support and join the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, the minister said.

Nicaragua is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs, and join hands with China to oppose hegemonism, advance the process of world multi-polarization and safeguard world peace and security, he added. 

Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Authorities say a man was drinking with some friends before he decided to fire a rifle at multiple police officers from an apartment balcony Thursday evening in Southeast Albuquerque.

Jimmy Lopez, 32, was detained after a standoff with SWAT teams, tactical vehicles and crisis negotiators that shut down an entire neighborhood for hours.

He is charged with aggravated assault upon a peace officer and shooting at a dwelling or occupied building. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

Prosecutors filed a motion to detain Lopez until trial.

Court records show Lopez was charged with shooting a man just over a year ago but the case was dropped after police did not turn over reports to prosecutors.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said police finished their investigation after the dismissal but prosecutors never re-filed the case.

Lauren Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office, said prosecutors initially dismissed the case after police did not submit reports within the time limits. She said the DAs office asked police to re-submit the entire case when the investigation was complete but they failed to do so.

On Thursday, officers were investigating an unrelated use-of-force incident when they heard gunfire coming from the 500 block of Espanola SE, near Zuni and Pennsylvania, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Responding officers were greeted by more gunfire and police could see bullets hitting the gravel around them, with some having to jump out of the way.

Police said officers locked down the neighborhood and saw a man with a rifle on the second floor balcony of an apartment complex. Dozens of onlookers came into the street to watch the situation unfold as police called in multiple tactical vehicles, one of which tore down large tree branches that were blocking the mans balcony.

The SWAT team took Lopez and three others out of the apartment after a standoff that lasted several hours, according to the complaint. One of the men told police he, his brother and Lopez split eight pints of vodka before he passed out.

Police said the man told them he woke up to officers banging on his windows and breaking some of them. The man said there were two rifles in the apartment, both owned by his brother, and he was trying to get the others to leave during the standoff.

Lopez and the others declined to speak with officers.

Two witnesses told police they saw the man shooting a rifle off the balcony and identified Lopez as the shooter after he was detained. Police said they searched the apartment and found the rifle used in the incident.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Authorities say a man was drinking with some friends before he decided to fire a rifle at multiple police officers from an apartment balcony Thursday evening in Southeast Albuquerque.

Jimmy Lopez, 32, was detained after a standoff with SWAT teams, tactical vehicles and crisis negotiators that shut down an entire neighborhood for hours.

He is charged with aggravated assault upon a peace officer and shooting at a dwelling or occupied building. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

Prosecutors filed a motion to detain Lopez until trial.

Court records show Lopez was charged with shooting a man just over a year ago but the case was dropped after police did not turn over reports to prosecutors.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said police finished their investigation after the dismissal but prosecutors never re-filed the case.

Lauren Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office, said prosecutors initially dismissed the case after police did not submit reports within the time limits. She said the DAs office asked police to re-submit the entire case when the investigation was complete but they failed to do so.

On Thursday, officers were investigating an unrelated use-of-force incident when they heard gunfire coming from the 500 block of Espanola SE, near Zuni and Pennsylvania, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Responding officers were greeted by more gunfire and police could see bullets hitting the gravel around them, with some having to jump out of the way.

Police said officers locked down the neighborhood and saw a man with a rifle on the second floor balcony of an apartment complex. Dozens of onlookers came into the street to watch the situation unfold as police called in multiple tactical vehicles, one of which tore down large tree branches that were blocking the mans balcony.

The SWAT team took Lopez and three others out of the apartment after a standoff that lasted several hours, according to the complaint. One of the men told police he, his brother and Lopez split eight pints of vodka before he passed out.

Police said the man told them he woke up to officers banging on his windows and breaking some of them. The man said there were two rifles in the apartment, both owned by his brother, and he was trying to get the others to leave during the standoff.

Lopez and the others declined to speak with officers.

Two witnesses told police they saw the man shooting a rifle off the balcony and identified Lopez as the shooter after he was detained. Police said they searched the apartment and found the rifle used in the incident.




Phnom Penh, May 21 : Cambodia will start offering a fifth dose of Covid-19 vaccines to priority groups from June 9 onwards, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said.

The priority groups include leaders of the government, the senate, the parliament, frontline health workers, government officials, civil servants, armed forces, the elderly, staff of embassies, national and international organisations, journalists and celebrities.

He added on Friday that the interval between the fourth and the fifth doses is at least three months, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Vaccines have not only played a critical role in preventing deaths and infections, but also help prevent other infectious diseases such as flu," Hun Sen said in a voice message released publicly.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the Southeast Asian country has reported no new cases of Covid-19 for 14 days straight, and there are only eight active cases in the kingdom.

Cambodia has so far inoculated at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccines to 15 million people, or 93.8 per cent of its 16 million population, the Health Ministry said, adding that of them, 14.27 million, or 89 per cent, have been fully vaccinated with two required vaccine shots.

Also, nearly 9 million, or 56.2 per cent, have got a third vaccine dose, and 2.3 million, or 14.4 per cent, have had a fourth dose.

Buoyed by its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has resumed all socio-economic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers without quarantine since November 2021.

China's Sinovac and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines have been widely used in the kingdom's immunisation programme.
On the eve of Tuesdays primary, former President Donald Trump asked voters to give U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn a second chance.

When Madison was first elected to Congress, he did a great job. Recently, he made some foolish mistakes, which I dont believe hell make again, Trump said Monday on Truth Social, the social media platform he founded last year.

But that second chance never came.

State Sen. Chuck Edwards snuck past Cawthorn in the Republican primary for North Carolinas 11th Congressional Districta district that has, in the past four years, elected both Cawthorn and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

This is simply incredible, Edwards said in a statement Tuesday night. Against all odds, we fought hard to win this election and provide clear conservative leadership for the mountains.

As it turns out, a Trump endorsement can only go so far when the rest of your party is willing to leave you behind. Cawthorns loss comes after months of scandal that ultimately led top North Carolina Republicans to openly back Edwards.

Of course, when it comes to political representation, it doesnt get much worse than Madison Cawthorn. Its hard to say what, exactly, caused Cawthorns constituents to reject his bid for a second term. Maybe it was his inability to follow basic laws, including his tendency to bring weapons to places they dont belong. Perhaps it was the salacious videos, or the ethics complaints.

In an era where Trump still has an iron grip on the Republican Party, theres some comfort to be found in knowing that there is still a pointboth for the party and for votersat which bad behavior becomes disqualifying. It did take extraordinarily bad behavior, as well as threats to their own political success, for members of the Republican establishment to turn their backs on Cawthorn, however. There was plenty of awfulness they ignored, and they ignored it for a long time.

In retrospect, the beginning of the end may very well have been when Cawthorn decided last year to switch to a new district west of Charlotte.

It got worse when he accused his Republican colleagues in Washington of doing cocaine and hosting orgies in their free time. In only a matter of months, Cawthorn saw the support of his party, as well as his chances at re-election, slip away. It certainly didnt help that he was critical of U.S. Senator and North Carolina stalwart Thom Tillis, who returned the volley and then some, including in a six-figure ad spend through a PAC affiliated with Tillis.

Voters in western North Carolina can rest assured that the next person they send to Congress will almost certainly be better (and less embarrassing) than Cawthorn. But the biggest takeaway from Cawthorns loss should be this: Trump and his parade of politicians are beatable, so long as Republican leaders have the courage and conviction to stand up to them.

Charlotte Observer

HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.
HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.
HERITAGE Petroleum Company, the wholly State-owned oil producer, declared an audited after-tax profit of $682.6 million for its financial year ended September 30, 2021, a decline of 33 per cent compared to the $1.01 billion the company earned in 2020.

The companys summary consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, are due to be published as newspaper advertisements today.


The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.
The fall is not only about silencing the press but also due to the amplification of governmental propaganda.

Seema Chishti writes: Indias rank has seen a dramatic fall in the World Press Freedom Index maintained by the media watchdog, the Paris-based Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF). The decline has been precipitous but has been continual for the past three years. The truth about Indian media being successfully coerced and persuaded to parrot the governmental tune has destroyed the myth of post-Emergency immunity that the big media had been proud to flaunt in the world till eight years ago. Now, India is in the bottom 30 worst nations out of 180. It is the worst record among countries that call themselves a democracy. In terms of the numbers, the RSF has changed the methodology, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and five broad subheads: political context, economic context, legal framework, security, and sociocultural context. Indias rank is somewhat salvaged by its score on the legal framework and partly on its score on sociocultural metric. Both these factors predate the present regime, which has done nothing to bolster press freedom and everything to undermine it. As far as the use of the National Security Act, sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against journalists go, these are unprecedented times. The union government has helped the analysis on press unfreedom in India by using Kashmir as a Petri dish for early experimentation of tools, and subsequently deployed widely. Recently, the editor of Kashmir Walla, Fahad Shah, along with two other colleagues from the erstwhile state, have been arrested for doing journalism. The crimes included the act of reporting truths or views that journalists in any placeidentifying as a democracyare entitled and in fact obligated to do so. The routine follows, inflicting the process on journalists, keeping them in jail, and then rearresting them on separate charges, involving more jail time. The Azhimukham journalist from Kerala, Siddique Kappan, is in jail for reasons that can, again, only be described as journalism. Ironically, when India ranked 150, he was marking his 575th day in jail. Fourteen different ways have been observed in which press freedom is being curtailed, a comprehensive range of actionseach possibly picked out from older playbooksbut their simultaneous deployment having an impact, which is of nuclear proportions and has the effect of just choking the media. This includes the new laws to censorby executive fiatdigital news content via the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the intimidation of social media intermediaries to delete content the government (and the ruling party) disapproves of, the banning of television stations on undisclosed national security grounds, the use of official agencies to harass media houses and journalists in the name of economic offences, the unprecedented use of internet blackouts, and favouritism and vindictiveness in the allocation of government advertising. As the Institute of Perception Studies Rate The Debate has revealed, it is not about silencing the press alone. What is being done is to amplify governmental points of view and propaganda by acts of commission too. Primetime television never gave more than 10% of its time to the steep rise in fuel price in MarchApril. This was to minimise the negative perception about the union government, with its main job being to divert and distract, in order to shield the government from negative sentiments. Indira Gandhis Emergency had a censorship in place, but to see cheerleaders in the private sector tom-tom the governments point of view distorts the information space beyond repair. The role of keeping government accountable was something the media helped undertake before 2014. In fact, the current regime has seen a dramatic fall in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports, a 75% drop over the last five years. From 55 reports in 2015, it was down to 14 in 2020. There were no defence audits in 2021 and just three railway audits. In terms of the number of CAG reports placed in Parliament, Narendra Modis predecessor, Manmohan Singh placed all on the floor. Not so with the current regime as 33 reports have not been made public. But one will not be able to tell even if they watched television news or read the largest circulating dailies. The absence of press freedom is having a more dangerous impact on Indias democracy. It is a persuasive case that Amartya Sen makes: that accountability and democracy ensures no famines. But transposing this principle to the ruin that COVID-19 left behind puts a big question mark over whether India remains a democracy in the full sense or not. Analysts rightly point out that the biggest institutional enforcer of accountability in the case of a public health crisis like this has to be the media. It is the abject failure of the media that allows the ruling regime to not only dodge the mirror that the World Health Organization numbers have shown the government on COVID-19 deaths being 10 times the official number but then it also tom-toms the governments COVID-19 management as a success story. All in all, snuffing out press freedom is injurious to a nations health.
The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.



ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore cited extreme fire danger and unfavorable weather conditions Friday in announcing a suspension of all planned fire burning operations to clear brush and small trees on all national forest lands while his agency conducts a review of protocols and practices ahead of planned operations this fall.

His decision came as federal forecasters warned that expanding drought conditions coupled with hot and dry weather, extreme wind and unstable atmospheric conditions have led to explosive fire behavior in the southwestern U.S. The fires that are set on purpose are called prescribed burns or fires.

Our primary goal in engaging prescribed fires and wildfires is to ensure the safety of the communities involved. Our employees who are engaging in prescribed fire operations are part of these communities across the nation, Moore said in a statement.

He said they deserve the very best tools and science supporting them as we continue to navigate toward reducing the risk of severe wildfires in the future.

The U.S. Forest Service has faced heavy criticism for a prescribed fire in New Mexico that escaped its containment lines in April and joined with another blaze to form what is now the largest fire burning nationally.

Moore said that in 99.84% of cases, prescribed fires go as planned and are a valuable tool for reducing the threat of extreme fires by removing dead and down trees and other vegetation that serves as fuel in overgrown forests.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who praised the temporary suspension of intentionally set fires, said it's clear that well-managed prescribed burns can help reduce wildfire risks.

But "it is critical that federal agencies update and modernize these practices in response to a changing climate, as what used to be considered extreme conditions are now much more common, she said in a statement.

The situation unfolding in New Mexico right now demonstrates without a doubt the grave consequences of neglecting to do so," she said.

Wildfires have broken out this spring in multiple states in the western U.S., where climate change and an enduring drought are fanning the frequency and intensity of forest and grassland fires. The number of square miles burned so far this year is far above the 10-year national average.

Nationally, nearly 6,000 wildland firefighters were battling 16 uncontained large fires that had charred over a half-million acres (2,025 square kilometers) of dry forest and grassland, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

A California fire that started Friday in a building and spread to vegetation in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Sacramento forced evacuations and closed a state highway.

In Texas, firefighters made progress against a wildfire near Abilene that destroyed at least 27 structures. Evacuations were lifted.

The biggest U.S. fire has blackened more than 474 square miles (1,228 square kilometers) of northern New Mexico's forested Rocky Mountain foothills. State officials expect the number of homes and other structures that have burned to rise to more than 1,000 as more assessments are done.

The winds on Friday prevented some aircraft from flying and dumping retardant and water, but ground crews managed to turn back flames and reinforce fire lines threatened by gusts exceeding 40 mph (64 kph).

Crews did a really incredible job today, said Jayson Coil, one of the fire operations chiefs.

And forecasters said cooler, moister conditions beginning Saturday should provide relief from the relentless winds and low humidity that have fueled the spring wildfires.

Associated Press writers Terry Wallace in Dallas and Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, contributed to this report

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Authorities say a man was drinking with some friends before he decided to fire a rifle at multiple police officers from an apartment balcony Thursday evening in Southeast Albuquerque.

Jimmy Lopez, 32, was detained after a standoff with SWAT teams, tactical vehicles and crisis negotiators that shut down an entire neighborhood for hours.

He is charged with aggravated assault upon a peace officer and shooting at a dwelling or occupied building. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

Prosecutors filed a motion to detain Lopez until trial.

Court records show Lopez was charged with shooting a man just over a year ago but the case was dropped after police did not turn over reports to prosecutors.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said police finished their investigation after the dismissal but prosecutors never re-filed the case.

Lauren Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office, said prosecutors initially dismissed the case after police did not submit reports within the time limits. She said the DAs office asked police to re-submit the entire case when the investigation was complete but they failed to do so.

On Thursday, officers were investigating an unrelated use-of-force incident when they heard gunfire coming from the 500 block of Espanola SE, near Zuni and Pennsylvania, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Responding officers were greeted by more gunfire and police could see bullets hitting the gravel around them, with some having to jump out of the way.

Police said officers locked down the neighborhood and saw a man with a rifle on the second floor balcony of an apartment complex. Dozens of onlookers came into the street to watch the situation unfold as police called in multiple tactical vehicles, one of which tore down large tree branches that were blocking the mans balcony.

The SWAT team took Lopez and three others out of the apartment after a standoff that lasted several hours, according to the complaint. One of the men told police he, his brother and Lopez split eight pints of vodka before he passed out.

Police said the man told them he woke up to officers banging on his windows and breaking some of them. The man said there were two rifles in the apartment, both owned by his brother, and he was trying to get the others to leave during the standoff.

Lopez and the others declined to speak with officers.

Two witnesses told police they saw the man shooting a rifle off the balcony and identified Lopez as the shooter after he was detained. Police said they searched the apartment and found the rifle used in the incident.
The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.


Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text


Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A Cork GP has raised concerns about the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) site ownership, saying that reassurances from the Government are not enough for the people of Ireland who remember the role of the church and nuns in the healthcare of women in the past.

Mary Favier, a former president of the Irish College of General Practitioners and co-founder of Doctors for Choice Ireland, was speaking to The Echo after the Government agreed a 299-year lease with the St Vincents Health Group for the site at Elm Park to be used for the NMH.

Concerns have been raised about the possible influence of the religious site owners on the day-to-day operations of the hospital but speaking in the Dail in recent days, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there will be no church involvement in the new hospital.

However, Dr Favier said many in the GP community and wider healthcare field are concerned about the possible impact.

The GP community would be in support of getting this project going because we need to be able to provide that care, said Dr Favier.

But there is also a substantial group that would say its not appropriate as is and that were missing the opportunity to separate church and State.

There are a lot of unhappy GPs out there and hospital staff, as well as a good proportion of the population.

Dr Favier said there is a worry that the concerns of the majority of healthcare workers and the wider population are being ignored.

The Irish population, women in particular, have very long memories of the Catholic Church and nuns in the healthcare of women.

They are not reassured and they feel it is inappropriate for such a significant hospital and a significant transfer of State assets to go to a church-controlled environment.

The Catholic Church takes a very long view of things so decades and centuries is not an issue for the Vatican, so the long lease is not very reassuring. We could have a change in the political framework  just look at the rise of the religious right in the United States and the impact that is having.

If there was a similar rise here in Ireland, would the church feel emboldened and then say they would not undertake these procedures at the hospital? she asked. What protections would Irish women have in that case?

Ownership fundamental

Dr Favier said that the ownership of the site is the fundamental issue in this case.

The Government has attempted to provide comfort and reassurances on this issue but it should have been the church that was doing this, she said.

When it was discussed, we should have been able to see the Vatican correspondence on the issue and they should have proven their willingness by giving the site to the State.

But they havent done that and the Government and political system has been left trying to reassure people and I think the bottom line is that people are not reassured.

Department response

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the Government has approved the legal framework that will underpin the relocation of the NMH to the St Vincents campus at Elm Park.

He added that the legal framework will ensure that all legally permissible services will be available in the new NMH, prevent any influence, religious or otherwise, on the operation of the new hospital, and safeguard the States significant investment in the hospital.

All legally permissible services that are currently provided at the NMH at Holles St will be provided in the new NMH in Elm Park. This includes termination of pregnancy, provision of contraception services including tubal ligation, fertility services, and gender affirmation procedures.

Clinical services at the new NMH will not be provided according to any religious ethos but only according to best national and international clinical practice.
"I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies," Truss said in a Friday interview with The Telegraph.

According to Truss, NATO members are talking about the possibility of ensuring that not only Ukraine, but also Moldova has modern defenses.

If the military alliance agrees on the issue, NATO will provide weapons to Moldova in order to replace Soviet-era equipment and will also provide training to Moldovan military personnel, The Telegraph said on Friday. (ANI/Sputnik)
"I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies," Truss said in a Friday interview with The Telegraph.

According to Truss, NATO members are talking about the possibility of ensuring that not only Ukraine, but also Moldova has modern defenses.

If the military alliance agrees on the issue, NATO will provide weapons to Moldova in order to replace Soviet-era equipment and will also provide training to Moldovan military personnel, The Telegraph said on Friday. (ANI/Sputnik)
A Cork GP has raised concerns about the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) site ownership, saying that reassurances from the Government are not enough for the people of Ireland who remember the role of the church and nuns in the healthcare of women in the past.

Mary Favier, a former president of the Irish College of General Practitioners and co-founder of Doctors for Choice Ireland, was speaking to The Echo after the Government agreed a 299-year lease with the St Vincents Health Group for the site at Elm Park to be used for the NMH.

Concerns have been raised about the possible influence of the religious site owners on the day-to-day operations of the hospital but speaking in the Dail in recent days, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there will be no church involvement in the new hospital.

However, Dr Favier said many in the GP community and wider healthcare field are concerned about the possible impact.

The GP community would be in support of getting this project going because we need to be able to provide that care, said Dr Favier.

But there is also a substantial group that would say its not appropriate as is and that were missing the opportunity to separate church and State.

There are a lot of unhappy GPs out there and hospital staff, as well as a good proportion of the population.

Dr Favier said there is a worry that the concerns of the majority of healthcare workers and the wider population are being ignored.

The Irish population, women in particular, have very long memories of the Catholic Church and nuns in the healthcare of women.

They are not reassured and they feel it is inappropriate for such a significant hospital and a significant transfer of State assets to go to a church-controlled environment.

The Catholic Church takes a very long view of things so decades and centuries is not an issue for the Vatican, so the long lease is not very reassuring. We could have a change in the political framework  just look at the rise of the religious right in the United States and the impact that is having.

If there was a similar rise here in Ireland, would the church feel emboldened and then say they would not undertake these procedures at the hospital? she asked. What protections would Irish women have in that case?

Ownership fundamental

Dr Favier said that the ownership of the site is the fundamental issue in this case.

The Government has attempted to provide comfort and reassurances on this issue but it should have been the church that was doing this, she said.

When it was discussed, we should have been able to see the Vatican correspondence on the issue and they should have proven their willingness by giving the site to the State.

But they havent done that and the Government and political system has been left trying to reassure people and I think the bottom line is that people are not reassured.

Department response

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the Government has approved the legal framework that will underpin the relocation of the NMH to the St Vincents campus at Elm Park.

He added that the legal framework will ensure that all legally permissible services will be available in the new NMH, prevent any influence, religious or otherwise, on the operation of the new hospital, and safeguard the States significant investment in the hospital.

All legally permissible services that are currently provided at the NMH at Holles St will be provided in the new NMH in Elm Park. This includes termination of pregnancy, provision of contraception services including tubal ligation, fertility services, and gender affirmation procedures.

Clinical services at the new NMH will not be provided according to any religious ethos but only according to best national and international clinical practice.
A Cork GP has raised concerns about the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) site ownership, saying that reassurances from the Government are not enough for the people of Ireland who remember the role of the church and nuns in the healthcare of women in the past.

Mary Favier, a former president of the Irish College of General Practitioners and co-founder of Doctors for Choice Ireland, was speaking to The Echo after the Government agreed a 299-year lease with the St Vincents Health Group for the site at Elm Park to be used for the NMH.

Concerns have been raised about the possible influence of the religious site owners on the day-to-day operations of the hospital but speaking in the Dail in recent days, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there will be no church involvement in the new hospital.

However, Dr Favier said many in the GP community and wider healthcare field are concerned about the possible impact.

The GP community would be in support of getting this project going because we need to be able to provide that care, said Dr Favier.

But there is also a substantial group that would say its not appropriate as is and that were missing the opportunity to separate church and State.

There are a lot of unhappy GPs out there and hospital staff, as well as a good proportion of the population.

Dr Favier said there is a worry that the concerns of the majority of healthcare workers and the wider population are being ignored.

The Irish population, women in particular, have very long memories of the Catholic Church and nuns in the healthcare of women.

They are not reassured and they feel it is inappropriate for such a significant hospital and a significant transfer of State assets to go to a church-controlled environment.

The Catholic Church takes a very long view of things so decades and centuries is not an issue for the Vatican, so the long lease is not very reassuring. We could have a change in the political framework  just look at the rise of the religious right in the United States and the impact that is having.

If there was a similar rise here in Ireland, would the church feel emboldened and then say they would not undertake these procedures at the hospital? she asked. What protections would Irish women have in that case?

Ownership fundamental

Dr Favier said that the ownership of the site is the fundamental issue in this case.

The Government has attempted to provide comfort and reassurances on this issue but it should have been the church that was doing this, she said.

When it was discussed, we should have been able to see the Vatican correspondence on the issue and they should have proven their willingness by giving the site to the State.

But they havent done that and the Government and political system has been left trying to reassure people and I think the bottom line is that people are not reassured.

Department response

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the Government has approved the legal framework that will underpin the relocation of the NMH to the St Vincents campus at Elm Park.

He added that the legal framework will ensure that all legally permissible services will be available in the new NMH, prevent any influence, religious or otherwise, on the operation of the new hospital, and safeguard the States significant investment in the hospital.

All legally permissible services that are currently provided at the NMH at Holles St will be provided in the new NMH in Elm Park. This includes termination of pregnancy, provision of contraception services including tubal ligation, fertility services, and gender affirmation procedures.

Clinical services at the new NMH will not be provided according to any religious ethos but only according to best national and international clinical practice.
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news

Ramallah, May 21 : Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The clashes took place on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organisation.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a protest against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the protestors, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly protests in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war.
Ramallah, May 21 : Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The clashes took place on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organisation.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a protest against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the protestors, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly protests in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war.
Ramallah, May 21 : Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The clashes took place on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organisation.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a protest against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the protestors, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly protests in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war.
Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jerusalem, May 21 : The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

Israel reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Israel Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The clashes took place on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organisation.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a protest against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the protestors, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly protests in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war.
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday that he was disappointed in China's efforts to develop areas in the East China Sea, saying that it was "unacceptable."

Speaking to reporters in the western city of Kyoto, he said that the government had lodged a complaint against China via diplomatic channels.

The Japanese foreign ministry released a statement on Friday confirming an increase in Chinese efforts to develop natural resources in the East China Sea, including in areas that are west of the midpoint between Japan and China.

One source of lasting tension between the worlds second- and third-largest economies is a dispute over tiny islands in the East China Sea, which Japan controls but China also claims, and the waters around them.

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami; Editing by William Mallard)

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday that he was disappointed in China's efforts to develop areas in the East China Sea, saying that it was "unacceptable."

Speaking to reporters in the western city of Kyoto, he said that the government had lodged a complaint against China via diplomatic channels.

The Japanese foreign ministry released a statement on Friday confirming an increase in Chinese efforts to develop natural resources in the East China Sea, including in areas that are west of the midpoint between Japan and China.

One source of lasting tension between the worlds second- and third-largest economies is a dispute over tiny islands in the East China Sea, which Japan controls but China also claims, and the waters around them.

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami; Editing by William Mallard)
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday that he was disappointed in China's efforts to develop areas in the East China Sea, saying that it was "unacceptable."

Speaking to reporters in the western city of Kyoto, he said that the government had lodged a complaint against China via diplomatic channels.

The Japanese foreign ministry released a statement on Friday confirming an increase in Chinese efforts to develop natural resources in the East China Sea, including in areas that are west of the midpoint between Japan and China.

One source of lasting tension between the worlds second- and third-largest economies is a dispute over tiny islands in the East China Sea, which Japan controls but China also claims, and the waters around them.

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami; Editing by William Mallard)
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday that he was disappointed in China's efforts to develop areas in the East China Sea, saying that it was "unacceptable."

Speaking to reporters in the western city of Kyoto, he said that the government had lodged a complaint against China via diplomatic channels.

The Japanese foreign ministry released a statement on Friday confirming an increase in Chinese efforts to develop natural resources in the East China Sea, including in areas that are west of the midpoint between Japan and China.

One source of lasting tension between the worlds second- and third-largest economies is a dispute over tiny islands in the East China Sea, which Japan controls but China also claims, and the waters around them.

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami; Editing by William Mallard)
NEW ORLEANS, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 11, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSCR), if they purchased or acquired the Company's Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's March 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Oscar Health investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-oscr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Oscar Health and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.

On November 10, 2021, the Company disclosed a net loss for the quarter of $212.7 million, an increase of $133.6 million year-over-year, and that its Medical Loss Ratio ("MLR") for the third quarter 2021 increased 920 basis points year-over-year, to 99.7%, "primarily driven by higher net COVID costs as compared to the net benefit in 3Q20, an unfavorable prior year Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) result, and the impact of significant SEP membership growth."

On this news, shares of Oscar Health fell $4.05 per share, or 24.5%, to close at $12.47 per share on November 11, 2021.

The case is Carpenter v. Oscar Health, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-03885.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Phnom Penh, May 21 : Cambodia will start offering a fifth dose of Covid-19 vaccines to priority groups from June 9 onwards, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said.

The priority groups include leaders of the government, the senate, the parliament, frontline health workers, government officials, civil servants, armed forces, the elderly, staff of embassies, national and international organisations, journalists and celebrities.

He added on Friday that the interval between the fourth and the fifth doses is at least three months, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Vaccines have not only played a critical role in preventing deaths and infections, but also help prevent other infectious diseases such as flu," Hun Sen said in a voice message released publicly.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the Southeast Asian country has reported no new cases of Covid-19 for 14 days straight, and there are only eight active cases in the kingdom.

Cambodia has so far inoculated at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccines to 15 million people, or 93.8 per cent of its 16 million population, the Health Ministry said, adding that of them, 14.27 million, or 89 per cent, have been fully vaccinated with two required vaccine shots.

Also, nearly 9 million, or 56.2 per cent, have got a third vaccine dose, and 2.3 million, or 14.4 per cent, have had a fourth dose.

Buoyed by its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has resumed all socio-economic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers without quarantine since November 2021.

China's Sinovac and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines have been widely used in the kingdom's immunisation programme.
Phnom Penh, May 21 : Cambodia will start offering a fifth dose of Covid-19 vaccines to priority groups from June 9 onwards, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said.

The priority groups include leaders of the government, the senate, the parliament, frontline health workers, government officials, civil servants, armed forces, the elderly, staff of embassies, national and international organisations, journalists and celebrities.

He added on Friday that the interval between the fourth and the fifth doses is at least three months, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Vaccines have not only played a critical role in preventing deaths and infections, but also help prevent other infectious diseases such as flu," Hun Sen said in a voice message released publicly.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the Southeast Asian country has reported no new cases of Covid-19 for 14 days straight, and there are only eight active cases in the kingdom.

Cambodia has so far inoculated at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccines to 15 million people, or 93.8 per cent of its 16 million population, the Health Ministry said, adding that of them, 14.27 million, or 89 per cent, have been fully vaccinated with two required vaccine shots.

Also, nearly 9 million, or 56.2 per cent, have got a third vaccine dose, and 2.3 million, or 14.4 per cent, have had a fourth dose.

Buoyed by its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has resumed all socio-economic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers without quarantine since November 2021.

China's Sinovac and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines have been widely used in the kingdom's immunisation programme.
A Cork GP has raised concerns about the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) site ownership, saying that reassurances from the Government are not enough for the people of Ireland who remember the role of the church and nuns in the healthcare of women in the past.

Mary Favier, a former president of the Irish College of General Practitioners and co-founder of Doctors for Choice Ireland, was speaking to The Echo after the Government agreed a 299-year lease with the St Vincents Health Group for the site at Elm Park to be used for the NMH.

Concerns have been raised about the possible influence of the religious site owners on the day-to-day operations of the hospital but speaking in the Dail in recent days, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there will be no church involvement in the new hospital.

However, Dr Favier said many in the GP community and wider healthcare field are concerned about the possible impact.

The GP community would be in support of getting this project going because we need to be able to provide that care, said Dr Favier.

But there is also a substantial group that would say its not appropriate as is and that were missing the opportunity to separate church and State.

There are a lot of unhappy GPs out there and hospital staff, as well as a good proportion of the population.

Dr Favier said there is a worry that the concerns of the majority of healthcare workers and the wider population are being ignored.

The Irish population, women in particular, have very long memories of the Catholic Church and nuns in the healthcare of women.

They are not reassured and they feel it is inappropriate for such a significant hospital and a significant transfer of State assets to go to a church-controlled environment.

The Catholic Church takes a very long view of things so decades and centuries is not an issue for the Vatican, so the long lease is not very reassuring. We could have a change in the political framework  just look at the rise of the religious right in the United States and the impact that is having.

If there was a similar rise here in Ireland, would the church feel emboldened and then say they would not undertake these procedures at the hospital? she asked. What protections would Irish women have in that case?

Ownership fundamental

Dr Favier said that the ownership of the site is the fundamental issue in this case.

The Government has attempted to provide comfort and reassurances on this issue but it should have been the church that was doing this, she said.

When it was discussed, we should have been able to see the Vatican correspondence on the issue and they should have proven their willingness by giving the site to the State.

But they havent done that and the Government and political system has been left trying to reassure people and I think the bottom line is that people are not reassured.

Department response

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the Government has approved the legal framework that will underpin the relocation of the NMH to the St Vincents campus at Elm Park.

He added that the legal framework will ensure that all legally permissible services will be available in the new NMH, prevent any influence, religious or otherwise, on the operation of the new hospital, and safeguard the States significant investment in the hospital.

All legally permissible services that are currently provided at the NMH at Holles St will be provided in the new NMH in Elm Park. This includes termination of pregnancy, provision of contraception services including tubal ligation, fertility services, and gender affirmation procedures.

Clinical services at the new NMH will not be provided according to any religious ethos but only according to best national and international clinical practice.
The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.
"I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies," Truss said in a Friday interview with The Telegraph.

According to Truss, NATO members are talking about the possibility of ensuring that not only Ukraine, but also Moldova has modern defenses.

If the military alliance agrees on the issue, NATO will provide weapons to Moldova in order to replace Soviet-era equipment and will also provide training to Moldovan military personnel, The Telegraph said on Friday. (ANI/Sputnik)
Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a greater Russia and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscows next target.

I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies, she told The Daily Telegraph.

Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, it doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the countrys Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
The fall is not only about silencing the press but also due to the amplification of governmental propaganda.

Seema Chishti writes: Indias rank has seen a dramatic fall in the World Press Freedom Index maintained by the media watchdog, the Paris-based Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF). The decline has been precipitous but has been continual for the past three years. The truth about Indian media being successfully coerced and persuaded to parrot the governmental tune has destroyed the myth of post-Emergency immunity that the big media had been proud to flaunt in the world till eight years ago. Now, India is in the bottom 30 worst nations out of 180. It is the worst record among countries that call themselves a democracy. In terms of the numbers, the RSF has changed the methodology, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and five broad subheads: political context, economic context, legal framework, security, and sociocultural context. Indias rank is somewhat salvaged by its score on the legal framework and partly on its score on sociocultural metric. Both these factors predate the present regime, which has done nothing to bolster press freedom and everything to undermine it. As far as the use of the National Security Act, sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against journalists go, these are unprecedented times. The union government has helped the analysis on press unfreedom in India by using Kashmir as a Petri dish for early experimentation of tools, and subsequently deployed widely. Recently, the editor of Kashmir Walla, Fahad Shah, along with two other colleagues from the erstwhile state, have been arrested for doing journalism. The crimes included the act of reporting truths or views that journalists in any placeidentifying as a democracyare entitled and in fact obligated to do so. The routine follows, inflicting the process on journalists, keeping them in jail, and then rearresting them on separate charges, involving more jail time. The Azhimukham journalist from Kerala, Siddique Kappan, is in jail for reasons that can, again, only be described as journalism. Ironically, when India ranked 150, he was marking his 575th day in jail. Fourteen different ways have been observed in which press freedom is being curtailed, a comprehensive range of actionseach possibly picked out from older playbooksbut their simultaneous deployment having an impact, which is of nuclear proportions and has the effect of just choking the media. This includes the new laws to censorby executive fiatdigital news content via the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the intimidation of social media intermediaries to delete content the government (and the ruling party) disapproves of, the banning of television stations on undisclosed national security grounds, the use of official agencies to harass media houses and journalists in the name of economic offences, the unprecedented use of internet blackouts, and favouritism and vindictiveness in the allocation of government advertising. As the Institute of Perception Studies Rate The Debate has revealed, it is not about silencing the press alone. What is being done is to amplify governmental points of view and propaganda by acts of commission too. Primetime television never gave more than 10% of its time to the steep rise in fuel price in MarchApril. This was to minimise the negative perception about the union government, with its main job being to divert and distract, in order to shield the government from negative sentiments. Indira Gandhis Emergency had a censorship in place, but to see cheerleaders in the private sector tom-tom the governments point of view distorts the information space beyond repair. The role of keeping government accountable was something the media helped undertake before 2014. In fact, the current regime has seen a dramatic fall in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports, a 75% drop over the last five years. From 55 reports in 2015, it was down to 14 in 2020. There were no defence audits in 2021 and just three railway audits. In terms of the number of CAG reports placed in Parliament, Narendra Modis predecessor, Manmohan Singh placed all on the floor. Not so with the current regime as 33 reports have not been made public. But one will not be able to tell even if they watched television news or read the largest circulating dailies. The absence of press freedom is having a more dangerous impact on Indias democracy. It is a persuasive case that Amartya Sen makes: that accountability and democracy ensures no famines. But transposing this principle to the ruin that COVID-19 left behind puts a big question mark over whether India remains a democracy in the full sense or not. Analysts rightly point out that the biggest institutional enforcer of accountability in the case of a public health crisis like this has to be the media. It is the abject failure of the media that allows the ruling regime to not only dodge the mirror that the World Health Organization numbers have shown the government on COVID-19 deaths being 10 times the official number but then it also tom-toms the governments COVID-19 management as a success story. All in all, snuffing out press freedom is injurious to a nations health.
The fall is not only about silencing the press but also due to the amplification of governmental propaganda.

Seema Chishti writes: Indias rank has seen a dramatic fall in the World Press Freedom Index maintained by the media watchdog, the Paris-based Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF). The decline has been precipitous but has been continual for the past three years. The truth about Indian media being successfully coerced and persuaded to parrot the governmental tune has destroyed the myth of post-Emergency immunity that the big media had been proud to flaunt in the world till eight years ago. Now, India is in the bottom 30 worst nations out of 180. It is the worst record among countries that call themselves a democracy. In terms of the numbers, the RSF has changed the methodology, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and five broad subheads: political context, economic context, legal framework, security, and sociocultural context. Indias rank is somewhat salvaged by its score on the legal framework and partly on its score on sociocultural metric. Both these factors predate the present regime, which has done nothing to bolster press freedom and everything to undermine it. As far as the use of the National Security Act, sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against journalists go, these are unprecedented times. The union government has helped the analysis on press unfreedom in India by using Kashmir as a Petri dish for early experimentation of tools, and subsequently deployed widely. Recently, the editor of Kashmir Walla, Fahad Shah, along with two other colleagues from the erstwhile state, have been arrested for doing journalism. The crimes included the act of reporting truths or views that journalists in any placeidentifying as a democracyare entitled and in fact obligated to do so. The routine follows, inflicting the process on journalists, keeping them in jail, and then rearresting them on separate charges, involving more jail time. The Azhimukham journalist from Kerala, Siddique Kappan, is in jail for reasons that can, again, only be described as journalism. Ironically, when India ranked 150, he was marking his 575th day in jail. Fourteen different ways have been observed in which press freedom is being curtailed, a comprehensive range of actionseach possibly picked out from older playbooksbut their simultaneous deployment having an impact, which is of nuclear proportions and has the effect of just choking the media. This includes the new laws to censorby executive fiatdigital news content via the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the intimidation of social media intermediaries to delete content the government (and the ruling party) disapproves of, the banning of television stations on undisclosed national security grounds, the use of official agencies to harass media houses and journalists in the name of economic offences, the unprecedented use of internet blackouts, and favouritism and vindictiveness in the allocation of government advertising. As the Institute of Perception Studies Rate The Debate has revealed, it is not about silencing the press alone. What is being done is to amplify governmental points of view and propaganda by acts of commission too. Primetime television never gave more than 10% of its time to the steep rise in fuel price in MarchApril. This was to minimise the negative perception about the union government, with its main job being to divert and distract, in order to shield the government from negative sentiments. Indira Gandhis Emergency had a censorship in place, but to see cheerleaders in the private sector tom-tom the governments point of view distorts the information space beyond repair. The role of keeping government accountable was something the media helped undertake before 2014. In fact, the current regime has seen a dramatic fall in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reports, a 75% drop over the last five years. From 55 reports in 2015, it was down to 14 in 2020. There were no defence audits in 2021 and just three railway audits. In terms of the number of CAG reports placed in Parliament, Narendra Modis predecessor, Manmohan Singh placed all on the floor. Not so with the current regime as 33 reports have not been made public. But one will not be able to tell even if they watched television news or read the largest circulating dailies. The absence of press freedom is having a more dangerous impact on Indias democracy. It is a persuasive case that Amartya Sen makes: that accountability and democracy ensures no famines. But transposing this principle to the ruin that COVID-19 left behind puts a big question mark over whether India remains a democracy in the full sense or not. Analysts rightly point out that the biggest institutional enforcer of accountability in the case of a public health crisis like this has to be the media. It is the abject failure of the media that allows the ruling regime to not only dodge the mirror that the World Health Organization numbers have shown the government on COVID-19 deaths being 10 times the official number but then it also tom-toms the governments COVID-19 management as a success story. All in all, snuffing out press freedom is injurious to a nations health.

Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.
Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.
Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.
Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.
Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.
The recent Supreme Court order on sedition ensures some relief but is incomplete.

Justice Madan B Lokur writes: The offence of sedition has been invoked quite frequently in the recent past. The database of article-14.com called A Decade of Darkness is perhaps the only live study of sedition cases which informs us that sedition cases filed between 2014 and 2022 doubled as compared to the ones between 2010 and 2014. The people adversely affected also doubled7,136 versus 3,762. We have, therefore, about 10,000 alleged seditionists among us today. Statistically, the doubling rate is not surprising since the period under consideration also doubled. So, what is all the noise about? First, the law of sedition has been weaponised by the current governments. Cases are filed for strange reasons. For example, the widowed mother of a child and the headmistress of a school were arrested and charged with sedition and schoolchildren subjected to questioning for hours only for participating in a play that contained an objectionable line relating to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Many such bizarre cases have been filed alleging sedition based on tweets, WhatsApp forwards, and so on. Second, the intention behind the use of the law of sedition is apparently intended to quell dissent and criticism and scare people into submission. Journalists are the principal targets of such an offensive. The late Vinod Dua was charged with sedition for a YouTube telecast in which he made some critical remarks against the present regime and the Prime Minister. Television coverage on the alleged mishandling of the pandemic in Andhra Pradesh landed allegations of sedition and conspiracy against the government on two television channels. The definition of sedition in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), particularly the word disaffection, is too broad and vague, and quite naturally so, since the section was introduced during the British Raj when anti-colonial or anti-imperialist writings and speeches were not tolerated. It can be given any nuance to suit the government of the day. It appears, however, that the law was invoked mainly against leading lights of the freedom movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, M K Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. It would be quite surprising if common folk were charged with sedition for forwarding their copy of Kesari or Young India or reading aloud the seditious articles to the illiterate among their compatriots. This is the difference between pre-independence application of the law and todays application. In its 1962 decision in Kedar Nath Singh, the Supreme Court watered down the rigour of sedition to limit its application within constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that the offence occurs in the chapter of the IPC relating to offences against the statenot against any individual or political dispensation. The Court then laid down the law in the following words: The provisions of the sections [including Section 505 of the IPC] read as a whole, along with the explanations, make it reasonably clear that the sections aim at rendering penal only such activities as would be intended, or have a tendency, to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence It is only when the words, written or spoken, etc, which have the pernicious tendency or intention of creating public disorder or disturbance of law and order that the law steps in to prevent such activities in the interest of public order. Note that the key words are against the state, violence, and public order. Without them, the offence of sedition does not take place. In this background of the abuse of the law and dozens of questionable complaints against thousands of our citizens, some public-spirited individuals challenged the constitutional validity of Section 124A of the IPC. The Supreme Court order of 11 May 2022 in this batch of petitions needs to be considered in this context. A few questions arise. Was the government serious about re-examining and reconsidering the provisions of Section 124A or was it simply buying time to take the fight to another day? If it was serious, it would have come forward and put all pending cases on hold with an assurance to review them and weed out those that were clearly make-believe. The government was also ambiguous in stating that re-examination and reconsideration would be by the Competent Forum, namely the Parliament. Does it mean no prior consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice or the Ministry of Home Affairs was undertaken? With its overwhelming majority in Parliament, does the government seriously believe its views would ever be rejected? The government does not appear to have been fair to the citizens or the Court and effectively forced its hand to pass an order virtually staying the operation of Section 124A. The Court unfortunately overlooked the collateral damage caused to undertrials. An environmental activist, for instance, applied for a passport to attend COP26. Their application remained under consideration at least till the event was over. Similarly, youth who wish to travel abroad for studies or employment will not be issued a passport. The unemployed in India will not be able to apply for government jobs and even private employers would be wary of providing employment to an alleged seditionist, lest they are targeted for conspiracy. The collateral damage is clear and present and should have been addressed by the Court. The order is historic, yes, but incomplete. Finally, there is a huge similarity between the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition. Hopefully, the reconsideration will not prompt the government to repeal sedition and instead invoke the UAPAa case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The Supreme Court needs to tread cautiously.
Ramallah, May 21 : Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The clashes took place on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organisation.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a protest against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the protestors, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly protests in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war.

Ramallah, May 21 : Scores of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The clashes took place on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the injured were three shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets and dozens who inhaled tear gas, according to the organisation.

Fierce clashes broke out near the villages of Beita and Beit Dajan, south and east of Nablus city respectively, and near the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya city, eyewitnesses said.

Dozens of anti-settlement Palestinians burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the outskirts of the villages, they added.

The Israeli authorities have not given any comment on the incidents.

The Masafer Yatta area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron also witnessed clashes, where Israeli soldiers used tear gas against protesters, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that local residents and Palestinian and foreign activists took part in a protest against an Israeli court ruling to displace eight Palestinian communities from the area.

He said the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas at the protestors, causing dozens of them to suffocate.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly protests in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, both claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war.











In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.





Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

NEW ORLEANS, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 1, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Riskified Ltd. (the "Company") (NYSE: RSKD), if they purchased or acquired the Company's Class A common stock in or traceable to the Company's July 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Riskified investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-rskd/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Riskified and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) as the Company expanded its user base, the quality of the Company's machine learning platform had deteriorated (rather than improved as represented in the Registration Statement); (ii) the Company had expanded its customer base into industries with relatively high rates of fraud  including partnerships with cryptocurrency and remittance business  in which the Company had limited experience, and that this expansion had negatively impacted the effectiveness of the Company's machine learning platform; (iii) the Company suffered from materially higher chargebacks and cost of revenue and depressed gross profits and gross profit margins during its third fiscal quarter of 2021; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's representations in its Registration Statement were materially false and misleading, and lacked a factual basis.

The case is Thomas v. Riskified Ltd., et al., No. 22-cv-03545.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe






Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Authorities say a man was drinking with some friends before he decided to fire a rifle at multiple police officers from an apartment balcony Thursday evening in Southeast Albuquerque.

Jimmy Lopez, 32, was detained after a standoff with SWAT teams, tactical vehicles and crisis negotiators that shut down an entire neighborhood for hours.

He is charged with aggravated assault upon a peace officer and shooting at a dwelling or occupied building. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

Prosecutors filed a motion to detain Lopez until trial.

Court records show Lopez was charged with shooting a man just over a year ago but the case was dropped after police did not turn over reports to prosecutors.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said police finished their investigation after the dismissal but prosecutors never re-filed the case.

Lauren Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office, said prosecutors initially dismissed the case after police did not submit reports within the time limits. She said the DAs office asked police to re-submit the entire case when the investigation was complete but they failed to do so.

On Thursday, officers were investigating an unrelated use-of-force incident when they heard gunfire coming from the 500 block of Espanola SE, near Zuni and Pennsylvania, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Responding officers were greeted by more gunfire and police could see bullets hitting the gravel around them, with some having to jump out of the way.

Police said officers locked down the neighborhood and saw a man with a rifle on the second floor balcony of an apartment complex. Dozens of onlookers came into the street to watch the situation unfold as police called in multiple tactical vehicles, one of which tore down large tree branches that were blocking the mans balcony.

The SWAT team took Lopez and three others out of the apartment after a standoff that lasted several hours, according to the complaint. One of the men told police he, his brother and Lopez split eight pints of vodka before he passed out.

Police said the man told them he woke up to officers banging on his windows and breaking some of them. The man said there were two rifles in the apartment, both owned by his brother, and he was trying to get the others to leave during the standoff.

Lopez and the others declined to speak with officers.

Two witnesses told police they saw the man shooting a rifle off the balcony and identified Lopez as the shooter after he was detained. Police said they searched the apartment and found the rifle used in the incident.
On the eve of Tuesdays primary, former President Donald Trump asked voters to give U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn a second chance.

When Madison was first elected to Congress, he did a great job. Recently, he made some foolish mistakes, which I dont believe hell make again, Trump said Monday on Truth Social, the social media platform he founded last year.

But that second chance never came.

State Sen. Chuck Edwards snuck past Cawthorn in the Republican primary for North Carolinas 11th Congressional Districta district that has, in the past four years, elected both Cawthorn and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

This is simply incredible, Edwards said in a statement Tuesday night. Against all odds, we fought hard to win this election and provide clear conservative leadership for the mountains.

As it turns out, a Trump endorsement can only go so far when the rest of your party is willing to leave you behind. Cawthorns loss comes after months of scandal that ultimately led top North Carolina Republicans to openly back Edwards.

Of course, when it comes to political representation, it doesnt get much worse than Madison Cawthorn. Its hard to say what, exactly, caused Cawthorns constituents to reject his bid for a second term. Maybe it was his inability to follow basic laws, including his tendency to bring weapons to places they dont belong. Perhaps it was the salacious videos, or the ethics complaints.

In an era where Trump still has an iron grip on the Republican Party, theres some comfort to be found in knowing that there is still a pointboth for the party and for votersat which bad behavior becomes disqualifying. It did take extraordinarily bad behavior, as well as threats to their own political success, for members of the Republican establishment to turn their backs on Cawthorn, however. There was plenty of awfulness they ignored, and they ignored it for a long time.

In retrospect, the beginning of the end may very well have been when Cawthorn decided last year to switch to a new district west of Charlotte.

It got worse when he accused his Republican colleagues in Washington of doing cocaine and hosting orgies in their free time. In only a matter of months, Cawthorn saw the support of his party, as well as his chances at re-election, slip away. It certainly didnt help that he was critical of U.S. Senator and North Carolina stalwart Thom Tillis, who returned the volley and then some, including in a six-figure ad spend through a PAC affiliated with Tillis.

Voters in western North Carolina can rest assured that the next person they send to Congress will almost certainly be better (and less embarrassing) than Cawthorn. But the biggest takeaway from Cawthorns loss should be this: Trump and his parade of politicians are beatable, so long as Republican leaders have the courage and conviction to stand up to them.

Charlotte Observer
San Francisco, May 21 : Students at public schools in Berkeley, in the western US state of California, will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces starting from Monday through the school year which ends on June 3, as Covid-19 cases surge in the community, according to an announcement from Berkeley Unified School District officials.

Mask wearing is required at all indoor school events, including graduation ceremonies that take place at facilities off-campus, said the announcement on Friday.

Berkeley Unified was among the Bay Area school districts that lifted the mask mandate in classrooms in early March, Xinhua news agency reported.

City Superintendent, Brent Stephens said the city's health officer Lisa Hernandez made the recommendation.

"Our collective goal in the final weeks of school is to ensure the last two weeks and accompanying celebrations can be attended by as many of our students and families as possible," Stephens added.

Berkeley schools are experiencing "a significant increase in cases of Covid-19 among students and staff," he said.

Berkeley reported an average of 40 daily cases per 100,000 residents, which is above the statewide average of 33 per 100,000.

When the mandate was lifted, California's seven-day average was 8.2 cases per 100,000 people, according to a report by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Across the Bay Area, there were 472 people with Covid-19 in hospitals, up nearly 20 per cent from a week ago, the report said.

On Friday, the region reported an 80 per cent increase in its new case rate from a week earlier, with hospitalisations as high as in mid-March.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
A former Iranian president banned by his countrys judiciary from speaking publicly defied the restrictions to endorse President Hassan Rouhani for a second term, warning voters that Iran faces international isolation if a hard-line opponent is elected to power this month.

Mohammad Khatami, a pro-reform leader who served two terms as president from 1997 to 2005, is under a domestic media ban, and the local press is prohibited from publishing his image or mentioning his name.

But the former president announced on his website Tuesday that he would support Rouhani, who is also a moderate, for reelection on May 19. His endorsement could help mobilize turnout for the incumbent, who is facing tough competition as he struggles to defend his record on the economy and respond to questions about the benefits of a nuclear deal struck in 2015 with world powers, including the United States.

Iran is in the middle of a campaign blitz featuring two main challengers to Rouhani. No Iranian president has failed to secure a second term since shortly after the 1979 revolution.

Rouhani is our candidate, Khatami said in his statement Tuesday. If the president is defeated, he added, it would increase the possibility of a return to international isolation and sanctions.

[Nuclear deal takes center stage in Irans presidential race]

Rouhani is facing five opponents: Ebrahim Raisi, a powerful cleric; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hard-line mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Mirsalim, a conservative former culture minister; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, who is in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad, was widely seen as the favorite of conservatives. But his poor performance in a televised debate last week could undercut his candidacy, boosting Ghalibaf. The conservative mayor lost to Rouhani in 2013, but he has tapped into discontent among ordinary Iranians over the slow-growing economy.

Ghalibaf went after Rouhani hard on unemployment, where the president is indeed vulnerable, Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the political risk firm Eurasia Group, wrote in a briefing note on the debate this week.

If either Raisi or Ghalibaf wins the presidency, the impact would be significant, Kupchan wrote, echoing Khatamis assertion that Irans relations with the rest of the world could suffer.

Both candidates are close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful security institution. It also has far-reaching economic ties.

Raisi would make little or no effort to attract foreign investment, Kupchan wrote, adding that members of the Revolutionary Guard as a general matter benefit from a closed market.

[Irans Rouhani under fire as tensions with U.S. rise]

During his tenure as president, Khatami, 73, encouraged Irans rapprochement with the West. And last year, he released a video in support of moderate and reformist candidates running in parliamentary elections. He is widely credited with helping them sweep to power.

But his support for reformist candidates has landed him in hot water with powerful conservatives, including in the judiciary. His website was blocked  an extraordinary move by the government against a former president.

The bonds between Khatami and Rouhani have strengthened since mass protests over the disputed reelection of conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

In 2013, Khatami joined another former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in publicly backing Rouhani  propelling him to the fore in a field of better-known moderates. At the time, Khatami called Rouhani my esteemed brother.

Last year, Rouhani also defied the ban on mentioning Khatami by suggesting that he drew inspiration from the former president.

No one can silence those who served the nation, Rouhani told a crowd in Khatamis home city of Yazd in central Iran.

Khatami and Rouhani have clear limits on how far they can push Western engagement and other reforms in a country where all key policy decisions must be cleared by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who usually sides with hard-liners.

During his 2013 campaign, Rouhani promised to lift restrictions on social media, among other freedoms. But Iranian journalists and other activists remain in jail, and key leaders are still silenced.

Meanwhile, there are splinters within pro-reform groups, as Rouhani has been unable to win the release from house arrest of top leaders of the Green Movement protests of 2009: Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard. Karroubi and Mousavi were candidates in the presidential race and joined the post-election protests.

Murphy reported from Washington.

Read more

Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for president

U.S. increasingly sees Irans hand in the arming of Bahraini militants

Trump wants to push back against Iran, but Iran is now more powerful than ever

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news



On the eve of Tuesdays primary, former President Donald Trump asked voters to give U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn a second chance.

When Madison was first elected to Congress, he did a great job. Recently, he made some foolish mistakes, which I dont believe hell make again, Trump said Monday on Truth Social, the social media platform he founded last year.

But that second chance never came.

State Sen. Chuck Edwards snuck past Cawthorn in the Republican primary for North Carolinas 11th Congressional Districta district that has, in the past four years, elected both Cawthorn and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

This is simply incredible, Edwards said in a statement Tuesday night. Against all odds, we fought hard to win this election and provide clear conservative leadership for the mountains.

As it turns out, a Trump endorsement can only go so far when the rest of your party is willing to leave you behind. Cawthorns loss comes after months of scandal that ultimately led top North Carolina Republicans to openly back Edwards.

Of course, when it comes to political representation, it doesnt get much worse than Madison Cawthorn. Its hard to say what, exactly, caused Cawthorns constituents to reject his bid for a second term. Maybe it was his inability to follow basic laws, including his tendency to bring weapons to places they dont belong. Perhaps it was the salacious videos, or the ethics complaints.

In an era where Trump still has an iron grip on the Republican Party, theres some comfort to be found in knowing that there is still a pointboth for the party and for votersat which bad behavior becomes disqualifying. It did take extraordinarily bad behavior, as well as threats to their own political success, for members of the Republican establishment to turn their backs on Cawthorn, however. There was plenty of awfulness they ignored, and they ignored it for a long time.

In retrospect, the beginning of the end may very well have been when Cawthorn decided last year to switch to a new district west of Charlotte.

It got worse when he accused his Republican colleagues in Washington of doing cocaine and hosting orgies in their free time. In only a matter of months, Cawthorn saw the support of his party, as well as his chances at re-election, slip away. It certainly didnt help that he was critical of U.S. Senator and North Carolina stalwart Thom Tillis, who returned the volley and then some, including in a six-figure ad spend through a PAC affiliated with Tillis.

Voters in western North Carolina can rest assured that the next person they send to Congress will almost certainly be better (and less embarrassing) than Cawthorn. But the biggest takeaway from Cawthorns loss should be this: Trump and his parade of politicians are beatable, so long as Republican leaders have the courage and conviction to stand up to them.

Charlotte Observer
On the eve of Tuesdays primary, former President Donald Trump asked voters to give U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn a second chance.

When Madison was first elected to Congress, he did a great job. Recently, he made some foolish mistakes, which I dont believe hell make again, Trump said Monday on Truth Social, the social media platform he founded last year.

But that second chance never came.

State Sen. Chuck Edwards snuck past Cawthorn in the Republican primary for North Carolinas 11th Congressional Districta district that has, in the past four years, elected both Cawthorn and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

This is simply incredible, Edwards said in a statement Tuesday night. Against all odds, we fought hard to win this election and provide clear conservative leadership for the mountains.

As it turns out, a Trump endorsement can only go so far when the rest of your party is willing to leave you behind. Cawthorns loss comes after months of scandal that ultimately led top North Carolina Republicans to openly back Edwards.

Of course, when it comes to political representation, it doesnt get much worse than Madison Cawthorn. Its hard to say what, exactly, caused Cawthorns constituents to reject his bid for a second term. Maybe it was his inability to follow basic laws, including his tendency to bring weapons to places they dont belong. Perhaps it was the salacious videos, or the ethics complaints.

In an era where Trump still has an iron grip on the Republican Party, theres some comfort to be found in knowing that there is still a pointboth for the party and for votersat which bad behavior becomes disqualifying. It did take extraordinarily bad behavior, as well as threats to their own political success, for members of the Republican establishment to turn their backs on Cawthorn, however. There was plenty of awfulness they ignored, and they ignored it for a long time.

In retrospect, the beginning of the end may very well have been when Cawthorn decided last year to switch to a new district west of Charlotte.

It got worse when he accused his Republican colleagues in Washington of doing cocaine and hosting orgies in their free time. In only a matter of months, Cawthorn saw the support of his party, as well as his chances at re-election, slip away. It certainly didnt help that he was critical of U.S. Senator and North Carolina stalwart Thom Tillis, who returned the volley and then some, including in a six-figure ad spend through a PAC affiliated with Tillis.

Voters in western North Carolina can rest assured that the next person they send to Congress will almost certainly be better (and less embarrassing) than Cawthorn. But the biggest takeaway from Cawthorns loss should be this: Trump and his parade of politicians are beatable, so long as Republican leaders have the courage and conviction to stand up to them.

Charlotte Observer
Mexico City, May 21 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.





In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.

Protests bubbling in big cities, dismal economic indicators and rampant discontent online -- China's zero-Covid policy is morphing from a propaganda victory to a political liability for President Xi Jinping.

Hard lockdowns, mass testing and tight border controls had for two years batted back the virus and led to relatively few deaths in the world's most populous nation.

While much of the Western world suffered huge outbreaks, China's "dynamic zero-Covid" approach was upheld as an emblem of Xi's shrewd leadership and celebrated during the ruling Communist Party's centenary last year.

Fawning television specials and orchestrated ceremonies placed Xi in the foreground as avuncular, wise and in complete command of a Chinese success story.

But as he bids for an unprecedented third term in power at this autumn's party congress, a virus wave driven by the Omicron variant is posing awkward, unexpected questions.

Hundreds have died, according to official figures, mainly in Shanghai where the population has seethed at a lockdown that is only partially easing after nearly two months.

Beijingers fear they may be next, while economic dynamos from Jilin to Shenzhen have been jammed up by restrictions with the economy losing puff.

Read | WHO clears China's CanSino Covid vaccine for emergency use

The leadership's intransigence "now risks making China's performance appear not merely stubborn, but perilously uncreative, and unwise," Vivienne Shue, a professor of China studies at the University of Oxford, told AFP.

Still, Xi says the country should "unswervingly" pursue zero-Covid, insisting Chinese lives are worth more than the economic pain.

But the officious enforcement of virus controls has stirred anger and derision, especially in Shanghai where sardonic memes rip across the internet and scuffles with hazmat-clad officials have been seen on the streets.

Hundreds of students last week also gathered to protest Covid rules at Beijing's elite Peking University -- the birthplace of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

But Xi has bet too much on zero-Covid to step back now, experts say.

"Challenging this policy means challenging him," said Alfred Wu, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

It is a pivotal year for Xi.

China's establishment are expected to wave him through for a third term as party leader when they meet for the 20th Party Congress in Beijing to elect the country's top decision-makers.

While the sudden unravelling of Beijing's Covid narrative presents a challenge, experts say it is unlikely to derail his bid to rule China indefinitely.

"He has already very much consolidated his power base through anti-corruption and other campaigns," Wu said.

Xi's priority is instead to preserve the status quo in the run-up to the congress, he added.

China has so far been spared the deaths that have scarred most other major countries, boosting the credibility of zero-Covid.

Top leaders -- notably Premier Li Keqiang -- are stepping forward to reassure that the economic drag of Covid-19 controls will be temporary.

Li said on Wednesday that local governments should step up their "sense of urgency" in fixing the economic malaise, days after the country posted its lowest retail sales and factory output in months.

His prominence has spurred speculation of a rift or challenge to Xi's authority from party factions unhappy at the virus-driven slump.

Others caution against reading too much from the information spoon-fed to the public by a Communist Party schooled in secrecy and storytelling.

"Li may have been empowered by Xi himself to execute a course correction," said Joseph Torigian, an expert in elite politics from the American University.

There is a powerful political dimension to the zero-Covid policy.

Party careers are dependent on success in stifling outbreaks and officials have been sacked or reprimanded for failures to control the virus as the authority of Xi reaches across the country.

The chaotic lockdown of Shanghai has drawn into question the fate of the city's Communist Party secretary Li Qiang, long seen as one of Xi's top picks for premier once Li Keqiang retires.

But "as long as Xi is in office and has sufficient political strength, Li Qiang has a good chance of joining the Politburo Standing Committee", analysts from the SinoInsider consultancy wrote, referring to a select group of top Chinese leaders.

Rumblings of divisions and behind-the-scenes moves are easily overblown but not always incorrect, say Beijing watchers.

"Like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP naturally and continuously works very hard to present itself as thoroughly unified in purpose," Shue said.

"And also like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP is in reality just about always... beset by very consequential internal differences over party policy."

With Xi welded to zero-Covid, experts say it is hard to see how he can abandon the policy without some loss of political capital.

But the congress is still likely several months away and it is premature to calculate any damage to China's most powerful leader since Mao.

"It is hard to judge whether top party elites have different views on zero-Covid," said Torigian.

Besides, he added, "Chinese politics are not a popularity contest."
Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)





An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.


Protests bubbling in big cities, dismal economic indicators and rampant discontent online -- China's zero-Covid policy is morphing from a propaganda victory to a political liability for President Xi Jinping.

Hard lockdowns, mass testing and tight border controls had for two years batted back the virus and led to relatively few deaths in the world's most populous nation.

While much of the Western world suffered huge outbreaks, China's "dynamic zero-Covid" approach was upheld as an emblem of Xi's shrewd leadership and celebrated during the ruling Communist Party's centenary last year.

Fawning television specials and orchestrated ceremonies placed Xi in the foreground as avuncular, wise and in complete command of a Chinese success story.

But as he bids for an unprecedented third term in power at this autumn's party congress, a virus wave driven by the Omicron variant is posing awkward, unexpected questions.

Hundreds have died, according to official figures, mainly in Shanghai where the population has seethed at a lockdown that is only partially easing after nearly two months.

Beijingers fear they may be next, while economic dynamos from Jilin to Shenzhen have been jammed up by restrictions with the economy losing puff.

Read | WHO clears China's CanSino Covid vaccine for emergency use

The leadership's intransigence "now risks making China's performance appear not merely stubborn, but perilously uncreative, and unwise," Vivienne Shue, a professor of China studies at the University of Oxford, told AFP.

Still, Xi says the country should "unswervingly" pursue zero-Covid, insisting Chinese lives are worth more than the economic pain.

But the officious enforcement of virus controls has stirred anger and derision, especially in Shanghai where sardonic memes rip across the internet and scuffles with hazmat-clad officials have been seen on the streets.

Hundreds of students last week also gathered to protest Covid rules at Beijing's elite Peking University -- the birthplace of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

But Xi has bet too much on zero-Covid to step back now, experts say.

"Challenging this policy means challenging him," said Alfred Wu, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

It is a pivotal year for Xi.

China's establishment are expected to wave him through for a third term as party leader when they meet for the 20th Party Congress in Beijing to elect the country's top decision-makers.

While the sudden unravelling of Beijing's Covid narrative presents a challenge, experts say it is unlikely to derail his bid to rule China indefinitely.

"He has already very much consolidated his power base through anti-corruption and other campaigns," Wu said.

Xi's priority is instead to preserve the status quo in the run-up to the congress, he added.

China has so far been spared the deaths that have scarred most other major countries, boosting the credibility of zero-Covid.

Top leaders -- notably Premier Li Keqiang -- are stepping forward to reassure that the economic drag of Covid-19 controls will be temporary.

Li said on Wednesday that local governments should step up their "sense of urgency" in fixing the economic malaise, days after the country posted its lowest retail sales and factory output in months.

His prominence has spurred speculation of a rift or challenge to Xi's authority from party factions unhappy at the virus-driven slump.

Others caution against reading too much from the information spoon-fed to the public by a Communist Party schooled in secrecy and storytelling.

"Li may have been empowered by Xi himself to execute a course correction," said Joseph Torigian, an expert in elite politics from the American University.

There is a powerful political dimension to the zero-Covid policy.

Party careers are dependent on success in stifling outbreaks and officials have been sacked or reprimanded for failures to control the virus as the authority of Xi reaches across the country.

The chaotic lockdown of Shanghai has drawn into question the fate of the city's Communist Party secretary Li Qiang, long seen as one of Xi's top picks for premier once Li Keqiang retires.

But "as long as Xi is in office and has sufficient political strength, Li Qiang has a good chance of joining the Politburo Standing Committee", analysts from the SinoInsider consultancy wrote, referring to a select group of top Chinese leaders.

Rumblings of divisions and behind-the-scenes moves are easily overblown but not always incorrect, say Beijing watchers.

"Like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP naturally and continuously works very hard to present itself as thoroughly unified in purpose," Shue said.

"And also like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP is in reality just about always... beset by very consequential internal differences over party policy."

With Xi welded to zero-Covid, experts say it is hard to see how he can abandon the policy without some loss of political capital.

But the congress is still likely several months away and it is premature to calculate any damage to China's most powerful leader since Mao.

"It is hard to judge whether top party elites have different views on zero-Covid," said Torigian.

Besides, he added, "Chinese politics are not a popularity contest."

London: The world has just 10 weeks worth of wheat stockpiled after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine disrupted supplies from the breadbasket of Europe.

The UN has been warned that global wheat inventories have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.

Official government estimates put world wheat inventories at 33 per cent of annual consumption but stocks may have slumped to as low as 20 per cent, according to agricultural data firm Gro Intelligence. It estimates that there are only 10 weeks of global wheat supply left in stockpiles.

An Egyptian farmer harvests wheat in Qursaya island in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:Getty

Russia and Ukraine account for around a quarter of the worlds wheat exports and the West fears Mr Putin is trying to weaponise food supplies.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.









Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
is looking at raising $300-400 million from a strategic investor after its German parent declined to infuse fresh funds for its expansion in India. Meanwhile, the sliding to an all-time low is often considered a boon for Indias exports. Read more on these in our top headlines.

may offer control to investor to fund expansion

is looking at raising $300-400 million from a strategic investor after its German parent declined to infuse fresh funds for its expansion in India. The company is willing to offer control and has asked merchant bankers J P Morgan and Goldman Sachs to identify prospective investors, though no detailed negotiations have started with anyone for the $2 billion valuation it expects, sources said. Read more

Small exporters feel the pain as slides to an all-time low

The sliding to an all-time low is often considered a boon for Indias exports. Smaller exporters have a different story to share. Agra-based leather footwear exporter Gopal Gupta who has been grappling with challenges and uncertainty fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has resulted in high logistics costs, has cancelled orders. Read more

PESB-like body likely to hire PSB, public sector insurance firm heads

The Centre has proposed setting up a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB)-like body for appointment of heads of public sector banks (PSBs), public sector insurance companies (PSICs) as well as financial institutions. The body, Financial Services Institutions Board (FSIB), would have the authority to recommend appointments for PSBs, PSICs and state-owned financial institutions. Read more

production slower than the captive mines, shows govt data

Coal production by (CIL) has grown slower than the captive mines, awarded over the last six years. During 2020-22, production from the captive mines jumped by 38.5 per cent while CIL saw a tepid growth of 3.4 per cent, according to government data. In terms of dispatch to the power sector, captive mines have raced ahead, witnessing a growth of 72 per cent compared to 15 per cent for CIL. Read more

Airport PPPs on a crowded runway; private sector bids could be subdued

Airports hold pride of place in the governments Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) programme to monetise public assets. Private airport operators, including the Adani group, Fairfax, GMR and Zurich Airport, are expected to evince interest in the next round of public private partnership (PPP) development of state-owned Airport Authority of India (AAI) airports. Read more
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

is looking at raising $300-400 million from a strategic investor after its German parent declined to infuse fresh funds for its expansion in India. Meanwhile, the sliding to an all-time low is often considered a boon for Indias exports. Read more on these in our top headlines.

may offer control to investor to fund expansion

is looking at raising $300-400 million from a strategic investor after its German parent declined to infuse fresh funds for its expansion in India. The company is willing to offer control and has asked merchant bankers J P Morgan and Goldman Sachs to identify prospective investors, though no detailed negotiations have started with anyone for the $2 billion valuation it expects, sources said. Read more

Small exporters feel the pain as slides to an all-time low

The sliding to an all-time low is often considered a boon for Indias exports. Smaller exporters have a different story to share. Agra-based leather footwear exporter Gopal Gupta who has been grappling with challenges and uncertainty fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has resulted in high logistics costs, has cancelled orders. Read more

PESB-like body likely to hire PSB, public sector insurance firm heads

The Centre has proposed setting up a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB)-like body for appointment of heads of public sector banks (PSBs), public sector insurance companies (PSICs) as well as financial institutions. The body, Financial Services Institutions Board (FSIB), would have the authority to recommend appointments for PSBs, PSICs and state-owned financial institutions. Read more

production slower than the captive mines, shows govt data

Coal production by (CIL) has grown slower than the captive mines, awarded over the last six years. During 2020-22, production from the captive mines jumped by 38.5 per cent while CIL saw a tepid growth of 3.4 per cent, according to government data. In terms of dispatch to the power sector, captive mines have raced ahead, witnessing a growth of 72 per cent compared to 15 per cent for CIL. Read more

Airport PPPs on a crowded runway; private sector bids could be subdued

Airports hold pride of place in the governments Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) programme to monetise public assets. Private airport operators, including the Adani group, Fairfax, GMR and Zurich Airport, are expected to evince interest in the next round of public private partnership (PPP) development of state-owned Airport Authority of India (AAI) airports. Read more



Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

People have a picnic at a park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 11, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

A study found that adult Malaysians view China more favorably, citing factors such as personal experiences, Chinese investments in Malaysia and future cooperation.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Malaysians have an increasingly positive perception of China in 2022 compared to 2016, according to a Kuala Lumpur-based opinion research firm.

A study by Merdeka Center found that adult Malaysians view China more favorably, citing personal experiences, Chinese investments in Malaysia and future cooperation as among the factors that have contributed to an increased positive perception, the research firm said in a statement on Thursday.

Of those surveyed, 70 percent of the respondents perceived relations between Malaysia and China as good, compared with 67 percent in the 2016 survey.

Malaysians participate in a traditional Chinese rice-pudding wrapping competition in Kuala Lumpur on May 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Wenzong)

When asked which countries helped Malaysia the most during the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years, China stood out at 50 percent, followed by the United States at 12 percent, Saudi Arabia at 6 percent, Britain at 3 percent, and Japan at 2 percent.

China provided various forms of aid during the pandemic with vaccines being the most high profile item. Malaysia also uses several Chinese developed vaccines, including Sinovac, which is being filled and finished in Malaysia.

This survey was carried out in cooperation with the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya, with the data collection being carried out from March 17-26 this year. 
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Protests bubbling in big cities, dismal economic indicators and rampant discontent online -- China's zero-Covid policy is morphing from a propaganda victory to a political liability for President Xi Jinping.

Hard lockdowns, mass testing and tight border controls had for two years batted back the virus and led to relatively few deaths in the world's most populous nation.

While much of the Western world suffered huge outbreaks, China's "dynamic zero-Covid" approach was upheld as an emblem of Xi's shrewd leadership and celebrated during the ruling Communist Party's centenary last year.

Fawning television specials and orchestrated ceremonies placed Xi in the foreground as avuncular, wise and in complete command of a Chinese success story.

But as he bids for an unprecedented third term in power at this autumn's party congress, a virus wave driven by the Omicron variant is posing awkward, unexpected questions.

Hundreds have died, according to official figures, mainly in Shanghai where the population has seethed at a lockdown that is only partially easing after nearly two months.

Beijingers fear they may be next, while economic dynamos from Jilin to Shenzhen have been jammed up by restrictions with the economy losing puff.

Read | WHO clears China's CanSino Covid vaccine for emergency use

The leadership's intransigence "now risks making China's performance appear not merely stubborn, but perilously uncreative, and unwise," Vivienne Shue, a professor of China studies at the University of Oxford, told AFP.

Still, Xi says the country should "unswervingly" pursue zero-Covid, insisting Chinese lives are worth more than the economic pain.

But the officious enforcement of virus controls has stirred anger and derision, especially in Shanghai where sardonic memes rip across the internet and scuffles with hazmat-clad officials have been seen on the streets.

Hundreds of students last week also gathered to protest Covid rules at Beijing's elite Peking University -- the birthplace of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

But Xi has bet too much on zero-Covid to step back now, experts say.

"Challenging this policy means challenging him," said Alfred Wu, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

It is a pivotal year for Xi.

China's establishment are expected to wave him through for a third term as party leader when they meet for the 20th Party Congress in Beijing to elect the country's top decision-makers.

While the sudden unravelling of Beijing's Covid narrative presents a challenge, experts say it is unlikely to derail his bid to rule China indefinitely.

"He has already very much consolidated his power base through anti-corruption and other campaigns," Wu said.

Xi's priority is instead to preserve the status quo in the run-up to the congress, he added.

China has so far been spared the deaths that have scarred most other major countries, boosting the credibility of zero-Covid.

Top leaders -- notably Premier Li Keqiang -- are stepping forward to reassure that the economic drag of Covid-19 controls will be temporary.

Li said on Wednesday that local governments should step up their "sense of urgency" in fixing the economic malaise, days after the country posted its lowest retail sales and factory output in months.

His prominence has spurred speculation of a rift or challenge to Xi's authority from party factions unhappy at the virus-driven slump.

Others caution against reading too much from the information spoon-fed to the public by a Communist Party schooled in secrecy and storytelling.

"Li may have been empowered by Xi himself to execute a course correction," said Joseph Torigian, an expert in elite politics from the American University.

There is a powerful political dimension to the zero-Covid policy.

Party careers are dependent on success in stifling outbreaks and officials have been sacked or reprimanded for failures to control the virus as the authority of Xi reaches across the country.

The chaotic lockdown of Shanghai has drawn into question the fate of the city's Communist Party secretary Li Qiang, long seen as one of Xi's top picks for premier once Li Keqiang retires.

But "as long as Xi is in office and has sufficient political strength, Li Qiang has a good chance of joining the Politburo Standing Committee", analysts from the SinoInsider consultancy wrote, referring to a select group of top Chinese leaders.

Rumblings of divisions and behind-the-scenes moves are easily overblown but not always incorrect, say Beijing watchers.

"Like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP naturally and continuously works very hard to present itself as thoroughly unified in purpose," Shue said.

"And also like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP is in reality just about always... beset by very consequential internal differences over party policy."

With Xi welded to zero-Covid, experts say it is hard to see how he can abandon the policy without some loss of political capital.

But the congress is still likely several months away and it is premature to calculate any damage to China's most powerful leader since Mao.

"It is hard to judge whether top party elites have different views on zero-Covid," said Torigian.

Besides, he added, "Chinese politics are not a popularity contest."
Protests bubbling in big cities, dismal economic indicators and rampant discontent online -- China's zero-Covid policy is morphing from a propaganda victory to a political liability for President Xi Jinping.

Hard lockdowns, mass testing and tight border controls had for two years batted back the virus and led to relatively few deaths in the world's most populous nation.

While much of the Western world suffered huge outbreaks, China's "dynamic zero-Covid" approach was upheld as an emblem of Xi's shrewd leadership and celebrated during the ruling Communist Party's centenary last year.

Fawning television specials and orchestrated ceremonies placed Xi in the foreground as avuncular, wise and in complete command of a Chinese success story.

But as he bids for an unprecedented third term in power at this autumn's party congress, a virus wave driven by the Omicron variant is posing awkward, unexpected questions.

Hundreds have died, according to official figures, mainly in Shanghai where the population has seethed at a lockdown that is only partially easing after nearly two months.

Beijingers fear they may be next, while economic dynamos from Jilin to Shenzhen have been jammed up by restrictions with the economy losing puff.

Read | WHO clears China's CanSino Covid vaccine for emergency use

The leadership's intransigence "now risks making China's performance appear not merely stubborn, but perilously uncreative, and unwise," Vivienne Shue, a professor of China studies at the University of Oxford, told AFP.

Still, Xi says the country should "unswervingly" pursue zero-Covid, insisting Chinese lives are worth more than the economic pain.

But the officious enforcement of virus controls has stirred anger and derision, especially in Shanghai where sardonic memes rip across the internet and scuffles with hazmat-clad officials have been seen on the streets.

Hundreds of students last week also gathered to protest Covid rules at Beijing's elite Peking University -- the birthplace of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

But Xi has bet too much on zero-Covid to step back now, experts say.

"Challenging this policy means challenging him," said Alfred Wu, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

It is a pivotal year for Xi.

China's establishment are expected to wave him through for a third term as party leader when they meet for the 20th Party Congress in Beijing to elect the country's top decision-makers.

While the sudden unravelling of Beijing's Covid narrative presents a challenge, experts say it is unlikely to derail his bid to rule China indefinitely.

"He has already very much consolidated his power base through anti-corruption and other campaigns," Wu said.

Xi's priority is instead to preserve the status quo in the run-up to the congress, he added.

China has so far been spared the deaths that have scarred most other major countries, boosting the credibility of zero-Covid.

Top leaders -- notably Premier Li Keqiang -- are stepping forward to reassure that the economic drag of Covid-19 controls will be temporary.

Li said on Wednesday that local governments should step up their "sense of urgency" in fixing the economic malaise, days after the country posted its lowest retail sales and factory output in months.

His prominence has spurred speculation of a rift or challenge to Xi's authority from party factions unhappy at the virus-driven slump.

Others caution against reading too much from the information spoon-fed to the public by a Communist Party schooled in secrecy and storytelling.

"Li may have been empowered by Xi himself to execute a course correction," said Joseph Torigian, an expert in elite politics from the American University.

There is a powerful political dimension to the zero-Covid policy.

Party careers are dependent on success in stifling outbreaks and officials have been sacked or reprimanded for failures to control the virus as the authority of Xi reaches across the country.

The chaotic lockdown of Shanghai has drawn into question the fate of the city's Communist Party secretary Li Qiang, long seen as one of Xi's top picks for premier once Li Keqiang retires.

But "as long as Xi is in office and has sufficient political strength, Li Qiang has a good chance of joining the Politburo Standing Committee", analysts from the SinoInsider consultancy wrote, referring to a select group of top Chinese leaders.

Rumblings of divisions and behind-the-scenes moves are easily overblown but not always incorrect, say Beijing watchers.

"Like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP naturally and continuously works very hard to present itself as thoroughly unified in purpose," Shue said.

"And also like most governing parties around the globe, the CCP is in reality just about always... beset by very consequential internal differences over party policy."

With Xi welded to zero-Covid, experts say it is hard to see how he can abandon the policy without some loss of political capital.

But the congress is still likely several months away and it is premature to calculate any damage to China's most powerful leader since Mao.

"It is hard to judge whether top party elites have different views on zero-Covid," said Torigian.

Besides, he added, "Chinese politics are not a popularity contest."
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.
In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.

Voters queue to cast their votes at the Old Parliament House polling booth in Canberra, Australia, May 21, 2022. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest.

More than 8 million Australians are expected to cast their ballots at more than 7,000 polling booths across the country, according to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), and a record number of voters have already cast their ballots prior to the election day.

The voting opened at 8 a.m. local time on Saturday (2200 GMT on Friday) and will remain open until 6 p.m. local time when counting votes will start.

In order to form a majority government, either the Coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday night, the Labor leads the Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 percent of respondents picking each as their preferred prime minister.

The poll found that 36 percent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 percent for the Coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the Coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament."

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent Members of Parliament seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 and over to vote in the election. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, more than 17 million people have enrolled to vote this year. 

Voters queue to cast their votes at the Old Parliament House polling booth in Canberra, Australia, May 21, 2022. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

Voters queue to cast their votes at a polling booth in Canberra, Australia, May 21, 2022. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

Voters queue to cast their votes at the Old Parliament House polling booth in Canberra, Australia, May 21, 2022.

Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Residents queue to cast their votes at a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia, on May 21, 2022. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Residents visit a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia, May 21, 2022. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows campaign materials for Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia.

Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Residents visit a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia, May 21, 2022. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 21, 2022 shows a voting centre of Australian federal election 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Australia's federal election kicked off on Saturday morning across the country, where either the Coalition or the Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)















In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.
In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.



India-born doctor Girikumar Patil has been living in Severodonetsk, a town in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine for over six years.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Indians managed to reach home, but Patil, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh, chose to stay back in Ukraine with two big pet cats - a black panther and a jaguar.

Instagram

According to a BBC video released in March 2022, Patil had adopted the big pet cats from the Kyiv zoo about 20 months ago and refused to leave Ukraine without his pets.



Amid the turbulent state of affairs in Ukraine, Patil still risks his life every day and steps out before curfew to visit the market and arrange food for his pets.

Instagram

To protect his pets, he spent over Rs. 80 Lakh to build a comfortable shelter. In an interview with News18 , Patil shared,

New Indian Express

I am constructing an enclosure with bomb shelter around 200m long. I have spent close to Rs 80 lakh. I didnt have any option as the zoos didnt want to keep the big cats. Once the shelter is ready, I will have to wait for a human corridor to open."



His parents used to make frantic calls to him, asking him to come home. My parents have been calling me and asking me to come home, but I can't leave the animals," said Patil in an interview with BBC.

After over two months of being stuck in the war-torn Ukraine, Patil has finally decided to head back to India :

He decided to return to India after local soldiers mistook him for being a criminal and threatened him.

Bomb Shelter

However, he is relieved that he could construct a 200-meter animal enclosure in his backyard with all the required facilities for his pets. According to a report in The New Indian Express, he sold all his properties and car to construct the enclosure.



He also hired a six-member crew, who worked for over a month to build the shelter.

After he reaches India, Patil plans on getting back his 'kids' at any cost. The report quoted him as saying,

After returning to India, I will meet the officials concerned and do everything possible to bring back my kids at any cost.

The doctor went to Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine and has been a practicing orthopedist in the country since 2014, along with working in a government hospital at Severodonetsk.



Patil has experienced the aftermath of war before as well. Patil used to live in Luhansk, where Russia-backed troops fought Ukrainian troops in 2014.

Due to the war, Patil lost his restaurant and home during the fight in that region. However, he claims that the situation this time is way worse. Expressing his desperation to take his pets back home, he says he is hopeful that the Indian government will intervene.

Patil is fascinated by big cats and has three Italian dogs as his pets. He uses his unique YouTube channel to raise funds with over 85,000 followers.

Patil has also played small parts in some Telugu soaps and Ukrainian films and series.

(For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.)


India-born doctor Girikumar Patil has been living in Severodonetsk, a town in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine for over six years.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Indians managed to reach home, but Patil, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh, chose to stay back in Ukraine with two big pet cats - a black panther and a jaguar.

Instagram

According to a BBC video released in March 2022, Patil had adopted the big pet cats from the Kyiv zoo about 20 months ago and refused to leave Ukraine without his pets.



Amid the turbulent state of affairs in Ukraine, Patil still risks his life every day and steps out before curfew to visit the market and arrange food for his pets.

Instagram

To protect his pets, he spent over Rs. 80 Lakh to build a comfortable shelter. In an interview with News18 , Patil shared,

New Indian Express

I am constructing an enclosure with bomb shelter around 200m long. I have spent close to Rs 80 lakh. I didnt have any option as the zoos didnt want to keep the big cats. Once the shelter is ready, I will have to wait for a human corridor to open."



His parents used to make frantic calls to him, asking him to come home. My parents have been calling me and asking me to come home, but I can't leave the animals," said Patil in an interview with BBC.

After over two months of being stuck in the war-torn Ukraine, Patil has finally decided to head back to India :

He decided to return to India after local soldiers mistook him for being a criminal and threatened him.

Bomb Shelter

However, he is relieved that he could construct a 200-meter animal enclosure in his backyard with all the required facilities for his pets. According to a report in The New Indian Express, he sold all his properties and car to construct the enclosure.



He also hired a six-member crew, who worked for over a month to build the shelter.

After he reaches India, Patil plans on getting back his 'kids' at any cost. The report quoted him as saying,

After returning to India, I will meet the officials concerned and do everything possible to bring back my kids at any cost.

The doctor went to Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine and has been a practicing orthopedist in the country since 2014, along with working in a government hospital at Severodonetsk.



Patil has experienced the aftermath of war before as well. Patil used to live in Luhansk, where Russia-backed troops fought Ukrainian troops in 2014.

Due to the war, Patil lost his restaurant and home during the fight in that region. However, he claims that the situation this time is way worse. Expressing his desperation to take his pets back home, he says he is hopeful that the Indian government will intervene.

Patil is fascinated by big cats and has three Italian dogs as his pets. He uses his unique YouTube channel to raise funds with over 85,000 followers.

Patil has also played small parts in some Telugu soaps and Ukrainian films and series.

(For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.)


In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.


Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Motor Group confirmed Friday the company will spend USD 5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history.

Motor Group CEO Jaehoon Chang made the announcement with Governor Brian Kemp at the site of the future factory in Bryan County, where state and local officials purchased a flat, sprawling tract for USD 61 million last year in hopes of luring a major manufacturer.

"Hard-working Georgians are going to have the opportunity to have a really high-paying, advanced manufacturing job with a great company," Governor Brian Kemp said in an interview.

said it will employ at least 8,100 workers at the plant "near the unincorporated town of Ellabell, where it will assemble as well as vehicle batteries. The company and state officials said they expect suppliers to invest an additional USD 1 billion.

It's going to "continue to bring wealth and opportunity to the region," said Kemp, who predicted a ripple effect that will boost businesses from Savannah's already booming seaport to restaurants and convenience stores.

The announcement came as President is visiting South Korea. He was scheduled to meet with Hyundai's CEO in Seoul on Sunday. Jake Sullivan, the president's national security adviser, told reporters Biden "will have the opportunity to say thank you for this significant investment that will occur in the ."



The timing was fortunate for Kemp, who is being challenged by former US Senator David Perdue in a Republican primary election that will be decided Tuesday.

It's the second huge electric vehicle plant announced in in less than a year. Rivian Automotive announced in December plans for a USD 5 billion electric truck plant east of Atlanta that's expected to employ about 7,500 workers.

Kemp declined to discuss details of what incentives and tax breaks the company was offered for locating in . Rivian received and package worth USD 1.5 billion.

Hyundai said plans to move quickly with construction and hopes to begin producing vehicles in 2025.

The company will build the plant on 2,200 acres (890 hectares) that the state and partner local governments bought a year ago about 40 kilometers inland from Savannah. Bryan County and neighbouring Chatham County, which includes Savannah, each chipped in USD 9 million toward the USD 61 million purchase price.

The land sits adjacent to Interstate 16 that links Savannah and Macon, not far from its intersection with Interstate 95 that spans the Eastern Seaboard. It's also near to the Port of Savannah, the fourth-busiest US seaport.

Kemp predicted the Hyundai plant will become one of the biggest customers for Savannah's port, which has already seen explosive growth in recent years.

Hyundai Motor Group sells cars under the Hyundai and Kia brands. The South Korean automaker already operates two American assembly plants in Montgomery, Alabama, and in West Point, .

Perdue planned a campaign stop in Savannah on Friday afternoon with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate. Perdue has accused Kemp to trying to buy his reelection with the Rivian deal and its big incentives.

Kemp brushed off the criticism, noting Perdue's record of outsourcing US jobs to overseas manufactures as a corporate executive.

The governor said incentives help Georgia compete for big projects with states such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He pointed to the Kia plant in West Point as one that filled a void when the local textile industry shut down years earlier.

"You've seen downtowns that used to be ghost towns, they're vibrant communities now," Kemp said. He added: "These are investments that we'll be reaping the benefits of 20 to 30 years down the road.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


 30    70%  Silicon Hill700 32002 2500 1720 6 7% 11Villa Garda ETF       39.01 6.12       39.01 41.87 80%  51 83% 24Tesla  AH A13%H10% Pacific Coffee     AESE495.6 54%
In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.
In a blatant attack on freedom of speech, the popular Facebook group Migrants NZ, with a membership of more than 75,000 people, was recently forced to shut down after threats of legal action from the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government agency.

A screenshot of the Migrants NZ Facebook page

The group, started by a number of migrants in 2020, expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided an important forum, independent of the established parties and unions, for migrants and supporters to share experiences and to criticise the Labour Party-NZ First-Greens coalition governments anti-immigrant policies. Like capitalist governments internationally, the Labour-led government responded to the pandemic and the resulting economic and social crisis by stoking nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Members of Migrants NZ opposed Immigration New Zealands (INZ) decision to halt the processing of tens of thousands of residency applications during 2020, and other draconian policies including the separation of families by the border closure. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the government refused to provide sufficient quarantine facilities to allow thousands of people legally entitled to live in New Zealand to enter the country. Migrants NZ played a significant role in helping to organise nationwide protests last year against the governments policies.

The Facebook group has been subjected to what can only be described as politically-motivated censorshipat the very point when Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is launching a new round of attacks on immigrants. The threats against Migrants NZ point to the increasingly anti-democratic methods that are being used internationally, as governments seek to block the development of working class opposition to their pro-business policies.

On March 31, Migrants NZs administrators posted a message saying the group would be archivedpreventing anyone from making further posts or commentsbecause the IAA had received a complaint accusing two group members of providing systemic unlicensed immigration advice. The post noted: Providing unlicensed immigration advice is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A protester outside parliament in Wellington during the May 13, 2021 protest against the government's immigration restrictions. (WSWS Media)

The administrators said they were trying to find a workable solution to keep the Facebook group running. However, this proved impossible, and on May 9 Radio NZ reported that the group had folded permanently.



A source closely involved with Migrants NZ explained to the World Socialist Web Site that the administrators, as well as professional immigration advisors supportive of the group, had come under sustained attack and felt that they had no choice but to disband.

In late 2021, a number of licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) took to Facebook to publicly attack Migrants NZ for allegedly providing a forum for free, unlicensed immigration advice; they complained that this was undermining their ability to make money by providing such advice. Several LIAs then lodged a complaint with the IAA against Migrants NZ.

In April this year, the state agency wrote to Migrants NZs administrators saying that the group could be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The letter, seen by the WSWS, says that the IAA may take enforcement action against the group if it receives new evidence of offending or inadequate moderation of comments.

The IAA stated that administrators and moderators had a responsibility to remove comments that could be considered immigration advice, even though there were more than 73,000 members in the group.

Administrators were faced with the impossible task of combing through hundreds or even thousands of comments per day and assessing whether they could constitute a breach of the law. Administrators tried to address the issue by making regular posts warning group members not to give immigration advice. But this didnt satisfy the authority.

The source told the WSWS that, to the layperson, the legal definition of immigration advice is not at all clear. While people are allowed to talk about their personal experiences with Immigration New Zealand, theres a very fine line. Once you say, In your situation, I would then suddenly youre giving advice.

An IAA spokesperson, Simon van Weeghel, admitted to Radio NZ that the majority of the comments appearing in the Migrants NZ group would be exempt from having to be licensed because they were made in an informal context and any advice they contained was not being provided for a fee. But this fact did not stop the IAA from threatening to take action against the group.

The shutdown of Migrants NZ prompted an outpouring of dismayed comments from its members. One member said: Its ridiculous that someone wants to make this group fall under illegal advice. Lets say a group of friends decided to hang out every week and discuss laws, will that [mean they are] giving false legal advice? Another person wrote: This is probably the most effective advice group sharing immigration news and updates, we stand by you! Shame on those attackers!

The silencing of migrants goes hand-in-hand with stepped up anti-immigrant measures. Following the closure of Migrants NZ, the Labour Party-led government this month announced a new immigration policy that entrenches discrimination against low-paid workers. Migrants can apply for residency after working for two years in New Zealand provided they make more than twice the median wage, i.e., more than $115,480, or fall into a number of special occupations.

A green list allows some skilled migrants to apply for immediate residency. The list does not include nurses, midwives, aged care workers and teachers, who have to work for two years to qualify for residency. This is despite the drastic shortage of staff in hospitals, schools and aged care facilities. The government is also barring international students from working in New Zealand before they complete a degree.

Large numbers of people who do not meet the occupation or salary criteria can only work in New Zealand on temporary visas, making them much more vulnerable to abusive treatment and underpayment by employers.

The WSWS warns that the legal threats which forced Migrants NZ to close have set a precedent for further attacks on freedom of speech. Groups opposing the growing attacks on living standards, and New Zealands integration into US-led war plans, could find themselves similarly targetedas is already happening internationally.

In Germany, the Socialist Equality Partys widely-shared Facebook video opposing NATOs rearmament and proxy war against Russia was banned by the platform in March; the ban was overturned after thousands of people protested against it on social media.

The Ardern government in New Zealand has led a global campaign for censorship of online content deemed extreme, and has given the Office of the Censor sweeping powers and resources to remove such content. While the Christchurch terror attack has been used as a pretext for internet censorship, its real target is not the far-right, but ordinary working people, including immigrants.

The attack on the free speech of 75,000 members of Migrants NZ has not prompted any public opposition from the established political parties, the trade unions, or media organisations. The Green Party, which is part of the government, and the opposition National and ACT Parties, have remained silent. Whatever their criticisms of the governments policy, all these organisations support the right of the capitalist state to impose restrictions on immigration. None of them has any genuine concern for the democratic rights of immigrants.

The only constituency for upholding free speech and other basic rights is the working class. We call on workers and young people to oppose the silencing of Migrants NZ and to defend migrant workers who are speaking out and seeking to fight back against the Labour Party-led governments policies.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Russian forces on Friday continued attacking the cities of Lysychansk and Severodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern region of Luhansk to try to cut the area off from the rest of Ukraine, the region's governor said.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai told The Associated Press Russian forces were focused on the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway, which he said is the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.

The road is extremely important because it's the only connection to other regions of the country, he said via email. The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region.

Russian forces are constantly shelling the road from multiple directions, but Ukrainian armoured transports are still able to get through, Haidai added.

One of Friday's attacks was on a school in Severodonetsk sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children. Three adults were killed, Haidai said on Telegram.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Friday, the liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.
In my relatively short lifetime on Earth, and the even shorter time I actively focused on food production, campaigned for food security, and was a member of committees, boards, etc, that, at least on paper or intent, held out hope that here, at last, was a government or a group of influential people who recognised that we faced a critical problem, and they were prepared to take action to halt the slide into starvation, reverse the tide of widespread hunger, only to find that no action followed the lofty pronouncements.
Harrisburg (US), May 21 (AP) Pennsylvania's Republican primary for an open US Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick.

A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 pm Friday.

The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvania's automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the law's 0.5 per cent margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns combined already had hundreds of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the presidential battleground state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

McCormick's lead recount lawyer is Chuck Cooper, a veteran Washington lawyer and a go-to attorney for prominent conservative figures. He represented then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and former national security adviser John Bolton in a dispute over the publication of his book. He recently successfully argued a campaign finance case on behalf of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Oz's lead recount lawyer is Megan Newton, who was general counsel for Jeb Bush's unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and has represented Trump's campaign and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November's midterm elections in what Democrats see as their best opportunity to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trump's clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after "Hillbilly Elegy" author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and US Rep. Ted Budd easily scored a victory in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

A federal appeals court threw a wrench into the counting Friday when it ruled in an unrelated case that mail-in ballots without a legally required date on the return envelope can be counted. McCormick's campaign saw it as a positive development, since McCormick has led Oz in mail-in ballots.

"When every single vote cast in this US Senate election is finally counted, Dave McCormick will win," his campaign said.

Oz's campaign did not comment Friday evening.

The state's 67 counties have until Tuesday's deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the state's top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidate asks in writing that it not be carried out.

McCormick's campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount. Oz's campaign declined to comment.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winner's margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be a flurry of lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than USD 70 million during the primary campaign.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the state's TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaign's final days.

The fiery, hard-line pro-Trump alternative blistered both Oz and McCormick as "globalists," pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished a distant third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TV's "The Dr. Oz Show," had to overcome misgivings among hardline Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nation's first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trump's endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick viciously and repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of "special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
India-born doctor Girikumar Patil has been living in Severodonetsk, a town in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine for over six years.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Indians managed to reach home, but Patil, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh, chose to stay back in Ukraine with two big pet cats - a black panther and a jaguar.

Instagram

According to a BBC video released in March 2022, Patil had adopted the big pet cats from the Kyiv zoo about 20 months ago and refused to leave Ukraine without his pets.



Amid the turbulent state of affairs in Ukraine, Patil still risks his life every day and steps out before curfew to visit the market and arrange food for his pets.

Instagram

To protect his pets, he spent over Rs. 80 Lakh to build a comfortable shelter. In an interview with News18 , Patil shared,

New Indian Express

I am constructing an enclosure with bomb shelter around 200m long. I have spent close to Rs 80 lakh. I didnt have any option as the zoos didnt want to keep the big cats. Once the shelter is ready, I will have to wait for a human corridor to open."



His parents used to make frantic calls to him, asking him to come home. My parents have been calling me and asking me to come home, but I can't leave the animals," said Patil in an interview with BBC.

After over two months of being stuck in the war-torn Ukraine, Patil has finally decided to head back to India :

He decided to return to India after local soldiers mistook him for being a criminal and threatened him.

Bomb Shelter

However, he is relieved that he could construct a 200-meter animal enclosure in his backyard with all the required facilities for his pets. According to a report in The New Indian Express, he sold all his properties and car to construct the enclosure.



He also hired a six-member crew, who worked for over a month to build the shelter.

After he reaches India, Patil plans on getting back his 'kids' at any cost. The report quoted him as saying,

After returning to India, I will meet the officials concerned and do everything possible to bring back my kids at any cost.

The doctor went to Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine and has been a practicing orthopedist in the country since 2014, along with working in a government hospital at Severodonetsk.



Patil has experienced the aftermath of war before as well. Patil used to live in Luhansk, where Russia-backed troops fought Ukrainian troops in 2014.

Due to the war, Patil lost his restaurant and home during the fight in that region. However, he claims that the situation this time is way worse. Expressing his desperation to take his pets back home, he says he is hopeful that the Indian government will intervene.

Patil is fascinated by big cats and has three Italian dogs as his pets. He uses his unique YouTube channel to raise funds with over 85,000 followers.

Patil has also played small parts in some Telugu soaps and Ukrainian films and series.

(For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.)


Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.




India-born doctor Girikumar Patil has been living in Severodonetsk, a town in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine for over six years.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Indians managed to reach home, but Patil, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh, chose to stay back in Ukraine with two big pet cats - a black panther and a jaguar.

Instagram

According to a BBC video released in March 2022, Patil had adopted the big pet cats from the Kyiv zoo about 20 months ago and refused to leave Ukraine without his pets.



Amid the turbulent state of affairs in Ukraine, Patil still risks his life every day and steps out before curfew to visit the market and arrange food for his pets.

Instagram

To protect his pets, he spent over Rs. 80 Lakh to build a comfortable shelter. In an interview with News18 , Patil shared,

New Indian Express

I am constructing an enclosure with bomb shelter around 200m long. I have spent close to Rs 80 lakh. I didnt have any option as the zoos didnt want to keep the big cats. Once the shelter is ready, I will have to wait for a human corridor to open."



His parents used to make frantic calls to him, asking him to come home. My parents have been calling me and asking me to come home, but I can't leave the animals," said Patil in an interview with BBC.

After over two months of being stuck in the war-torn Ukraine, Patil has finally decided to head back to India :

He decided to return to India after local soldiers mistook him for being a criminal and threatened him.

Bomb Shelter

However, he is relieved that he could construct a 200-meter animal enclosure in his backyard with all the required facilities for his pets. According to a report in The New Indian Express, he sold all his properties and car to construct the enclosure.



He also hired a six-member crew, who worked for over a month to build the shelter.

After he reaches India, Patil plans on getting back his 'kids' at any cost. The report quoted him as saying,

After returning to India, I will meet the officials concerned and do everything possible to bring back my kids at any cost.

The doctor went to Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine and has been a practicing orthopedist in the country since 2014, along with working in a government hospital at Severodonetsk.



Patil has experienced the aftermath of war before as well. Patil used to live in Luhansk, where Russia-backed troops fought Ukrainian troops in 2014.

Due to the war, Patil lost his restaurant and home during the fight in that region. However, he claims that the situation this time is way worse. Expressing his desperation to take his pets back home, he says he is hopeful that the Indian government will intervene.

Patil is fascinated by big cats and has three Italian dogs as his pets. He uses his unique YouTube channel to raise funds with over 85,000 followers.

Patil has also played small parts in some Telugu soaps and Ukrainian films and series.

(For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.)

























Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.








Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Man Who Admitted to Killing Georgia Teacher Acquitted of Murder

In an unexpected turn of events, a man who admitted to investigators that he killed a high school history teacher and burned her body was found not guilty of murder by a jury.

On May 20, Ryan Duke shivered in tears as Judge Bill Reinhardt announced his verdict: the jury found him not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, murder, aggravated assault, and burglary, but guilty of concealing the death of another.

Yet, just about five years ago, Ryan Duke told investigators both verbally and on paper that he not only murdered Tara Grinstead in 2005 but also burned and buried her body afterward.

I took her life, robbed her of a chance to get married and have children, growing old, and she didnt deserve that, and there is nothing I can do to change it, Ryan Duke said, according to a transcript of his 2017 interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigators, published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Oct. 24, 2005, Tara Grinstead was reported missing after she did not show up to teach. Concerns over her disappearance quickly piled up, and the incident soon became a mystery featured in national news.

In the next few years, GBI received hundreds of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and executed multiple search warrants, according to the press release. One of these investigations involved a Georgia man who claimed on YouTube to have killed 19 peopleincluding Grinstead. However, none of these efforts have led to any firm conclusions.

The investigators made their first breakthrough in early 2017 when a tip led them to establish probable cause on Ryan Duke and later to Dukes arrest. Ryan Duke confessed to GBIs investigators that he killed Grinstead.

Shortly after his arrest, Ryan Duke led GBI investigators to a pecan orchard in Fitzgerald, where GBI agents found bone fragments confirmed to be Grinsteads after DNA testing, WMAZ reported. He was charged with murder subsequently.

However, when testifying on the stand in a 9-day trial that started on May 11, Ryan Duke told the court it was Bo Dukes, his then-classmate at Irwin County High School and roommate in the same mobile home, who killed Grinstead.

Bo Dukes was convicted of charges related to attempting to conceal a death, false confession, and helping to move and burn Grinsteads body in 2019, according to reporting by the AJC. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March 2019.

Ryan Duke said on the stand that on Oct. 22, 2005, the night that Grinstead was last seen, he passed out on a sofa after arriving home from the bar. Bo Dukes told him the next morning that Bo Dukes had killed Grinstead, Ryan Dukes testified.

After nine days of sometimes heated exchanges between the prosecution and Ryan Dukes defense team, the jury believed Ryan Duke.

The court will hold a sentencing hearing on Monday. Ryan Duke will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 to 10 years for his conviction.

Monday is really about the Grinsteads and letting them  letting them speak, letting them be heard, said Ashleigh Merchant, a counsel on Ryan Dukes defense team, during a press conference after the verdict announcement.

We believe in Ryan, she said.
Motor Group confirmed Friday the company will spend USD 5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history.

Motor Group CEO Jaehoon Chang made the announcement with Governor Brian Kemp at the site of the future factory in Bryan County, where state and local officials purchased a flat, sprawling tract for USD 61 million last year in hopes of luring a major manufacturer.

"Hard-working Georgians are going to have the opportunity to have a really high-paying, advanced manufacturing job with a great company," Governor Brian Kemp said in an interview.

said it will employ at least 8,100 workers at the plant "near the unincorporated town of Ellabell, where it will assemble as well as vehicle batteries. The company and state officials said they expect suppliers to invest an additional USD 1 billion.

It's going to "continue to bring wealth and opportunity to the region," said Kemp, who predicted a ripple effect that will boost businesses from Savannah's already booming seaport to restaurants and convenience stores.

The announcement came as President is visiting South Korea. He was scheduled to meet with Hyundai's CEO in Seoul on Sunday. Jake Sullivan, the president's national security adviser, told reporters Biden "will have the opportunity to say thank you for this significant investment that will occur in the ."



The timing was fortunate for Kemp, who is being challenged by former US Senator David Perdue in a Republican primary election that will be decided Tuesday.

It's the second huge electric vehicle plant announced in in less than a year. Rivian Automotive announced in December plans for a USD 5 billion electric truck plant east of Atlanta that's expected to employ about 7,500 workers.

Kemp declined to discuss details of what incentives and tax breaks the company was offered for locating in . Rivian received and package worth USD 1.5 billion.

Hyundai said plans to move quickly with construction and hopes to begin producing vehicles in 2025.

The company will build the plant on 2,200 acres (890 hectares) that the state and partner local governments bought a year ago about 40 kilometers inland from Savannah. Bryan County and neighbouring Chatham County, which includes Savannah, each chipped in USD 9 million toward the USD 61 million purchase price.

The land sits adjacent to Interstate 16 that links Savannah and Macon, not far from its intersection with Interstate 95 that spans the Eastern Seaboard. It's also near to the Port of Savannah, the fourth-busiest US seaport.

Kemp predicted the Hyundai plant will become one of the biggest customers for Savannah's port, which has already seen explosive growth in recent years.

Hyundai Motor Group sells cars under the Hyundai and Kia brands. The South Korean automaker already operates two American assembly plants in Montgomery, Alabama, and in West Point, .

Perdue planned a campaign stop in Savannah on Friday afternoon with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate. Perdue has accused Kemp to trying to buy his reelection with the Rivian deal and its big incentives.

Kemp brushed off the criticism, noting Perdue's record of outsourcing US jobs to overseas manufactures as a corporate executive.

The governor said incentives help Georgia compete for big projects with states such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He pointed to the Kia plant in West Point as one that filled a void when the local textile industry shut down years earlier.

"You've seen downtowns that used to be ghost towns, they're vibrant communities now," Kemp said. He added: "These are investments that we'll be reaping the benefits of 20 to 30 years down the road.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Motor Group confirmed Friday the company will spend USD 5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history.

Motor Group CEO Jaehoon Chang made the announcement with Governor Brian Kemp at the site of the future factory in Bryan County, where state and local officials purchased a flat, sprawling tract for USD 61 million last year in hopes of luring a major manufacturer.

"Hard-working Georgians are going to have the opportunity to have a really high-paying, advanced manufacturing job with a great company," Governor Brian Kemp said in an interview.

said it will employ at least 8,100 workers at the plant "near the unincorporated town of Ellabell, where it will assemble as well as vehicle batteries. The company and state officials said they expect suppliers to invest an additional USD 1 billion.

It's going to "continue to bring wealth and opportunity to the region," said Kemp, who predicted a ripple effect that will boost businesses from Savannah's already booming seaport to restaurants and convenience stores.

The announcement came as President is visiting South Korea. He was scheduled to meet with Hyundai's CEO in Seoul on Sunday. Jake Sullivan, the president's national security adviser, told reporters Biden "will have the opportunity to say thank you for this significant investment that will occur in the ."



The timing was fortunate for Kemp, who is being challenged by former US Senator David Perdue in a Republican primary election that will be decided Tuesday.

It's the second huge electric vehicle plant announced in in less than a year. Rivian Automotive announced in December plans for a USD 5 billion electric truck plant east of Atlanta that's expected to employ about 7,500 workers.

Kemp declined to discuss details of what incentives and tax breaks the company was offered for locating in . Rivian received and package worth USD 1.5 billion.

Hyundai said plans to move quickly with construction and hopes to begin producing vehicles in 2025.

The company will build the plant on 2,200 acres (890 hectares) that the state and partner local governments bought a year ago about 40 kilometers inland from Savannah. Bryan County and neighbouring Chatham County, which includes Savannah, each chipped in USD 9 million toward the USD 61 million purchase price.

The land sits adjacent to Interstate 16 that links Savannah and Macon, not far from its intersection with Interstate 95 that spans the Eastern Seaboard. It's also near to the Port of Savannah, the fourth-busiest US seaport.

Kemp predicted the Hyundai plant will become one of the biggest customers for Savannah's port, which has already seen explosive growth in recent years.

Hyundai Motor Group sells cars under the Hyundai and Kia brands. The South Korean automaker already operates two American assembly plants in Montgomery, Alabama, and in West Point, .

Perdue planned a campaign stop in Savannah on Friday afternoon with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate. Perdue has accused Kemp to trying to buy his reelection with the Rivian deal and its big incentives.

Kemp brushed off the criticism, noting Perdue's record of outsourcing US jobs to overseas manufactures as a corporate executive.

The governor said incentives help Georgia compete for big projects with states such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He pointed to the Kia plant in West Point as one that filled a void when the local textile industry shut down years earlier.

"You've seen downtowns that used to be ghost towns, they're vibrant communities now," Kemp said. He added: "These are investments that we'll be reaping the benefits of 20 to 30 years down the road.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)








Motor Group confirmed Friday the company will spend USD 5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history.

Motor Group CEO Jaehoon Chang made the announcement with Governor Brian Kemp at the site of the future factory in Bryan County, where state and local officials purchased a flat, sprawling tract for USD 61 million last year in hopes of luring a major manufacturer.

"Hard-working Georgians are going to have the opportunity to have a really high-paying, advanced manufacturing job with a great company," Governor Brian Kemp said in an interview.

said it will employ at least 8,100 workers at the plant "near the unincorporated town of Ellabell, where it will assemble as well as vehicle batteries. The company and state officials said they expect suppliers to invest an additional USD 1 billion.

It's going to "continue to bring wealth and opportunity to the region," said Kemp, who predicted a ripple effect that will boost businesses from Savannah's already booming seaport to restaurants and convenience stores.

The announcement came as President is visiting South Korea. He was scheduled to meet with Hyundai's CEO in Seoul on Sunday. Jake Sullivan, the president's national security adviser, told reporters Biden "will have the opportunity to say thank you for this significant investment that will occur in the ."



The timing was fortunate for Kemp, who is being challenged by former US Senator David Perdue in a Republican primary election that will be decided Tuesday.

It's the second huge electric vehicle plant announced in in less than a year. Rivian Automotive announced in December plans for a USD 5 billion electric truck plant east of Atlanta that's expected to employ about 7,500 workers.

Kemp declined to discuss details of what incentives and tax breaks the company was offered for locating in . Rivian received and package worth USD 1.5 billion.

Hyundai said plans to move quickly with construction and hopes to begin producing vehicles in 2025.

The company will build the plant on 2,200 acres (890 hectares) that the state and partner local governments bought a year ago about 40 kilometers inland from Savannah. Bryan County and neighbouring Chatham County, which includes Savannah, each chipped in USD 9 million toward the USD 61 million purchase price.

The land sits adjacent to Interstate 16 that links Savannah and Macon, not far from its intersection with Interstate 95 that spans the Eastern Seaboard. It's also near to the Port of Savannah, the fourth-busiest US seaport.

Kemp predicted the Hyundai plant will become one of the biggest customers for Savannah's port, which has already seen explosive growth in recent years.

Hyundai Motor Group sells cars under the Hyundai and Kia brands. The South Korean automaker already operates two American assembly plants in Montgomery, Alabama, and in West Point, .

Perdue planned a campaign stop in Savannah on Friday afternoon with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate. Perdue has accused Kemp to trying to buy his reelection with the Rivian deal and its big incentives.

Kemp brushed off the criticism, noting Perdue's record of outsourcing US jobs to overseas manufactures as a corporate executive.

The governor said incentives help Georgia compete for big projects with states such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He pointed to the Kia plant in West Point as one that filled a void when the local textile industry shut down years earlier.

"You've seen downtowns that used to be ghost towns, they're vibrant communities now," Kemp said. He added: "These are investments that we'll be reaping the benefits of 20 to 30 years down the road.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Motor Group confirmed Friday the company will spend USD 5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history.

Motor Group CEO Jaehoon Chang made the announcement with Governor Brian Kemp at the site of the future factory in Bryan County, where state and local officials purchased a flat, sprawling tract for USD 61 million last year in hopes of luring a major manufacturer.

"Hard-working Georgians are going to have the opportunity to have a really high-paying, advanced manufacturing job with a great company," Governor Brian Kemp said in an interview.

said it will employ at least 8,100 workers at the plant "near the unincorporated town of Ellabell, where it will assemble as well as vehicle batteries. The company and state officials said they expect suppliers to invest an additional USD 1 billion.

It's going to "continue to bring wealth and opportunity to the region," said Kemp, who predicted a ripple effect that will boost businesses from Savannah's already booming seaport to restaurants and convenience stores.

The announcement came as President is visiting South Korea. He was scheduled to meet with Hyundai's CEO in Seoul on Sunday. Jake Sullivan, the president's national security adviser, told reporters Biden "will have the opportunity to say thank you for this significant investment that will occur in the ."



The timing was fortunate for Kemp, who is being challenged by former US Senator David Perdue in a Republican primary election that will be decided Tuesday.

It's the second huge electric vehicle plant announced in in less than a year. Rivian Automotive announced in December plans for a USD 5 billion electric truck plant east of Atlanta that's expected to employ about 7,500 workers.

Kemp declined to discuss details of what incentives and tax breaks the company was offered for locating in . Rivian received and package worth USD 1.5 billion.

Hyundai said plans to move quickly with construction and hopes to begin producing vehicles in 2025.

The company will build the plant on 2,200 acres (890 hectares) that the state and partner local governments bought a year ago about 40 kilometers inland from Savannah. Bryan County and neighbouring Chatham County, which includes Savannah, each chipped in USD 9 million toward the USD 61 million purchase price.

The land sits adjacent to Interstate 16 that links Savannah and Macon, not far from its intersection with Interstate 95 that spans the Eastern Seaboard. It's also near to the Port of Savannah, the fourth-busiest US seaport.

Kemp predicted the Hyundai plant will become one of the biggest customers for Savannah's port, which has already seen explosive growth in recent years.

Hyundai Motor Group sells cars under the Hyundai and Kia brands. The South Korean automaker already operates two American assembly plants in Montgomery, Alabama, and in West Point, .

Perdue planned a campaign stop in Savannah on Friday afternoon with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and GOP vice presidential candidate. Perdue has accused Kemp to trying to buy his reelection with the Rivian deal and its big incentives.

Kemp brushed off the criticism, noting Perdue's record of outsourcing US jobs to overseas manufactures as a corporate executive.

The governor said incentives help Georgia compete for big projects with states such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He pointed to the Kia plant in West Point as one that filled a void when the local textile industry shut down years earlier.

"You've seen downtowns that used to be ghost towns, they're vibrant communities now," Kemp said. He added: "These are investments that we'll be reaping the benefits of 20 to 30 years down the road.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.



Across the world, local officials and NGO workers are heroically responding to overlapping, complex crises  whether theyre battling new waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or delivering aid after natural disasters. The energy and determination of these frontline organizations is unmatched, but their technical capacity can fall short in crucial ways.

In particular, many lack the tools, teams and resources to effectively harness the power of . For cutting-edge companies that incorporate into all levels of their operations, this is an opportunity to help. For example, Eastern European governments have worked rapidly to welcome a historic exodus of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. One Polish city turned to Mastercard for help in planning for the influx of the new arrivals. Within a matter of days, our team analyzed regional spending patterns to provide near real-time insights that helped city officials better prepare to meet the needs of exhausted, traumatized families.

But one-off partnerships shouldnt be our goal. If the private sector and other funders, including foundations and development organizations, work together, we can help NGOs and under-resourced governments build more sophisticated infrastructure of their own  strengthening their ability to battle crises and bolstering global resiliency.

Thats why the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which I run, makes impact data science a top priority. Two years ago at Davos, alongside The Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard launched data.org, a growing platform that works with organizations across the world to infuse data science into social sector decision making.

Impact data science can enhance frontline crisis response

It is not easy work to build technical capacity at small NGOs or in far-flung government offices. But three recent examples underscore why it matters.

First, look at Community Solutions, an organization combating homelessness in the United States. Even before the pandemic, homelessness was on the rise across the country and resources were stretched. To improve efficiency, Community Solutions worked with experts to enhance its data analytics capabilities. That work paid off when the pandemic hit and it was able to identify individuals in shelters at high risk for COVID-19 and help move them into safer settings.

As the pandemic spread on the other side of the world, the Togolese government also turned to data science. Togos Ministry of Digital Economy and GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that sends cash to people experiencing poverty, launched a pilot programme to quickly distribute cash assistance to the countrys lowest-income residents. They worked with the Center for Effective Global Action to use machine learning and survey data to identify residents and deliver aid. This method reached more of the countrys neediest people, and so far the programme has given nearly $10 million to about 137,000 people.

The third example typifies how front-end investment in impact data science can pay dividends when crises strike. In India, about a third of the food farmers produce goes to waste, in part because its difficult to determine how long to store particular products and how to extend shelf life. Experts from Switzerland developed an app to help solve both problems, equipping farmers with modeling to help them keep more food fresh for longer. Six months ago, helping rural Indian farmers access data science tools was hardly a global priority. But now, as Russias invasion of Ukraine causes a grain shortage that risks sparking a severe food crisis, we can clearly see how investments like this can make a big difference.

Governments and NGOs struggle to integrate data science

Unfortunately, those examples are exceptions. Far too often, organizations and aid workers on the ground are hamstrung by a lack of data, and the tools and personnel to analyze and deploy it.

Too many governments and NGOs have not been able to recruit enough data scientists. A forthcoming report from the McGovern Foundation and data.org estimates that the social sector alone needs 3.5 million more data scientists over the next 10 years. Mastercard just announced a $4.6 million grant to help train 1 million data scientists, with a focus on diversifying the field, but we need to do more.

The lack of analytic tools and internal structure is also a problem  even for organizations that have plenty of data. By contrast, many corporations have spent years developing data and analytics strategies, investing in interconnected, user-friendly platforms, building teams with deep expertise, and cultivating a data-literate culture.

Companies, funders can help build capacity to deploy impact data science



Companies and funders can help bridge this data science gap facing governments and NGOs by devoting attention, technical skills and funding. We know that because organizations like DataKind successfully connect volunteer data scientists to social organizations, helping them unlock the power of data in ethical and responsible ways.

The challenge is moving from individual partnerships and pro-bono efforts to building impact data science as a field  at the necessary scale. Last fall, at the request of G7 governments, data.org began convening the private, public and nonprofit sectors to build the Epiverse  an open digital infrastructure that will analyze streams of data from around the world to help prevent the next pandemic.

The broader goal is to strengthen collaboration between sectors so we can use data science to address other social challenges in systematic ways, while prioritizing privacy and security concerns.

No one initiative will help frontline responders build the teams and tools to use data science as fluently and effectively as the best-funded private sector companies. But we can and must elevate our investments. Companies can start by embracing data responsibility principles that include innovation and social impact alongside security and privacy, and then take steps like joining Mastercard to build data.org into an even stronger platform for data science partnerships.

This work may not grab headlines, but it will help the world navigate the crises of tomorrow more equitably and effectively.

Written by Shamina Singh, President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.


A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

ELKO  Staff at the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority have been busy marketing the community and all it has to offer. They have recently unveiled a new website, exploreelko.com, and published this years visitors guide.

The new website was launched last month, said Elko Convention Center Tourism and Convention Manager Tom Lester.

There is a lot of new information, he said. One of the biggest problems we had with the old website was it wasnt mobile friendly.

Lester said the new website allows data tracking that will help the convention center manage marketing and other aspects of the business.

Your website has to be front and center, Lester said. It has to be attractive to where people want to stay in it and really go through it. You want to keep them there as long as you can to entice them to stay or come to Elko.

He described the sites meeting and events page.

One of the features allows the community to add an event, which comes to our marketing team. We will review the event to make sure it is legitimate and then we will put it up on our calendar. We want to make sure people are aware of whats happening in the community.

Noble Studios designed the website. They also designed Lake Tahoe, Reno Sparks Convention Center and Travel Nevadas websites. Lester said they are very familiar with the Nevada product.

They came out and did a site visit and did some photography, he said.

Lester talked about the many attractions available in Elko including the arts, Lamoille Canyon and the restaurant scene.

International tour operators need to know what we have to offer, he said. You have to let people know.

Lester said things have changed since Covid, and the outdoors is the new latest and greatest thing.

The new visitors guide, Explore Elko, is fresh off the press.

A lot of the visitors guides will be taken to consumer shows, he said. We do a lot of shows along Interstate 80.

Now youve got to figure people are looking for places closer to home with gas prices. Elko is not that far. It is a three-hour drive from Salt Lake City.

The visitors guide has a lot of information in it, Lester said. It has some great stories in there. It also has some day trip itineraries, as well as the lodging information, parks and camp information, and all of the things to see. There is also an art section in there.

Lester said the guide goes into all the visitor centers along I-80 and throughout the state, and will be put in local hotels.

We also put in a lot more events this year so people can get that information.

The guide includes an detailed map of the area.

The first run printed 10,000 guides.

Elko might not be the destination, but we are part of the experience along the way, Lester said. If we can pick them up for a few nights along the way, then we have done our job. We are an oasis and a breath of fresh air.



Lamoille canyons spectacular scenery:

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
ELKO  Staff at the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority have been busy marketing the community and all it has to offer. They have recently unveiled a new website, exploreelko.com, and published this years visitors guide.

The new website was launched last month, said Elko Convention Center Tourism and Convention Manager Tom Lester.

There is a lot of new information, he said. One of the biggest problems we had with the old website was it wasnt mobile friendly.

Lester said the new website allows data tracking that will help the convention center manage marketing and other aspects of the business.

Your website has to be front and center, Lester said. It has to be attractive to where people want to stay in it and really go through it. You want to keep them there as long as you can to entice them to stay or come to Elko.

He described the sites meeting and events page.

One of the features allows the community to add an event, which comes to our marketing team. We will review the event to make sure it is legitimate and then we will put it up on our calendar. We want to make sure people are aware of whats happening in the community.

Noble Studios designed the website. They also designed Lake Tahoe, Reno Sparks Convention Center and Travel Nevadas websites. Lester said they are very familiar with the Nevada product.

They came out and did a site visit and did some photography, he said.

Lester talked about the many attractions available in Elko including the arts, Lamoille Canyon and the restaurant scene.

International tour operators need to know what we have to offer, he said. You have to let people know.

Lester said things have changed since Covid, and the outdoors is the new latest and greatest thing.

The new visitors guide, Explore Elko, is fresh off the press.

A lot of the visitors guides will be taken to consumer shows, he said. We do a lot of shows along Interstate 80.

Now youve got to figure people are looking for places closer to home with gas prices. Elko is not that far. It is a three-hour drive from Salt Lake City.

The visitors guide has a lot of information in it, Lester said. It has some great stories in there. It also has some day trip itineraries, as well as the lodging information, parks and camp information, and all of the things to see. There is also an art section in there.

Lester said the guide goes into all the visitor centers along I-80 and throughout the state, and will be put in local hotels.

We also put in a lot more events this year so people can get that information.

The guide includes an detailed map of the area.

The first run printed 10,000 guides.

Elko might not be the destination, but we are part of the experience along the way, Lester said. If we can pick them up for a few nights along the way, then we have done our job. We are an oasis and a breath of fresh air.



Lamoille canyons spectacular scenery:

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a greater Russia and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscows next target.

I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies, she told The Daily Telegraph.

Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, it doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the countrys Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
The tale of Victorias role can be told through the appearances from the leaders. Between them, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and opposition leader Anthony Albanese have made more than a dozen trips into Victorias marginal seats in and around Melbourne and Geelong. Morrison has visited 11 seats, mostly Corangamite (three times) and Chisholm (four times, to this seat which covers Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley), and on one trip sweeping around four outer Melbourne seats stretching from Berwick to Mernda. Albanese has visited four Victorian seats. Both leaders were back in Melbourne on Friday, with Albanese in Chisholm for the third time. ABC election analyst Antony Green says Kooyong and Goldstein have been fascinating and will be close. Josh Frydenberg spent two weeks standing on pre-poll at voting centres  that tells us a lot, he said. Strangio points to the more orthodox dimension of this election campaign. A swing towards Labor could deliver the seat of Chisholm, the Liberal Partys second-most marginal seat which is held by just 0.57 per cent. That in itself could be a harbinger of the fate of the Morrison government, he says.

Green says both sides believe they can win seats in Victoria, Labor in Chisholm, and the Liberals in Corangamite. Green nominates regional Nicholls in the states north, which takes in towns such as Seymour, Nagambie, Shepparton and Echuca, as a seat to watch. There, after the retirement of popular sitting National MP Damian Drum, independent Rob Priestly is challenging both the Liberals and Nationals. At the start of the campaign, Labor had speculated that, if there was a sizeable swing to Albanese, electorates on Melbournes outer urban fringe such as La Trobe (the outer east and Dandenongs) and Casey (Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton) could fall. The Liberals hoped to take Dunkley and Corangamite as well as the seat of McEwen, on Melbournes northern fringe, held by the ALPs Rob Mitchell. But by Friday, one Labor strategist, who did not want to be identified, was predicting Labor would win Chisholm, narrowly hold on to Corangamite, and little else would change in Victorian seats. On the Liberal side, a party strategist said on Friday that the party had all but given up on Dunkley and Goldstein but that Kooyong would stay Liberal, that McEwen was looking unlikely as a Liberal gain, but that Corangamite could well end up turning conservative.

Strangio says the teal candidates fighting prominent Liberal MPs  Zoe Daniel against Wilson in Goldstein, and Monique Ryan battling Frydenberg in Kooyong  will tell a story beyond Saturdays poll. The challenges to Liberal MPs in these seats, and Higgins, serve as a litmus test as to whether Morrison and his allies will remake the Coalitions base. He says Daniel appears on track to win Goldstein. My hunch is that Frydenberg will hang on in Kooyong. If Liberals lose in those seats, Strangio says it would show a modern Liberal Party willing to expend inner-urban metropolitan seats so as to make headway in the outer suburbs and regional areas, to have the Coalition defined more exclusively as a conservative populist outfit. Theres been a trendline since Howards era of this shift  of Howard targeting the battlers in the outer suburbs. So, its not new. But Howard had the good sense to always balance the leafy suburban electorates and the moderates against that.

Strangio says there are many echoes of this battle to the one Labor fought a decade ago with the Greens. There was some talk back then that Labor would have to abandon its inner-urban seats. But there was always a Labor view that the seats were so important to the psyche of the party because they were its historical citadel. To abandon them would damage the psyche of the party. He believes that the Liberal Party abandoning its inner-urban seats is electorally wreckless because of the votes it could lose in the long term. But also, what does it mean in terms of the history of the Liberal Party? The history of the parties is very important, and you start abandoning your once blue-ribbon seats and the party becomes unrecognisable in some ways. Australian National University political lecturer Jill Sheppard lives in Canberra but originally came from Melbourne.
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
Cornish Metals Inc (AIM:CUSN, TSX-V:CUSN, OTC:SBWFF) shareholders approved the companys 40.5mln equity raise, with over 99% of votes cast in favour. "The results of the Special Meeting reflect very strong shareholder support for the investment by Vision Blue, said chief executive Richard Williams.

Our team is very excited to move into the next phase of development at South Crofty, the construction of the water treatment plant followed by the dewatering of the mine, the metallurgical drilling programme which is planned to commence in June 2022, and the planned Feasibility Study which, if successful, could lead to an investment decision to restart tin production."





Spectra Systems Corporation (AIM:SPSY, OTC:SCTQ) announced the resignation of chief financial officer Brian McLain, to pursue other business opportunities. "Brian has been an invaluable resource to the company and to me and on behalf of the board I thank him for all of his contribution to Spectra and wish him every success in future, said chief executive Nabil Lawandy.

We are confident we will attract highly qualified candidates and be successful in appointing a new chief financial officer in the very near term. A search for his successor is underway and we will make an appropriate announcement when that process concludes."
Cornish Metals Inc (AIM:CUSN, TSX-V:CUSN, OTC:SBWFF) shareholders approved the companys 40.5mln equity raise, with over 99% of votes cast in favour. "The results of the Special Meeting reflect very strong shareholder support for the investment by Vision Blue, said chief executive Richard Williams.

Our team is very excited to move into the next phase of development at South Crofty, the construction of the water treatment plant followed by the dewatering of the mine, the metallurgical drilling programme which is planned to commence in June 2022, and the planned Feasibility Study which, if successful, could lead to an investment decision to restart tin production."





Spectra Systems Corporation (AIM:SPSY, OTC:SCTQ) announced the resignation of chief financial officer Brian McLain, to pursue other business opportunities. "Brian has been an invaluable resource to the company and to me and on behalf of the board I thank him for all of his contribution to Spectra and wish him every success in future, said chief executive Nabil Lawandy.

We are confident we will attract highly qualified candidates and be successful in appointing a new chief financial officer in the very near term. A search for his successor is underway and we will make an appropriate announcement when that process concludes."
New York [US], May 21 (ANI): Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of the UN Rights chief to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the upcoming visit, which includes a trip to Xinjiang, should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible.

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is set to visit China at the end of May, the first visit to China by a UN human rights commissioner since 2005.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

A number of rights groups say the Chinese government has pursued widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity.

Dozens of organizations have expressed grave concerns that the Chinese government will manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt while pressuring Bachelet to further delay her report or dilute its findings.

Also Read | Russia Claims to Have Taken Full Control of Mariupol Steel Plant in Ukraine.

Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW, said Bachelet's legacy as high commissioner will be measured by her willingness to hold a powerful state accountable for crimes against humanity committed on her watch.

"It defies credibility that the Chinese government will allow the high commissioner to see anything they don't want her to see, or allow human rights defenders, victims and their families to speak to her safely, unsupervised and without fear of reprisal," said Richardson.

While the high commissioner has previously asserted that she would require "unfettered" access to Xinjiang, to conduct an "independent assessment," the terms of her visit have not been disclosed.

Sophie said the Chinese government is committing human rights violations on a scope and scale unimaginable since the last time a high commissioner visited in 2005, partly because there is no fear of accountability. "The high commissioner needs to work to end, not enable, that perception."

The New York-based HRW and 59 other groups earlier urged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to take several steps to prevent the Chinese government from manipulating the visit, announced for May 2022.

They have expressed doubt that Bachelet's team would be given unimpeded access. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New York [US], May 21 (ANI): Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of the UN Rights chief to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the upcoming visit, which includes a trip to Xinjiang, should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible.

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is set to visit China at the end of May, the first visit to China by a UN human rights commissioner since 2005.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

A number of rights groups say the Chinese government has pursued widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity.

Dozens of organizations have expressed grave concerns that the Chinese government will manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt while pressuring Bachelet to further delay her report or dilute its findings.

Also Read | Russia Claims to Have Taken Full Control of Mariupol Steel Plant in Ukraine.

Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW, said Bachelet's legacy as high commissioner will be measured by her willingness to hold a powerful state accountable for crimes against humanity committed on her watch.

"It defies credibility that the Chinese government will allow the high commissioner to see anything they don't want her to see, or allow human rights defenders, victims and their families to speak to her safely, unsupervised and without fear of reprisal," said Richardson.

While the high commissioner has previously asserted that she would require "unfettered" access to Xinjiang, to conduct an "independent assessment," the terms of her visit have not been disclosed.

Sophie said the Chinese government is committing human rights violations on a scope and scale unimaginable since the last time a high commissioner visited in 2005, partly because there is no fear of accountability. "The high commissioner needs to work to end, not enable, that perception."

The New York-based HRW and 59 other groups earlier urged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to take several steps to prevent the Chinese government from manipulating the visit, announced for May 2022.

They have expressed doubt that Bachelet's team would be given unimpeded access. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New York [US], May 21 (ANI): Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of the UN Rights chief to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the upcoming visit, which includes a trip to Xinjiang, should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible.

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is set to visit China at the end of May, the first visit to China by a UN human rights commissioner since 2005.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

A number of rights groups say the Chinese government has pursued widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity.

Dozens of organizations have expressed grave concerns that the Chinese government will manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt while pressuring Bachelet to further delay her report or dilute its findings.

Also Read | Russia Claims to Have Taken Full Control of Mariupol Steel Plant in Ukraine.

Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW, said Bachelet's legacy as high commissioner will be measured by her willingness to hold a powerful state accountable for crimes against humanity committed on her watch.

"It defies credibility that the Chinese government will allow the high commissioner to see anything they don't want her to see, or allow human rights defenders, victims and their families to speak to her safely, unsupervised and without fear of reprisal," said Richardson.

While the high commissioner has previously asserted that she would require "unfettered" access to Xinjiang, to conduct an "independent assessment," the terms of her visit have not been disclosed.

Sophie said the Chinese government is committing human rights violations on a scope and scale unimaginable since the last time a high commissioner visited in 2005, partly because there is no fear of accountability. "The high commissioner needs to work to end, not enable, that perception."

The New York-based HRW and 59 other groups earlier urged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to take several steps to prevent the Chinese government from manipulating the visit, announced for May 2022.

They have expressed doubt that Bachelet's team would be given unimpeded access. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New York [US], May 21 (ANI): Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of the UN Rights chief to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the upcoming visit, which includes a trip to Xinjiang, should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible.

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is set to visit China at the end of May, the first visit to China by a UN human rights commissioner since 2005.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

A number of rights groups say the Chinese government has pursued widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity.

Dozens of organizations have expressed grave concerns that the Chinese government will manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt while pressuring Bachelet to further delay her report or dilute its findings.

Also Read | Russia Claims to Have Taken Full Control of Mariupol Steel Plant in Ukraine.

Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW, said Bachelet's legacy as high commissioner will be measured by her willingness to hold a powerful state accountable for crimes against humanity committed on her watch.

"It defies credibility that the Chinese government will allow the high commissioner to see anything they don't want her to see, or allow human rights defenders, victims and their families to speak to her safely, unsupervised and without fear of reprisal," said Richardson.

While the high commissioner has previously asserted that she would require "unfettered" access to Xinjiang, to conduct an "independent assessment," the terms of her visit have not been disclosed.

Sophie said the Chinese government is committing human rights violations on a scope and scale unimaginable since the last time a high commissioner visited in 2005, partly because there is no fear of accountability. "The high commissioner needs to work to end, not enable, that perception."

The New York-based HRW and 59 other groups earlier urged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to take several steps to prevent the Chinese government from manipulating the visit, announced for May 2022.

They have expressed doubt that Bachelet's team would be given unimpeded access. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New York [US], May 21 (ANI): Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of the UN Rights chief to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the upcoming visit, which includes a trip to Xinjiang, should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible.

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is set to visit China at the end of May, the first visit to China by a UN human rights commissioner since 2005.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

A number of rights groups say the Chinese government has pursued widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity.

Dozens of organizations have expressed grave concerns that the Chinese government will manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt while pressuring Bachelet to further delay her report or dilute its findings.

Also Read | Russia Claims to Have Taken Full Control of Mariupol Steel Plant in Ukraine.

Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW, said Bachelet's legacy as high commissioner will be measured by her willingness to hold a powerful state accountable for crimes against humanity committed on her watch.

"It defies credibility that the Chinese government will allow the high commissioner to see anything they don't want her to see, or allow human rights defenders, victims and their families to speak to her safely, unsupervised and without fear of reprisal," said Richardson.

While the high commissioner has previously asserted that she would require "unfettered" access to Xinjiang, to conduct an "independent assessment," the terms of her visit have not been disclosed.

Sophie said the Chinese government is committing human rights violations on a scope and scale unimaginable since the last time a high commissioner visited in 2005, partly because there is no fear of accountability. "The high commissioner needs to work to end, not enable, that perception."

The New York-based HRW and 59 other groups earlier urged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to take several steps to prevent the Chinese government from manipulating the visit, announced for May 2022.

They have expressed doubt that Bachelet's team would be given unimpeded access. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a greater Russia and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscows next target.

I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies, she told The Daily Telegraph.

Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, it doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the countrys Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'

The Juan I. Gonzales Center is one of three locations in Taos County serving as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by nearby wildfires in New Mexico.
Across the world, local officials and NGO workers are heroically responding to overlapping, complex crises  whether theyre battling new waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or delivering aid after natural disasters. The energy and determination of these frontline organizations is unmatched, but their technical capacity can fall short in crucial ways.

In particular, many lack the tools, teams and resources to effectively harness the power of . For cutting-edge companies that incorporate into all levels of their operations, this is an opportunity to help. For example, Eastern European governments have worked rapidly to welcome a historic exodus of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. One Polish city turned to Mastercard for help in planning for the influx of the new arrivals. Within a matter of days, our team analyzed regional spending patterns to provide near real-time insights that helped city officials better prepare to meet the needs of exhausted, traumatized families.

But one-off partnerships shouldnt be our goal. If the private sector and other funders, including foundations and development organizations, work together, we can help NGOs and under-resourced governments build more sophisticated infrastructure of their own  strengthening their ability to battle crises and bolstering global resiliency.

Thats why the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which I run, makes impact data science a top priority. Two years ago at Davos, alongside The Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard launched data.org, a growing platform that works with organizations across the world to infuse data science into social sector decision making.

Impact data science can enhance frontline crisis response

It is not easy work to build technical capacity at small NGOs or in far-flung government offices. But three recent examples underscore why it matters.

First, look at Community Solutions, an organization combating homelessness in the United States. Even before the pandemic, homelessness was on the rise across the country and resources were stretched. To improve efficiency, Community Solutions worked with experts to enhance its data analytics capabilities. That work paid off when the pandemic hit and it was able to identify individuals in shelters at high risk for COVID-19 and help move them into safer settings.

As the pandemic spread on the other side of the world, the Togolese government also turned to data science. Togos Ministry of Digital Economy and GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that sends cash to people experiencing poverty, launched a pilot programme to quickly distribute cash assistance to the countrys lowest-income residents. They worked with the Center for Effective Global Action to use machine learning and survey data to identify residents and deliver aid. This method reached more of the countrys neediest people, and so far the programme has given nearly $10 million to about 137,000 people.

The third example typifies how front-end investment in impact data science can pay dividends when crises strike. In India, about a third of the food farmers produce goes to waste, in part because its difficult to determine how long to store particular products and how to extend shelf life. Experts from Switzerland developed an app to help solve both problems, equipping farmers with modeling to help them keep more food fresh for longer. Six months ago, helping rural Indian farmers access data science tools was hardly a global priority. But now, as Russias invasion of Ukraine causes a grain shortage that risks sparking a severe food crisis, we can clearly see how investments like this can make a big difference.

Governments and NGOs struggle to integrate data science

Unfortunately, those examples are exceptions. Far too often, organizations and aid workers on the ground are hamstrung by a lack of data, and the tools and personnel to analyze and deploy it.

Too many governments and NGOs have not been able to recruit enough data scientists. A forthcoming report from the McGovern Foundation and data.org estimates that the social sector alone needs 3.5 million more data scientists over the next 10 years. Mastercard just announced a $4.6 million grant to help train 1 million data scientists, with a focus on diversifying the field, but we need to do more.

The lack of analytic tools and internal structure is also a problem  even for organizations that have plenty of data. By contrast, many corporations have spent years developing data and analytics strategies, investing in interconnected, user-friendly platforms, building teams with deep expertise, and cultivating a data-literate culture.

Companies, funders can help build capacity to deploy impact data science



Companies and funders can help bridge this data science gap facing governments and NGOs by devoting attention, technical skills and funding. We know that because organizations like DataKind successfully connect volunteer data scientists to social organizations, helping them unlock the power of data in ethical and responsible ways.

The challenge is moving from individual partnerships and pro-bono efforts to building impact data science as a field  at the necessary scale. Last fall, at the request of G7 governments, data.org began convening the private, public and nonprofit sectors to build the Epiverse  an open digital infrastructure that will analyze streams of data from around the world to help prevent the next pandemic.

The broader goal is to strengthen collaboration between sectors so we can use data science to address other social challenges in systematic ways, while prioritizing privacy and security concerns.

No one initiative will help frontline responders build the teams and tools to use data science as fluently and effectively as the best-funded private sector companies. But we can and must elevate our investments. Companies can start by embracing data responsibility principles that include innovation and social impact alongside security and privacy, and then take steps like joining Mastercard to build data.org into an even stronger platform for data science partnerships.

This work may not grab headlines, but it will help the world navigate the crises of tomorrow more equitably and effectively.

Written by Shamina Singh, President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard

Across the world, local officials and NGO workers are heroically responding to overlapping, complex crises  whether theyre battling new waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or delivering aid after natural disasters. The energy and determination of these frontline organizations is unmatched, but their technical capacity can fall short in crucial ways.

In particular, many lack the tools, teams and resources to effectively harness the power of . For cutting-edge companies that incorporate into all levels of their operations, this is an opportunity to help. For example, Eastern European governments have worked rapidly to welcome a historic exodus of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. One Polish city turned to Mastercard for help in planning for the influx of the new arrivals. Within a matter of days, our team analyzed regional spending patterns to provide near real-time insights that helped city officials better prepare to meet the needs of exhausted, traumatized families.

But one-off partnerships shouldnt be our goal. If the private sector and other funders, including foundations and development organizations, work together, we can help NGOs and under-resourced governments build more sophisticated infrastructure of their own  strengthening their ability to battle crises and bolstering global resiliency.

Thats why the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which I run, makes impact data science a top priority. Two years ago at Davos, alongside The Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard launched data.org, a growing platform that works with organizations across the world to infuse data science into social sector decision making.

Impact data science can enhance frontline crisis response

It is not easy work to build technical capacity at small NGOs or in far-flung government offices. But three recent examples underscore why it matters.

First, look at Community Solutions, an organization combating homelessness in the United States. Even before the pandemic, homelessness was on the rise across the country and resources were stretched. To improve efficiency, Community Solutions worked with experts to enhance its data analytics capabilities. That work paid off when the pandemic hit and it was able to identify individuals in shelters at high risk for COVID-19 and help move them into safer settings.

As the pandemic spread on the other side of the world, the Togolese government also turned to data science. Togos Ministry of Digital Economy and GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that sends cash to people experiencing poverty, launched a pilot programme to quickly distribute cash assistance to the countrys lowest-income residents. They worked with the Center for Effective Global Action to use machine learning and survey data to identify residents and deliver aid. This method reached more of the countrys neediest people, and so far the programme has given nearly $10 million to about 137,000 people.

The third example typifies how front-end investment in impact data science can pay dividends when crises strike. In India, about a third of the food farmers produce goes to waste, in part because its difficult to determine how long to store particular products and how to extend shelf life. Experts from Switzerland developed an app to help solve both problems, equipping farmers with modeling to help them keep more food fresh for longer. Six months ago, helping rural Indian farmers access data science tools was hardly a global priority. But now, as Russias invasion of Ukraine causes a grain shortage that risks sparking a severe food crisis, we can clearly see how investments like this can make a big difference.

Governments and NGOs struggle to integrate data science

Unfortunately, those examples are exceptions. Far too often, organizations and aid workers on the ground are hamstrung by a lack of data, and the tools and personnel to analyze and deploy it.

Too many governments and NGOs have not been able to recruit enough data scientists. A forthcoming report from the McGovern Foundation and data.org estimates that the social sector alone needs 3.5 million more data scientists over the next 10 years. Mastercard just announced a $4.6 million grant to help train 1 million data scientists, with a focus on diversifying the field, but we need to do more.

The lack of analytic tools and internal structure is also a problem  even for organizations that have plenty of data. By contrast, many corporations have spent years developing data and analytics strategies, investing in interconnected, user-friendly platforms, building teams with deep expertise, and cultivating a data-literate culture.

Companies, funders can help build capacity to deploy impact data science



Companies and funders can help bridge this data science gap facing governments and NGOs by devoting attention, technical skills and funding. We know that because organizations like DataKind successfully connect volunteer data scientists to social organizations, helping them unlock the power of data in ethical and responsible ways.

The challenge is moving from individual partnerships and pro-bono efforts to building impact data science as a field  at the necessary scale. Last fall, at the request of G7 governments, data.org began convening the private, public and nonprofit sectors to build the Epiverse  an open digital infrastructure that will analyze streams of data from around the world to help prevent the next pandemic.

The broader goal is to strengthen collaboration between sectors so we can use data science to address other social challenges in systematic ways, while prioritizing privacy and security concerns.

No one initiative will help frontline responders build the teams and tools to use data science as fluently and effectively as the best-funded private sector companies. But we can and must elevate our investments. Companies can start by embracing data responsibility principles that include innovation and social impact alongside security and privacy, and then take steps like joining Mastercard to build data.org into an even stronger platform for data science partnerships.

This work may not grab headlines, but it will help the world navigate the crises of tomorrow more equitably and effectively.

Written by Shamina Singh, President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
LAUREL  Steve Daines' message was clear.

Montana's U.S. senator said the best way to address the current global energy crisis is for the United States to produce more oil and to lead the world in production and refinement.

"We do it the right way," he said.

Daines was in Laurel on Friday visiting the CHS refinery with a retinue of the region's energy producers, including officials from CHS, to hear what issues they believed were impacting their industry and what lawmakers could do to clear roadblocks.

Before sitting down to a roundtable discussion of U.S. energy policy, Daines and the group of industry representatives there donned fire-repellent jackets, hard hats, safety googles and hearing protection, and took a short bus ride into the heart of the CHS refinery for a 30-minute walking tour of the facility.

Jim Irwin, CHS refinery vice president, walked with Daines through the maze of silver overhead pipes and storage tanks, explaining the refining process and detailing exactly how the CHS refinery makes its products: coke, asphalt and various fuels like diesel, gasoline and propane.

At the center of the refinery is a multi-story furnace that produces the heat necessary to keep the asphalt molten and refine the various petroleum products. At its base are small trapdoors that open to allow workers see into the furnace itself.

The stop is a highlight on the tour and Daines, along with the others, took a moment to peer in at the orange glow and see bank upon bank of small roaring jets producing enormous amounts of heat.

Back in the conference room for the roundtable, Daines talked about his recent visit to Eastern Europe where he met with leaders to talk about aid to Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis spurred by Russia's invasion.

"Vladimir Putin has weaponized energy," he said.

He pointed to European countries, dependent on Russian energy he said, who are now in crisis as their supplies are cut short. The best response to these types of risks, he added, is to make sure the United States never gets into a similar situation.

"We can't let these kinds of dependencies happen," he said.

He called for more domestic oil production rather than leaning into renewable energy, explaining that renewables are an important part of the county's energy portfolio, but alone aren't enough to create energy independence for the U.S.

"We've been blessed with an abundance of energy," he said. The country should lean into it.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


By Jennifer Rigby and Natalie Grover

LONDON (Reuters) - The World Health Organization was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Monkeypox is usually a mild viral illness, characterised by symptoms of fever as well as a distinctive bumpy rash.

"This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe," said Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) committee meeting to discuss the issue is the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH), which advises on infection risks that could pose a global health threat.

It would not be responsible for deciding whether the outbreak should be declared a public health emergency of international concern, WHO's highest form of alert, which is currently applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Story continues

"There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time," a senior U.S. administration official said.

COMMUNITY SPREAD

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he said.

Still, the WHO's European chief said he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox, according to the WHO.

British authorities said they have offered a smallpox vaccine to some healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed to monkeypox.

Since 1970, monkeypox cases have been reported in 11 African countries. Nigeria has had a large ongoing outbreak since 2017. So far this year, there have been 46 suspected cases, of which 15 have since been confirmed, according to the WHO.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria.

Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed outside Africa, according to a tracker https://twitter.com/MOUGK/status/1527055553876348928 by a University of Oxford academic.

Many of the cases are not linked to travel to the continent. As a result, the cause of this outbreak is unclear, although health authorities have said that there is potentially some degree of community spread.

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

In Britain, where 20 cases have been now confirmed, the UK Health Security Agency said the recent cases in the country were predominantly among men who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

Portugal detected nine more cases on Friday, taking its total to 23.

The previous tally of 14 cases were all detected in sexual health clinics and were men aged between 20 and 40 years old who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

It was too early to say if the illness has morphed into a sexually transmitted disease, said Alessio D'Amato, health commissioner of the Lazio region in Italy. Three cases have been reported so far in the country.

"The idea that there's some sort of sexual transmission in this, I think, is a little bit of a stretch," said Stuart Neil, professor of virology at Kings College London.

Scientists are sequencing the virus from different cases to see if they are linked, the WHO has said. The agency is expected to provide an update soon.

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby and Natalie Grover in London; additional reporting by Emma Pinedo Gonzalez, Emma Farge, Catriona Demony, Patricia Weiss, Eric Beech, Dan Williams and Michael Erman; Writing by Josephine Mason and Costas Pitas; Editing by Nick Macfie, David Clarke and Bill Berkrot)
LAUREL  Steve Daines' message was clear.

Montana's U.S. senator said the best way to address the current global energy crisis is for the United States to produce more oil and to lead the world in production and refinement.

"We do it the right way," he said.

Daines was in Laurel on Friday visiting the CHS refinery with a retinue of the region's energy producers, including officials from CHS, to hear what issues they believed were impacting their industry and what lawmakers could do to clear roadblocks.

Before sitting down to a roundtable discussion of U.S. energy policy, Daines and the group of industry representatives there donned fire-repellent jackets, hard hats, safety googles and hearing protection, and took a short bus ride into the heart of the CHS refinery for a 30-minute walking tour of the facility.

Jim Irwin, CHS refinery vice president, walked with Daines through the maze of silver overhead pipes and storage tanks, explaining the refining process and detailing exactly how the CHS refinery makes its products: coke, asphalt and various fuels like diesel, gasoline and propane.

At the center of the refinery is a multi-story furnace that produces the heat necessary to keep the asphalt molten and refine the various petroleum products. At its base are small trapdoors that open to allow workers see into the furnace itself.

The stop is a highlight on the tour and Daines, along with the others, took a moment to peer in at the orange glow and see bank upon bank of small roaring jets producing enormous amounts of heat.

Back in the conference room for the roundtable, Daines talked about his recent visit to Eastern Europe where he met with leaders to talk about aid to Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis spurred by Russia's invasion.

"Vladimir Putin has weaponized energy," he said.

He pointed to European countries, dependent on Russian energy he said, who are now in crisis as their supplies are cut short. The best response to these types of risks, he added, is to make sure the United States never gets into a similar situation.

"We can't let these kinds of dependencies happen," he said.

He called for more domestic oil production rather than leaning into renewable energy, explaining that renewables are an important part of the county's energy portfolio, but alone aren't enough to create energy independence for the U.S.

"We've been blessed with an abundance of energy," he said. The country should lean into it.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M  U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore cited extreme fire danger and unfavorable weather conditions Friday in announcing a suspension of all planned fire burning operations to clear brush and small trees on all national forest lands while his agency conducts a review of protocols and practices ahead of planned operations this fall.

His decision came as federal forecasters warned that expanding drought conditions coupled with hot and dry weather, extreme wind and unstable atmospheric conditions have led to explosive fire behavior in the southwestern U.S. The fires that are set on purpose are called prescribed burns or fires.

Our primary goal in engaging prescribed fires and wildfires is to ensure the safety of the communities involved. Our employees who are engaging in prescribed fire operations are part of these communities across the nation, Moore said in a statement.

He said they deserve the very best tools and science supporting them as we continue to navigate toward reducing the risk of severe wildfires in the future.

The U.S. Forest Service has faced heavy criticism for a prescribed fire in New Mexico that escaped its containment lines in April and joined with another blaze to form what is now the largest fire burning nationally.

Moore said that in 99.84% of cases, prescribed fires go as planned and are a valuable tool for reducing the threat of extreme fires by removing dead and down trees and other vegetation that serves as fuel in overgrown forests.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who praised the temporary suspension of intentionally set fires, said it's clear that well-managed prescribed burns can help reduce wildfire risks.

But "it is critical that federal agencies update and modernize these practices in response to a changing climate, as what used to be considered extreme conditions are now much more common, she said in a statement.

The situation unfolding in New Mexico right now demonstrates without a doubt the grave consequences of neglecting to do so," she said.

Wildfires have broken out this spring in multiple states in the western U.S., where climate change and an enduring drought are fanning the frequency and intensity of forest and grassland fires. The number of square miles burned so far this year is far above the 10-year national average.

Nationally, nearly 6,000 wildland firefighters were battling 16 uncontained large fires that had charred over a half-million acres of dry forest and grassland, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

A California fire that started Friday in a building and spread to vegetation in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada about 80 miles north of Sacramento forced evacuations and closed a state highway.

In Texas, firefighters made progress against a wildfire near Abilene that destroyed at least 27 structures. Evacuations were lifted.

The biggest U.S. fire has blackened more than 474 square miles of northern New Mexico's forested Rocky Mountain foothills. State officials expect the number of homes and other structures that have burned to rise to more than 1,000 as more assessments are done.

The winds on Friday prevented some aircraft from flying and dumping retardant and water, but ground crews managed to turn back flames and reinforce fire lines threatened by gusts exceeding 40 mph.

Crews did a really incredible job today, said Jayson Coil, one of the fire operations chiefs.

And forecasters said cooler, moister conditions beginning Saturday should provide relief from the relentless winds and low humidity that have fueled the spring wildfires.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
To honor the memory of the 10 people killed and three wounded in the May 14 massacre at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, Mayor Byron W. Brown is inviting the public to observe 123 seconds of silence Saturday, the one-week anniversary of the attack.

Every corner of our community was impacted by this unspeakable tragedy, and Im asking the City of Good Neighbors and the rest of the nation and beyond to join us in a moment of unity and remembrance for the lives lost last weekend in Buffalo, Brown said in a statement Friday. Wherever you are on Saturday, for 123 seconds, I am asking that people pause to remember our friends, family and neighbors who died and were wounded in this senseless shooting. This is a difficult time for Buffalo, but lets rally around each other, lift each other up and continue to move forward as a strong, united, and loving community.
A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
The government also plans to relax rules regarding COVID-19 testing and quarantine, dividing countries and regions into three categories based on their infection situation.

Travelers from the group with the lowest infection rate will be exempt from testing upon arrival in Japan and quarantining at home, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said.

About 80 per cent of entrants are likely to be from countries and regions that fall into that group, Matsuno said. The categorization will be announced next week. The travelers will still need to provide a pre-departure negative test result.

"We believe (the review) will make the entry of visitors smooth," Matsuno said.

The decision comes as Japan's infection situation has stabilized in recent weeks.

The Japanese government is also set to announce that wearing masks in outdoor spaces is not always necessary if people are not talking to each other, an official said.

Japan shut its borders to nonresident foreigners to curb surging infections amid the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus late last year.

In recent months, the government has gradually increased the number of entrants allowed into Japan in steps, currently setting the daily cap at 10,000. (ANI/Xinhua)

Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.

A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Across the world, local officials and NGO workers are heroically responding to overlapping, complex crises  whether theyre battling new waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or delivering aid after natural disasters. The energy and determination of these frontline organizations is unmatched, but their technical capacity can fall short in crucial ways.

In particular, many lack the tools, teams and resources to effectively harness the power of . For cutting-edge companies that incorporate into all levels of their operations, this is an opportunity to help. For example, Eastern European governments have worked rapidly to welcome a historic exodus of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. One Polish city turned to Mastercard for help in planning for the influx of the new arrivals. Within a matter of days, our team analyzed regional spending patterns to provide near real-time insights that helped city officials better prepare to meet the needs of exhausted, traumatized families.

But one-off partnerships shouldnt be our goal. If the private sector and other funders, including foundations and development organizations, work together, we can help NGOs and under-resourced governments build more sophisticated infrastructure of their own  strengthening their ability to battle crises and bolstering global resiliency.

Thats why the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which I run, makes impact data science a top priority. Two years ago at Davos, alongside The Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard launched data.org, a growing platform that works with organizations across the world to infuse data science into social sector decision making.

Impact data science can enhance frontline crisis response

It is not easy work to build technical capacity at small NGOs or in far-flung government offices. But three recent examples underscore why it matters.

First, look at Community Solutions, an organization combating homelessness in the United States. Even before the pandemic, homelessness was on the rise across the country and resources were stretched. To improve efficiency, Community Solutions worked with experts to enhance its data analytics capabilities. That work paid off when the pandemic hit and it was able to identify individuals in shelters at high risk for COVID-19 and help move them into safer settings.

As the pandemic spread on the other side of the world, the Togolese government also turned to data science. Togos Ministry of Digital Economy and GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that sends cash to people experiencing poverty, launched a pilot programme to quickly distribute cash assistance to the countrys lowest-income residents. They worked with the Center for Effective Global Action to use machine learning and survey data to identify residents and deliver aid. This method reached more of the countrys neediest people, and so far the programme has given nearly $10 million to about 137,000 people.

The third example typifies how front-end investment in impact data science can pay dividends when crises strike. In India, about a third of the food farmers produce goes to waste, in part because its difficult to determine how long to store particular products and how to extend shelf life. Experts from Switzerland developed an app to help solve both problems, equipping farmers with modeling to help them keep more food fresh for longer. Six months ago, helping rural Indian farmers access data science tools was hardly a global priority. But now, as Russias invasion of Ukraine causes a grain shortage that risks sparking a severe food crisis, we can clearly see how investments like this can make a big difference.

Governments and NGOs struggle to integrate data science

Unfortunately, those examples are exceptions. Far too often, organizations and aid workers on the ground are hamstrung by a lack of data, and the tools and personnel to analyze and deploy it.

Too many governments and NGOs have not been able to recruit enough data scientists. A forthcoming report from the McGovern Foundation and data.org estimates that the social sector alone needs 3.5 million more data scientists over the next 10 years. Mastercard just announced a $4.6 million grant to help train 1 million data scientists, with a focus on diversifying the field, but we need to do more.

The lack of analytic tools and internal structure is also a problem  even for organizations that have plenty of data. By contrast, many corporations have spent years developing data and analytics strategies, investing in interconnected, user-friendly platforms, building teams with deep expertise, and cultivating a data-literate culture.

Companies, funders can help build capacity to deploy impact data science



Companies and funders can help bridge this data science gap facing governments and NGOs by devoting attention, technical skills and funding. We know that because organizations like DataKind successfully connect volunteer data scientists to social organizations, helping them unlock the power of data in ethical and responsible ways.

The challenge is moving from individual partnerships and pro-bono efforts to building impact data science as a field  at the necessary scale. Last fall, at the request of G7 governments, data.org began convening the private, public and nonprofit sectors to build the Epiverse  an open digital infrastructure that will analyze streams of data from around the world to help prevent the next pandemic.

The broader goal is to strengthen collaboration between sectors so we can use data science to address other social challenges in systematic ways, while prioritizing privacy and security concerns.

No one initiative will help frontline responders build the teams and tools to use data science as fluently and effectively as the best-funded private sector companies. But we can and must elevate our investments. Companies can start by embracing data responsibility principles that include innovation and social impact alongside security and privacy, and then take steps like joining Mastercard to build data.org into an even stronger platform for data science partnerships.

This work may not grab headlines, but it will help the world navigate the crises of tomorrow more equitably and effectively.

Written by Shamina Singh, President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard
Across the world, local officials and NGO workers are heroically responding to overlapping, complex crises  whether theyre battling new waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or delivering aid after natural disasters. The energy and determination of these frontline organizations is unmatched, but their technical capacity can fall short in crucial ways.

In particular, many lack the tools, teams and resources to effectively harness the power of . For cutting-edge companies that incorporate into all levels of their operations, this is an opportunity to help. For example, Eastern European governments have worked rapidly to welcome a historic exodus of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. One Polish city turned to Mastercard for help in planning for the influx of the new arrivals. Within a matter of days, our team analyzed regional spending patterns to provide near real-time insights that helped city officials better prepare to meet the needs of exhausted, traumatized families.

But one-off partnerships shouldnt be our goal. If the private sector and other funders, including foundations and development organizations, work together, we can help NGOs and under-resourced governments build more sophisticated infrastructure of their own  strengthening their ability to battle crises and bolstering global resiliency.

Thats why the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which I run, makes impact data science a top priority. Two years ago at Davos, alongside The Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard launched data.org, a growing platform that works with organizations across the world to infuse data science into social sector decision making.

Impact data science can enhance frontline crisis response

It is not easy work to build technical capacity at small NGOs or in far-flung government offices. But three recent examples underscore why it matters.

First, look at Community Solutions, an organization combating homelessness in the United States. Even before the pandemic, homelessness was on the rise across the country and resources were stretched. To improve efficiency, Community Solutions worked with experts to enhance its data analytics capabilities. That work paid off when the pandemic hit and it was able to identify individuals in shelters at high risk for COVID-19 and help move them into safer settings.

As the pandemic spread on the other side of the world, the Togolese government also turned to data science. Togos Ministry of Digital Economy and GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that sends cash to people experiencing poverty, launched a pilot programme to quickly distribute cash assistance to the countrys lowest-income residents. They worked with the Center for Effective Global Action to use machine learning and survey data to identify residents and deliver aid. This method reached more of the countrys neediest people, and so far the programme has given nearly $10 million to about 137,000 people.

The third example typifies how front-end investment in impact data science can pay dividends when crises strike. In India, about a third of the food farmers produce goes to waste, in part because its difficult to determine how long to store particular products and how to extend shelf life. Experts from Switzerland developed an app to help solve both problems, equipping farmers with modeling to help them keep more food fresh for longer. Six months ago, helping rural Indian farmers access data science tools was hardly a global priority. But now, as Russias invasion of Ukraine causes a grain shortage that risks sparking a severe food crisis, we can clearly see how investments like this can make a big difference.

Governments and NGOs struggle to integrate data science

Unfortunately, those examples are exceptions. Far too often, organizations and aid workers on the ground are hamstrung by a lack of data, and the tools and personnel to analyze and deploy it.

Too many governments and NGOs have not been able to recruit enough data scientists. A forthcoming report from the McGovern Foundation and data.org estimates that the social sector alone needs 3.5 million more data scientists over the next 10 years. Mastercard just announced a $4.6 million grant to help train 1 million data scientists, with a focus on diversifying the field, but we need to do more.

The lack of analytic tools and internal structure is also a problem  even for organizations that have plenty of data. By contrast, many corporations have spent years developing data and analytics strategies, investing in interconnected, user-friendly platforms, building teams with deep expertise, and cultivating a data-literate culture.

Companies, funders can help build capacity to deploy impact data science



Companies and funders can help bridge this data science gap facing governments and NGOs by devoting attention, technical skills and funding. We know that because organizations like DataKind successfully connect volunteer data scientists to social organizations, helping them unlock the power of data in ethical and responsible ways.

The challenge is moving from individual partnerships and pro-bono efforts to building impact data science as a field  at the necessary scale. Last fall, at the request of G7 governments, data.org began convening the private, public and nonprofit sectors to build the Epiverse  an open digital infrastructure that will analyze streams of data from around the world to help prevent the next pandemic.

The broader goal is to strengthen collaboration between sectors so we can use data science to address other social challenges in systematic ways, while prioritizing privacy and security concerns.

No one initiative will help frontline responders build the teams and tools to use data science as fluently and effectively as the best-funded private sector companies. But we can and must elevate our investments. Companies can start by embracing data responsibility principles that include innovation and social impact alongside security and privacy, and then take steps like joining Mastercard to build data.org into an even stronger platform for data science partnerships.

This work may not grab headlines, but it will help the world navigate the crises of tomorrow more equitably and effectively.

Written by Shamina Singh, President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
Katchatheevu, a tiny uninhabited island in the Palk Straits that was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974, is back in focus.

A fishermen association in Mannar in northern Sri Lanka has dropped a bombshell by accusing the Lankan government of mulling handing over Katchatheevu to India on a 99-year-lease. This decision, he feared, could be in return for the economic package that New Delhi has been extending to Colombo.

N M Alam, Secretary of Mannar District Fishermens Association, told the media on Thursday that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should ensure that Katchatheevu stays with Sri Lanka and not gifted away to India in the name of lease.

He told Deccan Herald over the phone on Friday: Katchatheevu belongs to the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government, under no circumstances, should give it on lease to India. Such a move will make our lives miserable. The Rajapaksas might lease out the island in return for Indias aid package. But they are not bothered about our livelihood.

Alams doubts come amidst intense speculation in Tamil Nadu that the long-standing fishermen issue was high on the agenda of state BJP chief K Annamalais recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Apart from a diplomatic victory, if the lease materialises, Katchatheevu coming into the hands of India after almost five decades might give much-needed momentum to the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where it is still trying to get a foothold.

The matter is still sub judice with the Supreme Court hearing a bunch of petitions seeking retrieval of the tiny island. The Ministry of External Affairs wasnt available for a comment on the developments.

Katchatheevu, which was once part of the territory held by the Rajah of Ramanathapuram and later brought under the Madras Presidency during British rule, has been a point of high contention in Palk Straits that divides Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka has been a hot political topic in Tamil Nadu for decades together as fishermen from Rameswaram feel the tiny piece of island is rightfully theirs.

Though the island was gifted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974, fishermen from Rameswaram were allowed access to the territory to dry their nets. However, as the civil war raged in Sri Lanka, the islands navy began restricting Indian fishermen who are now allowed to step onto the island only for the annual St. Anthony Church festival, that too only with diplomatic intervention.

Access to Katchatheevu, they feel, will resolve half of the problems faced by fishermen from both countries  incidents of fishermen being attacked or arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for entering into their territorial waters is a common

However, Alam felt any such move to lease Katchatheevu will only compound the problems of the Lankan fishermen. Indian boats and trawlers come deep into our territory and take away our fish, even while Katchatheevu is still part of Sri Lanka. We cant even imagine what would happen to fishermen from the north if India took ownership of Katchatheevu, he said.

Bottom trawling, considered an ecologically drastic practice, is banned in Sri Lanka, whose fishermen from the north began venturing into the seas with their catamarans and fibre-glass boats after the three-decade-old civil war between the islands army and the LTTE, came to an end in 2009.
Katchatheevu, a tiny uninhabited island in the Palk Straits that was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974, is back in focus.

A fishermen association in Mannar in northern Sri Lanka has dropped a bombshell by accusing the Lankan government of mulling handing over Katchatheevu to India on a 99-year-lease. This decision, he feared, could be in return for the economic package that New Delhi has been extending to Colombo.

N M Alam, Secretary of Mannar District Fishermens Association, told the media on Thursday that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should ensure that Katchatheevu stays with Sri Lanka and not gifted away to India in the name of lease.

He told Deccan Herald over the phone on Friday: Katchatheevu belongs to the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government, under no circumstances, should give it on lease to India. Such a move will make our lives miserable. The Rajapaksas might lease out the island in return for Indias aid package. But they are not bothered about our livelihood.

Alams doubts come amidst intense speculation in Tamil Nadu that the long-standing fishermen issue was high on the agenda of state BJP chief K Annamalais recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Apart from a diplomatic victory, if the lease materialises, Katchatheevu coming into the hands of India after almost five decades might give much-needed momentum to the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where it is still trying to get a foothold.

The matter is still sub judice with the Supreme Court hearing a bunch of petitions seeking retrieval of the tiny island. The Ministry of External Affairs wasnt available for a comment on the developments.

Katchatheevu, which was once part of the territory held by the Rajah of Ramanathapuram and later brought under the Madras Presidency during British rule, has been a point of high contention in Palk Straits that divides Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka has been a hot political topic in Tamil Nadu for decades together as fishermen from Rameswaram feel the tiny piece of island is rightfully theirs.

Though the island was gifted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974, fishermen from Rameswaram were allowed access to the territory to dry their nets. However, as the civil war raged in Sri Lanka, the islands navy began restricting Indian fishermen who are now allowed to step onto the island only for the annual St. Anthony Church festival, that too only with diplomatic intervention.

Access to Katchatheevu, they feel, will resolve half of the problems faced by fishermen from both countries  incidents of fishermen being attacked or arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for entering into their territorial waters is a common

However, Alam felt any such move to lease Katchatheevu will only compound the problems of the Lankan fishermen. Indian boats and trawlers come deep into our territory and take away our fish, even while Katchatheevu is still part of Sri Lanka. We cant even imagine what would happen to fishermen from the north if India took ownership of Katchatheevu, he said.

Bottom trawling, considered an ecologically drastic practice, is banned in Sri Lanka, whose fishermen from the north began venturing into the seas with their catamarans and fibre-glass boats after the three-decade-old civil war between the islands army and the LTTE, came to an end in 2009.
Katchatheevu, a tiny uninhabited island in the Palk Straits that was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974, is back in focus.

A fishermen association in Mannar in northern Sri Lanka has dropped a bombshell by accusing the Lankan government of mulling handing over Katchatheevu to India on a 99-year-lease. This decision, he feared, could be in return for the economic package that New Delhi has been extending to Colombo.

N M Alam, Secretary of Mannar District Fishermens Association, told the media on Thursday that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should ensure that Katchatheevu stays with Sri Lanka and not gifted away to India in the name of lease.

He told Deccan Herald over the phone on Friday: Katchatheevu belongs to the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government, under no circumstances, should give it on lease to India. Such a move will make our lives miserable. The Rajapaksas might lease out the island in return for Indias aid package. But they are not bothered about our livelihood.

Alams doubts come amidst intense speculation in Tamil Nadu that the long-standing fishermen issue was high on the agenda of state BJP chief K Annamalais recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Apart from a diplomatic victory, if the lease materialises, Katchatheevu coming into the hands of India after almost five decades might give much-needed momentum to the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where it is still trying to get a foothold.

The matter is still sub judice with the Supreme Court hearing a bunch of petitions seeking retrieval of the tiny island. The Ministry of External Affairs wasnt available for a comment on the developments.

Katchatheevu, which was once part of the territory held by the Rajah of Ramanathapuram and later brought under the Madras Presidency during British rule, has been a point of high contention in Palk Straits that divides Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka has been a hot political topic in Tamil Nadu for decades together as fishermen from Rameswaram feel the tiny piece of island is rightfully theirs.

Though the island was gifted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974, fishermen from Rameswaram were allowed access to the territory to dry their nets. However, as the civil war raged in Sri Lanka, the islands navy began restricting Indian fishermen who are now allowed to step onto the island only for the annual St. Anthony Church festival, that too only with diplomatic intervention.

Access to Katchatheevu, they feel, will resolve half of the problems faced by fishermen from both countries  incidents of fishermen being attacked or arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for entering into their territorial waters is a common

However, Alam felt any such move to lease Katchatheevu will only compound the problems of the Lankan fishermen. Indian boats and trawlers come deep into our territory and take away our fish, even while Katchatheevu is still part of Sri Lanka. We cant even imagine what would happen to fishermen from the north if India took ownership of Katchatheevu, he said.

Bottom trawling, considered an ecologically drastic practice, is banned in Sri Lanka, whose fishermen from the north began venturing into the seas with their catamarans and fibre-glass boats after the three-decade-old civil war between the islands army and the LTTE, came to an end in 2009.
Katchatheevu, a tiny uninhabited island in the Palk Straits that was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974, is back in focus.

A fishermen association in Mannar in northern Sri Lanka has dropped a bombshell by accusing the Lankan government of mulling handing over Katchatheevu to India on a 99-year-lease. This decision, he feared, could be in return for the economic package that New Delhi has been extending to Colombo.

N M Alam, Secretary of Mannar District Fishermens Association, told the media on Thursday that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should ensure that Katchatheevu stays with Sri Lanka and not gifted away to India in the name of lease.

He told Deccan Herald over the phone on Friday: Katchatheevu belongs to the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government, under no circumstances, should give it on lease to India. Such a move will make our lives miserable. The Rajapaksas might lease out the island in return for Indias aid package. But they are not bothered about our livelihood.

Alams doubts come amidst intense speculation in Tamil Nadu that the long-standing fishermen issue was high on the agenda of state BJP chief K Annamalais recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Apart from a diplomatic victory, if the lease materialises, Katchatheevu coming into the hands of India after almost five decades might give much-needed momentum to the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where it is still trying to get a foothold.

The matter is still sub judice with the Supreme Court hearing a bunch of petitions seeking retrieval of the tiny island. The Ministry of External Affairs wasnt available for a comment on the developments.

Katchatheevu, which was once part of the territory held by the Rajah of Ramanathapuram and later brought under the Madras Presidency during British rule, has been a point of high contention in Palk Straits that divides Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka has been a hot political topic in Tamil Nadu for decades together as fishermen from Rameswaram feel the tiny piece of island is rightfully theirs.

Though the island was gifted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974, fishermen from Rameswaram were allowed access to the territory to dry their nets. However, as the civil war raged in Sri Lanka, the islands navy began restricting Indian fishermen who are now allowed to step onto the island only for the annual St. Anthony Church festival, that too only with diplomatic intervention.

Access to Katchatheevu, they feel, will resolve half of the problems faced by fishermen from both countries  incidents of fishermen being attacked or arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for entering into their territorial waters is a common

However, Alam felt any such move to lease Katchatheevu will only compound the problems of the Lankan fishermen. Indian boats and trawlers come deep into our territory and take away our fish, even while Katchatheevu is still part of Sri Lanka. We cant even imagine what would happen to fishermen from the north if India took ownership of Katchatheevu, he said.

Bottom trawling, considered an ecologically drastic practice, is banned in Sri Lanka, whose fishermen from the north began venturing into the seas with their catamarans and fibre-glass boats after the three-decade-old civil war between the islands army and the LTTE, came to an end in 2009.
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
Katchatheevu, a tiny uninhabited island in the Palk Straits that was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974, is back in focus.

A fishermen association in Mannar in northern Sri Lanka has dropped a bombshell by accusing the Lankan government of mulling handing over Katchatheevu to India on a 99-year-lease. This decision, he feared, could be in return for the economic package that New Delhi has been extending to Colombo.

N M Alam, Secretary of Mannar District Fishermens Association, told the media on Thursday that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should ensure that Katchatheevu stays with Sri Lanka and not gifted away to India in the name of lease.

He told Deccan Herald over the phone on Friday: Katchatheevu belongs to the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government, under no circumstances, should give it on lease to India. Such a move will make our lives miserable. The Rajapaksas might lease out the island in return for Indias aid package. But they are not bothered about our livelihood.

Alams doubts come amidst intense speculation in Tamil Nadu that the long-standing fishermen issue was high on the agenda of state BJP chief K Annamalais recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Apart from a diplomatic victory, if the lease materialises, Katchatheevu coming into the hands of India after almost five decades might give much-needed momentum to the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where it is still trying to get a foothold.

The matter is still sub judice with the Supreme Court hearing a bunch of petitions seeking retrieval of the tiny island. The Ministry of External Affairs wasnt available for a comment on the developments.

Katchatheevu, which was once part of the territory held by the Rajah of Ramanathapuram and later brought under the Madras Presidency during British rule, has been a point of high contention in Palk Straits that divides Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka has been a hot political topic in Tamil Nadu for decades together as fishermen from Rameswaram feel the tiny piece of island is rightfully theirs.

Though the island was gifted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974, fishermen from Rameswaram were allowed access to the territory to dry their nets. However, as the civil war raged in Sri Lanka, the islands navy began restricting Indian fishermen who are now allowed to step onto the island only for the annual St. Anthony Church festival, that too only with diplomatic intervention.

Access to Katchatheevu, they feel, will resolve half of the problems faced by fishermen from both countries  incidents of fishermen being attacked or arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for entering into their territorial waters is a common

However, Alam felt any such move to lease Katchatheevu will only compound the problems of the Lankan fishermen. Indian boats and trawlers come deep into our territory and take away our fish, even while Katchatheevu is still part of Sri Lanka. We cant even imagine what would happen to fishermen from the north if India took ownership of Katchatheevu, he said.

Bottom trawling, considered an ecologically drastic practice, is banned in Sri Lanka, whose fishermen from the north began venturing into the seas with their catamarans and fibre-glass boats after the three-decade-old civil war between the islands army and the LTTE, came to an end in 2009.
Katchatheevu, a tiny uninhabited island in the Palk Straits that was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974, is back in focus.

A fishermen association in Mannar in northern Sri Lanka has dropped a bombshell by accusing the Lankan government of mulling handing over Katchatheevu to India on a 99-year-lease. This decision, he feared, could be in return for the economic package that New Delhi has been extending to Colombo.

N M Alam, Secretary of Mannar District Fishermens Association, told the media on Thursday that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should ensure that Katchatheevu stays with Sri Lanka and not gifted away to India in the name of lease.

He told Deccan Herald over the phone on Friday: Katchatheevu belongs to the fishermen of northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government, under no circumstances, should give it on lease to India. Such a move will make our lives miserable. The Rajapaksas might lease out the island in return for Indias aid package. But they are not bothered about our livelihood.

Alams doubts come amidst intense speculation in Tamil Nadu that the long-standing fishermen issue was high on the agenda of state BJP chief K Annamalais recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Apart from a diplomatic victory, if the lease materialises, Katchatheevu coming into the hands of India after almost five decades might give much-needed momentum to the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where it is still trying to get a foothold.

The matter is still sub judice with the Supreme Court hearing a bunch of petitions seeking retrieval of the tiny island. The Ministry of External Affairs wasnt available for a comment on the developments.

Katchatheevu, which was once part of the territory held by the Rajah of Ramanathapuram and later brought under the Madras Presidency during British rule, has been a point of high contention in Palk Straits that divides Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka has been a hot political topic in Tamil Nadu for decades together as fishermen from Rameswaram feel the tiny piece of island is rightfully theirs.

Though the island was gifted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her Sri Lankan counterpart Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974, fishermen from Rameswaram were allowed access to the territory to dry their nets. However, as the civil war raged in Sri Lanka, the islands navy began restricting Indian fishermen who are now allowed to step onto the island only for the annual St. Anthony Church festival, that too only with diplomatic intervention.

Access to Katchatheevu, they feel, will resolve half of the problems faced by fishermen from both countries  incidents of fishermen being attacked or arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for entering into their territorial waters is a common

However, Alam felt any such move to lease Katchatheevu will only compound the problems of the Lankan fishermen. Indian boats and trawlers come deep into our territory and take away our fish, even while Katchatheevu is still part of Sri Lanka. We cant even imagine what would happen to fishermen from the north if India took ownership of Katchatheevu, he said.

Bottom trawling, considered an ecologically drastic practice, is banned in Sri Lanka, whose fishermen from the north began venturing into the seas with their catamarans and fibre-glass boats after the three-decade-old civil war between the islands army and the LTTE, came to an end in 2009.
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol on Friday in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine, after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalized.

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraines Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mill's defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant's defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on Feb. 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupol's capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscows control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The city's loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance. An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the evacuation of his forces from the miles of tunnels and bunkers beneath Azovstal was done to save the lives of the fighters.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldn't make it out alive.

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscow's forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of historys most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing.

In other developments Friday:

 Zelenskyy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraines partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us, he said in his nightly video address.

 The Group of Seven major economies and global financial institutions agreed to provide more money to bolster Ukraines finances, bringing the total to $19.8 billion. In the U.S., President Joe Biden was expected to sign a $40 billion package of military and economic aid to Ukraine and its allies.

 Russia will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday, the Finnish state energy company said, just days after Finland applied to join NATO. Finland had refused Moscows demand that it pay for gas in rubles. The cutoff is not expected to have any major immediate effect. Natural gas accounted for just 6% of Finlands total energy consumption in 2020, Finnish broadcaster YLE said.

 A captured Russian soldier accused of killing a civilian awaited his fate in Ukraines first war crimes trial. Sgt. Vadim Shishimarin, 21, could get life in prison.

 Russian lawmakers proposed a bill to lift the age limit of 40 for Russians volunteering for military service. Currently, all Russian men 18 to 27 must undergo a year of service, though many get college deferments and other exemptions.

Heavy fighting was reported Friday in the Donbas, a mostly Russian-speaking expanse of coal mines and factories.

Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk, said Russian forces shelled the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway from multiple directions, taking aim at the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.

The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region," he said via email.

Moscows troops have also been trying for weeks to seize Severodonetsk, a key city in the Donbas, and at least 12 people were killed there on Friday, Haidai said. A school that was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children, was hit, and more than 60 houses were destroyed across the region, he added.

But he said the Russians took losses in the attack on Severodonetsk and were forced to retreat. His account could not be independently verified.

Another city, Rubizhne, has been completely destroyed, Haidai said. Its fate can be compared to that of Mariupol.

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan navy said 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election

'Only the Morrison government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy  no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia,' she told The Australian.

Political journalist Karen Middleton said a source from the Sri-Lankan Australian community told her that overseas authorities had been using the boat turn-backs as a political stunt.

'I received a message on April 26 from a member of the Sri Lankan-Australian community saying that two boats were on the way,' she told ABC.

'He said that he had a friend in Colombo saying he had witnessed people being put on a boat by Sri Lankan police, that he alleged that Sri Lankan authorities had facilitated the boat and he said it was designed as an election stunt to arrive in Australia just before the election.'

Prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed a boat had been intercepted by Sri Lankan authorities.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this,' he said.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.

'In the interests of full transparency in the middle of an election campaign, the Labor Party was advised of this and a statement has been issued by the border protection authorities.'

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister.

Ms Andrews said she had already met with senior Sri Lankan officials last December to discuss boosting joint-operations to crack down on people smugglers.

Home Affairs department secretary Mike Pezzullo also led a 'table top' exercise drill last Friday to test Australia's preparedness to stop illegal boats.

Millions of Australians headed to the polling booths on Saturday to cast their vote for the next prime minister (pictured, Scott Morrison handing out flyers at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne on Saturday)

Operation Sovereign Borders was launched in 2013 to stop people smugglers from entering the country.

Some 12 vessels and 204 Sri Lankan nationals have been turned back since that year.

Ms Andrews has also bolstered international borders by setting up a new Border Risk Assessment Centre in Sri Lanka in December 2021.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he would keep Operation Sovereign Borders and keep offshore processing running.

He has also pledged to spend $407m to abolish temporary protection visas and introduce a permanent visa that will give visa-holders access to work, Medicare, income support, English-language classes and trauma counselling services.

The Sri Lankan navy released a statement revealing another 21 people had been arrested after the boats were intercepted.

'Due to the ramshackle nature of the multi-day fishing vessel and rough sea condition, the fishing vessel has sunken while being towed ashore by P4443,' the statement read.

'Yet the apprehended group of individuals were safely transferred ashore by the navy.'
Garena Free Fire redeem codes for May 21, 2022: Free Fire players can grab new items via top ups and exciting rewards for free. Here is all you need to know.

Garena Free Fire redeem codes for May 21, 2022: The wait to claim free reward is over! Garena Free Fire players can grab the Haven Guardian Loot Box and the Emerald Power Scythe through top up. However what needs to be noted is that it is available only for a limited time that is till May 23, hence, Free Fire players are advised to get it soon. Informing about the same Garena Free Fire North America tweeted, "New Topups incoming! The Haven Guardian Loot Box and the Emerald Power Scythe are available now for a limited time, only through Topup!"

Garena Free Fire North America further informed that the Mystery Shop is back and Free Fire players can get up to 90 percent discount and be able to grab the Faith Warrior Bundle and the Hope Seeker Bundle. "The Mystery Shop is back! You'll have a chance to get up to a 90% discount and be able to grab the Faith Warrior Bundle and the Hope Seeker Bundle!," Garena Free Fire North America tweeted. Also read: Pokemon Go Community Day to be held on May 21; Know everything about this offline event

New Topups incoming! 



The Haven Guardian Loot Box and the Emerald Power Scythe are available now for a limited time, only through Topup! pic.twitter.com/IpmzeASAt5  Garena Free Fire North America (@FreeFire_NA) May 20, 2022

This is not all! Free Fire players can even get in-game items like Skins, characters, weapons, among others for free and that too daily. Yes, these in-game items can be claimed for free with the help of redeem codes. The latest set of codes for Saturday, May 21 are out and have been mentioned below. These codes need to be redeemed before 12-24 hours by visiting the official redemption website of Garena Free Fire at https://reward.ff.garena.com/en.

Garena Free Fire Redeem codes for May 21, 2022:

FV4B HU76 T5RF

G4B5 TJGS RE8D

SXQ2 DR3T 4G5H

J6I8 YHG5 JKI6

FI87 6TGW 34HY

587Y 6TWF 3HJ4

K5TY OH98 7Y6D

EH5N 6M78 OU98

F78K M9L8 LP0O

LKM9 87K6 5I48

372T RED9 SXC1

FRQ4 I3SE IDQC

FF65 TRF2 V35Y

76HY 87UJ NU8J

KIO0 C8S7 A4Q3

1ESD 23FE 3FT5

C2XF SW76 G8EJ

FV2G 3Y4H 5B6J

5POE NDS7 X8Y7

T6FT AY3V BQ9U

NIJ2 K34I U5R4
Redevelopment of the land where the Battle of Te Ranga took place is underway with plans to create a special place of remembrance and storytelling.

Plans to restore the reserve, near the corner of Pyes Pa Road and Joyce Road, were developed during the Te Papa Spatial Plan process.

The Pukehinahina Charitable Trust, in partnership with Ngai Tamarawaho, received funding from Tauranga City Council as part of an initiative to upgrade the historic site and provide more opportunities for the community to engage with the stories of Tauranga Moana.

The Battle of Te Ranga took place on 21 June 1864 and was seen as an act of retaliation from British forces after their defeat at the Battle of Gate Pa the previous month.

Maori defenders, made up of local and other iwi from around the North Island suffered heavy losses during the battle.

Each year a commemoration is held at the site where a marker was placed in 1964 to mark 100 years since the battle took place.

Tauranga City Council Director of Places and Spaces Paul Dunphy says theres potential to create a site of national significance.



With the site being quite spacious, theres an opportunity to pull together many elements for the community to commemorate the event and learn about this part of the citys history, says Paul.



With initial funding secured, a waharoa and tomokanga (gatehouse), carpark, walkway, and signage can be developed, and work is underway to form a bund (embankment) and begin hillside planting.



Carvings, additional walkways, information panels and a covered structure near the existing marker are also planned once additional funding is sourced.



Pukehinahina Charitable Trust Project Director and Ngai Tamarawaho spokesperson Buddy Mikaere says the development is a step towards appropriately recognising the event and educating those who visit.



This had a major impact for the history of Tauranga but the site in its current condition doesnt reflect its importance. We want to change that and capture the potential of the area.



Once work is complete, this will be an educational place and a quiet recreational space not only for locals but for domestic and international visitors.



Tauranga residents are encouraged to get involved in the project too, with a community planting weekend planned for June.



We want this site to be a beautiful place for all to enjoy and commemorate and are inviting the community to take part in making this happen, Buddy says.



Traffic management will be in place for transportation of soil to form the bund and for the community planting to take place. More detailed information will be provided in the coming weeks.



Tauranga City Council allocated $531,000 for the project through the Long-Term Plan (LTP), and a further $114,000 was provided for site preparation, consultation, and planting.

The funds are allocated for use over 2022 and 2023 with the project due to be completed in 2023. Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have also contributed funds.



LAUREL  Steve Daines' message was clear.

Montana's U.S. senator said the best way to address the current global energy crisis is for the United States to produce more oil and to lead the world in production and refinement.

"We do it the right way," he said.

Daines was in Laurel on Friday visiting the CHS refinery with a retinue of the region's energy producers, including officials from CHS, to hear what issues they believed were impacting their industry and what lawmakers could do to clear roadblocks.

Before sitting down to a roundtable discussion of U.S. energy policy, Daines and the group of industry representatives there donned fire-repellent jackets, hard hats, safety googles and hearing protection, and took a short bus ride into the heart of the CHS refinery for a 30-minute walking tour of the facility.

Jim Irwin, CHS refinery vice president, walked with Daines through the maze of silver overhead pipes and storage tanks, explaining the refining process and detailing exactly how the CHS refinery makes its products: coke, asphalt and various fuels like diesel, gasoline and propane.

At the center of the refinery is a multi-story furnace that produces the heat necessary to keep the asphalt molten and refine the various petroleum products. At its base are small trapdoors that open to allow workers see into the furnace itself.

The stop is a highlight on the tour and Daines, along with the others, took a moment to peer in at the orange glow and see bank upon bank of small roaring jets producing enormous amounts of heat.

Back in the conference room for the roundtable, Daines talked about his recent visit to Eastern Europe where he met with leaders to talk about aid to Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis spurred by Russia's invasion.

"Vladimir Putin has weaponized energy," he said.

He pointed to European countries, dependent on Russian energy he said, who are now in crisis as their supplies are cut short. The best response to these types of risks, he added, is to make sure the United States never gets into a similar situation.

"We can't let these kinds of dependencies happen," he said.

He called for more domestic oil production rather than leaning into renewable energy, explaining that renewables are an important part of the county's energy portfolio, but alone aren't enough to create energy independence for the U.S.

"We've been blessed with an abundance of energy," he said. The country should lean into it.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets Friday in response to 14 Chinese aircraft entering its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Bidens five-day visit to Asia.

Among the Chinese aircraft flying over the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ were four J-11 fighter jets and five J-16 strike fighters, according to a news release posted Friday by Taiwans Ministry of Defense.

The formation included three H-6 bombers, a Y-8 transport plane and a KJ-500, which is an airborne radar tracking system, the ministry said.

It is not unusual for China to fly military aircraft through Taiwans ADIZ, airspace beyond a nations territorial boundary over which it maintains air traffic control for the sake of national security.

China has been encroaching on the airspace with greater frequency over the past year.

Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, nine Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwans ADIZ, immediately raising alarm that Beijing would use the ensuing chaos in Europe to take Taiwan by force.

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and maintains that it must be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Bidens visit to Asia, the first of his presidency, is an effort by the administration to show that it still has an eye on the Indo-Pacific  and China and North Korea  even as it has focused most of its attention this spring on supporting Ukraine.

Biden landed Friday at Osan Air Base south of Seoul for a three-day visit during which hell meet with newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Biden then heads to Tokyo, where he will meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, an informal grouping dubbed the Quad.

The members of that security pact cooperate on security, economic and health issues, but in the past few years its emphasis has been countering Chinas growing ambitions of regional hegemony, particularly Beijings claims over Taiwan and a huge swath of the South China Sea.

The United States formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. America has continued to supply military arms to Taiwan in the years since but has remained ambiguous about what the U.S. military would do in the event China moved militarily against the island.

We have a commitment to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China, Biden said during a CNN town hall meeting in October. The comment incensed Chinese officials.

Defense and State department officials walked back the remark, saying that the U.S. had not officially altered its Taiwan policy. But a growing chorus of lawmakers and retired military officials now advocate more forthright support for the island.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in February that America should abandon this ambiguity strategy.

The people of Taiwan share our universal values, so I think the U.S. should firmly abandon its ambiguity, he said.
Ukraine will receive 15 German Gepard anti-aircraft tanks already in July.

This is the result of a conversation between German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, Ukrinform reports with reference to spiegel.de and the German Federal Ministry of Defense.

The aid package also includes Bundeswehr training, the supply of almost 60,000 munitions, and another 15 tanks in the summer.

"Today I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart Reznikov, and he once again directly confirmed that Ukraine would like to receive Gepard anti-aircraft tanks from Germany as soon as possible, along with 59,000 rounds of ammunition," Lambrecht said.

Earlier it became known that Germany sent a new batch of antitank grenade launchers and mines to Ukraine.

Photo credit: Maurizio Gambarini / dpa

ol
Ukraine will receive 15 German Gepard anti-aircraft tanks already in July.

This is the result of a conversation between German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, Ukrinform reports with reference to spiegel.de and the German Federal Ministry of Defense.

The aid package also includes Bundeswehr training, the supply of almost 60,000 munitions, and another 15 tanks in the summer.

"Today I spoke with my Ukrainian counterpart Reznikov, and he once again directly confirmed that Ukraine would like to receive Gepard anti-aircraft tanks from Germany as soon as possible, along with 59,000 rounds of ammunition," Lambrecht said.

Earlier it became known that Germany sent a new batch of antitank grenade launchers and mines to Ukraine.

Photo credit: Maurizio Gambarini / dpa

ol



You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close





The Juan I. Gonzales Center is one of three locations in Taos County serving as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by nearby wildfires in New Mexico.

The Juan I. Gonzales Center is one of three locations in Taos County serving as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by nearby wildfires in New Mexico.
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.


A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.






You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Lupita Nyong'o has dropped out of the upcoming miniseries The Lady In The Lake, an adaption of the 2019 novel of the same name by Laura Lippman.

Considering the drama Apple TV+ is already about one month into filming in Baltimore, the casting crew is hoping to find her replacement in a timely manner.

Along with her co-lead role alongside Natalie Portman, Nyong'o served as an executive producer, according to Variety.

Lupita Nyong'o has exited the miniseries The Lady In The Lake, which she had been serving as the co-lead character and one of the executive producers; Lupita pictured in 2021

So far there's no official word on why Nyong'o, 39, exited the miniseries.

Despite the casting change, Portman, 40, is still onboard as one of the executive producers and the cast's co-lead. The series also stars Y'Lan Noel, Mikey Madison, and Brett Gelman.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, Maryland, the story follows an investigative journalist (Portman) working on an unsolved murder who clashes with a hard-working woman who's trying to advance the progressive agenda of the city's Black community.

Still onboard: Despite Nyong'o exiting the production, Natalie Portman, 40, is still onboard as the co-lead of the cast and as one of the executive producers

Alma Har'el, who created the series and co-wrote the screenplay with Dre Ryan, was initially announced to direct all of the episodes of the miniseries.

The Israeli-American, 46, is best known for her feature film directorial debut with Honey Boy (2019), which was written by and starred Shia LaBeouf in a semi-autobiographical story based on his childhood and his relationship with his father.

In all, Honey Boy notched nine wins among its 34 nominations from various associations and festivals, including Directors Guild Of America Award For Outstanding Directing  First-Time Feature Film.

She can do it all! Alma Har'el, who made her feature film directorial debut with Honey Boy (2019), co-wrote the screenplay and will serve as the director of The Lady In The Lake; Alma pictured in 2020

Nyong'o has been filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, for which she plays the lead role of Nakia, an undercover spy for the African nation of Wakanda and former lover of T'Challa, who was played by Chadwick Boseman.

Originally dubbed to be the sequel to the hugely popular film Black Panther (2018), plans for the film changed in August 2020 when Boseman died from colon cancer.

After starting production in June 2021, the shoot only just wrapped in March of 2022, although there was a two-month hiatus in between.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is slated to premiere in the U.S. on November 11, 2022, as part of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
New York [US], May 21 (ANI): Ahead of the much-anticipated visit of the UN Rights chief to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the upcoming visit, which includes a trip to Xinjiang, should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible.

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is set to visit China at the end of May, the first visit to China by a UN human rights commissioner since 2005.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

A number of rights groups say the Chinese government has pursued widespread and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity.

Dozens of organizations have expressed grave concerns that the Chinese government will manipulate the visit as a public relations stunt while pressuring Bachelet to further delay her report or dilute its findings.

Also Read | Russia Claims to Have Taken Full Control of Mariupol Steel Plant in Ukraine.

Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW, said Bachelet's legacy as high commissioner will be measured by her willingness to hold a powerful state accountable for crimes against humanity committed on her watch.

"It defies credibility that the Chinese government will allow the high commissioner to see anything they don't want her to see, or allow human rights defenders, victims and their families to speak to her safely, unsupervised and without fear of reprisal," said Richardson.

While the high commissioner has previously asserted that she would require "unfettered" access to Xinjiang, to conduct an "independent assessment," the terms of her visit have not been disclosed.

Sophie said the Chinese government is committing human rights violations on a scope and scale unimaginable since the last time a high commissioner visited in 2005, partly because there is no fear of accountability. "The high commissioner needs to work to end, not enable, that perception."

The New York-based HRW and 59 other groups earlier urged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to take several steps to prevent the Chinese government from manipulating the visit, announced for May 2022.

They have expressed doubt that Bachelet's team would be given unimpeded access. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The Juan I. Gonzales Center is one of three locations in Taos County serving as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by nearby wildfires in New Mexico.
The Juan I. Gonzales Center is one of three locations in Taos County serving as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by nearby wildfires in New Mexico.
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.

Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.

A Billings man is facing multiple felonies after allegedly taking a nurse by the neck, then smashing his way out of a cruiser, in an attempt to escape from custody Thursday.

Colbey James Bradley, 39, has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with one count of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of attempted escape. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Bradley was in the custody of Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office personnel on Thursday when deputies took him to the Billings Clinic for medical treatment. He was detained on a $10,000 warrant issued for his arrest out of Billings Municipal Court, according to court documents.

While being treated, Bradley pulled an IV out of his arm and used the bathroom. When he returned, two nurses came into the room to replace his IV. A YCSO officer maintaining custody over Bradley stepped back to allow the nurses to do their job, charging documents say. After the IV was replaced, one of the nurses turned to leave. Bradley allegedly put his hand at her throat, and said he had a shank.

Court documents allege that Bradley threatened to kill the nurse if the officer didnt let him go. The officer tried ordering Bradley to release the nurse while the inmate pulled her into a hallway and toward a stairwell. After Billings Clinic Security arrived, the officer saw that Bradleys hand was empty. He rushed Bradley, placing him in an arm bar. A security officer tazed Bradley. Once Bradley stopped resisting, the officer handcuffed him.

A Billings police officer who responded to the scene spoke with several witnesses, court documents say, including the nurse who Bradley allegedly tried to kidnap. The officer saw scratches on her neck.

Officers put Bradley in a YCSO patrol vehicle to take him back to Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and he allegedly started banging his head on the divider between him and the driver. As the vehicle rushed down 27th Street on its way to the jail, Bradley then kicked out a passenger window, shattering the glass, and tried to climb out, documents said.

Half of Bradleys body was hanging out the window when the driver slowed the vehicle. When it came to a stop, Bradley flopped onto the ground. The same YCSO officer who had pulled Bradley away from the Billings Clinic nurse again detained him until Billings police arrived. Officers put him in a vehicle with side-door barriers, court documents say, and he was processed back into YCDF. County prosecutors filed charges against Bradley on Friday.

Health care workers are up to five times more likely to be injured by workplace violence than any other worker in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses and emergency medical technicians are especially vulnerable to violence, which has increased since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month that would require health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. A House version of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act was passed in April 2021.

Bradley was on parole at the time of the alleged kidnapping and escape attempts. He was previously sentenced in Yellowstone and Silver Bow counties for several offenses that included theft, forgery and burglary.

If convicted of aggravated kidnapping, Bradley could be imprisoned for the rest of his life and face a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction for attempted escape in Montana comes with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 27

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.

Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.




To honor the memory of the 10 people killed and three wounded in the May 14 massacre at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, Mayor Byron W. Brown is inviting the public to observe 123 seconds of silence Saturday, the one-week anniversary of the attack.

Every corner of our community was impacted by this unspeakable tragedy, and Im asking the City of Good Neighbors and the rest of the nation and beyond to join us in a moment of unity and remembrance for the lives lost last weekend in Buffalo, Brown said in a statement Friday. Wherever you are on Saturday, for 123 seconds, I am asking that people pause to remember our friends, family and neighbors who died and were wounded in this senseless shooting. This is a difficult time for Buffalo, but lets rally around each other, lift each other up and continue to move forward as a strong, united, and loving community.


Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
Roy Wiley worked in advertising and public relations for more than four decades after starting out in journalism and for many years was the chief spokesman for Navistar, the truck and engine manufacturer.

He was a very positive, energizing kind of person, and he would hang around often times people half his age, but he had more energy than they did, said Dan Ustian, a retired chairman and CEO of Navistar. He knew everybody.

Advertisement

Wiley, 87, died April 4 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while recovering from hip surgery, said his wife of 33 years, Bobbie Huskey. He had been a Loop resident.

Born in Chicago and raised on the Northwest Side, Wiley was the son of Charles L. Wiley, who ran unsuccessfully in the 1932 GOP primary for a Northwest Side congressional district.

Advertisement

Wiley attended Onarga Military Academy in downstate Onarga for high school, then attended Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism for two years.

In 1952, while at Northwestern, Wiley was hired as an apprentice copy clerk at the Chicago Sun-Times. He was promoted to full-time general assignment reporter two years later, and later was the papers auto editor, a marketing and stock market columnist and finally, the papers assistant financial editor, overseeing a staff of 10.

As a metro reporter in Chicago, back in the day, hed witnessed some harsh things, but he nonetheless loved the city deeply despite its flaws, said former Tribune reporter James P. Miller, a longtime friend. Roy also loved newspapering  the action and the deadlines.

In the early 1960s, Wiley also was editor of Glenview-based Automotive Fleet magazine, a publication devoted exclusively to passenger car fleets owned or leased by industry and government.

In 1968, Wiley left the Sun-Times to take a job in public relations as a vice president at the Financial Relations Board, a financial communications agency. Wiley remained there until 1972, when he and a colleague cofounded OSLA Communications, a public relations firm that was an offshoot of Olympic Savings & Loan Association.

Wiley later was director of communications at advertising agency Weber, Cohn and Riley before signing on with the Ogilvy & Mather public relations firm in 1982.

In the early 1990s, Wiley managed media relations for clients involved in hostile merger-and-acquisition activity. Miller, then a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, recalled Wileys forthrightness and graciousness amid at-times contentious dealings between companies.

M&A  isnt rocket science, but it is precision work because a lot of money is riding on the outcome, and tiny signals can swing the price of the target companys shares, and both sides can be tempted to sling mud at the other, Miller said. Not Roy Wiley, though, ever, in my experience, over decades of interactions with the guy. In a hardball business, he was old-school  somebody whose word was always, always good.

Advertisement

In 1996, Wiley joined public relations firm Hill & Knowlton.

You could always count on Roy to have that skeptical journalists eye on things, said Hud Englehart, who worked with Wiley at Hill & Knowlton. He always knew what questions to ask or what the most insightful questions were that got us to a core insight into the community and as well into clients.

In 1998, Navistar hired Wiley as director of communications. At Navistar, he was known for insisting on only using the stairs in the companys Warrenville headquarters, as a way to stay fit.

We had five floors there, and one meeting might be on the first floor and the next meeting would be on the fifth floor, and some of the people would be going to both meetings, and Roy would say, Lets walk,  Ustian said. So Roy would walk up five flights of stairs, and the young guys (with him) would be the ones that were tired.

Wiley retired from Navistar in 2011, at age 76.

Wiley and his wife renovated a vintage home in Lakeview before moving to a Loop high-rise, where their neighbors included former TV reporter and Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw.

Advertisement

My first thought was that this is one fashionable octogenarian, Shaw recalled. He was still as stylish, sophisticated and urbane as he had been throughout his distinguished career  a true boulevardier.

Two marriages ended in divorce. In addition to his wife, Wiley is survived by a son, Roy; a daughter, Cindy Wiley Hindel; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Another son, Todd, died in 2018.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. June 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.




Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.

WASHINGTON (AP)  Congressional bargainers announced Wednesday that they have reached a deal on legislation to boost health care services and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The agreement paves the way for passage of a bill that has become the top priority of veterans' groups seeking to help the increasing number of people with illnesses that they believe are related to toxic exposure.

The top Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee reached an agreement after months of negotiations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., quickly threw their support behind the measure. Passage could come in July.

Our veterans need it, they deserve it, and we have a moral obligation to take care of those who have sacrificed so much for us," Schumer said.

The House in March passed a version of the bill that the Congressional Budget Office projected would increase federal spending by more than $300 billion over 10 years. It would increase access to VA health care to millions of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan even if they don't have service-connected disabilities.

The legislation would also presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, allowing the veterans to obtain disability payments to compensate for their injury without having to prove the illness was a result of their service. Reporting from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that nearly 80% of exposure disability claims related to burn pits are denied.

The military routinely disposed of tires, batteries, medical waste and other materials in open burn pits during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Most Republican lawmakers in the House voted against the bill, voicing concerns that the influx of cases would tax an already stressed VA system, leading to longer wait times for health care and the processing of disability claims.

A key difference in the agreement reached by Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is the phase-in period for presuming that certain conditions were caused by toxic exposure. But key elements of the House measure are part of the deal. Pelosi described the two bills as nearly identical."

The two senators said that 23 illnesses, including hypertension, would be presumed related to burn pit exposure when it comes to providing disability compensation.

For far too long, our nations veterans have been living with chronic illnesses as a result of exposures during their time in uniform," Tester and Moran said in a joint statement. Today, were taking necessary steps to right this wrong with our proposal thatll provide veterans and their families with the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve."

The two senators said the bill would also affect veterans who served in Vietnam, expanding the number of illnesses presumed related to exposure to Agent Orange to include hypertension. It would also expand the presumption of exposure to the toxic herbicide for veterans who deployed to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and American Samoa.

Moran said the Senate bill would provide more resources up front for VA staffing to deal with the increased demand. He also projected it would come in at a lower price tag than the House bill by tens of billions" of dollars, though an official cost estimate is not yet available. He said the changes in the Senate bill are so the VA can get their feet on the ground and take care of all veterans without harming any veterans" already in the system.

President Joe Biden called on the VA last year to examine the impact of burn pits and other airborne hazards. Karine Jean-Pierre, the new White House press secretary, said Wednesday that passage of the bill would be a welcome and long-awaited achievement for veterans.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

KEARNEY  Dan Frizane encourages band players to dig out their instruments and join the band.

Im good at begging people to come and play with us, said the leader of the Kearney Community Band. Were entirely volunteer-based. Were at the mercy of musicians who come and volunteer their time. Nobody is paid  including myself. I encourage people to dig their instrument out and play with us. Ive learned that people who say, Oh, I havent touched my horn in years, when they get it out and play, theyre pleasantly surprised. A lot of it comes back to them.

Frizane wants those people to experience the joy of making music on a summer evening in the park.

Weve had a lot of middle-aged and older people, who might have played in high school, come out and play with us, he said.

The Kearney Community Band also attracts student musicians who want to keep up their skills over the summer.

I tell the young people that its a great way to improve their playing skills, especially sight reading, Frizane noted. We read the music on Tuesday and then we perform the songs on Thursday. Its not like the high school bands that take a concert piece and practice it for three months before taking it to a festival.

With that in mind, Frizane believes that gathering in the park for an evening of music benefits the audiences as well.

Kearney Community Band will present five weekly concerts beginning at 7 p.m. June 2 at the Sonatorium at Harmon Park. Admission to all the concerts is free.

Practice sessions are at 7:30 p.m. on the Tuesdays before the performances at the Harmon Park Activity Center.

Frizane counts this as about the 12th year of the concerts by the Kearney Community Band. He usually picks a theme song for each year. This year he plans to use Ive Got Rhythm, a tune the band used several years ago.

I think its been long enough that we can start to repeat the themes, Frizane joked.

The concert on June 30 will be a big, early Fourth of July patriotic performance, he said. Well pull out all the stops, as far as patriotic songs go.

Organizing a community summer band takes a lot of patience as well as persistence.

I hope people will enjoy being a part of something that is very American, Frizane said. Years ago, before we had phonographs and things like that, all the music you heard was live. These concerts in the park were very standard events in small-town America. The townspeople would get together, get out their instruments and they would join together and make music. Sometimes the music might not be the best, but people took a lot of pride in their town bands.

The Kearney Community Band seeks to continue the tradition of performing with pride, the director explained.

There are a lot of town bands throughout the country, Frizane said. My brother lives in the Chicago area and he plays in three, sometimes four different town bands. He loves to play. His evenings are taken up with one town band or another.

Frizane understands that finding time to make a commitment to performing music can be a challenge.

People are busier than ever, he said. Last year we had a new fella from Kearney who played trombone. His kids are in band, too. He was a real help to our band. Well, he cant come at all this year because his 6-year-old son is playing T-ball and that takes up two nights a week.

Each year Frizane sees a core group of performers who show up for the fun of making music.

Were small and I wish we could grow in numbers, he said. Were going to try again this summer and make a go of it.

For more information about the concerts or performing with the Kearney Community Band, call the director at 308-832-1461.


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.

In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.


Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.

Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and

Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Due to differences in budgets between the House and Senate, teachers with the Aiken County Public School District might not see the $4,000 raise they were expecting.

That news came during the Aiken County Board of Education on May 10 when Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence told board members that Senate version of the budget has Aiken County receiving $2.5 million less than what the House budget showed.

That will present some challenges for us and of course, since that's the budget that's kind of on the table right now, we have to plan for that probability, Laurence said. Of course we still have the House to continue to work on a response to that budget, then we also have the conference committee between the House and the Senate. That's probably going to take place several weeks from now, so for the time being we're going to be looking at the Senate budget for planning purposes.

+3 School board approves first reading of budget The Aiken County Board of Education approved a first reading of the 2022-23 budget with a 6-3 vote during its most recent meeting.

Tray Traxler, the chief officer of finance for ACPSD, told the school board that budget approved for first reading in April was based on the House version of the budget, which was the only one at the time. However, the Senate budget would have school district guaranteed to receive what they received through 2021-22, but any new money in 2023 would be allocated based on the governor's funding plan.

For us, that as Mr. Laurence mentioned is just short of a $2.5 million decrease, Traxler said. Because that's the worst case of these two, that's now what we're playing with as we move forward with the budget.

Traxler added that 90% of the general fund is tied to salaries and fringe benefits, and to offset the $2.5 million and take it out of the first budget means there will be some hits to those areas.

+2 School board makes more Aiken County teachers eligible for incentives The Aiken County Public School District is making an addition to the recently approved incentives to attract new teachers.

The first budget had increases based on step levels, so those at step 0 would receive $2,000, and then it would increase by $500 until step 4, and step 4 and higher would receive the $4,000. Laurence told board members of a few options the administration are now considering since the Senate has taken the $4,000 off the table.

So some options that might be available to us might be to use that Senate suggestion, which was $2,000 per scale, but with that it would give room to break up those salary bands, so that would be an option, Laurence said. Another option that we looked at with the money available would be a 3.25% increase, which is a little less than $2,000 at the entry level, but more than $2,000 at the higher levels of the salary schedule. So looking at it from a percentage standpoint."

Laurence said there was not a cost of living increase for non-teachers in the first reading of the budget. However, with the two scenarios he presented to the school board, the district would be able to fund a cost of living increase for all non-teachers.

"If we went with a $2,000 per cell increase in the teacher salary schedule, we could afford a 2.5% cost of living increase for non-teachers," Laurence said. "If we went with 3.25% for each cell of our teacher schedule, we could do that same 3.25% for all non-teachers as well. So in other words, (for) every employee in the school district we could look at a 3.25% cost of living adjustment. There are probably 10, 20, 30 more variations we could look at, but those were just two that made sense based on the amount of funding in the senate plan.

+5 Aiken County school board debates pay increases during budget workshop The Aiken County Board of Education heard a budget update during a special called meeting Tuesday.

Traxler said as of May 10 it looked like the conference committee won't be meeting until June, so the school board members approved moving the final reading back until their June 14 meeting. Laurence asked school board members for guidance on which direction they would like the school district to go before the second meeting.

The school district's budget has to be in place by June 30, with Traxler adding the budget can be amended if needed.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Due to differences in budgets between the House and Senate, teachers with the Aiken County Public School District might not see the $4,000 raise they were expecting.

That news came during the Aiken County Board of Education on May 10 when Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence told board members that Senate version of the budget has Aiken County receiving $2.5 million less than what the House budget showed.

That will present some challenges for us and of course, since that's the budget that's kind of on the table right now, we have to plan for that probability, Laurence said. Of course we still have the House to continue to work on a response to that budget, then we also have the conference committee between the House and the Senate. That's probably going to take place several weeks from now, so for the time being we're going to be looking at the Senate budget for planning purposes.

+3 School board approves first reading of budget The Aiken County Board of Education approved a first reading of the 2022-23 budget with a 6-3 vote during its most recent meeting.

Tray Traxler, the chief officer of finance for ACPSD, told the school board that budget approved for first reading in April was based on the House version of the budget, which was the only one at the time. However, the Senate budget would have school district guaranteed to receive what they received through 2021-22, but any new money in 2023 would be allocated based on the governor's funding plan.

For us, that as Mr. Laurence mentioned is just short of a $2.5 million decrease, Traxler said. Because that's the worst case of these two, that's now what we're playing with as we move forward with the budget.

Traxler added that 90% of the general fund is tied to salaries and fringe benefits, and to offset the $2.5 million and take it out of the first budget means there will be some hits to those areas.

+2 School board makes more Aiken County teachers eligible for incentives The Aiken County Public School District is making an addition to the recently approved incentives to attract new teachers.

The first budget had increases based on step levels, so those at step 0 would receive $2,000, and then it would increase by $500 until step 4, and step 4 and higher would receive the $4,000. Laurence told board members of a few options the administration are now considering since the Senate has taken the $4,000 off the table.

So some options that might be available to us might be to use that Senate suggestion, which was $2,000 per scale, but with that it would give room to break up those salary bands, so that would be an option, Laurence said. Another option that we looked at with the money available would be a 3.25% increase, which is a little less than $2,000 at the entry level, but more than $2,000 at the higher levels of the salary schedule. So looking at it from a percentage standpoint."

Laurence said there was not a cost of living increase for non-teachers in the first reading of the budget. However, with the two scenarios he presented to the school board, the district would be able to fund a cost of living increase for all non-teachers.

"If we went with a $2,000 per cell increase in the teacher salary schedule, we could afford a 2.5% cost of living increase for non-teachers," Laurence said. "If we went with 3.25% for each cell of our teacher schedule, we could do that same 3.25% for all non-teachers as well. So in other words, (for) every employee in the school district we could look at a 3.25% cost of living adjustment. There are probably 10, 20, 30 more variations we could look at, but those were just two that made sense based on the amount of funding in the senate plan.

+5 Aiken County school board debates pay increases during budget workshop The Aiken County Board of Education heard a budget update during a special called meeting Tuesday.

Traxler said as of May 10 it looked like the conference committee won't be meeting until June, so the school board members approved moving the final reading back until their June 14 meeting. Laurence asked school board members for guidance on which direction they would like the school district to go before the second meeting.

The school district's budget has to be in place by June 30, with Traxler adding the budget can be amended if needed.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
The politics of high school students aren't interesting in the least.

We've been blogging this story mostly because the online interest and hateration AMONGST ADULTS has been so powerfully silly that we couldn't turn away.



Amateur bloggy denizens and paid social media hacks wanted to practice a bit of online misinformation this week but here's MSM reporting a dangerous bit of intimidation as students learn a life lesson and insight that war is politics by other means . . . And tragically, vice versa.



Earlier this week, a group of Lees Summit West students were holding a preliminary meeting to start a chapter of Turning Point USA at the high school.



According to the district, the meeting ended prematurely after a student turned over a glass table, shattering it.



The administration is processing the incident in accordance with its discipline policy.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
The politics of high school students aren't interesting in the least.

We've been blogging this story mostly because the online interest and hateration AMONGST ADULTS has been so powerfully silly that we couldn't turn away.



Amateur bloggy denizens and paid social media hacks wanted to practice a bit of online misinformation this week but here's MSM reporting a dangerous bit of intimidation as students learn a life lesson and insight that war is politics by other means . . . And tragically, vice versa.



Earlier this week, a group of Lees Summit West students were holding a preliminary meeting to start a chapter of Turning Point USA at the high school.



According to the district, the meeting ended prematurely after a student turned over a glass table, shattering it.



The administration is processing the incident in accordance with its discipline policy.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon.

The 52-year-old performer appeared to be enjoying her time on the set of the forthcoming feature, as she smiled while working with several of the project's crew members.

The upcoming crime-comedy movie will see the actress reunite with her former Pulp Fiction costar Samuel L. Jackson.

Hard at work: Uma Thurman was spotted while spending time on the Hoboken, New Jersey set of The Kill Room on Friday afternoon

Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set.

The Kill Bill volumes One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie.

The Academy Award-nominated actress accessorized with a lovely set of earrings and carried a brown leather purse.

Her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders and paired well with the dominant tone of her outfit.

Standing out: Thurman wore a blue-and-black button-up jacket on top of a pinstripe vest and white button-up shirt during her time on set

Fashionable: The Kill Bill volumes. One and Two star also rocked a slim-fitting pair of blue jeans and a set of leather shoes as she worked on the movie

Official news about The Kill Room's development was initially revealed last month by The Hollywood Reporter.

The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star.

They are then forced to pit the forces of the criminal underworld against those of the art world.

Jackson, 73, is currently set to portray the assassin's boss, while Thurman will play an art dealer.

Storyline: The feature will be centered on an assassin who becomes involved in a money-laundering scheme that inadvertently makes them an overnight avant-garde star

Other cast members include Joe Manganiello, Dree Hemingway and Matthew Maher.

The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month.

Director Nicol Paone spoke to the media outlet and noted that the upcoming movie, which featured 'an already incredible script,' was not something that he ever imagined himself directing.

Keeping it in the family: The Gattaca actress' daughter Maya, as well as Debi Mazar, were added to the cast of the movie earlier this month

'Getting to make The Kill Room...with Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson is beyond my wildest dreams,' he said.

The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads.

'Every moment they're onscreen, they are both enviable and eye-catching. I am eternally grateful to both of them for saying yes, and I am thrilled to bring this to life,' he stated.

Producers Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman added: 'The combination of Uma and Sam for this project is a dream come true.'

Appreciative: The filmmaker went on to speak about the talent of the forthcoming feature's leads; Hawke is seen on set earlier this month

The pair went on to speak about their confidence in Paone's directing abilities.

'We are certain that Nicol is going to deliver a special film, and one that strikes the perfect balance between dark humor and edge-of-your-seat thrills,' they said.

The Kill Room's release date has not been revealed to the public as of yet.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Londons Metropolitan Police closed its investigation into the partygate scandal Thursday, announcing that 126 fines, mainly of 50, would be issued to 83 people.

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, while Britain was in lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government figures held drinks parties in defiance of rules and guidance they enacted.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak at a cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, London on May 17, 2022. (Credit: Picture by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Flickr)

But of the many fines issued, only two top government figures, Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, had to pay one fixed penalty notice of just 50. Those were issued in April among the 50 fines levelled at that stage of the Mets investigation, which has concluded that staff in the prime ministers residence, 10 Downing Street, broke lockdown rules on eight separate occasions.

Johnsons sole fine was for attending a surprise birthday party held for him in Downing Street in June 2020, despite his presence at other parties and gatherings where others have been fined.

Johnson responded Friday, I am very grateful to the Met for their work. I am very grateful for the work they have done. Of the upcoming publication of the investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray, at the instigation of the governments Cabinet Office, Johnson smugly declared, I just think that we need to wait for Sue Gray to report and fingers crossed that will be very soon.

The publication of Grays report was dependent on the conclusions of the Mets investigation, with speculation that it may be available by the middle of next week.

The Mets findings prompted a timid response from the Labour Party, questioning why Johnson had evaded further fines, and intimating that the police had taken a political decision in their kid gloves treatment. Len Duvall, leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, told the Guardian, I think the police and crime committee will want to ask questions and understand how the Met have reached their conclusions about the prime minister only getting one fine.

As tools of the ruling elite, Labour could not do more than allude to the obviously political character of the Mets conclusions. The Met never wanted to investigate the governments breaches of COVID safety measures but were forced to act by rising public revulsion at Downing Street openly flouting necessary public health measures which tens of millions of people, seriously concerned about the spread of a deadly virus, upheld at great personal cost.

Partygate originated from leaks from Johnsons embittered former leading adviser Dominic Cummings, who the prime minister sacked in November 2020. They rapidly became the focus for toothless criticism by Labour, not of the Conservative government imposing a criminal herd immunity agenda but of Johnson as an individual, who was declared unfit to serve in office.

Much of this was faux outrage, given Labours declaration that they would back Johnson with constructive criticism during the pandemic on the basis of a shared national interest.

Johnson and his government were responsible for far greater crimes. By the time of Johnsons June 19, 2020 birthday party event, tens of thousands were already dead from COVID because of the belated and flawed imposition of a lockdown. Less than one week later, Johnson made a speech declaring that the first lockdown would be ended the following month. This was supported by the Labour Party, backed by the trade unions, with Sir Keir Starmer then making his infamous August 2020 statement that schools must be reopened, no ifs, no buts.

Labours campaign to remove Johnson, as an individual unfit to hold office, was designed to ensure that there would be no mobilisation of the working class to end the 12 years in office of a hated Tory government. Its campaign was centred on demanding the police act and backing the investigation conducted by the civil service. Labours allies in removing Johnson were to be disaffected Tories, almost invariably on the right-wing of that extremely right-wing party, not the working class, with Starmer calling on decent, honourable Tory MPs to oust him.

This campaign enabled the Tory right to dictate events. Their opposition to Johnson was centred on an assessment that he was not up to the task, as both too populist and too discredited, of successfully reopening the economy, imposing savage austerity, deepening the assault on democratic rights and, what became the dominant issue in the partygate scandal, waging aggressive warmongering against Russia over Ukraine.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted, There can be only one outcome to any removal of Johnson by his own party, if they decide on such a course to safeguard their electoral fortunes: his replacement by an even more right-wing figure such as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or those leadership candidates closest to the military, including Tom Tugendhat, Tobias Ellwood or Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

The outpouring of anger from millions of workers over the near 200,000 pandemic deaths could find no expression in this rotten campaign of the Labour and trade union bureaucracy. Rather, those most animated by partygate in ruling circles were Tory MPs and their media backers angered that any virus containment measures had ever been implementedwhose focus was always on complaining of hypocrisy, not mass illness and deaths.

Six months later, notwithstanding any political damage he may suffer with the publication of Grays report, Johnsons position is secure for the immediate future and the Tory right more firmly in the saddle than at any time since they came to office in 2019 on the back of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns demobilisation of mass opposition to the Tories and the Blairites.

Johnson, Sunak and their fellow political criminals are free to play a leading role in NATOs proxy way against Russia and to wage a ferocious war against the working class at home.

The strengthening of the Tory right is evident in the raft of legislation that has been imposed in the months since the partygate crisis began. On just one day, April 28, three viciously reactionary government bills were enacted into lawthe Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act; the Nationality and Borders Act; and the Health and Care Act. Each represents a deepening of the assault on living standards and escalates the offensive against democratic rights.

Further attacks are being prepared, with the Public Order Bill, which hands virtually limitless stop and search powers to the police, due its second reading in Parliament May 24. Last week Johnson bragged that the government was about to deport the first 50 illegal entrants into Britain, of a planned tens of thousands, to detention camps in the African state of Rwanda.

The Socialist Equality Party (UK) statement, The working class must mobilise to bring down the Johnson government!, published February 4, explained, Amid a torrent of official hypocrisy over Johnsons lying, no one should confuse popular sentiment with the political considerations animating the anti-Johnson partygate plotters now seeking his ouster The crisis is being seized on by powerful sections of the Tory Party to engineer the most right-wing policy lurch ever carried out by a British government, with the Labour opposition marching in lockstep.

The statement continued, The most dangerous manifestation of the governments rightward turn is the escalating wardrive against Russia. Johnson and his ministers are positioning the UK as the leading ally of the United States in NATOs warmongering over Ukraine.

The central issue was how the working class could advance its own interests during this political crisis. The statement concluded, The fight of the working class against the Johnson government will raise ever more urgently the necessity of a political mass movement, independent of and opposed to both the Tories and Labour, and against the capitalist system and its state.

The political response of the working class must be based on an anti-capitalist, internationalist, anti-imperialist and socialist perspective to mobilise the working class, especially its younger generations, to take state power and reorganise economic life to meet social need instead of private profit.
The bulldozers are waiting to knock down an uninhabitable Edwardian home after a tribunal approved its demolition despite a local councils repeated efforts to save it from being levelled.

The derelict house at 65 The Grove in Coburg will soon be cleared despite Moreland Council arguing that the decaying structure was a case of demolition of heritage by neglect that shouldnt be rewarded.

The property was already in a state of disrepair when purchased by its current owners 20 years ago, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has now granted a permit to demolish it and build two new dwellings in its place.

The property, at 65 The Grove, in 2021 when council blocked demolition Credit:Paul Jeffers

The so-called Corkman laws, introduced by the state government to stop developers illegally demolishing heritage buildings, were unable to protect the building because they were not yet part of Morelands planning rules.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Due to differences in budgets between the House and Senate, teachers with the Aiken County Public School District might not see the $4,000 raise they were expecting.

That news came during the Aiken County Board of Education on May 10 when Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence told board members that Senate version of the budget has Aiken County receiving $2.5 million less than what the House budget showed.

That will present some challenges for us and of course, since that's the budget that's kind of on the table right now, we have to plan for that probability, Laurence said. Of course we still have the House to continue to work on a response to that budget, then we also have the conference committee between the House and the Senate. That's probably going to take place several weeks from now, so for the time being we're going to be looking at the Senate budget for planning purposes.

+3 School board approves first reading of budget The Aiken County Board of Education approved a first reading of the 2022-23 budget with a 6-3 vote during its most recent meeting.

Tray Traxler, the chief officer of finance for ACPSD, told the school board that budget approved for first reading in April was based on the House version of the budget, which was the only one at the time. However, the Senate budget would have school district guaranteed to receive what they received through 2021-22, but any new money in 2023 would be allocated based on the governor's funding plan.

For us, that as Mr. Laurence mentioned is just short of a $2.5 million decrease, Traxler said. Because that's the worst case of these two, that's now what we're playing with as we move forward with the budget.

Traxler added that 90% of the general fund is tied to salaries and fringe benefits, and to offset the $2.5 million and take it out of the first budget means there will be some hits to those areas.

+2 School board makes more Aiken County teachers eligible for incentives The Aiken County Public School District is making an addition to the recently approved incentives to attract new teachers.

The first budget had increases based on step levels, so those at step 0 would receive $2,000, and then it would increase by $500 until step 4, and step 4 and higher would receive the $4,000. Laurence told board members of a few options the administration are now considering since the Senate has taken the $4,000 off the table.

So some options that might be available to us might be to use that Senate suggestion, which was $2,000 per scale, but with that it would give room to break up those salary bands, so that would be an option, Laurence said. Another option that we looked at with the money available would be a 3.25% increase, which is a little less than $2,000 at the entry level, but more than $2,000 at the higher levels of the salary schedule. So looking at it from a percentage standpoint."

Laurence said there was not a cost of living increase for non-teachers in the first reading of the budget. However, with the two scenarios he presented to the school board, the district would be able to fund a cost of living increase for all non-teachers.

"If we went with a $2,000 per cell increase in the teacher salary schedule, we could afford a 2.5% cost of living increase for non-teachers," Laurence said. "If we went with 3.25% for each cell of our teacher schedule, we could do that same 3.25% for all non-teachers as well. So in other words, (for) every employee in the school district we could look at a 3.25% cost of living adjustment. There are probably 10, 20, 30 more variations we could look at, but those were just two that made sense based on the amount of funding in the senate plan.

+5 Aiken County school board debates pay increases during budget workshop The Aiken County Board of Education heard a budget update during a special called meeting Tuesday.

Traxler said as of May 10 it looked like the conference committee won't be meeting until June, so the school board members approved moving the final reading back until their June 14 meeting. Laurence asked school board members for guidance on which direction they would like the school district to go before the second meeting.

The school district's budget has to be in place by June 30, with Traxler adding the budget can be amended if needed.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.


Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
SEOUL, South Korea  The $40 billion U.S. package of assistance for Ukraine as it tries to fend off Russia's aggression is hitching a ride on a commercial flight to South Korea so it can be signed by President Joe Biden.

The Senate voted Thursday to finalize the new military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as Biden was making his way to the South Korean capital, Seoul. Biden is in Asia for meetings with the leaders of South Korea, Japan and members of the Indo-Pacific group known as the Quad.

A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said the bill was being flown to South Korea by a U.S. government official who was already planning to travel to the region on a commercial flight as part of the individual's official duties. It was not clear when the bill would arrive, but the president was expected to sign it before he heads to Tokyo on Sunday.

For decades, bills that needed an urgent signature were routinely flown by White House aides to the president if he was abroad.

In 2005, President George W. Bush flew back to Washington from his Texas ranch to sign legislation requiring doctors to continue feeding a comatose Florida woman, Terri Schiavo, whose husband wanted to let her die.

An autopen was used for the first time for a bill signing in 2011, when President Barack Obama signed an extension of the Patriot Act into law while he was traveling in Europe.

He used the machine - which was widely used at the time for mundane commercial and government purposes  because Congress took unexpectedly long to approve the renewal of that law. Its anti-terrorism powers were minutes from expiring at midnight East Coast time when Obama, in France, was awakened to sign the measure.

The Ukraine bill includes $20 billion in military aid that is expected to finance the transfer of advanced weapons systems, $8 billion in general economic support for Ukraine, nearly $5 billion in global food aid to address potential food shortages sparked by the collapse of the Ukrainian agricultural economy, and more than $1 billion in combined support for refugees.

___

Fram reported from Washington.
In a revealing incident during a two-day strike of University of Sydney (USYD) workers last week, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch president, Nick Riemer, prevented a striking staff member from addressing fellow workers during a rally due to the staff members politics.

Striking NTEU members at University of Sydney

The staff member, Zac Hambides, who is also a member of the Committee for Public Education, and the Socialist Equality Party, asked Riemer to be allowed to address the rally but was refused and told, I have made a political decision. When Hambides asked Riemer to elaborate, he said, I dont want to have this discussion now, and walked away.

Riemers actions were an egregious act of political censorship. The most elementary right of striking workers, who had voted for the stoppage and were participating in it, is to be able to discuss freely among one another. Instead, Riemer arrogated to himself the right to dictate what issues striking staff could and could not raise, based on his unstated political decision.

The censorship is typical of the corporatised trade unions, which function as a political police force of management, including at the universities. It is particularly notable, given that Riemer is associated with the pseudo-left Solidarity organisation, which occasionally claims to be socialist.

He clearly feared that Hambides would expose the fraudulent character of the strike organised by the union, and the entire enterprise bargaining agreement process of which it is a part.

The university management is demanding that the next agreement include sweeping changes to academic workloads clearing the way for a major transformation of the university.

Specifically, all research is to be controlled by heads of faculty, and the university is seeking to formally abolish the 40/40/20 workload division for academics. Their time is split between teaching for 40 percent, research for 40 percent, and administration for 20 percent. For most academics, their onerous teaching and administrative burdens make the 40/40/20 split a thing of the past.

USYDs demands tie in with the requirements of big business. In August last year, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) published a paper pronouncing in all-caps, HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES SECTOR! It outlined a proposal in which all university research is either directly requested by business, or is aimed at meeting immediate business needs.

The abolition of the 40/40/20 restrictions would serve these ends, by allowing faculty leaderships to direct greater research into areas demanded by business. It would also pave the way for a further expansion of casual labour in the field of teaching.

The USYD NTEUs log of claims does nothing to oppose this pro-market agenda but rather seeks to instead integrate the union into it. The log calls for undefined protections against excessive workloads, and a pay rise of only 4 percent, well below the increased cost of living for non-discretionary items, which rose by at least 6.6 percent in the past year.

The main purpose of the unions log of claims is to develop more union/management committees on the pretext of controlling excessive workload allocation. In practice, such committees would involve backroom collaboration aimed at implementing management demands and keeping a lid on opposition.

In holding the strike, the NTEU at USYD is attempting to present the illusion that the branch is waging a struggle against managements agenda. The implication is that the USYD branch is somehow different to other branches and particularly the NTEU national leadership, which became utterly discredited in the eyes of workers after offering university managements across the country a wage cut of up to 15 percent and tens of thousands of job cuts at the start of the pandemic.

This charade has already been exposed. At a UYSD NTEU branch meeting this week, Riemer reported that after the two-day strike, management gave no ground whatsoever on our key issues. Despite this he proclaimed that the strike was hugely successful and encouraged workers to participate in the next one-day stoppage due on May 24, to place pressure on management.

This is an utterly bankrupt program. The union has now had 15 six-hour sessions with management since the last agreement expired in June 2021. According to John Buchannan of the union bargaining committee, the only concrete achievements from all this have been the inclusion of gender affirmation leave and other leave types into workers already existing allotment of personal leave.

The USYD branch leaderships attempts to subordinate staff to its backroom horsetrading with management, are entirely in keeping with the unions national program. For the past two years, as it has presided over tens of thousands of job cuts, the union has divided staff up, campus by campus, enforcing one sell-out deal after another.

The more the NTEU is exposed, the more Riemer and other pseudo-left elements are attempting to suppress criticism of the union while putting forward phony radical rhetoric.

While Riemer prevented Hambides from speaking, Deaglan Godwin, a student member of the USYD Education Action Group and of Socialist Alternative, the main pseudo-left group active on campus, was one of the opening speakers. Godwin heaped praise on the NTEU at USYD, which he claimed, has a proud tradition of militant pickets, of defending its strikes and, that is what other unions need to learn.

In reality, the NTEU at USYD has pushed through a series of regressive enterprise agreements over the past decade, consolidating the universitys position as one of the most corporatised in the country and a testing ground for attacks at other campuses.

Politically, the strike and associated rally were aimed at bolstering the fraud that Labor and the Greens represent a lesser-evil to the Liberal-Nationals in todays federal election. In addition to Hambides, Max Boddy, a Socialist Equality Party candidate for the New South Wales (NSW) Senate, was also prevented from addressing the striking workers.

However, Greens NSW Senate candidate David Shoebridge was paraded around the pickets by the NTEU as a supposed defender of education. SEP members pointed out to striking workers that the Greens were in a de facto coalition with the former Gillard Labor government as it introduced billions of dollars in cuts to higher education, and forced universities to compete with one another for enrolments.

Adam Bandt, current leader of the Greens, has made clear that his party is seeking to form another alliance with Labor after the May 21 elections. Such a government would only deepen the pro-market onslaught on public education initiated by the Hawke-Keating Labor governments in the 1980s and 90s, and deepened by every subsequent administration, Labor and Liberal-National.

University staff should reject the NTEUs political censorship, which is an attack on the rights of workers themselves. Combined with the promotion of the Greens, the attack on political discussion among striking staff is a clear warning that a sell-out is being prepared.

What is necessary is the establishment of rank-and-file committees, independent of the NTEU, at all universities. This is a first step in breaking the isolation imposed by the union, and developing a unified industrial and political struggle of academics and staff at campuses across the country and internationally.

Above all, what is required is the socialist perspective that the NTEU sought to censor. The hundreds of billions being allocated to the military and to big business, in the form of handouts and tax breaks for big business and the wealthy, must be redirected to meet social need, including to education and healthcare.

This poses the need for a struggle aimed at establishing a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control. That is the only means of ending the rampant corporatisation of higher education, which has been enforced by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions.

Contact the SEP:

Phone: (02) 8218 3222

Email: sep@sep.org.au

Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia

Twitter: @SEP_Australia

Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au

TikTok: @SEP_Australia

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
WASHINGTON (AP)  Congressional bargainers announced Wednesday that they have reached a deal on legislation to boost health care services and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The agreement paves the way for passage of a bill that has become the top priority of veterans' groups seeking to help the increasing number of people with illnesses that they believe are related to toxic exposure.

The top Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee reached an agreement after months of negotiations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., quickly threw their support behind the measure. Passage could come in July.

Our veterans need it, they deserve it, and we have a moral obligation to take care of those who have sacrificed so much for us," Schumer said.

The House in March passed a version of the bill that the Congressional Budget Office projected would increase federal spending by more than $300 billion over 10 years. It would increase access to VA health care to millions of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan even if they don't have service-connected disabilities.

The legislation would also presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, allowing the veterans to obtain disability payments to compensate for their injury without having to prove the illness was a result of their service. Reporting from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that nearly 80% of exposure disability claims related to burn pits are denied.

The military routinely disposed of tires, batteries, medical waste and other materials in open burn pits during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Most Republican lawmakers in the House voted against the bill, voicing concerns that the influx of cases would tax an already stressed VA system, leading to longer wait times for health care and the processing of disability claims.

A key difference in the agreement reached by Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is the phase-in period for presuming that certain conditions were caused by toxic exposure. But key elements of the House measure are part of the deal. Pelosi described the two bills as nearly identical."

The two senators said that 23 illnesses, including hypertension, would be presumed related to burn pit exposure when it comes to providing disability compensation.

For far too long, our nations veterans have been living with chronic illnesses as a result of exposures during their time in uniform," Tester and Moran said in a joint statement. Today, were taking necessary steps to right this wrong with our proposal thatll provide veterans and their families with the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve."

The two senators said the bill would also affect veterans who served in Vietnam, expanding the number of illnesses presumed related to exposure to Agent Orange to include hypertension. It would also expand the presumption of exposure to the toxic herbicide for veterans who deployed to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and American Samoa.

Moran said the Senate bill would provide more resources up front for VA staffing to deal with the increased demand. He also projected it would come in at a lower price tag than the House bill by tens of billions" of dollars, though an official cost estimate is not yet available. He said the changes in the Senate bill are so the VA can get their feet on the ground and take care of all veterans without harming any veterans" already in the system.

President Joe Biden called on the VA last year to examine the impact of burn pits and other airborne hazards. Karine Jean-Pierre, the new White House press secretary, said Wednesday that passage of the bill would be a welcome and long-awaited achievement for veterans.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Congressional bargainers announced Wednesday that they have reached a deal on legislation to boost health care services and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The agreement paves the way for passage of a bill that has become the top priority of veterans' groups seeking to help the increasing number of people with illnesses that they believe are related to toxic exposure.

The top Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee reached an agreement after months of negotiations. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., quickly threw their support behind the measure. Passage could come in July.

Our veterans need it, they deserve it, and we have a moral obligation to take care of those who have sacrificed so much for us," Schumer said.

The House in March passed a version of the bill that the Congressional Budget Office projected would increase federal spending by more than $300 billion over 10 years. It would increase access to VA health care to millions of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan even if they don't have service-connected disabilities.

The legislation would also presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, allowing the veterans to obtain disability payments to compensate for their injury without having to prove the illness was a result of their service. Reporting from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that nearly 80% of exposure disability claims related to burn pits are denied.

The military routinely disposed of tires, batteries, medical waste and other materials in open burn pits during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Most Republican lawmakers in the House voted against the bill, voicing concerns that the influx of cases would tax an already stressed VA system, leading to longer wait times for health care and the processing of disability claims.

A key difference in the agreement reached by Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is the phase-in period for presuming that certain conditions were caused by toxic exposure. But key elements of the House measure are part of the deal. Pelosi described the two bills as nearly identical."

The two senators said that 23 illnesses, including hypertension, would be presumed related to burn pit exposure when it comes to providing disability compensation.

For far too long, our nations veterans have been living with chronic illnesses as a result of exposures during their time in uniform," Tester and Moran said in a joint statement. Today, were taking necessary steps to right this wrong with our proposal thatll provide veterans and their families with the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve."

The two senators said the bill would also affect veterans who served in Vietnam, expanding the number of illnesses presumed related to exposure to Agent Orange to include hypertension. It would also expand the presumption of exposure to the toxic herbicide for veterans who deployed to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and American Samoa.

Moran said the Senate bill would provide more resources up front for VA staffing to deal with the increased demand. He also projected it would come in at a lower price tag than the House bill by tens of billions" of dollars, though an official cost estimate is not yet available. He said the changes in the Senate bill are so the VA can get their feet on the ground and take care of all veterans without harming any veterans" already in the system.

President Joe Biden called on the VA last year to examine the impact of burn pits and other airborne hazards. Karine Jean-Pierre, the new White House press secretary, said Wednesday that passage of the bill would be a welcome and long-awaited achievement for veterans.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Londons Metropolitan Police closed its investigation into the partygate scandal Thursday, announcing that 126 fines, mainly of 50, would be issued to 83 people.

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, while Britain was in lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government figures held drinks parties in defiance of rules and guidance they enacted.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak at a cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, London on May 17, 2022. (Credit: Picture by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Flickr)

But of the many fines issued, only two top government figures, Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, had to pay one fixed penalty notice of just 50. Those were issued in April among the 50 fines levelled at that stage of the Mets investigation, which has concluded that staff in the prime ministers residence, 10 Downing Street, broke lockdown rules on eight separate occasions.

Johnsons sole fine was for attending a surprise birthday party held for him in Downing Street in June 2020, despite his presence at other parties and gatherings where others have been fined.

Johnson responded Friday, I am very grateful to the Met for their work. I am very grateful for the work they have done. Of the upcoming publication of the investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray, at the instigation of the governments Cabinet Office, Johnson smugly declared, I just think that we need to wait for Sue Gray to report and fingers crossed that will be very soon.

The publication of Grays report was dependent on the conclusions of the Mets investigation, with speculation that it may be available by the middle of next week.

The Mets findings prompted a timid response from the Labour Party, questioning why Johnson had evaded further fines, and intimating that the police had taken a political decision in their kid gloves treatment. Len Duvall, leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, told the Guardian, I think the police and crime committee will want to ask questions and understand how the Met have reached their conclusions about the prime minister only getting one fine.

As tools of the ruling elite, Labour could not do more than allude to the obviously political character of the Mets conclusions. The Met never wanted to investigate the governments breaches of COVID safety measures but were forced to act by rising public revulsion at Downing Street openly flouting necessary public health measures which tens of millions of people, seriously concerned about the spread of a deadly virus, upheld at great personal cost.

Partygate originated from leaks from Johnsons embittered former leading adviser Dominic Cummings, who the prime minister sacked in November 2020. They rapidly became the focus for toothless criticism by Labour, not of the Conservative government imposing a criminal herd immunity agenda but of Johnson as an individual, who was declared unfit to serve in office.

Much of this was faux outrage, given Labours declaration that they would back Johnson with constructive criticism during the pandemic on the basis of a shared national interest.

Johnson and his government were responsible for far greater crimes. By the time of Johnsons June 19, 2020 birthday party event, tens of thousands were already dead from COVID because of the belated and flawed imposition of a lockdown. Less than one week later, Johnson made a speech declaring that the first lockdown would be ended the following month. This was supported by the Labour Party, backed by the trade unions, with Sir Keir Starmer then making his infamous August 2020 statement that schools must be reopened, no ifs, no buts.

Labours campaign to remove Johnson, as an individual unfit to hold office, was designed to ensure that there would be no mobilisation of the working class to end the 12 years in office of a hated Tory government. Its campaign was centred on demanding the police act and backing the investigation conducted by the civil service. Labours allies in removing Johnson were to be disaffected Tories, almost invariably on the right-wing of that extremely right-wing party, not the working class, with Starmer calling on decent, honourable Tory MPs to oust him.

This campaign enabled the Tory right to dictate events. Their opposition to Johnson was centred on an assessment that he was not up to the task, as both too populist and too discredited, of successfully reopening the economy, imposing savage austerity, deepening the assault on democratic rights and, what became the dominant issue in the partygate scandal, waging aggressive warmongering against Russia over Ukraine.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted, There can be only one outcome to any removal of Johnson by his own party, if they decide on such a course to safeguard their electoral fortunes: his replacement by an even more right-wing figure such as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or those leadership candidates closest to the military, including Tom Tugendhat, Tobias Ellwood or Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

The outpouring of anger from millions of workers over the near 200,000 pandemic deaths could find no expression in this rotten campaign of the Labour and trade union bureaucracy. Rather, those most animated by partygate in ruling circles were Tory MPs and their media backers angered that any virus containment measures had ever been implementedwhose focus was always on complaining of hypocrisy, not mass illness and deaths.

Six months later, notwithstanding any political damage he may suffer with the publication of Grays report, Johnsons position is secure for the immediate future and the Tory right more firmly in the saddle than at any time since they came to office in 2019 on the back of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns demobilisation of mass opposition to the Tories and the Blairites.

Johnson, Sunak and their fellow political criminals are free to play a leading role in NATOs proxy way against Russia and to wage a ferocious war against the working class at home.

The strengthening of the Tory right is evident in the raft of legislation that has been imposed in the months since the partygate crisis began. On just one day, April 28, three viciously reactionary government bills were enacted into lawthe Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act; the Nationality and Borders Act; and the Health and Care Act. Each represents a deepening of the assault on living standards and escalates the offensive against democratic rights.

Further attacks are being prepared, with the Public Order Bill, which hands virtually limitless stop and search powers to the police, due its second reading in Parliament May 24. Last week Johnson bragged that the government was about to deport the first 50 illegal entrants into Britain, of a planned tens of thousands, to detention camps in the African state of Rwanda.

The Socialist Equality Party (UK) statement, The working class must mobilise to bring down the Johnson government!, published February 4, explained, Amid a torrent of official hypocrisy over Johnsons lying, no one should confuse popular sentiment with the political considerations animating the anti-Johnson partygate plotters now seeking his ouster The crisis is being seized on by powerful sections of the Tory Party to engineer the most right-wing policy lurch ever carried out by a British government, with the Labour opposition marching in lockstep.

The statement continued, The most dangerous manifestation of the governments rightward turn is the escalating wardrive against Russia. Johnson and his ministers are positioning the UK as the leading ally of the United States in NATOs warmongering over Ukraine.

The central issue was how the working class could advance its own interests during this political crisis. The statement concluded, The fight of the working class against the Johnson government will raise ever more urgently the necessity of a political mass movement, independent of and opposed to both the Tories and Labour, and against the capitalist system and its state.

The political response of the working class must be based on an anti-capitalist, internationalist, anti-imperialist and socialist perspective to mobilise the working class, especially its younger generations, to take state power and reorganise economic life to meet social need instead of private profit.
Londons Metropolitan Police closed its investigation into the partygate scandal Thursday, announcing that 126 fines, mainly of 50, would be issued to 83 people.

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, while Britain was in lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government figures held drinks parties in defiance of rules and guidance they enacted.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak at a cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, London on May 17, 2022. (Credit: Picture by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Flickr)

But of the many fines issued, only two top government figures, Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, had to pay one fixed penalty notice of just 50. Those were issued in April among the 50 fines levelled at that stage of the Mets investigation, which has concluded that staff in the prime ministers residence, 10 Downing Street, broke lockdown rules on eight separate occasions.

Johnsons sole fine was for attending a surprise birthday party held for him in Downing Street in June 2020, despite his presence at other parties and gatherings where others have been fined.

Johnson responded Friday, I am very grateful to the Met for their work. I am very grateful for the work they have done. Of the upcoming publication of the investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray, at the instigation of the governments Cabinet Office, Johnson smugly declared, I just think that we need to wait for Sue Gray to report and fingers crossed that will be very soon.

The publication of Grays report was dependent on the conclusions of the Mets investigation, with speculation that it may be available by the middle of next week.

The Mets findings prompted a timid response from the Labour Party, questioning why Johnson had evaded further fines, and intimating that the police had taken a political decision in their kid gloves treatment. Len Duvall, leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, told the Guardian, I think the police and crime committee will want to ask questions and understand how the Met have reached their conclusions about the prime minister only getting one fine.

As tools of the ruling elite, Labour could not do more than allude to the obviously political character of the Mets conclusions. The Met never wanted to investigate the governments breaches of COVID safety measures but were forced to act by rising public revulsion at Downing Street openly flouting necessary public health measures which tens of millions of people, seriously concerned about the spread of a deadly virus, upheld at great personal cost.

Partygate originated from leaks from Johnsons embittered former leading adviser Dominic Cummings, who the prime minister sacked in November 2020. They rapidly became the focus for toothless criticism by Labour, not of the Conservative government imposing a criminal herd immunity agenda but of Johnson as an individual, who was declared unfit to serve in office.

Much of this was faux outrage, given Labours declaration that they would back Johnson with constructive criticism during the pandemic on the basis of a shared national interest.

Johnson and his government were responsible for far greater crimes. By the time of Johnsons June 19, 2020 birthday party event, tens of thousands were already dead from COVID because of the belated and flawed imposition of a lockdown. Less than one week later, Johnson made a speech declaring that the first lockdown would be ended the following month. This was supported by the Labour Party, backed by the trade unions, with Sir Keir Starmer then making his infamous August 2020 statement that schools must be reopened, no ifs, no buts.

Labours campaign to remove Johnson, as an individual unfit to hold office, was designed to ensure that there would be no mobilisation of the working class to end the 12 years in office of a hated Tory government. Its campaign was centred on demanding the police act and backing the investigation conducted by the civil service. Labours allies in removing Johnson were to be disaffected Tories, almost invariably on the right-wing of that extremely right-wing party, not the working class, with Starmer calling on decent, honourable Tory MPs to oust him.

This campaign enabled the Tory right to dictate events. Their opposition to Johnson was centred on an assessment that he was not up to the task, as both too populist and too discredited, of successfully reopening the economy, imposing savage austerity, deepening the assault on democratic rights and, what became the dominant issue in the partygate scandal, waging aggressive warmongering against Russia over Ukraine.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted, There can be only one outcome to any removal of Johnson by his own party, if they decide on such a course to safeguard their electoral fortunes: his replacement by an even more right-wing figure such as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or those leadership candidates closest to the military, including Tom Tugendhat, Tobias Ellwood or Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

The outpouring of anger from millions of workers over the near 200,000 pandemic deaths could find no expression in this rotten campaign of the Labour and trade union bureaucracy. Rather, those most animated by partygate in ruling circles were Tory MPs and their media backers angered that any virus containment measures had ever been implementedwhose focus was always on complaining of hypocrisy, not mass illness and deaths.

Six months later, notwithstanding any political damage he may suffer with the publication of Grays report, Johnsons position is secure for the immediate future and the Tory right more firmly in the saddle than at any time since they came to office in 2019 on the back of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns demobilisation of mass opposition to the Tories and the Blairites.

Johnson, Sunak and their fellow political criminals are free to play a leading role in NATOs proxy way against Russia and to wage a ferocious war against the working class at home.

The strengthening of the Tory right is evident in the raft of legislation that has been imposed in the months since the partygate crisis began. On just one day, April 28, three viciously reactionary government bills were enacted into lawthe Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act; the Nationality and Borders Act; and the Health and Care Act. Each represents a deepening of the assault on living standards and escalates the offensive against democratic rights.

Further attacks are being prepared, with the Public Order Bill, which hands virtually limitless stop and search powers to the police, due its second reading in Parliament May 24. Last week Johnson bragged that the government was about to deport the first 50 illegal entrants into Britain, of a planned tens of thousands, to detention camps in the African state of Rwanda.

The Socialist Equality Party (UK) statement, The working class must mobilise to bring down the Johnson government!, published February 4, explained, Amid a torrent of official hypocrisy over Johnsons lying, no one should confuse popular sentiment with the political considerations animating the anti-Johnson partygate plotters now seeking his ouster The crisis is being seized on by powerful sections of the Tory Party to engineer the most right-wing policy lurch ever carried out by a British government, with the Labour opposition marching in lockstep.

The statement continued, The most dangerous manifestation of the governments rightward turn is the escalating wardrive against Russia. Johnson and his ministers are positioning the UK as the leading ally of the United States in NATOs warmongering over Ukraine.

The central issue was how the working class could advance its own interests during this political crisis. The statement concluded, The fight of the working class against the Johnson government will raise ever more urgently the necessity of a political mass movement, independent of and opposed to both the Tories and Labour, and against the capitalist system and its state.

The political response of the working class must be based on an anti-capitalist, internationalist, anti-imperialist and socialist perspective to mobilise the working class, especially its younger generations, to take state power and reorganise economic life to meet social need instead of private profit.
Londons Metropolitan Police closed its investigation into the partygate scandal Thursday, announcing that 126 fines, mainly of 50, would be issued to 83 people.

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, while Britain was in lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government figures held drinks parties in defiance of rules and guidance they enacted.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak at a cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, London on May 17, 2022. (Credit: Picture by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Flickr)

But of the many fines issued, only two top government figures, Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, had to pay one fixed penalty notice of just 50. Those were issued in April among the 50 fines levelled at that stage of the Mets investigation, which has concluded that staff in the prime ministers residence, 10 Downing Street, broke lockdown rules on eight separate occasions.

Johnsons sole fine was for attending a surprise birthday party held for him in Downing Street in June 2020, despite his presence at other parties and gatherings where others have been fined.

Johnson responded Friday, I am very grateful to the Met for their work. I am very grateful for the work they have done. Of the upcoming publication of the investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray, at the instigation of the governments Cabinet Office, Johnson smugly declared, I just think that we need to wait for Sue Gray to report and fingers crossed that will be very soon.

The publication of Grays report was dependent on the conclusions of the Mets investigation, with speculation that it may be available by the middle of next week.

The Mets findings prompted a timid response from the Labour Party, questioning why Johnson had evaded further fines, and intimating that the police had taken a political decision in their kid gloves treatment. Len Duvall, leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, told the Guardian, I think the police and crime committee will want to ask questions and understand how the Met have reached their conclusions about the prime minister only getting one fine.

As tools of the ruling elite, Labour could not do more than allude to the obviously political character of the Mets conclusions. The Met never wanted to investigate the governments breaches of COVID safety measures but were forced to act by rising public revulsion at Downing Street openly flouting necessary public health measures which tens of millions of people, seriously concerned about the spread of a deadly virus, upheld at great personal cost.

Partygate originated from leaks from Johnsons embittered former leading adviser Dominic Cummings, who the prime minister sacked in November 2020. They rapidly became the focus for toothless criticism by Labour, not of the Conservative government imposing a criminal herd immunity agenda but of Johnson as an individual, who was declared unfit to serve in office.

Much of this was faux outrage, given Labours declaration that they would back Johnson with constructive criticism during the pandemic on the basis of a shared national interest.

Johnson and his government were responsible for far greater crimes. By the time of Johnsons June 19, 2020 birthday party event, tens of thousands were already dead from COVID because of the belated and flawed imposition of a lockdown. Less than one week later, Johnson made a speech declaring that the first lockdown would be ended the following month. This was supported by the Labour Party, backed by the trade unions, with Sir Keir Starmer then making his infamous August 2020 statement that schools must be reopened, no ifs, no buts.

Labours campaign to remove Johnson, as an individual unfit to hold office, was designed to ensure that there would be no mobilisation of the working class to end the 12 years in office of a hated Tory government. Its campaign was centred on demanding the police act and backing the investigation conducted by the civil service. Labours allies in removing Johnson were to be disaffected Tories, almost invariably on the right-wing of that extremely right-wing party, not the working class, with Starmer calling on decent, honourable Tory MPs to oust him.

This campaign enabled the Tory right to dictate events. Their opposition to Johnson was centred on an assessment that he was not up to the task, as both too populist and too discredited, of successfully reopening the economy, imposing savage austerity, deepening the assault on democratic rights and, what became the dominant issue in the partygate scandal, waging aggressive warmongering against Russia over Ukraine.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted, There can be only one outcome to any removal of Johnson by his own party, if they decide on such a course to safeguard their electoral fortunes: his replacement by an even more right-wing figure such as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or those leadership candidates closest to the military, including Tom Tugendhat, Tobias Ellwood or Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

The outpouring of anger from millions of workers over the near 200,000 pandemic deaths could find no expression in this rotten campaign of the Labour and trade union bureaucracy. Rather, those most animated by partygate in ruling circles were Tory MPs and their media backers angered that any virus containment measures had ever been implementedwhose focus was always on complaining of hypocrisy, not mass illness and deaths.

Six months later, notwithstanding any political damage he may suffer with the publication of Grays report, Johnsons position is secure for the immediate future and the Tory right more firmly in the saddle than at any time since they came to office in 2019 on the back of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns demobilisation of mass opposition to the Tories and the Blairites.

Johnson, Sunak and their fellow political criminals are free to play a leading role in NATOs proxy way against Russia and to wage a ferocious war against the working class at home.

The strengthening of the Tory right is evident in the raft of legislation that has been imposed in the months since the partygate crisis began. On just one day, April 28, three viciously reactionary government bills were enacted into lawthe Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act; the Nationality and Borders Act; and the Health and Care Act. Each represents a deepening of the assault on living standards and escalates the offensive against democratic rights.

Further attacks are being prepared, with the Public Order Bill, which hands virtually limitless stop and search powers to the police, due its second reading in Parliament May 24. Last week Johnson bragged that the government was about to deport the first 50 illegal entrants into Britain, of a planned tens of thousands, to detention camps in the African state of Rwanda.

The Socialist Equality Party (UK) statement, The working class must mobilise to bring down the Johnson government!, published February 4, explained, Amid a torrent of official hypocrisy over Johnsons lying, no one should confuse popular sentiment with the political considerations animating the anti-Johnson partygate plotters now seeking his ouster The crisis is being seized on by powerful sections of the Tory Party to engineer the most right-wing policy lurch ever carried out by a British government, with the Labour opposition marching in lockstep.

The statement continued, The most dangerous manifestation of the governments rightward turn is the escalating wardrive against Russia. Johnson and his ministers are positioning the UK as the leading ally of the United States in NATOs warmongering over Ukraine.

The central issue was how the working class could advance its own interests during this political crisis. The statement concluded, The fight of the working class against the Johnson government will raise ever more urgently the necessity of a political mass movement, independent of and opposed to both the Tories and Labour, and against the capitalist system and its state.

The political response of the working class must be based on an anti-capitalist, internationalist, anti-imperialist and socialist perspective to mobilise the working class, especially its younger generations, to take state power and reorganise economic life to meet social need instead of private profit.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
The New York Times

VATICAN CITY  David Kertzer put down his cappuccino, put on his backpack and went digging for more Vatican secrets. Theres an aspect of treasure-hunting, said Kertzer, a 74-year-old historian. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Moments later, he cut through a crowd lined up to see Pope Francis, showed his credentials to the Swiss Guard and entered the archives of the former headquarters for the Holy Roman Inquisition. Over the last few decades, Kertzer has turned the
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.

Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.




The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.

The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.


MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
KEARNEY  Dan Frizane encourages band players to dig out their instruments and join the band.

Im good at begging people to come and play with us, said the leader of the Kearney Community Band. Were entirely volunteer-based. Were at the mercy of musicians who come and volunteer their time. Nobody is paid  including myself. I encourage people to dig their instrument out and play with us. Ive learned that people who say, Oh, I havent touched my horn in years, when they get it out and play, theyre pleasantly surprised. A lot of it comes back to them.

Frizane wants those people to experience the joy of making music on a summer evening in the park.

Weve had a lot of middle-aged and older people, who might have played in high school, come out and play with us, he said.

The Kearney Community Band also attracts student musicians who want to keep up their skills over the summer.

I tell the young people that its a great way to improve their playing skills, especially sight reading, Frizane noted. We read the music on Tuesday and then we perform the songs on Thursday. Its not like the high school bands that take a concert piece and practice it for three months before taking it to a festival.

With that in mind, Frizane believes that gathering in the park for an evening of music benefits the audiences as well.

Kearney Community Band will present five weekly concerts beginning at 7 p.m. June 2 at the Sonatorium at Harmon Park. Admission to all the concerts is free.

Practice sessions are at 7:30 p.m. on the Tuesdays before the performances at the Harmon Park Activity Center.

Frizane counts this as about the 12th year of the concerts by the Kearney Community Band. He usually picks a theme song for each year. This year he plans to use Ive Got Rhythm, a tune the band used several years ago.

I think its been long enough that we can start to repeat the themes, Frizane joked.

The concert on June 30 will be a big, early Fourth of July patriotic performance, he said. Well pull out all the stops, as far as patriotic songs go.

Organizing a community summer band takes a lot of patience as well as persistence.

I hope people will enjoy being a part of something that is very American, Frizane said. Years ago, before we had phonographs and things like that, all the music you heard was live. These concerts in the park were very standard events in small-town America. The townspeople would get together, get out their instruments and they would join together and make music. Sometimes the music might not be the best, but people took a lot of pride in their town bands.

The Kearney Community Band seeks to continue the tradition of performing with pride, the director explained.

There are a lot of town bands throughout the country, Frizane said. My brother lives in the Chicago area and he plays in three, sometimes four different town bands. He loves to play. His evenings are taken up with one town band or another.

Frizane understands that finding time to make a commitment to performing music can be a challenge.

People are busier than ever, he said. Last year we had a new fella from Kearney who played trombone. His kids are in band, too. He was a real help to our band. Well, he cant come at all this year because his 6-year-old son is playing T-ball and that takes up two nights a week.

Each year Frizane sees a core group of performers who show up for the fun of making music.

Were small and I wish we could grow in numbers, he said. Were going to try again this summer and make a go of it.

For more information about the concerts or performing with the Kearney Community Band, call the director at 308-832-1461.



KEARNEY  Dan Frizane encourages band players to dig out their instruments and join the band.

Im good at begging people to come and play with us, said the leader of the Kearney Community Band. Were entirely volunteer-based. Were at the mercy of musicians who come and volunteer their time. Nobody is paid  including myself. I encourage people to dig their instrument out and play with us. Ive learned that people who say, Oh, I havent touched my horn in years, when they get it out and play, theyre pleasantly surprised. A lot of it comes back to them.

Frizane wants those people to experience the joy of making music on a summer evening in the park.

Weve had a lot of middle-aged and older people, who might have played in high school, come out and play with us, he said.

The Kearney Community Band also attracts student musicians who want to keep up their skills over the summer.

I tell the young people that its a great way to improve their playing skills, especially sight reading, Frizane noted. We read the music on Tuesday and then we perform the songs on Thursday. Its not like the high school bands that take a concert piece and practice it for three months before taking it to a festival.

With that in mind, Frizane believes that gathering in the park for an evening of music benefits the audiences as well.

Kearney Community Band will present five weekly concerts beginning at 7 p.m. June 2 at the Sonatorium at Harmon Park. Admission to all the concerts is free.

Practice sessions are at 7:30 p.m. on the Tuesdays before the performances at the Harmon Park Activity Center.

Frizane counts this as about the 12th year of the concerts by the Kearney Community Band. He usually picks a theme song for each year. This year he plans to use Ive Got Rhythm, a tune the band used several years ago.

I think its been long enough that we can start to repeat the themes, Frizane joked.

The concert on June 30 will be a big, early Fourth of July patriotic performance, he said. Well pull out all the stops, as far as patriotic songs go.

Organizing a community summer band takes a lot of patience as well as persistence.

I hope people will enjoy being a part of something that is very American, Frizane said. Years ago, before we had phonographs and things like that, all the music you heard was live. These concerts in the park were very standard events in small-town America. The townspeople would get together, get out their instruments and they would join together and make music. Sometimes the music might not be the best, but people took a lot of pride in their town bands.

The Kearney Community Band seeks to continue the tradition of performing with pride, the director explained.

There are a lot of town bands throughout the country, Frizane said. My brother lives in the Chicago area and he plays in three, sometimes four different town bands. He loves to play. His evenings are taken up with one town band or another.

Frizane understands that finding time to make a commitment to performing music can be a challenge.

People are busier than ever, he said. Last year we had a new fella from Kearney who played trombone. His kids are in band, too. He was a real help to our band. Well, he cant come at all this year because his 6-year-old son is playing T-ball and that takes up two nights a week.

Each year Frizane sees a core group of performers who show up for the fun of making music.

Were small and I wish we could grow in numbers, he said. Were going to try again this summer and make a go of it.

For more information about the concerts or performing with the Kearney Community Band, call the director at 308-832-1461.

MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.

Tesla's share price fell yet further on Friday to close 6.42 percent down, as the company reeled from revelations that their founder Elon Musk paid off a sexual harassment accuser, and the ongoing unsettling impact of his bid to buy Twitter.

Musk, 50, has seen his company's share price tank 40 percent since April 4.

The company has been hit with supply chain issues, and is struggling to compensate for the lockdowns that continue in China, causing delays in essential components.

It is also facing a growing threat from other manufacturers of electric vehicles: Volkswagen sold 56,000 battery-powered cars in Western Europe during the first three months of the year, almost catching Tesla, which sold 58,000.

Last month the S&P 500 ESG Index, a listing of companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards, kicked Tesla out of its listings, citing allegations of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its factories. Musk said it was a 'scam' and based on prejudice against him.

Elon Musk is seen in September 2020 at the site of a future Tesla factory on the outskirts of the German capital, Berlin. His company's shares at the time were valued at $407

Tesla's shares are down almost 45 percent so far this year, and have plunged in the last month

Furthermore, investors are questioning whether the company, worth $1 trillion, has been over-valued, and it too closely aligned with its mercurial owners.

Musk famously fired his communications team in October 2020, and handles the issue himself, with eyebrow-raising results.

His online presence reinforces the perception that Tesla lacks an independent board of directors, which would help stop him from damaging the business.

'From a corporate good governance perspective Tesla has a lot of red flags,' said Andrew Poreda, a senior analyst who specializes in socially responsible investing at Sage Advisory Services, an investment firm in Austin, Texas.

He told The New York Times: 'There are almost no checks and balances.'

Tesla's share price has declined significantly since his April 25 deal was agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion.

The share price decline has complicated Musk's bid, because it has reduced the capital he can put into the company.

Musk lost $15.7 billion of his net worth last week, as shares of his electric vehicle maker fell by 8 percent.

Tesla's factory in Shanghai. The lockdowns in China have hit Tesla's supply chain hard

A Tesla vehicle is seen at a Manhattan dealership in January

Musk is seen in March 2022 in Berlin with the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, celebrating the start of production

The company's share price peaked in November, at $1,222.

At the beginning of this year it was at $1,999, but has sharply dropped off since.

Still, the share price is indeed up from a year ago: in May 2021, Tesla shares were valued at $580.

His Twitter bid has certainly not helped, as it has put Musk himself front and center in his businesses.

The billionaire's latest comments on politics and a claim of sexual harassment against him that he said is untrue may hurt the brand in the eyes of some car owners and employees.

Musk on Thursday denied a report by Business Insider that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016, calling the person who made the claim a liar.

The previous day, the Tesla chief executive, in the midst of a contentious effort to buy Twitter Inc, said he would now vote Republican instead of Democrat and called the Democrats a 'party of division and hate.'

While Musk has made attention-grabbing headlines before - once calling one critic a 'pedo guy' on Twitter - the latest controversies again raise the question whether his outspokenness will tarnish his likeability.

Musk is seen in Berlin in March, opening his newest production facility

And - since Musk is so closely tied to Tesla - whether that will that hurt the carmaker's sales, especially in California.

The left-leaning state is Tesla's largest market, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the company's U.S. retail registrations last year, according to Experian data.

Tesla sales in California were up almost 70 percent in the year and it had a 6.5 percent share of all vehicles in the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

#BoycottTesla was trending on Twitter on Friday and several people claimed they were canceling their car orders.

'In the past, I admired him for working to build a green business that's transformational in energy use. But he is sadly becoming divisive as an attention seeking troll and I no longer trust that he is dedicated to the quality of his products. I will cancel my Tesla order,' said J Yeh, a Twitter user who describes herself as a lawyer who has lived in several cities including Los Angeles.

'You lost a potential customer,' a Twitter user named Ute Bauer from Germany said, adding in German: 'To anyone reading this, cancel your orders.'

Many institutional investors may stand by Musk no matter what, given the company's strong performance in the last 12 months, but that doesn't mean some aren't frustrated.

'They're doing a lot of good things,' said Taylor Ogan, CEO of Snow Bull Capital, which owns Tesla shares.

'It's just disappointing when that is tainted by Elon Musk's antics.

'Elon Musk is the best thing for Tesla and the worst thing for Tesla.'

One Tesla employee, who asked not to be identified, voiced frustration that Musk's efforts outside Tesla appeared to be hurting the carmaker's stock.

'The company needs to do something to address the issue,' he said, according to Reuters.

If discussion around water coolers at work focused on the sexual harassment claim against Musk rather than Tesla products, the end result could be 'corrosive' for the Tesla brand, said John Smith, a former group vice president at GM who ran global product planning.

Tesla and SpaceX employees also could become 'a little bit rattled and angry' because of Musk's anti-Democratic party comments as technology company staff in California tend to be more liberal, said Jason Stomel, founder of tech talent agency Cadre.

Bill Nelson, administrator of NASA, which relies on Musk's SpaceX to fly its astronauts to space, told Reuters on Thursday that Musk has a strong team of executives at the spacecraft maker and the agency's partnership with the company was 'going without a hitch.'

That left some industry observers wondering whether Musk and Tesla would simply shake off these latest controversies, as they have in the past.

'Is Elon Musk now crazy, or crazy like a fox? He has earned the benefit of the doubt as he is often playing chess when the rest of us are playing checkers,' Northwestern University professor Erik Qualman said.

'As Musk himself on 'Saturday Night Live' famously stated, 'What, did you think I would be normal?''

Trump says Elon Musk's takeover of 'Fake Twitter' is 'probably illegal' and claims the billionaire told him he'd always voted Republican in scathing post on his rival Truth Social network

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network, Truth Social.

In his post on Friday, Trump slammed Musk, claiming that he had lied when he recently said that he had previously voted Democrat but was switching his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Musk had tweeted this week: 'In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.'

'Gee, Elon Musk never told me that until now he only voted for Democrats. Actually, it was quite the contrary,' wrote Trump in his Truth Social post.

Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, calling the billionaire's $44 billion Twitter takeover 'probably illegal' in a post on his own competing social media network

He continued: 'but now it seems, with all of his problems with a probably illegal purchase of a crummy phony account loaded company, Fake Twitter, he wants to be a Republican because the Dems are a 'Party of hate."

'I could have told him that a long time ago, but actually they are a Party of sickness, greed, corruption & absolute horrible policy,' added Trump. 'Good luck Elon, have fun!!!'

Trump did not explain what element of Musk's Twitter bid, which was accepted by the company's board in a legally binding contract, might be 'illegal'.

Although Musk has vowed to allow Trump to return to Twitter if his buyout closes successfully, Trump has repeatedly said that he won't go back, and his post on Friday was the latest sign that he holds no enthusiasm for Twitter.

Trump was banned from Twitter following his loyalists' attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, after the company said he violated their ban on glorification of violence.

Trump lashed out at Musk as his own social media venture faces the prospect of increased competition if Musk acquires Twitter and allows conservatives that had been banned a freer rein on the site.

Truth Social had been billed as the conservative alternative to Twitter, and in appearance and function the two sites are extremely similar.

Musk on Friday jetted to Brazil for a meeting with the country's controversial President Jair Bolsonaro while mired in a new sex scandal.

Musk, who denied paying off a private jet flight-attendant for exposing himself to her, flew to Sao Paolo Friday to discuss illegal deforestation of the rain forest and rural internet connectivity in Brazil.

The Tesla billionaire - who is the world's richest man, with an estimated fortune of $208 billion - will have burned around 30,000 pounds of jet fuel on the lengthy flight.

The day before the meeting with Bolsonaro, a report emerged alleging that Musk sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016.

Musk has denied exposing himself to the woman and propositioning her for sex. It's further alleged that the flight attendant was paid $250,000 to remain silent.

According to the Twitter account ElonJet, that tracks the comings-and-goings of the billionaire's private jet, Musk's Gulfstream landed in Sao Paulo around 8 a.m. EDT.

The account notes that Musk's journey to discuss the future of the rainforest would have used close to 30,000 pounds of jet fuel and created 47 tons of CO2 emissions.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro (L) shakes hands with CEO, and chief engineer at SpaceX, Elon Musk, at the event Conecta Amazonia in Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on Friday

Musk tweeted: 'Hodl the rainforests' in 2021!!' Hodl is a social media acronym for 'Hold on for deal life'

Musk's Gulfstream CG50 can hold up to 44,000 pounds of jet fuel or 6,597 gallons.

Bolsonaro said on a live broadcast Thursday night: 'Well have a meeting with a world-renowned person, whos coming to help our Amazon,' reports Bloomberg. Bolsonaro did not mention Musk in the broadcast.

It is no secret that Bolsonaro has wanted Musk to build a Tesla factory in Brazil since at least 2020.

The Bolsonaro meeting also comes just days after Musk announced that he will 'vote Republican' after previously supporting Democrats in the past.

Bolsonaro is an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump and vice versa. The controversial Brazilian leader has even been christened in some circles as 'The Trump of the Tropics.'

When Musk announced his plans to acquire Twitter, Bolsonaro championed the takeover.

The Brazilian president has claimed that he has been censored by social media platforms in the past.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
The politics of high school students aren't interesting in the least.

We've been blogging this story mostly because the online interest and hateration AMONGST ADULTS has been so powerfully silly that we couldn't turn away.



Amateur bloggy denizens and paid social media hacks wanted to practice a bit of online misinformation this week but here's MSM reporting a dangerous bit of intimidation as students learn a life lesson and insight that war is politics by other means . . . And tragically, vice versa.



Earlier this week, a group of Lees Summit West students were holding a preliminary meeting to start a chapter of Turning Point USA at the high school.



According to the district, the meeting ended prematurely after a student turned over a glass table, shattering it.



The administration is processing the incident in accordance with its discipline policy.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close





MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski collected the 100th hit of her career in the Bears win over Fitch. For the week, Stepski was 8 for 11 with three doubles, her 12th home run of the season and six RBIs. Stepski is hitting .746 with 49 RBIs and 30 extra-base hits.

RACHEL FEDERICO, Westerly, Track, Junior; Federico finished first in the discus at the Class B championships. Federico had a school-record throw of 121-4 to take first place. She broke the previous mark of 111-7 by 9-9.

MARISSA PERKINS, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Perkins was 7 for 16 as the Lions played five games during the week. Perkins hit two homers, doubled twice and drove in nine runs. She is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs this season.

IAN CLARK, Chariho Track, Junior; Clark finished first in the 200 with a meet record at the Class B championships. He also ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that established a meet record, and he placed first in the 100.

Vote

View Results
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.
Junta Watch Junta Watch: A Softer Tone to Woo Teachers Back; Harsh Words for the UN, and More

Teachers take part in a sit-in protest against the military coup on Feb. 9, 2021, a few days after the military staged a coup. / The Irrawaddy

Regime struggles to open schools

Seriously short of experienced teachers and with schools set to open next month, the military regime, which has dismissed and issued arrest warrants for striking teachers, has been attempting to coax strikers to return to work.

The invitation, which has been published daily in the juntas newspapers since May 17, says anyone who has not committed a serious crime can return to work, with their absence to date being treated as unpaid leave.

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmars 400,000 teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in opposition to the military coup last year, according to the Education Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government.

Last year, as Min Aung Hlaing reopened schools after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, his regime trained new recruits to fill the vacancies left by striking teachers. But with the junta chief now inviting striking teachers to come back, it is obvious that his replacement scheme has failed. When classes reopened last year, the majority of parents refused to send their children to school, in a show of opposition to the military regime.

At the same time, the NUG is providing teacher training taught by striking professors and teachers. The NUG has opened schools in some places under its control, and is offering online classes in others.

In response to the juntas invitation, striking education staff have called for a continued boycott of education under military rule.

Junta chiefs adviser slams UN

The May 17 issues of the juntas newspapers featured a lengthy article critical of the UN written by former UN employee Daw Yin Yin Nwe, who is now an adviser to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The article entitled Four basic facts about the UN that Myanmar people should know while international community including the US has attached greater importance to their relations with the NUG argues that the UN unfairly singled out Myanmars military and military government for criticism despite the fact that coups occur in other countries.

According to Daw Yin Yin Nwe, the UN has failed to learn the lessons from the past that sanctions can only impoverish the Myanmar people and will not help to bring down the military government. Though there are many ongoing human rights violations and dictatorships in various countries, the UN is only putting Myanmar under the spotlight, she says.

She goes on to argue that there will be more losses than gains for the UN if it does not recognize the current military government. Foreign and local staff of UN agencies in Myanmar will suffer if the agreements between the UN and Myanmar expire and the current government does not want to extend them. UN assistance is not irreplaceable, she wrote.

The 70-year-old is the daughter-in-law of late military dictator U Ne Win, and was an education adviser to former President U Thein Sein.

Trained as a geologist, she worked with UNICEF from 1991 to 2011. In August 2012 she was appointed a member of a Commission of Inquiry investigating communal violence in Rakhine State that year. As an adviser to the military regime, she has often written pro-junta articles in regime newspapers.

Mouthpiece exalts Myanmar-China ties

The regime has experienced a number of international setbacks of late, including decisions by both Britain and Australia to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Naypyitaw, as well as informal meetings between civilian National Unity Government Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung and US officials amid last weeks US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington (to which Min Aung Hlaing was not invited). Against this backdrop, military mouthpiece Myawady Daily argues that there would be no disputes between the nations of the world if other countries were able to achieve the good neighborly relations that Myanmar and China enjoy.

An editorial in the papers May 19 issue entitled Pauk-Phaw, a phrase meaning fraternal that is often used to describe the relationship between two neighbors, argues that the two countries have always enjoyed a trouble-free relationship because China has always been such a good neighbor to Myanmar, and has always wanted to see positive changes in Myanmars politics.

With the exception of China and Russia, the international community has condemned and largely shunned the regime for its violence against the Myanmar people. And the reasons are hardly secrets; Russia engages with the regime because the Myanmar military is a major buyer of its weapons, while China has extensive economic interests inside Myanmar.

AA put on notice

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun challenged the Arakan Army (AA) during a press conference on Thursday, saying the armed groups recent statements seem intended to provoke a fight.

He told the AA not to blame Myanmars military if conflicts arise in Rakhine State because of the armed groups recent activities. The Myanmar military is exercising restraint in order to avoid any harm coming to Rakhine people, and for the sake of peace, he warned.

In a Twitter post in early May, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing issued a warning to the commander of the Myanmar militarys western command, which oversees operations in Rakhine State, in response to the regimes tightened security checks and arrest of alleged AA affiliates. The AA chief said he would crush the command if it keeps on doing things that harm the Rakhine people.

On May 15, the armed group warned of potential clashes in Rakhine in a statement accusing the regime of disrupting the AAs parallel administration. The following day, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing held a two-hour meeting with ministers of the civilian National Unity Government, which is likely to have bitterly upset the regime.

Myanmars military and the AA have observed an unofficial ceasefire since November 2020.

The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.
The May 15 Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times featured a full-page article entitled, When Music From Ukraine Once Thrived. The author is Gabrielle Cornish, an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music.

The ostensible purpose of Ms. Cornishs essay is the examination of the classical music tradition in Ukraine, to give due attention to this musical history that has in her opinion been neglected. She poses this issue, however, within the framework of the current war in Ukraine. The basic theme of the article is that, just as Ukraine has languished under the Russian jackboot, so too has its classical music suffered from this oppression. Thus Ukrainian music is enlistedquite apart from its overall history and an objective examination of its merits, which may be considerablein the service of the current US-NATO war against Russia. The Putin regimes reactionary invasion in February triggered this conflict aimed at humiliating and if possible dismembering Russia, a project that had long been planned.

Dmitri Shostakovich in 1950 (Photo creditDeutsche Fotothek)

Cornish begins by spelling out her endorsement of the frenzied campaign currently being waged against Russian literature, Russian music and performers, Russian film and Russian culture in general. Since the invasion began, she writes, the question of whether to perform music by Russian composers in the shadow of Putins war has been debated, with arguments both in favor of and against cancellations. In other words, according to this logic, there are perfectly legitimate reasons for banning the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893, and Dmitri Shostakovich, a victim of Stalinist repression who died almost 50 years ago. Cornish delicately ignores any comparison between her modest proposal and the Nazi edict against performing the compositions of such 19th century musical giants as Felix Mendelssohn (a convert to Lutheranism), Giacomo Meyerbeer and scores of others. The Nazis clamored about Jewish and Bolshevik cultural influence and the need to cleanse German art of this contamination.

The author goes on to discuss some of the major figures of Ukrainian music from the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. These include Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912), Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) and Nikolai Roslavets (1881-1944). In the interests of her pro-war nationalist line, Cornish implies that they were all equally victims of Russia, the enemy of the Ukrainian people and its culture. She makes reference to vicious Stalin-era repression, but downplays the fact that Ukrainian composers and other artists were hardly the only ones to suffer during that period. The basic lie, common to the great majority of contemporary historians, and in this case extended to the field of musicology, is that the Bolshevik regime of Lenin and Trotsky and the counterrevolutionary bureaucracy headed by Stalin were two species of the same evil of communism.

However, Cornish contradicts herself repeatedly. Her argument has numerous and obvious holes in it. The glaring inconsistencya distortion that approaches outright falsificationis that the author intentionally minimizes the significance of the October 1917 Revolution in order to demonize Russia in general.

Nikolay Roslavets

It is not possible to write about the music of the modern era, as she is forced to acknowledge, without mentioning the period between the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist repressions of the 1930s. She tellingly admits, for instance, that during the 1920s, under Soviet rule, with Ukraine a component of the newly formed USSR, the city of Kyiv was a hotbed for modernist music and experimentationoften, with a particularly Ukrainian twist. So much for the immense damage done by Lenin and the Bolsheviks!

Two paragraphs later, Cornish informs us that Ukrainian choral culture was given an important place by  the Soviet government in the 1920s. Further on, she writes that the Leontovych Musical Society, founded in Kiev in 1921, by 1928 had found a corollary in the Association for Contemporary Music, an organization based in Moscow that sought to merge modernist idioms with revolutionary ideals. This group was even headed by a composer of Ukrainian origin, Nikolai Roslavets, who had worked extensively in both countries, she writes.

It was the Stalinist regimethe regime that liquidated virtually the entire surviving leadership of the 1917 Revolutionthat executed such Soviet Ukrainian figures as Les Kurbas (1887-1937), a film and stage director, as Cornish notes. Kurbas, an associate of such leading figures of the Soviet theater avant-garde as Vsevolod Meyerhold (executed in 1940) and Yevgeny Vakhtangov, was arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1933 and shot in 1937. Roslavets was exiled to Uzbekistan, where he conducted a secondary school band for two years. He died of a stroke, probably brought on by his persecutions.

Les Kurbas

After tracing this music history with at least some accuracy, even if in a disjointed and confused fashion, Cornish explains that efforts are presently being made to promote Ukrainian classical music. It is not possible to form opinions on this music without having heard it, and there is certainly no reason to neglect it. But that is not what the Times feature is primarily up to. The forgotten or less well known Ukrainian composers of the past are cynically being used for purposes that many of them would indignantly reject if they were here and aware of them. And there are also strong reasons to suspect that nationalism is being used to elevate composers simply because they are Ukrainian, and to lower the estimation of others simply because they are Russian.

As in politics and other fields, the Stalinist degeneration of the October Revolution is utilized to advance the most right-wing arguments. Cornish summarizes the views of Kiev Symphony Orchestra artistic director Liuba Morozova, who argues that performing music by canonical composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich obscures the realities of Putins Russia. How in the world does it do that? Cornish doesnt bother to ask. She further cites Morozovas claim that their music has become a sort of cultural weapon that serves to make Russia attractive to Europeans.

There you have it! Stop performing Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Add Sergei Prokofiev, Alexander Glazunov and some other musical giants while you are at it. Lately, some major musical organizations like the Metropolitan Opera, have claimed they have absolutely nothing against Russian music. Tchaikovsky and others have indeed been programmed, but, as the Times article shows, the liberal assurances are not the whole story. As the war fever escalates, the anti-Russian drumbeat intensifies. Cornish is careful not to openly endorse the banning of Russian musicinstead she approvingly quotes those who do.

Morozovas argument is stupid and absurd, and sinister. One might as well argue that George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein are nothing more than cultural weapons who serve to make America attractive to Europeans.

There is little difference between the chauvinist rubbish being peddled here and the argument of black nationalist Hunter College professor Philip Ewell, who has claimed that Beethoven was at best only an above average composer, and that the focus on Beethoven is part of white music theory, and a racist attack on black musicians!

It should also be added, that even if Ukrainian music had not thrived in the early years of the Soviet Union, the argument that Russian composers should be devalued because of Great Russian chauvinism would be no more progressive than similar arguments against performing the music of German composers because of the Nazis, or American composers because of the crimes of US imperialism.

There is also a rough analogy between the dishonest way in which the history of the Russian Revolution is barely alluded to and then minimized by Professor Cornish, and the technique of the New York Times 1619 Project, which was more brazen in its dismissal of the role of white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln and even the mass civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, in order to depict American history as a period of unbroken and unchanging racism. In both cases, the Times is promoting right-wing nationalism in line with the political requirements of American capitalism.


Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.




Monkeypox cases are getting to see a surge across the world and the real alarm bell has sounded in Europe. For the first time, a record number of Monkeypox cases are being registered here. So far, close to 100 Monkeypox patients have been found in Europe and taking this trend seriously, the World Health Organization (WHO) has held an emergency meeting. It is being said that many issues were discussed in detail in that meeting. The debate also remained on whether Monkeypox should be declared an epidemic. At the moment, Monkeypox has knocked hard in a total of 9 countries of Europe and in this list, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK are there.

Apart from all this, the rising cases of Monkeypox in the US, Australia and Canada have also raised concerns. However, amid these increasing cases, experts are assuming that this disease will not be able to become an epidemic because it does not spread as fast as the corona. It's also not easy to get infected. Recently, Professor Fabian of the Robert Koch Institute has said that it seems difficult that this epidemic is too long-lasting. Cases of this disease can be easily isolated and prevented in one place. The vaccine can also significantly reduce the effect of Monkeypox. However, the European chief of the WHO is more concerned about Monkeypox. He says that if people in Europe attend more parties, if they go on holiday in the summer, then this disease is likely to spread more.

The first case of Monkeypox in European countries was reported on May 7. The man also came from Nigeria. Most cases of Monkeypox are being found in African countries. In fact, cases have been increasing there since 2017, but the worrying trend is that now Europe has also joined this race. Some time ago, research is showing that the vaccine used against smallpox is also effective against Monkeypox. Up to about 85 per cent of that vaccine has been found to be effective and even in the hospital, the patients who are being admitted are not a serious target.

The symptoms of Monkeypox show symptoms such as fever, sharp headache, swelling, back pain, muscle pain and fatigue within five days of being infected. Monkeypox initially resembles chickenpox, measles or smallpox. However, one to three days after the onset of fever, its effect on the skin begins to appear. As soon as you see, the rash comes out on the body. Small rashes come out on the hands and feet, palms, soles of feet and face. These rashes look like wounds and themselves dry up and fall out.

Britain begins discussions with Mexico on free trade agreement.

Russia continues to expel five diplomats in Moscow

South Korea, US to work together to To Counter N Korea's Nuclear Threat


State Republican Reps. Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire will both face Democrat challengers as they seek re-election for their District 19 seats.

Two Democrat candidates have filed to run against McEntire in November, Jon-Erik Hegstad of Longview and Cara Cusack from Chehalis. Kelli Hughes-Ham of Grays Harbor filed against Walsh.

The two representatives for District 20, Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt, will likely run unopposed for re-election. Neither had a challenger for their seat file before the Friday afternoon deadline.

Walsh was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and has been re-elected twice. McEntire just completed his first term as a legislator.

Hegstad is a Longview native who has been a progressive activist for years. Hegstad applied to be a Cowlitz County Commissioner last year but was not interviewed as one of the finalists. He told The Daily News Friday that climate change was his No. 1 priority.

Cusack told The Daily News that she moved to Washington in 2018 to be closer to her grandchildren and works for a company that designs virtual-reality simulators for the U.S. military. Cusack said she was a moderate Democrat and named womens rights, LGBTQ rights and landowner rights among her major issues.

I feel like what we need more in this district is someone that can reach across both sides of the aisle and work with both parties, Cusack said.

Hughes-Ham teaches English, art and career and technical education at Ilwaco High School. She said Wednesday that the state was not doing enough to fund smaller, rural districts like Ocean Beach School District and that education and housing would be a major part of her campaign.

Hughes-Ham said she planned to run an aggressive campaign against Walsh, who has been among the most outspoken conservatives in the House of Representatives.

Anyone who teaches high school and middle school has been called all the mean names in the book. He wont intimidate me, Hughes-Ham said.

Candidates for all races that will appear on the local ballots in November needed to file with the elections office by 5 p.m. Friday. Partisan races with more than two candidates will head to the August primaries.

The following people filed for local campaigns this week, in addition to the statewide races for U.S. senator, Washington Secretary of State and three State Supreme Court justice positions:

Congressional District 3

Jaime Herrera Beutler (Incumbent)

Joe Kent

Oliver Black

Chris Byrd

Leslie French

Vicki Kraft

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Davy Ray

Heidi St. John

State Representative, District 19 Position 1

Jim Walsh (Incumbent)

Kelli Hughes-Ham

State Representative, District 19 Position 2

Joel McEntire (Incumbent)

Jon-Erik Hegstad

Cara Cusack

State Representative, District 20 Position 1

Peter Abbarno (Incumbent)

State Representative, District 20 Position 2

Ed Orcutt (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Commissioner, District 3

John Jabusch (Incumbent)

Rick Dahl

Christie Masters

Cowlitz County Assessor

Emily Wilcox (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Auditor

Carolyn Fundingsland (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Clerk

Staci Myklebust (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Coroner

Timothy Davidson (Incumbent)

Dana Tucker

Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney

Ryan Jurvakainen (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Sheriff

Brad Thurman (Incumbent)

Rob Gibbs

Ronald Lundine

Cowlitz County Treasurer

Debra Gardner

District Court Judge Position 1

Kevin Blondin

District Court Judge Position 2

Jamie Imboden (Incumbent)

District Court Judge Position 3

John Hays (Incumbent)

Cowlitz PUD District 3 Commissioner

Dave Quinn (Incumbent)

Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Boeing's Starliner capsule docked with the International Space Station Friday, a major milestone in a high-stakes uncrewed test flight as the US aerospace giant seeks to restore its reputation following past failures.

The spaceship made contact at 8:28 pm Eastern time (0028 GMT Saturday), a little over 24 hours after it blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to prove itself capable of providing safe rides for NASA astronauts.

"Starliner spacecraft completes its historic first docking to the International Space Station, opening a new avenue of access for crews to the orbiting laboratory," said an announcer.

But the vessel missed the scheduled rendezvous time by more than an hour due to technical issues -- including a problem that required ground control to retract its docking system then re-deploy it.

Starliner also encountered some propulsion problems early on in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for placing it in a stable orbit failing, though officials insisted these were non-critical systems.

One of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located on Starliner's aft side shut off after one second, at which point a second thruster kicked in and took over, but also cut out after 25 seconds.

The ship's software then engaged a third thruster that completed the necessary burn.

"That system operated normally during all of the propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, does not pose a risk to the rest of the flight test," a NASA blog post about the issue said.

Starliner's success is key to re-establishing Boeing's credibility after its first launch, back in 2019, failed to dock with the ISS due to software bugs -- one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry.

A second try was scheduled in August 2021, but the capsule was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should and the vessel was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes.

NASA is looking to certify Starliner as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station -- a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020.

Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts -- $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.6 billion to SpaceX -- in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant on Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost.

Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven.

In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform, while Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of Dollars.

Starliner is delivering more than 800 Pounds of cargo to the ISS as part of this mission.

Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer -- a play on the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter -- whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors to learn what human astronauts would experience.

"We are a little jealous of Rosie," NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission later this year should OFT-2 succeed, said at a press conference this week.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five days in space, then undock and return to Earth on May 25, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States.

NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter problems.





Elon Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Musk has denied the claims in a Business Insider article, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded in kind, writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

Elon Musk traded jokes with his old friend Chad Hurley (right) about the allegations against him, offering to buy Hurley a horse of he touches his 'wiener'

He also made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted

Musk, who was in Brazil on Friday to meet with President Jair Bolsonaro, has offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, but said the deal can't go forward until the company provides information about how many accounts on the platform are spam or bots.

Several hours before the Business Insider report was published on Thursday, Musk tweeted that he had previously voted for Democrats but would now vote for Republicans and suggested that the left would launch a 'dirty tricks campaign' against him.

He stepped up his political remarks on Friday in a series of tweets, calling an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

The claim that a server at Trump Tower was clandestinely communicating with Alfa Bank in Russia was later discredited.

The 'covert server' allegation is also now at the center of the trial of former Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussman, who is charged with lying to the FBI about his affiliation with the campaign when he told them about the alleged server.

Musk referenced the saga in several tweets on Friday, including one responding to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

'Bet most people still don't know that a Clinton campaign lawyer, using campaign funds, created an elaborate hoax about Trump and Russia. Makes you wonder what else is fake,' wrote Musk.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests when he told them about an alleged 'covert server' in Trump Tower

In another, the billionaire wrote simply, 'Sus man', in a reference both to Sussman and the slang term that means 'suspicious.'

On Friday, Musk also launched a search for 'hardcore streetfighters' to join a legal team he was building, to combat the allegations against him.

' Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits,' he tweeted.

'The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability.'

He added: 'There will be blood.'

Thursday's report by Business Insider claimed that Musk was accused of misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016.

Elon Musk is seen on Friday in Sao Paulo, meeting Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro. The meeting was held to discuss improving internet connectivity in remote Amazon communities and to plan how to track deforestation. It is being seen as a coup for Bolsonaro, ahead of October's election

Bolsonaro is pictured greeting the South African-born billionaire ahead of their meeting at a hotel in the countryside outside of Sao Paulo

The report said SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim.

The Business Insider report was based on an account by the flight attendants friend, who said the flight attendant told her about the incident shortly after it happened.

The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.

SpaceX didn't respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.

Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.

'And, for the record, those wild accusations are utterly untrue,' he wrote in response to one user who tweeted in support of him.
Elon Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Musk has denied the claims in a Business Insider article, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded in kind, writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

Elon Musk traded jokes with his old friend Chad Hurley (right) about the allegations against him, offering to buy Hurley a horse of he touches his 'wiener'

He also made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted

Musk, who was in Brazil on Friday to meet with President Jair Bolsonaro, has offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, but said the deal can't go forward until the company provides information about how many accounts on the platform are spam or bots.

Several hours before the Business Insider report was published on Thursday, Musk tweeted that he had previously voted for Democrats but would now vote for Republicans and suggested that the left would launch a 'dirty tricks campaign' against him.

He stepped up his political remarks on Friday in a series of tweets, calling an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

The claim that a server at Trump Tower was clandestinely communicating with Alfa Bank in Russia was later discredited.

The 'covert server' allegation is also now at the center of the trial of former Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussman, who is charged with lying to the FBI about his affiliation with the campaign when he told them about the alleged server.

Musk referenced the saga in several tweets on Friday, including one responding to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

'Bet most people still don't know that a Clinton campaign lawyer, using campaign funds, created an elaborate hoax about Trump and Russia. Makes you wonder what else is fake,' wrote Musk.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests when he told them about an alleged 'covert server' in Trump Tower

In another, the billionaire wrote simply, 'Sus man', in a reference both to Sussman and the slang term that means 'suspicious.'

On Friday, Musk also launched a search for 'hardcore streetfighters' to join a legal team he was building, to combat the allegations against him.

' Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits,' he tweeted.

'The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability.'

He added: 'There will be blood.'

Thursday's report by Business Insider claimed that Musk was accused of misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016.

Elon Musk is seen on Friday in Sao Paulo, meeting Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro. The meeting was held to discuss improving internet connectivity in remote Amazon communities and to plan how to track deforestation. It is being seen as a coup for Bolsonaro, ahead of October's election

Bolsonaro is pictured greeting the South African-born billionaire ahead of their meeting at a hotel in the countryside outside of Sao Paulo

The report said SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim.

The Business Insider report was based on an account by the flight attendants friend, who said the flight attendant told her about the incident shortly after it happened.

The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.

SpaceX didn't respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.

Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.

'And, for the record, those wild accusations are utterly untrue,' he wrote in response to one user who tweeted in support of him.
Elon Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Musk has denied the claims in a Business Insider article, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded in kind, writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

Elon Musk traded jokes with his old friend Chad Hurley (right) about the allegations against him, offering to buy Hurley a horse of he touches his 'wiener'

He also made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted

Musk, who was in Brazil on Friday to meet with President Jair Bolsonaro, has offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, but said the deal can't go forward until the company provides information about how many accounts on the platform are spam or bots.

Several hours before the Business Insider report was published on Thursday, Musk tweeted that he had previously voted for Democrats but would now vote for Republicans and suggested that the left would launch a 'dirty tricks campaign' against him.

He stepped up his political remarks on Friday in a series of tweets, calling an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

The claim that a server at Trump Tower was clandestinely communicating with Alfa Bank in Russia was later discredited.

The 'covert server' allegation is also now at the center of the trial of former Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussman, who is charged with lying to the FBI about his affiliation with the campaign when he told them about the alleged server.

Musk referenced the saga in several tweets on Friday, including one responding to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

'Bet most people still don't know that a Clinton campaign lawyer, using campaign funds, created an elaborate hoax about Trump and Russia. Makes you wonder what else is fake,' wrote Musk.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests when he told them about an alleged 'covert server' in Trump Tower

In another, the billionaire wrote simply, 'Sus man', in a reference both to Sussman and the slang term that means 'suspicious.'

On Friday, Musk also launched a search for 'hardcore streetfighters' to join a legal team he was building, to combat the allegations against him.

' Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits,' he tweeted.

'The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability.'

He added: 'There will be blood.'

Thursday's report by Business Insider claimed that Musk was accused of misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016.

Elon Musk is seen on Friday in Sao Paulo, meeting Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro. The meeting was held to discuss improving internet connectivity in remote Amazon communities and to plan how to track deforestation. It is being seen as a coup for Bolsonaro, ahead of October's election

Bolsonaro is pictured greeting the South African-born billionaire ahead of their meeting at a hotel in the countryside outside of Sao Paulo

The report said SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim.

The Business Insider report was based on an account by the flight attendants friend, who said the flight attendant told her about the incident shortly after it happened.

The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.

SpaceX didn't respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.

Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.

'And, for the record, those wild accusations are utterly untrue,' he wrote in response to one user who tweeted in support of him.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Boeing's Starliner capsule docked with the International Space Station Friday, a major milestone in a high-stakes uncrewed test flight as the US aerospace giant seeks to restore its reputation following past failures.

The spaceship made contact at 8:28 pm Eastern time (0028 GMT Saturday), a little over 24 hours after it blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to prove itself capable of providing safe rides for NASA astronauts.

"Starliner spacecraft completes its historic first docking to the International Space Station, opening a new avenue of access for crews to the orbiting laboratory," said an announcer.

But the vessel missed the scheduled rendezvous time by more than an hour due to technical issues -- including a problem that required ground control to retract its docking system then re-deploy it.

Starliner also encountered some propulsion problems early on in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for placing it in a stable orbit failing, though officials insisted these were non-critical systems.

One of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located on Starliner's aft side shut off after one second, at which point a second thruster kicked in and took over, but also cut out after 25 seconds.

The ship's software then engaged a third thruster that completed the necessary burn.

"That system operated normally during all of the propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, does not pose a risk to the rest of the flight test," a NASA blog post about the issue said.

Starliner's success is key to re-establishing Boeing's credibility after its first launch, back in 2019, failed to dock with the ISS due to software bugs -- one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry.

A second try was scheduled in August 2021, but the capsule was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should and the vessel was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes.

NASA is looking to certify Starliner as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station -- a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020.

Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts -- $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.6 billion to SpaceX -- in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant on Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost.

Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven.

In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform, while Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of Dollars.

Starliner is delivering more than 800 Pounds of cargo to the ISS as part of this mission.

Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer -- a play on the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter -- whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors to learn what human astronauts would experience.

"We are a little jealous of Rosie," NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission later this year should OFT-2 succeed, said at a press conference this week.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five days in space, then undock and return to Earth on May 25, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States.

NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter problems.
Elon Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Musk has denied the claims in a Business Insider article, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded in kind, writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

Elon Musk traded jokes with his old friend Chad Hurley (right) about the allegations against him, offering to buy Hurley a horse of he touches his 'wiener'

He also made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted

Musk, who was in Brazil on Friday to meet with President Jair Bolsonaro, has offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, but said the deal can't go forward until the company provides information about how many accounts on the platform are spam or bots.

Several hours before the Business Insider report was published on Thursday, Musk tweeted that he had previously voted for Democrats but would now vote for Republicans and suggested that the left would launch a 'dirty tricks campaign' against him.

He stepped up his political remarks on Friday in a series of tweets, calling an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

The claim that a server at Trump Tower was clandestinely communicating with Alfa Bank in Russia was later discredited.

The 'covert server' allegation is also now at the center of the trial of former Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussman, who is charged with lying to the FBI about his affiliation with the campaign when he told them about the alleged server.

Musk referenced the saga in several tweets on Friday, including one responding to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

'Bet most people still don't know that a Clinton campaign lawyer, using campaign funds, created an elaborate hoax about Trump and Russia. Makes you wonder what else is fake,' wrote Musk.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests when he told them about an alleged 'covert server' in Trump Tower

In another, the billionaire wrote simply, 'Sus man', in a reference both to Sussman and the slang term that means 'suspicious.'

On Friday, Musk also launched a search for 'hardcore streetfighters' to join a legal team he was building, to combat the allegations against him.

' Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits,' he tweeted.

'The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability.'

He added: 'There will be blood.'

Thursday's report by Business Insider claimed that Musk was accused of misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016.

Elon Musk is seen on Friday in Sao Paulo, meeting Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro. The meeting was held to discuss improving internet connectivity in remote Amazon communities and to plan how to track deforestation. It is being seen as a coup for Bolsonaro, ahead of October's election

Bolsonaro is pictured greeting the South African-born billionaire ahead of their meeting at a hotel in the countryside outside of Sao Paulo

The report said SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim.

The Business Insider report was based on an account by the flight attendants friend, who said the flight attendant told her about the incident shortly after it happened.

The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.

SpaceX didn't respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.

Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.

'And, for the record, those wild accusations are utterly untrue,' he wrote in response to one user who tweeted in support of him.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.

Data is the fuel that powers the digital economy. While rules for handling data inevitably vary from one country to another, it is important to ask: Can we minimize barriers to cross-border data transfers in order to address common challenges and bring benefits to society? Creating an environmentally sustainable circular economy, for example, requires building a system to capture carbon-related information on products throughout entire global supply chains. That, in turn, requires coordinating data-related regulations in every country  a huge and complicated task. How can it be achieved?

This is where Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) comes in. DFFT was first proposed by Shinzo Abe, then the prime minister of Japan, as a basic principle for rule-making in the field of cross-border data transfers. After its debut in Davos, DFFT was endorsed in June of 2019 by members of the G20 group of nations.

The DFFT concept has influenced rule-making on data-related issues in many countries. Countries around the world have since been working to establish rules for digital trade that align with the DFFT concept. For example, the Japanese government has agreed to hi-standard e-commerce rules in two trade agreements: the Japan-US Digital Trade Agreement and the Japan-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). In addition, preliminary discussions on data-related rules are underway between Japan and the EU. At the regional level, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is also part of this trend, while Japan, Singapore and Australia are jointly facilitating multilateral discussions on e-commerce at the WTO.

Data consensus challenges

There are several barriers currently facing the DFFT initiative. Most significantly, international harmonization is extremely difficult because each country has a different approach to data protection and data trust. Reaching a global consensus on rules that involve security and privacy, in particular, will take time, as national interests and viewpoints vary widely. The issue of government access to private-sector data is a prime example of such an issue. Government access can include actions ranging from purchasing data from the private sector to requesting information for national security reasons.

Categorizing different kinds of government access in ways that policy-makers and other stakeholders in a range of countries can understand is an important step in reconciling perceptions and creating a basis for discussion, and forms part of our work on this topic. The OECD has been working on this issue and making steady progress, but it is expected to take some time to reach a global consensus. In the end, every country needs to take responsibility for explaining its rules and gaining the understanding of its trading partners.

The DFFT Roadmap, developed at the G7 Digital and Technology Ministerial Meeting in 2021, reflects this understanding of the issues. In addition to offering guidelines for trustworthy and reliable government access to data, the roadmap established action plans in three other areas: data localization; regulatory cooperation; and for priority sectors.

DFFT: A bottom-up approach

One argument against DFFT is that if a country participates in a cross-border data transfer system before its domestic data ecosystem is firmly established, its data assets could be stripped by foreign entities.

But the cost of sitting on the sidelines is high. Cross-border data flows can have significant benefits for local economic growth, as the World Economic Forum's white paper, Advancing Data Flow Governance in the Indo-Pacific: Four Country Analyses and Dialogues described.

What is required, then, is a pragmatic and bottom-up approach to DFFT that meets the needs of business. This means that high-level and comprehensive intergovernmental rule-making efforts can parallel public-private partnerships to resolve individual issues.

A recent report by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) analyzed cross-border data flows at the business level, dividing the issue into six categories (see below) of specific challenges and measures, and made recommendations.

According to the report, some IoT manufacturers face the following pain point: They sell IoT equipment globally and provide maintenance service, including failure predictions based on real-time data about operating conditions. However, regulations regarding the handling of such data vary from country to country and change frequently. A clear and uniform process to determine what kinds of information can cross borders would allow for greater leveraging of the capabilities of IoT, including real-time monitoring.

Few discussions about DFFT have examined specific situations in which 'data does not flow' in business settings," said Professor Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, chair of the panel that compiled the report. "We gathered and analyzed cases on the lifecycle of global data transfer using private sector voices and real examples."

These challenges could be solved by establishing a mechanism using RegTech, technologies designed to automate compliance and process monitoring. In this regard, a white paper issued by the Forum in April 2022 identifies seven common success factors that help define best practices in RegTech deployment.

One upcoming milestone for DFFT is likely to be the G7 in 2023, which will be hosted by Japan, the country that proposed the concept in 2019. At the Davos Agenda 2022, Kishida Fumio, prime minister of Japan, expressed his commitment to the effort by stating: "Three years ago in Davos, our country advocated DFFT. We are taking the DFFT even further forward.

As the summit milestone approaches, we hope the debate on DFFT will broaden to include real-world benefits and applications. In that context, we expect that DFFT-aligned public-private partnerships will become even more important as solutions to business pain points.

Written by

Fumiko Kudo, Project Strategy Lead, C4IR, World Economic Forum, Japan

Ryosuke Sakaki, Fellow, C4IR, World Economic Forum, Japan

Jonathan Soble, Editorial and Communication Lead, World Economic Forum, C4IR Japan


Authorities in Ecuador on Friday arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas, after a court ordered him back to prison to serve out the rest of a corruption sentence.

Police arrested Glas at his home in the port city of Guayaquil, according to videos posted on social media.

He did not resist arrest.

"I am going back to jail with a lot of pain for my family but as part of my personal struggle and of a political project that is living history," said Glas, who served as vice president from 2013-17.

The arrest came after a court in the southwestern province of Santa Elena struck down a lower court's ruling releasing Glas from jail for health reasons.

Glas, while serving a six-year sentence for receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from the construction giant Odebrecht, was sentenced in January last year to a separate eight-year term for misuse of public funds.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.



Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.










Authorities in Ecuador on Friday arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas, after a court ordered him back to prison to serve out the rest of a corruption sentence.

Police arrested Glas at his home in the port city of Guayaquil, according to videos posted on social media.

He did not resist arrest.

"I am going back to jail with a lot of pain for my family but as part of my personal struggle and of a political project that is living history," said Glas, who served as vice president from 2013-17.

The arrest came after a court in the southwestern province of Santa Elena struck down a lower court's ruling releasing Glas from jail for health reasons.

Glas, while serving a six-year sentence for receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from the construction giant Odebrecht, was sentenced in January last year to a separate eight-year term for misuse of public funds.
Authorities in Ecuador on Friday arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas, after a court ordered him back to prison to serve out the rest of a corruption sentence.

Police arrested Glas at his home in the port city of Guayaquil, according to videos posted on social media.

He did not resist arrest.

"I am going back to jail with a lot of pain for my family but as part of my personal struggle and of a political project that is living history," said Glas, who served as vice president from 2013-17.

The arrest came after a court in the southwestern province of Santa Elena struck down a lower court's ruling releasing Glas from jail for health reasons.

Glas, while serving a six-year sentence for receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from the construction giant Odebrecht, was sentenced in January last year to a separate eight-year term for misuse of public funds.
Authorities in Ecuador on Friday arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas, after a court ordered him back to prison to serve out the rest of a corruption sentence.

Police arrested Glas at his home in the port city of Guayaquil, according to videos posted on social media.

He did not resist arrest.

"I am going back to jail with a lot of pain for my family but as part of my personal struggle and of a political project that is living history," said Glas, who served as vice president from 2013-17.

The arrest came after a court in the southwestern province of Santa Elena struck down a lower court's ruling releasing Glas from jail for health reasons.

Glas, while serving a six-year sentence for receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from the construction giant Odebrecht, was sentenced in January last year to a separate eight-year term for misuse of public funds.
An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.

My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up [:][WangLimin] , 2022052022:05:47 ,98,2 APP   0  [:1 ] WangLimin   board=NewYork&u=WangLimin [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 1 ] : WangLimin (), : NewYork

 : My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up

: Limin Wang,Phone Call,Daughters,Alexandria Wang,Rosila

: BBS  (Fri May 20 22:05:47 2022, )



My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up

May 20, 2022

Limin Wang



This kind of phone-blocking and/or phone-shunning from my daughters, who are

18- and 20-yr-young, respectively, has started ONLY after the American Evil

System's Humanscums had contacted them, and then thrown the younger one,

Alexandria Wang, down the PSYCHIATRIC DESTRUCTION path by the AES HUMANSCUMS

' feeding of "suicide-attempts" to her mind; and the elder one, Rosila Wang,

with their BLOCKING on her attempt to just take the undergraduate program

of Nursing. I do such live broadcasting to just demonstrate to the whole

world whoever may care about the ones who are suffering from the American

Evil System's Humanscums THE SUFFERINGS. Tens of minutes ago, I had called

both of them, left a voice message, and I have not heard back. And I have

not heard from them almost anything for WEEKS now. Now these two live

broadcast phone calls again were NOT picked up by the daughters. Alexandria'

s phone seems to have blocked my number, and Rosila's phone seems to direct

my call to voice message box after rings.



Facebook Live Broadcast weblink:

https://www.facebook.com/limin.wang.94651/videos/1215633918973893

--

WangLimin People's Voice

http://blog.mitbbs.com/WangLimin

http://www.mitbbs.com/pc/index/WangLimin

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 2603:7000:101:8]

WangLimin   board=NewYork&u=WangLimin [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 2 ] : WangLimin (), : NewYork

 : Re: My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up

: BBS  (Sat May 21 17:05:26 2022, )



Today, May 21, 2022, Saturday, 3:54 PM, I text-messaged the following to

both of my daughters, "Alexandria, the AES HUMANSCUMS HAVE KEPT SENDING

MAILS FROM MOLINA HEALTHCARE ABOUT THE BILLINGS ON YOUR NAME AT HOME ADDRESS

HERE. BY NOW, PROBABLY AROUND FIFTEEN ALREADY. WHAT THE FUCK THOSE

HUMANSCUMS HAVE BEEN DOING TO YOU??? YOU THINK YOU ARE FREE? WHY NOT BREAK

FREE FROM THOSE AES HUMANSCUMS???



  WangLimin () : 

: My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up

: May 20, 2022

: Limin Wang

: This kind of phone-blocking and/or phone-shunning from my daughters, who

are

: 18- and 20-yr-young, respectively, has started ONLY after the American

Evil

: System's Humanscums had contacted them, and then thrown the younger one,

: Alexandria Wang, down the PSYCHIATRIC DESTRUCTION path by the AES

HUMANSCUMS

: ' feeding of "suicide-attempts" to her mind; and the elder one, Rosila

Wang,

: with their BLOCKING on her attempt to just take the undergraduate program

: of Nursing. I do such live broadcasting to just demonstrate to the whole

: ...................







--

WangLimin People's Voice

http://blog.mitbbs.com/WangLimin

http://www.mitbbs.com/pc/index/WangLimin

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 2603:7000:101:8]

WangLimin   board=NewYork&u=WangLimin [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 3 ] : WangLimin (), : NewYork

 : Re: My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up

: BBS  (Sat May 21 17:08:09 2022, )



WHAT KIND OF AMERICAN EVIL SYSTEM AND ITS HUMANSCUMS ARE. NO CONSENT FROM

EITHER PARENT OF ALEXANDRIA WANG'S, AND ALMOST CERTAINLY NO CONSENT FROM

ALEXANDRIA WANG HERSELF, WOULD EVER BE GIVEN TO THOSE HUMANSCUMS OF THE

AMERICAN EVIL SYSTEM ABOUT THE SO-CALLED PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENTS ONTO

ALEXANDRIA WANG. THE AES HUMANSCUMS HAVE DE FACTO JAILED ALEXANDRIA WANG

INTO A LOCATION SECRET AND FORBIDDEN TO THE PARENTS AND SEVERED ALL

COMMUNICATIONS, EVEN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION, BETWEEN ALEXANDRIA WANG AND HER

PARENTS. HOWEVER, THE AES HUMANSCUMS HAVE KEPT SENDING BILLING MAILS TO

ALEXANDRIA WANG AT THE PARENTS' "HOME" ADDRESS FROM MOLINA HEALTHCARE, ATTN:

Utilization Management Department, 5232 Witz Drive, North Syracuse, NY

13212. Many of the mails do not have any postal mark, and the upper right

corner box prints "PRESORTED FIRST-CALL MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOS ANGELES,

CA PERMIT #300. Some others have postal marks of D/S AUTH MAILED ST DETROIT

MI, and ZIP 43607. Ask yourself about those PYSCHIATRIC PROVIDER HUMANSCUMS:

Why you do such PSYCHIATRIC TORTURE to a young CHINESE girl and a young

CHINESE family? I pray you this kind of AES HUMANSCUMS be physically wiped

off by somebodies someday. Down the American Evil System and its HUMANSCUMS.

  WangLimin () : 

: My Attempted Phone-Calls to My Two Daughters Not Picked Up

: May 20, 2022

: Limin Wang

: This kind of phone-blocking and/or phone-shunning from my daughters, who

are

: 18- and 20-yr-young, respectively, has started ONLY after the American

Evil

: System's Humanscums had contacted them, and then thrown the younger one,

: Alexandria Wang, down the PSYCHIATRIC DESTRUCTION path by the AES

HUMANSCUMS

: ' feeding of "suicide-attempts" to her mind; and the elder one, Rosila

Wang,

: with their BLOCKING on her attempt to just take the undergraduate program

: of Nursing. I do such live broadcasting to just demonstrate to the whole

: ...................







--

WangLimin People's Voice

http://blog.mitbbs.com/WangLimin

http://www.mitbbs.com/pc/index/WangLimin

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 2603:7000:101:8]

[:1 ]  0  [] [ ] []    












Monkeypox cases are getting to see a surge across the world and the real alarm bell has sounded in Europe. For the first time, a record number of Monkeypox cases are being registered here. So far, close to 100 Monkeypox patients have been found in Europe and taking this trend seriously, the World Health Organization (WHO) has held an emergency meeting. It is being said that many issues were discussed in detail in that meeting. The debate also remained on whether Monkeypox should be declared an epidemic. At the moment, Monkeypox has knocked hard in a total of 9 countries of Europe and in this list, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK are there.

Apart from all this, the rising cases of Monkeypox in the US, Australia and Canada have also raised concerns. However, amid these increasing cases, experts are assuming that this disease will not be able to become an epidemic because it does not spread as fast as the corona. It's also not easy to get infected. Recently, Professor Fabian of the Robert Koch Institute has said that it seems difficult that this epidemic is too long-lasting. Cases of this disease can be easily isolated and prevented in one place. The vaccine can also significantly reduce the effect of Monkeypox. However, the European chief of the WHO is more concerned about Monkeypox. He says that if people in Europe attend more parties, if they go on holiday in the summer, then this disease is likely to spread more.

The first case of Monkeypox in European countries was reported on May 7. The man also came from Nigeria. Most cases of Monkeypox are being found in African countries. In fact, cases have been increasing there since 2017, but the worrying trend is that now Europe has also joined this race. Some time ago, research is showing that the vaccine used against smallpox is also effective against Monkeypox. Up to about 85 per cent of that vaccine has been found to be effective and even in the hospital, the patients who are being admitted are not a serious target.

The symptoms of Monkeypox show symptoms such as fever, sharp headache, swelling, back pain, muscle pain and fatigue within five days of being infected. Monkeypox initially resembles chickenpox, measles or smallpox. However, one to three days after the onset of fever, its effect on the skin begins to appear. As soon as you see, the rash comes out on the body. Small rashes come out on the hands and feet, palms, soles of feet and face. These rashes look like wounds and themselves dry up and fall out.

Britain begins discussions with Mexico on free trade agreement.

Russia continues to expel five diplomats in Moscow

South Korea, US to work together to To Counter N Korea's Nuclear Threat



Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.



An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.

An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.
A man was taken to the hospital after being shot in Springfield Friday night.

Crews were called to the 400 block of Scott Street around 11:10 p.m. to reports of an adult man shot, according to a sergeant with Springfield Police Department.

Initial scanner traffic indicated that the man had been shot in the chest and a medical helicopter was requested to the hospital.

>> 1 taken by medical helicopter, 5 others injured after crash in Miami Co.

Information about potential suspects or what led up the shooting is not available at this time.

We will update this story as we learn more.




The New York Times

VATICAN CITY  David Kertzer put down his cappuccino, put on his backpack and went digging for more Vatican secrets. Theres an aspect of treasure-hunting, said Kertzer, a 74-year-old historian. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Moments later, he cut through a crowd lined up to see Pope Francis, showed his credentials to the Swiss Guard and entered the archives of the former headquarters for the Holy Roman Inquisition. Over the last few decades, Kertzer has turned the
London [UK], May 21 (ANI/Sputnik): British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says the United Kingdom and other NATO members are discussing the possibility of sending modern weaponry to Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies," Truss said in a Friday interview with The Telegraph.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

According to Truss, NATO members are talking about the possibility of ensuring that not only Ukraine, but also Moldova has modern defenses.

If the military alliance agrees on the issue, NATO will provide weapons to Moldova in order to replace Soviet-era equipment and will also provide training to Moldovan military personnel, The Telegraph said on Friday. (ANI/Sputnik)

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London [UK], May 21 (ANI/Sputnik): British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says the United Kingdom and other NATO members are discussing the possibility of sending modern weaponry to Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies," Truss said in a Friday interview with The Telegraph.

Also Read | Canada Bans China's Huawei, ZTE From 5G Networks.

According to Truss, NATO members are talking about the possibility of ensuring that not only Ukraine, but also Moldova has modern defenses.

If the military alliance agrees on the issue, NATO will provide weapons to Moldova in order to replace Soviet-era equipment and will also provide training to Moldovan military personnel, The Telegraph said on Friday. (ANI/Sputnik)

Also Read | Common Cold Virus Behind 100,000 Child Deaths Globally in 2019: Lancet Study.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Every spring, crowds flock to admire Japan's cherry blossom  a dazzling pink and white bloom that has been revered in the country for more than a thousand years.

But the world-famous sakura plants are flowering much earlier than normal due to human-induced climate change, a new study has found.

Researchers from the Met Office in the United Kingdom and Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan say the climate crisis and urban warming have pushed forward the "peak bloom" flowering period by 11 days.

In 2021, cherry blossoms in the historic central city of Kyoto peaked on March 26  the earliest full flowering date in 1,200 years. This year, the cherry blossoms burst into color on April 1.

The scientists, who published their findings in the journal Environmental Research Letters on May 20, said that extreme early flowering of the cherry blossoms is now more common.

The trend of earlier peak blooms coincides with rising temperatures. Average March temperatures in Kyoto city center have increased by several degrees since pre-industrial times, under the influence of both climate change and urban warming, the scientists observed.

Part of the reason is increased urbanization. Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas because buildings and roads absorb the sun's heat more than natural landscapes  a phenomena known as the heat island effect.

But scientists say a bigger reason is the climate crisis, in which the burning of fossil fuels has caused rising temperatures across the region and the world.

If planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions continue as they are, by the end of the century Kyoto's cherry blossoms could start arriving even earlier  by almost another week, the study found.

"Our research shows that not only have human-induced climate change and urban warming already impacted the flowering dates of cherry blossom in Kyoto, but that extremely early flowering dates, as in 2021, are now estimated to be 15 times more likely, and are expected to occur at least once a century," said lead author and Met Office climate scientist, Dr. Nikos Christidis.

"Such events are projected to occur every few years by 2100 when they would no longer be considered extreme."

Earlier cherry blossoms have wider ramifications for Japan's economy and ecology, and are a symptom of the larger climate crisis threatening ecosystems everywhere.

"Spring cherry blossom flowering is a culturally significant event in Japan," said contributing author Yasuyuki Aono, from Osaka Metropolitan University. Spring festivals that accompany the blooms are an important contributor to the local economy, so being able to predict the bloom's timing can be critical.

The peak bloom period lasts just a few days. During this period, hanami  Japanese for "flower viewing"  is a popular activity.

It is common for locals and tourists alike to have picnics under the cherry trees, and businesses will sometimes offer special set meals or products during the week.

Why early cherry blossoms matter

But it's not just a matter of tourists scrambling to catch peak bloom before the petals all fall  it could have a lasting impact on entire ecosystems, and threaten the survival of many species.

The impact of rising temperatures on nature's calendar has trickle-down effects on farming and land management practices in the country, the study said.

It also impacts plants, insects and animals, which rely heavily on each other for their development and life cycles. A change to this cycle can initiate a chain reaction, causing damage to ecosystems.

For instance, plants sense the temperature around them and if it's warm enough for a consistent period, they start to flower and their leaves start to emerge. Similarly, higher heat can cause faster growth in insects and other animals.

Different plants and insects may respond to the rise in heat at different paces, throwing their life cycles out of sync. Whereas they once timed their growth simultaneously each spring, now flowers may bloom before insects are ready, and vice versa  meaning there may not be enough food for the insects or plants.

The change in flowering dates isn't limited to Japan or to cherry blossoms. This year, spring came early in parts of the United Kingdom and climate change is making plants across the British Isles flower, on average, a month earlier than they used to, according to a recent study.

The same phenomenon is already happening to many crops and economically valuable plants  posing big problems for food security and farmers' livelihoods.

___

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Elon Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Musk has denied the claims in a Business Insider article, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded in kind, writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

Elon Musk traded jokes with his old friend Chad Hurley (right) about the allegations against him, offering to buy Hurley a horse of he touches his 'wiener'

He also made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted

Musk, who was in Brazil on Friday to meet with President Jair Bolsonaro, has offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, but said the deal can't go forward until the company provides information about how many accounts on the platform are spam or bots.

Several hours before the Business Insider report was published on Thursday, Musk tweeted that he had previously voted for Democrats but would now vote for Republicans and suggested that the left would launch a 'dirty tricks campaign' against him.

He stepped up his political remarks on Friday in a series of tweets, calling an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

The claim that a server at Trump Tower was clandestinely communicating with Alfa Bank in Russia was later discredited.

The 'covert server' allegation is also now at the center of the trial of former Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussman, who is charged with lying to the FBI about his affiliation with the campaign when he told them about the alleged server.

Musk referenced the saga in several tweets on Friday, including one responding to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

'Bet most people still don't know that a Clinton campaign lawyer, using campaign funds, created an elaborate hoax about Trump and Russia. Makes you wonder what else is fake,' wrote Musk.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests when he told them about an alleged 'covert server' in Trump Tower

In another, the billionaire wrote simply, 'Sus man', in a reference both to Sussman and the slang term that means 'suspicious.'

On Friday, Musk also launched a search for 'hardcore streetfighters' to join a legal team he was building, to combat the allegations against him.

' Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits,' he tweeted.

'The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability.'

He added: 'There will be blood.'

Thursday's report by Business Insider claimed that Musk was accused of misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016.

Elon Musk is seen on Friday in Sao Paulo, meeting Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro. The meeting was held to discuss improving internet connectivity in remote Amazon communities and to plan how to track deforestation. It is being seen as a coup for Bolsonaro, ahead of October's election

Bolsonaro is pictured greeting the South African-born billionaire ahead of their meeting at a hotel in the countryside outside of Sao Paulo

The report said SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim.

The Business Insider report was based on an account by the flight attendants friend, who said the flight attendant told her about the incident shortly after it happened.

The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.

SpaceX didn't respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.

Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.

'And, for the record, those wild accusations are utterly untrue,' he wrote in response to one user who tweeted in support of him.
Elon Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Musk has denied the claims in a Business Insider article, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded in kind, writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

Elon Musk traded jokes with his old friend Chad Hurley (right) about the allegations against him, offering to buy Hurley a horse of he touches his 'wiener'

He also made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted

Musk, who was in Brazil on Friday to meet with President Jair Bolsonaro, has offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, but said the deal can't go forward until the company provides information about how many accounts on the platform are spam or bots.

Several hours before the Business Insider report was published on Thursday, Musk tweeted that he had previously voted for Democrats but would now vote for Republicans and suggested that the left would launch a 'dirty tricks campaign' against him.

He stepped up his political remarks on Friday in a series of tweets, calling an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

The claim that a server at Trump Tower was clandestinely communicating with Alfa Bank in Russia was later discredited.

The 'covert server' allegation is also now at the center of the trial of former Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussman, who is charged with lying to the FBI about his affiliation with the campaign when he told them about the alleged server.

Musk referenced the saga in several tweets on Friday, including one responding to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

'Bet most people still don't know that a Clinton campaign lawyer, using campaign funds, created an elaborate hoax about Trump and Russia. Makes you wonder what else is fake,' wrote Musk.

Sussman is accused of lying to the FBI about the fact that he was representing Clinton's 2016 campaign interests when he told them about an alleged 'covert server' in Trump Tower

In another, the billionaire wrote simply, 'Sus man', in a reference both to Sussman and the slang term that means 'suspicious.'

On Friday, Musk also launched a search for 'hardcore streetfighters' to join a legal team he was building, to combat the allegations against him.

' Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits,' he tweeted.

'The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability.'

He added: 'There will be blood.'

Thursday's report by Business Insider claimed that Musk was accused of misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016.

Elon Musk is seen on Friday in Sao Paulo, meeting Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro. The meeting was held to discuss improving internet connectivity in remote Amazon communities and to plan how to track deforestation. It is being seen as a coup for Bolsonaro, ahead of October's election

Bolsonaro is pictured greeting the South African-born billionaire ahead of their meeting at a hotel in the countryside outside of Sao Paulo

The report said SpaceX paid the woman $250,000 in severance in 2018 in exchange for her agreeing not to file a lawsuit over her claim.

The Business Insider report was based on an account by the flight attendants friend, who said the flight attendant told her about the incident shortly after it happened.

The report also said the flight attendant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the payment or anything else about Musk and SpaceX.

SpaceX didn't respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Musk founded the privately owned aerospace company in 2002 and serves as its CEO.

Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, used the social media platform to respond to the allegation.

'And, for the record, those wild accusations are utterly untrue,' he wrote in response to one user who tweeted in support of him.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said after meeting Saturday that they will consider expanded joint military exercises to deter the nuclear threat from North Korea at a time when there's little hope of real diplomacy on the matter.

The announcement reflects a shift in direction by both leaders from their predecessors: Former U.S. President Donald Trump had considered scrapping the exercises and expressed affection for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. And the last South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, remained committed to dialogue with Kim to the end of his term despite being repeatedly rebuffed by the North.

Biden said cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea shows our readiness to take on all threats together.

North Korea, which has defended its nuclear weapons and missile development as a necessary deterrence against what it describes as U.S. threats, could well respond angrily to Saturdays announcement. It has long described joint military exercises as rehearsals for an invasion, although the allies have portrayed the drills as defensive.

Biden and Yoon affirmed in remarks at a joint news conference that their shared goal is the complete denuclearization of North Korea. The U.S. and South Korea said in a joint statement that they were committed to a rules-based international order following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The statement likely sets the stage for how the U.S. and its allies will address any challenges with North Korea.

Yet Biden also reiterated his offer of vaccines to North Korea as the coronavirus spreads at a dangerously fast speed through that country, including an offer to route them through China if that was more acceptable to North Korea. Asked if he would be willing to meet Kim Jong Un, Biden said that would depend on whether the North Korean leader was sincere" and "serious.

Yes, weve offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but China as well," Biden said. "Were prepared to do that immediately. Weve gotten no response.

Story continues

The division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II has led to two radically different countries. In South Korea, Biden is touring factories for computer chips and next-generation autos in a democracy and engaging in talks for greater cooperation. But in the North, there is a deadly coronavirus outbreak in a largely unvaccinated autocracy that can best command the world's attention by flexing its nuclear capabilities.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as Biden flew to South Korea, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. has coordinated with Seoul and Tokyo on how theyll respond should the North conduct a nuclear test or missile strike while Biden is in the region or soon after. Sullivan also spoke with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi earlier in the week and urged Beijing to use its influence to persuade the North to cease the tests.

As part of a five-day visit in Asia, Biden spent Saturday developing his relationship with Yoon, who assumed office little more than a week ago.

The U.S. president on Saturday laid a wreath at Seoul National Cemetery, wearing white gloves and a somber expression as he also burned incense and then signed a guest book. Biden then greeted Yoon at the People's House for a nearly two-hour meeting followed by the news conference. The leaders capped the day with a dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Yoon welcomed Biden with a toast, noting that the alliance was forged in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War." He said this partnership would go beyond security in Korea to include cutting edge technology and a global strategic partnership, then drew a laugh from Biden by quoting Irish poet William Butler Yeats.

Biden reciprocated with a toast for the alliance to flourish for all the decades ahead. Both men ended their toasts with the military motto, We go together.

During the talks, both leaders emphasized economic security and growing trade relations as two Korean industrial stalwarts  Samsung and Hyundai  are opening major plants in the U.S.

Yoon, a political neophyte with no foreign policy experience, came into the talks with Biden less than two weeks after taking office looking to demonstrate his competency on the world stage. The U.S. president on Saturday also spoke by telephone with Moon Jae-in, South Korea's immediate past president. Biden thanked him for his close partnership, the White House said.

Biden faces growing disapproval within the U.S. over inflation near a 40-year high, but his administration sees one clear economic win in the contest with China for influence in the Pacific. Bloomberg Economics Analysis estimates that the U.S. economy will grow faster this year than China for the first time since 1976, a forecast that Biden highlighted at the news conference.

The U.S. has struggled to knit together a coalition of countries in Asia that can counterbalance Chinas growing strength, abandoning the trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership after a political backlash at home.

Biden sidestepped a question about resurrecting the agreement, but spoke about the potential for closer ties in the region beyond traditional allies like South Korea and Japan.

Things have changed, he said. There is a sense among the democracies in the Pacific that theres a need to cooperate much more closely. Not just militarily, but in terms of economically and politically.

Biden did not explicitly talk in his remarks about the need to counter China, but Beijing on Saturday offered its own counter-messaging.

We hope that the U.S. will match its words with deeds and work with countries in the region to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, instead of plotting division and confrontation, Chinese envoy for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming, said on Twitter.

At the start of the administration, many White House officials thought Kims nuclear ambitions would prove to be perhaps the administrations most vexing challenge and that the North Korean leader would aim to test Bidens mettle early in his time in office.

Through the first 14 months of Bidens administration, Pyongyang held off on missile tests even as it ignored efforts by the administration to reach out through back channels in hopes of restarting talks that could lead to the Norths denuclearization in return for sanctions relief.

But the quiet didn't last. North Korea has tested missiles 16 separate times this year, including in March, when its first flight of an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017 demonstrated a potential range including the entire U.S. mainland.

The Biden administration is calling on China to restrain North Korea from engaging in any missile or nuclear tests. Speaking on Air Force One, Sullivan said Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping could hold a phone call in the coming weeks.

While Biden has made clear that he sees China as the United States greatest economic and national security competitor, he says it is crucial to keep the lines of communication open so the two powers can cooperate on issues of mutual concern. North Korea is perhaps highest on that list.

White House officials said Biden wont visit the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean Peninsula during the trip. Instead, Biden will visit the Air Operations Centers Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base, south of Seoul, on Sunday.

___

Associated Press writers Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Chris Megerian and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a greater Russia and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscows next target.

I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies, she told The Daily Telegraph.

Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, it doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the countrys Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.

The Daily Beast

Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero / The Daily Beast / Getty Whatever the voters decide in November, one thing is certain. Mitch McConnell will be there as the Republican leader to enforce his partys obstructionism on immigration and climate and voting rights, and to make sure a Democratic president doesnt get any legislative wins.You can add gun safety to that list.Unless McConnell has an epiphany after the horror in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old gunman entered an elementary school to
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
State Republican Reps. Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire will both face Democrat challengers as they seek re-election for their District 19 seats.

Two Democrat candidates have filed to run against McEntire in November, Jon-Erik Hegstad of Longview and Cara Cusack from Chehalis. Kelli Hughes-Ham of Grays Harbor filed against Walsh.

The two representatives for District 20, Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt, will likely run unopposed for re-election. Neither had a challenger for their seat file before the Friday afternoon deadline.

Walsh was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and has been re-elected twice. McEntire just completed his first term as a legislator.

Hegstad is a Longview native who has been a progressive activist for years. Hegstad applied to be a Cowlitz County Commissioner last year but was not interviewed as one of the finalists. He told The Daily News Friday that climate change was his No. 1 priority.

Cusack told The Daily News that she moved to Washington in 2018 to be closer to her grandchildren and works for a company that designs virtual-reality simulators for the U.S. military. Cusack said she was a moderate Democrat and named womens rights, LGBTQ rights and landowner rights among her major issues.

I feel like what we need more in this district is someone that can reach across both sides of the aisle and work with both parties, Cusack said.

Hughes-Ham teaches English, art and career and technical education at Ilwaco High School. She said Wednesday that the state was not doing enough to fund smaller, rural districts like Ocean Beach School District and that education and housing would be a major part of her campaign.

Hughes-Ham said she planned to run an aggressive campaign against Walsh, who has been among the most outspoken conservatives in the House of Representatives.

Anyone who teaches high school and middle school has been called all the mean names in the book. He wont intimidate me, Hughes-Ham said.

Candidates for all races that will appear on the local ballots in November needed to file with the elections office by 5 p.m. Friday. Partisan races with more than two candidates will head to the August primaries.

The following people filed for local campaigns this week, in addition to the statewide races for U.S. senator, Washington Secretary of State and three State Supreme Court justice positions:

Congressional District 3

Jaime Herrera Beutler (Incumbent)

Joe Kent

Oliver Black

Chris Byrd

Leslie French

Vicki Kraft

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Davy Ray

Heidi St. John

State Representative, District 19 Position 1

Jim Walsh (Incumbent)

Kelli Hughes-Ham

State Representative, District 19 Position 2

Joel McEntire (Incumbent)

Jon-Erik Hegstad

Cara Cusack

State Representative, District 20 Position 1

Peter Abbarno (Incumbent)

State Representative, District 20 Position 2

Ed Orcutt (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Commissioner, District 3

John Jabusch (Incumbent)

Rick Dahl

Christie Masters

Cowlitz County Assessor

Emily Wilcox (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Auditor

Carolyn Fundingsland (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Clerk

Staci Myklebust (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Coroner

Timothy Davidson (Incumbent)

Dana Tucker

Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney

Ryan Jurvakainen (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Sheriff

Brad Thurman (Incumbent)

Rob Gibbs

Ronald Lundine

Cowlitz County Treasurer

Debra Gardner

District Court Judge Position 1

Kevin Blondin

District Court Judge Position 2

Jamie Imboden (Incumbent)

District Court Judge Position 3

John Hays (Incumbent)

Cowlitz PUD District 3 Commissioner

Dave Quinn (Incumbent)

Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
State Republican Reps. Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire will both face Democrat challengers as they seek re-election for their District 19 seats.

Two Democrat candidates have filed to run against McEntire in November, Jon-Erik Hegstad of Longview and Cara Cusack from Chehalis. Kelli Hughes-Ham of Grays Harbor filed against Walsh.

The two representatives for District 20, Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt, will likely run unopposed for re-election. Neither had a challenger for their seat file before the Friday afternoon deadline.

Walsh was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and has been re-elected twice. McEntire just completed his first term as a legislator.

Hegstad is a Longview native who has been a progressive activist for years. Hegstad applied to be a Cowlitz County Commissioner last year but was not interviewed as one of the finalists. He told The Daily News Friday that climate change was his No. 1 priority.

Cusack told The Daily News that she moved to Washington in 2018 to be closer to her grandchildren and works for a company that designs virtual-reality simulators for the U.S. military. Cusack said she was a moderate Democrat and named womens rights, LGBTQ rights and landowner rights among her major issues.

I feel like what we need more in this district is someone that can reach across both sides of the aisle and work with both parties, Cusack said.

Hughes-Ham teaches English, art and career and technical education at Ilwaco High School. She said Wednesday that the state was not doing enough to fund smaller, rural districts like Ocean Beach School District and that education and housing would be a major part of her campaign.

Hughes-Ham said she planned to run an aggressive campaign against Walsh, who has been among the most outspoken conservatives in the House of Representatives.

Anyone who teaches high school and middle school has been called all the mean names in the book. He wont intimidate me, Hughes-Ham said.

Candidates for all races that will appear on the local ballots in November needed to file with the elections office by 5 p.m. Friday. Partisan races with more than two candidates will head to the August primaries.

The following people filed for local campaigns this week, in addition to the statewide races for U.S. senator, Washington Secretary of State and three State Supreme Court justice positions:

Congressional District 3

Jaime Herrera Beutler (Incumbent)

Joe Kent

Oliver Black

Chris Byrd

Leslie French

Vicki Kraft

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Davy Ray

Heidi St. John

State Representative, District 19 Position 1

Jim Walsh (Incumbent)

Kelli Hughes-Ham

State Representative, District 19 Position 2

Joel McEntire (Incumbent)

Jon-Erik Hegstad

Cara Cusack

State Representative, District 20 Position 1

Peter Abbarno (Incumbent)

State Representative, District 20 Position 2

Ed Orcutt (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Commissioner, District 3

John Jabusch (Incumbent)

Rick Dahl

Christie Masters

Cowlitz County Assessor

Emily Wilcox (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Auditor

Carolyn Fundingsland (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Clerk

Staci Myklebust (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Coroner

Timothy Davidson (Incumbent)

Dana Tucker

Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney

Ryan Jurvakainen (Incumbent)

Cowlitz County Sheriff

Brad Thurman (Incumbent)

Rob Gibbs

Ronald Lundine

Cowlitz County Treasurer

Debra Gardner

District Court Judge Position 1

Kevin Blondin

District Court Judge Position 2

Jamie Imboden (Incumbent)

District Court Judge Position 3

John Hays (Incumbent)

Cowlitz PUD District 3 Commissioner

Dave Quinn (Incumbent)

Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Boeing's Starliner capsule docked with the International Space Station Friday, a major milestone in a high-stakes uncrewed test flight as the US aerospace giant seeks to restore its reputation following past failures.

The spaceship made contact at 8:28 pm Eastern time (0028 GMT Saturday), a little over 24 hours after it blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to prove itself capable of providing safe rides for NASA astronauts.

"Starliner spacecraft completes its historic first docking to the International Space Station, opening a new avenue of access for crews to the orbiting laboratory," said an announcer.

But the vessel missed the scheduled rendezvous time by more than an hour due to technical issues -- including a problem that required ground control to retract its docking system then re-deploy it.

Starliner also encountered some propulsion problems early on in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for placing it in a stable orbit failing, though officials insisted these were non-critical systems.

One of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located on Starliner's aft side shut off after one second, at which point a second thruster kicked in and took over, but also cut out after 25 seconds.

The ship's software then engaged a third thruster that completed the necessary burn.

"That system operated normally during all of the propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, does not pose a risk to the rest of the flight test," a NASA blog post about the issue said.

Starliner's success is key to re-establishing Boeing's credibility after its first launch, back in 2019, failed to dock with the ISS due to software bugs -- one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry.

A second try was scheduled in August 2021, but the capsule was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should and the vessel was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes.

NASA is looking to certify Starliner as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station -- a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020.

Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts -- $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.6 billion to SpaceX -- in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant on Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost.

Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven.

In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform, while Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of Dollars.

Starliner is delivering more than 800 Pounds of cargo to the ISS as part of this mission.

Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer -- a play on the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter -- whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors to learn what human astronauts would experience.

"We are a little jealous of Rosie," NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission later this year should OFT-2 succeed, said at a press conference this week.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five days in space, then undock and return to Earth on May 25, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States.

NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter problems.
An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.
Officials said North Korea may be planning a long-range missile test to occur during President Joe Biden's visit to the South Korea this weekend. Getty Images

About a week after reporting its first COVID-19 case, North Korea may have surpassed 2 million cases.

A Biden administration official told Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs they may be willing to help the country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's nuclear threats have ramped up as Biden visits South Korea.

The Biden administration is open to providing North Korea with COVID-19 aid as the country faces a major outbreak, a senior official said on Friday.

"It is our hope that they will make decisions that will allow for the maximum amount of support in this time of great need and great crisis," the official said of North Korea, according to White House transcript of a press call.

The official added that the administration remains united with the international community in opposition to North Korea's "destabilizing and threatening behavior."

North Korea acknowledged its first-ever case of COVID-19 last week. Since then, the estimated number of cases in the isolated country has surpassed 2 million.

Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to ramp up the country's nuclear weapons program. In March, North Korea tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile system, prompting condemnation from the West.

"We will continue to take steps to strengthen and develop our nation's nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace," Kim said during a military parade in April, according to the BBC.

US and South Korean officials said this week North Korea could be planning a long-range missile test to occur during President Joe Biden's visit to the South. Biden arrived in South Korea on Friday.

Read the original article on Business Insider

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said after meeting Saturday that they will consider expanded joint military exercises to deter the nuclear threat from North Korea at a time when there's little hope of real diplomacy on the matter.

The announcement reflects a shift in direction by both leaders from their predecessors: Former U.S. President Donald Trump had considered scrapping the exercises and expressed affection for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. And the last South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, remained committed to dialogue with Kim to the end of his term despite being repeatedly rebuffed by the North.

Biden said cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea shows our readiness to take on all threats together.

North Korea, which has defended its nuclear weapons and missile development as a necessary deterrence against what it describes as U.S. threats, could well respond angrily to Saturdays announcement. It has long described joint military exercises as rehearsals for an invasion, although the allies have portrayed the drills as defensive.

Biden and Yoon affirmed in remarks at a joint news conference that their shared goal is the complete denuclearization of North Korea. The U.S. and South Korea said in a joint statement that they were committed to a rules-based international order following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The statement likely sets the stage for how the U.S. and its allies will address any challenges with North Korea.

Yet Biden also reiterated his offer of vaccines to North Korea as the coronavirus spreads at a dangerously fast speed through that country, including an offer to route them through China if that was more acceptable to North Korea. Asked if he would be willing to meet Kim Jong Un, Biden said that would depend on whether the North Korean leader was sincere" and "serious.

Yes, weve offered vaccines, not only to North Korea but China as well," Biden said. "Were prepared to do that immediately. Weve gotten no response.

Story continues

The division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II has led to two radically different countries. In South Korea, Biden is touring factories for computer chips and next-generation autos in a democracy and engaging in talks for greater cooperation. But in the North, there is a deadly coronavirus outbreak in a largely unvaccinated autocracy that can best command the world's attention by flexing its nuclear capabilities.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as Biden flew to South Korea, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. has coordinated with Seoul and Tokyo on how theyll respond should the North conduct a nuclear test or missile strike while Biden is in the region or soon after. Sullivan also spoke with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi earlier in the week and urged Beijing to use its influence to persuade the North to cease the tests.

As part of a five-day visit in Asia, Biden spent Saturday developing his relationship with Yoon, who assumed office little more than a week ago.

The U.S. president on Saturday laid a wreath at Seoul National Cemetery, wearing white gloves and a somber expression as he also burned incense and then signed a guest book. Biden then greeted Yoon at the People's House for a nearly two-hour meeting followed by the news conference. The leaders capped the day with a dinner at the National Museum of Korea.

Yoon welcomed Biden with a toast, noting that the alliance was forged in blood on the battlefield of the Korean War." He said this partnership would go beyond security in Korea to include cutting edge technology and a global strategic partnership, then drew a laugh from Biden by quoting Irish poet William Butler Yeats.

Biden reciprocated with a toast for the alliance to flourish for all the decades ahead. Both men ended their toasts with the military motto, We go together.

During the talks, both leaders emphasized economic security and growing trade relations as two Korean industrial stalwarts  Samsung and Hyundai  are opening major plants in the U.S.

Yoon, a political neophyte with no foreign policy experience, came into the talks with Biden less than two weeks after taking office looking to demonstrate his competency on the world stage. The U.S. president on Saturday also spoke by telephone with Moon Jae-in, South Korea's immediate past president. Biden thanked him for his close partnership, the White House said.

Biden faces growing disapproval within the U.S. over inflation near a 40-year high, but his administration sees one clear economic win in the contest with China for influence in the Pacific. Bloomberg Economics Analysis estimates that the U.S. economy will grow faster this year than China for the first time since 1976, a forecast that Biden highlighted at the news conference.

The U.S. has struggled to knit together a coalition of countries in Asia that can counterbalance Chinas growing strength, abandoning the trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership after a political backlash at home.

Biden sidestepped a question about resurrecting the agreement, but spoke about the potential for closer ties in the region beyond traditional allies like South Korea and Japan.

Things have changed, he said. There is a sense among the democracies in the Pacific that theres a need to cooperate much more closely. Not just militarily, but in terms of economically and politically.

Biden did not explicitly talk in his remarks about the need to counter China, but Beijing on Saturday offered its own counter-messaging.

We hope that the U.S. will match its words with deeds and work with countries in the region to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, instead of plotting division and confrontation, Chinese envoy for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming, said on Twitter.

At the start of the administration, many White House officials thought Kims nuclear ambitions would prove to be perhaps the administrations most vexing challenge and that the North Korean leader would aim to test Bidens mettle early in his time in office.

Through the first 14 months of Bidens administration, Pyongyang held off on missile tests even as it ignored efforts by the administration to reach out through back channels in hopes of restarting talks that could lead to the Norths denuclearization in return for sanctions relief.

But the quiet didn't last. North Korea has tested missiles 16 separate times this year, including in March, when its first flight of an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017 demonstrated a potential range including the entire U.S. mainland.

The Biden administration is calling on China to restrain North Korea from engaging in any missile or nuclear tests. Speaking on Air Force One, Sullivan said Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping could hold a phone call in the coming weeks.

While Biden has made clear that he sees China as the United States greatest economic and national security competitor, he says it is crucial to keep the lines of communication open so the two powers can cooperate on issues of mutual concern. North Korea is perhaps highest on that list.

White House officials said Biden wont visit the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean Peninsula during the trip. Instead, Biden will visit the Air Operations Centers Combat Operations Floor on Osan Air Base, south of Seoul, on Sunday.

___

Associated Press writers Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Chris Megerian and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images); Kourtney Kardashian is seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images); Kim Kardashian is seen out in Portofino after dinner on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images) ; Khloe Kardashian seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images

NINO/GC Images (4)

It's a gothic-glam family affair for the Kardashian-Jenners!

The megastars were spotted in Portofino, Italy, ahead of Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding weekend, and the famous family  known to make show-stopping fashion statements whether they're out running errands or attending swanky events like the Met Gala  channeled their inner rock stars in Dolce & Gabbana while dining at Ristorante Puny ahead of the couple's upcoming nuptials.

Kourtney, 43, looked ravishing in a sexy red bodysuit with a sheer maxi-length overlay, strappy red heels, and a faux fur stole, wearing her hair in a relaxed updo with face-framing layers effortlessly falling toward her shoulders.

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian's Kids React to PDA with Travis Barker: 'Can You Guys Not Kiss in French'

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian

Also in Dolce & Gabbana, her groom Travis, 46, showed off his collection of ink in a structured tweed black jacket with nothing underneath  though he ended up buttoning it up at one point  adding slim-cut black pants, black shoes, and black sunglasses to finish off his pre-wedding getup.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian

The family's matriarch, Kris, looked chic in a black tea-length dress with a sheer overlay, which also featured rose detailing across the chest and a statement collar. The Kardashians star, 66, accessorized with a small structured clutch and statement earrings, adding simple strappy black heels to round out her look.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kim, who had her children in tow but not boyfriend Pete Davidson  he's "expected to be at" Saturday Night Live in New York this weekend, a source told PEOPLE  kept her look monochromatic with a stunning soft black two-piece ensemble consisting of "pantaboots" and a long sleeve crop top with criss-cross detailing at the chest, which showed off her toned abs perfectly.

Story continues

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

The SKIMS founder, 41, kept her glam relatively simple, opting for mile-long lashes and dark brows while she wore her bleached tresses straight and parted down the middle.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Pack on the PDA in Italy Ahead of Their Wedding Weekend

Never one to shy away from a body-hugging outfit, Khloe showed off her incredible curves in a sultry leopard-print gown with a corset bodice, adding simple strappy black heels, oversized sunglasses, a small structured purse, and tons of bling  including large gold cross earrings and layered necklaces  for her gorgeous pre-wedding look.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

The Good American co-founder, 37, wore her long locks swept back, save for a few tresses swept to one side of her face, and sported a mauve lip while dining with friends and family.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Kendall  who walked hand-in-hand with boyfriend Devin Booker  looked like she stepped off the runway in a goth-inspired sheer tea-length skirt, adding a strapless corset-like top, peep-toe pumps, and a statement choker with a large red cross to complete her look.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Kylie Jenner seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

Kylie also kept her look in the rocker-chic theme, flaunting her post-baby bod in a fitted black mini dress, adding black-and-white color-blocked knee-high boots and a small matching bowling bag purse. The makeup mogul kept her glam relatively natural and wore her long black hair in loose, romantic waves.

For more on Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's Italian wedding, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

"You can feel all the love. Everyone is very excited to celebrate Kourtney and Travis," a source told PEOPLE Friday of the family's pre-wedding festivities. "It's a beautiful evening, Kourtney looks gorgeous!"

RELATED VIDEO: Travis Barker Went to Robert Kardashian Sr.'s Grave to Ask Permission to Marry Daughter Kourtney

The couple is set to marry in the seaside town of Portofino at L'Olivetta, a villa owned by Dolce & Gabbana.

Located on the coast of northern Italy just southeast of the city of Genoa, Portofino is certainly a picture-perfect wedding location.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum and the Blink-182 rocker, who got engaged in October 2021, legally tied the knot in Santa Barbara on Sunday, an insider told PEOPLE. Their close friends and family were present for the intimate ceremony.

"They had to legally get married first ahead of their big Italian wedding, which is happening very soon," the source said. "All the details are set and the whole family, including all the kids, are very excited."
PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images); Kourtney Kardashian is seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images); Kim Kardashian is seen out in Portofino after dinner on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images) ; Khloe Kardashian seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images

NINO/GC Images (4)

It's a gothic-glam family affair for the Kardashian-Jenners!

The megastars were spotted in Portofino, Italy, ahead of Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding weekend, and the famous family  known to make show-stopping fashion statements whether they're out running errands or attending swanky events like the Met Gala  channeled their inner rock stars in Dolce & Gabbana while dining at Ristorante Puny ahead of the couple's upcoming nuptials.

Kourtney, 43, looked ravishing in a sexy red bodysuit with a sheer maxi-length overlay, strappy red heels, and a faux fur stole, wearing her hair in a relaxed updo with face-framing layers effortlessly falling toward her shoulders.

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian's Kids React to PDA with Travis Barker: 'Can You Guys Not Kiss in French'

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian

Also in Dolce & Gabbana, her groom Travis, 46, showed off his collection of ink in a structured tweed black jacket with nothing underneath  though he ended up buttoning it up at one point  adding slim-cut black pants, black shoes, and black sunglasses to finish off his pre-wedding getup.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian

The family's matriarch, Kris, looked chic in a black tea-length dress with a sheer overlay, which also featured rose detailing across the chest and a statement collar. The Kardashians star, 66, accessorized with a small structured clutch and statement earrings, adding simple strappy black heels to round out her look.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kim, who had her children in tow but not boyfriend Pete Davidson  he's "expected to be at" Saturday Night Live in New York this weekend, a source told PEOPLE  kept her look monochromatic with a stunning soft black two-piece ensemble consisting of "pantaboots" and a long sleeve crop top with criss-cross detailing at the chest, which showed off her toned abs perfectly.

Story continues

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

The SKIMS founder, 41, kept her glam relatively simple, opting for mile-long lashes and dark brows while she wore her bleached tresses straight and parted down the middle.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Pack on the PDA in Italy Ahead of Their Wedding Weekend

Never one to shy away from a body-hugging outfit, Khloe showed off her incredible curves in a sultry leopard-print gown with a corset bodice, adding simple strappy black heels, oversized sunglasses, a small structured purse, and tons of bling  including large gold cross earrings and layered necklaces  for her gorgeous pre-wedding look.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are seen out in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

The Good American co-founder, 37, wore her long locks swept back, save for a few tresses swept to one side of her face, and sported a mauve lip while dining with friends and family.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Kendall  who walked hand-in-hand with boyfriend Devin Booker  looked like she stepped off the runway in a goth-inspired sheer tea-length skirt, adding a strapless corset-like top, peep-toe pumps, and a statement choker with a large red cross to complete her look.

PORTOFINO, ITALY - MAY 20: Kylie Jenner seen arriving at Ristorante Puny in Portofino on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

NINO/GC Images

Kylie also kept her look in the rocker-chic theme, flaunting her post-baby bod in a fitted black mini dress, adding black-and-white color-blocked knee-high boots and a small matching bowling bag purse. The makeup mogul kept her glam relatively natural and wore her long black hair in loose, romantic waves.

For more on Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's Italian wedding, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

"You can feel all the love. Everyone is very excited to celebrate Kourtney and Travis," a source told PEOPLE Friday of the family's pre-wedding festivities. "It's a beautiful evening, Kourtney looks gorgeous!"

RELATED VIDEO: Travis Barker Went to Robert Kardashian Sr.'s Grave to Ask Permission to Marry Daughter Kourtney

The couple is set to marry in the seaside town of Portofino at L'Olivetta, a villa owned by Dolce & Gabbana.

Located on the coast of northern Italy just southeast of the city of Genoa, Portofino is certainly a picture-perfect wedding location.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum and the Blink-182 rocker, who got engaged in October 2021, legally tied the knot in Santa Barbara on Sunday, an insider told PEOPLE. Their close friends and family were present for the intimate ceremony.

"They had to legally get married first ahead of their big Italian wedding, which is happening very soon," the source said. "All the details are set and the whole family, including all the kids, are very excited."



Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.


An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.
An NYC patient has tested positive for the same genus virus as monkeypox sparking calls from the health department for residents to wear masks indoors - just as New Yorkers were finally returning to mask-free normalcy after COVID-19.

The CDC is still waiting for confirmation that it is monkeypox, after the patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus - the genus of viruses that includes smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.

City officials say a second possible monkeypox patient tested negative for the virus.

The health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against the new virus outbreak, as well as COVID-19 and the flu. Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air.

Meanwhile, the CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent 'unprecedented' outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK - as well as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

A New York City patient tested positive for a virus related to monkeypox as officials worldwide warn against the spread of the rare disease

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe

The NYC health department is encouraging New Yorkers to wear face masks to protect against monkeypox, as well as other illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though milder.

The illness was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s, but the number of cases in West Africa has increased in the last decade.

It is an uncommon disease that usually causes symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph-nodes, headaches and skin rashes starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

The CDC's alert to medical professionals comes just two days after the agency confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada.

The agency issued the alert to healthcare workers 'so we are prepared to handle what may be coming.'

'We are seeing the virus emerging in new ways we have not seen it emerge before,' said Brett Petersen, deputy chief of the CDC's pox virus and rabies branch told The Washington Post Friday. 'That is where a lot of the concern comes from.'

The CDC issued an alert Friday urging doctors and health departments to be 'vigilant' for cases of monkeypox amid increased global spread

In addition to the two confirmed cases in the U.S., the CDC is monitoring six people in America for possible monkeypox infections.

The individuals were exposed after sitting near an infected traveler, who was exhibiting symptoms, on a flight from Nigeria to the UK earlier this month.

Federal officials expect to identify additional infections in U.S. in the upcoming days.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern. However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. PICTURED: Monkeypox virus

WHO held an emergency meeting Friday to investigate the spread of the virus. During the conference, a team of researchers who have been tracking cases revealed the majority of confirmed infections had been reported in Spain, followed by England and Portugal.

Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

A hospital in Israel was treating a man in his 30s who is displaying symptoms consistent with the disease after recently arriving from Western Europe.

Belgium confirmed their first case of monkeypox in the province of Antwerp on Thursday. The person's partner is being tested for the virus as they are showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, the first suspected case of the monkeypox virus on French territory has been detected in the Paris/Ile-de-France region, the French Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Canada has also confirmed two cases of monkeypox while at least 17 suspected cases are being investigated in Montreal, Quebec's largest city.

Globally, there are more than 50 suspected cases that have not yet been confirmed. No deaths have been tied to the virus during this outbreak.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through physical contact but can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Health experts have suggested masks could help prevent spread. PICTURED: New Yorkers masked up in April 2021, amid the COVID pandemic

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like COVID-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

'There appears to be a low risk to the general public at this time,' a senior U.S. administration official said.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

'However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary,' he said.

'This is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe,' Germany's armed forces' medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday, echoed.

People who are infected with monkeypox often suffer from severe rashes, skin lesions and flu like symptoms. The virus kills around one-in-ten people it infects, though there is belief that the current strain making its way around the world has a mortality rate of one percent

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com Thursday that the virus is spreading via physical touch - and that it only spreads through respiratory droplets in the air in people that are already exhibiting symptoms.

This changes the formula for how the virus spreads compared to what Americans are typically used to after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also gives an explanation as to why many of the cases detected in Europe are among gay and bisexual men.

'It spreads through close bodily contact,' Adalja explained. 'It is just in the past it has been more of an animal to human thing but with close contact it has always been known to spread.'

Dr Amesh Adalja (pictured), an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, warned that there will likely be more cases of the virus in the U.S., but it is too early to say if it will eclipse the record mark of 43 cases set in 2003

He also doubts that the six Americans believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus on the plane would have contracted it either, due to the small likelihood they had physical touch with others on the plane.

'If they were just on the same plane, I don't necessarily think you would see transmission,' Adalja said.

'If they were next to the patient though, then this is more likely.'

Ahead of the Massachusetts case, no monkeypox diagnosis had previously been identified in the U.S. this year. Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria.

The virus is mostly found in Nigeria, though there was a 40-year period without a single reported case before it re-emerged in the African nation in 2017.

In typical outbreaks, around one-in-ten cases are fatal, though some experts believe the mortality risk of the strain currently making its way across the world is as low as only one percent.

There was initial speculation that there could be a sexual transmission factor at play during this recent outbreak, as many people who initially tested positive for the rare virus were gay or bisexual men.

Health experts warn it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak. PICTURED: Manhattan healthcare workers in protective gear in Oct. 2014

What is monkeypox viral infection? What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral infection which people usually pick up in the tropical areas of west and central Africa. It is usually spread through direct contact with animals such as squirrels, which are known to harbour the virus. However, it can also be transmitted through very close contact with contagious skin lesions on an infected person  such as during sex. What are the symptoms? Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease can prove fatal. Monkeypox kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit. What are the treatment options? There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, because monkeypox virus is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, jabs for smallpox can also protect people from getting monkeypox. One vaccine, Jynneos, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, has been licensed in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox. The jab is about 85 percent effective. Advertisement

Adalja says that it is too early to determine why, but there are a few reasonable explanations.

'It may have just been they were all at a party together and a party where all friends happened to be of a certain sexual orientation,' he explained. 'We don't know whether it was sexual contact, it just needs a touch of the skin of someone.'

He warns it is likely that more cases of the rare virus in the U.S., though it is unclear whether case figures will eclipse the record 43 cases that were detected in America during a 2003 outbreak.

The CDC is warning that men who have sex with other men seem to be most at risk at the moment, as it is traveling through their sexual network, all healthcare providers should be on alert.

'Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox,' Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, said in a statement released Wednesday night.

'We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox.'

The CDC also notes that many of the lesions that appear as a result of monkeypox infection may have similarities to symptoms of STIs like syphilis, herpes, HSV, and others. The agency also warns says that even people who are not gay or bisexual men should be on the look out.

The prevalence of cases in the UK, also puts America in particular at an increased risk of of outbreak.

Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a senior official at the CDC, told Stat News: 'There's a lot of travel between the U.K. and the United States and other global area.

'So I think our concern is that given that you do have four cases among men who have sex with men, that we probably need to be thinking about messaging to our STI clinics  about what to be on the lookout for, what to be alert for.'

There are no therapeutics available that are specifically targeted at the condition - because of how low its prevalence is - though many drugs that are effective against smallpox can also treat the monkeypox.

There is a vaccine available to prevent infection from the virus.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.

Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Boeing's Starliner capsule docked with the International Space Station Friday, a major milestone in a high-stakes uncrewed test flight as the US aerospace giant seeks to restore its reputation following past failures.

The spaceship made contact at 8:28 pm Eastern time (0028 GMT Saturday), a little over 24 hours after it blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to prove itself capable of providing safe rides for NASA astronauts.

"Starliner spacecraft completes its historic first docking to the International Space Station, opening a new avenue of access for crews to the orbiting laboratory," said an announcer.

But the vessel missed the scheduled rendezvous time by more than an hour due to technical issues -- including a problem that required ground control to retract its docking system then re-deploy it.

Starliner also encountered some propulsion problems early on in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for placing it in a stable orbit failing, though officials insisted these were non-critical systems.

One of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located on Starliner's aft side shut off after one second, at which point a second thruster kicked in and took over, but also cut out after 25 seconds.

The ship's software then engaged a third thruster that completed the necessary burn.

"That system operated normally during all of the propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, does not pose a risk to the rest of the flight test," a NASA blog post about the issue said.

Starliner's success is key to re-establishing Boeing's credibility after its first launch, back in 2019, failed to dock with the ISS due to software bugs -- one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry.

A second try was scheduled in August 2021, but the capsule was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should and the vessel was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes.

NASA is looking to certify Starliner as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station -- a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020.

Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts -- $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.6 billion to SpaceX -- in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant on Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost.

Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven.

In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform, while Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of Dollars.

Starliner is delivering more than 800 Pounds of cargo to the ISS as part of this mission.

Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer -- a play on the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter -- whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors to learn what human astronauts would experience.

"We are a little jealous of Rosie," NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission later this year should OFT-2 succeed, said at a press conference this week.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five days in space, then undock and return to Earth on May 25, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States.

NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter problems.

Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.
Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead brought his characteristic wit to the sensitive subject of Americas long history of racial tension as he opened the inaugural Santa Fe Literary Festival on Friday night. For the next hour Im going to talk about a subject very dear to my heart: Critical Race Theory, he joked early on, sparking much laughter and applause from a captivated audience gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Instead, Whitehead read from his recent novel Harlem Shuffle, a New York family crime saga that plays out between 1959 and 1964. To the delight of fans he also previewed material from forthcoming sequel Crook Manifesto which is set in the 1970s. The book is due to be published next summer as the second part in a planned Harlem trilogy centred on furniture salesman-turned-crook Ray Carney. Whitehead said he was pleased to preview his work in progress, but also wary. Thats not a great line, he remarked of one sentence during the reading. Im gonna fix that.

After those entertaining extracts from his work, Whitehead was joined in conversation by author and University of New Mexico law professor Sherri Burr. Turning to Whiteheads two Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Burr asked whether when it comes to race relations in America it sometimes feels that things have not changed at all.

Colson Whitehead talking at Santa Fe Literary Festival (The Independent)

Sure, replied Whitehead. Growing up in New York in the Eighties, my parents definitely counselled me on how to carry myself so that I would not become someone who was reaching for his wallet and they think Im reaching for a gun. We have high profile police brutality cases, like the one that ends Harlem Shuffle in 1964. We have discussions, and then we stop talking about it. It happens again, with Rodney King, and were talking and talking and then we stop. Then its George Floyd and Tamir Rice. Its been a feature of my life, and we didnt do anything about it, so it will continue to be.

Story continues

Whiteheads incisive and engaging talk was just the first of over thirty planned for this weekends festival, an event which MC Carmella Padilla described as a long overdue addition to a singular, maverick city.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke at the festivals opening, noting that as well it being fun to be in the company of geniuses the event also arrives at a time when here in America, and around the world, we are struggling for meaning. He praised the writers in attendance for their ability to make meaning and find purpose.

The festival continues on Saturday with appearances from The Handmaids Tale author Margaret Atwood and crime writer Don Winslow, among many others, who will all be hoping to match Whiteheads ability to make his audience think - and keep them laughing too.

The Independent, as the events international media partner, is providing coverage across each day of the festival with exclusive interviews with some of the headline authors. For more on the festival visit our Santa Fe Literary Festival section or visit the festivals website.

Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Boeing's Starliner capsule docked with the International Space Station Friday, a major milestone in a high-stakes uncrewed test flight as the US aerospace giant seeks to restore its reputation following past failures.

The spaceship made contact at 8:28 pm Eastern time (0028 GMT Saturday), a little over 24 hours after it blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to prove itself capable of providing safe rides for NASA astronauts.

"Starliner spacecraft completes its historic first docking to the International Space Station, opening a new avenue of access for crews to the orbiting laboratory," said an announcer.

But the vessel missed the scheduled rendezvous time by more than an hour due to technical issues -- including a problem that required ground control to retract its docking system then re-deploy it.

Starliner also encountered some propulsion problems early on in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for placing it in a stable orbit failing, though officials insisted these were non-critical systems.

One of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located on Starliner's aft side shut off after one second, at which point a second thruster kicked in and took over, but also cut out after 25 seconds.

The ship's software then engaged a third thruster that completed the necessary burn.

"That system operated normally during all of the propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, does not pose a risk to the rest of the flight test," a NASA blog post about the issue said.

Starliner's success is key to re-establishing Boeing's credibility after its first launch, back in 2019, failed to dock with the ISS due to software bugs -- one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry.

A second try was scheduled in August 2021, but the capsule was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should and the vessel was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes.

NASA is looking to certify Starliner as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station -- a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020.

Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts -- $4.2 billion to Boeing and $2.6 billion to SpaceX -- in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant on Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost.

Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven.

In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform, while Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of Dollars.

Starliner is delivering more than 800 Pounds of cargo to the ISS as part of this mission.

Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer -- a play on the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter -- whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors to learn what human astronauts would experience.

"We are a little jealous of Rosie," NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission later this year should OFT-2 succeed, said at a press conference this week.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five days in space, then undock and return to Earth on May 25, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States.

NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter problems.





My name is Yan Lu, born in April 1970, in Heishan county of Liaoning China. My mom was a farmer; my father was an electrician in a nearby brick plant. One day in September 1971, my papa took a friend home, said to my mom that he knows fortune telling and physiognomy, to have a look of me. My papa called him as Shenyang Old Liu Brother.

Annotation, at the time, Shenyang Old Liu Brother was a military general, leader of Northeast Military Region Art Troupe, so I call him Troupe Leader Liu in my later story. And I rename her daughter Jianjun Liu as Eve Liu, my name as Adam Lu.

1.1 Child Engagement

They talked in kitchen, I was sitting on bed in bedroom and listening to them, couldnt see Troupe Leader Liu, couldnt hear his voices. Troupe Leader Liu talked with many ancient words and low voices. My mom couldnt understand, so my papa explained to my mom. I heard their dialogs from my papas explanations to my mom.

Troupe Leader Liu pinched a little on middle of the curtain between bedroom and kitchen, he told my papa my fate. I didnt see him.

My papa told my mom that he said I have a fate of monk. My mom didnt understand what that fate is. My papa said that he meant that I have a bad marriage fate. My mom was upset to the saying.

My papa comforted my mom: Troupe Leader Liu said, he is just directly says what he knows according to ancient book.

My mom asked: does it mean Yan Lu wont be able to get married in future?

After inquiring Troupe Leader Liu, my papa said to my mom: he said, he may get married, but his marriage isnt happy, and wont last long. My mom was nervous about this.

My papa told my mom: Troupe Leader Liu said that he has a daughter Eve Liu. The girl has a fate of sky fate (goddess fate), incredibly smart, but bad on marriage fate too. He wants to tie up his daughter and Adam as a couple, so either bad marriage fate is breached.

My mom wasnt like the idea, said: look at his appearance! His daughter wont look nice.

My papa said: his look isnt good; his wife might be pretty. How you know his daughters looks! Besides, now we want to break Adams fate. Who knows if they two will be married or not when they grow up!

My mom said: now days, who still believe in this nonsense!

Troupe Leader Liu talked with my papa. My papa came back said to my mom: he said, in Adams whole life, when he sees him will cry. He can show you.

My mom answered: then let him have a try! I want to see how weird the thing is!

My papa talked with Troupe Leader Liu, then came back my mom: he said, in his whole life, he is only allowed being seen by Adam this one time. And this one time, his eyes will be veiled up by him. But it doesnt matter, later he will arrange other people to unveil him.

My mom asked: what is he veiling up his eyes? What effects are on Adam?

My papa said impatiently: I dont know! Cant you stop asking? He said it doesnt matter! We dont know, then listen to him.

At the time, I was sitting on bed. Troupe Leader Liu came in and quickly went straight into storage room. I didnt think much, soon forgot him. Our home is three rooms in a row; kitchen and storage room at two ends; bedroom is in the middle.

Suddenly, Troupe Leader Liu came out speedily, at center of bedroom floor turned for charging toward me. His face hasnt blood color and expression. I was looking at him. His image was zoomed in in my mind so sharply that my mind was exploding. Somehow, he floated back and floated out like white ghost. I was screaming out loudly and desperately crawling to opposite direction on bed.

Annotation 1.1.1-1, for the rite, refers to section 13.1, god flesh eyes making, step 1.

I heard my mom said to my papa in kitchen: Aha! Really! He cried! What should I do?

My papa said: Troupe Leader Liu let you go in to comfort him; we just arranged.

My mother ran into bedroom as she was shouting: Its alright! Mom is here! What happened?

I couldnt speak anymore, crying, used hand to gesture her: woo! Woo!

My mom said: aha! Mom knew! A stranger entered our home and went out! Its all right! Mom knew it! I and your papa all knew it! No problem!

My papa came in. My mom shouted at him: he shocked him! Nobody in the room, suddenly saw a stranger, certainly he cries! You see! Oh my god! Yan was so scared that all his hairs are standing up!

My papa went to talk with Troupe Leader Liu outside, came back said to my mom: Troupe Leader Liu let me discuss the engagement thing with you. He said, at the time we are in room, he went out did something. Yans monk fate has been breached halfway.

My mom asked: why did he do it in half?

My papa said: he said, the rest, if Eve and Yan are engaged, he will do the rest when they grow up.

My mom said: just like you said, now the engagement is a thing. Twenty years later, this is nothing. At that time, Eve and Yan like each other or not, they do their own decisions. We wont enforce the agreement. But we should make it clear. How much money should we pay? What should we do? What will he do? He shouldnt ask money from us in future.

My papa went to talk with Troupe Leader Liu, came back, said: he said. The thing, his daughter has half of the benefit. He doesnt want money from us now and future. And he will do all things necessary by himself. The rest rites, likely he will do at other places, not our home. He doesnt need us to do anything.

My mom agreed.

My papa said: he said, if you agree, we should make the deal face to face solemnly.

My parents went to kitchen, accepted Eve fathers offer, and they entrusted him to carry out what he promised.

Annotation 1.1.2, my parents never know what the agreement they have signed up, and they know nothing what happens to me because of the agreement. Troupe Leader Liu kept his promise for his later life. Just before his death, the last large scale of rite he did is 30 years later, in 2003, refers to section 8.5.

1.2 Visual impairment

One day, my father came back from work, talked to my mother. I was surrounded by heavy white fog, couldnt see them. Our bedroom is about 6.5 meters x 3.3 meters. My father said: Eve gave a gift to Yan. Troup Leader Liu sent it to me through XXX.

My mom was surprised: Eves gift to Yan! Let Yan have a look! My mom was calling me to go over. As I crawled close to my father, I saw two toys that my father brought back: a yellow plastic gyro and a red flamboyant stick with various black spots. My mother was looking at me, said to my father: by looks, there is something wrong with his eyes.

By my calculation now, at that time, I was able to see 0.5 meters far, 0.9 meters diameter of a place, surrounded by white fog. I could see the two toys clearly, so colorful. And I could only see my father's half of his width, couldnt see my mother. Now, my estimation that my mother was at 1.4 meters away.

Annotation, this is children neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms.

One day, I was sitting in the bedroom, my father smiled and said to my mother: XXX went to visit Shenyang Troupe Leader Lius family. Troupe Leader Liu is well off. His house is big with front and back yard in Shenyang city. I also asked their daughter Eve. He said the little one run everywhere, no fear to stranger, can recite poetries, sing, quickly do oral calculation in 100.

My mother replied: You should know! She goes to nursery or kindergarten! I heard of those places; they teach kids. How are the girls look?

My dad said: I didn't ask that.

My mother smiled and said: you keep secret from me! Turned her face and said to me: this little man has a wife in the big city! In future, we go to school, study hard, better than her. We despise her, dont climb that high branch!

My dad said: what Im going to do with you! Who would say ugly to such a little kid!

My mom went into storage room, I anxiously awaited she come out to talk more about Eve. My mom came out said to my father: I think Yan understand the engagement thing. When we talked Eve, he was so happy, listened attentively.

1.3 Uncle Dragon

One day in September 1972, our neighbor, Uncle Dragon (Chinese name: Fenglong Cui) came home for vacation, visited us. I heard that he worked in Fushun city near Shenyang city, was happy.

My mom angrily explained to Uncle Dragon: last year, Baiyang (my father) took home a fortune teller. He said Adam is monk fate, so we engaged him with that mans (Troupe Leader Liu) daughter Eve. They live in Shenyang, he heard you live near to them, so he is happy.

Uncle Dragon said: oh! This matter! But I still think Adam likes me! He walked to me, took off his hat, said: see! Im a bald! You are a bald too. Im Big Bald; you are Second Bald. Hi Fengling (my mom)! How bout we name his nickname as Second Bald?

My mom shouted: no! His fathers nickname is Third Bald! If you like Second Bald, you call it by yourself. Hi Brother! Do you think he looks like me or his father?

Annotation, countryside people think that bald means monk and kid with a monk name is easy to raise.

Uncle Dragon looked at me, said: he looks like Maitreya Buddha!

My mom was upset by the saying: you think he has a monk fate too?

Uncle Dragon answered: I dont know fate, just saying his appearance and gesture!

I asked: mom! What is Buddha?

Mom answered: let you Uncle explain it to you!

Uncle Dragon said: Buddha is born from lotus flower.

I asked: what is lotus flower?

Uncle Dragon said: I just know teach kid this difficult.

My mother said: I draw one for you.

I looked carefully, said: oh! Peach flower!

Uncle Dragon said: Peach flower is alright!

My mom shouted laughingly: how come peach flower is alright! Others Buddha born from lotus flower; how come my sons Buddha grows on peach tree!

Uncle Dragon answered: when he is older, he will sort it out by himself, beside indeed there is saying that Buddha can be born from peach flower!

My mom calmed down, said to me: Adam! Your uncle is a veteran, knows a lot. You ask him to tell you a story!

I said to him: uncle, tell me a story!

Uncle Dragon answered loudly: all right! I tell you a peach flower catastrophe story.






There is no DNA for bigotry. Hatred is acquired after birth. So what explains mass murders like the one at a Buffalo supermarket, where 10 people were slain by a radicalized youth who drove 200 miles with a semi-automatic rifle to find a concentration of Black victims?

Racism is an entirely man-made virus. The lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II described it in the musical South Pacific:

Youve got to be taught to hate and fear

Youve got to be taught from year to year

Its got to be drummed in your dear little ear

Youve got to be carefully taught.

But its no longer just families, friends and the usual suspects in societys underworld  neo-Nazis, the KKK and their ilk  doing the teaching.

Racial fear flourishes on the internet, especially on such antisocial fringes as 4chan, where the Buffalo shooter apparently absorbed it like a dry sponge.

Its the stock in trade of Fox News ratings leader, Tucker Carlson.

It is foundational in the politics of Donald Trump and of lesser politicians whose presumably wiser colleagues are too cynical or cowardly to call them out.

Hate and fear, the ancient weapons of religious persecutions and wars of aggression, have been harnessed to the engines of political power and corporate profit in contemporary America. Leaders in our own government are among the teachers.

The racist mutation behind the Buffalo massacre and others is known as the great replacement theory. It alleges a conspiracy by Democrats and elitists to import Black and brown-skinned immigrants to displace whites, politically and culturally.

The Buffalo shooter had posted a 180-page document claiming he believed the white race to be in danger. According to the Anti-Defamation League, he copied much of it from a man who livestreamed himself murdering 61 people at two mosques in New Zealand in 2019. The canard of whites being replaced by minorities figured in mass murders at synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, at a Walmart in El Paso, and at a Black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was rampant at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville when bigots marching by torchlight chanted Jews will not replace us and a racist thug murdered a counterprotester with his car.

On that occasion, Trump  a sitting American president  validated the neo-Nazis with his remark that there were fine people on both sides, then defended himself by saying he was speaking of those who favored Confederate monuments, not those who favored the Confederacys policies in relation to Black Americans.

A thin distinction, but he had already played to white fear and hatred to win the presidency. The great replacement theory now figures in his big lie that the 2020 election was stolen and to his enduring influence over the party of Trump. And this is only the latest of his lunatic rantings regarding Black and brown people (recall his baseless claim that millions of illegal immigrants voted in the 2016 election).

Aided by sycophants, copycats and just plain cowards who echo or tolerate the replacement canard, it has become virtually a defining dogma of the entire Republican Party. A poll last December found that nearly half of all Republicans believe in it to at least some degree.

The New York Times has counted more than 400 occasions in which Tucker Carlson cited or alluded to replacement theory. When the ADL urged Fox last year to rid itself of Carlson, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz tweeted: Tucker Carlson is CORRECT about Replacement Theory as he explains what is happening to America.

The ADL, Gaetz added, is a racist organization. But now he claims he has never spoken of replacement theory in terms of race.

The same poison has spread to Tallahassee, where a senior member of the Florida Senate, Republican Dennis Baxley, spewed replacement theory in 2019 about his support for an anti-abortion bill.

When you get a birth rate less than 2%, Baxley said, that society is disappearing. And its being replaced by folks that come behind them and immigrate, dont wish to assimilate into that society and they do believe in having children.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the open carrying of permitless guns in Florida, has had little to say about Buffalo, even though he weighs in regularly on national issues. His office told Pensacolas ABC affiliate it would be prudent to refrain from any unsubstantiated speculation or policy statements until a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy.

Legislation DeSantis sought and signed makes it hazardous for teachers and professors to even discuss what happened and why in Buffalo, lest someones feelings be hurt. Such laws, migrating to other states, are breeding grounds for racism. Its as if they are intended to be.

Todays laws will put no one else on trial but the 18-year-old shooter himself for the murders at Buffalo. In defense, he may try to blame others for putting him up to it. That would fail, as it should. But the moral stain on those others will follow them to the end of time.

This editorial was written by the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board and was first published in the Fort Lauderdale-based Sun Sentinel.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


The challenge of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

It is estimated that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing represents up to 20% of global seafood catch. IUU fishing has been linked to organized crime and human rights violations, such as human trafficking and slavery. Therefore, IUU fishing is a problem at the nexus of national, economic and food security, ocean health, and human rights.

Fisheries play an important role for food and economic security in many places, particularly in developing countries. Simultaneously, these nations are the most vulnerable to the impacts of IUU fishing, often a result of limited resources allocated to enforcing regulations.

While policy and capacity development instruments are essential to combating IUU fishing, the private sector plays an important role in driving market dynamics and demand for seafood products. By strengthening the ability of companies to identify IUU fishing in their supply chains, the industry could help cut off the lifeline that supports illegal fishers, by making it harder for them to sell their catch.

The role of the seafood industry

In recent years, the seafood industry has become a steward of the ocean, committed to combating IUU fishing. For example, in February 2021, a global coalition of over 150 retailers and seafood companies released a joint statement recognizing the importance of collectively addressing IUU fishing.

Significant strides have been made by strengthening traceability and oversight to better understand the origin of products. However, knowing where something comes from does not guarantee it was legally, responsibly and sustainably sourced. Taking this additional step requires data, methodologies and company resources. Yet, current risk assessment practices are not standardized.

Most companies have informal risk assessments, which lack a clear definition of IUU fishing risk and are mostly reactive to threats facing their operations. It is essential to standardize how various stakeholders across supply chains approach risk assessments.

Two major challenges that I have perceived as common to most actors are:

1. Limited capacity to manually access multiple and scattered data sources, for example, official lists of IUU-associated vessels, and ports known to implement stricter regulations to inspect incoming vessels.

2. Difficulty to analyze and cross-check information received from suppliers to identify activities at sea, such as no operations inside the boundaries of no-take marine protected areas.

Supporting the seafood industry with tech and data



New data and technological capabilities are unlocking innovative ways to monitor activities at sea. For example, AI-powered electronic monitoring systems can reinforce observer programs to increase coverage. Satellite-based data analyzed through machine learning can show when a vessel is likely to be transiting, fishing, or even meeting with another vessel. Finally, databases have enabled detailed inspection of vessels' history, including changes in names and their ownership. All these data combined could be used to provide a comprehensive picture of the vessels identity and activity.

New partnership unlocks data to support the seafood industry combat IUU fishing



The Supply Chain Risk Tool (SCRT) project is a partnership between the Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum, FishWise, Global Fishing Watch, and the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.

During the first quarter of 2022, with the generous support of the UKs government Blue Planet Fund, the SCRT team led a user-centered design process with over 70 seafood supply chain stakeholders that included representatives from seafood companies, and industry associations to understand current risk assessment practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The results were published in April 2022, informing the design of a data-driven solution and proof of concept to use satellite data to observe vessel activities at sea.

With the results from this report, our team will continue to work with industry stakeholders to design a solution that can be easily incorporated into existing operations and provides clear explanations of risk and initial suggestions to act upon it. Our goal is to standardize the way in which IUU fishing risk is assessed and to promote transparency and data sharing for more comprehensive risk assessments. This partnership offers an opportunity to translate renewed industry commitments into progress towards eliminating IUU fishing.

There is genuine willingness to fish sustainably and in a way that does not harm nature or the people who rely on the ocean. Fishers recognize that depleted resources translate into job losses. Business leaders want to do the right thing, as well  but lack the tools to do so. This is why the SCRT project is so important and motivating. Making data and tech solutions available to address sustainability challenges will benefit people and the ocean alike.

Written by Alfredo Giron-Nava, Andre Hoffmann Fellow, C4IR SF and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions

A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain





What is sponsored content?

The Eagle provides fee-based professional writing, editing, design, web presence and social media services to businesses to help them tell their stories with the broadest reach possible. Let us help you tell your story today. Email kkirchner@berkshireeagle.com










At 89, Emily Meggett is considered by many to be the most important Gullah Geechee cook alive.

She was born on Edisto Island in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, as were her parents and their parents, in a line that connects back to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in what is now known as the Gullah Geechee corridor, a string of coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. Through centuries of slavery, they managed to hold on to some traditions and forge new ones. They created their own Creole language called Gullah and a culture known as Gullah Geechee.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Meggett, who has never used a cookbook during her 78 years in the kitchen, published her own: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island.

  

Written and narrated by Marc Tracy
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said something interesting while campaigning for Dave McCormick, one of the contenders for the GOP nomination to replace departing Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Just once, Id love to see a Republican candidate stand up in a primary and say: I am a moderate, establishment squish. I stand for absolutely nothing. It would be refreshingly honest at least. But nobody says that. He then added, And by the way, they all pledge their love for Donald Trump. I love Donald Trump. No, no. I love Donald Trump more. No, no, no. I have Donald Trump tattooed on my rear end. 

Cruzs remarks invited mockery, given that he battled Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 all the way to the convention and then pledged his love for Trump  despite the fact that Trump had insulted Cruzs wife, suggested Cruzs father was linked to John F. Kennedys assassination and claimed Cruz stole the Iowa caucuses.

Theres no point sitting around pondering Cruzs lack of self-awareness. But he did make a good point. Its true that, with very few exceptions, Republican primary candidates do pledge their love for Trump. Some are more obsequious and shameless than others, of course. In Ohio, Josh Mandel lost his bid for the GOP senate nomination  and for Trumps endorsement  despite running as the Renfield to Trumps Dracula.

Besides memory-holing his own Trump sycophancy, the other strange note in Cruzs performance was his claim that the establishment is still run by moderate Republican squishes. The reality is that to the extent there is an establishment  everyone from nationalist donors like Peter Thiel to the Heritage Foundation to Fox News  its mostly MAGA.

House Republicans completed their transition to full MAGA when they defenestrated Rep. Liz Cheney and replaced her with Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has transformed herself from a thoughtful Republican moderate into little more than a Twitter troll.

Its true that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has no love for Trump, but hes neither a moderate nor a squish. (Hes also said he would vote for Trump if he is the partys presidential nominee in 2024.)

The key to understanding the GOP primaries is to understand that neither traditional conservative ideology nor even competence are qualifications or differentiators anymore. If they were, Liz Cheney wouldnt be a pariah, and the bomb-throwing Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert wouldnt be Republican stars. Everyone has to be an angry populist revolutionary who wants to see the world burn.

Of course, none of Trumps criteria for endorsements have anything to do with ideological or even partisan litmus tests. Candidates seeking his endorsement must praise him lavishly. They also must subscribe to his bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. And, if they check those boxes, they need to have a better-than-good chance of winning  without his endorsement. Trump wants to pick winners, so he can take credit for being a kingmaker.

Trumps real goal isnt to expand the party but to solidify his control of it. As Fred Bauer notes in National Review, Trump has been more focused on asserting dominance over the GOP than ensuring that Republicans win elections.

The irony is that Trump is now grappling with the woes of being the establishment. And while his agenda looks nothing like a normal establishment agenda, he still has to contend with politicians with their own ambitions, and theyre giving Trump a taste of his own medicine.

In the final days of the Pennsylvania primary, Kathy Barnette, a GOP Senate candidate, took to attacking the swamp in true Trumpian fashion. But who are the swamp creatures, according to Barnette? People like Fox News Sean Hannity, who has carried more water for Trump than a thousand Gunga Dins.

Although he coined the word, MAGA actually belongs to the people. Barnette said in a recent debate. Our values never, never shifted to President Trumps values. It was President Trump who shifted and aligned with our values. Translation: MAGA is bigger than Trump now.

Trump will have more wins and losses in this primary season, but the larger lesson is clear: The die has been cast. Josh Mandel didnt stop campaigning when Trump rebuffed him. Cruz was perfectly happy to campaign for McCormick against Trumps endorsed candidate, Dr. Mehmet Oz. McCormick surrounded himself with former Trump aides, who apparently didnt mind working against their old boss. A politician like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis started out as a student of Trumpism and is now a MAGA master.

Trumps revolution within the GOP succeeded, but as Jacques Mallet du Pan wrote in 1793 about the chaos in France, Like Saturn, the Revolution devours its children.

Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch. Goldbergs column is provided by Tribune Content Agency.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said something interesting while campaigning for Dave McCormick, one of the contenders for the GOP nomination to replace departing Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Just once, Id love to see a Republican candidate stand up in a primary and say: I am a moderate, establishment squish. I stand for absolutely nothing. It would be refreshingly honest at least. But nobody says that. He then added, And by the way, they all pledge their love for Donald Trump. I love Donald Trump. No, no. I love Donald Trump more. No, no, no. I have Donald Trump tattooed on my rear end. 

Cruzs remarks invited mockery, given that he battled Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 all the way to the convention and then pledged his love for Trump  despite the fact that Trump had insulted Cruzs wife, suggested Cruzs father was linked to John F. Kennedys assassination and claimed Cruz stole the Iowa caucuses.

Theres no point sitting around pondering Cruzs lack of self-awareness. But he did make a good point. Its true that, with very few exceptions, Republican primary candidates do pledge their love for Trump. Some are more obsequious and shameless than others, of course. In Ohio, Josh Mandel lost his bid for the GOP senate nomination  and for Trumps endorsement  despite running as the Renfield to Trumps Dracula.

Besides memory-holing his own Trump sycophancy, the other strange note in Cruzs performance was his claim that the establishment is still run by moderate Republican squishes. The reality is that to the extent there is an establishment  everyone from nationalist donors like Peter Thiel to the Heritage Foundation to Fox News  its mostly MAGA.

House Republicans completed their transition to full MAGA when they defenestrated Rep. Liz Cheney and replaced her with Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has transformed herself from a thoughtful Republican moderate into little more than a Twitter troll.

Its true that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has no love for Trump, but hes neither a moderate nor a squish. (Hes also said he would vote for Trump if he is the partys presidential nominee in 2024.)

The key to understanding the GOP primaries is to understand that neither traditional conservative ideology nor even competence are qualifications or differentiators anymore. If they were, Liz Cheney wouldnt be a pariah, and the bomb-throwing Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert wouldnt be Republican stars. Everyone has to be an angry populist revolutionary who wants to see the world burn.

Of course, none of Trumps criteria for endorsements have anything to do with ideological or even partisan litmus tests. Candidates seeking his endorsement must praise him lavishly. They also must subscribe to his bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. And, if they check those boxes, they need to have a better-than-good chance of winning  without his endorsement. Trump wants to pick winners, so he can take credit for being a kingmaker.

Trumps real goal isnt to expand the party but to solidify his control of it. As Fred Bauer notes in National Review, Trump has been more focused on asserting dominance over the GOP than ensuring that Republicans win elections.

The irony is that Trump is now grappling with the woes of being the establishment. And while his agenda looks nothing like a normal establishment agenda, he still has to contend with politicians with their own ambitions, and theyre giving Trump a taste of his own medicine.

In the final days of the Pennsylvania primary, Kathy Barnette, a GOP Senate candidate, took to attacking the swamp in true Trumpian fashion. But who are the swamp creatures, according to Barnette? People like Fox News Sean Hannity, who has carried more water for Trump than a thousand Gunga Dins.

Although he coined the word, MAGA actually belongs to the people. Barnette said in a recent debate. Our values never, never shifted to President Trumps values. It was President Trump who shifted and aligned with our values. Translation: MAGA is bigger than Trump now.

Trump will have more wins and losses in this primary season, but the larger lesson is clear: The die has been cast. Josh Mandel didnt stop campaigning when Trump rebuffed him. Cruz was perfectly happy to campaign for McCormick against Trumps endorsed candidate, Dr. Mehmet Oz. McCormick surrounded himself with former Trump aides, who apparently didnt mind working against their old boss. A politician like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis started out as a student of Trumpism and is now a MAGA master.

Trumps revolution within the GOP succeeded, but as Jacques Mallet du Pan wrote in 1793 about the chaos in France, Like Saturn, the Revolution devours its children.

Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch. Goldbergs column is provided by Tribune Content Agency.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said something interesting while campaigning for Dave McCormick, one of the contenders for the GOP nomination to replace departing Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Just once, Id love to see a Republican candidate stand up in a primary and say: I am a moderate, establishment squish. I stand for absolutely nothing. It would be refreshingly honest at least. But nobody says that. He then added, And by the way, they all pledge their love for Donald Trump. I love Donald Trump. No, no. I love Donald Trump more. No, no, no. I have Donald Trump tattooed on my rear end. 

Cruzs remarks invited mockery, given that he battled Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 all the way to the convention and then pledged his love for Trump  despite the fact that Trump had insulted Cruzs wife, suggested Cruzs father was linked to John F. Kennedys assassination and claimed Cruz stole the Iowa caucuses.

Theres no point sitting around pondering Cruzs lack of self-awareness. But he did make a good point. Its true that, with very few exceptions, Republican primary candidates do pledge their love for Trump. Some are more obsequious and shameless than others, of course. In Ohio, Josh Mandel lost his bid for the GOP senate nomination  and for Trumps endorsement  despite running as the Renfield to Trumps Dracula.

Besides memory-holing his own Trump sycophancy, the other strange note in Cruzs performance was his claim that the establishment is still run by moderate Republican squishes. The reality is that to the extent there is an establishment  everyone from nationalist donors like Peter Thiel to the Heritage Foundation to Fox News  its mostly MAGA.

House Republicans completed their transition to full MAGA when they defenestrated Rep. Liz Cheney and replaced her with Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has transformed herself from a thoughtful Republican moderate into little more than a Twitter troll.

Its true that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has no love for Trump, but hes neither a moderate nor a squish. (Hes also said he would vote for Trump if he is the partys presidential nominee in 2024.)

The key to understanding the GOP primaries is to understand that neither traditional conservative ideology nor even competence are qualifications or differentiators anymore. If they were, Liz Cheney wouldnt be a pariah, and the bomb-throwing Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert wouldnt be Republican stars. Everyone has to be an angry populist revolutionary who wants to see the world burn.

Of course, none of Trumps criteria for endorsements have anything to do with ideological or even partisan litmus tests. Candidates seeking his endorsement must praise him lavishly. They also must subscribe to his bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. And, if they check those boxes, they need to have a better-than-good chance of winning  without his endorsement. Trump wants to pick winners, so he can take credit for being a kingmaker.

Trumps real goal isnt to expand the party but to solidify his control of it. As Fred Bauer notes in National Review, Trump has been more focused on asserting dominance over the GOP than ensuring that Republicans win elections.

The irony is that Trump is now grappling with the woes of being the establishment. And while his agenda looks nothing like a normal establishment agenda, he still has to contend with politicians with their own ambitions, and theyre giving Trump a taste of his own medicine.

In the final days of the Pennsylvania primary, Kathy Barnette, a GOP Senate candidate, took to attacking the swamp in true Trumpian fashion. But who are the swamp creatures, according to Barnette? People like Fox News Sean Hannity, who has carried more water for Trump than a thousand Gunga Dins.

Although he coined the word, MAGA actually belongs to the people. Barnette said in a recent debate. Our values never, never shifted to President Trumps values. It was President Trump who shifted and aligned with our values. Translation: MAGA is bigger than Trump now.

Trump will have more wins and losses in this primary season, but the larger lesson is clear: The die has been cast. Josh Mandel didnt stop campaigning when Trump rebuffed him. Cruz was perfectly happy to campaign for McCormick against Trumps endorsed candidate, Dr. Mehmet Oz. McCormick surrounded himself with former Trump aides, who apparently didnt mind working against their old boss. A politician like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis started out as a student of Trumpism and is now a MAGA master.

Trumps revolution within the GOP succeeded, but as Jacques Mallet du Pan wrote in 1793 about the chaos in France, Like Saturn, the Revolution devours its children.

Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch. Goldbergs column is provided by Tribune Content Agency.




Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said something interesting while campaigning for Dave McCormick, one of the contenders for the GOP nomination to replace departing Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Just once, Id love to see a Republican candidate stand up in a primary and say: I am a moderate, establishment squish. I stand for absolutely nothing. It would be refreshingly honest at least. But nobody says that. He then added, And by the way, they all pledge their love for Donald Trump. I love Donald Trump. No, no. I love Donald Trump more. No, no, no. I have Donald Trump tattooed on my rear end. 

Cruzs remarks invited mockery, given that he battled Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 all the way to the convention and then pledged his love for Trump  despite the fact that Trump had insulted Cruzs wife, suggested Cruzs father was linked to John F. Kennedys assassination and claimed Cruz stole the Iowa caucuses.

Theres no point sitting around pondering Cruzs lack of self-awareness. But he did make a good point. Its true that, with very few exceptions, Republican primary candidates do pledge their love for Trump. Some are more obsequious and shameless than others, of course. In Ohio, Josh Mandel lost his bid for the GOP senate nomination  and for Trumps endorsement  despite running as the Renfield to Trumps Dracula.

Besides memory-holing his own Trump sycophancy, the other strange note in Cruzs performance was his claim that the establishment is still run by moderate Republican squishes. The reality is that to the extent there is an establishment  everyone from nationalist donors like Peter Thiel to the Heritage Foundation to Fox News  its mostly MAGA.

House Republicans completed their transition to full MAGA when they defenestrated Rep. Liz Cheney and replaced her with Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has transformed herself from a thoughtful Republican moderate into little more than a Twitter troll.

Its true that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has no love for Trump, but hes neither a moderate nor a squish. (Hes also said he would vote for Trump if he is the partys presidential nominee in 2024.)

The key to understanding the GOP primaries is to understand that neither traditional conservative ideology nor even competence are qualifications or differentiators anymore. If they were, Liz Cheney wouldnt be a pariah, and the bomb-throwing Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert wouldnt be Republican stars. Everyone has to be an angry populist revolutionary who wants to see the world burn.

Of course, none of Trumps criteria for endorsements have anything to do with ideological or even partisan litmus tests. Candidates seeking his endorsement must praise him lavishly. They also must subscribe to his bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. And, if they check those boxes, they need to have a better-than-good chance of winning  without his endorsement. Trump wants to pick winners, so he can take credit for being a kingmaker.

Trumps real goal isnt to expand the party but to solidify his control of it. As Fred Bauer notes in National Review, Trump has been more focused on asserting dominance over the GOP than ensuring that Republicans win elections.

The irony is that Trump is now grappling with the woes of being the establishment. And while his agenda looks nothing like a normal establishment agenda, he still has to contend with politicians with their own ambitions, and theyre giving Trump a taste of his own medicine.

In the final days of the Pennsylvania primary, Kathy Barnette, a GOP Senate candidate, took to attacking the swamp in true Trumpian fashion. But who are the swamp creatures, according to Barnette? People like Fox News Sean Hannity, who has carried more water for Trump than a thousand Gunga Dins.

Although he coined the word, MAGA actually belongs to the people. Barnette said in a recent debate. Our values never, never shifted to President Trumps values. It was President Trump who shifted and aligned with our values. Translation: MAGA is bigger than Trump now.

Trump will have more wins and losses in this primary season, but the larger lesson is clear: The die has been cast. Josh Mandel didnt stop campaigning when Trump rebuffed him. Cruz was perfectly happy to campaign for McCormick against Trumps endorsed candidate, Dr. Mehmet Oz. McCormick surrounded himself with former Trump aides, who apparently didnt mind working against their old boss. A politician like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis started out as a student of Trumpism and is now a MAGA master.

Trumps revolution within the GOP succeeded, but as Jacques Mallet du Pan wrote in 1793 about the chaos in France, Like Saturn, the Revolution devours its children.

Jonah Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and the host of The Remnant podcast. His Twitter handle is @JonahDispatch. Goldbergs column is provided by Tribune Content Agency.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe






Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The challenge of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

It is estimated that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing represents up to 20% of global seafood catch. IUU fishing has been linked to organized crime and human rights violations, such as human trafficking and slavery. Therefore, IUU fishing is a problem at the nexus of national, economic and food security, ocean health, and human rights.

Fisheries play an important role for food and economic security in many places, particularly in developing countries. Simultaneously, these nations are the most vulnerable to the impacts of IUU fishing, often a result of limited resources allocated to enforcing regulations.

While policy and capacity development instruments are essential to combating IUU fishing, the private sector plays an important role in driving market dynamics and demand for seafood products. By strengthening the ability of companies to identify IUU fishing in their supply chains, the industry could help cut off the lifeline that supports illegal fishers, by making it harder for them to sell their catch.

The role of the seafood industry

In recent years, the seafood industry has become a steward of the ocean, committed to combating IUU fishing. For example, in February 2021, a global coalition of over 150 retailers and seafood companies released a joint statement recognizing the importance of collectively addressing IUU fishing.

Significant strides have been made by strengthening traceability and oversight to better understand the origin of products. However, knowing where something comes from does not guarantee it was legally, responsibly and sustainably sourced. Taking this additional step requires data, methodologies and company resources. Yet, current risk assessment practices are not standardized.

Most companies have informal risk assessments, which lack a clear definition of IUU fishing risk and are mostly reactive to threats facing their operations. It is essential to standardize how various stakeholders across supply chains approach risk assessments.

Two major challenges that I have perceived as common to most actors are:

1. Limited capacity to manually access multiple and scattered data sources, for example, official lists of IUU-associated vessels, and ports known to implement stricter regulations to inspect incoming vessels.

2. Difficulty to analyze and cross-check information received from suppliers to identify activities at sea, such as no operations inside the boundaries of no-take marine protected areas.

Supporting the seafood industry with tech and data



New data and technological capabilities are unlocking innovative ways to monitor activities at sea. For example, AI-powered electronic monitoring systems can reinforce observer programs to increase coverage. Satellite-based data analyzed through machine learning can show when a vessel is likely to be transiting, fishing, or even meeting with another vessel. Finally, databases have enabled detailed inspection of vessels' history, including changes in names and their ownership. All these data combined could be used to provide a comprehensive picture of the vessels identity and activity.

New partnership unlocks data to support the seafood industry combat IUU fishing



The Supply Chain Risk Tool (SCRT) project is a partnership between the Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum, FishWise, Global Fishing Watch, and the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.

During the first quarter of 2022, with the generous support of the UKs government Blue Planet Fund, the SCRT team led a user-centered design process with over 70 seafood supply chain stakeholders that included representatives from seafood companies, and industry associations to understand current risk assessment practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The results were published in April 2022, informing the design of a data-driven solution and proof of concept to use satellite data to observe vessel activities at sea.

With the results from this report, our team will continue to work with industry stakeholders to design a solution that can be easily incorporated into existing operations and provides clear explanations of risk and initial suggestions to act upon it. Our goal is to standardize the way in which IUU fishing risk is assessed and to promote transparency and data sharing for more comprehensive risk assessments. This partnership offers an opportunity to translate renewed industry commitments into progress towards eliminating IUU fishing.

There is genuine willingness to fish sustainably and in a way that does not harm nature or the people who rely on the ocean. Fishers recognize that depleted resources translate into job losses. Business leaders want to do the right thing, as well  but lack the tools to do so. This is why the SCRT project is so important and motivating. Making data and tech solutions available to address sustainability challenges will benefit people and the ocean alike.

Written by Alfredo Giron-Nava, Andre Hoffmann Fellow, C4IR SF and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions

Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


The challenge of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

It is estimated that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing represents up to 20% of global seafood catch. IUU fishing has been linked to organized crime and human rights violations, such as human trafficking and slavery. Therefore, IUU fishing is a problem at the nexus of national, economic and food security, ocean health, and human rights.

Fisheries play an important role for food and economic security in many places, particularly in developing countries. Simultaneously, these nations are the most vulnerable to the impacts of IUU fishing, often a result of limited resources allocated to enforcing regulations.

While policy and capacity development instruments are essential to combating IUU fishing, the private sector plays an important role in driving market dynamics and demand for seafood products. By strengthening the ability of companies to identify IUU fishing in their supply chains, the industry could help cut off the lifeline that supports illegal fishers, by making it harder for them to sell their catch.

The role of the seafood industry

In recent years, the seafood industry has become a steward of the ocean, committed to combating IUU fishing. For example, in February 2021, a global coalition of over 150 retailers and seafood companies released a joint statement recognizing the importance of collectively addressing IUU fishing.

Significant strides have been made by strengthening traceability and oversight to better understand the origin of products. However, knowing where something comes from does not guarantee it was legally, responsibly and sustainably sourced. Taking this additional step requires data, methodologies and company resources. Yet, current risk assessment practices are not standardized.

Most companies have informal risk assessments, which lack a clear definition of IUU fishing risk and are mostly reactive to threats facing their operations. It is essential to standardize how various stakeholders across supply chains approach risk assessments.

Two major challenges that I have perceived as common to most actors are:

1. Limited capacity to manually access multiple and scattered data sources, for example, official lists of IUU-associated vessels, and ports known to implement stricter regulations to inspect incoming vessels.

2. Difficulty to analyze and cross-check information received from suppliers to identify activities at sea, such as no operations inside the boundaries of no-take marine protected areas.

Supporting the seafood industry with tech and data



New data and technological capabilities are unlocking innovative ways to monitor activities at sea. For example, AI-powered electronic monitoring systems can reinforce observer programs to increase coverage. Satellite-based data analyzed through machine learning can show when a vessel is likely to be transiting, fishing, or even meeting with another vessel. Finally, databases have enabled detailed inspection of vessels' history, including changes in names and their ownership. All these data combined could be used to provide a comprehensive picture of the vessels identity and activity.

New partnership unlocks data to support the seafood industry combat IUU fishing



The Supply Chain Risk Tool (SCRT) project is a partnership between the Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum, FishWise, Global Fishing Watch, and the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.

During the first quarter of 2022, with the generous support of the UKs government Blue Planet Fund, the SCRT team led a user-centered design process with over 70 seafood supply chain stakeholders that included representatives from seafood companies, and industry associations to understand current risk assessment practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The results were published in April 2022, informing the design of a data-driven solution and proof of concept to use satellite data to observe vessel activities at sea.

With the results from this report, our team will continue to work with industry stakeholders to design a solution that can be easily incorporated into existing operations and provides clear explanations of risk and initial suggestions to act upon it. Our goal is to standardize the way in which IUU fishing risk is assessed and to promote transparency and data sharing for more comprehensive risk assessments. This partnership offers an opportunity to translate renewed industry commitments into progress towards eliminating IUU fishing.

There is genuine willingness to fish sustainably and in a way that does not harm nature or the people who rely on the ocean. Fishers recognize that depleted resources translate into job losses. Business leaders want to do the right thing, as well  but lack the tools to do so. This is why the SCRT project is so important and motivating. Making data and tech solutions available to address sustainability challenges will benefit people and the ocean alike.

Written by Alfredo Giron-Nava, Andre Hoffmann Fellow, C4IR SF and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions
Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.



Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


The challenge of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

It is estimated that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing represents up to 20% of global seafood catch. IUU fishing has been linked to organized crime and human rights violations, such as human trafficking and slavery. Therefore, IUU fishing is a problem at the nexus of national, economic and food security, ocean health, and human rights.

Fisheries play an important role for food and economic security in many places, particularly in developing countries. Simultaneously, these nations are the most vulnerable to the impacts of IUU fishing, often a result of limited resources allocated to enforcing regulations.

While policy and capacity development instruments are essential to combating IUU fishing, the private sector plays an important role in driving market dynamics and demand for seafood products. By strengthening the ability of companies to identify IUU fishing in their supply chains, the industry could help cut off the lifeline that supports illegal fishers, by making it harder for them to sell their catch.

The role of the seafood industry

In recent years, the seafood industry has become a steward of the ocean, committed to combating IUU fishing. For example, in February 2021, a global coalition of over 150 retailers and seafood companies released a joint statement recognizing the importance of collectively addressing IUU fishing.

Significant strides have been made by strengthening traceability and oversight to better understand the origin of products. However, knowing where something comes from does not guarantee it was legally, responsibly and sustainably sourced. Taking this additional step requires data, methodologies and company resources. Yet, current risk assessment practices are not standardized.

Most companies have informal risk assessments, which lack a clear definition of IUU fishing risk and are mostly reactive to threats facing their operations. It is essential to standardize how various stakeholders across supply chains approach risk assessments.

Two major challenges that I have perceived as common to most actors are:

1. Limited capacity to manually access multiple and scattered data sources, for example, official lists of IUU-associated vessels, and ports known to implement stricter regulations to inspect incoming vessels.

2. Difficulty to analyze and cross-check information received from suppliers to identify activities at sea, such as no operations inside the boundaries of no-take marine protected areas.

Supporting the seafood industry with tech and data



New data and technological capabilities are unlocking innovative ways to monitor activities at sea. For example, AI-powered electronic monitoring systems can reinforce observer programs to increase coverage. Satellite-based data analyzed through machine learning can show when a vessel is likely to be transiting, fishing, or even meeting with another vessel. Finally, databases have enabled detailed inspection of vessels' history, including changes in names and their ownership. All these data combined could be used to provide a comprehensive picture of the vessels identity and activity.

New partnership unlocks data to support the seafood industry combat IUU fishing



The Supply Chain Risk Tool (SCRT) project is a partnership between the Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum, FishWise, Global Fishing Watch, and the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.

During the first quarter of 2022, with the generous support of the UKs government Blue Planet Fund, the SCRT team led a user-centered design process with over 70 seafood supply chain stakeholders that included representatives from seafood companies, and industry associations to understand current risk assessment practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The results were published in April 2022, informing the design of a data-driven solution and proof of concept to use satellite data to observe vessel activities at sea.

With the results from this report, our team will continue to work with industry stakeholders to design a solution that can be easily incorporated into existing operations and provides clear explanations of risk and initial suggestions to act upon it. Our goal is to standardize the way in which IUU fishing risk is assessed and to promote transparency and data sharing for more comprehensive risk assessments. This partnership offers an opportunity to translate renewed industry commitments into progress towards eliminating IUU fishing.

There is genuine willingness to fish sustainably and in a way that does not harm nature or the people who rely on the ocean. Fishers recognize that depleted resources translate into job losses. Business leaders want to do the right thing, as well  but lack the tools to do so. This is why the SCRT project is so important and motivating. Making data and tech solutions available to address sustainability challenges will benefit people and the ocean alike.

Written by Alfredo Giron-Nava, Andre Hoffmann Fellow, C4IR SF and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions

Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



May 21Two members of the Los Lunas school board who were suspended by the state in May 2021 are expected to take back their seats in the Valencia County district of about 8,000 students following a judge's order published Friday.

The New Mexico Public Education Department had indefinitely suspended all board members last year after allegations of state procurement code violations and other issues. In place of the board, the agency appointed governing committee members two months later.

In August, the department made the suspensions permanent but determined board members Frank Otero and David Vickers had done nothing wrong. Vickers was later reelected to his seat.

Former board President Eloy Giron and former board member Bryan Smith, who could be reinstated, filed an appeal in September.

State District Judge Maria Sanchez-Gagne in Santa Fe ruled Friday the Public Education Department didn't act fraudulently or capriciously in suspending the board, but didn't have substantial evidence to suspend Giron and Smith. She also found the Public Education Commission, tasked with overseeing and approving state charter schools, was not consulted about their suspensions.

According to state codes, the commission must be consulted before a public education secretary can permanently suspend a school board.

"The PED is reviewing the court order and determining what, if any, further action to take," education department spokeswoman Judy Robinson wrote in an email.

A fifth suspended board member, Steven Otero  no relation to Frank Otero  lost his bid for reelection and is facing two misdemeanor charges accusing him of ethics violations.

A 21-page document, used by Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus in justifying the permanent suspension of the board members in August, notes Steven Otero ran for school board after he was not hired for a construction supervisor job at the district and told several people "heads were going to roll."

Story continues

The document, which lists findings against the board members, alleged Steven Otero and Giron overly involved themselves in day-to-day operations by repeatedly asking that local vendors be prioritized for service bids. The pair also frequently spoke with then-interim Superintendent Walter Gibson about employees they felt were "not competent," according to the document.

In his nine-month tenure before current Superintendent Arsenio Romero was hired, Gibson said he never heard any "serious conversation about teaching and learning, about instruction, about curriculum" at board meetings.

Gibson took the role in 2020 after the departure of Superintendent Dana Sanders, who filed a lawsuit alleging she was edged out of her job for exposing board corruption.

Under Gibson's leadership, Steven Otero had concerns about the district's maintenance department, which reportedly prompted the board to approve an outside audit for $45,000, plus $20,000 in legal services, without seeking required approval from the State Auditor's Office.

A pretrial conference for Otero's case is scheduled for late June.
Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
A young boy died after getting Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine and evidence was found of the boy suffering from heart inflammation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers revealed on May 19.

The male child experienced fever 12 days after getting the dose, which was his first. A day later, he experienced abdominal pain and vomiting. He died that day.

This patient had a rapid clinical course. From the time they started experiencing their abdominal pain day 13 after dose one until the time they were brought into the [emergency department] and subsequently died was on the order of a couple of hours, Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, a CDC vaccine analyst, said during a virtual meeting.

Histopathological evidence of myocarditis was present on autopsy, and that was resolved to be the cause of death, he added.

Two teenage boys were previously determined to have died shortly after getting the Pfizer vaccine.

The date and location of the newly reported death was not clear, besides happening between the fall of 2021 and April 24, 2022. The boy who died was between 5 and 11 years old.

The death was reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is co-run by the CDC, and verified by the CDC through an interview with the healthcare provider who worked on the case and/or a review of the medical records.

Testing on the boy, which included testing by the CDCs infectious disease pathology branch, did not find evidence of viral infection at the time of death, Shimabukuro said. The CDC is continuing to review the case.

Shimabukuro was presenting during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel that advises the CDC on vaccines.

Panelists later recommended all children aged 5 to 11 get a booster dose of Pfizers vaccine, and the CDC quickly accepted the recommendation.

None of the panelists inquired about the death.

Pfizer did not respond to a request for comment.

Some studies indicate that some children, particularly males, are at higher risk of heart inflammation from COVID-19 vaccination than from COVID-19 itself, including a paper published in February.

CDC researchers in a study published by the agencys quasi-journal in April concluded the opposite.

We show that for all age groups and all sexes that your risk of getting cardiac complications is certainly higher with getting COVID-19 infection as opposed to when you get vaccination, Dr. Matthew Oster, one of the researchers, told panelists.

Thats an important point for the general public to recognize and to sort of re-emphasize, that your risk of these complications are higher with the disease than with the vaccination, Dr. Jamie Loehr, owner of Cayuga Family Medicine and one of the panel members, responded.

Critics said the CDCs study wasnt reliable because its denominator excluded infections detected by tests in homes, schools, community sites, and pharmacies.

Shimabukuro also said the CDC has verified 19 other post-vaccination reports of myocarditis, with 16 of those patients requiring hospital care. Of them, 14 had recovered by the time symptoms were reported to VAERS.

The rate of myocarditis per million doses administered in males aged 5 to 11 was 2.7, which was higher than expected but much lower than the 74 per million doses administered among 16- and 17-year-old males. Females have lower rates.

The CDC said 64 reports of myocarditis were lodged through April 24 for the age group. As of May 20, 767 reports of myocarditis or pericarditis, another form of heart inflammation, were reported to VAERS following Pfizer vaccination.

The CDC alleged that the benefits of a booster dose of Pfizers vaccine outweighed the risks of the shot, pointing primarily to the vaccines protection against severe disease. That led to the advisers recommending the booster.

Both the protection against infectionwhich turns negative over timeand severe illness wanes over time for Pfizers primary series, and studies indicate the same for booster shots.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

According to CDC data, during the period when the Omicron variant of the virus was dominant, unvaccinated children aged 5 to 11 had just 1.3 times higher infection rates, and just two times higher hospitalization rates. During March, among children 12 to 17, the unvaccinated ones had 2.5 times higher hospitalization rates than those who received a primary series and a booster.

From The Epoch Times
Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday.

WOMEN'S DAY

New Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church, 375 Ephesus Church Road, Semora, North Carolina, will observe Women's Day at 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Brenda Hunt-Moore, from New Hope Person in Timberlake. If possible, wear pearls and purple. Services are live on Facebook or by teleconference at 978-990-5000, access code 197724 or by radio in the church parking lot at FM 107.3. Masks are required inside church and all COVID-19 guidelines are followed.

PARKING LOT REVIVAL

Mt. Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold parking lot revival services at 7 p.m. May 25-27 with guest evangelist the Rev. Herbert Holly II, pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Stony Creek.

FOOD & CLOTHING MINISTRY

Union Hall Baptist Church Food & Clothing Ministry, 6861 Strawberry Road, will open from 9 a.m. to noon June 4, with food and clothing of all types. For questions, call 434-724-4354 or 434-250-8964.

MEETING

Smithfield Primitive Baptist Church members/family descendants to meet from 1 to 2 p.m. June 18 at Cherrystone Community Center, U.S. 29, Chatham.

SERVICE CHANGE

Bennett Memorial Missionary Baptist Church will not hold parking lot services until further notice. Services can be heard by via conference call at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Phone number is 1-774-220-4000, ID number 608-2009.

IN PERSON/ONLINE SERVICES

Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and Live on Facebook, www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville.

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church now offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. These will be held until further notice.

IN-PERSON SERVICES

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Masking requested if not immunized. Social distancing except for family members.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for their hour of power on the first and third Sundays.

North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m.

Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook.

Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, will resume in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school.

ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch.

DRIVE-IN SERVICES

Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

ONGOING SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish.

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory.

Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836.

Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960.
Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday.

WOMEN'S DAY

New Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church, 375 Ephesus Church Road, Semora, North Carolina, will observe Women's Day at 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Brenda Hunt-Moore, from New Hope Person in Timberlake. If possible, wear pearls and purple. Services are live on Facebook or by teleconference at 978-990-5000, access code 197724 or by radio in the church parking lot at FM 107.3. Masks are required inside church and all COVID-19 guidelines are followed.

PARKING LOT REVIVAL

Mt. Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold parking lot revival services at 7 p.m. May 25-27 with guest evangelist the Rev. Herbert Holly II, pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Stony Creek.

FOOD & CLOTHING MINISTRY

Union Hall Baptist Church Food & Clothing Ministry, 6861 Strawberry Road, will open from 9 a.m. to noon June 4, with food and clothing of all types. For questions, call 434-724-4354 or 434-250-8964.

MEETING

Smithfield Primitive Baptist Church members/family descendants to meet from 1 to 2 p.m. June 18 at Cherrystone Community Center, U.S. 29, Chatham.

SERVICE CHANGE

Bennett Memorial Missionary Baptist Church will not hold parking lot services until further notice. Services can be heard by via conference call at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Phone number is 1-774-220-4000, ID number 608-2009.

IN PERSON/ONLINE SERVICES

Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and Live on Facebook, www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville.

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church now offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. These will be held until further notice.

IN-PERSON SERVICES

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Masking requested if not immunized. Social distancing except for family members.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for their hour of power on the first and third Sundays.

North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m.

Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook.

Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, will resume in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school.

ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch.

DRIVE-IN SERVICES

Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

ONGOING SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish.

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory.

Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836.

Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.






Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.









Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Municipal workers take a mask off a statue of a primitive man in Dalseo District of the southeastern city of Daegu, May 2, as the country allowed people to not wear masks outside starting the same day amid a decreasing trend in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, in this photo released by the ward office. The office placed the mask on the 20-meter-long and 6-meter-high structure on May 15, 2020, to encourage people to wear masks amid the surge of coronavirus infections. Yonhap



By Scott Shepherd





Municipal workers take a mask off a statue of a primitive man in Dalseo District of the southeastern city of Daegu, May 2, as the country allowed people to not wear masks outside starting the same day amid a decreasing trend in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, in this photo released by the ward office. The office placed the mask on the 20-meter-long and 6-meter-high structure on May 15, 2020, to encourage people to wear masks amid the surge of coronavirus infections. Yonhap



By Scott Shepherd






The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.
The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

There is no DNA for bigotry. Hatred is acquired after birth. So what explains mass murders like the one at a Buffalo supermarket, where 10 people were slain by a radicalized youth who drove 200 miles with a semi-automatic rifle to find a concentration of Black victims?

Racism is an entirely man-made virus. The lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II described it in the musical South Pacific:

Youve got to be taught to hate and fear

Youve got to be taught from year to year

Its got to be drummed in your dear little ear

Youve got to be carefully taught.

But its no longer just families, friends and the usual suspects in societys underworld  neo-Nazis, the KKK and their ilk  doing the teaching.

Racial fear flourishes on the internet, especially on such antisocial fringes as 4chan, where the Buffalo shooter apparently absorbed it like a dry sponge.

Its the stock in trade of Fox News ratings leader, Tucker Carlson.

It is foundational in the politics of Donald Trump and of lesser politicians whose presumably wiser colleagues are too cynical or cowardly to call them out.

Hate and fear, the ancient weapons of religious persecutions and wars of aggression, have been harnessed to the engines of political power and corporate profit in contemporary America. Leaders in our own government are among the teachers.

The racist mutation behind the Buffalo massacre and others is known as the great replacement theory. It alleges a conspiracy by Democrats and elitists to import Black and brown-skinned immigrants to displace whites, politically and culturally.

The Buffalo shooter had posted a 180-page document claiming he believed the white race to be in danger. According to the Anti-Defamation League, he copied much of it from a man who livestreamed himself murdering 61 people at two mosques in New Zealand in 2019. The canard of whites being replaced by minorities figured in mass murders at synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, at a Walmart in El Paso, and at a Black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was rampant at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville when bigots marching by torchlight chanted Jews will not replace us and a racist thug murdered a counterprotester with his car.

On that occasion, Trump  a sitting American president  validated the neo-Nazis with his remark that there were fine people on both sides, then defended himself by saying he was speaking of those who favored Confederate monuments, not those who favored the Confederacys policies in relation to Black Americans.

A thin distinction, but he had already played to white fear and hatred to win the presidency. The great replacement theory now figures in his big lie that the 2020 election was stolen and to his enduring influence over the party of Trump. And this is only the latest of his lunatic rantings regarding Black and brown people (recall his baseless claim that millions of illegal immigrants voted in the 2016 election).

Aided by sycophants, copycats and just plain cowards who echo or tolerate the replacement canard, it has become virtually a defining dogma of the entire Republican Party. A poll last December found that nearly half of all Republicans believe in it to at least some degree.

The New York Times has counted more than 400 occasions in which Tucker Carlson cited or alluded to replacement theory. When the ADL urged Fox last year to rid itself of Carlson, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz tweeted: Tucker Carlson is CORRECT about Replacement Theory as he explains what is happening to America.

The ADL, Gaetz added, is a racist organization. But now he claims he has never spoken of replacement theory in terms of race.

The same poison has spread to Tallahassee, where a senior member of the Florida Senate, Republican Dennis Baxley, spewed replacement theory in 2019 about his support for an anti-abortion bill.

When you get a birth rate less than 2%, Baxley said, that society is disappearing. And its being replaced by folks that come behind them and immigrate, dont wish to assimilate into that society and they do believe in having children.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the open carrying of permitless guns in Florida, has had little to say about Buffalo, even though he weighs in regularly on national issues. His office told Pensacolas ABC affiliate it would be prudent to refrain from any unsubstantiated speculation or policy statements until a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy.

Legislation DeSantis sought and signed makes it hazardous for teachers and professors to even discuss what happened and why in Buffalo, lest someones feelings be hurt. Such laws, migrating to other states, are breeding grounds for racism. Its as if they are intended to be.

Todays laws will put no one else on trial but the 18-year-old shooter himself for the murders at Buffalo. In defense, he may try to blame others for putting him up to it. That would fail, as it should. But the moral stain on those others will follow them to the end of time.

This editorial was written by the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board and was first published in the Fort Lauderdale-based Sun Sentinel.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
There is no DNA for bigotry. Hatred is acquired after birth. So what explains mass murders like the one at a Buffalo supermarket, where 10 people were slain by a radicalized youth who drove 200 miles with a semi-automatic rifle to find a concentration of Black victims?

Racism is an entirely man-made virus. The lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II described it in the musical South Pacific:

Youve got to be taught to hate and fear

Youve got to be taught from year to year

Its got to be drummed in your dear little ear

Youve got to be carefully taught.

But its no longer just families, friends and the usual suspects in societys underworld  neo-Nazis, the KKK and their ilk  doing the teaching.

Racial fear flourishes on the internet, especially on such antisocial fringes as 4chan, where the Buffalo shooter apparently absorbed it like a dry sponge.

Its the stock in trade of Fox News ratings leader, Tucker Carlson.

It is foundational in the politics of Donald Trump and of lesser politicians whose presumably wiser colleagues are too cynical or cowardly to call them out.

Hate and fear, the ancient weapons of religious persecutions and wars of aggression, have been harnessed to the engines of political power and corporate profit in contemporary America. Leaders in our own government are among the teachers.

The racist mutation behind the Buffalo massacre and others is known as the great replacement theory. It alleges a conspiracy by Democrats and elitists to import Black and brown-skinned immigrants to displace whites, politically and culturally.

The Buffalo shooter had posted a 180-page document claiming he believed the white race to be in danger. According to the Anti-Defamation League, he copied much of it from a man who livestreamed himself murdering 61 people at two mosques in New Zealand in 2019. The canard of whites being replaced by minorities figured in mass murders at synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, at a Walmart in El Paso, and at a Black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was rampant at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville when bigots marching by torchlight chanted Jews will not replace us and a racist thug murdered a counterprotester with his car.

On that occasion, Trump  a sitting American president  validated the neo-Nazis with his remark that there were fine people on both sides, then defended himself by saying he was speaking of those who favored Confederate monuments, not those who favored the Confederacys policies in relation to Black Americans.

A thin distinction, but he had already played to white fear and hatred to win the presidency. The great replacement theory now figures in his big lie that the 2020 election was stolen and to his enduring influence over the party of Trump. And this is only the latest of his lunatic rantings regarding Black and brown people (recall his baseless claim that millions of illegal immigrants voted in the 2016 election).

Aided by sycophants, copycats and just plain cowards who echo or tolerate the replacement canard, it has become virtually a defining dogma of the entire Republican Party. A poll last December found that nearly half of all Republicans believe in it to at least some degree.

The New York Times has counted more than 400 occasions in which Tucker Carlson cited or alluded to replacement theory. When the ADL urged Fox last year to rid itself of Carlson, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz tweeted: Tucker Carlson is CORRECT about Replacement Theory as he explains what is happening to America.

The ADL, Gaetz added, is a racist organization. But now he claims he has never spoken of replacement theory in terms of race.

The same poison has spread to Tallahassee, where a senior member of the Florida Senate, Republican Dennis Baxley, spewed replacement theory in 2019 about his support for an anti-abortion bill.

When you get a birth rate less than 2%, Baxley said, that society is disappearing. And its being replaced by folks that come behind them and immigrate, dont wish to assimilate into that society and they do believe in having children.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the open carrying of permitless guns in Florida, has had little to say about Buffalo, even though he weighs in regularly on national issues. His office told Pensacolas ABC affiliate it would be prudent to refrain from any unsubstantiated speculation or policy statements until a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy.

Legislation DeSantis sought and signed makes it hazardous for teachers and professors to even discuss what happened and why in Buffalo, lest someones feelings be hurt. Such laws, migrating to other states, are breeding grounds for racism. Its as if they are intended to be.

Todays laws will put no one else on trial but the 18-year-old shooter himself for the murders at Buffalo. In defense, he may try to blame others for putting him up to it. That would fail, as it should. But the moral stain on those others will follow them to the end of time.

This editorial was written by the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board and was first published in the Fort Lauderdale-based Sun Sentinel.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0










At 89, Emily Meggett is considered by many to be the most important Gullah Geechee cook alive.

She was born on Edisto Island in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, as were her parents and their parents, in a line that connects back to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in what is now known as the Gullah Geechee corridor, a string of coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. Through centuries of slavery, they managed to hold on to some traditions and forge new ones. They created their own Creole language called Gullah and a culture known as Gullah Geechee.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Meggett, who has never used a cookbook during her 78 years in the kitchen, published her own: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island.

  

Written and narrated by Marc Tracy
At 89, Emily Meggett is considered by many to be the most important Gullah Geechee cook alive.

She was born on Edisto Island in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, as were her parents and their parents, in a line that connects back to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in what is now known as the Gullah Geechee corridor, a string of coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. Through centuries of slavery, they managed to hold on to some traditions and forge new ones. They created their own Creole language called Gullah and a culture known as Gullah Geechee.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Meggett, who has never used a cookbook during her 78 years in the kitchen, published her own: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island.

  

Written and narrated by Marc Tracy
There is no DNA for bigotry. Hatred is acquired after birth. So what explains mass murders like the one at a Buffalo supermarket, where 10 people were slain by a radicalized youth who drove 200 miles with a semi-automatic rifle to find a concentration of Black victims?

Racism is an entirely man-made virus. The lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II described it in the musical South Pacific:

Youve got to be taught to hate and fear

Youve got to be taught from year to year

Its got to be drummed in your dear little ear

Youve got to be carefully taught.

But its no longer just families, friends and the usual suspects in societys underworld  neo-Nazis, the KKK and their ilk  doing the teaching.

Racial fear flourishes on the internet, especially on such antisocial fringes as 4chan, where the Buffalo shooter apparently absorbed it like a dry sponge.

Its the stock in trade of Fox News ratings leader, Tucker Carlson.

It is foundational in the politics of Donald Trump and of lesser politicians whose presumably wiser colleagues are too cynical or cowardly to call them out.

Hate and fear, the ancient weapons of religious persecutions and wars of aggression, have been harnessed to the engines of political power and corporate profit in contemporary America. Leaders in our own government are among the teachers.

The racist mutation behind the Buffalo massacre and others is known as the great replacement theory. It alleges a conspiracy by Democrats and elitists to import Black and brown-skinned immigrants to displace whites, politically and culturally.

The Buffalo shooter had posted a 180-page document claiming he believed the white race to be in danger. According to the Anti-Defamation League, he copied much of it from a man who livestreamed himself murdering 61 people at two mosques in New Zealand in 2019. The canard of whites being replaced by minorities figured in mass murders at synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, at a Walmart in El Paso, and at a Black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was rampant at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville when bigots marching by torchlight chanted Jews will not replace us and a racist thug murdered a counterprotester with his car.

On that occasion, Trump  a sitting American president  validated the neo-Nazis with his remark that there were fine people on both sides, then defended himself by saying he was speaking of those who favored Confederate monuments, not those who favored the Confederacys policies in relation to Black Americans.

A thin distinction, but he had already played to white fear and hatred to win the presidency. The great replacement theory now figures in his big lie that the 2020 election was stolen and to his enduring influence over the party of Trump. And this is only the latest of his lunatic rantings regarding Black and brown people (recall his baseless claim that millions of illegal immigrants voted in the 2016 election).

Aided by sycophants, copycats and just plain cowards who echo or tolerate the replacement canard, it has become virtually a defining dogma of the entire Republican Party. A poll last December found that nearly half of all Republicans believe in it to at least some degree.

The New York Times has counted more than 400 occasions in which Tucker Carlson cited or alluded to replacement theory. When the ADL urged Fox last year to rid itself of Carlson, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz tweeted: Tucker Carlson is CORRECT about Replacement Theory as he explains what is happening to America.

The ADL, Gaetz added, is a racist organization. But now he claims he has never spoken of replacement theory in terms of race.

The same poison has spread to Tallahassee, where a senior member of the Florida Senate, Republican Dennis Baxley, spewed replacement theory in 2019 about his support for an anti-abortion bill.

When you get a birth rate less than 2%, Baxley said, that society is disappearing. And its being replaced by folks that come behind them and immigrate, dont wish to assimilate into that society and they do believe in having children.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the open carrying of permitless guns in Florida, has had little to say about Buffalo, even though he weighs in regularly on national issues. His office told Pensacolas ABC affiliate it would be prudent to refrain from any unsubstantiated speculation or policy statements until a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy.

Legislation DeSantis sought and signed makes it hazardous for teachers and professors to even discuss what happened and why in Buffalo, lest someones feelings be hurt. Such laws, migrating to other states, are breeding grounds for racism. Its as if they are intended to be.

Todays laws will put no one else on trial but the 18-year-old shooter himself for the murders at Buffalo. In defense, he may try to blame others for putting him up to it. That would fail, as it should. But the moral stain on those others will follow them to the end of time.

This editorial was written by the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board and was first published in the Fort Lauderdale-based Sun Sentinel.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


May 21Two members of the Los Lunas school board who were suspended by the state in May 2021 are expected to take back their seats in the Valencia County district of about 8,000 students following a judge's order published Friday.

The New Mexico Public Education Department had indefinitely suspended all board members last year after allegations of state procurement code violations and other issues. In place of the board, the agency appointed governing committee members two months later.

In August, the department made the suspensions permanent but determined board members Frank Otero and David Vickers had done nothing wrong. Vickers was later reelected to his seat.

Former board President Eloy Giron and former board member Bryan Smith, who could be reinstated, filed an appeal in September.

State District Judge Maria Sanchez-Gagne in Santa Fe ruled Friday the Public Education Department didn't act fraudulently or capriciously in suspending the board, but didn't have substantial evidence to suspend Giron and Smith. She also found the Public Education Commission, tasked with overseeing and approving state charter schools, was not consulted about their suspensions.

According to state codes, the commission must be consulted before a public education secretary can permanently suspend a school board.

"The PED is reviewing the court order and determining what, if any, further action to take," education department spokeswoman Judy Robinson wrote in an email.

A fifth suspended board member, Steven Otero  no relation to Frank Otero  lost his bid for reelection and is facing two misdemeanor charges accusing him of ethics violations.

A 21-page document, used by Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus in justifying the permanent suspension of the board members in August, notes Steven Otero ran for school board after he was not hired for a construction supervisor job at the district and told several people "heads were going to roll."

Story continues

The document, which lists findings against the board members, alleged Steven Otero and Giron overly involved themselves in day-to-day operations by repeatedly asking that local vendors be prioritized for service bids. The pair also frequently spoke with then-interim Superintendent Walter Gibson about employees they felt were "not competent," according to the document.

In his nine-month tenure before current Superintendent Arsenio Romero was hired, Gibson said he never heard any "serious conversation about teaching and learning, about instruction, about curriculum" at board meetings.

Gibson took the role in 2020 after the departure of Superintendent Dana Sanders, who filed a lawsuit alleging she was edged out of her job for exposing board corruption.

Under Gibson's leadership, Steven Otero had concerns about the district's maintenance department, which reportedly prompted the board to approve an outside audit for $45,000, plus $20,000 in legal services, without seeking required approval from the State Auditor's Office.

A pretrial conference for Otero's case is scheduled for late June.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
At 89, Emily Meggett is considered by many to be the most important Gullah Geechee cook alive.

She was born on Edisto Island in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, as were her parents and their parents, in a line that connects back to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in what is now known as the Gullah Geechee corridor, a string of coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. Through centuries of slavery, they managed to hold on to some traditions and forge new ones. They created their own Creole language called Gullah and a culture known as Gullah Geechee.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Meggett, who has never used a cookbook during her 78 years in the kitchen, published her own: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island.

  

Written and narrated by Marc Tracy
At 89, Emily Meggett is considered by many to be the most important Gullah Geechee cook alive.

She was born on Edisto Island in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, as were her parents and their parents, in a line that connects back to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in what is now known as the Gullah Geechee corridor, a string of coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. Through centuries of slavery, they managed to hold on to some traditions and forge new ones. They created their own Creole language called Gullah and a culture known as Gullah Geechee.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Meggett, who has never used a cookbook during her 78 years in the kitchen, published her own: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island.

  

Written and narrated by Marc Tracy









Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe











President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Saturday, after an opposition-controlled National Assembly confirmed him the previous day following days of partisan wrangling over his suitability.







Yoon gave an appointment certificate to Han in the morning at the presidential office in Seoul.







Han is taking the country's No. 2 government post for the second time. The 72-year-old previously served as prime minister during the liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2007 to 2008.







During his confirmation hearing, Han said stabilizing the economy for ordinary people's livelihoods would be his top priority.







His appointment is expected to give much-needed momentum to the fledgling Yoon administration facing a series of tasks, including a recovery from COVID-19 and rising tension on the Korean Peninsula sparked by continued North Korean provocations.







Meanwhile, Han said that, along with some presidential aides, he plans to attend a memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun set to take place in the southern town of Bonghwa, Monday. (Yonhap)


BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday said that all parties should use the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model to jointly create bright prospects and a bright future.

Wang's remarks came after he chaired a video dialogue of foreign ministers between BRICS and emerging markets and developing countries.

Wang said the meeting had reached four points of consensus.

All sides agreed to promote multilateralism.

Wang said multilateralism is the lighthouse for emerging markets and developing countries to participate in global governance. All parties should firmly uphold true multilateralism, defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and work to increase the representation of emerging markets and developing countries in global governance.

All sides agreed to cooperate in combating the pandemic and should not relax until the pandemic is over.

Wang stressed all sides should unite against the epidemic, strengthen cooperation in research and development of vaccines and drugs, and help developing countries improve their anti-epidemic ability and protect people's health.

All sides agreed to promote common development, put development at the center of the international agenda, increase investment, guarantee resources, and promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

All sides agreed to strengthen unity and cooperation.

Emerging markets and developing countries have similar experiences, ideas, and integrated interests. It is necessary to seek strength through unity, build more extensive partnerships, and promote world peace, stability, development, and prosperity, Wang added.

Wang noted that all Foreign Ministers who attended the dialogue supported and agreed with the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model. The cooperation model is a platform for emerging markets and developing countries and is built for cooperation and development.

"We should make good use of the 'BRICS Plus' cooperation model and welcome more countries to participate and work together to promote democracy in international relations, inclusiveness in the world economy, and justice in global governance, and jointly create bright prospects and a bright future," Wang said. 
BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday said that all parties should use the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model to jointly create bright prospects and a bright future.

Wang's remarks came after he chaired a video dialogue of foreign ministers between BRICS and emerging markets and developing countries.

Wang said the meeting had reached four points of consensus.

All sides agreed to promote multilateralism.

Wang said multilateralism is the lighthouse for emerging markets and developing countries to participate in global governance. All parties should firmly uphold true multilateralism, defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and work to increase the representation of emerging markets and developing countries in global governance.

All sides agreed to cooperate in combating the pandemic and should not relax until the pandemic is over.

Wang stressed all sides should unite against the epidemic, strengthen cooperation in research and development of vaccines and drugs, and help developing countries improve their anti-epidemic ability and protect people's health.

All sides agreed to promote common development, put development at the center of the international agenda, increase investment, guarantee resources, and promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

All sides agreed to strengthen unity and cooperation.

Emerging markets and developing countries have similar experiences, ideas, and integrated interests. It is necessary to seek strength through unity, build more extensive partnerships, and promote world peace, stability, development, and prosperity, Wang added.

Wang noted that all Foreign Ministers who attended the dialogue supported and agreed with the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model. The cooperation model is a platform for emerging markets and developing countries and is built for cooperation and development.

"We should make good use of the 'BRICS Plus' cooperation model and welcome more countries to participate and work together to promote democracy in international relations, inclusiveness in the world economy, and justice in global governance, and jointly create bright prospects and a bright future," Wang said. 
BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday said that all parties should use the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model to jointly create bright prospects and a bright future.

Wang's remarks came after he chaired a video dialogue of foreign ministers between BRICS and emerging markets and developing countries.

Wang said the meeting had reached four points of consensus.

All sides agreed to promote multilateralism.

Wang said multilateralism is the lighthouse for emerging markets and developing countries to participate in global governance. All parties should firmly uphold true multilateralism, defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and work to increase the representation of emerging markets and developing countries in global governance.

All sides agreed to cooperate in combating the pandemic and should not relax until the pandemic is over.

Wang stressed all sides should unite against the epidemic, strengthen cooperation in research and development of vaccines and drugs, and help developing countries improve their anti-epidemic ability and protect people's health.

All sides agreed to promote common development, put development at the center of the international agenda, increase investment, guarantee resources, and promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

All sides agreed to strengthen unity and cooperation.

Emerging markets and developing countries have similar experiences, ideas, and integrated interests. It is necessary to seek strength through unity, build more extensive partnerships, and promote world peace, stability, development, and prosperity, Wang added.

Wang noted that all Foreign Ministers who attended the dialogue supported and agreed with the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model. The cooperation model is a platform for emerging markets and developing countries and is built for cooperation and development.

"We should make good use of the 'BRICS Plus' cooperation model and welcome more countries to participate and work together to promote democracy in international relations, inclusiveness in the world economy, and justice in global governance, and jointly create bright prospects and a bright future," Wang said. 




President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russias brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the countrys parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraines desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraines sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russias claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraines military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraines main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraines Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day.

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraines success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navys 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases, he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances DEmilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine





An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain

Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.






President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Saturday, after an opposition-controlled National Assembly confirmed him the previous day following days of partisan wrangling over his suitability.







Yoon gave an appointment certificate to Han in the morning at the presidential office in Seoul.







Han is taking the country's No. 2 government post for the second time. The 72-year-old previously served as prime minister during the liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2007 to 2008.







During his confirmation hearing, Han said stabilizing the economy for ordinary people's livelihoods would be his top priority.







His appointment is expected to give much-needed momentum to the fledgling Yoon administration facing a series of tasks, including a recovery from COVID-19 and rising tension on the Korean Peninsula sparked by continued North Korean provocations.







Meanwhile, Han said that, along with some presidential aides, he plans to attend a memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun set to take place in the southern town of Bonghwa, Monday. (Yonhap)






President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Saturday, after an opposition-controlled National Assembly confirmed him the previous day following days of partisan wrangling over his suitability.







Yoon gave an appointment certificate to Han in the morning at the presidential office in Seoul.







Han is taking the country's No. 2 government post for the second time. The 72-year-old previously served as prime minister during the liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2007 to 2008.







During his confirmation hearing, Han said stabilizing the economy for ordinary people's livelihoods would be his top priority.







His appointment is expected to give much-needed momentum to the fledgling Yoon administration facing a series of tasks, including a recovery from COVID-19 and rising tension on the Korean Peninsula sparked by continued North Korean provocations.







Meanwhile, Han said that, along with some presidential aides, he plans to attend a memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun set to take place in the southern town of Bonghwa, Monday. (Yonhap)



Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Fintech association leader calls for removal of regulatory uncertainty and opening up direct communication channel



By Anna J. Park



As the country's financial industry is fast shifting towards digitalization amid the pandemic, the fintech sector has been leading the transformation from the center of the tide. The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare amid this change, according to Lee Keun-ju, Chairman of the Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN).



"The fintech industry can contribute to social welfare, as it creates both inclusion and innovation in society. Fintech firms provide financial inclusion to those who were previously excluded from traditional financial companies, and they also achieve innovation while expanding the market and benefiting consumers," Lee highlighted during an interview with The Korea Times.



Lee, who's also a CEO at Korea Easy Payment Foundation (KEPF), has been leading the association of fintech firms since early this year. Lee is the association's fourth chairperson with a two-year term, but actually he's one of the core founders of the association.



Lee started his career at the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) as a banker, yet soon turned to be the state-led lender's IT programmer, as he realized that IT technology and digitalization would forever change the nature of banking business practices. He spent the 1990s and the 2000s at the bank, developing the firm's IT networks both in Korea and in its New York branch.



It was in the early 2010s when he was leading the bank's smart finance team that he encountered the country's burgeoning fintech industry.



"I realized then that the tide of the fintech industry is something that cannot be stopped or obstructed by the traditional banking sector. As it was a huge trend and change on a global scale, I thought banks should take a proactive approach of establishing a win-win relationship with fintech firms," Lee explained.



Under his leadership, the IBK pursued active partnerships with fintech firms at that time, one of which included cooperation with Toss, now a decacorn financial platform company.



It was during this period that Lee realized the necessity of setting up a business association of fintech firms to respond jointly to the presidential administration and the parliament and make their voices heard. He prepared for the launch of the association from late 2015 and it finally kicked off in April 2016 with around 130 fintech firms. Lee served as the association's first secretary general for three years, until he assumed a chief position at KEPF in 2018.



Now, the number of members in the association has grown to some 360, ranging from big tech firms to small-sized startups. Thus, Lee's job of delivering the association's voices jointly to the government and the parliament isn't easy, as the group entails a variety of different corporations.



"As the core of the fintech industry is about unbundling traditional financial services, there are a wide range of different kinds of fintech firms. Thus, the association operates nine sub-committees, such as payment, wiring, robo-advisory and more, to fairly listen to the member companies' demands and voices," Lee said.



As it is natural for these firms offering different services to have various interests, Lee stresses the importance of effective communication.



Despite their differences, Lee explained that big tech firms and startup fintechs have a common motivation to strengthen their partnerships, as both sides could enjoy the benefit of expanding their own channels.



"In the end, it's a win-win relationship. The relationship between the fintech sector in general and the traditional financial industry is the same; by cooperation, they can grow their own scope of influence and the impact of their own channels," he highlighted, explaining that small companies could secure access to a huge group of customers by partnering with big tech firms, while big tech firms or banks also need innovative services to meet the needs of their customers.



While he appraises the local fintech industry as having world-class creativity, technology and capacity, he expressed regrets over the local legal framework that is outdated.



"Domestic laws and regulations are very fragmented, not comprehensive at all, regarding the fintech industry," Lee said.



He further explained that legal experts also highly criticize domestic laws affecting the fintech sector for being outdated, as the legal frameworks aim to define business items that are allowed. Rather, the rules should be written in a way that states what is not allowed, leaving the creative space for the fintech industry's innovative services to grow.



"While there are a bunch of great innovative ideas, regulatory uncertainty hampers further growth of the industry," he said.



Lee also urged the government to open up a direct channel to listen to the voices of small- and medium-sized fintech firms and spur further innovation among them.



"Currently, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holds a meeting with big tech firms and digital banks, listening to their voices. But there's no such chance for small-sized and startup fintech firms. The fintech association is the only official channel through which their voices can be delivered to the financial authorities," he added.



"Of course we also try to deliver their voices and opinions to the financial authorities. But we hope the new administration pays attention and listens directly to these small yet innovative companies' demands and voices on a regular basis, so that the government can nurture a proper environment for the further development of the fintech industry," he stressed.


President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."










President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Saturday, after an opposition-controlled National Assembly confirmed him the previous day following days of partisan wrangling over his suitability.







Yoon gave an appointment certificate to Han in the morning at the presidential office in Seoul.







Han is taking the country's No. 2 government post for the second time. The 72-year-old previously served as prime minister during the liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2007 to 2008.







During his confirmation hearing, Han said stabilizing the economy for ordinary people's livelihoods would be his top priority.







His appointment is expected to give much-needed momentum to the fledgling Yoon administration facing a series of tasks, including a recovery from COVID-19 and rising tension on the Korean Peninsula sparked by continued North Korean provocations.







Meanwhile, Han said that, along with some presidential aides, he plans to attend a memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun set to take place in the southern town of Bonghwa, Monday. (Yonhap)






President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Saturday, after an opposition-controlled National Assembly confirmed him the previous day following days of partisan wrangling over his suitability.







Yoon gave an appointment certificate to Han in the morning at the presidential office in Seoul.







Han is taking the country's No. 2 government post for the second time. The 72-year-old previously served as prime minister during the liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2007 to 2008.







During his confirmation hearing, Han said stabilizing the economy for ordinary people's livelihoods would be his top priority.







His appointment is expected to give much-needed momentum to the fledgling Yoon administration facing a series of tasks, including a recovery from COVID-19 and rising tension on the Korean Peninsula sparked by continued North Korean provocations.







Meanwhile, Han said that, along with some presidential aides, he plans to attend a memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun set to take place in the southern town of Bonghwa, Monday. (Yonhap)






President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Saturday, after an opposition-controlled National Assembly confirmed him the previous day following days of partisan wrangling over his suitability.







Yoon gave an appointment certificate to Han in the morning at the presidential office in Seoul.







Han is taking the country's No. 2 government post for the second time. The 72-year-old previously served as prime minister during the liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2007 to 2008.







During his confirmation hearing, Han said stabilizing the economy for ordinary people's livelihoods would be his top priority.







His appointment is expected to give much-needed momentum to the fledgling Yoon administration facing a series of tasks, including a recovery from COVID-19 and rising tension on the Korean Peninsula sparked by continued North Korean provocations.







Meanwhile, Han said that, along with some presidential aides, he plans to attend a memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun set to take place in the southern town of Bonghwa, Monday. (Yonhap)


President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."







President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."















The association representing the countrys military officers is urging the Minister for Defence and his officials to get around the table and implement the European Working Time Directive (WTD) across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps without delay.

The WTD was implemented by the Gardai 10 years ago, but despite repeated promises, nothing to date has been done to address this in the Defence Forces.

Speaking in the Dail recently, Defence Minister Simon Coveney reiterated the Governments full commitment to ensuring the WTD will apply to the Defence Forces, but as far back as 2010 the government was told it was in breach of employee rights legislation.

RACO, which represents 1,100 of the countrys military officers, said initial talks on the WTD implementation were held in 2019 between the military representative associations, including its sister organisation PDForra (for enlisted personnel), the Department of Defence and Defence Forces management.

RACO general secretary, Commandant Conor King, pointed out that after two months the Department of Defence withdrew from the talks.

Comdt King said, at present, the Defence Forces does not even account for the hours worked by its personnel. Some junior offices are regularly working up to 70 hours a week.

He said not keeping records on hours worked denies Defence Forces members basic employment rights and entitlements like compensatory rest or overtime, leaving them earning well below the pay of their garda counterparts and at a serious disadvantage.

Comdt King said thousands of public servants will receive restoration of pre-Haddington Road Agreement hours under Building Momentum.

Because the Defence Forces didnt count its hours, and still doesnt, Defence Forces members endured other cuts (like Specialised Instructors Allowance) that still have not been restored, he said, adding:

The denial of these basic employment rights fosters discontent, damages recruitment, and pushes Defence Forces members out the door.

Fears have been raised that senior Defence Forces management may be seeking ways to get some derogations on the implementation of the WTD.

Our members have serious concerns that rather than using the WTD to improve planning, give members safer working conditions, and better work-life balance, our Defence Forces management are trying to enshrine exemptions in law to avoid protecting their people, Comdt King said.

He said RACO is calling on Mr Coveney to immediately engage with the two Defence Forces representative associations, honour the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations on ending the free labour aspect of Defence Forces service, and not deny personnel basic employment rights because of a failure to invest in the retention of personnel.

Many officers and enlisted personnel are working more hours than they should to fill gaps because the Defence Forces are currently short around 1,000 personnel.
President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






The challenge of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

It is estimated that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing represents up to 20% of global seafood catch. IUU fishing has been linked to organized crime and human rights violations, such as human trafficking and slavery. Therefore, IUU fishing is a problem at the nexus of national, economic and food security, ocean health, and human rights.

Fisheries play an important role for food and economic security in many places, particularly in developing countries. Simultaneously, these nations are the most vulnerable to the impacts of IUU fishing, often a result of limited resources allocated to enforcing regulations.

While policy and capacity development instruments are essential to combating IUU fishing, the private sector plays an important role in driving market dynamics and demand for seafood products. By strengthening the ability of companies to identify IUU fishing in their supply chains, the industry could help cut off the lifeline that supports illegal fishers, by making it harder for them to sell their catch.

The role of the seafood industry

In recent years, the seafood industry has become a steward of the ocean, committed to combating IUU fishing. For example, in February 2021, a global coalition of over 150 retailers and seafood companies released a joint statement recognizing the importance of collectively addressing IUU fishing.

Significant strides have been made by strengthening traceability and oversight to better understand the origin of products. However, knowing where something comes from does not guarantee it was legally, responsibly and sustainably sourced. Taking this additional step requires data, methodologies and company resources. Yet, current risk assessment practices are not standardized.

Most companies have informal risk assessments, which lack a clear definition of IUU fishing risk and are mostly reactive to threats facing their operations. It is essential to standardize how various stakeholders across supply chains approach risk assessments.

Two major challenges that I have perceived as common to most actors are:

1. Limited capacity to manually access multiple and scattered data sources, for example, official lists of IUU-associated vessels, and ports known to implement stricter regulations to inspect incoming vessels.

2. Difficulty to analyze and cross-check information received from suppliers to identify activities at sea, such as no operations inside the boundaries of no-take marine protected areas.

Supporting the seafood industry with tech and data



New data and technological capabilities are unlocking innovative ways to monitor activities at sea. For example, AI-powered electronic monitoring systems can reinforce observer programs to increase coverage. Satellite-based data analyzed through machine learning can show when a vessel is likely to be transiting, fishing, or even meeting with another vessel. Finally, databases have enabled detailed inspection of vessels' history, including changes in names and their ownership. All these data combined could be used to provide a comprehensive picture of the vessels identity and activity.

New partnership unlocks data to support the seafood industry combat IUU fishing



The Supply Chain Risk Tool (SCRT) project is a partnership between the Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum, FishWise, Global Fishing Watch, and the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions.

During the first quarter of 2022, with the generous support of the UKs government Blue Planet Fund, the SCRT team led a user-centered design process with over 70 seafood supply chain stakeholders that included representatives from seafood companies, and industry associations to understand current risk assessment practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The results were published in April 2022, informing the design of a data-driven solution and proof of concept to use satellite data to observe vessel activities at sea.

With the results from this report, our team will continue to work with industry stakeholders to design a solution that can be easily incorporated into existing operations and provides clear explanations of risk and initial suggestions to act upon it. Our goal is to standardize the way in which IUU fishing risk is assessed and to promote transparency and data sharing for more comprehensive risk assessments. This partnership offers an opportunity to translate renewed industry commitments into progress towards eliminating IUU fishing.

There is genuine willingness to fish sustainably and in a way that does not harm nature or the people who rely on the ocean. Fishers recognize that depleted resources translate into job losses. Business leaders want to do the right thing, as well  but lack the tools to do so. This is why the SCRT project is so important and motivating. Making data and tech solutions available to address sustainability challenges will benefit people and the ocean alike.

Written by Alfredo Giron-Nava, Andre Hoffmann Fellow, C4IR SF and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions
There is no DNA for bigotry. Hatred is acquired after birth. So what explains mass murders like the one at a Buffalo supermarket, where 10 people were slain by a radicalized youth who drove 200 miles with a semi-automatic rifle to find a concentration of Black victims?

Racism is an entirely man-made virus. The lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II described it in the musical South Pacific:

Youve got to be taught to hate and fear

Youve got to be taught from year to year

Its got to be drummed in your dear little ear

Youve got to be carefully taught.

But its no longer just families, friends and the usual suspects in societys underworld  neo-Nazis, the KKK and their ilk  doing the teaching.

Racial fear flourishes on the internet, especially on such antisocial fringes as 4chan, where the Buffalo shooter apparently absorbed it like a dry sponge.

Its the stock in trade of Fox News ratings leader, Tucker Carlson.

It is foundational in the politics of Donald Trump and of lesser politicians whose presumably wiser colleagues are too cynical or cowardly to call them out.

Hate and fear, the ancient weapons of religious persecutions and wars of aggression, have been harnessed to the engines of political power and corporate profit in contemporary America. Leaders in our own government are among the teachers.

The racist mutation behind the Buffalo massacre and others is known as the great replacement theory. It alleges a conspiracy by Democrats and elitists to import Black and brown-skinned immigrants to displace whites, politically and culturally.

The Buffalo shooter had posted a 180-page document claiming he believed the white race to be in danger. According to the Anti-Defamation League, he copied much of it from a man who livestreamed himself murdering 61 people at two mosques in New Zealand in 2019. The canard of whites being replaced by minorities figured in mass murders at synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, at a Walmart in El Paso, and at a Black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was rampant at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville when bigots marching by torchlight chanted Jews will not replace us and a racist thug murdered a counterprotester with his car.

On that occasion, Trump  a sitting American president  validated the neo-Nazis with his remark that there were fine people on both sides, then defended himself by saying he was speaking of those who favored Confederate monuments, not those who favored the Confederacys policies in relation to Black Americans.

A thin distinction, but he had already played to white fear and hatred to win the presidency. The great replacement theory now figures in his big lie that the 2020 election was stolen and to his enduring influence over the party of Trump. And this is only the latest of his lunatic rantings regarding Black and brown people (recall his baseless claim that millions of illegal immigrants voted in the 2016 election).

Aided by sycophants, copycats and just plain cowards who echo or tolerate the replacement canard, it has become virtually a defining dogma of the entire Republican Party. A poll last December found that nearly half of all Republicans believe in it to at least some degree.

The New York Times has counted more than 400 occasions in which Tucker Carlson cited or alluded to replacement theory. When the ADL urged Fox last year to rid itself of Carlson, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz tweeted: Tucker Carlson is CORRECT about Replacement Theory as he explains what is happening to America.

The ADL, Gaetz added, is a racist organization. But now he claims he has never spoken of replacement theory in terms of race.

The same poison has spread to Tallahassee, where a senior member of the Florida Senate, Republican Dennis Baxley, spewed replacement theory in 2019 about his support for an anti-abortion bill.

When you get a birth rate less than 2%, Baxley said, that society is disappearing. And its being replaced by folks that come behind them and immigrate, dont wish to assimilate into that society and they do believe in having children.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the open carrying of permitless guns in Florida, has had little to say about Buffalo, even though he weighs in regularly on national issues. His office told Pensacolas ABC affiliate it would be prudent to refrain from any unsubstantiated speculation or policy statements until a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy.

Legislation DeSantis sought and signed makes it hazardous for teachers and professors to even discuss what happened and why in Buffalo, lest someones feelings be hurt. Such laws, migrating to other states, are breeding grounds for racism. Its as if they are intended to be.

Todays laws will put no one else on trial but the 18-year-old shooter himself for the murders at Buffalo. In defense, he may try to blame others for putting him up to it. That would fail, as it should. But the moral stain on those others will follow them to the end of time.

This editorial was written by the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board and was first published in the Fort Lauderdale-based Sun Sentinel.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

May 21NORWAY  The Select Board on Thursday scheduled a special town meeting immediately after the annual meeting June 20 to discuss appropriating up to $70,000 for a state study of downtown safety and infrastructure improvements.

The local money from the undesignated unrestricted fund balance would be a required match to partner with the Maine Department of Transportation.

A special town meeting is required because there is not enough time to add the item to the annual meeting warrant.

The study will seek to identify ways to improve accessibility and safety for all transportation models while complimenting economic development. The area will include the section of Main Street from the intersection of Paris Street and Lower Main Street west to Water Street.

Among the potential projects, as spelled out in the warrant, are the "possible replacement of the water and sewer lines, removal or relocation of the overhead power lines, renovations/replacement of the town's concrete sidewalks and reconstruction of Main Street."

The sewer lines under Main Street are more than 100 years old, according to a town memo.

Parking alternatives, traffic patterns, bicycle lanes and the impact on economic development will also be considered.

In other business, the board accepted a $50,000 Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant from the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. The award helps communities develop strategies to lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Town Manager Dennis Lajoie said he will meet with the contractor next week to discuss the next steps for the proposed renovations of the Town Office.

Lajoie will represent the town and speak at the Maine Climate Council conference, titled Communities Leading on Climate, in Augusta on June 17.

The board accepted a $1,000 donation from Carrie Colley for Fire Department training and $120 from Chad Phillips for the electric vehicle charging station at Longley Square.

Story continues

Selectman Sarah Carter reported on the ongoing conference plan survey being conducted on the town website. More than 150 online surveys have been submitted, as well as several paper surveys, which are available at the Town Office and the public library on Main Street.

Two public meetings on the survey results are scheduled for June 1: 10:30 a.m. on Zoom and 6 to 7:30 p.m. in person at the Forum in Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris.

Survey results will be shared from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 13 at the high school forum.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
My name is Yan Lu, born in April 1970, in Heishan county of Liaoning China. My mom was a farmer; my father was an electrician in a nearby brick plant. One day in September 1971, my papa took a friend home, said to my mom that he knows fortune telling and physiognomy, to have a look of me. My papa called him as Shenyang Old Liu Brother.

Annotation, at the time, Shenyang Old Liu Brother was a military general, leader of Northeast Military Region Art Troupe, so I call him Troupe Leader Liu in my later story. And I rename her daughter Jianjun Liu as Eve Liu, my name as Adam Lu.

1.1 Child Engagement

They talked in kitchen, I was sitting on bed in bedroom and listening to them, couldnt see Troupe Leader Liu, couldnt hear his voices. Troupe Leader Liu talked with many ancient words and low voices. My mom couldnt understand, so my papa explained to my mom. I heard their dialogs from my papas explanations to my mom.

Troupe Leader Liu pinched a little on middle of the curtain between bedroom and kitchen, he told my papa my fate. I didnt see him.

My papa told my mom that he said I have a fate of monk. My mom didnt understand what that fate is. My papa said that he meant that I have a bad marriage fate. My mom was upset to the saying.

My papa comforted my mom: Troupe Leader Liu said, he is just directly says what he knows according to ancient book.

My mom asked: does it mean Yan Lu wont be able to get married in future?

After inquiring Troupe Leader Liu, my papa said to my mom: he said, he may get married, but his marriage isnt happy, and wont last long. My mom was nervous about this.

My papa told my mom: Troupe Leader Liu said that he has a daughter Eve Liu. The girl has a fate of sky fate (goddess fate), incredibly smart, but bad on marriage fate too. He wants to tie up his daughter and Adam as a couple, so either bad marriage fate is breached.

My mom wasnt like the idea, said: look at his appearance! His daughter wont look nice.

My papa said: his look isnt good; his wife might be pretty. How you know his daughters looks! Besides, now we want to break Adams fate. Who knows if they two will be married or not when they grow up!

My mom said: now days, who still believe in this nonsense!

Troupe Leader Liu talked with my papa. My papa came back said to my mom: he said, in Adams whole life, when he sees him will cry. He can show you.

My mom answered: then let him have a try! I want to see how weird the thing is!

My papa talked with Troupe Leader Liu, then came back my mom: he said, in his whole life, he is only allowed being seen by Adam this one time. And this one time, his eyes will be veiled up by him. But it doesnt matter, later he will arrange other people to unveil him.

My mom asked: what is he veiling up his eyes? What effects are on Adam?

My papa said impatiently: I dont know! Cant you stop asking? He said it doesnt matter! We dont know, then listen to him.

At the time, I was sitting on bed. Troupe Leader Liu came in and quickly went straight into storage room. I didnt think much, soon forgot him. Our home is three rooms in a row; kitchen and storage room at two ends; bedroom is in the middle.

Suddenly, Troupe Leader Liu came out speedily, at center of bedroom floor turned for charging toward me. His face hasnt blood color and expression. I was looking at him. His image was zoomed in in my mind so sharply that my mind was exploding. Somehow, he floated back and floated out like white ghost. I was screaming out loudly and desperately crawling to opposite direction on bed.

Annotation 1.1.1-1, for the rite, refers to section 13.1, god flesh eyes making, step 1.

I heard my mom said to my papa in kitchen: Aha! Really! He cried! What should I do?

My papa said: Troupe Leader Liu let you go in to comfort him; we just arranged.

My mother ran into bedroom as she was shouting: Its alright! Mom is here! What happened?

I couldnt speak anymore, crying, used hand to gesture her: woo! Woo!

My mom said: aha! Mom knew! A stranger entered our home and went out! Its all right! Mom knew it! I and your papa all knew it! No problem!

My papa came in. My mom shouted at him: he shocked him! Nobody in the room, suddenly saw a stranger, certainly he cries! You see! Oh my god! Yan was so scared that all his hairs are standing up!

My papa went to talk with Troupe Leader Liu outside, came back said to my mom: Troupe Leader Liu let me discuss the engagement thing with you. He said, at the time we are in room, he went out did something. Yans monk fate has been breached halfway.

My mom asked: why did he do it in half?

My papa said: he said, the rest, if Eve and Yan are engaged, he will do the rest when they grow up.

My mom said: just like you said, now the engagement is a thing. Twenty years later, this is nothing. At that time, Eve and Yan like each other or not, they do their own decisions. We wont enforce the agreement. But we should make it clear. How much money should we pay? What should we do? What will he do? He shouldnt ask money from us in future.

My papa went to talk with Troupe Leader Liu, came back, said: he said. The thing, his daughter has half of the benefit. He doesnt want money from us now and future. And he will do all things necessary by himself. The rest rites, likely he will do at other places, not our home. He doesnt need us to do anything.

My mom agreed.

My papa said: he said, if you agree, we should make the deal face to face solemnly.

My parents went to kitchen, accepted Eve fathers offer, and they entrusted him to carry out what he promised.

Annotation 1.1.2, my parents never know what the agreement they have signed up, and they know nothing what happens to me because of the agreement. Troupe Leader Liu kept his promise for his later life. Just before his death, the last large scale of rite he did is 30 years later, in 2003, refers to section 8.5.

1.2 Visual impairment

One day, my father came back from work, talked to my mother. I was surrounded by heavy white fog, couldnt see them. Our bedroom is about 6.5 meters x 3.3 meters. My father said: Eve gave a gift to Yan. Troup Leader Liu sent it to me through XXX.

My mom was surprised: Eves gift to Yan! Let Yan have a look! My mom was calling me to go over. As I crawled close to my father, I saw two toys that my father brought back: a yellow plastic gyro and a red flamboyant stick with various black spots. My mother was looking at me, said to my father: by looks, there is something wrong with his eyes.

By my calculation now, at that time, I was able to see 0.5 meters far, 0.9 meters diameter of a place, surrounded by white fog. I could see the two toys clearly, so colorful. And I could only see my father's half of his width, couldnt see my mother. Now, my estimation that my mother was at 1.4 meters away.

Annotation, this is children neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms.

One day, I was sitting in the bedroom, my father smiled and said to my mother: XXX went to visit Shenyang Troupe Leader Lius family. Troupe Leader Liu is well off. His house is big with front and back yard in Shenyang city. I also asked their daughter Eve. He said the little one run everywhere, no fear to stranger, can recite poetries, sing, quickly do oral calculation in 100.

My mother replied: You should know! She goes to nursery or kindergarten! I heard of those places; they teach kids. How are the girls look?

My dad said: I didn't ask that.

My mother smiled and said: you keep secret from me! Turned her face and said to me: this little man has a wife in the big city! In future, we go to school, study hard, better than her. We despise her, dont climb that high branch!

My dad said: what Im going to do with you! Who would say ugly to such a little kid!

My mom went into storage room, I anxiously awaited she come out to talk more about Eve. My mom came out said to my father: I think Yan understand the engagement thing. When we talked Eve, he was so happy, listened attentively.

1.3 Uncle Dragon

One day in September 1972, our neighbor, Uncle Dragon (Chinese name: Fenglong Cui) came home for vacation, visited us. I heard that he worked in Fushun city near Shenyang city, was happy.

My mom angrily explained to Uncle Dragon: last year, Baiyang (my father) took home a fortune teller. He said Adam is monk fate, so we engaged him with that mans (Troupe Leader Liu) daughter Eve. They live in Shenyang, he heard you live near to them, so he is happy.

Uncle Dragon said: oh! This matter! But I still think Adam likes me! He walked to me, took off his hat, said: see! Im a bald! You are a bald too. Im Big Bald; you are Second Bald. Hi Fengling (my mom)! How bout we name his nickname as Second Bald?

My mom shouted: no! His fathers nickname is Third Bald! If you like Second Bald, you call it by yourself. Hi Brother! Do you think he looks like me or his father?

Annotation, countryside people think that bald means monk and kid with a monk name is easy to raise.

Uncle Dragon looked at me, said: he looks like Maitreya Buddha!

My mom was upset by the saying: you think he has a monk fate too?

Uncle Dragon answered: I dont know fate, just saying his appearance and gesture!

I asked: mom! What is Buddha?

Mom answered: let you Uncle explain it to you!

Uncle Dragon said: Buddha is born from lotus flower.

I asked: what is lotus flower?

Uncle Dragon said: I just know teach kid this difficult.

My mother said: I draw one for you.

I looked carefully, said: oh! Peach flower!

Uncle Dragon said: Peach flower is alright!

My mom shouted laughingly: how come peach flower is alright! Others Buddha born from lotus flower; how come my sons Buddha grows on peach tree!

Uncle Dragon answered: when he is older, he will sort it out by himself, beside indeed there is saying that Buddha can be born from peach flower!

My mom calmed down, said to me: Adam! Your uncle is a veteran, knows a lot. You ask him to tell you a story!

I said to him: uncle, tell me a story!

Uncle Dragon answered loudly: all right! I tell you a peach flower catastrophe story.
My name is Yan Lu, born in April 1970, in Heishan county of Liaoning China. My mom was a farmer; my father was an electrician in a nearby brick plant. One day in September 1971, my papa took a friend home, said to my mom that he knows fortune telling and physiognomy, to have a look of me. My papa called him as Shenyang Old Liu Brother.

Annotation, at the time, Shenyang Old Liu Brother was a military general, leader of Northeast Military Region Art Troupe, so I call him Troupe Leader Liu in my later story. And I rename her daughter Jianjun Liu as Eve Liu, my name as Adam Lu.

1.1 Child Engagement

They talked in kitchen, I was sitting on bed in bedroom and listening to them, couldnt see Troupe Leader Liu, couldnt hear his voices. Troupe Leader Liu talked with many ancient words and low voices. My mom couldnt understand, so my papa explained to my mom. I heard their dialogs from my papas explanations to my mom.

Troupe Leader Liu pinched a little on middle of the curtain between bedroom and kitchen, he told my papa my fate. I didnt see him.

My papa told my mom that he said I have a fate of monk. My mom didnt understand what that fate is. My papa said that he meant that I have a bad marriage fate. My mom was upset to the saying.

My papa comforted my mom: Troupe Leader Liu said, he is just directly says what he knows according to ancient book.

My mom asked: does it mean Yan Lu wont be able to get married in future?

After inquiring Troupe Leader Liu, my papa said to my mom: he said, he may get married, but his marriage isnt happy, and wont last long. My mom was nervous about this.

My papa told my mom: Troupe Leader Liu said that he has a daughter Eve Liu. The girl has a fate of sky fate (goddess fate), incredibly smart, but bad on marriage fate too. He wants to tie up his daughter and Adam as a couple, so either bad marriage fate is breached.

My mom wasnt like the idea, said: look at his appearance! His daughter wont look nice.

My papa said: his look isnt good; his wife might be pretty. How you know his daughters looks! Besides, now we want to break Adams fate. Who knows if they two will be married or not when they grow up!

My mom said: now days, who still believe in this nonsense!

Troupe Leader Liu talked with my papa. My papa came back said to my mom: he said, in Adams whole life, when he sees him will cry. He can show you.

My mom answered: then let him have a try! I want to see how weird the thing is!

My papa talked with Troupe Leader Liu, then came back my mom: he said, in his whole life, he is only allowed being seen by Adam this one time. And this one time, his eyes will be veiled up by him. But it doesnt matter, later he will arrange other people to unveil him.

My mom asked: what is he veiling up his eyes? What effects are on Adam?

My papa said impatiently: I dont know! Cant you stop asking? He said it doesnt matter! We dont know, then listen to him.

At the time, I was sitting on bed. Troupe Leader Liu came in and quickly went straight into storage room. I didnt think much, soon forgot him. Our home is three rooms in a row; kitchen and storage room at two ends; bedroom is in the middle.

Suddenly, Troupe Leader Liu came out speedily, at center of bedroom floor turned for charging toward me. His face hasnt blood color and expression. I was looking at him. His image was zoomed in in my mind so sharply that my mind was exploding. Somehow, he floated back and floated out like white ghost. I was screaming out loudly and desperately crawling to opposite direction on bed.

Annotation 1.1.1-1, for the rite, refers to section 13.1, god flesh eyes making, step 1.

I heard my mom said to my papa in kitchen: Aha! Really! He cried! What should I do?

My papa said: Troupe Leader Liu let you go in to comfort him; we just arranged.

My mother ran into bedroom as she was shouting: Its alright! Mom is here! What happened?

I couldnt speak anymore, crying, used hand to gesture her: woo! Woo!

My mom said: aha! Mom knew! A stranger entered our home and went out! Its all right! Mom knew it! I and your papa all knew it! No problem!

My papa came in. My mom shouted at him: he shocked him! Nobody in the room, suddenly saw a stranger, certainly he cries! You see! Oh my god! Yan was so scared that all his hairs are standing up!

My papa went to talk with Troupe Leader Liu outside, came back said to my mom: Troupe Leader Liu let me discuss the engagement thing with you. He said, at the time we are in room, he went out did something. Yans monk fate has been breached halfway.

My mom asked: why did he do it in half?

My papa said: he said, the rest, if Eve and Yan are engaged, he will do the rest when they grow up.

My mom said: just like you said, now the engagement is a thing. Twenty years later, this is nothing. At that time, Eve and Yan like each other or not, they do their own decisions. We wont enforce the agreement. But we should make it clear. How much money should we pay? What should we do? What will he do? He shouldnt ask money from us in future.

My papa went to talk with Troupe Leader Liu, came back, said: he said. The thing, his daughter has half of the benefit. He doesnt want money from us now and future. And he will do all things necessary by himself. The rest rites, likely he will do at other places, not our home. He doesnt need us to do anything.

My mom agreed.

My papa said: he said, if you agree, we should make the deal face to face solemnly.

My parents went to kitchen, accepted Eve fathers offer, and they entrusted him to carry out what he promised.

Annotation 1.1.2, my parents never know what the agreement they have signed up, and they know nothing what happens to me because of the agreement. Troupe Leader Liu kept his promise for his later life. Just before his death, the last large scale of rite he did is 30 years later, in 2003, refers to section 8.5.

1.2 Visual impairment

One day, my father came back from work, talked to my mother. I was surrounded by heavy white fog, couldnt see them. Our bedroom is about 6.5 meters x 3.3 meters. My father said: Eve gave a gift to Yan. Troup Leader Liu sent it to me through XXX.

My mom was surprised: Eves gift to Yan! Let Yan have a look! My mom was calling me to go over. As I crawled close to my father, I saw two toys that my father brought back: a yellow plastic gyro and a red flamboyant stick with various black spots. My mother was looking at me, said to my father: by looks, there is something wrong with his eyes.

By my calculation now, at that time, I was able to see 0.5 meters far, 0.9 meters diameter of a place, surrounded by white fog. I could see the two toys clearly, so colorful. And I could only see my father's half of his width, couldnt see my mother. Now, my estimation that my mother was at 1.4 meters away.

Annotation, this is children neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms.

One day, I was sitting in the bedroom, my father smiled and said to my mother: XXX went to visit Shenyang Troupe Leader Lius family. Troupe Leader Liu is well off. His house is big with front and back yard in Shenyang city. I also asked their daughter Eve. He said the little one run everywhere, no fear to stranger, can recite poetries, sing, quickly do oral calculation in 100.

My mother replied: You should know! She goes to nursery or kindergarten! I heard of those places; they teach kids. How are the girls look?

My dad said: I didn't ask that.

My mother smiled and said: you keep secret from me! Turned her face and said to me: this little man has a wife in the big city! In future, we go to school, study hard, better than her. We despise her, dont climb that high branch!

My dad said: what Im going to do with you! Who would say ugly to such a little kid!

My mom went into storage room, I anxiously awaited she come out to talk more about Eve. My mom came out said to my father: I think Yan understand the engagement thing. When we talked Eve, he was so happy, listened attentively.

1.3 Uncle Dragon

One day in September 1972, our neighbor, Uncle Dragon (Chinese name: Fenglong Cui) came home for vacation, visited us. I heard that he worked in Fushun city near Shenyang city, was happy.

My mom angrily explained to Uncle Dragon: last year, Baiyang (my father) took home a fortune teller. He said Adam is monk fate, so we engaged him with that mans (Troupe Leader Liu) daughter Eve. They live in Shenyang, he heard you live near to them, so he is happy.

Uncle Dragon said: oh! This matter! But I still think Adam likes me! He walked to me, took off his hat, said: see! Im a bald! You are a bald too. Im Big Bald; you are Second Bald. Hi Fengling (my mom)! How bout we name his nickname as Second Bald?

My mom shouted: no! His fathers nickname is Third Bald! If you like Second Bald, you call it by yourself. Hi Brother! Do you think he looks like me or his father?

Annotation, countryside people think that bald means monk and kid with a monk name is easy to raise.

Uncle Dragon looked at me, said: he looks like Maitreya Buddha!

My mom was upset by the saying: you think he has a monk fate too?

Uncle Dragon answered: I dont know fate, just saying his appearance and gesture!

I asked: mom! What is Buddha?

Mom answered: let you Uncle explain it to you!

Uncle Dragon said: Buddha is born from lotus flower.

I asked: what is lotus flower?

Uncle Dragon said: I just know teach kid this difficult.

My mother said: I draw one for you.

I looked carefully, said: oh! Peach flower!

Uncle Dragon said: Peach flower is alright!

My mom shouted laughingly: how come peach flower is alright! Others Buddha born from lotus flower; how come my sons Buddha grows on peach tree!

Uncle Dragon answered: when he is older, he will sort it out by himself, beside indeed there is saying that Buddha can be born from peach flower!

My mom calmed down, said to me: Adam! Your uncle is a veteran, knows a lot. You ask him to tell you a story!

I said to him: uncle, tell me a story!

Uncle Dragon answered loudly: all right! I tell you a peach flower catastrophe story.
The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.
The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.


The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.
POKROVSK, Ukraine  Concern mounted Saturday over Ukrainian fighters who became prisoners at the end of Russias brutal three-month siege of Mariupol, as a Moscow-backed separatist leader vowed they would face tribunals.

Russia claimed full control of the Azovstal steel plant, which for weeks was the last holdout in Mariupol and a symbol of Ukrainian tenacity in the strategic port city, now in ruins with more than 20,000 residents feared dead. Its seizure delivers Russian President Vladimir Putin a badly wanted victory in the war he began in February.

As the West rallies behind Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on an unannounced visit and will address the countrys parliament on Sunday, his office said.

Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraines desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraines sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.

The Russian Defense Ministry released video of Ukrainian soldiers being detained after announcing that its forces had removed the last holdouts from the Mariupol plants extensive underground tunnels. Denis Pushilin, the pro-Kremlin head of an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, claimed that 2,439 people were in custody. He said on Russian state TV that the figure includes some foreign nationals, though he did not provide details.

Family members of the steel mill fighters, who came from a variety of military and law enforcement units, have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war and eventually returned to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Saturday that Ukraine will fight for the return of every one of them.

Convoys of buses, guarded by Russian armored vehicles, left the plant Friday. At least some Ukrainians were taken to a former penal colony. Russian officials said others were hospitalized.

Pushilin said the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal. Russian officials and state media have sought to characterize the fighters as neo-Nazis and criminals.

I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community, Russian state news agency Tass quoted Pushilin as saying.

Among the defenders were members of the Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of its effort to cast the invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on Russias claim of capturing Azovstal. Ukraines military had told the fighters their mission was complete and they could come out. It described their extraction as an evacuation, not a mass surrender.

The capture of Mariupol furthers Russias quest to create a land bridge from Russia stretching through the Donbas region to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The impact on the broader war remained unclear. Many Russian troops already had been redeployed from Mariupol to elsewhere in the conflict.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov reported Saturday that Russia destroyed a Ukrainian special-operations base near Odesa, Ukraines main Black Sea port, as well as a significant cache of Western-supplied weapons in northern Ukraines Zhytomyr region. There was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting in much of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. As in previous days, the Russian army is trying to attack Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk. He said Ukrainian forces are holding off the offensive every day.

Sievierodonetsk is the main city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region, which together with the Donetsk region makes up the Donbas. Gov. Serhii Haidai said the only functioning hospital in the city has just three doctors and supplies for 10 days.

Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, is critical to Russias objective of capturing all of eastern Ukraine and saw fierce fighting last month after Moscows troops backed off from Kyiv. Russian shelling on Saturday killed seven civilians and injured 10 more elsewhere in the region, the governor said.

A monastery in the Donetsk region village of Bohorodichne was evacuated after being hit by a Russian airstrike, the regional police said Saturday. About 100 monks, nuns and children had been seeking safe shelter in the basement of the church and no one was hurt, the police said in a Facebook post, which included a video showing extensive damage to the monastery as well as nuns, monks and children boarding vans on Friday for the evacuation.

Zelenskyy on Saturday emphasized that the Donbas remains part of Ukraine and his forces were fighting to liberate it.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, he pressed Western countries for multiple-launch rocket systems, which he said just stand still in other countries yet are key to Ukraines success.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed off Saturday on a fresh, $40 billion infusion of aid for Ukraine, with half for military assistance. Portugal pledged up to 250 million euros, as well as continued shipments of military equipment.

Mariupol, which is part of the Donbas, was blockaded early in the war and became a frightening example to people elsewhere in the country of the hunger, terror and death they might face if the Russians surrounded their communities.

The seaside steelworks, occupying some 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), were a battleground for weeks. Drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, the dwindling group of outgunned Ukrainian fighters held out with the help of airdrops.

Zelenskyy revealed in an interview published Friday that Ukrainian helicopter pilots braved Russian anti-aircraft fire to ferry in medicine, food and water as well as to retrieve bodies and rescue wounded fighters. A very large number of the pilots died on the missions, he said, calling them absolutely heroic.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released video of Russian troops taking into custody Serhiy Volynskyy, the commander of the Ukrainian Navys 36th Special Marine Brigade, which was one of the main forces defending the steel plant. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the date, location and conditions of the video.

With Russia controlling the city, Ukrainian authorities are likely to face delays in documenting evidence of alleged Russian atrocities in Mariupol, including the bombings of a maternity hospital and a theater where hundreds of civilians had taken cover. Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

An estimated 100,000 of the 450,000 people who resided in Mariupol before the war remain. Many, trapped by Russias siege, were left without food, water and electricity.

The Ukrainian mayor of Mariupol warned Saturday the city is facing a health and sanitation catastrophe from mass burials in shallow pits across the ruined city as well as the breakdown of sewage systems. Vadim Boychenko said summer rains threaten to contaminate water sources as he pressed Russian forces to allow residents to safely leave the city.

In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the (Russian) occupiers and collaborators, the city is on the verge of an outbreak of infectious diseases, he said on the messaging app Telegram.

___

McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Frances DEmilio in Rome, and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The head of Sudans Sovereign Council has ordered various armed groups to leave major towns in the nations troubled Darfur region, to be replaced by a new hybrid defense force made up of government troops and those of armed groups that signed a landmark 2020 peace accord.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told reporters Wednesday that within this week fighters unaffiliated with that hybrid force would be expected to vacate major towns and assemble at designated areas in Darfur to pave the way for the joint force to take control of security in Darfurs major towns.

There are other negative armed forces that are trying to cause havoc, al-Burhan said. We have jointly agreed to fight them and prevent them from causing insecurity for our civilians.

Al-Burhan delivered his comments in North Darfurs provincial capital, el-Fasher, where he and his ruling Sovereign Council deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo met with leaders of the nine armed groups that were signatories to the Juba Agreement of October 2020. They recommitted to create the joint force that had been approved by the pact but never implemented because of instability in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. That led to a complete military takeover last October 25, which al-Burhan defended, saying he was saving Sudan from civil war.

The joint force should be in place by next week, said al-Burhan, commander in chief of Sudans armed forces. The Juba Agreements terms call for a joint force of 12,000.

Residents of Darfur have complained of brutal treatment by a variety of government-backed militias, a problem exacerbated by a resurgence of tribal clashes across the region.

In December, Sudan political leaders and anti-coup demonstrators rejected a deal worked out between al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had been reinstated after initially being removed in the coup.

At least 76 people have been killed in anti-coup protests as of last week, according a Sudanese doctors group.

On Wednesday, hundreds of internally displaced people rallied in el-Fasher to protest al-Burhans visit and the ongoing insecurity. Police used tear gas to disperse them, and at least five people were reported injured.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees, said its members would continue to protest killings and lootings allegedly carried out by government militias in Darfur.

The militias have not been held to account, Rijal told South Sudan in Focus via a messaging app. There is no one that would write a regular report to the United Nations Security Council, he said. That is why they continue with their brutality against the people. The Sudanese government should take responsibility for these mistakes.

Al-Burhan on Wednesday said the transitional government was committed to protecting civilians and carrying out the deals security arrangements.

I would like to assure our relatives in Al-Fashir and other towns that we are keen to work together as one people to maintain the security of our citizens, he said to reporters. We would also ensure that our brothers and sisters who have come back to resettle, that they live in peace and stability.

This report originated with VOA English to Africa Services South Sudan in Focus program.
The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.




Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday.

WOMEN'S DAY

New Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church, 375 Ephesus Church Road, Semora, North Carolina, will observe Women's Day at 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Brenda Hunt-Moore, from New Hope Person in Timberlake. If possible, wear pearls and purple. Services are live on Facebook or by teleconference at 978-990-5000, access code 197724 or by radio in the church parking lot at FM 107.3. Masks are required inside church and all COVID-19 guidelines are followed.

PARKING LOT REVIVAL

Mt. Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold parking lot revival services at 7 p.m. May 25-27 with guest evangelist the Rev. Herbert Holly II, pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Stony Creek.

FOOD & CLOTHING MINISTRY

Union Hall Baptist Church Food & Clothing Ministry, 6861 Strawberry Road, will open from 9 a.m. to noon June 4, with food and clothing of all types. For questions, call 434-724-4354 or 434-250-8964.

MEETING

Smithfield Primitive Baptist Church members/family descendants to meet from 1 to 2 p.m. June 18 at Cherrystone Community Center, U.S. 29, Chatham.

SERVICE CHANGE

Bennett Memorial Missionary Baptist Church will not hold parking lot services until further notice. Services can be heard by via conference call at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Phone number is 1-774-220-4000, ID number 608-2009.

IN PERSON/ONLINE SERVICES

Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and Live on Facebook, www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville.

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church now offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. These will be held until further notice.

IN-PERSON SERVICES

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Masking requested if not immunized. Social distancing except for family members.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for their hour of power on the first and third Sundays.

North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m.

Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook.

Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, will resume in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school.

ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch.

DRIVE-IN SERVICES

Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

ONGOING SERVICES

Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish.

Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory.

Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836.

Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960.

Give Nebraska completed another annual fundraising campaign by raising $529,445 in 2021 to support nonprofits and their missions to enhance the quality of life in Nebraska.

Give Nebraska's goal is to make it easy for everyone to make a difference in their community and support positive change.

Workplace giving campaigns are an effective and efficient choice for many people to give, said Melissa Filipi, executive director. Recurring donations, throughout the year and combined with gifts from others, can have an incredible impact on the work of nonprofits in our community.

For the 2022 campaign, Give Nebraska is adding three new member agencies, giving employees more choices in their workplace giving campaigns. This brings Give Nebraska's member agency list total up to 75 nonprofits across the state.

New agencies include:

 Autism Society of Nebraska, which improves the lives of Nebraskans affected by autism through community building, information and referral, education and advocacy.

 History Nebraska Foundation, which spreads awareness of History Nebraskas efforts and seeks financial support from those with a passion for Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

 Wachiska Audubon Society, which preserves and restores native grassland and other natural ecosystems, promotes birding, supports native wildlife, provides nature educational opportunities, and advocates for sustainability.

We are honored to partner with all our nonprofit member agencies. They are helping people and transforming lives, said Filipi. The diversity in missions and geography represented by Give Nebraska is our greatest strength. Donors choose the causes closest to their heart, knowing that their gift will make a difference.

Founded by Nebraska nonprofits, for Nebraska nonprofits, Give Nebraska is a federation of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Nebraska, and exists to connect donors to the causes they care about most.

To learn more about Give Nebraska, designated giving and implementing or enhancing your workplaces campaign with these agencies, visit www.givenebraska.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0










Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Give Nebraska completed another annual fundraising campaign by raising $529,445 in 2021 to support nonprofits and their missions to enhance the quality of life in Nebraska.

Give Nebraska's goal is to make it easy for everyone to make a difference in their community and support positive change.

Workplace giving campaigns are an effective and efficient choice for many people to give, said Melissa Filipi, executive director. Recurring donations, throughout the year and combined with gifts from others, can have an incredible impact on the work of nonprofits in our community.

For the 2022 campaign, Give Nebraska is adding three new member agencies, giving employees more choices in their workplace giving campaigns. This brings Give Nebraska's member agency list total up to 75 nonprofits across the state.

New agencies include:

 Autism Society of Nebraska, which improves the lives of Nebraskans affected by autism through community building, information and referral, education and advocacy.

 History Nebraska Foundation, which spreads awareness of History Nebraskas efforts and seeks financial support from those with a passion for Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

 Wachiska Audubon Society, which preserves and restores native grassland and other natural ecosystems, promotes birding, supports native wildlife, provides nature educational opportunities, and advocates for sustainability.

We are honored to partner with all our nonprofit member agencies. They are helping people and transforming lives, said Filipi. The diversity in missions and geography represented by Give Nebraska is our greatest strength. Donors choose the causes closest to their heart, knowing that their gift will make a difference.

Founded by Nebraska nonprofits, for Nebraska nonprofits, Give Nebraska is a federation of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Nebraska, and exists to connect donors to the causes they care about most.

To learn more about Give Nebraska, designated giving and implementing or enhancing your workplaces campaign with these agencies, visit www.givenebraska.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Give Nebraska completed another annual fundraising campaign by raising $529,445 in 2021 to support nonprofits and their missions to enhance the quality of life in Nebraska.

Give Nebraska's goal is to make it easy for everyone to make a difference in their community and support positive change.

Workplace giving campaigns are an effective and efficient choice for many people to give, said Melissa Filipi, executive director. Recurring donations, throughout the year and combined with gifts from others, can have an incredible impact on the work of nonprofits in our community.

For the 2022 campaign, Give Nebraska is adding three new member agencies, giving employees more choices in their workplace giving campaigns. This brings Give Nebraska's member agency list total up to 75 nonprofits across the state.

New agencies include:

 Autism Society of Nebraska, which improves the lives of Nebraskans affected by autism through community building, information and referral, education and advocacy.

 History Nebraska Foundation, which spreads awareness of History Nebraskas efforts and seeks financial support from those with a passion for Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

 Wachiska Audubon Society, which preserves and restores native grassland and other natural ecosystems, promotes birding, supports native wildlife, provides nature educational opportunities, and advocates for sustainability.

We are honored to partner with all our nonprofit member agencies. They are helping people and transforming lives, said Filipi. The diversity in missions and geography represented by Give Nebraska is our greatest strength. Donors choose the causes closest to their heart, knowing that their gift will make a difference.

Founded by Nebraska nonprofits, for Nebraska nonprofits, Give Nebraska is a federation of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Nebraska, and exists to connect donors to the causes they care about most.

To learn more about Give Nebraska, designated giving and implementing or enhancing your workplaces campaign with these agencies, visit www.givenebraska.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


















Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

















A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
A crowd of curious people in one of Seoul's busy streets in the winter of 1883-1884, perhaps shocked at their first encounter with a camera (or possibly the American cameraman). Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



In the summer of 1877, a new type of medicine was introduced into Korea. Dr. Yano, a Japanese naval surgeon, established a hospital in Fusan (now part of modern Busan) where he treated not only the Japanese residents of the enclave but also Koreans from the surrounding regions. At first, many Koreans distrusted this foreign doctor and his new medicines, but, upon hearing glowing testimonies from their peers who had received treatment, their reluctance faded away and the hospital was soon frequented by those in desperate situations.



According to one observer:



"The Coreans are most astonished, and think that there must be something supernatural in the treatment."



Sometimes these treatments came in the form of potions and ointments. A Korean official who complained of having "rather weak eyes," was given "a bottle of the Seikisui eye-medicine" and was very impressed with its results and made his satisfaction well-known to those around him. Subsequently, the medicine acquired a great reputation and a large quantity of this wonder drug was requested  some orders were even received from Seoul.



However, not all of the doctor's treatments were derived from ingredients that could be found in a well-stocked pharmacy  some were administered through the mysteries of modern technology.



An elderly Korean gentleman, whose arm was paralyzed from many years of severe rheumatism, beseeched Dr. Yano to help him. The physician brought out a strange box and attached wires from it to the elderly patient's arm and then "passed a current through [the] arm by means of an electrical machine, and the limb which had been useless for so many years recovered its powers again." The astounded patient exclaimed Dr. Yano was the rebirth of Shennong (Sinnong)  the Chinese god of medicine  and, "in the excess of his joy," almost became mad raving about the powers of the doctor.



Many people feared electricity. Superstitious people (in Korea as well as the United States) feared it was evil or a tool of the gods, while others more scientifically inclined feared it for its potential to kill those who were careless with its use. It is interesting to note that some of the earliest Westerners residing in Korea were using electricity to treat their medical conditions.



From 1883 to 1884, Lucius Foote, the first American Minister to Korea, had a "small dynamo electric machine" that he may have used on himself and his wife as they both tended to be physically unhealthy; in fact, Mrs. Foote died shortly after she returned to the United States. In 1885, the "small dynamo electric machine" was passed on to Dr. Horace N. Allen, the Footes' physician. It isn't clear if Allen ever used it to treat his patients at his hospital in Seoul but it certainly is possible.





An image of Shennong by Guo Xu in 1503. Public domain image taken from Wikipedia



In the winter of 1893-1894, Clarence Greathouse, an American advisor to the Joseon court, used an electrical battery on his elderly mother's aching back. In her diary she wrote:



"The General [her son's nickname] brought up his battery and gave some shocks hoping it would relieve the pain in my back, which I am inclined to think it will. At bedtime now, I feel better and if it should succeed in getting me ease I will let him repeat it."



A few days later she wrote: "Last night my son used the battery on me again and this morning. [I] think I can recommend it. [He] says he wants to use it every night; that it could be good for [my] health, anyway, I am almost a believer in electricity, to some extent anyway."



Mrs. Greathouse had a penchant for describing her aches and pains in her diary so her failure to mention the electrical treatments in a negative manner makes me suspect they were relatively painless. Apparently, the treatments worked and she never mentioned them again in her diaries.



Electricity was also used in dentistry. Some dentists in the United States declared it was one of their greatest tools. I suspect they meant for powering their equipment, lights and X-rays. Western dentists in Japan quickly adopted it for their own practices.



In October 1896, John Sill (the American Minister to Korea), his wife (Sallie) and her sister (Lily) traveled to Nagasaki, Japan, on vacation. While in Nagasaki, Lily  who was plagued with bad teeth  visited one of the city's American dentists who proposed "to fill and extract teeth without pain with the aid of electricity and cocaine."





Electric mouth battery purported to be "beneficial in many diseases common to mankind, especially catarrh, deafness, weak eyes, headache, various nerve disorders, stomach and lung troubles and diseases of the mouth, reducing inflammation, arising from regulating the teeth." Chicago dentist, L.L. Funk's testimony in an advertisement from 1895. Public domain
President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."






The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.
The scariest thing about the rhetoric and misinformation coming out of Russia these days about Ukraine is its familiarity.

In the decade before I was born, the best way to smear someone and to ruin their lives forever was to call them a communist. Never mind if the accusation was true or not, never mind that this was and always has been a free country in which whatever political system you prefer isnt a litmus test for being a patriotic American, or that although there were actual communists here, they were few and far between.

And never mind that during the height of post Word War II consumerism, the American public was very unlikely to support a government based on confiscating private businesses and eliminating social classes.

In fact, communism proved to be so unworkable that there are only a few communist nations left in the world, and most of those have adopted some aspects of capitalism  China and Vietnam being the best examples. But the word itself evolved so that besides describing a school of political thought, it was also used to conjure up images of people who wanted to destroy our way of life and were in every way fundamentally different from us.

The same thing is happening today in Russia, where images of Ukrainians murdered in the streets by Russian troops are passed off as fake news perpetrated by crisis actors. Russian citizens justify terrorizing and killing ordinary Ukrainians because theyve been told theyre Nazis, and that theyre the aggressors in this situation.

Never mind that in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, won the presidency with over 73% of the vote, and seems to have the support of his people. It is hardly the kind of attitude that could be attributed to Nazis, and its an especially strange reason to stage an invasion for a country that, for much of its history, has persecuted Jews nearly as much as Nazi Germany did.

The word Nazi is important here, because as in the United States, its a word that originally described a political party and its school of thought, but has since  at least in the former Soviet Union  become synonymous with the atrocities committed by German troops against the Russian people during World War II. By wars end, that nation had suffered almost a third of the conflicts total casualties.

There are few people living now who remember that time, but the children and grandchildren of those who lived through it were certainly steeped in that awful history. And all it takes to get them on the side of a government that is lying to them is to make that accusation, whether its true or not.

How different is misinformation like this from what we hear today  Democrats are running child sex rings, COVID-19 is just like the flu and Donald Trump won the 2020 election  all of which have not one shred of evidence to support them.

In 2020, a group of researchers paid over 200 conservative Fox News viewers $15 an hour to watch CNN, based on the fact that, when compared to other news outlets, Fox News coverage was highly selective and offered dramatically different information from the rest. According to the study, within three days, viewers factual perceptions and knowledge about current events changed their attitudes about Donald Trump, Republicans and COVID-19.

Its easy for those of us on the left to conclude that people who are taken in by these lies are just stupid, but the truth is, being manipulated by those who know exactly how to play on our fears happens to smart people all of the time. If it wasnt so, telemarketers and cyberscammers wouldnt be in business. And as someone who watches Fox News fairly regularly, I can attest to the fact that their delivery is very seductive  even when you dont agree with them. Now imagine the effect the networks hosts have on those who do.

Its never easy to let go of closely held beliefs  even when theyre not based in fact  and its especially difficult when everyone you like and respect holds those same views. But what will become of our country if the party that has given itself over to those who peddle these lies seizes power? They will set us against each other in unending witch hunts for communists, Nazis, transpeople, mask-wearers, fraudulent voters and baby-killers  all the while lining their own pockets and robbing us of our rights. Meanwhile, well be busy looking in the other direction.

Biesenbach is a Roanoke freelance writer, title examiner and author of Bits O Betsy Biesenbach.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




At 89, Emily Meggett is considered by many to be the most important Gullah Geechee cook alive.

She was born on Edisto Island in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, as were her parents and their parents, in a line that connects back to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in what is now known as the Gullah Geechee corridor, a string of coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. Through centuries of slavery, they managed to hold on to some traditions and forge new ones. They created their own Creole language called Gullah and a culture known as Gullah Geechee.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Meggett, who has never used a cookbook during her 78 years in the kitchen, published her own: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes From the Matriarch of Edisto Island.

  

Written and narrated by Marc Tracy




President Yoon Suk-yeol listens as his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden speaks during their visit to Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Friday. Courtesy of presidential office





By Nam Hyun-woo







The summit between South Korea and the U.S. may play a role in shaping positive public opinion for Presidents Yoon Suk-yeol and Joe Biden in elections that will be held in their two countries.







The two leaders will hold talks Saturday to reaffirm the allies' stronger commitment to partnerships in security and the economy. The Korea-U.S. summit will be held ahead of the June 1 local elections here in which mayors, governors, city council members and superintendents will be elected.







In that respect, the summit could play a role in boosting the ruling People Power Party (PPP).







South Koreans' awareness of national security is strengthening amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating missile and nuclear weapons threats. Against this backdrop, the two leaders' strong message on the Seoul-Washington alliance will likely have a positive impact on voters, pundits said.







"Every summit between Seoul and Washington has been a plus for the ruling side, because all messages coming out of the talks are about strengthening bilateral ties and hopes of overcoming pending challenges," an official at the ruling party said. "This time, security concerns stemming from North Korea and Ukraine are also turning voter sentiment toward the ruling side."











Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe











WASHINGTON (AP)  While President Joe Biden travels in Asia, his administration is scrambling to salvage next months summit focused on Latin America.

The Summit of the Americas, which the United States is hosting for the first time since the inaugural event in 1994, has risked collapsing over concerns about the guest list. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to boycott if Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua arent included. Unlike Washington, which considers the three autocratic governments as pariahs, Mexicos leftist leader maintains regular ties with them.

A hollow summit would undermine efforts by the U.S. to reassert its influence in Latin America when China is making inroads and concerns grow that democracy is backsliding in the region.

Now Biden is considering inviting a Cuban representative to attend the summit as an observer, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified while speaking about sensitive deliberations. Its unclear if Cuba would accept the invitation  which would be extended to someone in the foreign ministry, not the foreign minister himself  and whether that would assuage Lopez Obradors concerns.

Lopez Obrador reiterated Friday that he wants everyone to be invited," but indicated that he was hopeful about reaching a resolution, adding that "we have a lot of confidence in President Biden and he respects us.

Even if Lopez Obrador attends, there could still be a notable absence in Los Angeles: Brazils Jair Bolsonaro, who leads Latin Americas most populous country, hasn't said whether he'll attend.

The uncertainty is a sign of chaotic planning for the summit, which is scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in Los Angeles. Normally, gatherings for heads of state are organized long in advance, with clear agendas and guest lists.

Theres no excuse that they didnt have enough time, said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This is our chance to set a regional agenda. Its a great opportunity. And Im afraid were not going to take it.

Story continues

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Ned Price, speaking for the U.S. State Department, said the first wave of invitations was sent out Thursday, but there could be additions. He declined to say who had gotten invitations.

He said speculation about who was attending was understandable, noting that Biden will be the first U.S. president to attend the summit since 2015, when President Barack Obama went to Panama.

President Donald Trump skipped the next summit in Peru in 2018, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

Our agenda is to focus on working together when it comes to the core challenges that face our hemisphere, Price said, including migration, climate change and the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cubas participation is often a controversial issue for the summit, which has been held every few years and includes countries from Canada to Chile. The island nation was not invited to the first gathering in Miami, but Obama made headlines by shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama.

Questions about Biden's approach to Latin America are piling up when his attention has been elsewhere. He's taken a lead in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, helping to forge an international coalition to punish Moscow with sanctions and arm Kyiv with new weapons.

Biden is also trying to refocus U.S. foreign policy on Asia, where he views the rising power of China as the country's foremost long-term challenge. He's currently on his first trip to the continent as president, visiting South Korea and Japan.

Berg argued that neglecting Latin America could undermine Biden's goals, since China has been trying to make inroads in the region.

Its always been difficult for Latin America to get its due," he said. "But were pretty close to being in a geopolitical situation where Latin America moves from a strategic asset for us to a strategic liability.

Instead of putting the finishing touches on the schedule for the Summit of the Americas, administration officials have been racing to ensure it doesn't devolve into an embarrassment.

Chris Dodd, a former U.S. senator from Connecticut chosen by Biden as a special adviser for the summit, spent two hours on Zoom with Lopez Obrador this week.

There's also been a steady drip of announcements adjusting U.S. policies toward the region.

For example, the U.S. is moving to ease some economic sanctions on Venezuela.

In addition, administration officials said they would loosen restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and allow Cuban immigrants to send more money back to people on the island.

The discussion about Cuba's potential participation in Los Angeles reflects a difficult diplomatic and political balancing act.

Biden faces pressure to invite Cuba from his counterparts in the region. In addition to Lopez Obrador, Bolivias President Luis Arce has threatened to skip the summit.

But Biden risks domestic backlash if Cuba is included, and not just from Republicans. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Cuban American Democrat from New Jersey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an outspoken critic of the Cuban government.

___

Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed from Mexico City, and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed from Washington.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.


abhisheksircar BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 469 Thanked: 1,423 Times

Interior



What's new in 2022 (RXZ Turbo CVT variant)



1. Red stitches on the seat

2. Cruise control

3. Wireless charger

4. Red graded shade on the dash







As soon as you sit in the driver seat, you realize that this compact SUV makes you feel one segment higher. The seating could match up with the next segment SUVs. The flat bottom steering looks good and is quite functional. The raised ICE Unit is quite easy to navigate. First look definitely goes to an almost waterfall central console which looks quite nice. You might then notice the huge mirror on the A pillar blocking a good section of the view. The next thing you notice is the plastics. It's not bad but not one you would expect in a car of this segment. Soft plastic is almost like a given these days. There is play of Piano black material here and there which looks good. Piano black needs attention though.







The rearview mirror is a bit flimsy and allows very narrow view through the rear window. The headrests add to the ineffectiveness. I personally did not have an issue with this yet. It's manageable. Dimming is manual and not automatic.







The upholstery is fabric here as it needs to work effectively with the side airbag units. Yes, the kiger has 4 airbags. I like the red stitching on the seats. The seats allow height and incline adjustments. The ignition block in the steering column looks quite odd and empty and I would have preferred the ignition switch to be on the steering column instead of the center console. The plastics overall does not feel like a million rupee car. It's scratchy and not soft.







There is a nice gradient treatment on the front dash with a piano finish which breaks the monotony of Piano black everywhere.







I like the flat bottomed steering. It has a short patch of leather on the top. I plan to place a full leather cover on it soon. The steering is slightly on the heavier side in a good way making the handling quite nice. It's a pleasure in curvy roads. The steering has all the required controls, including the cruise control buttons. No qualms over here. You can adjust it for height but not reach.







The stocks are aligned to the Indian standards with washer based controls on the left and light based controls like indicator, high beam switches on the right stock.







The rear seats have plenty of space. There are two adjustable headrests which come on the rear seat. There are map holders in the back of the front seat. There is a center armrest which allows you to place some cups and a phone but the cup holders are very shallow. The rear doors hold 4 speakers, just like the front adding up to a 8 speaker system. All the doors can also hold one liter bottles. Kiger has storage sorted for sure. It's everywhere. The rear seats support ISOFIX seats.







The boot allows a massive 405 litres of storage space which is quite good for a compact SUV. The seats allow a split fold allowing to extend the storage space to the rear passenger seat. The loading lip is quite high making handling luggage a bit cumbersome; only if the luggage is too heavy.







The center panel with the armrest looks and is quite functional. It has a sliding unit for storage extended with a reasonably well placed armrest which locks itself with a strong magnet. It's quite big and is recommended with a storage organizer to manage it well.







But that huge storage in the center seems like an after thought as while putting it, they tucked the seat belt lock cramped way between the seats and the central unit. I still struggle to locate and put the seat belt. I hope to master this soon







The front and rear doors have capacity to hold 1 liter bottles. It has piano insets to add to the aesthetics. Each door hosts a speaker and a tweeter. The rear door supports childlock.







There are 2 glove boxes on the front passenger side. It's got ample storage space. The lower one is a cooled glove.







The front driver door provides controls for the power windows, adjusting the mirrors and closing the mirror units. Only the front driver side window supports auto up and down. The rear window does not open completely and stops with few inches to go. The ergonomics of using either of these power window switches in every door is not that great and you have to bend your hand a bit back to use it. We are spoilt these days !!







PM2.5 air filter in all AC units is very thoughtful in these times which is almost like wearing a mask around the car to avoid even very fine dust and germs to an extent.







The AC controls along with other controls are pretty nicely placed. I like the LED driven indicators inside the knobs. The AC is adequately effective although Bangalore is going through a weather patch which is comparable to any hill stations. Peak summers, next year or some drive outside will give a better picture. One thing I do not like is having to switch off the blower manually every time to off before switching off the car to avoid the car starting next time with the blower on. This should have automatically gone to 0 when switching off the car. The switches above it has blowers for the front glasses, hazard light indicator and central door lock and unlock buttons. There are 2 buttons still empty and this is where I could have liked the cruise control on and off button to be in instead of placing it in a central unit. It has a phone/key/wallet etc storage unit under these switches.







The unit just below it hosts a USB port, start/stop ignition button and the cruise control activation button. Under that is the wireless charger. This supports fast wireless charging. The phone gets a bit hot though over time. There is a dedicated button to switch on and off the charger. There is a dedicated button alongside it for ambient light as well. Next to it is a mode selector helping you to toggle between Eco, Normal and Turbo mode.







The ICE unit is pretty decent and nothing extra ordinary here. What I like is it's high placement. I also like the other controls like AC temperature change etc also being displayed on top of the system so that the driver does not have to look down. This supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The resolution is not that great though. The rear camera in low light conditions is not well supported by the reverse light to make it almost unusable with it's own light. This system is support by an 8 system ARKAMYS speaker system which is quite decent. It's clear although lacks depth. It's nowhere comparable to the Tata JBL systems. I like systems which can let me hear the depth while in low volume. This one does not. I might have to consider a bass unit although I'll prefer to keep it stock. Something that I like in my Ciaz is the music pausing when I hit the mute button. Not the same here. Although just twice, but the unit got stuck on the reverse screen even though we were moving forward. Will keep a watch.







The AC units in the rear helps and it also has a 12W charging point. While the rear AC vents can be switched off, none of the front AC units can be closed. For the front vents, you can only change the direction away from you, if needed.







The reading lights look outdated for a car which looks so modern from outside. Only the passenger blind gets a mirror although no cover to close the mirror if needed. The mic is placed right above the driver seat and clarity is quite good. There is a temperature sensor just next to the front reading light to work with the Auto unit of the AC.







The instrument console is completely digital. I like the analog clock impression in there. It has all the basic information although I am so used to see a Tacho that it's missed here although I am not sure how useful it is in an automatic which does not even have a semi-manual mode. The door open indicator shows every door individually. The seat belt alert is for both driver and passenger. On not wearing the seatbelt, the ICE unit goes muted and only the beeps are audible. As you can see, The car currently shows a mileage of 8.6 km/ltr but this is the average considering that it was 3.4 km/ltr when I received the car. In general when I am driving, I see it gives a real time mileage between 12-18 km/ltr. I have a feeling that over the time, it will average out at around 12-14 km/ltr which is good enough.





The visuals in the night is like a cockpit with all the switches support by backlit lights. The ambient lights are in the doors and the central console. A big omission is the gear indicators glowing in the night. This should have really been there.







The inner door beads have a velvetty texture to it instead of the usual rubber. I do not know the long term durability of it yet and why is it different from the usual plain rubber. It feels good though.







These locks are from the 80s and again one more thing that does not suit this otherwise well designed car from outside.







The break pedals are right off the manual instead of adapting to the automatic by providing a broader paddle. Personally I did not have an issue in this although a broader one is more convinient.







In the interior, the Why Renault Why moment is with the exposed nuts here and there. These sure deserve a cap or something. Renault sure loves to flaunt it's engineering ! They say there is no perfect car and this is no exception. While the engine, gearbox, body and styling fared quite well, it's the interiors which took the hit in terms of cost cutting which is quite evident. Can I live with it ? For sure. Am I wowed as I was with the exterior design ? For sure not.1. Red stitches on the seat2. Cruise control3. Wireless charger4. Red graded shade on the dashAs soon as you sit in the driver seat, you realize that this compact SUV makes you feel one segment higher. The seating could match up with the next segment SUVs. The flat bottom steering looks good and is quite functional. The raised ICE Unit is quite easy to navigate. First look definitely goes to an almost waterfall central console which looks quite nice. You might then notice the huge mirror on the A pillar blocking a good section of the view. The next thing you notice is the plastics. It's not bad but not one you would expect in a car of this segment. Soft plastic is almost like a given these days. There is play of Piano black material here and there which looks good. Piano black needs attention though.The rearview mirror is a bit flimsy and allows very narrow view through the rear window. The headrests add to the ineffectiveness. I personally did not have an issue with this yet. It's manageable. Dimming is manual and not automatic.The upholstery is fabric here as it needs to work effectively with the side airbag units. Yes, the kiger has 4 airbags. I like the red stitching on the seats. The seats allow height and incline adjustments. The ignition block in the steering column looks quite odd and empty and I would have preferred the ignition switch to be on the steering column instead of the center console. The plastics overall does not feel like a million rupee car. It's scratchy and not soft.There is a nice gradient treatment on the front dash with a piano finish which breaks the monotony of Piano black everywhere.I like the flat bottomed steering. It has a short patch of leather on the top. I plan to place a full leather cover on it soon. The steering is slightly on the heavier side in a good way making the handling quite nice. It's a pleasure in curvy roads. The steering has all the required controls, including the cruise control buttons. No qualms over here. You can adjust it for height but not reach.The stocks are aligned to the Indian standards with washer based controls on the left and light based controls like indicator, high beam switches on the right stock.The rear seats have plenty of space. There are two adjustable headrests which come on the rear seat. There are map holders in the back of the front seat. There is a center armrest which allows you to place some cups and a phone but the cup holders are very shallow. The rear doors hold 4 speakers, just like the front adding up to a 8 speaker system. All the doors can also hold one liter bottles. Kiger has storage sorted for sure. It's everywhere. The rear seats support ISOFIX seats.The boot allows a massive 405 litres of storage space which is quite good for a compact SUV. The seats allow a split fold allowing to extend the storage space to the rear passenger seat. The loading lip is quite high making handling luggage a bit cumbersome; only if the luggage is too heavy.The center panel with the armrest looks and is quite functional. It has a sliding unit for storage extended with a reasonably well placed armrest which locks itself with a strong magnet. It's quite big and is recommended with a storage organizer to manage it well.But that huge storage in the center seems like an after thought as while putting it, they tucked the seat belt lock cramped way between the seats and the central unit. I still struggle to locate and put the seat belt. I hope to master this soonThe front and rear doors have capacity to hold 1 liter bottles. It has piano insets to add to the aesthetics. Each door hosts a speaker and a tweeter. The rear door supports childlock.There are 2 glove boxes on the front passenger side. It's got ample storage space. The lower one is a cooled glove.The front driver door provides controls for the power windows, adjusting the mirrors and closing the mirror units. Only the front driver side window supports auto up and down. The rear window does not open completely and stops with few inches to go. The ergonomics of using either of these power window switches in every door is not that great and you have to bend your hand a bit back to use it. We are spoilt these days !!PM2.5 air filter in all AC units is very thoughtful in these times which is almost like wearing a mask around the car to avoid even very fine dust and germs to an extent.The AC controls along with other controls are pretty nicely placed. I like the LED driven indicators inside the knobs. The AC is adequately effective although Bangalore is going through a weather patch which is comparable to any hill stations. Peak summers, next year or some drive outside will give a better picture. One thing I do not like is having to switch off the blower manually every time to off before switching off the car to avoid the car starting next time with the blower on. This should have automatically gone to 0 when switching off the car. The switches above it has blowers for the front glasses, hazard light indicator and central door lock and unlock buttons. There are 2 buttons still empty and this is where I could have liked the cruise control on and off button to be in instead of placing it in a central unit. It has a phone/key/wallet etc storage unit under these switches.The unit just below it hosts a USB port, start/stop ignition button and the cruise control activation button. Under that is the wireless charger. This supports fast wireless charging. The phone gets a bit hot though over time. There is a dedicated button to switch on and off the charger. There is a dedicated button alongside it for ambient light as well. Next to it is a mode selector helping you to toggle between Eco, Normal and Turbo mode.The ICE unit is pretty decent and nothing extra ordinary here. What I like is it's high placement. I also like the other controls like AC temperature change etc also being displayed on top of the system so that the driver does not have to look down. This supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The resolution is not that great though. The rear camera in low light conditions is not well supported by the reverse light to make it almost unusable with it's own light. This system is support by an 8 system ARKAMYS speaker system which is quite decent. It's clear although lacks depth. It's nowhere comparable to the Tata JBL systems. I like systems which can let me hear the depth while in low volume. This one does not. I might have to consider a bass unit although I'll prefer to keep it stock. Something that I like in my Ciaz is the music pausing when I hit the mute button. Not the same here. Although just twice, but the unit got stuck on the reverse screen even though we were moving forward. Will keep a watch.The AC units in the rear helps and it also has a 12W charging point. While the rear AC vents can be switched off, none of the front AC units can be closed. For the front vents, you can only change the direction away from you, if needed.The reading lights look outdated for a car which looks so modern from outside. Only the passenger blind gets a mirror although no cover to close the mirror if needed. The mic is placed right above the driver seat and clarity is quite good. There is a temperature sensor just next to the front reading light to work with the Auto unit of the AC.The instrument console is completely digital. I like the analog clock impression in there. It has all the basic information although I am so used to see a Tacho that it's missed here although I am not sure how useful it is in an automatic which does not even have a semi-manual mode. The door open indicator shows every door individually. The seat belt alert is for both driver and passenger. On not wearing the seatbelt, the ICE unit goes muted and only the beeps are audible. As you can see, The car currently shows a mileage of 8.6 km/ltr but this is the average considering that it was 3.4 km/ltr when I received the car. In general when I am driving, I see it gives a real time mileage between 12-18 km/ltr. I have a feeling that over the time, it will average out at around 12-14 km/ltr which is good enough.The visuals in the night is like a cockpit with all the switches support by backlit lights. The ambient lights are in the doors and the central console. A big omission is the gear indicators glowing in the night. This should have really been there.The inner door beads have a velvetty texture to it instead of the usual rubber. I do not know the long term durability of it yet and why is it different from the usual plain rubber. It feels good though.These locks are from the 80s and again one more thing that does not suit this otherwise well designed car from outside.The break pedals are right off the manual instead of adapting to the automatic by providing a broader paddle. Personally I did not have an issue in this although a broader one is more convinient.In the interior, the Why Renault Why moment is with the exposed nuts here and there. These sure deserve a cap or something. Renault sure loves to flaunt it's engineering ! Last edited by abhisheksircar : 20th May 2022 at 17:57 .

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East





By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.

By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
If there are Nigerians that have the predilection of traveling to other parts of Nigeria and the world in search of greener pasture, and upon settling in such places, they contribute toward their developments, even more than the aborigines, and leave such geographical entities better than they met them, they are unarguably those that are affiliated to the Igbo tribe. They are aptly called Ndigbo. Differently phrased, they are known, among others, for their migratory prowess and are found in all parts of Nigeria and beyond. They are easily recognized by their industriousness, and their never-say-die spirit.

Without any scintilla of exaggeration, the Igbos are reputed to be Africa's most energetic and most entrepreneurial people. They are not ancient traders but emerged much more with the inception of the British colonialism. Through sheer grit, hard work and a talent for spotting new opportunities, they have unarguably become the dominant traders and business leaders in Nigeria. The Igbo dominance of Nigeria's commerce and industry is probably one of the reasons they are being envied of. Today you can find Igbo traders all over the world from South Africa, Kenya, Ivory Coast, China, Japan, the United States, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ireland, Vietnam and India amongst others. They are mostly merchants. Although a significant number have diversified into industry, banking, and transportation and service businesses.

Researchers have identified the Igbos along with the Ashkenazi Jews and the Swiss Protestants as the people with the greatest achievement motivation in the world.

For instance, a recent features article done by a group of Journalists at Daily Trust newspaper throws an in-depth insight into how Igbo traders control critical sectors of the economy in 31 States and the FCT

The Journalists reported that Outside the five states that make up the South East geopolitical zone, traders who are of Igbo extraction are controlling critical sectors in 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Their Reports from the South West, South South, North West, North East, North Central and the FCT, showed that investments of Igbo traders, cutting across all sectors dot the state capitals, LGAs, major towns and villages in other parts of the country.

The Report noted that Igbo traders dominate the nerves of businesses in the city centre and the area councils in Abuja, even as they control housing and hospitality businesses just as they exclusively dominate spare parts and building materials trade in Deidei, Zone 5, Apo, Zuba and Mararraba.

The Report equally added that In Kano, the Igbo are going about their normal business with several investments in the commercial centre of northern Nigeria.

The spare parts and construction products market at Kofar Ruwa is one of the market areas in Kano where the Igbos dominate or play a significant role in the business of the market. While they are not the only tribe involved in the market, they control the highest volume of trade in it.

It is expedient at this juncture to note that one of the springboards which most Igbos maximize to attain riches and wealth is the Igbo Apprenticeship System. According to Wikipedia, the highly visited online encyclopedia, The Igbo apprentice system, also known as the Igbo trade apprentice system and commonly referred to as Igba-Odibo, Igba-Boi, Imu-Ahia or Imu-Oru is a framework of formal and informal indentured agreements between parties that ultimately facilitate burgeoning entrepreneurial communities within the Igbos. It is an economic model practiced widely by Igbos and originated in South-Eastern Nigeria. Its purposes were and still remains to spur economic growth and stability, and sustainable livelihood by financing and investing in human resources through vocational training.

However, the successes which the Igbos are collectively recording across the country are evidently coming with a huge price or consequences, after all an African Proverb says, Success breeds jealousy and creates enemies. Another African proverb that aptly fits in in this context says, It is unfair and unjust for the head that did not fart to receive knock from the elders instead of the anus that committed the offence.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to say that the second proverb in the foregoing found expression in the stoning to death and burning of Deborah Samuel, the 19-year-old Christian from Tungan-Magajiya in the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, who was in her second year studying home economics at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

It would be recalled that Deborah was killed by a mob of her Muslim classmates who claimed she had blasphemed against Prophet Muhammad. A video of this religious execution circulated online and sparked debates across the country.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is very obvious despite the fact that no single person from Igboland participated in the gruesome incident that occurred in Sokoto that they were paradoxically targeted for attack until the crisis was contained. Without doubt, it is proverbially the case of where the anus fart, the head receives the knock. Simply put, the Igbos have become the scapegoat that bears the blame for others.

In a similar vein, the media was few days ago agog with the story That a material market along Kubwa-Zuba expressway, was attacked by hoodlums who were reportedly protesting the killing of a woman who was crushed to death after she fell from a commercial motorbike. As usual, the collective attention of hoodlums was diverted to shops owned by Igbo traders in the market as they apparently saw them as the culprits even when the police have not come out with its findings as to the cause of the crisis. It was gathered that properties worth millions of naira, and majorly owned by the Igbos, were destroyed during the incident as shop owners were forced to close their businesses to avoid being attacked.

The foregoing recent incidents speak volumes about how the Igbos are wont to be turned to scapegoats even when the cause of any crisis has not been traced to anyone of Igbo extraction. At this juncture, it is expedient to appeal that the repeated ethnic and religious clashes that Nigerians have been witnessing over the years should completely be eschewed. Rather, there is need for the three major ethnic groups to be tolerant of people from different religions, ethnic groups, nationalities, and political parties.







By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.

By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.
Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.










Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



New Delhi: In what Germany described as the "largest outbreak" in Europe ever, the cases of monkeypox have now been reported in several countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria. Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe of the rare viral infection, which is more common to the west and central Africa.

CAN MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK TURN INTO A PANDEMIC LIKE COVID-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ | Keep a close watch on situation: India directs officials as Monkeypox cases rise

A senior US administration official said that there appears to be "a low risk" to the general public at this time.

The outbreaks, however, are raising alarm because the viral disease mostly occurs in west and central Africa, and only very occasionally spreads elsewhere.

"Historically, there have been very few cases exported. It has only happened eight times in the past before this year," said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who said it was "highly unusual".

Still, the World Health Organization's European chief said that he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

According to the WHO, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox.

WHY ARE MONKEYPOX CASES RISING?

One possible scenario behind the rise in cases is increased travel as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

"My working theory would be that there`s a lot of it about in west and central Africa, travel has resumed, and that`s why we are seeing more cases," said Whitworth.

She stated that urgent investigation of the new cases was important as "they could suggest a novel means of spread or a change in the virus, but this is all to be determined".

"This isn`t going to cause a nationwide epidemic as Covid-19 did, but it`s a serious outbreak of a serious disease  and we should take it seriously," said Whitworth.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox and was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox disease.

MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS?

Monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can also occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has reportedly been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

MONKEYPOX TRANSMISSION?

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It is said to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

Health officials, however, have also noted that some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

MONKEYPOX INCUBATION

The incubation period or interval from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

MONKEYPOX TREATMENT

Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme also provided protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed of which one has been approved for prevention of the disease. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox, according to WHO.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: In what Germany described as the "largest outbreak" in Europe ever, the cases of monkeypox have now been reported in several countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria. Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe of the rare viral infection, which is more common to the west and central Africa.

CAN MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK TURN INTO A PANDEMIC LIKE COVID-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ | Keep a close watch on situation: India directs officials as Monkeypox cases rise

A senior US administration official said that there appears to be "a low risk" to the general public at this time.

The outbreaks, however, are raising alarm because the viral disease mostly occurs in west and central Africa, and only very occasionally spreads elsewhere.

"Historically, there have been very few cases exported. It has only happened eight times in the past before this year," said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who said it was "highly unusual".

Still, the World Health Organization's European chief said that he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

According to the WHO, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox.

WHY ARE MONKEYPOX CASES RISING?

One possible scenario behind the rise in cases is increased travel as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

"My working theory would be that there`s a lot of it about in west and central Africa, travel has resumed, and that`s why we are seeing more cases," said Whitworth.

She stated that urgent investigation of the new cases was important as "they could suggest a novel means of spread or a change in the virus, but this is all to be determined".

"This isn`t going to cause a nationwide epidemic as Covid-19 did, but it`s a serious outbreak of a serious disease  and we should take it seriously," said Whitworth.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox and was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox disease.

MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS?

Monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can also occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has reportedly been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

MONKEYPOX TRANSMISSION?

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It is said to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

Health officials, however, have also noted that some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

MONKEYPOX INCUBATION

The incubation period or interval from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

MONKEYPOX TREATMENT

Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme also provided protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed of which one has been approved for prevention of the disease. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox, according to WHO.

(With agency inputs)









Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East


New Delhi: In what Germany described as the "largest outbreak" in Europe ever, the cases of monkeypox have now been reported in several countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria. Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe of the rare viral infection, which is more common to the west and central Africa.

CAN MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK TURN INTO A PANDEMIC LIKE COVID-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ | Keep a close watch on situation: India directs officials as Monkeypox cases rise

A senior US administration official said that there appears to be "a low risk" to the general public at this time.

The outbreaks, however, are raising alarm because the viral disease mostly occurs in west and central Africa, and only very occasionally spreads elsewhere.

"Historically, there have been very few cases exported. It has only happened eight times in the past before this year," said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who said it was "highly unusual".

Still, the World Health Organization's European chief said that he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

According to the WHO, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox.

WHY ARE MONKEYPOX CASES RISING?

One possible scenario behind the rise in cases is increased travel as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

"My working theory would be that there`s a lot of it about in west and central Africa, travel has resumed, and that`s why we are seeing more cases," said Whitworth.

She stated that urgent investigation of the new cases was important as "they could suggest a novel means of spread or a change in the virus, but this is all to be determined".

"This isn`t going to cause a nationwide epidemic as Covid-19 did, but it`s a serious outbreak of a serious disease  and we should take it seriously," said Whitworth.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox and was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox disease.

MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS?

Monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can also occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has reportedly been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

MONKEYPOX TRANSMISSION?

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It is said to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

Health officials, however, have also noted that some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

MONKEYPOX INCUBATION

The incubation period or interval from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

MONKEYPOX TREATMENT

Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme also provided protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed of which one has been approved for prevention of the disease. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox, according to WHO.

(With agency inputs)



















Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe














New Delhi: In what Germany described as the "largest outbreak" in Europe ever, the cases of monkeypox have now been reported in several countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria. Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe of the rare viral infection, which is more common to the west and central Africa.

CAN MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK TURN INTO A PANDEMIC LIKE COVID-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ | Keep a close watch on situation: India directs officials as Monkeypox cases rise

A senior US administration official said that there appears to be "a low risk" to the general public at this time.

The outbreaks, however, are raising alarm because the viral disease mostly occurs in west and central Africa, and only very occasionally spreads elsewhere.

"Historically, there have been very few cases exported. It has only happened eight times in the past before this year," said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who said it was "highly unusual".

Still, the World Health Organization's European chief said that he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

According to the WHO, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox.

WHY ARE MONKEYPOX CASES RISING?

One possible scenario behind the rise in cases is increased travel as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

"My working theory would be that there`s a lot of it about in west and central Africa, travel has resumed, and that`s why we are seeing more cases," said Whitworth.

She stated that urgent investigation of the new cases was important as "they could suggest a novel means of spread or a change in the virus, but this is all to be determined".

"This isn`t going to cause a nationwide epidemic as Covid-19 did, but it`s a serious outbreak of a serious disease  and we should take it seriously," said Whitworth.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox and was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox disease.

MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS?

Monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can also occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has reportedly been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

MONKEYPOX TRANSMISSION?

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It is said to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

Health officials, however, have also noted that some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

MONKEYPOX INCUBATION

The incubation period or interval from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

MONKEYPOX TREATMENT

Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme also provided protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed of which one has been approved for prevention of the disease. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox, according to WHO.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: In what Germany described as the "largest outbreak" in Europe ever, the cases of monkeypox have now been reported in several countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria. Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe of the rare viral infection, which is more common to the west and central Africa.

CAN MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK TURN INTO A PANDEMIC LIKE COVID-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ | Keep a close watch on situation: India directs officials as Monkeypox cases rise

A senior US administration official said that there appears to be "a low risk" to the general public at this time.

The outbreaks, however, are raising alarm because the viral disease mostly occurs in west and central Africa, and only very occasionally spreads elsewhere.

"Historically, there have been very few cases exported. It has only happened eight times in the past before this year," said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who said it was "highly unusual".

Still, the World Health Organization's European chief said that he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

According to the WHO, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox.

WHY ARE MONKEYPOX CASES RISING?

One possible scenario behind the rise in cases is increased travel as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

"My working theory would be that there`s a lot of it about in west and central Africa, travel has resumed, and that`s why we are seeing more cases," said Whitworth.

She stated that urgent investigation of the new cases was important as "they could suggest a novel means of spread or a change in the virus, but this is all to be determined".

"This isn`t going to cause a nationwide epidemic as Covid-19 did, but it`s a serious outbreak of a serious disease  and we should take it seriously," said Whitworth.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox and was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox disease.

MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS?

Monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can also occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has reportedly been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

MONKEYPOX TRANSMISSION?

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It is said to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

Health officials, however, have also noted that some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

MONKEYPOX INCUBATION

The incubation period or interval from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

MONKEYPOX TREATMENT

Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme also provided protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed of which one has been approved for prevention of the disease. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox, according to WHO.

(With agency inputs)
abhisheksircar BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 469 Thanked: 1,423 Times

Interior



What's new in 2022 (RXZ Turbo CVT variant)



1. Red stitches on the seat

2. Cruise control

3. Wireless charger

4. Red graded shade on the dash







As soon as you sit in the driver seat, you realize that this compact SUV makes you feel one segment higher. The seating could match up with the next segment SUVs. The flat bottom steering looks good and is quite functional. The raised ICE Unit is quite easy to navigate. First look definitely goes to an almost waterfall central console which looks quite nice. You might then notice the huge mirror on the A pillar blocking a good section of the view. The next thing you notice is the plastics. It's not bad but not one you would expect in a car of this segment. Soft plastic is almost like a given these days. There is play of Piano black material here and there which looks good. Piano black needs attention though.







The rearview mirror is a bit flimsy and allows very narrow view through the rear window. The headrests add to the ineffectiveness. I personally did not have an issue with this yet. It's manageable. Dimming is manual and not automatic.







The upholstery is fabric here as it needs to work effectively with the side airbag units. Yes, the kiger has 4 airbags. I like the red stitching on the seats. The seats allow height and incline adjustments. The ignition block in the steering column looks quite odd and empty and I would have preferred the ignition switch to be on the steering column instead of the center console. The plastics overall does not feel like a million rupee car. It's scratchy and not soft.







There is a nice gradient treatment on the front dash with a piano finish which breaks the monotony of Piano black everywhere.







I like the flat bottomed steering. It has a short patch of leather on the top. I plan to place a full leather cover on it soon. The steering is slightly on the heavier side in a good way making the handling quite nice. It's a pleasure in curvy roads. The steering has all the required controls, including the cruise control buttons. No qualms over here. You can adjust it for height but not reach.







The stocks are aligned to the Indian standards with washer based controls on the left and light based controls like indicator, high beam switches on the right stock.







The rear seats have plenty of space. There are two adjustable headrests which come on the rear seat. There are map holders in the back of the front seat. There is a center armrest which allows you to place some cups and a phone but the cup holders are very shallow. The rear doors hold 4 speakers, just like the front adding up to a 8 speaker system. All the doors can also hold one liter bottles. Kiger has storage sorted for sure. It's everywhere. The rear seats support ISOFIX seats.







The boot allows a massive 405 litres of storage space which is quite good for a compact SUV. The seats allow a split fold allowing to extend the storage space to the rear passenger seat. The loading lip is quite high making handling luggage a bit cumbersome; only if the luggage is too heavy.







The center panel with the armrest looks and is quite functional. It has a sliding unit for storage extended with a reasonably well placed armrest which locks itself with a strong magnet. It's quite big and is recommended with a storage organizer to manage it well.







But that huge storage in the center seems like an after thought as while putting it, they tucked the seat belt lock cramped way between the seats and the central unit. I still struggle to locate and put the seat belt. I hope to master this soon







The front and rear doors have capacity to hold 1 liter bottles. It has piano insets to add to the aesthetics. Each door hosts a speaker and a tweeter. The rear door supports childlock.







There are 2 glove boxes on the front passenger side. It's got ample storage space. The lower one is a cooled glove.







The front driver door provides controls for the power windows, adjusting the mirrors and closing the mirror units. Only the front driver side window supports auto up and down. The rear window does not open completely and stops with few inches to go. The ergonomics of using either of these power window switches in every door is not that great and you have to bend your hand a bit back to use it. We are spoilt these days !!







PM2.5 air filter in all AC units is very thoughtful in these times which is almost like wearing a mask around the car to avoid even very fine dust and germs to an extent.







The AC controls along with other controls are pretty nicely placed. I like the LED driven indicators inside the knobs. The AC is adequately effective although Bangalore is going through a weather patch which is comparable to any hill stations. Peak summers, next year or some drive outside will give a better picture. One thing I do not like is having to switch off the blower manually every time to off before switching off the car to avoid the car starting next time with the blower on. This should have automatically gone to 0 when switching off the car. The switches above it has blowers for the front glasses, hazard light indicator and central door lock and unlock buttons. There are 2 buttons still empty and this is where I could have liked the cruise control on and off button to be in instead of placing it in a central unit. It has a phone/key/wallet etc storage unit under these switches.







The unit just below it hosts a USB port, start/stop ignition button and the cruise control activation button. Under that is the wireless charger. This supports fast wireless charging. The phone gets a bit hot though over time. There is a dedicated button to switch on and off the charger. There is a dedicated button alongside it for ambient light as well. Next to it is a mode selector helping you to toggle between Eco, Normal and Turbo mode.







The ICE unit is pretty decent and nothing extra ordinary here. What I like is it's high placement. I also like the other controls like AC temperature change etc also being displayed on top of the system so that the driver does not have to look down. This supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The resolution is not that great though. The rear camera in low light conditions is not well supported by the reverse light to make it almost unusable with it's own light. This system is support by an 8 system ARKAMYS speaker system which is quite decent. It's clear although lacks depth. It's nowhere comparable to the Tata JBL systems. I like systems which can let me hear the depth while in low volume. This one does not. I might have to consider a bass unit although I'll prefer to keep it stock. Something that I like in my Ciaz is the music pausing when I hit the mute button. Not the same here. Although just twice, but the unit got stuck on the reverse screen even though we were moving forward. Will keep a watch.







The AC units in the rear helps and it also has a 12W charging point. While the rear AC vents can be switched off, none of the front AC units can be closed. For the front vents, you can only change the direction away from you, if needed.







The reading lights look outdated for a car which looks so modern from outside. Only the passenger blind gets a mirror although no cover to close the mirror if needed. The mic is placed right above the driver seat and clarity is quite good. There is a temperature sensor just next to the front reading light to work with the Auto unit of the AC.







The instrument console is completely digital. I like the analog clock impression in there. It has all the basic information although I am so used to see a Tacho that it's missed here although I am not sure how useful it is in an automatic which does not even have a semi-manual mode. The door open indicator shows every door individually. The seat belt alert is for both driver and passenger. On not wearing the seatbelt, the ICE unit goes muted and only the beeps are audible. As you can see, The car currently shows a mileage of 8.6 km/ltr but this is the average considering that it was 3.4 km/ltr when I received the car. In general when I am driving, I see it gives a real time mileage between 12-18 km/ltr. I have a feeling that over the time, it will average out at around 12-14 km/ltr which is good enough.





The visuals in the night is like a cockpit with all the switches support by backlit lights. The ambient lights are in the doors and the central console. A big omission is the gear indicators glowing in the night. This should have really been there.







The inner door beads have a velvetty texture to it instead of the usual rubber. I do not know the long term durability of it yet and why is it different from the usual plain rubber. It feels good though.







These locks are from the 80s and again one more thing that does not suit this otherwise well designed car from outside.







The break pedals are right off the manual instead of adapting to the automatic by providing a broader paddle. Personally I did not have an issue in this although a broader one is more convinient.







In the interior, the Why Renault Why moment is with the exposed nuts here and there. These sure deserve a cap or something. Renault sure loves to flaunt it's engineering ! They say there is no perfect car and this is no exception. While the engine, gearbox, body and styling fared quite well, it's the interiors which took the hit in terms of cost cutting which is quite evident. Can I live with it ? For sure. Am I wowed as I was with the exterior design ? For sure not.1. Red stitches on the seat2. Cruise control3. Wireless charger4. Red graded shade on the dashAs soon as you sit in the driver seat, you realize that this compact SUV makes you feel one segment higher. The seating could match up with the next segment SUVs. The flat bottom steering looks good and is quite functional. The raised ICE Unit is quite easy to navigate. First look definitely goes to an almost waterfall central console which looks quite nice. You might then notice the huge mirror on the A pillar blocking a good section of the view. The next thing you notice is the plastics. It's not bad but not one you would expect in a car of this segment. Soft plastic is almost like a given these days. There is play of Piano black material here and there which looks good. Piano black needs attention though.The rearview mirror is a bit flimsy and allows very narrow view through the rear window. The headrests add to the ineffectiveness. I personally did not have an issue with this yet. It's manageable. Dimming is manual and not automatic.The upholstery is fabric here as it needs to work effectively with the side airbag units. Yes, the kiger has 4 airbags. I like the red stitching on the seats. The seats allow height and incline adjustments. The ignition block in the steering column looks quite odd and empty and I would have preferred the ignition switch to be on the steering column instead of the center console. The plastics overall does not feel like a million rupee car. It's scratchy and not soft.There is a nice gradient treatment on the front dash with a piano finish which breaks the monotony of Piano black everywhere.I like the flat bottomed steering. It has a short patch of leather on the top. I plan to place a full leather cover on it soon. The steering is slightly on the heavier side in a good way making the handling quite nice. It's a pleasure in curvy roads. The steering has all the required controls, including the cruise control buttons. No qualms over here. You can adjust it for height but not reach.The stocks are aligned to the Indian standards with washer based controls on the left and light based controls like indicator, high beam switches on the right stock.The rear seats have plenty of space. There are two adjustable headrests which come on the rear seat. There are map holders in the back of the front seat. There is a center armrest which allows you to place some cups and a phone but the cup holders are very shallow. The rear doors hold 4 speakers, just like the front adding up to a 8 speaker system. All the doors can also hold one liter bottles. Kiger has storage sorted for sure. It's everywhere. The rear seats support ISOFIX seats.The boot allows a massive 405 litres of storage space which is quite good for a compact SUV. The seats allow a split fold allowing to extend the storage space to the rear passenger seat. The loading lip is quite high making handling luggage a bit cumbersome; only if the luggage is too heavy.The center panel with the armrest looks and is quite functional. It has a sliding unit for storage extended with a reasonably well placed armrest which locks itself with a strong magnet. It's quite big and is recommended with a storage organizer to manage it well.But that huge storage in the center seems like an after thought as while putting it, they tucked the seat belt lock cramped way between the seats and the central unit. I still struggle to locate and put the seat belt. I hope to master this soonThe front and rear doors have capacity to hold 1 liter bottles. It has piano insets to add to the aesthetics. Each door hosts a speaker and a tweeter. The rear door supports childlock.There are 2 glove boxes on the front passenger side. It's got ample storage space. The lower one is a cooled glove.The front driver door provides controls for the power windows, adjusting the mirrors and closing the mirror units. Only the front driver side window supports auto up and down. The rear window does not open completely and stops with few inches to go. The ergonomics of using either of these power window switches in every door is not that great and you have to bend your hand a bit back to use it. We are spoilt these days !!PM2.5 air filter in all AC units is very thoughtful in these times which is almost like wearing a mask around the car to avoid even very fine dust and germs to an extent.The AC controls along with other controls are pretty nicely placed. I like the LED driven indicators inside the knobs. The AC is adequately effective although Bangalore is going through a weather patch which is comparable to any hill stations. Peak summers, next year or some drive outside will give a better picture. One thing I do not like is having to switch off the blower manually every time to off before switching off the car to avoid the car starting next time with the blower on. This should have automatically gone to 0 when switching off the car. The switches above it has blowers for the front glasses, hazard light indicator and central door lock and unlock buttons. There are 2 buttons still empty and this is where I could have liked the cruise control on and off button to be in instead of placing it in a central unit. It has a phone/key/wallet etc storage unit under these switches.The unit just below it hosts a USB port, start/stop ignition button and the cruise control activation button. Under that is the wireless charger. This supports fast wireless charging. The phone gets a bit hot though over time. There is a dedicated button to switch on and off the charger. There is a dedicated button alongside it for ambient light as well. Next to it is a mode selector helping you to toggle between Eco, Normal and Turbo mode.The ICE unit is pretty decent and nothing extra ordinary here. What I like is it's high placement. I also like the other controls like AC temperature change etc also being displayed on top of the system so that the driver does not have to look down. This supports both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The resolution is not that great though. The rear camera in low light conditions is not well supported by the reverse light to make it almost unusable with it's own light. This system is support by an 8 system ARKAMYS speaker system which is quite decent. It's clear although lacks depth. It's nowhere comparable to the Tata JBL systems. I like systems which can let me hear the depth while in low volume. This one does not. I might have to consider a bass unit although I'll prefer to keep it stock. Something that I like in my Ciaz is the music pausing when I hit the mute button. Not the same here. Although just twice, but the unit got stuck on the reverse screen even though we were moving forward. Will keep a watch.The AC units in the rear helps and it also has a 12W charging point. While the rear AC vents can be switched off, none of the front AC units can be closed. For the front vents, you can only change the direction away from you, if needed.The reading lights look outdated for a car which looks so modern from outside. Only the passenger blind gets a mirror although no cover to close the mirror if needed. The mic is placed right above the driver seat and clarity is quite good. There is a temperature sensor just next to the front reading light to work with the Auto unit of the AC.The instrument console is completely digital. I like the analog clock impression in there. It has all the basic information although I am so used to see a Tacho that it's missed here although I am not sure how useful it is in an automatic which does not even have a semi-manual mode. The door open indicator shows every door individually. The seat belt alert is for both driver and passenger. On not wearing the seatbelt, the ICE unit goes muted and only the beeps are audible. As you can see, The car currently shows a mileage of 8.6 km/ltr but this is the average considering that it was 3.4 km/ltr when I received the car. In general when I am driving, I see it gives a real time mileage between 12-18 km/ltr. I have a feeling that over the time, it will average out at around 12-14 km/ltr which is good enough.The visuals in the night is like a cockpit with all the switches support by backlit lights. The ambient lights are in the doors and the central console. A big omission is the gear indicators glowing in the night. This should have really been there.The inner door beads have a velvetty texture to it instead of the usual rubber. I do not know the long term durability of it yet and why is it different from the usual plain rubber. It feels good though.These locks are from the 80s and again one more thing that does not suit this otherwise well designed car from outside.The break pedals are right off the manual instead of adapting to the automatic by providing a broader paddle. Personally I did not have an issue in this although a broader one is more convinient.In the interior, the Why Renault Why moment is with the exposed nuts here and there. These sure deserve a cap or something. Renault sure loves to flaunt it's engineering ! Last edited by abhisheksircar : 20th May 2022 at 17:57 .

Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy in Thailand this May and June, with the launch of Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy, a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at almost 40 hotels and resorts all across the Kingdom.

Running from 1 May to 30 June 2022, this two-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriotts hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of a trio of appetizing promotions: Tier 1 offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, Tier 2 is priced at THB 1,150, and Tier 3 is available for THB 1,450, a fantastic discount of between 20% and 50%! These promotions apply to an amazing array of F&B events and delicious dishes at participating restaurants and bars across Thailand.

In Phuket for example, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Big Fish Restaurant and Bar, the beachside restaurant at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Naiyang Beach, which is offering a Grilled Seafood with a glass of local beer for just THB 950  a 25% discount compared to the usual price. Then at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Seasonal Tastes is offering Double Stewed Beef Cheek, including free-flow soft drinks for the Tier 1 price of THB 950.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at the Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Reosrt & Spa, Phuket. The guests can savor the signature Chicken Steak or Pork Chop at My Grill Restaurant for the tempting price of THB 1,150, and at Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where The Pizzerias authentic Italian Pizza Stella di Terra can also be enjoyed for THB 1,150.

Meanwhile, Takieng Phuket at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, serving a sharing set of Andaman Seafood Tower with two glasses of house wine for tier 3 at THB 1,450, while the meats lovers can head to Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort for the rustic grill at Sears & Co Bar and Grill. Likewise, Krua Talad Yai at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, offers a Market Place Buffet, where you can choose fresh meats and seafood. Then the talented culinary team will cook for you.

Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts in Phuket taking part in this initiative campaign include Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, The Naka Island Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town.

And this is just the start! More hotels and resorts will be rolling out their exclusive offers in the coming weeks, creating a nationwide compendium of culinary promotions and perks. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy is available exclusively to Marriott Bonvoy members. Not a member yet? Join today and enjoy the exclusive benefits for free at www.marriott.com/loyalty/createAccount/createAccountPage1.mi

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit http://restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/th.
Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy in Thailand this May and June, with the launch of Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy, a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at almost 40 hotels and resorts all across the Kingdom.

Running from 1 May to 30 June 2022, this two-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriotts hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of a trio of appetizing promotions: Tier 1 offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, Tier 2 is priced at THB 1,150, and Tier 3 is available for THB 1,450, a fantastic discount of between 20% and 50%! These promotions apply to an amazing array of F&B events and delicious dishes at participating restaurants and bars across Thailand.

In Phuket for example, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Big Fish Restaurant and Bar, the beachside restaurant at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Naiyang Beach, which is offering a Grilled Seafood with a glass of local beer for just THB 950  a 25% discount compared to the usual price. Then at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Seasonal Tastes is offering Double Stewed Beef Cheek, including free-flow soft drinks for the Tier 1 price of THB 950.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at the Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Reosrt & Spa, Phuket. The guests can savor the signature Chicken Steak or Pork Chop at My Grill Restaurant for the tempting price of THB 1,150, and at Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where The Pizzerias authentic Italian Pizza Stella di Terra can also be enjoyed for THB 1,150.

Meanwhile, Takieng Phuket at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, serving a sharing set of Andaman Seafood Tower with two glasses of house wine for tier 3 at THB 1,450, while the meats lovers can head to Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort for the rustic grill at Sears & Co Bar and Grill. Likewise, Krua Talad Yai at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, offers a Market Place Buffet, where you can choose fresh meats and seafood. Then the talented culinary team will cook for you.

Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts in Phuket taking part in this initiative campaign include Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, The Naka Island Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town.

And this is just the start! More hotels and resorts will be rolling out their exclusive offers in the coming weeks, creating a nationwide compendium of culinary promotions and perks. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy is available exclusively to Marriott Bonvoy members. Not a member yet? Join today and enjoy the exclusive benefits for free at www.marriott.com/loyalty/createAccount/createAccountPage1.mi

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit http://restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/th.






By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.



By SA Commercial Prop News

Artist impression of 90 Rivonia Road in Sandton, the new head office for Webber Wentzel Attorneys to be developed by Redefine Properties.



After an intense tender and selection process by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, which received some 27 submissions by sector heavyweights including Redefine, Growthpoint, Zenprop, Intaprop and others, it has awarded the tender to Redefine Properties.

Redefine will invest R895 million to build Webber Wentzel Attorneys new headquarters at its 90 Rivonia Road property in Sandton. This excludes the value of the existing building which will be fully demolished.



Mike Ruttell, Head of Development for Redefine Properties says: Were pleased to be awarded this tender by Webber Wentzel Attorneys, especially considering the extent of the competition for this contract. This project continues Redefines strategy of investing in high-grade properties with blue-chip tenants. Were excited to develop 90 Rivonia Road to become one of Sandtons flagship buildings and another quality asset for Redefine.



90 Rivonia is superbly situated at the gateway to Sandton opposite Sandton City and close to the Sandton Gautrain Station.



Alexander Forbes was the previous tenant of 90 Rivonia Road. This lease expired during October 2012. Demolition has already commenced.



The property is expected to have a value of approximately R1,1 billion after the development is completed.



The new 90 Rivonia Road will comprise 34,500m2 of space, developed in two wings. One wing of 26,000m2 will be occupied by Webber Wentzel Attorneys and the other will be developed for its future expansion.



The prime offices feature seven levels of parking with three different entrances and exits altogether off Rivonia Road and Katherine Street. On top of this, the ground floor plus seven levels of offices will be constructed.



Ruttell reports the redevelopment will seek a Green Building Council of South Africa Green Star four-star rating.



We look forward to welcoming Webber Wentzel to the Redefine family. They will occupy their new offices from 2014, says Ruttell. This property will provide many unique advantages for business and its redevelopment will see it elevated to become one of Sandtons most recognised and sought-after business addresses.



JSE-listed Redefine Properties owns a diverse portfolio of property assets, valued at more than R39 billion. Its local investment assets include 263 properties valued at R21,2 billion and R5,6 billion of strategic listed property securities.


By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2022/05/20

Festival-favorite Hong Sang-soo's 28th feature was invited for the third consecutive time to Berlin, where it won the Silver Bear Grandy Jury prize, establishing once more, the Korean's ability to produce movies that net awards from European competitions.

Advertisement

The titular protagonist is Joon-hee, a writer who is suffering from a block and has decided to turn to movies. As the movie begins, she travels out of Seoul into a small bookstore, run by an estranged friend, Se-won, a former writer herself, who has given up the art, opening the bookstore and just indulging into reading instead of writing. The conversation of the two women seems to imply some kind of tension, which is never fully presented though, since Joon-hee's interest soon turns to Se-won's clerk, Hyeon-woo, who is proficient in sign language.

As the story moves in a straight line, with each sequence adding a new character from Joon-hee's past, she then stumbles upon a director, Hyo-jin and his wife, in another interaction that includes some tension, since he was to direct an adaptation of her works in the past, which was never actually materialized. Joon-hee is polite, but also slightly testy with him, an attitude that becomes more intense upon their strall in a nearby park, where they stumble upon semi-famous actress Gil-soo. After some small talk, Joon-hee suggests to the woman to take up the adaptation of one of her movies, with Kyeong-woo, Gil-soo's partner also eventually getting involved. The movie then makes a circle as the two women return to the bookstore for some discussions with another filmmaker and the owner under the consumption of alcohol, while the story goes as far as the actual creation of the movie and its screening.

Implementing his usual, trademark and essentially perfected recipe of chance encounters and extensive dialogues, Hong Sang-soo presents a story in sharp monochrome, which seems to comment on the film industry in a fashion that is ironic, amusing, but also somewhat bittersweet. As usual, there seems to be something autobiographical in the story, with the presence of Hyo-jin potentially mirroring Hong himself, a sense that is heightened even more by the presence of Kwon Hae-hyo in the role, who has taken up roles that imply he is the filmmaker's alter ego on a number of occasions. The way the author and aspiring script-writer dismisses him and the fact that in their initial encounter, he is ashamed to the point that he hides and send his wife to ask Joon-hee if she would like to see him, heightens this sense, also due to another trademark of the Korean's style, of the self-deprecating humor.

Apart from this, it is also interesting to see some of the comments presented here. The concept of charisma, and particularly how the people who have it and the people who surround those who have it perceive it, is a central one. The main ones, however, revolve around the concept of cinema, and how indie films are created, with the chance encounters between semi-acquaintances that lead to the beginning of a production essentially involving friends and relatives, highlighting this remark quite intently. That Hong Sang-soo eventually includes the side of an editor and a cinema manager, makes this approach even more analytical, although the whole concept is presented through a bittersweet humoristic approach, with the turn up of the audience showcasing this aspect in the most eloquent fashion.

One of Hong's best qualities is his ability to retain his sense of measure and the pace from beginning to end in his movies, and "The Novelist's Film" is no exception, being another lesson in retaining balance, with him having complete control here as both the DP and the editor. At the same time, he decides to break a bit away from this approach, with the scene following the ending credits offering a kind of surprise, at least in visual terms.

The acting is once more top-notch, with HHS including actors who know exactly what he demands from them and are quite comfortable with his style. Kim Min-hee is delightful once more as Gil-soo, with the scene when she passes out from drinking being truly memorable, and her smile filling the screen every time she shows it. The desexualized way Hong is "using" her in his movies also seems to work quite well for both, showcasing other aspects of her acting, apart from her evident beauty. That the discussion about charisma revolves around Joon-hee and not her could also be perceived as an ironic element, from the many that are included in the movie. The one who steals the show, however, is Lee Hye-young-I as Joon-hee, with the underlying emotions she expresses subtly, and her semi-star attitude being a true wonder to watch.

Hong Sang-soo does not reinvent himself with "The Novelist's Film" but presents another title that highlights how he has perfected his particular style, which is bound to garner awards and attention from festival audiences for many years to come.

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis

___________

"The Novelist's Film" is directed by Hong Sang-soo, and features Lee Hye-young-I, Kim Min-hee, Seo Young-hwa, Park Mi-so-I, Kwon Hae-hyo, Jo Yoon-hee-I. Release date in Korea: 2022/04/21.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a visit to Narrabundah Cottage Childcare Centre in Canberra, Australia on May 2, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Safe Seats May Slip as Victoria Votes in Aussie Federal Election

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has again sidelined polling showing he could lose his Melbourne seat, as a number of Victorian electorates come under threat from independent candidates.

The senior Liberals seat of Kooyong is the target of well-funded independent Monique Ryan, who has campaigned on climate action, the establishment of a federal integrity commission, safety for women, and healthcare reform.

Frydenberg was standing strong on Saturday.

Ive been really encouraged by the positive reaction Ive had on prepoll the last couple of weeks, as well as meeting with constituents this morning, he told Sky News.

The Victorian Liberal Party has lodged a complaint about Ryans campaign material, claiming there is unauthorised content including Chinese writing.

Correspondence from the AEC indicates that electoral communications you have authorised are in breach of the Commonwealth Electoral legislation, the major party said in a letter to Dr. Ryan, made public on Saturday.

We demand that you immediately remove from display or distribution these unauthorised signs and how to vote cards.

An official for Ryan said: All Chinese election campaign material used by Dr. Ryans campaign, including how-to-vote cards, are properly authorised in the correct languages.

There was further controversy in the inner-southeast Melbourne seat of Higgins, where the Federal Court on Saturday ordered some Liberal campaign signs be removed, after ruling they breached electoral rules.

Former President of the Victorian Liberal Party Michael Kroger conceded the marginal Liberal-held seat was also at risk.

Look, its going to be closer in Higgins, Kroger told Sky News. Katie Allen has done a fantastic job as the member, but its very close.

He said Independent candidates, dubbed teals, posed a significant challenge.

Demographic changes, and weve got a big teal campaign in Goldstein on that side and a big teal campaign in Kooyong on that side, so its going to be close.

In Goldstein, Zoe Daniel is another independent hoping to take control of a long-held Liberal seat.

Daniel, a former journalist, said her grassroots campaign had raised more than $1 million as she battles Liberal incumbent Tim Wilson, who has held Goldstein since 2016 with a latest margin of 7.8 percent.

The electorate has been in Liberal hands since 1984.

If the election delivers a hung parliament, Daniel pledged to work with whichever party could deliver on climate policy, integrity, gender equality, and safety for women and girls.

I would negotiate in good faith with both sides if it came to (a hung parliament), she said. Its really up to the leaders of both major parties to decide what they want to put on the table.

Daniel received more than $1.4 million in donations to her campaign, including more than $1 million from the community and $420,000 from climate campaign group Climate 200.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt cast his vote alongside his family at Kensington Primary school in the seat of Melbourne.

Bandt told the ABC he had received reports of people voting for the Greens for the first time, as they pushed for a change in government.

Bandt holds the inner-city Melbourne seat for the Greens with a comfortable margin of 22.6 percent.

By Phoebe Loomes
User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale

Contribute:

Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it.

Flag as inappropriate.

Mark as helpful or interesting.

Send your own user report!

Translate

Melilla (61.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Estando en el sofa he notado la vibracion y oequenis crujidos | 5 users found this interesting.

Malaga, Andalucia (159.1 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : The shake was lighter then this afternoon. But this is the second shake of the day. | 2 users found this interesting.

Nador / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s : Wow | 2 users found this interesting.

Malaga (158.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Seating in the sofa | One user found this interesting.

Nador, Oriental (68.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Malaga, Andalucia (159.1 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : The shake was lighter then this afternoon. But this is the second shake of the day.

Nador, Oriental (67.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

BOUDINAR (33.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Al Hoceimas (24.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : It was scary! we live on the 5th floor and the whole apartment shook for a few seconds

Beni Ansar (63.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Melilla (63.6 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Saidia (88.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

30 km of Al Hoceima (12.9 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (43.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Al Hoceima (37.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s

alhoceima (41.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

near Imzouren, Al-Hoceima, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (27.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Nador (68.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

Spain, Andalucia (145.9 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Melilla (62.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

BOUDINAR (33.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Tetouan / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Melilla / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

In my bedroom! / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Melilla / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Saidia / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short

Nador / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s

Nador / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : leger Seisme estime entre 2 et 3 degre sur echelle Richter.

Alhoceima / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Nador / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Melilla / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe






If there are Nigerians that have the predilection of traveling to other parts of Nigeria and the world in search of greener pasture, and upon settling in such places, they contribute toward their developments, even more than the aborigines, and leave such geographical entities better than they met them, they are unarguably those that are affiliated to the Igbo tribe. They are aptly called Ndigbo. Differently phrased, they are known, among others, for their migratory prowess and are found in all parts of Nigeria and beyond. They are easily recognized by their industriousness, and their never-say-die spirit.

Without any scintilla of exaggeration, the Igbos are reputed to be Africa's most energetic and most entrepreneurial people. They are not ancient traders but emerged much more with the inception of the British colonialism. Through sheer grit, hard work and a talent for spotting new opportunities, they have unarguably become the dominant traders and business leaders in Nigeria. The Igbo dominance of Nigeria's commerce and industry is probably one of the reasons they are being envied of. Today you can find Igbo traders all over the world from South Africa, Kenya, Ivory Coast, China, Japan, the United States, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ireland, Vietnam and India amongst others. They are mostly merchants. Although a significant number have diversified into industry, banking, and transportation and service businesses.

Researchers have identified the Igbos along with the Ashkenazi Jews and the Swiss Protestants as the people with the greatest achievement motivation in the world.

For instance, a recent features article done by a group of Journalists at Daily Trust newspaper throws an in-depth insight into how Igbo traders control critical sectors of the economy in 31 States and the FCT

The Journalists reported that Outside the five states that make up the South East geopolitical zone, traders who are of Igbo extraction are controlling critical sectors in 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Their Reports from the South West, South South, North West, North East, North Central and the FCT, showed that investments of Igbo traders, cutting across all sectors dot the state capitals, LGAs, major towns and villages in other parts of the country.

The Report noted that Igbo traders dominate the nerves of businesses in the city centre and the area councils in Abuja, even as they control housing and hospitality businesses just as they exclusively dominate spare parts and building materials trade in Deidei, Zone 5, Apo, Zuba and Mararraba.

The Report equally added that In Kano, the Igbo are going about their normal business with several investments in the commercial centre of northern Nigeria.

The spare parts and construction products market at Kofar Ruwa is one of the market areas in Kano where the Igbos dominate or play a significant role in the business of the market. While they are not the only tribe involved in the market, they control the highest volume of trade in it.

It is expedient at this juncture to note that one of the springboards which most Igbos maximize to attain riches and wealth is the Igbo Apprenticeship System. According to Wikipedia, the highly visited online encyclopedia, The Igbo apprentice system, also known as the Igbo trade apprentice system and commonly referred to as Igba-Odibo, Igba-Boi, Imu-Ahia or Imu-Oru is a framework of formal and informal indentured agreements between parties that ultimately facilitate burgeoning entrepreneurial communities within the Igbos. It is an economic model practiced widely by Igbos and originated in South-Eastern Nigeria. Its purposes were and still remains to spur economic growth and stability, and sustainable livelihood by financing and investing in human resources through vocational training.

However, the successes which the Igbos are collectively recording across the country are evidently coming with a huge price or consequences, after all an African Proverb says, Success breeds jealousy and creates enemies. Another African proverb that aptly fits in in this context says, It is unfair and unjust for the head that did not fart to receive knock from the elders instead of the anus that committed the offence.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to say that the second proverb in the foregoing found expression in the stoning to death and burning of Deborah Samuel, the 19-year-old Christian from Tungan-Magajiya in the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, who was in her second year studying home economics at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.

It would be recalled that Deborah was killed by a mob of her Muslim classmates who claimed she had blasphemed against Prophet Muhammad. A video of this religious execution circulated online and sparked debates across the country.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is very obvious despite the fact that no single person from Igboland participated in the gruesome incident that occurred in Sokoto that they were paradoxically targeted for attack until the crisis was contained. Without doubt, it is proverbially the case of where the anus fart, the head receives the knock. Simply put, the Igbos have become the scapegoat that bears the blame for others.

In a similar vein, the media was few days ago agog with the story That a material market along Kubwa-Zuba expressway, was attacked by hoodlums who were reportedly protesting the killing of a woman who was crushed to death after she fell from a commercial motorbike. As usual, the collective attention of hoodlums was diverted to shops owned by Igbo traders in the market as they apparently saw them as the culprits even when the police have not come out with its findings as to the cause of the crisis. It was gathered that properties worth millions of naira, and majorly owned by the Igbos, were destroyed during the incident as shop owners were forced to close their businesses to avoid being attacked.

The foregoing recent incidents speak volumes about how the Igbos are wont to be turned to scapegoats even when the cause of any crisis has not been traced to anyone of Igbo extraction. At this juncture, it is expedient to appeal that the repeated ethnic and religious clashes that Nigerians have been witnessing over the years should completely be eschewed. Rather, there is need for the three major ethnic groups to be tolerant of people from different religions, ethnic groups, nationalities, and political parties.
New Delhi: In what Germany described as the "largest outbreak" in Europe ever, the cases of monkeypox have now been reported in several countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria. Since then, over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe of the rare viral infection, which is more common to the west and central Africa.

CAN MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK TURN INTO A PANDEMIC LIKE COVID-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

"However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ | Keep a close watch on situation: India directs officials as Monkeypox cases rise

A senior US administration official said that there appears to be "a low risk" to the general public at this time.

The outbreaks, however, are raising alarm because the viral disease mostly occurs in west and central Africa, and only very occasionally spreads elsewhere.

"Historically, there have been very few cases exported. It has only happened eight times in the past before this year," said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who said it was "highly unusual".

Still, the World Health Organization's European chief said that he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

According to the WHO, there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox.

WHY ARE MONKEYPOX CASES RISING?

One possible scenario behind the rise in cases is increased travel as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

"My working theory would be that there`s a lot of it about in west and central Africa, travel has resumed, and that`s why we are seeing more cases," said Whitworth.

She stated that urgent investigation of the new cases was important as "they could suggest a novel means of spread or a change in the virus, but this is all to be determined".

"This isn`t going to cause a nationwide epidemic as Covid-19 did, but it`s a serious outbreak of a serious disease  and we should take it seriously," said Whitworth.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox and was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. The disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox disease.

MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS?

Monkeypox typically presents itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The disease is usually self-limiting with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can also occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has reportedly been around 3-6 per cent but can be up to 10 per cent. There are no reported deaths in this current spread.

MONKEYPOX TRANSMISSION?

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. It is said to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.

The disease is transmitted through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.

Health officials, however, have also noted that some of these infections may be transmitted through sexual contact. The WHO said it was also investigating many cases being of people identifying as gay or bisexual.

The WHO said the early cases were unusual for three reasons: All but one have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic; most are being detected through sexual health services and among men who have sex with men, and the wide geographic spread across Europe and beyond suggests that transmission may have been going on for some time.

MONKEYPOX INCUBATION

The incubation period or interval from infection to onset of symptoms of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

MONKEYPOX TREATMENT

Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme also provided protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines have been developed of which one has been approved for prevention of the disease. An antiviral agent developed for the treatment of smallpox has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox, according to WHO.

(With agency inputs)






Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy in Thailand this May and June, with the launch of Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy, a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at almost 40 hotels and resorts all across the Kingdom.

Running from 1 May to 30 June 2022, this two-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriotts hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of a trio of appetizing promotions: Tier 1 offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, Tier 2 is priced at THB 1,150, and Tier 3 is available for THB 1,450, a fantastic discount of between 20% and 50%! These promotions apply to an amazing array of F&B events and delicious dishes at participating restaurants and bars across Thailand.

In Phuket for example, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Big Fish Restaurant and Bar, the beachside restaurant at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Naiyang Beach, which is offering a Grilled Seafood with a glass of local beer for just THB 950  a 25% discount compared to the usual price. Then at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Seasonal Tastes is offering Double Stewed Beef Cheek, including free-flow soft drinks for the Tier 1 price of THB 950.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at the Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Reosrt & Spa, Phuket. The guests can savor the signature Chicken Steak or Pork Chop at My Grill Restaurant for the tempting price of THB 1,150, and at Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where The Pizzerias authentic Italian Pizza Stella di Terra can also be enjoyed for THB 1,150.

Meanwhile, Takieng Phuket at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, serving a sharing set of Andaman Seafood Tower with two glasses of house wine for tier 3 at THB 1,450, while the meats lovers can head to Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort for the rustic grill at Sears & Co Bar and Grill. Likewise, Krua Talad Yai at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, offers a Market Place Buffet, where you can choose fresh meats and seafood. Then the talented culinary team will cook for you.

Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts in Phuket taking part in this initiative campaign include Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, The Naka Island Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town.

And this is just the start! More hotels and resorts will be rolling out their exclusive offers in the coming weeks, creating a nationwide compendium of culinary promotions and perks. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy is available exclusively to Marriott Bonvoy members. Not a member yet? Join today and enjoy the exclusive benefits for free at www.marriott.com/loyalty/createAccount/createAccountPage1.mi

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit http://restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/th.
Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy in Thailand this May and June, with the launch of Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy, a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at almost 40 hotels and resorts all across the Kingdom.

Running from 1 May to 30 June 2022, this two-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriotts hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of a trio of appetizing promotions: Tier 1 offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, Tier 2 is priced at THB 1,150, and Tier 3 is available for THB 1,450, a fantastic discount of between 20% and 50%! These promotions apply to an amazing array of F&B events and delicious dishes at participating restaurants and bars across Thailand.

In Phuket for example, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Big Fish Restaurant and Bar, the beachside restaurant at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Naiyang Beach, which is offering a Grilled Seafood with a glass of local beer for just THB 950  a 25% discount compared to the usual price. Then at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Seasonal Tastes is offering Double Stewed Beef Cheek, including free-flow soft drinks for the Tier 1 price of THB 950.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at the Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Reosrt & Spa, Phuket. The guests can savor the signature Chicken Steak or Pork Chop at My Grill Restaurant for the tempting price of THB 1,150, and at Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where The Pizzerias authentic Italian Pizza Stella di Terra can also be enjoyed for THB 1,150.

Meanwhile, Takieng Phuket at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, serving a sharing set of Andaman Seafood Tower with two glasses of house wine for tier 3 at THB 1,450, while the meats lovers can head to Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort for the rustic grill at Sears & Co Bar and Grill. Likewise, Krua Talad Yai at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, offers a Market Place Buffet, where you can choose fresh meats and seafood. Then the talented culinary team will cook for you.

Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts in Phuket taking part in this initiative campaign include Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, The Naka Island Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town.

And this is just the start! More hotels and resorts will be rolling out their exclusive offers in the coming weeks, creating a nationwide compendium of culinary promotions and perks. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy is available exclusively to Marriott Bonvoy members. Not a member yet? Join today and enjoy the exclusive benefits for free at www.marriott.com/loyalty/createAccount/createAccountPage1.mi

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit http://restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/th.
Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy in Thailand this May and June, with the launch of Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy, a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at almost 40 hotels and resorts all across the Kingdom.

Running from 1 May to 30 June 2022, this two-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriotts hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of a trio of appetizing promotions: Tier 1 offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, Tier 2 is priced at THB 1,150, and Tier 3 is available for THB 1,450, a fantastic discount of between 20% and 50%! These promotions apply to an amazing array of F&B events and delicious dishes at participating restaurants and bars across Thailand.

In Phuket for example, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Big Fish Restaurant and Bar, the beachside restaurant at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Naiyang Beach, which is offering a Grilled Seafood with a glass of local beer for just THB 950  a 25% discount compared to the usual price. Then at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Seasonal Tastes is offering Double Stewed Beef Cheek, including free-flow soft drinks for the Tier 1 price of THB 950.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at the Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Reosrt & Spa, Phuket. The guests can savor the signature Chicken Steak or Pork Chop at My Grill Restaurant for the tempting price of THB 1,150, and at Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where The Pizzerias authentic Italian Pizza Stella di Terra can also be enjoyed for THB 1,150.

Meanwhile, Takieng Phuket at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, serving a sharing set of Andaman Seafood Tower with two glasses of house wine for tier 3 at THB 1,450, while the meats lovers can head to Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort for the rustic grill at Sears & Co Bar and Grill. Likewise, Krua Talad Yai at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, offers a Market Place Buffet, where you can choose fresh meats and seafood. Then the talented culinary team will cook for you.

Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts in Phuket taking part in this initiative campaign include Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, The Naka Island Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town.

And this is just the start! More hotels and resorts will be rolling out their exclusive offers in the coming weeks, creating a nationwide compendium of culinary promotions and perks. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy is available exclusively to Marriott Bonvoy members. Not a member yet? Join today and enjoy the exclusive benefits for free at www.marriott.com/loyalty/createAccount/createAccountPage1.mi

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit http://restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/th.













An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.








Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

An aid worker known as the Angel of Mostar says she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK.

Sally Becker, who helped rescue hundreds of people from war-torn Bosnia, has grave concerns for the women and children after their paperwork was rejected by British officials.

The 58-year-old said she set off on the mission to save orphaned youngsters and mothers with the full acknowledgement of the British Government last month.

She said many of the refugees came from areas where there was fierce fighting.

They had made a 22-hour train journey, collecting more children en route who escaped from places like Mariupol, before crossing into Poland.

International aid worker Sally Becker, known as the Angel of Mostar, claims she is stuck in Poland with 167 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees because of red-tape that is preventing them coming to the UK. Ms Becker is pictured with two orphans she is trying to bring to the UK

But when they were ready to travel to the UK, Mrs Becker says the Home Office asked for more evidence that the Ukrainian government had sanctioned the evacuation. As a result, their flight booked for yesterday had to be cancelled.

She now says the group has just days to find a solution or will have nowhere to go, adding: Im completely dependent on the British Government to help me bring these children to a safe haven in the UK.

Weve got grandmothers given custody of children because their parents have either been killed or had to fight. We have children who have been deprived of parents since birth. Many are extremely vulnerable and really need help.

Mrs Becker explained how she set off for Dnipro at the end of April. At that point, she claimed there was no problem obtaining permission to bring the children to the UK.

A young girl stands on a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Dmytivka, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues

She gathered 167 refugees and negotiated safe passage to the Polish border through the Ukrainian government.

She said they arranged for three carriages to be attached to the train especially for the children.

Mrs Becker said plans are in place to allow the refugees to stay at two hotels on the Wirral, Merseyside, with a six-month stay funded by The Steve Morgan Foundation.

Its understood Ukraines deputy prime minister has written to minister for refugees Lord Harrington confirming they have been aware of her mission since April 22.

A Home Office spokesman said last night: We can only give permission for an unaccompanied child to travel where we are certain they will have appropriate support and care once they are here.

'We are speaking to Sally Becker and the authorities in Ukraine to reach a solution.













Shooting in downtown Chicago leaves 2 dead, 8 wounded

Xinhua) 11:05, May 21, 2022

CHICAGO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A mass shooting resulting from a brawl among a group of teenagers downtown here late Thursday has left two dead and eight wounded, the Chicago Tribune reported on Friday.

All gunshot victims were in serious to critical condition, and an additional victim has suffered burns, possibly from being injured on the nearby CTA Red Line subway, the local media quoted Chicago Fire Department spokesman Juan Hernandez as saying.

The shooting happened around 10:40 p.m. local time (0340 GMT) outside a subway station blocks from the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier commercial district. Police have arrested one person and recovered a gun from the scene.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has denounced the "outrageous act of violence" and promised to put more police officers in the area.

After a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago last Saturday evening, Lightfoot has imposed a weekend curfew for minors.

Rules released Thursday and signed by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner ban teens younger than 18 from the Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, unless they're accompanied by an adult. The rules took effect Thursday.

The rules also warn that the ban on teens in Millennium Park could be expanded to other days and time on "an as-needed basis."

As summer comes, violence and crime are increasing in Chicago. Chicago police said five people were killed and 28 others were injured in 28 separate shootings in the past weekend.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)



Claims of dirty tactics have erupted in a tense battleground election contest, with supporters of one Sydney Labor candidate saying her signs were 'ripped down' overnight.

Posters for Labor's candidate Sally Sitou were allegedly torn down in the key inner Sydney electorate of Reid early on Saturday and replaced with Liberal corflutes.

That was followed by claims of reprisals by Ms Sitou's team, that signs for the sitting member, Dr Fiona Martin, were removed and tossed away.

Tensions continued to rise in a key election battleground seat in Sydney's west when Sally Sitou's signs were allegedly removed, a week after an awkward radio interview in which her rival (Dr Fiona Martin, pictured left), appeared to mix her up with someone else

Claims of dirty tactics erupted in Reid with supporters of Ms Sitou saying her signs were 'ripped down' and replaced with Liberal signs overnight

In a live Channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt is shown carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building. Her allegiances are unknown

On Sky News Dr Martin denied any knowledge of the vandalism and agreed it would be inappropriate behaviour.

In a live channel Nine television segment, a woman in an 'I vote for trees' t-shirt was seen carrying a corflute with Anthony Albanese's image on it, and dropping it on the ground behind a building.

It is not known which campaign the woman shown was connected to, and there is no suggestion she was acting improperly.

Earlier on Twitter, a Labor volunteer tweeted a photo of a handwritten sign accusing 'Liberal supporters' of 'ripping down' Ms Sitou's signage.

'Vote Labor, Sally Sitou. All of Labor's signage ripped down last night by Liberal supporters,' said the tweet.

Labor volunteer claimed campaign material was removed from outside a polling station on Chalmers Road in Strathfield, while another claimed to have been awake since 3am repairing vandalised booths.

Labor's Sally Sitou is in a tough battle with the sitting member, the Liberal Party's Dr Fiona Martin

Ms Sitou is in a bitter fight with the sitting member Dr Martin for Reid, which is considered a marginal seat and would go to Labor with a swing of 3.2 per cent.

Earlier in the campaign Dr Martin was accused of a major gaffe by mistaking Ms Sitou for another Labor candidate of Asian origin in a fiery radio debate.

Ms Sitou took to Twitter to clarify she'd never intended to run for Fowler

The Labor candidate demanded Ms Martin apologise for her comments

Live on 2GB Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of having previously sought preselection in the seat of Fowler.

Dr Martin accused Ms Sitou of contesting the seat of Reid because she'd been 'kicked out' of Fowler by Kristina Keneally.

Ms Sitou looked confused and responded 'now she's just making things up'.

Many speculated Dr Martin was actually referring to Vietnamese-Australian Tu Le, who was fighting for preselection for the seat.

Dr Martin has since clarified she was referring to reports from 2018 that Ms Sitou was considered as a candidate for the NSW state seat of Cabramatta which is in the Fowler electorate.

Later on social media Ms Sitou demanded an apology.

'I have never sought to run for Fowler. I live in Reid, my son goes to school in Reid, and I am excited by the opportunity to represent my community.'

Reid sits south of the Parramatta River, between Drummoyne and Silverwater.

It includes Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon, Homebush and parts of Lidcombe.

For many years Reid was held by Labor, but for the past three elections it has been held by the Liberals.







WASHINGTON (AP)  While President Joe Biden travels in Asia, his administration is scrambling to salvage next months summit focused on Latin America.

The Summit of the Americas, which the United States is hosting for the first time since the inaugural event in 1994, has risked collapsing over concerns about the guest list. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to boycott if Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua arent included. Unlike Washington, which considers the three autocratic governments as pariahs, Mexicos leftist leader maintains regular ties with them.

A hollow summit would undermine efforts by the U.S. to reassert its influence in Latin America when China is making inroads and concerns grow that democracy is backsliding in the region.

Now Biden is considering inviting a Cuban representative to attend the summit as an observer, according to a U.S. official who declined to be identified while speaking about sensitive deliberations. Its unclear if Cuba would accept the invitation  which would be extended to someone in the foreign ministry, not the foreign minister himself  and whether that would assuage Lopez Obradors concerns.

Lopez Obrador reiterated Friday that he wants everyone to be invited," but indicated that he was hopeful about reaching a resolution, adding that "we have a lot of confidence in President Biden and he respects us.

Even if Lopez Obrador attends, there could still be a notable absence in Los Angeles: Brazils Jair Bolsonaro, who leads Latin Americas most populous country, hasn't said whether he'll attend.

The uncertainty is a sign of chaotic planning for the summit, which is scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in Los Angeles. Normally, gatherings for heads of state are organized long in advance, with clear agendas and guest lists.

Theres no excuse that they didnt have enough time, said Ryan Berg, a senior fellow in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This is our chance to set a regional agenda. Its a great opportunity. And Im afraid were not going to take it.

The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment. Ned Price, speaking for the U.S. State Department, said the first wave of invitations was sent out Thursday, but there could be additions. He declined to say who had gotten invitations.

He said speculation about who was attending was understandable, noting that Biden will be the first U.S. president to attend the summit since 2015, when President Barack Obama went to Panama.

President Donald Trump skipped the next summit in Peru in 2018, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

Our agenda is to focus on working together when it comes to the core challenges that face our hemisphere, Price said, including migration, climate change and the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cubas participation is often a controversial issue for the summit, which has been held every few years and includes countries from Canada to Chile. The island nation was not invited to the first gathering in Miami, but Obama made headlines by shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama.

Questions about Biden's approach to Latin America are piling up when his attention has been elsewhere. He's taken a lead in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, helping to forge an international coalition to punish Moscow with sanctions and arm Kyiv with new weapons.

Biden is also trying to refocus U.S. foreign policy on Asia, where he views the rising power of China as the country's foremost long-term challenge. He's currently on his first trip to the continent as president, visiting South Korea and Japan.

Berg argued that neglecting Latin America could undermine Biden's goals, since China has been trying to make inroads in the region.

Its always been difficult for Latin America to get its due," he said. "But were pretty close to being in a geopolitical situation where Latin America moves from a strategic asset for us to a strategic liability.

Instead of putting the finishing touches on the schedule for the Summit of the Americas, administration officials have been racing to ensure it doesn't devolve into an embarrassment.

Chris Dodd, a former U.S. senator from Connecticut chosen by Biden as a special adviser for the summit, spent two hours on Zoom with Lopez Obrador this week.

There's also been a steady drip of announcements adjusting U.S. policies toward the region.

For example, the U.S. is moving to ease some economic sanctions on Venezuela.

In addition, administration officials said they would loosen restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and allow Cuban immigrants to send more money back to people on the island.

The discussion about Cuba's potential participation in Los Angeles reflects a difficult diplomatic and political balancing act.

Biden faces pressure to invite Cuba from his counterparts in the region. In addition to Lopez Obrador, Bolivias President Luis Arce has threatened to skip the summit.

But Biden risks domestic backlash if Cuba is included, and not just from Republicans. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Cuban American Democrat from New Jersey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is an outspoken critic of the Cuban government.

Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed from Mexico City, and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed from Washington.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.





Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a greater Russia and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscows next target.

I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies, she told The Daily Telegraph.

Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful, it doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had Nato standard defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the countrys Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.






Shisha seller on trial for 'Irn Bru' branding delayed by missing ID

The trial for one of two men being investigated for possessing fake Irn-Bru Shisha has been delayed after he lost his identification documents.

Mohamed Badache, 31, of Stockmore Street in Oxford, and Amar Yacine Kacem, 38, of Cowley Road are being tried on five counts involving shisha waterpipe tobacco produced or supplied at Zaid Supermarket on Cowley Road.

Badache was supposed to appear at Oxford Magistrates Court this year on May 6 with Kacem, but his trial has been adjourned to July 29 as he is in Algeria after having lost his identification documents.

READ MORE: Fake 'Irn Bru' branding and tobacco rule breach investigated at Oxford shisha sellers

An immigration solicitor is dealing with his return to the UK.

Kacem pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates Court to all charges which involve the packaging of the product not having the correct health warning, as per official regulation for tobacco products, and possessing goods under a false trademark.

He was fined 200 and must also pay 34 to fund victim services and 100 in court costs before June 3 this year.

All the Shisha tobacco in question, which involves over 23,000 grams, is to be forfeited and destroyed by South Oxford District Council.

The charges are detailed below:

A 100g pot of shisha waterpipe tobacco allegedly produced or supplied on December 15, 2020, did not comply with regulations for tobacco in that the packet made reference to taste, smell, flavourings and/or additives in breach of Regulation 10. The 100g pot of tobacco did not carry a combined health warning as required by regulation 5 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. There were 23,500 grams of shisha waterpipe tobacco allegedly produced or supplied on December 21, 2020, did not comply with regulations for tobacco in that the packet made reference to taste, smell, flavourings and/or additives in breach of Regulation 10. The 23,500 grams is also claimed to have not carried a combined health warning as required by regulation 5 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. The fifth count the men are being tried on is possessing goods under a false trademark for sale or hire, as on December 21, 2020, the business had 100g of shisha tobacco which had a sign identical to Irn-Bru without the consent of the well-known soft drink company.

Story continues

This story was written by Shosha Adie.

She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.

To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie

A message from our Editor

Thank you for reading this story and supporting the Oxford Mail.

If you like what we do please consider getting a subscription for the Oxford Mail and in return well give you unrestricted access with less adverts across our website from the latest news, investigations, features, and sport.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok for more.

You can also join the conversation in our Facebook groups: stay ahead of traffic alerts here, keep up to date with the latest from court here, share your favourite memories of Oxford here, get your daily dose of celebrity news here and take some time out with news that will make you smile.

If youve got a story for our reporters, send us your news here. You can also list an event for free here.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
Alyssa Castanuela is shown in this photo with her two children. She was attacked by her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend Wednesday and is in the ICU at Colorado Springs UC Health Memorial Hospital.









Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
Newly discovered emails show that Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was more deeply involved in baseless efforts to overturn the 2020 election than previously known
Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
Washington: Billionaire chairman and co-founder of Oracle Corp, Larry Ellison, participated shortly after the 2020 US presidential election in a phone call focused on strategies for contesting former president Donald Trumps defeat, according to an email revealed in a court document.

The November 14, 2020, phone call is the first known instance of a technology industry leader joining Trump allies to strategise about how to contest the election result.

Larry Ellison, of Oracle, is one of the richest people in the world.

The election took place on November 3, 2020. After Biden secured enough electoral votes for victory, a protest called the March to Save America was organised by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, that turned into a violent attack on the US Capitol.

The phone call that Ellison participated in was described in a November 14, 2020, email sent by Catherine Engelbrecht, a conservative activist.
Washington: Billionaire chairman and co-founder of Oracle Corp, Larry Ellison, participated shortly after the 2020 US presidential election in a phone call focused on strategies for contesting former president Donald Trumps defeat, according to an email revealed in a court document.

The November 14, 2020, phone call is the first known instance of a technology industry leader joining Trump allies to strategise about how to contest the election result.

Larry Ellison, of Oracle, is one of the richest people in the world.

The election took place on November 3, 2020. After Biden secured enough electoral votes for victory, a protest called the March to Save America was organised by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, that turned into a violent attack on the US Capitol.

The phone call that Ellison participated in was described in a November 14, 2020, email sent by Catherine Engelbrecht, a conservative activist.
It will take some time for the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba to drop drastically, according to Manitobas top doctor.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

It will take some time for the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba to drop drastically, according to Manitobas top doctor.

The fifth wave has likely peaked judging by data on hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions showing a downward trend, said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, at a news conference Friday.

However, the province is monitoring an increase in transmissions. So far, most cases are of the omicron subvariant BA.2, which has shown to be more infectious but less dangerous.

Roussin said while he is confident this latest incarnation of the virus will run its course, it is still proving to be a particularly stubborn one. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are not dropping quickly because of its high transmission.

The main reason for the slow decline is there is still a high level of incidental transmission, where people are admitted to hospital for an unrelated issue and subsequently test positive for COVID. About 79 per cent of hospital admissions who test positive for COVID are there for non-COVID reasons and about 40 per cent of ICU admissions are there for COVID treatment.

Nearly four people a day are dying from COVID, according to the latest data from the provinces surveillance. Roussin said the widespread nature of omicron has caused the higher death toll because it can infect more people and eventually make its way to people more likely to die from an infection.

As well, public health isnt investigating each of these cases, so it is possible that people dying from incidental infections.

"We are looking at ways of better understanding this reported increase, but when you change it to a more of a surveillance definition we use for influenza infections," he said. "If you die within 10 days before, or 30 days after being tested positive for COVID-19, you will be counted as a COVID-19 death. In the past we would have some review to see an obvious cause of death other than COVID."

The province has still weathered the fifth wave well, he said, attributing the success to the high vaccination rate, with around 80 per cent of eligible Manitobans receiving two doses. Only around 43 per cent have received a booster dose, though.

While vaccines have been effective, immunity wanes over time. The province is expanding eligibility for a fourth dose to anyone over the age of 50 years old. Previously, this was only being offered to anyone over the age of 70. As well, First Nations, Inuit and Metis people over the age of 30 can now get a fourth dose (previously 50 or older) in addition to any immunocompromised person over 18 years, residents of personal-care homes and elderly people living in congregate homes.

The interval between the second and third dose is also being shortened to four months down from six.

Booster doses are not being extended to any other segment of the population at this time.

"We wanted to focus booster dose eligibility on those who are most vulnerable to the disease," he said. "We are not planning on extending booster doses pending the fall campaign."

Vaccines are the main weapon against COVID-19, but treatments are available and the province has broadened the requirements to make it easier. The eligibilty now includes anyone who isnt fully vaccinated, hasnt received a booster dose, is an older adult, is obese, is pregnant, has never been infected with COVID, has more than one chronic medical condition or moderately or severely immunicompromised due to a medical condition or treatment.

The main antiviral Paxlovid is also being made more widely available. People can get their prescriptions filled at 175 pharmacies across the province. A list of locations and more information is available at https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/treatment/paxlovid-locations.html.

Another disease on the minds of Canadians is monkeypox, which has appeared in Quebec. Roussin said there are no known cases of it in Manitoba yet. The province needs to be aware of it, he said, but there have been cases of it before in Canada, so this isnt a new virus for the country.

"Like any other emerging infection, we will have that high level of suspicion early on in case we are dealing with any cases early on."

 kmckinley@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @karenleighmcki1

Green signs outside polling booths in the hotly contested seat of Higgins in Melbournes inner south-east will be pulled down on Saturday under a Federal Court order.

In another closely watched seat, Kooyong, independent candidate Monique Ryan has been forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

Labor is seeking an injunction over Put Labor Last signs appearing in Higgins, designed to look like they were placed by the Greens but allegedly from the Liberal Party.

The Liberal Party is in a tight two-way race in Kooyong between Ryan and federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, while in Higgins the Liberals Katie Allen is facing a stiff challenge from the Greens and Labor.

The Labor Party went to the Federal Court on Saturday afternoon seeking an injunction over signs it alleged were put up by Allens campaign team.
Green signs outside polling booths in the hotly contested seat of Higgins in Melbournes inner south-east will be pulled down on Saturday under a Federal Court order.

In another closely watched seat, Kooyong, independent candidate Monique Ryan has been forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

Labor is seeking an injunction over Put Labor Last signs appearing in Higgins, designed to look like they were placed by the Greens but allegedly from the Liberal Party.

The Liberal Party is in a tight two-way race in Kooyong between Ryan and federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, while in Higgins the Liberals Katie Allen is facing a stiff challenge from the Greens and Labor.

The Labor Party went to the Federal Court on Saturday afternoon seeking an injunction over signs it alleged were put up by Allens campaign team.
Green signs outside polling booths in the hotly contested seat of Higgins in Melbournes inner south-east will be pulled down on Saturday under a Federal Court order.

In another closely watched seat, Kooyong, independent candidate Monique Ryan has been forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

Labor is seeking an injunction over Put Labor Last signs appearing in Higgins, designed to look like they were placed by the Greens but allegedly from the Liberal Party.

The Liberal Party is in a tight two-way race in Kooyong between Ryan and federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, while in Higgins the Liberals Katie Allen is facing a stiff challenge from the Greens and Labor.

The Labor Party went to the Federal Court on Saturday afternoon seeking an injunction over signs it alleged were put up by Allens campaign team.
Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'

Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'






Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
According to his first biographer, Walter Thornbury, Turner had four illegitimate children, at least one of whom was a boy. He provides no evidence for this, except for this piece of hearsay.

I once, says a friend, heard Mr Crabb Robinson (the friend of Wordsworth) casually mention a remark dropped by the late Miss Maria Denman, when the two were out for an excursion with Rogers (I think), and had put up at an inn in a village near London. That, said the lady, pointing to a youth who happened to pass, is Turner's natural son.

J.M.W. Turner by Charles Turner, engraving published 1852 NPG D6997  National Portrait Gallery, London





In his 1938 book about Turners hidden life, Bernard Falk says that there were, in fact, only three children, two girls and a boy named Hugh; all the result of Turners relationship with Sarah Danby. Turner acknowledged his daughters, Evelina and Georgiana, but never made any mention of a son, which, if he had had one, would have been unusual, given Turners general attitude towards women.

So, who was Hugh Danby? Falk suggests that he was seen from time to time helping Turners father 'Old Dad' at the Queen Anne Street studio but, although some of Turners friends reported seeing a girl who resembled him, I can find no mention of a boy.

Falk also says that Hughs name appears in the list of people who contested Turners will in 1852 but not in the list of benefactors when the will was finally settled in 1856, because he had died in the interim. However, I can find no record of a Hugh Danby who died between those years nor of a Hugh amongst the family of Sarah Danbys husband, John.

Court of Chancery, Lincoln's Inn Hall, from Microcosm of London (1808-1810)





I think that the answer lies in the litigation documents for the original case in the Court of Chancery. In the list of claimants, the only Danby I can find is Turners housekeeper, Hannah Danby, who is then mentioned in the final settlement as since deceased. However, immediately preceding Hannahs name is that of Turners executor, Hugh Andrew Johnston Munro. I believe that someone transcribing the list, possibly for a newspaper report, elided the two names, thus creating Hugh Danby. Again, some later reports just refer to H. Danby (since deceased), making it possible to assume, erroneously, that this refers to Hugh Danby.

List of cases relating to the will of Mr. Turner, R.A. showing the names of the parties involved - Return to an order of the House of Lords 11 July 1861





It is my strong belief that Hugh Danby never existed.

David Meaden

Independent Researcher

Further reading:

Bernard Falk, Turner the Painter: His Hidden Life (London 1938).

Franny Moyle, The Extraordinary Life and Momentous Times of J.M.W.Turner (London, 2016).

Anthony Bailey, Standing In The Sun  a life of J.M.W.Turner (1997).

Walter Thornbury, The Life of J.M.W. Turner R.A. founded on letters and papers furnished by his friends and fellow Academicians (London, 1862).

Documents for the case in the Court of Chancery are held at The National Archives



Turners restored house in Twickenham is open to visitors.
Shisha seller on trial for 'Irn Bru' branding delayed by missing ID

The trial for one of two men being investigated for possessing fake Irn-Bru Shisha has been delayed after he lost his identification documents.

Mohamed Badache, 31, of Stockmore Street in Oxford, and Amar Yacine Kacem, 38, of Cowley Road are being tried on five counts involving shisha waterpipe tobacco produced or supplied at Zaid Supermarket on Cowley Road.

Badache was supposed to appear at Oxford Magistrates Court this year on May 6 with Kacem, but his trial has been adjourned to July 29 as he is in Algeria after having lost his identification documents.

READ MORE: Fake 'Irn Bru' branding and tobacco rule breach investigated at Oxford shisha sellers

An immigration solicitor is dealing with his return to the UK.

Kacem pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates Court to all charges which involve the packaging of the product not having the correct health warning, as per official regulation for tobacco products, and possessing goods under a false trademark.

He was fined 200 and must also pay 34 to fund victim services and 100 in court costs before June 3 this year.

All the Shisha tobacco in question, which involves over 23,000 grams, is to be forfeited and destroyed by South Oxford District Council.

The charges are detailed below:

A 100g pot of shisha waterpipe tobacco allegedly produced or supplied on December 15, 2020, did not comply with regulations for tobacco in that the packet made reference to taste, smell, flavourings and/or additives in breach of Regulation 10. The 100g pot of tobacco did not carry a combined health warning as required by regulation 5 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. There were 23,500 grams of shisha waterpipe tobacco allegedly produced or supplied on December 21, 2020, did not comply with regulations for tobacco in that the packet made reference to taste, smell, flavourings and/or additives in breach of Regulation 10. The 23,500 grams is also claimed to have not carried a combined health warning as required by regulation 5 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. The fifth count the men are being tried on is possessing goods under a false trademark for sale or hire, as on December 21, 2020, the business had 100g of shisha tobacco which had a sign identical to Irn-Bru without the consent of the well-known soft drink company.

Story continues

This story was written by Shosha Adie.

She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.

To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie

A message from our Editor

Thank you for reading this story and supporting the Oxford Mail.

If you like what we do please consider getting a subscription for the Oxford Mail and in return well give you unrestricted access with less adverts across our website from the latest news, investigations, features, and sport.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok for more.

You can also join the conversation in our Facebook groups: stay ahead of traffic alerts here, keep up to date with the latest from court here, share your favourite memories of Oxford here, get your daily dose of celebrity news here and take some time out with news that will make you smile.

If youve got a story for our reporters, send us your news here. You can also list an event for free here.

New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary.

"On his death anniversary, paying tributes to our former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi," tweets PM Modi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

Meanwhile, remembering the former Prime Minister, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said his father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India.

Taking to Twitter, the Wayanad MP said, "My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate and kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together."

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in the national capital on Saturday.

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at Vir Bhumi in Delhi.

Rajiv Gandhi took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984.

He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Born on August 20 in 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
As blood banks across western Washington continue to deal with an ongoing shortage of blood, Kents mayor is calling for more donations.

The critical blood shortage started with the pandemic and shows no signs of letting up.

Mayor Dana Ralph  who donated blood Friday morning  is a cancer survivor, so the issue hits her in a different way.

Ralph used her platform and her donation to highlight the need to have enough blood on hand, especially during emergencies.

The recent rash of shootings across America over the weekend crystallized the need for this type of preparedness.

On May 9, Bloodworks Northwest said that it was running dangerously low on Type O positive, O negative and platelet donations.

Bloodworks Northwest said it had 1,000 appointments available and it was possible that a number of the slots were filled.

Ralph and Bloodworks Northwest said platelet donations are a major need. Bloodworks NW said it is currently rationing platelet donations to area hospitals.

There is a national shortage for that crucial blood, which is needed for cancer treatments.

Ralph is worried that the supply is low in general.

Its very concerning. We dont know when the next person is going to be sick or theres going to be some sort of tragic accident. Those are the things we cant schedule out so we have to make sure the supply exists for when those things happen, Ralph said.

Bloodworks NW has joined 30 other blood centers across the country to organize the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps.

It is a first-in-the-nation partnership that should ensure that the local blood supply is consistent.

It also means that people in our region could help other regions if theyre dealing with a crisis and need shipments of blood.

Bloodworks NW said the regional blood supply is hovering around a one- to two-day limit.

For perspective, Washington and Oregon states need 1,000 donors daily to maintain a safe supply.

More news from KIRO 7

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP
The authorities are adopting the strategy of no profit and no loss in the procurement and sale of tomatoes. They are procuring the produce from various sources and adding the cost of transportation.  Representational image/Pixabay

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is facing a shortage of tomatoes as the local farmers are selling them to buyers from states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and even to Sri Lanka for higher prices.

AP produces nearly 24.50 lakh metric tonnes of tomatoes by raising the crop in about 58,000 hectares every year. Erstwhile Chittoor district is contributing a major share of the 12.75 lakh MT production, followed by Anantapur and Kurnool with 7.28 lakh MT and 1.42 lakh MT respectively.

The cost of a kg of tomatoes rose to Rs 80 and even Rs 100 in markets, the state government came up with a plan to procure them directly from the local farmers and is prevailing upon the wholesalers having tie-up with Rythu Bazars to sell them to self-help group women. This is in addition to procuring tomatoes from wholesalers in Solapur, Raipur and Delhi.

The tomatoes thus procured were being sold at select Rythu Bazars at affordable prices ranging from Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg from Friday. This is expected to continue for the next two weeks.

The authorities are adopting the strategy of no profit and no loss in the procurement and sale of tomatoes. They are procuring the produce from various sources and adding the cost of transportation.

As people formed long queues at Swaraj Maidan and elsewhere in the city and in other parts of the state, the government has started to sell tomatoes at prices ranging from Rs 55 to Rs 60 a kg at Rythu Bazars in Guntur, Palnadu, Eluru and Visakhapatnam.

The horticulture and marketing authorities are working jointly to assess the availability to tomatoes at farms and other sources and procuring them. The demand is such that though the authorities planned to procure 70 tonnes of tomatoes to sell it on Saturday, they managed to procure only 30 tonnes by Friday evening.

Rythu Bazar chief executive officer Srinivasa Rao said, We are looking for good quality tomatoes from the local farmers and also from wholesalers within and outside AP. We will procure them at relatively low cost and sell them at an affordable price at Rythu Bazars.

Meanwhile, horticulture authorities say that the shortage of tomatoes was due to low production following the several spells of heavy winds and rainfall. During every summer, we face a similar problem.

They sound confident that the new tomato crop will hit the market in a few days and the prices will come down.

The average price of tomato has gone up every week in April and May -- from a minimum of Rs 16 per kg in the local market and Rs 12 in the Rythu Bazar in the first week of April to Rs 65 in the local market and Rs 60 in the Rythu Bazar on Thursday. This showed the price multiplied, causing hardships to the consumers.
The authorities are adopting the strategy of no profit and no loss in the procurement and sale of tomatoes. They are procuring the produce from various sources and adding the cost of transportation.  Representational image/Pixabay

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is facing a shortage of tomatoes as the local farmers are selling them to buyers from states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and even to Sri Lanka for higher prices.

AP produces nearly 24.50 lakh metric tonnes of tomatoes by raising the crop in about 58,000 hectares every year. Erstwhile Chittoor district is contributing a major share of the 12.75 lakh MT production, followed by Anantapur and Kurnool with 7.28 lakh MT and 1.42 lakh MT respectively.

The cost of a kg of tomatoes rose to Rs 80 and even Rs 100 in markets, the state government came up with a plan to procure them directly from the local farmers and is prevailing upon the wholesalers having tie-up with Rythu Bazars to sell them to self-help group women. This is in addition to procuring tomatoes from wholesalers in Solapur, Raipur and Delhi.

The tomatoes thus procured were being sold at select Rythu Bazars at affordable prices ranging from Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg from Friday. This is expected to continue for the next two weeks.

The authorities are adopting the strategy of no profit and no loss in the procurement and sale of tomatoes. They are procuring the produce from various sources and adding the cost of transportation.

As people formed long queues at Swaraj Maidan and elsewhere in the city and in other parts of the state, the government has started to sell tomatoes at prices ranging from Rs 55 to Rs 60 a kg at Rythu Bazars in Guntur, Palnadu, Eluru and Visakhapatnam.

The horticulture and marketing authorities are working jointly to assess the availability to tomatoes at farms and other sources and procuring them. The demand is such that though the authorities planned to procure 70 tonnes of tomatoes to sell it on Saturday, they managed to procure only 30 tonnes by Friday evening.

Rythu Bazar chief executive officer Srinivasa Rao said, We are looking for good quality tomatoes from the local farmers and also from wholesalers within and outside AP. We will procure them at relatively low cost and sell them at an affordable price at Rythu Bazars.

Meanwhile, horticulture authorities say that the shortage of tomatoes was due to low production following the several spells of heavy winds and rainfall. During every summer, we face a similar problem.

They sound confident that the new tomato crop will hit the market in a few days and the prices will come down.

The average price of tomato has gone up every week in April and May -- from a minimum of Rs 16 per kg in the local market and Rs 12 in the Rythu Bazar in the first week of April to Rs 65 in the local market and Rs 60 in the Rythu Bazar on Thursday. This showed the price multiplied, causing hardships to the consumers.

As blood banks across western Washington continue to deal with an ongoing shortage of blood, Kents mayor is calling for more donations.

The critical blood shortage started with the pandemic and shows no signs of letting up.

Mayor Dana Ralph  who donated blood Friday morning  is a cancer survivor, so the issue hits her in a different way.

Ralph used her platform and her donation to highlight the need to have enough blood on hand, especially during emergencies.

The recent rash of shootings across America over the weekend crystallized the need for this type of preparedness.

On May 9, Bloodworks Northwest said that it was running dangerously low on Type O positive, O negative and platelet donations.

Bloodworks Northwest said it had 1,000 appointments available and it was possible that a number of the slots were filled.

Ralph and Bloodworks Northwest said platelet donations are a major need. Bloodworks NW said it is currently rationing platelet donations to area hospitals.

There is a national shortage for that crucial blood, which is needed for cancer treatments.

Ralph is worried that the supply is low in general.

Its very concerning. We dont know when the next person is going to be sick or theres going to be some sort of tragic accident. Those are the things we cant schedule out so we have to make sure the supply exists for when those things happen, Ralph said.

Bloodworks NW has joined 30 other blood centers across the country to organize the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps.

It is a first-in-the-nation partnership that should ensure that the local blood supply is consistent.

It also means that people in our region could help other regions if theyre dealing with a crisis and need shipments of blood.

Bloodworks NW said the regional blood supply is hovering around a one- to two-day limit.

For perspective, Washington and Oregon states need 1,000 donors daily to maintain a safe supply.

More news from KIRO 7

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

The ruling alliance has stood victorious in two-thirds seats in local bodies elections which were conducted on May 13 as the final results of 684 of 753 local-level elections have been made public. As of Saturday morning, 237 people's representatives have won the major posts of metropolis, sub-metropolis, and municipalities while 446 people's representatives have won the posts of rural municipality chairpersons. The Nepali Congress (NC), CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal had made electoral alliances in six metropolises, 11 sub-metropolises as well as some local levels for the polls. Amongst the members of the ruling alliance, the Nepali Congress has won the highest- 303 seats out of 753, reported the data of the Nepal Election Commission till 8 am (NST). Likewise, it is running ahead in the vote count of 24 other local bodies. CPN (UML) which stood atop in the last local election is in the second position. CPN (UML) candidates have secured wins in a total of 186 local levels. In the earlier election in 2017, UML had emerged victorious in 294 municipalities. The opposition party is leading in 21 local bodies as the vote counts are underway. The CPN-Maoist Center has improved its presence in comparison to an earlier election held 5 years before when it had won 106 local bodies. In the incumbent count, the party has won 117 seats and leading in 4 seats. The Janata Samajbadi Party, another member of the alliance has won 28 seats and has been leading on 9 fronts. The CPN-Unified Socialist, formed after a split with CPN-UML has won 17 seats and leading on 2 fronts. In the latest round of the May 13 local level election, 6 independent candidates have stood victorious in the post of chief. The Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, one of the madhes-based parties has won 10 local bodies and continued to lead in 6 local bodies as the vote counts are still underway. (ANI)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary.

"On his death anniversary, paying tributes to our former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi," tweets PM Modi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

Meanwhile, remembering the former Prime Minister, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said his father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India.

Taking to Twitter, the Wayanad MP said, "My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate and kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together."

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in the national capital on Saturday.

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at Vir Bhumi in Delhi.

Rajiv Gandhi took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984.

He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Born on August 20 in 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary.

"On his death anniversary, paying tributes to our former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi," tweets PM Modi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

Meanwhile, remembering the former Prime Minister, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said his father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India.

Taking to Twitter, the Wayanad MP said, "My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate and kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together."

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in the national capital on Saturday.

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at Vir Bhumi in Delhi.

Rajiv Gandhi took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984.

He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Born on August 20 in 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)








The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.


The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.

The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
The Trade Unions Coordination Centre (TUCC) and the Trade Unions and Mass Organisation Collective (TUMOC)two trade union groupings in Sri Lankacalled protests on Wednesday and Thursday. They raised slogans such as No to a government defending thieves, Stop illegal arrests, Obey the demands of the people, Defeat Gotabhaya [Rajapakse]-Ranil [Wickremesinghe] conspiracy!

Protesters demanding fuel at a filling station on Colombo-Avissawella road near Godagama.

The unions called the protests in a bid to deflect the rising anger among workers, youth and the poor over the ever-increasing prices and shortages of essentials. Angry protests are erupting every day near fuel distribution stations across the country over the acute shortages of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

The anti-government movement has been intensified after the attack by thugs on anti-government protesters occupying the Galle Face Green on May 9 demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. The attack was orchestrated by Rajapakses Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Facing mass opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse resigned as prime minister along with his cabinet, and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was installed last week in his place. Wickremesinghe, a former prime minister well known as pro-market and pro-US, will preside over the implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program.

The trade unions did not organise this weeks limited protests to fight for the pressing needs of workers but rather to let off steam. The protests were characterised by demagogic denunciations by union leaders of the government and new prime minister. None indicted the capitalist system, which is in deep crisis internationally and imposing ever greater burdens on the working class.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, a TUCC leader and president of the Inter-company Employees Union, told protesters on Wednesday that the unions would continue to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the May 9 attack. He blamed the hardships facing workers on thievery by those in power, not the profit system itself.

Ravi Kumudesh, president of the Federation of Health Professionals, promoted the illusion that Wickremesinghe could be pressured to make concessions for working people. Wickremesinghe, he said, had come to power because of the peoples struggle and should not to turn his back on them by making a deal with President Rajapakse.

Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, told a protest on Thursday that President Rajapakse was trying to hold onto power by appointing Wickremesinge prime minister. We are continuing this struggle until the Gota-Ranil government goes home, he declared.

Vehicles waiting for fuel in lengthy queue at filling station in Colombo-Avissawella main road near Godagama.

The unions are not demanding an end to the draconian state of emergency imposed after the one-day general strike on May 6. Already the president has deployed the military onto the streets to intimidate people and impose a curfew.

Millions of workers participated in the May 6 strike. The rural and urban poor and small businesses rallied behind the working class in a hartal. It followed a mass one-day general strike on April 28.

Hundreds of thousands of workers also walked out indefinitely on May 10, after anti-government protesters were attacked by the SLPP mobs. But this was under conditions of a 24-hour curfew that prevented workers from going to work anyway. Unions called the strike off on May 11, replacing it with limited protests.

The massive mobilisation of workers not only shocked the government and political establishment but also the unions that called the strikes. The response of union leaders was to try to wind back and demobilise the working class to prevent it from threatening capitalist rule, to which they are all tied.

All these unions have a long record of betraying the struggles of workers, including 100-day teachers strike and health workers strikes and protests last year.

Far from alleviating the social catastrophe facing working people, Wickremesinghe is preparing to implement austerity measures that will worsen the hardships. In a speech to the nation on May 16, he warned that the coming months will be the most difficult period of our lives and we all have to make sacrifices.

Addressing parliament on Wednesday, the prime mister asked all public sector employees in unessential services not to report for two days because of fuel shortages. Schools were closed from yesterday for the same reason. In parliament on Thursday, he cited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and warned of looming food shortages and starvation.

In a press conference on the same day, the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Werasinghe emphasised that electricity, water and fuel prices had to be increased.

Workers are angry about the unions role as the government and the big business impose new burdens. Several workers spoke to WSWS reporters:

A worker at the ATG company in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone condemned the governments recent deployment of security forces at all free trade zones.

Wickremesinghe is same as the former person, Mahinda Rajapakse. It is difficult to say any changes in alleviating shortages, including fuel, he said and emphasised that the unions did not give adequate support to workers struggles.

A nurse from the Kandy General Hospital said that her salary is not enough to manage the rising cost of living. Our travelling costs are going up. The price of a loaf bread has increased from 60 rupees to 170 rupees within a few months. This alone shows the unbearable increase of cost of living, she commented.

The protests by the unions are useless unless we have program to defend our rights, she continued. Because the hartal and strike on May 6 were more successful than the trade unions expected, they abandoned the [planned] May 11 general strike. I think this strengthened the governments hand.

A worker from an Electricity Board substation in Chilaw said, The CEB administration had suspended most overtime work as part of its austerity measures. We depend on overtime work to earn enough income to meet our needs.

The unions called off the recent strikes without consulting members, as they always do. Really serious discussion is needed to understand theh real situation we are facing, but theres no such discussion.

Shyama, a primary school teacher, said: In fact, we participated in the strikes not because the unions said so. I have never been a member of a trade union. Many of us went on strike because we thought our participation would contribute to the struggle to end the hardships faced by the masses in this country.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has urged, it is imperative for workers to form action committees, independent from the trade unions and all the capitalist parties and their hangers on. Such committees need to be built in workplaces, factories, plantations and working-class suburbs throughout the country.

By building a network of such action committees, Sri Lankan workers can organise a unified industrial and political struggle against the government and turn to their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally who are facing similar attack on their social and democratic rights.

Such a struggle should be based on the fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies to meet the needs of working people.
Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
Advertisement

Scott Morrison has warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School.

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal.

'BREAKING - Aust Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Aus. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'






Locksmith has picked the fast-growing DNEG Animation to handle animation production for its upcoming feature That Christmas. The two studios previously collaborated on Locksmiths first feature, the Disney release Rons Gone Wrong.

That Christmas, which was announced last summer, has also newly revealed some of the key creative talent on the film.

Details:
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe











Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Washington: Billionaire chairman and co-founder of Oracle Corp, Larry Ellison, participated shortly after the 2020 US presidential election in a phone call focused on strategies for contesting former president Donald Trumps defeat, according to an email revealed in a court document.

The November 14, 2020, phone call is the first known instance of a technology industry leader joining Trump allies to strategise about how to contest the election result.

Larry Ellison, of Oracle, is one of the richest people in the world.

The election took place on November 3, 2020. After Biden secured enough electoral votes for victory, a protest called the March to Save America was organised by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, that turned into a violent attack on the US Capitol.

The phone call that Ellison participated in was described in a November 14, 2020, email sent by Catherine Engelbrecht, a conservative activist.
Washington: Billionaire chairman and co-founder of Oracle Corp, Larry Ellison, participated shortly after the 2020 US presidential election in a phone call focused on strategies for contesting former president Donald Trumps defeat, according to an email revealed in a court document.

The November 14, 2020, phone call is the first known instance of a technology industry leader joining Trump allies to strategise about how to contest the election result.

Larry Ellison, of Oracle, is one of the richest people in the world.

The election took place on November 3, 2020. After Biden secured enough electoral votes for victory, a protest called the March to Save America was organised by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, that turned into a violent attack on the US Capitol.

The phone call that Ellison participated in was described in a November 14, 2020, email sent by Catherine Engelbrecht, a conservative activist.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Washington: Billionaire chairman and co-founder of Oracle Corp, Larry Ellison, participated shortly after the 2020 US presidential election in a phone call focused on strategies for contesting former president Donald Trumps defeat, according to an email revealed in a court document.

The November 14, 2020, phone call is the first known instance of a technology industry leader joining Trump allies to strategise about how to contest the election result.

Larry Ellison, of Oracle, is one of the richest people in the world.

The election took place on November 3, 2020. After Biden secured enough electoral votes for victory, a protest called the March to Save America was organised by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, that turned into a violent attack on the US Capitol.

The phone call that Ellison participated in was described in a November 14, 2020, email sent by Catherine Engelbrecht, a conservative activist.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe






Changing the method of assessing road fees in Butte would bring in about $20,000 more in annual revenue that pays for routine maintenance such as grading, graveling, snow plowing and filling potholes, updated figures show.

In the big picture, the switch from an $87.71 per parcel to per unit assessment wouldnt change the overall revenue total much. It would go from about $1.58 million now to $1.60 million.

But some commissioners, including Shawn Fredrickson and Eric Mankins, think the change could be a more equitable way to tax those who use the countys roads and they wanted updated facts and figures to compare the methods.

Fredrickson said Friday he is leaning toward pursuing the change but first wants to hear an upcoming presentation by Public Works Director Mark Neary on how the road dollars were spent the past few years and what the maintenance plan is this year.

He thinks the county is heading in the right direction on use of the money, he said, but I really want to see the numbers.

Danette Gleason, Butte-Silver Bows budget director, presented updated revenue figures and projections to the council Wednesday night. Both assessment methods employ a flat $87.71 fee annually.

But instead of charging a flat rate for most parcels, the alternative method would assess the fee by units. They would include houses, commercial property and hotels as before but also take in individual apartments, separate dwellings in duplexes and four-plexes and all mobile homes in a park.

Instead of applying a single fee to each of 40 mobile home parks in Butte, collectively bringing in $3,508, all 440 mobile homes in those parks would be assessed. That would bring in an additional $35,084, according to updated numbers.

The fee is currently charged to 529 apartment complexes and duplexes and triplexes, each as single entities. Under the change, each apartment and living quarters in duplexes and triplexes would be charged. That would mean 2,894 assessed units generating an additional $207,434.

The bulk of the revenue would still come from residential property. About 14,000 individual assessments are made with either method, both bringing in about $1.23 million.

But there would be a big change regarding vacant land.

Currently, 2,603 vacant parcels valued at $5,000 or more are assessed the road fee. They would no longer be charged under the per-unit method, meaning about $228,000 less in revenue.

If the per-unit method had been applied two years ago, it would have brought in about $5,200 more than the current method. Today it would generate about $20,000 more.

Gleason said the increase reflects additional housing construction Butte has seen in the past couple of years. But the overall amount of revenue under each method is only $20,000 apart.

So really what you're comparing here and what you're really looking at analyzing is what's the best and the most equitable and fair method that you as a council can apply to our community, Gleason told commissioners.

Some commissioners say almost everyone uses roads in some form or fashion, even if taking a bus or taxi at times, and the per-unit method is a fairer way of assessing the fees.

Neary is tentatively scheduled to discuss revenue expenditures before council on June 15. Changing the method would require an ordinance change, a process that can take weeks if not longer.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
The coalition of countries in support of Ukraine ready to meet again next week at the level of defense ministers will be bigger than at the first meeting in Ramstein base in Germany.

There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said at a briefing on Friday.

He noted that the number of international partners ready to provide international support to Ukraine under U.S. coordination was not limited.

But there's not a cap on it. We would love to have as many people; many, many countries participate as possible, Kirby said.

Read also: Pentagon reveals contents of new security assistance package for Ukraine

The next meeting of the defense leaders is scheduled for Monday. It will be held online.

As reported, a meeting of heads of defense departments and chiefs of staff of more than 40 countries took place at the Ramstein air base in Germany at the end of April. According to General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the main task of the talks is to synchronize and coordinate military aid to Kyiv.

The U.S. Department of Defense has a control center to coordinate the supply and optimize the delivery of military aid to Ukraine in Stuttgart, Germany, in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command (EUCOM).

ol
The coalition of countries in support of Ukraine ready to meet again next week at the level of defense ministers will be bigger than at the first meeting in Ramstein base in Germany.

There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said at a briefing on Friday.

He noted that the number of international partners ready to provide international support to Ukraine under U.S. coordination was not limited.

But there's not a cap on it. We would love to have as many people; many, many countries participate as possible, Kirby said.

Read also: Pentagon reveals contents of new security assistance package for Ukraine

The next meeting of the defense leaders is scheduled for Monday. It will be held online.

As reported, a meeting of heads of defense departments and chiefs of staff of more than 40 countries took place at the Ramstein air base in Germany at the end of April. According to General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the main task of the talks is to synchronize and coordinate military aid to Kyiv.

The U.S. Department of Defense has a control center to coordinate the supply and optimize the delivery of military aid to Ukraine in Stuttgart, Germany, in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command (EUCOM).

ol
This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
Changing the method of assessing road fees in Butte would bring in about $20,000 more in annual revenue that pays for routine maintenance such as grading, graveling, snow plowing and filling potholes, updated figures show.

In the big picture, the switch from an $87.71 per parcel to per unit assessment wouldnt change the overall revenue total much. It would go from about $1.58 million now to $1.60 million.

But some commissioners, including Shawn Fredrickson and Eric Mankins, think the change could be a more equitable way to tax those who use the countys roads and they wanted updated facts and figures to compare the methods.

Fredrickson said Friday he is leaning toward pursuing the change but first wants to hear an upcoming presentation by Public Works Director Mark Neary on how the road dollars were spent the past few years and what the maintenance plan is this year.

He thinks the county is heading in the right direction on use of the money, he said, but I really want to see the numbers.

Danette Gleason, Butte-Silver Bows budget director, presented updated revenue figures and projections to the council Wednesday night. Both assessment methods employ a flat $87.71 fee annually.

But instead of charging a flat rate for most parcels, the alternative method would assess the fee by units. They would include houses, commercial property and hotels as before but also take in individual apartments, separate dwellings in duplexes and four-plexes and all mobile homes in a park.

Instead of applying a single fee to each of 40 mobile home parks in Butte, collectively bringing in $3,508, all 440 mobile homes in those parks would be assessed. That would bring in an additional $35,084, according to updated numbers.

The fee is currently charged to 529 apartment complexes and duplexes and triplexes, each as single entities. Under the change, each apartment and living quarters in duplexes and triplexes would be charged. That would mean 2,894 assessed units generating an additional $207,434.

The bulk of the revenue would still come from residential property. About 14,000 individual assessments are made with either method, both bringing in about $1.23 million.

But there would be a big change regarding vacant land.

Currently, 2,603 vacant parcels valued at $5,000 or more are assessed the road fee. They would no longer be charged under the per-unit method, meaning about $228,000 less in revenue.

If the per-unit method had been applied two years ago, it would have brought in about $5,200 more than the current method. Today it would generate about $20,000 more.

Gleason said the increase reflects additional housing construction Butte has seen in the past couple of years. But the overall amount of revenue under each method is only $20,000 apart.

So really what you're comparing here and what you're really looking at analyzing is what's the best and the most equitable and fair method that you as a council can apply to our community, Gleason told commissioners.

Some commissioners say almost everyone uses roads in some form or fashion, even if taking a bus or taxi at times, and the per-unit method is a fairer way of assessing the fees.

Neary is tentatively scheduled to discuss revenue expenditures before council on June 15. Changing the method would require an ordinance change, a process that can take weeks if not longer.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.

A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
Canada will provide CAD 250 million (about $210 million) in additional support to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund.

That's according to Canada's Department of Finance, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Today, at the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Germany, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced an additional loan of $250 million to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Administered Account for Ukraine," the statement said.

Together with previous financial support, this loan brings Canadas financial commitment to Ukraine to $1.5 billion this year.

"This funding is separate from and in addition to significant assistance committed through military aid, humanitarian response efforts, and immigration measures," the ministry said.

It added that Canada, together with its G7 allies, will continue to support Ukraine as it fights to defend its sovereignty and democracy.

Earlier ports said that Canada had provided CAD 9 million (about $7.5 million) to two aid organizations to help Ukrainians affected by the war.
Canada will provide CAD 250 million (about $210 million) in additional support to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund.

That's according to Canada's Department of Finance, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Today, at the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Germany, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced an additional loan of $250 million to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Administered Account for Ukraine," the statement said.

Together with previous financial support, this loan brings Canadas financial commitment to Ukraine to $1.5 billion this year.

"This funding is separate from and in addition to significant assistance committed through military aid, humanitarian response efforts, and immigration measures," the ministry said.

It added that Canada, together with its G7 allies, will continue to support Ukraine as it fights to defend its sovereignty and democracy.

Earlier ports said that Canada had provided CAD 9 million (about $7.5 million) to two aid organizations to help Ukrainians affected by the war.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.

Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk.

Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen.

If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned.

I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country.

It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously.

Vote

View Results
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
MLAs of the ruling party are presently requesting the state government to release special funds for the project due to repeated demands raised by residents. (Representational image/DC)

ADILABAD: Hold-up of fund release for laying and repairing borewells in Adilabad under Mission Bhagiratha is ramping up pressure on the TRS MLAs, with residents of many villages facing hardships in securing safe drinking water during peak summer.

MLAs of the ruling party are presently requesting the state government to release special funds for the project due to repeated demands raised by residents.

Recently, Asifabad MLA Atram Sakku stepped in to release funds to provide drinking water to residents of villages in Lingapur, Sirpur (U), and Jainoor mandals.

A few MLAs from ST assembly constituencies had also approached K. T. Rama Rao, the minister for municipal administration and urban development, in this regard.

However, even in villages covered under Mission Bhagiratha, residents have often complained that they are receiving water once a week or once in 10 days due to damaged pipelines.

The issue is especially acute in hilly areas, where pipelines have been laid through rocky terrains and forests. Residents complain that the water pumping capacity is insufficient to ensure a continuous supply.

In Jainoor mandal, Kolam adivasis residing in Kondapatar village complained that they are forced to drink polluted water collected from improperly maintained wells. There are 36 families of Kolam adivasis residing in the village.

The issue came to light during a meeting of the Ushegam gram panchayat  from which Kondapatar is one kilometre away  on Friday. Only 90 of 115 habitations in Jainoor were receiving drinking water, that too, once a week, it was revealed.

In many instances, leakages were also attributed to a lack of field-level inspection by officials.

Meanwhile, Asifabad MLA Atram Sakku set a June 3 deadline to complete works under Mission Bhagiratha in the Jainoor mandal.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.

Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
The coalition of countries in support of Ukraine ready to meet again next week at the level of defense ministers will be bigger than at the first meeting in Ramstein base in Germany.

There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said at a briefing on Friday.

He noted that the number of international partners ready to provide international support to Ukraine under U.S. coordination was not limited.

But there's not a cap on it. We would love to have as many people; many, many countries participate as possible, Kirby said.

Read also: Pentagon reveals contents of new security assistance package for Ukraine

The next meeting of the defense leaders is scheduled for Monday. It will be held online.

As reported, a meeting of heads of defense departments and chiefs of staff of more than 40 countries took place at the Ramstein air base in Germany at the end of April. According to General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the main task of the talks is to synchronize and coordinate military aid to Kyiv.

The U.S. Department of Defense has a control center to coordinate the supply and optimize the delivery of military aid to Ukraine in Stuttgart, Germany, in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command (EUCOM).

ol
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at his official campaign launch on Day 13 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Logan, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Labor Oppositions Final Push for Votes in Brisbane

Australian voters in parts of Queensland are battling heavy rain to attend ballot boxes in the federal election as hopeful treasurer Jim Chalmers continued campaigning in Brisbane.

Chalmers, from the centre-left opposition Labor party, on Saturday trumpeted the centre-right coalitions waste as one of several reasons to switch governments.

People have said to us they want to put an end to the rorts and waste and the economic mismanagement, which has seen $1 trillion in debt and nothing to show for it, he told reporters in the Brisbane seat of Rankin.

They know that the difference between our responsible investments in child care, and cleaner and cheaper energy and training and universities, are what this country  what this economy, needs to get it growing the right way and to get real wages moving again.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton was the face of the coalition in Brisbane on Saturday, casting a vote and handing out how-to-vote cards in his electorate of Dickson.

Colleague Keith Pitt was at Hervey Bay High School where he praised people for braving heavy rain to attend polling booths.

This is democracy at work despite the pretty tough conditions, he told News Corp.

Senator Larissa Waters flew the left-wing Greens flag in the sunshine state.

Polling has Labor ahead in the federal election and victory for the party would see Chalmers become treasurer.

The economy has been absolutely central to this campaign and people are supportive of Labors view that we can put an end to a decade of waste and rorts, he said.

This is not Liberal Party money in the commonwealth budget, it belongs to the Australian people. It needs to be invested wisely on their behalf and thats what we intend to do.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a photo to Twitter of herself voting in support of her party on Saturday, commenting: Voting for [Australian Labor] is the only way to change the federal government.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.


Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has invited the public to join her at a swearing-in ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Kenosha County Veterans Honor Plaza.

The plaza is located off the entrance to the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park on Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue).

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil will administer an affirmation of the oath of office to Kerkman, who was elected County Executive on April 5 and has been serving since taking the official oath on April 18.

Steve Tindall, a U.S. Navy veteran who is active in veterans efforts in and around Kenosha County, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Kerkman comes to the County Executives Office after representing much of the area in the Wisconsin Assembly for nearly 22 years.

It is my honor to serve as Kenosha County Executive, and it will be my privilege to celebrate with the community on Wednesday, Kerkman said. I very much look forward to working over the next four years with citizens from across our county and with our partners in all levels of government, to make Kenosha County even stronger.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

President said crypto-currencies are based on nothing and should be regulated to steer people away from speculating on them with their life savings.

Lagarde told Dutch television that shes concerned about people who have no understanding of the risks, who will lose it all and who will be terribly disappointed, which is why I believe that that should be regulated.





The comments come amid choppy times for crypto markets, with digital currencies Bitcoin and Ether down 50% from last years peak. At the same time, the asset class is facing tougher scrutiny from regulators worried about the dangers it may pose to the broader financial system.

Lagarde said shes skeptical of cryptos value, contrasting it with the ECBs digital euro -- a project that may come to fruition in the next four years.

My very humble assessment is that it is worth nothing, it is based on nothing, there is no underlying asset to act as an anchor of safety, she said.

The day when we have the central bank digital currency out, any digital euro, I will guarantee -- so the central bank will behind it and I think its vastly different than many of those things, Lagarde said.

Other ECB officials have already voiced concerns. One is Executive Board member Fabio Panetta, who said in April that crypto-assets are creating a new Wild West, and drew parallels with the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis.

Lagarde said she doesnt hold any crypto assets herself because I want to practice what I preach. But she follows them very carefully as one of her sons invested -- against her advice. Hes a free man, she said.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
The police patrol vehicles with crash guards and bull bars is parked at Basheerbagh on Friday. (DC)

Hyderabad: Unauthorized fitting of crash guard and bull bar on vehicles pose serious safety concerns to the pedestrians as well as other vehicles, opine experts.

Under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, authorities can penalise the vehicle fitted with such extensions and slap a penalty of up to Rs 2,000. Even though the hazardous accessories are banned, they are fitted even in many government and police vehicles.

Hundreds of new vehicles are taken straight to automobile fitting shops from the showroom.

It is only on a customers demand that we fit crash guards, bull bars and other such fittings to ensure safety of the new vehicle. said Satish Kumar, manager of a vehicle accessory shop.

Altaf Baig of Marvel Motors, Masab Tank, speaking against crash guards and bull bars, said These external fittings will seriously injure pedestrians and those on two-wheelers in times of accidents. Moreover, there are no provisions on the vehicle for these fitments. The mechanics drill holes on the body, he said

A senior city traffic police official said this matter has been challenged in the Delhi High Court. We are not penalising vehicles which have such fittings.
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MAHBUBABAD: Tribal welfare minister Satyavathi Rathode on Friday emphasised that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is taking several measures for providing security to women and girls. Their harassment will not be tolerated, she underlined.

Inaugurating the Bharosa centre of police department at Mahbubabad district headquarters on Friday, she said it will function 24 hours a day for benefit of women facing domestic violence and physical and mental harassment. It will also provide legal services to victims of rape cases including those under Pocso.

Satyavathi said the centre will turn out to be useful for women and children of rural areas in the district. These centres are in addition to Sakhi centres and She Teams, which are already helping out women in distress.

The minister said the centre will also provide counselling to distressed women and enable them to get compensation.

Mahbubabad MP Malothu Kavitha, MLC Takkallapelly Ravinder Rao, MLA Shankar Naik, district collector K. Shashanka, superintendent of police Sharad Chandra Pawar, CWC chairperson Nagavani, DWO Swarna Latha and CDPO Debora were among those present at the inauguration.
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. 
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Israeli Health Ministry has reported the country's first suspected case of monkeypox after the viral disease has recently been detected across North America and Europe.

reported the first case of monkeypox on Friday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, a man in his 30s returning from western Europe visited Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with suspicious lesions of the virus, according to separate statements issued by the Ministry and the hospital.

The patient, who was exposed to a monkeypox patient abroad, is in mild condition and has been hospitalised in quarantine to complete medical examination and supervision, they added.

The Ministry said it has opened an epidemiological investigation and is coordinating with the hospital the transfer of a clinical sample for diagnosis confirmation at the Institute for Biological Research.

It urged those who had returned from abroad and developed a fever and a blistering rash to see a doctor.

So far, cases of monkeypox have been reported at least in Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France, the US and Canada.

Monkeypox, a rare infection in humans, spreads through close contact between humans and animals, and can also pass between humans after close contact.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. 

The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
The hopes of finding the reason behind the missing flight MH370 have increased because of an aerospace expert. The expert has brought into use radio wave technology to track the course of the missing plane and find its last position in the water. The expert named Richard Godfrey believes the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board, is in the ocean 1933 kilometres west of Perth.

The highly trained British engineer also feels the pilot was being followed, as demonstrated by several peculiar patterns in the plane's flight path, as reported by Mirror. The new discovery has given a new turn to the story, and the families of several of the missing passengers now say that the plane was intentionally shot down and that their loved ones were murdered.

It is to be noted that there has been no development in the case of the Malaysia Airlines plane for a while. Until now, no remains of the plane have been found even after investing around $200 million in the search.

Also read: Andaman's Port Blair to get new airport terminal building, AAI to invest Rs 707 crore

Richard employed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, a highly sophisticated analytical tool, to estimate the course of the ill-fated aeroplane and the likely location of its remnants in an area known as the seventh arc by tracing 160 different disturbances detected in its radio frequencies.

The aircraft, which was piloted by Zaharie Ahmad Shah, made some 360-degree turns, indicating that the pilot was fully engaged and altering course deliberately rather than automatically, as previously stated. He noticed that after three hours in the air, the plane was put into a holding pattern for around 20 minutes, which is common when air controllers are waiting for approval.

Richard believes the pilot stalled above the southern Indian Ocean to call Malaysian authorities, despite the fact that they claim they had no contact for 38 minutes following take-off, as reported by Sky News. The developments have led people to believe in new theories surrounding the plane's disappearance.

However, other specialists in the field are reviewing Richard Godfrey's findings in the hopes of persuading Malaysian authorities to launch a new search for the wreckage.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. 
RAMALLAH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said officials and eyewitnesses.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organizing weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. 
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.

Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.

Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Pokrovsk, Ukraine: In what would be its biggest victory yet in the war with Ukraine, Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Friday.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in buses after they left the besieged Mariupols Azovstal steel plant, near a penal colony in Olyonivka, in territory under the government of the Donetsk Peoples Republic, eastern Ukraine. Credit:AP

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.
WASHINGTON  Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby is stepping down from his position to switch podiums for a senior communications job at the White House, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday.

Kirby, a retired rear admiral, will soon advise the National Security Council in strategic communications as President Joe Bidens administration deals with security challenges emanating from Russias assault on Ukraine, North Korean missile threats and Chinese aggression, Austin said in a statement.

I am delighted to see John Kirbys selection for a key communications role at the White House, Austin said. He will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

The spokesman has become a regular fixture on cable news, handling the Defense Departments communications during a year that saw the end of the United States 20-year war in Afghanistan and the start of Russias brutal war on Ukraine.

John has served ably as our spokesperson here at the Department since the very first day of this Administration, and I have relied deeply on his communications skill these last 18 months, Austin said.

Kirby supported the Biden administrations efforts to promote transparency, holding regular press conferences multiple times a week.

His leadership marked a shift in communications strategy from former President Donald Trumps administration, which went a full year without Pentagon press conferences between 2018 and 2019.

From crisis communications to policy guidance, and through his bold leadership of the public affairs community, John has set the example of integrity, character, transparency and candor, Austin said.

Kirby recently received praise on social media for a poignant moment when the typically stoic spokesman became visibly emotional discussing Russian depravity in Ukraine.

Its difficult to look at the  sorry, he said, before pausing to collect himself. Its difficult to look at some of the images and imagine that any well-thinking, serious, mature leader would do that.

Russia last month sanctioned Kirby for his work at the Pentagon, adding him to a list of military and political leaders now banned from entering the country.

In his new role, he is expected to work closely with new White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who took over the role from Jen Psaki on Monday.

Kirby served as a public affairs officer in the Navy, including as the Navys chief of information and worked on the staffs of the chief of Naval Operations, chief of Naval Personnel and U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

This was his second time working as the chief Pentagon spokesman after taking the role for the first time in December 2013 during former President Barack Obamas administration.

During that stint, the late Sen. John McCain made headlines in October 2014 when he called Kirby an idiot for disagreeing with the Arizona Republicans remarks that the U.S. was losing its war on the Islamic State, according to reports from the time.

Kirby switched to the State Department in 2015, working as its spokesman until Trumps inauguration in January 2017.

Austin gave a glowing review of Kirby in his Friday statement, noting he will certainly miss Kirby at the Pentagon but believes he will serve well our countrys interests in this new capacity.

There is simply no other communicator like him anywhere, Austin said.
WASHINGTON  Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby is stepping down from his position to switch podiums for a senior communications job at the White House, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday.

Kirby, a retired rear admiral, will soon advise the National Security Council in strategic communications as President Joe Bidens administration deals with security challenges emanating from Russias assault on Ukraine, North Korean missile threats and Chinese aggression, Austin said in a statement.

I am delighted to see John Kirbys selection for a key communications role at the White House, Austin said. He will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

The spokesman has become a regular fixture on cable news, handling the Defense Departments communications during a year that saw the end of the United States 20-year war in Afghanistan and the start of Russias brutal war on Ukraine.

John has served ably as our spokesperson here at the Department since the very first day of this Administration, and I have relied deeply on his communications skill these last 18 months, Austin said.

Kirby supported the Biden administrations efforts to promote transparency, holding regular press conferences multiple times a week.

His leadership marked a shift in communications strategy from former President Donald Trumps administration, which went a full year without Pentagon press conferences between 2018 and 2019.

From crisis communications to policy guidance, and through his bold leadership of the public affairs community, John has set the example of integrity, character, transparency and candor, Austin said.

Kirby recently received praise on social media for a poignant moment when the typically stoic spokesman became visibly emotional discussing Russian depravity in Ukraine.

Its difficult to look at the  sorry, he said, before pausing to collect himself. Its difficult to look at some of the images and imagine that any well-thinking, serious, mature leader would do that.

Russia last month sanctioned Kirby for his work at the Pentagon, adding him to a list of military and political leaders now banned from entering the country.

In his new role, he is expected to work closely with new White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who took over the role from Jen Psaki on Monday.

Kirby served as a public affairs officer in the Navy, including as the Navys chief of information and worked on the staffs of the chief of Naval Operations, chief of Naval Personnel and U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

This was his second time working as the chief Pentagon spokesman after taking the role for the first time in December 2013 during former President Barack Obamas administration.

During that stint, the late Sen. John McCain made headlines in October 2014 when he called Kirby an idiot for disagreeing with the Arizona Republicans remarks that the U.S. was losing its war on the Islamic State, according to reports from the time.

Kirby switched to the State Department in 2015, working as its spokesman until Trumps inauguration in January 2017.

Austin gave a glowing review of Kirby in his Friday statement, noting he will certainly miss Kirby at the Pentagon but believes he will serve well our countrys interests in this new capacity.

There is simply no other communicator like him anywhere, Austin said.
The royal family are reportedly providing accommodation to Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Members of the royals have vowed to do their bit and are housing refugees but the family has no wish for publicity, according to the Daily Express.

Some 53,800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK under visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine programme, which amounts to just over half the number of visas granted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman told the Express: We are assisting in a number of ways but will not be commenting further.

It is not known which royals are housing refugees or where the accommodation is being provided, with the palace contacted for further information.

The palace was used to house royal refugees during the Second World War, with Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands as well as Norways King Haalon and his son Prince Olaf staying there after fleeing the Nazis in 1940.

The Prince of Wales said last month he hopes Britain is welcoming to Ukrainians, in an emotional meeting with families who have fled Vladimir Putins invasion.

The Prince of Wales is one member of the royal family who has been outspoken in his support of Ukrainians (Ben Stansall/PA)

Charles made the comments on April 28 during a visit to the World Jewish Relief (WJR) charity in north London, which has sent food, money and medicine to the war-torn country.

Charles, a patron of the group since 2015, has made a financial contribution to its efforts although the sum has not been made public.

Charles and Camilla met members of the Ukrainian community at a cathedral in Ottawa during their tour of Canada earlier this week, with the Duchess of Cornwall telling a family who fled from Lutsk and were forced to leave their father there to fight: We are so behind you.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, at the start of March thanked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for expressing their solidarity with the people of his homeland.

The people of Ukraine remain deeply in our thoughts.  Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent  the worlds third-largest Ukrainian population. It was an honour to spend time with a number of you today. #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/Q28LfS0k6l  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2022

The foreign leader said he was grateful to the couple who tweeted on February 27 that they stood with the President and all of Ukraines people as they bravely fight for their future.

The reported royal housing of those fleeing the conflict comes days after the minister in charge of Homes for Ukraine called for the scheme to become a model for dealing with future refugee crises.

Lord Harrington, who was drafted in to run the programme in March, told an audience in Westminster on Thursday: My vision is for this system to be a permanent part of Government, so that when refugee crises happen  and unfortunately they do all the time  we have a machinery.

He added: Weve got lots of goodwill, weve got this machinery of Government in place  its not perfect but its improving day by day  and I hope it will become a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.

The programme has, however, been criticised for the length of time it has taken for the refugees to reach the UK and the fact that some Ukrainians have reportedly been made homeless after falling out with their hosts.
Pokrovsk, Ukraine: In what would be its biggest victory yet in the war with Ukraine, Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Friday.

Ukrainian servicemen sit in buses after they left the besieged Mariupols Azovstal steel plant, near a penal colony in Olyonivka, in territory under the government of the Donetsk Peoples Republic, eastern Ukraine. Credit:AP

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.

A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.


Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
A love story this epic needs to be told in an epic way.

Thus, the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple whose case overturned states laws banning interracial marriage, will be told through a major opera, the Virginia Opera announced May 16.

The opera and the Richmond Symphony have commissioned Loving v. Virginia, which will premiere in spring 2025, marking the operas 50th anniversary. A work of this magnitude will take three years of workshopping the lyrics and music, set design, costumes and rehearsals, said Amanda Ely, the operas marketing director, in a news conference at Norfolks Harrison Opera House.

It is the first commissioned work by the opera in more than a decade, said artistic director Adam Turner.

A few years ago, the opera started brainstorming about creating something spectacular for the 50th, he said. It wanted a piece connected to Virginia history like the one it and the symphony commissioned for 2011, Rappahannock County, a Civil War-themed song cycle.

Then someone remembered the Lovings.

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Central Point, a small community in Caroline County outside Richmond. He was white. She identified as Black and Native American and, later in life, only as Native American.

In the 1950s, several states had laws that made it illegal for whites and Blacks to marry; Virginia was more stringent  it prohibited whites from marrying anyone who wasnt white.

So in June 1958, Jeter and Loving drove to Washington, D.C., to marry. They returned to Caroline County and in July were arrested. They pleaded guilty, their one-year jail sentences suspended on condition that they leave the state and not return for 25 years. They moved to D.C., and when they visited Virginia they were supposed to do so separately. But in 1963, with their growing family, they traveled together and were arrested.

This time they contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against the state. Virginia fought it to the U.S. Supreme Court  which ruled in 1967, nine years after the Lovings married, that the states law was unconstitutional.

Virginia was one of 16 states that still had anti-miscegenation laws. The courts action got rid of them all.

Richard Loving died eight years later in a car accident. Mildred Loving died in 2008.

June 12, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, is now recognized nationally as Loving Day.

Turner said that in addition to telling a Virginia story, they wanted a Virginian to write the story. They called Damien Geter, a composer who lives in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Petersburg, about an hour from where the Lovings lived. (He also received his bachelors degree from Old Dominion University.)

Geter, in a recorded statement played at the news conference, said he couldnt accept the invitation quickly enough.

As the artistic adviser for Resonance Ensemble and the Portland Opera, Geter is in such demand that he has accepted commissions for works through 2027. His work, he said, centers on social issues and civil rights, and for years he has felt impelled to do a piece about the Lovings.

Years ago, when I thought of creating a story, this one had come across my mind, he said in the video. Now, he said, I think of this every. Single. Day.

The story is important to several of the organizers, too. Turner said the Loving case was precedent for Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015 legalized marriage for same-sex couples. It allowed him to marry his husband, Nathan Laube, in 2020.

When Peggy Kriha Dye  general director and CEO of Virginia Opera  spoke, she held up her left hand and flashed her engagement ring:

We are able to take our wedding vows in Virginia because of this case.

Librettist Jessica Murphy Moo also made remarks, recorded in her office at the University of Portland.

This means a great deal to me, she said. This made my marriage possible; it made my family possible. I owe so much to Richard and Mildred Loving.

Also announced were plans for a Commissioning Club that will allow people to financially support the making of the opera and receive access to workshops, creative team and cast, and other benefits. Tiers of support range from $15,000 to $45,000.

In 2025, Loving v. Virginia will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.

Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
L.A. mayoral candidates Karen Bass, left, Kevin de Leon and Gina Viola participate in a debate on homelessness on Friday night at KCRW studios in Santa Monica. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters, with calls for strengthened rent control and a shift of funding away from police to housing and social services.

Progressive activist Gina Viola, participating in her first debate with better-known candidates, was largely responsible for pushing the debate into novel space  with her call for steering money away from the police to social services and for the city government to follow the example of squatters who took over homes in El Sereno, converting empty buildings into housing.

But U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and City Councilman Kevin de Leon also seemed intent on making clear that, despite many years in elected office, they also would not abide the status quo, with 29,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles and more than 41,000 total without adequate housing.

"I've seen what our government can do when we want to," Bass said. "We just finished building all sorts of accommodations for Afghan refugees in Qatar. Why can't we utilize some of those resources here domestically? ... I do think we need temporary housing, but we also need to build permanent supportive housing."

De Leon concurred, saying that America had spent billions "to fund covert and overt wars all over ... but we simply cannot find the money to house Americans here in the U.S. as well as California, in what is ground zero for homelessness nationwide."

The leftward tilt of the debate also owed partly to who was not on the stage. Councilman Joe Buscaino, a former police officer, dropped out of the race earlier this month, taking with him his focus on enforcement. And real estate developer Rick Caruso  who has also focused strongly on the obligations of the unhoused along with the need for more homes  opted out of the debate, which was sponsored by KCRW and The Times.

Because the forum was not televised and did not include one of the front-runners, Caruso, it was unclear how much it would influence the outcome of the June 7 election. (If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two top contenders will face off in the November general election.)

Polls have put Bass and Caruso far ahead of the field, which narrowed considerably in recent days with the withdrawal of Buscaino and then City Atty. Mike Feuer. Buscaino threw his support behind Caruso, while Feuer backed Bass.

De Leon has trailed far behind the two leaders. Viola has polled in the low single digits.

Though no major new initiatives on homelessness were outlined, the candidates had some lively exchanges. One came when De Leon suggested that he would focus on adopting "inclusionary" zoning through the city, so that developers would have to build more units that were affordable to the working class and the destitute.

Market forces had not been enough to get affordable housing built and it will only come online if "we require a certain number of affordable units in projects," De Leon said. "What I'll do is mandate affordable housing. It's just that simple."

Bass said she agreed that zoning should be one tool but countered: "I just dont think that its enough at all to address the significant problem that we have." She said she would work with leaders in Washington to expand the allotment of housing subsidy vouchers available to Angelenos and push to have land controlled by the city and other government agencies used for housing.

Viola called for more radical solutions, touting the idea of seizing properties that stood empty and turning them over to the unhoused. She said the city should use the power of eminent domain to take over such buildings.

We have all of the housing stuff on the 710 Freeway that shame on the state of California has owned for decades and let sit empty. I mean, this is just outrageous, Viola said.

As the pandemic came into full force in March 2020, a group of homeless and housing-insecure Angelenos broke into a tract of homes that had sat empty for years.

These residences had been seized by the state but were never demolished as part of a now-abandoned plan to extend the 710 Freeway.

In the ensuing two years, activists repeatedly tried to take over vacant homes in El Sereno in response to the regions affordable housing crisis. The city responded by renting some of the previously vacant homes from the state as temporary residences for people.

There is also now a plan to redevelop the parcels of land  some which are empty, some which have derelict homes and some which are still occupied  into 252 new or rehabilitated homes or apartments alongside pocket parks and short hillside trails.

KCRW homelessness reporter Anna Scott, who moderated the debate along with Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, noted that eminent domain can be a long and costly process and wondered what more immediate solutions might be available.

Viola also said previous discussions about the homeless had not been broad enough because they have not talked enough about realigning the city budget, which she said amounted to "a moral document."

She said that outsized spending on the police had come at the expense of too many other priorities. "That's all that the city has prioritized," Viola said, "over housing, over healthcare, over things that truly do keep us well and keep us safe. So that is something that needs to change."

Viola, who runs a company that supplies temporary workers to other businesses, has called for the adoption of the Peoples Budget, proposed in 2020 by a coalition of groups including Black Lives Matter-L.A., Ground Game L.A. and Sunrise Movement Los Angeles.

The plan calls for taking money from the Police Department and using it to hire more mental health counselors, gang intervention workers and other public employees who address trauma and try to prevent violence.

But it was De Leon, not the activist, who at one point called on Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to donate St. Vincent's Medical Center, west of downtown, to help with the homeless crisis.

The subject arose when Bass said there were valuable facilities in the city that were not being fully utilized  citing St. Vincent's as an example. She said that unnecessary government regulations limited to 16 the number of beds in the 344-bed facility that could be used for mental health and substance abuse patients. She said she knew that Soon-Shiong was willing to "lease" the hospital so it could be used for those needs.

De Leonchimed in: "The owner of that facility is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, a multibillionaire, who should actually be giving that piece of property.

Soon-Shiong purchased the medical complex in 2020. He could not immediately be reached Friday night to comment on the exchange. But when Bass raised the issue previously, he said: "Medical care and mental health services are important issues in confronting the homelessness crisis and I am pleased that Congresswoman Bass is raising these concerns and looking for solutions."

While Bass focused on her years in government and the work she said she had done to bring people together to find solutions, De Leon talked about the housing he had helped create in his district, which includes part of downtown.

He cited, in particular, the opening of a "tiny home" facility that is the largest in the country, saying the project had created safe spaces for people who had been on the street.

Viola responded by repeatedly calling the low-cost homes "tiny sheds," saying they were smaller than some prison cells and had on occasion been the scene of sexual assaults.

De Leon objected, saying that the small structures were a huge step up for people who had been living in squalor on the streets.

I wouldn't characterize them as sheds, De Leon said. The reason why I say that is, for a human being who's been living on the street every single day for years, if not for decades, its a godsend.

Though Caruso decided to skip the discussion, he was not entirely absent.

Surrounding the livestream of the candidates and moderators online were banner ads featuring Caruso. When moderator Arellano announced that Caruso chose to be absent, he quipped: He's probably filming a television commercial somewhere.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
NEW YORK, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Pianist Gina Alice's first album "Wonderworld," which featured Chinese well-known music, became physically available here in North America on Friday, according to a press release by Universal Music Group and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

The album has 28 tracks ranging from Western to Eastern music and from classical favorites to contemporary film soundtracks.

The album features Chinese works like "Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon" and "The Dance of Waterweeds," as well as "Merry-Go-Round" and "Opus" from Japan, said the release.

The album has been available online for a few months and hit No. 1 on Amazon's Classical Chart on its first day for sale in Germany.

Gina Alice also launched a project "She's a Star" under the auspices of Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

Led by Gina Alice, the project is dedicated to creating and facilitating opportunities for young women and girls to discover their voices.

Born in 1994 in Wiesbaden, Germany, Gina Alice performed both in the West and East and has worked with Shenzhen Symphony and Guangzhou Symphony orchestras. 


Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.

An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
WASHINGTON  Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby is stepping down from his position to switch podiums for a senior communications job at the White House, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday.

Kirby, a retired rear admiral, will soon advise the National Security Council in strategic communications as President Joe Bidens administration deals with security challenges emanating from Russias assault on Ukraine, North Korean missile threats and Chinese aggression, Austin said in a statement.

I am delighted to see John Kirbys selection for a key communications role at the White House, Austin said. He will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

The spokesman has become a regular fixture on cable news, handling the Defense Departments communications during a year that saw the end of the United States 20-year war in Afghanistan and the start of Russias brutal war on Ukraine.

John has served ably as our spokesperson here at the Department since the very first day of this Administration, and I have relied deeply on his communications skill these last 18 months, Austin said.

Kirby supported the Biden administrations efforts to promote transparency, holding regular press conferences multiple times a week.

His leadership marked a shift in communications strategy from former President Donald Trumps administration, which went a full year without Pentagon press conferences between 2018 and 2019.

From crisis communications to policy guidance, and through his bold leadership of the public affairs community, John has set the example of integrity, character, transparency and candor, Austin said.

Kirby recently received praise on social media for a poignant moment when the typically stoic spokesman became visibly emotional discussing Russian depravity in Ukraine.

Its difficult to look at the  sorry, he said, before pausing to collect himself. Its difficult to look at some of the images and imagine that any well-thinking, serious, mature leader would do that.

Russia last month sanctioned Kirby for his work at the Pentagon, adding him to a list of military and political leaders now banned from entering the country.

In his new role, he is expected to work closely with new White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who took over the role from Jen Psaki on Monday.

Kirby served as a public affairs officer in the Navy, including as the Navys chief of information and worked on the staffs of the chief of Naval Operations, chief of Naval Personnel and U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

This was his second time working as the chief Pentagon spokesman after taking the role for the first time in December 2013 during former President Barack Obamas administration.

During that stint, the late Sen. John McCain made headlines in October 2014 when he called Kirby an idiot for disagreeing with the Arizona Republicans remarks that the U.S. was losing its war on the Islamic State, according to reports from the time.

Kirby switched to the State Department in 2015, working as its spokesman until Trumps inauguration in January 2017.

Austin gave a glowing review of Kirby in his Friday statement, noting he will certainly miss Kirby at the Pentagon but believes he will serve well our countrys interests in this new capacity.

There is simply no other communicator like him anywhere, Austin said.


NEW YORK, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Pianist Gina Alice's first album "Wonderworld," which featured Chinese well-known music, became physically available here in North America on Friday, according to a press release by Universal Music Group and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

The album has 28 tracks ranging from Western to Eastern music and from classical favorites to contemporary film soundtracks.

The album features Chinese works like "Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon" and "The Dance of Waterweeds," as well as "Merry-Go-Round" and "Opus" from Japan, said the release.

The album has been available online for a few months and hit No. 1 on Amazon's Classical Chart on its first day for sale in Germany.

Gina Alice also launched a project "She's a Star" under the auspices of Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

Led by Gina Alice, the project is dedicated to creating and facilitating opportunities for young women and girls to discover their voices.

Born in 1994 in Wiesbaden, Germany, Gina Alice performed both in the West and East and has worked with Shenzhen Symphony and Guangzhou Symphony orchestras. 
NEW YORK, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Pianist Gina Alice's first album "Wonderworld," which featured Chinese well-known music, became physically available here in North America on Friday, according to a press release by Universal Music Group and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

The album has 28 tracks ranging from Western to Eastern music and from classical favorites to contemporary film soundtracks.

The album features Chinese works like "Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon" and "The Dance of Waterweeds," as well as "Merry-Go-Round" and "Opus" from Japan, said the release.

The album has been available online for a few months and hit No. 1 on Amazon's Classical Chart on its first day for sale in Germany.

Gina Alice also launched a project "She's a Star" under the auspices of Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

Led by Gina Alice, the project is dedicated to creating and facilitating opportunities for young women and girls to discover their voices.

Born in 1994 in Wiesbaden, Germany, Gina Alice performed both in the West and East and has worked with Shenzhen Symphony and Guangzhou Symphony orchestras. 
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Marysville, CA (95901)

Today

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming N and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
WASHINGTON  Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby is stepping down from his position to switch podiums for a senior communications job at the White House, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday.

Kirby, a retired rear admiral, will soon advise the National Security Council in strategic communications as President Joe Bidens administration deals with security challenges emanating from Russias assault on Ukraine, North Korean missile threats and Chinese aggression, Austin said in a statement.

I am delighted to see John Kirbys selection for a key communications role at the White House, Austin said. He will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

The spokesman has become a regular fixture on cable news, handling the Defense Departments communications during a year that saw the end of the United States 20-year war in Afghanistan and the start of Russias brutal war on Ukraine.

John has served ably as our spokesperson here at the Department since the very first day of this Administration, and I have relied deeply on his communications skill these last 18 months, Austin said.

Kirby supported the Biden administrations efforts to promote transparency, holding regular press conferences multiple times a week.

His leadership marked a shift in communications strategy from former President Donald Trumps administration, which went a full year without Pentagon press conferences between 2018 and 2019.

From crisis communications to policy guidance, and through his bold leadership of the public affairs community, John has set the example of integrity, character, transparency and candor, Austin said.

Kirby recently received praise on social media for a poignant moment when the typically stoic spokesman became visibly emotional discussing Russian depravity in Ukraine.

Its difficult to look at the  sorry, he said, before pausing to collect himself. Its difficult to look at some of the images and imagine that any well-thinking, serious, mature leader would do that.

Russia last month sanctioned Kirby for his work at the Pentagon, adding him to a list of military and political leaders now banned from entering the country.

In his new role, he is expected to work closely with new White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who took over the role from Jen Psaki on Monday.

Kirby served as a public affairs officer in the Navy, including as the Navys chief of information and worked on the staffs of the chief of Naval Operations, chief of Naval Personnel and U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

This was his second time working as the chief Pentagon spokesman after taking the role for the first time in December 2013 during former President Barack Obamas administration.

During that stint, the late Sen. John McCain made headlines in October 2014 when he called Kirby an idiot for disagreeing with the Arizona Republicans remarks that the U.S. was losing its war on the Islamic State, according to reports from the time.

Kirby switched to the State Department in 2015, working as its spokesman until Trumps inauguration in January 2017.

Austin gave a glowing review of Kirby in his Friday statement, noting he will certainly miss Kirby at the Pentagon but believes he will serve well our countrys interests in this new capacity.

There is simply no other communicator like him anywhere, Austin said.
WASHINGTON  Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby is stepping down from his position to switch podiums for a senior communications job at the White House, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday.

Kirby, a retired rear admiral, will soon advise the National Security Council in strategic communications as President Joe Bidens administration deals with security challenges emanating from Russias assault on Ukraine, North Korean missile threats and Chinese aggression, Austin said in a statement.

I am delighted to see John Kirbys selection for a key communications role at the White House, Austin said. He will be a terrific addition to a strong team over there, and his long experience in defense and foreign policy perfectly suits him for work with the National Security Council staff.

The spokesman has become a regular fixture on cable news, handling the Defense Departments communications during a year that saw the end of the United States 20-year war in Afghanistan and the start of Russias brutal war on Ukraine.

John has served ably as our spokesperson here at the Department since the very first day of this Administration, and I have relied deeply on his communications skill these last 18 months, Austin said.

Kirby supported the Biden administrations efforts to promote transparency, holding regular press conferences multiple times a week.

His leadership marked a shift in communications strategy from former President Donald Trumps administration, which went a full year without Pentagon press conferences between 2018 and 2019.

From crisis communications to policy guidance, and through his bold leadership of the public affairs community, John has set the example of integrity, character, transparency and candor, Austin said.

Kirby recently received praise on social media for a poignant moment when the typically stoic spokesman became visibly emotional discussing Russian depravity in Ukraine.

Its difficult to look at the  sorry, he said, before pausing to collect himself. Its difficult to look at some of the images and imagine that any well-thinking, serious, mature leader would do that.

Russia last month sanctioned Kirby for his work at the Pentagon, adding him to a list of military and political leaders now banned from entering the country.

In his new role, he is expected to work closely with new White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who took over the role from Jen Psaki on Monday.

Kirby served as a public affairs officer in the Navy, including as the Navys chief of information and worked on the staffs of the chief of Naval Operations, chief of Naval Personnel and U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

This was his second time working as the chief Pentagon spokesman after taking the role for the first time in December 2013 during former President Barack Obamas administration.

During that stint, the late Sen. John McCain made headlines in October 2014 when he called Kirby an idiot for disagreeing with the Arizona Republicans remarks that the U.S. was losing its war on the Islamic State, according to reports from the time.

Kirby switched to the State Department in 2015, working as its spokesman until Trumps inauguration in January 2017.

Austin gave a glowing review of Kirby in his Friday statement, noting he will certainly miss Kirby at the Pentagon but believes he will serve well our countrys interests in this new capacity.

There is simply no other communicator like him anywhere, Austin said.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on May 19, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Biden Appoints John Kirby as NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications at White House

President Joe Biden on May 20 announced John Kirby as the new National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.

After media speculation on the move, the White House confirmed Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and be a senior Biden administration voice on related matters.

John Kirby is uniquely qualified for this position, and I look forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House, Biden said in a statement.

The president added that Kirby understands the complexities of U.S. foreign and defense policy, citing his work at the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in uniform for almost three decades.

Kirby will be based at the National Security Council (NSC) and report to NSC advisor Jake Sullivan.

I am proud to welcome John to the team. Im excited to see him get to work on behalf of the president and the entire national security enterprise, Sullivan said.

Kirby, who is currently the press secretary for the Department of Defense, said he is incredibly honored to be appointed to the new role.

I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months, Kirby said.

Kirby also thanked his soon-to-be-former boss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for whom he was an adviser, for trusting him to speak for the department.

Those are precious responsibilities, the weight of which I felt and respected every day. I thank him for that, he said.

The new NSC coordinator for strategic communications has also served as press secretary for the State Department and the Pentagon. He also served in the Navy for 28 years before retiring as a rear admiral in 2015.

Kirby steps into the role at a time of heightened tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, with increased aggression from Russia and China.

The Pentagon in March prioritized Chinas communist regime as the foremost challenge to the nation, according to an unclassified fact sheet released by the Pentagon (pdf).

The Biden administrations proposed defense budget of $773 billion for 2023 focuses on China as the key pacing challenge.

Some experts have said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a distraction from the Chinese communist regimes threat, citing the U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment identifying China as the number one existential threat to the United States.
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.
An election worker directs voters to a ballot drop off location in Portland, Oregon, on Nov. 2, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Incumbent Oregon District Attorneys Fend Off Well-Funded Progressive Challengers

Of the only two contested district attorney races in Oregon, both incumbents won reelections against progressive challengers backed by a wealthy Portland donor.

In Washington County, the second populous county of Oregon, District Attorney Kevin Barton defeated Brian Decker in the nonpartisan race held on May 17.

Decker, a public defender, ran on a progressive platform to decrease the jail population and direct more people to treatment programs. He said on the campaign trail that lockup measures cause people to lose housing, adding fuel to the homelessness crisiswhich he considered to be the top issue in the county.

In contrast, Barton, the one-term incumbent, said the countys top issue is public safety. He said he supports expanding the overcrowded county jail and prosecuting drug possession cases through drug courts.

Weve all seen what happens when a public safety system fails in Portland, and we cannot let that happen here. My priority as DA [district attorney] is keeping our Washington County community safe, Barton wrote on his campaigns Facebook account.

Portland, where a high-profile autonomous zone was set up during the height of the George Floyd protests, sits just east of Washington County.

In his failed bid, Decker outspent Barton by $62,000 in 2022. His top donor was Aaron Boonshoft, a Portland inventor with a record of financing initiatives to decriminalize sex work. Boonshoft gave Decker $225,000, accounting for almost half the money raised by Decker this year, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

Decker also raised $20,000 from the Manhattan-based Drug Policy Action, which is the political arm of George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance.

Bartons top-tier donors are the Washington County Police Officers Association, Automobile Dealers Association of Portland, and Beaverton Police Association, each giving him $10,000.

In Marion County, one-term District Attorney Paige Clarkson won reelection against Spencer Todd in the countys first contested prosecutor race in decades.

Clarkson won with a total of 32,466 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Todds 29,574 votes, according to the unofficial election results published by Marion County.

I am truly honored to continue serving the people of Marion County, Paige said in a statement. For the first time in nearly 40 years, we had a stark choice in this election for District Attorney, and it is humbling to know voters want me to continue standing up to crime and working hard for victims.

A career prosecutor, Clarkson campaigned on holding criminals accountable through proper prosecutions. In a scathing op-ed published weeks ahead of the election, she blamed the states rising crime on progressive laws.

In the past three years, Oregon lawmakers passed laws to restrict police officers ability to make traffic stops, end the death penalty, and make it harder to prosecute the most violent juvenile offenders as adults.

Todd supported a shift away from tough-on-crime policies, according to his campaign website. He wanted to push for prosecution policies that rely less on prisons and more on social services.

Todd spent $251,398 in 2022, outspending Clarkson by a third. His top donor was Boonshoft at $50,000, according to financial disclosures published by the Oregon Secretary of States Office.

The rest of the district attorney races in Oregon were uncontested.

MLAs of the ruling party are presently requesting the state government to release special funds for the project due to repeated demands raised by residents. (Representational image/DC)

ADILABAD: Hold-up of fund release for laying and repairing borewells in Adilabad under Mission Bhagiratha is ramping up pressure on the TRS MLAs, with residents of many villages facing hardships in securing safe drinking water during peak summer.

MLAs of the ruling party are presently requesting the state government to release special funds for the project due to repeated demands raised by residents.

Recently, Asifabad MLA Atram Sakku stepped in to release funds to provide drinking water to residents of villages in Lingapur, Sirpur (U), and Jainoor mandals.

A few MLAs from ST assembly constituencies had also approached K. T. Rama Rao, the minister for municipal administration and urban development, in this regard.

However, even in villages covered under Mission Bhagiratha, residents have often complained that they are receiving water once a week or once in 10 days due to damaged pipelines.

The issue is especially acute in hilly areas, where pipelines have been laid through rocky terrains and forests. Residents complain that the water pumping capacity is insufficient to ensure a continuous supply.

In Jainoor mandal, Kolam adivasis residing in Kondapatar village complained that they are forced to drink polluted water collected from improperly maintained wells. There are 36 families of Kolam adivasis residing in the village.

The issue came to light during a meeting of the Ushegam gram panchayat  from which Kondapatar is one kilometre away  on Friday. Only 90 of 115 habitations in Jainoor were receiving drinking water, that too, once a week, it was revealed.

In many instances, leakages were also attributed to a lack of field-level inspection by officials.

Meanwhile, Asifabad MLA Atram Sakku set a June 3 deadline to complete works under Mission Bhagiratha in the Jainoor mandal.

Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.



BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close


BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal


Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.


OTO, Iowa -- Dan Heissel stood on the shoulder of Snake River Trail, deep in the hills and woods near Oto, and listed animals visitors to the public land here could spot.

Deer, turkeys, mink, beavers, foxes, coyotes.

As if on cue, a raccoon scurried across the road just a few feet away.

There's no guarantee you'll see raccoons when visiting the Woodbury County Conservation Board's newest addition to the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. But the 240 acres include the above-mentioned wildlife, plus numerous species of birds to go along with thick stands of oak trees, natural prairie and scenic views from the ridges of the Loess Hills between Oto and Smithland.

"I just love being on a ridge top and overlooking the rest of the property. It's just beautiful. You look out there and it's so quiet," said Heissel, the conservation board's director.

It's a piece of land board members long had their eyes on as they spent the past 30-plus years acquiring hundreds of acres of beautiful Loess Hills habitat that make up the four units of the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. This latest piece links units 1 and 2 to make 2,148.5 contiguous acres and brings the total area of the conservation area to more than 2,300 acres of prairie, timber and ridge lines.

"It's almost the last piece of the puzzle," Heissel said. "It's been on the board's radar for quite a while. We were happy the family was willing to talk to us."

Heissel remembers the real estate agent representing the Salsness family calling him about two years ago to gauge the conservation board's interest in the land. After hanging up, Heissel paused, hardly able to believe the long-desired piece of property could be within grasp. Then his mind began racing with the possibilities.

But first, the purchase had to be negotiated. The Iowa Heritage Foundation bought the property to hold it while the conservation board lined up grant funding for the purchase. In November, the board received a $777,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Another $90,000 in grants from Pheasants Forever and the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act enabled the board to pay the $837,000 purchase price, plus other costs and fees. The conservation board added more than $10,000 from camping revenues to seal the deal and complete the purchase about six months ago.

It's a unique, undeveloped tract, the only place in Woodbury County where burr and red oaks are found together in a mixed stand. If you can ignore the mosquitoes, there's a picturesque retention pond at the entrance gate. A path leads up into the hills and ridges covered with natural prairie grasses.

Now open to the public, it's a perfect setting for public hunting, bird and wildlife watching and hiking. Heissel said there are no plans to develop trails, campgrounds or other modern amenities.

"This will stay pretty much natural," he said. "The goal is to get it back to as natural as possible."

Conservation workers will clear cedar and other invasive tree species and do some controlled burning so native prairie grasses will return. All that natural habitat now under public control adds one more attraction for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who will visit and potentially provide an economic boost to the county when buying gas, food and supplies.

Add in the nearby 783-acre Southwood Recreation Area and 160-acre Fowler Forest Preserve, and the conservation board has ensured that nearly 3,300 acres in this corner of Woodbury County will remain covered in trees and grass without a house on every hilltop.

"We need to preserve areas like this," Heissel said.

Thanks to the willingness of the previous owners to support that preservation and those who award the grant dollars, the county's conservation board will be able to do just that, making it an area we can appreciate alongside the raccoons.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
OTO, Iowa -- Dan Heissel stood on the shoulder of Snake River Trail, deep in the hills and woods near Oto, and listed animals visitors to the public land here could spot.

Deer, turkeys, mink, beavers, foxes, coyotes.

As if on cue, a raccoon scurried across the road just a few feet away.

There's no guarantee you'll see raccoons when visiting the Woodbury County Conservation Board's newest addition to the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. But the 240 acres include the above-mentioned wildlife, plus numerous species of birds to go along with thick stands of oak trees, natural prairie and scenic views from the ridges of the Loess Hills between Oto and Smithland.

"I just love being on a ridge top and overlooking the rest of the property. It's just beautiful. You look out there and it's so quiet," said Heissel, the conservation board's director.

It's a piece of land board members long had their eyes on as they spent the past 30-plus years acquiring hundreds of acres of beautiful Loess Hills habitat that make up the four units of the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. This latest piece links units 1 and 2 to make 2,148.5 contiguous acres and brings the total area of the conservation area to more than 2,300 acres of prairie, timber and ridge lines.

"It's almost the last piece of the puzzle," Heissel said. "It's been on the board's radar for quite a while. We were happy the family was willing to talk to us."

Heissel remembers the real estate agent representing the Salsness family calling him about two years ago to gauge the conservation board's interest in the land. After hanging up, Heissel paused, hardly able to believe the long-desired piece of property could be within grasp. Then his mind began racing with the possibilities.

But first, the purchase had to be negotiated. The Iowa Heritage Foundation bought the property to hold it while the conservation board lined up grant funding for the purchase. In November, the board received a $777,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Another $90,000 in grants from Pheasants Forever and the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act enabled the board to pay the $837,000 purchase price, plus other costs and fees. The conservation board added more than $10,000 from camping revenues to seal the deal and complete the purchase about six months ago.

It's a unique, undeveloped tract, the only place in Woodbury County where burr and red oaks are found together in a mixed stand. If you can ignore the mosquitoes, there's a picturesque retention pond at the entrance gate. A path leads up into the hills and ridges covered with natural prairie grasses.

Now open to the public, it's a perfect setting for public hunting, bird and wildlife watching and hiking. Heissel said there are no plans to develop trails, campgrounds or other modern amenities.

"This will stay pretty much natural," he said. "The goal is to get it back to as natural as possible."

Conservation workers will clear cedar and other invasive tree species and do some controlled burning so native prairie grasses will return. All that natural habitat now under public control adds one more attraction for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who will visit and potentially provide an economic boost to the county when buying gas, food and supplies.

Add in the nearby 783-acre Southwood Recreation Area and 160-acre Fowler Forest Preserve, and the conservation board has ensured that nearly 3,300 acres in this corner of Woodbury County will remain covered in trees and grass without a house on every hilltop.

"We need to preserve areas like this," Heissel said.

Thanks to the willingness of the previous owners to support that preservation and those who award the grant dollars, the county's conservation board will be able to do just that, making it an area we can appreciate alongside the raccoons.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.

Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D, OH-3) spoke at the Capitol on Thursday, stating that three people in a Korean-owned hair salon were gunned by another white supremacy replacement theorist, when the suspect is Black.

Beatty, who is also chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, mistakenly blamed white supremacy for the shooting at the Dallas Korean hair salon that left three women of Korean descent wounded.

Vigilantes acting with racial animus and espousing white supremacist ideology that results in the loss of innocent lives must be classified as a hate crime, full stop, said the congresswoman, who concluded by urging legislators for better gun control regulations.

Last year, more than 20,000 Americans lost their lives to gun violence. In the aftermath of this horrific episode, Congress has a moral obligation to make our nation fairer and safer for all Americans.

More from NextShark: Chinese man dies by apparent suicide over childhood bullying for being 'effeminate,' 'sissy'

What Beatty did get right, however, was that the shooting was most likely a hate crime, based on police reports.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia announced on Tuesday the arrest of 36-year-old Jeremy Theron Smith, who is believed to have mental health issues.

According to Garcia, the gunman had been suffering for several years from panic attacks and delusions when he was around anyone of Asian descent.

More from NextShark: Pastor in Little Saigon Pleads Guilty in $33 Million Investment Scam

Smith had a history of being admitted to multiple mental health facilities, and he previously was fired from a job after verbally attacking a boss of Asian descent.

Police arrested Smith while he was on the job cleaning leaves and trash from someones lawn.

More from NextShark: Chinese student pleads guilty to attempted murder of 4 Hong Kong women in hopes of death penalty

Feature image via Joyce Beatty and Congressional Black Caucus

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Woman Filmed Hurling Anti-Asian Comments in a Metro Vancouver Park
Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.
Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.








Newly discovered emails show that Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was more deeply involved in baseless efforts to overturn the 2020 election than previously known





For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Advertiser.
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
ST. LOUIS  Homicide detectives were investigating after a man was shot in the head Friday night in the Shaw neighborhood in south St. Louis.

Police said the shooting happened around 7:20 p.m. in the 4000 block of Flora Place.

Police were in an alley behind a house investigating the shooting in the residential neighborhood, but no other details were available.
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

You can see the new edition of the Xpat E-Magazine here:

xpatloop.com/newsletters/2022/20-may.html



1. For your interest there's an essential selection of News, Information & Inspiration:

E.g. New Panoramic Air Balloon Service will Start in Budapest's City Park from May 1st.



2. Plus there are new Movies in Budapest, fresh Special features, and What's On highlights:

See below to widen your horizons (even further) at a local gig / dance / theatre performance.



3. Finally here's an update about the St. George's International Community Event on Saturday:

Ticket sales via Funcode end this Friday at 4pm - or earlier once the last few tickets are reserved.

Join in for a great variety of live English music by The Vibe + cheese, wine & many charity prizes!



Now here's hoping you enjoy what's in it for you below.

Yours with kind regards & best wishes, Team XpatLoop



Photo: 'Morning view from the windows of the Fisherman's bastion - courtesy of Krenn Imre Photography



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Shortcut Links:



Latest News / Interviews / Directory / Calendar / New Movies / Sponsorship



Notes:



You're in good company together with thousands of expat readers + high-level locals = a cosmopolitan group of internationally-minded folks, known as the Xpat Community.



Feedback:



Your feedback is always welcome. Here are a few examples:



Brett Penny, Director, American International School of Budapest:

"Two thumbs up on XpatLoop's website and newsletter. A really great resource for us expats. Easy to navigate and loads of excellent ideas on what's on in Budapest, plus activities for the weekend. Keep up the good work!"



Sandra Knibbs, Principal at Dance Craze Academy:

"XpatLoop - great work informing us about the most compelling events in the city!"



Ephie Christodoulides, Client Manager at KPMG:

"I just wanted to say thank you for all the work you are doing on the site".



Warren Conolly, Professional Educator.

"As a fellow expat here in Hungary, I thought to say how great XpatLoop is for the community as a whole."



Dennis A. Diokno, CEO & Founding Partner, FirstMed

Thanks to XpatLoop for an excellent working relationship of over 20 years!



Frank Hegedus, Chaplain, St. Margaret's Anglican Church

Thank you for your important service during these troubling times.



John Hart, Principal, International School Of Budapest

Just a short note of deep appreciation to you all at XpatLoop. At these difficult and potentially solitary times your mailings are doing a wonderful job at keeping us expats in the loop, and ensuring that we still feel part of the vibrant community which is Budapest.



Rough Guide To Budapest, the most knowledgeable & entertaining guidebook:

"for Arts & Entertainment: The best online listings are provided by XpatLoop.com"



Lonely Planet, the worlds largest guide book publisher:

"XpatLoop: What the foreign community in Budapest is thinking and talking about.






You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close




BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.
Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.



A liberal commentator notes that the American Conservative Conference in Budapest has been snubbed by high profile American personalities, while a pro-government columnist welcomes PM Orbans 12-point roadmap for conservatives to overcome liberals.

Addressing the American Conservative Action Conference in Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on his American and European allies to brace themselves to reconquer key institutions in Washington and Brussels in 2024.



He outlined a 12 point recipe to describe how his Fidesz party won four sweeping electoral victories, in the face of what he described as liberal domination over public life.



On hvg.hu, Ivan Laszlo Nagy remarks that no important American conservatives have bothered to attend the first CPAC meeting held oversees, least of all Donald Trump himself.



He defines the international allies of the Prime Minister as radical populists rather than conservatives, and suggests that their best days are over, since most have lost elections since 2016.



In Magyar Nemzet, on the other hand, Laszlo Nezo sees CPAC as proof that far from being isolated, Hungary has important friends in the wider world. He welcomes Mr Orbans opening address in which the Prime Minister described how Hungarian conservatives, rather than conforming to the liberal domination in the 1990s, formed a large grassroots movement, and mobilised it for the reconquista. Hungary, he writes, has set an example for others to follow.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.

Click here to Share Your Story



MTI / PM's press office photo: Zoltan Fischer











Several witnesses called on by the prosecution in the murder trial of Timothy Ray Scott Jr. on Friday outlined a pattern of abuse they say led to the deaths of his estranged wife and her mother.

Scott faces multiple counts of first-degree murder in the March 2020 slayings of his mother-in-law, Tamara Dunn, 59, and her daughter, Ann Jolynne Page Scott, 29.

Timothy Scott is on trial after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ann Scott and Tamara Dunn were attacked in Ann Scotts apartment on Colorado Springs' north side weeks after the woman, also known as Annie Clark, had filed for divorce, complaining of abuse by her husband. That triggered a mandatory restraining order against the defendant, which was in place during the attacks.

Police found Ann Scott upstairs dying of gunshot wounds. Dunn later died at a hospital from multiple stab wounds.

Timothy Scott was found by officers inside the townhome with an injured neck. He was arrested by Colorado Springs police on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder.

The first witness the prosecution called to testify Friday was a neighbor and friend of Ann Scott, Julie Gavigan, who described an incident just over a month before the killings.

The incident took place on Feb. 2, 2020, and Gavigan's doorbell video camera recorded footage of a frantic Ann Scott sprinting to the door. She can be heard in the video screaming "help" multiple times while banging on the door, before Timothy Scott can be seen running in and pulling her away from the door.

After hearing Ann Scott's plea for help at her doorstep, Gavigan let her neighbor into her home and called police. Gavigan described in testimony that Ann Scott told her Timothy Scott had punched her in front of his 11-year-old daughter after returning home from a night out.

Fearing the situation could get worse, Ann Scott ran out of her townhome toward Gavigan's residence seeking help. Police detective Janel Langdon-Isaac, who was the responding officer that night, backed up Gavigans testimony.

Body-camera footage from Langdon-Isaac the night of Feb. 2 shows Ann Scott sobbing while describing the events that took place. She said in the footage that Timothy Scott punched her in the collarbone and berated her with insults; she also said that the argument began because he was upset over not receiving enough attention from her earlier in the evening when they were out together.

Timothy Scott left with his daughter and couldn't be found by police that night, according to Langdon-Isaac, but court records show that on Feb. 5 he was booked into El Paso County jail on suspicion of third-degree assault, harassment and several other misdemeanor charges. Timothy Scott posted the $3,000 bond set by the court and was released.

Following his release, Ann Scott began to have serious concerns about her safety, and had her mother stay with her for protection, Gavigan told the court. Gavigan testified that at one point she tried to persuade Ann Scott to move in with her, but she declined.

In the weeks leading up to the deaths, Gavigan testified that Ann Scott told her that she had seen Timothy Scott in his car outside the townhome complex they lived in while she was out walking her dog.

Megan Cheyh, a coworker of Ann Scott's at J. Gregory Salon, testified that Timothy Scott was posing as various clients of Ann Scott, sending her text messages.

"I just want to let you know that divorce is a sin in the Bible and if you divorce Timothy (Scott) you'll go to hell," Cheyh said to the court while recalling the text messages.

Cheyh also testified that she had a conversation during which Ann Scott claimed her husband said he "would like to watch her take her last breath."

Court records show that Ann Scott filed for divorce on Feb. 25, less than two weeks before her death.

Timothy Scott's first ex-wife  and the mother of his daughter  K'la Higgs, testified that on March 2, 2020, just days before the killings, he called Higgs to discuss why he wasn't allowed to see his daughter. Higgs recalled that after the conversation, Timothy Scott said, "this b---- is going to get what she deserves," a comment Higgs said she believed to be in reference to Ann Scott at the time.

Three days later, Ann Scott and Dunn were dead.

Dunn suffered 16 stab wounds to her face, neck and arm at the bottom of the townhome stairs, while Ann Scott was killed by multiple gunshot wounds in the upstairs bedroom. Some of Dunn's last words before she died later that evening were, "he killed my daughter," according to previous reporting from The Gazette.

The trial is scheduled to continue at 8:30 a.m. Monday in the 4th Judicial District Court.
Hungary is ready to maintain its participation in international efforts to prevent a global food crisis expected as a result of the war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in New York late on Thursday local time.

The ministry said in a statement that addressing the UN Security Council open debate in connection with Conflict and food security, Szijjarto said that the war posed direct and indirect security risks for Hungary, being a neighbouring country to Ukraine, partly as a result of the proximity of the fighting and partly due to potential further waves of migrants resulting from the crisis.



He said the armed conflict posed a serious threat to global food supplies considering that both Russia and Ukraine were among the largest grain exporters in the world.



The war could bring about an especially difficult situation in regions already facing conflict and economic challenges, resulting in an increased threat of terrorism and further migratory waves, he added. The international community must make every effort to prevent such a crisis, he said.



Missing food supplies must be either replaced from alternative sources or, if this is not possible, Ukraine must be given help to maintain its exports, Szijjarto said.



Hungary is helping farmers in Transcarpathia with seeds, offering ten tonnes of maize, five tonnes of potatoes and half a tonne of sunflowers, to support local supplies and export capacities, he added.



Food shortage results in significantly higher prices, as demonstrated by the record 21% increase in the price index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) over the past year, he said.



It is the responsibility of governments to ensure that those who bear no responsibility for the outbreak of the war should not be forced to pay the price of the war, he said.



This is why Hungary has introduced price caps on several basic food products, he added.



It is important to help increase capacities in countries in need, which is why it is a considerable achievement that more than three hundred international food industry experts have graduated from Hungarian higher education institutions, Szijjarto said.





Photo courtesy: FM's Facebook page

Hungary is ready to maintain its participation in international efforts to prevent a global food crisis expected as a result of the war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in New York late on Thursday local time.

The ministry said in a statement that addressing the UN Security Council open debate in connection with Conflict and food security, Szijjarto said that the war posed direct and indirect security risks for Hungary, being a neighbouring country to Ukraine, partly as a result of the proximity of the fighting and partly due to potential further waves of migrants resulting from the crisis.



He said the armed conflict posed a serious threat to global food supplies considering that both Russia and Ukraine were among the largest grain exporters in the world.



The war could bring about an especially difficult situation in regions already facing conflict and economic challenges, resulting in an increased threat of terrorism and further migratory waves, he added. The international community must make every effort to prevent such a crisis, he said.



Missing food supplies must be either replaced from alternative sources or, if this is not possible, Ukraine must be given help to maintain its exports, Szijjarto said.



Hungary is helping farmers in Transcarpathia with seeds, offering ten tonnes of maize, five tonnes of potatoes and half a tonne of sunflowers, to support local supplies and export capacities, he added.



Food shortage results in significantly higher prices, as demonstrated by the record 21% increase in the price index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) over the past year, he said.



It is the responsibility of governments to ensure that those who bear no responsibility for the outbreak of the war should not be forced to pay the price of the war, he said.



This is why Hungary has introduced price caps on several basic food products, he added.



It is important to help increase capacities in countries in need, which is why it is a considerable achievement that more than three hundred international food industry experts have graduated from Hungarian higher education institutions, Szijjarto said.





Photo courtesy: FM's Facebook page
The European Commission said it launched an infringement procedure against Hungary, as well as Estonia, Malta and the Netherlands, because it did not correctly transpose European Union regulation on the fight against fraud affecting the EU budget.

The EUs executive body sent the countries letters of formal notice, marking the start of infringement procedures.



The member states have two months to respond or the EC could take the procedures to the next level.



The Prime Ministers Office said late Thursday the issues raised by the EC on the matter are related to the interpretation of the criminal code.



These technical issues are not part of the negotiations between Hungary and the Commission over the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) [and] are being resolved at expert level, the office added.



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal

Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
























A liberal commentator notes that the American Conservative Conference in Budapest has been snubbed by high profile American personalities, while a pro-government columnist welcomes PM Orbans 12-point roadmap for conservatives to overcome liberals.

Addressing the American Conservative Action Conference in Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on his American and European allies to brace themselves to reconquer key institutions in Washington and Brussels in 2024.



He outlined a 12 point recipe to describe how his Fidesz party won four sweeping electoral victories, in the face of what he described as liberal domination over public life.



On hvg.hu, Ivan Laszlo Nagy remarks that no important American conservatives have bothered to attend the first CPAC meeting held oversees, least of all Donald Trump himself.



He defines the international allies of the Prime Minister as radical populists rather than conservatives, and suggests that their best days are over, since most have lost elections since 2016.



In Magyar Nemzet, on the other hand, Laszlo Nezo sees CPAC as proof that far from being isolated, Hungary has important friends in the wider world. He welcomes Mr Orbans opening address in which the Prime Minister described how Hungarian conservatives, rather than conforming to the liberal domination in the 1990s, formed a large grassroots movement, and mobilised it for the reconquista. Hungary, he writes, has set an example for others to follow.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.

Click here to Share Your Story



MTI / PM's press office photo: Zoltan Fischer
The U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2022 will graduate in a full in-person event Wednesday at Falcon Stadium, but there are other events to round out the week for cadets, their families and friends in Colorado Springs.

Monday: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, who perform at each year's commencement, will arrive in Colorado Springs and conduct a survey flight from approximately 11:15 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. before landing at Peterson Space Force Base.

Tuesday: The Thunderbirds will practice in preparation for their full show that caps Wednesday's commencement.

As a special feature of the event this year, 2022 Olympic gold medal-winning speedskater Erin Jackson will fly with the Thunderbirds on Tuesday over Colorado Springs. The mid-morning flight will originate from Peterson Space Force Base.

Following her flight, Jackson will visit with Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark and congratulate cadets from the Class of 2022 on becoming new officers in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

As mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, road closures and traffic detours will be in place during the Thunderbirds' rehearsal. Closures include the Santa Fe Trail and roads under the show area, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, and 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

For public safety, motorists are reminded not to stop along Interstate 25 or along any roads at the academy to watch any of the Thunderbirds' performances.

Also on Tuesday for ticketed academy guests, there will be a graduation parade and pre-parade demonstration events at Stillman Parade Field.

Pre-parade events include performances by honor guard, saber drill team, falconry club and the Wings of Blue Parachute Team.

Wednesday: Road closures and adjustments to traffic patterns are scheduled in support of guest arrival and departure for the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony. The ceremony is open to ticketed guests only.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be the lead speaker for this year's graduation. The ceremony will conclude with the Thunderbirds' 30-minute aerial program above Falcon Stadium. The performance is planned 12:30-1 p.m., just after the cadets' hat toss.
Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.
Armed men have kidnapped an Italian couple and their child as well as a Togolese national in southeastern Mali, a local official and a Malian security source told AFP on Friday.

They said the abductions occurred late Thursday about 100 kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso, part of a west African region hit by turmoil, kidnappings as well as conflict blamed on armed jihadists.

"Armed men in a vehicle kidnapped three Italians and a Togolese about 10 kilometers from Koutiala," late Thursday, an official from the Koutiala region who asked not to be named said.

He said the victims were two Italian adults and their child as well as a Togolese, adding they were all Jehovah's Witnesses.

A Malian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said two Italian adults and their child, along with a Togolese, were kidnapped.

He described the abductees as "religious people."

He said the abductions took place in the southeastern town of Sincina, around 100 kilometers from the Burkina Faso border.

"We are doing everything to obtain their release," the person said, adding that diplomatic lines of communication were open.

The Italian foreign ministry later confirmed in a short statement "the kidnapping of three compatriots in Mali.

It said it was making "every effort" to secure a positive outcome to the case, while emphasizing, "in agreement with family members, the need to maintain the utmost discretion.

Earlier, it said that Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio was personally following the case.

Frequent kidnappings

Several foreigners have been kidnapped across the border in Burkina Faso in recent years.

Kidnappings are frequent in Mali, though motives span from criminal to political reasons.

In most cases, the conditions or circumstances of the release of kidnap victims is never clearly established.

Mali has since 2012 been wracked by a jihadist insurgency by groups linked to al-Qaida and the so-called Islamic State. Vast swathes of the country are in thrall to myriad rebel groups and militias.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid violence that began in the north of the country and spread to the center, and then to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Olivier Dubois, a 47-year-old French freelance journalist who has been living and working in Mali since 2015, was kidnapped more than a year ago.

He announced his abduction himself in a video posted on social networks on May 5, 2021. In it, he said he had been kidnapped in the northern city of Gao by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), the main jihadist alliance in the Sahel, which is linked to al-Qaida.

On March 13, a video circulated on social networks showing a man who appears to be the French journalist addressing his relatives and the French government.
Feature: Exhibition in Southern California showcases Mount Everest's illustrious history

10:16, May 21, 2022 By Tan Jingjing ( Xinhua

A man visits an exhibition titled "Everest: Ascent to Glory" at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, the United States, on May 19, 2022. From the climbing rope found with the remains of British mountaineer George Mallory, who took part in the first British expeditions to Mount Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the west, in the early 1920s, to one of the first oxygen sets ever employed in high-altitude climbing, the exhibition being held in Bowers Museum takes visitors on an epic journey to Mount Qomolangma. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, May 20 (Xinhua) -- From the climbing rope found with the remains of British mountaineer George Mallory, who took part in the first British expeditions to Mount Everest in the early 1920s, to one of the first oxygen sets ever employed in high-altitude climbing, an exhibition being held in Bowers Museum in U.S. Southern California takes visitors on an epic journey to Mount Everest.

Titled "Everest: Ascent to Glory", the exhibition combines photographs, films and artifacts from five expeditions leading up to the earliest successful attempt to climb the highest mountain in the world in 1953.

"The exhibition focuses on the five expeditions to climb Mount Everest from 1921 to 1953," Peter C. Keller, president of Bowers Museum, told Xinhua.

"It consists of over 100 original photographs and some key pieces of equipment, including some very precious pieces that had been brought back from Tibet," he said.

Bowers Museum partners with The Royal Geographical Society in London to present the exhibition, showcasing the illustrious history of Mount Everest and changing technologies of the initial attempts to climb the mountain.

This exhibition, curated by renowned Canadian cultural anthropologist and author Wade Davis, comes just after the centennial of the first British reconnaissance expedition to Mount Everest in 1921.

The show, which runs through Aug. 28, attracts over 600 visitors everyday. The audiences are further immersed as they view a 3D model of the colossal mountain, called by native people as "Goddess Mother of the World".

"The exhibition has revealed the adventure spirit of human kind, and it inspires young people to work hard, persevere and overcome difficulties on their way to reach their goals," Anne Shih, chairwoman of the Board of Governors of Bowers Museum, told Xinhua.

Keller said the exhibition is partially a Chinese exhibition as half of Mount Everest is on the Tibetan side of China.

"The approach to Mount Everest is easier on the Chinese side than the Nepalese side," he said.

Bowers Museum, founded in 1932, has cooperation and exchange programs with Chinese museums including the Palace Museum, Nanjing Museum and Shanghai Museum.

It has hosted various exhibitions featuring cultural heritage in the Forbidden City, Tibet, Xinjiang, the Terra-Cotta Warriors in Shaanxi Province, and other parts of China.

"We are very energetic in cooperation with China," Shih told Xinhua, adding Bowers Museum is committed to serving as a bridge in U.S.-China cultural exchange.

"We hope to bring the Chinese culture to American audiences through various exhibitions, so that they can learn more about China's profound history and splendid culture," Shih said.

A visitor looks at photos at an exhibition titled "Everest: Ascent to Glory" at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, the United States, on May 19, 2022. From the climbing rope found with the remains of British mountaineer George Mallory, who took part in the first British expeditions to Mount Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the west, in the early 1920s, to one of the first oxygen sets ever employed in high-altitude climbing, the exhibition being held in Bowers Museum takes visitors on an epic journey to Mount Qomolangma. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit an exhibition titled "Everest: Ascent to Glory" at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, the United States, on May 19, 2022. From the climbing rope found with the remains of British mountaineer George Mallory, who took part in the first British expeditions to Mount Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the west, in the early 1920s, to one of the first oxygen sets ever employed in high-altitude climbing, the exhibition being held in Bowers Museum takes visitors on an epic journey to Mount Qomolangma. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit an exhibition titled "Everest: Ascent to Glory" at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, the United States, on May 19, 2022. From the climbing rope found with the remains of British mountaineer George Mallory, who took part in the first British expeditions to Mount Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the west, in the early 1920s, to one of the first oxygen sets ever employed in high-altitude climbing, the exhibition being held in Bowers Museum takes visitors on an epic journey to Mount Qomolangma. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
In an interview with an independent online news site, the Mayor of Budapest paints a gloomy picture of the current state of the opposition.

On Valasz, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony says mutual recriminations among opposition leaders after the lost election reflect the sorry state of the former alliance.



Reacting to questions about an article on telex.hu on the ceaseless infighting within the opposition camp during the campaign, he remarks that he is not convinced that voters were that wrong when they refused to elect this opposition to government this time round.



Nevertheless, he still believes Hungary would be better off with the current opposition in government. At the same time, he admits that the oppositions fitness to govern is far below the level required to win an election.



He finds consolation in the efficiency with which the same parties that lost the national elections run the capital city.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.

Click here to Share Your Story



MTI Photo





Russia to cut gas supplies to Finland starting Saturday

Xinhua) 10:13, May 21, 2022

MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Gazprom Export will suspend gas deliveries to Finland from Saturday, as it had not received the necessary payment in rubles from Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum.

"By the end of the working day on May 20 (the payment deadline stipulated by the contract), Gazprom Export did not receive any payments from Gasum for the gas supplied in April," local media reported citing Gazprom Export.

"Gazprom Export has notified Gasum of the suspension of gas supplies starting from May 21, 2022, until payment is made in accordance with the procedure established by the decree," it said.

Gazprom Export sent a letter to Gasum in April, requiring the company to pay for gas in rubles instead of euros. "Gasum did not accept the offer of the Russian company and applied to arbitration regarding the contract," according to the Finnish energy firm.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Russia's on Saturday halted gas exports to neighbouring Finland, the Finnish gas system operator said, the latest escalation of an energy payments dispute with Western nations.

Export has demanded that European countries pay for Russian gas supplies in roubles because of sanctions imposed over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, but refuses to do so.

"Gas imports through Imatra entry point have been stopped," Gasgrid said in a statement.

Imatra is the entry point for Russian gas into .

Finnish state-owned gas wholesaler Gasum on Friday said had warned that flows would be halted from 0400 GMT on Saturday morning.

Gasum also confirmed on Saturday that the flows has stopped.

"Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," it said in a statement.

"Starting from today, during the upcoming summer season, Gasum will supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline." Balticconnector links Finland to neighbouring Estonia's gas grid.

The majority of gas used in Finland comes from Russia but gas only accounts for about 5% of its annual energy consumption.

Most European supply contracts are denominated in euros or dollars and Moscow already cut off gas to Bulgaria and Poland last month after they refused to comply with the new payment terms.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Gwladys Fouche)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russia's on Saturday halted gas exports to neighbouring Finland, the Finnish gas system operator said, the latest escalation of an energy payments dispute with Western nations.

Export has demanded that European countries pay for Russian gas supplies in roubles because of sanctions imposed over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, but refuses to do so.

"Gas imports through Imatra entry point have been stopped," Gasgrid said in a statement.

Imatra is the entry point for Russian gas into .

Finnish state-owned gas wholesaler Gasum on Friday said had warned that flows would be halted from 0400 GMT on Saturday morning.

Gasum also confirmed on Saturday that the flows has stopped.

"Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," it said in a statement.

"Starting from today, during the upcoming summer season, Gasum will supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline." Balticconnector links Finland to neighbouring Estonia's gas grid.

The majority of gas used in Finland comes from Russia but gas only accounts for about 5% of its annual energy consumption.

Most European supply contracts are denominated in euros or dollars and Moscow already cut off gas to Bulgaria and Poland last month after they refused to comply with the new payment terms.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Gwladys Fouche)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russia to cut gas supplies to Finland starting Saturday

Xinhua) 10:13, May 21, 2022

MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Gazprom Export will suspend gas deliveries to Finland from Saturday, as it had not received the necessary payment in rubles from Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum.

"By the end of the working day on May 20 (the payment deadline stipulated by the contract), Gazprom Export did not receive any payments from Gasum for the gas supplied in April," local media reported citing Gazprom Export.

"Gazprom Export has notified Gasum of the suspension of gas supplies starting from May 21, 2022, until payment is made in accordance with the procedure established by the decree," it said.

Gazprom Export sent a letter to Gasum in April, requiring the company to pay for gas in rubles instead of euros. "Gasum did not accept the offer of the Russian company and applied to arbitration regarding the contract," according to the Finnish energy firm.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Russia to cut gas supplies to Finland starting Saturday

Xinhua) 10:13, May 21, 2022

MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Gazprom Export will suspend gas deliveries to Finland from Saturday, as it had not received the necessary payment in rubles from Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum.

"By the end of the working day on May 20 (the payment deadline stipulated by the contract), Gazprom Export did not receive any payments from Gasum for the gas supplied in April," local media reported citing Gazprom Export.

"Gazprom Export has notified Gasum of the suspension of gas supplies starting from May 21, 2022, until payment is made in accordance with the procedure established by the decree," it said.

Gazprom Export sent a letter to Gasum in April, requiring the company to pay for gas in rubles instead of euros. "Gasum did not accept the offer of the Russian company and applied to arbitration regarding the contract," according to the Finnish energy firm.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Russia to cut gas supplies to Finland starting Saturday

Xinhua) 10:13, May 21, 2022

MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Gazprom Export will suspend gas deliveries to Finland from Saturday, as it had not received the necessary payment in rubles from Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum.

"By the end of the working day on May 20 (the payment deadline stipulated by the contract), Gazprom Export did not receive any payments from Gasum for the gas supplied in April," local media reported citing Gazprom Export.

"Gazprom Export has notified Gasum of the suspension of gas supplies starting from May 21, 2022, until payment is made in accordance with the procedure established by the decree," it said.

Gazprom Export sent a letter to Gasum in April, requiring the company to pay for gas in rubles instead of euros. "Gasum did not accept the offer of the Russian company and applied to arbitration regarding the contract," according to the Finnish energy firm.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

Russia to cut gas supplies to Finland starting Saturday

Xinhua) 10:13, May 21, 2022

MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Gazprom Export will suspend gas deliveries to Finland from Saturday, as it had not received the necessary payment in rubles from Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum.

"By the end of the working day on May 20 (the payment deadline stipulated by the contract), Gazprom Export did not receive any payments from Gasum for the gas supplied in April," local media reported citing Gazprom Export.

"Gazprom Export has notified Gasum of the suspension of gas supplies starting from May 21, 2022, until payment is made in accordance with the procedure established by the decree," it said.

Gazprom Export sent a letter to Gasum in April, requiring the company to pay for gas in rubles instead of euros. "Gasum did not accept the offer of the Russian company and applied to arbitration regarding the contract," according to the Finnish energy firm.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

Russia to cut gas supplies to Finland starting Saturday

Xinhua) 10:13, May 21, 2022

MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Gazprom Export will suspend gas deliveries to Finland from Saturday, as it had not received the necessary payment in rubles from Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum.

"By the end of the working day on May 20 (the payment deadline stipulated by the contract), Gazprom Export did not receive any payments from Gasum for the gas supplied in April," local media reported citing Gazprom Export.

"Gazprom Export has notified Gasum of the suspension of gas supplies starting from May 21, 2022, until payment is made in accordance with the procedure established by the decree," it said.

Gazprom Export sent a letter to Gasum in April, requiring the company to pay for gas in rubles instead of euros. "Gasum did not accept the offer of the Russian company and applied to arbitration regarding the contract," according to the Finnish energy firm.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Delourice Shambala is nearing the final days of her pregnancy, and she attributes her malaria-free pregnancy and good health to a trio of community-based health workers.

The trio includes David Smith Kange, a community health assistant and two community health volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Rose Mukhaye, reminded Delourice to regularly attend the antenatal clinics at the local Esiriambatsi Health Centre as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

One day, Rose found me sleeping under a tree when she was doing her regular rounds in the village. She recognized that I could have been pregnant and suggested I go to the hospital to find out and to start planning for clinic visits if my result was positive. I did not know I was pregnant, said Delourice.

Occasionally, when Delourice could not afford to pay her fare to the health facility, David would use his motorbike to drive her there to pick up Fansidar, which is medication that protects her from malaria.

High malaria cases

Delourice lives in Ebunangwe village in Vihiga County in Kenya. Vihiga is one of eight villages with some of Kenya's highest malaria cases and deaths. According to the Centre for Diseases (CDC), growing up in an environment with regular exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission should offer her some immunity to severe malaria, though it is not guaranteed.

Pregnancy, however, alters any potential protection. Dr. Dickson Mwakangalu, malaria specialist at the Johns Hopkins affiliate Jhpiego and Chief of Party for the United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) Impact Malaria project in Kenya, said that pregnant women like Delourice lose that protection because pregnancy lowers womens immunity.

What further complicates lowered immunity during pregnancy is that the placenta, which nourishes a child in utero, is a prime organ to which malaria can attach itself, Dr Mwakangalu explained.

There is a risk of miscarriage and death for the mother and the baby if they develop severe malaria, Dr. Mwakangalu said. The malaria parasite disrupts the nutritional exchange between mother and foetus, and children are often born preterm, and with low birth weight.

Ms. Delourice Shambala

Kenya is one of the 33 countries the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks as moderate to high malaria transmission countries, which means the majority of the population is at risk of the life-threatening disease. WHOs 2021 world malaria report said one in every three pregnancies (34 per cent, 11.6 million pregnancies) of the estimated 33.8 million in the WHO Africa region were exposed to malaria infection.

Continentwide, the report notes that West Africa has the highest exposure rate to malaria during pregnancy (40 per cent), followed by Central Africa (39 per cent), and East and Southern Africa (22 per cent).

The WHO advises governments to protect women from infection by giving mothers-to-be insecticide-treated bed nets and prompt treatment when they fall sick. The WHO also recommends that clinicians give pregnant women sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a medication known by its generic name Fansidar, from the second trimester.

In 2020 alone, donors such as PMI Impact Malaria procured 21,997,664 doses of Fansidar. Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mali, and Tanzania received more than two million doses.

Dr George Githuka, head of the Division of the National Malaria Programme (DNMP) in Kenyas Ministry of Health, told Africa Renewal that the Ministry gives Fansidar to pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas in the country until the time of delivery. Despite its life-protecting potential, only 49 per cent of pregnant women took three or more doses of Fansidar in 2020  an increase from 35 per cent in 2015, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS).

Intervention relies on expectant mothers going to the hospital, and this is where the community health workers [like David and Rose] are critical, said Dr. Githuka.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and partners, such as PMI Impact Malaria, train community health assistants like David and Rose what to tell the expectant mothers about malaria, including identifying signs and symptoms of the disease.

David and the more than 300 hundred community health volunteers he supervises know about the cultural, health system, and economic barriers that inhibit women from visiting hospitals for care. As a result, he tapped into the communitys love for socialising. He organized community meetings called Barazas, persuading the chief to talk to other men about the importance of supporting and participating in their wives seeking medical care.

Catherine Lagat, the clinician in charge of Esiriambatsi Health facility where Delourice received regular antenatal care, said she has not handled a case of pregnant women suffering from malaria since 2019. She credits this to the community health assistants and volunteers. The facilitys malaria records charts show an 80 per cent drop in malaria cases from as many as 60 per week to just 12.

Kenya is working towards reducing the number of people falling sick and dying of malaria by seventy-five per cent by 2023. Ensuring pregnant women like Delourice have information and access to care throughout their pregnancy will help this effort by decreasing the risk of women contracting malaria and its life-threatening impact on both mother and baby. The role of community health workers in teaching individuals how to protect themselves from malaria and guiding them from their homes to the clinicians when they fall sick will be essential as well.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
OTO, Iowa -- Dan Heissel stood on the shoulder of Snake River Trail, deep in the hills and woods near Oto, and listed animals visitors to the public land here could spot.

Deer, turkeys, mink, beavers, foxes, coyotes.

As if on cue, a raccoon scurried across the road just a few feet away.

There's no guarantee you'll see raccoons when visiting the Woodbury County Conservation Board's newest addition to the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. But the 240 acres include the above-mentioned wildlife, plus numerous species of birds to go along with thick stands of oak trees, natural prairie and scenic views from the ridges of the Loess Hills between Oto and Smithland.

"I just love being on a ridge top and overlooking the rest of the property. It's just beautiful. You look out there and it's so quiet," said Heissel, the conservation board's director.

It's a piece of land board members long had their eyes on as they spent the past 30-plus years acquiring hundreds of acres of beautiful Loess Hills habitat that make up the four units of the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. This latest piece links units 1 and 2 to make 2,148.5 contiguous acres and brings the total area of the conservation area to more than 2,300 acres of prairie, timber and ridge lines.

"It's almost the last piece of the puzzle," Heissel said. "It's been on the board's radar for quite a while. We were happy the family was willing to talk to us."

Heissel remembers the real estate agent representing the Salsness family calling him about two years ago to gauge the conservation board's interest in the land. After hanging up, Heissel paused, hardly able to believe the long-desired piece of property could be within grasp. Then his mind began racing with the possibilities.

But first, the purchase had to be negotiated. The Iowa Heritage Foundation bought the property to hold it while the conservation board lined up grant funding for the purchase. In November, the board received a $777,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Another $90,000 in grants from Pheasants Forever and the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act enabled the board to pay the $837,000 purchase price, plus other costs and fees. The conservation board added more than $10,000 from camping revenues to seal the deal and complete the purchase about six months ago.

It's a unique, undeveloped tract, the only place in Woodbury County where burr and red oaks are found together in a mixed stand. If you can ignore the mosquitoes, there's a picturesque retention pond at the entrance gate. A path leads up into the hills and ridges covered with natural prairie grasses.

Now open to the public, it's a perfect setting for public hunting, bird and wildlife watching and hiking. Heissel said there are no plans to develop trails, campgrounds or other modern amenities.

"This will stay pretty much natural," he said. "The goal is to get it back to as natural as possible."

Conservation workers will clear cedar and other invasive tree species and do some controlled burning so native prairie grasses will return. All that natural habitat now under public control adds one more attraction for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who will visit and potentially provide an economic boost to the county when buying gas, food and supplies.

Add in the nearby 783-acre Southwood Recreation Area and 160-acre Fowler Forest Preserve, and the conservation board has ensured that nearly 3,300 acres in this corner of Woodbury County will remain covered in trees and grass without a house on every hilltop.

"We need to preserve areas like this," Heissel said.

Thanks to the willingness of the previous owners to support that preservation and those who award the grant dollars, the county's conservation board will be able to do just that, making it an area we can appreciate alongside the raccoons.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
OTO, Iowa -- Dan Heissel stood on the shoulder of Snake River Trail, deep in the hills and woods near Oto, and listed animals visitors to the public land here could spot.

Deer, turkeys, mink, beavers, foxes, coyotes.

As if on cue, a raccoon scurried across the road just a few feet away.

There's no guarantee you'll see raccoons when visiting the Woodbury County Conservation Board's newest addition to the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. But the 240 acres include the above-mentioned wildlife, plus numerous species of birds to go along with thick stands of oak trees, natural prairie and scenic views from the ridges of the Loess Hills between Oto and Smithland.

"I just love being on a ridge top and overlooking the rest of the property. It's just beautiful. You look out there and it's so quiet," said Heissel, the conservation board's director.

It's a piece of land board members long had their eyes on as they spent the past 30-plus years acquiring hundreds of acres of beautiful Loess Hills habitat that make up the four units of the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. This latest piece links units 1 and 2 to make 2,148.5 contiguous acres and brings the total area of the conservation area to more than 2,300 acres of prairie, timber and ridge lines.

"It's almost the last piece of the puzzle," Heissel said. "It's been on the board's radar for quite a while. We were happy the family was willing to talk to us."

Heissel remembers the real estate agent representing the Salsness family calling him about two years ago to gauge the conservation board's interest in the land. After hanging up, Heissel paused, hardly able to believe the long-desired piece of property could be within grasp. Then his mind began racing with the possibilities.

But first, the purchase had to be negotiated. The Iowa Heritage Foundation bought the property to hold it while the conservation board lined up grant funding for the purchase. In November, the board received a $777,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Another $90,000 in grants from Pheasants Forever and the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act enabled the board to pay the $837,000 purchase price, plus other costs and fees. The conservation board added more than $10,000 from camping revenues to seal the deal and complete the purchase about six months ago.

It's a unique, undeveloped tract, the only place in Woodbury County where burr and red oaks are found together in a mixed stand. If you can ignore the mosquitoes, there's a picturesque retention pond at the entrance gate. A path leads up into the hills and ridges covered with natural prairie grasses.

Now open to the public, it's a perfect setting for public hunting, bird and wildlife watching and hiking. Heissel said there are no plans to develop trails, campgrounds or other modern amenities.

"This will stay pretty much natural," he said. "The goal is to get it back to as natural as possible."

Conservation workers will clear cedar and other invasive tree species and do some controlled burning so native prairie grasses will return. All that natural habitat now under public control adds one more attraction for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who will visit and potentially provide an economic boost to the county when buying gas, food and supplies.

Add in the nearby 783-acre Southwood Recreation Area and 160-acre Fowler Forest Preserve, and the conservation board has ensured that nearly 3,300 acres in this corner of Woodbury County will remain covered in trees and grass without a house on every hilltop.

"We need to preserve areas like this," Heissel said.

Thanks to the willingness of the previous owners to support that preservation and those who award the grant dollars, the county's conservation board will be able to do just that, making it an area we can appreciate alongside the raccoons.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The race for a northwest Omaha legislative district appears headed to an automatic recount.

District 18, which encompasses Bennington and portions of northwest Omaha, saw three candidates vying to advance to the general election: Michael Young, Christy Armendariz and Clarice Jackson. The top two advance to the general in November.

According to a final vote count released by the Douglas County Election Commission on Friday, Young and Armendariz appear poised to face off in November. Young came out on top with 2,498 primary votes. Armendariz was a close second with 2,379.

But Jackson finished with 2,358 votes  only 21 fewer than Armendariz. The slim margin between Armendariz and Jackson will likely trigger an automatic recount, so long as the numbers hold when vote totals are certified by the State Canvassing Board.

A recount is required by state law when the difference between two candidates is less than 1% of the total votes received by the front-runner. In this case, 1% of Youngs total votes is 25, placing the race in recount territory.

State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, who finished third in the competitive GOP primary for governor, has represented District 18 since 2015. He is barred by term limits from seeking reelection.

Lindstrom threw his support behind Armendariz, while Jackson touted endorsements from prominent Republicans including Gov. Pete Ricketts and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. Young is endorsed by the Nebraska State Educators Association, the Sierra Club and various local labor unions.

Both Armendariz and Jackson are registered Republicans, while Young is a registered Democrat.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
OTO, Iowa -- Dan Heissel stood on the shoulder of Snake River Trail, deep in the hills and woods near Oto, and listed animals visitors to the public land here could spot.

Deer, turkeys, mink, beavers, foxes, coyotes.

As if on cue, a raccoon scurried across the road just a few feet away.

There's no guarantee you'll see raccoons when visiting the Woodbury County Conservation Board's newest addition to the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. But the 240 acres include the above-mentioned wildlife, plus numerous species of birds to go along with thick stands of oak trees, natural prairie and scenic views from the ridges of the Loess Hills between Oto and Smithland.

"I just love being on a ridge top and overlooking the rest of the property. It's just beautiful. You look out there and it's so quiet," said Heissel, the conservation board's director.

It's a piece of land board members long had their eyes on as they spent the past 30-plus years acquiring hundreds of acres of beautiful Loess Hills habitat that make up the four units of the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. This latest piece links units 1 and 2 to make 2,148.5 contiguous acres and brings the total area of the conservation area to more than 2,300 acres of prairie, timber and ridge lines.

"It's almost the last piece of the puzzle," Heissel said. "It's been on the board's radar for quite a while. We were happy the family was willing to talk to us."

Heissel remembers the real estate agent representing the Salsness family calling him about two years ago to gauge the conservation board's interest in the land. After hanging up, Heissel paused, hardly able to believe the long-desired piece of property could be within grasp. Then his mind began racing with the possibilities.

But first, the purchase had to be negotiated. The Iowa Heritage Foundation bought the property to hold it while the conservation board lined up grant funding for the purchase. In November, the board received a $777,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Another $90,000 in grants from Pheasants Forever and the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act enabled the board to pay the $837,000 purchase price, plus other costs and fees. The conservation board added more than $10,000 from camping revenues to seal the deal and complete the purchase about six months ago.

It's a unique, undeveloped tract, the only place in Woodbury County where burr and red oaks are found together in a mixed stand. If you can ignore the mosquitoes, there's a picturesque retention pond at the entrance gate. A path leads up into the hills and ridges covered with natural prairie grasses.

Now open to the public, it's a perfect setting for public hunting, bird and wildlife watching and hiking. Heissel said there are no plans to develop trails, campgrounds or other modern amenities.

"This will stay pretty much natural," he said. "The goal is to get it back to as natural as possible."

Conservation workers will clear cedar and other invasive tree species and do some controlled burning so native prairie grasses will return. All that natural habitat now under public control adds one more attraction for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who will visit and potentially provide an economic boost to the county when buying gas, food and supplies.

Add in the nearby 783-acre Southwood Recreation Area and 160-acre Fowler Forest Preserve, and the conservation board has ensured that nearly 3,300 acres in this corner of Woodbury County will remain covered in trees and grass without a house on every hilltop.

"We need to preserve areas like this," Heissel said.

Thanks to the willingness of the previous owners to support that preservation and those who award the grant dollars, the county's conservation board will be able to do just that, making it an area we can appreciate alongside the raccoons.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
OTO, Iowa -- Dan Heissel stood on the shoulder of Snake River Trail, deep in the hills and woods near Oto, and listed animals visitors to the public land here could spot.

Deer, turkeys, mink, beavers, foxes, coyotes.

As if on cue, a raccoon scurried across the road just a few feet away.

There's no guarantee you'll see raccoons when visiting the Woodbury County Conservation Board's newest addition to the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. But the 240 acres include the above-mentioned wildlife, plus numerous species of birds to go along with thick stands of oak trees, natural prairie and scenic views from the ridges of the Loess Hills between Oto and Smithland.

"I just love being on a ridge top and overlooking the rest of the property. It's just beautiful. You look out there and it's so quiet," said Heissel, the conservation board's director.

It's a piece of land board members long had their eyes on as they spent the past 30-plus years acquiring hundreds of acres of beautiful Loess Hills habitat that make up the four units of the Oak Ridge Conservation Area. This latest piece links units 1 and 2 to make 2,148.5 contiguous acres and brings the total area of the conservation area to more than 2,300 acres of prairie, timber and ridge lines.

"It's almost the last piece of the puzzle," Heissel said. "It's been on the board's radar for quite a while. We were happy the family was willing to talk to us."

Heissel remembers the real estate agent representing the Salsness family calling him about two years ago to gauge the conservation board's interest in the land. After hanging up, Heissel paused, hardly able to believe the long-desired piece of property could be within grasp. Then his mind began racing with the possibilities.

But first, the purchase had to be negotiated. The Iowa Heritage Foundation bought the property to hold it while the conservation board lined up grant funding for the purchase. In November, the board received a $777,500 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Another $90,000 in grants from Pheasants Forever and the North American Waterfowl Conservation Act enabled the board to pay the $837,000 purchase price, plus other costs and fees. The conservation board added more than $10,000 from camping revenues to seal the deal and complete the purchase about six months ago.

It's a unique, undeveloped tract, the only place in Woodbury County where burr and red oaks are found together in a mixed stand. If you can ignore the mosquitoes, there's a picturesque retention pond at the entrance gate. A path leads up into the hills and ridges covered with natural prairie grasses.

Now open to the public, it's a perfect setting for public hunting, bird and wildlife watching and hiking. Heissel said there are no plans to develop trails, campgrounds or other modern amenities.

"This will stay pretty much natural," he said. "The goal is to get it back to as natural as possible."

Conservation workers will clear cedar and other invasive tree species and do some controlled burning so native prairie grasses will return. All that natural habitat now under public control adds one more attraction for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who will visit and potentially provide an economic boost to the county when buying gas, food and supplies.

Add in the nearby 783-acre Southwood Recreation Area and 160-acre Fowler Forest Preserve, and the conservation board has ensured that nearly 3,300 acres in this corner of Woodbury County will remain covered in trees and grass without a house on every hilltop.

"We need to preserve areas like this," Heissel said.

Thanks to the willingness of the previous owners to support that preservation and those who award the grant dollars, the county's conservation board will be able to do just that, making it an area we can appreciate alongside the raccoons.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Several witnesses called on by the prosecution in the murder trial of Timothy Ray Scott Jr. on Friday outlined a pattern of abuse they say led to the deaths of his estranged wife and her mother.

Scott faces multiple counts of first-degree murder in the March 2020 slayings of his mother-in-law, Tamara Dunn, 59, and her daughter, Ann Jolynne Page Scott, 29.

Timothy Scott is on trial after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ann Scott and Tamara Dunn were attacked in Ann Scotts apartment on Colorado Springs' north side weeks after the woman, also known as Annie Clark, had filed for divorce, complaining of abuse by her husband. That triggered a mandatory restraining order against the defendant, which was in place during the attacks.

Police found Ann Scott upstairs dying of gunshot wounds. Dunn later died at a hospital from multiple stab wounds.

Timothy Scott was found by officers inside the townhome with an injured neck. He was arrested by Colorado Springs police on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder.

The first witness the prosecution called to testify Friday was a neighbor and friend of Ann Scott, Julie Gavigan, who described an incident just over a month before the killings.

The incident took place on Feb. 2, 2020, and Gavigan's doorbell video camera recorded footage of a frantic Ann Scott sprinting to the door. She can be heard in the video screaming "help" multiple times while banging on the door, before Timothy Scott can be seen running in and pulling her away from the door.

After hearing Ann Scott's plea for help at her doorstep, Gavigan let her neighbor into her home and called police. Gavigan described in testimony that Ann Scott told her Timothy Scott had punched her in front of his 11-year-old daughter after returning home from a night out.

Fearing the situation could get worse, Ann Scott ran out of her townhome toward Gavigan's residence seeking help. Police detective Janel Langdon-Isaac, who was the responding officer that night, backed up Gavigans testimony.

Body-camera footage from Langdon-Isaac the night of Feb. 2 shows Ann Scott sobbing while describing the events that took place. She said in the footage that Timothy Scott punched her in the collarbone and berated her with insults; she also said that the argument began because he was upset over not receiving enough attention from her earlier in the evening when they were out together.

Timothy Scott left with his daughter and couldn't be found by police that night, according to Langdon-Isaac, but court records show that on Feb. 5 he was booked into El Paso County jail on suspicion of third-degree assault, harassment and several other misdemeanor charges. Timothy Scott posted the $3,000 bond set by the court and was released.

Following his release, Ann Scott began to have serious concerns about her safety, and had her mother stay with her for protection, Gavigan told the court. Gavigan testified that at one point she tried to persuade Ann Scott to move in with her, but she declined.

In the weeks leading up to the deaths, Gavigan testified that Ann Scott told her that she had seen Timothy Scott in his car outside the townhome complex they lived in while she was out walking her dog.

Megan Cheyh, a coworker of Ann Scott's at J. Gregory Salon, testified that Timothy Scott was posing as various clients of Ann Scott, sending her text messages.

"I just want to let you know that divorce is a sin in the Bible and if you divorce Timothy (Scott) you'll go to hell," Cheyh said to the court while recalling the text messages.

Cheyh also testified that she had a conversation during which Ann Scott claimed her husband said he "would like to watch her take her last breath."

Court records show that Ann Scott filed for divorce on Feb. 25, less than two weeks before her death.

Timothy Scott's first ex-wife  and the mother of his daughter  K'la Higgs, testified that on March 2, 2020, just days before the killings, he called Higgs to discuss why he wasn't allowed to see his daughter. Higgs recalled that after the conversation, Timothy Scott said, "this b---- is going to get what she deserves," a comment Higgs said she believed to be in reference to Ann Scott at the time.

Three days later, Ann Scott and Dunn were dead.

Dunn suffered 16 stab wounds to her face, neck and arm at the bottom of the townhome stairs, while Ann Scott was killed by multiple gunshot wounds in the upstairs bedroom. Some of Dunn's last words before she died later that evening were, "he killed my daughter," according to previous reporting from The Gazette.

The trial is scheduled to continue at 8:30 a.m. Monday in the 4th Judicial District Court.


A late season snowstorm has moved into the Pikes Peak region and could drop 6-12 inches of snow overnight in lower elevations, and 12-18 inches for the mountains and the Palmer Divide, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, and forecasters warn that the heavy, wet snow could cause damage to trees and powerlines. Overnight temperatures could drop below freezing in El Paso County.

Click or tap here for road conditions around Colorado.

Click or tap here for the latest flight information at Colorado Springs Airport.

TODAY'S LATEST UPDATES

7:30 p.m.

According to CDOT:

Westbound I-70, at mile point 195 (Cooper Mountain | Vail Pass) due to a crash at mile point 189.





US 6 (Loveland Pass) is closed due to adverse conditions.





Eastbound I-70, at mile point 176 (Vail Pass | Copper Mountain) due to adverse conditions.

5 p.m. The National Weather Service in Pueblo reports wet roads, and low visibility on I-25 near County Line in El Paso County. Weather Service forecasters say heavy snow bands are expected in the Pikes Peak area throughout the evening.

*5:00PM* Very wet roads being observed. Low visibility and low clouds over County Line in El Paso County on the Palmer Divide. #COwx #Colorado Courtesy of @ColoradoDOT pic.twitter.com/VQb9gitULN  NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 20, 2022

4:45 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department is on accident alert status due to weather and road conditions. Read more about cold reporting here.

1:51 p.m.: To report any down trees or power lines, visit: coloradosprings.gov/forestry/page/street-tree-maintenance-requests.

1:14 p.m.: Some flights at Colorado Springs Airport have been cancelled and other delayed. Click or tap here to find out if yours is one of them.

12:12 p.m.: The Colorado Rockies game against the New York Mets, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Friday, has been postponed. It is now scheduled for Saturday at 1:10 p.m. as the first game of a split doubleheader.

10:18 a.m.: The Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event was originally set to take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, a private ceremony will be held to honor law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

10:12 a.m.: The North Pole-Santa's Workshop opening has been delayed indefinitely due to anticipated snowfall. The opening was originally scheduled for Saturday.

The El Pomar Center announced that the El Pomar Foundations Penrose Heritage Museum 80th Anniversary Open House has been postponed indefinitely. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday.

7:25 a.m.: With the forecast predicting sleet and cold temperatures early Friday and snow later in the day, CHSAA announced day two of the state track and field meet will be postponed.

TODAY'S FORECAST

It's not time to put away the winter coats just yet.

Temperatures have cooled down and a winter storm warning is in effect until Saturday at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Highs are expected to be near 50 in Colorado Springs Friday, with an 80% chance of rain and snow and 100% chance overnight. Temps will hit freezing tonight with expected lows in the low 30s.

Showers are expected in after 2 p.m. Friday, and rain is forecast to turn into snow overnight Friday, with snow showers starting after 11 p.m. Projected snow accumulation is 3 to 7 inches.

Snow and rain are expected to continue Saturday with potential new snow amounts between 1 and 3 inches.

Travelers are being cautioned about road conditions.

The National Weather Service Boulder tweeted: "The worst commute will be Friday PM into Saturday AM for the I-25 corridor. Please prepare for snow covered roads and do not crowd the plow!"

Roads in the Rocky Mountain National Park are closed as they anticipate possible new snow amounts up to 31 inches.

Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Showers, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 50. East wind around 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain showers before 9 p.m., then rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., then snow showers after 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow before 2 p.m., then rain and snow likely. High near 41. North wind 5-10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southeast wind 10-15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5-15 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Watch: Spring snowstorm catches Denver off guard
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening.

The 29-year-old performer flashed a wide smile and rocked an eye-catching outfit while spending time at the charitable event.

The Nickelodeon star was joined by numerous other industry figures, including actresses Cybill Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox, while supporting the effort to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Showing up: Victoria Justice attended the 29th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Justice wore plunging black gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem

Justice, 29, wore plunging black Tommy Hilfiger runway collection gown with flouncy ruffling from the waist to the hem.

She added a little bit of sparkle to her look for the evening with multiple gold earrings, as well as several bands on her fingers.

Her gorgeous brunette hair was tied into a tight bun and she rocked a ruby red lip.

Fashionable: The Victorious star's outfit also featured a ruffled lower portion that covered up her toned legs while she attended the event

Good company: Justice was also pictured while spending time with her sister Maddy Grace, who stunned in a sparkling green dress for the night

Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it.

The 72-year-old actress layered it over a chic black turtleneck dress that stopped mid-thigh.

For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots.

Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event.

Rockin' and rollin'! Cybill Shepherd was hell for leather in a black bomber jacket boasting a musical note pattern on the front of it

Pizzazz: For some added pizzazz, Shepherd slipped her feet into a pair of color-blocked cowboy boots. Her beautiful blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulder during her time at the star-studded event

Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace.

Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs.

Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event.

Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress.

Va va voom: Angela Lewis opted to wear a flowing black dress and several rings, as well as a dual-tone necklace

Standing out: Frances Fisher donned a multicolored floral-print dress and a sparkling necklace at the charitable event. Shaun Robinson rocked a vibrantly colored sleeved red-orange dress that showed off one of her sculpted legs

Hot stuff! Vivica A. Fox placed her toned legs on near full display while wearing a sleeved purple dress

David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt.

The Married... with Children actor also rocked a set of slim-fitting jeans and high-top boots.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress and donned a white dress underneath her outerwear.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member also sported a stylish set of high-heeled shoes and her lovely locks fell towards her shoulders.

Taking it easy: David Faustino kept it relatively casual in a black zip-up jacket and a dark purple button-up shirt

All dressed up: Garcelle Beauvais wore a lovely floral-print sheer dress while attending the charitable function

Making a strong impression: She also donned a white dress underneath her outerwear

Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique.

She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants.

Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers.

Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color.

Flowery: Crystal Kung Minkoff looked stylish in a sleeved floral-print dress that covered up nearly all of her sculpted physique. She was also pictured while spending time with her husband Rob, who donned a dark blue jacket and matching pants

Man in black: Deacon Phillippe wore a black jacket and matching trousers that were contrasted with a set of brown Nike sneakers

Having a good time: Katie Cassidy opted to wear a flowing white jacket and a stylish set of pants in the same color. Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event

There she is: Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes

Matching in black gowns: Ashley Alexiss and her mom, Velvet Smith

Bershan Shaw stood out while wearing a pink leopard-and-zebra-print dress at the charitable event.

Sheree Zampino made quite the impression at a multicolored dress and a set of gold high-heeled shoes.

Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes.

Elegant: Vanna White wore a lovely black dress that featured several sparkling silver portions, as well as a pair of matching shoes

Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion.

The media personality also donned a set of hot pink high-heeled shoes during her tine at the event.

The socialite accessorized with a fringed purse and her gorgeous blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders.

Her husband Richard opted for a light blue jacket and a pair of purple trousers.

Notable guest: Kathy Hilton stood out while wearing a sleeved orange dress that featured a flowing pink front portion

The picture of beauty: Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras

Elegant: The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam. Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants

Gigi Gorgeous opted to wear a silver velvet dress while spending time in front of the cameras.

The YouTube personality accessorized with a single bracelet that gave her outfit a bit of extra glam.

The internet figure's lengthy blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the color of her outfit.

Her husband, Nats Getty, rocked a graphic-printed black jacket and a matching pair of pants, as well as a white shirt and multicolored pants.

Sharp-dressed man: Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants while posing up with wife Dee Ocleppo

Silver: Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants. Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event

Tommy Hilfiger looked sharp in a blue pinstripe shirt and a matching set of pants.

His wife, Dee Ocleppo, stood out in a flowing orange dress and carried a gold clutch with her during her time in front of the cameras.

Taylor Dayne rocked a floral-printed dress and wore a gold bracelet at the event.

Taryn Manning made quite the impression while wearing a sparkling button-up shirt and a matching set of pants.

Ellie Zeller was the picture of elegance in a hot pink dress that included a lengthy cape.
For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Advertiser.





BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Students are once again attending class in the 1873 Forest Grove School in Bettendorf.

After raising about $200,000 over seven years to restore the falling-down, one-room school, supporters have opened the building for free reenactments of a typical student day. A schoolmarm teaches subjects and skills as they might have been taught during the 1920s, the time period to which the school was restored.

Iowa once had 12,000 to 14,000 one-room school houses, depending on which report you consult, but with either number, Iowa had more than any other state in the nation. Supporters of Forest Grove preservation efforts want Forest Grove to be used to interpret and teach the role these schools played in the states history, Sharon Andresen, project coordinator for the nonprofit group, told the Quad-City Times.

Because of legislation requiring consolidation of schools, Iowas last one-room school closed in 1967; Forest Grove closed 10 years earlier in 1957.

Half- or full-day reenactments are open to any public, private or homeschool classes in the Quad-City area. Fourth grade is a good target level, but Diane Borcherding, a retired Bettendorf High School biology teacher who is volunteering her time as the schoolmarm, is open to other grades, depending on the circumstances.

Classes have finished for this spring, but students are being recruited for next year, both fall and spring.

To figure out what and how to teach, Borcherding did research.

To begin  and so as not to reinvent the wheel -- she sat in on the class of a woman who has been conducting reenactments in Marshalltown for about 15 years, copiously taking notes. She read through a box of school books from 1920 and before that Andresen collected during restoration efforts, and Borcherding and her husband purchased more on eBay, including reading and arithmetic books.

She also consulted old school yearbooks from the Davenport school district to see what types of clothes the teachers wore, and what kinds of clubs and other activities were offered. Newspaper archives provided another source of information.

The typical school day begins when Borcherding calls kids to class by pulling on a rope to ring the school bell  the schools original  that is hanging in a reconstructed bell tower atop the building.

As students take their seats in rows according to grade level, one student is sent out to get water for drinking and hand-washing. A hand pump stands in front of the school, but it is not hooked up to a well, so this involves a bit of pretend.

After taking attendance, there is a Bible reading, a short prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of America. Borcherding sends letters to parents before the reenactment letting them know what to expect, including the Bible reading and prayer. Parents can decide against sending their child to the class, but Borcherding does not want to eliminate the religious aspect because it (the school day) is either authentic or its not.

To further enrich the experience, she also sends parents a copy of typical recess games such as Blind Mans Bluff and Red Rover and some old-time cookie recipes that they can make at home and take back to school for lunch, wrapped in paper.

Subjects include reading, writing in cursive and arithmetic. For counting, Borcherding has a stock of 1920 or older coins.

For writing, older students use pens dipped in bottles of ink, while younger grades use chalk on a slate.

Additional subjects are history, geography, science, art and music, depending on whether its a half- or full-day. Children stand at a recitation bench at the front of the classroom to be quizzed on what they know, and the day ends with a spelling bee.

One-room school teachers worked with one grade level at a time, so a big challenge was to keep the other grade levels occupied while she did that. This is a challenge for Borcherding, too.

For authenticity, Borcherding wears a long, all-cotton dress with buttons (not a zipper), lace-up boots, and pins (not a rubber band) to hold her hair in a bun.

Childrens plastic water bottles must be checked at the door, and if they need to use a restroom, they have to leave the school and walk to a portable toilet out back.

One welcome concession to modern times is that the school is air-conditioned. The consulting architect advised the preservation group to add this amenity for the sake of better preserving the 100-year-old materials in the school.

Another difference? Borcherding does not use corporal punishment for misbehavior.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Quad-City Times.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close






Rep. Joyce Beatty (D, OH-3) spoke at the Capitol on Thursday, stating that three people in a Korean-owned hair salon were gunned by another white supremacy replacement theorist, when the suspect is Black.

Beatty, who is also chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, mistakenly blamed white supremacy for the shooting at the Dallas Korean hair salon that left three women of Korean descent wounded.

Vigilantes acting with racial animus and espousing white supremacist ideology that results in the loss of innocent lives must be classified as a hate crime, full stop, said the congresswoman, who concluded by urging legislators for better gun control regulations.

Last year, more than 20,000 Americans lost their lives to gun violence. In the aftermath of this horrific episode, Congress has a moral obligation to make our nation fairer and safer for all Americans.

More from NextShark: Chinese man dies by apparent suicide over childhood bullying for being 'effeminate,' 'sissy'

What Beatty did get right, however, was that the shooting was most likely a hate crime, based on police reports.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia announced on Tuesday the arrest of 36-year-old Jeremy Theron Smith, who is believed to have mental health issues.

According to Garcia, the gunman had been suffering for several years from panic attacks and delusions when he was around anyone of Asian descent.

More from NextShark: Pastor in Little Saigon Pleads Guilty in $33 Million Investment Scam

Smith had a history of being admitted to multiple mental health facilities, and he previously was fired from a job after verbally attacking a boss of Asian descent.

Police arrested Smith while he was on the job cleaning leaves and trash from someones lawn.

More from NextShark: Chinese student pleads guilty to attempted murder of 4 Hong Kong women in hopes of death penalty

Feature image via Joyce Beatty and Congressional Black Caucus

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Woman Filmed Hurling Anti-Asian Comments in a Metro Vancouver Park
The decision document briefed to President Donald Trump on Jan. 11, 2021, named Colorado Springs as the first choice for the permanent headquarters of U.S. Space Command, according to the final report of the Pentagons Office of the Inspector General, obtained by The Gazette.

The decision to headquarter Space Command in Colorado Springs, the OIG draft explains, was based on the best military judgment of top military leaders, including SPACECOM leader Gen. James Dickinson, Space Force chief Gen. Jay Raymond and former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten, according to an unredacted version of the report obtained by the web site, Breaking Defense. Those names were redacted in the final version of the report.

Senior military space officers had issues with Colorado Springs low ranking in the metrics used in the initial review of sites, according to the unredacted OIG report.

Space Command decision: Report will confirm flaws in process behind move to pull headquarters from Colorado Springs

The reports recommendations potentially open the door to reexamination of the basing review for Space Command.

Trump overrode the military leaders' recommendation and picked Huntsville, Ala., as the headquarters for Space Command.

The DoD OIG report confirms that throughout the process the best military advice and first choice of our top commanders was to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs, said U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, who represents Colorados 5th Congressional District.

This report focused on the chronology of the events and whether any nefarious or illegal actions occurred, while the forthcoming GAO report did a much deeper review of the criteria and scoring in this basing decision. With only a cursory review of the process itself, the DoD OIGs conclusion that the previous basing decision was reasonable simply means that it was logical based on flawed evaluations.

Though Huntsville had ranked high in the metrics evaluated for the basing decision, the recommendation from the Pentagon was that Colorado Springs instead remain SPACECOMs home, thanks to the interdiction of the senior military officers, according to Breaking Defense's report.

GAO finds 'shortfalls' in Space Command relocation process

The critical concern of senior military officers was that the process failed to take into account the need to rapidly bring SPACECOM up to full operational capability. Keeping SPACECOM at Peterson Space Force Base could accelerate that process, while moving it would require new facilities, the report found. Sources familiar with the GAO report said Peterson could have the command fully operational in 2-3 years, while it would take Huntsville up to six years to become fully operational.

"Two of the four recommendations in the DoD OIG report are to more fully account for the imperative to quickly achieve full operational capability based on concerns raised by our military leaders that this was not adequately factored in during this basing process," said Lamborn. "I will continue to advocate for a fair and transparent basing decision that prioritizes national security imperatives and rapidly addresses the increasing threats we face in space.

The DoD IG report does conclude that Huntsville was a reasonable decision, given that it place first in the original ranking of sites. Colorado Springs placed fifth, according to those metrics. "Based on the flawed process, Redstone is validated as a 'reasonable' choice by the DoD IG. It does not say it was the right decision, just that based on the process that was used it is a logical conclusion," said a senior source familiar with both reports.

The plan to base Space Command in Alabama has been called an ill-conceived political play by many lawmakers including Lamborn. They say Trump's move was designed to reward Alabama lawmakers who remained loyal to the president as he contested the 2020 election.

Space Force, I sent to Alabama, Trump claimed in a radio show interview in August 2021. I hope you know that. [They] said they were looking for a home and I single-handedly said, Lets go to Alabama. They wanted it. I said, Lets go to Alabama. I love Alabama.

"What is clear from this report that the Air Forces best military advice resulted in bringing Colorado Springs forward as the preferred location in their meeting with the President and that this was reflected in the decision matrix provided at that time," the source said. "Following this meeting, however, the decision matrix was revised from its original recommendation of Colorado Springs to a new decision of Huntsville."

"Two of the four recommendations in the DoD OIG report are to more fully account for the imperative to quickly achieve full operational capability based on concerns raised by our military leaders that this was not adequately factored in during this basing process," added Lamborn. "I will continue to advocate for a fair and transparent basing decision that prioritizes national security imperatives and rapidly addresses the increasing threats we face in space.

The fight to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs has only begun
The decision document briefed to President Donald Trump on Jan. 11, 2021, named Colorado Springs as the first choice for the permanent headquarters of U.S. Space Command, according to the final report of the Pentagons Office of the Inspector General, obtained by The Gazette.

The decision to headquarter Space Command in Colorado Springs, the OIG draft explains, was based on the best military judgment of top military leaders, including SPACECOM leader Gen. James Dickinson, Space Force chief Gen. Jay Raymond and former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten, according to an unredacted version of the report obtained by the web site, Breaking Defense. Those names were redacted in the final version of the report.

Senior military space officers had issues with Colorado Springs low ranking in the metrics used in the initial review of sites, according to the unredacted OIG report.

Space Command decision: Report will confirm flaws in process behind move to pull headquarters from Colorado Springs

The reports recommendations potentially open the door to reexamination of the basing review for Space Command.

Trump overrode the military leaders' recommendation and picked Huntsville, Ala., as the headquarters for Space Command.

The DoD OIG report confirms that throughout the process the best military advice and first choice of our top commanders was to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs, said U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, who represents Colorados 5th Congressional District.

This report focused on the chronology of the events and whether any nefarious or illegal actions occurred, while the forthcoming GAO report did a much deeper review of the criteria and scoring in this basing decision. With only a cursory review of the process itself, the DoD OIGs conclusion that the previous basing decision was reasonable simply means that it was logical based on flawed evaluations.

Though Huntsville had ranked high in the metrics evaluated for the basing decision, the recommendation from the Pentagon was that Colorado Springs instead remain SPACECOMs home, thanks to the interdiction of the senior military officers, according to Breaking Defense's report.

GAO finds 'shortfalls' in Space Command relocation process

The critical concern of senior military officers was that the process failed to take into account the need to rapidly bring SPACECOM up to full operational capability. Keeping SPACECOM at Peterson Space Force Base could accelerate that process, while moving it would require new facilities, the report found. Sources familiar with the GAO report said Peterson could have the command fully operational in 2-3 years, while it would take Huntsville up to six years to become fully operational.

"Two of the four recommendations in the DoD OIG report are to more fully account for the imperative to quickly achieve full operational capability based on concerns raised by our military leaders that this was not adequately factored in during this basing process," said Lamborn. "I will continue to advocate for a fair and transparent basing decision that prioritizes national security imperatives and rapidly addresses the increasing threats we face in space.

The DoD IG report does conclude that Huntsville was a reasonable decision, given that it place first in the original ranking of sites. Colorado Springs placed fifth, according to those metrics. "Based on the flawed process, Redstone is validated as a 'reasonable' choice by the DoD IG. It does not say it was the right decision, just that based on the process that was used it is a logical conclusion," said a senior source familiar with both reports.

The plan to base Space Command in Alabama has been called an ill-conceived political play by many lawmakers including Lamborn. They say Trump's move was designed to reward Alabama lawmakers who remained loyal to the president as he contested the 2020 election.

Space Force, I sent to Alabama, Trump claimed in a radio show interview in August 2021. I hope you know that. [They] said they were looking for a home and I single-handedly said, Lets go to Alabama. They wanted it. I said, Lets go to Alabama. I love Alabama.

"What is clear from this report that the Air Forces best military advice resulted in bringing Colorado Springs forward as the preferred location in their meeting with the President and that this was reflected in the decision matrix provided at that time," the source said. "Following this meeting, however, the decision matrix was revised from its original recommendation of Colorado Springs to a new decision of Huntsville."

"Two of the four recommendations in the DoD OIG report are to more fully account for the imperative to quickly achieve full operational capability based on concerns raised by our military leaders that this was not adequately factored in during this basing process," added Lamborn. "I will continue to advocate for a fair and transparent basing decision that prioritizes national security imperatives and rapidly addresses the increasing threats we face in space.

The fight to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs has only begun


A late season snowstorm has moved into the Pikes Peak region and could drop 6-12 inches of snow overnight in lower elevations, and 12-18 inches for the mountains and the Palmer Divide, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, and forecasters warn that the heavy, wet snow could cause damage to trees and powerlines. Overnight temperatures could drop below freezing in El Paso County.

Click or tap here for road conditions around Colorado.

Click or tap here for the latest flight information at Colorado Springs Airport.

TODAY'S LATEST UPDATES

7:30 p.m.

According to CDOT:

Westbound I-70, at mile point 195 (Cooper Mountain | Vail Pass) due to a crash at mile point 189.





US 6 (Loveland Pass) is closed due to adverse conditions.





Eastbound I-70, at mile point 176 (Vail Pass | Copper Mountain) due to adverse conditions.

5 p.m. The National Weather Service in Pueblo reports wet roads, and low visibility on I-25 near County Line in El Paso County. Weather Service forecasters say heavy snow bands are expected in the Pikes Peak area throughout the evening.

*5:00PM* Very wet roads being observed. Low visibility and low clouds over County Line in El Paso County on the Palmer Divide. #COwx #Colorado Courtesy of @ColoradoDOT pic.twitter.com/VQb9gitULN  NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 20, 2022

4:45 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department is on accident alert status due to weather and road conditions. Read more about cold reporting here.

1:51 p.m.: To report any down trees or power lines, visit: coloradosprings.gov/forestry/page/street-tree-maintenance-requests.

1:14 p.m.: Some flights at Colorado Springs Airport have been cancelled and other delayed. Click or tap here to find out if yours is one of them.

12:12 p.m.: The Colorado Rockies game against the New York Mets, scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Friday, has been postponed. It is now scheduled for Saturday at 1:10 p.m. as the first game of a split doubleheader.

10:18 a.m.: The Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers Memorial has been canceled due to inclement weather. The event was originally set to take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, a private ceremony will be held to honor law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

10:12 a.m.: The North Pole-Santa's Workshop opening has been delayed indefinitely due to anticipated snowfall. The opening was originally scheduled for Saturday.

The El Pomar Center announced that the El Pomar Foundations Penrose Heritage Museum 80th Anniversary Open House has been postponed indefinitely. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday.

7:25 a.m.: With the forecast predicting sleet and cold temperatures early Friday and snow later in the day, CHSAA announced day two of the state track and field meet will be postponed.

TODAY'S FORECAST

It's not time to put away the winter coats just yet.

Temperatures have cooled down and a winter storm warning is in effect until Saturday at 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Highs are expected to be near 50 in Colorado Springs Friday, with an 80% chance of rain and snow and 100% chance overnight. Temps will hit freezing tonight with expected lows in the low 30s.

Showers are expected in after 2 p.m. Friday, and rain is forecast to turn into snow overnight Friday, with snow showers starting after 11 p.m. Projected snow accumulation is 3 to 7 inches.

Snow and rain are expected to continue Saturday with potential new snow amounts between 1 and 3 inches.

Travelers are being cautioned about road conditions.

The National Weather Service Boulder tweeted: "The worst commute will be Friday PM into Saturday AM for the I-25 corridor. Please prepare for snow covered roads and do not crowd the plow!"

Roads in the Rocky Mountain National Park are closed as they anticipate possible new snow amounts up to 31 inches.

Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Showers, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 50. East wind around 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain showers before 9 p.m., then rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., then snow showers after 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow before 2 p.m., then rain and snow likely. High near 41. North wind 5-10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southeast wind 10-15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5-15 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Watch: Spring snowstorm catches Denver off guard
















Rep. Joyce Beatty (D, OH-3) spoke at the Capitol on Thursday, stating that three people in a Korean-owned hair salon were gunned by another white supremacy replacement theorist, when the suspect is Black.

Beatty, who is also chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, mistakenly blamed white supremacy for the shooting at the Dallas Korean hair salon that left three women of Korean descent wounded.

Vigilantes acting with racial animus and espousing white supremacist ideology that results in the loss of innocent lives must be classified as a hate crime, full stop, said the congresswoman, who concluded by urging legislators for better gun control regulations.

Last year, more than 20,000 Americans lost their lives to gun violence. In the aftermath of this horrific episode, Congress has a moral obligation to make our nation fairer and safer for all Americans.

More from NextShark: Chinese man dies by apparent suicide over childhood bullying for being 'effeminate,' 'sissy'

What Beatty did get right, however, was that the shooting was most likely a hate crime, based on police reports.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia announced on Tuesday the arrest of 36-year-old Jeremy Theron Smith, who is believed to have mental health issues.

According to Garcia, the gunman had been suffering for several years from panic attacks and delusions when he was around anyone of Asian descent.

More from NextShark: Pastor in Little Saigon Pleads Guilty in $33 Million Investment Scam

Smith had a history of being admitted to multiple mental health facilities, and he previously was fired from a job after verbally attacking a boss of Asian descent.

Police arrested Smith while he was on the job cleaning leaves and trash from someones lawn.

More from NextShark: Chinese student pleads guilty to attempted murder of 4 Hong Kong women in hopes of death penalty

Feature image via Joyce Beatty and Congressional Black Caucus

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Woman Filmed Hurling Anti-Asian Comments in a Metro Vancouver Park




Russian Spetsnaz troops march through Red Square in a Victory Day military parade, May 9, 2021. Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

Russian forces have suffered major losses in Ukraine and failed to capture Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Russian lawmakers on Friday moved to expand military eligibility to include older citizens.

An amendment introduced in parliament would drop the 18-40 age requirement for first-time recruits.

Russian lawmakers on Friday took steps to expand its military recruitment to include older citizens as its forces have taken major hits and been pushed out of key areas in Ukraine.

An amendment was introduced in Russia's parliament that would eliminate the requirement that first-time military enlistments be between the ages of 18 to 40, The New York Times reported.

The measure would allow older Russian citizens to join the war effort. A statement from the lower house of Parliament said "highly professional specialists are needed" to operate military equipment, The Times reported. The statement also said medical workers and engineers were among the specialists needed.

The lawmakers did not cite a need for additional ground troops in Ukraine. However, the UK's Ministry of Defense said last week Russia has likely lost a third of its ground combat force since invading in February.

Russian forces have been dealt a series of setbacks in the war, including failing to capture the capital city of Kyiv and then Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. After getting pushed out of the latter last week, some Russian forces were redeployed to the eastern Donbas region.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary-general, said earlier this week that Russian efforts in the Donbas had also stalled, adding that "Russia is not achieving its strategic objectives."

Read the original article on Business Insider

CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.

CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.



Seoul, May 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his visiting US counterpart Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit in Seoul on Saturday on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme and supply chain risks.

On Friday, Biden arrived on his first visit to the country as President and only 10 days after Yoon took office, reports Yonhap News Agency.

On the first stop of his three-day visit, Biden visited a Samsung semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, on Friday.

He was joined by Yoon and the two were given a personal tour of the sprawling compound by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The visit underscored the two countries' commitment to working together to strengthen supply chains amid a post-pandemic global shortage of semiconductors.

Yoon told Biden that the facility is "the site of the industrial and technology alliance between South Korea and the US", a presidential official told reporters Saturday.

Yoon also said semiconductors are the core of the bilateral alliance and that advanced industries are only made possible by a free environment and creativity, and impossible without a liberal democratic system, according to the official.

Biden's second day in Seoul will include a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where he will pay tribute to fallen soldiers, a summit with Yoon at the new presidential office in the central district of Yongsan, and a joint press conference.

He will later attend a banquet hosted by Yoon at the National Museum of Korea.

During the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Yoon and Biden will jointly visit the Korean Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where they will be briefed on its activities and encourage South Korean and US service members.

Biden will depart for Japan on Sunday afternoon to continue on the second leg of his Asia tour.



A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.
Seoul, May 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his visiting US counterpart Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit in Seoul on Saturday on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme and supply chain risks.

On Friday, Biden arrived on his first visit to the country as President and only 10 days after Yoon took office, reports Yonhap News Agency.

On the first stop of his three-day visit, Biden visited a Samsung semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, on Friday.

He was joined by Yoon and the two were given a personal tour of the sprawling compound by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The visit underscored the two countries' commitment to working together to strengthen supply chains amid a post-pandemic global shortage of semiconductors.

Yoon told Biden that the facility is "the site of the industrial and technology alliance between South Korea and the US", a presidential official told reporters Saturday.

Yoon also said semiconductors are the core of the bilateral alliance and that advanced industries are only made possible by a free environment and creativity, and impossible without a liberal democratic system, according to the official.

Biden's second day in Seoul will include a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where he will pay tribute to fallen soldiers, a summit with Yoon at the new presidential office in the central district of Yongsan, and a joint press conference.

He will later attend a banquet hosted by Yoon at the National Museum of Korea.

During the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Yoon and Biden will jointly visit the Korean Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where they will be briefed on its activities and encourage South Korean and US service members.

Biden will depart for Japan on Sunday afternoon to continue on the second leg of his Asia tour.
New Delhi, May 21 : With global biodiversity loss at dangerous levels, 139 countries have received a lifeline to fast-track efforts to conserve, protect and restore species and ecosystems as soon as a new global accord currently under negotiation is approved.

The new financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), totaling $43 million, will give developing countries the means to quickly put the anticipated Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework into practice and make headway towards the goal of halting and reversing species loss this decade.

Supported with technical expertise from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the participating countries will be eligible for new grants of $300,000 for work to analyse and align their national policies, targets, finance and monitoring systems to take effective action on global threats to biodiversity.

"As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, this commitment shows that the world is united in recognizing the urgent need to end the destruction of nature and the loss of the services it provides," Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said.

"This early action will prepare Parties to mobilise for the action that all sectors of society will take to make these aspirations a reality in the 10 years ahead." The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, a 10-year plan to halt the increase in the rate of extinctions and bring 30 per cent of land and sea areas under protection, is expected to be agreed by the 196 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity when they meet in Kunming, China, later this year.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF, said it was critically important for all countries to be ready to act quickly once the new framework is approved.

"Setting our aspirations is only a first step, and this coming decade requires us to sprint," Rodriguez said.

"Recognising the intense pressures on developing countries as well as their unprecedented commitment to change the trajectory of biodiversity loss, the GEF is making these Early Action Grants available even before the new global accord is agreed. Countries can use this afast track' financial approach to update their biodiversity strategies and build capacities to deliver in the GBF.

"We stand ready to continue to help stewards of globally-important biodiversity elevate nature in their planning and quickly scale up efforts that together can turn international goals into reality," he added.

"The Global Biodiversity Framework represents a critical opportunity to set our planet on a new course," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said.

"But the global pandemic has left us with no time to waste. This joint initiative to accelerate preparedness by national actors shows that together, we are ready to put nature at the heart of decision-making about our shared future." "We need to create a planetary safety net by putting nature at the heart of our global, national and local economies and development frameworks. Nature underpins half the world's jobs and livelihoods, is the foundation for national food and water security, and is essential for tackling our climate crisis. Investing in early actions on nature is a triple win for people and the planet," stated UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently in its final negotiation stages, with the fourth and final meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Framework to be held from June 21 to 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
New Delhi, May 21 : With global biodiversity loss at dangerous levels, 139 countries have received a lifeline to fast-track efforts to conserve, protect and restore species and ecosystems as soon as a new global accord currently under negotiation is approved.

The new financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), totaling $43 million, will give developing countries the means to quickly put the anticipated Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework into practice and make headway towards the goal of halting and reversing species loss this decade.

Supported with technical expertise from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the participating countries will be eligible for new grants of $300,000 for work to analyse and align their national policies, targets, finance and monitoring systems to take effective action on global threats to biodiversity.

"As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, this commitment shows that the world is united in recognizing the urgent need to end the destruction of nature and the loss of the services it provides," Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said.

"This early action will prepare Parties to mobilise for the action that all sectors of society will take to make these aspirations a reality in the 10 years ahead." The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, a 10-year plan to halt the increase in the rate of extinctions and bring 30 per cent of land and sea areas under protection, is expected to be agreed by the 196 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity when they meet in Kunming, China, later this year.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF, said it was critically important for all countries to be ready to act quickly once the new framework is approved.

"Setting our aspirations is only a first step, and this coming decade requires us to sprint," Rodriguez said.

"Recognising the intense pressures on developing countries as well as their unprecedented commitment to change the trajectory of biodiversity loss, the GEF is making these Early Action Grants available even before the new global accord is agreed. Countries can use this afast track' financial approach to update their biodiversity strategies and build capacities to deliver in the GBF.

"We stand ready to continue to help stewards of globally-important biodiversity elevate nature in their planning and quickly scale up efforts that together can turn international goals into reality," he added.

"The Global Biodiversity Framework represents a critical opportunity to set our planet on a new course," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said.

"But the global pandemic has left us with no time to waste. This joint initiative to accelerate preparedness by national actors shows that together, we are ready to put nature at the heart of decision-making about our shared future." "We need to create a planetary safety net by putting nature at the heart of our global, national and local economies and development frameworks. Nature underpins half the world's jobs and livelihoods, is the foundation for national food and water security, and is essential for tackling our climate crisis. Investing in early actions on nature is a triple win for people and the planet," stated UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently in its final negotiation stages, with the fourth and final meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Framework to be held from June 21 to 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.


Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Pottawattamie County Board Member Justin Schultz doesnt like to take no for an answer, and when hes told something cant be done, or a building project costs too much, it just makes him want to succeed even more.

Im a very driven individual, Schultz said in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil. Maybe its stubbornness, I dont know.

For example, when Schultz  currently seeking a third term on the Board  was working with the Dream Playground Re-Imagined committee to renovate the Lake Manawa State Park play area, the state told them that they couldnt.

They had some other groups try in the past and they just didnt finish or they did kind of shoddy work, and so I think they were just real cautious to do it, which I totally understood, Schultz said. I dont think they realized the caliber of people wanting to do this.

Schultz spoke to people he knew in the state legislature to convince them that Pottawattamie County was serious about bringing the new playground to fruition. Ultimately, the state relented and allowed the project to go forward.

It became a passion project for me, Schultz said. I dont like the answer no when it comes to things that make sense.

Schultz, who earned a bachelors degree in international relations from the University of Iowa, originally thought he might get a job with a U.S. intelligence agency after his second deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guards 1-168th Battalion, but working with local Afghan leaders in Zurmat to better their communities ignited a different spark in him.

We built roads, bridges, little girls schools, wells in all the little small villages over there, and so it panned out really well, Schultz said. It was a great thing, but thats kind of what got me thinking, like, we had so much success here with people that legitimately hate us  Im not talking the regular Afghan population, but Shura (council) members  and so I came home and thought, you know, I want to do something here.

In addition to Dream Playground, Schultz is proud of the work he put into getting the new Veterans Affairs building approved. After his time in Afghanistan, supporting veterans at home became a top priority.

I struggled with PTSD, there was no question I had that for a while, Schultz said. I sought help in early 2015, and I would tell you that, because of those experiences that I had, that Veterans Affairs became a huge passion for me.

When bids to construct the VA building came back, they were double the cost of what the county had authorized, and the Board began discussing ways to scale back the design to lower the cost.

Im thinking to myself, no, were not scaling anything back, he said. Like, were gonna build it the way you told the taxpayers you were gonna build it, and were gonna go find the damn money.

And thats exactly what Schultz did.

I went and talked to Iowa West Foundation, I went and talked to the Lakin Foundation, and we were able to come up with the money that we were short, Schultz said. And we did some other kind of creative budgeting with some bonding monies that we had left over, and, yeah long story short, the building you see today was exactly the way they envisioned it.

When it comes to projects for the county, Schultz takes the long view. He doesnt want to spend taxpayer money on something that wont have a lasting impact on the community.

I like to see the big picture and what its gonna have, Schultz said. The cost benefit, the payback thats there, the sustainability thats there, and so you see that in all these projects Ive been involved in.

Looking ahead, Schultz would like to focus more attention on growing and expanding communities in the more rural parts of Pottawattamie County, which presents its own unique set of challenges.

There are issues that are here, right outside Council Bluffs or in Council Bluffs, that are not even remotely the same out there in Walnut or Avoca or Oakland, he said.

Infrastructure as a whole is probably one of the key things in the future that we need to focus on, Schultz said. We are working right now with three different fiber optic agencies that are bringing rural broadband to residents.

Schultz said the Board is also working to extend water supply lines to parts of the county that are ripe for development.

People are looking for places to live so they can work in this metropolitan area, which is why we decided to run water down south, down in Lewis Central District off 240th Street and Dumfries, and Pioneer Trail, Schultz said. Theres gonna be 200 homes that are gonna be built there in the next, less than five years.

Schultz said that those homes will become a substantial tax base for the county as people move away from downtown Council Bluffs to a more suburban area, which, in turn, would open up lower income housing in the city.

Theyre more affordable homes, Schultz said. They make more sense for folks that are just starting out in their careers, or maybe theyre coming off active duty military and theyre just starting a family.

More conservation is also part of Schultzs vision for the future of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states for public land access, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The average county in Iowa offers nearly three times the amount of public land per person when compared to Pottawattamie County, which owns just 0.3% of land in the county.

Thats why we did the Hitchcock expansion that you saw that included the ski hill, Schultz said. A lot of people forget that was a 106-acre purchase there and the ski hills only 30 of that. This acquisition included over 70 acres of immediate expansion of Hitchcock (Nature Center).

Schultz thinks Pottawattamie County can be a positive example for the rest of the state, and hes doing what he can to make it so.

Were trying to be the model county for the state of Iowa, Schultz said. And when you really start to think about our size and the diversity we have, the people that we have, theres no reason that were not. Were not the forgotten western county anymore, and were not going to be.

Schultz is joined on the Republican ballot by Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, Dave Smith, Shawn Smith and John Springhower, and fellow incumbent Scott Belt. Jeff Shudak is the lone candidate in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is June 7.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
By Rachael Bayliss-Chan and Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - May 22, 2022 - 00:06 | World, All

Australia's center-left opposition Labor Party declared victory in Saturday's tightly contested general election, returning to power for the first time in nine years.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, 59, will replace Scott Morrison, 54, of the conservative Liberal-National coalition to become the country's 31st prime minister.

However, with vote-counting still under way it remains unclear whether the Labor Party will be able to secure the 76 seats needed to form a majority government in the 151-seat House of Representatives.

Flanked by his partner and son, Albanese delivered a victory speech to the party-faithful in Sydney, vowing to lead a government "as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves."

"Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," said Albanese. "I am humbled by this victory, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia."

Albanese confirmed that his leadership team will be sworn in on Monday, allowing him and incoming Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, which will also involve Japan, the United States and India.

Labor supporters who gathered to watch Albanese's victory speech expressed jubilation at the long-awaited win.

"I'm unbelievably excited and happy for the nation because we'll have a compassionate, decent and honest prime minister," said 53-year-old retiree Rebecca Kaiser, sporting a bright red shirt with "Team Albo" written on the back. Albo is the nickname of the Labor leader.

Earlier in the evening, Morrison delivered a concession speech in front of supporters at the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney, saying, "I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Morrison also said he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party but remain in parliament.

Albanese is a veteran lawmaker with 26 years in politics. Unlike other career politicians, he was raised by a single mother in government housing -- an experience he credits with teaching him the values of social justice and fairness.

"It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing...can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said in his victory speech.

In his maiden speech to parliament in 1996, he described himself as "someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working-class people, for the labor movement and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century."

With Australians emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic facing higher levels of economic disparity through rising interest rates, inflation and a housing crisis, Albanese focused part of his campaign on understanding the common person, often harking back to his humble origins.

"(The people I speak to) just want to get ahead. Be rewarded for their hard work. Live a good life. Set their kids up to fulfill their potential. To make that possible, they need a better government," Albanese said while on the campaign trail.

Amid his own personal unpopularity, Morrison had sought to center the six-week campaign on the coalition's strengths of economic management and national security.

However, the release of record-high inflation data and an interest rate hike just weeks before the election served to undermine his touting of the coalition's economic management, as cost-of-living concerns dominated the minds of voters.

Deep dissatisfaction with both major parties has driven a surge in support for the minor parties and independents, with the Liberal Party on track to suffer major losses in a number of inner-city seats to so-called "teal" independent candidates who are loosely united on pro-environment and other policies.

Teal is a greenish blue, seen as a reference to the political alignment of the independents as a greener version of liberals whose symbol color is blue.

Speaking to supporters in Victoria during her victory speech, teal independent candidate Zoe Daniel exclaimed, "What we have achieved here is extraordinary."

"Safe Liberal seat, two-term incumbent. Independent!" the former journalist said as she was set to defeat a Liberal Party candidate.

Another huge blow to the Liberal Party is expected in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tipped to be the future leader of the party, is on track to lose to teal independent candidate Monique Ryan.

Frydenberg told his supporters in Melbourne that it is "mathematically possible, but definitely difficult" for him to retain the seat of Kooyong.

More than 17 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the election, out of a population of almost 26 million. A record-equaling 96.8 percent of eligible voters over the age of 18 were registered, with voting being compulsory.

Related coverage:

Australia PM calls for federal election on May 21

U.S., U.K., Australia to expand AUKUS cooperation to hypersonics

Australia to lift entry ban on cruise ships after 2 years
The Federal Court has ordered the removal of campaign signs that Labor alleges were put up by Liberal campaigners in the seat of Higgins.

The bright green signs read 'For our future put Labor last,' and Labor claims they are a bid to confuse voters and conflate the party with the Australian Greens.

The signs have been put up in the seat of Higgins, where Liberal MP Katie Allen is facing a tight contest to retain her seat, and they have also been spotted in McEwen and Hawke.

Labor claims green placards reading 'For our future put Labor last' (pictured in Melbourne) were deliberately put up to make voters think they are signs posted by the Australian Greens

The signs were apparently authorised by Hendrik Fourey, of the Business Owners and Contractors Union, but Labor says they were erected by Liberal supporters.

The Labor Party applied for an injunction on the signs at a last-minute court hearing in Melbourne on Saturday.

Justice Mark Moshinsky ordered them to be taken down, but said this had to be done by solicitors and Australian Electoral Commission officials.

Justice Moshinsky was also concerned disputes could arise if people were seen removing campaign material, and he said he hoped a solicitor could explain the situation.

He noted that there could be difficulties communicating the order to polling booths in time, with the hearing taking place at 12 noon and polling booths closing at 6pm.

By Rachael Bayliss-Chan and Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - May 22, 2022 - 00:06 | World, All

Australia's center-left opposition Labor Party declared victory in Saturday's tightly contested general election, returning to power for the first time in nine years.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, 59, will replace Scott Morrison, 54, of the conservative Liberal-National coalition to become the country's 31st prime minister.

However, with vote-counting still under way it remains unclear whether the Labor Party will be able to secure the 76 seats needed to form a majority government in the 151-seat House of Representatives.

Flanked by his partner and son, Albanese delivered a victory speech to the party-faithful in Sydney, vowing to lead a government "as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves."

"Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," said Albanese. "I am humbled by this victory, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia."

Albanese confirmed that his leadership team will be sworn in on Monday, allowing him and incoming Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, which will also involve Japan, the United States and India.

Labor supporters who gathered to watch Albanese's victory speech expressed jubilation at the long-awaited win.

"I'm unbelievably excited and happy for the nation because we'll have a compassionate, decent and honest prime minister," said 53-year-old retiree Rebecca Kaiser, sporting a bright red shirt with "Team Albo" written on the back. Albo is the nickname of the Labor leader.

Earlier in the evening, Morrison delivered a concession speech in front of supporters at the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney, saying, "I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Morrison also said he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party but remain in parliament.

Albanese is a veteran lawmaker with 26 years in politics. Unlike other career politicians, he was raised by a single mother in government housing -- an experience he credits with teaching him the values of social justice and fairness.

"It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing...can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said in his victory speech.

In his maiden speech to parliament in 1996, he described himself as "someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working-class people, for the labor movement and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century."

With Australians emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic facing higher levels of economic disparity through rising interest rates, inflation and a housing crisis, Albanese focused part of his campaign on understanding the common person, often harking back to his humble origins.

"(The people I speak to) just want to get ahead. Be rewarded for their hard work. Live a good life. Set their kids up to fulfill their potential. To make that possible, they need a better government," Albanese said while on the campaign trail.

Amid his own personal unpopularity, Morrison had sought to center the six-week campaign on the coalition's strengths of economic management and national security.

However, the release of record-high inflation data and an interest rate hike just weeks before the election served to undermine his touting of the coalition's economic management, as cost-of-living concerns dominated the minds of voters.

Deep dissatisfaction with both major parties has driven a surge in support for the minor parties and independents, with the Liberal Party on track to suffer major losses in a number of inner-city seats to so-called "teal" independent candidates who are loosely united on pro-environment and other policies.

Teal is a greenish blue, seen as a reference to the political alignment of the independents as a greener version of liberals whose symbol color is blue.

Speaking to supporters in Victoria during her victory speech, teal independent candidate Zoe Daniel exclaimed, "What we have achieved here is extraordinary."

"Safe Liberal seat, two-term incumbent. Independent!" the former journalist said as she was set to defeat a Liberal Party candidate.

Another huge blow to the Liberal Party is expected in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tipped to be the future leader of the party, is on track to lose to teal independent candidate Monique Ryan.

Frydenberg told his supporters in Melbourne that it is "mathematically possible, but definitely difficult" for him to retain the seat of Kooyong.

More than 17 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the election, out of a population of almost 26 million. A record-equaling 96.8 percent of eligible voters over the age of 18 were registered, with voting being compulsory.

Related coverage:

Australia PM calls for federal election on May 21

U.S., U.K., Australia to expand AUKUS cooperation to hypersonics

Australia to lift entry ban on cruise ships after 2 years
By Rachael Bayliss-Chan and Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - May 22, 2022 - 00:06 | World, All

Australia's center-left opposition Labor Party declared victory in Saturday's tightly contested general election, returning to power for the first time in nine years.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, 59, will replace Scott Morrison, 54, of the conservative Liberal-National coalition to become the country's 31st prime minister.

However, with vote-counting still under way it remains unclear whether the Labor Party will be able to secure the 76 seats needed to form a majority government in the 151-seat House of Representatives.

Flanked by his partner and son, Albanese delivered a victory speech to the party-faithful in Sydney, vowing to lead a government "as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves."

"Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," said Albanese. "I am humbled by this victory, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia."

Albanese confirmed that his leadership team will be sworn in on Monday, allowing him and incoming Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, which will also involve Japan, the United States and India.

Labor supporters who gathered to watch Albanese's victory speech expressed jubilation at the long-awaited win.

"I'm unbelievably excited and happy for the nation because we'll have a compassionate, decent and honest prime minister," said 53-year-old retiree Rebecca Kaiser, sporting a bright red shirt with "Team Albo" written on the back. Albo is the nickname of the Labor leader.

Earlier in the evening, Morrison delivered a concession speech in front of supporters at the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney, saying, "I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Morrison also said he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party but remain in parliament.

Albanese is a veteran lawmaker with 26 years in politics. Unlike other career politicians, he was raised by a single mother in government housing -- an experience he credits with teaching him the values of social justice and fairness.

"It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing...can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said in his victory speech.

In his maiden speech to parliament in 1996, he described himself as "someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working-class people, for the labor movement and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century."

With Australians emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic facing higher levels of economic disparity through rising interest rates, inflation and a housing crisis, Albanese focused part of his campaign on understanding the common person, often harking back to his humble origins.

"(The people I speak to) just want to get ahead. Be rewarded for their hard work. Live a good life. Set their kids up to fulfill their potential. To make that possible, they need a better government," Albanese said while on the campaign trail.

Amid his own personal unpopularity, Morrison had sought to center the six-week campaign on the coalition's strengths of economic management and national security.

However, the release of record-high inflation data and an interest rate hike just weeks before the election served to undermine his touting of the coalition's economic management, as cost-of-living concerns dominated the minds of voters.

Deep dissatisfaction with both major parties has driven a surge in support for the minor parties and independents, with the Liberal Party on track to suffer major losses in a number of inner-city seats to so-called "teal" independent candidates who are loosely united on pro-environment and other policies.

Teal is a greenish blue, seen as a reference to the political alignment of the independents as a greener version of liberals whose symbol color is blue.

Speaking to supporters in Victoria during her victory speech, teal independent candidate Zoe Daniel exclaimed, "What we have achieved here is extraordinary."

"Safe Liberal seat, two-term incumbent. Independent!" the former journalist said as she was set to defeat a Liberal Party candidate.

Another huge blow to the Liberal Party is expected in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tipped to be the future leader of the party, is on track to lose to teal independent candidate Monique Ryan.

Frydenberg told his supporters in Melbourne that it is "mathematically possible, but definitely difficult" for him to retain the seat of Kooyong.

More than 17 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the election, out of a population of almost 26 million. A record-equaling 96.8 percent of eligible voters over the age of 18 were registered, with voting being compulsory.

Related coverage:

Australia PM calls for federal election on May 21

U.S., U.K., Australia to expand AUKUS cooperation to hypersonics

Australia to lift entry ban on cruise ships after 2 years
Contemporary art installations are showcased along the seafront of Senegals capital of Dakar for the 14th Biennale of Contemporary African Art, one of the largest art events in Africa. The exhibition returned after two years of delays due to Covid-19. Centered on the theme Forging: Out of the Fire, this years exhibition featured 59 artists from 28 countries, including 24 works by 12 Chinese artists. China was invited as a guest country of honor for the first time in the events history

May 27, 2022 08:18 PM
The Federal Court has ordered the removal of campaign signs that Labor alleges were put up by Liberal campaigners in the seat of Higgins.

The bright green signs read 'For our future put Labor last,' and Labor claims they are a bid to confuse voters and conflate the party with the Australian Greens.

The signs have been put up in the seat of Higgins, where Liberal MP Katie Allen is facing a tight contest to retain her seat, and they have also been spotted in McEwen and Hawke.

Labor claims green placards reading 'For our future put Labor last' (pictured in Melbourne) were deliberately put up to make voters think they are signs posted by the Australian Greens

The signs were apparently authorised by Hendrik Fourey, of the Business Owners and Contractors Union, but Labor says they were erected by Liberal supporters.

The Labor Party applied for an injunction on the signs at a last-minute court hearing in Melbourne on Saturday.

Justice Mark Moshinsky ordered them to be taken down, but said this had to be done by solicitors and Australian Electoral Commission officials.

Justice Moshinsky was also concerned disputes could arise if people were seen removing campaign material, and he said he hoped a solicitor could explain the situation.

He noted that there could be difficulties communicating the order to polling booths in time, with the hearing taking place at 12 noon and polling booths closing at 6pm.


The first flights of infant formula from Europe, authorized by President Joe Biden to relieve a deepening U.S. shortage, will arrive in Indiana aboard military aircraft this weekend, the White House announced Friday.

The White House says 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula will leave Ramstein Air Base in Germany and arrive in the U.S. this weekend.

Another 114 pallets of Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Altogether about 1.5 million 8-ounce bottles of the three formulas, which are hypoallergenic for children with cow's milk protein allergy, will arrive this week.

While Biden initially requested that the Pentagon use commercially chartered aircraft to move the formula from Europe to the U.S., the White House said no commercial flights were available this weekend.

A due to limited supplies sign is shown on the baby formula shelf at a grocery store Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Parents across much of the U.S. are scrambling to find baby formula after a combination of supply disruptions and safety recalls have swept many of the leading brands off store shelves

The White House says 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula will leave Ramstein Air Base in Germany and arrive in the U.S. this weekend

The pallets of baby formula will depart from Ramstein Air Base in Germany

Kim Anatra looks at empty shelves in the formula aisle at a grocery store as she struggles to find formula for her 5-month-old daughter, Sienna, amid continuing nationwide shortages

The Biden administration has dubbed the effort 'Operation Fly Formula,' as it struggles to address nationwide shortages of formula, particularly hypoallergenic varieties, after the closure of the country's largest domestic manufacturing plant in February due to safety issues

The US reached an all-time high on May 1 at 43 percent, which has persisted

Many states, including Tennessee, are experiencing above a 40 percent shortage after Abbott Laboratories recalled products in February, sending parents spiraling and leaving babies with rashes and illnesses after switching to generic

Instead, U.S. Air Force planes will transport the initial batch of formula.

The Biden administration has dubbed the effort 'Operation Fly Formula,' as it struggles to address nationwide shortages of formula, particularly hypoallergenic varieties, after the closure of the country's largest domestic manufacturing plant in February due to safety issues.

U.S. regulators and the manufacturer, Abbott, hope to have that Michigan plant reopened next week, but it will take about two months before product is ready for delivery.

The Food and Drug Administration this week eased importation requirements for baby formula to try to ease the supply crunch, which has left store shelves bare of some brands and some retailers rationing supply for parents nervous about feeding their children.

This comes amidst a nationwide baby formula shortage, which began during Covid, and got even worse following a February recall from Abbott Labs of Alimentum, Similac and EleCare formulas after five infants who used the formula contracted a Cronobacter sakazakii infection. One of the infants died as a result.

On May 10 the container ship Independent Quest sailed into the Port of Philadelphia to deliver 42,000 cans of Danone formula

Supplies on shelves are dwindling and in some cases completely out of stock

President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act on Wednesday evening to boost baby formula production and issued a directive for planes to bring in supplies from overseas, after growing pressure from Congress.

The shortage is so bad that in 43 states more than 40 percent of formula was recently out of stock, according to Datasembly

The shortage is so bad that in 43 states more than 40 percent of formula was recently out of stock, according to Datasembly.

On May 10 the container ship Independent Quest sailed into the Port of Philadelphia to deliver 42,000 cans of Danone formula where it was rapidly dispatched to Jeffersonville, Indiana to be distributed to retailers.

Between January and May, Danone's Nutricia division more than tripled its ocean imports to North America, and more than 90 percent was delivered to the United States, according to Ocean Audit CEO Steve Ferreira.

Ferreira said that from January and May 2021 Danone Nutricia sent nearly 770,000 cans of infant formula to North America but during the same time period this year, the number skyrocketed to more than 2.4 million cans.

The desperation of parents has been highlighted on social media, where hundreds of thousands of posts called on the White House, FDA and other leaders to take action.

The US relies on domestic producers for 98 percent of the baby formula it consumes.

On average 40 percent of the nation's baby formula is currently out of stock. Shortages are above 50 percent in some areas and the issue is hitting children with allergies and health conditions more severely.
The first flights of infant formula from Europe, authorized by President Joe Biden to relieve a deepening U.S. shortage, will arrive in Indiana aboard military aircraft this weekend, the White House announced Friday.

The White House says 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula will leave Ramstein Air Base in Germany and arrive in the U.S. this weekend.

Another 114 pallets of Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Altogether about 1.5 million 8-ounce bottles of the three formulas, which are hypoallergenic for children with cow's milk protein allergy, will arrive this week.

While Biden initially requested that the Pentagon use commercially chartered aircraft to move the formula from Europe to the U.S., the White House said no commercial flights were available this weekend.

A due to limited supplies sign is shown on the baby formula shelf at a grocery store Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Parents across much of the U.S. are scrambling to find baby formula after a combination of supply disruptions and safety recalls have swept many of the leading brands off store shelves

The White House says 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula will leave Ramstein Air Base in Germany and arrive in the U.S. this weekend

The pallets of baby formula will depart from Ramstein Air Base in Germany

Kim Anatra looks at empty shelves in the formula aisle at a grocery store as she struggles to find formula for her 5-month-old daughter, Sienna, amid continuing nationwide shortages

The Biden administration has dubbed the effort 'Operation Fly Formula,' as it struggles to address nationwide shortages of formula, particularly hypoallergenic varieties, after the closure of the country's largest domestic manufacturing plant in February due to safety issues

The US reached an all-time high on May 1 at 43 percent, which has persisted

Many states, including Tennessee, are experiencing above a 40 percent shortage after Abbott Laboratories recalled products in February, sending parents spiraling and leaving babies with rashes and illnesses after switching to generic

Instead, U.S. Air Force planes will transport the initial batch of formula.

The Biden administration has dubbed the effort 'Operation Fly Formula,' as it struggles to address nationwide shortages of formula, particularly hypoallergenic varieties, after the closure of the country's largest domestic manufacturing plant in February due to safety issues.

U.S. regulators and the manufacturer, Abbott, hope to have that Michigan plant reopened next week, but it will take about two months before product is ready for delivery.

The Food and Drug Administration this week eased importation requirements for baby formula to try to ease the supply crunch, which has left store shelves bare of some brands and some retailers rationing supply for parents nervous about feeding their children.

This comes amidst a nationwide baby formula shortage, which began during Covid, and got even worse following a February recall from Abbott Labs of Alimentum, Similac and EleCare formulas after five infants who used the formula contracted a Cronobacter sakazakii infection. One of the infants died as a result.

On May 10 the container ship Independent Quest sailed into the Port of Philadelphia to deliver 42,000 cans of Danone formula

Supplies on shelves are dwindling and in some cases completely out of stock

President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act on Wednesday evening to boost baby formula production and issued a directive for planes to bring in supplies from overseas, after growing pressure from Congress.

The shortage is so bad that in 43 states more than 40 percent of formula was recently out of stock, according to Datasembly

The shortage is so bad that in 43 states more than 40 percent of formula was recently out of stock, according to Datasembly.

On May 10 the container ship Independent Quest sailed into the Port of Philadelphia to deliver 42,000 cans of Danone formula where it was rapidly dispatched to Jeffersonville, Indiana to be distributed to retailers.

Between January and May, Danone's Nutricia division more than tripled its ocean imports to North America, and more than 90 percent was delivered to the United States, according to Ocean Audit CEO Steve Ferreira.

Ferreira said that from January and May 2021 Danone Nutricia sent nearly 770,000 cans of infant formula to North America but during the same time period this year, the number skyrocketed to more than 2.4 million cans.

The desperation of parents has been highlighted on social media, where hundreds of thousands of posts called on the White House, FDA and other leaders to take action.

The US relies on domestic producers for 98 percent of the baby formula it consumes.

On average 40 percent of the nation's baby formula is currently out of stock. Shortages are above 50 percent in some areas and the issue is hitting children with allergies and health conditions more severely.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)





On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)
China and Pakistan -- often touted as the 'Iron Brothers' -- have enjoyed cordial relations for the past few years. However, things are changing as the promised benefits of Chinese investment have failed to materialize. Firstly, the benign perception in the minds of the Pakistani people is shifting quite rapidly. Secondly, the Chinese are getting perturbed by the worsening security situation in the country, threatening the focal point of this relation i.e the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The local community has been severely impacted by illegal fishing carried out by Chinese trawlers and the forced takeover of their region with military might. With skirmishes coming out into the streets and people challenging the armed soldiers openly, the Pakistan authorities have been alarmed by the delays in the execution of the CPEC projects. Even the Chinese professionals working on the key infrastructure projects have expressed concerns about security. According to Policy Research Group (Poreg), the extensive security apparatus in Balochistan and other CPEC areas has been both a cause as well as a reaction to this extremism, with numerous suicide bombings and other attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects. Against this backdrop, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered the tightening of security for Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects. The Pakistani PM gave the order while chairing a meeting with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal and other top officials in the wake of the recent suicide attack in Karachi which killed three Chinese nationals, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Sharif said that there will be no compromise on the security of Chinese residents and directed the interior ministry and security agencies to ensure foolproof security, the report said. According to Poreg, the financial implications of the CPEC have been immense. At USD 62 billion the amount approaches 20 per cent of the country's GDP and due to setbacks and allegations of large-scale corruption. This is leading to growing reluctance from Chinese investors in funding projects citing due arrears from the Pakistani government. (ANI)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)
A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.
A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.

Beijing, May 21 : Beijing will extend strict and tight Covid-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue online classes, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government, as saying to reporters.

Fengtai district will tighten pandemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan district are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The Chinese capital reported 54 new locally transmitted Covid-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the Beijing municipal disease prevention and control centre.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven Covid-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan since May 18.

More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralised quarantine site.

The capital city has classified 15 areas as high-risk for Covid-19 and 23 as medium-risk.
New Delhi, May 21 : A united global pledge to boost drought resilience and invest in land restoration for future prosperity concluded the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

This two-week meeting on the future of land management drew nearly 7,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, delegates from the UNCCD's 196 Parties and the European Union, as well as members of the private sector, civil society, women, youth leaders and media.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of UNCCD COP15 on Friday, Patrick Achi, Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, said: "Each generation faces this thorny question of how to meet the production needs of our societies without destroying our forests and lands and thus condemning the future of those on whose behalf we endeavour." He also drew attention to the $2.5 billion raised for the Abidjan Legacy Programme launched by Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara at the Heads of State Summit on May 9, which has already surpassed the $1.5 billion anticipated for it.

At a news conference, Alain-Richard Donwahi, COP15 President, highlighted that it was the first time Cote d'Ivoire hosted a COP for one of the three Rio Conventions, and emphasised his country's continued commitment to keep land issues high on the international agenda.

Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, said: "Meeting against the backdrop of multiple global challenges, including the worst-in-40-years drought in Eastern Africa, as well as food and economic crises fuelled by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts, countries have sent a united call about the importance of healthy and productive land for securing future prosperity for all." The highlights among the new commitments: Accelerate the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 by improving data gathering and monitoring to track progress against the achievement of land restoration commitments and establishing a new partnership model for large-scale integrated landscape investment programmes.

Boost drought resilience by identifying the expansion of drylands, improving national policies and early warning, monitoring and assessment; learning and sharing knowledge; building partnerships and coordinating action; and mobilizing drought finance.

And establish an Intergovernmental Working Group on Drought for 2022-2024 to look into possible options, including global policy instruments and regional policy frameworks, to support a shift from reactive to proactive drought management.

UNCCD's COP15 is the first Conference of the Parties of the three Rio Conventions taking place in 2022, ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP27 and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP15.

Future meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD and its subsidiary bodies will be held in Saudi Arabia (COP16 in 2024), Mongolia (COP17 in 2026), and Uzbekistan (Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention in 2023).
New Delhi, May 21 : A united global pledge to boost drought resilience and invest in land restoration for future prosperity concluded the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

This two-week meeting on the future of land management drew nearly 7,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, delegates from the UNCCD's 196 Parties and the European Union, as well as members of the private sector, civil society, women, youth leaders and media.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of UNCCD COP15 on Friday, Patrick Achi, Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, said: "Each generation faces this thorny question of how to meet the production needs of our societies without destroying our forests and lands and thus condemning the future of those on whose behalf we endeavour." He also drew attention to the $2.5 billion raised for the Abidjan Legacy Programme launched by Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara at the Heads of State Summit on May 9, which has already surpassed the $1.5 billion anticipated for it.

At a news conference, Alain-Richard Donwahi, COP15 President, highlighted that it was the first time Cote d'Ivoire hosted a COP for one of the three Rio Conventions, and emphasised his country's continued commitment to keep land issues high on the international agenda.

Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, said: "Meeting against the backdrop of multiple global challenges, including the worst-in-40-years drought in Eastern Africa, as well as food and economic crises fuelled by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts, countries have sent a united call about the importance of healthy and productive land for securing future prosperity for all." The highlights among the new commitments: Accelerate the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 by improving data gathering and monitoring to track progress against the achievement of land restoration commitments and establishing a new partnership model for large-scale integrated landscape investment programmes.

Boost drought resilience by identifying the expansion of drylands, improving national policies and early warning, monitoring and assessment; learning and sharing knowledge; building partnerships and coordinating action; and mobilizing drought finance.

And establish an Intergovernmental Working Group on Drought for 2022-2024 to look into possible options, including global policy instruments and regional policy frameworks, to support a shift from reactive to proactive drought management.

UNCCD's COP15 is the first Conference of the Parties of the three Rio Conventions taking place in 2022, ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP27 and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP15.

Future meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD and its subsidiary bodies will be held in Saudi Arabia (COP16 in 2024), Mongolia (COP17 in 2026), and Uzbekistan (Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention in 2023).
New Delhi, May 21 : A united global pledge to boost drought resilience and invest in land restoration for future prosperity concluded the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

This two-week meeting on the future of land management drew nearly 7,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, delegates from the UNCCD's 196 Parties and the European Union, as well as members of the private sector, civil society, women, youth leaders and media.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of UNCCD COP15 on Friday, Patrick Achi, Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, said: "Each generation faces this thorny question of how to meet the production needs of our societies without destroying our forests and lands and thus condemning the future of those on whose behalf we endeavour." He also drew attention to the $2.5 billion raised for the Abidjan Legacy Programme launched by Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara at the Heads of State Summit on May 9, which has already surpassed the $1.5 billion anticipated for it.

At a news conference, Alain-Richard Donwahi, COP15 President, highlighted that it was the first time Cote d'Ivoire hosted a COP for one of the three Rio Conventions, and emphasised his country's continued commitment to keep land issues high on the international agenda.

Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, said: "Meeting against the backdrop of multiple global challenges, including the worst-in-40-years drought in Eastern Africa, as well as food and economic crises fuelled by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts, countries have sent a united call about the importance of healthy and productive land for securing future prosperity for all." The highlights among the new commitments: Accelerate the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 by improving data gathering and monitoring to track progress against the achievement of land restoration commitments and establishing a new partnership model for large-scale integrated landscape investment programmes.

Boost drought resilience by identifying the expansion of drylands, improving national policies and early warning, monitoring and assessment; learning and sharing knowledge; building partnerships and coordinating action; and mobilizing drought finance.

And establish an Intergovernmental Working Group on Drought for 2022-2024 to look into possible options, including global policy instruments and regional policy frameworks, to support a shift from reactive to proactive drought management.

UNCCD's COP15 is the first Conference of the Parties of the three Rio Conventions taking place in 2022, ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP27 and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP15.

Future meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD and its subsidiary bodies will be held in Saudi Arabia (COP16 in 2024), Mongolia (COP17 in 2026), and Uzbekistan (Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention in 2023).




San Francisco, May 21 : Elon Musk on Saturday announced to open a litigation department at Tesla to initiate and execute lawsuits, as the electric car-maker is facing lawsuits over rampant sexually harassment at the workplace.

In a tweet, Musk said: "Tesla is building a hardcore litigation department where we directly initiate & execute lawsuits. The team will report directly to me. Please send 3 to 5 bullet points describing evidence of exceptional ability at justice@tesla.com".

The move came as more women filed separate lawsuits in December last year against electric car-maker in the US for rampant sexually harassment, as Musk was accused of tweeting "lewd comment about women's bodies or a taunt toward employees who report misconduct".

The women alleged that they're subject to a culture of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Musk on Friday refuted a media report that claimed SpaceX paid a female worker $250,000 to hush up sexual misconduct charges against its CEO, saying the report is meant to "interfere with" the $44 billion Twitter acquisition.

He earlier said that the attacks against him "should be viewed through a political lens".

Musk said that while building the litigation department at Tesla, "we will never seek victory in a just case against us, even if we will probably win".

"We will never surrender/settle an unjust case against us, even if we will probably lose. Please include links to cases you have tried," he posted to his over 94 million followers.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it would open a Special Crash Investigation (SCI) to find out more information on what potentially caused a three fatality crash involving a 2022 Tesla Model S earlier this month.

On May 12, a Model S sedan crashed into construction equipment in Newport Beach, California. Three people occupying the vehicle were killed, while three workers outside of the car were injured, according to police.
The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol
The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol


By Rachael Bayliss-Chan and Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - May 22, 2022 - 00:06 | World, All

Australia's center-left opposition Labor Party declared victory in Saturday's tightly contested general election, returning to power for the first time in nine years.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, 59, will replace Scott Morrison, 54, of the conservative Liberal-National coalition to become the country's 31st prime minister.

However, with vote-counting still under way it remains unclear whether the Labor Party will be able to secure the 76 seats needed to form a majority government in the 151-seat House of Representatives.

Flanked by his partner and son, Albanese delivered a victory speech to the party-faithful in Sydney, vowing to lead a government "as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves."

"Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," said Albanese. "I am humbled by this victory, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia."

Albanese confirmed that his leadership team will be sworn in on Monday, allowing him and incoming Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, which will also involve Japan, the United States and India.

Labor supporters who gathered to watch Albanese's victory speech expressed jubilation at the long-awaited win.

"I'm unbelievably excited and happy for the nation because we'll have a compassionate, decent and honest prime minister," said 53-year-old retiree Rebecca Kaiser, sporting a bright red shirt with "Team Albo" written on the back. Albo is the nickname of the Labor leader.

Earlier in the evening, Morrison delivered a concession speech in front of supporters at the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney, saying, "I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Morrison also said he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party but remain in parliament.

Albanese is a veteran lawmaker with 26 years in politics. Unlike other career politicians, he was raised by a single mother in government housing -- an experience he credits with teaching him the values of social justice and fairness.

"It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing...can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said in his victory speech.

In his maiden speech to parliament in 1996, he described himself as "someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working-class people, for the labor movement and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century."

With Australians emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic facing higher levels of economic disparity through rising interest rates, inflation and a housing crisis, Albanese focused part of his campaign on understanding the common person, often harking back to his humble origins.

"(The people I speak to) just want to get ahead. Be rewarded for their hard work. Live a good life. Set their kids up to fulfill their potential. To make that possible, they need a better government," Albanese said while on the campaign trail.

Amid his own personal unpopularity, Morrison had sought to center the six-week campaign on the coalition's strengths of economic management and national security.

However, the release of record-high inflation data and an interest rate hike just weeks before the election served to undermine his touting of the coalition's economic management, as cost-of-living concerns dominated the minds of voters.

Deep dissatisfaction with both major parties has driven a surge in support for the minor parties and independents, with the Liberal Party on track to suffer major losses in a number of inner-city seats to so-called "teal" independent candidates who are loosely united on pro-environment and other policies.

Teal is a greenish blue, seen as a reference to the political alignment of the independents as a greener version of liberals whose symbol color is blue.

Speaking to supporters in Victoria during her victory speech, teal independent candidate Zoe Daniel exclaimed, "What we have achieved here is extraordinary."

"Safe Liberal seat, two-term incumbent. Independent!" the former journalist said as she was set to defeat a Liberal Party candidate.

Another huge blow to the Liberal Party is expected in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tipped to be the future leader of the party, is on track to lose to teal independent candidate Monique Ryan.

Frydenberg told his supporters in Melbourne that it is "mathematically possible, but definitely difficult" for him to retain the seat of Kooyong.

More than 17 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the election, out of a population of almost 26 million. A record-equaling 96.8 percent of eligible voters over the age of 18 were registered, with voting being compulsory.

Related coverage:

Australia PM calls for federal election on May 21

U.S., U.K., Australia to expand AUKUS cooperation to hypersonics

Australia to lift entry ban on cruise ships after 2 years
By Rachael Bayliss-Chan and Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - May 22, 2022 - 00:06 | World, All

Australia's center-left opposition Labor Party declared victory in Saturday's tightly contested general election, returning to power for the first time in nine years.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, 59, will replace Scott Morrison, 54, of the conservative Liberal-National coalition to become the country's 31st prime minister.

However, with vote-counting still under way it remains unclear whether the Labor Party will be able to secure the 76 seats needed to form a majority government in the 151-seat House of Representatives.

Flanked by his partner and son, Albanese delivered a victory speech to the party-faithful in Sydney, vowing to lead a government "as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves."

"Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," said Albanese. "I am humbled by this victory, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia."

Albanese confirmed that his leadership team will be sworn in on Monday, allowing him and incoming Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, which will also involve Japan, the United States and India.

Labor supporters who gathered to watch Albanese's victory speech expressed jubilation at the long-awaited win.

"I'm unbelievably excited and happy for the nation because we'll have a compassionate, decent and honest prime minister," said 53-year-old retiree Rebecca Kaiser, sporting a bright red shirt with "Team Albo" written on the back. Albo is the nickname of the Labor leader.

Earlier in the evening, Morrison delivered a concession speech in front of supporters at the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney, saying, "I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Morrison also said he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party but remain in parliament.

Albanese is a veteran lawmaker with 26 years in politics. Unlike other career politicians, he was raised by a single mother in government housing -- an experience he credits with teaching him the values of social justice and fairness.

"It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing...can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said in his victory speech.

In his maiden speech to parliament in 1996, he described himself as "someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working-class people, for the labor movement and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century."

With Australians emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic facing higher levels of economic disparity through rising interest rates, inflation and a housing crisis, Albanese focused part of his campaign on understanding the common person, often harking back to his humble origins.

"(The people I speak to) just want to get ahead. Be rewarded for their hard work. Live a good life. Set their kids up to fulfill their potential. To make that possible, they need a better government," Albanese said while on the campaign trail.

Amid his own personal unpopularity, Morrison had sought to center the six-week campaign on the coalition's strengths of economic management and national security.

However, the release of record-high inflation data and an interest rate hike just weeks before the election served to undermine his touting of the coalition's economic management, as cost-of-living concerns dominated the minds of voters.

Deep dissatisfaction with both major parties has driven a surge in support for the minor parties and independents, with the Liberal Party on track to suffer major losses in a number of inner-city seats to so-called "teal" independent candidates who are loosely united on pro-environment and other policies.

Teal is a greenish blue, seen as a reference to the political alignment of the independents as a greener version of liberals whose symbol color is blue.

Speaking to supporters in Victoria during her victory speech, teal independent candidate Zoe Daniel exclaimed, "What we have achieved here is extraordinary."

"Safe Liberal seat, two-term incumbent. Independent!" the former journalist said as she was set to defeat a Liberal Party candidate.

Another huge blow to the Liberal Party is expected in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tipped to be the future leader of the party, is on track to lose to teal independent candidate Monique Ryan.

Frydenberg told his supporters in Melbourne that it is "mathematically possible, but definitely difficult" for him to retain the seat of Kooyong.

More than 17 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the election, out of a population of almost 26 million. A record-equaling 96.8 percent of eligible voters over the age of 18 were registered, with voting being compulsory.

Related coverage:

Australia PM calls for federal election on May 21

U.S., U.K., Australia to expand AUKUS cooperation to hypersonics

Australia to lift entry ban on cruise ships after 2 years





By Rachael Bayliss-Chan and Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - May 22, 2022 - 00:06 | World, All

Australia's center-left opposition Labor Party declared victory in Saturday's tightly contested general election, returning to power for the first time in nine years.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, 59, will replace Scott Morrison, 54, of the conservative Liberal-National coalition to become the country's 31st prime minister.

However, with vote-counting still under way it remains unclear whether the Labor Party will be able to secure the 76 seats needed to form a majority government in the 151-seat House of Representatives.

Flanked by his partner and son, Albanese delivered a victory speech to the party-faithful in Sydney, vowing to lead a government "as courageous and hardworking and caring as the Australian people are themselves."

"Tonight, the Australian people have voted for change," said Albanese. "I am humbled by this victory, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia."

Albanese confirmed that his leadership team will be sworn in on Monday, allowing him and incoming Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, which will also involve Japan, the United States and India.

Labor supporters who gathered to watch Albanese's victory speech expressed jubilation at the long-awaited win.

"I'm unbelievably excited and happy for the nation because we'll have a compassionate, decent and honest prime minister," said 53-year-old retiree Rebecca Kaiser, sporting a bright red shirt with "Team Albo" written on the back. Albo is the nickname of the Labor leader.

Earlier in the evening, Morrison delivered a concession speech in front of supporters at the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney, saying, "I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Morrison also said he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party but remain in parliament.

Albanese is a veteran lawmaker with 26 years in politics. Unlike other career politicians, he was raised by a single mother in government housing -- an experience he credits with teaching him the values of social justice and fairness.

"It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing...can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said in his victory speech.

In his maiden speech to parliament in 1996, he described himself as "someone who will stand up for the interests of my electorate, for working-class people, for the labor movement and for our progressive advancement as a nation into the next century."

With Australians emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic facing higher levels of economic disparity through rising interest rates, inflation and a housing crisis, Albanese focused part of his campaign on understanding the common person, often harking back to his humble origins.

"(The people I speak to) just want to get ahead. Be rewarded for their hard work. Live a good life. Set their kids up to fulfill their potential. To make that possible, they need a better government," Albanese said while on the campaign trail.

Amid his own personal unpopularity, Morrison had sought to center the six-week campaign on the coalition's strengths of economic management and national security.

However, the release of record-high inflation data and an interest rate hike just weeks before the election served to undermine his touting of the coalition's economic management, as cost-of-living concerns dominated the minds of voters.

Deep dissatisfaction with both major parties has driven a surge in support for the minor parties and independents, with the Liberal Party on track to suffer major losses in a number of inner-city seats to so-called "teal" independent candidates who are loosely united on pro-environment and other policies.

Teal is a greenish blue, seen as a reference to the political alignment of the independents as a greener version of liberals whose symbol color is blue.

Speaking to supporters in Victoria during her victory speech, teal independent candidate Zoe Daniel exclaimed, "What we have achieved here is extraordinary."

"Safe Liberal seat, two-term incumbent. Independent!" the former journalist said as she was set to defeat a Liberal Party candidate.

Another huge blow to the Liberal Party is expected in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tipped to be the future leader of the party, is on track to lose to teal independent candidate Monique Ryan.

Frydenberg told his supporters in Melbourne that it is "mathematically possible, but definitely difficult" for him to retain the seat of Kooyong.

More than 17 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the election, out of a population of almost 26 million. A record-equaling 96.8 percent of eligible voters over the age of 18 were registered, with voting being compulsory.

Related coverage:

Australia PM calls for federal election on May 21

U.S., U.K., Australia to expand AUKUS cooperation to hypersonics

Australia to lift entry ban on cruise ships after 2 years








Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.






Seoul, May 21 : South Korean First lady Kim Keon-hee will briefly greet visiting US President Joe Biden ahead of a state dinner hosted by President Yoon Suk-yeol but will not attend the event, an official said here on Saturday.

"There will be a very simple process of (Kim) visiting the site before the dinner and briefly exchanging greetings with President Biden," the official told reporters.

She will not attend the banquet at the National Museum of Korea, as there was nothing officially scheduled in the first place, Yonhap News Agency quoted the official as saying.

Asked exactly where the two will be meeting, he said the details are difficult to disclose.

Biden is in South Korea on his first visit to the country as President and will hold a summit with Yoon later Saturday.

He is not accompanied by US First Lady Jill Biden, which reportedly was a factor in Kim not joining Yoon for official events during Biden's visit.

















We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.


Contemporary art installations are showcased along the seafront of Senegals capital of Dakar for the 14th Biennale of Contemporary African Art, one of the largest art events in Africa. The exhibition returned after two years of delays due to Covid-19. Centered on the theme Forging: Out of the Fire, this years exhibition featured 59 artists from 28 countries, including 24 works by 12 Chinese artists. China was invited as a guest country of honor for the first time in the events history

May 27, 2022 08:18 PM






Contemporary art installations are showcased along the seafront of Senegals capital of Dakar for the 14th Biennale of Contemporary African Art, one of the largest art events in Africa. The exhibition returned after two years of delays due to Covid-19. Centered on the theme Forging: Out of the Fire, this years exhibition featured 59 artists from 28 countries, including 24 works by 12 Chinese artists. China was invited as a guest country of honor for the first time in the events history

May 27, 2022 08:18 PM


MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded on Friday that the legislatures be dissolved and a new election date to be announced, or his party would march on Islamabad between May 25 and 29.

Imran Khan has called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be ready for the Islamabad March next week, and has announced that the party's Core Committee would meet on May 22 to finalise the date. He referred to "recent happenings," such as the election commission of Pakistan de-seating 25 members of the Punjab Assembly for breaking party discipline.

Since his government was overthrown by the 11-party alliance in a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan has demanded a new election. The PTI chairman, who has addressed a series of large public gatherings across the country, has set a May 20 deadline for the election date announcement.

He detailed the accomplishments of his three-year administration, including economic stabilisation despite a global recession in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. He invited everyone to attend the march, which he claimed would be the largest in South Asian history, including men, women, students, lawyers, and intellectuals.

He slammed the purported American pressure to launch drone strikes inside Afghanistan and the use of Pakistani airspace. He claimed that in the past, governments had failed to protest the collateral damage caused by drone strikes in tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan had fought other countries' wars and sacrificed 80,000 people.

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Bilawal to visit China on May 21

Pakistan FM Bilawal BhuttoBhutto defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

Pakistan seeks import ban on luxury items due to its economic crisis
MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded on Friday that the legislatures be dissolved and a new election date to be announced, or his party would march on Islamabad between May 25 and 29.

Imran Khan has called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be ready for the Islamabad March next week, and has announced that the party's Core Committee would meet on May 22 to finalise the date. He referred to "recent happenings," such as the election commission of Pakistan de-seating 25 members of the Punjab Assembly for breaking party discipline.

Since his government was overthrown by the 11-party alliance in a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan has demanded a new election. The PTI chairman, who has addressed a series of large public gatherings across the country, has set a May 20 deadline for the election date announcement.

He detailed the accomplishments of his three-year administration, including economic stabilisation despite a global recession in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. He invited everyone to attend the march, which he claimed would be the largest in South Asian history, including men, women, students, lawyers, and intellectuals.

He slammed the purported American pressure to launch drone strikes inside Afghanistan and the use of Pakistani airspace. He claimed that in the past, governments had failed to protest the collateral damage caused by drone strikes in tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan had fought other countries' wars and sacrificed 80,000 people.

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Bilawal to visit China on May 21

Pakistan FM Bilawal BhuttoBhutto defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

Pakistan seeks import ban on luxury items due to its economic crisis
Thank you for reading!

To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99.
Authorities in Texas were searching Friday for a woman accused of fatally shooting an elite cyclist after discovering the athlete had been romantically involved with her cyclist partner.

The U.S. Marshals Service said it was looking for Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 35, in the May 11 killing of Anna Moriah Wilson, 25.

Austin police issued a homicide warrant for Armstrong on Tuesday, the service said.

The cyclist, known as Mo, had traveled to Texas for a race in Hico, southwest of Fort Worth, according to the cycling outlet Velo News.

A friend of Wilson's found her body at an Austin home on the night of May 11, Austin police said in a statement. Wilson was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.

Police initially said she had been shot multiple times inside the house in a killing that "does not appear to be a random act."

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate KXAN of Austin, Armstrong had been in a relationship with professional cyclist Colin Strickland for roughly three years.

But during a break in their relationship, Strickland had begun seeing Wilson, the affidavit says, KXAN reported.

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong. (U.S. Marshals Service)

An unnamed friend who reported being with Armstrong in January when she learned of the relationship said Armstrong "became furious and was shaking in anger," according to the affidavit.

Based on a search of Wilson's phone, investigators said messages indicated Wilson believed she was "still in a romantic relationship with Strickland even though he was currently dating Armstrong," the affidavit says, according to KXAN.

Armstrong deleted her social media accounts and was last heard from on May 13, the affidavit says, according to the station.

Strickland has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the case.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a statement earlier Friday to an Austin American-Statesman reporter, he said he was "reeling from grieving Mo Wilson's death and from the facts that have emerged during the investigation."

Story continues

"There is no way to adequately express the regret and torture I feel about my proximity to this horrible crime," he said in the statement to the Statesman."I am sorry, and I simply cannot make sense of this unfathomable tragedy."

Strickland added that he and Wilson had a "brief romantic relationship" from late October to early November last year while Wilson was visiting Austin. They had both recently ended previous relationships, Strickland said. He and Armstrong reconciled one month later.

"After our brief relationship in October of 2021, we were not in a romantic relationship, only a platonic and professional one," he said, adding: "Moriah and I were both leaders in this lonely, niche sport of cycling, and I admired her greatly and considered her a close friend."

Velo News described Wilson as a "dominant" mountain biking and gravel racer, winning several races this year and resigning her position at a bike company to pursue full-time racing.

She was expected to win the Gravel Locos race in Hico, the site reported.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe





7 including 3 children killed on spot after cruiser rams into tree in K'taka. Image Source: IANS News

7 including 3 children killed on spot after cruiser rams into tree in K'taka. Image Source: IANS News

7 including 3 children killed on spot after cruiser rams into tree in K'taka. Image Source: IANS News

7 including 3 children killed on spot after cruiser rams into tree in K'taka. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, May 21 : As many as seven people, including three children, were killed after the cruiser, in which they were travelling, rammed into a tree in the wee hours of Saturday in Karnataka's Dharwad district.

According to police, nine others suffered injuries in the incident, of which three are stated to be critical at the KIMS hospital of Hubballi.

The incident took place when several members of a family were returning to Benakanahalli village from Manasura village after attending a function.

Victims have been identified as Ananya (14), Harish (13), Maheshwara (11), Shilpa (34), Neelavva (60), Madhusri (20) and Shambhulingaiah (35).

Twenty-one passengers were travelling in the vehicle which hit the tree between 1.30 a.m and 2.30 a.m. after the driver lost control of it near Bada village in Dharwad Rural Police Station limits.

District Superintendent of Police Krishnakanth rushed to the spot.

Police will verify whether the condition of the vehicle was good and ascertain the exact cause of the accident, he said.

Further investigation is on.




The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol
The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol

BANJUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of 193 Gambians, including 148 from Libya and 45 from Niger, said the UN agency's Banjul office on Friday.

"Among the 193 migrants who returned, there were 184 men, three women and six children," it said in a statement.

This represents the highest number of Gambian returnees in a single day since the UN migration agency opened a country office in Gambia in July 2017, said the statement, adding that the returnees from Libya included vulnerable migrants who had been subject to exploitation and violence.

Since 2017, over 3,300 Gambians have benefitted from the UN agency's Voluntary Humanitarian Return program, which offers a dignified and safe return for migrants stranded in Libya.

Irregular migration has been a major problem for Gambia as its citizens, mainly young people, seek better life in Europe. Dozens of lives have since perished on the high seas. 


A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.
A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Seoul, May 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his visiting US counterpart Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit in Seoul on Saturday on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme and supply chain risks.

On Friday, Biden arrived on his first visit to the country as President and only 10 days after Yoon took office, reports Yonhap News Agency.

On the first stop of his three-day visit, Biden visited a Samsung semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, on Friday.

He was joined by Yoon and the two were given a personal tour of the sprawling compound by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The visit underscored the two countries' commitment to working together to strengthen supply chains amid a post-pandemic global shortage of semiconductors.

Yoon told Biden that the facility is "the site of the industrial and technology alliance between South Korea and the US", a presidential official told reporters Saturday.

Yoon also said semiconductors are the core of the bilateral alliance and that advanced industries are only made possible by a free environment and creativity, and impossible without a liberal democratic system, according to the official.

Biden's second day in Seoul will include a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where he will pay tribute to fallen soldiers, a summit with Yoon at the new presidential office in the central district of Yongsan, and a joint press conference.

He will later attend a banquet hosted by Yoon at the National Museum of Korea.

During the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Yoon and Biden will jointly visit the Korean Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where they will be briefed on its activities and encourage South Korean and US service members.

Biden will depart for Japan on Sunday afternoon to continue on the second leg of his Asia tour.
A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.




New Delhi, May 21 : With global biodiversity loss at dangerous levels, 139 countries have received a lifeline to fast-track efforts to conserve, protect and restore species and ecosystems as soon as a new global accord currently under negotiation is approved.

The new financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), totaling $43 million, will give developing countries the means to quickly put the anticipated Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework into practice and make headway towards the goal of halting and reversing species loss this decade.

Supported with technical expertise from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the participating countries will be eligible for new grants of $300,000 for work to analyse and align their national policies, targets, finance and monitoring systems to take effective action on global threats to biodiversity.

"As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, this commitment shows that the world is united in recognizing the urgent need to end the destruction of nature and the loss of the services it provides," Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said.

"This early action will prepare Parties to mobilise for the action that all sectors of society will take to make these aspirations a reality in the 10 years ahead." The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, a 10-year plan to halt the increase in the rate of extinctions and bring 30 per cent of land and sea areas under protection, is expected to be agreed by the 196 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity when they meet in Kunming, China, later this year.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF, said it was critically important for all countries to be ready to act quickly once the new framework is approved.

"Setting our aspirations is only a first step, and this coming decade requires us to sprint," Rodriguez said.

"Recognising the intense pressures on developing countries as well as their unprecedented commitment to change the trajectory of biodiversity loss, the GEF is making these Early Action Grants available even before the new global accord is agreed. Countries can use this afast track' financial approach to update their biodiversity strategies and build capacities to deliver in the GBF.

"We stand ready to continue to help stewards of globally-important biodiversity elevate nature in their planning and quickly scale up efforts that together can turn international goals into reality," he added.

"The Global Biodiversity Framework represents a critical opportunity to set our planet on a new course," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said.

"But the global pandemic has left us with no time to waste. This joint initiative to accelerate preparedness by national actors shows that together, we are ready to put nature at the heart of decision-making about our shared future." "We need to create a planetary safety net by putting nature at the heart of our global, national and local economies and development frameworks. Nature underpins half the world's jobs and livelihoods, is the foundation for national food and water security, and is essential for tackling our climate crisis. Investing in early actions on nature is a triple win for people and the planet," stated UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently in its final negotiation stages, with the fourth and final meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Framework to be held from June 21 to 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
New Delhi, May 21 : With global biodiversity loss at dangerous levels, 139 countries have received a lifeline to fast-track efforts to conserve, protect and restore species and ecosystems as soon as a new global accord currently under negotiation is approved.

The new financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), totaling $43 million, will give developing countries the means to quickly put the anticipated Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework into practice and make headway towards the goal of halting and reversing species loss this decade.

Supported with technical expertise from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the participating countries will be eligible for new grants of $300,000 for work to analyse and align their national policies, targets, finance and monitoring systems to take effective action on global threats to biodiversity.

"As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity, this commitment shows that the world is united in recognizing the urgent need to end the destruction of nature and the loss of the services it provides," Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity said.

"This early action will prepare Parties to mobilise for the action that all sectors of society will take to make these aspirations a reality in the 10 years ahead." The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, a 10-year plan to halt the increase in the rate of extinctions and bring 30 per cent of land and sea areas under protection, is expected to be agreed by the 196 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity when they meet in Kunming, China, later this year.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF, said it was critically important for all countries to be ready to act quickly once the new framework is approved.

"Setting our aspirations is only a first step, and this coming decade requires us to sprint," Rodriguez said.

"Recognising the intense pressures on developing countries as well as their unprecedented commitment to change the trajectory of biodiversity loss, the GEF is making these Early Action Grants available even before the new global accord is agreed. Countries can use this afast track' financial approach to update their biodiversity strategies and build capacities to deliver in the GBF.

"We stand ready to continue to help stewards of globally-important biodiversity elevate nature in their planning and quickly scale up efforts that together can turn international goals into reality," he added.

"The Global Biodiversity Framework represents a critical opportunity to set our planet on a new course," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said.

"But the global pandemic has left us with no time to waste. This joint initiative to accelerate preparedness by national actors shows that together, we are ready to put nature at the heart of decision-making about our shared future." "We need to create a planetary safety net by putting nature at the heart of our global, national and local economies and development frameworks. Nature underpins half the world's jobs and livelihoods, is the foundation for national food and water security, and is essential for tackling our climate crisis. Investing in early actions on nature is a triple win for people and the planet," stated UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently in its final negotiation stages, with the fourth and final meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Framework to be held from June 21 to 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Seoul, May 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his visiting US counterpart Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit in Seoul on Saturday on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme and supply chain risks.

On Friday, Biden arrived on his first visit to the country as President and only 10 days after Yoon took office, reports Yonhap News Agency.

On the first stop of his three-day visit, Biden visited a Samsung semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, on Friday.

He was joined by Yoon and the two were given a personal tour of the sprawling compound by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The visit underscored the two countries' commitment to working together to strengthen supply chains amid a post-pandemic global shortage of semiconductors.

Yoon told Biden that the facility is "the site of the industrial and technology alliance between South Korea and the US", a presidential official told reporters Saturday.

Yoon also said semiconductors are the core of the bilateral alliance and that advanced industries are only made possible by a free environment and creativity, and impossible without a liberal democratic system, according to the official.

Biden's second day in Seoul will include a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where he will pay tribute to fallen soldiers, a summit with Yoon at the new presidential office in the central district of Yongsan, and a joint press conference.

He will later attend a banquet hosted by Yoon at the National Museum of Korea.

During the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Yoon and Biden will jointly visit the Korean Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where they will be briefed on its activities and encourage South Korean and US service members.

Biden will depart for Japan on Sunday afternoon to continue on the second leg of his Asia tour.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Pottawattamie County Board Member Justin Schultz doesnt like to take no for an answer, and when hes told something cant be done, or a building project costs too much, it just makes him want to succeed even more.

Im a very driven individual, Schultz said in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil. Maybe its stubbornness, I dont know.

For example, when Schultz  currently seeking a third term on the Board  was working with the Dream Playground Re-Imagined committee to renovate the Lake Manawa State Park play area, the state told them that they couldnt.

They had some other groups try in the past and they just didnt finish or they did kind of shoddy work, and so I think they were just real cautious to do it, which I totally understood, Schultz said. I dont think they realized the caliber of people wanting to do this.

Schultz spoke to people he knew in the state legislature to convince them that Pottawattamie County was serious about bringing the new playground to fruition. Ultimately, the state relented and allowed the project to go forward.

It became a passion project for me, Schultz said. I dont like the answer no when it comes to things that make sense.

Schultz, who earned a bachelors degree in international relations from the University of Iowa, originally thought he might get a job with a U.S. intelligence agency after his second deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guards 1-168th Battalion, but working with local Afghan leaders in Zurmat to better their communities ignited a different spark in him.

We built roads, bridges, little girls schools, wells in all the little small villages over there, and so it panned out really well, Schultz said. It was a great thing, but thats kind of what got me thinking, like, we had so much success here with people that legitimately hate us  Im not talking the regular Afghan population, but Shura (council) members  and so I came home and thought, you know, I want to do something here.

In addition to Dream Playground, Schultz is proud of the work he put into getting the new Veterans Affairs building approved. After his time in Afghanistan, supporting veterans at home became a top priority.

I struggled with PTSD, there was no question I had that for a while, Schultz said. I sought help in early 2015, and I would tell you that, because of those experiences that I had, that Veterans Affairs became a huge passion for me.

When bids to construct the VA building came back, they were double the cost of what the county had authorized, and the Board began discussing ways to scale back the design to lower the cost.

Im thinking to myself, no, were not scaling anything back, he said. Like, were gonna build it the way you told the taxpayers you were gonna build it, and were gonna go find the damn money.

And thats exactly what Schultz did.

I went and talked to Iowa West Foundation, I went and talked to the Lakin Foundation, and we were able to come up with the money that we were short, Schultz said. And we did some other kind of creative budgeting with some bonding monies that we had left over, and, yeah long story short, the building you see today was exactly the way they envisioned it.

When it comes to projects for the county, Schultz takes the long view. He doesnt want to spend taxpayer money on something that wont have a lasting impact on the community.

I like to see the big picture and what its gonna have, Schultz said. The cost benefit, the payback thats there, the sustainability thats there, and so you see that in all these projects Ive been involved in.

Looking ahead, Schultz would like to focus more attention on growing and expanding communities in the more rural parts of Pottawattamie County, which presents its own unique set of challenges.

There are issues that are here, right outside Council Bluffs or in Council Bluffs, that are not even remotely the same out there in Walnut or Avoca or Oakland, he said.

Infrastructure as a whole is probably one of the key things in the future that we need to focus on, Schultz said. We are working right now with three different fiber optic agencies that are bringing rural broadband to residents.

Schultz said the Board is also working to extend water supply lines to parts of the county that are ripe for development.

People are looking for places to live so they can work in this metropolitan area, which is why we decided to run water down south, down in Lewis Central District off 240th Street and Dumfries, and Pioneer Trail, Schultz said. Theres gonna be 200 homes that are gonna be built there in the next, less than five years.

Schultz said that those homes will become a substantial tax base for the county as people move away from downtown Council Bluffs to a more suburban area, which, in turn, would open up lower income housing in the city.

Theyre more affordable homes, Schultz said. They make more sense for folks that are just starting out in their careers, or maybe theyre coming off active duty military and theyre just starting a family.

More conservation is also part of Schultzs vision for the future of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states for public land access, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The average county in Iowa offers nearly three times the amount of public land per person when compared to Pottawattamie County, which owns just 0.3% of land in the county.

Thats why we did the Hitchcock expansion that you saw that included the ski hill, Schultz said. A lot of people forget that was a 106-acre purchase there and the ski hills only 30 of that. This acquisition included over 70 acres of immediate expansion of Hitchcock (Nature Center).

Schultz thinks Pottawattamie County can be a positive example for the rest of the state, and hes doing what he can to make it so.

Were trying to be the model county for the state of Iowa, Schultz said. And when you really start to think about our size and the diversity we have, the people that we have, theres no reason that were not. Were not the forgotten western county anymore, and were not going to be.

Schultz is joined on the Republican ballot by Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, Dave Smith, Shawn Smith and John Springhower, and fellow incumbent Scott Belt. Jeff Shudak is the lone candidate in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is June 7.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.


Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : AAP's Gujarat convener Gopal Italia has claimed that the people of the state demand change and want to burst the balloon of the BJP.

The AAP has been conducting a Parivartan Yatra since May 15 in Gujarat which is slated to go to the Assembly polls in December.

Speaking to IANS on Friday, Italia said the Yatra has started from Somnath, Dwarka, Siddhpur, Umargam, Kutch and Dandi on six different routes in the state and will continue for the next 20 days.

"Forty villages are being covered every day. Road shows are held in the morning and evening, meetings with social representatives in the afternoon," Italia added.

On people's response to the yatra, the AAP leader said many people attend meetings and welcome the road shows.

"We are getting a very good response. The only thing that is heard in every village is that now is the time to bring change, and to burst the balloon of BJP," he claimed.

"People want to give a chance to Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. People all over Gujarat are giving the same message that they want change," he added.

On the BJP having well-known faces against AAP, Italia said that no one is popular even in the saffron party.

"Isudan Gadhvi is more popular than Bhupendrabhai or CR Patil. Getting a position does not make a person popular. It is not a matter of popularity but of issues.

"The parivartan yatra is being held to convey AAP's thoughts and ideas to the people of Gujarat. Only then will people be able to join us," he added.

"We are conveying to the people the work done by the AAP in Delhi and what it wants to do in Gujarat in future. We talk about the most important issues faced by people such as electricity, water, prices of agricultural products, education system, health, anti-corruption," he pointed out.

Italia said: "We value people. Many sarpanches are joining us. Some openly support us while some are still afraid of the BJP. People from all over Gujarat voted and handed over power to the BJP. Now everyone knows that the BJP is just doing grandstanding. The whole of Gujarat is fed up with BJP. " Recently, when Hardik Patel resigned from the Congress, AAP had criticised the grand old party and invited him into the party fold.

When asked whether Hardik will join AAP, Italia said that there is no discussion about the PAAS leader joining the party.
Russian Spetsnaz troops march through Red Square in a Victory Day military parade, May 9, 2021. Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

Russian forces have suffered major losses in Ukraine and failed to capture Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Russian lawmakers on Friday moved to expand military eligibility to include older citizens.

An amendment introduced in parliament would drop the 18-40 age requirement for first-time recruits.

Russian lawmakers on Friday took steps to expand its military recruitment to include older citizens as its forces have taken major hits and been pushed out of key areas in Ukraine.

An amendment was introduced in Russia's parliament that would eliminate the requirement that first-time military enlistments be between the ages of 18 to 40, The New York Times reported.

The measure would allow older Russian citizens to join the war effort. A statement from the lower house of Parliament said "highly professional specialists are needed" to operate military equipment, The Times reported. The statement also said medical workers and engineers were among the specialists needed.

The lawmakers did not cite a need for additional ground troops in Ukraine. However, the UK's Ministry of Defense said last week Russia has likely lost a third of its ground combat force since invading in February.

Russian forces have been dealt a series of setbacks in the war, including failing to capture the capital city of Kyiv and then Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. After getting pushed out of the latter last week, some Russian forces were redeployed to the eastern Donbas region.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary-general, said earlier this week that Russian efforts in the Donbas had also stalled, adding that "Russia is not achieving its strategic objectives."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Pottawattamie County Board Member Justin Schultz doesnt like to take no for an answer, and when hes told something cant be done, or a building project costs too much, it just makes him want to succeed even more.

Im a very driven individual, Schultz said in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil. Maybe its stubbornness, I dont know.

For example, when Schultz  currently seeking a third term on the Board  was working with the Dream Playground Re-Imagined committee to renovate the Lake Manawa State Park play area, the state told them that they couldnt.

They had some other groups try in the past and they just didnt finish or they did kind of shoddy work, and so I think they were just real cautious to do it, which I totally understood, Schultz said. I dont think they realized the caliber of people wanting to do this.

Schultz spoke to people he knew in the state legislature to convince them that Pottawattamie County was serious about bringing the new playground to fruition. Ultimately, the state relented and allowed the project to go forward.

It became a passion project for me, Schultz said. I dont like the answer no when it comes to things that make sense.

Schultz, who earned a bachelors degree in international relations from the University of Iowa, originally thought he might get a job with a U.S. intelligence agency after his second deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guards 1-168th Battalion, but working with local Afghan leaders in Zurmat to better their communities ignited a different spark in him.

We built roads, bridges, little girls schools, wells in all the little small villages over there, and so it panned out really well, Schultz said. It was a great thing, but thats kind of what got me thinking, like, we had so much success here with people that legitimately hate us  Im not talking the regular Afghan population, but Shura (council) members  and so I came home and thought, you know, I want to do something here.

In addition to Dream Playground, Schultz is proud of the work he put into getting the new Veterans Affairs building approved. After his time in Afghanistan, supporting veterans at home became a top priority.

I struggled with PTSD, there was no question I had that for a while, Schultz said. I sought help in early 2015, and I would tell you that, because of those experiences that I had, that Veterans Affairs became a huge passion for me.

When bids to construct the VA building came back, they were double the cost of what the county had authorized, and the Board began discussing ways to scale back the design to lower the cost.

Im thinking to myself, no, were not scaling anything back, he said. Like, were gonna build it the way you told the taxpayers you were gonna build it, and were gonna go find the damn money.

And thats exactly what Schultz did.

I went and talked to Iowa West Foundation, I went and talked to the Lakin Foundation, and we were able to come up with the money that we were short, Schultz said. And we did some other kind of creative budgeting with some bonding monies that we had left over, and, yeah long story short, the building you see today was exactly the way they envisioned it.

When it comes to projects for the county, Schultz takes the long view. He doesnt want to spend taxpayer money on something that wont have a lasting impact on the community.

I like to see the big picture and what its gonna have, Schultz said. The cost benefit, the payback thats there, the sustainability thats there, and so you see that in all these projects Ive been involved in.

Looking ahead, Schultz would like to focus more attention on growing and expanding communities in the more rural parts of Pottawattamie County, which presents its own unique set of challenges.

There are issues that are here, right outside Council Bluffs or in Council Bluffs, that are not even remotely the same out there in Walnut or Avoca or Oakland, he said.

Infrastructure as a whole is probably one of the key things in the future that we need to focus on, Schultz said. We are working right now with three different fiber optic agencies that are bringing rural broadband to residents.

Schultz said the Board is also working to extend water supply lines to parts of the county that are ripe for development.

People are looking for places to live so they can work in this metropolitan area, which is why we decided to run water down south, down in Lewis Central District off 240th Street and Dumfries, and Pioneer Trail, Schultz said. Theres gonna be 200 homes that are gonna be built there in the next, less than five years.

Schultz said that those homes will become a substantial tax base for the county as people move away from downtown Council Bluffs to a more suburban area, which, in turn, would open up lower income housing in the city.

Theyre more affordable homes, Schultz said. They make more sense for folks that are just starting out in their careers, or maybe theyre coming off active duty military and theyre just starting a family.

More conservation is also part of Schultzs vision for the future of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states for public land access, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The average county in Iowa offers nearly three times the amount of public land per person when compared to Pottawattamie County, which owns just 0.3% of land in the county.

Thats why we did the Hitchcock expansion that you saw that included the ski hill, Schultz said. A lot of people forget that was a 106-acre purchase there and the ski hills only 30 of that. This acquisition included over 70 acres of immediate expansion of Hitchcock (Nature Center).

Schultz thinks Pottawattamie County can be a positive example for the rest of the state, and hes doing what he can to make it so.

Were trying to be the model county for the state of Iowa, Schultz said. And when you really start to think about our size and the diversity we have, the people that we have, theres no reason that were not. Were not the forgotten western county anymore, and were not going to be.

Schultz is joined on the Republican ballot by Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, Dave Smith, Shawn Smith and John Springhower, and fellow incumbent Scott Belt. Jeff Shudak is the lone candidate in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is June 7.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)





On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)
Washington, May 21 : Boeing's passenger spacecraft, the CST-100 Starliner, on Saturday successfully docked itself to the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, paving the way for its future flights to potentially bring humans to the orbiting laboratory.

This was the Starliners' third attempt, on a mission designed to test the end-to-end capabilities of the crew-capable system as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Programme.

The first was in December 2019, which failed due to a series of software glitches. In the second attempt last August, Boeing halted the flight just hours before liftoff, after discovering some propellant valves that weren't working properly.

"Through the combined work of @NASA and Starliner teams, the spacecraft connected to the Boeing-built International Docking Adapter at 7:28 p.m. CT (5:58 am India time)," Boeing Space said in a tweet.

NASA tweeted: "The @BoeingSpace #Starliner that just arrived at the @Space_Station on a test flight is carrying over 500 lbs (227 kg) of cargo & crew supplies." The Starliner lifted off on NASA's Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Friday.

"I am so proud of the NASA, Boeing and United Launch Alliance teams who have worked so hard to see Starliner on its way to the International Space Station," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson had said in a statement.

"Through adversity, our teams have continued to innovate for the benefit of our nation and all of humanity. I look forward to a successful end-to-end test of the Starliner spacecraft, which will help enable missions with astronauts aboard," he added.

Following certification, NASA missions aboard Starliner will carry up to four crew members to the station, enabling the continued expansion of the crew and increasing the amount of science and research that can be performed aboard the orbiting laboratory.

OFT-2 will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying Boeing's crew transportation system for regular flights with astronauts to and from the space station.

Starliner is scheduled to depart the space station Wednesday (May 25) when it will undock and return to Earth, with a desert landing in the western US.

The spacecraft will return with more than 600 pounds of cargo, including Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System reusable tanks that provide breathable air to station crew members. The tanks will be refurbished on Earth and sent back to station on a future flight.

The successful launch and orbital insertion are major milestones for the company's second uncrewed flight, bringing the US closer to having two independent crew systems flying missions to and from the space station, the other one being Elon Musk's SpaceX.
CDC Advises Doctors to Be on Alert for Monkeypox as WHO Confirms Outbreaks in 11 Countries

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Friday asking doctors across the United States to be on the watch for monkeypox, as the World Health Organization has confirmed 80 confirmed cases across 11 countries.

Monkeypox is a viral disease typically endemic to central and western Africa, but since the start of May, dozens of confirmed cases have been reported in several countries outside of the continent. Many more suspected cases are being investigated.

The CDC is asking doctors to be vigilant to the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox and describes the rash as involving vesicles or pustules that are deep-seated, firm or hard, and well-circumscribed, adding that the lesions may umbilicate or become confluent and progress over time to scabs.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on May 27, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

It adds that doctors should be more suspicious for the disease and consider it as a possible diagnosis if, in addition to having a characteristic rash, their patient has traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox; reports having had contact with anyone who had monkeypox, or suspected monkeypox, or have a rash similar in appearance to monkeypox; or is a man who regularly has close or intimate in-person contact with other men.

Symptoms of a case of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patients hand on June 5, 2003. (CDC/Getty Images)

Lesions may be disseminated or located on the genital or perianal area alone, the CDC also stated in its advisory.

Some patients may present with proctitis, and their illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus infection, the agency adds. Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum and can cause rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and discharge.

Prior to May, cases outside of Africa were among people with a recent history of travel to Nigeria or contact with another person confirmed with monkeypox, the CDC noted. But there have been confirmed cases since the start of the month without a history of travel to Africa, the CDC noted, adding that the source of the cases is unknown.

A photo of an individual suffering from monkeypox during a CDC investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997. (Brian W.J. Mahy/CDC)

Cases outside Africa have been reported in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as across Europe including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany. The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.K., where the disease was first detected outside of Africa, has reached 20 as of May 20.

The CDC noted that in the case of the United Kingdom, there was a temporally clustered group of cases involving four people who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

Some evidence suggests that cases among [men who have sex with men] may be epidemiologically linked; the patients in this cluster were identified at sexual health clinics, it stated. This is an evolving investigation and public health authorities hope to learn more about routes of exposure in the coming days.

Recent Outbreaks Atypical: WHO

The WHO said on Friday that the recent outbreaks across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. It said there are about 80 confirmed cases and 50 pending investigations, with more cases likely to be reported in the near future.

People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners, the WHO stated.

Monkeypox starts off with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. Within days after fever, a rash appears on the face and body, which can also include the genital or perianal area, the CDC states. The incubation periodtime from infection to symptomscan range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease usually self-resolves with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, although severe cases can occur and can even result in death, with recent death rates being around 3 to 6 percent, according to the WHO.

The United States has one confirmed case of monkeypox in Massachusetts, the first this year. The CDC said it is working with the states health department to investigate the case. The patient involved has the West African strain of monkeypox virus, and is currently isolated, the CDC stated. He had recently traveled to Canada, where the first two monkeypox cases were confirmed late on May 19 in Quebec.

Another suspected monkeypox case is being investigated in New York City.

In 2021, the United States had two confirmed cases of monkeypox, one in Maryland and one in Texas. Both cases involved people who had recently traveled to Nigeria, where the virus is endemic.

A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

The Biden administration on May 18 placed an order for millions of doses of a vaccine intended to protect against smallpox and monkeypox from Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark-based biotech company. The vaccine is approved under the name Jynneos in the United States, available to those at high risk of smallpox and monkeypox.

Jynneos does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or monkeypox. It is made from a vaccinia virus, a virus that is closely related to, but less harmful than, variola or monkeypox viruses and can protect against both of these diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated in September 2019, at the time of the vaccines approval. Jynneos contains a modified form of the vaccinia virus called Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which does not cause disease in humans and is non-replicating, meaning it cannot reproduce in human cells.

According to the CDC, because the monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes smallpox, the vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox.

Past data from Africa suggests that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 [percent] effective in preventing monkeypox, the CDC stated. The effectiveness of [Jynneos] against monkeypox was concluded from a clinical study on the immunogenicity of Jynneos and efficacy data from animal studies.

Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.

Correction: The date of the Jynneos vaccines FDA approval was incorrect. The Jynneos vaccine was approved in September 2019. The Epoch Times regrets the error.



Russian Spetsnaz troops march through Red Square in a Victory Day military parade, May 9, 2021. Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

Russian forces have suffered major losses in Ukraine and failed to capture Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Russian lawmakers on Friday moved to expand military eligibility to include older citizens.

An amendment introduced in parliament would drop the 18-40 age requirement for first-time recruits.

Russian lawmakers on Friday took steps to expand its military recruitment to include older citizens as its forces have taken major hits and been pushed out of key areas in Ukraine.

An amendment was introduced in Russia's parliament that would eliminate the requirement that first-time military enlistments be between the ages of 18 to 40, The New York Times reported.

The measure would allow older Russian citizens to join the war effort. A statement from the lower house of Parliament said "highly professional specialists are needed" to operate military equipment, The Times reported. The statement also said medical workers and engineers were among the specialists needed.

The lawmakers did not cite a need for additional ground troops in Ukraine. However, the UK's Ministry of Defense said last week Russia has likely lost a third of its ground combat force since invading in February.

Russian forces have been dealt a series of setbacks in the war, including failing to capture the capital city of Kyiv and then Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. After getting pushed out of the latter last week, some Russian forces were redeployed to the eastern Donbas region.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary-general, said earlier this week that Russian efforts in the Donbas had also stalled, adding that "Russia is not achieving its strategic objectives."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Canberra, May 21 : Voting for Australia's federal election is underway on Saturday, where either the ruling Liberal-National Coalition or the opposition Labor party need to garner a majority in a close-run contest to form the new government.

More than 8 million Australians are expected to cast their ballots at more than 7,000 polling booths across the country, according to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), and a record number of voters have already cast their ballots prior to the election day, reports Xinhua news agency.

Voting started at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning and will end at 6 p.m. when the counting votes will start.

In order to form a majority government, either the Coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday night, Labor leads the Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 percent for the Coalition.

If neither the Labor nor the Coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent MPs seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

It is mandatory for all Australians aged 18 and over to vote in the election.

According to the AEC, more than 17.2 million people, 96 per cent of eligible voters, have enrolled to vote this year.

Some of the key issues for voters include economy, unemployment, climate change, trust in leaders, healthcare and education.

Morrison, who became Prime Minister in 2018, is the first Australian leader to serve a full term in office since John Howard, who won four elections before losing to Labor's Kevin Rudd in 2007, according to a BBC report.

He has led Australia through a period dominated by natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic, which was initially hailed as a success but was later criticised for inadequate planning.

Meanwhile, Albanese, one of Australia's longest-serving politicians who was briefly Deputy Prime Minister under Kevin Rudd in 2013, is campaigning for change and has promised voters a "safe change".

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
China and Pakistan -- often touted as the 'Iron Brothers' -- have enjoyed cordial relations for the past few years. However, things are changing as the promised benefits of Chinese investment have failed to materialize. Firstly, the benign perception in the minds of the Pakistani people is shifting quite rapidly. Secondly, the Chinese are getting perturbed by the worsening security situation in the country, threatening the focal point of this relation i.e the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The local community has been severely impacted by illegal fishing carried out by Chinese trawlers and the forced takeover of their region with military might. With skirmishes coming out into the streets and people challenging the armed soldiers openly, the Pakistan authorities have been alarmed by the delays in the execution of the CPEC projects. Even the Chinese professionals working on the key infrastructure projects have expressed concerns about security. According to Policy Research Group (Poreg), the extensive security apparatus in Balochistan and other CPEC areas has been both a cause as well as a reaction to this extremism, with numerous suicide bombings and other attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects. Against this backdrop, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered the tightening of security for Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects. The Pakistani PM gave the order while chairing a meeting with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal and other top officials in the wake of the recent suicide attack in Karachi which killed three Chinese nationals, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Sharif said that there will be no compromise on the security of Chinese residents and directed the interior ministry and security agencies to ensure foolproof security, the report said. According to Poreg, the financial implications of the CPEC have been immense. At USD 62 billion the amount approaches 20 per cent of the country's GDP and due to setbacks and allegations of large-scale corruption. This is leading to growing reluctance from Chinese investors in funding projects citing due arrears from the Pakistani government. (ANI)
China and Pakistan -- often touted as the 'Iron Brothers' -- have enjoyed cordial relations for the past few years. However, things are changing as the promised benefits of Chinese investment have failed to materialize. Firstly, the benign perception in the minds of the Pakistani people is shifting quite rapidly. Secondly, the Chinese are getting perturbed by the worsening security situation in the country, threatening the focal point of this relation i.e the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The local community has been severely impacted by illegal fishing carried out by Chinese trawlers and the forced takeover of their region with military might. With skirmishes coming out into the streets and people challenging the armed soldiers openly, the Pakistan authorities have been alarmed by the delays in the execution of the CPEC projects. Even the Chinese professionals working on the key infrastructure projects have expressed concerns about security. According to Policy Research Group (Poreg), the extensive security apparatus in Balochistan and other CPEC areas has been both a cause as well as a reaction to this extremism, with numerous suicide bombings and other attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects. Against this backdrop, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered the tightening of security for Chinese nationals working on the CPEC projects. The Pakistani PM gave the order while chairing a meeting with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal and other top officials in the wake of the recent suicide attack in Karachi which killed three Chinese nationals, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Sharif said that there will be no compromise on the security of Chinese residents and directed the interior ministry and security agencies to ensure foolproof security, the report said. According to Poreg, the financial implications of the CPEC have been immense. At USD 62 billion the amount approaches 20 per cent of the country's GDP and due to setbacks and allegations of large-scale corruption. This is leading to growing reluctance from Chinese investors in funding projects citing due arrears from the Pakistani government. (ANI)
Seoul, May 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his visiting US counterpart Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit in Seoul on Saturday on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme and supply chain risks.

On Friday, Biden arrived on his first visit to the country as President and only 10 days after Yoon took office, reports Yonhap News Agency.

On the first stop of his three-day visit, Biden visited a Samsung semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, on Friday.

He was joined by Yoon and the two were given a personal tour of the sprawling compound by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The visit underscored the two countries' commitment to working together to strengthen supply chains amid a post-pandemic global shortage of semiconductors.

Yoon told Biden that the facility is "the site of the industrial and technology alliance between South Korea and the US", a presidential official told reporters Saturday.

Yoon also said semiconductors are the core of the bilateral alliance and that advanced industries are only made possible by a free environment and creativity, and impossible without a liberal democratic system, according to the official.

Biden's second day in Seoul will include a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where he will pay tribute to fallen soldiers, a summit with Yoon at the new presidential office in the central district of Yongsan, and a joint press conference.

He will later attend a banquet hosted by Yoon at the National Museum of Korea.

During the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Yoon and Biden will jointly visit the Korean Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where they will be briefed on its activities and encourage South Korean and US service members.

Biden will depart for Japan on Sunday afternoon to continue on the second leg of his Asia tour.
Seoul, May 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his visiting US counterpart Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit in Seoul on Saturday on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme and supply chain risks.

On Friday, Biden arrived on his first visit to the country as President and only 10 days after Yoon took office, reports Yonhap News Agency.

On the first stop of his three-day visit, Biden visited a Samsung semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, on Friday.

He was joined by Yoon and the two were given a personal tour of the sprawling compound by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.

The visit underscored the two countries' commitment to working together to strengthen supply chains amid a post-pandemic global shortage of semiconductors.

Yoon told Biden that the facility is "the site of the industrial and technology alliance between South Korea and the US", a presidential official told reporters Saturday.

Yoon also said semiconductors are the core of the bilateral alliance and that advanced industries are only made possible by a free environment and creativity, and impossible without a liberal democratic system, according to the official.

Biden's second day in Seoul will include a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where he will pay tribute to fallen soldiers, a summit with Yoon at the new presidential office in the central district of Yongsan, and a joint press conference.

He will later attend a banquet hosted by Yoon at the National Museum of Korea.

During the summit, the two sides are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, including the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Yoon and Biden will jointly visit the Korean Air and Space Operations Centre at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, where they will be briefed on its activities and encourage South Korean and US service members.

Biden will depart for Japan on Sunday afternoon to continue on the second leg of his Asia tour.







The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol
The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol
The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol
The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus frozen by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BESU) exceeds UAH 30 billion.

BESU Director Vadym Melnyk said this at a meeting with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM), the Government portal informs.

As noted, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of BESU's activities during the war, the current state of development of the agency, vision for BESU's work after the war, in particular, protection of EU funds channeled to support Ukraine (international technical assistance), and further cooperation between BESU and EUAM.

Among the priorities of the Bureau, Melnyk mentioned the investigation into crimes involving the assets of the aggressor country.

The total value of assets of Russia and Belarus, frozen by BESU, is over UAH 30 billion. And this is just the beginning," Melnyk said.

In turn, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine Fredrik Wesslau spoke about EUAMs current areas of work, support for Ukrainian citizens abroad, as well as the humanitarian direction of EUAM in Ukraine.

Read also: Court seizes 434 railcars of Russian companies

"Support for the activities of government agencies during the aggression of the Russian Federation is especially important. Re-establishing ties, understanding the directions of further cooperation between EUAM and BESU, providing the necessary support and assistance is the main task. EUAM representatives aim to strengthen support for the development of the Bureau as a transparent and efficient body," Wesslau said.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure and the creation of a powerful BESU-based think tank. In particular, they discussed the provision of special software products to the analytical unit and the unit of detectives which will help bring the fight against economic crimes in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level. The meeting participants also pointed out the need to develop cooperation with other international organizations and continue negotiations with the competent authorities of other countries on logistical, methodological support, etc.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office seized 17,800 railway cars belonging to Russian and Belarusian enterprises in early April as part of a criminal investigation into intentional large-scale tax evasion (Part 3, Article 212).

ol


Perhaps no career field is more difficult to break into than production agriculture. Even if someone had the financial resources for land and equipment, the value of knowledge often handed down from one generation to the next is immeasurable.

A program at Rend Lake College funded by a nearly $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is designed to help those interested in agriculture connect with the resources they will need should they choose to enter the field.

Called the Advancement of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, the program will offer those entering agriculture in eight Southern Illinois counties a series of meetings and workshops that focus on basic crop production, livestock and forest management skills as well as introduce concepts of financial management, risk planning and the ins and outs of agricultural credit.

Additionally, the program will focus on farm safety and allow for hands-on experiences with agricultural equipment. The Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program is funded over three years by the USDAs National Institute of Food and Agriculture which provides leadership for the program.

This opportunity can help in building a solid foundation for success, said Gabriele Farner, dean of applied science and advanced technology at Rend Lake College. Successful transitioning to the next generation is vital for our local area and the future of farms.

The program includes workshops and field trips as well as gatherings with agricultural leaders, she said, adding visits to local farms as well as to farm equipment shows will be included. Another advantage she said, was building a sense of community.

Being able to connect with one another through these workshops is important. They can learn from each other, build some camaraderie and bring new ideas to each other, she said.

Rend Lake Instructor Ed Billingsley, who leads the workshops said the goal of the program is simple.

We are here to educate young farmers and ranchers on topics of interest to them that will help them be successful and survive in todays agricultural environment, he said. Were trying to provide them with opportunities.

He added that by showing students the diversity of agriculture, they are better able to choose a sector that fits their own skillset and interest.

Farner explained that grant will also allow the college to expose the students to some of the latest equipment.

John Kabat has a unique perspective on the program and said it is very beneficial to participants. In addition to being a farmer himself, Kabat teaches high school agriculture at Mount Vernon Township High School and is a member of the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees.

There are so many different avenues to go in production agriculture, he said. And there are so many things to learn. People already in agriculture are happy to share and give advice to help make these student successful.

Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson called the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program a great way to introduce people to agriculture.

This is about giving people that may not have come from the farm some practical background and experience. Its allowing us to reach out and help the next generation in agriculture, he said.

More information about the program is available by calling Farner at (618) 437-4321.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0






Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara. (SCREENSHOT: YouTube)

SINGAPORE  The Singapore embassy in Jakarta and the Singapore consulate-general in Medan saw protests on Friday (20 May), after Indonesia preacher Abdul Somad Batubara was denied entry to the city-state on Monday.

CNA reported Indonesia media outlet Detik as saying that protesters - who are members of the the Islamic Sharia Ideology Defenders (Perisai) - were carrying the Indonesian flag and handing out pamphlets calling for condemnation of Singapore's decision to deny Somad entry.

The protesters were also reportedly demanding for the Singapore embassy to provide a clarification over the incident and apologise openly. They also called for the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia to be asked to leave the country.

"The actions by Singapore suggest that they are openly accusing Somad of being a radical. Somad is accused by Singapore of being a terrorist, a protester was reported as saying by Detik.

CNA reported that the local district police had deployed about 50 officers to maintain order, as the protests continued despite rainy weather. They eventually disbanded after about two hours of protests, according to Detik.

In Medan, CNN Indonesia reported that members of the Alliance of Islamic Organisations of North Sumatra carried banners at the Singapore consulate-general, with some also calling for the expulsion of the Singapore ambassador.

"We are a big country. Singapore is a small country. Both should stand upright together," a member of the group told CNN Indonesia.

"(Somad) is not a criminal. In fact, he is a high-class citizen because he is an intellectual... Everything he said is based on strong academic grounds. Don't let assumptions make someone to be treated unfairly."

Medan police chief Valentino Alfa Tatareda told CNA that the protest was peaceful and attended by around 100 people.

Social media accounts spammed by Somad's supporters

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that Somad had arrived with a group of seven at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Monday. He was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry into Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam on the same day.

Story continues

Somad has been known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapores multi-racial and multi-religious society, the ministry said in a media statement.

The statement came after the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo confirmed earlier in the day that Somad was not given permission to enter the city-state.

MHA said a visitors entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right, with each case assessed on its own merits.

On Wednesday, Singapores Ministry of Communications and Information said that the social media accounts of a number of political office holders and government agencies have been spammed by Somads supporters.

CNA understands that the Instagram accounts of President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were among those that were affected, as was PM Lee's Twitter account.

The Instagram accounts of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Tourism Board were also spammed.

Indonesias counter-terror agency subsequently told CNA that Singapores decision to deny entry to Somad is an important lesson for Indonesia to take precautions in prohibiting radical views.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore








Pottawattamie County Board Member Justin Schultz doesnt like to take no for an answer, and when hes told something cant be done, or a building project costs too much, it just makes him want to succeed even more.

Im a very driven individual, Schultz said in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil. Maybe its stubbornness, I dont know.

For example, when Schultz  currently seeking a third term on the Board  was working with the Dream Playground Re-Imagined committee to renovate the Lake Manawa State Park play area, the state told them that they couldnt.

They had some other groups try in the past and they just didnt finish or they did kind of shoddy work, and so I think they were just real cautious to do it, which I totally understood, Schultz said. I dont think they realized the caliber of people wanting to do this.

Schultz spoke to people he knew in the state legislature to convince them that Pottawattamie County was serious about bringing the new playground to fruition. Ultimately, the state relented and allowed the project to go forward.

It became a passion project for me, Schultz said. I dont like the answer no when it comes to things that make sense.

Schultz, who earned a bachelors degree in international relations from the University of Iowa, originally thought he might get a job with a U.S. intelligence agency after his second deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guards 1-168th Battalion, but working with local Afghan leaders in Zurmat to better their communities ignited a different spark in him.

We built roads, bridges, little girls schools, wells in all the little small villages over there, and so it panned out really well, Schultz said. It was a great thing, but thats kind of what got me thinking, like, we had so much success here with people that legitimately hate us  Im not talking the regular Afghan population, but Shura (council) members  and so I came home and thought, you know, I want to do something here.

In addition to Dream Playground, Schultz is proud of the work he put into getting the new Veterans Affairs building approved. After his time in Afghanistan, supporting veterans at home became a top priority.

I struggled with PTSD, there was no question I had that for a while, Schultz said. I sought help in early 2015, and I would tell you that, because of those experiences that I had, that Veterans Affairs became a huge passion for me.

When bids to construct the VA building came back, they were double the cost of what the county had authorized, and the Board began discussing ways to scale back the design to lower the cost.

Im thinking to myself, no, were not scaling anything back, he said. Like, were gonna build it the way you told the taxpayers you were gonna build it, and were gonna go find the damn money.

And thats exactly what Schultz did.

I went and talked to Iowa West Foundation, I went and talked to the Lakin Foundation, and we were able to come up with the money that we were short, Schultz said. And we did some other kind of creative budgeting with some bonding monies that we had left over, and, yeah long story short, the building you see today was exactly the way they envisioned it.

When it comes to projects for the county, Schultz takes the long view. He doesnt want to spend taxpayer money on something that wont have a lasting impact on the community.

I like to see the big picture and what its gonna have, Schultz said. The cost benefit, the payback thats there, the sustainability thats there, and so you see that in all these projects Ive been involved in.

Looking ahead, Schultz would like to focus more attention on growing and expanding communities in the more rural parts of Pottawattamie County, which presents its own unique set of challenges.

There are issues that are here, right outside Council Bluffs or in Council Bluffs, that are not even remotely the same out there in Walnut or Avoca or Oakland, he said.

Infrastructure as a whole is probably one of the key things in the future that we need to focus on, Schultz said. We are working right now with three different fiber optic agencies that are bringing rural broadband to residents.

Schultz said the Board is also working to extend water supply lines to parts of the county that are ripe for development.

People are looking for places to live so they can work in this metropolitan area, which is why we decided to run water down south, down in Lewis Central District off 240th Street and Dumfries, and Pioneer Trail, Schultz said. Theres gonna be 200 homes that are gonna be built there in the next, less than five years.

Schultz said that those homes will become a substantial tax base for the county as people move away from downtown Council Bluffs to a more suburban area, which, in turn, would open up lower income housing in the city.

Theyre more affordable homes, Schultz said. They make more sense for folks that are just starting out in their careers, or maybe theyre coming off active duty military and theyre just starting a family.

More conservation is also part of Schultzs vision for the future of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states for public land access, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The average county in Iowa offers nearly three times the amount of public land per person when compared to Pottawattamie County, which owns just 0.3% of land in the county.

Thats why we did the Hitchcock expansion that you saw that included the ski hill, Schultz said. A lot of people forget that was a 106-acre purchase there and the ski hills only 30 of that. This acquisition included over 70 acres of immediate expansion of Hitchcock (Nature Center).

Schultz thinks Pottawattamie County can be a positive example for the rest of the state, and hes doing what he can to make it so.

Were trying to be the model county for the state of Iowa, Schultz said. And when you really start to think about our size and the diversity we have, the people that we have, theres no reason that were not. Were not the forgotten western county anymore, and were not going to be.

Schultz is joined on the Republican ballot by Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, Dave Smith, Shawn Smith and John Springhower, and fellow incumbent Scott Belt. Jeff Shudak is the lone candidate in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is June 7.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Thank you for reading!

To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99.



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.




MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded on Friday that the legislatures be dissolved and a new election date to be announced, or his party would march on Islamabad between May 25 and 29.

Imran Khan has called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be ready for the Islamabad March next week, and has announced that the party's Core Committee would meet on May 22 to finalise the date. He referred to "recent happenings," such as the election commission of Pakistan de-seating 25 members of the Punjab Assembly for breaking party discipline.

Since his government was overthrown by the 11-party alliance in a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan has demanded a new election. The PTI chairman, who has addressed a series of large public gatherings across the country, has set a May 20 deadline for the election date announcement.

He detailed the accomplishments of his three-year administration, including economic stabilisation despite a global recession in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. He invited everyone to attend the march, which he claimed would be the largest in South Asian history, including men, women, students, lawyers, and intellectuals.

He slammed the purported American pressure to launch drone strikes inside Afghanistan and the use of Pakistani airspace. He claimed that in the past, governments had failed to protest the collateral damage caused by drone strikes in tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan had fought other countries' wars and sacrificed 80,000 people.

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Bilawal to visit China on May 21

Pakistan FM Bilawal BhuttoBhutto defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

Pakistan seeks import ban on luxury items due to its economic crisis
MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded on Friday that the legislatures be dissolved and a new election date to be announced, or his party would march on Islamabad between May 25 and 29.

Imran Khan has called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be ready for the Islamabad March next week, and has announced that the party's Core Committee would meet on May 22 to finalise the date. He referred to "recent happenings," such as the election commission of Pakistan de-seating 25 members of the Punjab Assembly for breaking party discipline.

Since his government was overthrown by the 11-party alliance in a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan has demanded a new election. The PTI chairman, who has addressed a series of large public gatherings across the country, has set a May 20 deadline for the election date announcement.

He detailed the accomplishments of his three-year administration, including economic stabilisation despite a global recession in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. He invited everyone to attend the march, which he claimed would be the largest in South Asian history, including men, women, students, lawyers, and intellectuals.

He slammed the purported American pressure to launch drone strikes inside Afghanistan and the use of Pakistani airspace. He claimed that in the past, governments had failed to protest the collateral damage caused by drone strikes in tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan had fought other countries' wars and sacrificed 80,000 people.

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Bilawal to visit China on May 21

Pakistan FM Bilawal BhuttoBhutto defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

Pakistan seeks import ban on luxury items due to its economic crisis
MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded on Friday that the legislatures be dissolved and a new election date to be announced, or his party would march on Islamabad between May 25 and 29.

Imran Khan has called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be ready for the Islamabad March next week, and has announced that the party's Core Committee would meet on May 22 to finalise the date. He referred to "recent happenings," such as the election commission of Pakistan de-seating 25 members of the Punjab Assembly for breaking party discipline.

Since his government was overthrown by the 11-party alliance in a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan has demanded a new election. The PTI chairman, who has addressed a series of large public gatherings across the country, has set a May 20 deadline for the election date announcement.

He detailed the accomplishments of his three-year administration, including economic stabilisation despite a global recession in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. He invited everyone to attend the march, which he claimed would be the largest in South Asian history, including men, women, students, lawyers, and intellectuals.

He slammed the purported American pressure to launch drone strikes inside Afghanistan and the use of Pakistani airspace. He claimed that in the past, governments had failed to protest the collateral damage caused by drone strikes in tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan had fought other countries' wars and sacrificed 80,000 people.

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Bilawal to visit China on May 21

Pakistan FM Bilawal BhuttoBhutto defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

Pakistan seeks import ban on luxury items due to its economic crisis

MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded on Friday that the legislatures be dissolved and a new election date to be announced, or his party would march on Islamabad between May 25 and 29.

Imran Khan has called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to be ready for the Islamabad March next week, and has announced that the party's Core Committee would meet on May 22 to finalise the date. He referred to "recent happenings," such as the election commission of Pakistan de-seating 25 members of the Punjab Assembly for breaking party discipline.

Since his government was overthrown by the 11-party alliance in a vote of no-confidence, Imran Khan has demanded a new election. The PTI chairman, who has addressed a series of large public gatherings across the country, has set a May 20 deadline for the election date announcement.

He detailed the accomplishments of his three-year administration, including economic stabilisation despite a global recession in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. He invited everyone to attend the march, which he claimed would be the largest in South Asian history, including men, women, students, lawyers, and intellectuals.

He slammed the purported American pressure to launch drone strikes inside Afghanistan and the use of Pakistani airspace. He claimed that in the past, governments had failed to protest the collateral damage caused by drone strikes in tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan had fought other countries' wars and sacrificed 80,000 people.

Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Bilawal to visit China on May 21

Pakistan FM Bilawal BhuttoBhutto defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

Pakistan seeks import ban on luxury items due to its economic crisis




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)




On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.











A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.
A support network for abused women and children has issued a statement expressing support for Johnny Depp in his ongoing defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Mission NGO, a nonprofit group led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli, issued the statement on Friday, expressing 'compassion for Johnny Depp in this bad page of his personal history.'

It follows a growing chorus of support for Depp after the court heard disturbing evidence suggesting that Heard physically abused him, including an audio tape of Heard admitting that she had hit him.

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit against the Aquaman actress.

Mission NGO, the support group for abused women led by the former Miss Italy Valeria Altobelli (left), issued a statement supporting Johnny Depp (right) on Friday

Heard has long accused Depp of being the abuser in the relationship, allegations that he says scuttled his acting career, and led to his $50 million defamation lawsuit

Altobelli, who founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China, said in a statement that her group 'gives no sex, no gender, no race, no colour, no age to the concept of violence.'

'Women from all over the world stand against domestic violence, regardless of gender, age or race,' said Altobelli.

'Our mission is to educate men and women, with no gender differences, to keep talking and living in the values of love, mutual comprehension and sensitivity in order to prevent all kinds of violence, against women, against men, against children,' the beauty queen added.

'As women, we have compassion and we feel empathy not for THE star, THE talent, THE actor but for a man, a father, a worker, A HUMAN,' wrote Altobelli, referring to Depp.

'Mental Health is something we have to care about to live in a positive environment where women and men can love and respect each other without any kind of abuse and violence,' she added.

In his suit, Depp says a 2018 op-ed piece Heard wrote in The Washington Post unfairly portrayed him as a domestic abuser and cost him a lucrative Hollywood career that included the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Depp has testified he never struck Heard and that he was the victim of abuse inflicted by her.

Altobelli founded Mission NGO with support from other participants in the 2004 Miss World pageant in China

But Heards attorneys say those denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out.

On the trial's 19th day on Thursday, Heard's attorneys played for the court a previously taped deposition from actress Ellen Barkin, who dated Depp in the 1990s and portrayed him as controlling, jealous and angry.

During Barkin's deposition, she testified that Depp was 'always drinking or smoking a joint' or doing other illegal drugs. She said she dated Depp for about three to five months and characterized the relationship as more sexual than romantic.

Barkin co-starred with Depp in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' During filming, Barkin said Depp threw a wine bottle in her direction while he was fighting with some friends in a hotel room. However, she said she didnt know why he threw the bottle.

Heards attorneys argue that Depp's career free-fall was the result of his own bad behavior - not Heard's op-ed.

They played witness testimony that charted the actors rise and fall from 'the biggest movie star in the world' to a man who struggled with drugs, money and the ability to show up at movie sets on time.

Tracey Jacobs, who served as the actor's agent for about 30 years, said Depp was 'showing up late to set consistently on virtually every movie' during their final years working together.

Describing her breakup with Depp, Barkin said there was a 'big goodbye' and she didn't hear from Depp again

Barkin, 68, said she met Depp around 1990 and developed a friendship that lasted 10 years, including starring together in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. She said the relationship became sexual

Barkin said: 'He's just a jealous man, controlling, where are you going, who are you going with. What did you do last night. I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he he insisted it came from having sex with a person who wasn't him'

'I was very honest with him and said, `You've got to stop doing this - this is hurting you,' Jacobs said. 'And it did.'

Jacobs said Depp was an extraordinary talent but his behavior in the years before he fired her in 2016 became increasingly unprofessional, while his drug and alcohol use increased, Jacobs said.

'And it also got around town,' Jacobs said. 'I mean, people talk, its a small community. And it made people reluctant to use him.'

Joel Mandel, Depps former business manager, testified in a previously recorded deposition that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films had 'catapulted him into an entirely different level of success.'

'It meant more employees,' Mandel said. 'It meant buying additional property. ... It meant a bigger life and a more expensive one.'

Actor Johnny Depp arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Actor Amber Heard arrives in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Va., Thursday, May 19, 2022

Things began to change around 2010, and it 'became clear over time that there were issues with alcohol and drugs,' Mandel said. 'And that translated into more erratic behavior, more stressful behavior, more times when it was difficult to engage in the kinds of conversations I needed to do my job.'

At one point, Depp was spending around $100,000 a month for a doctor and staff to help him get sober, Mandel said.

At another, he was spending $300,000 a month on full-time staff, he said. And he said there also were times when Depp spent thousands of dollars a month on prescription drugs.

'The spending levels had grown very, very, very large and required that level of incredibly high income to be maintained,' Mandel said. 'And when it dropped off, the disconnect became untenable.'

Mandel said he became extremely worried about Depps finances in 2015, but that Depp met those concerns with anger. He said the actor fired him in 2016.
Pottawattamie County Board Member Justin Schultz doesnt like to take no for an answer, and when hes told something cant be done, or a building project costs too much, it just makes him want to succeed even more.

Im a very driven individual, Schultz said in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil. Maybe its stubbornness, I dont know.

For example, when Schultz  currently seeking a third term on the Board  was working with the Dream Playground Re-Imagined committee to renovate the Lake Manawa State Park play area, the state told them that they couldnt.

They had some other groups try in the past and they just didnt finish or they did kind of shoddy work, and so I think they were just real cautious to do it, which I totally understood, Schultz said. I dont think they realized the caliber of people wanting to do this.

Schultz spoke to people he knew in the state legislature to convince them that Pottawattamie County was serious about bringing the new playground to fruition. Ultimately, the state relented and allowed the project to go forward.

It became a passion project for me, Schultz said. I dont like the answer no when it comes to things that make sense.

Schultz, who earned a bachelors degree in international relations from the University of Iowa, originally thought he might get a job with a U.S. intelligence agency after his second deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guards 1-168th Battalion, but working with local Afghan leaders in Zurmat to better their communities ignited a different spark in him.

We built roads, bridges, little girls schools, wells in all the little small villages over there, and so it panned out really well, Schultz said. It was a great thing, but thats kind of what got me thinking, like, we had so much success here with people that legitimately hate us  Im not talking the regular Afghan population, but Shura (council) members  and so I came home and thought, you know, I want to do something here.

In addition to Dream Playground, Schultz is proud of the work he put into getting the new Veterans Affairs building approved. After his time in Afghanistan, supporting veterans at home became a top priority.

I struggled with PTSD, there was no question I had that for a while, Schultz said. I sought help in early 2015, and I would tell you that, because of those experiences that I had, that Veterans Affairs became a huge passion for me.

When bids to construct the VA building came back, they were double the cost of what the county had authorized, and the Board began discussing ways to scale back the design to lower the cost.

Im thinking to myself, no, were not scaling anything back, he said. Like, were gonna build it the way you told the taxpayers you were gonna build it, and were gonna go find the damn money.

And thats exactly what Schultz did.

I went and talked to Iowa West Foundation, I went and talked to the Lakin Foundation, and we were able to come up with the money that we were short, Schultz said. And we did some other kind of creative budgeting with some bonding monies that we had left over, and, yeah long story short, the building you see today was exactly the way they envisioned it.

When it comes to projects for the county, Schultz takes the long view. He doesnt want to spend taxpayer money on something that wont have a lasting impact on the community.

I like to see the big picture and what its gonna have, Schultz said. The cost benefit, the payback thats there, the sustainability thats there, and so you see that in all these projects Ive been involved in.

Looking ahead, Schultz would like to focus more attention on growing and expanding communities in the more rural parts of Pottawattamie County, which presents its own unique set of challenges.

There are issues that are here, right outside Council Bluffs or in Council Bluffs, that are not even remotely the same out there in Walnut or Avoca or Oakland, he said.

Infrastructure as a whole is probably one of the key things in the future that we need to focus on, Schultz said. We are working right now with three different fiber optic agencies that are bringing rural broadband to residents.

Schultz said the Board is also working to extend water supply lines to parts of the county that are ripe for development.

People are looking for places to live so they can work in this metropolitan area, which is why we decided to run water down south, down in Lewis Central District off 240th Street and Dumfries, and Pioneer Trail, Schultz said. Theres gonna be 200 homes that are gonna be built there in the next, less than five years.

Schultz said that those homes will become a substantial tax base for the county as people move away from downtown Council Bluffs to a more suburban area, which, in turn, would open up lower income housing in the city.

Theyre more affordable homes, Schultz said. They make more sense for folks that are just starting out in their careers, or maybe theyre coming off active duty military and theyre just starting a family.

More conservation is also part of Schultzs vision for the future of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states for public land access, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The average county in Iowa offers nearly three times the amount of public land per person when compared to Pottawattamie County, which owns just 0.3% of land in the county.

Thats why we did the Hitchcock expansion that you saw that included the ski hill, Schultz said. A lot of people forget that was a 106-acre purchase there and the ski hills only 30 of that. This acquisition included over 70 acres of immediate expansion of Hitchcock (Nature Center).

Schultz thinks Pottawattamie County can be a positive example for the rest of the state, and hes doing what he can to make it so.

Were trying to be the model county for the state of Iowa, Schultz said. And when you really start to think about our size and the diversity we have, the people that we have, theres no reason that were not. Were not the forgotten western county anymore, and were not going to be.

Schultz is joined on the Republican ballot by Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, Dave Smith, Shawn Smith and John Springhower, and fellow incumbent Scott Belt. Jeff Shudak is the lone candidate in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is June 7.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pottawattamie County Board Member Justin Schultz doesnt like to take no for an answer, and when hes told something cant be done, or a building project costs too much, it just makes him want to succeed even more.

Im a very driven individual, Schultz said in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil. Maybe its stubbornness, I dont know.

For example, when Schultz  currently seeking a third term on the Board  was working with the Dream Playground Re-Imagined committee to renovate the Lake Manawa State Park play area, the state told them that they couldnt.

They had some other groups try in the past and they just didnt finish or they did kind of shoddy work, and so I think they were just real cautious to do it, which I totally understood, Schultz said. I dont think they realized the caliber of people wanting to do this.

Schultz spoke to people he knew in the state legislature to convince them that Pottawattamie County was serious about bringing the new playground to fruition. Ultimately, the state relented and allowed the project to go forward.

It became a passion project for me, Schultz said. I dont like the answer no when it comes to things that make sense.

Schultz, who earned a bachelors degree in international relations from the University of Iowa, originally thought he might get a job with a U.S. intelligence agency after his second deployment to Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guards 1-168th Battalion, but working with local Afghan leaders in Zurmat to better their communities ignited a different spark in him.

We built roads, bridges, little girls schools, wells in all the little small villages over there, and so it panned out really well, Schultz said. It was a great thing, but thats kind of what got me thinking, like, we had so much success here with people that legitimately hate us  Im not talking the regular Afghan population, but Shura (council) members  and so I came home and thought, you know, I want to do something here.

In addition to Dream Playground, Schultz is proud of the work he put into getting the new Veterans Affairs building approved. After his time in Afghanistan, supporting veterans at home became a top priority.

I struggled with PTSD, there was no question I had that for a while, Schultz said. I sought help in early 2015, and I would tell you that, because of those experiences that I had, that Veterans Affairs became a huge passion for me.

When bids to construct the VA building came back, they were double the cost of what the county had authorized, and the Board began discussing ways to scale back the design to lower the cost.

Im thinking to myself, no, were not scaling anything back, he said. Like, were gonna build it the way you told the taxpayers you were gonna build it, and were gonna go find the damn money.

And thats exactly what Schultz did.

I went and talked to Iowa West Foundation, I went and talked to the Lakin Foundation, and we were able to come up with the money that we were short, Schultz said. And we did some other kind of creative budgeting with some bonding monies that we had left over, and, yeah long story short, the building you see today was exactly the way they envisioned it.

When it comes to projects for the county, Schultz takes the long view. He doesnt want to spend taxpayer money on something that wont have a lasting impact on the community.

I like to see the big picture and what its gonna have, Schultz said. The cost benefit, the payback thats there, the sustainability thats there, and so you see that in all these projects Ive been involved in.

Looking ahead, Schultz would like to focus more attention on growing and expanding communities in the more rural parts of Pottawattamie County, which presents its own unique set of challenges.

There are issues that are here, right outside Council Bluffs or in Council Bluffs, that are not even remotely the same out there in Walnut or Avoca or Oakland, he said.

Infrastructure as a whole is probably one of the key things in the future that we need to focus on, Schultz said. We are working right now with three different fiber optic agencies that are bringing rural broadband to residents.

Schultz said the Board is also working to extend water supply lines to parts of the county that are ripe for development.

People are looking for places to live so they can work in this metropolitan area, which is why we decided to run water down south, down in Lewis Central District off 240th Street and Dumfries, and Pioneer Trail, Schultz said. Theres gonna be 200 homes that are gonna be built there in the next, less than five years.

Schultz said that those homes will become a substantial tax base for the county as people move away from downtown Council Bluffs to a more suburban area, which, in turn, would open up lower income housing in the city.

Theyre more affordable homes, Schultz said. They make more sense for folks that are just starting out in their careers, or maybe theyre coming off active duty military and theyre just starting a family.

More conservation is also part of Schultzs vision for the future of Pottawattamie County.

Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states for public land access, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The average county in Iowa offers nearly three times the amount of public land per person when compared to Pottawattamie County, which owns just 0.3% of land in the county.

Thats why we did the Hitchcock expansion that you saw that included the ski hill, Schultz said. A lot of people forget that was a 106-acre purchase there and the ski hills only 30 of that. This acquisition included over 70 acres of immediate expansion of Hitchcock (Nature Center).

Schultz thinks Pottawattamie County can be a positive example for the rest of the state, and hes doing what he can to make it so.

Were trying to be the model county for the state of Iowa, Schultz said. And when you really start to think about our size and the diversity we have, the people that we have, theres no reason that were not. Were not the forgotten western county anymore, and were not going to be.

Schultz is joined on the Republican ballot by Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, Dave Smith, Shawn Smith and John Springhower, and fellow incumbent Scott Belt. Jeff Shudak is the lone candidate in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is June 7.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CHICAGO (AP)  Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 thanks to a record showing by Democratic female candidates. Two years later, a record number of GOP women won seats, bringing the number of women in the chamber to a historic high.

But for some female incumbents running for reelection this year, holding their seats comes with a new challenge: redrawn congressional districts that will be tougher to win.

Its too early to know how many female representatives were hurt by the once-a-decade process known as redistricting  in which boundaries are redrawn based on census data to ensure similarly sized districts  because multiple states haven't finalized their maps. But in states with new district boundaries, the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University found more than a dozen women so far who are running in significantly tougher territory. Thats more than double the number who are in districts that will be significantly easier to win after redistricting, the analysis found as of this month.

The new maps mean some female representatives are seeking reelection against longer-serving incumbent men  or against each other, such as in Georgia's Tuesday primary, where two Democratic female incumbents are facing off. Ultimately, the new maps will be a factor in whether women maintain or grow their numbers in the next Congress to more accurately reflect the makeup of the country, a goal members of both parties have concentrated on. Currently, female representatives make up about 28% of the 435 House members, with Democratic women holding roughly three times the number of seats as GOP women.

Many of those women are already vulnerable because they were recently elected and dont have the advantages of longtime incumbency, such as fundraising and name recognition, said Kelly Dittmar, director of research for the center. They also often won in swing districts, areas more likely to switch from one party to the other.

2022 is an important year to understand how these recently elected women are going to fare," Dittmar said.

In Illinois, which lost a seat in redistricting because of its shrinking population, the state's two first-term female representatives  one Democrat, one Republican  were among the 18-member delegation's biggest losers in the state's remapping.

Democratic mapmakers drew new boundaries that put Democratic Rep. Marie Newman and Republican Rep. Mary Miller into districts already represented by male incumbents. Both women chose instead to run in neighboring districts, against other men. (House members arent required to live in the district they represent, though most do.)

Newman is a progressive who in 2020 unseated Rep. Dan Lipinski, one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress. Last fall, Illinois legislators largely dismantled the Chicago-area district she represented as they created a new predominantly Hispanic district to reflect population gains. A large section of Newman's district was drawn into a neighboring district represented by two-term Democratic Rep. Sean Casten.

Newmans home, and the area immediately around it where she performed her best in 2020, were drawn into the heavily Hispanic district represented by Democratic Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia. That, Newman said, I took personal.

She thinks it was payback. A lot of corporations, a lot of establishment people, they seem to still be mad at me," she told the audience at a fundraiser this month.

In an interview, Newman said she believes Democratic legislators responsible for the new map felt she was expendable because she was the most recently elected incumbent. She said it is critically important to have more women in Congress, especially at a time when abortion rights are under threat. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

You cant have an unqualified person in there. But if theres a qualified woman, I think you really have to look at that and say, We need more of a womens voice in Congress, period," said Newman, who recently released a campaign ad in which she discusses having an abortion at age 19. I am very confident if there were another 50 to 100 women in Congress and in the Senate, we would not be in this situation ... (Roe) would have been codified and unoverturnable."

Of course, not all women support codifying, or putting into federal law, the right to abortion. Among the fiercest opponents in the House is Miller, who said she was inspired by then-President Donald Trump to run for her southern Illinois seat in 2020.

Miller was drawn into the same congressional district as fellow conservative Rep. Mike Bost, for whom Trump campaigned in 2018. Rather than run against him, Miller opted to run in a nearby district against five-term Republican Rep. Rodney Davis, who supported a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump has endorsed Miller.

Another female Republican, first-term Rep. Yvette Herrell of New Mexico, also was the victim of a partisan remap as Democrats who control the Legislature redrew her district in the southern part of the state to be significantly more Democratic.

It is not clear yet whether women were negatively affected by redistricting at a greater rate than male incumbents, many of whom also face more difficult elections, Dittmar said.

In some cases, women face challenges from other incumbents. That's the case in Michigan, where Democratic Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens are both running for a new Democrat-leaning district drawn by an independent commission. The matchup leaves another newly drawn, more competitive district without an incumbent.

And in Georgia, at least one female incumbent will lose her bid for another term after Tuesdays primary. Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux both flipped longtime GOP-held districts in the Atlanta area in recent election cycles. But after Republicans who control the state Legislature redrew McBaths district to favor Republicans, the two-term incumbent chose to take on the first-term Bourdeaux in a more Democrat-friendly district.

Some women are benefiting from the shakeup. In Oklahoma, GOP Rep. Stephanie Bice's district in the Oklahoma City area  previously held by Democratic Rep. Kendra Horn  was redrawn to be significantly more Republican.

For the candidates facing a tougher reelection, it is often familiar ground.

I just have to prove myself again," Newman said.

Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
CHICAGO (AP)  Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 thanks to a record showing by Democratic female candidates. Two years later, a record number of GOP women won seats, bringing the number of women in the chamber to a historic high.

But for some female incumbents running for reelection this year, holding their seats comes with a new challenge: redrawn congressional districts that will be tougher to win.

Its too early to know how many female representatives were hurt by the once-a-decade process known as redistricting  in which boundaries are redrawn based on census data to ensure similarly sized districts  because multiple states haven't finalized their maps. But in states with new district boundaries, the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University found more than a dozen women so far who are running in significantly tougher territory. Thats more than double the number who are in districts that will be significantly easier to win after redistricting, the analysis found as of this month.

The new maps mean some female representatives are seeking reelection against longer-serving incumbent men  or against each other, such as in Georgia's Tuesday primary, where two Democratic female incumbents are facing off. Ultimately, the new maps will be a factor in whether women maintain or grow their numbers in the next Congress to more accurately reflect the makeup of the country, a goal members of both parties have concentrated on. Currently, female representatives make up about 28% of the 435 House members, with Democratic women holding roughly three times the number of seats as GOP women.

Many of those women are already vulnerable because they were recently elected and dont have the advantages of longtime incumbency, such as fundraising and name recognition, said Kelly Dittmar, director of research for the center. They also often won in swing districts, areas more likely to switch from one party to the other.

2022 is an important year to understand how these recently elected women are going to fare," Dittmar said.

In Illinois, which lost a seat in redistricting because of its shrinking population, the state's two first-term female representatives  one Democrat, one Republican  were among the 18-member delegation's biggest losers in the state's remapping.

Democratic mapmakers drew new boundaries that put Democratic Rep. Marie Newman and Republican Rep. Mary Miller into districts already represented by male incumbents. Both women chose instead to run in neighboring districts, against other men. (House members arent required to live in the district they represent, though most do.)

Newman is a progressive who in 2020 unseated Rep. Dan Lipinski, one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress. Last fall, Illinois legislators largely dismantled the Chicago-area district she represented as they created a new predominantly Hispanic district to reflect population gains. A large section of Newman's district was drawn into a neighboring district represented by two-term Democratic Rep. Sean Casten.

Newmans home, and the area immediately around it where she performed her best in 2020, were drawn into the heavily Hispanic district represented by Democratic Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia. That, Newman said, I took personal.

She thinks it was payback. A lot of corporations, a lot of establishment people, they seem to still be mad at me," she told the audience at a fundraiser this month.

In an interview, Newman said she believes Democratic legislators responsible for the new map felt she was expendable because she was the most recently elected incumbent. She said it is critically important to have more women in Congress, especially at a time when abortion rights are under threat. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

You cant have an unqualified person in there. But if theres a qualified woman, I think you really have to look at that and say, We need more of a womens voice in Congress, period," said Newman, who recently released a campaign ad in which she discusses having an abortion at age 19. I am very confident if there were another 50 to 100 women in Congress and in the Senate, we would not be in this situation ... (Roe) would have been codified and unoverturnable."

Of course, not all women support codifying, or putting into federal law, the right to abortion. Among the fiercest opponents in the House is Miller, who said she was inspired by then-President Donald Trump to run for her southern Illinois seat in 2020.

Miller was drawn into the same congressional district as fellow conservative Rep. Mike Bost, for whom Trump campaigned in 2018. Rather than run against him, Miller opted to run in a nearby district against five-term Republican Rep. Rodney Davis, who supported a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump has endorsed Miller.

Another female Republican, first-term Rep. Yvette Herrell of New Mexico, also was the victim of a partisan remap as Democrats who control the Legislature redrew her district in the southern part of the state to be significantly more Democratic.

It is not clear yet whether women were negatively affected by redistricting at a greater rate than male incumbents, many of whom also face more difficult elections, Dittmar said.

In some cases, women face challenges from other incumbents. That's the case in Michigan, where Democratic Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens are both running for a new Democrat-leaning district drawn by an independent commission. The matchup leaves another newly drawn, more competitive district without an incumbent.

And in Georgia, at least one female incumbent will lose her bid for another term after Tuesdays primary. Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux both flipped longtime GOP-held districts in the Atlanta area in recent election cycles. But after Republicans who control the state Legislature redrew McBaths district to favor Republicans, the two-term incumbent chose to take on the first-term Bourdeaux in a more Democrat-friendly district.

Some women are benefiting from the shakeup. In Oklahoma, GOP Rep. Stephanie Bice's district in the Oklahoma City area  previously held by Democratic Rep. Kendra Horn  was redrawn to be significantly more Republican.

For the candidates facing a tougher reelection, it is often familiar ground.

I just have to prove myself again," Newman said.

Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
CHICAGO (AP)  Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 thanks to a record showing by Democratic female candidates. Two years later, a record number of GOP women won seats, bringing the number of women in the chamber to a historic high.

But for some female incumbents running for reelection this year, holding their seats comes with a new challenge: redrawn congressional districts that will be tougher to win.

Its too early to know how many female representatives were hurt by the once-a-decade process known as redistricting  in which boundaries are redrawn based on census data to ensure similarly sized districts  because multiple states haven't finalized their maps. But in states with new district boundaries, the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University found more than a dozen women so far who are running in significantly tougher territory. Thats more than double the number who are in districts that will be significantly easier to win after redistricting, the analysis found as of this month.

The new maps mean some female representatives are seeking reelection against longer-serving incumbent men  or against each other, such as in Georgia's Tuesday primary, where two Democratic female incumbents are facing off. Ultimately, the new maps will be a factor in whether women maintain or grow their numbers in the next Congress to more accurately reflect the makeup of the country, a goal members of both parties have concentrated on. Currently, female representatives make up about 28% of the 435 House members, with Democratic women holding roughly three times the number of seats as GOP women.

Many of those women are already vulnerable because they were recently elected and dont have the advantages of longtime incumbency, such as fundraising and name recognition, said Kelly Dittmar, director of research for the center. They also often won in swing districts, areas more likely to switch from one party to the other.

2022 is an important year to understand how these recently elected women are going to fare," Dittmar said.

In Illinois, which lost a seat in redistricting because of its shrinking population, the state's two first-term female representatives  one Democrat, one Republican  were among the 18-member delegation's biggest losers in the state's remapping.

Democratic mapmakers drew new boundaries that put Democratic Rep. Marie Newman and Republican Rep. Mary Miller into districts already represented by male incumbents. Both women chose instead to run in neighboring districts, against other men. (House members arent required to live in the district they represent, though most do.)

Newman is a progressive who in 2020 unseated Rep. Dan Lipinski, one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress. Last fall, Illinois legislators largely dismantled the Chicago-area district she represented as they created a new predominantly Hispanic district to reflect population gains. A large section of Newman's district was drawn into a neighboring district represented by two-term Democratic Rep. Sean Casten.

Newmans home, and the area immediately around it where she performed her best in 2020, were drawn into the heavily Hispanic district represented by Democratic Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia. That, Newman said, I took personal.

She thinks it was payback. A lot of corporations, a lot of establishment people, they seem to still be mad at me," she told the audience at a fundraiser this month.

In an interview, Newman said she believes Democratic legislators responsible for the new map felt she was expendable because she was the most recently elected incumbent. She said it is critically important to have more women in Congress, especially at a time when abortion rights are under threat. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

You cant have an unqualified person in there. But if theres a qualified woman, I think you really have to look at that and say, We need more of a womens voice in Congress, period," said Newman, who recently released a campaign ad in which she discusses having an abortion at age 19. I am very confident if there were another 50 to 100 women in Congress and in the Senate, we would not be in this situation ... (Roe) would have been codified and unoverturnable."

Of course, not all women support codifying, or putting into federal law, the right to abortion. Among the fiercest opponents in the House is Miller, who said she was inspired by then-President Donald Trump to run for her southern Illinois seat in 2020.

Miller was drawn into the same congressional district as fellow conservative Rep. Mike Bost, for whom Trump campaigned in 2018. Rather than run against him, Miller opted to run in a nearby district against five-term Republican Rep. Rodney Davis, who supported a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump has endorsed Miller.

Another female Republican, first-term Rep. Yvette Herrell of New Mexico, also was the victim of a partisan remap as Democrats who control the Legislature redrew her district in the southern part of the state to be significantly more Democratic.

It is not clear yet whether women were negatively affected by redistricting at a greater rate than male incumbents, many of whom also face more difficult elections, Dittmar said.

In some cases, women face challenges from other incumbents. That's the case in Michigan, where Democratic Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens are both running for a new Democrat-leaning district drawn by an independent commission. The matchup leaves another newly drawn, more competitive district without an incumbent.

And in Georgia, at least one female incumbent will lose her bid for another term after Tuesdays primary. Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux both flipped longtime GOP-held districts in the Atlanta area in recent election cycles. But after Republicans who control the state Legislature redrew McBaths district to favor Republicans, the two-term incumbent chose to take on the first-term Bourdeaux in a more Democrat-friendly district.

Some women are benefiting from the shakeup. In Oklahoma, GOP Rep. Stephanie Bice's district in the Oklahoma City area  previously held by Democratic Rep. Kendra Horn  was redrawn to be significantly more Republican.

For the candidates facing a tougher reelection, it is often familiar ground.

I just have to prove myself again," Newman said.

Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Thank you for reading!

To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99.
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.







On May 19, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that Canada intends to "prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE's products and services in Canada's telecommunications system," according to the Financial Times' report. It has become the latest and also the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to ban the company.

Canada may be the last one of the Five Eyes to ban Huawei, but by no means it was the last one to attack them. The government first announced in 2018 that itd review the "national security threat" that Huawei allegedly posed to the country. Then later in the year, Ottawa detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou based on the United States' warrant. The detainment lasted for nearly three years. Meng only returned to China in September, 2021. China-Canada relations have deteriorated in the process.

Canada's actions on Huawei are undermining its own national interests. According to Bloomberg's report, Huawei has long played a "key role" in Canadas networks. In 2008, Huawei won its first major North American project from BCE and Telus. Huawei's own report stipulates that Canadian telecom had invested more than $546 million on Huawei's technology. And Champagne's statement emphasized that Canadian providers who are utilizing Huawei's equipment must cease and remove them. No compensation would be offered to the providers.

As Huawei spokesman Alykhan Velshi said, the move is disappointing but not surprising and that it is a political decision. The United States has launched an ongoing assault on China's technology sector. Washington had tried to remove Chinese tech companies from participating in the infrastructure construction throughout the West. North Americans and European countries had all come under America's pressure to give up their cooperation with China. The U.S. even threatened that it'd reconsider intelligence sharing with countries that use Huaweis equipment.

The "China threat" propagated by the United States over the past several years are based on false assumptions and political maneuvering. As U.S. loses its grip on global dominance, it wanted a political enemy to unite its allies under its banner. And for U.S. politicians, making China the villain has been helping their own political fortunes. They may be reaping the political benefit, but all the others who are joining in out of U.S.' pressure would only see themselves hurt in the process.

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told POLITICO this week that she's focusing on rebuilding Canada's damaged relations with China. Taking further steps in the United States' tech crusade against China is not how relationships can get rebuilt. China and Canada have a more than $100 billion trade relations. China is Canada's second largest trade partner. Thats a relationship that should be treasured, not trashed for the sake of other countries' geopolitical games.

China has said that all countries should have the right to independent foreign-policy making. That independence can't be given, it must be earned and maintained by oneself. Canada may feel satisfied for the moment hiding under the U.S.' shadow but, as we've seen over the years, the United States' political inclinations are growing more and more volatile after each election season. Internationalism and multilateralism's influences are receding among American politicians. If Canada isn't mindful of its own position in the world and standing with other countries, it will learn to regret its actions later when Washington changes course yet again. (Source :CGTN)





The Daily Beast

Terry WyattLee Greenwood, the staple of Trump rallies and the most prominent musician to pull out the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Texas, told Fox News on Friday that his conscience would not allow him to perform at the event in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.Greenwood directly cited the massacre that left 19 children and two adults dead as the cause of his last-minute pang of conscience.During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, Greenwood added: For me to go and
New Delhi: One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent of fintech firm Paytm, on Friday reported a wider fourth-quarter loss due to higher expenses related to payment processing, marketing and employee benefits. The company had said in April it expected to be operationally profitable by September 2023, though analysts have raised concerns over its business model, with Macquarie Research saying Paytm "has too many fingers in too many pies".

A regulatory audit at its payments bank has also pummeled its share price, down 57% so far this year.

The company, headquartered in Noida in the national capital region, reiterated it was "well on track" to meet its profitability targets.

Paytm, which competes with Google and Walmart Inc`s PhonePe in India`s digital-payments market, said revenue in the reported quarter jumped 89% to 15.41 billion rupees. The company reported a net loss of 7.63 billion rupees ($97.97 million) for the three months ended March 30, compared with a loss of 4.44 billion rupees a year earlier. Also Read: NTPC profit jumps 12% to Rs 5,199 crore in March quarter, company announces dividend

Payment processing charges for the company soared 52%, and employee benefits expenses surged 148%, driving total expenses up 78%. Also Read: LIC investors lose more despite markets making big gains: Why is stock falling and what to do now?
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

New Delhi: On former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to the late former PM at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. News agency ANI shared pictures of the duo and other Congress leaders as they paid their respects to late Rajiv Gandhi.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi pay homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/3NVwviAQAr  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot pay homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QroHD2mALv  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

Rajiv Gandhi's son and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to pay homage to his late father.

He wrote, "My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate and kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together."

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at a poll rally in Tamil Nadu in Sriperumbudur by a suicide bomber named Dhanu. Fourteen other people including her also died in the unfortunate incident.

One of the accused convicted in the assassination of the former PM - A G Perarivalan was released from jail after 31 years after the Supreme Court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do "complete justice" in a pending case on Wednesday (May 18).

Perarivalan, alias Arivu, was charged with procuring two batteries that went into the making of the bomb used in the assassination of the 46-year-old Congress leader. He was 19 years old when he was arrested days after the killing that shook the world.

(With PTI inputs)

Live TV

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.




We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
New Delhi: One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent of fintech firm Paytm, on Friday reported a wider fourth-quarter loss due to higher expenses related to payment processing, marketing and employee benefits. The company had said in April it expected to be operationally profitable by September 2023, though analysts have raised concerns over its business model, with Macquarie Research saying Paytm "has too many fingers in too many pies".

A regulatory audit at its payments bank has also pummeled its share price, down 57% so far this year.

The company, headquartered in Noida in the national capital region, reiterated it was "well on track" to meet its profitability targets.

Paytm, which competes with Google and Walmart Inc`s PhonePe in India`s digital-payments market, said revenue in the reported quarter jumped 89% to 15.41 billion rupees. The company reported a net loss of 7.63 billion rupees ($97.97 million) for the three months ended March 30, compared with a loss of 4.44 billion rupees a year earlier. Also Read: NTPC profit jumps 12% to Rs 5,199 crore in March quarter, company announces dividend

Payment processing charges for the company soared 52%, and employee benefits expenses surged 148%, driving total expenses up 78%. Also Read: LIC investors lose more despite markets making big gains: Why is stock falling and what to do now?
New Delhi: One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent of fintech firm Paytm, on Friday reported a wider fourth-quarter loss due to higher expenses related to payment processing, marketing and employee benefits. The company had said in April it expected to be operationally profitable by September 2023, though analysts have raised concerns over its business model, with Macquarie Research saying Paytm "has too many fingers in too many pies".

A regulatory audit at its payments bank has also pummeled its share price, down 57% so far this year.

The company, headquartered in Noida in the national capital region, reiterated it was "well on track" to meet its profitability targets.

Paytm, which competes with Google and Walmart Inc`s PhonePe in India`s digital-payments market, said revenue in the reported quarter jumped 89% to 15.41 billion rupees. The company reported a net loss of 7.63 billion rupees ($97.97 million) for the three months ended March 30, compared with a loss of 4.44 billion rupees a year earlier. Also Read: NTPC profit jumps 12% to Rs 5,199 crore in March quarter, company announces dividend

Payment processing charges for the company soared 52%, and employee benefits expenses surged 148%, driving total expenses up 78%. Also Read: LIC investors lose more despite markets making big gains: Why is stock falling and what to do now?



New Delhi: One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent of fintech firm Paytm, on Friday reported a wider fourth-quarter loss due to higher expenses related to payment processing, marketing and employee benefits. The company had said in April it expected to be operationally profitable by September 2023, though analysts have raised concerns over its business model, with Macquarie Research saying Paytm "has too many fingers in too many pies".

A regulatory audit at its payments bank has also pummeled its share price, down 57% so far this year.

The company, headquartered in Noida in the national capital region, reiterated it was "well on track" to meet its profitability targets.

Paytm, which competes with Google and Walmart Inc`s PhonePe in India`s digital-payments market, said revenue in the reported quarter jumped 89% to 15.41 billion rupees. The company reported a net loss of 7.63 billion rupees ($97.97 million) for the three months ended March 30, compared with a loss of 4.44 billion rupees a year earlier. Also Read: NTPC profit jumps 12% to Rs 5,199 crore in March quarter, company announces dividend

Payment processing charges for the company soared 52%, and employee benefits expenses surged 148%, driving total expenses up 78%. Also Read: LIC investors lose more despite markets making big gains: Why is stock falling and what to do now?

New Delhi: Do you often maintain a low account balance? If yes, then you probably could lose out on benefits worth lakh of rupees. Yes, you read that right. Not maintaining a sufficient amount in the bank account could actually make you lose out on the benefits offered by the Central government for a mere premium that is deducted from the funds in your account. The insurances offered under the Central governments two schemes -- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) -- will soon be renewed. Thats why it is necessary to maintain sufficient funds in the bank account so that you could continue enjoying the benefits.

Last Date For Renewal of PMJJBY, PMSBY Insurance

The last date to renew the insurance policies offered under the PMJJBY and the PMSBY schemes is May 31, 2022. Beneficiaries receive insurance benefits worth Rs 4 lakh under the two schemes.

Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Insurance (PMJJBY)

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is a life insurance scheme for Indians aged between 18 to 50. If a policyholder dies, his or her family members or nominees are provided with financial help. Eligible citizens can get a life insurance cover worth Rs 2 lakh by paying Rs 330 per year. One can buy a PMJJBY policy by visiting their nearby bank branch or Post Office. The premium is auto-debited from the policyholders account.

Prime Minister's Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is an accidental insurance scheme under which the financial sum is provided to the nominee/s only if the policyholder dies in an accident. Indian citizens aged between 18 to 70 years can buy the policy. The scheme offers a sum assured of Rs 2 lakh in case of accidental death and Rs 1 lakh in case of partial disability for an annual premium of just Rs 12. Also Read: CNG price hike today: No respite for common man as gas prices increase again

Indian citizens should keep at least Rs 342 (Rs 330 for PMJJBY and Rs 12 for PMSBY) to make sure that remain covered under the two insurance policies. Also Read: Paytm Q4 Results: Quarterly loss widens, revenue jumps 89% to 1,540.9 crore



Ottawa, May 21 (IANS) Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland has announced an additional loan to support Ukraine.



Freeland announced the loan to Ukraine on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.



According to a news release, the loan of 250 million Canadian dollars (about $200 million) is provided to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund's Administered Account for Ukraine.



Together with previous financial support, this loan brings Canada's financial commitment to Ukraine to 1.87 billion Canadian dollars (about $1.5 billion) this year, the release said, adding that this funding is separate from and in addition to assistance committed through military aid, humanitarian response efforts, and immigration measures.



The Canadian government is also working on Bill C-19, the Budget Implementation Act.



If passed, it will allow the government to cause the forfeiture and disposal of assets held by sanctioned individuals and entities. Canada would become the first member of the G7 to take this step.



On February 28, 2022, Canada announced the sanctioning of the Russian Central Bank and the blocking of select Russian banks from the SWIFT messaging system, which is a cornerstone of global interbank payments system.



On March 3, 2022, Canada announced the revocation of Russia and Belarus' Most-Favoured Nation Tariff treatment, which immediately applied the general tariff rate of 35 per cent on virtually all imports from the two countries.
Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.






Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.






Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.







Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.







We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.

There are about 500 species of lost animals on Earth that have not been declared extinct, the article published in Animal Conservation reports.

Researchers reviewed information on 32,820 species from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. According to Union rules, a species is considered extinct "when there is no reasonable doubt that the last species died." This is rather difficult to verify. A total of 311 terrestrial vertebrate species have been declared extinct since 1500.

Arne Mooers of Canada's Simon Fraser University has analyzed how many animal species can be considered lost, that is, their representatives have not been seen for more than 50 years. In total, scientists counted 562 species: Reptiles led the way with 257 species considered lost, followed by 137 species of amphibians, 130 species of mammals and 38 species of birds. Most of these lost animals were last seen in megadiverse countries such as Indonesia (69 species), Mexico (33 species) and Brazil (29 species).

The scientists hope that future research efforts will focus on identified endangered regions where the existence of many species is in question. Their extinction needs to be either confirmed or disproved.
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
NEET PG 2022 exam: The National Board of Examinations (NBE) is all set to hold the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG 2022) today (May 21, 2022) despite strong demands from students to postpone the exam owing to pandemic-induced challenges. Students who will sit in the examination today are advised to must carry their admit card than can be downloaded on the official website, nbe.edu.in. It may be noted that the NEET PG 2022 exam, which is the medical entrance exam, will take place in the morning shift from 9 AM to 12 PM. Notably, this year students will get some extra time to write the answer scripts.

This year, the NEET students will get an additional 30 minutes, and hence, the duration of the exam has been increased to 3 hours and 30 minutes. The exam will carry total marks of 800, with 200 questions.

As students prepare to appear for the NEET PG 2022 exam today, here are some last-minute tips and instructions for the candidates.

NEET PG 2022: Check exam day guidelines here

Make sure to carry your NEET PG 2022 admit card printout with the affixed passport-size photograph.

Candidates will also have to carry the photocopy of permanent/ provisional MCI/ SMC registration

Candidates should have valid photo ID proof such as an Aadhar card, driving license, voter ID, PAN card or passport with them.

Dont carry a mobile phone, smartwatch, calculator or any other electronic gadgets.

Do not wear/carry jewellery to the exam hall.

Do not carry bags, wallets, pouches, and any other items along with you

NEET PG 2022 exam: Last Minute tips


We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia would create 12 new military units in its Western Military district in response to increased military activity of the NATO, and the potential accession of Finland and Sweden.

"The United States and are stepping up operational and combat training near our borders," Shoigu added on Friday during a meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.

"In addition, our closest neighbours Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO," he said.

Shoigu added that Russia would "adopt adequate countermeasures" under the current circumstances by "improving the combat composition of troops" and forming 12 military units in the Western Military district by the end of the year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The armed forces would also be supplied with modern weapons and military equipment, he said.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Congress interim president and paid homage to former Prime Minister on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in the capital on Saturday.

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at Vir Bhumi in Delhi.

took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984.

He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Born on August 20 in 1944, was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
For 160 years, the Rock Island Arsenal has served the U.S. as its largest government-owned and operated arsenal and the Quad-Cities as an important facet of the community.

To celebrate the milestone, the Army base is inviting the public to stop by and honor the Rock Island Arsenal's history and the members of the armed forces who run it.

The anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Those planning to attend festivities should use the Rock Island gate for access.

This will be the first time the Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating an anniversary and Armed Forces Day at the same time, Col. Todd Allison, Arsenal Garrison Commander, responded in an email.

"We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to roll all of the celebrations together and invite the Quad-Cities community to come on the island and share in the festivities with us," Allison said.

Kicking off the celebrations at 9 a.m. is the America's Kids Run, with children participating in races ranging from the 100-yard dash to a 2-mile race. At 9:45 there will be the 160th Arsenal anniversary posting of the colors and cannon salute.

A Run the Rock 5k and 10k races begin at 10 a.m., followed by awards ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., respectively.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, will give the 160th Arsenal Anniversary Address at 11:15 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can head to the Kids Zone for face painting, a petting zoo and more.

Food trucks will sell food and snacks throughout the day. Families and individuals can also participate in self-guided tours of historic military equipment on display, the First Army foyer, Davenport House and the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the lock and dam.

Local country-rock band Cody Road will perform live from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and festivities will end at 3 p.m.

While Congress established the Rock Island Arsenal in 1862, the land it sits on was set aside for the federal military in 1809. Fort Armstrong was the first military installation on the island, built in 1816, but was abandoned decades later. The land connects Iowa and Illinois through the Government Bridge  its original structure the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.

Over the years it has grown and changed alongside the Quad-Cities, Allison said, and he is excited to see how they will continue to work together in the years to come.

"From being a hub of westward development in the early days to shared infrastructure to generations of workforces coming together in the common goal of national defense, Rock Island Arsenal and the people of the Quad Cities have built a strong and thriving partnership that will remain steadfast for the next 160 years," Allison wrote.

The Rock Island Arsenal will also honor veterans who have died in service of the country with a flag placement scheduled for 4 p.m. May 26 and a ceremony at 10:45 a.m. May 30 at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs Officer Staci-Jill Burnley said more information on the ceremony would be released Monday, May 23.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Lt Governor also chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials at the Civil Secretariat and discussed the progress of rescue operations.

The rescue operation was started last night with district police and Army personnel on the ground.

The Lt Governor, who is monitoring the situation from a control room, was briefed about intermittent shooting stones, which have been obstructing the rescue operation.

Expressing concern over the incident, he said rescue operations will continue on war footing till the last person is extricated.

--IANS zi/vd

( 124 Words)

2022-05-20-20:50:02 (IANS)
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a teenage Palestinian boy as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed, 17. It said an 18-year-old Palestinian was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.







Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.






Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.







New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him. "Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him. Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson. Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi." After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy." Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added. Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). (ANI)
Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.






Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.







Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.






Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.







New Delhi: On former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to the late former PM at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. News agency ANI shared pictures of the duo and other Congress leaders as they paid their respects to late Rajiv Gandhi.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi pay homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/3NVwviAQAr  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot pay homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QroHD2mALv  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

Rajiv Gandhi's son and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to pay homage to his late father.

He wrote, "My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate and kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together."

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at a poll rally in Tamil Nadu in Sriperumbudur by a suicide bomber named Dhanu. Fourteen other people including her also died in the unfortunate incident.

One of the accused convicted in the assassination of the former PM - A G Perarivalan was released from jail after 31 years after the Supreme Court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do "complete justice" in a pending case on Wednesday (May 18).

Perarivalan, alias Arivu, was charged with procuring two batteries that went into the making of the bomb used in the assassination of the 46-year-old Congress leader. He was 19 years old when he was arrested days after the killing that shook the world.

(With PTI inputs)

Live TV
New Delhi: On former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to the late former PM at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. News agency ANI shared pictures of the duo and other Congress leaders as they paid their respects to late Rajiv Gandhi.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi pay homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/3NVwviAQAr  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot pay homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 31st death anniversary at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QroHD2mALv  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

Rajiv Gandhi's son and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to pay homage to his late father.

He wrote, "My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate and kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together."

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at a poll rally in Tamil Nadu in Sriperumbudur by a suicide bomber named Dhanu. Fourteen other people including her also died in the unfortunate incident.

One of the accused convicted in the assassination of the former PM - A G Perarivalan was released from jail after 31 years after the Supreme Court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do "complete justice" in a pending case on Wednesday (May 18).

Perarivalan, alias Arivu, was charged with procuring two batteries that went into the making of the bomb used in the assassination of the 46-year-old Congress leader. He was 19 years old when he was arrested days after the killing that shook the world.

(With PTI inputs)

Live TV

New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration will continue to press the US to legalise the status of Mexican immigrants.

"We are going to continue to insist that the commitment to legalise our countrymen be fulfilled," Lopez Obrador told reporters at a press conference on Friday in the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the US.

The President lamented that US discussions on immigration reform are currently on hold due to campaigning for the upcoming mid-term elections in November, and he urged the candidates to avoid "racism" in their drive to garner voter support, Xinhua news agency reported.

"If a party or candidate thinks they are going to get votes by speaking poorly of Mexicans, then we are going to denounce those actions from here so that our countrymen over there know who is who," he added.

Lopez Obrador recalled that Barack Obama was the first US President to commit to legalising the status of undocumented immigrants in 2012, when current President Joe Biden was Vice-President.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Taking to Twitter, she said, "Everyone from Taliban leadership has zero credibility on women's rights," recalling the human rights violation taking place in Afghanistan.

"They made representations about their supposed respect for women and girls when taking power. Every day after there was a new crackdown on women & that continued to intensify over time," she added, continuing the thread.

The Islamic Emirate has been facing criticism inside and outside Afghanistan for imposing restrictions on women.

2021 has been the worst year for the Afghan women as the Taliban after assuming control of Afghanistan have rolled back access to their right to education and work, however, also snatched it later for an indefinite period of time.

Barr, in a statement earlier also referred to the international community and said that it "didn't do much" to protect Afghan women.

Afghan women are staring at a bleak future due to a number of restrictions imposed by the Taliban governing aspects of their lives within ten months of Afghanistan's takeover. Women are no longer allowed to travel unless accompanied by men related to them and are being curtailed from wearing make-up as well as their reproductive rights.

Unrecognized by most of the international community, the Taliban-led government has committed to disrespecting the human rights of women. (ANI)
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a teenage Palestinian boy as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed, 17. It said an 18-year-old Palestinian was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

New Delhi: 31 years ago on this day - May 21, 1991 - a terrible tragedy struck India as Congress leader and ex-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20 in 1944, took over the charge of the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He became India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 when he assumed office in October 1984. He served as the Prime Minister of India till December 2, 1989.

Remembering the former PM, current PM Narendra Modi as well as Rajiv's family members and Congress leaders Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi paid homage today on Rajiv Gandhi's 31st death anniversary. Rahul also shared this heartfelt post:

My father was a visionary leader whose policies helped shape modern India. He was a compassionate & kind man, and a wonderful father to me and Priyanka, who taught us the value of forgiveness and empathy. I dearly miss him and fondly remember the time we spent together. pic.twitter.com/jjiLl8BpMs  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2022

Meanwhile, earlier this week on Wednesday (May 18), in a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Here's a timeline of events, starting with the assassination:

May 21, 1991: Rajiv Gandhi is assassinated at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The assassin, a woman named Dhanu belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), triggers a belt bomb, killing Rajiv Gandhi, herself and several others.

May 24, 1991: The investigation is handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

June 1991: 19-year-old A G Perarivalan is arrested by the CBI. Perarivalan was accused of aiding Sivarasan of LTTE, who masterminded the assassination. He bought two nine volt batteries, which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi. Like others accused in the case, he is booked under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA).

January 1998: 26 accused, including Nalini and Perarivalan, were sentenced to death by the TADA court sentences.

May 11, 1999: While acquitting 19 persons in the case, the Supreme Court upholds death sentence of four - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini. Three others, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Jayakumar, are given life sentences.

April 2000: The then Tamil Nadu governor commutes Nalinis death penalty to life, based on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Sonia Gandhi made a public appeal too.

August 2011: Then-president Pratibha Patil rejects mercy petitions of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan after 11 years. While the three convicts were to be hanged on September 9, 2011, Madras High Court stays the execution orders.

January 2014: Supreme Court commutes death penalty of three into imprisonment for life.

December 2015: A mercy petition is submitted by Perarivalan to the Tamil Nadu governor seeking release under Article 161 of the Constitution. After he got no response from the governor, he moves Supreme Court.

August 2017: The Tamil Nadu government grants parole to Perarivalan. This was his first parole first after his arrest in 1991.

November 2017: Former CBI officer V Thiagarajan, who interrogated Perarivalan, tells the Supreme Court that the part that Perarivalan had no idea of the purpose for which the two batteries he bought would be used was omitted in the confession.

September, 2018: Tamil Nadu's political parties unanimously adopt a resolution for releasing all seven convicts.

January 2021: The Tamil Nadu Governor is granted a weeks time by the apex court to decide on the state governments 2018 recommendation to release the seven convicts.

March 2022: The Supreme Court grants bail to Perarivalan.

May 2022: The Supreme Court concludes hearing and after 31 years of his arrest, orders the release of Perarivalan.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia would create 12 new military units in its Western Military district in response to increased military activity of the NATO, and the potential accession of Finland and Sweden.

"The United States and are stepping up operational and combat training near our borders," Shoigu added on Friday during a meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.

"In addition, our closest neighbours Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO," he said.

Shoigu added that Russia would "adopt adequate countermeasures" under the current circumstances by "improving the combat composition of troops" and forming 12 military units in the Western Military district by the end of the year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The armed forces would also be supplied with modern weapons and military equipment, he said.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia would create 12 new military units in its Western Military district in response to increased military activity of the NATO, and the potential accession of Finland and Sweden.

"The United States and are stepping up operational and combat training near our borders," Shoigu added on Friday during a meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.

"In addition, our closest neighbours Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO," he said.

Shoigu added that Russia would "adopt adequate countermeasures" under the current circumstances by "improving the combat composition of troops" and forming 12 military units in the Western Military district by the end of the year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The armed forces would also be supplied with modern weapons and military equipment, he said.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia would create 12 new military units in its Western Military district in response to increased military activity of the NATO, and the potential accession of Finland and Sweden.

"The United States and are stepping up operational and combat training near our borders," Shoigu added on Friday during a meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.

"In addition, our closest neighbours Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO," he said.

Shoigu added that Russia would "adopt adequate countermeasures" under the current circumstances by "improving the combat composition of troops" and forming 12 military units in the Western Military district by the end of the year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The armed forces would also be supplied with modern weapons and military equipment, he said.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Russia would create 12 new military units in its Western Military district in response to increased military activity of the NATO, and the potential accession of Finland and Sweden.

"The United States and are stepping up operational and combat training near our borders," Shoigu added on Friday during a meeting of the Defence Ministry Board.

"In addition, our closest neighbours Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO," he said.

Shoigu added that Russia would "adopt adequate countermeasures" under the current circumstances by "improving the combat composition of troops" and forming 12 military units in the Western Military district by the end of the year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The armed forces would also be supplied with modern weapons and military equipment, he said.

--IANS

int/khz/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Last five years

Friday's shooting was the first fatal shooting of a suspect by a Racine Police officer since Jan. 17, 2018, when Donte Shannon was killed after fleeing a traffic stop while armed; the two officers involved said that they opened fire after Shannon pointed a gun at them.

After 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, near the Racine-Mount Pleasant border, Ty'Rese West of Racine fled from a Mount Pleasant police sergeant who was attempting to stop West for riding a bicycle without a light. According to official accounts West fled and tried tossing away a gun, which hit a fence and bounced back toward West, who fell down, with the gun coming to rest near his hand. The sergeant caught up and stood over West, soon after shooting West in the head. The sergeant reported that it appeared West was reaching for the gun when the trigger was pulled. In dispatch audio, someone is heard twice saying OK in the moments before West was shot; West's family believes the person who said OK was West and that he was complying with orders moments before his death. In her decision not to file charges against the sergeant, Racine County District Attorney made no mention of the "OK."

On May 18, 2020, according to official accounts, Nathan Lee Davis, 38, was about to be taken into custody but then shot himself with his own firearm following a scuffle outside his apartment on Erie Street in Caledonia. Davis was suspected of having been in possession of child pornography and was also known to have owned more than a dozen firearms, which is why officers attempted to arrest him outside his home rather than inside it.

On July 13, 2021, John McCarthy, a man Sheriff Christopher Schmaling later described as a "maniac" and a wannabe mass shooter, shot and killed 22-year-old Anthony Nino Griger at the Pilot Travel Center next to Interstate 94 before fleeing eastbound. McCarthy then stopped at the Mobil gas station in Franksville, where he attempted to shoot another stranger, who happened to be an undercover Racine County Sheriff's deputy. The two exchanged gunfire and both were hit before McCarthy turned the gun on himself, the state concluded in its official report.


We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.










Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.






Georgia Governor Bran Kemp and Jaehoon "Jay" Chang, Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO, shake hands after signing an agreement to finalize a deal for Hyundai Motor Group to build a manufacturing plant, May 20, in Ellabell, Georgia. The property mostly consists of dirt roads and undeveloped land. Hyundai Motor Group confirmed Friday that the company will spend $5.5 billion on a huge electric vehicle plant near Savannah that will employ thousands  a deal Georgia's governor called the largest economic development project in the state's history. AP-Yonhap



Hyundai Motor Group said Saturday it will invest $5.54 billion to build a dedicated electric vehicle and car battery manufacturing plant in the United States to further solidify its electrification push in the world's most important automobile market.



The announcement came as U.S. President Joe Biden is visiting South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia amid ongoing tension with China and continued provocations from North Korea.



Hyundai Motor Group plans to start construction on the 300,000-vehicle-a-year EV and battery manufacturing plant in January 2023 and begin production in the first half of 2025, the State of Georgia said in a statement.



The group said it has selected Georgia due to the state's speed-to-market, workforce, and ability to meet the company's carbon neutrality standards. Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.



"The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group's global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the State of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.," Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun said in the statement.



Governor Brian Kemp called Hyundai's investment the largest economic development project in the state's history.








The rich and powerful flocking to Davos this year wont be forced for once to bear the icy winter wind, but the frostiness toward Russia, whose oligarchs have thrown some of the most famously glitzy parties at the World Economic Forum, will be palpable.



The first in-person meeting in the Swiss Alps of the WEF in two years starts on Sunday after Covid-related interruptions. Even this gathering was delayed from the usual late January schedule, meaning the snow is confined for once to the peaks.

The forum is different in other ways, too. Hanging over the panels, speeches and evening soirees is the reality of a war raging hundreds of miles to the east. President Vladimir Putins decision to invade Ukraine has put an abrupt end to decades of Russian presence and influence in Davos.





There will likely be a more subdued tone as a whole, with the WEF attended by a clutch of Ukrainian officials seeking to keep global attention on their plight with the war in its third month. A keynote address (via video conference) will be given by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

It will be the first WEF in Switzerland since the fall of communism without a single Russian official or business leader. Russian companies have been nixed as strategic partners, a group of businesses that play a prominent part in the calendar of events at a cost of 600,000 Swiss francs ($615,000) per year. House  renown for its chilled vodka  wont even be set up.

Thats a far cry from the heyday of Moscows largess in Davos, when vodka and caviar-fueled parties sponsored by Russians were notorious for hosting large groups of young women without accreditation who claimed to be translators.

Putins war has seen unprecedented sanctions slapped on from its political leadership to its oligarchs and biggest companies. firms have pulled out of the country en masse. Trade and investment from the Europe and the U.S. with has evaporated.

Sanctioned billionaires have been seeking safe haven in various pockets of the world, sending their massive yachts hopping from one port to the other to stay ahead of the law. All of a sudden anything Russian is seen as taboo.

The WEF is no exception.





At the last meeting in Davos in 2020, Russian tycoons were the third-best represented by billionaire count. But their future in Davos started to crumble just three days after Moscow attacked Ukraine, when WEF founder Klaus Schwab and President Borge Brende issued a statement condemning the aggression by Russia against Ukraine, the attacks and atrocities.

Its a contrast to the treatment of Russia after Putin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Even though Russias official presence at Davos dwindled, its billionaires and business leaders didnt downgrade their profiles.

Flocking to the Alps to enjoy Switzerlands longstanding policy of neutrality in 2015, VTB chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrey Kostin said we have friends here. Ukrainian friends, European friends, American friends.

While some business relations were hit by sanctions, that doesnt affect personal relationships, Kostin, a frequent Davos attendant, said at the time.

That year VTB threw a soiree at the ski resorts InterContinental Hotel, where visitors were greeted by women in conical, gold-flecked outfits with strips of neon-LED lights wrapped around them. Caviar was served and party-goers serenaded by guitarist Al Di Meola, Russian crooner Leonid Agutin, plus Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra.

While the party didnt match the extravagance of events hosted by metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska over the years (one was styled after a Russian log house), it drew a strong crowd, one that included Schwab. While he usually shies away from private events, he said at the time he attended to show our Russian friends that they are welcome in Davos and that, after all, Russia is a very important European country.

For Russias post-communist history, the WEF has played an important role.

The conference cemented its reputation as an essential event for the Russian elite in 1996, when several tycoons agreed to pool their media resources and financial power to back Boris Yeltsins flagging re-election campaign in what became known as the Davos Pact.

The Russian delegation grew in size and visibility for nearly two decades, attracting heavyweights like then-President Dmitry Medvedev and, in 2009, Putin during his stint as prime minister.

In 2011, a Russian investment bank put on what it called a spectacular ice show performed by figure-skating stars.

In 2018 Russia threatened a boycott after the U.S. sanctioned businessmen Viktor Vekselberg, Deripaska and Kostin. The Kremlin said organizers backed off a plan to ban them from attending.

Putin addressed the stripped down Covid-era virtual forum last year, drawing parallels between current tensions and the 1930s in the run-up to World War II. He used his speech to warn the world risked sliding into an all against all conflict.

Now his attack on Ukraine has brought conflict to the European Unions borders, killed untold thousands and seen millions flee their homes.

Some Russian tycoons have toed the Kremlins line, while others have sought to separate themselves from the presidents warmongering.

Deripaska, whose connections to Putin have put him on sanctions lists, called the war insanity in late March. He warned fighting could continue for several more years.

Thats not going to be enough to get him invited anywhere like Davos again soon. Meanwhile multiple breakfasts, panels and evening events featuring Ukrainian officials are booked out.

As for Russia House, the plan is to rebrand it. The Victor Pinchuk Foundation, a philanthropic group named after its tycoon backer, intends to turn the site into a Russia War Crimes House, including an exhibition on war crimes allegedly committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.
Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





How to strike balance in your home with black and white
Google is announcing a handful of new accessibility-oriented features, including the ability to add alt-text to images sent using Gmail. The features come as part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, held annually on the third Thursday of May.

The ability to add alt-text to images on Gmail is rolling out now

Google said the image alt-text feature on Gmail is rolling out immediately. This will particularly help people who rely on screen readers to get an accurate audio description of an image. Additionally, people who use American Sign Language or ASL will welcome the addition of multi-pin on Google Meet. Using this feature, people who are deaf or hard of hearing can pin both the presenter and the interpreters screen together, thereby speeding up communication (via Android Police).

YouTube users with visual impairments can now find audio descriptions of videos. These descriptions will explain the contents of the video as they occur. Google says the feature will roll out to all English content on YouTube Originals from a year ago or newer.

Advertisement

Project Euphonia is gaining support for four new languages

Googles ambitious research initiative known as Project Euphonia is also getting a boost with new languages. Euphonia now supports French, Hindi, Japanese, and Spanish. This 2019 initiative looks to create more inclusive speech recognition models with assistance from people with speech impairments. With this expansion, we can create even more helpful technology for more people  no matter where they are or what language they speak, Google said about the update.

The company also offered an update on its programs aimed at helping people with disabilities:

We need to work to make sure our teams at Google are reflective of the people were building for. To do so, last year we launched our hiring site geared toward people with disabilities  including our Autism Career Program to further grow and strengthen our autistic community, said Eve Andersson, Senior Director, Product Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility at Google.

Advertisement

Most recently, we helped launch the Neurodiversity Career Connector along with other companies to create a job portal that connects neurodiverse candidates to companies that are committed to hiring more inclusively, Andersson further said.
The crystal structure of a layer of graphyne. Credit: Yiming Hu

For over a decade, scientists have attempted to synthesize a new form of carbon called graphyne with limited success. That endeavor is now at an end, though, thanks to new research from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Graphyne has long been of interest to scientists because of its similarities to the "wonder material" grapheneanother form of carbon that is highly valued by industry whose research was even awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. However, despite decades of work and theorizing, only a few fragments have ever been created before now.

This research, announced last week in Nature Synthesis, fills a longstanding gap in carbon material science, potentially opening brand-new possibilities for electronics, optics and semiconducting material research.

"The whole audience, the whole field, is really excited that this long-standing problem, or this imaginary material, is finally getting realized," said Yiming Hu, lead author on the paper and 2022 doctoral graduate in chemistry.

Scientists have long been interested in the construction of new or novel carbon allotropes, or forms of carbon, because of carbon's usefulness to industry, as well as its versatility.

There are different ways carbon allotropes can be constructed depending on how sp2, sp3 and sp hybridized carbon (or the different ways carbon atoms can bind to other elements), and their corresponding bonds, are utilized. The most well-known carbon allotropes are graphite (used in tools like pencils and batteries) and diamonds, which are created out of sp2 carbon and sp3 carbon, respectively.

Using traditional chemistry methods, scientists have successfully created various allotropes over the years, including fullerene (whose discovery won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996) and graphene.

However, these methods don't allow for the different types of carbon to be synthesized together in any sort of large capacity, like what's required for graphyne, which has left the theorized materialspeculated to have unique electron conducting, mechanical and optical propertiesto remain that: a theory.

But it was also that need for the nontraditional that led those in the field to reach out to Wei Zhang's lab group.

Zhang, a professor of chemistry at CU Boulder, studies reversible chemistry, which is chemistry that allows bonds to self-correct, allowing for the creation of novel ordered structures, or lattices, such as synthetic DNA-like polymers.

After being approached, Zhang and his lab group decided to give it a try.

Creating graphyne is a "really old, long-standing question, but since the synthetic tools were limited, the interest went down," Hu, who was a Ph.D. student in Zhang's lab group, commented. "We brought out the problem again and used a new tool to solve an old problem that is really important."

Using a process called alkyne metathesiswhich is an organic reaction that entails the redistribution, or cutting and reforming, of alkyne chemical bonds (a type of hydrocarbon with at least one carbon-carbon triple covalent bond)as well as thermodynamics and kinetic control, the group was able to successfully create what had never been created before: A material that could rival the conductivity of graphene but with control.

"There's a pretty big difference (between graphene and graphyne) but in a good way," said Zhang. "This could be the next generation wonder material. That's why people are very excited."

While the material has been successfully created, the team still wants to look into the particular details of it, including how to create the material on a large scale and how it can be manipulated.

"We are really trying to explore this novel material from multiple dimensions, both experimentally and theoretically, from atomic-level to real devices," Zhang said of next steps.

These efforts, in turn, should aid in figuring out how the material's electron-conducting and optical properties can be used for industry applications like lithium-ion batteries.

"We hope in the future we can lower the costs and simplify the reaction procedure, and then, hopefully, people can really benefit from our research," said Hu.

For Zhang, this never could have been accomplished without the support of an interdisciplinary team, adding: "Without the support from the physics department, without some support from colleagues, this work probably couldn't be done."

Explore further Synthesis of two-dimensional holey graphyne

More information: Yiming Hu et al, Synthesis of -graphyne using dynamic covalent chemistry, Nature Synthesis (2022). Yiming Hu et al, Synthesis of -graphyne using dynamic covalent chemistry,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s44160-022-00068-7


New York, May 21 (AP) A 32-year-old woman who was the youngest of the 10 Black people killed at a Buffalo supermarket was remembered as big-hearted and quick with a laugh before her funeral Saturday.

Roberta Drury grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help tend to her brother in his fight against leukemia. She was shot to death last Saturday on a trip to buy groceries at the Tops Friendly Market targeted by the gunman.

Also Read | Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

Final goodbyes for Robbie were set to take place Saturday morning at the stately brick Assumption Church in Syracuse, not far from where she grew up in Cicero.

Her family wrote in her obituary that she "couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized.

A private service was held Friday for Heyward Patterson, the beloved deacon at a church near the supermarket. More funerals were scheduled throughout the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its stores in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

And a candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


A popular Australian sun-care and cosmetics business named after the nations most famous beach has been hit with a class action in the United States over claims its sunscreens are harmful to the environment, despite its claims to be reef friendly.

Court documents from the case include photographs of bottles of Bondi Sands sunscreen bearing the phrase reef friendly. Credit:

Bondi Sands, founded a decade ago in Melbourne, has been accused in court documents of greenwashing its sunscreens by falsely marketing them to US consumers as safe to the environment.

The class action complaint filed in the US District Court in northern California claims that Bondi Sands US operation has reaped millions of dollars through this fraudulent scheme based on a calculated business decision to put profits over people and the environment.

The company, which is based in Melbourne and has its products stocked in 22,000 stores worldwide, is accused of mislabelling several sunscreen products available in the US to gain an advantage over competitors and charge a premium to consumers.

Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Advertisement

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, before murdering their children, is on sale for $660,000, the Sun reports.

Watts, 36, strangled his wife Shanann - who was 15 weeks pregnant with their son - inside the couple's Frederick home on August 13, 2018. He later smothered their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3.

The house of horrors was secretly listed last week under a fictitious address on realty website Rocket Homes.

The 4,177-square-foot four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013, sits on 0.15 acres and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The listing agent, likely in an effort to deter true crime buffs from touring the property, is only offering 'limited showings' of the property to potential buyers with 'funding commitment' letters for at least $660,000. A Zillow listing estimated the home's value at $816,200.

The Watts family home, which was foreclosed on after Watts was arrested and defaulted on the mortgage, was featured in the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door, which details the slayings of Shannan and her kids.

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, before murdering their children, is on sale for $660,000. Watts and his wife bought the home for just shy of $400,000 in 2013. The property was listed for auction in 2019, after the murders, when Watts defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the home

Watts, 36, strangled his wife Shanann - who was 15 weeks pregnant with their son - inside the couple's Frederick home on August 13, 2018. He later smothered their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3

The house of horrors was secretly listed last week under a fictitious address on reality website Rocket Homes

The 4,177-square-foot four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013, sits on 0.15 acres and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains

Listing photographs show, with the exception of cleaning and some minor decor changes, doesn't look much different from when the Watts family lived there. Watts is pictured in the home's foyer

The kitchen, which features a marble island and dark wood cabinetry, looks virtually untouched

Listing photographs show, with the exception of cleaning and some minor decor changes, doesn't look much different from when the Watts family lived there.

The kitchen, which features a marble island and dark wood cabinetry, looks virtually untouched.

The seller, which is listed as Coldwell Banker Realty, opted to keep the living room the same shade of pale blue that the Watts family had chosen.

The laundry room and bathroom, which were painted in a distinct vibrant blue, also remained outfitted in the family's chosen paint color.

The house, which features a gas fireplace and three-car garage, is being sold 'as is,' according to the listing.

Interested parties are asked to submit their funding commitment letters by May 24, at which point the seller will reach out to schedule a showing if they are willing to consider the offer.

Watts and his wife bought the home for just shy of $400,000 in 2013.

The property was listed for auction in 2019, after the murders, when Watts defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the home, People reported.

However, no one bid on the property, likely due to the horrific history attached to it.

However, no one bid on the home, likely due to the horrific history attached to it. Police body camera footage shows the interior of the Watts home

Watts is pictured standing near the front door of his home

Police footage shows an upstairs bedroom in the Watts family home

Watts killed Shannan after she came home from a business trip to Arizona in 2018.

He strangled her and then put her body and their two daughters in his truck and drove to isolated oil storage tanks owned by Anadarko Petroleum, where he worked.

He buried his wife in a shallow grave and then smothered his two daughters and placed their bodies inside the storage tanks.

For two days Watts claimed that he had nothing to do with his family's disappearance and went on television to plead for them to come home.

After his arrest he initially claimed that Shanann had killed the girls after he had told her he wanted a separation, and then he had strangled her in anger.

At his trial, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, which has since been abolished in Colorado.

He is serving serving five life sentences plus 48 years in prison without the possibility of parole at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin.

At his trial, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. He is serving serving five life sentences plus 48 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He is pictured at his sentencing hearing in November 2018

At the time of the murders, Watts (left) was having an affair with a colleague (right). At one point he alleged he wouldn't have killed his wife Shanann and their two little girls if he hadn't met his mistress

One of his fellow inmates, claimed Watts said he killed Shanann because he didn't want to pay child support, he didn't want the son that she was expecting, and feared his wife would take their house in a divorce. The couple is pictured outside the home with their daughters

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife and children is on sale for $660,000. The home is pictured in 2018 with a makeshift memorial out front

At the time of the murders, Watts was having an affair with a colleague. At one point he alleged he wouldn't have killed his wife Shanann and their two little girls if he hadn't met his mistress.

One of his fellow inmates, David Carter, however claimed Watts told him that he killed Shanann because he didn't want to pay child support, he didn't want the son that she was expecting, and feared his wife would take their house in Frederick, Colorado, in a divorce.

'I don't buy any of that though,' Carter, who was jailed for meth possession and for stealing money from his employers, told DailyMail.com last year. 'I couldn't ever kill my entire family just because I didn't want a child or didn't want to pay child support.

'I have a lot of things going on in my life, but I have never wanted to stop and kill my entire family because I wanted certain things to go my way.'

Carter, who is now living in a halfway house in Green Bay, Wisconsin, said that Watts keeps pictures of his two daughters pinned up in his cell.

'But there are no pictures of Shanann,' he added. 'He told me he has nightmares every night, always the same, of his two girls standing in his cell playing catch.'
The rich and powerful flocking to Davos this year wont be forced for once to bear the icy winter wind, but the frostiness toward Russia, whose oligarchs have thrown some of the most famously glitzy parties at the World Economic Forum, will be palpable.



The first in-person meeting in the Swiss Alps of the WEF in two years starts on Sunday after Covid-related interruptions. Even this gathering was delayed from the usual late January schedule, meaning the snow is confined for once to the peaks.

The forum is different in other ways, too. Hanging over the panels, speeches and evening soirees is the reality of a war raging hundreds of miles to the east. President Vladimir Putins decision to invade Ukraine has put an abrupt end to decades of Russian presence and influence in Davos.





There will likely be a more subdued tone as a whole, with the WEF attended by a clutch of Ukrainian officials seeking to keep global attention on their plight with the war in its third month. A keynote address (via video conference) will be given by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

It will be the first WEF in Switzerland since the fall of communism without a single Russian official or business leader. Russian companies have been nixed as strategic partners, a group of businesses that play a prominent part in the calendar of events at a cost of 600,000 Swiss francs ($615,000) per year. House  renown for its chilled vodka  wont even be set up.

Thats a far cry from the heyday of Moscows largess in Davos, when vodka and caviar-fueled parties sponsored by Russians were notorious for hosting large groups of young women without accreditation who claimed to be translators.

Putins war has seen unprecedented sanctions slapped on from its political leadership to its oligarchs and biggest companies. firms have pulled out of the country en masse. Trade and investment from the Europe and the U.S. with has evaporated.

Sanctioned billionaires have been seeking safe haven in various pockets of the world, sending their massive yachts hopping from one port to the other to stay ahead of the law. All of a sudden anything Russian is seen as taboo.

The WEF is no exception.





At the last meeting in Davos in 2020, Russian tycoons were the third-best represented by billionaire count. But their future in Davos started to crumble just three days after Moscow attacked Ukraine, when WEF founder Klaus Schwab and President Borge Brende issued a statement condemning the aggression by Russia against Ukraine, the attacks and atrocities.

Its a contrast to the treatment of Russia after Putin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Even though Russias official presence at Davos dwindled, its billionaires and business leaders didnt downgrade their profiles.

Flocking to the Alps to enjoy Switzerlands longstanding policy of neutrality in 2015, VTB chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrey Kostin said we have friends here. Ukrainian friends, European friends, American friends.

While some business relations were hit by sanctions, that doesnt affect personal relationships, Kostin, a frequent Davos attendant, said at the time.

That year VTB threw a soiree at the ski resorts InterContinental Hotel, where visitors were greeted by women in conical, gold-flecked outfits with strips of neon-LED lights wrapped around them. Caviar was served and party-goers serenaded by guitarist Al Di Meola, Russian crooner Leonid Agutin, plus Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra.

While the party didnt match the extravagance of events hosted by metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska over the years (one was styled after a Russian log house), it drew a strong crowd, one that included Schwab. While he usually shies away from private events, he said at the time he attended to show our Russian friends that they are welcome in Davos and that, after all, Russia is a very important European country.

For Russias post-communist history, the WEF has played an important role.

The conference cemented its reputation as an essential event for the Russian elite in 1996, when several tycoons agreed to pool their media resources and financial power to back Boris Yeltsins flagging re-election campaign in what became known as the Davos Pact.

The Russian delegation grew in size and visibility for nearly two decades, attracting heavyweights like then-President Dmitry Medvedev and, in 2009, Putin during his stint as prime minister.

In 2011, a Russian investment bank put on what it called a spectacular ice show performed by figure-skating stars.

In 2018 Russia threatened a boycott after the U.S. sanctioned businessmen Viktor Vekselberg, Deripaska and Kostin. The Kremlin said organizers backed off a plan to ban them from attending.

Putin addressed the stripped down Covid-era virtual forum last year, drawing parallels between current tensions and the 1930s in the run-up to World War II. He used his speech to warn the world risked sliding into an all against all conflict.

Now his attack on Ukraine has brought conflict to the European Unions borders, killed untold thousands and seen millions flee their homes.

Some Russian tycoons have toed the Kremlins line, while others have sought to separate themselves from the presidents warmongering.

Deripaska, whose connections to Putin have put him on sanctions lists, called the war insanity in late March. He warned fighting could continue for several more years.

Thats not going to be enough to get him invited anywhere like Davos again soon. Meanwhile multiple breakfasts, panels and evening events featuring Ukrainian officials are booked out.

As for Russia House, the plan is to rebrand it. The Victor Pinchuk Foundation, a philanthropic group named after its tycoon backer, intends to turn the site into a Russia War Crimes House, including an exhibition on war crimes allegedly committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.
Xi Focus-Quotable Quotes: Xi Jinping on respecting, protecting human rights

Xinhua) 13:22, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government have always respected and protected human rights.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has made important remarks in this regard on various occasions.

The following are some highlights of his remarks.

-- The CPC takes respecting and protecting human rights as its persistent pursuit.

-- China has blazed a path of human rights development that is suited to the country's conditions.

-- China insists on a combination of the principle of human rights' universality and the nation's actual conditions, and insists that the rights to live and development are primary basic human rights.

-- No matter what stage of development we may reach, China's human rights cause must advance in accordance with its national conditions and the Chinese people's needs, and reaching the goals and standards set in this way will be sufficient. There is no need to look up to the West or be judged by the West.

-- It is up to the international community, rather than a self-righteous few, to judge whether a country is democratic or not.

-- Instead of a one-size-fits-all path, there are many paths that lead to democracy.

-- It is in itself undemocratic to use a single yardstick to measure the rich and varied political systems and examine the diverse political civilizations of humanity from a monotonous perspective.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.






NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GetSwift Technologies Limited ("GetSwift" or the "Corporation"; NEO: GSW) is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding letter of intent with Stage Equity Partners (Stage) for the acquisition of all of GSWs SaaS business (the Business) at an enterprise value of $10 million.

Transaction Consideration

Stage proposes to acquire all of the assets associated with the Business at an enterprise value of $10 million (the Purchase Price) on a debt free and excess-cash free basis with adequate working capital, to be paid at close. Prior to the transaction being completed, the final Purchase Price and terms shall be agreed by both GSW and Stage and a term sheet must be accepted and signed off on by GSW. Stage contemplates a delayed signing and closing to enable Seller (and Sellers ultimate parent company, as applicable) to obtain any necessary stockholder and stock exchange approval. The drop dead date for the closing will be 6 months after the signing of the definitive agreements (the Drop Dead Date).

Deal Terms

$1M paid on closing, less the amount of any outstanding Bridge Loan (as defined below). Up to $1.2M A/P of the Business will be assumed. No other liabilities will be assumed. $4.5M senior secured Sellers note: 5-year term. 6% interest (compounded annually) in Year 1, waived if sellers note paid within 12 months of closing. 10% interest (compounded annually) commencing in Year 2. Principal and interest payable only at maturity, prepayment permitted. Stage retains the right to secure the Business with up to $2M of additional senior secured debt on a pari passu basis with the Sellers note, subject to consultation rights in favor of the Seller. Customary limitations on distributions to Buyers equity holders, other than tax distributions. Common membership interests (Common Units) representing 30% of the new entity (the Buyer) (as of the closing) on account of the balance of the Purchase Price (the Rollover Units). For so long as Seller holds at least 75% of the Rollover Units, Seller shall be entitled to appoint a member of the board of managers (or analogous governing body) of Buyer. For so long as Seller holds any Rollover Units, Seller shall be entitled to (i) customary tag-along (co-sale) rights, and shall be subject to customary drag along obligations, (ii) participate on a pro rata basis in any future issuances of securities of Buyer (subject to customary exceptions), (iii) piggy-back registration rights, and (iv) certain limited pre-approval rights which are customary for minority common equity holders in a private company, including (A) relating to changes or amendments to the constituent documents of the Buyer that adversely affect the holders of Common Units in a manner different from the holders of any other class or series of membership interest of Buyer, (B) the issuance or declaration of any dividends or distributions (subject to the Preferred Return (as defined below) in certain limited circumstances), unless the holders of Common Units are entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution on a pro rata basis, (C) the entering into of any transaction involving the Buyer and any affiliate of Buyer on non-arms length terms, and (D) until such time as Stages Initial Capital Commitment (as defined below) is fully paid, issuing any additional membership interests, subject to customary limited exceptions. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the purpose of the foregoing clause (D) is that Sellers 30% equity interest in the Buyer shall not be subject to dilution from additional investment capital by any issuance of additional membership interests or other securities of the Buyer (subject to certain customary exceptions, including, without limitation, with respect to compensatory equity awards to employees, consultants, and other service providers) until Stages Initial Capital Commitment has been fully paid(1). The Buyers constituent documents shall provide that the membership interests issued to Stage (the Preferred Units), representing the remaining 70% of the outstanding membership interests (as of the closing), shall be entitled to receive distributions, in priority to the Common Units, in an amount equal to Stages aggregate capital contributions to Buyer(2). Stages initial capital commitment to Buyer shall be $5M (Stages Initial Capital Commitment), inclusive of the amounts set out in (1) and (2) above, to be contributed when and as requested by the board of managers of the Buyer. The Preferred Units will be entitled to participate pro rata on all distributions in excess of the Preferred Return.

Bridge Loan

Stage is willing to extend up to $250,000 in bridge financing, to be funded in advances from and after signing of the definitive agreements in amounts subject to Stages approval in its sole discretion, with the proceeds thereof to be used solely to fund GSWs ordinary working capital needs during the period between signing and closing (or the Drop Dead Date, if earlier), which will be evidenced by a first priority secured note (the First Bridge Loan). Stage may also extend up to $750,000 of additional bridge financing to be funded in advances from and after signing of the definitive agreements in amounts subject to Stages approval in its sole discretion (the Second Bridge Loan and together with the First Bridge Loan, the Bridge Loan). The Bridge Loan will be evidenced by a first priority note or credit agreement secured by the Business and will be subject to customary terms and conditions for a transaction of this nature, including, without limitation, (i) restrictions on the payment of any dividends or distributions without Stages written consent, (ii) restrictions on the use of proceeds without Stages written consent, (iii) restrictions on entering into or exiting existing commercial relationships without Stages written consent, (iv) information and reporting rights, and (v) the payment of all outstanding principal and accrued interest no later than the Drop Dead Date.

Management Commentary

We are excited to work with Stage on sale of the SaaS business. Stage is a valued partner to GetSwift. This is in line that our next step forward in our strategic review that we announced on May 10th, said Joel Macdonald, interim CEO. We look forward to working with Stage to finalize this sale, Macdonald continued.

About GetSwift Technologies Limited

Technology to Optimise Global Delivery Logistics

GetSwift is a technology and services company that offers a suite of software products and services focused on business and logistics automation, data management and analysis, communications, information security, and infrastructure optimization and also includes ecommerce and marketplace ordering, workforce management, data analytics and augmentation, business intelligence, route optimization, cash management, task management shift management, asset tracking, real-time alerts, cloud communications, and communications infrastructure (collectively, the GetSwift Offering). The GetSwift Offering is used by public and private sector clients across industries and jurisdictions for their respective logistics, communications, information security, and infrastructure projects and operations.

GetSwift is headquartered in New York and its common shares are listed for trading on the NEO Exchange under the symbol GSW. For further background, please visit the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the Corporations website at www.getswift.co.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (Forward-looking Information). Forward-looking Information may relate to matters disclosed in this news release and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Corporation, to the future outlook of the Corporation and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Corporation. In some cases, Forward-looking Information can be identified by terms such as may, will, should, expect, plan, anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, predict, potential, continue or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking Information in this news release include statements related to short and long term strategic opportunities involving the Corporation and the timing, details, and outcome of the strategic review undertaken by the Board, and the type of strategic opportunity that may be pursued, and the outcome of the Notice of Discontinuances regarding the Australian Securities and Investments Commission v. GetSwift Limited & others Federal Court of Australia VID 146 of 2019, if any.

Forward-looking Information involves various risks and uncertainties and is based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Forward-looking Information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the availability of capital resources to the Corporation in the short and long term, the status of the Corporations evaluation of strategic opportunities, the evaluation of specific strategic opportunities, including the sale of the Corporations GSW business, and the Logo Sale Agreement, the Logo Call Option Agreement and the anticipated timing for completion of the transactions contemplated by such agreements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations include, without limitation, general market conditions, the ability of the Board to obtain short term financing to enable the Corporation to continue as a going-concern, the ability of the Board to identify strategic opportunities and of the Corporation to enter into agreements in respect of such strategic opportunities, the ability of the Corporation to complete the transactions contemplated by any strategic opportunity identified by the Board, the ability of management and the Board to dedicate resources to the strategic review and the effect of a strategic opportunity on maximizing shareholder value, the effect of the strategic review on maximizing shareholder value, the ability of the Corporation and the Logo Purchasers to complete the transactions contemplated by the Logo Sale Agreement and Logo Call Option Agreement, and the ability of the Corporation and Logo Purchasers to enter into and deliver the documentation required by the Logo Call Option Agreement.

The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Corporation to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any Forward-looking Information. Any Forward-looking Information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005476/en/

For further information regarding the Corporation:

U.S. Investor Relations:

Chris Tyson

Executive Vice President  MZ North America

Direct: 949-491-8235

[email protected]

www.mzgroup.us

GetSwift Investor Relations:

[email protected]

Source: GetSwift Technologies Limited










New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.



Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





If the upcoming Noida International Airport is not completed on time, the developer will be fined Rs 10 lakh per day, Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' said. The Greenfield airport is being developed by Switzerland-based concessionaire Zurich International Airport AG's special purpose vehicle Yamuna International Airport Private Limited in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district in western Uttar Pradesh, about 70 kilometres from Delhi (YIAPL).

The state industrial development minister issued the directives to senior officials of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and the Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), among other government agencies involved in the project, according to an official statement.

"If the international airport is not ready on time, then a penalty will be imposed at the rate of Rs 10 lakh per day," the minister told the officials, according to the statement issued by his office.

Also read: Mystery of missing plane MH370 close to being solved? Expert claims to know location

Gupta was on a two-day visit to Noida and Greater Noida, where he reviewed the workings of the local authorities as well as the YEIDA, which manages the development of the region along the 165-km-long Yamuna Expressway in western Uttar Pradesh.

During the meeting with YEIDA and NIAL officials on Friday, the minister was informed that all no-objection certificates (NOCs) have been received for the airport, which will have the Sarus Crane bird as its symbol.

Gupta, who was earlier the minister of state's civil aviation, was also informed that the airport would be built in four phases and that a sum of Rs 4,200 crore is being spent during the first phase of the project as against an earlier estimated cost of around Rs 5,600 crore. He was informed that in future, a metro train will also be run on the YEIDA's metro corridor, according to the statement.

According to officials involved in the project, the first phase of the Noida International Airport is scheduled to be completed by September 2024, with one runway and a capacity of handling 1.20 crore passengers annually by then.

The airport is billed to be India's largest airport upon full completion. It will be spread over an area of 5,000 hectares. The first phase will be spread over 1,300 hectares, according to officials.

With inputs from PTI
If the upcoming Noida International Airport is not completed on time, the developer will be fined Rs 10 lakh per day, Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' said. The Greenfield airport is being developed by Switzerland-based concessionaire Zurich International Airport AG's special purpose vehicle Yamuna International Airport Private Limited in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district in western Uttar Pradesh, about 70 kilometres from Delhi (YIAPL).

The state industrial development minister issued the directives to senior officials of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and the Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), among other government agencies involved in the project, according to an official statement.

"If the international airport is not ready on time, then a penalty will be imposed at the rate of Rs 10 lakh per day," the minister told the officials, according to the statement issued by his office.

Also read: Mystery of missing plane MH370 close to being solved? Expert claims to know location

Gupta was on a two-day visit to Noida and Greater Noida, where he reviewed the workings of the local authorities as well as the YEIDA, which manages the development of the region along the 165-km-long Yamuna Expressway in western Uttar Pradesh.

During the meeting with YEIDA and NIAL officials on Friday, the minister was informed that all no-objection certificates (NOCs) have been received for the airport, which will have the Sarus Crane bird as its symbol.

Gupta, who was earlier the minister of state's civil aviation, was also informed that the airport would be built in four phases and that a sum of Rs 4,200 crore is being spent during the first phase of the project as against an earlier estimated cost of around Rs 5,600 crore. He was informed that in future, a metro train will also be run on the YEIDA's metro corridor, according to the statement.

According to officials involved in the project, the first phase of the Noida International Airport is scheduled to be completed by September 2024, with one runway and a capacity of handling 1.20 crore passengers annually by then.

The airport is billed to be India's largest airport upon full completion. It will be spread over an area of 5,000 hectares. The first phase will be spread over 1,300 hectares, according to officials.

With inputs from PTI


New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)





New Delhi, May 21: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry." Mehul Choksi Booked for Duping Industrial Finance Corporation of India to Tune of Rs 22 Crore.

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client Mehul Choksi to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against Mehul Choksi will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica. The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.


HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
HK, Macao affairs office of State Council congratulates John Lee's appointment as new HKSAR chief

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday expressed sincere congratulation to John Lee after he was appointed by the central government as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee has been working in multiple positions in the HKSAR government for a long time. He is patriotic, loves Hong Kong, maintains a firm stance, knows government operations well, has a strong sense of responsibility and is pragmatic and capable. He has won the endorsement from a broad spectrum of people in Hong Kong and a high degree of trust from the central government, the spokesperson said.

The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong as it has transited from chaos to order and is advancing to prosperity, said the spokesperson, adding that the new chief executive and the new term of the HKSAR government shoulder great responsibility and missions.

The spokesperson also expressed the confidence that Lee would form a patriotic, capable and united team that is dedicated to serving the people and will lead Hong Kong to write a new chapter of development.

The central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, give its full support to the law-based governance of the HKSAR chief executive and the government, and support Hong Kong's COVID-19 response, economic growth, and people's livelihood improvement, said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

How to strike balance in your home with black and white
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close




The rich and powerful flocking to Davos this year wont be forced for once to bear the icy winter wind, but the frostiness toward Russia, whose oligarchs have thrown some of the most famously glitzy parties at the World Economic Forum, will be palpable.



The first in-person meeting in the Swiss Alps of the WEF in two years starts on Sunday after Covid-related interruptions. Even this gathering was delayed from the usual late January schedule, meaning the snow is confined for once to the peaks.

The forum is different in other ways, too. Hanging over the panels, speeches and evening soirees is the reality of a war raging hundreds of miles to the east. President Vladimir Putins decision to invade Ukraine has put an abrupt end to decades of Russian presence and influence in Davos.





There will likely be a more subdued tone as a whole, with the WEF attended by a clutch of Ukrainian officials seeking to keep global attention on their plight with the war in its third month. A keynote address (via video conference) will be given by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

It will be the first WEF in Switzerland since the fall of communism without a single Russian official or business leader. Russian companies have been nixed as strategic partners, a group of businesses that play a prominent part in the calendar of events at a cost of 600,000 Swiss francs ($615,000) per year. House  renown for its chilled vodka  wont even be set up.

Thats a far cry from the heyday of Moscows largess in Davos, when vodka and caviar-fueled parties sponsored by Russians were notorious for hosting large groups of young women without accreditation who claimed to be translators.

Putins war has seen unprecedented sanctions slapped on from its political leadership to its oligarchs and biggest companies. firms have pulled out of the country en masse. Trade and investment from the Europe and the U.S. with has evaporated.

Sanctioned billionaires have been seeking safe haven in various pockets of the world, sending their massive yachts hopping from one port to the other to stay ahead of the law. All of a sudden anything Russian is seen as taboo.

The WEF is no exception.





At the last meeting in Davos in 2020, Russian tycoons were the third-best represented by billionaire count. But their future in Davos started to crumble just three days after Moscow attacked Ukraine, when WEF founder Klaus Schwab and President Borge Brende issued a statement condemning the aggression by Russia against Ukraine, the attacks and atrocities.

Its a contrast to the treatment of Russia after Putin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Even though Russias official presence at Davos dwindled, its billionaires and business leaders didnt downgrade their profiles.

Flocking to the Alps to enjoy Switzerlands longstanding policy of neutrality in 2015, VTB chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrey Kostin said we have friends here. Ukrainian friends, European friends, American friends.

While some business relations were hit by sanctions, that doesnt affect personal relationships, Kostin, a frequent Davos attendant, said at the time.

That year VTB threw a soiree at the ski resorts InterContinental Hotel, where visitors were greeted by women in conical, gold-flecked outfits with strips of neon-LED lights wrapped around them. Caviar was served and party-goers serenaded by guitarist Al Di Meola, Russian crooner Leonid Agutin, plus Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra.

While the party didnt match the extravagance of events hosted by metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska over the years (one was styled after a Russian log house), it drew a strong crowd, one that included Schwab. While he usually shies away from private events, he said at the time he attended to show our Russian friends that they are welcome in Davos and that, after all, Russia is a very important European country.

For Russias post-communist history, the WEF has played an important role.

The conference cemented its reputation as an essential event for the Russian elite in 1996, when several tycoons agreed to pool their media resources and financial power to back Boris Yeltsins flagging re-election campaign in what became known as the Davos Pact.

The Russian delegation grew in size and visibility for nearly two decades, attracting heavyweights like then-President Dmitry Medvedev and, in 2009, Putin during his stint as prime minister.

In 2011, a Russian investment bank put on what it called a spectacular ice show performed by figure-skating stars.

In 2018 Russia threatened a boycott after the U.S. sanctioned businessmen Viktor Vekselberg, Deripaska and Kostin. The Kremlin said organizers backed off a plan to ban them from attending.

Putin addressed the stripped down Covid-era virtual forum last year, drawing parallels between current tensions and the 1930s in the run-up to World War II. He used his speech to warn the world risked sliding into an all against all conflict.

Now his attack on Ukraine has brought conflict to the European Unions borders, killed untold thousands and seen millions flee their homes.

Some Russian tycoons have toed the Kremlins line, while others have sought to separate themselves from the presidents warmongering.

Deripaska, whose connections to Putin have put him on sanctions lists, called the war insanity in late March. He warned fighting could continue for several more years.

Thats not going to be enough to get him invited anywhere like Davos again soon. Meanwhile multiple breakfasts, panels and evening events featuring Ukrainian officials are booked out.

As for Russia House, the plan is to rebrand it. The Victor Pinchuk Foundation, a philanthropic group named after its tycoon backer, intends to turn the site into a Russia War Crimes House, including an exhibition on war crimes allegedly committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.


The rich and powerful flocking to Davos this year wont be forced for once to bear the icy winter wind, but the frostiness toward Russia, whose oligarchs have thrown some of the most famously glitzy parties at the World Economic Forum, will be palpable.



The first in-person meeting in the Swiss Alps of the WEF in two years starts on Sunday after Covid-related interruptions. Even this gathering was delayed from the usual late January schedule, meaning the snow is confined for once to the peaks.

The forum is different in other ways, too. Hanging over the panels, speeches and evening soirees is the reality of a war raging hundreds of miles to the east. President Vladimir Putins decision to invade Ukraine has put an abrupt end to decades of Russian presence and influence in Davos.





There will likely be a more subdued tone as a whole, with the WEF attended by a clutch of Ukrainian officials seeking to keep global attention on their plight with the war in its third month. A keynote address (via video conference) will be given by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

It will be the first WEF in Switzerland since the fall of communism without a single Russian official or business leader. Russian companies have been nixed as strategic partners, a group of businesses that play a prominent part in the calendar of events at a cost of 600,000 Swiss francs ($615,000) per year. House  renown for its chilled vodka  wont even be set up.

Thats a far cry from the heyday of Moscows largess in Davos, when vodka and caviar-fueled parties sponsored by Russians were notorious for hosting large groups of young women without accreditation who claimed to be translators.

Putins war has seen unprecedented sanctions slapped on from its political leadership to its oligarchs and biggest companies. firms have pulled out of the country en masse. Trade and investment from the Europe and the U.S. with has evaporated.

Sanctioned billionaires have been seeking safe haven in various pockets of the world, sending their massive yachts hopping from one port to the other to stay ahead of the law. All of a sudden anything Russian is seen as taboo.

The WEF is no exception.





At the last meeting in Davos in 2020, Russian tycoons were the third-best represented by billionaire count. But their future in Davos started to crumble just three days after Moscow attacked Ukraine, when WEF founder Klaus Schwab and President Borge Brende issued a statement condemning the aggression by Russia against Ukraine, the attacks and atrocities.

Its a contrast to the treatment of Russia after Putin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Even though Russias official presence at Davos dwindled, its billionaires and business leaders didnt downgrade their profiles.

Flocking to the Alps to enjoy Switzerlands longstanding policy of neutrality in 2015, VTB chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrey Kostin said we have friends here. Ukrainian friends, European friends, American friends.

While some business relations were hit by sanctions, that doesnt affect personal relationships, Kostin, a frequent Davos attendant, said at the time.

That year VTB threw a soiree at the ski resorts InterContinental Hotel, where visitors were greeted by women in conical, gold-flecked outfits with strips of neon-LED lights wrapped around them. Caviar was served and party-goers serenaded by guitarist Al Di Meola, Russian crooner Leonid Agutin, plus Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra.

While the party didnt match the extravagance of events hosted by metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska over the years (one was styled after a Russian log house), it drew a strong crowd, one that included Schwab. While he usually shies away from private events, he said at the time he attended to show our Russian friends that they are welcome in Davos and that, after all, Russia is a very important European country.

For Russias post-communist history, the WEF has played an important role.

The conference cemented its reputation as an essential event for the Russian elite in 1996, when several tycoons agreed to pool their media resources and financial power to back Boris Yeltsins flagging re-election campaign in what became known as the Davos Pact.

The Russian delegation grew in size and visibility for nearly two decades, attracting heavyweights like then-President Dmitry Medvedev and, in 2009, Putin during his stint as prime minister.

In 2011, a Russian investment bank put on what it called a spectacular ice show performed by figure-skating stars.

In 2018 Russia threatened a boycott after the U.S. sanctioned businessmen Viktor Vekselberg, Deripaska and Kostin. The Kremlin said organizers backed off a plan to ban them from attending.

Putin addressed the stripped down Covid-era virtual forum last year, drawing parallels between current tensions and the 1930s in the run-up to World War II. He used his speech to warn the world risked sliding into an all against all conflict.

Now his attack on Ukraine has brought conflict to the European Unions borders, killed untold thousands and seen millions flee their homes.

Some Russian tycoons have toed the Kremlins line, while others have sought to separate themselves from the presidents warmongering.

Deripaska, whose connections to Putin have put him on sanctions lists, called the war insanity in late March. He warned fighting could continue for several more years.

Thats not going to be enough to get him invited anywhere like Davos again soon. Meanwhile multiple breakfasts, panels and evening events featuring Ukrainian officials are booked out.

As for Russia House, the plan is to rebrand it. The Victor Pinchuk Foundation, a philanthropic group named after its tycoon backer, intends to turn the site into a Russia War Crimes House, including an exhibition on war crimes allegedly committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.











Advertisement

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, before murdering their children, is on sale for $660,000, the Sun reports.

Watts, 36, strangled his wife Shanann - who was 15 weeks pregnant with their son - inside the couple's Frederick home on August 13, 2018. He later smothered their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3.

The house of horrors was secretly listed last week under a fictitious address on realty website Rocket Homes.

The 4,177-square-foot four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013, sits on 0.15 acres and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The listing agent, likely in an effort to deter true crime buffs from touring the property, is only offering 'limited showings' of the property to potential buyers with 'funding commitment' letters for at least $660,000. A Zillow listing estimated the home's value at $816,200.

The Watts family home, which was foreclosed on after Watts was arrested and defaulted on the mortgage, was featured in the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door, which details the slayings of Shannan and her kids.

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, before murdering their children, is on sale for $660,000. Watts and his wife bought the home for just shy of $400,000 in 2013. The property was listed for auction in 2019, after the murders, when Watts defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the home

Watts, 36, strangled his wife Shanann - who was 15 weeks pregnant with their son - inside the couple's Frederick home on August 13, 2018. He later smothered their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3

The house of horrors was secretly listed last week under a fictitious address on reality website Rocket Homes

The 4,177-square-foot four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013, sits on 0.15 acres and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains

Listing photographs show, with the exception of cleaning and some minor decor changes, doesn't look much different from when the Watts family lived there. Watts is pictured in the home's foyer

The kitchen, which features a marble island and dark wood cabinetry, looks virtually untouched

Listing photographs show, with the exception of cleaning and some minor decor changes, doesn't look much different from when the Watts family lived there.

The kitchen, which features a marble island and dark wood cabinetry, looks virtually untouched.

The seller, which is listed as Coldwell Banker Realty, opted to keep the living room the same shade of pale blue that the Watts family had chosen.

The laundry room and bathroom, which were painted in a distinct vibrant blue, also remained outfitted in the family's chosen paint color.

The house, which features a gas fireplace and three-car garage, is being sold 'as is,' according to the listing.

Interested parties are asked to submit their funding commitment letters by May 24, at which point the seller will reach out to schedule a showing if they are willing to consider the offer.

Watts and his wife bought the home for just shy of $400,000 in 2013.

The property was listed for auction in 2019, after the murders, when Watts defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the home, People reported.

However, no one bid on the property, likely due to the horrific history attached to it.

However, no one bid on the home, likely due to the horrific history attached to it. Police body camera footage shows the interior of the Watts home

Watts is pictured standing near the front door of his home

Police footage shows an upstairs bedroom in the Watts family home

Watts killed Shannan after she came home from a business trip to Arizona in 2018.

He strangled her and then put her body and their two daughters in his truck and drove to isolated oil storage tanks owned by Anadarko Petroleum, where he worked.

He buried his wife in a shallow grave and then smothered his two daughters and placed their bodies inside the storage tanks.

For two days Watts claimed that he had nothing to do with his family's disappearance and went on television to plead for them to come home.

After his arrest he initially claimed that Shanann had killed the girls after he had told her he wanted a separation, and then he had strangled her in anger.

At his trial, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, which has since been abolished in Colorado.

He is serving serving five life sentences plus 48 years in prison without the possibility of parole at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin.

At his trial, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. He is serving serving five life sentences plus 48 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He is pictured at his sentencing hearing in November 2018

At the time of the murders, Watts (left) was having an affair with a colleague (right). At one point he alleged he wouldn't have killed his wife Shanann and their two little girls if he hadn't met his mistress

One of his fellow inmates, claimed Watts said he killed Shanann because he didn't want to pay child support, he didn't want the son that she was expecting, and feared his wife would take their house in a divorce. The couple is pictured outside the home with their daughters

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife and children is on sale for $660,000. The home is pictured in 2018 with a makeshift memorial out front

At the time of the murders, Watts was having an affair with a colleague. At one point he alleged he wouldn't have killed his wife Shanann and their two little girls if he hadn't met his mistress.

One of his fellow inmates, David Carter, however claimed Watts told him that he killed Shanann because he didn't want to pay child support, he didn't want the son that she was expecting, and feared his wife would take their house in Frederick, Colorado, in a divorce.

'I don't buy any of that though,' Carter, who was jailed for meth possession and for stealing money from his employers, told DailyMail.com last year. 'I couldn't ever kill my entire family just because I didn't want a child or didn't want to pay child support.

'I have a lot of things going on in my life, but I have never wanted to stop and kill my entire family because I wanted certain things to go my way.'

Carter, who is now living in a halfway house in Green Bay, Wisconsin, said that Watts keeps pictures of his two daughters pinned up in his cell.

'But there are no pictures of Shanann,' he added. 'He told me he has nightmares every night, always the same, of his two girls standing in his cell playing catch.'
Coronavirus levels in Twin Cities' wastewater increased 58% in the past week, indicating that the peak of Minnesota's latest COVID-19 wave remains ahead.

A fast-spreading coronavirus variant  known as BA.2.12.1 and responsible for a surge of COVID-19 in the northeastern U.S.  made up 47% of the viral load in sewage sampled May 10-16 at the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Paul. BA.4 and BA.5, the newest variants of concern causing more cases in South Africa, made up 7% of the viral load in the Twin Cities.

Rising viral spread has resulted in more infections  another 2,424 were reported Friday by the Minnesota Department of Health along with three more COVID-19 deaths  but it hasn't produced the level of severe illness that occurred in Minnesota's earlier pandemic waves.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state increased to 442 on Thursday, but only 33 patients (7%) required intensive care for breathing problems or other complications. At peak points in the past two years, Minnesota's rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations requiring ICU care was above 30%.

State health officials say they believe immunity from vaccinations and recent infections is helping to reduce the rate of severe illness in the latest wave. However, they urged continued COVID-19 vaccinations because even a low rate of severe illness can exhaust hospital capacity if enough people are infected at once.

Only 49% of Minnesotans age 5 or older are considered up to date with vaccinations, meaning they have completed the initial series and received first boosters when recommended. That number hasn't changed in weeks because the rate of new vaccine recipients is being balanced out by earlier recipients who have declined boosters and lost some immunity against infection.

Wastewater data has become a key to Minnesota's pandemic surveillance because over time it has identified changes in viral spread before COVID-19 case numbers started to rise or fall. The viral load identified at the St. Paul plant this week is the highest since mid-January and is 20 times higher than the low point this year in mid-March.

The increase juxtaposed with the latest aggregate results from 40 wastewater plants across Minnesota that serve about 67% of the state's population. The viral loads from 13 other metro-area treatment plants have declined since last week, according to aggregate results provided by the University of Minnesota. Sampling results can fluctuate among plants, especially if faster-spreading viral variants are more prevalent in some communities than others.
Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0







Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
New York, May 21 (AP) A 32-year-old woman who was the youngest of the 10 Black people killed at a Buffalo supermarket was remembered as big-hearted and quick with a laugh before her funeral Saturday.

Roberta Drury grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help tend to her brother in his fight against leukemia. She was shot to death last Saturday on a trip to buy groceries at the Tops Friendly Market targeted by the gunman.

Also Read | Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

Final goodbyes for Robbie were set to take place Saturday morning at the stately brick Assumption Church in Syracuse, not far from where she grew up in Cicero.

Her family wrote in her obituary that she "couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized.

A private service was held Friday for Heyward Patterson, the beloved deacon at a church near the supermarket. More funerals were scheduled throughout the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its stores in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

And a candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)



New York, May 21 (AP) A 32-year-old woman who was the youngest of the 10 Black people killed at a Buffalo supermarket was remembered as big-hearted and quick with a laugh before her funeral Saturday.

Roberta Drury grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help tend to her brother in his fight against leukemia. She was shot to death last Saturday on a trip to buy groceries at the Tops Friendly Market targeted by the gunman.

Also Read | Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

Final goodbyes for Robbie were set to take place Saturday morning at the stately brick Assumption Church in Syracuse, not far from where she grew up in Cicero.

Her family wrote in her obituary that she "couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized.

A private service was held Friday for Heyward Patterson, the beloved deacon at a church near the supermarket. More funerals were scheduled throughout the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its stores in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

And a candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

New York, May 21 (AP) A 32-year-old woman who was the youngest of the 10 Black people killed at a Buffalo supermarket was remembered as big-hearted and quick with a laugh before her funeral Saturday.

Roberta Drury grew up in the Syracuse area and moved to Buffalo a decade ago to help tend to her brother in his fight against leukemia. She was shot to death last Saturday on a trip to buy groceries at the Tops Friendly Market targeted by the gunman.

Also Read | Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

Final goodbyes for Robbie were set to take place Saturday morning at the stately brick Assumption Church in Syracuse, not far from where she grew up in Cicero.

Her family wrote in her obituary that she "couldn't walk a few steps without meeting a new friend.

Also Read | Ukraine Gets 600-Million-Euro Financial Aid From European Union Amid War with Russia.

Drury is the second shooting victim to be eulogized.

A private service was held Friday for Heyward Patterson, the beloved deacon at a church near the supermarket. More funerals were scheduled throughout the coming week.

Tops was encouraging people to join its stores in a moment of silence to honor the shooting victims Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the approximate time of the attack a week earlier.

And a candlelight vigil is planned at the Buffalo supermarket in the evening. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


Advertisement

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, before murdering their children, is on sale for $660,000, the Sun reports.

Watts, 36, strangled his wife Shanann - who was 15 weeks pregnant with their son - inside the couple's Frederick home on August 13, 2018. He later smothered their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3.

The house of horrors was secretly listed last week under a fictitious address on realty website Rocket Homes.

The 4,177-square-foot four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013, sits on 0.15 acres and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The listing agent, likely in an effort to deter true crime buffs from touring the property, is only offering 'limited showings' of the property to potential buyers with 'funding commitment' letters for at least $660,000. A Zillow listing estimated the home's value at $816,200.

The Watts family home, which was foreclosed on after Watts was arrested and defaulted on the mortgage, was featured in the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door, which details the slayings of Shannan and her kids.

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, before murdering their children, is on sale for $660,000. Watts and his wife bought the home for just shy of $400,000 in 2013. The property was listed for auction in 2019, after the murders, when Watts defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the home

Watts, 36, strangled his wife Shanann - who was 15 weeks pregnant with their son - inside the couple's Frederick home on August 13, 2018. He later smothered their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3

The house of horrors was secretly listed last week under a fictitious address on reality website Rocket Homes

The 4,177-square-foot four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013, sits on 0.15 acres and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains

Listing photographs show, with the exception of cleaning and some minor decor changes, doesn't look much different from when the Watts family lived there. Watts is pictured in the home's foyer

The kitchen, which features a marble island and dark wood cabinetry, looks virtually untouched

Listing photographs show, with the exception of cleaning and some minor decor changes, doesn't look much different from when the Watts family lived there.

The kitchen, which features a marble island and dark wood cabinetry, looks virtually untouched.

The seller, which is listed as Coldwell Banker Realty, opted to keep the living room the same shade of pale blue that the Watts family had chosen.

The laundry room and bathroom, which were painted in a distinct vibrant blue, also remained outfitted in the family's chosen paint color.

The house, which features a gas fireplace and three-car garage, is being sold 'as is,' according to the listing.

Interested parties are asked to submit their funding commitment letters by May 24, at which point the seller will reach out to schedule a showing if they are willing to consider the offer.

Watts and his wife bought the home for just shy of $400,000 in 2013.

The property was listed for auction in 2019, after the murders, when Watts defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the home, People reported.

However, no one bid on the property, likely due to the horrific history attached to it.

However, no one bid on the home, likely due to the horrific history attached to it. Police body camera footage shows the interior of the Watts home

Watts is pictured standing near the front door of his home

Police footage shows an upstairs bedroom in the Watts family home

Watts killed Shannan after she came home from a business trip to Arizona in 2018.

He strangled her and then put her body and their two daughters in his truck and drove to isolated oil storage tanks owned by Anadarko Petroleum, where he worked.

He buried his wife in a shallow grave and then smothered his two daughters and placed their bodies inside the storage tanks.

For two days Watts claimed that he had nothing to do with his family's disappearance and went on television to plead for them to come home.

After his arrest he initially claimed that Shanann had killed the girls after he had told her he wanted a separation, and then he had strangled her in anger.

At his trial, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, which has since been abolished in Colorado.

He is serving serving five life sentences plus 48 years in prison without the possibility of parole at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin.

At his trial, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. He is serving serving five life sentences plus 48 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He is pictured at his sentencing hearing in November 2018

At the time of the murders, Watts (left) was having an affair with a colleague (right). At one point he alleged he wouldn't have killed his wife Shanann and their two little girls if he hadn't met his mistress

One of his fellow inmates, claimed Watts said he killed Shanann because he didn't want to pay child support, he didn't want the son that she was expecting, and feared his wife would take their house in a divorce. The couple is pictured outside the home with their daughters

The Colorado house where convicted murderer Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife and children is on sale for $660,000. The home is pictured in 2018 with a makeshift memorial out front

At the time of the murders, Watts was having an affair with a colleague. At one point he alleged he wouldn't have killed his wife Shanann and their two little girls if he hadn't met his mistress.

One of his fellow inmates, David Carter, however claimed Watts told him that he killed Shanann because he didn't want to pay child support, he didn't want the son that she was expecting, and feared his wife would take their house in Frederick, Colorado, in a divorce.

'I don't buy any of that though,' Carter, who was jailed for meth possession and for stealing money from his employers, told DailyMail.com last year. 'I couldn't ever kill my entire family just because I didn't want a child or didn't want to pay child support.

'I have a lot of things going on in my life, but I have never wanted to stop and kill my entire family because I wanted certain things to go my way.'

Carter, who is now living in a halfway house in Green Bay, Wisconsin, said that Watts keeps pictures of his two daughters pinned up in his cell.

'But there are no pictures of Shanann,' he added. 'He told me he has nightmares every night, always the same, of his two girls standing in his cell playing catch.'
Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.


Woods Charitable Funds board of directors approved grants in its spring grant cycle totaling $324,000 to 15 tax-exempt organizations at its May meeting.

Nearly half the organizations receiving grants in this cycle support Lincolns multicultural organizations, provide programming to benefit new Americans or share the history of Lincolns multicultural residents.

Lincoln Public Schools will receive grants over two years to provide programming with community partners for its Family Literacy families, a grant to Lutheran Family Services supports staffing to assist its refugee resettlement work, and the Cultural Centers of Lincoln will receive operating funds for its coordination with five Lincoln centers.

The largest percentage of the granted funding  55%  will support education projects. Additionally, 20% of the grants benefit human services programs, 13% fund civic and community agencies, and 12% are for arts and culture organizations.

Approved for funding by Woods Charitable Fund are:

Community Crops ($10,000)  A collaborative grant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for staff and board members with community partners.

Cultural Centers of Lincoln ($10,000)  Operating support for this collaboration of centers including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro de las Americas, Good Neighbor Community Center, Malone Community Center and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska ($15,000)  Continued support for a summer program for girls in outreach programming at Title I Lincoln Public Schools.

History Nebraska Foundation ($40,000)  Two-year operating support for this foundation supporting History Nebraska and sharing Nebraskas rich and diverse history.

Karen Society of Nebraska ($6,500)  Funding for citizenship education for this organization serving immigrants and refugees from Burma.

Lincoln Arts Council ($20,000)  Continued support of upstArt outreach and engagement programming.

Lincoln Crossroads Festival ($10,000)  Continued general operating support for this organization celebrating Lincolns diverse cultural heritage through musical programming, storytelling and workshops.

Lincoln Literacy ($15,000)  Operating and leadership transition support for this organization that provides English language, literacy and job skills training.

Lincoln Public Schools ($90,000)  Two-year support for outreach programming with community partners for the Family Literacy program.

Lutheran Family Services ($20,000)  In support of volunteer coordination staffing for this organizations refugee resettlement programming.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment ($10,000)  Operational support for this endowment that matches funds pledged from the State of Nebraska to support arts and humanities programming.

Outlinc Inc. ($15,000)  Staffing and general operating support for this organization that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Roots of Justice: Historical Truth and Reconciliation, Lincoln and Nebraska ($17,500)  For research and documentation for this organization seeking to create a comprehensive, foundational and truthful history of race and racism in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center ($15,000)  Continued support of educational outreach at this center west of Lincoln that conserves and restores the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Visionary Youth ($30,000)  Two-year staffing support for this organization providing free haircuts and items at community events and programming for families and youth experiencing poverty.

Woods Charitable Fund makes grants twice a year to tax-exempt organizations seeking funding for Lincoln-focused programs in the areas of human services, civic and community, education, arts and culture, and through its Breakthrough Initiative Grant program. The fund has granted more than $100 million since its inception in 1941. For more information, call 402-436-5971, visit www.woodscharitable.org or write to Tom Woods, Kathy Steinauer Smith or Nicole Juranek at 1248 O St., Suite 1130, Lincoln, NE 68508, or at info@woodscharitable.org.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0




How to strike balance in your home with black and white





A popular Australian sun-care and cosmetics business named after the nations most famous beach has been hit with a class action in the United States over claims its sunscreens are harmful to the environment, despite its claims to be reef friendly.

Court documents from the case include photographs of bottles of Bondi Sands sunscreen bearing the phrase reef friendly. Credit:

Bondi Sands, founded a decade ago in Melbourne, has been accused in court documents of greenwashing its sunscreens by falsely marketing them to US consumers as safe to the environment.

The class action complaint filed in the US District Court in northern California claims that Bondi Sands US operation has reaped millions of dollars through this fraudulent scheme based on a calculated business decision to put profits over people and the environment.

The company, which is based in Melbourne and has its products stocked in 22,000 stores worldwide, is accused of mislabelling several sunscreen products available in the US to gain an advantage over competitors and charge a premium to consumers.

A popular Australian sun-care and cosmetics business named after the nations most famous beach has been hit with a class action in the United States over claims its sunscreens are harmful to the environment, despite its claims to be reef friendly.

Court documents from the case include photographs of bottles of Bondi Sands sunscreen bearing the phrase reef friendly. Credit:

Bondi Sands, founded a decade ago in Melbourne, has been accused in court documents of greenwashing its sunscreens by falsely marketing them to US consumers as safe to the environment.

The class action complaint filed in the US District Court in northern California claims that Bondi Sands US operation has reaped millions of dollars through this fraudulent scheme based on a calculated business decision to put profits over people and the environment.

The company, which is based in Melbourne and has its products stocked in 22,000 stores worldwide, is accused of mislabelling several sunscreen products available in the US to gain an advantage over competitors and charge a premium to consumers.
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.










Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up the budget but not the session on Friday.

Lawmakers vacated the Capitol after shipping the fiscal year 2023 spending and appropriations bills and a stack of other legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitts second-floor office, but they will be back next week, one way or the other.

For certain, theyll meet in special session on Thursday and Friday to move around the shell bills that at some point will appropriate the states share of American Rescue Plan Act money.

They could also meet in regular session ahead of Fridays 5 p.m. constitutional deadline to bring down the final gavel on the second regular session of the 58th Legislature.

A few regular session bills and resolutions could still be revived next week, but the main reason for lawmakers leaving themselves some slack is to override Stitt vetoes, should they come.

And they might.

Stitt has not been shy about vetoes in the past, regardless of how popular the bills have been with the Legislature. There have been murmurs, including on Friday, about override votes on some measures Stitt has already spiked this year.

On Wednesday, in a rare show of unity, lawmakers took control of the ARPA funds away from the governor and backed it up with special session call petitions signed by 42 of 48 senators and 88 of 100 representatives  an indication of override votes to spare.

The special session, whose stated purpose is distribution of the ARPA money, began concurrently with the regular session Wednesday night, although nothing of substance is likely to happen until later this summer.

In the meantime, lawmakers passed and sent to the governor a few trial balloons: regular session bills appropriating about $100 million in ARPA money for nurses training and local water infrastructure improvements.

The $9.8 billion general appropriations bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, went through the House on Friday with minimal resistance.

Democrats complained about the process that they said largely excludes them and most taxpayers and said the Republican majority could have done more for common education and the middle and working classes in the way of tax relief. A few maverick Republicans voted no, but the bill passed 74-15.

The nearly 30 supporting measures passed the House and Senate by similar or greater margins to reach Stitts desk.

Largely ignored in recent days furor over the budget, special sessions, abortion laws and transgender bathroom bans was the passage of a far-reaching overhaul of Medicaid.

The House gave Senate Bill 1337, by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, final passage without any discussion or debate, despite years of controversy over the issue. As sent to Stitt, the bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition from a self-administered fee-for-service system to a privatized managed, or capitated, one.

Lawmakers who have fought the switch, though, said SB 1337 includes enough specificity to prevent the bad outcome of the states previous foray into capitated Medicaid.

Under capitated plans, management entities are paid a flat per-person amount for each patient. The costs of such plans are more predictable, but opponents argue that the quality of care is often lower, which is why lawmakers insisted on outcome standards.

Also receiving final approval was HB 4388, which creates a special revolving fund for matching grants for targeted teacher raises.

Featured video:

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up the budget but not the session on Friday.

Lawmakers vacated the Capitol after shipping the fiscal year 2023 spending and appropriations bills and a stack of other legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitts second-floor office, but they will be back next week, one way or the other.

For certain, theyll meet in special session on Thursday and Friday to move around the shell bills that at some point will appropriate the states share of American Rescue Plan Act money.

They could also meet in regular session ahead of Fridays 5 p.m. constitutional deadline to bring down the final gavel on the second regular session of the 58th Legislature.

A few regular session bills and resolutions could still be revived next week, but the main reason for lawmakers leaving themselves some slack is to override Stitt vetoes, should they come.

And they might.

Stitt has not been shy about vetoes in the past, regardless of how popular the bills have been with the Legislature. There have been murmurs, including on Friday, about override votes on some measures Stitt has already spiked this year.

On Wednesday, in a rare show of unity, lawmakers took control of the ARPA funds away from the governor and backed it up with special session call petitions signed by 42 of 48 senators and 88 of 100 representatives  an indication of override votes to spare.

The special session, whose stated purpose is distribution of the ARPA money, began concurrently with the regular session Wednesday night, although nothing of substance is likely to happen until later this summer.

In the meantime, lawmakers passed and sent to the governor a few trial balloons: regular session bills appropriating about $100 million in ARPA money for nurses training and local water infrastructure improvements.

The $9.8 billion general appropriations bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, went through the House on Friday with minimal resistance.

Democrats complained about the process that they said largely excludes them and most taxpayers and said the Republican majority could have done more for common education and the middle and working classes in the way of tax relief. A few maverick Republicans voted no, but the bill passed 74-15.

The nearly 30 supporting measures passed the House and Senate by similar or greater margins to reach Stitts desk.

Largely ignored in recent days furor over the budget, special sessions, abortion laws and transgender bathroom bans was the passage of a far-reaching overhaul of Medicaid.

The House gave Senate Bill 1337, by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, final passage without any discussion or debate, despite years of controversy over the issue. As sent to Stitt, the bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition from a self-administered fee-for-service system to a privatized managed, or capitated, one.

Lawmakers who have fought the switch, though, said SB 1337 includes enough specificity to prevent the bad outcome of the states previous foray into capitated Medicaid.

Under capitated plans, management entities are paid a flat per-person amount for each patient. The costs of such plans are more predictable, but opponents argue that the quality of care is often lower, which is why lawmakers insisted on outcome standards.

Also receiving final approval was HB 4388, which creates a special revolving fund for matching grants for targeted teacher raises.

Featured video:

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.








Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe










in India is a global public good and a central anchor for the planet and if that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet, Congress leader has warned as he attacked the NDA government, asserting that there are two different designs of governance at play in India, one that stifles voices and the other that listens.

The Opposition leader, who is on a tour of the UK, had an interaction session at the 'Ideas for India' conference organised by non-profit think-tank Bridge India on Friday during which he articulated his party's vision for mass action that would result in something beautiful for the country.

He attacked the deep state that is causing damage and declared that the Congress ideology is geared up to fight it.

Please realise, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs, said Gandhi.

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the Congress leader warned of kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark.

A cadre is told you will say this and nothing else it's designed to push a particular set of ideas down people's throats, whether it is the Communist idea or in the RSS system. We are not designed like that. We are designed to listen to the people of India and pull out their voice and place it on the table, he said.

in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography; That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," the Congress Party quoted Gandhi as saying.

Asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Gandhi drew parallels with the Chinese actions in India.

Russians say to Ukraine that we refuse to recognise your territorial integrity. We refuse to accept that these two districts belong to Ukraine. And we are going to attack you in these two districts to make sure that you break an alliance with NATO, Gandhi said.

That is what Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing, he said.

Putin is saying I am not ready for you to have an alliance with America. So on the question of your territorial integrity, I will attack you, he said.

Please recognise the parallels between what is going on in Ukraine and what is going on in Ladakh and in Doklam, the Congress leader said.

Please realise that the same idea is at play. There are Chinese forces sitting in Ladakh and there are Chinese forces sitting in Doklam, Gandhi said.

The Doklam forces are designed for Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh forces are designed for Ladakh. And the same principle is there. What the Chinese are saying is that we do not accept your territoriality and we do accept your relationship with the US.

So we have to realise that there is a problem on the border and whether we like it or not, we have to prepare for that problem. Because we don't want to get caught off guard, he said.

He said that his problem with the government is that they do not allow a discussion.

Chinese troops are sitting inside India today. They have just built a huge bridge over the Pangong Lake. They are setting up the infrastructure. They are obviously preparing for something. But the government doesn't want to talk about it. Government wants to stifle the conversation. That's bad for India.

They keep saying that I raise the China issue. Yes, I raise the China issue because I am worried about it. I am worried that Chinese troops are sitting inside India and I can see exactly what is happening in Ukraine. I said this to the Foreign Minister in one of our conversations and he said you know what you have a point. That's an interesting way to look at it. Please realise that there are parallels to what is going on, Gandhi said.

The bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

People familiar with the Chinese construction on Wednesday had said that the new bridge is being built in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India on Friday voiced strong opposition to China building a second bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, and said it is in an area that has been under "illegal occupation" of that country for around 60 years.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of its territory, nor has it accepted the "unjustified" Chinese claim or such construction activities.

"We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Bagchi said the government has stepped up the development of border infrastructure, especially since 2014, including the construction of roads and bridges in order to ensure that the nation's security interests are fully protected.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India's strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas," he added.

During the conference here, Gandhi, with reference to his own party, noted: We have an opportunity now that we haven't had for many years to completely redesign the Congress through mass action. And so do a lot of the Opposition.

Gandhi declared he believed that the time for mass action was not in the past few years but is timely now because there is a government in charge that is destroying and attacking the institutional framework of the country.

So, roles change and you adapt. I see myself as somebody who defends that idea of India when I see our country's voice being crushed, it upsets me. I think about what I should do and can do. It's a challenging situation but I think there's a huge opportunity inside this thing and I feel it.

I feel that from the struggle that is coming, we will get an India that is actually much better than the one we have right now and one we had before. I think there's something beautiful that can come out of this. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country, he said.

Earlier, he took to Twitter to describe the enriching exchange he had during the conference.

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled India at 75.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)





Monkeypox outbreak: As the new Monkeypox disease makes its way into the global community with WHO confirming cases being reported in 11 European countries, India has increased its vigil about the rare viral disease. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently directed the National Centre for Disease Control and the ICMR to keep a close watch on the situation, PTI reported quoting official sources on Friday. The Union health ministry has also directed airport and port health officers to be vigilant, they said."The Union Health Minister on Thursday directed the National Centre for Disease Control and the ICMR to keep a close watch and monitor the situation in India, the official added.

"They have been instructed that any sick passenger with a travel history to Monkeypox-affected countries be isolated and samples sent to the BSL4 facility of the National Institute of Virology in Pune for an investigation," an official source said.

In humans, the symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than those of smallpox, however, cases of Monkeypox have been reported in the UK, the USA, Portugal, Spain, and some other European countries.

What is Monkeypox

Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. The virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

According to the WHO, Monkeypox typically manifests in humans with fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

It can also take a severe form, with the WHO saying the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6 per cent in recent times.

The clinical presentation of monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, the WHO says.

Transmission of the disease can also occur via the placenta from mother to fetus (which can lead to congenital Monkeypox) or close contact during and after birth, the world health body says.

While close physical contact is a well-known risk factor for transmission, it is unclear at this time if monkeypox can be transmitted specifically through sexual transmission routes, according to the WHO.

Can Monkeypox turn into another Covid-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

(With PTI inputs)


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe





Russia has declared victory in its months-long operation to capture the strategic port of Mariupol after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the citys Azovstal steelworks to lay down their arms.

Moscows flattening of Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including over a deadly attack on a maternity ward, and Ukraine has begun a legal reckoning for captured Russian troops.

The first post-invasion trial of a Russian soldier for war crimes neared its climax in Kyiv on Friday, after 21-year-old sergeant Vadim Shishimarin admitted to killing an unarmed civilian early in the offensive. The verdict is due Monday.

Shishimarin told the court he was truly sorry. But his lawyer said in closing arguments that the young soldier was not guilty of premeditated murder and war crimes.

Since Ukrainian forces fended off the Russian offensive around Kyiv both eastern Ukraine and Mariupol in the south have borne the brunt of a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

The fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

Attempts to attack Donbas continue. They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address late Friday, adding the Russians were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities.

In the eastern city of Severodonetsk, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

 End of the operation 

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as brutal and absolutely pointless, as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

Moscow on Friday said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks  a symbol of Ukraines dogged resistance since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had informed Putin of the end of the operation and the complete liberation of the (Azovstal) industrial complex and the city of Mariupol, Konashenko added.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said all prisoners of war should be treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention and the law of war.

President Joe Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraines armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraines shattered public finances.

 Finlands price 

The wars economic repercussions continued to expand on Saturday, as Russia cut off its supply of natural gas to neighbouring Finland.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Finnish state energy company Gasum said in a statement, adding that gas would instead be supplied from other sources via the Balticconnector pipeline, which connects Finland to Estonia.

Gasum a day earlier revealed the tap would be turned off when its contract with Russias Gazprom ended at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) Saturday.

The move, which Russia has blamed on the Nordic countrys refusal to pay in rubles, comes days after Finland and Sweden submitted a joint application for NATO membership.

Moscow has repeatedly warned historically non-aligned Finland that applying for membership would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the defence alliance, with Biden offering full, total, complete backing to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours alleged toleration of Kurdish militants.

Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturdays halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the EU described as blackmail.

 Underground living 

While the invasion that sparked the potential NATO expansion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

Were tired. You can see what home comforts that we have, said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

She and her husband Yuriy are doing their best to cope in the Soviet-era station called Heroes of Labour, alongside their cats Marek and Sima.

They got used to it, Talpa said.

In the town of Lozova, at least eight people, including a child, were wounded Friday when a powerful Russian missile strike gutted a newly repaired cultural centre, the largest in the region.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said all eight had been struck by shrapnel after three Russian missiles had been fired towards the 1,000-capacity building.

burs-jit/wd/bgs/cwl/mtp
Russia has declared victory in its months-long operation to capture the strategic port of Mariupol after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the citys Azovstal steelworks to lay down their arms.

Moscows flattening of Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including over a deadly attack on a maternity ward, and Ukraine has begun a legal reckoning for captured Russian troops.

The first post-invasion trial of a Russian soldier for war crimes neared its climax in Kyiv on Friday, after 21-year-old sergeant Vadim Shishimarin admitted to killing an unarmed civilian early in the offensive. The verdict is due Monday.

Shishimarin told the court he was truly sorry. But his lawyer said in closing arguments that the young soldier was not guilty of premeditated murder and war crimes.

Since Ukrainian forces fended off the Russian offensive around Kyiv both eastern Ukraine and Mariupol in the south have borne the brunt of a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

The fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

Attempts to attack Donbas continue. They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address late Friday, adding the Russians were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities.

In the eastern city of Severodonetsk, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

 End of the operation 

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as brutal and absolutely pointless, as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

Moscow on Friday said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks  a symbol of Ukraines dogged resistance since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had informed Putin of the end of the operation and the complete liberation of the (Azovstal) industrial complex and the city of Mariupol, Konashenko added.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said all prisoners of war should be treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention and the law of war.

President Joe Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraines armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraines shattered public finances.

 Finlands price 

The wars economic repercussions continued to expand on Saturday, as Russia cut off its supply of natural gas to neighbouring Finland.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Finnish state energy company Gasum said in a statement, adding that gas would instead be supplied from other sources via the Balticconnector pipeline, which connects Finland to Estonia.

Gasum a day earlier revealed the tap would be turned off when its contract with Russias Gazprom ended at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) Saturday.

The move, which Russia has blamed on the Nordic countrys refusal to pay in rubles, comes days after Finland and Sweden submitted a joint application for NATO membership.

Moscow has repeatedly warned historically non-aligned Finland that applying for membership would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the defence alliance, with Biden offering full, total, complete backing to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours alleged toleration of Kurdish militants.

Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturdays halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the EU described as blackmail.

 Underground living 

While the invasion that sparked the potential NATO expansion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

Were tired. You can see what home comforts that we have, said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

She and her husband Yuriy are doing their best to cope in the Soviet-era station called Heroes of Labour, alongside their cats Marek and Sima.

They got used to it, Talpa said.

In the town of Lozova, at least eight people, including a child, were wounded Friday when a powerful Russian missile strike gutted a newly repaired cultural centre, the largest in the region.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said all eight had been struck by shrapnel after three Russian missiles had been fired towards the 1,000-capacity building.

burs-jit/wd/bgs/cwl/mtp

Monkeypox outbreak: As the new Monkeypox disease makes its way into the global community with WHO confirming cases being reported in 11 European countries, India has increased its vigil about the rare viral disease. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently directed the National Centre for Disease Control and the ICMR to keep a close watch on the situation, PTI reported quoting official sources on Friday. The Union health ministry has also directed airport and port health officers to be vigilant, they said."The Union Health Minister on Thursday directed the National Centre for Disease Control and the ICMR to keep a close watch and monitor the situation in India, the official added.

"They have been instructed that any sick passenger with a travel history to Monkeypox-affected countries be isolated and samples sent to the BSL4 facility of the National Institute of Virology in Pune for an investigation," an official source said.

In humans, the symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than those of smallpox, however, cases of Monkeypox have been reported in the UK, the USA, Portugal, Spain, and some other European countries.

What is Monkeypox

Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. The virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

According to the WHO, Monkeypox typically manifests in humans with fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

It can also take a severe form, with the WHO saying the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6 per cent in recent times.

The clinical presentation of monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, the WHO says.

Transmission of the disease can also occur via the placenta from mother to fetus (which can lead to congenital Monkeypox) or close contact during and after birth, the world health body says.

While close physical contact is a well-known risk factor for transmission, it is unclear at this time if monkeypox can be transmitted specifically through sexual transmission routes, according to the WHO.

Can Monkeypox turn into another Covid-19?

Scientists feel that the monkeypox outbreak will not evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 as this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Fabian Leendertz, a researcher at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

(With PTI inputs)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Russia claims to have taken full control of Mariupol

Russia claims to have captured Mariupol in what would be its biggest victory yet in its war with Ukraine
Oil field-related work can be dangerous even with safety rules in place. When companies ignore or violate safety standards, they need to be held accountable. In grievous cases the penalties need to be severe.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Texas-based KLX Energy Services $454,000 after an explosion at a McKenzie County drilling site on Nov. 4, 2021, left a worker permanently disabled and injured two others.

OSHA also fined Colorado-based Brigade Energy Services more than $14,000 for exposing workers to hazards while explosives were handled. The worker who became disabled was employed by KLX, while the other two worked for Brigade.

The fines may appear stiff, especially the one against KLX, but its difficult to put a price tag on the health of workers. OSHA cited KLX for 11 violations, which highlighted the seriousness of the incident.

OSHA said the company failed to equip vehicles transporting explosives with fire extinguishers near the drivers seat, failed to ensure safe disposal or reuse of containers and packing materials for wrapping explosives, and failed to ensure vehicles were always attended. The vehicles also lacked labels indicating the presence of explosive materials, according to OSHA.

In short, KLXs violations also put the public at risk during the transportation of explosives. The company didn't respond to a Tribune request for comment.

Brigade was fined for exposing workers to hazards while explosives were being handled. Brigade told the Tribune its working with OSHA to finalize the investigation and wouldnt comment further.

Companies need to, and usually do, have procedures in place to guarantee safety rules are followed. Its uncertain why safety steps werent followed in this incident.

Workers, for their own safety, must follow the rules. But the final responsibility falls with the company. It needs to train workers, enforce the rules and make sure employees follow them. Obviously, OSHA believes KLX shirked its duties.

These individuals suffered serious injuries simply for doing their jobs, said Scott Overton, OSHA area director in Bismarck. The companys willful failure to follow federal standards is unacceptable and a violation of their employees rights to a safe workplace, he added.

Its unclear if any steps besides the fines are being taken by OSHA. The companies still have time to contest the findings.

The Tribune editorial board believes the fines should be stiffer. OSHA must send a strong message that safety violations wont be tolerated in the oil patch. Workers and the public must be reassured that they are being protected.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up the budget but not the session on Friday.

Lawmakers vacated the Capitol after shipping the fiscal year 2023 spending and appropriations bills and a stack of other legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitts second-floor office, but they will be back next week, one way or the other.

For certain, theyll meet in special session on Thursday and Friday to move around the shell bills that at some point will appropriate the states share of American Rescue Plan Act money.

They could also meet in regular session ahead of Fridays 5 p.m. constitutional deadline to bring down the final gavel on the second regular session of the 58th Legislature.

A few regular session bills and resolutions could still be revived next week, but the main reason for lawmakers leaving themselves some slack is to override Stitt vetoes, should they come.

And they might.

Stitt has not been shy about vetoes in the past, regardless of how popular the bills have been with the Legislature. There have been murmurs, including on Friday, about override votes on some measures Stitt has already spiked this year.

On Wednesday, in a rare show of unity, lawmakers took control of the ARPA funds away from the governor and backed it up with special session call petitions signed by 42 of 48 senators and 88 of 100 representatives  an indication of override votes to spare.

The special session, whose stated purpose is distribution of the ARPA money, began concurrently with the regular session Wednesday night, although nothing of substance is likely to happen until later this summer.

In the meantime, lawmakers passed and sent to the governor a few trial balloons: regular session bills appropriating about $100 million in ARPA money for nurses training and local water infrastructure improvements.

The $9.8 billion general appropriations bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, went through the House on Friday with minimal resistance.

Democrats complained about the process that they said largely excludes them and most taxpayers and said the Republican majority could have done more for common education and the middle and working classes in the way of tax relief. A few maverick Republicans voted no, but the bill passed 74-15.

The nearly 30 supporting measures passed the House and Senate by similar or greater margins to reach Stitts desk.

Largely ignored in recent days furor over the budget, special sessions, abortion laws and transgender bathroom bans was the passage of a far-reaching overhaul of Medicaid.

The House gave Senate Bill 1337, by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, final passage without any discussion or debate, despite years of controversy over the issue. As sent to Stitt, the bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition from a self-administered fee-for-service system to a privatized managed, or capitated, one.

Lawmakers who have fought the switch, though, said SB 1337 includes enough specificity to prevent the bad outcome of the states previous foray into capitated Medicaid.

Under capitated plans, management entities are paid a flat per-person amount for each patient. The costs of such plans are more predictable, but opponents argue that the quality of care is often lower, which is why lawmakers insisted on outcome standards.

Also receiving final approval was HB 4388, which creates a special revolving fund for matching grants for targeted teacher raises.

Featured video:

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
in India is a global public good and a central anchor for the planet and if that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet, Congress leader has warned as he attacked the NDA government, asserting that there are two different designs of governance at play in India, one that stifles voices and the other that listens.

The Opposition leader, who is on a tour of the UK, had an interaction session at the 'Ideas for India' conference organised by non-profit think-tank Bridge India on Friday during which he articulated his party's vision for mass action that would result in something beautiful for the country.

He attacked the deep state that is causing damage and declared that the Congress ideology is geared up to fight it.

Please realise, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs, said Gandhi.

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the Congress leader warned of kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark.

A cadre is told you will say this and nothing else it's designed to push a particular set of ideas down people's throats, whether it is the Communist idea or in the RSS system. We are not designed like that. We are designed to listen to the people of India and pull out their voice and place it on the table, he said.

in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography; That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," the Congress Party quoted Gandhi as saying.

Asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Gandhi drew parallels with the Chinese actions in India.

Russians say to Ukraine that we refuse to recognise your territorial integrity. We refuse to accept that these two districts belong to Ukraine. And we are going to attack you in these two districts to make sure that you break an alliance with NATO, Gandhi said.

That is what Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing, he said.

Putin is saying I am not ready for you to have an alliance with America. So on the question of your territorial integrity, I will attack you, he said.

Please recognise the parallels between what is going on in Ukraine and what is going on in Ladakh and in Doklam, the Congress leader said.

Please realise that the same idea is at play. There are Chinese forces sitting in Ladakh and there are Chinese forces sitting in Doklam, Gandhi said.

The Doklam forces are designed for Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh forces are designed for Ladakh. And the same principle is there. What the Chinese are saying is that we do not accept your territoriality and we do accept your relationship with the US.

So we have to realise that there is a problem on the border and whether we like it or not, we have to prepare for that problem. Because we don't want to get caught off guard, he said.

He said that his problem with the government is that they do not allow a discussion.

Chinese troops are sitting inside India today. They have just built a huge bridge over the Pangong Lake. They are setting up the infrastructure. They are obviously preparing for something. But the government doesn't want to talk about it. Government wants to stifle the conversation. That's bad for India.

They keep saying that I raise the China issue. Yes, I raise the China issue because I am worried about it. I am worried that Chinese troops are sitting inside India and I can see exactly what is happening in Ukraine. I said this to the Foreign Minister in one of our conversations and he said you know what you have a point. That's an interesting way to look at it. Please realise that there are parallels to what is going on, Gandhi said.

The bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

People familiar with the Chinese construction on Wednesday had said that the new bridge is being built in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India on Friday voiced strong opposition to China building a second bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, and said it is in an area that has been under "illegal occupation" of that country for around 60 years.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of its territory, nor has it accepted the "unjustified" Chinese claim or such construction activities.

"We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Bagchi said the government has stepped up the development of border infrastructure, especially since 2014, including the construction of roads and bridges in order to ensure that the nation's security interests are fully protected.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India's strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas," he added.

During the conference here, Gandhi, with reference to his own party, noted: We have an opportunity now that we haven't had for many years to completely redesign the Congress through mass action. And so do a lot of the Opposition.

Gandhi declared he believed that the time for mass action was not in the past few years but is timely now because there is a government in charge that is destroying and attacking the institutional framework of the country.

So, roles change and you adapt. I see myself as somebody who defends that idea of India when I see our country's voice being crushed, it upsets me. I think about what I should do and can do. It's a challenging situation but I think there's a huge opportunity inside this thing and I feel it.

I feel that from the struggle that is coming, we will get an India that is actually much better than the one we have right now and one we had before. I think there's something beautiful that can come out of this. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country, he said.

Earlier, he took to Twitter to describe the enriching exchange he had during the conference.

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled India at 75.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up the budget but not the session on Friday.

Lawmakers vacated the Capitol after shipping the fiscal year 2023 spending and appropriations bills and a stack of other legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitts second-floor office, but they will be back next week, one way or the other.

For certain, theyll meet in special session on Thursday and Friday to move around the shell bills that at some point will appropriate the states share of American Rescue Plan Act money.

They could also meet in regular session ahead of Fridays 5 p.m. constitutional deadline to bring down the final gavel on the second regular session of the 58th Legislature.

A few regular session bills and resolutions could still be revived next week, but the main reason for lawmakers leaving themselves some slack is to override Stitt vetoes, should they come.

And they might.

Stitt has not been shy about vetoes in the past, regardless of how popular the bills have been with the Legislature. There have been murmurs, including on Friday, about override votes on some measures Stitt has already spiked this year.

On Wednesday, in a rare show of unity, lawmakers took control of the ARPA funds away from the governor and backed it up with special session call petitions signed by 42 of 48 senators and 88 of 100 representatives  an indication of override votes to spare.

The special session, whose stated purpose is distribution of the ARPA money, began concurrently with the regular session Wednesday night, although nothing of substance is likely to happen until later this summer.

In the meantime, lawmakers passed and sent to the governor a few trial balloons: regular session bills appropriating about $100 million in ARPA money for nurses training and local water infrastructure improvements.

The $9.8 billion general appropriations bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, went through the House on Friday with minimal resistance.

Democrats complained about the process that they said largely excludes them and most taxpayers and said the Republican majority could have done more for common education and the middle and working classes in the way of tax relief. A few maverick Republicans voted no, but the bill passed 74-15.

The nearly 30 supporting measures passed the House and Senate by similar or greater margins to reach Stitts desk.

Largely ignored in recent days furor over the budget, special sessions, abortion laws and transgender bathroom bans was the passage of a far-reaching overhaul of Medicaid.

The House gave Senate Bill 1337, by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, final passage without any discussion or debate, despite years of controversy over the issue. As sent to Stitt, the bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition from a self-administered fee-for-service system to a privatized managed, or capitated, one.

Lawmakers who have fought the switch, though, said SB 1337 includes enough specificity to prevent the bad outcome of the states previous foray into capitated Medicaid.

Under capitated plans, management entities are paid a flat per-person amount for each patient. The costs of such plans are more predictable, but opponents argue that the quality of care is often lower, which is why lawmakers insisted on outcome standards.

Also receiving final approval was HB 4388, which creates a special revolving fund for matching grants for targeted teacher raises.

Featured video:

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Russia has declared victory in its months-long operation to capture the strategic port of Mariupol after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the citys Azovstal steelworks to lay down their arms.

Moscows flattening of Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including over a deadly attack on a maternity ward, and Ukraine has begun a legal reckoning for captured Russian troops.

The first post-invasion trial of a Russian soldier for war crimes neared its climax in Kyiv on Friday, after 21-year-old sergeant Vadim Shishimarin admitted to killing an unarmed civilian early in the offensive. The verdict is due Monday.

Shishimarin told the court he was truly sorry. But his lawyer said in closing arguments that the young soldier was not guilty of premeditated murder and war crimes.

Since Ukrainian forces fended off the Russian offensive around Kyiv both eastern Ukraine and Mariupol in the south have borne the brunt of a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

The fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

Attempts to attack Donbas continue. They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address late Friday, adding the Russians were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities.

In the eastern city of Severodonetsk, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

 End of the operation 

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as brutal and absolutely pointless, as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

Moscow on Friday said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks  a symbol of Ukraines dogged resistance since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had informed Putin of the end of the operation and the complete liberation of the (Azovstal) industrial complex and the city of Mariupol, Konashenko added.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said all prisoners of war should be treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention and the law of war.

President Joe Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraines armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraines shattered public finances.

 Finlands price 

The wars economic repercussions continued to expand on Saturday, as Russia cut off its supply of natural gas to neighbouring Finland.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Finnish state energy company Gasum said in a statement, adding that gas would instead be supplied from other sources via the Balticconnector pipeline, which connects Finland to Estonia.

Gasum a day earlier revealed the tap would be turned off when its contract with Russias Gazprom ended at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) Saturday.

The move, which Russia has blamed on the Nordic countrys refusal to pay in rubles, comes days after Finland and Sweden submitted a joint application for NATO membership.

Moscow has repeatedly warned historically non-aligned Finland that applying for membership would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the defence alliance, with Biden offering full, total, complete backing to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours alleged toleration of Kurdish militants.

Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturdays halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the EU described as blackmail.

 Underground living 

While the invasion that sparked the potential NATO expansion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

Were tired. You can see what home comforts that we have, said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

She and her husband Yuriy are doing their best to cope in the Soviet-era station called Heroes of Labour, alongside their cats Marek and Sima.

They got used to it, Talpa said.

In the town of Lozova, at least eight people, including a child, were wounded Friday when a powerful Russian missile strike gutted a newly repaired cultural centre, the largest in the region.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said all eight had been struck by shrapnel after three Russian missiles had been fired towards the 1,000-capacity building.

burs-jit/wd/bgs/cwl/mtp
Russia has declared victory in its months-long operation to capture the strategic port of Mariupol after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the citys Azovstal steelworks to lay down their arms.

Moscows flattening of Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including over a deadly attack on a maternity ward, and Ukraine has begun a legal reckoning for captured Russian troops.

The first post-invasion trial of a Russian soldier for war crimes neared its climax in Kyiv on Friday, after 21-year-old sergeant Vadim Shishimarin admitted to killing an unarmed civilian early in the offensive. The verdict is due Monday.

Shishimarin told the court he was truly sorry. But his lawyer said in closing arguments that the young soldier was not guilty of premeditated murder and war crimes.

Since Ukrainian forces fended off the Russian offensive around Kyiv both eastern Ukraine and Mariupol in the south have borne the brunt of a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

The fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

Attempts to attack Donbas continue. They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address late Friday, adding the Russians were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities.

In the eastern city of Severodonetsk, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

 End of the operation 

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as brutal and absolutely pointless, as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

Moscow on Friday said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks  a symbol of Ukraines dogged resistance since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had informed Putin of the end of the operation and the complete liberation of the (Azovstal) industrial complex and the city of Mariupol, Konashenko added.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said all prisoners of war should be treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention and the law of war.

President Joe Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraines armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraines shattered public finances.

 Finlands price 

The wars economic repercussions continued to expand on Saturday, as Russia cut off its supply of natural gas to neighbouring Finland.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Finnish state energy company Gasum said in a statement, adding that gas would instead be supplied from other sources via the Balticconnector pipeline, which connects Finland to Estonia.

Gasum a day earlier revealed the tap would be turned off when its contract with Russias Gazprom ended at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) Saturday.

The move, which Russia has blamed on the Nordic countrys refusal to pay in rubles, comes days after Finland and Sweden submitted a joint application for NATO membership.

Moscow has repeatedly warned historically non-aligned Finland that applying for membership would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the defence alliance, with Biden offering full, total, complete backing to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours alleged toleration of Kurdish militants.

Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturdays halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the EU described as blackmail.

 Underground living 

While the invasion that sparked the potential NATO expansion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

Were tired. You can see what home comforts that we have, said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

She and her husband Yuriy are doing their best to cope in the Soviet-era station called Heroes of Labour, alongside their cats Marek and Sima.

They got used to it, Talpa said.

In the town of Lozova, at least eight people, including a child, were wounded Friday when a powerful Russian missile strike gutted a newly repaired cultural centre, the largest in the region.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said all eight had been struck by shrapnel after three Russian missiles had been fired towards the 1,000-capacity building.

burs-jit/wd/bgs/cwl/mtp

Russia has declared victory in its months-long operation to capture the strategic port of Mariupol after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the citys Azovstal steelworks to lay down their arms.

Moscows flattening of Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including over a deadly attack on a maternity ward, and Ukraine has begun a legal reckoning for captured Russian troops.

The first post-invasion trial of a Russian soldier for war crimes neared its climax in Kyiv on Friday, after 21-year-old sergeant Vadim Shishimarin admitted to killing an unarmed civilian early in the offensive. The verdict is due Monday.

Shishimarin told the court he was truly sorry. But his lawyer said in closing arguments that the young soldier was not guilty of premeditated murder and war crimes.

Since Ukrainian forces fended off the Russian offensive around Kyiv both eastern Ukraine and Mariupol in the south have borne the brunt of a remorseless ground and artillery attack.

The fighting is fiercest in the eastern region of Donbas, a Russian-speaking area that has been partially controlled by pro-Kremlin separatists since 2014.

Attempts to attack Donbas continue. They completely ruined Rubizhne, Vonokvakha, just as Mariupol, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address late Friday, adding the Russians were trying to do the same with Severodonetsk and many other cities.

In the eastern city of Severodonetsk, 12 people were killed and another 40 wounded by Russian shelling, the regional governor said.

 End of the operation 

Zelensky described the bombardment of Severodonetsk as brutal and absolutely pointless, as residents cowering in basements described an unending ordeal of terror.

The city forms part of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Lugansk, which along with the neighbouring region of Donetsk comprises the Donbas war zone.

Moscow on Friday said the battle for the Azovstal steelworks  a symbol of Ukraines dogged resistance since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion on February 24  was now over.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenko said 2,439 Ukrainian personnel had surrendered at the steelworks since May 16, the final 500 on Friday.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had informed Putin of the end of the operation and the complete liberation of the (Azovstal) industrial complex and the city of Mariupol, Konashenko added.

Ukraine hopes to exchange the surrendering Azovstal soldiers for Russian prisoners. But in Donetsk, pro-Kremlin authorities are threatening to put some of them on trial.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said all prisoners of war should be treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention and the law of war.

President Joe Biden has cast the Ukraine war as part of a US-led struggle pitting democracy against authoritarianism.

The US Congress this week approved a $40-billion (38-billion-euro) aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraines armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system.

And meeting in Germany, G7 industrialised nations pledged $19.8 billion to shore up Ukraines shattered public finances.

 Finlands price 

The wars economic repercussions continued to expand on Saturday, as Russia cut off its supply of natural gas to neighbouring Finland.

Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasums supply contract have been cut off, Finnish state energy company Gasum said in a statement, adding that gas would instead be supplied from other sources via the Balticconnector pipeline, which connects Finland to Estonia.

Gasum a day earlier revealed the tap would be turned off when its contract with Russias Gazprom ended at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) Saturday.

The move, which Russia has blamed on the Nordic countrys refusal to pay in rubles, comes days after Finland and Sweden submitted a joint application for NATO membership.

Moscow has repeatedly warned historically non-aligned Finland that applying for membership would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the defence alliance, with Biden offering full, total, complete backing to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours alleged toleration of Kurdish militants.

Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturdays halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the EU described as blackmail.

 Underground living 

While the invasion that sparked the potential NATO expansion has ebbed around the northeastern city of Kharkiv, it remains in Russian artillery range, and hundreds of people are refusing to leave the relative safety of its metro system.

Were tired. You can see what home comforts that we have, said Kateryna Talpa, 35, pointing to mattresses and sheets on the ground, and some food in a cardboard box.

She and her husband Yuriy are doing their best to cope in the Soviet-era station called Heroes of Labour, alongside their cats Marek and Sima.

They got used to it, Talpa said.

In the town of Lozova, at least eight people, including a child, were wounded Friday when a powerful Russian missile strike gutted a newly repaired cultural centre, the largest in the region.

Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said all eight had been struck by shrapnel after three Russian missiles had been fired towards the 1,000-capacity building.

burs-jit/wd/bgs/cwl/mtp
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
in India is a global public good and a central anchor for the planet and if that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet, Congress leader has warned as he attacked the NDA government, asserting that there are two different designs of governance at play in India, one that stifles voices and the other that listens.

The Opposition leader, who is on a tour of the UK, had an interaction session at the 'Ideas for India' conference organised by non-profit think-tank Bridge India on Friday during which he articulated his party's vision for mass action that would result in something beautiful for the country.

He attacked the deep state that is causing damage and declared that the Congress ideology is geared up to fight it.

Please realise, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs, said Gandhi.

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the Congress leader warned of kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark.

A cadre is told you will say this and nothing else it's designed to push a particular set of ideas down people's throats, whether it is the Communist idea or in the RSS system. We are not designed like that. We are designed to listen to the people of India and pull out their voice and place it on the table, he said.

in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography; That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," the Congress Party quoted Gandhi as saying.

Asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Gandhi drew parallels with the Chinese actions in India.

Russians say to Ukraine that we refuse to recognise your territorial integrity. We refuse to accept that these two districts belong to Ukraine. And we are going to attack you in these two districts to make sure that you break an alliance with NATO, Gandhi said.

That is what Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing, he said.

Putin is saying I am not ready for you to have an alliance with America. So on the question of your territorial integrity, I will attack you, he said.

Please recognise the parallels between what is going on in Ukraine and what is going on in Ladakh and in Doklam, the Congress leader said.

Please realise that the same idea is at play. There are Chinese forces sitting in Ladakh and there are Chinese forces sitting in Doklam, Gandhi said.

The Doklam forces are designed for Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh forces are designed for Ladakh. And the same principle is there. What the Chinese are saying is that we do not accept your territoriality and we do accept your relationship with the US.

So we have to realise that there is a problem on the border and whether we like it or not, we have to prepare for that problem. Because we don't want to get caught off guard, he said.

He said that his problem with the government is that they do not allow a discussion.

Chinese troops are sitting inside India today. They have just built a huge bridge over the Pangong Lake. They are setting up the infrastructure. They are obviously preparing for something. But the government doesn't want to talk about it. Government wants to stifle the conversation. That's bad for India.

They keep saying that I raise the China issue. Yes, I raise the China issue because I am worried about it. I am worried that Chinese troops are sitting inside India and I can see exactly what is happening in Ukraine. I said this to the Foreign Minister in one of our conversations and he said you know what you have a point. That's an interesting way to look at it. Please realise that there are parallels to what is going on, Gandhi said.

The bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

People familiar with the Chinese construction on Wednesday had said that the new bridge is being built in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India on Friday voiced strong opposition to China building a second bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, and said it is in an area that has been under "illegal occupation" of that country for around 60 years.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of its territory, nor has it accepted the "unjustified" Chinese claim or such construction activities.

"We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Bagchi said the government has stepped up the development of border infrastructure, especially since 2014, including the construction of roads and bridges in order to ensure that the nation's security interests are fully protected.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India's strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas," he added.

During the conference here, Gandhi, with reference to his own party, noted: We have an opportunity now that we haven't had for many years to completely redesign the Congress through mass action. And so do a lot of the Opposition.

Gandhi declared he believed that the time for mass action was not in the past few years but is timely now because there is a government in charge that is destroying and attacking the institutional framework of the country.

So, roles change and you adapt. I see myself as somebody who defends that idea of India when I see our country's voice being crushed, it upsets me. I think about what I should do and can do. It's a challenging situation but I think there's a huge opportunity inside this thing and I feel it.

I feel that from the struggle that is coming, we will get an India that is actually much better than the one we have right now and one we had before. I think there's something beautiful that can come out of this. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country, he said.

Earlier, he took to Twitter to describe the enriching exchange he had during the conference.

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled India at 75.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
in India is a global public good and a central anchor for the planet and if that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet, Congress leader has warned as he attacked the NDA government, asserting that there are two different designs of governance at play in India, one that stifles voices and the other that listens.

The Opposition leader, who is on a tour of the UK, had an interaction session at the 'Ideas for India' conference organised by non-profit think-tank Bridge India on Friday during which he articulated his party's vision for mass action that would result in something beautiful for the country.

He attacked the deep state that is causing damage and declared that the Congress ideology is geared up to fight it.

Please realise, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs, said Gandhi.

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the Congress leader warned of kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark.

A cadre is told you will say this and nothing else it's designed to push a particular set of ideas down people's throats, whether it is the Communist idea or in the RSS system. We are not designed like that. We are designed to listen to the people of India and pull out their voice and place it on the table, he said.

in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography; That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," the Congress Party quoted Gandhi as saying.

Asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Gandhi drew parallels with the Chinese actions in India.

Russians say to Ukraine that we refuse to recognise your territorial integrity. We refuse to accept that these two districts belong to Ukraine. And we are going to attack you in these two districts to make sure that you break an alliance with NATO, Gandhi said.

That is what Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing, he said.

Putin is saying I am not ready for you to have an alliance with America. So on the question of your territorial integrity, I will attack you, he said.

Please recognise the parallels between what is going on in Ukraine and what is going on in Ladakh and in Doklam, the Congress leader said.

Please realise that the same idea is at play. There are Chinese forces sitting in Ladakh and there are Chinese forces sitting in Doklam, Gandhi said.

The Doklam forces are designed for Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh forces are designed for Ladakh. And the same principle is there. What the Chinese are saying is that we do not accept your territoriality and we do accept your relationship with the US.

So we have to realise that there is a problem on the border and whether we like it or not, we have to prepare for that problem. Because we don't want to get caught off guard, he said.

He said that his problem with the government is that they do not allow a discussion.

Chinese troops are sitting inside India today. They have just built a huge bridge over the Pangong Lake. They are setting up the infrastructure. They are obviously preparing for something. But the government doesn't want to talk about it. Government wants to stifle the conversation. That's bad for India.

They keep saying that I raise the China issue. Yes, I raise the China issue because I am worried about it. I am worried that Chinese troops are sitting inside India and I can see exactly what is happening in Ukraine. I said this to the Foreign Minister in one of our conversations and he said you know what you have a point. That's an interesting way to look at it. Please realise that there are parallels to what is going on, Gandhi said.

The bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

People familiar with the Chinese construction on Wednesday had said that the new bridge is being built in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India on Friday voiced strong opposition to China building a second bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, and said it is in an area that has been under "illegal occupation" of that country for around 60 years.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of its territory, nor has it accepted the "unjustified" Chinese claim or such construction activities.

"We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Bagchi said the government has stepped up the development of border infrastructure, especially since 2014, including the construction of roads and bridges in order to ensure that the nation's security interests are fully protected.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India's strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas," he added.

During the conference here, Gandhi, with reference to his own party, noted: We have an opportunity now that we haven't had for many years to completely redesign the Congress through mass action. And so do a lot of the Opposition.

Gandhi declared he believed that the time for mass action was not in the past few years but is timely now because there is a government in charge that is destroying and attacking the institutional framework of the country.

So, roles change and you adapt. I see myself as somebody who defends that idea of India when I see our country's voice being crushed, it upsets me. I think about what I should do and can do. It's a challenging situation but I think there's a huge opportunity inside this thing and I feel it.

I feel that from the struggle that is coming, we will get an India that is actually much better than the one we have right now and one we had before. I think there's something beautiful that can come out of this. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country, he said.

Earlier, he took to Twitter to describe the enriching exchange he had during the conference.

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled India at 75.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
in India is a global public good and a central anchor for the planet and if that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet, Congress leader has warned as he attacked the NDA government, asserting that there are two different designs of governance at play in India, one that stifles voices and the other that listens.

The Opposition leader, who is on a tour of the UK, had an interaction session at the 'Ideas for India' conference organised by non-profit think-tank Bridge India on Friday during which he articulated his party's vision for mass action that would result in something beautiful for the country.

He attacked the deep state that is causing damage and declared that the Congress ideology is geared up to fight it.

Please realise, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs, said Gandhi.

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the Congress leader warned of kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark.

A cadre is told you will say this and nothing else it's designed to push a particular set of ideas down people's throats, whether it is the Communist idea or in the RSS system. We are not designed like that. We are designed to listen to the people of India and pull out their voice and place it on the table, he said.

in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography; That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," the Congress Party quoted Gandhi as saying.

Asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Gandhi drew parallels with the Chinese actions in India.

Russians say to Ukraine that we refuse to recognise your territorial integrity. We refuse to accept that these two districts belong to Ukraine. And we are going to attack you in these two districts to make sure that you break an alliance with NATO, Gandhi said.

That is what Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing, he said.

Putin is saying I am not ready for you to have an alliance with America. So on the question of your territorial integrity, I will attack you, he said.

Please recognise the parallels between what is going on in Ukraine and what is going on in Ladakh and in Doklam, the Congress leader said.

Please realise that the same idea is at play. There are Chinese forces sitting in Ladakh and there are Chinese forces sitting in Doklam, Gandhi said.

The Doklam forces are designed for Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh forces are designed for Ladakh. And the same principle is there. What the Chinese are saying is that we do not accept your territoriality and we do accept your relationship with the US.

So we have to realise that there is a problem on the border and whether we like it or not, we have to prepare for that problem. Because we don't want to get caught off guard, he said.

He said that his problem with the government is that they do not allow a discussion.

Chinese troops are sitting inside India today. They have just built a huge bridge over the Pangong Lake. They are setting up the infrastructure. They are obviously preparing for something. But the government doesn't want to talk about it. Government wants to stifle the conversation. That's bad for India.

They keep saying that I raise the China issue. Yes, I raise the China issue because I am worried about it. I am worried that Chinese troops are sitting inside India and I can see exactly what is happening in Ukraine. I said this to the Foreign Minister in one of our conversations and he said you know what you have a point. That's an interesting way to look at it. Please realise that there are parallels to what is going on, Gandhi said.

The bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

People familiar with the Chinese construction on Wednesday had said that the new bridge is being built in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India on Friday voiced strong opposition to China building a second bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, and said it is in an area that has been under "illegal occupation" of that country for around 60 years.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of its territory, nor has it accepted the "unjustified" Chinese claim or such construction activities.

"We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Bagchi said the government has stepped up the development of border infrastructure, especially since 2014, including the construction of roads and bridges in order to ensure that the nation's security interests are fully protected.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India's strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas," he added.

During the conference here, Gandhi, with reference to his own party, noted: We have an opportunity now that we haven't had for many years to completely redesign the Congress through mass action. And so do a lot of the Opposition.

Gandhi declared he believed that the time for mass action was not in the past few years but is timely now because there is a government in charge that is destroying and attacking the institutional framework of the country.

So, roles change and you adapt. I see myself as somebody who defends that idea of India when I see our country's voice being crushed, it upsets me. I think about what I should do and can do. It's a challenging situation but I think there's a huge opportunity inside this thing and I feel it.

I feel that from the struggle that is coming, we will get an India that is actually much better than the one we have right now and one we had before. I think there's something beautiful that can come out of this. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country, he said.

Earlier, he took to Twitter to describe the enriching exchange he had during the conference.

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled India at 75.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Recent remarks by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, noting the institutional damage caused by the leak of Justice Samuel Alito's opinion on Roe v. Wade, have gotten exhaustive coverage in the press.

But, not surprisingly, the venue where Thomas made these remarks has gotten little attention by these same journalists.

The event was a convening of the nation's leading Black conservative intellectuals -- from academia, policy institutes, media -- to focus on, as explained in a press release from one of the institutional sponsors, the American Enterprise institute, why "despite decades of affirmative-action programs, wealth-redistribution schemes and other well-intentioned government efforts, racial gaps in educational achievement, employment, income, family formation and crime persist."

The venue, Old Parkland in Dallas, was provided through the generosity of Texas businessman Harlan Crow.

The Old Parkland Conference was inspired as a reconvening of a similar effort organized by economist Thomas Sowell in December 1980 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco -- a pioneering effort, the first of its kind.

At that time, in 1980, Sowell was already making his mark challenging what had become conventional wisdom that it was essential for government to play the central role in dealing with challenges facing Black Americans.

Sowell, who began his career seeing the world from the perspective of the left, changed. He was once asked in an interview what drove his transformation in perspective from left to right, and he answered, "Facts."

The Old Parkland Conference was organized by four of the nation's leading conservative Black thought leaders -- Brown University economist Glenn Loury, Jason Riley of The Wall Street Journal, Ian Rowe of the American Enterprise Institute and Shelby Steele of Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Three days of speeches and panels covered the gamut. Why do the gaps persist? Speakers assess the current realities in education, law enforcement and crime, government programs such as affirmative action, and the role of culture and the persistence of social inequality and claims of racism.

Sowell, now 91 years old, did not attend this reconvening of his effort of 40 years ago.

Looking over those who presented at the 1980 Fairmont Conference, we see greats who no longer are with us. Greats like the late economist Walter Williams and economics Nobel laureate Milton Friedman.

The topic of Friedman's presentation then says it all. "Government is the problem."

However, one attendee of both events -- last week's Old Parkland Conference and the Fairmont Conference in 1980 -- is Clarence Thomas, who attended in 1980 as a young congressional aide.

I was honored to be invited to participate and reconnect with admired friends with whom I have worked toward common goals over many years.

It reinforced my own sense of mission.

The analysis and conclusions of Sowell and others 40 years ago at the Fairmont Conference were correct. They saw then that human lives are not liberated by government programs and politics, and they saw then that this approach would make lives worse, not better.

This is indeed what happened.

I began my work in the 1990s inspired to bring the success of a capitalist America to the failures in low-income communities caused by socialism.

What we have today, unfortunately, is the reverse. Mainstream America is looking more like our poor communities destroyed by socialism than the other way around.

The work must continue.

The special responsibility of Black Americans, with their unique and troubled history, is to show that evil occurs because men sin. Not because the vision of American freedom is flawed, as we hear almost daily from progressives.

In many ways, the country is in worse shape today for everyone than where things stood in 1980.

More government, slower growth, family breakdown.

The answer can only be to seek, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "a new birth of freedom," for every American of every background.

Star Parker is an author and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Contact her at www.urbancure.org.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Recent remarks by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, noting the institutional damage caused by the leak of Justice Samuel Alito's opinion on Roe v. Wade, have gotten exhaustive coverage in the press.

But, not surprisingly, the venue where Thomas made these remarks has gotten little attention by these same journalists.

The event was a convening of the nation's leading Black conservative intellectuals -- from academia, policy institutes, media -- to focus on, as explained in a press release from one of the institutional sponsors, the American Enterprise institute, why "despite decades of affirmative-action programs, wealth-redistribution schemes and other well-intentioned government efforts, racial gaps in educational achievement, employment, income, family formation and crime persist."

The venue, Old Parkland in Dallas, was provided through the generosity of Texas businessman Harlan Crow.

The Old Parkland Conference was inspired as a reconvening of a similar effort organized by economist Thomas Sowell in December 1980 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco -- a pioneering effort, the first of its kind.

At that time, in 1980, Sowell was already making his mark challenging what had become conventional wisdom that it was essential for government to play the central role in dealing with challenges facing Black Americans.

Sowell, who began his career seeing the world from the perspective of the left, changed. He was once asked in an interview what drove his transformation in perspective from left to right, and he answered, "Facts."

The Old Parkland Conference was organized by four of the nation's leading conservative Black thought leaders -- Brown University economist Glenn Loury, Jason Riley of The Wall Street Journal, Ian Rowe of the American Enterprise Institute and Shelby Steele of Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Three days of speeches and panels covered the gamut. Why do the gaps persist? Speakers assess the current realities in education, law enforcement and crime, government programs such as affirmative action, and the role of culture and the persistence of social inequality and claims of racism.

Sowell, now 91 years old, did not attend this reconvening of his effort of 40 years ago.

Looking over those who presented at the 1980 Fairmont Conference, we see greats who no longer are with us. Greats like the late economist Walter Williams and economics Nobel laureate Milton Friedman.

The topic of Friedman's presentation then says it all. "Government is the problem."

However, one attendee of both events -- last week's Old Parkland Conference and the Fairmont Conference in 1980 -- is Clarence Thomas, who attended in 1980 as a young congressional aide.

I was honored to be invited to participate and reconnect with admired friends with whom I have worked toward common goals over many years.

It reinforced my own sense of mission.

The analysis and conclusions of Sowell and others 40 years ago at the Fairmont Conference were correct. They saw then that human lives are not liberated by government programs and politics, and they saw then that this approach would make lives worse, not better.

This is indeed what happened.

I began my work in the 1990s inspired to bring the success of a capitalist America to the failures in low-income communities caused by socialism.

What we have today, unfortunately, is the reverse. Mainstream America is looking more like our poor communities destroyed by socialism than the other way around.

The work must continue.

The special responsibility of Black Americans, with their unique and troubled history, is to show that evil occurs because men sin. Not because the vision of American freedom is flawed, as we hear almost daily from progressives.

In many ways, the country is in worse shape today for everyone than where things stood in 1980.

More government, slower growth, family breakdown.

The answer can only be to seek, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "a new birth of freedom," for every American of every background.

Star Parker is an author and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Contact her at www.urbancure.org.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0






Recent remarks by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, noting the institutional damage caused by the leak of Justice Samuel Alito's opinion on Roe v. Wade, have gotten exhaustive coverage in the press.

But, not surprisingly, the venue where Thomas made these remarks has gotten little attention by these same journalists.

The event was a convening of the nation's leading Black conservative intellectuals -- from academia, policy institutes, media -- to focus on, as explained in a press release from one of the institutional sponsors, the American Enterprise institute, why "despite decades of affirmative-action programs, wealth-redistribution schemes and other well-intentioned government efforts, racial gaps in educational achievement, employment, income, family formation and crime persist."

The venue, Old Parkland in Dallas, was provided through the generosity of Texas businessman Harlan Crow.

The Old Parkland Conference was inspired as a reconvening of a similar effort organized by economist Thomas Sowell in December 1980 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco -- a pioneering effort, the first of its kind.

At that time, in 1980, Sowell was already making his mark challenging what had become conventional wisdom that it was essential for government to play the central role in dealing with challenges facing Black Americans.

Sowell, who began his career seeing the world from the perspective of the left, changed. He was once asked in an interview what drove his transformation in perspective from left to right, and he answered, "Facts."

The Old Parkland Conference was organized by four of the nation's leading conservative Black thought leaders -- Brown University economist Glenn Loury, Jason Riley of The Wall Street Journal, Ian Rowe of the American Enterprise Institute and Shelby Steele of Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Three days of speeches and panels covered the gamut. Why do the gaps persist? Speakers assess the current realities in education, law enforcement and crime, government programs such as affirmative action, and the role of culture and the persistence of social inequality and claims of racism.

Sowell, now 91 years old, did not attend this reconvening of his effort of 40 years ago.

Looking over those who presented at the 1980 Fairmont Conference, we see greats who no longer are with us. Greats like the late economist Walter Williams and economics Nobel laureate Milton Friedman.

The topic of Friedman's presentation then says it all. "Government is the problem."

However, one attendee of both events -- last week's Old Parkland Conference and the Fairmont Conference in 1980 -- is Clarence Thomas, who attended in 1980 as a young congressional aide.

I was honored to be invited to participate and reconnect with admired friends with whom I have worked toward common goals over many years.

It reinforced my own sense of mission.

The analysis and conclusions of Sowell and others 40 years ago at the Fairmont Conference were correct. They saw then that human lives are not liberated by government programs and politics, and they saw then that this approach would make lives worse, not better.

This is indeed what happened.

I began my work in the 1990s inspired to bring the success of a capitalist America to the failures in low-income communities caused by socialism.

What we have today, unfortunately, is the reverse. Mainstream America is looking more like our poor communities destroyed by socialism than the other way around.

The work must continue.

The special responsibility of Black Americans, with their unique and troubled history, is to show that evil occurs because men sin. Not because the vision of American freedom is flawed, as we hear almost daily from progressives.

In many ways, the country is in worse shape today for everyone than where things stood in 1980.

More government, slower growth, family breakdown.

The answer can only be to seek, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "a new birth of freedom," for every American of every background.

Star Parker is an author and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Contact her at www.urbancure.org.

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0






Newly discovered emails show that Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was more deeply involved in baseless efforts to overturn the 2020 election than previously known


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up the budget but not the session on Friday.

Lawmakers vacated the Capitol after shipping the fiscal year 2023 spending and appropriations bills and a stack of other legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitts second-floor office, but they will be back next week, one way or the other.

For certain, theyll meet in special session on Thursday and Friday to move around the shell bills that at some point will appropriate the states share of American Rescue Plan Act money.

They could also meet in regular session ahead of Fridays 5 p.m. constitutional deadline to bring down the final gavel on the second regular session of the 58th Legislature.

A few regular session bills and resolutions could still be revived next week, but the main reason for lawmakers leaving themselves some slack is to override Stitt vetoes, should they come.

And they might.

Stitt has not been shy about vetoes in the past, regardless of how popular the bills have been with the Legislature. There have been murmurs, including on Friday, about override votes on some measures Stitt has already spiked this year.

On Wednesday, in a rare show of unity, lawmakers took control of the ARPA funds away from the governor and backed it up with special session call petitions signed by 42 of 48 senators and 88 of 100 representatives  an indication of override votes to spare.

The special session, whose stated purpose is distribution of the ARPA money, began concurrently with the regular session Wednesday night, although nothing of substance is likely to happen until later this summer.

In the meantime, lawmakers passed and sent to the governor a few trial balloons: regular session bills appropriating about $100 million in ARPA money for nurses training and local water infrastructure improvements.

The $9.8 billion general appropriations bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, went through the House on Friday with minimal resistance.

Democrats complained about the process that they said largely excludes them and most taxpayers and said the Republican majority could have done more for common education and the middle and working classes in the way of tax relief. A few maverick Republicans voted no, but the bill passed 74-15.

The nearly 30 supporting measures passed the House and Senate by similar or greater margins to reach Stitts desk.

Largely ignored in recent days furor over the budget, special sessions, abortion laws and transgender bathroom bans was the passage of a far-reaching overhaul of Medicaid.

The House gave Senate Bill 1337, by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, final passage without any discussion or debate, despite years of controversy over the issue. As sent to Stitt, the bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition from a self-administered fee-for-service system to a privatized managed, or capitated, one.

Lawmakers who have fought the switch, though, said SB 1337 includes enough specificity to prevent the bad outcome of the states previous foray into capitated Medicaid.

Under capitated plans, management entities are paid a flat per-person amount for each patient. The costs of such plans are more predictable, but opponents argue that the quality of care is often lower, which is why lawmakers insisted on outcome standards.

Also receiving final approval was HB 4388, which creates a special revolving fund for matching grants for targeted teacher raises.

Featured video:

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up the budget but not the session on Friday.

Lawmakers vacated the Capitol after shipping the fiscal year 2023 spending and appropriations bills and a stack of other legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitts second-floor office, but they will be back next week, one way or the other.

For certain, theyll meet in special session on Thursday and Friday to move around the shell bills that at some point will appropriate the states share of American Rescue Plan Act money.

They could also meet in regular session ahead of Fridays 5 p.m. constitutional deadline to bring down the final gavel on the second regular session of the 58th Legislature.

A few regular session bills and resolutions could still be revived next week, but the main reason for lawmakers leaving themselves some slack is to override Stitt vetoes, should they come.

And they might.

Stitt has not been shy about vetoes in the past, regardless of how popular the bills have been with the Legislature. There have been murmurs, including on Friday, about override votes on some measures Stitt has already spiked this year.

On Wednesday, in a rare show of unity, lawmakers took control of the ARPA funds away from the governor and backed it up with special session call petitions signed by 42 of 48 senators and 88 of 100 representatives  an indication of override votes to spare.

The special session, whose stated purpose is distribution of the ARPA money, began concurrently with the regular session Wednesday night, although nothing of substance is likely to happen until later this summer.

In the meantime, lawmakers passed and sent to the governor a few trial balloons: regular session bills appropriating about $100 million in ARPA money for nurses training and local water infrastructure improvements.

The $9.8 billion general appropriations bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, went through the House on Friday with minimal resistance.

Democrats complained about the process that they said largely excludes them and most taxpayers and said the Republican majority could have done more for common education and the middle and working classes in the way of tax relief. A few maverick Republicans voted no, but the bill passed 74-15.

The nearly 30 supporting measures passed the House and Senate by similar or greater margins to reach Stitts desk.

Largely ignored in recent days furor over the budget, special sessions, abortion laws and transgender bathroom bans was the passage of a far-reaching overhaul of Medicaid.

The House gave Senate Bill 1337, by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, final passage without any discussion or debate, despite years of controversy over the issue. As sent to Stitt, the bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition from a self-administered fee-for-service system to a privatized managed, or capitated, one.

Lawmakers who have fought the switch, though, said SB 1337 includes enough specificity to prevent the bad outcome of the states previous foray into capitated Medicaid.

Under capitated plans, management entities are paid a flat per-person amount for each patient. The costs of such plans are more predictable, but opponents argue that the quality of care is often lower, which is why lawmakers insisted on outcome standards.

Also receiving final approval was HB 4388, which creates a special revolving fund for matching grants for targeted teacher raises.

Featured video:

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


Here are the highest paid male and female CEOs in the S&P 500 index for 2021, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an execut







Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- "My big wish is to see the end of war and a stable Afghanistan where all including girls could go to school and get education to build a better future for the country," 12-year-old girl student Hafsa said.

A fifth-grader at the Khawaja Rawash Lycee school on the outskirts of Kabul, Hafsa spoke softly, "I love my school, as well as my books and the lessons I receive here. No doubt I would have better future if I continue to get education."

Hafsa made the remarks amid specific conditions that have banned girls from grade 7th to grade 12th from attending school.

However, the ban has been largely flayed by Afghans as opposition to girls' education, demanding the reopening of girl schools for all age in the country.

Although authorities have repeatedly assured that schools for all girls would be reopened, school girls and supporters of girls education have called upon the concerned departments to reopen girls schools as soon as possible.

Afghanistan's educational year started on March 23, but the authorities suspended schooling for girls from grade 7th to grade 12th until further notice.

"I and all my classmates attend classes here every day to get knowledge," 11-year-old girl pupil Zahra told Xinhua.

Afghanistan with the support of international community has made tremendous progress in the field of education over the past 20 years.

"Every morning I feel happiness after leaving home for school, and I would like to see a peaceful Afghanistan where every student could attend class," Zahra said.

"Afghanistan's new generation is tired of horrific blasts and conflicts," Zahra who studies at the same school along with her younger brother said.

In the impoverished country, many schools have no proper buildings, textbooks, labs or even potable water for students.

"A society without educated women is incomplete," female teacher Amir Begam said.

"Unfortunately, we have no modern teaching system. We don't have laptop and laboratory class in our school to teach our students," Begam, who teaches at the Khawaja Rawash Lycee school, said with sorrow. 

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)




Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349

Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349













In a historic event, a group of people from Ballinamuck travelled to Essert in France to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of their twinning oath on Europe Day, May 9, 1997.

On that day, twenty-five years ago, both groups planted an apple tree outside the Essert community centre, which has now grown and produces a plentiful supply of apples every year.

week, the two groups planted a lime tree in a ceremony attended by the Mayor, councillors, council officials and local school children.

At a civic reception the Deputy Mayor spoke of the enduring friendships and continuing exchanges particularly between the young people.

Twinning is an initiative of the EU to promote knowledge and understanding between different regions and countries. In the twenty five years, Essert has grown and now includes a Rue Ballinamuck.

Gifts were exchanged with the Ballinamuck group presenting a bog yew sculpture by Kevin Casey.

The French council presented an anniversary commemorative plaque and wall hanging. The council then hosted an anniversary dinner in a local Corsican restaurant.

Paddy Howe, chairperson of Ballinamuck Community Enterprise thanked Essert Council for their friendship and hospitality and in particular Marie Christin Grandjean for her organisational and translation skills for the past twenty five years.

He invited the council and twinning group to visit Ballinamuck in July where the celebrations will continue for the twinning, the oldest in County Longford.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349





Here are the highest paid male and female CEOs in the S&P 500 index for 2021, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an execut


Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- "My big wish is to see the end of war and a stable Afghanistan where all including girls could go to school and get education to build a better future for the country," 12-year-old girl student Hafsa said.

A fifth-grader at the Khawaja Rawash Lycee school on the outskirts of Kabul, Hafsa spoke softly, "I love my school, as well as my books and the lessons I receive here. No doubt I would have better future if I continue to get education."

Hafsa made the remarks amid specific conditions that have banned girls from grade 7th to grade 12th from attending school.

However, the ban has been largely flayed by Afghans as opposition to girls' education, demanding the reopening of girl schools for all age in the country.

Although authorities have repeatedly assured that schools for all girls would be reopened, school girls and supporters of girls education have called upon the concerned departments to reopen girls schools as soon as possible.

Afghanistan's educational year started on March 23, but the authorities suspended schooling for girls from grade 7th to grade 12th until further notice.

"I and all my classmates attend classes here every day to get knowledge," 11-year-old girl pupil Zahra told Xinhua.

Afghanistan with the support of international community has made tremendous progress in the field of education over the past 20 years.

"Every morning I feel happiness after leaving home for school, and I would like to see a peaceful Afghanistan where every student could attend class," Zahra said.

"Afghanistan's new generation is tired of horrific blasts and conflicts," Zahra who studies at the same school along with her younger brother said.

In the impoverished country, many schools have no proper buildings, textbooks, labs or even potable water for students.

"A society without educated women is incomplete," female teacher Amir Begam said.

"Unfortunately, we have no modern teaching system. We don't have laptop and laboratory class in our school to teach our students," Begam, who teaches at the Khawaja Rawash Lycee school, said with sorrow. 

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows girls at a local school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Here are the highest paid male and female CEOs in the S&P 500 index for 2021, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an execut
Here are the highest paid male and female CEOs in the S&P 500 index for 2021, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an execut
A top European health official warned Friday that cases of the rare monkeypox virus could accelerate in the coming months, as the virus spread across Europe.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said that "as we enter the summer season... with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate".

The virus, which causes distinctive pustules but is rarely fatal, has previously been seen in central and west Africa.

But over recent weeks cases have been detected in European countries including Portugal and Sweden as well as the United States, Canada and Australia, Kluge said, calling the spread "atypical".

"All but one of the recent cases have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic," he added.

The health official warned that transmission could be boosted by the fact that "the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity", and many do not recognise the symptoms.

Most initial cases of the disease have been among men who have sex with men and sought treatment at sexual health clinics, Kluge said, adding "this suggests that transmission may have been ongoing for some time".

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is investigating the fact that many cases reported were people identifying as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

The official's statement came as France, Belgium and Germany reported their first cases of monkeypox and Italy confirmed it now had three linked cases of the disease.

Belgium's three confirmed cases of monkeypox were on Friday linked a large-scale fetish festival in the port city of Antwerp, organisers of the Darklands Festival said.

French authorities said the virus had infected 29-year-old man living in the area that includes Paris.

In Spain, the health ministry has reported seven confirmed cases, and has said it is awaiting confirmation on 23 more.

But a regional health official said the authorities had recorded 21 confirmed cases in the Madrid region, most linked to a gay-friendly sauna in the heart of the capital.

It was likely these figures had not yet been included in the nationwide tally.

Portugal has recorded 23 confirmed cases.

UK health officials on Friday reported 11 more confirmed cases in England, taking its total to 20.

'Increase in coming days'

The UK Health Security Agency's chief medical adviser, Susan Hopkins, said she expected "this increase to continue in the coming days and for more cases to be identified in the wider community".

She particularly urged gay and bisexual men to look out for symptoms, saying a "notable proportion" of cases in the UK and Europe came from this group.

Monkeypox had not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, the UKHSA said.

It can be transmitted through contact with skin lesions and droplets of a contaminated person, as well as shared items such as bedding and towels.

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid sought to reassure the public, tweeting: "Most cases are mild and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against monkeypox."

Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and a chickenpox-like rash on the hands and face.

The first UK case was announced on May 7, in a patient who had recently travelled to Nigeria.

Two more cases were reported a week later, in people in the same household. They had no link to the first case.

The UKHSA said that four further cases announced May 16 all identified as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and appeared to have been infected in London.

It said two new cases reported on May 18 also had no history of travel to countries where the virus is endemic and "it is possible they acquired the infection through community transmission".

It did not give any details of the latest cases reported Friday.

On Thursday, health authorities in Italy announced the country's first case of monkeypox, in a young man recently returned from the Canary Islands.

On Friday they said two further cases, linked to "patient zero", had been confirmed.

Monkeypox usually clears up after two to four weeks, according to the WHO.

 2022 AFP
In a historic event, a group of people from Ballinamuck travelled to Essert in France to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of their twinning oath on Europe Day, May 9, 1997.

On that day, twenty-five years ago, both groups planted an apple tree outside the Essert community centre, which has now grown and produces a plentiful supply of apples every year.

week, the two groups planted a lime tree in a ceremony attended by the Mayor, councillors, council officials and local school children.

At a civic reception the Deputy Mayor spoke of the enduring friendships and continuing exchanges particularly between the young people.

Twinning is an initiative of the EU to promote knowledge and understanding between different regions and countries. In the twenty five years, Essert has grown and now includes a Rue Ballinamuck.

Gifts were exchanged with the Ballinamuck group presenting a bog yew sculpture by Kevin Casey.

The French council presented an anniversary commemorative plaque and wall hanging. The council then hosted an anniversary dinner in a local Corsican restaurant.

Paddy Howe, chairperson of Ballinamuck Community Enterprise thanked Essert Council for their friendship and hospitality and in particular Marie Christin Grandjean for her organisational and translation skills for the past twenty five years.

He invited the council and twinning group to visit Ballinamuck in July where the celebrations will continue for the twinning, the oldest in County Longford.
Awards ceremony celebrates long-serving staff at Welsh Ambulance Service

Long-serving staff and volunteers at the Welsh Ambulance Service have been celebrated at an awards ceremony in North Wales.

Colleagues with 20, 30 and 40 years of service were presented with medals at Conwy Business Centre in the first of six events across Wales to recognise length of service.

Those with two decades in the Emergency Medical Service were also presented with the Queens Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Mr Henry Fetherstonhaugh.

Among the other distinguished guests were the High Sheriff of Clwyd, Ms Zoe Henderson, Chief Constable Carl Foulkes from North Wales Police and Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock from 160 (Welsh) Brigade.

Chief Executive Jason Killens said: Our Long Service Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very lifeblood of the Welsh Ambulance Service  its people  and in particular, their length of service.

Working for the ambulance service is not just any job  its a job that makes a real difference.

Often when people are at their lowest ebb, our staff are the people to whom they turn, and it takes remarkable people to do the remarkable job they do, day in, day out.

Its mind-boggling to think that all the Long Service Awards we presented yesterday amount to more than 1,000 years of service.

Today and every day, we thank colleagues for their service.

More than 400 colleagues across the Trust have been invited to receive a Long Service Award this year, the first in-person awards events since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chair Martin Woodford added: The reason the Welsh Ambulance Service is what it is rests with its people who work tirelessly, 24/7, to serve the people of Wales.

Whats special about this years events is that its the first time in our history that our long-serving volunteers are also being recognised.

Last year, we launched our first Volunteers Strategy, which sets out how volunteers will be better supported to deliver their role and better integrated into the workforce.

It made perfect sense, therefore, to recognise their commitment to the people of Wales in the same way that we recognise staff.

Congratulations to all of our recipients.
Awards ceremony celebrates long-serving staff at Welsh Ambulance Service

Long-serving staff and volunteers at the Welsh Ambulance Service have been celebrated at an awards ceremony in North Wales.

Colleagues with 20, 30 and 40 years of service were presented with medals at Conwy Business Centre in the first of six events across Wales to recognise length of service.

Those with two decades in the Emergency Medical Service were also presented with the Queens Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Mr Henry Fetherstonhaugh.

Among the other distinguished guests were the High Sheriff of Clwyd, Ms Zoe Henderson, Chief Constable Carl Foulkes from North Wales Police and Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock from 160 (Welsh) Brigade.

Chief Executive Jason Killens said: Our Long Service Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very lifeblood of the Welsh Ambulance Service  its people  and in particular, their length of service.

Working for the ambulance service is not just any job  its a job that makes a real difference.

Often when people are at their lowest ebb, our staff are the people to whom they turn, and it takes remarkable people to do the remarkable job they do, day in, day out.

Its mind-boggling to think that all the Long Service Awards we presented yesterday amount to more than 1,000 years of service.

Today and every day, we thank colleagues for their service.

More than 400 colleagues across the Trust have been invited to receive a Long Service Award this year, the first in-person awards events since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chair Martin Woodford added: The reason the Welsh Ambulance Service is what it is rests with its people who work tirelessly, 24/7, to serve the people of Wales.

Whats special about this years events is that its the first time in our history that our long-serving volunteers are also being recognised.

Last year, we launched our first Volunteers Strategy, which sets out how volunteers will be better supported to deliver their role and better integrated into the workforce.

It made perfect sense, therefore, to recognise their commitment to the people of Wales in the same way that we recognise staff.

Congratulations to all of our recipients.





Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case. The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference. In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now. Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported. She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families. She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said. The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision. Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics. The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad. On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018. (ANI)


Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349



Awards ceremony celebrates long-serving staff at Welsh Ambulance Service

Long-serving staff and volunteers at the Welsh Ambulance Service have been celebrated at an awards ceremony in North Wales.

Colleagues with 20, 30 and 40 years of service were presented with medals at Conwy Business Centre in the first of six events across Wales to recognise length of service.

Those with two decades in the Emergency Medical Service were also presented with the Queens Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Mr Henry Fetherstonhaugh.

Among the other distinguished guests were the High Sheriff of Clwyd, Ms Zoe Henderson, Chief Constable Carl Foulkes from North Wales Police and Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock from 160 (Welsh) Brigade.

Chief Executive Jason Killens said: Our Long Service Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very lifeblood of the Welsh Ambulance Service  its people  and in particular, their length of service.

Working for the ambulance service is not just any job  its a job that makes a real difference.

Often when people are at their lowest ebb, our staff are the people to whom they turn, and it takes remarkable people to do the remarkable job they do, day in, day out.

Its mind-boggling to think that all the Long Service Awards we presented yesterday amount to more than 1,000 years of service.

Today and every day, we thank colleagues for their service.

More than 400 colleagues across the Trust have been invited to receive a Long Service Award this year, the first in-person awards events since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chair Martin Woodford added: The reason the Welsh Ambulance Service is what it is rests with its people who work tirelessly, 24/7, to serve the people of Wales.

Whats special about this years events is that its the first time in our history that our long-serving volunteers are also being recognised.

Last year, we launched our first Volunteers Strategy, which sets out how volunteers will be better supported to deliver their role and better integrated into the workforce.

It made perfect sense, therefore, to recognise their commitment to the people of Wales in the same way that we recognise staff.

Congratulations to all of our recipients.
Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case. The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference. In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now. Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported. She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families. She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said. The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision. Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics. The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad. On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018. (ANI)
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


The United Nations (UN) is calling for financial assistance for the Horn of Africa region due to the worsening drought crisis.

The UN has issued warnings that from southern Ethiopia through Somalia to northern Kenya, drought and famine threaten the lives of more than 20 million people. "We don't have much time, we are pressed for money to save lives," UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffith said.



According to Griffith, who recently made a two-day visit to Kenya, the drought has affected more than 18 million people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, of whom most wake up hungry, not knowing whether they will have food that day or not.

The UN Under-Secretary-General said the situation is expected to worsen in the coming weeks, amid estimations that the next rainy season, from October to December, will be as disastrous as it has been in the past four seasons.

The UN warned that significant loss of life could occur in the coming period due to the drought ravaging the Horn of Africa, and urged a new wave of financial aid in order to broaden the reach of humanitarian operations in the region.

On Thursday, The United Nations appealed for immediate funds to help the Horn of Africa, warning that intense suffering in the drought-stricken region was likely to worsen.



We are out of time. We urgently need money to save lives, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths pic.twitter.com/bHXsdgVtrx  Studio 63 (@Studio63_ke) May 20, 2022

The last three rainy seasons in these areas where the population lives mainly on agriculture and livestock farming have seen a decrease in rainfall. There has also been an invasion of locust pests that ravaged crops in the Horn of Africa between 2019 and 2021.

Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case. The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference. In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now. Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported. She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families. She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said. The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision. Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics. The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad. On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018. (ANI)


BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.









remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Changing the method of assessing road fees in Butte would bring in about $20,000 more in annual revenue that pays for routine maintenance such as grading, graveling, snow plowing and filling potholes, updated figures show.

In the big picture, the switch from an $87.71 per parcel to per unit assessment wouldnt change the overall revenue total much. It would go from about $1.58 million now to $1.60 million.

But some commissioners, including Shawn Fredrickson and Eric Mankins, think the change could be a more equitable way to tax those who use the countys roads and they wanted updated facts and figures to compare the methods.

Fredrickson said Friday he is leaning toward pursuing the change but first wants to hear an upcoming presentation by Public Works Director Mark Neary on how the road dollars were spent the past few years and what the maintenance plan is this year.

He thinks the county is heading in the right direction on use of the money, he said, but I really want to see the numbers.

Danette Gleason, Butte-Silver Bows budget director, presented updated revenue figures and projections to the council Wednesday night. Both assessment methods employ a flat $87.71 fee annually.

But instead of charging a flat rate for most parcels, the alternative method would assess the fee by units. They would include houses, commercial property and hotels as before but also take in individual apartments, separate dwellings in duplexes and four-plexes and all mobile homes in a park.

Instead of applying a single fee to each of 40 mobile home parks in Butte, collectively bringing in $3,508, all 440 mobile homes in those parks would be assessed. That would bring in an additional $35,084, according to updated numbers.

The fee is currently charged to 529 apartment complexes and duplexes and triplexes, each as single entities. Under the change, each apartment and living quarters in duplexes and triplexes would be charged. That would mean 2,894 assessed units generating an additional $207,434.

The bulk of the revenue would still come from residential property. About 14,000 individual assessments are made with either method, both bringing in about $1.23 million.

But there would be a big change regarding vacant land.

Currently, 2,603 vacant parcels valued at $5,000 or more are assessed the road fee. They would no longer be charged under the per-unit method, meaning about $228,000 less in revenue.

If the per-unit method had been applied two years ago, it would have brought in about $5,200 more than the current method. Today it would generate about $20,000 more.

Gleason said the increase reflects additional housing construction Butte has seen in the past couple of years. But the overall amount of revenue under each method is only $20,000 apart.

So really what you're comparing here and what you're really looking at analyzing is what's the best and the most equitable and fair method that you as a council can apply to our community, Gleason told commissioners.

Some commissioners say almost everyone uses roads in some form or fashion, even if taking a bus or taxi at times, and the per-unit method is a fairer way of assessing the fees.

Neary is tentatively scheduled to discuss revenue expenditures before council on June 15. Changing the method would require an ordinance change, a process that can take weeks if not longer.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
ST. LOUIS  A 22-year-old St. Louis man was charged Friday afternoon in connection with two fatal shootings this month, including the killing of a Eureka High School sophomore last weekend.

Graylon Lindsey was charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

In the most recent case, Lindsey is accused in the killing of Kyierah Jeffries, 16, of the 6700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in St. Louis. The Eureka High School sophomore died Saturday after being shot about 3:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of Minnesota Avenue, police said.

That day, Kyierah was with family members in the Carondelet neighborhood, according to her aunt, Cherie Ford. Kyierah was separated from the family for a while and ended up inside a car with a man who they say then shot the 16-year-old in the stomach. He left the teen and drove away, Ford said.

In the second incident, police allege Lindsey shot and killed Arriell Dixon, 25, of St. Louis, just after 1 a.m. May 5 just north of Fairground Park.

Little information is known about that shooting, but officers said the woman died at the scene of the shooting.

Police said Lindsey, of the 4000 block of St. Louis Avenue, is also a suspect in two shootings that took place in 2021, but no charges have been filed in those cases. No one died in the 2021 incidents.

Jail records indicate officers booked Lindsey into the St. Louis City Justice Center around 5 p.m. Thursday. He remained in custody without bail.

No lawyer was listed for Lindsey in court records.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.






Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case.

The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference.

In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now.

Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported.

She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families.

She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said.

The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision.

Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics.

The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad.

On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018.

(ANI)
Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case.

The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference.

In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now.

Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported.

She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families.

She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said.

The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision.

Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics.

The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad.

On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018.

(ANI)
Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case. The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference. In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now. Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported. She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families. She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said. The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision. Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics. The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad. On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018. (ANI)
ST. LOUIS  A 22-year-old St. Louis man was charged Friday afternoon in connection with two fatal shootings this month, including the killing of a Eureka High School sophomore last weekend.

Graylon Lindsey was charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

In the most recent case, Lindsey is accused in the killing of Kyierah Jeffries, 16, of the 6700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in St. Louis. The Eureka High School sophomore died Saturday after being shot about 3:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of Minnesota Avenue, police said.

That day, Kyierah was with family members in the Carondelet neighborhood, according to her aunt, Cherie Ford. Kyierah was separated from the family for a while and ended up inside a car with a man who they say then shot the 16-year-old in the stomach. He left the teen and drove away, Ford said.

In the second incident, police allege Lindsey shot and killed Arriell Dixon, 25, of St. Louis, just after 1 a.m. May 5 just north of Fairground Park.

Little information is known about that shooting, but officers said the woman died at the scene of the shooting.

Police said Lindsey, of the 4000 block of St. Louis Avenue, is also a suspect in two shootings that took place in 2021, but no charges have been filed in those cases. No one died in the 2021 incidents.

Jail records indicate officers booked Lindsey into the St. Louis City Justice Center around 5 p.m. Thursday. He remained in custody without bail.

No lawyer was listed for Lindsey in court records.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case.

The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference.

In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now.

Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported.

She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families.

She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said.

The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision.

Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics.

The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad.

On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018.

(ANI)
Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday called out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pay heed to the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as quickly as it finished the 25 PTI dissidents' case. The Minister pointed out that the ECP decision on disqualification declarations had been given in a month's time but the foreign-funding case against the PTI had been pending for eight years, she said in a press conference. In a further statement, she also claimed the ECP decision of de-seating 25 MPAs would not affect the Punjab government and Hamza Shehbaz would continue as the Chief Minister, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led the Punjab government along with its allies, enjoying the support of 177 members, whereas the PTI's strength in the legislature was 172 now. Aurangzeb said it was not time for the PTI to celebrate but to mourn as 25 of its members had left the party in protest against the anti-people policies of the Imran Khan regime, The News International reported. She noted that when the courts were opened at night in the wake of constitutional transgressions by Imran, he and the PTI hurled threats at the judges and the courts and also tried to defame their families. She said the PTI dissident lawmakers overtly cast their conscience vote. "They knew about the consequences and voted against their party and in favour of the nation," she said. The Minister claimed that these 25 members have not been de-seated but their action is akin to a slap in Imran's face, adding they have the right to prefer an appeal against the ECP decision. Since her days as information secretary of PML-N, Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Imran Khan of introducing dirt and filth into Pakistan's politics. The foreign funding case is pending since November 14, 2014, and it was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S Babar who had alleged that there are some financial irregularities in the PTI's funding from Pakistan and abroad. On January 4 this year, the ECP's scrutiny committee submitted its report on the PTI's foreign funding case after 95 hearings. The ECP's committee was formed in March 2018. (ANI)








PITTSBURGH  State Representative Summer Lee, a progressive Democrat who could become the first Black woman to represent Pennsylvania in Congress, won an expensive and fiercely fought primary battle on Friday after three days of vote-counting, defeating a more centrist contender who was the favorite of the party establishment.

After a string of primary losses for the national left-wing movement in 2021 and a mixed record in the first months of 2022, Ms. Lees narrow victory, called by The Associated Press, amounts to a significant win for that slice of the party, amid a vigorous battle over the direction of the Democratic Party that will be playing out in races around the country over the coming weeks.

Ms. Lee, 34, who overcame heavy outside spending against her, had the endorsements of leading progressive figures including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and local figures including Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh and some labor groups. Mr. Sanders recently held a rally with Ms. Lee.

The people took on the corporations and the people won, Ms. Lee said in a statement.

Ms. Lee defeated her chief rival, Steve Irwin, a lawyer and former head of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission who had amassed substantial support from the party establishment. Mr. Irwin gained the endorsement of Representative Mike Doyle, whose retirement opened the seat.


PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0




PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0





PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349


This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador










Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)








PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Here are the highest paid male and female CEOs in the S&P 500 index for 2021, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an execut
The girlfriend of a man arrested in a shooting in Dallas Koreatown that wounded three women of Asian descent in a hair salon told police that he has delusions that Asian Americans are trying to harm him. That's according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Police say Jeremy Smith, who is Black, was arrested Tuesday in the shooting. He faces three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The FBI said Tuesday that it has opened a federal hate crime investigation into the shooting. Police say they are still investigating whether Smith was involved in two previous drive-by shootings at businesses run by Asian Americans. Police had said there could be a connection between those shootings and the one at the salon because the description of the suspect vehicle was similar.


Trystans family gathers in front of Rene Peters 1967 Chevy pickup, a favorite of Trystens. From left to right are Trystens family members: Karen Hansen, Sonny Fellers, Rory Fellers, Josie Moline, Mark Hansen, Remington Peters, Mitchell Peters, Gunnar Peters (blue hoodie). In front are Oakley Peters and Rene Peters.
Trystans family gathers in front of Rene Peters 1967 Chevy pickup, a favorite of Trystens. From left to right are Trystens family members: Karen Hansen, Sonny Fellers, Rory Fellers, Josie Moline, Mark Hansen, Remington Peters, Mitchell Peters, Gunnar Peters (blue hoodie). In front are Oakley Peters and Rene Peters.
Trystans family gathers in front of Rene Peters 1967 Chevy pickup, a favorite of Trystens. From left to right are Trystens family members: Karen Hansen, Sonny Fellers, Rory Fellers, Josie Moline, Mark Hansen, Remington Peters, Mitchell Peters, Gunnar Peters (blue hoodie). In front are Oakley Peters and Rene Peters.



PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has approved the transfer of Rs 30,307 crore as a surplus to the Union government for the 2021-22 accounting year. (DC file Photo)

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has approved the transfer of Rs 30,307 crore as a surplus to the Union government for the 2021-22 accounting year. The contingency risk buffer has also been retained at 5.5 per cent. Contingency buffer is a specific provision made for meeting unexpected contingencies from exchange rate operations and monetary policy decisions. The RBI contributes a sizeable portion of its profit to the Contingency buffer.

Experts pointed out that the RBI surplus, an important source of revenue for the government, is much lower than the budgeted amount but healthy tax receipts could make up for the loss.

Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra, The amount of surplus to be transferred by the RBI to the government appears to be modestly lower than the budgeted amount. However, the tax receipts are expected to substantially surpass the budgeted level, absorbing the impact of the former.

The surplus/dividend transfer by the RBI is significantly lower than what it did last year. In 2020-21, the board had approved the transfer of Rs 99,122 crore as surplus to the government. This years surplus transfer is also lower than the Rs 73,948 crore in dividend the Centre has estimated in the Budget from RBI and financial institutions.



PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
PIERRE | South Dakota's attorney general said Friday a Sioux Falls officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a man police say threatened them with a knife.

Cody Wade Kelly, 41, was killed after police conducted a welfare check at his apartment on March 31 because he had threatened to harm himself.

When officers arrived Kelly told them he had tampered with the gas lines, so police evacuated the apartment building's tenants.

Police found Kelly in a bathroom at his apartment armed with a knife and with bleeding wounds to his arms. An officer shot Kelly with a nonlethal bullet when Kelly ignored commands to drop the knife. It had no effect as he continued to hold the knife to his own neck. At this point Kelly told officers to shoot him.

Another officer then used a stun gun which caused Kelly to drop the knife.

As officers struggled to subdue him, Kelly was able to grab a knife again and began swinging at officers, stabbing one in the leg and threatening others, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation's report.

An officer drew his gun and shot Kelly multiple times. He remained conscious but was no longer physically resisting.

Officers gave Kelly medical aid and called for an ambulance. Kelly later died at the hospital.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Commentary: Boast about Western democracy's pandemic performance bumptious

Xinhua) 11:24, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Western media have recently boasted that Western-style democracy is more successful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and disparaged China's pandemic response.

Life in the West seems essentially returned to normal, with most pandemic restrictions lifted, including mask-wearing, as essential means of limiting the spread of the virus.

However, under such "normalcy" lies the life-threatening danger of a virus that could once again mutate, spread and kill.

And, when considering the numbers, some of the Western countries have failed miserably in protecting lives and safeguarding health.

For example, despite having leading medical technology and abundant medical resources, the United States has registered the world's largest COVID-19 death toll of more than 1 million.

The root of the tragedy resides in the entrenched flaws in the U.S. political system, under which many scientific issues related to the pandemic have become battlefields of partisan competition.

Since the outbreak's start, U.S. politicians, the media and the public have wasted time, energy and resources debating the merits of mask-wearing despite a mounting infection rate and death toll.

Meanwhile, the wealth and health gaps continue to widen.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanics, Native Americans and African Americans are at higher risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19 than Whites.

Compared to the Western countries, China has outperformed the West in protecting lives. Official data showed that China's dynamic zero-COVID policy has kept people alive and healthy, with COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations far below the global average.

Furthermore, China has struck a balance between pandemic control and economic development. Although the new round of domestic COVID-19 flare-ups and the volatile international situation have pressured China's development, economic prospects remain strong in the long run.

In the first four months of this year, China's value-added industrial output, an important economic indicator, rose 4 percent year on year, official data showed.

The high-tech manufacturing sector posted a stellar performance in the period, with the value-added output surging 11.5 percent year on year.

Many international institutions remain bullish on China's economy. Last week, the International Monetary Fund announced an increase in the weighting of the Chinese renminbi in the Special Drawing Rights currency basket after completing a quinquennial review.

These facts and figures illustrate a robust Chinese economy and international confidence that China will emerge stronger than ever from its current outbreak.

Rather than criticize China's pandemic and economic management, Western countries ought to reflect on why their fight against COVID-19 went so horribly wrong.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Seplat Energy PLC ("Seplat" or the "Company")

Correction - results of the ninth Annual General Meeting

This correction to RNS Number 1732M, issued at 17.31 on 19 May 2022, inserts a new note, note 9.

Lagos and London, 20 May 2022: Seplat Energy PLC announces that at its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 16a Temple Road (Olu Holloway), Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, all resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting put to the Shareholders were duly passed by the requisite majority.

The results of each resolution voted by way of poll including proxy votes lodged with the Company's Registrars are set out below:

Votes FOR Votes AGAINST Votes Withheld/ Abstain Total Votes Cast (excluding Votes Withheld/Abstain) RESOLUTIONS Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares Number of shares For & Against % of ISC 1. Resolution 1: To receive the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021, together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and the Statutory Audit Committee thereon. 481,697,063 100% nil nil nil 481,697,063 82% 2. Resolution 2: To declare a final dividend recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2021. 481,696,013 100% nil nil nil 481,696,013 82% 3. Resolution 3: To re-appoint PriceWaterhouseCoopers ("PWC") as Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at which the Company's Annual Accounts are laid. Noted by Shareholders 4 Resolution 4: To authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to determine the Auditors' remuneration. 480,250,681 99.70% 1,446,383 0.30% nil 481,697,064 82% 5. Resolution 5: To elect/re-elect the following Directors: 5(a)(i): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(ii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Bello Rabiu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Dr. Emma FitzGerald (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iv): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(v): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Kazeem Raimi (Non-Executive Director); and 479,143,147 100% nil nil nil 479,143,147 81% 5(a)(vi): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Ernest Ebi (Non-Executive Director). 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(b)(i): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Mr. Basil Omiyi (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 380,460,893 79.51% 98,043,393 20.49% nil 478,504,286 81% 5(b)(ii): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Dr. Charles Okeahalam (Independent Non-Executive Director). 372,797,582 79.18% 98,043,393 20.82% nil 470,840,975 80% 6. Resolution 6: To disclose the remuneration of managers of the Company Noted by Shareholders 7 Resolution 7: To elect the shareholder representatives of the Statutory Audit Committee. This was done by show of hands in line with the section 249(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provisions. Members of the Statutory Audit Committee comprising three (3) shareholders elected representatives and two (2) Board nominated representatives were approved as follows: (a) Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN (Shareholder representative); (b) Hajia Hauwa Umar (Shareholder Representative); (c) Sir Sunday Nnamdi Nwosu (Shareholder Representative); (d) Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON (Board Representative); and (e) Mr. Olivier Cleret De Langavant (Board Representative). 8 Resolution 8: To approve the Remuneration Section of the Directors' Remuneration Report set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 426,655,099 97.52% 10,862,581 2.48% 132,021 437,517,680 74% 9 Resolution 9: To consider and, if thought fit, to transact the following Special Business, which will be proposed and passed as Ordinary Resolutions: a) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Companies Regulations 2021, as it relates to unissued shares forming part of the authorised Share Capital of the Company, including the cancellation of the unissued ordinary shares of the Company. 423,861,306 96.85% 13,781,084 3.15% 342,434 437,642,390 74% b) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company are altered to comply with Resolution 9(a) above, including replacing the provision stating the authorised share capital with the issued share capital of the Company. 451,728,804 97.04% 13,760,944 2.96% 342,434 465,489,748 79% c) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to enter into and execute agreements, deeds, notices or any other documents and to perform all acts and to do all such other things necessary for or incidental to giving effect to Resolution 9(a) above, including without limitation, appointing such professional parties, consultants and advisers and complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 436,273,948 99.69% 1,368,441 0.31% 342,434 437,642,389 74% d) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to perform all acts and to do all such other things as may be necessary for or incidental to giving effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 479,590,834 99.72% 1,368,441 0.28% 342,434 480,959,275 82%

Notes:

1. In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Seplat Energy obtained approval from the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission to hold its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) by proxy ONLY, which is in accordance with the new Guidelines on Holding of AGM of Public Companies taking advantage of Section 254 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 using proxies. For the appointment to be valid for the purposes of the Meeting, the Company made arrangements at its cost for the stamping of the duly completed proxy forms, which must be deposited at the office of the Registrar.

2. In accordance with the Company's articles of association, on a poll every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held. There were no restrictions on shareholders to cast votes on any of the resolutions proposed at the AGM.

3. A "Vote Withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" or "Against" any resolution nor in the calculation of the proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution.

4. The percentage of votes "For" and "Against" any resolution is expressed as a percentage of votes validly cast for that resolution.

5. In accordance with Section 401 of CAMA, 2020, the retiring Auditor shall be re-appointed without passing a resolution.

6. In accordance with Section 257 of CAMA 2020, full details on the compensation of managers of the Company, set out on page 124 of the 2021 Annual Report was disclosed to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

7. In accordance with Section 404 (3) to (6) of the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the election of the statutory Audit Committee shareholder representative members is conducted by a show of hands at the AGM rather than by poll and proxy.

8. The Issued Share Capital ("ISC") at the time of the Annual General Meeting was 588,444,561 shares denominated in Naira of 50 kobo per share. The proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution is the total of votes "For" and "Against" in respect of that resolution expressed as a percentage of the ISC.

9. The Company notes that although Resolutions 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(ii), concerning re-election of Directors, were passed with the necessary majorities (79.51% and 79.18% respectively), Resolution 5(b)(i) received 20.49% of votes against and Resolution 5(b)(ii) received 20.82% of votes against. Seplat Energy is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and as contemplated by Section 1, Provision 4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Company will engage with the minority of shareholders who voted against these resolutions, to fully understand their views and the reasons for their votes. Additionally, the Company will, within six months of the AGM date (18 May 2022), provide an update on views received from shareholders and any actions that the Company has deemed necessary to allay any concerns expressed by those shareholders. Shareholders can contact the Company using the following email addresses: companysecretariat@seplatenergy.com or IR@seplatenergy.com or by contacting one of the officers listed below.

10. In accordance with LR 9.6.2, copies of the relevant ordinary and special resolutions passed at the meeting have been submitted to the FCA's National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available to view at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. The full text of the resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, which is available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism and also on the Company's website at http://www.seplatenergy.com.

- Ends -

Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa

Director, Legal/Company Secretary

For: Seplat Energy PLC.

Enquiries

Seplat Energy Plc +234 12 770 400 Emeka Onwuka, CFO Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/General Counsel Carl Franklin, Head of Investor Relations Chioma Nwachuku, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability FTI Consulting Ben Brewerton / Chris Laing +44 (0) 203 727 1000 seplat@fticonsulting.com

Notes to editors

Seplat Energy Plc is Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL). Seplat Energy is pursuing a Nigeria-focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future asset divestments by international oil companies, farm-in opportunities, and future licensing rounds. The Company is a leading supplier of gas to the domestic power generation market. For further information please refer to the Company website, http://seplatenergy.com/
Seplat Energy PLC ("Seplat" or the "Company")

Correction - results of the ninth Annual General Meeting

This correction to RNS Number 1732M, issued at 17.31 on 19 May 2022, inserts a new note, note 9.

Lagos and London, 20 May 2022: Seplat Energy PLC announces that at its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 16a Temple Road (Olu Holloway), Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, all resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting put to the Shareholders were duly passed by the requisite majority.

The results of each resolution voted by way of poll including proxy votes lodged with the Company's Registrars are set out below:

Votes FOR Votes AGAINST Votes Withheld/ Abstain Total Votes Cast (excluding Votes Withheld/Abstain) RESOLUTIONS Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares Number of shares For & Against % of ISC 1. Resolution 1: To receive the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021, together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and the Statutory Audit Committee thereon. 481,697,063 100% nil nil nil 481,697,063 82% 2. Resolution 2: To declare a final dividend recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2021. 481,696,013 100% nil nil nil 481,696,013 82% 3. Resolution 3: To re-appoint PriceWaterhouseCoopers ("PWC") as Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at which the Company's Annual Accounts are laid. Noted by Shareholders 4 Resolution 4: To authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to determine the Auditors' remuneration. 480,250,681 99.70% 1,446,383 0.30% nil 481,697,064 82% 5. Resolution 5: To elect/re-elect the following Directors: 5(a)(i): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(ii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Bello Rabiu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Dr. Emma FitzGerald (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iv): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(v): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Kazeem Raimi (Non-Executive Director); and 479,143,147 100% nil nil nil 479,143,147 81% 5(a)(vi): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Ernest Ebi (Non-Executive Director). 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(b)(i): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Mr. Basil Omiyi (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 380,460,893 79.51% 98,043,393 20.49% nil 478,504,286 81% 5(b)(ii): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Dr. Charles Okeahalam (Independent Non-Executive Director). 372,797,582 79.18% 98,043,393 20.82% nil 470,840,975 80% 6. Resolution 6: To disclose the remuneration of managers of the Company Noted by Shareholders 7 Resolution 7: To elect the shareholder representatives of the Statutory Audit Committee. This was done by show of hands in line with the section 249(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provisions. Members of the Statutory Audit Committee comprising three (3) shareholders elected representatives and two (2) Board nominated representatives were approved as follows: (a) Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN (Shareholder representative); (b) Hajia Hauwa Umar (Shareholder Representative); (c) Sir Sunday Nnamdi Nwosu (Shareholder Representative); (d) Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON (Board Representative); and (e) Mr. Olivier Cleret De Langavant (Board Representative). 8 Resolution 8: To approve the Remuneration Section of the Directors' Remuneration Report set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 426,655,099 97.52% 10,862,581 2.48% 132,021 437,517,680 74% 9 Resolution 9: To consider and, if thought fit, to transact the following Special Business, which will be proposed and passed as Ordinary Resolutions: a) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Companies Regulations 2021, as it relates to unissued shares forming part of the authorised Share Capital of the Company, including the cancellation of the unissued ordinary shares of the Company. 423,861,306 96.85% 13,781,084 3.15% 342,434 437,642,390 74% b) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company are altered to comply with Resolution 9(a) above, including replacing the provision stating the authorised share capital with the issued share capital of the Company. 451,728,804 97.04% 13,760,944 2.96% 342,434 465,489,748 79% c) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to enter into and execute agreements, deeds, notices or any other documents and to perform all acts and to do all such other things necessary for or incidental to giving effect to Resolution 9(a) above, including without limitation, appointing such professional parties, consultants and advisers and complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 436,273,948 99.69% 1,368,441 0.31% 342,434 437,642,389 74% d) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to perform all acts and to do all such other things as may be necessary for or incidental to giving effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 479,590,834 99.72% 1,368,441 0.28% 342,434 480,959,275 82%

Notes:

1. In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Seplat Energy obtained approval from the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission to hold its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) by proxy ONLY, which is in accordance with the new Guidelines on Holding of AGM of Public Companies taking advantage of Section 254 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 using proxies. For the appointment to be valid for the purposes of the Meeting, the Company made arrangements at its cost for the stamping of the duly completed proxy forms, which must be deposited at the office of the Registrar.

2. In accordance with the Company's articles of association, on a poll every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held. There were no restrictions on shareholders to cast votes on any of the resolutions proposed at the AGM.

3. A "Vote Withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" or "Against" any resolution nor in the calculation of the proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution.

4. The percentage of votes "For" and "Against" any resolution is expressed as a percentage of votes validly cast for that resolution.

5. In accordance with Section 401 of CAMA, 2020, the retiring Auditor shall be re-appointed without passing a resolution.

6. In accordance with Section 257 of CAMA 2020, full details on the compensation of managers of the Company, set out on page 124 of the 2021 Annual Report was disclosed to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

7. In accordance with Section 404 (3) to (6) of the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the election of the statutory Audit Committee shareholder representative members is conducted by a show of hands at the AGM rather than by poll and proxy.

8. The Issued Share Capital ("ISC") at the time of the Annual General Meeting was 588,444,561 shares denominated in Naira of 50 kobo per share. The proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution is the total of votes "For" and "Against" in respect of that resolution expressed as a percentage of the ISC.

9. The Company notes that although Resolutions 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(ii), concerning re-election of Directors, were passed with the necessary majorities (79.51% and 79.18% respectively), Resolution 5(b)(i) received 20.49% of votes against and Resolution 5(b)(ii) received 20.82% of votes against. Seplat Energy is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and as contemplated by Section 1, Provision 4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Company will engage with the minority of shareholders who voted against these resolutions, to fully understand their views and the reasons for their votes. Additionally, the Company will, within six months of the AGM date (18 May 2022), provide an update on views received from shareholders and any actions that the Company has deemed necessary to allay any concerns expressed by those shareholders. Shareholders can contact the Company using the following email addresses: companysecretariat@seplatenergy.com or IR@seplatenergy.com or by contacting one of the officers listed below.

10. In accordance with LR 9.6.2, copies of the relevant ordinary and special resolutions passed at the meeting have been submitted to the FCA's National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available to view at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. The full text of the resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, which is available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism and also on the Company's website at http://www.seplatenergy.com.

- Ends -

Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa

Director, Legal/Company Secretary

For: Seplat Energy PLC.

Enquiries

Seplat Energy Plc +234 12 770 400 Emeka Onwuka, CFO Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/General Counsel Carl Franklin, Head of Investor Relations Chioma Nwachuku, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability FTI Consulting Ben Brewerton / Chris Laing +44 (0) 203 727 1000 seplat@fticonsulting.com

Notes to editors

Seplat Energy Plc is Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL). Seplat Energy is pursuing a Nigeria-focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future asset divestments by international oil companies, farm-in opportunities, and future licensing rounds. The Company is a leading supplier of gas to the domestic power generation market. For further information please refer to the Company website, http://seplatenergy.com/
Commentary: Human rights progress in Xinjiang conspicuous to unbiased observers

Xinhua) 11:15, May 21, 2022

URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Some Western politicians have for years been orchestrating a smear campaign against the human rights situation in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

However, no matter how vehement the phony claims are, the reality of the situation in the region will always speak louder.

Human rights are centered on people. In Xinjiang, the Uygur population has been increasing steadily. Official statistics show that from 1953 to 2020, the population in Xinjiang increased drastically, with the Uygur population growing from 3.6 million to about 11.62 million.

In addition, residents in Xinjiang are enjoying longer and more prosperous lives. The average life expectancy in the region grew from 30 years in 1949 to 74.7 years in 2019. Absolute poverty has been eradicated, and the per capita disposable income of both urban and rural residents saw an increase of over 100 times from 1978 to 2020.

To further improve the well-being of the people, Xinjiang has also rolled out a host of measures, such as implementing a multi-layered social security net, setting up an educational system covering all levels of education, extending health care to its remotest villages and ensuring equal opportunities for job-seekers of all ethnic groups.

It has also gone to great lengths to protect the culture of ethnic minorities. All ethnic groups in Xinjiang have items on the national and regional lists of intangible cultural heritage, and there are 133 key cultural heritage sites under state protection.

In addition, freedom of religious belief is effectively guaranteed in the region. Xinjiang has 24,400 mosques, which corresponds to one mosque for every 530 Muslims. In fact, Xinjiang has more than twice as many mosques as there are in the United States, Britain, Germany and France combined.

Equally crucial is the hard-won safety and security in the region. The lives and properties of people are well protected and all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are able to focus on pursuing a better life for themselves and their children.

As the adage goes -- to know whether the shoes fit or not, ask the wearer. The people of Xinjiang know better than anyone about the human rights situation in the region. Nurzahat Habibul, who grew up in a farming family and is now an associate professor at Xinjiang Normal University, spoke for many when she said: "My achievements are inseparable from the learning opportunities, scientific research platforms and policy support provided by the government over the years."

The international community has also applauded the remarkable improvement of people's well-being in Xinjiang. In recent years, more than 2,000 government officials, religious personnel and journalists from over 100 countries and organizations have visited Xinjiang. What they have seen is a peaceful and harmonious Xinjiang with steady development.

In the words of Victor Cadena, vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, Xinjiang is "a land of prosperity," "a land where people enjoy their rights, and with the rule of law."

These indisputable facts have debunked all the fabricated accusations that some Western politicians have leveled against Xinjiang, and are also a slap in their face.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reached Delhi on Friday by a special flight, the first leg of his tour of various states until May 30 to play a key role in national politics.

Rao will talk to leaders of regional parties and build consensus on fielding a joint Opposition candidate against the NDA for the Presidential election scheduled in July. The NDA is confident of securing an easy victory with the support of YSRC and the BJD.

The CM was accompanied by TRS Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar, roads minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Lok Sabha member Nama Nageswara Rao and former MP B. Vinod Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the CM would stay at home on Friday and Saturday and visit Chandigarh on May 22 to give ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of the 600 farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi who died during the prolonged agitation against the Centre's now-withdrawn farm laws.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, both of the Aam Aadmi Party, are expected to be at the event. Later the CM will visit Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.

Meanwhile, works for the construction of TRS office (Telangana Bhavan) in Delhi were formally launched on Friday. Minister Prashanth Reddy and MP Nageswara Rao rushed to the construction site soon after arriving in Delhi to launch the works. Reddy told media personnel that the CM had issued instructions to expedite the works and ensure that the office was ready by December.
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
One on One with Joe Korkowski, is heard Saturdays on KXRA-1490AM / 100.3fm/105.7fm (@7:40am) and KXRA-92.3FM (@7:00am), as well as each Sunday morning on KXRZ Z99.3fm (@10:15am).

The interview is also re-broadcast on Monday mornings on KX92 at 10:00am and on Z99 at 9:10am.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.

World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reached Delhi on Friday by a special flight, the first leg of his tour of various states until May 30 to play a key role in national politics.

Rao will talk to leaders of regional parties and build consensus on fielding a joint Opposition candidate against the NDA for the Presidential election scheduled in July. The NDA is confident of securing an easy victory with the support of YSRC and the BJD.

The CM was accompanied by TRS Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar, roads minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Lok Sabha member Nama Nageswara Rao and former MP B. Vinod Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the CM would stay at home on Friday and Saturday and visit Chandigarh on May 22 to give ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of the 600 farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi who died during the prolonged agitation against the Centre's now-withdrawn farm laws.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, both of the Aam Aadmi Party, are expected to be at the event. Later the CM will visit Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.

Meanwhile, works for the construction of TRS office (Telangana Bhavan) in Delhi were formally launched on Friday. Minister Prashanth Reddy and MP Nageswara Rao rushed to the construction site soon after arriving in Delhi to launch the works. Reddy told media personnel that the CM had issued instructions to expedite the works and ensure that the office was ready by December.

World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.
Seplat Energy PLC ("Seplat" or the "Company")

Correction - results of the ninth Annual General Meeting

This correction to RNS Number 1732M, issued at 17.31 on 19 May 2022, inserts a new note, note 9.

Lagos and London, 20 May 2022: Seplat Energy PLC announces that at its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 16a Temple Road (Olu Holloway), Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, all resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting put to the Shareholders were duly passed by the requisite majority.

The results of each resolution voted by way of poll including proxy votes lodged with the Company's Registrars are set out below:

Votes FOR Votes AGAINST Votes Withheld/ Abstain Total Votes Cast (excluding Votes Withheld/Abstain) RESOLUTIONS Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares Number of shares For & Against % of ISC 1. Resolution 1: To receive the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021, together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and the Statutory Audit Committee thereon. 481,697,063 100% nil nil nil 481,697,063 82% 2. Resolution 2: To declare a final dividend recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2021. 481,696,013 100% nil nil nil 481,696,013 82% 3. Resolution 3: To re-appoint PriceWaterhouseCoopers ("PWC") as Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at which the Company's Annual Accounts are laid. Noted by Shareholders 4 Resolution 4: To authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to determine the Auditors' remuneration. 480,250,681 99.70% 1,446,383 0.30% nil 481,697,064 82% 5. Resolution 5: To elect/re-elect the following Directors: 5(a)(i): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(ii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Bello Rabiu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Dr. Emma FitzGerald (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iv): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(v): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Kazeem Raimi (Non-Executive Director); and 479,143,147 100% nil nil nil 479,143,147 81% 5(a)(vi): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Ernest Ebi (Non-Executive Director). 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(b)(i): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Mr. Basil Omiyi (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 380,460,893 79.51% 98,043,393 20.49% nil 478,504,286 81% 5(b)(ii): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Dr. Charles Okeahalam (Independent Non-Executive Director). 372,797,582 79.18% 98,043,393 20.82% nil 470,840,975 80% 6. Resolution 6: To disclose the remuneration of managers of the Company Noted by Shareholders 7 Resolution 7: To elect the shareholder representatives of the Statutory Audit Committee. This was done by show of hands in line with the section 249(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provisions. Members of the Statutory Audit Committee comprising three (3) shareholders elected representatives and two (2) Board nominated representatives were approved as follows: (a) Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN (Shareholder representative); (b) Hajia Hauwa Umar (Shareholder Representative); (c) Sir Sunday Nnamdi Nwosu (Shareholder Representative); (d) Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON (Board Representative); and (e) Mr. Olivier Cleret De Langavant (Board Representative). 8 Resolution 8: To approve the Remuneration Section of the Directors' Remuneration Report set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 426,655,099 97.52% 10,862,581 2.48% 132,021 437,517,680 74% 9 Resolution 9: To consider and, if thought fit, to transact the following Special Business, which will be proposed and passed as Ordinary Resolutions: a) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Companies Regulations 2021, as it relates to unissued shares forming part of the authorised Share Capital of the Company, including the cancellation of the unissued ordinary shares of the Company. 423,861,306 96.85% 13,781,084 3.15% 342,434 437,642,390 74% b) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company are altered to comply with Resolution 9(a) above, including replacing the provision stating the authorised share capital with the issued share capital of the Company. 451,728,804 97.04% 13,760,944 2.96% 342,434 465,489,748 79% c) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to enter into and execute agreements, deeds, notices or any other documents and to perform all acts and to do all such other things necessary for or incidental to giving effect to Resolution 9(a) above, including without limitation, appointing such professional parties, consultants and advisers and complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 436,273,948 99.69% 1,368,441 0.31% 342,434 437,642,389 74% d) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to perform all acts and to do all such other things as may be necessary for or incidental to giving effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 479,590,834 99.72% 1,368,441 0.28% 342,434 480,959,275 82%

Notes:

1. In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Seplat Energy obtained approval from the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission to hold its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) by proxy ONLY, which is in accordance with the new Guidelines on Holding of AGM of Public Companies taking advantage of Section 254 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 using proxies. For the appointment to be valid for the purposes of the Meeting, the Company made arrangements at its cost for the stamping of the duly completed proxy forms, which must be deposited at the office of the Registrar.

2. In accordance with the Company's articles of association, on a poll every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held. There were no restrictions on shareholders to cast votes on any of the resolutions proposed at the AGM.

3. A "Vote Withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" or "Against" any resolution nor in the calculation of the proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution.

4. The percentage of votes "For" and "Against" any resolution is expressed as a percentage of votes validly cast for that resolution.

5. In accordance with Section 401 of CAMA, 2020, the retiring Auditor shall be re-appointed without passing a resolution.

6. In accordance with Section 257 of CAMA 2020, full details on the compensation of managers of the Company, set out on page 124 of the 2021 Annual Report was disclosed to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

7. In accordance with Section 404 (3) to (6) of the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the election of the statutory Audit Committee shareholder representative members is conducted by a show of hands at the AGM rather than by poll and proxy.

8. The Issued Share Capital ("ISC") at the time of the Annual General Meeting was 588,444,561 shares denominated in Naira of 50 kobo per share. The proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution is the total of votes "For" and "Against" in respect of that resolution expressed as a percentage of the ISC.

9. The Company notes that although Resolutions 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(ii), concerning re-election of Directors, were passed with the necessary majorities (79.51% and 79.18% respectively), Resolution 5(b)(i) received 20.49% of votes against and Resolution 5(b)(ii) received 20.82% of votes against. Seplat Energy is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and as contemplated by Section 1, Provision 4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Company will engage with the minority of shareholders who voted against these resolutions, to fully understand their views and the reasons for their votes. Additionally, the Company will, within six months of the AGM date (18 May 2022), provide an update on views received from shareholders and any actions that the Company has deemed necessary to allay any concerns expressed by those shareholders. Shareholders can contact the Company using the following email addresses: companysecretariat@seplatenergy.com or IR@seplatenergy.com or by contacting one of the officers listed below.

10. In accordance with LR 9.6.2, copies of the relevant ordinary and special resolutions passed at the meeting have been submitted to the FCA's National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available to view at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. The full text of the resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, which is available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism and also on the Company's website at http://www.seplatenergy.com.

- Ends -

Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa

Director, Legal/Company Secretary

For: Seplat Energy PLC.

Enquiries

Seplat Energy Plc +234 12 770 400 Emeka Onwuka, CFO Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/General Counsel Carl Franklin, Head of Investor Relations Chioma Nwachuku, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability FTI Consulting Ben Brewerton / Chris Laing +44 (0) 203 727 1000 seplat@fticonsulting.com

Notes to editors

Seplat Energy Plc is Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL). Seplat Energy is pursuing a Nigeria-focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future asset divestments by international oil companies, farm-in opportunities, and future licensing rounds. The Company is a leading supplier of gas to the domestic power generation market. For further information please refer to the Company website, http://seplatenergy.com/
Seplat Energy PLC ("Seplat" or the "Company")

Correction - results of the ninth Annual General Meeting

This correction to RNS Number 1732M, issued at 17.31 on 19 May 2022, inserts a new note, note 9.

Lagos and London, 20 May 2022: Seplat Energy PLC announces that at its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 16a Temple Road (Olu Holloway), Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, all resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting put to the Shareholders were duly passed by the requisite majority.

The results of each resolution voted by way of poll including proxy votes lodged with the Company's Registrars are set out below:

Votes FOR Votes AGAINST Votes Withheld/ Abstain Total Votes Cast (excluding Votes Withheld/Abstain) RESOLUTIONS Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares Number of shares For & Against % of ISC 1. Resolution 1: To receive the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021, together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and the Statutory Audit Committee thereon. 481,697,063 100% nil nil nil 481,697,063 82% 2. Resolution 2: To declare a final dividend recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2021. 481,696,013 100% nil nil nil 481,696,013 82% 3. Resolution 3: To re-appoint PriceWaterhouseCoopers ("PWC") as Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at which the Company's Annual Accounts are laid. Noted by Shareholders 4 Resolution 4: To authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to determine the Auditors' remuneration. 480,250,681 99.70% 1,446,383 0.30% nil 481,697,064 82% 5. Resolution 5: To elect/re-elect the following Directors: 5(a)(i): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(ii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Bello Rabiu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Dr. Emma FitzGerald (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iv): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(v): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Kazeem Raimi (Non-Executive Director); and 479,143,147 100% nil nil nil 479,143,147 81% 5(a)(vi): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Ernest Ebi (Non-Executive Director). 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(b)(i): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Mr. Basil Omiyi (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 380,460,893 79.51% 98,043,393 20.49% nil 478,504,286 81% 5(b)(ii): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Dr. Charles Okeahalam (Independent Non-Executive Director). 372,797,582 79.18% 98,043,393 20.82% nil 470,840,975 80% 6. Resolution 6: To disclose the remuneration of managers of the Company Noted by Shareholders 7 Resolution 7: To elect the shareholder representatives of the Statutory Audit Committee. This was done by show of hands in line with the section 249(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provisions. Members of the Statutory Audit Committee comprising three (3) shareholders elected representatives and two (2) Board nominated representatives were approved as follows: (a) Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN (Shareholder representative); (b) Hajia Hauwa Umar (Shareholder Representative); (c) Sir Sunday Nnamdi Nwosu (Shareholder Representative); (d) Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON (Board Representative); and (e) Mr. Olivier Cleret De Langavant (Board Representative). 8 Resolution 8: To approve the Remuneration Section of the Directors' Remuneration Report set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 426,655,099 97.52% 10,862,581 2.48% 132,021 437,517,680 74% 9 Resolution 9: To consider and, if thought fit, to transact the following Special Business, which will be proposed and passed as Ordinary Resolutions: a) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Companies Regulations 2021, as it relates to unissued shares forming part of the authorised Share Capital of the Company, including the cancellation of the unissued ordinary shares of the Company. 423,861,306 96.85% 13,781,084 3.15% 342,434 437,642,390 74% b) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company are altered to comply with Resolution 9(a) above, including replacing the provision stating the authorised share capital with the issued share capital of the Company. 451,728,804 97.04% 13,760,944 2.96% 342,434 465,489,748 79% c) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to enter into and execute agreements, deeds, notices or any other documents and to perform all acts and to do all such other things necessary for or incidental to giving effect to Resolution 9(a) above, including without limitation, appointing such professional parties, consultants and advisers and complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 436,273,948 99.69% 1,368,441 0.31% 342,434 437,642,389 74% d) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to perform all acts and to do all such other things as may be necessary for or incidental to giving effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 479,590,834 99.72% 1,368,441 0.28% 342,434 480,959,275 82%

Notes:

1. In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Seplat Energy obtained approval from the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission to hold its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) by proxy ONLY, which is in accordance with the new Guidelines on Holding of AGM of Public Companies taking advantage of Section 254 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 using proxies. For the appointment to be valid for the purposes of the Meeting, the Company made arrangements at its cost for the stamping of the duly completed proxy forms, which must be deposited at the office of the Registrar.

2. In accordance with the Company's articles of association, on a poll every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held. There were no restrictions on shareholders to cast votes on any of the resolutions proposed at the AGM.

3. A "Vote Withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" or "Against" any resolution nor in the calculation of the proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution.

4. The percentage of votes "For" and "Against" any resolution is expressed as a percentage of votes validly cast for that resolution.

5. In accordance with Section 401 of CAMA, 2020, the retiring Auditor shall be re-appointed without passing a resolution.

6. In accordance with Section 257 of CAMA 2020, full details on the compensation of managers of the Company, set out on page 124 of the 2021 Annual Report was disclosed to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

7. In accordance with Section 404 (3) to (6) of the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the election of the statutory Audit Committee shareholder representative members is conducted by a show of hands at the AGM rather than by poll and proxy.

8. The Issued Share Capital ("ISC") at the time of the Annual General Meeting was 588,444,561 shares denominated in Naira of 50 kobo per share. The proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution is the total of votes "For" and "Against" in respect of that resolution expressed as a percentage of the ISC.

9. The Company notes that although Resolutions 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(ii), concerning re-election of Directors, were passed with the necessary majorities (79.51% and 79.18% respectively), Resolution 5(b)(i) received 20.49% of votes against and Resolution 5(b)(ii) received 20.82% of votes against. Seplat Energy is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and as contemplated by Section 1, Provision 4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Company will engage with the minority of shareholders who voted against these resolutions, to fully understand their views and the reasons for their votes. Additionally, the Company will, within six months of the AGM date (18 May 2022), provide an update on views received from shareholders and any actions that the Company has deemed necessary to allay any concerns expressed by those shareholders. Shareholders can contact the Company using the following email addresses: companysecretariat@seplatenergy.com or IR@seplatenergy.com or by contacting one of the officers listed below.

10. In accordance with LR 9.6.2, copies of the relevant ordinary and special resolutions passed at the meeting have been submitted to the FCA's National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available to view at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. The full text of the resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, which is available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism and also on the Company's website at http://www.seplatenergy.com.

- Ends -

Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa

Director, Legal/Company Secretary

For: Seplat Energy PLC.

Enquiries

Seplat Energy Plc +234 12 770 400 Emeka Onwuka, CFO Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/General Counsel Carl Franklin, Head of Investor Relations Chioma Nwachuku, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability FTI Consulting Ben Brewerton / Chris Laing +44 (0) 203 727 1000 seplat@fticonsulting.com

Notes to editors

Seplat Energy Plc is Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL). Seplat Energy is pursuing a Nigeria-focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future asset divestments by international oil companies, farm-in opportunities, and future licensing rounds. The Company is a leading supplier of gas to the domestic power generation market. For further information please refer to the Company website, http://seplatenergy.com/
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Former Fast Company staff writer Rina Raphael takes a hatchet to the $4.4 trillion wellness industry and her willing participation in propagating its misinformation in The Gospel of Wellness (Holt, Sept.), which combines reportage, first-person narrative, and social critique. I saw how the sausage was made, she says. I myself made mistakes. Raphael spoke with PW about gender, the commodification of health, and Americas long history of snake oil salespeople.

How did the industry go awry?

I covered wellness from the business angle. What I thought was a well-intentioned industrybased around fitness, nutrition, stress relief, and spiritualityincreasingly gave way to muddy waters: crystal-infused water bottles, detox cleanses, shady workplace wellness programs. After interviewing founders and trying every trend myself, I talked to hundreds of women at wellness festivals. I grew skeptical and out of curiosity, but also out of journalistic duty, I started doing my homework. The wellness industry is actually quite unwell. This book is the story of what I discovered.

How do you implicate yourself in this story?

I covered this industry because I was personally invested in it. I totally drank the Kool-Aid. I went to every boutique class. I went fully organic. I tried the detoxes, the whole shebang. You get sucked into this because of social media. Theres also so much misinformation in the media. Wellness is not treated like the health category. Its treated like fashion. Youll find it in the Sunday Styles, in all the womens magazines. You have important health stories written by people who dont have any science background and who didnt reach out to any scientists or doctors. Thats how this industry is getting out of control; its not because women are stupid. I elevated so many of these companies to great heights, and then I realized that they werent what I thought they were.

How do gender and wellness intersect?

There are very specific reasons why American women gravitate toward wellness. Why are they rushing to boutique studios? Why are they downloading meditation apps and swapping milk for soaked almond water? Theyre looking for solutions. Wellness tells them that they have the solutions. Women are told if they follow a certain protocol, eat right, meditate, buy all this stuff, they can manage what feels unruly or subpar in their lives. I spoke to an Italian academic who deals in self-care studies, and she said, We get six weeks vacation; we take two-hour lunches; we have fresh food; were a communal society. We dont need as much self-care.  The messaging around self-care is highly individualistic, when we need more communal solutions.

Why did you use the word gospel in the subtitle?

The messaging and marketing around this commodified bloated industry is similar to organized religion. It provides identity, meaning, communitythings that are in short supply in America. At the same time, it also has its false idols and its cultish trends. I spoke to people who couldnt live without their SoulCycle or near-worshiped influencers because they dont trust other institutions.

After reading the book, what do you hope readers take away?

You think, Wow, were really being taken for a ride here. But this has happened before. In the 19th century, once germ theory pervaded the national consciousness, you had all these companies who terrified women: If you dont buy an ice box then your kids are going to die! If you dont scrub with these certain disinfectants youre going to be carrying your kid out in a tiny casket. I hope that women can be a little more forgiving of themselves and just recognize that they are being targeted.

Back to main feature.
China, Ecuador pledge to advance pragmatic cooperation

Xinhua) 11:09, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Holguin, with both sides vowing to promote pragmatic cooperation.

In February this year, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics and paid a successful visit to China, during which the two heads of state reached important consensus on the development of bilateral relations, Wang said.

Noting that China and Ecuador share extensive common interests, Wang said their cooperation is South-South cooperation featuring mutual respect, mutual assistance and mutual support, which has yielded important outcomes and has a bright prospect.

Ecuador is about to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the victory of its war of independence, said Wang, adding that he believes the South American country will make new achievements on the new development path.

Wang said that the two sides should consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen coordination, continue to view the development of bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and strengthen mutual support on issues of their respective core interests.

He thanked Ecuador for adhering to the one-China principle and supporting China in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The two sides should strengthen coordination in the multilateral arena, defend true multilateralism and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.

Wang said that China is willing to continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Ecuador, actively negotiate and sign the Belt and Road cooperation plan, jointly foster new growth points such as the Health Silk Road, the digital Silk Road and a green Silk Road, and upgrade practical cooperation so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

For his part, Holguin said that the Ecuador-China friendship has been rooted in the two peoples and cannot be shaken by any international force.

Ecuador attaches great importance to developing relations with China, firmly supports the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, consolidate political mutual trust and push forward their comprehensive strategic partnership, Holguin said.

He thanked China for its strong support to Ecuador in fighting COVID-19, as well as in healthcare, infrastructure construction and other fields, saying that the country is ready to further deepen Belt and Road cooperation with China, speed up negotiations on a free trade agreement, and enrich pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
China donates anti-COVID-19 materials to Sudan

Xinhua) 11:11, May 21, 2022

Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
China donates anti-COVID-19 materials to Sudan

Xinhua) 11:11, May 21, 2022

Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
China donates anti-COVID-19 materials to Sudan

Xinhua) 11:11, May 21, 2022

Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
Former Fast Company staff writer Rina Raphael takes a hatchet to the $4.4 trillion wellness industry and her willing participation in propagating its misinformation in The Gospel of Wellness (Holt, Sept.), which combines reportage, first-person narrative, and social critique. I saw how the sausage was made, she says. I myself made mistakes. Raphael spoke with PW about gender, the commodification of health, and Americas long history of snake oil salespeople.

How did the industry go awry?

I covered wellness from the business angle. What I thought was a well-intentioned industrybased around fitness, nutrition, stress relief, and spiritualityincreasingly gave way to muddy waters: crystal-infused water bottles, detox cleanses, shady workplace wellness programs. After interviewing founders and trying every trend myself, I talked to hundreds of women at wellness festivals. I grew skeptical and out of curiosity, but also out of journalistic duty, I started doing my homework. The wellness industry is actually quite unwell. This book is the story of what I discovered.

How do you implicate yourself in this story?

I covered this industry because I was personally invested in it. I totally drank the Kool-Aid. I went to every boutique class. I went fully organic. I tried the detoxes, the whole shebang. You get sucked into this because of social media. Theres also so much misinformation in the media. Wellness is not treated like the health category. Its treated like fashion. Youll find it in the Sunday Styles, in all the womens magazines. You have important health stories written by people who dont have any science background and who didnt reach out to any scientists or doctors. Thats how this industry is getting out of control; its not because women are stupid. I elevated so many of these companies to great heights, and then I realized that they werent what I thought they were.

How do gender and wellness intersect?

There are very specific reasons why American women gravitate toward wellness. Why are they rushing to boutique studios? Why are they downloading meditation apps and swapping milk for soaked almond water? Theyre looking for solutions. Wellness tells them that they have the solutions. Women are told if they follow a certain protocol, eat right, meditate, buy all this stuff, they can manage what feels unruly or subpar in their lives. I spoke to an Italian academic who deals in self-care studies, and she said, We get six weeks vacation; we take two-hour lunches; we have fresh food; were a communal society. We dont need as much self-care.  The messaging around self-care is highly individualistic, when we need more communal solutions.

Why did you use the word gospel in the subtitle?

The messaging and marketing around this commodified bloated industry is similar to organized religion. It provides identity, meaning, communitythings that are in short supply in America. At the same time, it also has its false idols and its cultish trends. I spoke to people who couldnt live without their SoulCycle or near-worshiped influencers because they dont trust other institutions.

After reading the book, what do you hope readers take away?

You think, Wow, were really being taken for a ride here. But this has happened before. In the 19th century, once germ theory pervaded the national consciousness, you had all these companies who terrified women: If you dont buy an ice box then your kids are going to die! If you dont scrub with these certain disinfectants youre going to be carrying your kid out in a tiny casket. I hope that women can be a little more forgiving of themselves and just recognize that they are being targeted.

Back to main feature.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.

World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Commentary: Human rights progress in Xinjiang conspicuous to unbiased observers

Xinhua) 11:15, May 21, 2022

URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Some Western politicians have for years been orchestrating a smear campaign against the human rights situation in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

However, no matter how vehement the phony claims are, the reality of the situation in the region will always speak louder.

Human rights are centered on people. In Xinjiang, the Uygur population has been increasing steadily. Official statistics show that from 1953 to 2020, the population in Xinjiang increased drastically, with the Uygur population growing from 3.6 million to about 11.62 million.

In addition, residents in Xinjiang are enjoying longer and more prosperous lives. The average life expectancy in the region grew from 30 years in 1949 to 74.7 years in 2019. Absolute poverty has been eradicated, and the per capita disposable income of both urban and rural residents saw an increase of over 100 times from 1978 to 2020.

To further improve the well-being of the people, Xinjiang has also rolled out a host of measures, such as implementing a multi-layered social security net, setting up an educational system covering all levels of education, extending health care to its remotest villages and ensuring equal opportunities for job-seekers of all ethnic groups.

It has also gone to great lengths to protect the culture of ethnic minorities. All ethnic groups in Xinjiang have items on the national and regional lists of intangible cultural heritage, and there are 133 key cultural heritage sites under state protection.

In addition, freedom of religious belief is effectively guaranteed in the region. Xinjiang has 24,400 mosques, which corresponds to one mosque for every 530 Muslims. In fact, Xinjiang has more than twice as many mosques as there are in the United States, Britain, Germany and France combined.

Equally crucial is the hard-won safety and security in the region. The lives and properties of people are well protected and all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are able to focus on pursuing a better life for themselves and their children.

As the adage goes -- to know whether the shoes fit or not, ask the wearer. The people of Xinjiang know better than anyone about the human rights situation in the region. Nurzahat Habibul, who grew up in a farming family and is now an associate professor at Xinjiang Normal University, spoke for many when she said: "My achievements are inseparable from the learning opportunities, scientific research platforms and policy support provided by the government over the years."

The international community has also applauded the remarkable improvement of people's well-being in Xinjiang. In recent years, more than 2,000 government officials, religious personnel and journalists from over 100 countries and organizations have visited Xinjiang. What they have seen is a peaceful and harmonious Xinjiang with steady development.

In the words of Victor Cadena, vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, Xinjiang is "a land of prosperity," "a land where people enjoy their rights, and with the rule of law."

These indisputable facts have debunked all the fabricated accusations that some Western politicians have leveled against Xinjiang, and are also a slap in their face.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)

World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Commentary: U.S. probe into 2019 civilian killings case in Syria hypocritic, dangerous

Xinhua) 13:23, May 21, 2022

CAIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Six months after a media investigation revealed that the U.S. military concealed a 2019 airstrike in Syria that killed dozens of civilians, a Pentagon internal investigation reached a somewhat contradictory conclusion early this week: while the military's initial review of the attack was mishandled, no disciplinary action is warranted.

In defense of the conclusion, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that "yes, we killed some innocent civilians, women and children... It was in the midst of combat, in the fog of war."

The cold-blooded dismissal of any wrongdoing has once again demonstrated the U.S. hypocrisy, if not leniency, toward heinous war crimes committed by U.S. troops in other countries.

In the March 2019 strike near the Syrian town of Baghuz, a total of 80 people were killed, 64 of whom were believed to be civilians, including women and children, in one of the largest civilian casualty incidents in the U.S. war against the Islamic State (IS).

It was after the investigation by The Times last November that the U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, acknowledged the strike for the first time.

The U.S. Central Command then claimed that 16 of the 80 people killed were IS terrorists and four were civilians, and that the remaining 60 might have been terrorists because "women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms."

According to The Times, shortly after the strike, the U.S. Air Force lawyer, Dean Korsak, "believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act."

"Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Colonel Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee, telling its staff that he had top secret material to discuss and adding, 'I'm putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.,'" The Times reported.

The Pentagon's position on the 2019 Syrian strike is dangerous. It not only demonstrates lax U.S. regulations that should have protected civilian safety during wars, but also allows U.S. soldiers on the battlefield to commit indiscriminate killings because they know they will not face any punishment.

This is the latest example of the U.S. concealing and whitewashing its crimes against civilians overseas, as well as its shameless attempt to shield its warmongers from international war crimes tribunals.

There are numerous instances of the U.S. killing of innocent civilians during its various wars and military operations against foreign countries. The most heinous crime against civilians committed by the U.S. military occurred in February 1991, when a single U.S. airstrike on a public shelter in Baghdad's Amiriyah neighborhood killed over 400 Iraqi civilians. The most recent incident occurred in last August, when a botched U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan. No U.S. troops were punished.

In two decades of the so-called anti-terror war, the U.S. military "has killed hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians by accident in war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia," but "rarely does it hold specific people accountable," said a New York Times report last December.

It is a disgrace that Washington portrays itself as a global champion of human rights defenders while displaying no remorse for its war crimes and even going to great lengths to conceal the truth.

The fundamental reason for the United States' audacious and reckless attacks on civilians around the world stems from its arrogance and disregard for international law: it always believes that it has the moral high ground, that its laws are superior to international laws, and that it can get away with any wrongdoing because it is the sole superpower.

It is past time for the international community to band together to seek justice for the countless innocent civilians killed by the U.S. military; otherwise, such atrocities will continue indefinitely.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)





Emerging markets, developing countries should uphold true multilateralism: Chinese FM

Xinhua) 11:14, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that emerging markets and developing countries should uphold true multilateralism.

Wang made the remarks on Thursday when chairing a virtual dialogue between BRICS foreign ministers and their counterparts from emerging markets and developing countries.

Noting the global risk of division and confrontation, Wang said multilateralism is essential for emerging markets and developing countries to pursue development and growth.

He said that the key to upholding true multilateralism lies in extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and seeking openness and inclusiveness rather than isolation and exclusion.

"We should uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and oppose coercing other countries to take sides," Wang said.

He said it is necessary to make the global governance system better reflect the legitimate concerns and reasonable demands of most countries, especially developing countries.

China is ready to work with others to implement the Global Security Initiative, strengthen global security governance and safeguard world peace and tranquility, he added.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.
A leading Australian political pundit has backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong last time.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column

Leading Australian political pundit Peter van Onselen backflipped to pick an Anthony Albanese win in the election - despite getting it badly wrong in 2019

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Others who picked Shorten to head a Labor government after the 2019 poll included channel Nine's Chris Uhlmann and Peter Overton, the ABC's Barrie Cassidy and Ten's Waleed Aly.

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power in 2019 - and admitted victorious Scott Morrison took delight 'rubbing his nose in getting it wrong'

Mr Morrison defied predictions as the Coalition won 77 seats to Labor's 68 for an against-all-odds win that buried years of leadership uncertainty for the Coalition.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Labor 'should' be able to form a majority government after the poll, van Onselen wrote, but at least will be able to govern in minority.

Until recently van Onselen had predicted that Mr Morrison would be returned to power in 2022, though his tweets on the subject were possibly a sarcastic dig at himself after the failed 2019 prediction.

Van Onselen believes the 'best case scenario for the Coalition is to lose 'four to six seats to Labor' - plus more of their own losses to the so-called Teal Independents.

But the defining reason van Onselen reckons Mr Morrison can't win is the dislike shown towards him from inside his own party.

Van Onselen (pictured) confronted the PM with the series of incendiary text messages allegedly sent between former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister

The minister allegedly replied saying the prime minister was a fraud and a 'complete psycho'

Van Onselen claimed the damaging character assessments by fellow Liberals have been the 'dagger in the heart' of Mr Morrison.

The PM said recently he couldn't care less about text messages that have been leaked in the past week describing him as a 'liar', 'horrible, horrible person', and a 'complete psycho'.

Van Onselen was instrumental in the messages being leaked.

'Politics is a brutal business. Anyone who pretends it's not, and anybody who pretends that from time to time people don't get angry or bitter,' Mr Morrison said in response.

The most significant thing about the remarks is who said them. In a leaked SMS Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce called him 'a hypocrite and a liar'.

Another text revealed former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian labelled Mr Morrison a 'horrible, horrible person' during the 2019/20 bushfire crisis.

In the exchange, a unnamed federal cabinet minister branded Mr Morrison a 'complete psycho' as well as 'desperate and jealous'.
The leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum have issued warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on any attempt to field northerners as presidential candidates for the forthcoming general elections.

The leaders said doing that would have grim consequences on national concord and harmony.

They also asked politicians from the South vying for the presidential seat to reject the position of Vice President as that would amount to a shameful committal of present and future generations of southern Nigeria to senseless political vassalage.

This was disclosed in a communique jointly signed by Chief Edwin Clark; Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; President-General, Middle Belt Forum, Dr Pogu Bitrus; President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor; and the National Chairman, Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Senator Emmanuel Essien, obtained by journalists on Saturday after the meeting of the forum, which was held in Abuja, on Thursday.

The statement read in part, The SMBLF firmly reiterates its stance on the principle of zoning and power rotation between the North and the South, as the basis on which the Nigerian federation has, since Independence, been premised. We state, unequivocally, that the zoning and rotation of the presidency of Nigeria are fundamental to the future existence of the country.

Accordingly, we condemn, in strongest terms, obvious schemes by the two main political parties, the PDP and APC, ahead of their presidential primaries, to jettison the time-honoured principle of rotation, which has traditionally served as the glue holding the Federal Republic of Nigeria together.

We warn that the reported permutations by the main political parties to foist northern presidential candidates on the nation would be a grave misadventure, with grim consequences on national concord and harmony.

We, therefore, call on all delegates of all political parties, and true lovers of democracy, as a sacred obligation, to reject presidential aspirants, or candidates, from the North, and only vote for those from the South in the party primaries.

We also call on all politicians and professionals from the South not to accept, on any account, the position of Vice President, as that would amount to a shameful committal of present and future generations of southern Nigeria to senseless political vassalage, part of the communique reads.

They also insisted that, in observance of the principles of justice, equity, fairness and political inclusiveness, the south, and particularly, the South-East zone should produce the next president of the country in 2023.

We, therefore, insist that this would bring the Igbo quest for full reintegration and reconciliation, since the end of the Civil War in 1970, to full realization, the statement stated.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Red Bull Racing came up with a few smaller updates for the RB18 in Spain. Mainly, new materials have been included, making the cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez another four kilograms lighter. Helmut Marko is satisfied with the new package.

"Our updates are working fine," the Red Bull advisor is quoted as saying by Italian Formula1A.UNO. The Red Bull is still too heavy, but thanks to the constant stream of updates, they are confident that the 2022 car will be at the minimum weight of 798 kilograms by the time it enters the summer break.

Still, it's not easy to improve the car week in and week out. There is an awful lot of work involved and then you still don't know how much effect an update is going to have when it is brought to the Grand Prix weekend."With these cars and the new regulations it's difficult to introduce good updates. Just look at Mercedes, how long did it take them to solve their problems."

Ferrari has steps to make

Ferrari also took updates and although the Italians are happy with the first data from it, Marko is a bit shocked by his rival's performance. "I'm a bit surprised by Ferrari's poor long runs and their tire wear," he said. In the longruns, Charles Leclerc had to concede an average of about six tenths per lap to the average pace Verstappen was able to put on the mat.



Bill Maher accused kids of coming out as trans is because it's 'trendy' and because being gay 'is not hip enough', on Friday's Real Time.

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial.

He began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054.'

Maher then asked if people are allowed to see those increases and ask: 'What's up with that?'

'It wasn't that long ago that when adults asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up, 'They meant what profession,' Maher said.

Commentator Bill Maher dedicated the end of his 'New Rules' segment on Friday's edition of HBO's Real Time to the rising numbers of LGBTQ Americans, which he went as far as to suggest was 'trendy'

He then pivoted to suggest that the number of LGBTQ Americans had risen so sharply, a recent ACLU finding claimed abortion rights bans would affect LGBTQ people more than cisgender women giving birth.

'Someone needs to say it - not everything's about you. It's okay to ask questions about something very new,' Maher said.

He then turned to puberty blockers, which are given to transgender youth, which Maher called 'literally experimenting on children' and suggested that the long-term effects haven't been studied enough, showing studies that said it caused lack of bone density and infertility.

Maher also cracked about the upcoming Pride parade in New York City not including gay men, but only trans people and lesbians.

'That's where we are now - gay men are not hip enough for a Gay Pride parade. Gay is practically cis, and cis is practically Mormon,' he said, showing a photo of Senator Mitt Romney.

Maher then suggested the number of people identifying as LGBTQ is 'trendy' because teenagers like to challenge 'the squares who brought you up' and wondering why he saw so many transgender children in his home of California but not in Youngstown, Ohio or the rest of the country.

He said that granting children's request for puberty blockers and genital surgery makes them part of a culture war they shouldn't be a part of.

'Never forget childen are impressionable and very, very stupid,' Maher said. 'A boy who thinks he's a girl maybe is just gay - or whatever [the television character] 'Frasier' was

'And maybe, if life makes you sad, there are other solutions than hand me the d**k saw,' he added.

Maher wrapped it up by saying that while gender is fluid, that 'kids are fluid about everything' and want to be different things when they grow up from one day to the next.

Maher began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054'

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial

'I wanted to be a pirate. Thank God no one scheduled me for eye removal and peg leg surgery,' he finished.

Though in recent episodes of the show and in his new standup special, #Adulting, Maher claims that he remains the same liberal he always was, though he has ticked off the left and specifically LGBTQ advocates and what he deems 'the woke mob' recently.

Maher mocked woke advocates for transgender issues in a show on May 7, saying the possible overturn of Roe V. Wade was a more important issue that puts their complaints into perspective.

In his opening monologue, Maher discussed the Supreme Court leak that revealed five justices are prepared to alter the landmark abortion case.

But the talk show host couldn't resist taking a jab at transgender people and their supporters obsession with policing pronouns.

'Louisiana wants to pass a law that says flat out if you get an abortion, you get charged with murder. Wow,' Maher said, referencing the state's controversial abortion bill.

'Suddenly getting the right pronoun doesnt seem so big, does it?'

Real Time host Bill Maher slammed pro-choice defenders two weeks ago, saying their claim that overturning Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate' and that the landmark decision is fluid and not 'settled law'

A leak from the Supreme Court revealed that five of the nine justices are willing to strike down Roe V. Wade, which triggered hundreds to protest outside the Supreme Court this week

Along with the Louisiana bill, Maher criticized the wave of states looking to set more restrictive abortion laws as they expected Roe V. Wade to be overturned.

'Oklahoma already has one on the books. Six weeks, cant get an [abortion] after six weeks,' he said. 'Most women dont even know theyre pregnant at six weeks.

'They dont even know if they like the guy. Six weeks. Thats a quick look.

Despite what he said, Maher slammed pro-choice protestors later in the show, saying their claim that ending Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate.'

Maher said the ruling is not 'settled law' and that it would not have the drastic impact pro-choice defenders believe it would.

'Most abortions now, even when you go to a clinic, are done with the pill,' Maher said. The pill. And pills are easy to get in America.'

'So, you know, for the people who say we're going back to 1973, we're not. That's just factually inaccurate.'

Hundreds of homes and businesses in a South Dakota city have been left with sickly brown lawns after a lawncare company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical on them.

Sioux Falls landscapers Kut and Kill Lawn Care admitted to the error, saying an experienced employee had accidentally used the wrong chemical during weed control spraying between April 19 and May 3.

The chemical lurked silently until May 9, when the sun came out and activated the herbicide, and the company realized its mistake, Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining told the Argus Leader this week.

In total, 302 lawns were scorched, but Eining has vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs.

In Sioux Falls, 302 lawns were scorched brown after a landscaping company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical during a weed control application

Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs

'What happened is that an employee made an honest mistake. It was purely by accident,' Eining told the local newspaper.

'I feel terrible for our customers as well as our employee, who is devastated by what happened.'

In a letter to customers, Eining vehemently denied rumors that a disgruntled employee had gone rogue and intentionally destroyed the yards, saying an internal investigation found it was purely accidental.

Eining told KELO-TV that the employee who mistakenly sprayed the wrong chemical has 25 years of experience in the industry.

'This 100 percent an accident, anyone could have done this, unfortunately. The goal is to learn from it moving forward,' he said. 'It's probably been harder on him than it has on myself.'

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead.

'I just want people to know that we are working on this around the clock and it just takes time, unfortunately,' he said.

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead

'The minute we know we are going to be sending messages out to everyone, every way we can, so we can get going on these,' said Eining.

For homeowners afflicted with embarrassing brown lawns, help can't come soon enough.

'It's one of those things where we take great pride in our yard and have a nice house,' homeowner Hazen Vennard told the local newspaper.

'If your yard looks like c**p then the rest of the house looks like c**p.'

'I'm hopeful that they're going to make it right,' said another homeowner, Cecelia Smith.

'It's unfortunate and I understand that mistakes happen, but at the end of the day it is just grass. There are much worse things that could be affecting us than dead grass.'
DEAL OF THE WEEK

Hogarth Nabs Two by Kang For Hogarth, Parisa Ebrahimi took North American rights to two novels by Man Booker winner Han Kang. Agent Laurence Laluyaux at Londons Rogers, Coleridge and White handled the agreement for the Korean author. The first book under contract, Greek Lessons, was published in South Korea in 2011; Hogarth said it tells the interwoven stories of a Greek instructor who is losing his sight and a woman who refuses to speak. Set to be released in the U.S. in April 2023, Greek Lessons will be translated by Deborah Smith. Human Acts, the second book in the deal, is slated for April 2024 and will be translated by Emily Won; it was published in South Korea in 2021 and follows a character who returns to Jeju Island, where a massacre occurred in 1948.

Ballantine Buys More Graham Essays

Former Gilmore Girls star and bestselling author Lauren Graham sold an essay collection to Sara Weiss at Ballantine. Have I Told You This Already, the authors second book of personal essays (after the 2016 bestseller Talking as Fast as I Can), will, the publisher said, feature stories that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Esther Newberg at ICM Partners handled the world rights agreement.

Atria Enters Howards Valley

In a six-figure deal, Loan Le at Simon & Schuster imprint Atria took U.S., Canadian, and open market rights to Scott Alexander Howards The Other Valley in a two-book agreement. S&S Canada acquired the titles jointly, and Roz Foster at Frances Goldin Literary Agency represented Howard in the agreement. Planned for a spring 2024 release, The Other Valley is a speculative work set in a valley that, Atria said, is surrounded by other valleys, each 20 years apart in time. Grieving residents of the main valley can seek permission to visit the other valleysgoing either forward or backward in time. The novel follows a candidate training to oversee such requests, who spots two visitors from the future: the grieving parents of the boy she loves. Howard is Canadian and has a PhD in philosophy from the University of Toronto.

Doom-sday at Astra House

Astra Houses Daniel Vazquez bought a biography of MF Doom by S.H. Fernando Jr. at auction. The Chronicles of Doom charts the life of the rapper, born Daniel Dumile, who died in 2020 at age 49. Calling Doom (who went under various other monikers) one of raps most elusive, innovative, and tragic figures, Astra House said the book, which is slated for 2024, will offer the definitive account of his life, framed by his musical legacy. William LoTurco at LoTurco Literary brokered the deal.

Ace Takes Beagle Novellas

Bestselling fantasy author Peter S. Beagle sold The Way Home, a collection of novellas, to Jessica Wade at Ace Books. The collection is set in the world of The Last Unicorn, one of the authors best-known titles, and the North American rights deal was handled by Howard Morhaim at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. The Way Home will be released in February 2023, after a 2022 reissue of The Last Unicorn. It will feature the previously published novella Two Hearts (from 2006), as well as a new novella Sooz, which Ace said follows the narrator from Two Hearts on a further journey.

Climo Gets Happy at Flatiron

Sydney Jeon at Flatiron Books acquired the adult gift book Im So Happy Youre Here by Liz Climo. The bestselling author and illustrator was represented by Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media (Oritz sold the book while at her previous firm, New Leaf Literary & Media). The book, set for October, offers a reminder that were loved, Ortiz said, with Climo delivering a dose of warmth.
Hundreds of homes and businesses in a South Dakota city have been left with sickly brown lawns after a lawncare company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical on them.

Sioux Falls landscapers Kut and Kill Lawn Care admitted to the error, saying an experienced employee had accidentally used the wrong chemical during weed control spraying between April 19 and May 3.

The chemical lurked silently until May 9, when the sun came out and activated the herbicide, and the company realized its mistake, Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining told the Argus Leader this week.

In total, 302 lawns were scorched, but Eining has vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs.

In Sioux Falls, 302 lawns were scorched brown after a landscaping company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical during a weed control application

Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs

'What happened is that an employee made an honest mistake. It was purely by accident,' Eining told the local newspaper.

'I feel terrible for our customers as well as our employee, who is devastated by what happened.'

In a letter to customers, Eining vehemently denied rumors that a disgruntled employee had gone rogue and intentionally destroyed the yards, saying an internal investigation found it was purely accidental.

Eining told KELO-TV that the employee who mistakenly sprayed the wrong chemical has 25 years of experience in the industry.

'This 100 percent an accident, anyone could have done this, unfortunately. The goal is to learn from it moving forward,' he said. 'It's probably been harder on him than it has on myself.'

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead.

'I just want people to know that we are working on this around the clock and it just takes time, unfortunately,' he said.

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead

'The minute we know we are going to be sending messages out to everyone, every way we can, so we can get going on these,' said Eining.

For homeowners afflicted with embarrassing brown lawns, help can't come soon enough.

'It's one of those things where we take great pride in our yard and have a nice house,' homeowner Hazen Vennard told the local newspaper.

'If your yard looks like c**p then the rest of the house looks like c**p.'

'I'm hopeful that they're going to make it right,' said another homeowner, Cecelia Smith.

'It's unfortunate and I understand that mistakes happen, but at the end of the day it is just grass. There are much worse things that could be affecting us than dead grass.'
Colombo: With no end in sight to the national economic crisis that led them to take to the streets, protesters in Sri Lanka are digging in against a president they blame for crashing the economy.

On Thursday, as hundreds of student protesters continued their call for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, they were met with police tear gas and water cannons. They endured this, and a monsoon downpour that followed, adding loudspeakers to amplify their chants and speeches expressing anger at the government.

University students march on fortified government areas of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Credit:New York Times

There is no solution but for the president to go, said Naveendra Liyaanarachachi, 27, one of the demonstrators.

Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million people, is facing a dire economic crisis, with depleted foreign exchange reserves driving up the price of basic items.
Bill Maher accused kids of coming out as trans is because it's 'trendy' and because being gay 'is not hip enough', on Friday's Real Time.

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial.

He began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054.'

Maher then asked if people are allowed to see those increases and ask: 'What's up with that?'

'It wasn't that long ago that when adults asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up, 'They meant what profession,' Maher said.

Commentator Bill Maher dedicated the end of his 'New Rules' segment on Friday's edition of HBO's Real Time to the rising numbers of LGBTQ Americans, which he went as far as to suggest was 'trendy'

He then pivoted to suggest that the number of LGBTQ Americans had risen so sharply, a recent ACLU finding claimed abortion rights bans would affect LGBTQ people more than cisgender women giving birth.

'Someone needs to say it - not everything's about you. It's okay to ask questions about something very new,' Maher said.

He then turned to puberty blockers, which are given to transgender youth, which Maher called 'literally experimenting on children' and suggested that the long-term effects haven't been studied enough, showing studies that said it caused lack of bone density and infertility.

Maher also cracked about the upcoming Pride parade in New York City not including gay men, but only trans people and lesbians.

'That's where we are now - gay men are not hip enough for a Gay Pride parade. Gay is practically cis, and cis is practically Mormon,' he said, showing a photo of Senator Mitt Romney.

Maher then suggested the number of people identifying as LGBTQ is 'trendy' because teenagers like to challenge 'the squares who brought you up' and wondering why he saw so many transgender children in his home of California but not in Youngstown, Ohio or the rest of the country.

He said that granting children's request for puberty blockers and genital surgery makes them part of a culture war they shouldn't be a part of.

'Never forget childen are impressionable and very, very stupid,' Maher said. 'A boy who thinks he's a girl maybe is just gay - or whatever [the television character] 'Frasier' was

'And maybe, if life makes you sad, there are other solutions than hand me the d**k saw,' he added.

Maher wrapped it up by saying that while gender is fluid, that 'kids are fluid about everything' and want to be different things when they grow up from one day to the next.

Maher began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054'

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial

'I wanted to be a pirate. Thank God no one scheduled me for eye removal and peg leg surgery,' he finished.

Though in recent episodes of the show and in his new standup special, #Adulting, Maher claims that he remains the same liberal he always was, though he has ticked off the left and specifically LGBTQ advocates and what he deems 'the woke mob' recently.

Maher mocked woke advocates for transgender issues in a show on May 7, saying the possible overturn of Roe V. Wade was a more important issue that puts their complaints into perspective.

In his opening monologue, Maher discussed the Supreme Court leak that revealed five justices are prepared to alter the landmark abortion case.

But the talk show host couldn't resist taking a jab at transgender people and their supporters obsession with policing pronouns.

'Louisiana wants to pass a law that says flat out if you get an abortion, you get charged with murder. Wow,' Maher said, referencing the state's controversial abortion bill.

'Suddenly getting the right pronoun doesnt seem so big, does it?'

Real Time host Bill Maher slammed pro-choice defenders two weeks ago, saying their claim that overturning Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate' and that the landmark decision is fluid and not 'settled law'

A leak from the Supreme Court revealed that five of the nine justices are willing to strike down Roe V. Wade, which triggered hundreds to protest outside the Supreme Court this week

Along with the Louisiana bill, Maher criticized the wave of states looking to set more restrictive abortion laws as they expected Roe V. Wade to be overturned.

'Oklahoma already has one on the books. Six weeks, cant get an [abortion] after six weeks,' he said. 'Most women dont even know theyre pregnant at six weeks.

'They dont even know if they like the guy. Six weeks. Thats a quick look.

Despite what he said, Maher slammed pro-choice protestors later in the show, saying their claim that ending Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate.'

Maher said the ruling is not 'settled law' and that it would not have the drastic impact pro-choice defenders believe it would.

'Most abortions now, even when you go to a clinic, are done with the pill,' Maher said. The pill. And pills are easy to get in America.'

'So, you know, for the people who say we're going back to 1973, we're not. That's just factually inaccurate.'
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Seplat Energy PLC ("Seplat" or the "Company")

Correction - results of the ninth Annual General Meeting

This correction to RNS Number 1732M, issued at 17.31 on 19 May 2022, inserts a new note, note 9.

Lagos and London, 20 May 2022: Seplat Energy PLC announces that at its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 16a Temple Road (Olu Holloway), Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, all resolutions set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting put to the Shareholders were duly passed by the requisite majority.

The results of each resolution voted by way of poll including proxy votes lodged with the Company's Registrars are set out below:

Votes FOR Votes AGAINST Votes Withheld/ Abstain Total Votes Cast (excluding Votes Withheld/Abstain) RESOLUTIONS Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares % of shares voted Number of shares Number of shares For & Against % of ISC 1. Resolution 1: To receive the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2021, together with the Reports of the Directors, Auditors and the Statutory Audit Committee thereon. 481,697,063 100% nil nil nil 481,697,063 82% 2. Resolution 2: To declare a final dividend recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2021. 481,696,013 100% nil nil nil 481,696,013 82% 3. Resolution 3: To re-appoint PriceWaterhouseCoopers ("PWC") as Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting of the Company at which the Company's Annual Accounts are laid. Noted by Shareholders 4 Resolution 4: To authorise the Board of Directors of the Company to determine the Auditors' remuneration. 480,250,681 99.70% 1,446,383 0.30% nil 481,697,064 82% 5. Resolution 5: To elect/re-elect the following Directors: 5(a)(i): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(ii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Bello Rabiu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iii): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Dr. Emma FitzGerald (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(a)(iv): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu (Independent Non-Executive Director); 479,112,734 100% nil nil nil 479,112,734 81% 5(a)(v): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Kazeem Raimi (Non-Executive Director); and 479,143,147 100% nil nil nil 479,143,147 81% 5(a)(vi): To approve the appointment of the following Directors: Mr. Ernest Ebi (Non-Executive Director). 479,144,561 100% nil nil nil 479,144,561 81% 5(b)(i): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Mr. Basil Omiyi (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 380,460,893 79.51% 98,043,393 20.49% nil 478,504,286 81% 5(b)(ii): To re-elect the following Directors who are eligible for retirement by rotation: Dr. Charles Okeahalam (Independent Non-Executive Director). 372,797,582 79.18% 98,043,393 20.82% nil 470,840,975 80% 6. Resolution 6: To disclose the remuneration of managers of the Company Noted by Shareholders 7 Resolution 7: To elect the shareholder representatives of the Statutory Audit Committee. This was done by show of hands in line with the section 249(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provisions. Members of the Statutory Audit Committee comprising three (3) shareholders elected representatives and two (2) Board nominated representatives were approved as follows: (a) Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN (Shareholder representative); (b) Hajia Hauwa Umar (Shareholder Representative); (c) Sir Sunday Nnamdi Nwosu (Shareholder Representative); (d) Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON (Board Representative); and (e) Mr. Olivier Cleret De Langavant (Board Representative). 8 Resolution 8: To approve the Remuneration Section of the Directors' Remuneration Report set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 426,655,099 97.52% 10,862,581 2.48% 132,021 437,517,680 74% 9 Resolution 9: To consider and, if thought fit, to transact the following Special Business, which will be proposed and passed as Ordinary Resolutions: a) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Companies Regulations 2021, as it relates to unissued shares forming part of the authorised Share Capital of the Company, including the cancellation of the unissued ordinary shares of the Company. 423,861,306 96.85% 13,781,084 3.15% 342,434 437,642,390 74% b) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to take all steps necessary to ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company are altered to comply with Resolution 9(a) above, including replacing the provision stating the authorised share capital with the issued share capital of the Company. 451,728,804 97.04% 13,760,944 2.96% 342,434 465,489,748 79% c) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to enter into and execute agreements, deeds, notices or any other documents and to perform all acts and to do all such other things necessary for or incidental to giving effect to Resolution 9(a) above, including without limitation, appointing such professional parties, consultants and advisers and complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 436,273,948 99.69% 1,368,441 0.31% 342,434 437,642,389 74% d) That the Company be and is hereby authorised to perform all acts and to do all such other things as may be necessary for or incidental to giving effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of the regulatory authorities. 479,590,834 99.72% 1,368,441 0.28% 342,434 480,959,275 82%

Notes:

1. In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Seplat Energy obtained approval from the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission to hold its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) by proxy ONLY, which is in accordance with the new Guidelines on Holding of AGM of Public Companies taking advantage of Section 254 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 using proxies. For the appointment to be valid for the purposes of the Meeting, the Company made arrangements at its cost for the stamping of the duly completed proxy forms, which must be deposited at the office of the Registrar.

2. In accordance with the Company's articles of association, on a poll every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held. There were no restrictions on shareholders to cast votes on any of the resolutions proposed at the AGM.

3. A "Vote Withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" or "Against" any resolution nor in the calculation of the proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution.

4. The percentage of votes "For" and "Against" any resolution is expressed as a percentage of votes validly cast for that resolution.

5. In accordance with Section 401 of CAMA, 2020, the retiring Auditor shall be re-appointed without passing a resolution.

6. In accordance with Section 257 of CAMA 2020, full details on the compensation of managers of the Company, set out on page 124 of the 2021 Annual Report was disclosed to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

7. In accordance with Section 404 (3) to (6) of the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the election of the statutory Audit Committee shareholder representative members is conducted by a show of hands at the AGM rather than by poll and proxy.

8. The Issued Share Capital ("ISC") at the time of the Annual General Meeting was 588,444,561 shares denominated in Naira of 50 kobo per share. The proportion of "Percentage of ISC voted" for any resolution is the total of votes "For" and "Against" in respect of that resolution expressed as a percentage of the ISC.

9. The Company notes that although Resolutions 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(ii), concerning re-election of Directors, were passed with the necessary majorities (79.51% and 79.18% respectively), Resolution 5(b)(i) received 20.49% of votes against and Resolution 5(b)(ii) received 20.82% of votes against. Seplat Energy is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and as contemplated by Section 1, Provision 4 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Company will engage with the minority of shareholders who voted against these resolutions, to fully understand their views and the reasons for their votes. Additionally, the Company will, within six months of the AGM date (18 May 2022), provide an update on views received from shareholders and any actions that the Company has deemed necessary to allay any concerns expressed by those shareholders. Shareholders can contact the Company using the following email addresses: companysecretariat@seplatenergy.com or IR@seplatenergy.com or by contacting one of the officers listed below.

10. In accordance with LR 9.6.2, copies of the relevant ordinary and special resolutions passed at the meeting have been submitted to the FCA's National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available to view at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. The full text of the resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, which is available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism and also on the Company's website at http://www.seplatenergy.com.

- Ends -

Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa

Director, Legal/Company Secretary

For: Seplat Energy PLC.

Enquiries

Seplat Energy Plc +234 12 770 400 Emeka Onwuka, CFO Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/General Counsel Carl Franklin, Head of Investor Relations Chioma Nwachuku, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability FTI Consulting Ben Brewerton / Chris Laing +44 (0) 203 727 1000 seplat@fticonsulting.com

Notes to editors

Seplat Energy Plc is Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL). Seplat Energy is pursuing a Nigeria-focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future asset divestments by international oil companies, farm-in opportunities, and future licensing rounds. The Company is a leading supplier of gas to the domestic power generation market. For further information please refer to the Company website, http://seplatenergy.com/
DEAL OF THE WEEK

Hogarth Nabs Two by Kang For Hogarth, Parisa Ebrahimi took North American rights to two novels by Man Booker winner Han Kang. Agent Laurence Laluyaux at Londons Rogers, Coleridge and White handled the agreement for the Korean author. The first book under contract, Greek Lessons, was published in South Korea in 2011; Hogarth said it tells the interwoven stories of a Greek instructor who is losing his sight and a woman who refuses to speak. Set to be released in the U.S. in April 2023, Greek Lessons will be translated by Deborah Smith. Human Acts, the second book in the deal, is slated for April 2024 and will be translated by Emily Won; it was published in South Korea in 2021 and follows a character who returns to Jeju Island, where a massacre occurred in 1948.

Ballantine Buys More Graham Essays

Former Gilmore Girls star and bestselling author Lauren Graham sold an essay collection to Sara Weiss at Ballantine. Have I Told You This Already, the authors second book of personal essays (after the 2016 bestseller Talking as Fast as I Can), will, the publisher said, feature stories that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Esther Newberg at ICM Partners handled the world rights agreement.

Atria Enters Howards Valley

In a six-figure deal, Loan Le at Simon & Schuster imprint Atria took U.S., Canadian, and open market rights to Scott Alexander Howards The Other Valley in a two-book agreement. S&S Canada acquired the titles jointly, and Roz Foster at Frances Goldin Literary Agency represented Howard in the agreement. Planned for a spring 2024 release, The Other Valley is a speculative work set in a valley that, Atria said, is surrounded by other valleys, each 20 years apart in time. Grieving residents of the main valley can seek permission to visit the other valleysgoing either forward or backward in time. The novel follows a candidate training to oversee such requests, who spots two visitors from the future: the grieving parents of the boy she loves. Howard is Canadian and has a PhD in philosophy from the University of Toronto.

Doom-sday at Astra House

Astra Houses Daniel Vazquez bought a biography of MF Doom by S.H. Fernando Jr. at auction. The Chronicles of Doom charts the life of the rapper, born Daniel Dumile, who died in 2020 at age 49. Calling Doom (who went under various other monikers) one of raps most elusive, innovative, and tragic figures, Astra House said the book, which is slated for 2024, will offer the definitive account of his life, framed by his musical legacy. William LoTurco at LoTurco Literary brokered the deal.

Ace Takes Beagle Novellas

Bestselling fantasy author Peter S. Beagle sold The Way Home, a collection of novellas, to Jessica Wade at Ace Books. The collection is set in the world of The Last Unicorn, one of the authors best-known titles, and the North American rights deal was handled by Howard Morhaim at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. The Way Home will be released in February 2023, after a 2022 reissue of The Last Unicorn. It will feature the previously published novella Two Hearts (from 2006), as well as a new novella Sooz, which Ace said follows the narrator from Two Hearts on a further journey.

Climo Gets Happy at Flatiron

Sydney Jeon at Flatiron Books acquired the adult gift book Im So Happy Youre Here by Liz Climo. The bestselling author and illustrator was represented by Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media (Oritz sold the book while at her previous firm, New Leaf Literary & Media). The book, set for October, offers a reminder that were loved, Ortiz said, with Climo delivering a dose of warmth.
Colombo: With no end in sight to the national economic crisis that led them to take to the streets, protesters in Sri Lanka are digging in against a president they blame for crashing the economy.

On Thursday, as hundreds of student protesters continued their call for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, they were met with police tear gas and water cannons. They endured this, and a monsoon downpour that followed, adding loudspeakers to amplify their chants and speeches expressing anger at the government.

University students march on fortified government areas of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Credit:New York Times

There is no solution but for the president to go, said Naveendra Liyaanarachachi, 27, one of the demonstrators.

Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million people, is facing a dire economic crisis, with depleted foreign exchange reserves driving up the price of basic items.
Colombo: With no end in sight to the national economic crisis that led them to take to the streets, protesters in Sri Lanka are digging in against a president they blame for crashing the economy.

On Thursday, as hundreds of student protesters continued their call for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, they were met with police tear gas and water cannons. They endured this, and a monsoon downpour that followed, adding loudspeakers to amplify their chants and speeches expressing anger at the government.

University students march on fortified government areas of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Credit:New York Times

There is no solution but for the president to go, said Naveendra Liyaanarachachi, 27, one of the demonstrators.

Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million people, is facing a dire economic crisis, with depleted foreign exchange reserves driving up the price of basic items.
Colombo: With no end in sight to the national economic crisis that led them to take to the streets, protesters in Sri Lanka are digging in against a president they blame for crashing the economy.

On Thursday, as hundreds of student protesters continued their call for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, they were met with police tear gas and water cannons. They endured this, and a monsoon downpour that followed, adding loudspeakers to amplify their chants and speeches expressing anger at the government.

University students march on fortified government areas of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Credit:New York Times

There is no solution but for the president to go, said Naveendra Liyaanarachachi, 27, one of the demonstrators.

Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million people, is facing a dire economic crisis, with depleted foreign exchange reserves driving up the price of basic items.
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Commentary: Human rights progress in Xinjiang conspicuous to unbiased observers

Xinhua) 11:15, May 21, 2022

URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Some Western politicians have for years been orchestrating a smear campaign against the human rights situation in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

However, no matter how vehement the phony claims are, the reality of the situation in the region will always speak louder.

Human rights are centered on people. In Xinjiang, the Uygur population has been increasing steadily. Official statistics show that from 1953 to 2020, the population in Xinjiang increased drastically, with the Uygur population growing from 3.6 million to about 11.62 million.

In addition, residents in Xinjiang are enjoying longer and more prosperous lives. The average life expectancy in the region grew from 30 years in 1949 to 74.7 years in 2019. Absolute poverty has been eradicated, and the per capita disposable income of both urban and rural residents saw an increase of over 100 times from 1978 to 2020.

To further improve the well-being of the people, Xinjiang has also rolled out a host of measures, such as implementing a multi-layered social security net, setting up an educational system covering all levels of education, extending health care to its remotest villages and ensuring equal opportunities for job-seekers of all ethnic groups.

It has also gone to great lengths to protect the culture of ethnic minorities. All ethnic groups in Xinjiang have items on the national and regional lists of intangible cultural heritage, and there are 133 key cultural heritage sites under state protection.

In addition, freedom of religious belief is effectively guaranteed in the region. Xinjiang has 24,400 mosques, which corresponds to one mosque for every 530 Muslims. In fact, Xinjiang has more than twice as many mosques as there are in the United States, Britain, Germany and France combined.

Equally crucial is the hard-won safety and security in the region. The lives and properties of people are well protected and all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are able to focus on pursuing a better life for themselves and their children.

As the adage goes -- to know whether the shoes fit or not, ask the wearer. The people of Xinjiang know better than anyone about the human rights situation in the region. Nurzahat Habibul, who grew up in a farming family and is now an associate professor at Xinjiang Normal University, spoke for many when she said: "My achievements are inseparable from the learning opportunities, scientific research platforms and policy support provided by the government over the years."

The international community has also applauded the remarkable improvement of people's well-being in Xinjiang. In recent years, more than 2,000 government officials, religious personnel and journalists from over 100 countries and organizations have visited Xinjiang. What they have seen is a peaceful and harmonious Xinjiang with steady development.

In the words of Victor Cadena, vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, Xinjiang is "a land of prosperity," "a land where people enjoy their rights, and with the rule of law."

These indisputable facts have debunked all the fabricated accusations that some Western politicians have leveled against Xinjiang, and are also a slap in their face.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Russia-Tajik Trade Up 70% In Q1 2022 as Moscow looks East

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with the Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, stating that It is important to continue bolstering trade and commercial connections between the two countries. According to the Russian leader, Tajikistans key trading and economic partner is Russia. Putin highlighted the fact that the trade between both nations have rapidly expanded last year, by about 45%, and it has grown by over 70% in the first quarter of 2022.

The Russian President went on to add, This is a good trend that must be maintained. There are reasons associated with the current situation, but our relations are needed and are developing very actively. Putin also advocated discussing about security in Central Asia, where the Afghanistan situation remains fragile. Tajikistan has a border with Afghanistan.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Tajikistan in 2021 reached US$1.13 billion, an increase of 25% over the previous years figures. With increases of 70% plus in Q1 2022, if maintained over the year this could result in bilateral trade reaching close to US$2 billion. A boost will certainly come from both Russias desire to concentrate on new import-export markets in the wake of its EU sanctions problems, in addition to the powerful Russian E-Commerce platform, Wildberries also looking at setting up operations in Dushanbe. Wildberries recently established a presence in nearby Kyrgyzstan as Russian retailers look towards Central Asia.

The main products that Russia exports to Tajikistan are Refined Petroleum, Seed Oils, and Raw Iron Bars. The main products that Tajikistan exports to Russia are Non-Retail Pure Cotton Yarn, Raw Cotton, and Dried Fruits.

Both Russia and Tajikistan are members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, (CIS) which also includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The CIS is not a Free Trade bloc, but does allow a mechanism for individual members to agree bilateral trade agreements with other member states.

Related Reading
China donates anti-COVID-19 materials to Sudan

Xinhua) 11:11, May 21, 2022

Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.
China donates anti-COVID-19 materials to Sudan

Xinhua) 11:11, May 21, 2022

Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin sign documents for the donation of anti-COVID-19 materials in Khartoum, Sudan, May 19, 2022. China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China has donated anti-COVID-19 materials worth 4.55 million yuan (around 680,000 U.S. dollars), including facial masks and respirators, to Sudan to help the African country fight the pandemic.

The hand-over ceremony was held on Thursday at the Friendship Hall in Sudan's capital Khartoum, and the documents were signed by Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin, Sudan's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Sadiq and acting Minister of Health Haitham Awadalla.

Ma praised the cooperation between China and Sudan within the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"China and Sudan, getting through the crisis in unity, set up another example of the defining future of bilateral friendship," said the Chinese ambassador.

"China will continue to provide assistance as much as possible for our Sudanese friends," he added.

For his part, Ali Al-Sadiq commended China's continued support to Sudan in all fields.

"This donation is yet another generous offer, which reflects that the spirit of health cooperation between the two countries is stronger than ever," he noted.

Sudan's acting Health Minister Haitham Awadalla praised China's supportive stance on Sudan.

"This is not the first time, and of course not the last, through this pandemic, that we receive several donations and several technical support from China," Awadalla said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan in March 2020, China has provided medical aid as well as donated the Sinopharm vaccines to help the country combat the disease.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused by China's state media of playing the 'anti-China' card and reinforcing a senior Australian diplomat's assessment that Beijing has been trying to 'wait out' the government.

Beijing-based researcher Guo Chunmei claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations,' The Weekend Australian reported.

Ms Chunmei's institute is linked to Chinas powerful Ministry of State Security.

The Chinese Government is remaining 'optimistic' that better relations between Australia can be established if Labor's Anthony Albanese wins the election (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China)

Beijing-based researcher, Guo Chunmei, claimed that 'if the Labor Party comes to power, at least in terms of people-to-people diplomacy and social exchanges, it will bring some possibility of a recovery in Sino-Australian relations' (Pictured: Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon are pictured together on the campaign trail)

Ms Chunmei expressed that any improvement with the Labor Government would be 'modest'.

'The US-Australia alliance is the consensus of Australia's two parties  and the cornerstone of its defence.'

It was in January 2020 that Xi Jinpings administration pulled the pin and ended all ministerial communication with the Coalition government.

Trades restrictions against an array of Australian exports were launched by Beijing.

An exception was Australia's iron ore exports, which have since reached record prices.

Australia took the option of toughening its policy in response to the deterioration of relations with Beijing.

It has also been noted that 'attitudes towards China in Australia have soured'.

In a recent survey conducted by UTSs Australia-China Relations Institute it was found that 'nearly three-quarters of Australians think China is a security threat'.

Mr Albanese has said in recent media statements that 'Australias relationship with Beijing had changed because China had changed', signalling a largely bipartisan approach to the question of Australia's relationship with the superpower.

Nevertheless the ALP has been a harsh critic of Mr Morrison's government over China's signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands in mid-April, with Ms Wong calling it 'the worst foreign policy failing since the end of World War II'.
Russia-Tajik Trade Up 70% In Q1 2022 as Moscow looks East

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with the Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, stating that It is important to continue bolstering trade and commercial connections between the two countries. According to the Russian leader, Tajikistans key trading and economic partner is Russia. Putin highlighted the fact that the trade between both nations have rapidly expanded last year, by about 45%, and it has grown by over 70% in the first quarter of 2022.

The Russian President went on to add, This is a good trend that must be maintained. There are reasons associated with the current situation, but our relations are needed and are developing very actively. Putin also advocated discussing about security in Central Asia, where the Afghanistan situation remains fragile. Tajikistan has a border with Afghanistan.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Tajikistan in 2021 reached US$1.13 billion, an increase of 25% over the previous years figures. With increases of 70% plus in Q1 2022, if maintained over the year this could result in bilateral trade reaching close to US$2 billion. A boost will certainly come from both Russias desire to concentrate on new import-export markets in the wake of its EU sanctions problems, in addition to the powerful Russian E-Commerce platform, Wildberries also looking at setting up operations in Dushanbe. Wildberries recently established a presence in nearby Kyrgyzstan as Russian retailers look towards Central Asia.

The main products that Russia exports to Tajikistan are Refined Petroleum, Seed Oils, and Raw Iron Bars. The main products that Tajikistan exports to Russia are Non-Retail Pure Cotton Yarn, Raw Cotton, and Dried Fruits.

Both Russia and Tajikistan are members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, (CIS) which also includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The CIS is not a Free Trade bloc, but does allow a mechanism for individual members to agree bilateral trade agreements with other member states.

Related Reading
Commentary: Human rights progress in Xinjiang conspicuous to unbiased observers

Xinhua) 11:15, May 21, 2022

URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Some Western politicians have for years been orchestrating a smear campaign against the human rights situation in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

However, no matter how vehement the phony claims are, the reality of the situation in the region will always speak louder.

Human rights are centered on people. In Xinjiang, the Uygur population has been increasing steadily. Official statistics show that from 1953 to 2020, the population in Xinjiang increased drastically, with the Uygur population growing from 3.6 million to about 11.62 million.

In addition, residents in Xinjiang are enjoying longer and more prosperous lives. The average life expectancy in the region grew from 30 years in 1949 to 74.7 years in 2019. Absolute poverty has been eradicated, and the per capita disposable income of both urban and rural residents saw an increase of over 100 times from 1978 to 2020.

To further improve the well-being of the people, Xinjiang has also rolled out a host of measures, such as implementing a multi-layered social security net, setting up an educational system covering all levels of education, extending health care to its remotest villages and ensuring equal opportunities for job-seekers of all ethnic groups.

It has also gone to great lengths to protect the culture of ethnic minorities. All ethnic groups in Xinjiang have items on the national and regional lists of intangible cultural heritage, and there are 133 key cultural heritage sites under state protection.

In addition, freedom of religious belief is effectively guaranteed in the region. Xinjiang has 24,400 mosques, which corresponds to one mosque for every 530 Muslims. In fact, Xinjiang has more than twice as many mosques as there are in the United States, Britain, Germany and France combined.

Equally crucial is the hard-won safety and security in the region. The lives and properties of people are well protected and all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are able to focus on pursuing a better life for themselves and their children.

As the adage goes -- to know whether the shoes fit or not, ask the wearer. The people of Xinjiang know better than anyone about the human rights situation in the region. Nurzahat Habibul, who grew up in a farming family and is now an associate professor at Xinjiang Normal University, spoke for many when she said: "My achievements are inseparable from the learning opportunities, scientific research platforms and policy support provided by the government over the years."

The international community has also applauded the remarkable improvement of people's well-being in Xinjiang. In recent years, more than 2,000 government officials, religious personnel and journalists from over 100 countries and organizations have visited Xinjiang. What they have seen is a peaceful and harmonious Xinjiang with steady development.

In the words of Victor Cadena, vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, Xinjiang is "a land of prosperity," "a land where people enjoy their rights, and with the rule of law."

These indisputable facts have debunked all the fabricated accusations that some Western politicians have leveled against Xinjiang, and are also a slap in their face.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)


Bill Maher accused kids of coming out as trans is because it's 'trendy' and because being gay 'is not hip enough', on Friday's Real Time.

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial.

He began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054.'

Maher then asked if people are allowed to see those increases and ask: 'What's up with that?'

'It wasn't that long ago that when adults asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up, 'They meant what profession,' Maher said.

Commentator Bill Maher dedicated the end of his 'New Rules' segment on Friday's edition of HBO's Real Time to the rising numbers of LGBTQ Americans, which he went as far as to suggest was 'trendy'

He then pivoted to suggest that the number of LGBTQ Americans had risen so sharply, a recent ACLU finding claimed abortion rights bans would affect LGBTQ people more than cisgender women giving birth.

'Someone needs to say it - not everything's about you. It's okay to ask questions about something very new,' Maher said.

He then turned to puberty blockers, which are given to transgender youth, which Maher called 'literally experimenting on children' and suggested that the long-term effects haven't been studied enough, showing studies that said it caused lack of bone density and infertility.

Maher also cracked about the upcoming Pride parade in New York City not including gay men, but only trans people and lesbians.

'That's where we are now - gay men are not hip enough for a Gay Pride parade. Gay is practically cis, and cis is practically Mormon,' he said, showing a photo of Senator Mitt Romney.

Maher then suggested the number of people identifying as LGBTQ is 'trendy' because teenagers like to challenge 'the squares who brought you up' and wondering why he saw so many transgender children in his home of California but not in Youngstown, Ohio or the rest of the country.

He said that granting children's request for puberty blockers and genital surgery makes them part of a culture war they shouldn't be a part of.

'Never forget childen are impressionable and very, very stupid,' Maher said. 'A boy who thinks he's a girl maybe is just gay - or whatever [the television character] 'Frasier' was

'And maybe, if life makes you sad, there are other solutions than hand me the d**k saw,' he added.

Maher wrapped it up by saying that while gender is fluid, that 'kids are fluid about everything' and want to be different things when they grow up from one day to the next.

Maher began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054'

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial

'I wanted to be a pirate. Thank God no one scheduled me for eye removal and peg leg surgery,' he finished.

Though in recent episodes of the show and in his new standup special, #Adulting, Maher claims that he remains the same liberal he always was, though he has ticked off the left and specifically LGBTQ advocates and what he deems 'the woke mob' recently.

Maher mocked woke advocates for transgender issues in a show on May 7, saying the possible overturn of Roe V. Wade was a more important issue that puts their complaints into perspective.

In his opening monologue, Maher discussed the Supreme Court leak that revealed five justices are prepared to alter the landmark abortion case.

But the talk show host couldn't resist taking a jab at transgender people and their supporters obsession with policing pronouns.

'Louisiana wants to pass a law that says flat out if you get an abortion, you get charged with murder. Wow,' Maher said, referencing the state's controversial abortion bill.

'Suddenly getting the right pronoun doesnt seem so big, does it?'

Real Time host Bill Maher slammed pro-choice defenders two weeks ago, saying their claim that overturning Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate' and that the landmark decision is fluid and not 'settled law'

A leak from the Supreme Court revealed that five of the nine justices are willing to strike down Roe V. Wade, which triggered hundreds to protest outside the Supreme Court this week

Along with the Louisiana bill, Maher criticized the wave of states looking to set more restrictive abortion laws as they expected Roe V. Wade to be overturned.

'Oklahoma already has one on the books. Six weeks, cant get an [abortion] after six weeks,' he said. 'Most women dont even know theyre pregnant at six weeks.

'They dont even know if they like the guy. Six weeks. Thats a quick look.

Despite what he said, Maher slammed pro-choice protestors later in the show, saying their claim that ending Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate.'

Maher said the ruling is not 'settled law' and that it would not have the drastic impact pro-choice defenders believe it would.

'Most abortions now, even when you go to a clinic, are done with the pill,' Maher said. The pill. And pills are easy to get in America.'

'So, you know, for the people who say we're going back to 1973, we're not. That's just factually inaccurate.'

Virginia Delegate Seeks to Bar Barnes & Noble from Selling Gender Queer Directly to Minors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.A Virginia delegate and congressional candidate have sought to prohibit Barnes and Noble from selling two booksGender Queer and A Court of Mist and Furydirectly to minors while a pending lawsuit in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines whether these two books meet obscenity standards.

The restraining orders, filed on Wednesday by state delegate Tim Anderson on behalf of Tommy Altman, a Republican candidate for Virginias second congressional district, followed Judge Pamela Baskervills orders on the same day, asking the publishers or authors of the two books to respond within 21 days to the allegation that the contents are obscene.

In the court order, Baskervill wrote that having reviewed Altmans original petition issue on April 28 and the books in question, the Court found probable cause to believe that the two books were obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anderson uploaded the court orders and described the ruling as a major legal victory. In another Facebook video on Thursday, he showed receipts of purchasing the two books at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Virginia Beach. So we got the books there, and theres no restrictions against purchasing these books, he said in the video.

Tim Andersons purchase receipt of Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury from a Barnes and Noble store in Virginia Beach, Va., on Apr. 25, 2022. (Courtesy of Tim Anderson)

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Barnes & Noble public relations wrote: As booksellers, we carry thousands of books whose subject matter some may find offensive. We live in a diverse society, and that diversity of opinion is reflected in the books we carry on our shelves that cater to the wide range of interests of our customers.

We ask that our customers respect our responsibility to offer this breadth of reading materials, and respect also that, while they chose not to purchase many of these themselves, they may be of interest to others, the statement continued.

In response to Barnes & Nobles statement, Anderson told The Epoch Times in a written comment: Mr. Altman is not requesting a ban of selling the books in question. He is requesting they not be sold to minors.

If a parent wishes to buy the books and give them to their child, that falls in the same category as a parent allowing a child to watch an R-rated movie, he added. We hope Barnes and Noble will do the right thing and identify there are sexually explicit books in its stores in Virginia Beach and take corrective action to restrict those books from sales to minors without further legal action being necessary.

Anderson and Altmans legal actions are viewed by some as censorship. A spokesperson of the American Booksellers Association told Bloomberg that he was deeply concerned about the potential effect on bookstores adopting self-censorship to survive. It is a booksellers constitutional right to carry and sell books as they see fit, without interference from the government, he added.

Anderson said he simply wanted age restrictions: There is no First Amendment right to distribute or sell sexually explicit materials to minors. Placing age restrictions on private companies selling sexually explicit materials happens everywhere in the United States. Minors are not allowed to go into movie theaters with R-rated movies without parent/guardian consent.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel with cartoon-style pictures, tells the story of nonbinary author Maia Kobabe from adolescence to adulthood.

It was the number one title removed from school libraries or classrooms, according to a report by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Over the nine months between July 2021 and March 2022, the book was banned in 30 school districts. The book is also listed as the most challenged book of 2021 by the American Library Association.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach School Board decided to pull Gender Queer from its school libraries after a workgroup review found pervasively vulgar content including illustrations depicting genitalia, bodily functions, and sexual acts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the two publishersBloomsbury Publishing for A Court of Mist and Fury and Lion Forge for Gender Queerfor comments.




Bill Maher accused kids of coming out as trans is because it's 'trendy' and because being gay 'is not hip enough', on Friday's Real Time.

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial.

He began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054.'

Maher then asked if people are allowed to see those increases and ask: 'What's up with that?'

'It wasn't that long ago that when adults asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up, 'They meant what profession,' Maher said.

Commentator Bill Maher dedicated the end of his 'New Rules' segment on Friday's edition of HBO's Real Time to the rising numbers of LGBTQ Americans, which he went as far as to suggest was 'trendy'

He then pivoted to suggest that the number of LGBTQ Americans had risen so sharply, a recent ACLU finding claimed abortion rights bans would affect LGBTQ people more than cisgender women giving birth.

'Someone needs to say it - not everything's about you. It's okay to ask questions about something very new,' Maher said.

He then turned to puberty blockers, which are given to transgender youth, which Maher called 'literally experimenting on children' and suggested that the long-term effects haven't been studied enough, showing studies that said it caused lack of bone density and infertility.

Maher also cracked about the upcoming Pride parade in New York City not including gay men, but only trans people and lesbians.

'That's where we are now - gay men are not hip enough for a Gay Pride parade. Gay is practically cis, and cis is practically Mormon,' he said, showing a photo of Senator Mitt Romney.

Maher then suggested the number of people identifying as LGBTQ is 'trendy' because teenagers like to challenge 'the squares who brought you up' and wondering why he saw so many transgender children in his home of California but not in Youngstown, Ohio or the rest of the country.

He said that granting children's request for puberty blockers and genital surgery makes them part of a culture war they shouldn't be a part of.

'Never forget childen are impressionable and very, very stupid,' Maher said. 'A boy who thinks he's a girl maybe is just gay - or whatever [the television character] 'Frasier' was

'And maybe, if life makes you sad, there are other solutions than hand me the d**k saw,' he added.

Maher wrapped it up by saying that while gender is fluid, that 'kids are fluid about everything' and want to be different things when they grow up from one day to the next.

Maher began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054'

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial

'I wanted to be a pirate. Thank God no one scheduled me for eye removal and peg leg surgery,' he finished.

Though in recent episodes of the show and in his new standup special, #Adulting, Maher claims that he remains the same liberal he always was, though he has ticked off the left and specifically LGBTQ advocates and what he deems 'the woke mob' recently.

Maher mocked woke advocates for transgender issues in a show on May 7, saying the possible overturn of Roe V. Wade was a more important issue that puts their complaints into perspective.

In his opening monologue, Maher discussed the Supreme Court leak that revealed five justices are prepared to alter the landmark abortion case.

But the talk show host couldn't resist taking a jab at transgender people and their supporters obsession with policing pronouns.

'Louisiana wants to pass a law that says flat out if you get an abortion, you get charged with murder. Wow,' Maher said, referencing the state's controversial abortion bill.

'Suddenly getting the right pronoun doesnt seem so big, does it?'

Real Time host Bill Maher slammed pro-choice defenders two weeks ago, saying their claim that overturning Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate' and that the landmark decision is fluid and not 'settled law'

A leak from the Supreme Court revealed that five of the nine justices are willing to strike down Roe V. Wade, which triggered hundreds to protest outside the Supreme Court this week

Along with the Louisiana bill, Maher criticized the wave of states looking to set more restrictive abortion laws as they expected Roe V. Wade to be overturned.

'Oklahoma already has one on the books. Six weeks, cant get an [abortion] after six weeks,' he said. 'Most women dont even know theyre pregnant at six weeks.

'They dont even know if they like the guy. Six weeks. Thats a quick look.

Despite what he said, Maher slammed pro-choice protestors later in the show, saying their claim that ending Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate.'

Maher said the ruling is not 'settled law' and that it would not have the drastic impact pro-choice defenders believe it would.

'Most abortions now, even when you go to a clinic, are done with the pill,' Maher said. The pill. And pills are easy to get in America.'

'So, you know, for the people who say we're going back to 1973, we're not. That's just factually inaccurate.'
Hundreds of homes and businesses in a South Dakota city have been left with sickly brown lawns after a lawncare company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical on them.

Sioux Falls landscapers Kut and Kill Lawn Care admitted to the error, saying an experienced employee had accidentally used the wrong chemical during weed control spraying between April 19 and May 3.

The chemical lurked silently until May 9, when the sun came out and activated the herbicide, and the company realized its mistake, Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining told the Argus Leader this week.

In total, 302 lawns were scorched, but Eining has vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs.

In Sioux Falls, 302 lawns were scorched brown after a landscaping company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical during a weed control application

Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs

'What happened is that an employee made an honest mistake. It was purely by accident,' Eining told the local newspaper.

'I feel terrible for our customers as well as our employee, who is devastated by what happened.'

In a letter to customers, Eining vehemently denied rumors that a disgruntled employee had gone rogue and intentionally destroyed the yards, saying an internal investigation found it was purely accidental.

Eining told KELO-TV that the employee who mistakenly sprayed the wrong chemical has 25 years of experience in the industry.

'This 100 percent an accident, anyone could have done this, unfortunately. The goal is to learn from it moving forward,' he said. 'It's probably been harder on him than it has on myself.'

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead.

'I just want people to know that we are working on this around the clock and it just takes time, unfortunately,' he said.

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead

'The minute we know we are going to be sending messages out to everyone, every way we can, so we can get going on these,' said Eining.

For homeowners afflicted with embarrassing brown lawns, help can't come soon enough.

'It's one of those things where we take great pride in our yard and have a nice house,' homeowner Hazen Vennard told the local newspaper.

'If your yard looks like c**p then the rest of the house looks like c**p.'

'I'm hopeful that they're going to make it right,' said another homeowner, Cecelia Smith.

'It's unfortunate and I understand that mistakes happen, but at the end of the day it is just grass. There are much worse things that could be affecting us than dead grass.'

Hundreds of homes and businesses in a South Dakota city have been left with sickly brown lawns after a lawncare company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical on them.

Sioux Falls landscapers Kut and Kill Lawn Care admitted to the error, saying an experienced employee had accidentally used the wrong chemical during weed control spraying between April 19 and May 3.

The chemical lurked silently until May 9, when the sun came out and activated the herbicide, and the company realized its mistake, Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining told the Argus Leader this week.

In total, 302 lawns were scorched, but Eining has vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs.

In Sioux Falls, 302 lawns were scorched brown after a landscaping company accidentally sprayed the wrong chemical during a weed control application

Kut and Kill owner Tate Eining vowed to repair or replace all of the damaged yards, and is working with his insurance company to cover the costs

'What happened is that an employee made an honest mistake. It was purely by accident,' Eining told the local newspaper.

'I feel terrible for our customers as well as our employee, who is devastated by what happened.'

In a letter to customers, Eining vehemently denied rumors that a disgruntled employee had gone rogue and intentionally destroyed the yards, saying an internal investigation found it was purely accidental.

Eining told KELO-TV that the employee who mistakenly sprayed the wrong chemical has 25 years of experience in the industry.

'This 100 percent an accident, anyone could have done this, unfortunately. The goal is to learn from it moving forward,' he said. 'It's probably been harder on him than it has on myself.'

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead.

'I just want people to know that we are working on this around the clock and it just takes time, unfortunately,' he said.

Eining says he is working with his insurance company, and will begin repairing or replacing all of the damaged lawns once he gets the go-ahead

'The minute we know we are going to be sending messages out to everyone, every way we can, so we can get going on these,' said Eining.

For homeowners afflicted with embarrassing brown lawns, help can't come soon enough.

'It's one of those things where we take great pride in our yard and have a nice house,' homeowner Hazen Vennard told the local newspaper.

'If your yard looks like c**p then the rest of the house looks like c**p.'

'I'm hopeful that they're going to make it right,' said another homeowner, Cecelia Smith.

'It's unfortunate and I understand that mistakes happen, but at the end of the day it is just grass. There are much worse things that could be affecting us than dead grass.'

Bill Maher accused kids of coming out as trans is because it's 'trendy' and because being gay 'is not hip enough', on Friday's Real Time.

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial.

He began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054.'

Maher then asked if people are allowed to see those increases and ask: 'What's up with that?'

'It wasn't that long ago that when adults asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up, 'They meant what profession,' Maher said.

Commentator Bill Maher dedicated the end of his 'New Rules' segment on Friday's edition of HBO's Real Time to the rising numbers of LGBTQ Americans, which he went as far as to suggest was 'trendy'

He then pivoted to suggest that the number of LGBTQ Americans had risen so sharply, a recent ACLU finding claimed abortion rights bans would affect LGBTQ people more than cisgender women giving birth.

'Someone needs to say it - not everything's about you. It's okay to ask questions about something very new,' Maher said.

He then turned to puberty blockers, which are given to transgender youth, which Maher called 'literally experimenting on children' and suggested that the long-term effects haven't been studied enough, showing studies that said it caused lack of bone density and infertility.

Maher also cracked about the upcoming Pride parade in New York City not including gay men, but only trans people and lesbians.

'That's where we are now - gay men are not hip enough for a Gay Pride parade. Gay is practically cis, and cis is practically Mormon,' he said, showing a photo of Senator Mitt Romney.

Maher then suggested the number of people identifying as LGBTQ is 'trendy' because teenagers like to challenge 'the squares who brought you up' and wondering why he saw so many transgender children in his home of California but not in Youngstown, Ohio or the rest of the country.

He said that granting children's request for puberty blockers and genital surgery makes them part of a culture war they shouldn't be a part of.

'Never forget childen are impressionable and very, very stupid,' Maher said. 'A boy who thinks he's a girl maybe is just gay - or whatever [the television character] 'Frasier' was

'And maybe, if life makes you sad, there are other solutions than hand me the d**k saw,' he added.

Maher wrapped it up by saying that while gender is fluid, that 'kids are fluid about everything' and want to be different things when they grow up from one day to the next.

Maher began by noting the polls show the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ has doubled with each passing generation, joking that 'if we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay in 2054'

Maher, 66, who often draws the ire of both conservatives and liberals on his long-running show, largely went after the transgender part of that acronym in his editorial

'I wanted to be a pirate. Thank God no one scheduled me for eye removal and peg leg surgery,' he finished.

Though in recent episodes of the show and in his new standup special, #Adulting, Maher claims that he remains the same liberal he always was, though he has ticked off the left and specifically LGBTQ advocates and what he deems 'the woke mob' recently.

Maher mocked woke advocates for transgender issues in a show on May 7, saying the possible overturn of Roe V. Wade was a more important issue that puts their complaints into perspective.

In his opening monologue, Maher discussed the Supreme Court leak that revealed five justices are prepared to alter the landmark abortion case.

But the talk show host couldn't resist taking a jab at transgender people and their supporters obsession with policing pronouns.

'Louisiana wants to pass a law that says flat out if you get an abortion, you get charged with murder. Wow,' Maher said, referencing the state's controversial abortion bill.

'Suddenly getting the right pronoun doesnt seem so big, does it?'

Real Time host Bill Maher slammed pro-choice defenders two weeks ago, saying their claim that overturning Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate' and that the landmark decision is fluid and not 'settled law'

A leak from the Supreme Court revealed that five of the nine justices are willing to strike down Roe V. Wade, which triggered hundreds to protest outside the Supreme Court this week

Along with the Louisiana bill, Maher criticized the wave of states looking to set more restrictive abortion laws as they expected Roe V. Wade to be overturned.

'Oklahoma already has one on the books. Six weeks, cant get an [abortion] after six weeks,' he said. 'Most women dont even know theyre pregnant at six weeks.

'They dont even know if they like the guy. Six weeks. Thats a quick look.

Despite what he said, Maher slammed pro-choice protestors later in the show, saying their claim that ending Roe V. Wade would send U.S. abortion rights back 50 years is 'factually inaccurate.'

Maher said the ruling is not 'settled law' and that it would not have the drastic impact pro-choice defenders believe it would.

'Most abortions now, even when you go to a clinic, are done with the pill,' Maher said. The pill. And pills are easy to get in America.'

'So, you know, for the people who say we're going back to 1973, we're not. That's just factually inaccurate.'
Virginia Delegate Seeks to Bar Barnes & Noble from Selling Gender Queer Directly to Minors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.A Virginia delegate and congressional candidate have sought to prohibit Barnes and Noble from selling two booksGender Queer and A Court of Mist and Furydirectly to minors while a pending lawsuit in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines whether these two books meet obscenity standards.

The restraining orders, filed on Wednesday by state delegate Tim Anderson on behalf of Tommy Altman, a Republican candidate for Virginias second congressional district, followed Judge Pamela Baskervills orders on the same day, asking the publishers or authors of the two books to respond within 21 days to the allegation that the contents are obscene.

In the court order, Baskervill wrote that having reviewed Altmans original petition issue on April 28 and the books in question, the Court found probable cause to believe that the two books were obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anderson uploaded the court orders and described the ruling as a major legal victory. In another Facebook video on Thursday, he showed receipts of purchasing the two books at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Virginia Beach. So we got the books there, and theres no restrictions against purchasing these books, he said in the video.

Tim Andersons purchase receipt of Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury from a Barnes and Noble store in Virginia Beach, Va., on Apr. 25, 2022. (Courtesy of Tim Anderson)

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Barnes & Noble public relations wrote: As booksellers, we carry thousands of books whose subject matter some may find offensive. We live in a diverse society, and that diversity of opinion is reflected in the books we carry on our shelves that cater to the wide range of interests of our customers.

We ask that our customers respect our responsibility to offer this breadth of reading materials, and respect also that, while they chose not to purchase many of these themselves, they may be of interest to others, the statement continued.

In response to Barnes & Nobles statement, Anderson told The Epoch Times in a written comment: Mr. Altman is not requesting a ban of selling the books in question. He is requesting they not be sold to minors.

If a parent wishes to buy the books and give them to their child, that falls in the same category as a parent allowing a child to watch an R-rated movie, he added. We hope Barnes and Noble will do the right thing and identify there are sexually explicit books in its stores in Virginia Beach and take corrective action to restrict those books from sales to minors without further legal action being necessary.

Anderson and Altmans legal actions are viewed by some as censorship. A spokesperson of the American Booksellers Association told Bloomberg that he was deeply concerned about the potential effect on bookstores adopting self-censorship to survive. It is a booksellers constitutional right to carry and sell books as they see fit, without interference from the government, he added.

Anderson said he simply wanted age restrictions: There is no First Amendment right to distribute or sell sexually explicit materials to minors. Placing age restrictions on private companies selling sexually explicit materials happens everywhere in the United States. Minors are not allowed to go into movie theaters with R-rated movies without parent/guardian consent.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel with cartoon-style pictures, tells the story of nonbinary author Maia Kobabe from adolescence to adulthood.

It was the number one title removed from school libraries or classrooms, according to a report by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Over the nine months between July 2021 and March 2022, the book was banned in 30 school districts. The book is also listed as the most challenged book of 2021 by the American Library Association.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach School Board decided to pull Gender Queer from its school libraries after a workgroup review found pervasively vulgar content including illustrations depicting genitalia, bodily functions, and sexual acts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the two publishersBloomsbury Publishing for A Court of Mist and Fury and Lion Forge for Gender Queerfor comments.
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
World Insights: As "No.1 warmonger," U.S. takes atrocities against civilians for "unintentional mistakes"

Xinhua) 11:25, May 21, 2022

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- In its more-than-two-century history, the United States has been obsessive about building a system of permanent war. Since the end of WWII, the sabre-rattler, with a burning ambition for perpetuating its global hegemony, has frequently provoked or engaged in wars here and there.

From the Korean War and the Vietnam War to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the United States, referred to as "the No. 1 warmonger" by former President Jimmy Carter, has committed mass atrocities against innocent civilians time and again and created numerous human rights catastrophes.

Nonetheless, these despicable crimes against humanity have been shrugged off and justice has yet to be done. Let's have a look at what the so-called "liberal peacemaker" has perpetrated.

KOREAN WAR

The No Gun Ri massacre, one of the deadliest assaults the U.S. army had committed during the Korean War, had been buried deep in history, until The Associated Press uncovered the horrible tragedy in 1999.

After the outbreak of the war, U.S. troops soon suffered setbacks while forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) were marching forward. On July 26, 1950, out of the fear that the DPRK guerrilla troops might disguise themselves as refugees, U.S. commanders ordered units retreating through South Korea to shoot civilians.

A throng of refugees, many of them women and children, were killed in an air attack and by small- and heavy-weapons fire of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at a railroad bridge near the village of No Gun Ri in central South Korea, said the AP report.

Some 400 refugees were killed in the massacre, according to a series of petitions by Koreans calling for a U.S. probe into the killings.

In 2001, the U.S. Army conducted an investigation and acknowledged the killings, but described the three-day slaughter as "an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war and not a deliberate killing."

Besides the massacre, the U.S. military had also conducted covert germ-warfare operations in the northern DPRK and some parts of northeast China, ordering American planes to drop virus carriers such as insects and rats infected with yersinia pestis and vibrio cholerae.

In the three-year war, more than 3 million civilians were killed, with about 3 million others becoming refugees.

Bruce Cumings, a U.S. historian of East Asia, likens the U.S. troops' indiscriminate bombing in the Korean War to genocide. In terms of civilian slaughter, he said, "our ostensibly democratic ally was the worst offender."

VIETNAM WAR

On March 16, 1968, a company of U.S. soldiers invaded the Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai on a search-and-destroy mission, and brutally killed some 500 unarmed civilians, most of them seniors, women and children, including approximately 50 under the age of four.

In 1989, in an interview for the British documentary Four Hours in My Lai, Varnado Simpson, a U.S. soldier who had participated in the massacre, claimed to have killed about 25 people and added scalping and bodily mutilation to his description of the events.

However, in that election year of 1968, the My Lai massacre was covered up for 20 months by the U.S. Army, who had hidden the act of barbarism and misrepresented it as "a resounding victory" at the Vietnam battlefront.

Declassified files of the U.S. Army, as part of a once-secret archive assembled by a Pentagon task force in the early 1970s, also detailed 320 alleged incidents that had been substantiated by army investigators, the Los Angeles Times revealed in 2006.

Moreover, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of the defoliant known as Agent Orange in Vietnam, killing 400,000 Vietnamese and leaving 2 million others suffering cancers or other diseases.

The Vietnam War lasted for nearly 20 years, during which 2 million civilians were killed and more than 3 million became refugees.

In his work "Kill Anything that Moves: The Real American War in Vietnam," the author, Nick Turse, posed a troubling question: Why, with all the evidence collected by the U.S. military, were the atrocities in Vietnam not prosecuted?

"As I came to see," Turse wrote, "the indiscriminate killing of South Vietnamese noncombatants -- the endless slaughter that wiped out civilians day after day, month after month, year after year throughout the Vietnam War -- was neither accidental nor unforeseeable."

IRAQ WAR

On Nov. 19, 2005, a roadside bomb killed an American soldier in the western Iraqi town of Haditha. Some U.S. marines then broke into two houses near the bombing site and massacred at least 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians, including women and children.

In March 2006, the Time Magazine was among the first media to piece together the Haditha story, in which its correspondent said "the corpses I had seen, unzipped from the U.S.-issue body bags, were wearing pajamas."

However, such atrocities were whitewashed as "legitimate engagement" and "bona fide combat action" by U.S. military officers, according to a published memo. "We don't know what you're talking about when you say 'killings,'" the officers retorted, when asked about how many marines were involved.

Along with its allies, Washington invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming the Middle East country had weapons of mass destruction. After crushing Iraq nearly to dust and causing around 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including 16,000 directly killed by U.S. forces, the invader withdrew, finding no trace of those lethal weapons but leaving deep scars behind.

A study from the Dutch peacebuilding organization PAX found that the United States and Britain have acknowledged firing 116,000 kg of depleted uranium ammunition in the 2003 Iraq War. With an estimated 20 million landmines underground, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Iraq is still one of the most contaminated countries.

Former U.S. army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who provided WikiLeaks with classified documents regarding the war, told the New York Times what she saw during her service in Iraq: "bloody American soldiers, bullet-ridden Iraqi civilians."

"Being exposed to so much death on a daily basis makes you grapple with your own mortality," she said.

AFGHANISTAN WAR

On Aug. 29, 2021, just one day before the completion of the U.S.-led forces evacuation from Afghanistan, an unmanned drone attack killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family in Kabul, including seven children, which the Pentagon regarded as "an honest mistake" with no punishment attached.

Though the U.S. Central Command said "an imminent ISIS-K threat" was their real target, many media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, found Ahmadi was not a terrorist at all, but a longtime worker for a California-based aid group.

"All of them were innocent," said Emal, Ahmadi's brother who also lost his 3-year-old daughter in the tragedy. "You (Americans) say he was ISIS, but he worked for the Americans."

According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, the two-decade war in Afghanistan, also the longest in American history, has claimed the lives of 47,245 Afghan civilians and 66,000-69,000 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Between 2015 and 2020, the London-based non-profit Bureau of Investigative Journalism calculated that the United States launched over 13,000 drone strikes in Afghanistan, killing up to 10,000 people.

"Incidents like the strike that killed Ahmadi's family were not the exception but the rule," the U.S. magazine Newsweek commented. "The U.S. reiterated the message that it sent over 20 years of war in Afghanistan: it does not value Afghan life."

Considering the U.S. villainy against civilians over the past decades, one can conclude that the United States has never genuinely cared about human rights. The topic is simply a tool it used to deflect its own guilty and interfere with others.

"It is too convenient for Americans to criticize others for their crimes against humanity while they themselves refuse to look in the mirror -- and every one else can see right through it," observed the Foreign Policy magazine in an opinion piece.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel are not planning to sign any document at their upcoming trilateral meeting in Brussels, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said in response to a query from ARMENPRESS.

Grigoryan also addressed the criticism on the agenda of the meeting being kept secret.

ARMENPRESS: The trilateral meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister, President of the European Council and the President of Azerbaijan is planned to take place May 22 in Brussels. There is certain criticism that the agenda of the meeting is being kept secret. What would you say in this regard?

Grigoryan: Thats to say the least a strange criticism because the current agenda of our discussions with Azerbaijan is well known. These are: the points presented by us and by Azerbaijan for the normalization of relations or launch of peace talks, which are also disclosed and include the topic of the NK conflict settlement, issues of return of captives and revealing the fate of those missing, issues relating to opening of regional connections, delimitation and demarcation of borders, as well as issues relating to the launch of the work of the trilateral commission dealing with border security. This is the same agenda that was discussed during the previous meetings.

ARMENPRESS: Is it planned to sign any document in Brussels?

Grigoryan: No, because, for example in the issue of opening regional connections a working group co-chaired by deputy prime ministers is active and discussions on agreements reached on the highest level must continue in that format. The same can be said on the other issues which are being discussed more in detail in working formats. Therefore, no document is planned to be signed in Brussels. Presumably there will be a press release on the results of the discussions.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel are not planning to sign any document at their upcoming trilateral meeting in Brussels, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said in response to a query from ARMENPRESS.

Grigoryan also addressed the criticism on the agenda of the meeting being kept secret.

ARMENPRESS: The trilateral meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister, President of the European Council and the President of Azerbaijan is planned to take place May 22 in Brussels. There is certain criticism that the agenda of the meeting is being kept secret. What would you say in this regard?

Grigoryan: Thats to say the least a strange criticism because the current agenda of our discussions with Azerbaijan is well known. These are: the points presented by us and by Azerbaijan for the normalization of relations or launch of peace talks, which are also disclosed and include the topic of the NK conflict settlement, issues of return of captives and revealing the fate of those missing, issues relating to opening of regional connections, delimitation and demarcation of borders, as well as issues relating to the launch of the work of the trilateral commission dealing with border security. This is the same agenda that was discussed during the previous meetings.

ARMENPRESS: Is it planned to sign any document in Brussels?

Grigoryan: No, because, for example in the issue of opening regional connections a working group co-chaired by deputy prime ministers is active and discussions on agreements reached on the highest level must continue in that format. The same can be said on the other issues which are being discussed more in detail in working formats. Therefore, no document is planned to be signed in Brussels. Presumably there will be a press release on the results of the discussions.
In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.
German retailer Metro AG is scouting for a partner to sell its stake in its Indian subsidiary Metro Cash & Carry India, according to a source.

The parent company after reviewing the progress of its Indian unit is now looking for strategic external alliances for profitable growth of the business, said the industry source.

"This is at the discussion stage which has happened," he said, adding some discussion with the bankers has happened regarding it.

According to a media report, several leading companies operating in the online and offline business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) retail space have been approached, including Amazon, Thailand's Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, Reliance Retail, Avenue Supermarts (D-Mart), Tata Group, Lulu Group, and PE fund Samara Capital.

The Indian business needs more investments to expand and add more stores in its network and attain a scale, he added.

When contacted a Metro AG spokesperson said the company is reviewing the strategic options.

"Metro India is a growing business in a market with enormous potential for wholesale. We are reviewing strategic options with potential partners to enhance Metro's existing wholesale capabilities and accelerate the business development in India. Please understand we will not comment on rumours or speculations in the media, said Metro AG Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Gerd Koslowski.

Metro AG operates in 34 countries and generated sales of 25.6 billion euros in the financial year 2019-20.

It entered the Indian market in 2003.

Metro Cash & Carry India currently operates 31 stores in the country under the brand Metro Wholesale.

It operates six stores in Bangalore, four in Hyderabad, two each in Mumbai and Delhi, and one each in Kolkata, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Zirakpur, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore, Lucknow, Meerut, Nasik, Ghaziabad, Tumakuru, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Hubballi.

When asked about the development Metro India's spokesperson said the India business is doing very well and has been profitable since 2018.

"Metro India business is doing very well and has been profitable since 2018; now continuously four years in a row. We have seen a big jump of 57 per cent in our EBITDA for FY21 vs FY20. Our e-commerce business in FY21 grew by 5.7x vs the previous year and we have successfully opened three new stores in India in the last 9 months," he added.

URUMQI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The saber-rattling in a recent U.S. report to boost pressure on China over so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang is a renewed effort of Uncle Sam to leverage its hegemony and defame the northwestern Chinese autonomous region.

First and foremost, remarkable human rights progress has been made in Xinjiang over the past decades. The allegations of the United States are light-years away from the facts.

One basic and plain example to illustrate the absurdity of the United States is the so-called genocide against the Uygur people. As a matter of fact, the Uygur population in Xinjiang grew from 3.6 million in 1953 to about 11.62 million in 2020, according to national census data.

In addition, the Xinjiang people, members of the Uygur ethnic group included, are living longer, getting richer, and pursuing a better life in various ways of their own choice. The region has become safe and stable thanks to China's effective counterterrorism and de-radicalization efforts.

Unfortunately, these facts have failed to impress the United States. On the contrary, its attacks against Xinjiang have become increasingly unscrupulous. The "Chinese Human Rights Defenders," an NGO backed by the notorious National Endowment for Democracy, interviewed only eight people to conclude that 1 million people were detained in "re-education detention camps" in Xinjiang.

Such hypocrisy and audacity have given the world pause for thought. "The entire world should be laughing at America for pretending to care about Muslims in China," independent journalist Caitlin Johnstone wrote in Russia Today. "All it cares about is undermining its chief geostrategic rival on the world stage, truth be damned."

This observation hits the bull's eye. Facing the collective rise of developing countries on the world stage, the United States has become anxious about its hegemony, regarding China as a threat that has to be dealt with.

With that calculation in mind, Washington has set its eyes on Xinjiang, which lies at the continental center of Asia. Lawrence Wilkerson, the chief of staff to former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, once publicly confessed that the best way for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to destabilize China would be "to foment unrest" in Xinjiang.

But unlike countries that had fallen victim to the U.S. hegemony, China has the will, wisdom and capacity to prevail over any plot to hinder its peaceful development.

What Washington needs to heed is that history does not favor imperialist excesses. It is high time that it woke up from its hegemonic dream of the last century. 
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2022/05/20

Purportedly Overseer Baek has a very different personality than her elder twin sister, being a calmer character with an artistic side- but sharing ominous interests. Jo Min-soo will also play Doctor Baek in some flashback scenes. Jo Min-soo has promised that beyond haircut, wardrobe, and eye color, her character will be quite different, and Jo Min-soo had many consultations with director Park Hoon-jung as to how. "The Witch : Part 2. The Other One" will be released in South Korean theaters on June 15th.

Staff writer. Has been writing articles for HanCinema since 2012, having lived in South Korea since 2011. Started out in Gyeongju, then to Daegu, then to Ansan, then to Yeongju, then to Seoul, lived on the road for HanCinema's travel diaries series in the summer of 2016, and is currently settled in Anyang. Has good tips for utilizing South Korea's public bus system. William Schwartz can be contacted via william@hancinema.net. He also has a substack at williamschwartz.substack.com where he discusses the South Korean film industry in broader terms and takes suggestions for future movies to review.

Read articles, reviews from William Schwartz
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.

In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
Advertisement

An unsolicited text message was sent to residents urging them to vote Liberal

Australian voters in marginal seats have been bombarded with an 11th hour text message from the Liberal Party about the arrival of two asylum seeker boats, just hours before polls close.

The texts, which are being sent as a 'news alert' refer to an 'illegal' boat that was intercepted by Border Force officials allegedly trying to enter Australia.

'BREAKING: Australian Border Force has intercepted an illegal boat trying to reach Australia. Keep our borders secure by voting Liberal today,' the text read.

Scott Morrison also warned more people smugglers will come to Australia under a Labor government as the prime minister and Anthony Albanese cast their vote.

A second boat was intercepted on Wednesday by the Sri Lankan Navy before it reached Australian waters.

Daily Mail Australia understands there have been up to 30 asylum seeker boats intercepted by ABF this year alone - none of which prompted a text message alert.

A fishing vessel carrying dozens of people has been stopped by the Sri Lankan navy amid warnings that people smuggling could ramp up after election day

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday for Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese to become PM.

The timing of the boat arrival prompted theories that it was no accident and had somehow been planned ahead of time as an election stunt.

Among those discussing the theory was 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, who wrote that the boat arriving 'on the eve of an election' was 'a chilling a coincidence'.

'As well as being xenophobic, this vitriolic, fear-mongering rhetoric is blatant propaganda designed to undermine opponents,' she wrote.

'Our nation is better than this.

'Whatever the truth is in this case, people are not pawns. People are people.'

Journalist Karen Middleton kickstarted the theory by revealing she was tipped off about the possibility weeks ago, but couldn't verify it.

'I got a tip on April 26 that two boats had left Sri Lanka, facilitated by SL authorities and timed to arrive just before election. Informant described it as "an election stunt". Maybe its a coincidence,' she wrote.

Among those discussing the theory was 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame (pictured with Mr Albanese, of whom she is a big fan), who wrote that the boat arriving 'on the eve of an election' was 'a chilling a coincidence'

One voter noted that the Liberal Party's strange logic of using boat arrivals on its watch as evidence that Australians should not vote for Labor

Middleton said her source told of his friend in Colombo witnessing people being loaded on one of the boats in the presence of police.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews this week, after the first boat was intercepted, claimed people-smugglers were preparing to boost their operations on the event of a Labor election victory.

'We know people-smugglers are watching and waiting for a change in Australia's government, and they're already trying to start up their illegal trade on the eve of an election,' she said.

'Only the Morrison Government can keep people-smugglers out of business through our strong stance and consistency on border policy - no one who comes here illegally by boat will ever be allowed to settle in Australia.'

This is despite Labor having exactly the same policy on asylum seekers, including turning back boats and offshore detention.

Voters were quick to vent their fury on social media, angry that a security issue was being politicised and spun for votes on election day, when no other boat arrivals received the same treatment.

One voter noted that the Liberal Party's strange logic of using boat arrivals on its watch as evidence that Australians should not vote for Labor.

Advertising executive and media personality Craig Foster vented his anger after receiving the text message.

'Absolutely disgusting. The use of vulnerable people, minority communities to stoke fear, division, demonisation for political gain,' he wrote.

'My deepest apologies and solidarity with our beautiful Australian-Sri Lankan community for being used in this way. We must be better than this.'

The Liberal Party defended the text message, saying: 'As Australians go to vote today it is important that they are informed about the choice that is before them'.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat sailing from Sri Lanka had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers.

The Australian Border Force released a statement the boat was likely attempting to 'illegally' enter Australia after it was reported it came 'very close' to the west coast of Christmas Island.

'I can confirm that there's been an interception of a vessel en route to Australia,' Mr Morrison said.

'That vessel has been intercepted in accordance with the policies of government and they're following those normal protocols and I can simply say this.

'I've been here to stop this boat but in order for me to be there to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberal and Nationals today.'

The messages prompted the Australia Electoral Commission to tweet that 'electoral laws don't prohibit text messages sent by candidates or political parties'.

Labor has emerged as the favourite among bookies with payout rates dropping from $1.55 on Friday to $1.32 on Saturday

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Scott Morrison was helped by his wife Jenny as he cast his vote in the seat of Cook on Saturday

Ms Andrews warned people smugglers were hoping for a change in government and waiting for the outcome of the election.

A fishing boat and two dinghies headed for a 'foreign country' were intercepted off the Batticaloa coast by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

Some 40 people, including four people smugglers, were apprehended for trying to 'illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea'.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton took to Twitter to claim more were on their way.

'People smugglers have obviously decided who is going to win the election and the boats have already started,' he tweeted.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he visited his seat of Cook in Sydney on Saturday.

He smiled ear to ear for the cameras and hugged his wife as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, and thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

Voters attend a voting centre at South Yarra Library in Melbourne and are greeted by election volunteers

Two young voters chat to a Greens volunteer in the seat of Higgins in inner Melbourne. Their candidate is Sonya Semmens

Millions of Australians voted before the election, either by post or at pre-poll outlets, but the majority still showed up election day

Mr Albanese cast his vote at Marrickville Town Hall in his home seat of Grayndler as he was watched on by his son Nathan, partner Jodie Haydon and cavoodle Toto.

the opposition leader addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'.

'I was raised with three great faiths. And labor, of course, was one of them. I've held to it my whole life,' he said.

'What I wanted to know in myself was that I hadn't left anything on the field. And I've done that. I've done my best for the cause of Labor, which I'm passionate about.

'I'm not in this to change where I live. I'm in it to change the country. And that's what I intend to do.'

The opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term.

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said. 'I want to unite the country. There's been a lot of division in recent times.

Mr Morrison made one last pitch to voters to re-elect him as prime minister, confirming a boat headed from Sri Lanka to Australia had been intercepted - and that only he could protect the country from more people smugglers

'My message is I want to represent all Australians,' Mr Albanese said after casting his vote on Saturday

'It's one of my criticisms of the current government is that Scott Morrison looks for division and difference rather than unity and common purpose.

'I want to bring people together and regardless of how people vote in our great democracy, it's good that people express their views at the ballot box. Once it's done, then we need to unite and move forward as a nation. I believe that we can.'

Mr Albanese said he felt a very strong sense of 'responsibility' as he would be only the fourth Labor leader in 80 years to win government from the Coalition - if he was elected.

'I remember as a very young, young boy when Gough Whitlam won in '72,' he said.

'I just remember my mum telling me that, you know, our team had won. It was a bit like the '71 grand final when our other team won against St George when Souths won. I grew up with a passion for Labor.'

Mr Albanese said he wanted to see 'democracy function properly' before criticising Mr Morrison.

The Opposition leader is aiming to form a majority government - which means a minimum target of 76, as low as the coalition's grasp on Parliament House during its term

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorate (pictured, Josh Frydenberg casts his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne)

'My big concern with this government is what is there to be proud of?' he said.

'You know, the sort of nonsense that we've seen-of-playing wedge politics against vulnerable people that Scott Morrison's been prepared to do during this campaign and the other wedge politics throughout this.

'We're a better country than that. I want to change politics. Be very clear. I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates.

'I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this. I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do.'

The major party leaders may have cast their vote, but it is not just blue, red and green placards and T-shirts at polling booths across NSW - a sea of teal represents the charge of independent candidates in some electorates.

In the seat of North Sydney, independent Kylea Tink turned up to vote in her signature pink.

Defence minister Peter Dutton casts his vote in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane

She hopes to usurp moderate Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman, who holds the seat with a 9.3 per cent margin.

'There are thousands of people across the North Sydney electorate standing with me in this movement,' she told AAP on Saturday outside a polling station at Naremburn.

'People feel the two major parties are more focused on their own internal politicking.

'The community made it very clear they wanted to see faster action on climate, they want to see an integrity commission established, they want to see systemic inequality addressed and they want to see our economy re-geared so it becomes forward focused.

'We're ready to lead a new way of doing politics in this country.'
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel are not planning to sign any document at their upcoming trilateral meeting in Brussels, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said in response to a query from ARMENPRESS.

Grigoryan also addressed the criticism on the agenda of the meeting being kept secret.

ARMENPRESS: The trilateral meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister, President of the European Council and the President of Azerbaijan is planned to take place May 22 in Brussels. There is certain criticism that the agenda of the meeting is being kept secret. What would you say in this regard?

Grigoryan: Thats to say the least a strange criticism because the current agenda of our discussions with Azerbaijan is well known. These are: the points presented by us and by Azerbaijan for the normalization of relations or launch of peace talks, which are also disclosed and include the topic of the NK conflict settlement, issues of return of captives and revealing the fate of those missing, issues relating to opening of regional connections, delimitation and demarcation of borders, as well as issues relating to the launch of the work of the trilateral commission dealing with border security. This is the same agenda that was discussed during the previous meetings.

ARMENPRESS: Is it planned to sign any document in Brussels?

Grigoryan: No, because, for example in the issue of opening regional connections a working group co-chaired by deputy prime ministers is active and discussions on agreements reached on the highest level must continue in that format. The same can be said on the other issues which are being discussed more in detail in working formats. Therefore, no document is planned to be signed in Brussels. Presumably there will be a press release on the results of the discussions.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel are not planning to sign any document at their upcoming trilateral meeting in Brussels, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said in response to a query from ARMENPRESS.

Grigoryan also addressed the criticism on the agenda of the meeting being kept secret.

ARMENPRESS: The trilateral meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister, President of the European Council and the President of Azerbaijan is planned to take place May 22 in Brussels. There is certain criticism that the agenda of the meeting is being kept secret. What would you say in this regard?

Grigoryan: Thats to say the least a strange criticism because the current agenda of our discussions with Azerbaijan is well known. These are: the points presented by us and by Azerbaijan for the normalization of relations or launch of peace talks, which are also disclosed and include the topic of the NK conflict settlement, issues of return of captives and revealing the fate of those missing, issues relating to opening of regional connections, delimitation and demarcation of borders, as well as issues relating to the launch of the work of the trilateral commission dealing with border security. This is the same agenda that was discussed during the previous meetings.

ARMENPRESS: Is it planned to sign any document in Brussels?

Grigoryan: No, because, for example in the issue of opening regional connections a working group co-chaired by deputy prime ministers is active and discussions on agreements reached on the highest level must continue in that format. The same can be said on the other issues which are being discussed more in detail in working formats. Therefore, no document is planned to be signed in Brussels. Presumably there will be a press release on the results of the discussions.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel are not planning to sign any document at their upcoming trilateral meeting in Brussels, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said in response to a query from ARMENPRESS.

Grigoryan also addressed the criticism on the agenda of the meeting being kept secret.

ARMENPRESS: The trilateral meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister, President of the European Council and the President of Azerbaijan is planned to take place May 22 in Brussels. There is certain criticism that the agenda of the meeting is being kept secret. What would you say in this regard?

Grigoryan: Thats to say the least a strange criticism because the current agenda of our discussions with Azerbaijan is well known. These are: the points presented by us and by Azerbaijan for the normalization of relations or launch of peace talks, which are also disclosed and include the topic of the NK conflict settlement, issues of return of captives and revealing the fate of those missing, issues relating to opening of regional connections, delimitation and demarcation of borders, as well as issues relating to the launch of the work of the trilateral commission dealing with border security. This is the same agenda that was discussed during the previous meetings.

ARMENPRESS: Is it planned to sign any document in Brussels?

Grigoryan: No, because, for example in the issue of opening regional connections a working group co-chaired by deputy prime ministers is active and discussions on agreements reached on the highest level must continue in that format. The same can be said on the other issues which are being discussed more in detail in working formats. Therefore, no document is planned to be signed in Brussels. Presumably there will be a press release on the results of the discussions.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
German retailer Metro AG is scouting for a partner to sell its stake in its Indian subsidiary Metro Cash & Carry India, according to a source.

The parent company after reviewing the progress of its Indian unit is now looking for strategic external alliances for profitable growth of the business, said the industry source.

"This is at the discussion stage which has happened," he said, adding some discussion with the bankers has happened regarding it.

According to a media report, several leading companies operating in the online and offline business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) retail space have been approached, including Amazon, Thailand's Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, Reliance Retail, Avenue Supermarts (D-Mart), Tata Group, Lulu Group, and PE fund Samara Capital.

The Indian business needs more investments to expand and add more stores in its network and attain a scale, he added.

When contacted a Metro AG spokesperson said the company is reviewing the strategic options.

"Metro India is a growing business in a market with enormous potential for wholesale. We are reviewing strategic options with potential partners to enhance Metro's existing wholesale capabilities and accelerate the business development in India. Please understand we will not comment on rumours or speculations in the media, said Metro AG Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Gerd Koslowski.

Metro AG operates in 34 countries and generated sales of 25.6 billion euros in the financial year 2019-20.

It entered the Indian market in 2003.

Metro Cash & Carry India currently operates 31 stores in the country under the brand Metro Wholesale.

It operates six stores in Bangalore, four in Hyderabad, two each in Mumbai and Delhi, and one each in Kolkata, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Zirakpur, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore, Lucknow, Meerut, Nasik, Ghaziabad, Tumakuru, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Hubballi.

When asked about the development Metro India's spokesperson said the India business is doing very well and has been profitable since 2018.

"Metro India business is doing very well and has been profitable since 2018; now continuously four years in a row. We have seen a big jump of 57 per cent in our EBITDA for FY21 vs FY20. Our e-commerce business in FY21 grew by 5.7x vs the previous year and we have successfully opened three new stores in India in the last 9 months," he added.
URUMQI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The saber-rattling in a recent U.S. report to boost pressure on China over so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang is a renewed effort of Uncle Sam to leverage its hegemony and defame the northwestern Chinese autonomous region.

First and foremost, remarkable human rights progress has been made in Xinjiang over the past decades. The allegations of the United States are light-years away from the facts.

One basic and plain example to illustrate the absurdity of the United States is the so-called genocide against the Uygur people. As a matter of fact, the Uygur population in Xinjiang grew from 3.6 million in 1953 to about 11.62 million in 2020, according to national census data.

In addition, the Xinjiang people, members of the Uygur ethnic group included, are living longer, getting richer, and pursuing a better life in various ways of their own choice. The region has become safe and stable thanks to China's effective counterterrorism and de-radicalization efforts.

Unfortunately, these facts have failed to impress the United States. On the contrary, its attacks against Xinjiang have become increasingly unscrupulous. The "Chinese Human Rights Defenders," an NGO backed by the notorious National Endowment for Democracy, interviewed only eight people to conclude that 1 million people were detained in "re-education detention camps" in Xinjiang.

Such hypocrisy and audacity have given the world pause for thought. "The entire world should be laughing at America for pretending to care about Muslims in China," independent journalist Caitlin Johnstone wrote in Russia Today. "All it cares about is undermining its chief geostrategic rival on the world stage, truth be damned."

This observation hits the bull's eye. Facing the collective rise of developing countries on the world stage, the United States has become anxious about its hegemony, regarding China as a threat that has to be dealt with.

With that calculation in mind, Washington has set its eyes on Xinjiang, which lies at the continental center of Asia. Lawrence Wilkerson, the chief of staff to former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, once publicly confessed that the best way for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to destabilize China would be "to foment unrest" in Xinjiang.

But unlike countries that had fallen victim to the U.S. hegemony, China has the will, wisdom and capacity to prevail over any plot to hinder its peaceful development.

What Washington needs to heed is that history does not favor imperialist excesses. It is high time that it woke up from its hegemonic dream of the last century. 
URUMQI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The saber-rattling in a recent U.S. report to boost pressure on China over so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang is a renewed effort of Uncle Sam to leverage its hegemony and defame the northwestern Chinese autonomous region.

First and foremost, remarkable human rights progress has been made in Xinjiang over the past decades. The allegations of the United States are light-years away from the facts.

One basic and plain example to illustrate the absurdity of the United States is the so-called genocide against the Uygur people. As a matter of fact, the Uygur population in Xinjiang grew from 3.6 million in 1953 to about 11.62 million in 2020, according to national census data.

In addition, the Xinjiang people, members of the Uygur ethnic group included, are living longer, getting richer, and pursuing a better life in various ways of their own choice. The region has become safe and stable thanks to China's effective counterterrorism and de-radicalization efforts.

Unfortunately, these facts have failed to impress the United States. On the contrary, its attacks against Xinjiang have become increasingly unscrupulous. The "Chinese Human Rights Defenders," an NGO backed by the notorious National Endowment for Democracy, interviewed only eight people to conclude that 1 million people were detained in "re-education detention camps" in Xinjiang.

Such hypocrisy and audacity have given the world pause for thought. "The entire world should be laughing at America for pretending to care about Muslims in China," independent journalist Caitlin Johnstone wrote in Russia Today. "All it cares about is undermining its chief geostrategic rival on the world stage, truth be damned."

This observation hits the bull's eye. Facing the collective rise of developing countries on the world stage, the United States has become anxious about its hegemony, regarding China as a threat that has to be dealt with.

With that calculation in mind, Washington has set its eyes on Xinjiang, which lies at the continental center of Asia. Lawrence Wilkerson, the chief of staff to former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, once publicly confessed that the best way for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to destabilize China would be "to foment unrest" in Xinjiang.

But unlike countries that had fallen victim to the U.S. hegemony, China has the will, wisdom and capacity to prevail over any plot to hinder its peaceful development.

What Washington needs to heed is that history does not favor imperialist excesses. It is high time that it woke up from its hegemonic dream of the last century. 


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Corrections and Clarifications: This story has been updated to reflect the Todu Guam Foundation is the correct title of the organization. The 5K run was held as a fundraiser not a free event. Other information was listed in previous versions of the story.

To promote a healthy lifestyle on island, the Todu Guam Foundation held a 5K bubble run fundraiser and walk followed by a free health fair Saturday at Ypao Beach Park.

Over 500 adults and children participated under the hot early morning sun in the run and/or walk, but were soaked in bubbles after completing the course.

Ashley Calvo-Rodriguez, a coordinator for the event, said the foundations goal is to promote healthy living to Guams residents one person at a time.

We thought this would be a good way to bring people together to encourage an active lifestyle, she said adding this is the first 5K run the organization has hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Dededo resident Edward Guerrero said he enjoys running 5K events for his health, especially for his heart.

It was good. You sweat out all your fears and stress through exercise, which is good for your heart and cholesterol. It keeps you young and helps you live a little bit longer, said Guerrero who completed the 5K in about 45 minutes.

The top runners in the divisions of youth, junior, open, sub-master, master, grandmaster and manamko each received a medal, certificate and gift basket. The first 300 that finished the run received a T-shirt.

Health fair

The health fair was the first of many upcoming events to provide physical checkups for children going back to school said Calvo-Rodriguez.

Usually summer is our busiest time because a lot of kids need to get their school physicals, TB shots and vaccines, she said.

Participant from the 5K and Mangilao resident, Deborah Polmal also decided to take advantage of the health fair for her 14-year-old daughter who is interested in joining school sports, which requires a physical to check vitals, vision and hearing.

Were very thankful and grateful to be here for the medical outreach, Polmal said.

The foundations community partners were also present at the fair to offer their services. They included the Department of Public Health and Social Services, TakeCare Insurance, GotYour671, the University of Guam, Guam Cancer Care, the Guam Nurses Association and MedPharm Guam.
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI

As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI

As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic recount because of close results in Newtown, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania GOP Senate Primary Results Might Not Be Known Until June 8

One of the most closely followed U.S. primaries might not be determined until as late as June 8.

Three days after the May 17 Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate primary election, ballots continue to be tallied. As of midday May 20, celebrity surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz held a slim lead over former hedge fund executive and Gulf War combat veteran David McCormick.

According to Decision Desk HQ, at 5 p.m. ET on May 20, Oz had 418,470 votes (31.16 percent) followed by McCormick at 417,391 (31.08 percent). The difference is 1,079 votes out of 1,343,163 ballots counted.

Regardless of who has the most votes when all the ballots are recorded, the race appears to be headed for a recount. Under Pennsylvania law, an automatic recount is triggered when the difference between the top two candidates is within 0.5 percent.

The winner would need a margin of approximately 6,700 votes to avoid an automatic recount.

The chances of a recount are 100 percent and no less, Josh Novotney, a Pennsylvania-based Republican consultant, told Politico. Theres still votes coming in.

It will probably get even tighter than it is now, which is almost humanly impossible. Each side will definitely be wanting any slight edge they can get going into a recount.

On May 20, county election boards across the state began meeting to determine problematic and provisional ballots, while election staffers registered thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots.

Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia were still recording Election Day votes.

As of midday on May 20, Pennsylvanias Department of State reported that approximately 28,000 mail-in and absentee ballotsincluding 8,300 in the Republican primarywere yet to be counted.

McCormick has performed better among mail-in ballots, while Oz has seen more success among Election Day votes.

Overseas and military absentee ballots must be counted before counties can certify their results to the state by the deadline on May 24 at 5 p.m.

A former hedge fund executive and U.S. Treasury Department official in former President George W. Bushs administration, McCormick is a West Point graduate, a former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper, and a Gulf War combat veteran.

His campaign believes that it will benefit McCormick when military ballots are tabulated.

Right now, there are 1,582 [military and overseas absentee ballots]between both partiesthat are awaiting processing statewide, a senior McCormick campaign spokesman said on May 19. If you just give us a thousand of those [as Republican ballots], I think theyd probably pick the 82nd Airborne paratrooper over the Turkish Army surgeon.

Provisional ballots must be counted by May 24 at 5 p.m. as well.

These ballots are cast by first-time voters who couldnt provide a required ID; individuals who requested a mail-in ballot, but instead voted in person and didnt surrender their mail-in ballot; or people who moved to a new address and didnt update their registration.

County election officials started the review process of these ballots on May 20. Theyre required to determine what ballots are valid by the close of business on May 24.

We feel quite confident that when every vote thats been cast is counted  Dave McCormick is going to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania, a senior McCormick campaign official said.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania holds a campaign rally at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville, Pa., on April 20, 2022. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

An Oz campaign spokesperson said the math isnt in McCormicks favor and that we are confident Dr. Oz will win this race.

Multiple lawsuits contesting decisions in certain counties could happen before a recount begins.

To prepare for the probable recount, both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers. Both campaigns have also brought aboard Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped guide the vote-counting observation on Election Day for Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The secretary of state must determine if a recount will be held by the second Thursday following the day of the election, which is May 26.

The recount would be managed by the individual counties and start no later than the third Wednesday after Election Day, which would be June 1.

It must be finished by noon on the following Tuesday, which, in this case, would be June 7. Counties would submit results to the state by June 8.

With the U.S. Senate split 5050, and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) retiring, the states November general election is expected to be one of the countrys most pivotal races. Oz or McCormick will face Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who handily won the Democratic primary a few days after suffering a stroke. He underwent a successful procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator on the same day the primary was held.

Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, Fetterman said. He remained hospitalized on May 20.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.



In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.

In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.


Former Fast Company staff writer Rina Raphael takes a hatchet to the $4.4 trillion wellness industry and her willing participation in propagating its misinformation in The Gospel of Wellness (Holt, Sept.), which combines reportage, first-person narrative, and social critique. I saw how the sausage was made, she says. I myself made mistakes. Raphael spoke with PW about gender, the commodification of health, and Americas long history of snake oil salespeople.

How did the industry go awry?

I covered wellness from the business angle. What I thought was a well-intentioned industrybased around fitness, nutrition, stress relief, and spiritualityincreasingly gave way to muddy waters: crystal-infused water bottles, detox cleanses, shady workplace wellness programs. After interviewing founders and trying every trend myself, I talked to hundreds of women at wellness festivals. I grew skeptical and out of curiosity, but also out of journalistic duty, I started doing my homework. The wellness industry is actually quite unwell. This book is the story of what I discovered.

How do you implicate yourself in this story?

I covered this industry because I was personally invested in it. I totally drank the Kool-Aid. I went to every boutique class. I went fully organic. I tried the detoxes, the whole shebang. You get sucked into this because of social media. Theres also so much misinformation in the media. Wellness is not treated like the health category. Its treated like fashion. Youll find it in the Sunday Styles, in all the womens magazines. You have important health stories written by people who dont have any science background and who didnt reach out to any scientists or doctors. Thats how this industry is getting out of control; its not because women are stupid. I elevated so many of these companies to great heights, and then I realized that they werent what I thought they were.

How do gender and wellness intersect?

There are very specific reasons why American women gravitate toward wellness. Why are they rushing to boutique studios? Why are they downloading meditation apps and swapping milk for soaked almond water? Theyre looking for solutions. Wellness tells them that they have the solutions. Women are told if they follow a certain protocol, eat right, meditate, buy all this stuff, they can manage what feels unruly or subpar in their lives. I spoke to an Italian academic who deals in self-care studies, and she said, We get six weeks vacation; we take two-hour lunches; we have fresh food; were a communal society. We dont need as much self-care.  The messaging around self-care is highly individualistic, when we need more communal solutions.

Why did you use the word gospel in the subtitle?

The messaging and marketing around this commodified bloated industry is similar to organized religion. It provides identity, meaning, communitythings that are in short supply in America. At the same time, it also has its false idols and its cultish trends. I spoke to people who couldnt live without their SoulCycle or near-worshiped influencers because they dont trust other institutions.

After reading the book, what do you hope readers take away?

You think, Wow, were really being taken for a ride here. But this has happened before. In the 19th century, once germ theory pervaded the national consciousness, you had all these companies who terrified women: If you dont buy an ice box then your kids are going to die! If you dont scrub with these certain disinfectants youre going to be carrying your kid out in a tiny casket. I hope that women can be a little more forgiving of themselves and just recognize that they are being targeted.

Back to main feature.

















As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI


As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
In this edition of our monthly thematic roundup of BookLife titles, were celebrating memoir and autobiography.

Adventure

The Escape Artist: A True Story

Alexandra Swigon

ISBN 978-1-5004-4789-2

About the book: A family of four is thrown into the high-octane history that was communist Poland in the 1960s and 70s. A visionary architect, a central-planning feminist economist, and two little girls grapple with life in a logic-challenged system.

Author statement:  So, where are you from? A simple enough icebreaker, but not for me. Poland, by way of New York, a bit of Italy. How to properly answer and do justice to my familys escape and emigration from communist Poland? I have tried condensing the story to an elevator speech. Naturally, the dramatic parts would pique the listeners curiosity, and just as they would start peppering me with questions it was time to get off the elevator. This book finally gives me the opportunity to tell the story in the fullness that it deserves.

Everything in Between

Caitlin Elizabeth

ISBN 978-0-578-68070-5

About the book: Everything in Between takes the reader around the world and back again, the story of a woman letting go of the past and societys conditioning to find her freedom. In her 20s, Caitlin decides to quit her soul-sucking job to live in South America, a decision that catapults her into a totally new life. From Peru to Bali to India to Vietnam to Ireland to Costa Rica to the Faroe Islands, the reader joins Caitlin on a worldwide adventure, fraught with as many hilariously unfortunate mishaps as insightful moments.

Author statement: Womens voices have been silenced for centuries. I wrote this book of essays to share my true and honest experience of choosing not to get married, traveling instead of raising a family, and deconditioning myself from capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal standards around my sexuality and life purpose.

Memory Road Trip

Krista Marson

ISBN 978-1-7373284-0-7

About the book: This journey down memory lane is a coming-of-age excursion that takes armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness.

Author statement: Memory Road Trip is a collection of travel stories ranging from the sublime to the surreal.

Grief

Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love

Felice Cohen

ASIN B09XZM7FC2

About the book: What if your first love was a forbidden one? At 23, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early 1990s. Since she was focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she didwith her boss, a woman 34 years older. In this candid coming-of-age memoir, Cohen chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating lifes unpredictable path while following ones heart and finding acceptance.

Author statement: This book started out as a therapeutic exercise. The first love of my life had died. We had had a secretive, 10-year lesbian affair, and after she passed, I was forced to mourn her exactly as I had loved her: in secret. But the secret was fighting to come out. I wrote something late one night after she came to me in a dream. On a whim I entered it into a first chapter contest and won. A publisher came up to me and asked, How much of the book do you have done? Book? I thought. What book? It took me almost 18 years to finish this book. Not because of the writing process, but because of the healing one. Finishing meant letting her go. But it was time. Time to tell our story. Time to move on. Time to fall in love again.

Life After Death

Trina Machacek

ISBN 978-1-73776-752-7

About the book: Becoming a one instead of half a twosome is not what you bargained for? You find yourself really alone, a lot? You need a cheerleader. You need to hear you are going to live again. You need to know its okay to live and laugh while being angry and sad. With all the courage of a kitten coming out of the box for the first time, and seeing the world in a new light, Machacek found widowhood wasnt all that bad.

Author statement: When my husband died (oh how I hated those words), I looked for a book that wasnt all just sad. So after some cajoling from friends, I wrote about the widows journey. This is the book I looked for when I became the newest widow on my block. I want to let other people know that there is hope. That there really, truly is life after a death.

Triumph and Transformation

California Chrome: Our Story

Perry Martin

ISBN 978-0-578-34021-0

About the book: The Martins built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. Regaining their financial feet after working hard to make the business profitable, they could have relaxed and enjoyed their success. Instead, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the first horse they ever bred, California Chrome, took the world by storm and won the Kentucky Derby.

Author statement: This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

In Our Blood

Caitlin Billings

ISBN 978-1-64742-415-2

About the book: Caitlin Billings thought she could neatly walk away from her past, but her work as a mental health professional and role as a mother causes tremendous pressure to be perfect and present stability. But a hold-up at gunpoint breaks her carefully balanced world apart. Suddenly, Caitlin is trapped by frightening mental health issues while raising two young children. Just when she feels in control of her newfound bipolar disorder, her elder child shows similar depressive symptoms and an allegation of sexual assault in their home makes her question her fundamental ability to protect her children. And when her elder child comes out as transgender, Caitlin must reconsider her own tolerance and understanding. Part coming-of-age, part reckoning of motherhood, In Our Blood is a therapists honest account of professional and personal struggles and an intergenerational story of acceptance, self-love, and fluidity.

Author statement: I decided to write a memoir because I was trying to make sense of two colliding identities: clinical social worker and psychiatric patient. I want readers to know that despite the societal pressure many of us feel to be perfect, imperfection is the reality, and acceptance of self will open new paths for you while perfectionism becomes an ever-tighter and more cramped prison cell. We can make mistakes with our lives and take paths that in hindsight we wish wed never walked, but if we can lean into our understanding of ourselves and stop calling ourselves imperfect failures, we can find peace in little slips of time and in the most mundane of ways.

Never Make a Sound

Fanen ChiahemeI

ISBN 978-1-989134-15-3

About the book: A young girl growing up in a turbulent family setting creates a secret inner world to escape her toxic environment. Told through stories and poetry, this memoir is a raw, intimate journey of a young girl finding a way to survive in an impossible situation. A true story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Author statement: This memoir is a creative work, but my hope is that it will help promote greater understanding about childhood abuse and developmental trauma.

Observations Through Yellow Glasses: A Memoir Through Poems

Yong Takahashi

ASIN B09R3B1S3X

About the book: Yong Takahashi moved to The United States with her parents when she was three years old. She grew up in a traditional household where her Korean and American worlds pulled her in opposite directions. Observations Through Yellow Glasses invites readers to follow Takahashis journey as she learns lifes bitter lessons, longs for love, and attempts to heal the wounds she collects along the way.

Author statement: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Detroit. Currently, I live in Atlanta. When I started kindergarten, I was the only Asian student in a newly desegregated school. The white students lived on one side of the highway and the black students lived on the other. I remember the landlord telling my parents we could choose which side because we were yellow. Trying to fit in was difficult. Some of my experiences and their long-lingering effects are in my memoir.

Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts

Max Sherman

ISBN 978-0-578-78487-8

About the book: In the bleak house of Alzheimers, love is fragile and often on the brink of losing its power. If one is not careful, everything can become medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, legal, agonizing, and suffocating, both to the beloved with Alzheimers and to the lover-caregiver. Releasing the Butterfly is a laymans account of how love triumphs over Alzheimers.

Author statement: For anyone worrying about forgetting and not remembering, join Gene Alice and me on a journey of love in the shadow of Alzheimers. Each time of life has its own kind of love. Our fifth act is filled with hugs and kisses.

Reluctant Healer: On Learning to Listen to That Still Small Voice Within to Better Bring Your Gifts to the World

Mary H.A. Kearns

ISBN 978-1-73718-402-7

About the book: This memoir recounts Mary Kearnss journey to trust in her innate gifts and the wisdom of that still, small voice within. She shares the challenges she has faced in following her life path, along with methods she has learned to make the journey smoother. Blending her lived experiences with research in a variety of scientific disciplines, Kearns offers a message of hope during this unique time in history.

Author statement: My memoir began in November 2018 with National Novel Writing Month, in which I challenged myself to write 50,000 words in one month, focusing on interesting vignettes from my life. I worked on it here and there for several months, but it was still just several short, unrelated pieces. Then, in 2020, I found myself (as did many other people), with a lot more time for writing and reflecting. Over the next year, I wove the pieces into a coherent story, and added some lessons I had learned and insights Id had during the early months of the pandemic.

The Sea Once Swallowed Me: A Memoir of Love, Solitude, and the Limits of Language

Sondra Charbadze

ISBN 978-1-73623-200-2

About the book: Sleeping in the woods outside a medieval city in Spain, Sondra Charbadze ponders her decision to abandon a more ordinary life. I am here to decipher nature, she writes. But as the stone glints back, I know this is a lie. Humans can decipher nothing but their own small lives. Entranced by a mysterious musician, yet yearning for the man she left behind, she struggles to find the path to connection while retaining her identity. As she befriends people on the margins, she is compelled to confront how pain and privilege haunt both relationships and societies. In the process, she finds love in unlikely places and healing at the limits of language.

Author statement: I wrote this book while living in Spain, but edits required a few more years of self-reflection. Memoir is a difficult genre because it requires the memoirist to develop enough self-awareness to understand her motivations and weaknesses. I had to wrestle with my internalized sexism, my childhood trauma, and the ways I hurt others by refusing to face my own pain. But in spite of that difficulty, exploring my personal past through a narrative lens has been liberating. Writing this book has also convinced me that symbolism and meaning are embedded in the fabric of the ordinary.

Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder

Simone Yemm

ISBN 978-1-64663-534-4

About the book: Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Simones journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eatingas she imagines it to be.

Author statement: My memoir began life as a private journal entry that was part of my mental health recovery process. Over the course of time my private writing increased; I created a public blog, enrolled in writing courses, and then my story was born. It has been an incredible cathartic labor of love and Im so grateful for all that I have learned in the process.

Youll Forget This Ever Happened

Laura Engel

ISBN 978-1-64742-349-0

About the book: By writing her truth, Laura Engel gives a voice to that 17-year-old girl caught up in a tangle of a secret pregnancy and the relinquishment of her son, to educate the reader about the guilt and trauma that women endured in previous eras. This book delves into how a traumatic secret is never forgotten and colors the secret-keepers life, showing how the bursting open of a shameful secret can change the direction of a life in a powerful and positive way.

Author statement: In 2016, a miracle happened in my life, resulting in me writing a memoir about a secret I had planned on taking to my grave. A son I had put up for adoption as a teenage unwed mother 49 years before found me through AncestryDNA. My book begins in 1967 in a maternity home for unwed mothers in New Orleans and travels over the span of 50 years across the country to California and back again. Heartbreaking, yet magically triumphant at times, my book is a narrative of the backstory of a closed adoption.
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
In Wentworth, the Liberals were apoplectic when a sea of Allegra Spender signs appeared covering almost every power pole up and down New South Head Road. Ausgrid ordered Spender to take down the corflutes, but despite her vow to comply, the company had to dispatch workers to remove them. Liberal MP Dave Sharma asserted the whole saga undermined Spenders position on integrity in politics. The Spender camp got legal advice which apparently said the signs were OK  but they never released it. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised: this is the seat where candidates fought over who had the right to the colour teal and boasted about their ATARs. Allegra Spenders campaign posters seriously aggrieved the Liberal Party - and Ausgrid, which took them down. Credit:Oscar Colman The Liberals were also upset about a solar panel Spender facilitated for a community centre in Paddington, which she unveiled alongside the Smart Energy Council in early May. In a midnight adjournment speech on Wednesday, upper house member Christopher Rath accused Spender of potentially bribing the electorate with private funding, and called on the AEC to investigate. The only problem: they had already looked at it, and decided there was nothing wrong. The AEC has investigated and does not consider this announcement or action infringes section 326 of the Electoral Act, the commission said.

The Libs had slightly more success reporting the Smart Energy Council to the charities regulator, which is reviewing whether it breached laws preventing charities campaigning for political parties or candidates. But the rule cuts both ways. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had to scrap advertisements featuring an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria boss Karen Hayes, and remove photographs in which he posed with young Scouts. Hayes was suspended from her role. Karen Hayes appeared on Liberal Party pamphlets endorsing Josh Frydenberg. Frydenberg wasnt the only Liberal to fly too close to the sun in that regard; Paul Fletcher in Bradfield had to axe Lifeline executive Wendy Carver from his flyers, while Jason Falinski, Trevor Evans and Fiona Martin all ran into trouble over their enthusiastic use of charity endorsements. In the western Sydney seat of Fowler, Labor was doing its best to muckrake against Dai Le, fomenting the suspicion that cross-town interloper Kristina Keneally is under real threat from the Liberal-turned-independent local.

There was all the usual finger-pointing about candidates being parachuted into seats far from home, including claims they may have lied on their declarations. The AEC investigated three such claims  about Labors Andrew Charlton in Parramatta; the Liberals Richard Welch in McEwen; and Jerry Nockles in Eden-Monaro  and found no evidence of enrolment fraud. Loading Both major parties had the sooks over each others ads: the Libs made a video revealing how Labor took Scott Morrisons thats not my job quote out of context, while Anthony Albanese complained the Libs were making fun of someones name with their rhyming tagline it wont be easy under Albanese. And there was no matter too trivial for the Liberals in the marginal Geelong seat of Corangamite, where an AEC staffer was sacked for photobombing Labor MP Libby Coker. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson demanded Coker apologise for knowingly posting a photograph ... which led to his sacking. AEC staff are not political props, she tweeted on Friday. Coker understood the consequences of her post but could not care less.

Spinners desperately shopped around their hit jobs to media outlets as the campaign plodded on. The Liberals were particularly interested in whether Kylea Tink had served out her full week in COVID isolation (in the end it appeared that she had), while Allegra Spenders camp was greatly exercised about Dave Sharmas giant experienced and delivering billboard attached to the wall of the Edgecliff Centre. The Spender campaign exerted much energy complaining about Dave Sharmas giant billboard on the Edgecliff Centre. Credit:Main image: James Alcock The enormous banner overlooks New South Head Road like Dr T J Eckleburgs eyes in The Great Gatsby. But did the buildings owner really have secret plans to build a 195-metre monstrosity on the site? Well, yes and no. The Longhurst Group did lodge plans to redevelop the centre into a 45-storey tower, but it was rejected by Woollahra Council  as was Longhursts bid to rezone the site.

Ryan Liddell, who was Bill Shortens chief of staff as Labor leader, said petty campaigning seemed worst in the teal seat contests where MPs were seeing their political lives flash before their eyes. Some of these MPs seem a little offended by the idea of having to ask their community for support, which is why they resort to the real pettiness, he said. If they spent as much energy engaging with their community as they do lodging complaints about ludicrous things like corflute placement, maybe they wouldnt be in such strife. At the 11th hour of the campaign on Friday, operatives were still screaming blue murder about corflutes, with independent candidate for Mackellar Sophie Scamps accusing the Falinski camp of stooping to new lows after dozens of her signs were splattered with red paint.
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI
As part of new sanctions imposed by the Boris Johnson government, Russia's state-owned and largest airlines, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines will no longer be able to sell lucrative landing slots at UK airports. Following an earlier move to bar Russian airlines from landing rights in the UK, additional sanctions are being imposed in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The UK Foreign Office stated that the move would prevent Russia from profiting from a lucrative resource worth GBP 50 million (around Rs 485 crore).

"As long as (Russian President) Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

"We've already closed our airspace to Russian airlines. Today we're ensuring they can't cash in their lucrative landing slots at our airports. Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin; we will not stop until Ukraine prevails," she said.

Also read: Noida International Airport: UP Govt to impose Rs 10 lakh per day fine for delay in development

The news comes as UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps takes up the Presidency of the International Transport Forum, which he will use to call for a united response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce," said Shapps.

"Today, the UK government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines. This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots and cashing in on up to GBP 50 million," he said.

Besides a ban from UK's airspace, Russian ships are banned from UK waters, and the export of aviation goods and technology is also prohibited under the sanctions regime.

Under the transport sanctions regime, it is a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to fly or land in the UK, with the British government having the power to remove aircraft belonging to designated Russian individuals and entities from the UK aircraft register.

For British nationals leaving Russia, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will issue a General Licence to permit them to pay for a ticket for flights originating in Russia.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that international sanctions are having a "significant impact on Putin and his war machine".Russia's own Central Bank has admitted that sanctions are a major challenge for Russian supply chains, it noted.

According to the FCDO, the sanctions mean that several weapons manufacturers have to suspend their activity due to a lack of parts; defence company capabilities are restricted, limiting Russia's ability to replace advanced tech, including drones; and Russia's domestic vehicle sales have dropped by 80 per cent partly due to a lack of components, which is also reducing their ability to produce military vehicles.

"Russia's vital exports of energy are also shrinking, with crude oil exports down 30 per cent in April and expected to fall further as sanctions bite. Through coordinated action across the G7 to phase out oil imports, alongside the banning of critical oil refining and catalyst goods, international allies are tightening the vice on Putin's most trusted revenue stream," the FCDO said.

The Foreign Office notes that while the Kremlin has managed to stabilise the rouble, Russia is still heading for the "deepest recession" since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Forecasts show Russia's GDP shrinking by between 8.5 per cent and 15 per cent this year, with the International Monetary Fund expecting the economy to shrink a further 2.3 per cent in 2023. The UK government has also sanctioned more than 1,000 people and over 100 businesses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

With inputs from PTI


Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.



remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into this U.S. Navy base south of Tokyo for the first time on Saturday, taking the berth typically reserved for its sister ship, the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Lincoln, on patrol since leaving San Diego on Jan. 3, is making a port call for ship-board maintenance and to provide the crew some downtime, according to Yokosuka Naval Base spokeswoman Emiley Murphy. The carrier is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

U.S. Navy ships and submarines routinely make port calls in a variety of locations across Japan, she said in a Saturday email to Stars and Stripes. These visits also reflect the strength of the alliance and commitment between the U.S. and Japan.

Stars and Stripes was not provided access to the Abraham Lincolns crew Saturday.

While in port, crew members may leave the base for liberty, provided they test negative for COVID-19, are vaccinated and have a booster shot, Murphy said.

Yokosuka set aside a parking lot as a recreation area for sailors who remain on base. A sign indicates the lot is closed to vehicles until Wednesday. Murphy said she couldnt comment on how long the Abraham Lincoln would be in Yokosuka, citing operational security concerns.

The carrier arrived just a day after the Ronald Reagan, which is homeported at Yokosuka, left for its deployment. The port call also coincides with Sundays expected arrival in Japan of President Joe Biden, who was in South Korea on Saturday as part of five-day visit to the two U.S. allies.

In Tokyo, Biden is scheduled to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then attend a Quad summit Tuesday with Kishida and the leaders of India and Australia.

Bidens arrival as the two carriers traded places at the U.S. Navys largest overseas base is probably no coincidence, Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement for Defense Priorities, a Washington, D.C-based think tank, said Friday. He said the Biden administration is eager to prove that it can walk and chew gum by handling the complex Ukraine-Russia situation while maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific.


The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.

Staff have received a shock when they discovered a kangaroo inside their warehouse as they turned up to work.

The workers walked into the warehouse located in the South Australian suburb of Richmond on Friday morning.

The confused 'roo had become trapped inside an office within a warehouse.

Staff have received quite the shock after finding a kangaroo (pictured) inside their warehouse as they turned up to work

Warehouse Manager Andrew Hargreaves told 9News Adelaide, 'I wasn't expecting it, that's for sure. You know, it's the sort of thing you see on the news which... here we are.'

Mr Hargreaves said he had dealt with a customer before heading out the back to grab their order, only to discover a kangaroo waiting to greet him.

'I just thought, what is going on here? You know, where would this thing have come from?'

The kangaroo then followed Mr Hargreaves into the showroom and made herself at home inside one of the offices.

Fauna Rescue was called to help free the kangaroo (pictured), with rescuers stating it was 'bigger than what we expected'

The friendly marsupial allowed Mr Hargreaves to give it some water and bread.

It then made its way around the showroom, walking around customers.

Fauna Rescue was called to help free the kangaroo, with rescuers stating it was 'bigger than what we expected'.

After managing to get a few kicks in, a rescuer was able to capture the 'roo.

It was discovered that the female kangaroo had a joey hidden in her pouch, explaining her initial defensive behaviour.

The rescuers were able to place her (pictured) in the carrier and remove her from the office

Rescuer Simon Adamcyzk explained that 'kangaroos get quite defensive when cornered in that situation'.

The rescuers were able to place her in the carrier and remove her from the office.

It's been suggested that she had become lost and was looking for food.

Rescuers say the kangaroo made her way into the city from nearby scrubland at the top of Greenhill Road, which is where she was released back into the wild.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.





Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
May 21 (Reuters) - Britain wants to send modern weaponry to Moldova to protect it from the threat of invasion by Russia, The Telegraph reported, citing Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

She told the newspaper that Russian President Vladimir Putin was determined to create a "greater Russia" even though his invasion of Ukraine had failed to achieve quick success.

Russia has called the invasion it launched on Feb. 24 a "special military operation" aimed at disarming Ukraine and ridding it off radical anti-Russian nationalists. Ukraine and its allies have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for war.

Moldova, which borders Ukraine to the south west, is not a member of the NATO alliance.

Truss said talks were taking place to make sure that Moldova's defences could deter any future attack.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies," she told The Telegraph.

"Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia. And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions," she said.

If Truss's plans are adopted, NATO members would provide modern weaponry to Moldova, replacing its Soviet-era equipment, and will train soldiers on how to use it. (Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru and James Davey in London Editing by Chris Reese and Frances Kerry)




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.

The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.

The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
Staff have received a shock when they discovered a kangaroo inside their warehouse as they turned up to work.

The workers walked into the warehouse located in the South Australian suburb of Richmond on Friday morning.

The confused 'roo had become trapped inside an office within a warehouse.

Staff have received quite the shock after finding a kangaroo (pictured) inside their warehouse as they turned up to work

Warehouse Manager Andrew Hargreaves told 9News Adelaide, 'I wasn't expecting it, that's for sure. You know, it's the sort of thing you see on the news which... here we are.'

Mr Hargreaves said he had dealt with a customer before heading out the back to grab their order, only to discover a kangaroo waiting to greet him.

'I just thought, what is going on here? You know, where would this thing have come from?'

The kangaroo then followed Mr Hargreaves into the showroom and made herself at home inside one of the offices.

Fauna Rescue was called to help free the kangaroo (pictured), with rescuers stating it was 'bigger than what we expected'

The friendly marsupial allowed Mr Hargreaves to give it some water and bread.

It then made its way around the showroom, walking around customers.

Fauna Rescue was called to help free the kangaroo, with rescuers stating it was 'bigger than what we expected'.

After managing to get a few kicks in, a rescuer was able to capture the 'roo.

It was discovered that the female kangaroo had a joey hidden in her pouch, explaining her initial defensive behaviour.

The rescuers were able to place her (pictured) in the carrier and remove her from the office

Rescuer Simon Adamcyzk explained that 'kangaroos get quite defensive when cornered in that situation'.

The rescuers were able to place her in the carrier and remove her from the office.

It's been suggested that she had become lost and was looking for food.

Rescuers say the kangaroo made her way into the city from nearby scrubland at the top of Greenhill Road, which is where she was released back into the wild.
Staff have received a shock when they discovered a kangaroo inside their warehouse as they turned up to work.

The workers walked into the warehouse located in the South Australian suburb of Richmond on Friday morning.

The confused 'roo had become trapped inside an office within a warehouse.

Staff have received quite the shock after finding a kangaroo (pictured) inside their warehouse as they turned up to work

Warehouse Manager Andrew Hargreaves told 9News Adelaide, 'I wasn't expecting it, that's for sure. You know, it's the sort of thing you see on the news which... here we are.'

Mr Hargreaves said he had dealt with a customer before heading out the back to grab their order, only to discover a kangaroo waiting to greet him.

'I just thought, what is going on here? You know, where would this thing have come from?'

The kangaroo then followed Mr Hargreaves into the showroom and made herself at home inside one of the offices.

Fauna Rescue was called to help free the kangaroo (pictured), with rescuers stating it was 'bigger than what we expected'

The friendly marsupial allowed Mr Hargreaves to give it some water and bread.

It then made its way around the showroom, walking around customers.

Fauna Rescue was called to help free the kangaroo, with rescuers stating it was 'bigger than what we expected'.

After managing to get a few kicks in, a rescuer was able to capture the 'roo.

It was discovered that the female kangaroo had a joey hidden in her pouch, explaining her initial defensive behaviour.

The rescuers were able to place her (pictured) in the carrier and remove her from the office

Rescuer Simon Adamcyzk explained that 'kangaroos get quite defensive when cornered in that situation'.

The rescuers were able to place her in the carrier and remove her from the office.

It's been suggested that she had become lost and was looking for food.

Rescuers say the kangaroo made her way into the city from nearby scrubland at the top of Greenhill Road, which is where she was released back into the wild.
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan says the state's federal seats could decide the election outcome.

When it comes to deciding the next federal government, West Australian voters have the power, Mr McGowan says.

The Labor leader says voters in his state could 'very easily' determine the outcome of Saturday's poll.

WA Premier Mark McGowan believes his state's voter could decide the election. Labor held its formal campaign launch in Perth for the first time since 1940

WA has long been a stronghold for the Coalition and current Prime Minister Scott Morrison hopes it will be again

'If Western Australia does play that role, it will mean we are once again front and centre in national consideration,' Mr McGowan told reporters after voting at Safety Bay Primary School in Perth.

Labor has campaigned heavily in WA, with leader Anthony Albanese making four visits to the state since the hard border opened in March, and the ALP held its formal campaign launch in Perth for the first time since 1940.

On Friday, Scott Morrison spent his last full day of campaigning in Perth, a sign Liberal Party strategists also believe the state could be crucial in determining the outcome.

When it comes to deciding the next federal government, West Australian voters have the power, Mark McGowan says

Labor insiders remain confident the party can win three Liberal-held WA seats: Swan, Pearce and Hasluck.

Mr McGowan said picking up more seats would lead to more attention being paid to the needs of WA, but noted he couldn't remember the last time it had determined a federal election outcome.

The state, which has 15 of the 151 lower-house seats, has long been a federal coalition stronghold.

Mr McGowan has previously denied Mr Albanese is trying to piggyback off his own popularity, after he won a landslide victory in March 2021.
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan says the state's federal seats could decide the election outcome.

When it comes to deciding the next federal government, West Australian voters have the power, Mr McGowan says.

The Labor leader says voters in his state could 'very easily' determine the outcome of Saturday's poll.

WA Premier Mark McGowan believes his state's voter could decide the election. Labor held its formal campaign launch in Perth for the first time since 1940

WA has long been a stronghold for the Coalition and current Prime Minister Scott Morrison hopes it will be again

'If Western Australia does play that role, it will mean we are once again front and centre in national consideration,' Mr McGowan told reporters after voting at Safety Bay Primary School in Perth.

Labor has campaigned heavily in WA, with leader Anthony Albanese making four visits to the state since the hard border opened in March, and the ALP held its formal campaign launch in Perth for the first time since 1940.

On Friday, Scott Morrison spent his last full day of campaigning in Perth, a sign Liberal Party strategists also believe the state could be crucial in determining the outcome.

When it comes to deciding the next federal government, West Australian voters have the power, Mark McGowan says

Labor insiders remain confident the party can win three Liberal-held WA seats: Swan, Pearce and Hasluck.

Mr McGowan said picking up more seats would lead to more attention being paid to the needs of WA, but noted he couldn't remember the last time it had determined a federal election outcome.

The state, which has 15 of the 151 lower-house seats, has long been a federal coalition stronghold.

Mr McGowan has previously denied Mr Albanese is trying to piggyback off his own popularity, after he won a landslide victory in March 2021.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
The Apple Store at Union Square, the heart of San Franciscos upscale tourist district, had drawn more than 30 customers within a few minutes of opening Friday morning. Visitors, couples and even a preschool-age boy browsed the atrium packed with iPhone 13s and watches to try out. A sign urged people to trade in old phones to save money on the 13s.

But a staff member could not say when the iPhone 14 would come out  presumably sometime this year  or what it would cost. Some shoppers wondered whether it would be delayed or cost more than expected given the months of supply chain disruptions in China, where the phones are made.

This stuff has got to hit hard at some point, said Bill Kimberlin, an Apple Store shopper from San Francisco.

Apple, based in the Silicon Valley, just 50 miles south of San Francisco, outsources iPhone parts from around East Asia, and its handsets are assembled in China.

Apple had to delay product rollouts first in 2020, when new gear was held up for a month because of Chinas first COVID-19 wave, said Rachel Liao, senior industry analyst with the Taipei-based Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute.

In the first quarter this year, she said, lockdowns in China suspended assembly plants, including at least one operated by Pegatron. Pegatron is the No. 2 iPhone assembler, with 25% of orders, after Foxconn. Both companies are based in Taiwan but manufacture in China.

Since 2020, the costs of making the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series have increased slightly because of a materials shortage in the semiconductor supply chain, Liao said.

Sharp and protracted lockdowns are causing a lot of short-term havoc on logistics, and its obviously affecting delivery times significantly, said Ivan Lam, senior research analyst with market analysis firm Counterpoint Research.

Apple declined to answer a query from VOA about its China supply chain.

Not just phones

Supply chain upsets set off by Chinas lockdowns in the major commercial hubs Shenzhen and Shanghai are slowing exports of products ranging from phones to building materials to motor vehicles. Western nations are experiencing shortages and higher prices imported goods.

Chinese authorities ordered Shenzhen shuttered in March, and Shanghai, with a population of about 26 million, closed weeks later. Those closures have kept workers away from factories, delivery jobs and seaports.

Cities are locking down as part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings zero-COVID policy, aimed at controlling deaths from the coronavirus.

The impact of the COVID-19-related restrictions and lockdown there in Shanghai is going to be severe on businesses, not just in China but globally, said Ker Gibbs, executive in residence at the University of San Francisco and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Shanghai is so important as a port and as a logistics hub, as a supply chain, so that any business that is touching China is going to be impacted by the lockdown, Gibbs said.

COVID-19 cases in China, the world's largest consumer market, exacerbated a drop in global mobile phone production in the first three months of 2022, Taipei-based market analysis firm TrendForce said in an emailed statement May 10. It says production volume worldwide was 310 million phones in the same period.

Jayant Menon, a visiting senior fellow with the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute Regional Economic Studies Program in Singapore, calls demand for China-made goods uneven  another cause for supply chain upsets. He anticipates the disruptions will last for two more quarters.

The quantities involved, I think, will clearly reflect the kind of disruptions still ongoing in China because of their zero-COVID strategy, he said.

Strategies for smartphones

Smartphone supplies are holding up better than those of many other China-made goods, analysts say.

Phone parts such as chips and screens are sourced from outside China; for example, camera lenses are made in Taiwan, and flash memory is produced in South Korea.

These things are counted as exports from China, as if 100% of it were made there, and in fact, a much smaller percentage is actually created in China, said Douglas Barry, vice president of communications at the U.S.-China Business Council, an advocacy group in Washington with over 260 members.

Apple now requires suppliers to increase inventories as it plans further in advance for product launches, Liao said. Thats a hedge against more supply chain problems.

The Silicon Valley icon is now asking its assemblers over the longer term to cut reliance on China and raise orders for factories in India, she added. Its chief assemblers  Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron  will continue to increase production capacity in India, she predicted. Wistron is also based in Taiwan.

Apple is diversifying further with assembly orders to China-based Luxshare Precision Industry. Liao says that firm handles 3% of iPhone orders, with the prospect of more this year.

Apple was the worlds No. 2-selling brand of smartphone after Samsung in the first three months of this year, with an 18% market share and 56.5 million units shipped, according to market research firm IDC, up slightly from the same period in 2021.

Some smartphone factories are using closed-loop operations to keep production going in China, Lam said. Companies such as Foxconn have long housed workers in factory compounds so large that some have compared them to cities.

At the end of the day, companies will assess their vulnerabilities and adjust their supply chains accordingly, Barry said. It wont be easy, and consumers will feel their pain by having to wait and paying more for products they want.
The Apple Store at Union Square, the heart of San Franciscos upscale tourist district, had drawn more than 30 customers within a few minutes of opening Friday morning. Visitors, couples and even a preschool-age boy browsed the atrium packed with iPhone 13s and watches to try out. A sign urged people to trade in old phones to save money on the 13s.

But a staff member could not say when the iPhone 14 would come out  presumably sometime this year  or what it would cost. Some shoppers wondered whether it would be delayed or cost more than expected given the months of supply chain disruptions in China, where the phones are made.

This stuff has got to hit hard at some point, said Bill Kimberlin, an Apple Store shopper from San Francisco.

Apple, based in the Silicon Valley, just 50 miles south of San Francisco, outsources iPhone parts from around East Asia, and its handsets are assembled in China.

Apple had to delay product rollouts first in 2020, when new gear was held up for a month because of Chinas first COVID-19 wave, said Rachel Liao, senior industry analyst with the Taipei-based Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute.

In the first quarter this year, she said, lockdowns in China suspended assembly plants, including at least one operated by Pegatron. Pegatron is the No. 2 iPhone assembler, with 25% of orders, after Foxconn. Both companies are based in Taiwan but manufacture in China.

Since 2020, the costs of making the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series have increased slightly because of a materials shortage in the semiconductor supply chain, Liao said.

Sharp and protracted lockdowns are causing a lot of short-term havoc on logistics, and its obviously affecting delivery times significantly, said Ivan Lam, senior research analyst with market analysis firm Counterpoint Research.

Apple declined to answer a query from VOA about its China supply chain.

Not just phones

Supply chain upsets set off by Chinas lockdowns in the major commercial hubs Shenzhen and Shanghai are slowing exports of products ranging from phones to building materials to motor vehicles. Western nations are experiencing shortages and higher prices imported goods.

Chinese authorities ordered Shenzhen shuttered in March, and Shanghai, with a population of about 26 million, closed weeks later. Those closures have kept workers away from factories, delivery jobs and seaports.

Cities are locking down as part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings zero-COVID policy, aimed at controlling deaths from the coronavirus.

The impact of the COVID-19-related restrictions and lockdown there in Shanghai is going to be severe on businesses, not just in China but globally, said Ker Gibbs, executive in residence at the University of San Francisco and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Shanghai is so important as a port and as a logistics hub, as a supply chain, so that any business that is touching China is going to be impacted by the lockdown, Gibbs said.

COVID-19 cases in China, the world's largest consumer market, exacerbated a drop in global mobile phone production in the first three months of 2022, Taipei-based market analysis firm TrendForce said in an emailed statement May 10. It says production volume worldwide was 310 million phones in the same period.

Jayant Menon, a visiting senior fellow with the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute Regional Economic Studies Program in Singapore, calls demand for China-made goods uneven  another cause for supply chain upsets. He anticipates the disruptions will last for two more quarters.

The quantities involved, I think, will clearly reflect the kind of disruptions still ongoing in China because of their zero-COVID strategy, he said.

Strategies for smartphones

Smartphone supplies are holding up better than those of many other China-made goods, analysts say.

Phone parts such as chips and screens are sourced from outside China; for example, camera lenses are made in Taiwan, and flash memory is produced in South Korea.

These things are counted as exports from China, as if 100% of it were made there, and in fact, a much smaller percentage is actually created in China, said Douglas Barry, vice president of communications at the U.S.-China Business Council, an advocacy group in Washington with over 260 members.

Apple now requires suppliers to increase inventories as it plans further in advance for product launches, Liao said. Thats a hedge against more supply chain problems.

The Silicon Valley icon is now asking its assemblers over the longer term to cut reliance on China and raise orders for factories in India, she added. Its chief assemblers  Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron  will continue to increase production capacity in India, she predicted. Wistron is also based in Taiwan.

Apple is diversifying further with assembly orders to China-based Luxshare Precision Industry. Liao says that firm handles 3% of iPhone orders, with the prospect of more this year.

Apple was the worlds No. 2-selling brand of smartphone after Samsung in the first three months of this year, with an 18% market share and 56.5 million units shipped, according to market research firm IDC, up slightly from the same period in 2021.

Some smartphone factories are using closed-loop operations to keep production going in China, Lam said. Companies such as Foxconn have long housed workers in factory compounds so large that some have compared them to cities.

At the end of the day, companies will assess their vulnerabilities and adjust their supply chains accordingly, Barry said. It wont be easy, and consumers will feel their pain by having to wait and paying more for products they want.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
The Talibans decision to dissolve Afghanistans Independent Human Rights Commission is a major setback for the country, say human rights groups and defenders.

Criticism came swiftly after Taliban authorities on Tuesday said the AIHRC and four other unnecessary departments had been axed in the face of a $500 million annual budget shortfall.

"Because these departments were not deemed necessary and were not included in the budget, they have been dissolved," Innamullah Samangani, the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, told Reuters.

Nothing more than that can be expected from the Taliban, which has a poor human rights record, said Mohammad Naim Nazari, former deputy head of the AIHRC.

The Taliban do not recognize the rights of women, who constitute half of the population," he told VOA's Pashto Service. "They do not believe in freedom of speech and have imposed restrictions on media.  The Taliban do not recognize the rights of minorities.

Calling Afghanistan's ruling Taliban afraid of human rights groups, Nazari described their style of governance as incompatible with formal humanitarian oversight.

The Taliban, however, defended Tuesday's decision, calling the department closures in keeping with a national budget "based on objective facts" and intended only for departments that had been active and productive.

Samangani, the Taliban spokesperson, also said the departments could be reactivated in the future "if needed."

But human rights advocates aren't optimistic. Many of them view Tuesday's announcement as a tragic reversal after 20 years of key improvements for human rights in the country.

I am dismayed at the reported decision of the Taliban to dissolve the countrys Independent Human Rights Commission, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a prepared statement.

Calling it a massive setback, Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the commission's role as an independent, domestic mechanism for documenting and monitoring complaints "critical for human rights protection in #Afghanistan.

Andreas Von Brandt, the EU ambassador for Afghanistan, called the Talibans decision a step in the wrong direction for national institutions that serve as vital points of connectivity with the outside world.

"Those bridges are being increasingly destroyed, he tweeted. Their dissolution, he said, excludes #Afghanistan from universally agreed rights and principles and is also strange for a country which relies heavily on international #foodaid and support.

Also dissolved was the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), the once high-powered National Security Council, and the commission for overseeing the implementation of the Afghan constitution.

The HCNR was last headed by the countrys one-time second-ranking government official Abdullah Abdullah, and was working to negotiate a peace between the U.S.-backed government of former President Ashraf Ghani and the then-insurgent Taliban.

Dissolving the institutions mean that thousands of professional Afghans have lost their jobs, said Abdul Qadir Zazai, a former member of the Afghan parliament, adding that these people were trained for their jobs over the last 20 years.

Founded in 2002 to document and report on human rights abuses throughout the country, the AIHRC lost seven of its employees to violence and terrorism [most directly attributed to the Taliban] since its establishment, tweeted former AIHRC chairperson Shaharzad Akbar.

The commission halted its activities after the Taliban regained power in 2021, and all its nine commissioners escaped the country fearing Taliban reprisals.

Former AIHRC commissioner Shabnam Salihi told VOA that although human rights violations continue to be reported via foreign groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the dissolution of Afghanistans only independent rights commission means many more violations are now expected to be overlooked.

We hear people are tortured and killed. We hear about war crimes. At such a time, there is no organization to watch on the [Taliban] government, Salihi told VOA.

Although AIHRC was unable to work under the Taliban, it was an important institution for Afghanistan, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA.

The Taliban, by abolishing this office, are saying very openly that they don't intend to comply with human rights," she added. "They're not interested in respecting Afghanistan's obligations under international law. And they don't care if people whose rights are violated have nowhere to go for help.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 with an iron fist and implemented a harsh version of Islamic rule, including banning women from education and work. After taking over last year, the Taliban assured the world they would be more moderate.

However, they have yet to allow girls to restart secondary school education and have also introduced rules that mandate that women and girls wear veils and require them to have male relatives accompany them in public places.

This story originated in VOA's Pashto Service. Some information is from Reuters.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

24 Hour Access
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
10.1 Anointment

During I was working in SPL Consultants Ltd, I still doubted that Eve Liu hired people to frame me. I thought she wanted to finish her fathers soul transmigration work. I didnt understand metempsychosis. I only knew all Vedas are same, believed her father was an enlightened person, if Im enlightened, then the metempsychosis experiment is over. But I had no clue how to get enlightenment. I studied Vedism diligently.

In December 2012, I applied to leave my job, and 2013 stayed at home for the whole year, wanted to write a Vedic introductory book in English.

In the summer of 2013, my rheumatism became serious again. I was very pessimistic, believed that if Im sick or getting bodily week, rheumatism would petrify me and kill me. I practiced meditation to cure rheumatism again.

One day, I was incredibly sad, cried, thinking I was 43 years old, achieved nothing, disappointed Troupe Leader Liu: in modern world, I even cant find a person. How useless I am! If I died, nobody knows how I died. Suddenly, I felt my Bai-Huis true-air was surging, like fountain to be sprayed. Bai-hui is an acupuncture point, refers to inserted picture. I immediately started meditation to cure my rheumatism. Bountiful warm true-air flow down from my head top like a waterfall. Many areas rheumatoid symptoms were washed away. Later, I found that was noon 12 oclock, and I realized it was my Sorrow triggered the anointment.

Basic Meditation Knowledge

1, around noon 12 oclock and midnight 12 oclock, around morning 6 oclock and evening 6 oclock, true-air is strong.

2, mercy, sorrow, joy, renunciation, the four moods are four limitless power sources.

3, unconscious (it is god-sense or Vedic-sense) only matches with renunciation feelings, such as abandoning, donation. Therefore, Vedism uses Donation to dictate all Vedic practices.

4, most acupuncture points in acupuncture chart has their unique phenomena. Such as, Bai-Hui (refer to picture), means hundreds of crossings in Chinese, means hundreds of lines cross there. True-air only moves along those lines in acupuncture chart; true-air flowing out from Baihui goes in every direction, like pouring water on top of head.

According to above knowledges, I designed myself an anointment ritual for curing my rheumatism: to moan my own death. At noon, I burned accumulated materials for my civil engineer, giving up the career; he was dead. While I was burning them piece by piece what I valued documents and books for many years, I was crying, and meditating to arouse anointment. The doing was effective.

At that time, when I practiced meditation, accompanied with sad or joyful music to create joy or sad mood. I believed these worked too. In about a week, my rheumatism only a small area was left on my left back near heart.

8.3.4 Study Vedism

Since I was a child, I wanted to compose a meditation book, my trying was failed again and again. Time to here, I composed four articles, what are Vedic doctrines core frames: Bitter Crux is chapter 16; Aggregate Crux is chapter 17; Salvation Crux is chapter 18; Path Crux is chapter 19 & 20.

Since this time, I had basic capability to use Vedism (ancient Mind Mechanics) to analyze psychological phenomena. The kind of knowledge is called Gnosis in English. Path Crux is Pathology in English.

8.4 NATURE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS

In spring of 2014, I entered Thurber Engineering Ltd to work as a civil technician. Within a few days, I heard that my job was arranged by Sal Fasullo of Davroc (annotation, my schizophrenia raised again). During I was working, seeing those familiar circumstances, I recalled past three years when I was in hell what schizophrenic life is exactly, my small intestines were moving.

8.4.1 Recalling back to one year old

One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable condition. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up. I shouted in Chinese and my voice was completely different. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child.

Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu; and when Troupe Leader Liu did gods flesh eye to me, I was shocked all hairs standing up (refer to section 1.1). Then within months, I recalled the whole chapter 1, 2, and 12.1. I finished my memoir the first time.

In section 3.9, Troupe Leader Lius second wills clause is: if you can go to university or any kinds of college, you will have an extraordinarily glorious future!

In the clause, he was saying that if I cant go to college, he wont use me in the true human medical experiment. I did join college. Therefore, later he always supported me secretly from 1991 to 2004, up to his death. He worked on me secretly since 1971 to 2004.

8.4.2 Nature of metempsychosis

After first time completed my memoir, I figured out what is soul transmigration.

(Metempsychosis in materialism)

In section 3.6 story, Uncle Dragon told me that ancient people recognize metempsychosis formed relationship as father and son; he also said the relationship is neither related nor none related. In section 4.10, Troupe Leader Liu saved me from a black society, he told those thieves that he and my relationship is neither related nor none related. On this saying, his will to me is I become his son to take care his business what he wouldnt be able to finish in one lifetime and take good care of his family.

What business wouldnt he be able to finish in one lifetime? Certainly, he wouldnt be able to finish the metempsychosis experiment in one lifetime.

On this, Eve fathers will to me is that I should try to survive from my psychosis and to write my memoir to be published. And I should take care of his family. What Im glad to do; they have money! This way the fundamental contradiction in me what caused my psychosis vanishes; my psychosis and it caused bodily illnesses will heal by themself. This is Eve fathers recommendation to me.

Among this, the definition of soul is Life Business plus Family, should belong to materialism. I think in this way, if Troupe Leader Liu turned into alive again, what will he do? Certainly, he will finish his metempsychosis experiment and take good care of his wife and two daughters. In his whole life, he never had money and fame shortages.

(Metempsychosis in theism)

Vedism is theism, though it doesnt believe in human being has soul, but it accepts reincarnation. I believe we can use Vedic definition of differentiated sentient nature (individual nature) to talk.

Individual Nature = Annoyance Hindrances + Know Hindrances (refers to section 15.4.4.7-4)

A human beings nature is his Annoyances plus his Knows. And the two can hinder the human being to escape from his own nature, so the two are also being called Annoyance Hindrance and Know Hindrance.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances? In section 3.4 news report, Troupe Leader Liu answered the question. In the experiment, both I and Troupe Leader Liu lost health and each lost 10 years in life span. The ten years are ancient peoples estimation, but modern psychiatry statistics shows the same number. He and I are different individual, his bodily illnesses and mine might be different, but both our illnesses are from those 34 years series of events he did to me. That very one series of afConstant-Fairs caused us two suffers, in this aspect to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Annoyance Hindrances.

What to say that I and Troupe Leader Liu have same Know Hindrances? Through those 34 years series of events and their consequences, I have experienced through three thousand big thousand worlds (refer to chapter 16), what God created world is. The world has another name dust instant soil (refer to section 11.4), what is named from the worlds formation aspect. This is Gods business!

8.4.3 Ancient medicine for my gastrointestinal ulcers

I went to my family doctor David; he is a Chinese from Taiwan. He said: Now, I should talk about your illnesses generally. Your story is strange, but psychotic theory is normal. 80% psychotics are the same ill theory. Cure is to reconciliate with your enemy. I never heard second cure. It is hard; many years have passed; people dont remember anymore. But you should do your best, do as much as possible.

He said: Other than that, your future is unpredictable, so we only do what we must, dont go in advance. For example, now you can drink water to deal with your gastrointestinal ulcers. Drinking water is a great solution. When you are bored with drinking water. We will test your gastrointestinal throughout, to find the irritating secretions. Then like using Acids to neutralize Alkali, we find medicine to mitigate your irritating secretions irritation nature. You should know, in the world, there isnt a medicine what can turn becoming bad organ into good. When you are bored with taking medicine, at that time, we will use surgery to cut out your bad part organ. This is what I said, we only do what we must, dont go in advance. Believe me, at your current situation, this is the best guidelines.

I felt terribly sad for what he said, thought: my illness is my inner contradictions about favor love complaint and hate, even replacing all my gastrointestinal with plastic tubes, only increase my suffers. I should go to look for Eve Liu again.

I went back China to look for Eve Liu, failed again. I recalled that in Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2; note, the story I heard when I was 28 months old) those ancient doctors gave Constant-Fair a medicine to temporarily deal with his illness. That medicines major ingredient is a kind of white stone. I went to Liaoning Traditional Medical Hospital. After told the doctor my state of illness, I asked her about an ancient prescription with a lot of stones.

She laughed, said: That medicine is exactly for your illness. The ancient prescription is Shenling Baizhu San (as in picture). There isnt stone inside the medicine. Just people and stories say it that way.

I took the medicine for two years. The powder medicine is hardly suspended in water. When pour it into water, most of it consolidates at bottom. Its look and taste are like stone powder.

8.4.4 Secret in Eve fathers will

When I finished my memoir, it is incredible! Reason is if my memories is reliable. In 1972, when Uncle Dragon told me the story of Peach Flower Catastrophe (refer to chapter 2), he explained some technical issues. Obviously, those are Eve Fathers opinions. Her father said: ancient curses, not many of them work, but the curse death with eyes open works for sure. Method to cast the spell is that spell caster always does good things to the being cursed for his whole life, only ask him one thing for return. The being cursed person is capable but he refuses to do so. After spell caster dies, the being cursed person falls sick. Even he survives, wont live long. It is the most malicious curse of all. Once a person is cursed, surrender immediately, only way to survive is to yield to curse casters will, carries his will out. But if you want to use the curse to curse a person, you should know if he has fate intelligence first. If you always do good things to him, he cant remember, then all your good deeds are wasted!

What is fate intelligence? It is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one years old, by which he can abstract out his fate.

I recalled what happened when I was 16 months old, but how did Troupe Leader Liu know I can remember and recall it? Without fate intelligence, the experiment doesnt stand.

On 2016 spring, when I review my memoirs, I found in section 3.9 which was a drama show Troupe Leader Liu designed and directed for me. Uncle Dragon always let me look here and there, and he said whatever I had a look can remember forever. Troupe Leader Liu knew Im an image thinker. I checked modern psychology book. The image thinkers memory mode and memory withdraw mode enable them to remember whatever from birth to death theoretically, what Fate Intelligence is.

At the time, my difficulty is to compose the metempsychosis experimental report, which I had failed several times.

8.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF METEMPSYCHOSIS EXPERIMENT

As in section 3.4, Troupe Leader Liu said, one purpose of the real human medical experiment is to provide a reference case for psychologists to study the ancient story (refers to chapter 2). In the ancient story, ancient medical doctors directly diagnosed Mr. Constant-Fair by traditional Chinese medical theory, Vedism, Daoism, Confucianism, God theory, Ghost theory, etc. 20 more kinds of philosophies, and they concluded curing methods. This purpose has been achieved above.

Another purpose is to study metempsychosis. What meaning has the metempsychosis experiment?

When I was a child, I heard the wordless tombstone is wordless sky book many times. I heard, our Vedism has drawbacks because when God created Sky Book, Adam failed God, he and Eve stuck on Gods wordless tombstone. Someday, a 4.5Kg hammer will appear in the world. The hammer will crack the wordless tombstone, to release Adam and Eve. A few dozen years later, there will appear two books in two different places. Combining the two books into one, is Sky Book.

Time after 2016, I realized that the 4.5 kilograms hammer is Troupe Leader Lius head. In the real human medical experiment, Troupe Leader Liu had sacrificed his own life (as he claimed in news report in section 3.4). As his reincarnation, it is my responsibility to compose my half of Sky Book, to finish his work. I agreed Troupe Leader Lius dos. He was a professional storyteller. In the world, Gods story is the most powerful media as Gods mental illness treatment code. The code refers to chapter 12: fate through.

German philosopher Hegel (1770 1831) found the master-slave dialectic phenomenon. The phenomenon is saying that when human being grows older, becomes a fettered slave. The saying isnt new, ancients found it and established solution. Hegels fetters are Vedic bitter and annoyances what entangled people. Human beings life is full of bitter explained in chapter 16: bitter crux. Reason of bitter is aggregate crux in chapter 17. Salvation (refer to chapter 18) crux exists. Solution for bitter life is path crux (refer to chapter 19 and 20). This is general talks of human beings fate.

This chapter talks Adam and Eves fates predetermined by their godfather, are theories and testaments for the above generally fate of a human. The above four cruxes discuss and decern human beings 300s fundamental ties or muddles, demonstrate solutions and salvations. This chapter provide examples for those theories in real life.

God made the eternal trinity case to demonstrate how to reconciliate disputes among human relationships. Eternity is because someone died for it; life isnt money can buy. And there are imbalanced Give and Get: all vs. zero, from which infinities appear. The predetermined fate is bounded by infinite power eternally. Front ten chapters are peach flower catastrophe and my story, are two the trinity kind of stories. In this chapter, I elaborate my memoir abstractly.

8.6 EVES APPEARANCE

Chinese Vedic book describes goddess like this: her body is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin; her body temperature is warm in winter, cool in summer. Her skin is neither black nor white. Her eyes are like apricot pits, neither big nor small. Her nose beam is neither high nor low. When family has guests coming, she welcomes at front, walks in at back. After guests in room, she is sitting down later and standing up earlier; no laughs, she doesnt speak; wanted to speak, she laughs first.

Goddess appearance is default model for cognizing woman, hasnt traits, so her appearance descriptions all are negative. People cognize woman by compare other woman with their default woman model to pick traits. Therefore, goddess is relative of all woman in ones world mind-mechanically. The appearances are average, vague, opposite to fashion models. If you see her in front of you, certainly she is a woman; but when you turn aside, after a little while, you cant recall her appearance. Modern psychologists call the kind of looks as crowd looking because they can hide in crowd. They describe the looks this way: if you arent familiar with her, she goes at front of you, you chase her. Roadside have several people, she turns aside, and stands among those people. You cant find her anymore.

Vedic book describes goddess like this: the woman born are noble decent and quiet; no matter how evil man sees her, doesnt arouse evil thoughts on her. She has nature power, if you irritate her cry, your world will rain three days. This is saying she has strong influence on other people, people upset her, will be in bad in mood for long times, even sick (traumatized).

Ancient time, goddesses are sought after for kings, therefore they have high social status. And their appearances are documented in great details from statistics. On this, we can easily conclude that gods and goddess appearances have nationality, locality and history nature; their appearances vary in nationalities, localities and historical periods.

This section talks god and goddess the kind of divine power. If people want to know their own god or goddess appearance, can check in their own nationalitys psychological book. Modern psychologists draw god and goddess well by statistical data.

8.6.1 Godly illness

Here, the words god illness is name of the kind of mental disorder, caused by god or goddess.

(1 mental disorder starter case)

2010 I fell into psychosis. 2014, I recalled through my past life, started to search for cause of my psychosis. I noticed one Uncle Dragons story. Uncle Dragon told me the strange story several times when I was a kid, saying that it is starter case for study mental disorder. When I grew up, I didn't believe it. Once Uncle Dragon told me the story again, I was bored. Suddenly, Uncle Dragon was furious, said: believe it or not, you remember it. I heard that 85-95% of the psychiatrists in hospital dont understand mental illness. Who can guarantee: your life wont meet it! You remember it, it can save your life!

Tom was walking on street, suddenly saw a man with bleeding face hurriedly leaving a marketplace. At that time, Tom didnt think much. But after the man with bleeding face passed, Tom felt that his looks are familiar. Tom thought and thought, but he couldnt recall whoever the man is or wherever he had seen him. A few days later, Tom heard that the man with bleeding face died. A few days later, Tom fell into sickness.

Uncle Dragon told me: the cure to Toms illness, is to join the mans funeral, humbly pay homage to the died.

(Case 2)

Later, I recalled another similar case.

When I was a child, once my mom came back from visiting her sister, amazingly told me a weird story.

My moms nephew, Fang on his road to work, often saw an old man. He felt that old man was familiar, and good. Sometimes he said hello to him. One day, the old man died. Fang had never been a funeral; he curiously joined the old mans funeral. When he came back, fell into sick. He couldn't eat properly, couldn't sleep. Whoever asked him what he saw in the funeral, he didn't answer. He went to a few hospitals, where they checked him, couldnt find any problem. Around two weeks, he lost a quarter or one third of his weight, was dying.

As last hope, his mother went to see a dancing goddess (we call all witch and wizard kinds as big god jumpers). After his mom told the dancing goddess what happened to his son. Dancing goddess said immediately: he was rude to that old man. Then she told my aunt what to do.

They went to the old mans tomb, set table with animal heads and fruits, burned incense. Fang knelt, kowtowed, and did apologize. As the dancing goddess instruction, Fang walked around the tomb three rounds, while walking while speaking for apologizing. Fang couldnt walk by himself anymore, two other persons carried him.

As my cousin Fang said: when I was walking around the tomb, suddenly, I felt my body was changing, had a whole-body sweating. 70% of my illness was cured. When one and half hour later, I got home, recovered fully. Certainly, he didnt gain his weight back that fast.

(case 3, bleeding god, fall into hell instantly)

Later, I noticed in chapter 16 Hell Interest section, that one of ten hell crime is bleeding god. Obviously, other nine crimes can cause mental disorder. How does bleeding god cause mental disorder? I realized that the above two cases can prove the phenomena. It is suddenly default cognizing model change which causes the mental disorder mind-mechanically.

(Conclusion)

I recalled section 5.4, when I first time met Eve Liu; I was traumatized by her goddess appearance, behaviours, and logically tight lingual capability. I was RUDE (fight) with Eve Liu (goddess); on this I violated nature law, so I was bottled by her.

The goddess in inserted picture is Guanyin; on culture equivalency, she is Chinese Eve. In her hand, the bottle is called soul detention bottle, which is a metaphor. Her divine killing power is called house kill, like putting enemy into a bottle: people injured feel being pinched (squeezed) on all sides, having breath difficulty. Injured by goddess, the wound cant self-healed, so it became my reason of mental disorder. Eves father through the dos, he tied me to his daughter Eve Liu. No matter how mad about this I am, I have to please Eve Liu to survive from my matured mental disorder. My harm to Eve Liu means to kill myself. This is a tie Adam to Eve in trinity of godfather Adam and Eve.

8.6.2 Eve has strong influences on others

In May of 1997, I had a girl friend. She was a postgraduate in Chinese Medical University (CMU), two grades lower than Eve Liu. She found I was stimulated by Eve Liu (into latent psychosis), comforted me.

Your quality isnt bad, just with bad luck, met them. Eve Lius class is a genius program. Years ago, a president of CMU suddenly had a fancy idea: train geniuses to create famous university. (Annotation, in section 3.4s news report, it said girl group is centralized training. I believe the class is the girls group in the medical experiment.) Then, the class appeared. Indeed, a class of geniuses came out. In our classes, professors often give examples. Every example is from that genius class. Those people figured out, we several people discuss days, may not figure out. In our school, students and teachers see that class people, go away immediately. Standing together with them, definitely get pinched from time to time. Their sayings are just correct! Nothing you can do about it! Saying they are geniuses isnt just a saying!

It is strange that, the whole class of people behave exactly same. You see one person of that class, no matter male or female, then you know all people of that class. The whole class peoples bodily behaviors, orally behaviors, and intentionally behaviors are exactly same, like were moulded out from one mould.

Annotation, Eve Liu should wear 500 majesties 108,000 charms, but I believe that the behaviors had been modified into neutral (neither male nor female) by her father.

I only met Eve Liu 3 or 4 times. Later, I found I changed a lot, traced my behavioral changes. My unconscious learned those by itself from Eve Liu, which surprised me many times.

8.6.3 Broadening the theory

Above talked Eve based on study on Eve Liu. Section 11.2.3 lists her traits.

Goddess is an extremely abstracted concept, such as oral saying butterfly, which is an empty image abstracted from innumerable butterflies. The very butterfly (butterfly god or goddess) is an extreme phenomenon, doesnt exist. Such as tree, tree is an extreme phenomenon abstracted from innumerable trees. The tree (tree god or goddess) doesnt exist.

Same concept to man and woman, man (i.e. god) and woman (i.e. goddess) dont exist. But in reality, some person does have similar looks and behaviors with man and woman. The similar man and woman are we talked god and goddess.

And on these, we found phenomena of daily life behaviors affecting mind greatly, causing mental disorder, etc.

Other closely related to the topics, godly hundreds transformations refer to section 6.7. Tie boundary which is force field in legends and movies, refer to section 4.6. Ties and veils are cloths God made for Adam and Eve. Concept of tie and veil refers to section 17.2. God and goddess armors and shields refer to section 4.5.

8.6.4 Fate Intelligence

Fate intelligence is the person can recall all his past life, up to around one year old, so he can abstract out his fate. What is the capable of Fate Intelligence?

In 2010, I fell into mental disorder. 2014, I recalled back to 16 months old. I realized that the dispute among me Eve Liu and her father Troupe Leader Liu of my past 30 years life is reason of my mental illness, properly solving the dispute is my only way to survive longer, otherwise, my mental disorder causes many bodily illnesses, eventually kill me. I yield to her fathers will that to carry his soul transmigration experiment out, to compose the report. This is my fate. I realized I proved existence of fate intelligence, but I couldnt figure out what is the capability of fate intelligence.

In 2016, when I read my memoir section 3.9, I noticed that it was a show for me alone. Uncle Dragon tried made everything simple and clear, showed me frequently and said that Yan has a look, he can remember for life. I realized the Eves father knew me is a image thinker. I checked modern psychology book.

Three major mental modes as in modern psychology: 35% of population are image thinker; 25% are word thinker; 40% are balanced thinker in image thinking and word thinking. Other type of mental modes occupies a small percentage. All babies are image thinkers, when they grow older, their think mode changed into one of above three types mental modes. Modern psychology says, word think modes memories and memory withdraw mode are different from image thinker, they changed more from baby than image thinker. Image thinkers memory and memory withdraw mode changed the least compare with other modes, and their memory storage save memory units, they can remember whatever since their birth to death. And image thinkers memory withdraw mode allow them to withdraw broadly, they are more likely capable to withdraw those memories. Leaders of migratory animals and migratory fishes are image thinkers. But to human, normal human recalling back before 3 years old havent found; it isnt rare in mentally ill people though.

Therefore, image thinker has the most potential of fate intelligence, and I proved the theory stands.

Fate intelligence and salvation intelligence are a pair. Fate intelligence is also called none leaking intelligence, which is saying that since baby, his godfather starts to do strange things to him continually, he keeps everything, nothing leaking away. The strange af Constant-Fairs are highly contentious muddles, eventually will accumulate up and contaminate the boys mental world, drive him into crazy. But when he is mad; madness stimulates him recalls his past, up to around one year old, where his godfather embedded his fate. Then he solves all muddles and mysteries, what leaking end intelligence is, what salvation intelligence is.

An ancient said, originally, God is just this simple: fate light, celestial eye light (chapter 14), and salvation light (chapter 20). But people in the world love logical analysis, they dug into it. They dug and dug, dug out this much brain tortures.

8.6.5 Reasons and fruits on my tree of life

8.6.5.1 gods flesh eye

In chapter 1, when I was 1-year old in 1971, Eves father engaged me and his daughter Eve Liu. Her father made me gods flesh eye (refers to section 13.1), which is caused by children neurodevelopmental disorder. And he secretly instructed my Uncle Dragon explained my mom everything by story telling. This way, between 1 and 3 years old, Eves father embedded my fate information into my life, unnoticed by my parents. When I grow up, didnt remember those, until I fell into mental illness in 2010, thought over those day and night for years, recalled.

8.6.5.2 tree of life

In section 3.1, in 1974, according to Eve fathers instruction, Uncle Dragon told me the story that that tree of life grows terribly slow; several thousand years, it only grew two new nodes more. Tree of life (refers to chapter 15) is a crucial to understand religions (ancient psychology). Then he told me meditation stories, I liked to practice meditation (refer to chapter 14).

8.6.5.3 starter case for study mental disorder

In section 3.8, Uncle Dragon told me the mental disorder starter case that a man saw a person with bleeding face in street, then he fell into sick; the cure is to humbly join the deads funeral. After 2014, from the case, I understood that bleeding god, fall into hell instantly (i.e. falling into mental disorder). I figured out that gods appearance is mans default cognitional model for man (refers to section 13.2). On this, I figured out Eve Liu has appearance of goddess, by which she traumatized me, what is reason of my mental disorder.

8.6.5.4 Eve Fathers will to me

In section 3.9, in 1991, six day before Uncle Dragon died, he put up a show for me, left two clauses of will. (1) a man got weird illness, drank water all the time; and he always carried two barrels of water for drink. (2) if I can go any kind of university, I would had an extraordinarily brilliant future. 2010, I fell into mental disorder, which caused me gastrointestinal dysfunction. I needed to drink large amount water to dilute gastrointestinal ulcers stimulating secreta in case of corrupting stomach and intestines, and to dredge gastrointestinal gas congestions. 2012, I recalled first clause of will, found that my illness is manmade, I was framed. 2016, when I review my memoir, found Eves father gave me a show, he knew I was an image thinker. On this, I found fate intelligence (refers to section 12.1).

8.6.5.5 relationship of neither related nor none related

In section 4.10, in 1995 winter, I worked at SHDHB Construction Company in Shenyang, entangled with a group of thieves. Eves father gathered all leaders of thieves in Heping district to detach me from them. One of their debate focused on relationship between him and me. Eves father said that he and me are neither related nor none related. In 2014, I completed my memoir, understood the relation ship is earlier life and next life generated by soul transmigration. Eves father thought Im his next life according to stories in section 3.6. He entrusted me to finish his business which he couldnt complete in his one lifetime.

8.6.5.6 Eve Liu traumatized me fatally

In chapter 5, 1996 spring, I was a postgraduate in Northeastern University. A friend (Matchmaker) introduced me his old colleagues daughter Eve Liu. She was a postgraduate in China Medical University. The day I met Eve, were traumatized by her decency and broad knowledge. Soon, I separated with Eve, but disputes aroused now and then with her and her father.

Later Eve Liu went to USA for her medical doctor degree. Matchmaker told me that Eves father viewed me as his son, and once Eve back from USA, the father and daughter fought about us two. Her father said: if I cant see Eve Liu and Yan Lu get married, I die with eyes open.

At end of 1997, Eves father had a plan to get me and Eve married. I refused. Her father arranged hundreds people to demonstrate to me for days. At the night I knew her father was angry to me; I was horrified for more than 10 hours. This caused me being traumatized again.

8.6.5.7 my schizophrenia showed up the first time

In May 1997, I had a girlfriend, who was a postgraduate in China Medical University. Once, I was talking related with those above people, my psychosis aroused the first time. My voice suddenly changed, speaking speed suddenly became amazingly fast, shorted of breath (like shortage of oxygen). And the girlfriend saw I had mad eye expressions too.

8.6.5.8 I was suspicious with Eves father

Later in Northeastern University, I found that my marriable status reputation was ruined due to a mysterious big sister (a powerful woman or from black society) love me. I realized the things happened in last year, was defamed by Eves father purposefully, so I intentionally tried to move to a new environment. In 1999, I worked in LTRE, had freedom to find girl friend, but I was timid in working environment.

8.6.5.9 my latent schizophrenia was reactivated in Canada

In 2002, I worked in Soil Engineers Ltd in Mississauga, heard rumor that I came from a big family, fought with my father, fled to Canada. My father asked people to offer me the job. I realized that Eves father worked on me again.

In 2003 summer, Eves father hired mafia fought on my behalf (refers to section 8.5). Soon I fell into depression.

8.6.5.10 schizophrenia arousal

In 2010 spring, I worked in Davroc Laboratories Ltd, due to a car brake failure and career escalation, I fell into schizophrenia. I quitted the job to avoid entangling with improper business competition.

July 2010, I worked at LVM ltd as a civil technician. In October, I believed Eve Liu succeeded her fathers soul transmigration experiment, studied me, framed me. I quitted the job again.

July 2011, I worked at Golder Associates lab in Mississauga. Months later, my schizophrenia infected the new environment again. I heard colleagues talked that Eve Liu said, her father died. I realized that since 2014, Eves father hadnt done strange thing to me anymore, likely he died. I felt underbelly pains, thought a colleague poisoned me, quitted the job again.

At home, I had a period of strong tactile hallucinations, ended up with my whole body migrating rheumatisms (refers to 10.2). I surrendered to Eves father, accepted him as my godfather, accepted Eve Liu as my wife, and vowed to carry his deeds out. I went back China, couldnt find Eve Liu.

8.6.5.11 Gain of fate intelligence

Spring of 2014, I worked in Thurber Engineering Ltd as a civil technician. One day, I was working in lab, while I was thinking of my past life in emotionally unstable state. Suddenly a colleague excitedly ran to jump over on rear side of me. I was so shocked that my hairs all stood up, shouted in Chinese with different voice. I felt I saw him with my rear head, and the jumping worker was disappeared suddenly. And I heard somebody was talking to me, and what sound like somebody when I was a child. In which I was in similar state when Eves father was making gods flesh eye to me in 1971. Later, I recalled when I was 16 months old, engaged with Eve Liu (refer to chapter 1). I recalled through all my past life, wrote my memoir, understood soul transmigration.

In materialism, according to story in section 3.6, soul is ones life business plus family. I should succeed Eve fathers business what is the metempsychosis experiment, to compose the real human medical experimental report. And I should take care his family.

In theism, according to the news report in section 3.4, which should be composed by Eves father (my godfather), soul can be understood as differentiated sentient nature (mutant nature), which is know hindrance plus annoyance hindrance (refer to section 15.4.4.7). In annoyance hindrance aspect, my illnesses and my godfathers illnesses, all are caused by the same serial of experimental events. In this aspect to say, I and my godfather have same annoyance hindrances. On know hindrance aspect, my godfather showed me Gods deeds and his tombstone is wordless, I should compose inscription on the grave, on the wordless book. My book and his book are testaments mutually; the two together is the said God created book, sky book. This is my fate, is he promised me extraordinary brilliant future in his will (in section 3.9).

8.6.6 Mental disorder treatment code

My mental illness is caused by conflicts among me, Eve Liu, and her father. As her fathers instructions in the news report in section 3.4, he said that the thing to its last, public welfare should be solved publicly; private business should be solved privately. I and Eves marriage is private business, her father hadnt requirement about it. The experimental report is Gods business, is public welfare; I should have it published.

Before 2014, I thought her father did the thing is for I and Eves marriage, I was always angry with him; later, I found that her fathers death is purely for the experiment. For years, each time I thought about him, I cried each time. For the part, my illness is because of conflict between him and me. I yielded to his will, so reason of my illness is vanished, Im saved. On this, mental illness treatment codes have two clauses: (1) dispute should be reconciliated face to face; (2) finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs.

8.6.6.1 Dispute should be reconciliated face to face

This is curing mental illness on unconscious aspect. Reason of solving dispute face to face is that unconscious only accepts present quanta, what are factually presently happening. None quanta and metaphysical quanta doesnt work on unconscious (refer to section 15.4.5), havent mental illness treatment value.

Unconscious is an autonomic nervous system; it can only receive a certain type of quanta, and match with a certain type of laws. About this, in chapter 15 sense node section, I have listed all laws matching with unconscious, and all laws dont match with unconscious. It should be noted that unconscious transcends time, so reason of illness should consider all time such as a few years before birth to 20 years after death. Or time doesnt match with unconscious, the concept shouldnt be used.

The dispute reconciliation meeting is purpose of showing to unconscious. When unconscious receives the reconciliation, mental illness is cured. So the curing progress only needs dozens minutes.

In my case, I cant find Eve Liu and her fathers tomb, I need to always work on fulfilling my report. This needs many years works and satisfactory deeds to consume my conflict with them.

8.6.6.2 finding a meaning on the afConstant-Fairs

When the traumatic suffers gain meanings, suffers ease. This is a trait of preconscious. Because when intention which can represent preconscious, can summon equally stream fruits (refer to section 15.7.2) quickly. When intentions stick on suffers, it induces more and more bitter equally stream fruits. Therefore, intention sticks in suffering mud base, cant get out. This is because trauma is long time established suffering base. Patient needs to lead its own intention out that base. A valuable meaning can achieve the purpose.

In my case, since I was 16 months old, Eves father turned me into a dumb, what gave me a difficult whole life. Later, I entered postgraduate school, but Eves father traumatized me again. Since then I fell into mental illness. I cant hold my anger to Eves father because of his dos. But I have to accept it, because my hates to them are my illnesses themselves, will kill me for sure. Considering the experiment can benefits 80% population, save 20% population from mental illness, my sacrifices are worthy, and more.

Above talking of mental illness treatment codes for illnesses of favor, complaint, love, and hate, it is the least valuable one in six aspects of the experiment discovered. The six are equality, correctness, birth, ageing, illness, and death. From chapter 11 to 20, the ten chapters use the codes to unfetter the six kinds of illnesses, to achieve liberation and enlightenment. The mental illness treatment code is the golden door, is liberation starter and prerequisite. When I understood the meaning, my suffering experiences became my virtues, my godfather gave me a meaningful life.

8.6.7 For mental illness, dont believe in doctor

8.6.7.1 Question arousal

When I was a teenager, Uncle Dragon told me a few time, he heard that 85-95% doctors in hospital dont understand mental illness.

In 1996, Eve Liu told me that for mental illness, patient should look for people understand it or books. Doctors in hospital understand it or not is another issue, they are too busy on making money to cure patients.

In May of 1997, an ex-girlfriend told me that when your psychosis matures, first clause you should know is that you shouldnt go to hospital to see a doctor. They dont understand psychosis. If you believe them, you are a dead man.

When I fell into psychosis in 2011, the issue became a great dilemma. I studied the issue for years, found out the statements are correct. Most psychiatrists arent capable to understand modern psychology. And for those doctors who understand psychosis, they wont tell patients truth, because telling truth violates standard duty of care and put themselves into danger in multi aspects.

8.6.7.2 Why dont 85-95% psychiatrists understand psychology?

I use three examples to analyze the phenomena.

Case study 1

In 1996, when I was with my ex-girlfriend Eve Liu, my uncles lung cancer was at advanced stage, and he fought with his family. I planned to visit my uncle, so, I asked Eves advice what I should talk with him?

She answered: the several sentences of transcendently ferry (refer to 5.6: ancient psychology to save people) works the best.

I asked: you know that! What is it?

She immediately answered: No! No! After a while, she said: since I was a child, I like to listen my papa teach his friends those. Each time, I thought I understand it well, but my papa said I dont understand, dont allow me to talk those with others.

Annotation, 12.4.2-1, at the time, Eve was 26 years old, will get her medical masters degree soon, and go USA for her PHD with full scholarship. What Im saying is that she is a smart and well-educated person.

I asked: your father has a high standard, what is your fathers definition for understanding?

Eve answered: my papa said, you understand this in books words, that isnt understanding; you understand in your own words, that doesnt count as understanding; you use your opponent words, to explain him understand to he is feeling like his body is transparent, I count you as understood.

I wondered: is it possible that the mind mechanical thing is like machine mechanics accurate to 100%?

Eve answered: on this, my opinion is same with you, dont believe the mental illness curing thing can be that accurate, but my papa said that he can.

Anyway, she talked transcendently ferry with me. During talking, she asked me: how do you think think where to go, go (12.4.2-2)?

Annotation 12.4.2-2, this is a clause in transcendently ferry to represent all hallucinational phenomena. It is celestial leg in godly environment, is the instant translocation (teleportation) in mystery movies, alien movies, and computer games. This topic is talked in chapter 14.

I answered: dying people are bodily week. He falls in hallucination. There, what he sees are his THINKs image part. For example, he thinks Eiffel Tower. In the environment, his THINK like he is spelling it. Simultaneously, his THINK fetches image of Eiffel Tower to his front, and unconscious generated environment in match of Eiffel Tower instantly. Therefore, at the instant, he has arrived beside Paris Eiffel Tower.

Eve thought a while, said: I think you are right. For twenty years I thought this in wrong way. How come you think the clause in this way immediately?

I answered: Im talking of hallucination. I practiced meditation when I was a child, experienced hallucination many times. How to talk the clause?

Eve answered: my papa said, not to use books words or your own words, you should use your opponents words to explain to him.

I answered: you said it and I believe it. But I heard the transcendently ferrys sentences are special, many people cant open mouth to say it. It is necessarily using exactly the words in book. One word is different, the transcendently ferry thing doesnt work (12.4.2-3).

Annotation 12.4.2-3, I didnt know that I understand this, and was capable to talk of this freely, and I didnt know that Eve wasnt capable to open her mouth to speak of the thing at the time.

Eve said anxiously: I told you that my papa said, the transcendently ferry thing, you need to use your opponent words; using books words or your own words dont work. But I know your sayings, you wait, let me think to find a few sentences my papa said for you as topics!

She thought long time, so I went to remind her using different explanation and example. And I did it again and again. She shouted at me: I said you wait aside, let me think!

I answered: but I waited long time already. You heard it since child, to now days, you have heard it 100 times at least, dont you remember one sentence or example?

She answered: you are right! Im wondering the same thing! Suddenly she shouted: I see! Didnt I tell you? When I saw you, I recalled my papa again and again (12.4.2-4)! When my papa talked the clause, every time, he talked differently, used different example. And he uses gesture languages just like you. In this aspect, you two are exactly same. This is reason when I saw you, recalled my papa! I feel that you two have been there!

Annotation 12.4.2-4, because she loves her father, the deep affection was reflected by my gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1).

I answered: I have never seen your papa. Im talking of hallucination what daily life people believe those are heaven, hell, or world of death. That isnt real world of death. At that state, the person is just out of breath, hasnt died yet.

Eve said: I know you havent seen my papa. I said, you two just looks alike. But a moment ago, I thought the thing in wrong way again! Now I tell you.

Her mouth started to move like speaking. I listened attentively, but I couldnt hear her. I went closer and closer to her, stretched my ear in front of her mouth. I still couldnt hear anything, became very anxious, shouted: you wait a moment. I cant hear anything! Suddenly I had hearing problem. I was trying to figure a way to testify my hearing.

She said: I didnt say anything, certainly you couldnt hear anything!

I was shocked and confused: why did you move your lips like speaking? You were tricking me! This isnt funny!

She said: I didnt trick you. I wanted to speak, but I couldnt think out anything, how I speak! You tricked me!

I couldnt figure out a clue: what did I trick you?

Eve shouted at me: How I couldnt speak (12.4.2-5)!

Annotation 12.4.2-5, later, in Vedic book, I found reason that Eve couldnt speak. Eve hadnt experienced hallucination yet at that time. Vedic book explains the thing used the example. Like a blind since child, he cant imagine white clouds in blue sky, because in his dark world hasnt similar thing to borrow images. When the blind hears descriptions of white clouds in blue sky, he also understands and sets up images in his mind, but his understanding isnt related to real white clouds in blue sky. Eve got her death worlds wrong images from her fathers saying, she thought she understand. When Eve heard what I said, she realized that she was wrong, so her death worlds images collapsed. Language formation needs mind forms its environment first. Eves world hasnt such kind of phenomena, so her language formation environment cant be fetched and formed by her THINK. Same saying is that she cant think of hallucination, therefore she couldnt speak. Her father understands this, so her father said that she didnt understand. More, since she was thinking of what havent in her world, so her mind went to blank, therefore she was lost in time, behaved like a puppet, dull and slow.

Conclusion: in this example, Eve has studied Sky Book (God created book in legendary, what is ancient psychology) since child, but she couldnt understand this section of ancient psychology. How much influences are the drawback on her understanding of ancient psychology? Vedic book says that hallucinational experiences are prerequisite for studying Vedism. She wasnt capable to understand Vedism fully at the time. But after she has a hallucination, she may realize Vedism quickly. My opinion, modern psychology is same to ancient psychology; some theories need hallucinational experiences to study.

8.6.7.3 Case study 2

A psychological postgraduate failed in a psychology subject a few times, he went to talk with the professor. The professor said: I knew you love psychology, and you planned to be a psychologist to help mentally ill people upon graduation. But you never had hallucinational experiences, arent capable to understand theories in my teaching. For the reason, I recommended you giving up on psychology before, but you insisted to become a psychologist.

The professor said: you are an honest, compassionate and studied psychology hard. If I let you pass my subject, your personality attracts peoples trusts. Suppose after three years, you had a hallucination, from then you understand my teaching. But during the three years, many people are harmed by you. I have discussed your issue with dean, and he agreed. If you take a magic mushroom (12.4-6), you can leave the school with your masters degree, because we trust you.

Annotation 12.4-6, in 1950s, to study inner society (refer to chapter 14, I explained the inner world there), western world psychologists used drug to go in that hallucinational state, caused worldwide drug abuse, therefore, many drugs including magic mushroom were banned worldwide before.

8.6.7.4 Case study 3

Once I read a psychology book composed by an American woman. The woman said in her book: I tell you a secret in our psychology trade. All those world leading psychologists are psychic (12.4-7). We dont understand how they worked out and cant understand those theories. But those theories work well, so we just use them.

Similarly, I read an ancient Vedic Book. The books author said in its book: Mr. you think yourself are smart, even you can fly in sky, dont try to use logics to analyze Vedic theories, because those are just natural phenomena. You just use them; Vedism belong to users.

Annotation 12.4-7, there arent psychic people in the whole world for thousands of years, including all gods and Vedas. They just have more hallucinational experiences and studied hard. Hallucination is called Samadhi in Vedism, is reputed as Gods Treasuries and Land of Mysteries Arousal for thousands of years already.

Commentary, combining above three examples, we can conclude that, even though 75 to 80% of population experience hallucination during their life span, but only minority people have enough hallucinational experiences, are capable of fully understand psychology. I believe this is reason that 85-95% psychiatrists dont understand psychology (or gnosis, or God).

8.6.7.5 Why dont 15-5% psychiatrists who understand psychosis help patients?

Case study 4

My family doctor David gave me his advice same to above opinions. He is a psychosis lover, but at my psychosis earlier stage, he didnt help me.

I asked him: since the beginning, you know mental illness trade is a chaos, why did you send me to see psychiatrists at first place?

He answered: as a friend, I tell you this. As your family doctor, it is my standard duty of care to send you to specialist. Besides, in your past experiences, there were human rights violations. Im your family doctor, hasnt obligation to teach you how to be a man!

Annotation, something he didnt say. When I was child, read monks article, one monk said, I teach you this, dont want to put you into danger situations. When you see a psychotic patient, find out his cure, you shouldnt tell him directly. What you can do is such as, finding a book, highlight and fold the page with the knowledge you want to tell him, and you give the book as a gift to him, tell him that something in the book enlightening you a lot, you want to share with him.

Case study 5: darkness of standard duty of care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

If my example 1, 2 and 3 are correct, then DSM is bible of darkness, because it bases on statistics on common practices, and defies modern basic psychological principles.

This is like a rotten fish can ruin a whole pot of soup. DSM the only wrong book exists in modern world ruined whole worlds mental illness trade. I havent seen other psychology books ancient and modern talked psychosis wrongly.

8.6.8 consummation

WHO AM I?

(Preface of Sky Book)

Crux for human liberation is to perceive into mind mechanism, understand nature laws, and understand theories of life. Once understand mind and life theories, most enlightenment and liberation works are done. To achieve the purposes, God divides unconscious into immaculate part and maculate part, then transmute their traits into three persons. This way God created two sets of trinities as in following table.

Immaculate part of unconscious, maculate part of unconscious, and preconscious, the three positions of senses are three nature laws, therefore, godfather Adam and Eve, the threes major traits are fixed. The three persons compose a small community, what God designed to prove its theories through their life stories.

First Column Second Column World No.1

Modern psychology Immaculate part of unconscious Maculate part of unconscious Preconscious

Sense trinity of Christian and Islam God-sense (first sense) Adam-sense (second sense) Eve-sense (third sense)

People trinity of Christian and Islam Moses (godfather) Adam (godson) Eve (goddaughter)

Sense trinity of Vedaism (senses sequence opposite to Christian) Amala sense (nineth sense) Alaya sense (eighth sense) Mana sense (seventh sense)

People trinity of Vedaism Social Honor Veda Lotus Flower Girl

Peach Flower Catastrophe Publican Liu Mr. Fair Peach Flower Girl

Adam Lus Memoir Troupe Leader Liu Adam Lu Eve Liu

Shakyamuni family, as reference

8.8 LION KINGS STORY

8.8.1.1 God putting Adams rib into Eve

Trinity of three senses (three souls) Immaculate part of unconscious is god-sense Maculate part of unconscious is Adam-sense Preconscious is Eve-sense

This is ancient mind mechanism. In Bibles first chapter, at the beginning, world is a body of water. Four basic elements are four metaphors often used in Ancient psychology, refers to section 15.2; water is figure of saying senses. So Bible is saying that, at the beginning, world, all are blank senses. God-sense is brains inborn function, so it is formed first. Later the being gains habits, what Adam-sense is. After that Intention is formed, what Eve-senses is. Ancient virtues used Eve-senses full-time companion Intent to represent preconscious, to make preconscious easy to use.

Unconscious No.1 trait is differentiational mature, what is saying that habits formed on unconscious matures at different time, different locations, different species, etc. Once god-sense starts to generate differentiational mature fruits, the fruits flow out like a waterfall, none stop. By definition, the fruits are Adam-senses, are later gains, are juristic dusts (soils).

By definition, god-sense puts differentiational mature fruit into Eve-sense since god-sense is brains inborn function. The said God put Adams rib into Eve. The rib is a differentiational mature fruit. God-sense put it into Eve-sense from instant time to instant time intermittently. At the instant time that god-sense putting the rib into Eve-sense, human beings mind doesnt move, like in sleeping. But the stopping or ceasing time is noticeably short in meditation.

Eve-sense is preconscious, is massless, is a growth place like accident scene. Accident Scene, the thing hasnt any mass, appears here and there, but it has often accompanying companions, such as police, emergency vehicle, etc. Eve-sense is like this, doesnt have mass belong to itself, is a lord, has 18 companions, such as Intent, Mean, Reception, etc. (or servants; refer to section 15.2.3.5.1.3: Intent). Another aspect Eve-sense like Accident Scene is Eve-sense is transcendent on time and space, goes here and there freely.

Ancient virtues often used Measuring Worm to explain Eve-sense. From instant to instant, it holds something (the rib) to measure and mean, and moves on new rib, which is like measuring worms front feet hold. The something belong to Adam-sense, so said it is Adams rib; and it is done by God. Time elapses, Eve-sense leaves a trace of ribs. The trace of ribs are Abel (able). Abel means conceit, which is tiny humans ego, small I, me. Later, those ribs accumulated more, Seth is formed. Seth means translocating body views, what humans ego, I is. Seth follows Eve-sense behind, with distance (or from time to time).

Bible word Seth-(view), in Sanskrit Satkaya-(view), it was translated into Chinese as translocation body view. Seth-view is dependence of all views, opinions, and interests. Orally, it is I, me, and mine, etc. It means one, lord, permanence, general executive, etc. In stories or movies, it is the giant spider. Seth view is unfolded in matrix in section 15.4.4.4.1.

8.8.1.2 God coated Adam-sense and Eve-sense with humans skins

Trinity of three people Godfather (has traits transmuted from god-sense.) Adam (has traits transmuted from Adam-sense.) Eve (has traits transmuted from Eve-sense.)

Ancient virtues called this as ten years tree a tree; hundred years tree a man. Created true human has ten aspect of perfections. The chosen boy and girls personalities should match with Adam-sense and Eve-senses traits and provide higher successful possibility for the real human medical experiment designed by God. First, having a look what happened between the threesome, it would be easier for reader to understand their traits prerequisites.

8.8.1.2.1 trinity

In picture one, when Adam and Eve grew up, godfather put them in a jade girl riding tiger (refers to section 5.4) situation. Saying Eve is Jade Girl. Because Eve-sense is major function of making all sentient beings among all senses, so Eve gained honor of mother of all livings. But Eve hasnt given birth to all, so ancient virtues called her stone woman or jade girl. Saying Adam is a tiger, is a metaphor; the saying is that Adam is irritated by Eve, hates Eve so much that he wants to rip Eve apart and eat her. But in the situation, Adam cant eat Eve, and Eve cant get away from Adam. The two are tied up by godfathers deeds, have to stay together.

In picture two, the goddess is Chinese Eve; combination of her divine powers is the bottle on her hand, which is soul detention bottle. Bottle is metaphor. About goddess power refers to section 13.2 for their theories. Adam fought with Eve, was rude with Eve (goddess), so he violated nature law, (it is illegal to rude with goddess, what nature law is), so Adam was traumatized, fell into mental disorder. This is saying that godfather put Adam into Eves soul detention bottle. Reason of saying that Adam is bottled, is Adam was injured in many aspects (directions) and has an ill symptom of difficulty to breath.

In picture three, years later, Adams mental disorder matured, was dying, he recalled and understood that he was framed by godfather and Eve, so he hated them, wanted to eat Eves flesh. But Eve is Adams goddess; he cant fight with Eve. Constant-Fair solution for the three peoples dispute is trinity (refers to end of chapter two: ancient virtues final judgement). In the real human medical experiment, Adam ended with whole body illnesses, what all Gods treasures are. The saying is all 300 fundamental muddles in a humans life are solved directly and factually; none is faked. On this, we say God is truthfully savior; none of a single bit of fake.

8.8.1.2.2 Adams traits

1, the baby should be image think type when he grows up. The type memory and memory-withdraw mode allow him capable to remember and recall his whole life, up to before 3 years old in situation, what fate intelligence potential (refer to chapter 12 Fate Through) is, what make Adam capable to understand his predetermined fate. The kind of memory capability matches to Adam-senses storage house function.

2, high in introversion and neuroticism personality traits. The kind of person worry frequently and easily slip into anxiety and depression. To choose the type of personality, reason is that it is easier to drive him falling into mental illness. It matches to trait of Adam-sense. And it is said that neurotic personality is heretic type in adverse environment.

3, honest, shy, and rich in sympathy. God said that Adams illness is because of shame; even a man kills all sentient beings of the Three Boundaries (what is God created Cosmos), without shame and sin, he wont fall into hell at last (psychosis is hell fruit). The kind of person is Constant-Fair, what matches to Adam-sense treating all equally.

4, none known isnt abandoned, none unknown is abandoned. The trait is that he often forgets what he has known but remember what he doesnt understand, doesnt give up. This is an ideal trait for doing incarnation. Because of the trait, Adam remembers all the Godfather did strange things to him secretly, what forms another lifeline in Adams earlier half life, hidden in his normal daily life.

5, godfather engages Adam and Eve, and marks baby Adam when he is around one years old, since then, godfather worked on Adam secretly and wont be seen by Adam for rest of his life. The mark is gods flesh eye (refer to section 13.1), is caused by children neurodevelopment disorder, therefore Adam is retarded, is a dumb (Adam), what matches to that Adam-sense is the dullest among all senses.

6, godfathers secret agent lures child Adam practice meditation to experience hallucinations. Hallucinations experiences are celestial eye, are roots (i.e. reason) of gnosis. Therefore, Adam is good at decode legends, cultures, and religions etc. When he grows up, his gnostic eye are broadly open from decoding legends and Constant-Fairy tales, etc. what is capability to understand gods, ghosts etc.

8.8.1.2.3 Eves traits

1, Eve has goddess appearance (refer to section 13.2 gods appearance). The looks are less visible and are hard for others to remember her. The Eves trait matches to Eve-sense hasnt mass body. To choose Eve with goddess looks is to use her goddess power to traumatised Adam. The injuries by goddess are walking wounds, cant be self cured. Because this is a surely kill, Adam will return to Eve for sure if he is alive.

2, Eve is word think type mental mode. The trait matches to Eve-senses promoting language formation function. And the Eves the trait allows her master light of sound and light of reasoning. Light of sound is the highest literature writing skill. And the type of think let Eve good at mean, so she is gifted on logical analysis. Mean is an obvious trait of Eve-sense. Adam is image think type mental mode, weak on language, so Eve has lingual advantage to besiege Adam, to traumatize him.

3, Eve is high in Extraversion and Conscientiousness traits. Conscientious type persons are organized and have a strong sense of duty. They're dependable, disciplined and achievement focused. They're planners. The trait matches Eve-senses intent (plan, preconscious function) function. The personality is attractive to Adam; Adam is short on most Eves merits. Because Eves appearance is vague, less noticeable, and her conscientiousness, she loves disciplines what 500 majesties 108, 000 charms are. Those staffs are God particularly abstracted for Eve. Eves appearance and her majesties and charms, make her words works like spells, can harm people.

4, godfather taught her gnosis and medical since child. The knowledge lets her good at juristic eye (refer to chapter 15), such as fortune telling. Gnosis harms greed and ignorance, so Eve lost innocence since child. Love is irrational, and its nature is greed, therefore it is difficult for her to fall in love with someone. But she loves her godfather (or father). Godfather taught her medical, so she can take care of Adam, because when Adam climbs up from hell, comes back, he will be whole body illnesses.

Adam has good gnostic knowledge (inner light) and is good at scientific research (craft light). Eve has good lingual (light), logical (reasoning light), and medical (light) capabilities, so she should be final finisher of God created book. Eve and Adams traits are complementary; they need cooperate to fulfil godfathers quest. Neither of them can fulfill godfathers quest alone because either one is a half human due to their imbalanced mental mode, has their inborn disadvantages. If they combine together, they have all five lights, it is a superman.

8.8.1.3 The big flood

Journey to salvation needs to go through three a-monk-index-catastrophes (three stages). Upon understanding Seth and Law (law, or unconscious, or God, or trinity), mundane being has known what should know, becomes a true human, aboard second a-monk-index-catastrophe. Differentiational sentient nature (i.e. individual nature; refers to section 15.4.4.7) is know hindrance and mean hindrance. Upon understanding Seth and Law, know hindrance has been terminated. Mean hindrance is habitual mindset, need cultivation to remove it. This cultivational practice will cause the big flood.

What are being flooded? Eve-senses function is to create and maintain all sentient beings, render good evil beauty and ugliness, so Eve-sense is all sentient beings. Eve-sense and Adam-sense should be circumcised or baptized.

Upon understanding Seth and Law, inside human, there isnt an entity which is capable to receive; outside of human, there arent things which can be fetched. The person has achieved inner empty and outer empty. When Eve-sense meets empty, it becomes still, and immaculate senses harm haves. Haves are such as memories and habits. These lead mind to reduce. Another saying the practice can remove mental dusts. This practice is viewing empty to generate empty senses, is leading immaculate senses to kill haves. Senses are water in four basic elements; therefore, Bible says mundane world is flooded.

This is the said transcendently ferry in section 5.5. When ancient Chinese translate Ark, they explained: in western world this is a concept of big boat saving people; our oriental world hasnt such kind of culture, so we translate it as ferry.

In Chinese, the practice is Arrival Ark or Gnostic Ark. The practice is also called philosophers stone path or philosophers stone metaphor stillness. This is Noahs Ark. Noah means rest, means meditation in Bible. Noah means stillness in this books system. Gnosis is born from stillness, so Bible says it as Noahs Ark.

What is philosophers stone? The kind of knowledge is gnosis. God created a metaphor to praise human and gnosis: mind is like a diamond, it can cut through anything, but itself wont be destructed. Gnosis is philosophers stone which is the hardest metal in the universe, it can cut mind the diamond.

After the big flood or philosophers stone metaphor stillness, true human has destroyed mundane world, defeated 84,000 demon army (refers to section 17.3), aboard third a-monk-index-catastrophe, achieved salvation and enlightenment, become a great true human.

8.8.2 Adams Appearances

Countenance Ark is God created true humans appearance. Six Arks are donation, hold precept, countenance, diligent effort, meditation & stillness, and intelligence & gnosis. Study is a kind of becoming. When mundane being is becoming true human, new things grow inside him, he bears pains. Tolerances are needed; therefore, Countenance Ark is set up to ferry Gods summon answers to salvation. Other Arks havent the function. The ferry boat is propelled by eight giants. Following texts are quoted from Vedas Will Sutra.

1.1.1 first giant: fortune and virtue of less desire

Your kinds of monks and nuns should know that, people are with many desires, because seeking more profits, they have many bitter annoyances. People are with less desires, pursue less, they havent those suffers. Righteousness and less desires, by themselves, should be cultivated and aggregated; nonetheless, less desires can cultivate and aggregate great fortune and virtue. People with less desire havent flattery intents to ask others, also they arent led by five roots (13.3.1-1). Behaving on less desires, peoples hearts are self-possessed, are easeful, without gloomily fears constantly. When they meet afConstant-Fairs, they have surpluses, no shortage. People with less desires have salvation; this is named as less desires.

Annotation 13.3.1-1, five roots are eye-root, ear-root, nose-root, tongue-root, body-root.

1.1.2 Second giant: fortune and virtue of contentment

Monks and nuns! If want to detach from bitter annoyances, should view contentment. The law of contentment is seclusive happily dwell place. People with contentment, even they lie on ground, they also feel ease and happy. People without contentment, though they live in heaven, they also feel disagreeable. People without contentment, even though are rich, but they live in poverty; people with contentment, even though are in poverty, but they live in richness. People without contentment often lead by five desires (13.3.2-1); they are pitiable by people with contentment. This is named as contentment.

Annotation 13.3.2-1, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. Contentment is application of equally stream fruit on tree of life (refer to 115.7.2).

1.1.3 Third giant: fortune and virtue of aloofness

Monks and nuns want to pursue quiet un-striving enjoyment, should leave clamor, to live in seclusive place leisurely. People at quiet place, are respected by Seth eternal reason sky, etc. all skies (13.3.3-1). Therefore, one should abandon self-crowds and other crowds, leisurely alone, mean on roots of bitterness. People amuse with crowds, bear annoyances of crowds, such as, crowd birds gathering on a big tree, there appears trouble of withered branches. Mundane beings are fettered, submerged in the bitterness of crowds, like an old elephant is stuck in mud hole, cant get out by themself. This is named aloofness.

Annotation 13.3.3-1, sky means quiet, profound knowledge, god, and goddess etc.

1.1.4 Fourth giant: fortune and virtue of diligent effort

Monks and nuns should know! If diligently effort on, there isnt a difficult afConstant-Fair, therefore you should diligently strive up. Such as, a trickle can wear stones. If path walkers heart slacks from time by time, such as getting fire by drilling wood, before it is heated enough, driller goes to rest. Even the driller desires fire much, fire is too hard to get. This is named as diligent effort.

1.1.5 Fifth giant: fortune and virtue of remembrance

Monks and nuns seek for benevolent knowledge; asking benevolence to help and support is inferior to not forgetting spells. (13.3.5-1). People with not forgetting spells will not be intruded by the thefts of annoyances. Therefore, you etc. should always withhold spells in heart. People who lost the remembrance, have lost those fortune and virtue. A person has strong spell power, even if he enters crowd of five desires thefts (13.3.5-2), he wont be harmed. This likes an armored soldier enters battle, without fears. This is named as not forgetting spells.

Annotation 13.3.5-1, spell is a nature law what can dictate and hold mind; here it means motto, or a sentence what can hold and dictate mind, withdraw a certain cluster of knowledges.

Annotation 13.3.5-2, five desires are color desires, sound desires, smell desires, taste desires, bodily touch desires. They take away quietness of salvation, therefore, they are called five thefts.

1.1.6 Sixth giant: fortune and virtue of meditative stillness

Monks and nuns! If assimilating and dictating heart, his heart is at stillness (13.3.6-1). Because of heart in stillness, one can know mundane phenomena of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death. Therefore, your kinds should diligently cultivate and practice those kinds of stillness (what upper eight lands are in chapter 16). People gained stillness, his heart doesnt scatter, such as that the family cherishes water, is good at maintenance the dam of their pond. Nature law practitioners are like this also: for reason of intelligent gnosis water, practitioners cultivate meditation and stillness, not letting gnostic water leak and loss; what meditative stillness is named.

Annotation 13.3.6-1, stillness is a circumstantial nature law what has binding power to support and hold mind. Stillness comes with long period of practices and habits, is a differentiating mature fruit on tree of life. Stillness is Indian word samadhi, isnt concentration or attention. The eight stages of stillness are discussed in detail in chapter 14.

1.1.7 Seventh giant: fortune and virtue of intelligence and gnosis

Monks and nuns! If a person has intelligence and gnosis (13.3.7-1), he or she isnt greedy and clingy. He often self checks, not having it lost. Like this, the person can gain liberation from I law (i.e. striving law). If you arent like that, you are neither a path walker (Gods followers) nor a with white collar, havent a name. Factual intelligence and gnosis are solid great salvational Ark for bitter ocean of inequality, incorrectness, birth, old, illness, and death; are also glorious light in ignorant darkness; are all illnesses good medicine; are sharp ax for chopping down trees of annoyances. Therefore, your kinds should benefit yourself by hearing gnosis, meaning gnosis, and cultivated gnosis. If human is illuminated by intelligence and gnosis, even though you only have flesh eyes, can view brightly; this is named as intelligence and gnosis.

Annotation 13.3.7-1, all laws can be categorized into striving law and un-striving law. Striving laws are I law, which has I. I means me, ego, Seth, permanence, one, lord, etc. Un-striving law (or None-as Law) hasnt I. Gnosis is intelligence of un-striving law, is a kind of intelligence, but it contradicts to intelligence in aspects.

1.1.8 fortune and virtue of finalization

Your kinds of monks and nuns meet such and such drama like theses, then hearts are bewildered. Even coming out of household life again, you still cant unfetter. Therefore, you should abandon those messing up drama like theses. If you desire to gain the quiet salvational enjoyment, you should only be good at termination on drama like theses. This is named as none drama like theses.

Your kinds of monks and nuns should always be one heart on those fortunes and virtues, abandon laxness, like leaving resentful thefts. Greatly Sorrowful Society Honor said benefits, all have been finalized. Your kinds should diligently practice it. In mountain under a tree, or leisurely in quiet room, you spell those laws received, not having them forgotten. Your kinds should encourage yourself often, diligently cultivate, dont be regret when facing death of forfeit life. Im like a good medical doctor, know your illness, give you prescriptions. You take it or not, it isnt doctors fault. Im like a benevolent advisor, guide you good path. Heard it, you dont walk on; that isnt advisors fault.

You etc. to what I said Bitter Aggregate Salvation and Path, the four cruxes, who has doubt, ask fast! You shouldnt bosom suspicion! Dont ask, this is the end! At the time, Society Honor asked three times like that. Nobody asked, wherein? Crowds havent doubt! At the time, Sal Fasullo observed peoples hearts, and reported to Veda: Social Honor! Moon can become hot; sun can become cold. The four cruxes said by Veda wont be differentiated. Veda said bitter crux is factual bitterness, wouldnt become laugh. Aggregate crux is reason of bitter; there isnt a different reason. Bitters extinction is salvation. Path of terminating bitter is real path; there isnt an extra path. Social Honor! Monks and nuns here havent doubt on four cruxes absolutely.
In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday will unveil his administration's long-awaited Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, seen as a key step in the U.S. effort to reengage with Asian nations on trade more than five years after withdrawing from a comprehensive trade pact in the region.

Observers can expect to see a statement of broad principles laid out under four distinct pillars: fair and resilient trade; supply chain resiliency; clean energy, decarbonization and infrastructure; and taxation and anti-corruption.

The statement, which Biden will deliver in Japan, is not binding; instead, it's a road map toward cooperation on issues falling under the pillars, all of which will be subject to future negotiations.

Unlike other trade agreements, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, is not expected to contain measures to expand market access by doing away with tariffs and other trade restrictions. That omission frustrates many advocates of broader trade.

"Multilateral trade agreements are not seen as being beneficial to American workers," said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "I believe that this is the wrong choice. I think we need to engage more forcefully in trade access and trade talks with our partners in the region. But our politics are not aligned to that at the moment," she told VOA.

Even without the promise of increased market access, administration officials said they expect a significant number of countries to sign on.



I think you're going to see a really impressive display of energy and enthusiasm by a significant number of countries in the Indo-Pacific for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in response to a question from VOA.



It is going to be a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of countries from across the region, a mix of different kinds of economies. And that diversity and breadth of participation, in our view, actually vindicates the basic theory behind IPEF, which is  you're right  it is not a traditional free trade agreement. And that's a good thing. It is a modern negotiation designed to deal with modern challenges.



We think this event on Monday is going to be a big deal and is going to be a significant milestone in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said. And at the end of the president's first term, I think we will look back and say this was a moment where the U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific got kicked into a different gear.

Reengagement, finally

The Biden administration has come under criticism for taking so long to establish an economic strategy in the Pacific, especially given China's increasing influence in the region.

The unveiling of the IPEF comes more than five years after former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal that would eventually become the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-country bloc that now constitutes one of the largest free-trade areas in the world.

Experts see the IPEF as the beginning of a much longer dialogue with nations in the region about how to better align policies and practices.

"This is going to be a standard-setting, norm-creation kind of endeavor," Smith said. "The main goal here is to be inclusive. It doesn't just mean that countries that are more democratically inclined are going to set the rules. It means that finding a common basis of understanding about standards in these new areas of trade is going to be really important."

Possible victories

The Biden administration has said that the IPEF will attempt to "define our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest."

While some experts doubt that much progress can be made in areas such as labor rules and decarbonization without promises of expanded market access, gains are still possible.

"Trade facilitation," the easing of administrative burdens that slow or block the exchange of goods and services, may be among the most promising areas covered by the IPEF, according to Niels Graham, assistant director for the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center.

In a paper published by the Atlantic Council, Graham wrote, "For large, developing nations  like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand  to see value in signing on to the framework, the U.S. must offer clear benefits that align with their priorities."

Recent survey data, Graham said, indicate that trade facilitation assistance is an area of "great interest" for developing economies.

"In order to effectively incentivize developing economies' participation in IPEF, the U.S. should place particular focus on the trade facilitation chapters of the framework under the fair and resilient trade pillar," he wrote. "If the United States can facilitate a successful arrangement surrounding the trade facilitation portions of the framework, it will help towards building a broader economic partnership in the region."

Digital trade agreement

"Since market access is off the table for now, I think the real question will be: What are the commercially meaningful outcomes?" Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, told VOA. "What we'll be looking for is an effort to negotiate a digital trade agreement, as well as supply chain commitments that would facilitate trade and simplify customs procedures."

Regarding digital trade, a major issue will be the role of governments in cross-border data flows. While the U.S. default is to favor free flows of information, other countries are more willing to restrict access.

"IPEF is an opportunity to contrast the path of the United States and like-minded countries from what's going on in places like Russia and China," Colvin said.

'Not a replacement'

Some experts believe that whatever form the IPEF takes, it is going to fall far short of what U.S. trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region really want.

"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that the Biden administration is going to roll out is not a replacement for trade agreements," Steve Okun, a Singapore-based senior adviser for McLarty Associates, told VOA. "What the countries of Southeast Asia want [are] trade agreements. They would like to see market access commitments from the United States so that they could get more access to the U.S."

In turn, Okun said, they would offer U.S. companies better access to regional markets and enact numerous policy changes in areas such as labor rules, environmental regulations and other areas of U.S. interest.

However, in the absence of substantive increases in market access, he said, it is difficult to see U.S. trading partners in the region making any meaningful concessions.

"There is, quite frankly, a lot of skepticism right now when it comes to what it is that the Biden administration is going to do," Okun said. "There are some people who are looking this from the glass-half-full perspective, which is: 'They are here. They're engaging. This is a start.' And then there's other people who will look at it from a glass-half-empty perspective, saying, 'Without  trade commitments, what is this really going to mean for us?' "

China reacts

China has preemptively criticized the IPEF, saying that by trying to create a group of like-minded trading partners, the U.S. is adopting a "Cold War mentality."

"The Asia-Pacific is a promising land for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical contest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said May 12 at a news conference.

The People's Daily, a Chinese Communist Party-controlled newspaper, accused the U.S. of trying to force countries in the region to break away from trade relationships with China.

The paper quoted an expert as warning, "The U.S. is going to use the framework to decouple from China, and will try to lure ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] members with the market economy of the IPEF and then force them to choose between China and the U.S."

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been banned in Saudi Arabia.

The film, a sequel to the 2016 Benedict Cumberbatch-starring hit Doctor Strange, is set to arrive in cinemas across the world next month.

However, rumours began circulating online earlier on Friday (22 April) that Multiverse of Madness would not be released in Saudi Arabia.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the rumours, with the decision reportedly linked to the inclusion of an LGBT+ character.

Multiverse of Madness will feature the character of America Chavez (played by Xochitl Gomez). In the comics, Chavez is gay, something that is expected to be carried over in the film.

Saudi Arabia is one of several countries in the region in which homosexuality is illegal. Many films which include references to LGBT+ issues or themes are subject to censorship, or else completely denied a release.

Advance tickets to Multiverse of Madness are no longer available to purchase on the websites of cinemas in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (Marvel Studios)

However, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, tickets to the film are still available to purchase in the United Arab Emirates.

Last year, Chloe Zhaos Marvel film Eternals was also banned from release in Saudi Arabia, due to its depiction of a same-sex relationship.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is out in cinemas in the UK on 5 May.
A state court formally approved New Yorks new congressional map late Friday, ratifying a slate of House districts drawn by a neutral expert that could pave the way for Democratic losses this fall and force some of the partys most prominent incumbents to face off in primary matches.

The map, approved just before a midnight deadline set by Justice Patrick F. McAllister of State Supreme Court in Steuben County, effectively unwinds an attempted Democratic gerrymander, creates a raft of new swing seats across the state, and scrambles some carefully laid lines that have long determined centers of power in New York City.

Jonathan R. Cervas, the court-appointed mapmaker, made relatively minor adjustments to a draft proposal released earlier this week whose sweeping changes briefly united both Republicans and Democrats in exasperation and turned Democrats against each other.

In Manhattan, the final map would still merge the seats of Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, setting two Democratic committee leaders who have served alongside each other for 30 years onto a collision course with national implications.
BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.
A state court formally approved New Yorks new congressional map late Friday, ratifying a slate of House districts drawn by a neutral expert that could pave the way for Democratic losses this fall and force some of the partys most prominent incumbents to face off in primary matches.

The map, approved just before a midnight deadline set by Justice Patrick F. McAllister of State Supreme Court in Steuben County, effectively unwinds an attempted Democratic gerrymander, creates a raft of new swing seats across the state, and scrambles some carefully laid lines that have long determined centers of power in New York City.

Jonathan R. Cervas, the court-appointed mapmaker, made relatively minor adjustments to a draft proposal released earlier this week whose sweeping changes briefly united both Republicans and Democrats in exasperation and turned Democrats against each other.

In Manhattan, the final map would still merge the seats of Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, setting two Democratic committee leaders who have served alongside each other for 30 years onto a collision course with national implications.



As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


As part of his own contribution to combating insecurity in Osun state, His Royal Majesty Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji Owolabi, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, Osun state has donated one operational vehicle, and accommodation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun state command on 20th May, 2022.

While presenting the vehicle to the state Commandant, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja, the Orangun of Ika, Ejigbo, said the gesture is part of his corporate social responsibility to security architecture, explaining that security is a collective responsibility. Therefore, everyone must collaborate with security agencies to put an end to criminalities in the country.

HRM Oba Sakariyau Oladimeji said further that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can take place. Hence, the monarch stressed the need to further partner with security personnel in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of the vehicle and the apartment, Commandant Emmanuel Ocheja of the NSCDC, Osun State Command commended the Kabiyesi for the gesture. He said the gesture is timely as insecurity is on the high side in the country, noting that fight against insecurity should not be left for the government alone. He advised that everyone is expected to support security agencies in order to make the country safe for all.

While assuring the king of judicious use of the vehicle and apartment, Commandant Ocheja said the gesture would be fully utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He also called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise up to the challenges facing security agencies in the country.

CC Ocheja also pledged the unflinching commitment of the command towards combating crimes in the state. He also use the occasion to assure all residents of Osun State of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

E-SIGNED:

ASC II ATANDA OLABISI

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

NSCDC OSUN STATE COMMAND.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
A state court formally approved New Yorks new congressional map late Friday, ratifying a slate of House districts drawn by a neutral expert that could pave the way for Democratic losses this fall and force some of the partys most prominent incumbents to face off in primary matches.

The map, approved just before a midnight deadline set by Justice Patrick F. McAllister of State Supreme Court in Steuben County, effectively unwinds an attempted Democratic gerrymander, creates a raft of new swing seats across the state, and scrambles some carefully laid lines that have long determined centers of power in New York City.

Jonathan R. Cervas, the court-appointed mapmaker, made relatively minor adjustments to a draft proposal released earlier this week whose sweeping changes briefly united both Republicans and Democrats in exasperation and turned Democrats against each other.

In Manhattan, the final map would still merge the seats of Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, setting two Democratic committee leaders who have served alongside each other for 30 years onto a collision course with national implications.
A state court formally approved New Yorks new congressional map late Friday, ratifying a slate of House districts drawn by a neutral expert that could pave the way for Democratic losses this fall and force some of the partys most prominent incumbents to face off in primary matches.

The map, approved just before a midnight deadline set by Justice Patrick F. McAllister of State Supreme Court in Steuben County, effectively unwinds an attempted Democratic gerrymander, creates a raft of new swing seats across the state, and scrambles some carefully laid lines that have long determined centers of power in New York City.

Jonathan R. Cervas, the court-appointed mapmaker, made relatively minor adjustments to a draft proposal released earlier this week whose sweeping changes briefly united both Republicans and Democrats in exasperation and turned Democrats against each other.

In Manhattan, the final map would still merge the seats of Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, setting two Democratic committee leaders who have served alongside each other for 30 years onto a collision course with national implications.

by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
Advertisement

Russia has stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO - as warring dictator Vladimir Putin launches a fresh assault in key eastern regions of Ukraine.

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

It comes after Russia cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after the Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

Meanwhile, Putin's bloody assault on Ukraine continues at pace, with the dictator claiming to have taken the strategic port city of Mariupol in the east of the country.

He is now launching a fresh assault in the Donbas and Luhansk regions in a bid to secure more territory in the east.

Warring president Vladimir Putin has been demanding payments in rubles in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine

Russia has long been a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, with the threat of cutting off supplies often used as leverage over the years

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'. (Pictured: Pipes at Gasum plant in Raikkola, Finland)

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption- although natural gas only accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.

'Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off,' the company said in a statement.

In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.

Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.

Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any 'means available'.

Russian troops pet their military dog as they guard an entrance of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday

Russian serviceman patrolling the street in Kherson, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

A Russian serviceman checks a building in Kherson, Ukraine, on Friday, during an arranged media tour by the Russian Army

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue 'normal operation'.

In efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.

Moscow previously warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be 'a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences'.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering 'full, total, complete backing' to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as 'blackmail'.

It comes as on the war front, Russia is now pressing for control of Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the months-long battle for Mariupol's steel plant and launching a major offensive on the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the province of Luhansk.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, Russia's defense ministry said.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Luhansk, one of two southeastern Ukrainian provinces Moscow proclaims as independent states.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy the city of Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Eternal Flame monument in Kherson on Friday amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

Russian servicemen shows off his huge rifle while patrolling the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kherson on Friday

Two Russian soldiers patrol an administrative area at the Khersonvodokanal, in Kherson, on Friday

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

The city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets river form the eastern part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture Kyiv.

Ukraine's general staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were preparing to try again to cross the river, after a previous attempt earlier this month led to one of the largest battles in the conflict so far.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss reveals talks are underway that will ensure Moldova is armed with 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin's expansionist ambitions

By Imogen Horton for the Daily Mail

Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

'I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

'Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful, it doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions.'

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the country's Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
Advertisement

Russia has stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO - as warring dictator Vladimir Putin launches a fresh assault in key eastern regions of Ukraine.

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

It comes after Russia cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after the Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

Meanwhile, Putin's bloody assault on Ukraine continues at pace, with the dictator claiming to have taken the strategic port city of Mariupol in the east of the country.

He is now launching a fresh assault in the Donbas and Luhansk regions in a bid to secure more territory in the east.

Warring president Vladimir Putin has been demanding payments in rubles in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine

Russia has long been a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, with the threat of cutting off supplies often used as leverage over the years

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'. (Pictured: Pipes at Gasum plant in Raikkola, Finland)

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption- although natural gas only accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.

'Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off,' the company said in a statement.

In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.

Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.

Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any 'means available'.

Russian troops pet their military dog as they guard an entrance of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday

Russian serviceman patrolling the street in Kherson, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

A Russian serviceman checks a building in Kherson, Ukraine, on Friday, during an arranged media tour by the Russian Army

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue 'normal operation'.

In efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.

Moscow previously warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be 'a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences'.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering 'full, total, complete backing' to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as 'blackmail'.

It comes as on the war front, Russia is now pressing for control of Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the months-long battle for Mariupol's steel plant and launching a major offensive on the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the province of Luhansk.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, Russia's defense ministry said.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Luhansk, one of two southeastern Ukrainian provinces Moscow proclaims as independent states.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy the city of Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Eternal Flame monument in Kherson on Friday amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

Russian servicemen shows off his huge rifle while patrolling the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kherson on Friday

Two Russian soldiers patrol an administrative area at the Khersonvodokanal, in Kherson, on Friday

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

The city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets river form the eastern part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture Kyiv.

Ukraine's general staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were preparing to try again to cross the river, after a previous attempt earlier this month led to one of the largest battles in the conflict so far.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss reveals talks are underway that will ensure Moldova is armed with 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin's expansionist ambitions

By Imogen Horton for the Daily Mail

Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

'I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

'Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful, it doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions.'

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the country's Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
Advertisement

Russia has stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO - as warring dictator Vladimir Putin launches a fresh assault in key eastern regions of Ukraine.

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

It comes after Russia cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after the Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

Meanwhile, Putin's bloody assault on Ukraine continues at pace, with the dictator claiming to have taken the strategic port city of Mariupol in the east of the country.

He is now launching a fresh assault in the Donbas and Luhansk regions in a bid to secure more territory in the east.

Warring president Vladimir Putin has been demanding payments in rubles in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine

Russia has long been a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, with the threat of cutting off supplies often used as leverage over the years

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'. (Pictured: Pipes at Gasum plant in Raikkola, Finland)

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption- although natural gas only accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.

'Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off,' the company said in a statement.

In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.

Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.

Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any 'means available'.

Russian troops pet their military dog as they guard an entrance of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday

Russian serviceman patrolling the street in Kherson, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

A Russian serviceman checks a building in Kherson, Ukraine, on Friday, during an arranged media tour by the Russian Army

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue 'normal operation'.

In efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.

Moscow previously warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be 'a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences'.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering 'full, total, complete backing' to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as 'blackmail'.

It comes as on the war front, Russia is now pressing for control of Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the months-long battle for Mariupol's steel plant and launching a major offensive on the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the province of Luhansk.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, Russia's defense ministry said.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Luhansk, one of two southeastern Ukrainian provinces Moscow proclaims as independent states.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy the city of Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Eternal Flame monument in Kherson on Friday amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

Russian servicemen shows off his huge rifle while patrolling the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kherson on Friday

Two Russian soldiers patrol an administrative area at the Khersonvodokanal, in Kherson, on Friday

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

The city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets river form the eastern part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture Kyiv.

Ukraine's general staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were preparing to try again to cross the river, after a previous attempt earlier this month led to one of the largest battles in the conflict so far.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss reveals talks are underway that will ensure Moldova is armed with 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin's expansionist ambitions

By Imogen Horton for the Daily Mail

Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

'I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

'Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful, it doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions.'

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the country's Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
Advertisement

Russia has stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO - as warring dictator Vladimir Putin launches a fresh assault in key eastern regions of Ukraine.

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

It comes after Russia cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after the Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

Meanwhile, Putin's bloody assault on Ukraine continues at pace, with the dictator claiming to have taken the strategic port city of Mariupol in the east of the country.

He is now launching a fresh assault in the Donbas and Luhansk regions in a bid to secure more territory in the east.

Warring president Vladimir Putin has been demanding payments in rubles in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine

Russia has long been a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, with the threat of cutting off supplies often used as leverage over the years

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'. (Pictured: Pipes at Gasum plant in Raikkola, Finland)

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption- although natural gas only accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.

'Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off,' the company said in a statement.

In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.

Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.

Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any 'means available'.

Russian troops pet their military dog as they guard an entrance of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, a run-of-river power plant on the Dnieper River in Kherson region, south Ukraine, on Friday

Russian serviceman patrolling the street in Kherson, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

A Russian serviceman checks a building in Kherson, Ukraine, on Friday, during an arranged media tour by the Russian Army

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue 'normal operation'.

In efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.

Moscow previously warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be 'a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences'.

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering 'full, total, complete backing' to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as 'blackmail'.

It comes as on the war front, Russia is now pressing for control of Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the months-long battle for Mariupol's steel plant and launching a major offensive on the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the province of Luhansk.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, Russia's defense ministry said.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Luhansk, one of two southeastern Ukrainian provinces Moscow proclaims as independent states.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy the city of Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Eternal Flame monument in Kherson on Friday amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine

Russian servicemen shows off his huge rifle while patrolling the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kherson on Friday

Two Russian soldiers patrol an administrative area at the Khersonvodokanal, in Kherson, on Friday

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

The city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets river form the eastern part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture Kyiv.

Ukraine's general staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were preparing to try again to cross the river, after a previous attempt earlier this month led to one of the largest battles in the conflict so far.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss reveals talks are underway that will ensure Moldova is armed with 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin's expansionist ambitions

By Imogen Horton for the Daily Mail

Moldova could get modern weaponry to protect it from a Russian invasion, Liz Truss has said.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.

'I want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion we're having with our allies,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

'Putin has been absolutely clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia  and just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful, it doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions.'

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss revealed that talks were taking place to ensure the country had 'Nato standard' defences to discourage Vladimir Putin from embarking on any further expansion

If the talks are successful, members of the Nato military alliance will send high-tech weaponry to the non-Nato member Moldova and train their military to use it.

This would replace the country's Soviet-era equipment Moldova currently has.

Any sharing of military equipment would be indication that the UK and its allies see the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in Russian relations.

Putin has previously signalled his intentions to join up with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Moldova.

Concerns were first raised when the Belarusian president, a long-time ally of Putin, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to reveal plans for an invasion of Moldova during a broadcast about Russian military movements in the early stages of the Ukraine war.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday will unveil his administration's long-awaited Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, seen as a key step in the U.S. effort to reengage with Asian nations on trade more than five years after withdrawing from a comprehensive trade pact in the region.

Observers can expect to see a statement of broad principles laid out under four distinct pillars: fair and resilient trade; supply chain resiliency; clean energy, decarbonization and infrastructure; and taxation and anti-corruption.

The statement, which Biden will deliver in Japan, is not binding; instead, it's a road map toward cooperation on issues falling under the pillars, all of which will be subject to future negotiations.

Unlike other trade agreements, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, is not expected to contain measures to expand market access by doing away with tariffs and other trade restrictions. That omission frustrates many advocates of broader trade.

"Multilateral trade agreements are not seen as being beneficial to American workers," said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "I believe that this is the wrong choice. I think we need to engage more forcefully in trade access and trade talks with our partners in the region. But our politics are not aligned to that at the moment," she told VOA.

Even without the promise of increased market access, administration officials said they expect a significant number of countries to sign on.



I think you're going to see a really impressive display of energy and enthusiasm by a significant number of countries in the Indo-Pacific for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in response to a question from VOA.



It is going to be a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of countries from across the region, a mix of different kinds of economies. And that diversity and breadth of participation, in our view, actually vindicates the basic theory behind IPEF, which is  you're right  it is not a traditional free trade agreement. And that's a good thing. It is a modern negotiation designed to deal with modern challenges.



We think this event on Monday is going to be a big deal and is going to be a significant milestone in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said. And at the end of the president's first term, I think we will look back and say this was a moment where the U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific got kicked into a different gear.

Reengagement, finally

The Biden administration has come under criticism for taking so long to establish an economic strategy in the Pacific, especially given China's increasing influence in the region.

The unveiling of the IPEF comes more than five years after former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal that would eventually become the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-country bloc that now constitutes one of the largest free-trade areas in the world.

Experts see the IPEF as the beginning of a much longer dialogue with nations in the region about how to better align policies and practices.

"This is going to be a standard-setting, norm-creation kind of endeavor," Smith said. "The main goal here is to be inclusive. It doesn't just mean that countries that are more democratically inclined are going to set the rules. It means that finding a common basis of understanding about standards in these new areas of trade is going to be really important."

Possible victories

The Biden administration has said that the IPEF will attempt to "define our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest."

While some experts doubt that much progress can be made in areas such as labor rules and decarbonization without promises of expanded market access, gains are still possible.

"Trade facilitation," the easing of administrative burdens that slow or block the exchange of goods and services, may be among the most promising areas covered by the IPEF, according to Niels Graham, assistant director for the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center.

In a paper published by the Atlantic Council, Graham wrote, "For large, developing nations  like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand  to see value in signing on to the framework, the U.S. must offer clear benefits that align with their priorities."

Recent survey data, Graham said, indicate that trade facilitation assistance is an area of "great interest" for developing economies.

"In order to effectively incentivize developing economies' participation in IPEF, the U.S. should place particular focus on the trade facilitation chapters of the framework under the fair and resilient trade pillar," he wrote. "If the United States can facilitate a successful arrangement surrounding the trade facilitation portions of the framework, it will help towards building a broader economic partnership in the region."

Digital trade agreement

"Since market access is off the table for now, I think the real question will be: What are the commercially meaningful outcomes?" Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, told VOA. "What we'll be looking for is an effort to negotiate a digital trade agreement, as well as supply chain commitments that would facilitate trade and simplify customs procedures."

Regarding digital trade, a major issue will be the role of governments in cross-border data flows. While the U.S. default is to favor free flows of information, other countries are more willing to restrict access.

"IPEF is an opportunity to contrast the path of the United States and like-minded countries from what's going on in places like Russia and China," Colvin said.

'Not a replacement'

Some experts believe that whatever form the IPEF takes, it is going to fall far short of what U.S. trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region really want.

"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that the Biden administration is going to roll out is not a replacement for trade agreements," Steve Okun, a Singapore-based senior adviser for McLarty Associates, told VOA. "What the countries of Southeast Asia want [are] trade agreements. They would like to see market access commitments from the United States so that they could get more access to the U.S."

In turn, Okun said, they would offer U.S. companies better access to regional markets and enact numerous policy changes in areas such as labor rules, environmental regulations and other areas of U.S. interest.

However, in the absence of substantive increases in market access, he said, it is difficult to see U.S. trading partners in the region making any meaningful concessions.

"There is, quite frankly, a lot of skepticism right now when it comes to what it is that the Biden administration is going to do," Okun said. "There are some people who are looking this from the glass-half-full perspective, which is: 'They are here. They're engaging. This is a start.' And then there's other people who will look at it from a glass-half-empty perspective, saying, 'Without  trade commitments, what is this really going to mean for us?' "

China reacts

China has preemptively criticized the IPEF, saying that by trying to create a group of like-minded trading partners, the U.S. is adopting a "Cold War mentality."

"The Asia-Pacific is a promising land for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical contest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said May 12 at a news conference.

The People's Daily, a Chinese Communist Party-controlled newspaper, accused the U.S. of trying to force countries in the region to break away from trade relationships with China.

The paper quoted an expert as warning, "The U.S. is going to use the framework to decouple from China, and will try to lure ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] members with the market economy of the IPEF and then force them to choose between China and the U.S."

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.

Authorities and family members said a 28-year-old woman was arrested after police found her 6-year-old sons body in the trunk of her car in a Minneapolis suburb. Orono police said the woman and a man were arrested on suspicion of murder after the boys body was found Friday. They haven't yet been formally charged. When officers stopped the car in Mound, Minnesota, they noticed blood inside the vehicle. Police have not yet released details about the boy or the circumstances of his death. Family members said the boys father was trying to win custody at the time of his death. The boy had been placed back with his mother in December after nearly a year in foster care.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.

This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Authorities and family members said a 28-year-old woman was arrested after police found her 6-year-old sons body in the trunk of her car in a Minneapolis suburb. Orono police said the woman and a man were arrested on suspicion of murder after the boys body was found Friday. They haven't yet been formally charged. When officers stopped the car in Mound, Minnesota, they noticed blood inside the vehicle. Police have not yet released details about the boy or the circumstances of his death. Family members said the boys father was trying to win custody at the time of his death. The boy had been placed back with his mother in December after nearly a year in foster care.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
A state court formally approved New Yorks new congressional map late Friday, ratifying a slate of House districts drawn by a neutral expert that could pave the way for Democratic losses this fall and force some of the partys most prominent incumbents to face off in primary matches.

The map, approved just before a midnight deadline set by Justice Patrick F. McAllister of State Supreme Court in Steuben County, effectively unwinds an attempted Democratic gerrymander, creates a raft of new swing seats across the state, and scrambles some carefully laid lines that have long determined centers of power in New York City.

Jonathan R. Cervas, the court-appointed mapmaker, made relatively minor adjustments to a draft proposal released earlier this week whose sweeping changes briefly united both Republicans and Democrats in exasperation and turned Democrats against each other.

In Manhattan, the final map would still merge the seats of Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, setting two Democratic committee leaders who have served alongside each other for 30 years onto a collision course with national implications.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday will unveil his administration's long-awaited Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, seen as a key step in the U.S. effort to reengage with Asian nations on trade more than five years after withdrawing from a comprehensive trade pact in the region.

Observers can expect to see a statement of broad principles laid out under four distinct pillars: fair and resilient trade; supply chain resiliency; clean energy, decarbonization and infrastructure; and taxation and anti-corruption.

The statement, which Biden will deliver in Japan, is not binding; instead, it's a road map toward cooperation on issues falling under the pillars, all of which will be subject to future negotiations.

Unlike other trade agreements, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, is not expected to contain measures to expand market access by doing away with tariffs and other trade restrictions. That omission frustrates many advocates of broader trade.

"Multilateral trade agreements are not seen as being beneficial to American workers," said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "I believe that this is the wrong choice. I think we need to engage more forcefully in trade access and trade talks with our partners in the region. But our politics are not aligned to that at the moment," she told VOA.

Even without the promise of increased market access, administration officials said they expect a significant number of countries to sign on.



I think you're going to see a really impressive display of energy and enthusiasm by a significant number of countries in the Indo-Pacific for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in response to a question from VOA.



It is going to be a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of countries from across the region, a mix of different kinds of economies. And that diversity and breadth of participation, in our view, actually vindicates the basic theory behind IPEF, which is  you're right  it is not a traditional free trade agreement. And that's a good thing. It is a modern negotiation designed to deal with modern challenges.



We think this event on Monday is going to be a big deal and is going to be a significant milestone in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said. And at the end of the president's first term, I think we will look back and say this was a moment where the U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific got kicked into a different gear.

Reengagement, finally

The Biden administration has come under criticism for taking so long to establish an economic strategy in the Pacific, especially given China's increasing influence in the region.

The unveiling of the IPEF comes more than five years after former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal that would eventually become the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-country bloc that now constitutes one of the largest free-trade areas in the world.

Experts see the IPEF as the beginning of a much longer dialogue with nations in the region about how to better align policies and practices.

"This is going to be a standard-setting, norm-creation kind of endeavor," Smith said. "The main goal here is to be inclusive. It doesn't just mean that countries that are more democratically inclined are going to set the rules. It means that finding a common basis of understanding about standards in these new areas of trade is going to be really important."

Possible victories

The Biden administration has said that the IPEF will attempt to "define our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest."

While some experts doubt that much progress can be made in areas such as labor rules and decarbonization without promises of expanded market access, gains are still possible.

"Trade facilitation," the easing of administrative burdens that slow or block the exchange of goods and services, may be among the most promising areas covered by the IPEF, according to Niels Graham, assistant director for the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center.

In a paper published by the Atlantic Council, Graham wrote, "For large, developing nations  like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand  to see value in signing on to the framework, the U.S. must offer clear benefits that align with their priorities."

Recent survey data, Graham said, indicate that trade facilitation assistance is an area of "great interest" for developing economies.

"In order to effectively incentivize developing economies' participation in IPEF, the U.S. should place particular focus on the trade facilitation chapters of the framework under the fair and resilient trade pillar," he wrote. "If the United States can facilitate a successful arrangement surrounding the trade facilitation portions of the framework, it will help towards building a broader economic partnership in the region."

Digital trade agreement

"Since market access is off the table for now, I think the real question will be: What are the commercially meaningful outcomes?" Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, told VOA. "What we'll be looking for is an effort to negotiate a digital trade agreement, as well as supply chain commitments that would facilitate trade and simplify customs procedures."

Regarding digital trade, a major issue will be the role of governments in cross-border data flows. While the U.S. default is to favor free flows of information, other countries are more willing to restrict access.

"IPEF is an opportunity to contrast the path of the United States and like-minded countries from what's going on in places like Russia and China," Colvin said.

'Not a replacement'

Some experts believe that whatever form the IPEF takes, it is going to fall far short of what U.S. trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region really want.

"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that the Biden administration is going to roll out is not a replacement for trade agreements," Steve Okun, a Singapore-based senior adviser for McLarty Associates, told VOA. "What the countries of Southeast Asia want [are] trade agreements. They would like to see market access commitments from the United States so that they could get more access to the U.S."

In turn, Okun said, they would offer U.S. companies better access to regional markets and enact numerous policy changes in areas such as labor rules, environmental regulations and other areas of U.S. interest.

However, in the absence of substantive increases in market access, he said, it is difficult to see U.S. trading partners in the region making any meaningful concessions.

"There is, quite frankly, a lot of skepticism right now when it comes to what it is that the Biden administration is going to do," Okun said. "There are some people who are looking this from the glass-half-full perspective, which is: 'They are here. They're engaging. This is a start.' And then there's other people who will look at it from a glass-half-empty perspective, saying, 'Without  trade commitments, what is this really going to mean for us?' "

China reacts

China has preemptively criticized the IPEF, saying that by trying to create a group of like-minded trading partners, the U.S. is adopting a "Cold War mentality."

"The Asia-Pacific is a promising land for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical contest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said May 12 at a news conference.

The People's Daily, a Chinese Communist Party-controlled newspaper, accused the U.S. of trying to force countries in the region to break away from trade relationships with China.

The paper quoted an expert as warning, "The U.S. is going to use the framework to decouple from China, and will try to lure ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] members with the market economy of the IPEF and then force them to choose between China and the U.S."

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.


by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.
by Stefano Caprio

Russias war in Ukraine has brought a slew of accusations, many against the so-called Anglo-Saxons, a view repeated on several occasions by the Kremlin. Notwithstanding cultural juxtapositions, the expression reveals a strategy designed to drive a wedge among Russias enemies. Moscow wants to see the ongoing conflict end with a world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined.

Some of the many accusations made since the start of Russias war in Ukraine, now in a period of long-term stalemate, are against the Anglo-Saxons, something often heard in statements by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who has often railed against the Anglo-Saxon media, which are at the top of the list of the aggressor countries in the information war.

Several other Russian politicians and officials are also increasingly using the term Anglo-Saxon in a derogatory way. According to the Russians, the Anglo-Saxons are the ones who feed the hysteria of international public opinion, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his spokeswoman Maria Zakharova like to repeat.

In February, shortly before the invasion, the latter lashed out at a journalist who asked her about the deployment of troops on the Ukrainian border. It is not up to you, who represent the Anglo-Saxon world, to count our weapons and judge how our troops move.

Zakharova herself in recent days has come to the defence of Julian Assange, whose extradition to the United States has been decided by a British court, speaking of him as a journalist poisoned by all the power of the Anglo-Saxon repressive machine. In another statement, Peskov sarcastically referred to the Anglosaksy [who] do nothing but raise tensions on the European continent.

The use of the expression goes beyond the rivalry with the United States or the Americans, so typical of the Cold War, but underlines the Russian tendency to justify the ongoing conflict with historical-cultural reinterpretations that date back to a very distant past, back to the Middle Ages.

At the very beginning of the modern era, the Muscovy of Ivan the Terrible presented itself to the world as the new empire and the Third Rome, called to save peoples from all demonic dangers. The first Tsar of Moscow looked with interest at Queen Elizabeth of England, the one who laid the grounds for the British Empire beyond the seas.

The Virgin Queen (in whose honour the first American colony was named: Virginia) wrote to Ivan IV with admiration after he defeated the Kazan Tatars in 1557, paving the way for the conquest of the whole of Siberia: Asia became the Dalniy Vostok, Russias Far East with Cossacks pitted the Mongols, long before American cowboys fought the Indians for Americas Far West.

Since then, the two empires have opposed each other geographically (to the point of bordering each other) and ideologically; it is no accident that the symbolic letters of Russias war are the V of Vostok, and above all Z of Zapad (West) which suggests Za pobedu! (For Victory!).

The origins of this Nordic peoples, the Saxons, are rooted in the dominion they exercised over the British Isles between the 5th and 11th centuries, long before the baptism of Kievan Rus in 988 AD. The very term Anglia comes from one of these peoples, the Angles, who moved from the lands of present-day Denmark and Germany.

When Peskov and Zakharova take issue with the Anglosaksy, they are not going back to Europes Middle Ages, but are referring rather to much more recent issues, using a term that still resonates.

Strictly speaking, the Anglo-Saxon countries refer to those who have English as their national language: United Kingdom, United States, Canada (minus Quebec), Australia and New Zealand.

More than the origins or the language, what unites them most of all and differentiates them from the rest of the world are their political institutions and law, which make them bearers of freedom and democracy in the world, which the Russians intend to fight and defeat at all costs, as they are seen as cause of the loss of identity and sovereignty of all peoples.

One of the traits most criticised by the Russians is, for example, the principle of precedent, i.e., whereby a court decision is considered as the source of law, perhaps about the rights of ethnic or ethical minorities, and not the sacred laws defined by the constituted power, such as a Penal Code, as is traditionally the case in continental Europe.

The same goes for the flexibility of the system of higher education. Anglo-Saxon universities are mostly private, and not dedicated to mass education, a situation that is seen as serving powerful castes, not the people, as Vladimir Putin himself has repeatedly said in the past.

Above all, the Anglo-Saxons have a real devotion to the two-party system and alternation of power, which the Russians view as a way for the Antichrist to rule, based dividing the people.

In England, the Whigs were originally supporters of a parliamentary system, whilst the Tories remained loyal to the authority and power of the crown; from them, we have Labour and Conservatives in England, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Liberals and Conservatives in Canada, and so on.

Such a dialectic has been completely blocked in Russia since the first Putin presidency in 2000, whose system of power is on hierarchy and the stability of the popular majority, which requires at least 70-80 per cent of the vote; otherwise, society risks disintegration as was the case under President Yeltsin.

The Anglo-Saxon world also has racial and religious traits, namely White Anglo-Saxon Protestant"(WASP), today strongly questioned by cancel culture. By contrast, Orthodox Russia views itself as the bearer of an inclusive culture centred on the assimilation of other peoples, not on their subjugation, as its Western rivals do who today shed crocodile tears to wash their conscience.

If there is one thing the Russians absolutely do not intend to do is lustration (Lyustratsiya), i.e., engage in historical revisionism about the faults of the past. There has been no criticism in Russia over working for the former Soviet regime; indeed, todays ruling institutions and officials are throwback to that past, like the countrys Federal Security Service or FSB (Putins KGB) or Kirills Moscow Patriarchate, and other metropolitan bishops.

Comparison aside between Anglo-Saxon and Russian cultures, which shows not only rivalries but also many influences and imitations, the Anglosaksy cursed by the Kremlin are seen as the standard-bearers of a generic collective West, a simplification needed to justify destructive and apocalyptic actions.

The use of such terms by the Russians also reveals a subtle strategy, an attempt to drive a wedge among their enemies, getting the non-Anglo-Saxon nations to side with Russia.

On the eve of the Ukraine invasion, during a meeting of Russias Security Council, the director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardija), Viktor Zolotov, said that "we do not recognise any border with Ukraine; these borders were made by the Americans, who consider themselves the masters of that country and all the others as their vassals.

Peskov went on to argue that we Europeans must reflect on the fact that a country that is outside our continent, like the United States, comes to our home to create problems.

This form of anti-American propaganda always has a great effect within Russia, echoing Stalins words in 1941, when he said Russians were never friends of the Anglosaksy.

When Russians stand as defenders of traditional European values, as in the manifesto of director Konstantin Bogomolov, it is always understood as a commitment to defend themselves from foreign values, like those of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Russian World is for all peoples, designed to defend Asia, Africa and Latin America from Western colonisation; one of its main purposes is to draw to it Europeans not closely affiliated with the United States or Great Britain, whose Brexit has provided excellent ideological support for Russias worldview.

Europe has very close economic ties with Russia, and cannot easily decouple itself, as evidenced by contradictory positions taken by Europeans in the recent debate over ending dependence on Russian gas.

Trade, not only in energy, is much more intense than that between Russia and the United States. Were it not for the war, Europeans would likely preserve these relations as much as possible; and no one is thinking about keeping Russian tourists away or halting forever cultural exchanges, the fate of McDonalds and cars aside.

Russia and Germany have had special relations for a long period of time, based on exchanges in philosophy and literature. The same can be said for Italian art and music, not to mention France, whose language served as the lingua franca of the aristocracy of St Petersburg during the 18th century.

Russia wants to end the Ukrainian war not only with large territorial gains and control, from the Donbass to the Sea of Azov and Moldova. The goal is a plural world in which Russia, the Anglosaksy, and Europe are well defined, and so other eastern powers like Turkey, China and India, with Russia playing a key role in every international venue.

Paradoxically, the isolation imposed by sanctions is seen as a way to rise above quarrels and purify and sacrifice oneself for all whilst preparing for the future global showdown.



This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday will unveil his administration's long-awaited Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, seen as a key step in the U.S. effort to reengage with Asian nations on trade more than five years after withdrawing from a comprehensive trade pact in the region.

Observers can expect to see a statement of broad principles laid out under four distinct pillars: fair and resilient trade; supply chain resiliency; clean energy, decarbonization and infrastructure; and taxation and anti-corruption.

The statement, which Biden will deliver in Japan, is not binding; instead, it's a road map toward cooperation on issues falling under the pillars, all of which will be subject to future negotiations.

Unlike other trade agreements, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, is not expected to contain measures to expand market access by doing away with tariffs and other trade restrictions. That omission frustrates many advocates of broader trade.

"Multilateral trade agreements are not seen as being beneficial to American workers," said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "I believe that this is the wrong choice. I think we need to engage more forcefully in trade access and trade talks with our partners in the region. But our politics are not aligned to that at the moment," she told VOA.

Even without the promise of increased market access, administration officials said they expect a significant number of countries to sign on.



I think you're going to see a really impressive display of energy and enthusiasm by a significant number of countries in the Indo-Pacific for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in response to a question from VOA.



It is going to be a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of countries from across the region, a mix of different kinds of economies. And that diversity and breadth of participation, in our view, actually vindicates the basic theory behind IPEF, which is  you're right  it is not a traditional free trade agreement. And that's a good thing. It is a modern negotiation designed to deal with modern challenges.



We think this event on Monday is going to be a big deal and is going to be a significant milestone in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said. And at the end of the president's first term, I think we will look back and say this was a moment where the U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific got kicked into a different gear.

Reengagement, finally

The Biden administration has come under criticism for taking so long to establish an economic strategy in the Pacific, especially given China's increasing influence in the region.

The unveiling of the IPEF comes more than five years after former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal that would eventually become the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-country bloc that now constitutes one of the largest free-trade areas in the world.

Experts see the IPEF as the beginning of a much longer dialogue with nations in the region about how to better align policies and practices.

"This is going to be a standard-setting, norm-creation kind of endeavor," Smith said. "The main goal here is to be inclusive. It doesn't just mean that countries that are more democratically inclined are going to set the rules. It means that finding a common basis of understanding about standards in these new areas of trade is going to be really important."

Possible victories

The Biden administration has said that the IPEF will attempt to "define our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest."

While some experts doubt that much progress can be made in areas such as labor rules and decarbonization without promises of expanded market access, gains are still possible.

"Trade facilitation," the easing of administrative burdens that slow or block the exchange of goods and services, may be among the most promising areas covered by the IPEF, according to Niels Graham, assistant director for the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center.

In a paper published by the Atlantic Council, Graham wrote, "For large, developing nations  like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand  to see value in signing on to the framework, the U.S. must offer clear benefits that align with their priorities."

Recent survey data, Graham said, indicate that trade facilitation assistance is an area of "great interest" for developing economies.

"In order to effectively incentivize developing economies' participation in IPEF, the U.S. should place particular focus on the trade facilitation chapters of the framework under the fair and resilient trade pillar," he wrote. "If the United States can facilitate a successful arrangement surrounding the trade facilitation portions of the framework, it will help towards building a broader economic partnership in the region."

Digital trade agreement

"Since market access is off the table for now, I think the real question will be: What are the commercially meaningful outcomes?" Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, told VOA. "What we'll be looking for is an effort to negotiate a digital trade agreement, as well as supply chain commitments that would facilitate trade and simplify customs procedures."

Regarding digital trade, a major issue will be the role of governments in cross-border data flows. While the U.S. default is to favor free flows of information, other countries are more willing to restrict access.

"IPEF is an opportunity to contrast the path of the United States and like-minded countries from what's going on in places like Russia and China," Colvin said.

'Not a replacement'

Some experts believe that whatever form the IPEF takes, it is going to fall far short of what U.S. trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region really want.

"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that the Biden administration is going to roll out is not a replacement for trade agreements," Steve Okun, a Singapore-based senior adviser for McLarty Associates, told VOA. "What the countries of Southeast Asia want [are] trade agreements. They would like to see market access commitments from the United States so that they could get more access to the U.S."

In turn, Okun said, they would offer U.S. companies better access to regional markets and enact numerous policy changes in areas such as labor rules, environmental regulations and other areas of U.S. interest.

However, in the absence of substantive increases in market access, he said, it is difficult to see U.S. trading partners in the region making any meaningful concessions.

"There is, quite frankly, a lot of skepticism right now when it comes to what it is that the Biden administration is going to do," Okun said. "There are some people who are looking this from the glass-half-full perspective, which is: 'They are here. They're engaging. This is a start.' And then there's other people who will look at it from a glass-half-empty perspective, saying, 'Without  trade commitments, what is this really going to mean for us?' "

China reacts

China has preemptively criticized the IPEF, saying that by trying to create a group of like-minded trading partners, the U.S. is adopting a "Cold War mentality."

"The Asia-Pacific is a promising land for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical contest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said May 12 at a news conference.

The People's Daily, a Chinese Communist Party-controlled newspaper, accused the U.S. of trying to force countries in the region to break away from trade relationships with China.

The paper quoted an expert as warning, "The U.S. is going to use the framework to decouple from China, and will try to lure ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] members with the market economy of the IPEF and then force them to choose between China and the U.S."

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.





This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, APA reported.

May 21, 2022, 10:12 Biden says US ready to help intensify Azerbaijan-Armenia diplomatic contacts

STEPANAKERT, MAY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," said Joe Biden.

"Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

"The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper.

"We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis," the letter said.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday will unveil his administration's long-awaited Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, seen as a key step in the U.S. effort to reengage with Asian nations on trade more than five years after withdrawing from a comprehensive trade pact in the region.

Observers can expect to see a statement of broad principles laid out under four distinct pillars: fair and resilient trade; supply chain resiliency; clean energy, decarbonization and infrastructure; and taxation and anti-corruption.

The statement, which Biden will deliver in Japan, is not binding; instead, it's a road map toward cooperation on issues falling under the pillars, all of which will be subject to future negotiations.

Unlike other trade agreements, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, is not expected to contain measures to expand market access by doing away with tariffs and other trade restrictions. That omission frustrates many advocates of broader trade.

"Multilateral trade agreements are not seen as being beneficial to American workers," said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "I believe that this is the wrong choice. I think we need to engage more forcefully in trade access and trade talks with our partners in the region. But our politics are not aligned to that at the moment," she told VOA.

Even without the promise of increased market access, administration officials said they expect a significant number of countries to sign on.



I think you're going to see a really impressive display of energy and enthusiasm by a significant number of countries in the Indo-Pacific for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in response to a question from VOA.



It is going to be a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of countries from across the region, a mix of different kinds of economies. And that diversity and breadth of participation, in our view, actually vindicates the basic theory behind IPEF, which is  you're right  it is not a traditional free trade agreement. And that's a good thing. It is a modern negotiation designed to deal with modern challenges.



We think this event on Monday is going to be a big deal and is going to be a significant milestone in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said. And at the end of the president's first term, I think we will look back and say this was a moment where the U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific got kicked into a different gear.

Reengagement, finally

The Biden administration has come under criticism for taking so long to establish an economic strategy in the Pacific, especially given China's increasing influence in the region.

The unveiling of the IPEF comes more than five years after former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal that would eventually become the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-country bloc that now constitutes one of the largest free-trade areas in the world.

Experts see the IPEF as the beginning of a much longer dialogue with nations in the region about how to better align policies and practices.

"This is going to be a standard-setting, norm-creation kind of endeavor," Smith said. "The main goal here is to be inclusive. It doesn't just mean that countries that are more democratically inclined are going to set the rules. It means that finding a common basis of understanding about standards in these new areas of trade is going to be really important."

Possible victories

The Biden administration has said that the IPEF will attempt to "define our shared objectives around trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest."

While some experts doubt that much progress can be made in areas such as labor rules and decarbonization without promises of expanded market access, gains are still possible.

"Trade facilitation," the easing of administrative burdens that slow or block the exchange of goods and services, may be among the most promising areas covered by the IPEF, according to Niels Graham, assistant director for the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center.

In a paper published by the Atlantic Council, Graham wrote, "For large, developing nations  like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand  to see value in signing on to the framework, the U.S. must offer clear benefits that align with their priorities."

Recent survey data, Graham said, indicate that trade facilitation assistance is an area of "great interest" for developing economies.

"In order to effectively incentivize developing economies' participation in IPEF, the U.S. should place particular focus on the trade facilitation chapters of the framework under the fair and resilient trade pillar," he wrote. "If the United States can facilitate a successful arrangement surrounding the trade facilitation portions of the framework, it will help towards building a broader economic partnership in the region."

Digital trade agreement

"Since market access is off the table for now, I think the real question will be: What are the commercially meaningful outcomes?" Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, told VOA. "What we'll be looking for is an effort to negotiate a digital trade agreement, as well as supply chain commitments that would facilitate trade and simplify customs procedures."

Regarding digital trade, a major issue will be the role of governments in cross-border data flows. While the U.S. default is to favor free flows of information, other countries are more willing to restrict access.

"IPEF is an opportunity to contrast the path of the United States and like-minded countries from what's going on in places like Russia and China," Colvin said.

'Not a replacement'

Some experts believe that whatever form the IPEF takes, it is going to fall far short of what U.S. trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region really want.

"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that the Biden administration is going to roll out is not a replacement for trade agreements," Steve Okun, a Singapore-based senior adviser for McLarty Associates, told VOA. "What the countries of Southeast Asia want [are] trade agreements. They would like to see market access commitments from the United States so that they could get more access to the U.S."

In turn, Okun said, they would offer U.S. companies better access to regional markets and enact numerous policy changes in areas such as labor rules, environmental regulations and other areas of U.S. interest.

However, in the absence of substantive increases in market access, he said, it is difficult to see U.S. trading partners in the region making any meaningful concessions.

"There is, quite frankly, a lot of skepticism right now when it comes to what it is that the Biden administration is going to do," Okun said. "There are some people who are looking this from the glass-half-full perspective, which is: 'They are here. They're engaging. This is a start.' And then there's other people who will look at it from a glass-half-empty perspective, saying, 'Without  trade commitments, what is this really going to mean for us?' "

China reacts

China has preemptively criticized the IPEF, saying that by trying to create a group of like-minded trading partners, the U.S. is adopting a "Cold War mentality."

"The Asia-Pacific is a promising land for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical contest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said May 12 at a news conference.

The People's Daily, a Chinese Communist Party-controlled newspaper, accused the U.S. of trying to force countries in the region to break away from trade relationships with China.

The paper quoted an expert as warning, "The U.S. is going to use the framework to decouple from China, and will try to lure ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] members with the market economy of the IPEF and then force them to choose between China and the U.S."

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.
This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.
Bogota, May 21 : Colombia's presidential race is likely to head to a runoff between progressive candidate Gustavo Petro and his conservative rival Federico Gutierrez, according to a poll.

Just over a week before the May 29 presidential elections, a survey by polling firm Invamer showed Petro has taken the lead with 40.6 per cent of the voter support, followed by Gutierrez with 27.1 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.

Another conservative candidate, Rodolfo Hernandez, appeared to be gaining strength, with 20.9 per cent of the support, Xinhua news agency quoted the survey as saying.

A candidate must garner 50 per cent of the vote to win the first round, pointing to a likely runoff, said Martin Orozco, head of Invamer.

"With 40.6 per cent, Gustavo Petro is moving away from the possibility of winning in the first round, because we would have to get another 10 per cent against the two relatively strong candidates," Orozco said.

"There is an important conclusion: if the elections were today, then the runoff would be between Petro and Gutierrez. But in the survey we released 15 days ago, Hernandez was at 14 per cent and now he is at 21 per cent. That's seven more points." A runoff will be held on June 19, and the winner will succeed incumbent President Ivan Duque on August 7.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
New Delhi, May 21 : Highlighting the importance of copper and its contribution to the modern world, Sterlite Copper launched a coffee table book, showcasing its origin and its definitive role in shaping the modern world, at the SICCI CXO Conclave, held in Chennai.

Unveiled by Mayur Karmakar, MD, International Copper Association, India, with Ms. A. Sumathi, Chief Operating Officer, Sterlite Copper, the 70-page book comes with an interesting title "Hi I'M COPPER".

The book traverses the entire journey of copper from its discovery in 9,000 B.C. in an Egyptian river to the current times, focusing on its integral role in creating the modern world as we know it today. The book also traces the lifecycle of the metal and covers the entire gamut of its industrial and sectoral usage ranging from Power, Defence, Automobiles, Healthcare, FMCD among others.

Speaking at the launch of the Coffee Table Book, Ms. A. Sumathi, Chief Operating Officer, Sterlite Copper said: "We are delighted to unveil the copper coffee table book 'Hi, I'm Copper'. The book aims to essay the journey of Copper and Sterlite's smelting story. Over the last 25 years, Sterlite Copper has leveraged on technology to upgrade its processes and we had always benchmarked our practices to the global standards in terms of energy efficiency, copper recovery, effluent treatment while being sensitive to our corporate ethos of ESG standards." The book highlights how Sterlite Copper, which began with a 100 KTPA Smelter in the year 1996, went on to become the largest supplier of Copper in India, meeting nearly 36 per cent of the country's copper demand by 2018. The operations of the plant are also benchmarked against global best-practices, with certifications in Quality, Environment, Occupational Health & Safety, Energy.

The plant has also invested heavily in environmental safeguards such as Gas Scrubbers, Effluent Treatment Plants and Reverse Osmosis Plants in order to ensure a safe and sustainable operation in Thoothukudi. The plant has been certified for its Zero Liquid Discharge, Water Consumption Management, Waste Reduction and Repurposing Waste towards Sustainable Applications.

The book also clearly brings out the economic benefits of the Thoothukudi plant in Tamil Nadu. It had emerged as a pillar of support for the community and a provider of livelihood to thousands of people. The plant engaged about 1,000 trucks/tankers on daily basis with consistent load, thereby providing livelihood to around 9,000 truck drivers and cleaners per month. It had over 650 supply and service partners and helped them generate a business of close to $134 million every year. The total number of dependent domestic companies for supply of raw material from Sterlite Copper was 381 and contributed approximately $295 million to the exchequer.

Additionally, it provided more than 17 per cent of Thoothukudi port's total revenue. Even the by-products of the copper smelting like sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, gypsum and copper slag act as critical input for a number of important industries. While sulphuric acid is the primary raw material for chemical and fertilizer, gypsum is a key ingredient for cement production.

Sumathi adds: "Copper is the third most used metal in industrial and civil applications across the world and its constantly increasing demand increases the need for production, thereby having a direct impact on employment opportunities & downstream industries. We at Sterlite have created direct employment for 4,000 people and impacted more than 20,000 people engaged in various supplier and customer units. Through the book, we want everyone to become aware about the journey & importance of copper and Sterlite, which together contributed immensely to the overall economy, not just at a national level, but also at a State and District level.".

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Institute Chair Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur & Former Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, government of India, who wrote the foreword for the coffee table book, says" "I believe Copper is one of the key drivers of Industry 4.0 and beyond. An invisible enabler, copper's role in the future of our world will be all pervasive from our homes to outer space explorations.

"I'm delighted that the importance of copper is being covered in a comprehensive way in the book being launched today. I wish to congratulate the team Sterlite for conceiving and executing this much needed document of value to its many stakeholders from the traditional industries to Industry 4.0 and Digital/cyber technologies." Also speaking at the occasion, Mayur Karmakar, MD, International Copper Association India, said: "Copper is the third-most-essential metal in the world, contributing to the environmental and socio-economic development across the globe. The demand for the crucial metal, which is a key input for multiple sectors, is expected to further raise sustainable growth in the post-pandemic scenario." Another significant aspect of the book is that it brings into focus, the role of the company in building an aspirational and empowered society with all the stakeholders working in tandem for the common good all. For instance, under the Muthucharam initiative, the company plans to build a smart school and a well-equipped hospital for the community. Plans are also afoot to plant 1 million trees to make Thoothukudi, one of the greenest cities in India. Other initiatives include providing clean drinking water to every family in Thoothukudi. More than 2,300 families have already benefited from this project,Tamira Surabhi till date.

Fourth-grader Saruna Koiralas school is a five-minute walk from her home. Expectedly, children of her age can easily walk to their school; but due to her heavy bag, she always needs help from her mother.

She says her back hurts because of the heavy bag, which is why I carry it to and from school, says her mother.

And, why would not it be heavy? Koirala has a dozen books, a dozen notebooks, a water bottle and a tiffin box. I think this is too much, says Koiralas mother.

Sujal Shrestha, a third-grader also faces a similar problem. After he was promoted to the grade, the school asked him to purchase 11 books. Even though his parents thought that taking 11 books to school every day is unnecessary, they had no choice but to obey the school.

Its hard for him to carry his bag, but theres no choice, says Shresthas mother.

She says that she wants to go to the school and tell them it is necessary for school children but knows her speaking alone will make no difference.

This is the case with most schools around the country. Every new session means the weight of school childrens bags increases to the extent they need the help of their parents to carry them. These kids complain about pain in the shoulders, back and neck, which in the long term will have a negative impact on their health.

Long-term impact

According to acupuncture specialist Sudarshan Basnet, parents often come to him with problems like back, shoulder and neck pain in children as young as 10. Basnet says he has treated many children aged over 10 for spinal cord injuries.

These days schoolchildren complain about pain in their backbone and one of the reasons for it is a load of their backpack while going to school, says Basnet.

File: Children, masked, attend a class at their school amid the coronavirus infection risk, in Kathmandu.

In addition to the heavy burden of books, the current use of mobiles and computers by children has also caused problems in their muscles and spinal cord, he adds.

A child who walks with a heavy load may have a problem with crouching. Schools these days demand a student to carry many books which lead to an increase in their mental stress. Along with that, its load can affect their walking position leading to knee and back pain, he adds.

Similarly, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ashok Ratna Bajracharya says the increasing use of mobile phones and laptops is also another reason why children are facing back pain.

Usually children have less complication in comparison to adults and elderly. However, children who sit in the wrong position while using mobile or studying face problems in their back, neck and shoulder. Then, carrying heavy loads of books has also added such problems in children these days, adds Bajracharya.

Moreover, if a child carries his/her backpack from only one side, there are chances that their back might bend he says.

The schools say

But, the schools say that they are not making students carry more books than they should. The founder of Xavier International School, Lok Bahadur Bhandari, says the schools only ask students to buy books that are best for them.

He says that even though the government has set up Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra to publish the textbooks, the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) has allowed various publications to publish the same curriculum and that means there different versions of the same book.

At Xavier, we choose the books that have the best content and benefit our students the most, says Bhandari.

Bhandari says his school is aware that heavy loads affect the students back, which is why it has a provision to keep books in the school itself.

We ask students to take books that they need for homework. Rest, they can leave in in the school, says Bhandari, adding they focus more on extracurricular activities to develop the students.

Experts advice

Educationist Bidya Nath Koirala says schools should focus more on making a practical curriculum than a theoretical one.

No textbook in the world is practical. Its great that the government has allowed multiple publications to publish textbooks, but schools need to adapt and make a practical curriculum, says Koirala.

He says schools are still pushing for books because they get a certain percentage of commission from the publication. And, this is wrong as it is the student and the parents paying the price for it.

Nevertheless, he suggests focusing on integrated education rather than having thematic course books.

The schools must pay attention to whether the subject is actually necessary or just giving burden to students. Children no longer need to be taught subjectwise courses because todays children can search the internet. If schools and teachers understand this process, children will not have to carry so many books, says Koirala.

This story was translated from the original Nepali version and edited for clarity and length.

This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party government for carrying out a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. Addressing the 'Ideas for India' conclave in London, Rahul Gandhi said, "What is happening today is that there is a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. There is an attack on the Constitution of India. The result of this attack is that the states of India are longer able to negotiate with the government." Highlighting that democracy in India is a global public good, he said, "It is a central anchor for the planet. Because, we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that nobody has. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet." "We believe India is a negotiation between its people. The BJP and the RSS believe India is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," he said. When asked if India should return to multi-alignment as far as Indian diplomacy is concerned, the Congress leader said, "Pragmatically navigate the waters you are in. Look at the situation, take into account your country and requirements, the idea of prosperity and conversations. Use those fundamentals to navigate." "From the struggle that we are witnessing, we will get an India that is much better than the one we have right now and one we had even before. I think something beautiful is coming. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country," the Congress leader said. Lauding the efforts of the Congress party in India, Gandhi said, "The Congress is fighting polarisation. We are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress and other Opposition parties in India are doing that." This is the first such overseas event for the Congress leader after the return of normalcy in international travel which had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gandhi's visit abroad has taken place at a time when the Congress is battling dissensions. A senior leader in both Gujarat and Punjab has left the party. (ANI)
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 21 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Two patients with very rare types of gastrointestinal disorders were successfully treated at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital recently. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital is leading the way in treating rare gastrointestinal disorders with no postoperative complications in South India. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's Department of Gastroenterology recently performed breakthrough operations for 2 patients with very rare gastrointestinal disorders resulting in no postoperative complications. One such case was, a 68-year-old woman with a known HCV-related chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, complaining of abdominal pain for 15 days, who reached out to the hospital; she was treated with pegylated interferon alfa 12 years prior. A physical examination was recommended by the Gastroenterologists at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, which revealed mild pedal oedema. A blood sample examination was conducted to analyze the levels of haemoglobin, total white blood cells, platelet count, blood urea and serum creatinine. Liver function tests showed normal bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, but the doctors were determined to figure out the cause of the patient's discomfort. The experts then proceeded with performing a CECT abdomen and it revealed a well-defined heterogeneously enhancing lesion (4.5 cm x 4 cm) with apical necrosis. The patient underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography to confirm the same lesion. The patient also underwent EVS (Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, which showed features of HCC continued EHCC. Understanding Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (EHCC): EHCC is one of the uncommon carcinomas classified as an HCC originating from ectopic liver tissue, and it is typically detected inadvertently during autopsy or laparoscopy. The ectopic liver tissue can be noted in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, diaphragm, thorax, retroperitoneum, and omentum. The most common place for an ectopic or auxiliary liver is the gallbladder, which accounts for around 0.56 per cent of reported cases. In this case, the patient was planned to undergo EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation as an alternative for the treatment of HCCs of small size. Some reports indicate that EHCC is present in approximately 7-30 per cent of ectopic liver instances. The multistep process of carcinogenesis appears to be accelerated in these tissues. Due to the absence of a normal circulatory and ductal system, it is thought that the foci of ectopic liver tissue may be metabolically impaired, resulting in prolonged exposure to numerous carcinogenic agents. The underlying microenvironment could induce prolonged cellular stress, leading to cell death and compensatory cell growth. EHCC can be distinguished from other tumours through the use of specific tumour markers and immunohistochemical analysis. Increased cell multiplication may result in genetic alterations and eventual carcinogenesis. The reason for this is that both morphological characteristics are similar. The diagnosis of EHCC is frequently challenging. It will be extremely difficult to identify morphologically between HCC and adenocarcinoma cells if the carcinoma cell is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated. The EUS-guided biopsy method is quite safer. The patient was successfully treated, and the lesion was removed without any postoperative complications. With a similarly rare occurrence of another gastrointestinal disorder, a 17-year-old boy was brought to the hospital complaining about upper abdominal pain, back pain, and a fever of 1-week duration. A month ago, he was diagnosed with acute severe necrotizing pancreatitis (Idiopathic) and treated with a suggestive pancreatic pseudocyst. Physical examination indicated a soft, sensitive cystic lesion. After a routine checkup, he had an Endo-ultrasonography (EUS)-guided Cysto-Gastrostomy done while he was under general anaesthesia. Here's how it worked: A linear echoendoscope was used to do the EUS (Olympus). Along the smaller curve of the stomach, a large, walled-off collection of 10 per cent solid and 90 per cent liquid was seen. About 500 ml of fluid was drained after a gush of necrotic fluid conservatively. After 2 days, the OGD was done again, and it showed that there was a solid piece of dead tissue inside the cavity. Intraoperatively, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution was injected through a cannula, and the area was washed out. The patient was then sent home, and endoscopy was done eight weeks later which showed there was no dead tissue in the cavity. EUS Guided cysto-gastrostomy removed all of the dead tissue and kept the patient from needing major abdominal surgery. Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on whether or not there is organ failure and whether or not there are local or systemic complications. Acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC), acute necrotic collection (ANC), pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) are all local complications of acute pancreatitis. WOPN, whether it is sterile or infected, is marked by a clear capsule around dead pancreatic tissue. This usually happens 4 weeks after the first injury. It has different amounts of solid trash in it. WOPN needs to be treated when it starts to cause symptoms, such as abdominal pain, infection, blockage of the gastric outlet, weight loss, or pressure on the biliary system. Drainage is the only way to treat WOPN. This can be done endoscopically, surgically, or percutaneously. But the best method is endoscopic drainage, especially with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The step-up approach started with percutaneous drainage, either endoscopic necrosectomy or minimally invasive retroperitoneal necrosectomy. Endoscopic necrosectomy is a less invasive and less risky way to treat infected WOPN and pseudocysts with solid debris than open surgical necrosectomy. Here are a few signs that might indicate it is the time to visit a gastroenterologist: - Facing difficulties while swallowing - Acidity and indigestion - Blood vomiting - Chronic diarrhoea - Constipation - Constant abdominal pain With innovation in medical technology, new approaches and techniques have led to breakthroughs in treatments. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital adopts the latest treatment techniques and procedures to ensure each patient heals without any complications, and they're on track to living healthier with a better quality of life post-treatment. Visit the hospital to consult with doctors that are experts in their respective medical fields. In the event one who lives far away, they provide online video consultation (https://www.sriramakrishnahospital.com) for those who require an immediate consultation for their health issues. Doctors are available round the clock to provide effective treatment. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's services are at par with global benchmarks, ensuring that people get the treatment they need. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 21 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Two patients with very rare types of gastrointestinal disorders were successfully treated at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital recently. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital is leading the way in treating rare gastrointestinal disorders with no postoperative complications in South India. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's Department of Gastroenterology recently performed breakthrough operations for 2 patients with very rare gastrointestinal disorders resulting in no postoperative complications. One such case was, a 68-year-old woman with a known HCV-related chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, complaining of abdominal pain for 15 days, who reached out to the hospital; she was treated with pegylated interferon alfa 12 years prior. A physical examination was recommended by the Gastroenterologists at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, which revealed mild pedal oedema. A blood sample examination was conducted to analyze the levels of haemoglobin, total white blood cells, platelet count, blood urea and serum creatinine. Liver function tests showed normal bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, but the doctors were determined to figure out the cause of the patient's discomfort. The experts then proceeded with performing a CECT abdomen and it revealed a well-defined heterogeneously enhancing lesion (4.5 cm x 4 cm) with apical necrosis. The patient underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography to confirm the same lesion. The patient also underwent EVS (Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, which showed features of HCC continued EHCC. Understanding Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (EHCC): EHCC is one of the uncommon carcinomas classified as an HCC originating from ectopic liver tissue, and it is typically detected inadvertently during autopsy or laparoscopy. The ectopic liver tissue can be noted in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, diaphragm, thorax, retroperitoneum, and omentum. The most common place for an ectopic or auxiliary liver is the gallbladder, which accounts for around 0.56 per cent of reported cases. In this case, the patient was planned to undergo EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation as an alternative for the treatment of HCCs of small size. Some reports indicate that EHCC is present in approximately 7-30 per cent of ectopic liver instances. The multistep process of carcinogenesis appears to be accelerated in these tissues. Due to the absence of a normal circulatory and ductal system, it is thought that the foci of ectopic liver tissue may be metabolically impaired, resulting in prolonged exposure to numerous carcinogenic agents. The underlying microenvironment could induce prolonged cellular stress, leading to cell death and compensatory cell growth. EHCC can be distinguished from other tumours through the use of specific tumour markers and immunohistochemical analysis. Increased cell multiplication may result in genetic alterations and eventual carcinogenesis. The reason for this is that both morphological characteristics are similar. The diagnosis of EHCC is frequently challenging. It will be extremely difficult to identify morphologically between HCC and adenocarcinoma cells if the carcinoma cell is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated. The EUS-guided biopsy method is quite safer. The patient was successfully treated, and the lesion was removed without any postoperative complications. With a similarly rare occurrence of another gastrointestinal disorder, a 17-year-old boy was brought to the hospital complaining about upper abdominal pain, back pain, and a fever of 1-week duration. A month ago, he was diagnosed with acute severe necrotizing pancreatitis (Idiopathic) and treated with a suggestive pancreatic pseudocyst. Physical examination indicated a soft, sensitive cystic lesion. After a routine checkup, he had an Endo-ultrasonography (EUS)-guided Cysto-Gastrostomy done while he was under general anaesthesia. Here's how it worked: A linear echoendoscope was used to do the EUS (Olympus). Along the smaller curve of the stomach, a large, walled-off collection of 10 per cent solid and 90 per cent liquid was seen. About 500 ml of fluid was drained after a gush of necrotic fluid conservatively. After 2 days, the OGD was done again, and it showed that there was a solid piece of dead tissue inside the cavity. Intraoperatively, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution was injected through a cannula, and the area was washed out. The patient was then sent home, and endoscopy was done eight weeks later which showed there was no dead tissue in the cavity. EUS Guided cysto-gastrostomy removed all of the dead tissue and kept the patient from needing major abdominal surgery. Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on whether or not there is organ failure and whether or not there are local or systemic complications. Acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC), acute necrotic collection (ANC), pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) are all local complications of acute pancreatitis. WOPN, whether it is sterile or infected, is marked by a clear capsule around dead pancreatic tissue. This usually happens 4 weeks after the first injury. It has different amounts of solid trash in it. WOPN needs to be treated when it starts to cause symptoms, such as abdominal pain, infection, blockage of the gastric outlet, weight loss, or pressure on the biliary system. Drainage is the only way to treat WOPN. This can be done endoscopically, surgically, or percutaneously. But the best method is endoscopic drainage, especially with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The step-up approach started with percutaneous drainage, either endoscopic necrosectomy or minimally invasive retroperitoneal necrosectomy. Endoscopic necrosectomy is a less invasive and less risky way to treat infected WOPN and pseudocysts with solid debris than open surgical necrosectomy. Here are a few signs that might indicate it is the time to visit a gastroenterologist: - Facing difficulties while swallowing - Acidity and indigestion - Blood vomiting - Chronic diarrhoea - Constipation - Constant abdominal pain With innovation in medical technology, new approaches and techniques have led to breakthroughs in treatments. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital adopts the latest treatment techniques and procedures to ensure each patient heals without any complications, and they're on track to living healthier with a better quality of life post-treatment. Visit the hospital to consult with doctors that are experts in their respective medical fields. In the event one who lives far away, they provide online video consultation (https://www.sriramakrishnahospital.com) for those who require an immediate consultation for their health issues. Doctors are available round the clock to provide effective treatment. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's services are at par with global benchmarks, ensuring that people get the treatment they need. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)



Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
New Delhi: Former Bihar chief minister Devi, wife of Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday thundered at party workers and ended up even slapping supporters when party workers were protesting against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers who raided the Yadavs' Patna home. The raids came after the CBI filed fresh corruption cases against Lalu Yadav and his family members, in addition to the infamous Fodder scam and conducted raids at various locations including Rabri Devis residence. RJD workers and supporters were sloganeering and protesting against the CBI officers, who were accompanied by Rabri Devi outside her home. RJD supporters kept shouting despite Rabri Devis orders. She then lost her cool and thrashed a few supporters as per the video, which is going viral on social media.

Lalu Yadav CBI Raid:        ... | Rabri Devi Angry#LaluPrasadYadav pic.twitter.com/ljDIlX8LEv  Zee Bihar Jharkhand (@ZeeBiharNews) May 20, 2022

The CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry into allegations which was converted into the FIR, they said. Following the FIR against Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, daughters Misa and Hema, besides several candidates, the CBI started a search operation on Friday morning at 16 locations in Delhi, Patna and Gopalganj.

#WATCH Police presence outside the Patna residence of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi as CBI conducts raids at multiple locations of RJD Chief Lalu Yadav in a fresh case relating to alleged 'land for railway job scam'#Bihar pic.twitter.com/mwIdvdT9N3  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2022

Meanwhile, The Rashtriya Janata Dal said on Friday the CBI's fresh corruption case against its chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members was "predictable" and alleged that the BJP uses probe agencies to scare its rivals whenever its hold on power is shaken and it believes that mobilisation against it is taking place.

"They (BJP) tries to scare others by targeting someone. Nobody will be scared. Neither will we, nor they and nor the people of Bihar," RJD spokesperson Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha said in his reaction after the CBI action.

He did not elaborate as to what he meant by others. The recent meetings between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav have triggered speculation about the realignment of political forces in Bihar, with the relations between Kumar's JD(U) and its ally BJP being seen as far from smooth.

Apart from Lalu, news reports say his daughter, Misa Bharti, was also named in the report. The scam involved taking land from unemployed youths on the pretext of providing them with government jobs.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Former Bihar chief minister Devi, wife of Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday thundered at party workers and ended up even slapping supporters when party workers were protesting against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers who raided the Yadavs' Patna home. The raids came after the CBI filed fresh corruption cases against Lalu Yadav and his family members, in addition to the infamous Fodder scam and conducted raids at various locations including Rabri Devis residence. RJD workers and supporters were sloganeering and protesting against the CBI officers, who were accompanied by Rabri Devi outside her home. RJD supporters kept shouting despite Rabri Devis orders. She then lost her cool and thrashed a few supporters as per the video, which is going viral on social media.

Lalu Yadav CBI Raid:        ... | Rabri Devi Angry#LaluPrasadYadav pic.twitter.com/ljDIlX8LEv  Zee Bihar Jharkhand (@ZeeBiharNews) May 20, 2022

The CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry into allegations which was converted into the FIR, they said. Following the FIR against Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, daughters Misa and Hema, besides several candidates, the CBI started a search operation on Friday morning at 16 locations in Delhi, Patna and Gopalganj.

#WATCH Police presence outside the Patna residence of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi as CBI conducts raids at multiple locations of RJD Chief Lalu Yadav in a fresh case relating to alleged 'land for railway job scam'#Bihar pic.twitter.com/mwIdvdT9N3  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2022

Meanwhile, The Rashtriya Janata Dal said on Friday the CBI's fresh corruption case against its chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members was "predictable" and alleged that the BJP uses probe agencies to scare its rivals whenever its hold on power is shaken and it believes that mobilisation against it is taking place.

"They (BJP) tries to scare others by targeting someone. Nobody will be scared. Neither will we, nor they and nor the people of Bihar," RJD spokesperson Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha said in his reaction after the CBI action.

He did not elaborate as to what he meant by others. The recent meetings between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav have triggered speculation about the realignment of political forces in Bihar, with the relations between Kumar's JD(U) and its ally BJP being seen as far from smooth.

Apart from Lalu, news reports say his daughter, Misa Bharti, was also named in the report. The scam involved taking land from unemployed youths on the pretext of providing them with government jobs.

(With agency inputs)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party government for carrying out a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. Addressing the 'Ideas for India' conclave in London, Rahul Gandhi said, "What is happening today is that there is a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. There is an attack on the Constitution of India. The result of this attack is that the states of India are longer able to negotiate with the government." Highlighting that democracy in India is a global public good, he said, "It is a central anchor for the planet. Because, we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that nobody has. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet." "We believe India is a negotiation between its people. The BJP and the RSS believe India is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," he said. When asked if India should return to multi-alignment as far as Indian diplomacy is concerned, the Congress leader said, "Pragmatically navigate the waters you are in. Look at the situation, take into account your country and requirements, the idea of prosperity and conversations. Use those fundamentals to navigate." "From the struggle that we are witnessing, we will get an India that is much better than the one we have right now and one we had even before. I think something beautiful is coming. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country," the Congress leader said. Lauding the efforts of the Congress party in India, Gandhi said, "The Congress is fighting polarisation. We are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress and other Opposition parties in India are doing that." This is the first such overseas event for the Congress leader after the return of normalcy in international travel which had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gandhi's visit abroad has taken place at a time when the Congress is battling dissensions. A senior leader in both Gujarat and Punjab has left the party. (ANI)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Rice, milk powder, medications, and other medical supplies make up the shipment. M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the shipment from Chennai on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Office tweeted, The Honble Chief Minister @mkstalin flagged off 9000 metric tones of rice, 200 metric tonnes of spirit powder, and 24 metric tones of critical pharmaceuticals in a cargo ship to Sri Lanka to support the people of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the Indian High Commission tweeted, People of #India supporting their brothers and sisters in #SriLanka. On Sunday, rice, milk powder, and medicines costing more than SLR 2 billion are expected to arrive in #Colombo. The shipment was flagged off from #Chennai on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin.

Since the beginning of the year, India has offered to deliver nearly USD 3 billion in loans, credit swaps, and credit lines to the debt-ridden island nation. India has also shown an interest in cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government.

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a large number of people in Sri Lanka, leading in massive protests against the governments handling of the problem.

Sri Lankas relationship with India is growing stronger and more mutually beneficial. Apart from aid during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, when India delivered nano fertilizer to save Sri Lankan farmers, New Delhi has pledged nearly USD 3 billion in cash-strapped Colombo through currency swaps, credit lines for essential goods, and loan repayments since January 2022 to assist Sri Lanka in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in history.
The ongoing discussion between International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lanka, to help mitigate the economic situation will conclude on May 24, local media reported on Saturday. Speaking at a virtual IMF briefing on Thursday, IMF Spokesman Gerry Rice said the technical discussions between Sri Lanka and the IMF on a potential loan programme will come to a close on May 24. He said that the agency is closely monitoring the events that are unfolding in the crisis-hit island nation. The IMF spokesperson stressed that the IMF remains committed to helping Sri Lanka and that it would help resolve the current economic crisis. "We are concerned...especially, the hardships being endured by the people of Sri Lanka and especially many of those people poor and vulnerable. So, we are clearly monitoring the political and economic developments very closely," Rice was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror newspaper. He further said an IMF team has been engaged in technical discussions on the authorities' request for an IMF-supported programme. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka is one of the few nations which is expected to go without food due to the global food shortage expected this year. "Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has named a few nations including Sri Lanka and Afghanistan which are expected to go without food," the newly appointed PM told the Sri Lankan Parliament. "Sri Lanka will have to prepare for the food shortage and cultivate food crops in abandoned land, even in Colombo City. There are many lands belonging to the Railways Department which are neglected and can be used to grow food. I will talk to the World Bank to get some assistance," he added. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 21 : In 1984, a time when the publishing landscape was becoming increasingly corporate, Nigel Newton decided to start a new independent literary publishing company. The following year, over early mornings and late nights, he and publisher David Reynolds came up with their plan. In 1986 Bloomsbury Publishing began its life in a small office above a Chinese restaurant in Putney.

For all its early ambition, no-one could have envisaged the 35 years that would follow. As the offices shifted, first to Soho Square and then to Bedford Square, with branches opening in New York, Sydney, Oxford and New Delhi, its list took shape. There were to be books from all over the world, some becoming Nobel, Booker and Women's Prize winners, some to be million copy bestsellers, and some to become modern classics.

In "Bloomsbury 35" its editors-in-chief Liz Calder and Alexandra Pringle have made selections from novels they have published on Bloomsbury's adult list, from each year of Bloomsbury's life, forming an anthology that represents the creative heart of Bloomsbury. This anthology does not draw works from Bloomsbury's equally sparkling children's, academic or special interest lists.

Featuring work from Margaret Atwood, Susanna Clarke, Jeffrey Eugenides, Richard Ford, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Khaled Hosseini, Jhumpa Lahiri, Colum McCann, Madeline Miller, Michael Ondaatje, Caryl Phillips, George Saunders, Will Self, Kamila Shamsie, Ahdaf Soueif, Jeanette Winterson, and many more, it is a celebration of Bloomsbury's first 35 years.

Liz Calder began her publishing life in 1970 at Victor Gollancz. She moved to Jonathan Cape as Editorial Director in 1978. In 1986 she joined Nigel Newton, David Reynolds and Alan Wherry to set up Bloomsbury Publishing. On retiring in 2009, she became one of the founding directors of Full Circle Editions. She was awarded a CBE for services to literature in 2018.

Alexandra Pringle began her career in publishing on the art magazine Art Monthly, joining Virago Press in 1978 where she edited the Virago Modern Classics series and became Editorial Director. In 1990 she moved to Hamish Hamilton as Editorial Director. Following a stint as a literary agent, she joined Bloomsbury in 1999, where for twenty years she was editor-in-chief.

Nigel Newton was a graduate trainee at Macmillan. At the age of 29 whilst working at Sidgwick & Jackson, he decided to start a new publishing company and founded Bloomsbury Publishing of which he is Chief Executive. He is also President of the Publishers Association and of Book Aid International. In 2021, he was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List for services to the publishing industry.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Lucknow: A painful road accident has happened in Bahraich, UP. Three people have lost their lives in the accident. While 12 people have been badly injured. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. After a lot of effort, the bodies trapped in the car were pulled out. It has been learned from the information that a Tata Winger car and a tanker full of Nepalese passengers collided on the Lucknow-Bahraich highway on Saturday morning. In the accident, three passengers died on the spot, while 12 passengers were injured. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.

The CO inspected the spot and ordered the police station to inform the relatives. It is being said that about 16 people have left for Nepal in a Tata Winger car from Delhi. On Saturday morning, when the car reached near the Marimata temple of the Kotwali police station area in the countryside, it collided with a tanker coming from the front.

Reports say that the collision was so severe that the car blew up and three people lost their lives on the spot in the accident. On the information of the incident, CO City Vinay Dwivedi and Countryside Kotwal Satyendra Bahadur Singh reached the spot. Police sent the injured to the district hospital and the body has been sent for post-mortem. The CO has said that the relatives have been informed, further action is being taken.

Chennai lost, Rajasthan won and the loss was of 'Lucknow', understand the math of playoff

Chennaiyin FC extend their contract with Indian midfielder Anirudh

What are the prices of petrol and diesel in your city today? know here
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
About 300,000 square meters of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said at the first meeting of the International Coordination Center for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Akopyan said.

In particular, Kyiv is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she added.

Meanwhile, the deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said that Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts. (ANI/Xinhua)

After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.
Mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virus particles as well as crescents and spherical particles of immature virions, obtained from a clinical human skin sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak, in an undated photo obtained by Reuters, on May 18, 2022. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regnery/CDC/Handout via Reuters)

Belgium Detects First 2 Monkeypox Cases

BRUSSELSBelgium detected its first two cases of monkeypox on Friday, authorities said.

The cases were diagnosed in different cities, though Flemish broadcaster VRTNWS said both patients had attended the same party in an undisclosed location.

A leading virologist said the number of cases in the country would probably rise.

I do expect more cases, said Steven Van Gucht from national public health institute Sciensano. As things stood, he was however confident that Belgium would be able to control the spread of the virus, he told Reuters.

The first infected person, diagnosed in Antwerp but whose place of residence was not reported, was not seriously ill and they and their partner were both in isolation, a spokesperson for Belgiums Agency for Care and Health said.

The second case was a man from the region of Flemish Brabant, a Leuven-based virologist, Marc Van Ranst, said on Twitter. That patient was also not seriously ill, according to Belgian media.

Monkeypox is a usually mild viral infection. Symptoms include fever, headaches and skin rashes.

Several cases have been detected in Britainwhere authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposedand others in other parts of Europe.

New Delhi, May 21 : Highlighting the importance of copper and its contribution to the modern world, Sterlite Copper launched a coffee table book, showcasing its origin and its definitive role in shaping the modern world, at the SICCI CXO Conclave, held in Chennai.

Unveiled by Mayur Karmakar, MD, International Copper Association, India, with Ms. A. Sumathi, Chief Operating Officer, Sterlite Copper, the 70-page book comes with an interesting title "Hi I'M COPPER".

The book traverses the entire journey of copper from its discovery in 9,000 B.C. in an Egyptian river to the current times, focusing on its integral role in creating the modern world as we know it today. The book also traces the lifecycle of the metal and covers the entire gamut of its industrial and sectoral usage ranging from Power, Defence, Automobiles, Healthcare, FMCD among others.

Speaking at the launch of the Coffee Table Book, Ms. A. Sumathi, Chief Operating Officer, Sterlite Copper said: "We are delighted to unveil the copper coffee table book 'Hi, I'm Copper'. The book aims to essay the journey of Copper and Sterlite's smelting story. Over the last 25 years, Sterlite Copper has leveraged on technology to upgrade its processes and we had always benchmarked our practices to the global standards in terms of energy efficiency, copper recovery, effluent treatment while being sensitive to our corporate ethos of ESG standards." The book highlights how Sterlite Copper, which began with a 100 KTPA Smelter in the year 1996, went on to become the largest supplier of Copper in India, meeting nearly 36 per cent of the country's copper demand by 2018. The operations of the plant are also benchmarked against global best-practices, with certifications in Quality, Environment, Occupational Health & Safety, Energy.

The plant has also invested heavily in environmental safeguards such as Gas Scrubbers, Effluent Treatment Plants and Reverse Osmosis Plants in order to ensure a safe and sustainable operation in Thoothukudi. The plant has been certified for its Zero Liquid Discharge, Water Consumption Management, Waste Reduction and Repurposing Waste towards Sustainable Applications.

The book also clearly brings out the economic benefits of the Thoothukudi plant in Tamil Nadu. It had emerged as a pillar of support for the community and a provider of livelihood to thousands of people. The plant engaged about 1,000 trucks/tankers on daily basis with consistent load, thereby providing livelihood to around 9,000 truck drivers and cleaners per month. It had over 650 supply and service partners and helped them generate a business of close to $134 million every year. The total number of dependent domestic companies for supply of raw material from Sterlite Copper was 381 and contributed approximately $295 million to the exchequer.

Additionally, it provided more than 17 per cent of Thoothukudi port's total revenue. Even the by-products of the copper smelting like sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, gypsum and copper slag act as critical input for a number of important industries. While sulphuric acid is the primary raw material for chemical and fertilizer, gypsum is a key ingredient for cement production.

Sumathi adds: "Copper is the third most used metal in industrial and civil applications across the world and its constantly increasing demand increases the need for production, thereby having a direct impact on employment opportunities & downstream industries. We at Sterlite have created direct employment for 4,000 people and impacted more than 20,000 people engaged in various supplier and customer units. Through the book, we want everyone to become aware about the journey & importance of copper and Sterlite, which together contributed immensely to the overall economy, not just at a national level, but also at a State and District level.".

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Institute Chair Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur & Former Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, government of India, who wrote the foreword for the coffee table book, says" "I believe Copper is one of the key drivers of Industry 4.0 and beyond. An invisible enabler, copper's role in the future of our world will be all pervasive from our homes to outer space explorations.

"I'm delighted that the importance of copper is being covered in a comprehensive way in the book being launched today. I wish to congratulate the team Sterlite for conceiving and executing this much needed document of value to its many stakeholders from the traditional industries to Industry 4.0 and Digital/cyber technologies." Also speaking at the occasion, Mayur Karmakar, MD, International Copper Association India, said: "Copper is the third-most-essential metal in the world, contributing to the environmental and socio-economic development across the globe. The demand for the crucial metal, which is a key input for multiple sectors, is expected to further raise sustainable growth in the post-pandemic scenario." Another significant aspect of the book is that it brings into focus, the role of the company in building an aspirational and empowered society with all the stakeholders working in tandem for the common good all. For instance, under the Muthucharam initiative, the company plans to build a smart school and a well-equipped hospital for the community. Plans are also afoot to plant 1 million trees to make Thoothukudi, one of the greenest cities in India. Other initiatives include providing clean drinking water to every family in Thoothukudi. More than 2,300 families have already benefited from this project,Tamira Surabhi till date.
A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Rice, milk powder, medications, and other medical supplies make up the shipment. M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the shipment from Chennai on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Office tweeted, The Honble Chief Minister @mkstalin flagged off 9000 metric tones of rice, 200 metric tonnes of spirit powder, and 24 metric tones of critical pharmaceuticals in a cargo ship to Sri Lanka to support the people of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the Indian High Commission tweeted, People of #India supporting their brothers and sisters in #SriLanka. On Sunday, rice, milk powder, and medicines costing more than SLR 2 billion are expected to arrive in #Colombo. The shipment was flagged off from #Chennai on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin.

Since the beginning of the year, India has offered to deliver nearly USD 3 billion in loans, credit swaps, and credit lines to the debt-ridden island nation. India has also shown an interest in cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government.

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a large number of people in Sri Lanka, leading in massive protests against the governments handling of the problem.

Sri Lankas relationship with India is growing stronger and more mutually beneficial. Apart from aid during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, when India delivered nano fertilizer to save Sri Lankan farmers, New Delhi has pledged nearly USD 3 billion in cash-strapped Colombo through currency swaps, credit lines for essential goods, and loan repayments since January 2022 to assist Sri Lanka in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in history.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Bogota, May 21 : Colombia's presidential race is likely to head to a runoff between progressive candidate Gustavo Petro and his conservative rival Federico Gutierrez, according to a poll.

Just over a week before the May 29 presidential elections, a survey by polling firm Invamer showed Petro has taken the lead with 40.6 per cent of the voter support, followed by Gutierrez with 27.1 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.

Another conservative candidate, Rodolfo Hernandez, appeared to be gaining strength, with 20.9 per cent of the support, Xinhua news agency quoted the survey as saying.

A candidate must garner 50 per cent of the vote to win the first round, pointing to a likely runoff, said Martin Orozco, head of Invamer.

"With 40.6 per cent, Gustavo Petro is moving away from the possibility of winning in the first round, because we would have to get another 10 per cent against the two relatively strong candidates," Orozco said.

"There is an important conclusion: if the elections were today, then the runoff would be between Petro and Gutierrez. But in the survey we released 15 days ago, Hernandez was at 14 per cent and now he is at 21 per cent. That's seven more points." A runoff will be held on June 19, and the winner will succeed incumbent President Ivan Duque on August 7.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Dr Ratan Lal, a Delhi University professor, was arrested on Friday for allegedly publishing a malicious post on Facebook meant to incite religious emotions, according to DCP North Sagar Singh Kalsi.

According to Delhi Police, a case was filed against Ratan Lal on May 17 night involving an intentional and malicious post on Facebook meant to incite religious emotions by insulting a religion or religious beliefs.

The case was filed at Cyber Police Station North District under sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and an investigation has begun.

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.
After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.

Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has invited the public to join her at a swearing-in ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Kenosha County Veterans Honor Plaza.

The plaza is located off the entrance to the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park on Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue).

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil will administer an affirmation of the oath of office to Kerkman, who was elected County Executive on April 5 and has been serving since taking the official oath on April 18.

Steve Tindall, a U.S. Navy veteran who is active in veterans efforts in and around Kenosha County, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Kerkman comes to the County Executives Office after representing much of the area in the Wisconsin Assembly for nearly 22 years.

It is my honor to serve as Kenosha County Executive, and it will be my privilege to celebrate with the community on Wednesday, Kerkman said. I very much look forward to working over the next four years with citizens from across our county and with our partners in all levels of government, to make Kenosha County even stronger.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article







Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)




How long will it take for New Yorks leaders to catch up with evolving COVID reality?

The state is spending taxpayer cash to distribute 16.5 million tests, which at this point are utterly pointless as any sort of population-wide effort to limit the spread.

Testing makes sense in limited circumstances, e.g. as a condition of visiting a nursing home full of higher-risk seniors. But more generally, by the time someone tests positive, theyve most likely interacted with others; slightly broader testing (which is all a few million extra tests allows) wont limit the spread.

Yes, statewide hospitalizations with COVID are up from their March 31 low of 817 to 2,497 on Sunday, but roughly half (or a bit more) of those are people hospitalized for something else who simply test positive. And deaths with COVID hit 30 that day, in a state of over 19 million.

If you have symptoms, stay home; the rest of the household should get tested; thats about it. The crisis is over.

Thats clearly true even in the city, though health czar Dr. Ashwin Vasan put Gotham on high COVID alert Tuesday, urging everyone (especially the most vulnerable) to mask up indoors, etc.

Huh? Per his own Health Departments COVID-tracking site, New York City saw 3,674 confirmed and probable cases on Saturday, down from a clear peak of 4,240 four days before.

The seven-day average of new COVID hospitalizations was 61, up from Fridays 58 but down from a peak of 94 on May 5 (and, again, half of those are just people testing positive after hitting the hospital for another reason).

Mayor Eric Adams is dutifully masking up himself, but at least is sensible enough to hold off on mandating anything. We hope thats a sign that hes getting closer to being done with Vasans alarmism: These ridiculous, baseless alerts do nothing but spread needless fear.

 New York Post

Saturdays mass shooting in Buffalo is the closest such horrific acts have come to Chautauqua County.

Today, we stand with our neighbors in Buffalo in our grief for the 10 people whose lives ended during a routine trip to the grocery store or a routine day at work. Many in our county feel agony, anger and bewilderment, wondering how a person so young can be so consumed with hate and fear to lash out in such ways.

Some will focus on the weapon of choice  a legally purchased AR-15 rifle with a high-capacity magazine reportedly purchased out-of-state even though the shooter was subjected to a psychological exam roughly a year ago. Despite already strict gun laws, weapons continue to find their ways into the hands of those with hate in their heart. And while we will certainly discuss how appropriate or necessary it is to buy and sell such weapons, it is the hate that should draw our attention here. It is the hate that fueled Saturdays shooting that is truly frightening.

We will spend a lot of time in the coming weeks talking about what happened this weekend in Buffalo. We may not agree on gun control or the legality of assault weapons, but we should be able to agree that our country is big enough for people of all races, colors and religions to coexist.

Self-styled patriots like the Buffalo shooter or anyone who targets their neighbors based on their race, religion or sex should remember the most treasured of our nations founding tenets  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Those words, written by our Founding Fathers nearly 246 years ago, are the ideals we must cling to  not the sort of hate- and fear-filled muck that fuels terrorists both foreign and domestic.

 Jamestown Post Journal

We renew our support for the Student Journalist Free Speech Act, a bill in the New York state Legislature that would protect young peoples right to express themselves in school-sponsored publications.

School administrators exercise great power over what students can say in school newspapers, yearbooks and online publications under guise of keeping order. That power can be misused to censor material that might embarrass the school, and to stifle free and open discussion of controversial issues affecting kids and their school communities.

This bill (A04402/S02958), sponsored by Assembly Member Donna Lupardo, D-Binghamton, and Sen. Brian Kavanagh, D-Brooklyn, gives student journalists the right to determine the content of school-sponsored media, in consultation with their teacher/advisers. It instructs administrators to keep their hands off unless student speech is libelous, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, incites students to violence or law-breaking, violates school policies, or disrupts orderly school operations.

In other words, casting the school in a poor light is not reason enough to censor student speech.

Schools have great latitude to tell students how to behave while on school grounds (and sometimes even away from school). But as Justice Abe Fortas wrote in the landmark 1969 decision Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.

As school censorship controversies erupt around the nation, New York has an opportunity to join 15 other states in protecting student free speech through law. After years of dithering, the Legislature should get off the dime and pass this bill.

 Advance Media New York



Fourth-grader Saruna Koiralas school is a five-minute walk from her home. Expectedly, children of her age can easily walk to their school; but due to her heavy bag, she always needs help from her mother.

She says her back hurts because of the heavy bag, which is why I carry it to and from school, says her mother.

And, why would not it be heavy? Koirala has a dozen books, a dozen notebooks, a water bottle and a tiffin box. I think this is too much, says Koiralas mother.

Sujal Shrestha, a third-grader also faces a similar problem. After he was promoted to the grade, the school asked him to purchase 11 books. Even though his parents thought that taking 11 books to school every day is unnecessary, they had no choice but to obey the school.

Its hard for him to carry his bag, but theres no choice, says Shresthas mother.

She says that she wants to go to the school and tell them it is necessary for school children but knows her speaking alone will make no difference.

This is the case with most schools around the country. Every new session means the weight of school childrens bags increases to the extent they need the help of their parents to carry them. These kids complain about pain in the shoulders, back and neck, which in the long term will have a negative impact on their health.

Long-term impact

According to acupuncture specialist Sudarshan Basnet, parents often come to him with problems like back, shoulder and neck pain in children as young as 10. Basnet says he has treated many children aged over 10 for spinal cord injuries.

These days schoolchildren complain about pain in their backbone and one of the reasons for it is a load of their backpack while going to school, says Basnet.

File: Children, masked, attend a class at their school amid the coronavirus infection risk, in Kathmandu.

In addition to the heavy burden of books, the current use of mobiles and computers by children has also caused problems in their muscles and spinal cord, he adds.

A child who walks with a heavy load may have a problem with crouching. Schools these days demand a student to carry many books which lead to an increase in their mental stress. Along with that, its load can affect their walking position leading to knee and back pain, he adds.

Similarly, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ashok Ratna Bajracharya says the increasing use of mobile phones and laptops is also another reason why children are facing back pain.

Usually children have less complication in comparison to adults and elderly. However, children who sit in the wrong position while using mobile or studying face problems in their back, neck and shoulder. Then, carrying heavy loads of books has also added such problems in children these days, adds Bajracharya.

Moreover, if a child carries his/her backpack from only one side, there are chances that their back might bend he says.

The schools say

But, the schools say that they are not making students carry more books than they should. The founder of Xavier International School, Lok Bahadur Bhandari, says the schools only ask students to buy books that are best for them.

He says that even though the government has set up Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra to publish the textbooks, the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) has allowed various publications to publish the same curriculum and that means there different versions of the same book.

At Xavier, we choose the books that have the best content and benefit our students the most, says Bhandari.

Bhandari says his school is aware that heavy loads affect the students back, which is why it has a provision to keep books in the school itself.

We ask students to take books that they need for homework. Rest, they can leave in in the school, says Bhandari, adding they focus more on extracurricular activities to develop the students.

Experts advice

Educationist Bidya Nath Koirala says schools should focus more on making a practical curriculum than a theoretical one.

No textbook in the world is practical. Its great that the government has allowed multiple publications to publish textbooks, but schools need to adapt and make a practical curriculum, says Koirala.

He says schools are still pushing for books because they get a certain percentage of commission from the publication. And, this is wrong as it is the student and the parents paying the price for it.

Nevertheless, he suggests focusing on integrated education rather than having thematic course books.

The schools must pay attention to whether the subject is actually necessary or just giving burden to students. Children no longer need to be taught subjectwise courses because todays children can search the internet. If schools and teachers understand this process, children will not have to carry so many books, says Koirala.

This story was translated from the original Nepali version and edited for clarity and length.

BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.




Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
May 21 : On day 4 of the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival, Deepika Padukone skipped the red carpet event and chose to attend a dinner party hosted by Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton in Cannes. The Gehraiyaan actor is the house ambassador of Louis Vuitton.

Deepika continued to turn heads and made headlines with her trendy look. On Friday night, Deepika attended the Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton bash

in an edgy outfit from the shelves of Louis Vuitton. The actor picked a trendy beige mini jacket dress and paired it with brown leather boots. She also donned the same at Louis Vuitton's Cruise Show 2023 in San Diego, and Cannes dinner when she met the jury members for the first time.

The mini jacket dress was adorned with metallic button-up details. Deepika wore the outfit with raised collars. It also featured half-length billowy sleeves and pockets on either side. She sported a white printed shirt under her jacket dress. The multi-coloured floral patterns and long sleeves went well with the jacket. To complete her a look, she accessorised with a statement necklace, and carried a maroon Louis Vuitton shoulder bag with chained details. Deepika left her tresses open and used nude mauve lip shade, subtle smoky eye shadow and winged eyeliner.

A series of pictures and videos of Deepika from the bash are circulating online. Fans and fashion enthusiasts loved her trendy look.

Ahead of its Cruise 2023 show in California, the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton announced Deepika Padukone as its house ambassador. In an official global statement, the company said it was delighted to unveil its Dauphine bag campaign, starring Deepika Padukone, Emma Stone, and Zhou Dongyu. The Pathaan actor is the first Indian to become the house ambassador of the French brand. The actress will represent the brand in the country.

Louis Vuitton said Deepika stars in her first leather goods campaign for the Maison. Following a strong collaborative relationship with the Maison, including an appearance in Nicolas Ghesquieres novel-inspired pre-fall 2020 campaign, the award-winning actress begins a new chapter of her journey with Louis Vuitton," the brand said.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (May 20, 2022) slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre and said that "India is not in a good place" and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "doesn't listen". Speaking at the "Ideas for India" conclave in London, Rahul Gandhi said that there is an attack on the Constitution of India and the result of this attack is that the states of India are no longer able to negotiate with the government.

He attacked the "deep state" that is causing damage and declared that Congress's ideology is geared up to fight it.

"Please realize, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs," Rahul Gandhi said.

"The Prime Minister must have an attitude that 'I want to listen' and from there everything flows down. But our Prime Minister doesn't listen," he said.

"We believe India is a negotiation between its people. The BJP and the RSS believe India is a `Sone Ki Chidiya` whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," Gandhi added.

The Prime Minister must have an attitude that 'I want to listen'. And from there everything flows down. But our Prime Minister doesn't LISTEN. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/8b8AJKM9LD  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography;

That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/Zl6BKPymSI  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the former Congress chief warned of "kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark".

Rahul Gandhi also lauded the efforts of his party and said, "The Congress is fighting polarisation. We are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress and other Opposition parties in India are doing that."

The Congress is fighting polarisation; we are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress is doing that, the Opposition is doing that. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/Ffk4QRfSMK  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

Highlighting that democracy in India is a global public good, he said that it is a central anchor for the planet.

"Democracy in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

Democracy in India is a global public good. We're the only people who have managed democracy at our unparalleled scale. Had an enriching exchange on a wide range of topics at the #IdeasForIndia conference in London. pic.twitter.com/QyiIcdFfjN  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 20, 2022

Democracy in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/XIROyQBIhn  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled "India at 75".

(With agency inputs)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party government for carrying out a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. Addressing the 'Ideas for India' conclave in London, Rahul Gandhi said, "What is happening today is that there is a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. There is an attack on the Constitution of India. The result of this attack is that the states of India are longer able to negotiate with the government." Highlighting that democracy in India is a global public good, he said, "It is a central anchor for the planet. Because, we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that nobody has. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet." "We believe India is a negotiation between its people. The BJP and the RSS believe India is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," he said. When asked if India should return to multi-alignment as far as Indian diplomacy is concerned, the Congress leader said, "Pragmatically navigate the waters you are in. Look at the situation, take into account your country and requirements, the idea of prosperity and conversations. Use those fundamentals to navigate." "From the struggle that we are witnessing, we will get an India that is much better than the one we have right now and one we had even before. I think something beautiful is coming. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country," the Congress leader said. Lauding the efforts of the Congress party in India, Gandhi said, "The Congress is fighting polarisation. We are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress and other Opposition parties in India are doing that." This is the first such overseas event for the Congress leader after the return of normalcy in international travel which had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gandhi's visit abroad has taken place at a time when the Congress is battling dissensions. A senior leader in both Gujarat and Punjab has left the party. (ANI)
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Kiev, May 21 : Ukraine has received the second tranche of 600 million euros ($634 million) of the European Union's (EU's) emergency macro-financial assistance program, the Finance Ministry in Kiev announced.

"The funds will be used to maintain financial stability in Ukraine during the war," the Ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the aid and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the aid, reports Xinhua news agency.

The EU decided to allocate 1.2 billion euros in emergency assistance for Ukraine in February.

Ukraine has received 600 million euros from the aid package in March.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Chennai, May 21 : With good inflows into the Mettur Dam, the Tamil Nadu government should open the shutters for agriculture and not wait till June 12, said PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
The girlfriend of a man arrested in a shooting in Dallas Koreatown that wounded three women of Asian descent in a hair salon told police that he has delusions that Asian Americans are trying to harm him. That's according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Police say Jeremy Smith, who is Black, was arrested Tuesday in the shooting. He faces three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The FBI said Tuesday that it has opened a federal hate crime investigation into the shooting. Police say they are still investigating whether Smith was involved in two previous drive-by shootings at businesses run by Asian Americans. Police had said there could be a connection between those shootings and the one at the salon because the description of the suspect vehicle was similar.
Kiev, May 21 : Ukraine has received the second tranche of 600 million euros ($634 million) of the European Union's (EU's) emergency macro-financial assistance program, the Finance Ministry in Kiev announced.

"The funds will be used to maintain financial stability in Ukraine during the war," the Ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the aid and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the aid, reports Xinhua news agency.

The EU decided to allocate 1.2 billion euros in emergency assistance for Ukraine in February.

Ukraine has received 600 million euros from the aid package in March.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 21 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Two patients with very rare types of gastrointestinal disorders were successfully treated at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital recently. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital is leading the way in treating rare gastrointestinal disorders with no postoperative complications in South India. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's Department of Gastroenterology recently performed breakthrough operations for 2 patients with very rare gastrointestinal disorders resulting in no postoperative complications. One such case was, a 68-year-old woman with a known HCV-related chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, complaining of abdominal pain for 15 days, who reached out to the hospital; she was treated with pegylated interferon alfa 12 years prior. A physical examination was recommended by the Gastroenterologists at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, which revealed mild pedal oedema. A blood sample examination was conducted to analyze the levels of haemoglobin, total white blood cells, platelet count, blood urea and serum creatinine. Liver function tests showed normal bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, but the doctors were determined to figure out the cause of the patient's discomfort. The experts then proceeded with performing a CECT abdomen and it revealed a well-defined heterogeneously enhancing lesion (4.5 cm x 4 cm) with apical necrosis. The patient underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography to confirm the same lesion. The patient also underwent EVS (Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, which showed features of HCC continued EHCC. Understanding Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (EHCC): EHCC is one of the uncommon carcinomas classified as an HCC originating from ectopic liver tissue, and it is typically detected inadvertently during autopsy or laparoscopy. The ectopic liver tissue can be noted in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, diaphragm, thorax, retroperitoneum, and omentum. The most common place for an ectopic or auxiliary liver is the gallbladder, which accounts for around 0.56 per cent of reported cases. In this case, the patient was planned to undergo EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation as an alternative for the treatment of HCCs of small size. Some reports indicate that EHCC is present in approximately 7-30 per cent of ectopic liver instances. The multistep process of carcinogenesis appears to be accelerated in these tissues. Due to the absence of a normal circulatory and ductal system, it is thought that the foci of ectopic liver tissue may be metabolically impaired, resulting in prolonged exposure to numerous carcinogenic agents. The underlying microenvironment could induce prolonged cellular stress, leading to cell death and compensatory cell growth. EHCC can be distinguished from other tumours through the use of specific tumour markers and immunohistochemical analysis. Increased cell multiplication may result in genetic alterations and eventual carcinogenesis. The reason for this is that both morphological characteristics are similar. The diagnosis of EHCC is frequently challenging. It will be extremely difficult to identify morphologically between HCC and adenocarcinoma cells if the carcinoma cell is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated. The EUS-guided biopsy method is quite safer. The patient was successfully treated, and the lesion was removed without any postoperative complications. With a similarly rare occurrence of another gastrointestinal disorder, a 17-year-old boy was brought to the hospital complaining about upper abdominal pain, back pain, and a fever of 1-week duration. A month ago, he was diagnosed with acute severe necrotizing pancreatitis (Idiopathic) and treated with a suggestive pancreatic pseudocyst. Physical examination indicated a soft, sensitive cystic lesion. After a routine checkup, he had an Endo-ultrasonography (EUS)-guided Cysto-Gastrostomy done while he was under general anaesthesia. Here's how it worked: A linear echoendoscope was used to do the EUS (Olympus). Along the smaller curve of the stomach, a large, walled-off collection of 10 per cent solid and 90 per cent liquid was seen. About 500 ml of fluid was drained after a gush of necrotic fluid conservatively. After 2 days, the OGD was done again, and it showed that there was a solid piece of dead tissue inside the cavity. Intraoperatively, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution was injected through a cannula, and the area was washed out. The patient was then sent home, and endoscopy was done eight weeks later which showed there was no dead tissue in the cavity. EUS Guided cysto-gastrostomy removed all of the dead tissue and kept the patient from needing major abdominal surgery. Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on whether or not there is organ failure and whether or not there are local or systemic complications. Acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC), acute necrotic collection (ANC), pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) are all local complications of acute pancreatitis. WOPN, whether it is sterile or infected, is marked by a clear capsule around dead pancreatic tissue. This usually happens 4 weeks after the first injury. It has different amounts of solid trash in it. WOPN needs to be treated when it starts to cause symptoms, such as abdominal pain, infection, blockage of the gastric outlet, weight loss, or pressure on the biliary system. Drainage is the only way to treat WOPN. This can be done endoscopically, surgically, or percutaneously. But the best method is endoscopic drainage, especially with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The step-up approach started with percutaneous drainage, either endoscopic necrosectomy or minimally invasive retroperitoneal necrosectomy. Endoscopic necrosectomy is a less invasive and less risky way to treat infected WOPN and pseudocysts with solid debris than open surgical necrosectomy. Here are a few signs that might indicate it is the time to visit a gastroenterologist: - Facing difficulties while swallowing - Acidity and indigestion - Blood vomiting - Chronic diarrhoea - Constipation - Constant abdominal pain With innovation in medical technology, new approaches and techniques have led to breakthroughs in treatments. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital adopts the latest treatment techniques and procedures to ensure each patient heals without any complications, and they're on track to living healthier with a better quality of life post-treatment. Visit the hospital to consult with doctors that are experts in their respective medical fields. In the event one who lives far away, they provide online video consultation (https://www.sriramakrishnahospital.com) for those who require an immediate consultation for their health issues. Doctors are available round the clock to provide effective treatment. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's services are at par with global benchmarks, ensuring that people get the treatment they need. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 21 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Two patients with very rare types of gastrointestinal disorders were successfully treated at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital recently. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital is leading the way in treating rare gastrointestinal disorders with no postoperative complications in South India. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's Department of Gastroenterology recently performed breakthrough operations for 2 patients with very rare gastrointestinal disorders resulting in no postoperative complications. One such case was, a 68-year-old woman with a known HCV-related chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, complaining of abdominal pain for 15 days, who reached out to the hospital; she was treated with pegylated interferon alfa 12 years prior. A physical examination was recommended by the Gastroenterologists at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, which revealed mild pedal oedema. A blood sample examination was conducted to analyze the levels of haemoglobin, total white blood cells, platelet count, blood urea and serum creatinine. Liver function tests showed normal bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, but the doctors were determined to figure out the cause of the patient's discomfort. The experts then proceeded with performing a CECT abdomen and it revealed a well-defined heterogeneously enhancing lesion (4.5 cm x 4 cm) with apical necrosis. The patient underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography to confirm the same lesion. The patient also underwent EVS (Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, which showed features of HCC continued EHCC. Understanding Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (EHCC): EHCC is one of the uncommon carcinomas classified as an HCC originating from ectopic liver tissue, and it is typically detected inadvertently during autopsy or laparoscopy. The ectopic liver tissue can be noted in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, diaphragm, thorax, retroperitoneum, and omentum. The most common place for an ectopic or auxiliary liver is the gallbladder, which accounts for around 0.56 per cent of reported cases. In this case, the patient was planned to undergo EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation as an alternative for the treatment of HCCs of small size. Some reports indicate that EHCC is present in approximately 7-30 per cent of ectopic liver instances. The multistep process of carcinogenesis appears to be accelerated in these tissues. Due to the absence of a normal circulatory and ductal system, it is thought that the foci of ectopic liver tissue may be metabolically impaired, resulting in prolonged exposure to numerous carcinogenic agents. The underlying microenvironment could induce prolonged cellular stress, leading to cell death and compensatory cell growth. EHCC can be distinguished from other tumours through the use of specific tumour markers and immunohistochemical analysis. Increased cell multiplication may result in genetic alterations and eventual carcinogenesis. The reason for this is that both morphological characteristics are similar. The diagnosis of EHCC is frequently challenging. It will be extremely difficult to identify morphologically between HCC and adenocarcinoma cells if the carcinoma cell is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated. The EUS-guided biopsy method is quite safer. The patient was successfully treated, and the lesion was removed without any postoperative complications. With a similarly rare occurrence of another gastrointestinal disorder, a 17-year-old boy was brought to the hospital complaining about upper abdominal pain, back pain, and a fever of 1-week duration. A month ago, he was diagnosed with acute severe necrotizing pancreatitis (Idiopathic) and treated with a suggestive pancreatic pseudocyst. Physical examination indicated a soft, sensitive cystic lesion. After a routine checkup, he had an Endo-ultrasonography (EUS)-guided Cysto-Gastrostomy done while he was under general anaesthesia. Here's how it worked: A linear echoendoscope was used to do the EUS (Olympus). Along the smaller curve of the stomach, a large, walled-off collection of 10 per cent solid and 90 per cent liquid was seen. About 500 ml of fluid was drained after a gush of necrotic fluid conservatively. After 2 days, the OGD was done again, and it showed that there was a solid piece of dead tissue inside the cavity. Intraoperatively, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution was injected through a cannula, and the area was washed out. The patient was then sent home, and endoscopy was done eight weeks later which showed there was no dead tissue in the cavity. EUS Guided cysto-gastrostomy removed all of the dead tissue and kept the patient from needing major abdominal surgery. Understanding Acute Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on whether or not there is organ failure and whether or not there are local or systemic complications. Acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC), acute necrotic collection (ANC), pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) are all local complications of acute pancreatitis. WOPN, whether it is sterile or infected, is marked by a clear capsule around dead pancreatic tissue. This usually happens 4 weeks after the first injury. It has different amounts of solid trash in it. WOPN needs to be treated when it starts to cause symptoms, such as abdominal pain, infection, blockage of the gastric outlet, weight loss, or pressure on the biliary system. Drainage is the only way to treat WOPN. This can be done endoscopically, surgically, or percutaneously. But the best method is endoscopic drainage, especially with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The step-up approach started with percutaneous drainage, either endoscopic necrosectomy or minimally invasive retroperitoneal necrosectomy. Endoscopic necrosectomy is a less invasive and less risky way to treat infected WOPN and pseudocysts with solid debris than open surgical necrosectomy. Here are a few signs that might indicate it is the time to visit a gastroenterologist: - Facing difficulties while swallowing - Acidity and indigestion - Blood vomiting - Chronic diarrhoea - Constipation - Constant abdominal pain With innovation in medical technology, new approaches and techniques have led to breakthroughs in treatments. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital adopts the latest treatment techniques and procedures to ensure each patient heals without any complications, and they're on track to living healthier with a better quality of life post-treatment. Visit the hospital to consult with doctors that are experts in their respective medical fields. In the event one who lives far away, they provide online video consultation (https://www.sriramakrishnahospital.com) for those who require an immediate consultation for their health issues. Doctors are available round the clock to provide effective treatment. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's services are at par with global benchmarks, ensuring that people get the treatment they need. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

Beirut, May 21 : The Lebanese government has adopted an economic recovery plan aimed at saving the country from a three-year financial meltdown, according to a statement by the council of ministers.

Several measures in the plan are what the International Monetary Fund has required for its bailout, such as restructuring the banking sector and reforming a banking secrecy law, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the new plan, "a large part" of the Lebanese central bank's foreign currency obligations to commercial banks will be cancelled and non-viable banks should be dissolved by November.

The largest 14 commercial banks in Lebanon, representing 83 per cent of the country's total assets, will be audited, and viable banks recapitalized with "significant contributions" from bank shareholders and large depositors.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the plan will protect small depositors "to the maximum extent possible" in each viable bank.

A similar plan endorsed by the government of then Prime Minister Gassan Diab in April 2020 was rejected by Lebanon's Association of the Banks as it would leave banks and depositors bearing a loss estimated by the government at about $72 billion.

The incumbent government led by Mikati will become a caretaker as of Saturday because a new Parliament was elected on May 17 and a newly elected speaker, together with the president, will nominate a new prime minister.

Lebanon has been suffering an unprecedented financial crisis amid lack of US dollars, leading to the currency to lose more than 90 per cent of its value since 2019, while also plunging over 70 per cent of the population into poverty.
Kiev, May 21 : Ukraine has received the second tranche of 600 million euros ($634 million) of the European Union's (EU's) emergency macro-financial assistance program, the Finance Ministry in Kiev announced.

"The funds will be used to maintain financial stability in Ukraine during the war," the Ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the aid and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the aid, reports Xinhua news agency.

The EU decided to allocate 1.2 billion euros in emergency assistance for Ukraine in February.

Ukraine has received 600 million euros from the aid package in March.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Kiev, May 21 : Ukraine has received the second tranche of 600 million euros ($634 million) of the European Union's (EU's) emergency macro-financial assistance program, the Finance Ministry in Kiev announced.

"The funds will be used to maintain financial stability in Ukraine during the war," the Ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the aid and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the aid, reports Xinhua news agency.

The EU decided to allocate 1.2 billion euros in emergency assistance for Ukraine in February.

Ukraine has received 600 million euros from the aid package in March.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Police are investigating the death of an 18-year-old Bismarck man whose body was found May 14 in an East Main Avenue automotive shop.

Authorities do not believe there is any danger to the public.

Steven Ramos-Carballo was found just before 5 p.m. when officers were called to the 1400 block of East Main, according to Lt. Luke Gardiner. The department launched an investigation into the death because it was not witnessed and took place outside a medical facility, he said.

The Police Department on Friday issued a statement saying it had become aware of unsubstantiated information regarding Ramos-Carballos death. Rumors about the death have circulated on social media.

Gardner said video footage and evidence collected by the county coroner will be part of the investigation. He asked for the publics patience and understanding about what goes into that process.

Investigations take time, and the Bismarck Police Department uses facts, science, and evidence to come to investigative conclusions, the lieutenant said.

Police want to give the family of Steven answers, which will come in due time, but unsubstantiated claims hinder our ability to do that, Gardiner said.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 3 Angry 1
The ongoing discussion between International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lanka, to help mitigate the economic situation will conclude on May 24, local media reported on Saturday. Speaking at a virtual IMF briefing on Thursday, IMF Spokesman Gerry Rice said the technical discussions between Sri Lanka and the IMF on a potential loan programme will come to a close on May 24. He said that the agency is closely monitoring the events that are unfolding in the crisis-hit island nation. The IMF spokesperson stressed that the IMF remains committed to helping Sri Lanka and that it would help resolve the current economic crisis. "We are concerned...especially, the hardships being endured by the people of Sri Lanka and especially many of those people poor and vulnerable. So, we are clearly monitoring the political and economic developments very closely," Rice was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror newspaper. He further said an IMF team has been engaged in technical discussions on the authorities' request for an IMF-supported programme. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka is one of the few nations which is expected to go without food due to the global food shortage expected this year. "Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has named a few nations including Sri Lanka and Afghanistan which are expected to go without food," the newly appointed PM told the Sri Lankan Parliament. "Sri Lanka will have to prepare for the food shortage and cultivate food crops in abandoned land, even in Colombo City. There are many lands belonging to the Railways Department which are neglected and can be used to grow food. I will talk to the World Bank to get some assistance," he added. (ANI)
Placeholder while article actions load

Only once has France had a far-right government -- in the dark days of Nazi occupation during World War II. That lingering association with a period of national calamity confined extreme conservative groups to the margins of politics for the rest of the 20th century. Now theyre making a comeback, exploiting economic insecurity to peddle a narrative of a proud nation in decline, besieged by alien cultures. In an April presidential election, far-right figures secured the most votes since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, and even mainstream politicians have begun to adopt some of their rhetoric.

1. What is the French far-right?

The term encompasses various populist groups that have come and gone since the late 19th century. They tend to promote conservative values and favor tough enforcement of law and order. Some are monarchists and traditionalist Catholics and many hold extreme, racist and anti-Semitic views. Right-wing dissident paramilitaries fought against Algerian independence in the early 1960s, committing attacks that caused hundreds of deaths. The most successful far-right party today is the National Rally, founded as the National Front in 1972 and led for almost four decades by Jean-Marie Le Pen before he was replaced by his daughter Marine.

Advertisement

2. Who are its main players?

Le Pen, a former French paratrooper during the Algerian war, has been convicted of racism and anti-Semitism and once claimed the Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history. He ran for president four times and only once reached the second-round run-off, in 2002, where he was dealt a crushing defeat by Jacques Chirac. Marine Le Pen took over in 2011 and began trying to soften the partys image, changing its name and later ejecting her father from the movement. Shes run for president three times and made it to the run-off twice. Her niece Marion Marechal, often described as a rising star of the far-left, defected from her aunts camp in March and is now vice president of Reconquest, a newer group led by writer and media pundit Eric Zemmour who has been convicted of hate speech and stoked controversy for comments seen as denying the basic facts of the Holocaust.

3. What are their policies?

Advertisement

The National Rally wants to cut immigration and asylum, bar families of foreign nationals from joining them in France and expel undocumented migrants. Zemmour called for the deportation of a million illegal immigrants and foreigners who have committed crimes or are suspected of terrorist sympathies. He called for a ban on Muslim names, Islamic veils and mosque minarets, and said Muslims should give up their faith and beliefs, seeing them as incompatible with French republican values. The far-right wants to increase legal protection for police officers accused of violence, halt European Union integration and reimpose border controls. Le Pen said France should leave NATOs integrated command, a structure described as the military alliances backbone, and has cultivated ties with authoritarian leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin.

4. How close did she come to the presidency?

Le Pen sought to moderate her views for her third presidential run in April, dropping a plan to ban dual citizenship -- a calling card of the far right -- and scrapping an explicit pledge to pull France out of the EU. She courted younger voters with promises of tax breaks and tried to soften her image -- sharing personal stories about her life as a single mother with three children. She polled just behind incumbent President Emmanuel Macron for part of the 2022 campaign before losing to him in a second-round run-off, securing around 41% of votes, an improvement on her 34% score last time around in 2017.

Advertisement

5. Is the far-right influencing mainstream politics?

Rattled by the electoral success of Le Pen, Zemmour and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, Macron has redoubled a commitment to improve living standards and household purchasing power. Hes also sharply reduced the number of visas granted to Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian nationals. Ideas that emerged on the far-right have become dominant themes within the traditional center-right Republicans party. Even some leftist figures like Arnaud Montebourg have said things that were unthinkable in his sphere of politics a few years ago. Montebourg has proposed blocking cash transfers to countries that refuse to take back their undocumented nationals caught in France, an idea long advocated by the far right.

6. Who are the far-rights new voters?

Advertisement

A decline of Frances old establishment parties has left more wavering voters to be courted by the far-left and far-right. Le Pens promise to reverse a decline in living standards and boost wages found a receptive audience in deprived provincial areas during the presidential campaign. Zemmour used a slick social-media strategy to lure wealthier and younger people, promoting the so-called Great Replacement theory, which argues that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim immigrants who want to change the culture from within. The sense of an existential threat was sharpened by a succession of deadly attacks by Islamist militants over the past decade.

7. What are their slogans?

Marine Le Pen has softened her fathers rallying cries of France for the French and The French first to The France we love. Her supporters chant this is our home during rallies. Some of the far-rights tropes have seeped into mainstream politics. The concept of ensauvagement, the idea that the nation is turning savage, struck a nerve with voters alarmed by crime rates in areas with large immigrant populations. A line was crossed in 2020, when Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has responsibility for the police, said: Personally, I use the word ensauvagement and I repeat it.

Advertisement

 A London School of Economics blog on the risk of a 2027 presidential election dominated by the extremes.

 Bloomberg QuickTakes on the rise of Zemmour, street protests during Macrons tenure and the Yellow Vests phenomenon.

 Foreign Policy asks Is Marine Le Pen a Fascist?

 A post-election analysis in The Atlantic.

 A Bloomberg Opinion mid-election editorial on the risks of a Le Pen presidency, and columns on an uninspiring French election and the retreat of political moderation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

GiftOutline Gift Article
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Kochi, May 21 : Already out on bail for making a hate speech, former seven-time MLA and Kerala Janapaksham Chairman P.C. George, on Saturday suffered a jolt, when a lower court here dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in another similar case.

Earlier this month, on May 1 after he was arrested, he was granted conditional bail by a local court in the state capital city for a similar offence.

And out on bail, a few days later George known for his provocative speeches, especially when it comes to attacking his adversaries, landed in trouble when he made a similar hate speech at Kochi.

When Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said that George will be arrested as he has committed the same crime again, which is a violation of the bail conditions, George approached the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail, which was dismissed on Saturday.

Reacting to it, his son Shaun George said this is a vindictive approach of the Kerala government and now that the local court has denied bail, we are moving the High Court with an anticipatory bail application.

Of late, in his political speeches, George has been going hammer and tongs against the Muslim community which has landed him in trouble yet again.

On May 1, George was arrested over hate speech charges from his house and granted conditional bail later by Thiruvananthapuram Judicial first class magistrate court (II), Justice Asha Koshy.

He was then charged under IPC Sections 153A and 295A.

On May 1, after securing bail, George told media persons: "The Judiciary in India is for justice and the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, and his police had arrested me as a Ramzan gift to Islamic terror groups." George, who has been a legislator for seven terms, had lost the 2021 Assembly elections from his home constituency Poonjar and the one major reason why he lost is he antagonised the Muslim community in his constituency, who for long has been his mainstay.
Kochi, May 21 : Already out on bail for making a hate speech, former seven-time MLA and Kerala Janapaksham Chairman P.C. George, on Saturday suffered a jolt, when a lower court here dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in another similar case.

Earlier this month, on May 1 after he was arrested, he was granted conditional bail by a local court in the state capital city for a similar offence.

And out on bail, a few days later George known for his provocative speeches, especially when it comes to attacking his adversaries, landed in trouble when he made a similar hate speech at Kochi.

When Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said that George will be arrested as he has committed the same crime again, which is a violation of the bail conditions, George approached the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail, which was dismissed on Saturday.

Reacting to it, his son Shaun George said this is a vindictive approach of the Kerala government and now that the local court has denied bail, we are moving the High Court with an anticipatory bail application.

Of late, in his political speeches, George has been going hammer and tongs against the Muslim community which has landed him in trouble yet again.

On May 1, George was arrested over hate speech charges from his house and granted conditional bail later by Thiruvananthapuram Judicial first class magistrate court (II), Justice Asha Koshy.

He was then charged under IPC Sections 153A and 295A.

On May 1, after securing bail, George told media persons: "The Judiciary in India is for justice and the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, and his police had arrested me as a Ramzan gift to Islamic terror groups." George, who has been a legislator for seven terms, had lost the 2021 Assembly elections from his home constituency Poonjar and the one major reason why he lost is he antagonised the Muslim community in his constituency, who for long has been his mainstay.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Dr Ratan Lal, a Delhi University professor, was arrested on Friday for allegedly publishing a malicious post on Facebook meant to incite religious emotions, according to DCP North Sagar Singh Kalsi.

According to Delhi Police, a case was filed against Ratan Lal on May 17 night involving an intentional and malicious post on Facebook meant to incite religious emotions by insulting a religion or religious beliefs.

The case was filed at Cyber Police Station North District under sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and an investigation has begun.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Lucknow: A painful road accident has happened in Bahraich, UP. Three people have lost their lives in the accident. While 12 people have been badly injured. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. After a lot of effort, the bodies trapped in the car were pulled out. It has been learned from the information that a Tata Winger car and a tanker full of Nepalese passengers collided on the Lucknow-Bahraich highway on Saturday morning. In the accident, three passengers died on the spot, while 12 passengers were injured. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.

The CO inspected the spot and ordered the police station to inform the relatives. It is being said that about 16 people have left for Nepal in a Tata Winger car from Delhi. On Saturday morning, when the car reached near the Marimata temple of the Kotwali police station area in the countryside, it collided with a tanker coming from the front.

Reports say that the collision was so severe that the car blew up and three people lost their lives on the spot in the accident. On the information of the incident, CO City Vinay Dwivedi and Countryside Kotwal Satyendra Bahadur Singh reached the spot. Police sent the injured to the district hospital and the body has been sent for post-mortem. The CO has said that the relatives have been informed, further action is being taken.

Chennai lost, Rajasthan won and the loss was of 'Lucknow', understand the math of playoff

Chennaiyin FC extend their contract with Indian midfielder Anirudh

What are the prices of petrol and diesel in your city today? know here
The girlfriend of a man arrested in a shooting in Dallas Koreatown that wounded three women of Asian descent in a hair salon told police that he has delusions that Asian Americans are trying to harm him. That's according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Police say Jeremy Smith, who is Black, was arrested Tuesday in the shooting. He faces three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The FBI said Tuesday that it has opened a federal hate crime investigation into the shooting. Police say they are still investigating whether Smith was involved in two previous drive-by shootings at businesses run by Asian Americans. Police had said there could be a connection between those shootings and the one at the salon because the description of the suspect vehicle was similar.
Srinagar, May 21 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has paid glowing tributes to late Mirwaiz Moulvi Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone on their death anniversary describing them as the torchbearers of the State's struggle for political and social justice.

In a statement, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti lauded the role of Mirwaiz and Lone in the peaceful struggle for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

"Both these leaders have played a critical role in the struggle for mitigation of the political, economic and social problems of the people of Jammu & Kashmir," she said.

Paying rich tributes to the deceased leaders, Mehbooba said the political turmoil in the Union Territory has given us thousands of wounds that would take years to heal.

"The best tribute to these leaders would be the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. If alive, both Mirwaiz and Lone could have contributed further towards political and social upliftment of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 21 : A bishop's statement has been recorded in connection with the 2017 actress abduction case, in which actor Dileep is eighth accused, sources said on Saturday.

Neyattinkara bishop Vincent Samuel, who was ducking the media till now, is understood to have appeared before the Crime Branch earlier this week and recorded his statement at an undisclosed location in Kottayam.

The bishop's name first surfaced this January and it was said that he was instrumental in Dileep getting a bail, the actor's former friend and director Balachandrakumar revealed last December.

Apart from the role played by the bishop, Balachandrakumar also alleged that Dileep had conspired to do away with the police officials probing the case.

Distancing itself from the case, the Neyattinkara diocese stated that the bishop had no connections with neither the actor nor Balachandrakumar.

However, when the police team probing the new case registered based on Balachandrakumar's statement progressed, Dileep and his close associates sought anticipatory bail, which they got after prolonged hearings.

It was against this backdrop that the bishop was called to give his statement and according to sources, the bishop said he knew Balachandrakumar, but denied any role in Dileep getting the Dileep.

Now with contradicting statements by the bishop, the two cases that the actor is entangled in and the probe in both the cases reaching its last leg, all eyes are on the probe report, as the Crime Branch has already sought cancellation of his bail, which will come up before the court later this month.
Dr Ratan Lal, a Delhi University professor, was arrested on Friday for allegedly publishing a malicious post on Facebook meant to incite religious emotions, according to DCP North Sagar Singh Kalsi.

According to Delhi Police, a case was filed against Ratan Lal on May 17 night involving an intentional and malicious post on Facebook meant to incite religious emotions by insulting a religion or religious beliefs.

The case was filed at Cyber Police Station North District under sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and an investigation has begun.
New Delhi: Former Bihar chief minister Devi, wife of Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday thundered at party workers and ended up even slapping supporters when party workers were protesting against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers who raided the Yadavs' Patna home. The raids came after the CBI filed fresh corruption cases against Lalu Yadav and his family members, in addition to the infamous Fodder scam and conducted raids at various locations including Rabri Devis residence. RJD workers and supporters were sloganeering and protesting against the CBI officers, who were accompanied by Rabri Devi outside her home. RJD supporters kept shouting despite Rabri Devis orders. She then lost her cool and thrashed a few supporters as per the video, which is going viral on social media.

Lalu Yadav CBI Raid:        ... | Rabri Devi Angry#LaluPrasadYadav pic.twitter.com/ljDIlX8LEv  Zee Bihar Jharkhand (@ZeeBiharNews) May 20, 2022

The CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry into allegations which was converted into the FIR, they said. Following the FIR against Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, daughters Misa and Hema, besides several candidates, the CBI started a search operation on Friday morning at 16 locations in Delhi, Patna and Gopalganj.

#WATCH Police presence outside the Patna residence of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi as CBI conducts raids at multiple locations of RJD Chief Lalu Yadav in a fresh case relating to alleged 'land for railway job scam'#Bihar pic.twitter.com/mwIdvdT9N3  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2022

Meanwhile, The Rashtriya Janata Dal said on Friday the CBI's fresh corruption case against its chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members was "predictable" and alleged that the BJP uses probe agencies to scare its rivals whenever its hold on power is shaken and it believes that mobilisation against it is taking place.

"They (BJP) tries to scare others by targeting someone. Nobody will be scared. Neither will we, nor they and nor the people of Bihar," RJD spokesperson Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha said in his reaction after the CBI action.

He did not elaborate as to what he meant by others. The recent meetings between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav have triggered speculation about the realignment of political forces in Bihar, with the relations between Kumar's JD(U) and its ally BJP being seen as far from smooth.

Apart from Lalu, news reports say his daughter, Misa Bharti, was also named in the report. The scam involved taking land from unemployed youths on the pretext of providing them with government jobs.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Former Bihar chief minister Devi, wife of Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday thundered at party workers and ended up even slapping supporters when party workers were protesting against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers who raided the Yadavs' Patna home. The raids came after the CBI filed fresh corruption cases against Lalu Yadav and his family members, in addition to the infamous Fodder scam and conducted raids at various locations including Rabri Devis residence. RJD workers and supporters were sloganeering and protesting against the CBI officers, who were accompanied by Rabri Devi outside her home. RJD supporters kept shouting despite Rabri Devis orders. She then lost her cool and thrashed a few supporters as per the video, which is going viral on social media.

Lalu Yadav CBI Raid:        ... | Rabri Devi Angry#LaluPrasadYadav pic.twitter.com/ljDIlX8LEv  Zee Bihar Jharkhand (@ZeeBiharNews) May 20, 2022

The CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry into allegations which was converted into the FIR, they said. Following the FIR against Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, daughters Misa and Hema, besides several candidates, the CBI started a search operation on Friday morning at 16 locations in Delhi, Patna and Gopalganj.

#WATCH Police presence outside the Patna residence of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi as CBI conducts raids at multiple locations of RJD Chief Lalu Yadav in a fresh case relating to alleged 'land for railway job scam'#Bihar pic.twitter.com/mwIdvdT9N3  ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2022

Meanwhile, The Rashtriya Janata Dal said on Friday the CBI's fresh corruption case against its chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members was "predictable" and alleged that the BJP uses probe agencies to scare its rivals whenever its hold on power is shaken and it believes that mobilisation against it is taking place.

"They (BJP) tries to scare others by targeting someone. Nobody will be scared. Neither will we, nor they and nor the people of Bihar," RJD spokesperson Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha said in his reaction after the CBI action.

He did not elaborate as to what he meant by others. The recent meetings between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav have triggered speculation about the realignment of political forces in Bihar, with the relations between Kumar's JD(U) and its ally BJP being seen as far from smooth.

Apart from Lalu, news reports say his daughter, Misa Bharti, was also named in the report. The scam involved taking land from unemployed youths on the pretext of providing them with government jobs.

(With agency inputs)
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.

Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.



Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
A convicted felon shot and wounded a 21-year-old woman and her 8-month-old child in an altercation that began inside a crowded restaurant in south Fargo. The suspect later killed himself. Police say the shooting took place at Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant shortly after 1:45 p.m., Wednesday. The suspect, 24-year-old Malik Lamar Gill, of Moorhead, Minnesota, continued shooting at the woman when she ran outside while carrying the infant. The woman is listed in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. The infant suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and is listed in stable condition. Gill was later involved in a police pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed into some trees after driving over stop sticks. Police say he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (May 20, 2022) slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre and said that "India is not in a good place" and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "doesn't listen". Speaking at the "Ideas for India" conclave in London, Rahul Gandhi said that there is an attack on the Constitution of India and the result of this attack is that the states of India are no longer able to negotiate with the government.

He attacked the "deep state" that is causing damage and declared that Congress's ideology is geared up to fight it.

"Please realize, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs," Rahul Gandhi said.

"The Prime Minister must have an attitude that 'I want to listen' and from there everything flows down. But our Prime Minister doesn't listen," he said.

"We believe India is a negotiation between its people. The BJP and the RSS believe India is a `Sone Ki Chidiya` whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," Gandhi added.

The Prime Minister must have an attitude that 'I want to listen'. And from there everything flows down. But our Prime Minister doesn't LISTEN. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/8b8AJKM9LD  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography;

That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/Zl6BKPymSI  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the former Congress chief warned of "kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark".

Rahul Gandhi also lauded the efforts of his party and said, "The Congress is fighting polarisation. We are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress and other Opposition parties in India are doing that."

The Congress is fighting polarisation; we are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress is doing that, the Opposition is doing that. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/Ffk4QRfSMK  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

Highlighting that democracy in India is a global public good, he said that it is a central anchor for the planet.

"Democracy in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

Democracy in India is a global public good. We're the only people who have managed democracy at our unparalleled scale. Had an enriching exchange on a wide range of topics at the #IdeasForIndia conference in London. pic.twitter.com/QyiIcdFfjN  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 20, 2022

Democracy in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet. : Shri @RahulGandhi #IdeasForIndia pic.twitter.com/XIROyQBIhn  Congress (@INCIndia) May 21, 2022

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled "India at 75".

(With agency inputs)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party government for carrying out a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. Addressing the 'Ideas for India' conclave in London, Rahul Gandhi said, "What is happening today is that there is a systematic attack on the institutions that allow conversations to take place. There is an attack on the Constitution of India. The result of this attack is that the states of India are longer able to negotiate with the government." Highlighting that democracy in India is a global public good, he said, "It is a central anchor for the planet. Because, we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that nobody has. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet." "We believe India is a negotiation between its people. The BJP and the RSS believe India is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," he said. When asked if India should return to multi-alignment as far as Indian diplomacy is concerned, the Congress leader said, "Pragmatically navigate the waters you are in. Look at the situation, take into account your country and requirements, the idea of prosperity and conversations. Use those fundamentals to navigate." "From the struggle that we are witnessing, we will get an India that is much better than the one we have right now and one we had even before. I think something beautiful is coming. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country," the Congress leader said. Lauding the efforts of the Congress party in India, Gandhi said, "The Congress is fighting polarisation. We are holding a position that brings people together. The Congress and other Opposition parties in India are doing that." This is the first such overseas event for the Congress leader after the return of normalcy in international travel which had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gandhi's visit abroad has taken place at a time when the Congress is battling dissensions. A senior leader in both Gujarat and Punjab has left the party. (ANI)
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.
A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Rice, milk powder, medications, and other medical supplies make up the shipment. M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the shipment from Chennai on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Office tweeted, The Honble Chief Minister @mkstalin flagged off 9000 metric tones of rice, 200 metric tonnes of spirit powder, and 24 metric tones of critical pharmaceuticals in a cargo ship to Sri Lanka to support the people of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the Indian High Commission tweeted, People of #India supporting their brothers and sisters in #SriLanka. On Sunday, rice, milk powder, and medicines costing more than SLR 2 billion are expected to arrive in #Colombo. The shipment was flagged off from #Chennai on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin.

Since the beginning of the year, India has offered to deliver nearly USD 3 billion in loans, credit swaps, and credit lines to the debt-ridden island nation. India has also shown an interest in cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government.

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a large number of people in Sri Lanka, leading in massive protests against the governments handling of the problem.

Sri Lankas relationship with India is growing stronger and more mutually beneficial. Apart from aid during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, when India delivered nano fertilizer to save Sri Lankan farmers, New Delhi has pledged nearly USD 3 billion in cash-strapped Colombo through currency swaps, credit lines for essential goods, and loan repayments since January 2022 to assist Sri Lanka in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in history.
The ongoing discussion between International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lanka, to help mitigate the economic situation will conclude on May 24, local media reported on Saturday. Speaking at a virtual IMF briefing on Thursday, IMF Spokesman Gerry Rice said the technical discussions between Sri Lanka and the IMF on a potential loan programme will come to a close on May 24. He said that the agency is closely monitoring the events that are unfolding in the crisis-hit island nation. The IMF spokesperson stressed that the IMF remains committed to helping Sri Lanka and that it would help resolve the current economic crisis. "We are concerned...especially, the hardships being endured by the people of Sri Lanka and especially many of those people poor and vulnerable. So, we are clearly monitoring the political and economic developments very closely," Rice was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror newspaper. He further said an IMF team has been engaged in technical discussions on the authorities' request for an IMF-supported programme. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, resulting in massive protests which culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka is one of the few nations which is expected to go without food due to the global food shortage expected this year. "Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has named a few nations including Sri Lanka and Afghanistan which are expected to go without food," the newly appointed PM told the Sri Lankan Parliament. "Sri Lanka will have to prepare for the food shortage and cultivate food crops in abandoned land, even in Colombo City. There are many lands belonging to the Railways Department which are neglected and can be used to grow food. I will talk to the World Bank to get some assistance," he added. (ANI)
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Rice, milk powder, medications, and other medical supplies make up the shipment. M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the shipment from Chennai on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Office tweeted, The Honble Chief Minister @mkstalin flagged off 9000 metric tones of rice, 200 metric tonnes of spirit powder, and 24 metric tones of critical pharmaceuticals in a cargo ship to Sri Lanka to support the people of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the Indian High Commission tweeted, People of #India supporting their brothers and sisters in #SriLanka. On Sunday, rice, milk powder, and medicines costing more than SLR 2 billion are expected to arrive in #Colombo. The shipment was flagged off from #Chennai on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin.

Since the beginning of the year, India has offered to deliver nearly USD 3 billion in loans, credit swaps, and credit lines to the debt-ridden island nation. India has also shown an interest in cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government.

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a large number of people in Sri Lanka, leading in massive protests against the governments handling of the problem.

Sri Lankas relationship with India is growing stronger and more mutually beneficial. Apart from aid during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, when India delivered nano fertilizer to save Sri Lankan farmers, New Delhi has pledged nearly USD 3 billion in cash-strapped Colombo through currency swaps, credit lines for essential goods, and loan repayments since January 2022 to assist Sri Lanka in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in history.
A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Rice, milk powder, medications, and other medical supplies make up the shipment. M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the shipment from Chennai on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Office tweeted, The Honble Chief Minister @mkstalin flagged off 9000 metric tones of rice, 200 metric tonnes of spirit powder, and 24 metric tones of critical pharmaceuticals in a cargo ship to Sri Lanka to support the people of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the Indian High Commission tweeted, People of #India supporting their brothers and sisters in #SriLanka. On Sunday, rice, milk powder, and medicines costing more than SLR 2 billion are expected to arrive in #Colombo. The shipment was flagged off from #Chennai on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin.

Since the beginning of the year, India has offered to deliver nearly USD 3 billion in loans, credit swaps, and credit lines to the debt-ridden island nation. India has also shown an interest in cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government.

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a large number of people in Sri Lanka, leading in massive protests against the governments handling of the problem.

Sri Lankas relationship with India is growing stronger and more mutually beneficial. Apart from aid during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, when India delivered nano fertilizer to save Sri Lankan farmers, New Delhi has pledged nearly USD 3 billion in cash-strapped Colombo through currency swaps, credit lines for essential goods, and loan repayments since January 2022 to assist Sri Lanka in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in history.
A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka

A delivery of rice, milk powder, and medicines worth more than LKR 2 billion is due to arrive in Colombo on Sunday as part of Indias humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Rice, milk powder, medications, and other medical supplies make up the shipment. M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the shipment from Chennai on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Office tweeted, The Honble Chief Minister @mkstalin flagged off 9000 metric tones of rice, 200 metric tonnes of spirit powder, and 24 metric tones of critical pharmaceuticals in a cargo ship to Sri Lanka to support the people of Sri Lanka.

In addition, the Indian High Commission tweeted, People of #India supporting their brothers and sisters in #SriLanka. On Sunday, rice, milk powder, and medicines costing more than SLR 2 billion are expected to arrive in #Colombo. The shipment was flagged off from #Chennai on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin.

Since the beginning of the year, India has offered to deliver nearly USD 3 billion in loans, credit swaps, and credit lines to the debt-ridden island nation. India has also shown an interest in cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government.

Food and fuel shortages, skyrocketing prices, and power outages are hurting a large number of people in Sri Lanka, leading in massive protests against the governments handling of the problem.

Sri Lankas relationship with India is growing stronger and more mutually beneficial. Apart from aid during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, when India delivered nano fertilizer to save Sri Lankan farmers, New Delhi has pledged nearly USD 3 billion in cash-strapped Colombo through currency swaps, credit lines for essential goods, and loan repayments since January 2022 to assist Sri Lanka in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in history.
New Delhi, May 21 : In 1984, a time when the publishing landscape was becoming increasingly corporate, Nigel Newton decided to start a new independent literary publishing company. The following year, over early mornings and late nights, he and publisher David Reynolds came up with their plan. In 1986 Bloomsbury Publishing began its life in a small office above a Chinese restaurant in Putney.

For all its early ambition, no-one could have envisaged the 35 years that would follow. As the offices shifted, first to Soho Square and then to Bedford Square, with branches opening in New York, Sydney, Oxford and New Delhi, its list took shape. There were to be books from all over the world, some becoming Nobel, Booker and Women's Prize winners, some to be million copy bestsellers, and some to become modern classics.

In "Bloomsbury 35" its editors-in-chief Liz Calder and Alexandra Pringle have made selections from novels they have published on Bloomsbury's adult list, from each year of Bloomsbury's life, forming an anthology that represents the creative heart of Bloomsbury. This anthology does not draw works from Bloomsbury's equally sparkling children's, academic or special interest lists.

Featuring work from Margaret Atwood, Susanna Clarke, Jeffrey Eugenides, Richard Ford, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Khaled Hosseini, Jhumpa Lahiri, Colum McCann, Madeline Miller, Michael Ondaatje, Caryl Phillips, George Saunders, Will Self, Kamila Shamsie, Ahdaf Soueif, Jeanette Winterson, and many more, it is a celebration of Bloomsbury's first 35 years.

Liz Calder began her publishing life in 1970 at Victor Gollancz. She moved to Jonathan Cape as Editorial Director in 1978. In 1986 she joined Nigel Newton, David Reynolds and Alan Wherry to set up Bloomsbury Publishing. On retiring in 2009, she became one of the founding directors of Full Circle Editions. She was awarded a CBE for services to literature in 2018.

Alexandra Pringle began her career in publishing on the art magazine Art Monthly, joining Virago Press in 1978 where she edited the Virago Modern Classics series and became Editorial Director. In 1990 she moved to Hamish Hamilton as Editorial Director. Following a stint as a literary agent, she joined Bloomsbury in 1999, where for twenty years she was editor-in-chief.

Nigel Newton was a graduate trainee at Macmillan. At the age of 29 whilst working at Sidgwick & Jackson, he decided to start a new publishing company and founded Bloomsbury Publishing of which he is Chief Executive. He is also President of the Publishers Association and of Book Aid International. In 2021, he was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List for services to the publishing industry.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
Seoul, May 21 : North Korea on Saturday announced it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of fever and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a Covid-19 outbreak.

Leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He stressed the need to "optimise" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time, Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying.

More than 219,030 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters.

It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.

The total number of fever cases since late April in the nation, with a population of approximately 25 million, came to more than 2.46 million as of 6 p.m. Friday, of which more than 1.76 million have recovered and roughly 692,480 are being treated, it added.

During the "consultative" session of the politburo at the party's Central Committee building in Pyongyang on Saturday, meanwhile, Kim and other attendees talked about "effectively engineering and executing" antivirus measures, an indication of Pyongyang's possible move to ease some of the stringent nationwide virus curbs, the KCNA said.

Among other issues raised were "setting up district treatment centres for operating and commanding medical service" and deploying medical forces nationwide "in a balanced way", as well as establishing local medicine supply centres and bases for efficient and speedy distribution, it added.

On May 12, the North announced its first confirmed Covid case of the Omicron variant.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.



President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:



Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Turkeys leading low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines has appointed Onur Dedekoylu as its new chief commercial officer (CCO), promoting him from the post of Senior Vice President Marketing which he had been handling since 2010.

In that role, he had made significant contributions to the companys ancillary product management, digital transformation and was also instrumental in building the Pegasus brand.

In this new role, he will manage the commercial division, comprising the sales, network planning, marketing, revenue management and pricing, guest experience and cargo departments.

Dedekoylu is a graduate of Industrial Engineering from Bogazici University and holds an MBA degree in marketing and finance from Georgia State University in Atlanta. He began his career at Gillette working in the fields of sales and marketing.

After his tenure at the global headquarters of Kimberly Clarks health products division in Atlanta, US, he continued his career in the UK.

He worked in the fields of market research, product development and brand management at Hasbros European headquarters in the UK. He continued his career at the Coca-Cola Company, managing the Coca-Cola brand in Turkey.

In 2010, Onur Dedekoylu joined Pegasus Airlines as Senior Vice President. In this role, he was responsible for brand management, ancillary product development and management, digital channels management, data analytics and loyalty management functions.-TradeArabia News Service

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for a two-day visit starting from today.

Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects, and interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITB) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard the countrys border and maintain internal security during his two-day visit to the northeastern state from May 21 to 22.

On his first day (today) in the state, Shah would attend the Swarn Jayanti Samaroh in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Home Minister would travel to Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district.

However, on the second day, Shah will meet with social organizations in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, and then pray at the Golden Pagoda Temple nearby.

Meanhile, in his Sundays schedule, Home Minister is expected to attend a public meeting and inauguration in the Namsai district, where he will lay the foundation stones for several development projects.

Later that day, Shah will also meet with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organization, and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) officials at Namsai to discuss security and development.

Hell participate in Bada Khaana, a communal dinner shared by all ranks of Army soldiers and CAPF members.
Fourth-grader Saruna Koiralas school is a five-minute walk from her home. Expectedly, children of her age can easily walk to their school; but due to her heavy bag, she always needs help from her mother.

She says her back hurts because of the heavy bag, which is why I carry it to and from school, says her mother.

And, why would not it be heavy? Koirala has a dozen books, a dozen notebooks, a water bottle and a tiffin box. I think this is too much, says Koiralas mother.

Sujal Shrestha, a third-grader also faces a similar problem. After he was promoted to the grade, the school asked him to purchase 11 books. Even though his parents thought that taking 11 books to school every day is unnecessary, they had no choice but to obey the school.

Its hard for him to carry his bag, but theres no choice, says Shresthas mother.

She says that she wants to go to the school and tell them it is necessary for school children but knows her speaking alone will make no difference.

This is the case with most schools around the country. Every new session means the weight of school childrens bags increases to the extent they need the help of their parents to carry them. These kids complain about pain in the shoulders, back and neck, which in the long term will have a negative impact on their health.

Long-term impact

According to acupuncture specialist Sudarshan Basnet, parents often come to him with problems like back, shoulder and neck pain in children as young as 10. Basnet says he has treated many children aged over 10 for spinal cord injuries.

These days schoolchildren complain about pain in their backbone and one of the reasons for it is a load of their backpack while going to school, says Basnet.

File: Children, masked, attend a class at their school amid the coronavirus infection risk, in Kathmandu.

In addition to the heavy burden of books, the current use of mobiles and computers by children has also caused problems in their muscles and spinal cord, he adds.

A child who walks with a heavy load may have a problem with crouching. Schools these days demand a student to carry many books which lead to an increase in their mental stress. Along with that, its load can affect their walking position leading to knee and back pain, he adds.

Similarly, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ashok Ratna Bajracharya says the increasing use of mobile phones and laptops is also another reason why children are facing back pain.

Usually children have less complication in comparison to adults and elderly. However, children who sit in the wrong position while using mobile or studying face problems in their back, neck and shoulder. Then, carrying heavy loads of books has also added such problems in children these days, adds Bajracharya.

Moreover, if a child carries his/her backpack from only one side, there are chances that their back might bend he says.

The schools say

But, the schools say that they are not making students carry more books than they should. The founder of Xavier International School, Lok Bahadur Bhandari, says the schools only ask students to buy books that are best for them.

He says that even though the government has set up Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra to publish the textbooks, the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) has allowed various publications to publish the same curriculum and that means there different versions of the same book.

At Xavier, we choose the books that have the best content and benefit our students the most, says Bhandari.

Bhandari says his school is aware that heavy loads affect the students back, which is why it has a provision to keep books in the school itself.

We ask students to take books that they need for homework. Rest, they can leave in in the school, says Bhandari, adding they focus more on extracurricular activities to develop the students.

Experts advice

Educationist Bidya Nath Koirala says schools should focus more on making a practical curriculum than a theoretical one.

No textbook in the world is practical. Its great that the government has allowed multiple publications to publish textbooks, but schools need to adapt and make a practical curriculum, says Koirala.

He says schools are still pushing for books because they get a certain percentage of commission from the publication. And, this is wrong as it is the student and the parents paying the price for it.

Nevertheless, he suggests focusing on integrated education rather than having thematic course books.

The schools must pay attention to whether the subject is actually necessary or just giving burden to students. Children no longer need to be taught subjectwise courses because todays children can search the internet. If schools and teachers understand this process, children will not have to carry so many books, says Koirala.

This story was translated from the original Nepali version and edited for clarity and length.
Lucknow: A painful road accident has happened in Bahraich, UP. Three people have lost their lives in the accident. While 12 people have been badly injured. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. After a lot of effort, the bodies trapped in the car were pulled out. It has been learned from the information that a Tata Winger car and a tanker full of Nepalese passengers collided on the Lucknow-Bahraich highway on Saturday morning. In the accident, three passengers died on the spot, while 12 passengers were injured. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.

The CO inspected the spot and ordered the police station to inform the relatives. It is being said that about 16 people have left for Nepal in a Tata Winger car from Delhi. On Saturday morning, when the car reached near the Marimata temple of the Kotwali police station area in the countryside, it collided with a tanker coming from the front.

Reports say that the collision was so severe that the car blew up and three people lost their lives on the spot in the accident. On the information of the incident, CO City Vinay Dwivedi and Countryside Kotwal Satyendra Bahadur Singh reached the spot. Police sent the injured to the district hospital and the body has been sent for post-mortem. The CO has said that the relatives have been informed, further action is being taken.

Chennai lost, Rajasthan won and the loss was of 'Lucknow', understand the math of playoff

Chennaiyin FC extend their contract with Indian midfielder Anirudh

What are the prices of petrol and diesel in your city today? know here
Fourth-grader Saruna Koiralas school is a five-minute walk from her home. Expectedly, children of her age can easily walk to their school; but due to her heavy bag, she always needs help from her mother.

She says her back hurts because of the heavy bag, which is why I carry it to and from school, says her mother.

And, why would not it be heavy? Koirala has a dozen books, a dozen notebooks, a water bottle and a tiffin box. I think this is too much, says Koiralas mother.

Sujal Shrestha, a third-grader also faces a similar problem. After he was promoted to the grade, the school asked him to purchase 11 books. Even though his parents thought that taking 11 books to school every day is unnecessary, they had no choice but to obey the school.

Its hard for him to carry his bag, but theres no choice, says Shresthas mother.

She says that she wants to go to the school and tell them it is necessary for school children but knows her speaking alone will make no difference.

This is the case with most schools around the country. Every new session means the weight of school childrens bags increases to the extent they need the help of their parents to carry them. These kids complain about pain in the shoulders, back and neck, which in the long term will have a negative impact on their health.

Long-term impact

According to acupuncture specialist Sudarshan Basnet, parents often come to him with problems like back, shoulder and neck pain in children as young as 10. Basnet says he has treated many children aged over 10 for spinal cord injuries.

These days schoolchildren complain about pain in their backbone and one of the reasons for it is a load of their backpack while going to school, says Basnet.

File: Children, masked, attend a class at their school amid the coronavirus infection risk, in Kathmandu.

In addition to the heavy burden of books, the current use of mobiles and computers by children has also caused problems in their muscles and spinal cord, he adds.

A child who walks with a heavy load may have a problem with crouching. Schools these days demand a student to carry many books which lead to an increase in their mental stress. Along with that, its load can affect their walking position leading to knee and back pain, he adds.

Similarly, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ashok Ratna Bajracharya says the increasing use of mobile phones and laptops is also another reason why children are facing back pain.

Usually children have less complication in comparison to adults and elderly. However, children who sit in the wrong position while using mobile or studying face problems in their back, neck and shoulder. Then, carrying heavy loads of books has also added such problems in children these days, adds Bajracharya.

Moreover, if a child carries his/her backpack from only one side, there are chances that their back might bend he says.

The schools say

But, the schools say that they are not making students carry more books than they should. The founder of Xavier International School, Lok Bahadur Bhandari, says the schools only ask students to buy books that are best for them.

He says that even though the government has set up Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra to publish the textbooks, the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) has allowed various publications to publish the same curriculum and that means there different versions of the same book.

At Xavier, we choose the books that have the best content and benefit our students the most, says Bhandari.

Bhandari says his school is aware that heavy loads affect the students back, which is why it has a provision to keep books in the school itself.

We ask students to take books that they need for homework. Rest, they can leave in in the school, says Bhandari, adding they focus more on extracurricular activities to develop the students.

Experts advice

Educationist Bidya Nath Koirala says schools should focus more on making a practical curriculum than a theoretical one.

No textbook in the world is practical. Its great that the government has allowed multiple publications to publish textbooks, but schools need to adapt and make a practical curriculum, says Koirala.

He says schools are still pushing for books because they get a certain percentage of commission from the publication. And, this is wrong as it is the student and the parents paying the price for it.

Nevertheless, he suggests focusing on integrated education rather than having thematic course books.

The schools must pay attention to whether the subject is actually necessary or just giving burden to students. Children no longer need to be taught subjectwise courses because todays children can search the internet. If schools and teachers understand this process, children will not have to carry so many books, says Koirala.

This story was translated from the original Nepali version and edited for clarity and length.

Lucknow: A painful road accident has happened in Bahraich, UP. Three people have lost their lives in the accident. While 12 people have been badly injured. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. After a lot of effort, the bodies trapped in the car were pulled out. It has been learned from the information that a Tata Winger car and a tanker full of Nepalese passengers collided on the Lucknow-Bahraich highway on Saturday morning. In the accident, three passengers died on the spot, while 12 passengers were injured. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.

The CO inspected the spot and ordered the police station to inform the relatives. It is being said that about 16 people have left for Nepal in a Tata Winger car from Delhi. On Saturday morning, when the car reached near the Marimata temple of the Kotwali police station area in the countryside, it collided with a tanker coming from the front.

Reports say that the collision was so severe that the car blew up and three people lost their lives on the spot in the accident. On the information of the incident, CO City Vinay Dwivedi and Countryside Kotwal Satyendra Bahadur Singh reached the spot. Police sent the injured to the district hospital and the body has been sent for post-mortem. The CO has said that the relatives have been informed, further action is being taken.

Chennai lost, Rajasthan won and the loss was of 'Lucknow', understand the math of playoff

Chennaiyin FC extend their contract with Indian midfielder Anirudh

What are the prices of petrol and diesel in your city today? know here
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ramallah, May 21 : Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, Xinhua news agency quoted the Palestine Red Crescent Society as saying.

Fierce clashes broke out near some villages in the West Bank and dozens of anti-settlement demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers.

Dozens of Palestinian protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in an area near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

Fouad Al-Amour, a Palestinian activist, told Xinhua that the clashes took place as local residents, and foreign and Palestinian activists protested an Israeli court ruling to displace eight communities from the area.

The Palestinians have been organising weekly demonstrations in the villages, towns and cities of the West Bank on Friday to denounce the Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has released a former Speaker of of House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption allegations.

In an early Saturday statement, the commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former speaker was released on Friday after she met her bail conditions.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited, has been released by the Commission.

She was released on Friday, May 20, 2022 upon fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her matter. She is to report periodically to assist further investigations, the statement read.

Alleged N130million fraud

Mrs Etteh, who was Speaker between June 6, 2007, and October 30, 2007, was arrested in Abuja on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Duty Unit of the anti-graft agency, those familiar with the matter said.

The former lawmaker is currently being interrogated for allegedly receiving a suspicious N130 million payment from a contractor the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a solar-powered electrification project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-South.

The said contract was awarded to a certain Phin Jin Project Limited in 2011 for N240 million. It remains unclear if the company is registered with Nigerias Corporate Affairs Commission. A search of its name on the CAC online directory did not throw up any option.

Investigators said weeks after the contractor was paid the mobilisation fee for the project, N130 million was transferred to Mrs Etteh who is neither a director nor a shareholder of the company on record.

The payment of that huge amount to her is suspicious, one source said. She is claiming the contractor repaid a debt due to her but that is doubtful. So her claims are being scrutinised.

They even overpaid for the contract. Instead of N240 million, they paid N287 million. These are knotty issues she and the contractor need to explain and that is why she is being interrogated by operatives, a source had told this newspaper.

The EFCC is also suspicious that the contractor did not execute the contract after payment was received.

It is uncertain that the contract was delivered, one source said. Its exact status has not been determined but we feel that there is no magic that would have made the contract to be delivered or executed to specification after Etteh was given that huge amount from the contract sum.

Ettehs time as speaker

Mrs Etteh was removed from her leadership position of the House of Representatives amidst a scandal in October 2007 although she was later absolved of allegations of fraud levelled against her by colleagues.

Barely four months after she was elected Speaker of the House, her colleagues turned on her and demanded that she step down from her exalted position following accusations of corruption.

The lawmakers had accused her of awarding a N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy as well as the purchase of 12 official vehicles.

The legislators insisted that the award of the contract did not follow due process.

In a motion by the then Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, the House of Representatives later exonerated the former Speaker of alleged wrongdoing in the N628 million House renovation saga which resulted in her resignation.

Mrs Etteh, Nigerias first female Speaker, later enrolled at the University of Buckingham, U.K. and emerged with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2015.

The same year, Mrs. Etteh dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
The wounded coal miner peered through his shrapnel-splayed windshield and tried to ignore the flopping noises coming from his blown tyres as he drove along Ukraine's last link with the besieged east

Bakhmutske, Ukraine, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :The wounded coal miner peered through his shrapnel-splayed windshield and tried to ignore the flopping noises coming from his blown tyres as he drove along Ukraine's last link with the besieged east.

The cars around him had just screeched to a halt because of a sudden burst of fire from somewhere in the overhanging forest.

But Sergiy Tokarev seemed impervious to the danger after being shelled on his way back to the frontline village of Zolote to rescue his stranded neighbours.

The 60-year-old ended up turning his van around and spending the night on an open road that has turned into the latest target of Russian forces advancing from the east.

White smoke from burning fields shrouded the debris of charred buildings smouldering behind him.

Tokarev glanced out his window and grumbled about the headache he will have finding new tyres nearly three months into Russia's invasion of its pro-Western neighbour.

"There are grandmothers and grandfathers stranded back there," he said, edging his van down the road at a crawl.

His dented and screeching wheel rims looked long past the point at which they should have fallen off.

His right thigh was bandaged after being grazed by shrapnel that came flying at him on the outskirts of his hometown.

"If I am fated to die here, I will die here," the coal miner shrugged.

"But if not, I will keep pulling people out."
The wounded coal miner peered through his shrapnel-splayed windshield and tried to ignore the flopping noises coming from his blown tyres as he drove along Ukraine's last link with the besieged east

Bakhmutske, Ukraine, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :The wounded coal miner peered through his shrapnel-splayed windshield and tried to ignore the flopping noises coming from his blown tyres as he drove along Ukraine's last link with the besieged east.

The cars around him had just screeched to a halt because of a sudden burst of fire from somewhere in the overhanging forest.

But Sergiy Tokarev seemed impervious to the danger after being shelled on his way back to the frontline village of Zolote to rescue his stranded neighbours.

The 60-year-old ended up turning his van around and spending the night on an open road that has turned into the latest target of Russian forces advancing from the east.

White smoke from burning fields shrouded the debris of charred buildings smouldering behind him.

Tokarev glanced out his window and grumbled about the headache he will have finding new tyres nearly three months into Russia's invasion of its pro-Western neighbour.

"There are grandmothers and grandfathers stranded back there," he said, edging his van down the road at a crawl.

His dented and screeching wheel rims looked long past the point at which they should have fallen off.

His right thigh was bandaged after being grazed by shrapnel that came flying at him on the outskirts of his hometown.

"If I am fated to die here, I will die here," the coal miner shrugged.

"But if not, I will keep pulling people out."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
About 300,000 square meters of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said at the first meeting of the International Coordination Center for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Akopyan said.

In particular, Kyiv is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she added.

Meanwhile, the deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said that Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts. (ANI/Xinhua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
About 300,000 square meters of Ukrainian territory are littered with remnants of war, Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Mary Akopyan said at the first meeting of the International Coordination Center for Humanitarian Demining of Ukraine.

Ukraine is working with the international community to make the process of clearing its territory from landmines more efficient, Akopyan said.

In particular, Kyiv is in talks with its foreign partners on deploying a mine-clearing mission in Ukraine, she added.

Meanwhile, the deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office Ihor Zhovkva, who also participated in the meeting, said that Ukraine expects France, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and other countries would support Ukraine's mine-clearing efforts. (ANI/Xinhua)
Kiev, May 21 : Ukraine has received the second tranche of 600 million euros ($634 million) of the European Union's (EU's) emergency macro-financial assistance program, the Finance Ministry in Kiev announced.

"The funds will be used to maintain financial stability in Ukraine during the war," the Ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the aid and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the aid, reports Xinhua news agency.

The EU decided to allocate 1.2 billion euros in emergency assistance for Ukraine in February.

Ukraine has received 600 million euros from the aid package in March.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Kiev, May 21 : Ukraine has received the second tranche of 600 million euros ($634 million) of the European Union's (EU's) emergency macro-financial assistance program, the Finance Ministry in Kiev announced.

"The funds will be used to maintain financial stability in Ukraine during the war," the Ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the aid and thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the aid, reports Xinhua news agency.

The EU decided to allocate 1.2 billion euros in emergency assistance for Ukraine in February.

Ukraine has received 600 million euros from the aid package in March.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he has "high expectations" for a second round of meetings scheduled for next week of the partner countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy told reporters on May 21 that he expects positive responses to his requests for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and U.S. jets at the meetings, scheduled to take place on May 23 online in a follow-up to a meeting of about 40 ministers from countries backing Ukraine militarily held last month at the U.S. air base at Ramstein, Germany.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"To be honest, we have high expectations. I would call it a long-awaited process. We are grateful for the great military support provided by various states. We expect a positive [response] on the supply of MLRS," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying in response to questions from reporters following talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Kyiv.

"I have no secrets, we appeal to all countries -- from the United States to every European country on MLRS,"

He said the MLRS "just stand still" in other countries but would be "key" to Ukraine's ability to take the initiative and liberate its territory.

Zelenskiy also addressed reservations expressed by some countries that Kyiv will use rocket systems to attack Russia, saying those who have such concerns should consider that the war continues on Ukrainian territory, including the Donbas area.

"These are our territories, and we are going step by step to liberate them. We cannot pay the price of tens, hundreds of thousands of people. So please help us," he said.

Costa became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. In addition to meeting Zelenskiy, the Portuguese leader met Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and signed an agreement for unspecified financial support.

Kyiv also got another huge boost of aid from the United States when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to the country.

"Look forward to new, powerful defense assistance. Today it is needed more than ever," Zelenskiy said on Twitter.

Zelenskiy said earlier on Ukrainian television that his country could be victorious on the battlefield -- but that things could only come to a conclusive halt "at the negotiating table."

He warned that there will be more fighting but the conflict "will only definitively end through diplomacy.

The developments in Kyiv came as Russia moved nearer to taking control over Ukraine's Donbas region, claiming victory in the monthslong battle for Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant while launching a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks surrendered on May 20, Russia's Defense Ministry said.

It came after a devastating siege that has left Mariupol in complete ruins, with some 20,000 feared dead.

"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

It said 531 people were in the group that gave up most recently and that brought to 2,439 the total number of defenders who had surrendered in the past few days.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, but Zelenskiy said earlier than the Azovstal defenders got a clear signal from military command that they could get out and save their lives.

Zelensky said in the television interview that the Ukrainian Army had inflicted serious damage on Russia's armed forces despite the fall of Mariupol, which Russia sought to capture to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014.

Concern mounted for the fate of the Ukrainian defenders who held out at the steelworks for weeks and now are prisoners in Russian hands.

Denis Pushilin, the head of a Moscow-backed separatist group in the Donetsk region, said on May 21 that the Ukrainians were sure to face a tribunal.

"I believe that justice must be restored. There is a request for this from ordinary people, society, and, probably, the sane part of the world community," Russian state news agency TASS quoted Pushilin as saying.

He said on Russian state TV that some foreign nationals are among those who surrendered but did not provide further details.



Family members of the fighters who held out in the steelworks have pleaded for them to be given rights as prisoners of war (POWs) and eventually returned to Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross said on May 20 it was registering them as POWs.



Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said again on May 21 that authorities will fight for the return of every soldier captured from the Azovstal steelworks.

Meanwhile, Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the Luhansk region.

"The Russian Army has started very intensive destruction of the town of Severodonetsk, the intensity of shelling doubled, they are shelling residential quarters, destroying house by house," Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday said on his Telegram channel.

In early hours of May 21, air-raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv region and the southern port of Odesa.

Ukraine's military General Staff said it had pushed back an offensive on Severodonetsk, part of what it described as major Russian operations along a stretch of the front line.

Russia had sought control of Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov, to complete a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and to free up troops to join the battle for control of the Donbas region.

Zelenskiy said Russia should be made to pay for every home, school, hospital and business it destroys. He called on Ukraine's partners to seize Russian funds and property under their jurisdiction and use them to create a fund to compensate those who suffered.

Russia "would feel the true weight of every missile, every bomb, every shell that it has fired at us," he said in his nightly video address.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP






Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe









How long will it take for New Yorks leaders to catch up with evolving COVID reality?

The state is spending taxpayer cash to distribute 16.5 million tests, which at this point are utterly pointless as any sort of population-wide effort to limit the spread.

Testing makes sense in limited circumstances, e.g. as a condition of visiting a nursing home full of higher-risk seniors. But more generally, by the time someone tests positive, theyve most likely interacted with others; slightly broader testing (which is all a few million extra tests allows) wont limit the spread.

Yes, statewide hospitalizations with COVID are up from their March 31 low of 817 to 2,497 on Sunday, but roughly half (or a bit more) of those are people hospitalized for something else who simply test positive. And deaths with COVID hit 30 that day, in a state of over 19 million.

If you have symptoms, stay home; the rest of the household should get tested; thats about it. The crisis is over.

Thats clearly true even in the city, though health czar Dr. Ashwin Vasan put Gotham on high COVID alert Tuesday, urging everyone (especially the most vulnerable) to mask up indoors, etc.

Huh? Per his own Health Departments COVID-tracking site, New York City saw 3,674 confirmed and probable cases on Saturday, down from a clear peak of 4,240 four days before.

The seven-day average of new COVID hospitalizations was 61, up from Fridays 58 but down from a peak of 94 on May 5 (and, again, half of those are just people testing positive after hitting the hospital for another reason).

Mayor Eric Adams is dutifully masking up himself, but at least is sensible enough to hold off on mandating anything. We hope thats a sign that hes getting closer to being done with Vasans alarmism: These ridiculous, baseless alerts do nothing but spread needless fear.

 New York Post

Saturdays mass shooting in Buffalo is the closest such horrific acts have come to Chautauqua County.

Today, we stand with our neighbors in Buffalo in our grief for the 10 people whose lives ended during a routine trip to the grocery store or a routine day at work. Many in our county feel agony, anger and bewilderment, wondering how a person so young can be so consumed with hate and fear to lash out in such ways.

Some will focus on the weapon of choice  a legally purchased AR-15 rifle with a high-capacity magazine reportedly purchased out-of-state even though the shooter was subjected to a psychological exam roughly a year ago. Despite already strict gun laws, weapons continue to find their ways into the hands of those with hate in their heart. And while we will certainly discuss how appropriate or necessary it is to buy and sell such weapons, it is the hate that should draw our attention here. It is the hate that fueled Saturdays shooting that is truly frightening.

We will spend a lot of time in the coming weeks talking about what happened this weekend in Buffalo. We may not agree on gun control or the legality of assault weapons, but we should be able to agree that our country is big enough for people of all races, colors and religions to coexist.

Self-styled patriots like the Buffalo shooter or anyone who targets their neighbors based on their race, religion or sex should remember the most treasured of our nations founding tenets  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Those words, written by our Founding Fathers nearly 246 years ago, are the ideals we must cling to  not the sort of hate- and fear-filled muck that fuels terrorists both foreign and domestic.

 Jamestown Post Journal

We renew our support for the Student Journalist Free Speech Act, a bill in the New York state Legislature that would protect young peoples right to express themselves in school-sponsored publications.

School administrators exercise great power over what students can say in school newspapers, yearbooks and online publications under guise of keeping order. That power can be misused to censor material that might embarrass the school, and to stifle free and open discussion of controversial issues affecting kids and their school communities.

This bill (A04402/S02958), sponsored by Assembly Member Donna Lupardo, D-Binghamton, and Sen. Brian Kavanagh, D-Brooklyn, gives student journalists the right to determine the content of school-sponsored media, in consultation with their teacher/advisers. It instructs administrators to keep their hands off unless student speech is libelous, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, incites students to violence or law-breaking, violates school policies, or disrupts orderly school operations.

In other words, casting the school in a poor light is not reason enough to censor student speech.

Schools have great latitude to tell students how to behave while on school grounds (and sometimes even away from school). But as Justice Abe Fortas wrote in the landmark 1969 decision Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.

As school censorship controversies erupt around the nation, New York has an opportunity to join 15 other states in protecting student free speech through law. After years of dithering, the Legislature should get off the dime and pass this bill.

 Advance Media New York
RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.


Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.
Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.

A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
A view of New York State Supreme Court in New York City, on March 2, 2016. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NY State Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Police Choke Holds During Arrests

A New York state law that bans police officers from using any move that makes it hard for a suspect to breath during an arrest, such as a choke hold, was reinstated Thursday.

The states Supreme Court Appellate Division overturned a June 2021 ruling that allowed the use of moves that compress the suspects diaphragm during arrests, New York Post reported.

Police unions and advocates brought the legal challenge to the Supreme Court last year, when Justice Laurence Love ruled the ban was unconstitutionally vague.

However, in reinstating the ban on Thursday, the Supreme Court Appellate Division said the previous ruling should not have found the diaphragm compression ban to be unconstitutionally vague.

The diaphragm compression ban is sufficiently definite to give notice of the prohibited conduct and does not lack objective standards or create the potential for arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, the courts First Judicial Department wrote.

A trained police officer will be able to tell when the pressure he is exerting on a persons chest or back, in the vicinity of the diaphragm, is making it hard for the person to breathe, just as a driver should be able to tell when the amount of alcohol he consumed is making it unsafe for him or her to drive (a proxy for high blood alcohol content) and a layperson should be able to tell when he or she is being too loud (a proxy for ability to hear the noise from a specified distance).

After the ban was reinstated, a police union representative said they are reviewing their legal options.

However, our city leaders need to realize that this ruling deals a direct blow to our fight against the violence that is tearing our city apart, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.

This ill-conceived law makes it virtually impossible for police officers to safely and legally take violent criminals into custodythe very job that New Yorkers are urgently asking us to do, he added.

Local officials have also voiced their concern after the ruling was overturned.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his support of cops using the measure, having previously appeared to flip flop in his stance towards the ban.

While on the campaign trail, Adams criticized the ban, saying it was not realistic for officers to follow. But once in office, his Law Department appealed the ruling in the lower court, New York Post reported.

But Adams spokesperson, Jonah Allon, said that as it is currently written, the law will constrain police officers from being able to apprehend dangerous individuals.

The highest-ranking law enforcement official in Richmond County, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said he was angry and disappointed by the Appellate Divisions decision.

We expect [and] need police to respond to life [and] death situations, [and] this bill makes their job harder [and] in turn our city less safe, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The controversial chokehold ban was passed by the City Council after the death of George Floyd in 2020.



Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
May 21 : On day 4 of the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival, Deepika Padukone skipped the red carpet event and chose to attend a dinner party hosted by Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton in Cannes. The Gehraiyaan actor is the house ambassador of Louis Vuitton.

Deepika continued to turn heads and made headlines with her trendy look. On Friday night, Deepika attended the Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton bash

in an edgy outfit from the shelves of Louis Vuitton. The actor picked a trendy beige mini jacket dress and paired it with brown leather boots. She also donned the same at Louis Vuitton's Cruise Show 2023 in San Diego, and Cannes dinner when she met the jury members for the first time.

The mini jacket dress was adorned with metallic button-up details. Deepika wore the outfit with raised collars. It also featured half-length billowy sleeves and pockets on either side. She sported a white printed shirt under her jacket dress. The multi-coloured floral patterns and long sleeves went well with the jacket. To complete her a look, she accessorised with a statement necklace, and carried a maroon Louis Vuitton shoulder bag with chained details. Deepika left her tresses open and used nude mauve lip shade, subtle smoky eye shadow and winged eyeliner.

A series of pictures and videos of Deepika from the bash are circulating online. Fans and fashion enthusiasts loved her trendy look.

Ahead of its Cruise 2023 show in California, the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton announced Deepika Padukone as its house ambassador. In an official global statement, the company said it was delighted to unveil its Dauphine bag campaign, starring Deepika Padukone, Emma Stone, and Zhou Dongyu. The Pathaan actor is the first Indian to become the house ambassador of the French brand. The actress will represent the brand in the country.

Louis Vuitton said Deepika stars in her first leather goods campaign for the Maison. Following a strong collaborative relationship with the Maison, including an appearance in Nicolas Ghesquieres novel-inspired pre-fall 2020 campaign, the award-winning actress begins a new chapter of her journey with Louis Vuitton," the brand said.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
May 21 : On day 4 of the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival, Deepika Padukone skipped the red carpet event and chose to attend a dinner party hosted by Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton in Cannes. The Gehraiyaan actor is the house ambassador of Louis Vuitton.

Deepika continued to turn heads and made headlines with her trendy look. On Friday night, Deepika attended the Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton bash

in an edgy outfit from the shelves of Louis Vuitton. The actor picked a trendy beige mini jacket dress and paired it with brown leather boots. She also donned the same at Louis Vuitton's Cruise Show 2023 in San Diego, and Cannes dinner when she met the jury members for the first time.

The mini jacket dress was adorned with metallic button-up details. Deepika wore the outfit with raised collars. It also featured half-length billowy sleeves and pockets on either side. She sported a white printed shirt under her jacket dress. The multi-coloured floral patterns and long sleeves went well with the jacket. To complete her a look, she accessorised with a statement necklace, and carried a maroon Louis Vuitton shoulder bag with chained details. Deepika left her tresses open and used nude mauve lip shade, subtle smoky eye shadow and winged eyeliner.

A series of pictures and videos of Deepika from the bash are circulating online. Fans and fashion enthusiasts loved her trendy look.

Ahead of its Cruise 2023 show in California, the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton announced Deepika Padukone as its house ambassador. In an official global statement, the company said it was delighted to unveil its Dauphine bag campaign, starring Deepika Padukone, Emma Stone, and Zhou Dongyu. The Pathaan actor is the first Indian to become the house ambassador of the French brand. The actress will represent the brand in the country.

Louis Vuitton said Deepika stars in her first leather goods campaign for the Maison. Following a strong collaborative relationship with the Maison, including an appearance in Nicolas Ghesquieres novel-inspired pre-fall 2020 campaign, the award-winning actress begins a new chapter of her journey with Louis Vuitton," the brand said.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
May 21 : On day 4 of the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival, Deepika Padukone skipped the red carpet event and chose to attend a dinner party hosted by Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton in Cannes. The Gehraiyaan actor is the house ambassador of Louis Vuitton.

Deepika continued to turn heads and made headlines with her trendy look. On Friday night, Deepika attended the Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton bash

in an edgy outfit from the shelves of Louis Vuitton. The actor picked a trendy beige mini jacket dress and paired it with brown leather boots. She also donned the same at Louis Vuitton's Cruise Show 2023 in San Diego, and Cannes dinner when she met the jury members for the first time.

The mini jacket dress was adorned with metallic button-up details. Deepika wore the outfit with raised collars. It also featured half-length billowy sleeves and pockets on either side. She sported a white printed shirt under her jacket dress. The multi-coloured floral patterns and long sleeves went well with the jacket. To complete her a look, she accessorised with a statement necklace, and carried a maroon Louis Vuitton shoulder bag with chained details. Deepika left her tresses open and used nude mauve lip shade, subtle smoky eye shadow and winged eyeliner.

A series of pictures and videos of Deepika from the bash are circulating online. Fans and fashion enthusiasts loved her trendy look.

Ahead of its Cruise 2023 show in California, the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton announced Deepika Padukone as its house ambassador. In an official global statement, the company said it was delighted to unveil its Dauphine bag campaign, starring Deepika Padukone, Emma Stone, and Zhou Dongyu. The Pathaan actor is the first Indian to become the house ambassador of the French brand. The actress will represent the brand in the country.

Louis Vuitton said Deepika stars in her first leather goods campaign for the Maison. Following a strong collaborative relationship with the Maison, including an appearance in Nicolas Ghesquieres novel-inspired pre-fall 2020 campaign, the award-winning actress begins a new chapter of her journey with Louis Vuitton," the brand said.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
May 21 : On day 4 of the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival, Deepika Padukone skipped the red carpet event and chose to attend a dinner party hosted by Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton in Cannes. The Gehraiyaan actor is the house ambassador of Louis Vuitton.

Deepika continued to turn heads and made headlines with her trendy look. On Friday night, Deepika attended the Vanity Fair and Louis Vuitton bash

in an edgy outfit from the shelves of Louis Vuitton. The actor picked a trendy beige mini jacket dress and paired it with brown leather boots. She also donned the same at Louis Vuitton's Cruise Show 2023 in San Diego, and Cannes dinner when she met the jury members for the first time.

The mini jacket dress was adorned with metallic button-up details. Deepika wore the outfit with raised collars. It also featured half-length billowy sleeves and pockets on either side. She sported a white printed shirt under her jacket dress. The multi-coloured floral patterns and long sleeves went well with the jacket. To complete her a look, she accessorised with a statement necklace, and carried a maroon Louis Vuitton shoulder bag with chained details. Deepika left her tresses open and used nude mauve lip shade, subtle smoky eye shadow and winged eyeliner.

A series of pictures and videos of Deepika from the bash are circulating online. Fans and fashion enthusiasts loved her trendy look.

Ahead of its Cruise 2023 show in California, the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton announced Deepika Padukone as its house ambassador. In an official global statement, the company said it was delighted to unveil its Dauphine bag campaign, starring Deepika Padukone, Emma Stone, and Zhou Dongyu. The Pathaan actor is the first Indian to become the house ambassador of the French brand. The actress will represent the brand in the country.

Louis Vuitton said Deepika stars in her first leather goods campaign for the Maison. Following a strong collaborative relationship with the Maison, including an appearance in Nicolas Ghesquieres novel-inspired pre-fall 2020 campaign, the award-winning actress begins a new chapter of her journey with Louis Vuitton," the brand said.

Latest updates on Cannes Film Festival 2022
Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.
Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.


Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.






Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.
Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.
Chicago police work an area along the Riverwalk on May 20, 2022, near where a man was taken into custody after being shot by an off-duty Cook County Sheriff officer who was working security at Millennium Park, police said. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

An off-duty Cook County sheriffs officer working security at Millennium Park shot a man after the man fired a gun Friday evening, Chicago police said.

Around 7:20 p.m., a man in his early 20s refused to be wanded at the entrance of Millennium Park, the Chicago Police Department said in a media notification.

Advertisement

The man jumped a fence and as security approached him he turned and fired, police said. The off duty officer working security at the park returned fire and struck the man, police said.

The man then ran toward the 300 block of East Riverwalk where he was taken into custody, police said. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Advertisement

The off-duty sheriffs officer was taken to a hospital for observation, police said.

Millennium Park hired off-duty armed officers to increase security at the park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot banned unaccompanied minors from Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday in the wake of a fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday on Saturday.

Starting Thursday, security checked bags at each entrance and used a metal-detector wand to scan people into the park.

Armed security guards walked around the park, some wearing bulletproof vests, and one armed security guard stood at each of the parks entrances.
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Florida Court Overturns Ruling on DeSantis Redistricting Map

A Florida appeals court ruled Friday to reinstate a redrawn congressional map that Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after it was struck down by a lower court judge on May 11.

DeSantis sought to redraw the north Florida district of Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, arguing the district was gerrymandered based on race and unconstitutional. DeSantis also said his map is neutral on race, The Hill reported.

Lawsons district links black communities over 200 miles from Jacksonville to Gadsden. The district would, if redrawn, change from being almost half black to between 12 and 25 percent black, according to local media.

Florida has until the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal office to finalize its redistricting maps.

DeSantis in March vetoed two of the GOP-controlled Legislatures proposed congressional district maps. After that, the GOP-dominated House and Senate, instead of drawing new maps, asked DeSantis to do so.

But on May 11, DeSantis map was struck down in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Layne Smith said DeSantis map was unconstitutional under the Fair District Amendment  because it diminishes African Americans ability to elect the representative of their choice, the Florida Phoenix reported.

Critics argued in lawsuits that would limit the representation of black people in Washington.

Smiths ruling was thrown out by the appeals court on Friday.

While Im disappointed in todays decision by the appellate court to reinstate DeSantis unconstitutional map, I am confident that the Florida Supreme Court will soon take over this issue and protect the rights of Black voters in North Florida, Lawson said in a statement obtained by The Hill.

A number of voting groups filed lawsuits against the new congressional map in Tallahassee last month (pdf), including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund, Florida Rising Together, and several individual Florida voters.

At the time of being blocked by Judge Smith, a spokesperson for DeSantis told Newsweek in a statement that these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level.

We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law passes legal muster, DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said.

The map will likely face a Supreme Court challenge as to its constitutionality.

The Epoch Times reached out to DeSantis office for comment.









Newly discovered emails show that Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was more deeply involved in baseless efforts to overturn the 2020 election than previously known
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

The triple whammy of decade-long war, regime change and COVID-19 has left Afghanistan reeling. However, domestic food companies are striving to feed their hungry nation and at the same time, trying to create more jobs for locals.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. More than 22 million out of the 35 million population face acute food shortages. To meet local needs, the Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect, the government confirmed on Friday.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Scott Morrison returned to where his political career began on Saturday, arriving back in his home seat of Cook to cast his vote at the Lilli Pilli public school in Sydneys southern suburbs.

Under grey skies on what could be one of his final appearances as prime minister  if the polls are correct  he was flanked by wife Jenny, daughters Abbey and Lily, and a posse of supporters cheering ScoMo, ScoMo as he shook hands and lined up to cast his vote.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared in good spirits in his Cook electorate. Credit:James Brickwood

The Morrison team, according to someone who travelled with them from Perth to Melbourne on Friday night, were in good spirits on the final day as they dined on a Mexican-themed meal on the prime ministers jet and belted out a few songs, including Bon Jovis Livin on a Prayer.

But the final 24 hours have also been punctuated by could be final moments  staffers taking group photos, lingering handshakes, final words of advice  with the knowledge the path to victory could be difficult to secure written on the tight-lipped faces of his closest advisers.
Scott Morrison returned to where his political career began on Saturday, arriving back in his home seat of Cook to cast his vote at the Lilli Pilli public school in Sydneys southern suburbs.

Under grey skies on what could be one of his final appearances as prime minister  if the polls are correct  he was flanked by wife Jenny, daughters Abbey and Lily, and a posse of supporters cheering ScoMo, ScoMo as he shook hands and lined up to cast his vote.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared in good spirits in his Cook electorate. Credit:James Brickwood

The Morrison team, according to someone who travelled with them from Perth to Melbourne on Friday night, were in good spirits on the final day as they dined on a Mexican-themed meal on the prime ministers jet and belted out a few songs, including Bon Jovis Livin on a Prayer.

But the final 24 hours have also been punctuated by could be final moments  staffers taking group photos, lingering handshakes, final words of advice  with the knowledge the path to victory could be difficult to secure written on the tight-lipped faces of his closest advisers.


In a bid to attract more consumers, IndiGo has started offering consumers flight tickets for direct flights between India and Singapore for as low as Rs 18,383. However, the lowest priced ticket is for flights from Tiruchirapalli. The prices of the ticket for the direct flight go as high as Rs 24,000, which is from Kolkata. The offer also covers tickets from different Indian states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur and many other cities for connecting flights.

These offers are expected to increase the number of travellers going from India to Singapore. It is to be noted that these fares are only applicable for one-way tickets from the airlines. The news was shared through the official Twitter handle of the airline with the caption saying, "Work becoming a chore? Escape to Singapore for as low as 18,383. Book your hassle-free journey today." They also shared the prices of the tickets from different cities.

Earlier, the airlines were also offering return airfare on India to Turkey route starting at Rs 34,999. IndiGo currently operates daily direct flights from Delhis Indira Gandhi Airport to Istanbul International Airport. Apart from Delhi, IndiGo is also offering connecting flights from 8 other Indian cities to Turkey, including Mumbai, and Chennai, among others, with one-way fares starting at Rs 21,546.

Also read: Ukraine-Russia war: UK imposes new sanctions on Aeroflot, Ural and Rossiya Airlines

IndiGo started operating direct flights to Turkey from March 20, 2019, making it the airlines 16th international destination. During the lockdown, the flight services were stopped, and with govt announcing of the resumption of international flights from March 2022, IndiGo has restarted its direct flights to Istanbul again.

IndiGo has deployed its Airbus A321 plane for a popular destination for Indians. IndiGo has a fleet of over 200 aircraft, and the airline offers over 1300 daily flights and connects 52 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations.

IndiGo recently has been in controversy regarding their apparent mishandling of incident involving a specially-abled child. On May 7, the staff of Indigo barred a specially-abled teen accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic".
In a bid to attract more consumers, IndiGo has started offering consumers flight tickets for direct flights between India and Singapore for as low as Rs 18,383. However, the lowest priced ticket is for flights from Tiruchirapalli. The prices of the ticket for the direct flight go as high as Rs 24,000, which is from Kolkata. The offer also covers tickets from different Indian states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur and many other cities for connecting flights.

These offers are expected to increase the number of travellers going from India to Singapore. It is to be noted that these fares are only applicable for one-way tickets from the airlines. The news was shared through the official Twitter handle of the airline with the caption saying, "Work becoming a chore? Escape to Singapore for as low as 18,383. Book your hassle-free journey today." They also shared the prices of the tickets from different cities.

Earlier, the airlines were also offering return airfare on India to Turkey route starting at Rs 34,999. IndiGo currently operates daily direct flights from Delhis Indira Gandhi Airport to Istanbul International Airport. Apart from Delhi, IndiGo is also offering connecting flights from 8 other Indian cities to Turkey, including Mumbai, and Chennai, among others, with one-way fares starting at Rs 21,546.

Also read: Ukraine-Russia war: UK imposes new sanctions on Aeroflot, Ural and Rossiya Airlines

IndiGo started operating direct flights to Turkey from March 20, 2019, making it the airlines 16th international destination. During the lockdown, the flight services were stopped, and with govt announcing of the resumption of international flights from March 2022, IndiGo has restarted its direct flights to Istanbul again.

IndiGo has deployed its Airbus A321 plane for a popular destination for Indians. IndiGo has a fleet of over 200 aircraft, and the airline offers over 1300 daily flights and connects 52 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations.

IndiGo recently has been in controversy regarding their apparent mishandling of incident involving a specially-abled child. On May 7, the staff of Indigo barred a specially-abled teen accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic".
(Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp could be forgiven for forgetting that losing feeling. In an extraordinary season, Liverpool have all but eliminated the defeat. With 61 games gone, they have only lost three times and one of those, the second leg against Inter Milan, scarcely mattered amid an aggregate victory. They are the only team in Europes five top leagues who have gone unbeaten in 2022.

They are strangers to other kinds of setbacks, too: they have not gone out of any competition this season. Their quest for the quadruple will last until 22 May. It probably wont end in defeat on Sunday, but nor is the day likely to finish with Liverpool as Premier League champions.

And yet Klopp reflected: The biggest defeats in my life lead to the biggest success I could imagine, wherever I was. This could be the biggest success of all, the greatest season anyone has had. Miss out on the Premier League, win the Champions League and there is still a case for anointing it Liverpools finest campaign: get 92 points and, even adjusting historic results to award three for a win, it would rank as the fourth-highest total they have ever posted. Two of the top three came under Klopp, too.

He harked back two decades, to his early days at Mainz, to missing out on promotion to the Bundesliga, to the euphoric reception they received in their hometown. You think it will be really sad but the next day 20,000 people are waiting for us, he said. We had to go on stage the day after we lost our dream of going to the Bundesliga. That was the moment we realised it was okay. Klopp being Klopp, the success did come in the end. Mainz were nearly men, twice almost going up. At the third time of asking, they did.

His Liverpool have been both nearly men and champions. He harked back to 2019, to a similar scenario, a last day when Manchester City kicked off with a one-point lead, when Liverpools destiny was out of their own hands. They accumulated 97 points that season, but came second. I remember walking on the lap of honour next to Trent [Alexander-Arnold]. We both had a smile on our faces because it was a great season, he said. And whatever happens on Sunday, I will not forget that it has been an absolutely fantastic season.

Story continues

Three years ago, there was a coda to domestic disappointment when Liverpool won the Champions League. There might be again. The message, learned in Mainz, brought to Merseyside, will be the same: celebrate.

Even if you dont win the Champions League final, have a party afterwards, Klopp reflected. He practises what he preaches. Liverpools last final against Real ended in a 3-1 defeat in 2018. In the early hours of the following morning, a partying Klopp was filmed singing with his assistant Peter Krawietz. A year later came the biggest triumph of his career.

Now his name reverberates around Anfield, the Beatles I Feel Fine customised by supporters to pay tribute. A lyric in it is: He delivered what he said. It felt for a moment as though Klopp had quoted it. It would be really embarrassing. That was not on purpose but maybe I heard it that often, he said. Sorry, I could sing it. That was a joking offer but he has delivered more than he said.

At his unveiling, he spoke of winning a title in four years; now he could win four in one.

It reflects a stunning turnaround, from 2015 and last winter alike. The first Klopp teams at Liverpool offered high-octane entertainment but not reliability.

Years ago when we were a bit up and down and we saw glimpses of where we could go, we realised it was all fine but we needed consistency, he said. Inconsistency was traded for predictability. Then came last winters defeats, the six successive home losses of a team shorn of anyone resembling a senior specialist centre-back, the plummet towards mid-table.

Liverpool secured a top-four finish last season after Klopp turned to rookie defenders Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

That we made the Champions League in the end was absolutely outstanding, Klopp said. It is one of the biggest achievements in my career; nobody will ever remember, but for me it is how it is. He has his strongest ever squad, perhaps his best ever starting 11 but also people he cherishes. It is a special group. I dont say it is the only special group in world football but I know how lucky I am with the group of players.

There is, though, one footballer he wishes he could have managed. He was once asked which past Liverpool player he would like to have coached. The response was swift: Stevie. Now Steven Gerrard, who famously never won the Premier League with Liverpool, could win it for them. His Aston Villa stand in Citys way.

There is a romantic tale where, seven years after his Liverpool career ended in the ignominy of a 6-1 defeat, Gerrard turns kingmaker for Klopp. I can understand these kind of situations only by thinking of myself in that role, said the German. If I would play a game and could help Dortmund or Mainz that would be, for me, an extra motivation, but I dont play. And Stevie doesnt play. That is a shame, much more of a shame that Stevie is not playing than I am not playing.

It was a way of saying that Gerrard the player far outstripped Klopp the second-division German footballer. His defeats were commonplace then. Now they are all but eradicated. But, after a season when it was always possible for Liverpool to win everything, that may no longer be the case on Sunday. But Klopp will be in party mood again.
will extend strict and tight Covid-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue online classes, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the municipal government, as saying to reporters.

Fengtai district will tighten pandemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan district are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The Chinese capital reported 54 new locally transmitted Covid-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the municipal disease prevention and control centre.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven Covid-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan since May 18.

More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralised quarantine site.

The capital city has classified 15 areas as high-risk for Covid-19 and 23 as medium-risk.

--IANS

ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In this edition of our monthly thematic roundup of BookLife titles, were celebrating memoir and autobiography.

Adventure

The Escape Artist: A True Story

Alexandra Swigon

ISBN 978-1-5004-4789-2

About the book: A family of four is thrown into the high-octane history that was communist Poland in the 1960s and 70s. A visionary architect, a central-planning feminist economist, and two little girls grapple with life in a logic-challenged system.

Author statement:  So, where are you from? A simple enough icebreaker, but not for me. Poland, by way of New York, a bit of Italy. How to properly answer and do justice to my familys escape and emigration from communist Poland? I have tried condensing the story to an elevator speech. Naturally, the dramatic parts would pique the listeners curiosity, and just as they would start peppering me with questions it was time to get off the elevator. This book finally gives me the opportunity to tell the story in the fullness that it deserves.

Everything in Between

Caitlin Elizabeth

ISBN 978-0-578-68070-5

About the book: Everything in Between takes the reader around the world and back again, the story of a woman letting go of the past and societys conditioning to find her freedom. In her 20s, Caitlin decides to quit her soul-sucking job to live in South America, a decision that catapults her into a totally new life. From Peru to Bali to India to Vietnam to Ireland to Costa Rica to the Faroe Islands, the reader joins Caitlin on a worldwide adventure, fraught with as many hilariously unfortunate mishaps as insightful moments.

Author statement: Womens voices have been silenced for centuries. I wrote this book of essays to share my true and honest experience of choosing not to get married, traveling instead of raising a family, and deconditioning myself from capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal standards around my sexuality and life purpose.

Memory Road Trip

Krista Marson

ISBN 978-1-7373284-0-7

About the book: This journey down memory lane is a coming-of-age excursion that takes armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness.

Author statement: Memory Road Trip is a collection of travel stories ranging from the sublime to the surreal.

Grief

Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love

Felice Cohen

ASIN B09XZM7FC2

About the book: What if your first love was a forbidden one? At 23, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early 1990s. Since she was focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she didwith her boss, a woman 34 years older. In this candid coming-of-age memoir, Cohen chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating lifes unpredictable path while following ones heart and finding acceptance.

Author statement: This book started out as a therapeutic exercise. The first love of my life had died. We had had a secretive, 10-year lesbian affair, and after she passed, I was forced to mourn her exactly as I had loved her: in secret. But the secret was fighting to come out. I wrote something late one night after she came to me in a dream. On a whim I entered it into a first chapter contest and won. A publisher came up to me and asked, How much of the book do you have done? Book? I thought. What book? It took me almost 18 years to finish this book. Not because of the writing process, but because of the healing one. Finishing meant letting her go. But it was time. Time to tell our story. Time to move on. Time to fall in love again.

Life After Death

Trina Machacek

ISBN 978-1-73776-752-7

About the book: Becoming a one instead of half a twosome is not what you bargained for? You find yourself really alone, a lot? You need a cheerleader. You need to hear you are going to live again. You need to know its okay to live and laugh while being angry and sad. With all the courage of a kitten coming out of the box for the first time, and seeing the world in a new light, Machacek found widowhood wasnt all that bad.

Author statement: When my husband died (oh how I hated those words), I looked for a book that wasnt all just sad. So after some cajoling from friends, I wrote about the widows journey. This is the book I looked for when I became the newest widow on my block. I want to let other people know that there is hope. That there really, truly is life after a death.

Triumph and Transformation

California Chrome: Our Story

Perry Martin

ISBN 978-0-578-34021-0

About the book: The Martins built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. Regaining their financial feet after working hard to make the business profitable, they could have relaxed and enjoyed their success. Instead, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the first horse they ever bred, California Chrome, took the world by storm and won the Kentucky Derby.

Author statement: This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

In Our Blood

Caitlin Billings

ISBN 978-1-64742-415-2

About the book: Caitlin Billings thought she could neatly walk away from her past, but her work as a mental health professional and role as a mother causes tremendous pressure to be perfect and present stability. But a hold-up at gunpoint breaks her carefully balanced world apart. Suddenly, Caitlin is trapped by frightening mental health issues while raising two young children. Just when she feels in control of her newfound bipolar disorder, her elder child shows similar depressive symptoms and an allegation of sexual assault in their home makes her question her fundamental ability to protect her children. And when her elder child comes out as transgender, Caitlin must reconsider her own tolerance and understanding. Part coming-of-age, part reckoning of motherhood, In Our Blood is a therapists honest account of professional and personal struggles and an intergenerational story of acceptance, self-love, and fluidity.

Author statement: I decided to write a memoir because I was trying to make sense of two colliding identities: clinical social worker and psychiatric patient. I want readers to know that despite the societal pressure many of us feel to be perfect, imperfection is the reality, and acceptance of self will open new paths for you while perfectionism becomes an ever-tighter and more cramped prison cell. We can make mistakes with our lives and take paths that in hindsight we wish wed never walked, but if we can lean into our understanding of ourselves and stop calling ourselves imperfect failures, we can find peace in little slips of time and in the most mundane of ways.

Never Make a Sound

Fanen ChiahemeI

ISBN 978-1-989134-15-3

About the book: A young girl growing up in a turbulent family setting creates a secret inner world to escape her toxic environment. Told through stories and poetry, this memoir is a raw, intimate journey of a young girl finding a way to survive in an impossible situation. A true story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Author statement: This memoir is a creative work, but my hope is that it will help promote greater understanding about childhood abuse and developmental trauma.

Observations Through Yellow Glasses: A Memoir Through Poems

Yong Takahashi

ASIN B09R3B1S3X

About the book: Yong Takahashi moved to The United States with her parents when she was three years old. She grew up in a traditional household where her Korean and American worlds pulled her in opposite directions. Observations Through Yellow Glasses invites readers to follow Takahashis journey as she learns lifes bitter lessons, longs for love, and attempts to heal the wounds she collects along the way.

Author statement: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Detroit. Currently, I live in Atlanta. When I started kindergarten, I was the only Asian student in a newly desegregated school. The white students lived on one side of the highway and the black students lived on the other. I remember the landlord telling my parents we could choose which side because we were yellow. Trying to fit in was difficult. Some of my experiences and their long-lingering effects are in my memoir.

Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts

Max Sherman

ISBN 978-0-578-78487-8

About the book: In the bleak house of Alzheimers, love is fragile and often on the brink of losing its power. If one is not careful, everything can become medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, legal, agonizing, and suffocating, both to the beloved with Alzheimers and to the lover-caregiver. Releasing the Butterfly is a laymans account of how love triumphs over Alzheimers.

Author statement: For anyone worrying about forgetting and not remembering, join Gene Alice and me on a journey of love in the shadow of Alzheimers. Each time of life has its own kind of love. Our fifth act is filled with hugs and kisses.

Reluctant Healer: On Learning to Listen to That Still Small Voice Within to Better Bring Your Gifts to the World

Mary H.A. Kearns

ISBN 978-1-73718-402-7

About the book: This memoir recounts Mary Kearnss journey to trust in her innate gifts and the wisdom of that still, small voice within. She shares the challenges she has faced in following her life path, along with methods she has learned to make the journey smoother. Blending her lived experiences with research in a variety of scientific disciplines, Kearns offers a message of hope during this unique time in history.

Author statement: My memoir began in November 2018 with National Novel Writing Month, in which I challenged myself to write 50,000 words in one month, focusing on interesting vignettes from my life. I worked on it here and there for several months, but it was still just several short, unrelated pieces. Then, in 2020, I found myself (as did many other people), with a lot more time for writing and reflecting. Over the next year, I wove the pieces into a coherent story, and added some lessons I had learned and insights Id had during the early months of the pandemic.

The Sea Once Swallowed Me: A Memoir of Love, Solitude, and the Limits of Language

Sondra Charbadze

ISBN 978-1-73623-200-2

About the book: Sleeping in the woods outside a medieval city in Spain, Sondra Charbadze ponders her decision to abandon a more ordinary life. I am here to decipher nature, she writes. But as the stone glints back, I know this is a lie. Humans can decipher nothing but their own small lives. Entranced by a mysterious musician, yet yearning for the man she left behind, she struggles to find the path to connection while retaining her identity. As she befriends people on the margins, she is compelled to confront how pain and privilege haunt both relationships and societies. In the process, she finds love in unlikely places and healing at the limits of language.

Author statement: I wrote this book while living in Spain, but edits required a few more years of self-reflection. Memoir is a difficult genre because it requires the memoirist to develop enough self-awareness to understand her motivations and weaknesses. I had to wrestle with my internalized sexism, my childhood trauma, and the ways I hurt others by refusing to face my own pain. But in spite of that difficulty, exploring my personal past through a narrative lens has been liberating. Writing this book has also convinced me that symbolism and meaning are embedded in the fabric of the ordinary.

Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder

Simone Yemm

ISBN 978-1-64663-534-4

About the book: Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Simones journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eatingas she imagines it to be.

Author statement: My memoir began life as a private journal entry that was part of my mental health recovery process. Over the course of time my private writing increased; I created a public blog, enrolled in writing courses, and then my story was born. It has been an incredible cathartic labor of love and Im so grateful for all that I have learned in the process.

Youll Forget This Ever Happened

Laura Engel

ISBN 978-1-64742-349-0

About the book: By writing her truth, Laura Engel gives a voice to that 17-year-old girl caught up in a tangle of a secret pregnancy and the relinquishment of her son, to educate the reader about the guilt and trauma that women endured in previous eras. This book delves into how a traumatic secret is never forgotten and colors the secret-keepers life, showing how the bursting open of a shameful secret can change the direction of a life in a powerful and positive way.

Author statement: In 2016, a miracle happened in my life, resulting in me writing a memoir about a secret I had planned on taking to my grave. A son I had put up for adoption as a teenage unwed mother 49 years before found me through AncestryDNA. My book begins in 1967 in a maternity home for unwed mothers in New Orleans and travels over the span of 50 years across the country to California and back again. Heartbreaking, yet magically triumphant at times, my book is a narrative of the backstory of a closed adoption.
will extend strict and tight Covid-19 control measures as hidden community-level transmission has been discovered through recent screenings, a municipal official said.

Dine-in services at restaurants will remain unavailable, and schools will continue online classes, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the municipal government, as saying to reporters.

Fengtai district will tighten pandemic control measures. People in the district should work from home. Bus and metro stations in Fengtai, except for those around two major railway stations, will be shut, Xu said.

People in Fangshan district are also encouraged to work from home, while enterprises in Haidian will further reduce the number of employees at offices, Xu added.

The Chinese capital reported 54 new locally transmitted Covid-19 infections between 3 p.m. Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday, said Liu Xiaofeng, deputy head of the municipal disease prevention and control centre.

Fifty-two cases were detected among people under closed-off management, and two were found through mass screening in communities, said Liu.

Eleven Covid-19 infections have been detected on a campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology in Fangshan since May 18.

More than 670 teachers and students on the campus have been transferred to a centralised quarantine site.

The capital city has classified 15 areas as high-risk for Covid-19 and 23 as medium-risk.

--IANS

ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Tiago receives a shot of the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 during the vaccination campaign launching ceremony at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Mozambique tightens the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country.

MAPUTO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has strengthened the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country, the health authorities announced Tuesday.

Health teams are positioned at the crossings to verify the results of COVID-19 tests and ensure compliance with the preventive measures among travelers entering Mozambique, said the Director of Health in Maputo Province Yolanda Santos who spoke to the press in Maputo, the Mozambican capital.

Medical workers get ready for the launching of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Health units also reinforced surveillance, aiming to identify and control any respiratory diseases, said the director, whose province holds the largest crossing point with South Africa -- Ressano Garcia.

Health Minister Armindo Tiago last week admitted the possibility of a considerable increase in COVID-19 cases in the country in the near future due to the deteriorated COVID situation in South Africa. Health authorities expect the new infections will be characterized by mild cases, given that 91.4 percent of the target population in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mozambique has 225,387 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,201 deaths and 223,138 recoveries. It currently has 44 active cases of the novel coronavirus disease, and one hospitalized patient. 
Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Tiago receives a shot of the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 during the vaccination campaign launching ceremony at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Mozambique tightens the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country.

MAPUTO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has strengthened the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country, the health authorities announced Tuesday.

Health teams are positioned at the crossings to verify the results of COVID-19 tests and ensure compliance with the preventive measures among travelers entering Mozambique, said the Director of Health in Maputo Province Yolanda Santos who spoke to the press in Maputo, the Mozambican capital.

Medical workers get ready for the launching of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Health units also reinforced surveillance, aiming to identify and control any respiratory diseases, said the director, whose province holds the largest crossing point with South Africa -- Ressano Garcia.

Health Minister Armindo Tiago last week admitted the possibility of a considerable increase in COVID-19 cases in the country in the near future due to the deteriorated COVID situation in South Africa. Health authorities expect the new infections will be characterized by mild cases, given that 91.4 percent of the target population in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mozambique has 225,387 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,201 deaths and 223,138 recoveries. It currently has 44 active cases of the novel coronavirus disease, and one hospitalized patient. 









If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
In a bid to attract more consumers, IndiGo has started offering consumers flight tickets for direct flights between India and Singapore for as low as Rs 18,383. However, the lowest priced ticket is for flights from Tiruchirapalli. The prices of the ticket for the direct flight go as high as Rs 24,000, which is from Kolkata. The offer also covers tickets from different Indian states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur and many other cities for connecting flights.

These offers are expected to increase the number of travellers going from India to Singapore. It is to be noted that these fares are only applicable for one-way tickets from the airlines. The news was shared through the official Twitter handle of the airline with the caption saying, "Work becoming a chore? Escape to Singapore for as low as 18,383. Book your hassle-free journey today." They also shared the prices of the tickets from different cities.

Earlier, the airlines were also offering return airfare on India to Turkey route starting at Rs 34,999. IndiGo currently operates daily direct flights from Delhis Indira Gandhi Airport to Istanbul International Airport. Apart from Delhi, IndiGo is also offering connecting flights from 8 other Indian cities to Turkey, including Mumbai, and Chennai, among others, with one-way fares starting at Rs 21,546.

Also read: Ukraine-Russia war: UK imposes new sanctions on Aeroflot, Ural and Rossiya Airlines

IndiGo started operating direct flights to Turkey from March 20, 2019, making it the airlines 16th international destination. During the lockdown, the flight services were stopped, and with govt announcing of the resumption of international flights from March 2022, IndiGo has restarted its direct flights to Istanbul again.

IndiGo has deployed its Airbus A321 plane for a popular destination for Indians. IndiGo has a fleet of over 200 aircraft, and the airline offers over 1300 daily flights and connects 52 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations.

IndiGo recently has been in controversy regarding their apparent mishandling of incident involving a specially-abled child. On May 7, the staff of Indigo barred a specially-abled teen accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic".
In a bid to attract more consumers, IndiGo has started offering consumers flight tickets for direct flights between India and Singapore for as low as Rs 18,383. However, the lowest priced ticket is for flights from Tiruchirapalli. The prices of the ticket for the direct flight go as high as Rs 24,000, which is from Kolkata. The offer also covers tickets from different Indian states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur and many other cities for connecting flights.

These offers are expected to increase the number of travellers going from India to Singapore. It is to be noted that these fares are only applicable for one-way tickets from the airlines. The news was shared through the official Twitter handle of the airline with the caption saying, "Work becoming a chore? Escape to Singapore for as low as 18,383. Book your hassle-free journey today." They also shared the prices of the tickets from different cities.

Earlier, the airlines were also offering return airfare on India to Turkey route starting at Rs 34,999. IndiGo currently operates daily direct flights from Delhis Indira Gandhi Airport to Istanbul International Airport. Apart from Delhi, IndiGo is also offering connecting flights from 8 other Indian cities to Turkey, including Mumbai, and Chennai, among others, with one-way fares starting at Rs 21,546.

Also read: Ukraine-Russia war: UK imposes new sanctions on Aeroflot, Ural and Rossiya Airlines

IndiGo started operating direct flights to Turkey from March 20, 2019, making it the airlines 16th international destination. During the lockdown, the flight services were stopped, and with govt announcing of the resumption of international flights from March 2022, IndiGo has restarted its direct flights to Istanbul again.

IndiGo has deployed its Airbus A321 plane for a popular destination for Indians. IndiGo has a fleet of over 200 aircraft, and the airline offers over 1300 daily flights and connects 52 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations.

IndiGo recently has been in controversy regarding their apparent mishandling of incident involving a specially-abled child. On May 7, the staff of Indigo barred a specially-abled teen accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic".



If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Tiago receives a shot of the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 during the vaccination campaign launching ceremony at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Mozambique tightens the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country.

MAPUTO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has strengthened the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country, the health authorities announced Tuesday.

Health teams are positioned at the crossings to verify the results of COVID-19 tests and ensure compliance with the preventive measures among travelers entering Mozambique, said the Director of Health in Maputo Province Yolanda Santos who spoke to the press in Maputo, the Mozambican capital.

Medical workers get ready for the launching of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Health units also reinforced surveillance, aiming to identify and control any respiratory diseases, said the director, whose province holds the largest crossing point with South Africa -- Ressano Garcia.

Health Minister Armindo Tiago last week admitted the possibility of a considerable increase in COVID-19 cases in the country in the near future due to the deteriorated COVID situation in South Africa. Health authorities expect the new infections will be characterized by mild cases, given that 91.4 percent of the target population in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mozambique has 225,387 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,201 deaths and 223,138 recoveries. It currently has 44 active cases of the novel coronavirus disease, and one hospitalized patient. 
Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Tiago receives a shot of the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 during the vaccination campaign launching ceremony at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Mozambique tightens the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country.

MAPUTO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has strengthened the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country, the health authorities announced Tuesday.

Health teams are positioned at the crossings to verify the results of COVID-19 tests and ensure compliance with the preventive measures among travelers entering Mozambique, said the Director of Health in Maputo Province Yolanda Santos who spoke to the press in Maputo, the Mozambican capital.

Medical workers get ready for the launching of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Health units also reinforced surveillance, aiming to identify and control any respiratory diseases, said the director, whose province holds the largest crossing point with South Africa -- Ressano Garcia.

Health Minister Armindo Tiago last week admitted the possibility of a considerable increase in COVID-19 cases in the country in the near future due to the deteriorated COVID situation in South Africa. Health authorities expect the new infections will be characterized by mild cases, given that 91.4 percent of the target population in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mozambique has 225,387 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,201 deaths and 223,138 recoveries. It currently has 44 active cases of the novel coronavirus disease, and one hospitalized patient. 


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Scott Morrison returned to where his political career began on Saturday, arriving back in his home seat of Cook to cast his vote at the Lilli Pilli public school in Sydneys southern suburbs.

Under grey skies on what could be one of his final appearances as prime minister  if the polls are correct  he was flanked by wife Jenny, daughters Abbey and Lily, and a posse of supporters cheering ScoMo, ScoMo as he shook hands and lined up to cast his vote.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared in good spirits in his Cook electorate. Credit:James Brickwood

The Morrison team, according to someone who travelled with them from Perth to Melbourne on Friday night, were in good spirits on the final day as they dined on a Mexican-themed meal on the prime ministers jet and belted out a few songs, including Bon Jovis Livin on a Prayer.

But the final 24 hours have also been punctuated by could be final moments  staffers taking group photos, lingering handshakes, final words of advice  with the knowledge the path to victory could be difficult to secure written on the tight-lipped faces of his closest advisers.
Scott Morrison returned to where his political career began on Saturday, arriving back in his home seat of Cook to cast his vote at the Lilli Pilli public school in Sydneys southern suburbs.

Under grey skies on what could be one of his final appearances as prime minister  if the polls are correct  he was flanked by wife Jenny, daughters Abbey and Lily, and a posse of supporters cheering ScoMo, ScoMo as he shook hands and lined up to cast his vote.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared in good spirits in his Cook electorate. Credit:James Brickwood

The Morrison team, according to someone who travelled with them from Perth to Melbourne on Friday night, were in good spirits on the final day as they dined on a Mexican-themed meal on the prime ministers jet and belted out a few songs, including Bon Jovis Livin on a Prayer.

But the final 24 hours have also been punctuated by could be final moments  staffers taking group photos, lingering handshakes, final words of advice  with the knowledge the path to victory could be difficult to secure written on the tight-lipped faces of his closest advisers.


Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Tiago receives a shot of the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 during the vaccination campaign launching ceremony at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Mozambique tightens the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country.

MAPUTO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has strengthened the health protocol against COVID-19 at its main border crossings with South Africa due to the recent rise in infections in the neighboring country, the health authorities announced Tuesday.

Health teams are positioned at the crossings to verify the results of COVID-19 tests and ensure compliance with the preventive measures among travelers entering Mozambique, said the Director of Health in Maputo Province Yolanda Santos who spoke to the press in Maputo, the Mozambican capital.

Medical workers get ready for the launching of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 at Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique on March 8, 2021. (Photo by Israel Zefanias/Xinhua)

Health units also reinforced surveillance, aiming to identify and control any respiratory diseases, said the director, whose province holds the largest crossing point with South Africa -- Ressano Garcia.

Health Minister Armindo Tiago last week admitted the possibility of a considerable increase in COVID-19 cases in the country in the near future due to the deteriorated COVID situation in South Africa. Health authorities expect the new infections will be characterized by mild cases, given that 91.4 percent of the target population in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mozambique has 225,387 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,201 deaths and 223,138 recoveries. It currently has 44 active cases of the novel coronavirus disease, and one hospitalized patient. 
said Saturday it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of COVID-19 across an unvaccinated population of 26 million.

The outbreak has caused concern about serious tragedies in the poor, isolated country with one of the world's worst health care systems and a high tolerance for civilian suffering.

Experts say is almost certainly downplaying the true scale of the viral spread, including a strangely small death toll, to soften the political blow on Kim as he navigates the toughest moment in his decade of rule.

Around 219,030 North Koreans with fevers were identified in the 24 hours through 6 pm Friday, the fifth straight daily increase of around 200,000, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency, which attributed the information to the government's anti-virus headquarters.

said more than 2.4 million people have fallen ill and 66 people have died since an unidentified fever began quickly spreading in late April, although the country has only been able to identify a handful of those cases as COVID-19 due to a lack of testing supplies.

After maintaining a dubious claim for 2 1/2 years that it had perfectly blocked the virus from entering its territory, the North admitted to omicron infections last week.

Amid a paucity of public health tools, the North has mobilised more than a million health workers to find people with fevers and isolate them at quarantine facilities.

Kim also imposed strict restrictions on travel between cities and towns and mobilised thousands of troops to help with the transport of medicine to pharmacies in the country's capital, Pyongyang, which has been the centre of the outbreak.

During a ruling party Politburo meeting on Saturday, Kim insisted the country was starting to bring the outbreak under control and called for tightened vigilance to maintain the affirmative trend in the anti-virus campaign, KCNA said.

But Kim also seemed to hint at relaxing his pandemic response to ease his economic woes, instructing officials to actively modify the country's preventive measures based on the changing virus situation and to come up with various plans to revitalise the national economy.

KCNA said Politburo members debated ways for more effectively engineering and executing the government's anti-virus policy in accordance with how the spread of the virus was being stably controlled and abated, but the report did not specify what was discussed.

Even while imposing what state media described as maximum preventive measures, Kim has stressed that his economic goals still should be met, and state media have described large groups of workers continuing to gather at farms, mining facilities, power stations and construction sites.

Experts say Kim can't afford to bring the country to a standstill that would unleash further shock on a fragile economy, strained by decades of mismanagement, crippling U.S.-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons ambitions and pandemic border closures.

State media have portrayed an urgent push for agricultural campaigns aimed at protecting crops amid an ongoing drought, a worrisome development in a country that has long suffered from food insecurity, and for completing large-scale housing and other construction projects Kim sees as crucial to his rule.

The virus hasn't stopped Kim from holding and attending important public events for his leadership.

State media showed him weeping during Saturday's state funeral for top North Korean military official Hyon Chol Hae, who is believed to have been involved in grooming Kim as a future leader during the rule of his father, Kim Jong Il.

North Korea's optimistic description of its pandemic response starkly contrasts with outside concerns about dire consequences, including deaths that may reach tens of thousands.

The worries have grown as the country apparently tries to manage the crisis in isolation while ignoring help from South Korea and the United States. South Korea's government has said it couldn't confirm reports that North Korea had flown aircraft to bring back emergency supplies from ally China this week.

The North in recent years has shunned millions of vaccine doses offered by the U.N.-backed COVAX distribution program, possibly because of monitoring requirements attached to those shots.

The WHO and UNICEF have said North Korea so far has been unresponsive to their requests for virus data or proposals for help, and some experts say the North may be willing to accept a certain level of fatalities to gain immunity through infection.

It's possible at least some of North Korea's fever caseload are from non-COVID-19 illnesses such as water-borne diseases, which according to South Korean intelligence officials have become a growing problem for the North in recent years amid shortages in medical supplies.

But experts say the explosive pace of spread and North Korea's lack of a testing regime to detect large numbers of virus carriers in early stages of infection suggest the country's COVID-19 crisis is likely worse than what its fever numbers represent.

They say the country's real virus fatalities would be significantly larger than the official numbers and that deaths will further surge in coming weeks considering the intervals between infections and deaths.

North Korea's admission of a COVID-19 outbreak came amid a provocative run in weapons tests, including the country's first demonstration of an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017 in March, as Kim pushes a brinkmanship aimed at pressuring the United States to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiating economic and security concessions from a position of strength.

The challenges posed by a decaying economy and the COVID-19 outbreak are unlikely to slow his pressure campaign.

U.S. and South Korean officials have said there's a possibility the North conducts another ballistic missile test or nuclear explosive test during or around President Joe Biden's visits to South Korea and Japan this week.

Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than three years over disagreements over how to relax crippling U.S.-led sanctions in exchange for disarmament steps by the North.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a bid to attract more consumers, IndiGo has started offering consumers flight tickets for direct flights between India and Singapore for as low as Rs 18,383. However, the lowest priced ticket is for flights from Tiruchirapalli. The prices of the ticket for the direct flight go as high as Rs 24,000, which is from Kolkata. The offer also covers tickets from different Indian states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur and many other cities for connecting flights.

These offers are expected to increase the number of travellers going from India to Singapore. It is to be noted that these fares are only applicable for one-way tickets from the airlines. The news was shared through the official Twitter handle of the airline with the caption saying, "Work becoming a chore? Escape to Singapore for as low as 18,383. Book your hassle-free journey today." They also shared the prices of the tickets from different cities.

Earlier, the airlines were also offering return airfare on India to Turkey route starting at Rs 34,999. IndiGo currently operates daily direct flights from Delhis Indira Gandhi Airport to Istanbul International Airport. Apart from Delhi, IndiGo is also offering connecting flights from 8 other Indian cities to Turkey, including Mumbai, and Chennai, among others, with one-way fares starting at Rs 21,546.

Also read: Ukraine-Russia war: UK imposes new sanctions on Aeroflot, Ural and Rossiya Airlines

IndiGo started operating direct flights to Turkey from March 20, 2019, making it the airlines 16th international destination. During the lockdown, the flight services were stopped, and with govt announcing of the resumption of international flights from March 2022, IndiGo has restarted its direct flights to Istanbul again.

IndiGo has deployed its Airbus A321 plane for a popular destination for Indians. IndiGo has a fleet of over 200 aircraft, and the airline offers over 1300 daily flights and connects 52 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations.

IndiGo recently has been in controversy regarding their apparent mishandling of incident involving a specially-abled child. On May 7, the staff of Indigo barred a specially-abled teen accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic".
In a bid to attract more consumers, IndiGo has started offering consumers flight tickets for direct flights between India and Singapore for as low as Rs 18,383. However, the lowest priced ticket is for flights from Tiruchirapalli. The prices of the ticket for the direct flight go as high as Rs 24,000, which is from Kolkata. The offer also covers tickets from different Indian states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Lucknow, Ranchi, Gorakhpur and many other cities for connecting flights.

These offers are expected to increase the number of travellers going from India to Singapore. It is to be noted that these fares are only applicable for one-way tickets from the airlines. The news was shared through the official Twitter handle of the airline with the caption saying, "Work becoming a chore? Escape to Singapore for as low as 18,383. Book your hassle-free journey today." They also shared the prices of the tickets from different cities.

Earlier, the airlines were also offering return airfare on India to Turkey route starting at Rs 34,999. IndiGo currently operates daily direct flights from Delhis Indira Gandhi Airport to Istanbul International Airport. Apart from Delhi, IndiGo is also offering connecting flights from 8 other Indian cities to Turkey, including Mumbai, and Chennai, among others, with one-way fares starting at Rs 21,546.

Also read: Ukraine-Russia war: UK imposes new sanctions on Aeroflot, Ural and Rossiya Airlines

IndiGo started operating direct flights to Turkey from March 20, 2019, making it the airlines 16th international destination. During the lockdown, the flight services were stopped, and with govt announcing of the resumption of international flights from March 2022, IndiGo has restarted its direct flights to Istanbul again.

IndiGo has deployed its Airbus A321 plane for a popular destination for Indians. IndiGo has a fleet of over 200 aircraft, and the airline offers over 1300 daily flights and connects 52 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations.

IndiGo recently has been in controversy regarding their apparent mishandling of incident involving a specially-abled child. On May 7, the staff of Indigo barred a specially-abled teen accompanied by parents from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic".






The minister of national security on Friday issued a call to all victims of child abuse to c





SIOUX FALLS | A 53-year-old South Dakota man has been convicted of distributing a powerful synthetic opioid that resulted in the deaths of two people.

A federal jury on Friday found Jeffrey Moore, of Sioux Falls, guilty of two counts of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Authorities said the victims died from fentanyl overdoses in November 2018 and June 2019.

Moore was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

Moore faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0




ST. LOUIS  A 22-year-old St. Louis man was charged Friday afternoon in connection with two fatal shootings this month, including the killing of a Eureka High School sophomore last weekend.

Graylon Lindsey was charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

In the most recent case, Lindsey is accused in the killing of Kyierah Jeffries, 16, of the 6700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in St. Louis. The Eureka High School sophomore died Saturday after being shot about 3:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of Minnesota Avenue, police said.

That day, Kyierah was with family members in the Carondelet neighborhood, according to her aunt, Cherie Ford. Kyierah was separated from the family for a while and ended up inside a car with a man who they say then shot the 16-year-old in the stomach. He left the teen and drove away, Ford said.

In the second incident, police allege Lindsey shot and killed Arriell Dixon, 25, of St. Louis, just after 1 a.m. May 5 just north of Fairground Park.

Little information is known about that shooting, but officers said the woman died at the scene of the shooting.

Police said Lindsey, of the 4000 block of St. Louis Avenue, is also a suspect in two shootings that took place in 2021, but no charges have been filed in those cases. No one died in the 2021 incidents.

Jail records indicate officers booked Lindsey into the St. Louis City Justice Center around 5 p.m. Thursday. He remained in custody without bail.

No lawyer was listed for Lindsey in court records.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.





SIOUX FALLS | A 53-year-old South Dakota man has been convicted of distributing a powerful synthetic opioid that resulted in the deaths of two people.

A federal jury on Friday found Jeffrey Moore, of Sioux Falls, guilty of two counts of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Authorities said the victims died from fentanyl overdoses in November 2018 and June 2019.

Moore was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

Moore faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
In this edition of our monthly thematic roundup of BookLife titles, were celebrating memoir and autobiography.

Adventure

The Escape Artist: A True Story

Alexandra Swigon

ISBN 978-1-5004-4789-2

About the book: A family of four is thrown into the high-octane history that was communist Poland in the 1960s and 70s. A visionary architect, a central-planning feminist economist, and two little girls grapple with life in a logic-challenged system.

Author statement:  So, where are you from? A simple enough icebreaker, but not for me. Poland, by way of New York, a bit of Italy. How to properly answer and do justice to my familys escape and emigration from communist Poland? I have tried condensing the story to an elevator speech. Naturally, the dramatic parts would pique the listeners curiosity, and just as they would start peppering me with questions it was time to get off the elevator. This book finally gives me the opportunity to tell the story in the fullness that it deserves.

Everything in Between

Caitlin Elizabeth

ISBN 978-0-578-68070-5

About the book: Everything in Between takes the reader around the world and back again, the story of a woman letting go of the past and societys conditioning to find her freedom. In her 20s, Caitlin decides to quit her soul-sucking job to live in South America, a decision that catapults her into a totally new life. From Peru to Bali to India to Vietnam to Ireland to Costa Rica to the Faroe Islands, the reader joins Caitlin on a worldwide adventure, fraught with as many hilariously unfortunate mishaps as insightful moments.

Author statement: Womens voices have been silenced for centuries. I wrote this book of essays to share my true and honest experience of choosing not to get married, traveling instead of raising a family, and deconditioning myself from capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal standards around my sexuality and life purpose.

Memory Road Trip

Krista Marson

ISBN 978-1-7373284-0-7

About the book: This journey down memory lane is a coming-of-age excursion that takes armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness.

Author statement: Memory Road Trip is a collection of travel stories ranging from the sublime to the surreal.

Grief

Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love

Felice Cohen

ASIN B09XZM7FC2

About the book: What if your first love was a forbidden one? At 23, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early 1990s. Since she was focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she didwith her boss, a woman 34 years older. In this candid coming-of-age memoir, Cohen chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating lifes unpredictable path while following ones heart and finding acceptance.

Author statement: This book started out as a therapeutic exercise. The first love of my life had died. We had had a secretive, 10-year lesbian affair, and after she passed, I was forced to mourn her exactly as I had loved her: in secret. But the secret was fighting to come out. I wrote something late one night after she came to me in a dream. On a whim I entered it into a first chapter contest and won. A publisher came up to me and asked, How much of the book do you have done? Book? I thought. What book? It took me almost 18 years to finish this book. Not because of the writing process, but because of the healing one. Finishing meant letting her go. But it was time. Time to tell our story. Time to move on. Time to fall in love again.

Life After Death

Trina Machacek

ISBN 978-1-73776-752-7

About the book: Becoming a one instead of half a twosome is not what you bargained for? You find yourself really alone, a lot? You need a cheerleader. You need to hear you are going to live again. You need to know its okay to live and laugh while being angry and sad. With all the courage of a kitten coming out of the box for the first time, and seeing the world in a new light, Machacek found widowhood wasnt all that bad.

Author statement: When my husband died (oh how I hated those words), I looked for a book that wasnt all just sad. So after some cajoling from friends, I wrote about the widows journey. This is the book I looked for when I became the newest widow on my block. I want to let other people know that there is hope. That there really, truly is life after a death.

Triumph and Transformation

California Chrome: Our Story

Perry Martin

ISBN 978-0-578-34021-0

About the book: The Martins built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. Regaining their financial feet after working hard to make the business profitable, they could have relaxed and enjoyed their success. Instead, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the first horse they ever bred, California Chrome, took the world by storm and won the Kentucky Derby.

Author statement: This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

In Our Blood

Caitlin Billings

ISBN 978-1-64742-415-2

About the book: Caitlin Billings thought she could neatly walk away from her past, but her work as a mental health professional and role as a mother causes tremendous pressure to be perfect and present stability. But a hold-up at gunpoint breaks her carefully balanced world apart. Suddenly, Caitlin is trapped by frightening mental health issues while raising two young children. Just when she feels in control of her newfound bipolar disorder, her elder child shows similar depressive symptoms and an allegation of sexual assault in their home makes her question her fundamental ability to protect her children. And when her elder child comes out as transgender, Caitlin must reconsider her own tolerance and understanding. Part coming-of-age, part reckoning of motherhood, In Our Blood is a therapists honest account of professional and personal struggles and an intergenerational story of acceptance, self-love, and fluidity.

Author statement: I decided to write a memoir because I was trying to make sense of two colliding identities: clinical social worker and psychiatric patient. I want readers to know that despite the societal pressure many of us feel to be perfect, imperfection is the reality, and acceptance of self will open new paths for you while perfectionism becomes an ever-tighter and more cramped prison cell. We can make mistakes with our lives and take paths that in hindsight we wish wed never walked, but if we can lean into our understanding of ourselves and stop calling ourselves imperfect failures, we can find peace in little slips of time and in the most mundane of ways.

Never Make a Sound

Fanen ChiahemeI

ISBN 978-1-989134-15-3

About the book: A young girl growing up in a turbulent family setting creates a secret inner world to escape her toxic environment. Told through stories and poetry, this memoir is a raw, intimate journey of a young girl finding a way to survive in an impossible situation. A true story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Author statement: This memoir is a creative work, but my hope is that it will help promote greater understanding about childhood abuse and developmental trauma.

Observations Through Yellow Glasses: A Memoir Through Poems

Yong Takahashi

ASIN B09R3B1S3X

About the book: Yong Takahashi moved to The United States with her parents when she was three years old. She grew up in a traditional household where her Korean and American worlds pulled her in opposite directions. Observations Through Yellow Glasses invites readers to follow Takahashis journey as she learns lifes bitter lessons, longs for love, and attempts to heal the wounds she collects along the way.

Author statement: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Detroit. Currently, I live in Atlanta. When I started kindergarten, I was the only Asian student in a newly desegregated school. The white students lived on one side of the highway and the black students lived on the other. I remember the landlord telling my parents we could choose which side because we were yellow. Trying to fit in was difficult. Some of my experiences and their long-lingering effects are in my memoir.

Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts

Max Sherman

ISBN 978-0-578-78487-8

About the book: In the bleak house of Alzheimers, love is fragile and often on the brink of losing its power. If one is not careful, everything can become medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, legal, agonizing, and suffocating, both to the beloved with Alzheimers and to the lover-caregiver. Releasing the Butterfly is a laymans account of how love triumphs over Alzheimers.

Author statement: For anyone worrying about forgetting and not remembering, join Gene Alice and me on a journey of love in the shadow of Alzheimers. Each time of life has its own kind of love. Our fifth act is filled with hugs and kisses.

Reluctant Healer: On Learning to Listen to That Still Small Voice Within to Better Bring Your Gifts to the World

Mary H.A. Kearns

ISBN 978-1-73718-402-7

About the book: This memoir recounts Mary Kearnss journey to trust in her innate gifts and the wisdom of that still, small voice within. She shares the challenges she has faced in following her life path, along with methods she has learned to make the journey smoother. Blending her lived experiences with research in a variety of scientific disciplines, Kearns offers a message of hope during this unique time in history.

Author statement: My memoir began in November 2018 with National Novel Writing Month, in which I challenged myself to write 50,000 words in one month, focusing on interesting vignettes from my life. I worked on it here and there for several months, but it was still just several short, unrelated pieces. Then, in 2020, I found myself (as did many other people), with a lot more time for writing and reflecting. Over the next year, I wove the pieces into a coherent story, and added some lessons I had learned and insights Id had during the early months of the pandemic.

The Sea Once Swallowed Me: A Memoir of Love, Solitude, and the Limits of Language

Sondra Charbadze

ISBN 978-1-73623-200-2

About the book: Sleeping in the woods outside a medieval city in Spain, Sondra Charbadze ponders her decision to abandon a more ordinary life. I am here to decipher nature, she writes. But as the stone glints back, I know this is a lie. Humans can decipher nothing but their own small lives. Entranced by a mysterious musician, yet yearning for the man she left behind, she struggles to find the path to connection while retaining her identity. As she befriends people on the margins, she is compelled to confront how pain and privilege haunt both relationships and societies. In the process, she finds love in unlikely places and healing at the limits of language.

Author statement: I wrote this book while living in Spain, but edits required a few more years of self-reflection. Memoir is a difficult genre because it requires the memoirist to develop enough self-awareness to understand her motivations and weaknesses. I had to wrestle with my internalized sexism, my childhood trauma, and the ways I hurt others by refusing to face my own pain. But in spite of that difficulty, exploring my personal past through a narrative lens has been liberating. Writing this book has also convinced me that symbolism and meaning are embedded in the fabric of the ordinary.

Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder

Simone Yemm

ISBN 978-1-64663-534-4

About the book: Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Simones journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eatingas she imagines it to be.

Author statement: My memoir began life as a private journal entry that was part of my mental health recovery process. Over the course of time my private writing increased; I created a public blog, enrolled in writing courses, and then my story was born. It has been an incredible cathartic labor of love and Im so grateful for all that I have learned in the process.

Youll Forget This Ever Happened

Laura Engel

ISBN 978-1-64742-349-0

About the book: By writing her truth, Laura Engel gives a voice to that 17-year-old girl caught up in a tangle of a secret pregnancy and the relinquishment of her son, to educate the reader about the guilt and trauma that women endured in previous eras. This book delves into how a traumatic secret is never forgotten and colors the secret-keepers life, showing how the bursting open of a shameful secret can change the direction of a life in a powerful and positive way.

Author statement: In 2016, a miracle happened in my life, resulting in me writing a memoir about a secret I had planned on taking to my grave. A son I had put up for adoption as a teenage unwed mother 49 years before found me through AncestryDNA. My book begins in 1967 in a maternity home for unwed mothers in New Orleans and travels over the span of 50 years across the country to California and back again. Heartbreaking, yet magically triumphant at times, my book is a narrative of the backstory of a closed adoption.





New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
archives 22 May - 29 May (1) 15 May - 22 May (5) 1 May - 8 May (2) 17 Apr - 24 Apr (3) 27 Feb - 6 Mar (3) 13 Feb - 20 Feb (1) 30 Jan - 6 Feb (3) 2 Jan - 9 Jan (4) 26 Dec - 2 Jan (1) 5 Dec - 12 Dec (3) 28 Nov - 5 Dec (2) 14 Nov - 21 Nov (1) 7 Nov - 14 Nov (1) 10 Oct - 17 Oct (1) 22 Aug - 29 Aug (3) 15 Aug - 22 Aug (1) 8 Aug - 15 Aug (3) 1 Aug - 8 Aug (1) 25 Jul - 1 Aug (3) 18 Jul - 25 Jul (1) 11 Jul - 18 Jul (1) 27 Jun - 4 Jul (4) 20 Jun - 27 Jun (3) 13 Jun - 20 Jun (1) 30 May - 6 Jun (2) 23 May - 30 May (4) 2 May - 9 May (3) 25 Apr - 2 May (4) 4 Apr - 11 Apr (2) 28 Mar - 4 Apr (4) 28 Feb - 7 Mar (1) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (2) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (2) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (2) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (3) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (1) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (1) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (6) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (1) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (1) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (3) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (1) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (1) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (2) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (4) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (3) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (1) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (1) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (4) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (1) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (3) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (4) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (5) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (2) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (7) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (2) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (7) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (4) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (4) 31 May - 7 Jun (3) 24 May - 31 May (2) 17 May - 24 May (1) 10 May - 17 May (1) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (1) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (1) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (1) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (3) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (2) 23 Feb - 1 Mar (2) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (3) 26 Jan - 2 Feb (1) 19 Jan - 26 Jan (2) 12 Jan - 19 Jan (2) 5 Jan - 12 Jan (1) 29 Dec - 5 Jan (1) 8 Dec - 15 Dec (1) 24 Nov - 1 Dec (2) 17 Nov - 24 Nov (1) 27 Oct - 3 Nov (1) 6 Oct - 13 Oct (1) 1 Sep - 8 Sep (2) 25 Aug - 1 Sep (4) 18 Aug - 25 Aug (1) 11 Aug - 18 Aug (2) 4 Aug - 11 Aug (8) 28 Jul - 4 Aug (5) 14 Jul - 21 Jul (3) 7 Jul - 14 Jul (3) 30 Jun - 7 Jul (4) 23 Jun - 30 Jun (2) 16 Jun - 23 Jun (4) 9 Jun - 16 Jun (1) 2 Jun - 9 Jun (5) 26 May - 2 Jun (1) 19 May - 26 May (6) 12 May - 19 May (1) 21 Apr - 28 Apr (3) 14 Apr - 21 Apr (1) 31 Mar - 7 Apr (3) 24 Mar - 31 Mar (6) 17 Mar - 24 Mar (5) 10 Mar - 17 Mar (1) 3 Mar - 10 Mar (3) 24 Feb - 3 Mar (2) 17 Feb - 24 Feb (5) 10 Feb - 17 Feb (3) 3 Feb - 10 Feb (2) 20 Jan - 27 Jan (3) 13 Jan - 20 Jan (1) 23 Dec - 30 Dec (3) 2 Dec - 9 Dec (1) 25 Nov - 2 Dec (2) 18 Nov - 25 Nov (2) 11 Nov - 18 Nov (2) 4 Nov - 11 Nov (1) 21 Oct - 28 Oct (4) 14 Oct - 21 Oct (5) 7 Oct - 14 Oct (2) 30 Sep - 7 Oct (1) 23 Sep - 30 Sep (1) 9 Sep - 16 Sep (4) 2 Sep - 9 Sep (1) 19 Aug - 26 Aug (1) 12 Aug - 19 Aug (4) 5 Aug - 12 Aug (6) 29 Jul - 5 Aug (2) 22 Jul - 29 Jul (1) 15 Jul - 22 Jul (3) 8 Jul - 15 Jul (4) 1 Jul - 8 Jul (1) 24 Jun - 1 Jul (1) 17 Jun - 24 Jun (3) 10 Jun - 17 Jun (5) 3 Jun - 10 Jun (3) 27 May - 3 Jun (5) 20 May - 27 May (6) 13 May - 20 May (6) 6 May - 13 May (1) 29 Apr - 6 May (5) 22 Apr - 29 Apr (4) 15 Apr - 22 Apr (6) 8 Apr - 15 Apr (4) 1 Apr - 8 Apr (4) 25 Mar - 1 Apr (3) 18 Mar - 25 Mar (3) 11 Mar - 18 Mar (3) 4 Mar - 11 Mar (4) 25 Feb - 4 Mar (3) 18 Feb - 25 Feb (1) 11 Feb - 18 Feb (4) 4 Feb - 11 Feb (5) 28 Jan - 4 Feb (6) 21 Jan - 28 Jan (1) 14 Jan - 21 Jan (4) 7 Jan - 14 Jan (2) 31 Dec - 7 Jan (7) 24 Dec - 31 Dec (2) 17 Dec - 24 Dec (3) 10 Dec - 17 Dec (1) 3 Dec - 10 Dec (4) 26 Nov - 3 Dec (3) 19 Nov - 26 Nov (2) 12 Nov - 19 Nov (1) 5 Nov - 12 Nov (4) 22 Oct - 29 Oct (3) 15 Oct - 22 Oct (4) 8 Oct - 15 Oct (4) 1 Oct - 8 Oct (1) 10 Sep - 17 Sep (2) 3 Sep - 10 Sep (2) 27 Aug - 3 Sep (1) 20 Aug - 27 Aug (6) 6 Aug - 13 Aug (4) 30 Jul - 6 Aug (1) 23 Jul - 30 Jul (5) 16 Jul - 23 Jul (3) 9 Jul - 16 Jul (5) 25 Jun - 2 Jul (5) 18 Jun - 25 Jun (2) 11 Jun - 18 Jun (6) 4 Jun - 11 Jun (1) 28 May - 4 Jun (5) 21 May - 28 May (2) 14 May - 21 May (4) 7 May - 14 May (4) 30 Apr - 7 May (4) 23 Apr - 30 Apr (3) 16 Apr - 23 Apr (3) 9 Apr - 16 Apr (1) 2 Apr - 9 Apr (3) 26 Mar - 2 Apr (2) 19 Mar - 26 Mar (3) 12 Mar - 19 Mar (3) 5 Mar - 12 Mar (2) 26 Feb - 5 Mar (3) 19 Feb - 26 Feb (2) 12 Feb - 19 Feb (2) 5 Feb - 12 Feb (6) 29 Jan - 5 Feb (5) 22 Jan - 29 Jan (1) 15 Jan - 22 Jan (8) 8 Jan - 15 Jan (7) 1 Jan - 8 Jan (4) 25 Dec - 1 Jan (3) 11 Dec - 18 Dec (3) 13 Nov - 20 Nov (4) 6 Nov - 13 Nov (2) 30 Oct - 6 Nov (1) 23 Oct - 30 Oct (1) 16 Oct - 23 Oct (1) 9 Oct - 16 Oct (1) 2 Oct - 9 Oct (2) 25 Sep - 2 Oct (1) 18 Sep - 25 Sep (4) 11 Sep - 18 Sep (2) 4 Sep - 11 Sep (1) 28 Aug - 4 Sep (4) 21 Aug - 28 Aug (1) 14 Aug - 21 Aug (2) 7 Aug - 14 Aug (4) 31 Jul - 7 Aug (6) 24 Jul - 31 Jul (3) 17 Jul - 24 Jul (6) 10 Jul - 17 Jul (3) 3 Jul - 10 Jul (6) 26 Jun - 3 Jul (3) 19 Jun - 26 Jun (4) 5 Jun - 12 Jun (5) 29 May - 5 Jun (1) 22 May - 29 May (1) 15 May - 22 May (1) 8 May - 15 May (5) 1 May - 8 May (5) 24 Apr - 1 May (1) 17 Apr - 24 Apr (2) 10 Apr - 17 Apr (3) 3 Apr - 10 Apr (2) 20 Mar - 27 Mar (2) 13 Mar - 20 Mar (4) 6 Mar - 13 Mar (1) 28 Feb - 6 Mar (2) 21 Feb - 28 Feb (1) 14 Feb - 21 Feb (1) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (3) 24 Jan - 31 Jan (2) 17 Jan - 24 Jan (3) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (2) 3 Jan - 10 Jan (1) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (1) 20 Dec - 27 Dec (1) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (3) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (2) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (2) 22 Nov - 29 Nov (2) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (1) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (5) 1 Nov - 8 Nov (2) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (2) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (1) 11 Oct - 18 Oct (4) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (1) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (3) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (2) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (1) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (3) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (5) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (6) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (1) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (1) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (3) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (2) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (1) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (5) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (6) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (4) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (7) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (5) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (2) 31 May - 7 Jun (5) 24 May - 31 May (3) 17 May - 24 May (5) 10 May - 17 May (3) 3 May - 10 May (1) 26 Apr - 3 May (1) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (5) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (5) 5 Apr - 12 Apr (2) 29 Mar - 5 Apr (1) 22 Mar - 29 Mar (5) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (9) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (6) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (10) 22 Feb - 1 Mar (5) 15 Feb - 22 Feb (5) 1 Feb - 8 Feb (2) 25 Jan - 1 Feb (1) 18 Jan - 25 Jan (4) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (1) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (3) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (3) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (3) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (4) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (2) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (3) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (3) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (3) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (5) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (3) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (8) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (6) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (3) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (5) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (4) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (1) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (4) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (1) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (2) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (2) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (7) 3 Aug - 10 Aug (3) 27 Jul - 3 Aug (3) 20 Jul - 27 Jul (3) 13 Jul - 20 Jul (4) 6 Jul - 13 Jul (1) 29 Jun - 6 Jul (5) 22 Jun - 29 Jun (2) 15 Jun - 22 Jun (4) 8 Jun - 15 Jun (2) 1 Jun - 8 Jun (2) 25 May - 1 Jun (8) 18 May - 25 May (4) 11 May - 18 May (1) 4 May - 11 May (3) 27 Apr - 4 May (4) 20 Apr - 27 Apr (2) 13 Apr - 20 Apr (6) 6 Apr - 13 Apr (2) 23 Mar - 30 Mar (4) 16 Mar - 23 Mar (2) 9 Mar - 16 Mar (2) 2 Mar - 9 Mar (2) 23 Feb - 2 Mar (2) 16 Feb - 23 Feb (1) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (6) 2 Feb - 9 Feb (1) 26 Jan - 2 Feb (2) 19 Jan - 26 Jan (1) 12 Jan - 19 Jan (1) 29 Dec - 5 Jan (1) 22 Dec - 29 Dec (2) 8 Dec - 15 Dec (2) 1 Dec - 8 Dec (1) 24 Nov - 1 Dec (4) 17 Nov - 24 Nov (4) 10 Nov - 17 Nov (1) 3 Nov - 10 Nov (4) 20 Oct - 27 Oct (2) 13 Oct - 20 Oct (4) 29 Sep - 6 Oct (1) 22 Sep - 29 Sep (2) 15 Sep - 22 Sep (3) 8 Sep - 15 Sep (1) 1 Sep - 8 Sep (6) 25 Aug - 1 Sep (7) 18 Aug - 25 Aug (9) 11 Aug - 18 Aug (6) 4 Aug - 11 Aug (4) 28 Jul - 4 Aug (3) 21 Jul - 28 Jul (8) 14 Jul - 21 Jul (4) 7 Jul - 14 Jul (5) 30 Jun - 7 Jul (8) 23 Jun - 30 Jun (8) 16 Jun - 23 Jun (4) 9 Jun - 16 Jun (7) 2 Jun - 9 Jun (7) 26 May - 2 Jun (8) 19 May - 26 May (7) 12 May - 19 May (5) 5 May - 12 May (5) 28 Apr - 5 May (11) 21 Apr - 28 Apr (6) 14 Apr - 21 Apr (5) 7 Apr - 14 Apr (6) 31 Mar - 7 Apr (7) 24 Mar - 31 Mar (4) 17 Mar - 24 Mar (4) 3 Mar - 10 Mar (6) 24 Feb - 3 Mar (3) 17 Feb - 24 Feb (3) 10 Feb - 17 Feb (5) 3 Feb - 10 Feb (3) 27 Jan - 3 Feb (6) 20 Jan - 27 Jan (1) 13 Jan - 20 Jan (6) 6 Jan - 13 Jan (2) 30 Dec - 6 Jan (2) 23 Dec - 30 Dec (1) 16 Dec - 23 Dec (3) 9 Dec - 16 Dec (2) 2 Dec - 9 Dec (1) 25 Nov - 2 Dec (1) 18 Nov - 25 Nov (3) 11 Nov - 18 Nov (5) 4 Nov - 11 Nov (2) 28 Oct - 4 Nov (6) 21 Oct - 28 Oct (9) 14 Oct - 21 Oct (9) 30 Sep - 7 Oct (4) 23 Sep - 30 Sep (2) 16 Sep - 23 Sep (2) 9 Sep - 16 Sep (6) 2 Sep - 9 Sep (3) 26 Aug - 2 Sep (3) 19 Aug - 26 Aug (3) 12 Aug - 19 Aug (7) 5 Aug - 12 Aug (4) 29 Jul - 5 Aug (8) 22 Jul - 29 Jul (7) 15 Jul - 22 Jul (7) 8 Jul - 15 Jul (7) 1 Jul - 8 Jul (7) 24 Jun - 1 Jul (9) 17 Jun - 24 Jun (10) 10 Jun - 17 Jun (7) 3 Jun - 10 Jun (10) 27 May - 3 Jun (6) 20 May - 27 May (8) 13 May - 20 May (8) 6 May - 13 May (11) 29 Apr - 6 May (6) 22 Apr - 29 Apr (8) 15 Apr - 22 Apr (5) 8 Apr - 15 Apr (11) 1 Apr - 8 Apr (5) 25 Mar - 1 Apr (9) 18 Mar - 25 Mar (9) 11 Mar - 18 Mar (8) 4 Mar - 11 Mar (8) 19 Feb - 26 Feb (7) 12 Feb - 19 Feb (7) 5 Feb - 12 Feb (5) 29 Jan - 5 Feb (7) 22 Jan - 29 Jan (4) 15 Jan - 22 Jan (2) 8 Jan - 15 Jan (5) 1 Jan - 8 Jan (5) 25 Dec - 1 Jan (6) 18 Dec - 25 Dec (4) 11 Dec - 18 Dec (5) 4 Dec - 11 Dec (7) 27 Nov - 4 Dec (7) 20 Nov - 27 Nov (7) 13 Nov - 20 Nov (3) 6 Nov - 13 Nov (4) 30 Oct - 6 Nov (5) 23 Oct - 30 Oct (9) 16 Oct - 23 Oct (3) 9 Oct - 16 Oct (8) 2 Oct - 9 Oct (5) 25 Sep - 2 Oct (11) 18 Sep - 25 Sep (4) 11 Sep - 18 Sep (6) 4 Sep - 11 Sep (6) 28 Aug - 4 Sep (7) 21 Aug - 28 Aug (3) 14 Aug - 21 Aug (9) 7 Aug - 14 Aug (4) 31 Jul - 7 Aug (8) 24 Jul - 31 Jul (11) 17 Jul - 24 Jul (8) 10 Jul - 17 Jul (9) 3 Jul - 10 Jul (11) 26 Jun - 3 Jul (9) 19 Jun - 26 Jun (9) 12 Jun - 19 Jun (7) 5 Jun - 12 Jun (9) 29 May - 5 Jun (5) 22 May - 29 May (8) 15 May - 22 May (9) 8 May - 15 May (4) 1 May - 8 May (6) 24 Apr - 1 May (6) 17 Apr - 24 Apr (10) 10 Apr - 17 Apr (8) 3 Apr - 10 Apr (8) 27 Mar - 3 Apr (8) 20 Mar - 27 Mar (8) 13 Mar - 20 Mar (12) 6 Mar - 13 Mar (7) 27 Feb - 6 Mar (7) 20 Feb - 27 Feb (11) 13 Feb - 20 Feb (7) 6 Feb - 13 Feb (5) 30 Jan - 6 Feb (8) 23 Jan - 30 Jan (10) 16 Jan - 23 Jan (10) 9 Jan - 16 Jan (9) 2 Jan - 9 Jan (11) 26 Dec - 2 Jan (6) 19 Dec - 26 Dec (7) 12 Dec - 19 Dec (6) 5 Dec - 12 Dec (7) 28 Nov - 5 Dec (5) 21 Nov - 28 Nov (4) 14 Nov - 21 Nov (7) 7 Nov - 14 Nov (6) 31 Oct - 7 Nov (6) 24 Oct - 31 Oct (5) 17 Oct - 24 Oct (5) 10 Oct - 17 Oct (7) 3 Oct - 10 Oct (2) 26 Sep - 3 Oct (4) 19 Sep - 26 Sep (6) 12 Sep - 19 Sep (7) 5 Sep - 12 Sep (10) 29 Aug - 5 Sep (8) 22 Aug - 29 Aug (5) 15 Aug - 22 Aug (6) 8 Aug - 15 Aug (6) 1 Aug - 8 Aug (4) 25 Jul - 1 Aug (13) 18 Jul - 25 Jul (9) 11 Jul - 18 Jul (9) 4 Jul - 11 Jul (8) 27 Jun - 4 Jul (9) 20 Jun - 27 Jun (11) 13 Jun - 20 Jun (11) 6 Jun - 13 Jun (11) 30 May - 6 Jun (9) 23 May - 30 May (23) 16 May - 23 May (12) 9 May - 16 May (12) 2 May - 9 May (10) 25 Apr - 2 May (7) 18 Apr - 25 Apr (9) 11 Apr - 18 Apr (10) 4 Apr - 11 Apr (11) 28 Mar - 4 Apr (9) 21 Mar - 28 Mar (6) 14 Mar - 21 Mar (9) 7 Mar - 14 Mar (2) 28 Feb - 7 Mar (9) 21 Feb - 28 Feb (7) 14 Feb - 21 Feb (9) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (9) 31 Jan - 7 Feb (6) 24 Jan - 31 Jan (14) 17 Jan - 24 Jan (9) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (11) 3 Jan - 10 Jan (10) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (10) 20 Dec - 27 Dec (8) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (6) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (9) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (13) 22 Nov - 29 Nov (10) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (14) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (11) 1 Nov - 8 Nov (16) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (13) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (12) 11 Oct - 18 Oct (9) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (11) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (14) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (19) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (13) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (12) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (15) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (15) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (16) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (14) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (15) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (20) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (10) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (13) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (21) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (15) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (20) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (10) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (13) 31 May - 7 Jun (13) 24 May - 31 May (13) 17 May - 24 May (15) 10 May - 17 May (16) 3 May - 10 May (11) 26 Apr - 3 May (21) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (17) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (20) 5 Apr - 12 Apr (16) 29 Mar - 5 Apr (19) 22 Mar - 29 Mar (17) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (23) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (22) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (21) 22 Feb - 1 Mar (22) 15 Feb - 22 Feb (25) 8 Feb - 15 Feb (25) 1 Feb - 8 Feb (21) 25 Jan - 1 Feb (23) 18 Jan - 25 Jan (19) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (35) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (23) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (27) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (28) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (23) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (22) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (19) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (22) 16 Nov - 23 Nov (19) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (15) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (17) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (10) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (12) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (13) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (19) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (14) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (17) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (19) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5)

In this edition of our monthly thematic roundup of BookLife titles, were celebrating memoir and autobiography.

Adventure

The Escape Artist: A True Story

Alexandra Swigon

ISBN 978-1-5004-4789-2

About the book: A family of four is thrown into the high-octane history that was communist Poland in the 1960s and 70s. A visionary architect, a central-planning feminist economist, and two little girls grapple with life in a logic-challenged system.

Author statement:  So, where are you from? A simple enough icebreaker, but not for me. Poland, by way of New York, a bit of Italy. How to properly answer and do justice to my familys escape and emigration from communist Poland? I have tried condensing the story to an elevator speech. Naturally, the dramatic parts would pique the listeners curiosity, and just as they would start peppering me with questions it was time to get off the elevator. This book finally gives me the opportunity to tell the story in the fullness that it deserves.

Everything in Between

Caitlin Elizabeth

ISBN 978-0-578-68070-5

About the book: Everything in Between takes the reader around the world and back again, the story of a woman letting go of the past and societys conditioning to find her freedom. In her 20s, Caitlin decides to quit her soul-sucking job to live in South America, a decision that catapults her into a totally new life. From Peru to Bali to India to Vietnam to Ireland to Costa Rica to the Faroe Islands, the reader joins Caitlin on a worldwide adventure, fraught with as many hilariously unfortunate mishaps as insightful moments.

Author statement: Womens voices have been silenced for centuries. I wrote this book of essays to share my true and honest experience of choosing not to get married, traveling instead of raising a family, and deconditioning myself from capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal standards around my sexuality and life purpose.

Memory Road Trip

Krista Marson

ISBN 978-1-7373284-0-7

About the book: This journey down memory lane is a coming-of-age excursion that takes armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness.

Author statement: Memory Road Trip is a collection of travel stories ranging from the sublime to the surreal.

Grief

Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love

Felice Cohen

ASIN B09XZM7FC2

About the book: What if your first love was a forbidden one? At 23, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early 1990s. Since she was focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she didwith her boss, a woman 34 years older. In this candid coming-of-age memoir, Cohen chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating lifes unpredictable path while following ones heart and finding acceptance.

Author statement: This book started out as a therapeutic exercise. The first love of my life had died. We had had a secretive, 10-year lesbian affair, and after she passed, I was forced to mourn her exactly as I had loved her: in secret. But the secret was fighting to come out. I wrote something late one night after she came to me in a dream. On a whim I entered it into a first chapter contest and won. A publisher came up to me and asked, How much of the book do you have done? Book? I thought. What book? It took me almost 18 years to finish this book. Not because of the writing process, but because of the healing one. Finishing meant letting her go. But it was time. Time to tell our story. Time to move on. Time to fall in love again.

Life After Death

Trina Machacek

ISBN 978-1-73776-752-7

About the book: Becoming a one instead of half a twosome is not what you bargained for? You find yourself really alone, a lot? You need a cheerleader. You need to hear you are going to live again. You need to know its okay to live and laugh while being angry and sad. With all the courage of a kitten coming out of the box for the first time, and seeing the world in a new light, Machacek found widowhood wasnt all that bad.

Author statement: When my husband died (oh how I hated those words), I looked for a book that wasnt all just sad. So after some cajoling from friends, I wrote about the widows journey. This is the book I looked for when I became the newest widow on my block. I want to let other people know that there is hope. That there really, truly is life after a death.

Triumph and Transformation

California Chrome: Our Story

Perry Martin

ISBN 978-0-578-34021-0

About the book: The Martins built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. Regaining their financial feet after working hard to make the business profitable, they could have relaxed and enjoyed their success. Instead, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the first horse they ever bred, California Chrome, took the world by storm and won the Kentucky Derby.

Author statement: This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

In Our Blood

Caitlin Billings

ISBN 978-1-64742-415-2

About the book: Caitlin Billings thought she could neatly walk away from her past, but her work as a mental health professional and role as a mother causes tremendous pressure to be perfect and present stability. But a hold-up at gunpoint breaks her carefully balanced world apart. Suddenly, Caitlin is trapped by frightening mental health issues while raising two young children. Just when she feels in control of her newfound bipolar disorder, her elder child shows similar depressive symptoms and an allegation of sexual assault in their home makes her question her fundamental ability to protect her children. And when her elder child comes out as transgender, Caitlin must reconsider her own tolerance and understanding. Part coming-of-age, part reckoning of motherhood, In Our Blood is a therapists honest account of professional and personal struggles and an intergenerational story of acceptance, self-love, and fluidity.

Author statement: I decided to write a memoir because I was trying to make sense of two colliding identities: clinical social worker and psychiatric patient. I want readers to know that despite the societal pressure many of us feel to be perfect, imperfection is the reality, and acceptance of self will open new paths for you while perfectionism becomes an ever-tighter and more cramped prison cell. We can make mistakes with our lives and take paths that in hindsight we wish wed never walked, but if we can lean into our understanding of ourselves and stop calling ourselves imperfect failures, we can find peace in little slips of time and in the most mundane of ways.

Never Make a Sound

Fanen ChiahemeI

ISBN 978-1-989134-15-3

About the book: A young girl growing up in a turbulent family setting creates a secret inner world to escape her toxic environment. Told through stories and poetry, this memoir is a raw, intimate journey of a young girl finding a way to survive in an impossible situation. A true story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Author statement: This memoir is a creative work, but my hope is that it will help promote greater understanding about childhood abuse and developmental trauma.

Observations Through Yellow Glasses: A Memoir Through Poems

Yong Takahashi

ASIN B09R3B1S3X

About the book: Yong Takahashi moved to The United States with her parents when she was three years old. She grew up in a traditional household where her Korean and American worlds pulled her in opposite directions. Observations Through Yellow Glasses invites readers to follow Takahashis journey as she learns lifes bitter lessons, longs for love, and attempts to heal the wounds she collects along the way.

Author statement: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Detroit. Currently, I live in Atlanta. When I started kindergarten, I was the only Asian student in a newly desegregated school. The white students lived on one side of the highway and the black students lived on the other. I remember the landlord telling my parents we could choose which side because we were yellow. Trying to fit in was difficult. Some of my experiences and their long-lingering effects are in my memoir.

Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts

Max Sherman

ISBN 978-0-578-78487-8

About the book: In the bleak house of Alzheimers, love is fragile and often on the brink of losing its power. If one is not careful, everything can become medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, legal, agonizing, and suffocating, both to the beloved with Alzheimers and to the lover-caregiver. Releasing the Butterfly is a laymans account of how love triumphs over Alzheimers.

Author statement: For anyone worrying about forgetting and not remembering, join Gene Alice and me on a journey of love in the shadow of Alzheimers. Each time of life has its own kind of love. Our fifth act is filled with hugs and kisses.

Reluctant Healer: On Learning to Listen to That Still Small Voice Within to Better Bring Your Gifts to the World

Mary H.A. Kearns

ISBN 978-1-73718-402-7

About the book: This memoir recounts Mary Kearnss journey to trust in her innate gifts and the wisdom of that still, small voice within. She shares the challenges she has faced in following her life path, along with methods she has learned to make the journey smoother. Blending her lived experiences with research in a variety of scientific disciplines, Kearns offers a message of hope during this unique time in history.

Author statement: My memoir began in November 2018 with National Novel Writing Month, in which I challenged myself to write 50,000 words in one month, focusing on interesting vignettes from my life. I worked on it here and there for several months, but it was still just several short, unrelated pieces. Then, in 2020, I found myself (as did many other people), with a lot more time for writing and reflecting. Over the next year, I wove the pieces into a coherent story, and added some lessons I had learned and insights Id had during the early months of the pandemic.

The Sea Once Swallowed Me: A Memoir of Love, Solitude, and the Limits of Language

Sondra Charbadze

ISBN 978-1-73623-200-2

About the book: Sleeping in the woods outside a medieval city in Spain, Sondra Charbadze ponders her decision to abandon a more ordinary life. I am here to decipher nature, she writes. But as the stone glints back, I know this is a lie. Humans can decipher nothing but their own small lives. Entranced by a mysterious musician, yet yearning for the man she left behind, she struggles to find the path to connection while retaining her identity. As she befriends people on the margins, she is compelled to confront how pain and privilege haunt both relationships and societies. In the process, she finds love in unlikely places and healing at the limits of language.

Author statement: I wrote this book while living in Spain, but edits required a few more years of self-reflection. Memoir is a difficult genre because it requires the memoirist to develop enough self-awareness to understand her motivations and weaknesses. I had to wrestle with my internalized sexism, my childhood trauma, and the ways I hurt others by refusing to face my own pain. But in spite of that difficulty, exploring my personal past through a narrative lens has been liberating. Writing this book has also convinced me that symbolism and meaning are embedded in the fabric of the ordinary.

Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder

Simone Yemm

ISBN 978-1-64663-534-4

About the book: Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Simones journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eatingas she imagines it to be.

Author statement: My memoir began life as a private journal entry that was part of my mental health recovery process. Over the course of time my private writing increased; I created a public blog, enrolled in writing courses, and then my story was born. It has been an incredible cathartic labor of love and Im so grateful for all that I have learned in the process.

Youll Forget This Ever Happened

Laura Engel

ISBN 978-1-64742-349-0

About the book: By writing her truth, Laura Engel gives a voice to that 17-year-old girl caught up in a tangle of a secret pregnancy and the relinquishment of her son, to educate the reader about the guilt and trauma that women endured in previous eras. This book delves into how a traumatic secret is never forgotten and colors the secret-keepers life, showing how the bursting open of a shameful secret can change the direction of a life in a powerful and positive way.

Author statement: In 2016, a miracle happened in my life, resulting in me writing a memoir about a secret I had planned on taking to my grave. A son I had put up for adoption as a teenage unwed mother 49 years before found me through AncestryDNA. My book begins in 1967 in a maternity home for unwed mothers in New Orleans and travels over the span of 50 years across the country to California and back again. Heartbreaking, yet magically triumphant at times, my book is a narrative of the backstory of a closed adoption.




YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the 132nd session of the CoE Committee of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on May 20, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Mirzoyan and Osmani had a discussion over deepening bilateral relations and enhancing effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The need for intensifying political dialogue and mutual visits between the two countries was underscored.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted active partnership in the OSCE, expressing hope that during its upcoming presidency in the OSCE North Macedonia will have important contribution in regional security and peace. In this context the Armenian FM presented Armenias position over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, underscoring the OSCE MG Co-Chairmanships mediating role for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The post-war humanitarian issues of the 2020 war were also addressed.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the 132nd session of the CoE Committee of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on May 20, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Mirzoyan and Osmani had a discussion over deepening bilateral relations and enhancing effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The need for intensifying political dialogue and mutual visits between the two countries was underscored.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted active partnership in the OSCE, expressing hope that during its upcoming presidency in the OSCE North Macedonia will have important contribution in regional security and peace. In this context the Armenian FM presented Armenias position over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, underscoring the OSCE MG Co-Chairmanships mediating role for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The post-war humanitarian issues of the 2020 war were also addressed.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the 132nd session of the CoE Committee of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on May 20, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Mirzoyan and Osmani had a discussion over deepening bilateral relations and enhancing effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The need for intensifying political dialogue and mutual visits between the two countries was underscored.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted active partnership in the OSCE, expressing hope that during its upcoming presidency in the OSCE North Macedonia will have important contribution in regional security and peace. In this context the Armenian FM presented Armenias position over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, underscoring the OSCE MG Co-Chairmanships mediating role for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The post-war humanitarian issues of the 2020 war were also addressed.
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.


AuthBridge, Indias largest Authentication company, launches its new social media campaign # SuperhumansKeepSuperTeamsToget her to celebrate International Human Resources Day. The campaign highlights the superhumans of the HR department who are the backbone of healthy work culture in a company and do a lot more than they are recognised for. As part of the campaign, AuthBridge is running a series of posts around much-loved fictional characters who worked behind the scenes to not only build but also keep strong teams together. The campaign is live on the companys social media pages including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

The campaign celebrates HR teams who are often undervalued because of several misconceptions around their role. Even in 2022, HR teams fight perceptions categorising them only as engagement managers, discipline enforcers and conflict management teams. The use of famous fictional characters from the Marvel universe, Harry Potter movies, the X-men series and The Lord of the Rings incites curiosity and builds an immediate connection with readers.

On the occasion of International Human Resources Day, we want to take this opportunity to thank our HR superhumans for their relentless efforts! #SuperhumansKeepSuperTeamsTogether #InternationalHumanResourcesDay2022 #HRcommunity #humanresources pic.twitter.com/Bxn59hsB73  AuthBridge (@authbridge) May 20, 2022

Elaborating on the campaign, Mr Utkarsh Joshi, Senior Vice President, Account Management and Growth, AuthBridge, said, From our experience of working with HR teams over many years, we know what it takes for them to build and keep strong teams together. But we are equally aware that most of this superhuman work goes unnoticed. The past couple of years have moved the needle in favour of HR getting a seat at the table; # SuperhumansKeepSuperTeamsToget her is a small step in the direction of keeping this momentum going.

AuthBridge has been offering HR-focused, digital solutions under their workforce solutions vertical for over 16 years. These include solutions like employee background verification and onboarding, blue-collar employee screening, and senior executive screening amongst others. They have over 1500+ clients, most of them relying on their proprietary databases and authentication technology to verify permanent and contractual employees at speed and scale, often in real-time.
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
Multinational Chinese companies operating in Kenya participated in a job fair held at the University of Nairobi on Friday to promote interaction among recent graduates and potential employers.

The career fair attracted some 22 Chinese companies in Kenya who showcased their businesses and shared available job opportunities, with the aim of finding employees with the skill set required.

The two-day job fair was organized by the Confucius Institute domiciled at the University of Nairobi. The job fair featured engineering, architecture, law, media, design, tourism, translation, logistics and other areas. It attracted at least 1,000 students on the first day alone.

Many students hailed the job fair as an inspiration for local youths in their quest to cement ties with Chinese enterprises that have established footprints in Kenya.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Multinational Chinese companies operating in Kenya participated in a job fair held at the University of Nairobi on Friday to promote interaction among recent graduates and potential employers.

The career fair attracted some 22 Chinese companies in Kenya who showcased their businesses and shared available job opportunities, with the aim of finding employees with the skill set required.

The two-day job fair was organized by the Confucius Institute domiciled at the University of Nairobi. The job fair featured engineering, architecture, law, media, design, tourism, translation, logistics and other areas. It attracted at least 1,000 students on the first day alone.

Many students hailed the job fair as an inspiration for local youths in their quest to cement ties with Chinese enterprises that have established footprints in Kenya.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service




Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


Newly discovered emails show that Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was more deeply involved in baseless efforts to overturn the 2020 election than previously known
ST. LOUIS  A 22-year-old St. Louis man was charged Friday afternoon in connection with two fatal shootings this month, including the killing of a Eureka High School sophomore last weekend.

Graylon Lindsey was charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

In the most recent case, Lindsey is accused in the killing of Kyierah Jeffries, 16, of the 6700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in St. Louis. The Eureka High School sophomore died Saturday after being shot about 3:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of Minnesota Avenue, police said.

That day, Kyierah was with family members in the Carondelet neighborhood, according to her aunt, Cherie Ford. Kyierah was separated from the family for a while and ended up inside a car with a man who they say then shot the 16-year-old in the stomach. He left the teen and drove away, Ford said.

In the second incident, police allege Lindsey shot and killed Arriell Dixon, 25, of St. Louis, just after 1 a.m. May 5 just north of Fairground Park.

Little information is known about that shooting, but officers said the woman died at the scene of the shooting.

Police said Lindsey, of the 4000 block of St. Louis Avenue, is also a suspect in two shootings that took place in 2021, but no charges have been filed in those cases. No one died in the 2021 incidents.

Jail records indicate officers booked Lindsey into the St. Louis City Justice Center around 5 p.m. Thursday. He remained in custody without bail.

No lawyer was listed for Lindsey in court records.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Dentsu Webchutney Bengaluru and FCB India Delhi were among the select group of Special Awards winners at The One Show 2022 awards ceremony in New York.

Dentsu Webchutney was awarded Best of Discipline in Radio & Audio for The Unfiltered History Tour on behalf of VICE World News. Coupled with wins announced yesterday, the agency won a total of 7 Gold Pencils, 9 Silver, 2 Bronze, and 3 Merits for the work.

The other Special Award of the night for India was a One Show Fusion Pencil win by FCB India, working with FCB Chicago for The Nominate Me Selfie on behalf of The Times of India and Political Shakti. The Fusion Pencil is the industrys first global award to recognise great work that best incorporates DEI principles and underrepresented groups in both the creative content of the work and the team that made it.

This years top One Show honours, based upon cumulative scores for Pencils and Merits won across all disciplines, are:

Agency of the Year  Leo BurnettChicago

Independent Agency of the Year  L&CNew York

Brand-Side Agency of the Year  Google Devices & Services Creative TeamMountain View

Network of the Year  Ogilvy Group

Creative Holding Company of the Year  Omnicom Group

Production Company of the Year  Hungry ManLos Angeles

Music & Sound Company of the Year  Beacon StreetVenice

Client of the Year  Unilever

Non-Profit Client of the Year  Change the Ref

Brand of the Year  Google

Leo Burnett Chicago was awarded Best of Show and three Best of Disciplines for The Lost Class on behalf of Change the Ref.

The One Show 2022 Best of Discipline winners:

The One Show 2022 Special Awards

The One Show CMO Pencil recognises the brand-side marketer behind the worlds single most impactful idea on a brands business from the past year. For the first time in the history of this special award, The One Show honoured co-winners at the brand.

Lorraine Twohill, CMO at Google, received the award along with Florian Koenigsberger, Image Equity Lead, Google, for Real Tone, a collection of technical improvements to the Pixel 6 camera and Google Photos that more accurately and beautifully highlight the nuances of all skin tones. The exception made this year to include Koenigsberger as a co-winner is in recognition of the critical role he played in making this innovative and important technology a reality.

The prestigious One Show 2022 Penta Pencil, awarded to the agency and brand who together have created outstanding creative work for the last five years, was presented to Ogilvy UK and Dove.

The One Show Green Pencil, recognising the most environmentally conscious creative work for the year, was awarded to:

L&CNew York with Suitcase Productions New York and Agosto Lima Pinatex for Dole Sunshine Company and Ananas Anam

Saatchi & SaatchiNew York with Biscuit Filmworks Los Angeles and Pickle Music New York, #TurToCold for Procter & Gamble, Tide

The One Show Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pencil, created in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Partnerships and non-profit PVBLIC Foundation to reward agencies and brands for work that betters the world and contributes to securing a sustainable future for all, went to

L&CNew York with Suitcase Productions New York and Agosto Lima, Pinatex for Dole Sunshine Company and Ananas Anam

Wunderman Thompson ColombiaBogota Waterlight for E-Dina Energy

In addition to the Fusion Pencil won by FCB India, two others were awarded:

BBH USANew York City with Anonymous Content Los Angeles and Cabin New York, Black-Owned Friday for Google

Zulu Alpha KiloToronto with Zulubot Toronto, The Micropedia of Microaggressions for Black Business and Professional Association, et al.

The One Show Cultural Driver Gold Pencil, recognizing influential ideas and executions that had a major impact in their respective cultures and environments, and exist outside the traditional categories in advertising and design, was won by McCann Paris Neuilly-sur-Seine with McCann Health London, McCann Worldgroup Germany Dusseldorf and Weber Shandwick Neuilly-sur-Seine, The Bread Exam for Spinneys and the Lebanese Breast Cancer Foundation

All One Show 2022 Gold, Silver, Bronze and merit winners were announced yesterday.

Globally, Leo Burnett Chicago capped off a hugely successful year tonight at The One Show 2022, picking up Best of Show, three Best of Disciplines and 20 Gold Pencils for Change the Ref The Lost Class. The work was the most awarded entry at The One Show 2022, winning 20 Gold Pencils, four Silver, five Bronze and seven Merits. Hungry Man Los Angeles took home one of the Silvers and Merits for the work.

McCann Paris Neuilly-sur-Seine picked up nine Gold Pencils, all for The Bread Exam for Spinneys and the Lebanese Breast Cancer Foundation. Africa Sao Paulo won eight Golds, including four each for House of Lapland Salla 2032 and Folha de S.Paulo Newspaper The Most Valuable News.

A total of 19,579 pieces from 66 countries and regions were entered in The One Show 2022, an increase of 10.5% over last year. Agencies, studios, brands, production companies and designers in 44 countries and regions were awarded 193 Gold Pencils, 163 Silver, 233 Bronze and 1,022 Merits.

The showcase of all One Show 2022 Pencil and Merit winners can be viewed here, and a pdf list of all winners can be downloaded here.

The One Show 20221 Global, Regional and Country Creative Rankings will be announced on May 23.

Creative Week 2022 sponsors include Shutterstock and Verizon.




Multinational Chinese companies operating in Kenya participated in a job fair held at the University of Nairobi on Friday to promote interaction among recent graduates and potential employers.

The career fair attracted some 22 Chinese companies in Kenya who showcased their businesses and shared available job opportunities, with the aim of finding employees with the skill set required.

The two-day job fair was organized by the Confucius Institute domiciled at the University of Nairobi. The job fair featured engineering, architecture, law, media, design, tourism, translation, logistics and other areas. It attracted at least 1,000 students on the first day alone.

Many students hailed the job fair as an inspiration for local youths in their quest to cement ties with Chinese enterprises that have established footprints in Kenya.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service




Multinational Chinese companies operating in Kenya participated in a job fair held at the University of Nairobi on Friday to promote interaction among recent graduates and potential employers.

The career fair attracted some 22 Chinese companies in Kenya who showcased their businesses and shared available job opportunities, with the aim of finding employees with the skill set required.

The two-day job fair was organized by the Confucius Institute domiciled at the University of Nairobi. The job fair featured engineering, architecture, law, media, design, tourism, translation, logistics and other areas. It attracted at least 1,000 students on the first day alone.

Many students hailed the job fair as an inspiration for local youths in their quest to cement ties with Chinese enterprises that have established footprints in Kenya.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Multinational Chinese companies operating in Kenya participated in a job fair held at the University of Nairobi on Friday to promote interaction among recent graduates and potential employers.

The career fair attracted some 22 Chinese companies in Kenya who showcased their businesses and shared available job opportunities, with the aim of finding employees with the skill set required.

The two-day job fair was organized by the Confucius Institute domiciled at the University of Nairobi. The job fair featured engineering, architecture, law, media, design, tourism, translation, logistics and other areas. It attracted at least 1,000 students on the first day alone.

Many students hailed the job fair as an inspiration for local youths in their quest to cement ties with Chinese enterprises that have established footprints in Kenya.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Multinational Chinese companies operating in Kenya participated in a job fair held at the University of Nairobi on Friday to promote interaction among recent graduates and potential employers.

The career fair attracted some 22 Chinese companies in Kenya who showcased their businesses and shared available job opportunities, with the aim of finding employees with the skill set required.

The two-day job fair was organized by the Confucius Institute domiciled at the University of Nairobi. The job fair featured engineering, architecture, law, media, design, tourism, translation, logistics and other areas. It attracted at least 1,000 students on the first day alone.

Many students hailed the job fair as an inspiration for local youths in their quest to cement ties with Chinese enterprises that have established footprints in Kenya.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service








South Africa: Mpumalanga residents assured that government will act

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the communities of the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga that all three spheres of government are hard at work to resolve their challenges and issues.

He was speaking during the Presidential Imbizo held in the town on Friday which was preceded by an engagement with business people.

The imbizo is a platform for community members to raise all of their challenges to government officials including ministers, deputy ministers, provincial leaders and local government leaders led by the president.

Major challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include the delivery of basic services, challenges in farming, bad road maintenance, land ownership issues, gender based violence and femicide and youth unemployment.

The issue of job opportunities is one that we are working on day and night and we are doing so at a heightened level as we seek to implement our economic recovery and reconstruction plan which we are working through as we continue to promote investment in our economy and as we continue to make our country more investment attractive.

One of the things we should be doing is to give [the youth] skills so that as you saidthat when they get skills, different sorts of skills, they should in the end be able to create their own jobs, the President said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that the Imbizo  which have also been held in the North West and Free State  are invaluable for helping government to zero in on the area specific and general problems municipalities are facing.

This Imbizo programme isa very meaningful process that allows our people to be able to talk to government and because we are a government that listens, as you talk, as you put your views across, we are able to take those issues that you are raising and address them. And as you have heard, various departments are going to come back and the rest of the province to address the various challenges that our people are facing.

Imbizo is a very valuable platformit has a huge impact on enabling us as local, provincial and national government level to focus on the issues that affect the lives of our people. We have taken copious notes. So what you have been saying is not going to go through one ear and [out] the other. We are going to pay attention to the issues that youve raised, he said.

The President acknowledged that the country has been facing several problems over the past two years which have caused setbacks.

Our challenges are many as a nation and as a country. Just as we thought we would be able to address the many challenges that we face, COVID-19 descended on us. As we tried to see how best we can navigate our way through COVID-19it had a negative impact and we lost two million jobs in one year.

As we began to see our economy [begin to re-emerge], and then the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and that had a huge impact on our GDP. As we were trying to come to terms with thatthen the floods in KZN, Eastern Cape and to a lesser extent North West, also descended, he said.

President Ramaphosa expressed belief that the country is resilient enough to overcome these challenges.

We have had many challenges in the past. We have had enormous challenges and we have addressed them. And even this challenge we will address. What I can say is that we will be able to emerge out of all these challenges.

We are South Africans we are made of stellar stuff, we will be able to find out feet beyond all these challenges. Our governmentis busy on a continuous basis addressing the challenges and difficulties our people are facing, he said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-05-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Mpumalanga residents assured that government will act

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the communities of the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga that all three spheres of government are hard at work to resolve their challenges and issues.

He was speaking during the Presidential Imbizo held in the town on Friday which was preceded by an engagement with business people.

The imbizo is a platform for community members to raise all of their challenges to government officials including ministers, deputy ministers, provincial leaders and local government leaders led by the president.

Major challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include the delivery of basic services, challenges in farming, bad road maintenance, land ownership issues, gender based violence and femicide and youth unemployment.

The issue of job opportunities is one that we are working on day and night and we are doing so at a heightened level as we seek to implement our economic recovery and reconstruction plan which we are working through as we continue to promote investment in our economy and as we continue to make our country more investment attractive.

One of the things we should be doing is to give [the youth] skills so that as you saidthat when they get skills, different sorts of skills, they should in the end be able to create their own jobs, the President said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that the Imbizo  which have also been held in the North West and Free State  are invaluable for helping government to zero in on the area specific and general problems municipalities are facing.

This Imbizo programme isa very meaningful process that allows our people to be able to talk to government and because we are a government that listens, as you talk, as you put your views across, we are able to take those issues that you are raising and address them. And as you have heard, various departments are going to come back and the rest of the province to address the various challenges that our people are facing.

Imbizo is a very valuable platformit has a huge impact on enabling us as local, provincial and national government level to focus on the issues that affect the lives of our people. We have taken copious notes. So what you have been saying is not going to go through one ear and [out] the other. We are going to pay attention to the issues that youve raised, he said.

The President acknowledged that the country has been facing several problems over the past two years which have caused setbacks.

Our challenges are many as a nation and as a country. Just as we thought we would be able to address the many challenges that we face, COVID-19 descended on us. As we tried to see how best we can navigate our way through COVID-19it had a negative impact and we lost two million jobs in one year.

As we began to see our economy [begin to re-emerge], and then the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and that had a huge impact on our GDP. As we were trying to come to terms with thatthen the floods in KZN, Eastern Cape and to a lesser extent North West, also descended, he said.

President Ramaphosa expressed belief that the country is resilient enough to overcome these challenges.

We have had many challenges in the past. We have had enormous challenges and we have addressed them. And even this challenge we will address. What I can say is that we will be able to emerge out of all these challenges.

We are South Africans we are made of stellar stuff, we will be able to find out feet beyond all these challenges. Our governmentis busy on a continuous basis addressing the challenges and difficulties our people are facing, he said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-05-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

Placeholder while article actions load

SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea said Saturday it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms, even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of COVID-19 across his unvaccinated populace and hinted at easing virus restrictions to nurse a decaying economy. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight The outbreak has caused concern about serious tragedies in the poor, isolated country with one of the worlds worst health care systems and a high tolerance for civilian suffering. Experts say North Korea is almost certainly downplaying the true scale of the viral spread, including a strangely small death toll, to soften the political blow on Kim as he navigates the toughest moment in his decade of rule.

Around 219,030 North Koreans with fevers were identified in the 24 hours through 6 p.m. Friday, the fifth straight daily increase of around 200,000, according to the Norths Korean Central News Agency, which attributed the information to the governments anti-virus headquarters.

Advertisement

North Korea said more than 2.4 million people have fallen ill and 66 people have died since an unidentified fever began quickly spreading in late April, although the country has only been able to identify a handful of those cases as COVID-19 due to a lack of testing supplies. After maintaining a dubious claim for 2 1/2 years that it had perfectly blocked the virus from entering its territory, the North admitted to omicron infections last week.

Amid a paucity of public health tools, the North has mobilized more than a million health workers to find people with fevers and isolate them at quarantine facilities. Kim also imposed strict restrictions on travel between cities and towns and mobilized thousands of troops to help with the transport of medicine to pharmacies in the countrys capital, Pyongyang, which has been the center of the outbreak.

During a ruling party Politburo meeting on Saturday, Kim insisted the country was starting to bring the outbreak under control and called for tightened vigilance to maintain the affirmative trend in the anti-virus campaign, KCNA said. But Kim also seemed to hint at relaxing his pandemic response to ease his economic woes, instructing officials to actively modify the countrys preventive measures based on the changing virus situation and to come up with various plans to revitalize the national economy.

Advertisement

KCNA said Politburo members debated ways for more effectively engineering and executing the governments anti-virus policy in accordance with how the spread of the virus was being stably controlled and abated, but the report did not specify what was discussed.

While imposing supposedly maximum preventive measures, Kim has also stressed that his economic goals still should be met, and state media have described large groups of workers continuing to gather at farms, mining facilities, power stations and construction sites.

Experts say Kim cant afford to bring the country to a standstill that would unleash further shock on a fragile economy, strained by decades of mismanagement, crippling U.S.-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons ambitions and pandemic border closures. State media have portrayed an urgent push for agricultural campaigns aimed at protecting crops amid an ongoing drought, a worrisome development in a country that has long suffered from food insecurity, and for completing large-scale housing and other construction projects Kim sees as crucial to his rule.

Advertisement

The Norths Rodong Sinmun newspaper said farm workers in South Hwanghae province were striving to achieve miraculous results in rice-planting to repay Kim, describing how their leader has donated his personal medical supplies to help with anti-virus efforts, which the newspaper said allowed workers to rise like a phoenix.

The virus hasnt stopped Kim from holding and attending important public events for his leadership. State media showed him weeping during Saturdays state funeral for top North Korean military official Hyon Chol Hae, who is believed to have been involved in grooming Kim as a future leader during the rule of his father, Kim Jong Il.

North Koreas optimistic description of its pandemic response starkly contrasts with outside concerns about dire consequences, including deaths that may reach tens of thousands. The worries have grown as the country apparently tries to manage the crisis in isolation while ignoring help from South Korea and the United States. South Koreas government has said it couldnt confirm reports that North Korea had flown aircraft to bring back emergency supplies from ally China this week.

Advertisement

The North in recent years has shunned millions of vaccine doses offered by the U.N.-backed COVAX distribution program, possibly because of international monitoring requirements attached to those shots. The WHO and UNICEF have said North Korea so far has been unresponsive to their requests for virus data or proposals for help, and some experts say the North may be willing to accept a certain level of fatalities to gain immunity through infection.

Its possible at least some of North Koreas fever caseload are from non-COVID-19 illnesses such as water-borne diseases, which according to South Korean intelligence officials have become a growing problem for the North in recent years amid shortages in medical supplies.

But experts say the explosive pace of spread and North Koreas lack of a testing regime to detect large numbers of virus carriers in early stages of infection suggest the countrys COVID-19 crisis is likely worse than what its fever numbers represent. They say the countrys fatalities would be significantly larger than the official tally and that deaths will further surge in coming weeks considering the intervals between infections and deaths.

Advertisement

North Koreas admission of a COVID-19 outbreak came amid a streak of weapons tests, including the countrys first demonstration of an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017 in March, as Kim pushes a brinkmanship aimed at pressuring the United States to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiating economic and security concessions from a position of strength.

The economic challenges and COVID-19 crisis are unlikely to slow his pressure campaign. U.S. and South Korean officials have said theres a possibility the North conducts another ballistic missile test or nuclear explosive test during or around President Joe Bidens visits to South Korea and Japan this week.

Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than three years over disagreements over how to relax crippling U.S.-led sanctions in exchange for disarmament steps by the North.

GiftOutline Gift Article


South Africa: Mpumalanga residents assured that government will act

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the communities of the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga that all three spheres of government are hard at work to resolve their challenges and issues.

He was speaking during the Presidential Imbizo held in the town on Friday which was preceded by an engagement with business people.

The imbizo is a platform for community members to raise all of their challenges to government officials including ministers, deputy ministers, provincial leaders and local government leaders led by the president.

Major challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include the delivery of basic services, challenges in farming, bad road maintenance, land ownership issues, gender based violence and femicide and youth unemployment.

The issue of job opportunities is one that we are working on day and night and we are doing so at a heightened level as we seek to implement our economic recovery and reconstruction plan which we are working through as we continue to promote investment in our economy and as we continue to make our country more investment attractive.

One of the things we should be doing is to give [the youth] skills so that as you saidthat when they get skills, different sorts of skills, they should in the end be able to create their own jobs, the President said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that the Imbizo  which have also been held in the North West and Free State  are invaluable for helping government to zero in on the area specific and general problems municipalities are facing.

This Imbizo programme isa very meaningful process that allows our people to be able to talk to government and because we are a government that listens, as you talk, as you put your views across, we are able to take those issues that you are raising and address them. And as you have heard, various departments are going to come back and the rest of the province to address the various challenges that our people are facing.

Imbizo is a very valuable platformit has a huge impact on enabling us as local, provincial and national government level to focus on the issues that affect the lives of our people. We have taken copious notes. So what you have been saying is not going to go through one ear and [out] the other. We are going to pay attention to the issues that youve raised, he said.

The President acknowledged that the country has been facing several problems over the past two years which have caused setbacks.

Our challenges are many as a nation and as a country. Just as we thought we would be able to address the many challenges that we face, COVID-19 descended on us. As we tried to see how best we can navigate our way through COVID-19it had a negative impact and we lost two million jobs in one year.

As we began to see our economy [begin to re-emerge], and then the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and that had a huge impact on our GDP. As we were trying to come to terms with thatthen the floods in KZN, Eastern Cape and to a lesser extent North West, also descended, he said.

President Ramaphosa expressed belief that the country is resilient enough to overcome these challenges.

We have had many challenges in the past. We have had enormous challenges and we have addressed them. And even this challenge we will address. What I can say is that we will be able to emerge out of all these challenges.

We are South Africans we are made of stellar stuff, we will be able to find out feet beyond all these challenges. Our governmentis busy on a continuous basis addressing the challenges and difficulties our people are facing, he said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-05-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the 132nd session of the CoE Committee of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on May 20, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Mirzoyan and Osmani had a discussion over deepening bilateral relations and enhancing effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The need for intensifying political dialogue and mutual visits between the two countries was underscored.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted active partnership in the OSCE, expressing hope that during its upcoming presidency in the OSCE North Macedonia will have important contribution in regional security and peace. In this context the Armenian FM presented Armenias position over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, underscoring the OSCE MG Co-Chairmanships mediating role for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The post-war humanitarian issues of the 2020 war were also addressed.

New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
BEDFORD  After a 25-year career serving the town of Bedford in both fire service and, for a time, in a law enforcement capacity, town Fire Chief Brad Creasy is stepping down to accept a new position.

Starting Monday, Creasy will begin his job as the executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, a gubernatorial appointment overseeing an agency responsible for the delivery of educational programs to Virginias fire service.

Its a great opportunity. Im really looking forward to the challenges that will come with that, Creasy said.

The move was not something Creasy had been chasing; rather, the opportunity came up, and he chose to take it.

In the state-level role, Creasy said he is most looking forward to meeting stakeholders in the fire service industry throughout the commonwealth and gather feedback on how to make fire service better as a whole. Having been in the profession himself for so long, Creasy is well acquainted with some of the challenges facing his colleagues, though he declined to elaborate on specifics.

I think thats one of the factors that made me a good candidate for the position, is that I have been a stakeholder for the last 25 years. I am as familiar with some of the agency shortcomings as anyone, so I can come in and already know, as an external customer, that there are issues that we need to address and improve on, Creasy said.

He added the agency overall does a phenomenal job with the resources it has.

Reflecting on his career with the town, Creasy said there is no one particular experience that stands out as most memorable to him.

I think my greatest memory would be seeing our people grow as firefighters and leaders. Thats from probationary firefighters who successfully complete the basic firefighter academy, to the senior firefighter who has worked his or her way into a position of leadership, he said. Those have been the most enjoyable memories for me.

Under his leadership as chief, Creasy said he is most proud of the technological upgrades the volunteer fire department obtained to make the agency more efficient, as well as being awarded certain grants to help not only fund equipment updates, but provide a small stipend for the fire departments volunteer workers on their stand-by and per-call basis.

Weve had the opportunity to accomplish some great things over the past 15 years. Some were very small, and some were very significant to either cost or impact, he said.

Being at the helm of the small department during a pandemic was unexpected, but Creasy said thanks to following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and health precautions from the very beginning, quarantines were greatly limited within the department, which allowed operations to run relatively smoothly.

The town fire departments deputy and assistant chiefs will take over department operations until a new chief is voted on by the department and is then officially appointed by town council to fill Creasys vacancy.

Brads level of professionalism and attention to detail has had a tremendously positive impact upon Company 1, said Bart Warner, town manager. Brad has also been committed to constant improvement  even when things have already operated at an optimal level. I think he leaves a legacy of pride and achievement that our colleagues will carry forward after his departure.

Warner said he will miss Creasy, a long-time colleague and friend, although he is proud and excited for this step up.

Its been a true honor and privilege for me to be around Brad  both personally and professionally, Warner said.
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)










New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI/ATK): Unified Brainz Celebrated the Success of Women leading by example with Glitz, Glamour & Glory on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, 2022. The world witnessed the most awaited event "Women Leaders to look Up to in 2022" on digital grounds. This glorious ceremony saw the presence of some most sought-after lineup of women leaders who were featured from different walks of life sharing passion journey. Steve Jobs has said it right, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." A person with ordinary skills does not comply with this capacity. Dr Gupta is someone with a distinctive style of leadership. Multi-skilled, beneficent, and resilient, Dr Gupta is an undaunting woman who came across remarkably and redefined resilience. She is amongst the group of people who can multi-task between being a dentist and a dynamic entrepreneur. Some people are born achievers, Dr Gupta resonates with this line. Ever since she set foot in Australia to pursue her career as a dentist she had a clear vision of being exemplar with her skills. She went on further to work as a dentist for a few years and later bought one of the oldest dental practices in regional Victoria Australia. Presently, Dr Gupta holds management positions in multiple dental practices, wherein Norlane Dental Surgery is one of the most renowned , modern surgery with the latest medical technology with utmost automation. Additionally, she is also managing multiple businesses with her husband, "We're currently constructing one of the region's biggest healthcare hubs, a set of facilities including one of the largest dental practices, a large medical centre with allied health facilities, a Day Surgery, a Montessori Childcare Centre and a Cafe." Dr Gupta completed her degree in India in 2000 and arrived in Australia four years later. After getting married to her soulmate, she entered the business world. Being a newbie, she had to learn from the ground up whilst married and with a toddler, in a completely new country with its own culture. Gupta was seen working diligently all day and night for almost two years to understand the intricacies of the business. Challenges are the seeds that help up bring out the toughness and strength within ourselves Dr. Gupta has faced and overcome huge challenges, which is why she is an incredible role model for women. "Management and the actual running of the businesses was not my strength. I initially had to work very hard to overcome this weakness. I did multiple management courses related to how to run businesses, people management issues, financials, marketing, and the list goes on!" Dr Gupta finds sheer delight in inspiring the women in business and giving back to society for making her the powerful woman she is today. Elucidating her experience, she says "I think a decade ago, I really found it hard to work in the corporate world as a woman. People today are more accepting of women as leaders. I must say even now a lot of effort goes into proving yourself and putting your point across. From personal experience within my field, women are doing as well as men in dentistry..." It takes confidence to take sizeable steps to achieve a dream, Dr. Gupta ventured her inspiration from one of the greatest leaders of Indian history Indira Gandhi, "She was highly intelligent, charismatic to a fault, and a decision-maker come-what-may..." Following her path, Dr Gupta paved her way with immense confidence in herself "Ignore the non-believers and keep on, whilst making measurable and concrete milestones on the way to your goals." A woman with such tremendous visions and achievements, especially in the health industry, is most fitting for plentiful recognitions. Some of her sea of awards include the Best dentist in the region from the last 3 years, moreover, she has also been listed for the Business Leader of the year award in 2021, she was also featured on the cover page of the Australian 'BITE" magazine. To know more about Dr Rashi, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, info@passionvista.com As phenomenal as her ideologies sound, Dr Gupta's spellbinding tips on becoming an influential leader continue to inspire many. "Do not underestimate yourself, no one will come and shape your life - you have to. Once you do decide to though, you will be amazed by the amount of support you will be given." This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to attend various programmes and inaugurate many development projects.

"Leaving for Arunachal Pradesh on a two-day visit. Looking forward to attending various programs in this beautiful part of India," Shah tweeted after leaving Delhi.

Also Read | Gyanvapi Mosque Row: Delhi University Professor Ratan Lal Arrested for Derogatory Post.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state.

Also Read | Avish Educom's Extensive List of Skill-Based Courses Transforms Several Lives and How.

The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area.

The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai.

He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
This photo of the Muskrat Falls power generating project was taken in May 2019, seven months after principal contractor Astaldi Canada was evicted from the site. Astaldi was hired in 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls. (Nalcor Energy - image credit)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a brief statement in which it largely claims victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Muskrat Falls contractor Astaldi Canada. But big questions remain unanswered.

After repeated requests for information by CBC News, the public utility company confirmed Friday that it has received notice of final award from the arbitration panel and that it is "pleased with the tribunal's decision."

According to N.L. Hydro, the arbitrators ruled that the decision by one of its subsidiaries  Muskrat Falls Corporation in late 2018 to oust Astaldi from the troubled hydroelectric project in Labrador was done properly.

The panel also "rejected the majority of Astaldi's claims," said the N.L. Hydro statement.

The statement says the utility is still assessing the decision and will release more information in the future, which means a wide range of questions remain unanswered:

Was N.L. Hydro ordered to pay any money to Astaldi Canada?

What became of the performance security of roughly $180 million that was seized from Astaldi when it was evicted from the project? Was some or all of it returned to Astaldi?

How much did arbitration cost? Did the panel order one side to pay the costs of the other?

What were the consequences of removing Astaldi from the project, and hiring a replacement contractor, both in terms of schedule and cost?

In response to these questions, CBC News received the following statement from Hydro:

"The settlement document remains confidential in accordance with the parameters of the arbitration process. We will be able to share more detail and accommodate an interview once we make our way through the decision."

Astaldi 'would like to correct the record'

Astaldi Canada declined an interview request, but the company's St. John's-based lawyer, Paul Burgess, released a statement.

"Our client is bound by the confidentiality provisions of the arbitration process and any comment would be inappropriate. As much as Astaldi Canada Inc. would like to correct the record, any comment by them would be inappropriate," Burgess wrote.

Story continues

Submitted by Nalcor Energy

The decision to terminate Astaldi came as the controversial project was teetering on the verge of collapse, and ignited a series of complex claims and counterclaims, with employees, suppliers and contractors owed millions in wages and payments.

The provincial government acted quickly after Astaldi's termination to ensure hundreds of displaced employees were paid for outstanding hours of work.

A source with knowledge of the matter said contractors and suppliers who were owed money following Astaldi's termination have either been paid or are in the process of being paid.

A contract gone bad

Astaldi Canada, a subsidiary of a major Italian construction company, was awarded a $1.1-billion contract in late 2013 to build the intake and powerhouse, transition dam and spillway at Muskrat Falls.

But the contract was beset with delays, highly publicized technical setbacks  including a specialized construction dome that failed miserably  and major cost overruns.

Muskrat Falls Corporation eventually made extra payments to Astaldi in excess of $700 million.

But with Astaldi Canada and its parent company facing serious financial troubles, and with workers and suppliers and sub-contractors complaining they were not getting paid, Astaldi was booted from the site in October 2018. A month later, Astaldi terminated all its employees without cause.

Another company, Newfoundland-based Pennecon Limited, was hired to finish the job.

Astaldi launched a private commercial arbitration process for wrongful termination against Nalcor Energy and the Muskrat Falls Corporation, originally claiming $500 million in damages, according to documents reviewed by CBC News. However, other documents have pegged the claim at $200 million.

A year ago, the provincial government announced that Nalcor Energy was being disbanded, and its operations moved under N.L. Hydro.

Meanwhile, the Astaldi arbitration was considered one of the outstanding risks to the project, and any large settlement was not factored into the current final forecast cost of $13.1 billion.

"We do not anticipate this having a substantial impact on the overall final project budget," a Hydro spokesperson wrote.

The arbitration decision is just the latest chapter in a troubled saga for Muskrat Falls, which was designated a misguided project following a lengthy and complex public inquiry.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

AuthBridge, Indias largest Authentication company, launches its new social media campaign # SuperhumansKeepSuperTeamsToget her to celebrate International Human Resources Day. The campaign highlights the superhumans of the HR department who are the backbone of healthy work culture in a company and do a lot more than they are recognised for. As part of the campaign, AuthBridge is running a series of posts around much-loved fictional characters who worked behind the scenes to not only build but also keep strong teams together. The campaign is live on the companys social media pages including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

The campaign celebrates HR teams who are often undervalued because of several misconceptions around their role. Even in 2022, HR teams fight perceptions categorising them only as engagement managers, discipline enforcers and conflict management teams. The use of famous fictional characters from the Marvel universe, Harry Potter movies, the X-men series and The Lord of the Rings incites curiosity and builds an immediate connection with readers.

On the occasion of International Human Resources Day, we want to take this opportunity to thank our HR superhumans for their relentless efforts! #SuperhumansKeepSuperTeamsTogether #InternationalHumanResourcesDay2022 #HRcommunity #humanresources pic.twitter.com/Bxn59hsB73  AuthBridge (@authbridge) May 20, 2022

Elaborating on the campaign, Mr Utkarsh Joshi, Senior Vice President, Account Management and Growth, AuthBridge, said, From our experience of working with HR teams over many years, we know what it takes for them to build and keep strong teams together. But we are equally aware that most of this superhuman work goes unnoticed. The past couple of years have moved the needle in favour of HR getting a seat at the table; # SuperhumansKeepSuperTeamsToget her is a small step in the direction of keeping this momentum going.

AuthBridge has been offering HR-focused, digital solutions under their workforce solutions vertical for over 16 years. These include solutions like employee background verification and onboarding, blue-collar employee screening, and senior executive screening amongst others. They have over 1500+ clients, most of them relying on their proprietary databases and authentication technology to verify permanent and contractual employees at speed and scale, often in real-time.





YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the 132nd session of the CoE Committee of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on May 20, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Mirzoyan and Osmani had a discussion over deepening bilateral relations and enhancing effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The need for intensifying political dialogue and mutual visits between the two countries was underscored.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted active partnership in the OSCE, expressing hope that during its upcoming presidency in the OSCE North Macedonia will have important contribution in regional security and peace. In this context the Armenian FM presented Armenias position over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, underscoring the OSCE MG Co-Chairmanships mediating role for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The post-war humanitarian issues of the 2020 war were also addressed.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the 132nd session of the CoE Committee of Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on May 20, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Mirzoyan and Osmani had a discussion over deepening bilateral relations and enhancing effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The need for intensifying political dialogue and mutual visits between the two countries was underscored.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted active partnership in the OSCE, expressing hope that during its upcoming presidency in the OSCE North Macedonia will have important contribution in regional security and peace. In this context the Armenian FM presented Armenias position over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, underscoring the OSCE MG Co-Chairmanships mediating role for achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The post-war humanitarian issues of the 2020 war were also addressed.

Johnson Controls- Hitachi Air conditioning India Ltd. has recently launched a multi-city OOH campaign across South India at the beginning of summer season. OOH campaign titled as Ambience Light know the ambience inside the room be it cool, comfortable or warm with just one glance on the ac.. The campaign has been executed by Connect OOH in formats like hoardings, BQS, unipoles etc at vantage points across the cities of Tamil Nadu, Kerela, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

"We are very excited to launch Hitachi AC campaign with innovative and smart features that can cater to the need of customers from having fresh air with our innovative FrostWash technology to a smart wi-fi enabled airCloud Home. With our unique air Technology, Hitachis Inverter split air conditioner can provide silent, odour- free, clean, fresh & surround air and thus offers most convenient and comfortable environment to our customers said Nilesh Shah, Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Business Planning, Johnson Controls- Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd.

Speaking on the association, Anjum Tanwar, Executive Vice President and National Head, Connect OOH said, This campaign suggests the consumer first approach taken by Hitachi and it can be intelligently delivered on traditional outdoor properties when combined with the right operational expertise.

Bhumika Shajwani, Managing Partner at, Connect OOH, said, The essence of a good concept lies in its effective implementation. The client's belief in our abilities to carry out this well thought out data driven planning approach was the key to this successful campaign and we consider it a privilege to be associated with this iconic brand
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished

Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.




Relatives of Amjad al-Fayed mourn during his funeral in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The young man was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Palestinian eyewitnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization. 

A boy covers his ears with hands as he looks from a window at the funeral of Amjad al-Fayed in the West Bank city of Jenin, May 21, 2022. Amjad al-Fayed, 17, was killed and another young man critically injured early on Saturday during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, medics and eyewitnesses have said. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)





LAFAYETTE, La.  Pandemic-related restrictions on migrants seeking asylum on the southern border must continue, a judge ruled Friday in an order blocking the Biden administrations plan to lift them early next week.

The ruling is just the latest instance of a court derailing the presidents proposed immigration policies along the U.S. border with Mexico.

While the administration can appeal, the ruling sharply increases the odds that restrictions will not end as planned on Monday. A delay would be a blow to advocates who say rights to seek asylum are being trampled, and a relief to some Democrats who fear that a widely anticipated increase in illegal crossings would put them on the defensive in an already difficult midterm election year.

Migrants have been expelled more than 1.9 million times since March 2020 under Title 42, a public health provision that denies them a chance to request asylum under U.S. law and international treaty on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

U.S. District Judge Robert Summerhays in Lafayette, Louisiana, ordered that the restrictions stay in place while a lawsuit led by Arizona and Louisiana  and now joined by 22 other states  plays out in court.

Montana is one of the states that leapt into the litigation. State GOP officials hailed Friday's injection as a win for border security.

Border Patrol agents are already overwhelmed with the crisis at the border and lifting Title 42 would have made it even worse, resulting in more illicit drugs coming across the border and crime increases across the nation  including right here in Montana. President Biden must secure the border and I wont stop fighting his dangerous border policies until he does, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in a press release.

In another press release, Sen. Steve Daines said: Its outrageous that President Biden even considered rescinding Title 42 in the midst of a historic crisis at our southern border thats leaving our country wide open to an influx of illegal drugs and illegal immigrants. While Im glad to see a Trump-appointed judge block Bidens senseless decision, the President needs to wake up, face reality and secure our southern border for the safety of Montana communities."

The states argued that the administration failed to adequately consider the effects that lifting the restrictions would have on public health and law enforcement. Drew Ensign, an attorney for the state of Arizona, argued at a hearing that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to follow administrative procedures requiring public notice and time to gather public comment.

Jean Lin, a Justice Department attorney, told the judge that the CDC was empowered to lift an emergency health restriction it felt was no longer needed. She said the order was a matter of health policy, not immigration.

Summerhays, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, had already ruled in favor of the states by halting efforts to wind down use of the pandemic-era rule. He said last month that a phaseout would saddle states with unrecoverable costs on healthcare, law enforcement, detention, education, and other services.

Title 42 is the second major Trump-era policy to deter asylum at the Mexican border that was jettisoned by President Joe Biden, only to be revived by a Trump-appointed judge.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to allow the administration to force asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. That case, challenging a policy known as Remain in Mexico, originated in Amarillo, Texas. It was reinstated in December on the judges order and remains in effect while the litigation plays out.

 Montana State News Bureau reporter Seaborn Larson contributed to this AP report.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0








[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished

Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.









[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.










Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.







After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.


Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
DARLINGTON, S.C.  A statement from police and school officials says the vandalism was extensive when a senior prank went too far at Darlington High School.

According to a media advisory from Darlington County public information officer Audrey Childers, the vandalism occurred on Thursday, May 12, when more than 30 seniors and underclassmen from Darlington High School entered multiple school buildings on the campus without permission. The vandalism included:

Cameras intentionally obscured with debris.

Doors and windows egged.

Chalk paint used to graffiti walkways, walls, and windows.

Syrup and confetti spread throughout the buildings.

Chocolate sauce poured on the walkways and tracked inside.

Shaving cream sprayed in water fountains and on lockers, display cases, and windows.

Trash cans containing food and milk turned over and garbage spread throughout the yard and buildings.

Light poles, water fountains, and doorways wrapped in plastic wrap.

The principals office and the central office broken into and vandalized.

A Falcon mascot headpiece removed from the display case and left in the courtyard with shaving cream on it.

Feminine pads stuck to doorways, walls, and stop signs.

Classroom furniture thrown down the hallway.

Gym equipment and team water bottles removed from storage and thrown around the gym.

Hand sanitizer dumped in the hallway.

Various construction items brought on campus and left inside the building.

In addition to the vandalism, several items and money were stolen from the main office.

The media advisory continued: Darlington police officers, while checking the security of the building, observed what appeared to be suspicious activity at the school. They found the damages and began investigating immediately.

The volume of damage and vandalism required extensive work from teams of custodians and school staff working from midnight to the start of school to ensure the school would open and operate as usual on Friday [the next day].

School district personnel worked with school administrators and law enforcement to assess the magnitude of the situation and determine appropriate discipline.

The participants violated multiple sections of the Darlington County School District discipline policy as well as violated criminal law, including trespassing, vandalism, and potentially burglary charges.

The district is handling the discipline per the districts discipline code.

Chief Kelvin Washington of the Darlington Police Department said, We are working with school district officials on this investigation. Multiple laws were broken, and charges could be brought against the violators. The school district hopes to handle this through the districts discipline policy to keep these young people from getting criminal records. We support the school districts decision.

Dr. Tim Newman, superintendent of the Darlington County School District said, As educators, its always difficult when young people make poor decisions that could impact their future. This was a serious situation with serious consequences. While accountability is necessary, this moment does not have to define the future of these students.

A source told the Morning News that students were suspended until the end of the year. The students are not allowed to participate in senior week activities and will not be able to walk at graduation.

Some parents and community members believe the punishment to be too harsh. Petitions have been started and according to the source, appeals have been made on the disciplinary decisions of the district.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.







The National Labor Relations Board is seeking to order Starbucks to recognize a union at a Buffalo-area store where the union lost an initial vote last year.

The move is part of a larger effort by the board to scrutinize the coffee chains response to a nationwide union campaign. In an amended complaint against the company, the agency on Thursday accused Starbucks of intimidating and retaliating against workers who are seeking to unionize.

The labor boards attempt to order the company to bargain at a store where the union didnt win is aggressive but within the normal range of remedies for such cases, said Matthew Bodie, a former lawyer for the labor board who teaches law at St. Louis University. The complaint sends a message, Mr. Bodie added.

Workers have voted to unionize at more than 70 Starbucks stores since December, and they have filed petitions for union elections at more than 150 additional cafes. Starbucks owns and operates roughly 9,000 outlets in the United States.








KABUL, May. 21 (Xinhua) --The triple whammy of decade-long war, regime change and COVID-19 has left Afghanistan reeling. However, domestic food companies are striving to feed their hungry nation and at the same time, trying to create more jobs for locals.

Rice and wheat flour are two main food sources in Afghanistan. More than 22 million out of the 35 million population face acute food shortages. To meet local needs, the Afghan caretaker government has banned wheat exports with immediate effect, the government confirmed on Friday.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service


After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.


BEDFORD  After a 25-year career serving the town of Bedford in both fire service and, for a time, in a law enforcement capacity, town Fire Chief Brad Creasy is stepping down to accept a new position.

Starting Monday, Creasy will begin his job as the executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, a gubernatorial appointment overseeing an agency responsible for the delivery of educational programs to Virginias fire service.

Its a great opportunity. Im really looking forward to the challenges that will come with that, Creasy said.

The move was not something Creasy had been chasing; rather, the opportunity came up, and he chose to take it.

In the state-level role, Creasy said he is most looking forward to meeting stakeholders in the fire service industry throughout the commonwealth and gather feedback on how to make fire service better as a whole. Having been in the profession himself for so long, Creasy is well acquainted with some of the challenges facing his colleagues, though he declined to elaborate on specifics.

I think thats one of the factors that made me a good candidate for the position, is that I have been a stakeholder for the last 25 years. I am as familiar with some of the agency shortcomings as anyone, so I can come in and already know, as an external customer, that there are issues that we need to address and improve on, Creasy said.

He added the agency overall does a phenomenal job with the resources it has.

Reflecting on his career with the town, Creasy said there is no one particular experience that stands out as most memorable to him.

I think my greatest memory would be seeing our people grow as firefighters and leaders. Thats from probationary firefighters who successfully complete the basic firefighter academy, to the senior firefighter who has worked his or her way into a position of leadership, he said. Those have been the most enjoyable memories for me.

Under his leadership as chief, Creasy said he is most proud of the technological upgrades the volunteer fire department obtained to make the agency more efficient, as well as being awarded certain grants to help not only fund equipment updates, but provide a small stipend for the fire departments volunteer workers on their stand-by and per-call basis.

Weve had the opportunity to accomplish some great things over the past 15 years. Some were very small, and some were very significant to either cost or impact, he said.

Being at the helm of the small department during a pandemic was unexpected, but Creasy said thanks to following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and health precautions from the very beginning, quarantines were greatly limited within the department, which allowed operations to run relatively smoothly.

The town fire departments deputy and assistant chiefs will take over department operations until a new chief is voted on by the department and is then officially appointed by town council to fill Creasys vacancy.

Brads level of professionalism and attention to detail has had a tremendously positive impact upon Company 1, said Bart Warner, town manager. Brad has also been committed to constant improvement  even when things have already operated at an optimal level. I think he leaves a legacy of pride and achievement that our colleagues will carry forward after his departure.

Warner said he will miss Creasy, a long-time colleague and friend, although he is proud and excited for this step up.

Its been a true honor and privilege for me to be around Brad  both personally and professionally, Warner said.








remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


A FIRST-EVER unified migrant jobs exposition in Limerick is looking to place hundreds of Ukrainian and other foreign nationals in meaningful employment within the county.

The aim is to provide dedicated resources and services, as well as advice and information to migrants about finding employment, education, training in Ireland and childcare activities.

The Migrant Expo is the first ever coordinated multi-agency event for the foreign community in our city, stated Anna Mazeika, organiser and founder of this event and the Help for Ukraine fundraiser.

I've been heavily involved in supporting Ukrainians since the second day of the war. I respond to at least 40 messages per day, usually answering the same questions and that is why I feel there is a lack of understanding of what's actually available in Limerick, she said.

This is Annas fourth event involving support for Ukrainians.

Her first involved the successful delivery of 44 tons of medical aid from Limerick to Ukraine, the second was the set-up of a Zero Cost Shop and the third, was the first Jobs Fair for Ukrainians.

While working in the shop with a group of dedicated volunteers, they noticed that many other foreign people in Limerick are actively looking for answers in various areas.

The Migrant Expo is open to all, and it will cover five main categories: Education, Employment, English, Summer Activities and Social Protection.

Each attendee will be able to build their own unique path with help from all the resources under one roof. There will be several floating translators around the place to help with communication between resources and attendees.

Some of the bodies involved include the University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Limerick City and County Council.

Also involved are Paul Partnership, Pathways to Progress - Open Doors, Doras Luimni, the Department of Social Protection, Limerick Childcare Committee, the HSE, Unijobs, An Garda Siochana, Sellors LLP and many more.

The event will take place in the Limerick Strand Hotel, City View Room, between 1 and 4.40 this Saturday afternoon.

This event will be my final and I hope many migrants will avail of this opportunity, Anna concluded.

After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.
DARLINGTON, S.C.  A statement from police and school officials says the vandalism was extensive when a senior prank went too far at Darlington High School.

According to a media advisory from Darlington County public information officer Audrey Childers, the vandalism occurred on Thursday, May 12, when more than 30 seniors and underclassmen from Darlington High School entered multiple school buildings on the campus without permission. The vandalism included:

Cameras intentionally obscured with debris.

Doors and windows egged.

Chalk paint used to graffiti walkways, walls, and windows.

Syrup and confetti spread throughout the buildings.

Chocolate sauce poured on the walkways and tracked inside.

Shaving cream sprayed in water fountains and on lockers, display cases, and windows.

Trash cans containing food and milk turned over and garbage spread throughout the yard and buildings.

Light poles, water fountains, and doorways wrapped in plastic wrap.

The principals office and the central office broken into and vandalized.

A Falcon mascot headpiece removed from the display case and left in the courtyard with shaving cream on it.

Feminine pads stuck to doorways, walls, and stop signs.

Classroom furniture thrown down the hallway.

Gym equipment and team water bottles removed from storage and thrown around the gym.

Hand sanitizer dumped in the hallway.

Various construction items brought on campus and left inside the building.

In addition to the vandalism, several items and money were stolen from the main office.

The media advisory continued: Darlington police officers, while checking the security of the building, observed what appeared to be suspicious activity at the school. They found the damages and began investigating immediately.

The volume of damage and vandalism required extensive work from teams of custodians and school staff working from midnight to the start of school to ensure the school would open and operate as usual on Friday [the next day].

School district personnel worked with school administrators and law enforcement to assess the magnitude of the situation and determine appropriate discipline.

The participants violated multiple sections of the Darlington County School District discipline policy as well as violated criminal law, including trespassing, vandalism, and potentially burglary charges.

The district is handling the discipline per the districts discipline code.

Chief Kelvin Washington of the Darlington Police Department said, We are working with school district officials on this investigation. Multiple laws were broken, and charges could be brought against the violators. The school district hopes to handle this through the districts discipline policy to keep these young people from getting criminal records. We support the school districts decision.

Dr. Tim Newman, superintendent of the Darlington County School District said, As educators, its always difficult when young people make poor decisions that could impact their future. This was a serious situation with serious consequences. While accountability is necessary, this moment does not have to define the future of these students.

A source told the Morning News that students were suspended until the end of the year. The students are not allowed to participate in senior week activities and will not be able to walk at graduation.

Some parents and community members believe the punishment to be too harsh. Petitions have been started and according to the source, appeals have been made on the disciplinary decisions of the district.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
After six weeks of campaigning, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson have made a last-ditch sprint to the finish as they look to stave off fierce challenges from teal independents in former Liberal strongholds Kooyong and Goldstein.

Frydenberg was out early on a frosty election morning, crisscrossing the suburbs of Kew, Surrey Hills and Balwyn soon after polls opened at 8am, hammering home his message to keep Josh rather than elect his opponent Monique Ryan.

Josh Frydenberg and family at Belle Vue Primary School. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

There was some argy-bargy over the signs plastered across churches and primary schools, as there is on every election day. Ryan was forced to amend Chinese-language voting cards and signs after the Australian Electoral Commission said they breached Commonwealth laws.

At Chatham Primary School, a Frydenberg sign had to be moved by a few centimetres after complaints that it was too close to a polling booth. In such a close contest, even the smallest advantage was worth arguing over.
DARLINGTON, S.C.  A statement from police and school officials says the vandalism was extensive when a senior prank went too far at Darlington High School.

According to a media advisory from Darlington County public information officer Audrey Childers, the vandalism occurred on Thursday, May 12, when more than 30 seniors and underclassmen from Darlington High School entered multiple school buildings on the campus without permission. The vandalism included:

Cameras intentionally obscured with debris.

Doors and windows egged.

Chalk paint used to graffiti walkways, walls, and windows.

Syrup and confetti spread throughout the buildings.

Chocolate sauce poured on the walkways and tracked inside.

Shaving cream sprayed in water fountains and on lockers, display cases, and windows.

Trash cans containing food and milk turned over and garbage spread throughout the yard and buildings.

Light poles, water fountains, and doorways wrapped in plastic wrap.

The principals office and the central office broken into and vandalized.

A Falcon mascot headpiece removed from the display case and left in the courtyard with shaving cream on it.

Feminine pads stuck to doorways, walls, and stop signs.

Classroom furniture thrown down the hallway.

Gym equipment and team water bottles removed from storage and thrown around the gym.

Hand sanitizer dumped in the hallway.

Various construction items brought on campus and left inside the building.

In addition to the vandalism, several items and money were stolen from the main office.

The media advisory continued: Darlington police officers, while checking the security of the building, observed what appeared to be suspicious activity at the school. They found the damages and began investigating immediately.

The volume of damage and vandalism required extensive work from teams of custodians and school staff working from midnight to the start of school to ensure the school would open and operate as usual on Friday [the next day].

School district personnel worked with school administrators and law enforcement to assess the magnitude of the situation and determine appropriate discipline.

The participants violated multiple sections of the Darlington County School District discipline policy as well as violated criminal law, including trespassing, vandalism, and potentially burglary charges.

The district is handling the discipline per the districts discipline code.

Chief Kelvin Washington of the Darlington Police Department said, We are working with school district officials on this investigation. Multiple laws were broken, and charges could be brought against the violators. The school district hopes to handle this through the districts discipline policy to keep these young people from getting criminal records. We support the school districts decision.

Dr. Tim Newman, superintendent of the Darlington County School District said, As educators, its always difficult when young people make poor decisions that could impact their future. This was a serious situation with serious consequences. While accountability is necessary, this moment does not have to define the future of these students.

A source told the Morning News that students were suspended until the end of the year. The students are not allowed to participate in senior week activities and will not be able to walk at graduation.

Some parents and community members believe the punishment to be too harsh. Petitions have been started and according to the source, appeals have been made on the disciplinary decisions of the district.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




A FIRST-EVER unified migrant jobs exposition in Limerick is looking to place hundreds of Ukrainian and other foreign nationals in meaningful employment within the county.

The aim is to provide dedicated resources and services, as well as advice and information to migrants about finding employment, education, training in Ireland and childcare activities.

The Migrant Expo is the first ever coordinated multi-agency event for the foreign community in our city, stated Anna Mazeika, organiser and founder of this event and the Help for Ukraine fundraiser.

I've been heavily involved in supporting Ukrainians since the second day of the war. I respond to at least 40 messages per day, usually answering the same questions and that is why I feel there is a lack of understanding of what's actually available in Limerick, she said.

This is Annas fourth event involving support for Ukrainians.

Her first involved the successful delivery of 44 tons of medical aid from Limerick to Ukraine, the second was the set-up of a Zero Cost Shop and the third, was the first Jobs Fair for Ukrainians.

While working in the shop with a group of dedicated volunteers, they noticed that many other foreign people in Limerick are actively looking for answers in various areas.

The Migrant Expo is open to all, and it will cover five main categories: Education, Employment, English, Summer Activities and Social Protection.

Each attendee will be able to build their own unique path with help from all the resources under one roof. There will be several floating translators around the place to help with communication between resources and attendees.

Some of the bodies involved include the University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Limerick City and County Council.

Also involved are Paul Partnership, Pathways to Progress - Open Doors, Doras Luimni, the Department of Social Protection, Limerick Childcare Committee, the HSE, Unijobs, An Garda Siochana, Sellors LLP and many more.

The event will take place in the Limerick Strand Hotel, City View Room, between 1 and 4.40 this Saturday afternoon.

This event will be my final and I hope many migrants will avail of this opportunity, Anna concluded.
A FIRST-EVER unified migrant jobs exposition in Limerick is looking to place hundreds of Ukrainian and other foreign nationals in meaningful employment within the county.

The aim is to provide dedicated resources and services, as well as advice and information to migrants about finding employment, education, training in Ireland and childcare activities.

The Migrant Expo is the first ever coordinated multi-agency event for the foreign community in our city, stated Anna Mazeika, organiser and founder of this event and the Help for Ukraine fundraiser.

I've been heavily involved in supporting Ukrainians since the second day of the war. I respond to at least 40 messages per day, usually answering the same questions and that is why I feel there is a lack of understanding of what's actually available in Limerick, she said.

This is Annas fourth event involving support for Ukrainians.

Her first involved the successful delivery of 44 tons of medical aid from Limerick to Ukraine, the second was the set-up of a Zero Cost Shop and the third, was the first Jobs Fair for Ukrainians.

While working in the shop with a group of dedicated volunteers, they noticed that many other foreign people in Limerick are actively looking for answers in various areas.

The Migrant Expo is open to all, and it will cover five main categories: Education, Employment, English, Summer Activities and Social Protection.

Each attendee will be able to build their own unique path with help from all the resources under one roof. There will be several floating translators around the place to help with communication between resources and attendees.

Some of the bodies involved include the University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Limerick City and County Council.

Also involved are Paul Partnership, Pathways to Progress - Open Doors, Doras Luimni, the Department of Social Protection, Limerick Childcare Committee, the HSE, Unijobs, An Garda Siochana, Sellors LLP and many more.

The event will take place in the Limerick Strand Hotel, City View Room, between 1 and 4.40 this Saturday afternoon.

This event will be my final and I hope many migrants will avail of this opportunity, Anna concluded.


Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty



remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."
















U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty








U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."







YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States remains ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan in the normalization of relations, including in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing.

We very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region as part of that. We do urge this dialogue to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements to make use of existing mechanisms for direct engagement, and in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and  to normalize their relations through the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. We are there to support this process. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Price said when asked by a reporter on the US State Departments expectations of the current ongoing negotiations process.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States remains ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan in the normalization of relations, including in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing.

We very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region as part of that. We do urge this dialogue to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements to make use of existing mechanisms for direct engagement, and in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and  to normalize their relations through the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. We are there to support this process. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Price said when asked by a reporter on the US State Departments expectations of the current ongoing negotiations process.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States remains ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan in the normalization of relations, including in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing.

We very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region as part of that. We do urge this dialogue to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements to make use of existing mechanisms for direct engagement, and in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and  to normalize their relations through the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. We are there to support this process. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Price said when asked by a reporter on the US State Departments expectations of the current ongoing negotiations process.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States remains ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan in the normalization of relations, including in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing.

We very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region as part of that. We do urge this dialogue to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements to make use of existing mechanisms for direct engagement, and in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and  to normalize their relations through the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. We are there to support this process. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Price said when asked by a reporter on the US State Departments expectations of the current ongoing negotiations process.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States remains ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan in the normalization of relations, including in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing.

We very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region as part of that. We do urge this dialogue to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements to make use of existing mechanisms for direct engagement, and in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and  to normalize their relations through the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. We are there to support this process. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Price said when asked by a reporter on the US State Departments expectations of the current ongoing negotiations process.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States remains ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan in the normalization of relations, including in its capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing.

We very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region as part of that. We do urge this dialogue to continue and for the parties to intensify their diplomatic engagements to make use of existing mechanisms for direct engagement, and in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and  to normalize their relations through the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement. We are there to support this process. We remain ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan with these efforts, including in our capacity as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Price said when asked by a reporter on the US State Departments expectations of the current ongoing negotiations process.




Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.



DARLINGTON, S.C.  A statement from police and school officials says the vandalism was extensive when a senior prank went too far at Darlington High School.

According to a media advisory from Darlington County public information officer Audrey Childers, the vandalism occurred on Thursday, May 12, when more than 30 seniors and underclassmen from Darlington High School entered multiple school buildings on the campus without permission. The vandalism included:

Cameras intentionally obscured with debris.

Doors and windows egged.

Chalk paint used to graffiti walkways, walls, and windows.

Syrup and confetti spread throughout the buildings.

Chocolate sauce poured on the walkways and tracked inside.

Shaving cream sprayed in water fountains and on lockers, display cases, and windows.

Trash cans containing food and milk turned over and garbage spread throughout the yard and buildings.

Light poles, water fountains, and doorways wrapped in plastic wrap.

The principals office and the central office broken into and vandalized.

A Falcon mascot headpiece removed from the display case and left in the courtyard with shaving cream on it.

Feminine pads stuck to doorways, walls, and stop signs.

Classroom furniture thrown down the hallway.

Gym equipment and team water bottles removed from storage and thrown around the gym.

Hand sanitizer dumped in the hallway.

Various construction items brought on campus and left inside the building.

In addition to the vandalism, several items and money were stolen from the main office.

The media advisory continued: Darlington police officers, while checking the security of the building, observed what appeared to be suspicious activity at the school. They found the damages and began investigating immediately.

The volume of damage and vandalism required extensive work from teams of custodians and school staff working from midnight to the start of school to ensure the school would open and operate as usual on Friday [the next day].

School district personnel worked with school administrators and law enforcement to assess the magnitude of the situation and determine appropriate discipline.

The participants violated multiple sections of the Darlington County School District discipline policy as well as violated criminal law, including trespassing, vandalism, and potentially burglary charges.

The district is handling the discipline per the districts discipline code.

Chief Kelvin Washington of the Darlington Police Department said, We are working with school district officials on this investigation. Multiple laws were broken, and charges could be brought against the violators. The school district hopes to handle this through the districts discipline policy to keep these young people from getting criminal records. We support the school districts decision.

Dr. Tim Newman, superintendent of the Darlington County School District said, As educators, its always difficult when young people make poor decisions that could impact their future. This was a serious situation with serious consequences. While accountability is necessary, this moment does not have to define the future of these students.

A source told the Morning News that students were suspended until the end of the year. The students are not allowed to participate in senior week activities and will not be able to walk at graduation.

Some parents and community members believe the punishment to be too harsh. Petitions have been started and according to the source, appeals have been made on the disciplinary decisions of the district.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.






Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.










Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has approved the transfer of Rs 30,307 crore as a surplus to the Union government for the 2021-22 accounting year. (DC file Photo)

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has approved the transfer of Rs 30,307 crore as a surplus to the Union government for the 2021-22 accounting year. The contingency risk buffer has also been retained at 5.5 per cent. Contingency buffer is a specific provision made for meeting unexpected contingencies from exchange rate operations and monetary policy decisions. The RBI contributes a sizeable portion of its profit to the Contingency buffer.

Experts pointed out that the RBI surplus, an important source of revenue for the government, is much lower than the budgeted amount but healthy tax receipts could make up for the loss.

Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra, The amount of surplus to be transferred by the RBI to the government appears to be modestly lower than the budgeted amount. However, the tax receipts are expected to substantially surpass the budgeted level, absorbing the impact of the former.

The surplus/dividend transfer by the RBI is significantly lower than what it did last year. In 2020-21, the board had approved the transfer of Rs 99,122 crore as surplus to the government. This years surplus transfer is also lower than the Rs 73,948 crore in dividend the Centre has estimated in the Budget from RBI and financial institutions.











Scott Morrison has stripped off his suit after a hard final day of campaigning to watch the votes be counted with his family.

The prime minister was seen in casual dress with a no-collar shirt and a jumper as he embraced family inside Kirribilli House in Sydney.

Polls closed on Australia's east coast at 6pm, leaving Mr Morrison with nothing left to do but wait to make a concession or victory speech.

Mr Morrison's relaxation will only last a few hours as he is due to appear, either in victory or defeat, at an election night rally at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was seen in casual dress with a no-collar shirt and a jumper as he embraced family inside Kirribilli House in Sydney

Australians are nervously waiting alongside the PM as with no exit poll this year they have nothing to go on until the results of key seats start to land.

Five seats have already been called by media outlets, three for Labor and two for the Coalition, but these are ultra-safe seats that were never in doubt.

For the ALP are Callwell and Scullin in Victoria and Sydney in NSW, and Groom and Maranoa in Queensland for the Liberal-National Party.

He spent the morning doing a last-minute blitz on TV and radio to convince the last few undecided voters before they headed to the polls.

Mr Morrison then cast his own vote in his seat of Cook, where he thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

Mr Morrison and his family mill around inside Kirribilli House as they celebrate the end of the campaign

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Morrison held a press conference after casting his vote, where he reflected on his years in office.

'Well, this election has never been about me or my feelings or anything like that. It's always been about the Australian people,' he said.

'That's what our government is all about and will continue to be about because I've seen Australians, with Jenny, at their best and in some of the worst of times for them and on every occasion, I have seen the great strength and resilience of Australians.'

'And that's what pulled through - supported by a government that believes in Australians, that's enabled Australia to be one of the strongest performing economies in the advanced world today.'

Mr Morrison touted Australia's low death rate during the coronavirus pandemic as one of his biggest achievements that should earn him another term.

'We have one of the lowest death rates from Covid today and the highest vaccination rates and why we can look to the future with confidence,' he said.

'I look forward to supporting people in their aspirations, particularly to own their own home. There are many hours of voting to go.

'If you want to own your own home by getting access to your superannuation, there's only one to do that and that's voting Liberal National today.'
Minoli De Silva has shared her thoughts on a very awkward moment of live television she was embroiled in earlier this year.

In April, the MasterChef Australia star appeared on The Project - and was left stunned when host Chrissie Swan made a tasteless quip about her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 35-year-old said she found it 'strange' and was 'a bit startled' when Chrissie changed the subject from her cancer news by saying 'Wow from the sublime to the ridiculous, I don't know which one is which!'

Thoughts: In April, the MasterChef Australia star Minoli De Silva (pictured) appeared on The Project - and was left stunned when host Chrissie Swan made a tasteless quip about her breast cancer diagnosis. On Saturday, the 35-year-old said she found it 'strange' and was 'a bit startled' when Chrissie changed the subject from her cancer news

'Chrissie is very fun, she's very quick-witted. I think it was just not her finest moment when someone admits that they've gone through breast cancer and her response is to make a quick remark' Minoli told news.com.au on Saturday.

'I might do that with my friends, but I think on a national level it's probably not the right message that gets sent out.'

Minoli added that she accepted it was 'just a slip of the tongue' and says The Project team later apologised.

'Chrissie is very fun, she's very quick-witted. I think it was just not her finest moment when someone admits that they've gone through breast cancer and her response is to make a quick remark' Minoli said

'They kind of understood that their response wasn't ideal. People make mistakes, everyone says silly stuff all the time, but unfortunately, it was on live TV' she said.

The incident occurred when Chrissie was lost for an appropriate response after Minoli discussed her cancer diagnosis.

The chef had appeared on the program to promote her appearance on the cooking competition, revealing that she had gotten the bad news about her health the same day she was approached to return to MasterChef.

Discussion: The chef had appeared on the program to promote her appearance on the cooking competition, revealing that she had gotten the bad news about her health the same day she was approached to return to MasterChef

'It was probably the day that had the biggest high and the biggest low I ever had. It seemed surreal,' the cook, who originally competed on season 13 of MasterChef, told Chrissie.

'In the morning I got a call from my doctor and he told me that the breast cancer had come back from an ultrasound that happened a week ago and I cried just more tears than I can remember crying in a long time,' she continued.

'Then, MasterChef calls me up in the afternoon and it was like, 'We've got some news that might be really shocking.'

'In the morning I got a call from my doctor and he told me that the breast cancer had come back from an ultrasound that happened a week ago and I cried just more tears than I can remember crying in a long time,' Minoli said. Pictured in hospital during her treatment

Oh dear: Chrissie (pictured) fumbled a reply, ignoring Minoli's discussion of her cancer. 'Wow from the sublime to the ridiculous, I don't know which one is which!' Chrissie interjected

'I didn't say anything and they told me I had got a chance to come back into the MasterChef kitchen.'

Chrissie fumbled a reply, ignoring Minoli's discussion of her cancer altogether.

'Wow from the sublime to the ridiculous, I don't know which one is which!' Chrissie interjected.

Co-star Sarrah Le Marquand then chimed in, changing the subject to a dish the chef had made during Sunday's episode.

Left out: Viewers watching at home noticed the omission and were outraged

'Let's talk jaffles. Your jaffle saved all of the favourites from elimination last night. We want to know how did they thank you?' she said.

The subject of Minoli's diagnosis was dropped and not mentioned again by The Project panel.

Viewers watching at home noticed the omission, with one person tweeting: 'Jeepers a MasterChef contestant just opened up to you about a breast cancer diagnosis, and because it wasn't scripted for your panel with prepared responses, they just froze and completely ignored it?! Pretty woeful'.

Sorry: Minoli says she accepted it was 'just a slip of the tongue' and says The Project team later apologised. 'They kind of understood that their response wasn't ideal. People make mistakes, everyone says silly stuff all the time, but unfortunately, it was on live TV' she said.

Another wrote: 'Chrissy saying 'from the sublime to the ridiculous' after Minoli talked about getting a cancer diagnosis and a call from MasterChef on the same day was really poor. How about 'how are you feeling?''

Someone else asked: 'Did The Project just brush over Minoli's cancer diagnosis?'

Minoli recently revealed that she had undergone a bilateral mastectomy - removing both breasts - prior to returning to MasterChef.

She was first diagnosed with stage 3A triple positive breast cancer at age 31 and underwent a lumpectomy, six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy.
By Trend

The primary objective of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is to enhance trade with Azerbaijan through collaborative entrepreneurship, a member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Melih Tunc Tandogan told Trend.

According to him, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has 90,000 members currently working in various economic sectors.

"In case of receiving a request from Azerbaijani businessmen, we immediately establish contact with them. Meetings were held with representatives of several Azerbaijani companies, during which the sides addressed possible prospects for cooperation. Our purpose is to expand mutual trade through joint activities. Azerbaijan is our gateway to the Caucasus. We do dope for further development of Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation and trade," Tandogan said.
By Trend

The primary objective of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is to enhance trade with Azerbaijan through collaborative entrepreneurship, a member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Melih Tunc Tandogan told Trend.

According to him, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has 90,000 members currently working in various economic sectors.

"In case of receiving a request from Azerbaijani businessmen, we immediately establish contact with them. Meetings were held with representatives of several Azerbaijani companies, during which the sides addressed possible prospects for cooperation. Our purpose is to expand mutual trade through joint activities. Azerbaijan is our gateway to the Caucasus. We do dope for further development of Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation and trade," Tandogan said.
Brazilian writer-director Caru Alves de Souza, whose second feature, My Name Is Baghdad, won the Crystal Bear for best film at Berlins 2020 Generation 14plus sidebar, has been selected for the Pop Up Film Residency 2022 program.

Alves de Souza will use the Residency to develop Lonely Hearts, her new fiction feature.

More from Variety

The award was announced Saturday at Cannes Marche du Film by Josephine Bourgois and Rachel do Valle, executive director and program director at Brazils Projeto Paradiso, which is backing the prize, and former Cannes Critics Week programmer Matthieu Darras, creator of Pop Up.

Alves de Souza will participate in the mentoring program for the development of a fiction feature, which runs over three weeks, in August, in Vilnius, Lithuania. She will receive a Paradiso Scholarship and travel support in the amount of Reais 5,000 ($1,000), in addition to becoming part of the Paradiso Talent Network.

Alves de Souza impressed with My Name is Baghdad, which turns on a 17-year-old female skater  Baghdad  who lives in a working-class hood in Sao Paulo, where she meets a group of female skateboarders, and her life takes a sudden turn. The film originated, she said at the time, from her desire to work with stories and everyday situations lived by characters from a working class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo, seeking the poetry that exists in prosaic situations. She added that she was also drawn to the idea of portraying strong and unusual female characters.

2022 marks the third time Projeto Paradiso and Pop Up Film Residency have teamed up to support a Brazilian screenwriter. Previous winners were Beatriz Seigner and Esmir Filho.

Story continues

Also on Saturday, Projeto Paradiso unveiled Produire au Sud in Brazil, an international workshop dedicated to international co-production that will now have an edition especially for Brazilians, in partnership with Projeto Paradiso.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Brazilian writer-director Caru Alves de Souza, whose second feature, My Name Is Baghdad, won the Crystal Bear for best film at Berlins 2020 Generation 14plus sidebar, has been selected for the Pop Up Film Residency 2022 program.

Alves de Souza will use the Residency to develop Lonely Hearts, her new fiction feature.

More from Variety

The award was announced Saturday at Cannes Marche du Film by Josephine Bourgois and Rachel do Valle, executive director and program director at Brazils Projeto Paradiso, which is backing the prize, and former Cannes Critics Week programmer Matthieu Darras, creator of Pop Up.

Alves de Souza will participate in the mentoring program for the development of a fiction feature, which runs over three weeks, in August, in Vilnius, Lithuania. She will receive a Paradiso Scholarship and travel support in the amount of Reais 5,000 ($1,000), in addition to becoming part of the Paradiso Talent Network.

Alves de Souza impressed with My Name is Baghdad, which turns on a 17-year-old female skater  Baghdad  who lives in a working-class hood in Sao Paulo, where she meets a group of female skateboarders, and her life takes a sudden turn. The film originated, she said at the time, from her desire to work with stories and everyday situations lived by characters from a working class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo, seeking the poetry that exists in prosaic situations. She added that she was also drawn to the idea of portraying strong and unusual female characters.

2022 marks the third time Projeto Paradiso and Pop Up Film Residency have teamed up to support a Brazilian screenwriter. Previous winners were Beatriz Seigner and Esmir Filho.

Story continues

Also on Saturday, Projeto Paradiso unveiled Produire au Sud in Brazil, an international workshop dedicated to international co-production that will now have an edition especially for Brazilians, in partnership with Projeto Paradiso.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Brazilian writer-director Caru Alves de Souza, whose second feature, My Name Is Baghdad, won the Crystal Bear for best film at Berlins 2020 Generation 14plus sidebar, has been selected for the Pop Up Film Residency 2022 program.

Alves de Souza will use the Residency to develop Lonely Hearts, her new fiction feature.

More from Variety

The award was announced Saturday at Cannes Marche du Film by Josephine Bourgois and Rachel do Valle, executive director and program director at Brazils Projeto Paradiso, which is backing the prize, and former Cannes Critics Week programmer Matthieu Darras, creator of Pop Up.

Alves de Souza will participate in the mentoring program for the development of a fiction feature, which runs over three weeks, in August, in Vilnius, Lithuania. She will receive a Paradiso Scholarship and travel support in the amount of Reais 5,000 ($1,000), in addition to becoming part of the Paradiso Talent Network.

Alves de Souza impressed with My Name is Baghdad, which turns on a 17-year-old female skater  Baghdad  who lives in a working-class hood in Sao Paulo, where she meets a group of female skateboarders, and her life takes a sudden turn. The film originated, she said at the time, from her desire to work with stories and everyday situations lived by characters from a working class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo, seeking the poetry that exists in prosaic situations. She added that she was also drawn to the idea of portraying strong and unusual female characters.

2022 marks the third time Projeto Paradiso and Pop Up Film Residency have teamed up to support a Brazilian screenwriter. Previous winners were Beatriz Seigner and Esmir Filho.

Story continues

Also on Saturday, Projeto Paradiso unveiled Produire au Sud in Brazil, an international workshop dedicated to international co-production that will now have an edition especially for Brazilians, in partnership with Projeto Paradiso.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Pig producers have backed the Co-op's calls for the UK's biggest retailers to do more to issue support to the sector after the supermarket unveiled a 19m pledge.

The Co-op is spending 19m on a new pricing model designed to help farmers manage rising production costs by linking the price to the cost of production, rather than the market price for pigs.

The UK's fifth biggest food retailer said it will be reviewed monthly to ensure that the price remains reflective of the costs farmers are facing.

Pig farmers have been facing historically high feed costs even before Christmas, which has now been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

As a result, many UK farmers are suffering significant losses, and some tragically have been forced to close their farms.

Co-op, which is seen as a major supporter of the pig sector, said its new pricing model will see it go even further by moving away from the SPP to offer its farmers a fairer price.

It is the latest retailer to announce support for struggling pig producers. Recently, Waitrose announced a 16m support package, following a 2.8m investment from Sainsbury's.

And earlier this week, Tesco, the UK's largest retailer, unveiled it is spending an extra 6.6 million on pig prices.

But the Co-op is now urging other retailers to 'go the whole hog and support the UK pig sector by shifting their sourcing policies to British produced pork.

It has a market share of 6%, but said its support outstrips any of the big four retailers combined, which have a combined market share of almost 70%.

Matt Hood, co-managing director of Co-op Food, said: Some of the support for the sector is too little but its not too late for supermarkets to do their bit to help more British farmers.

"Switching to UK produced pork is the strongest commitment retailers can give to UK farmers at a time when the sector is experiencing unprecedented spiralling costs.

Co-op is a longstanding and leading supporter of British farming and our new pricing model will see us go even further."

The National Pig Association (NPA) welcomed the announcement, calling the retailer a 'loyal supporter' of British pig producers.

Rob Mutimer, NPA Chairman, said: Most of the big retailers have now acted in some way to inject more money into the supply chain.

"But while the price increases are very welcome, with wheat having reached 350/tonne this week, they are still not matching soaring input costs."

However, with the SPP currently at 173p/kg and average costs estimated to be in excess of 230p/kg, while the price increases are welcome, Mr Mutimer said they need to go further.

"The reality is that our beleaguered pig producers remain under huge pressure and, in many cases, are battling just to survive from week to week. We still need to see more from some retailers.

"As our industry fights for survival, we urge all the big supermarket chains to always prioritise British pork where they can," he added.




Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Turin, 20.05.2022  The Council of Europe today issued a set of guidelines to its 46 member states aimed at preventing and combating hate speech, both online and offline.

In a Recommendation adopted during its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calls on governments to develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and fight hate speech, including the adoption of an effective legal framework and implementing adequately calibrated and proportionate measures. When doing so, national authorities should carefully balance the right to private life, the right to freedom of expression and the prohibition of discrimination.

Welcoming the adoption of the guidelines, Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said: Hate speech is on the rise in Europe, particularly online, where it often takes the form of racism, antisemitism or incitement to violence. European governments should join forces to address this complex threat to our societies with measures that are both effective and proportionate.

The guidelines recommend that member states differentiate between, firstly, the most serious cases of hate speech, which are to be prohibited by criminal law, secondly, hate speech subject to civil and administrative law and, finally, offensive or harmful types of expressions which are not sufficiently severe to be legitimately restricted under the European Convention on Human Rights but nevertheless call for alternative responses.

To counter online hate speech, governments should ensure clear and foreseeable provisions for the effective removal of online hate speech that is prohibited under criminal, civil or administrative law. They should also establish by law the effective measures which should be taken to prevent its dissemination.

The Recommendation furthermore covers the procedural requirements for the removal of hate speech, redress and appeal mechanisms and underlines the need for transparency and proportionality.

Guidance is offered concerning awareness-raising, education, the use of counter and alternative speech, the setting up of support mechanisms to help those targeted by hate speech and training for members of the police and the judiciary as well as other professionals.

Whilst mainly addressed to the member states and their authorities, the Recommendation also contains guidance for other actors including public officials, political parties, internet intermediaries, media and civil society organisations.
The Ferrari Portofino has a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Starr Luxury Cars

I drove a Ferrari Portofino from a luxury rental service.

I panicked at first when I saw all the different controls on the steering wheel.

But driving it made me feel like a celebrity  especially when people started taking pictures.

A red Ferrari is a classic. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

Starr Luxury Cars, a company that wants to operate as an Airbnb-type service for luxury electric cars, was established in 2016 by Ikenna Ordor.

There's been a surge in interest in luxury car rentals. Volkswagen Financial Services reported a 144% rise in rent-a-car bookings in November compared with the same month in 2020. Starr Luxury Cars

Among the brands available are Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, Bentley, McLaren, Mercedes, Tesla, and Range Rover.

A Lamborghini Evo. Starr Luxury Cars

Ordor said he wants to create a personal, easy experience for customers that allows them took book a car in nine clicks.

A Rolls-Royce. Starr Luxury Cars

The coupe cabriolet I drove is a "Portofino" model. It was released in 2017, replacing the Ferrari California.

The Ferrari Portofino. Starr Luxury Cars

This Ferrari has a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.

The engine. Starr Luxury Cars

Its hard-top roof can be opened and closed in 14 seconds.

The hard-top is being opened. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

It costs $1,500 a day to rent for a minimum of two days or $1,100 a day for a minimum of four days.

Ferrari is written on the boot of the car. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

The Ferrari can seat four people. I was surprised to find plenty of legroom in the front.

The Ferrari without the top on. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

I noticed that other drivers tended to give me right-of-way. Ordor said: "They don't want to get into an accident with you."

The Ferrari is easier to drive than most people believe. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

I panicked when I sat behind the steering wheel because I didn't know what to do to start the car, or how to set up the height of the steering wheel or my seat.

Steering wheel of the Ferrari Portofino, which features a number of controls. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

But after a few seconds, I took a breath and realised it wasn't too complicated.

Controls are all over the steering wheel and in between the front seats. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

I can definitely attest that a Ferrari is a good way to show off.

The company's CEO Ikenna Ordor is in the driver seat. Starr Luxury Cars

Overall, driving the Ferrari made me feel like a celebrity, especially with people taking pictures as I drove by. I could get used to it.

The car was parked in front of Kai's restaurant, in Mayfair, London. Sam Tabahriti/Insider

Read the original article on Business Insider
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.

By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a teenage Palestinian boy as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed, 17. It said an 18-year-old Palestinian was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
Scott Morrison has stripped off his suit after a hard final day of campaigning to watch the votes be counted with his family.

The prime minister was seen in casual dress with a no-collar shirt and a jumper as he embraced family inside Kirribilli House in Sydney.

Polls closed on Australia's east coast at 6pm, leaving Mr Morrison with nothing left to do but wait to make a concession or victory speech.

Mr Morrison's relaxation will only last a few hours as he is due to appear, either in victory or defeat, at an election night rally at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was seen in casual dress with a no-collar shirt and a jumper as he embraced family inside Kirribilli House in Sydney

Australians are nervously waiting alongside the PM as with no exit poll this year they have nothing to go on until the results of key seats start to land.

Five seats have already been called by media outlets, three for Labor and two for the Coalition, but these are ultra-safe seats that were never in doubt.

For the ALP are Callwell and Scullin in Victoria and Sydney in NSW, and Groom and Maranoa in Queensland for the Liberal-National Party.

He spent the morning doing a last-minute blitz on TV and radio to convince the last few undecided voters before they headed to the polls.

Mr Morrison then cast his own vote in his seat of Cook, where he thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

Mr Morrison and his family mill around inside Kirribilli House as they celebrate the end of the campaign

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Morrison held a press conference after casting his vote, where he reflected on his years in office.

'Well, this election has never been about me or my feelings or anything like that. It's always been about the Australian people,' he said.

'That's what our government is all about and will continue to be about because I've seen Australians, with Jenny, at their best and in some of the worst of times for them and on every occasion, I have seen the great strength and resilience of Australians.'

'And that's what pulled through - supported by a government that believes in Australians, that's enabled Australia to be one of the strongest performing economies in the advanced world today.'

Mr Morrison touted Australia's low death rate during the coronavirus pandemic as one of his biggest achievements that should earn him another term.

'We have one of the lowest death rates from Covid today and the highest vaccination rates and why we can look to the future with confidence,' he said.

'I look forward to supporting people in their aspirations, particularly to own their own home. There are many hours of voting to go.

'If you want to own your own home by getting access to your superannuation, there's only one to do that and that's voting Liberal National today.'
Minoli De Silva has shared her thoughts on a very awkward moment of live television she was embroiled in earlier this year.

In April, the MasterChef Australia star appeared on The Project - and was left stunned when host Chrissie Swan made a tasteless quip about her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 35-year-old said she found it 'strange' and was 'a bit startled' when Chrissie changed the subject from her cancer news by saying 'Wow from the sublime to the ridiculous, I don't know which one is which!'

Thoughts: In April, the MasterChef Australia star Minoli De Silva (pictured) appeared on The Project - and was left stunned when host Chrissie Swan made a tasteless quip about her breast cancer diagnosis. On Saturday, the 35-year-old said she found it 'strange' and was 'a bit startled' when Chrissie changed the subject from her cancer news

'Chrissie is very fun, she's very quick-witted. I think it was just not her finest moment when someone admits that they've gone through breast cancer and her response is to make a quick remark' Minoli told news.com.au on Saturday.

'I might do that with my friends, but I think on a national level it's probably not the right message that gets sent out.'

Minoli added that she accepted it was 'just a slip of the tongue' and says The Project team later apologised.

'Chrissie is very fun, she's very quick-witted. I think it was just not her finest moment when someone admits that they've gone through breast cancer and her response is to make a quick remark' Minoli said

'They kind of understood that their response wasn't ideal. People make mistakes, everyone says silly stuff all the time, but unfortunately, it was on live TV' she said.

The incident occurred when Chrissie was lost for an appropriate response after Minoli discussed her cancer diagnosis.

The chef had appeared on the program to promote her appearance on the cooking competition, revealing that she had gotten the bad news about her health the same day she was approached to return to MasterChef.

Discussion: The chef had appeared on the program to promote her appearance on the cooking competition, revealing that she had gotten the bad news about her health the same day she was approached to return to MasterChef

'It was probably the day that had the biggest high and the biggest low I ever had. It seemed surreal,' the cook, who originally competed on season 13 of MasterChef, told Chrissie.

'In the morning I got a call from my doctor and he told me that the breast cancer had come back from an ultrasound that happened a week ago and I cried just more tears than I can remember crying in a long time,' she continued.

'Then, MasterChef calls me up in the afternoon and it was like, 'We've got some news that might be really shocking.'

'In the morning I got a call from my doctor and he told me that the breast cancer had come back from an ultrasound that happened a week ago and I cried just more tears than I can remember crying in a long time,' Minoli said. Pictured in hospital during her treatment

Oh dear: Chrissie (pictured) fumbled a reply, ignoring Minoli's discussion of her cancer. 'Wow from the sublime to the ridiculous, I don't know which one is which!' Chrissie interjected

'I didn't say anything and they told me I had got a chance to come back into the MasterChef kitchen.'

Chrissie fumbled a reply, ignoring Minoli's discussion of her cancer altogether.

'Wow from the sublime to the ridiculous, I don't know which one is which!' Chrissie interjected.

Co-star Sarrah Le Marquand then chimed in, changing the subject to a dish the chef had made during Sunday's episode.

Left out: Viewers watching at home noticed the omission and were outraged

'Let's talk jaffles. Your jaffle saved all of the favourites from elimination last night. We want to know how did they thank you?' she said.

The subject of Minoli's diagnosis was dropped and not mentioned again by The Project panel.

Viewers watching at home noticed the omission, with one person tweeting: 'Jeepers a MasterChef contestant just opened up to you about a breast cancer diagnosis, and because it wasn't scripted for your panel with prepared responses, they just froze and completely ignored it?! Pretty woeful'.

Sorry: Minoli says she accepted it was 'just a slip of the tongue' and says The Project team later apologised. 'They kind of understood that their response wasn't ideal. People make mistakes, everyone says silly stuff all the time, but unfortunately, it was on live TV' she said.

Another wrote: 'Chrissy saying 'from the sublime to the ridiculous' after Minoli talked about getting a cancer diagnosis and a call from MasterChef on the same day was really poor. How about 'how are you feeling?''

Someone else asked: 'Did The Project just brush over Minoli's cancer diagnosis?'

Minoli recently revealed that she had undergone a bilateral mastectomy - removing both breasts - prior to returning to MasterChef.

She was first diagnosed with stage 3A triple positive breast cancer at age 31 and underwent a lumpectomy, six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy.
By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the composition of the Supervisory Board of Center for Legal Expertise and Legislative Initiatives public legal entity.

According to the order, the Supervisory Board of Center for Legal Expertise and Legislative Initiatives public legal entity was approved as follows:

Chairman of Supervisory Board

Gunduz Karimov - Head of the Department of Legislation and Legal Policy of the Administration of Azerbaijani President, Assistant to the First Vice-President

Members of the Supervisory Board

Shahin Aliyev - Rector of the Academy of Justice under the Azerbaijani Justice Ministry

Humay Afandiyeva - Judge of the Constitutional Court Azerbaijan Republic

Khalid Gasimli - Head of Law and Legislation Division of the Administrative Office of the Cabinet of Ministers

Farid Hajiyev - Head of the Civil Service and HR Department of Azerbaijans Parliament (Milli Mejlis).
By Azernews

Azerbaijans Small and Medium Business Development Agencys Board Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and Lithuanias Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Director-General Giedre Razinskiene have discussed issues arising from the already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), Azernews reports.

To recall, the MoU between the agency and the chamber was signed during the Azerbaijani-Lithuanian business forum held in Baku on May 18.

The MoU provides for the development of trade and investment cooperation between the SMBs of the two countries, mutual information on innovations in entrepreneurship, exchange of experience in providing services to SMBs, organizing seminars, exhibitions, and other promotional activities to strengthen cooperation.

Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency continues to hold meetings with local and foreign entrepreneurs in order to expand relations and implement new business initiatives.

A number of documents were signed between the two countries, within the framework of the business forum.

The partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect and friendship, and the recent visit of the Lithuanian president to Azerbaijan has given an impetus to further strengthening and expanding these relations.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Lithuania amounted to $42 million in 2021.
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
By Trend

The primary objective of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is to enhance trade with Azerbaijan through collaborative entrepreneurship, a member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Melih Tunc Tandogan told Trend.

According to him, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has 90,000 members currently working in various economic sectors.

"In case of receiving a request from Azerbaijani businessmen, we immediately establish contact with them. Meetings were held with representatives of several Azerbaijani companies, during which the sides addressed possible prospects for cooperation. Our purpose is to expand mutual trade through joint activities. Azerbaijan is our gateway to the Caucasus. We do dope for further development of Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation and trade," Tandogan said.
By Trend

The primary objective of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is to enhance trade with Azerbaijan through collaborative entrepreneurship, a member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Melih Tunc Tandogan told Trend.

According to him, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has 90,000 members currently working in various economic sectors.

"In case of receiving a request from Azerbaijani businessmen, we immediately establish contact with them. Meetings were held with representatives of several Azerbaijani companies, during which the sides addressed possible prospects for cooperation. Our purpose is to expand mutual trade through joint activities. Azerbaijan is our gateway to the Caucasus. We do dope for further development of Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation and trade," Tandogan said.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reached Delhi on Friday by a special flight, the first leg of his tour of various states until May 30 to play a key role in national politics.

Rao will talk to leaders of regional parties and build consensus on fielding a joint Opposition candidate against the NDA for the Presidential election scheduled in July. The NDA is confident of securing an easy victory with the support of YSRC and the BJD.

The CM was accompanied by TRS Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar, roads minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Lok Sabha member Nama Nageswara Rao and former MP B. Vinod Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the CM would stay at home on Friday and Saturday and visit Chandigarh on May 22 to give ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of the 600 farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi who died during the prolonged agitation against the Centre's now-withdrawn farm laws.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, both of the Aam Aadmi Party, are expected to be at the event. Later the CM will visit Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.

Meanwhile, works for the construction of TRS office (Telangana Bhavan) in Delhi were formally launched on Friday. Minister Prashanth Reddy and MP Nageswara Rao rushed to the construction site soon after arriving in Delhi to launch the works. Reddy told media personnel that the CM had issued instructions to expedite the works and ensure that the office was ready by December.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the composition of the Supervisory Board of Center for Legal Expertise and Legislative Initiatives public legal entity.

According to the order, the Supervisory Board of Center for Legal Expertise and Legislative Initiatives public legal entity was approved as follows:

Chairman of Supervisory Board

Gunduz Karimov - Head of the Department of Legislation and Legal Policy of the Administration of Azerbaijani President, Assistant to the First Vice-President

Members of the Supervisory Board

Shahin Aliyev - Rector of the Academy of Justice under the Azerbaijani Justice Ministry

Humay Afandiyeva - Judge of the Constitutional Court Azerbaijan Republic

Khalid Gasimli - Head of Law and Legislation Division of the Administrative Office of the Cabinet of Ministers

Farid Hajiyev - Head of the Civil Service and HR Department of Azerbaijans Parliament (Milli Mejlis).
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
Brazilian writer-director Caru Alves de Souza, whose second feature, My Name Is Baghdad, won the Crystal Bear for best film at Berlins 2020 Generation 14plus sidebar, has been selected for the Pop Up Film Residency 2022 program.

Alves de Souza will use the Residency to develop Lonely Hearts, her new fiction feature.

More from Variety

The award was announced Saturday at Cannes Marche du Film by Josephine Bourgois and Rachel do Valle, executive director and program director at Brazils Projeto Paradiso, which is backing the prize, and former Cannes Critics Week programmer Matthieu Darras, creator of Pop Up.

Alves de Souza will participate in the mentoring program for the development of a fiction feature, which runs over three weeks, in August, in Vilnius, Lithuania. She will receive a Paradiso Scholarship and travel support in the amount of Reais 5,000 ($1,000), in addition to becoming part of the Paradiso Talent Network.

Alves de Souza impressed with My Name is Baghdad, which turns on a 17-year-old female skater  Baghdad  who lives in a working-class hood in Sao Paulo, where she meets a group of female skateboarders, and her life takes a sudden turn. The film originated, she said at the time, from her desire to work with stories and everyday situations lived by characters from a working class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo, seeking the poetry that exists in prosaic situations. She added that she was also drawn to the idea of portraying strong and unusual female characters.

2022 marks the third time Projeto Paradiso and Pop Up Film Residency have teamed up to support a Brazilian screenwriter. Previous winners were Beatriz Seigner and Esmir Filho.

Story continues

Also on Saturday, Projeto Paradiso unveiled Produire au Sud in Brazil, an international workshop dedicated to international co-production that will now have an edition especially for Brazilians, in partnership with Projeto Paradiso.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reached Delhi on Friday by a special flight, the first leg of his tour of various states until May 30 to play a key role in national politics.

Rao will talk to leaders of regional parties and build consensus on fielding a joint Opposition candidate against the NDA for the Presidential election scheduled in July. The NDA is confident of securing an easy victory with the support of YSRC and the BJD.

The CM was accompanied by TRS Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar, roads minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Lok Sabha member Nama Nageswara Rao and former MP B. Vinod Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the CM would stay at home on Friday and Saturday and visit Chandigarh on May 22 to give ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of the 600 farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi who died during the prolonged agitation against the Centre's now-withdrawn farm laws.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, both of the Aam Aadmi Party, are expected to be at the event. Later the CM will visit Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.

Meanwhile, works for the construction of TRS office (Telangana Bhavan) in Delhi were formally launched on Friday. Minister Prashanth Reddy and MP Nageswara Rao rushed to the construction site soon after arriving in Delhi to launch the works. Reddy told media personnel that the CM had issued instructions to expedite the works and ensure that the office was ready by December.
Brazilian writer-director Caru Alves de Souza, whose second feature, My Name Is Baghdad, won the Crystal Bear for best film at Berlins 2020 Generation 14plus sidebar, has been selected for the Pop Up Film Residency 2022 program.

Alves de Souza will use the Residency to develop Lonely Hearts, her new fiction feature.

More from Variety

The award was announced Saturday at Cannes Marche du Film by Josephine Bourgois and Rachel do Valle, executive director and program director at Brazils Projeto Paradiso, which is backing the prize, and former Cannes Critics Week programmer Matthieu Darras, creator of Pop Up.

Alves de Souza will participate in the mentoring program for the development of a fiction feature, which runs over three weeks, in August, in Vilnius, Lithuania. She will receive a Paradiso Scholarship and travel support in the amount of Reais 5,000 ($1,000), in addition to becoming part of the Paradiso Talent Network.

Alves de Souza impressed with My Name is Baghdad, which turns on a 17-year-old female skater  Baghdad  who lives in a working-class hood in Sao Paulo, where she meets a group of female skateboarders, and her life takes a sudden turn. The film originated, she said at the time, from her desire to work with stories and everyday situations lived by characters from a working class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo, seeking the poetry that exists in prosaic situations. She added that she was also drawn to the idea of portraying strong and unusual female characters.

2022 marks the third time Projeto Paradiso and Pop Up Film Residency have teamed up to support a Brazilian screenwriter. Previous winners were Beatriz Seigner and Esmir Filho.

Story continues

Also on Saturday, Projeto Paradiso unveiled Produire au Sud in Brazil, an international workshop dedicated to international co-production that will now have an edition especially for Brazilians, in partnership with Projeto Paradiso.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Update 3:54pm: State Highway 2 has now reopened but Waka Kotahi NZTA says for travellers to expect delays.

"Due to a crash east of School Rd intersection, a lane is closed," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"Expect delays through this area and pass the scene with care."

Earlier 3:30pm: State Highway 2 is still closed following an earlier crash that seriously injured two people.

A SunLive reader says they were heading from Paeroa to Waihi/Katikati at 3.30pm and the Karangahake Road was still closed.

"Best to use Kaimais if heading to the BOP," they say.

Earlier: Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-car crash on SH2 near the intersection of School Road, Karangahake.

Police were called to the scene at about 2.20pm.

A Police spokesperson says initial indications are that there have been serious injuries.

"The road will be closed and a diversion is in place, which will add significant travel time to anyone driving through the area.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and consider delaying travel, if possible."

At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
The first three members of the Mehendi Pro Collective, Maryam Najam, left, Deepali Patel, centre, and Shahista Hamid Hussein. (Submitted by Sinthusha Kandiah - image credit)

The smell of earth and lavender fills the room with every squeeze of the cone filled with henna, piping intricate designs on an outstretched palm. The paste feels cool to the touch as the bright red stain seeps into the skin.

It's an ancient practice familiar to many South Asian communities. And now, one Montrealer is using it to empower and support women in Parc-Extension.

This is the Mehendi Pro Collective.

"The idea is to extract this wealth that exists in the South Asian wedding industry and transfer it to marginalized communities," said Sinthusha Kandiah, a professional henna artist and the founder of Divinart, her non-profit organization.

The idea came to Kandiah during her work with the group Afrique au Feminin in the Montreal neighbourhood. She heard concerns of limited access to employment due to the range of issues many immigrant women face, like language barriers and trouble finding daycare.

"I was like, why not use the skills and gifts that I have? And to impart that knowledge on those women and give them a sense of empowerment and financial stability," Kandiah told host Sabrina Marandola on CBC Montreal's Let's Go.

Submitted by Sinthusha Kandiah

A chance to rediscover art

This was an ideal opportunity for 39-year-old Maryam Najam. She immigrated to Park Ex from Pakistan in November 2013 with her husband and three kids.

Throughout her life, Najam always had a passion for art and creativity, from fashion to makeup and even henna. But she had to put all of it on hold for her family as moved to Canada, and again as the pandemic hit.

"The creativity was there, but somehow, you know, it was in hibernation," said Najam. "So when Sinthu offered me this program  I was just looking for a way so that I could just get out of this feeling, that I need to get something in my life, that makes me cheer up."

The road to professional henna artistry

Now, Najam and two other women are undergoing an eight-week training program with the Mehendi Pro Collective, with the goal of becoming professional henna artists at the end.

Story continues

Kandiah said it's been a learning process for everyone, including her.

"It's like one thing to know this art, but to teach and transfer the skill to others and allow them to see through your eyes has been a huge learning curve for me," said Kandiah. "We all learn from each other."

Submitted by Sinthusha Kandiah

Najam says she's motivated to practise the art every day. She's open to either continuing her work as part of Kandiah's team, or start her own practice  as long as she gets to exercise her creative muscles.

"For me, the number one thing is being creative, keeping my mind open and loving something," said Najam.

"When you do something creative, and you love it and it's your passion, you feel relaxed, you feel calm. So mehendi [henna] is just like that for me now."
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are 'ashamed' of alleged 'discrimination and bias' within their ranks in a new report due to be published next week.

The plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing will commit the police to being 'institutionally anti-racist'.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers while the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics for the police service.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: 'Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.'

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of 'institutional racism'.

Victor Olisa, the Met's former head of diversity and head of policing in Tottenham, has previously called the silence from senior officers 'deafening'. A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing is set to commit to being 'institutionally anti-racist'

According to The Guardian, the report will state: 'We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

'We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.'

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find 'stigmatising and humiliating'.

The Macpherson report, published in 1999, examined failings in how the police investigated the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed in 1993 in a racist knife attack by five white youths in south London

The blueprint will add: 'Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

'Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

'As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

'The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.'

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: 'We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing - and we will.

'We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

'Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

'Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

'Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policing's history is a failure.'

It adds: 'Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

'Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters - particularly stop and search - confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

'Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

'The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.'

Sir William Macpherson chaired the unprovoked inquiry landmark inquiry into Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993

The Met Police's former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: 'They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it won't be believed in communities.

'Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.'

In July 2021, MPs outlined systematic failures on the part of the police service and government to take race inequality in policing seriously.

The committee made a number of recommendations, among them that a new statutory race equality commissioner for policing is needed, as well as a new race equality steering group to be chaired by the Home Secretary to respond to the commissioner's reports.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse outlined plans to be published within weeks to make users to wear a tag that detects drugs in sweat amid a government crackdown on drugs

In 2018, Olisa said the silence from senior officers was 'deafening' amid an increase in the murder of young black teenagers in the UK.

Mr Olisa said communities no longer saw police and claimed officers had 'lost control of the streets'.

On Thursday, policing minister Kit Malthouse Malthouse declared war on drug users, who he said were responsible for teenagers being murdered in UK gang wars.

He outlined a plan to make offenders whose crimes are linked to alcohol wear a tag that alerts the authorities if they have a drink.

The next step was to apply the same strategy to illegal drugs, he said, in a bid to sink the number of drug-related deaths in the UK which disproportionally effect minority communities.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.
By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

Police have seized a large number of weapons and munitions abandoned by Armenians in Shusha, Azernews reports per the official Azartac news agency.

An anti-aircraft artillery device, a submachine gun, a grenade launcher, one Fagot, 12 different types of hand grenades, 99 different types of shells, 1,220 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were discovered as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Shusha region police department and representatives from the State Security Service and the Mine Action Agency.

The munitions were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Intensive measures are being taken together with the relevant agencies to clear the liberated territories of mines and other explosive devices, and to collect the weapons and ammunition left by the Armenian military units, the report added.

On September 27, 2020, the second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia started and ended in 44 days on November 10, 2020, with the signing of a capitulation act.

The cease-fire agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are 'ashamed' of alleged 'discrimination and bias' within their ranks in a new report due to be published next week.

The plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing will commit the police to being 'institutionally anti-racist'.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers while the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics for the police service.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: 'Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.'

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of 'institutional racism'.

Victor Olisa, the Met's former head of diversity and head of policing in Tottenham, has previously called the silence from senior officers 'deafening'. A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing is set to commit to being 'institutionally anti-racist'

According to The Guardian, the report will state: 'We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

'We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.'

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find 'stigmatising and humiliating'.

The Macpherson report, published in 1999, examined failings in how the police investigated the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed in 1993 in a racist knife attack by five white youths in south London

The blueprint will add: 'Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

'Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

'As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

'The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.'

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: 'We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing - and we will.

'We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

'Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

'Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

'Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policing's history is a failure.'

It adds: 'Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

'Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters - particularly stop and search - confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

'Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

'The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.'

Sir William Macpherson chaired the unprovoked inquiry landmark inquiry into Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993

The Met Police's former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: 'They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it won't be believed in communities.

'Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.'

In July 2021, MPs outlined systematic failures on the part of the police service and government to take race inequality in policing seriously.

The committee made a number of recommendations, among them that a new statutory race equality commissioner for policing is needed, as well as a new race equality steering group to be chaired by the Home Secretary to respond to the commissioner's reports.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse outlined plans to be published within weeks to make users to wear a tag that detects drugs in sweat amid a government crackdown on drugs

In 2018, Olisa said the silence from senior officers was 'deafening' amid an increase in the murder of young black teenagers in the UK.

Mr Olisa said communities no longer saw police and claimed officers had 'lost control of the streets'.

On Thursday, policing minister Kit Malthouse Malthouse declared war on drug users, who he said were responsible for teenagers being murdered in UK gang wars.

He outlined a plan to make offenders whose crimes are linked to alcohol wear a tag that alerts the authorities if they have a drink.

The next step was to apply the same strategy to illegal drugs, he said, in a bid to sink the number of drug-related deaths in the UK which disproportionally effect minority communities.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reached Delhi on Friday by a special flight, the first leg of his tour of various states until May 30 to play a key role in national politics.

Rao will talk to leaders of regional parties and build consensus on fielding a joint Opposition candidate against the NDA for the Presidential election scheduled in July. The NDA is confident of securing an easy victory with the support of YSRC and the BJD.

The CM was accompanied by TRS Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar, roads minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Lok Sabha member Nama Nageswara Rao and former MP B. Vinod Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the CM would stay at home on Friday and Saturday and visit Chandigarh on May 22 to give ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of the 600 farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi who died during the prolonged agitation against the Centre's now-withdrawn farm laws.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, both of the Aam Aadmi Party, are expected to be at the event. Later the CM will visit Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.

Meanwhile, works for the construction of TRS office (Telangana Bhavan) in Delhi were formally launched on Friday. Minister Prashanth Reddy and MP Nageswara Rao rushed to the construction site soon after arriving in Delhi to launch the works. Reddy told media personnel that the CM had issued instructions to expedite the works and ensure that the office was ready by December.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.





Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao reached Delhi on Friday by a special flight, the first leg of his tour of various states until May 30 to play a key role in national politics.

Rao will talk to leaders of regional parties and build consensus on fielding a joint Opposition candidate against the NDA for the Presidential election scheduled in July. The NDA is confident of securing an easy victory with the support of YSRC and the BJD.

The CM was accompanied by TRS Rajya Sabha member J. Santosh Kumar, roads minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Lok Sabha member Nama Nageswara Rao and former MP B. Vinod Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the CM would stay at home on Friday and Saturday and visit Chandigarh on May 22 to give ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of the 600 farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi who died during the prolonged agitation against the Centre's now-withdrawn farm laws.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, both of the Aam Aadmi Party, are expected to be at the event. Later the CM will visit Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.

Meanwhile, works for the construction of TRS office (Telangana Bhavan) in Delhi were formally launched on Friday. Minister Prashanth Reddy and MP Nageswara Rao rushed to the construction site soon after arriving in Delhi to launch the works. Reddy told media personnel that the CM had issued instructions to expedite the works and ensure that the office was ready by December.




Scott Morrison has stripped off his suit after a hard final day of campaigning to watch the votes be counted with his family.

The prime minister was seen in casual dress with a no-collar shirt and a jumper as he embraced family inside Kirribilli House in Sydney.

Polls closed on Australia's east coast at 6pm, leaving Mr Morrison with nothing left to do but wait to make a concession or victory speech.

Mr Morrison's relaxation will only last a few hours as he is due to appear, either in victory or defeat, at an election night rally at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was seen in casual dress with a no-collar shirt and a jumper as he embraced family inside Kirribilli House in Sydney

Australians are nervously waiting alongside the PM as with no exit poll this year they have nothing to go on until the results of key seats start to land.

Five seats have already been called by media outlets, three for Labor and two for the Coalition, but these are ultra-safe seats that were never in doubt.

For the ALP are Callwell and Scullin in Victoria and Sydney in NSW, and Groom and Maranoa in Queensland for the Liberal-National Party.

He spent the morning doing a last-minute blitz on TV and radio to convince the last few undecided voters before they headed to the polls.

Mr Morrison then cast his own vote in his seat of Cook, where he thanked the residents in his electorate for showing their support.

'No one gets to serve in the positions that I've had the great privilege... to have in positions as prime minister, or treasurer, or minister, unless you are first supported by your local community,' he said.

Mr Morrison and his family mill around inside Kirribilli House as they celebrate the end of the campaign

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Mr Morrison held a press conference after casting his vote, where he reflected on his years in office.

'Well, this election has never been about me or my feelings or anything like that. It's always been about the Australian people,' he said.

'That's what our government is all about and will continue to be about because I've seen Australians, with Jenny, at their best and in some of the worst of times for them and on every occasion, I have seen the great strength and resilience of Australians.'

'And that's what pulled through - supported by a government that believes in Australians, that's enabled Australia to be one of the strongest performing economies in the advanced world today.'

Mr Morrison touted Australia's low death rate during the coronavirus pandemic as one of his biggest achievements that should earn him another term.

'We have one of the lowest death rates from Covid today and the highest vaccination rates and why we can look to the future with confidence,' he said.

'I look forward to supporting people in their aspirations, particularly to own their own home. There are many hours of voting to go.

'If you want to own your own home by getting access to your superannuation, there's only one to do that and that's voting Liberal National today.'

A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.

A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.

Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has approved the transfer of Rs 30,307 crore as a surplus to the Union government for the 2021-22 accounting year. (DC file Photo)

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has approved the transfer of Rs 30,307 crore as a surplus to the Union government for the 2021-22 accounting year. The contingency risk buffer has also been retained at 5.5 per cent. Contingency buffer is a specific provision made for meeting unexpected contingencies from exchange rate operations and monetary policy decisions. The RBI contributes a sizeable portion of its profit to the Contingency buffer.

Experts pointed out that the RBI surplus, an important source of revenue for the government, is much lower than the budgeted amount but healthy tax receipts could make up for the loss.

Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra, The amount of surplus to be transferred by the RBI to the government appears to be modestly lower than the budgeted amount. However, the tax receipts are expected to substantially surpass the budgeted level, absorbing the impact of the former.

The surplus/dividend transfer by the RBI is significantly lower than what it did last year. In 2020-21, the board had approved the transfer of Rs 99,122 crore as surplus to the government. This years surplus transfer is also lower than the Rs 73,948 crore in dividend the Centre has estimated in the Budget from RBI and financial institutions.







Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.

Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Former Fast Company staff writer Rina Raphael takes a hatchet to the $4.4 trillion wellness industry and her willing participation in propagating its misinformation in The Gospel of Wellness (Holt, Sept.), which combines reportage, first-person narrative, and social critique. I saw how the sausage was made, she says. I myself made mistakes. Raphael spoke with PW about gender, the commodification of health, and Americas long history of snake oil salespeople.

How did the industry go awry?

I covered wellness from the business angle. What I thought was a well-intentioned industrybased around fitness, nutrition, stress relief, and spiritualityincreasingly gave way to muddy waters: crystal-infused water bottles, detox cleanses, shady workplace wellness programs. After interviewing founders and trying every trend myself, I talked to hundreds of women at wellness festivals. I grew skeptical and out of curiosity, but also out of journalistic duty, I started doing my homework. The wellness industry is actually quite unwell. This book is the story of what I discovered.

How do you implicate yourself in this story?

I covered this industry because I was personally invested in it. I totally drank the Kool-Aid. I went to every boutique class. I went fully organic. I tried the detoxes, the whole shebang. You get sucked into this because of social media. Theres also so much misinformation in the media. Wellness is not treated like the health category. Its treated like fashion. Youll find it in the Sunday Styles, in all the womens magazines. You have important health stories written by people who dont have any science background and who didnt reach out to any scientists or doctors. Thats how this industry is getting out of control; its not because women are stupid. I elevated so many of these companies to great heights, and then I realized that they werent what I thought they were.

How do gender and wellness intersect?

There are very specific reasons why American women gravitate toward wellness. Why are they rushing to boutique studios? Why are they downloading meditation apps and swapping milk for soaked almond water? Theyre looking for solutions. Wellness tells them that they have the solutions. Women are told if they follow a certain protocol, eat right, meditate, buy all this stuff, they can manage what feels unruly or subpar in their lives. I spoke to an Italian academic who deals in self-care studies, and she said, We get six weeks vacation; we take two-hour lunches; we have fresh food; were a communal society. We dont need as much self-care.  The messaging around self-care is highly individualistic, when we need more communal solutions.

Why did you use the word gospel in the subtitle?

The messaging and marketing around this commodified bloated industry is similar to organized religion. It provides identity, meaning, communitythings that are in short supply in America. At the same time, it also has its false idols and its cultish trends. I spoke to people who couldnt live without their SoulCycle or near-worshiped influencers because they dont trust other institutions.

After reading the book, what do you hope readers take away?

You think, Wow, were really being taken for a ride here. But this has happened before. In the 19th century, once germ theory pervaded the national consciousness, you had all these companies who terrified women: If you dont buy an ice box then your kids are going to die! If you dont scrub with these certain disinfectants youre going to be carrying your kid out in a tiny casket. I hope that women can be a little more forgiving of themselves and just recognize that they are being targeted.

Back to main feature.
Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Turin, 20.05.2022  The Council of Europe today issued a set of guidelines to its 46 member states aimed at preventing and combating hate speech, both online and offline.

In a Recommendation adopted during its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calls on governments to develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and fight hate speech, including the adoption of an effective legal framework and implementing adequately calibrated and proportionate measures. When doing so, national authorities should carefully balance the right to private life, the right to freedom of expression and the prohibition of discrimination.

Welcoming the adoption of the guidelines, Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said: Hate speech is on the rise in Europe, particularly online, where it often takes the form of racism, antisemitism or incitement to violence. European governments should join forces to address this complex threat to our societies with measures that are both effective and proportionate.

The guidelines recommend that member states differentiate between, firstly, the most serious cases of hate speech, which are to be prohibited by criminal law, secondly, hate speech subject to civil and administrative law and, finally, offensive or harmful types of expressions which are not sufficiently severe to be legitimately restricted under the European Convention on Human Rights but nevertheless call for alternative responses.

To counter online hate speech, governments should ensure clear and foreseeable provisions for the effective removal of online hate speech that is prohibited under criminal, civil or administrative law. They should also establish by law the effective measures which should be taken to prevent its dissemination.

The Recommendation furthermore covers the procedural requirements for the removal of hate speech, redress and appeal mechanisms and underlines the need for transparency and proportionality.

Guidance is offered concerning awareness-raising, education, the use of counter and alternative speech, the setting up of support mechanisms to help those targeted by hate speech and training for members of the police and the judiciary as well as other professionals.

Whilst mainly addressed to the member states and their authorities, the Recommendation also contains guidance for other actors including public officials, political parties, internet intermediaries, media and civil society organisations.
Turin, 20.05.2022  The Council of Europe today issued a set of guidelines to its 46 member states aimed at preventing and combating hate speech, both online and offline.

In a Recommendation adopted during its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calls on governments to develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and fight hate speech, including the adoption of an effective legal framework and implementing adequately calibrated and proportionate measures. When doing so, national authorities should carefully balance the right to private life, the right to freedom of expression and the prohibition of discrimination.

Welcoming the adoption of the guidelines, Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said: Hate speech is on the rise in Europe, particularly online, where it often takes the form of racism, antisemitism or incitement to violence. European governments should join forces to address this complex threat to our societies with measures that are both effective and proportionate.

The guidelines recommend that member states differentiate between, firstly, the most serious cases of hate speech, which are to be prohibited by criminal law, secondly, hate speech subject to civil and administrative law and, finally, offensive or harmful types of expressions which are not sufficiently severe to be legitimately restricted under the European Convention on Human Rights but nevertheless call for alternative responses.

To counter online hate speech, governments should ensure clear and foreseeable provisions for the effective removal of online hate speech that is prohibited under criminal, civil or administrative law. They should also establish by law the effective measures which should be taken to prevent its dissemination.

The Recommendation furthermore covers the procedural requirements for the removal of hate speech, redress and appeal mechanisms and underlines the need for transparency and proportionality.

Guidance is offered concerning awareness-raising, education, the use of counter and alternative speech, the setting up of support mechanisms to help those targeted by hate speech and training for members of the police and the judiciary as well as other professionals.

Whilst mainly addressed to the member states and their authorities, the Recommendation also contains guidance for other actors including public officials, political parties, internet intermediaries, media and civil society organisations.
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are 'ashamed' of alleged 'discrimination and bias' within their ranks in a new report due to be published next week.

The plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing will commit the police to being 'institutionally anti-racist'.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers while the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics for the police service.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: 'Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.'

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of 'institutional racism'.

Victor Olisa, the Met's former head of diversity and head of policing in Tottenham, has previously called the silence from senior officers 'deafening'. A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing is set to commit to being 'institutionally anti-racist'

According to The Guardian, the report will state: 'We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

'We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.'

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find 'stigmatising and humiliating'.

The Macpherson report, published in 1999, examined failings in how the police investigated the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed in 1993 in a racist knife attack by five white youths in south London

The blueprint will add: 'Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

'Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

'As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

'The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.'

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: 'We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing - and we will.

'We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

'Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

'Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

'Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policing's history is a failure.'

It adds: 'Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

'Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters - particularly stop and search - confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

'Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

'The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.'

Sir William Macpherson chaired the unprovoked inquiry landmark inquiry into Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993

The Met Police's former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: 'They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it won't be believed in communities.

'Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.'

In July 2021, MPs outlined systematic failures on the part of the police service and government to take race inequality in policing seriously.

The committee made a number of recommendations, among them that a new statutory race equality commissioner for policing is needed, as well as a new race equality steering group to be chaired by the Home Secretary to respond to the commissioner's reports.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse outlined plans to be published within weeks to make users to wear a tag that detects drugs in sweat amid a government crackdown on drugs

In 2018, Olisa said the silence from senior officers was 'deafening' amid an increase in the murder of young black teenagers in the UK.

Mr Olisa said communities no longer saw police and claimed officers had 'lost control of the streets'.

On Thursday, policing minister Kit Malthouse Malthouse declared war on drug users, who he said were responsible for teenagers being murdered in UK gang wars.

He outlined a plan to make offenders whose crimes are linked to alcohol wear a tag that alerts the authorities if they have a drink.

The next step was to apply the same strategy to illegal drugs, he said, in a bid to sink the number of drug-related deaths in the UK which disproportionally effect minority communities.
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are 'ashamed' of alleged 'discrimination and bias' within their ranks in a new report due to be published next week.

The plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing will commit the police to being 'institutionally anti-racist'.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers while the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics for the police service.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: 'Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.'

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of 'institutional racism'.

Victor Olisa, the Met's former head of diversity and head of policing in Tottenham, has previously called the silence from senior officers 'deafening'. A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing is set to commit to being 'institutionally anti-racist'

According to The Guardian, the report will state: 'We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

'We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.'

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find 'stigmatising and humiliating'.

The Macpherson report, published in 1999, examined failings in how the police investigated the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed in 1993 in a racist knife attack by five white youths in south London

The blueprint will add: 'Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

'Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

'As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

'The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.'

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: 'We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing - and we will.

'We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

'Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

'Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

'Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policing's history is a failure.'

It adds: 'Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

'Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters - particularly stop and search - confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

'Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

'The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.'

Sir William Macpherson chaired the unprovoked inquiry landmark inquiry into Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993

The Met Police's former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: 'They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it won't be believed in communities.

'Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.'

In July 2021, MPs outlined systematic failures on the part of the police service and government to take race inequality in policing seriously.

The committee made a number of recommendations, among them that a new statutory race equality commissioner for policing is needed, as well as a new race equality steering group to be chaired by the Home Secretary to respond to the commissioner's reports.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse outlined plans to be published within weeks to make users to wear a tag that detects drugs in sweat amid a government crackdown on drugs

In 2018, Olisa said the silence from senior officers was 'deafening' amid an increase in the murder of young black teenagers in the UK.

Mr Olisa said communities no longer saw police and claimed officers had 'lost control of the streets'.

On Thursday, policing minister Kit Malthouse Malthouse declared war on drug users, who he said were responsible for teenagers being murdered in UK gang wars.

He outlined a plan to make offenders whose crimes are linked to alcohol wear a tag that alerts the authorities if they have a drink.

The next step was to apply the same strategy to illegal drugs, he said, in a bid to sink the number of drug-related deaths in the UK which disproportionally effect minority communities.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are 'ashamed' of alleged 'discrimination and bias' within their ranks in a new report due to be published next week.

The plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing will commit the police to being 'institutionally anti-racist'.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers while the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics for the police service.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: 'Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.'

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of 'institutional racism'.

Victor Olisa, the Met's former head of diversity and head of policing in Tottenham, has previously called the silence from senior officers 'deafening'. A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing is set to commit to being 'institutionally anti-racist'

According to The Guardian, the report will state: 'We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

'We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.'

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find 'stigmatising and humiliating'.

The Macpherson report, published in 1999, examined failings in how the police investigated the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed in 1993 in a racist knife attack by five white youths in south London

The blueprint will add: 'Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

'Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

'As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

'The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.'

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: 'We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing - and we will.

'We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

'Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

'Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

'Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policing's history is a failure.'

It adds: 'Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

'Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters - particularly stop and search - confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

'Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

'The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.'

Sir William Macpherson chaired the unprovoked inquiry landmark inquiry into Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993

The Met Police's former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: 'They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it won't be believed in communities.

'Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.'

In July 2021, MPs outlined systematic failures on the part of the police service and government to take race inequality in policing seriously.

The committee made a number of recommendations, among them that a new statutory race equality commissioner for policing is needed, as well as a new race equality steering group to be chaired by the Home Secretary to respond to the commissioner's reports.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse outlined plans to be published within weeks to make users to wear a tag that detects drugs in sweat amid a government crackdown on drugs

In 2018, Olisa said the silence from senior officers was 'deafening' amid an increase in the murder of young black teenagers in the UK.

Mr Olisa said communities no longer saw police and claimed officers had 'lost control of the streets'.

On Thursday, policing minister Kit Malthouse Malthouse declared war on drug users, who he said were responsible for teenagers being murdered in UK gang wars.

He outlined a plan to make offenders whose crimes are linked to alcohol wear a tag that alerts the authorities if they have a drink.

The next step was to apply the same strategy to illegal drugs, he said, in a bid to sink the number of drug-related deaths in the UK which disproportionally effect minority communities.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.

U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,

By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.


U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."








Turin, 20.05.2022  The Council of Europe today issued a set of guidelines to its 46 member states aimed at preventing and combating hate speech, both online and offline.

In a Recommendation adopted during its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calls on governments to develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and fight hate speech, including the adoption of an effective legal framework and implementing adequately calibrated and proportionate measures. When doing so, national authorities should carefully balance the right to private life, the right to freedom of expression and the prohibition of discrimination.

Welcoming the adoption of the guidelines, Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said: Hate speech is on the rise in Europe, particularly online, where it often takes the form of racism, antisemitism or incitement to violence. European governments should join forces to address this complex threat to our societies with measures that are both effective and proportionate.

The guidelines recommend that member states differentiate between, firstly, the most serious cases of hate speech, which are to be prohibited by criminal law, secondly, hate speech subject to civil and administrative law and, finally, offensive or harmful types of expressions which are not sufficiently severe to be legitimately restricted under the European Convention on Human Rights but nevertheless call for alternative responses.

To counter online hate speech, governments should ensure clear and foreseeable provisions for the effective removal of online hate speech that is prohibited under criminal, civil or administrative law. They should also establish by law the effective measures which should be taken to prevent its dissemination.

The Recommendation furthermore covers the procedural requirements for the removal of hate speech, redress and appeal mechanisms and underlines the need for transparency and proportionality.

Guidance is offered concerning awareness-raising, education, the use of counter and alternative speech, the setting up of support mechanisms to help those targeted by hate speech and training for members of the police and the judiciary as well as other professionals.

Whilst mainly addressed to the member states and their authorities, the Recommendation also contains guidance for other actors including public officials, political parties, internet intermediaries, media and civil society organisations.
Turin, 20.05.2022  The Council of Europe today issued a set of guidelines to its 46 member states aimed at preventing and combating hate speech, both online and offline.

In a Recommendation adopted during its annual session held in Turin, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calls on governments to develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and fight hate speech, including the adoption of an effective legal framework and implementing adequately calibrated and proportionate measures. When doing so, national authorities should carefully balance the right to private life, the right to freedom of expression and the prohibition of discrimination.

Welcoming the adoption of the guidelines, Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said: Hate speech is on the rise in Europe, particularly online, where it often takes the form of racism, antisemitism or incitement to violence. European governments should join forces to address this complex threat to our societies with measures that are both effective and proportionate.

The guidelines recommend that member states differentiate between, firstly, the most serious cases of hate speech, which are to be prohibited by criminal law, secondly, hate speech subject to civil and administrative law and, finally, offensive or harmful types of expressions which are not sufficiently severe to be legitimately restricted under the European Convention on Human Rights but nevertheless call for alternative responses.

To counter online hate speech, governments should ensure clear and foreseeable provisions for the effective removal of online hate speech that is prohibited under criminal, civil or administrative law. They should also establish by law the effective measures which should be taken to prevent its dissemination.

The Recommendation furthermore covers the procedural requirements for the removal of hate speech, redress and appeal mechanisms and underlines the need for transparency and proportionality.

Guidance is offered concerning awareness-raising, education, the use of counter and alternative speech, the setting up of support mechanisms to help those targeted by hate speech and training for members of the police and the judiciary as well as other professionals.

Whilst mainly addressed to the member states and their authorities, the Recommendation also contains guidance for other actors including public officials, political parties, internet intermediaries, media and civil society organisations.
An Taoiseach has said that UK plans to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland amount to get out of jail legislation for ex-paramilitaries.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was also critical of what he labelled a unilateral strain within the British Government when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Belfast following talks with political parties in Northern Ireland, Mr Martin renewed his serious concerns about new legislation on legacy announced by the UK Government.

The UK Government has said that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill aims to provide better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans.

As part of the plan, immunity will be offered to those who are deemed to have co-operated with an information retrieval body.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will be headed by a judge.

The Bill would also stop future inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles, however, it does not fully close the door to criminal prosecutions.

The proposed legislation has been widely criticised by Northern Irish political parties, as well as victims campaigners and the Irish Government.

Mr Martin said the plan needs significant examination.

The full implications, I dont believe, are fully understood by many involved. I think it has united the families of many victims of terrible atrocities against the measures of the British Government.

It is a unilateral measure again. And I have concerns about the unilateral strain within the current British Government towards aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

I dont think thats positive and I dont think its helpful in terms of the overall architecture of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Martin said he was very much opposed to UK Government proposals.

He said that the Bill creates essentially the guts of an amnesty for people who committed terrible crimes, irrespective of whether they were security forces or members of various paramilitary groups who committed terrible crimes.

For many of those paramilitary groups, this is literally a get-out-of-jail legislation from any further investigation.

Mr Martin indicated, also, that Irish concerns lay simply beyond the content of the Bill but also in the way the British Government was approaching the issue.

He said that international rules and treaties are not just unilaterally and arbitrarily discarded when it suits one party.

Its about how you do business, respecting an established framework for doing business, that is really at the core of all of these issues.

The chairman of an Irish parliamentary committee on the Good Friday Agreement earlier expressed his own grave concerns at the proposals.

Fergus ODowd, chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: While it will take some time to analyse the implications of the Bill in full, I would like to express my grave concern at the UK Governments decision to act unilaterally on this highly sensitive issue.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has met in recent months with a wide range of victims groups. We have heard, loud and clear, their urgent need for justice and accountability in addressing the legacy of the past.

I call on the UK Government to work together with the Irish Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that all efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles have the needs of victims and survivors at the centre.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement stands ready to support efforts to reach consensus, to build trust and recommit to a spirit of reconciliation.

The Committee will continue to assess the UK Governments proposals and will respond further when our analysis is complete.

A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.


By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

The primary objective of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is to enhance trade with Azerbaijan through collaborative entrepreneurship, a member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Melih Tunc Tandogan told Trend.

According to him, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has 90,000 members currently working in various economic sectors.

"In case of receiving a request from Azerbaijani businessmen, we immediately establish contact with them. Meetings were held with representatives of several Azerbaijani companies, during which the sides addressed possible prospects for cooperation. Our purpose is to expand mutual trade through joint activities. Azerbaijan is our gateway to the Caucasus. We do dope for further development of Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation and trade," Tandogan said.
By Trend

The primary objective of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is to enhance trade with Azerbaijan through collaborative entrepreneurship, a member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Melih Tunc Tandogan told Trend.

According to him, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has 90,000 members currently working in various economic sectors.

"In case of receiving a request from Azerbaijani businessmen, we immediately establish contact with them. Meetings were held with representatives of several Azerbaijani companies, during which the sides addressed possible prospects for cooperation. Our purpose is to expand mutual trade through joint activities. Azerbaijan is our gateway to the Caucasus. We do dope for further development of Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation and trade," Tandogan said.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Azernews

Azerbaijans Small and Medium Business Development Agencys Board Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and Lithuanias Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Director-General Giedre Razinskiene have discussed issues arising from the already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), Azernews reports.

To recall, the MoU between the agency and the chamber was signed during the Azerbaijani-Lithuanian business forum held in Baku on May 18.

The MoU provides for the development of trade and investment cooperation between the SMBs of the two countries, mutual information on innovations in entrepreneurship, exchange of experience in providing services to SMBs, organizing seminars, exhibitions, and other promotional activities to strengthen cooperation.

Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency continues to hold meetings with local and foreign entrepreneurs in order to expand relations and implement new business initiatives.

A number of documents were signed between the two countries, within the framework of the business forum.

The partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect and friendship, and the recent visit of the Lithuanian president to Azerbaijan has given an impetus to further strengthening and expanding these relations.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Lithuania amounted to $42 million in 2021.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
By Azernews

Azerbaijans Small and Medium Business Development Agencys Board Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and Lithuanias Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Director-General Giedre Razinskiene have discussed issues arising from the already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), Azernews reports.

To recall, the MoU between the agency and the chamber was signed during the Azerbaijani-Lithuanian business forum held in Baku on May 18.

The MoU provides for the development of trade and investment cooperation between the SMBs of the two countries, mutual information on innovations in entrepreneurship, exchange of experience in providing services to SMBs, organizing seminars, exhibitions, and other promotional activities to strengthen cooperation.

Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency continues to hold meetings with local and foreign entrepreneurs in order to expand relations and implement new business initiatives.

A number of documents were signed between the two countries, within the framework of the business forum.

The partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect and friendship, and the recent visit of the Lithuanian president to Azerbaijan has given an impetus to further strengthening and expanding these relations.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Lithuania amounted to $42 million in 2021.
Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Update 3:54pm: State Highway 2 has now reopened but Waka Kotahi NZTA says for travellers to expect delays.

"Due to a crash east of School Rd intersection, a lane is closed," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"Expect delays through this area and pass the scene with care."

Earlier 3:30pm: State Highway 2 is still closed following an earlier crash that seriously injured two people.

A SunLive reader says they were heading from Paeroa to Waihi/Katikati at 3.30pm and the Karangahake Road was still closed.

"Best to use Kaimais if heading to the BOP," they say.

Earlier: Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-car crash on SH2 near the intersection of School Road, Karangahake.

Police were called to the scene at about 2.20pm.

A Police spokesperson says initial indications are that there have been serious injuries.

"The road will be closed and a diversion is in place, which will add significant travel time to anyone driving through the area.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and consider delaying travel, if possible."

At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a teenage Palestinian boy as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed, 17. It said an 18-year-old Palestinian was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A British father-of-two has dumped his partner after falling for a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee who came to live with them to escape the war.

Tony Garnett, 29, and his partner Lorna, 28, took in Sofiia Karkadym at the start of May, but just 10 days later their seemingly-happy marriage was torn apart when he ran away with the refugee.

The security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, says he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

Admitting the pain this will cause Lorna, Tony said he has 'discovered a connection with Sofiia like I've never had before', adding that they 'know this is right'.

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war ongoing war in Ukraine

Just 10 days after moving in with Tony Garnett and his partner Lorna, Sofiia (pictured) and her new lover moved out

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war.. Pictured are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

Sofiia (pictured) said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) has now moved in with Tony and his parents, although the new couple are looking for somewhere else to live

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

Just 10 days after meeting Sofiia (pictured) Tony left his partner of 10 years and is planning to spend the rest of his life with her

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mum and dad, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot and killed a teenage Palestinian boy as fighting erupted when soldiers entered a volatile town in the occupied West Bank early Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry and local media said.

The shooting, which Israel said came during a gunbattle with local militants, came at a time of intensified Israeli military activity in the northern West Bank town of Jenin in recent months.

The ministry identified the dead teen as Amjad al-Fayyed, 17. It said an 18-year-old Palestinian was in critical condition after being wounded by Israeli gunfire.

Local media reported that clashes erupted outside Jenins refugee camp when Israeli forces stormed the area.

In a statement, the army said that soldiers opened fire after gunmen shot at them from a passing vehicle. It said the suspects also threw explosives toward the soldiers.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in Jenin in recent weeks in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Israel. Several attackers were from the Jenin area, which is known as a stronghold of Palestinian militants.

On May 11, a veteran Palestinian journalist for the Al Jazeera satellite channel was killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp. Shireen Abu Aklehs family, the broadcaster, the Palestinian Authority and witnesses accused Israel of shooting the correspondent for the Qatari channel. Israel says there was a fierce gunbattle at the time, and it's not clear if she was killed by Israeli or Palestinian gunfire.

Israel has called for a joint forensics investigation. The Palestinians have refused, saying Israel cannot be trusted. They are carrying out their own investigation and say they will share their results with other countries, but not Israel.

Israeli military officials on Thursday said the military has identified a soldiers rifle that may have killed Abu Akleh, but said it cannot be certain unless the Palestinians turn over the bullet for analysis.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
In my attempt to make good on the promise of the God Squad, which is to honor all the different spiritual paths up the same mountain, I ask you to join me in wishing the Buddha a very happy birthday!

This year, Vesak -- Buddha's birthday -- fell on May 8 for Buddhists in China, Vietnam and in the Philippines; May 15 in Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka; and May 16 in Indonesia, India and Nepal.

My 75th birthday was on May 17, and people ask me, "Is there any significance in the fact that one of the great religious leaders in the world -- and the Buddha -- both have their birthdays in the same week?" I answer, "Probably not."

The Buddha is a title, meaning "The Enlightened One," but his name was Siddhartha Gautama and he lived from 563 BCE to 483 BCE.

He is also called Shakyamuni and was born as a prince in India, but he gained enlightenment after six years of intense asceticism. His followers once asked him if he was a god, and he replied, "No. I am merely awake."

There is no Creator God in Buddhism, and there is no soul (anatman) and so for those who believe that a religion must believe in God/soul/heaven, Buddhism is a mystery that confounds our spiritual expectations.

Some prefer to call Buddhism a wisdom tradition or a spiritual philosophy. I believe that Buddhism is indeed a religion, a very sublime religion, that has much to teach us in the West.

Like all religions, it addresses the need for salvation from sin/ignorance/despair.

Buddhism teaches us that we can become spiritually whole even in a broken world. For the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, fixing the world by engaging it and with Messianic leadership triumphing over worldly evil is a fundamental religious orientation. Buddhism takes a very different path to changing the world. It teaches us how we can, as individuals, change ourselves and in so doing change the world.

It teaches how to achieve a release from suffering (called dukkah). This release comes when we let go of our attachments to all the parts of the world that cause us to suffer.

The Noble Eightfold Path to such release from suffering consists of: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. Buddhism has male monks and female nuns (called the sangha) who are celibate. Householders are lay Buddhists and have families.

What can we learn from Buddhism?

I read so many agonized emails and letters from you, my dear readers, that are full of suffering based upon illusions and attachments.

We suffer when God does not do exactly what we want God to do for us, as if our own agency does not matter, and as if a God who caters to our every wish is either possible or desirable.

We suffer when those we have loved die as if we did not realize that death is the price of love, and as if we believe that we are guaranteed by God to enjoy a long and happy life and anything else is a betrayal.

And we suffer when we are insulted, as if we really expected undying love from everyone we have ever met, including from people so broken they do not even love themselves.

Here is a story that conveys the deep wisdom of Buddhism. The author is unknown but if you ask me, the author is the Sakyamuni:

Two Buddhist monks were walking through a forest. During some point of the journey, they had an argument, and one monk slapped the other monk in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, he wrote in the sand: "Today my friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking, until they found a pool of water where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but his friend saved him.

After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: Today my friend saved my life.

The friend, who had slapped and then saved his best friend, asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other monk replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand, where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away, but when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your blessings in stone.

Happy Birthday, Buddha, wherever you are.

.

Send questions and comments to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including Religion for Dummies, co-written with Father Tom Hartman.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
In my attempt to make good on the promise of the God Squad, which is to honor all the different spiritual paths up the same mountain, I ask you to join me in wishing the Buddha a very happy birthday!

This year, Vesak -- Buddha's birthday -- fell on May 8 for Buddhists in China, Vietnam and in the Philippines; May 15 in Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka; and May 16 in Indonesia, India and Nepal.

My 75th birthday was on May 17, and people ask me, "Is there any significance in the fact that one of the great religious leaders in the world -- and the Buddha -- both have their birthdays in the same week?" I answer, "Probably not."

The Buddha is a title, meaning "The Enlightened One," but his name was Siddhartha Gautama and he lived from 563 BCE to 483 BCE.

He is also called Shakyamuni and was born as a prince in India, but he gained enlightenment after six years of intense asceticism. His followers once asked him if he was a god, and he replied, "No. I am merely awake."

There is no Creator God in Buddhism, and there is no soul (anatman) and so for those who believe that a religion must believe in God/soul/heaven, Buddhism is a mystery that confounds our spiritual expectations.

Some prefer to call Buddhism a wisdom tradition or a spiritual philosophy. I believe that Buddhism is indeed a religion, a very sublime religion, that has much to teach us in the West.

Like all religions, it addresses the need for salvation from sin/ignorance/despair.

Buddhism teaches us that we can become spiritually whole even in a broken world. For the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, fixing the world by engaging it and with Messianic leadership triumphing over worldly evil is a fundamental religious orientation. Buddhism takes a very different path to changing the world. It teaches us how we can, as individuals, change ourselves and in so doing change the world.

It teaches how to achieve a release from suffering (called dukkah). This release comes when we let go of our attachments to all the parts of the world that cause us to suffer.

The Noble Eightfold Path to such release from suffering consists of: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. Buddhism has male monks and female nuns (called the sangha) who are celibate. Householders are lay Buddhists and have families.

What can we learn from Buddhism?

I read so many agonized emails and letters from you, my dear readers, that are full of suffering based upon illusions and attachments.

We suffer when God does not do exactly what we want God to do for us, as if our own agency does not matter, and as if a God who caters to our every wish is either possible or desirable.

We suffer when those we have loved die as if we did not realize that death is the price of love, and as if we believe that we are guaranteed by God to enjoy a long and happy life and anything else is a betrayal.

And we suffer when we are insulted, as if we really expected undying love from everyone we have ever met, including from people so broken they do not even love themselves.

Here is a story that conveys the deep wisdom of Buddhism. The author is unknown but if you ask me, the author is the Sakyamuni:

Two Buddhist monks were walking through a forest. During some point of the journey, they had an argument, and one monk slapped the other monk in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, he wrote in the sand: "Today my friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking, until they found a pool of water where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but his friend saved him.

After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: Today my friend saved my life.

The friend, who had slapped and then saved his best friend, asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other monk replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand, where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away, but when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your blessings in stone.

Happy Birthday, Buddha, wherever you are.

.

Send questions and comments to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including Religion for Dummies, co-written with Father Tom Hartman.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
A reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with an arson fire that destroyed a dozen new homes under construction in Marana and damaged two others is now up to $15,000.

The Arizona Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention and the Arizona Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigating is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of anyone on arson related charges.

On Thursday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Marana Police Department, the Northwest Fire District and the Pima County Attorneys Office also offered a $5,000 reward for information on the arson investigation.

On May 13 at 11:30 p.m., the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire responded to a structure fire in the area of 11300 North Leopard Gecko Terrace, west of Interstate 10 and Avra Valley Road.

Northwest fire said it took crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and 3 hours to completely extinguish the fire.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Marana Police Department at 520-382-2000 or 88-CRIME.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 20.

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Our cooperation on energy diversification and international security over the last three decades is bearing fruit at a critical moment in history, and Azerbaijan is playing a key role in helping secure and stabilize European and global markets. Azerbaijans support for Ukraines sovereignty as well as your humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine is sending an important message. We also appreciate your vital contributions to the global fight against terrorism.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis.

During this period of global instability, as Russias war on Ukraine seeks to erode the core pillars of international security, the United States reaffirms its support for Azerbaijans independence and sovereignty. We look forward to enhancing our relationship in the years and decades to come.

My best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Pokrovsk (Ukraine), May 21 (AP) In what would be its biggest victory yet in the war with Ukraine, Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Friday.

Also Read | Mia Hansen-Loves One Fine Morning Premiered in the Directors Fortnight in Cannes  Latest Tweet by Reuters.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

Also Read | Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalised.

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraine's Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mill's defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant's defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on Feb. 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupol's capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscow's control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine, and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The city's loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance. An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldn't make it out alive.

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I don't know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscow's forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of history's most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Pokrovsk (Ukraine), May 21 (AP) In what would be its biggest victory yet in the war with Ukraine, Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Friday.

Also Read | Mia Hansen-Loves One Fine Morning Premiered in the Directors Fortnight in Cannes  Latest Tweet by Reuters.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

Also Read | Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalised.

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraine's Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mill's defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers (4 square miles), had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plant's defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on Feb. 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupol's capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscow's control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine, and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The city's loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance. An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldn't make it out alive.

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I don't know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscow's forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of history's most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
A British father-of-two has dumped his partner after falling for a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee who came to live with them to escape the war.

Tony Garnett, 29, and his partner Lorna, 28, took in Sofiia Karkadym at the start of May, but just 10 days later their seemingly-happy marriage was torn apart when he ran away with the refugee.

The security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, says he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

Admitting the pain this will cause Lorna, Tony said he has 'discovered a connection with Sofiia like I've never had before', adding that they 'know this is right'.

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war ongoing war in Ukraine

Just 10 days after moving in with Tony Garnett and his partner Lorna, Sofiia (pictured) and her new lover moved out

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war.. Pictured are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

Sofiia (pictured) said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) has now moved in with Tony and his parents, although the new couple are looking for somewhere else to live

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

Just 10 days after meeting Sofiia (pictured) Tony left his partner of 10 years and is planning to spend the rest of his life with her

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mum and dad, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'

A British father-of-two has dumped his partner after falling for a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee who came to live with them to escape the war.

Tony Garnett, 29, and his partner Lorna, 28, took in Sofiia Karkadym at the start of May, but just 10 days later their seemingly-happy marriage was torn apart when he ran away with the refugee.

The security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, says he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

Admitting the pain this will cause Lorna, Tony said he has 'discovered a connection with Sofiia like I've never had before', adding that they 'know this is right'.

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war ongoing war in Ukraine

Just 10 days after moving in with Tony Garnett and his partner Lorna, Sofiia (pictured) and her new lover moved out

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war.. Pictured are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

Sofiia (pictured) said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) has now moved in with Tony and his parents, although the new couple are looking for somewhere else to live

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

Just 10 days after meeting Sofiia (pictured) Tony left his partner of 10 years and is planning to spend the rest of his life with her

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mum and dad, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Trend

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev made a working visit to Sweden from May 18 through May 19, 2022, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Meetings were held with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Speaker of Parliament Andreas Norlen and Deputy Foreign Minister Magnus Nilsson during the visit.

It was emphasized that 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden would be celebrated in the capitals of both countries, and the current conditions and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, views were exchanged on the processes taking place in South Caucasus in post-conflict period.

Main topic of discussions at the "round tables" with the participation of leaders and researchers of Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Stockholm Institute for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) was the normalization processes in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period and the role that in this context, international partners.

Concert by Isfar Sarabski's jazz trio and a diplomatic reception were held, which were attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers of two countries Fariz Rzayev and Magnus Nilsson as part of the visit to Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sweden.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani servicemen have joined the Efes-2022 multi-national drills underway in Izmir, Turkey, Azernews reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is being represented by servicemen of the Separate Combined-Arms Army of Naxcivan and the Naval Forces in the drills, which will last until June 9, the ministry said.

The Efes-2022 multinational exercises are planned to be held in four stages.

On the instructions of the high command, activities are being carried out to improve the professional skills of the Azerbaijani armys military personnel.

Earlier, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year.

Apart from Efes - 2022, the servicemen will join the Eternity - 2022, Indestructible Brotherhood - 2022, Winter Training  2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said.

Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well.

Meanwhile, National Defense University has been established in Azerbaijan under the presidential order, Azernews reports citing Trend.

The ministry underlined that the institution was formed as part of a plan to bring the Azerbaijani army up to par with the Turkish Armed Forces' standards while strengthening military education administration.

"As part of the ongoing structural reforms, the sphere of science and military education is successfully developing in our army," the statement said

It added that the former Military Academy of the Armed Forces, the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev, and other educational institutions for special purposes began operating under the newly established National Defense University under the names of Military Research Institute, Institute of Military Administration, Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Army, Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev, Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski and Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University.
Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and reaffirmed Turkey's full support to Pakistan's stance on regional and international issues

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and reaffirmed Turkey's full support to Pakistan's stance on regional and international issues.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation were discussed, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release.

Both the dignitaries reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's contribution for regional security and connectivity.
Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and reaffirmed Turkey's full support to Pakistan's stance on regional and international issues

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and reaffirmed Turkey's full support to Pakistan's stance on regional and international issues.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation were discussed, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release.

Both the dignitaries reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's contribution for regional security and connectivity.
Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and reaffirmed Turkey's full support to Pakistan's stance on regional and international issues

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey General (R) Hulusi Akar Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and reaffirmed Turkey's full support to Pakistan's stance on regional and international issues.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation were discussed, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release.

Both the dignitaries reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's contribution for regional security and connectivity.
Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick

KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 18:57 | All, World, Coronavirus

The leaders of Japan, Australia, India and the United States will agree to step up the provision of COVID-19 vaccines to the international community, when they hold a summit meeting next week, a Foreign Ministry official said Saturday.

The agreement, part of the four Indo-Pacific democracies' efforts to counter China's expanding influence in developing countries, is expected to be stated in their joint statement, said the Japanese official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

During the summit to be held in Tokyo on Tuesday, the leaders will discuss how to improve COVID-19 vaccine delivery and are expected to confirm that they will push what is known as "Last One Mile Support," a Japanese initiative to provide cold chain equipment to help each country gets vaccinated, according to the official.

The four countries are also considering including in the statement their pledge to further help developing countries in areas such as training for health workers and public awareness activities on the importance of vaccination.

In the first-ever summit among members of the so-called Quad in March last year, organized in a virtual format, they agreed to set up a working group to boost vaccine production and provision, and since then have been strengthening cooperation in this field.

In addition, the leaders plan to say the countries will boost cooperation toward developing secure 5G telecommunications networks, as a hedge against China seizing control of the critical infrastructure, according to officials.

A number of countries are apprehensive that a dominant Chinese presence in the market could lead to information theft from Beijing and disrupt social and economic lives in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad is promoting "Open RAN," which has industry-wide standards and enables interoperability between multiple vendors' equipment for cellular wireless networks. With the system, the countries hope to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions of vital components.

China's presence in the telecommunications industry is increasing and one of its giant telecommunication companies Huawei is a frontrunner in 5G technology.

Concrete proposals by the leaders include developing human resources in Southeast Asian countries to help them introduce Open RAN, the officials said. The aim is that developing local talent will lead to greater involvement in the new technology and less dependency on Chinese companies.

A day before the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will hold a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.

"It is important to deepen a relationship of trust," Kishida told reporters on Saturday in Kyoto. "I want to also confirm the further strengthening of the alliance between Japan and the United States."

The prime minister added he is hoping to agree on their close cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He said other key topics to be discussed are security, regional affairs, including the war in Ukraine, the economy, climate change and nuclear disarmament.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 18:57 | All, World, Coronavirus

The leaders of Japan, Australia, India and the United States will agree to step up the provision of COVID-19 vaccines to the international community, when they hold a summit meeting next week, a Foreign Ministry official said Saturday.

The agreement, part of the four Indo-Pacific democracies' efforts to counter China's expanding influence in developing countries, is expected to be stated in their joint statement, said the Japanese official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

During the summit to be held in Tokyo on Tuesday, the leaders will discuss how to improve COVID-19 vaccine delivery and are expected to confirm that they will push what is known as "Last One Mile Support," a Japanese initiative to provide cold chain equipment to help each country gets vaccinated, according to the official.

The four countries are also considering including in the statement their pledge to further help developing countries in areas such as training for health workers and public awareness activities on the importance of vaccination.

In the first-ever summit among members of the so-called Quad in March last year, organized in a virtual format, they agreed to set up a working group to boost vaccine production and provision, and since then have been strengthening cooperation in this field.

In addition, the leaders plan to say the countries will boost cooperation toward developing secure 5G telecommunications networks, as a hedge against China seizing control of the critical infrastructure, according to officials.

A number of countries are apprehensive that a dominant Chinese presence in the market could lead to information theft from Beijing and disrupt social and economic lives in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad is promoting "Open RAN," which has industry-wide standards and enables interoperability between multiple vendors' equipment for cellular wireless networks. With the system, the countries hope to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions of vital components.

China's presence in the telecommunications industry is increasing and one of its giant telecommunication companies Huawei is a frontrunner in 5G technology.

Concrete proposals by the leaders include developing human resources in Southeast Asian countries to help them introduce Open RAN, the officials said. The aim is that developing local talent will lead to greater involvement in the new technology and less dependency on Chinese companies.

A day before the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will hold a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.

"It is important to deepen a relationship of trust," Kishida told reporters on Saturday in Kyoto. "I want to also confirm the further strengthening of the alliance between Japan and the United States."

The prime minister added he is hoping to agree on their close cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He said other key topics to be discussed are security, regional affairs, including the war in Ukraine, the economy, climate change and nuclear disarmament.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A British father-of-two has dumped his partner after falling for a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee who came to live with them to escape the war.

Tony Garnett, 29, and his partner Lorna, 28, took in Sofiia Karkadym at the start of May, but just 10 days later their seemingly-happy marriage was torn apart when he ran away with the refugee.

The security guard, who lives in Bradford, West Yorkshire, says he has fallen in love with the 22-year-old and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Sofiia, who fled the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'.

Admitting the pain this will cause Lorna, Tony said he has 'discovered a connection with Sofiia like I've never had before', adding that they 'know this is right'.

The family had taken Sofiia in in an effort to do their bit to help Ukrainian's fleeing the Russian invasion, with Tony telling The Sun he 'wanted to do the right thing' and that she was the first person to get in touch on a Facebook page where he offered to house a refugee.

Sofiia Karkadym (pictured) arrived in the UK at the start of May after fleeing the war ongoing war in Ukraine

Just 10 days after moving in with Tony Garnett and his partner Lorna, Sofiia (pictured) and her new lover moved out

Sofiia, who works as an IT manager, flew into Manchester on May 4 after waiting for weeks in Berlin for her UK visa to be approved.

Tony said he and Sofiia quickly developed a connection, and while his six-year-old and three-year-old daughters also took a liking to her, his partner of 10 years did not.

Tony, who speaks Slovakian, would talk with his future lover while she spoke Ukrainian, as the two languages are mutually intelligible.

Sofiia, who is an IT manager, fled the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to escape the war.. Pictured are refugees waiting to board a train at the main railway station in the city

However, this left Lorna not understanding what they were talking about.

'We were getting on brilliantly but at that time it was no more than that  although I can see why Lorna started to feel jealous and resentful of her,' Tony said.

As the days passed Sofiia would join Tony at the gym and they would talk in his car, while at home they grew physically closer.

'At home I realised we were finding excuses to touch and brush against each other, it was very flirtatious but nothing more than that happened at that stage,' he said.

'Although it was fairly innocent it was causing arguments. I can understand that. When I got in at night Sofiia would be the one who had made a meal for me to try.'

As the pair got closer and closer, Lorna became 'very jealous' Tony says, and began to question why Sofiia was following him around all the time.

Sofiia (pictured) said she 'fancied' Tony as soon as she saw him and that the pair are living their very own 'love story'

The IT manager (pictured) has now moved in with Tony and his parents, although the new couple are looking for somewhere else to live

'The atmosphere was getting really bad and Sofiia told me she didn't know whether she could continue to live with us under these circumstances,' he said.

'Lorna was never that enthusiastic about having a refugee in our home because it meant the girls had to move into one room.'

Things came to a head after an explosive row between the women left Sofiia in tears and saying she no longer felt like she could no longer live in the same house as Lorna.

Tony said 'something inside me clicked' and he told Lorna 'If she's going, I'm going'.

Just 10 days after meeting Sofiia (pictured) Tony left his partner of 10 years and is planning to spend the rest of his life with her

The pair then packed their bags and moved in with Tony's mum and dad, although they are looking at properties to move into.

After their relationship of 10 years ended in the space of just 10 days, Tony says he feels bad and that Lorna is not to blame.

am so sorry for what Lorna is going through, this was not her fault and it was not about anything she did wrong.

'We never set out to do this, it wasn't planned and we didn't mean to hurt anyone.'
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.

A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Police leaders are set to apologise and say they are 'ashamed' of alleged 'discrimination and bias' within their ranks in a new report due to be published next week.

The plan from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing will commit the police to being 'institutionally anti-racist'.

The NPCC represents British police chief officers while the College of Policing is responsible for setting standards of ethics for the police service.

The plan, which will be open to consultation, will state: 'Our vision is for a police service that is anti-racist and trusted by black people.'

The catalyst for the report was global protests sparked by the murder of unarmed black man George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, US, on May 25, 2020.

It also comes after the landmark Macpherson inquiry, which followed black teenager Stephen Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry published a report in February 1999 which accused the Met Police and policing in general of 'institutional racism'.

Victor Olisa, the Met's former head of diversity and head of policing in Tottenham, has previously called the silence from senior officers 'deafening'. A plan from the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing is set to commit to being 'institutionally anti-racist'

According to The Guardian, the report will state: 'We accept that policing still contains racism, discrimination and bias.

'We are ashamed of those truths, we apologise for them and we are determined to change them.'

It will also outline plans to tackle treatment which black people find 'stigmatising and humiliating'.

The Macpherson report, published in 1999, examined failings in how the police investigated the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed in 1993 in a racist knife attack by five white youths in south London

The blueprint will add: 'Much has been done in the intervening years by policing to address racism in the police and society.

'Despite this, change has not been fast nor significant enough in black communities.

'As we have prepared this plan, we have heard the views of black people and their experiences of policing. We have listened to the voices of our own black colleagues about the service they belong to.

'The challenge for reform, set out by Macpherson, cannot be said to have been unambiguously answered by policing. Many people believe policing to still be institutionally racist and have grounds for this view.'

The new report, due to be published next week, will also state: 'We have much to do to secure the confidence of black people, including our own staff, and improve their experience of policing - and we will.

'We will be held to account and we welcome scrutiny. That need for change is evident.

'Policing lags behind almost every part of the public service as an employer of choice for black people.

'Confidence levels are much lower, and our powers are disproportionately applied to black people. In some crimes, victimisation rates are higher.

'Black officers and staff leave policing earlier in their careers than white staff and the fact we have only seen two black officers reach chief constable or assistant commissioner rank in policing's history is a failure.'

It adds: 'Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and five times more likely to be subjected to the use of force.

'Testimonies tell us that black people find these encounters - particularly stop and search - confrontational, stigmatising and humiliating.

'Ten per cent of our recorded searches, 27 per cent of use-of-force incidents and 35 per cent of Taser incidents involved someone from a black ethnic group.

'The latest estimates suggest that only 3.5 per cent of the population is black.'

Sir William Macpherson chaired the unprovoked inquiry landmark inquiry into Lawrence's unprovoked murder in 1993

The Met Police's former head of diversity Victor Olisa told the Guardian: 'They may say they will do better, but without an admission of institutional racism, it won't be believed in communities.

'Police chiefs are being insular and doing what suits them and not the service of the public.'

In July 2021, MPs outlined systematic failures on the part of the police service and government to take race inequality in policing seriously.

The committee made a number of recommendations, among them that a new statutory race equality commissioner for policing is needed, as well as a new race equality steering group to be chaired by the Home Secretary to respond to the commissioner's reports.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse outlined plans to be published within weeks to make users to wear a tag that detects drugs in sweat amid a government crackdown on drugs

In 2018, Olisa said the silence from senior officers was 'deafening' amid an increase in the murder of young black teenagers in the UK.

Mr Olisa said communities no longer saw police and claimed officers had 'lost control of the streets'.

On Thursday, policing minister Kit Malthouse Malthouse declared war on drug users, who he said were responsible for teenagers being murdered in UK gang wars.

He outlined a plan to make offenders whose crimes are linked to alcohol wear a tag that alerts the authorities if they have a drink.

The next step was to apply the same strategy to illegal drugs, he said, in a bid to sink the number of drug-related deaths in the UK which disproportionally effect minority communities.




Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.

Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.





Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
KYODO NEWS - May 21, 2022 - 18:57 | All, World, Coronavirus

The leaders of Japan, Australia, India and the United States will agree to step up the provision of COVID-19 vaccines to the international community, when they hold a summit meeting next week, a Foreign Ministry official said Saturday.

The agreement, part of the four Indo-Pacific democracies' efforts to counter China's expanding influence in developing countries, is expected to be stated in their joint statement, said the Japanese official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

During the summit to be held in Tokyo on Tuesday, the leaders will discuss how to improve COVID-19 vaccine delivery and are expected to confirm that they will push what is known as "Last One Mile Support," a Japanese initiative to provide cold chain equipment to help each country gets vaccinated, according to the official.

The four countries are also considering including in the statement their pledge to further help developing countries in areas such as training for health workers and public awareness activities on the importance of vaccination.

In the first-ever summit among members of the so-called Quad in March last year, organized in a virtual format, they agreed to set up a working group to boost vaccine production and provision, and since then have been strengthening cooperation in this field.

In addition, the leaders plan to say the countries will boost cooperation toward developing secure 5G telecommunications networks, as a hedge against China seizing control of the critical infrastructure, according to officials.

A number of countries are apprehensive that a dominant Chinese presence in the market could lead to information theft from Beijing and disrupt social and economic lives in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad is promoting "Open RAN," which has industry-wide standards and enables interoperability between multiple vendors' equipment for cellular wireless networks. With the system, the countries hope to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions of vital components.

China's presence in the telecommunications industry is increasing and one of its giant telecommunication companies Huawei is a frontrunner in 5G technology.

Concrete proposals by the leaders include developing human resources in Southeast Asian countries to help them introduce Open RAN, the officials said. The aim is that developing local talent will lead to greater involvement in the new technology and less dependency on Chinese companies.

A day before the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will hold a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.

"It is important to deepen a relationship of trust," Kishida told reporters on Saturday in Kyoto. "I want to also confirm the further strengthening of the alliance between Japan and the United States."

The prime minister added he is hoping to agree on their close cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He said other key topics to be discussed are security, regional affairs, including the war in Ukraine, the economy, climate change and nuclear disarmament.
Teachers, parents and students: Contact the World Socialist Web Site send us statements of support for Catherine Brown, and tell us what the covid situation is in your classrooms.

Catherine Brown

A Seattle high school principal has been fired for informing families of upcoming changes to the districts COVID-19 guidelines and the consequences they would have on the school. The firing was an act of retaliation aimed at enforcing the districts coverup of transmission rates and the abandonment of basic mitigation measures, which have led to skyrocketing pediatric cases over the last six months.

Catherine Brown revealed her termination to parents at Cleveland STEM High School in a letter sent May 10. Brown wrote: I have been under investigation for an allegation that I disobeyed a directive. The specific allegation at issue is that I failed to follow a directive to withhold information about changes in COVID-19 contact tracing from the Cleveland community. While the process for determining if I will be subject to discipline for that is not yet complete, as you now know, SPS [Seattle Public Schools] has determined that I will not be the principal at Cleveland High School next year.

Teachers, parents and students must rally to the defense of Brown. She is being sacrificed by the district for her limited exposure of the dangerous health policies being pursued in Seattle, which are not fundamentally different than at school districts across the country.

During January, more than 50,000 students were sent back into public school buildings in the city amid a sharp rise in infections, fueled by the Omicron variant. Between 2,200 to 5,600 cases were confirmed each day that month in the city of Seattle. Hundreds of students were being tested and sent home each day, with over 1,000 cases reported on the SPS dashboard each of the first three weeks of January.

The volume of cases was so high that the district made an internal change to its contact tracing practices. Unable to carry out detailed contact tracing to follow the spread and inform individuals of close contact to a positive case, staff were focused on handling kids who tested positive and sending general updates to classrooms without specific information.

What I understand this [the change in the guidelines] to mean for families, Brown wrote in her January email to families, is if your student was exposed to a positive COVID case in one of their classes at Cleveland this past week and going forward for an unspecified length of time, it is most likely that the only notification you will receive is the general notice that your child was in a classroom with someone who later tested positive for COVID. The interviewing of individuals, including staff, to determine if a close contact occurred will only occur in a limited number of cases with this change.

Catherine Browns email exposes the narrative of a so-called safe return to schools. Even the most basic mitigation measures were relaxed or abandoned, and closing schools to stop the spread was off the table. The response of the district to terminate Browns position reveals the extent to which the administrative and government officials are covering up the consequences of their unscientific policies.

The announcement has sparked mass opposition among educators, parents and students in the region, who are coming to her defense and criticizing the district for hiding critical information. About 100 students engaged in a walkout and protest on Friday, chanting bring back Brown!

Hours before the protest was set to take place, the incoming principal Marni Campbell withdrew her acceptance of the position, responding to the popular hostility of the school community to the decision.

Today, May 20, there are six educators out with no substitute. 24 periods need to be covered, and so far 7 educators have given up planning to cover 18 of those periods. 6 remain unfilled, one Seattle educator told the World Socialist Web Site. Many students are absent, some to work to support their families, some because they are sick, some to care for a sick family member. This daily uncertainty and stress makes for an uncertain and impossible learning environment.

From May 9 to 16, new covid cases surged in Washington state by 124.8 percent. This week alone, 22,365 new cases were reported. Johns Hopkins University data reveals that Washington covid case numbers are rising the 12th fastest out of all states in the US. As in all US states, mask mandates and other mitigations in schools were entirely dropped by March.

This reflects what is taking place across the US. The sixth wave of the pandemic, fueled by the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants, has now fueled a surge in daily cases past 100,000 per day. Total deaths have surpassed one million since the start of the pandemic.

The data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that cases among children have been steadily rising since students returned from spring break in April. An alarming number of children have died from infection with COVID-19. At SPS, there were 105 more infections this week than the week before. 1,577 positive cases were recorded over the last two weeks.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.

The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.
The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.
The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.
With two thrusters out and a balky thermal control system, Boeings Starliner spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station on Friday evening, completing yet another important milestone in its uncrewed test flight after two failed attempts.

Just over 25 hours after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, the autonomous spacecraft, which did not have any astronauts on board, docked itself to the station at 8:28 p.m. Eastern time, overcoming glitches, as Boeing works to eventually fly NASA astronauts on the capsule. Cheers broke out in mission control in celebration of what NASA called a historic first docking with the station for the spacecraft.

The docking was originally scheduled for 7:10 p.m. but was delayed as controllers on the ground worked to confirm telemetry data as well as ensure lighting conditions were ideal and communications were stable. The docking was delayed again after a problem with the mechanism Starliner uses to dock with the station forced controllers to retract the system and then extend it a second time to reset it.

On the way to the station, two of Starliners 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch and the spacecrafts temperature control system also malfunctioned. But neither problem prevented the docking, and the thrusters performed well during maneuvers since the launch put it into position for the docking.

Boeing blamed the thruster problem on a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber. But Boeing said the capsules flight control system automatically fired a third thruster as a backup, which completed the burn.

In a post-docking briefing with reporters, Steve Stich, NASAs commercial crew program manager, said there were also problems with a couple of the smaller thrusters used to position the spacecraft for docking. We have a lot of redundancy so that really didnt affect the rendezvous operations at all or affect the rest of the flight, he said. I know after the flight well go study the failures there and see what happened.

Mark Nappi, a Boeing vice president who oversees the Starliner program said it was a great day for the company and for NASA to have another spacecraft capable of flying astronauts to the station. He added that it was really nail-biting watching that vehicle sit out there for a little while until it was it was time to come in. So a lot of very happy folks in the Boeing program today because of what we saw.

He said it was not entirely clear what caused the problem with the drop in pressure and added that since the thrusters are located on the service module, which is discarded during the return flight, we may never know what the real cause of this is.

Boeing also said it was continuing to monitor problems with the thermal control system, which is designed to keep the capsules systems at the right temperature as it flies through the vacuum of space. Boeing spokesman Steve Siceloff said during a live broadcast of the docking that the company had been able to overcome the problem by making manual adjustments to the cooling system that would normally be automated.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, he said.

In a statement, Boeing said the spacecraft continues to perform well.

The flight is a test to see how the vehicle performs before NASA allows its astronauts to fly aboard. Boeing has been working to complete the flight since 2014, when NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX to develop spacecraft capable of ferrying astronauts to the space station and back.

SpaceX flew its test flight without crew in March 2019 and has flown five missions with NASA astronauts on board since, four of them with a full complement of four crew members.

Boeing, by contrast, has stumbled repeatedly. On its first attempt at an uncrewed test flight, the spacecraft suffered software and communication problems that cut its mission short before it could rendezvous with the station. It took 18 months before the company tried again, but that flight failed to even get off the ground last August when engineers discovered that 13 valves in the service module were stuck in the closed position.

Boeing said it has since fixed that problem, caused when propellant seeped through a valve and mixed with ambient moisture that led to corrosion.

As for Fridays docking, the company said the capsules systems  guidance and navigation, flight software, communications and power generation  were all performing well.

The capsule is expected to stay docked to the station for four or five days before coming back to Earth.

If that goes well, Boeing and NASA will look to fly a crew on the vehicle for the first time near the end of this year or early next year.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
A woman has slammed a US airline after claiming she was shamed over her choice of outfit.

TikToker @badbish1078 posted a video of her sitting on the plane with the caption: "Alaska Airlines just told me I had to 'cover up' if I wanted to get on the plane".

She panned her camera down to reveal her outfit  a mid-riff low-cut tank top and frayed denim shorts.

She added she refused the request the cover up, but did not explain how she was still able to board the plane.

Her viewers were outraged she was called out for the outfit, with one saying it was "ridiculous".

"Excuse me, what?" one commented.

"You're kidding," another said.

"What the hell?" a third added.

The woman shared a photo of the outfit that Alaska Airlines staff allegedly wanted her to cover up. Source: TikTok/@badbish1078

Another left a hashtag on the video that said #cancelalaskaairlines.

Some were not surprised, with one saying women being refused to board planes over their outfits was a common occurrence.

"This happened to somebody else I know too," a comment said.

Yahoo News has contacted Alaska Airlines for comment.

Love Island star slams Jetstar

It comes after Love Island star Amelia Marni called out Jetstar for shaming her for her outfit.

The influencer was wearing a black crop top and khaki pants, with a male flight attendant allegedly telling Marni she needed to cover up as her clothing was too revealing.

Marni shared a photo of her outfit on her Instagram story, writing: We love a sl*t shame moment."

Love Island star Amelia Marni called out Jetstar after she claimed a flight attendant said her outfit was inappropriate. Source: Instagram/@ameliamarni

She further explained that the male flight attendant said her outfit was inappropriate to wear on Jetstar.

Jetstar said in a statement while the airline had basic dress requirements for flights, they did not have a policy regarding crop tops.

"Our team will reach out to Amelia and to our crew member to understand whats taken place, and we apologise if theres been any misunderstanding of our policy," the spokesperson said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Storeor Google Play.


Its almost time for the final curtain call of This Is Us, and with it, the many loose ends that creator Dan Fogelman spun along the way. Fans recently learned that Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Sophie (Alexandra Breckenridge) are endgame  just in time for Sophie to lend Kevin support as he moves from Los Angeles to a Pennsylvania cabin to care for his ailing mother, Rebecca (Mandy Moore).

The Kevin-Sophie storyline almost didnt come to its picture-perfect conclusion because Breckenridge plays the lead, Melinda Mel Monroe, in the wildly popular Netflix series Virgin River. However, real-life filming schedules allowed us to see Kevin become mature enough to get the girl.

Breckenridge isnt the only Virgin River star to juggle filming itineraries with the hit NBC show: Her sometimes-nemesis Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) also appeared in This Is Us in the past few seasons.

Alexandra Breckenridge appears sporadically in all 6 seasons of This Is Us

This Is Us Season 1: Justin Hartley and Alexandra Breckenridge | Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

We see many versions of Sophie on This Is Us because she and Kevin meet in their elementary school classroom. Viewers first see Breckenridge as the adult version of Sophie in Season 1s Three Sentences, when Kevin shows up on his exs doorstep to declare his love and say he wants her back.

So begins the saga that continues throughout each season of the series, as Kevin starts to find his way and figure out what he wants in life  as a role in his family, career, and love life.

Breckenridge appears at least once in each season of This Is Us, most recently in Season 6 at Kate and Philips engagement party and then wedding, where she and Kevin reunite for good.

Whether youre all in on the Kevin-Sophie love story or are skeptical of its plot holes, Breckenridge pulled away from filming Virgin River long enough to put a final stamp on the plot Fogelman envisioned.

Tim Matheson plays Rebeccas dad in This Is Us starting in Season 4

Actor Tim Matheson also would have needed to juggle multiple filming schedules to appear in Virgin River and This Is Us, though his role as Rebecca Pearsons father, Dave Malone, was smaller than playing Sophie. Matheson portrays the affluent antithesis of Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia)  making his character easy to hate for his efforts to bribe Jack away from dating his daughter in Season 4.

Matheson appears in only two episodes in Season 4 and then briefly again for one episode in Season 5. We see Jack and Dave eventually come to an uneasy but semi-peaceful relationship in Season 6 during a Thanksgiving episode, when Dave counsels Jack to let Rebecca and her mother Janet (Elizabeth Perkins) duke it out over sugar pie.

Matheson is known for his roles as Eric Otter Stratton in National Lampoons Animal House and Vice President John Hoynes in The West Wing. Now 74, the actor has perfected the somewhat-lovable-sometimes-hated curmudgeon with recurring roles in Hart of Dixie and now Virgin River.

Matheson and Breckenridge will appear in Virgin River Season 4 in July

With only one more episode left of This Is Us, were unlikely to see Matheson back on the screen, though the spirit of his character is alive as Rebecca talks about her father taking her on train rides when he needed to work on Sundays. However, he and Breckenridge will reprise their roles as Doc Mullins and Mel when Virgin River Season 4 premieres on July 20, Netflix says.

According to TV Line, the streaming giant has ordered at least one more season of the hit show. That means Breckenridge and Matheson might not need to say farewell to their characters anytime soon.

RELATED: This Is Us Guest Stars Fans Will Never Forget

SEOUL  Eager to enact legislation authorizing emergency assistance for Ukraine without delay, President Biden has directed an aide to fly to South Korea with the physical copy of the measure so he can sign it during his five-day trip to Asia, two administration officials said on Saturday.

The aide, carrying the $40 billion bill passed by Congress this week, was taking a commercial flight to Seoul, where Mr. Biden is in talks with his South Korean counterpart. Aides said the president would put pen to paper shortly after its arrival. Mr. Biden is expected to fly to Japan on Sunday.

The expediency of flying bills to presidents while they are out of town has a long history, especially for chief executives who spent extended stretches at private estates or ranches. President George W. Bush took it the other direction in 2005 when he broke away from a Texas vacation to fly back to Washington solely to be in place to sign a bill meant to keep a comatose Florida woman alive despite her husbands wishes. Mr. Bush did not want to take the chance that she would die during the few hours it would take to fly it to him.

President Barack Obama dispensed with the tradition in 2011 when he was in France for an international summit meeting and ordered the use of an autopen back in Washington to affix his signature to a bill extending the Patriot Act with less than 15 minutes until the national security law would have expired. The extension had passed Congress so late that there was not enough time to fly it to France.
The Biden Cabinet is made up of very interesting people. Let's check out secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, regarding her visit to the U.S. Senate.

First, she shows no emotion about rising gasoline prices. One would think she would have prepared for such an obvious question. In other words, I would have expected her to say a thousand times that she feels the pain at the pump. No, she responded with aloof answers about a "balanced approach," whatever that means. I would think that most Americans would love an approach that tilts a bit in their direction  i.e., a drop in gas prices.

Second, she was confused when asked about the environmental impact of drilling there rather than here:

"Is it more environmentally friendly to develop and produce oil and gas" in the U.S. or in foreign countries, like Venezuela? Biden Interior Secretary: "I'm not an economist."

Thank God she was not asked to define "woman."

Miss Haaland is running the Department of Interior but does not have a clue about what people are experiencing in the interior or anywhere else. How can any fair-minded person watch this and conclude that the Biden administration is connected to reality?

PS: Click for my videos and podcasts at Canto Talk.

Image: Moms Clean Air Force.
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stepped forward and praised the persistent efforts put forward by the Tiranga Rescue Team. By congratulating the team for their commendable work during his meeting in the National Capital, Rajnath Singh has lauded the achievements of TMR in protecting the heroes from natural calamities. He referred to 'TMR' as a source of strength for soldiers deployed in high-risk and threat-prone areas.

The Raksha Mantri has put his strong emphasis on the fact that "No casualties have been reported in the areas where TMR has been deployed. The Raksha Mantri recognized TMR for saving the lives of Armed Forces troops by increasing awareness and safeguarding defence forces personnel from natural disasters like sandstorms and avalanches. Lieutenant General BS Raju, Director General Military Operations, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Pandey, and other top military personnel also attended the ceremony.

Click here to check the tweet

Tiranga Rescue Team has trained thousands of soldiers so far with the aim of constructing a team that supports the Indian Army on a long-term basis with specialized and expert training and a powerful rescue support system. TMR has visited over 140 posts across the country to deliver the unprecedented. From 2016 to 2018, Tiranga Mountain Rescue performed rescue services in the Alps' most dangerous, high-risk, and avalanche-prone areas. TMR also provides advanced training in cover, route analysis, rescue, and other missions.

 

Under the direction of Col. Satish Sharma, the Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) team has trained over 20,000 defence forces personnel and executed many mitigation and rescue missions since 2016 (retd.). Rajnath Singh stated that TMR's work is an excellent example of collaboration for government-civil society. He underlined that when the government and civil society work together, only a country can move towards progress. Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country may achieve the goal of all-around sustainable growth,'' the minister quoted.

(Brand Desk Content)


A woman has slammed a US airline after claiming she was shamed over her choice of outfit.

TikToker @badbish1078 posted a video of her sitting on the plane with the caption: "Alaska Airlines just told me I had to 'cover up' if I wanted to get on the plane".

She panned her camera down to reveal her outfit  a mid-riff low-cut tank top and frayed denim shorts.

She added she refused the request the cover up, but did not explain how she was still able to board the plane.

Her viewers were outraged she was called out for the outfit, with one saying it was "ridiculous".

"Excuse me, what?" one commented.

"You're kidding," another said.

"What the hell?" a third added.

The woman shared a photo of the outfit that Alaska Airlines staff allegedly wanted her to cover up. Source: TikTok/@badbish1078

Another left a hashtag on the video that said #cancelalaskaairlines.

Some were not surprised, with one saying women being refused to board planes over their outfits was a common occurrence.

"This happened to somebody else I know too," a comment said.

Yahoo News has contacted Alaska Airlines for comment.

Love Island star slams Jetstar

It comes after Love Island star Amelia Marni called out Jetstar for shaming her for her outfit.

The influencer was wearing a black crop top and khaki pants, with a male flight attendant allegedly telling Marni she needed to cover up as her clothing was too revealing.

Marni shared a photo of her outfit on her Instagram story, writing: We love a sl*t shame moment."

Love Island star Amelia Marni called out Jetstar after she claimed a flight attendant said her outfit was inappropriate. Source: Instagram/@ameliamarni

She further explained that the male flight attendant said her outfit was inappropriate to wear on Jetstar.

Jetstar said in a statement while the airline had basic dress requirements for flights, they did not have a policy regarding crop tops.

"Our team will reach out to Amelia and to our crew member to understand whats taken place, and we apologise if theres been any misunderstanding of our policy," the spokesperson said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Storeor Google Play.
A woman has slammed a US airline after claiming she was shamed over her choice of outfit.

TikToker @badbish1078 posted a video of her sitting on the plane with the caption: "Alaska Airlines just told me I had to 'cover up' if I wanted to get on the plane".

She panned her camera down to reveal her outfit  a mid-riff low-cut tank top and frayed denim shorts.

She added she refused the request the cover up, but did not explain how she was still able to board the plane.

Her viewers were outraged she was called out for the outfit, with one saying it was "ridiculous".

"Excuse me, what?" one commented.

"You're kidding," another said.

"What the hell?" a third added.

The woman shared a photo of the outfit that Alaska Airlines staff allegedly wanted her to cover up. Source: TikTok/@badbish1078

Another left a hashtag on the video that said #cancelalaskaairlines.

Some were not surprised, with one saying women being refused to board planes over their outfits was a common occurrence.

"This happened to somebody else I know too," a comment said.

Yahoo News has contacted Alaska Airlines for comment.

Love Island star slams Jetstar

It comes after Love Island star Amelia Marni called out Jetstar for shaming her for her outfit.

The influencer was wearing a black crop top and khaki pants, with a male flight attendant allegedly telling Marni she needed to cover up as her clothing was too revealing.

Marni shared a photo of her outfit on her Instagram story, writing: We love a sl*t shame moment."

Love Island star Amelia Marni called out Jetstar after she claimed a flight attendant said her outfit was inappropriate. Source: Instagram/@ameliamarni

She further explained that the male flight attendant said her outfit was inappropriate to wear on Jetstar.

Jetstar said in a statement while the airline had basic dress requirements for flights, they did not have a policy regarding crop tops.

"Our team will reach out to Amelia and to our crew member to understand whats taken place, and we apologise if theres been any misunderstanding of our policy," the spokesperson said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Storeor Google Play.





Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stepped forward and praised the persistent efforts put forward by the Tiranga Rescue Team. By congratulating the team for their commendable work during his meeting in the National Capital, Rajnath Singh has lauded the achievements of TMR in protecting the heroes from natural calamities. He referred to 'TMR' as a source of strength for soldiers deployed in high-risk and threat-prone areas.

The Raksha Mantri has put his strong emphasis on the fact that "No casualties have been reported in the areas where TMR has been deployed. The Raksha Mantri recognized TMR for saving the lives of Armed Forces troops by increasing awareness and safeguarding defence forces personnel from natural disasters like sandstorms and avalanches. Lieutenant General BS Raju, Director General Military Operations, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Pandey, and other top military personnel also attended the ceremony.

Click here to check the tweet

Tiranga Rescue Team has trained thousands of soldiers so far with the aim of constructing a team that supports the Indian Army on a long-term basis with specialized and expert training and a powerful rescue support system. TMR has visited over 140 posts across the country to deliver the unprecedented. From 2016 to 2018, Tiranga Mountain Rescue performed rescue services in the Alps' most dangerous, high-risk, and avalanche-prone areas. TMR also provides advanced training in cover, route analysis, rescue, and other missions.

 

Under the direction of Col. Satish Sharma, the Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) team has trained over 20,000 defence forces personnel and executed many mitigation and rescue missions since 2016 (retd.). Rajnath Singh stated that TMR's work is an excellent example of collaboration for government-civil society. He underlined that when the government and civil society work together, only a country can move towards progress. Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country may achieve the goal of all-around sustainable growth,'' the minister quoted.

(Brand Desk Content)
Its almost time for the final curtain call of This Is Us, and with it, the many loose ends that creator Dan Fogelman spun along the way. Fans recently learned that Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Sophie (Alexandra Breckenridge) are endgame  just in time for Sophie to lend Kevin support as he moves from Los Angeles to a Pennsylvania cabin to care for his ailing mother, Rebecca (Mandy Moore).

The Kevin-Sophie storyline almost didnt come to its picture-perfect conclusion because Breckenridge plays the lead, Melinda Mel Monroe, in the wildly popular Netflix series Virgin River. However, real-life filming schedules allowed us to see Kevin become mature enough to get the girl.

Breckenridge isnt the only Virgin River star to juggle filming itineraries with the hit NBC show: Her sometimes-nemesis Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) also appeared in This Is Us in the past few seasons.

Alexandra Breckenridge appears sporadically in all 6 seasons of This Is Us

This Is Us Season 1: Justin Hartley and Alexandra Breckenridge | Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

We see many versions of Sophie on This Is Us because she and Kevin meet in their elementary school classroom. Viewers first see Breckenridge as the adult version of Sophie in Season 1s Three Sentences, when Kevin shows up on his exs doorstep to declare his love and say he wants her back.

So begins the saga that continues throughout each season of the series, as Kevin starts to find his way and figure out what he wants in life  as a role in his family, career, and love life.

Breckenridge appears at least once in each season of This Is Us, most recently in Season 6 at Kate and Philips engagement party and then wedding, where she and Kevin reunite for good.

Whether youre all in on the Kevin-Sophie love story or are skeptical of its plot holes, Breckenridge pulled away from filming Virgin River long enough to put a final stamp on the plot Fogelman envisioned.

Tim Matheson plays Rebeccas dad in This Is Us starting in Season 4

Actor Tim Matheson also would have needed to juggle multiple filming schedules to appear in Virgin River and This Is Us, though his role as Rebecca Pearsons father, Dave Malone, was smaller than playing Sophie. Matheson portrays the affluent antithesis of Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia)  making his character easy to hate for his efforts to bribe Jack away from dating his daughter in Season 4.

Matheson appears in only two episodes in Season 4 and then briefly again for one episode in Season 5. We see Jack and Dave eventually come to an uneasy but semi-peaceful relationship in Season 6 during a Thanksgiving episode, when Dave counsels Jack to let Rebecca and her mother Janet (Elizabeth Perkins) duke it out over sugar pie.

Matheson is known for his roles as Eric Otter Stratton in National Lampoons Animal House and Vice President John Hoynes in The West Wing. Now 74, the actor has perfected the somewhat-lovable-sometimes-hated curmudgeon with recurring roles in Hart of Dixie and now Virgin River.

Matheson and Breckenridge will appear in Virgin River Season 4 in July

With only one more episode left of This Is Us, were unlikely to see Matheson back on the screen, though the spirit of his character is alive as Rebecca talks about her father taking her on train rides when he needed to work on Sundays. However, he and Breckenridge will reprise their roles as Doc Mullins and Mel when Virgin River Season 4 premieres on July 20, Netflix says.

According to TV Line, the streaming giant has ordered at least one more season of the hit show. That means Breckenridge and Matheson might not need to say farewell to their characters anytime soon.

RELATED: This Is Us Guest Stars Fans Will Never Forget




Alia Bhatt has entered into a league of stars that has found an international audience.

She started shooting for the film on Thursday.

The Bollywood actor who recently got hitched to an actor Ranbir Kapoor, would be co-starring with Gal Gadot in the Netflix thriller. The film also stars 50 Shades Of Grey actor Jamie Dornan.

The 'Raazi' actor took to her Instagram handle and shared a picture of herself sitting inside the car.

She captioned the post and wrote, "And off I go to shoot my first ever Hollywood film!!!! Feel like a newcomer all over again - sooooo nervous!!!! Wish me luckkkkkkk."

Alia's mother Soni Razdan commented, "Wishing you all the luck in the whole world."

Priyanka Chopra wrote, "You're gonna crush it!" while Arjun Kapoor called her 'International khiladi'.

Alia captioned the same photo "Heart of Stone, here I come!" on her Instagram story.

Talking about the movie Heart of Stone, the American spy drama is helmed by Tom Harper and also stars Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighofer, Jing Lusi, and Paul Ready. The film will release on Netflix.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia Bhatt has recently appeared in two hit films, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and 'RRR', both starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR. She will next be seen in Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', co-starring Ranveer Singh, and 'Brahmastra', co-starring her husband, Ranbir Kapoor. Also, she will be debuting as a producer with the film 'Darlings'. (ANI)
Alia Bhatt has entered into a league of stars that has found an international audience.

She started shooting for the film on Thursday.

The Bollywood actor who recently got hitched to an actor Ranbir Kapoor, would be co-starring with Gal Gadot in the Netflix thriller. The film also stars 50 Shades Of Grey actor Jamie Dornan.

The 'Raazi' actor took to her Instagram handle and shared a picture of herself sitting inside the car.

She captioned the post and wrote, "And off I go to shoot my first ever Hollywood film!!!! Feel like a newcomer all over again - sooooo nervous!!!! Wish me luckkkkkkk."

Alia's mother Soni Razdan commented, "Wishing you all the luck in the whole world."

Priyanka Chopra wrote, "You're gonna crush it!" while Arjun Kapoor called her 'International khiladi'.

Alia captioned the same photo "Heart of Stone, here I come!" on her Instagram story.

Talking about the movie Heart of Stone, the American spy drama is helmed by Tom Harper and also stars Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighofer, Jing Lusi, and Paul Ready. The film will release on Netflix.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia Bhatt has recently appeared in two hit films, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and 'RRR', both starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR. She will next be seen in Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', co-starring Ranveer Singh, and 'Brahmastra', co-starring her husband, Ranbir Kapoor. Also, she will be debuting as a producer with the film 'Darlings'. (ANI)
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stepped forward and praised the persistent efforts put forward by the Tiranga Rescue Team. By congratulating the team for their commendable work during his meeting in the National Capital, Rajnath Singh has lauded the achievements of TMR in protecting the heroes from natural calamities. He referred to 'TMR' as a source of strength for soldiers deployed in high-risk and threat-prone areas.

The Raksha Mantri has put his strong emphasis on the fact that "No casualties have been reported in the areas where TMR has been deployed. The Raksha Mantri recognized TMR for saving the lives of Armed Forces troops by increasing awareness and safeguarding defence forces personnel from natural disasters like sandstorms and avalanches. Lieutenant General BS Raju, Director General Military Operations, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Pandey, and other top military personnel also attended the ceremony.

Click here to check the tweet

Tiranga Rescue Team has trained thousands of soldiers so far with the aim of constructing a team that supports the Indian Army on a long-term basis with specialized and expert training and a powerful rescue support system. TMR has visited over 140 posts across the country to deliver the unprecedented. From 2016 to 2018, Tiranga Mountain Rescue performed rescue services in the Alps' most dangerous, high-risk, and avalanche-prone areas. TMR also provides advanced training in cover, route analysis, rescue, and other missions.

 

Under the direction of Col. Satish Sharma, the Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) team has trained over 20,000 defence forces personnel and executed many mitigation and rescue missions since 2016 (retd.). Rajnath Singh stated that TMR's work is an excellent example of collaboration for government-civil society. He underlined that when the government and civil society work together, only a country can move towards progress. Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country may achieve the goal of all-around sustainable growth,'' the minister quoted.

(Brand Desk Content)
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.




The daily positivity rate of the country is 0.47 per cent while the weekly positivity rate stands at 0.51 per cent.

A total of 2,346 patients recovered in the last 24 hours. With this, the total number of people who have recovered stands at 4,25,94,801. India's recovery rate is now at 98.75 per cent.

The country also reported 25 COVID-related fatalities, increasing the total reported death count to 5,24,348.

India conducted 4,99,382 COVID tests in the last 24 hours. A total of 84.63 crores of COVID tests have been conducted so far.

Meanwhile, India administered a total of 15,32,383 doses in the last 24 hours, which brings the total tally of doses administered to 1,92,12,96,720.

India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 191.96 crore.

According to the data given by Union Health Ministry, more than 193.53 crore vaccine doses have been provided to States and UTs and over 16.72 crore unutilized vaccine doses are still available with them. (ANI)




Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.


New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.


New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.







The Biden Cabinet is made up of very interesting people. Let's check out secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, regarding her visit to the U.S. Senate.

First, she shows no emotion about rising gasoline prices. One would think she would have prepared for such an obvious question. In other words, I would have expected her to say a thousand times that she feels the pain at the pump. No, she responded with aloof answers about a "balanced approach," whatever that means. I would think that most Americans would love an approach that tilts a bit in their direction  i.e., a drop in gas prices.

Second, she was confused when asked about the environmental impact of drilling there rather than here:

"Is it more environmentally friendly to develop and produce oil and gas" in the U.S. or in foreign countries, like Venezuela? Biden Interior Secretary: "I'm not an economist."

Thank God she was not asked to define "woman."

Miss Haaland is running the Department of Interior but does not have a clue about what people are experiencing in the interior or anywhere else. How can any fair-minded person watch this and conclude that the Biden administration is connected to reality?

PS: Click for my videos and podcasts at Canto Talk.

Image: Moms Clean Air Force.

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
SEOUL  Eager to enact legislation authorizing emergency assistance for Ukraine without delay, President Biden has directed an aide to fly to South Korea with the physical copy of the measure so he can sign it during his five-day trip to Asia, two administration officials said on Saturday.

The aide, carrying the $40 billion bill passed by Congress this week, was taking a commercial flight to Seoul, where Mr. Biden is in talks with his South Korean counterpart. Aides said the president would put pen to paper shortly after its arrival. Mr. Biden is expected to fly to Japan on Sunday.

The expediency of flying bills to presidents while they are out of town has a long history, especially for chief executives who spent extended stretches at private estates or ranches. President George W. Bush took it the other direction in 2005 when he broke away from a Texas vacation to fly back to Washington solely to be in place to sign a bill meant to keep a comatose Florida woman alive despite her husbands wishes. Mr. Bush did not want to take the chance that she would die during the few hours it would take to fly it to him.

President Barack Obama dispensed with the tradition in 2011 when he was in France for an international summit meeting and ordered the use of an autopen back in Washington to affix his signature to a bill extending the Patriot Act with less than 15 minutes until the national security law would have expired. The extension had passed Congress so late that there was not enough time to fly it to France.
SEOUL  Eager to enact legislation authorizing emergency assistance for Ukraine without delay, President Biden has directed an aide to fly to South Korea with the physical copy of the measure so he can sign it during his five-day trip to Asia, two administration officials said on Saturday.

The aide, carrying the $40 billion bill passed by Congress this week, was taking a commercial flight to Seoul, where Mr. Biden is in talks with his South Korean counterpart. Aides said the president would put pen to paper shortly after its arrival. Mr. Biden is expected to fly to Japan on Sunday.

The expediency of flying bills to presidents while they are out of town has a long history, especially for chief executives who spent extended stretches at private estates or ranches. President George W. Bush took it the other direction in 2005 when he broke away from a Texas vacation to fly back to Washington solely to be in place to sign a bill meant to keep a comatose Florida woman alive despite her husbands wishes. Mr. Bush did not want to take the chance that she would die during the few hours it would take to fly it to him.

President Barack Obama dispensed with the tradition in 2011 when he was in France for an international summit meeting and ordered the use of an autopen back in Washington to affix his signature to a bill extending the Patriot Act with less than 15 minutes until the national security law would have expired. The extension had passed Congress so late that there was not enough time to fly it to France.
The Biden Cabinet is made up of very interesting people. Let's check out secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, regarding her visit to the U.S. Senate.

First, she shows no emotion about rising gasoline prices. One would think she would have prepared for such an obvious question. In other words, I would have expected her to say a thousand times that she feels the pain at the pump. No, she responded with aloof answers about a "balanced approach," whatever that means. I would think that most Americans would love an approach that tilts a bit in their direction  i.e., a drop in gas prices.

Second, she was confused when asked about the environmental impact of drilling there rather than here:

"Is it more environmentally friendly to develop and produce oil and gas" in the U.S. or in foreign countries, like Venezuela? Biden Interior Secretary: "I'm not an economist."

Thank God she was not asked to define "woman."

Miss Haaland is running the Department of Interior but does not have a clue about what people are experiencing in the interior or anywhere else. How can any fair-minded person watch this and conclude that the Biden administration is connected to reality?

PS: Click for my videos and podcasts at Canto Talk.

Image: Moms Clean Air Force.




Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stepped forward and praised the persistent efforts put forward by the Tiranga Rescue Team. By congratulating the team for their commendable work during his meeting in the National Capital, Rajnath Singh has lauded the achievements of TMR in protecting the heroes from natural calamities. He referred to 'TMR' as a source of strength for soldiers deployed in high-risk and threat-prone areas.

The Raksha Mantri has put his strong emphasis on the fact that "No casualties have been reported in the areas where TMR has been deployed. The Raksha Mantri recognized TMR for saving the lives of Armed Forces troops by increasing awareness and safeguarding defence forces personnel from natural disasters like sandstorms and avalanches. Lieutenant General BS Raju, Director General Military Operations, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Pandey, and other top military personnel also attended the ceremony.

Click here to check the tweet

Tiranga Rescue Team has trained thousands of soldiers so far with the aim of constructing a team that supports the Indian Army on a long-term basis with specialized and expert training and a powerful rescue support system. TMR has visited over 140 posts across the country to deliver the unprecedented. From 2016 to 2018, Tiranga Mountain Rescue performed rescue services in the Alps' most dangerous, high-risk, and avalanche-prone areas. TMR also provides advanced training in cover, route analysis, rescue, and other missions.

 

Under the direction of Col. Satish Sharma, the Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) team has trained over 20,000 defence forces personnel and executed many mitigation and rescue missions since 2016 (retd.). Rajnath Singh stated that TMR's work is an excellent example of collaboration for government-civil society. He underlined that when the government and civil society work together, only a country can move towards progress. Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country may achieve the goal of all-around sustainable growth,'' the minister quoted.

(Brand Desk Content)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stepped forward and praised the persistent efforts put forward by the Tiranga Rescue Team. By congratulating the team for their commendable work during his meeting in the National Capital, Rajnath Singh has lauded the achievements of TMR in protecting the heroes from natural calamities. He referred to 'TMR' as a source of strength for soldiers deployed in high-risk and threat-prone areas.

The Raksha Mantri has put his strong emphasis on the fact that "No casualties have been reported in the areas where TMR has been deployed. The Raksha Mantri recognized TMR for saving the lives of Armed Forces troops by increasing awareness and safeguarding defence forces personnel from natural disasters like sandstorms and avalanches. Lieutenant General BS Raju, Director General Military Operations, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Pandey, and other top military personnel also attended the ceremony.

Click here to check the tweet

Tiranga Rescue Team has trained thousands of soldiers so far with the aim of constructing a team that supports the Indian Army on a long-term basis with specialized and expert training and a powerful rescue support system. TMR has visited over 140 posts across the country to deliver the unprecedented. From 2016 to 2018, Tiranga Mountain Rescue performed rescue services in the Alps' most dangerous, high-risk, and avalanche-prone areas. TMR also provides advanced training in cover, route analysis, rescue, and other missions.

 

Under the direction of Col. Satish Sharma, the Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) team has trained over 20,000 defence forces personnel and executed many mitigation and rescue missions since 2016 (retd.). Rajnath Singh stated that TMR's work is an excellent example of collaboration for government-civil society. He underlined that when the government and civil society work together, only a country can move towards progress. Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country may achieve the goal of all-around sustainable growth,'' the minister quoted.

(Brand Desk Content)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stepped forward and praised the persistent efforts put forward by the Tiranga Rescue Team. By congratulating the team for their commendable work during his meeting in the National Capital, Rajnath Singh has lauded the achievements of TMR in protecting the heroes from natural calamities. He referred to 'TMR' as a source of strength for soldiers deployed in high-risk and threat-prone areas.

The Raksha Mantri has put his strong emphasis on the fact that "No casualties have been reported in the areas where TMR has been deployed. The Raksha Mantri recognized TMR for saving the lives of Armed Forces troops by increasing awareness and safeguarding defence forces personnel from natural disasters like sandstorms and avalanches. Lieutenant General BS Raju, Director General Military Operations, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Pandey, and other top military personnel also attended the ceremony.

Click here to check the tweet

Tiranga Rescue Team has trained thousands of soldiers so far with the aim of constructing a team that supports the Indian Army on a long-term basis with specialized and expert training and a powerful rescue support system. TMR has visited over 140 posts across the country to deliver the unprecedented. From 2016 to 2018, Tiranga Mountain Rescue performed rescue services in the Alps' most dangerous, high-risk, and avalanche-prone areas. TMR also provides advanced training in cover, route analysis, rescue, and other missions.

 

Under the direction of Col. Satish Sharma, the Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) team has trained over 20,000 defence forces personnel and executed many mitigation and rescue missions since 2016 (retd.). Rajnath Singh stated that TMR's work is an excellent example of collaboration for government-civil society. He underlined that when the government and civil society work together, only a country can move towards progress. Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country may achieve the goal of all-around sustainable growth,'' the minister quoted.

(Brand Desk Content)
Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Friday met via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that over the three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations, the two countries have witnessed constant leapfrog development in bilateral ties, reaching a new high of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that the two countries' leaders specified directions for future cooperation in their meeting in February, Wang said that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, better synergize strategies, improve international coordination, and strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of Kazakhstan to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, Wang said.

Ashimbayev said the two countries are all-weather friends blessed with huge cooperation potential, and Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan's senate is willing to strengthen cooperation with the CPPCC to promote bilateral ties, he said. 

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets via video link with Maulen Ashimbayev, chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
With two thrusters out and a balky thermal control system, Boeings Starliner spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station on Friday evening, completing yet another important milestone in its uncrewed test flight after two failed attempts.

Just over 25 hours after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, the autonomous spacecraft, which did not have any astronauts on board, docked itself to the station at 8:28 p.m. Eastern time, overcoming glitches, as Boeing works to eventually fly NASA astronauts on the capsule. Cheers broke out in mission control in celebration of what NASA called a historic first docking with the station for the spacecraft.

The docking was originally scheduled for 7:10 p.m. but was delayed as controllers on the ground worked to confirm telemetry data as well as ensure lighting conditions were ideal and communications were stable. The docking was delayed again after a problem with the mechanism Starliner uses to dock with the station forced controllers to retract the system and then extend it a second time to reset it.

On the way to the station, two of Starliners 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch and the spacecrafts temperature control system also malfunctioned. But neither problem prevented the docking, and the thrusters performed well during maneuvers since the launch put it into position for the docking.

Boeing blamed the thruster problem on a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber. But Boeing said the capsules flight control system automatically fired a third thruster as a backup, which completed the burn.

In a post-docking briefing with reporters, Steve Stich, NASAs commercial crew program manager, said there were also problems with a couple of the smaller thrusters used to position the spacecraft for docking. We have a lot of redundancy so that really didnt affect the rendezvous operations at all or affect the rest of the flight, he said. I know after the flight well go study the failures there and see what happened.

Mark Nappi, a Boeing vice president who oversees the Starliner program said it was a great day for the company and for NASA to have another spacecraft capable of flying astronauts to the station. He added that it was really nail-biting watching that vehicle sit out there for a little while until it was it was time to come in. So a lot of very happy folks in the Boeing program today because of what we saw.

He said it was not entirely clear what caused the problem with the drop in pressure and added that since the thrusters are located on the service module, which is discarded during the return flight, we may never know what the real cause of this is.

Boeing also said it was continuing to monitor problems with the thermal control system, which is designed to keep the capsules systems at the right temperature as it flies through the vacuum of space. Boeing spokesman Steve Siceloff said during a live broadcast of the docking that the company had been able to overcome the problem by making manual adjustments to the cooling system that would normally be automated.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, he said.

In a statement, Boeing said the spacecraft continues to perform well.

The flight is a test to see how the vehicle performs before NASA allows its astronauts to fly aboard. Boeing has been working to complete the flight since 2014, when NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX to develop spacecraft capable of ferrying astronauts to the space station and back.

SpaceX flew its test flight without crew in March 2019 and has flown five missions with NASA astronauts on board since, four of them with a full complement of four crew members.

Boeing, by contrast, has stumbled repeatedly. On its first attempt at an uncrewed test flight, the spacecraft suffered software and communication problems that cut its mission short before it could rendezvous with the station. It took 18 months before the company tried again, but that flight failed to even get off the ground last August when engineers discovered that 13 valves in the service module were stuck in the closed position.

Boeing said it has since fixed that problem, caused when propellant seeped through a valve and mixed with ambient moisture that led to corrosion.

As for Fridays docking, the company said the capsules systems  guidance and navigation, flight software, communications and power generation  were all performing well.

The capsule is expected to stay docked to the station for four or five days before coming back to Earth.

If that goes well, Boeing and NASA will look to fly a crew on the vehicle for the first time near the end of this year or early next year.
With two thrusters out and a balky thermal control system, Boeings Starliner spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station on Friday evening, completing yet another important milestone in its uncrewed test flight after two failed attempts.

Just over 25 hours after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, the autonomous spacecraft, which did not have any astronauts on board, docked itself to the station at 8:28 p.m. Eastern time, overcoming glitches, as Boeing works to eventually fly NASA astronauts on the capsule. Cheers broke out in mission control in celebration of what NASA called a historic first docking with the station for the spacecraft.

The docking was originally scheduled for 7:10 p.m. but was delayed as controllers on the ground worked to confirm telemetry data as well as ensure lighting conditions were ideal and communications were stable. The docking was delayed again after a problem with the mechanism Starliner uses to dock with the station forced controllers to retract the system and then extend it a second time to reset it.

On the way to the station, two of Starliners 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch and the spacecrafts temperature control system also malfunctioned. But neither problem prevented the docking, and the thrusters performed well during maneuvers since the launch put it into position for the docking.

Boeing blamed the thruster problem on a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber. But Boeing said the capsules flight control system automatically fired a third thruster as a backup, which completed the burn.

In a post-docking briefing with reporters, Steve Stich, NASAs commercial crew program manager, said there were also problems with a couple of the smaller thrusters used to position the spacecraft for docking. We have a lot of redundancy so that really didnt affect the rendezvous operations at all or affect the rest of the flight, he said. I know after the flight well go study the failures there and see what happened.

Mark Nappi, a Boeing vice president who oversees the Starliner program said it was a great day for the company and for NASA to have another spacecraft capable of flying astronauts to the station. He added that it was really nail-biting watching that vehicle sit out there for a little while until it was it was time to come in. So a lot of very happy folks in the Boeing program today because of what we saw.

He said it was not entirely clear what caused the problem with the drop in pressure and added that since the thrusters are located on the service module, which is discarded during the return flight, we may never know what the real cause of this is.

Boeing also said it was continuing to monitor problems with the thermal control system, which is designed to keep the capsules systems at the right temperature as it flies through the vacuum of space. Boeing spokesman Steve Siceloff said during a live broadcast of the docking that the company had been able to overcome the problem by making manual adjustments to the cooling system that would normally be automated.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, he said.

In a statement, Boeing said the spacecraft continues to perform well.

The flight is a test to see how the vehicle performs before NASA allows its astronauts to fly aboard. Boeing has been working to complete the flight since 2014, when NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX to develop spacecraft capable of ferrying astronauts to the space station and back.

SpaceX flew its test flight without crew in March 2019 and has flown five missions with NASA astronauts on board since, four of them with a full complement of four crew members.

Boeing, by contrast, has stumbled repeatedly. On its first attempt at an uncrewed test flight, the spacecraft suffered software and communication problems that cut its mission short before it could rendezvous with the station. It took 18 months before the company tried again, but that flight failed to even get off the ground last August when engineers discovered that 13 valves in the service module were stuck in the closed position.

Boeing said it has since fixed that problem, caused when propellant seeped through a valve and mixed with ambient moisture that led to corrosion.

As for Fridays docking, the company said the capsules systems  guidance and navigation, flight software, communications and power generation  were all performing well.

The capsule is expected to stay docked to the station for four or five days before coming back to Earth.

If that goes well, Boeing and NASA will look to fly a crew on the vehicle for the first time near the end of this year or early next year.
For undying enmity toward Mother Russia, Ukrainians have good cause. It can be traced to a single Ukrainian word -- Holodomor (derived from holod, meaning hunger, and mor, meaning extermination). The word refers to a single event, the famine of 1932-3. This famine, however, did not come from an act of nature, but from government policies -- the government at that time being not exactly Russia, but rather the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic, which was close to the same thing.

In keeping their socialist, equitable, agenda, the Soviets, under Joseph Stalin, took over private farms and formed collectives. The Soviets set quotas for crop production for them, reserving a portion for the government. On this endeavor, Patrick J. Kiger of History writes:

Collectivization in Ukraine didnt go very well... it became apparent that Ukraines grain harvest was going to miss Soviet planners target by 60 percent. There still might have been enough food for Ukrainian peasants to get by, but, as [Anne] Applebaum writes, Stalin then ordered what little they had be confiscated as punishment for not meeting quotas.

At least 3.9 million, or about 13 percent of Ukrainians, starved to death. At the same time, the Soviets exported more than a million tons of grain to the West.

Of course, under the Soviets, at least 1.1 million Russian farmers starved also, but their survivors have no nationality to blame -- only an evil, delusional ideology. Ukrainians have more -- the ideology, and the nation that brought it to them. For this, and for more, Ukrainians have good cause for their enmity.

But, in recalling their afflictions, especially under Stalin (who, incidentally, was not Russian, but Georgian), it is appropriate to also recall that Ukrainians did not have to fight the Soviets/Russians for their independence -- that the Soviets were not brought down by armed rebellion, but by, at the highest levels of Soviet leadership, a loss of confidence in the socialistic ideology that led to the USSRs creation.

In other words, after 74 years of party rule, after often incurring great sacrifice to others, if not to themselves, it was brought down its own leadership coming to the conclusion that, after all those years, "We were wrong." Because of that admission -- probably unique in the annals of world empires -- the world has been spared of much grief. And the man most responsible for it was the last president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.

A decade later, in 2000, Vladimir Putin took leadership of Russia, which he would, formally or informally, hold to this day. In a 2019 BBC interview, Gorbachev was asked about Putin's repeatedly extended rule. He answered:

"[Vladimir Putin] inherited such chaos and everyone saw he stopped the chaos and literally took everything on himself. From press reports we are hearing that the people want him to stay on and finish the job.

In the spring of 2022, Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine; Western nations, including the United States, responded by sending top-level weaponry to Ukraine, and the invasion has stalled.

Presumably, such aid was defensive in nature, to protect Ukraine's independence.

In April, however, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it cant do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine.

This is a much more open-ended objective. At what point would Austin -- and other strategists, strategists responsible for the desertion of allies and American citizens in Afghanistan and other misadventures -- determine that Russia had been sufficiently "weakened?"

What if they overdo it, and Putin is killed or removed from power? Would chaos return to the Soviet Union? Would that be an unintended and unwelcome consequence? Or is that our intent? Or, at least, the intent of those unknown people who actually run the Biden administration? Do we want chaos in Russia?

In an earlier, 2016 interview, Gorbachev explained why he stepped down from power. He said that Russia was heading toward civil war, and he asked:

Can you imagine a split and a power struggle in a country like ours? Overflowing with weapons, including nuclear ones?

We've heard Austin's song before. We heard it in Afghanistan, where we stayed many years after our original objective was achieved. We heard it in Iraq, and we heard it in Libya -- where we intentionally facilitated death of Moammar Qaddafi. We spread chaos, and Muslim jihadists reaped the harvest. And now these nifty strategists want to weaken Russia?

Depending on the source, there are an estimated 14 to 25 million Muslims in Russia. Now, maybe they are peace-loving, and maybe they are not, but their scriptures -- the ones that are not abrogated -- and their history suggest that they are not. In conditions of chaos, Muslims would likely raise the most organized military force, and it would have international assistance. In a chaotic scenario, they might well prevail. An Islamic Russia, with nuclear arms? What then, Secretary Austin?

A famed Chinese general of antiquity, Sun Tzu, advised, once you have demonstrated your mastery over an enemy, Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

We have already established our military mastery; we dont need to weaken Putin any further. Build that bridge, Secretary Austin, so Putins forces can leave Ukraine, and the war end.

Image: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.


New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.


New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (May 21) said he discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over phone the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council. Bommai, who is in the national capital for the second time in less than 10 days, also said he had a detailed discussion on the list of candidates with the party's in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh. Speaking to reporters after meeting Singh, the Karnataka chief minister said he could have a word with Shah over phone only last night due to the home minister's urgent engagement and that an elaborate meeting with Singh today was held on Shah's advice.

"I came to Delhi yesterday evening. I had plans to meet Amit Shah ji. Due to his urgent engagement, I could talk to him over the phone only last night. I discussed in detail and shared with him the list of probable candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state and for the Legislative Council polls," he said. The chief minister said he met Singh and updated him about the decision taken during the party's core committee meeting. "Singh has conveyed he will soon finalise the list," he added.

The chief minister also said there was no discussion, either with Shah or with Singh, on his government's cabinet expansion or reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Bommai also mentioned that he will review the heavy rain situation in the state after he returns to Bengaluru today.

Biennial elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka and two each to graduates' and teachers' constituencies of the state Legislative Council will be held on June 10 and 13 respectively. Biennial elections to the Karnataka Legislative Council will be held on June 3.


For undying enmity toward Mother Russia, Ukrainians have good cause. It can be traced to a single Ukrainian word -- Holodomor (derived from holod, meaning hunger, and mor, meaning extermination). The word refers to a single event, the famine of 1932-3. This famine, however, did not come from an act of nature, but from government policies -- the government at that time being not exactly Russia, but rather the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic, which was close to the same thing.

In keeping their socialist, equitable, agenda, the Soviets, under Joseph Stalin, took over private farms and formed collectives. The Soviets set quotas for crop production for them, reserving a portion for the government. On this endeavor, Patrick J. Kiger of History writes:

Collectivization in Ukraine didnt go very well... it became apparent that Ukraines grain harvest was going to miss Soviet planners target by 60 percent. There still might have been enough food for Ukrainian peasants to get by, but, as [Anne] Applebaum writes, Stalin then ordered what little they had be confiscated as punishment for not meeting quotas.

At least 3.9 million, or about 13 percent of Ukrainians, starved to death. At the same time, the Soviets exported more than a million tons of grain to the West.

Of course, under the Soviets, at least 1.1 million Russian farmers starved also, but their survivors have no nationality to blame -- only an evil, delusional ideology. Ukrainians have more -- the ideology, and the nation that brought it to them. For this, and for more, Ukrainians have good cause for their enmity.

But, in recalling their afflictions, especially under Stalin (who, incidentally, was not Russian, but Georgian), it is appropriate to also recall that Ukrainians did not have to fight the Soviets/Russians for their independence -- that the Soviets were not brought down by armed rebellion, but by, at the highest levels of Soviet leadership, a loss of confidence in the socialistic ideology that led to the USSRs creation.

In other words, after 74 years of party rule, after often incurring great sacrifice to others, if not to themselves, it was brought down its own leadership coming to the conclusion that, after all those years, "We were wrong." Because of that admission -- probably unique in the annals of world empires -- the world has been spared of much grief. And the man most responsible for it was the last president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.

A decade later, in 2000, Vladimir Putin took leadership of Russia, which he would, formally or informally, hold to this day. In a 2019 BBC interview, Gorbachev was asked about Putin's repeatedly extended rule. He answered:

"[Vladimir Putin] inherited such chaos and everyone saw he stopped the chaos and literally took everything on himself. From press reports we are hearing that the people want him to stay on and finish the job.

In the spring of 2022, Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine; Western nations, including the United States, responded by sending top-level weaponry to Ukraine, and the invasion has stalled.

Presumably, such aid was defensive in nature, to protect Ukraine's independence.

In April, however, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it cant do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine.

This is a much more open-ended objective. At what point would Austin -- and other strategists, strategists responsible for the desertion of allies and American citizens in Afghanistan and other misadventures -- determine that Russia had been sufficiently "weakened?"

What if they overdo it, and Putin is killed or removed from power? Would chaos return to the Soviet Union? Would that be an unintended and unwelcome consequence? Or is that our intent? Or, at least, the intent of those unknown people who actually run the Biden administration? Do we want chaos in Russia?

In an earlier, 2016 interview, Gorbachev explained why he stepped down from power. He said that Russia was heading toward civil war, and he asked:

Can you imagine a split and a power struggle in a country like ours? Overflowing with weapons, including nuclear ones?

We've heard Austin's song before. We heard it in Afghanistan, where we stayed many years after our original objective was achieved. We heard it in Iraq, and we heard it in Libya -- where we intentionally facilitated death of Moammar Qaddafi. We spread chaos, and Muslim jihadists reaped the harvest. And now these nifty strategists want to weaken Russia?

Depending on the source, there are an estimated 14 to 25 million Muslims in Russia. Now, maybe they are peace-loving, and maybe they are not, but their scriptures -- the ones that are not abrogated -- and their history suggest that they are not. In conditions of chaos, Muslims would likely raise the most organized military force, and it would have international assistance. In a chaotic scenario, they might well prevail. An Islamic Russia, with nuclear arms? What then, Secretary Austin?

A famed Chinese general of antiquity, Sun Tzu, advised, once you have demonstrated your mastery over an enemy, Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

We have already established our military mastery; we dont need to weaken Putin any further. Build that bridge, Secretary Austin, so Putins forces can leave Ukraine, and the war end.

Image: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
For undying enmity toward Mother Russia, Ukrainians have good cause. It can be traced to a single Ukrainian word -- Holodomor (derived from holod, meaning hunger, and mor, meaning extermination). The word refers to a single event, the famine of 1932-3. This famine, however, did not come from an act of nature, but from government policies -- the government at that time being not exactly Russia, but rather the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic, which was close to the same thing.

In keeping their socialist, equitable, agenda, the Soviets, under Joseph Stalin, took over private farms and formed collectives. The Soviets set quotas for crop production for them, reserving a portion for the government. On this endeavor, Patrick J. Kiger of History writes:

Collectivization in Ukraine didnt go very well... it became apparent that Ukraines grain harvest was going to miss Soviet planners target by 60 percent. There still might have been enough food for Ukrainian peasants to get by, but, as [Anne] Applebaum writes, Stalin then ordered what little they had be confiscated as punishment for not meeting quotas.

At least 3.9 million, or about 13 percent of Ukrainians, starved to death. At the same time, the Soviets exported more than a million tons of grain to the West.

Of course, under the Soviets, at least 1.1 million Russian farmers starved also, but their survivors have no nationality to blame -- only an evil, delusional ideology. Ukrainians have more -- the ideology, and the nation that brought it to them. For this, and for more, Ukrainians have good cause for their enmity.

But, in recalling their afflictions, especially under Stalin (who, incidentally, was not Russian, but Georgian), it is appropriate to also recall that Ukrainians did not have to fight the Soviets/Russians for their independence -- that the Soviets were not brought down by armed rebellion, but by, at the highest levels of Soviet leadership, a loss of confidence in the socialistic ideology that led to the USSRs creation.

In other words, after 74 years of party rule, after often incurring great sacrifice to others, if not to themselves, it was brought down its own leadership coming to the conclusion that, after all those years, "We were wrong." Because of that admission -- probably unique in the annals of world empires -- the world has been spared of much grief. And the man most responsible for it was the last president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.

A decade later, in 2000, Vladimir Putin took leadership of Russia, which he would, formally or informally, hold to this day. In a 2019 BBC interview, Gorbachev was asked about Putin's repeatedly extended rule. He answered:

"[Vladimir Putin] inherited such chaos and everyone saw he stopped the chaos and literally took everything on himself. From press reports we are hearing that the people want him to stay on and finish the job.

In the spring of 2022, Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine; Western nations, including the United States, responded by sending top-level weaponry to Ukraine, and the invasion has stalled.

Presumably, such aid was defensive in nature, to protect Ukraine's independence.

In April, however, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it cant do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine.

This is a much more open-ended objective. At what point would Austin -- and other strategists, strategists responsible for the desertion of allies and American citizens in Afghanistan and other misadventures -- determine that Russia had been sufficiently "weakened?"

What if they overdo it, and Putin is killed or removed from power? Would chaos return to the Soviet Union? Would that be an unintended and unwelcome consequence? Or is that our intent? Or, at least, the intent of those unknown people who actually run the Biden administration? Do we want chaos in Russia?

In an earlier, 2016 interview, Gorbachev explained why he stepped down from power. He said that Russia was heading toward civil war, and he asked:

Can you imagine a split and a power struggle in a country like ours? Overflowing with weapons, including nuclear ones?

We've heard Austin's song before. We heard it in Afghanistan, where we stayed many years after our original objective was achieved. We heard it in Iraq, and we heard it in Libya -- where we intentionally facilitated death of Moammar Qaddafi. We spread chaos, and Muslim jihadists reaped the harvest. And now these nifty strategists want to weaken Russia?

Depending on the source, there are an estimated 14 to 25 million Muslims in Russia. Now, maybe they are peace-loving, and maybe they are not, but their scriptures -- the ones that are not abrogated -- and their history suggest that they are not. In conditions of chaos, Muslims would likely raise the most organized military force, and it would have international assistance. In a chaotic scenario, they might well prevail. An Islamic Russia, with nuclear arms? What then, Secretary Austin?

A famed Chinese general of antiquity, Sun Tzu, advised, once you have demonstrated your mastery over an enemy, Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

We have already established our military mastery; we dont need to weaken Putin any further. Build that bridge, Secretary Austin, so Putins forces can leave Ukraine, and the war end.

Image: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
For undying enmity toward Mother Russia, Ukrainians have good cause. It can be traced to a single Ukrainian word -- Holodomor (derived from holod, meaning hunger, and mor, meaning extermination). The word refers to a single event, the famine of 1932-3. This famine, however, did not come from an act of nature, but from government policies -- the government at that time being not exactly Russia, but rather the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic, which was close to the same thing.

In keeping their socialist, equitable, agenda, the Soviets, under Joseph Stalin, took over private farms and formed collectives. The Soviets set quotas for crop production for them, reserving a portion for the government. On this endeavor, Patrick J. Kiger of History writes:

Collectivization in Ukraine didnt go very well... it became apparent that Ukraines grain harvest was going to miss Soviet planners target by 60 percent. There still might have been enough food for Ukrainian peasants to get by, but, as [Anne] Applebaum writes, Stalin then ordered what little they had be confiscated as punishment for not meeting quotas.

At least 3.9 million, or about 13 percent of Ukrainians, starved to death. At the same time, the Soviets exported more than a million tons of grain to the West.

Of course, under the Soviets, at least 1.1 million Russian farmers starved also, but their survivors have no nationality to blame -- only an evil, delusional ideology. Ukrainians have more -- the ideology, and the nation that brought it to them. For this, and for more, Ukrainians have good cause for their enmity.

But, in recalling their afflictions, especially under Stalin (who, incidentally, was not Russian, but Georgian), it is appropriate to also recall that Ukrainians did not have to fight the Soviets/Russians for their independence -- that the Soviets were not brought down by armed rebellion, but by, at the highest levels of Soviet leadership, a loss of confidence in the socialistic ideology that led to the USSRs creation.

In other words, after 74 years of party rule, after often incurring great sacrifice to others, if not to themselves, it was brought down its own leadership coming to the conclusion that, after all those years, "We were wrong." Because of that admission -- probably unique in the annals of world empires -- the world has been spared of much grief. And the man most responsible for it was the last president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.

A decade later, in 2000, Vladimir Putin took leadership of Russia, which he would, formally or informally, hold to this day. In a 2019 BBC interview, Gorbachev was asked about Putin's repeatedly extended rule. He answered:

"[Vladimir Putin] inherited such chaos and everyone saw he stopped the chaos and literally took everything on himself. From press reports we are hearing that the people want him to stay on and finish the job.

In the spring of 2022, Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine; Western nations, including the United States, responded by sending top-level weaponry to Ukraine, and the invasion has stalled.

Presumably, such aid was defensive in nature, to protect Ukraine's independence.

In April, however, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it cant do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine.

This is a much more open-ended objective. At what point would Austin -- and other strategists, strategists responsible for the desertion of allies and American citizens in Afghanistan and other misadventures -- determine that Russia had been sufficiently "weakened?"

What if they overdo it, and Putin is killed or removed from power? Would chaos return to the Soviet Union? Would that be an unintended and unwelcome consequence? Or is that our intent? Or, at least, the intent of those unknown people who actually run the Biden administration? Do we want chaos in Russia?

In an earlier, 2016 interview, Gorbachev explained why he stepped down from power. He said that Russia was heading toward civil war, and he asked:

Can you imagine a split and a power struggle in a country like ours? Overflowing with weapons, including nuclear ones?

We've heard Austin's song before. We heard it in Afghanistan, where we stayed many years after our original objective was achieved. We heard it in Iraq, and we heard it in Libya -- where we intentionally facilitated death of Moammar Qaddafi. We spread chaos, and Muslim jihadists reaped the harvest. And now these nifty strategists want to weaken Russia?

Depending on the source, there are an estimated 14 to 25 million Muslims in Russia. Now, maybe they are peace-loving, and maybe they are not, but their scriptures -- the ones that are not abrogated -- and their history suggest that they are not. In conditions of chaos, Muslims would likely raise the most organized military force, and it would have international assistance. In a chaotic scenario, they might well prevail. An Islamic Russia, with nuclear arms? What then, Secretary Austin?

A famed Chinese general of antiquity, Sun Tzu, advised, once you have demonstrated your mastery over an enemy, Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

We have already established our military mastery; we dont need to weaken Putin any further. Build that bridge, Secretary Austin, so Putins forces can leave Ukraine, and the war end.

Image: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.
Pennsylvanias Republican primary for an open U.S. Senate seat is too close to call and is likely headed for a statewide recount to decide the winner of the contest between heart surgeon-turned-TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick
DEAL OF THE WEEK

Hogarth Nabs Two by Kang For Hogarth, Parisa Ebrahimi took North American rights to two novels by Man Booker winner Han Kang. Agent Laurence Laluyaux at Londons Rogers, Coleridge and White handled the agreement for the Korean author. The first book under contract, Greek Lessons, was published in South Korea in 2011; Hogarth said it tells the interwoven stories of a Greek instructor who is losing his sight and a woman who refuses to speak. Set to be released in the U.S. in April 2023, Greek Lessons will be translated by Deborah Smith. Human Acts, the second book in the deal, is slated for April 2024 and will be translated by Emily Won; it was published in South Korea in 2021 and follows a character who returns to Jeju Island, where a massacre occurred in 1948.

Ballantine Buys More Graham Essays

Former Gilmore Girls star and bestselling author Lauren Graham sold an essay collection to Sara Weiss at Ballantine. Have I Told You This Already, the authors second book of personal essays (after the 2016 bestseller Talking as Fast as I Can), will, the publisher said, feature stories that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Esther Newberg at ICM Partners handled the world rights agreement.

Atria Enters Howards Valley

In a six-figure deal, Loan Le at Simon & Schuster imprint Atria took U.S., Canadian, and open market rights to Scott Alexander Howards The Other Valley in a two-book agreement. S&S Canada acquired the titles jointly, and Roz Foster at Frances Goldin Literary Agency represented Howard in the agreement. Planned for a spring 2024 release, The Other Valley is a speculative work set in a valley that, Atria said, is surrounded by other valleys, each 20 years apart in time. Grieving residents of the main valley can seek permission to visit the other valleysgoing either forward or backward in time. The novel follows a candidate training to oversee such requests, who spots two visitors from the future: the grieving parents of the boy she loves. Howard is Canadian and has a PhD in philosophy from the University of Toronto.

Doom-sday at Astra House

Astra Houses Daniel Vazquez bought a biography of MF Doom by S.H. Fernando Jr. at auction. The Chronicles of Doom charts the life of the rapper, born Daniel Dumile, who died in 2020 at age 49. Calling Doom (who went under various other monikers) one of raps most elusive, innovative, and tragic figures, Astra House said the book, which is slated for 2024, will offer the definitive account of his life, framed by his musical legacy. William LoTurco at LoTurco Literary brokered the deal.

Ace Takes Beagle Novellas

Bestselling fantasy author Peter S. Beagle sold The Way Home, a collection of novellas, to Jessica Wade at Ace Books. The collection is set in the world of The Last Unicorn, one of the authors best-known titles, and the North American rights deal was handled by Howard Morhaim at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. The Way Home will be released in February 2023, after a 2022 reissue of The Last Unicorn. It will feature the previously published novella Two Hearts (from 2006), as well as a new novella Sooz, which Ace said follows the narrator from Two Hearts on a further journey.

Climo Gets Happy at Flatiron

Sydney Jeon at Flatiron Books acquired the adult gift book Im So Happy Youre Here by Liz Climo. The bestselling author and illustrator was represented by Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media (Oritz sold the book while at her previous firm, New Leaf Literary & Media). The book, set for October, offers a reminder that were loved, Ortiz said, with Climo delivering a dose of warmth.








The Biden Cabinet is made up of very interesting people. Let's check out secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, regarding her visit to the U.S. Senate.

First, she shows no emotion about rising gasoline prices. One would think she would have prepared for such an obvious question. In other words, I would have expected her to say a thousand times that she feels the pain at the pump. No, she responded with aloof answers about a "balanced approach," whatever that means. I would think that most Americans would love an approach that tilts a bit in their direction  i.e., a drop in gas prices.

Second, she was confused when asked about the environmental impact of drilling there rather than here:

"Is it more environmentally friendly to develop and produce oil and gas" in the U.S. or in foreign countries, like Venezuela? Biden Interior Secretary: "I'm not an economist."

Thank God she was not asked to define "woman."

Miss Haaland is running the Department of Interior but does not have a clue about what people are experiencing in the interior or anywhere else. How can any fair-minded person watch this and conclude that the Biden administration is connected to reality?

PS: Click for my videos and podcasts at Canto Talk.

Image: Moms Clean Air Force.
The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






The media and politicians are seeking to place illegitimate guilt on conservatives and Republicans for the heinous crime in Buffalo, New York, rather than on a mentally disturbed, hate-ridden, self-claimed leftist man. By contrast, when an attempted mass murder recently occurred in Laguna Woods, California, the media and politicians blamed no one but the suspect. And around Christmas last year, the media and politicians barely addressed either the race or racism of the subject in another attempted mass murder. With several multi-racial mass murders and attempted mass murders happening within a half year time span, it's obvious that some politicians and most media focus only on one case in order to prioritize blaming racism  specifically, white supremacy and, falsely, conservatives and Republicans. Fair and equal treatment is astoundingly and remarkably absent.

Let's consider those most affected by the heinous acts in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. In Buffalo, we saw clear racial hatred, which is both heinous and absolute evil. Justice  genuine justice  should be as swift as possible. Our hearts go out to all the Black families enduring unfathomable loss.

Can we take time to dig a bit deeper into our national psyche to arrive at a truly fair and sensitive response to what has transpired recently? Most of us believe that "Black lives matter." For ten Black lives to be viciously snuffed out due only to their skin color is both tragic and evil. Yes, it's important for all to believe that their lives matter.

Here is a basic summary of what transpired: thirteen were shot. Ten Blacks were murdered. Two Whites and one Black were badly wounded and barely missed dying. Both Blacks and Whites suffered vicious attacks. Both Black and White families are experiencing excruciating pain and grief. People of two races, not just one  though one suffered the most  are grievously affected.



Image: Multiracial hands by fabrlkasimf.

Besides those grieving people, a shooting spree occurred in a Presbyterian church shared with a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooter, a Chinese immigrant man born in Taiwan to a Chinese family forced out of Mainland China, hates Taiwanese Chinese and sought to kill as many Taiwanese Christians as possible in that church. He was welcomed in when he arrived. The result was one killed and five wounded. It could have been worse.

Like the grieving Black and White families, grieving Taiwanese have seen a vicious murder, and of the five wounded, four remain in critical condition. Chinese Taiwanese families suffer great loss, excruciating pain, and grief.

And let's not forget what transpired in Waukesha, Wisconsin in November 2021, when a Black supremacist targeted White people, killing six and injuring 62. Once again, there are grieving families; this time, they are white.

Looking at these tragedies spanning races, can we, dare we, may we, finally respond with "All Lives Matter"? Hate crimes leave behind victims of all races. Perpetrators of all races commit hate crimes. Hate crimes grievously and sadly affect people of all races. True justice demands both rationality and objectivity. Those two important traits reveal just how racially universal hatred and hate crimes really are. If politicians and the media fail to recognize this fact, it's up to America's diverse citizenry to recognize it and remind them, too.

America is not solely Black and White. It is a beautiful technicolor array of citizens. And all those multi-colored citizens' lives matter. It's time to abandon a false image of America and care about all races, including bi-racial and multi-racial citizens. They deserve as much focus as anyone else.

The politicians and media promoting a single false narrative solely and projecting blame on non-guilty parties perform a grave disservice. America isn't basically racist, but racists do exist. In the span of six months, we've seen that they represent many races  not just one. It's time to demand fair and equal treatment for all such hate crimes.

What should be our most sensitive reaction and response to these crimes? The best thing for a moral, decent, and sensitive nation is for all of us to unite as decent men and women around all of them, praying and supporting them. All lives really do matter.




Bengaluru, May 21 : A woman in Bengaluru has filed a complaint against her fiance for slapping her in public after she questioned him about a previous relationship, police said on Saturday.

The complaint was lodged under IPC Sections 504, 341 and 323 for voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful restraint. The police has also issued a notice to the man to appear for questioning.

According to the police, the incident took place outside the city's KempeGowda International Airport on May 7 and came to light just recently.

The girl, who was pursuing her studies in Dubai, had returned to her native Bengaluru for her marriage.

When she arrived in Bengaluru, her luggage was missing. Later, she received a letter from the airport authorities to collect her luggage.

She went to the airport with her fiance to collect the luggage.

While she waited for her fiance to return, the woman found a chit containing the name of a girl and mobile number inside the car.

After calling the number, she found that her fiance was in a relation with the girl for a month.

Upon questioning him, the woman's fiance got angry and slapped her.

The police said that the woman was treated at a hospital for injuries.

New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
Alessandra Ambrosio was the epitome of glamour in a chartreuse gown while out in Cannes for the town's 75th annual film festival on Friday.

The supermodel, 41, looked stunning in the sparkly form-fitting cowl-neck dress, which featured a dramatic thigh-split along one side.

Alessandra channelled summer elegance with a simple smokey-eye look as she star posed up a storm on the balcony of the Hotel Martinez.

Sparkling beauty: Alessandra Ambrosio, 41, was the epitome of glamour in a slinky, glittery chartreuse gown during the Cannes Film Festival on Friday

Smile and wave! Alessandra channelled summery elegance with a simple smoky-eye look as she star posed up a storm on the balcony of the Hotel Martinez

Alessandra wore her highlighted locks down in effortless waves, her hair looking a warm caramel shade in the sunny glow.

The Victoria's Secret angel accessorised the ensemble with a simple pair of statement stud earrings.

The supermodel also made for a stunning look in a figure-hugging black maxi dress on Friday.

Easy glamour: The Victoria's Secret angel accessorised the ensemble with a simple pair of statement stud earrings

Stunner: Alessandra wore her highlighted locks down in effortless waves, her hair looking a warm caramel shade in the sunny glow

She cut an elegant figure in the piece, which artfully exposed one shoulder, carrying a small Chanel clutch for her belongings.

Alessandra accentuated her toned legs with black triangle heels as she strolled around Cannes.

Her hair was collected in an updo, leaving a few face-framing strands in the front.

Silhouette: Alessandra accentuated her toned legs with black triangle heels as she strolled around Cannes

Classy: She cut an elegant figure in the piece, which artfully exposed one shoulder, carrying a small Chanel clutch for her belongings

A sultry make-up look accentuated her dark eyes and brought out her lips with a crimson pink.

The model kept her jewellery simple with a watch, ring, and some delicate earrings.

The star was also a scene-stealing presence when she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday.

She slipped her sensationally slim physique into a skintight mermaid dress that dazzled with silver sequins.

Making it happen: Alessandra was a scene-stealing presence when she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday

Her strapless ensemble plunged to not just show off her amply endowed cleavage, but also to betray a hint of her taut midriff.

Wearing her luxurious dark hair down and straight, she sharpened her screen siren features with striking makeup.

As if her dress were not glitzy enough, Alessandra added an extra touch of sparkle by clasping on an elaborate necklace and a pair of earrings.

The model was walking the red carpet for the film Three Thousand Years Of Longing, the latest offering by Mad Max: Fury Road director George Miller.

Looking fab: The supermodel slipped her sensationally svelte figure into a skintight mermaid dress that dazzled with silver sequins

Decked out: As if her dress were not glitzy enough, she added an extra touch of sparkle by clasping on an elaborate necklace and a pair of earrings

On the go: Alessandra was walking the red carpet for the film Three Thousand Years Of Longing, the latest offering by Mad Max: Fury Road director George Miller

Tilda Swinton leads the cast as a rationalistic academic who finds herself confronted with a heartthrob djinn played by Idris Elba and makes three wishes.

The movie is based on the short story The Djinn In The Nightingale's Eye, written by the Booker Prize-winning author AS Byatt.

Alessandra recently gushed to The Hollywood Reporter about the glamour of Cannes, saying: 'The carpet experience starts before you even arrive at the Palais.'

She shared: 'Driving down the Croisette can be a bit hectic, but as soon as you hit the carpet, you get the adrenalin rush, and it feels like you are in a dream.'

On the go: Tilda Swinton (right) leads the cast as a rationalistic academic who finds herself confronted with a heartthrob djinn played by Idris Elba (left) and makes three wishes

Having a ball: Alessandra recently gushed to The Hollywood Reporter about the glamour of Cannes, saying: 'The carpet experience starts before you even arrive at the Palais'

Knowing her history: Alessandra revealed that 'my favorite fashion icons Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor' are her 'main inspirations' for her Cannes looks

'Ale,' as her fans call her, revealed: 'My main inspirations when thinking of what to wear for the festival are my favorite fashion icons Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, but I always add my own twist on the look.'

She declared: 'This is the ultimate film festival. I just love how charming the French Riviera is. When you mix that charm with amazing films and people from all over the world, it creates an unforgettable experience.'

Alessandra gushed that she loves swinging by the 'magical and one of a kind' Hotel Du Cap at Cannes, the most famous hotel in town.

Seeing the sights: Alessandra gushed that she loves swinging by the 'magical and one of a kind' Hotel Du Cap at Cannes, the most famous hotel in town

Wonderful: 'I love to have lunch or lay by the pool there at least a couple of times during my stay in Cannes,' the smoldering sensation revealed

'I love to have lunch or lay by the pool there at least a couple of times during my stay in Cannes,' the smoldering sensation revealed.

For over a year she has been involved with her fellow model Richard Lee, whom she was seen holidaying with in Florianopolis, Brazil over New Year's.

Although she was born in Erechim she clearly has a special place in her heart for Florianopolis where both of her children were born.

Place to be: She touted the 'charm' of the Riviera and said: 'When you mix that charm with amazing films and people from all over the world, it creates an unforgettable experience'

By the way: Although she was born in Erechim she clearly has a special place in her heart for Florianopolis where both of her children were born

GAL Floripa, the swimwear line she started with her sister Aline and their pal Gisele Coria, takes the second part of its title from a nickname for Florianopolis.

Alessandra confirmed her romance with Richard when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in February 2021.

She was previously involved with Italian fashion designer Nicolo Oddi who founded the brand Alanui with his sister Carlotta.

Meanwhile Alessandra shares her two children Anja, 13, and Noah, 10, with her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur who co-founded RE/DONE.

Looking back: Alessandra confirmed her romance with Richard when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in February 2021
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






Alessandra Ambrosio was the epitome of glamour in a chartreuse gown while out in Cannes for the town's 75th annual film festival on Friday.

The supermodel, 41, looked stunning in the sparkly form-fitting cowl-neck dress, which featured a dramatic thigh-split along one side.

Alessandra channelled summer elegance with a simple smokey-eye look as she star posed up a storm on the balcony of the Hotel Martinez.

Sparkling beauty: Alessandra Ambrosio, 41, was the epitome of glamour in a slinky, glittery chartreuse gown during the Cannes Film Festival on Friday

Smile and wave! Alessandra channelled summery elegance with a simple smoky-eye look as she star posed up a storm on the balcony of the Hotel Martinez

Alessandra wore her highlighted locks down in effortless waves, her hair looking a warm caramel shade in the sunny glow.

The Victoria's Secret angel accessorised the ensemble with a simple pair of statement stud earrings.

The supermodel also made for a stunning look in a figure-hugging black maxi dress on Friday.

Easy glamour: The Victoria's Secret angel accessorised the ensemble with a simple pair of statement stud earrings

Stunner: Alessandra wore her highlighted locks down in effortless waves, her hair looking a warm caramel shade in the sunny glow

She cut an elegant figure in the piece, which artfully exposed one shoulder, carrying a small Chanel clutch for her belongings.

Alessandra accentuated her toned legs with black triangle heels as she strolled around Cannes.

Her hair was collected in an updo, leaving a few face-framing strands in the front.

Silhouette: Alessandra accentuated her toned legs with black triangle heels as she strolled around Cannes

Classy: She cut an elegant figure in the piece, which artfully exposed one shoulder, carrying a small Chanel clutch for her belongings

A sultry make-up look accentuated her dark eyes and brought out her lips with a crimson pink.

The model kept her jewellery simple with a watch, ring, and some delicate earrings.

The star was also a scene-stealing presence when she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday.

She slipped her sensationally slim physique into a skintight mermaid dress that dazzled with silver sequins.

Making it happen: Alessandra was a scene-stealing presence when she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday

Her strapless ensemble plunged to not just show off her amply endowed cleavage, but also to betray a hint of her taut midriff.

Wearing her luxurious dark hair down and straight, she sharpened her screen siren features with striking makeup.

As if her dress were not glitzy enough, Alessandra added an extra touch of sparkle by clasping on an elaborate necklace and a pair of earrings.

The model was walking the red carpet for the film Three Thousand Years Of Longing, the latest offering by Mad Max: Fury Road director George Miller.

Looking fab: The supermodel slipped her sensationally svelte figure into a skintight mermaid dress that dazzled with silver sequins

Decked out: As if her dress were not glitzy enough, she added an extra touch of sparkle by clasping on an elaborate necklace and a pair of earrings

On the go: Alessandra was walking the red carpet for the film Three Thousand Years Of Longing, the latest offering by Mad Max: Fury Road director George Miller

Tilda Swinton leads the cast as a rationalistic academic who finds herself confronted with a heartthrob djinn played by Idris Elba and makes three wishes.

The movie is based on the short story The Djinn In The Nightingale's Eye, written by the Booker Prize-winning author AS Byatt.

Alessandra recently gushed to The Hollywood Reporter about the glamour of Cannes, saying: 'The carpet experience starts before you even arrive at the Palais.'

She shared: 'Driving down the Croisette can be a bit hectic, but as soon as you hit the carpet, you get the adrenalin rush, and it feels like you are in a dream.'

On the go: Tilda Swinton (right) leads the cast as a rationalistic academic who finds herself confronted with a heartthrob djinn played by Idris Elba (left) and makes three wishes

Having a ball: Alessandra recently gushed to The Hollywood Reporter about the glamour of Cannes, saying: 'The carpet experience starts before you even arrive at the Palais'

Knowing her history: Alessandra revealed that 'my favorite fashion icons Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor' are her 'main inspirations' for her Cannes looks

'Ale,' as her fans call her, revealed: 'My main inspirations when thinking of what to wear for the festival are my favorite fashion icons Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, but I always add my own twist on the look.'

She declared: 'This is the ultimate film festival. I just love how charming the French Riviera is. When you mix that charm with amazing films and people from all over the world, it creates an unforgettable experience.'

Alessandra gushed that she loves swinging by the 'magical and one of a kind' Hotel Du Cap at Cannes, the most famous hotel in town.

Seeing the sights: Alessandra gushed that she loves swinging by the 'magical and one of a kind' Hotel Du Cap at Cannes, the most famous hotel in town

Wonderful: 'I love to have lunch or lay by the pool there at least a couple of times during my stay in Cannes,' the smoldering sensation revealed

'I love to have lunch or lay by the pool there at least a couple of times during my stay in Cannes,' the smoldering sensation revealed.

For over a year she has been involved with her fellow model Richard Lee, whom she was seen holidaying with in Florianopolis, Brazil over New Year's.

Although she was born in Erechim she clearly has a special place in her heart for Florianopolis where both of her children were born.

Place to be: She touted the 'charm' of the Riviera and said: 'When you mix that charm with amazing films and people from all over the world, it creates an unforgettable experience'

By the way: Although she was born in Erechim she clearly has a special place in her heart for Florianopolis where both of her children were born

GAL Floripa, the swimwear line she started with her sister Aline and their pal Gisele Coria, takes the second part of its title from a nickname for Florianopolis.

Alessandra confirmed her romance with Richard when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in February 2021.

She was previously involved with Italian fashion designer Nicolo Oddi who founded the brand Alanui with his sister Carlotta.

Meanwhile Alessandra shares her two children Anja, 13, and Noah, 10, with her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur who co-founded RE/DONE.

Looking back: Alessandra confirmed her romance with Richard when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in February 2021




By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
Chennai, May 21 : Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Arappor Iyakkam has lodged a corruption complaint against R. Vaithilingam, a lawmaker and a former Minister in the AIADMK government and his son V. Prabhu with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC), said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convener.

Arappor Iyakkam is working towards transparency and accountability in governance.

Enclosing various documents, Venkatesan has sent the complaint against Vaithilingam for alleged payment of Rs 27.9 crore as bribe from Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (now known as Gateway office parks private ltd) for building permission.

The AIADMK leader Vaithilingam representing the Orathanadu assembly constituency was the Minister of Housing and Urban Development during 2011-2016 AIADMK rule.

Venkatesan said the alleged bribe was paid in 2015-16 for sanction of plan for high rise building near here.

Analysis of various documents available points to the payment of bribe and corruption by Vaithilingam, his son Prabhu and Shriram Properties and Infrastructure, he said.

Venkatesan said Shriram Properties had applied with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for permission to build 24 blocks of residential and IT units on December 2, 2013. The Planning permission was approved on December 24, 2016.

Arappor Iyakkam's Venkatesan alleged that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure had paid Rs 27.9 crore as bribe to Vaithilingam in the form of an unsecured loan to his son's company Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd.

The alleged payment was made by Shriram Properties' group company Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd in the year 2015-16.

The Muthammal Estates was formed on September 22, 2014 with a share capital of Rs 36,00,000 and its revenue is zero until 2019-20, Venkatesan said.

He said Muthammal Estates used the money to buy lands in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu in 2015-16, 2017 and 2019.

Venkatesan also said Bharath Coal Chemicals dealing in metal and chemical manufacturing has been facing finance problems and in 2019-20 it had filed for bankruptcy with debt of Rs 281 crore to various financial creditors.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.
RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Kolkata, May 21 : The CBI investigating the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam is all set to interrogate former state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee with a fresh set of questions next week again.

Chatterjee, currently the state commerce & industries minister, had faced the first round of questioning on May 18, for four hours. CBI has already communicated to Chatterjee that the latter will have to be present at the agency's Nizam Palace office again next week and in all probability, on May 24.

As per CBI sources, the decision to greet Chatterjee with a fresh and longer list of questions has been prompted by two reasons. The first reason being the inconsistencies in Chatterjee's statements to the CBI in the first round of questioning.

A CBI official, who did not wish to be named, said that Chatterjee, as the-then state education minister was not aware of the day-to-day functioning of the screening committee of WBSSC, whose members are perceived to have done the main paperwork relating to merit list fudging.

"Interestingly, the screening committee was constituted by Chatterjee himself as the-then education minister. So, his ignorance about the day-to-day functioning of the committee, as claimed by him, is something which is not really conceivable," the official said.

The second reason is an important statement made to CBI by the West Bengal minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari, who is also facing the central agency grilling following alleged recruitment of his daughter Ankita Adhikari, as a higher secondary political science teacher in a state-run school, flouting all norms. Ankita Adhikari, is alleged of securing the job without qualifying in the merit list and even without appearing for the personality test.

Adhikari told CBI that while his daughter's appointment took place, although he had joined Trinamool Congress by then, he was not the minister of state for education. Adhikari also told the CBI that only WBSSC authorities can answer on the details of his daughter's appointment.

To recall, Paresh Chandra Adhikari was the acting food minister of West Bengal from 2006 to 2011 during the previous Left Front regime led by the-then chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. In August 2018, he joined Trinamool Congress leaving his earlier party of All India Forward Bloc and he was greeted in the party by the- then state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general, Partha Chatterjee.

Within 72 hours from his joining Trinamool Congress, his daughter's name figured in the merit list. After the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, he was made the minister of state for education.

Incidentally, when Ankita Adhikari got the appointment, Partha Chatterjee, as the-then state education minister had the overall authority of WBSSC and hence in the second round of questioning next week, he will have to face queries relating to this development.

CBI sources said that if necessity arises, at a later stage Chatterjee might be questioned after placing him face-to-face with Paresh Chandra Adhikari and the members of the screening committee to avoid further inconsistencies.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.




By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Bengaluru, May 21 : A woman in Bengaluru has filed a complaint against her fiance for slapping her in public after she questioned him about a previous relationship, police said on Saturday.

The complaint was lodged under IPC Sections 504, 341 and 323 for voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful restraint. The police has also issued a notice to the man to appear for questioning.

According to the police, the incident took place outside the city's KempeGowda International Airport on May 7 and came to light just recently.

The girl, who was pursuing her studies in Dubai, had returned to her native Bengaluru for her marriage.

When she arrived in Bengaluru, her luggage was missing. Later, she received a letter from the airport authorities to collect her luggage.

She went to the airport with her fiance to collect the luggage.

While she waited for her fiance to return, the woman found a chit containing the name of a girl and mobile number inside the car.

After calling the number, she found that her fiance was in a relation with the girl for a month.

Upon questioning him, the woman's fiance got angry and slapped her.

The police said that the woman was treated at a hospital for injuries.
CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Voting centers closed at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday and vote-counting in Australia's general election has begun.

Due to time difference, however, as votes are being counted across most of the country, people are still casting their ballots in some other areas including Western Australia.

In his final pitch to voters on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison who voted in his electorate of Cook, said "today Australians are making a big choice about their future."

"I want the aspirations of Australians to be realized and the way that occurs is by backing Australians in, not telling them how to live and what to do, and getting government in their face."

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who voted in his electorate of Grayndler, said, "My big concern with this government is, what is there to be proud of?"

"I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates. I want parliament to function properly. I want our democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this, not to change where I live, I'm in it to change the country and that's what I intend to do.

Results are expected to be declared within hours.

However, the Australian Electoral Commission has warned that it could take longer to declare results in close contests due to the record high number of postal votes.

If a result is called on Saturday night, the leader of the losing party will traditionally call their opponent to concede before speaking publicly at their respective election night events. 
CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Voting centers closed at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday and vote-counting in Australia's general election has begun.

Due to time difference, however, as votes are being counted across most of the country, people are still casting their ballots in some other areas including Western Australia.

In his final pitch to voters on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison who voted in his electorate of Cook, said "today Australians are making a big choice about their future."

"I want the aspirations of Australians to be realized and the way that occurs is by backing Australians in, not telling them how to live and what to do, and getting government in their face."

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who voted in his electorate of Grayndler, said, "My big concern with this government is, what is there to be proud of?"

"I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates. I want parliament to function properly. I want our democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this, not to change where I live, I'm in it to change the country and that's what I intend to do.

Results are expected to be declared within hours.

However, the Australian Electoral Commission has warned that it could take longer to declare results in close contests due to the record high number of postal votes.

If a result is called on Saturday night, the leader of the losing party will traditionally call their opponent to concede before speaking publicly at their respective election night events. 
RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.

Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.

New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.





RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.
Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.

Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.

Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.



Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 21 (ANI/PNN): The 75th Festival de Cannes kicked started on May 17 in its full Glory and Glamour with World famous Actors and Actresses walking the famous Red Carpet and Announcing and promoting their films, and with Hollywood and Bollywood fraternity in attendance. This year India is "Country of Honour" at Marche du Cinema. An impressive Indian Contingent led by Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur joined the Festival, and India also celebrates 75 years of Independence this year. During the Cannes festival, a Star-Studded Gala event at JW Marriott Cannes was Organised to honour and announce Global short films from all Across the world. Manya Pathak launched and Unveiled the Poster of her New Movie Pratyantar, in the presence of World Media from Germany, France, Asia, and the Middle East at the Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala and Luxury Fashion Show 2022. Manya Pathak is an Indian TV Actress who rose to fame with Zee TV Dilli Darlings. Manya has done many Music Albums for Tseries, Zee Music, Showbox TV, etc. She was last seen in Dvand on MX Player. Her Movie Pratyantar is Produced by Anjali Phougat, Co-Produced by Eon Films and Outworking Troop. Pratyantar is directed by Akansha Sinha. Anjali Phougat is an Indian Designer Based in Columbus, Ohio and the Founder of the luxury Designer Dream Collection Brand. Her style is classic and timeless and focuses on the rich cultural tradition and Indian Heritage. Her Movie Pratyantar is in Hindi Language and revolves around the concept of "is your Soul free?" It depicts life's challenges after death and the agony and pain the soul faces after death. Pratyantar has already won 2 Official international selections in Global film festivals and is expected to release soon in India. This is a special film as most of the team members are females. Manya says, "this is such a big moment for me to represent my country and cinema on one of the biggest world stages. I am so happy to see our representation here at Cannes, and I cannot be more proud than this. I'm living my dream. This is a Cinderella moment for me. I miss my team, producer, and designer Anjali Phougat who has worked so hard to get this together. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 21 (ANI/PNN): The 75th Festival de Cannes kicked started on May 17 in its full Glory and Glamour with World famous Actors and Actresses walking the famous Red Carpet and Announcing and promoting their films, and with Hollywood and Bollywood fraternity in attendance. This year India is "Country of Honour" at Marche du Cinema. An impressive Indian Contingent led by Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur joined the Festival, and India also celebrates 75 years of Independence this year. During the Cannes festival, a Star-Studded Gala event at JW Marriott Cannes was Organised to honour and announce Global short films from all Across the world. Manya Pathak launched and Unveiled the Poster of her New Movie Pratyantar, in the presence of World Media from Germany, France, Asia, and the Middle East at the Cannes Global Short Film Awards Gala and Luxury Fashion Show 2022. Manya Pathak is an Indian TV Actress who rose to fame with Zee TV Dilli Darlings. Manya has done many Music Albums for Tseries, Zee Music, Showbox TV, etc. She was last seen in Dvand on MX Player. Her Movie Pratyantar is Produced by Anjali Phougat, Co-Produced by Eon Films and Outworking Troop. Pratyantar is directed by Akansha Sinha. Anjali Phougat is an Indian Designer Based in Columbus, Ohio and the Founder of the luxury Designer Dream Collection Brand. Her style is classic and timeless and focuses on the rich cultural tradition and Indian Heritage. Her Movie Pratyantar is in Hindi Language and revolves around the concept of "is your Soul free?" It depicts life's challenges after death and the agony and pain the soul faces after death. Pratyantar has already won 2 Official international selections in Global film festivals and is expected to release soon in India. This is a special film as most of the team members are females. Manya says, "this is such a big moment for me to represent my country and cinema on one of the biggest world stages. I am so happy to see our representation here at Cannes, and I cannot be more proud than this. I'm living my dream. This is a Cinderella moment for me. I miss my team, producer, and designer Anjali Phougat who has worked so hard to get this together. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)




By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.




By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower..

Tonight

Turning out mainly clear and cool with patchy valley fog developing late. Early on there might still be a lingering shower.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.




By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Kolkata, May 21 : The CBI investigating the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam is all set to interrogate former state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee with a fresh set of questions next week again.

Chatterjee, currently the state commerce & industries minister, had faced the first round of questioning on May 18, for four hours. CBI has already communicated to Chatterjee that the latter will have to be present at the agency's Nizam Palace office again next week and in all probability, on May 24.

As per CBI sources, the decision to greet Chatterjee with a fresh and longer list of questions has been prompted by two reasons. The first reason being the inconsistencies in Chatterjee's statements to the CBI in the first round of questioning.

A CBI official, who did not wish to be named, said that Chatterjee, as the-then state education minister was not aware of the day-to-day functioning of the screening committee of WBSSC, whose members are perceived to have done the main paperwork relating to merit list fudging.

"Interestingly, the screening committee was constituted by Chatterjee himself as the-then education minister. So, his ignorance about the day-to-day functioning of the committee, as claimed by him, is something which is not really conceivable," the official said.

The second reason is an important statement made to CBI by the West Bengal minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari, who is also facing the central agency grilling following alleged recruitment of his daughter Ankita Adhikari, as a higher secondary political science teacher in a state-run school, flouting all norms. Ankita Adhikari, is alleged of securing the job without qualifying in the merit list and even without appearing for the personality test.

Adhikari told CBI that while his daughter's appointment took place, although he had joined Trinamool Congress by then, he was not the minister of state for education. Adhikari also told the CBI that only WBSSC authorities can answer on the details of his daughter's appointment.

To recall, Paresh Chandra Adhikari was the acting food minister of West Bengal from 2006 to 2011 during the previous Left Front regime led by the-then chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. In August 2018, he joined Trinamool Congress leaving his earlier party of All India Forward Bloc and he was greeted in the party by the- then state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general, Partha Chatterjee.

Within 72 hours from his joining Trinamool Congress, his daughter's name figured in the merit list. After the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, he was made the minister of state for education.

Incidentally, when Ankita Adhikari got the appointment, Partha Chatterjee, as the-then state education minister had the overall authority of WBSSC and hence in the second round of questioning next week, he will have to face queries relating to this development.

CBI sources said that if necessity arises, at a later stage Chatterjee might be questioned after placing him face-to-face with Paresh Chandra Adhikari and the members of the screening committee to avoid further inconsistencies.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
Chennai, May 21 : Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Arappor Iyakkam has lodged a corruption complaint against R. Vaithilingam, a lawmaker and a former Minister in the AIADMK government and his son V. Prabhu with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC), said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convener.

Arappor Iyakkam is working towards transparency and accountability in governance.

Enclosing various documents, Venkatesan has sent the complaint against Vaithilingam for alleged payment of Rs 27.9 crore as bribe from Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (now known as Gateway office parks private ltd) for building permission.

The AIADMK leader Vaithilingam representing the Orathanadu assembly constituency was the Minister of Housing and Urban Development during 2011-2016 AIADMK rule.

Venkatesan said the alleged bribe was paid in 2015-16 for sanction of plan for high rise building near here.

Analysis of various documents available points to the payment of bribe and corruption by Vaithilingam, his son Prabhu and Shriram Properties and Infrastructure, he said.

Venkatesan said Shriram Properties had applied with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for permission to build 24 blocks of residential and IT units on December 2, 2013. The Planning permission was approved on December 24, 2016.

Arappor Iyakkam's Venkatesan alleged that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure had paid Rs 27.9 crore as bribe to Vaithilingam in the form of an unsecured loan to his son's company Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd.

The alleged payment was made by Shriram Properties' group company Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd in the year 2015-16.

The Muthammal Estates was formed on September 22, 2014 with a share capital of Rs 36,00,000 and its revenue is zero until 2019-20, Venkatesan said.

He said Muthammal Estates used the money to buy lands in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu in 2015-16, 2017 and 2019.

Venkatesan also said Bharath Coal Chemicals dealing in metal and chemical manufacturing has been facing finance problems and in 2019-20 it had filed for bankruptcy with debt of Rs 281 crore to various financial creditors.
Pune, May 21 : A prominent Pune folk dancer has apologised for a video shoot inside the historic Lal Mahal (Red Palace) following an uproar and the Faraskhana Police registering a complaint against her, here on Saturday.

The dancer, Vaishnavi Patil, along with 2 men and a woman, carried out an impromptu 20-minute 'Laavni' dance performance on April 16, and later posted the video on YouTube and other social media.

Taking strong umbrage, the Sambhaji Brigade State Organiser Santosh Shinde shot off a complaint to the Pune Police.

Taking cognisance, the Faraskhana Police Station late on Friday registered the complaint and have launched investigations into the matter.

Following Shinde's complaint and the police response, dancer Patil on Saturday tendered a profuse apology in public and admitted that she had erred.

Other personalities like Housing Minister Dr Jitendra Awhad and many political leaders have frowned at and condemned the shoot inside Lal Mahal while the Sambhaji Brigade has demanded action against all others concerned failing which it would "not keep silent".

"Lal Mahal has a great historic significance... It cannot be desecrated by a recorded-music dance performance in this manner. Who authorised it and why, we demand action against the civic officials who permitted the shoot," an agitated Shinde told IANS.

The original Lal Mahal was built in 1630 and after over 350 years rebuilt in the same fashion by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and remains one of the biggest tourist attractions here.

Established by Shahaji Raje Bhosale 392 years ago, his wife Jijabai and their illustrious son Shivaji - later known to the world as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - lived at Lal Mahal till 1645 before shifting to Torna Fort.

In between, the 10-year-old Shivaji was married to his first wife Saibai at the Lala Mahal in 1640, and in 1674, he was crowned as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad Fort.

After the Bhosale family left it, Lal Mahal catapulted into history in 1663, when the Maratha warrior Shivaji caught the Mughal General Shaista Khan by surprise in a duel and chopped off his three fingers as he tried to escape from a window.

Patil, 23, who performed to a catchy 'Laavni' song from the Marathi film, "Chandramukhi" (April 2022), directed by Prasad Oak and has raised the hackles of many, while Shinde has threatened of more stormy weather ahead if the police fail to book all those responsible for the April 16 incident.
Pune, May 21 : A prominent Pune folk dancer has apologised for a video shoot inside the historic Lal Mahal (Red Palace) following an uproar and the Faraskhana Police registering a complaint against her, here on Saturday.

The dancer, Vaishnavi Patil, along with 2 men and a woman, carried out an impromptu 20-minute 'Laavni' dance performance on April 16, and later posted the video on YouTube and other social media.

Taking strong umbrage, the Sambhaji Brigade State Organiser Santosh Shinde shot off a complaint to the Pune Police.

Taking cognisance, the Faraskhana Police Station late on Friday registered the complaint and have launched investigations into the matter.

Following Shinde's complaint and the police response, dancer Patil on Saturday tendered a profuse apology in public and admitted that she had erred.

Other personalities like Housing Minister Dr Jitendra Awhad and many political leaders have frowned at and condemned the shoot inside Lal Mahal while the Sambhaji Brigade has demanded action against all others concerned failing which it would "not keep silent".

"Lal Mahal has a great historic significance... It cannot be desecrated by a recorded-music dance performance in this manner. Who authorised it and why, we demand action against the civic officials who permitted the shoot," an agitated Shinde told IANS.

The original Lal Mahal was built in 1630 and after over 350 years rebuilt in the same fashion by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and remains one of the biggest tourist attractions here.

Established by Shahaji Raje Bhosale 392 years ago, his wife Jijabai and their illustrious son Shivaji - later known to the world as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - lived at Lal Mahal till 1645 before shifting to Torna Fort.

In between, the 10-year-old Shivaji was married to his first wife Saibai at the Lala Mahal in 1640, and in 1674, he was crowned as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad Fort.

After the Bhosale family left it, Lal Mahal catapulted into history in 1663, when the Maratha warrior Shivaji caught the Mughal General Shaista Khan by surprise in a duel and chopped off his three fingers as he tried to escape from a window.

Patil, 23, who performed to a catchy 'Laavni' song from the Marathi film, "Chandramukhi" (April 2022), directed by Prasad Oak and has raised the hackles of many, while Shinde has threatened of more stormy weather ahead if the police fail to book all those responsible for the April 16 incident.
Pune, May 21 : A prominent Pune folk dancer has apologised for a video shoot inside the historic Lal Mahal (Red Palace) following an uproar and the Faraskhana Police registering a complaint against her, here on Saturday.

The dancer, Vaishnavi Patil, along with 2 men and a woman, carried out an impromptu 20-minute 'Laavni' dance performance on April 16, and later posted the video on YouTube and other social media.

Taking strong umbrage, the Sambhaji Brigade State Organiser Santosh Shinde shot off a complaint to the Pune Police.

Taking cognisance, the Faraskhana Police Station late on Friday registered the complaint and have launched investigations into the matter.

Following Shinde's complaint and the police response, dancer Patil on Saturday tendered a profuse apology in public and admitted that she had erred.

Other personalities like Housing Minister Dr Jitendra Awhad and many political leaders have frowned at and condemned the shoot inside Lal Mahal while the Sambhaji Brigade has demanded action against all others concerned failing which it would "not keep silent".

"Lal Mahal has a great historic significance... It cannot be desecrated by a recorded-music dance performance in this manner. Who authorised it and why, we demand action against the civic officials who permitted the shoot," an agitated Shinde told IANS.

The original Lal Mahal was built in 1630 and after over 350 years rebuilt in the same fashion by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and remains one of the biggest tourist attractions here.

Established by Shahaji Raje Bhosale 392 years ago, his wife Jijabai and their illustrious son Shivaji - later known to the world as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - lived at Lal Mahal till 1645 before shifting to Torna Fort.

In between, the 10-year-old Shivaji was married to his first wife Saibai at the Lala Mahal in 1640, and in 1674, he was crowned as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad Fort.

After the Bhosale family left it, Lal Mahal catapulted into history in 1663, when the Maratha warrior Shivaji caught the Mughal General Shaista Khan by surprise in a duel and chopped off his three fingers as he tried to escape from a window.

Patil, 23, who performed to a catchy 'Laavni' song from the Marathi film, "Chandramukhi" (April 2022), directed by Prasad Oak and has raised the hackles of many, while Shinde has threatened of more stormy weather ahead if the police fail to book all those responsible for the April 16 incident.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
Chennai, May 21 : Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Arappor Iyakkam has lodged a corruption complaint against R. Vaithilingam, a lawmaker and a former Minister in the AIADMK government and his son V. Prabhu with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC), said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convener.

Arappor Iyakkam is working towards transparency and accountability in governance.

Enclosing various documents, Venkatesan has sent the complaint against Vaithilingam for alleged payment of Rs 27.9 crore as bribe from Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (now known as Gateway office parks private ltd) for building permission.

The AIADMK leader Vaithilingam representing the Orathanadu assembly constituency was the Minister of Housing and Urban Development during 2011-2016 AIADMK rule.

Venkatesan said the alleged bribe was paid in 2015-16 for sanction of plan for high rise building near here.

Analysis of various documents available points to the payment of bribe and corruption by Vaithilingam, his son Prabhu and Shriram Properties and Infrastructure, he said.

Venkatesan said Shriram Properties had applied with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for permission to build 24 blocks of residential and IT units on December 2, 2013. The Planning permission was approved on December 24, 2016.

Arappor Iyakkam's Venkatesan alleged that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure had paid Rs 27.9 crore as bribe to Vaithilingam in the form of an unsecured loan to his son's company Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd.

The alleged payment was made by Shriram Properties' group company Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd in the year 2015-16.

The Muthammal Estates was formed on September 22, 2014 with a share capital of Rs 36,00,000 and its revenue is zero until 2019-20, Venkatesan said.

He said Muthammal Estates used the money to buy lands in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu in 2015-16, 2017 and 2019.

Venkatesan also said Bharath Coal Chemicals dealing in metal and chemical manufacturing has been facing finance problems and in 2019-20 it had filed for bankruptcy with debt of Rs 281 crore to various financial creditors.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic recount because of close results in Newtown, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania GOP Senate Primary Results Might Not Be Known Until June 8

One of the most closely followed U.S. primaries might not be determined until as late as June 8.

Three days after the May 17 Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate primary election, ballots continue to be tallied. As of midday May 20, celebrity surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz held a slim lead over former hedge fund executive and Gulf War combat veteran David McCormick.

According to Decision Desk HQ, at 5 p.m. ET on May 20, Oz had 418,470 votes (31.16 percent) followed by McCormick at 417,391 (31.08 percent). The difference is 1,079 votes out of 1,343,163 ballots counted.

Regardless of who has the most votes when all the ballots are recorded, the race appears to be headed for a recount. Under Pennsylvania law, an automatic recount is triggered when the difference between the top two candidates is within 0.5 percent.

The winner would need a margin of approximately 6,700 votes to avoid an automatic recount.

The chances of a recount are 100 percent and no less, Josh Novotney, a Pennsylvania-based Republican consultant, told Politico. Theres still votes coming in.

It will probably get even tighter than it is now, which is almost humanly impossible. Each side will definitely be wanting any slight edge they can get going into a recount.

On May 20, county election boards across the state began meeting to determine problematic and provisional ballots, while election staffers registered thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots.

Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia were still recording Election Day votes.

As of midday on May 20, Pennsylvanias Department of State reported that approximately 28,000 mail-in and absentee ballotsincluding 8,300 in the Republican primarywere yet to be counted.

McCormick has performed better among mail-in ballots, while Oz has seen more success among Election Day votes.

Overseas and military absentee ballots must be counted before counties can certify their results to the state by the deadline on May 24 at 5 p.m.

A former hedge fund executive and U.S. Treasury Department official in former President George W. Bushs administration, McCormick is a West Point graduate, a former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper, and a Gulf War combat veteran.

His campaign believes that it will benefit McCormick when military ballots are tabulated.

Right now, there are 1,582 [military and overseas absentee ballots]between both partiesthat are awaiting processing statewide, a senior McCormick campaign spokesman said on May 19. If you just give us a thousand of those [as Republican ballots], I think theyd probably pick the 82nd Airborne paratrooper over the Turkish Army surgeon.

Provisional ballots must be counted by May 24 at 5 p.m. as well.

These ballots are cast by first-time voters who couldnt provide a required ID; individuals who requested a mail-in ballot, but instead voted in person and didnt surrender their mail-in ballot; or people who moved to a new address and didnt update their registration.

County election officials started the review process of these ballots on May 20. Theyre required to determine what ballots are valid by the close of business on May 24.

We feel quite confident that when every vote thats been cast is counted  Dave McCormick is going to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania, a senior McCormick campaign official said.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania holds a campaign rally at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville, Pa., on April 20, 2022. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

An Oz campaign spokesperson said the math isnt in McCormicks favor and that we are confident Dr. Oz will win this race.

Multiple lawsuits contesting decisions in certain counties could happen before a recount begins.

To prepare for the probable recount, both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers. Both campaigns have also brought aboard Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped guide the vote-counting observation on Election Day for Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The secretary of state must determine if a recount will be held by the second Thursday following the day of the election, which is May 26.

The recount would be managed by the individual counties and start no later than the third Wednesday after Election Day, which would be June 1.

It must be finished by noon on the following Tuesday, which, in this case, would be June 7. Counties would submit results to the state by June 8.

With the U.S. Senate split 5050, and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) retiring, the states November general election is expected to be one of the countrys most pivotal races. Oz or McCormick will face Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who handily won the Democratic primary a few days after suffering a stroke. He underwent a successful procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator on the same day the primary was held.

Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, Fetterman said. He remained hospitalized on May 20.
Chennai, May 21 : Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Arappor Iyakkam has lodged a corruption complaint against R. Vaithilingam, a lawmaker and a former Minister in the AIADMK government and his son V. Prabhu with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC), said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convener.

Arappor Iyakkam is working towards transparency and accountability in governance.

Enclosing various documents, Venkatesan has sent the complaint against Vaithilingam for alleged payment of Rs 27.9 crore as bribe from Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (now known as Gateway office parks private ltd) for building permission.

The AIADMK leader Vaithilingam representing the Orathanadu assembly constituency was the Minister of Housing and Urban Development during 2011-2016 AIADMK rule.

Venkatesan said the alleged bribe was paid in 2015-16 for sanction of plan for high rise building near here.

Analysis of various documents available points to the payment of bribe and corruption by Vaithilingam, his son Prabhu and Shriram Properties and Infrastructure, he said.

Venkatesan said Shriram Properties had applied with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for permission to build 24 blocks of residential and IT units on December 2, 2013. The Planning permission was approved on December 24, 2016.

Arappor Iyakkam's Venkatesan alleged that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure had paid Rs 27.9 crore as bribe to Vaithilingam in the form of an unsecured loan to his son's company Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd.

The alleged payment was made by Shriram Properties' group company Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd in the year 2015-16.

The Muthammal Estates was formed on September 22, 2014 with a share capital of Rs 36,00,000 and its revenue is zero until 2019-20, Venkatesan said.

He said Muthammal Estates used the money to buy lands in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu in 2015-16, 2017 and 2019.

Venkatesan also said Bharath Coal Chemicals dealing in metal and chemical manufacturing has been facing finance problems and in 2019-20 it had filed for bankruptcy with debt of Rs 281 crore to various financial creditors.
Chennai, May 21 : Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Arappor Iyakkam has lodged a corruption complaint against R. Vaithilingam, a lawmaker and a former Minister in the AIADMK government and his son V. Prabhu with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC), said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convener.

Arappor Iyakkam is working towards transparency and accountability in governance.

Enclosing various documents, Venkatesan has sent the complaint against Vaithilingam for alleged payment of Rs 27.9 crore as bribe from Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (now known as Gateway office parks private ltd) for building permission.

The AIADMK leader Vaithilingam representing the Orathanadu assembly constituency was the Minister of Housing and Urban Development during 2011-2016 AIADMK rule.

Venkatesan said the alleged bribe was paid in 2015-16 for sanction of plan for high rise building near here.

Analysis of various documents available points to the payment of bribe and corruption by Vaithilingam, his son Prabhu and Shriram Properties and Infrastructure, he said.

Venkatesan said Shriram Properties had applied with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for permission to build 24 blocks of residential and IT units on December 2, 2013. The Planning permission was approved on December 24, 2016.

Arappor Iyakkam's Venkatesan alleged that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure had paid Rs 27.9 crore as bribe to Vaithilingam in the form of an unsecured loan to his son's company Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd.

The alleged payment was made by Shriram Properties' group company Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd in the year 2015-16.

The Muthammal Estates was formed on September 22, 2014 with a share capital of Rs 36,00,000 and its revenue is zero until 2019-20, Venkatesan said.

He said Muthammal Estates used the money to buy lands in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu in 2015-16, 2017 and 2019.

Venkatesan also said Bharath Coal Chemicals dealing in metal and chemical manufacturing has been facing finance problems and in 2019-20 it had filed for bankruptcy with debt of Rs 281 crore to various financial creditors.
New Delhi, May 21 : Following the recent arrests of a few Chartered Accountants for some alleged GST related matters, the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) expressed strong resentment over the development.

The Council was also apprised of the strong feelings of members throughout the country regarding the "ill-treatment" being meted to certain members rather than taking strong action against the actual perpetrators.

Thus, it resolved to form a group comprising its members to interface with authorities in order to ensure that just and fair treatment is meted out to the Chartered Accountants and that they are not made soft targets.

The Council took this decision at a meeting on Friday.
Ramallah, May 21 : The left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announced that it re-elected Ahmad Saadat, who is serving a term of 30 years' imprisonment in an Israeli prison, as its secretary-general.

The left-wing group said in a statement that the eighth national conference of the PFLP, which ran two days, re-elected Saadat as the group's secretary-general and Jamil Mezher from Gaza as his deputy, reports Xinhua news agency.

The 69-year-old Saadat from the West Bank city of al-Bireh has been the PFLP secretary-general since 2001.

In 2006, he was arrested by the Israeli security forces and accused of being behind the murder of late Israeli minister of tourism Rehavam Ze'evi in 2001.

An Israeli court sentenced him to 30 years in prison.

Founded in December 1967, the PFLP is the second largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) after President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement.
Ramallah, May 21 : The left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announced that it re-elected Ahmad Saadat, who is serving a term of 30 years' imprisonment in an Israeli prison, as its secretary-general.

The left-wing group said in a statement that the eighth national conference of the PFLP, which ran two days, re-elected Saadat as the group's secretary-general and Jamil Mezher from Gaza as his deputy, reports Xinhua news agency.

The 69-year-old Saadat from the West Bank city of al-Bireh has been the PFLP secretary-general since 2001.

In 2006, he was arrested by the Israeli security forces and accused of being behind the murder of late Israeli minister of tourism Rehavam Ze'evi in 2001.

An Israeli court sentenced him to 30 years in prison.

Founded in December 1967, the PFLP is the second largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) after President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement.
Ramallah, May 21 : The left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announced that it re-elected Ahmad Saadat, who is serving a term of 30 years' imprisonment in an Israeli prison, as its secretary-general.

The left-wing group said in a statement that the eighth national conference of the PFLP, which ran two days, re-elected Saadat as the group's secretary-general and Jamil Mezher from Gaza as his deputy, reports Xinhua news agency.

The 69-year-old Saadat from the West Bank city of al-Bireh has been the PFLP secretary-general since 2001.

In 2006, he was arrested by the Israeli security forces and accused of being behind the murder of late Israeli minister of tourism Rehavam Ze'evi in 2001.

An Israeli court sentenced him to 30 years in prison.

Founded in December 1967, the PFLP is the second largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) after President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement.
Ramallah, May 21 : A 17-year-old Palestinian teenager was killed and another critically injured on Saturday during clashes in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.

Jani Joukha, director of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the city, told Xinhua news agency that Amjad al-Fayed died after he was shot in the chest during an Israeli army raid on a main street in Jenin.

He added that another young man was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen and was taken to an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Witnesses said an Israeli army force stormed the city before dawn, adding that intensive gunfire was heard due to heavy clashes between the force and Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.

Since March, tensions between the two sides have been flaring up. The Israeli army carries out daily raids and incursions into several West Bank towns and cities, mainly in Jenin, in response to attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.

On Friday, dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and villages, said the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Among the injured, three were shot by live ammunition, 71 by rubber bullets, and dozens suffered from inhaling tear gas, according to the organization.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.










By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic recount because of close results in Newtown, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania GOP Senate Primary Results Might Not Be Known Until June 8

One of the most closely followed U.S. primaries might not be determined until as late as June 8.

Three days after the May 17 Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate primary election, ballots continue to be tallied. As of midday May 20, celebrity surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz held a slim lead over former hedge fund executive and Gulf War combat veteran David McCormick.

According to Decision Desk HQ, at 5 p.m. ET on May 20, Oz had 418,470 votes (31.16 percent) followed by McCormick at 417,391 (31.08 percent). The difference is 1,079 votes out of 1,343,163 ballots counted.

Regardless of who has the most votes when all the ballots are recorded, the race appears to be headed for a recount. Under Pennsylvania law, an automatic recount is triggered when the difference between the top two candidates is within 0.5 percent.

The winner would need a margin of approximately 6,700 votes to avoid an automatic recount.

The chances of a recount are 100 percent and no less, Josh Novotney, a Pennsylvania-based Republican consultant, told Politico. Theres still votes coming in.

It will probably get even tighter than it is now, which is almost humanly impossible. Each side will definitely be wanting any slight edge they can get going into a recount.

On May 20, county election boards across the state began meeting to determine problematic and provisional ballots, while election staffers registered thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots.

Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia were still recording Election Day votes.

As of midday on May 20, Pennsylvanias Department of State reported that approximately 28,000 mail-in and absentee ballotsincluding 8,300 in the Republican primarywere yet to be counted.

McCormick has performed better among mail-in ballots, while Oz has seen more success among Election Day votes.

Overseas and military absentee ballots must be counted before counties can certify their results to the state by the deadline on May 24 at 5 p.m.

A former hedge fund executive and U.S. Treasury Department official in former President George W. Bushs administration, McCormick is a West Point graduate, a former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper, and a Gulf War combat veteran.

His campaign believes that it will benefit McCormick when military ballots are tabulated.

Right now, there are 1,582 [military and overseas absentee ballots]between both partiesthat are awaiting processing statewide, a senior McCormick campaign spokesman said on May 19. If you just give us a thousand of those [as Republican ballots], I think theyd probably pick the 82nd Airborne paratrooper over the Turkish Army surgeon.

Provisional ballots must be counted by May 24 at 5 p.m. as well.

These ballots are cast by first-time voters who couldnt provide a required ID; individuals who requested a mail-in ballot, but instead voted in person and didnt surrender their mail-in ballot; or people who moved to a new address and didnt update their registration.

County election officials started the review process of these ballots on May 20. Theyre required to determine what ballots are valid by the close of business on May 24.

We feel quite confident that when every vote thats been cast is counted  Dave McCormick is going to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania, a senior McCormick campaign official said.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania holds a campaign rally at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville, Pa., on April 20, 2022. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

An Oz campaign spokesperson said the math isnt in McCormicks favor and that we are confident Dr. Oz will win this race.

Multiple lawsuits contesting decisions in certain counties could happen before a recount begins.

To prepare for the probable recount, both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers. Both campaigns have also brought aboard Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped guide the vote-counting observation on Election Day for Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The secretary of state must determine if a recount will be held by the second Thursday following the day of the election, which is May 26.

The recount would be managed by the individual counties and start no later than the third Wednesday after Election Day, which would be June 1.

It must be finished by noon on the following Tuesday, which, in this case, would be June 7. Counties would submit results to the state by June 8.

With the U.S. Senate split 5050, and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) retiring, the states November general election is expected to be one of the countrys most pivotal races. Oz or McCormick will face Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who handily won the Democratic primary a few days after suffering a stroke. He underwent a successful procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator on the same day the primary was held.

Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, Fetterman said. He remained hospitalized on May 20.




By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Washington: In a sign of growing concern among federal health officials about the spread of new coronavirus infections, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is now saying that all people 50 or older should get a second booster shot if at least four months have passed since their first booster dose.

Previously, the agency said those 50 and older had the option of the additional shot but only encouraged people older than 65 or with underlying medical conditions to get it. The new guidance, issued in a statement on the CDCs website Thursday, also extends to anyone 12 and older with certain immune deficiencies.

Medical personnel place pre-loaded syringes in a container during a vaccination push in New Orleans. Credit:AP

The CDC said it was changing its advice because of a steady rise in infections over the past month, coupled with a steep and substantial increase in hospitalisations for older Americans. New confirmed cases surpassed an average of 100,000 a day again this week, according to a New York Times database  a number considered an undercount. And nationally, hospitalisations of people with COVID-19 were averaging more than 23,800 daily as of Thursday, 31 per cent more than two weeks ago.

Most Americans 50 or older received their last dose of COVID vaccine more than six months ago. That has left many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalisation and death, the CDC said.
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.

An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.










By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










Pharmacists will have greater freedoms to choose alternative HRT products if the original prescription is out of stock.

The Governments HRT Supply Taskforce, which was set up to tackle widespread shortages, has agreed to further Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) to give pharmacists more control  something they have been demanding.

It will mean women can be offered another product at the pharmacy to relieve their symptoms if their normal HRT is out of stock.



At the end of April, the Government issued three SSPs to restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months supply to help relieve pressure in the system.

The two new further SSPs are for Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel, which will also be put on a three month supply.

Under the rules, all these items can generally be substituted for transdermal patches.

Thousands of menopausal women have struggled to get their hands on key medication, which has led to online swaps and medicines being offered on the black market.

In the new announcement, the Government said there had been recent further deliveries of the popular products Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose.

Premique now has good availability, it said, while the manufacturers of Oestrogel and Ovestin are working to increase UK supply.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: We are working to ensure HRT is available for everyone who needs it and I am pleased to see suppliers continuing to increase the supply of some products which is a testament to the collaborative approach being taken.

Meetings with suppliers are ongoing and were taking decisive action to manage HRT supply issues and reduce any delays  this includes issuing further SSPs so that women are able to access the medication they need.

Pharmacists have also been granted powers to share medicines, where appropriate.

Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: We welcome the news that more SSPs have been put in place for hormone replacement therapy products.

This short term measure will help women access supplies of HRT medicines which are difficult to get hold of.

This is a very fluid situation, with some products due to return to normal availability shortly.

However, the bureaucracy involved in completing the SSP process for each individual patient is quite burdensome for pharmacists and we hope to see the shortage of HRT products resolved as soon as possible under the leadership of the new HRT tsar.

Ultimately wed like to see a change in the law which makes the whole process easier and quicker for both pharmacists and patients.

The advice on which HRT product to substitute with another has been drawn up by experts and women can be confident they will receive whats appropriate for them.

Women should talk to their pharmacist if they have any concerns about their HRT medicines.

Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce, Madelaine McTernan, said: I am very encouraged by the constructive engagement across the sector and enthusiasm with which suppliers and pharmacists are looking to work with us to meet this challenge.

Focusing both on measures that ensure we can use stocks most efficiently whilst also ensuring supply is increased is critical.





By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.










By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden at the People's House, Saturday. AP-Yonhap



President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first summit in Seoul, Saturday, on a range of issues expected to have included North Korea's nuclear program, and supply chain risks.



Biden arrived at the new presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan and was greeted by Yoon at the entrance before the two entered the building for talks.



The summit will first be held in a small group, after which the two leaders will have a casual private meeting and then be joined by their aides for an expanded meeting.



It will end with a joint press conference inside the presidential office building where renovation work is still under way after Yoon relocated the office from Cheong Wa Dae to what was formerly the defense ministry headquarters



Before arriving for the talks, Biden visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers from the Korean War.



Yoon and Biden are expected to discuss the full range of security and economic challenges facing the allies and the region, as both countries have claimed a North Korean nuclear weapon or intercontinental ballistic missile test appears to be imminent.



South Korea's presidential office has said the first thing the two sides will do will be to come up with an "action plan" for how South Korea and the United States will strengthen "extended deterrence," a term that refers to the U.S. deployment of both conventional and nuclear assets to defend an ally.



In the event North Korea carries out a major weapons test during Biden's stay, the two leaders will immediately take command of the two countries' combined forces, according to the presidential office.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
In this edition of our monthly thematic roundup of BookLife titles, were celebrating memoir and autobiography.

Adventure

The Escape Artist: A True Story

Alexandra Swigon

ISBN 978-1-5004-4789-2

About the book: A family of four is thrown into the high-octane history that was communist Poland in the 1960s and 70s. A visionary architect, a central-planning feminist economist, and two little girls grapple with life in a logic-challenged system.

Author statement:  So, where are you from? A simple enough icebreaker, but not for me. Poland, by way of New York, a bit of Italy. How to properly answer and do justice to my familys escape and emigration from communist Poland? I have tried condensing the story to an elevator speech. Naturally, the dramatic parts would pique the listeners curiosity, and just as they would start peppering me with questions it was time to get off the elevator. This book finally gives me the opportunity to tell the story in the fullness that it deserves.

Everything in Between

Caitlin Elizabeth

ISBN 978-0-578-68070-5

About the book: Everything in Between takes the reader around the world and back again, the story of a woman letting go of the past and societys conditioning to find her freedom. In her 20s, Caitlin decides to quit her soul-sucking job to live in South America, a decision that catapults her into a totally new life. From Peru to Bali to India to Vietnam to Ireland to Costa Rica to the Faroe Islands, the reader joins Caitlin on a worldwide adventure, fraught with as many hilariously unfortunate mishaps as insightful moments.

Author statement: Womens voices have been silenced for centuries. I wrote this book of essays to share my true and honest experience of choosing not to get married, traveling instead of raising a family, and deconditioning myself from capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal standards around my sexuality and life purpose.

Memory Road Trip

Krista Marson

ISBN 978-1-7373284-0-7

About the book: This journey down memory lane is a coming-of-age excursion that takes armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness.

Author statement: Memory Road Trip is a collection of travel stories ranging from the sublime to the surreal.

Grief

Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love

Felice Cohen

ASIN B09XZM7FC2

About the book: What if your first love was a forbidden one? At 23, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early 1990s. Since she was focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she didwith her boss, a woman 34 years older. In this candid coming-of-age memoir, Cohen chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating lifes unpredictable path while following ones heart and finding acceptance.

Author statement: This book started out as a therapeutic exercise. The first love of my life had died. We had had a secretive, 10-year lesbian affair, and after she passed, I was forced to mourn her exactly as I had loved her: in secret. But the secret was fighting to come out. I wrote something late one night after she came to me in a dream. On a whim I entered it into a first chapter contest and won. A publisher came up to me and asked, How much of the book do you have done? Book? I thought. What book? It took me almost 18 years to finish this book. Not because of the writing process, but because of the healing one. Finishing meant letting her go. But it was time. Time to tell our story. Time to move on. Time to fall in love again.

Life After Death

Trina Machacek

ISBN 978-1-73776-752-7

About the book: Becoming a one instead of half a twosome is not what you bargained for? You find yourself really alone, a lot? You need a cheerleader. You need to hear you are going to live again. You need to know its okay to live and laugh while being angry and sad. With all the courage of a kitten coming out of the box for the first time, and seeing the world in a new light, Machacek found widowhood wasnt all that bad.

Author statement: When my husband died (oh how I hated those words), I looked for a book that wasnt all just sad. So after some cajoling from friends, I wrote about the widows journey. This is the book I looked for when I became the newest widow on my block. I want to let other people know that there is hope. That there really, truly is life after a death.

Triumph and Transformation

California Chrome: Our Story

Perry Martin

ISBN 978-0-578-34021-0

About the book: The Martins built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. Regaining their financial feet after working hard to make the business profitable, they could have relaxed and enjoyed their success. Instead, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the first horse they ever bred, California Chrome, took the world by storm and won the Kentucky Derby.

Author statement: This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

In Our Blood

Caitlin Billings

ISBN 978-1-64742-415-2

About the book: Caitlin Billings thought she could neatly walk away from her past, but her work as a mental health professional and role as a mother causes tremendous pressure to be perfect and present stability. But a hold-up at gunpoint breaks her carefully balanced world apart. Suddenly, Caitlin is trapped by frightening mental health issues while raising two young children. Just when she feels in control of her newfound bipolar disorder, her elder child shows similar depressive symptoms and an allegation of sexual assault in their home makes her question her fundamental ability to protect her children. And when her elder child comes out as transgender, Caitlin must reconsider her own tolerance and understanding. Part coming-of-age, part reckoning of motherhood, In Our Blood is a therapists honest account of professional and personal struggles and an intergenerational story of acceptance, self-love, and fluidity.

Author statement: I decided to write a memoir because I was trying to make sense of two colliding identities: clinical social worker and psychiatric patient. I want readers to know that despite the societal pressure many of us feel to be perfect, imperfection is the reality, and acceptance of self will open new paths for you while perfectionism becomes an ever-tighter and more cramped prison cell. We can make mistakes with our lives and take paths that in hindsight we wish wed never walked, but if we can lean into our understanding of ourselves and stop calling ourselves imperfect failures, we can find peace in little slips of time and in the most mundane of ways.

Never Make a Sound

Fanen ChiahemeI

ISBN 978-1-989134-15-3

About the book: A young girl growing up in a turbulent family setting creates a secret inner world to escape her toxic environment. Told through stories and poetry, this memoir is a raw, intimate journey of a young girl finding a way to survive in an impossible situation. A true story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Author statement: This memoir is a creative work, but my hope is that it will help promote greater understanding about childhood abuse and developmental trauma.

Observations Through Yellow Glasses: A Memoir Through Poems

Yong Takahashi

ASIN B09R3B1S3X

About the book: Yong Takahashi moved to The United States with her parents when she was three years old. She grew up in a traditional household where her Korean and American worlds pulled her in opposite directions. Observations Through Yellow Glasses invites readers to follow Takahashis journey as she learns lifes bitter lessons, longs for love, and attempts to heal the wounds she collects along the way.

Author statement: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Detroit. Currently, I live in Atlanta. When I started kindergarten, I was the only Asian student in a newly desegregated school. The white students lived on one side of the highway and the black students lived on the other. I remember the landlord telling my parents we could choose which side because we were yellow. Trying to fit in was difficult. Some of my experiences and their long-lingering effects are in my memoir.

Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts

Max Sherman

ISBN 978-0-578-78487-8

About the book: In the bleak house of Alzheimers, love is fragile and often on the brink of losing its power. If one is not careful, everything can become medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, legal, agonizing, and suffocating, both to the beloved with Alzheimers and to the lover-caregiver. Releasing the Butterfly is a laymans account of how love triumphs over Alzheimers.

Author statement: For anyone worrying about forgetting and not remembering, join Gene Alice and me on a journey of love in the shadow of Alzheimers. Each time of life has its own kind of love. Our fifth act is filled with hugs and kisses.

Reluctant Healer: On Learning to Listen to That Still Small Voice Within to Better Bring Your Gifts to the World

Mary H.A. Kearns

ISBN 978-1-73718-402-7

About the book: This memoir recounts Mary Kearnss journey to trust in her innate gifts and the wisdom of that still, small voice within. She shares the challenges she has faced in following her life path, along with methods she has learned to make the journey smoother. Blending her lived experiences with research in a variety of scientific disciplines, Kearns offers a message of hope during this unique time in history.

Author statement: My memoir began in November 2018 with National Novel Writing Month, in which I challenged myself to write 50,000 words in one month, focusing on interesting vignettes from my life. I worked on it here and there for several months, but it was still just several short, unrelated pieces. Then, in 2020, I found myself (as did many other people), with a lot more time for writing and reflecting. Over the next year, I wove the pieces into a coherent story, and added some lessons I had learned and insights Id had during the early months of the pandemic.

The Sea Once Swallowed Me: A Memoir of Love, Solitude, and the Limits of Language

Sondra Charbadze

ISBN 978-1-73623-200-2

About the book: Sleeping in the woods outside a medieval city in Spain, Sondra Charbadze ponders her decision to abandon a more ordinary life. I am here to decipher nature, she writes. But as the stone glints back, I know this is a lie. Humans can decipher nothing but their own small lives. Entranced by a mysterious musician, yet yearning for the man she left behind, she struggles to find the path to connection while retaining her identity. As she befriends people on the margins, she is compelled to confront how pain and privilege haunt both relationships and societies. In the process, she finds love in unlikely places and healing at the limits of language.

Author statement: I wrote this book while living in Spain, but edits required a few more years of self-reflection. Memoir is a difficult genre because it requires the memoirist to develop enough self-awareness to understand her motivations and weaknesses. I had to wrestle with my internalized sexism, my childhood trauma, and the ways I hurt others by refusing to face my own pain. But in spite of that difficulty, exploring my personal past through a narrative lens has been liberating. Writing this book has also convinced me that symbolism and meaning are embedded in the fabric of the ordinary.

Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder

Simone Yemm

ISBN 978-1-64663-534-4

About the book: Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Simones journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eatingas she imagines it to be.

Author statement: My memoir began life as a private journal entry that was part of my mental health recovery process. Over the course of time my private writing increased; I created a public blog, enrolled in writing courses, and then my story was born. It has been an incredible cathartic labor of love and Im so grateful for all that I have learned in the process.

Youll Forget This Ever Happened

Laura Engel

ISBN 978-1-64742-349-0

About the book: By writing her truth, Laura Engel gives a voice to that 17-year-old girl caught up in a tangle of a secret pregnancy and the relinquishment of her son, to educate the reader about the guilt and trauma that women endured in previous eras. This book delves into how a traumatic secret is never forgotten and colors the secret-keepers life, showing how the bursting open of a shameful secret can change the direction of a life in a powerful and positive way.

Author statement: In 2016, a miracle happened in my life, resulting in me writing a memoir about a secret I had planned on taking to my grave. A son I had put up for adoption as a teenage unwed mother 49 years before found me through AncestryDNA. My book begins in 1967 in a maternity home for unwed mothers in New Orleans and travels over the span of 50 years across the country to California and back again. Heartbreaking, yet magically triumphant at times, my book is a narrative of the backstory of a closed adoption.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Kolkata, May 21 : The CBI investigating the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam is all set to interrogate former state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee with a fresh set of questions next week again.

Chatterjee, currently the state commerce & industries minister, had faced the first round of questioning on May 18, for four hours. CBI has already communicated to Chatterjee that the latter will have to be present at the agency's Nizam Palace office again next week and in all probability, on May 24.

As per CBI sources, the decision to greet Chatterjee with a fresh and longer list of questions has been prompted by two reasons. The first reason being the inconsistencies in Chatterjee's statements to the CBI in the first round of questioning.

A CBI official, who did not wish to be named, said that Chatterjee, as the-then state education minister was not aware of the day-to-day functioning of the screening committee of WBSSC, whose members are perceived to have done the main paperwork relating to merit list fudging.

"Interestingly, the screening committee was constituted by Chatterjee himself as the-then education minister. So, his ignorance about the day-to-day functioning of the committee, as claimed by him, is something which is not really conceivable," the official said.

The second reason is an important statement made to CBI by the West Bengal minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari, who is also facing the central agency grilling following alleged recruitment of his daughter Ankita Adhikari, as a higher secondary political science teacher in a state-run school, flouting all norms. Ankita Adhikari, is alleged of securing the job without qualifying in the merit list and even without appearing for the personality test.

Adhikari told CBI that while his daughter's appointment took place, although he had joined Trinamool Congress by then, he was not the minister of state for education. Adhikari also told the CBI that only WBSSC authorities can answer on the details of his daughter's appointment.

To recall, Paresh Chandra Adhikari was the acting food minister of West Bengal from 2006 to 2011 during the previous Left Front regime led by the-then chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. In August 2018, he joined Trinamool Congress leaving his earlier party of All India Forward Bloc and he was greeted in the party by the- then state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general, Partha Chatterjee.

Within 72 hours from his joining Trinamool Congress, his daughter's name figured in the merit list. After the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, he was made the minister of state for education.

Incidentally, when Ankita Adhikari got the appointment, Partha Chatterjee, as the-then state education minister had the overall authority of WBSSC and hence in the second round of questioning next week, he will have to face queries relating to this development.

CBI sources said that if necessity arises, at a later stage Chatterjee might be questioned after placing him face-to-face with Paresh Chandra Adhikari and the members of the screening committee to avoid further inconsistencies.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
Pharmacists will have greater freedoms to choose alternative HRT products if the original prescription is out of stock.

The Governments HRT Supply Taskforce, which was set up to tackle widespread shortages, has agreed to further Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) to give pharmacists more control  something they have been demanding.

It will mean women can be offered another product at the pharmacy to relieve their symptoms if their normal HRT is out of stock.



At the end of April, the Government issued three SSPs to restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months supply to help relieve pressure in the system.

The two new further SSPs are for Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel, which will also be put on a three month supply.

Under the rules, all these items can generally be substituted for transdermal patches.

Thousands of menopausal women have struggled to get their hands on key medication, which has led to online swaps and medicines being offered on the black market.

In the new announcement, the Government said there had been recent further deliveries of the popular products Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose.

Premique now has good availability, it said, while the manufacturers of Oestrogel and Ovestin are working to increase UK supply.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: We are working to ensure HRT is available for everyone who needs it and I am pleased to see suppliers continuing to increase the supply of some products which is a testament to the collaborative approach being taken.

Meetings with suppliers are ongoing and were taking decisive action to manage HRT supply issues and reduce any delays  this includes issuing further SSPs so that women are able to access the medication they need.

Pharmacists have also been granted powers to share medicines, where appropriate.

Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: We welcome the news that more SSPs have been put in place for hormone replacement therapy products.

This short term measure will help women access supplies of HRT medicines which are difficult to get hold of.

This is a very fluid situation, with some products due to return to normal availability shortly.

However, the bureaucracy involved in completing the SSP process for each individual patient is quite burdensome for pharmacists and we hope to see the shortage of HRT products resolved as soon as possible under the leadership of the new HRT tsar.

Ultimately wed like to see a change in the law which makes the whole process easier and quicker for both pharmacists and patients.

The advice on which HRT product to substitute with another has been drawn up by experts and women can be confident they will receive whats appropriate for them.

Women should talk to their pharmacist if they have any concerns about their HRT medicines.

Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce, Madelaine McTernan, said: I am very encouraged by the constructive engagement across the sector and enthusiasm with which suppliers and pharmacists are looking to work with us to meet this challenge.

Focusing both on measures that ensure we can use stocks most efficiently whilst also ensuring supply is increased is critical.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.

Chennai, May 21 : Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Arappor Iyakkam has lodged a corruption complaint against R. Vaithilingam, a lawmaker and a former Minister in the AIADMK government and his son V. Prabhu with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC), said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convener.

Arappor Iyakkam is working towards transparency and accountability in governance.

Enclosing various documents, Venkatesan has sent the complaint against Vaithilingam for alleged payment of Rs 27.9 crore as bribe from Shriram Properties and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (now known as Gateway office parks private ltd) for building permission.

The AIADMK leader Vaithilingam representing the Orathanadu assembly constituency was the Minister of Housing and Urban Development during 2011-2016 AIADMK rule.

Venkatesan said the alleged bribe was paid in 2015-16 for sanction of plan for high rise building near here.

Analysis of various documents available points to the payment of bribe and corruption by Vaithilingam, his son Prabhu and Shriram Properties and Infrastructure, he said.

Venkatesan said Shriram Properties had applied with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for permission to build 24 blocks of residential and IT units on December 2, 2013. The Planning permission was approved on December 24, 2016.

Arappor Iyakkam's Venkatesan alleged that Shriram Properties and Infrastructure had paid Rs 27.9 crore as bribe to Vaithilingam in the form of an unsecured loan to his son's company Muthammal Estates Pvt Ltd.

The alleged payment was made by Shriram Properties' group company Bharath Coal Chemicals Ltd in the year 2015-16.

The Muthammal Estates was formed on September 22, 2014 with a share capital of Rs 36,00,000 and its revenue is zero until 2019-20, Venkatesan said.

He said Muthammal Estates used the money to buy lands in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu in 2015-16, 2017 and 2019.

Venkatesan also said Bharath Coal Chemicals dealing in metal and chemical manufacturing has been facing finance problems and in 2019-20 it had filed for bankruptcy with debt of Rs 281 crore to various financial creditors.
New Delhi, May 21 : Following the recent arrests of a few Chartered Accountants for some alleged GST related matters, the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) expressed strong resentment over the development.

The Council was also apprised of the strong feelings of members throughout the country regarding the "ill-treatment" being meted to certain members rather than taking strong action against the actual perpetrators.

Thus, it resolved to form a group comprising its members to interface with authorities in order to ensure that just and fair treatment is meted out to the Chartered Accountants and that they are not made soft targets.

The Council took this decision at a meeting on Friday.
Noida, May 21 : A man and a woman, both 28-year-olds, died by suicide after jumping off a building here in Noida, an official said.

The deceased, identified as Sachin Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad and the woman, jumped off at around 4 p.m. on Friday from the 22nd floor of F tower, 14th Avenue which comes under jurisdiction of Bisrakh police station.

"We have sent the bodies for postmortem and necessary legal action is being taken," the official said.

During a preliminary probe it was revealed that both the dead were known to each other. It is yet to be ascertained as to why the duo took he extreme step.

"No suicide note was recovered from the spot," SHO Bisrakh Umesh Bahadur Singh told IANS.

The police have not registered any FIR in the case. The probe of the incident is still underway, the official added.
New Delhi, May 21 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are teaming up to make an opposition front against the BJP minus the Congress.

K. Chandrashekhar Rao, on his visit to Delhi on Saturday, will be visiting Mohalla clinics along with Kejriwal. He is also likely to issue a statement later in the day.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had also visited Delhi.

Both Arvind Kejriwal and KCR share good personal relationship and have a understanding with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. The Telangana CM will be meeting other leaders also and this is his second leg of meeting with like-minded parties.

He will call on leaders of various political parties in the national capital. He will also meet leading economists and discuss the country's economic situation with them.

The TRS chief will leave for Chandigarh on May 22. He, along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, respectively, will present a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers.

After the Narendra Modi government withdrew the three controversial farm laws, the TRS government had announced the compensation for farmers who died during the year-long movement.

On May 26, the Telangana Chief Minister will reach Bengaluru. He will call on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The next day, he will leave for Ralegan Siddhi where he will meet prominent social activist Anna Hazare. From there, he will go to Shirdi for Saibaba's darshan and will then return to Hyderabad.

According to the CMO, KCR will leave for a visit to West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30. He will console the families of Indian Army personnel who were martyred in clashes with Chinese PLA troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. He will present cheques to the families of the martyrs.

In March, KCR visited Ranchi. He, along with his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two soldiers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.







North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
Monrovia  A key former ally of Gibril Massaquoi, the Revolutionary United Front commander, says a Finnish District Court got it wrong when it acquitted Massaquoi of charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Liberia.

FPA Exclusive by Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Joseph Marzah, commonly known as "Zizar Marzah", was a fierce general with then-president Charles Taylor's forces in the period Finnish prosecutors alleged Massaquoi conducted his crimes during a trial that lasted more than a year. Marzah was a key figure, accused repeatedly by witnesses of atrocities allegedly committed with Massaquoi in Lofa County. In an exclusive interview with New Narratives last week at his residence along the Monrovia-Robertsfield highway, Marzah insisted Massaquoi was among the RUF troops Taylor sent to Liberia to help defend his government against the uprising by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebel group that would eventually drive Taylor to resign in August 2003.

In an 850-page ruling, the Finnish judges found there was "reasonable doubt" as to whether Massaquoi, who denied the charges, was in Liberia when the alleged crimes took place. They acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. Prosecutors plan to appeal.

"Gibril Massaquoi fully took part in war here," Marzah said listing the Lofa towns he was with Massaquoi. "He passed through the towns of Zorzor, Fessibu and Vasala."

Marzah said Massaquoi was decorated with the rank of Captain at Taylor's direction because of his strong performance on the frontlines of battle.

"Gibril Massquoi was assigned to me. When we sent him for our logistics like arms and ammunition, he went for them and brought them to us," said Marzah. "Where there was intense fighting, he joined us to fight. In 2001 and 2002, he was with us, and we battled LURD in Chicken Soup Factory, Double Bridge, ELWA and Shefflin."

Marzah's claims back the allegations put forward by Finnish prosecutors that Massaquoi had been active in Liberia's second civil war between 1999 and 2003. The indictment alleged Massaquoi committed rape, torture, ritual murder, torture and recruitment of child soldiers in villages in Lofa County in the years 2000-2002.

In the most shocking crime heard during trial, Liberian witnesses testified that dozens of women and children were forced into a kitchen building that was set alight, burning them to death.

Marzah, no doubt mindful of his own risk of prosecution, did not concede that he and Massaquoi committed any crimes. But he insisted Massaquoi was with him, as many had witnesses testified, in Lofa during the 2001-2002 period.

"If Gibril Massaquoi denies that he was with me, NPFL, I would like for us to sit face-to-face (in court) so that I can question him like the scenario between Taylor and I. I fear nothing."

However, Marzah cast doubt on the most contentious prosecution accusation: that Massaquoi escaped a UN-backed safehouse in Freetown between June and August 2003 to fight for Taylor in the Waterside area of Monrovia.

"In 2003, I only heard that he came (from Sierra Leone) and went back. I was assigned to Grand Cape Mount County at the time."

Marzah claimed Massaquoi escaped Liberia in 2002 after he stole from Taylor.

"After we had made two trips (with two jars of diamonds) along with the logistics to Taylor, he left us because he ran away with the third jar of diamonds," said Marzah. "When the order came that if we saw Gibril Massaquoi, we should execute him because of the diamonds he stole and ran away with, I didn't see him then."

Massaquoi's Lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus denied commenting on Marzah's allegations, telling this reporter in a WhatsApp message "the defense does not feel the need to comment on Mr. Marzah's allegations".

Marzah said he was approached by representatives of the Finnish investigators in the case and was willing to testify. He did not say why he was not called to give evidence.

In a WhatsApp message Tom Laitienen, the Chief Prosecutor for the case said "We considered Marzah as a witness, but practical issues hindered us from hearing him. We will most likely consider him again if he agrees to testify."

When pressed as to what the practical issues may have been Laitinen said "unfortunately, I cannot discuss them in detail, but they include his possible role in the suspected crimes and his role as a witness to the Special Court."

It is not clear that Marzah's testimony would have made a difference in the verdict. The court found many of the witnesses, including those who claimed to be ex-soldiers of Charles Taylor's army, were unreliable. It said they had provided contradictory and inconsistent statements between the investigation and the trial. The court found it likely they had been influenced to a degree.

"The witnesses' accounts have been very similar in some respects, and in some respects they have changed in court in the same way compared to the pre-trial phase," said the ruling. "This has been the case in particular with regard to the time of the events. This suggests a kind of collective processing of the facts on the basis of which the witnesses formed their perceptions, or at least external influences. In some respects it has been difficult to distinguish between what was based on the witness's own observations and what was otherwise based on information obtained by the witness. These factors undermine the reliability and relevance of individual reports as evidence."

While the court was persuaded that Massaquoi, whose testimony played a key role in the conviction of Taylor and a dozen top rebel leaders in the Special Court for Sierra Leone, held very high rank in the RUF, it was not convinced he committed war crimes in Liberia.

The Court's ruling was almost entirely about inconsistencies in the witnesses' testimonies. It cited as examples, where some of the witnesses were not exact about key dates and names of individuals who may have carried out crimes. In one instance, witnesses accused Massaquoi of being responsible for mass killings in Kamatahun, Lofa County. In another instance, they attributed the crimes to Marzah.

"It has emerged from several witness accounts that "Zig Zag" Marzah or "Stanley" [another Taylor commander] had been responsible for the burning of people in the Lofa area, especially in Kamatahun."

Marzah Denies Allegations

Marzah, now 64 and living in a remote part of his native Nimba County, denies he committed any atrocities.

He claimed to have provided safety for members of the Gbandi tribe, who were allegedly burnt alive in buildings, because, he claimed, his wife was a Gbandi woman. Marzah denied he was in the town when the alleged killings took place.

"It was Benjamin Yeaten [another top Taylor commander known as "Chief 50"] who sent Brigadier General Gourtor, [known as "Idi Amin" after the late Ugandan President], "Butu Lazen" and the late "Busy Boy". They went to Kamatahun Hassala to carry out those executions," Marzah alleged.

Yeaten, whose whereabouts are unknown, was mentioned many times by witnesses. They told the court Yeaten was very close to Taylor and coordinated the operations of government and RUF forces. Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in a British jail for aiding and abetting Sierra Leone's civil war, funded the operations of the RUF by giving them arms and ammunitions in exchange for diamonds according to the Special Court.

Marzah said there were times that both RUF and Taylor's forces backed up each other, depending on the scale of the attacks they experienced from opponents.

Special Court former Trial Attorney Backs Marzah's Comments

Marzah's comments were backed up by Chris Santora, a former Trial Attorney for the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone and on the Taylor trial.

"Whoever really understands well the history of the links between Charles Taylor and the RUF trial knows that top RUF commanders were often in Liberia interacting at many levels with Benjamin Yeaten and Charles Taylor throughout 2000 and 2001," said Santora.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"The reasons were many not least of which was Taylor's use of the RUF in his own war in Liberia but also this was when the diamond pipeline was at its peak as the RUF had firm control of the diamond areas of Kono. Many of these RUF commanders including Massaquoi were back and forth frequently through 2001 as they were running diamonds. (sometimes their own side deals others through Taylor) The finding of the Finish District Court which says that Gibril Massaquoi was not anymore traveling at all to Liberia after June 2001 does not accord with the overwhelming evidence I myself have seen. It doesn't make sense in the larger context of events at that time period," said Santora.

Marzah Supports a War Crimes Court for Liberia

Once considered a Taylor trusted general, Marzah, dismissed allegations that he betrayed his former boss. But he said he did oppose Taylor by the end. He was "killing our people slowly," Marzah said. He blamed Taylor for the murders of a long list of individuals, including Enoch Dogolea, Taylor's first Vice President and Samuel Dokie, a leading opposition politician with the Unity Party at the time.

Marzah is ranked 66th on a list of 100 most notorious perpetrators recommended for prosecution for gross human rights violations by Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But in the interview he expressed support for a war crimes court and said he was willing to appear.

"I prefer it to be in Liberia," he said. "There are some wicked people. Some did nothing, some went in the government because they have connections. Some carried out destruction. So, it's better for the war crimes court to come to sifter all of us. I am willing for it to come. That's the time we all will explain everything in detail."

Prosecutors will file a motion to appeal the District Court's acquittal in coming weeks.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West Africa Justice Reporting Project.


Liz Truss wants to see both Ukraine and neighbouring "vulnerable states" such as Moldova "permanently able to defend" themselves.

Moldova should be "equipped to Nato standard" to guard against potential Russian aggression, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Liz Truss wants to see both Ukraine and neighbouring "vulnerable states" such as Moldova "permanently able to defend" themselves.

The UK is discussing the prospect of further military equipment for Moldova with allies, given Vladimir Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Ms Truss said: "What were working on at the moment is a joint commission with Ukraine and Poland on upgrading Ukrainian defences to Nato standard.

So we will scope out what that looks like, what the Ukrainians need. The question then is how do you maintain that over time?

How do we ensure that there is deterrence by denial, that Ukraine is permanently able to defend itself and how do we guarantee that happens? Thats what we are working on at the moment.

And that also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova. Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to Nato standards.

Pressed on whether she wants to see Western weaponry and intelligence provided to Moldova, Ms Truss said: I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies.

Asked if this is because Russia poses a security threat to Moldova, she said: Absolutely. I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia.

And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

The Telegraph cited an aide as saying Nato standard would involve members of the alliance supplying modern equipment to replace gear from the Soviet era, and providing training in how to use it.

It comes as the Prime Minister spoke to Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Boris Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the Nato alliance, No 10 said, after Mr Erdogan said he opposed their accession  accusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

Story continues

A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish and Nato counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, No 10 said.

The spokesperson added: The Prime Minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

The Prime Minister and President Erdogan looked forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic recount because of close results in Newtown, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania GOP Senate Primary Results Might Not Be Known Until June 8

One of the most closely followed U.S. primaries might not be determined until as late as June 8.

Three days after the May 17 Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate primary election, ballots continue to be tallied. As of midday May 20, celebrity surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz held a slim lead over former hedge fund executive and Gulf War combat veteran David McCormick.

According to Decision Desk HQ, at 5 p.m. ET on May 20, Oz had 418,470 votes (31.16 percent) followed by McCormick at 417,391 (31.08 percent). The difference is 1,079 votes out of 1,343,163 ballots counted.

Regardless of who has the most votes when all the ballots are recorded, the race appears to be headed for a recount. Under Pennsylvania law, an automatic recount is triggered when the difference between the top two candidates is within 0.5 percent.

The winner would need a margin of approximately 6,700 votes to avoid an automatic recount.

The chances of a recount are 100 percent and no less, Josh Novotney, a Pennsylvania-based Republican consultant, told Politico. Theres still votes coming in.

It will probably get even tighter than it is now, which is almost humanly impossible. Each side will definitely be wanting any slight edge they can get going into a recount.

On May 20, county election boards across the state began meeting to determine problematic and provisional ballots, while election staffers registered thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots.

Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia were still recording Election Day votes.

As of midday on May 20, Pennsylvanias Department of State reported that approximately 28,000 mail-in and absentee ballotsincluding 8,300 in the Republican primarywere yet to be counted.

McCormick has performed better among mail-in ballots, while Oz has seen more success among Election Day votes.

Overseas and military absentee ballots must be counted before counties can certify their results to the state by the deadline on May 24 at 5 p.m.

A former hedge fund executive and U.S. Treasury Department official in former President George W. Bushs administration, McCormick is a West Point graduate, a former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper, and a Gulf War combat veteran.

His campaign believes that it will benefit McCormick when military ballots are tabulated.

Right now, there are 1,582 [military and overseas absentee ballots]between both partiesthat are awaiting processing statewide, a senior McCormick campaign spokesman said on May 19. If you just give us a thousand of those [as Republican ballots], I think theyd probably pick the 82nd Airborne paratrooper over the Turkish Army surgeon.

Provisional ballots must be counted by May 24 at 5 p.m. as well.

These ballots are cast by first-time voters who couldnt provide a required ID; individuals who requested a mail-in ballot, but instead voted in person and didnt surrender their mail-in ballot; or people who moved to a new address and didnt update their registration.

County election officials started the review process of these ballots on May 20. Theyre required to determine what ballots are valid by the close of business on May 24.

We feel quite confident that when every vote thats been cast is counted  Dave McCormick is going to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania, a senior McCormick campaign official said.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania holds a campaign rally at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville, Pa., on April 20, 2022. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

An Oz campaign spokesperson said the math isnt in McCormicks favor and that we are confident Dr. Oz will win this race.

Multiple lawsuits contesting decisions in certain counties could happen before a recount begins.

To prepare for the probable recount, both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers. Both campaigns have also brought aboard Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped guide the vote-counting observation on Election Day for Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The secretary of state must determine if a recount will be held by the second Thursday following the day of the election, which is May 26.

The recount would be managed by the individual counties and start no later than the third Wednesday after Election Day, which would be June 1.

It must be finished by noon on the following Tuesday, which, in this case, would be June 7. Counties would submit results to the state by June 8.

With the U.S. Senate split 5050, and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) retiring, the states November general election is expected to be one of the countrys most pivotal races. Oz or McCormick will face Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who handily won the Democratic primary a few days after suffering a stroke. He underwent a successful procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator on the same day the primary was held.

Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, Fetterman said. He remained hospitalized on May 20.
Liz Truss wants to see both Ukraine and neighbouring "vulnerable states" such as Moldova "permanently able to defend" themselves.

Moldova should be "equipped to Nato standard" to guard against potential Russian aggression, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Liz Truss wants to see both Ukraine and neighbouring "vulnerable states" such as Moldova "permanently able to defend" themselves.

The UK is discussing the prospect of further military equipment for Moldova with allies, given Vladimir Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Ms Truss said: "What were working on at the moment is a joint commission with Ukraine and Poland on upgrading Ukrainian defences to Nato standard.

So we will scope out what that looks like, what the Ukrainians need. The question then is how do you maintain that over time?

How do we ensure that there is deterrence by denial, that Ukraine is permanently able to defend itself and how do we guarantee that happens? Thats what we are working on at the moment.

And that also applies to other vulnerable states such as Moldova. Because again, the threat is broader from Russia, we also need to make sure that they are equipped to Nato standards.

Pressed on whether she wants to see Western weaponry and intelligence provided to Moldova, Ms Truss said: I would want to see Moldova equipped to Nato standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies.

Asked if this is because Russia poses a security threat to Moldova, she said: Absolutely. I mean, Putin has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia.

And just because his attempts to take Kyiv werent successful doesnt mean hes abandoned those ambitions.

The Telegraph cited an aide as saying Nato standard would involve members of the alliance supplying modern equipment to replace gear from the Soviet era, and providing training in how to use it.

It comes as the Prime Minister spoke to Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Boris Johnson emphasised that Finland and Sweden would be valuable additions to the Nato alliance, No 10 said, after Mr Erdogan said he opposed their accession  accusing the pair of not taking a clear stance against groups his country perceives to be terrorists.

Story continues

A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson encouraged Turkeys president to work with Swedish, Finnish and Nato counterparts to address any concerns ahead of the alliances summit in Madrid in June.

The leaders shared their deep concern at ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region and wider world, No 10 said.

The spokesperson added: The Prime Minister welcomed Turkeys leading role in addressing the crisis, and they agreed to work together to unlock vital supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks and alleviate rising global food prices.

The Prime Minister and President Erdogan looked forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.







By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.











An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
An 18-year-old who received a mandatory five-day jail sentence for being a juvenile in possession of a handgun must be resentenced under the broader range of options available to offenders who are no longer children, the state's Court of Appeals has decided.
YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, United States President Joe Biden said in a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani AZERTAC state news agency reported.

Now is also a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The United States is ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to help Azerbaijan develop the economic, transportation, and people-to-people connections that will enable the entire Caucasus and trans-Caspian region to prosper, Biden said in part.

Biden also noted that the United States encourages Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps towards democratic governance. We continue to encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democratic governance and reforms that protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Azerbaijanis, Biden said in the letter of congratulation to President Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day.
Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.
Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.

Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.





Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.






By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.












Jimmy Sengenberger is host of "The Jimmy Sengenberger Show" Saturdays from 6-9am on News/Talk 710 KNUS. He also hosts "Jimmy at the Crossroads," a webshow and podcast in partnership with The Washington Examiner.


Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.







By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.














By Kang Seung-woo







U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has become the Joe Biden administration's most hard-to-meet person for the new Korean government, being absent from the American leader's first trip to Seoul since his inauguration in January 2021.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AFP-Yonhap





Biden arrived here Friday accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but Blinken instead opted to deliver remarks at Georgetown University's commencement ceremony, Saturday (local time), where he also received an honorary Doctorate of humane Letters.







It is not the first time that officials of the Yoon administration have missed out on an opportunity to meet Blinken in person.







In April, one month after his election, Yoon dispatched a seven-member policy consultation delegation, headed by now-Foreign Minister Park Jin, with one of the main objectives of the delegation being to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Yoon took office, May 10.







While in Washington, they met with U.S. administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell and Sullivan as well as U.S. lawmakers and experts from think tanks.







However, they failed to meet with Blinken, who had to attend a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussel at the time due to the Russian war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from the opposition party claiming that the delegation had "the door shut in its face."







On May 13, Park and Blinken held their first video talks.







As for the absence of the state secretary from the U.S. president's trip to Asia, which also includes a visit to Japan, there is general agreement that it does not carry extra significance.







"It is Biden's trip to Korea, not Blinken's, so even if he had joined the president, his role would have been limited here," a diplomatic source said.







Nevertheless, the Yoon administration may feel uncomfortable with Blinken's absence in the wake of the State Department's announcement that he will accompany Biden in Japan, which may draw more disapproval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.







"Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo, Japan, May 21 to 24 to accompany President Biden on his first official trip to Asia as president to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend the Quad Leaders' Summit," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press statement.







He will also join Biden for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, where President Yoon will also attend remotely, Price added.










North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday, in this photo provided by the North Korean government. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image. AP-Yonhap





North Korea said Saturday it has confirmed around 220,000 new cases of "fever" and another death, nine days after publicly admitting a COVID-19 outbreak.







The nation's leader Kim Jong-un also had a ruling Workers' Party politburo meeting to discuss strategies in the "anti-epidemic war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







He stressed the need to "optimize" the virus prevention policy and take "all possible steps for revitalizing the overall economy" at the same time.







More than 219,030 people showed "symptoms of fever" and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. the previous day, the KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It raised the death toll to 66, while 281,350 have recovered.






Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.
Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.
Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.
Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.
Volkswagen is expanding its global production network for electric vehicles by now starting to make the all-electric ID.4 in Emden. Emden is now the second site for electric vehicles in Germany following Zwickau and also joins the Chinese plants in Anting and Foshan. Chattanooga (ID.4) and Hanover will also commence production this year.





As a result, Volkswagen is creating the conditions in 2022 for building 1.2 million all-electric vehicles a year based on the MEB in the future at its sites in Europe, the US and China.

Volkswagen has invested around 1 million in converting the Emden plant with its 8,000 employees. Emden is thus the first high-tech site for electric mobility in Lower Saxony. The Volkswagen Group will invest a total of 21 billion in Lower Saxony up to 2026 and make the federal state Germanys center for electric mobility.

Apart from the ID.4, Emden will make another modelthe AERO Bnext year. In addition, production of the iconic ID. Buzz will commence this year at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. It will be joined from 2023 on by the ID.3 made in Wolfsburg, while a further electric vehiclethe Trinitywill then roll off the assembly line at the location starting in 2026.

The Group is also investing in Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Kassel, among other things in further expansion of the existing MEB production of battery systems, rotors/stators and electric motors. The Salzgitter location is being expanded further into a European battery hub.

The ID.4s start-up is on schedule, despite the global challenges during the two-year conversion phase. Emdens maximum production capacity at the end of 2022 will be 800 units per working day, depending on the supply situation.

Six new production halls and five new conveyor bridges and logistics buildings over a total area of some 125,000 square meters have been created as part of the plants conversion. A foundation for successful transformation is the qualification concept at Emden, which comprises training near to the production line and virtual training, as well as sharing of knowledge and experience with Volkswagens Zwickau site. More than 400 employees from Emden have been assigned to Zwickau since early 2020 in order to prepare for producing electric vehicles.

The ID.4 is now produced at the Emden and Zwickau sites and at the Anting and Foshan plants in China. Production for the US market will start in Chattanooga in the fall. The global production network will then grow to five locations.

Following its market launch in early 2021, the ID.4 has quickly become a success: In the first quarter of 2022 alone, Volkswagen delivered more than 30,000 unitsmeaning every one-in-two all-electric vehicles from Volkswagen is an ID.4. 163,000 units have been delivered since its launch, making the ID.4 the Volkswagen brands and the Groups best-selling e-vehicle.

In many markets, the electric SUV jumped to the top of the sales charts in its very first year and was the best-selling all-electric vehicle in countries such as Denmark, Finland, Ireland or Sweden. There are currently around 73,000 orders on hand worldwide for the successful model.
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Supermarkets that have made a show of banning vodka and other Russian products continue to sell the countrys fuel.

Tankers from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons have been filmed filling up at an Essex terminal this week following the arrival of a consignment of Russian diesel.

The retail industrys trade body said the supermarkets will have to phase it out by the end of 2022 in line with a UK ban on Russian oil imports.

Greenpeace, which filmed the tankers, accused the supermarkets of effectively funding Putins war machine by buying Russian diesel.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the trucks were seen arriving at Navigator Terminals, at the mouth of the Thames, just hours after a 33,000-ton shipment was delivered. Greenpeace UK oil and gas campaigner, Elena Polisano, said: Supermarkets were quick to remove Russian vodka from shelves and rename their chicken Kievs as chicken Kyivs.

Supermarkets picked up 33,000-ton shipment of Russian diesel in Essex this week (pictured) A woman fills up her car with diesel at a petrol station

Customers will be outraged if supermarkets are asking them to donate to Ukraine at the till, but passing their money to Putin at the pump.

Polling for Greenpeace UK found that 74 per cent of the public are unaware that fuel at supermarket petrol stations may contain Russian diesel.

Russian vodka and other imports had been boycotted over Russia's war with Ukraine (Stock Image) Bottle of Russian Standard Vodka

Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium said: Our members are fully committed to phasing out Russian oil... and are working to do so as quickly as possible while ensuring good supply for customers.

Sainsburys added it has taken a range of steps to show support for Ukraine.
Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.
Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.

Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
State Representative Donna McLeod, who is campaigning energetically but lags in fund-raising, is also running in the contest, which could head to a runoff.

The intraparty battle comes roughly a year and a half after Georgia, a longtime Republican bastion, not only helped deliver the presidency to the Democrats, but also elected two Democratic senators, cementing the partys Senate majority. Those victories were propelled by a broad constellation of constituencies, including a surge in turnout by Black Georgians and a thorough rejection of Donald J. Trump in the states diverse suburbs.

Ms. McBath is a Black woman from the suburbs of Atlanta who has been embraced by several liberal organizations and some progressives like Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, but she is not typically seen as a left-wing candidate. Ms. Bourdeaux, a white moderate, was also skilled at appealing to those in historically center-right territory. Both represent, in many ways, parts of the sprawling Biden coalition that Democrats are straining to hold together headed into a challenging midterm election season.

Ms. Bourdeaux is regarded as the more centrist candidate in the race. She joined other House moderates, for instance, in saying she would not support a budget resolution meant to pave the way for President Bidens sweeping social policy package until a bipartisan infrastructure measure became law, a stance that outraged many Democrats who had planned to pair the priorities.

But in contrast to Democratic primaries elsewhere, the primary contest in Georgias Seventh District has not been a searing ideological fight over the direction of the party, or a race dominated by negative advertising. Both women emphasize issues like protecting abortion rights and voting rights, and they received a joint endorsement from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

Yet there are clear stylistic and strategic differences as they vie to represent a racially and ethnically diverse district.

Ms. McBath, widely regarded as the front-runner, is running on her personal story, recently earning national attention from prominent Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for her starkly emotional testimony about her struggles with pregnancy as she advocated for abortion rights.
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Supermarkets that have made a show of banning vodka and other Russian products continue to sell the countrys fuel.

Tankers from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons have been filmed filling up at an Essex terminal this week following the arrival of a consignment of Russian diesel.

The retail industrys trade body said the supermarkets will have to phase it out by the end of 2022 in line with a UK ban on Russian oil imports.

Greenpeace, which filmed the tankers, accused the supermarkets of effectively funding Putins war machine by buying Russian diesel.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the trucks were seen arriving at Navigator Terminals, at the mouth of the Thames, just hours after a 33,000-ton shipment was delivered. Greenpeace UK oil and gas campaigner, Elena Polisano, said: Supermarkets were quick to remove Russian vodka from shelves and rename their chicken Kievs as chicken Kyivs.

Supermarkets picked up 33,000-ton shipment of Russian diesel in Essex this week (pictured) A woman fills up her car with diesel at a petrol station

Customers will be outraged if supermarkets are asking them to donate to Ukraine at the till, but passing their money to Putin at the pump.

Polling for Greenpeace UK found that 74 per cent of the public are unaware that fuel at supermarket petrol stations may contain Russian diesel.

Russian vodka and other imports had been boycotted over Russia's war with Ukraine (Stock Image) Bottle of Russian Standard Vodka

Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium said: Our members are fully committed to phasing out Russian oil... and are working to do so as quickly as possible while ensuring good supply for customers.

Sainsburys added it has taken a range of steps to show support for Ukraine.
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Westman farmers will be forced to make some serious decisions over the next few days following much precipitation this week, according to Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell.

The heavy rain and cold temperatures the region has experienced over the last couple weeks has slowed seeding efforts considerably, which means producers may have to pivot their crop planting strategy to accommodate a later start.

"There was a lot of patience expressed prior to this weekend, but I think now weve come to the point where we have to make decisions and move forward and do the best that we can," Campbell said Friday afternoon.

According to Manitobas most recent crop report that was released Tuesday, seeding progress sits at about four per cent provincewide, which is a substantial step down from the 50 per cent completion average for this time of year.

With parts of Western Manitoba having endured between 30 and 70 millimetres of precipitation this week alone, Campbell explained that conditions are not ideal for planting crops, partially because traversing the wet soil in heavy farm equipment is next to impossible.

"Im not sure when were going to be able to travel on the land," said the KAP president, who also farms near Minto. "The soil temperature and the soil conditions are just not favourable for seeding at this point."

Hartney-area producer Brendan Phillips shares a lot of Campbells concerns, telling the Sun on Friday how delayed seeding can result in a massive societal domino effect beyond his individual financial woes.

"Its a grave concern for not only us as farmers but also the entire agriculture community that relies on us pulling off a crop and supporting the economic development in the area," said Phillips, who grows canola, wheat, corn and soybeans.

"And as we get into June, your yields tend to decline to some extent and you get pushed up against crop insurance deadline windows, which [means] if you sow after that day, your crop is insurable at less of a dollar value."

On the insurance front, producers like Phillips caught somewhat of a break on Friday, when the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced it is extending the AgriInsurance seeding deadlines for soybeans in Westman to June 4.

AgriInsurance contract holders who are unable to seed by June 20 due to wet conditions are eligible for excess moisture insurance.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers executive director Daryl Domitruk told the Sun that the excessively wet weather does present an upside, especially when compared to the bone-dry conditions that farmers had to endure last summer.

"The crop went in at a good time last year, but we had no rain so it didnt yield very well," Domitruk said. "This year, its a tough time to get the crop in, but if we do get it in, it should be well supported by a good amount of moisture in the soil."

Of course, successful seeding before June will depend on the forecast, with Environment Canada predicting a five-day stretch of sunny weather in Brandon starting Sunday.

But in the meantime, Campbell advises his fellow producers to remain vigilant and explore a couple different seeding strategies if the forecast doesnt turn in their favour.

"It could be the middle or the end of next week before those conditions become favourable for widespread seeding," he said.

"So theres lots of thoughts about how we seed the crop and change some of that process  going to broadcast seeding, maybe even aerial seeding. Lots of scenarios are being thought of throughout this weekend."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.


Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.

Supermarkets that have made a show of banning vodka and other Russian products continue to sell the countrys fuel.

Tankers from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons have been filmed filling up at an Essex terminal this week following the arrival of a consignment of Russian diesel.

The retail industrys trade body said the supermarkets will have to phase it out by the end of 2022 in line with a UK ban on Russian oil imports.

Greenpeace, which filmed the tankers, accused the supermarkets of effectively funding Putins war machine by buying Russian diesel.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the trucks were seen arriving at Navigator Terminals, at the mouth of the Thames, just hours after a 33,000-ton shipment was delivered. Greenpeace UK oil and gas campaigner, Elena Polisano, said: Supermarkets were quick to remove Russian vodka from shelves and rename their chicken Kievs as chicken Kyivs.

Supermarkets picked up 33,000-ton shipment of Russian diesel in Essex this week (pictured) A woman fills up her car with diesel at a petrol station

Customers will be outraged if supermarkets are asking them to donate to Ukraine at the till, but passing their money to Putin at the pump.

Polling for Greenpeace UK found that 74 per cent of the public are unaware that fuel at supermarket petrol stations may contain Russian diesel.

Russian vodka and other imports had been boycotted over Russia's war with Ukraine (Stock Image) Bottle of Russian Standard Vodka

Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium said: Our members are fully committed to phasing out Russian oil... and are working to do so as quickly as possible while ensuring good supply for customers.

Sainsburys added it has taken a range of steps to show support for Ukraine.

Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.




BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Ma Erdong is a community worker in charge of disability affairs in Haidian District, Beijing. Though a visually impaired person herself, she has volunteered to help with the COVID-19 fight in her community amid the latest resurgence of coronavirus infections in the city.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Volkswagen is expanding its global production network for electric vehicles by now starting to make the all-electric ID.4 in Emden. Emden is now the second site for electric vehicles in Germany following Zwickau and also joins the Chinese plants in Anting and Foshan. Chattanooga (ID.4) and Hanover will also commence production this year.





As a result, Volkswagen is creating the conditions in 2022 for building 1.2 million all-electric vehicles a year based on the MEB in the future at its sites in Europe, the US and China.

Volkswagen has invested around 1 million in converting the Emden plant with its 8,000 employees. Emden is thus the first high-tech site for electric mobility in Lower Saxony. The Volkswagen Group will invest a total of 21 billion in Lower Saxony up to 2026 and make the federal state Germanys center for electric mobility.

Apart from the ID.4, Emden will make another modelthe AERO Bnext year. In addition, production of the iconic ID. Buzz will commence this year at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. It will be joined from 2023 on by the ID.3 made in Wolfsburg, while a further electric vehiclethe Trinitywill then roll off the assembly line at the location starting in 2026.

The Group is also investing in Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Kassel, among other things in further expansion of the existing MEB production of battery systems, rotors/stators and electric motors. The Salzgitter location is being expanded further into a European battery hub.

The ID.4s start-up is on schedule, despite the global challenges during the two-year conversion phase. Emdens maximum production capacity at the end of 2022 will be 800 units per working day, depending on the supply situation.

Six new production halls and five new conveyor bridges and logistics buildings over a total area of some 125,000 square meters have been created as part of the plants conversion. A foundation for successful transformation is the qualification concept at Emden, which comprises training near to the production line and virtual training, as well as sharing of knowledge and experience with Volkswagens Zwickau site. More than 400 employees from Emden have been assigned to Zwickau since early 2020 in order to prepare for producing electric vehicles.

The ID.4 is now produced at the Emden and Zwickau sites and at the Anting and Foshan plants in China. Production for the US market will start in Chattanooga in the fall. The global production network will then grow to five locations.

Following its market launch in early 2021, the ID.4 has quickly become a success: In the first quarter of 2022 alone, Volkswagen delivered more than 30,000 unitsmeaning every one-in-two all-electric vehicles from Volkswagen is an ID.4. 163,000 units have been delivered since its launch, making the ID.4 the Volkswagen brands and the Groups best-selling e-vehicle.

In many markets, the electric SUV jumped to the top of the sales charts in its very first year and was the best-selling all-electric vehicle in countries such as Denmark, Finland, Ireland or Sweden. There are currently around 73,000 orders on hand worldwide for the successful model.
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair

Pakistan, the so-called land of the pure, was carved out of India as a homeland for Muslims, a fact that was doubly ensured by the cleansing out of most of the non-Muslims who were living within it. Yet India continued to be homeland for all Indians, Hindu and Muslim, Christian or Sikh, from Assam to Rajasthan, from Kerala to Kashmir  and hoping to become a modern, democratic and secular nation of many faiths and nationalities. Even those Hindu nationalists who for long took a simplistic view of the 1947 Partition as India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims had till the advent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014 largely come to accept this as the reality. Not anymore.

One of the greatest ironies of Muslim separatism and the Partition that it culminated in was that those who wanted it least got Pakistan where they are known as Mohajirs, and those that wanted it the most got mostly left behind in India. Separatism was most vehemently espoused by the aggressive and fanatical Muslim elites of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Punjabi, Sindhi and NWFP Muslims who for long had little to do with the politics of separatism got swept up by the communalism that was unleashed by the UP and Bihari Muslim Leaguers. The RSS and other Hindu fanatics had since September 27, 1925 been preparing for this. Partition was anointed by a bloodbath.

The Muslim separatists who stayed on in India for various reasons soon joined the secularist bandwagon of the Congress Party. In due course, nationalist Muslim leaders made way for communalists. It did not take long for the Muslim community to become a vote bank to be represented and manipulated by the former separatists who now began to project it as nation within a nation.

The Hindu communal elements in the Congress  and they were a majority  began to define secularism as mere tolerance, instead of being a modernising philosophy. Secularism is not mere tolerance of other faiths, but a belief in modern values and reason. We misread it and are reaping the bitter harvest now.

We have to only look at the manner in which the Congress Party reacted to the Supreme Courts Shah Bano judgment, and thus negated the impetus it would have had provided to the enactment of a common civil code. When Arif Mohammad Khan spoke in the Lok Sabha, with the encouragement of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he was applauded by all except the orthodox and neo-separatist Muslim lobby. Then Rajiv Gandhi, like a typical secular politician, panicked at the thought of the Muslim vote bank dwindling and unleashed the likes of Zia-ul-Ansari in the Congress. Soon, neo-separatist Muslims all over the country joined in the attack and Arif was manhandled, jostled and jeered in an organised manner wherever he went. Khan quit the Congress. The term pseudo-secularism entered our political lexicon shortly thereafter.

Arifs travails did not end there. Things were no better in the V.P. Singh-led Jan Morcha. Syed Shahabuddin had a precondition to campaigning for V.P. Singh in Allahabad. If Arif, till then V.P. Singhs closest associate and co-founder of the Jan-Morcha, were to campaign in Allahabad, then he would not campaign. Suddenly, Arif Mohammed Khan was made taboo in Allahabad and Syed Shahabuddin joined V.P. Singhs battle to change the system!

In the period of intense discussion on whether the Babri Masjid should be there or not, most well-meaning people, some of them very naive, sought a compromise solution. People like editor Kuldip Nayyar used to constantly pull out drawings suggesting what could be used by Muslims for their prayers and what space could be allowed for prayers to the infant Ram Lalla. Others suggested secular structures varying from a hospital, an educational institution or a park and so on. Nobody ventured to suggest that it was an ASI-protected monument and cannot be disturbed. That would have been the truly secular position.

Tempers rose, people became deliberately provocative. Syed Shahabuddin, Atal Behari Vajpayees onetime protege, demanded that the Hindus prove that Ram ever existed, and if they did Muslims would allow a temple to be raised. Meantime, the courts allowed Ram Lalla to be a plaintiff, but apparently not being cognisant of the fact that it was no more than a conception carved in stone.

The Babri Masjid was destroyed on December 6, 1992. Then came the question of what would come up there again? For Hindus, the Ayodhya site is important. For Muslims, the building was. Yet the Muslims insisted on the site not accepting that as long as Hindus are a majority in this country, no confluence of political compulsions could come about that would allow the site to be given back to the Muslims for building a mosque there once again. The Supreme Courts judgment, while deeming the demolition illegal, was more Solomonic than constitutional.

Another issue which aggravates Hindu-Muslim ties is the apparent lack of concern for the national position on Kashmir displayed by the Muslim leadership so far. If the only region in India where Muslims are in a majority wishes to secede because they belong to a different faith, it becomes incumbent on the Muslims in the rest of India to make known their position to it. The future of Kashmir has a vital bearing upon their future as well. If Kashmir were to be lost, the risks of the old and now discarded idea of India for the Hindus and Pakistan for the Muslims will gain momentum again. Yet Muslim leaders, who are quick to make an issue over relatively trivial issues like the movie Bombay, have preferred to remain silent on this vital national concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us how much he cares by endorsing the movie The Kashmir Files, an unhesitatingly partisan movie about the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

Sensitivity to each others feelings and aspirations has to be a mutual affair. An essential precondition to this is to share a common perception of history. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had postulated that a shared perception of history is one of the essentials of a common nationality. This could only be when Amir Khusrau and Tansen, Bismillah Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple, Akbar and Shivaji, Krishnadevaraya and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah are equally reason for pride and respect, and considered by all as our common heritage. But will this be allowed to happen? The RSS expects a hat-trick of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to crown its century when it made its tryst with destiny.

POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
The number of gigafactories in the pipeline has surpassed 300; there is now 6,387.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of lithium ion battery capacity in the pipeline as assessed in Benchmark Mineral Inelligences May 2022 Gigafactory Assessmenta 68% year-on-year increase.

China continues to dominate gigafactory announcements, but North America and Europe have seen significant growth over the past two years thanks in part to automaker and battery manufacturer joint ventures.





Outside of China, North America has seen the fastest growth of any region, adding 11 gigafactories to its pipeline since this time last year. Europe has increased its pipeline by eight gigafactories over the same period.

Joint ventures between automakers and battery companies have been central to this growth. In September 2019, just one of the five North American gigafactories tracked by Benchmark directly involved an automaker: Teslas Gigafactory 1 in Nevada. Now, 14 of the 23 North American gigafactories in the pipeline are wholly or jointly owned by automakers, representing 81% of the regions capacity pipeline for 2031.

A third of the 30 European gigafactories assessed in May 2022 involved an automaker, representing 40% of the continents pipeline capacity, compared to just one of the 13 gigafactories in the September 2019 assessment.

China remains the dominant builder of gigafactories, with 226 due to be operational by the end of the decade, making up over 75% of all facilities tracked in Benchmarks Gigafactory Assessment.





The 300th gigafactory added to Benchmarks Gigafactory Assessment is being developed by Chinese cell manufacturer EVE Energy in Chengdu, Sichuan. The $3 billion plant will have a capacity of 50 GWh. Benchmark expects the first 20 GWh phase to be operational in 2026 and the full capacity to be online in 2029.

In 2031, China is set to have almost 4,500 GWh of gigafactory capacity, representing 70% of global capacity.
The number of gigafactories in the pipeline has surpassed 300; there is now 6,387.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of lithium ion battery capacity in the pipeline as assessed in Benchmark Mineral Inelligences May 2022 Gigafactory Assessmenta 68% year-on-year increase.

China continues to dominate gigafactory announcements, but North America and Europe have seen significant growth over the past two years thanks in part to automaker and battery manufacturer joint ventures.





Outside of China, North America has seen the fastest growth of any region, adding 11 gigafactories to its pipeline since this time last year. Europe has increased its pipeline by eight gigafactories over the same period.

Joint ventures between automakers and battery companies have been central to this growth. In September 2019, just one of the five North American gigafactories tracked by Benchmark directly involved an automaker: Teslas Gigafactory 1 in Nevada. Now, 14 of the 23 North American gigafactories in the pipeline are wholly or jointly owned by automakers, representing 81% of the regions capacity pipeline for 2031.

A third of the 30 European gigafactories assessed in May 2022 involved an automaker, representing 40% of the continents pipeline capacity, compared to just one of the 13 gigafactories in the September 2019 assessment.

China remains the dominant builder of gigafactories, with 226 due to be operational by the end of the decade, making up over 75% of all facilities tracked in Benchmarks Gigafactory Assessment.





The 300th gigafactory added to Benchmarks Gigafactory Assessment is being developed by Chinese cell manufacturer EVE Energy in Chengdu, Sichuan. The $3 billion plant will have a capacity of 50 GWh. Benchmark expects the first 20 GWh phase to be operational in 2026 and the full capacity to be online in 2029.

In 2031, China is set to have almost 4,500 GWh of gigafactory capacity, representing 70% of global capacity.
The number of gigafactories in the pipeline has surpassed 300; there is now 6,387.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of lithium ion battery capacity in the pipeline as assessed in Benchmark Mineral Inelligences May 2022 Gigafactory Assessmenta 68% year-on-year increase.

China continues to dominate gigafactory announcements, but North America and Europe have seen significant growth over the past two years thanks in part to automaker and battery manufacturer joint ventures.





Outside of China, North America has seen the fastest growth of any region, adding 11 gigafactories to its pipeline since this time last year. Europe has increased its pipeline by eight gigafactories over the same period.

Joint ventures between automakers and battery companies have been central to this growth. In September 2019, just one of the five North American gigafactories tracked by Benchmark directly involved an automaker: Teslas Gigafactory 1 in Nevada. Now, 14 of the 23 North American gigafactories in the pipeline are wholly or jointly owned by automakers, representing 81% of the regions capacity pipeline for 2031.

A third of the 30 European gigafactories assessed in May 2022 involved an automaker, representing 40% of the continents pipeline capacity, compared to just one of the 13 gigafactories in the September 2019 assessment.

China remains the dominant builder of gigafactories, with 226 due to be operational by the end of the decade, making up over 75% of all facilities tracked in Benchmarks Gigafactory Assessment.





The 300th gigafactory added to Benchmarks Gigafactory Assessment is being developed by Chinese cell manufacturer EVE Energy in Chengdu, Sichuan. The $3 billion plant will have a capacity of 50 GWh. Benchmark expects the first 20 GWh phase to be operational in 2026 and the full capacity to be online in 2029.

In 2031, China is set to have almost 4,500 GWh of gigafactory capacity, representing 70% of global capacity.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Diners have been left outraged after a restaurant hiked its taster menu to 250 after it became the first eaterie outside the South East to get a third Michelin star.

L'Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, run by Chef Patron Simon Rogan, was the only new restaurant in the UK to be awarded the prestigious third star this year  joining the likes of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Core by Clare Smyth.

But visitors have been left angry as prices are tasting menu prices are rising to 250 in June  from 195.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor called the rise 'outrageous' for the 16 dish experience.

Diners have been left outraged after L'Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria hiked its taster menu to 250. Pictured, Chef Simon Rogan (centre) with some of his team after being awarded three Michelin stars

Sam Ward, managing director for Rogan's restaurants, said that it was a 'purely economical' decision, and unrelated to the third Michelin star. Pictured, a dish from L'Enclume

Chris J from Worsley, Greater Manchester, said on the site that he had booked the lunch menu for himself and his wife when it was priced at 75 each.

'Following the award of the 3rd Michelin Star it went up to 100,' he wrote. 'I've now been informed the price has increased to 250 a head. I think this is outrageous for a pre-existing reservation.'

The restaurant used to offer a 75 lunch menu, with around nine dishes, which was increased to 100 and then scrapped. It now only offers the 16 dish tasting menu, which started at 195 and increased to 250.

This meant Chris J's booking was transferred from the lunch menu to the higher priced tasting menu when the former was removed from L'Enclume's offering, bumping his expected bill from 75 to 250.

And David Simon, from St Ives, said he was 'disappointed' about the cost increase, and cancelled his booking.

'We had been looking forward to our lunch so much but have had to cancel because of the big price increase,' he wrote.

Chris Gilbane, from Manchester, praised the 'awesome' food but said he wouldn't return due to the new pricing.

'Prices are rocketing up to 250 per head in June and at that price we are unlikely to be returning,' he wrote.

'That's simply too much when you add in drinks, service and somewhere to stay. Would I eat at LEnclume again? Yes at their current prices, no at their new prices.'

He added that staying in the restaurant's rooms cost an additional 330, saying 'its overpriced for what it is'.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor called the 233 per cent rise 'outrageous' for the 16 dish experience. Pictured, a dish from L'Enclume

Another visitor cancelled their dinner, bed and breakfast package, saying it had risen from 595 to 705.

The restaurant told the Times that the actual price increase for its menu had risen from 195 to 250.

Sam Ward, managing director for Rogan's restaurants, told the paper that it was a 'purely economical' decision, and unrelated to the third Michelin star.

He said that restaurants needed to respond to rising costs, including staff wages and delivery fuel prices.

'When you pay people properly and when you buy good ingredients, that's what it costs,' he told the paper.

'We had to respond. The other option is that you don't respond and you lose money.'

L'Enclume (pictured) made history in February when it became the first restaurant outside of London or Berkshire to get three stars

The Cumbrian restaurant's menu varies seasonally, with chefs serving up produce grown at its farm in the Cartmel Valley

Mr Ward said that in March and April, the restaurant faced 'astronomical' costs and lost money although it was busy with bookings, adding that the industry faces small profit margins of around three to four per cent.

L'Enclume made history in February when it became the first restaurant outside of London or Berkshire to get three stars.

Its menu varies seasonally, with chefs serving up produce grown at its farm in the Cartmel Valley.

The restaurant serves the likes of Roe deer in coal oil, seaweed custard with beef broth and bone marrow, and Fritter of Duroc pig and smoked eel.

There are 132 restaurants in the world with three Michelin stars, seven of which are in the UK.

They include Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and Helene Darroze at The Connaught. The Araki in London previously held three stars but dramatically lost them all in 2020, while Chez Nico in Reading was one of the only restaurants outside of London to hold all three before closing in 1999.

The guide has previously been criticised for being too focused on London - with the majority of its British restaurants in the capital.

 This article has been amended since initial publication to clarify that the cost of the full tasting menu at lEnclume - now the only option for diners - has risen from 195 to 250 following the removal of the smaller lunchtime menu, priced at 100 and having risen recently from 75.
Diners have been left outraged after a restaurant hiked its taster menu to 250 after it became the first eaterie outside the South East to get a third Michelin star.

L'Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, run by Chef Patron Simon Rogan, was the only new restaurant in the UK to be awarded the prestigious third star this year  joining the likes of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Core by Clare Smyth.

But visitors have been left angry as prices are tasting menu prices are rising to 250 in June  from 195.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor called the rise 'outrageous' for the 16 dish experience.

Diners have been left outraged after L'Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria hiked its taster menu to 250. Pictured, Chef Simon Rogan (centre) with some of his team after being awarded three Michelin stars

Sam Ward, managing director for Rogan's restaurants, said that it was a 'purely economical' decision, and unrelated to the third Michelin star. Pictured, a dish from L'Enclume

Chris J from Worsley, Greater Manchester, said on the site that he had booked the lunch menu for himself and his wife when it was priced at 75 each.

'Following the award of the 3rd Michelin Star it went up to 100,' he wrote. 'I've now been informed the price has increased to 250 a head. I think this is outrageous for a pre-existing reservation.'

The restaurant used to offer a 75 lunch menu, with around nine dishes, which was increased to 100 and then scrapped. It now only offers the 16 dish tasting menu, which started at 195 and increased to 250.

This meant Chris J's booking was transferred from the lunch menu to the higher priced tasting menu when the former was removed from L'Enclume's offering, bumping his expected bill from 75 to 250.

And David Simon, from St Ives, said he was 'disappointed' about the cost increase, and cancelled his booking.

'We had been looking forward to our lunch so much but have had to cancel because of the big price increase,' he wrote.

Chris Gilbane, from Manchester, praised the 'awesome' food but said he wouldn't return due to the new pricing.

'Prices are rocketing up to 250 per head in June and at that price we are unlikely to be returning,' he wrote.

'That's simply too much when you add in drinks, service and somewhere to stay. Would I eat at LEnclume again? Yes at their current prices, no at their new prices.'

He added that staying in the restaurant's rooms cost an additional 330, saying 'its overpriced for what it is'.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor called the 233 per cent rise 'outrageous' for the 16 dish experience. Pictured, a dish from L'Enclume

Another visitor cancelled their dinner, bed and breakfast package, saying it had risen from 595 to 705.

The restaurant told the Times that the actual price increase for its menu had risen from 195 to 250.

Sam Ward, managing director for Rogan's restaurants, told the paper that it was a 'purely economical' decision, and unrelated to the third Michelin star.

He said that restaurants needed to respond to rising costs, including staff wages and delivery fuel prices.

'When you pay people properly and when you buy good ingredients, that's what it costs,' he told the paper.

'We had to respond. The other option is that you don't respond and you lose money.'

L'Enclume (pictured) made history in February when it became the first restaurant outside of London or Berkshire to get three stars

The Cumbrian restaurant's menu varies seasonally, with chefs serving up produce grown at its farm in the Cartmel Valley

Mr Ward said that in March and April, the restaurant faced 'astronomical' costs and lost money although it was busy with bookings, adding that the industry faces small profit margins of around three to four per cent.

L'Enclume made history in February when it became the first restaurant outside of London or Berkshire to get three stars.

Its menu varies seasonally, with chefs serving up produce grown at its farm in the Cartmel Valley.

The restaurant serves the likes of Roe deer in coal oil, seaweed custard with beef broth and bone marrow, and Fritter of Duroc pig and smoked eel.

There are 132 restaurants in the world with three Michelin stars, seven of which are in the UK.

They include Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and Helene Darroze at The Connaught. The Araki in London previously held three stars but dramatically lost them all in 2020, while Chez Nico in Reading was one of the only restaurants outside of London to hold all three before closing in 1999.

The guide has previously been criticised for being too focused on London - with the majority of its British restaurants in the capital.

 This article has been amended since initial publication to clarify that the cost of the full tasting menu at lEnclume - now the only option for diners - has risen from 195 to 250 following the removal of the smaller lunchtime menu, priced at 100 and having risen recently from 75.
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
I must demand that Ghana's Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, resign with immediate effect from the current president, Nana Akufo Addos administration. His quick action in fighting crime issues in the country was impressive just a few months after being appointed as the IGP, but I have reasons to urge his resignation today.

Despite beginning well as the Inspector General of Police, Dampare, I can prove that you are among the corrupt people, including journalists and lawyers, that Akufo Addo purposely appointed to protect him from exposure so he can be able to spread his tentacles, commit crimes with impunity, and loot Ghanas coffers in every manner he likes.

I am certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you were appointed by Akufo Addo because you know who murdered J.B Danquah-Adu. There are certain things Ken Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has said about Dampare, relating to J.B. Danquah-Adus death.



The IGP, George Dampare, is like the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the Chief Justice, Kwesi Anin-Yeboah, and others who can't work against the crimes of Nana Akufo Addo, therefore, their services are doing more harm to the country than good.

According to Agyapong, because Dampare knew the one who murdered Danquah, he was transferred to another place to avoid pursuing the case. Agyapongs statement reveals that when Dampare was transferred off of the murder file, he wasnt then the Inspector General of Police.

Did Akufo Addo purposely appoint George Dampari to keep his mouth shut because the confession statement of the murderer mentioned the name of the president, Nana Akufu Addo? Dampare wants to sweep these sensitive cases involving high government officials under the carpet.

My interest in the murder cases involving the Ghanaian police with impunity and the justice for JB Danquahs family has forced me to go after this case that has been deliberately ignored because the current presidents name was mentioned. Every murder case involving any high-profile person or the police begins with force as if the people involved will be arrested. Soon, the cases become cold.

Consequently, after being implicated in the murder case and consequently, his inability to investigate murder cases taking place under the NPP government, Dampares popularity has now gone with the wind. I am very sure that he will agree with me on that. The majority of Ghanaians no longer like him because they believe he has a skeleton in the cupboard.

For Dampare, no description suits him better than being in the shadows of the living and dead Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the corrupt Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, and Godfred Dame, another corrupt Attorney General, promoting and supporting crimes in the NPP government.

In mysterious circumstances, a lot of people have died, including police officers and ordinary Ghanaians, under Akufo Addos government, yet Dampare has refused to investigate. The latest is the killing of Albert Donkor, a digital television installer.

According to the victims family, the police killed Mr. Donkor because he was a witness to an armed robbery incident and he recognized a police officer he knew. This accusation cant be factual because a similar incident happened recently when a police officer was killed in the van escorting money.

The president, Nana Akufo Addo, has failed to fight both corruption and crime. Therefore, amid a high rate of unemployment, crime has increased significantly under his government. Imagine a president who gave the order for security personnel to attack and rob someone he had an affair with just to prevent being exposed.

Serwa Bronis case is a serious crime that should have been investigated to remove Akufo Addo from office, but since Ghana is a "shithole nation," the president continues to commit crimes with impunity because he thinks he is above the law and, therefore, has the power to do whatever he likes. This is one of the reasons he has failed as a president.

I dont know what Dampare is waiting for because his fame has rapidly faded away like a worn-out cloth. He should know by now that the majority of Ghanaians have lost confidence in him because he has failed to investigate crimes happening under the government of Akufo Addo, which pose threats to the safety of ordinary Ghanaians.

As the Inspector General of Police, Dampare has to protect the public throughout the country, ensure the safety of citizens of the country and foreign citizens, fight crime, and counter crimes and offenses, but Dampare at the moment cant handle the continuing murder cases in the country because some of the police officers have now become armed robbers, killing innocent people.

When the African American, George Floyd, was brutally murdered by the police in the United States of America, the cunning president, who wants to win peoples sympathy and admiration, sent words of condolence to the family of the man who died in police custody on May 25, 2020.

Akufo-Addo wrote on his Facebook page, "On behalf of the people of Ghana, I express my deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late George Floyd." We stand with our kith and kin in America in these difficult and trying times, and we hope that the unfortunate, tragic death of George Floyd will inspire a lasting change in how America confronts head-on the problems of hate and racism. "

But since Akufo Addo became the president, many defenseless Ghanaians have been murdered and he has never shown any concern or spoken about those murdered, including the Ghanaian journalists, Ahmed Hussein-Suale and JB Danquah, and social media activist, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka. What kind of hypocrisy is this?

The impact of crime in Akufo Addos government has taken a serious toll on Ghana, unfortunately, Dampare, cant investigate any murder case in this NPP government. Thats why crime is increasing daily. The IGPs ruined confidence can never be restored; Im, therefore, calling for his resignation.
I must demand that Ghana's Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, resign with immediate effect from the current president, Nana Akufo Addos administration. His quick action in fighting crime issues in the country was impressive just a few months after being appointed as the IGP, but I have reasons to urge his resignation today.

Despite beginning well as the Inspector General of Police, Dampare, I can prove that you are among the corrupt people, including journalists and lawyers, that Akufo Addo purposely appointed to protect him from exposure so he can be able to spread his tentacles, commit crimes with impunity, and loot Ghanas coffers in every manner he likes.

I am certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you were appointed by Akufo Addo because you know who murdered J.B Danquah-Adu. There are certain things Ken Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has said about Dampare, relating to J.B. Danquah-Adus death.



The IGP, George Dampare, is like the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the Chief Justice, Kwesi Anin-Yeboah, and others who can't work against the crimes of Nana Akufo Addo, therefore, their services are doing more harm to the country than good.

According to Agyapong, because Dampare knew the one who murdered Danquah, he was transferred to another place to avoid pursuing the case. Agyapongs statement reveals that when Dampare was transferred off of the murder file, he wasnt then the Inspector General of Police.

Did Akufo Addo purposely appoint George Dampari to keep his mouth shut because the confession statement of the murderer mentioned the name of the president, Nana Akufu Addo? Dampare wants to sweep these sensitive cases involving high government officials under the carpet.

My interest in the murder cases involving the Ghanaian police with impunity and the justice for JB Danquahs family has forced me to go after this case that has been deliberately ignored because the current presidents name was mentioned. Every murder case involving any high-profile person or the police begins with force as if the people involved will be arrested. Soon, the cases become cold.

Consequently, after being implicated in the murder case and consequently, his inability to investigate murder cases taking place under the NPP government, Dampares popularity has now gone with the wind. I am very sure that he will agree with me on that. The majority of Ghanaians no longer like him because they believe he has a skeleton in the cupboard.

For Dampare, no description suits him better than being in the shadows of the living and dead Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the corrupt Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, and Godfred Dame, another corrupt Attorney General, promoting and supporting crimes in the NPP government.

In mysterious circumstances, a lot of people have died, including police officers and ordinary Ghanaians, under Akufo Addos government, yet Dampare has refused to investigate. The latest is the killing of Albert Donkor, a digital television installer.

According to the victims family, the police killed Mr. Donkor because he was a witness to an armed robbery incident and he recognized a police officer he knew. This accusation cant be factual because a similar incident happened recently when a police officer was killed in the van escorting money.

The president, Nana Akufo Addo, has failed to fight both corruption and crime. Therefore, amid a high rate of unemployment, crime has increased significantly under his government. Imagine a president who gave the order for security personnel to attack and rob someone he had an affair with just to prevent being exposed.

Serwa Bronis case is a serious crime that should have been investigated to remove Akufo Addo from office, but since Ghana is a "shithole nation," the president continues to commit crimes with impunity because he thinks he is above the law and, therefore, has the power to do whatever he likes. This is one of the reasons he has failed as a president.

I dont know what Dampare is waiting for because his fame has rapidly faded away like a worn-out cloth. He should know by now that the majority of Ghanaians have lost confidence in him because he has failed to investigate crimes happening under the government of Akufo Addo, which pose threats to the safety of ordinary Ghanaians.

As the Inspector General of Police, Dampare has to protect the public throughout the country, ensure the safety of citizens of the country and foreign citizens, fight crime, and counter crimes and offenses, but Dampare at the moment cant handle the continuing murder cases in the country because some of the police officers have now become armed robbers, killing innocent people.

When the African American, George Floyd, was brutally murdered by the police in the United States of America, the cunning president, who wants to win peoples sympathy and admiration, sent words of condolence to the family of the man who died in police custody on May 25, 2020.

Akufo-Addo wrote on his Facebook page, "On behalf of the people of Ghana, I express my deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late George Floyd." We stand with our kith and kin in America in these difficult and trying times, and we hope that the unfortunate, tragic death of George Floyd will inspire a lasting change in how America confronts head-on the problems of hate and racism. "

But since Akufo Addo became the president, many defenseless Ghanaians have been murdered and he has never shown any concern or spoken about those murdered, including the Ghanaian journalists, Ahmed Hussein-Suale and JB Danquah, and social media activist, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka. What kind of hypocrisy is this?

The impact of crime in Akufo Addos government has taken a serious toll on Ghana, unfortunately, Dampare, cant investigate any murder case in this NPP government. Thats why crime is increasing daily. The IGPs ruined confidence can never be restored; Im, therefore, calling for his resignation.
I must demand that Ghana's Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, resign with immediate effect from the current president, Nana Akufo Addos administration. His quick action in fighting crime issues in the country was impressive just a few months after being appointed as the IGP, but I have reasons to urge his resignation today.

Despite beginning well as the Inspector General of Police, Dampare, I can prove that you are among the corrupt people, including journalists and lawyers, that Akufo Addo purposely appointed to protect him from exposure so he can be able to spread his tentacles, commit crimes with impunity, and loot Ghanas coffers in every manner he likes.

I am certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you were appointed by Akufo Addo because you know who murdered J.B Danquah-Adu. There are certain things Ken Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has said about Dampare, relating to J.B. Danquah-Adus death.



The IGP, George Dampare, is like the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the Chief Justice, Kwesi Anin-Yeboah, and others who can't work against the crimes of Nana Akufo Addo, therefore, their services are doing more harm to the country than good.

According to Agyapong, because Dampare knew the one who murdered Danquah, he was transferred to another place to avoid pursuing the case. Agyapongs statement reveals that when Dampare was transferred off of the murder file, he wasnt then the Inspector General of Police.

Did Akufo Addo purposely appoint George Dampari to keep his mouth shut because the confession statement of the murderer mentioned the name of the president, Nana Akufu Addo? Dampare wants to sweep these sensitive cases involving high government officials under the carpet.

My interest in the murder cases involving the Ghanaian police with impunity and the justice for JB Danquahs family has forced me to go after this case that has been deliberately ignored because the current presidents name was mentioned. Every murder case involving any high-profile person or the police begins with force as if the people involved will be arrested. Soon, the cases become cold.

Consequently, after being implicated in the murder case and consequently, his inability to investigate murder cases taking place under the NPP government, Dampares popularity has now gone with the wind. I am very sure that he will agree with me on that. The majority of Ghanaians no longer like him because they believe he has a skeleton in the cupboard.

For Dampare, no description suits him better than being in the shadows of the living and dead Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the corrupt Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, and Godfred Dame, another corrupt Attorney General, promoting and supporting crimes in the NPP government.

In mysterious circumstances, a lot of people have died, including police officers and ordinary Ghanaians, under Akufo Addos government, yet Dampare has refused to investigate. The latest is the killing of Albert Donkor, a digital television installer.

According to the victims family, the police killed Mr. Donkor because he was a witness to an armed robbery incident and he recognized a police officer he knew. This accusation cant be factual because a similar incident happened recently when a police officer was killed in the van escorting money.

The president, Nana Akufo Addo, has failed to fight both corruption and crime. Therefore, amid a high rate of unemployment, crime has increased significantly under his government. Imagine a president who gave the order for security personnel to attack and rob someone he had an affair with just to prevent being exposed.

Serwa Bronis case is a serious crime that should have been investigated to remove Akufo Addo from office, but since Ghana is a "shithole nation," the president continues to commit crimes with impunity because he thinks he is above the law and, therefore, has the power to do whatever he likes. This is one of the reasons he has failed as a president.

I dont know what Dampare is waiting for because his fame has rapidly faded away like a worn-out cloth. He should know by now that the majority of Ghanaians have lost confidence in him because he has failed to investigate crimes happening under the government of Akufo Addo, which pose threats to the safety of ordinary Ghanaians.

As the Inspector General of Police, Dampare has to protect the public throughout the country, ensure the safety of citizens of the country and foreign citizens, fight crime, and counter crimes and offenses, but Dampare at the moment cant handle the continuing murder cases in the country because some of the police officers have now become armed robbers, killing innocent people.

When the African American, George Floyd, was brutally murdered by the police in the United States of America, the cunning president, who wants to win peoples sympathy and admiration, sent words of condolence to the family of the man who died in police custody on May 25, 2020.

Akufo-Addo wrote on his Facebook page, "On behalf of the people of Ghana, I express my deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late George Floyd." We stand with our kith and kin in America in these difficult and trying times, and we hope that the unfortunate, tragic death of George Floyd will inspire a lasting change in how America confronts head-on the problems of hate and racism. "

But since Akufo Addo became the president, many defenseless Ghanaians have been murdered and he has never shown any concern or spoken about those murdered, including the Ghanaian journalists, Ahmed Hussein-Suale and JB Danquah, and social media activist, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka. What kind of hypocrisy is this?

The impact of crime in Akufo Addos government has taken a serious toll on Ghana, unfortunately, Dampare, cant investigate any murder case in this NPP government. Thats why crime is increasing daily. The IGPs ruined confidence can never be restored; Im, therefore, calling for his resignation.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.


Channel 9 has swapped out their infamous election night boot for a ukulele in a not-so-subtle reference to Scott Morrison's cringeworthy 60 Minutes interview.

The ukulele will feature across the network's election coverage and 'send candidates packing to Cuba' as votes are tallied and they're ruled out of the race.

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba.

In previous years, Channel 9 have used similar techniques to help visually track the election count, by 'booting' or 'crushing' candidates when it became clear they couldn't win their seats.

A ukulele-playing robot wearing a pilot's cap used the instrument to hit luggage off a baggage carousel in the direction of Cuba

Minutes before polling booths closed on Saturday night, the Channel 9 team debuted the new feature, 'practicing' with an image of reporter Charles Croucher

The use of a ukulele was a reference to an interview between the Prime Minister, his family and Karl Stefanovic for 60 Minutes in February.

The interview was widely panned for going 'soft' on Mr Morrison, with conversation topics including how he met his wife Jenny, and the trolling they'd both been subjected to.

Footage of Mr Morrison playing the ukulele at the dinner table and singing 'April Sun In Cuba' was replayed on Saturday night - causing some panelists to 'cover their ears'.

He begins by singing the chorus before forgetting the lines to the rest of the song.

'Take me to the April sun in Cuba oh oh oh - take me to the April sun in Cuba - I cant remember the words - oh oh oh,' he joked.

Peter Overton said of the footage: 'If you're going to be leaving politics, what better way to go out than to the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

'Perhaps bathed in the warm April sun of Cuba.'

Now that polling booths around the nation have closed, the count can get underway.

ABC election guru Antony Green, who is famous for being the first to call a winner, expects a result could be clear by about 7.30pm.

The prime minister serenaded his family and Karl Stefanovic with a rendition of April Sun in Cuba by New Zealand band Dragon last month

Mr Albanese addressed a crowd of excited supporters outside the polling booth promising he would remain 'one of the people'

Newspoll data on the eve of the vote shows Labor with a commanding two-party preferred lead of 53-47 per cent, but Mr Green says you never can be sure what will happen.

'I always say that by 7.30pm you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait,' he told the Guardian.

'We are watching NSW, QLD and Victoria at the same time so we have 126 seats coming in at the same time and if it's close we hang around for 8pm when WA comes in,' he told the ABC.

Media identity and politics professor Peter van Onselen, who botched his election night prediction in 2019, walked back his own claims in recent months that Scott Morrison would win again in his latest column.

Back in 2019, van Onselen said on Channel Ten there was 'no way' the Prime Minister, who came to power after Malcolm Turnbull's 2018 resignation, could win the last election.

'Theres no way that Scott Morrison can win it and Im happy to have that replayed time and time again to my shame if he does win it,' he said on Ten in 2019.

Mr Morrison was accompanied by wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey as he slipped his ballot into the box at Lilli Pilli Public School, Sydney's south, on Saturday

Van Onselen was one of several leading pundits predicting then-Labor leader Bill Shorten would convincingly sweep to power.

Now van Onselen has seemingly tempted fate again with an even more definitive prediction for the result of the 2022 poll.

'What wont happen at this election is a Morrison comeback like in 2019. A second miracle is off the table,' he wrote in The Australian.

He repeated that Mr Morrison's 2019 win was 'remarkable' and conceded that in 2019 the PM was delighted at 'rubbing my nose in getting it wrong'.

This year, van Onselen claimed a win by Mr Morrison is 'a bridge too far' because he is 'on the nose'.

He boldly claimed 'I won't be' wrong in 2022, adding Mr Albanese 'will be the next PM'.
I must demand that Ghana's Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, resign with immediate effect from the current president, Nana Akufo Addos administration. His quick action in fighting crime issues in the country was impressive just a few months after being appointed as the IGP, but I have reasons to urge his resignation today.

Despite beginning well as the Inspector General of Police, Dampare, I can prove that you are among the corrupt people, including journalists and lawyers, that Akufo Addo purposely appointed to protect him from exposure so he can be able to spread his tentacles, commit crimes with impunity, and loot Ghanas coffers in every manner he likes.

I am certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you were appointed by Akufo Addo because you know who murdered J.B Danquah-Adu. There are certain things Ken Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has said about Dampare, relating to J.B. Danquah-Adus death.



The IGP, George Dampare, is like the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the Chief Justice, Kwesi Anin-Yeboah, and others who can't work against the crimes of Nana Akufo Addo, therefore, their services are doing more harm to the country than good.

According to Agyapong, because Dampare knew the one who murdered Danquah, he was transferred to another place to avoid pursuing the case. Agyapongs statement reveals that when Dampare was transferred off of the murder file, he wasnt then the Inspector General of Police.

Did Akufo Addo purposely appoint George Dampari to keep his mouth shut because the confession statement of the murderer mentioned the name of the president, Nana Akufu Addo? Dampare wants to sweep these sensitive cases involving high government officials under the carpet.

My interest in the murder cases involving the Ghanaian police with impunity and the justice for JB Danquahs family has forced me to go after this case that has been deliberately ignored because the current presidents name was mentioned. Every murder case involving any high-profile person or the police begins with force as if the people involved will be arrested. Soon, the cases become cold.

Consequently, after being implicated in the murder case and consequently, his inability to investigate murder cases taking place under the NPP government, Dampares popularity has now gone with the wind. I am very sure that he will agree with me on that. The majority of Ghanaians no longer like him because they believe he has a skeleton in the cupboard.

For Dampare, no description suits him better than being in the shadows of the living and dead Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the corrupt Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, and Godfred Dame, another corrupt Attorney General, promoting and supporting crimes in the NPP government.

In mysterious circumstances, a lot of people have died, including police officers and ordinary Ghanaians, under Akufo Addos government, yet Dampare has refused to investigate. The latest is the killing of Albert Donkor, a digital television installer.

According to the victims family, the police killed Mr. Donkor because he was a witness to an armed robbery incident and he recognized a police officer he knew. This accusation cant be factual because a similar incident happened recently when a police officer was killed in the van escorting money.

The president, Nana Akufo Addo, has failed to fight both corruption and crime. Therefore, amid a high rate of unemployment, crime has increased significantly under his government. Imagine a president who gave the order for security personnel to attack and rob someone he had an affair with just to prevent being exposed.

Serwa Bronis case is a serious crime that should have been investigated to remove Akufo Addo from office, but since Ghana is a "shithole nation," the president continues to commit crimes with impunity because he thinks he is above the law and, therefore, has the power to do whatever he likes. This is one of the reasons he has failed as a president.

I dont know what Dampare is waiting for because his fame has rapidly faded away like a worn-out cloth. He should know by now that the majority of Ghanaians have lost confidence in him because he has failed to investigate crimes happening under the government of Akufo Addo, which pose threats to the safety of ordinary Ghanaians.

As the Inspector General of Police, Dampare has to protect the public throughout the country, ensure the safety of citizens of the country and foreign citizens, fight crime, and counter crimes and offenses, but Dampare at the moment cant handle the continuing murder cases in the country because some of the police officers have now become armed robbers, killing innocent people.

When the African American, George Floyd, was brutally murdered by the police in the United States of America, the cunning president, who wants to win peoples sympathy and admiration, sent words of condolence to the family of the man who died in police custody on May 25, 2020.

Akufo-Addo wrote on his Facebook page, "On behalf of the people of Ghana, I express my deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late George Floyd." We stand with our kith and kin in America in these difficult and trying times, and we hope that the unfortunate, tragic death of George Floyd will inspire a lasting change in how America confronts head-on the problems of hate and racism. "

But since Akufo Addo became the president, many defenseless Ghanaians have been murdered and he has never shown any concern or spoken about those murdered, including the Ghanaian journalists, Ahmed Hussein-Suale and JB Danquah, and social media activist, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka. What kind of hypocrisy is this?

The impact of crime in Akufo Addos government has taken a serious toll on Ghana, unfortunately, Dampare, cant investigate any murder case in this NPP government. Thats why crime is increasing daily. The IGPs ruined confidence can never be restored; Im, therefore, calling for his resignation.
I must demand that Ghana's Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, resign with immediate effect from the current president, Nana Akufo Addos administration. His quick action in fighting crime issues in the country was impressive just a few months after being appointed as the IGP, but I have reasons to urge his resignation today.

Despite beginning well as the Inspector General of Police, Dampare, I can prove that you are among the corrupt people, including journalists and lawyers, that Akufo Addo purposely appointed to protect him from exposure so he can be able to spread his tentacles, commit crimes with impunity, and loot Ghanas coffers in every manner he likes.

I am certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you were appointed by Akufo Addo because you know who murdered J.B Danquah-Adu. There are certain things Ken Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has said about Dampare, relating to J.B. Danquah-Adus death.



The IGP, George Dampare, is like the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the Chief Justice, Kwesi Anin-Yeboah, and others who can't work against the crimes of Nana Akufo Addo, therefore, their services are doing more harm to the country than good.

According to Agyapong, because Dampare knew the one who murdered Danquah, he was transferred to another place to avoid pursuing the case. Agyapongs statement reveals that when Dampare was transferred off of the murder file, he wasnt then the Inspector General of Police.

Did Akufo Addo purposely appoint George Dampari to keep his mouth shut because the confession statement of the murderer mentioned the name of the president, Nana Akufu Addo? Dampare wants to sweep these sensitive cases involving high government officials under the carpet.

My interest in the murder cases involving the Ghanaian police with impunity and the justice for JB Danquahs family has forced me to go after this case that has been deliberately ignored because the current presidents name was mentioned. Every murder case involving any high-profile person or the police begins with force as if the people involved will be arrested. Soon, the cases become cold.

Consequently, after being implicated in the murder case and consequently, his inability to investigate murder cases taking place under the NPP government, Dampares popularity has now gone with the wind. I am very sure that he will agree with me on that. The majority of Ghanaians no longer like him because they believe he has a skeleton in the cupboard.

For Dampare, no description suits him better than being in the shadows of the living and dead Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the corrupt Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, and Godfred Dame, another corrupt Attorney General, promoting and supporting crimes in the NPP government.

In mysterious circumstances, a lot of people have died, including police officers and ordinary Ghanaians, under Akufo Addos government, yet Dampare has refused to investigate. The latest is the killing of Albert Donkor, a digital television installer.

According to the victims family, the police killed Mr. Donkor because he was a witness to an armed robbery incident and he recognized a police officer he knew. This accusation cant be factual because a similar incident happened recently when a police officer was killed in the van escorting money.

The president, Nana Akufo Addo, has failed to fight both corruption and crime. Therefore, amid a high rate of unemployment, crime has increased significantly under his government. Imagine a president who gave the order for security personnel to attack and rob someone he had an affair with just to prevent being exposed.

Serwa Bronis case is a serious crime that should have been investigated to remove Akufo Addo from office, but since Ghana is a "shithole nation," the president continues to commit crimes with impunity because he thinks he is above the law and, therefore, has the power to do whatever he likes. This is one of the reasons he has failed as a president.

I dont know what Dampare is waiting for because his fame has rapidly faded away like a worn-out cloth. He should know by now that the majority of Ghanaians have lost confidence in him because he has failed to investigate crimes happening under the government of Akufo Addo, which pose threats to the safety of ordinary Ghanaians.

As the Inspector General of Police, Dampare has to protect the public throughout the country, ensure the safety of citizens of the country and foreign citizens, fight crime, and counter crimes and offenses, but Dampare at the moment cant handle the continuing murder cases in the country because some of the police officers have now become armed robbers, killing innocent people.

When the African American, George Floyd, was brutally murdered by the police in the United States of America, the cunning president, who wants to win peoples sympathy and admiration, sent words of condolence to the family of the man who died in police custody on May 25, 2020.

Akufo-Addo wrote on his Facebook page, "On behalf of the people of Ghana, I express my deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the late George Floyd." We stand with our kith and kin in America in these difficult and trying times, and we hope that the unfortunate, tragic death of George Floyd will inspire a lasting change in how America confronts head-on the problems of hate and racism. "

But since Akufo Addo became the president, many defenseless Ghanaians have been murdered and he has never shown any concern or spoken about those murdered, including the Ghanaian journalists, Ahmed Hussein-Suale and JB Danquah, and social media activist, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka. What kind of hypocrisy is this?

The impact of crime in Akufo Addos government has taken a serious toll on Ghana, unfortunately, Dampare, cant investigate any murder case in this NPP government. Thats why crime is increasing daily. The IGPs ruined confidence can never be restored; Im, therefore, calling for his resignation.


BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government withdrew the state of emergency on Saturday, nearly two weeks after it was declared across the island nation in response to huge anti-government and economic crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka announced a state of emergency on May 6 at midnight, the second time in just over a month, amid escalating anti-government protests across the country over the economic crisis. The Presidential Secretariat reportedly announced that the state of emergency has been revoked as of Friday midnight.

The decision was made in order to enhance the island nation's law and order condition. The state of emergency allowed police and security personnel the authority to arrest and imprison anyone at will.

The president's decision to declare an emergency came after weeks of rallies calling for his resignation and accusing the government of mismanaging the island nation's economy, which had already been hit by covid pandemic.

In conflicts between pro- and anti-government protesters, nine people were murdered and nearly 200 were injured. Sri Lanka is in the midst of its biggest economic crisis since its 1948 independence from the United Kingdom. A lack of foreign currency has contributed to the issue, since the country has been unable to pay for imports of basic goods and gasoline, resulting in severe shortages and exorbitant costs.

SL envoy meets with NSA Doval, asks for India's help in securing Intl funding for economic recovery

Sri Lanka's new PM proposes selling off flag carrier

New Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe inducts 4 ministers into Cabinet
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government withdrew the state of emergency on Saturday, nearly two weeks after it was declared across the island nation in response to huge anti-government and economic crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka announced a state of emergency on May 6 at midnight, the second time in just over a month, amid escalating anti-government protests across the country over the economic crisis. The Presidential Secretariat reportedly announced that the state of emergency has been revoked as of Friday midnight.

The decision was made in order to enhance the island nation's law and order condition. The state of emergency allowed police and security personnel the authority to arrest and imprison anyone at will.

The president's decision to declare an emergency came after weeks of rallies calling for his resignation and accusing the government of mismanaging the island nation's economy, which had already been hit by covid pandemic.

In conflicts between pro- and anti-government protesters, nine people were murdered and nearly 200 were injured. Sri Lanka is in the midst of its biggest economic crisis since its 1948 independence from the United Kingdom. A lack of foreign currency has contributed to the issue, since the country has been unable to pay for imports of basic goods and gasoline, resulting in severe shortages and exorbitant costs.

SL envoy meets with NSA Doval, asks for India's help in securing Intl funding for economic recovery

Sri Lanka's new PM proposes selling off flag carrier

New Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe inducts 4 ministers into Cabinet






BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government withdrew the state of emergency on Saturday, nearly two weeks after it was declared across the island nation in response to huge anti-government and economic crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka announced a state of emergency on May 6 at midnight, the second time in just over a month, amid escalating anti-government protests across the country over the economic crisis. The Presidential Secretariat reportedly announced that the state of emergency has been revoked as of Friday midnight.

The decision was made in order to enhance the island nation's law and order condition. The state of emergency allowed police and security personnel the authority to arrest and imprison anyone at will.

The president's decision to declare an emergency came after weeks of rallies calling for his resignation and accusing the government of mismanaging the island nation's economy, which had already been hit by covid pandemic.

In conflicts between pro- and anti-government protesters, nine people were murdered and nearly 200 were injured. Sri Lanka is in the midst of its biggest economic crisis since its 1948 independence from the United Kingdom. A lack of foreign currency has contributed to the issue, since the country has been unable to pay for imports of basic goods and gasoline, resulting in severe shortages and exorbitant costs.

SL envoy meets with NSA Doval, asks for India's help in securing Intl funding for economic recovery

Sri Lanka's new PM proposes selling off flag carrier

New Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe inducts 4 ministers into Cabinet
Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon will be attending the schools upcoming spring convocation in spirit, since he is one of the latest recipients of the schools lifetime achievement award.

Kathie Gordon will accept the award on her husbands behalf during the May 26 portion of the schools two-day graduation ceremony.

SUBMITTED Former Brandon University music professor William Gordon, who died last October, will receive the school's lifetime achievement award posthumously.

Gordon died last October at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. News of his death prompted a massive response from friends, colleagues and former students, many of whom paid tribute to his 50-year career on social media and elsewhere.

This outpouring of goodwill eventually manifested in a drive to nominate Gordon for the lifetime achievement award, with current BU staff like music professor Wendy McCallum believing that he more than meets that standard.

"Bills outreach, musical leadership, vision, dedication, compassion and mentorship touched BU students and alumni, colleagues in the School of Music, the local community, and the Canadian music scene," McCallum wrote in her award nomination letter. "He provided 50 years of service to BU in the School of Music and in student services, and his service and outreach merit recognition and celebration."

Gordon originally joined BU in the fall of 1970 and taught at the School of Music in a full-time capacity until the end of 2013. Even after retiring, Gordon continued to provide university-level instruction until 2020.

SUBMITTED Gordon directs the Brandon University reunion band in 2006.

Thursdays news release from BU highlighted some of Gordons major career accomplishments during his time at the university.

They include directing the very first BU concert band and going on to conduct groups like the School of Musics wind band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble and brass ensemble.

Gordon also took on a variety of high-ranking administrative responsibilities when the situation called for it, serving as the acting dean of music on three separate occasions and chairing the music education committee from 1970 to 1981.

Former student Wendy Stenger also pointed to Gordons contribution to the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, since he is credited as a project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the structure.

"Im not sure Ive ever been in another building with such definite functionality and purpose," Stenger wrote in her nomination letter. "Bill has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to music education and to Brandon University and has done so with deep professionalism and aptitude."

Even before he arrived at BU, Gordon was an accomplished horn player in his country of birth, the United Kingdom.

After graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, Gordon immediately won a chair in Irelands acclaimed Ulster Orchestra and would go on to play in recording sessions that led to The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.

Once he moved to Canada in 1967, Gordon eventually pivoted into the realm of education, teaching at Gordon Bell High School and Sisler High School in Winnipeg before getting a job in Brandon.

Throughout his lengthy run at BU, Gordon took on almost every course and subject imaginable at the School of Music and was deeply engaged in the design of the universitys curricula from a student-success perspective.

"He was enormously generous in welcoming new colleagues, gently showing us the ropes, and being incredibly open to new ideas," BU dean of music Greg Gatien said shortly after Gordons death last year.

"He was a role model in so many ways and taught so much to so many of us  We will miss him a great deal and always be grateful to have had him on our faculty."

The BU lifetime achievement award is approved by the universitys Senate every year. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the broader school community and their own lives.

Longtime BU librarian Heather Coulter will also receive a lifetime achievement award at next weeks spring convocation.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson

Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.


ANANTAPUR: With the YSRC having targeted the home turf of TD supremo and several other hitherto-strong TD segments, former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is on a mission to re-energise the party cadres. However, dissidence among the party leaders is a serious worry for the party high command.

As part of efforts to rev up the spirits of partymen and make a serious bid to retake power, Naidu has announced TD candidates for the Rayalaseema region much in advance of the 2024 general polls.

The TD president is currently on a whirlwind tour of Rayalaseema region as part of Badude Baduru programme aimed at highlighting the failures of the YSRC government. He was in a josh after the programme was a grand success in YSR district, the home turf of chief minister Jagan.

A huge number of party cadres took part in the TD programme and Naidu received a grand welcome via a TD motor cycle rally from Kadapa airport. In fact, even during the heavy rains, the party leadership in the districts he went into in the last three days made the party programme successful.

Naidu reportedly named several leaders as the TD candidates in the next polls and directed them to work hard to strengthen the party.

However, internal bickering among the leaders at various levels has come as a set-back to the high commands efforts to activate the rank and file.

For instance, the differences between Tadipathri municipal chairman Prabhakar Reddy and former minister Raghunath Reddy of Puttaparthi assembly segment raised many an eyebrow. Prabhakar Reddy who had announced plans to visit all assembly segments in both Anantpaur and Satya Sai was arrested when he headed for Puttaparthi. The arrest was in connection with some irregularities related to a venture a few days ago.

Raghunath opposed the entry of Prabhakar into his segment while Prabhakar lashed out at the former.

Sources said Prabhakar was encouraging his close aide Suresh Reddy in Puttaparthi against Raghunath Reddy.

Similarly, Anantapur urban incharge Prabhakar Chowdary has aired his differences with the Prabhakar Reddy family over its involvement in Anantapur urban politics.

The TD was split into groups in Madakasira segment where former MLC Gundumala Thippeswamy was opposing former MLA M Eerannas candidature and encouraging other leaders. While the TD high command was serious, the party remained in a worse condition in many segments due to internal differences.

The present in-charges who tasted defeat in the last elections were facing competition from dissident groups as new faces were being projected against seniors.
BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.









Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Hillary Clinton personally approved leaking to the media information alleging a connection between Donald Trump and a Russian bank in 2016, which the campaign itself had not fully confirmed, according to testimony Friday by Clintons campaign manager.

Robby Mook, Clintons campaign chief, said in federal court that as the campaign against Trump heated up in the late summer and early fall of 2016, Marc Elias, who was then a lawyer with the Perkins Coie law firm and served as the campaigns top legal adviser, told Mook that people with expertise in cyberactivity had briefed the campaign on data alleging links between the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank, a Russian financial institution with ties to the Kremlin.

Then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton leaves the stage at a debate with Bernie Sanders at the University of New Hampshire, Feb. 4, 2016. (Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images)

Mooks testimony for the first time puts Clinton in the middle of a leak to the news media that ultimately blew up in the campaigns face. The FBI quickly determined that the purported connection between the Russian bank and the Trump Organization was implausible, and Michael Sussmann, Eliass then law partner who brought the claims to the FBI, has since been indicted by Justice Department special counsel John Durham on charges he lied to the bureaus general counsel to hide his connection to the Clinton campaign.

The account from Mook came on the fourth day of the trial of Sussmann, a cyber and national security law expert who worked at Perkins Coie in 2016. The closely watched case is widely seen as a major test for Durham, the longtime U.S. attorney in Connecticut who had been initially appointed by Trumps attorney general, William Barr, to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the FBI and other federal agencies in the course of their investigation into alleged Trump-Russia ties.

Even though Durhams prosecutors have yet to rest their case, the judge presiding over the trial, Christopher Cooper, permitted the defense to call Mook early since he was slated to leave the country for a previously scheduled trip. But the immediate impact of Mooks testimony on the charge against Sussmann is unclear.

Story continues

After learning about the Alfa Bank allegations, the source of which Mook said was unknown to him, Mook said his recollection is we decided to give it to a reporter so the reporter could pin it down more. He said the Clinton campaign itself did not have sufficient data or expertise to confirm the accuracy of the information itself.

Robby Mook, campaign manager for Hillary Clinton, talks to reporters en route to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Oct. 28, 2016. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

After consulting with Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, Mook said he told Clinton that the campaign wanted to share the Alfa Bank information with the media and she agreed to that. One of the main purposes of giving the data to the media was so that a reporter could investigate and try to confirm it, Mook said.

The campaign subsequently did make the information available to Eric Lichtblau, then with the New York Times, as well as a reporter for the online magazine Slate. Mook, though, was vague about precisely who in the campaigns press department did the leaking.

On Oct. 31, 2016, days before the election, Slate published a lengthy story about the purported Alfa Bank/Trump link under the headline Was a Trump Server Communicating With Russia? That same day, the New York Times published a story by Lichtblau and another journalist claiming that for much of the summer of 2016, the FBI had been pursuing a widening investigation of possible Trump links to Russia that included chasing a lead regarding a possible Trump/Alfa Bank communications link.

The Times, however, noted that the FBI ultimately concluded that there could be an innocuous explanation for the Trump/Alfa computer link.

Despite this apparent caveat, Hillary Clinton that day tweeted that Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank. Campaign adviser Jake Sullivan also released a statement declaring, This could be the most direct link yet between Donald Trump and Moscow.

Attorney Michael Sussmann departs a federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday after opening arguments in his trial. (Julia Nikhinson/Reuters)

But while Mooks testimony clearly established the Clinton campaigns role in spreading the unsubstantiated Alfa Bank allegations, Mook may also have bolstered Sussmanns defense that he approached James Baker, then the general counsel of the FBI, about the Alfa material on his own  and not as a lawyer for the Clinton campaign.

Mook said he had no knowledge that Sussmann had any involvement in commissioning, producing or circulating the Trump/Alfa Bank allegations. Elias, the general counsel for the campaign, had previously testified that he had no knowledge beforehand that Sussmann was taking the Alfa Bank material to the FBI and never approved his doing so.

In trial testimony on Friday afternoon, a retired CIA counterintelligence official identified only as Kevin P. testified that he and another CIA official met with Sussmann at CIA headquarters in February 2017 to discuss the Alfa Bank allegations.

He said Sussmann said he was not representing a client and also made it clear that although other lawyers at Perkins Coie did represent the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign, such work was unrelated to his reasons for contacting the CIA.

He said Sussmann had reached out to the CIAs general counsel in September 2016, but that nobody got back to him, so he went through third parties, including a former CIA official, to arrange the February meeting. The CIA official said Sussmann told him he had previously contacted Baker at the FBI about similar but unrelated information.

The former CIA official said that at the meeting Sussmann was told by the CIA officials that it was likely the information he provided would be passed on to the FBI.
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him


London: Democracy in India is a global public good and a central anchor for the planet and if that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has warned as he attacked the NDA government, asserting that there are two different designs of governance at play in India, one that stifles voices and the other that listens.

The Opposition leader, who is on a tour of the UK, had an interaction session at the 'Ideas for India' conference organised by non-profit think-tank Bridge India on Friday during which he articulated his party's vision for mass action that would result in something beautiful for the country.

He attacked the deep state that is causing damage and declared that the Congress ideology is geared up to fight it.

Please realise, what the BJP does is shout and stifle voices. What we do is listen. They are two different things, they are two different designs, said Gandhi.

Joined at the conference by Opposition leaders, including CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and TMC's Mahua Moitra, the Congress leader warned of kerosene all over the country and all it needs is one spark.

A cadre is told you will say this and nothing else it's designed to push a particular set of ideas down people's throats, whether it is the Communist idea or in the RSS system. We are not designed like that. We are designed to listen to the people of India and pull out their voice and place it on the table, he said.

Democracy in India is a global public good. It is a central anchor for the planet. Because we are the only people who have managed democracy at the scale that we have. If that cracks, it is going to cause a problem for the planet," he said.

We believe India is a negotiation between its people; The BJP & the RSS believe India is a geography; That it is a 'Sone Ki Chidiya' whose benefits should be distributed to a few. We believe everyone should have equal access," the Congress Party quoted Gandhi as saying.

Asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Gandhi drew parallels with the Chinese actions in India.

Russians say to Ukraine that we refuse to recognise your territorial integrity. We refuse to accept that these two districts belong to Ukraine. And we are going to attack you in these two districts to make sure that you break an alliance with NATO, Gandhi said.

That is what Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing, he said.

Putin is saying I am not ready for you to have an alliance with America. So on the question of your territorial integrity, I will attack you, he said.

Please recognise the parallels between what is going on in Ukraine and what is going on in Ladakh and in Doklam, the Congress leader said.

Please realise that the same idea is at play. There are Chinese forces sitting in Ladakh and there are Chinese forces sitting in Doklam, Gandhi said.

The Doklam forces are designed for Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh forces are designed for Ladakh. And the same principle is there. What the Chinese are saying is that we do not accept your territoriality and we do accept your relationship with the US.

So we have to realise that there is a problem on the border and whether we like it or not, we have to prepare for that problem. Because we don't want to get caught off guard, he said.

He said that his problem with the government is that they do not allow a discussion.

Chinese troops are sitting inside India today. They have just built a huge bridge over the Pangong Lake. They are setting up the infrastructure. They are obviously preparing for something. But the government doesn't want to talk about it. Government wants to stifle the conversation. That's bad for India.

They keep saying that I raise the China issue. Yes, I raise the China issue because I am worried about it. I am worried that Chinese troops are sitting inside India and I can see exactly what is happening in Ukraine. I said this to the Foreign Minister in one of our conversations and he said you know what you have a point. That's an interesting way to look at it. Please realise that there are parallels to what is going on, Gandhi said.

The bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between Indian and Chinese armies at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

People familiar with the Chinese construction on Wednesday had said that the new bridge is being built in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India on Friday voiced strong opposition to China building a second bridge across Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, and said it is in an area that has been under "illegal occupation" of that country for around 60 years.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has never accepted such illegal occupation of its territory, nor has it accepted the "unjustified" Chinese claim or such construction activities.

"We have made it clear on several occasions that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Bagchi said the government has stepped up the development of border infrastructure, especially since 2014, including the construction of roads and bridges in order to ensure that the nation's security interests are fully protected.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India's strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas," he added.

During the conference here, Gandhi, with reference to his own party, noted: We have an opportunity now that we haven't had for many years to completely redesign the Congress through mass action. And so do a lot of the Opposition.

Gandhi declared he believed that the time for mass action was not in the past few years but is timely now because there is a government in charge that is destroying and attacking the institutional framework of the country.

So, roles change and you adapt. I see myself as somebody who defends that idea of India when I see our country's voice being crushed, it upsets me. I think about what I should do and can do. It's a challenging situation but I think there's a huge opportunity inside this thing and I feel it.

I feel that from the struggle that is coming, we will get an India that is actually much better than the one we have right now and one we had before. I think there's something beautiful that can come out of this. I fundamentally believe in the spirit of our country, he said.

Earlier, he took to Twitter to describe the enriching exchange he had during the conference.

While in the UK, Gandhi is also set to interact with students at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, on Monday at an event entitled India at 75.



Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.

We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Supermarkets that have made a show of banning vodka and other Russian products continue to sell the countrys fuel.

Tankers from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons have been filmed filling up at an Essex terminal this week following the arrival of a consignment of Russian diesel.

The retail industrys trade body said the supermarkets will have to phase it out by the end of 2022 in line with a UK ban on Russian oil imports.

Greenpeace, which filmed the tankers, accused the supermarkets of effectively funding Putins war machine by buying Russian diesel.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the trucks were seen arriving at Navigator Terminals, at the mouth of the Thames, just hours after a 33,000-ton shipment was delivered. Greenpeace UK oil and gas campaigner, Elena Polisano, said: Supermarkets were quick to remove Russian vodka from shelves and rename their chicken Kievs as chicken Kyivs.

Supermarkets picked up 33,000-ton shipment of Russian diesel in Essex this week (pictured) A woman fills up her car with diesel at a petrol station

Customers will be outraged if supermarkets are asking them to donate to Ukraine at the till, but passing their money to Putin at the pump.

Polling for Greenpeace UK found that 74 per cent of the public are unaware that fuel at supermarket petrol stations may contain Russian diesel.

Russian vodka and other imports had been boycotted over Russia's war with Ukraine (Stock Image) Bottle of Russian Standard Vodka

Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium said: Our members are fully committed to phasing out Russian oil... and are working to do so as quickly as possible while ensuring good supply for customers.

Sainsburys added it has taken a range of steps to show support for Ukraine.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.

Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.

Supermarkets that have made a show of banning vodka and other Russian products continue to sell the countrys fuel.

Tankers from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons have been filmed filling up at an Essex terminal this week following the arrival of a consignment of Russian diesel.

The retail industrys trade body said the supermarkets will have to phase it out by the end of 2022 in line with a UK ban on Russian oil imports.

Greenpeace, which filmed the tankers, accused the supermarkets of effectively funding Putins war machine by buying Russian diesel.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the trucks were seen arriving at Navigator Terminals, at the mouth of the Thames, just hours after a 33,000-ton shipment was delivered. Greenpeace UK oil and gas campaigner, Elena Polisano, said: Supermarkets were quick to remove Russian vodka from shelves and rename their chicken Kievs as chicken Kyivs.

Supermarkets picked up 33,000-ton shipment of Russian diesel in Essex this week (pictured) A woman fills up her car with diesel at a petrol station

Customers will be outraged if supermarkets are asking them to donate to Ukraine at the till, but passing their money to Putin at the pump.

Polling for Greenpeace UK found that 74 per cent of the public are unaware that fuel at supermarket petrol stations may contain Russian diesel.

Russian vodka and other imports had been boycotted over Russia's war with Ukraine (Stock Image) Bottle of Russian Standard Vodka

Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium said: Our members are fully committed to phasing out Russian oil... and are working to do so as quickly as possible while ensuring good supply for customers.

Sainsburys added it has taken a range of steps to show support for Ukraine.

Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.


Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.

We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.


State Representative Donna McLeod, who is campaigning energetically but lags in fund-raising, is also running in the contest, which could head to a runoff.

The intraparty battle comes roughly a year and a half after Georgia, a longtime Republican bastion, not only helped deliver the presidency to the Democrats, but also elected two Democratic senators, cementing the partys Senate majority. Those victories were propelled by a broad constellation of constituencies, including a surge in turnout by Black Georgians and a thorough rejection of Donald J. Trump in the states diverse suburbs.

Ms. McBath is a Black woman from the suburbs of Atlanta who has been embraced by several liberal organizations and some progressives like Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, but she is not typically seen as a left-wing candidate. Ms. Bourdeaux, a white moderate, was also skilled at appealing to those in historically center-right territory. Both represent, in many ways, parts of the sprawling Biden coalition that Democrats are straining to hold together headed into a challenging midterm election season.

Ms. Bourdeaux is regarded as the more centrist candidate in the race. She joined other House moderates, for instance, in saying she would not support a budget resolution meant to pave the way for President Bidens sweeping social policy package until a bipartisan infrastructure measure became law, a stance that outraged many Democrats who had planned to pair the priorities.

But in contrast to Democratic primaries elsewhere, the primary contest in Georgias Seventh District has not been a searing ideological fight over the direction of the party, or a race dominated by negative advertising. Both women emphasize issues like protecting abortion rights and voting rights, and they received a joint endorsement from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

Yet there are clear stylistic and strategic differences as they vie to represent a racially and ethnically diverse district.

Ms. McBath, widely regarded as the front-runner, is running on her personal story, recently earning national attention from prominent Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for her starkly emotional testimony about her struggles with pregnancy as she advocated for abortion rights.
Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.




Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.



Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.



Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him





Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Centennial property manager of 36 years Kim Keilin pictured in her office, which the propertys new ownership intends to make virtual upon terminating her role. Keilins last day at Centennial is June 1.
Daddy Bush was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, Carolyn Lightfoot, a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, said of Mr. Bushs grandfather. But the organization has criticized George P. Bushs moves as land commissioner over his handling of the Alamo in San Antonio. Ms. Lightfoot said the Bush family and the party establishment were trying to stuff him down our throats because of his Latino heritage.

For all that the familys importance may have faded among Texas Republicans, Mr. Bush may still emerge victorious in the runoff. A poll this month had Mr. Paxtons support at less than 50 percent, and Mr. Bush trailing him by only a few percentage points. Donors have pumped new money into Mr. Bushs campaign in the final stretch, hoping to push him over the top.

Mr. Bush has tried to refine and target his attacks on Mr. Paxton in recent weeks, after his campaigns internal polling suggested that earlier efforts were hurting his own standing along with Mr. Paxtons. And Mr. Bush has proudly invoked his family, both in a closing-message political ad and while speaking to audiences that might be unimpressed with the Bush name.

Its all about ethics, Mr. Bush told a gathering of Republican women this month in Argyle, a town in the rapidly growing, largely Republican suburbs of Fort Worth. When people say the last thing we need is another Bush, my response is, this is precisely the time that we need a Bush.

As he barnstorms the state, Mr. Bush, 46, is invariably asked about his relatives, told about some fond memory of them, or challenged to reiterate his loyalty to Mr. Trump.

After the event in Argyle, a man in a cowboy hat waited outside for Mr. Bush to emerge so he could confront the candidate.

Would you support for president the Republican nominee, even if it is Trump in 2024? the man asked.
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Retired police chief Rick Wilcox saved this man's life in Vietnam 51 years ago. He recently found Wilcox so he could thank him
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.


POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
The Greens have won a critical inner-city seat which Labor has held for the past 25 years.

The electorate of Griffith - which folds in large swathes of Brisbane - has been called in favour of Max Chandler-Mather, who won over sitting Labor candidate Terri Butler.

Ms Butler was tipped to be a frontbencher if Anthony Albanese's ALP formed government, but the electorate is now in the hands of the young-gun Greens candidate after voters resoundingly turned away from both major parties in the seat.

Both local issues including flight noise and aircraft traffic and national issues regarding the economy and climate change dictated many voters' first preference in the seat which has been flooded twice this year.

Max Chandler-Mather (pictured left) is the greens candidate in the seat of Griffith looking at a potential victory over Labor

Mr Chandler-Mather embraced his supporters, kissing a volunteer shortly after the result was called on Saturday evening.

He addressed his supporters telling them the result 'is a beacon of hope' that voters don't have to settle for the status quo.

'They said we couldn't do it.' he said to cheering fans.

It follows an early swing in the Greens' favour from the beginning of the night.

ABC election guru Antony Green said: 'That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

The swing to Greens candidates in Brisbane mimics the swing towards Teal independents in Sydney as many voters arrived on Saturday disillusioned with the two major parties.

The Greens have been campaigning heavily against both major parties, looking to forge seats of their own in the House of Representatives this election

Mr Chandler-Mather has so far been focusing his election campaign on the key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

The seat is a traditionally underlying 'progressive' seat, but the progressive vote has been split between the Labor Party and the Greens this election, continuing a trend that began in 2013.

Voters in several marginal Brisbane seats have been dominated by local issues as well as national issues including climate change and the economy.

Aircraft noise quickly became the defining local issue for inner-city seats since the Brisbane airport opened its second runway halfway through 2020.

Mr Chandler-Mather promised voters in his electorate his Greens party would push for curfews and hourly flight caps to combat flight noise over Brisbane.

Labor candidate Ms Butler could potentially still win the seat if further vote counts put her ahead of Liberal candidate Olivia Roberts. But if she remains in third place she'll be knocked out of the running and Mr Chandler will likely cruise to a thumping victory over Ms Roberts in Griffith.
New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) has fixed the dividend payment record date and dividend payment date. Shareholders of the lender will receive the dividend in their linked bank accounts. SBIs Central Board meeting held on May 13, 2022, decided on a dividend of Rs 7.10 per equity of 710 per cent for the financial year 2021-22.

"Pursuant to Regulation 43 and Regulation 30 (6), we advise that the Central Board of the Bank, at its Meeting held on 13th May, 2022, has declared a Dividend of Rs. 7.10 per equity share (710 %) for the financial year ended 31't March, 2022, SBI said

The date of payment of Dividend is fixed on 10th June, 2022 and the dividend warrants will be dispatched before the date of payment, which will be payable, in India, at par at all branches of State Bank of India, irrespective of the amount," the lender added.

SBI Record Date for Dividend Payment

SBI has fixed the record date for dividend payment on 26th May 2022.

SBI Dividend Payment Date

SBI has fixed the dividend date on June 10, 2022. Also Read: Guru Randhawas brand DEFY launches new earbuds Gravity Pro: Price, specs, features

"Pursuant to Clause (a) of sub regulation (1) and sub regulations 2 & 5 of Regulation 42 of SEBI LODR, 2015 and other applicable provisions, we inform that the Register of Shareholders of State Bank of lndia will be closed for transfer of shares, in view of payment of dividend, for FY 2021 - 22, from 27.05.2022 (Friday) to 31 .05.2022 (Tuesday), the record date being 26.05.2022 (Thursday). The Central Board of the Bank has declared dividend forthe Financial Year 2021 -22 at its Meeting held on 13th May, 2022," SBI informed stock exchanges. Also Read: Twitter opens reverse chronological home timeline to app developers

Thirty-one white roses were placed one by one in a yellow and blue star-shaped wreath by uniformed law enforcement to honor fallen officers during a memorial service on Friday. The names of each deceased officer were read aloud as a rose was placed in the wreath.

The Catawba County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 hosted its annual Peace Officer Memorial Service at the Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory on Friday. The ceremony was dedicated to Deputy Sheriff Dennis W. Dixon from the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Dixon died on Aug. 16, 2021.

Along with deputies and command staff from the sheriffs office, representatives from law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and fire departments across the county came to pay respects at the service.

Dixons wife, Janet Dixon, was escorted by Sheriff Don Brown to place a rose in the wreath as Dixons name was called. Janet Dixon gently placed the flower as Brown saluted.

(Dixon) was a great brother, great husband and father, Dixons sister Teresa Parker said. He did a lot of good things for a lot of people. He knew a lot of people. He was just a really good man. He really was. Im proud to call him my brother.

After the names were read, the hymn Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes by Kim Elder. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Honor Guard played taps and fired a rifle salute.

Dixons service vehicle was parked beside the memorial area. A black banner with the sheriffs office symbol covered by a black stripe was stretched across the windshield. The vehicles grill was adorned with a large royal blue ribbon, and white roses were placed on the hood. Family members and officers took photos with the vehicle before and after the ceremony.

Brown said he knew Dixon for many years and had worked with him since becoming sheriff in 2018. Brown fondly spoke of how he and Dixon would joke with each other.

(Dixon) certainly stood for what I expect of all the deputies, Brown said. He represented us well.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.



Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023




Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.




The Greens have won a critical inner-city seat which Labor has held for the past 25 years.

The electorate of Griffith - which folds in large swathes of Brisbane - has been called in favour of Max Chandler-Mather, who won over sitting Labor candidate Terri Butler.

Ms Butler was tipped to be a frontbencher if Anthony Albanese's ALP formed government, but the electorate is now in the hands of the young-gun Greens candidate after voters resoundingly turned away from both major parties in the seat.

Both local issues including flight noise and aircraft traffic and national issues regarding the economy and climate change dictated many voters' first preference in the seat which has been flooded twice this year.

Max Chandler-Mather (pictured left) is the greens candidate in the seat of Griffith looking at a potential victory over Labor

Mr Chandler-Mather embraced his supporters, kissing a volunteer shortly after the result was called on Saturday evening.

He addressed his supporters telling them the result 'is a beacon of hope' that voters don't have to settle for the status quo.

'They said we couldn't do it.' he said to cheering fans.

It follows an early swing in the Greens' favour from the beginning of the night.

ABC election guru Antony Green said: 'That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

The swing to Greens candidates in Brisbane mimics the swing towards Teal independents in Sydney as many voters arrived on Saturday disillusioned with the two major parties.

The Greens have been campaigning heavily against both major parties, looking to forge seats of their own in the House of Representatives this election

Mr Chandler-Mather has so far been focusing his election campaign on the key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

The seat is a traditionally underlying 'progressive' seat, but the progressive vote has been split between the Labor Party and the Greens this election, continuing a trend that began in 2013.

Voters in several marginal Brisbane seats have been dominated by local issues as well as national issues including climate change and the economy.

Aircraft noise quickly became the defining local issue for inner-city seats since the Brisbane airport opened its second runway halfway through 2020.

Mr Chandler-Mather promised voters in his electorate his Greens party would push for curfews and hourly flight caps to combat flight noise over Brisbane.

Labor candidate Ms Butler could potentially still win the seat if further vote counts put her ahead of Liberal candidate Olivia Roberts. But if she remains in third place she'll be knocked out of the running and Mr Chandler will likely cruise to a thumping victory over Ms Roberts in Griffith.
New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) has fixed the dividend payment record date and dividend payment date. Shareholders of the lender will receive the dividend in their linked bank accounts. SBIs Central Board meeting held on May 13, 2022, decided on a dividend of Rs 7.10 per equity of 710 per cent for the financial year 2021-22.

"Pursuant to Regulation 43 and Regulation 30 (6), we advise that the Central Board of the Bank, at its Meeting held on 13th May, 2022, has declared a Dividend of Rs. 7.10 per equity share (710 %) for the financial year ended 31't March, 2022, SBI said

The date of payment of Dividend is fixed on 10th June, 2022 and the dividend warrants will be dispatched before the date of payment, which will be payable, in India, at par at all branches of State Bank of India, irrespective of the amount," the lender added.

SBI Record Date for Dividend Payment

SBI has fixed the record date for dividend payment on 26th May 2022.

SBI Dividend Payment Date

SBI has fixed the dividend date on June 10, 2022. Also Read: Guru Randhawas brand DEFY launches new earbuds Gravity Pro: Price, specs, features

"Pursuant to Clause (a) of sub regulation (1) and sub regulations 2 & 5 of Regulation 42 of SEBI LODR, 2015 and other applicable provisions, we inform that the Register of Shareholders of State Bank of lndia will be closed for transfer of shares, in view of payment of dividend, for FY 2021 - 22, from 27.05.2022 (Friday) to 31 .05.2022 (Tuesday), the record date being 26.05.2022 (Thursday). The Central Board of the Bank has declared dividend forthe Financial Year 2021 -22 at its Meeting held on 13th May, 2022," SBI informed stock exchanges. Also Read: Twitter opens reverse chronological home timeline to app developers

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.






China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said.

is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv.

According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March.

This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market.

The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can.

has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers.

Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts.

Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions.

Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG).

This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes.

China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said.

is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv.

According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March.

This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market.

The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can.

has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers.

Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts.

Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions.

Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG).

This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes.

China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

(@ChaudhryMAli88)

BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :The first batch of Pakistani students, who were stuck in the motherland following Covid-19 pandemic, will soon travel to China to continue education in their respective universities.

"So far, around 160 students have been granted visa by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and arrangements are being finalized to bring them back at an early date," official sources said here on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his recent telephonic conversation with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed about the return of Pakistani students who were desirous of returning to China for resumption of their studies. Li Keqiang had assured that China accorded high priority to this matter.

Resultantly, the two sides have agreed for phased return of the Pakistani students subject to the Covid-19 situation in China.

The Chinese side had agreed to allow 250 Pakistani students for return to China enabling them to continue their studies in the Chinese universities in different cities.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has so far issued visas to around 160 students while grant of visa to the remaining students is under process.

The unprecedented and extraordinary situation caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected students' educational activities across the world, including a large number Pakistani students enrolled at Chinese universities, many of whom are currently in Pakistan.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing had long been engaged with the relevant Chinese authorities regarding return of Pakistani students to their universities in China. Resultantly, the two sides have agreed for phased return subject to the Covid-19 situation in China.

The embassy would continue pursuing this matter with the Chinese authorities for return of remaining students as well.

According to Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain, there are 6,000 Pakistani students, who want to go back to China to pursue their studies.
Thirty-one white roses were placed one by one in a yellow and blue star-shaped wreath by uniformed law enforcement to honor fallen officers during a memorial service on Friday. The names of each deceased officer were read aloud as a rose was placed in the wreath.

The Catawba County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 hosted its annual Peace Officer Memorial Service at the Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory on Friday. The ceremony was dedicated to Deputy Sheriff Dennis W. Dixon from the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Dixon died on Aug. 16, 2021.

Along with deputies and command staff from the sheriffs office, representatives from law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and fire departments across the county came to pay respects at the service.

Dixons wife, Janet Dixon, was escorted by Sheriff Don Brown to place a rose in the wreath as Dixons name was called. Janet Dixon gently placed the flower as Brown saluted.

(Dixon) was a great brother, great husband and father, Dixons sister Teresa Parker said. He did a lot of good things for a lot of people. He knew a lot of people. He was just a really good man. He really was. Im proud to call him my brother.

After the names were read, the hymn Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes by Kim Elder. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Honor Guard played taps and fired a rifle salute.

Dixons service vehicle was parked beside the memorial area. A black banner with the sheriffs office symbol covered by a black stripe was stretched across the windshield. The vehicles grill was adorned with a large royal blue ribbon, and white roses were placed on the hood. Family members and officers took photos with the vehicle before and after the ceremony.

Brown said he knew Dixon for many years and had worked with him since becoming sheriff in 2018. Brown fondly spoke of how he and Dixon would joke with each other.

(Dixon) certainly stood for what I expect of all the deputies, Brown said. He represented us well.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.

Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Fugitive diamantaire on Saturday got relief from the Commonwealth of Dominica where he was charged with illegal entry by the police. The prosecution of Dominica decided to withdraw/discontinue the legal proceedings in the illegal entry case against him.

"Choksi is pleased that the Dominican Government has today dropped all charges against him for unlawful entry in May 2021. By doing so they now recognise that there was never any case against him. Choksi was forcibly removed from Antigua against his will by agents of the Indian State, viciously assaulted, and taken to Dominica by boat, where he was again unlawfully handed over to authorities for an offence he never committed. Choksi's legal team continue to pursue all avenues for justice to redress the human rights violations committed against him.

Choksi hopes that those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23,2021 will be brought to justice," reads the statement of Choksi issued by his spokesperson.

Director of Public Prosecutions (AG) in a reply filed on May 17, 2022, to Magistrate Court, informed that 'Mehul Chinubhai Choksi' was charged, for that he, on the 24th day of May 2021 at Toucarie Bay, Toucarie in the Parish of St John, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, did enter illegally into the Commonwealth of Dominica at a place to wit 'Toucarie Bay, Toucarie' not approved as a point of entry."

The reply of the Director of Prosecutions further stated that "in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I do hereby discontinue the above-mentioned proceedings against the said, Mehul Chinubhai Choksi."

After the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Choksi's lawyer Advocate Vijay Aggarwal told ANI, "Truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to stop it or hide it. Lies are just temporary delays to the inevitable. It was extremely insensitive for some people to call injuries on my client to be fake because of some legal strategy."

Earlier, while Dominica High Court granted interim bail to Choksi on the medical grounds, his lawyer had said that all pending proceedings related to illegal entry against will be kept in abeyance till he gets medically fit to come back to Dominica. But according to us, that was not an illegal entry matter, it was a forceful entry case, he added.

Fugitive Businessman Mehul Choksi who had gone missing from Antigua on May 23, 2021, was soon caught in Dominica. He was charged with illegal entry by the police in Dominica.

The 62-year-old fugitive is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore fraud in the Punjab Bank (PNB).

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



A recount would mean that the outcome of the race might not be known until June 8, the deadline for counties to report their results to the state.

Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, led McCormick by 1,079 votes, or 0.08 percentage points, out of 1,340,248 ballots counted as of 5 p.m. Friday. The race is close enough to trigger Pennsylvanias automatic recount law, with the separation between the candidates inside the laws 0.5% margin. The Associated Press will not declare a winner in the race until the likely recount is complete.

Both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers to lead their recount efforts, and both have hired Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped lead the operation to observe vote-counting on Election Day for Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The two campaigns already had dozens of lawyers and volunteers fanned out around the state as election workers and election boards toiled through the remaining ballots.

The big field of Republican candidates and their super PACs reported spending more than $70 million during the primary campaign. The winner will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in Novembers midterm elections.

Fetterman won the Democratic nomination while in the hospital recovering from a stroke four days before the election. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, is retiring after serving two terms.

Trumps clout is again on the line, as he looked for a third straight win in Republican Senate primaries after Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance prevailed in Ohio earlier this month and U.S. Rep. Ted Budd won in North Carolina on Tuesday.

County election boards began meeting Friday to sort out problematic or provisional ballots, even as election workers processed the last of the mail-in ballots and election-day ballot tallies from precincts.

The states 67 counties have until Tuesdays deadline in state law to certify their results to the state. Then the states top election official has until next Thursday to issue a recount order, which is mandatory  unless the losing candidates asks in writing that it not be carried out.

Ozs campaign manager declined to comment Friday evening. McCormicks campaign said it has no plans to decline a recount.

Counties have until three weeks after the election  June 7  to finish the recount and another day to report results to the state.

The initial result could change: A recount of a statewide judicial race last November ended up padding the winners margin by more than 5,500 votes in a race where more than 2 million ballots were cast.

Before that, there could be lawsuits contesting the decisions of certain counties on whether to count ballots that may be difficult to read or bear some kind of irregularity.

As of yet, neither campaign has gone to court, and both candidates have expressed confidence in victory.

Oz and McCormick dominated the seven-person GOP field, blanketing the states TV screens with political ads for months and spending millions of their own money, before conservative activist Kathy Barnette surged in the campaigns final days.

Barnette blistered both Oz and McCormick as globalists, pro-Trump pretenders, carpetbaggers and too wealthy to help regular people. She finished third.

Oz, who is best known as the host of daytime TVs The Dr. Oz Show, had to overcome misgivings among Trump backers about his conservative credentials. Rivals also charged that his dual citizenship with Turkey would compromise his loyalties to the United States. If elected, Oz would be the nations first Muslim senator.

McCormick was virtually unknown four months ago and emphasized his credentials as a hometown success story.

He not only had to overcome Trumps endorsement of Oz, but Trump also attacked McCormick repeatedly in the final two weeks of the race, calling him a Wall Street liberal, a sellout to China and the candidate of special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.

McCormick got help from a super PAC supporting him that spent $20 million, giving him a cash advantage, much of it from Wall Street figures that paid for TV ads to attack Oz.

Both men reported assets of more than $100 million and moved from out of state to run  Oz from a mansion in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, above the Hudson River overlooking Manhattan, and McCormick from Connecticuts Gold Coast.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.




Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023

A Liberal booth volunteer has crossed the floor to take a selfie with contentious Labor candidate Kristina Keneally.

The man posed next to the former NSW premier at a polling booth in the electorate of Fowler, in southwest Sydney, as she turned up to welcome voters.

He was even wearing a blue Liberal shirt with the opposing candidate, Courtney Nguyen, and raised his glasses on to his forehead.

The volunteer at Chipping Norton Primary School had to dodge multiple satchel bags that were slung across his shoulder to rest on his stomach.

A Liberal booth volunteer has crossed the floor to take a selfie with contentious Labor candidate Kristina Keneally

Labor's former deputy leader of the Senate has been accused of 'dropping into' the southwest Sydney seat as she tries to re-enter politics.

The Labor stronghold looks to be under threat from an independent challenger, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield, Dai Le.

Of the votes counted, Ms Keneally has just 35 per cent of the first preference vote, Ms Le has 34.

Ms Le, however, leads in the two-party-preferred basis on 52 per cent of the count as much of the electorate accused Ms Keneally of being a 'carpetbagger'.

The swing against Ms Keneally was 21 per cent as of 10:30pm, with a massive swing of 34 per cent favouring Ms Le.

She faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she, until recently, lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Ms Lei on the other hand rode on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties and desire for a local candidate in parliament.

Ms Keneally could become the minister for home affairs in a Labor government, a key topic in the highly multicultural seat that includes Liverpool in Sydney's west.

High spirits: Kristina Keneally (pictured) looked calm and confident despite earlier fears she might be the first Labor candidate to lose the electorate since its creation

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception, but the independent Ms Le appears to have siphoned votes away from the Labor party and collected second preferences from Ms Nguyen's voters.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :The first batch of Pakistani students, who were stuck in the motherland following Covid-19 pandemic, will soon travel to China to continue education in their respective universities.

"So far, around 160 students have been granted visa by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and arrangements are being finalized to bring them back at an early date," official sources said here on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his recent telephonic conversation with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed about the return of Pakistani students who were desirous of returning to China for resumption of their studies. Li Keqiang had assured that China accorded high priority to this matter.

Resultantly, the two sides have agreed for phased return of the Pakistani students subject to the Covid-19 situation in China.

The Chinese side had agreed to allow 250 Pakistani students for return to China enabling them to continue their studies in the Chinese universities in different cities.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has so far issued visas to around 160 students while grant of visa to the remaining students is under process.

The unprecedented and extraordinary situation caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected students' educational activities across the world, including a large number Pakistani students enrolled at Chinese universities, many of whom are currently in Pakistan.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing had long been engaged with the relevant Chinese authorities regarding return of Pakistani students to their universities in China. Resultantly, the two sides have agreed for phased return subject to the Covid-19 situation in China.

The embassy would continue pursuing this matter with the Chinese authorities for return of remaining students as well.

According to Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain, there are 6,000 Pakistani students, who want to go back to China to pursue their studies.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :The first batch of Pakistani students, who were stuck in the motherland following Covid-19 pandemic, will soon travel to China to continue education in their respective universities.

"So far, around 160 students have been granted visa by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and arrangements are being finalized to bring them back at an early date," official sources said here on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his recent telephonic conversation with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed about the return of Pakistani students who were desirous of returning to China for resumption of their studies. Li Keqiang had assured that China accorded high priority to this matter.

Resultantly, the two sides have agreed for phased return of the Pakistani students subject to the Covid-19 situation in China.

The Chinese side had agreed to allow 250 Pakistani students for return to China enabling them to continue their studies in the Chinese universities in different cities.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has so far issued visas to around 160 students while grant of visa to the remaining students is under process.

The unprecedented and extraordinary situation caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected students' educational activities across the world, including a large number Pakistani students enrolled at Chinese universities, many of whom are currently in Pakistan.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing had long been engaged with the relevant Chinese authorities regarding return of Pakistani students to their universities in China. Resultantly, the two sides have agreed for phased return subject to the Covid-19 situation in China.

The embassy would continue pursuing this matter with the Chinese authorities for return of remaining students as well.

According to Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain, there are 6,000 Pakistani students, who want to go back to China to pursue their studies.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Duration: 135 minutes

Director: Razneesh Ghai

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Arjun Rampal, Divya Dutta, Saswata Chatterjee, Sharib Hashmi

Rating: ** and 1/2

Director Razneesh Ghai's 'Dhaakad' is an action-packed, stylishly mounted but a twisted thriller that has the feel of a graphic novel.

Designed as an espionage thriller, the film revolves around Agni (Kangana Ranaut) an Indian field agent working for ITF, an obscure secret service organisation that deals with eliminating criminals.

The narrative sets off in Budapest, Central Europe, where the first scene seems to be straight out of a videogame sequence. Agni modelled as a femme fatale indulges in high-octane action sequences that range from a dare-devil motorcycle ride to a gun battle which seamlessly fuses into fencing. Suddenly, her handler (Saswata Chatterjee) instructs her over wireless-earphones, "mission compromised, abort mission."

In her attempt to escape from the location she lands up duelling with her attackers, not giving up so easily and against the wishes of her handlers she eliminates her attackers.

Instead of admonishing her for her defiance, her handler assigns her another assignment this time in Bhopal to bring Rudraveer (Arjun Rampal) and Rohini (Divya Dutta) to book, the duo indulges in coal smuggling and trafficking of women. Agni reluctantly accepts the assignment.

In Bhopal, she is asked to get in touch with Fazal (Sharib Hashmi) who would assist her in her endeavour. The situation turns bleak when Fazal is killed and his daughter goes missing.

Bogged with emotional complexity and a sense of dread that makes for an intriguing and riveting psychological drama concerning childhood trauma, the narrative changes course but not missing its action beat.

With her sleek get-up, Kangana Ranaut makes for a seductive secret agent who is energetic and agile. She poses like a model and pummels her opponents like a martial arts expert. She makes a perfect agent with her heart in the "right" place. She is aptly supported by Divya Dutta as the quirky Rohini. Together they sparkle on-screen.

Arjun Rampal lacks lustre as Rudraveer and Saswata Chatterjee as the handler is stereotypical and bland.

The story is definitely convoluted and the plot takes many cinematic liberties. The screenplay meanders and at every stage you keep wondering, why and how? For example, mid-narrative you wonder; why Agni goes to church? Or, how did she overpower the two blondes and bound them to the chair.

The complicated twists and turns are perfunctorily staged to ensure there is a good dose of high-octane action sequences. These sequences are astutely choreographed and appealing but they do not add anything concrete to the storytelling.

But what keeps you mesmerised are cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata's fine camera work and editor Rameshwar S. Bhagat's razor fine edits. The most impressive aspect throughout the film is the way the camera is used during intense moments. The frames are artistically mounted and appear picture-perfect.

By the end, 'Dhaakad' seems to contain elements from various Hollywood films put together.
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tirap , May 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narottam Nagar in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh during his two-day visit to the state. Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also visited the Ashram along with Amit Shah.

The Home Minister attended the golden jubilee celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. Shah will attend various programmes and inaugurate many developmental projects in the state.

During the two-day visit to the northeastern state, the Home Minister will attend public events, inaugurate various development projects and interact with the personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)-- the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed in the region to guard Border and maintain the internal security of the country. Amit Shah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Situation at High-Level Meeting.

The Home Minister is slated to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission at Narottam Nagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district around 11.30 am today (Saturday) on his day one visit to the state. The Home Minister will later lay the foundation stone of 51 feet bronze statue of Bhagwan Parashuram at Parshuram Kund in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh at around 2.30 pm later in the day.

On day two, Shah will meet with social organisations at 9.30 am at the Namsai town in Arunachal Pradesh and later go for prayer at the Golden Pagoda Temple in the area. The Home Minister will later attend a public meeting and inaugurate various developmental projects in the Namsai area at 11 am on Sunday.

Later in the day, the Shah will review security and development, and interact with Army, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation and National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDLC) personnel at Namsai. He will take part in Bada Khaana-- a collective feast wherein all ranks of Army personnel and CAPF troops eat together.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Duration: 135 minutes

Director: Razneesh Ghai

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Arjun Rampal, Divya Dutta, Saswata Chatterjee, Sharib Hashmi

Rating: ** and 1/2

Director Razneesh Ghai's 'Dhaakad' is an action-packed, stylishly mounted but a twisted thriller that has the feel of a graphic novel.

Designed as an espionage thriller, the film revolves around Agni (Kangana Ranaut) an Indian field agent working for ITF, an obscure secret service organisation that deals with eliminating criminals.

The narrative sets off in Budapest, Central Europe, where the first scene seems to be straight out of a videogame sequence. Agni modelled as a femme fatale indulges in high-octane action sequences that range from a dare-devil motorcycle ride to a gun battle which seamlessly fuses into fencing. Suddenly, her handler (Saswata Chatterjee) instructs her over wireless-earphones, "mission compromised, abort mission."

In her attempt to escape from the location she lands up duelling with her attackers, not giving up so easily and against the wishes of her handlers she eliminates her attackers.

Instead of admonishing her for her defiance, her handler assigns her another assignment this time in Bhopal to bring Rudraveer (Arjun Rampal) and Rohini (Divya Dutta) to book, the duo indulges in coal smuggling and trafficking of women. Agni reluctantly accepts the assignment.

In Bhopal, she is asked to get in touch with Fazal (Sharib Hashmi) who would assist her in her endeavour. The situation turns bleak when Fazal is killed and his daughter goes missing.

Bogged with emotional complexity and a sense of dread that makes for an intriguing and riveting psychological drama concerning childhood trauma, the narrative changes course but not missing its action beat.

With her sleek get-up, Kangana Ranaut makes for a seductive secret agent who is energetic and agile. She poses like a model and pummels her opponents like a martial arts expert. She makes a perfect agent with her heart in the "right" place. She is aptly supported by Divya Dutta as the quirky Rohini. Together they sparkle on-screen.

Arjun Rampal lacks lustre as Rudraveer and Saswata Chatterjee as the handler is stereotypical and bland.

The story is definitely convoluted and the plot takes many cinematic liberties. The screenplay meanders and at every stage you keep wondering, why and how? For example, mid-narrative you wonder; why Agni goes to church? Or, how did she overpower the two blondes and bound them to the chair.

The complicated twists and turns are perfunctorily staged to ensure there is a good dose of high-octane action sequences. These sequences are astutely choreographed and appealing but they do not add anything concrete to the storytelling.

But what keeps you mesmerised are cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata's fine camera work and editor Rameshwar S. Bhagat's razor fine edits. The most impressive aspect throughout the film is the way the camera is used during intense moments. The frames are artistically mounted and appear picture-perfect.

By the end, 'Dhaakad' seems to contain elements from various Hollywood films put together.



Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.



Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.


Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.

India and will provide food relief supplies worth millions of dollars to which is grappling with its worst economic crisis, leading to nationwide protests over the government's mismanagement.

The Indian High Commission said here on Friday that an Indian ship laden with urgent relief supplies like rice, medicines and milk powder for the people of crisis-hit is scheduled to reach Colombo on Sunday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off the ship laden with relief supplies, the first to be dispatched to Sri Lanka, from Chennai on Wednesday.

The first consignment comprises 9,000 metric tonne (MT) of rice, 200 MT milk powder and 24 MT life-saving medicines with a combined value of Rs 45 crore.

"People of #India, standing by their brethren in #SriLanka. Rice, milk powder and medicines worth more than SLR 2 billion (USD 5.6 million) is scheduled to reach #Colombo on Sunday," the Indian mission tweeted.

Chief Minister Stalin flagged off the cargo carrying the relief, from the Chennai Port, in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and senior officials.

has also announced to provide USD 1.5 million through a World Food Programme (WFP) programme for essential food rations and school meal programme.

We are pleased to announce that the Government of will grant 1.5 million dollars emergency assistance through WFP to provide three months' essential food supplies, including fortified rice, dhal and oil, for approximately 15,000 urban and rural people and 380,000 school children across the island, Charge d' Affaires ad interim of Japan to Katsuki Kotaro said.

We hope that this humanitarian assistance will help improve food access and nutrition for the people of Sri Lanka amidst the economic crisis, Kotaro added.

Using the contribution, the WFP will procure rice for the daily free school meals and also distribute ration packs comprising essential commodities to vulnerable households.

Getting the right nutrition to those who need it the most will help mitigate the long-term effects of today's economic downturn, said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced this week that Sri Lanka would be facing a severe food shortage.

He advocated the use of unused state land for cultivation as a mitigation measure.

Sri Lanka is going through the worst since independence in 1948. A crippling shortage of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials while power cuts and soaring food prices heaped misery on the people.

The has also triggered a political crisis in Sri Lanka and a demand for the resignation of the powerful Rajapaksas.

India has said that as an eternal and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, New Delhi is fully supportive of the island nation's democracy, stability and economic recovery.

In keeping with India's Neighbourhood First policy, New Delhi has extended this year alone support worth over USD 3.5 billion to the people of Sri Lanka for helping them overcome their current difficulties, the Ministry of External Affairs said on May 10.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.


A Liberal booth volunteer has crossed the floor to take a selfie with contentious Labor candidate Kristina Keneally.

The man posed next to the former NSW premier at a polling booth in the electorate of Fowler, in southwest Sydney, as she turned up to welcome voters.

He was even wearing a blue Liberal shirt with the opposing candidate, Courtney Nguyen, and raised his glasses on to his forehead.

The volunteer at Chipping Norton Primary School had to dodge multiple satchel bags that were slung across his shoulder to rest on his stomach.

A Liberal booth volunteer has crossed the floor to take a selfie with contentious Labor candidate Kristina Keneally

Labor's former deputy leader of the Senate has been accused of 'dropping into' the southwest Sydney seat as she tries to re-enter politics.

The Labor stronghold looks to be under threat from an independent challenger, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield, Dai Le.

Of the votes counted, Ms Keneally has just 35 per cent of the first preference vote, Ms Le has 34.

Ms Le, however, leads in the two-party-preferred basis on 52 per cent of the count as much of the electorate accused Ms Keneally of being a 'carpetbagger'.

The swing against Ms Keneally was 21 per cent as of 10:30pm, with a massive swing of 34 per cent favouring Ms Le.

She faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she, until recently, lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Ms Lei on the other hand rode on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties and desire for a local candidate in parliament.

Ms Keneally could become the minister for home affairs in a Labor government, a key topic in the highly multicultural seat that includes Liverpool in Sydney's west.

High spirits: Kristina Keneally (pictured) looked calm and confident despite earlier fears she might be the first Labor candidate to lose the electorate since its creation

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception, but the independent Ms Le appears to have siphoned votes away from the Labor party and collected second preferences from Ms Nguyen's voters.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.



The threat of violent extremism across West Africa has been on the rise in recent times.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province have been active in the Lake Chad Basin region. Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin , the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and Ansarul Islam in the Sahel . The implications for the peace and security of the sub-region have never been more pronounced.

The activities of these groups have led to the deaths of thousands and displaced many others across parts of West Africa. The result is a worsening humanitarian crisis .

Togo, despite its proximity to countries affected by violent extremism, is one West African country that has experienced relative peace and security, until recently. On May 10 and 11 jihadists attacked a Togolese military outpost and killed eight Togolese soldiers.

The incident was only a few kilometres away from neighbouring Burkina Faso, which struggles with incessant attacks from violent extremist organisations .

The African Union condemned the attack and called on neighbouring states to redouble their efforts against terrorism in the region.

No group has claimed responsibility yet for the latest attack, but the Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium, one of the world's largest databases of terrorists and terrorist groups, points a finger at Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin. The group is backed by al-Qaida and operates in the Sahel region .

It is not the first time Togo has experienced an attack of this nature on security forces. The first was in November 2021, when a security post in a northern village was attacked .

The question is why these attacks have begun and what they imply for peace and security in the region.

Having closely monitored the conflict and security dynamics of West Africa for over a decade, I am convinced the attacks have to do with the need of violent extremist organisations to establish a presence in Togo as part of a broader recruitment drive.

Furthermore, the underlying socio-economic conditions in Togo make it a prime target for extremist activities. Togo bears the hallmarks of a fragile state in which violent extremism could thrive.

Breeding grounds for violent extremism

Some of the warning signs for countries being vulnerable to violent extremism are high rates of poverty, inequality, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, weak institutions and poor governance.

Togo has a population of just over 8.5 million . Its gross domestic product stood at US$7.5 billion in 2020 . That of its immediate neighbour, Ghana, with a population of 32 million , was US$72.3 billion .

Over 50% of Togo's population live below the poverty line of US$1.25 per day. It is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world as measured by the Human Development Index which is based indicators such as life expectancy, education and per capita income. In 2019, Togo's index score was about 0.15, positioning it 167th out of 189 countries .

In 2021, the life expectancy at birth in Togo was 61.49 years and about 40% of its citizens are illiterate. These rates are similar to Burkina Faso, a country which struggles with violent extremism, where the life expectancy at birth was 61.6% and illiteracy was 58.8% .

Togo has the conditions for extremism to take root.

Poverty contributes to violent extremism as it can provide a way, for those that are desperate, out of economic hardship. Recruits are often provided with an income and protection.

When people are not educated, they're more vulnerable to exploitation and ideological manipulation.

Furthermore, low human capital development reinforces societal cleavages created as a result of years of neglect and poor governance, leading to marginalisation. This creates feelings of abandonment and resentment, a potential driver of violent extremism once allowed to fester and left unchecked.

Frustration

Togo's indicators tell us that it's falling behind. This has also resulted in a heightened state of frustration among its citizens, most of which is directed at the state's authoritarian rule .

These grievances have been expressed through street protests .

A previous attempt at infiltrating Togo in the same place as the latest attacks, could signal a coordinated effort by violent extremist organisations to exploit these local grievances.

Extremism in West Africa

Togo joins the ranks of other countries in the region that have experienced terrorism attacks by violent extremist organisations. These include Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Peace and security across the region is further threatened by the recent decision of the Malian junta to withdraw from the G5 Sahel force. The force, which is expected to contribute to peace, has suffered some operational hindrances owing to a lack of funds. Mali's withdrawal could trigger other Sahelian states to opt out to suit their own strategic interests.

Though the affected states in West Africa have commenced a regional response to the threat of violent extremism, such as Operation Koudanlgou 4 Zone 2 , its sustainability remains uncertain due to insufficient funding.

The same can be said of the Accra Initiative , which was launched in 2017 by Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo in response to violent extremism and transnational organised crime.

Most of the countries in the region are poor. They have operational funding challenges and insufficiently equipped military forces. They lack smart technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions at the borderlands.

What's at stake

By establishing a presence in Togo, extremist groups stand to gain by recruiting foot soldiers. Being in northern Togo also puts them close to Burkina Faso, enabling cross-border collaborations and attacks with other violent extremists operating in the area.

The more violent extremist organisations are able to demonstrate their viciousness, the more international attention they attract, that gives them a negotiating edge, as well as financial and logistical support from their parent organisation  in this case Al-Qaida.

West African states must act quickly and decisively to avert instability across the sub-region from violent extremism. Given the constraints highlighted above, they must prioritise efforts aimed at addressing the underlying socio-economic triggers of violent extremism, in addition to fundamentally improving relations between the state and society.

Folahanmi Aina does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Folahanmi Aina, Doctoral Candidate in Leadership Studies, King's College London
The threat of violent extremism across West Africa has been on the rise in recent times.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province have been active in the Lake Chad Basin region. Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin , the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and Ansarul Islam in the Sahel . The implications for the peace and security of the sub-region have never been more pronounced.

The activities of these groups have led to the deaths of thousands and displaced many others across parts of West Africa. The result is a worsening humanitarian crisis .

Togo, despite its proximity to countries affected by violent extremism, is one West African country that has experienced relative peace and security, until recently. On May 10 and 11 jihadists attacked a Togolese military outpost and killed eight Togolese soldiers.

The incident was only a few kilometres away from neighbouring Burkina Faso, which struggles with incessant attacks from violent extremist organisations .

The African Union condemned the attack and called on neighbouring states to redouble their efforts against terrorism in the region.

No group has claimed responsibility yet for the latest attack, but the Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium, one of the world's largest databases of terrorists and terrorist groups, points a finger at Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin. The group is backed by al-Qaida and operates in the Sahel region .

It is not the first time Togo has experienced an attack of this nature on security forces. The first was in November 2021, when a security post in a northern village was attacked .

The question is why these attacks have begun and what they imply for peace and security in the region.

Having closely monitored the conflict and security dynamics of West Africa for over a decade, I am convinced the attacks have to do with the need of violent extremist organisations to establish a presence in Togo as part of a broader recruitment drive.

Furthermore, the underlying socio-economic conditions in Togo make it a prime target for extremist activities. Togo bears the hallmarks of a fragile state in which violent extremism could thrive.

Breeding grounds for violent extremism

Some of the warning signs for countries being vulnerable to violent extremism are high rates of poverty, inequality, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, weak institutions and poor governance.

Togo has a population of just over 8.5 million . Its gross domestic product stood at US$7.5 billion in 2020 . That of its immediate neighbour, Ghana, with a population of 32 million , was US$72.3 billion .

Over 50% of Togo's population live below the poverty line of US$1.25 per day. It is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world as measured by the Human Development Index which is based indicators such as life expectancy, education and per capita income. In 2019, Togo's index score was about 0.15, positioning it 167th out of 189 countries .

In 2021, the life expectancy at birth in Togo was 61.49 years and about 40% of its citizens are illiterate. These rates are similar to Burkina Faso, a country which struggles with violent extremism, where the life expectancy at birth was 61.6% and illiteracy was 58.8% .

Togo has the conditions for extremism to take root.

Poverty contributes to violent extremism as it can provide a way, for those that are desperate, out of economic hardship. Recruits are often provided with an income and protection.

When people are not educated, they're more vulnerable to exploitation and ideological manipulation.

Furthermore, low human capital development reinforces societal cleavages created as a result of years of neglect and poor governance, leading to marginalisation. This creates feelings of abandonment and resentment, a potential driver of violent extremism once allowed to fester and left unchecked.

Frustration

Togo's indicators tell us that it's falling behind. This has also resulted in a heightened state of frustration among its citizens, most of which is directed at the state's authoritarian rule .

These grievances have been expressed through street protests .

A previous attempt at infiltrating Togo in the same place as the latest attacks, could signal a coordinated effort by violent extremist organisations to exploit these local grievances.

Extremism in West Africa

Togo joins the ranks of other countries in the region that have experienced terrorism attacks by violent extremist organisations. These include Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Peace and security across the region is further threatened by the recent decision of the Malian junta to withdraw from the G5 Sahel force. The force, which is expected to contribute to peace, has suffered some operational hindrances owing to a lack of funds. Mali's withdrawal could trigger other Sahelian states to opt out to suit their own strategic interests.

Though the affected states in West Africa have commenced a regional response to the threat of violent extremism, such as Operation Koudanlgou 4 Zone 2 , its sustainability remains uncertain due to insufficient funding.

The same can be said of the Accra Initiative , which was launched in 2017 by Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo in response to violent extremism and transnational organised crime.

Most of the countries in the region are poor. They have operational funding challenges and insufficiently equipped military forces. They lack smart technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions at the borderlands.

What's at stake

By establishing a presence in Togo, extremist groups stand to gain by recruiting foot soldiers. Being in northern Togo also puts them close to Burkina Faso, enabling cross-border collaborations and attacks with other violent extremists operating in the area.

The more violent extremist organisations are able to demonstrate their viciousness, the more international attention they attract, that gives them a negotiating edge, as well as financial and logistical support from their parent organisation  in this case Al-Qaida.

West African states must act quickly and decisively to avert instability across the sub-region from violent extremism. Given the constraints highlighted above, they must prioritise efforts aimed at addressing the underlying socio-economic triggers of violent extremism, in addition to fundamentally improving relations between the state and society.

Folahanmi Aina does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Folahanmi Aina, Doctoral Candidate in Leadership Studies, King's College London
The threat of violent extremism across West Africa has been on the rise in recent times.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province have been active in the Lake Chad Basin region. Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin , the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and Ansarul Islam in the Sahel . The implications for the peace and security of the sub-region have never been more pronounced.

The activities of these groups have led to the deaths of thousands and displaced many others across parts of West Africa. The result is a worsening humanitarian crisis .

Togo, despite its proximity to countries affected by violent extremism, is one West African country that has experienced relative peace and security, until recently. On May 10 and 11 jihadists attacked a Togolese military outpost and killed eight Togolese soldiers.

The incident was only a few kilometres away from neighbouring Burkina Faso, which struggles with incessant attacks from violent extremist organisations .

The African Union condemned the attack and called on neighbouring states to redouble their efforts against terrorism in the region.

No group has claimed responsibility yet for the latest attack, but the Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium, one of the world's largest databases of terrorists and terrorist groups, points a finger at Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin. The group is backed by al-Qaida and operates in the Sahel region .

It is not the first time Togo has experienced an attack of this nature on security forces. The first was in November 2021, when a security post in a northern village was attacked .

The question is why these attacks have begun and what they imply for peace and security in the region.

Having closely monitored the conflict and security dynamics of West Africa for over a decade, I am convinced the attacks have to do with the need of violent extremist organisations to establish a presence in Togo as part of a broader recruitment drive.

Furthermore, the underlying socio-economic conditions in Togo make it a prime target for extremist activities. Togo bears the hallmarks of a fragile state in which violent extremism could thrive.

Breeding grounds for violent extremism

Some of the warning signs for countries being vulnerable to violent extremism are high rates of poverty, inequality, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, weak institutions and poor governance.

Togo has a population of just over 8.5 million . Its gross domestic product stood at US$7.5 billion in 2020 . That of its immediate neighbour, Ghana, with a population of 32 million , was US$72.3 billion .

Over 50% of Togo's population live below the poverty line of US$1.25 per day. It is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world as measured by the Human Development Index which is based indicators such as life expectancy, education and per capita income. In 2019, Togo's index score was about 0.15, positioning it 167th out of 189 countries .

In 2021, the life expectancy at birth in Togo was 61.49 years and about 40% of its citizens are illiterate. These rates are similar to Burkina Faso, a country which struggles with violent extremism, where the life expectancy at birth was 61.6% and illiteracy was 58.8% .

Togo has the conditions for extremism to take root.

Poverty contributes to violent extremism as it can provide a way, for those that are desperate, out of economic hardship. Recruits are often provided with an income and protection.

When people are not educated, they're more vulnerable to exploitation and ideological manipulation.

Furthermore, low human capital development reinforces societal cleavages created as a result of years of neglect and poor governance, leading to marginalisation. This creates feelings of abandonment and resentment, a potential driver of violent extremism once allowed to fester and left unchecked.

Frustration

Togo's indicators tell us that it's falling behind. This has also resulted in a heightened state of frustration among its citizens, most of which is directed at the state's authoritarian rule .

These grievances have been expressed through street protests .

A previous attempt at infiltrating Togo in the same place as the latest attacks, could signal a coordinated effort by violent extremist organisations to exploit these local grievances.

Extremism in West Africa

Togo joins the ranks of other countries in the region that have experienced terrorism attacks by violent extremist organisations. These include Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Peace and security across the region is further threatened by the recent decision of the Malian junta to withdraw from the G5 Sahel force. The force, which is expected to contribute to peace, has suffered some operational hindrances owing to a lack of funds. Mali's withdrawal could trigger other Sahelian states to opt out to suit their own strategic interests.

Though the affected states in West Africa have commenced a regional response to the threat of violent extremism, such as Operation Koudanlgou 4 Zone 2 , its sustainability remains uncertain due to insufficient funding.

The same can be said of the Accra Initiative , which was launched in 2017 by Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo in response to violent extremism and transnational organised crime.

Most of the countries in the region are poor. They have operational funding challenges and insufficiently equipped military forces. They lack smart technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions at the borderlands.

What's at stake

By establishing a presence in Togo, extremist groups stand to gain by recruiting foot soldiers. Being in northern Togo also puts them close to Burkina Faso, enabling cross-border collaborations and attacks with other violent extremists operating in the area.

The more violent extremist organisations are able to demonstrate their viciousness, the more international attention they attract, that gives them a negotiating edge, as well as financial and logistical support from their parent organisation  in this case Al-Qaida.

West African states must act quickly and decisively to avert instability across the sub-region from violent extremism. Given the constraints highlighted above, they must prioritise efforts aimed at addressing the underlying socio-economic triggers of violent extremism, in addition to fundamentally improving relations between the state and society.

Folahanmi Aina does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Folahanmi Aina, Doctoral Candidate in Leadership Studies, King's College London
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
New Delhi: Google has announced to display warning notifications in its Chat application to protect users from hackers and phishing attacks. "In Google Chat, you`ll see banners warning against potential phishing and malware messages coming from users with personal Google Accounts," the company said in a statement. "These warning banners, which are already available in Gmail and Google Drive, help protect users against malicious actors, keeping data safe," it added.

Google Chat recently replaced Hangouts.

In Gmail, warning banners are displayed when responding to emails sent from outside of your organisation.

"Now, Android warning banners are also displayed as you add new external recipients. Admins can turn these specific warning labels on or off for their organisation," the company informed.

The new feature, rolling out over the next couple of weeks, will be available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, along with users with personal Google accounts.

The tech giant, during its latest 2022 I/O developer conference, announced several security measures to boost user safety, including warnings against potential security issues and recommendations to fix them.

Google introduced privacy measures to help users gain more control over how their data is used by its applications.

The company also released the second Beta of its Android 13 operating system that offers a slew of new features and user controls, along with updates to privacy and security. Also Read: Twitter opens reverse chronological home timeline to app developers

In Android 13, apps must get your permission before sending you notifications. Also Read: SBI dividend record date, payment date fixed; bank to turn ex-dividend stock soon
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023

Ramatu, 39, stands by a stack of dirty clothes at the entrance of a mud hut as she coaxes her 22-month old son, Mustapha, to sleep against the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from grinding machines, transit motorcycles, and children playing around.

The location is an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at Damangaza where thousands of men, women and children live after fleeing from bandits terrorising their parts of northern Nigeria. Broken bottles, heaps of refuse, clogged gutters, foul smell, and zinc shacks are the features of the camp situated on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Despite the health hazard of living in such an environment, the majority of the women inhabitants have at least seven children each, with some of the children being between the ages of two months and three years.

Ramatu has 10 children, the youngest of whom is Mustapha. According to the mother, Mustapha and his immediate siblings were born by chance, having planned to stop having more kids many years ago.

The decision

Sometime in February 2013, Ramatu decided to adopt a contraceptive method to avoid adding to her seven children. Her best bet for unlimited contraceptive use is a health centre in Biu, the community in Borno State where she resided before it came under attack in 2015.

Ramatu had decided to enroll in a family planning method after attending a medical outreach in the community on the benefits of family planning. Prior to this, she had been pregnant 11 times but four of them died as infants, contributing to the over one million children lost to maternal-related deaths.

She recalls her eagerness to commence contraception almost immediately after the outreach but her husband was against the idea. After much persuasion, he gave his approval, she said.

Ramatu began the journey of contraception and was consistent for two years before tragedy struck. Her community, Biu, was attacked by the Boko Haram Islamist sect. The villagers had been warned of an imminent attack by the dreadful sect, but they paid no heed until the night it happened.

On that day in January 2015, Ramatu and her family had just had dinner and were retiring to bed when the sect unexpectedly stormed their village.

We left our community with almost nothing after many of them stormed our homes, killed and injured some people, and also burnt down many houses, she said.

That night, some of the fleeing residents walked several kilometres through thick bush to find shelter in neighbouring communities, while others decided to leave the state the next day.

At daybreak, Ramatus family and others began the journey to Abuja, Nigerias capital city where they found shelter at various IDP camps, including Damangaza camp.

The camp houses over 1,000 families, many of them from Borno, Adamawa or Yobe  three states most affected by the activities of Boko Haram in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Rural banditry, criminal and communal violence, and flooding are other factors that continue to displace hundreds of thousands of people in Nigeria. At least 2.7 million people have been displaced from their homes in Nigeria, according to data obtained from the internal displacement monitoring centre.

A few of these displaced persons took residence in established camps, most of which are in and around Maiduguri, while others sought refuge in neighbouring states, Abuja and Lagos. Some also moved to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Cameroon.

Contraceptives now luxury

Ramatu fondly remembered when she easily accessed family planning services at the Biu health centre, until her life changed in a twinkle of an eye. But having fun with her husband is what nature demands.

Since she settled at the IDP camp, accessing contraceptives has been a major challenge. Ramatu said no health facility provides contraceptives for women in the camp and she cannot afford them on her own. This had brought about for her three children, a development she described as Allahs plan.

Allah is the giver of children, so if he keeps giving us children we do not have a choice but to accept them, she said.

The large family of 12 is barely surviving on the little money Lawal, Ramatus husband gets from menial jobs. It will be impossible to divert funds for contraceptives, she said.

Due to lack of access to contraceptives, Ramatu may never enjoy the physical, emotional, psychological, and empowerment benefits associated with family planning.

Women and children suffer the most consequences of the insecurity ravaging Nigeria, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Vera Ndanusa, said.

Ms Ndanusa said women, especially those in rural communities, give birth to children almost every year because they lack access to modern contraceptives.

She said such women fail to space childbearing enough for their bodies to recuperate after giving birth.

Women and children in IDP camps are mostly neglected and left to fend for themselves. This affects every aspect of their lives, including lack of adequate child spacing using modern contraceptives, she said.

She warned until the government pays deliberate attention to family planning in IDP camps and insecurity-ravaged communities, we will not get out of the woods.

Beneficial but unavailable

Nigerias population, according to the countrys National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is estimated to be 206 million, a number expected to double in less than 25 years if Nigerian women continue to reproduce at the current rate.

To slow down the unsustainable population growth and reduce the high maternal and child mortality rate, the Nigerian government at the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning (FP) made a commitment to scale up the promotion of family planning to Nigerians.

This was to be done by making contraceptive consumables available to those who need them and when they need them.

Contraceptives, family planning

Contraceptives are methods, devices, or drugs used to reduce or prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They come in three different forms: the long-acting reversible contraception, the short-acting reversible contraception and permanent methods.

The long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants. On the other hand, the short-acting contraceptives (SARC) have to be used in short time intervals such as in the case of condoms, and daily intake of pills.

The benefits of family planning are obvious: it allows women to space childbirth and replenishes vital nutrients lost during the process. It also allows the organs of mothers to return to normal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), among the 1.9 billion women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion need family planning. And of this figure, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception.

The global health body said contraceptive use is much lower in developing countries such as Nigeria, and that one in 10 women has an unmet need for family planning.

Contraceptive use in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, only 16.6 per cent of women are currently using modern contraceptives, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018.

Despite the low use, the Nigerian government failed to include a budget line for family planning in the 2022 budget.

Contraceptive is one of the best ways to prevent maternal mortality and more than 90 per cent of maternal deaths are preventable if women do the right thing, the director of family health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Salma Kolo, said.

Ms Kolo said at least 40,000 women in Nigeria lose their lives to pregnancy-related issues annually. She also said over one million children under the age of five die as a result of losing their mothers to pregnancy delivery complications.

Maternal-related illnesses kill more than COVID-19 virus. Between 40,000 to 50,000 women die from pregnancy/delivery causes yearly, she said.

According to Ms Kolo, if a mother dies of childbirth complications, the chance of the child surviving is slim.

To end this menace, women especially those in rural communities must embrace family planning, she said.

But for women like Ramatu living in insecurity ravaged communities and IDP camps, unplanned, unwanted, and poorly spaced pregnancies have become their new reality.

Findings by PREMIUM TIMES show that this is largely caused by a lack of access to family planning services and supplies and the absence or overburdened health facility.

Forced out of their homes

For Linda Samuel, a mother of two and resident of Anguwan Zawo Gonin-Gora in Kaduna State, life has not been the same since her community was attacked by bandits. Ms Samuel said the night of the incident is unforgettable for the residents as their lives changed ever since.

We heard gunshots from afar which is normal but suddenly, the shots became louder and that was when we knew they had invaded our community, she said.

We ran to a neighbouring community for cover, she added.

Days after the dust had settled, the residents were advised to return to the community, even as they counted their losses. But it didnt end at that, the bandits attacked again.

The constant attack on this community has made it difficult for many women to keep up with contraceptive use, she said.

She started using contraceptives a few months before the community was attacked. She is scheduled to take the injection every two months but this has become impossible due to insecurity in the community.

Sometimes, we hear gunshots from nowhere which makes us leave our home to neighbouring communities. These unplanned movements prevent me from taking the injection because its impossible to go back home when the attack is still on, she said.

Amina Umar, who also fled from Boko Haram attacks, said she stopped accessing family planning services since she got to the IDP camp at Damangaza. Although she already has nine children, how to survive is more important than looking for contraceptives at the moment, she said.

Ms Umar, the second of three wives, had found shelter at the IDP camp after their village in the Chibok area of Borno State came under attack many years ago. Before fleeing the community, she had only five children but she has added four more in the last six years.

Chibok is popular for an attack launched by Boko Haram between April 14 and 15, 2014, where 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town. At least 110 of the girls are still believed to be with their abductors.

Just like Ms Umar, Catherine, a mother of six had taken shelter at Tse Yandev IDPs camp in Makurdi, Benue State, following a midnight attack on her community. 30 years old Catherine, lived in Yelewata in Guma LGA of the state until they were attacked by suspected herders in 2018.

The attack, which left many people dead and others injured, prompted the majority of the residents including Catherine to move to the Tse Yandev camp where over 2,000 persons now call home.

She had four children before moving to the camp and gave birth to two more due to her inability to access contraceptives at the camp.

Life m in the camp is for survival and feeding the family, not for buying contraceptives, she said.

The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Umar Jabbi, said insecurity in some communities has reversed the gains already made in modern contraceptive use. Mr Jabbi said until the issues of banditry attack is addressed, more women will continue to ignore the use of contraceptives.

Distance, a major barrier

The nearest health centre for Saadatu to access family planning services is about three kilometres from her home. Saadatu, a mother of four, resides in Unguwar Salihu in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

She said although she was on contraceptives for a while, she stopped taking the injections due to the distance of the health facility to her community. Asides from paying for the services and transportation, Saadatu said the incessant attacks in the community and neighbouring villages have made it dangerous to ply that route.

When I got married, my husband and I agreed to go for family planning after two children but life happened. Right now, we are too scared to stay in our houses but we are even more scared to leave our homes to far distances, she said.

Similarly, 35 years old Inno Yusuf, residing in the same community as Saadatu, said the banditry attacks restricted their access to healthcare services generally. Ms Yusuf, a mother of five, said Allah gives children, we pray for provisions to take care of them.

She said if the community had its own health centre, it would be easier for women to access adequate services. Many women in this community are interested in it, but distance, insecurity and financial constraints are discouraging them, she said.

Mustapha Jumare, the Project Director, Initiative for Integrated Grassroot Empowerment and Support (IIGES-PAS) in Kaduna State, said the banditry attacks especially in rural communities have made it difficult for women and children to access health services, including family planning.

Mr Jumare said the attacks also contribute to the low shortage of commodities in some parts of the country as health workers are afraid of visiting banditry-prone areas.

Unless the issue of insecurity in the country is addressed, Nigeria may not achieve its 2030 goal on family planning, he said.

Implications for women empowerment

While the world focuses on the health benefits of investing in access to contraception for women, the economic benefit is being overlooked. A research by the Centre for Global Development, demonstrates that access to contraception is not only correlated with but can even cause Womens Economic Empowerment (WEE), and drive economic growth.

When women fail to practice family planning, it has a lot of negative effects on WEE, Ms Ndanusa, the national president of NAWE, said.

She said contraception not only helps women get into the workforce and attain greater heights in their professional fields, it also allows them to plan for a better future by investing in education.

A large number of women meant to contribute to the workforce are not in the workforce, so the nation is losing a lot, she said.

We are losing the income these women would have been generating.

For Ramatu and other women that lack control over childbearing, it is almost impossible to make any contribution to the countrys economy. All they do is produce children and this is because they lack the economic power to stop the man, Ms Ndanusa said.

The executive director of FP2030, Samukeliso Dube, said for women to manage their health and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country, they have a right to determine when and if they want to have children.

When looking at climate change, fighting hunger and poverty, it is better to invest in family planning because it will fight those other ills, she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Ummu Jalingo, said women empowerment tends to increase the national income of a country. Ms Jalingo said when a woman is empowered, she gets more resources and puts them to better use which leads to more income.

She said women must be given the privilege to make decisions about their bodies and when they want to have children. In terms of security and crises, women and children are mostly the worst hit and this impacts negatively on the economy, she said.

She said WEE is one such characteristic that can influence a womans experience of pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care.

Reducing poverty through family planning

Melinda Gates, the co-founder of the Gates Foundation, had earlier described contraceptives as one of the greatest anti-poverty innovations the world has ever known. Ms Gates said access to birth control boosts economic productivity by allowing women to earn an income and leads to smaller families with more resources to spend on childrens health and education.

Contraceptives empower women. And empowered women  well, they transform societies, Ms Gates said.

For Ramatu, Amina, Linda and Saadatu, there is a pattern; they are without jobs but have many children, and rely solely on their husbands for financial provision. To attain their full potential as women, the importance of family planning cannot be over-emphasised.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.


In the morning of May 21, 2022, Russian troops shelled Sumy Region with artillery systems from the territory of Russia. No casualties were reported.

The relevant statement was made by Sumy Regional Military Administration Head Dmytro Zhyvytskyi on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

At 08:00 a.m., Russian troops launched artillery strikes from the territory of Russia. The enemy projectiles hit the Esman community, Shostka District. No casualties were reported, Zhyvytskyi wrote.

In his words, last night was rather quiet at the border. Single or automatic shots from small arms could be heard from the territory of Russia, close to the border. Such incidents occurred along the border with the Shalyhyne community, Shostka District.

A reminder that Russian troops have been continuously opening fire on border settlements in Sumy Region and Chernihiv Region over the past week. The enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group was attempting to break into the territory of Ukraine.

mk
POLICE shot and detained a suspected cable thief and arrested two others who were caught attempting to escape after stealing overhead cables in Couva on Wednesday morning.

The initial confrontation with the suspected thieves and police officers took place on the Southern Main Road in McBean, around 2.45 a.m., when officers spotted the suspects attempting to escape with the severed cables in a silver-coloured wagon.
Leaders of France, Turkey, Israel, and Switzerland were involved in negotiations to withdraw Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the issue in an interview during an All-Ukrainian telethon, Ukrinform reports.

The structure (of talks - ed.) is complex. It was agreed that mediators and Western partners would be dealing with the unblocking. I negotiated with Turkey, Switzerland, and Israel. First it was with France because of the leaders' relations with the Russian Federation. Thats when we saw that it is impossible to unblock by military means," he said.

Zelensky added that another mediator, besides the mentioned countries, was the United Nations. "We have agreed with the Secretary General in this regard," the president said.

Prior to that, Zelensky stressed, he asked world leaders to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons so that the Azovstal defenders could be unblocked by military means.

After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Azovstal, according to the agreements reached, an exchange is expected to be held.

"We will bring them home. This is what we must do together with our partners who have taken up responsibility, the president concluded.

As reported, Ukrainian forces had been defending Mariupol for more than 80 days. On May 16, the evacuation of Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal plant, blocked by Russian invaders, began.





Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.



Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.


Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe






Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.

Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.




Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.

Thirty-one white roses were placed one by one in a yellow and blue star-shaped wreath by uniformed law enforcement to honor fallen officers during a memorial service on Friday. The names of each deceased officer were read aloud as a rose was placed in the wreath.

The Catawba County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 hosted its annual Peace Officer Memorial Service at the Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory on Friday. The ceremony was dedicated to Deputy Sheriff Dennis W. Dixon from the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Dixon died on Aug. 16, 2021.

Along with deputies and command staff from the sheriffs office, representatives from law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and fire departments across the county came to pay respects at the service.

Dixons wife, Janet Dixon, was escorted by Sheriff Don Brown to place a rose in the wreath as Dixons name was called. Janet Dixon gently placed the flower as Brown saluted.

(Dixon) was a great brother, great husband and father, Dixons sister Teresa Parker said. He did a lot of good things for a lot of people. He knew a lot of people. He was just a really good man. He really was. Im proud to call him my brother.

After the names were read, the hymn Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes by Kim Elder. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Honor Guard played taps and fired a rifle salute.

Dixons service vehicle was parked beside the memorial area. A black banner with the sheriffs office symbol covered by a black stripe was stretched across the windshield. The vehicles grill was adorned with a large royal blue ribbon, and white roses were placed on the hood. Family members and officers took photos with the vehicle before and after the ceremony.

Brown said he knew Dixon for many years and had worked with him since becoming sheriff in 2018. Brown fondly spoke of how he and Dixon would joke with each other.

(Dixon) certainly stood for what I expect of all the deputies, Brown said. He represented us well.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Thirty-one white roses were placed one by one in a yellow and blue star-shaped wreath by uniformed law enforcement to honor fallen officers during a memorial service on Friday. The names of each deceased officer were read aloud as a rose was placed in the wreath.

The Catawba County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 hosted its annual Peace Officer Memorial Service at the Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory on Friday. The ceremony was dedicated to Deputy Sheriff Dennis W. Dixon from the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Dixon died on Aug. 16, 2021.

Along with deputies and command staff from the sheriffs office, representatives from law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and fire departments across the county came to pay respects at the service.

Dixons wife, Janet Dixon, was escorted by Sheriff Don Brown to place a rose in the wreath as Dixons name was called. Janet Dixon gently placed the flower as Brown saluted.

(Dixon) was a great brother, great husband and father, Dixons sister Teresa Parker said. He did a lot of good things for a lot of people. He knew a lot of people. He was just a really good man. He really was. Im proud to call him my brother.

After the names were read, the hymn Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes by Kim Elder. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Honor Guard played taps and fired a rifle salute.

Dixons service vehicle was parked beside the memorial area. A black banner with the sheriffs office symbol covered by a black stripe was stretched across the windshield. The vehicles grill was adorned with a large royal blue ribbon, and white roses were placed on the hood. Family members and officers took photos with the vehicle before and after the ceremony.

Brown said he knew Dixon for many years and had worked with him since becoming sheriff in 2018. Brown fondly spoke of how he and Dixon would joke with each other.

(Dixon) certainly stood for what I expect of all the deputies, Brown said. He represented us well.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White says an outside law firms investigation has cleared her of workplace sexual harassment claims.

In a statement, Whites attorney said that the firm, which was hired by the court to investigate an allegation that White made sexual advances on a courthouse staffer, had vindicated the judge. The law firms findings were relayed to White verbally at a March 17 meeting, according to attorney Judy Barrasso.

Judge White emphatically denied the claims as patently meritless. The Criminal Court retained counsel to conduct an independent investigation of the employees allegations which, after a thorough investigation, concluded that the claims had no merit, Barrasso said.

The statement from Whites lawyer offers a glimpse at the results of a secretive investigation of a long-tenured judge that the court has so far refused to share. A public-records request for the law firm's report was denied earlier this week, and court officials declined to comment on the investigation.

Still, the law firm's inquiry may not be the last examination of the judge's conduct. The accusers lawyer said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could be the first step toward a potential lawsuit.

'I haven't seen it'

Barrasso and the accuser's lawyer, Robert Pearson, both said they did not know what actions, if any, the court took after receiving the law firms report. Nor have they received copies of the document.

While Barrasso said her client was pleased with the firms findings, Pearson said he couldn't comment.

"I haven't seen a report that vindicated anybody," Pearson said. "If that's how she feels, that's how she feels. I haven't seen it."

In a letter Thursday, the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, formally denied a request for a copy of the report. Releasing the report, Kazik said, was a violation of privacy that could prevent other accusers from coming forward in the future.

The courthouse staffer accused the judge of making a sexual advance, sexually harassing the staffer and eventually subjecting the staffer to retaliation, according to Pearson.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

White has maintained her innocence and vowed to remain on the bench since the staffer came forward with the allegation in January.

The staffer's complaint to the court triggered a formal investigation from the Criminal District Court, which farmed the probe out to the Denham Springs law firm of Boyer, Hebert, Caruso & Angelle.

Under a Louisiana law passed in 2018, criminal courts and other state agencies are required to maintain policies for receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints. But the courts themselves arent the only bodies with jurisdiction: the secretive state Judiciary Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could also examine sexual harassment allegations.

The judiciary commissions rules prohibit accusers and judges alike from commenting on even the existence of a judiciary investigation. Pearson and Barrasso declined to comment on that point.

Separately, however, Pearson said that he has filed an EEOC complaint on his client's behalf.

"It's in process," said Pearson. "As far as we're concerned, we have done everything that they have asked of us."

Under federal law, plaintiffs must file a complaint with the EEOC before they can pursue lawsuits alleging discrimination or retaliation.

$16,000 report kept secret

For its part, the Criminal District Court is staying quiet about the apparent resolution of the internal investigation. Chief Judge Robin Pittman referred questions to the courts judicial administrator, Rob Kazik, who declined comment.

The firms examination involved reviewing personnel documents and conducting multiple interviews before finalizing the report in early March, according to invoices. Through the end of March the firm claimed $16,000 in fees.

The firm's invoices confirm that it met with an unidentified "judge" on March 17 to relay the investigations results.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
The Russian military said on Saturday it had destroyed a major consignment of Western arms in Ukraine's Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv, using sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles.

The defence ministry said in a statement the strike took out "a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the USA and European countries" and intended for Ukrainian troops in the eastern Donbas region where the fighting is concentrated.

Reuters could not independently verify the report, which also said Russian missiles had struck fuel storage facilities near Odesa on the Black Sea coast and shot down two Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft and 14 drones.

In its latest update on the war, which Russia calls a "special military operation", the defence ministry also said Russia had struck numerous Ukrainian command posts.

The West has stepped up weapons supplies to since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion and Russia's military is trying to intercept and destroy them.

Moscow says Western arms deliveries for Kyiv, and the imposition of drastic sanctions against the Russian economy, amount to a "proxy war" by the United States and its allies.

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan

Editing by Frances Kerry)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Russian military said on Saturday it had destroyed a major consignment of Western arms in Ukraine's Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv, using sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles.

The defence ministry said in a statement the strike took out "a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the USA and European countries" and intended for Ukrainian troops in the eastern Donbas region where the fighting is concentrated.

Reuters could not independently verify the report, which also said Russian missiles had struck fuel storage facilities near Odesa on the Black Sea coast and shot down two Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft and 14 drones.

In its latest update on the war, which Russia calls a "special military operation", the defence ministry also said Russia had struck numerous Ukrainian command posts.

The West has stepped up weapons supplies to since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion and Russia's military is trying to intercept and destroy them.

Moscow says Western arms deliveries for Kyiv, and the imposition of drastic sanctions against the Russian economy, amount to a "proxy war" by the United States and its allies.

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan

Editing by Frances Kerry)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Beijing [China], May 21 (ANI): China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said.

China is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv.

Also Read | Monkeypox in Australia: What is It and How Can We Prevent the Spread?.

According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March.

This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read | Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Confirms 80 Cases of Virus in 11 Countries.

Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market.

The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as China has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can.

China has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers.

Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts.

Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions.

Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG).

This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes.

China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Beijing [China], May 21 (ANI): China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said.

China is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv.

Also Read | Monkeypox in Australia: What is It and How Can We Prevent the Spread?.

According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March.

This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read | Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Confirms 80 Cases of Virus in 11 Countries.

Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market.

The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as China has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can.

China has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers.

Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts.

Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions.

Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG).

This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes.

China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Beijing [China], May 21 (ANI): China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said.

China is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv.

Also Read | Monkeypox in Australia: What is It and How Can We Prevent the Spread?.

According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March.

This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read | Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Confirms 80 Cases of Virus in 11 Countries.

Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market.

The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as China has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can.

China has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers.

Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts.

Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions.

Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG).

This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes.

China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Beijing [China], May 21 (ANI): China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said.

China is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv.

Also Read | Monkeypox in Australia: What is It and How Can We Prevent the Spread?.

According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March.

This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read | Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Confirms 80 Cases of Virus in 11 Countries.

Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market.

The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as China has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can.

China has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers.

Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts.

Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions.

Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG).

This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes.

China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)






AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)



New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


Russia claimed Friday to have captured Ukraine's southern port city of Mariupol, after the last Ukrainian fighters holed up in the city's steelworks plant surrendered.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that both the Azovstal steel plant and the city had been "fully liberated," according to a statement by Russia's Defense Ministry.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine that Mariupol was fully under Russian control.

The port city is the scene of the war's bloodiest siege, with Russian forces having bombarded it for nearly three months. Much of Mariupol has been reduced to rubble, and more than 20,000 civilians are feared dead.

Ukrainian fighters hiding out in the city's steelworks plant had been engaged in heavy fighting with Russian forces for several weeks. Earlier this week, however, Ukrainian officials ordered the garrison to stand down to save the fighters' lives.

The evacuation of the last fighters from the Azovstal steel plant, their number unclear, followed the surrender of almost 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, according to the Russian defense minister.

The commander of Ukraine's Azov Regiment, key to helping defend the plant, said efforts to remove the dead from the battle scene were also underway.

Battle for the east

In other developments Friday, Russia stepped up its assault on eastern Ukraine, using artillery, rocket launchers and aircraft to pound the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk; destroying houses in residential districts; and killing civilians, according to Ukrainian civilian and military officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the conditions in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, as "hell" and said the region had been "destroyed" by Russia's invasion. He accused Russian forces of attempting to kill as many Ukrainians and do as much damage as possible.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said on Telegram that Russia attacked a school in the city of Severodonetsk on Friday. He said the school was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children.

The Donbas has been Putin's focus since his troops failed to take the capital, Kyiv, in the early days of the war.

Russia's defense minister said Friday, "The liberation of the Luhansk People's Republic is nearing completion."

Russian progress in the Donbas is slow and uneven and behind where Moscow wants it to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Every day in the region, there are "hamlets, towns and villages that are changing hands" between Russia and Ukraine, he added.

New G-7 support

The finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations have pledged $19.8 billion to support Ukraine's finances during Russia's invasion, a statement from the group said Friday.

The G-7, an organization of leaders from some of the world's largest economies  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  said the funds would be used to help Ukraine "close its financing gap and continue ensuring the delivery of basic services to the Ukrainian people."

"While also addressing Ukraine's humanitarian and other material needs, we recognize, in particular, Ukraine's urgent short-term financing needs," the statement said, adding that the proposed $19.8 billion would come "in addition to recent announcements on further military and humanitarian support."

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved a new $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the package last week. U.S. President Joe Biden was expected to sign the measure promptly.

Zelenskyy called the aid package "a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our common defense of freedom."

In other developments:

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration was authorizing $100 million more in military aid to Ukraine. The package of aid includes 18 more howitzers and 18 vehicles to move them, as well as three counterartillery radars, the Pentagon's Kirby said.

 Russia has said it will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday. The move comes after Finland and Sweden applied for membership in the NATO alliance, driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's Ukraine invasion.

 The Kremlin said it was bolstering its forces on Russia's western border, saying that moves by Finland and Sweden to join NATO were part of an increase in military threats.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.








remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Today

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High near 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.

New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.
But this is also a love story, and love  profound, mundane, imperfect  so warmly suffuses the book its pages practically glow with it. Youre not alone, Vladimir assures the unmoored Luz, echoing the solidarity around Jose Garcia. We take care of each other. Natera is an attentive painter of the devotions Robert Hayden called loves austere and lonely offices: Eusebia oiling Luzs hair and scalp at night, Vladimir refusing to hang up on his daughter first, even on hectic workdays. The novel articulates love at its least articulate: the Spanglish by which mother and daughter communicate, Eusebia having learned enough to understand Luz, but her body had refused to speak it; the titular poets verses that Vladimir recites to Eusebia upon their New York reunion, expressing love he couldnt possibly have ever said with his own words. A special affection is shined on the storys vibrant secondary cast, including Angelica, Luzs childhood best friend, now a mother of twins waiting tables at the members-only restaurant in Midtown where Luzs colleagues dine; Cuca, Eusebias sister, who journeys home to the D.R. for a full-body cosmetic renovation to win back a straying husband; and the Tongues, a trio of gossiping elders who have Nothar Parks history sutured inside us.

Nateras style is refreshingly direct and declarative, and at its best, this approach feels confident and sharp, a mirror capturing the bleak comedies of life in a threatened community. The Guerreros landlord sends out a letter translated into Spanish, a rare courtesy: They knew it meant trouble. Hes offering all renters a buyout  or, sure, they could buy the apartments, smirks our third-person narrator. When one tenant accepts and flees the neighborhood faster than a Dominican lotto winner heading back home, Eusebia and the Tongues watch a truck cart away her possessions, its painted company name, BETTER MOVE, both an advertisement and a warning.

Elsewhere, this straightforwardness can feel heavy-handed. Characters think in blunt abstraction, tediously announcing themes like the power of prayer, of community, to transform pain and despair from the seemingly devastating hopelessness of fate. Dialogue lumbers, as when Hudson lectures Luz that conservation  assures longevity, defending both his environmentalism and his prissiness about his book collection. As she roasts his hypocritically lavish, energy-sucking townhouse (fair enough!), proclaiming it wild you have this duality in you, they sound like no bantering or bickering couple Ive met. Their attraction, mutual and real despite its historical whiff of patronage and control, suffers too much stale shorthand  a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, a rare kind of connection  to be a convincing wedge between Luz and Eusebia. When Hudson offers Luz an ending that strikes a discordant, nearly dystopian note in this otherwise naturalistic novel, the dilemma feels just shy of genuine.

But their thinly realized romance feels like a minor shortcoming next to the books oddly vague treatment of Eusebia, whose inner life Natera writes in the eloquent, righteous language of a rallying cry: lines one can imagine hearing from the stage at Jose Garcias vigil, full of passion and conviction, but delivered at a distance. Helpless people get squashed daily by less powerful structures than this, Eusebia thinks, gazing at the condos in progress. Broad appeals to a sacrifice worth something or losing everything they loved are enough, were asked to believe, to mobilize an army of neighbors behind Eusebias increasingly violent mission.

In one characteristically lyrical but remote passage, Eusebia is surrounded by the natural noises of a neighborhood, that shut the hostility outside what theyd made here. Somewhere far away, a baby cried  as if underlining what was truly at stake. Again and again, the mother invokes what theyve made, whats at stake, and what they owed to the walls of this apartment. When Eusebia rejects her familys retirement surprise  the bitter prospect of becoming gentrifiers in their own country  Luz herself is left wondering, as I was, what it was about this place that had won her mother over. Maybe this elusive what speaks to the intangible value of home, to the erasures happening even as we read, to a communitys right to exist without making a case for itself. Still, fiction sings in the specifics, not in the faraway noises, and I longed for a closer, more crisply amplified sense of just how such fierce attachment grew from Eusebias alienation, radicalizing this once self-effacing outsider into her communitys avenging angel.
TOkyo, May 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global natural extracts market size was estimated at USD 11.94 billion in 2021. Natural extracts other substances which are gently derived by removing any part from the raw material. They usually obtained from fruits, plants and other parts. Natural extracts have a wide range of application in nutraceutical, coloring, flavors, edible oils, and other things. An increase in the agricultural industry is expected to provide good growth opportunities for the natural extract market in the coming years. Natural extracts are gaining great demand in industries like the perfumery, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceutical, food and beverages, etc.



Get the Sample Pages of Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/1698

Report highlights

The dried crops product segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast. It had the largest revenue share of about 40% till the year 2020. As many end user industries are using the dried crops in their products there is a rise in the demand for dried crops.

On the basis of the natural extract products, the essential oil segment is expected to witness a great growth during the forecast period as it has got many applications in aromatherapy, fragrances and different flavors.

Scope of the Report

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2021 USD 11.94 Billion Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 25 Billion CAGR 8.9% from 2022 to 2030 Base Year 2021 Forecast Data 2022 to 2030 Companies Covered Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH, Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd., Firmenich SA, Robertet Group, Sami Spices, Synthite Industries Ltd., Ransom Naturals Ltd., India Essential Oils, A.G. Industries, Symrise, Kancor

Ask here for more customization study@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/customization/1698

Regional snapshot

The second largest natural extract market is in the North American region. As there are varied applications in the flavor and fragrances in this region for various industries like the beverages, medicinal products or food items, the North American market is expected to see a growth during the forecast. As there are many end user segments in the North American region which utilize the natural extracts there is a growth of the market in this region. European economy is a developed economy which has high standard of living. There is a great demand for essential oils and floral extracts which are used in aromatherapy. Countries like Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria are great markets for aromatherapy and therefore the natural extracts market is expected to grow in the European nations.

As many manufacturers of pharmaceuticals are based in Europe the market is expected to grow. A demand for pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical in the European region is expected to drive the market for the natural extracts. About 50% of the global demand for essential oils is in the European region. It is widely used in personal care and the food and beverages industry. Manufacturers in the European nations are encouraged to produce natural and healthier products with the use of these natural extracts.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increasing adoption of natural ingredient based products, changing lifestyles, consumer awareness and bio technological advancements are driving the market for natural extracts. Increased disposable income, research and development, growth of the agricultural industry and the aging population is also leading to a growth in this market. There is an increased popularity of natural extracts in the food and beverages industry, cosmetics and perfumery as there are no detrimental side effects of the natural extracts when used in the pharmaceuticals or the nutraceuticalthe market is expected to grow. The health benefits provided by the natural extracts have gained a lot of popularity. Increased awareness regarding the carcinogenic properties of various flavorings like the benzophenone, pyridine and styrene have led to a growth in the market.

Restraints

As there are price variations in the acquiring of raw materials. It happens to be a restraint in the growth of the market. The inefficient extraction of these products in the low income economies due to the lack of advanced biotechnologies, the market is expected to lag.

Opportunities

Development in the agricultural industry is expected to provide opportunities for the growth of the natural extract market during the forecast. In order to meet the growing demand for natural extracts the manufacturers are shifting from artificial flavorings to adding natural components to its products. The growing trend of fitness and well being is also expected to increase the demand for the natural extracts.

Challenges

Due to a lack of advance biotechnology and efficient extraction of the natural products has led to supply chain inefficiencies and price sensitivity. Efficient extractions from the natural products are a major challenge in the low income economies. Another challenge in this market is that the products that are used for extraction are not completely organic and there are uses of harmful agrochemicals in the production. As there is a demand for organic certified products in many nations the products that are cultivated using agrochemicals do not reach these markets.

Browse more Food and Beverages Industry Reports@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/industry/food-and-beverages





Recent Developments

Ransom naturals announced in January 2021 that it has entered into a commercial partnership with Barentz in order to distribute pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

In order to deliver a natural, authentic and mouthwatering cooking aroma for meat analogs across the various plant-based foods, Firmenich announced the launch of Dynarome TR in June 2021.

Layn Natural Ingredient Corp launched SustaNX in October 2021, which is the newest ingredient. In the plantae PRESERVATION series of clean label.





Market Segmentation

By Products

Essential Oils Turmeric Oil Ginger Oil Peppermint Oil Davana Oil Cedarwood Cornmint Eucalyptus Lemon Lime Orange Vetiver Tea Tree Patchouli Oil

Natural colors Paprika Natural Yellow Color Annatto Color Anthocyanin Color

Oleo-resins Paprika Black Pepper Capsicum Turmeric Ginger Garlic Onion Others

Herbal Extracts Capsaicin 95% Curcumin Ashwagandha Kale

Dried Crops Dried Chili Whole Dried Ginger Whole Dried Turmeric Whole







By Application

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Food & Beverage

Animal Feed

Pharmaceuticals

Nutraceuticals

Others

By Source

Plant Source

Tea Extracts

By Techniques

Expression

Absorption

Maceration

Distillation

By End User

Cosmetic

Pharmaceutical

Food Industries

Others

By Type

Teas

Blossoms

Spices

Herbs

By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)





Click Here to View Full Report Table of Contents

Buy this Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/1698

You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 9197 992 333

About Us

Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally.

For Latest Update Follow Us:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/precedence-research/

https://www.facebook.com/precedenceresearch/

https://twitter.com/Precedence_R

AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
EFE videos

Madrid, 27 may (EFE).- Las hipotecas constituidas sobre viviendas en Espana sumaron 43.378 el pasado marzo, el 18 % por encima del mismo mes de 2021, y la cifra mas alta desde febrero de 2011, lo que supone encadenar 13 meses consecutivos de avances. Los datos de marzo confirman la tendencia creciente hacia la firma de hipotecas a interes fijo, en un contexto alcista del precio del dinero, aunque todavia no se noto el impacto de la subida del euribor que se ha producido en los meses de abril y mayo. De hecho, el interes medio de los prestamos a tipo fijo en marzo se situo en el 2,68 % al inicio de la vida del prestamo, por debajo del 2,86 % de hace un ano. Para ver el impacto de la subida del euribor habra que esperar a los numeros de abril, mes en el que esta referencia crediticia registro su primera tasa mensual positiva desde enero de 2016. EL IMPORTE MEDIO SUBE UN 6,5 %, HASTA 145.715 EUROS Las cifras publicadas este viernes por el Instituto Nacional de Estadistica (INE) reflejan que el importe medio de las hipotecas firmadas sobre vivienda se situo en 145.715 euros, un 6,5 % mas que un ano antes, y el capital prestado alcanzo los 6.321 millones de euros, el 25,6 % superior a marzo de 2021 El volumen de capital prestado es el mas alto desde febrero de 2020, pero sigue en niveles contenidos, en torno a un tercio de los maximos alcanzados en el inicio de 2007, en plena burbuja inmobiliaria. UN 72,7 % OPTAN POR TIPO FIJO En marzo continuo el crecimiento de las hipotecas sobre vivienda constituidas a tipo fijo, que ya representan el 72,7 % del total, con un interes medio del 2,53 % y un plazo de 25 anos, en tanto que las firmadas a tipo variable registran una tasa media del 2,15 %. Este desplazamiento de los contratos a interes variable a otros a tipo fijo -que empieza a producirse con mas intensidad a partir de mediados de 2021- se produce una vez que los principales bancos centrales del mundo ya han comenzado a endurecer sus politicas monetarias para luchar contra la inflacion (la Reserva Federal de EE. UU. ya lo ha hecho y el Banco Central Europeo lo hara en julio). El impacto de este escenario en el euribor -la principal referencia hipotecaria en el mercado espanol- se noto ya en el mes de abril, cuando fijo una media mensual positiva (0,013 %) por primera vez desde enero de 2016, desde el -0,477 % en que se situaba en enero. Tambien se observa este paso al tipo fijo en los datos de cambios en las condiciones de los contratos de prestamo, de forma que una cuarta parte de las novaciones o subrogaciones de hipotecas registradas en marzo se hicieron para modificar la tasa de interes. El pasado mes de marzo se anotaron en los registros de la propiedad cambios en las condiciones de 16.991 contratos hipotecarios, el 39 9 % menos que un ano antes. De esas casi 17.000 hipotecas con cambios en sus condiciones, el 24,4 % (equivalente a 4.152 contratos) se debieron a modificaciones en los tipos de interes. Asi, el porcentaje de hipotecas a interes fijo aumento del 22,9 % (antes del cambio) al 48,4 % (despues), mientras que el de hipotecas a tipo variable disminuyo del 75,8 % al 48,9 %. Tras la modificacion de condiciones, el interes medio de los prestamos en las hipotecas a tipo fijo disminuyo 0,7 puntos y el de las que tenian tipo variable bajo 0,2 puntos. 57.760 FINCAS HIPOTECADAS El importe medio de las hipotecas sobre el total de fincas inscritas en los registros de la propiedad en marzo (procedentes de escrituras publicas realizadas anteriormente) fue de 154.223 euros, un 2,9 % superior al del mismo mes de 2021. En marzo se firmaron hipotecas sobre 57.760 fincas, el 16,7 % mas que en ese mes de 2021, para las que el capital prestado alcanzo los 8.908 millones de euros, el 20,1 % de incremento. Para las hipotecas constituidas sobre el total de fincas en marzo, el tipo de interes medio al inicio fue del 2,56 % y el plazo medio de devolucion, 24 anos. El 30 % se firmaron a tipo de interes variable (una media del 2,79 %) y el 70 %, a tipo fijo (2,79 % de coste medio). ANDALUCIA, A LA CABEZA EN NUMERO DE HIPOTECAS Las comunidades con mayor numero de hipotecas constituidas sobre viviendas en marzo fueron Andalucia (8.966), Cataluna (7.545) y Madrid (7.308). Se presto mas capital para la constitucion de hipotecas sobre viviendas en Madrid (1.604,5 millones de euros), Cataluna (1.245,8 millones) y Andalucia (1.097,4 millones). Para el director de Hipotecas de Idealista, Juan Villen, es previsible que este crecimiento de las hipotecas se mantenga como minimo hasta el verano y refleja la subida del precio de la vivienda. El director de Estudios del portal inmobiliario pisos.com, Ferran Font, coincide en el buen momento que atraviesa el sector inmobiliario, con mas de 30.000 hipotecas mensuales, pero senala que hay que ver los efectos a largo plazo de la invasion de Ucrania o de los cambios en la politica monetaria del BCE. (c) Agencia EFE



Virginia Delegate Seeks to Bar Barnes & Noble from Selling Gender Queer Directly to Minors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.A Virginia delegate and congressional candidate have sought to prohibit Barnes and Noble from selling two booksGender Queer and A Court of Mist and Furydirectly to minors while a pending lawsuit in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines whether these two books meet obscenity standards.

The restraining orders, filed on Wednesday by state delegate Tim Anderson on behalf of Tommy Altman, a Republican candidate for Virginias second congressional district, followed Judge Pamela Baskervills orders on the same day, asking the publishers or authors of the two books to respond within 21 days to the allegation that the contents are obscene.

In the court order, Baskervill wrote that having reviewed Altmans original petition issue on April 28 and the books in question, the Court found probable cause to believe that the two books were obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anderson uploaded the court orders and described the ruling as a major legal victory. In another Facebook video on Thursday, he showed receipts of purchasing the two books at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Virginia Beach. So we got the books there, and theres no restrictions against purchasing these books, he said in the video.

Tim Andersons purchase receipt of Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury from a Barnes and Noble store in Virginia Beach, Va., on Apr. 25, 2022. (Courtesy of Tim Anderson)

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Barnes & Noble public relations wrote: As booksellers, we carry thousands of books whose subject matter some may find offensive. We live in a diverse society, and that diversity of opinion is reflected in the books we carry on our shelves that cater to the wide range of interests of our customers.

We ask that our customers respect our responsibility to offer this breadth of reading materials, and respect also that, while they chose not to purchase many of these themselves, they may be of interest to others, the statement continued.

In response to Barnes & Nobles statement, Anderson told The Epoch Times in a written comment: Mr. Altman is not requesting a ban of selling the books in question. He is requesting they not be sold to minors.

If a parent wishes to buy the books and give them to their child, that falls in the same category as a parent allowing a child to watch an R-rated movie, he added. We hope Barnes and Noble will do the right thing and identify there are sexually explicit books in its stores in Virginia Beach and take corrective action to restrict those books from sales to minors without further legal action being necessary.

Anderson and Altmans legal actions are viewed by some as censorship. A spokesperson of the American Booksellers Association told Bloomberg that he was deeply concerned about the potential effect on bookstores adopting self-censorship to survive. It is a booksellers constitutional right to carry and sell books as they see fit, without interference from the government, he added.

Anderson said he simply wanted age restrictions: There is no First Amendment right to distribute or sell sexually explicit materials to minors. Placing age restrictions on private companies selling sexually explicit materials happens everywhere in the United States. Minors are not allowed to go into movie theaters with R-rated movies without parent/guardian consent.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel with cartoon-style pictures, tells the story of nonbinary author Maia Kobabe from adolescence to adulthood.

It was the number one title removed from school libraries or classrooms, according to a report by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Over the nine months between July 2021 and March 2022, the book was banned in 30 school districts. The book is also listed as the most challenged book of 2021 by the American Library Association.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach School Board decided to pull Gender Queer from its school libraries after a workgroup review found pervasively vulgar content including illustrations depicting genitalia, bodily functions, and sexual acts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the two publishersBloomsbury Publishing for A Court of Mist and Fury and Lion Forge for Gender Queerfor comments.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.









Tanaya Kollipara, the young author of Stigma: Breaking the Asian American Silence on Mental Health, awakened early to the fact that there was a shortfall in mental health resources specifically addressing the needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

Her 14-year-old best friend lay gasping on the floor in the throes of a panic attack, and neither Kollipara nor the adults who spoke in shamefaced whispers of her friends hurt brain knew what to do. As her sobs subsided, the girl on the floor said Lets talk, and an advocate for mental health advocacy in the AAPI community was born. The answer, Kollipara understood, lay in breaking the silence and talking about the problem.

Getting people to talk was no small task in a community that often holds a strong sense of judgment and even an attitude of fear and disgust toward mental illness and mental health, a stance Kollipara attributes to insufficient understanding and continued misinformation. Undeterred, she sprang into action. Since I was in high school, Ive been fully involved in the world of mental health advocacy. I worked with my countys NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness], even establishing a campus chapter at my high school.

 I know I will never stop speaking out about mental health and mental illnessor writing about it. 

As the world descended into the maelstrom of pandemic and lockdowns, conditions worsened for people from all walks of life who were already facing mood disorders, anxiety, social isolation, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. Kollipara realized she was uniquely positioned to help her community to better establish a sense of empathy and radical acceptance when it comes to mental health.

She began to invite those coping with issues ranging from postpartum depression to self-harm, eating disorders, substance use challenges, and suicidal ideation to share their stories and their journeys in her book.

It was a truly humbling experience to hear these individuals share their stories, Kollipara recalls. Knowing that theysome friends, some complete strangers who later became friendswere trusting me with the most intimate details of their lives and trusting me to share their story in a way that does it justice is a truly special feeling and experience I will never be able to properly put into words. Each person I spoke to was so brave in sharing their story. They were willing to bare some of the most uncertain times of their lives, in hopes that those who read my book may find themselves in it and seek help far sooner.

A womans anxiety relating to her family reaches nightmare proportions after the birth of her first child. A college student tries so hard to live up to his familys and societys expectations that he can neither eat nor sleep. A young girl whose parents fear the social stigma of seeking mental health support valiantly looks for help in online communities; when her clinical depression reaches crisis and she attempts suicide, her parents sign her out of the hospital against medical advice because they believe their daughter isnt crazy enough to need institutional intervention.

These are only a few of the histories Kollipara recounts in Stigma. All the people she interviews throughout the book have persevered in seeking and obtaining treatment, and are now able to describe their journeys toward mental wellness in the hope of helping others.

Kollipara includes documentary research, expert opinions on mental health, and approaches to mental wellness with these personal stories of recovery and ongoing self-care. I wanted the book to work threefold: help people understand and relate to AAPI experiences with mental health, correct the misinformation rampant in the community, and provide tools and guidance on how to deal with mental health struggles, she says. But sometimes it was a struggle to do all of that without sounding wordy or getting confusing; I still wanted this book to be very approachable! The resultStigma, the first self-help book ever to win the BookLife nonfiction prizeis proof of her success.

Ultimately, there are two things that Kollipara hopes readers will take away from her book: One, mental health is an incredibly important part of our health and our lives and we should treat it as such. Two, the Asian AmericanPacific Islander community needs understanding and compassion because mental illness is turning into a silent killer of the community. Do what you can to have conversations about mental health, provide resources and support, and dont be afraid to seek help yourself.

This book was only the beginning of the work I plan to do, Kollipara adds. Mental health awareness and advocacy is extremely important and personal to me, and its something that I am actively continuing. I am currently involved with various mental health organizations and research that is focused on finding better therapeutic alternatives to treat mental illness. Its all work Im incredibly honored to be part of. I only hope to become further involved in mental health advocacy. I know I will never stop speaking out about mental health and mental illnessor writing about it.

Karen Clark is a freelance writer, editor, and tutor who received her MFA from the City College of New York after owning an antiquarian bookshop on Manhattans Upper West Side for over a decade.
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)




LONDON (AP)  Scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks of monkeypox in Africa say they are baffled by the disease's recent spread in Europe and North America.

Cases of the smallpox-related disease have previously been seen only among people with links to central and West Africa. But in the past week, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, U.S., Sweden and Canada all reported infections, mostly in young men who hadn't previously traveled to Africa.

France, Germany, Belgium and Australia confirmed their first cases of monkeypox on Friday.

"I'm stunned by this. Every day I wake up and there are more countries infected," said Oyewale Tomori, a virologist who formerly headed the Nigerian Academy of Science and who sits on several World Health Organization advisory boards.

"This is not the kind of spread we've seen in West Africa, so there may be something new happening in the West," he said.

Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, a rash and lesions on the face or genitals. WHO estimates the disease is fatal for up to one in 10 people, but smallpox vaccines are protective and some antiviral drugs are also being developed.

One of the theories British health officials are exploring is whether the disease is being sexually transmitted. Health officials have asked doctors and nurses to be on alert for potential cases, but said the risk to the general population is low.

Nigeria reports about 3,000 monkeypox cases a year, WHO said. Outbreaks are usually in rural areas, where people have close contact with infected rats and squirrels, Tomori said. He said many cases are likely missed.

Tomori hoped the appearance of monkeypox cases across Europe and other countries would further scientific understanding of the disease.

The WHO's lead on emergency response, Dr. Ibrahima Soce Fall, acknowledged this week that there were still "so many unknowns in terms of the dynamics of transmission, the clinical features (and) the epidemiology."

On Friday, Britain's Health Security Agency reported 11 new monkeypox cases, saying that "a notable proportion" of the most recent infections in the U.K. and Europe have been in young men with no history of travel to Africa who were gay, bisexual or had sex with men.

Authorities in Spain and Portugal also said their cases were in young men who mostly had sex with other men and said those cases were picked up when the men turned up with lesions at sexual health clinics.

Experts have stressed they do not know if the disease is being spread through sex or other close contact related to sex.

Nigeria hasn't seen sexual transmission, Tomori said, but he noted that viruses that hadn't initially been known to transmit via sex, like Ebola, were later proven to do so after bigger epidemics showed different patterns of spread.

The same could be true of monkeypox, Tomori said.

In Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the government was confident the outbreak could be contained. He said the virus was being sequenced to see if there were any genetic changes that might have made it more infectious.

Rolf Gustafson, an infectious diseases professor, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that it was "very difficult" to imagine the situation might worsen.

"We will certainly find some further cases in Sweden, but I do not think there will be an epidemic in any way," Gustafson said. "There is nothing to suggest that at present."

Scientists said that while it's possible the outbreak's first patient caught the disease while in Africa, what's happening now is exceptional.

"We've never seen anything like what's happening in Europe," said Christian Happi, director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases. "We haven't seen anything to say that the transmission patterns of monkeypox have been changing in Africa. So if something different is happening in Europe, then Europe needs to investigate that."

Happi also pointed out that the suspension of smallpox vaccination campaigns after the disease was eradicated in 1980 might inadvertently be helping monkeypox spread. Smallpox vaccines also protect against monkeypox, but mass immunization was stopped decades ago.

"Aside from people in west and Central Africa who may have some immunity to monkeypox from past exposure, not having any smallpox vaccination means nobody has any kind of immunity to monkeypox," Happi said.

Shabir Mahdi, a professor of vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said a detailed investigation of the outbreak in Europe, including determining who the first patients were, was now critical.

"We need to really understand how this first started and why the virus is now gaining traction," he said. "In Africa, there have been very controlled and infrequent outbreaks of monkeypox. If that's now changing, we really need to understand why."

***

Geir Moulson in Berlin, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen and AP reporters across Europe contributed to this report.


LONDON (AP)  Scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks of monkeypox in Africa say they are baffled by the disease's recent spread in Europe and North America.

Cases of the smallpox-related disease have previously been seen only among people with links to central and West Africa. But in the past week, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, U.S., Sweden and Canada all reported infections, mostly in young men who hadn't previously traveled to Africa.

France, Germany, Belgium and Australia confirmed their first cases of monkeypox on Friday.

"I'm stunned by this. Every day I wake up and there are more countries infected," said Oyewale Tomori, a virologist who formerly headed the Nigerian Academy of Science and who sits on several World Health Organization advisory boards.

"This is not the kind of spread we've seen in West Africa, so there may be something new happening in the West," he said.

Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, a rash and lesions on the face or genitals. WHO estimates the disease is fatal for up to one in 10 people, but smallpox vaccines are protective and some antiviral drugs are also being developed.

One of the theories British health officials are exploring is whether the disease is being sexually transmitted. Health officials have asked doctors and nurses to be on alert for potential cases, but said the risk to the general population is low.

Nigeria reports about 3,000 monkeypox cases a year, WHO said. Outbreaks are usually in rural areas, where people have close contact with infected rats and squirrels, Tomori said. He said many cases are likely missed.

Tomori hoped the appearance of monkeypox cases across Europe and other countries would further scientific understanding of the disease.

The WHO's lead on emergency response, Dr. Ibrahima Soce Fall, acknowledged this week that there were still "so many unknowns in terms of the dynamics of transmission, the clinical features (and) the epidemiology."

On Friday, Britain's Health Security Agency reported 11 new monkeypox cases, saying that "a notable proportion" of the most recent infections in the U.K. and Europe have been in young men with no history of travel to Africa who were gay, bisexual or had sex with men.

Authorities in Spain and Portugal also said their cases were in young men who mostly had sex with other men and said those cases were picked up when the men turned up with lesions at sexual health clinics.

Experts have stressed they do not know if the disease is being spread through sex or other close contact related to sex.

Nigeria hasn't seen sexual transmission, Tomori said, but he noted that viruses that hadn't initially been known to transmit via sex, like Ebola, were later proven to do so after bigger epidemics showed different patterns of spread.

The same could be true of monkeypox, Tomori said.

In Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the government was confident the outbreak could be contained. He said the virus was being sequenced to see if there were any genetic changes that might have made it more infectious.

Rolf Gustafson, an infectious diseases professor, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that it was "very difficult" to imagine the situation might worsen.

"We will certainly find some further cases in Sweden, but I do not think there will be an epidemic in any way," Gustafson said. "There is nothing to suggest that at present."

Scientists said that while it's possible the outbreak's first patient caught the disease while in Africa, what's happening now is exceptional.

"We've never seen anything like what's happening in Europe," said Christian Happi, director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases. "We haven't seen anything to say that the transmission patterns of monkeypox have been changing in Africa. So if something different is happening in Europe, then Europe needs to investigate that."

Happi also pointed out that the suspension of smallpox vaccination campaigns after the disease was eradicated in 1980 might inadvertently be helping monkeypox spread. Smallpox vaccines also protect against monkeypox, but mass immunization was stopped decades ago.

"Aside from people in west and Central Africa who may have some immunity to monkeypox from past exposure, not having any smallpox vaccination means nobody has any kind of immunity to monkeypox," Happi said.

Shabir Mahdi, a professor of vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said a detailed investigation of the outbreak in Europe, including determining who the first patients were, was now critical.

"We need to really understand how this first started and why the virus is now gaining traction," he said. "In Africa, there have been very controlled and infrequent outbreaks of monkeypox. If that's now changing, we really need to understand why."

***

Geir Moulson in Berlin, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen and AP reporters across Europe contributed to this report.
LONDON (AP)  Scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks of monkeypox in Africa say they are baffled by the disease's recent spread in Europe and North America.

Cases of the smallpox-related disease have previously been seen only among people with links to central and West Africa. But in the past week, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, U.S., Sweden and Canada all reported infections, mostly in young men who hadn't previously traveled to Africa.

France, Germany, Belgium and Australia confirmed their first cases of monkeypox on Friday.

"I'm stunned by this. Every day I wake up and there are more countries infected," said Oyewale Tomori, a virologist who formerly headed the Nigerian Academy of Science and who sits on several World Health Organization advisory boards.

"This is not the kind of spread we've seen in West Africa, so there may be something new happening in the West," he said.

Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, a rash and lesions on the face or genitals. WHO estimates the disease is fatal for up to one in 10 people, but smallpox vaccines are protective and some antiviral drugs are also being developed.

One of the theories British health officials are exploring is whether the disease is being sexually transmitted. Health officials have asked doctors and nurses to be on alert for potential cases, but said the risk to the general population is low.

Nigeria reports about 3,000 monkeypox cases a year, WHO said. Outbreaks are usually in rural areas, where people have close contact with infected rats and squirrels, Tomori said. He said many cases are likely missed.

Tomori hoped the appearance of monkeypox cases across Europe and other countries would further scientific understanding of the disease.

The WHO's lead on emergency response, Dr. Ibrahima Soce Fall, acknowledged this week that there were still "so many unknowns in terms of the dynamics of transmission, the clinical features (and) the epidemiology."

On Friday, Britain's Health Security Agency reported 11 new monkeypox cases, saying that "a notable proportion" of the most recent infections in the U.K. and Europe have been in young men with no history of travel to Africa who were gay, bisexual or had sex with men.

Authorities in Spain and Portugal also said their cases were in young men who mostly had sex with other men and said those cases were picked up when the men turned up with lesions at sexual health clinics.

Experts have stressed they do not know if the disease is being spread through sex or other close contact related to sex.

Nigeria hasn't seen sexual transmission, Tomori said, but he noted that viruses that hadn't initially been known to transmit via sex, like Ebola, were later proven to do so after bigger epidemics showed different patterns of spread.

The same could be true of monkeypox, Tomori said.

In Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the government was confident the outbreak could be contained. He said the virus was being sequenced to see if there were any genetic changes that might have made it more infectious.

Rolf Gustafson, an infectious diseases professor, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that it was "very difficult" to imagine the situation might worsen.

"We will certainly find some further cases in Sweden, but I do not think there will be an epidemic in any way," Gustafson said. "There is nothing to suggest that at present."

Scientists said that while it's possible the outbreak's first patient caught the disease while in Africa, what's happening now is exceptional.

"We've never seen anything like what's happening in Europe," said Christian Happi, director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases. "We haven't seen anything to say that the transmission patterns of monkeypox have been changing in Africa. So if something different is happening in Europe, then Europe needs to investigate that."

Happi also pointed out that the suspension of smallpox vaccination campaigns after the disease was eradicated in 1980 might inadvertently be helping monkeypox spread. Smallpox vaccines also protect against monkeypox, but mass immunization was stopped decades ago.

"Aside from people in west and Central Africa who may have some immunity to monkeypox from past exposure, not having any smallpox vaccination means nobody has any kind of immunity to monkeypox," Happi said.

Shabir Mahdi, a professor of vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said a detailed investigation of the outbreak in Europe, including determining who the first patients were, was now critical.

"We need to really understand how this first started and why the virus is now gaining traction," he said. "In Africa, there have been very controlled and infrequent outbreaks of monkeypox. If that's now changing, we really need to understand why."

***

Geir Moulson in Berlin, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen and AP reporters across Europe contributed to this report.
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

The Great British Bake Off is reportedly set to be 'relocating' its iconic bunting-draped marquee ahead of this years summer series.

According to The Mirror, the Channel 4 programme will be moving on from Down Hall Hotel in Essex, following the need to no longer record in a covid 'bubble.'

The hotel and spa has been used to film the series since 2020, with contestants and producers staying on-site for six weeks to prevent outbreaks - with the show previously shot at Welford Park in Berkshire.

Big move: The Great British Bake Off is reportedly set to be 'relocating' its iconic bunting-draped marquee ahead of this years summer series - following two years of Covid precautions (Pictured L-R: Paul Hollywood, Matt Lucas, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding)

A source explained to the publication: We won't be filming in a bubble this year, but protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe.

'All the team, particularly Prue [Leith], found it really tough not being able to go home each week.

'They are delighted that this year it will go back to the way it was, when they filmed at weekends and could leave during the week.

Iconic: The Channel 4 programme will be moving on from Down Hall Hotel in Essex, following the need to no longer record in a covid 'bubble'

It is believed that the show has moved on from the luxurious 98 bedroom historic property, with the rooms being available to book this summer.

Series One of Bake Off saw the show contestants travel around the country to various locations, filming cakes in the Cotswolds and biscuits in Scotland.

However, this was quickly scrapped when it returned for season two, where it was based at Valentines Mansion in Redbridge, near London.

Speaking to the Full Disclosure podcast, last year, Sue Perkins told how the show is seen as the huge success it is now, but the beginning stages were quite different.

Changes: The hotel and spa has been used to film the series since 2020, with contestants and producers staying on-site and Prue Leith (pictured right) 'found it really tough' (Alongside Paul Hollywood, left)

She said: 'Bake Off can only be seen now through the prism of huge success.

'But we were there at its inception, when Barry's burger vans were the in-house catering, when we were in a youth hostel at 25 a night  and Mary Berry got bed bugs.

'We were a travelling show and the team had to put the tent up. But it evolved hugely from the intense documentary about foodstuffs into the beloved programme it is now.'

Travelling: Series One of Bake Off saw the show contestants travel around the country to various locations, filming cakes in the Cotswolds and biscuits in Scotland

Harptree Court in Somerset then became the shows home for seasons three and four, until they set up at Welford Park in Berkshire, where it remained until the pandemic.

It is unknown when season 13 of the show will air, however previous years have began in September time.

Prue Leith has starred alongside original judge Paul Hollywood for the last five seasons, with Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas hosting.

Show: Mary Berry, 86, was booked into a 25-a-night hostel during the early days of the series where she was exposed to the insects who feed on human blood (pictured L-R Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Mary and Paul)

Line-up: Harptree Court in Somerset then became the shows home for seasons three and four (Paul, Mary, Sue and Mel pictured together in 2016)

Matt returned to the show for this second season, last year, having replaced Sandi Toksvig in 2020.

Great British Bake Off hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc quit the show in 2016 shortly after it was announced that the series was moving from BBC One to Channel 4.

Judge Mary Berry turned down a huge pay rise to stay with the baking show after it switched networks after seven years.




New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)



New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Virginia Delegate Seeks to Bar Barnes & Noble from Selling Gender Queer Directly to Minors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.A Virginia delegate and congressional candidate have sought to prohibit Barnes and Noble from selling two booksGender Queer and A Court of Mist and Furydirectly to minors while a pending lawsuit in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines whether these two books meet obscenity standards.

The restraining orders, filed on Wednesday by state delegate Tim Anderson on behalf of Tommy Altman, a Republican candidate for Virginias second congressional district, followed Judge Pamela Baskervills orders on the same day, asking the publishers or authors of the two books to respond within 21 days to the allegation that the contents are obscene.

In the court order, Baskervill wrote that having reviewed Altmans original petition issue on April 28 and the books in question, the Court found probable cause to believe that the two books were obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anderson uploaded the court orders and described the ruling as a major legal victory. In another Facebook video on Thursday, he showed receipts of purchasing the two books at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Virginia Beach. So we got the books there, and theres no restrictions against purchasing these books, he said in the video.

Tim Andersons purchase receipt of Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury from a Barnes and Noble store in Virginia Beach, Va., on Apr. 25, 2022. (Courtesy of Tim Anderson)

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Barnes & Noble public relations wrote: As booksellers, we carry thousands of books whose subject matter some may find offensive. We live in a diverse society, and that diversity of opinion is reflected in the books we carry on our shelves that cater to the wide range of interests of our customers.

We ask that our customers respect our responsibility to offer this breadth of reading materials, and respect also that, while they chose not to purchase many of these themselves, they may be of interest to others, the statement continued.

In response to Barnes & Nobles statement, Anderson told The Epoch Times in a written comment: Mr. Altman is not requesting a ban of selling the books in question. He is requesting they not be sold to minors.

If a parent wishes to buy the books and give them to their child, that falls in the same category as a parent allowing a child to watch an R-rated movie, he added. We hope Barnes and Noble will do the right thing and identify there are sexually explicit books in its stores in Virginia Beach and take corrective action to restrict those books from sales to minors without further legal action being necessary.

Anderson and Altmans legal actions are viewed by some as censorship. A spokesperson of the American Booksellers Association told Bloomberg that he was deeply concerned about the potential effect on bookstores adopting self-censorship to survive. It is a booksellers constitutional right to carry and sell books as they see fit, without interference from the government, he added.

Anderson said he simply wanted age restrictions: There is no First Amendment right to distribute or sell sexually explicit materials to minors. Placing age restrictions on private companies selling sexually explicit materials happens everywhere in the United States. Minors are not allowed to go into movie theaters with R-rated movies without parent/guardian consent.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel with cartoon-style pictures, tells the story of nonbinary author Maia Kobabe from adolescence to adulthood.

It was the number one title removed from school libraries or classrooms, according to a report by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Over the nine months between July 2021 and March 2022, the book was banned in 30 school districts. The book is also listed as the most challenged book of 2021 by the American Library Association.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach School Board decided to pull Gender Queer from its school libraries after a workgroup review found pervasively vulgar content including illustrations depicting genitalia, bodily functions, and sexual acts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the two publishersBloomsbury Publishing for A Court of Mist and Fury and Lion Forge for Gender Queerfor comments.
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.
AIB Group has today launched the AIB Community 1 Million Fund to support over 30 charitable organisations in communities across Ireland.

The bank is asking its customers and the wider public in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Longford, Louth, Meath, Laois, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow to nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

AIB will allocate 700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the public while 300,000 will go to charities chosen by the banks employees.

The fund will be distributed following an online nomination process, one for customers and one for employees, and will be split across five regions in Ireland  Greater Dublin, the Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

Paul Maloney, AIB Tullamore Branch Manager said:

We are delighted to launch the AIB Community 1 Million Fund here in Tullamore to support the local charities that matter most to us in the area. We are inviting our customers and the public to nominate the charities they wish this new fund to support.

There is so much activity and fundraising happening all over Tullamore, this fund will go a long way to help to those initiatives already doing so much to support their local communities

Nominations are open from 12 May 2022 and will close on 22 June 2022.

The nomination form and full details on the AIB Community 1 Million Fund are available on the banks website.

Customers and the public are required to submit the registration number of the charity they are nominating in order to complete the form.

The bank will separately launch a process for AIB staff wishing to nominate charities in their communities.

Once nominations are confirmed, the top six nominees for each of the five regions will be asked to present to an AIB regional panel.

Four charities in each region will each receive 28,000, while two will each receive 4,000. The selected charities will be announced in September 2022.

The AIB Community 1 Million Fund follows other charitable initiatives already undertaken by AIB including the banks partnerships with GOAL, FoodCloud and Junior Achievement Ireland as well as our ongoing support of local charities.

In March 2020, New York State established an early Covid-19 lockdown zone in Westchester County, near the offices of Archie Comics. The world was about to change, recalled Archie editor-in-chief Mike Pellerito. We had to act quickly and figure out a way to stay in business, he said. Pellerito credited Archie CEO Jon Goldwater with doing what was best for the companys staff. Virtually overnight, Pellerito said, Archie shut down its offices, moved to a smaller space, and completely rethought the business.

Archie Comics, which marked its 80th anniversary in 2021, has about 20 full-time staff in its Pelham, N.Y., offices, along with scores of freelancers around the world, Pellerito said. Workflows had to be redesigned: writers and artists (some of whom still submitted assignments on paper via the mail) were switched to digital submissions only, and, Pellerito said, we were on Zoom every day, working from home became normal, and we found a way to make this new situation work.

Pellerito said that despite the pandemic, shutdowns, and supply chain problems, Archie Comics had one of its best years in 2021. He cited several reasons: a venerable roster of such beloved characters as Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead; an energized global Archie fan base; new, diverse characters; a strategic embrace of Kickstarter to crowdfund special book projects; and a continued focus on trade book publishing (including partnerships with Little Bee, Scholastic, and Webtoon).

Archie can seem like a time capsule, but we keep evolving, and Archie can still resonate with a kid today, Pellerito said. In addition to its periodical comics, Archie publishes about 80 book titles per year, in addition to scores of Archie Digests (the small fan-favorite paperbacks collecting past comics) and special book collections.

Under Pellerito and Jamie Rotante, Archies senior director of editorial (and an Archie writer as well), the house launched a series of titles in 2021 featuring its classic characters over the years, including Archies Pals n Gals (the 1950s to the 1990s) and Betty and Veronica Decades: The 1960s; the house also marked Archies 80th anniversary with more classic material, including The Best of Archie Comics: 80 Years, 80 Stories and Archie: 80 Years of Christmas, while also showcasing the contemporary Archie universe in Riverdale: The Ties That Bind, an original graphic novel based on the ongoing Riverdale TV series. We couldnt keep the books on the shelves, Rotante said.

Archie also turned to Kickstarter to mark the 10th anniversary of Kevin Keller, Archies groundbreaking LGBTQ fan-favorite character, raising nearly $73,000 to fund the publication of the Kevin Keller Celebration Omnibus, a 720-page, $50 hardcover commemorative volume that collects every Kevin Keller story published. Taking note of the growing popularity of mobile manga-style webcomics apps, Rotante said the house partnered with Webtoon in 2021 to launch a new webcomic series based on Big Ethel, a lessor-known Archie character who left Riverdale after high school but returns as a journalist to write a story about the small town. The Big Ethel webcomic got a great response, Rotante said, so now the popular digital series will be released as a print volume, Archie: Big Ethel Energy, in fall 2022.

Representation is important: race, body type, disabilities, we want all kinds of characters in our books, Pellerito said, emphasizing Archies commitment to adding new diverse characters and reviving overlooked characters. The house brought in queer and disabled comics writer Tee Franklin (author of the acclaimed Bingo Love queer seniors romance graphic novel) to create biracial queer teen Eliza Han, and reveal that Harper Lodge, Veronicas disabled cousin, is also bisexual. The house also added Stacy Banks, a Black teen software genius, to its lineup of new Archie characters.

Theres a lot more Archie coming in 2022 in books and other media. Theres Bite-Sized Archiean Archie print title featuring collected original short comics that first appeared online, out this monthand a book marking the 60th anniversary of Sabrina, the teen witch (Sabrina: 60 Magical Stories) coming in fall 2022. Theres also an even bigger book (years in the making, Pellerito said) set for fall: The Archie Encyclopedia, a 300-page tome with profiles of every character in the Archie comics library, which can function as an alluring collectors item as well as a comprehensive reference work. On the media side, the CW Network has renewed the Archie TV series Riverdale for a seventh season, and Archie in Bollywood (renamed The Archies), a newly developed live-action musical adaptation of the Archie series set in India, is currently in production at Netflix.

Archie is huge in India, Pellerito said, noting that Archie has done stories aimed at fans there for years. Weve done conventions in India, and theres a cross-pollination with the fans. Now that theres a Netflix production we can do a graphic novel project with the Archie in India stories. Its amazing to see the vast appeal that Archie has around the globe.




The Great British Bake Off is reportedly set to be 'relocating' its iconic bunting-draped marquee ahead of this years summer series.

According to The Mirror, the Channel 4 programme will be moving on from Down Hall Hotel in Essex, following the need to no longer record in a covid 'bubble.'

The hotel and spa has been used to film the series since 2020, with contestants and producers staying on-site for six weeks to prevent outbreaks - with the show previously shot at Welford Park in Berkshire.

Big move: The Great British Bake Off is reportedly set to be 'relocating' its iconic bunting-draped marquee ahead of this years summer series - following two years of Covid precautions (Pictured L-R: Paul Hollywood, Matt Lucas, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding)

A source explained to the publication: We won't be filming in a bubble this year, but protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe.

'All the team, particularly Prue [Leith], found it really tough not being able to go home each week.

'They are delighted that this year it will go back to the way it was, when they filmed at weekends and could leave during the week.

Iconic: The Channel 4 programme will be moving on from Down Hall Hotel in Essex, following the need to no longer record in a covid 'bubble'

It is believed that the show has moved on from the luxurious 98 bedroom historic property, with the rooms being available to book this summer.

Series One of Bake Off saw the show contestants travel around the country to various locations, filming cakes in the Cotswolds and biscuits in Scotland.

However, this was quickly scrapped when it returned for season two, where it was based at Valentines Mansion in Redbridge, near London.

Speaking to the Full Disclosure podcast, last year, Sue Perkins told how the show is seen as the huge success it is now, but the beginning stages were quite different.

Changes: The hotel and spa has been used to film the series since 2020, with contestants and producers staying on-site and Prue Leith (pictured right) 'found it really tough' (Alongside Paul Hollywood, left)

She said: 'Bake Off can only be seen now through the prism of huge success.

'But we were there at its inception, when Barry's burger vans were the in-house catering, when we were in a youth hostel at 25 a night  and Mary Berry got bed bugs.

'We were a travelling show and the team had to put the tent up. But it evolved hugely from the intense documentary about foodstuffs into the beloved programme it is now.'

Travelling: Series One of Bake Off saw the show contestants travel around the country to various locations, filming cakes in the Cotswolds and biscuits in Scotland

Harptree Court in Somerset then became the shows home for seasons three and four, until they set up at Welford Park in Berkshire, where it remained until the pandemic.

It is unknown when season 13 of the show will air, however previous years have began in September time.

Prue Leith has starred alongside original judge Paul Hollywood for the last five seasons, with Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas hosting.

Show: Mary Berry, 86, was booked into a 25-a-night hostel during the early days of the series where she was exposed to the insects who feed on human blood (pictured L-R Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Mary and Paul)

Line-up: Harptree Court in Somerset then became the shows home for seasons three and four (Paul, Mary, Sue and Mel pictured together in 2016)

Matt returned to the show for this second season, last year, having replaced Sandi Toksvig in 2020.

Great British Bake Off hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc quit the show in 2016 shortly after it was announced that the series was moving from BBC One to Channel 4.

Judge Mary Berry turned down a huge pay rise to stay with the baking show after it switched networks after seven years.




























Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic recount because of close results in Newtown, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania GOP Senate Primary Results Might Not Be Known Until June 8

One of the most closely followed U.S. primaries might not be determined until as late as June 8.

Three days after the May 17 Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate primary election, ballots continue to be tallied. As of midday May 20, celebrity surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz held a slim lead over former hedge fund executive and Gulf War combat veteran David McCormick.

According to Decision Desk HQ, at 5 p.m. ET on May 20, Oz had 418,470 votes (31.16 percent) followed by McCormick at 417,391 (31.08 percent). The difference is 1,079 votes out of 1,343,163 ballots counted.

Regardless of who has the most votes when all the ballots are recorded, the race appears to be headed for a recount. Under Pennsylvania law, an automatic recount is triggered when the difference between the top two candidates is within 0.5 percent.

The winner would need a margin of approximately 6,700 votes to avoid an automatic recount.

The chances of a recount are 100 percent and no less, Josh Novotney, a Pennsylvania-based Republican consultant, told Politico. Theres still votes coming in.

It will probably get even tighter than it is now, which is almost humanly impossible. Each side will definitely be wanting any slight edge they can get going into a recount.

On May 20, county election boards across the state began meeting to determine problematic and provisional ballots, while election staffers registered thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots.

Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia were still recording Election Day votes.

As of midday on May 20, Pennsylvanias Department of State reported that approximately 28,000 mail-in and absentee ballotsincluding 8,300 in the Republican primarywere yet to be counted.

McCormick has performed better among mail-in ballots, while Oz has seen more success among Election Day votes.

Overseas and military absentee ballots must be counted before counties can certify their results to the state by the deadline on May 24 at 5 p.m.

A former hedge fund executive and U.S. Treasury Department official in former President George W. Bushs administration, McCormick is a West Point graduate, a former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper, and a Gulf War combat veteran.

His campaign believes that it will benefit McCormick when military ballots are tabulated.

Right now, there are 1,582 [military and overseas absentee ballots]between both partiesthat are awaiting processing statewide, a senior McCormick campaign spokesman said on May 19. If you just give us a thousand of those [as Republican ballots], I think theyd probably pick the 82nd Airborne paratrooper over the Turkish Army surgeon.

Provisional ballots must be counted by May 24 at 5 p.m. as well.

These ballots are cast by first-time voters who couldnt provide a required ID; individuals who requested a mail-in ballot, but instead voted in person and didnt surrender their mail-in ballot; or people who moved to a new address and didnt update their registration.

County election officials started the review process of these ballots on May 20. Theyre required to determine what ballots are valid by the close of business on May 24.

We feel quite confident that when every vote thats been cast is counted  Dave McCormick is going to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania, a senior McCormick campaign official said.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania holds a campaign rally at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville, Pa., on April 20, 2022. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

An Oz campaign spokesperson said the math isnt in McCormicks favor and that we are confident Dr. Oz will win this race.

Multiple lawsuits contesting decisions in certain counties could happen before a recount begins.

To prepare for the probable recount, both campaigns have hired Washington-based lawyers. Both campaigns have also brought aboard Philadelphia-based campaign strategists who helped guide the vote-counting observation on Election Day for Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2020.

The secretary of state must determine if a recount will be held by the second Thursday following the day of the election, which is May 26.

The recount would be managed by the individual counties and start no later than the third Wednesday after Election Day, which would be June 1.

It must be finished by noon on the following Tuesday, which, in this case, would be June 7. Counties would submit results to the state by June 8.

With the U.S. Senate split 5050, and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) retiring, the states November general election is expected to be one of the countrys most pivotal races. Oz or McCormick will face Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who handily won the Democratic primary a few days after suffering a stroke. He underwent a successful procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator on the same day the primary was held.

Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, Fetterman said. He remained hospitalized on May 20.





New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Mohalla clinic in the national capital on Saturday at 5 pm.

Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Also Read | Bhopal Shocker: 30-Year-Old Married Woman Allegedly Raped, Blackmailed by Former Friend; Case Registered.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

Also Read | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Kiara Advani Looked Heavenly Throughout Her Movie Promotions (View Style File).

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
North Korea said Saturday it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of Covid. Via @AP https://t.co/5TrLiKKWB2 Bloomberg (@business) May 21, 2022

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Former Fast Company staff writer Rina Raphael takes a hatchet to the $4.4 trillion wellness industry and her willing participation in propagating its misinformation in The Gospel of Wellness (Holt, Sept.), which combines reportage, first-person narrative, and social critique. I saw how the sausage was made, she says. I myself made mistakes. Raphael spoke with PW about gender, the commodification of health, and Americas long history of snake oil salespeople.

How did the industry go awry?

I covered wellness from the business angle. What I thought was a well-intentioned industrybased around fitness, nutrition, stress relief, and spiritualityincreasingly gave way to muddy waters: crystal-infused water bottles, detox cleanses, shady workplace wellness programs. After interviewing founders and trying every trend myself, I talked to hundreds of women at wellness festivals. I grew skeptical and out of curiosity, but also out of journalistic duty, I started doing my homework. The wellness industry is actually quite unwell. This book is the story of what I discovered.

How do you implicate yourself in this story?

I covered this industry because I was personally invested in it. I totally drank the Kool-Aid. I went to every boutique class. I went fully organic. I tried the detoxes, the whole shebang. You get sucked into this because of social media. Theres also so much misinformation in the media. Wellness is not treated like the health category. Its treated like fashion. Youll find it in the Sunday Styles, in all the womens magazines. You have important health stories written by people who dont have any science background and who didnt reach out to any scientists or doctors. Thats how this industry is getting out of control; its not because women are stupid. I elevated so many of these companies to great heights, and then I realized that they werent what I thought they were.

How do gender and wellness intersect?

There are very specific reasons why American women gravitate toward wellness. Why are they rushing to boutique studios? Why are they downloading meditation apps and swapping milk for soaked almond water? Theyre looking for solutions. Wellness tells them that they have the solutions. Women are told if they follow a certain protocol, eat right, meditate, buy all this stuff, they can manage what feels unruly or subpar in their lives. I spoke to an Italian academic who deals in self-care studies, and she said, We get six weeks vacation; we take two-hour lunches; we have fresh food; were a communal society. We dont need as much self-care.  The messaging around self-care is highly individualistic, when we need more communal solutions.

Why did you use the word gospel in the subtitle?

The messaging and marketing around this commodified bloated industry is similar to organized religion. It provides identity, meaning, communitythings that are in short supply in America. At the same time, it also has its false idols and its cultish trends. I spoke to people who couldnt live without their SoulCycle or near-worshiped influencers because they dont trust other institutions.

After reading the book, what do you hope readers take away?

You think, Wow, were really being taken for a ride here. But this has happened before. In the 19th century, once germ theory pervaded the national consciousness, you had all these companies who terrified women: If you dont buy an ice box then your kids are going to die! If you dont scrub with these certain disinfectants youre going to be carrying your kid out in a tiny casket. I hope that women can be a little more forgiving of themselves and just recognize that they are being targeted.

Back to main feature.
But this is also a love story, and love  profound, mundane, imperfect  so warmly suffuses the book its pages practically glow with it. Youre not alone, Vladimir assures the unmoored Luz, echoing the solidarity around Jose Garcia. We take care of each other. Natera is an attentive painter of the devotions Robert Hayden called loves austere and lonely offices: Eusebia oiling Luzs hair and scalp at night, Vladimir refusing to hang up on his daughter first, even on hectic workdays. The novel articulates love at its least articulate: the Spanglish by which mother and daughter communicate, Eusebia having learned enough to understand Luz, but her body had refused to speak it; the titular poets verses that Vladimir recites to Eusebia upon their New York reunion, expressing love he couldnt possibly have ever said with his own words. A special affection is shined on the storys vibrant secondary cast, including Angelica, Luzs childhood best friend, now a mother of twins waiting tables at the members-only restaurant in Midtown where Luzs colleagues dine; Cuca, Eusebias sister, who journeys home to the D.R. for a full-body cosmetic renovation to win back a straying husband; and the Tongues, a trio of gossiping elders who have Nothar Parks history sutured inside us.

Nateras style is refreshingly direct and declarative, and at its best, this approach feels confident and sharp, a mirror capturing the bleak comedies of life in a threatened community. The Guerreros landlord sends out a letter translated into Spanish, a rare courtesy: They knew it meant trouble. Hes offering all renters a buyout  or, sure, they could buy the apartments, smirks our third-person narrator. When one tenant accepts and flees the neighborhood faster than a Dominican lotto winner heading back home, Eusebia and the Tongues watch a truck cart away her possessions, its painted company name, BETTER MOVE, both an advertisement and a warning.

Elsewhere, this straightforwardness can feel heavy-handed. Characters think in blunt abstraction, tediously announcing themes like the power of prayer, of community, to transform pain and despair from the seemingly devastating hopelessness of fate. Dialogue lumbers, as when Hudson lectures Luz that conservation  assures longevity, defending both his environmentalism and his prissiness about his book collection. As she roasts his hypocritically lavish, energy-sucking townhouse (fair enough!), proclaiming it wild you have this duality in you, they sound like no bantering or bickering couple Ive met. Their attraction, mutual and real despite its historical whiff of patronage and control, suffers too much stale shorthand  a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, a rare kind of connection  to be a convincing wedge between Luz and Eusebia. When Hudson offers Luz an ending that strikes a discordant, nearly dystopian note in this otherwise naturalistic novel, the dilemma feels just shy of genuine.

But their thinly realized romance feels like a minor shortcoming next to the books oddly vague treatment of Eusebia, whose inner life Natera writes in the eloquent, righteous language of a rallying cry: lines one can imagine hearing from the stage at Jose Garcias vigil, full of passion and conviction, but delivered at a distance. Helpless people get squashed daily by less powerful structures than this, Eusebia thinks, gazing at the condos in progress. Broad appeals to a sacrifice worth something or losing everything they loved are enough, were asked to believe, to mobilize an army of neighbors behind Eusebias increasingly violent mission.

In one characteristically lyrical but remote passage, Eusebia is surrounded by the natural noises of a neighborhood, that shut the hostility outside what theyd made here. Somewhere far away, a baby cried  as if underlining what was truly at stake. Again and again, the mother invokes what theyve made, whats at stake, and what they owed to the walls of this apartment. When Eusebia rejects her familys retirement surprise  the bitter prospect of becoming gentrifiers in their own country  Luz herself is left wondering, as I was, what it was about this place that had won her mother over. Maybe this elusive what speaks to the intangible value of home, to the erasures happening even as we read, to a communitys right to exist without making a case for itself. Still, fiction sings in the specifics, not in the faraway noises, and I longed for a closer, more crisply amplified sense of just how such fierce attachment grew from Eusebias alienation, radicalizing this once self-effacing outsider into her communitys avenging angel.
But this is also a love story, and love  profound, mundane, imperfect  so warmly suffuses the book its pages practically glow with it. Youre not alone, Vladimir assures the unmoored Luz, echoing the solidarity around Jose Garcia. We take care of each other. Natera is an attentive painter of the devotions Robert Hayden called loves austere and lonely offices: Eusebia oiling Luzs hair and scalp at night, Vladimir refusing to hang up on his daughter first, even on hectic workdays. The novel articulates love at its least articulate: the Spanglish by which mother and daughter communicate, Eusebia having learned enough to understand Luz, but her body had refused to speak it; the titular poets verses that Vladimir recites to Eusebia upon their New York reunion, expressing love he couldnt possibly have ever said with his own words. A special affection is shined on the storys vibrant secondary cast, including Angelica, Luzs childhood best friend, now a mother of twins waiting tables at the members-only restaurant in Midtown where Luzs colleagues dine; Cuca, Eusebias sister, who journeys home to the D.R. for a full-body cosmetic renovation to win back a straying husband; and the Tongues, a trio of gossiping elders who have Nothar Parks history sutured inside us.

Nateras style is refreshingly direct and declarative, and at its best, this approach feels confident and sharp, a mirror capturing the bleak comedies of life in a threatened community. The Guerreros landlord sends out a letter translated into Spanish, a rare courtesy: They knew it meant trouble. Hes offering all renters a buyout  or, sure, they could buy the apartments, smirks our third-person narrator. When one tenant accepts and flees the neighborhood faster than a Dominican lotto winner heading back home, Eusebia and the Tongues watch a truck cart away her possessions, its painted company name, BETTER MOVE, both an advertisement and a warning.

Elsewhere, this straightforwardness can feel heavy-handed. Characters think in blunt abstraction, tediously announcing themes like the power of prayer, of community, to transform pain and despair from the seemingly devastating hopelessness of fate. Dialogue lumbers, as when Hudson lectures Luz that conservation  assures longevity, defending both his environmentalism and his prissiness about his book collection. As she roasts his hypocritically lavish, energy-sucking townhouse (fair enough!), proclaiming it wild you have this duality in you, they sound like no bantering or bickering couple Ive met. Their attraction, mutual and real despite its historical whiff of patronage and control, suffers too much stale shorthand  a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, a rare kind of connection  to be a convincing wedge between Luz and Eusebia. When Hudson offers Luz an ending that strikes a discordant, nearly dystopian note in this otherwise naturalistic novel, the dilemma feels just shy of genuine.

But their thinly realized romance feels like a minor shortcoming next to the books oddly vague treatment of Eusebia, whose inner life Natera writes in the eloquent, righteous language of a rallying cry: lines one can imagine hearing from the stage at Jose Garcias vigil, full of passion and conviction, but delivered at a distance. Helpless people get squashed daily by less powerful structures than this, Eusebia thinks, gazing at the condos in progress. Broad appeals to a sacrifice worth something or losing everything they loved are enough, were asked to believe, to mobilize an army of neighbors behind Eusebias increasingly violent mission.

In one characteristically lyrical but remote passage, Eusebia is surrounded by the natural noises of a neighborhood, that shut the hostility outside what theyd made here. Somewhere far away, a baby cried  as if underlining what was truly at stake. Again and again, the mother invokes what theyve made, whats at stake, and what they owed to the walls of this apartment. When Eusebia rejects her familys retirement surprise  the bitter prospect of becoming gentrifiers in their own country  Luz herself is left wondering, as I was, what it was about this place that had won her mother over. Maybe this elusive what speaks to the intangible value of home, to the erasures happening even as we read, to a communitys right to exist without making a case for itself. Still, fiction sings in the specifics, not in the faraway noises, and I longed for a closer, more crisply amplified sense of just how such fierce attachment grew from Eusebias alienation, radicalizing this once self-effacing outsider into her communitys avenging angel.






Russia pressed for control of Ukraines Donbas region, claiming victory in the months-long battle for Mariupols steel plant and launching a major offensive on the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the province of Luhansk.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupols smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, Russias defense ministry said. That ended the most destructive siege of the war.

The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant  has been completely liberated, the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraines military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraines General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russias claim in its morning update on Saturday.

Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Luhansk, one of two southeastern Ukrainian provinces Moscow proclaims as independent states.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy the city of Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night, Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraines industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict, said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at Londons Chatham House think tank. And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.

The city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets river form the eastern part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture Kyiv.

Ukraines general staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were preparing to try again to cross the river, after a previous attempt earlier this month led to one of the largest battles in the conflict so far.

BATTLE FOR MARIUPOL

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on Feb. 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelenskiy said the region had been completely destroyed by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the countrys allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity, Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv says it wants a prisoner swap. Moscow says the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

Russian forces in Ukraine have been driven in recent weeks from the area surrounding Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, their fastest retreat since being forced out of the north and the Kyiv region at the end of March.

But they still control a large swathe of the south and east, and the end of fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

In a sign of Russias aim to boost its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

The past week has also seen Sweden and Finland apply to join NATO, although Turkey has threatened to block them, accusing the Nordic countries of harbouring Kurdish militants.

Russias Gazprom (GAZP.MM) on Saturday halted gas exports to Finland, the Finnish gas system operator said, the latest escalation of an energy payments dispute with Western nations.

SOURCE: REUTERS
Russia pressed for control of Ukraines Donbas region, claiming victory in the months-long battle for Mariupols steel plant and launching a major offensive on the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the province of Luhansk.

The last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupols smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, Russias defense ministry said. That ended the most destructive siege of the war.

The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant  has been completely liberated, the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraines military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

Ukraines General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russias claim in its morning update on Saturday.

Russia also launched what appeared to be a major assault to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Luhansk, one of two southeastern Ukrainian provinces Moscow proclaims as independent states.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy the city of Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night, Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraines industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict, said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at Londons Chatham House think tank. And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.

The city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets river form the eastern part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture Kyiv.

Ukraines general staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were preparing to try again to cross the river, after a previous attempt earlier this month led to one of the largest battles in the conflict so far.

BATTLE FOR MARIUPOL

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on Feb. 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelenskiy said the region had been completely destroyed by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the countrys allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity, Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv says it wants a prisoner swap. Moscow says the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

Russian forces in Ukraine have been driven in recent weeks from the area surrounding Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, their fastest retreat since being forced out of the north and the Kyiv region at the end of March.

But they still control a large swathe of the south and east, and the end of fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

In a sign of Russias aim to boost its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

The past week has also seen Sweden and Finland apply to join NATO, although Turkey has threatened to block them, accusing the Nordic countries of harbouring Kurdish militants.

Russias Gazprom (GAZP.MM) on Saturday halted gas exports to Finland, the Finnish gas system operator said, the latest escalation of an energy payments dispute with Western nations.

SOURCE: REUTERS


Law enforcement authorities across the country are preparing for the possibility of violence and civil unrest in reaction to the impending Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, according to intelligence bulletins and other internal reports obtained by Yahoo News.

Authorities are on alert for fallout from the ruling, according to law enforcement documents and interviews with government officials tracking the potential threats. A February situational awareness bulletin produced by the Colorado Information Analysis Center warns that challenges to Roe v. Wade, specifically the Mississippi case that could lead to Roes reversal, may inspire civil unrest and violent incidents.

The Feb. 18 bulletin is dated days after the draft opinion dated Feb. 10 suggesting that the Supreme Court plans to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The leaked opinion, published Monday evening by Politico, sparked protests across the U.S. on Tuesday, including a violent clash between police and protesters in Los Angeles.

Demonstrators confront police officers near Pershing Square in Los Angeles on May 3 after protesting at the U.S. Courthouse in response to a leaked draft of the Supreme Court's opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

The Colorado regional intelligence center shared the bulletin with local, state and federal law enforcement across the country via the Department of Homeland Securitys information-sharing platform.

Law enforcement and public safety officials should anticipate an increase in abortion-related events, rallies, and protests with the potential for violence and criminal activity, the bulletin said, particularly leading up to and directly following the Supreme Courts decision in the Mississippi case  expected by June 2022.

A Los Angeles police officer is surrounded by a group of demonstrators near the Pershing Square protest. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

Another concern, the bulletin notes, is that abortion-related protests or counterprotests could attract other types of violent extremists with motives unrelated to abortion, including groups or individuals interested in attacking large crowds.

The bulletin includes statistics published by the National Abortion Federation on violence and disruptions against abortion providers in 2020, which noted an 125% increase in reports of assault and battery outside clinics from 2019 to 2020.

Story continues

It highlights violent and nonviolent incidents across the country over the past year, including a Dec. 31, 2021, arson attack on a Planned Parenthood office in Knoxville, Tenn., and a reported bomb threat on Jan. 30, 2021, at an abortion clinic in Charlotte, N.C.

The Colorado Information Analysis Center declined Yahoo News request for comment.

Colorado experienced one of the most deadly abortion-related violent attacks in U.S. history in November 2015, when three people were killed and nine others injured in a shooting at a Planned Parenthood office in Colorado Springs.

A U.S. government counterterrorism official involved in tracking potential threats in connection with the Supreme Court decision told Yahoo News that authorities are concerned the decision could inspire similar attacks against abortion providers.

Pro-choice and anti-abortion activists confront one another in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building on May 3 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

They had targets on their backs before, now its that much more, said the official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal government concerns.

The official also told Yahoo News that a concerning uptick in disinformation associated with the Supreme Court decision has been noted, including online posts that maintain that the draft decision is already in effect. This could suggest that providing abortions is now illegal nationwide, which is not the case, and prompt attacks on such facilities.

DHS has been flagging online calls for violence against abortion providers in recent months. These include a January post by a suspected white supremacist calling on people to actually bomb abortion mills and assasinate medical providers.

The DHS raw intelligence report detailing the post was shared with nearly a dozen federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF and CIA.

DHS did not immediately respond to Yahoo News request for comment.

The FBI has been tracking extremists on both sides of the abortion issue for years.

Abortion-related violent extremists seek to further their pro-life or pro-choice ideologies through the threat or use of force or violence against individuals or facilities which provide services in opposition of their beliefs, notes the FBI Domestic Terrorism Reference Guide on Abortion-Related Extremists, which was widely circulated within the government in November 2021. A copy of the guide was obtained by Yahoo News.

Pro-life extremists believe force or violence is necessary to save the lives of the unborn, the guide said. Pro-choice extremists believe it is their moral duty to protect those who provide or receive reproductive health care services.

The FBI guide notes that the primary targets for anti-abortion extremists are reproductive health care providers or staff and any facility offering abortion services.

Nikki Tran, of Washington, holds up a sign showing photos of five Supreme Court justices, Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, as demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court on May 3, 2022. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

The primary targets for pro-abortion extremists are people who interfere with reproductive health care services.

Since 1993, there have been 11 murders by pro-life extremists. Pro-choice extremists have primarily used threats, harassment, and vandalism, but has not resulted in lethal violence, the FBI guide states.

The FBI did not immediately return Yahoo News request for comment.

A senior DHS official said law enforcement is more concerned about potential violence from anti-abortion extremists but said that could change.

Overturning Roe v. Wade is a big deal, and its going to get pretty intense on both sides, so thats what we are trying to prepare for, the official told Yahoo News. We dont know what we dont know.

In addition to Colorado, other states, including California, Virginia and New Jersey, are also tracking the Roe decision as a potential driver of extremist violence, according to recent local and state intelligence products obtained by Yahoo News.
Law enforcement authorities across the country are preparing for the possibility of violence and civil unrest in reaction to the impending Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, according to intelligence bulletins and other internal reports obtained by Yahoo News.

Authorities are on alert for fallout from the ruling, according to law enforcement documents and interviews with government officials tracking the potential threats. A February situational awareness bulletin produced by the Colorado Information Analysis Center warns that challenges to Roe v. Wade, specifically the Mississippi case that could lead to Roes reversal, may inspire civil unrest and violent incidents.

The Feb. 18 bulletin is dated days after the draft opinion dated Feb. 10 suggesting that the Supreme Court plans to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The leaked opinion, published Monday evening by Politico, sparked protests across the U.S. on Tuesday, including a violent clash between police and protesters in Los Angeles.

Demonstrators confront police officers near Pershing Square in Los Angeles on May 3 after protesting at the U.S. Courthouse in response to a leaked draft of the Supreme Court's opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

The Colorado regional intelligence center shared the bulletin with local, state and federal law enforcement across the country via the Department of Homeland Securitys information-sharing platform.

Law enforcement and public safety officials should anticipate an increase in abortion-related events, rallies, and protests with the potential for violence and criminal activity, the bulletin said, particularly leading up to and directly following the Supreme Courts decision in the Mississippi case  expected by June 2022.

A Los Angeles police officer is surrounded by a group of demonstrators near the Pershing Square protest. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

Another concern, the bulletin notes, is that abortion-related protests or counterprotests could attract other types of violent extremists with motives unrelated to abortion, including groups or individuals interested in attacking large crowds.

The bulletin includes statistics published by the National Abortion Federation on violence and disruptions against abortion providers in 2020, which noted an 125% increase in reports of assault and battery outside clinics from 2019 to 2020.

Story continues

It highlights violent and nonviolent incidents across the country over the past year, including a Dec. 31, 2021, arson attack on a Planned Parenthood office in Knoxville, Tenn., and a reported bomb threat on Jan. 30, 2021, at an abortion clinic in Charlotte, N.C.

The Colorado Information Analysis Center declined Yahoo News request for comment.

Colorado experienced one of the most deadly abortion-related violent attacks in U.S. history in November 2015, when three people were killed and nine others injured in a shooting at a Planned Parenthood office in Colorado Springs.

A U.S. government counterterrorism official involved in tracking potential threats in connection with the Supreme Court decision told Yahoo News that authorities are concerned the decision could inspire similar attacks against abortion providers.

Pro-choice and anti-abortion activists confront one another in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building on May 3 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

They had targets on their backs before, now its that much more, said the official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal government concerns.

The official also told Yahoo News that a concerning uptick in disinformation associated with the Supreme Court decision has been noted, including online posts that maintain that the draft decision is already in effect. This could suggest that providing abortions is now illegal nationwide, which is not the case, and prompt attacks on such facilities.

DHS has been flagging online calls for violence against abortion providers in recent months. These include a January post by a suspected white supremacist calling on people to actually bomb abortion mills and assasinate medical providers.

The DHS raw intelligence report detailing the post was shared with nearly a dozen federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF and CIA.

DHS did not immediately respond to Yahoo News request for comment.

The FBI has been tracking extremists on both sides of the abortion issue for years.

Abortion-related violent extremists seek to further their pro-life or pro-choice ideologies through the threat or use of force or violence against individuals or facilities which provide services in opposition of their beliefs, notes the FBI Domestic Terrorism Reference Guide on Abortion-Related Extremists, which was widely circulated within the government in November 2021. A copy of the guide was obtained by Yahoo News.

Pro-life extremists believe force or violence is necessary to save the lives of the unborn, the guide said. Pro-choice extremists believe it is their moral duty to protect those who provide or receive reproductive health care services.

The FBI guide notes that the primary targets for anti-abortion extremists are reproductive health care providers or staff and any facility offering abortion services.

Nikki Tran, of Washington, holds up a sign showing photos of five Supreme Court justices, Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, as demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court on May 3, 2022. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

The primary targets for pro-abortion extremists are people who interfere with reproductive health care services.

Since 1993, there have been 11 murders by pro-life extremists. Pro-choice extremists have primarily used threats, harassment, and vandalism, but has not resulted in lethal violence, the FBI guide states.

The FBI did not immediately return Yahoo News request for comment.

A senior DHS official said law enforcement is more concerned about potential violence from anti-abortion extremists but said that could change.

Overturning Roe v. Wade is a big deal, and its going to get pretty intense on both sides, so thats what we are trying to prepare for, the official told Yahoo News. We dont know what we dont know.

In addition to Colorado, other states, including California, Virginia and New Jersey, are also tracking the Roe decision as a potential driver of extremist violence, according to recent local and state intelligence products obtained by Yahoo News.


For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune.
New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Today

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High near 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune.


New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

New York State's new congressional district lines are finally final  and in Western New York, they're radically different than those first proposed by a court-appointed special master only five days earlier.

A Steuben County State Supreme Court justice released the final lines early Saturday morning, prompting Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, to essentially flip his political plans with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Utica-area Republican who had eyed the Southern Tier's 23rd District where Jacobs now plans to run.

Tenney, meanwhile, will run in the new 24th District, a heavily Republican expanse that sprawls from Niagara County to Jefferson County and where Jacobs had been campaigning.

Those moves are not entirely shocking, given that the latest iteration of the congressional map puts Jacobs' home in the Southern Tier district and moves the 24th District entirely out of Erie County, Jacobs' longtime political base. In the previous version of the congressional map released Monday, Erie County's easternmost census tracts  but not Orchard Park  were in the 24th District.

With eastern and southern Erie County now part of the Southern Tier district, Jacobs said it made sense for him to run for re-election there.

"Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County clerk," Jacobs said in a statement emailed out by his press secretary at 1:23 a.m. Saturday.

Now, though, Jacobs will run to represent a district that also stretches from Chautauqua County to Chemung and Schuyler counties. It's somewhat similar to the district represented for the past decade by Rep. Tom Reed, the Corning Republican who resigned from Congress last week, but the new 23rd District excludes parts of the Finger Lakes region and Ithaca, with suburban and rural Erie County taking their place.

"I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities," Jacobs said.

Tenney decided to run in the new 24th District even though she has been campaigning in the Southern Tier, banking on an earlier congressional map drawn by the Democratic State Legislature that had the Southern Tier district stretching so far eastward that it included some of her current Utica-based district.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for the new #NY24, which includes areas I currently represent in Congress," Tenney said on Twitter shortly after Jacobs released his statement. "I will continue working to earn the support of voters across #NY24."

Tenney also took a parting shot at the State Legislature's now-defunct redistricting plan, which every level of the New York State Court system ruled to be a partisan gerrymander.

"This partisan redistricting process created chaos and undermined the democratic process," she said.

But Liz Moran, the Madison County Democratic chairwoman, noted Saturday that Tenney won her last election in the Utica area by only a handful of votes and could not be confident this time even in her home area.

"She probably looks for the deepest red district she can find because adherence to [former President] Trump is her brand," Moran said. "She's thinking that's a safer run for her."

The Legislature's map so nakedly favored Democrats that State Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. McAllister appointed a "special master"  Carnegie-Mellon University redistricting expert Jonathan Cervas  to redraw the districts on a nonpartisan basis.

But Cervas' first draft drew plenty of complaints, too, all across the state.

In Western New York, Cervas' first draft combined the City of Buffalo and its northern suburbs with all of Niagara County  but it put the home of Rep. Brian Higgins, just across the city line in West Seneca, in the Southern Tier district. That plan also proposed dividing Erie County among three congressional districts for the first time in a decade.

Higgins, a Democrat, previously announced his plans to run in that new 26th District, which did not include his home and which looked to be more competitive than the current Buffalo-centric district.

Yet in the final version of the map  which McAllister approved just after midnight Saturday  the 26th District will return to dimensions very similar to those of the district Higgins has represented for the past decade. It looks to continue to be a safe Democratic seat.

In contrast, both the Southern Tier district and 24th District  which wraps around metropolitan Rochester and Orleans County while stretching from the Niagara River shoreline to that of the St. Lawrence River  look to be heavily Republican.

Cervas' final map, like his earlier version, stretches the Rochester-based 25th District westward to encompass most of Orleans County. That means Rep. Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, will run in a district with a new stretch of rural, largely Republican territory.

In his final decision, McAllister defended the results as fair and not gerrymandered toward Republicans.

"This is not a situation where to the victor goes the spoils," he said. "The result is simply that Petitioners get to have neutral maps drawn by an independent special master as approved by the court.

"The court is not politically biased," he added.

McAllister's adoption of the final map reignited the congressional campaign season in New York, which had been on hold amid all the legal turmoil surrounding the now-defunct Democratic map.

While candidates who already successfully collected signatures on petitions to run for Congress can simply choose which district to run in, the court action reopens the petition process for candidates who might now want to run in the newly redrawn districts.

The lines initially approved last week led to speculation they might rekindle competition among several potential Republican candidates in the Southern Tier district, including former State Sen. Cathy Young of Olean, State Sen. George M. Borrello of Sunset Bay, and Steuben County Republican Chairman Joe Sempolinski. None offered any reaction on Saturday.

But they will have more time to do it, given that McAllister also moved New York's congressional primaries from June 28 to Aug. 23 to account for the delay in drawing up new district maps.

Indeed, a Manhattan businessman named Marc Cenedella, who said he is a job search and market expert, announced his candidacy for the seat Friday. He said he would run in a summer special election for the remainder of Reed's term. He did not return calls for comment on Saturday.

The final congressional map also has national political implications. Whereas the original Democratic gerrymander appeared to concentrate Republican voters in only four districts statewide, the new map appears to give the GOP strong chances in at least eight of the 26 House districts, giving Republicans a better chance at regaining control of the House in the November elections.

New York's final congressional map includes 26 districts, one fewer than the current map, because of nationwide population shifts revealed in the 2020 census.

The three new Western New York districts include the following counties:

 26th Congressional District: A relatively small geographic district that spans the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well as Grand Island and parts of northern Erie County.

 24th Congressional District: An expansive district that includes northern and eastern Niagara County, southern Orleans County, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga counties and parts of Oswego and Jefferson counties.

 23rd Congressional District: A district that includes southern and eastern Erie County and also runs across the Southern Tier to include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Jerry Zremski Washington bureau chief I have covered Washington for 30 years. Former National Press Club president, former Nieman fellow at Harvard and current adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Maryland. I love interacting with readers: email me at jzremski@buffnews.com. Follow Jerry Zremski Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe



Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Independent candidate Allegra Spender has taken an early lead in the blue ribbon seat of Wentworth.

Incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma has 29 per cent of votes so far, while Ms Spender holds 43.7 per cent of total counted ballots.

Projections indicate Mr Sharma will reach 39.7 per cent of total votes, but that is likely not enough for him to win.

Preference estimates suggest Ms Spender - a Liberal blueblood turned independent - will likely win the seat.

Whether the wealthiest electorate in the nation was prepared to abandon traditional political allegiances in favour of a newcomer shaped up as one of the election's most colourful, significant and tightest contests.

Residents in suburbs from Darling Point, Point Piper, Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill through Paddington, Woollahra, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Bondi Junction turned out on Saturday to make their votes.

Inside the multimillion-dollar mansions of Sydney's harbourside dress circle the city's movers and shakers are turning against themselves over politics. Independent Allegra Spender is challenging Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Spender is pictured on the campaign trail at Clovelly

Wentworth is the wealthiest electorate in the nation. Whether its voters are prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest fights. Liberal MP Dave Sharma is pictured at Bondi Junction

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership raised the real possibility that Wentworth - held by Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

The seat, which is geographically the second smallest in the country, has been a Liberal stronghold since World War II and has never been held by Labor since Federation in 1901.

Ms Spender is the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti and federal Liberal frontbencher John Spender.

Cashed-up Spender has amassed an army of volunteers and is doing a strong trade selling merchandise - $15 for a cap or tote bag and $20 for a T-shirt - all featuring the Climate 200 teal. Volunteers Lynn Ralph (left) and Vanessa Jones are pictured at Centennial Park

Spender should be Liberal royalty. Her father John was the party's member for North Sydney and grandfather Sir Percy Spender a minister in Menzies governments.

By running as an independent she will split the conservative vote in these socially progressive households and divide some of the nation's richest and most influential families, social circles and boardrooms.

She attended Ascham School at Edgecliff where she was head girl and dux in her final year with a Tertiary Entrance Rank of 99.95. She then gained an economics degree from Cambridge, a Master of Science at the University of London and completed business courses at Harvard.

Spender worked as a business analyst at McKinsey and with the UK Treasury as a policy analyst before becoming managing director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.

Dave Sharma is a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for Wentworth. He has warned voters against electing an independent. Financial adviser Aime Baker has festooned her Bondi Junction home (pictured) with Sharma promotional material

Both candidates told Daily Mail Australia that Wentworth was wrongly perceived as a wealthy enclave when it was a far more diverse community. Sharma posters are pictured at Woollahra

She is CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, has two sons and lives at Darling Point.

The campaign featured claims an elite private girl's school unfairly threw its support behind Spender and that Sharma copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Ms Spender was forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.

Climate change is a major issue in Wentworth and both candidates are strong supporters of renewable energy sources. The Coalition has a target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030. Spender wants at least 50 per cent.

Ms Spender says Mr Sharma cannot do enough on climate change as a member of a Coalition government, while he says she cannot make real change if elected as an independent.

Mr Sharma, 46, is a moderate Liberal but Ms Spender, 44, says he does not vote on legislation as a true moderate and is beholden to the party rather than Wentworth's constituents.
Independent candidate Allegra Spender has taken an early lead in the blue ribbon seat of Wentworth.

Incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma has 29 per cent of votes so far, while Ms Spender holds 43.7 per cent of total counted ballots.

Projections indicate Mr Sharma will reach 39.7 per cent of total votes, but that is likely not enough for him to win.

Preference estimates suggest Ms Spender - a Liberal blueblood turned independent - will likely win the seat.

Whether the wealthiest electorate in the nation was prepared to abandon traditional political allegiances in favour of a newcomer shaped up as one of the election's most colourful, significant and tightest contests.

Residents in suburbs from Darling Point, Point Piper, Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill through Paddington, Woollahra, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Bondi Junction turned out on Saturday to make their votes.

Inside the multimillion-dollar mansions of Sydney's harbourside dress circle the city's movers and shakers are turning against themselves over politics. Independent Allegra Spender is challenging Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Spender is pictured on the campaign trail at Clovelly

Wentworth is the wealthiest electorate in the nation. Whether its voters are prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest fights. Liberal MP Dave Sharma is pictured at Bondi Junction

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership raised the real possibility that Wentworth - held by Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

The seat, which is geographically the second smallest in the country, has been a Liberal stronghold since World War II and has never been held by Labor since Federation in 1901.

Ms Spender is the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti and federal Liberal frontbencher John Spender.

Cashed-up Spender has amassed an army of volunteers and is doing a strong trade selling merchandise - $15 for a cap or tote bag and $20 for a T-shirt - all featuring the Climate 200 teal. Volunteers Lynn Ralph (left) and Vanessa Jones are pictured at Centennial Park

Spender should be Liberal royalty. Her father John was the party's member for North Sydney and grandfather Sir Percy Spender a minister in Menzies governments.

By running as an independent she will split the conservative vote in these socially progressive households and divide some of the nation's richest and most influential families, social circles and boardrooms.

She attended Ascham School at Edgecliff where she was head girl and dux in her final year with a Tertiary Entrance Rank of 99.95. She then gained an economics degree from Cambridge, a Master of Science at the University of London and completed business courses at Harvard.

Spender worked as a business analyst at McKinsey and with the UK Treasury as a policy analyst before becoming managing director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.

Dave Sharma is a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for Wentworth. He has warned voters against electing an independent. Financial adviser Aime Baker has festooned her Bondi Junction home (pictured) with Sharma promotional material

Both candidates told Daily Mail Australia that Wentworth was wrongly perceived as a wealthy enclave when it was a far more diverse community. Sharma posters are pictured at Woollahra

She is CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, has two sons and lives at Darling Point.

The campaign featured claims an elite private girl's school unfairly threw its support behind Spender and that Sharma copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Ms Spender was forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.

Climate change is a major issue in Wentworth and both candidates are strong supporters of renewable energy sources. The Coalition has a target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030. Spender wants at least 50 per cent.

Ms Spender says Mr Sharma cannot do enough on climate change as a member of a Coalition government, while he says she cannot make real change if elected as an independent.

Mr Sharma, 46, is a moderate Liberal but Ms Spender, 44, says he does not vote on legislation as a true moderate and is beholden to the party rather than Wentworth's constituents.
The highest quality images of the Earth's interior have been captured by scientists. A joint research project published a study about one of the Earth's least known parts - the core-mantle boundary.

They made interesting observations about Earth's geology by focusing on a large mantle plume underneath the Hawaiian archipelago, Interesting Engineering reported.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, used new imaging techniques to gather data about what's 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles) below the Earth's surface - in an ultra-low velocity zone (ULVZ).

iStock

Using new imaging technique to picture Earth's insides

For long, scientists have been observing this region inside Earth using seismic waves that run through the planet. But the images they've received have been grainy and hard to analyse. With these new high-definition images, our understanding of this area inside Earth could change.

Conceptual drawing of the ultra-low velocity zone: Nature Communications

"Of all Earth's deep interior features, these are the most fascinating and complex," said geophysicist Zhi Li from the University of Cambridge in UK and study's contributor. "We've now got the first solid evidence to show their internal structure  it's a real milestone in deep Earth seismology," he further said.

Also read: Why Astronauts Are Spending 4 Months On Earth's Most Remote Base 'Concordia'

The team created fresh computational models that depend on high-frequency signals from the ultra-low velocity zone to generate a clear image. Scientists got a "kilometre-scale look at the rock pocket" in higher resolutions than traditional methods would deliver.

iStock

Now, scientists want to use the same technique to study the boundary between Earth's iron-nickel core and the surrounding mantle. In turn, they could be opening up new avenues to study plate tectonics, formation of volcanos, and other earthquake-related processes.

Also read: How Big Is Earth? Breathtaking Animation Shows The True Scale Of Our Solar System



It is believed that the extra iron in ultra-low velocity zones may be responsible for the extra density that may be spotted on seismic wave patterns. In addition, many scientists are of the view that there is a link between ultra-low velocity zones and volcanic hotspots, like the ones in Hawaii in Iceland. Using this new technique, scientists may be able to better assess whether these hotspots are responsible for volcanic eruptions.

What do you think about this achievement? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

McFadden, C. (2022, May 20). The highest quality images of the Earths interior have just been captured. Interesting Engineering.

Li, Z. (2022, May 19). Kilometer-scale structure on the coreamantle boundary near Hawaii. Nature.
The Summerset Marine Construction in Eagle, Wis., in August 2019. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

6 Injured in Explosion and Fire at Wisconsin Pier Factory

EAGLE, Wis.Six people were hurt, including three firefighters, in an explosion and fire that rocked a Wisconsin marine construction company Thursday with a blast so thunderous it shook a nearby elementary school.

About 100 firefighters responded after the explosion and fire was reported at Summerset Marine Construction in the small Waukesha County community of Eaglea, at about 7:30 a.m., said Western Lakes Fire District Assistant Chief Matt Haerter.

Help came from as far away as Washington, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. Eagle is about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

About 30 tanker trucks were bringing water to the scene because of a lack of fire hydrants in the area.

Two of the injured, including a firefighter, were taken to a hospital for treatment, including one who was seriously injured. Two other people and two firefighters were treated at the scene, Haerter said.

Twenty-four people were in the building when the fire broke out and all, including the injured, were outside by the time firefighters arrived, Haerter said.

With diesel and liquid petroleum inside the burning building, multiple explosions continued for about 30 minutes after firefighters arrived, officials said. Because the metal building on fire was in danger of collapsing, firefighters attacked the flames from the exterior.

Although the plant is in an industrial area, it isnt far from Eagle Elementary School, where students were evacuated and sent to the middle-high school in Palmyra.

Palmyra-Eagle Area School District Superintendent Todd Gray said the principal told him there was some shaking at the elementary school when the explosion occurred.

Officials advised those living within a mile of the factory to keep their windows closed due to smoke.

The company makes piers and docks, with a 24,000-square-foot facility in Eagle that includes a showroom, office, factory and warehouse, according to its website.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe


Advertisement

Spanish residents have been left sweltering during the hottest ever May after temperatures soared towards an 'extraordinary' 42C (107F) heatwave today due to warm air coming from Africa.

A mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average, with the mercury topping 41C (106F) in parts of the country.

The high temperatures are forecast to push northeast in the coming days, with little relief expected until after Sunday.

Spain's meteorological agency Aemet predicted 'one of the hottest Mays in this country in recent years' and said it was 'extraordinarily hot for the time of year'.

Aemet said it activated its national plan for excess temperatures two weeks early on Thursday as 'the summer is starting in the spring'.

Spokesperson Ruben del Campo said: 'The last updates to the meteorological models confirm the extraordinary intensity of this heatwave.'

Spanish residents have been left sweltering during the hottest ever May after temperatures soared towards an 'extraordinary' 42C (107F) heatwave today due to warm air coming from Africa

The red hot temperatures are forecast to push northeast in the coming days, with little relief expected until after Sunday

A mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average - with the mercury topping 42C (107F) in parts of the country on Friday

A man takes a picture of a thermometer displaying the 'extraordinary' temperature of 45C (113F) in Seville, Spain yesterday afternoon

Pictured: Eintracht Frankfurt fans do their best to enjoy the scorching heat in Seville following their team's Europa League victory

Spain's meteorological agency Aemet predicted 'one of the hottest Mays in this country in recent years'. It said it activated its national plan for excess temperatures two weeks early on Thursday as 'the summer is starting in the spring. Pictured: A man is seen cooling himself down with a bottle of water

Pictured: Tourists take pictures during an episode of exceptionally high temperatures for the time of year in Ronda, Spain

A woman is pictured using a fan to try and cool herself down while walking in Seville as a mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average in Spain

Two women are seen sitting next to a water feature in Seville as the sweltering hot temperatures continue this weekend in Spain

Northerly blasts of Saharan hot and dry air have sent temperatures spiking to as high as 107F (42C)

People cool off in a water fountain during an episode of exceptionally high temperatures for the time of year in Madrid, Spain on Saturday afternoon

It confirmed that on Friday the temperature at Seville airport reached 41C (106F), while the city of Segovia, north west of Madrid, had overnight temperatures above 20C (68F) for the first time ever in May.

Temperatures are expected to break the 100F (40C) barrier in several locations in the southern region of Andalucia today, and on the east coast around the Ebro valley - 'something unheard of in that area in May'.

He added: 'For Spain as a whole, it could be the most intense May heatwave of the past 20 years in terms of both the maximum and minimum temperatures.'

Speaking to El Paid on Friday, del Campo said summer is 'eating up the spring' and pointed the finger climate change, calling the rising temperatures a 'direct and palpable' consequence of it.

He said: 'The climate in Spain isnt the one we used to know. Its got more extreme.'

The State Meteorological Agency said Friday it had put four regions on alert due to the heat.

The regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Madrid were under a yellow alert, meaning they were at risk, while the southern region of Andalusia was under an orange alert, meaning a significant risk because of the intense heat.

No region was under red alert, the highest level that corresponds to an extreme risk.

Del Campo characterized the May heat as part of a broader pattern that has seen summer weather start to arrive in Spain nearly one month earlier than it did in the 1980s. He was unequivocal about the cause.

'What's behind all of this?' Del Campo asked. 'Climate change, obviously anthropogenic, generated by the emission of greenhouse gases linked to human activity.'

Friday and Saturday will be the hottest days in general terms and, although there will be an important drop in temperatures on Sunday across the western third of the peninsula, that could be the hottest day in parts of the eastern side of Spain and in the Balearic islands.'

Normally the summer plan is activated between June and September, but the period for temperatures 'in the 30s' (86F plus) had 'arrived 20 - 40 days early'.

Spain is experiencing its hottest late Spring for 20 years. Pictured: Tourists, many from the UK, keep cool on the city beach in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria

Tourists dive into the turquoise waters of the Sea Salines beach, Ibiza as the sizzling temperatures continue

Aemet put the cause of the extreme heat wave on a wall of hot and dry air coming up from Africa. Pictured: Tourists enjoy Playa es Bol Nou beach on April 29

Spain recorded its highest ever temperature only last year, when the Andalucian town of Montoro near Cordoba hit 117F (47C) on August 15.

Del Campo warned of the extreme risk of forest fires that such heat across the southern, central and north eastern parts of the country would entail and said people could expect another calima dust cloud.

'This will be an extreme episode and the risk that comes with the high temperatures will be important in many areas,' he said.

'Another thing to be aware of is dust in the air, which could lead to calimas in the south and east of the peninsula, with murky skies and reduced visibility.

That concentration of dust in the air could increase on Friday and Saturday across the peninsula and the Balearic islands as air comes in from north Africa carrying the dust from the Sahara. That will again cause a decline in air quality.'

The Spanish government has warned that people in affected areas that vulnerable people such as children, pregnant women, and older and chronically ill people will be at extra risk.

They advise keeping hydrated and wearing light clothing.

A man rests under the sun in Toledo, central Spain on Thursday as temperatures reached 37C (99F) in the middle of the day

Del Campo believes that the only cause of such extreme temperatures can be climate change.

'What is happening fits perfectly with a situation where the planet is hotter,' he said.

France is also suffering from an extreme pre-summer heat wave, breaking temperatures as it enters its 38th consecutive day of abnormal temperatures.

Areas in the south have already exceeded 90F (33C) and some models predict temperatures to beat 100F (38C) by the weekend, a staggering 17C hotter than average for the year.

The UK, a little further north, will also catch the coattails of the heatwave and dust cloud.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin on Saturday ordered the release of water from Mettur Dam for irrigation on May 24.

In a statement, the state government said owing to the rains in the catchment areas, the water inflow to the dam is good. The water level in the dam is 115 ft.

Considering the increased inflow, the water level in the dam will soon touch its maximum capacity (120 ft).

Hence, instead of the customary June 12, the dam's shutters will be opened on May 24. This is also the first time in the dam's post independence history, the water is released in the month of May.

As a result, farmers in the delta region can plant in large area the 'Kuruvai' paddy or short duration paddy variety and also get ready for the 'Samba' season.

The government said desilting work of the canals will be completed soon and the water from the dam will reach the tailend areas.

Earlier in the day, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss had urged the Tamil Nadu government to open the dam's shutters early instead of June 12.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.

president on Saturday met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in the national capital and discussed various issues concerning the country.

Rao is in Delhi as part of his week-long tour to attend national-level political and social programmes. Yadav met the chief minister at the latter's official residence on the Tughlaq Road here.

" chief met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," according to an official statement.

According to the Telangana chief minister's schedule, he will meet political, media and economic experts and also extend help to the families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Rao will also meet the families of those who died during the "fight for farmers' rights" against the Centre.

On May 22 afternoon, he will embark on his Chandigarh tour.

Rao will meet 600 families of farmers who laid down their lives during the nationwide farmers' agitation against the now-repealed Central farm laws.

As financial assistance, he will distribute Rs 3 lakh to each family. The cheque distribution will be taken up along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.

The assistance will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

On May 26, Rao will reach Bengaluru to meet former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. From there, he will go to Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra the following day to meet activist Anna Hazare. He will then travel to Shirdi and offer prayers to Sai Baba and return to Hyderabad the same day.

On May 29 and 30, he will embark on a tour of West Bengal and Bihar to meet the families of the soldiers who died in the Galwan Valley. He will extend assistance to those families, the release said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday.

Yoon ran for office pledging to rid South Korea of the Ministry of Gender Equality - claiming it treated men like 'potential sex criminals.'

The Washington Post's Seung Min Kim pressed him on the issue, noting the campaign promise, but also that he had selected cabinet nominees who were 'overwhelmingly male' and that Korea ranks low among developed countries on the professional development of women.

South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday

The question on gender equality was the last of the two-by-two press conference, and as soon as Yoon (right) gave his succinct answer he and Biden (left) put on their masks and left the stage

Yoon took a long pause before answering Kim's query.

'If you look at the public official sector, especially the ministers in the cabinet, we really didn't see a lot of women advancing to that position thus far,' Yoon said.

'Probably in various regions, equal opportunities were not fully ensured for women, and we have quite a short history of ensuring that,' he continued.

'So what we're trying to do is to very actively ensure such opportunities for women,' the new leader added.

The bilateral meeting and press conference marked Yoon's 11th day in office.

In April, after Yoon won election but before his swearing-in, his team backed away from the conservative president-elect's pledge to end the Ministry of Gender Equality.

Instead, Yoon would appoint his own cabinet minister.

During the campaign, Yoon accused officials from the Ministry of Gender Equality of treating men like 'potential sex criminals' and claimed women in Korea do not suffer from systemic sexism, according to The Independent.

His wife, Kim Keon-hee, came under fire in January for saying she and her husband supported Ahn Hee-jung, who previously ran for president of South Korea, but is currently in prison for raping his secretary.

'I feel really sorry for Ahn. My husband and I are strongly on Ahn's side,' the now first lady said on a phone call.

Kim's question was the last of the two-by-two press conference, in which two reporters from each of the countries asks a question of both leaders.

As soon as Yoon gave his succinct answer, he and Biden put their masks back on and walked offstage.
The Summerset Marine Construction in Eagle, Wis., in August 2019. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

6 Injured in Explosion and Fire at Wisconsin Pier Factory

EAGLE, Wis.Six people were hurt, including three firefighters, in an explosion and fire that rocked a Wisconsin marine construction company Thursday with a blast so thunderous it shook a nearby elementary school.

About 100 firefighters responded after the explosion and fire was reported at Summerset Marine Construction in the small Waukesha County community of Eaglea, at about 7:30 a.m., said Western Lakes Fire District Assistant Chief Matt Haerter.

Help came from as far away as Washington, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. Eagle is about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

About 30 tanker trucks were bringing water to the scene because of a lack of fire hydrants in the area.

Two of the injured, including a firefighter, were taken to a hospital for treatment, including one who was seriously injured. Two other people and two firefighters were treated at the scene, Haerter said.

Twenty-four people were in the building when the fire broke out and all, including the injured, were outside by the time firefighters arrived, Haerter said.

With diesel and liquid petroleum inside the burning building, multiple explosions continued for about 30 minutes after firefighters arrived, officials said. Because the metal building on fire was in danger of collapsing, firefighters attacked the flames from the exterior.

Although the plant is in an industrial area, it isnt far from Eagle Elementary School, where students were evacuated and sent to the middle-high school in Palmyra.

Palmyra-Eagle Area School District Superintendent Todd Gray said the principal told him there was some shaking at the elementary school when the explosion occurred.

Officials advised those living within a mile of the factory to keep their windows closed due to smoke.

The company makes piers and docks, with a 24,000-square-foot facility in Eagle that includes a showroom, office, factory and warehouse, according to its website.

Since the takeover, the Taliban's hard regime has waged war and constant unrest in the country with the newest one emerging in the form of wheat shortfall as the country now gears up to tackle the looming food crunch. Due to the gripping crisis, the Taliban, in its latest order, authorized all customs offices on Thursday, May 19, to prevent wheat export or trade due to extreme food scarcity, Khaama Press reported. This measure has been taken into consideration to avoid amplification of scarcity, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated on his Twitter handle. While the price for wheat has increased by 50% in different parts of Kandahar province, it is claimed that some people have begun smuggling wheat to Pakistan, the report added. Furthermore, as a result of recent political developments, the Afghan people are experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. In addition to that, food prices, particularly wheat, have risen substantially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to the UN, hunger and food shortages affect up to 97% of the Afghan population. Previously, World Food Programme (WFP) reported that since the fall of the former government to the Taliban, over 22 million people face severe hunger. Absolute poverty, food crisis, and unemployment are being witnessed at an all-time high as families in Kabul are forced to move to the streets due to political unrest in the country since the Taliban took control. According to Khaama Press, Afghanistan is estimated to require more than six million tonnes of wheat each year to feed its 33 million population as Wheat is the country's principal source of nutrition. Meanwhile, India has pledged to provide 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian aid in addition to medications as another consignment of the cereal from the government of India was dispatched to Afghanistan via the Attari Wagah Border on Monday. As per a local survey, the rate of poverty in Afghanistan has exceeded 95 percent since the fall of the former government while 56 percent are seeking to leave the country amid a drop in daily income. Moreover, millions of Afghans are on the brink of starvation as the country reels from a humanitarian crisis. (ANI)

Ellie Aitken braved the drizzle and cold weather in a sundress as she hit the polling booths on Saturday - wearing a diamond band on her wedding finger while her estranged husband waited in the car.

The socialite - who lives in Bondi and voted in the Wentworth elecorate - was seen strolling past posters for incumbent Liberal member Dave Sharma as she headed to cast her vote.

Ms Aitken's life was turned upside down when her businessman husband Charlie ran off with her best friend Hollie Nasser - ending two marriages - late in 2021.

But the pair have remained on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children.

Just two weeks ago, Daily Mail Australia revealed Ms Nasser and Mr Aitken had quietly parted ways, noting the public pressure was too much for them to bear.

Now it appears Mr Aitken and his ex are on better terms than ever, with the investment banker escorting Ms Nasser to the polling booths on Saturday.

Her engagement ring was worn on her right hand but a simple silver ring was visible on her wedding finger

Ms Aitken made her way to the polling booths in Sydney's east on Saturday while her extranged husband waited for her in the family Range Rover

The pair have remained on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children

Ms Aitken wore a navy blue belted dress and $900 black Saint Laurent sandals as she arrived to cast her vote early this afternoon.

Her engagement ring was worn on her right hand but a simple silver ring was on her wedding finger.

She wore her long, blonde hair down and kept her head down as she left the Ocean Street polling booth in Woollahra.

Ms Aitken has enjoyed a close friendship with former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop. She regularly posts pictures alongside the one-time foreign minister.

She has not made her allegiances known during this election campaign.

Ms Aitken wore a navy blue belted dress and black sandals as she arrived to cast her vote early this afternoon

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership has raised the possibility that Wentworth - held by Dave Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership has raised the possibility that Wentworth - held by Dave Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

Whether the wealthiest electorate in the nation is prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest contests.

Ms Aitken has enjoyed a close friendship with former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop. She regularly posts pictures alongside the one-time foreign minister

In the blue corner is the incumbent Liberal Sharma, a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for the seat of Wentworth.

In the blue-green corner is challenger Allegra Spender, the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti.

The campaign has already featured claims an elite private girl's school has unfairly thrown its support behind Spender and that Sharma has copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Spender has been forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
In this edition of our monthly thematic roundup of BookLife titles, were celebrating memoir and autobiography.

Adventure

The Escape Artist: A True Story

Alexandra Swigon

ISBN 978-1-5004-4789-2

About the book: A family of four is thrown into the high-octane history that was communist Poland in the 1960s and 70s. A visionary architect, a central-planning feminist economist, and two little girls grapple with life in a logic-challenged system.

Author statement:  So, where are you from? A simple enough icebreaker, but not for me. Poland, by way of New York, a bit of Italy. How to properly answer and do justice to my familys escape and emigration from communist Poland? I have tried condensing the story to an elevator speech. Naturally, the dramatic parts would pique the listeners curiosity, and just as they would start peppering me with questions it was time to get off the elevator. This book finally gives me the opportunity to tell the story in the fullness that it deserves.

Everything in Between

Caitlin Elizabeth

ISBN 978-0-578-68070-5

About the book: Everything in Between takes the reader around the world and back again, the story of a woman letting go of the past and societys conditioning to find her freedom. In her 20s, Caitlin decides to quit her soul-sucking job to live in South America, a decision that catapults her into a totally new life. From Peru to Bali to India to Vietnam to Ireland to Costa Rica to the Faroe Islands, the reader joins Caitlin on a worldwide adventure, fraught with as many hilariously unfortunate mishaps as insightful moments.

Author statement: Womens voices have been silenced for centuries. I wrote this book of essays to share my true and honest experience of choosing not to get married, traveling instead of raising a family, and deconditioning myself from capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal standards around my sexuality and life purpose.

Memory Road Trip

Krista Marson

ISBN 978-1-7373284-0-7

About the book: This journey down memory lane is a coming-of-age excursion that takes armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness.

Author statement: Memory Road Trip is a collection of travel stories ranging from the sublime to the surreal.

Grief

Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love

Felice Cohen

ASIN B09XZM7FC2

About the book: What if your first love was a forbidden one? At 23, Felice Cohen was, like other recent college grads, hesitant about entering the real world, with the added stress of coming out in the early 1990s. Since she was focused on how to land a full-time position as a writer, falling in love was the last thing on her mind. But fall in love she didwith her boss, a woman 34 years older. In this candid coming-of-age memoir, Cohen chronicles the happiness and heartbreak of an age-gap love affair while struggling to figure out the direction of her future. Ultimately, this is a story about navigating lifes unpredictable path while following ones heart and finding acceptance.

Author statement: This book started out as a therapeutic exercise. The first love of my life had died. We had had a secretive, 10-year lesbian affair, and after she passed, I was forced to mourn her exactly as I had loved her: in secret. But the secret was fighting to come out. I wrote something late one night after she came to me in a dream. On a whim I entered it into a first chapter contest and won. A publisher came up to me and asked, How much of the book do you have done? Book? I thought. What book? It took me almost 18 years to finish this book. Not because of the writing process, but because of the healing one. Finishing meant letting her go. But it was time. Time to tell our story. Time to move on. Time to fall in love again.

Life After Death

Trina Machacek

ISBN 978-1-73776-752-7

About the book: Becoming a one instead of half a twosome is not what you bargained for? You find yourself really alone, a lot? You need a cheerleader. You need to hear you are going to live again. You need to know its okay to live and laugh while being angry and sad. With all the courage of a kitten coming out of the box for the first time, and seeing the world in a new light, Machacek found widowhood wasnt all that bad.

Author statement: When my husband died (oh how I hated those words), I looked for a book that wasnt all just sad. So after some cajoling from friends, I wrote about the widows journey. This is the book I looked for when I became the newest widow on my block. I want to let other people know that there is hope. That there really, truly is life after a death.

Triumph and Transformation

California Chrome: Our Story

Perry Martin

ISBN 978-0-578-34021-0

About the book: The Martins built a comfortable middle-class life, only to risk it all and push their finances to the limit in building Martin Testing Laboratories. Regaining their financial feet after working hard to make the business profitable, they could have relaxed and enjoyed their success. Instead, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the first horse they ever bred, California Chrome, took the world by storm and won the Kentucky Derby.

Author statement: This book is an effort to clear the social media and internet fog surrounding California Chrome. It is a clear-eyed look at the business of breeding and racing a champion racehorse and all the thrills and heartaches that go along with it.

In Our Blood

Caitlin Billings

ISBN 978-1-64742-415-2

About the book: Caitlin Billings thought she could neatly walk away from her past, but her work as a mental health professional and role as a mother causes tremendous pressure to be perfect and present stability. But a hold-up at gunpoint breaks her carefully balanced world apart. Suddenly, Caitlin is trapped by frightening mental health issues while raising two young children. Just when she feels in control of her newfound bipolar disorder, her elder child shows similar depressive symptoms and an allegation of sexual assault in their home makes her question her fundamental ability to protect her children. And when her elder child comes out as transgender, Caitlin must reconsider her own tolerance and understanding. Part coming-of-age, part reckoning of motherhood, In Our Blood is a therapists honest account of professional and personal struggles and an intergenerational story of acceptance, self-love, and fluidity.

Author statement: I decided to write a memoir because I was trying to make sense of two colliding identities: clinical social worker and psychiatric patient. I want readers to know that despite the societal pressure many of us feel to be perfect, imperfection is the reality, and acceptance of self will open new paths for you while perfectionism becomes an ever-tighter and more cramped prison cell. We can make mistakes with our lives and take paths that in hindsight we wish wed never walked, but if we can lean into our understanding of ourselves and stop calling ourselves imperfect failures, we can find peace in little slips of time and in the most mundane of ways.

Never Make a Sound

Fanen ChiahemeI

ISBN 978-1-989134-15-3

About the book: A young girl growing up in a turbulent family setting creates a secret inner world to escape her toxic environment. Told through stories and poetry, this memoir is a raw, intimate journey of a young girl finding a way to survive in an impossible situation. A true story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.

Author statement: This memoir is a creative work, but my hope is that it will help promote greater understanding about childhood abuse and developmental trauma.

Observations Through Yellow Glasses: A Memoir Through Poems

Yong Takahashi

ASIN B09R3B1S3X

About the book: Yong Takahashi moved to The United States with her parents when she was three years old. She grew up in a traditional household where her Korean and American worlds pulled her in opposite directions. Observations Through Yellow Glasses invites readers to follow Takahashis journey as she learns lifes bitter lessons, longs for love, and attempts to heal the wounds she collects along the way.

Author statement: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Detroit. Currently, I live in Atlanta. When I started kindergarten, I was the only Asian student in a newly desegregated school. The white students lived on one side of the highway and the black students lived on the other. I remember the landlord telling my parents we could choose which side because we were yellow. Trying to fit in was difficult. Some of my experiences and their long-lingering effects are in my memoir.

Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts

Max Sherman

ISBN 978-0-578-78487-8

About the book: In the bleak house of Alzheimers, love is fragile and often on the brink of losing its power. If one is not careful, everything can become medical, pharmaceutical, clinical, legal, agonizing, and suffocating, both to the beloved with Alzheimers and to the lover-caregiver. Releasing the Butterfly is a laymans account of how love triumphs over Alzheimers.

Author statement: For anyone worrying about forgetting and not remembering, join Gene Alice and me on a journey of love in the shadow of Alzheimers. Each time of life has its own kind of love. Our fifth act is filled with hugs and kisses.

Reluctant Healer: On Learning to Listen to That Still Small Voice Within to Better Bring Your Gifts to the World

Mary H.A. Kearns

ISBN 978-1-73718-402-7

About the book: This memoir recounts Mary Kearnss journey to trust in her innate gifts and the wisdom of that still, small voice within. She shares the challenges she has faced in following her life path, along with methods she has learned to make the journey smoother. Blending her lived experiences with research in a variety of scientific disciplines, Kearns offers a message of hope during this unique time in history.

Author statement: My memoir began in November 2018 with National Novel Writing Month, in which I challenged myself to write 50,000 words in one month, focusing on interesting vignettes from my life. I worked on it here and there for several months, but it was still just several short, unrelated pieces. Then, in 2020, I found myself (as did many other people), with a lot more time for writing and reflecting. Over the next year, I wove the pieces into a coherent story, and added some lessons I had learned and insights Id had during the early months of the pandemic.

The Sea Once Swallowed Me: A Memoir of Love, Solitude, and the Limits of Language

Sondra Charbadze

ISBN 978-1-73623-200-2

About the book: Sleeping in the woods outside a medieval city in Spain, Sondra Charbadze ponders her decision to abandon a more ordinary life. I am here to decipher nature, she writes. But as the stone glints back, I know this is a lie. Humans can decipher nothing but their own small lives. Entranced by a mysterious musician, yet yearning for the man she left behind, she struggles to find the path to connection while retaining her identity. As she befriends people on the margins, she is compelled to confront how pain and privilege haunt both relationships and societies. In the process, she finds love in unlikely places and healing at the limits of language.

Author statement: I wrote this book while living in Spain, but edits required a few more years of self-reflection. Memoir is a difficult genre because it requires the memoirist to develop enough self-awareness to understand her motivations and weaknesses. I had to wrestle with my internalized sexism, my childhood trauma, and the ways I hurt others by refusing to face my own pain. But in spite of that difficulty, exploring my personal past through a narrative lens has been liberating. Writing this book has also convinced me that symbolism and meaning are embedded in the fabric of the ordinary.

Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder

Simone Yemm

ISBN 978-1-64663-534-4

About the book: Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Simones journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eatingas she imagines it to be.

Author statement: My memoir began life as a private journal entry that was part of my mental health recovery process. Over the course of time my private writing increased; I created a public blog, enrolled in writing courses, and then my story was born. It has been an incredible cathartic labor of love and Im so grateful for all that I have learned in the process.

Youll Forget This Ever Happened

Laura Engel

ISBN 978-1-64742-349-0

About the book: By writing her truth, Laura Engel gives a voice to that 17-year-old girl caught up in a tangle of a secret pregnancy and the relinquishment of her son, to educate the reader about the guilt and trauma that women endured in previous eras. This book delves into how a traumatic secret is never forgotten and colors the secret-keepers life, showing how the bursting open of a shameful secret can change the direction of a life in a powerful and positive way.

Author statement: In 2016, a miracle happened in my life, resulting in me writing a memoir about a secret I had planned on taking to my grave. A son I had put up for adoption as a teenage unwed mother 49 years before found me through AncestryDNA. My book begins in 1967 in a maternity home for unwed mothers in New Orleans and travels over the span of 50 years across the country to California and back again. Heartbreaking, yet magically triumphant at times, my book is a narrative of the backstory of a closed adoption.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Boeing's Starliner has successfully reached and docked with the International Space Station, completing an important step for a crucial test flight that would determine whether it's ready for crewed missions. The unmanned spacecraft launched on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral and traveled for over 25 hours to reach the orbiting lab.

Starliner made its first attempt to reach the ISS in December 2019 but failed to achieve its goal due to a software issue that prevented the spacecraft's thrusters from firing. In August last year, Boeing had to scrap its launch plans due to a problem with the spacecraft's valves, preventing the company from planning another launch for almost a year.

The @BoeingSpace #Starliner crew ship completed its trip to the station when it docked to the Harmony module's forward port at 8:28pm ET today. More... https://t.co/RgllPL4Uiu pic.twitter.com/0uxslOk0Mn  International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 21, 2022

While successful, Orbital Flight Test-2 wasn't without its own issues. As The Washington Post reports, two of its 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch, and its temperature control system malfunctioned. The docking process was also delayed by over an hour as the ground team ensured that the lighting was ideal and communications were working as intended. There was a problem with the spacecraft's docking mechanism, as well, and it had to retract the system before extending it a second time.

Boeing said Starliner's main thrusters failed due to a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber, but it's not clear what had caused it. Company vice president Mark Nappi explained that since the thrusters are on the service module that's discarded during the return flight, Boeing might never find out the exact reason for it. Still, NASA and the company plan to examine the other issues that occurred to understand them and prevent them from happening in the future.

Starliner will remain docked with the ISS for the next five days before making its return journey, which will see it land in the New Mexico desert. If the spacecraft successfully comes back to Earth, then Boeing could be sending astronauts to orbit as early as this fall.
Boeing's Starliner has successfully reached and docked with the International Space Station, completing an important step for a crucial test flight that would determine whether it's ready for crewed missions. The unmanned spacecraft launched on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral and traveled for over 25 hours to reach the orbiting lab.

Starliner made its first attempt to reach the ISS in December 2019 but failed to achieve its goal due to a software issue that prevented the spacecraft's thrusters from firing. In August last year, Boeing had to scrap its launch plans due to a problem with the spacecraft's valves, preventing the company from planning another launch for almost a year.

The @BoeingSpace #Starliner crew ship completed its trip to the station when it docked to the Harmony module's forward port at 8:28pm ET today. More... https://t.co/RgllPL4Uiu pic.twitter.com/0uxslOk0Mn  International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 21, 2022

While successful, Orbital Flight Test-2 wasn't without its own issues. As The Washington Post reports, two of its 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch, and its temperature control system malfunctioned. The docking process was also delayed by over an hour as the ground team ensured that the lighting was ideal and communications were working as intended. There was a problem with the spacecraft's docking mechanism, as well, and it had to retract the system before extending it a second time.

Boeing said Starliner's main thrusters failed due to a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber, but it's not clear what had caused it. Company vice president Mark Nappi explained that since the thrusters are on the service module that's discarded during the return flight, Boeing might never find out the exact reason for it. Still, NASA and the company plan to examine the other issues that occurred to understand them and prevent them from happening in the future.

Starliner will remain docked with the ISS for the next five days before making its return journey, which will see it land in the New Mexico desert. If the spacecraft successfully comes back to Earth, then Boeing could be sending astronauts to orbit as early as this fall.
Boeing's Starliner has successfully reached and docked with the International Space Station, completing an important step for a crucial test flight that would determine whether it's ready for crewed missions. The unmanned spacecraft launched on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral and traveled for over 25 hours to reach the orbiting lab.

Starliner made its first attempt to reach the ISS in December 2019 but failed to achieve its goal due to a software issue that prevented the spacecraft's thrusters from firing. In August last year, Boeing had to scrap its launch plans due to a problem with the spacecraft's valves, preventing the company from planning another launch for almost a year.

The @BoeingSpace #Starliner crew ship completed its trip to the station when it docked to the Harmony module's forward port at 8:28pm ET today. More... https://t.co/RgllPL4Uiu pic.twitter.com/0uxslOk0Mn  International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 21, 2022

While successful, Orbital Flight Test-2 wasn't without its own issues. As The Washington Post reports, two of its 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch, and its temperature control system malfunctioned. The docking process was also delayed by over an hour as the ground team ensured that the lighting was ideal and communications were working as intended. There was a problem with the spacecraft's docking mechanism, as well, and it had to retract the system before extending it a second time.

Boeing said Starliner's main thrusters failed due to a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber, but it's not clear what had caused it. Company vice president Mark Nappi explained that since the thrusters are on the service module that's discarded during the return flight, Boeing might never find out the exact reason for it. Still, NASA and the company plan to examine the other issues that occurred to understand them and prevent them from happening in the future.

Starliner will remain docked with the ISS for the next five days before making its return journey, which will see it land in the New Mexico desert. If the spacecraft successfully comes back to Earth, then Boeing could be sending astronauts to orbit as early as this fall.
cautiously pushed ahead on Saturday with plans to restore part of its transport network in a major step towards exiting a weeks-long COVID-19 lockdown, while kept up its defences in an outbreak that has persisted for a month.

Shanghai's lockdown since the beginning of April has dealt a heavy economic blow to China's most populous city, stirred debate over the sustainability of the nation's zero-COVID policy and stoked fears of future lockdowns and disruptions.

Unlike the financial hub, has refrained from imposing a city-wide lockdown, reporting dozens of new cases a day, versus tens of thousands in at its peak. Still, the curbs and endless mass testing imposed on China's capital have unsettled its economy and upended the lives of its people.

As remained in COVID angst, workers in were disinfecting subway stations and trains before planned restoration of four metro lines on Sunday.

While service will be for limited hours, it will allow residents to move between districts and meet the need for connections to railway stations and one of the city's two airports. More than 200 bus routes will also reopen.

Underlining the level of caution, Shanghai officials said commuters would be scanned for abnormally high body temperatures and would need to show negative results of PCR tests taken within 48 hours.

Shanghai found 868 new local cases on Friday, compared with 858 a day earlier, municipal health authorities said on Saturday, a far cry from the peak in daily caseloads last month.

No new cases were found outside quarantined areas, down from three a day earlier, health authorities added.

The city of 25 million has gradually reopened shopping malls, convenience stores and wholesale markets and allowed more people to walk out of their homes, with community transmissions largely eliminated in recent days.

Still, Shanghai tightened stringent curbs on two of its 16 districts on Friday.

The authorities "urge enterprises to strictly implement safe production, which is their responsibility, especially in meeting some epidemic prevention and control requirements," an official from the city's emergency bureau told a news conference on Saturday.

Delta Airlines said on Friday it would resume one daily flight to Detroit from Shanghai via Seoul on Wednesday.

DRAWING COMPARISONS

Most of Beijing's recent cases have been in areas already sealed up, but authorities remained on edge and quick to act under China's ultra-strict policy.

In Fengtai, a district of 2 million people at the centre of Beijing's counter-COVID efforts, bus and metro stations have been mostly shut since Friday and residents told to stay home.

A Fengtai resident was stocking up on groceries at a nearby Carrefour on Saturday, uncertain whether restrictions would continue.

"I'm not sure if I can do more shopping over the next week or so, so I've bought a lot of stuff today and even bought some dumplings for the Dragon Boat holiday" in early June, she said, asking not to be identified.

On Friday, thousands of residents from a neighbourhood in Chaoyang, Beijing's most populous district, were moved to hotel quarantine after some cases were detected, according to state-run Youth Daily.

Social media users on China's Twitter-like Weibo were swift to draw parallels with Shanghai, where entire residential buildings were taken to centralised quarantine facilities in response to a single positive COVID case in some instances.

While unverified accounts from residents of the Nanxinyuan neighbourhood garnered thousands of comments and shares on Weibo, a related hashtag could not be searched on the platform on Saturday, suggesting online censorship.

"Perhaps... except for Shanghai people, no one will feel for Beijing's Nanxinyuan. However, I don't actually know whether there are people who will see this sentence," Shanghai-based director and actor Xie Tiantian wrote on Weibo.

Sun Shuwei, a tech startup employee, told Reuters the situation at Nanxinyuan, just 2 km (1.2 miles) from his home, has prompted him to consider leaving Beijing.

"This has left me very agitated," Sun said.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista, Judy Hua, Laura Lin and Stella Qiu; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Richard Pullin and William Mallard)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Boeing's Starliner has successfully reached and docked with the International Space Station, completing an important step for a crucial test flight that would determine whether it's ready for crewed missions. The unmanned spacecraft launched on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral and traveled for over 25 hours to reach the orbiting lab.

Starliner made its first attempt to reach the ISS in December 2019 but failed to achieve its goal due to a software issue that prevented the spacecraft's thrusters from firing. In August last year, Boeing had to scrap its launch plans due to a problem with the spacecraft's valves, preventing the company from planning another launch for almost a year.

The @BoeingSpace #Starliner crew ship completed its trip to the station when it docked to the Harmony module's forward port at 8:28pm ET today. More... https://t.co/RgllPL4Uiu pic.twitter.com/0uxslOk0Mn  International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 21, 2022

While successful, Orbital Flight Test-2 wasn't without its own issues. As The Washington Post reports, two of its 12 main thrusters failed shortly after launch, and its temperature control system malfunctioned. The docking process was also delayed by over an hour as the ground team ensured that the lighting was ideal and communications were working as intended. There was a problem with the spacecraft's docking mechanism, as well, and it had to retract the system before extending it a second time.

Boeing said Starliner's main thrusters failed due to a drop in pressure in the thruster chamber, but it's not clear what had caused it. Company vice president Mark Nappi explained that since the thrusters are on the service module that's discarded during the return flight, Boeing might never find out the exact reason for it. Still, NASA and the company plan to examine the other issues that occurred to understand them and prevent them from happening in the future.

Starliner will remain docked with the ISS for the next five days before making its return journey, which will see it land in the New Mexico desert. If the spacecraft successfully comes back to Earth, then Boeing could be sending astronauts to orbit as early as this fall.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
After releasing the realme Pad mini back in April, realme is set to launch another tablet, this time a full-sized one called the realme Pad X. Shared on the companys official Chinese website, the Pad X is set for release on 26 May 2022 at 2pm local time in China.

According to the details shared on realmes official Chinese website, the Pad X will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset. Furthermore, according to the companys CMO, the tablet will also feature 5G connectivity; the first for a realme tablet.

The official website also revealed the first official render for the Pad X, whereby it will come in a rather striking green colour with black and black checkered racing-like stripes on the right side of its rear when hold vertically.

Besides that, the render also teases how the Pad X will have stylus compatibility. Theres also a camera bump with just one camera, with a closer inspection on it showing a the word AI written on it.

No further information was given regarding the tablet by realme just yet. However, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station did leak a few things regarding the Pad X, including how it will have a QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Taking to Weibo, Digital Chat Station also shared other renders for the Pad X, including renders in two other colours, light blue and black. Though the tipster is quite reliable, do take the information given by him with a grain of salt as nothing is confirmed just yet.

Well, we just have to wait until 26 May 2022 to find out then I guess. Moreover, well probably be getting information on whether the Pad X will make its way to Malaysia a few days after the event.

So, what do you guys think of the Pad X? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
After releasing the realme Pad mini back in April, realme is set to launch another tablet, this time a full-sized one called the realme Pad X. Shared on the companys official Chinese website, the Pad X is set for release on 26 May 2022 at 2pm local time in China.

According to the details shared on realmes official Chinese website, the Pad X will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset. Furthermore, according to the companys CMO, the tablet will also feature 5G connectivity; the first for a realme tablet.

The official website also revealed the first official render for the Pad X, whereby it will come in a rather striking green colour with black and black checkered racing-like stripes on the right side of its rear when hold vertically.

Besides that, the render also teases how the Pad X will have stylus compatibility. Theres also a camera bump with just one camera, with a closer inspection on it showing a the word AI written on it.

No further information was given regarding the tablet by realme just yet. However, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station did leak a few things regarding the Pad X, including how it will have a QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Taking to Weibo, Digital Chat Station also shared other renders for the Pad X, including renders in two other colours, light blue and black. Though the tipster is quite reliable, do take the information given by him with a grain of salt as nothing is confirmed just yet.

Well, we just have to wait until 26 May 2022 to find out then I guess. Moreover, well probably be getting information on whether the Pad X will make its way to Malaysia a few days after the event.

So, what do you guys think of the Pad X? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A police vehicle is parked behind a barrier tape on the side of the road, following attacks, in Nore, Numedal region, Norway, on May 20, 2022. (Lise Aserud/NTB/via Reuters)

Syrian Man Stabs Wife and a Man in Norway Domestic Dispute: Police

OSLOA Syrian man stabbed and wounded his wife and another man in a small village in southeast Norway on Friday, police said, adding that the attack was a domestic dispute and there was no danger to others.

The two victims and the attacker were all wounded in the attack, which had triggered a major response by emergency services fearing a larger incident, and one of the victims was in a critical condition, police said.

The initial victim was a woman married to the attacker, a police spokesperson told reporters. There is no longer danger to other people.

Officials initially said at least four people were injured in what had first appeared to be a random, ongoing attack.

This is a family from Syria where the perpetrator is married to one of the victims, police said in a separate statement.

The suspect was first apprehended by civilians witnessing the attack, including students from a nearby high school, officials said.

The attack took place in the rural, mountainous Nore and Uvdal municipality in Norways Numedal region.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.

Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan's residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government's action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan's residence. The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the 'sanctity of the four walls' by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv. While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister's house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz's government if something happens to his party's Chairman. Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan's life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman's security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it. He criticised the Shehbaz Sharif government's security arrangements and said that they have not made any arrangements for the PTI Chairman but for the convicted person, special security is provided. Imran Khan had earlier alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him and also said that he even recorded a video where he has called out the name of alleged conspirators. Notably, Khan has announced a protest march toward Islamabad against the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led present government, terming it as US-conspired imported government. He called upon the people of Pakistan to join him in the protest adding that he neither bowed before anyone in a servile manner nor will let the people of Pakistan do that, Geo tv reported. (ANI)
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
The highest quality images of the Earth's interior have been captured by scientists. A joint research project published a study about one of the Earth's least known parts - the core-mantle boundary.

They made interesting observations about Earth's geology by focusing on a large mantle plume underneath the Hawaiian archipelago, Interesting Engineering reported.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, used new imaging techniques to gather data about what's 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles) below the Earth's surface - in an ultra-low velocity zone (ULVZ).

iStock

Using new imaging technique to picture Earth's insides

For long, scientists have been observing this region inside Earth using seismic waves that run through the planet. But the images they've received have been grainy and hard to analyse. With these new high-definition images, our understanding of this area inside Earth could change.

Conceptual drawing of the ultra-low velocity zone: Nature Communications

"Of all Earth's deep interior features, these are the most fascinating and complex," said geophysicist Zhi Li from the University of Cambridge in UK and study's contributor. "We've now got the first solid evidence to show their internal structure  it's a real milestone in deep Earth seismology," he further said.

Also read: Why Astronauts Are Spending 4 Months On Earth's Most Remote Base 'Concordia'

The team created fresh computational models that depend on high-frequency signals from the ultra-low velocity zone to generate a clear image. Scientists got a "kilometre-scale look at the rock pocket" in higher resolutions than traditional methods would deliver.

iStock

Now, scientists want to use the same technique to study the boundary between Earth's iron-nickel core and the surrounding mantle. In turn, they could be opening up new avenues to study plate tectonics, formation of volcanos, and other earthquake-related processes.

Also read: How Big Is Earth? Breathtaking Animation Shows The True Scale Of Our Solar System



It is believed that the extra iron in ultra-low velocity zones may be responsible for the extra density that may be spotted on seismic wave patterns. In addition, many scientists are of the view that there is a link between ultra-low velocity zones and volcanic hotspots, like the ones in Hawaii in Iceland. Using this new technique, scientists may be able to better assess whether these hotspots are responsible for volcanic eruptions.

What do you think about this achievement? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

McFadden, C. (2022, May 20). The highest quality images of the Earths interior have just been captured. Interesting Engineering.

Li, Z. (2022, May 19). Kilometer-scale structure on the coreamantle boundary near Hawaii. Nature.
The highest quality images of the Earth's interior have been captured by scientists. A joint research project published a study about one of the Earth's least known parts - the core-mantle boundary.

They made interesting observations about Earth's geology by focusing on a large mantle plume underneath the Hawaiian archipelago, Interesting Engineering reported.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, used new imaging techniques to gather data about what's 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles) below the Earth's surface - in an ultra-low velocity zone (ULVZ).

iStock

Using new imaging technique to picture Earth's insides

For long, scientists have been observing this region inside Earth using seismic waves that run through the planet. But the images they've received have been grainy and hard to analyse. With these new high-definition images, our understanding of this area inside Earth could change.

Conceptual drawing of the ultra-low velocity zone: Nature Communications

"Of all Earth's deep interior features, these are the most fascinating and complex," said geophysicist Zhi Li from the University of Cambridge in UK and study's contributor. "We've now got the first solid evidence to show their internal structure  it's a real milestone in deep Earth seismology," he further said.

Also read: Why Astronauts Are Spending 4 Months On Earth's Most Remote Base 'Concordia'

The team created fresh computational models that depend on high-frequency signals from the ultra-low velocity zone to generate a clear image. Scientists got a "kilometre-scale look at the rock pocket" in higher resolutions than traditional methods would deliver.

iStock

Now, scientists want to use the same technique to study the boundary between Earth's iron-nickel core and the surrounding mantle. In turn, they could be opening up new avenues to study plate tectonics, formation of volcanos, and other earthquake-related processes.

Also read: How Big Is Earth? Breathtaking Animation Shows The True Scale Of Our Solar System



It is believed that the extra iron in ultra-low velocity zones may be responsible for the extra density that may be spotted on seismic wave patterns. In addition, many scientists are of the view that there is a link between ultra-low velocity zones and volcanic hotspots, like the ones in Hawaii in Iceland. Using this new technique, scientists may be able to better assess whether these hotspots are responsible for volcanic eruptions.

What do you think about this achievement? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

McFadden, C. (2022, May 20). The highest quality images of the Earths interior have just been captured. Interesting Engineering.

Li, Z. (2022, May 19). Kilometer-scale structure on the coreamantle boundary near Hawaii. Nature.
The May 24 primary is nearing, and the ramifications of Tuesday's vote will shape the states political playing field for the critical November midterm, where control of the governors office and potentially the U.S. Senate hangs in the balance.

This year will be the first major statewide election since 2020, which was the most well-attended vote in the states history. And if early voting is any indication, this year's election could see even more turnout.

Through Wednesday, May 19, over 565,000 people had early voted in Georgia, according to the Secretary of State's office  a 153% increase from the same point in the early voting period in the 2018 primary election and a 189% increase in the same point in the early voting period in the 2020 primary election.

Early voting ended Friday. After that, voters will have to cast ballots on Election Day or by returning a completed absentee ballot. The deadline to request absentee ballots has passed.

Related: The May 24 Georgia primary races will shape the midterm election ballot. Here's what to know

The Trump effect: Trump is backing 7 Georgia GOP primary challengers. Will his influence swing the election?

Also: Both sides of abortion debate focus on Georgia elections as Roe v. Wade may be overturned

Election law: How will Georgias new election law change absentee ballot voting, drop boxes?

In-person voting

Polling places around the state will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m. If voters are in line by 7 p.m., they can stay until they cast their ballot.

Unlike early voting, in-person voting on Election Day must be done at an assigned polling place. Voters can find their polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Check your registration status: Secretary of State's MyVoterPage

Because of Georgias open primary rules, voters of any party affiliation are allowed to take whatever ballot they want. Democrats can vote on the Republican ballot and vice versa. However, if a race goes to a runoff, voters will only be able to vote on the runoff races on the ballot they took originally.

Story continues

A few things are prohibited at the polls. Under Georgia law, it is illegal to carry firearms within 150 feet of a polling place, or, if a line extends out the door of the polling place, within 150 feet of the end of the line.

Bring a state ID to vote

Those planning to cast an in-person ballot must present a photo ID at the polling place.

Valid forms of identification include a Georgia drivers license  even if it is expired  a passport, military photo ID, an ID from any federal or state body of government, a government employee photo ID, or tribal photo ID.

Voters cannot wear clothing promoting any political candidates or political slogans, including facemasks.

Voters who show up to polling places but do not meet all the requirements can request a provisional ballot. Provisional voters must present a photo ID to the county registrar's office within three days of the election to have their ballots counted.

Latia Cross casts her ballot during a past Chatham County Municipal Election.

How to get a provisional ballot

If a voter is told by a poll worker their eligibility cannot be determined, the voter has a right to request a provisional ballot.

If a voter shows up to the wrong precinct, they can either go to the correct precinct or, if it is after 5 p.m., cast a provisional ballot at the incorrect precinct.

Any votes cast by a provisional ballot in the wrong precinct will not be counted unless it is cast between 5 p.m and 7 p.m. Otherwise, you'll be instructed to go to the correct precinct.

How to return an absentee ballot

Georgia's 2021 voting reforms, widely known as SB 202, altered the time to request absentee ballots. The request period opened March 7 and closed May 13.

Theres no way to request an absentee ballot at this point, but for those who have yet to return their absentee ballot, there are a couple of options. Ballots won't be accepted after polls close on election day.

A voter looks into the social hall at First Baptist Church in Garden City just before the polls opened on Tuesday morning.

Voters can also turn in the completed ballot before 7 p.m. on election day. In Richmond County, the Board of Election is at 535 Telfair St. Suite 500. In Columbia County, it is at 500 Faircloth Drive, Building E, in Evans.

If a voter decides they'd rather vote in person instead of casting their not-yet-returned absentee ballot, they must bring the absentee ballot to the polls and have an elections official spoil it before casting an in-person ballot.

Voters can check the status of absentee ballots at mvp.sos.ga.gov. If a voter has mailed a completed ballot, but it has not yet been accepted, voters can appear in person to cancel the ballot and cast their vote in person on Election Day.

Can I still use ballot drop boxes?

Absentee ballot drop boxes can no longer be used on election day.

The drop boxes were officially codified by 2021's SB 202 elections bill, but it also restricted their use to early voting, which ended Friday.

The drop boxes were originally an emergency measure put into place in 2020 for those who didnt want to risk exposure to COVID by voting in person or risk their ballot arriving late in the mail.

Previously, the boxes were required to be on government property with 24/7 camera surveillance. They never closed, and voters could drop off ballots at any time.

Will Peebles is the enterprise reporter for Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at wpeebles@gannett.com and @willpeeblessmn on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia 2022 primary, Augusta area elections: Here's how to vote
A train hit two teenage students riding an electric bicycle when they were crossing the railway in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, killing one of them and injuring the other.

A representative of Ngoc Hoi Gas Station under the Vietnam Railways Corporation said later on the same afternoon that functional forces are clarifying the cause of the collision between the SE5 train, which was traveling from Hanoi to north-central Nghe An Province, and the two students electric bike at 1:55 pm.

While the boys were crossing a railway section in parallel with Ngoc Hoi Street in Thanh Tri District, Hanoi on their way to school, the train hit and knocked them about 20 meters away, according to the representative.

The electric bicycle was badly damaged while one student died on the spot and the other was seriously injured and was taken to hospital.

Both of the boys were born in 2008 and are students of Van Dien Town Middle School in Thanh Tri District.

The crossing they traveled on was spontaneously built by local residents, with authorities erecting a warning sign against using it.

The accident caused the SE5 train to be suspended for 15 minutes.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!



European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.


The Summerset Marine Construction in Eagle, Wis., in August 2019. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

6 Injured in Explosion and Fire at Wisconsin Pier Factory

EAGLE, Wis.Six people were hurt, including three firefighters, in an explosion and fire that rocked a Wisconsin marine construction company Thursday with a blast so thunderous it shook a nearby elementary school.

About 100 firefighters responded after the explosion and fire was reported at Summerset Marine Construction in the small Waukesha County community of Eaglea, at about 7:30 a.m., said Western Lakes Fire District Assistant Chief Matt Haerter.

Help came from as far away as Washington, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. Eagle is about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

About 30 tanker trucks were bringing water to the scene because of a lack of fire hydrants in the area.

Two of the injured, including a firefighter, were taken to a hospital for treatment, including one who was seriously injured. Two other people and two firefighters were treated at the scene, Haerter said.

Twenty-four people were in the building when the fire broke out and all, including the injured, were outside by the time firefighters arrived, Haerter said.

With diesel and liquid petroleum inside the burning building, multiple explosions continued for about 30 minutes after firefighters arrived, officials said. Because the metal building on fire was in danger of collapsing, firefighters attacked the flames from the exterior.

Although the plant is in an industrial area, it isnt far from Eagle Elementary School, where students were evacuated and sent to the middle-high school in Palmyra.

Palmyra-Eagle Area School District Superintendent Todd Gray said the principal told him there was some shaking at the elementary school when the explosion occurred.

Officials advised those living within a mile of the factory to keep their windows closed due to smoke.

The company makes piers and docks, with a 24,000-square-foot facility in Eagle that includes a showroom, office, factory and warehouse, according to its website.
Independent candidate Allegra Spender has taken an early lead in the blue ribbon seat of Wentworth.

Incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma has 29 per cent of votes so far, while Ms Spender holds 43.7 per cent of total counted ballots.

Projections indicate Mr Sharma will reach 39.7 per cent of total votes, but that is likely not enough for him to win.

Preference estimates suggest Ms Spender - a Liberal blueblood turned independent - will likely win the seat.

Whether the wealthiest electorate in the nation was prepared to abandon traditional political allegiances in favour of a newcomer shaped up as one of the election's most colourful, significant and tightest contests.

Residents in suburbs from Darling Point, Point Piper, Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill through Paddington, Woollahra, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Bondi Junction turned out on Saturday to make their votes.

Inside the multimillion-dollar mansions of Sydney's harbourside dress circle the city's movers and shakers are turning against themselves over politics. Independent Allegra Spender is challenging Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Spender is pictured on the campaign trail at Clovelly

Wentworth is the wealthiest electorate in the nation. Whether its voters are prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest fights. Liberal MP Dave Sharma is pictured at Bondi Junction

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership raised the real possibility that Wentworth - held by Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

The seat, which is geographically the second smallest in the country, has been a Liberal stronghold since World War II and has never been held by Labor since Federation in 1901.

Ms Spender is the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti and federal Liberal frontbencher John Spender.

Cashed-up Spender has amassed an army of volunteers and is doing a strong trade selling merchandise - $15 for a cap or tote bag and $20 for a T-shirt - all featuring the Climate 200 teal. Volunteers Lynn Ralph (left) and Vanessa Jones are pictured at Centennial Park

Spender should be Liberal royalty. Her father John was the party's member for North Sydney and grandfather Sir Percy Spender a minister in Menzies governments.

By running as an independent she will split the conservative vote in these socially progressive households and divide some of the nation's richest and most influential families, social circles and boardrooms.

She attended Ascham School at Edgecliff where she was head girl and dux in her final year with a Tertiary Entrance Rank of 99.95. She then gained an economics degree from Cambridge, a Master of Science at the University of London and completed business courses at Harvard.

Spender worked as a business analyst at McKinsey and with the UK Treasury as a policy analyst before becoming managing director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.

Dave Sharma is a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for Wentworth. He has warned voters against electing an independent. Financial adviser Aime Baker has festooned her Bondi Junction home (pictured) with Sharma promotional material

Both candidates told Daily Mail Australia that Wentworth was wrongly perceived as a wealthy enclave when it was a far more diverse community. Sharma posters are pictured at Woollahra

She is CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, has two sons and lives at Darling Point.

The campaign featured claims an elite private girl's school unfairly threw its support behind Spender and that Sharma copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Ms Spender was forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.

Climate change is a major issue in Wentworth and both candidates are strong supporters of renewable energy sources. The Coalition has a target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030. Spender wants at least 50 per cent.

Ms Spender says Mr Sharma cannot do enough on climate change as a member of a Coalition government, while he says she cannot make real change if elected as an independent.

Mr Sharma, 46, is a moderate Liberal but Ms Spender, 44, says he does not vote on legislation as a true moderate and is beholden to the party rather than Wentworth's constituents.


Independent candidate Allegra Spender has taken an early lead in the blue ribbon seat of Wentworth.

Incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma has 29 per cent of votes so far, while Ms Spender holds 43.7 per cent of total counted ballots.

Projections indicate Mr Sharma will reach 39.7 per cent of total votes, but that is likely not enough for him to win.

Preference estimates suggest Ms Spender - a Liberal blueblood turned independent - will likely win the seat.

Whether the wealthiest electorate in the nation was prepared to abandon traditional political allegiances in favour of a newcomer shaped up as one of the election's most colourful, significant and tightest contests.

Residents in suburbs from Darling Point, Point Piper, Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill through Paddington, Woollahra, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Bondi Junction turned out on Saturday to make their votes.

Inside the multimillion-dollar mansions of Sydney's harbourside dress circle the city's movers and shakers are turning against themselves over politics. Independent Allegra Spender is challenging Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Spender is pictured on the campaign trail at Clovelly

Wentworth is the wealthiest electorate in the nation. Whether its voters are prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest fights. Liberal MP Dave Sharma is pictured at Bondi Junction

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership raised the real possibility that Wentworth - held by Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

The seat, which is geographically the second smallest in the country, has been a Liberal stronghold since World War II and has never been held by Labor since Federation in 1901.

Ms Spender is the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti and federal Liberal frontbencher John Spender.

Cashed-up Spender has amassed an army of volunteers and is doing a strong trade selling merchandise - $15 for a cap or tote bag and $20 for a T-shirt - all featuring the Climate 200 teal. Volunteers Lynn Ralph (left) and Vanessa Jones are pictured at Centennial Park

Spender should be Liberal royalty. Her father John was the party's member for North Sydney and grandfather Sir Percy Spender a minister in Menzies governments.

By running as an independent she will split the conservative vote in these socially progressive households and divide some of the nation's richest and most influential families, social circles and boardrooms.

She attended Ascham School at Edgecliff where she was head girl and dux in her final year with a Tertiary Entrance Rank of 99.95. She then gained an economics degree from Cambridge, a Master of Science at the University of London and completed business courses at Harvard.

Spender worked as a business analyst at McKinsey and with the UK Treasury as a policy analyst before becoming managing director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.

Dave Sharma is a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for Wentworth. He has warned voters against electing an independent. Financial adviser Aime Baker has festooned her Bondi Junction home (pictured) with Sharma promotional material

Both candidates told Daily Mail Australia that Wentworth was wrongly perceived as a wealthy enclave when it was a far more diverse community. Sharma posters are pictured at Woollahra

She is CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, has two sons and lives at Darling Point.

The campaign featured claims an elite private girl's school unfairly threw its support behind Spender and that Sharma copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Ms Spender was forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.

Climate change is a major issue in Wentworth and both candidates are strong supporters of renewable energy sources. The Coalition has a target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent by 2030. Spender wants at least 50 per cent.

Ms Spender says Mr Sharma cannot do enough on climate change as a member of a Coalition government, while he says she cannot make real change if elected as an independent.

Mr Sharma, 46, is a moderate Liberal but Ms Spender, 44, says he does not vote on legislation as a true moderate and is beholden to the party rather than Wentworth's constituents.
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
The Nigerian government has approved tax reliefs for startups, a step to further improve the nations digital and entrepreneurial space.

The approval will see startups through positive growth, create jobs and diversify the economy.

The technical assistant to the Minister of Central and Digital Economy, Femi Adeluyi, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

It said the Federal Executive Council gave the approval on Wednesday after a presentation of a memo by Isa Pantami, Nigerias Communications Minister.

The approval will enable the implementation of strategies to encourage and support the development and growth of more Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs), which have the potential to create millions of additional jobs in the country, the statement said.

This will also help to develop innovative solutions to societal problems, and rapidly grow, as well as diversify the Nigerian economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, the government said.

Nigerias startup ecosystem has recorded impressive progress and received about 35 per cent of $4 billion funds raised by African startups. It has created jobs.

Jumia, an indigenous e-commerce company, provides over 3,000 direct jobs, according to Jobbermans 2020 Digital Sector Report.

The report said by 2025, Nigerias digital economy is expected to create about 1.3 million tech-enabled jobs across industries.

The government mandated ministries, agencies and departments to prioritise granting tax reliefs to startups. The MDAs are the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Others are the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the Trademarks Registry, and the Patents and Designs Registry. The agency will work with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in developing an intellectual property framework for the technology and innovation sector within two months.

It recommended that incentives such as the Pioneer Status Incentive (PSI) Scheme should be provided to the sector.

Then Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will collaborate with NITDA to develop a framework that will ensure the involvement of technology innovation startups in government procurement processes.

The Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) was earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council and forwarded to the National Assembly and the process is about 90% complete. The approval of the incentives at the Council will consolidate the gains recorded for far in the NSB process, the statement said.

The implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) emphasises the importance of the innovation and startup ecosystem to the development of an indigenous digital economy.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Ellie Aitken braved the drizzle and cold weather in a sundress as she hit the polling booths on Saturday - wearing a diamond band on her wedding finger while her estranged husband waited in the car.

The socialite - who lives in Bondi and voted in the Wentworth elecorate - was seen strolling past posters for incumbent Liberal member Dave Sharma as she headed to cast her vote.

Ms Aitken's life was turned upside down when her businessman husband Charlie ran off with her best friend Hollie Nasser - ending two marriages - late in 2021.

But the pair have remained on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children.

Just two weeks ago, Daily Mail Australia revealed Ms Nasser and Mr Aitken had quietly parted ways, noting the public pressure was too much for them to bear.

Now it appears Mr Aitken and his ex are on better terms than ever, with the investment banker escorting Ms Nasser to the polling booths on Saturday.

Her engagement ring was worn on her right hand but a simple silver ring was visible on her wedding finger

Ms Aitken made her way to the polling booths in Sydney's east on Saturday while her extranged husband waited for her in the family Range Rover

The pair have remained on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children

Ms Aitken wore a navy blue belted dress and $900 black Saint Laurent sandals as she arrived to cast her vote early this afternoon.

Her engagement ring was worn on her right hand but a simple silver ring was on her wedding finger.

She wore her long, blonde hair down and kept her head down as she left the Ocean Street polling booth in Woollahra.

Ms Aitken has enjoyed a close friendship with former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop. She regularly posts pictures alongside the one-time foreign minister.

She has not made her allegiances known during this election campaign.

Ms Aitken wore a navy blue belted dress and black sandals as she arrived to cast her vote early this afternoon

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership has raised the possibility that Wentworth - held by Dave Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament

Dissatisfaction with Morrison's leadership has raised the possibility that Wentworth - held by Dave Sharma with a 1.3 per cent margin - could fall to an independent who will not say which party she would support in the event of a hung parliament.

Sharma won Wentworth in 2019 from independent Kerryn Phelps, having narrowly lost a 2018 by-election to her when Malcolm Turnbull was deposed as prime minister and replaced by Morrison.

Whether the wealthiest electorate in the nation is prepared to abandon its traditional political allegiances is shaping as one of the federal election's most colourful, significant and tightest contests.

Ms Aitken has enjoyed a close friendship with former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop. She regularly posts pictures alongside the one-time foreign minister

In the blue corner is the incumbent Liberal Sharma, a former diplomat and popular local representative waging his third campaign for the seat of Wentworth.

In the blue-green corner is challenger Allegra Spender, the businesswoman daughter of fashion designer Carla Zampatti.

The campaign has already featured claims an elite private girl's school has unfairly thrown its support behind Spender and that Sharma has copied his opponent's electioneering colours.

Spender has been forced to defend fixing her signage to power poles after both sides agreed not to do so, and Sharma has been mocked for bragging about his HSC results.

The challenger is financially backed by the Climate 200 fund established by investor and political activist Simon Holmes a Court, whose father Robert was Australia's first billionaire.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil superstar Dhanush has sent a legal notice to a Madurai-based couple who claimed he is their biological son.

Kathiresan and Meenakshi, a couple based in Madurai had claimed that Dhanush was their biological son and that he was their third son. The couple had said that he had run away from home to act in movies and had sought a maintenance amount of Rs 65,000 from him.

Dhanush and his father Kasturi Raja sent a legal notice to the couple through their lawyer Haja Mohideen Gisti and asked the couple not to make such fake claims.

The notice sent by the lawyer of the actor and his father read, "My clients hereby call upon you both to desist from making false, untenable and defamatory allegations against them henceforth. Failing compliance my clients will be constrained to approach the competent courts to protect their rights in this regard and prevent you from carrying such false claims." The notice also said that if such claims were made in the future both Kathiresan and Meenakshi will be prosecuted for causing defamation and consequent loss of their reputation.

The actor and his father also called upon the couple to issue a press statement stating that all the claims made by them are false and to apologise for it. The lawyer in the notice also said that if the couple failed to do so they will be slapped with a suit of Rs 10 crore.

Dhanush who according to records is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja argued that he was born to filmmaker Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi. The Madurai-based couple Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi claimed that Dhanush was their third son.

The court had called for a DNA test but Dhanush and his lawyers had declined it as the superstar was asked by the court to undergo a medical examination to verify his identification marks and the results had proved inconclusive.

ADhanush has several hit movies to his credit including 'Asuran' , '3', and 'Karnan'. He had recently got a divorce from the daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, Aiswarya Rajinikanth.

His new Hollywood movie 'The Gray Man' is to be released in OTT platforms soon and is highly expected.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil superstar Dhanush has sent a legal notice to a Madurai-based couple who claimed he is their biological son.

Kathiresan and Meenakshi, a couple based in Madurai had claimed that Dhanush was their biological son and that he was their third son. The couple had said that he had run away from home to act in movies and had sought a maintenance amount of Rs 65,000 from him.

Dhanush and his father Kasturi Raja sent a legal notice to the couple through their lawyer Haja Mohideen Gisti and asked the couple not to make such fake claims.

The notice sent by the lawyer of the actor and his father read, "My clients hereby call upon you both to desist from making false, untenable and defamatory allegations against them henceforth. Failing compliance my clients will be constrained to approach the competent courts to protect their rights in this regard and prevent you from carrying such false claims." The notice also said that if such claims were made in the future both Kathiresan and Meenakshi will be prosecuted for causing defamation and consequent loss of their reputation.

The actor and his father also called upon the couple to issue a press statement stating that all the claims made by them are false and to apologise for it. The lawyer in the notice also said that if the couple failed to do so they will be slapped with a suit of Rs 10 crore.

Dhanush who according to records is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja argued that he was born to filmmaker Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi. The Madurai-based couple Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi claimed that Dhanush was their third son.

The court had called for a DNA test but Dhanush and his lawyers had declined it as the superstar was asked by the court to undergo a medical examination to verify his identification marks and the results had proved inconclusive.

ADhanush has several hit movies to his credit including 'Asuran' , '3', and 'Karnan'. He had recently got a divorce from the daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, Aiswarya Rajinikanth.

His new Hollywood movie 'The Gray Man' is to be released in OTT platforms soon and is highly expected.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil superstar Dhanush has sent a legal notice to a Madurai-based couple who claimed he is their biological son.

Kathiresan and Meenakshi, a couple based in Madurai had claimed that Dhanush was their biological son and that he was their third son. The couple had said that he had run away from home to act in movies and had sought a maintenance amount of Rs 65,000 from him.

Dhanush and his father Kasturi Raja sent a legal notice to the couple through their lawyer Haja Mohideen Gisti and asked the couple not to make such fake claims.

The notice sent by the lawyer of the actor and his father read, "My clients hereby call upon you both to desist from making false, untenable and defamatory allegations against them henceforth. Failing compliance my clients will be constrained to approach the competent courts to protect their rights in this regard and prevent you from carrying such false claims." The notice also said that if such claims were made in the future both Kathiresan and Meenakshi will be prosecuted for causing defamation and consequent loss of their reputation.

The actor and his father also called upon the couple to issue a press statement stating that all the claims made by them are false and to apologise for it. The lawyer in the notice also said that if the couple failed to do so they will be slapped with a suit of Rs 10 crore.

Dhanush who according to records is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja argued that he was born to filmmaker Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi. The Madurai-based couple Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi claimed that Dhanush was their third son.

The court had called for a DNA test but Dhanush and his lawyers had declined it as the superstar was asked by the court to undergo a medical examination to verify his identification marks and the results had proved inconclusive.

ADhanush has several hit movies to his credit including 'Asuran' , '3', and 'Karnan'. He had recently got a divorce from the daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, Aiswarya Rajinikanth.

His new Hollywood movie 'The Gray Man' is to be released in OTT platforms soon and is highly expected.
Advertisement

Spanish residents have been left sweltering during the hottest ever May after temperatures soared towards an 'extraordinary' 42C (107F) heatwave today due to warm air coming from Africa.

A mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average, with the mercury topping 41C (106F) in parts of the country.

The high temperatures are forecast to push northeast in the coming days, with little relief expected until after Sunday.

Spain's meteorological agency Aemet predicted 'one of the hottest Mays in this country in recent years' and said it was 'extraordinarily hot for the time of year'.

Aemet said it activated its national plan for excess temperatures two weeks early on Thursday as 'the summer is starting in the spring'.

Spokesperson Ruben del Campo said: 'The last updates to the meteorological models confirm the extraordinary intensity of this heatwave.'

Spanish residents have been left sweltering during the hottest ever May after temperatures soared towards an 'extraordinary' 42C (107F) heatwave today due to warm air coming from Africa

The red hot temperatures are forecast to push northeast in the coming days, with little relief expected until after Sunday

A mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average - with the mercury topping 42C (107F) in parts of the country on Friday

A man takes a picture of a thermometer displaying the 'extraordinary' temperature of 45C (113F) in Seville, Spain yesterday afternoon

Pictured: Eintracht Frankfurt fans do their best to enjoy the scorching heat in Seville following their team's Europa League victory

Spain's meteorological agency Aemet predicted 'one of the hottest Mays in this country in recent years'. It said it activated its national plan for excess temperatures two weeks early on Thursday as 'the summer is starting in the spring. Pictured: A man is seen cooling himself down with a bottle of water

Pictured: Tourists take pictures during an episode of exceptionally high temperatures for the time of year in Ronda, Spain

A woman is pictured using a fan to try and cool herself down while walking in Seville as a mass of hot, dry air carrying dust from North Africa has pushed temperatures up to 15 degrees above average in Spain

Two women are seen sitting next to a water feature in Seville as the sweltering hot temperatures continue this weekend in Spain

Northerly blasts of Saharan hot and dry air have sent temperatures spiking to as high as 107F (42C)

People cool off in a water fountain during an episode of exceptionally high temperatures for the time of year in Madrid, Spain on Saturday afternoon

It confirmed that on Friday the temperature at Seville airport reached 41C (106F), while the city of Segovia, north west of Madrid, had overnight temperatures above 20C (68F) for the first time ever in May.

Temperatures are expected to break the 100F (40C) barrier in several locations in the southern region of Andalucia today, and on the east coast around the Ebro valley - 'something unheard of in that area in May'.

He added: 'For Spain as a whole, it could be the most intense May heatwave of the past 20 years in terms of both the maximum and minimum temperatures.'

Speaking to El Paid on Friday, del Campo said summer is 'eating up the spring' and pointed the finger climate change, calling the rising temperatures a 'direct and palpable' consequence of it.

He said: 'The climate in Spain isnt the one we used to know. Its got more extreme.'

The State Meteorological Agency said Friday it had put four regions on alert due to the heat.

The regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Madrid were under a yellow alert, meaning they were at risk, while the southern region of Andalusia was under an orange alert, meaning a significant risk because of the intense heat.

No region was under red alert, the highest level that corresponds to an extreme risk.

Del Campo characterized the May heat as part of a broader pattern that has seen summer weather start to arrive in Spain nearly one month earlier than it did in the 1980s. He was unequivocal about the cause.

'What's behind all of this?' Del Campo asked. 'Climate change, obviously anthropogenic, generated by the emission of greenhouse gases linked to human activity.'

Friday and Saturday will be the hottest days in general terms and, although there will be an important drop in temperatures on Sunday across the western third of the peninsula, that could be the hottest day in parts of the eastern side of Spain and in the Balearic islands.'

Normally the summer plan is activated between June and September, but the period for temperatures 'in the 30s' (86F plus) had 'arrived 20 - 40 days early'.

Spain is experiencing its hottest late Spring for 20 years. Pictured: Tourists, many from the UK, keep cool on the city beach in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria

Tourists dive into the turquoise waters of the Sea Salines beach, Ibiza as the sizzling temperatures continue

Aemet put the cause of the extreme heat wave on a wall of hot and dry air coming up from Africa. Pictured: Tourists enjoy Playa es Bol Nou beach on April 29

Spain recorded its highest ever temperature only last year, when the Andalucian town of Montoro near Cordoba hit 117F (47C) on August 15.

Del Campo warned of the extreme risk of forest fires that such heat across the southern, central and north eastern parts of the country would entail and said people could expect another calima dust cloud.

'This will be an extreme episode and the risk that comes with the high temperatures will be important in many areas,' he said.

'Another thing to be aware of is dust in the air, which could lead to calimas in the south and east of the peninsula, with murky skies and reduced visibility.

That concentration of dust in the air could increase on Friday and Saturday across the peninsula and the Balearic islands as air comes in from north Africa carrying the dust from the Sahara. That will again cause a decline in air quality.'

The Spanish government has warned that people in affected areas that vulnerable people such as children, pregnant women, and older and chronically ill people will be at extra risk.

They advise keeping hydrated and wearing light clothing.

A man rests under the sun in Toledo, central Spain on Thursday as temperatures reached 37C (99F) in the middle of the day

Del Campo believes that the only cause of such extreme temperatures can be climate change.

'What is happening fits perfectly with a situation where the planet is hotter,' he said.

France is also suffering from an extreme pre-summer heat wave, breaking temperatures as it enters its 38th consecutive day of abnormal temperatures.

Areas in the south have already exceeded 90F (33C) and some models predict temperatures to beat 100F (38C) by the weekend, a staggering 17C hotter than average for the year.

The UK, a little further north, will also catch the coattails of the heatwave and dust cloud.
A section of skin tissue, harvested from a lesion on the skin of a monkey, that had been infected with monkeypox virus, is seen at 50X magnification on day four of rash development in 1968. (CDC/Handout via Reuters)

Health Authorities Investigate Monkeypox Outbreak

Health authorities in Europe, North America, and Australia have begun to investigate an outbreak of monkeypox, raising concerns that a broader outbreak of the viral infection could be underway in the West.

As of writing, monkeypox has been reported in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among these, Portugal, Spain, and the UK have confirmed the largest number of cases, with the others having confirmed cases only in the single digits.

The CDC has issued a recommendation of intensive health measures for the UK, including contact tracing, case searching, and rash-illness surveillance, as well as the isolation of individuals suspected of being infected with the disease.

The monkeypox virus was first reported among laboratory monkeys in 1958, with the first human cases recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Typically, the disease has been confined to its African homeland, and while cases have sporadically been reported among individuals traveling from Africa to the United States or Europe in recent years, the prevalence of monkeypox in the West is unprecedented, suggesting the virus has taken hold in Europe.

Symptoms include fever, body aches, and rashes. Though related to the smallpox virus, symptoms are typically less severe for monkeypox. The latter is notably distinguished from smallpox by the appearance of swollen lymph nodes during the symptomatic phase of the virus, immediately preceding a swollen rash that spreads to the inside of the mouth and the hands and feet.

Transmission occurs primarily through large airborne saliva droplets, and therefore requires prolonged exposure to an infected person in order to spread.

Vaccines for the monkeypox virus already exist, and the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, moved to secure doses on May 18 after discovering its first case in the United States in Massachusetts.

Danish biotechnology company Bavarian Nordic, maker of the Jynneos smallpox vaccine, said in a statement that the United States exercised the first options under the contract to supply a freeze-dried version of the vaccine, allowing for the first doses to be available in 2023 and 2024. Freeze-drying provides a longer shelf life.

Paul Chaplin, president and CEO of Bavarian Nordic said: This marks a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the U.S. government to ensure availability of life-saving vaccines for the entire population.
ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o
ACCRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education. 
Kochi, May 21 : Kerala does not have money to pay the next month's salaries, but Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan says he will implement the K-Rail project which will cost a staggering Rs 2 lakh crore, said Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan.

If completed, the K-Rail project will see a 529.45 km corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod with semi high speed trains covering the distance in around four hours.

Both the Congress and the BJP say this project is not needed for Kerala given the massive cost besides it will turn into an environmental and economic disaster and would be a huge burden for the next generation.

"Financially Kerala will go the Sri Lankan way if the K-Rail project is implemented. Vijayan has now become the laughing stock of Keralites. There is no money even to pay for the noon-meal scheme," said Satheesan.

On the upcoming Thrikkakara by-election, Satheesan said Vijayan after remaining in the constituency for a week, realised that Congress candidate Uma Thomas is going to win with a huge margin.

"He has realised that and that's why when he was asked if the by-election will be an evaluation of his governance, he remained silent. Uma will win with a bigger margin that what her late husband P.T. Thomas got (Thomas won with over 15,000 votes margin)," said Satheesan.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday.

Yoon ran for office pledging to rid South Korea of the Ministry of Gender Equality - claiming it treated men like 'potential sex criminals.'

The Washington Post's Seung Min Kim pressed him on the issue, noting the campaign promise, but also that he had selected cabinet nominees who were 'overwhelmingly male' and that Korea ranks low among developed countries on the professional development of women.

South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday

The question on gender equality was the last of the two-by-two press conference, and as soon as Yoon (right) gave his succinct answer he and Biden (left) put on their masks and left the stage

Yoon took a long pause before answering Kim's query.

'If you look at the public official sector, especially the ministers in the cabinet, we really didn't see a lot of women advancing to that position thus far,' Yoon said.

'Probably in various regions, equal opportunities were not fully ensured for women, and we have quite a short history of ensuring that,' he continued.

'So what we're trying to do is to very actively ensure such opportunities for women,' the new leader added.

The bilateral meeting and press conference marked Yoon's 11th day in office.

In April, after Yoon won election but before his swearing-in, his team backed away from the conservative president-elect's pledge to end the Ministry of Gender Equality.

Instead, Yoon would appoint his own cabinet minister.

During the campaign, Yoon accused officials from the Ministry of Gender Equality of treating men like 'potential sex criminals' and claimed women in Korea do not suffer from systemic sexism, according to The Independent.

His wife, Kim Keon-hee, came under fire in January for saying she and her husband supported Ahn Hee-jung, who previously ran for president of South Korea, but is currently in prison for raping his secretary.

'I feel really sorry for Ahn. My husband and I are strongly on Ahn's side,' the now first lady said on a phone call.

Kim's question was the last of the two-by-two press conference, in which two reporters from each of the countries asks a question of both leaders.

As soon as Yoon gave his succinct answer, he and Biden put their masks back on and walked offstage.
A train hit two teenage students riding an electric bicycle when they were crossing the railway in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, killing one of them and injuring the other.

A representative of Ngoc Hoi Gas Station under the Vietnam Railways Corporation said later on the same afternoon that functional forces are clarifying the cause of the collision between the SE5 train, which was traveling from Hanoi to north-central Nghe An Province, and the two students electric bike at 1:55 pm.

While the boys were crossing a railway section in parallel with Ngoc Hoi Street in Thanh Tri District, Hanoi on their way to school, the train hit and knocked them about 20 meters away, according to the representative.

The electric bicycle was badly damaged while one student died on the spot and the other was seriously injured and was taken to hospital.

Both of the boys were born in 2008 and are students of Van Dien Town Middle School in Thanh Tri District.

The crossing they traveled on was spontaneously built by local residents, with authorities erecting a warning sign against using it.

The accident caused the SE5 train to be suspended for 15 minutes.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Since the takeover, the Taliban's hard regime has waged war and constant unrest in the country with the newest one emerging in the form of wheat shortfall as the country now gears up to tackle the looming food crunch. Due to the gripping crisis, the Taliban, in its latest order, authorized all customs offices on Thursday, May 19, to prevent wheat export or trade due to extreme food scarcity, Khaama Press reported. This measure has been taken into consideration to avoid amplification of scarcity, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated on his Twitter handle. While the price for wheat has increased by 50% in different parts of Kandahar province, it is claimed that some people have begun smuggling wheat to Pakistan, the report added. Furthermore, as a result of recent political developments, the Afghan people are experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. In addition to that, food prices, particularly wheat, have risen substantially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to the UN, hunger and food shortages affect up to 97% of the Afghan population. Previously, World Food Programme (WFP) reported that since the fall of the former government to the Taliban, over 22 million people face severe hunger. Absolute poverty, food crisis, and unemployment are being witnessed at an all-time high as families in Kabul are forced to move to the streets due to political unrest in the country since the Taliban took control. According to Khaama Press, Afghanistan is estimated to require more than six million tonnes of wheat each year to feed its 33 million population as Wheat is the country's principal source of nutrition. Meanwhile, India has pledged to provide 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian aid in addition to medications as another consignment of the cereal from the government of India was dispatched to Afghanistan via the Attari Wagah Border on Monday. As per a local survey, the rate of poverty in Afghanistan has exceeded 95 percent since the fall of the former government while 56 percent are seeking to leave the country amid a drop in daily income. Moreover, millions of Afghans are on the brink of starvation as the country reels from a humanitarian crisis. (ANI)



Chennai, May 21 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin on Saturday ordered the release of water from Mettur Dam for irrigation on May 24.

In a statement, the state government said owing to the rains in the catchment areas, the water inflow to the dam is good. The water level in the dam is 115 ft.

Considering the increased inflow, the water level in the dam will soon touch its maximum capacity (120 ft).

Hence, instead of the customary June 12, the dam's shutters will be opened on May 24. This is also the first time in the dam's post independence history, the water is released in the month of May.

As a result, farmers in the delta region can plant in large area the 'Kuruvai' paddy or short duration paddy variety and also get ready for the 'Samba' season.

The government said desilting work of the canals will be completed soon and the water from the dam will reach the tailend areas.

Earlier in the day, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss had urged the Tamil Nadu government to open the dam's shutters early instead of June 12.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin on Saturday ordered the release of water from Mettur Dam for irrigation on May 24.

In a statement, the state government said owing to the rains in the catchment areas, the water inflow to the dam is good. The water level in the dam is 115 ft.

Considering the increased inflow, the water level in the dam will soon touch its maximum capacity (120 ft).

Hence, instead of the customary June 12, the dam's shutters will be opened on May 24. This is also the first time in the dam's post independence history, the water is released in the month of May.

As a result, farmers in the delta region can plant in large area the 'Kuruvai' paddy or short duration paddy variety and also get ready for the 'Samba' season.

The government said desilting work of the canals will be completed soon and the water from the dam will reach the tailend areas.

Earlier in the day, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss had urged the Tamil Nadu government to open the dam's shutters early instead of June 12.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Several parts of the Colombo city will undergo a 10-hour- long water cut on Saturday, Sri Lanka media reports said citing the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) of the country. The report said that the water cut will be effective from today at 10.00 pm and extend till 8.00 am on Sunday morning. It has been imposed due to the maintenance work, reported the Daily Mirror. The supply in four areas of the city will be completely interrupted while two areas will experience low pressure water supply, the board said while advising people to store required amount of water and use it cautiously. Presently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic and political crisis in four decades which has largely affected the essential services. With fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, the impending food crisis amid this will put the country in a mess when it is already grappling with other challenges. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that Sri Lanka is one of the few nations which is expected to go without food in the global food shortage which is expected within this year, reported the Daily Mirror. "FAO has named a few nations including Sri Lanka and Afghanistan which are expected to go without food," the Prime Minister said. He asked the people of the country to be prepared for the food shortage and said that in order to deal with this crisis, Sri Lanka will have to cultivate food crops in abandoned crops, even in the city of Colombo, reported the Daily Mirror. "There are many lands belonging to the Railways Department which are neglected and can be used to grow food. I will talk to the World Bank to get some assistance," the PM added. We also have greenhouse, he said, adding that it is essential for Sri Lanka to make 2023 a year of agriculture. The country's economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the crash of the tourism sector. The country is also facing a foreign exchange shortage as it borrowed billions of dollars from China, burdening itself with hefty loans. (ANI)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.
Several parts of the Colombo city will undergo a 10-hour- long water cut on Saturday, Sri Lanka media reports said citing the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) of the country. The report said that the water cut will be effective from today at 10.00 pm and extend till 8.00 am on Sunday morning. It has been imposed due to the maintenance work, reported the Daily Mirror. The supply in four areas of the city will be completely interrupted while two areas will experience low pressure water supply, the board said while advising people to store required amount of water and use it cautiously. Presently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic and political crisis in four decades which has largely affected the essential services. With fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens, the impending food crisis amid this will put the country in a mess when it is already grappling with other challenges. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that Sri Lanka is one of the few nations which is expected to go without food in the global food shortage which is expected within this year, reported the Daily Mirror. "FAO has named a few nations including Sri Lanka and Afghanistan which are expected to go without food," the Prime Minister said. He asked the people of the country to be prepared for the food shortage and said that in order to deal with this crisis, Sri Lanka will have to cultivate food crops in abandoned crops, even in the city of Colombo, reported the Daily Mirror. "There are many lands belonging to the Railways Department which are neglected and can be used to grow food. I will talk to the World Bank to get some assistance," the PM added. We also have greenhouse, he said, adding that it is essential for Sri Lanka to make 2023 a year of agriculture. The country's economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the crash of the tourism sector. The country is also facing a foreign exchange shortage as it borrowed billions of dollars from China, burdening itself with hefty loans. (ANI)
president on Saturday met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in the national capital and discussed various issues concerning the country.

Rao is in Delhi as part of his week-long tour to attend national-level political and social programmes. Yadav met the chief minister at the latter's official residence on the Tughlaq Road here.

" chief met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," according to an official statement.

According to the Telangana chief minister's schedule, he will meet political, media and economic experts and also extend help to the families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Rao will also meet the families of those who died during the "fight for farmers' rights" against the Centre.

On May 22 afternoon, he will embark on his Chandigarh tour.

Rao will meet 600 families of farmers who laid down their lives during the nationwide farmers' agitation against the now-repealed Central farm laws.

As financial assistance, he will distribute Rs 3 lakh to each family. The cheque distribution will be taken up along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.

The assistance will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

On May 26, Rao will reach Bengaluru to meet former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. From there, he will go to Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra the following day to meet activist Anna Hazare. He will then travel to Shirdi and offer prayers to Sai Baba and return to Hyderabad the same day.

On May 29 and 30, he will embark on a tour of West Bengal and Bihar to meet the families of the soldiers who died in the Galwan Valley. He will extend assistance to those families, the release said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin on Saturday ordered the release of water from Mettur Dam for irrigation on May 24.

In a statement, the state government said owing to the rains in the catchment areas, the water inflow to the dam is good. The water level in the dam is 115 ft.

Considering the increased inflow, the water level in the dam will soon touch its maximum capacity (120 ft).

Hence, instead of the customary June 12, the dam's shutters will be opened on May 24. This is also the first time in the dam's post independence history, the water is released in the month of May.

As a result, farmers in the delta region can plant in large area the 'Kuruvai' paddy or short duration paddy variety and also get ready for the 'Samba' season.

The government said desilting work of the canals will be completed soon and the water from the dam will reach the tailend areas.

Earlier in the day, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss had urged the Tamil Nadu government to open the dam's shutters early instead of June 12.

The former Union Minister said the water level in the Mettur Dam touched 115 ft on Saturday morning and if the current inflow continues then the water level will touch the full capacity (120 ft) in two days time.

He said the farmers are getting ready for the short term crop the government should open the dam gates early and not wait till June 12.

Ramadoss also said the Tamil Nadu government should announce the water release date from the Mettur Dam ahead and also ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs for the farmers.
Ahmedabad, May 21 : The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Saturday rescued an injured fisherman who was on board a boat in the Porbandar Sea.

The rescue operation was carried out by the ICG Station in Pipavav which received information about the injured fisherman Dhan Prasad from the Fisheries Association, Jafrabad.

Upon receiving the information, the ICG Station commissioned a helicopter and a ship for the rescue operation.

After confirming the location, the helicopter assisted the ship to reach the boat.

As it reached the boat, a medical team from the ship first stabilised the injured fisherman with first aid and then evacuated him.

Dhan Prasad was handed over to the Fisheries Association and is reportedly stable.

This is the second such rescue operation in the last 48 hours.
president on Saturday met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in the national capital and discussed various issues concerning the country.

Rao is in Delhi as part of his week-long tour to attend national-level political and social programmes. Yadav met the chief minister at the latter's official residence on the Tughlaq Road here.

" chief met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," according to an official statement.

According to the Telangana chief minister's schedule, he will meet political, media and economic experts and also extend help to the families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Rao will also meet the families of those who died during the "fight for farmers' rights" against the Centre.

On May 22 afternoon, he will embark on his Chandigarh tour.

Rao will meet 600 families of farmers who laid down their lives during the nationwide farmers' agitation against the now-repealed Central farm laws.

As financial assistance, he will distribute Rs 3 lakh to each family. The cheque distribution will be taken up along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.

The assistance will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

On May 26, Rao will reach Bengaluru to meet former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. From there, he will go to Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra the following day to meet activist Anna Hazare. He will then travel to Shirdi and offer prayers to Sai Baba and return to Hyderabad the same day.

On May 29 and 30, he will embark on a tour of West Bengal and Bihar to meet the families of the soldiers who died in the Galwan Valley. He will extend assistance to those families, the release said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday began a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. It is his first trip to Asia as president.

Woo Sukeun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, told Xinhua that Biden's visit to East Asia is obviously intended to win over allies such as South Korea and Japan to confront China.

According to Woo, issues to be discussed during Biden's visit are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the region, which will harm the region's long-term and common interests.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil superstar Dhanush has sent a legal notice to a Madurai-based couple who claimed he is their biological son.

Kathiresan and Meenakshi, a couple based in Madurai had claimed that Dhanush was their biological son and that he was their third son. The couple had said that he had run away from home to act in movies and had sought a maintenance amount of Rs 65,000 from him.

Dhanush and his father Kasturi Raja sent a legal notice to the couple through their lawyer Haja Mohideen Gisti and asked the couple not to make such fake claims.

The notice sent by the lawyer of the actor and his father read, "My clients hereby call upon you both to desist from making false, untenable and defamatory allegations against them henceforth. Failing compliance my clients will be constrained to approach the competent courts to protect their rights in this regard and prevent you from carrying such false claims." The notice also said that if such claims were made in the future both Kathiresan and Meenakshi will be prosecuted for causing defamation and consequent loss of their reputation.

The actor and his father also called upon the couple to issue a press statement stating that all the claims made by them are false and to apologise for it. The lawyer in the notice also said that if the couple failed to do so they will be slapped with a suit of Rs 10 crore.

Dhanush who according to records is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja argued that he was born to filmmaker Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi. The Madurai-based couple Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi claimed that Dhanush was their third son.

The court had called for a DNA test but Dhanush and his lawyers had declined it as the superstar was asked by the court to undergo a medical examination to verify his identification marks and the results had proved inconclusive.

ADhanush has several hit movies to his credit including 'Asuran' , '3', and 'Karnan'. He had recently got a divorce from the daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, Aiswarya Rajinikanth.

His new Hollywood movie 'The Gray Man' is to be released in OTT platforms soon and is highly expected.
Chennai, May 21 : Tamil superstar Dhanush has sent a legal notice to a Madurai-based couple who claimed he is their biological son.

Kathiresan and Meenakshi, a couple based in Madurai had claimed that Dhanush was their biological son and that he was their third son. The couple had said that he had run away from home to act in movies and had sought a maintenance amount of Rs 65,000 from him.

Dhanush and his father Kasturi Raja sent a legal notice to the couple through their lawyer Haja Mohideen Gisti and asked the couple not to make such fake claims.

The notice sent by the lawyer of the actor and his father read, "My clients hereby call upon you both to desist from making false, untenable and defamatory allegations against them henceforth. Failing compliance my clients will be constrained to approach the competent courts to protect their rights in this regard and prevent you from carrying such false claims." The notice also said that if such claims were made in the future both Kathiresan and Meenakshi will be prosecuted for causing defamation and consequent loss of their reputation.

The actor and his father also called upon the couple to issue a press statement stating that all the claims made by them are false and to apologise for it. The lawyer in the notice also said that if the couple failed to do so they will be slapped with a suit of Rs 10 crore.

Dhanush who according to records is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja argued that he was born to filmmaker Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi. The Madurai-based couple Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi claimed that Dhanush was their third son.

The court had called for a DNA test but Dhanush and his lawyers had declined it as the superstar was asked by the court to undergo a medical examination to verify his identification marks and the results had proved inconclusive.

ADhanush has several hit movies to his credit including 'Asuran' , '3', and 'Karnan'. He had recently got a divorce from the daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, Aiswarya Rajinikanth.

His new Hollywood movie 'The Gray Man' is to be released in OTT platforms soon and is highly expected.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.

LAFAYETTE, La.  Pandemic-related restrictions on migrants seeking asylum on the southern border must continue, a judge ruled Friday in an order blocking the Biden administrations plan to lift them early next week.

The ruling is just the latest instance of a court derailing the presidents proposed immigration policies along the U.S. border with Mexico.

While the administration can appeal, the ruling sharply increases the odds that restrictions will not end as planned on Monday. A delay would be a blow to advocates who say rights to seek asylum are being trampled, and a relief to some Democrats who fear that a widely anticipated increase in illegal crossings would put them on the defensive in an already difficult midterm election year.

Migrants have been expelled more than 1.9 million times since March 2020 under Title 42, a public health provision that denies them a chance to request asylum under U.S. law and international treaty on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

U.S. District Judge Robert Summerhays in Lafayette, Louisiana, ordered that the restrictions stay in place while a lawsuit led by Arizona and Louisiana  and now joined by 22 other states  plays out in court.

Montana is one of the states that leapt into the litigation. State GOP officials hailed Friday's injection as a win for border security.

Border Patrol agents are already overwhelmed with the crisis at the border and lifting Title 42 would have made it even worse, resulting in more illicit drugs coming across the border and crime increases across the nation  including right here in Montana. President Biden must secure the border and I wont stop fighting his dangerous border policies until he does, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in a press release.

In another press release, Sen. Steve Daines said: Its outrageous that President Biden even considered rescinding Title 42 in the midst of a historic crisis at our southern border thats leaving our country wide open to an influx of illegal drugs and illegal immigrants. While Im glad to see a Trump-appointed judge block Bidens senseless decision, the President needs to wake up, face reality and secure our southern border for the safety of Montana communities."

The states argued that the administration failed to adequately consider the effects that lifting the restrictions would have on public health and law enforcement. Drew Ensign, an attorney for the state of Arizona, argued at a hearing that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to follow administrative procedures requiring public notice and time to gather public comment.

Jean Lin, a Justice Department attorney, told the judge that the CDC was empowered to lift an emergency health restriction it felt was no longer needed. She said the order was a matter of health policy, not immigration.

Summerhays, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, had already ruled in favor of the states by halting efforts to wind down use of the pandemic-era rule. He said last month that a phaseout would saddle states with unrecoverable costs on healthcare, law enforcement, detention, education, and other services.

Title 42 is the second major Trump-era policy to deter asylum at the Mexican border that was jettisoned by President Joe Biden, only to be revived by a Trump-appointed judge.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to allow the administration to force asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. That case, challenging a policy known as Remain in Mexico, originated in Amarillo, Texas. It was reinstated in December on the judges order and remains in effect while the litigation plays out.

 Montana State News Bureau reporter Seaborn Larson contributed to this AP report.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday.

Yoon ran for office pledging to rid South Korea of the Ministry of Gender Equality - claiming it treated men like 'potential sex criminals.'

The Washington Post's Seung Min Kim pressed him on the issue, noting the campaign promise, but also that he had selected cabinet nominees who were 'overwhelmingly male' and that Korea ranks low among developed countries on the professional development of women.

South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday

The question on gender equality was the last of the two-by-two press conference, and as soon as Yoon (right) gave his succinct answer he and Biden (left) put on their masks and left the stage

Yoon took a long pause before answering Kim's query.

'If you look at the public official sector, especially the ministers in the cabinet, we really didn't see a lot of women advancing to that position thus far,' Yoon said.

'Probably in various regions, equal opportunities were not fully ensured for women, and we have quite a short history of ensuring that,' he continued.

'So what we're trying to do is to very actively ensure such opportunities for women,' the new leader added.

The bilateral meeting and press conference marked Yoon's 11th day in office.

In April, after Yoon won election but before his swearing-in, his team backed away from the conservative president-elect's pledge to end the Ministry of Gender Equality.

Instead, Yoon would appoint his own cabinet minister.

During the campaign, Yoon accused officials from the Ministry of Gender Equality of treating men like 'potential sex criminals' and claimed women in Korea do not suffer from systemic sexism, according to The Independent.

His wife, Kim Keon-hee, came under fire in January for saying she and her husband supported Ahn Hee-jung, who previously ran for president of South Korea, but is currently in prison for raping his secretary.

'I feel really sorry for Ahn. My husband and I are strongly on Ahn's side,' the now first lady said on a phone call.

Kim's question was the last of the two-by-two press conference, in which two reporters from each of the countries asks a question of both leaders.

As soon as Yoon gave his succinct answer, he and Biden put their masks back on and walked offstage.
South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday.

Yoon ran for office pledging to rid South Korea of the Ministry of Gender Equality - claiming it treated men like 'potential sex criminals.'

The Washington Post's Seung Min Kim pressed him on the issue, noting the campaign promise, but also that he had selected cabinet nominees who were 'overwhelmingly male' and that Korea ranks low among developed countries on the professional development of women.

South Korea's new leader President Yoon Suk Yeol stumbled through the final question posed to him at a press conference alongside President Joe Biden in Seoul on Saturday

The question on gender equality was the last of the two-by-two press conference, and as soon as Yoon (right) gave his succinct answer he and Biden (left) put on their masks and left the stage

Yoon took a long pause before answering Kim's query.

'If you look at the public official sector, especially the ministers in the cabinet, we really didn't see a lot of women advancing to that position thus far,' Yoon said.

'Probably in various regions, equal opportunities were not fully ensured for women, and we have quite a short history of ensuring that,' he continued.

'So what we're trying to do is to very actively ensure such opportunities for women,' the new leader added.

The bilateral meeting and press conference marked Yoon's 11th day in office.

In April, after Yoon won election but before his swearing-in, his team backed away from the conservative president-elect's pledge to end the Ministry of Gender Equality.

Instead, Yoon would appoint his own cabinet minister.

During the campaign, Yoon accused officials from the Ministry of Gender Equality of treating men like 'potential sex criminals' and claimed women in Korea do not suffer from systemic sexism, according to The Independent.

His wife, Kim Keon-hee, came under fire in January for saying she and her husband supported Ahn Hee-jung, who previously ran for president of South Korea, but is currently in prison for raping his secretary.

'I feel really sorry for Ahn. My husband and I are strongly on Ahn's side,' the now first lady said on a phone call.

Kim's question was the last of the two-by-two press conference, in which two reporters from each of the countries asks a question of both leaders.

As soon as Yoon gave his succinct answer, he and Biden put their masks back on and walked offstage.
The Nigerian government has approved tax reliefs for startups, a step to further improve the nations digital and entrepreneurial space.

The approval will see startups through positive growth, create jobs and diversify the economy.

The technical assistant to the Minister of Central and Digital Economy, Femi Adeluyi, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

It said the Federal Executive Council gave the approval on Wednesday after a presentation of a memo by Isa Pantami, Nigerias Communications Minister.

The approval will enable the implementation of strategies to encourage and support the development and growth of more Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs), which have the potential to create millions of additional jobs in the country, the statement said.

This will also help to develop innovative solutions to societal problems, and rapidly grow, as well as diversify the Nigerian economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, the government said.

Nigerias startup ecosystem has recorded impressive progress and received about 35 per cent of $4 billion funds raised by African startups. It has created jobs.

Jumia, an indigenous e-commerce company, provides over 3,000 direct jobs, according to Jobbermans 2020 Digital Sector Report.

The report said by 2025, Nigerias digital economy is expected to create about 1.3 million tech-enabled jobs across industries.

The government mandated ministries, agencies and departments to prioritise granting tax reliefs to startups. The MDAs are the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Others are the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the Trademarks Registry, and the Patents and Designs Registry. The agency will work with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in developing an intellectual property framework for the technology and innovation sector within two months.

It recommended that incentives such as the Pioneer Status Incentive (PSI) Scheme should be provided to the sector.

Then Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will collaborate with NITDA to develop a framework that will ensure the involvement of technology innovation startups in government procurement processes.

The Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) was earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council and forwarded to the National Assembly and the process is about 90% complete. The approval of the incentives at the Council will consolidate the gains recorded for far in the NSB process, the statement said.

The implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) emphasises the importance of the innovation and startup ecosystem to the development of an indigenous digital economy.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The Nigerian government has approved tax reliefs for startups, a step to further improve the nations digital and entrepreneurial space.

The approval will see startups through positive growth, create jobs and diversify the economy.

The technical assistant to the Minister of Central and Digital Economy, Femi Adeluyi, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

It said the Federal Executive Council gave the approval on Wednesday after a presentation of a memo by Isa Pantami, Nigerias Communications Minister.

The approval will enable the implementation of strategies to encourage and support the development and growth of more Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs), which have the potential to create millions of additional jobs in the country, the statement said.

This will also help to develop innovative solutions to societal problems, and rapidly grow, as well as diversify the Nigerian economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, the government said.

Nigerias startup ecosystem has recorded impressive progress and received about 35 per cent of $4 billion funds raised by African startups. It has created jobs.

Jumia, an indigenous e-commerce company, provides over 3,000 direct jobs, according to Jobbermans 2020 Digital Sector Report.

The report said by 2025, Nigerias digital economy is expected to create about 1.3 million tech-enabled jobs across industries.

The government mandated ministries, agencies and departments to prioritise granting tax reliefs to startups. The MDAs are the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Others are the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the Trademarks Registry, and the Patents and Designs Registry. The agency will work with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in developing an intellectual property framework for the technology and innovation sector within two months.

It recommended that incentives such as the Pioneer Status Incentive (PSI) Scheme should be provided to the sector.

Then Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will collaborate with NITDA to develop a framework that will ensure the involvement of technology innovation startups in government procurement processes.

The Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) was earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council and forwarded to the National Assembly and the process is about 90% complete. The approval of the incentives at the Council will consolidate the gains recorded for far in the NSB process, the statement said.

The implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) emphasises the importance of the innovation and startup ecosystem to the development of an indigenous digital economy.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Ahmedabad, May 21 : The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Saturday rescued an injured fisherman who was on board a boat in the Porbandar Sea.

The rescue operation was carried out by the ICG Station in Pipavav which received information about the injured fisherman Dhan Prasad from the Fisheries Association, Jafrabad.

Upon receiving the information, the ICG Station commissioned a helicopter and a ship for the rescue operation.

After confirming the location, the helicopter assisted the ship to reach the boat.

As it reached the boat, a medical team from the ship first stabilised the injured fisherman with first aid and then evacuated him.

Dhan Prasad was handed over to the Fisheries Association and is reportedly stable.

This is the second such rescue operation in the last 48 hours.




LAFAYETTE, La.  Pandemic-related restrictions on migrants seeking asylum on the southern border must continue, a judge ruled Friday in an order blocking the Biden administrations plan to lift them early next week.

The ruling is just the latest instance of a court derailing the presidents proposed immigration policies along the U.S. border with Mexico.

While the administration can appeal, the ruling sharply increases the odds that restrictions will not end as planned on Monday. A delay would be a blow to advocates who say rights to seek asylum are being trampled, and a relief to some Democrats who fear that a widely anticipated increase in illegal crossings would put them on the defensive in an already difficult midterm election year.

Migrants have been expelled more than 1.9 million times since March 2020 under Title 42, a public health provision that denies them a chance to request asylum under U.S. law and international treaty on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

U.S. District Judge Robert Summerhays in Lafayette, Louisiana, ordered that the restrictions stay in place while a lawsuit led by Arizona and Louisiana  and now joined by 22 other states  plays out in court.

Montana is one of the states that leapt into the litigation. State GOP officials hailed Friday's injection as a win for border security.

Border Patrol agents are already overwhelmed with the crisis at the border and lifting Title 42 would have made it even worse, resulting in more illicit drugs coming across the border and crime increases across the nation  including right here in Montana. President Biden must secure the border and I wont stop fighting his dangerous border policies until he does, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in a press release.

In another press release, Sen. Steve Daines said: Its outrageous that President Biden even considered rescinding Title 42 in the midst of a historic crisis at our southern border thats leaving our country wide open to an influx of illegal drugs and illegal immigrants. While Im glad to see a Trump-appointed judge block Bidens senseless decision, the President needs to wake up, face reality and secure our southern border for the safety of Montana communities."

The states argued that the administration failed to adequately consider the effects that lifting the restrictions would have on public health and law enforcement. Drew Ensign, an attorney for the state of Arizona, argued at a hearing that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to follow administrative procedures requiring public notice and time to gather public comment.

Jean Lin, a Justice Department attorney, told the judge that the CDC was empowered to lift an emergency health restriction it felt was no longer needed. She said the order was a matter of health policy, not immigration.

Summerhays, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, had already ruled in favor of the states by halting efforts to wind down use of the pandemic-era rule. He said last month that a phaseout would saddle states with unrecoverable costs on healthcare, law enforcement, detention, education, and other services.

Title 42 is the second major Trump-era policy to deter asylum at the Mexican border that was jettisoned by President Joe Biden, only to be revived by a Trump-appointed judge.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to allow the administration to force asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. That case, challenging a policy known as Remain in Mexico, originated in Amarillo, Texas. It was reinstated in December on the judges order and remains in effect while the litigation plays out.

 Montana State News Bureau reporter Seaborn Larson contributed to this AP report.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0










You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.






Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Boeings Starliner Capsule Docks With Space Station in Uncrewed Flight Test

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.Boeings new Starliner crew capsule docked for the first time with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, completing a major objective in a high stakes do-over test flight into orbit without astronauts aboard.

The rendezvous of the gumdrop-shaped CST-100 Starliner with the orbital research outpost, currently home to a seven-member crew, occurred nearly 26 hours after the capsule was launched from Cape Canaveral U.S. Space Force Base in Florida.

Starliner lifted off on Thursday atop an Atlas V rocket furnished by the Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance (ULA) and reached its intended preliminary orbit 31 minutes later despite the failure of two onboard thrusters.

Boeing said the two defective thrusters posed no risk to the rest of the spaceflight, which comes after more than two years of delays and costly engineering setbacks in a program designed to give NASA another vehicle for sending its astronauts to and from orbit.

Docking with ISS took place at 8:28 p.m. ET as the two vehicles flew 271 miles over the south Indian Ocean off the coast of Australia, according to commentators on a live NASA webcast of the linkup.

It marked the first time spacecraft from both of NASAs Commercial Crew Program partners were physically attached to the space station at the same time. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has been docked to the space station since delivering four astronauts to ISS in late April.

Boeings CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Bumpy Road Back to Orbit

Much was riding on the outcome, after an ill-fated first test flight in late 2019 nearly ended with the vehicles loss following a software glitch that effectively foiled the spacecrafts ability to reach the space station.

Subsequent problems with Starliners propulsion system, supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne, led Boeing to scrub a second attempt to launch the capsule last summer.

Starliner remained grounded for nine more months while the two companies sparred over what caused fuel valves to stick shut and which firm was responsible for fixing them, as Reuters reported last week.

Boeing said it ultimately resolved the issue with a temporary workaround and plans a redesign after this weeks flight.

Besides seeking a cause of thruster failures shortly after Thursdays launch, Boeing said that it was monitoring some unexpected behavior detected with Starliners thermal-control system, but that the capsules temperatures remained stable.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, Boeing mission commentator Steve Siceloff said during the NASA webcast.

The capsule is scheduled to depart the space station on Wednesday for a return-flight to Earth, ending with an airbag-softened parachute landing in the New Mexico desert.

A success is seen as pivotal to Boeing as the Chicago-based company scrambles to climb out of successive crises in its jetliner business and its space defense unit. The Starliner program alone has cost nearly $600 million in engineering setbacks since the 2019 mishap.

If all goes well with the current mission, Starliner could fly its first team of astronauts to the space station as early as the fall.

For now, the only passenger was a research dummy, whimsically named Rosie the Rocketeer and dressed in a blue flight suit, strapped into the commanders seat and collecting data on crew cabin conditions during the journey, plus 800 pounds of cargo to deliver to the space station.

The orbital platform is currently occupied by a crew of three NASA astronauts, a European Space Agency astronaut from Italy and three Russian cosmonauts.

Russias Roscosmos space agency Director General Dmitry Rogozin noted the docking in a social media post on Saturday, adding: The station is not in danger. Aboard the Russian segment of the ISS there is order.

Since resuming crewed flights to orbit from American soil in 2020, nine years after the space shuttle program ended, the U.S. space agency has had to rely solely on the Falcon 9 rockets and Crew Dragon capsules from Elon Musks company SpaceX to fly NASA astronauts.

Previously the only other option for reaching the orbital laboratory was by hitching rides aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

By Joey Roulette and Steve Gorman
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Boeings Starliner Capsule Docks With Space Station in Uncrewed Flight Test

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.Boeings new Starliner crew capsule docked for the first time with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, completing a major objective in a high stakes do-over test flight into orbit without astronauts aboard.

The rendezvous of the gumdrop-shaped CST-100 Starliner with the orbital research outpost, currently home to a seven-member crew, occurred nearly 26 hours after the capsule was launched from Cape Canaveral U.S. Space Force Base in Florida.

Starliner lifted off on Thursday atop an Atlas V rocket furnished by the Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance (ULA) and reached its intended preliminary orbit 31 minutes later despite the failure of two onboard thrusters.

Boeing said the two defective thrusters posed no risk to the rest of the spaceflight, which comes after more than two years of delays and costly engineering setbacks in a program designed to give NASA another vehicle for sending its astronauts to and from orbit.

Docking with ISS took place at 8:28 p.m. ET as the two vehicles flew 271 miles over the south Indian Ocean off the coast of Australia, according to commentators on a live NASA webcast of the linkup.

It marked the first time spacecraft from both of NASAs Commercial Crew Program partners were physically attached to the space station at the same time. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has been docked to the space station since delivering four astronauts to ISS in late April.

Boeings CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Bumpy Road Back to Orbit

Much was riding on the outcome, after an ill-fated first test flight in late 2019 nearly ended with the vehicles loss following a software glitch that effectively foiled the spacecrafts ability to reach the space station.

Subsequent problems with Starliners propulsion system, supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne, led Boeing to scrub a second attempt to launch the capsule last summer.

Starliner remained grounded for nine more months while the two companies sparred over what caused fuel valves to stick shut and which firm was responsible for fixing them, as Reuters reported last week.

Boeing said it ultimately resolved the issue with a temporary workaround and plans a redesign after this weeks flight.

Besides seeking a cause of thruster failures shortly after Thursdays launch, Boeing said that it was monitoring some unexpected behavior detected with Starliners thermal-control system, but that the capsules temperatures remained stable.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, Boeing mission commentator Steve Siceloff said during the NASA webcast.

The capsule is scheduled to depart the space station on Wednesday for a return-flight to Earth, ending with an airbag-softened parachute landing in the New Mexico desert.

A success is seen as pivotal to Boeing as the Chicago-based company scrambles to climb out of successive crises in its jetliner business and its space defense unit. The Starliner program alone has cost nearly $600 million in engineering setbacks since the 2019 mishap.

If all goes well with the current mission, Starliner could fly its first team of astronauts to the space station as early as the fall.

For now, the only passenger was a research dummy, whimsically named Rosie the Rocketeer and dressed in a blue flight suit, strapped into the commanders seat and collecting data on crew cabin conditions during the journey, plus 800 pounds of cargo to deliver to the space station.

The orbital platform is currently occupied by a crew of three NASA astronauts, a European Space Agency astronaut from Italy and three Russian cosmonauts.

Russias Roscosmos space agency Director General Dmitry Rogozin noted the docking in a social media post on Saturday, adding: The station is not in danger. Aboard the Russian segment of the ISS there is order.

Since resuming crewed flights to orbit from American soil in 2020, nine years after the space shuttle program ended, the U.S. space agency has had to rely solely on the Falcon 9 rockets and Crew Dragon capsules from Elon Musks company SpaceX to fly NASA astronauts.

Previously the only other option for reaching the orbital laboratory was by hitching rides aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

By Joey Roulette and Steve Gorman
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Boeings Starliner Capsule Docks With Space Station in Uncrewed Flight Test

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.Boeings new Starliner crew capsule docked for the first time with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, completing a major objective in a high stakes do-over test flight into orbit without astronauts aboard.

The rendezvous of the gumdrop-shaped CST-100 Starliner with the orbital research outpost, currently home to a seven-member crew, occurred nearly 26 hours after the capsule was launched from Cape Canaveral U.S. Space Force Base in Florida.

Starliner lifted off on Thursday atop an Atlas V rocket furnished by the Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance (ULA) and reached its intended preliminary orbit 31 minutes later despite the failure of two onboard thrusters.

Boeing said the two defective thrusters posed no risk to the rest of the spaceflight, which comes after more than two years of delays and costly engineering setbacks in a program designed to give NASA another vehicle for sending its astronauts to and from orbit.

Docking with ISS took place at 8:28 p.m. ET as the two vehicles flew 271 miles over the south Indian Ocean off the coast of Australia, according to commentators on a live NASA webcast of the linkup.

It marked the first time spacecraft from both of NASAs Commercial Crew Program partners were physically attached to the space station at the same time. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has been docked to the space station since delivering four astronauts to ISS in late April.

Boeings CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Bumpy Road Back to Orbit

Much was riding on the outcome, after an ill-fated first test flight in late 2019 nearly ended with the vehicles loss following a software glitch that effectively foiled the spacecrafts ability to reach the space station.

Subsequent problems with Starliners propulsion system, supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne, led Boeing to scrub a second attempt to launch the capsule last summer.

Starliner remained grounded for nine more months while the two companies sparred over what caused fuel valves to stick shut and which firm was responsible for fixing them, as Reuters reported last week.

Boeing said it ultimately resolved the issue with a temporary workaround and plans a redesign after this weeks flight.

Besides seeking a cause of thruster failures shortly after Thursdays launch, Boeing said that it was monitoring some unexpected behavior detected with Starliners thermal-control system, but that the capsules temperatures remained stable.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, Boeing mission commentator Steve Siceloff said during the NASA webcast.

The capsule is scheduled to depart the space station on Wednesday for a return-flight to Earth, ending with an airbag-softened parachute landing in the New Mexico desert.

A success is seen as pivotal to Boeing as the Chicago-based company scrambles to climb out of successive crises in its jetliner business and its space defense unit. The Starliner program alone has cost nearly $600 million in engineering setbacks since the 2019 mishap.

If all goes well with the current mission, Starliner could fly its first team of astronauts to the space station as early as the fall.

For now, the only passenger was a research dummy, whimsically named Rosie the Rocketeer and dressed in a blue flight suit, strapped into the commanders seat and collecting data on crew cabin conditions during the journey, plus 800 pounds of cargo to deliver to the space station.

The orbital platform is currently occupied by a crew of three NASA astronauts, a European Space Agency astronaut from Italy and three Russian cosmonauts.

Russias Roscosmos space agency Director General Dmitry Rogozin noted the docking in a social media post on Saturday, adding: The station is not in danger. Aboard the Russian segment of the ISS there is order.

Since resuming crewed flights to orbit from American soil in 2020, nine years after the space shuttle program ended, the U.S. space agency has had to rely solely on the Falcon 9 rockets and Crew Dragon capsules from Elon Musks company SpaceX to fly NASA astronauts.

Previously the only other option for reaching the orbital laboratory was by hitching rides aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

By Joey Roulette and Steve Gorman
president on Saturday met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in the national capital and discussed various issues concerning the country.

Rao is in Delhi as part of his week-long tour to attend national-level political and social programmes. Yadav met the chief minister at the latter's official residence on the Tughlaq Road here.

" chief met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," according to an official statement.

According to the Telangana chief minister's schedule, he will meet political, media and economic experts and also extend help to the families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Rao will also meet the families of those who died during the "fight for farmers' rights" against the Centre.

On May 22 afternoon, he will embark on his Chandigarh tour.

Rao will meet 600 families of farmers who laid down their lives during the nationwide farmers' agitation against the now-repealed Central farm laws.

As financial assistance, he will distribute Rs 3 lakh to each family. The cheque distribution will be taken up along with his Delhi and Punjab counterparts Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.

The assistance will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

On May 26, Rao will reach Bengaluru to meet former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. From there, he will go to Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra the following day to meet activist Anna Hazare. He will then travel to Shirdi and offer prayers to Sai Baba and return to Hyderabad the same day.

On May 29 and 30, he will embark on a tour of West Bengal and Bihar to meet the families of the soldiers who died in the Galwan Valley. He will extend assistance to those families, the release said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan's residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government's action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan's residence. The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the 'sanctity of the four walls' by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv. While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister's house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz's government if something happens to his party's Chairman. Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan's life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman's security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it. He criticised the Shehbaz Sharif government's security arrangements and said that they have not made any arrangements for the PTI Chairman but for the convicted person, special security is provided. Imran Khan had earlier alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him and also said that he even recorded a video where he has called out the name of alleged conspirators. Notably, Khan has announced a protest march toward Islamabad against the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led present government, terming it as US-conspired imported government. He called upon the people of Pakistan to join him in the protest adding that he neither bowed before anyone in a servile manner nor will let the people of Pakistan do that, Geo tv reported. (ANI)
Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan's residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government's action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan's residence. The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the 'sanctity of the four walls' by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv. While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister's house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz's government if something happens to his party's Chairman. Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan's life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman's security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it. He criticised the Shehbaz Sharif government's security arrangements and said that they have not made any arrangements for the PTI Chairman but for the convicted person, special security is provided. Imran Khan had earlier alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him and also said that he even recorded a video where he has called out the name of alleged conspirators. Notably, Khan has announced a protest march toward Islamabad against the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led present government, terming it as US-conspired imported government. He called upon the people of Pakistan to join him in the protest adding that he neither bowed before anyone in a servile manner nor will let the people of Pakistan do that, Geo tv reported. (ANI)
Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan's residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government's action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan's residence. The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the 'sanctity of the four walls' by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv. While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister's house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz's government if something happens to his party's Chairman. Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan's life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman's security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it. He criticised the Shehbaz Sharif government's security arrangements and said that they have not made any arrangements for the PTI Chairman but for the convicted person, special security is provided. Imran Khan had earlier alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him and also said that he even recorded a video where he has called out the name of alleged conspirators. Notably, Khan has announced a protest march toward Islamabad against the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led present government, terming it as US-conspired imported government. He called upon the people of Pakistan to join him in the protest adding that he neither bowed before anyone in a servile manner nor will let the people of Pakistan do that, Geo tv reported. (ANI)
Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan's residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government's action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan's residence. The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the 'sanctity of the four walls' by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv. While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister's house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz's government if something happens to his party's Chairman. Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan's life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman's security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it. He criticised the Shehbaz Sharif government's security arrangements and said that they have not made any arrangements for the PTI Chairman but for the convicted person, special security is provided. Imran Khan had earlier alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him and also said that he even recorded a video where he has called out the name of alleged conspirators. Notably, Khan has announced a protest march toward Islamabad against the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led present government, terming it as US-conspired imported government. He called upon the people of Pakistan to join him in the protest adding that he neither bowed before anyone in a servile manner nor will let the people of Pakistan do that, Geo tv reported. (ANI)
Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan's residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government's action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan's residence. The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the 'sanctity of the four walls' by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv. While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister's house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz's government if something happens to his party's Chairman. Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan's life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman's security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it. He criticised the Shehbaz Sharif government's security arrangements and said that they have not made any arrangements for the PTI Chairman but for the convicted person, special security is provided. Imran Khan had earlier alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him and also said that he even recorded a video where he has called out the name of alleged conspirators. Notably, Khan has announced a protest march toward Islamabad against the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led present government, terming it as US-conspired imported government. He called upon the people of Pakistan to join him in the protest adding that he neither bowed before anyone in a servile manner nor will let the people of Pakistan do that, Geo tv reported. (ANI)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.

Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


The Russian military said on Saturday it had destroyed a major consignment of Western arms in Ukraine's Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv, using sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles.

The defence ministry said in a statement the strike took out "a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the USA and European countries" and intended for Ukrainian troops in the eastern Donbas region where the fighting is concentrated.

Reuters could not independently verify the report, which also said Russian missiles had struck fuel storage facilities near Odesa on the Black Sea coast and shot down two Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft and 14 drones.

In its latest update on the war, which Russia calls a "special military operation", the defence ministry also said Russia had struck numerous Ukrainian command posts.

The West has stepped up weapons supplies to Ukraine since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion and Russia's military is trying to intercept and destroy them. Moscow says Western arms deliveries for Kyiv, and the imposition of drastic sanctions against the Russian economy, amount to a "proxy war" by the United States and its allies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bangkok, May 21 : Ace Indian shuttler P.V Sindhu crashed out of the Thailand Open 2022 after losing to Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Chen Yu Fei of China in the women's singles semi-final, here on Saturday.

Double Olympic medallist Sindhu, who had defeated the world No 1 Akane Yamaguchi in the quarter-finals of the BWF Super 500 event on Friday, lost the final-four match 17-21, 16-21 at the Impact Arena. Heading into the match, the Indian had won six of the 10 head-to-head meetings against the Chinese shuttler.

The match got off to an edgy start with both players committing multiple unforced errors but it was Chen Yu Fei who recovered first and went on to take an 11-7 lead.

Sindhu, seventh in the badminton world rankings, tried to mount a comeback after the restart and even cut down the gap to 17-15 but the fourth-ranked Chinese player continued to trouble the Indian at the backcourt and sealed the first game.

Trying to draw back level, Sindhu raced off the blocks in the second game and took an 11-8 lead at the interval but Chen Yu Fei pegged the Indian back after the resumption of play and took a 15-12 lead of her own.

Former world champion Sindhu tried desperately to claw her way back into the match but the Chinese shuttler was clinical and wrapped the match up in 43 minutes. Chen Yu Fei will face either Tai Tzu Ying or Ratchanok Intanon in the final on Sunday.

Sindhu's defeat brings to an end India's campaign at the Thailand Open 2022. Saina Nehwal and H.S Prannoy crashed out from the earlier rounds while Kidambi Srikanth pulled out at the round of 16 stage.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a news conference during the North Sea Summit on offshore wind energy at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, on May 18, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters)

EU Exploring Ways to Use Russian Oligarchs Frozen Assets to Rebuild Ukraine

BERLINThe European Union is looking into ways of using the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.

The commission proposed on Wednesday a 9 billion euro loan to Ukraine to keep the country going as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion and wants to set up a reconstruction facility for after the war.

Our lawyers are working intensively on finding possible ways of using frozen assets of the oligarchs for the rebuilding of Ukraine. I think Russia should also make its contribution, she told ZDF television.

Von der Leyen also said she favored coupling the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine with reforms needed for it to join the European Union.

While Ukrainians see their future within the EU, certain standards have to be met for membership in areas such as the rule of law and in the economic and political spheres, she said.

The accession process depends a lot on how the candidate behaves and what it does. Ukraine wants to join the EU at any price which means the motivation is great to undertake the reforms that are needed, she said.

We will have to co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine  it makes sense to tackle reforms at the same time, for example against corruption or building up the rule of law, she said.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.

Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.
Kochi, May 21 : Actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is on the run after being accused of rape has fled to Dubai, said Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju.

However, Babu's anticipatory bail plea is going to be heard in the Kerala High Court on Monday.

On Friday, the Kerala Police received information that Babu was hiding in Dubai for the past 4 weeks, and on Saturday, it was confirmed that he has flown to Georgia.

When Babu anticipated that the Kerala Police was getting ready to issue a Red Corner Notice, he decided to move to a country which does not have an extradition treaty with India. So, he chose Georgia.

"Even without an extradition treaty, we can bring him back through the Indian embassy. He cannot avoid the law," said Nagaraju adding that Babu's passport has been impounded.

Babu, according to police, is on the run after an actress from Kozhikode filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him several times in a flat in Kochi.

Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, adding that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant whom he also named.

The police, apart from the initial complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant.

She has also accused the actor of giving her intoxicants before sexually abusing her.

As soon as the case was registered, Babu, who was in Goa at that time, fled to Dubai.

The Kerala Police failed to get Babu back from Dubai, notwithstanding approaching the Indian embassy in the UAE.

Monday is going to be crucial for Babu and also for the police.

The Summerset Marine Construction in Eagle, Wis., in August 2019. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

6 Injured in Explosion and Fire at Wisconsin Pier Factory

EAGLE, Wis.Six people were hurt, including three firefighters, in an explosion and fire that rocked a Wisconsin marine construction company Thursday with a blast so thunderous it shook a nearby elementary school.

About 100 firefighters responded after the explosion and fire was reported at Summerset Marine Construction in the small Waukesha County community of Eaglea, at about 7:30 a.m., said Western Lakes Fire District Assistant Chief Matt Haerter.

Help came from as far away as Washington, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. Eagle is about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

About 30 tanker trucks were bringing water to the scene because of a lack of fire hydrants in the area.

Two of the injured, including a firefighter, were taken to a hospital for treatment, including one who was seriously injured. Two other people and two firefighters were treated at the scene, Haerter said.

Twenty-four people were in the building when the fire broke out and all, including the injured, were outside by the time firefighters arrived, Haerter said.

With diesel and liquid petroleum inside the burning building, multiple explosions continued for about 30 minutes after firefighters arrived, officials said. Because the metal building on fire was in danger of collapsing, firefighters attacked the flames from the exterior.

Although the plant is in an industrial area, it isnt far from Eagle Elementary School, where students were evacuated and sent to the middle-high school in Palmyra.

Palmyra-Eagle Area School District Superintendent Todd Gray said the principal told him there was some shaking at the elementary school when the explosion occurred.

Officials advised those living within a mile of the factory to keep their windows closed due to smoke.

The company makes piers and docks, with a 24,000-square-foot facility in Eagle that includes a showroom, office, factory and warehouse, according to its website.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

The killing in the Bronx was a crime committed among the young.

The shots that fatally struck Kyhara Tay, 11, on Monday afternoon were fired by a 15-year-old boy, according to the police.

Too young to even helm the motorized scooter on which he rode, the boy was being driven by an 18-year-old who had already twice been the victim of gun violence.

The intended target, who had ducked into a nearby entryway for cover, was 13.

In Fridays early morning hours, the 15-year-old was arrested in a hotel room and charged with firing the bullets that struck Kyhara, a bubbly sixth grader known as Kyky, who had been walking on Fox Street in boroughs Longwood section.

The suspect ended the life of a totally innocent, completely uninvolved 11-year-old girl, Commissioner Keechant Sewell said at a news conference where she announced that the boy would be charged with murder. I wont say she was in the wrong place, because why shouldnt an 11-year-old child be able to stand outside in broad daylight?
Pangong Tso lake is seen near the IndiaChina border in India's Ladakh area, on Sept. 14, 2017. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

Indian Spokesperson: China Building 2nd Bridge in Disputed Border Area

Reportedly in an advanced stage, the new construction will support heavier movement

India has received reports of the Chinese regime building a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a disputed border area in Eastern Ladakh that China has illegally occupied since the 1960s, an Indian government official said on May 20.

We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities, Arindam Bagchi, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesperson, said in a statement. We have made it clear on several occasions that the Union Territories of Jammu [and] Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and we expect other countries to respect Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement comes amid reports that China was building a new bridge, right next to the first bridge it built earlier this year, in an area claimed by India. China didnt respond to Indias claims by press time.

Damien Symon, an analyst at The Intel Lab, wrote on Twitter that satellite images indicate that a large bridge is being built on Pangong Lake, raising the likelihood that the new construction will support larger/heavier movement of the Chinese military over the lake.

The first bridge, which Symon referred to as a service bridge, was completed in April, while the second bridge is in an advanced stage, local media outlet Hindustan Times reported.

The current assessment indicates there could be a space or gap left to allow for the movement of boats under the second bridge as well, Symon said.

The new bridge is estimated to be 10 meters wide and 450 meters long.

According to local reports, the two bridges will enable Chinese troops to reduce travel time from the north bank to Rutrog, its key military base on the eastern end of the lake, by 150 kilometers (93 miles).

India has stepped up border infrastructure development in the areas since 2014, including roads and bridges, to protect its security interests. The government stated that it will monitor the areas developments and take all necessary measures to safeguard Indias sovereignty.

Both India and China have deployed thousands of troops on the high-altitude border since hand-to-hand fights reportedly killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh in June 2020.

Talks between senior military officers have made little progress, although there have been 15 rounds of talks between the two countries senior commanders.

Beijing has repeatedly said the border standoff doesnt represent the entirety of ChinaIndia relations, while New Delhi has maintained that peace along the frontier is essential for the two countries to work together.

Earlier in March, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Delhi and expressed Beijings intention to restore normalcy with India.

But Jaishankar said restoration of normalcy is impossible as long as the border situation remains abnormal, with the large deployments of Chinese forces in border areas.

If we are both committed to improving our ties, then this commitment must find full expression in ongoing disengagement talks, he told reporters.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Boeings Starliner Capsule Docks With Space Station in Uncrewed Flight Test

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.Boeings new Starliner crew capsule docked for the first time with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, completing a major objective in a high stakes do-over test flight into orbit without astronauts aboard.

The rendezvous of the gumdrop-shaped CST-100 Starliner with the orbital research outpost, currently home to a seven-member crew, occurred nearly 26 hours after the capsule was launched from Cape Canaveral U.S. Space Force Base in Florida.

Starliner lifted off on Thursday atop an Atlas V rocket furnished by the Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance (ULA) and reached its intended preliminary orbit 31 minutes later despite the failure of two onboard thrusters.

Boeing said the two defective thrusters posed no risk to the rest of the spaceflight, which comes after more than two years of delays and costly engineering setbacks in a program designed to give NASA another vehicle for sending its astronauts to and from orbit.

Docking with ISS took place at 8:28 p.m. ET as the two vehicles flew 271 miles over the south Indian Ocean off the coast of Australia, according to commentators on a live NASA webcast of the linkup.

It marked the first time spacecraft from both of NASAs Commercial Crew Program partners were physically attached to the space station at the same time. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has been docked to the space station since delivering four astronauts to ISS in late April.

Boeings CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on May 19, 2022. (Steve Nesius/Reuters)

Bumpy Road Back to Orbit

Much was riding on the outcome, after an ill-fated first test flight in late 2019 nearly ended with the vehicles loss following a software glitch that effectively foiled the spacecrafts ability to reach the space station.

Subsequent problems with Starliners propulsion system, supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne, led Boeing to scrub a second attempt to launch the capsule last summer.

Starliner remained grounded for nine more months while the two companies sparred over what caused fuel valves to stick shut and which firm was responsible for fixing them, as Reuters reported last week.

Boeing said it ultimately resolved the issue with a temporary workaround and plans a redesign after this weeks flight.

Besides seeking a cause of thruster failures shortly after Thursdays launch, Boeing said that it was monitoring some unexpected behavior detected with Starliners thermal-control system, but that the capsules temperatures remained stable.

This is all part of the learning process for operating Starliner in orbit, Boeing mission commentator Steve Siceloff said during the NASA webcast.

The capsule is scheduled to depart the space station on Wednesday for a return-flight to Earth, ending with an airbag-softened parachute landing in the New Mexico desert.

A success is seen as pivotal to Boeing as the Chicago-based company scrambles to climb out of successive crises in its jetliner business and its space defense unit. The Starliner program alone has cost nearly $600 million in engineering setbacks since the 2019 mishap.

If all goes well with the current mission, Starliner could fly its first team of astronauts to the space station as early as the fall.

For now, the only passenger was a research dummy, whimsically named Rosie the Rocketeer and dressed in a blue flight suit, strapped into the commanders seat and collecting data on crew cabin conditions during the journey, plus 800 pounds of cargo to deliver to the space station.

The orbital platform is currently occupied by a crew of three NASA astronauts, a European Space Agency astronaut from Italy and three Russian cosmonauts.

Russias Roscosmos space agency Director General Dmitry Rogozin noted the docking in a social media post on Saturday, adding: The station is not in danger. Aboard the Russian segment of the ISS there is order.

Since resuming crewed flights to orbit from American soil in 2020, nine years after the space shuttle program ended, the U.S. space agency has had to rely solely on the Falcon 9 rockets and Crew Dragon capsules from Elon Musks company SpaceX to fly NASA astronauts.

Previously the only other option for reaching the orbital laboratory was by hitching rides aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

By Joey Roulette and Steve Gorman
The Russian military said on Saturday it had destroyed a major consignment of Western arms in Ukraine's Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv, using sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles.

The defence ministry said in a statement the strike took out "a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the USA and European countries" and intended for Ukrainian troops in the eastern Donbas region where the fighting is concentrated.

Reuters could not independently verify the report, which also said Russian missiles had struck fuel storage facilities near Odesa on the Black Sea coast and shot down two Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft and 14 drones.

In its latest update on the war, which Russia calls a "special military operation", the defence ministry also said Russia had struck numerous Ukrainian command posts.

The West has stepped up weapons supplies to Ukraine since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion and Russia's military is trying to intercept and destroy them. Moscow says Western arms deliveries for Kyiv, and the imposition of drastic sanctions against the Russian economy, amount to a "proxy war" by the United States and its allies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A train hit two teenage students riding an electric bicycle when they were crossing the railway in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, killing one of them and injuring the other.

A representative of Ngoc Hoi Gas Station under the Vietnam Railways Corporation said later on the same afternoon that functional forces are clarifying the cause of the collision between the SE5 train, which was traveling from Hanoi to north-central Nghe An Province, and the two students electric bike at 1:55 pm.

While the boys were crossing a railway section in parallel with Ngoc Hoi Street in Thanh Tri District, Hanoi on their way to school, the train hit and knocked them about 20 meters away, according to the representative.

The electric bicycle was badly damaged while one student died on the spot and the other was seriously injured and was taken to hospital.

Both of the boys were born in 2008 and are students of Van Dien Town Middle School in Thanh Tri District.

The crossing they traveled on was spontaneously built by local residents, with authorities erecting a warning sign against using it.

The accident caused the SE5 train to be suspended for 15 minutes.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.





BEDFORD  After a 25-year career serving the town of Bedford in both fire service and, for a time, in a law enforcement capacity, town Fire Chief Brad Creasy is stepping down to accept a new position.

Starting Monday, Creasy will begin his job as the executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, a gubernatorial appointment overseeing an agency responsible for the delivery of educational programs to Virginias fire service.

Its a great opportunity. Im really looking forward to the challenges that will come with that, Creasy said.

The move was not something Creasy had been chasing; rather, the opportunity came up, and he chose to take it.

In the state-level role, Creasy said he is most looking forward to meeting stakeholders in the fire service industry throughout the commonwealth and gather feedback on how to make fire service better as a whole. Having been in the profession himself for so long, Creasy is well acquainted with some of the challenges facing his colleagues, though he declined to elaborate on specifics.

I think thats one of the factors that made me a good candidate for the position, is that I have been a stakeholder for the last 25 years. I am as familiar with some of the agency shortcomings as anyone, so I can come in and already know, as an external customer, that there are issues that we need to address and improve on, Creasy said.

He added the agency overall does a phenomenal job with the resources it has.

Reflecting on his career with the town, Creasy said there is no one particular experience that stands out as most memorable to him.

I think my greatest memory would be seeing our people grow as firefighters and leaders. Thats from probationary firefighters who successfully complete the basic firefighter academy, to the senior firefighter who has worked his or her way into a position of leadership, he said. Those have been the most enjoyable memories for me.

Under his leadership as chief, Creasy said he is most proud of the technological upgrades the volunteer fire department obtained to make the agency more efficient, as well as being awarded certain grants to help not only fund equipment updates, but provide a small stipend for the fire departments volunteer workers on their stand-by and per-call basis.

Weve had the opportunity to accomplish some great things over the past 15 years. Some were very small, and some were very significant to either cost or impact, he said.

Being at the helm of the small department during a pandemic was unexpected, but Creasy said thanks to following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and health precautions from the very beginning, quarantines were greatly limited within the department, which allowed operations to run relatively smoothly.

The town fire departments deputy and assistant chiefs will take over department operations until a new chief is voted on by the department and is then officially appointed by town council to fill Creasys vacancy.

Brads level of professionalism and attention to detail has had a tremendously positive impact upon Company 1, said Bart Warner, town manager. Brad has also been committed to constant improvement  even when things have already operated at an optimal level. I think he leaves a legacy of pride and achievement that our colleagues will carry forward after his departure.

Warner said he will miss Creasy, a long-time colleague and friend, although he is proud and excited for this step up.

Its been a true honor and privilege for me to be around Brad  both personally and professionally, Warner said.
One of the most revealing features of this election campaign was the way voters were shown the worst of Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese in the relentless effort by each leader to tear the other down.

The personal contest between the prime minister and the Labor leader put questions of character at the heart of the 2022 election in what the government wanted to be a contrast between weakness and strength.

Morrison, whose admission that he was a bit of a bulldozer was one of the memorable moments of the campaign, worked every day to paint Albanese as too weak, too inexperienced, too inept for the job.

The government put all its bets on Morrison as the strong leader who could manage the budget and handle the challenge of China and the global insecurity unleashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with a plea to voters to keep Morrison even if they did not like him.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Casting your ballot in your trackies at your childs primary school, before grabbing a sausage or a lamington on your way out, makes election day seem a casual affair. However, the levels of security and scrutiny applied to our votes make it anything but. Its a major operation, with more than 100,000 people called in to work for the Australian Electoral Commission on polling day. What happens to those green and white pieces of paper once you pop them in their respective cardboard boxes? And who does all the vote counting? Credit:Monique Westermann/Getty Images Forget fancy machines. Votes are counted by hand Manually counting something as significant as Australias election result might seem vintage. But its done by hand because its so important, and the count needs to be exactly right. Australian National University politics lecturer Jill Sheppard says the Australian Electoral Commission, the agency responsible for conducting the election, is yet to be convinced theres a better way, and I think theyre right. At 6pm on election night, the doors at polling booths will be locked, and the ballots emptied from their boxes on to a large table.

Advertisement

First, the electoral officials will count how many ballots were cast. This is to match the number of ballots cast with the number issued on the day, says University of Sydney politics lecturer Stewart Jackson. Then theyll start counting House of Representatives ballots because that ones at least vaguely easy to count. Lower house ballots list the candidates in a seat. Voters must number all the boxes in order of their preference (thus, preferential voting). The AEC treats ballot papers like gold. Loading The votes are sorted into piles according to their first preferences then counted. Then comes the two-candidate preferred count, which gives an early indication of who is most likely to win the seat by showing how preferences are likely to flow to the two candidates the AEC has identified as the most likely contenders. The full count, which happens later, is a systematic process that starts with the candidate with the least first preference votes being eliminated from the race and their voting papers redistributed according to who was listed second on each ballot. This process of eliminating the least popular candidates and redistributing the preferences of those who voted for them continues until a clear winner and runner-up is identified. Meanwhile, the Senate ballots are sorted only by the first preferences indicated above the line. (More on that later.) Voting above the line means numbering political parties from one to six in order of preference.

Advertisement

Counting House of Representatives ballots in 2019 at Old Parliament House, in Canberra. Credit:Courtesy the AEC Victory and concession speeches are based on an indicative count only The preliminary counting to ascertain a clear winner and runner-up is whats called the indicative count. Its what is provided to parties, media and electoral analysts on the night to form a good idea about who will form government. When the victory speeches are made on the night, or a candidate concedes defeat, this is what its based on. Officials never formally declare a result on election night. This is done in the days and weeks after, when all the postal, pre-poll votes and absentee votes (those deposited outside a voters electorate) are accounted for. On election night, vote counting stops at midnight, local time, by which time the commission expects that all votes cast on the day will have been counted  as will most votes cast in previous days of polling. The only pre-poll votes not counted on the night are the ones that have to travel across the country to their home electorate  if someone casts a pre-poll vote in an electorate they dont live in, this must travel to the electorate it belongs to in order to be counted. Most of this travel happens on the Sunday. Counting of postal votes will begin on Sunday afternoon  earlier than previous elections, when it kicked off on the Tuesday. But with 2.7 million postal votes to count, up from 1.5 million in 2019, the commission says if the numbers are close, there might not be an indicative result on election night. (There are 17 million people enrolled to vote.) Each ballot gets a second and third pair of eyes

Advertisement

Sheppard often wonders how difficult it would be to rig an Australian election. Its just impossible, she says. The AEC treats ballot papers like gold. As officials count the ballot, there are others employed by the commission on the day to make sure everything is being done correctly. Then there are the scrutineers, volunteers attending on behalf of candidates to oversee the process. Sheppard says the scrutineers can get pretty bolshie if theres a close count. If you number your ballot one to six, but your four looks a bit like a five, the scrutineer asks for the counter to stop, and they discuss whether it should be allowed or not, she says. Voting in Antarctica, 2019. Credit:Courtesy of AEC After the initial count, ballots are placed in plastic sleeves sealed with tamper-evident tape, which go into waterproof containers secured with cable ties The electoral officer in charge of the polling station then drives the ballots to a centralised warehouse  where the votes are all counted again, by hand. You do something important, you do it twice, says the AECs media director Evan Ekin-Smyth. On the Monday following the election, the count will be repeated at the centralised facility, which is shared by multiple electorates. For example, in Queanbeyan the warehouse team will be doing the counting operation for the three ACT divisions as well as Eden-Monaro.

Advertisement

This is also where the postal votes are counted, which the AEC must wait to arrive for up to 13 days after the election. The first preferences for the Senate ballot are also counted again, before they are repackaged and sent to a (cue ominous music) Central Senate Scrutiny site in each state and territory for ... more counting. When is a vote informal? Some votes cant be counted. These are called informal votes, and can include ballots that are blank or unmarked, contain ticks or crosses instead of numbers, have something on them that identifies the voter, or simply dont have the required number of boxes unmarked. There was a famous incident in a general election where someone had crossed out names of candidates. Theyd numbered the boxes correctly but inserted the names of supercar drivers, says politics lecturer Stewart Jackson. At the 2019 federal election, the longest Senate ballot paper (NSW) was more than one metre long with 105 candidates listed We said before only the first preferences for the Senate ballots were tallied in the indicative count. The rest of them are scanned into computers. Yes, computers pick up the counting at this point. This is because of a rule change in 2016 that gave voters the option of numbering their preferences both above the line or below the line. We couldnt do it any other way in the timeframe allowed, says Ekin-Smyth. Full, manual Senate counts, we just cant do them any more; it would take six months.

Advertisement





Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.



For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], May 21 (ANI/NewsVoir): EduSocio tech startup, XOOG has raised USD 150K in their pre-seed round with a series of institutional and individual investors investing in the startup. The strategic investors who participated in this round were Seetharaman Thiruvenkatam, Kavitha Seetharaman, Prasad Prabhakaran and Prashanth Prabhakaran. The round also saw further participation from existing investor Marwari Catalysts, India's fastest growing startup accelerator. The seed capital will be utilised for improving the value proposition by enhancing the ecosystem for talent showcasing and enrichment, to onboard more users using performance marketing and growth hack, expand their product engineering team and to accelerate its product-led growth in order to expand its footprint in India as well as globally. Founded by Karishma Seetharaman and Ritvik Raj Prasannakumar in 2020, XOOG is building a safe ecosystem for talent showcasing and enrichment. The startup provides a Safe Social platform with skill clubs for students to showcase, compete and earn rewards. Based in Bangalore, this gamified reward-based platform enables students to be a part of various skill clubs like Rubik's, Art, Music and more, showcase their skills, achievements on a safe feed, get rated by their peers, participate in challenges & competitions and earn real life rewards and scholarships. In today's date, where students learn various skills from various educators, EdTech organisations or the courses but the hard truth is that the parents are not really aware of their kids interests, progress , or where they stand among their peers. Also, most of the time students dropout after learning the basics due to lack of a structured roadmap with an end goal, lack of knowing where they stand and lack of a structured approach on how to improve further. To rectify this situation, XOOG has an innovative ranking mechanism and algorithm for above mentioned skills which makes it a trustable, safe, engaging and fun brand with community focused for parents and students to understand more about their skills, progress and interests and enable them to make better decisions when it comes to their future in education. Commenting on the fund raise, Karishma Seetharaman, Co-founder & CTO, XOOG says, "We have always wanted to do something in the field of education because it is one area where we can make a huge impact in a lot of lives. On today's date it is painful to see students labelled as failures at the age of 10-12 based on their academic performances but we wanted to make a difference by letting students shine at what they were born for." She further elaborates, "To make this vision a reality, with XOOG we help students showcase their skills, their daily learnings, achievements and progress to the world, get rated by their peers, enhance their future and earn scholarships and rewards in return. We are hereby delighted to receive this tremendous support from the strategic investors who have not only provided us with their financial support but also understand our business model deeply to support our vision of making talented individuals of tomorrow by giving them the right opportunities today." Accelerated by Marwari Catalysts, XOOG was selected out of 500 startups in the accelerator's cohort program, 'Thrive'. The EduSocio tech startup gives students the practical, real-life experience needed to gain confidence to pursue their interests and succeed in the longer run. Commenting on the announcement, Ritvik Raj Prasannakumar, Co-founder & CEO, XOOG says, "As a country, we are blessed with abundant talent and with a structured approach, anyone could build their future around it! Our students keep winning science competitions, spell bees on the international stage but they are extremely good at painting, singing, dancing and other areas too. One of the problems with Indian education is that we only focus on marks and exams. This leaves very little scope for students to realize their potential in other areas. For too long, a student's IQ (intelligence quotient) has been linked to his/her math and verbal skills, which is a skewed and narrow parameter to judge." He further adds, "But with XOOG, we are providing a platform for students to showcase their talent and also enable parents make better decisions for their children's education and skills." Sharing his opinion upon his investment, Seetharaman, MD of Shri Hari Venkateshwara Paper Mills says, "A range of viable career options are coming up in India, beyond the traditional vocations of engineering and medicine. And with the opening of new frontiers in the Indian Education sector that has paved the way for a comprehensive vision on education, XOOG is perfectly positioned in providing a platform for talented students to showcase their skills and as a result giving a new definition to the education system of India." XOOG has seen aggressive growth in terms of enrolments, since its launch in 2020. "We believe in XOOG's vision and are positive about the EdTech industry, the model, the product, and most importantly, the executing team to make XOOG a flagship name for talent discovery & enrichment in the times to come," says Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO, Marwari Catalysts. Further adding he says, "Being a part of the Edtech industry for the past 10 years, I understand the need of addressing the skills gap and XOOG has created social clubs that match the present and future requirements for students. We are excited to work with the passionate founding team of XOOG that sees this gap clearly and aspires to bridge it." Sharing his rationale, Devesh Rakhecha, Founder & COO, Marwari Catalysts says, "Over the next 10 years, the EdTech industry will be revolutionised, which direly needs new concepts as well as upgradation. With XOOG, we plan to be pioneers in this upheaval task of talent discovery and enrichment, which our current education system lacks. Together with the founding team, we are looking to create progressive pathways for the students who are in our skill ecosystem, by ensuring they not only get recognised because of their talent, but are hand-held and get rewarded. I am confident that the latest funding will further accelerate their growth trajectory and will help the startup carve a niche for itself." On a concluding note, XOOG's founding team also comments, "We are thrilled to have Marwari Catalysts as a partner in building XOOG. Their experience of working with entrepreneurs to build strong organisations and brands with rapid scale-up is a very apt fit for us at this stage in our growth journey." For its future journey, the startup now plans to raise USD 500K in the next 3 months. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Your storiesOlga and Sasha are trying as best they can to resume normal activities, work, outings. They are happy to see Ukraine winning the Eurovision song contest and follow the latest developments in the evacuation of the injured from the Azovstal factory. For the twelfth week, the Ukrainian sisters agreed to keep a diary of their daily life during the war in Ukraine.

Olga and Sasha are two Ukrainian sisters. Olga is 34 years old and is working in a wine shop in Paris, where she has been living for seven years. Her younger sister Sasha, 33 years old, lives in Kyiv with her mother and partner, Viktor. Sasha has recently moved into a small apartment, alone with her dog, in the same building as her friend Y. Since the beginning of the conflict, the two sisters have agreed to keep a diary for M.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Olga: I came back this evening from Burgundy. My training went very well, the tasting workshops were great. There were 13 of us at the table in the evening. Nobody asked direct questions about the war, even though I said 4 or 5 times that I was Ukrainian. I do it on purpose to push people to talk about it. One girl did come up to me after the meal. People are so removed from it here. Some people make an effort, but the majority don't care at all. At the end of the dinner, one participant even made a joke about Ukrainians and vodka. How sad. After the training, I had the idea of educating people about Ukrainian wine. I'll organize an event at the store.

Sasha: This morning I have another job interview. I still haven't heard from the previous ones, but I'm staying optimistic. At the same time, I am starting to take students for French classes. They are acquaintances who are living abroad. One of them has left to take refuge in France and wants to learn the language. The other one is working in Asia and wants to develop business with France.

I went to Z.'s coffee shop (Z. is Y.'s sister), had a cappuccino and a croissant. And I started to prepare for my classes and my interview. Many of my friends are coming back to Kyiv at the end of this week. After spending three days with me, Mom had to go home and back to work. Every time we say goodbye, my heart sinks, even though I know everything is fine. At least for now.

More in this series: Subscribers only 'I'm obsessed with the idea that Putin might use nuclear weapons': The diary of two sisters separated by the war in Ukraine

Wednesday, May 11th

Olga: Driving lesson this morning. It's exasperating: I suck, I'm scared, I feel tense when I drive. I yelled at the instructor.

I remember my first visit to France in 2003. The choir I used to sing in at the time used to take part in a lot of competitions and concerts in Ukraine and abroad. We went to sing in Rouen. The church was absolutely magnificent. The father of the host family asked me: "Is Ukraine a region of russia [sic]?" [Olga and Sasha have chosen to write "russian," "russia" and "putin" in lowercase] I was 14 years old, but I was shocked. At school, we learnt all about geopolitics. I knew where Honduras, Libya, Lille and Marseille were.

You have 76.75% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
In March 2020, New York State established an early Covid-19 lockdown zone in Westchester County, near the offices of Archie Comics. The world was about to change, recalled Archie editor-in-chief Mike Pellerito. We had to act quickly and figure out a way to stay in business, he said. Pellerito credited Archie CEO Jon Goldwater with doing what was best for the companys staff. Virtually overnight, Pellerito said, Archie shut down its offices, moved to a smaller space, and completely rethought the business.

Archie Comics, which marked its 80th anniversary in 2021, has about 20 full-time staff in its Pelham, N.Y., offices, along with scores of freelancers around the world, Pellerito said. Workflows had to be redesigned: writers and artists (some of whom still submitted assignments on paper via the mail) were switched to digital submissions only, and, Pellerito said, we were on Zoom every day, working from home became normal, and we found a way to make this new situation work.

Pellerito said that despite the pandemic, shutdowns, and supply chain problems, Archie Comics had one of its best years in 2021. He cited several reasons: a venerable roster of such beloved characters as Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead; an energized global Archie fan base; new, diverse characters; a strategic embrace of Kickstarter to crowdfund special book projects; and a continued focus on trade book publishing (including partnerships with Little Bee, Scholastic, and Webtoon).

Archie can seem like a time capsule, but we keep evolving, and Archie can still resonate with a kid today, Pellerito said. In addition to its periodical comics, Archie publishes about 80 book titles per year, in addition to scores of Archie Digests (the small fan-favorite paperbacks collecting past comics) and special book collections.

Under Pellerito and Jamie Rotante, Archies senior director of editorial (and an Archie writer as well), the house launched a series of titles in 2021 featuring its classic characters over the years, including Archies Pals n Gals (the 1950s to the 1990s) and Betty and Veronica Decades: The 1960s; the house also marked Archies 80th anniversary with more classic material, including The Best of Archie Comics: 80 Years, 80 Stories and Archie: 80 Years of Christmas, while also showcasing the contemporary Archie universe in Riverdale: The Ties That Bind, an original graphic novel based on the ongoing Riverdale TV series. We couldnt keep the books on the shelves, Rotante said.

Archie also turned to Kickstarter to mark the 10th anniversary of Kevin Keller, Archies groundbreaking LGBTQ fan-favorite character, raising nearly $73,000 to fund the publication of the Kevin Keller Celebration Omnibus, a 720-page, $50 hardcover commemorative volume that collects every Kevin Keller story published. Taking note of the growing popularity of mobile manga-style webcomics apps, Rotante said the house partnered with Webtoon in 2021 to launch a new webcomic series based on Big Ethel, a lessor-known Archie character who left Riverdale after high school but returns as a journalist to write a story about the small town. The Big Ethel webcomic got a great response, Rotante said, so now the popular digital series will be released as a print volume, Archie: Big Ethel Energy, in fall 2022.

Representation is important: race, body type, disabilities, we want all kinds of characters in our books, Pellerito said, emphasizing Archies commitment to adding new diverse characters and reviving overlooked characters. The house brought in queer and disabled comics writer Tee Franklin (author of the acclaimed Bingo Love queer seniors romance graphic novel) to create biracial queer teen Eliza Han, and reveal that Harper Lodge, Veronicas disabled cousin, is also bisexual. The house also added Stacy Banks, a Black teen software genius, to its lineup of new Archie characters.

Theres a lot more Archie coming in 2022 in books and other media. Theres Bite-Sized Archiean Archie print title featuring collected original short comics that first appeared online, out this monthand a book marking the 60th anniversary of Sabrina, the teen witch (Sabrina: 60 Magical Stories) coming in fall 2022. Theres also an even bigger book (years in the making, Pellerito said) set for fall: The Archie Encyclopedia, a 300-page tome with profiles of every character in the Archie comics library, which can function as an alluring collectors item as well as a comprehensive reference work. On the media side, the CW Network has renewed the Archie TV series Riverdale for a seventh season, and Archie in Bollywood (renamed The Archies), a newly developed live-action musical adaptation of the Archie series set in India, is currently in production at Netflix.

Archie is huge in India, Pellerito said, noting that Archie has done stories aimed at fans there for years. Weve done conventions in India, and theres a cross-pollination with the fans. Now that theres a Netflix production we can do a graphic novel project with the Archie in India stories. Its amazing to see the vast appeal that Archie has around the globe.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
Now that some of us are planning to travel again, however tentatively, its time to consider the delicious question of vacation reading. Everyone has their own idea of what it should look like. Mine was formed at the end of a holiday weekend in middle school in the 1970s, when my friend Michelle and I pretzeled ourselves into her parents station wagon for the long, dull ride to New York from Massachusetts.

The end of a vacation is an occasion for sadness. There were no cellphones to amuse us back then, and the darkness prevented us from flirting with cute boys in other cars. We were beset by ennui in the way of the sisters in Nancy Mitfords Pursuit of Love, endlessly speculating about what time it was. What saved us was the single book Michelle produced from her bag, in a hail-Mary literary move: The Silver Crown, by Robert C. OBrien.

Reading that book in that car at that time transformed one of the worst parts of traveling  the actual traveling  into an interlude of delight. The Silver Crown is the story of a girl who receives a shimmery crown on her 10th birthday and is then pursued by mysterious figures with nefarious intent. It thrilled and unsettled us. We took turns reading by flashlight  Michelle read a chapter, and then I did, passing the book back and forth as we sprawled out in the interstices between the luggage and the bags of groceries in our little no-seatbelt fort in the very back of the car.

I cant remember what we did the rest of the weekend, but it was the best car trip Ive ever taken, and it forever cemented in me the idea that a vacation book doesnt need to have anything to do with where you are; it can be a destination in itself. By taking you out of your head in those in-between moments  waiting at the gate to board the plane, riding in the back of the bus between cities, lying in bed during the first night of jet-lagged insomnia in a faraway country  it can restore you to yourself. It cures your boredom, soothes your anxiety and provides stability and constancy.

The bail application was reviewed by the additional district and session court judge Abida Sajjad. The female star was granted an interim bail till May 27, the Dawn reported.

The lawyer of the TikToker argued that she did not fire the forest but it was already under fire when she visited there.

Her counsel also mentioned that the forest area does not fall within the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

The female social media figure had applied for pre-arrest bail after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against her.

The court has sought report from Kohsar police station, the Dawn reported.

Recently, a video of the TikToker went viral on social media bringing her severe criticism after posing for a TikTok video of a forest fire.

In 15 seconds video that has gone viral on the internet, she was seen walking playfully in a gown in front of a burning hillside with the caption: "Fire erupts wherever I am."

The short clip which received backlash has since been taken down.

Pakistan is the eighth-most vulnerable country to extreme weather caused by climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.

Experts say there is ignorance among the Pakistani population about environmental issues. Forest fires are common from April to July due to high temperatures and slash-and-burn farming. (ANI)
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.

The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
In March 2020, New York State established an early Covid-19 lockdown zone in Westchester County, near the offices of Archie Comics. The world was about to change, recalled Archie editor-in-chief Mike Pellerito. We had to act quickly and figure out a way to stay in business, he said. Pellerito credited Archie CEO Jon Goldwater with doing what was best for the companys staff. Virtually overnight, Pellerito said, Archie shut down its offices, moved to a smaller space, and completely rethought the business.

Archie Comics, which marked its 80th anniversary in 2021, has about 20 full-time staff in its Pelham, N.Y., offices, along with scores of freelancers around the world, Pellerito said. Workflows had to be redesigned: writers and artists (some of whom still submitted assignments on paper via the mail) were switched to digital submissions only, and, Pellerito said, we were on Zoom every day, working from home became normal, and we found a way to make this new situation work.

Pellerito said that despite the pandemic, shutdowns, and supply chain problems, Archie Comics had one of its best years in 2021. He cited several reasons: a venerable roster of such beloved characters as Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead; an energized global Archie fan base; new, diverse characters; a strategic embrace of Kickstarter to crowdfund special book projects; and a continued focus on trade book publishing (including partnerships with Little Bee, Scholastic, and Webtoon).

Archie can seem like a time capsule, but we keep evolving, and Archie can still resonate with a kid today, Pellerito said. In addition to its periodical comics, Archie publishes about 80 book titles per year, in addition to scores of Archie Digests (the small fan-favorite paperbacks collecting past comics) and special book collections.

Under Pellerito and Jamie Rotante, Archies senior director of editorial (and an Archie writer as well), the house launched a series of titles in 2021 featuring its classic characters over the years, including Archies Pals n Gals (the 1950s to the 1990s) and Betty and Veronica Decades: The 1960s; the house also marked Archies 80th anniversary with more classic material, including The Best of Archie Comics: 80 Years, 80 Stories and Archie: 80 Years of Christmas, while also showcasing the contemporary Archie universe in Riverdale: The Ties That Bind, an original graphic novel based on the ongoing Riverdale TV series. We couldnt keep the books on the shelves, Rotante said.

Archie also turned to Kickstarter to mark the 10th anniversary of Kevin Keller, Archies groundbreaking LGBTQ fan-favorite character, raising nearly $73,000 to fund the publication of the Kevin Keller Celebration Omnibus, a 720-page, $50 hardcover commemorative volume that collects every Kevin Keller story published. Taking note of the growing popularity of mobile manga-style webcomics apps, Rotante said the house partnered with Webtoon in 2021 to launch a new webcomic series based on Big Ethel, a lessor-known Archie character who left Riverdale after high school but returns as a journalist to write a story about the small town. The Big Ethel webcomic got a great response, Rotante said, so now the popular digital series will be released as a print volume, Archie: Big Ethel Energy, in fall 2022.

Representation is important: race, body type, disabilities, we want all kinds of characters in our books, Pellerito said, emphasizing Archies commitment to adding new diverse characters and reviving overlooked characters. The house brought in queer and disabled comics writer Tee Franklin (author of the acclaimed Bingo Love queer seniors romance graphic novel) to create biracial queer teen Eliza Han, and reveal that Harper Lodge, Veronicas disabled cousin, is also bisexual. The house also added Stacy Banks, a Black teen software genius, to its lineup of new Archie characters.

Theres a lot more Archie coming in 2022 in books and other media. Theres Bite-Sized Archiean Archie print title featuring collected original short comics that first appeared online, out this monthand a book marking the 60th anniversary of Sabrina, the teen witch (Sabrina: 60 Magical Stories) coming in fall 2022. Theres also an even bigger book (years in the making, Pellerito said) set for fall: The Archie Encyclopedia, a 300-page tome with profiles of every character in the Archie comics library, which can function as an alluring collectors item as well as a comprehensive reference work. On the media side, the CW Network has renewed the Archie TV series Riverdale for a seventh season, and Archie in Bollywood (renamed The Archies), a newly developed live-action musical adaptation of the Archie series set in India, is currently in production at Netflix.

Archie is huge in India, Pellerito said, noting that Archie has done stories aimed at fans there for years. Weve done conventions in India, and theres a cross-pollination with the fans. Now that theres a Netflix production we can do a graphic novel project with the Archie in India stories. Its amazing to see the vast appeal that Archie has around the globe.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday issued another notice to Amravati MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana regarding illegal construction in their house located in the Khar area of Mumbai. Unsatisfied with the reply from the Rana couple over the notice on Friday, BMC again sent the notice, seeking a reply to the same and asking them to submit it within seven days of the receipt of the notice. Rana couple themselves will have to remove illegal construction, otherwise, BMC itself will get the demolition done. The BMC had already sent a notice to the couple recently arrested over the Hanuman Chalisa row under Section 488 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, according to which, officials can visit any building and ascertain whether any illegal alterations have been undertaken. The couple was arrested on April 23 from their Mumbai residence after declaring that they would recite the Hanuman Chalisa outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's home in Bandra. They were booked in two FIRs lodged on charges of sedition, promoting enmity, and assaulting a public servant to prevent discharge of duty. (ANI)
But the contest for Warringah retained some of the acrimony of the 2019 fight. Deves placards were torn down the night before election day and police were called to a booth at one point.

This year her thumping victory triggered immediate questions about Liberal preselection process that selected Deves, but former prime minister Tony Abbott insisted that neither she nor the Liberal Party had failed.

Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a victory that foreshadowed the appeal of the teal movement that crystallised in this election.

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, increasing her margin over the Liberal Party as she fended off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people.

It was clear by very early counting that Deves could not win. By the time she began her concession speech at around 9.30pm, counting showed the Liberal primary vote had gone backward about 6 per cent from the 2019 loss, leaving Steggall with about 60 per cent of the vote.

Steggall said she would not consider forming a political party, despite now being a veteran among the raft of successful teal candidates. Im here as an independent, Steggall said. We need to think past the idea of a political party.

She said Australians were more united than they were given credit for and were turned off by negative politics. They dont want it anymore. The fact that I think the crossbench can work collaboratively really well with both sides of politics... It is a real moment for the major parties to rethink the arrogance that they dont have to consult with communities anymore.

In her concession speech, Deves rejected claims that she was preselected as part of a culture war play, saying her words on trans people had been repeatedly distorted and she had run to be a real voice for Warringah.

You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful at the Balgowlah Bowling Club and later affirmed she plans to run again for the party.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
One of the most revealing features of this election campaign was the way voters were shown the worst of Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese in the relentless effort by each leader to tear the other down.

The personal contest between the prime minister and the Labor leader put questions of character at the heart of the 2022 election in what the government wanted to be a contrast between weakness and strength.

Morrison, whose admission that he was a bit of a bulldozer was one of the memorable moments of the campaign, worked every day to paint Albanese as too weak, too inexperienced, too inept for the job.

The government put all its bets on Morrison as the strong leader who could manage the budget and handle the challenge of China and the global insecurity unleashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with a plea to voters to keep Morrison even if they did not like him.
One of the most revealing features of this election campaign was the way voters were shown the worst of Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese in the relentless effort by each leader to tear the other down.

The personal contest between the prime minister and the Labor leader put questions of character at the heart of the 2022 election in what the government wanted to be a contrast between weakness and strength.

Morrison, whose admission that he was a bit of a bulldozer was one of the memorable moments of the campaign, worked every day to paint Albanese as too weak, too inexperienced, too inept for the job.

The government put all its bets on Morrison as the strong leader who could manage the budget and handle the challenge of China and the global insecurity unleashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with a plea to voters to keep Morrison even if they did not like him.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
The lockdowns had an effect on them as well, says Lucas. It was traumatic, and nothing was normalised. I dont hold anyone to account. People did what they had to do. With 500 staff at 80 Collins Street (including Society, Lillian and buzzy downstairs Japanese grill Yakimono) and nearly 1500 more at his other venues (Flinders Lane steakhouse Grill Americano opened in March), Lucas says over the past two pandemic years he often felt like the captain of struggling ship. He organised daily free meals for staff who needed them, employed two psychologists and paid the equivalent of JobKeeper to 120 foreign workers who didnt qualify for government support. It was traumatic: Chris Lucas with Vicki Wild and Martin Benn at Society in May 2021. Credit:Kristoffer Paulsen I felt a deep sense of obligation to people and thats why under no circumstances could I accept losing any staff. Yes, we pivoted to takeaway, but we also, I think, went from being a restaurant business [to] sort of like a  multifaceted psychologist/social services business. Sixty per cent of the time we were dealing with human issues. On Melbourne hospitalitys nadir  a lockdown called just before Valentines Day in 2021  Lucas says the local industry threw out $30 million in food. The stakes were high personally (the pandemic has cost him millions, he says) and for the wider industry, which explains why he appointed himself unofficial spokesperson for hospitality and small business in the media.

Isnt there a danger, though, given the political divisions swirling around at the time, that some potential customers might have been left with a bad taste in their mouth? The bill for two at Lillian Brasserie. I think in life youve got to believe sometimes in things, and youve got to take a stand, he says. And youve got to cop the criticism that comes with it. I was prepared to do that because I was witnessing firsthand the destruction of everything that I knew near and dear. Lucas caught the hospitality bug growing up in a hotel run by his Greek immigrant father Con in Geelong. But his dads death when Lucas was only 15 set him on a different path. Honouring his late fathers wishes he went to Monash University, graduating with a science degree and majoring in pharmacology. You can tell that his love for science is never far away by the way his eyes light up talking about innovations in genomics. We are literally in the throes of curing a lot of very major long-term diseases like Alzheimers, hopefully MND, certainly lots of different cancers, he says, through the mapping of the human genome.

After uni, computer behemoth IBM snapped him up and he spent several years working in marketing and IT. He lived and worked a stint in Silicon Valley (Steve Jobs is an idol) and later made a fortune from a telecommunications start-up. It wasnt until his mid-40s, in 1995, that he returned to hospitality, opening up Number One Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. The Botanical in South Yarra was next, which he sold in 2007 for a reported $16 million. Many restaurants have followed, and another Melbourne venue is in the planning stages even as you read this. It begs the question: why so many? When youre a creative person, theres no off switch, he says. You know, I dont even understand the concept of retirement. My father died on the job. I dont want to use the nasty word - Rupert Murdoch - but hes 90 years of age and hes still going. Bob Hawke was still going at 70 years of age  If you look in the creative sphere, for instance, Spielberg is 70-something and still making amazing movies. But given how slim restaurant margins already are, and how precarious the hospitality industry has shown itself to be, isnt there a danger his creative drive will ultimately end in financial ruin?

Risk is built into a restaurateurs life, says Lucas. We probably take more risks in business than anyone else  with the exception of people in the movie or the theatre business. The theatre analogy is interesting. Lucas may be a savvy businessman but he delights in the effect a well-designed experience can have on a customer, as a director might seeing their film become a box-office smash. You also get the sense that Lucas enjoys the minor celebrity status that comes with being a cultural influencer. He rubs shoulders with a coterie of interesting, wealthy and powerful people every day. Lillian Brasseries crumbed King George whiting with gribiche sauce. Credit:Joe Armao Outside the restaurant world, Lucas has two hobbies: fishing (whiting and snapper in Port Phillip Bay) and reading (he has subscriptions to The New York Times and The Economist and is currently enjoying a book about Stephen A. Schwartzman, the CEO and co-founder of US investment giant Blackstone). He is a passionate wine collector (a 1961 Chateau Latour magnum worth $30 or $40 grand takes pride of place in his cellar) and later in the week hell be travelling to Burgundy and Bordeaux with his fiancee, Sarah Lew, to visit suppliers and take a much-needed rest from business. As we wind up our chat, Lucas is upbeat about Melbournes future. The crowds are back at the footy, hes excited about the recent announcement of a new contemporary art gallery and hes confident the citys CBD will thrive once more, if it can entice more people to live here.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Virginia Delegate Seeks to Bar Barnes & Noble from Selling Gender Queer Directly to Minors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.A Virginia delegate and congressional candidate have sought to prohibit Barnes and Noble from selling two booksGender Queer and A Court of Mist and Furydirectly to minors while a pending lawsuit in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines whether these two books meet obscenity standards.

The restraining orders, filed on Wednesday by state delegate Tim Anderson on behalf of Tommy Altman, a Republican candidate for Virginias second congressional district, followed Judge Pamela Baskervills orders on the same day, asking the publishers or authors of the two books to respond within 21 days to the allegation that the contents are obscene.

In the court order, Baskervill wrote that having reviewed Altmans original petition issue on April 28 and the books in question, the Court found probable cause to believe that the two books were obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anderson uploaded the court orders and described the ruling as a major legal victory. In another Facebook video on Thursday, he showed receipts of purchasing the two books at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Virginia Beach. So we got the books there, and theres no restrictions against purchasing these books, he said in the video.

Tim Andersons purchase receipt of Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury from a Barnes and Noble store in Virginia Beach, Va., on Apr. 25, 2022. (Courtesy of Tim Anderson)

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Barnes & Noble public relations wrote: As booksellers, we carry thousands of books whose subject matter some may find offensive. We live in a diverse society, and that diversity of opinion is reflected in the books we carry on our shelves that cater to the wide range of interests of our customers.

We ask that our customers respect our responsibility to offer this breadth of reading materials, and respect also that, while they chose not to purchase many of these themselves, they may be of interest to others, the statement continued.

In response to Barnes & Nobles statement, Anderson told The Epoch Times in a written comment: Mr. Altman is not requesting a ban of selling the books in question. He is requesting they not be sold to minors.

If a parent wishes to buy the books and give them to their child, that falls in the same category as a parent allowing a child to watch an R-rated movie, he added. We hope Barnes and Noble will do the right thing and identify there are sexually explicit books in its stores in Virginia Beach and take corrective action to restrict those books from sales to minors without further legal action being necessary.

Anderson and Altmans legal actions are viewed by some as censorship. A spokesperson of the American Booksellers Association told Bloomberg that he was deeply concerned about the potential effect on bookstores adopting self-censorship to survive. It is a booksellers constitutional right to carry and sell books as they see fit, without interference from the government, he added.

Anderson said he simply wanted age restrictions: There is no First Amendment right to distribute or sell sexually explicit materials to minors. Placing age restrictions on private companies selling sexually explicit materials happens everywhere in the United States. Minors are not allowed to go into movie theaters with R-rated movies without parent/guardian consent.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel with cartoon-style pictures, tells the story of nonbinary author Maia Kobabe from adolescence to adulthood.

It was the number one title removed from school libraries or classrooms, according to a report by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Over the nine months between July 2021 and March 2022, the book was banned in 30 school districts. The book is also listed as the most challenged book of 2021 by the American Library Association.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach School Board decided to pull Gender Queer from its school libraries after a workgroup review found pervasively vulgar content including illustrations depicting genitalia, bodily functions, and sexual acts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the two publishersBloomsbury Publishing for A Court of Mist and Fury and Lion Forge for Gender Queerfor comments.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Casting your ballot in your trackies at your childs primary school, before grabbing a sausage or a lamington on your way out, makes election day seem a casual affair. However, the levels of security and scrutiny applied to our votes make it anything but. Its a major operation, with more than 100,000 people called in to work for the Australian Electoral Commission on polling day. What happens to those green and white pieces of paper once you pop them in their respective cardboard boxes? And who does all the vote counting? Credit:Monique Westermann/Getty Images Forget fancy machines. Votes are counted by hand Manually counting something as significant as Australias election result might seem vintage. But its done by hand because its so important, and the count needs to be exactly right. Australian National University politics lecturer Jill Sheppard says the Australian Electoral Commission, the agency responsible for conducting the election, is yet to be convinced theres a better way, and I think theyre right. At 6pm on election night, the doors at polling booths will be locked, and the ballots emptied from their boxes on to a large table.

Advertisement

First, the electoral officials will count how many ballots were cast. This is to match the number of ballots cast with the number issued on the day, says University of Sydney politics lecturer Stewart Jackson. Then theyll start counting House of Representatives ballots because that ones at least vaguely easy to count. Lower house ballots list the candidates in a seat. Voters must number all the boxes in order of their preference (thus, preferential voting). The AEC treats ballot papers like gold. Loading The votes are sorted into piles according to their first preferences then counted. Then comes the two-candidate preferred count, which gives an early indication of who is most likely to win the seat by showing how preferences are likely to flow to the two candidates the AEC has identified as the most likely contenders. The full count, which happens later, is a systematic process that starts with the candidate with the least first preference votes being eliminated from the race and their voting papers redistributed according to who was listed second on each ballot. This process of eliminating the least popular candidates and redistributing the preferences of those who voted for them continues until a clear winner and runner-up is identified. Meanwhile, the Senate ballots are sorted only by the first preferences indicated above the line. (More on that later.) Voting above the line means numbering political parties from one to six in order of preference.

Advertisement

Counting House of Representatives ballots in 2019 at Old Parliament House, in Canberra. Credit:Courtesy the AEC Victory and concession speeches are based on an indicative count only The preliminary counting to ascertain a clear winner and runner-up is whats called the indicative count. Its what is provided to parties, media and electoral analysts on the night to form a good idea about who will form government. When the victory speeches are made on the night, or a candidate concedes defeat, this is what its based on. Officials never formally declare a result on election night. This is done in the days and weeks after, when all the postal, pre-poll votes and absentee votes (those deposited outside a voters electorate) are accounted for. On election night, vote counting stops at midnight, local time, by which time the commission expects that all votes cast on the day will have been counted  as will most votes cast in previous days of polling. The only pre-poll votes not counted on the night are the ones that have to travel across the country to their home electorate  if someone casts a pre-poll vote in an electorate they dont live in, this must travel to the electorate it belongs to in order to be counted. Most of this travel happens on the Sunday. Counting of postal votes will begin on Sunday afternoon  earlier than previous elections, when it kicked off on the Tuesday. But with 2.7 million postal votes to count, up from 1.5 million in 2019, the commission says if the numbers are close, there might not be an indicative result on election night. (There are 17 million people enrolled to vote.) Each ballot gets a second and third pair of eyes

Advertisement

Sheppard often wonders how difficult it would be to rig an Australian election. Its just impossible, she says. The AEC treats ballot papers like gold. As officials count the ballot, there are others employed by the commission on the day to make sure everything is being done correctly. Then there are the scrutineers, volunteers attending on behalf of candidates to oversee the process. Sheppard says the scrutineers can get pretty bolshie if theres a close count. If you number your ballot one to six, but your four looks a bit like a five, the scrutineer asks for the counter to stop, and they discuss whether it should be allowed or not, she says. Voting in Antarctica, 2019. Credit:Courtesy of AEC After the initial count, ballots are placed in plastic sleeves sealed with tamper-evident tape, which go into waterproof containers secured with cable ties The electoral officer in charge of the polling station then drives the ballots to a centralised warehouse  where the votes are all counted again, by hand. You do something important, you do it twice, says the AECs media director Evan Ekin-Smyth. On the Monday following the election, the count will be repeated at the centralised facility, which is shared by multiple electorates. For example, in Queanbeyan the warehouse team will be doing the counting operation for the three ACT divisions as well as Eden-Monaro.

Advertisement

This is also where the postal votes are counted, which the AEC must wait to arrive for up to 13 days after the election. The first preferences for the Senate ballot are also counted again, before they are repackaged and sent to a (cue ominous music) Central Senate Scrutiny site in each state and territory for ... more counting. When is a vote informal? Some votes cant be counted. These are called informal votes, and can include ballots that are blank or unmarked, contain ticks or crosses instead of numbers, have something on them that identifies the voter, or simply dont have the required number of boxes unmarked. There was a famous incident in a general election where someone had crossed out names of candidates. Theyd numbered the boxes correctly but inserted the names of supercar drivers, says politics lecturer Stewart Jackson. At the 2019 federal election, the longest Senate ballot paper (NSW) was more than one metre long with 105 candidates listed We said before only the first preferences for the Senate ballots were tallied in the indicative count. The rest of them are scanned into computers. Yes, computers pick up the counting at this point. This is because of a rule change in 2016 that gave voters the option of numbering their preferences both above the line or below the line. We couldnt do it any other way in the timeframe allowed, says Ekin-Smyth. Full, manual Senate counts, we just cant do them any more; it would take six months.

Advertisement
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
Kolkata: In the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress had given an assembly ticket to a candidate who holds citizenship of both India and Bangladesh. Leader of opposition in Bengal Shubhendu Adhikari on Saturday cornered Mamata Banerjee in the matter. In a series of tweets, he wrote that bjp's Swapan Majumdar, who contested from Bongaon South assembly seat in the 2021 West Bengal elections, had defeated TMC candidate Alo Rani Sarkar.

He said that after being dissatisfied with the election results, TMC candidate Alo Rani Sarkar had filed a petition in the court. The BJP leader said the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the petition as his name is on the voters' list of Bangladesh. He is a Bangladeshi citizen. Let us know that the Calcutta High Court, while hearing the matter, has declared the citizenship of the TMC leader as illegal.

Shubhendu Adhikari said the TMC is guilty of violating sub-section 5 of Section 29A. He tried to get a foreign national elected. He did not compromise on the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and kept allegiance to the constitution of the country. He questioned whether the registration of such a political party should not be cancelled.

Floods wreak havoc in Assam, 14 people killed in rain-landslides so far

Daughter was living with her mother's body for 10 days

These 5 places are in the top list for peace and tranquility, the network does not come here

Pathways to Progress, a new education and employment support hub for migrants and employers across Ireland has been launched by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.

Pathways to Progress is a programme of the Open Doors Initiative, an organisation supporting marginalised groups to access further education, employment and entrepreneurship in Ireland.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD, launching the new hub, said:

We are now one of the most diverse countries in Europe, with approximately one in eight of our population made up of people who have to come from other countries to live and work here.

The wealth of knowledge, skills and experience that migrants bring to Ireland makes a massive contribution to the delivery of our public services and to the overall competitiveness of the Irish economy.

We have a long history of migration as Irish people, and we instinctively understand how important it is to help people as they integrate into a new society.

This new programme will play a significant role in nurturing the full participation of migrants and I welcome its targeted focus on equipping migrants, refugees and those seeking asylum to find a job and in supporting employers to be welcoming and inclusive. We will all be stronger for it.

Francesca McDonagh, Bank of Ireland CEO and Chair of Open Doors Initiative said:

Coming from a family with a refugee and immigrant background, I know how important access to good employment is in building a new life in a new country.

As an employer, I know how critical it is to a thriving business to have a diverse, creative workforce, with talented, vibrant, and inspiring people from all backgrounds shaping the organisation. Our new programme from Open Doors aims to harness the creativity and energy of both migrants and businesses in Ireland to mutually benefit and to support the building of an inclusive, cohesive Ireland.

Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of Open Doors Initiative said:

Ireland is now home to people from all over the world. Their routes to Ireland are different, but key to their integration and success in Ireland is the chance for a meaningful job or to establish a new business.

Some are refugees, some are living in Direct Provision, some will have their status newly regularised, and others will come directly for work. Our new service aims to support all migrants in finding a decent job as they prepare to enter the Irish workforce, and to support employers as they seek to build an inclusive culture in their workplaces.

Many migrants are marginalised, underemployed or find it difficult to access quality employment. Our new migrant hub and initiatives such as our mentoring programmes and internships are designed to tackle these issues.

This latest initiative also builds on the successes of previous Open Doors Initiative programmes that support access to work for people from often marginalised groups through a unique partnership between our member companies and supporting organisations across the NGO sector, continued Jeanne McDonagh.

Todays launch also sees the announcement of the first internship programme from one of Open Doors Initiative member companies.

SIRO are offering a paid 12-week internship programme for six people who are refugees. These internships will include job preparation, interview skills and access to SIROs online learning portals and will be in areas including Marketing, Engineering, Quality, Health and Safety, IT and Administration.

Supporting todays new communities to Ireland to thrive in the workplace and in entrepreneurship, is crucial to nurturing participation and inclusion across all aspects of Irish society for migrants and for their children and grandchildren, concluded Jeanne McDonagh.


Virginia Delegate Seeks to Bar Barnes & Noble from Selling Gender Queer Directly to Minors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.A Virginia delegate and congressional candidate have sought to prohibit Barnes and Noble from selling two booksGender Queer and A Court of Mist and Furydirectly to minors while a pending lawsuit in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines whether these two books meet obscenity standards.

The restraining orders, filed on Wednesday by state delegate Tim Anderson on behalf of Tommy Altman, a Republican candidate for Virginias second congressional district, followed Judge Pamela Baskervills orders on the same day, asking the publishers or authors of the two books to respond within 21 days to the allegation that the contents are obscene.

In the court order, Baskervill wrote that having reviewed Altmans original petition issue on April 28 and the books in question, the Court found probable cause to believe that the two books were obscene for unrestricted viewing by minors.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anderson uploaded the court orders and described the ruling as a major legal victory. In another Facebook video on Thursday, he showed receipts of purchasing the two books at a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Virginia Beach. So we got the books there, and theres no restrictions against purchasing these books, he said in the video.

Tim Andersons purchase receipt of Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury from a Barnes and Noble store in Virginia Beach, Va., on Apr. 25, 2022. (Courtesy of Tim Anderson)

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Barnes & Noble public relations wrote: As booksellers, we carry thousands of books whose subject matter some may find offensive. We live in a diverse society, and that diversity of opinion is reflected in the books we carry on our shelves that cater to the wide range of interests of our customers.

We ask that our customers respect our responsibility to offer this breadth of reading materials, and respect also that, while they chose not to purchase many of these themselves, they may be of interest to others, the statement continued.

In response to Barnes & Nobles statement, Anderson told The Epoch Times in a written comment: Mr. Altman is not requesting a ban of selling the books in question. He is requesting they not be sold to minors.

If a parent wishes to buy the books and give them to their child, that falls in the same category as a parent allowing a child to watch an R-rated movie, he added. We hope Barnes and Noble will do the right thing and identify there are sexually explicit books in its stores in Virginia Beach and take corrective action to restrict those books from sales to minors without further legal action being necessary.

Anderson and Altmans legal actions are viewed by some as censorship. A spokesperson of the American Booksellers Association told Bloomberg that he was deeply concerned about the potential effect on bookstores adopting self-censorship to survive. It is a booksellers constitutional right to carry and sell books as they see fit, without interference from the government, he added.

Anderson said he simply wanted age restrictions: There is no First Amendment right to distribute or sell sexually explicit materials to minors. Placing age restrictions on private companies selling sexually explicit materials happens everywhere in the United States. Minors are not allowed to go into movie theaters with R-rated movies without parent/guardian consent.

Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel with cartoon-style pictures, tells the story of nonbinary author Maia Kobabe from adolescence to adulthood.

It was the number one title removed from school libraries or classrooms, according to a report by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Over the nine months between July 2021 and March 2022, the book was banned in 30 school districts. The book is also listed as the most challenged book of 2021 by the American Library Association.

Earlier this month, Virginia Beach School Board decided to pull Gender Queer from its school libraries after a workgroup review found pervasively vulgar content including illustrations depicting genitalia, bodily functions, and sexual acts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the two publishersBloomsbury Publishing for A Court of Mist and Fury and Lion Forge for Gender Queerfor comments.


Pathways to Progress, a new education and employment support hub for migrants and employers across Ireland has been launched by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.

Pathways to Progress is a programme of the Open Doors Initiative, an organisation supporting marginalised groups to access further education, employment and entrepreneurship in Ireland.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD, launching the new hub, said:

We are now one of the most diverse countries in Europe, with approximately one in eight of our population made up of people who have to come from other countries to live and work here.

The wealth of knowledge, skills and experience that migrants bring to Ireland makes a massive contribution to the delivery of our public services and to the overall competitiveness of the Irish economy.

We have a long history of migration as Irish people, and we instinctively understand how important it is to help people as they integrate into a new society.

This new programme will play a significant role in nurturing the full participation of migrants and I welcome its targeted focus on equipping migrants, refugees and those seeking asylum to find a job and in supporting employers to be welcoming and inclusive. We will all be stronger for it.

Francesca McDonagh, Bank of Ireland CEO and Chair of Open Doors Initiative said:

Coming from a family with a refugee and immigrant background, I know how important access to good employment is in building a new life in a new country.

As an employer, I know how critical it is to a thriving business to have a diverse, creative workforce, with talented, vibrant, and inspiring people from all backgrounds shaping the organisation. Our new programme from Open Doors aims to harness the creativity and energy of both migrants and businesses in Ireland to mutually benefit and to support the building of an inclusive, cohesive Ireland.

Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of Open Doors Initiative said:

Ireland is now home to people from all over the world. Their routes to Ireland are different, but key to their integration and success in Ireland is the chance for a meaningful job or to establish a new business.

Some are refugees, some are living in Direct Provision, some will have their status newly regularised, and others will come directly for work. Our new service aims to support all migrants in finding a decent job as they prepare to enter the Irish workforce, and to support employers as they seek to build an inclusive culture in their workplaces.

Many migrants are marginalised, underemployed or find it difficult to access quality employment. Our new migrant hub and initiatives such as our mentoring programmes and internships are designed to tackle these issues.

This latest initiative also builds on the successes of previous Open Doors Initiative programmes that support access to work for people from often marginalised groups through a unique partnership between our member companies and supporting organisations across the NGO sector, continued Jeanne McDonagh.

Todays launch also sees the announcement of the first internship programme from one of Open Doors Initiative member companies.

SIRO are offering a paid 12-week internship programme for six people who are refugees. These internships will include job preparation, interview skills and access to SIROs online learning portals and will be in areas including Marketing, Engineering, Quality, Health and Safety, IT and Administration.

Supporting todays new communities to Ireland to thrive in the workplace and in entrepreneurship, is crucial to nurturing participation and inclusion across all aspects of Irish society for migrants and for their children and grandchildren, concluded Jeanne McDonagh.







BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.


For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
China's coal imports from Russia nearly doubled between March and April, reaching 4.42 million metric tons, media reports said. China is buying record amounts of cheap Russian coal which has reached 4.42 million metric tons, CNN reported citing trade data from Refinitiv. According to the American broadcaster, Russia has overtaken Australia as China's second-biggest supplier since last year and now accounts for 19 per cent of its coal imports, up from the 14 per cent share it had in March. This record purchase comes even as Western nations, led by the United States and the European Union (EU) are targeting Moscow with sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. Ilya Makarov, the director of the corporate ratings at Moscow-based rating agency ACRA, had earlier warned that the Asian shift was straining Russia's rail freight capabilities and risked pushing down coal prices in the Asian market. The lure of cheaper energy, in the form of gas, coal, and oil, and low-cost wheat from Russia far outweighs the fear of sanctions as China has decided to make deals with Russia as long as it can. China has taken full advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grabbing the huge discount offered by Moscow on coking coal which is used in steel mills, as Japan and the European Union have curbed imports leaving the Russian companies scrambling for buyers. Putting aside the reasoning for cheaper coal procurement, this urge to import comes as surprise to many analysts. Contrary to President Xi Jinping's climate pledges to go carbon neutral by 2060, China has gone back on its promises and continues financing overseas coal projects along with planning to add more coal-fired power plants that will only add to the current carbon emissions. Notably, in September 2021, China had pledged in September 2021 to stop engagements in the coal-fired plants abroad and also become carbon neutral by 2060, however, all recent actions by China are only another big blow to these climate pledges, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG). This year, China has planned to up the ante on coal mining as well. Only in a single year, nearly 300 million tonnes of additional coal will be extracted this year. It will be 7 per cent higher than that mined in 2021-- 4.1 billion tonnes. China also promised to make efforts to limit the warming of the atmosphere to 2 degrees Celsius above the level of pre-industrial times. But the actions on the ground tell a different story. (ANI)
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.
Ralph Carmichael

Ralph Carmichael (Born May 27, 1927) is an American composer and arranger of both secular pop music and contemporary Christian music.

As the son of a Pentecostal minister, Carmichael was frustrated that his father would let him play only the violin and listen to the radio. Ralph is quoted as saying, Our church does not have orchestra music that is rich and vibrant. In fact, in comparison our church music is weak and terrible by comparison. And it is so embarrassing.

From listening to the radio Carmichael wanted gorgeous rhythms, sweeping strings, the brass, the stirring chords that made the listeners want to hear more of these types of songs.

At the age of 17 he enrolled at Southern California Bible College, now Vanguard University, to become a preacher.

Carmichael would start a campus mens quartet, ensembles and mixed groups of all kinds, blending jazz and classical music techniques with gospel songs and hymns. It is no surprise that his type of music was not welcome in some fundamental churches.

Following college, reaction to his band was mixed from the Christian community. One church minister made his band stop mid-song because the music sounded too worldly.

However, his appeal to the Christian community was about to change. After a performance at a mens fellowship in Pasadena, Carmichaels band was invited to audition for television. This program drew so much mail from Christians that the station asked for more shows.

In 1951, he was invited to score a film for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. By the late 1950s, secular producers had taken notice of Carmichaels radio and film work.

He was invited to assist the composer at the television sitcom "I Love Lucy" and was soon arranging music for other notable television programs such as "Bonanza" and "The Roy Rogers Show" and "The Dale Evans Show." Also, Rosemary Clooney sought his input in arranging music for her show.

Carmichael arranged and composed music for a Bing Crosby Christmas special television program. This endeavor prompted his Pentecostal Church to strongly suggest he not apply for renewal of his ordination.

Carmichael wrote arrangements for many other top performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Jack Jones, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Al Martino and Roger Williams. He arranged most of the carols on the 1961 Stan Kenton album "A Merry Christmas."

It is in the field of Christian music that Carmichael has been most prolific. Especially, his experiments in pop-rock style in the 1960s and 1970s have brought him recognition as the Father of Contemporary Christian Music.

Carmichael was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1985 and into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2001.

Carmichaels autobiography, "Hes Everything to Me," was published by World Books in 1986.

Carmichael continues to compose and play music to this day.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
The killing in the Bronx was a crime committed among the young.

The shots that fatally struck Kyhara Tay, 11, on Monday afternoon were fired by a 15-year-old boy, according to the police.

Too young to even helm the motorized scooter on which he rode, the boy was being driven by an 18-year-old who had already twice been the victim of gun violence.

The intended target, who had ducked into a nearby entryway for cover, was 13.

In Fridays early morning hours, the 15-year-old was arrested in a hotel room and charged with firing the bullets that struck Kyhara, a bubbly sixth grader known as Kyky, who had been walking on Fox Street in boroughs Longwood section.

The suspect ended the life of a totally innocent, completely uninvolved 11-year-old girl, Commissioner Keechant Sewell said at a news conference where she announced that the boy would be charged with murder. I wont say she was in the wrong place, because why shouldnt an 11-year-old child be able to stand outside in broad daylight?
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Before the last election, Gary Morgan told me the Coalition would win. He also told Scott Morrison. So when Gary bumped into the re-elected PM after the election, he gave him a very Gary dressing down. I said youd win, so why did you give God the credit!?

This time the veteran Roy Morgan pollster predicts that Labor will be able to form government with the help of the independents. Itll be close, and we might not know the result on the night.

Pollster Gary Morgan of Roy Morgan Research called the last election correctly. Credit:Jesse Marlow

I tell my editor all this while Im in a taxi. When Ive rung off, my driver explains that the godfather of Australian polling is wrong. The former pharmacology professor, who now drives cabs to supplement his retirement, says Australians will vote back the Coalition to deliver a strong economy. Because Australians dont vote just on their own self-interest. They want whats best for the nation.

This is an insight that chimes with something Ive heard repeatedly in focus groups. Far from being all about their own self-interest, Australians are moved by the problems of others. They frequently say when they feel that people are being left behind thats not who we are in Australia, in Australia we help people. Partisans deny that the same motivations animate both sides, but its true. My cab driver thinks a strong economy is the best way to look after other Australians, so its obvious to him that others must be planning to vote Scott Morrison in again too.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.

A convicted felon shot and wounded a 21-year-old woman and her 8-month-old child in an altercation that began inside a crowded restaurant in south Fargo. The suspect later killed himself. Police say the shooting took place at Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant shortly after 1:45 p.m., Wednesday. The suspect, 24-year-old Malik Lamar Gill, of Moorhead, Minnesota, continued shooting at the woman when she ran outside while carrying the infant. The woman is listed in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. The infant suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and is listed in stable condition. Gill was later involved in a police pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed into some trees after driving over stop sticks. Police say he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.

Pathways to Progress, a new education and employment support hub for migrants and employers across Ireland has been launched by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.

Pathways to Progress is a programme of the Open Doors Initiative, an organisation supporting marginalised groups to access further education, employment and entrepreneurship in Ireland.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD, launching the new hub, said:

We are now one of the most diverse countries in Europe, with approximately one in eight of our population made up of people who have to come from other countries to live and work here.

The wealth of knowledge, skills and experience that migrants bring to Ireland makes a massive contribution to the delivery of our public services and to the overall competitiveness of the Irish economy.

We have a long history of migration as Irish people, and we instinctively understand how important it is to help people as they integrate into a new society.

This new programme will play a significant role in nurturing the full participation of migrants and I welcome its targeted focus on equipping migrants, refugees and those seeking asylum to find a job and in supporting employers to be welcoming and inclusive. We will all be stronger for it.

Francesca McDonagh, Bank of Ireland CEO and Chair of Open Doors Initiative said:

Coming from a family with a refugee and immigrant background, I know how important access to good employment is in building a new life in a new country.

As an employer, I know how critical it is to a thriving business to have a diverse, creative workforce, with talented, vibrant, and inspiring people from all backgrounds shaping the organisation. Our new programme from Open Doors aims to harness the creativity and energy of both migrants and businesses in Ireland to mutually benefit and to support the building of an inclusive, cohesive Ireland.

Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of Open Doors Initiative said:

Ireland is now home to people from all over the world. Their routes to Ireland are different, but key to their integration and success in Ireland is the chance for a meaningful job or to establish a new business.

Some are refugees, some are living in Direct Provision, some will have their status newly regularised, and others will come directly for work. Our new service aims to support all migrants in finding a decent job as they prepare to enter the Irish workforce, and to support employers as they seek to build an inclusive culture in their workplaces.

Many migrants are marginalised, underemployed or find it difficult to access quality employment. Our new migrant hub and initiatives such as our mentoring programmes and internships are designed to tackle these issues.

This latest initiative also builds on the successes of previous Open Doors Initiative programmes that support access to work for people from often marginalised groups through a unique partnership between our member companies and supporting organisations across the NGO sector, continued Jeanne McDonagh.

Todays launch also sees the announcement of the first internship programme from one of Open Doors Initiative member companies.

SIRO are offering a paid 12-week internship programme for six people who are refugees. These internships will include job preparation, interview skills and access to SIROs online learning portals and will be in areas including Marketing, Engineering, Quality, Health and Safety, IT and Administration.

Supporting todays new communities to Ireland to thrive in the workplace and in entrepreneurship, is crucial to nurturing participation and inclusion across all aspects of Irish society for migrants and for their children and grandchildren, concluded Jeanne McDonagh.




BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Casting your ballot in your trackies at your childs primary school, before grabbing a sausage or a lamington on your way out, makes election day seem a casual affair. However, the levels of security and scrutiny applied to our votes make it anything but. Its a major operation, with more than 100,000 people called in to work for the Australian Electoral Commission on polling day. What happens to those green and white pieces of paper once you pop them in their respective cardboard boxes? And who does all the vote counting? Credit:Monique Westermann/Getty Images Forget fancy machines. Votes are counted by hand Manually counting something as significant as Australias election result might seem vintage. But its done by hand because its so important, and the count needs to be exactly right. Australian National University politics lecturer Jill Sheppard says the Australian Electoral Commission, the agency responsible for conducting the election, is yet to be convinced theres a better way, and I think theyre right. At 6pm on election night, the doors at polling booths will be locked, and the ballots emptied from their boxes on to a large table.

Advertisement

First, the electoral officials will count how many ballots were cast. This is to match the number of ballots cast with the number issued on the day, says University of Sydney politics lecturer Stewart Jackson. Then theyll start counting House of Representatives ballots because that ones at least vaguely easy to count. Lower house ballots list the candidates in a seat. Voters must number all the boxes in order of their preference (thus, preferential voting). The AEC treats ballot papers like gold. Loading The votes are sorted into piles according to their first preferences then counted. Then comes the two-candidate preferred count, which gives an early indication of who is most likely to win the seat by showing how preferences are likely to flow to the two candidates the AEC has identified as the most likely contenders. The full count, which happens later, is a systematic process that starts with the candidate with the least first preference votes being eliminated from the race and their voting papers redistributed according to who was listed second on each ballot. This process of eliminating the least popular candidates and redistributing the preferences of those who voted for them continues until a clear winner and runner-up is identified. Meanwhile, the Senate ballots are sorted only by the first preferences indicated above the line. (More on that later.) Voting above the line means numbering political parties from one to six in order of preference.

Advertisement

Counting House of Representatives ballots in 2019 at Old Parliament House, in Canberra. Credit:Courtesy the AEC Victory and concession speeches are based on an indicative count only The preliminary counting to ascertain a clear winner and runner-up is whats called the indicative count. Its what is provided to parties, media and electoral analysts on the night to form a good idea about who will form government. When the victory speeches are made on the night, or a candidate concedes defeat, this is what its based on. Officials never formally declare a result on election night. This is done in the days and weeks after, when all the postal, pre-poll votes and absentee votes (those deposited outside a voters electorate) are accounted for. On election night, vote counting stops at midnight, local time, by which time the commission expects that all votes cast on the day will have been counted  as will most votes cast in previous days of polling. The only pre-poll votes not counted on the night are the ones that have to travel across the country to their home electorate  if someone casts a pre-poll vote in an electorate they dont live in, this must travel to the electorate it belongs to in order to be counted. Most of this travel happens on the Sunday. Counting of postal votes will begin on Sunday afternoon  earlier than previous elections, when it kicked off on the Tuesday. But with 2.7 million postal votes to count, up from 1.5 million in 2019, the commission says if the numbers are close, there might not be an indicative result on election night. (There are 17 million people enrolled to vote.) Each ballot gets a second and third pair of eyes

Advertisement

Sheppard often wonders how difficult it would be to rig an Australian election. Its just impossible, she says. The AEC treats ballot papers like gold. As officials count the ballot, there are others employed by the commission on the day to make sure everything is being done correctly. Then there are the scrutineers, volunteers attending on behalf of candidates to oversee the process. Sheppard says the scrutineers can get pretty bolshie if theres a close count. If you number your ballot one to six, but your four looks a bit like a five, the scrutineer asks for the counter to stop, and they discuss whether it should be allowed or not, she says. Voting in Antarctica, 2019. Credit:Courtesy of AEC After the initial count, ballots are placed in plastic sleeves sealed with tamper-evident tape, which go into waterproof containers secured with cable ties The electoral officer in charge of the polling station then drives the ballots to a centralised warehouse  where the votes are all counted again, by hand. You do something important, you do it twice, says the AECs media director Evan Ekin-Smyth. On the Monday following the election, the count will be repeated at the centralised facility, which is shared by multiple electorates. For example, in Queanbeyan the warehouse team will be doing the counting operation for the three ACT divisions as well as Eden-Monaro.

Advertisement

This is also where the postal votes are counted, which the AEC must wait to arrive for up to 13 days after the election. The first preferences for the Senate ballot are also counted again, before they are repackaged and sent to a (cue ominous music) Central Senate Scrutiny site in each state and territory for ... more counting. When is a vote informal? Some votes cant be counted. These are called informal votes, and can include ballots that are blank or unmarked, contain ticks or crosses instead of numbers, have something on them that identifies the voter, or simply dont have the required number of boxes unmarked. There was a famous incident in a general election where someone had crossed out names of candidates. Theyd numbered the boxes correctly but inserted the names of supercar drivers, says politics lecturer Stewart Jackson. At the 2019 federal election, the longest Senate ballot paper (NSW) was more than one metre long with 105 candidates listed We said before only the first preferences for the Senate ballots were tallied in the indicative count. The rest of them are scanned into computers. Yes, computers pick up the counting at this point. This is because of a rule change in 2016 that gave voters the option of numbering their preferences both above the line or below the line. We couldnt do it any other way in the timeframe allowed, says Ekin-Smyth. Full, manual Senate counts, we just cant do them any more; it would take six months.

Advertisement
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], May 21 (ANI/NewsVoir): EduSocio tech startup, XOOG has raised USD 150K in their pre-seed round with a series of institutional and individual investors investing in the startup. The strategic investors who participated in this round were Seetharaman Thiruvenkatam, Kavitha Seetharaman, Prasad Prabhakaran and Prashanth Prabhakaran. The round also saw further participation from existing investor Marwari Catalysts, India's fastest growing startup accelerator. The seed capital will be utilised for improving the value proposition by enhancing the ecosystem for talent showcasing and enrichment, to onboard more users using performance marketing and growth hack, expand their product engineering team and to accelerate its product-led growth in order to expand its footprint in India as well as globally. Founded by Karishma Seetharaman and Ritvik Raj Prasannakumar in 2020, XOOG is building a safe ecosystem for talent showcasing and enrichment. The startup provides a Safe Social platform with skill clubs for students to showcase, compete and earn rewards. Based in Bangalore, this gamified reward-based platform enables students to be a part of various skill clubs like Rubik's, Art, Music and more, showcase their skills, achievements on a safe feed, get rated by their peers, participate in challenges & competitions and earn real life rewards and scholarships. In today's date, where students learn various skills from various educators, EdTech organisations or the courses but the hard truth is that the parents are not really aware of their kids interests, progress , or where they stand among their peers. Also, most of the time students dropout after learning the basics due to lack of a structured roadmap with an end goal, lack of knowing where they stand and lack of a structured approach on how to improve further. To rectify this situation, XOOG has an innovative ranking mechanism and algorithm for above mentioned skills which makes it a trustable, safe, engaging and fun brand with community focused for parents and students to understand more about their skills, progress and interests and enable them to make better decisions when it comes to their future in education. Commenting on the fund raise, Karishma Seetharaman, Co-founder & CTO, XOOG says, "We have always wanted to do something in the field of education because it is one area where we can make a huge impact in a lot of lives. On today's date it is painful to see students labelled as failures at the age of 10-12 based on their academic performances but we wanted to make a difference by letting students shine at what they were born for." She further elaborates, "To make this vision a reality, with XOOG we help students showcase their skills, their daily learnings, achievements and progress to the world, get rated by their peers, enhance their future and earn scholarships and rewards in return. We are hereby delighted to receive this tremendous support from the strategic investors who have not only provided us with their financial support but also understand our business model deeply to support our vision of making talented individuals of tomorrow by giving them the right opportunities today." Accelerated by Marwari Catalysts, XOOG was selected out of 500 startups in the accelerator's cohort program, 'Thrive'. The EduSocio tech startup gives students the practical, real-life experience needed to gain confidence to pursue their interests and succeed in the longer run. Commenting on the announcement, Ritvik Raj Prasannakumar, Co-founder & CEO, XOOG says, "As a country, we are blessed with abundant talent and with a structured approach, anyone could build their future around it! Our students keep winning science competitions, spell bees on the international stage but they are extremely good at painting, singing, dancing and other areas too. One of the problems with Indian education is that we only focus on marks and exams. This leaves very little scope for students to realize their potential in other areas. For too long, a student's IQ (intelligence quotient) has been linked to his/her math and verbal skills, which is a skewed and narrow parameter to judge." He further adds, "But with XOOG, we are providing a platform for students to showcase their talent and also enable parents make better decisions for their children's education and skills." Sharing his opinion upon his investment, Seetharaman, MD of Shri Hari Venkateshwara Paper Mills says, "A range of viable career options are coming up in India, beyond the traditional vocations of engineering and medicine. And with the opening of new frontiers in the Indian Education sector that has paved the way for a comprehensive vision on education, XOOG is perfectly positioned in providing a platform for talented students to showcase their skills and as a result giving a new definition to the education system of India." XOOG has seen aggressive growth in terms of enrolments, since its launch in 2020. "We believe in XOOG's vision and are positive about the EdTech industry, the model, the product, and most importantly, the executing team to make XOOG a flagship name for talent discovery & enrichment in the times to come," says Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO, Marwari Catalysts. Further adding he says, "Being a part of the Edtech industry for the past 10 years, I understand the need of addressing the skills gap and XOOG has created social clubs that match the present and future requirements for students. We are excited to work with the passionate founding team of XOOG that sees this gap clearly and aspires to bridge it." Sharing his rationale, Devesh Rakhecha, Founder & COO, Marwari Catalysts says, "Over the next 10 years, the EdTech industry will be revolutionised, which direly needs new concepts as well as upgradation. With XOOG, we plan to be pioneers in this upheaval task of talent discovery and enrichment, which our current education system lacks. Together with the founding team, we are looking to create progressive pathways for the students who are in our skill ecosystem, by ensuring they not only get recognised because of their talent, but are hand-held and get rewarded. I am confident that the latest funding will further accelerate their growth trajectory and will help the startup carve a niche for itself." On a concluding note, XOOG's founding team also comments, "We are thrilled to have Marwari Catalysts as a partner in building XOOG. Their experience of working with entrepreneurs to build strong organisations and brands with rapid scale-up is a very apt fit for us at this stage in our growth journey." For its future journey, the startup now plans to raise USD 500K in the next 3 months. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)


For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.

Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
The girlfriend of a man arrested in a shooting in Dallas Koreatown that wounded three women of Asian descent in a hair salon told police that he has delusions that Asian Americans are trying to harm him. That's according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Police say Jeremy Smith, who is Black, was arrested Tuesday in the shooting. He faces three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The FBI said Tuesday that it has opened a federal hate crime investigation into the shooting. Police say they are still investigating whether Smith was involved in two previous drive-by shootings at businesses run by Asian Americans. Police had said there could be a connection between those shootings and the one at the salon because the description of the suspect vehicle was similar.
Your storiesOlga and Sasha are trying as best they can to resume normal activities, work, outings. They are happy to see Ukraine winning the Eurovision song contest and follow the latest developments in the evacuation of the injured from the Azovstal factory. For the twelfth week, the Ukrainian sisters agreed to keep a diary of their daily life during the war in Ukraine.

Olga and Sasha are two Ukrainian sisters. Olga is 34 years old and is working in a wine shop in Paris, where she has been living for seven years. Her younger sister Sasha, 33 years old, lives in Kyiv with her mother and partner, Viktor. Sasha has recently moved into a small apartment, alone with her dog, in the same building as her friend Y. Since the beginning of the conflict, the two sisters have agreed to keep a diary for M.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Olga: I came back this evening from Burgundy. My training went very well, the tasting workshops were great. There were 13 of us at the table in the evening. Nobody asked direct questions about the war, even though I said 4 or 5 times that I was Ukrainian. I do it on purpose to push people to talk about it. One girl did come up to me after the meal. People are so removed from it here. Some people make an effort, but the majority don't care at all. At the end of the dinner, one participant even made a joke about Ukrainians and vodka. How sad. After the training, I had the idea of educating people about Ukrainian wine. I'll organize an event at the store.

Sasha: This morning I have another job interview. I still haven't heard from the previous ones, but I'm staying optimistic. At the same time, I am starting to take students for French classes. They are acquaintances who are living abroad. One of them has left to take refuge in France and wants to learn the language. The other one is working in Asia and wants to develop business with France.

I went to Z.'s coffee shop (Z. is Y.'s sister), had a cappuccino and a croissant. And I started to prepare for my classes and my interview. Many of my friends are coming back to Kyiv at the end of this week. After spending three days with me, Mom had to go home and back to work. Every time we say goodbye, my heart sinks, even though I know everything is fine. At least for now.

More in this series: Subscribers only 'I'm obsessed with the idea that Putin might use nuclear weapons': The diary of two sisters separated by the war in Ukraine

Wednesday, May 11th

Olga: Driving lesson this morning. It's exasperating: I suck, I'm scared, I feel tense when I drive. I yelled at the instructor.

I remember my first visit to France in 2003. The choir I used to sing in at the time used to take part in a lot of competitions and concerts in Ukraine and abroad. We went to sing in Rouen. The church was absolutely magnificent. The father of the host family asked me: "Is Ukraine a region of russia [sic]?" [Olga and Sasha have chosen to write "russian," "russia" and "putin" in lowercase] I was 14 years old, but I was shocked. At school, we learnt all about geopolitics. I knew where Honduras, Libya, Lille and Marseille were.

You have 76.75% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.

Now that some of us are planning to travel again, however tentatively, its time to consider the delicious question of vacation reading. Everyone has their own idea of what it should look like. Mine was formed at the end of a holiday weekend in middle school in the 1970s, when my friend Michelle and I pretzeled ourselves into her parents station wagon for the long, dull ride to New York from Massachusetts.

The end of a vacation is an occasion for sadness. There were no cellphones to amuse us back then, and the darkness prevented us from flirting with cute boys in other cars. We were beset by ennui in the way of the sisters in Nancy Mitfords Pursuit of Love, endlessly speculating about what time it was. What saved us was the single book Michelle produced from her bag, in a hail-Mary literary move: The Silver Crown, by Robert C. OBrien.

Reading that book in that car at that time transformed one of the worst parts of traveling  the actual traveling  into an interlude of delight. The Silver Crown is the story of a girl who receives a shimmery crown on her 10th birthday and is then pursued by mysterious figures with nefarious intent. It thrilled and unsettled us. We took turns reading by flashlight  Michelle read a chapter, and then I did, passing the book back and forth as we sprawled out in the interstices between the luggage and the bags of groceries in our little no-seatbelt fort in the very back of the car.

I cant remember what we did the rest of the weekend, but it was the best car trip Ive ever taken, and it forever cemented in me the idea that a vacation book doesnt need to have anything to do with where you are; it can be a destination in itself. By taking you out of your head in those in-between moments  waiting at the gate to board the plane, riding in the back of the bus between cities, lying in bed during the first night of jet-lagged insomnia in a faraway country  it can restore you to yourself. It cures your boredom, soothes your anxiety and provides stability and constancy.
Now that some of us are planning to travel again, however tentatively, its time to consider the delicious question of vacation reading. Everyone has their own idea of what it should look like. Mine was formed at the end of a holiday weekend in middle school in the 1970s, when my friend Michelle and I pretzeled ourselves into her parents station wagon for the long, dull ride to New York from Massachusetts.

The end of a vacation is an occasion for sadness. There were no cellphones to amuse us back then, and the darkness prevented us from flirting with cute boys in other cars. We were beset by ennui in the way of the sisters in Nancy Mitfords Pursuit of Love, endlessly speculating about what time it was. What saved us was the single book Michelle produced from her bag, in a hail-Mary literary move: The Silver Crown, by Robert C. OBrien.

Reading that book in that car at that time transformed one of the worst parts of traveling  the actual traveling  into an interlude of delight. The Silver Crown is the story of a girl who receives a shimmery crown on her 10th birthday and is then pursued by mysterious figures with nefarious intent. It thrilled and unsettled us. We took turns reading by flashlight  Michelle read a chapter, and then I did, passing the book back and forth as we sprawled out in the interstices between the luggage and the bags of groceries in our little no-seatbelt fort in the very back of the car.

I cant remember what we did the rest of the weekend, but it was the best car trip Ive ever taken, and it forever cemented in me the idea that a vacation book doesnt need to have anything to do with where you are; it can be a destination in itself. By taking you out of your head in those in-between moments  waiting at the gate to board the plane, riding in the back of the bus between cities, lying in bed during the first night of jet-lagged insomnia in a faraway country  it can restore you to yourself. It cures your boredom, soothes your anxiety and provides stability and constancy.
Now that some of us are planning to travel again, however tentatively, its time to consider the delicious question of vacation reading. Everyone has their own idea of what it should look like. Mine was formed at the end of a holiday weekend in middle school in the 1970s, when my friend Michelle and I pretzeled ourselves into her parents station wagon for the long, dull ride to New York from Massachusetts.

The end of a vacation is an occasion for sadness. There were no cellphones to amuse us back then, and the darkness prevented us from flirting with cute boys in other cars. We were beset by ennui in the way of the sisters in Nancy Mitfords Pursuit of Love, endlessly speculating about what time it was. What saved us was the single book Michelle produced from her bag, in a hail-Mary literary move: The Silver Crown, by Robert C. OBrien.

Reading that book in that car at that time transformed one of the worst parts of traveling  the actual traveling  into an interlude of delight. The Silver Crown is the story of a girl who receives a shimmery crown on her 10th birthday and is then pursued by mysterious figures with nefarious intent. It thrilled and unsettled us. We took turns reading by flashlight  Michelle read a chapter, and then I did, passing the book back and forth as we sprawled out in the interstices between the luggage and the bags of groceries in our little no-seatbelt fort in the very back of the car.

I cant remember what we did the rest of the weekend, but it was the best car trip Ive ever taken, and it forever cemented in me the idea that a vacation book doesnt need to have anything to do with where you are; it can be a destination in itself. By taking you out of your head in those in-between moments  waiting at the gate to board the plane, riding in the back of the bus between cities, lying in bed during the first night of jet-lagged insomnia in a faraway country  it can restore you to yourself. It cures your boredom, soothes your anxiety and provides stability and constancy.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico State Police says it didnt take long for a new hire at a womens prison in Grants to start a sexual relationship with a female inmate  also sneaking in cigarettes, jewelry and treats for the woman and her friends on the inside.

Robert Smith, 37, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual penetration and bringing contraband into a prison in the case. He has been booked into the Cibola County Correctional Facility.

Smith started as a corrections officer at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in November 2021 and resigned in April after an investigation revealed an ongoing relationship with the female inmate.

The well-being and safety of the inmate population is of upmost priority to the department, and our staff remain dedicated to upholding our mission and building a stronger New Mexico, Karen Cann, a spokeswoman for the New Mexico Corrections Department, said. Cann said allegations of mistreatment are investigated thoroughly by the department and referred to law enforcement for possible criminal charges.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court:

State Police were called to investigate the matter on May 19 after Smith allegedly told the NMCDs office of professional standards about the relationship. By that time, an investigation was already underway by the facility.

Smith told police that, within a month of being hired, he became close with a female inmate over numerous conversations. He said he became attracted to the woman, which evolved into bringing contraband into the facility for her and several of her cellmates.

Smith told police he brought cigarettes, food, soda, hand sanitizer and earrings to the inmates and had sexual relations with the woman on at least two occasions. He said the incidents happened out of the sight of security cameras.

Smith told police he kept bringing the items after the sexual relations stopped as the inmates requested them to keep quiet. He said he felt trapped and needed to keep himself out of trouble by bringing in items.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Arjun Singh on Friday said that he has informed party president JP Nadda about an urgent need to revive the party in West Bengal, adding that party leaders are only interested in social media politics and not doing ground-level work. "The state BJP wants to do politics on Facebook and WhatsApp. Ground-level work should be done by the party. I reported the matter to BJP national president JP Nadda. Delhi is looking into the matter at its own level. Many people are of the same opinion, but no one is speaking up. We all know that the condition of the organization is not good," said Arjun Singh, who switched over to the BJP from the TMC in 2019. According to the Lok Sabha MP, the BJP should give the responsibility of the party to people who are capable and deserves it. "The BJP has to turn around the party. The organization has to fix it. Those who understand the organisation should be given responsibility. They should be given some power. The party has given us a chair, but it doesn't have legs. The party has given us a pen but it doesn't have ink." Arjun Singh's comment came after the Union government announced its decision to withdraw the notification capping jute prices at Rs 6,500 per quintal, a demand that he and other industry stakeholders had been pressing for a long time. After Arjun Singh's constant pressure on the central government, the Center has removed the price limit of raw jute on Thursday. "Central government had lifted the price of raw jute prices. This will help the workers of the jute mill. Several people are associated with jute mills. I think the most number of workers are associated with the jute industry. Those who became jobless can revive their jobs and the closed mills can also open after the prices are revised," said Singh. "There are many benefits of reopening of factories that were shut down. A committee has been formed for this. A little has been successful. Full success will come only when the tariff commission is applied on jute", added Singh. According to him, provident fund, and gratuity money will be available for 15-16 jute mills that were closed. "The Central Government after careful examination of the market dynamics of raw jute trade has lifted price cap of Rs 6,500 per quintal for TD5 grade of raw jute fixed w.e.f. 30th September 2021 on purchase of raw jute by the Jute Mills and other end users," the Ministry of Textiles said in a statement. Earlier this month, Arjun Singh met the Union Minister of Textiles Piyush Goyal in Delhi to raise his concerns regarding the price capping of raw jute by the Central government. (ANI)
Both the Chief Ministers will also visit a Delhi Government school.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is on an India tour to attend national-level political and social programs.

On May 20, the Chief Minister met different political party leaders, and economic experts in Delhi to discuss the country's economic conditions.

He will visit Chandigarh on May 22 to console 600 families of farmers who died during the nationwide farmers' agitation. Rao will distribute Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family.

He will distribute cheques along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The cheques will be given to the farmers' families belonging to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

On May 26, the Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru where he will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The next day, he will go to Ralegan-Siddhi in Maharashtra where he is scheduled to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will go to Shirdi and offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

KCR is expected to visit West Bengal and Bihar on May 29 or 30 where he will meet the families of the soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

The chief minister will extend financial support to bereaved families as announced earlier. (ANI)
For independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the passing of the bill was the second major social reform that he has shepherded through parliament this term. In 2019, he introduced laws to decriminalise abortion, which caused much angst within the Liberal Party, including threats to former premier Gladys Berejiklians leadership. Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won. Credit:SMH After the tumultuous period, Berejiklian vowed that there would be no more free votes on social issues in this term of parliament. However, her successor Dominic Perrottet - a devout Catholic who opposes voluntary assisted dying - allowed his MPs a conscience vote.

He was also the first to speak in the debate, saying it was a culture-changing decision and warned the legacy of this term of parliament will be to open a door that no one can close if the bill passed. Instead, Perrottet made a promise to improve palliative care: Let me be clear, I failed in my former capacity as treasurer to address this issue. As Premier, I will fix it. Another opponent of Greenwichs bill, Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, told the upper house on Thursday ahead of the final vote that it would be a dark day for NSW. It is a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say, We can be better than this,  Tudehope told parliament. More importantly, it is a commentary about where we have got to as a country. We have so diminished our respect for life to its natural end that we do not support proper wraparound services for people up to their death, and that we do not provide proper palliative care in regional areas. Voluntary assisted dying was the first bill in the history of the NSW parliament to pass without the support of the premier or opposition leader, and had 28 co-sponsors, more than any other piece of legislation in Australia.

Greenwich described the passing of the bill as a day when compassion has won but said there was more work to be done to ensure all terminally ill Australians could choose when to end their life. This has been a long journey in this place, there have been many attempts prior to this, Greenwich said. Now our focus must shift to the federal parliament, and its incumbent on our colleagues and federal partners to pass laws to allow the territories to be able to legislate for this compassion. The territories have been unable to make legislation on voluntary assisted dying since the so-called Andrews bill passed the federal parliament 25 years ago. The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Kevin Andrews in response to the Northern Territory legalising voluntary euthanasia in 1995. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking to overturn the ban on voluntary assisted dying if re-elected on Saturday, saying it was not our policy. There are differences between territories and states and that is under our constitution, and were not proposing any changes, Morrison said on Thursday after the NSW vote.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese last year publicly backed the rights of the territories to legislate on voluntary assisted dying. Labor has previously agreed to facilitate a vote on territory rights if it wins. When NSW became the final state in the country to legalise voluntary assisted dying this week, the vote also sent a powerful message about the role of independents in parliament. Amid debate over the impact that the teal independents could have on Saturdays federal election outcome, as well as their effectiveness in parliament if elected, Greenwich says the assisted dying result showed that independents and minor parties could achieve reform. Andrew Denton of Go Gentle Australia and Penny Hackett from Dying with Dignity standing in the Domain amid thousands of hearts with messages of support for voluntary assisted dying last year. Credit:Nick Moir Independents can bring difficult issues that the majority of MPs want dealt with but the factionalism of the major parties prevents them from doing it, Greenwich says.



RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.



Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Arjun Singh on Friday said that he has informed party president JP Nadda about an urgent need to revive the party in West Bengal, adding that party leaders are only interested in social media politics and not doing ground-level work. "The state BJP wants to do politics on Facebook and WhatsApp. Ground-level work should be done by the party. I reported the matter to BJP national president JP Nadda. Delhi is looking into the matter at its own level. Many people are of the same opinion, but no one is speaking up. We all know that the condition of the organization is not good," said Arjun Singh, who switched over to the BJP from the TMC in 2019. According to the Lok Sabha MP, the BJP should give the responsibility of the party to people who are capable and deserves it. "The BJP has to turn around the party. The organization has to fix it. Those who understand the organisation should be given responsibility. They should be given some power. The party has given us a chair, but it doesn't have legs. The party has given us a pen but it doesn't have ink." Arjun Singh's comment came after the Union government announced its decision to withdraw the notification capping jute prices at Rs 6,500 per quintal, a demand that he and other industry stakeholders had been pressing for a long time. After Arjun Singh's constant pressure on the central government, the Center has removed the price limit of raw jute on Thursday. "Central government had lifted the price of raw jute prices. This will help the workers of the jute mill. Several people are associated with jute mills. I think the most number of workers are associated with the jute industry. Those who became jobless can revive their jobs and the closed mills can also open after the prices are revised," said Singh. "There are many benefits of reopening of factories that were shut down. A committee has been formed for this. A little has been successful. Full success will come only when the tariff commission is applied on jute", added Singh. According to him, provident fund, and gratuity money will be available for 15-16 jute mills that were closed. "The Central Government after careful examination of the market dynamics of raw jute trade has lifted price cap of Rs 6,500 per quintal for TD5 grade of raw jute fixed w.e.f. 30th September 2021 on purchase of raw jute by the Jute Mills and other end users," the Ministry of Textiles said in a statement. Earlier this month, Arjun Singh met the Union Minister of Textiles Piyush Goyal in Delhi to raise his concerns regarding the price capping of raw jute by the Central government. (ANI)
Kolkata: In the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress had given an assembly ticket to a candidate who holds citizenship of both India and Bangladesh. Leader of opposition in Bengal Shubhendu Adhikari on Saturday cornered Mamata Banerjee in the matter. In a series of tweets, he wrote that bjp's Swapan Majumdar, who contested from Bongaon South assembly seat in the 2021 West Bengal elections, had defeated TMC candidate Alo Rani Sarkar.

He said that after being dissatisfied with the election results, TMC candidate Alo Rani Sarkar had filed a petition in the court. The BJP leader said the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the petition as his name is on the voters' list of Bangladesh. He is a Bangladeshi citizen. Let us know that the Calcutta High Court, while hearing the matter, has declared the citizenship of the TMC leader as illegal.

Shubhendu Adhikari said the TMC is guilty of violating sub-section 5 of Section 29A. He tried to get a foreign national elected. He did not compromise on the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and kept allegiance to the constitution of the country. He questioned whether the registration of such a political party should not be cancelled.

Floods wreak havoc in Assam, 14 people killed in rain-landslides so far

Daughter was living with her mother's body for 10 days

These 5 places are in the top list for peace and tranquility, the network does not come here
Kolkata: In the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress had given an assembly ticket to a candidate who holds citizenship of both India and Bangladesh. Leader of opposition in Bengal Shubhendu Adhikari on Saturday cornered Mamata Banerjee in the matter. In a series of tweets, he wrote that bjp's Swapan Majumdar, who contested from Bongaon South assembly seat in the 2021 West Bengal elections, had defeated TMC candidate Alo Rani Sarkar.

He said that after being dissatisfied with the election results, TMC candidate Alo Rani Sarkar had filed a petition in the court. The BJP leader said the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the petition as his name is on the voters' list of Bangladesh. He is a Bangladeshi citizen. Let us know that the Calcutta High Court, while hearing the matter, has declared the citizenship of the TMC leader as illegal.

Shubhendu Adhikari said the TMC is guilty of violating sub-section 5 of Section 29A. He tried to get a foreign national elected. He did not compromise on the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and kept allegiance to the constitution of the country. He questioned whether the registration of such a political party should not be cancelled.

Floods wreak havoc in Assam, 14 people killed in rain-landslides so far

Daughter was living with her mother's body for 10 days

These 5 places are in the top list for peace and tranquility, the network does not come here
The bail application was reviewed by the additional district and session court judge Abida Sajjad. The female star was granted an interim bail till May 27, the Dawn reported.

The lawyer of the TikToker argued that she did not fire the forest but it was already under fire when she visited there.

Her counsel also mentioned that the forest area does not fall within the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

The female social media figure had applied for pre-arrest bail after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against her.

The court has sought report from Kohsar police station, the Dawn reported.

Recently, a video of the TikToker went viral on social media bringing her severe criticism after posing for a TikTok video of a forest fire.

In 15 seconds video that has gone viral on the internet, she was seen walking playfully in a gown in front of a burning hillside with the caption: "Fire erupts wherever I am."

The short clip which received backlash has since been taken down.

Pakistan is the eighth-most vulnerable country to extreme weather caused by climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.

Experts say there is ignorance among the Pakistani population about environmental issues. Forest fires are common from April to July due to high temperatures and slash-and-burn farming. (ANI)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)
Justice V.S. Sirpurkar Commission's report to the Supreme Court on encounter killings of four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a female veterinary doctor has given another twist to the sensational case which had hit the national headlines in November-December 2019. The three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court found that the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death. The Commission had submitted its report to the apex court on January 28 but its contents became public on Friday when the court took up the case for hearing. The panel refused to believe the police claim that the four accused were killed when they snatched weapons from police personnel, who had to return the fire in self-defence. "In our considered opinion, the accused were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death and with the knowledge that the firing would invariably result in the death of the deceased suspects," reads the report. The three-member panel recommended action against 10 police officers who accompanied the four accused to the crime scene early on December 6, 2019. The commission recommended that police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court transferred the case to Telangana High Court, which will take up the hearing after summer vacation. This marks another key development in the sensational case. A 27-year-old female veterinary doctor was kidnapped and gang-raped near Tondupally toll plaza at Shamshabad close to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on the night of November 27, 2019. The next day her charred body was found under an underpass at Chatanpally near Shadnagar town, about 50 km from Hyderabad. On November 29, Cyberabad police announced the arrest of two truck drivers and two cleaners, all residents of Narayanpet district of Telangana. Then Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar told the media that the accused trapped the victim by deflating one of the tyres of her scooty which she had parked near ORR in the evening before taking a cab to go to Gachibowli for some work. The police investigations revealed that the victim called her sister around 9.45 p.m. and told her that her vehicle got punctured and somebody offered to help her and took her vehicle for repair. She also said that she was feeling frightened due to the presence of some truck drivers near her. The victim's sister had advised her to leave the vehicle, come to the toll plaza and return home by a cab. However, when she later called her back, the mobile was switched off. According to police, the victim died of asphyxiation as the accused held her mouth tightly while sexually assaulting her. They later carried the body in a truck some 28 km away to Chatanpally bridge near Shadnagar town and set it ablaze. The accused were identified as Mohammed Arif, and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu, both lorry drivers and Jollu Shiva and Jollu Naveen, both lorry cleaners. According to police, the accused were aged between 20 and 24. The gruesome incident had sent shock waves across the state. There were protests by women's groups and others demanding death penalty for the offenders. Some had demanded that they be killed in an encounter. When the accused were taken to Shadnagar for producing them before a court, a large number of protesters had gathered outside the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. As the police could not take the accused to the court, an executive magistrate came to the police station to pass the remand order. The protesters hurled stones on the police vehicle in which they were being shifted to Cherlapally Central Prison. On December 4, a court in Shadnagar granted police custody of the accused for a week. The case took a dramatic turn on December 6 when all the four accused were killed by the police near Chatanpally where the victim's body was found. Police claimed that the accused snatched weapons and opened fire, forcing the police officers to retaliate in self-defence. The encounter killings were hailed by the victim's family and others who saw this as an instant justice. Some people distributed sweets and lavished praise on then Cyberabad Commissioner Sajjanar. The IPS officer was hailed as an encounter specialist. He was superintendent of police of Warangal district when three accused in an acid attack on two engineering students gunned down in an alleged encounter with police in 2008. However, rights activists and civil liberties groups condemned the 'cold blooded' and 'extra judicial' killings of the four accused. Some of them approached the Supreme Court, seeking a thorough probe into what they called a 'stage-managed' encounter. The Supreme Court on December 12, 2019 constituted the panel headed by former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to inquire into the circumstances in which the four accused were killed on December 6, 2019 while in the custody of police. Justice R.P. Sondur Baldota, former judge, Bombay High Court and D.R. Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were the members of the Commission of Inquiry. It was asked to submit the report in six months. However, the term of the inquiry panel was extended thrice as it could not complete the inquiry due to Covid-19 pandemic. The last extension was in August, 2021. The Commission collected various documentary records including investigation records, forensic reports, post mortem reports, photographs and videos concerning the scene of incidents, etc. It held hearings for 47 days between August 21, 2021 and November 15, 2021. The Commission examined 57 witnesses during their period and recorded their evidence. The panel heard oral arguments from all the advocates from November 16, 2021 to November 26, 2021. It also inspected various places associated with the incident on December 5, 2021. The Commission on January 28, 2022 submitted its report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court. --IANS ms/pgh ( 994 Words) 2022-05-20-21:34:03 (IANS)





The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Now that some of us are planning to travel again, however tentatively, its time to consider the delicious question of vacation reading. Everyone has their own idea of what it should look like. Mine was formed at the end of a holiday weekend in middle school in the 1970s, when my friend Michelle and I pretzeled ourselves into her parents station wagon for the long, dull ride to New York from Massachusetts.

The end of a vacation is an occasion for sadness. There were no cellphones to amuse us back then, and the darkness prevented us from flirting with cute boys in other cars. We were beset by ennui in the way of the sisters in Nancy Mitfords Pursuit of Love, endlessly speculating about what time it was. What saved us was the single book Michelle produced from her bag, in a hail-Mary literary move: The Silver Crown, by Robert C. OBrien.

Reading that book in that car at that time transformed one of the worst parts of traveling  the actual traveling  into an interlude of delight. The Silver Crown is the story of a girl who receives a shimmery crown on her 10th birthday and is then pursued by mysterious figures with nefarious intent. It thrilled and unsettled us. We took turns reading by flashlight  Michelle read a chapter, and then I did, passing the book back and forth as we sprawled out in the interstices between the luggage and the bags of groceries in our little no-seatbelt fort in the very back of the car.

I cant remember what we did the rest of the weekend, but it was the best car trip Ive ever taken, and it forever cemented in me the idea that a vacation book doesnt need to have anything to do with where you are; it can be a destination in itself. By taking you out of your head in those in-between moments  waiting at the gate to board the plane, riding in the back of the bus between cities, lying in bed during the first night of jet-lagged insomnia in a faraway country  it can restore you to yourself. It cures your boredom, soothes your anxiety and provides stability and constancy.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.

Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.




Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Family is a blurry concept in his novel as well. The narrator, Youssef, is one of three unrelated brothers adopted in Saudi Arabia and brought to the United States by Salim, an imam who runs a mosque in Staten Island.

I was considered and considered myself of indeterminate Semitic origin, Youssef says.

He has someone else in his life, too, a double called Brother who looms beside him, supporting and frustrating Youssef by turns.

Brother is described as more than incorporeal but less than living. He can take the form of various animals or a scent. Youssef temporarily silences or placates him by force-feeding him books. (He was uniquely vulnerable to the virus of literature.)

Khalid was excited about the idea of writing the double, he said, because were always searching for a part of ourself. Is the self knowable? It allowed me to ask that question. An additional benefit, he said, was that writing Brother felt like a free pass to go wherever I wanted with my prose.

The three brothers eventually return to Saudi Arabia as adults, where they encounter the building of a futuristic city called HADITH, which will be made up of 99 sustainable microcities.

The sections in the Middle East allowed Khalid to show how tied we are to the geopolitical, he said.

I wanted to collapse the distance between the facade and the plumbing, he said, referring to our daily lives and the global forces the influence them. Its not an answer to anything, I simply want to give voice to the reality.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.










Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.







The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Down at the Arroyo Cafe, Lofty Campbell, former head of the defunct Tucson Cinema Commission, was preaching. Im telling you if we offer the right package, Tucson could lure all the big production houses back here to T-Town.

I told Lofty, My three favorite movies were made right here in T-Town: Once upon a Time in Barrio Hollywood, The Discreet Charm of Sam Hughes Bourgeoisie and, of course, the classic Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore Because She Cant Afford The @#?!$ Rent.

Carlos smirked over his grill. Ever see AMCs The Walking Dead? I heard the same crews going to be filming a spinoff here this Fall. Its called The Driving Dead. Know what that studio loved about Tucson? Weve got thousands of extras who dont require any special effects or makeup to be background zombies. Sour Frank deadpanned, Hilarious, and beckoned Rosa. Could I get some more water, please?

Like it? Its straight from the tap. Youre drinking Lake Mead.

Sour Frank soured.

Dont you love that full-bodied taste? A hint of Fredo Corleone with just a splash of Cousin Vinnie. Rosa poured it with the grace of a Sonoita sommelier. Aged in the barrel.

Lurlene sighed. I always dreamed of selling a script to Hollywood, like the musical I wrote I called Blazing Burritos.

Rosa said it sounded like a real stinker.

Mel Brooks stole my idea! And then when that bloated javelina Hitchcock stole my other idea and made The Birds I just gave up on Hollywood entirely.

Lofty had to ask. What was yours called?

The Snowbirds.

Hey, I said, Werent you all proud to see Tucson honor Linda Ronstadt by renaming the Pancho Villa statue downtown Desperado and they also renamed the Ronstadt Transit Center the Ronstadt Transit Center and then they 

Lurlene stood up. Youre no good, youre no good, youre no good. No one makes fun of Miss Linda Ronstadt in front of me. I aint saying you aint pretty  just shut your pie hole. Unless you got good news.

I had good news.

Listen to this. Border tunneling drug smugglers were enlisted by the city to finish digging the Aviation Highway link between downtown and the interstate beginning Sunday night. They completed the project Monday morning.

Hey, Lofty, what ever happened to Old Tucson?

Its right there in your paper. Under new management, the park formerly known as Old Tucson will reopen under the new name Knotts Huckelberry Farm.

Thanks, Lofty. Speaking of berries in the woods, how about this pine cone from Flagstaff? State Sen. Wendy Rogers, who said the Buffalo mass shooting by a white racist was a False Flag Operation?

Sour Frank sank. Whys Arizona ground zero for these zeros?

The politicians? Or the voters who elect them? Rosa had a point. And what do they do? They vote to ban transgender kids from the human race. They ban the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We have the Trump-worshipping Congressman Paul Gosar, the insurrectionist dentist who once refused to offer to treat bicuspids for what he called moral decay.

Meanwhile, Trump endorses Mark Finchem to be Arizonas next punchline and lawmakers, unable to survive outside of their right-wing media womb, will pass a no-exceptions abortion ban designed to control womens bodies.

Lofty noted, Hey. Pro-Life Rogers will be appearing with Chuck Wagon and the Wheels at Eichmanns Cafe in Alpine.

Sour Frank looked grim. Rogers blames Ukraine on Zelenskyy. Tweets hes a puppet of Jeff Dunham. The socialist-globalist-ruling class-degenerate-leftist-Las Vegas headliner, Jeff Dunham. After Arizona reprimands her, she orders the Reichstag burned to the ground. Im on a roll. Said the Kaiser!

Yall remember, asked Lurlene, back in the 70s? When we all wanted to get in touch with our inner child? Who knew that inner child was a Nazi? What did Ducey say about Rogers speech at a racists rally? Anti-Semitic and hateful language has no place in any Republican campaign in Arizona. Unless its a winning strategy. Meanwhile Tuckers scaring old whites who need hip replacements with ZEY are coming to replace more than your hips, they are coming to replace ALL of you.

I hit the brakes. One can only dream! Carlos piped up. Hey, did you all see where UA folks discovered a black hole? Its very close to us. Its a pothole on Oracle. Fitz, your bike is still in it.

Hey, Wendy Rogers just tweeted UAs Amazing Black Hole Find is Fake News! Where are the White Holes? The interstellar-ist conspiracy of woke anti-white astrophysicists will not replace us!

I left Rosa a nice tip. I liked her Great Replacement Theory: Either we replace every racist hate-peddling, power-at-any-price politician or were toast.

Good theory, I mused as I stepped out into the heat.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.



Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

For this most recent trip, I didnt bring a suit, let alone a tuxedo. But the trip did pose some of the same logistical challenges of my first tour, when some scheduling confusion left me stranded overnight in Timmins, Ontario. Because of my student finances at the time, I had neither a credit card nor the cash for a hotel room. This week, only the British news media covering Charles and Camilla and a few news agency photographers could book seats on a Royal Canadian Air Force Airbus that tagged along behind the jet carrying the royal couple. Matching the planes movements on commercial flights was an impossibility, so I just traveled directly to Yellowknife.

This was the second time since 2009 that Ive followed Charles around for The Times. I also reported on Prince William, Charless son, and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, on their first international visit, in 2011. And Dan Bilefsky and I wrote extensively about Prince Harry and Meghan, his wife, during their temporary move to British Columbia. In 2016, the very first edition of this newsletter mentioned another visit by William and Kate to Canada.

But Ive never been assigned to cover the first royal visitor I saw. And with Queen Elizabeths health at 96 years old increasingly becoming a cause for concern, its unlikely Ill have another opportunity to do so.

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty




Photo taken on May 13, 2022 shows pelicans in Lake Nakuru, Kenya. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

The human and climate induced threats to flamingos which inhabit Kenya's alkaline Rift Valley lakes have mounted, hence diminishing the migratory birds' population, local officials and scientists have said.

NAIROBI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The human and climate induced threats to flamingos which inhabit Kenya's alkaline Rift Valley lakes have mounted, hence diminishing the migratory birds' population, local officials and scientists have said.

Caroline Mwebia, the deputy park warden at Lake Nakuru National Park, said that habitat destruction, climatic stresses, pollution and predation have emerged as existential threats to the survival of flamingos.

"Some of the challenges facing flamingos are related to habitat degradation, pollution of wetlands and fluctuation of lake water levels," Mwebia told Xinhua at Lake Nakuru National Park, a world renowned flamingo habitat located 200 kilometers northwest of the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Photo taken on May 13, 2022 shows pelicans and flamingos in Lake Nakuru, Kenya. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

According to Mwebia, Kenya's alkaline Rift Valley lakes are crucial habitation for flamingos and other migratory birds, where they feed on alga bloom, insects and crustaceans and later fly back to Lake Natron in neighboring Tanzania to breed.

She said the migration of flamingos from Lake Natron to Lake Nakuru and other Rift Valley lakes including Elementaita, Bogoria and Magadi peaks from April to June.

Mwebia said that Kenya's alkaline lakes are a popular destination for two flamingo species, greater and lesser flamingos, amid plenty of food including the blue-green algae and a host of invertebrates.

She noted that unpredictable weather patterns have disrupted migration of flamingos from Tanzania to Kenya, adding that curbing lake pollution and increased public education is key to strengthening protection of the migratory birds.

Photo taken on May 13, 2022 shows pelicans and flamingos in Lake Nakuru, Kenya. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

Evelyn Silali, the assistant research technologist at Lake Nakuru National Park said that rapid urbanization, habitat loss and fragmentation and declining lake water quality have escalated threats to survival of flamingos.

Silali said that Kenya has domesticated international treaties on protection of migratory species as part of concerted efforts to save flamingos which sustain tourism besides stabilizing ecosystems.

She added that the government has focused on public awareness campaigns, evidence-based research and pollution mitigation in large water bodies as part of efforts to boost conservation of flamingos.

Paul Gacheru, the Sites and Species manager at Nature Kenya said the country should leverage some policy and legal instruments, reconfigure infrastructure development in order to minimize threats to flamingos and other iconic migratory birds.

In particular, Gacheru said that the flight path for the flamingos should be protected to avert encroachment while engaging local communities to conserve wetlands is key to boost population of the migratory birds. 
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

by Richard Davis, Lyu Tianran

CAPE TOWN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africa and China have potential to cooperate more in conservation and can learn from each other as the southern African nation has both progress and concerns in this area, said a South African professor ahead of International Day for Biological Diversity falling on Sunday.

When the world faces extinction of many wildlife species and depletion of wild animals' stock particularly on land, South Africa has made conservation efforts that it has many protected areas and open spaces where wildlife are protected and restored, and the nation is a global leader in conservation in many ways, David Walker, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, told Xinhua.

Many wildlife animal species in South Africa have improved in numbers including elephant, and great whales have returned to South African shores after whaling has been banned around the world, however, it also faces "really critical problems", including poaching of rhinos and abalone, and the declining number of penguins, said Walker.

The country, whose government said 451 rhinos were poached in 2021, saved rhinos from the almost extinction in 1960s and 1970s, and helped its number increase, but more recently there has been a huge outbreak of poaching, he said.

He also urged consumers anywhere in the world to make sure that they don't eat illegal sourced abalone.

The professor said it's good that the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has been held in China and the east Asian country has "really improved its conservation profile in recent years."

"There's been a lot of work done in recent times in China to preserve those iconic species like panda in quite difficult circumstances, because China is obviously a country with a large population with needs to develop and it is not easy to marry those with conservation," he said, adding that China has got a lot to show to the world in terms of conservation.

According to Walker, he is optimistic that progress can be made during the second phase of COP15 that is scheduled to be held later this year in the same country and hopes that countries in the world could discuss the impact of the growing population on the planet and the consumption of resources.

The conference will convene governments from around the world to agree to a new set of goals for nature over the next decade through the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process. It will also look at the implementation of the protocols of the Convention on Biological Diversity that deal with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of nature, and the safe transport, handling and labelling of Living Modified Organisms.

South Africa and China have potential to have academic and governmental cooperation to stop poaching. South Africa can also offer the world and China its experience in protected areas while learning from China to manage development and conservation at the same time, Walker said. 
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital celebrated its first 100 years Friday with a ceremony that not only drew the entire Montana congregational delegation, but other federal officials as well.

In a ceremony in which rain clouds hovered overhead and brisk winds made the events tent snap, the hospital was praised for its role in helping veterans and for what it means to the state.

As we celebrate the last 100 years, this is not just a celebration of the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, Judy Hayman, executive director of Montana Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said. It is a recognition of every individual who has walked these grounds. Thousands of veterans have come through the doors to seek healing and strength. Countless people have shown up daily to ensure this care is possible.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Rep. Matthew Rosendale.

Also in attendance were Ralph Gigliotti, VISN 19 network director; Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy undersecretary for health for the Veterans Health Administration; Tanya Bradsher, chief of staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Matt Quinn, who served as the 27th adjutant general for the state of Montana and is now Under Secretary of the VA for Memorial Affairs.

The event included a health fair, a parade of emergency services vehicles and a tour of the campus.

Originally named Veterans Hospital No. 72, Fort Harrison began as an Army post in 1892. Officials said the original hospital, which still stands, was built in 1895 and is within eyesight of the current facility. On May 19, 1922, the hospital was taken over by the Veterans Bureau.

Today it is a 34-bed acute care hospital with six intensive care unit beds, a medical-surgical facility, and a 24-bed inpatient residential rehabilitation facility. It is part of the Montana VA Health Care System, which covers 147,000 square miles.

Hayman said the VA was dedicated to continuing to provide quality care to veterans.

This is our legacy and will remain our purpose for the next 100 years, she said.

Tester, a Democrat, said Fort Harrison has been the linchpin of Montanas VA operations.

The staff here (has) served our state very, very well and make sure other health care facilities serve our state, he said.

It is really, really important that two things happen: That No. 1, we have a facility that veterans are proud to go to  And No. 2, we make sure that facility stays up to 21st century medical needs all the time and moving forward. Veterans needs change and these facilities need to change.

He said Montana needed the best personnel available to deliver health care to the veterans.

Daines said it was because of Montanas veterans that people can live in this beautiful state peacefully and that Montana veterans over the past 100 years helped turn the United States into a superpower.

Its because of you the United States stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of freedom around this world, he said.

Daines, a Republican, said he is the son of a U.S. Marine and son-in-law of an Air Force veteran. He said veterans inspire us all.

The VA, the folks here at Fort Harrison, work day in and day out to serve Montana veterans and ensure theyre receiving the services they earned, he said.

He gave Hayman a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Fort Harrison Medical Centers centennial celebration.

Rosendale offered an appreciation for everyone who works at Fort Harrison, saying they were not thanked enough.

You are the frontline caretakers and Id like to give you my own personal thank you, he said, also noting the community support.

All of us have a part in making sure Montanas heroes are taken care of, Rosendale, a Republican, said.

The event included a parade of emergency response vehicles and a special presentation was made to Vern Olson, 101, of Ennis, who was among the oldest people enrolled in VA health care in Montana. He was thanked for his service and given a commemorative Fort Harrison coin.

A video of the ceremony is on the Montana VA Health Care System Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VAMontana.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.

*On May 4, Dechen Ngodrup, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

*Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

*While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

by Xinhua writers Shen Hongbing, Lin Jianyang, Lyu Qiuping and Bai Shaobo

LHASA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At the foot of Mount Qomolangma, there is a legend -- Atop the mountain lives a golden bird that lays golden eggs.

Drawn to the tale as a child, Dechen Ngodrup always wanted to climb to the summit of the mysterious mountain known to local Tibetans as "the mother goddess."

On May 4, the 35-year-old Tibetan, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

Dechen Ngodrup (L) sets up an automatic meteorological monitoring station on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

"I knew there were no golden eggs the very first time I reached the summit," Dechen Ngodrup said with a smile.

For five times he has topped Mount Qomolangma, which straddles the China-Nepal border, with its northern part located in Xigaze of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

NEW RECORDS

In the latest breakthrough, a self-developed floating airship designed for atmosphere observation reached a record altitude of 9,032 meters on May 15, exceeding the height of Mount Qomolangma.

Photo taken on May 12, 2022 shows floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

On their way to the summit, the 13-member squad led by Dechen Ngodrup on May 4 established an automatic meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of 8,830 meters, making it the world's highest of its kind. They also measured the thickness of the ice and snow using high-accuracy radar for the first time at the summit.

From May 1 to 8, the glacier and pollutant research team scanned a record area of 22 square kilometers at the east, middle and west Rongbuk glaciers at altitudes between 5,200 meters and 6,500 meters. In the unprecedented survey of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, they used a drone and a high precision 3D laser scanner.

An Baosheng, deputy head of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and chief commander of the Mount Qomolangma expedition headquarters, said the deep integration of ultra-high altitude scientific research and mountaineering opens a new chapter for scientific research on the world's highest peak.

China has never stopped exploring Mount Qomolangma. On May 25, 1960, three young Chinese mountaineers climbed to the peak's summit from its more challenging northern slope for the first time in history.

"More than 60 years ago, China couldn't even produce hiking shoes or outdoor jackets. Who could ever think we would set so many records now?" said Ma Weiqiang, head of the CAS Qomolangma station.

Scientific researchers collect water sample at the East Rongbuk glacier near Mount Qomolangma on April 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Dainzin Nyima Choktrul)

Mount Qomolangma is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as "the Roof of the World" and "the Water Tower of Asia." Five years ago, China initiated the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to reveal the mechanism of environmental change and optimize the ecological security barrier system.

"The climate and environmental changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have a significant impact on the rest of the world," said Yao Tandong, a CAS academician and team leader of the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, noting that the ecosystem of Mount Qomolangma, like Earth's landscape in miniature, has its charm for scientists to explore.

With the most disciplines covered, the most scientific research participants, and the most advanced equipment utilized, this expedition on Mount Qomolangma is the largest since the survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau began.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

Dechen Ngodrup said the difficulty of the mission in May was "beyond the imagination."

Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team conduct scientific research on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

His squad spent some eight hours climbing the final 500-meter distance, as they had to walk through snow up to their knees.

"The safety ropes along the route were all buried in the snow. Without the ropes for protection, we could fall at any minute," he said. They had to pull the ropes out of the snow and shake off the ice on the surface before climbing.

The glacier and pollutant research team members took turns dragging the ground-penetrating radar to measure the ice thickness of the glacier, following a zigzag trajectory on the glacier surface. Wang Shaoyong, team member and a doctor from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under CAS, said his heartbeat reached as high as 160 beats per minute.

"It felt like my heart was going to pop out," said Wang, 29.

The team spent eight days and seven nights on the mountain, including one sleepless night in a tent at an altitude of 6,350 meters. The oxygen level there is less than half that at sea level, and the temperature is lower than minus 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Scientific researchers celebrate when floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III reaches the altitude above 9,000 meters in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Tian Jinwen)

Based on the scanned data, the research team will draw a 3D digital elevation map of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, and then compare it with data collected in the past, including remote sensing data, to establish the trend and pattern of glacier change.

"Through the study of glacier changes and glacier air pollutants, we can see the impact of global and regional human activities on the Qomolangma area," said Kang Shichang, team leader and a researcher at the NIEER.

Piao Shilong, another CAS academician, said that through this expedition, Chinese scientists will unveil more mysteries about the world's highest peak, bringing the world's scientific research on Mount Qomolangma into a new phase.

"There are no golden birds or eggs on top of the mountain. But the scientific data obtained there is even more precious than gold," Dechen Ngodrup said.

(Xinhua correspondents Lyu Nuo, Tian Jinwen, Li Jian and Cheng Lu also contributed to the story; Video reporters: Tenzing Nima Qadhup and Sonam Dekyi; Video editors: Chen Sihong, Li Qin and Ming Dajun) 
by Richard Davis, Lyu Tianran

CAPE TOWN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africa and China have potential to cooperate more in conservation and can learn from each other as the southern African nation has both progress and concerns in this area, said a South African professor ahead of International Day for Biological Diversity falling on Sunday.

When the world faces extinction of many wildlife species and depletion of wild animals' stock particularly on land, South Africa has made conservation efforts that it has many protected areas and open spaces where wildlife are protected and restored, and the nation is a global leader in conservation in many ways, David Walker, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, told Xinhua.

Many wildlife animal species in South Africa have improved in numbers including elephant, and great whales have returned to South African shores after whaling has been banned around the world, however, it also faces "really critical problems", including poaching of rhinos and abalone, and the declining number of penguins, said Walker.

The country, whose government said 451 rhinos were poached in 2021, saved rhinos from the almost extinction in 1960s and 1970s, and helped its number increase, but more recently there has been a huge outbreak of poaching, he said.

He also urged consumers anywhere in the world to make sure that they don't eat illegal sourced abalone.

The professor said it's good that the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has been held in China and the east Asian country has "really improved its conservation profile in recent years."

"There's been a lot of work done in recent times in China to preserve those iconic species like panda in quite difficult circumstances, because China is obviously a country with a large population with needs to develop and it is not easy to marry those with conservation," he said, adding that China has got a lot to show to the world in terms of conservation.

According to Walker, he is optimistic that progress can be made during the second phase of COP15 that is scheduled to be held later this year in the same country and hopes that countries in the world could discuss the impact of the growing population on the planet and the consumption of resources.

The conference will convene governments from around the world to agree to a new set of goals for nature over the next decade through the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process. It will also look at the implementation of the protocols of the Convention on Biological Diversity that deal with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of nature, and the safe transport, handling and labelling of Living Modified Organisms.

South Africa and China have potential to have academic and governmental cooperation to stop poaching. South Africa can also offer the world and China its experience in protected areas while learning from China to manage development and conservation at the same time, Walker said. 
RICHMOND  Legislators from the Richmond area want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to delay carrying out his new telework policy for state employees until after Labor Day and let workers return to the office schedules they followed before the COVID-19 pandemic upended state government almost 27 months ago.

Eight Democratic legislators  including seven from the Richmond region  sent a letter to Youngkin on Friday outlining their concerns about the new telework policy, which he announced two weeks earlier to take effect on July 5.

They asked the governor to allow agency heads to collaborate with their employees in returning to their established pre-pandemic work schedules, which included more flexible scheduling options, and to do so after the Labor Day holiday, and not any time prior.

The letter was signed by Sens. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield and Jennifer McClellan of Richmond; Dels. Betsy Carr, Jeff Bourne, and Dawn Adams of Richmond; Dels. Schuyler Van Valkenburg and Rodney Willett of Henrico; and Del. Sally Hudson of Charlottesville.

Carr, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also sent Youngkin a separate letter asking him to delay the policy and preserve the flexibility of agency heads to make more specific and tailored determinations with regard to telework.

Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter responded that Carrs concerns are addressed in the policy and its implementation.

We have established the new teleworking policy with flexibility to allow for an employee and their supervisor to discuss telework options and whats appropriate for their role and the organization, Porter said.

With Fridays deadline for state employees to request permission to work remotely, the new policy will replace all previous telework agreements, some of them dating back more than a decade under a state law that has promoted flexibility by state agencies in allowing employees to work from home.

The new policy also limits the ability of state executive branch agencies to approve more than one day of telework a week for any state employee. Employees must receive approval by the applicable Cabinet secretary for two days a week and the governors chief of staff, Jeff Goettman, for more than two.

A top-down and universally-applied telework policy does not address the varying differences that exist among position requirements and agency needs, states the letter from the eight legislators.

Legislators argued that the new policy conflicts with the state law adopted in 2004 to promote telework among state employees, fails to recognize the productivity of those who worked from home during the pandemic, and contradicts private industry trends that began before the public health emergency to offer remote or hybrid work options as a benefit to attract and retain employees.

They expressed particular concern about state employees who as parents are now scrambling for child care with limited options as summer is about to begin. The July 5 start date is significantly disruptive for the plans already made by working parents, they said.

In her separate letter to Youngkin, Carr said, In todays tight labor market, it would be unfortunate if the inability to find adequate child care forced many of Virginias best and brightest public servants into private sector positions offering greater flexibility.

One state employee said that her agency said it would allow parents to use five telework days during the summer to provide them more flexibility with their childrens schedules. Once children return to school in the fall, their parents would go back to what the employee called the standard agreement of only 2 days telework a week.

As you can imagine those without children have expressed their understandable frustration, said the employee, who asked not to be identified because of potential retaliation. Had the governor just grandfathered in previous telework agreements from before COVID or even just waited to implement this policy until the fall I do not think there would be this much frustration and backlash.

The Youngkin administration did not immediately confirm the summer policy for employees who are parents.

In addition to seeking a delay in the new telework policy, the Democratic legislators asked Youngkin to establish a policy work group that includes members of the House of Delegates and Senate who represent large numbers of state workers, as those in the Richmond area do.

They want the work group to consider changes to current state policy after examining the effects on commuting, changing job duties and new technologies that support flexible work options.

Many agencies have reduced office space and also have invested in necessary equipment and technologies to support employees remote work, the legislators said. This investment is now rendered obsolete, and it is not clear that agencies have the necessary funding to support additional office space, parking, and other necessary employee resources.

The Richmond area is home to many of the states 122,000 full- and part-time employees, but some local residents arent sympathetic to resistance to Youngkins policy for returning workers to their offices, despite the lingering pandemic.

It is way past time! said Anne Hall, a West End Richmond resident and longtime Long & Foster real estate agent who has worked in her office for most of the pandemic.

Hall said she has taken precautions against COVID-19, including two vaccination shots and two booster shots, but thinks state employees should return to their offices.

Why should they stay at home when the world is getting back to work and needs to get back to work? she asked.

Hall said she agrees with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who welcomed the governors new policy as a way to get more state employees back to their offices and boost the downtown economy around the seat of government.

People need to go back to the real world, she said.
by Richard Davis, Lyu Tianran

CAPE TOWN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africa and China have potential to cooperate more in conservation and can learn from each other as the southern African nation has both progress and concerns in this area, said a South African professor ahead of International Day for Biological Diversity falling on Sunday.

When the world faces extinction of many wildlife species and depletion of wild animals' stock particularly on land, South Africa has made conservation efforts that it has many protected areas and open spaces where wildlife are protected and restored, and the nation is a global leader in conservation in many ways, David Walker, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, told Xinhua.

Many wildlife animal species in South Africa have improved in numbers including elephant, and great whales have returned to South African shores after whaling has been banned around the world, however, it also faces "really critical problems", including poaching of rhinos and abalone, and the declining number of penguins, said Walker.

The country, whose government said 451 rhinos were poached in 2021, saved rhinos from the almost extinction in 1960s and 1970s, and helped its number increase, but more recently there has been a huge outbreak of poaching, he said.

He also urged consumers anywhere in the world to make sure that they don't eat illegal sourced abalone.

The professor said it's good that the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has been held in China and the east Asian country has "really improved its conservation profile in recent years."

"There's been a lot of work done in recent times in China to preserve those iconic species like panda in quite difficult circumstances, because China is obviously a country with a large population with needs to develop and it is not easy to marry those with conservation," he said, adding that China has got a lot to show to the world in terms of conservation.

According to Walker, he is optimistic that progress can be made during the second phase of COP15 that is scheduled to be held later this year in the same country and hopes that countries in the world could discuss the impact of the growing population on the planet and the consumption of resources.

The conference will convene governments from around the world to agree to a new set of goals for nature over the next decade through the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process. It will also look at the implementation of the protocols of the Convention on Biological Diversity that deal with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of nature, and the safe transport, handling and labelling of Living Modified Organisms.

South Africa and China have potential to have academic and governmental cooperation to stop poaching. South Africa can also offer the world and China its experience in protected areas while learning from China to manage development and conservation at the same time, Walker said. 
by Richard Davis, Lyu Tianran

CAPE TOWN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africa and China have potential to cooperate more in conservation and can learn from each other as the southern African nation has both progress and concerns in this area, said a South African professor ahead of International Day for Biological Diversity falling on Sunday.

When the world faces extinction of many wildlife species and depletion of wild animals' stock particularly on land, South Africa has made conservation efforts that it has many protected areas and open spaces where wildlife are protected and restored, and the nation is a global leader in conservation in many ways, David Walker, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, told Xinhua.

Many wildlife animal species in South Africa have improved in numbers including elephant, and great whales have returned to South African shores after whaling has been banned around the world, however, it also faces "really critical problems", including poaching of rhinos and abalone, and the declining number of penguins, said Walker.

The country, whose government said 451 rhinos were poached in 2021, saved rhinos from the almost extinction in 1960s and 1970s, and helped its number increase, but more recently there has been a huge outbreak of poaching, he said.

He also urged consumers anywhere in the world to make sure that they don't eat illegal sourced abalone.

The professor said it's good that the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has been held in China and the east Asian country has "really improved its conservation profile in recent years."

"There's been a lot of work done in recent times in China to preserve those iconic species like panda in quite difficult circumstances, because China is obviously a country with a large population with needs to develop and it is not easy to marry those with conservation," he said, adding that China has got a lot to show to the world in terms of conservation.

According to Walker, he is optimistic that progress can be made during the second phase of COP15 that is scheduled to be held later this year in the same country and hopes that countries in the world could discuss the impact of the growing population on the planet and the consumption of resources.

The conference will convene governments from around the world to agree to a new set of goals for nature over the next decade through the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process. It will also look at the implementation of the protocols of the Convention on Biological Diversity that deal with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of nature, and the safe transport, handling and labelling of Living Modified Organisms.

South Africa and China have potential to have academic and governmental cooperation to stop poaching. South Africa can also offer the world and China its experience in protected areas while learning from China to manage development and conservation at the same time, Walker said. 
Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that it is the constant desire of Pakistan to elevate the friendship and mutual trust with China to new heights so as to bring more strength to the mutual partnership, according to Pakistan's information minister.

Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb read out a letter from Sharif at a ceremony to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan at the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, saying that the journey of China-Pakistan relations has been a long and steady one, and has moved from strength to strength.

The prime minister said the mutual trust should be improved to make the relationship an all-inclusive one in which other countries in addition to Pakistan can benefit from the "magnanimity of our ever trusted and all-weather friend, China."

Expressing his resolve to not only expedite the existing projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also look forward to inaugurating new projects, Sharif said that he is directly monitoring the entire security infrastructure to provide safety to the Chinese working in Pakistan, and vowed to bring the culprits of attacks on Chinese nationals to justice.

Later, the prime minister said on Twitter "our relationship with China has transformed into an iron brotherhood over the last 71 years. This (all-weather) comprehensive strategic partnership has stood the test of time & emerged as a factor of stability in the region & beyond."

The prime minister said the relationship between the two countries and the people to people contact between China and Pakistan has evolved to a level where it not only has brought regional prosperity, but also shown how the relationship between the two countries has brought prosperity, economic development, and human development to Pakistan.

On the occasion, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan Pang Chunxue said that China always regards its ties with Pakistan as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and will firmly support Pakistan in defending national sovereignty and security, maintaining unity as well as achieving stability, development and prosperity.

Pang said that China and Pakistan will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science and technology, culture and education.

He added that China will help Pakistan speed up industrialization and jointly implement high-quality development of the CPEC.

"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries are so deeply rooted that any attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation is doomed to fail," said Pang, adding "we believe that with joint efforts of both sides, new and firm steps will be taken in the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future." 

Pang Chunxue, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)
Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that it is the constant desire of Pakistan to elevate the friendship and mutual trust with China to new heights so as to bring more strength to the mutual partnership, according to Pakistan's information minister.

Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb read out a letter from Sharif at a ceremony to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan at the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, saying that the journey of China-Pakistan relations has been a long and steady one, and has moved from strength to strength.

The prime minister said the mutual trust should be improved to make the relationship an all-inclusive one in which other countries in addition to Pakistan can benefit from the "magnanimity of our ever trusted and all-weather friend, China."

Expressing his resolve to not only expedite the existing projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also look forward to inaugurating new projects, Sharif said that he is directly monitoring the entire security infrastructure to provide safety to the Chinese working in Pakistan, and vowed to bring the culprits of attacks on Chinese nationals to justice.

Later, the prime minister said on Twitter "our relationship with China has transformed into an iron brotherhood over the last 71 years. This (all-weather) comprehensive strategic partnership has stood the test of time & emerged as a factor of stability in the region & beyond."

The prime minister said the relationship between the two countries and the people to people contact between China and Pakistan has evolved to a level where it not only has brought regional prosperity, but also shown how the relationship between the two countries has brought prosperity, economic development, and human development to Pakistan.

On the occasion, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan Pang Chunxue said that China always regards its ties with Pakistan as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and will firmly support Pakistan in defending national sovereignty and security, maintaining unity as well as achieving stability, development and prosperity.

Pang said that China and Pakistan will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science and technology, culture and education.

He added that China will help Pakistan speed up industrialization and jointly implement high-quality development of the CPEC.

"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries are so deeply rooted that any attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation is doomed to fail," said Pang, adding "we believe that with joint efforts of both sides, new and firm steps will be taken in the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future." 

Pang Chunxue, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)
*On May 4, Dechen Ngodrup, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

*Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

*While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

by Xinhua writers Shen Hongbing, Lin Jianyang, Lyu Qiuping and Bai Shaobo

LHASA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At the foot of Mount Qomolangma, there is a legend -- Atop the mountain lives a golden bird that lays golden eggs.

Drawn to the tale as a child, Dechen Ngodrup always wanted to climb to the summit of the mysterious mountain known to local Tibetans as "the mother goddess."

On May 4, the 35-year-old Tibetan, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

Dechen Ngodrup (L) sets up an automatic meteorological monitoring station on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

"I knew there were no golden eggs the very first time I reached the summit," Dechen Ngodrup said with a smile.

For five times he has topped Mount Qomolangma, which straddles the China-Nepal border, with its northern part located in Xigaze of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

NEW RECORDS

In the latest breakthrough, a self-developed floating airship designed for atmosphere observation reached a record altitude of 9,032 meters on May 15, exceeding the height of Mount Qomolangma.

Photo taken on May 12, 2022 shows floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

On their way to the summit, the 13-member squad led by Dechen Ngodrup on May 4 established an automatic meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of 8,830 meters, making it the world's highest of its kind. They also measured the thickness of the ice and snow using high-accuracy radar for the first time at the summit.

From May 1 to 8, the glacier and pollutant research team scanned a record area of 22 square kilometers at the east, middle and west Rongbuk glaciers at altitudes between 5,200 meters and 6,500 meters. In the unprecedented survey of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, they used a drone and a high precision 3D laser scanner.

An Baosheng, deputy head of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and chief commander of the Mount Qomolangma expedition headquarters, said the deep integration of ultra-high altitude scientific research and mountaineering opens a new chapter for scientific research on the world's highest peak.

China has never stopped exploring Mount Qomolangma. On May 25, 1960, three young Chinese mountaineers climbed to the peak's summit from its more challenging northern slope for the first time in history.

"More than 60 years ago, China couldn't even produce hiking shoes or outdoor jackets. Who could ever think we would set so many records now?" said Ma Weiqiang, head of the CAS Qomolangma station.

Scientific researchers collect water sample at the East Rongbuk glacier near Mount Qomolangma on April 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Dainzin Nyima Choktrul)

Mount Qomolangma is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as "the Roof of the World" and "the Water Tower of Asia." Five years ago, China initiated the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to reveal the mechanism of environmental change and optimize the ecological security barrier system.

"The climate and environmental changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have a significant impact on the rest of the world," said Yao Tandong, a CAS academician and team leader of the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, noting that the ecosystem of Mount Qomolangma, like Earth's landscape in miniature, has its charm for scientists to explore.

With the most disciplines covered, the most scientific research participants, and the most advanced equipment utilized, this expedition on Mount Qomolangma is the largest since the survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau began.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

Dechen Ngodrup said the difficulty of the mission in May was "beyond the imagination."

Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team conduct scientific research on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

His squad spent some eight hours climbing the final 500-meter distance, as they had to walk through snow up to their knees.

"The safety ropes along the route were all buried in the snow. Without the ropes for protection, we could fall at any minute," he said. They had to pull the ropes out of the snow and shake off the ice on the surface before climbing.

The glacier and pollutant research team members took turns dragging the ground-penetrating radar to measure the ice thickness of the glacier, following a zigzag trajectory on the glacier surface. Wang Shaoyong, team member and a doctor from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under CAS, said his heartbeat reached as high as 160 beats per minute.

"It felt like my heart was going to pop out," said Wang, 29.

The team spent eight days and seven nights on the mountain, including one sleepless night in a tent at an altitude of 6,350 meters. The oxygen level there is less than half that at sea level, and the temperature is lower than minus 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Scientific researchers celebrate when floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III reaches the altitude above 9,000 meters in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Tian Jinwen)

Based on the scanned data, the research team will draw a 3D digital elevation map of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, and then compare it with data collected in the past, including remote sensing data, to establish the trend and pattern of glacier change.

"Through the study of glacier changes and glacier air pollutants, we can see the impact of global and regional human activities on the Qomolangma area," said Kang Shichang, team leader and a researcher at the NIEER.

Piao Shilong, another CAS academician, said that through this expedition, Chinese scientists will unveil more mysteries about the world's highest peak, bringing the world's scientific research on Mount Qomolangma into a new phase.

"There are no golden birds or eggs on top of the mountain. But the scientific data obtained there is even more precious than gold," Dechen Ngodrup said.

(Xinhua correspondents Lyu Nuo, Tian Jinwen, Li Jian and Cheng Lu also contributed to the story; Video reporters: Tenzing Nima Qadhup and Sonam Dekyi; Video editors: Chen Sihong, Li Qin and Ming Dajun) 
*On May 4, Dechen Ngodrup, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

*Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

*While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

by Xinhua writers Shen Hongbing, Lin Jianyang, Lyu Qiuping and Bai Shaobo

LHASA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At the foot of Mount Qomolangma, there is a legend -- Atop the mountain lives a golden bird that lays golden eggs.

Drawn to the tale as a child, Dechen Ngodrup always wanted to climb to the summit of the mysterious mountain known to local Tibetans as "the mother goddess."

On May 4, the 35-year-old Tibetan, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

Dechen Ngodrup (L) sets up an automatic meteorological monitoring station on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

"I knew there were no golden eggs the very first time I reached the summit," Dechen Ngodrup said with a smile.

For five times he has topped Mount Qomolangma, which straddles the China-Nepal border, with its northern part located in Xigaze of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

NEW RECORDS

In the latest breakthrough, a self-developed floating airship designed for atmosphere observation reached a record altitude of 9,032 meters on May 15, exceeding the height of Mount Qomolangma.

Photo taken on May 12, 2022 shows floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

On their way to the summit, the 13-member squad led by Dechen Ngodrup on May 4 established an automatic meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of 8,830 meters, making it the world's highest of its kind. They also measured the thickness of the ice and snow using high-accuracy radar for the first time at the summit.

From May 1 to 8, the glacier and pollutant research team scanned a record area of 22 square kilometers at the east, middle and west Rongbuk glaciers at altitudes between 5,200 meters and 6,500 meters. In the unprecedented survey of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, they used a drone and a high precision 3D laser scanner.

An Baosheng, deputy head of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and chief commander of the Mount Qomolangma expedition headquarters, said the deep integration of ultra-high altitude scientific research and mountaineering opens a new chapter for scientific research on the world's highest peak.

China has never stopped exploring Mount Qomolangma. On May 25, 1960, three young Chinese mountaineers climbed to the peak's summit from its more challenging northern slope for the first time in history.

"More than 60 years ago, China couldn't even produce hiking shoes or outdoor jackets. Who could ever think we would set so many records now?" said Ma Weiqiang, head of the CAS Qomolangma station.

Scientific researchers collect water sample at the East Rongbuk glacier near Mount Qomolangma on April 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Dainzin Nyima Choktrul)

Mount Qomolangma is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as "the Roof of the World" and "the Water Tower of Asia." Five years ago, China initiated the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to reveal the mechanism of environmental change and optimize the ecological security barrier system.

"The climate and environmental changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have a significant impact on the rest of the world," said Yao Tandong, a CAS academician and team leader of the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, noting that the ecosystem of Mount Qomolangma, like Earth's landscape in miniature, has its charm for scientists to explore.

With the most disciplines covered, the most scientific research participants, and the most advanced equipment utilized, this expedition on Mount Qomolangma is the largest since the survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau began.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

Dechen Ngodrup said the difficulty of the mission in May was "beyond the imagination."

Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team conduct scientific research on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

His squad spent some eight hours climbing the final 500-meter distance, as they had to walk through snow up to their knees.

"The safety ropes along the route were all buried in the snow. Without the ropes for protection, we could fall at any minute," he said. They had to pull the ropes out of the snow and shake off the ice on the surface before climbing.

The glacier and pollutant research team members took turns dragging the ground-penetrating radar to measure the ice thickness of the glacier, following a zigzag trajectory on the glacier surface. Wang Shaoyong, team member and a doctor from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under CAS, said his heartbeat reached as high as 160 beats per minute.

"It felt like my heart was going to pop out," said Wang, 29.

The team spent eight days and seven nights on the mountain, including one sleepless night in a tent at an altitude of 6,350 meters. The oxygen level there is less than half that at sea level, and the temperature is lower than minus 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Scientific researchers celebrate when floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III reaches the altitude above 9,000 meters in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Tian Jinwen)

Based on the scanned data, the research team will draw a 3D digital elevation map of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, and then compare it with data collected in the past, including remote sensing data, to establish the trend and pattern of glacier change.

"Through the study of glacier changes and glacier air pollutants, we can see the impact of global and regional human activities on the Qomolangma area," said Kang Shichang, team leader and a researcher at the NIEER.

Piao Shilong, another CAS academician, said that through this expedition, Chinese scientists will unveil more mysteries about the world's highest peak, bringing the world's scientific research on Mount Qomolangma into a new phase.

"There are no golden birds or eggs on top of the mountain. But the scientific data obtained there is even more precious than gold," Dechen Ngodrup said.

(Xinhua correspondents Lyu Nuo, Tian Jinwen, Li Jian and Cheng Lu also contributed to the story; Video reporters: Tenzing Nima Qadhup and Sonam Dekyi; Video editors: Chen Sihong, Li Qin and Ming Dajun) 
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.

The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Young women used in love scam to trick elderly men out of 1 million

Young women were used in a love scam to trick elderly Italian men out of 1 million, say police.

The women would be employed as domestic workers in a bid to convince lonely men in Calabria, southern Italy, to part with their money.

They would often enter into a physical relationship with their victims, who were aged between 70 and 90 years old, according to Europol. Different scams were used to get the men to lend them money, including personal health problems or sickness of a family member.

One victim lost nearly 20,000, while another suffered two heart attacks after one of the women secretly administered him with Valium before robbing his house.

The European police agency Europol said the criminal organisation behind the scam has been dismantled, with 13 arrests made on Thursday.

The investigation involved police from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania.

"The victims would transfer large sums to the women," said Europol in a statement. "Just one of the victims lost almost 20,000 because of this trickery.

"Other members of the criminal group would collect the money and then wire it to Romania via different money transfer services.

"The criminal assets were then laundered in Romania through investments in real estate, vehicles and gold.

"The investigation estimates that the criminal gang managed to gain more than 1 million through this criminal activity.

"During the investigation, law enforcement identified 56 members of the criminal gang, with 16 of them being key actors in the scheme. Investigators localised a number of these suspects in Romania, Germany and links to the Netherlands."
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.

Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Addressing supporters in Sydney, Morrison said he would step down as Liberal leader but stay in parliament. He said the low primary vote support for both major parties reflected the upheaval in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. To my colleagues tonight, who have had to deal with very difficult news and have lost their seats tonight, I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses, he said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat: I, as leader, take responsibility for the wins and the losses. Credit:James Brickwood That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result, I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do. Acknowledging it was a night of disappointment for the Liberals and Nationals, Morrison said it was also a time for Coalition members and supporters across the country to hold their heads high.

We have been a strong government, we have been a good government, Australia is stronger as a result of our effort over these last three terms, he said. And I have no doubt, under the strong leadership of our Coalition three years from now, Im looking forward to the return of a Coalition government. Loading He emphasised the need for a swift election outcome as the incoming prime minister is due to attend the Quad summit with leaders from the United States, India and Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. I think it is vitally important that there is a very clear understanding about the government of this country, Morrison said. With Treasurer Josh Frydenberg facing defeat in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong, where independent candidate Monique Ryan claimed victory, the Liberals could turn to Defence Minister Peter Dutton as their next leader after the rout of moderates.

In a devastating election night for the moderate wing of the party, Liberals including Katie Allen, Trevor Evans, Jason Falinski, Fiona Martin, Celia Hammond, Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman were set to join Frydenberg in losing their seats to independents, Labor or the Greens. One Liberal who had crossed the floor on an integrity commission and protections for transgender students, Bridget Archer, held the Tasmanian seat of Bass after removing the Liberal brand from her campaign. Labor suffered a fall in its primary vote but made enough gains with preferences from the Greens and others to pick up seats. It looks like weve won half a dozen seats, Labor campaign spokesman Jason Clare said shortly before 9pm.

Albanese has ruled out modifying his climate change target to secure power in the event of a hung parliament but may be forced to discuss policies with a powerful crossbench that includes more Greens MPs as well as independents. Labor appeared on track to gain Bennelong and Reid in Sydney, Chisholm in Melbourne, Boothby in Adelaide and Swan in Perth. It also expressed confidence it could make further inroads in seats such as Brisbane, where it has edged ahead of the Liberals, in Pearce in Perth and possibly Robertson on the NSW central coast. While the NSW south coast electorate of Gilmore was a potential bright spot for the Coalition, with former state transport minister Andrew Constance ahead of Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips at 11pm, it did not make the gains in suburban and regional electorates that some insiders claimed only days ago. Morrison campaigned vigorously in western Sydney seats including Werriwa and Parramatta but Labor held both seats. This meant the Coalition lost ground in blue-ribbon Liberal electorates in the cities, where independents campaigned on climate change and integrity, without any gains in outer suburban seats.

Loading Former journalist Zoe Daniel claimed victory over Wilson in Goldstein and praised supporters for backing the independent movement against the major parties. Frydenberg acknowledged he could lose his seat and thanked Australians for their support while he was treasurer, saying he was proud of the work he and other ministers had done to save jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Its something I will be proud of from now until the end of time, he told supporters. Without formally conceding power, he acknowledged his press conference in recent days on the 3.9 per cent unemployment rate looks like being his last as treasurer. In Sydney, Liberal MPs Zimmerman in North Sydney and Falinski in Mackellar were also on track to be replaced by independents Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt hailed the result as a strong show of support for his party, with potential gains in the seat of Griffith in Queensland, held by Labor frontbencher Terri Butler. In another shock to Labor, the party appeared likely to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler to an independent, Dai Le, who galvanised local support against the Labor decision to impose a candidate from outside the electorate by putting forward human affairs spokeswoman and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed the dire threat to the Liberals from the loss of seats it had held for decades and in some cases since Federation. It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, he said. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task.

Independent MP Zali Steggall claimed victory in her seat of Warringah in northern Sydney against Liberal challenger Katherine Deves, one of the most contentious candidates in the election due to her strong public comments about transgender people in sport. Loading NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Saturday the party had to rethink the way it chose its candidates after the experience of the 2022 campaign, while Birmingham expressed similar concerns. ABC election analyst Antony Green calculated in August that Labor would need a national result of 51.8 per cent in the two-party vote to form government, but warned against assuming a uniform swing. Green estimated the Coalition started the campaign with 76 seats while Labor had 69 of the 151 total, taking into account redistributions in Victoria and Western Australia since the last election.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Citing the evolving threat posed by North Korea, Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea agreed Saturday to reinforce their defensive posture on the Korean Peninsula and discuss stepped-up training by their armed forces.

Biden, on day two of his first trip to South Korea and Japan, met with Yoon on a number of issues, including economic and energy security, according to a statement issued afterward.

The two chief executives reaffirmed their mutual commitment to defending South Korea. Biden acknowledged an extended deterrence commitment that includes the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense, according to the statement.

The two also agreed to start discussions to expand the scope and scale of joint military exercises that were suspended in 2018 after a series of summit meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in and then-President Donald Trump.

Moon and Trump agreed to downsize their nations combined exercises from field maneuvers involving large numbers of troops and equipment to tabletop computer simulations. Yoon, a conservative former prosecutor who took office May 10, campaigned on a pledge to strengthen ties with the U.S., including a return to field exercises.

We are going to step up our exercises, Yoon said during a press briefing with Biden in Seoul, adding that it will take some time to determine specifics.

Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, the majority of them at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek city.

The exercises were suspended in part to placate the North and draw it to negotiations aimed at ridding the communist regime of its nuclear weapons program. North Koreas leaders say the U.S-South Korean exercises are rehearsals for an invasion of their country.

Yoon and Biden said their goal remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and condemned North Koreas 15 missile tests so far this year, according to their statement.

They also agreed to deploy U.S. military assets to South Korea in a timely and coordinated manner as necessary and cooperate to combat North Koreas cyber threats.

North Korea is ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test, its first since 2017, according to U.S. and South Korean national security officials. A weapons test is possible even while Biden is in Asia, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday.

However, the allied leaders offered to work with the international community to provide assistance to North Korea, which only recently acknowledged an outbreak that could be COVID-19, according to the joint statement.

North Korea reported nearly 2.5 million cases of an unspecified fever and 66 related deaths since late April, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Saturday. KCNA characterized the infections as a health crisis and reported Kim viewed health officials as negligent in handling the situation.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2022) - TrustBIX Inc.(TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company")is pleased to announce that the Company held its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") via webcast on May 20, 2022. All matters to be acted upon, as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Management Information Circular dated April 14, 2022, were approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

The Company's shareholders voted to:

Fix the number of directors at five;

Elect Hubert Lau, Edward (Ted) Power, David Schuster, Lap Shing (Andrew) Kao, and Emma Todd as directors;

Appoint Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration;

Approve the amendment of the Company's bylaws to include the Advance Notice provisions as described in the Management Information Circular; and

Re-approve the Company's fixed stock option plan, whereby a maximum of 15,849,966 option shares, being 20% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, will be reserved for issuance as described in the Management Information Circular.

The directors and management of TrustBIX thank all shareholders for their participation in the Meeting and for their continuing support.

Mr. Tony Barlott, Mr. William Shea Jameson, and Mr. Gerben (Jerry) Bouma did not stand for re-election for the ensuing year.

"We all thank Tony, Shea and Jerry for their tireless work and tremendous contributions over their tenure as directors. They were key to our success in getting to this stage in our development and growth. We look forward to their continued support as they form the Company's new advisory board," said Hubert Lau, TrustBIX CEO.

Subsequent to the Annual General and Special Meeting, 6,625,000 stock options have been granted to directors, officers, employees and contractors of the Company as part of their compensation plans. All options granted have a strike price of $0.10, vest 50% on each of the grant and anniversary dates and will expire in five years if not exercised.

About TrustBIX (TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF)

As an innovative leader, TrustBIX provides agri-food traceability and chain of custody value solutions. The Company's goal is to create a world where we trust more, waste less and reward sustainable behaviour by addressing consumer and agri-food business demands. The proprietary platform, BIX (Business InfoXchange system), is designed to create trust without compromising privacy through innovative, blockchain-derived use of technology and data. By leveraging BIX and its unique use of incentive solutions, TrustBIX delivers independent validation of food provenance and sustainable production practices within the supply chain - Gate to Plate.

ViewTrak Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides a suite of hardware and software solutions to the livestock industry in Canada, United States, Mexico and China, such as Auction Master Pro, Market Master, Feedlot Solutions and pork grading probes.

The Company's Insight technology offers an edge-to-enterprise supply chain solution that brings asset situational awareness to dealers, equipment fleets, and civil construction managers. The platform allows for the tracking, protection, and identification of movement of assets using self-powered and self-reporting cellular tags and cloud-based suite of tools.

For more information, visit www.trustbix.com, or follow TrustBIX on Twitter @TrustBIX_Inc, LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/bixsco-inc- and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BIXSco/.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and reflects the Company's present assumptions regarding future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance, and/or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "propose", "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions used by any of the Company's management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's internal projections, expectations, future growth, performance and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to the Company. Since they relate to the Company's current views with respect to future events, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except as required by applicable securities legislation, regulations or policies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Hubert Lau

President and CEO

Telephone: (780) 456-2207

Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/124833

Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty











Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Citing the evolving threat posed by North Korea, Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea agreed Saturday to reinforce their defensive posture on the Korean Peninsula and discuss stepped-up training by their armed forces.

Biden, on day two of his first trip to South Korea and Japan, met with Yoon on a number of issues, including economic and energy security, according to a statement issued afterward.

The two chief executives reaffirmed their mutual commitment to defending South Korea. Biden acknowledged an extended deterrence commitment that includes the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense, according to the statement.

The two also agreed to start discussions to expand the scope and scale of joint military exercises that were suspended in 2018 after a series of summit meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in and then-President Donald Trump.

Moon and Trump agreed to downsize their nations combined exercises from field maneuvers involving large numbers of troops and equipment to tabletop computer simulations. Yoon, a conservative former prosecutor who took office May 10, campaigned on a pledge to strengthen ties with the U.S., including a return to field exercises.

We are going to step up our exercises, Yoon said during a press briefing with Biden in Seoul, adding that it will take some time to determine specifics.

Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, the majority of them at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek city.

The exercises were suspended in part to placate the North and draw it to negotiations aimed at ridding the communist regime of its nuclear weapons program. North Koreas leaders say the U.S-South Korean exercises are rehearsals for an invasion of their country.

Yoon and Biden said their goal remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and condemned North Koreas 15 missile tests so far this year, according to their statement.

They also agreed to deploy U.S. military assets to South Korea in a timely and coordinated manner as necessary and cooperate to combat North Koreas cyber threats.

North Korea is ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test, its first since 2017, according to U.S. and South Korean national security officials. A weapons test is possible even while Biden is in Asia, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday.

However, the allied leaders offered to work with the international community to provide assistance to North Korea, which only recently acknowledged an outbreak that could be COVID-19, according to the joint statement.

North Korea reported nearly 2.5 million cases of an unspecified fever and 66 related deaths since late April, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Saturday. KCNA characterized the infections as a health crisis and reported Kim viewed health officials as negligent in handling the situation.


Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he saw Russia's real preparation for aggression back in September-October 2021, but its "scale and arrogance" were unexpected.

"The pressure was before a large-scale invasion. We understood that preparations were underway. I would start talking about the offensive from September-October. The hybrid shelling began in the autumn, you remember the problems with fuel, energy, cyber attacks," he said in an interview with the ICTV television company shown on Saturday during a telethon.

"But the scale, the arrogance that we saw  no one fully understood. It's one thing when you understand that tanks will most likely come from Belarus. And another thing is that Russia will attack you through Belarus. It's another thing when missiles are specifically flying from Belarus. There is a big difference  you are at war with those who are on the territory of Belarus, or you are at war with two countries," he said.

At the same time, speaking about warnings from Western intelligence agencies, Zelensky said that "no one fully knew the details. We had our own preparations. The intelligence agencies of our partners had their own preparations. No one had more details than we knew."

According to him, "with such a scale [of invasion], no country in Europe could cope. When a large army attacks you, you cannot concentrate forces, for example, around Kyiv."

"For this territory [Ukraine], we need an army not with 260,000 soldiers (and there were 120,000 soldiers from combat troops). Even with 100,000 more we would not be able to stop them. Today, it is 700,000," the president said.

At the same time, according to him, analysts said that with the format of the Armed Forces and equipment that Ukraine has, "they will come in a couple of days and capture it Our partners told us  dig trenches. And we said  give us weapons," Zelensky said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he saw Russia's real preparation for aggression back in September-October 2021, but its "scale and arrogance" were unexpected.

"The pressure was before a large-scale invasion. We understood that preparations were underway. I would start talking about the offensive from September-October. The hybrid shelling began in the autumn, you remember the problems with fuel, energy, cyber attacks," he said in an interview with the ICTV television company shown on Saturday during a telethon.

"But the scale, the arrogance that we saw  no one fully understood. It's one thing when you understand that tanks will most likely come from Belarus. And another thing is that Russia will attack you through Belarus. It's another thing when missiles are specifically flying from Belarus. There is a big difference  you are at war with those who are on the territory of Belarus, or you are at war with two countries," he said.

At the same time, speaking about warnings from Western intelligence agencies, Zelensky said that "no one fully knew the details. We had our own preparations. The intelligence agencies of our partners had their own preparations. No one had more details than we knew."

According to him, "with such a scale [of invasion], no country in Europe could cope. When a large army attacks you, you cannot concentrate forces, for example, around Kyiv."

"For this territory [Ukraine], we need an army not with 260,000 soldiers (and there were 120,000 soldiers from combat troops). Even with 100,000 more we would not be able to stop them. Today, it is 700,000," the president said.

At the same time, according to him, analysts said that with the format of the Armed Forces and equipment that Ukraine has, "they will come in a couple of days and capture it Our partners told us  dig trenches. And we said  give us weapons," Zelensky said.
The Russian military launched a missile attack on a military infrastructure facility in Rivne region, the number of victims and the extent of destruction are being specified, Head of the Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Koval has said.

"A missile attack hit the territory of the region. The target was a military infrastructure facility. The number of victims and the scale of destruction are being specified. Relevant services are working at the site," he said in a video address on the Telegram channel on Saturday.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Citing the evolving threat posed by North Korea, Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea agreed Saturday to reinforce their defensive posture on the Korean Peninsula and discuss stepped-up training by their armed forces.

Biden, on day two of his first trip to South Korea and Japan, met with Yoon on a number of issues, including economic and energy security, according to a statement issued afterward.

The two chief executives reaffirmed their mutual commitment to defending South Korea. Biden acknowledged an extended deterrence commitment that includes the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, and missile defense, according to the statement.

The two also agreed to start discussions to expand the scope and scale of joint military exercises that were suspended in 2018 after a series of summit meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in and then-President Donald Trump.

Moon and Trump agreed to downsize their nations combined exercises from field maneuvers involving large numbers of troops and equipment to tabletop computer simulations. Yoon, a conservative former prosecutor who took office May 10, campaigned on a pledge to strengthen ties with the U.S., including a return to field exercises.

We are going to step up our exercises, Yoon said during a press briefing with Biden in Seoul, adding that it will take some time to determine specifics.

Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, the majority of them at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek city.

The exercises were suspended in part to placate the North and draw it to negotiations aimed at ridding the communist regime of its nuclear weapons program. North Koreas leaders say the U.S-South Korean exercises are rehearsals for an invasion of their country.

Yoon and Biden said their goal remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and condemned North Koreas 15 missile tests so far this year, according to their statement.

They also agreed to deploy U.S. military assets to South Korea in a timely and coordinated manner as necessary and cooperate to combat North Koreas cyber threats.

North Korea is ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test, its first since 2017, according to U.S. and South Korean national security officials. A weapons test is possible even while Biden is in Asia, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday.

However, the allied leaders offered to work with the international community to provide assistance to North Korea, which only recently acknowledged an outbreak that could be COVID-19, according to the joint statement.

North Korea reported nearly 2.5 million cases of an unspecified fever and 66 related deaths since late April, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Saturday. KCNA characterized the infections as a health crisis and reported Kim viewed health officials as negligent in handling the situation.


Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that it is the constant desire of Pakistan to elevate the friendship and mutual trust with China to new heights so as to bring more strength to the mutual partnership, according to Pakistan's information minister.

Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb read out a letter from Sharif at a ceremony to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan at the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, saying that the journey of China-Pakistan relations has been a long and steady one, and has moved from strength to strength.

The prime minister said the mutual trust should be improved to make the relationship an all-inclusive one in which other countries in addition to Pakistan can benefit from the "magnanimity of our ever trusted and all-weather friend, China."

Expressing his resolve to not only expedite the existing projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also look forward to inaugurating new projects, Sharif said that he is directly monitoring the entire security infrastructure to provide safety to the Chinese working in Pakistan, and vowed to bring the culprits of attacks on Chinese nationals to justice.

Later, the prime minister said on Twitter "our relationship with China has transformed into an iron brotherhood over the last 71 years. This (all-weather) comprehensive strategic partnership has stood the test of time & emerged as a factor of stability in the region & beyond."

The prime minister said the relationship between the two countries and the people to people contact between China and Pakistan has evolved to a level where it not only has brought regional prosperity, but also shown how the relationship between the two countries has brought prosperity, economic development, and human development to Pakistan.

On the occasion, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan Pang Chunxue said that China always regards its ties with Pakistan as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and will firmly support Pakistan in defending national sovereignty and security, maintaining unity as well as achieving stability, development and prosperity.

Pang said that China and Pakistan will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science and technology, culture and education.

He added that China will help Pakistan speed up industrialization and jointly implement high-quality development of the CPEC.

"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries are so deeply rooted that any attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation is doomed to fail," said Pang, adding "we believe that with joint efforts of both sides, new and firm steps will be taken in the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future." 

Pang Chunxue, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)
Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that it is the constant desire of Pakistan to elevate the friendship and mutual trust with China to new heights so as to bring more strength to the mutual partnership, according to Pakistan's information minister.

Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb read out a letter from Sharif at a ceremony to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan at the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, saying that the journey of China-Pakistan relations has been a long and steady one, and has moved from strength to strength.

The prime minister said the mutual trust should be improved to make the relationship an all-inclusive one in which other countries in addition to Pakistan can benefit from the "magnanimity of our ever trusted and all-weather friend, China."

Expressing his resolve to not only expedite the existing projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also look forward to inaugurating new projects, Sharif said that he is directly monitoring the entire security infrastructure to provide safety to the Chinese working in Pakistan, and vowed to bring the culprits of attacks on Chinese nationals to justice.

Later, the prime minister said on Twitter "our relationship with China has transformed into an iron brotherhood over the last 71 years. This (all-weather) comprehensive strategic partnership has stood the test of time & emerged as a factor of stability in the region & beyond."

The prime minister said the relationship between the two countries and the people to people contact between China and Pakistan has evolved to a level where it not only has brought regional prosperity, but also shown how the relationship between the two countries has brought prosperity, economic development, and human development to Pakistan.

On the occasion, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan Pang Chunxue said that China always regards its ties with Pakistan as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and will firmly support Pakistan in defending national sovereignty and security, maintaining unity as well as achieving stability, development and prosperity.

Pang said that China and Pakistan will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science and technology, culture and education.

He added that China will help Pakistan speed up industrialization and jointly implement high-quality development of the CPEC.

"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries are so deeply rooted that any attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation is doomed to fail," said Pang, adding "we believe that with joint efforts of both sides, new and firm steps will be taken in the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future." 

Pang Chunxue, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan, speaks on the occasion to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationships between China and Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Chao)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Zelensky: This war is not against Russia. We are at war with Russia for Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the current war is "this war is not against Russia."

"This war is with Russia to defend Ukraine," he said in an interview with ICTV broadcast on Saturday as a telethon.

"This shows that the truth is behind us, we are fighting to defend our own. The war for independence cannot be lost," he said.

According to him, the Russian army does not value the lives of its soldiers. "They abandoned their military they were dying, but they didn't care. Recently I was told that they are only now thinking about taking the corpses. Imagine this When the war started they used to pretend that there were no corpses. The UN and the Red Cross said  take these bags away. Mountains of corpses of their military," Zelensky said.

The Russian Federation, he believes, has created a cult of victory over Nazism, not understanding its value. "Russia has created a cult without understanding the value of this victory, at the same time fighting with us and not understanding that the value of victory over Nazism is a united world," he said.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
The Russian military launched a missile attack on a military infrastructure facility in Rivne region, the number of victims and the extent of destruction are being specified, Head of the Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Koval has said.

"A missile attack hit the territory of the region. The target was a military infrastructure facility. The number of victims and the scale of destruction are being specified. Relevant services are working at the site," he said in a video address on the Telegram channel on Saturday.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.


The Russian military launched a missile attack on a military infrastructure facility in Rivne region, the number of victims and the extent of destruction are being specified, Head of the Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Koval has said.

"A missile attack hit the territory of the region. The target was a military infrastructure facility. The number of victims and the scale of destruction are being specified. Relevant services are working at the site," he said in a video address on the Telegram channel on Saturday.
The Russian military launched a missile attack on a military infrastructure facility in Rivne region, the number of victims and the extent of destruction are being specified, Head of the Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Koval has said.

"A missile attack hit the territory of the region. The target was a military infrastructure facility. The number of victims and the scale of destruction are being specified. Relevant services are working at the site," he said in a video address on the Telegram channel on Saturday.
Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


BUFFALO  Amy Pilc never socialized with Heyward Patterson, a jitney driver at the grocery store where she often shopped.

Ms. Pilc would observe Mr. Patterson, 67, assist older customers with their shopping bags, seeming to take deep delight in such a small act. Some days, she walked to the market several times, spotting his grin on each trip.

His spirit made her think, she said, about what good she could do in her own life.

Not until Mr. Patterson was killed in a racist massacre at the grocery store last week did Ms. Pilc learn that, like so many others in the Masten Park neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, she had a small personal connection to him: He was her goddaughters great-uncle.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he saw Russia's real preparation for aggression back in September-October 2021, but its "scale and arrogance" were unexpected.

"The pressure was before a large-scale invasion. We understood that preparations were underway. I would start talking about the offensive from September-October. The hybrid shelling began in the autumn, you remember the problems with fuel, energy, cyber attacks," he said in an interview with the ICTV television company shown on Saturday during a telethon.

"But the scale, the arrogance that we saw  no one fully understood. It's one thing when you understand that tanks will most likely come from Belarus. And another thing is that Russia will attack you through Belarus. It's another thing when missiles are specifically flying from Belarus. There is a big difference  you are at war with those who are on the territory of Belarus, or you are at war with two countries," he said.

At the same time, speaking about warnings from Western intelligence agencies, Zelensky said that "no one fully knew the details. We had our own preparations. The intelligence agencies of our partners had their own preparations. No one had more details than we knew."

According to him, "with such a scale [of invasion], no country in Europe could cope. When a large army attacks you, you cannot concentrate forces, for example, around Kyiv."

"For this territory [Ukraine], we need an army not with 260,000 soldiers (and there were 120,000 soldiers from combat troops). Even with 100,000 more we would not be able to stop them. Today, it is 700,000," the president said.

At the same time, according to him, analysts said that with the format of the Armed Forces and equipment that Ukraine has, "they will come in a couple of days and capture it Our partners told us  dig trenches. And we said  give us weapons," Zelensky said.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
The second meeting of Ramstein's Ukraine Contact Group will be held on Monday, May 23, and will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said.

Before the virtual meeting, Austin will speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, "to discuss Ukraine's military requirements," Kirby said.

"The secretary will also discuss the latest tranche of security assistance the United States will send to Ukraine. President Joe Biden authorized an additional $100 million to provide Ukraine's armed forces with additional capabilities as they continue the fight in the eastern part of the country," Kirby was quoted as saying by the press service of Pentagon.

"The contact group meeting will include over 40 countries," Kirby said. These are all countries that provide security assistance to Ukraine and they will discuss what Ukraine will need in the future.

He said that Reznikov will give a battlefield update and discuss what Ukraine will need moving forward. The members of the contact group will discuss "how they can best fill those capabilities," Kirby said.

The number of countries in the contact group is fluid. There were more than 40 countries at Ramstein and Kirby said more than 40 nations have responded for Monday's meeting with more expected. "There are some countries that have shown an interest in participating that weren't in the first meeting," he said. "But there's not a cap on (the contact group). We would love to have as many  countries participate as possible."

The countries range the world, the press secretary said. At the first meeting, "you had countries from the Middle East, and countries from the Indo-Pacific," he said. "It wasn't just Europe, and it certainly wasn't just NATO. There was a true global community there of countries that were interested in what's going on in Ukraine. And more than that, as the Secretary said very eloquently, you wouldn't have been there if you didn't care about Ukraine and care about helping Ukraine."

At Ramstein, every member of the contact group came with ideas and ways to help Ukraine. "The secretary said he wants to have one (meeting) every month," Kirby said.

As reported, on April 26, the first virtual meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group was held in Ramstein, Germany.
Video has emerged of a Russian airstrike obliterating a Ukrainian 'Palace of Culture' arts centre with a missile thought to have been launched from a strategic bomber as Vladimir Putin launches a major new offensive in the east of the country.

The strike yesterday in the Lozova region of Kharkiv is believed to be a Kh-22 missile launched by a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, according to defence expert Rob Lee.

Putin has launched a major new offensive in the east of Ukraine as he hopes to build on his 'victory' in the strategic port city of Mariupol, while Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urges for a diplomatic end to the invasion.

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

It means Russian and Ukrainian forces are set for a re-match of one of the biggest battles of the conflict so far, as Putin's troops prepare another attempt to cross the Siverskiy Donets river, which connects the crucial cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, both in Luhansk.

They are part of a Ukrainian-held pocket that Russia has been trying to overrun since mid-April after failing to capture the capital of Kyiv.

It comes as Ukrainian president Zelensky said today that the war can only be resolved through 'diplomacy', amid a deadlock in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

'The end will be through diplomacy,' the comedian turned war time leader said, speaking to a Ukrainian television channel.

He added that the war 'will be bloody, there will be fighting, but it will only definitively end through diplomacy'.

Recent weeks have seen Russia forced out from the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, in what was their fastest retreat since being pushed out of the north and Kyiv region at the end of March.

However they have re-taken some of their lost ground in Kharkiv and still control a large swathe of the south and east, while the end of the fighting in Mariupol means that that territory is now largely unbroken.

Footage shared on Telegram today appears to show the moment a Russian Iskander-M strikes a Ukrainian position near Petrovskoye, in Kharkiv, while in village of Vilkhivka, also in Kharkiv, and in nearby Bakhmut, images from Friday show levelled houses and traumatised residents as they returned to take stock of the damage.

Serhiy Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region, said in a social media post early on Saturday that Russia was trying to destroy Sievierodonetsk, with fighting taking place on the outskirts of the city.

'Shelling continues from morning to the evening and also throughout the night,' Gaidai said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

Video shows the Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv being obliterated by an airstrike

The Palace of Culture arts centre in the Lozova region of Kharkiv, before it was destroyed by a Russian missile on Friday

Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted a video showing the Palace of Culture being blown up in Lozova, Kharkiv (Pictured: Tweet which shows the centre in the moments before it was destroyed)

The last remaining Ukrainian-held territories in the Donbas region have become central to Putin's war plans as he looks to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces.

The aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a 'Palace of Culture' in the southeastern Kharkiv region

Huge plumes of smoke bellow into the air after Russia bombs a the Palace of Culture in the Lozova region of Kharkiv

Ukrainian servicemen leaving the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, after surrendering to Russian forces

The Chief spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on 20 May that the Azofstal steel plant is now under full Russian army control. (Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen leaving the plant on Friday to be taken to Russian-held territory)

A Russian soldier patrols the streets of Kherson with a large Russian truck, emblazoned with the country's military's 'Z' insignia, seen nearby

A bus carrying service members of the Ukrainian armed forces, who surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel mill, drives away under escort of the pro-Russian military in Mariupol, Ukraine May 20, 2022

Dmytro Mosur, 32, who lost his wife during shelling in nearby Severodonetsk on May 17, holds his 2-year-old twin daughters as they wait to be evacuated from the city of Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

An APC armoured vehicle belonging to the 'Donetsk People's Republic' militia accompanies buses with Ukrainian servicemen to the penal colony in Olyonivka, after they left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

A Ukrainian man stands by his destroyed home on Friday following Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A woman takes stock of the damage to her home on Friday following shelling by Putin's forces in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Brimstone missiles gifted from UK to Ukraine have 'changed the dynamic' on crucial new frontlines of Donbas Britain's advanced Brimstone missiles have 'changed the dynamic' in the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries battle it out for control of the eastern Donbas region. The anti-tank missiles, which were gifted to the eastern European country by the UK, are said to be making Russian formations vulnerable, even if they were miles away from the frontlines. Ben Moores, policy adviser on procurement in the Ministry of Defence, said on Twitter: 'The Ukrainian deployment of Brimstone means that even invading formations that are far back, moving, off road and dispersed are vulnerable. [This] changes the dynamic again.' The Brimstone missiles are guided by radar and have been used by the RAF in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. While usually dropped from the skies, they have been adapted in Ukraine to be launched from ground vehicles or a static launcher, reports the Times. They are capable of hitting fast-moving tanks, armoured vehicles and even motorbikes from up to 15 miles away. 'It gives the Ukrainians an ability to attack Russian armour at long ranges  not just tanks and armoured personnel carriers but also Russian artillery being transported in vehicles', Ben Barry, senior fellow for land warfare and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said. 'Once it locks on, it will find itself there pretty effectively', he added. Advertisement

In early hours on Saturday, air raid sirens were going off in much of Ukraine, including in the Kyiv capital region and the southern port of Odesa, suggesting a continued bombing campaign from the Russian air force.

Capturing Luhansk and Donetsk provinces, much of which make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, would allow Moscow to claim a victory after announcing last month that this was now its objective.

Despite losing ground elsewhere in recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced on the Luhansk front.

'This will be the critical next few weeks of the conflict,' said Mathieu Boulegue, an expert at London's Chatham House think tank.

'And it depends on how effective they are at conquering Sievierodonetsk and the lands across it.'

And in a sign that Russia plans on ramping up its war effort, the parliament in Moscow said it would consider letting Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 join the military.

However in its intelligence update on Saturday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia risks losing 'operational effectiveness' due to its drones being repeatedly show down or electrically jammed.

It said Putin's forces have been using drones to identify targets for combat jets or artillery, a practice it 'refined in Syria.'

It added: 'Crewed Russian aircraft mostly continue to avoid conducting sorties over Ukrainian territory, likely because of the threat from intact Ukrainian air defence missiles systems.

'If Russia continues to lsoe UAVs [drones] at its current rate, Russian force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will be further degraded, negatively impacting operational effectiveness.'

It comes after the last Ukrainian forces holed up in Mariupol's smashed Azovstal steelworks surrendered on Friday, according to Russia's defense ministry, bringing an end to the most destructive siege of the war.

'The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant... has been completely liberated,' the ministry said in a statement, adding that 2,439 defenders had surrendered in the past few days, including 531 in the final group.

Hours earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the last defenders at the steelworks had been told by Ukraine's military that they could get out and save their lives. The Ukrainians did not immediately confirm the figures on Azovstal.

A woman stands in front of her bombed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, as Russia prepares for another offensive in the east of the country

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a school damaged during a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the village of Vilkhivka, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, on Friday

Two women stand in front of their bombed and destroyed house in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 20, 2022

A child and a relative look at the destruction in their home on Friday after Russian shelling in Bakhmut, Ukraine

A Russian soldier guards an administrative area of Khersonvodokanal in Kherson southern Ukraine on Friday, May 20, 2022

Ukraine's General Staff of Armed Forces did not comment on Russia's claim in its morning update on Saturday.

The end of the Mariupol siege was an important symbolic moment for Russia, after a series of setbacks since the invasion began on February 24, but it came at the cost of massive destruction.

Zelensky said the region had been 'completely destroyed' by Russia and proposed a formal deal with the country's allies to secure Russian compensation for the damage its forces had caused.

Natalia Zarytska, wife of an Azovstal fighter who surrendered, said she had not heard from him since a Telegram message exchange two days ago. She believed he was still alive.

'The situation is really hard and horrible and my husband is on the way from one hell to another hell, from Azovstal steel plant to a prison, to captivity,' Zarytska said in Istanbul, where she and other relatives lobbied Turkey to help save the fighters.

The Red Cross said it had registered hundreds of Ukrainians who surrendered at the plant as prisoners of war and Kyiv said it wants a prisoner swap.

Moscow said the prisoners will be treated humanely, but Russian politicians have been quoted as saying some must be tried or even executed.

It comes as Russia stopped delivering natural gas to Finland after it refused to pay in rubles and just days after it applied to join NATO.

Russian servicemen patrolling at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kherson Oblast, on Friday

Ukrainian servicemen sit in a bus after they left the besieged Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, and are evacuated to Russian-held territory in Donetsk

A woman and a man stand outside their house, destroyed by shelling in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, May 20, 2022

Moscow has been demanding 'non-friendly' countries pay for their energy with Russian currency in a bid to ease the pressures of sanctions, which were applied by the West following his barbaric invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russian energy giant Gazprom said it had 'completely stopped gas deliveries' as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum 'by the end of the working day on May 20'.

Russia had already cut off its supply of electricity to the Nordic country earlier this month, while other European countries who refused to pay in rubles, including Bulgaria and Poland, had their gas supplies stopped in April.

Finland is not overly reliant on Russian gas, or electricity, but it is little surprise that the move to cut the country off came four days after Helsinki signed its application to join NATO after decades of careful neutrality with regards to Russia.

It comes as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss last night suggested equipping Moldova with NATO standard weapons in case Putin decides to extend his war.

She accused the Russian president of wanting to create a 'greater Russia' and feared Moldova, south-west of Ukraine, could be Moscow's next target.


Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty





Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2022) - TrustBIX Inc.(TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company")is pleased to announce that the Company held its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") via webcast on May 20, 2022. All matters to be acted upon, as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Management Information Circular dated April 14, 2022, were approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

The Company's shareholders voted to:

Fix the number of directors at five;

Elect Hubert Lau, Edward (Ted) Power, David Schuster, Lap Shing (Andrew) Kao, and Emma Todd as directors;

Appoint Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration;

Approve the amendment of the Company's bylaws to include the Advance Notice provisions as described in the Management Information Circular; and

Re-approve the Company's fixed stock option plan, whereby a maximum of 15,849,966 option shares, being 20% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, will be reserved for issuance as described in the Management Information Circular.

The directors and management of TrustBIX thank all shareholders for their participation in the Meeting and for their continuing support.

Mr. Tony Barlott, Mr. William Shea Jameson, and Mr. Gerben (Jerry) Bouma did not stand for re-election for the ensuing year.

"We all thank Tony, Shea and Jerry for their tireless work and tremendous contributions over their tenure as directors. They were key to our success in getting to this stage in our development and growth. We look forward to their continued support as they form the Company's new advisory board," said Hubert Lau, TrustBIX CEO.

Subsequent to the Annual General and Special Meeting, 6,625,000 stock options have been granted to directors, officers, employees and contractors of the Company as part of their compensation plans. All options granted have a strike price of $0.10, vest 50% on each of the grant and anniversary dates and will expire in five years if not exercised.

About TrustBIX (TSXV: TBIX) (OTCQB: TBIXF)

As an innovative leader, TrustBIX provides agri-food traceability and chain of custody value solutions. The Company's goal is to create a world where we trust more, waste less and reward sustainable behaviour by addressing consumer and agri-food business demands. The proprietary platform, BIX (Business InfoXchange system), is designed to create trust without compromising privacy through innovative, blockchain-derived use of technology and data. By leveraging BIX and its unique use of incentive solutions, TrustBIX delivers independent validation of food provenance and sustainable production practices within the supply chain - Gate to Plate.

ViewTrak Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides a suite of hardware and software solutions to the livestock industry in Canada, United States, Mexico and China, such as Auction Master Pro, Market Master, Feedlot Solutions and pork grading probes.

The Company's Insight technology offers an edge-to-enterprise supply chain solution that brings asset situational awareness to dealers, equipment fleets, and civil construction managers. The platform allows for the tracking, protection, and identification of movement of assets using self-powered and self-reporting cellular tags and cloud-based suite of tools.

For more information, visit www.trustbix.com, or follow TrustBIX on Twitter @TrustBIX_Inc, LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/bixsco-inc- and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BIXSco/.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and reflects the Company's present assumptions regarding future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance, and/or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "propose", "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions used by any of the Company's management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's internal projections, expectations, future growth, performance and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to the Company. Since they relate to the Company's current views with respect to future events, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except as required by applicable securities legislation, regulations or policies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Hubert Lau

President and CEO

Telephone: (780) 456-2207

Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/124833
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
Tell the world, Johnny. Tell them, I, Johnny Depp, Im a victim of domestic abuse ... and see how many people believe or side with you.Amber Heard

Yes. I am.Johnny Depp

That exchange comes from the sensational Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard multi-million dollar defamation trial and believe it or not, yes, even here in Seacoast, New Hampshire, we should care.

Alicia Preston Xanthopoulos

This trial is not just about two Hollywood actors and the seedy realities of their lives. If it were, I think many of us would be tempted to just say, Okay, millionaires, go back to your mansions and multiple penthouses and put your incredibly toxic relationship behind you. And, then, happily go back to our comparatively mundane lives.

But, this is about something much more significant, as highlighted by a recent Vogue piece, authored by Raven Smith and entitled, Why it is Time to Believe Amber Heard.

Vogue and its parent company, Conde Nast, have a global readership that reaches nearly a half billion people. That is influential. Vogue just ultimately told us, only a woman can be a victim of domestic violence and be believed. That is a dangerous and irresponsible assertion, and it is also very wrong.

Mr. Smith writes, I can no longer 'both sides this. Its time to draw a line. Its time to believe womenall women. Its time to believe Heard. Why? Because shes a woman? Johnny Depp stated he is a victim of domestic violence. Am I not to believe him, just because hes a man? That is the only conclusion one can make from this authors declaration. If I am always to believe a woman, and the woman denies abusing a man, am I automatically to believe he is lying and is not a victim? Thats what hes telling me to do in the case of Johnny Depp and therefore, in the case of all claims of domestic abuse by a male victim. What an unjust system and concept.

In this entire piece, the author gives not one other reason to believe Heard, other than the fact shes a woman. I have actually watched quite a bit of the civil triala luxury of working from home. I not only dont automatically believe everything she says, I dont think I would believe it if she told me the sky is blue. Regardless of my opinion in this specific case, the sweeping idea that a woman is always telling the truth, means a man is always lying and dismisses the fact that men can not only be wrongly accused, they can also be victims. It is ignorant of reality and perpetuates a stigma that prevents male victims from coming forward, and/or leaving a dangerous situation.

Story continues

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in seven adult men has been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in his lifetime.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline website, devotes a lot of focus on male victims of domestic abuse, acknowledging men are unlikely to report their abuse for many reasons including: Men are socialized not to express their feelings or see themselves as victims; Pervading beliefs or stereotypes about men being abusers, women being victims; The abuse of men is often treated as less serious, or a joke; Many believe there are no resources or support available for male victims.

The Vogue piece and the thousands sharing it on social media and agreeing with it, are validating every reason a man doesnt come forward when he is abused, and reminding him not to.

Mr. Smith references of Amber Heard, Her truth when THE truth is all that should matter. He notes of the trial and public opinion of it, I dont want to think about what this is saying to victims of abuse who are considering coming forward. Thats exactly my sentiment in response to the always believe the woman pronouncement.

When Amber Heard, on record, mockingly dared Johnny Depp to out himself as a domestic violence victim, she did so because she is well aware of the broad mentality shared by Mr. Smith and much of the world; and the stigma associated with male victims that prevent themincluding Johnny Deppfrom coming forward. She didnt count on his willingness to share his truth.

I dont know what will happen in this highly sensational trial, the monetary result of which wont effect any of us. What will potentially effect society, however, is what we take away from it, beyond the insight into the uncomfortable underbelly of Hollywood. Whether you believe Johnny Depp, or believe Amber Heard, this should open the discussion that we accept men can be victims too; that we acknowledge men are not always the aggressor; that while we champion the courage of a woman who is a victim to come forward, we must do the same if it is a man. In todays climate, and in the wake of the Vogue piece, Id say for a man, if this concept perpetuates, it may even take more courage to do so. This trial, and Mr. Smiths writing, proves why.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline and Resources: https://www.thehotline.org or 1-800-799-SAFE.

Alicia Preston Xanthopoulos is a former political consultant and member of the media. Shes a native of Hampton Beach where she lives with her family and three poodles. Write to her at PrestonPerspective@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Preston Xanthopoulos: Heard-Depp trial bigger than Hollywood couple




Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty


In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.





Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.





Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
As a flood of foreigners poured into the United States, a critic called them "generally the most stupid sort of their own nation," and warned darkly, "They will soon outnumber us, (and we) will not, in my opinion, be able to preserve our language, and even our government will become precarious."

That quote is not from Donald Trump, nor from his co-conspirator in fomenting nativist discord and divisiveness, Tucker Carlson. Nor was it written by Payton Gendron, the teenage white racist accused of murdering 10 shoppers at a supermarket in a largely Black neighborhood of Buffalo, New York.

No, it was written by Benjamin Franklin in 1753, decrying the influx of German immigrants into Pennsylvania.

Much attention has focused on Gendron's embrace of the "great replacement theory," also espoused by Trump, Carlson and many other stalwarts of the Outrage Industry. As The New York Times described it: "Replacement theory -- the notion that Western elites, sometimes manipulated by Jews, want to 'replace' and disempower white Americans -- has become an engine of racist terror, helping inspire a wave of mass shootings in recent years and fueling the 2017 right-wing rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that erupted in violence."

But as that Franklin quote graphically illustrates, fear of foreigners is deeply rooted in our national DNA. The Statue of Liberty hasn't offered everyone an open hand of welcome; some have received a closed fist of rejection, and that remains true today. A recent Associated Press poll found that about 1 in 3 Americans agreed that "there is a group of people in this country who are trying to replace native-born Americans with immigrants who agree with their political views."

As journalist Wesley Lowery warned on CNN, "We could wake up tomorrow and Fox News could be shut down and all the message boards could be shut down and these ideas would not disappear."

If the ideas are not new, however, the ways they are disseminated certainly are. Start with people like Gendron who are ensnared by social media and then connected through the internet to like-minded acolytes in tribes of terror.

"They are isolated and online," writes The Los Angeles Times, "radicalized on internet memes and misinformation, apparently inspired by livestreams to find fame through bloodshed, much of it propelled by convoluted ideas that the white race is under threat from everything from interracial marriage to immigration."

Few of these radicals actually take up arms, but their ideas alone are demented and dangerous. And they are greatly encouraged by media figures like Carlson. As Nicole Hemmer, a historian at Columbia University, told The New York Times: "Someone like Carlson can introduce viewers to ideas that they then explore more fully online, searches that lead them into far-right spaces that either reinforce their existing views or radicalize them ... Carlson is also important because he legitimates those ideas, making them seem less radical when viewers see them."

Technology aggravates the danger in another way: by enabling shooters like Gendron to livestream their violence, becoming the heroes in their own movies -- or perhaps more precisely, video games. "I think that livestreaming this attack gives me some motivation in the way that I know that some people will be cheering for me," Gendron wrote.

Social media platforms tried, but largely failed, to control the spread of Gendron's video, which has been viewed millions of times worldwide. Removing violent content is "like trying to plug your fingers into leaks in a dam," Evelyn Douek, an internet researcher, told the Times. "It's going to be fundamentally really difficult to find stuff, especially at the speed that this stuff spreads now."

All true, but here's a consoling thought. In time, those Germans denounced by Franklin became fully loyal Americans who contributed greatly to the vigor and vitality of the new nation. And that story has been repeated constantly for the last 269 years.

Each wave of newcomers who were reviled in their day have made that same journey from alien to American: the Irish Catholics who were denounced as drunken papists in the mid-19th century; the Chinese who were banned entirely from emigrating to the U.S. in 1882; the Japanese who were interned as potential subversives during World War II; the Jews who were demonized as both Communists and tools of international bankers after the war; the Muslims who were branded as terrorists after 9/11.

So not only was Franklin wrong, every hater since then has been wrong as well. The nightmare of nativism still lives. But the dream of opportunity and equality is even more powerful, and always will be.

Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. His new book is "Cokie: A Life Well Lived." He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.


Today's highlight:

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

On May 21:

In 1471, King Henry VI of England died in the Tower of London at age 49.

In 1542, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died while searching for gold along the Mississippi River.

In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a "thrill killing" carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's cousin).

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33  hours.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, "Maybellene," for Chess Records in Chicago.

In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, on display at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man who shouted he was Jesus Christ.

In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.

In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.

In 2012, President Barack Obama and other world leaders meeting in Chicago locked in place an Afghanistan exit path that would keep their troops fighting there for two more years. Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20). A Yemeni man detonated a bomb during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers; al-Qaida's branch in Yemen claimed responsibility.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, visiting Riyadh, implored Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries to extinguish "Islamic extremism" emanating from the region. North Korea fired a solid-fuel ballistic missile, saying the test was hailed as perfect by leader Kim Jong Un. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.

In 2020, President Donald Trump visited a Ford Motor Co. plant outside Detroit that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators; he did not publicly wear a face mask but said he had worn one while out of public view. A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2021, thousands of Palestinians rallied after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war; the 11 days of fighting left more than 250 people dead, the vast majority Palestinians, and brought widespread destruction to the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden said there had been no shift in his commitment to Israel's security, but that a two-state solution that includes a state for Palestinians remained "the only answer" to that conflict. Authorities said the two Bureau of Prisons workers who were supposed to be guarding Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself in a New York jail had admitted that they falsified records, but that they would be spared prison time under a deal with federal prosecutors; the workers were accused of sleeping and browsing the internet instead of monitoring Epstein.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

*On May 4, Dechen Ngodrup, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

*Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

*While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

by Xinhua writers Shen Hongbing, Lin Jianyang, Lyu Qiuping and Bai Shaobo

LHASA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At the foot of Mount Qomolangma, there is a legend -- Atop the mountain lives a golden bird that lays golden eggs.

Drawn to the tale as a child, Dechen Ngodrup always wanted to climb to the summit of the mysterious mountain known to local Tibetans as "the mother goddess."

On May 4, the 35-year-old Tibetan, along with 12 scientific expedition team members, reached the summit of the world's highest peak with a height of 8,848.86 meters.

Dechen Ngodrup (L) sets up an automatic meteorological monitoring station on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

"I knew there were no golden eggs the very first time I reached the summit," Dechen Ngodrup said with a smile.

For five times he has topped Mount Qomolangma, which straddles the China-Nepal border, with its northern part located in Xigaze of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Dechen Ngodrup's latest endeavor is part of the Chinese comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, which has involved over 270 scientific researchers in five teams. They are ending their monthlong field investigations, setting several new records in China's history of scientific research on the mountain.

NEW RECORDS

In the latest breakthrough, a self-developed floating airship designed for atmosphere observation reached a record altitude of 9,032 meters on May 15, exceeding the height of Mount Qomolangma.

Photo taken on May 12, 2022 shows floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

On their way to the summit, the 13-member squad led by Dechen Ngodrup on May 4 established an automatic meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of 8,830 meters, making it the world's highest of its kind. They also measured the thickness of the ice and snow using high-accuracy radar for the first time at the summit.

From May 1 to 8, the glacier and pollutant research team scanned a record area of 22 square kilometers at the east, middle and west Rongbuk glaciers at altitudes between 5,200 meters and 6,500 meters. In the unprecedented survey of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, they used a drone and a high precision 3D laser scanner.

An Baosheng, deputy head of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and chief commander of the Mount Qomolangma expedition headquarters, said the deep integration of ultra-high altitude scientific research and mountaineering opens a new chapter for scientific research on the world's highest peak.

China has never stopped exploring Mount Qomolangma. On May 25, 1960, three young Chinese mountaineers climbed to the peak's summit from its more challenging northern slope for the first time in history.

"More than 60 years ago, China couldn't even produce hiking shoes or outdoor jackets. Who could ever think we would set so many records now?" said Ma Weiqiang, head of the CAS Qomolangma station.

Scientific researchers collect water sample at the East Rongbuk glacier near Mount Qomolangma on April 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Dainzin Nyima Choktrul)

Mount Qomolangma is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as "the Roof of the World" and "the Water Tower of Asia." Five years ago, China initiated the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to reveal the mechanism of environmental change and optimize the ecological security barrier system.

"The climate and environmental changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have a significant impact on the rest of the world," said Yao Tandong, a CAS academician and team leader of the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, noting that the ecosystem of Mount Qomolangma, like Earth's landscape in miniature, has its charm for scientists to explore.

With the most disciplines covered, the most scientific research participants, and the most advanced equipment utilized, this expedition on Mount Qomolangma is the largest since the survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau began.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

While mountaineers climbing to the summit of the snow-capped Mount Qomolangma must battle the biting cold and thin air, this epic journey is even harder for scientific researchers as they have to carry 15 kg of equipment and supplies on their backs -- twice the weight carried by ordinary mountaineers -- to complete their investigations.

Dechen Ngodrup said the difficulty of the mission in May was "beyond the imagination."

Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team conduct scientific research on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje)

His squad spent some eight hours climbing the final 500-meter distance, as they had to walk through snow up to their knees.

"The safety ropes along the route were all buried in the snow. Without the ropes for protection, we could fall at any minute," he said. They had to pull the ropes out of the snow and shake off the ice on the surface before climbing.

The glacier and pollutant research team members took turns dragging the ground-penetrating radar to measure the ice thickness of the glacier, following a zigzag trajectory on the glacier surface. Wang Shaoyong, team member and a doctor from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under CAS, said his heartbeat reached as high as 160 beats per minute.

"It felt like my heart was going to pop out," said Wang, 29.

The team spent eight days and seven nights on the mountain, including one sleepless night in a tent at an altitude of 6,350 meters. The oxygen level there is less than half that at sea level, and the temperature is lower than minus 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Scientific researchers celebrate when floating airship "Jimu No.1" type III reaches the altitude above 9,000 meters in Zhaxizom Township of Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, May 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Tian Jinwen)

Based on the scanned data, the research team will draw a 3D digital elevation map of the glaciers in the Mount Qomolangma area, and then compare it with data collected in the past, including remote sensing data, to establish the trend and pattern of glacier change.

"Through the study of glacier changes and glacier air pollutants, we can see the impact of global and regional human activities on the Qomolangma area," said Kang Shichang, team leader and a researcher at the NIEER.

Piao Shilong, another CAS academician, said that through this expedition, Chinese scientists will unveil more mysteries about the world's highest peak, bringing the world's scientific research on Mount Qomolangma into a new phase.

"There are no golden birds or eggs on top of the mountain. But the scientific data obtained there is even more precious than gold," Dechen Ngodrup said.

(Xinhua correspondents Lyu Nuo, Tian Jinwen, Li Jian and Cheng Lu also contributed to the story; Video reporters: Tenzing Nima Qadhup and Sonam Dekyi; Video editors: Chen Sihong, Li Qin and Ming Dajun) 


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
With Republicans preparing to choose a candidate Saturday to represent a newly drawn 5th Congressional District that now includes much of the Richmond area's outer suburbs, Rep. Bob Good isn't budging from his position on the far right of the party's political spectrum.

Good was the only member of Virginia's congressional delegation to vote against a $40 billion aid package to Ukraine that Congress passed this week. He co-sponsored a resolution two weeks before the Russian invasion to prevent United States aid to the vulnerable country until completion of a wall along the Mexican border.

"It was the right vote," he said in an interview on Friday.

Good also doesn't mind his rating as the 5th-least bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives and sees no reason to work with Democrats whose agenda he strongly opposes. He advocates impeaching President Joe Biden over the Democrat's immigration policies along the southern border.

In his view, it's a clear choice for up to 2,000 voters who will gather at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville on Saturday to decide whether Good or former Charlottesville GOP Committee Chairman Dan Moy will represent the party in the 5th District general election against Democratic nominee Josh Throneburg in November.

"We are on opposite ends of the Republican Party," Good said of Moy, adding, "We have basically ignored my opponent."

Moy, a 27-year U.S. Air Force combat veteran and an adjunct professor of public policy at the University of Virginia, says the creation of a new district marks the right time for Republicans to make a different choice on who represents them in Congress.

"He's been one of the loudest voices in Washington, D.C., but that loud voice is not serving the American people well and it is not serving Republicans well," the challenger said. "It is chasing people away from our party."

The new 5th District includes all or part of 24 cities and counties. It now includes 13,000 voters in Hanover County, as well as all of Louisa, Powhatan, Goochland, Nottoway and Amelia counties.

The district also includes the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville. It extends from northern Hanover, west to Albemarle County and south to Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties on the North Carolina line.

The 5th District nominating convention isn't the only one in which Republicans decide who will represent them in mid-\term elections in November that currently look imposing for Biden and Democrats trying to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress.

In Northern Virginia more than 21,000 Republicans are expected to brave temperatures in the high 90s on Saturday to vote in a firehouse primary. They will choose among 11 candidates for a nominee to challenge Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a newly drawn 10th Congressional District anchored in Loudoun County.

The voting will take place in 11 polling places in seven localities  including three each in Loudoun and neighboring Prince William County  in a district that leans Democratic. Wexton is one of three Democratic congresswomen Republicans are targeting in Virginia, along with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd.

Wexton will enter the general election campaign with an advantage, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at UVA, but he added, "In a landslide year for Republicans, she could become vulnerable."

Currently, Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson leads the GOP field in fundraising, with more than $922,000, and is "the apparent favorite," said Bob Holsworth, a veteran political scientist in Richmond.

But Lawson faces competition from Hung Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Loudoun resident who has raised more than $455,000. He was a refugee to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of the war almost 50 years ago. The district that is 15.5% Asian in population.

Mike Clancy, senior vice president at Oracle Corp., has raised more than $397,000 for the race. Brandon Michon, who became a conservative television news celebrity for his public denunciation of the Loudoun County School Board over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised about $292,000.

Loudoun businessman Caleb Max has raised $222,000. He's the grandson of former 10th District Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican who held the seat for 34 years, from 1981 to 2015.

"There are a bunch of good ones  whoever comes out of this is someone who's going to be competitive in November," said Geary Higgins, 10th District GOP Committee chairman and a former state Senate candidate from Waterford in Loudoun.

Elsewhere in Northern Virginia Saturday, Republicans will choose among five candidates to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a new 8th Congressional District that still appears reliably Democratic. Karina Lipsman, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Ukraine more than 30 years ago, leads the field in fundraising with about $65,000.

The 5th District remains solidly Republican despite being redrawn to include part of Hanover and all of Goochland, Powhatan and Amelia counties in Richmond's outer suburbs.

"The district is very difficult for a Democrat to win," said Sabato, who lives in its northern end in Charlottesville.

Good, who lives in Campbell County in the Lynchburg area, welcomes the redrawn district, even though about one-third of voters will be new. The old district was "unwieldy," shaped like a Christmas tree and took five hours to drive from end to end, he said. "It makes a lot more sense."

The nominating convention favors Good, who unseated Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-5th, two years ago in an unusual drive-through convention at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now the incumbent, Good aligns himself firmly with former President Donald Trump and calls himself a "biblical, constitutional conservative."

He casts Moy, who had worked for Good's election two years ago against Democrat Cameron Webb, with Republicans who have publicly criticized the former president over his attempt to block certification of Biden's election and the ensuing assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moy said he would have voted to certify Biden's election on Jan. 6, 2021, because he considers it a duty imposed by the oath of office. "That's what you do," he said.

But Republican politics have shifted sharply in the Trump era, Sabato said. "Just a few years ago, Moy would have been classified as a conservative, right-wing Republican."

Moy calls himself a conservative Christian whose priorities are a strong national defense and more economic opportunities for parts of the district that have lost industries, jobs and, as a result, residents.

"The greatest export in our area is young people," he said, accusing Good of being "missing in action" on issues important to the district and criticizing him for closing congressional offices in Danville and Charlottesville.

Moy also faults Good for his votes against the Ukraine aid package and the National Defense Authorization Act. "Congressman Good does not have a strong commitment to national security and our military," he said.

He said he expects a tight nominating contest on Saturday, with between 1,000 and 1,500 people likely to attend out of the 2,000 registered.

But political commentators say it is highly unlikely that Moy can defeat Good in a convention controlled by the party's conservative base.

"It would certainly be a surprise if he were defeated," Holsworth said.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe





My husband, a chartered accountant for many years, retrained as a teacher when our children were young and I financially supported him. My turn came, after 20 years as a landscape architect, when he supported me to retrain to become a teacher in special education.

Bravo to those brave souls who take a leap of faith in themselves and change their careers later in life ( Mid-life change doesnt have to be a crisis , The Sunday Age, 15/5).

At the age of 46, I graduated with a diploma of education, added a masters degree over the next few years and have been gainfully employed as a teacher over that time, most recently landing a position last year, which I love, at the age of 53.

Fran Jackson, Surrey Hills

How could this happen?

How could the Australian Electoral Commission not have realised that people who tested positive to COVID after May 13 at 6pm would not be able to vote in person on May 21?

The last-minute correction on the AEC website is likely to disenfranchise many unwell would-be voters. Incomprehensible.

Lucille Forbes, Brighton East

Denied my right to vote

My husband and I are in the UK for six weeks, so we applied for postal votes to be sent to our address in London before we left Melbourne.

I received a letter three weeks ago acknowledging my application but my husband received nothing. His postal vote has arrived but mine hasnt. When I rang the Australian Embassy to see if I could come in and vote there I was told Dont worry. If you are overseas you are not required to vote.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.




100 years ago

May 21, 1922: Sue Sanders, a member of the Withers Public Library board since 1894, has resigned as its president. Spencer Ewing was named to take her place, and Mrs. Sanders was named President Emeritus. The library circulated 177,000 books in 1921, its best year ever.

75 years ago

May 21, 1947: An Army B-25 bomber crashed into a corn field near Rantoul, killing all seven servicemen aboard. The plane was on a routine flight from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Chanute air base. Among the dead was Col. Raymond ONeill, a former commanding officer at Chanute.

50 years ago

May 21, 1972: Illinois Wesleyan University is set to award 343 degrees to candidates for graduation this afternoon. Sen. Charley Percy, Republican of Illinois, will give commencement address. Last night, Donald Clemens of Lexington was elected president of the alumni association.

25 years ago

May 21, 1997: The Zoning Board of Appeals rejected a monument and one-acre park at the site of the old Kickapoo Indian village near Le Roy. County board member Bill Emmett proposed the park. But appeals board members think hes only trying to thwart growth of hog farms.

Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com.



remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


My husband, a chartered accountant for many years, retrained as a teacher when our children were young and I financially supported him. My turn came, after 20 years as a landscape architect, when he supported me to retrain to become a teacher in special education.

Bravo to those brave souls who take a leap of faith in themselves and change their careers later in life ( Mid-life change doesnt have to be a crisis , The Sunday Age, 15/5).

At the age of 46, I graduated with a diploma of education, added a masters degree over the next few years and have been gainfully employed as a teacher over that time, most recently landing a position last year, which I love, at the age of 53.

Fran Jackson, Surrey Hills

How could this happen?

How could the Australian Electoral Commission not have realised that people who tested positive to COVID after May 13 at 6pm would not be able to vote in person on May 21?

The last-minute correction on the AEC website is likely to disenfranchise many unwell would-be voters. Incomprehensible.

Lucille Forbes, Brighton East

Denied my right to vote

My husband and I are in the UK for six weeks, so we applied for postal votes to be sent to our address in London before we left Melbourne.

I received a letter three weeks ago acknowledging my application but my husband received nothing. His postal vote has arrived but mine hasnt. When I rang the Australian Embassy to see if I could come in and vote there I was told Dont worry. If you are overseas you are not required to vote.














PHNOM PENH, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have provided tangible benefits to Cambodia and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, a scholar in Cambodia said on Saturday.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, I think that the BRI has played a very important role in helping countries cushion the economic fallout of the pandemic," Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, told Xinhua.



"The BRI remains as a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the world at large for the cause of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," he said.

In the southeast Asian country, he said the BRI projects like hydropower plants, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new Siem Reap International Airport, the national stadium, and the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, among others, have provided great benefits to Cambodia's economic development.



"The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone has importantly contributed to increasing the country's exports, and hydropower plants have supplied stable electricity, which is essential to ensure the normalcy of people's daily lives and businesses," Matthews said.



He said the development of infrastructures such as roads, rails, airports, seaports, hydropower plants, and special economic or industrial zones under the BRI is crucial to reducing logistics costs, enhancing economic competitiveness, and diversifying sources of growth.



Southeast Asian nations such as Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have also greatly benefited from the BRI, he said, adding that the China-Laos high-speed rail project, which connects Kunming in China's Yunnan Province with Lao capital Vientiane, is a boon not only for both countries but also for other southeast Asian nations.



"Since its inception in 2013, the BRI is becoming the new engine of global economic growth and it has importantly contributed to boosting regional and global cooperation in terms of hard and soft infrastructure, economy, trade, investment opportunities, cultural exchange, and people to people connectivity," he said.



Matthews said that China has always shared its knowledge, technology, and wealth with developing countries around the world.



"The BRI, backed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has been connecting the world as a community with a shared future for mankind, and China's fruits of development have always been shared with the world," he said.



The BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.







Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson (Getty)

The hashtag #CarrieAntoinette, which compares prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson to the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), has been criticised as sexist. Commentators feel it relies on gender stereotypes and distracts from unfolding political events.

Those events include the recent fines issued by the Metropolitan police to those who attended illegal Downing Street parties during the pandemic, including Johnson and his wife. Focusing on Carrie distracts from Boriss actions, which have made him the first prime minister to break the law.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson. Even in her own time the French queens image was used for political gain and to comment upon the evils or good of women. Since then, Antoinette has become something of a pop culture icon, appearing across film, television and, more recently, social media in works that often seek to explore the performance of gender and the power that might accompany it.

Todays Marie Antoinette is a pastiche. Part historical detail, part cinematic influence, the Antoinette of popular imagination is regularly used as shorthand for the evils of excess, for femininity and indulgence. She is a queen steeped in centuries of myth and subject to constant reinvention.

From revolution to reinvention

Comparison on social media between Carrie Johnson and the ill-fated consort of King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, first appeared in 2020. This was in response to the Johnsons controversial refurbishment of their Downing Street flat. Reportedly. Reportedly disliking the John Lewis furniture nightmare left over by previous prime minister Theresa May, the couple decided to redesign the property and install gold wallpaper at 840 per roll.

Marie Antoinettes own extravagances ran to near-constant renovations of her palace Petit Trianon. The easily drawn connections between Johnson and Antoinette prompted satirical artist Cold War Steve to share an image swapping the government flat for the throne room at Versailles, depicting the prime ministers wife in period clothing amid stacks of money.

Story continues

But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No

During her own lifetime, Marie Antoinettes image was coded with political meaning and circulated both to assert and undermine the power of the royal family. During the French Revolution, in which the queen was imprisoned and eventually executed, her image appeared on both sides of the English Channel in sympathetic and critical renderings. Some images portraying her as a greedy aristocrat and others a noble victim. Satirical images often focused on the excessive hubris of the French court and the eventual dismantling of royal wealth.

Queen of the silver screen

In the centuries since her death, Marie Antoinettes image has been constantly revisited, often providing a mirror to reflect contemporary issues. However, her status as a pop culture icon was really cemented in the late 20th century.

The queen was invoked in Madonnas famous 1990 MTV Awards performance of her hit song Vogue. In a wonderfully camp performance, Madonna used Antoinettes likeness to invoke the lavish ballrooms of 18th-century France to draw connections between the rich queer culture that voguing was born into. It was a highly stylised performance of femininity by male and female dancers alike.

Then there is Antoinette on screen. Actresses from Lise Delamare and Jane Seymour to Diane Kruger have all taken their turn in portraying her in films. Perhaps the best known iteration today is Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (2006) starring Kirsten Dunst. Indeed, the aesthetic influences of Coppolas playfully anachronistic depiction of the pre-revolutionary French court and the relationship between consumption and female power can be seen everywhere from Netflixs Bridgerton to drag.

It is this fictional Antoinette, with its exaggerated references to excess and luxury in relation to femininity and rich visuals, that has most influenced our contemporary digital iteration of the queen.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie has been compared to the ill-fated French queen over the Partygate controversy (PA Wire)

The excesses of femininity

Marie Antoinette has recently taken up court on social media. In another rendering of Carrie Johnson as the queen by Cold War Steve, we see Johnson bedecked in silk and reclining in a chair, surrounded by cakes and (a repeating theme for the artist) stacks of money. But rather than taking cues from 17th-century artists such as French painter Charles Le Brun, Cold War Steves version of the queen is, instead, lifted from Coppolas 2006 film.

In this satirical image Johnsons face is imposed onto a cut out of actress Kirsten Dunsts body. Interestingly, Coppolas version of Marie Antoinette is based on a relatively sympathetic biography of the real-life queen by British historian Antonia Fraser. Certainly, the filmic rendition of her focuses on her humanity rather than infamy. But despite this nuance, Coppolas work  itself a visual amalgamation of innumerable pop and art history references  has proved to be fertile ground for social media users and content creators. The films bold visual elements transpose easily to a recognisable shorthand for contemporary questions of gender and power.

Marie Antoinette memes and cartoons like the ones of Johnson are only going to multiply online as images continue to be layered, copied and pasted, sliced and filtered online to explore the supposed dangers  and pleasures  of excessive women. But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No. His reign is over and he doesnt figure in our contemporary cultural consciousness. But as long as there is a fascination with glamorous, powerful or even wayward women, it is likely that Antoinette will continue to command our attention for a long time to come.

Madeleine Pelling is a research associate in material and visual cultures of 18th-century Britain, at the University of York. This article first appeared on The Conversation.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson (Getty)

The hashtag #CarrieAntoinette, which compares prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson to the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), has been criticised as sexist. Commentators feel it relies on gender stereotypes and distracts from unfolding political events.

Those events include the recent fines issued by the Metropolitan police to those who attended illegal Downing Street parties during the pandemic, including Johnson and his wife. Focusing on Carrie distracts from Boriss actions, which have made him the first prime minister to break the law.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson. Even in her own time the French queens image was used for political gain and to comment upon the evils or good of women. Since then, Antoinette has become something of a pop culture icon, appearing across film, television and, more recently, social media in works that often seek to explore the performance of gender and the power that might accompany it.

Todays Marie Antoinette is a pastiche. Part historical detail, part cinematic influence, the Antoinette of popular imagination is regularly used as shorthand for the evils of excess, for femininity and indulgence. She is a queen steeped in centuries of myth and subject to constant reinvention.

From revolution to reinvention

Comparison on social media between Carrie Johnson and the ill-fated consort of King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, first appeared in 2020. This was in response to the Johnsons controversial refurbishment of their Downing Street flat. Reportedly. Reportedly disliking the John Lewis furniture nightmare left over by previous prime minister Theresa May, the couple decided to redesign the property and install gold wallpaper at 840 per roll.

Marie Antoinettes own extravagances ran to near-constant renovations of her palace Petit Trianon. The easily drawn connections between Johnson and Antoinette prompted satirical artist Cold War Steve to share an image swapping the government flat for the throne room at Versailles, depicting the prime ministers wife in period clothing amid stacks of money.

Story continues

But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No

During her own lifetime, Marie Antoinettes image was coded with political meaning and circulated both to assert and undermine the power of the royal family. During the French Revolution, in which the queen was imprisoned and eventually executed, her image appeared on both sides of the English Channel in sympathetic and critical renderings. Some images portraying her as a greedy aristocrat and others a noble victim. Satirical images often focused on the excessive hubris of the French court and the eventual dismantling of royal wealth.

Queen of the silver screen

In the centuries since her death, Marie Antoinettes image has been constantly revisited, often providing a mirror to reflect contemporary issues. However, her status as a pop culture icon was really cemented in the late 20th century.

The queen was invoked in Madonnas famous 1990 MTV Awards performance of her hit song Vogue. In a wonderfully camp performance, Madonna used Antoinettes likeness to invoke the lavish ballrooms of 18th-century France to draw connections between the rich queer culture that voguing was born into. It was a highly stylised performance of femininity by male and female dancers alike.

Then there is Antoinette on screen. Actresses from Lise Delamare and Jane Seymour to Diane Kruger have all taken their turn in portraying her in films. Perhaps the best known iteration today is Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (2006) starring Kirsten Dunst. Indeed, the aesthetic influences of Coppolas playfully anachronistic depiction of the pre-revolutionary French court and the relationship between consumption and female power can be seen everywhere from Netflixs Bridgerton to drag.

It is this fictional Antoinette, with its exaggerated references to excess and luxury in relation to femininity and rich visuals, that has most influenced our contemporary digital iteration of the queen.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie has been compared to the ill-fated French queen over the Partygate controversy (PA Wire)

The excesses of femininity

Marie Antoinette has recently taken up court on social media. In another rendering of Carrie Johnson as the queen by Cold War Steve, we see Johnson bedecked in silk and reclining in a chair, surrounded by cakes and (a repeating theme for the artist) stacks of money. But rather than taking cues from 17th-century artists such as French painter Charles Le Brun, Cold War Steves version of the queen is, instead, lifted from Coppolas 2006 film.

In this satirical image Johnsons face is imposed onto a cut out of actress Kirsten Dunsts body. Interestingly, Coppolas version of Marie Antoinette is based on a relatively sympathetic biography of the real-life queen by British historian Antonia Fraser. Certainly, the filmic rendition of her focuses on her humanity rather than infamy. But despite this nuance, Coppolas work  itself a visual amalgamation of innumerable pop and art history references  has proved to be fertile ground for social media users and content creators. The films bold visual elements transpose easily to a recognisable shorthand for contemporary questions of gender and power.

Marie Antoinette memes and cartoons like the ones of Johnson are only going to multiply online as images continue to be layered, copied and pasted, sliced and filtered online to explore the supposed dangers  and pleasures  of excessive women. But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No. His reign is over and he doesnt figure in our contemporary cultural consciousness. But as long as there is a fascination with glamorous, powerful or even wayward women, it is likely that Antoinette will continue to command our attention for a long time to come.

Madeleine Pelling is a research associate in material and visual cultures of 18th-century Britain, at the University of York. This article first appeared on The Conversation.
Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson (Getty)

The hashtag #CarrieAntoinette, which compares prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson to the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), has been criticised as sexist. Commentators feel it relies on gender stereotypes and distracts from unfolding political events.

Those events include the recent fines issued by the Metropolitan police to those who attended illegal Downing Street parties during the pandemic, including Johnson and his wife. Focusing on Carrie distracts from Boriss actions, which have made him the first prime minister to break the law.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson. Even in her own time the French queens image was used for political gain and to comment upon the evils or good of women. Since then, Antoinette has become something of a pop culture icon, appearing across film, television and, more recently, social media in works that often seek to explore the performance of gender and the power that might accompany it.

Todays Marie Antoinette is a pastiche. Part historical detail, part cinematic influence, the Antoinette of popular imagination is regularly used as shorthand for the evils of excess, for femininity and indulgence. She is a queen steeped in centuries of myth and subject to constant reinvention.

From revolution to reinvention

Comparison on social media between Carrie Johnson and the ill-fated consort of King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, first appeared in 2020. This was in response to the Johnsons controversial refurbishment of their Downing Street flat. Reportedly. Reportedly disliking the John Lewis furniture nightmare left over by previous prime minister Theresa May, the couple decided to redesign the property and install gold wallpaper at 840 per roll.

Marie Antoinettes own extravagances ran to near-constant renovations of her palace Petit Trianon. The easily drawn connections between Johnson and Antoinette prompted satirical artist Cold War Steve to share an image swapping the government flat for the throne room at Versailles, depicting the prime ministers wife in period clothing amid stacks of money.

Story continues

But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No

During her own lifetime, Marie Antoinettes image was coded with political meaning and circulated both to assert and undermine the power of the royal family. During the French Revolution, in which the queen was imprisoned and eventually executed, her image appeared on both sides of the English Channel in sympathetic and critical renderings. Some images portraying her as a greedy aristocrat and others a noble victim. Satirical images often focused on the excessive hubris of the French court and the eventual dismantling of royal wealth.

Queen of the silver screen

In the centuries since her death, Marie Antoinettes image has been constantly revisited, often providing a mirror to reflect contemporary issues. However, her status as a pop culture icon was really cemented in the late 20th century.

The queen was invoked in Madonnas famous 1990 MTV Awards performance of her hit song Vogue. In a wonderfully camp performance, Madonna used Antoinettes likeness to invoke the lavish ballrooms of 18th-century France to draw connections between the rich queer culture that voguing was born into. It was a highly stylised performance of femininity by male and female dancers alike.

Then there is Antoinette on screen. Actresses from Lise Delamare and Jane Seymour to Diane Kruger have all taken their turn in portraying her in films. Perhaps the best known iteration today is Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (2006) starring Kirsten Dunst. Indeed, the aesthetic influences of Coppolas playfully anachronistic depiction of the pre-revolutionary French court and the relationship between consumption and female power can be seen everywhere from Netflixs Bridgerton to drag.

It is this fictional Antoinette, with its exaggerated references to excess and luxury in relation to femininity and rich visuals, that has most influenced our contemporary digital iteration of the queen.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie has been compared to the ill-fated French queen over the Partygate controversy (PA Wire)

The excesses of femininity

Marie Antoinette has recently taken up court on social media. In another rendering of Carrie Johnson as the queen by Cold War Steve, we see Johnson bedecked in silk and reclining in a chair, surrounded by cakes and (a repeating theme for the artist) stacks of money. But rather than taking cues from 17th-century artists such as French painter Charles Le Brun, Cold War Steves version of the queen is, instead, lifted from Coppolas 2006 film.

In this satirical image Johnsons face is imposed onto a cut out of actress Kirsten Dunsts body. Interestingly, Coppolas version of Marie Antoinette is based on a relatively sympathetic biography of the real-life queen by British historian Antonia Fraser. Certainly, the filmic rendition of her focuses on her humanity rather than infamy. But despite this nuance, Coppolas work  itself a visual amalgamation of innumerable pop and art history references  has proved to be fertile ground for social media users and content creators. The films bold visual elements transpose easily to a recognisable shorthand for contemporary questions of gender and power.

Marie Antoinette memes and cartoons like the ones of Johnson are only going to multiply online as images continue to be layered, copied and pasted, sliced and filtered online to explore the supposed dangers  and pleasures  of excessive women. But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No. His reign is over and he doesnt figure in our contemporary cultural consciousness. But as long as there is a fascination with glamorous, powerful or even wayward women, it is likely that Antoinette will continue to command our attention for a long time to come.

Madeleine Pelling is a research associate in material and visual cultures of 18th-century Britain, at the University of York. This article first appeared on The Conversation.
My husband, a chartered accountant for many years, retrained as a teacher when our children were young and I financially supported him. My turn came, after 20 years as a landscape architect, when he supported me to retrain to become a teacher in special education.

Bravo to those brave souls who take a leap of faith in themselves and change their careers later in life ( Mid-life change doesnt have to be a crisis , The Sunday Age, 15/5).

At the age of 46, I graduated with a diploma of education, added a masters degree over the next few years and have been gainfully employed as a teacher over that time, most recently landing a position last year, which I love, at the age of 53.

Fran Jackson, Surrey Hills

How could this happen?

How could the Australian Electoral Commission not have realised that people who tested positive to COVID after May 13 at 6pm would not be able to vote in person on May 21?

The last-minute correction on the AEC website is likely to disenfranchise many unwell would-be voters. Incomprehensible.

Lucille Forbes, Brighton East

Denied my right to vote

My husband and I are in the UK for six weeks, so we applied for postal votes to be sent to our address in London before we left Melbourne.

I received a letter three weeks ago acknowledging my application but my husband received nothing. His postal vote has arrived but mine hasnt. When I rang the Australian Embassy to see if I could come in and vote there I was told Dont worry. If you are overseas you are not required to vote.
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Labor has suffered a stunning defeat in the previously safe Western Sydney seat of Fowler after locals rejected an attempt to parachute high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally into the electorate.

However, the party was celebrating picking up the marginal Liberal-held inner-west seat of Reid and holding on in Parramatta despite a controversy over eastern-suburbs resident Andrew Charlton being chosen over several grassroots local contenders.

Labors candidate for Fowler, Kristina Keneally, campaigning on election day. Credit:Dean Sewell

The fiercely contested seat of Bennelong was on a knife-edge as the Liberal Party suffered a significant swing against it in John Howards former seat.

The issue of well-known white candidates being preselected over non-white locals became a running theme of the election campaign, threatening to spark a backlash against Labor in Sydney seats seen as crucial to its path to victory.
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



In The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics After 2020 (Flatiron, July), journalist Lemire examines the roots and repercussions of Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 election.

You trace the emergence of the Big Lie back to an August 2016 campaign rally in Columbus, Ohio. Why was what that moment so consequential, given that Trump had already cast doubt on the results of the Iowa caucuses?

Youre right to bring up the Iowa caucus. That was the first moment where he claimed the system was unfair, but it was a little bit of a different false claim. This moment in August is the first time he said that the election itself would be rigged. And hed go on to suggest, in a presidential debate, not only that the election would not necessarily be fair, but that he wouldnt necessarily honor it.

How did that come to resonate with so many voters?

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First of all, the Republican Party base had grown more populist. And the fervor was stoked by Fox News and other parts of conservative media. Weve also seen at that point years and years of faith in the nations institutions really eroding. A lot of Americans felt that they had been left behind. They couldnt trust the government anymore. Trump was viewed as someone outside of Washington that they felt could fix things and put things back the way they should be.

Has the media learned lessons from its initial coverage of the Trump campaign?

A lot of newspeople and cable executives acknowledge mistakes with the 2016 coverage, where Trump was given too much uncritical airtime and ate up all the oxygen in the room. I think coverage, from the print and broadcast side, got better while Trump was in officewhatever he would say would not just be repeated verbatim or uncritically. There was a lot more fact-checking. Now, will it matter? That remains to be seen because of just how siloed we all are right now, how polarized the country is, and how people tend to get their news from fellow travelers. Its not clear, even if you do the best possible job fact-checking Donald Trump or any other candidate, whether it would get through to the other side.

You challenged Trump at the 2018 summit with Putin about U.S. intelligence agencies findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Were you surprised by his response?

He went further than I anticipated. I thought he, at the very least, would try to equivocate and give some credence to what the Americans have said and some credence to Putin, who said, I did not interfere. I did not anticipate Trumps throwing his lot entirely with Moscow in public, which is what he did.


Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson (Getty)

The hashtag #CarrieAntoinette, which compares prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson to the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), has been criticised as sexist. Commentators feel it relies on gender stereotypes and distracts from unfolding political events.

Those events include the recent fines issued by the Metropolitan police to those who attended illegal Downing Street parties during the pandemic, including Johnson and his wife. Focusing on Carrie distracts from Boriss actions, which have made him the first prime minister to break the law.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson. Even in her own time the French queens image was used for political gain and to comment upon the evils or good of women. Since then, Antoinette has become something of a pop culture icon, appearing across film, television and, more recently, social media in works that often seek to explore the performance of gender and the power that might accompany it.

Todays Marie Antoinette is a pastiche. Part historical detail, part cinematic influence, the Antoinette of popular imagination is regularly used as shorthand for the evils of excess, for femininity and indulgence. She is a queen steeped in centuries of myth and subject to constant reinvention.

From revolution to reinvention

Comparison on social media between Carrie Johnson and the ill-fated consort of King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, first appeared in 2020. This was in response to the Johnsons controversial refurbishment of their Downing Street flat. Reportedly. Reportedly disliking the John Lewis furniture nightmare left over by previous prime minister Theresa May, the couple decided to redesign the property and install gold wallpaper at 840 per roll.

Marie Antoinettes own extravagances ran to near-constant renovations of her palace Petit Trianon. The easily drawn connections between Johnson and Antoinette prompted satirical artist Cold War Steve to share an image swapping the government flat for the throne room at Versailles, depicting the prime ministers wife in period clothing amid stacks of money.

Story continues

But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No

During her own lifetime, Marie Antoinettes image was coded with political meaning and circulated both to assert and undermine the power of the royal family. During the French Revolution, in which the queen was imprisoned and eventually executed, her image appeared on both sides of the English Channel in sympathetic and critical renderings. Some images portraying her as a greedy aristocrat and others a noble victim. Satirical images often focused on the excessive hubris of the French court and the eventual dismantling of royal wealth.

Queen of the silver screen

In the centuries since her death, Marie Antoinettes image has been constantly revisited, often providing a mirror to reflect contemporary issues. However, her status as a pop culture icon was really cemented in the late 20th century.

The queen was invoked in Madonnas famous 1990 MTV Awards performance of her hit song Vogue. In a wonderfully camp performance, Madonna used Antoinettes likeness to invoke the lavish ballrooms of 18th-century France to draw connections between the rich queer culture that voguing was born into. It was a highly stylised performance of femininity by male and female dancers alike.

Then there is Antoinette on screen. Actresses from Lise Delamare and Jane Seymour to Diane Kruger have all taken their turn in portraying her in films. Perhaps the best known iteration today is Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (2006) starring Kirsten Dunst. Indeed, the aesthetic influences of Coppolas playfully anachronistic depiction of the pre-revolutionary French court and the relationship between consumption and female power can be seen everywhere from Netflixs Bridgerton to drag.

It is this fictional Antoinette, with its exaggerated references to excess and luxury in relation to femininity and rich visuals, that has most influenced our contemporary digital iteration of the queen.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie has been compared to the ill-fated French queen over the Partygate controversy (PA Wire)

The excesses of femininity

Marie Antoinette has recently taken up court on social media. In another rendering of Carrie Johnson as the queen by Cold War Steve, we see Johnson bedecked in silk and reclining in a chair, surrounded by cakes and (a repeating theme for the artist) stacks of money. But rather than taking cues from 17th-century artists such as French painter Charles Le Brun, Cold War Steves version of the queen is, instead, lifted from Coppolas 2006 film.

In this satirical image Johnsons face is imposed onto a cut out of actress Kirsten Dunsts body. Interestingly, Coppolas version of Marie Antoinette is based on a relatively sympathetic biography of the real-life queen by British historian Antonia Fraser. Certainly, the filmic rendition of her focuses on her humanity rather than infamy. But despite this nuance, Coppolas work  itself a visual amalgamation of innumerable pop and art history references  has proved to be fertile ground for social media users and content creators. The films bold visual elements transpose easily to a recognisable shorthand for contemporary questions of gender and power.

Marie Antoinette memes and cartoons like the ones of Johnson are only going to multiply online as images continue to be layered, copied and pasted, sliced and filtered online to explore the supposed dangers  and pleasures  of excessive women. But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No. His reign is over and he doesnt figure in our contemporary cultural consciousness. But as long as there is a fascination with glamorous, powerful or even wayward women, it is likely that Antoinette will continue to command our attention for a long time to come.

Madeleine Pelling is a research associate in material and visual cultures of 18th-century Britain, at the University of York. This article first appeared on The Conversation.
Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson (Getty)

The hashtag #CarrieAntoinette, which compares prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson to the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), has been criticised as sexist. Commentators feel it relies on gender stereotypes and distracts from unfolding political events.

Those events include the recent fines issued by the Metropolitan police to those who attended illegal Downing Street parties during the pandemic, including Johnson and his wife. Focusing on Carrie distracts from Boriss actions, which have made him the first prime minister to break the law.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson. Even in her own time the French queens image was used for political gain and to comment upon the evils or good of women. Since then, Antoinette has become something of a pop culture icon, appearing across film, television and, more recently, social media in works that often seek to explore the performance of gender and the power that might accompany it.

Todays Marie Antoinette is a pastiche. Part historical detail, part cinematic influence, the Antoinette of popular imagination is regularly used as shorthand for the evils of excess, for femininity and indulgence. She is a queen steeped in centuries of myth and subject to constant reinvention.

From revolution to reinvention

Comparison on social media between Carrie Johnson and the ill-fated consort of King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, first appeared in 2020. This was in response to the Johnsons controversial refurbishment of their Downing Street flat. Reportedly. Reportedly disliking the John Lewis furniture nightmare left over by previous prime minister Theresa May, the couple decided to redesign the property and install gold wallpaper at 840 per roll.

Marie Antoinettes own extravagances ran to near-constant renovations of her palace Petit Trianon. The easily drawn connections between Johnson and Antoinette prompted satirical artist Cold War Steve to share an image swapping the government flat for the throne room at Versailles, depicting the prime ministers wife in period clothing amid stacks of money.

Story continues

But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No

During her own lifetime, Marie Antoinettes image was coded with political meaning and circulated both to assert and undermine the power of the royal family. During the French Revolution, in which the queen was imprisoned and eventually executed, her image appeared on both sides of the English Channel in sympathetic and critical renderings. Some images portraying her as a greedy aristocrat and others a noble victim. Satirical images often focused on the excessive hubris of the French court and the eventual dismantling of royal wealth.

Queen of the silver screen

In the centuries since her death, Marie Antoinettes image has been constantly revisited, often providing a mirror to reflect contemporary issues. However, her status as a pop culture icon was really cemented in the late 20th century.

The queen was invoked in Madonnas famous 1990 MTV Awards performance of her hit song Vogue. In a wonderfully camp performance, Madonna used Antoinettes likeness to invoke the lavish ballrooms of 18th-century France to draw connections between the rich queer culture that voguing was born into. It was a highly stylised performance of femininity by male and female dancers alike.

Then there is Antoinette on screen. Actresses from Lise Delamare and Jane Seymour to Diane Kruger have all taken their turn in portraying her in films. Perhaps the best known iteration today is Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (2006) starring Kirsten Dunst. Indeed, the aesthetic influences of Coppolas playfully anachronistic depiction of the pre-revolutionary French court and the relationship between consumption and female power can be seen everywhere from Netflixs Bridgerton to drag.

It is this fictional Antoinette, with its exaggerated references to excess and luxury in relation to femininity and rich visuals, that has most influenced our contemporary digital iteration of the queen.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie has been compared to the ill-fated French queen over the Partygate controversy (PA Wire)

The excesses of femininity

Marie Antoinette has recently taken up court on social media. In another rendering of Carrie Johnson as the queen by Cold War Steve, we see Johnson bedecked in silk and reclining in a chair, surrounded by cakes and (a repeating theme for the artist) stacks of money. But rather than taking cues from 17th-century artists such as French painter Charles Le Brun, Cold War Steves version of the queen is, instead, lifted from Coppolas 2006 film.

In this satirical image Johnsons face is imposed onto a cut out of actress Kirsten Dunsts body. Interestingly, Coppolas version of Marie Antoinette is based on a relatively sympathetic biography of the real-life queen by British historian Antonia Fraser. Certainly, the filmic rendition of her focuses on her humanity rather than infamy. But despite this nuance, Coppolas work  itself a visual amalgamation of innumerable pop and art history references  has proved to be fertile ground for social media users and content creators. The films bold visual elements transpose easily to a recognisable shorthand for contemporary questions of gender and power.

Marie Antoinette memes and cartoons like the ones of Johnson are only going to multiply online as images continue to be layered, copied and pasted, sliced and filtered online to explore the supposed dangers  and pleasures  of excessive women. But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No. His reign is over and he doesnt figure in our contemporary cultural consciousness. But as long as there is a fascination with glamorous, powerful or even wayward women, it is likely that Antoinette will continue to command our attention for a long time to come.

Madeleine Pelling is a research associate in material and visual cultures of 18th-century Britain, at the University of York. This article first appeared on The Conversation.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson (Getty)

The hashtag #CarrieAntoinette, which compares prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson to the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), has been criticised as sexist. Commentators feel it relies on gender stereotypes and distracts from unfolding political events.

Those events include the recent fines issued by the Metropolitan police to those who attended illegal Downing Street parties during the pandemic, including Johnson and his wife. Focusing on Carrie distracts from Boriss actions, which have made him the first prime minister to break the law.

Comparisons between the 18th-century queen and contemporary female figures are in no way limited to Carrie Johnson. Even in her own time the French queens image was used for political gain and to comment upon the evils or good of women. Since then, Antoinette has become something of a pop culture icon, appearing across film, television and, more recently, social media in works that often seek to explore the performance of gender and the power that might accompany it.

Todays Marie Antoinette is a pastiche. Part historical detail, part cinematic influence, the Antoinette of popular imagination is regularly used as shorthand for the evils of excess, for femininity and indulgence. She is a queen steeped in centuries of myth and subject to constant reinvention.

From revolution to reinvention

Comparison on social media between Carrie Johnson and the ill-fated consort of King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, first appeared in 2020. This was in response to the Johnsons controversial refurbishment of their Downing Street flat. Reportedly. Reportedly disliking the John Lewis furniture nightmare left over by previous prime minister Theresa May, the couple decided to redesign the property and install gold wallpaper at 840 per roll.

Marie Antoinettes own extravagances ran to near-constant renovations of her palace Petit Trianon. The easily drawn connections between Johnson and Antoinette prompted satirical artist Cold War Steve to share an image swapping the government flat for the throne room at Versailles, depicting the prime ministers wife in period clothing amid stacks of money.

Story continues

But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No

During her own lifetime, Marie Antoinettes image was coded with political meaning and circulated both to assert and undermine the power of the royal family. During the French Revolution, in which the queen was imprisoned and eventually executed, her image appeared on both sides of the English Channel in sympathetic and critical renderings. Some images portraying her as a greedy aristocrat and others a noble victim. Satirical images often focused on the excessive hubris of the French court and the eventual dismantling of royal wealth.

Queen of the silver screen

In the centuries since her death, Marie Antoinettes image has been constantly revisited, often providing a mirror to reflect contemporary issues. However, her status as a pop culture icon was really cemented in the late 20th century.

The queen was invoked in Madonnas famous 1990 MTV Awards performance of her hit song Vogue. In a wonderfully camp performance, Madonna used Antoinettes likeness to invoke the lavish ballrooms of 18th-century France to draw connections between the rich queer culture that voguing was born into. It was a highly stylised performance of femininity by male and female dancers alike.

Then there is Antoinette on screen. Actresses from Lise Delamare and Jane Seymour to Diane Kruger have all taken their turn in portraying her in films. Perhaps the best known iteration today is Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette (2006) starring Kirsten Dunst. Indeed, the aesthetic influences of Coppolas playfully anachronistic depiction of the pre-revolutionary French court and the relationship between consumption and female power can be seen everywhere from Netflixs Bridgerton to drag.

It is this fictional Antoinette, with its exaggerated references to excess and luxury in relation to femininity and rich visuals, that has most influenced our contemporary digital iteration of the queen.

Prime minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie has been compared to the ill-fated French queen over the Partygate controversy (PA Wire)

The excesses of femininity

Marie Antoinette has recently taken up court on social media. In another rendering of Carrie Johnson as the queen by Cold War Steve, we see Johnson bedecked in silk and reclining in a chair, surrounded by cakes and (a repeating theme for the artist) stacks of money. But rather than taking cues from 17th-century artists such as French painter Charles Le Brun, Cold War Steves version of the queen is, instead, lifted from Coppolas 2006 film.

In this satirical image Johnsons face is imposed onto a cut out of actress Kirsten Dunsts body. Interestingly, Coppolas version of Marie Antoinette is based on a relatively sympathetic biography of the real-life queen by British historian Antonia Fraser. Certainly, the filmic rendition of her focuses on her humanity rather than infamy. But despite this nuance, Coppolas work  itself a visual amalgamation of innumerable pop and art history references  has proved to be fertile ground for social media users and content creators. The films bold visual elements transpose easily to a recognisable shorthand for contemporary questions of gender and power.

Marie Antoinette memes and cartoons like the ones of Johnson are only going to multiply online as images continue to be layered, copied and pasted, sliced and filtered online to explore the supposed dangers  and pleasures  of excessive women. But what of the behaviour of excessive men? Do people remember Louis XVI of France in the same way? No. His reign is over and he doesnt figure in our contemporary cultural consciousness. But as long as there is a fascination with glamorous, powerful or even wayward women, it is likely that Antoinette will continue to command our attention for a long time to come.

Madeleine Pelling is a research associate in material and visual cultures of 18th-century Britain, at the University of York. This article first appeared on The Conversation.


South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden attend a joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. The two presidents on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul.

The summit was held in the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, to which President Yoon relocated the presidential office from the Blue House when he was inaugurated on May 10.

According to a joint statement, the two presidents shared the view that the alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship.

The two presidents pledged to deepen and broaden cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, eco-friendly electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and autonomous robotics, as well as cyber security.

Yoon and Biden recognized the growing potential for the bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, agreeing to strengthen partnerships in areas such as defense sector supply chain, joint development and manufacturing.

The two agreed to foster joint research in space exploration, and pledged to support in strengthening the multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare and respond to infectious disease threats.

Biden arrived here on Friday for a three-day visit. The U.S. president invited Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. 

Protesters hold placards outside the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, South Korea, May 21, 2022. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (1st L) and U.S. President Joe Biden (1st R) hold their first summit talks in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden attend a joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. The two presidents on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul.

The summit was held in the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, to which President Yoon relocated the presidential office from the Blue House when he was inaugurated on May 10.

According to a joint statement, the two presidents shared the view that the alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship.

The two presidents pledged to deepen and broaden cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, eco-friendly electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and autonomous robotics, as well as cyber security.

Yoon and Biden recognized the growing potential for the bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, agreeing to strengthen partnerships in areas such as defense sector supply chain, joint development and manufacturing.

The two agreed to foster joint research in space exploration, and pledged to support in strengthening the multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare and respond to infectious disease threats.

Biden arrived here on Friday for a three-day visit. The U.S. president invited Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. 

Protesters hold placards outside the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, South Korea, May 21, 2022. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (1st L) and U.S. President Joe Biden (1st R) hold their first summit talks in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)
GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton) (OTC PINK: TETAA) cordially invites you to participate in its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 8:30 A.M., Eastern Time as announced, both virtually and with an in-person option.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a company review for shareholders will commence to discuss operations.

For access to the webcast of each meeting, you must register at https://www.tetonadv.com/register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting from a computer or telephone.

If you would like to participate using the in-person option, below is the address to Tetons main office in Greenwich, Connecticut:

189 Mason Street

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Any questions can be directed to our Secretary at [email protected] or (914) 457-1077.

ABOUT TETON

Teton Advisors, Inc. (OTC Pink: TETAA) is a specialist in smaller company investing, serving a diverse client base of institutional, high net worth and mutual fund investors under brands including Teton Westwood, Gabelli and Keeley. The company was founded on a commitment to uncover value by focusing on companies that are misunderstood or ignored by the market utilizing methodologies developed by investment pioneers Mario Gabelli and John L. Keeley, Jr. As active, fundamental investors, the Teton portfolio teams think independently and focus on identifying short-term market inefficiencies to generate long-term alpha. Tetons investment professionals share in the belief that being different is the cornerstone to discovering hidden value in equities. The Teton time tested investment approaches can help set apart your client portfolios, delivering differentiated attributes to round out a broader portfolio. From modest beginnings over 40 years ago, to today, The Disciplined Discovery of Value shapes the cornerstone for our clients' long-term success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005477/en/

Patrick Huvane, CPA, CFA

Chief Financial Officer

(914) 457-1074



For further information, please visit: www.tetonadv.com

Source: Teton Advisors, Inc.
Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.


South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden attend a joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. The two presidents on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul.

The summit was held in the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, to which President Yoon relocated the presidential office from the Blue House when he was inaugurated on May 10.

According to a joint statement, the two presidents shared the view that the alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship.

The two presidents pledged to deepen and broaden cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, eco-friendly electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and autonomous robotics, as well as cyber security.

Yoon and Biden recognized the growing potential for the bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, agreeing to strengthen partnerships in areas such as defense sector supply chain, joint development and manufacturing.

The two agreed to foster joint research in space exploration, and pledged to support in strengthening the multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare and respond to infectious disease threats.

Biden arrived here on Friday for a three-day visit. The U.S. president invited Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. 

Protesters hold placards outside the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, South Korea, May 21, 2022. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (1st L) and U.S. President Joe Biden (1st R) hold their first summit talks in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

Vietnams southern Ho Chi Minh City has seen numbers of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease and dengue fever in children increasing sharply, with six deaths of dengue having been recorded, the municipal Center for Disease Control (HCDC) reported on Friday.

During the first four months of 2022, the city recorded 1,599 hand-foot-mouth disease cases, with 96 percent being children aged one to five years old.

The number of hand-foot-mouth cases has increased alarmingly in most districts, including District 8, Binh Tan, Tan Phu, and Binh Chanh, and Thu Duc City.

Notably, from May 6 to May 12 only, 628 patients were recorded, nearly three times higher than the average of the previous four weeks.

Numbers of cases increased both in hospital treatment and outpatient examination across the city, the HCDC reported.

To actively prevent the disease, it is necessary for both children and their caregivers to wash hands frequently with soap several times a day.

It is advisable to eat well-cooked foods and drink previously boiled water, and to wash dining utensils thoroughly before use, the agency recommended.

In addition, people should regularly clean daily contact surfaces and tools with soap or common detergents and should not allow children to be exposed to sick or suspected sick people.

Typical symptoms of the hand-foot-mouth disease are fever, sore throat, oral mucosal and skin lesions, mainly in the form of blisters, commonly found on palms, soles, knees and buttocks.

Most of the cases are mild, except for some cases that develop seriously and may cause dangerous complications that can lead to death, the HCDC warned, emphasizing the importance of early detection for prompt treatment.

Any children having signs of the disease should be taken to a doctor for examination as soon as possible, the agency advised.

Regarding the dengue fever, the city recorded 7,426 cases in the first four months of 2022, up 16.2 percent over the same period last year.

Over the first four months of 2022, the Childrens Hospital 2 received 2,006 dengue fever cases, an increase of 40 percent compared to the same period in 2021, said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Qui, deputy head of the hospitals Infectious Disease Department.

Of these cases, 901 cases needed to be hospitalized for treatment, up 15 percent over the same period in 2021, of which there were 154 severe cases requiring emergency care.

A health worker taking blood samples from a child patient for dengue testing at Childrens Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Xuan Mai / Tuoi Tre

From May 6 to 12, the city recorded two more deaths from dengue fever in District 11 and Hoc Mon District, bringing the total fatalities to six so far.

During the same period, the city recorded 1,160 more cases of dengue fever, doubling the average of four weeks ago, with numbers of cases increasing in both inpatients and outpatients in most of the citys localities.

As dengue fever is transmitted from person to person through mosquito bites, the most effective measure to prevent the disease is to kill mosquitoes and minimize their habitats, including places of slow-moving or stagnant water, doctors said.

Typical symptoms of dengue fever are high fever for two to seven days, accompanied with signs of hemorrhage such as petechial spots, teeth or nose bleeding, bruises, and abnormal vaginal bleeding in pubertal girls, according to the HCDC.

Children having high fever for consecutive two or three days should be taken to a medical facility for examination and diagnostic testing for dengue fever, Dr. Qui advised.

Children must be taken to the hospital immediately when they suffer such symptoms as lethargy or writhe, cold and wet limbs, severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, excessive mucosal bleeding, vomiting blood, bloody urine, or black stools.

A large outbreak of dengue fever may appear every four or five years, epidemiologists said, adding that Vietnam recorded such an outbreak in 2019 with more than 300,000 dengue cases, including 65,000 patients in Ho Chi Minh City.

As such, this year may experience a new dengue outbreak, they warned.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Vietnams southern Ho Chi Minh City has seen numbers of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease and dengue fever in children increasing sharply, with six deaths of dengue having been recorded, the municipal Center for Disease Control (HCDC) reported on Friday.

During the first four months of 2022, the city recorded 1,599 hand-foot-mouth disease cases, with 96 percent being children aged one to five years old.

The number of hand-foot-mouth cases has increased alarmingly in most districts, including District 8, Binh Tan, Tan Phu, and Binh Chanh, and Thu Duc City.

Notably, from May 6 to May 12 only, 628 patients were recorded, nearly three times higher than the average of the previous four weeks.

Numbers of cases increased both in hospital treatment and outpatient examination across the city, the HCDC reported.

To actively prevent the disease, it is necessary for both children and their caregivers to wash hands frequently with soap several times a day.

It is advisable to eat well-cooked foods and drink previously boiled water, and to wash dining utensils thoroughly before use, the agency recommended.

In addition, people should regularly clean daily contact surfaces and tools with soap or common detergents and should not allow children to be exposed to sick or suspected sick people.

Typical symptoms of the hand-foot-mouth disease are fever, sore throat, oral mucosal and skin lesions, mainly in the form of blisters, commonly found on palms, soles, knees and buttocks.

Most of the cases are mild, except for some cases that develop seriously and may cause dangerous complications that can lead to death, the HCDC warned, emphasizing the importance of early detection for prompt treatment.

Any children having signs of the disease should be taken to a doctor for examination as soon as possible, the agency advised.

Regarding the dengue fever, the city recorded 7,426 cases in the first four months of 2022, up 16.2 percent over the same period last year.

Over the first four months of 2022, the Childrens Hospital 2 received 2,006 dengue fever cases, an increase of 40 percent compared to the same period in 2021, said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Qui, deputy head of the hospitals Infectious Disease Department.

Of these cases, 901 cases needed to be hospitalized for treatment, up 15 percent over the same period in 2021, of which there were 154 severe cases requiring emergency care.

A health worker taking blood samples from a child patient for dengue testing at Childrens Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Xuan Mai / Tuoi Tre

From May 6 to 12, the city recorded two more deaths from dengue fever in District 11 and Hoc Mon District, bringing the total fatalities to six so far.

During the same period, the city recorded 1,160 more cases of dengue fever, doubling the average of four weeks ago, with numbers of cases increasing in both inpatients and outpatients in most of the citys localities.

As dengue fever is transmitted from person to person through mosquito bites, the most effective measure to prevent the disease is to kill mosquitoes and minimize their habitats, including places of slow-moving or stagnant water, doctors said.

Typical symptoms of dengue fever are high fever for two to seven days, accompanied with signs of hemorrhage such as petechial spots, teeth or nose bleeding, bruises, and abnormal vaginal bleeding in pubertal girls, according to the HCDC.

Children having high fever for consecutive two or three days should be taken to a medical facility for examination and diagnostic testing for dengue fever, Dr. Qui advised.

Children must be taken to the hospital immediately when they suffer such symptoms as lethargy or writhe, cold and wet limbs, severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, excessive mucosal bleeding, vomiting blood, bloody urine, or black stools.

A large outbreak of dengue fever may appear every four or five years, epidemiologists said, adding that Vietnam recorded such an outbreak in 2019 with more than 300,000 dengue cases, including 65,000 patients in Ho Chi Minh City.

As such, this year may experience a new dengue outbreak, they warned.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!







PHNOM PENH, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have provided tangible benefits to Cambodia and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, a scholar in Cambodia said on Saturday.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, I think that the BRI has played a very important role in helping countries cushion the economic fallout of the pandemic," Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, told Xinhua.



"The BRI remains as a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the world at large for the cause of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," he said.

In the southeast Asian country, he said the BRI projects like hydropower plants, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new Siem Reap International Airport, the national stadium, and the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, among others, have provided great benefits to Cambodia's economic development.



"The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone has importantly contributed to increasing the country's exports, and hydropower plants have supplied stable electricity, which is essential to ensure the normalcy of people's daily lives and businesses," Matthews said.



He said the development of infrastructures such as roads, rails, airports, seaports, hydropower plants, and special economic or industrial zones under the BRI is crucial to reducing logistics costs, enhancing economic competitiveness, and diversifying sources of growth.



Southeast Asian nations such as Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have also greatly benefited from the BRI, he said, adding that the China-Laos high-speed rail project, which connects Kunming in China's Yunnan Province with Lao capital Vientiane, is a boon not only for both countries but also for other southeast Asian nations.



"Since its inception in 2013, the BRI is becoming the new engine of global economic growth and it has importantly contributed to boosting regional and global cooperation in terms of hard and soft infrastructure, economy, trade, investment opportunities, cultural exchange, and people to people connectivity," he said.



Matthews said that China has always shared its knowledge, technology, and wealth with developing countries around the world.



"The BRI, backed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has been connecting the world as a community with a shared future for mankind, and China's fruits of development have always been shared with the world," he said.



The BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.







Produced by Xinhua Global Service





PHNOM PENH, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have provided tangible benefits to Cambodia and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, a scholar in Cambodia said on Saturday.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, I think that the BRI has played a very important role in helping countries cushion the economic fallout of the pandemic," Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, told Xinhua.



"The BRI remains as a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the world at large for the cause of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," he said.

In the southeast Asian country, he said the BRI projects like hydropower plants, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new Siem Reap International Airport, the national stadium, and the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, among others, have provided great benefits to Cambodia's economic development.



"The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone has importantly contributed to increasing the country's exports, and hydropower plants have supplied stable electricity, which is essential to ensure the normalcy of people's daily lives and businesses," Matthews said.



He said the development of infrastructures such as roads, rails, airports, seaports, hydropower plants, and special economic or industrial zones under the BRI is crucial to reducing logistics costs, enhancing economic competitiveness, and diversifying sources of growth.



Southeast Asian nations such as Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have also greatly benefited from the BRI, he said, adding that the China-Laos high-speed rail project, which connects Kunming in China's Yunnan Province with Lao capital Vientiane, is a boon not only for both countries but also for other southeast Asian nations.



"Since its inception in 2013, the BRI is becoming the new engine of global economic growth and it has importantly contributed to boosting regional and global cooperation in terms of hard and soft infrastructure, economy, trade, investment opportunities, cultural exchange, and people to people connectivity," he said.



Matthews said that China has always shared its knowledge, technology, and wealth with developing countries around the world.



"The BRI, backed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has been connecting the world as a community with a shared future for mankind, and China's fruits of development have always been shared with the world," he said.



The BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.







Produced by Xinhua Global Service
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden attend a joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. The two presidents on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul.

The summit was held in the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, to which President Yoon relocated the presidential office from the Blue House when he was inaugurated on May 10.

According to a joint statement, the two presidents shared the view that the alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship.

The two presidents pledged to deepen and broaden cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, eco-friendly electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and autonomous robotics, as well as cyber security.

Yoon and Biden recognized the growing potential for the bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, agreeing to strengthen partnerships in areas such as defense sector supply chain, joint development and manufacturing.

The two agreed to foster joint research in space exploration, and pledged to support in strengthening the multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare and respond to infectious disease threats.

Biden arrived here on Friday for a three-day visit. The U.S. president invited Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. 

Protesters hold placards outside the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, South Korea, May 21, 2022. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (1st L) and U.S. President Joe Biden (1st R) hold their first summit talks in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

Jonah Larson is a 14-year-old crochet prodigy, who is giving back to his village in Ethiopia by raising a GoFundMe on his website and selling his items online.

He was born in the small village of Durame in southeastern Ethiopia and was adopted when he was six months old. He now lives in La Crosse, in the US midwestern state of Wisconsin, where he first discovered his love for crochet and started sharing his gift with the world.

When Jonah was five-years old, his aunt introduced him to crochet by giving him and his siblings extra craft supplies. They included a ball of yarn and a crochet hook. Then, his family members encouraged Jonah to watch YouTube tutorials about crocheting, which led him to make his first dishcloth  in less than an hour.

Jonah was comfortable making dishcloths, but his mother reminded him of the importance of consistently learning and developing new skills.

At first, Johan was intimidated about working on new projects. He saw it as a challenge. With practice, however, he began to progress, and eventually he started his own company, Jonahs Hands.

From that point on, I just fell in love with crochet and how calming it was and all the beautiful things you could make, says Jonah.

Jonahs Hands

Jonah founded Jonahs Hands LLC three years ago when he was just 11 years old. From the day his parents adopted him at the age of six, they instilled both in him and in his siblings the values of giving back to others and doing good in the world. This advice informed the identity of Jonahs Hands. Today, the company generously supports Jonahs village and many of the people who live there.

On his website, Jonah features YouTube tutorials, books, and DVDs that teach crochet. He also sells items, such as dishcloths, blankets, booties, scarves, and hats on the websites GoFundMe page, to raise money for philanthropy.

So far, Jonah has raised about $25,000. With this money, he was able to open the first-ever library and a science lab in Durame. With many more projects on the way, people are recognizing Jonahs contributions.

Jonahs Library

"I love to read. I started reading when I was just three years old, Jonah says. Sometimes, I think about Ethiopia, where I was born, and the very rural area where the kids did not have much, not even a book. It makes me sad, and I can hardly imagine a life without books and stories.

The first library in the region, Jonah's Library, contains more than 3,000 books. Its trained librarian tutors help more than 2,000 students, including older students who fall behind.

Science Lab

The Science Lab at Teza Gerba School is the first of its kind in Durame. It provides microscopes, goggles, and other basic science equipment.

The Ethiopian government recognized an instructor at the science lab, Ato Meharu. It awarded him a gold medal for teaching excellence on National Teachers Day 2020-2021. Such an achievement is virtually unheard of in Durame.

Future projects

Jonah is working on his next project: adequate restrooms for the students. Jonah says this project is starting to move forward but will needs $5,000 more in donations before he can complete it. After this project, Jonah hopes to continue raising financial support for myriad other services.

Jonah has not been able to visit the village where he was born but he is hopeful and excited, however, by the possibility that he may be able to return someday soon to witness in person the impact of his philanthropy.

When asked for advice about people hoping to learn crocheting today, Jonah says: "It's not going to be super simple, it's not going to be a breeze, but you always have to keep trying, and it will turn out the best."

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.un.org/coronavirus

Africa Renewal
But then there are the evening prayers, icons, Bible readings and lectures about authors whose portraits hang on the walls. The names include C.S. Lewis, Flannery OConnor, W.H. Auden, Dorothy Sayers, Fyodor Dostoevsky, J.R.R. Tolkien and many others. Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan are there, as well.

This group has met twice a month for a dozen years, and most of the faithful are Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran, with plenty of evangelicals at special events. The authors honored are selected after an informal process that usually starts during fellowship before and after lectures, with men talking about books that have touched their lives.

The whole thing is affected by having that bookstore right next door, said Pastor Geoff Boyle, a Missouri-Synod Lutheran long active in the project. The man behind the front counter is used to having these conversations and obviously knows all about the books the guys are talking about. The books are right there and, if theyre not, they will be soon.

That bookstore is Eighth Day Books, which draws customers from across the nation to an old, three-story house with 46,000 new and used books  27,000 titles  shelved and stacked anywhere that will hold them, including the basement Hobbit Hole packed with childrens literature. The white-haired man behind the counter is owner Warren Farha, an Orthodox believer with family ties to Lebanon.

This isnt a Christian bookstore complete with knick-knacks, inspirational posters and religious self-help books, but Eighth Day is a reference to the Resurrection of Jesus.

Farha created the store in 1988 and selects all the books with the help of an ecumenical network woven into the Eighth Day Institute and its conferences, newsletters, podcasts and groups such as the Hall of Men and the Sisters of Sophia.

My goal has always been to be fair to the great traditions, said Farha, in his office in the bookstores attic. We have classics in history, literature, poetry, church history, theology and philosophy  Christian writings through the ages. ... Im always listening to people who GET the template for what were doing here.

Great books from different traditions are on the shelves right next to each other, even if they clash in ways that we need to discuss.

At the heart of the Hall of Men project is a question that all kinds of bookish people, from scholars to popular writers, have asked in recent decades: What can be done to encourage more men  in an age of glowing digital screens  to read books?

There are men who read popular classics, old and new, and then there are those who, when exposed to ancient writings, dive deep into books from monastery presses and Christian scholars, said Farha. Hall of Men leaders have quit trying to push men into niches.

These men dont sort out easily, he added. There are lots of guys in pickup trucks who buy volumes of the Early Church Fathers and read them devoutly. It takes all kinds.

Everyone agrees that the bridge writer between these two worlds is Lewis, the Oxford don whose books  fiction for all ages, scholarship, poetry and journals  have been bestsellers for 75 years. Thus, the bookstore has a large C.S. Lewis & Friends section, and the institute holds an annual conference focusing on The Inklings, the circle of writers that included Lewis, Tolkien, Sayers and others.

The key is that the Hall of Men and other Eighth Day projects help members and visitors journey deeper into the lives and works of all these authors and more, said Jeff Reimer, a book editor and internet professional who lives outside Wichita. It doesnt matter where readers start when there are friends who help them keep moving.

Warren has created a kind of community of desire here that just pulls people in. ... I tell people this is the most erotic bookstore ever  but not in the usual sense of that word, said Reimer, laughing. This is a place of overheard conversations that can change everything. One conversation leads to another and one book leads to another.

Mattingly leads GetReligion.org and lives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He is a senior fellow at the Overby Center at the University of Mississippi.
100 years ago

May 21, 1922: Sue Sanders, a member of the Withers Public Library board since 1894, has resigned as its president. Spencer Ewing was named to take her place, and Mrs. Sanders was named President Emeritus. The library circulated 177,000 books in 1921, its best year ever.

75 years ago

May 21, 1947: An Army B-25 bomber crashed into a corn field near Rantoul, killing all seven servicemen aboard. The plane was on a routine flight from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Chanute air base. Among the dead was Col. Raymond ONeill, a former commanding officer at Chanute.

50 years ago

May 21, 1972: Illinois Wesleyan University is set to award 343 degrees to candidates for graduation this afternoon. Sen. Charley Percy, Republican of Illinois, will give commencement address. Last night, Donald Clemens of Lexington was elected president of the alumni association.

25 years ago

May 21, 1997: The Zoning Board of Appeals rejected a monument and one-acre park at the site of the old Kickapoo Indian village near Le Roy. County board member Bill Emmett proposed the park. But appeals board members think hes only trying to thwart growth of hog farms.

Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com.

MANILA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has detected Omicron sub-variant BA.4 from a Filipino citizen who flew in from the Middle East early this month, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday.

The DOH said the asymptomatic patient, who arrived in the country on May 4, tested positive for COVID-19 four days later.

Quoting data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the DOH said Omicron BA.4 is a variant of concern (VOC).

"Compared to a variant of interest, a VOC is seen to either spread faster or cause worse illness," the DOH said, warning that "BA.4's faster transmission is likely because of its ability to evade immune protection."

"While the ECDC has not observed any change in severity for BA.4 compared to other Omicron sub-variants, we must be careful because the faster transmission will lead to a spike in cases that could overwhelm our hospitals and clinics," the DOH warned.

The DOH urged the local government unit where the first BA.4 case was detected to "rapidly implement detection and isolation" of people who may have been exposed to the patient.

BA.4 and BA.5 were first detected in South Africa in January and February 2022, respectively, and since then, they have become the dominant variants in that country.

On May 17, the DOH confirmed the local transmission of the highly transmissible Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 in three areas, including Metro Manila. The Philippines has detected 17 BA.2.12.1 cases so far.

According to the DOH, there is no community transmission of the BA.2.12.1.

Studies showed that BA.2.12.1 is highly transmissible due to additional mutations than the original Omicron strain. While this sublineage has not been observed to lead to more severe disease or fatality, it has the potential for immune escape.

The Philippines now has 3,688,508 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 60,455 deaths.

The Philippines reported the highest single-day tally on Jan. 15 with 39,004 new cases. The country has seen four COVID-19 waves since the pandemic began in January 2020. 



In what would be its biggest victory yet in the war with Ukraine, Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Friday.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalized.

An APC of Donetsk People's Republic militia stands not far from Mariupol's besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Picture: AP Photo

Azovstal steel plant

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraines Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mills defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers, had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plants defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on February 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russias Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupols capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscows control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine, and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The citys loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

A photo, taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, shows Ukrainian servicemen as they leave the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Picture: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance.

An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

Via: GraphicNews

'On the path from hell to hell'

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscows forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of historys most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing.
In what would be its biggest victory yet in the war with Ukraine, Russia claimed to have captured Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of the strategic port city to a smoking ruin, with over 20,000 civilians feared dead.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol  the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance  and the city as a whole, spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Friday.

There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti quoted the ministry as saying a total of 2,439 Ukrainian fighters who had been holed up at the steelworks had surrendered since Monday, including over 500 on Friday.

As they surrendered, the troops were taken prisoner by the Russians, and at least some were taken to a former penal colony. Others were said to be hospitalized.

An APC of Donetsk People's Republic militia stands not far from Mariupol's besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Picture: AP Photo

Azovstal steel plant

The defense of the steel mill had been led by Ukraines Azov Regiment, whose far-right origins have been seized on by the Kremlin as part of an effort to cast its invasion as a battle against Nazi influence in Ukraine. Russia said the Azov commander was taken away from the plant in an armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have threatened to investigate some of the steel mills defenders for war crimes and put them on trial, branding them Nazis and criminals. That has stirred international fears about their fate.

The steelworks, which sprawled across 11 square kilometers, had been the site of fierce fighting for weeks. The dwindling group of outgunned fighters had held out, drawing Russian airstrikes, artillery and tank fire, before their government ordered them to abandon the plants defense and save themselves.

The complete takeover of Mariupol gives Putin a badly needed victory in the war he began on February 24  a conflict that was supposed to have been a lightning conquest for the Kremlin but instead has seen the failure to take the capital of Kyiv, a pullback of forces to refocus on eastern Ukraine, and the sinking of the flagship of Russias Black Sea fleet.

Military analysts said Mariupols capture at this point is of mostly symbolic importance, since the city was already effectively under Moscows control and most of the Russian forces that were tied down by the fighting there had already left.

In other developments Friday, the West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine, and fighting raged in the Donbas, the industrial heartland in eastern Ukraine that Putin is bent on capturing.

Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas.

The Kremlin had sought control of Mariupol to complete a land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to join the larger battle for the Donbas. The citys loss also deprives Ukraine of a vital seaport.

A photo, taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, shows Ukrainian servicemen as they leave the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Picture: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

Mariupol endured some of the worst suffering of the war and became a worldwide symbol of defiance.

An estimated 100,000 people remained out a prewar population of 450,000, many trapped without food, water, heat or electricity. Relentless bombardment left rows upon rows of shattered or hollowed-out buildings.

A maternity hospital was hit with a lethal Russian airstrike on March 9, producing searing images of pregnant women being evacuated from the place. A week later, about 300 people were reported killed in a bombing of a theater where civilians were taking shelter, although the real death toll could be closer to 600.

Satellite images in April showed what appeared to be mass graves just outside Mariupol, where local officials accused Russia of concealing the slaughter by burying up to 9,000 civilians.

Earlier this month, hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant during humanitarian cease-fires and spoke of the terror of ceaseless bombardment, the dank conditions underground and the fear that they wouldnt make it out alive.

Via: GraphicNews

'On the path from hell to hell'

As the end drew near at Azovstal, wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks told of what they feared would be their last contact with their husbands.

Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: Hello. We surrender, I dont know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.

Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.

She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.

While Russia described the troops leaving the steel plant as a mass surrender, the Ukrainians called it a mission fulfilled. They said the fighters had tied down Moscows forces and hindered their bid to seize the east.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described the defense of Mariupol as the Thermopylae of the 21st century  a reference to one of historys most glorious defeats, in which 300 Spartans held off a much larger Persian force in 480 B.C. before finally succumbing.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
PROVIDENCE  Mayor Jorge Elorza on Friday signed off on the city's spending plan for nearly $124 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.

The American Rescue Plan Act funds represent the lion's share of the roughly $166 million Providence received in total.

As a housing crisis persists across the state, the city is allocating $30.7 million to the issue, $17 million of which will go toward developing affordable units. The remainder of the category will be spent on rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, emergency housing, a home repair program and other initiatives.

More: Elorza proposes millions for housing, reparations in new COVID-relief fund spending plan

At a news onference on the city's pedestrian bridge with City Council members who on Thursday gave their final approval, Elorza said spending decisions were driven by public input sought by the city's COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Task Force.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza

"We made it a point to go to those hardest hit neighborhoods and hardest hit communities and get an over-representative sample from those folks as well," the mayor said. "But it still did not change the fundamental reality that regardless of where you are throughout the city, we have the same priorities."

Funding for certain categories, such as housing priorities, will not be spent until the city puts out a request for proposals and selects partners.

Where is the rest of the mone

Other major spending areas include a $20-million investment in water, sewer, broadband and infrastructure; $24.3 million for community and social disparities, which includes funding for recreation centers, community centers; and $10 million for a reparations initiative which is being formulated by a special committee. It is not yet clear what form reparations may take, though possibilities include money for housing and education.

More: New Providence board weighs how to offer reparations, from housing to education

Additionally, $36.7 million is budgeted for revenue recovery, which will replace lost meal-tax and hotel-tax revenues, for example.

Story continues

A $6.2-million investment is being made in the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors to aid their recovery, down from the $7.7 million Elorza initially proposed. Upon receiving that first proposal, City Council President John Igliozzi criticized the category as a fund for "parties and tourism," stating that it was "concerning because this is called the American Rescue Plan Act, not the American Party Act."

More: 'Parties and tourism': City Council president questions Elorza's COVID relief spending plan

However, during Friday's announcement, both Elorza and Igliozzi were all smiles and appeared to be in agreement on the end result.

"Its good stuff because all of us, family and friends, have been going through a really difficult time thought these past few years," Igliozzi said. "This COVID has been horrific."

Elorza, who joked that he and Igliozzi find themselves siding on issues  as both campaign for voters and lawmakers to approve a hefty pension obligation bond  said he's satisfied with the final budget.

"Im certainly happy with it," Elorza said. "Like everything in government, the result is a compromise, but at the heart of it, theres a great deal of alignment in terms of values and principles, and theyre reflected here."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Elorza signs off on Providence spending plan for COVID-19 relief funds





Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming cloudy with periods of rain later in the day. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden attend a joint press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. The two presidents on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)

SEOUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul.

The summit was held in the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, to which President Yoon relocated the presidential office from the Blue House when he was inaugurated on May 10.

According to a joint statement, the two presidents shared the view that the alliance has matured into a deep and comprehensive strategic relationship.

The two presidents pledged to deepen and broaden cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, eco-friendly electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and autonomous robotics, as well as cyber security.

Yoon and Biden recognized the growing potential for the bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, agreeing to strengthen partnerships in areas such as defense sector supply chain, joint development and manufacturing.

The two agreed to foster joint research in space exploration, and pledged to support in strengthening the multilateral efforts to prevent, prepare and respond to infectious disease threats.

Biden arrived here on Friday for a three-day visit. The U.S. president invited Yoon to visit Washington at a time of mutual convenience. 

Protesters hold placards outside the South Korean presidential office in Seoul's central district of Yongsan, South Korea, May 21, 2022. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday held their first summit talks in Seoul. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (1st L) and U.S. President Joe Biden (1st R) hold their first summit talks in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2022. (NEWSIS/Handout via Xinhua)
BEDFORD  After a 25-year career serving the town of Bedford in both fire service and, for a time, in a law enforcement capacity, town Fire Chief Brad Creasy is stepping down to accept a new position.

Starting Monday, Creasy will begin his job as the executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, a gubernatorial appointment overseeing an agency responsible for the delivery of educational programs to Virginias fire service.

Its a great opportunity. Im really looking forward to the challenges that will come with that, Creasy said.

The move was not something Creasy had been chasing; rather, the opportunity came up, and he chose to take it.

In the state-level role, Creasy said he is most looking forward to meeting stakeholders in the fire service industry throughout the commonwealth and gather feedback on how to make fire service better as a whole. Having been in the profession himself for so long, Creasy is well acquainted with some of the challenges facing his colleagues, though he declined to elaborate on specifics.

I think thats one of the factors that made me a good candidate for the position, is that I have been a stakeholder for the last 25 years. I am as familiar with some of the agency shortcomings as anyone, so I can come in and already know, as an external customer, that there are issues that we need to address and improve on, Creasy said.

He added the agency overall does a phenomenal job with the resources it has.

Reflecting on his career with the town, Creasy said there is no one particular experience that stands out as most memorable to him.

I think my greatest memory would be seeing our people grow as firefighters and leaders. Thats from probationary firefighters who successfully complete the basic firefighter academy, to the senior firefighter who has worked his or her way into a position of leadership, he said. Those have been the most enjoyable memories for me.

Under his leadership as chief, Creasy said he is most proud of the technological upgrades the volunteer fire department obtained to make the agency more efficient, as well as being awarded certain grants to help not only fund equipment updates, but provide a small stipend for the fire departments volunteer workers on their stand-by and per-call basis.

Weve had the opportunity to accomplish some great things over the past 15 years. Some were very small, and some were very significant to either cost or impact, he said.

Being at the helm of the small department during a pandemic was unexpected, but Creasy said thanks to following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and health precautions from the very beginning, quarantines were greatly limited within the department, which allowed operations to run relatively smoothly.

The town fire departments deputy and assistant chiefs will take over department operations until a new chief is voted on by the department and is then officially appointed by town council to fill Creasys vacancy.

Brads level of professionalism and attention to detail has had a tremendously positive impact upon Company 1, said Bart Warner, town manager. Brad has also been committed to constant improvement  even when things have already operated at an optimal level. I think he leaves a legacy of pride and achievement that our colleagues will carry forward after his departure.

Warner said he will miss Creasy, a long-time colleague and friend, although he is proud and excited for this step up.

Its been a true honor and privilege for me to be around Brad  both personally and professionally, Warner said.




Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A John Shuttleworth comedy gig which was being held in a cave had to be stopped after a fan got lost and had to be rescued after being found hanging from a tree 100 feet above the venue.

Shuttleworth, a much-loved comedy character played by Graham Fellows, was performing in Peak Cavern, a cave in the village of Castleton, Derbyshire, when the fan got into trouble.

Edale Mountain Rescue Team, which was called to the incident on Thursday night by Derbyshire Constabulary, said the man had been following his sat nav to the cave when he mistakenly ended up on a footpath above the cavern.

He then got into 'extreme difficulties' and slipped, only just grabbing hold of a tree to stop him going over the edge of a 100ft drop.

John Shuttleworth (pictured), a much-loved comedy character created by Graham Fellows, was playing a gig at Peak Cavern in Castleton, Derbyshire, when the man got into trouble

The show had to be halted when the man slipped and fell off a cliff and only saved himself by grabbing hold of a tree over a 100ft drop (pictured)

Edale Mountain Rescue Team (pictured) was called to rescue the man shortly before 9pm on Thursday night

He was later winched to safety after being put in a 'rescue nappy' by the team, although the gig had to be cancelled due to the danger of rocks being dislodged and falling onto the audience below.

The man was left with cuts and bruising, but avoided more serious injuries.

Tweeting after the incident, Shuttleworth said: 'The man who was clinging to the cliff - an incident which ended tonight's show prematurely - is safe and now in an ambulance (so I have been told).

'We wish him well, and to my lovely Peak Cavern audience - thank you for evacuating so swiftly, and see you soon for the 2nd half.'

The following day he tweeted: 'Last night a man was on the way to my gig, but got lost and slipped and fell off a cliff. He was saved by a tree stump, and rescued in a giant nappy.

He added: 'Delighted the man is safe and well, and I suppose I'll have to write a song about the incident now. I can perform it when I return to finish the abandoned gig. I'll let you know when it is, folks!'

Shuttleworth revealed on Twitter he was thinking about writing a song about the incident to play at the rescheduled gig

In a statement Edale Mountain Rescue Team said 19 members of its team were involved in the rescue at around 8.50pm on Thursday, May 19.

It said: 'A gentleman who had travelled to attend the, "Devils Arse" John Shuttleworth concert, had followed his sat nav while walking from his overnight accommodation to the cavern but had somehow managed to end up on a footpath above the cavern.

'He came into extreme difficulties and slipped, just managing to catch a tree to arrest his fall, inches from a 100ft drop to the cavern floor.

The mountain rescuers said the man had been following his sat nav to get to the gig but somehow ended up on a path above the cavern

'Unfortunately the concert had to be cancelled, and people had to be evacuated from the area due to the danger of rocks being dislodged onto the concert goers below.

'Team members made their way to the top and quickly rigged up a technical rope rescue system. Once this was all in place, a team member was lowered down to the gentlemans position, where he was secured into a rescue nappy.

'The gentleman had suffered a cut and some bruising above one of his eyes, other than that, he seemed fit and well.

He slipped and had to be winched to safety in a 'rescue nappy' by a team of 19 mountain rescuers

'The team hauled both the rescuer and the gentleman, back up to the crag top, where he was handed over to an HART paramedic for further assessment.

'The gentleman did not need further hospital treatment and was given a lift back to his accommodation by a team member.'

Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil's Arse, has one of the largest cave entrances in Britain.

It opens into the largest cave system in the Peak District and hosts concerts, with Jarvis Cocker and The Vaccines among previous performers to have used it.

Titan, which is the deepest shaft of any known cave in Britain at 459 feet, can be accessed through the cavern.

A caver descends down Titan, the deepest shaft in any known cave in Britain, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern

At 459 feet deep the shaft, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern, is deeper than St Paul's Cathedral is tall

It is thought the cave was known as the Devil's Arse due to the sounds made by flood water draining away inside, which is said to sound like flatulence.

Its name was officially changed to Peak Cavern in 1880 so it wouldn't offend Queen Victoria when she attended a concert in the cave.

The cave became infamous for the death of student Neil Moss in 1959, who became stuck in a fissure while going down an unexplored shaft.

Despite the best efforts of rescuers to retrieve him he suffocated to death due to a build up of CO2 from his own breathing.

His body was left inside on the request of his father to avoid anyone else being hurt trying to rescue him, and the fissure was sealed up with loose rocks.
Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.

U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated all banks, ATM networks, White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs), and ATMs across the country to provide Interoperable Card-less Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) services. Everyone will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs without using debit or credit cards once the option is available to all banks.

RBI has also urged the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to promote Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connection with all banks and ATM networks to aid in transaction authentication. "All banks, ATM networks, and WLAOs may offer ICCW at their ATMs.The NPCI has been advised to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connectivity with all banks and ATM networks," the RBI stated in a recent circular.

The central bank went on to say that while UPI will be used for customer authorization, settlement will be handled through the National Financial Switch (NFS) or ATM networks. "On-us / off-us ICCW transactions should be conducted without the imposition of any costs other than those prescribed under the Interchange Fee and Customer Charges Circular," the circular stated.

The withdrawal limitations will be consistent with the limits for ordinary on-us and off-us ATM withdrawals, according to the central bank. "All other instructions including Harmonisation of Turn Around Time (TAT) and consumer compensation for unsuccessful transactions must remain in effect," the circular stated.

Currently, only a few banks, including ICICI and HDFC, enable cardless cash withdrawals at their ATMs. As time goes on, all other banks in the country will allow consumers to withdraw money from ATMs without using their debit or credit card. Let's take a look at how to withdraw money from an ATM without using a debit or credit card.

Heres how to withdraw cash without using the card:

To use this facility, one must first request that the bank enable it. This is how you do it (for ICICI bank):

-Navigate to the Services section of the ICICI Bank mobile app.

-Select the option for Cardless cash withdrawal.

- Enter the amount, then the 4-digit temporary PIN, and then the account number from which you want to withdraw funds.

-You must then confirm the information presented on the pre-confirmation screen.

-Select the submit option.

When the facility is successfully activated, the bank will send you a message with a unique 6-digit code to the registered mobile number. The code will only be valid for up to six hours. The following steps must be taken:

-Visit your local bank ATM (ICICI bank ATM in this example) and enter information such as your registered mobile number, the temporary 4-digit code you set, the 6-digit code you received via SMS, and the withdrawal amount.

-After these data have been verified, cash will be dispensed from the ATM.

Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.
Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.


The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by su...

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by suspected motorcyclists in the Lekki area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, said the suspects killed Sunday who was called to mediate in a crisis.

He said, On May 12, 2022, around 6.30pm, at Studio 24, Lekki, Lagos, an Okada rider by the name Dahiru, had a quarrel with his passengers, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun, over the bike fare.

In the heat of the argument, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun invited one David Sunday to mediate only for Dahiru and his cohorts to violently attack him, kill him, and set him ablaze.

A total of six suspects, Dahiru Ayuba, Susan Moses, Christopher Dauda, Joseph Tella, Chigozie Anthony, and Sunday Azi, have been arrested. Suspects will be charged to court after the investigation.

Meanwhile, an ongoing supremacy clash between suspected cult members has claimed the lives of four persons in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas of Lagos State.

During a parade of suspects arrested in connection to a series of crimes in the state, on Friday, the CP said the deceased, Ayo Dada, Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu, and three others were killed during reprisal attacks by rival cult members.

Alabi said one of the suspects, Sunday Tomoloju, linked to the death of one of Adesanya, was trailed to his hideout where he was arrested.





He noted that during interrogation, Tomoloju confessed to killing Adesanya, adding that he would be charged for the crime.

Alabi said, On February 20, 2022, one Ayo Dada, now deceased and two others who were cult members were killed by some suspected rival cult members at Ketu, Mile 12, Lagos.

On February 21, 2022, one Sunday Tomoloju and other members of his cult group went on a reprisal mission to avenge their late members and killed one Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu.

Upon receipt of this information, detectives tracked down the principal suspect, Sunday Tomoloju to his remote stronghold where he was apprehended. During the investigation, the suspect made a confessional statement to the commission of the said crime.

Investigation is still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects in a bid to recover their operational weapons.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."







Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.





A John Shuttleworth comedy gig which was being held in a cave had to be stopped after a fan got lost and had to be rescued after being found hanging from a tree 100 feet above the venue.

Shuttleworth, a much-loved comedy character played by Graham Fellows, was performing in Peak Cavern, a cave in the village of Castleton, Derbyshire, when the fan got into trouble.

Edale Mountain Rescue Team, which was called to the incident on Thursday night by Derbyshire Constabulary, said the man had been following his sat nav to the cave when he mistakenly ended up on a footpath above the cavern.

He then got into 'extreme difficulties' and slipped, only just grabbing hold of a tree to stop him going over the edge of a 100ft drop.

John Shuttleworth (pictured), a much-loved comedy character created by Graham Fellows, was playing a gig at Peak Cavern in Castleton, Derbyshire, when the man got into trouble

The show had to be halted when the man slipped and fell off a cliff and only saved himself by grabbing hold of a tree over a 100ft drop (pictured)

Edale Mountain Rescue Team (pictured) was called to rescue the man shortly before 9pm on Thursday night

He was later winched to safety after being put in a 'rescue nappy' by the team, although the gig had to be cancelled due to the danger of rocks being dislodged and falling onto the audience below.

The man was left with cuts and bruising, but avoided more serious injuries.

Tweeting after the incident, Shuttleworth said: 'The man who was clinging to the cliff - an incident which ended tonight's show prematurely - is safe and now in an ambulance (so I have been told).

'We wish him well, and to my lovely Peak Cavern audience - thank you for evacuating so swiftly, and see you soon for the 2nd half.'

The following day he tweeted: 'Last night a man was on the way to my gig, but got lost and slipped and fell off a cliff. He was saved by a tree stump, and rescued in a giant nappy.

He added: 'Delighted the man is safe and well, and I suppose I'll have to write a song about the incident now. I can perform it when I return to finish the abandoned gig. I'll let you know when it is, folks!'

Shuttleworth revealed on Twitter he was thinking about writing a song about the incident to play at the rescheduled gig

In a statement Edale Mountain Rescue Team said 19 members of its team were involved in the rescue at around 8.50pm on Thursday, May 19.

It said: 'A gentleman who had travelled to attend the, "Devils Arse" John Shuttleworth concert, had followed his sat nav while walking from his overnight accommodation to the cavern but had somehow managed to end up on a footpath above the cavern.

'He came into extreme difficulties and slipped, just managing to catch a tree to arrest his fall, inches from a 100ft drop to the cavern floor.

The mountain rescuers said the man had been following his sat nav to get to the gig but somehow ended up on a path above the cavern

'Unfortunately the concert had to be cancelled, and people had to be evacuated from the area due to the danger of rocks being dislodged onto the concert goers below.

'Team members made their way to the top and quickly rigged up a technical rope rescue system. Once this was all in place, a team member was lowered down to the gentlemans position, where he was secured into a rescue nappy.

'The gentleman had suffered a cut and some bruising above one of his eyes, other than that, he seemed fit and well.

He slipped and had to be winched to safety in a 'rescue nappy' by a team of 19 mountain rescuers

'The team hauled both the rescuer and the gentleman, back up to the crag top, where he was handed over to an HART paramedic for further assessment.

'The gentleman did not need further hospital treatment and was given a lift back to his accommodation by a team member.'

Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil's Arse, has one of the largest cave entrances in Britain.

It opens into the largest cave system in the Peak District and hosts concerts, with Jarvis Cocker and The Vaccines among previous performers to have used it.

Titan, which is the deepest shaft of any known cave in Britain at 459 feet, can be accessed through the cavern.

A caver descends down Titan, the deepest shaft in any known cave in Britain, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern

At 459 feet deep the shaft, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern, is deeper than St Paul's Cathedral is tall

It is thought the cave was known as the Devil's Arse due to the sounds made by flood water draining away inside, which is said to sound like flatulence.

Its name was officially changed to Peak Cavern in 1880 so it wouldn't offend Queen Victoria when she attended a concert in the cave.

The cave became infamous for the death of student Neil Moss in 1959, who became stuck in a fissure while going down an unexplored shaft.

Despite the best efforts of rescuers to retrieve him he suffocated to death due to a build up of CO2 from his own breathing.

His body was left inside on the request of his father to avoid anyone else being hurt trying to rescue him, and the fissure was sealed up with loose rocks.

Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."











Canberra, May 21: Shortly after polling ended, vote count started on Saturday for the tightly-contested Australian general election, the first one to be held since 2019. Due to time difference, however, as votes are being counted across most of the country, people are still casting their ballots in some other areas including Western Australia, reports Xinhua news agency.

In his final pitch to voters on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison who cast his ballot in his electorate of Cook, said "today Australians are making a big choice about their future".

"I want the aspirations of Australians to be realized and the way that occurs is by backing Australians in, not telling them how to live and what to do, and getting government in their face." His main rival, Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who voted in his electorate of Grayndler, said: "My big concern with this government is, what is there to be proud of?

"I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates. I want parliament to function properly. I want our democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this, not to change where I live, I'm in it to change the country and that's what I intend to do. Results are expected to be declared within hours. Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

However, the Australian Electoral Commission has warned that it could take longer to declare results in close contests due to the record high number of postal votes.

If a result is called on Saturday night, the leader of the losing party will traditionally call their opponent to concede before speaking publicly at their respective election night events. Voting started at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning across 7,000 polling stations. In order to form a majority government, either the Coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday night, Labor leads the ruling Liberal-National Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis. Morrison and Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 percent for the Coalition. If neither the Labor nor the Coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent MPs seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

Some of the key issues for voters include economy, unemployment, climate change, trust in leaders, healthcare and education. Morrison, who became Prime Minister in 2018, is the first Australian leader to serve a full term in office since John Howard, who won four elections before losing to Labor's Kevin Rudd in 2007, according to a BBC report.

He has led Australia through a period dominated by natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic, which was initially hailed as a success but was later criticised for inadequate planning.

Meanwhile, Albanese, one of Australia's longest-serving politicians who was briefly Deputy Prime Minister under Kevin Rudd in 2013, is campaigning for change and has promised voters a "safe change".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2022 03:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated all banks, ATM networks, White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs), and ATMs across the country to provide Interoperable Card-less Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) services. Everyone will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs without using debit or credit cards once the option is available to all banks.

RBI has also urged the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to promote Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connection with all banks and ATM networks to aid in transaction authentication. "All banks, ATM networks, and WLAOs may offer ICCW at their ATMs.The NPCI has been advised to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connectivity with all banks and ATM networks," the RBI stated in a recent circular.

The central bank went on to say that while UPI will be used for customer authorization, settlement will be handled through the National Financial Switch (NFS) or ATM networks. "On-us / off-us ICCW transactions should be conducted without the imposition of any costs other than those prescribed under the Interchange Fee and Customer Charges Circular," the circular stated.

The withdrawal limitations will be consistent with the limits for ordinary on-us and off-us ATM withdrawals, according to the central bank. "All other instructions including Harmonisation of Turn Around Time (TAT) and consumer compensation for unsuccessful transactions must remain in effect," the circular stated.

Currently, only a few banks, including ICICI and HDFC, enable cardless cash withdrawals at their ATMs. As time goes on, all other banks in the country will allow consumers to withdraw money from ATMs without using their debit or credit card. Let's take a look at how to withdraw money from an ATM without using a debit or credit card.

Heres how to withdraw cash without using the card:

To use this facility, one must first request that the bank enable it. This is how you do it (for ICICI bank):

-Navigate to the Services section of the ICICI Bank mobile app.

-Select the option for Cardless cash withdrawal.

- Enter the amount, then the 4-digit temporary PIN, and then the account number from which you want to withdraw funds.

-You must then confirm the information presented on the pre-confirmation screen.

-Select the submit option.

When the facility is successfully activated, the bank will send you a message with a unique 6-digit code to the registered mobile number. The code will only be valid for up to six hours. The following steps must be taken:

-Visit your local bank ATM (ICICI bank ATM in this example) and enter information such as your registered mobile number, the temporary 4-digit code you set, the 6-digit code you received via SMS, and the withdrawal amount.

-After these data have been verified, cash will be dispensed from the ATM.



U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."










The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by su...

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by suspected motorcyclists in the Lekki area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, said the suspects killed Sunday who was called to mediate in a crisis.

He said, On May 12, 2022, around 6.30pm, at Studio 24, Lekki, Lagos, an Okada rider by the name Dahiru, had a quarrel with his passengers, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun, over the bike fare.

In the heat of the argument, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun invited one David Sunday to mediate only for Dahiru and his cohorts to violently attack him, kill him, and set him ablaze.

A total of six suspects, Dahiru Ayuba, Susan Moses, Christopher Dauda, Joseph Tella, Chigozie Anthony, and Sunday Azi, have been arrested. Suspects will be charged to court after the investigation.

Meanwhile, an ongoing supremacy clash between suspected cult members has claimed the lives of four persons in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas of Lagos State.

During a parade of suspects arrested in connection to a series of crimes in the state, on Friday, the CP said the deceased, Ayo Dada, Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu, and three others were killed during reprisal attacks by rival cult members.

Alabi said one of the suspects, Sunday Tomoloju, linked to the death of one of Adesanya, was trailed to his hideout where he was arrested.





He noted that during interrogation, Tomoloju confessed to killing Adesanya, adding that he would be charged for the crime.

Alabi said, On February 20, 2022, one Ayo Dada, now deceased and two others who were cult members were killed by some suspected rival cult members at Ketu, Mile 12, Lagos.

On February 21, 2022, one Sunday Tomoloju and other members of his cult group went on a reprisal mission to avenge their late members and killed one Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu.

Upon receipt of this information, detectives tracked down the principal suspect, Sunday Tomoloju to his remote stronghold where he was apprehended. During the investigation, the suspect made a confessional statement to the commission of the said crime.

Investigation is still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects in a bid to recover their operational weapons.
The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by su...

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by suspected motorcyclists in the Lekki area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, said the suspects killed Sunday who was called to mediate in a crisis.

He said, On May 12, 2022, around 6.30pm, at Studio 24, Lekki, Lagos, an Okada rider by the name Dahiru, had a quarrel with his passengers, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun, over the bike fare.

In the heat of the argument, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun invited one David Sunday to mediate only for Dahiru and his cohorts to violently attack him, kill him, and set him ablaze.

A total of six suspects, Dahiru Ayuba, Susan Moses, Christopher Dauda, Joseph Tella, Chigozie Anthony, and Sunday Azi, have been arrested. Suspects will be charged to court after the investigation.

Meanwhile, an ongoing supremacy clash between suspected cult members has claimed the lives of four persons in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas of Lagos State.

During a parade of suspects arrested in connection to a series of crimes in the state, on Friday, the CP said the deceased, Ayo Dada, Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu, and three others were killed during reprisal attacks by rival cult members.

Alabi said one of the suspects, Sunday Tomoloju, linked to the death of one of Adesanya, was trailed to his hideout where he was arrested.





He noted that during interrogation, Tomoloju confessed to killing Adesanya, adding that he would be charged for the crime.

Alabi said, On February 20, 2022, one Ayo Dada, now deceased and two others who were cult members were killed by some suspected rival cult members at Ketu, Mile 12, Lagos.

On February 21, 2022, one Sunday Tomoloju and other members of his cult group went on a reprisal mission to avenge their late members and killed one Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu.

Upon receipt of this information, detectives tracked down the principal suspect, Sunday Tomoloju to his remote stronghold where he was apprehended. During the investigation, the suspect made a confessional statement to the commission of the said crime.

Investigation is still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects in a bid to recover their operational weapons.

Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."







Longford Community Resources Clg Roma Community Development Project is proud to host an exhibition entitled: dont forget the photos, its very important. The Nazi Persecution of Central German Sinti and Roma.

In 1943 thousands of German Roma and Sinti were deported to the death camp in Auschwitz.

This exhibition traces the experience of nine German Roma families during the Nazi Holocaust.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool and the Alternatives Jugendzentrum Dessau.

The exhibition will be on display in Longford Community Resources Clg. offices in Templemichael, from May 26 to June 3.

The exhibition will be open from 10am  4pm Monday to Friday.

The LCRL Roma and New Communities Community Development Project is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The aims of the project are to support Roma and New Communities in Longford to:

*have full and equal access to basic services;

*have their culture valued and celebrated;

*have their voices heard in decision-making that affects them;

*participate as equals in all parts of society.

For further information please contact: Sean Regan, Social Inclusion Programmes Manager, LCRL on 087-9478650.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


The 2022 edition of EDC Las Vegas thumps to life starting Friday (May 20) at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Featuring more than 300 acts playing across nine stages and four art cars, the desert festival expects to draw roughly 475,000 attendees over three days.

Cant make it? Dont sweat it. EDC producer Insomniac Events is hosting a festival livestream featuring sets from the events largest stages  kineticFIELD, cosmicMEADOW and circuitGROUNDS  via the companys InsomniacTV channel. Find the stream below. The event is also happening via Roblox, TikTok and content creation app Lomotif. The stream begins at 5 p.m. PT.

More from Billboard

Artists streaming live from EDC Las Vegas include Fisher, Zedd, Porter Robinson, Alesso, ARMNHMR, Charlotte de Witte, Whipped Cream, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Illenium, Joel Corry, John Summit, LP Giobbi, Moore Kismet, San Holo, Vintage Culture and many others.

Additionally, backstage interviews and additional live performances will happen via Insomniac Radio, available online and via the Insomniac app.

This is the first time EDC Las Vegas  the worlds biggest electronic music festival  has happened during its regularly scheduled May dates since 2019, with the 2020 event canceled due to the pandemic and the 2021 event pushed to last October. Theres people that need this in their lives in a big way, Insomniac Events Founder and CEO told Billboard of EDC last fall. It helps them manage their anxiety or whatever theyre struggling with. The personal messages, the thoughts of suicide, people that were not happy. The amount of stories that I would get and we get on other channels, I mean, it was a lot.

Story continues

Join in on the return celebration by streaming the festival all weekend long.

Click here to read the full article.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






The Hawkins County BOE will send a four-person committee to meet with Furrow Auction Co.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Agencies | Geneva

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The World Health Organisation was due to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after more than 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least eight European countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

First identified in monkeys, the disease typically spreads through close contact and has rarely spread outside Africa, so this series of cases has triggered concern.

However, scientists do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19, given the virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2.

Monkeypox is usually a mild viral illness, characterised by symptoms of fever as well as a distinctive bumpy rash.

With several confirmed cases in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal, this is the largest and most widespread outbreak of monkeypox ever seen in Europe, said Germanys armed forces medical service, which detected its first case in the country on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) committee due to meet is the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH), which advises on infection risks that could pose a threat to global health.

It would not be responsible for deciding whether the outbreak should be declared a public health emergency of international concern, WHOs highest form of alert, which is currently applied to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fabian Leendertz, from the Robert Koch Institute, described the outbreak as an epidemic.

However, it is very unlikely that this epidemic will last long. The cases can be well isolated via contact tracing and there are also drugs and effective vaccines that can be used if necessary, he said.

Still, the WHOs European chief said he was concerned that infections could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

There isnt a specific vaccine for monkeypox, but data shows that the vaccines used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85% effective against monkeypox, according to the WHO.

British authorities said on Thursday they had offered a smallpox vaccine to some healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed to monkeypox.

Since 1970, monkeypox cases have been reported in 11 African countries. Nigeria has had a large outbreak since 2017 - so far this year there have been 46 suspected cases, of which 15 have since been confirmed, according to the WHO.

The first European case was confirmed on May 7 in an individual who returned to England from Nigeria.

Since then, more than 100 cases have been confirmed outside Africa, according to a tracker by a University of Oxford academic.

Many of the cases are not linked to travel to the continent. As a result, the cause of this outbreak is unclear, although health authorities have said that there is potentially some degree of community spread.

In Britain, where 20 cases have been now confirmed, the UK Health Security Agency said the recent cases in the country were predominantly among men who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

The 14 cases in Portugal were all detected in sexual health clinics and were men aged between 20 and 40 years old who self-identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

Health authorities in Spain said 23 new cases were confirmed on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where most infections were linked to an outbreak in an adult sauna.

It was too early to say if the illness has morphed into a sexually transmitted disease, said Alessio DAmato, health commissioner of the Lazio region in Italy. Three cases have been reported so far in the country.

Sexual contact, by definition, is close contact, added Stuart Neil, professor of virology at Kings College London.

The idea that theres some sort of sexual transmission in this, I think, is a little bit of a stretch, he said.

Scientists are sequencing the virus from different cases to see if they are linked, the WHO has said. The agency is expected to provide an update soon.
A John Shuttleworth comedy gig which was being held in a cave had to be stopped after a fan got lost and had to be rescued after being found hanging from a tree 100 feet above the venue.

Shuttleworth, a much-loved comedy character played by Graham Fellows, was performing in Peak Cavern, a cave in the village of Castleton, Derbyshire, when the fan got into trouble.

Edale Mountain Rescue Team, which was called to the incident on Thursday night by Derbyshire Constabulary, said the man had been following his sat nav to the cave when he mistakenly ended up on a footpath above the cavern.

He then got into 'extreme difficulties' and slipped, only just grabbing hold of a tree to stop him going over the edge of a 100ft drop.

John Shuttleworth (pictured), a much-loved comedy character created by Graham Fellows, was playing a gig at Peak Cavern in Castleton, Derbyshire, when the man got into trouble

The show had to be halted when the man slipped and fell off a cliff and only saved himself by grabbing hold of a tree over a 100ft drop (pictured)

Edale Mountain Rescue Team (pictured) was called to rescue the man shortly before 9pm on Thursday night

He was later winched to safety after being put in a 'rescue nappy' by the team, although the gig had to be cancelled due to the danger of rocks being dislodged and falling onto the audience below.

The man was left with cuts and bruising, but avoided more serious injuries.

Tweeting after the incident, Shuttleworth said: 'The man who was clinging to the cliff - an incident which ended tonight's show prematurely - is safe and now in an ambulance (so I have been told).

'We wish him well, and to my lovely Peak Cavern audience - thank you for evacuating so swiftly, and see you soon for the 2nd half.'

The following day he tweeted: 'Last night a man was on the way to my gig, but got lost and slipped and fell off a cliff. He was saved by a tree stump, and rescued in a giant nappy.

He added: 'Delighted the man is safe and well, and I suppose I'll have to write a song about the incident now. I can perform it when I return to finish the abandoned gig. I'll let you know when it is, folks!'

Shuttleworth revealed on Twitter he was thinking about writing a song about the incident to play at the rescheduled gig

In a statement Edale Mountain Rescue Team said 19 members of its team were involved in the rescue at around 8.50pm on Thursday, May 19.

It said: 'A gentleman who had travelled to attend the, "Devils Arse" John Shuttleworth concert, had followed his sat nav while walking from his overnight accommodation to the cavern but had somehow managed to end up on a footpath above the cavern.

'He came into extreme difficulties and slipped, just managing to catch a tree to arrest his fall, inches from a 100ft drop to the cavern floor.

The mountain rescuers said the man had been following his sat nav to get to the gig but somehow ended up on a path above the cavern

'Unfortunately the concert had to be cancelled, and people had to be evacuated from the area due to the danger of rocks being dislodged onto the concert goers below.

'Team members made their way to the top and quickly rigged up a technical rope rescue system. Once this was all in place, a team member was lowered down to the gentlemans position, where he was secured into a rescue nappy.

'The gentleman had suffered a cut and some bruising above one of his eyes, other than that, he seemed fit and well.

He slipped and had to be winched to safety in a 'rescue nappy' by a team of 19 mountain rescuers

'The team hauled both the rescuer and the gentleman, back up to the crag top, where he was handed over to an HART paramedic for further assessment.

'The gentleman did not need further hospital treatment and was given a lift back to his accommodation by a team member.'

Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil's Arse, has one of the largest cave entrances in Britain.

It opens into the largest cave system in the Peak District and hosts concerts, with Jarvis Cocker and The Vaccines among previous performers to have used it.

Titan, which is the deepest shaft of any known cave in Britain at 459 feet, can be accessed through the cavern.

A caver descends down Titan, the deepest shaft in any known cave in Britain, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern

At 459 feet deep the shaft, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern, is deeper than St Paul's Cathedral is tall

It is thought the cave was known as the Devil's Arse due to the sounds made by flood water draining away inside, which is said to sound like flatulence.

Its name was officially changed to Peak Cavern in 1880 so it wouldn't offend Queen Victoria when she attended a concert in the cave.

The cave became infamous for the death of student Neil Moss in 1959, who became stuck in a fissure while going down an unexplored shaft.

Despite the best efforts of rescuers to retrieve him he suffocated to death due to a build up of CO2 from his own breathing.

His body was left inside on the request of his father to avoid anyone else being hurt trying to rescue him, and the fissure was sealed up with loose rocks.
A John Shuttleworth comedy gig which was being held in a cave had to be stopped after a fan got lost and had to be rescued after being found hanging from a tree 100 feet above the venue.

Shuttleworth, a much-loved comedy character played by Graham Fellows, was performing in Peak Cavern, a cave in the village of Castleton, Derbyshire, when the fan got into trouble.

Edale Mountain Rescue Team, which was called to the incident on Thursday night by Derbyshire Constabulary, said the man had been following his sat nav to the cave when he mistakenly ended up on a footpath above the cavern.

He then got into 'extreme difficulties' and slipped, only just grabbing hold of a tree to stop him going over the edge of a 100ft drop.

John Shuttleworth (pictured), a much-loved comedy character created by Graham Fellows, was playing a gig at Peak Cavern in Castleton, Derbyshire, when the man got into trouble

The show had to be halted when the man slipped and fell off a cliff and only saved himself by grabbing hold of a tree over a 100ft drop (pictured)

Edale Mountain Rescue Team (pictured) was called to rescue the man shortly before 9pm on Thursday night

He was later winched to safety after being put in a 'rescue nappy' by the team, although the gig had to be cancelled due to the danger of rocks being dislodged and falling onto the audience below.

The man was left with cuts and bruising, but avoided more serious injuries.

Tweeting after the incident, Shuttleworth said: 'The man who was clinging to the cliff - an incident which ended tonight's show prematurely - is safe and now in an ambulance (so I have been told).

'We wish him well, and to my lovely Peak Cavern audience - thank you for evacuating so swiftly, and see you soon for the 2nd half.'

The following day he tweeted: 'Last night a man was on the way to my gig, but got lost and slipped and fell off a cliff. He was saved by a tree stump, and rescued in a giant nappy.

He added: 'Delighted the man is safe and well, and I suppose I'll have to write a song about the incident now. I can perform it when I return to finish the abandoned gig. I'll let you know when it is, folks!'

Shuttleworth revealed on Twitter he was thinking about writing a song about the incident to play at the rescheduled gig

In a statement Edale Mountain Rescue Team said 19 members of its team were involved in the rescue at around 8.50pm on Thursday, May 19.

It said: 'A gentleman who had travelled to attend the, "Devils Arse" John Shuttleworth concert, had followed his sat nav while walking from his overnight accommodation to the cavern but had somehow managed to end up on a footpath above the cavern.

'He came into extreme difficulties and slipped, just managing to catch a tree to arrest his fall, inches from a 100ft drop to the cavern floor.

The mountain rescuers said the man had been following his sat nav to get to the gig but somehow ended up on a path above the cavern

'Unfortunately the concert had to be cancelled, and people had to be evacuated from the area due to the danger of rocks being dislodged onto the concert goers below.

'Team members made their way to the top and quickly rigged up a technical rope rescue system. Once this was all in place, a team member was lowered down to the gentlemans position, where he was secured into a rescue nappy.

'The gentleman had suffered a cut and some bruising above one of his eyes, other than that, he seemed fit and well.

He slipped and had to be winched to safety in a 'rescue nappy' by a team of 19 mountain rescuers

'The team hauled both the rescuer and the gentleman, back up to the crag top, where he was handed over to an HART paramedic for further assessment.

'The gentleman did not need further hospital treatment and was given a lift back to his accommodation by a team member.'

Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil's Arse, has one of the largest cave entrances in Britain.

It opens into the largest cave system in the Peak District and hosts concerts, with Jarvis Cocker and The Vaccines among previous performers to have used it.

Titan, which is the deepest shaft of any known cave in Britain at 459 feet, can be accessed through the cavern.

A caver descends down Titan, the deepest shaft in any known cave in Britain, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern

At 459 feet deep the shaft, which can be accessed through Peak Cavern, is deeper than St Paul's Cathedral is tall

It is thought the cave was known as the Devil's Arse due to the sounds made by flood water draining away inside, which is said to sound like flatulence.

Its name was officially changed to Peak Cavern in 1880 so it wouldn't offend Queen Victoria when she attended a concert in the cave.

The cave became infamous for the death of student Neil Moss in 1959, who became stuck in a fissure while going down an unexplored shaft.

Despite the best efforts of rescuers to retrieve him he suffocated to death due to a build up of CO2 from his own breathing.

His body was left inside on the request of his father to avoid anyone else being hurt trying to rescue him, and the fissure was sealed up with loose rocks.
A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country

ACCRA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education.
Canberra, May 21: Shortly after polling ended, vote count started on Saturday for the tightly-contested Australian general election, the first one to be held since 2019. Due to time difference, however, as votes are being counted across most of the country, people are still casting their ballots in some other areas including Western Australia, reports Xinhua news agency.

In his final pitch to voters on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison who cast his ballot in his electorate of Cook, said "today Australians are making a big choice about their future".

"I want the aspirations of Australians to be realized and the way that occurs is by backing Australians in, not telling them how to live and what to do, and getting government in their face." His main rival, Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who voted in his electorate of Grayndler, said: "My big concern with this government is, what is there to be proud of?

"I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates. I want parliament to function properly. I want our democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this, not to change where I live, I'm in it to change the country and that's what I intend to do. Results are expected to be declared within hours. Australia Elections 2022: General Polls Underway, Counting of Votes to Start At 6 PM.

However, the Australian Electoral Commission has warned that it could take longer to declare results in close contests due to the record high number of postal votes.

If a result is called on Saturday night, the leader of the losing party will traditionally call their opponent to concede before speaking publicly at their respective election night events. Voting started at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning across 7,000 polling stations. In order to form a majority government, either the Coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia's opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday night, Labor leads the ruling Liberal-National Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis. Morrison and Albanese were tied in their personal battle, with 42 per cent of respondents picking each as their preferred Prime Minister.

The poll found that 36 per cent of voters intend to vote for the Labor as their first preference and 35 percent for the Coalition. If neither the Labor nor the Coalition wins enough seats to form a clear majority, the election result will be declared a "hung parliament".

In that case, both Morrison and Albanese will enter negotiations with minor parties and independent MPs seeking their support to form a minority government as the Labor did in 2010.

Some of the key issues for voters include economy, unemployment, climate change, trust in leaders, healthcare and education. Morrison, who became Prime Minister in 2018, is the first Australian leader to serve a full term in office since John Howard, who won four elections before losing to Labor's Kevin Rudd in 2007, according to a BBC report.

He has led Australia through a period dominated by natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic, which was initially hailed as a success but was later criticised for inadequate planning.

Meanwhile, Albanese, one of Australia's longest-serving politicians who was briefly Deputy Prime Minister under Kevin Rudd in 2013, is campaigning for change and has promised voters a "safe change".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2022 03:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."








Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz arrived at a special court in Pakistan on Saturday for a hearing in a Rs 16 billion money-laundering case as they claimed to have proven innocent in the UK. The father-son duo was accompanied by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah amid tight security around the court, Geo News reported. Earlier, the FIA's special court had issued an order that it will indict PM Shehbaz and CM Punjab Hamza on May 14; however, it was delayed due to the premier's foreign tour. When the court asked PM Shehbaz to take the rostrum, the premier said he would have committed a crime if hadn't appeared in the court. "On the orders of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, an investigation was conducted in Britain and I was proved innocent," PM Shehbaz recalled, adding that he returned to Pakistan back in 2004 and wouldn't have come back if he had black money. On Wednesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Ata Bandial took the notice of perceived interference in the "independence of the prosecution branch in the performance of its powers and duties for the investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in the government". As per the reports by Geo News, the chief justice took notice of the perceived interference on the recommendations of a judge belonging to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the statement issued by the apex court had said. In December 2021, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted the challan against Shehbaz and Hamza before the special court for their alleged involvement in laundering an amount of Rs16 billion in the sugar scam case. According to the FIA report submitted to the court, the investigation team has "detected 28 benami accounts of the Shehbaz family through which money laundering of Rs16.3bn was committed during 2008-18. The FIA examined the money trail of 17,000 credit transactions." The report added that the amount was kept in "hidden accounts" and given to Shehbaz in a personal capacity. Shehbaz and his son, Hamza, are facing Rs 25 billion money laundering charges in the sugar scandal. The FIA had booked them in the case under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act in November 2020. (ANI)
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz arrived at a special court in Pakistan on Saturday for a hearing in a Rs 16 billion money-laundering case as they claimed to have proven innocent in the UK. The father-son duo was accompanied by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah amid tight security around the court, Geo News reported. Earlier, the FIA's special court had issued an order that it will indict PM Shehbaz and CM Punjab Hamza on May 14; however, it was delayed due to the premier's foreign tour. When the court asked PM Shehbaz to take the rostrum, the premier said he would have committed a crime if hadn't appeared in the court. "On the orders of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, an investigation was conducted in Britain and I was proved innocent," PM Shehbaz recalled, adding that he returned to Pakistan back in 2004 and wouldn't have come back if he had black money. On Wednesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Ata Bandial took the notice of perceived interference in the "independence of the prosecution branch in the performance of its powers and duties for the investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in the government". As per the reports by Geo News, the chief justice took notice of the perceived interference on the recommendations of a judge belonging to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the statement issued by the apex court had said. In December 2021, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted the challan against Shehbaz and Hamza before the special court for their alleged involvement in laundering an amount of Rs16 billion in the sugar scam case. According to the FIA report submitted to the court, the investigation team has "detected 28 benami accounts of the Shehbaz family through which money laundering of Rs16.3bn was committed during 2008-18. The FIA examined the money trail of 17,000 credit transactions." The report added that the amount was kept in "hidden accounts" and given to Shehbaz in a personal capacity. Shehbaz and his son, Hamza, are facing Rs 25 billion money laundering charges in the sugar scandal. The FIA had booked them in the case under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act in November 2020. (ANI)



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Ett...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh on bail.

She was released Friday night after fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her case.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said the former Speaker is to report periodically to the agency to assist with further investigations.

Recall that she was arrested on 17th May over suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited.

Reports had it that Phil Jin Projects Limited was granted a contract by the NDDC for the supply of solar-powered street lights in some communities in Akwa Ibom.

The company received N287m, even though the contract was worth N240m.

Phil Jin Project Ltd later paid N130m to Patricia Etteh.

The anti-graft Agency is investigating to find out why the ex-minister received the money when she is not a director of the company.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."






The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Ett...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh on bail.

She was released Friday night after fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her case.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said the former Speaker is to report periodically to the agency to assist with further investigations.

Recall that she was arrested on 17th May over suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited.

Reports had it that Phil Jin Projects Limited was granted a contract by the NDDC for the supply of solar-powered street lights in some communities in Akwa Ibom.

The company received N287m, even though the contract was worth N240m.

Phil Jin Project Ltd later paid N130m to Patricia Etteh.

The anti-graft Agency is investigating to find out why the ex-minister received the money when she is not a director of the company.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Ett...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh on bail.

She was released Friday night after fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her case.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said the former Speaker is to report periodically to the agency to assist with further investigations.

Recall that she was arrested on 17th May over suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited.

Reports had it that Phil Jin Projects Limited was granted a contract by the NDDC for the supply of solar-powered street lights in some communities in Akwa Ibom.

The company received N287m, even though the contract was worth N240m.

Phil Jin Project Ltd later paid N130m to Patricia Etteh.

The anti-graft Agency is investigating to find out why the ex-minister received the money when she is not a director of the company.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Ett...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh on bail.

She was released Friday night after fulfilling bail conditions offered her by investigators working on her case.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, said the former Speaker is to report periodically to the agency to assist with further investigations.

Recall that she was arrested on 17th May over suspicious and shady financial involvement with Phil Jin Projects Limited.

Reports had it that Phil Jin Projects Limited was granted a contract by the NDDC for the supply of solar-powered street lights in some communities in Akwa Ibom.

The company received N287m, even though the contract was worth N240m.

Phil Jin Project Ltd later paid N130m to Patricia Etteh.

The anti-graft Agency is investigating to find out why the ex-minister received the money when she is not a director of the company.




Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-lev...

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, who was burnt alive.

Tambuwal said that contrary to a general belief, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) tried but could not save the late Deborah, saying the mob overpowered the security agents.

Deborah was recently beaten to a pulp and burnt alive by Muslim students who accused her of insulting Prophet Muhammed via a group WhatsApp platform.

Contrary possibly to what youre thinking, the security agencies, particularly the DSS, were able to get to the school on time and were actually able to get Deborah rescued from the mob initially, Tambuwal told reporters on Friday as he visited Delta State to continue his 2023 presidential campaign.

As they were mobilising forces from the military barracks, the police command, the mob was growing. As we speak, one of the DSS agents that attempted to save her life is in the hospital with a broken head and the other one had a broken hand.

They were actually overpowered. Its not as if she was left on her own. There was rescue by the DSS and they were around where she was locked into a room because they tried to really save her, but unfortunately they were overpowered.

Tambuwal also debunked reports that security operatives did not respond to the emergency situation in the institution.
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-lev...

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, who was burnt alive.

Tambuwal said that contrary to a general belief, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) tried but could not save the late Deborah, saying the mob overpowered the security agents.

Deborah was recently beaten to a pulp and burnt alive by Muslim students who accused her of insulting Prophet Muhammed via a group WhatsApp platform.

Contrary possibly to what youre thinking, the security agencies, particularly the DSS, were able to get to the school on time and were actually able to get Deborah rescued from the mob initially, Tambuwal told reporters on Friday as he visited Delta State to continue his 2023 presidential campaign.

As they were mobilising forces from the military barracks, the police command, the mob was growing. As we speak, one of the DSS agents that attempted to save her life is in the hospital with a broken head and the other one had a broken hand.

They were actually overpowered. Its not as if she was left on her own. There was rescue by the DSS and they were around where she was locked into a room because they tried to really save her, but unfortunately they were overpowered.

Tambuwal also debunked reports that security operatives did not respond to the emergency situation in the institution.
U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 19, as he travels to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia as president. UPI-Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



South Korea and the United States will discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships in nuclear energy during President Yoon Suk-yeol's summit with visiting U.S. President Joe Biden scheduled to be held on Saturday.



Biden is anticipated to touch down at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Friday evening, and attend a summit with Yoon on Saturday.



Yoon told reporters on Friday that the summit "will be an opportunity for the Seoul-Washington alliance to become more comprehensive and stronger in the wake of many changes to global society."







The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by su...

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded six suspects linked with the death of David Sunday, the sound engineer, allegedly lynched by suspected motorcyclists in the Lekki area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, said the suspects killed Sunday who was called to mediate in a crisis.

He said, On May 12, 2022, around 6.30pm, at Studio 24, Lekki, Lagos, an Okada rider by the name Dahiru, had a quarrel with his passengers, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun, over the bike fare.

In the heat of the argument, Frank Olatunji and Philip Balogun invited one David Sunday to mediate only for Dahiru and his cohorts to violently attack him, kill him, and set him ablaze.

A total of six suspects, Dahiru Ayuba, Susan Moses, Christopher Dauda, Joseph Tella, Chigozie Anthony, and Sunday Azi, have been arrested. Suspects will be charged to court after the investigation.

Meanwhile, an ongoing supremacy clash between suspected cult members has claimed the lives of four persons in the Ketu and Mile 12 areas of Lagos State.

During a parade of suspects arrested in connection to a series of crimes in the state, on Friday, the CP said the deceased, Ayo Dada, Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu, and three others were killed during reprisal attacks by rival cult members.

Alabi said one of the suspects, Sunday Tomoloju, linked to the death of one of Adesanya, was trailed to his hideout where he was arrested.





He noted that during interrogation, Tomoloju confessed to killing Adesanya, adding that he would be charged for the crime.

Alabi said, On February 20, 2022, one Ayo Dada, now deceased and two others who were cult members were killed by some suspected rival cult members at Ketu, Mile 12, Lagos.

On February 21, 2022, one Sunday Tomoloju and other members of his cult group went on a reprisal mission to avenge their late members and killed one Adesegun Adesanya, aka Ologodudu.

Upon receipt of this information, detectives tracked down the principal suspect, Sunday Tomoloju to his remote stronghold where he was apprehended. During the investigation, the suspect made a confessional statement to the commission of the said crime.

Investigation is still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects in a bid to recover their operational weapons.
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-lev...

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, who was burnt alive.

Tambuwal said that contrary to a general belief, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) tried but could not save the late Deborah, saying the mob overpowered the security agents.

Deborah was recently beaten to a pulp and burnt alive by Muslim students who accused her of insulting Prophet Muhammed via a group WhatsApp platform.

Contrary possibly to what youre thinking, the security agencies, particularly the DSS, were able to get to the school on time and were actually able to get Deborah rescued from the mob initially, Tambuwal told reporters on Friday as he visited Delta State to continue his 2023 presidential campaign.

As they were mobilising forces from the military barracks, the police command, the mob was growing. As we speak, one of the DSS agents that attempted to save her life is in the hospital with a broken head and the other one had a broken hand.

They were actually overpowered. Its not as if she was left on her own. There was rescue by the DSS and they were around where she was locked into a room because they tried to really save her, but unfortunately they were overpowered.

Tambuwal also debunked reports that security operatives did not respond to the emergency situation in the institution.
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-lev...

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal has shed more light on the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, who was burnt alive.

Tambuwal said that contrary to a general belief, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) tried but could not save the late Deborah, saying the mob overpowered the security agents.

Deborah was recently beaten to a pulp and burnt alive by Muslim students who accused her of insulting Prophet Muhammed via a group WhatsApp platform.

Contrary possibly to what youre thinking, the security agencies, particularly the DSS, were able to get to the school on time and were actually able to get Deborah rescued from the mob initially, Tambuwal told reporters on Friday as he visited Delta State to continue his 2023 presidential campaign.

As they were mobilising forces from the military barracks, the police command, the mob was growing. As we speak, one of the DSS agents that attempted to save her life is in the hospital with a broken head and the other one had a broken hand.

They were actually overpowered. Its not as if she was left on her own. There was rescue by the DSS and they were around where she was locked into a room because they tried to really save her, but unfortunately they were overpowered.

Tambuwal also debunked reports that security operatives did not respond to the emergency situation in the institution.
A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country

ACCRA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education.
A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country

ACCRA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education.
A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country

ACCRA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2022 ) :A Chinese vocational college and a Ghanaian technical university on Friday jointly announced to set up a campus in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, to help cultivate more vocational talents in the West African country.

China's Rizhao Polytechnic, together with the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU) where the new campus will be located, told reporters the cooperation will further help boost the vocational education between China and Ghana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the project, Osei Wusu Achaw, the vice-chancellor of KsTU, said the signing will pay the way for the establishment of the campus to extend Ghana's vocational education in many more disciplines and offer opportunities to more Ghanaian students to attain quality education.

Describing technical and vocational education as the bedrock of Ghana's industrialization agenda, Tina Abrefa Gyan, deputy director-general of the Ghanaian Education Ministry's commission for technical and vocational education and training, said the Ghanaian government has made a massive investment in the area, and it's upgrading a number of technical universities and institutes by the construction of workshops, and supply and installation of equipment for the use of these institutions.

The deputy director-general also hailed China's AVIC International Holding Corporation, which was involved in a series of upgrading projects and facilitating the cooperation between the two colleges, for its engagement in improving Ghana's vocational education.

Qian Rong, the general manager of China's AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company, said the company is honored to facilitate the campus project, adding the company will always be committed to its role in boosting Ghana's vocational education.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz arrived at a special court in Pakistan on Saturday for a hearing in a Rs 16 billion money-laundering case as they claimed to have proven innocent in the UK. The father-son duo was accompanied by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah amid tight security around the court, Geo News reported. Earlier, the FIA's special court had issued an order that it will indict PM Shehbaz and CM Punjab Hamza on May 14; however, it was delayed due to the premier's foreign tour. When the court asked PM Shehbaz to take the rostrum, the premier said he would have committed a crime if hadn't appeared in the court. "On the orders of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, an investigation was conducted in Britain and I was proved innocent," PM Shehbaz recalled, adding that he returned to Pakistan back in 2004 and wouldn't have come back if he had black money. On Wednesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Ata Bandial took the notice of perceived interference in the "independence of the prosecution branch in the performance of its powers and duties for the investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in the government". As per the reports by Geo News, the chief justice took notice of the perceived interference on the recommendations of a judge belonging to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the statement issued by the apex court had said. In December 2021, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted the challan against Shehbaz and Hamza before the special court for their alleged involvement in laundering an amount of Rs16 billion in the sugar scam case. According to the FIA report submitted to the court, the investigation team has "detected 28 benami accounts of the Shehbaz family through which money laundering of Rs16.3bn was committed during 2008-18. The FIA examined the money trail of 17,000 credit transactions." The report added that the amount was kept in "hidden accounts" and given to Shehbaz in a personal capacity. Shehbaz and his son, Hamza, are facing Rs 25 billion money laundering charges in the sugar scandal. The FIA had booked them in the case under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act in November 2020. (ANI)
Kristina Keneally has suffered a significant swing in the Sydney seat of Fowler, which the ex-Premier and Labor luminary was parachuted into instead of a local candidate.

The south-west Sydney seat of Fowler has been a traditional Labor safe seat since it was created in 1984, but the selection of 'drop in' Keneally could see the party lose the seat for the first time ever with a harsh swing against her  21 per cent as of 10.30pm.

The ABC is showing independent and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Dai Le is ahead in the seat, but is yet to make a firm prediction.

The former NSW Premier (pictured) looked confident early on Saturday as she attended polling centres in the seat of Fowler

Independent challenger Ms Lei (pictured) was counting on picking up votes from voters disillusioned with the major parties

Ms Le trails not far behind the former New South Wales Premier on first preference votes - with a massive 34 per cent swing to her favour.

Ms Keneally sits on 35 per cent of the first preference votes, Ms Le on 34.

In a two-party-preferred metric based on preferences, independent Dai Le leads 51.9 to 48.1 per cent, in an incredibly close race in the seat that Labor has never before lost.

Ms Keneally addressed her party faithful to thank them for their support as both candidates in Fowler will continue to anxiously watch as the votes are counted.

'Now, I know that we are here tonight to have a celebration and, yet, as we are here, gathered this evening, it is not entirely clear yet the result in Fowler, and I do want to congratulate Dai Le and Courtney on the campaigns that they ran.

'Friends, we are all here tonight because we believe that Australia deserve, indeed that Australia deserve of and needs a better future, and that better future is a Labor government,' Ms Keneally said.

Until recently Ms Keneally lived on Scotland Island on the city's northern beaches - far from the seat which includes Cabramatta and Liverpool in Sydney's south-west and has so far faced a huge 19 per cent swing against her since Chris Haynes won the seat in 2019.

Migration lawyer, Tu Le (pictured), was Labor's original candidate for the seat but was dropped in favour of Kristina Keneally

Ms Keneally was chosen by the Labor executive over talented local Vietnamese-Australia lawyer Tu Le.

At the time the 30-year-old migration lawyer blasted the Labor Party for crushing her dreams of becoming a federal MP representing her local community.

Ms Le hit out at Labor for overlooking her, calling for more ethnic diversity in parliament while attacking local community groups who then supported Senator Keneally when it became clear the shadow home affairs minister would win pre-selection.

'I'm calling this out because it is downright WRONG for our leaders to use their positions of power for their own personal gains,' Ms Le wrote in a Facebook post.

'Whether it's in the highest offices of this country or at the community level, we should NEVER accept this behaviour from those who represent us.'

Ms Le said she doesn't 'hold it against' those who did not support her and quoted the Buddha, saying: ''Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die''.'

But Ms Keneally is still heavily favoured to win the seat, barring a huge backlash to accusations of being a 'carpetbagger'.

Ms Le attacked Labor for relying on 'superficial connections to our diverse communities' and said the party needs more diversity among its politicians.

The south-west electorate is one of Sydney's most diverse seats, known for being the hub of Sydney's Vietnamese community.

Ms Keneally faced criticism for being chosen to represent the suburb, as she until recently lived on Scotland Island in a small enclave in the northern beaches of Sydney.

Independent challenger Ms Lei was riding on the coattails of voter's disillusionment with the major parties, hoping that factor would be enough to boost her into parliament.

Independent candidate Dai Le has based her campaign on appealing to local values, Ms Le (pictured) is the current Deputy Mayor of Fairfield

She also campaigned heavily against Ms Keneally, calling the former Senator a holidaymaker and saying she didn't belong in the seat.

Liberal candidate Courtney Nguyen trails both Ms Keneally and Ms Le by a fair margin with a 19 per cent negative swing against her in first preferences.

Ms Nguyen faced an uphill battle campaigning against any Labor candidate as the seat has been deep red since its conception.

The seat was previously held by retiring Labor MP Chris Hayes since 2010 and a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1984.

The electorate's unemployment rate has been consistently higher than the national average, more than double at some points during the last year.

Housing is also a dominant issue in the electorate as overcrowding rises in the area.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe







(Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in aid for Ukraine as part of efforts to boost military support over Russia's invasion, the White House said.

Biden, who is in Seoul for his first summit with new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, also signed a bill aimed at improving access to baby formula, the White House said.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Andrew Heavens)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
A reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with an arson fire that destroyed a dozen new homes under construction in Marana and damaged two others is now up to $15,000.

The Arizona Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention and the Arizona Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigating is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of anyone on arson related charges.

On Thursday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Marana Police Department, the Northwest Fire District and the Pima County Attorneys Office also offered a $5,000 reward for information on the arson investigation.

On May 13 at 11:30 p.m., the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire responded to a structure fire in the area of 11300 North Leopard Gecko Terrace, west of Interstate 10 and Avra Valley Road.

Northwest fire said it took crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and 3 hours to completely extinguish the fire.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Marana Police Department at 520-382-2000 or 88-CRIME.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.


(Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a bill to provide nearly $40 billion in aid for Ukraine as part of efforts to boost military support over Russia's invasion, the White House said.

Biden, who is in Seoul for his first summit with new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, also signed a bill aimed at improving access to baby formula, the White House said.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the current situation in the Donbas region "very difficult" as Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists attacked the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Luhansk region.



Russian forces have concentrated their efforts in the Donbas, Zelenskiy said, using maximum artillery fire and missile strikes as Ukrainian forces "protect our land in the way that our current defense resources allow."



The fighting on May 27 focused on the cities of Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk -- the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk.



Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk region, said that Ukrainian forces are engaged in a "fierce defense" of Syevyerodonetsk, which is two-thirds surrounded by Russian forces.



"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Hayday said on Telegram, referring to Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk, which lies across the Siverskiy Donets River.



"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat," he said.



He said earlier that "very strong" shelling has destroyed 90 percent of the housing in the city.



The Defense Ministry says the current phase of the war is the most active full-scale military aggression thus far.



The Ukrainian military reported that eight attacks by Russian troops had been repulsed in Donetsk and Luhansk during the day, while fighting continued at five locations.



Zelenskiy said Russian forces are trying to achieve some success by next week when the 100th day of the war will be marked.



"The occupiers are trying to achieve in 100 days of war those goals that they hoped to achieve in the first days after February 24," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.



Syevyerodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said that at least 1,500 people have been killed in his city since the start of Russia's invasion in late February. About 12,000 to 13,000 remain in the city -- down from a prewar population of about 100,000, he said.



Moscow-backed separatists on May 27 also claimed full control of the important battlefield town of Lyman, some 60 kilometers west of Syevyerodonetsk, but the Ukrainian Defense Ministry denied that the major railway hub had fallen, saying in a statement that its forces continue to counteract Russian attempts to overrun it.



Lyman has been a front line target as Russian forces press down from the north, one of three directions from which they have been attacking Ukraine's industrial Donbas region.



On the diplomatic front, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a possible prisoner swap and blocked shipments of Ukrainian grain during a phone call on May 27.

Nehammer, who spoke to reporters after the 45-minute call, said Putin told him that Moscow is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine but the question is complex. The Austrian leader said his impression during the call was that Putin wants to create facts on the ground that he can take into negotiations.

Zelenskiy said earlier that he must hold talks with Putin in order to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and existence.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said in an address on May 27 to an Indonesian think tank that Ukraine was not longing to talk to Putin, but that it has to face the reality that this will likely be necessary to end the war that Moscow launched against it on February 24.



"There are things to discuss with the Russian leader. I'm not telling you that our people are eager to talk to him, but we have to face the reality of what we are living through," Zelenskiy said.



"What do we want from this meeting?...We want our lives back...We want to reclaim the life of a sovereign country within its own territory," he said, adding that Russia did not appear to be ready yet for serious peace talks.



Zelenskiy also accused Russia -- which has said it would allow Ukraine to resume its grain exports by sea if the West lifts some sanctions imposed on it for starting the war -- of weaponizing the global food supply crisis.



The last known face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were held on March 29. Negotiations continued online for a while but both sides now say they have stopped.



According to a Kremlin statement, Putin informed Nehammer about actions that Russia is taking to secure safe passage for vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.



Putin told Nehammer that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties shipping grain worldwide were unfounded and pointed to Western sanctions being responsible instead, according to the Kremlin.



"Detailed explanations have been given of the real causes of these problems, which have emerged due to anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and the European Union, among other things, the statement said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.





Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe





Witucky honored for community service

ZANESVILLE  Kyle Witucky of Zanesville has received the Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under from the Ohio State Bar Foundation. The award is given to attorneys who work to make a difference in their communities, outside of their practice area, and without compensation.

Witucky served as president for the Zanesville Rotary Club and the Muskingum Respiratory Care Association. He currently serves as a board member for the Zanesville Improvement Corporation, Buckeye Valley Family YMCA and Friends of Sulsberger Stadium.

The graduate of Zanesville High School and Wooster College has a law degree from Capital Law School. He's a member of Stubbins, Watson & Bryan Co. where he practices estate planning. Witucky is a member of the Ohio State Bar and Muskingum County Bar associations.

Community Development Committee to meet

ZANESVILLE  The Community Development Committee of Zanesville City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday in council chambers at city hall.

Considered will be legislation regarding two annexation petitions, designating municipal services to be provided to and the zoning classification of the annexed properties, amending revising the zoning map and vacating an unnamed alley in the 1900 block of Linden Avenue.

A public hearing on the zoning map changes will be at 6:15 p.m. May 23 and a hearing on the alley vacation will be at 6:30 p.m. May 23.

Presentation on Sam Sheppard case

THORNVILLE  Judge Luann Cooperrider of Perry County Probate and Juvenile Court will have a presentation on the real facts of the Sam Sheppard case at 6 p.m. May 1 at Grace Lutheran Church, 65 E. Columbus St., Thornville. Donations will be accepted to benefit Fourth of July events.

Sheppard was an Ohio neurosurgeon who was convicted of killing his wife in 1954. The trial gained national coverage. After being initially convicted, Sheppard was acquitted and a second trial 10 years later.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Local News Briefs: Kyle Witucky recognized by Ohio bar foundation










Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.







Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
The Hawkins County BOE will send a four-person committee to meet with Furrow Auction Co.


China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
A couple hundred people grabbed their pool noodles and headed to a Nebraska park again this weekend to battle over the right to the name Josh. The event started as an online joke when Josh Swain from Tucson, Arizona, sent out a tweet challenging anyone who shared his name to fight over it. After it took on a life of its own, Swain turned it into a real event last year at the random coordinates he included in his original note, which happened to be in Lincoln, Nebraska. Several of the competitors this year donned costumes, but they still couldn't dethrone 5-year-old Josh Vinson Jr., who defended his title as the No. 1 Josh.
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
Bengaluru, May 21 : North American smartphone shipments reached 39 million units in Q1 2022, up 3.7 per cent year on year, according to a new report.

Apple grew 19 per cent to achieve a 51 per cent market share, powered by the strong performance of the iPhone 13, reports market research firm Canalys.

Samsung was up 1 per cent to take a 27 per cent market share, thanks to its new S series and A series devices covering a range of price points.

Motorola defended its strong Q4 2021 performance, which saw its focus on taking over LG's former carrier slots and supply capacity pay off.

TCL and Google completed the top five, with 4 per cent and 3 per cent market shares, respectively.

"The North American smartphone market has been buoyed by Apple's strong growth," said analyst Brian Lynch.

"This quarter, the iPhone 13's high popularity was the key driver. With global demand more uncertain, Apple has shifted more devices back into North America after prioritizing other regions in Q4 2021, allowing it to greater fulfill demand and deliver on backorders from the previous quarter," Lynch added.

Motorola is the new third brand in North America after it replaced LG last year.

"Motorola used its wide carrier presence -- particularly with prepaid- and mid-range-focused carriers -- to discover and rapidly leverage new opportunities, while also forming new supply partnerships. Google is on the offensive to take market share, building on its wide carrier presence and unprecedented investment in the Pixel brand," said research analyst Runar Bjorhovde.

-IANS na/
Bengaluru, May 21 : North American smartphone shipments reached 39 million units in Q1 2022, up 3.7 per cent year on year, according to a new report.

Apple grew 19 per cent to achieve a 51 per cent market share, powered by the strong performance of the iPhone 13, reports market research firm Canalys.

Samsung was up 1 per cent to take a 27 per cent market share, thanks to its new S series and A series devices covering a range of price points.

Motorola defended its strong Q4 2021 performance, which saw its focus on taking over LG's former carrier slots and supply capacity pay off.

TCL and Google completed the top five, with 4 per cent and 3 per cent market shares, respectively.

"The North American smartphone market has been buoyed by Apple's strong growth," said analyst Brian Lynch.

"This quarter, the iPhone 13's high popularity was the key driver. With global demand more uncertain, Apple has shifted more devices back into North America after prioritizing other regions in Q4 2021, allowing it to greater fulfill demand and deliver on backorders from the previous quarter," Lynch added.

Motorola is the new third brand in North America after it replaced LG last year.

"Motorola used its wide carrier presence -- particularly with prepaid- and mid-range-focused carriers -- to discover and rapidly leverage new opportunities, while also forming new supply partnerships. Google is on the offensive to take market share, building on its wide carrier presence and unprecedented investment in the Pixel brand," said research analyst Runar Bjorhovde.

-IANS na/
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton) (OTC PINK: TETAA) cordially invites you to participate in its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 8:30 A.M., Eastern Time as announced, both virtually and with an in-person option.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a company review for shareholders will commence to discuss operations.

For access to the webcast of each meeting, you must register at https://www.tetonadv.com/register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting from a computer or telephone.

If you would like to participate using the in-person option, below is the address to Tetons main office in Greenwich, Connecticut:

189 Mason Street

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Any questions can be directed to our Secretary at [email protected] or (914) 457-1077.

ABOUT TETON

Teton Advisors, Inc. (OTC Pink: TETAA) is a specialist in smaller company investing, serving a diverse client base of institutional, high net worth and mutual fund investors under brands including Teton Westwood, Gabelli and Keeley. The company was founded on a commitment to uncover value by focusing on companies that are misunderstood or ignored by the market utilizing methodologies developed by investment pioneers Mario Gabelli and John L. Keeley, Jr. As active, fundamental investors, the Teton portfolio teams think independently and focus on identifying short-term market inefficiencies to generate long-term alpha. Tetons investment professionals share in the belief that being different is the cornerstone to discovering hidden value in equities. The Teton time tested investment approaches can help set apart your client portfolios, delivering differentiated attributes to round out a broader portfolio. From modest beginnings over 40 years ago, to today, The Disciplined Discovery of Value shapes the cornerstone for our clients' long-term success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005477/en/

Patrick Huvane, CPA, CFA

Chief Financial Officer

(914) 457-1074



For further information, please visit: www.tetonadv.com

Source: Teton Advisors, Inc.
Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.




New Delhi, May 21 : It is time to launch "Clean Air For All" movement a participative mission, said Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Saturday.

The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.

Yadav was inaugurating the sensitisation-cum-review workshop - National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and XV-FC Million Plus Cities Challenge Fund (XV-FC MPCCF) of southern region comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav appreciated Tamil Nadu mentioning that Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, the 3 million plus cities' air quality is within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. He also lauded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the initiative of e-commute programme, under which all the officials of the board commute to office every Wednesday through non-fossil fuel-driven vehicles.

"India's step to BS-VI standard and the adoption of its norms for fuel and vehicles is a landmark policy decision towards combating air pollution," Yadav said.

"Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the air quality data from 2014-2018. The list is a heterogeneous mix of cities of all sizes and types; and in southern India, we have 13 such cities from Andhra Pradesh and 4 each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, he added.

He also reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure clean air to all by improving the air quality in about 100 cities through holistic approach. He also appealed to the young population to become active agents in the mission to improve air quality by adopting sustainable lifestyles, and appropriate behaviours and attitudes.




WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australias center-left opposition party toppled the conservative government after almost a decade in power, and Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese in his Saturday election victory speech promised sharper reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while he faces an early foreign policy test.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he quickly conceded defeat despite millions of votes yet to be counted because an Australian leader must attend a Tokyo summit on Tuesday with U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Albanese, who has described himself as the only candidate with a non-Anglo Celtic name to run for prime minister in the 121 years that the office has existed, referred to his own humble upbringing in the Sydney suburb of Camperdown.

It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australias prime minister, Albanese said.

Every parent wants more for the next generation than they had. My mother dreamt of a better life for me. And I hope that my journey in life inspires Australians to reach for the stars, he added.

Albanese will be sworn in as prime minister after his Labor party clinched its first electoral win since 2007.

Labor has promised more financial assistance and a robust social safety net as Australia grapples with the highest inflation since 2001 and soaring housing prices.

The party also plans to increase minimum wages, and on the foreign policy front, it proposed to establish a Pacific defense school to train neighboring armies in response to Chinas potential military presence on the Solomon Islands on Australias doorstep.

It also wants to tackle climate change with a more ambitious 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Morrison's Liberal party-led coalition was seeking a fourth three-year term. It held the narrowest of majorities  76 seats in the 151-member House of Representatives, where parties need a majority to form a government. In early counting on Saturday, the coalition was on track to win 51 seats, Labor 72, 10 were unaligned lawmakers and 18 were too close to call.

The major parties bled votes to fringe parties and independents, which increases the likelihood of a hung parliament and a minority government.

Australia most recent hung parliaments were from 2010-13, and during World War II.

The minor Australian Greens party appeared to have increased its representation from a single seat to three.

The Greens supported a Labor minority government in 2010, and will likely support a Labor administration again if the party falls short of a 76-seat majority.

As well as campaigning against Labor, Morrisons conservative Liberals fought off a new challenge from so-called teal independent candidates to key government lawmakers reelection in party strongholds.

At least four Liberal lawmakers appeared to have lost their seats to teal independents including Liberal Party deputy leader Josh Frydenberg, who had been considered Morrisons most likely successor.

What we have achieved here is extraordinary, teal candidate and former foreign correspondent Zoe Daniels said in her victory speech. Safe Liberal seat. Two-term incumbent. Independent, she added.

The teal independents are marketed as a greener shade than the Liberal Partys traditional blue color and want stronger government action on reducing Australias greenhouse gas emissions than either the government or Labor are proposing.

The governments Senate leader Simon Birmingham was concerned by big swings toward several teal candidates.

It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, Birmingham said.

If we lose those seats  it is not certain that we will  but there is clearly a big movement against us and there is clearly a big message in it, Birmingham added.

Due to the pandemic, around half of Australias 17 million electors have voted early or applied for postal votes, which will likely slow the count.

Early polling for reasons of travel or work began two weeks ago and the Australian Electoral Commission will continue collecting postal votes for another two weeks.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday termed the BJP's move to organise its national office-bearers meet in Jaipur soon after the conclusion of his Congress' Chintan Shivir' in the state's Udaipur as a "sign of nervousness". "As soon as there was a Chintan Shivir in Udaipur, they made an announcement of national office-bearers meet here. Surprisingly, the Prime Minister is also doing video conferencing... all this is a sign of nervousness," he said. As PM Modi said that the BJP needs to set a goal of 25 years, Gehlot said: "I believe that he is talking with ego and pride for chalking out goals for the next 25 years. Earlier they were talking of the next 50 years and now have come to 25 years." "In the next few days, they shall come to 5 years," he added. --IANS arc/vd ( 153 Words) 2022-05-20-22:20:03 (IANS)
Varanasi, May 21 : It was in 1991 -- a year before the Babri Masjid demolition took place -- that a group of priests in Varanasi field a petition in the court, seeking permission to worship on the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

Thirty years later in 2021, the Allahabad High Court stayed proceedings in the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir-Gyanvapi Masjid case in a Varanasi court, suspending a controversial archaeological survey of the premises to determine whether a Hindu temple was partially razed to build the 17th-century mosque.

The current controversy was ignited when five Hindu women knocked the doors of the court last year, seeking to worship the Shringar Gauri and other idols within the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Last month, a Varanasi court ordered a video survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex after the petition.

The report of the survey was initially ordered to be submitted by May 10. However, a delay was caused after the order was challenged by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee.

The Gyanvapi mosque survey was concluded on May 16. The Hindu side in the matter has claimed that a 'Shivling' was found inside a reservoir on the mosque complex during the survey. The Muslim side, however, dismissed the claim and said it was only a 'fountain'.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute was raised by the BJP, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the RSS during the campaign for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya along with the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura. They claimed that all the three mosques were built after demolishing Hindu temples.

The controversy has taken an expected turn as both the sides -- Hindus and Muslims -- have firmed up their stand.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has said that the survey had lifted the veil on the truth.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), on the other hand, termed the court order for videography as a 'clear violation of The Places of Worship Act, 1991 that seeks to maintain the status quo of 1947 on all places of worship. The Act has been in force since July 11, 1991.

Section 4 (1) of the Act states: "The religious character of a place of worship existing on the 15th day of August, 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day." The Act in Section 4 (2) goes on to state that if any suit, appeal or other proceedings concerning the conversion of the religious traits of any place of worship, existing on August 15, 1947, is pending before any court, tribunal or other authority, the same shall abate.

It further stipulates that no fresh proceedings on such matters shall be initiated.

Section 3 of the Act prohibits conversion of a religious place in any manner, even to cater to a particular section of the religion.

"No person shall convert any place of worship of any religious denomination or any section thereof into a place of worship of a different section of the same religious denomination or of a different religious denomination or any section thereof," it reads.

The mosque committee's plea argued that the fresh suits filed in 2021 citing the "right to worship" were "barred by The Places of Worship Act, 1991", and were an attempt to revive the dispute which had been put to rest by the law.

The Act, however, exempts the Ayodhya issue. Section 5 of the Act states that its provisions shall not apply to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

"Nothing contained in this Act shall apply to the place or place of worship commonly known as Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid situated in Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh and to any suit, appeal or other proceeding relating to the said place or place of worship," it says.

While delivering the Ayodhya verdict in 2019, the Supreme Court bench headed by the erstwhile Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, had said: "In providing a guarantee for the preservation of the religious character of places of public worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 and against the conversion of places of public worship, the Parliament determined that independence from colonial rule furnishes a constitutional basis for healing the injustices of the past by providing the confidence to every religious community that their places of worship will be preserved and that their character will not be altered." BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay had challenged The Places of Worship Act, 1991, in the Supreme Court last year. He said that the law was a contravention of the principle of secularism as laid down by the Constitution of India.

"The Centre has barred remedies against illegal encroachment on places of worship and pilgrimages and now Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs cannot file a suit or approach a high court under Article 226. Therefore, they won't be able to restore their places of worship and pilgrimage including temple endowments in the spirit of Articles 25-26 and the illegal barbarian acts of invaders will continue in perpetuity," Upadhyay's petition read.

The petition pertained to a legal battle before a trial court over "reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura", which was directly affected by the restrictions under the 1991 Act.

Another petition, filed by Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh challenging the validity of the Act, is also pending before the Supreme Court.

Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court and Varanasi court alleging that the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by demolishing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the 16th century.

The petitioners of 1991 had said that the mosque was built on the orders of Aurangzeb by demolishing a part of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during his reign in the 16th century.

A Varanasi-based lawyer, Vijay Shankar Rastogi, had filed a petition in the lower court claiming illegality in the construction of the Gyanvapi mosque and sought an archaeological survey of the mosque. This came in December 2019 after the Supreme Court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute.

The Varanasi court in April 2021 directed the ASI to carry out the survey and submit its report. However, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee that runs the Gyanvapi mosque contested the petition by Rastogi and also opposed the Varanasi court's order for survey of the mosque.

The matter then reached the Allahabad High Court and post hearing all the parties involved, it ordered an interim stay on the direction to the ASI for conducting the survey. The high court in its order said that as per the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the law prohibits any change in the religious character of a place of worship from as it existed on August 15, 1947.

In March 2021, a Supreme Court bench headed by then Chief Justice S.A. Bobde agreed to examine the validity of the Places of Worship Act.

A fresh petition was filed by five women seeking permission to perform daily worship of Hindu deities whose idols are located on the outer wall of Gyanvapi mosque and the court appointed a committee to conduct a survey and videography of the basements of the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex.

The survey was stalled amid objections by the mosque committee, which claimed that the advocate commissioner appointed by the court did not have the mandate to film inside the premises.

The committee completed its survey and videography of two basements in the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex after the exercise resumed on May 14 amid tight security arrangements.

The political implications of the ongoing Gyanvapi controversy, meanwhile, are too strong to be ignored.

After the Ram Janmabhoomi temple issue, the Hindu outfits have found another issue to whip up Hindu passions ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"After we ensured a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, we owe it to the people to liberate Lord Shiva in Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Gyanvapi mosque and then the Krishna Janmabhoomi from the Eidgah in Mathura. This is our commitment to the people," said a BJP leader on condition of anonymity.

The BJP's strategists are well aware of the fact that the opposition cannot take a one-sided stand on the issue since that would deprive them of the majority Hindu support.
Varanasi, May 21 : It was in 1991 -- a year before the Babri Masjid demolition took place -- that a group of priests in Varanasi field a petition in the court, seeking permission to worship on the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

Thirty years later in 2021, the Allahabad High Court stayed proceedings in the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir-Gyanvapi Masjid case in a Varanasi court, suspending a controversial archaeological survey of the premises to determine whether a Hindu temple was partially razed to build the 17th-century mosque.

The current controversy was ignited when five Hindu women knocked the doors of the court last year, seeking to worship the Shringar Gauri and other idols within the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Last month, a Varanasi court ordered a video survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex after the petition.

The report of the survey was initially ordered to be submitted by May 10. However, a delay was caused after the order was challenged by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee.

The Gyanvapi mosque survey was concluded on May 16. The Hindu side in the matter has claimed that a 'Shivling' was found inside a reservoir on the mosque complex during the survey. The Muslim side, however, dismissed the claim and said it was only a 'fountain'.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute was raised by the BJP, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the RSS during the campaign for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya along with the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura. They claimed that all the three mosques were built after demolishing Hindu temples.

The controversy has taken an expected turn as both the sides -- Hindus and Muslims -- have firmed up their stand.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has said that the survey had lifted the veil on the truth.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), on the other hand, termed the court order for videography as a 'clear violation of The Places of Worship Act, 1991 that seeks to maintain the status quo of 1947 on all places of worship. The Act has been in force since July 11, 1991.

Section 4 (1) of the Act states: "The religious character of a place of worship existing on the 15th day of August, 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day." The Act in Section 4 (2) goes on to state that if any suit, appeal or other proceedings concerning the conversion of the religious traits of any place of worship, existing on August 15, 1947, is pending before any court, tribunal or other authority, the same shall abate.

It further stipulates that no fresh proceedings on such matters shall be initiated.

Section 3 of the Act prohibits conversion of a religious place in any manner, even to cater to a particular section of the religion.

"No person shall convert any place of worship of any religious denomination or any section thereof into a place of worship of a different section of the same religious denomination or of a different religious denomination or any section thereof," it reads.

The mosque committee's plea argued that the fresh suits filed in 2021 citing the "right to worship" were "barred by The Places of Worship Act, 1991", and were an attempt to revive the dispute which had been put to rest by the law.

The Act, however, exempts the Ayodhya issue. Section 5 of the Act states that its provisions shall not apply to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

"Nothing contained in this Act shall apply to the place or place of worship commonly known as Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid situated in Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh and to any suit, appeal or other proceeding relating to the said place or place of worship," it says.

While delivering the Ayodhya verdict in 2019, the Supreme Court bench headed by the erstwhile Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, had said: "In providing a guarantee for the preservation of the religious character of places of public worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 and against the conversion of places of public worship, the Parliament determined that independence from colonial rule furnishes a constitutional basis for healing the injustices of the past by providing the confidence to every religious community that their places of worship will be preserved and that their character will not be altered." BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay had challenged The Places of Worship Act, 1991, in the Supreme Court last year. He said that the law was a contravention of the principle of secularism as laid down by the Constitution of India.

"The Centre has barred remedies against illegal encroachment on places of worship and pilgrimages and now Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs cannot file a suit or approach a high court under Article 226. Therefore, they won't be able to restore their places of worship and pilgrimage including temple endowments in the spirit of Articles 25-26 and the illegal barbarian acts of invaders will continue in perpetuity," Upadhyay's petition read.

The petition pertained to a legal battle before a trial court over "reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura", which was directly affected by the restrictions under the 1991 Act.

Another petition, filed by Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh challenging the validity of the Act, is also pending before the Supreme Court.

Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court and Varanasi court alleging that the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by demolishing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the 16th century.

The petitioners of 1991 had said that the mosque was built on the orders of Aurangzeb by demolishing a part of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during his reign in the 16th century.

A Varanasi-based lawyer, Vijay Shankar Rastogi, had filed a petition in the lower court claiming illegality in the construction of the Gyanvapi mosque and sought an archaeological survey of the mosque. This came in December 2019 after the Supreme Court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute.

The Varanasi court in April 2021 directed the ASI to carry out the survey and submit its report. However, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee that runs the Gyanvapi mosque contested the petition by Rastogi and also opposed the Varanasi court's order for survey of the mosque.

The matter then reached the Allahabad High Court and post hearing all the parties involved, it ordered an interim stay on the direction to the ASI for conducting the survey. The high court in its order said that as per the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the law prohibits any change in the religious character of a place of worship from as it existed on August 15, 1947.

In March 2021, a Supreme Court bench headed by then Chief Justice S.A. Bobde agreed to examine the validity of the Places of Worship Act.

A fresh petition was filed by five women seeking permission to perform daily worship of Hindu deities whose idols are located on the outer wall of Gyanvapi mosque and the court appointed a committee to conduct a survey and videography of the basements of the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex.

The survey was stalled amid objections by the mosque committee, which claimed that the advocate commissioner appointed by the court did not have the mandate to film inside the premises.

The committee completed its survey and videography of two basements in the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex after the exercise resumed on May 14 amid tight security arrangements.

The political implications of the ongoing Gyanvapi controversy, meanwhile, are too strong to be ignored.

After the Ram Janmabhoomi temple issue, the Hindu outfits have found another issue to whip up Hindu passions ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"After we ensured a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, we owe it to the people to liberate Lord Shiva in Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Gyanvapi mosque and then the Krishna Janmabhoomi from the Eidgah in Mathura. This is our commitment to the people," said a BJP leader on condition of anonymity.

The BJP's strategists are well aware of the fact that the opposition cannot take a one-sided stand on the issue since that would deprive them of the majority Hindu support.



Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.



Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.


CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Liberal's next generation of leaders including Josh Frydenberg, Dave Sharma and Michael Sukkar in danger of being ousted from parliament - and Peter Dutton looking likely to have barely escaped unscathed.

With Scott Morrison almost certain to quit politics if he loses the election, they were expected to lead the Coalition into the future.

However, all three are in serious trouble against Labor and independent challengers and are likely to be out of parliament as early as tonight.

Mr Frydenberg, the treasurer, is in serious trouble in the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east, with election guru Anthony Green saying he is likely to lose

With about 30 per cent of the votes counted, Treasurer Frydenberg, 50, was trailing independent candidate Monique Ryan just after 8.30pm.

Mr Frydenberg had 42.5 per cent of the primary vote, just ahead of Ms Ryan on 40.8 per cent, suffering a 6.7 per cent swing against him.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg running with wife Amie in Canberra. The pair met at a Melbourne bar in 2008 and share two children

Labor's Peter Lynch has 6.7 per cent of the vote with Piers Mitchem of The Greens on 6.2 per cent - both of whom will heavily preference Ms Ryan.

Channel Nine political editor Chris Ullman said Mr Frydenberg was 'in a world of pain' and would be missed if he lost.

'Anyone who knows him knows he is one of the hardest working people in parliament,' he said on Nine's panel.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Mr Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor.

But just minutes after making the shock call that climate-conscious campaigner Ali France would claim the seat of Dickson, the projection changed.

Mr Dutton was on 45.3 per cent of the vote while Ms had 54.7 per cent with 13.3 per cent of the total ballots counted.

But later that all changed with the man who has held the seat since 2001 taking the lead with 51.8 per cent with 46 per cent tallied.

Labor and The Greens have more than Mr Dutton's primary vote, but strong showings by One Nation and United Australia will preference the Liberals.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Peter Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat.

Green lists Deakin as a likely ALP gain with Mr Sukkar falling behind with 30 per cent of the vote counted.

Mr Sukkar has 38.4 per cent of the vote to Labor challenger Matt Gregg's 34.7 per cent and The Greens with 15.9 per cent.

After projected preferences, Mr Gregg was ahead 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

Losing three of its brightest stars would throw the Liberal Party into chaos in the event it lost the election.

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat

Mr Morrison, like all defeated prime ministers, would be almost certain to quit politics, leaving a gaping hole needing to be filled.

Without senior lieutenants like Mr Dutton, Mr Frydenberg, and Mr Sukkar, there would be few seasoned leaders to step into the void.

Two other potential party leaders, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski, are in even more trouble and are all but certain to lose their seats.

Mr Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches.

Ms Scamps snared 53.9 per cent of the vote as of 9pm on Saturday, stunning rival Falinski, who has represented the seat since 2016.

Jason Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma (pictured), a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth

Ms Scamps has amassed strong community support in the lead up to the election by placing focus on climate change.

She has also pledged to address housing affordability and mental health services for young people.

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth, once held by another former PM Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader John Hewson.

The daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti is leading 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent, after preferences.

Her primary vote of 38.8 per cent is ahead of her Liberal opponent's 37 per cent.

Sharma won back Wentworth at the 2019 election after losing a 2018 by-election to another high-profile independent, former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps.

After losing some or all of those up-and-comping leader, such a damaged group would find it more difficult to compete with a Labor government in 2025 and to hold it to account.

Should Mr Dutton, the most likely of the three to hold on, prevail he would be the odds-on favourite to lead the party in the absence of Frydenberg.
Liberal's next generation of leaders including Josh Frydenberg, Dave Sharma and Michael Sukkar in danger of being ousted from parliament - and Peter Dutton looking likely to have barely escaped unscathed.

With Scott Morrison almost certain to quit politics if he loses the election, they were expected to lead the Coalition into the future.

However, all three are in serious trouble against Labor and independent challengers and are likely to be out of parliament as early as tonight.

Mr Frydenberg, the treasurer, is in serious trouble in the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east, with election guru Anthony Green saying he is likely to lose

With about 30 per cent of the votes counted, Treasurer Frydenberg, 50, was trailing independent candidate Monique Ryan just after 8.30pm.

Mr Frydenberg had 42.5 per cent of the primary vote, just ahead of Ms Ryan on 40.8 per cent, suffering a 6.7 per cent swing against him.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg running with wife Amie in Canberra. The pair met at a Melbourne bar in 2008 and share two children

Labor's Peter Lynch has 6.7 per cent of the vote with Piers Mitchem of The Greens on 6.2 per cent - both of whom will heavily preference Ms Ryan.

Channel Nine political editor Chris Ullman said Mr Frydenberg was 'in a world of pain' and would be missed if he lost.

'Anyone who knows him knows he is one of the hardest working people in parliament,' he said on Nine's panel.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Mr Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor.

But just minutes after making the shock call that climate-conscious campaigner Ali France would claim the seat of Dickson, the projection changed.

Mr Dutton was on 45.3 per cent of the vote while Ms had 54.7 per cent with 13.3 per cent of the total ballots counted.

But later that all changed with the man who has held the seat since 2001 taking the lead with 51.8 per cent with 46 per cent tallied.

Labor and The Greens have more than Mr Dutton's primary vote, but strong showings by One Nation and United Australia will preference the Liberals.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Peter Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat.

Green lists Deakin as a likely ALP gain with Mr Sukkar falling behind with 30 per cent of the vote counted.

Mr Sukkar has 38.4 per cent of the vote to Labor challenger Matt Gregg's 34.7 per cent and The Greens with 15.9 per cent.

After projected preferences, Mr Gregg was ahead 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

Losing three of its brightest stars would throw the Liberal Party into chaos in the event it lost the election.

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat

Mr Morrison, like all defeated prime ministers, would be almost certain to quit politics, leaving a gaping hole needing to be filled.

Without senior lieutenants like Mr Dutton, Mr Frydenberg, and Mr Sukkar, there would be few seasoned leaders to step into the void.

Two other potential party leaders, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski, are in even more trouble and are all but certain to lose their seats.

Mr Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches.

Ms Scamps snared 53.9 per cent of the vote as of 9pm on Saturday, stunning rival Falinski, who has represented the seat since 2016.

Jason Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma (pictured), a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth

Ms Scamps has amassed strong community support in the lead up to the election by placing focus on climate change.

She has also pledged to address housing affordability and mental health services for young people.

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth, once held by another former PM Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader John Hewson.

The daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti is leading 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent, after preferences.

Her primary vote of 38.8 per cent is ahead of her Liberal opponent's 37 per cent.

Sharma won back Wentworth at the 2019 election after losing a 2018 by-election to another high-profile independent, former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps.

After losing some or all of those up-and-comping leader, such a damaged group would find it more difficult to compete with a Labor government in 2025 and to hold it to account.

Should Mr Dutton, the most likely of the three to hold on, prevail he would be the odds-on favourite to lead the party in the absence of Frydenberg.
Liberal's next generation of leaders including Josh Frydenberg, Dave Sharma and Michael Sukkar in danger of being ousted from parliament - and Peter Dutton looking likely to have barely escaped unscathed.

With Scott Morrison almost certain to quit politics if he loses the election, they were expected to lead the Coalition into the future.

However, all three are in serious trouble against Labor and independent challengers and are likely to be out of parliament as early as tonight.

Mr Frydenberg, the treasurer, is in serious trouble in the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east, with election guru Anthony Green saying he is likely to lose

With about 30 per cent of the votes counted, Treasurer Frydenberg, 50, was trailing independent candidate Monique Ryan just after 8.30pm.

Mr Frydenberg had 42.5 per cent of the primary vote, just ahead of Ms Ryan on 40.8 per cent, suffering a 6.7 per cent swing against him.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg running with wife Amie in Canberra. The pair met at a Melbourne bar in 2008 and share two children

Labor's Peter Lynch has 6.7 per cent of the vote with Piers Mitchem of The Greens on 6.2 per cent - both of whom will heavily preference Ms Ryan.

Channel Nine political editor Chris Ullman said Mr Frydenberg was 'in a world of pain' and would be missed if he lost.

'Anyone who knows him knows he is one of the hardest working people in parliament,' he said on Nine's panel.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Mr Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor.

But just minutes after making the shock call that climate-conscious campaigner Ali France would claim the seat of Dickson, the projection changed.

Mr Dutton was on 45.3 per cent of the vote while Ms had 54.7 per cent with 13.3 per cent of the total ballots counted.

But later that all changed with the man who has held the seat since 2001 taking the lead with 51.8 per cent with 46 per cent tallied.

Labor and The Greens have more than Mr Dutton's primary vote, but strong showings by One Nation and United Australia will preference the Liberals.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Peter Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat.

Green lists Deakin as a likely ALP gain with Mr Sukkar falling behind with 30 per cent of the vote counted.

Mr Sukkar has 38.4 per cent of the vote to Labor challenger Matt Gregg's 34.7 per cent and The Greens with 15.9 per cent.

After projected preferences, Mr Gregg was ahead 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

Losing three of its brightest stars would throw the Liberal Party into chaos in the event it lost the election.

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat

Mr Morrison, like all defeated prime ministers, would be almost certain to quit politics, leaving a gaping hole needing to be filled.

Without senior lieutenants like Mr Dutton, Mr Frydenberg, and Mr Sukkar, there would be few seasoned leaders to step into the void.

Two other potential party leaders, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski, are in even more trouble and are all but certain to lose their seats.

Mr Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches.

Ms Scamps snared 53.9 per cent of the vote as of 9pm on Saturday, stunning rival Falinski, who has represented the seat since 2016.

Jason Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma (pictured), a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth

Ms Scamps has amassed strong community support in the lead up to the election by placing focus on climate change.

She has also pledged to address housing affordability and mental health services for young people.

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth, once held by another former PM Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader John Hewson.

The daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti is leading 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent, after preferences.

Her primary vote of 38.8 per cent is ahead of her Liberal opponent's 37 per cent.

Sharma won back Wentworth at the 2019 election after losing a 2018 by-election to another high-profile independent, former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps.

After losing some or all of those up-and-comping leader, such a damaged group would find it more difficult to compete with a Labor government in 2025 and to hold it to account.

Should Mr Dutton, the most likely of the three to hold on, prevail he would be the odds-on favourite to lead the party in the absence of Frydenberg.
Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.
Liberal's next generation of leaders including Josh Frydenberg, Dave Sharma and Michael Sukkar in danger of being ousted from parliament - and Peter Dutton looking likely to have barely escaped unscathed.

With Scott Morrison almost certain to quit politics if he loses the election, they were expected to lead the Coalition into the future.

However, all three are in serious trouble against Labor and independent challengers and are likely to be out of parliament as early as tonight.

Mr Frydenberg, the treasurer, is in serious trouble in the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east, with election guru Anthony Green saying he is likely to lose

With about 30 per cent of the votes counted, Treasurer Frydenberg, 50, was trailing independent candidate Monique Ryan just after 8.30pm.

Mr Frydenberg had 42.5 per cent of the primary vote, just ahead of Ms Ryan on 40.8 per cent, suffering a 6.7 per cent swing against him.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg running with wife Amie in Canberra. The pair met at a Melbourne bar in 2008 and share two children

Labor's Peter Lynch has 6.7 per cent of the vote with Piers Mitchem of The Greens on 6.2 per cent - both of whom will heavily preference Ms Ryan.

Channel Nine political editor Chris Ullman said Mr Frydenberg was 'in a world of pain' and would be missed if he lost.

'Anyone who knows him knows he is one of the hardest working people in parliament,' he said on Nine's panel.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Mr Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor.

But just minutes after making the shock call that climate-conscious campaigner Ali France would claim the seat of Dickson, the projection changed.

Mr Dutton was on 45.3 per cent of the vote while Ms had 54.7 per cent with 13.3 per cent of the total ballots counted.

But later that all changed with the man who has held the seat since 2001 taking the lead with 51.8 per cent with 46 per cent tallied.

Labor and The Greens have more than Mr Dutton's primary vote, but strong showings by One Nation and United Australia will preference the Liberals.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Peter Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat.

Green lists Deakin as a likely ALP gain with Mr Sukkar falling behind with 30 per cent of the vote counted.

Mr Sukkar has 38.4 per cent of the vote to Labor challenger Matt Gregg's 34.7 per cent and The Greens with 15.9 per cent.

After projected preferences, Mr Gregg was ahead 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

Losing three of its brightest stars would throw the Liberal Party into chaos in the event it lost the election.

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat

Mr Morrison, like all defeated prime ministers, would be almost certain to quit politics, leaving a gaping hole needing to be filled.

Without senior lieutenants like Mr Dutton, Mr Frydenberg, and Mr Sukkar, there would be few seasoned leaders to step into the void.

Two other potential party leaders, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski, are in even more trouble and are all but certain to lose their seats.

Mr Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches.

Ms Scamps snared 53.9 per cent of the vote as of 9pm on Saturday, stunning rival Falinski, who has represented the seat since 2016.

Jason Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma (pictured), a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth

Ms Scamps has amassed strong community support in the lead up to the election by placing focus on climate change.

She has also pledged to address housing affordability and mental health services for young people.

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth, once held by another former PM Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader John Hewson.

The daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti is leading 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent, after preferences.

Her primary vote of 38.8 per cent is ahead of her Liberal opponent's 37 per cent.

Sharma won back Wentworth at the 2019 election after losing a 2018 by-election to another high-profile independent, former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps.

After losing some or all of those up-and-comping leader, such a damaged group would find it more difficult to compete with a Labor government in 2025 and to hold it to account.

Should Mr Dutton, the most likely of the three to hold on, prevail he would be the odds-on favourite to lead the party in the absence of Frydenberg.
The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.







Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.
Bad public policy makes people vulnerable, and the current baby formula shortage is just the latest example.

The immediate cause of the shortage was contamination in a Michigan factory, which might not resume production until June. But the underlying cause is a slew of bad policies that make the market less competitive.

Tariffs, labeling and marketing regulations have removed so much competition from the industry that when a recall affects one factory, it becomes an emergency for parents across the country.

Those regulations give young families fewer places to turn to during shortages  on purpose. Existing companies push hard for these regulations because they put up a barrier to entry against potential competitors and preserve market share for themselves. Policymakers need to clean up the mess they made as quickly as possible. Instead, they are doubling down.

Regulation is a major reason only four large formula producers control most of the U.S. market. First, parents receiving federal assistance are allowed to choose only certain brands. Second, consumers must pay a 17.5% tariff on any imported formula, which prices countless brands out of the U.S. market. Its a nice arrangement for the companies  and for their lobbyists  but it raises prices for families and makes it difficult to boost supplies during shortages.

When new formulas enter the market, regulations forbid sellers from letting anyone know about them for 90 days, even as manufacturers may advertise existing formulas all they like. Those first months on the shelf are make or break for many new products, which is why existing producers appreciate this otherwise pointless regulation. At times like this, parents might appreciate hearing about new options.

One of those options is toddler formula, which in many cases meets the Food and Drug Administrations nutritional requirements for infant formula. But FDA regulations prohibit many manufacturers from recommending this option.

Even product labels have become an anti-competitive tool. The FDA recently recalled a formula that European parents have been safely giving their babies for years, because its label did not include a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.

U.S. Customs recently seized nearly 600 cases of formula from Germany and the Netherlands over labeling requirements. The agencys self-congratulatory press release reads as though it had made a major drug bust, lauding its and the FDAs collective efforts to help keep our citizens safe.

Human nutritional requirements do not change across political borders. If a formula is safe and nutritious for babies in Germany or the Netherlands or any other country, then it will be for American babies, too. A system of mutual recognition, whereby regulators in countries with comparable standards automatically approve one anothers decisions, would go a long way to help address and prevent shortages of baby formula and myriad other products  at least after they pay tariffs.

When policies fail, the right thing to do is get rid of them. But instead, politicians might be about to make new ones.

President Biden announced Wednesday he will use the Defense Production Act, an emergency wartime powers law, to direct baby formula production from Washington. At least eight senators are interested in potential antitrust action against the industry, which is concentrated in a few companies largely because of government regulations.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants legislation increasing Washingtons role in supply chain management. The House Oversight Committee is looking at price gouging regulation, which would be counterproductive. Many Republicans are invoking conspiracy theories and blaming foreigners who would likely be happy to help, if regulations allowed it.

Regulations are why the formula shortage is so bad, but politicians are blaming the market instead. Blaming greedy markets is good for grandstanding and campaigning, but there isnt much of a free market to point to when it comes to baby formula. The one healthy response so far is Sen. Mike Lees FORMULA Act, which would allow parents getting federal help to choose their formula brand. It also would roll back tariffs and enact mutual recognition with trusted allies.

When a recall or a shortage happens, parents would have far more options in a free market than in the current regulatory mess of cronyism and protectionism. The only losers would be incumbent producers, their lobbyists and politicians in search of another way to grandstand on the campaign trail.

Young is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free-market public policy organization in Washington: cei.org. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Bad public policy makes people vulnerable, and the current baby formula shortage is just the latest example.

The immediate cause of the shortage was contamination in a Michigan factory, which might not resume production until June. But the underlying cause is a slew of bad policies that make the market less competitive.

Tariffs, labeling and marketing regulations have removed so much competition from the industry that when a recall affects one factory, it becomes an emergency for parents across the country.

Those regulations give young families fewer places to turn to during shortages  on purpose. Existing companies push hard for these regulations because they put up a barrier to entry against potential competitors and preserve market share for themselves. Policymakers need to clean up the mess they made as quickly as possible. Instead, they are doubling down.

Regulation is a major reason only four large formula producers control most of the U.S. market. First, parents receiving federal assistance are allowed to choose only certain brands. Second, consumers must pay a 17.5% tariff on any imported formula, which prices countless brands out of the U.S. market. Its a nice arrangement for the companies  and for their lobbyists  but it raises prices for families and makes it difficult to boost supplies during shortages.

When new formulas enter the market, regulations forbid sellers from letting anyone know about them for 90 days, even as manufacturers may advertise existing formulas all they like. Those first months on the shelf are make or break for many new products, which is why existing producers appreciate this otherwise pointless regulation. At times like this, parents might appreciate hearing about new options.

One of those options is toddler formula, which in many cases meets the Food and Drug Administrations nutritional requirements for infant formula. But FDA regulations prohibit many manufacturers from recommending this option.

Even product labels have become an anti-competitive tool. The FDA recently recalled a formula that European parents have been safely giving their babies for years, because its label did not include a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.

U.S. Customs recently seized nearly 600 cases of formula from Germany and the Netherlands over labeling requirements. The agencys self-congratulatory press release reads as though it had made a major drug bust, lauding its and the FDAs collective efforts to help keep our citizens safe.

Human nutritional requirements do not change across political borders. If a formula is safe and nutritious for babies in Germany or the Netherlands or any other country, then it will be for American babies, too. A system of mutual recognition, whereby regulators in countries with comparable standards automatically approve one anothers decisions, would go a long way to help address and prevent shortages of baby formula and myriad other products  at least after they pay tariffs.

When policies fail, the right thing to do is get rid of them. But instead, politicians might be about to make new ones.

President Biden announced Wednesday he will use the Defense Production Act, an emergency wartime powers law, to direct baby formula production from Washington. At least eight senators are interested in potential antitrust action against the industry, which is concentrated in a few companies largely because of government regulations.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants legislation increasing Washingtons role in supply chain management. The House Oversight Committee is looking at price gouging regulation, which would be counterproductive. Many Republicans are invoking conspiracy theories and blaming foreigners who would likely be happy to help, if regulations allowed it.

Regulations are why the formula shortage is so bad, but politicians are blaming the market instead. Blaming greedy markets is good for grandstanding and campaigning, but there isnt much of a free market to point to when it comes to baby formula. The one healthy response so far is Sen. Mike Lees FORMULA Act, which would allow parents getting federal help to choose their formula brand. It also would roll back tariffs and enact mutual recognition with trusted allies.

When a recall or a shortage happens, parents would have far more options in a free market than in the current regulatory mess of cronyism and protectionism. The only losers would be incumbent producers, their lobbyists and politicians in search of another way to grandstand on the campaign trail.

Young is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free-market public policy organization in Washington: cei.org. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.

China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com




Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country

Sign Up View all of our newsletters.
Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com




Bhopal, May 21 : A 65-year-old differently-abled man was beaten to death on alleged suspicion of belonging to another community in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

A video of the incident doing rounds on the social media shows a young man mercilessly thrashing an old man.

He was assaulted brutally for not showing his Aadhaar card. The deceased, who was identified as Bhanwarlal Jain of Sarsi village of Ratlam, was found dead in Manasa on Thursday, police said.

Police said Bhanwarlal Jain had gone to Chittorgarh on May 18 with his family. He later went missing. On Friday, he was found dead in Manasa of Neemuch district. Later, the video went viral on social media.

"We found the body of the victim on Thursday. After his pictures were released on social media, his family members from Ratlam identified him as Bhanwarlal Jain," said Mansa Police Station House Officer K.L. Dangi.

In the video, Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of Manasa's BJP corporator is allegedly seen beating Jain demanding his Aadhar card and asking whether he is a Muslim.

An FIR was lodged on Saturday under sections 304 (causing death by negligence) and 302 (murder) of IPC. "Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, an FIR has been registered against the accused Dinesh Kushwaha under Section 302 of IPC, Neemuch SP Suraj Verma said.

Notably, a communal violence had erupted in Neemuch after a group of Hindu activists attempted to install an idol of Lord Hanuman near a Muslim shrine in Purani Kacheri area on last Sunday. The district administration had seized the idol on Tuesday.

Reacting on one after another incidents in the district, former chief minister and the state Congress president Kamal Nath accused the BJP led state government of failure to maintain law and order situation in the state.

"What is happening in Madhya Pradesh after all? Tribals were lynched in Seoni, incidents of Guna, Mhow, Mandla and now an elderly person whose name is being told as Bhanwarlal Jain in Manasa of Neemuch district of the state," Nath tweeted.
Bhopal, May 21 : A 65-year-old differently-abled man was beaten to death on alleged suspicion of belonging to another community in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

A video of the incident doing rounds on the social media shows a young man mercilessly thrashing an old man.

He was assaulted brutally for not showing his Aadhaar card. The deceased, who was identified as Bhanwarlal Jain of Sarsi village of Ratlam, was found dead in Manasa on Thursday, police said.

Police said Bhanwarlal Jain had gone to Chittorgarh on May 18 with his family. He later went missing. On Friday, he was found dead in Manasa of Neemuch district. Later, the video went viral on social media.

"We found the body of the victim on Thursday. After his pictures were released on social media, his family members from Ratlam identified him as Bhanwarlal Jain," said Mansa Police Station House Officer K.L. Dangi.

In the video, Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of Manasa's BJP corporator is allegedly seen beating Jain demanding his Aadhar card and asking whether he is a Muslim.

An FIR was lodged on Saturday under sections 304 (causing death by negligence) and 302 (murder) of IPC. "Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, an FIR has been registered against the accused Dinesh Kushwaha under Section 302 of IPC, Neemuch SP Suraj Verma said.

Notably, a communal violence had erupted in Neemuch after a group of Hindu activists attempted to install an idol of Lord Hanuman near a Muslim shrine in Purani Kacheri area on last Sunday. The district administration had seized the idol on Tuesday.

Reacting on one after another incidents in the district, former chief minister and the state Congress president Kamal Nath accused the BJP led state government of failure to maintain law and order situation in the state.

"What is happening in Madhya Pradesh after all? Tribals were lynched in Seoni, incidents of Guna, Mhow, Mandla and now an elderly person whose name is being told as Bhanwarlal Jain in Manasa of Neemuch district of the state," Nath tweeted.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Members of the Kennedy family leave the US Capitol follwing a brief service, leaving the body of assassinated President John F. Kennedy where it will lie in state, Washington DC, November 24, 1963. Visible are Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) (center), her children, John Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) (right) and Caroline Kennedy, and her brother-in-law Ted Kennedy

Abbie Rowe/PhotoQuest/Getty Ted Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, with her children Caroline and John Jr at President John F. Kennedy's funeral

Craig McNamara was just 13 years old in November 1963, when his mother drove him to Jackie Kennedy's house to play with young John and Caroline in the days following their father President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

"It was a time dedicated to playfulness and yet with sorrow, just deep, deep sorrow," McNamara, now 73, tells PEOPLE in an interview about his memoir, Because Our Fathers Lied, which published last week.

"I can't imagine the trauma that they were experiencing," he continues. "I felt my role was to bring light and friendship and fun and play, just play mostly, with John."

At the time, John Jr. was just 3 years old and Caroline was 6. McNamara  whose father Robert McNamara served as Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy and then his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson  recalls jumping up and down the stairs with the other children and playing like "kids do". In his memoir, he also remembers with heartbreak that John Jr. loved, even then, to play with model planes. (In 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette died after the plane he was flying crashed.)

Book Cover 'Because Our Fathers Lied'

Little, Brown and Company

Craig explains that there was "deep friendship" between his parents and the Kennedy family. He remembers Jackie as "a kind and generous and gracious person." After his visits with her children, Jackie even wrote notes to him on her young son's behalf.

"Dear Craig, Thank you for my letter and my helicopter and my card of the mountain  I want to play with you if you come to my house," reads one of the sweet letters written in Jackie's hand that's featured in the book. "Craig, I have time to draw you a picture."

But Craig's memoir is more than a nostalgic look back at the time pre- and post-Camelot. Because Our Fathers Lied is a complex father-son story in which Craig grapples with his dad's role in the much-protested Vietnam War  and Robert's longtime silence.

Story continues

Following President Kennedy's death, Robert helped Jackie pick out the grave site in Arlington Cemetery. Even in mourning, Jackie took the time to pick out a "memento" for Robert and decided to give him the two chairs from the cabinet room that he and the president used to sit in, Craig explains. "I think every day my father would probably look at those chairs and bring back memories of his friendship and loss," he says. After Robert's death, the chairs were disassembled and made into art by the artist Danh Vo, which was a "release" for Craig, who originally wanted them in his home.

"They serve humanity much better there," Craig says of the chairs being displayed in a public forum. "They tell the story of two dedicated leaders who made disastrous decisions about Vietnam."

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara A young Craig with his dad Robert

The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended in 1975, was a longtime conflict in which the US allied with the government of South Vietnam to combat the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies stationed in the south, the Vietcong. (In 1975, communist forces won South Vietnam and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a year later.) In 1995, Vietnam released an official reporting stating that as many as two million civilians in the war-torn nation and more than one million North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers died. The U.S. lost almost 60,000 American soldiers, alongside 200,000-250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers, according to Britannica.

Robert McNamara, as secretary of defense, was one of the main orchestrators of the war and helped spread the lies about the successes of the divisive conflict, until the truth came out when the Pentagon Papers were leaked to The New York Times in 1971. Following the release of the documents, he was scorned and criticized.

During the war, as Robert traveled back and forth to the Johnson White House, he sometimes brought his son Craig along, who looked on.

"I realized that my entire life has been lived through the lens of the Vietnam War and consequently [so is] the relationship with my father," says Craig, who started writing his memoir four years ago.

Craig explains that the loss of so much life and the personal tragedies that continue to play out because of the war "haunt" him. He also continues to struggle with his father's silence and lack of complete apology. (Robert McNamara died at the age of 93 in 2009.)

Robert McNamara and son Craig

Courtesy of Craig McNamara Craig and Robert McNamara

"My father was very loving to me, no doubt," he says. "We had a strong love for each other, and that makes it even more difficult. How do you reconcile your love for a parent when you realize that they have not been truthful to you on something so important?"

Craig wishes his father would have fully apologized in a public way  and told him the truth when he asked privately about the war. The author also yearned for Robert to listen to the people whose lives were "upended" by the violence.

"Do what you can to positively impact the lives of families who've been affected by Agent Orange," says Craig of the vision he had for his father. "This would've been a reckoning for each of us, I think. For my father and myself."

In Because Our Fathers Lied, Craig recalls joining anti-Vietnam War protests and traveling by motorcycle throughout Central and South America to learn about farming. Since 1980, he's run Sierra Orchards, a walnut farm he owns with his wife Julie in California. Craig did everything he could to distance himself from his father's blood-stained legacy.

While doing research for the book, Craig uncovered an old interview with Life Magazine in which Robert explained why he couldn't write his own memoir and admit to his mistakes earlier than he did. (In the '90s, Robert admitted in his memoir that his conduct was "wrong, terribly wrong," according to The New York Times.) In summation, Robert was focused on "loyalty," his son explains.

Robert McNamara's Son Craig Spent Time with JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy After JFK's Death

Malika Lewis The author

"What Robert McNamara is saying there is that his loyalty was to the president, and yet the oath of office that he and the other cabinet members took was to defend the constitution of the United States," says Craig. "So it's something that I can't abide by, that he didn't have a higher loyalty to humanity, for example."

Craig's love for his father is complex, just like Robert's legacy, but it's undeniable. The lessons he hopes readers will take from his memoir are also nuanced.

"The lessons of the Vietnam War are very pertinent today: aggressions based on lies and misinformation lead to prolonged conflicts," he says. "We've seen that throughout history and we've seen it through recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the very end of his book, Craig recalls reading a Vanity Fair article from 2014 about Jackie Kennedy. Craig learned that his parents had given Jackie two portraits of her late husband to choose from  ones she couldn't accept.

"When Secretary of Defense Bob McNamara and his wife, Marg, sent over two painted portraits of J.F.K. and urged her to accept one as a gift, Jackie realized that though she especially admired the smaller of the pair, which showed her late husband in a seated position, she simply could not bear to keep it," wrote Barbara Leaming in the Vanity Fair article, which Craig cites in his memoir.

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Jackie Kennedy's Intensely Private White House Trip with Her Kids After JFK's Assassination

"In anticipation of returning both paintings, she propped them up just outside her bedroom door. One evening in December, young John emerged from Jackie's room," she continued. "Spotting a portrait of his father, he removed a lollipop from his mouth and kissed the image, saying, 'Good night, Daddy.' Jackie related the episode to Marg McNamara by way of explanation as to why it would be impossible to have such a picture near. She said it brought to the surface too many things."

After sharing this anecdote in his memoir, Craig explains that he understands Jackie's decision. He writes that while keeping images and memories of his late father is painful, he cannot "disown" his dad.

"To say that I hate him, to call him evil, to deny the love I have for him  these things would seem, temporarily, to relieve certain pressures," writes Craig in his memoir.

"But they wouldn't be the truth. I don't want that, because I want to be honest. It's impossible not to be my father's son; I can't be what I am. This is not the end for me."

Because Our Fathers Lied is on sale now.






WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
The German government has stripped former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder of his privileges to sanction him for his support for Russia.

As former Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder had a large office not far from the Russian Embassy. In addition, he received a monthly allowance. All for a total of 407,000 euros per year.

From now on he will only be remunerated for the functions he will accept to fulfill in the context of German politics, but not in relation to his status as former chancellor.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
The German government has stripped former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder of his privileges to sanction him for his support for Russia.

As former Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder had a large office not far from the Russian Embassy. In addition, he received a monthly allowance. All for a total of 407,000 euros per year.

From now on he will only be remunerated for the functions he will accept to fulfill in the context of German politics, but not in relation to his status as former chancellor.
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
WWU take part in events for Brazilian and Chilean researchers

 Ricson Onodera

For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Brazil Centre of the University of Munster (WWU) co-organized and participated in face-to-face events to provide information about doctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities in Germany. On 28 April in Sao Paulo and on 3 and 4 May in Santiago de Chile, information sessions were held with representatives of the WWU, Freie Universitat Berlin, Technische Universitat Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Potsdam (in Sao Paulo) and Heidelberg Centre Latin America (in Santiago), as well as the funding agencies DAAD, DFG, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Euraxess.

 bz

The events, which have been held exclusively in a virtual format for the past two years, aim to present the research landscape as well as the details of an academic and research career in Germany. The participants had the chance to learn more about the WWU as well as the other attending education and research institutions present, and to find out about funding opportunities available for international researchers who would like to conduct a research stay or even build a career in Germany.

Laura Redondo Laura Redondo presenting the WWU during the Info Session  Ricson Onodera

The Head of the Liaison Office from the Brazil Centre in Sao Paulo, Laura Redondo, actively participated as a speaker and moderator in a Q&A session with Brazilian alumni, who shared their personal and academic experiences with the audience. In Santiago, Laura Redondo participated in the roundtable discussion "Living in Germany: Welcome/Culture/Language/Family", in an easy and open exchange with the participants, who were able to ask diverse questions about the challenges and cultural differences that a newcomer in Germany faces.

In both events, in the individual and personalised orientation sessions, the personal and direct contact with candidates for a stay in Germany was intense and very fruitful. Over four days, Brazilian and Chilean students and researchers were able to schedule virtual meetings with representatives of German institutions via a digital platform.

The public occupied all the spaces available for the event at the HCLA  bz

In the consultation session with the WWU, the participants were very well-prepared and frequently mentioned names of professors and institutes which might be potential supervisors or hosts for their research projects. One word came up particularly often: "enthusiasm".
Posted from my mobile device

Congratulations on your admits.Teppers main industry and placement is consulting and tech.Johnsons main focus is finance and consulting.Many people assume that Tepper would have a very strong connection with tech because of its highly ranked computer signs programs, but its not the case in reality. The tech heavy engineering and development roles that graduates from Carnegie Mellon go into, dont overlap in general with p.m. roles that much, moreover, if someone graduated from computer science at Carnegie Mellon, they would probably be getting their MBA at Stanford. Most of the time they do not because they make more money out of undergrad than business school graduates. Just the reality of todays world. You can definitely connect with those of them working at Facebook and Google and Tesla but they wouldnt have anything helpful to tell you about the recruiting process since their steps and ladder is very different from the business side of things.On the other hand, Johnson is very strong in finance and particularly New York. Theres a connection between those two since New York is so finance heavy or has been until the whole pandemic thing. Now its more decentralized but likely coming back to normal in the next year or two and definitely by time you graduate. One of the reasons Johnson is ranking high is their average salary, its usually meaningfully higher than many of the other schools because of such a heavy placement into New York City. This is more of a quirky fact rather than anything you should be reading into it. You can ignore this. The two programs are pretty similar in the sense of their student bodies in people they attract and sane people apply to both since theyre ranked about the same. If you are considering finance, I feel Johnson would be a great choice. This is not really VC in Palo Alto type of finance but youre more likely to find somebody at Blackstone or Goldman from Johnson rather than Tepper, The more likely would be someone from HBS or Wharton or Columbia.For Johnson, there are regular trips to New York for recruiting and a lot of people will drive for a couple days of recruiting trips multiple times per year. So obviously you will be living in a college town which I cant really tell you much about since I never lived in one. I did like Pittsburgh when I visited but that was years ago and its nothing like it used to be when I was there so my advice would be helpful either.I feel you could go either way.Ross would definitely be a step up to the next tier in this year is cracked top 10 in US news ranking so you have the top 10 bragging rights at least for another nine months. Ross is also primarily consulting school with tech as a second placement industry. Ross has a much broader and more national name however. Cornell has a national name but not Johnson. I feel you could achieve and they could fail at your goals at either program. Im not sure that your concerns about being in the college town and trying to stay in New York as much as possible are valid. You can definitely go to New York for the winter break and the summer internship but you will be so overworked and half so little time during your first year freaked out about recruiting and missing out that you wont have much time to worry about anything else. Second year once you have a internship and the job lined up, probably but thats not a long time and its not like he would be so much better off in Pittsburgh. In terms of West Coast presence, both schools lack at that and not necessarily strong so Im not sure that thats really a downside exclusive to just Johnson. My data is probably dated a year or two but I remember both Tepper and Johnson placing heavily on the East Coast with Debora being a bit more mid Atlantic, whatever that means I dont think I would have a lot of concerns going to Johnson personally._________________

Mumbai, May 21 : Bollywood actor Siddhant Chaturvedi, who rose to fame by playing MC Sher in the film 'Gully Boy', made a surprise appearance at rapper Divine's concert.

The actor came in raging with fans, dancing and singing his heart out to the number: 'Sher Aaya Sher'.

Dressed in smart casuals, the actor was seen raving with his fans on the song and crooned to the number with Divine.

Siddhant was recently seen in 'Gehraiyaan' opposite Deepika Padukone and Ananya Panday.

He will also be seen in 'Phone Booth' opposite Katrina Kaif and 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' opposite Ananya.
The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife.

Held between May 5 and May 15, Maspalomas Pride attracts visitors from across the continent.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations.

'Among the 30 or so diagnosed in Madrid, there are several who attended the event, although it is not yet possible to know if one of them is patient zero of this outbreak or if they all got infected there,' a health source told El Pais.

The Gran Canarian pride festival attended by 80,000 from Britain and across Europe is being investigated after being linked to numerous monkeypox cases in Madrid, Italy and Tenerife. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

There are two suspected cases in men in the Canary Islands, one with links to the LGBT+ festival.

There is no conclusive evidence that the latest outbreak is being sexually transmitted, rather than simply being passed between people who were in close proximity to each other, experts said.

As such gay men are not believed to be more likely to contract the disease, however are potentially more likely to have been exposed to it due to the known incidences being at events and locations that attracted large numbers of people from across the LGBT+ community.

The development came after it emerged Spanish authorities are also investigating confirmed cases of monkeypox that have been linked to a 'sauna' - which in Spain is used to describe establishments popular with gay men looking for sex rather than just a bathhouse.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed that one of the Italian men who has the virus was in the Canary Islands, but denied knowing if the man from Tenerife had travelled there, according to a report from the Spanish news website.

A second Italian man who was also in the Canary Islands contracted the virus. All three Italian men with the virus are unknown to each other.

Earlier today, a top British doctor has predicted a 'significant rise' in monkeypox cases in the UK in the next few weeks, as the country recorded 20 cases  and more than 100 found in Europe.

The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact - as well as sexual intercourse - and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

It was attended by people who have tested positive for the monekypox virus afterwards, with public health services from the Canary Islands now investigating the any links between the cases and the LGBT+ celebrations. Pictured, attendees at the event this month

Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, is worried about the rate the virus is spreading.

She told Sky News that she expects a 'significant' rise in infections next week.

'What worries me the most is there are infections across Europe, so this has already spread,' she said. 'It's already circulating in the general population... It could be really significant numbers over the next two or three weeks.'

She also warned that the virus could have a 'massive impact' on access to sexual health services in Britain.

The UK Health Security Agency has said a notable proportion of recent cases in Britain and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men.

The virus is more common to west and central Africa but the number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20, with nine other countries including Spain, Portugal and Canada also reporting outbreaks.

Yesterday, health authorities in Spain reported 23 more confirmed cases of monkeypox, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

It is believed that there are 50 cases in Spain, 30 confirmed and 20 suspected, along with two confirmed cases in the Spanish Canary Islands.

'The Public Health Department will carry out an even more detailed analysis... to control contagion, cut the chains of transmission and try to mitigate the transmission of this virus as much as possible,' said regional health chief Enrique Ruiz Escudero.

Nurses and doctors are being advised to stay 'alert' to patients who present with a new rash or scabby lesions (like above)

Dr Dewsnap said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.

She told the BBC that clinic staff were 'already under significant pressure' before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse.

'It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who's infected,' Dr Dewsnap said.

'In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I'm not that concerned,' she later told BBC Radio 4.

'But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.'

Dr Dewsnap also called for 'adequate funding' for sexual health services.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'Over the last 10 years, there's been a significant decrease in funding through the public health budget.

'And that has seen a direct effect on staffing level and that means we have less capacity to see people.

'We used to be able to see people within 48 hours of them contacting us - that's really important because it cuts down the window where people have an infection, they don't know they have an infection and therefore they can pass it on to the people.

'So the speed in which we see people is really critical and monkeypox coming along shows us that more than ever before.

'So we need adequate funding so we can adequately staff with the experts that we need and the appropriately trained staff in clinics so that we can ensure people can get in quickly, and therefore we can reduce the risk of infection of other people.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, described the current monkeypox outbreak as 'an unusual situation', because the virus is being transmitted within communities outside of Central and West Africa.

Sir Peter told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday: 'It's transmitted by close person-to-person contact and, in the past, we have not seen it being very infectious.

'What's unusual about what we're seeing now is that we're seeing transmission occurring in the community in Europe and now in other countries, so it's an unusual situation where we seem to have had the virus introduced but now have ongoing transmission within certain communities.'

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related

He added: 'It would appear that there is some element of sexual transmission perhaps with just the very close contact between people and the skin lesions, because a large proportion of the current cases are being detected in gay and bisexual men.

'So it's very important that we get the message across that if people have unusual skin lesions that they do seek attention quickly so that we can control this.

'The important thing is that we interrupt transmission and this doesn't become established in the human population in Europe.'

Monkeypox is a usually mild infection, with symptoms including fever, headaches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

In Britain, authorities are offering a smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed.

Spain is assessing different therapeutic options, such as antivirals and vaccines, but so far all cases have mild symptoms and therefore no specific ad hoc treatment has been necessary, Spanish Health minister Carolina Darias told reporters on Friday.

The Portuguese cases remain under clinical follow-up but none have been hospitalized as they are all stable, the health authority said.

Portugal has 14 confirmed cases and 20 suspected infections. And across the Atlantic, there are two confirmed cases in Canada, with 20 suspected cases.

There are also cases in Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Israel and Australia.

How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus spreading around the world

By Emily Craig, Health Reporter for MailOnline

Monkeypox is spreading globally for the first time, in an outbreak that has caught health officials off-guard.

Eleven countries including Australia have now detected the tropical virus, which is usually only spotted within Africa.

Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have both returned from Europe infected with the rare tropical disease.

The Victorian case is known to have been in the UK where there are currently 20 cases, which are all among men from the gay and bisexual community.

Germany and Belgium today became the latest nations to declare monkeypox cases, while and Australia announced patients had tested positive overnight.

A disproportionate number of cases are in gay and bisexual men, authorities have said. Health chiefs say the pattern of transmission is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said: 'It is important to be particularly vigilant if you returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas.

'You can imagine that some settings, such as sex on premises venues or other events and gatherings may lead to sort of what we've seen as super spreading events.

'It is important that people who have recently returned from Europe who attended such parties be particularly alert given the worldwide case reports today.'

Here is everything we know about the monkeypox outbreak so far:

How do you catch monkeypox?

Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually caught from infected animals in west and central Africa.

The tropical virus is thought to be spread by rodents, including rats, mice and even squirrels.

Humans can catch the illness  which comes from the same family as smallpox  if they're bitten by infected animals, or touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs.

Consuming contaminated wild game or bush meat can also spread the virus.

The orthopoxvirus can enter the body through broken skin  even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people.

However, health chiefs insist it is very rare.

Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs.

The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes.

In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex  even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now.

There are a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox, including the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January

How is it tested for?

It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox.

Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in a specialist lab.

The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts.

What are the symptoms?

It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms.

Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion  meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses.

But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet.

The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

How long is someone contagious?

An individual is contagious from the point their rash appears until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.

The scabs may also contain infectious virus material.

The infectious period is thought to last for three weeks but may vary between individuals.

What even is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered when an outbreak of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research in 1958.

The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the infection has been reported in a number of central and western African countries since then.

Only a handful of cases have been reported outside of Africa and they were confined to people with travel links to the continent.

The UK, US, Israel and Singapore are the only countries which had detected the virus before May 2022.

Is it related to chickenpox?

Despite causing a similar rash, chickenpox is not related to monkeypox.

The infection, which usually strikes children, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

For comparison, monkeypox  like smallpox  is an orthopoxvirus. Because of this link, smallpox vaccines also provide protection against monkeypox.

Are young people more vulnerable?

Britons aged under 50 may be more susceptible to monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.

This is because children in the UK were routinely offered the smallpox jab, which protects against monkeypox, until 1971.

The WHO also warns that the fatality rate has been higher among young children.

Does it spread as easily as Covid?

Leading experts insist we won't be seeing Covid-style levels of transmission in the monkeypox outbreak.

A World Health Organization report last year suggested the natural R rate of the virus  the number of people each patient would infect if they lived normally while sick  is two.

This is lower than the original Wuhan variant of Covid and about a third of the R rate of the Indian 'Delta' strain.

But the real rate is likely much lower because 'distinctive symptoms greatly aid in its early detection and containment,' the team said, meaning it's easy to spot cases and isolate them.

Covid is mainly spread through droplets an infected person releases whenever they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.

What other countries have spotted cases?

Twelve countries  including the US, Spain and Italy  have now detected cases of monkeypox.

Spain this morning reported 14 new confirmed cases, bringing the nation's total to 21.

And Belgium detected two cases, one in Antwerp and the other in Flemish Brabant.

Germany subsequently confirmed its first ever monkeypox case in a patient who had 'characteristic skin lesions'  a tell-tale sign of the illness.

France last night confirmed a 29-year-old man in Paris had contracted the virus. He had not recently travelled, suggesting the virus is spreading in the community.

Meanwhile, Australia last night confirmed two cases, including one man in his thirties who had travelled from Britain to Melbourne with symptoms earlier this week.

The Netherlands Portugal, Sweden and Canada have also detected cases.

How deadly is it?

Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment.

Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of people it infects.

However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100  similar to when Covid first hit.

The UK cases all had the West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain.

It is thought that cases in Portugal and Spain also have the milder version, though tests are underway.

Is there a vaccine for it?

The smallpox vaccine, called Imvanex in the UK and Jynneos in the US, can protect against monkeypox because the viruses causing the illnesses are related.

Data shows it prevents around 85 per cent of cases, and has been used 'off-label' in the UK since 2018.

The jab, thought to cost 20 per dose, contains a modified vaccinia virus, which is similar to both smallpox and monkeypox, but does not cause disease in people.

Because of its similarity to the pox viruses, antibodies produced against this virus offer cross protection.

Are there any drugs?

There are also a handful of antivirals and therapies for smallpox that appear to work on monkeypox.

This includes the drug tecovirimat, which was approved for monkeypox in the EU in January.

Tecovirimat prevents the virus from leaving an infected cell, hindering the spread of the virus within the body.

An injectable antiviral used to treat AIDS called cidofovir can be used to manage the infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also works by stopping the growth of the virus.

What is the situation with the UK outbreak?

Twenty cases were confirmed in the UK between May 6 and 20.

No details about the eleven confirmed on May 20 have been released yet.

But six of the previous nine confirmed cases were in men who have sex with men  which officials say is 'highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks'.

How worrying is it?

UK health chiefs say the risk of a major outbreak is low.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Anyone worried that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to make contact with clinics ahead of their visit.

Health chiefs say their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.
Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.

New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.
New Delhi, May 21 : It is time to launch "Clean Air For All" movement a participative mission, said Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Saturday.

The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.

Yadav was inaugurating the sensitisation-cum-review workshop - National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and XV-FC Million Plus Cities Challenge Fund (XV-FC MPCCF) of southern region comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav appreciated Tamil Nadu mentioning that Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, the 3 million plus cities' air quality is within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. He also lauded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the initiative of e-commute programme, under which all the officials of the board commute to office every Wednesday through non-fossil fuel-driven vehicles.

"India's step to BS-VI standard and the adoption of its norms for fuel and vehicles is a landmark policy decision towards combating air pollution," Yadav said.

"Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the air quality data from 2014-2018. The list is a heterogeneous mix of cities of all sizes and types; and in southern India, we have 13 such cities from Andhra Pradesh and 4 each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, he added.

He also reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure clean air to all by improving the air quality in about 100 cities through holistic approach. He also appealed to the young population to become active agents in the mission to improve air quality by adopting sustainable lifestyles, and appropriate behaviours and attitudes.
New Delhi, May 21 : It is time to launch "Clean Air For All" movement a participative mission, said Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Saturday.

The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.

Yadav was inaugurating the sensitisation-cum-review workshop - National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and XV-FC Million Plus Cities Challenge Fund (XV-FC MPCCF) of southern region comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav appreciated Tamil Nadu mentioning that Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, the 3 million plus cities' air quality is within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. He also lauded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the initiative of e-commute programme, under which all the officials of the board commute to office every Wednesday through non-fossil fuel-driven vehicles.

"India's step to BS-VI standard and the adoption of its norms for fuel and vehicles is a landmark policy decision towards combating air pollution," Yadav said.

"Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the air quality data from 2014-2018. The list is a heterogeneous mix of cities of all sizes and types; and in southern India, we have 13 such cities from Andhra Pradesh and 4 each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, he added.

He also reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure clean air to all by improving the air quality in about 100 cities through holistic approach. He also appealed to the young population to become active agents in the mission to improve air quality by adopting sustainable lifestyles, and appropriate behaviours and attitudes.

New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com

New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.
OAKBROOK, Ill., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies, has identified the top 5 cities Californians are moving to after the state's recent population decline. Every year, Allied Van Lines produces a Migration Map report based on their data to show relocation rates across the United States. Recent reports have shown that for the last two years, California has been identified as a state with one of the highest outbound rates, meaning more people are moving out of the state compared to the numbers moving in. In the past year, evidence has shown that around 175,000 people have relocated away from California. As an expert in relocation, Allied Van Lines has used their data and research to compile a list of the top 5 cities that Californians are relocating to.

The top five relocation cities for Californians that were named by Allied Van Lines are as follows:

Dallas, Texas Austin, Texas Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Houston, Texas

In addition to naming the top 5 cities that Californians are moving to, the article released by Allied Van Lines explores the reasons behind why California residents are departing in such high numbers. The article also explores what each destination city has to offer, along with reasons that Californians may be choosing these cities as a new place to call home.

"Some of the reasons discussed in our recent article include quality of life changes, income taxes, and affordable housing. Our data has shown that Texas is a highly sought-after location for Californians, likely due to the low tax rates and surplus of affordable housing. The cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than what California residents experience," stated Steve McKenna, Vice President and General Manager, Allied Van Lines. "Regardless of the reasons, our data has shown that the five cities in our article are the top 5 destinations for California residents moving to a new state."

Allied Van Lines has been named a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations worldwide, with over 400 agent locations in North America. The moving company has been voted as America's Most Recommended Moving Company by Women's Choice Awards for five consecutive years and is an established global brand of SIRVA, Inc. As one of the leaders in the moving van industry, Allied Van Lines has the data and research tools required to analyze relocation patterns in the United States. The company's recently released article, titled "Where are Californians Moving To?" can be viewed by visiting https://www.allied.com/migration-map/2021/california .

For more information about Allied Van Lines, go to www.allied.com .

Contact: Ricardo Ramos [email protected]

Allied Van Lines

SOURCE Allied Van Lines

President Biden on Saturday signed legislation to support Ukraine with an additional USD 40 billion in US assistance as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

The legislation, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, deepens the US commitment to Ukraine at a time of uncertainty about the war's future.

Ukraine has successfully defended Kyiv, and Russia has refocused its offensive on the country's east, but American officials warn of the potential for a prolonged conflict.

The funding is intended to support Ukraine through September, and it dwarfs an earlier emergency measure that provided USD 13.6 billion.

The new legislation will provide USD 20 billion in military assistance, ensuring a steady stream of advanced weapons that have been used to blunt Russia's advances. There's also USD 8 billion in general economic support, USD 5 billion to address global food shortages that could result from the collapse of Ukrainian agriculture and more than USD 1 billion to help refugees.

Biden signed the measure under unusual circumstances. Because he's in the middle of a trip to Asia, a US official brought the bill on a commercial flight to Seoul for the president to sign, according to a White House official.

The logistics reflect a sense of urgency around continuing US support for Ukraine, but also the overlapping challenges facing Biden.

Even as he tries to reorient American foreign policy to confront China, he's continuing to direct resources to the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Biden also signed an unrelated measure, one intended to increase access to baby formula at a time when supplies remain scarce in the United States.

The legislation will allow government benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children better known as WIC to be used to buy more types of infant formula.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.
Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.
New Delhi, May 21 : It is time to launch "Clean Air For All" movement a participative mission, said Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Saturday.

The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.

Yadav was inaugurating the sensitisation-cum-review workshop - National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and XV-FC Million Plus Cities Challenge Fund (XV-FC MPCCF) of southern region comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav appreciated Tamil Nadu mentioning that Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, the 3 million plus cities' air quality is within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. He also lauded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the initiative of e-commute programme, under which all the officials of the board commute to office every Wednesday through non-fossil fuel-driven vehicles.

"India's step to BS-VI standard and the adoption of its norms for fuel and vehicles is a landmark policy decision towards combating air pollution," Yadav said.

"Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the air quality data from 2014-2018. The list is a heterogeneous mix of cities of all sizes and types; and in southern India, we have 13 such cities from Andhra Pradesh and 4 each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, he added.

He also reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure clean air to all by improving the air quality in about 100 cities through holistic approach. He also appealed to the young population to become active agents in the mission to improve air quality by adopting sustainable lifestyles, and appropriate behaviours and attitudes.
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): India registered 2,323 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total active caseload to 14,996 stated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

The daily positivity rate of the country is 0.47 per cent while the weekly positivity rate stands at 0.51 per cent.

Also Read | Pune: Dancer Vaishnavi Patil Among Four Booked for Shooting Lavani Video at Place Associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

A total of 2,346 patients recovered in the last 24 hours. With this, the total number of people who have recovered stands at 4,25,94,801. India's recovery rate is now at 98.75 per cent.

The country also reported 25 COVID-related fatalities, increasing the total reported death count to 5,24,348.

Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: 24-Year-Old Man Stabbed Multiple Times Over Inter-Caste Marriage, Dies.

India conducted 4,99,382 COVID tests in the last 24 hours. A total of 84.63 crores of COVID tests have been conducted so far.

Meanwhile, India administered a total of 15,32,383 doses in the last 24 hours, which brings the total tally of doses administered to 1,92,12,96,720.

India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 191.96 crore.

According to the data given by Union Health Ministry, more than 193.53 crore vaccine doses have been provided to States and UTs and over 16.72 crore unutilized vaccine doses are still available with them. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australias center-left opposition party toppled the conservative government after almost a decade in power, and Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese in his Saturday election victory speech promised sharper reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while he faces an early foreign policy test.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he quickly conceded defeat despite millions of votes yet to be counted because an Australian leader must attend a Tokyo summit on Tuesday with U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Albanese, who has described himself as the only candidate with a non-Anglo Celtic name to run for prime minister in the 121 years that the office has existed, referred to his own humble upbringing in the Sydney suburb of Camperdown.

It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australias prime minister, Albanese said.

Every parent wants more for the next generation than they had. My mother dreamt of a better life for me. And I hope that my journey in life inspires Australians to reach for the stars, he added.

Albanese will be sworn in as prime minister after his Labor party clinched its first electoral win since 2007.

Labor has promised more financial assistance and a robust social safety net as Australia grapples with the highest inflation since 2001 and soaring housing prices.

The party also plans to increase minimum wages, and on the foreign policy front, it proposed to establish a Pacific defense school to train neighboring armies in response to Chinas potential military presence on the Solomon Islands on Australias doorstep.

It also wants to tackle climate change with a more ambitious 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Morrison's Liberal party-led coalition was seeking a fourth three-year term. It held the narrowest of majorities  76 seats in the 151-member House of Representatives, where parties need a majority to form a government. In early counting on Saturday, the coalition was on track to win 51 seats, Labor 72, 10 were unaligned lawmakers and 18 were too close to call.

The major parties bled votes to fringe parties and independents, which increases the likelihood of a hung parliament and a minority government.

Australia most recent hung parliaments were from 2010-13, and during World War II.

The minor Australian Greens party appeared to have increased its representation from a single seat to three.

The Greens supported a Labor minority government in 2010, and will likely support a Labor administration again if the party falls short of a 76-seat majority.

As well as campaigning against Labor, Morrisons conservative Liberals fought off a new challenge from so-called teal independent candidates to key government lawmakers reelection in party strongholds.

At least four Liberal lawmakers appeared to have lost their seats to teal independents including Liberal Party deputy leader Josh Frydenberg, who had been considered Morrisons most likely successor.

What we have achieved here is extraordinary, teal candidate and former foreign correspondent Zoe Daniels said in her victory speech. Safe Liberal seat. Two-term incumbent. Independent, she added.

The teal independents are marketed as a greener shade than the Liberal Partys traditional blue color and want stronger government action on reducing Australias greenhouse gas emissions than either the government or Labor are proposing.

The governments Senate leader Simon Birmingham was concerned by big swings toward several teal candidates.

It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, Birmingham said.

If we lose those seats  it is not certain that we will  but there is clearly a big movement against us and there is clearly a big message in it, Birmingham added.

Due to the pandemic, around half of Australias 17 million electors have voted early or applied for postal votes, which will likely slow the count.

Early polling for reasons of travel or work began two weeks ago and the Australian Electoral Commission will continue collecting postal votes for another two weeks.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.

New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.
New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.
China added some downward pressure to oil prices this week when it clearly signaled its intent to buy more discounted Russian oil. Between China and India, Russia is racing to pivot towards Asia as the EU attempts to ditch its oil.

Oilprice Alert: This week's Global Energy Alert highlights two ways to play a turbulent stock market, securing high yields in uncertain times. Also, if you join Global Energy Alert today you will receive our 20-page research report ''5 Ways To Play The 2022 Oil Boom

Friday, May 20th, 2022

Up until now, it has been India whose purchases of heavily discounted Russian crude kept the markets guessing whether Moscow could pull off a comprehensive pivot to Asia. Yet this week, it was China making headlines, with Beijing launching direct government-to-government talks on buying discounted crude to replenish strategic stocks. This, despite the prospect of an impending Chinese reopening, added some downward pressure to oil prices as ICE Brent trended around $112 per barrel by Friday.

EU Launches $220 Billion Drive to Ditch Russian Fossil Fuels. The European Commission unveiled its 220 billion plan to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027, consisting of $120 billion for new renewable projects, $30 billion for power grids, and $59 billion for energy savings and heat pumps.

US to Ease Sanctions on Venezuela. The Biden Administration plans to allowEuropean companies still operating in Venezuela to divert more oil to the continent, while US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) will be allowed to negotiate a resumption of activities in the Latin American country.

Moscow Says Tariffs to Trigger Higher Prices. Russias top authorities claimed that the US proposal to slap tariffs on Russian oil will result in buyers having to pay more as the cost of the tariff would be priced into the final price.

UN Calls for Global End to Fuel Subsidies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies, which have climbed to $500 billion globally, seeking to ramp up pressure on polluters ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Egypt in November.

Story continues

ADNOC Announces Largest Discoveries of the Year. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced three oil discoveries totaling 650 million barrels, with the largest expanding the reserve tally of the onshore Bu Hasa field by 500 million barrels, meaning there might be even more Murban exports in the years to come.

China Plans to Mop Up Russian Crude for Strategic Stocks. According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government is in direct talks with Russian authorities to start buying additional supplies of crude that would be used to replenish Chinas strategic inventories.

Occidental Moves into Offshore Colombia Blocks. Colombias state-controlled oil firm Ecopetrol (NYSE:ECO) announced it is teaming up with US oil major Occidental (NYSE:OXY) to develop four deepwater blocks in offshore Colombia, with the latter serving as the blocks operator.

Shells Offshore Brazil Wildcats Fails to Impress. Three exploration wells drilled by UK oil major Shell (LON:SHEL) in three offshore blocks in Brazil, costing it more than $1 billion, all turned out to be dry, another setback for the country after Exxons failed $1.6 billion drilling drive.

ADNOC to Build New Giant LNG Facility. The UAE national oil company ADNOC announced it would build a new LNG facility at Fujairah with a capacity of 9.6 million tons per year, more than doubling the countrys current 5.8 mtpa capacity once the planned liquefaction plant comes onstream in 2027.

Iron Ore Soars on China Mortgage Rate Cut. With China unexpectedly lowering the 5-year loan prime rate by 15 basis points to 4.45%, iron ore futures in China rosemarkedly amidst hopes for a quicker-than-expected revival in construction activity, with the June contract rising by 6% today to $127/mt.

ExxonMobil Sells Barnett Shale Assets for $750 Million. In a widely anticipated move, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) sold its Barnett shale gas assets to Thai-owned producer BKV Corp for $750 million, well above last years assessment of $500 million thanks to a higher natural gas price environment.

Iraq Seeks Legal Move to Bring Kurdistan Under Control. The Iraqi oil ministry has reportedly appointed law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton to approach oil and gas firms active in Iraqi Kurdistan to renegotiate their contracts and bring them in line with applicable Iraqi law, bypassing the KRG.

Half of Russias Gas Buyers Open New Bank Accounts. Russias deputy prime minister stated that half of Gazproms (MCX:GAZP) European gas buyers have opened accounts at Gazprombank in foreign currency and in roubles, potentially hinting at a new modus operandi in the EU-Russia standoff.

Vitol Can Stay in Mexico After Naming Bribe-Takers. Global trading house Vitol can continue operating in Mexico, according to the countrys president AMLO, having named officials that allegedly received bribes over the 2015-2020 period and probably also paying the $30 million in damages.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
Despite the best efforts of strategists, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party the BJP don't seem to have captured the imagination of voters in most parts of southern India, according to an IANS-CVoter survey. This is in sharp contrast to west, east, central and north India where Narendra Modi towers over other rivals like a colossus. This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021. A series of questions covering a wide range of issues were asked during the survey to gauge the current mood of the voters in these four states and one UT. In West Bengal, where the BJP lost the Assembly elections badly against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Bannerjee, more than 33 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while another 32 per cent said they were "satisfied to some extent". About 34 per cent said they were not at all satisfied with PM Modi. In BJP-ruled Assam, about 43 per cent of the respondents said they were very satisfied with his performance while 21 per cent said they were not satisfied at all. In the same survey, close to 18 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister. But the story is different down south. In Kerala, while 34 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modis' performance, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were not satisfied at all. It was even worse in Tamil Nadu where just 17 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while more than 40 per cent were not satisfied at all. Clearly, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, both Modi and the BJP need to figure out how to woo voters in the south. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan were rated as the most popular CMs, closely followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. During the survey, the respondents were asked to rate the performance of the Chief Ministers of their respective states. In the case of Assam, more than 43 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma, while in case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, more than 41 per cent expressed the same sentiment. The high rating of Himanta Biswa Sarma stands out as he is the Chief Minister of a deeply polarised state where Muslims, who constitute more than one-third of the electorate, are not favourably disposed towards the BJP. In contrast, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee scored 39 per cent in the "very much satisfied" category when almost similar number of minorities stand rock solid behind her party. --IANS san/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-05-20-21:42:02 (IANS)
Despite the best efforts of strategists, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party the BJP don't seem to have captured the imagination of voters in most parts of southern India, according to an IANS-CVoter survey. This is in sharp contrast to west, east, central and north India where Narendra Modi towers over other rivals like a colossus. This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021. A series of questions covering a wide range of issues were asked during the survey to gauge the current mood of the voters in these four states and one UT. In West Bengal, where the BJP lost the Assembly elections badly against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Bannerjee, more than 33 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while another 32 per cent said they were "satisfied to some extent". About 34 per cent said they were not at all satisfied with PM Modi. In BJP-ruled Assam, about 43 per cent of the respondents said they were very satisfied with his performance while 21 per cent said they were not satisfied at all. In the same survey, close to 18 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister. But the story is different down south. In Kerala, while 34 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modis' performance, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were not satisfied at all. It was even worse in Tamil Nadu where just 17 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while more than 40 per cent were not satisfied at all. Clearly, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, both Modi and the BJP need to figure out how to woo voters in the south. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan were rated as the most popular CMs, closely followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. During the survey, the respondents were asked to rate the performance of the Chief Ministers of their respective states. In the case of Assam, more than 43 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma, while in case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, more than 41 per cent expressed the same sentiment. The high rating of Himanta Biswa Sarma stands out as he is the Chief Minister of a deeply polarised state where Muslims, who constitute more than one-third of the electorate, are not favourably disposed towards the BJP. In contrast, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee scored 39 per cent in the "very much satisfied" category when almost similar number of minorities stand rock solid behind her party. --IANS san/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-05-20-21:42:02 (IANS)
Despite the best efforts of strategists, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party the BJP don't seem to have captured the imagination of voters in most parts of southern India, according to an IANS-CVoter survey. This is in sharp contrast to west, east, central and north India where Narendra Modi towers over other rivals like a colossus. This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021. A series of questions covering a wide range of issues were asked during the survey to gauge the current mood of the voters in these four states and one UT. In West Bengal, where the BJP lost the Assembly elections badly against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Bannerjee, more than 33 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while another 32 per cent said they were "satisfied to some extent". About 34 per cent said they were not at all satisfied with PM Modi. In BJP-ruled Assam, about 43 per cent of the respondents said they were very satisfied with his performance while 21 per cent said they were not satisfied at all. In the same survey, close to 18 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister. But the story is different down south. In Kerala, while 34 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modis' performance, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were not satisfied at all. It was even worse in Tamil Nadu where just 17 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while more than 40 per cent were not satisfied at all. Clearly, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, both Modi and the BJP need to figure out how to woo voters in the south. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan were rated as the most popular CMs, closely followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. During the survey, the respondents were asked to rate the performance of the Chief Ministers of their respective states. In the case of Assam, more than 43 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma, while in case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, more than 41 per cent expressed the same sentiment. The high rating of Himanta Biswa Sarma stands out as he is the Chief Minister of a deeply polarised state where Muslims, who constitute more than one-third of the electorate, are not favourably disposed towards the BJP. In contrast, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee scored 39 per cent in the "very much satisfied" category when almost similar number of minorities stand rock solid behind her party. --IANS san/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-05-20-21:42:02 (IANS)
Despite the best efforts of strategists, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party the BJP don't seem to have captured the imagination of voters in most parts of southern India, according to an IANS-CVoter survey. This is in sharp contrast to west, east, central and north India where Narendra Modi towers over other rivals like a colossus. This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021. A series of questions covering a wide range of issues were asked during the survey to gauge the current mood of the voters in these four states and one UT. In West Bengal, where the BJP lost the Assembly elections badly against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Bannerjee, more than 33 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while another 32 per cent said they were "satisfied to some extent". About 34 per cent said they were not at all satisfied with PM Modi. In BJP-ruled Assam, about 43 per cent of the respondents said they were very satisfied with his performance while 21 per cent said they were not satisfied at all. In the same survey, close to 18 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister. But the story is different down south. In Kerala, while 34 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modis' performance, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were not satisfied at all. It was even worse in Tamil Nadu where just 17 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while more than 40 per cent were not satisfied at all. Clearly, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, both Modi and the BJP need to figure out how to woo voters in the south. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan were rated as the most popular CMs, closely followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. During the survey, the respondents were asked to rate the performance of the Chief Ministers of their respective states. In the case of Assam, more than 43 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma, while in case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, more than 41 per cent expressed the same sentiment. The high rating of Himanta Biswa Sarma stands out as he is the Chief Minister of a deeply polarised state where Muslims, who constitute more than one-third of the electorate, are not favourably disposed towards the BJP. In contrast, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee scored 39 per cent in the "very much satisfied" category when almost similar number of minorities stand rock solid behind her party. --IANS san/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-05-20-21:42:02 (IANS)
New Delhi, May 21 : It is time to launch "Clean Air For All" movement a participative mission, said Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Saturday.

The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.

Yadav was inaugurating the sensitisation-cum-review workshop - National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and XV-FC Million Plus Cities Challenge Fund (XV-FC MPCCF) of southern region comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav appreciated Tamil Nadu mentioning that Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, the 3 million plus cities' air quality is within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. He also lauded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the initiative of e-commute programme, under which all the officials of the board commute to office every Wednesday through non-fossil fuel-driven vehicles.

"India's step to BS-VI standard and the adoption of its norms for fuel and vehicles is a landmark policy decision towards combating air pollution," Yadav said.

"Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the air quality data from 2014-2018. The list is a heterogeneous mix of cities of all sizes and types; and in southern India, we have 13 such cities from Andhra Pradesh and 4 each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, he added.

He also reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure clean air to all by improving the air quality in about 100 cities through holistic approach. He also appealed to the young population to become active agents in the mission to improve air quality by adopting sustainable lifestyles, and appropriate behaviours and attitudes.
Despite the best efforts of strategists, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party the BJP don't seem to have captured the imagination of voters in most parts of southern India, according to an IANS-CVoter survey. This is in sharp contrast to west, east, central and north India where Narendra Modi towers over other rivals like a colossus. This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021. A series of questions covering a wide range of issues were asked during the survey to gauge the current mood of the voters in these four states and one UT. In West Bengal, where the BJP lost the Assembly elections badly against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Bannerjee, more than 33 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while another 32 per cent said they were "satisfied to some extent". About 34 per cent said they were not at all satisfied with PM Modi. In BJP-ruled Assam, about 43 per cent of the respondents said they were very satisfied with his performance while 21 per cent said they were not satisfied at all. In the same survey, close to 18 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister. But the story is different down south. In Kerala, while 34 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modis' performance, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were not satisfied at all. It was even worse in Tamil Nadu where just 17 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while more than 40 per cent were not satisfied at all. Clearly, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, both Modi and the BJP need to figure out how to woo voters in the south. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan were rated as the most popular CMs, closely followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. During the survey, the respondents were asked to rate the performance of the Chief Ministers of their respective states. In the case of Assam, more than 43 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma, while in case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, more than 41 per cent expressed the same sentiment. The high rating of Himanta Biswa Sarma stands out as he is the Chief Minister of a deeply polarised state where Muslims, who constitute more than one-third of the electorate, are not favourably disposed towards the BJP. In contrast, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee scored 39 per cent in the "very much satisfied" category when almost similar number of minorities stand rock solid behind her party. --IANS san/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-05-20-21:42:02 (IANS)
Despite the best efforts of strategists, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party the BJP don't seem to have captured the imagination of voters in most parts of southern India, according to an IANS-CVoter survey. This is in sharp contrast to west, east, central and north India where Narendra Modi towers over other rivals like a colossus. This was revealed during an exclusive survey conducted by CVoter on behalf of IANS in the four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held in 2021. A series of questions covering a wide range of issues were asked during the survey to gauge the current mood of the voters in these four states and one UT. In West Bengal, where the BJP lost the Assembly elections badly against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Bannerjee, more than 33 per cent of the respondents said they were very much satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while another 32 per cent said they were "satisfied to some extent". About 34 per cent said they were not at all satisfied with PM Modi. In BJP-ruled Assam, about 43 per cent of the respondents said they were very satisfied with his performance while 21 per cent said they were not satisfied at all. In the same survey, close to 18 per cent of the respondents said they were not satisfied at all with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister. But the story is different down south. In Kerala, while 34 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modis' performance, more than 30 per cent of the respondents were not satisfied at all. It was even worse in Tamil Nadu where just 17 per cent of the respondents were very satisfied with Modi's performance as the Prime Minister, while more than 40 per cent were not satisfied at all. Clearly, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near, both Modi and the BJP need to figure out how to woo voters in the south. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan were rated as the most popular CMs, closely followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. During the survey, the respondents were asked to rate the performance of the Chief Ministers of their respective states. In the case of Assam, more than 43 per cent of the respondents said that they were very much satisfied with the performance of Himanta Biswa Sarma, while in case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, more than 41 per cent expressed the same sentiment. The high rating of Himanta Biswa Sarma stands out as he is the Chief Minister of a deeply polarised state where Muslims, who constitute more than one-third of the electorate, are not favourably disposed towards the BJP. In contrast, West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee scored 39 per cent in the "very much satisfied" category when almost similar number of minorities stand rock solid behind her party. --IANS san/arm ( 517 Words) 2022-05-20-21:42:02 (IANS)

Mumbai, May 21 : Bollywood actor Siddhant Chaturvedi, who rose to fame by playing MC Sher in the film 'Gully Boy', made a surprise appearance at rapper Divine's concert.

The actor came in raging with fans, dancing and singing his heart out to the number: 'Sher Aaya Sher'.

Dressed in smart casuals, the actor was seen raving with his fans on the song and crooned to the number with Divine.

Siddhant was recently seen in 'Gehraiyaan' opposite Deepika Padukone and Ananya Panday.

He will also be seen in 'Phone Booth' opposite Katrina Kaif and 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' opposite Ananya.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.
New Delhi, May 21 : It is time to launch "Clean Air For All" movement a participative mission, said Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Saturday.

The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.

Yadav was inaugurating the sensitisation-cum-review workshop - National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and XV-FC Million Plus Cities Challenge Fund (XV-FC MPCCF) of southern region comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, and Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli in Chennai on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav appreciated Tamil Nadu mentioning that Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, the 3 million plus cities' air quality is within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. He also lauded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for the initiative of e-commute programme, under which all the officials of the board commute to office every Wednesday through non-fossil fuel-driven vehicles.

"India's step to BS-VI standard and the adoption of its norms for fuel and vehicles is a landmark policy decision towards combating air pollution," Yadav said.

"Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the air quality data from 2014-2018. The list is a heterogeneous mix of cities of all sizes and types; and in southern India, we have 13 such cities from Andhra Pradesh and 4 each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, he added.

He also reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure clean air to all by improving the air quality in about 100 cities through holistic approach. He also appealed to the young population to become active agents in the mission to improve air quality by adopting sustainable lifestyles, and appropriate behaviours and attitudes.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday termed the BJP's move to organise its national office-bearers meet in Jaipur soon after the conclusion of his Congress' Chintan Shivir' in the state's Udaipur as a "sign of nervousness". "As soon as there was a Chintan Shivir in Udaipur, they made an announcement of national office-bearers meet here. Surprisingly, the Prime Minister is also doing video conferencing... all this is a sign of nervousness," he said. As PM Modi said that the BJP needs to set a goal of 25 years, Gehlot said: "I believe that he is talking with ego and pride for chalking out goals for the next 25 years. Earlier they were talking of the next 50 years and now have come to 25 years." "In the next few days, they shall come to 5 years," he added. --IANS arc/vd ( 153 Words) 2022-05-20-22:20:03 (IANS)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday termed the BJP's move to organise its national office-bearers meet in Jaipur soon after the conclusion of his Congress' Chintan Shivir' in the state's Udaipur as a "sign of nervousness". "As soon as there was a Chintan Shivir in Udaipur, they made an announcement of national office-bearers meet here. Surprisingly, the Prime Minister is also doing video conferencing... all this is a sign of nervousness," he said. As PM Modi said that the BJP needs to set a goal of 25 years, Gehlot said: "I believe that he is talking with ego and pride for chalking out goals for the next 25 years. Earlier they were talking of the next 50 years and now have come to 25 years." "In the next few days, they shall come to 5 years," he added. --IANS arc/vd ( 153 Words) 2022-05-20-22:20:03 (IANS)
As many as 33 people in the 16 districts of Bihar died on Friday due to the storm and lightning. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a financial aid of Rs 4 lakh to kin of people who lost their lives in the incidents. The chief minister's office said that after assessing the crop and house damage, instructions will be given to provide assistance to the affected families. The storm that occurred in the city on Thursday evening, has destroyed several houses and caused immense damage to the state. The locals in Katihar were affected by the destruction due to the natural calamity. for the first time. The intensity of the storm was such that even the roofs of several houses were blown away, while some electric poles fell off and trees were uprooted. Expressing grief over the loss of lives due to storms, Kumar said"the government will grant ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of those who died due to the storm and lightning." (He tweeted in Hindi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in Hindi, "Deeply saddened to know about the number of deaths due to thunderstorm and lightning in several districts of Bihar. May God give strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense loss. The local administration under the supervision of the state government is actively engaged in the relief and rescue work of the victims." (ANI)
Patna (Bihar) [India], May 21: As many as 33 people in the 16 districts of Bihar died on Friday due to the storm and lightning.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a financial aid of Rs 4 lakh to kin of people who lost their lives in the incidents. The chief minister's office said that after assessing the crop and house damage, instructions will be given to provide assistance to the affected families.

Also Read | Online Fraud in Mumbai: 52-Year-Old Civil Engineer Duped of Rs 9 Lakh With Lure of Job Offer in UK.

The storm that occurred in the city on Thursday evening, has destroyed several houses and caused immense damage to the state.

The locals in Katihar were affected by the destruction due to the natural calamity. for the first time. The intensity of the storm was such that even the roofs of several houses were blown away, while some electric poles fell off and trees were uprooted.

Also Read | Noida: 4-Month Old Female Foetus Found in Hotel Town Oyo's Dustbin in Sector 71, Probe Underway.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives due to storms, Kumar said"the government will grant ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of those who died due to the storm and lightning." (He tweeted in Hindi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in Hindi, "Deeply saddened to know about the number of deaths due to thunderstorm and lightning in several districts of Bihar. May God give strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense loss. The local administration under the supervision of the state government is actively engaged in the relief and rescue work of the victims." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bhopal, May 21 : A 65-year-old differently-abled man was beaten to death on alleged suspicion of belonging to another community in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

A video of the incident doing rounds on the social media shows a young man mercilessly thrashing an old man.

He was assaulted brutally for not showing his Aadhaar card. The deceased, who was identified as Bhanwarlal Jain of Sarsi village of Ratlam, was found dead in Manasa on Thursday, police said.

Police said Bhanwarlal Jain had gone to Chittorgarh on May 18 with his family. He later went missing. On Friday, he was found dead in Manasa of Neemuch district. Later, the video went viral on social media.

"We found the body of the victim on Thursday. After his pictures were released on social media, his family members from Ratlam identified him as Bhanwarlal Jain," said Mansa Police Station House Officer K.L. Dangi.

In the video, Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of Manasa's BJP corporator is allegedly seen beating Jain demanding his Aadhar card and asking whether he is a Muslim.

An FIR was lodged on Saturday under sections 304 (causing death by negligence) and 302 (murder) of IPC. "Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, an FIR has been registered against the accused Dinesh Kushwaha under Section 302 of IPC, Neemuch SP Suraj Verma said.

Notably, a communal violence had erupted in Neemuch after a group of Hindu activists attempted to install an idol of Lord Hanuman near a Muslim shrine in Purani Kacheri area on last Sunday. The district administration had seized the idol on Tuesday.

Reacting on one after another incidents in the district, former chief minister and the state Congress president Kamal Nath accused the BJP led state government of failure to maintain law and order situation in the state.

"What is happening in Madhya Pradesh after all? Tribals were lynched in Seoni, incidents of Guna, Mhow, Mandla and now an elderly person whose name is being told as Bhanwarlal Jain in Manasa of Neemuch district of the state," Nath tweeted.
Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.

Kolkata, May 21 : Amid the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam imbroglio, state Education Minister Bratya Basu and education secretary Manish Jain have cancelled their official tours to London.

State education department sources said that Basu and Jain were supposed to leave for London on Saturday to attend a two-day education seminar from May 23, organised by the UK government.

"Some MoUs pertaining to faculty exchange were also supposed to be signed during London visit. However, because of the evolving situation, the education minister felt it necessary to be in the state and hence has cancelled his visit," confirmed a bureaucrat associated with the state education department who did not wish to be named.

Already, the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and the current minister of state for education Paresh Chandra Adhikari are under the scanner of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the scam. The state government initiative of fresh teachers' recruitment is also under the scanner of Calcutta High Court.

"In such a situation, the current state education minister did not think it wise to leave the country and felt that his presence in the state was necessary. So, he cancelled his London trip," the state education department official said.

Meanwhile, there had been some changes in the ranks of the state education department. Following the resignation of the erstwhile WBSSC chairman Siddhartha Majumdar in the midst of this controversy, the state government appointed the state education commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subho Chakraborty as the new WBSSC chairman.

Another IAS officer Arup Sengupta has been appointed as the new education commissioner.





Palmdale, CA (93550)

Today

Windy with a few clouds from time to time. High 81F. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Liberal's next generation of leaders including Josh Frydenberg, Dave Sharma and Michael Sukkar in danger of being ousted from parliament - and Peter Dutton looking likely to have barely escaped unscathed.

With Scott Morrison almost certain to quit politics if he loses the election, they were expected to lead the Coalition into the future.

However, all three are in serious trouble against Labor and independent challengers and are likely to be out of parliament as early as tonight.

Mr Frydenberg, the treasurer, is in serious trouble in the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east, with election guru Anthony Green saying he is likely to lose

With about 30 per cent of the votes counted, Treasurer Frydenberg, 50, was trailing independent candidate Monique Ryan just after 8.30pm.

Mr Frydenberg had 42.5 per cent of the primary vote, just ahead of Ms Ryan on 40.8 per cent, suffering a 6.7 per cent swing against him.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg running with wife Amie in Canberra. The pair met at a Melbourne bar in 2008 and share two children

Labor's Peter Lynch has 6.7 per cent of the vote with Piers Mitchem of The Greens on 6.2 per cent - both of whom will heavily preference Ms Ryan.

Channel Nine political editor Chris Ullman said Mr Frydenberg was 'in a world of pain' and would be missed if he lost.

'Anyone who knows him knows he is one of the hardest working people in parliament,' he said on Nine's panel.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Mr Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor.

But just minutes after making the shock call that climate-conscious campaigner Ali France would claim the seat of Dickson, the projection changed.

Mr Dutton was on 45.3 per cent of the vote while Ms had 54.7 per cent with 13.3 per cent of the total ballots counted.

But later that all changed with the man who has held the seat since 2001 taking the lead with 51.8 per cent with 46 per cent tallied.

Labor and The Greens have more than Mr Dutton's primary vote, but strong showings by One Nation and United Australia will preference the Liberals.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Peter Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat.

Green lists Deakin as a likely ALP gain with Mr Sukkar falling behind with 30 per cent of the vote counted.

Mr Sukkar has 38.4 per cent of the vote to Labor challenger Matt Gregg's 34.7 per cent and The Greens with 15.9 per cent.

After projected preferences, Mr Gregg was ahead 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

Losing three of its brightest stars would throw the Liberal Party into chaos in the event it lost the election.

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat

Mr Morrison, like all defeated prime ministers, would be almost certain to quit politics, leaving a gaping hole needing to be filled.

Without senior lieutenants like Mr Dutton, Mr Frydenberg, and Mr Sukkar, there would be few seasoned leaders to step into the void.

Two other potential party leaders, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski, are in even more trouble and are all but certain to lose their seats.

Mr Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches.

Ms Scamps snared 53.9 per cent of the vote as of 9pm on Saturday, stunning rival Falinski, who has represented the seat since 2016.

Jason Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma (pictured), a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth

Ms Scamps has amassed strong community support in the lead up to the election by placing focus on climate change.

She has also pledged to address housing affordability and mental health services for young people.

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth, once held by another former PM Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader John Hewson.

The daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti is leading 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent, after preferences.

Her primary vote of 38.8 per cent is ahead of her Liberal opponent's 37 per cent.

Sharma won back Wentworth at the 2019 election after losing a 2018 by-election to another high-profile independent, former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps.

After losing some or all of those up-and-comping leader, such a damaged group would find it more difficult to compete with a Labor government in 2025 and to hold it to account.

Should Mr Dutton, the most likely of the three to hold on, prevail he would be the odds-on favourite to lead the party in the absence of Frydenberg.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Liberal's next generation of leaders including Josh Frydenberg, Dave Sharma and Michael Sukkar in danger of being ousted from parliament - and Peter Dutton looking likely to have barely escaped unscathed.

With Scott Morrison almost certain to quit politics if he loses the election, they were expected to lead the Coalition into the future.

However, all three are in serious trouble against Labor and independent challengers and are likely to be out of parliament as early as tonight.

Mr Frydenberg, the treasurer, is in serious trouble in the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east, with election guru Anthony Green saying he is likely to lose

With about 30 per cent of the votes counted, Treasurer Frydenberg, 50, was trailing independent candidate Monique Ryan just after 8.30pm.

Mr Frydenberg had 42.5 per cent of the primary vote, just ahead of Ms Ryan on 40.8 per cent, suffering a 6.7 per cent swing against him.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg running with wife Amie in Canberra. The pair met at a Melbourne bar in 2008 and share two children

Labor's Peter Lynch has 6.7 per cent of the vote with Piers Mitchem of The Greens on 6.2 per cent - both of whom will heavily preference Ms Ryan.

Channel Nine political editor Chris Ullman said Mr Frydenberg was 'in a world of pain' and would be missed if he lost.

'Anyone who knows him knows he is one of the hardest working people in parliament,' he said on Nine's panel.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Mr Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor.

But just minutes after making the shock call that climate-conscious campaigner Ali France would claim the seat of Dickson, the projection changed.

Mr Dutton was on 45.3 per cent of the vote while Ms had 54.7 per cent with 13.3 per cent of the total ballots counted.

But later that all changed with the man who has held the seat since 2001 taking the lead with 51.8 per cent with 46 per cent tallied.

Labor and The Greens have more than Mr Dutton's primary vote, but strong showings by One Nation and United Australia will preference the Liberals.

The ABC projected Defence Minister Peter Dutton would be booted out of parliament loosing his long-held Queensland seat to Labor

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat.

Green lists Deakin as a likely ALP gain with Mr Sukkar falling behind with 30 per cent of the vote counted.

Mr Sukkar has 38.4 per cent of the vote to Labor challenger Matt Gregg's 34.7 per cent and The Greens with 15.9 per cent.

After projected preferences, Mr Gregg was ahead 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

Losing three of its brightest stars would throw the Liberal Party into chaos in the event it lost the election.

Finally in the seat of Deakin in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar is also under threat

Mr Morrison, like all defeated prime ministers, would be almost certain to quit politics, leaving a gaping hole needing to be filled.

Without senior lieutenants like Mr Dutton, Mr Frydenberg, and Mr Sukkar, there would be few seasoned leaders to step into the void.

Two other potential party leaders, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski, are in even more trouble and are all but certain to lose their seats.

Mr Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches.

Ms Scamps snared 53.9 per cent of the vote as of 9pm on Saturday, stunning rival Falinski, who has represented the seat since 2016.

Jason Falinski has lost his seat, with teal independent Sophie Scamps the new member for Mackellar on Sydney's northern beaches

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma (pictured), a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth

Ms Scamps has amassed strong community support in the lead up to the election by placing focus on climate change.

She has also pledged to address housing affordability and mental health services for young people.

In Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Allegra Spender is set to knock off Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel, in Wentworth, once held by another former PM Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader John Hewson.

The daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti is leading 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent, after preferences.

Her primary vote of 38.8 per cent is ahead of her Liberal opponent's 37 per cent.

Sharma won back Wentworth at the 2019 election after losing a 2018 by-election to another high-profile independent, former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps.

After losing some or all of those up-and-comping leader, such a damaged group would find it more difficult to compete with a Labor government in 2025 and to hold it to account.

Should Mr Dutton, the most likely of the three to hold on, prevail he would be the odds-on favourite to lead the party in the absence of Frydenberg.
Bhopal, May 21 : A 65-year-old differently-abled man was beaten to death on alleged suspicion of belonging to another community in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

A video of the incident doing rounds on the social media shows a young man mercilessly thrashing an old man.

He was assaulted brutally for not showing his Aadhaar card. The deceased, who was identified as Bhanwarlal Jain of Sarsi village of Ratlam, was found dead in Manasa on Thursday, police said.

Police said Bhanwarlal Jain had gone to Chittorgarh on May 18 with his family. He later went missing. On Friday, he was found dead in Manasa of Neemuch district. Later, the video went viral on social media.

"We found the body of the victim on Thursday. After his pictures were released on social media, his family members from Ratlam identified him as Bhanwarlal Jain," said Mansa Police Station House Officer K.L. Dangi.

In the video, Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of Manasa's BJP corporator is allegedly seen beating Jain demanding his Aadhar card and asking whether he is a Muslim.

An FIR was lodged on Saturday under sections 304 (causing death by negligence) and 302 (murder) of IPC. "Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, an FIR has been registered against the accused Dinesh Kushwaha under Section 302 of IPC, Neemuch SP Suraj Verma said.

Notably, a communal violence had erupted in Neemuch after a group of Hindu activists attempted to install an idol of Lord Hanuman near a Muslim shrine in Purani Kacheri area on last Sunday. The district administration had seized the idol on Tuesday.

Reacting on one after another incidents in the district, former chief minister and the state Congress president Kamal Nath accused the BJP led state government of failure to maintain law and order situation in the state.

"What is happening in Madhya Pradesh after all? Tribals were lynched in Seoni, incidents of Guna, Mhow, Mandla and now an elderly person whose name is being told as Bhanwarlal Jain in Manasa of Neemuch district of the state," Nath tweeted.
Bhopal, May 21 : A 65-year-old differently-abled man was beaten to death on alleged suspicion of belonging to another community in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

A video of the incident doing rounds on the social media shows a young man mercilessly thrashing an old man.

He was assaulted brutally for not showing his Aadhaar card. The deceased, who was identified as Bhanwarlal Jain of Sarsi village of Ratlam, was found dead in Manasa on Thursday, police said.

Police said Bhanwarlal Jain had gone to Chittorgarh on May 18 with his family. He later went missing. On Friday, he was found dead in Manasa of Neemuch district. Later, the video went viral on social media.

"We found the body of the victim on Thursday. After his pictures were released on social media, his family members from Ratlam identified him as Bhanwarlal Jain," said Mansa Police Station House Officer K.L. Dangi.

In the video, Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of Manasa's BJP corporator is allegedly seen beating Jain demanding his Aadhar card and asking whether he is a Muslim.

An FIR was lodged on Saturday under sections 304 (causing death by negligence) and 302 (murder) of IPC. "Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, an FIR has been registered against the accused Dinesh Kushwaha under Section 302 of IPC, Neemuch SP Suraj Verma said.

Notably, a communal violence had erupted in Neemuch after a group of Hindu activists attempted to install an idol of Lord Hanuman near a Muslim shrine in Purani Kacheri area on last Sunday. The district administration had seized the idol on Tuesday.

Reacting on one after another incidents in the district, former chief minister and the state Congress president Kamal Nath accused the BJP led state government of failure to maintain law and order situation in the state.

"What is happening in Madhya Pradesh after all? Tribals were lynched in Seoni, incidents of Guna, Mhow, Mandla and now an elderly person whose name is being told as Bhanwarlal Jain in Manasa of Neemuch district of the state," Nath tweeted.
Bhopal, May 21 : A 65-year-old differently-abled man was beaten to death on alleged suspicion of belonging to another community in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

A video of the incident doing rounds on the social media shows a young man mercilessly thrashing an old man.

He was assaulted brutally for not showing his Aadhaar card. The deceased, who was identified as Bhanwarlal Jain of Sarsi village of Ratlam, was found dead in Manasa on Thursday, police said.

Police said Bhanwarlal Jain had gone to Chittorgarh on May 18 with his family. He later went missing. On Friday, he was found dead in Manasa of Neemuch district. Later, the video went viral on social media.

"We found the body of the victim on Thursday. After his pictures were released on social media, his family members from Ratlam identified him as Bhanwarlal Jain," said Mansa Police Station House Officer K.L. Dangi.

In the video, Dinesh Kushwaha, the husband of Manasa's BJP corporator is allegedly seen beating Jain demanding his Aadhar card and asking whether he is a Muslim.

An FIR was lodged on Saturday under sections 304 (causing death by negligence) and 302 (murder) of IPC. "Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, an FIR has been registered against the accused Dinesh Kushwaha under Section 302 of IPC, Neemuch SP Suraj Verma said.

Notably, a communal violence had erupted in Neemuch after a group of Hindu activists attempted to install an idol of Lord Hanuman near a Muslim shrine in Purani Kacheri area on last Sunday. The district administration had seized the idol on Tuesday.

Reacting on one after another incidents in the district, former chief minister and the state Congress president Kamal Nath accused the BJP led state government of failure to maintain law and order situation in the state.

"What is happening in Madhya Pradesh after all? Tribals were lynched in Seoni, incidents of Guna, Mhow, Mandla and now an elderly person whose name is being told as Bhanwarlal Jain in Manasa of Neemuch district of the state," Nath tweeted.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
The University of Nebraska State Museum is participating in the Blue Star Museums program at all three of its public museums in 2022.

Active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, as well as their families, qualify for free admission to Morrill Hall in Lincoln, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal, and Trailside Museum of Natural History in Crawford from Armed Forces Day, May 21, through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

I look forward to honoring the service of our military families with free admission as part of our museums participation in the Blue Star program, said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the United States. Active-duty military and their families may book advance tickets online or present a military ID at entrance to receive the free passes. A military ID will be required for verification at entry for online ticket purchases.

Visitors to Ashfall Fossil Beds and Trailside Museum will still need to acquire a state park permit. The permits are available online from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Morrill Hall will also continue offering discounted tickets for veterans.

Morrill Hall information is available at https://museum.unl.edu or by calling 402-472-2637. Ashfall Fossil Beds information is available at https://ashfall.unl.edu or by calling 402-893-2000. Trailside Museum information is available at https://trailside.unl.edu or by calling 308-665-2929.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The University of Nebraska State Museum is participating in the Blue Star Museums program at all three of its public museums in 2022.

Active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, as well as their families, qualify for free admission to Morrill Hall in Lincoln, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal, and Trailside Museum of Natural History in Crawford from Armed Forces Day, May 21, through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

I look forward to honoring the service of our military families with free admission as part of our museums participation in the Blue Star program, said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the United States. Active-duty military and their families may book advance tickets online or present a military ID at entrance to receive the free passes. A military ID will be required for verification at entry for online ticket purchases.

Visitors to Ashfall Fossil Beds and Trailside Museum will still need to acquire a state park permit. The permits are available online from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Morrill Hall will also continue offering discounted tickets for veterans.

Morrill Hall information is available at https://museum.unl.edu or by calling 402-472-2637. Ashfall Fossil Beds information is available at https://ashfall.unl.edu or by calling 402-893-2000. Trailside Museum information is available at https://trailside.unl.edu or by calling 308-665-2929.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The University of Nebraska State Museum is participating in the Blue Star Museums program at all three of its public museums in 2022.

Active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, as well as their families, qualify for free admission to Morrill Hall in Lincoln, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal, and Trailside Museum of Natural History in Crawford from Armed Forces Day, May 21, through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

I look forward to honoring the service of our military families with free admission as part of our museums participation in the Blue Star program, said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the United States. Active-duty military and their families may book advance tickets online or present a military ID at entrance to receive the free passes. A military ID will be required for verification at entry for online ticket purchases.

Visitors to Ashfall Fossil Beds and Trailside Museum will still need to acquire a state park permit. The permits are available online from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Morrill Hall will also continue offering discounted tickets for veterans.

Morrill Hall information is available at https://museum.unl.edu or by calling 402-472-2637. Ashfall Fossil Beds information is available at https://ashfall.unl.edu or by calling 402-893-2000. Trailside Museum information is available at https://trailside.unl.edu or by calling 308-665-2929.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Bengaluru, May 21 : North American smartphone shipments reached 39 million units in Q1 2022, up 3.7 per cent year on year, according to a new report.

Apple grew 19 per cent to achieve a 51 per cent market share, powered by the strong performance of the iPhone 13, reports market research firm Canalys.

Samsung was up 1 per cent to take a 27 per cent market share, thanks to its new S series and A series devices covering a range of price points.

Motorola defended its strong Q4 2021 performance, which saw its focus on taking over LG's former carrier slots and supply capacity pay off.

TCL and Google completed the top five, with 4 per cent and 3 per cent market shares, respectively.

"The North American smartphone market has been buoyed by Apple's strong growth," said analyst Brian Lynch.

"This quarter, the iPhone 13's high popularity was the key driver. With global demand more uncertain, Apple has shifted more devices back into North America after prioritizing other regions in Q4 2021, allowing it to greater fulfill demand and deliver on backorders from the previous quarter," Lynch added.

Motorola is the new third brand in North America after it replaced LG last year.

"Motorola used its wide carrier presence -- particularly with prepaid- and mid-range-focused carriers -- to discover and rapidly leverage new opportunities, while also forming new supply partnerships. Google is on the offensive to take market share, building on its wide carrier presence and unprecedented investment in the Pixel brand," said research analyst Runar Bjorhovde.

-IANS na/
Bengaluru, May 21 : North American smartphone shipments reached 39 million units in Q1 2022, up 3.7 per cent year on year, according to a new report.

Apple grew 19 per cent to achieve a 51 per cent market share, powered by the strong performance of the iPhone 13, reports market research firm Canalys.

Samsung was up 1 per cent to take a 27 per cent market share, thanks to its new S series and A series devices covering a range of price points.

Motorola defended its strong Q4 2021 performance, which saw its focus on taking over LG's former carrier slots and supply capacity pay off.

TCL and Google completed the top five, with 4 per cent and 3 per cent market shares, respectively.

"The North American smartphone market has been buoyed by Apple's strong growth," said analyst Brian Lynch.

"This quarter, the iPhone 13's high popularity was the key driver. With global demand more uncertain, Apple has shifted more devices back into North America after prioritizing other regions in Q4 2021, allowing it to greater fulfill demand and deliver on backorders from the previous quarter," Lynch added.

Motorola is the new third brand in North America after it replaced LG last year.

"Motorola used its wide carrier presence -- particularly with prepaid- and mid-range-focused carriers -- to discover and rapidly leverage new opportunities, while also forming new supply partnerships. Google is on the offensive to take market share, building on its wide carrier presence and unprecedented investment in the Pixel brand," said research analyst Runar Bjorhovde.

-IANS na/
Varanasi, May 21 : It was in 1991 -- a year before the Babri Masjid demolition took place -- that a group of priests in Varanasi field a petition in the court, seeking permission to worship on the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

Thirty years later in 2021, the Allahabad High Court stayed proceedings in the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir-Gyanvapi Masjid case in a Varanasi court, suspending a controversial archaeological survey of the premises to determine whether a Hindu temple was partially razed to build the 17th-century mosque.

The current controversy was ignited when five Hindu women knocked the doors of the court last year, seeking to worship the Shringar Gauri and other idols within the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Last month, a Varanasi court ordered a video survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex after the petition.

The report of the survey was initially ordered to be submitted by May 10. However, a delay was caused after the order was challenged by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee.

The Gyanvapi mosque survey was concluded on May 16. The Hindu side in the matter has claimed that a 'Shivling' was found inside a reservoir on the mosque complex during the survey. The Muslim side, however, dismissed the claim and said it was only a 'fountain'.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute was raised by the BJP, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the RSS during the campaign for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya along with the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura. They claimed that all the three mosques were built after demolishing Hindu temples.

The controversy has taken an expected turn as both the sides -- Hindus and Muslims -- have firmed up their stand.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has said that the survey had lifted the veil on the truth.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), on the other hand, termed the court order for videography as a 'clear violation of The Places of Worship Act, 1991 that seeks to maintain the status quo of 1947 on all places of worship. The Act has been in force since July 11, 1991.

Section 4 (1) of the Act states: "The religious character of a place of worship existing on the 15th day of August, 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day." The Act in Section 4 (2) goes on to state that if any suit, appeal or other proceedings concerning the conversion of the religious traits of any place of worship, existing on August 15, 1947, is pending before any court, tribunal or other authority, the same shall abate.

It further stipulates that no fresh proceedings on such matters shall be initiated.

Section 3 of the Act prohibits conversion of a religious place in any manner, even to cater to a particular section of the religion.

"No person shall convert any place of worship of any religious denomination or any section thereof into a place of worship of a different section of the same religious denomination or of a different religious denomination or any section thereof," it reads.

The mosque committee's plea argued that the fresh suits filed in 2021 citing the "right to worship" were "barred by The Places of Worship Act, 1991", and were an attempt to revive the dispute which had been put to rest by the law.

The Act, however, exempts the Ayodhya issue. Section 5 of the Act states that its provisions shall not apply to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

"Nothing contained in this Act shall apply to the place or place of worship commonly known as Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid situated in Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh and to any suit, appeal or other proceeding relating to the said place or place of worship," it says.

While delivering the Ayodhya verdict in 2019, the Supreme Court bench headed by the erstwhile Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, had said: "In providing a guarantee for the preservation of the religious character of places of public worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 and against the conversion of places of public worship, the Parliament determined that independence from colonial rule furnishes a constitutional basis for healing the injustices of the past by providing the confidence to every religious community that their places of worship will be preserved and that their character will not be altered." BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay had challenged The Places of Worship Act, 1991, in the Supreme Court last year. He said that the law was a contravention of the principle of secularism as laid down by the Constitution of India.

"The Centre has barred remedies against illegal encroachment on places of worship and pilgrimages and now Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs cannot file a suit or approach a high court under Article 226. Therefore, they won't be able to restore their places of worship and pilgrimage including temple endowments in the spirit of Articles 25-26 and the illegal barbarian acts of invaders will continue in perpetuity," Upadhyay's petition read.

The petition pertained to a legal battle before a trial court over "reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura", which was directly affected by the restrictions under the 1991 Act.

Another petition, filed by Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh challenging the validity of the Act, is also pending before the Supreme Court.

Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court and Varanasi court alleging that the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by demolishing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the 16th century.

The petitioners of 1991 had said that the mosque was built on the orders of Aurangzeb by demolishing a part of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during his reign in the 16th century.

A Varanasi-based lawyer, Vijay Shankar Rastogi, had filed a petition in the lower court claiming illegality in the construction of the Gyanvapi mosque and sought an archaeological survey of the mosque. This came in December 2019 after the Supreme Court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute.

The Varanasi court in April 2021 directed the ASI to carry out the survey and submit its report. However, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee that runs the Gyanvapi mosque contested the petition by Rastogi and also opposed the Varanasi court's order for survey of the mosque.

The matter then reached the Allahabad High Court and post hearing all the parties involved, it ordered an interim stay on the direction to the ASI for conducting the survey. The high court in its order said that as per the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the law prohibits any change in the religious character of a place of worship from as it existed on August 15, 1947.

In March 2021, a Supreme Court bench headed by then Chief Justice S.A. Bobde agreed to examine the validity of the Places of Worship Act.

A fresh petition was filed by five women seeking permission to perform daily worship of Hindu deities whose idols are located on the outer wall of Gyanvapi mosque and the court appointed a committee to conduct a survey and videography of the basements of the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex.

The survey was stalled amid objections by the mosque committee, which claimed that the advocate commissioner appointed by the court did not have the mandate to film inside the premises.

The committee completed its survey and videography of two basements in the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex after the exercise resumed on May 14 amid tight security arrangements.

The political implications of the ongoing Gyanvapi controversy, meanwhile, are too strong to be ignored.

After the Ram Janmabhoomi temple issue, the Hindu outfits have found another issue to whip up Hindu passions ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"After we ensured a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, we owe it to the people to liberate Lord Shiva in Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Gyanvapi mosque and then the Krishna Janmabhoomi from the Eidgah in Mathura. This is our commitment to the people," said a BJP leader on condition of anonymity.

The BJP's strategists are well aware of the fact that the opposition cannot take a one-sided stand on the issue since that would deprive them of the majority Hindu support.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Varanasi, May 21 : It was in 1991 -- a year before the Babri Masjid demolition took place -- that a group of priests in Varanasi field a petition in the court, seeking permission to worship on the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

Thirty years later in 2021, the Allahabad High Court stayed proceedings in the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir-Gyanvapi Masjid case in a Varanasi court, suspending a controversial archaeological survey of the premises to determine whether a Hindu temple was partially razed to build the 17th-century mosque.

The current controversy was ignited when five Hindu women knocked the doors of the court last year, seeking to worship the Shringar Gauri and other idols within the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Last month, a Varanasi court ordered a video survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex after the petition.

The report of the survey was initially ordered to be submitted by May 10. However, a delay was caused after the order was challenged by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee.

The Gyanvapi mosque survey was concluded on May 16. The Hindu side in the matter has claimed that a 'Shivling' was found inside a reservoir on the mosque complex during the survey. The Muslim side, however, dismissed the claim and said it was only a 'fountain'.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute was raised by the BJP, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the RSS during the campaign for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya along with the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura. They claimed that all the three mosques were built after demolishing Hindu temples.

The controversy has taken an expected turn as both the sides -- Hindus and Muslims -- have firmed up their stand.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has said that the survey had lifted the veil on the truth.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), on the other hand, termed the court order for videography as a 'clear violation of The Places of Worship Act, 1991 that seeks to maintain the status quo of 1947 on all places of worship. The Act has been in force since July 11, 1991.

Section 4 (1) of the Act states: "The religious character of a place of worship existing on the 15th day of August, 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day." The Act in Section 4 (2) goes on to state that if any suit, appeal or other proceedings concerning the conversion of the religious traits of any place of worship, existing on August 15, 1947, is pending before any court, tribunal or other authority, the same shall abate.

It further stipulates that no fresh proceedings on such matters shall be initiated.

Section 3 of the Act prohibits conversion of a religious place in any manner, even to cater to a particular section of the religion.

"No person shall convert any place of worship of any religious denomination or any section thereof into a place of worship of a different section of the same religious denomination or of a different religious denomination or any section thereof," it reads.

The mosque committee's plea argued that the fresh suits filed in 2021 citing the "right to worship" were "barred by The Places of Worship Act, 1991", and were an attempt to revive the dispute which had been put to rest by the law.

The Act, however, exempts the Ayodhya issue. Section 5 of the Act states that its provisions shall not apply to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

"Nothing contained in this Act shall apply to the place or place of worship commonly known as Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid situated in Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh and to any suit, appeal or other proceeding relating to the said place or place of worship," it says.

While delivering the Ayodhya verdict in 2019, the Supreme Court bench headed by the erstwhile Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, had said: "In providing a guarantee for the preservation of the religious character of places of public worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 and against the conversion of places of public worship, the Parliament determined that independence from colonial rule furnishes a constitutional basis for healing the injustices of the past by providing the confidence to every religious community that their places of worship will be preserved and that their character will not be altered." BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay had challenged The Places of Worship Act, 1991, in the Supreme Court last year. He said that the law was a contravention of the principle of secularism as laid down by the Constitution of India.

"The Centre has barred remedies against illegal encroachment on places of worship and pilgrimages and now Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs cannot file a suit or approach a high court under Article 226. Therefore, they won't be able to restore their places of worship and pilgrimage including temple endowments in the spirit of Articles 25-26 and the illegal barbarian acts of invaders will continue in perpetuity," Upadhyay's petition read.

The petition pertained to a legal battle before a trial court over "reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura", which was directly affected by the restrictions under the 1991 Act.

Another petition, filed by Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh challenging the validity of the Act, is also pending before the Supreme Court.

Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court and Varanasi court alleging that the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by demolishing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the 16th century.

The petitioners of 1991 had said that the mosque was built on the orders of Aurangzeb by demolishing a part of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during his reign in the 16th century.

A Varanasi-based lawyer, Vijay Shankar Rastogi, had filed a petition in the lower court claiming illegality in the construction of the Gyanvapi mosque and sought an archaeological survey of the mosque. This came in December 2019 after the Supreme Court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute.

The Varanasi court in April 2021 directed the ASI to carry out the survey and submit its report. However, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee that runs the Gyanvapi mosque contested the petition by Rastogi and also opposed the Varanasi court's order for survey of the mosque.

The matter then reached the Allahabad High Court and post hearing all the parties involved, it ordered an interim stay on the direction to the ASI for conducting the survey. The high court in its order said that as per the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the law prohibits any change in the religious character of a place of worship from as it existed on August 15, 1947.

In March 2021, a Supreme Court bench headed by then Chief Justice S.A. Bobde agreed to examine the validity of the Places of Worship Act.

A fresh petition was filed by five women seeking permission to perform daily worship of Hindu deities whose idols are located on the outer wall of Gyanvapi mosque and the court appointed a committee to conduct a survey and videography of the basements of the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex.

The survey was stalled amid objections by the mosque committee, which claimed that the advocate commissioner appointed by the court did not have the mandate to film inside the premises.

The committee completed its survey and videography of two basements in the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex after the exercise resumed on May 14 amid tight security arrangements.

The political implications of the ongoing Gyanvapi controversy, meanwhile, are too strong to be ignored.

After the Ram Janmabhoomi temple issue, the Hindu outfits have found another issue to whip up Hindu passions ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"After we ensured a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, we owe it to the people to liberate Lord Shiva in Kashi Vishwanath Dham from the Gyanvapi mosque and then the Krishna Janmabhoomi from the Eidgah in Mathura. This is our commitment to the people," said a BJP leader on condition of anonymity.

The BJP's strategists are well aware of the fact that the opposition cannot take a one-sided stand on the issue since that would deprive them of the majority Hindu support.
New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.
New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.
New Delhi, May 21 : The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi continues to deepen after the survey report became public. While the Hindu side claims to have found Shivling there, the Muslim side has called it a fountain. They have also cited the Places of Worship Act 1991. It is not only the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, but the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura case has also been admitted by the court for debate.

While the construction work of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on in full swing, enabled by the Supreme Court verdict, the cases of Kashi and Mathura have also reached the court's doorstep. Both sides are engaged in a war of words claiming ownership of the land.

IANS spoke to Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President and Senior Advocate Alok Kumar on the issue. Following are the excerpts of the conversation.

Q. Both the parties have their own claims regarding Gyanvapi survey. The Hindu side is calling it Shivling, while the Muslim side calls it fountain. What is your opinion on these claims? A. We believe it is a Shivling and not a fountain. It is one of the original Jyotirlinga. It must have been worshipped after 'pran pratishtha'. I believe that since it is a Shivling, there must be a temple as there cannot be Shivling in a mosque. After a mosque was constructed there, no Shivling could have come from outside, so it is certain that Shivling has been there since ancient times. The Shivling was there even at the time of country's Independence, so the Places of Worship Act 1991 does not apply to it. Hindus must be given the right to worship in the entire complex.

Q. So, will the VHP be satisfied only by getting the right to worship at the place of Shivling? A. This case has not been filed by the VHP. But as far as the Places of Worship Act is concerned, this was made in haste. There was no discussion nor was it sent to the Select Committee of Parliament. At that time the BJP strongly opposed this bill. The most important thing is that the legality of this law has also been challenged in the Supreme Court, on which the court has also issued notice. Therefore, this law is not engraved in stone and its provisions should be reconsidered.

Q. Who do you think should reconsider - the court or the government? Are you demanding from the BJP government to repeal the Act or change its provisions by bringing a new law? A. The court is doing it. It has given notice to the concerned parties and so far as our (VHP) stand is concerned, it will be decided in the next two important meetings. VHP's Board of Trustees will meet at Kanchi at the end of this month. Next month, on June 11 and 12, a meeting of our Margdarshak Mandal will also be held in Haridwar. The VHP will decide its stand and also its future course of action regarding this.

Q. Ashok Singhal, a veteran VHP leader, used to say that if the Muslims peacefully hand over Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, there will be no enmity and an atmosphere of love, unity and harmony will prevail in the country. Then Hindus will not claim any other monuments of this kind. Ayodhya was decided through the Supreme Court. Does VHP still have the same stand on Mathura and Kashi? A. See, Ram temple in Ayodhya is being built only through the court's decision. If even today the Muslims will hand over Kashi and Mathura to the Hindus, this will create an atmosphere of goodwill. But if the same language is being spoken by the Muslim side as Owaisi and the Muslim Personal Law Board do, it will not be good for any of us. It is now clear that Kashi and Mathura are a matter of faith for the entire Hindu society. The VHP had earlier said that it will not consider these two issues till the Ram temple is resolved, but things are changing fast. We will discuss this in our upcoming meetings.

Q. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2019 said that due to historical reasons, the Sangh was associated with the Ram Mandir movement only as an exception. The BJP in the Palampur session of 1989, said that it will support only Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, senior Sangh leader Sunil Ambekar recently said on the Gyanvapi issue that facts cannot be hidden for long. Are BJP, Sangh and the VHP running a movement in tandem this time also? A. Sangh will take its own decision, BJP its own, but the sentiment of the whole country is the same that historical wrongs should be corrected.

Q. How will the dispute be resolved? A. Both the matters are sub-judice and only the court can find the solution. This country has learned to respect the courts. People like Owaisi were roaring even at the time when Ramjanmabhoomi verdict came but it did not have any impact. The Supreme Court's decision was accepted by both Hindus and Muslims, there was neither violence nor riots. So when the court decides on Kashi and Mathura, everyone will accept it, I hope.

Q. You mentioned the statement of Asaduddin Owaisi. You must have also heard the statements of Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders? A. Akhilesh Yadav has been rejected twice by the people of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader showed his 'janeu' (sacred thread), but doing it half-heartedly will not work. If you want to respect Hindutva, you have to do it all the time. Those who continue to disrespect the Hindus and their sentiments, are fading away. The public is watching all this and will answer it again when the time comes.

Q. Mehbooba Mufti has said that you should give the complete list in one go.

A. She was sarcastic. All political parties have to say something or the other according to their party position. But the finding of Shivling there has answered several quetions.

Q. Will the VHP, like the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, run a mass movement for Kashi and Mathura? Will it hit the streets, put pressure on the government or fight a legal battle? A. I have already told you that VHP will take a decision after discussing all these issues in the Board of Trustees meeting to be held in Kanchi this month and on June 11 and 12 in Haridwar.
New Delhi/Bengaluru, May 21 : Hopes of Cabinet aspirants in the ruling BJP were dashed once again with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarifying that the issue did not figure in his talks with the party top brass in Delhi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister had undertaken a flying visit to the national capital. He stated that the issue of Cabinet expansion did not come up for discussion as there was focus on elections to BBMP and local bodies in the backdrop of Supreme Court order in this regard.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, he said, "I met BJP state in-charge Arun Singh as instructed by Home Minister Amit Shah. We discussed the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections. I provided details about the list submitted." "May 24 is the last day for filing nominations for Legislative Council polls. Decisions have to be made urgently. May 31 is the last day for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha elections. Arun Singh has been apprised of discussions held at the recent State Core Committee meeting. He has said that he would take decision at the earliest," Bommai said.

While the prescribed strength of Karnataka Cabinet is 34, there are 5 vacancies at present. Also, the ruling party is said to be toying with the idea of a rejig by dropping some names and inducting new faces.


Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty
Former Pakistani PM holds truck-mounted protest, furiously urging supporters to action

Former Albanian president dies

Azerbaijani MFA: Baku calls on Yerevan to correctly assess current realities of region

US imposes sanctions on 2 Russian banks over North Korea's arms program

Pope to make 'historic' peaceful pilgrimage to South Sudan

Rally on France Square in Yerevan ends: the procession began

Europol is concerned about who will end up with weapons supplied by EU to Ukraine

Congo summons Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels

Protester: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan

Robert Kocharyan also takes part in rally on France Square in Yerevan

Armenian Ministry of Labor employee fired because of photo with Robert Kocharyan

Resistance Movement rally begins on France Square in Yerevan

Procession kicks off in Stepanakert

El Pais: EU wants to send a naval mission to free Ukraine's agricultural exports

Europe's frantic search for alternative to Russian energy sources increased demand, prices for Norwegian oil, gas

Putin discuss situation in Ukraine by phone with Macron and Scholz

Yerevan and Paris mayors discuss issues of cooperation

Analysis: Turkey's inflation rate may exceed 200%

Representatives of the Resistance Movement in Bash-Aparan lay flowers

Russia successfully tests Zircon missile

Putin ratifies dual citizenship agreement with South Ossetia

Ukraine to receive Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shootings

Robert Kocharyan: Sardarapat is a symbol of unity of our nation

Iran's IRGC detains Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Representatives of Resistance Movement conduct rally in Gyumri

CNN: US intelligence assesses whether North Korea tested missile with never-before-seen properties

Russian envoy to US: American biological labs created around Russia

Samoa signs bilateral deal with China: West concerned

FAO: 218 million people will face hunger amid situation in Ukraine

Media: Turkey almost completed preparations for new offensive operations in Syria and Iraq

Pashinyan: We must pass on statehood received from founding fathers to our descendants for centuries

State Minister of Artsakh to Aliyev: Delimitation and demarcation with Armenia cannot affect the status of Artsakh

People's militia to be created in Belarus

Mass grave of decapitated bodies found in Congo

Criminal cases launched against two opposition MPs

Protesters demanding Armenian PM'ss resignation blocks Noyemberyan-Voskepar road

NATO defense ministers meeting with participation of Ukraine to be held on June 15-16

Turkish Defense Minister visits Azerbaijan

NEWS.am digest: Aliyev speaks about Karabakh conflict and delimitation issue with Armenia

Karabakh president calls to release opposition politician

Japan seeks to dramatically increase its military potential

Experts assess impact on Armenia of transition to payments for Russian gas in rubles

Margaret Atwood reveals burn-proof edition of The Handmaid's Tale

Karabakh MPs issues statement amid Avetik Chalabyan's arrest

China: Taiwan issue does not tolerate external interference

Pashinyan to Kopyrkin: The format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship is important in Karabakh conflict settlement

G7 countries agree to take action to stop rising energy prices

EAEU starts talks on FTA with Indonesia

EU developing plans to ration gas supplies in event of complete suspension of gas supplies from Russia

President Harutyunyan receives delegation led by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

G7 countries pledge to work towards phasing out polluting energy

French Ambassador wishes Azerbaijani government to continue peace talks

Australia warns of regional implications of Solomon Islands security pact with China

Aliyev: There is no word Nagorno-Karabakh, and the last Brussels meeting once again demonstrated this

Aliyev: If we define borders with Armenia, what status of Nagorno-Karabakh can we talk about?!

Azerbaijani ombudswoman demands 'to take thorough measures against Armenia'

G7 countries reach specific agreements on phasing out coal energy

Dollar, euro rise slightly in Armenia

Ilham Aliyev voices another batch of territorial claims against Armenia

AP: Western allies are considering letting 'Russian oligarchs buy way out of sanctions'

Putin supports extension of free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian Union

Pashinyan: Armenia is interested in concluding agreement between Iran, Eurasian Union

Armenian Defense Minister receives commander of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Turkey expects Sweden and Finland to take 'concrete action'

Boris Johnson says Russia is making slow but palpable progress in eastern Ukraine

Azerbaijani MP appeals to non-existent Human Rights Watch report to accuse Armenia

Sweden, Finland's aspirations to join NATO won't require deployment of additional US troops

Representatives of Resistance Movement organize car rallies in various regions of Armenia

World Bank to provide $500 million to Turkey to support COVID-19 efforts

Armenia PM and French Ambassador discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process

Citizens demanding Pashinyan's resignation block the road to Georgia

Lavrov: Western countries do not abandon attempts to set peoples of former Soviet Union against each other

Protesters block Yerevan-Sevan road

Japan to ease border restrictions further from 10 June

Turkey recruits Afghans to fight on side of Ukraine

Armenia Parliament speaker receives delegation headed by Montenegro President

Reuters: US and Ukraine discuss risk of escalation as new weapons expand capabilities

Mayor of Paris arrives in Yerevan on official visit

Azerbaijani authorities propose to hold meeting of Turkic Speaking Countries in occupied Shushi

Armenia Ambassador to France and Mayor of Cannes discuss Karabakh situation

Pallone says US should not hesitate to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its unprovoked aggression against Artsakh

Food prices in Armenia increased by 14.3%

Armenia PM's wife meets with businessman and co-owner of Franck Muller company

Armenia PM sends congratulatory message to Uruguay President

US to approve supply of long-range missile systems to Ukraine

Armenia President holds number of meetings in Davos, introducing country's development programs

NATO countries informally agree not to supply tanks and combat aircraft to Ukraine

EEU leaders to take part in meeting of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

WhatsApp to change rules for handling confidential messages

Twitter investors sue billionaire Elon Musk

Hungary needs 3.5 to 4 years to give up Russian oil

German authorities plan to suspend pandemic rules for summer entry

Africa: 1.8 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty due to crisis in Ukraine

Shell is negotiating with consortium of Indian energy companies to sell its stake in Sakhalin-2

Turkish Security Council says 'operation' in Syria 'is not directed against territorial integrity of country'

Former Louvre president faces preliminary charges of fraud and money laundering

Senegal hospital fire kills 11 babies

NEWS.am digest: Azerbaijan returns Armenian soldier, Armenias 1st satellite launched into space

Greece tells UN Secretary General Turkey is challenging its sovereignty

Bad public policy makes people vulnerable, and the current baby formula shortage is just the latest example.

The immediate cause of the shortage was contamination in a Michigan factory, which might not resume production until June. But the underlying cause is a slew of bad policies that make the market less competitive.

Tariffs, labeling and marketing regulations have removed so much competition from the industry that when a recall affects one factory, it becomes an emergency for parents across the country.

Those regulations give young families fewer places to turn to during shortages  on purpose. Existing companies push hard for these regulations because they put up a barrier to entry against potential competitors and preserve market share for themselves. Policymakers need to clean up the mess they made as quickly as possible. Instead, they are doubling down.

Regulation is a major reason only four large formula producers control most of the U.S. market. First, parents receiving federal assistance are allowed to choose only certain brands. Second, consumers must pay a 17.5% tariff on any imported formula, which prices countless brands out of the U.S. market. Its a nice arrangement for the companies  and for their lobbyists  but it raises prices for families and makes it difficult to boost supplies during shortages.

When new formulas enter the market, regulations forbid sellers from letting anyone know about them for 90 days, even as manufacturers may advertise existing formulas all they like. Those first months on the shelf are make or break for many new products, which is why existing producers appreciate this otherwise pointless regulation. At times like this, parents might appreciate hearing about new options.

One of those options is toddler formula, which in many cases meets the Food and Drug Administrations nutritional requirements for infant formula. But FDA regulations prohibit many manufacturers from recommending this option.

Even product labels have become an anti-competitive tool. The FDA recently recalled a formula that European parents have been safely giving their babies for years, because its label did not include a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.

U.S. Customs recently seized nearly 600 cases of formula from Germany and the Netherlands over labeling requirements. The agencys self-congratulatory press release reads as though it had made a major drug bust, lauding its and the FDAs collective efforts to help keep our citizens safe.

Human nutritional requirements do not change across political borders. If a formula is safe and nutritious for babies in Germany or the Netherlands or any other country, then it will be for American babies, too. A system of mutual recognition, whereby regulators in countries with comparable standards automatically approve one anothers decisions, would go a long way to help address and prevent shortages of baby formula and myriad other products  at least after they pay tariffs.

When policies fail, the right thing to do is get rid of them. But instead, politicians might be about to make new ones.

President Biden announced Wednesday he will use the Defense Production Act, an emergency wartime powers law, to direct baby formula production from Washington. At least eight senators are interested in potential antitrust action against the industry, which is concentrated in a few companies largely because of government regulations.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants legislation increasing Washingtons role in supply chain management. The House Oversight Committee is looking at price gouging regulation, which would be counterproductive. Many Republicans are invoking conspiracy theories and blaming foreigners who would likely be happy to help, if regulations allowed it.

Regulations are why the formula shortage is so bad, but politicians are blaming the market instead. Blaming greedy markets is good for grandstanding and campaigning, but there isnt much of a free market to point to when it comes to baby formula. The one healthy response so far is Sen. Mike Lees FORMULA Act, which would allow parents getting federal help to choose their formula brand. It also would roll back tariffs and enact mutual recognition with trusted allies.

When a recall or a shortage happens, parents would have far more options in a free market than in the current regulatory mess of cronyism and protectionism. The only losers would be incumbent producers, their lobbyists and politicians in search of another way to grandstand on the campaign trail.

Young is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free-market public policy organization in Washington: cei.org. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Bad public policy makes people vulnerable, and the current baby formula shortage is just the latest example.

The immediate cause of the shortage was contamination in a Michigan factory, which might not resume production until June. But the underlying cause is a slew of bad policies that make the market less competitive.

Tariffs, labeling and marketing regulations have removed so much competition from the industry that when a recall affects one factory, it becomes an emergency for parents across the country.

Those regulations give young families fewer places to turn to during shortages  on purpose. Existing companies push hard for these regulations because they put up a barrier to entry against potential competitors and preserve market share for themselves. Policymakers need to clean up the mess they made as quickly as possible. Instead, they are doubling down.

Regulation is a major reason only four large formula producers control most of the U.S. market. First, parents receiving federal assistance are allowed to choose only certain brands. Second, consumers must pay a 17.5% tariff on any imported formula, which prices countless brands out of the U.S. market. Its a nice arrangement for the companies  and for their lobbyists  but it raises prices for families and makes it difficult to boost supplies during shortages.

When new formulas enter the market, regulations forbid sellers from letting anyone know about them for 90 days, even as manufacturers may advertise existing formulas all they like. Those first months on the shelf are make or break for many new products, which is why existing producers appreciate this otherwise pointless regulation. At times like this, parents might appreciate hearing about new options.

One of those options is toddler formula, which in many cases meets the Food and Drug Administrations nutritional requirements for infant formula. But FDA regulations prohibit many manufacturers from recommending this option.

Even product labels have become an anti-competitive tool. The FDA recently recalled a formula that European parents have been safely giving their babies for years, because its label did not include a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.

U.S. Customs recently seized nearly 600 cases of formula from Germany and the Netherlands over labeling requirements. The agencys self-congratulatory press release reads as though it had made a major drug bust, lauding its and the FDAs collective efforts to help keep our citizens safe.

Human nutritional requirements do not change across political borders. If a formula is safe and nutritious for babies in Germany or the Netherlands or any other country, then it will be for American babies, too. A system of mutual recognition, whereby regulators in countries with comparable standards automatically approve one anothers decisions, would go a long way to help address and prevent shortages of baby formula and myriad other products  at least after they pay tariffs.

When policies fail, the right thing to do is get rid of them. But instead, politicians might be about to make new ones.

President Biden announced Wednesday he will use the Defense Production Act, an emergency wartime powers law, to direct baby formula production from Washington. At least eight senators are interested in potential antitrust action against the industry, which is concentrated in a few companies largely because of government regulations.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants legislation increasing Washingtons role in supply chain management. The House Oversight Committee is looking at price gouging regulation, which would be counterproductive. Many Republicans are invoking conspiracy theories and blaming foreigners who would likely be happy to help, if regulations allowed it.

Regulations are why the formula shortage is so bad, but politicians are blaming the market instead. Blaming greedy markets is good for grandstanding and campaigning, but there isnt much of a free market to point to when it comes to baby formula. The one healthy response so far is Sen. Mike Lees FORMULA Act, which would allow parents getting federal help to choose their formula brand. It also would roll back tariffs and enact mutual recognition with trusted allies.

When a recall or a shortage happens, parents would have far more options in a free market than in the current regulatory mess of cronyism and protectionism. The only losers would be incumbent producers, their lobbyists and politicians in search of another way to grandstand on the campaign trail.

Young is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free-market public policy organization in Washington: cei.org. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Bad public policy makes people vulnerable, and the current baby formula shortage is just the latest example.

The immediate cause of the shortage was contamination in a Michigan factory, which might not resume production until June. But the underlying cause is a slew of bad policies that make the market less competitive.

Tariffs, labeling and marketing regulations have removed so much competition from the industry that when a recall affects one factory, it becomes an emergency for parents across the country.

Those regulations give young families fewer places to turn to during shortages  on purpose. Existing companies push hard for these regulations because they put up a barrier to entry against potential competitors and preserve market share for themselves. Policymakers need to clean up the mess they made as quickly as possible. Instead, they are doubling down.

Regulation is a major reason only four large formula producers control most of the U.S. market. First, parents receiving federal assistance are allowed to choose only certain brands. Second, consumers must pay a 17.5% tariff on any imported formula, which prices countless brands out of the U.S. market. Its a nice arrangement for the companies  and for their lobbyists  but it raises prices for families and makes it difficult to boost supplies during shortages.

When new formulas enter the market, regulations forbid sellers from letting anyone know about them for 90 days, even as manufacturers may advertise existing formulas all they like. Those first months on the shelf are make or break for many new products, which is why existing producers appreciate this otherwise pointless regulation. At times like this, parents might appreciate hearing about new options.

One of those options is toddler formula, which in many cases meets the Food and Drug Administrations nutritional requirements for infant formula. But FDA regulations prohibit many manufacturers from recommending this option.

Even product labels have become an anti-competitive tool. The FDA recently recalled a formula that European parents have been safely giving their babies for years, because its label did not include a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.

U.S. Customs recently seized nearly 600 cases of formula from Germany and the Netherlands over labeling requirements. The agencys self-congratulatory press release reads as though it had made a major drug bust, lauding its and the FDAs collective efforts to help keep our citizens safe.

Human nutritional requirements do not change across political borders. If a formula is safe and nutritious for babies in Germany or the Netherlands or any other country, then it will be for American babies, too. A system of mutual recognition, whereby regulators in countries with comparable standards automatically approve one anothers decisions, would go a long way to help address and prevent shortages of baby formula and myriad other products  at least after they pay tariffs.

When policies fail, the right thing to do is get rid of them. But instead, politicians might be about to make new ones.

President Biden announced Wednesday he will use the Defense Production Act, an emergency wartime powers law, to direct baby formula production from Washington. At least eight senators are interested in potential antitrust action against the industry, which is concentrated in a few companies largely because of government regulations.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants legislation increasing Washingtons role in supply chain management. The House Oversight Committee is looking at price gouging regulation, which would be counterproductive. Many Republicans are invoking conspiracy theories and blaming foreigners who would likely be happy to help, if regulations allowed it.

Regulations are why the formula shortage is so bad, but politicians are blaming the market instead. Blaming greedy markets is good for grandstanding and campaigning, but there isnt much of a free market to point to when it comes to baby formula. The one healthy response so far is Sen. Mike Lees FORMULA Act, which would allow parents getting federal help to choose their formula brand. It also would roll back tariffs and enact mutual recognition with trusted allies.

When a recall or a shortage happens, parents would have far more options in a free market than in the current regulatory mess of cronyism and protectionism. The only losers would be incumbent producers, their lobbyists and politicians in search of another way to grandstand on the campaign trail.

Young is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free-market public policy organization in Washington: cei.org. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
RICHMOND HEIGHTS  A note left in the St. Mary's Hospital break room last week where a credit union ATM once stood read "Sorry for the inconvenience but we are currently upgrading our teller system."

The note listed a phone number to "call for more information," but it wasn't for Health Care Family Credit Union, which owns the ATM; it instead went to Spectrum internet services.

Those clues discovered the afternoon of May 12 seemed suspicious to an ATM service provider who came to the SSM Health hospital at 6420 Clayton Road to check on it. The provider estimated the missing machine held about $23,000 in cash.

Richmond Heights police tapped hospital surveillance video that showed a man using a dolly to remove the ATM from the break room. The man was also seen a day earlier walking directly to the break room without a word to any hospital staff.

Police said the man drove to the hospital in his mother's vehicle, which they found parked outside his Clayton workplace when they arrived to arrest him. Officers also found what appeared to be the same dolly seen in the video.

Officers showed the man a photo of the person seen at St. Mary's the day before the ATM theft, and he acknowledged that he shared a resemblance but refused to answer other questions.

The ATM heist was outlined in a stealing charge filed Thursday against Jamie Geno, 57, of 2200 block of Laverne Court in Brentwood. It was not clear if police recovered the ATM.

Geno was ordered held on $20,000 cash-only bail. He could not be reached Friday and did not yet have a lawyer.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
RACINE  There was an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side. The condition of the officer and the person shot were not disclosed as of press time Friday.

Officers were seen performing CPR on an individual in a grass-covered lot, as shown in multiple live videos reviewed by The Journal Times that were posted to Facebook just after 1 p.m. Friday. In one of the videos, the individual was soon after placed on a stretcher and a Racine Fire Department ambulance took the individual away.

A press conference was held Friday evening after The Journal Times went to press.

A man in the neighborhood told a reporter he heard four gunshots at around 1 p.m.

Just another shooting, man. Its sad, another man said.

Video shows the lot where officers were performing CPR is next to a Wisconsin Plating Works building, located along Carrol Street.

Within hours, a canopy and evidence markers were placed in the grassy area where CPR was being performed.

Carrol Street is a dead-end that extends west from Center Street directly across from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, south of 11th Street and north of 12th Street. The southern boundary of the scene, as marked by police tape, was 12th Street; the western boundary was made up by Irving Place and Hilker Place; the eastern boundary was Center Street.

There were more than a dozen law enforcement vehicles in the area, including from the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Racine County Sheriffs Office in addition to the Racine Police Department. One of the RPDs major crimes vehicles was on scene.

The City of Racine has been experiencing a violent 2022, with six homicides as of May 15, double the number of homicides there had been between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 15, 2021. Shots fired reports in 2022 have also been 49% higher than they were in 2021, the RPD reported earlier this week.

More information will be added to this story as it becomes available and can be confirmed.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 6 Angry 5
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine worth 1.3 billion pounds.

According to Ukrinform, he wrote this on his Twitter account.

As part of this aid package, Kyiv will receive long-range artillery, shore-to-ship missiles and drones.

Johnson noted that he had a wide-ranging discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which both parties discussed how to stem the global economic damage caused by "Putin's reckless blockade of Black Sea ports."

"We're looking urgently at options to open up critical sea and land supply routes for Ukrainian grain stocks," Johnson wrote.

He also noted that 50,000 Ukrainians have now safely arrived in the UK "and we're doing everything possible to help them build lives here."

"With over 100,000 visas issued through our schemes and fresh sanctions imposed on Russian airlines today, our resolve is unflinching  we stand with Ukraine," he said.

On May 18, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided GBP 5 million in aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
Alyona Mazurenko - Friday, 20 May 2022, 23:55

The Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, Serhii Haidai, considers the statements of Russian Minister of Defence, Serhiy Shoigu, regarding the plans to seize the Luhansk region, to be "nonsense". According to Haidai, Shoigu does not understand the real state of affairs in the Russian army.

Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "According to Shoigu's statement, the Ruscists will allegedly take control of Luhansk Oblast 'soon', 'in the near future' - so much for a defence minister, if he doesn't understand the timeframe of his 'military operations. At war with the pros!

The nonsense voiced today is only to distract the Russians from understanding the real state of affairs, that their Ruscist army is losing.

The Secand Army of Ze World is Soviet equipment in reserve with nothing to fuel it. Thanks to Shoigu for his yacht, [bought] instead of maintaining the Russian army.

The orcs [Russian troops - ed.] have not achieved any victories and dread our counteroffensive, which will be accompanied by a process to de-occupy our territories. All of our territories."

Details: According to Serhii Haidai, the task of the Luhansk region is to repulse the aggressors for as long as possible.

The Head of the Oblast Military Administration believes that the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin in June.

According to him, the Luhansk region is currently the hottest spot in Ukraine, the region is holding back the aggressors from advancing further into other regions.

In particular, the aggressors are still planning to go on the offensive again in Bilohorivka.

Haidai also added that the evacuation of civilians was scheduled for 21 May.

Background:



Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defence, has assured that Russia would soon occupy the entire Luhansk region, and it would form new military units in the west of the country in response to the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teton Advisors, Inc. (Teton) (OTC PINK: TETAA) cordially invites you to participate in its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 8:30 A.M., Eastern Time as announced, both virtually and with an in-person option.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, a company review for shareholders will commence to discuss operations.

For access to the webcast of each meeting, you must register at https://www.tetonadv.com/register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting from a computer or telephone.

If you would like to participate using the in-person option, below is the address to Tetons main office in Greenwich, Connecticut:

189 Mason Street

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

Any questions can be directed to our Secretary at [email protected] or (914) 457-1077.

ABOUT TETON

Teton Advisors, Inc. (OTC Pink: TETAA) is a specialist in smaller company investing, serving a diverse client base of institutional, high net worth and mutual fund investors under brands including Teton Westwood, Gabelli and Keeley. The company was founded on a commitment to uncover value by focusing on companies that are misunderstood or ignored by the market utilizing methodologies developed by investment pioneers Mario Gabelli and John L. Keeley, Jr. As active, fundamental investors, the Teton portfolio teams think independently and focus on identifying short-term market inefficiencies to generate long-term alpha. Tetons investment professionals share in the belief that being different is the cornerstone to discovering hidden value in equities. The Teton time tested investment approaches can help set apart your client portfolios, delivering differentiated attributes to round out a broader portfolio. From modest beginnings over 40 years ago, to today, The Disciplined Discovery of Value shapes the cornerstone for our clients' long-term success.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220520005477/en/

Patrick Huvane, CPA, CFA

Chief Financial Officer

(914) 457-1074



For further information, please visit: www.tetonadv.com

Source: Teton Advisors, Inc.
In Montana, an estimated 90,000 people face a substance use disorder, but only a fraction seek out treatment. With an increase in opioid overdose calls in recent years, behavioral health solutions have become critical.

Yellowstone County is the latest county in the state to commit to the Angel Initiative, a new program that allows a person struggling with addiction to go to law enforcement and be connected to treatment in the area without being arrested. Any drugs or paraphernalia in their possession must be turned in.

The program was rolled out in Cascade County in November 2021 with Lewis and Clark County following in February 2022. While a small number of people have utilized the program, so far they have been able to access treatment quickly.

At DPHHS theyre thinking outside the box to reduce the stigma associated with treatment and to guide individuals on the path to recovery, said Governor Greg Gianforte at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Friday.

There are certain disqualifiers for the program such as having an outstanding warrant or involvement in an active drug investigation. Registered sex offenders are also disqualified from the program.

But minor misdemeanors will not impact ones participating in the program, according to Yellowstone County Sherriff Mike Linder.

Someone interested in participating in the program can go to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where they will be directed to a private room and given a toll-free number, The Angel Line, to connect them to the nearest treatment provider.

In the past, waitlists to get into treatment programs have been long, sometimes leaving the individual to wait for months before getting help.

Weve been looking at some of the rules that the state has to potentially increase capacity, Gianforte said. Theres some regulatory friction that affects that.

Health Information Exchange

Behavioral health was also a priority in building the states health information exchange (HIE) system, said Jeanette Polaschek, clinical consultant with Big Sky Care Connect (BSCC).

BSCC is the state-designated HIE platform that allows health care providers to share patient information.

Being able to access a patients medical history from anywhere in the state allows doctors and nurses to provide better care for patients.

But under Montana law, individuals have to consent to sharing behavioral health information, making it difficult to build into the system.

The great thing about Montana is that from the very beginning theyve been able to pull in the behavioral health. A lot of different states that are doing the same sort of thing kind of put off behavioral health because theres so much regulation around confidentiality, Polaschek said.

At a Friday roundtable at Billings Clinic, Gianforte joined medical leaders in the community to announce a $20 million investment in the HIE. The money will be used to continue the design, development and implementation of the program that will continue through 2023.

An image exchange program is under development as well as a statewide antibiotic resistance information exchange.

The funding will also help to reach additional primary care clinics throughout the state.

State leaders have attempted to develop a HIE system over the last 15 years, but havent been able to cross the finish line until now, said Dr. Justen Rudolph with Intermountain Healthcare.

More than 200 hospital systems are now contributing to the data repository, including Montana Medicaid, but more participants are needed.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0








There are many beauties in Hollywood, but one beauty whose discussions are being heard since the 70s is Meryl Streep. Meryl is said to be one of the most famous and talented actresses of Hollywood. Along with this, fans of her fitness and beauty are also crazy. Meryl Streep, 72, also completed her Broadway debut in 1975. Since then she has won everyone's heart by working in 73 movies. Along with Meryl's acting, her beauty is also very pleasing to those who watch. However, after keeping silence on his fitness secret for a long time, he has now revealed it.

Meryl Streep had said in many interviews that how she is maintaining a balance life at the age of 72. Which includes a lot from organic food to friends and exercise. So let us tell you the secrets of Meryl Streep to stay fit at the age of 72. Meryl Streep is emphasizing on one thing the most and that is natural habits. She says that she does not spend a lot of money on skincare, but is engaged in using SPF. Avoid touching her face the whole day. Also, I like to eat organic food.

Meryl Streep never shied away from sharing food with friends. She also loves spending time with her friends and eating food with them. Reports say that Meryl hosted a dinner for her co-stars at her Oklahoma home. Here everyone had also rehearsed together. Not only this, actress Margo Martindale said in an interview with Culture Magazine that Meryl always invites people to dinner. Also, he loves to cook food. And Meryl Streep is a great cook too. Along with eating, Meryl Streep also believes in exercise. Meryl spends the most time in the swimming pool. She does 55 laps every day in the pool. Also Meryl Streep says that she does not think much about the past.

Meryl Streep, who lives a balanced and healthy life, says that she is not focusing much on weight loss and her appearance. In one of his speeches, he advised the girls that they should not think too much about their weight. He also said that he used to hate his nose. But now it is not so. Only those who are different are teased. Meryl Streep herself has not said this thing. But it has always been seen that Meryl Streep is always busy with ready to eat pizza. In 2014, host Ellen Degeneres distributed pizza at the Oscars, and Meryl was among the first stars to receive the treat.

This Hollywood actor become a father of 4 children in 1 year

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's legal battle took a new turn, many revelations blow the actor's senses

Money Heist will now premiere in this language after English and Hindi
There are many beauties in Hollywood, but one beauty whose discussions are being heard since the 70s is Meryl Streep. Meryl is said to be one of the most famous and talented actresses of Hollywood. Along with this, fans of her fitness and beauty are also crazy. Meryl Streep, 72, also completed her Broadway debut in 1975. Since then she has won everyone's heart by working in 73 movies. Along with Meryl's acting, her beauty is also very pleasing to those who watch. However, after keeping silence on his fitness secret for a long time, he has now revealed it.

Meryl Streep had said in many interviews that how she is maintaining a balance life at the age of 72. Which includes a lot from organic food to friends and exercise. So let us tell you the secrets of Meryl Streep to stay fit at the age of 72. Meryl Streep is emphasizing on one thing the most and that is natural habits. She says that she does not spend a lot of money on skincare, but is engaged in using SPF. Avoid touching her face the whole day. Also, I like to eat organic food.

Meryl Streep never shied away from sharing food with friends. She also loves spending time with her friends and eating food with them. Reports say that Meryl hosted a dinner for her co-stars at her Oklahoma home. Here everyone had also rehearsed together. Not only this, actress Margo Martindale said in an interview with Culture Magazine that Meryl always invites people to dinner. Also, he loves to cook food. And Meryl Streep is a great cook too. Along with eating, Meryl Streep also believes in exercise. Meryl spends the most time in the swimming pool. She does 55 laps every day in the pool. Also Meryl Streep says that she does not think much about the past.

Meryl Streep, who lives a balanced and healthy life, says that she is not focusing much on weight loss and her appearance. In one of his speeches, he advised the girls that they should not think too much about their weight. He also said that he used to hate his nose. But now it is not so. Only those who are different are teased. Meryl Streep herself has not said this thing. But it has always been seen that Meryl Streep is always busy with ready to eat pizza. In 2014, host Ellen Degeneres distributed pizza at the Oscars, and Meryl was among the first stars to receive the treat.

This Hollywood actor become a father of 4 children in 1 year

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's legal battle took a new turn, many revelations blow the actor's senses

Money Heist will now premiere in this language after English and Hindi
RACINE  There was an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in the Midtown neighborhood on Racines south side. The condition of the officer and the person shot were not disclosed as of press time Friday.

Officers were seen performing CPR on an individual in a grass-covered lot, as shown in multiple live videos reviewed by The Journal Times that were posted to Facebook just after 1 p.m. Friday. In one of the videos, the individual was soon after placed on a stretcher and a Racine Fire Department ambulance took the individual away.

A press conference was held Friday evening after The Journal Times went to press.

A man in the neighborhood told a reporter he heard four gunshots at around 1 p.m.

Just another shooting, man. Its sad, another man said.

Video shows the lot where officers were performing CPR is next to a Wisconsin Plating Works building, located along Carrol Street.

Within hours, a canopy and evidence markers were placed in the grassy area where CPR was being performed.

Carrol Street is a dead-end that extends west from Center Street directly across from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, south of 11th Street and north of 12th Street. The southern boundary of the scene, as marked by police tape, was 12th Street; the western boundary was made up by Irving Place and Hilker Place; the eastern boundary was Center Street.

There were more than a dozen law enforcement vehicles in the area, including from the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Racine County Sheriffs Office in addition to the Racine Police Department. One of the RPDs major crimes vehicles was on scene.

The City of Racine has been experiencing a violent 2022, with six homicides as of May 15, double the number of homicides there had been between Jan. 1, 2021, and May 15, 2021. Shots fired reports in 2022 have also been 49% higher than they were in 2021, the RPD reported earlier this week.

More information will be added to this story as it becomes available and can be confirmed.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 6 Angry 5

Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


A million Americans have been lost to the pandemic, according to the federal governments official count, making this a disaster that defies most comparisons. And yet its so much worse.

By the time the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the nation had reached the bleak crossroads last week, it was in all likelihood old news and a gross underestimate.

According to one recent of the difference between expected and actual deaths, the United States had likely already lost 1.13 million due to the pandemic by the end of last year  more than any other country in the world save India, home to over 1 billion more souls. The study found that global deaths at that point may have reached 18 million, about three times the number indicated by official counts.

As researchers from the Seattle-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation noted in the medical journal the Lancet, Official statistics on reported COVID-19 deaths provide only a partial picture of the true burden of mortality.

Even the partial picture is difficult to behold. According to the official toll alone, weve lost a population equal to that of Californias capital of Sacramento twice (and about twice the population of Dane County). In just over two years, the virus has killed more Americans than AIDS, the 1918 influenza or a quarter-centurys worth of seasonal flu. Its killed more than the Civil War or the World Wars.

And despite the political and public will to believe otherwise, the virus isnt done yet. Americans are still dying at a rate of more than 300 a day, over 30 of them in California (and two each day in Wisconsin), a toll were likely underestimating.

Whats most sickening is how much of it was wholly avoidable.

More than 400,000 deaths have taken place during the year since highly effective vaccines became widely available. A study led by researchers at Brown University found that nearly 320,000 of those deaths, over 21,000 of them in California (and about 5,500 in Wisconsin), could have been prevented by vaccines. Middling vaccination rates ultimately pushed the United States COVID deaths per capita past those of devastated Western European countries such as Italy, Britain and France.

California, which outperformed the country on vaccinations and imposed stricter precautions, offers another measure of what could have been prevented. If Californias death rate were the countrys, as a striking San Francisco Bay Area News Group analysis showed, nearly a quarter of those million Americans  over 240,000  would be alive today. If the country endured the pandemic as well as the Bay Area, which took a more cautious approach than California, nearly two-thirds of the dead  over 650,000  would not have been lost.

But even the safest region in one of the safest large American states is only a partial measure of what could have been prevented. As the excess mortality study showed, a number of countries weathered the pandemic with a small fraction of Californias losses per capita.

QUOTE Americans are still dying at a rate of more than 300 a day, over 30 of them in California (and two each day in Wisconsin), a toll were likely underestimating.

These deaths need not have been prevented through economically and socially devastating lockdowns or an improbable triumph over anti-vaccine misinformation. Even now, governments, businesses and people in the most careful corners of a careful state are forgoing precautions with minimal downsides, such as indoor masking and workplace, school and restaurant vaccination requirements. That speaks to an even further-reaching American disaster: the perpetual triumph of individual whim over collective wisdom.

When Patricia Dowd collapsed in her San Jose home in February 2020, becoming one of the earliest coronavirus losses in America, neither she nor the rest of the country knew what killed her, much less how to save her life. Now the equivalent of Dowds city and more lie dead amid a willful and widespread rejection of all that we have learned.

Gohlke writes for The Sacramento Bee: sacbee.com.



CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CALEDONIA  The Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie St., is celebrating its centennial with a year of events.

Father Avedis Kalayjian explained the anniversary is a bit different than other centennials, which might mark the time from when a church was built or consecrated.

The Armenian church is marking the formation of the parish.

To me, that makes more sense because the church is actually the community of believers and not specifically a building or structure, Kalayjian said. So thats what were marking, the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Events marking the centennial begin on Saturday and go through October.

Steve Gengozian, who is on the centennial steering committee and is also chairman of the Saint Mesrob Parish Council, said events kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, with a madagh dinner during which the parishioners will honor their longtime deacon, Charles Hardy.

Gengozian said it has been exciting to be part of the parish that has been around for his grandparents and now the next generation, his kids, and theyve all carried on the tradition and served the church.

A madagh dinner is a memorial meal, a meal of thanksgiving. It is a traditional Armenian meal  mostly. In Armenia, the dinner would most likely be lamb and barley, but in the U.S. it is beef in a tomato base with onion and served with cracked-wheat pilaf.

Members of the Racine community, regardless of their heritage, are invited to share in the celebration.

A madagh dinner was traditionally connected to the 1915 genocide in the minds of the Racine parish. It was a time of remembrance and mourning. There would not have been dancing or celebration at such a dinner.

However, in 2015 those who died in the Armenian genocide were canonized. They are now remembered as saints, not victims, so their lives are celebrated.

Kalayjian said the dinner will be in person and as normal as the CDC allows, while recognizing COVID-19 cases locally are on the rise.

History

Many of the people of the Armenian Church in Racine can trace their heritage to Tomarza, a small community in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey.

The journey began in 1915 when Ottoman Empire officials announced that all Armenians would be deported on Aug. 25. As the men were already gone, forced into labor camps, all that was left were women, children and the elderly.

Approximately 10,000 people left Tomarza on the forced march across the Syrian Desert and about 1,500 people arrived on the other side. The survivors scattered to wherever they could, to family members in other places if they had them.

Armenians had been making their way to the U.S. for a generation, fleeing religious oppression then occurring in the Ottoman Empire. Because they did not speak English, they moved to industrial centers where they could find jobs in factories. One of the places they relocated to was southeastern Wisconsin.

And so a small band of Tomarza refugees made their way to Racine and Milwaukee to join the small Armenian communities that were established in the late 1800s.

Gengozian recalled the relatives who survived said, By the grace of God, we made it here. We survived, after being marched through the desert, starved, robbed, and everything else that went along with it, we survived.

I think they were just grateful, he said and added one of the roles of the church was that it united people who were displaced and scattered.

Everybody was trying to get out someplace, Gengozian said. You got on a boat that maybe went to South American or North America.

The church was there to help organize people in their new lives.

Displaced

Kalayjian explained the experience of the Armenian people is similar to that of displaced people around the world. They moved around until they found their new home in a safe place and established new roots.

Initially, the Armenian Church did not have a building but was afforded the opportunity to worship in other religious spaces due to the generosity of those churches.

One of the centennial events includes a service at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church on July 7, the day the Armenian Church remembers Saint Mesrob.

Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Downtown was the first church who allowed us to use their sanctuary before we had our own, and they were gracious enough to repeat the favor more than 100 years later, Kalayjian said. Theyre going to let us use their sanctuary on that evening to have a short service for our people, and we will invite their people to worship with us, and then have a little reception afterwards.

Parish

Over time, the Armenian community in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region began to organize itself, Kalayjian said.

The Diocese in New York, which has jurisdiction over the region, opted to create a Midwest parish that included Chicago and select Great Lake communities.

In 1922, the Armenian Church had grown to the point the New York Diocese created the Racine parish.

Thats what were marking, Kalayjian said. Were marking the establishment of the Racine Parish as an independent parish.

Genealogy

Also among the years activities is a genealogical project.

The church is asking families to submit their genealogy, which will be presented on poster boards around the church.

In this way, Kalayjian said, people can identify connections that either they were aware of or were not aware of.

The church is hoping enough families participate so that it can be put together in an artistic format, which would allow the parishioners to fully appreciate how they are connected.

Kalayjian took the opportunity to invite those with distant Armenian relatives to participate in the project and all the activities of the year.

As an example, he said there might be someone in the community with a great-grandmother or great-great-grandfather is wondering about their Armenian heritage.

This is a good time, Kalayjian continued, to join us and learn more about the church and heritage of their people.

Events

The annual Armenian Fest on Sunday, Aug. 7, will also have a centennial theme. Last year, the annual fest was moved to the church grounds. Since that worked out so well, it will continue on the church grounds this year.

Gengozian explained Armenian Fest has long been a time of reunions. People have their family members, he continued, but then there is the church family who gets to reconnect at the fest.

The celebration will culminate in October with a centennial weekend. On Oct. 8 there will be a banquet, and a celebratory mass the day after. The bishop from the Eastern Diocese will preside over the centennial activities that weekend.

Were excited about this centennial, Kalayjian said and added he hoped the many Racinians who are Armenian and interested in exploring their heritage will join the church for the many activities they have planned throughout the year.

We want to get their attention, he added, and rekindle buried or inner feelings, get them curious about the ancestry, and welcome them to participate in parish activities whenever they want.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Atlantas top-performing residential real-estate agent lives in Florida. He didnt set foot in Georgia for two years, and he sees no reason why he should.

A.J. Steigman runs his own real-estate brokerage firm from his house in Parkland, Fla. From 600 miles away, he bought or leased more than 300 homes at a total value of more than $86 million, according to the Atlanta Realtors Association. That was the most combined sales and leases in the Atlanta metro area for any broker last year, the group said.

While his competitors in Atlanta shuttle between home showings and plant For Sale" signs in front lawns, Mr. Steigmans client base consists entirely of institutional investors, he said. He has no employees but relies on a $20,000 laptop and proprietary software system to buy single-family homes on behalf of his clients, which lease them out to capitalize on soaring rents.

I come to an industry that is very archaic and stodgy, and Im being very analytical and quantitative," Mr. Steigman said.

Based on his average sales commission of 2.5% to 3%, Mr. Steigman would have made more than $2 million in 2021 from the deals.

His success is another sign that large investors are flexing their muscle in some of the countrys hottest housing markets, where they compete with traditional family buyers who dont have the same financial clout and ability to close fast. Many people in Atlanta are increasingly concerned about investors removing the stock of homes available for regular people to buy.

Big investment firms have said that their rentals enable families to live in desirable neighborhoods with good schools, in homes that at todays sales price are too high for many first-time buyers.

Home purchases by small and large investors accounted for more than 18% of home sales in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to real-estate firm Redfin. But their presence is even more pronounced in the Atlanta metro area, where Redfin said investors bought one in every three homes sold there during the same period.

Atlanta home prices have risen more than 49% over the last five years and 24% in the 12 months ended February 2022, housing data firm CoreLogic said. House rents are also rising fast, and rental companies are banking that high home prices and low inventory will keep much of the middle class renting instead of buying.

Some of the investors turn to Mr. Steigman, a 36-year-old former chess prodigy who founded a sneaker startup and worked in investment banking before turning to real estate. He is also helping investors buy homes in Pennsylvania and Florida and said he has sold a total of $130 million worth of homes across Georgia and those two states. He has brokers licenses to operate in all three states.

Mr. Steigman said he is popular with home sellers and their agents, who are often thrilled to sell to companies paying in cash. There are people who value the immediacy and the security," he said.

He and his investors declined to name any of his clients, citing confidentiality agreements. Public sales records show that one is LaSalle Investment Management, the Chicago real-estate company that manages a $77 billion portfolio. Mr. Steigman brokered LaSalles $220,000 purchase of a three-bedroom house in Stone Mountain, Ga., in December, according to public records.

Mr. Steigman declined to elaborate on his selling process, other than to say he relies on a system he built and calls Steignet," a reference to Skynet, the menacing artificial intelligence network depicted in the Terminator" film series. His firm is called Steignet LLC.

He started building the system in 2017, as part of an accelerator program at Pennsylvania Universitys Wharton School. He pitched the concept as a Bloomberg Terminal for residential real estate" that could analyze large data sets and identify the best homes for investors.

Mr. Steigman said his goal is to identify eligible homes, underwrite deals and close transactions faster than other real-estate brokers. He compared it to a chess supercomputer that plays through thousands of matches, gaming out all possible scenarios to make the right moves.

Some of the investors in Mr. Steigmans firm said they didnt completely understand how the process works. Theres always a gray box element to this," said Rama Subramaniam, a partner at Wall Street trading firm Global Trading Systems LLC who independently invested in Steignet. We look at the result."

Other investors in his firm include Bruce Chizen, the former chief executive of Adobe Inc. and professional chess player Hikaru Nakamura, currently world No. 11.

Working remotely from Florida wasnt Mr. Steigmans original plan. He owns a home and keeps an office in Atlanta, where he attended college. But when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, he relocated to his home state of Florida for health reasons, he said.

When he traveled to Atlanta to receive the top agent award at the Atlanta Realtors Association annual gala, there were many there who knew nothing about him.

People were like, Who is that? What does he do?," said Karen Hatcher, the trade groups president.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
There are many beauties in Hollywood, but one beauty whose discussions are being heard since the 70s is Meryl Streep. Meryl is said to be one of the most famous and talented actresses of Hollywood. Along with this, fans of her fitness and beauty are also crazy. Meryl Streep, 72, also completed her Broadway debut in 1975. Since then she has won everyone's heart by working in 73 movies. Along with Meryl's acting, her beauty is also very pleasing to those who watch. However, after keeping silence on his fitness secret for a long time, he has now revealed it.

Meryl Streep had said in many interviews that how she is maintaining a balance life at the age of 72. Which includes a lot from organic food to friends and exercise. So let us tell you the secrets of Meryl Streep to stay fit at the age of 72. Meryl Streep is emphasizing on one thing the most and that is natural habits. She says that she does not spend a lot of money on skincare, but is engaged in using SPF. Avoid touching her face the whole day. Also, I like to eat organic food.

Meryl Streep never shied away from sharing food with friends. She also loves spending time with her friends and eating food with them. Reports say that Meryl hosted a dinner for her co-stars at her Oklahoma home. Here everyone had also rehearsed together. Not only this, actress Margo Martindale said in an interview with Culture Magazine that Meryl always invites people to dinner. Also, he loves to cook food. And Meryl Streep is a great cook too. Along with eating, Meryl Streep also believes in exercise. Meryl spends the most time in the swimming pool. She does 55 laps every day in the pool. Also Meryl Streep says that she does not think much about the past.

Meryl Streep, who lives a balanced and healthy life, says that she is not focusing much on weight loss and her appearance. In one of his speeches, he advised the girls that they should not think too much about their weight. He also said that he used to hate his nose. But now it is not so. Only those who are different are teased. Meryl Streep herself has not said this thing. But it has always been seen that Meryl Streep is always busy with ready to eat pizza. In 2014, host Ellen Degeneres distributed pizza at the Oscars, and Meryl was among the first stars to receive the treat.

This Hollywood actor become a father of 4 children in 1 year

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's legal battle took a new turn, many revelations blow the actor's senses

Money Heist will now premiere in this language after English and Hindi
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.




Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.




Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
Defence Minister Peter Dutton has held onto his Queensland seat of Dickson after fending off a push from Labors Ali France, and could step into the role of the next Liberal leader.

Addressing his supporters, Dutton paid tribute to colleagues who were in danger of losing their seats, including Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, calling it a terrible day for the Liberal Party.

Peter Dutton conceded early ground to Labors Ali France in Dickson. Credit:Getty Images

I want to acknowledge the pain theyre going through tonight, their families, their supporters and our supporters across the country, Dutton said late on Saturday night.

So tonight is an opportunity now just to enjoy each others company, for many of you, relax and have a drink, because for a lot of people here, youve been up right through last night and coming up to 24 hours. It is time for a bit of a break.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton has held onto his Queensland seat of Dickson after fending off a push from Labors Ali France, and could step into the role of the next Liberal leader.

Addressing his supporters, Dutton paid tribute to colleagues who were in danger of losing their seats, including Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, calling it a terrible day for the Liberal Party.

Peter Dutton conceded early ground to Labors Ali France in Dickson. Credit:Getty Images

I want to acknowledge the pain theyre going through tonight, their families, their supporters and our supporters across the country, Dutton said late on Saturday night.

So tonight is an opportunity now just to enjoy each others company, for many of you, relax and have a drink, because for a lot of people here, youve been up right through last night and coming up to 24 hours. It is time for a bit of a break.



Local taxation has been a simmering cauldron at the Statehouse since Charleston imposed a special sales tax on restaurants in 1993, and as this years regular legislative session drew to a close, it boiled over once again.

At issue was a bill the Senate had passed last month to reverse the effect of a unanimous S.C. Supreme Court ruling that said Greenville Countys road maintenance and communications levies were taxes masquerading as fees, and therefore illegal.

What was extraordinary was not that several House members were outraged by the bill, which they argued would reward local governments for violating the law and allow them to impose pretty much any tax they wanted on anybody they wanted.

What was extraordinary was how many werent outraged; early on, the House voted 65-45 against killing the bill.

What was extraordinary was how many who were outraged by S.984 acknowledged that cities and counties needed more revenue-raising options  which the Legislature has spent a quarter-century whittling away.

What was also extraordinary was that even opponents who didnt acknowledge that came to a tense agreement to let counties keep collecting the road and communications fees  and that the legislation is still technically alive.

The debate involves a law the Legislature passed in 1997 in response to Charlestons restaurant tax. It abolished some local taxes. It restricted how others could be used. And central to todays discussion, it prohibited cities and counties from levying any taxes the Legislature didnt specifically authorize and said fees could be collected only for a service that benefits the payer in some manner different from the members of the general public not paying the fee.

Further tax restrictions followed over the years, tightening the noose on local officials ability to pay for basic services and leading to the proliferation of fees. Then came last summers Burns v. Greenville ruling that Greenville Countys fees were taxes because people outside the county also benefitted from the road improvements and public safety telecommunications system they funded. Thus they were barred by that 1997 prohibition on taxes the Legislature hasn't authorized.

Lawsuits ensued, demanding hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds and penalties. Counties said they'd have to raise property taxes to balance their budgets without the fees  and raise them more to pay damages in the likely event they lost the lawsuits. For some, the tax increases would continue for years because the infamous Act 388 of 2006 limits how much they can raise taxes in any given year.

Fortunately, most legislators realized that the Supreme Courts interpretation of the 1997 law made imposing fees much more difficult than the Legislature had intended.

Early last month, the Senate voted 32-7 to allow fees to be collected if they were used to the benefit of the payers, even if the general public also benefits. That would let local governments keep collecting the disputed fees and others going forward. The Senate also made the bill retroactive to 1997, which would nullify the lawsuits.

Sen. Greg Hembree, the bills main sponsor, told me senators wanted to prevent a situation where the taxpayers are suing taxpayers to get the taxpayers money back from the taxpayers and the only people who get money are the lawyers in the middle.

There was practically no debate in the Senate, where everybody realized the bill was just returning the law to what everybody had thought it was.

Such was not the case in the House, where debate dragged on for 90 minutes on the next to last day of the regular session, when everybody was jockeying to get their own priority bills through before time ran out. The first to attack the legislation was House Democratic Leader Todd Rutherford, who insisted first that anyone who voted for it was voting to raise taxes (the speaker ruled otherwise on a point of order) and second that it would allow counties to raise those fees, baby, which means that you are giving them the authority that they previously did not have to raise taxes.

Republicans and Democrats piled on. Rep. Kirkman Finlay warned that What were saying is, 'It was illegal, too bad, so sad, its going to be painful to fix it so we wipe it clean.'

But he also said the Legislature can't keep ignoring the fact that the smallest 38 counties have less than a third of the state's property wealth, making it nearly impossible to pay for basic services with property taxes, while the largest eight counties share two-thirds.

Rural representatives made impassioned pleas, urging their colleagues to protect their counties from the fiscal calamity that would follow if the measure failed.

Eventually, the House agreed to let counties keep collecting any fees they were collecting as of June 30, 2021, when the Supreme Court ruled. They would need voter approval to adopt new fees.

Time ran out to get S.984 to a House-Senate conference committee, but the Senate got its language attached to S.233, which did make it to conference. The absence of the Houses language means it will be difficult, though not impossible, to get any of it into a conference report.

It would be foolish to predict what happens next month, much less whether the Legislature will engage that larger debate next year to address a problem that's been getting worse for a quarter century. Which it needs to do.

For now, we can hope House negotiators remember Greenwood Rep. John McCravys warning when he unveiled the House compromise on the fees.

After blaming counties for creating a problem that the Legislature actually created and after bemoaning how the Legislature had to fix it, he said: "The problem is, if we do nothing today, were going to have chaos in our counties. Were going to have budgets that are blown. We're going to have people trying to raise property taxes. Its going to be a big mess.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

PARIS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron appointed on Friday ministers for the new government of the country.

In total the new government has 27 members with 17 ministries, six ministries delegates and four secretaries of state.

Some ministers from the previous governments were again appointed as ministers but in different ministries.

Macron named Elisabeth Borne as prime minister on May 16. The new government will hold its first cabinet meeting at the Elysee on May 23, reported French news BFMTV. 
The Cuyahoga Falls Library will explore Oceans of Possibilities during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

The Cuyahoga Falls Library invites the community to explore Oceans of Possibilities at the library during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

Children, teens, and adults who register will enjoy reading, in-person and outdoor programs, and opportunities to win weekly and grand prizes. Registration begins May 27 online at www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp.

To kick off Summer Reading, the library will offer a limited number of free registration bags. Simply register online, then visit the library to pick up your registration bag (while supplies last, one bag per family).

Summer Reading is a vital program for literacy in the community. For students out of school, Summer Reading participation helps prevent the summer slide with incentives to read as well as access to STEM education and interactive in-person programs. The summer slide is the tendency for students to lose some of the educational progress that they made in the previous school year (Source: Colorado Dept. of Education, 2014).

To encourage reading at least 20 minutes a day, children and teens will win weekly prizes, and adults will enter weekly drawings. Everyone who completes the program can enter to win grand prizes like a Kindle Fire, tablets, gift cards, and more! Plus, two lucky winners will receive a $529 CollegeAdvantage Plan to help them save for college expenses.

Summer Reading activities arent just for kids. This summer, a new monthly Teen Advisory Board program will give teens a voice in deciding on new books, technology, and programs at their library. Adults will explore the librarys resources - like digital skills certifications and training, business research databases and more. Free, in-person library programs offer community members a place to connect with each other. Program topics will include Health Chats, painting and art classes, visits from the Humane Society, the Akron Zoo, and more. (Selected programs offer a virtual option upon request). Visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/calendar to view program details.

For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp, call 330-928-2117 or stop by the library in person at 2015 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Beat the Summer Slide with summer reading at Falls Library
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The death toll in Jammu and Kashmir tunnel collapse rose to four after three more bodies were recovered from the debris on Saturday (May 21, 2022), the officials informed. The officials also informed that the operation to rescue nine labourers feared trapped under the debris resumed early on Saturday after a fresh landslide on Friday evening had forced the authorities to suspend the process.

Ramban (J&K) rescue update | One more body has been recovered. A total of four bodies have been recovered so far and the process of recovering the body is going on. pic.twitter.com/6N9IT8JlXX  ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2022

A portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway around 10 pm on Thursday night.

The rescue teams recovered two bodies today, after a hectic search stretching several hours, which were later sent to a nearby hospital for identification. The officials said that another body was spotted under the debris and efforts are underway to pull it out.

Nine were feared trapped under the debris. An operation to rescue them was soon launched but had to be suspended on Friday evening due to a fresh landslide and inclement weather.

The audit tunnel of T3 on the highway near Khooni Nallah in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district caved in at the start of the work at around 10.15 pm on Thursday, after which officials had confirmed that a labourer had died and three others were rescued.

Over 15 rescuers, including the Station House Officer of Ramsu police station, Nayeem-Ul-Haq, had a narrow escape during this time, according to the officials.

(With agency inputs)


Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan`s residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government`s action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan`s residence.

The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the `sanctity of the four walls` by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv.

While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister`s house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan`s security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz`s government if something happens to his party`s Chairman.

Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan`s life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman`s security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it.

Live TV

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.




The Cuyahoga Falls Library will explore Oceans of Possibilities during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

The Cuyahoga Falls Library invites the community to explore Oceans of Possibilities at the library during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

Children, teens, and adults who register will enjoy reading, in-person and outdoor programs, and opportunities to win weekly and grand prizes. Registration begins May 27 online at www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp.

To kick off Summer Reading, the library will offer a limited number of free registration bags. Simply register online, then visit the library to pick up your registration bag (while supplies last, one bag per family).

Summer Reading is a vital program for literacy in the community. For students out of school, Summer Reading participation helps prevent the summer slide with incentives to read as well as access to STEM education and interactive in-person programs. The summer slide is the tendency for students to lose some of the educational progress that they made in the previous school year (Source: Colorado Dept. of Education, 2014).

To encourage reading at least 20 minutes a day, children and teens will win weekly prizes, and adults will enter weekly drawings. Everyone who completes the program can enter to win grand prizes like a Kindle Fire, tablets, gift cards, and more! Plus, two lucky winners will receive a $529 CollegeAdvantage Plan to help them save for college expenses.

Summer Reading activities arent just for kids. This summer, a new monthly Teen Advisory Board program will give teens a voice in deciding on new books, technology, and programs at their library. Adults will explore the librarys resources - like digital skills certifications and training, business research databases and more. Free, in-person library programs offer community members a place to connect with each other. Program topics will include Health Chats, painting and art classes, visits from the Humane Society, the Akron Zoo, and more. (Selected programs offer a virtual option upon request). Visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/calendar to view program details.

For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp, call 330-928-2117 or stop by the library in person at 2015 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Beat the Summer Slide with summer reading at Falls Library

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has held onto his Queensland seat of Dickson after fending off a push from Labors Ali France, and could step into the role of the next Liberal leader.

Addressing his supporters, Dutton paid tribute to colleagues who were in danger of losing their seats, including Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, calling it a terrible day for the Liberal Party.

Peter Dutton conceded early ground to Labors Ali France in Dickson. Credit:Getty Images

I want to acknowledge the pain theyre going through tonight, their families, their supporters and our supporters across the country, Dutton said late on Saturday night.

So tonight is an opportunity now just to enjoy each others company, for many of you, relax and have a drink, because for a lot of people here, youve been up right through last night and coming up to 24 hours. It is time for a bit of a break.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
The Cuyahoga Falls Library will explore Oceans of Possibilities during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

The Cuyahoga Falls Library invites the community to explore Oceans of Possibilities at the library during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

Children, teens, and adults who register will enjoy reading, in-person and outdoor programs, and opportunities to win weekly and grand prizes. Registration begins May 27 online at www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp.

To kick off Summer Reading, the library will offer a limited number of free registration bags. Simply register online, then visit the library to pick up your registration bag (while supplies last, one bag per family).

Summer Reading is a vital program for literacy in the community. For students out of school, Summer Reading participation helps prevent the summer slide with incentives to read as well as access to STEM education and interactive in-person programs. The summer slide is the tendency for students to lose some of the educational progress that they made in the previous school year (Source: Colorado Dept. of Education, 2014).

To encourage reading at least 20 minutes a day, children and teens will win weekly prizes, and adults will enter weekly drawings. Everyone who completes the program can enter to win grand prizes like a Kindle Fire, tablets, gift cards, and more! Plus, two lucky winners will receive a $529 CollegeAdvantage Plan to help them save for college expenses.

Summer Reading activities arent just for kids. This summer, a new monthly Teen Advisory Board program will give teens a voice in deciding on new books, technology, and programs at their library. Adults will explore the librarys resources - like digital skills certifications and training, business research databases and more. Free, in-person library programs offer community members a place to connect with each other. Program topics will include Health Chats, painting and art classes, visits from the Humane Society, the Akron Zoo, and more. (Selected programs offer a virtual option upon request). Visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/calendar to view program details.

For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp, call 330-928-2117 or stop by the library in person at 2015 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Beat the Summer Slide with summer reading at Falls Library
GREENSBORO  Police have charged a 73-year-old former schools substitute in connection with a sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Richard Gene Martin of Greensboro on May 10, police said in a news release. An investigation led to charges of statutory sex offense with a minor, indecent liberties with a student, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and felony possession of marijuana.

The case remains under investigation.

Police said Martin is a former substitute with Guilford County Schools. The school district confirmed Wednesday that he had worked for the system from Oct. 26, 2017, until he was "inactivated," effective April 26.

Officials have not said when or where the assault took place.

We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation," Rebecca Kaye, the school district's chief of staff, said in a statement. "We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff are available to students who desire support.

Martin is being held on $500,000 bail at the Guilford County jail, records show.
GREENSBORO  Police have charged a 73-year-old former schools substitute in connection with a sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Richard Gene Martin of Greensboro on May 10, police said in a news release. An investigation led to charges of statutory sex offense with a minor, indecent liberties with a student, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and felony possession of marijuana.

The case remains under investigation.

Police said Martin is a former substitute with Guilford County Schools. The school district confirmed Wednesday that he had worked for the system from Oct. 26, 2017, until he was "inactivated," effective April 26.

Officials have not said when or where the assault took place.

We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation," Rebecca Kaye, the school district's chief of staff, said in a statement. "We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff are available to students who desire support.

Martin is being held on $500,000 bail at the Guilford County jail, records show.
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


The Cuyahoga Falls Library will explore Oceans of Possibilities during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

The Cuyahoga Falls Library invites the community to explore Oceans of Possibilities at the library during this years Summer Reading Program from May 27 to Aug. 6.

Children, teens, and adults who register will enjoy reading, in-person and outdoor programs, and opportunities to win weekly and grand prizes. Registration begins May 27 online at www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp.

To kick off Summer Reading, the library will offer a limited number of free registration bags. Simply register online, then visit the library to pick up your registration bag (while supplies last, one bag per family).

Summer Reading is a vital program for literacy in the community. For students out of school, Summer Reading participation helps prevent the summer slide with incentives to read as well as access to STEM education and interactive in-person programs. The summer slide is the tendency for students to lose some of the educational progress that they made in the previous school year (Source: Colorado Dept. of Education, 2014).

To encourage reading at least 20 minutes a day, children and teens will win weekly prizes, and adults will enter weekly drawings. Everyone who completes the program can enter to win grand prizes like a Kindle Fire, tablets, gift cards, and more! Plus, two lucky winners will receive a $529 CollegeAdvantage Plan to help them save for college expenses.

Summer Reading activities arent just for kids. This summer, a new monthly Teen Advisory Board program will give teens a voice in deciding on new books, technology, and programs at their library. Adults will explore the librarys resources - like digital skills certifications and training, business research databases and more. Free, in-person library programs offer community members a place to connect with each other. Program topics will include Health Chats, painting and art classes, visits from the Humane Society, the Akron Zoo, and more. (Selected programs offer a virtual option upon request). Visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/calendar to view program details.

For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/srp, call 330-928-2117 or stop by the library in person at 2015 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Beat the Summer Slide with summer reading at Falls Library
Hong Kong: CE meets young committee members

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today met young people appointed to government advisory committees through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MYSY) at Government House.

Similar meetings were hosted by Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui and Acting Secretary for Home Affairs Jack Chan at Cyberport, the Central Government Offices and Youth Square.

The Chief Executive and the three senior officials met a total of 70 appointees to learn about their experience in participating in the committees work.

The current-term Government launched the pilot MYSY in late October 2017 for young people aged between 18 and 35 and committed to serve the community to self-nominate themselves to join government advisory and statutory bodies.

From 2018 onwards, the pilot scheme has been regularised and extended to cover more advisory boards and committees.

So far, five phases of the MSSY have been launched with over 8,200 applications being received. The application of the latest Phase V ended in mid-March and assessment is underway.

Those applicants attending the interviews are also invited to authorise the Home Affairs Bureau to include their personal particulars in the Central Personality Index database so that relevant bureaus and departments may retrieve the information for reference when they select candidates for appointment as members of advisory boards and committees.

Since the MSSYs implementation, about 480 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to advisory boards and committees directly or indirectly through the scheme.

The ratio of youth members in these bodies has increased from 7.8% in end-2017 when the MSSY was launched, to 15.4% at the end of 2021, achieving the 15% target set by the current-term Government.

I hope the MSSY will continue to attract talents through regularly offering seats of committees on policy areas of greater interests and concerns to young people, thus enabling more young people with a commitment to serve the community to join the scheme and to realise their full potential, Mrs Lam said.

This story has been published on: 2022-05-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.



PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.




Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday convicted former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala in a case related to disproportionate assets. Special judge Vikas Dhull passed the order and posted the matter for May 26, when the court will hear the arguments on the quantum of the sentence.

The CBI had lodged the case in 2005, and a charge sheet was filed on March 26, 2010, accusing Chautala of amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday convicted former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala in a case related to disproportionate assets. Special judge Vikas Dhull passed the order and posted the matter for May 26, when the court will hear the arguments on the quantum of the sentence.

The CBI had lodged the case in 2005, and a charge sheet was filed on March 26, 2010, accusing Chautala of amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday convicted former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala in a case related to disproportionate assets. Special judge Vikas Dhull passed the order and posted the matter for May 26, when the court will hear the arguments on the quantum of the sentence.

The CBI had lodged the case in 2005, and a charge sheet was filed on March 26, 2010, accusing Chautala of amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday convicted former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala in a case related to disproportionate assets. Special judge Vikas Dhull passed the order and posted the matter for May 26, when the court will hear the arguments on the quantum of the sentence.

The CBI had lodged the case in 2005, and a charge sheet was filed on March 26, 2010, accusing Chautala of amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, much disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Secure, affordable housing means stability, according to Habitat for Humanity of Missoula executive director Heather Harp.

Thats why her organization hosted Womens Build Week this past week.

Every year, women are invited to come to a few of Habitats build sites to learn how to contribute to the construction of a new home for a family. They learn everything from how to operate tools to pouring concrete and laying sod.

It really is a pleasure to see women come alongside longtime volunteers and create an atmosphere of helping one another, Harp said.

Learning how to get into high-paying trades jobs is one thing, but the event is also designed to increase awareness about homeownership.

The homeownership rate among women increased from 51% in 1990 to 61% in 2019, according to the nonprofit Urban Institute. Still, thats far less than men. Women who are the head of a household have increased their homeownership rate from 32% to 50% in the last 30 years, Harp said.

Its a huge, huge improvement and I will say it all piggybacks on the civil rights and womens rights movements of the '60s and '70s, she said. I mean, that took so much time to get put into force and the payoff has been that more women can afford homeownership. And why that matters is the stability factor.

Single-parent households have become a much larger percentage of todays demographics compared with decades past, she said.

So if we want our community to be as equitable as possible, homeownership especially for single parents is really crucial, said Harp, who is also a city council member.

About half of Habitat for Humanity of Missoulas projects over the last three decades have been for single parents.

On Friday, a group of women volunteers joined a few men to help lay sod at a build site in the central part of town. Earlier in the week, they poured concrete at a site in East Missoula.

Madison Lommen was given a day to volunteer by her employer, First Interstate Bank.

"I'm not particularly interested in getting into building trades  that's just not my field," Lommen said. "But I think it's as important as working for First Interstate Bank and making sure that we have a presence and showing that they have a lot of volunteer opportunities for us."

Lommen said she's interested in homeownership at some point.

"I think that's one of my biggest goals is to own a home," she said. "I think it's one, a sense of accomplishment and also just a sense of family. Like, you're here in the community, you're a part of it."

Harp said that according to the Missoula Organization of Realtors, Missoula needs about 800 new housing units a year to keep up with demand. However, only about 500 are getting built a year. She said Habitat can play a large role in filling that gap through unique financing methods, land donation, grants and philanthropy.

"In tackling the issue of affordable housing, we cant rely on the government sector alone, nor the market sector, she said. Nonprofits are an important part of the solution.

The organization creates homes for local families earning 40%-80% of Area Median Income. Families pay 30% of their income to live in the home, but they must contribute 250 hours of "sweat equity" work as the home is built.

On Wednesday, May 25, Habitat is partnering with several other nonprofits to host a virtual town hall to discuss the community land trust model. To tune in, visit Habitat for Humanity of Missoula on Facebook or go online to bit.ly/3iUvG8T.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

Back in 2018, Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture saw his idea, a decade in the making, come to life: a pop-up public washroom in Winnipegs downtown.

It was a canny campaign, executed in partnership with Downtown BIZ and Siloam Mission, that illustrated a dire human-rights need by actually providing a solution.

Flush with excitement The three-storey public washroom has a blend of metal, glass and shipping container materials with bright yellow accents. It has three large glass garage-style doors that provide an open look for the public sink area, which also includes a drinking water fountain and foot-washing station. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 3:54 PM May. 17, 2022 A long-awaited, permanent public washroom will soon provide vulnerable Winnipeggers a place to go downtown. A washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning May 30. Read Full Story

Now, the idea has gone from pop-up to permanent. As of May 30, a public washroom at 715 Main St., next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House, will open for daily public use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Bridgman designed this structure, known as Amoowigamig. Like the bright-orange pop-up before it, its a highly visible building with highlighter-yellow accents, and has a host of safety features, such as alarms that can be triggered from stalls, security cameras outside, and a pair of urinals outside the building, which is also a safety consideration: "The reason people go through the indignity of going (to the bathroom) outside is sometimes because theres no washroom but also because it might (seem) safer," Bridgman told the Free Press.

Staff members from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will provide harm reduction supplies and fresh water to folks using the facilities. A public sink area will also allow users to wash up.

In other words, the permanent structure bears little resemblance to the portable washrooms the city had set up in 2020 which, according to a report, were subject to vandalism, theft and structural damage.

A public washroom is a long overdue addition to the streetscape of downtown Winnipeg. Access to clean, safe washroom facilities are a need everyone has, but many North American cities  Winnipeg included  have steadily moved away from public "comfort stations" over the past few decades after they became sites for drug use and violence, rendering them useless and unsafe for their intended purpose. These public washrooms were poorly maintained and unstaffed and, subsequently, torn down.

Amoowigamig opens May 30 at 715 Main St. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The vanishing North American public bathroom has been a subject of debate, discussion and study for years. Its not like this elsewhere: London tube stations often have a public bathroom. In Japan, an art project called The Tokyo Toilet saw 17 public washrooms be redesigned  in the vein of Winnipegs annual warming hut design competition  so that they are not only functional, but beautiful.

In many cities across North America, meanwhile, the alternatives are using the facilities of businesses  who often designate their washrooms as "employee use" or "customer use" only  or going in the street. For our most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness, the added indignity of having nowhere to take care of basic, everyday, biological functions is not only demoralizing, its dehumanizing.

The opening of a new permanent public washroom in Winnipeg is something to celebrate. But its not a simple case of "build it and they will go"  cleanliness and safety will be paramount, and that will require staffing and money. The next challenge will be seeing if it can be the one thing in downtown Winnipeg that doesnt close at 5:30 p.m. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre hopes fundraising will allow the washroom to expand to 24-7 service, and there is infrastructure for the site itself to host advertising, which would require an exemption to city bylaws.

Anything to move this project forward is a good thing. Its success will not only help restore dignity to our community members, but will hopefully inspire other such permanent facilities to open in the future.


SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
PEEP, by Danielle Blau. (Waywiser, paper, $17.) The winsome, intellectually probing poems in Blaus debut collection examine lived experience through the lens of myth, memory and rigorous philosophical inquiry, with one eye on the instant when, at this moments close, youll cross the border / into the moment after.  Your shadows growing shorter.

Image

36 VIEWS OF FUJI: Poems, by Kenton Wing Robinson. (Antrim House, paper, $25.) Robinsons title evokes Hokusai, and the form hes invented evokes haiku: Most of these poems contain three stanzas of three lines each, with frequent glances at nature. But as a whole they have a novelistic sweep, from childish wonder to an illicit affair to encroaching death.

LINE AND LIGHT: Poems, by Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $18.) Yangs fifth book takes the creative impulse itself as its subject, paying tribute to poetic forebears like Jean Valentine and Kamau Brathwaite, celebrating visionary cultures and supplementing the poems with drawings by the artist Kazumi Tanaka.



New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)



The outposts are designed to monitor shipping and boost security. But they are also a deterrent against Chinas territorial claims. Meanwhile, ASEAN and China are trying to renew talks to develop a Code of Conduct after the pandemic.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The Philippines has set up three coast guard outposts, on three different disputed islands in the South China Sea, to monitor shipping and increase security.

The announcement, which was made yesterday by government officials in Manila, are part the growing tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific where multiple territorial claims by many of the regions countries overlap.

The move, experts explain, is meant to strengthen the presence of Philippine troops on the Spratly Islands and act as deterrent; however, it is also likely to cause new frictions with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea.

In the past, Beijing has always protested any new construction on the reefs and islands. However, in recent years it did turn some reefs in military bases.

This policy has been challenged by other Asian nations  from Vietnam to Malaysia  as well as the United States, which considers control of the maritime route as a strategic element for trade and navigation.

As a response to Chinese imperialist aims, the US has boosted its naval and air patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.

Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio Abu said that the island outposts, installed this week, will be staffed with Coast Guard personnel and equipped with radio communications to report any incidents.

He did not specify how many troops will be stationed, but confirmed that it is the largest deployment in the disputed region.

Through these command observation posts, we improve our capabilities in promoting maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection, Admiral Abu explained.

Known internationally as the West York and Nanshan islands and Northeast Cay, the three islands have been occupied by the Philippines for years.

Last week, the coast guard installed five navigational buoys with Philippine flags just off the three islands and near Thitu island, the largest of nine islands and islets Philippine forces have occupied in the Spratlys.

The area is considered part of the western Philippine province of Palawan. The sovereign markers flash at night to guide fishermen and ships and communicate that the said vicinity waters are considered special protected zones, the admiral said.

Since the islands are a protected area, mining and oil exploration are prohibited to preserve their rich natural resources.

Meanwhile, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes four states involved in territorial disputes, have resumed talks on a Code of Conduct for the area.

The proposed agreement amounts to a non-aggression pact, aimed at preventing armed clashes in the region.

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions had interrupted negotiations among regional and international stakeholders.








New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Delhi on Saturday (May 21) and discussed several national issues. The meeting took place at Raos official residence on the Tughlaq Road in the national capital."Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Chief Minister KCR. Their meeting is in progress. The two leaders are discussing various national issues," PTI cited an official statement as saying. Notably, the Telangana CM is on a week-long pan-India tour to attend national-level political and social programmes, as per the news agency.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sri @YadavAkhilesh met Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao at his residence in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed current national issues. pic.twitter.com/eVKRymyFiE  Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) May 21, 2022

Later in the evening, KCR is scheduled to visit Mohalla clinic and government school in the national capital along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

KCRs national tour schedule

The Telangana CM is slated to meet political, media and economic experts. KCR will also extend financial help to families of slain soldiers and farmers during his tour.

On May 22, Rao will embark on Chandigarh tour, where he will dispense Rs 3 lakh cheque as financial assistance to each family of the farmers who died during the year-long farmers protest against Centre's three agricultural laws. He will be accompanied by Delhi CM Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. The cheques will be distributed to the farmers` families from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi

On May 26, he will visit Bengaluru and call upon former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

On May 27, KCR will go to Maharashtras Ralegan-Siddhi to meet social activist Anna Hazare. Later, he will visit Shirdi to offers prayers to Shri Saibaba.

On May 29 or 30, the Telangana CM is likely to visit West Bengal and Bihar where he will meet the kin of the soldiers killed in the 2020 Galwan Valley incident and would extend financial support to bereaved families.

(With agency inputs)
Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan`s residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government`s action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan`s residence.

The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the `sanctity of the four walls` by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv.

While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister`s house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan`s security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz`s government if something happens to his party`s Chairman.

Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan`s life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman`s security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it.

Live TV

Following the allegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan of a conspiracy to kill him, Islamabad police conducted a search operation around his residence in Bani Gala here, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. The report said that a police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, reached Imran Khan`s residence and carried out the search operation. As the police team reached, several PTI workers gathered outside his residence opposing the government`s action and raised anti-government slogans. The workers termed it as a revengeful tactic of the present government, reported Geo tv. On the other hand, in Karachi, another team of police conducted raids at Pakistan National Assembly member of PTI, Alamgir Khan`s residence.

The PTI workers claimed that PTI MNA was not present at his home at the time of the raid. Following the police action, PTI leaders reached the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station and submitted an application against the police raid. Former federal minister for maritime affairs of Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi condemned the police action and called the Sindh police a military wing of PPP. He said that the police violated the `sanctity of the four walls` by entering the residence of a public representative at midnight and warned that the present government would be accountable soon, reported Geo tv.

While criticising the Shehbaz government, Zaidi said that the police failed miserably to detain the real culprits and harassing the noble citizens of the country. If they want to arrest the culprits they should besiege the Chief minister`s house, Zaidi said. Meanwhile, on Friday, former federal Minister and PTI central leader Asad Umar claimed that they received a threat alert regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan`s security and will lodge a case against Shehbaz`s government if something happens to his party`s Chairman.

Speaking in an interview in the Pakistani news programme, the PTI leader said that a senior officer had telephoned him that Imran Khan`s life is in danger and a threat alert regarding the PTI Chairman`s security was also received, ARY News reported. Umar revealed that he had asked Imran Khan to use bullet-proof glasses but he rejected it.

Live TV
The outposts are designed to monitor shipping and boost security. But they are also a deterrent against Chinas territorial claims. Meanwhile, ASEAN and China are trying to renew talks to develop a Code of Conduct after the pandemic.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The Philippines has set up three coast guard outposts, on three different disputed islands in the South China Sea, to monitor shipping and increase security.

The announcement, which was made yesterday by government officials in Manila, are part the growing tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific where multiple territorial claims by many of the regions countries overlap.

The move, experts explain, is meant to strengthen the presence of Philippine troops on the Spratly Islands and act as deterrent; however, it is also likely to cause new frictions with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea.

In the past, Beijing has always protested any new construction on the reefs and islands. However, in recent years it did turn some reefs in military bases.

This policy has been challenged by other Asian nations  from Vietnam to Malaysia  as well as the United States, which considers control of the maritime route as a strategic element for trade and navigation.

As a response to Chinese imperialist aims, the US has boosted its naval and air patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.

Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio Abu said that the island outposts, installed this week, will be staffed with Coast Guard personnel and equipped with radio communications to report any incidents.

He did not specify how many troops will be stationed, but confirmed that it is the largest deployment in the disputed region.

Through these command observation posts, we improve our capabilities in promoting maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection, Admiral Abu explained.

Known internationally as the West York and Nanshan islands and Northeast Cay, the three islands have been occupied by the Philippines for years.

Last week, the coast guard installed five navigational buoys with Philippine flags just off the three islands and near Thitu island, the largest of nine islands and islets Philippine forces have occupied in the Spratlys.

The area is considered part of the western Philippine province of Palawan. The sovereign markers flash at night to guide fishermen and ships and communicate that the said vicinity waters are considered special protected zones, the admiral said.

Since the islands are a protected area, mining and oil exploration are prohibited to preserve their rich natural resources.

Meanwhile, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes four states involved in territorial disputes, have resumed talks on a Code of Conduct for the area.

The proposed agreement amounts to a non-aggression pact, aimed at preventing armed clashes in the region.

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions had interrupted negotiations among regional and international stakeholders.
The outposts are designed to monitor shipping and boost security. But they are also a deterrent against Chinas territorial claims. Meanwhile, ASEAN and China are trying to renew talks to develop a Code of Conduct after the pandemic.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The Philippines has set up three coast guard outposts, on three different disputed islands in the South China Sea, to monitor shipping and increase security.

The announcement, which was made yesterday by government officials in Manila, are part the growing tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific where multiple territorial claims by many of the regions countries overlap.

The move, experts explain, is meant to strengthen the presence of Philippine troops on the Spratly Islands and act as deterrent; however, it is also likely to cause new frictions with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea.

In the past, Beijing has always protested any new construction on the reefs and islands. However, in recent years it did turn some reefs in military bases.

This policy has been challenged by other Asian nations  from Vietnam to Malaysia  as well as the United States, which considers control of the maritime route as a strategic element for trade and navigation.

As a response to Chinese imperialist aims, the US has boosted its naval and air patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.

Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio Abu said that the island outposts, installed this week, will be staffed with Coast Guard personnel and equipped with radio communications to report any incidents.

He did not specify how many troops will be stationed, but confirmed that it is the largest deployment in the disputed region.

Through these command observation posts, we improve our capabilities in promoting maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection, Admiral Abu explained.

Known internationally as the West York and Nanshan islands and Northeast Cay, the three islands have been occupied by the Philippines for years.

Last week, the coast guard installed five navigational buoys with Philippine flags just off the three islands and near Thitu island, the largest of nine islands and islets Philippine forces have occupied in the Spratlys.

The area is considered part of the western Philippine province of Palawan. The sovereign markers flash at night to guide fishermen and ships and communicate that the said vicinity waters are considered special protected zones, the admiral said.

Since the islands are a protected area, mining and oil exploration are prohibited to preserve their rich natural resources.

Meanwhile, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes four states involved in territorial disputes, have resumed talks on a Code of Conduct for the area.

The proposed agreement amounts to a non-aggression pact, aimed at preventing armed clashes in the region.

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions had interrupted negotiations among regional and international stakeholders.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
(Newser)  The conservative Catholic archbishop of San Francisco said Friday that he'll no longer allow US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to receive Communion because of her support for abortion rights. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said he sent Pelosi a letter April 7 expressing his concerns after she vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision establishing a constitutional right to abortion into law because of the Texas law banning most abortions that will take effect if the high court overturns Roe. Cordileone also said Pelosi never responded. The archbishop said he told Pelosi in the letter that she must either repudiate her support of abortion rights or stop speaking publicly about her Catholic faith, and that if she didn't, he would have no other choice but to declare she's not allowed to receive Communion, per the AP.

"I am hereby notifying you that you are not to present yourself for Holy Communion and, should you do so, you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion, until such time as you [publicly] repudiate your advocacy for the legitimacy of abortion and confess and receive absolution of this grave sin in the sacrament of penance," Cordileone's letter said. He said in a separate letter Friday to church members that he asked six times to meet with Pelosi but that her office didn't respond or told him she was busy. "After numerous attempts to speak with her to help her understand the grave evil she is perpetrating, the scandal she is causing, and the danger to her own soul she is risking, I have determined that the point has come in which I must make a public declaration that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion," Cordileone wrote.

Cordileone over the past year has been among the most outspoken US bishops advocating that Communion be denied to President Biden and other politicians who support abortion rights. However, each bishop has authority in his own diocese on this matter, and the archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, has affirmed that Biden is welcome to receive the sacrament there. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops last November overwhelmingly approved a long-anticipated document on Communion that stopped short of calling for withholding the sacrament from politicians who support abortion rights, but that offered justifications for individual bishops to do so. Pelosi's office didn't immediately respond to email and phone messages seeking comment on Friday.

(Read more Nancy Pelosi stories.)
MOSCOW, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Russian energy giant Gazprom confirmed a complete suspension of gas supply to the Finland's state-owned gas company Gasum starting Saturday due to its non-payment in rubles.

As of the end of Friday, Gazprom Export has not received any payment in rubles from Gasum for gas supplied in April in accordance with a Russian presidential decree in March, the company said in a statement.

Russian gas supplied from April 1 must be paid in rubles, of which the counterparties were informed in a timely manner, Gazprom said.

Gazprom Export delivered 1.49 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Finland in 2021, which accounted for two-thirds of the total gas consumption in the Nordic country, it added. 

OLENA ROSCHINA - SATURDAY, 21 MAY 2022, 11:11



FIGHTERS LEAVING AZOVSTAL: SCREENSHOT FROM RIA NOVOSTI VIDEO

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the defenders of Mariupol who were removed from the blockaded Azovstal steelworks must be released in exchange.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Ukrainian journalists

Quote: "The guys from the military received a signal that they were fully entitled to leave and stay alive. The military command passed all this on to everyone who was blockaded at Azovstal...

From now on it all depends on what the UN, the Red Cross and the Russian Federation have taken on, that they (the fighters) will all be safe and will expect some kind of exchange.

This is what I think right now: the process led by intelligence today is over - the removal, withdrawal (of the defenders), and the preparations for dialogue, exchange, etc.



We will take them home. That's what we must do, together with our partners who have taken on this responsibility."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that he had asked the leaders of other states "dozens or hundreds of times" to provide weapons to unblock Mariupol and its defenders. But in the end, we had to rely on diplomacy, because it was impossible to break the blockade militarily.

The President stressed that Western partners had agreed to break the blockade. He had personally asked the leaders of Turkey, Switzerland, Israel and France to use their influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the time of Zelenskyy's conversation with the journalists, the departure of the Ukrainian defenders from Azovstal was still ongoing, but on 20 May, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that all the fighters had been evacuated and that there were 2,439 people, whom Russia considers prisoners of war.

Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov National Guard regiment in Ukraine, said the seriously wounded Azovstal soldiers were to be brought to Ukraine-controlled territory in exchange, and with respect to the dead defenders, he said he hoped their relatives would be able to bury them soon.

Story continues

Read also: Azov Commander Denys Prokopenko (Redis): We did everything possible and impossible to attract the overwhelming forces of the aggressor towards us

Background:
OLENA ROSCHINA - SATURDAY, 21 MAY 2022, 11:11



FIGHTERS LEAVING AZOVSTAL: SCREENSHOT FROM RIA NOVOSTI VIDEO

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the defenders of Mariupol who were removed from the blockaded Azovstal steelworks must be released in exchange.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Ukrainian journalists

Quote: "The guys from the military received a signal that they were fully entitled to leave and stay alive. The military command passed all this on to everyone who was blockaded at Azovstal...

From now on it all depends on what the UN, the Red Cross and the Russian Federation have taken on, that they (the fighters) will all be safe and will expect some kind of exchange.

This is what I think right now: the process led by intelligence today is over - the removal, withdrawal (of the defenders), and the preparations for dialogue, exchange, etc.



We will take them home. That's what we must do, together with our partners who have taken on this responsibility."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that he had asked the leaders of other states "dozens or hundreds of times" to provide weapons to unblock Mariupol and its defenders. But in the end, we had to rely on diplomacy, because it was impossible to break the blockade militarily.

The President stressed that Western partners had agreed to break the blockade. He had personally asked the leaders of Turkey, Switzerland, Israel and France to use their influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the time of Zelenskyy's conversation with the journalists, the departure of the Ukrainian defenders from Azovstal was still ongoing, but on 20 May, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that all the fighters had been evacuated and that there were 2,439 people, whom Russia considers prisoners of war.

Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov National Guard regiment in Ukraine, said the seriously wounded Azovstal soldiers were to be brought to Ukraine-controlled territory in exchange, and with respect to the dead defenders, he said he hoped their relatives would be able to bury them soon.

Story continues

Read also: Azov Commander Denys Prokopenko (Redis): We did everything possible and impossible to attract the overwhelming forces of the aggressor towards us

Background:
Bismarck might become the third North Dakota city to adopt a hate crimes ordinance, a move supporters say would help fight racism by gathering data that's specific to such acts.

If Ordinance 6501 is enacted, Bismarck would join Fargo and Grand Forks in placing such language on the books. Fargos ordinance has been in place for a year, with one hate crime offense reported in a case that's ongoing. Grand Forks followed suit last winter. Information on whether any hate crime offenses have been reported there wasn't immediately available.

The Bismarck City Commission at its Tuesday meeting will take public input on the capital city's proposed ordinance, which would add hate crimes to the existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs said the proposal is much the same as the Fargo and Grand Forks ordinances. The language of the underlying crimes remained unchanged in the Bismarck version. Changes could be made to the proposed ordinance after input is taken at the public hearing, Combs said.

The Bismarck ordinance would broaden existing ordinances to include acts that are committed because of a victims race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry. It wouldnt elevate the offense level of those crimes -- they would remain Class B misdemeanors, the highest level of offense that municipalities in North Dakota can handle. Those crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Crimes classified as Class A misdemeanors or higher -- which carry stiffer punishments -- are handled by state prosecution, but the state doesn't have hate crime laws in place.

Such an ordinance would enable city officials to report specific crimes to the FBI as hate crimes for data collection and possible prosecution at the federal level, according to City Commissioner Nancy Guy.

"I don't think it matters if it elevates (punishment)," she said. "It specifies that crime so it doesn't get rolled up with other crimes. It gets reported, and that's helpful in judging the amount of racism and bigotry out there."

Bismarck Police Lt. Luke Gardiner when contacted by the Tribune referred questions about the ordinance to city officials.

As Bismarck businesses recruit workers from other countries and the city becomes more diverse, its important to have a hate crimes ordinance in place, Guy said. Its something people considering moving to Bismarck might factor in when making their decision, she said.

Its not only important on a human scale but important on an economic scale too, she said.

Guy said she introduced the ordinance after receiving input from the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The proposal has the support of other organizations, such as YouthWorks and High Plains Fair Housing, she said.

Passing the ordinance would also illustrate to the state Legislature that cities feel strongly about hate crimes laws, Guy said. Hate crimes legislation introduced during the 2022 session failed in the House by a vote of 75-17. Opponents objected over issues of law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements attached to the bill. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposed legislation "horribly subjective."

"It uses identity politics to promote a victim culture, which further divides an already divided nation," he said.

Hate crime laws have long been a topic of debate on the national level. Supporters maintain they help better protect minorities and other targeted groups. Opponents argue they could infringe on free speech, and that it's hard to determine the intent of a suspect.

North Dakota is "one of a handful of states" that doesn't have bias crime legislation, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, said before the House vote earlier this year, adding that amendments which would have addressed law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements were not considered by a House committee that urged the chamber to defeat the bill.

"That speaks to others outside the state that we either don't see the need, or do not acknowledge it as an issue, or are opposed to it," Schneider said.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, argued before the failed vote that the legislation "would make North Dakota a more welcoming state."

Bismarck's proposed ordinance is detailed in a link included in the agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting, at https://bit.ly/3wttyMO.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Bismarck might become the third North Dakota city to adopt a hate crimes ordinance, a move supporters say would help fight racism by gathering data that's specific to such acts.

If Ordinance 6501 is enacted, Bismarck would join Fargo and Grand Forks in placing such language on the books. Fargos ordinance has been in place for a year, with one hate crime offense reported in a case that's ongoing. Grand Forks followed suit last winter. Information on whether any hate crime offenses have been reported there wasn't immediately available.

The Bismarck City Commission at its Tuesday meeting will take public input on the capital city's proposed ordinance, which would add hate crimes to the existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs said the proposal is much the same as the Fargo and Grand Forks ordinances. The language of the underlying crimes remained unchanged in the Bismarck version. Changes could be made to the proposed ordinance after input is taken at the public hearing, Combs said.

The Bismarck ordinance would broaden existing ordinances to include acts that are committed because of a victims race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry. It wouldnt elevate the offense level of those crimes -- they would remain Class B misdemeanors, the highest level of offense that municipalities in North Dakota can handle. Those crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Crimes classified as Class A misdemeanors or higher -- which carry stiffer punishments -- are handled by state prosecution, but the state doesn't have hate crime laws in place.

Such an ordinance would enable city officials to report specific crimes to the FBI as hate crimes for data collection and possible prosecution at the federal level, according to City Commissioner Nancy Guy.

"I don't think it matters if it elevates (punishment)," she said. "It specifies that crime so it doesn't get rolled up with other crimes. It gets reported, and that's helpful in judging the amount of racism and bigotry out there."

Bismarck Police Lt. Luke Gardiner when contacted by the Tribune referred questions about the ordinance to city officials.

As Bismarck businesses recruit workers from other countries and the city becomes more diverse, its important to have a hate crimes ordinance in place, Guy said. Its something people considering moving to Bismarck might factor in when making their decision, she said.

Its not only important on a human scale but important on an economic scale too, she said.

Guy said she introduced the ordinance after receiving input from the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The proposal has the support of other organizations, such as YouthWorks and High Plains Fair Housing, she said.

Passing the ordinance would also illustrate to the state Legislature that cities feel strongly about hate crimes laws, Guy said. Hate crimes legislation introduced during the 2022 session failed in the House by a vote of 75-17. Opponents objected over issues of law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements attached to the bill. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposed legislation "horribly subjective."

"It uses identity politics to promote a victim culture, which further divides an already divided nation," he said.

Hate crime laws have long been a topic of debate on the national level. Supporters maintain they help better protect minorities and other targeted groups. Opponents argue they could infringe on free speech, and that it's hard to determine the intent of a suspect.

North Dakota is "one of a handful of states" that doesn't have bias crime legislation, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, said before the House vote earlier this year, adding that amendments which would have addressed law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements were not considered by a House committee that urged the chamber to defeat the bill.

"That speaks to others outside the state that we either don't see the need, or do not acknowledge it as an issue, or are opposed to it," Schneider said.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, argued before the failed vote that the legislation "would make North Dakota a more welcoming state."

Bismarck's proposed ordinance is detailed in a link included in the agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting, at https://bit.ly/3wttyMO.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Bismarck might become the third North Dakota city to adopt a hate crimes ordinance, a move supporters say would help fight racism by gathering data that's specific to such acts.

If Ordinance 6501 is enacted, Bismarck would join Fargo and Grand Forks in placing such language on the books. Fargos ordinance has been in place for a year, with one hate crime offense reported in a case that's ongoing. Grand Forks followed suit last winter. Information on whether any hate crime offenses have been reported there wasn't immediately available.

The Bismarck City Commission at its Tuesday meeting will take public input on the capital city's proposed ordinance, which would add hate crimes to the existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs said the proposal is much the same as the Fargo and Grand Forks ordinances. The language of the underlying crimes remained unchanged in the Bismarck version. Changes could be made to the proposed ordinance after input is taken at the public hearing, Combs said.

The Bismarck ordinance would broaden existing ordinances to include acts that are committed because of a victims race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry. It wouldnt elevate the offense level of those crimes -- they would remain Class B misdemeanors, the highest level of offense that municipalities in North Dakota can handle. Those crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Crimes classified as Class A misdemeanors or higher -- which carry stiffer punishments -- are handled by state prosecution, but the state doesn't have hate crime laws in place.

Such an ordinance would enable city officials to report specific crimes to the FBI as hate crimes for data collection and possible prosecution at the federal level, according to City Commissioner Nancy Guy.

"I don't think it matters if it elevates (punishment)," she said. "It specifies that crime so it doesn't get rolled up with other crimes. It gets reported, and that's helpful in judging the amount of racism and bigotry out there."

Bismarck Police Lt. Luke Gardiner when contacted by the Tribune referred questions about the ordinance to city officials.

As Bismarck businesses recruit workers from other countries and the city becomes more diverse, its important to have a hate crimes ordinance in place, Guy said. Its something people considering moving to Bismarck might factor in when making their decision, she said.

Its not only important on a human scale but important on an economic scale too, she said.

Guy said she introduced the ordinance after receiving input from the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The proposal has the support of other organizations, such as YouthWorks and High Plains Fair Housing, she said.

Passing the ordinance would also illustrate to the state Legislature that cities feel strongly about hate crimes laws, Guy said. Hate crimes legislation introduced during the 2022 session failed in the House by a vote of 75-17. Opponents objected over issues of law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements attached to the bill. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposed legislation "horribly subjective."

"It uses identity politics to promote a victim culture, which further divides an already divided nation," he said.

Hate crime laws have long been a topic of debate on the national level. Supporters maintain they help better protect minorities and other targeted groups. Opponents argue they could infringe on free speech, and that it's hard to determine the intent of a suspect.

North Dakota is "one of a handful of states" that doesn't have bias crime legislation, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, said before the House vote earlier this year, adding that amendments which would have addressed law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements were not considered by a House committee that urged the chamber to defeat the bill.

"That speaks to others outside the state that we either don't see the need, or do not acknowledge it as an issue, or are opposed to it," Schneider said.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, argued before the failed vote that the legislation "would make North Dakota a more welcoming state."

Bismarck's proposed ordinance is detailed in a link included in the agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting, at https://bit.ly/3wttyMO.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Students at Youth and Families for Christ (YFFC) excitedly shot up from their seats as they heard the faint sound of motorcycle engines humming down the road.

Theyre here! the kids said enthusiastically.

On May 20, the students went outside to greet the Pony Express Ride motorcycles as part of the groups statewide ride to raise awareness about childrens mental health. The kids then welcomed in riders, offering them water and food, as well as showing them posters they created about mental health.

This is awesome. Its why I do the ride, Pony Express rider Robert Bennetts said of meeting the kids at YFFC.  Its important for me to see their faces and know the kids. Seeing something like this brings (me) joy.

Youth and Families for Christ - 2809 13th St.  was one of a few stops the motorcyclists made as part of the 15th annual Pony Express Ride. The ride  which started May 18 in Scottsbluff - ends Saturday at the Nebraska State Capitol.

YFFC is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization that assists teens and families in the community. The nonprofit helps local middle and high school students, as well as teen parents and their kids.

The Pony Express Rides mission didnt go unnoticed by the students at YFFC.

I think it was something really cool to do, Columbus High School junior Jobany Ortiz said. I never even knew people did stuff like that, riding around Nebraska for mental awareness.  It gives me a little bit more faith in humanity that there are people out there who want to help those that need the most help.

Bennetts has been with the Pony Express Ride for about six years. He has has dealt with mental health matters for over 20 years as all three of his children have differing levels of issues, he said.

During the ride, the motorcyclists reenact the historic Pony Express mail delivery service by picking up letters about childrens mental health written by youth, their families and other supporters. The riders deliver the letters to the steps of the state capital to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Chief Executive Dannette Smith and Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Bennetts said raising awareness of childrens mental awareness is vital. He said  for example  if someone goes to the grocery store and notices a kid who may come across as bratty, there might be another reason for their behavior.

They may be autistic. They may have Aspergers, Bennett said. They might not know the issue.  We want people to understand that just because a child is acting a certain way it doesnt necessarily mean they have bad behaviors. There are other underlining things. If we can get out in front of those when theyre 10-, 11-, 12-years-old, we can prevent a lot of problems down the road.

Columbus was one of five visits made by the Pony Express on May 20. The riders also stopped in Grand Island, York, Norfolk and Fremont that day.

I thought it was pretty cool that they came to talk to us about what they do and that people from other states rode with them, said Lakeview High School graduate Karla Diaz.

For those in immediate need of help, the National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Crisis Text Line - which is available 24/7 - is 741741. Starting July 16, 2022, people can call 988 for a mental health emergency.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Bismarck might become the third North Dakota city to adopt a hate crimes ordinance, a move supporters say would help fight racism by gathering data that's specific to such acts.

If Ordinance 6501 is enacted, Bismarck would join Fargo and Grand Forks in placing such language on the books. Fargos ordinance has been in place for a year, with one hate crime offense reported in a case that's ongoing. Grand Forks followed suit last winter. Information on whether any hate crime offenses have been reported there wasn't immediately available.

The Bismarck City Commission at its Tuesday meeting will take public input on the capital city's proposed ordinance, which would add hate crimes to the existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs said the proposal is much the same as the Fargo and Grand Forks ordinances. The language of the underlying crimes remained unchanged in the Bismarck version. Changes could be made to the proposed ordinance after input is taken at the public hearing, Combs said.

The Bismarck ordinance would broaden existing ordinances to include acts that are committed because of a victims race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry. It wouldnt elevate the offense level of those crimes -- they would remain Class B misdemeanors, the highest level of offense that municipalities in North Dakota can handle. Those crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Crimes classified as Class A misdemeanors or higher -- which carry stiffer punishments -- are handled by state prosecution, but the state doesn't have hate crime laws in place.

Such an ordinance would enable city officials to report specific crimes to the FBI as hate crimes for data collection and possible prosecution at the federal level, according to City Commissioner Nancy Guy.

"I don't think it matters if it elevates (punishment)," she said. "It specifies that crime so it doesn't get rolled up with other crimes. It gets reported, and that's helpful in judging the amount of racism and bigotry out there."

Bismarck Police Lt. Luke Gardiner when contacted by the Tribune referred questions about the ordinance to city officials.

As Bismarck businesses recruit workers from other countries and the city becomes more diverse, its important to have a hate crimes ordinance in place, Guy said. Its something people considering moving to Bismarck might factor in when making their decision, she said.

Its not only important on a human scale but important on an economic scale too, she said.

Guy said she introduced the ordinance after receiving input from the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The proposal has the support of other organizations, such as YouthWorks and High Plains Fair Housing, she said.

Passing the ordinance would also illustrate to the state Legislature that cities feel strongly about hate crimes laws, Guy said. Hate crimes legislation introduced during the 2022 session failed in the House by a vote of 75-17. Opponents objected over issues of law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements attached to the bill. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposed legislation "horribly subjective."

"It uses identity politics to promote a victim culture, which further divides an already divided nation," he said.

Hate crime laws have long been a topic of debate on the national level. Supporters maintain they help better protect minorities and other targeted groups. Opponents argue they could infringe on free speech, and that it's hard to determine the intent of a suspect.

North Dakota is "one of a handful of states" that doesn't have bias crime legislation, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, said before the House vote earlier this year, adding that amendments which would have addressed law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements were not considered by a House committee that urged the chamber to defeat the bill.

"That speaks to others outside the state that we either don't see the need, or do not acknowledge it as an issue, or are opposed to it," Schneider said.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, argued before the failed vote that the legislation "would make North Dakota a more welcoming state."

Bismarck's proposed ordinance is detailed in a link included in the agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting, at https://bit.ly/3wttyMO.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
ST. LOUIS  The region cleaned up on Friday after at least eight tornadoes touched down one day earlier. Homeowners patched roofs in Kirkwood. Crews chainsawed downed trees in Warson Woods. And thousands were still without power, scattered across the region, from Defiance to Edwardsville.

The National Weather Service sent survey teams to various locations Friday to see if damage had the signature of a tornado, which manifests differently than that inflicted by straight-line winds. Trees downed by a tornado, for instance, could be found laying across one another, rather than pointing in the same direction.

The damage tends to get pulled together into patterns that sort of intersect, said Jon Carney, a local NWS meteorologist.

By late afternoon, preliminary survey results from the agencys teams identified at least seven separate tornadoes, and counting, that occurred during the Thursday storms that swept through the region. That number potentially stood to rise as survey work continued.

Five of those local tornadoes were in Missouri: near Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Frontenac in St. Louis County, and near St. Clair and Leslie in Franklin County.

Three more of the regions tornadoes touched down in Illinois: one near Okawville and another that traced a path from Breese to Greenville. A third, near the tiny town of Summerfield in St. Clair County, was confirmed Friday early evening.

The NWS said all of the twisters were designated as either an EF0 or EF1  the weakest levels on the scale that measures their intensity. Nearly all of them were short-lived and perhaps on the ground for a minute or less, said Carney, the NWS meteorologist. Of yesterdays local tornadoes, the one that tracked from around Breese to Greenville had the longest path, at nearly 17 miles, as well as the highest estimated peak wind speeds, at 110 mph.

No injuries were reported in the storms.

The Kirkwood tornado, an EF0, downed trees along its 3-mile path around 5 p.m. Thursday, damaging homes and cars, including in Warson Woods, near Kirkwood. It moved northeast before dissipating near Brentwood, forecasters said.

Near Breese, where the survey team said another tornado struck, there were damaged sheds and grain bins, said Jayson Gosselin, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Weldon Spring. Debris went 7,000 feet in the air during the storm.

About 6,000 Ameren utility customers in Missouri and Illinois were still without power Friday morning, and the number shrank to less than 2,000 by 7 p.m.

Some areas had to contend with flash flooding on Thursday evening  particularly in low-lying parts of south St. Louis, for instance, where vehicles on roadways and even Interstate 55 were engulfed by high water and where some sewers were pushed to the limit.

We had a long night, said Sean Hadley, a spokesman for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The sewers took on more water than they could handle.

Hadley said that the utility fielded 180 calls overnight, with the majority coming from south St. Louis.

He said lots of debris blocking sewer inlets was one factor that contributed to street flooding and noted that water reached up to porch height on some streets, preventing residents from leaving their homes.

Typically when you get street flooding, its because theres a blockage somewhere, said Hadley. The water didnt have anywhere to go.

Overall, though, he said the sewage system was able to keep operating as intended and that the utility has braved far worse  with past episodes of high water prompting hundreds more phone calls.

Rainfall Thursday was spotty, with some areas getting far more than others. And waterlogged spots around south St. Louis and south St. Louis County received the most rain in the region, with 2 to 3 inches falling in those places.

Thunderstorms could return after midnight Friday, though they will likely not be severe; Gosselin said they could produce small hail.

Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Bryce Gray Reporter covering energy and the environment for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bryce Gray Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Bismarck might become the third North Dakota city to adopt a hate crimes ordinance, a move supporters say would help fight racism by gathering data that's specific to such acts.

If Ordinance 6501 is enacted, Bismarck would join Fargo and Grand Forks in placing such language on the books. Fargos ordinance has been in place for a year, with one hate crime offense reported in a case that's ongoing. Grand Forks followed suit last winter. Information on whether any hate crime offenses have been reported there wasn't immediately available.

The Bismarck City Commission at its Tuesday meeting will take public input on the capital city's proposed ordinance, which would add hate crimes to the existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs said the proposal is much the same as the Fargo and Grand Forks ordinances. The language of the underlying crimes remained unchanged in the Bismarck version. Changes could be made to the proposed ordinance after input is taken at the public hearing, Combs said.

The Bismarck ordinance would broaden existing ordinances to include acts that are committed because of a victims race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry. It wouldnt elevate the offense level of those crimes -- they would remain Class B misdemeanors, the highest level of offense that municipalities in North Dakota can handle. Those crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Crimes classified as Class A misdemeanors or higher -- which carry stiffer punishments -- are handled by state prosecution, but the state doesn't have hate crime laws in place.

Such an ordinance would enable city officials to report specific crimes to the FBI as hate crimes for data collection and possible prosecution at the federal level, according to City Commissioner Nancy Guy.

"I don't think it matters if it elevates (punishment)," she said. "It specifies that crime so it doesn't get rolled up with other crimes. It gets reported, and that's helpful in judging the amount of racism and bigotry out there."

Bismarck Police Lt. Luke Gardiner when contacted by the Tribune referred questions about the ordinance to city officials.

As Bismarck businesses recruit workers from other countries and the city becomes more diverse, its important to have a hate crimes ordinance in place, Guy said. Its something people considering moving to Bismarck might factor in when making their decision, she said.

Its not only important on a human scale but important on an economic scale too, she said.

Guy said she introduced the ordinance after receiving input from the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The proposal has the support of other organizations, such as YouthWorks and High Plains Fair Housing, she said.

Passing the ordinance would also illustrate to the state Legislature that cities feel strongly about hate crimes laws, Guy said. Hate crimes legislation introduced during the 2022 session failed in the House by a vote of 75-17. Opponents objected over issues of law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements attached to the bill. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposed legislation "horribly subjective."

"It uses identity politics to promote a victim culture, which further divides an already divided nation," he said.

Hate crime laws have long been a topic of debate on the national level. Supporters maintain they help better protect minorities and other targeted groups. Opponents argue they could infringe on free speech, and that it's hard to determine the intent of a suspect.

North Dakota is "one of a handful of states" that doesn't have bias crime legislation, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, said before the House vote earlier this year, adding that amendments which would have addressed law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements were not considered by a House committee that urged the chamber to defeat the bill.

"That speaks to others outside the state that we either don't see the need, or do not acknowledge it as an issue, or are opposed to it," Schneider said.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, argued before the failed vote that the legislation "would make North Dakota a more welcoming state."

Bismarck's proposed ordinance is detailed in a link included in the agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting, at https://bit.ly/3wttyMO.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Bismarck might become the third North Dakota city to adopt a hate crimes ordinance, a move supporters say would help fight racism by gathering data that's specific to such acts.

If Ordinance 6501 is enacted, Bismarck would join Fargo and Grand Forks in placing such language on the books. Fargos ordinance has been in place for a year, with one hate crime offense reported in a case that's ongoing. Grand Forks followed suit last winter. Information on whether any hate crime offenses have been reported there wasn't immediately available.

The Bismarck City Commission at its Tuesday meeting will take public input on the capital city's proposed ordinance, which would add hate crimes to the existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs said the proposal is much the same as the Fargo and Grand Forks ordinances. The language of the underlying crimes remained unchanged in the Bismarck version. Changes could be made to the proposed ordinance after input is taken at the public hearing, Combs said.

The Bismarck ordinance would broaden existing ordinances to include acts that are committed because of a victims race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry. It wouldnt elevate the offense level of those crimes -- they would remain Class B misdemeanors, the highest level of offense that municipalities in North Dakota can handle. Those crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Crimes classified as Class A misdemeanors or higher -- which carry stiffer punishments -- are handled by state prosecution, but the state doesn't have hate crime laws in place.

Such an ordinance would enable city officials to report specific crimes to the FBI as hate crimes for data collection and possible prosecution at the federal level, according to City Commissioner Nancy Guy.

"I don't think it matters if it elevates (punishment)," she said. "It specifies that crime so it doesn't get rolled up with other crimes. It gets reported, and that's helpful in judging the amount of racism and bigotry out there."

Bismarck Police Lt. Luke Gardiner when contacted by the Tribune referred questions about the ordinance to city officials.

As Bismarck businesses recruit workers from other countries and the city becomes more diverse, its important to have a hate crimes ordinance in place, Guy said. Its something people considering moving to Bismarck might factor in when making their decision, she said.

Its not only important on a human scale but important on an economic scale too, she said.

Guy said she introduced the ordinance after receiving input from the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The proposal has the support of other organizations, such as YouthWorks and High Plains Fair Housing, she said.

Passing the ordinance would also illustrate to the state Legislature that cities feel strongly about hate crimes laws, Guy said. Hate crimes legislation introduced during the 2022 session failed in the House by a vote of 75-17. Opponents objected over issues of law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements attached to the bill. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposed legislation "horribly subjective."

"It uses identity politics to promote a victim culture, which further divides an already divided nation," he said.

Hate crime laws have long been a topic of debate on the national level. Supporters maintain they help better protect minorities and other targeted groups. Opponents argue they could infringe on free speech, and that it's hard to determine the intent of a suspect.

North Dakota is "one of a handful of states" that doesn't have bias crime legislation, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, said before the House vote earlier this year, adding that amendments which would have addressed law enforcement training and criminal penalty enhancements were not considered by a House committee that urged the chamber to defeat the bill.

"That speaks to others outside the state that we either don't see the need, or do not acknowledge it as an issue, or are opposed to it," Schneider said.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, argued before the failed vote that the legislation "would make North Dakota a more welcoming state."

Bismarck's proposed ordinance is detailed in a link included in the agenda for Tuesday's commission meeting, at https://bit.ly/3wttyMO.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Students at Youth and Families for Christ (YFFC) excitedly shot up from their seats as they heard the faint sound of motorcycle engines humming down the road.

Theyre here! the kids said enthusiastically.

On May 20, the students went outside to greet the Pony Express Ride motorcycles as part of the groups statewide ride to raise awareness about childrens mental health. The kids then welcomed in riders, offering them water and food, as well as showing them posters they created about mental health.

This is awesome. Its why I do the ride, Pony Express rider Robert Bennetts said of meeting the kids at YFFC.  Its important for me to see their faces and know the kids. Seeing something like this brings (me) joy.

Youth and Families for Christ - 2809 13th St.  was one of a few stops the motorcyclists made as part of the 15th annual Pony Express Ride. The ride  which started May 18 in Scottsbluff - ends Saturday at the Nebraska State Capitol.

YFFC is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization that assists teens and families in the community. The nonprofit helps local middle and high school students, as well as teen parents and their kids.

The Pony Express Rides mission didnt go unnoticed by the students at YFFC.

I think it was something really cool to do, Columbus High School junior Jobany Ortiz said. I never even knew people did stuff like that, riding around Nebraska for mental awareness.  It gives me a little bit more faith in humanity that there are people out there who want to help those that need the most help.

Bennetts has been with the Pony Express Ride for about six years. He has has dealt with mental health matters for over 20 years as all three of his children have differing levels of issues, he said.

During the ride, the motorcyclists reenact the historic Pony Express mail delivery service by picking up letters about childrens mental health written by youth, their families and other supporters. The riders deliver the letters to the steps of the state capital to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Chief Executive Dannette Smith and Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Bennetts said raising awareness of childrens mental awareness is vital. He said  for example  if someone goes to the grocery store and notices a kid who may come across as bratty, there might be another reason for their behavior.

They may be autistic. They may have Aspergers, Bennett said. They might not know the issue.  We want people to understand that just because a child is acting a certain way it doesnt necessarily mean they have bad behaviors. There are other underlining things. If we can get out in front of those when theyre 10-, 11-, 12-years-old, we can prevent a lot of problems down the road.

Columbus was one of five visits made by the Pony Express on May 20. The riders also stopped in Grand Island, York, Norfolk and Fremont that day.

I thought it was pretty cool that they came to talk to us about what they do and that people from other states rode with them, said Lakeview High School graduate Karla Diaz.

For those in immediate need of help, the National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Crisis Text Line - which is available 24/7 - is 741741. Starting July 16, 2022, people can call 988 for a mental health emergency.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Students at Youth and Families for Christ (YFFC) excitedly shot up from their seats as they heard the faint sound of motorcycle engines humming down the road.

Theyre here! the kids said enthusiastically.

On May 20, the students went outside to greet the Pony Express Ride motorcycles as part of the groups statewide ride to raise awareness about childrens mental health. The kids then welcomed in riders, offering them water and food, as well as showing them posters they created about mental health.

This is awesome. Its why I do the ride, Pony Express rider Robert Bennetts said of meeting the kids at YFFC.  Its important for me to see their faces and know the kids. Seeing something like this brings (me) joy.

Youth and Families for Christ - 2809 13th St.  was one of a few stops the motorcyclists made as part of the 15th annual Pony Express Ride. The ride  which started May 18 in Scottsbluff - ends Saturday at the Nebraska State Capitol.

YFFC is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization that assists teens and families in the community. The nonprofit helps local middle and high school students, as well as teen parents and their kids.

The Pony Express Rides mission didnt go unnoticed by the students at YFFC.

I think it was something really cool to do, Columbus High School junior Jobany Ortiz said. I never even knew people did stuff like that, riding around Nebraska for mental awareness.  It gives me a little bit more faith in humanity that there are people out there who want to help those that need the most help.

Bennetts has been with the Pony Express Ride for about six years. He has has dealt with mental health matters for over 20 years as all three of his children have differing levels of issues, he said.

During the ride, the motorcyclists reenact the historic Pony Express mail delivery service by picking up letters about childrens mental health written by youth, their families and other supporters. The riders deliver the letters to the steps of the state capital to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Chief Executive Dannette Smith and Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

Bennetts said raising awareness of childrens mental awareness is vital. He said  for example  if someone goes to the grocery store and notices a kid who may come across as bratty, there might be another reason for their behavior.

They may be autistic. They may have Aspergers, Bennett said. They might not know the issue.  We want people to understand that just because a child is acting a certain way it doesnt necessarily mean they have bad behaviors. There are other underlining things. If we can get out in front of those when theyre 10-, 11-, 12-years-old, we can prevent a lot of problems down the road.

Columbus was one of five visits made by the Pony Express on May 20. The riders also stopped in Grand Island, York, Norfolk and Fremont that day.

I thought it was pretty cool that they came to talk to us about what they do and that people from other states rode with them, said Lakeview High School graduate Karla Diaz.

For those in immediate need of help, the National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Crisis Text Line - which is available 24/7 - is 741741. Starting July 16, 2022, people can call 988 for a mental health emergency.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

BURLINGTON  True story: Burlingtons new community slogan could be based on lies.

City officials are discussing trading in their old Chocolate City U.S.A. slogan for a new one built around Burlingtons most famous private club  the Burlington Liars Club.

The tongue-in-cheek club goes back nearly a hundred years, and it has drawn national attention with its yearly contest to see who can concoct the most amusing fib.

As the city moves away from its longstanding Chocolate City brand, some officials think the Liars Club represents the sort of distinctive new identity that would make outsiders take a fresh look at Burlington.

Alderman Shad Branen said he envisions a ceremony to unveil each years winning lie on a scale of the Groundhog Day event that generates national attention each February for Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

It has massive potential, Brannen told his colleagues on the Burlington City Council Tuesday.

Some council members expressed interest in Branens idea, while others suggested that maybe Burlington does not need a slogan at all.

There was widespread agreement, however, that the ideas presented so far by a slogan-writing consulting firm have been non-starters.

After being roundly rejected by public opinion with the proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams, the consultant offered alternatives: Small Town, Big Dreams, Discover Your Best Life, Home Again, and Lakes & Rivers & Dreams Come True.

Looking over the choices, Alderman Tom Vos said: None of them really grabs me  I dont know how else to say it.

Goodbye cocoa

The city has been wrestling with an identity crisis of sorts for several years, trying to decide whether Burlington needs a break from its image as Chocolate City U.S.A.

Burlington adopted the chocolate slogan in 1987, based on the presence of candy-maker Nestles large manufacturing plant at 637 S. Pine St. At the same time, a summer festival called ChocolateFest grew into Burlingtons biggest annual event.

But as the Nestle plant changed and chocolate became less prevalent around town, officials started talking about retooling Burlingtons image.

The summer festival last year was renamed Burlington Jamboree.

An ad hoc group came up with the idea of City of Trails, but that fizzled out when officials decided that Burlingtons trail system was not so unique.

Using a $40,000 state grant, the city hired GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions and asked the Rockford, Illinois, consulting firm to come up with rebranding ideas. The firm told city officials that Burlington should stop trying to be a tourist attraction and should focus on promoting itself as simply a place to live and raise a family.

GrahamSpencer fashioned a logo out of a house with accompanying symbols of blue water and green agriculture. Finding a slogan to go with the logo, however, has proven tricky.

The proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams won early support, before a barrage of negative public feedback prompted city officials to backtrack. The alternatives discussed at Tuesdays City Council meeting did not generate much enthusiasm either.

City Administrator Carina Walters urged aldermen to find a solution, because the state wants to close out the $40,000 grant award cycle by June 30.

We will need to wrap up this process, Walters said.

Some aldermen suggested rebranding Burlington with no slogan at all. As Alderwoman Sara Spencer put it: If we cant agree on one, why do we need one?

Branen then mentioned the Burlington Liars Club as a feature in the community that could serve as the basis for a successful rebranding.

Alderman Bill Smitz agreed that the idea had possibilities. Its an interesting, unique area that would set us apart.

Since 1930, the club has conducted its contest every year and has enjoyed widespread attention with its selection of the best lies. Branen said the club has brought Burlington publicity in national newspapers and other news media.

There has also been a Liars Club tavern in town since 2016 at 492 N. Pine St.

If the city fashioned a new slogan based on the Liars Club, Branen said, the contest winner could be named each winter during the citys ice-sculpting competition in a grand spectacle like the Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania.

Branen said he is not aware of another Liars Club anywhere else.

It is the one and only that I know of in the world, he said. I just think its so unique.

GREENSBORO  Police have charged a 73-year-old former schools substitute in connection with a sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Richard Gene Martin of Greensboro on May 10, police said in a news release. An investigation led to charges of statutory sex offense with a minor, indecent liberties with a student, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and felony possession of marijuana.

The case remains under investigation.

Police said Martin is a former substitute with Guilford County Schools. The school district confirmed Wednesday that he had worked for the system from Oct. 26, 2017, until he was "inactivated," effective April 26.

Officials have not said when or where the assault took place.

We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation," Rebecca Kaye, the school district's chief of staff, said in a statement. "We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff are available to students who desire support.

Martin is being held on $500,000 bail at the Guilford County jail, records show.





remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.



Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
(Newser)  The conservative Catholic archbishop of San Francisco said Friday that he'll no longer allow US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to receive Communion because of her support for abortion rights. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said he sent Pelosi a letter April 7 expressing his concerns after she vowed to codify the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision establishing a constitutional right to abortion into law because of the Texas law banning most abortions that will take effect if the high court overturns Roe. Cordileone also said Pelosi never responded. The archbishop said he told Pelosi in the letter that she must either repudiate her support of abortion rights or stop speaking publicly about her Catholic faith, and that if she didn't, he would have no other choice but to declare she's not allowed to receive Communion, per the AP.

"I am hereby notifying you that you are not to present yourself for Holy Communion and, should you do so, you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion, until such time as you [publicly] repudiate your advocacy for the legitimacy of abortion and confess and receive absolution of this grave sin in the sacrament of penance," Cordileone's letter said. He said in a separate letter Friday to church members that he asked six times to meet with Pelosi but that her office didn't respond or told him she was busy. "After numerous attempts to speak with her to help her understand the grave evil she is perpetrating, the scandal she is causing, and the danger to her own soul she is risking, I have determined that the point has come in which I must make a public declaration that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion," Cordileone wrote.

Cordileone over the past year has been among the most outspoken US bishops advocating that Communion be denied to President Biden and other politicians who support abortion rights. However, each bishop has authority in his own diocese on this matter, and the archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, has affirmed that Biden is welcome to receive the sacrament there. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops last November overwhelmingly approved a long-anticipated document on Communion that stopped short of calling for withholding the sacrament from politicians who support abortion rights, but that offered justifications for individual bishops to do so. Pelosi's office didn't immediately respond to email and phone messages seeking comment on Friday.

(Read more Nancy Pelosi stories.)
GREENSBORO  Police have charged a 73-year-old former schools substitute in connection with a sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Richard Gene Martin of Greensboro on May 10, police said in a news release. An investigation led to charges of statutory sex offense with a minor, indecent liberties with a student, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and felony possession of marijuana.

The case remains under investigation.

Police said Martin is a former substitute with Guilford County Schools. The school district confirmed Wednesday that he had worked for the system from Oct. 26, 2017, until he was "inactivated," effective April 26.

Officials have not said when or where the assault took place.

We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation," Rebecca Kaye, the school district's chief of staff, said in a statement. "We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff are available to students who desire support.

Martin is being held on $500,000 bail at the Guilford County jail, records show.
GREENSBORO  Police have charged a 73-year-old former schools substitute in connection with a sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Officers arrested Richard Gene Martin of Greensboro on May 10, police said in a news release. An investigation led to charges of statutory sex offense with a minor, indecent liberties with a student, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and felony possession of marijuana.

The case remains under investigation.

Police said Martin is a former substitute with Guilford County Schools. The school district confirmed Wednesday that he had worked for the system from Oct. 26, 2017, until he was "inactivated," effective April 26.

Officials have not said when or where the assault took place.

We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation," Rebecca Kaye, the school district's chief of staff, said in a statement. "We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff are available to students who desire support.

Martin is being held on $500,000 bail at the Guilford County jail, records show.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe





remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.



remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.

SEOUL  Love letters are out. Military exercises are back. In his first visit to South Korea since taking office, President Biden restored Americas strategy toward the Korean Peninsula to the traditional approach that prevailed before his predecessor upended generations of relations by romancing North Koreas dictator.

That means more deterrence, more collaboration with allies and more skepticism of Pyongyang, but it may not mean more progress resolving one of the worlds most intractable standoffs. While Mr. Biden concluded that former President Donald J. Trumps we fell in love courtship of North Koreas Kim Jong-un was an embarrassing spectacle, he holds little illusion that a return to the old ways will result in a breakthrough any time soon either.

Instead, Mr. Biden is essentially hunkering down for a long impasse, taking measures to keep North Korea contained and to forestall a dangerous escalation  or at least be better prepared to respond in case there is one  while leaving the door open to diplomacy should the right moment ever arrive. His trip here to Seoul, to be followed by a visit to Tokyo starting on Sunday, was designed to bolster allies rattled by Mr. Trumps unpredictable maneuvering  as well as Chinas growing power  and reassure them that the United States would never abandon them in the face of a nuclear threat.

The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital, said Mr. Biden, using South Koreas formal name, at a news conference in Seoul with President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was inaugurated only 11 days ago.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




London has begun talks with allies on sending modern weapons to Moldova according to NATO standards to ensure that the country can defend itself against Russia.

This was stated in an interview with the Telegraph by British Foreign Minister Liz Truss, according to Ukrinform.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies," Truss said.

Moldova is not a member of NATO, and there are fears that it may become Putin's next target after Ukraine, as Russia seeks territorial expansion.

According to Truss, Putin has stated absolutely clearly his ambitions to create a greater Russia, and the fact that his attempts to seize Kyiv have failed does not mean that he has abandoned those ambitions.

If Moldova's weapons plans are adopted, NATO members will provide the country with modern arms, replacing the Soviet-era equipment, and teach soldiers how to use them.

Photo: Simon Dawson / No. 10 Downing Street
BURLINGTON  True story: Burlingtons new community slogan could be based on lies.

City officials are discussing trading in their old Chocolate City U.S.A. slogan for a new one built around Burlingtons most famous private club  the Burlington Liars Club.

The tongue-in-cheek club goes back nearly a hundred years, and it has drawn national attention with its yearly contest to see who can concoct the most amusing fib.

As the city moves away from its longstanding Chocolate City brand, some officials think the Liars Club represents the sort of distinctive new identity that would make outsiders take a fresh look at Burlington.

Alderman Shad Branen said he envisions a ceremony to unveil each years winning lie on a scale of the Groundhog Day event that generates national attention each February for Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

It has massive potential, Brannen told his colleagues on the Burlington City Council Tuesday.

Some council members expressed interest in Branens idea, while others suggested that maybe Burlington does not need a slogan at all.

There was widespread agreement, however, that the ideas presented so far by a slogan-writing consulting firm have been non-starters.

After being roundly rejected by public opinion with the proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams, the consultant offered alternatives: Small Town, Big Dreams, Discover Your Best Life, Home Again, and Lakes & Rivers & Dreams Come True.

Looking over the choices, Alderman Tom Vos said: None of them really grabs me  I dont know how else to say it.

Goodbye cocoa

The city has been wrestling with an identity crisis of sorts for several years, trying to decide whether Burlington needs a break from its image as Chocolate City U.S.A.

Burlington adopted the chocolate slogan in 1987, based on the presence of candy-maker Nestles large manufacturing plant at 637 S. Pine St. At the same time, a summer festival called ChocolateFest grew into Burlingtons biggest annual event.

But as the Nestle plant changed and chocolate became less prevalent around town, officials started talking about retooling Burlingtons image.

The summer festival last year was renamed Burlington Jamboree.

An ad hoc group came up with the idea of City of Trails, but that fizzled out when officials decided that Burlingtons trail system was not so unique.

Using a $40,000 state grant, the city hired GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions and asked the Rockford, Illinois, consulting firm to come up with rebranding ideas. The firm told city officials that Burlington should stop trying to be a tourist attraction and should focus on promoting itself as simply a place to live and raise a family.

GrahamSpencer fashioned a logo out of a house with accompanying symbols of blue water and green agriculture. Finding a slogan to go with the logo, however, has proven tricky.

The proposal of Small Wonder, Big Dreams won early support, before a barrage of negative public feedback prompted city officials to backtrack. The alternatives discussed at Tuesdays City Council meeting did not generate much enthusiasm either.

City Administrator Carina Walters urged aldermen to find a solution, because the state wants to close out the $40,000 grant award cycle by June 30.

We will need to wrap up this process, Walters said.

Some aldermen suggested rebranding Burlington with no slogan at all. As Alderwoman Sara Spencer put it: If we cant agree on one, why do we need one?

Branen then mentioned the Burlington Liars Club as a feature in the community that could serve as the basis for a successful rebranding.

Alderman Bill Smitz agreed that the idea had possibilities. Its an interesting, unique area that would set us apart.

Since 1930, the club has conducted its contest every year and has enjoyed widespread attention with its selection of the best lies. Branen said the club has brought Burlington publicity in national newspapers and other news media.

There has also been a Liars Club tavern in town since 2016 at 492 N. Pine St.

If the city fashioned a new slogan based on the Liars Club, Branen said, the contest winner could be named each winter during the citys ice-sculpting competition in a grand spectacle like the Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania.

Branen said he is not aware of another Liars Club anywhere else.

It is the one and only that I know of in the world, he said. I just think its so unique.






Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Brian Morton, an accomplished novelist, has turned to nonfiction for the first time in his new book, Tasha: A Sons Memoir. On this weeks podcast, he discusses his mothers life, the difficulties in taking care of her toward the end of her life and what led him to write a memoir.

I started writing a few pages about her, and I relished the freedom to write directly, to write without having to invent any characters, Morton says. I love to write about fictional characters, thats my favorite part of writing. But it takes me a very long time to sort of give birth to them. And here was my mother, perhaps the most colorful character Ive ever written about, who was right there.

Image

Rachel Careau visits the podcast to discuss her new translation of Colettes Cheri and its sequel, The End of Cheri.





On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China's decision not to agree with the Taiwan region's participation in this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) has received broad-based support and understanding from the international community, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks when answering a query regarding the international support for China's decision.

The 75th WHA will take place from May 22 to 28. Taiwan is not invited.

There is only one China in the world. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, said Wang, adding that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

The Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), must be handled under the one-China principle. This fundamental principle is confirmed in UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1, said the spokesperson.

He stressed that, for eight consecutive years from 2009 to 2016, China made special arrangements for the Taiwan region's participation in the WHA on the basis of adherence to the one-China principle on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

But since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power, it has placed its political agenda over the well-being of the people in the Taiwan region, obstinately adhering to the separatist position of "Taiwan independence" and refusing to admit the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle. As a result, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA has ceased to exist, Wang said.

"The Chinese Central Government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of our compatriots in the Taiwan region and has made proper arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs on the precondition of following the one-China principle," he said.

The Central Government has given the Taiwan region about 400 updates about the pandemic situation since the start of COVID-19 and approved 47 visits by public health experts from the Taiwan region to 44 WHO technical activities over the past year. The Taiwan region received multiple notifications of COVID-19 information from the WHO Secretariat.

"The claim of a 'gap' in global anti-pandemic efforts is thus groundless," said Wang, adding that the DPP authorities, turning a blind eye to the common aspiration of the international community to focus on anti-pandemic cooperation and the life and safety of the people in the Taiwan region, are pursuing political maneuvering under the pretext of the pandemic in violation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.

"They are bent on initiating proposals relating to the Taiwan region at the cost of disrupting the WHA proceedings and international cooperation, with the real motive of creating 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'," said the spokesperson.

To safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and uphold the solemnity and authority of relevant UNGA and WHA resolutions, China cannot agree with the Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA. This decision by China received broad-based support and understanding from the international community, Wang said.

He said that, so far, nearly 90 countries have sent letters to the WHO to express their commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan's participation in the WHA. "This once again shows that the one-China principle is the common aspiration and the overriding trend, and the fact that the overwhelming majority of countries hold a just and right position on the relevant issue."

"People around the world are always clear-eyed. Any attempt to play the 'Taiwan card' to contain China will be firmly rejected by the overwhelming majority of members of the international community and is doomed to fail," said the spokesperson. 

On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Ebenezer Appiah Sam, a mobile banker with Breman Brakwa Rural Bank in the Region Central has been shot and robbed by armed robbers.

The incident occurred on Thursday on the Breman Kokoso to Breman Amanfopong road.

Information gathered indicates that he was riding his motorcycle towards the Breman Kokoso Cemetery when he was shot by armed robbers hiding in the bush.

Sources say although the victim in the past had escaped an armed robbery attack on the same route, this time around he was unlucky and was hit by bullets.

The robbers subsequently appeared from the bushes with guns and other weapons. They threatened Ebenezer Appiah that they will end his life if he fail to hand over all monies on him.

While the mobile banker is yet to provide information on the actual amount of money stolen by the robbers, it is understood that the amount involved is huge.

After the incident, the victim managed to ride back to Head Office at Breman Brakwa and was taken to the hospital for medical care.

Meanwhile, the robbery has been reported to the Breman Brakwa Police Station for investigation.


Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates speaks as the CTU and the local school council held a news conference on Sept. 28, 2021, outside Jensen Elementary School in North Lawndale. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the union Friday following a months-long, hard-fought battle against two challengers to succeed outgoing president Jesse Sharkey.

Fridays election results show the strength of Davis Gates Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators, which has been criticized in recent months for mishandling the unions response to the winter surge in COVID-19 cases and not being transparent enough about union finances.

Advertisement

CORE won by gaining the support of 56% of union members who voted  avoiding a potential June runoff by nabbing an outright majority. The challenging slates of Members First and REAL garnered 27% and 17% of the vote, respectively, according to results announced by CTU early Saturday morning.

CTU has about 25,000 members.

Advertisement

The race was unusually vicious. Members seemed more divided than ever following the unions move to refuse in-person work during the January omicron surge and the decision to return to classrooms days later after inking a COVID-19 safety agreement that union leaders say Chicago Public Schools has not upheld.

The REAL Caucus was formed out of discontent with Januarys work stoppage. Members First, meanwhile, was created years ago by members calling for more transparency in union activity. Led by Sharkey, CORE easily defeated Members First in the last election, in 2019, with about two-thirds of the vote.

Sharkey announced in February he will step down when his term is up at the end of June. He threw his support behind Davis Gates, a former high school history teacher and CTU political director. Davis Gates has been a vocal proponent of more COVID-19 safety measures, more protections for CPS most vulnerable students and more mental health resources for all students as the pandemic continues.

Davis Gates now stands to lead one of Chicagos most powerful unions through negotiations of a new contract; the transition to an elected school board and a relentless pandemic. The last contract negotiation resulted in a two-week strike by the union in 2019.

Officers are set to begin their three-year term on July 1. The union also voted in Jackson Potter as vice president, Maria Moreno as financial secretary and Christel Williams-Hayes as recording secretary, all CORE slate members.

The CORE slate rose to power in 2010 with the late Karen Lewis as president. Under COREs leadership, the union also went on strike in 2012.

CTUs relationship with Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been strained from the start. The union backed her opponent, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, in the 2019 election, and then the strike happened just months later.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived a short time later and only worsened the strain, as Lightfoots and CPS plans for reopening schools were delayed several times by union resistance. CTU won the right to bargain over the terms of teachers return and twice took formal action to refuse to teach in-person classes as it fought for more safety protections for staff and students.

Advertisement

Members First released a statement Saturday thanking its supporters. The election results did not turn out the way we had hoped. However, we stood up and fought for what we believed in.

tswartz@tribpub.com












The Minister said that the efforts to improve air quality have shown positive trends in achievement of better air in cities across the country. "But if we wish to achieve what we aspire for, a 'Jan Bhagidari' or participative governance holds the key," he said.@byadavbjp pic.twitter.com/1ZFZMR3Wwj IANS (@ians_india) May 21, 2022

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates speaks as the CTU and the local school council held a news conference on Sept. 28, 2021, outside Jensen Elementary School in North Lawndale. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the union Friday following a months-long, hard-fought battle against two challengers to succeed outgoing president Jesse Sharkey.

Fridays election results show the strength of Davis Gates Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators, which has been criticized in recent months for mishandling the unions response to the winter surge in COVID-19 cases and not being transparent enough about union finances.

Advertisement

CORE won by gaining the support of 56% of union members who voted  avoiding a potential June runoff by nabbing an outright majority. The challenging slates of Members First and REAL garnered 27% and 17% of the vote, respectively, according to results announced by CTU early Saturday morning.

CTU has about 25,000 members.

Advertisement

The race was unusually vicious. Members seemed more divided than ever following the unions move to refuse in-person work during the January omicron surge and the decision to return to classrooms days later after inking a COVID-19 safety agreement that union leaders say Chicago Public Schools has not upheld.

The REAL Caucus was formed out of discontent with Januarys work stoppage. Members First, meanwhile, was created years ago by members calling for more transparency in union activity. Led by Sharkey, CORE easily defeated Members First in the last election, in 2019, with about two-thirds of the vote.

Sharkey announced in February he will step down when his term is up at the end of June. He threw his support behind Davis Gates, a former high school history teacher and CTU political director. Davis Gates has been a vocal proponent of more COVID-19 safety measures, more protections for CPS most vulnerable students and more mental health resources for all students as the pandemic continues.

Davis Gates now stands to lead one of Chicagos most powerful unions through negotiations of a new contract; the transition to an elected school board and a relentless pandemic. The last contract negotiation resulted in a two-week strike by the union in 2019.

Officers are set to begin their three-year term on July 1. The union also voted in Jackson Potter as vice president, Maria Moreno as financial secretary and Christel Williams-Hayes as recording secretary, all CORE slate members.

The CORE slate rose to power in 2010 with the late Karen Lewis as president. Under COREs leadership, the union also went on strike in 2012.

CTUs relationship with Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been strained from the start. The union backed her opponent, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, in the 2019 election, and then the strike happened just months later.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived a short time later and only worsened the strain, as Lightfoots and CPS plans for reopening schools were delayed several times by union resistance. CTU won the right to bargain over the terms of teachers return and twice took formal action to refuse to teach in-person classes as it fought for more safety protections for staff and students.

Advertisement

Members First released a statement Saturday thanking its supporters. The election results did not turn out the way we had hoped. However, we stood up and fought for what we believed in.

tswartz@tribpub.com
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'

On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates speaks as the CTU and the local school council held a news conference on Sept. 28, 2021, outside Jensen Elementary School in North Lawndale. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the union Friday following a months-long, hard-fought battle against two challengers to succeed outgoing president Jesse Sharkey.

Fridays election results show the strength of Davis Gates Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators, which has been criticized in recent months for mishandling the unions response to the winter surge in COVID-19 cases and not being transparent enough about union finances.

Advertisement

CORE won by gaining the support of 56% of union members who voted  avoiding a potential June runoff by nabbing an outright majority. The challenging slates of Members First and REAL garnered 27% and 17% of the vote, respectively, according to results announced by CTU early Saturday morning.

CTU has about 25,000 members.

Advertisement

The race was unusually vicious. Members seemed more divided than ever following the unions move to refuse in-person work during the January omicron surge and the decision to return to classrooms days later after inking a COVID-19 safety agreement that union leaders say Chicago Public Schools has not upheld.

The REAL Caucus was formed out of discontent with Januarys work stoppage. Members First, meanwhile, was created years ago by members calling for more transparency in union activity. Led by Sharkey, CORE easily defeated Members First in the last election, in 2019, with about two-thirds of the vote.

Sharkey announced in February he will step down when his term is up at the end of June. He threw his support behind Davis Gates, a former high school history teacher and CTU political director. Davis Gates has been a vocal proponent of more COVID-19 safety measures, more protections for CPS most vulnerable students and more mental health resources for all students as the pandemic continues.

Davis Gates now stands to lead one of Chicagos most powerful unions through negotiations of a new contract; the transition to an elected school board and a relentless pandemic. The last contract negotiation resulted in a two-week strike by the union in 2019.

Officers are set to begin their three-year term on July 1. The union also voted in Jackson Potter as vice president, Maria Moreno as financial secretary and Christel Williams-Hayes as recording secretary, all CORE slate members.

The CORE slate rose to power in 2010 with the late Karen Lewis as president. Under COREs leadership, the union also went on strike in 2012.

CTUs relationship with Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been strained from the start. The union backed her opponent, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, in the 2019 election, and then the strike happened just months later.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived a short time later and only worsened the strain, as Lightfoots and CPS plans for reopening schools were delayed several times by union resistance. CTU won the right to bargain over the terms of teachers return and twice took formal action to refuse to teach in-person classes as it fought for more safety protections for staff and students.

Advertisement

Members First released a statement Saturday thanking its supporters. The election results did not turn out the way we had hoped. However, we stood up and fought for what we believed in.

tswartz@tribpub.com
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Monkeypox has now been detected in countries from the US to Australia and is moving closer to these shores with cases detected in Britain. Should we be worried?

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection typically found in central and western Africa. Cases, usually small clusters or isolated infections, are sometimes diagnosed in other countries, including Britain where the first case was recorded in 2018 in an individual thought to have contracted the virus in Nigeria.

There are two forms of monkeypox, a milder west African strain and a more severe central African, or Congo strain. In Australia and Britain at least, it is thought the recently diagnosed individuals have the west African strain, although not all countries have released such information.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and chills, as well as other features such as exhaustion.

A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals, the UKHSA says. The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. Most patients recover from monkeypox in a few weeks.

How is it spread?

Monkeypox does not spread easily between humans and requires close contact. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is thought that human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through large respiratory droplets.

Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required, the CDC says. Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

Where have recent cases been found?

Monkeypox cases have been confirmed in recent weeks in a number of countries where it is not endemic, including the US, Canada, Italy, Portugal and Sweden, with the first cases reported in Germany and Australia on Friday. Suspected cases have been identified in Spain and France.

While some cases have been found in people who have recently travelled to Africa, others have not: of the two Australian cases to date, one was in a man who had recently returned from Europe, while the other was in a man who had recently been to the UK. A case in the US meanwhile appears to be in a man who recently travelled to Canada.

The UK is also experiencing cases of monkeypox, with signs that it is spreading in the community. So far 20 cases have been confirmed, with the first reported on May 7 in a patient who had recently travelled to Nigeria.

Not all of the cases appear to be linked and some have been diagnosed in men who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it was now coordinating with European health officials.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin Picture: Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP)

Does this mean monkeypox is sexually transmitted?

Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, says the latest cases may be the first time transmission of monkeypox though sexual contact has been documented, but this has not been confirmed, and in any case it is probably close contact that matters.

There is no evidence that it is a sexually transmitted virus, such as HIV, Head says. Its more that here the close contact during sexual or intimate activity, including prolonged skin-to-skin contact, may be the key factor during transmission.

Gay and bisexual men are being advised to look out for unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, in particular their genitalia.

How concerned should we be?

The west African strain of monkeypox is generally a mild infection for most people, but it is important those infected and their contacts are identified. The virus is more of a concern among vulnerable people such as those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant. Experts say the rise in numbers and evidence of community spread are worrying, and that more cases are to be expected as contact tracing by public health teams continues. It is unlikely, however, that there will be very large outbreaks. Head noted that vaccination of close contacts could be used as part of a ring vaccination approach.

According to the World Health Organization , vaccination against smallpox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. The jab may also help to reduce the severity of illness.

Guardian
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Monkeypox has now been detected in countries from the US to Australia and is moving closer to these shores with cases detected in Britain. Should we be worried?

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection typically found in central and western Africa. Cases, usually small clusters or isolated infections, are sometimes diagnosed in other countries, including Britain where the first case was recorded in 2018 in an individual thought to have contracted the virus in Nigeria.

There are two forms of monkeypox, a milder west African strain and a more severe central African, or Congo strain. In Australia and Britain at least, it is thought the recently diagnosed individuals have the west African strain, although not all countries have released such information.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and chills, as well as other features such as exhaustion.

A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals, the UKHSA says. The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. Most patients recover from monkeypox in a few weeks.

How is it spread?

Monkeypox does not spread easily between humans and requires close contact. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is thought that human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through large respiratory droplets.

Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required, the CDC says. Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

Where have recent cases been found?

Monkeypox cases have been confirmed in recent weeks in a number of countries where it is not endemic, including the US, Canada, Italy, Portugal and Sweden, with the first cases reported in Germany and Australia on Friday. Suspected cases have been identified in Spain and France.

While some cases have been found in people who have recently travelled to Africa, others have not: of the two Australian cases to date, one was in a man who had recently returned from Europe, while the other was in a man who had recently been to the UK. A case in the US meanwhile appears to be in a man who recently travelled to Canada.

The UK is also experiencing cases of monkeypox, with signs that it is spreading in the community. So far 20 cases have been confirmed, with the first reported on May 7 in a patient who had recently travelled to Nigeria.

Not all of the cases appear to be linked and some have been diagnosed in men who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it was now coordinating with European health officials.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin Picture: Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP)

Does this mean monkeypox is sexually transmitted?

Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, says the latest cases may be the first time transmission of monkeypox though sexual contact has been documented, but this has not been confirmed, and in any case it is probably close contact that matters.

There is no evidence that it is a sexually transmitted virus, such as HIV, Head says. Its more that here the close contact during sexual or intimate activity, including prolonged skin-to-skin contact, may be the key factor during transmission.

Gay and bisexual men are being advised to look out for unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, in particular their genitalia.

How concerned should we be?

The west African strain of monkeypox is generally a mild infection for most people, but it is important those infected and their contacts are identified. The virus is more of a concern among vulnerable people such as those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant. Experts say the rise in numbers and evidence of community spread are worrying, and that more cases are to be expected as contact tracing by public health teams continues. It is unlikely, however, that there will be very large outbreaks. Head noted that vaccination of close contacts could be used as part of a ring vaccination approach.

According to the World Health Organization , vaccination against smallpox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. The jab may also help to reduce the severity of illness.

Guardian
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
The Governor of Jigawa State, Muhammad Badaru, on Friday, recalled how former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu, help create the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party under which he became governor in 2015.

Speaking to the partys delegates at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, in the presence of Mr Tinubu, who was in the state to canvas for votes for the forthcoming partys presidential primaries, the governor said Mr Tinubus support made it possible for him to win the governorship election in 2015.

In 2011, we were looking for platform to contest the gubernatorial election in Jigawa, Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu provided me with that platform, in that election I came second.

Despite all the challenges, it was the contest that help galvanize my support, making it possible for me to win election in 2015, Mr Badaru said amid loud cheers from the arena, which was filled with the partys delegates and faithfuls.

The governor said he is one of the few who can walk into Mr Tinubus bedroom, wake him up even if he is sleeping. He said a strong bond exists between them.

In Jigawa, the governor said they are Buharist (Diehard fans of president Buhari) and they can do whatever the president ask them to do, but nobody can be more Buharist than Mr Tinubu, nobody knows the friendship, link between President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Tinubu.

He said no matter what people say on the streets, Mr Buhari holds Mr Tinubu dearly.

Sir, in Jigawa, we always say we will do what President Muhammadu Buhari ask us to do. We know your relationship with Buhari and he (Mr Buhari) treats me like a son and I will always respect and cherish that. Sir you are welcome to Jigawa State, count on our loyalty, Governor Badaru said.

Tinubus remarks

While addressing the delegates, Mr Tinubu said though Mr Badaru is contesting against him, he will defeat the governor during the primary. Mr Tinubus jocular comments was greeted with loud applause from the delegates with many hailing and shouting out Mr Tinubus monikers  Asiwaju of Lagos the Jagaban of Bargu

Governor Badaru is my brother, we started the ACN together, it does not mean we cannot compete, we are like a conjoined twins, it will take a specialist doctor to separate us, evil will not separate us, the former Lagos governor said.

He pleaded for the support of the states partys delegates to vote for him to pursue his political ambition, to become the next president of Nigeria.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023


London has begun talks with allies on sending modern weapons to Moldova according to NATO standards to ensure that the country can defend itself against Russia.

This was stated in an interview with the Telegraph by British Foreign Minister Liz Truss, according to Ukrinform.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard. This is a discussion were having with our allies," Truss said.

Moldova is not a member of NATO, and there are fears that it may become Putin's next target after Ukraine, as Russia seeks territorial expansion.

According to Truss, Putin has stated absolutely clearly his ambitions to create a greater Russia, and the fact that his attempts to seize Kyiv have failed does not mean that he has abandoned those ambitions.

If Moldova's weapons plans are adopted, NATO members will provide the country with modern arms, replacing the Soviet-era equipment, and teach soldiers how to use them.

Photo: Simon Dawson / No. 10 Downing Street
On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


The Governor of Jigawa State, Muhammad Badaru, on Friday, recalled how former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu, help create the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party under which he became governor in 2015.

Speaking to the partys delegates at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, in the presence of Mr Tinubu, who was in the state to canvas for votes for the forthcoming partys presidential primaries, the governor said Mr Tinubus support made it possible for him to win the governorship election in 2015.

In 2011, we were looking for platform to contest the gubernatorial election in Jigawa, Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu provided me with that platform, in that election I came second.

Despite all the challenges, it was the contest that help galvanize my support, making it possible for me to win election in 2015, Mr Badaru said amid loud cheers from the arena, which was filled with the partys delegates and faithfuls.

The governor said he is one of the few who can walk into Mr Tinubus bedroom, wake him up even if he is sleeping. He said a strong bond exists between them.

In Jigawa, the governor said they are Buharist (Diehard fans of president Buhari) and they can do whatever the president ask them to do, but nobody can be more Buharist than Mr Tinubu, nobody knows the friendship, link between President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Tinubu.

He said no matter what people say on the streets, Mr Buhari holds Mr Tinubu dearly.

Sir, in Jigawa, we always say we will do what President Muhammadu Buhari ask us to do. We know your relationship with Buhari and he (Mr Buhari) treats me like a son and I will always respect and cherish that. Sir you are welcome to Jigawa State, count on our loyalty, Governor Badaru said.

Tinubus remarks

While addressing the delegates, Mr Tinubu said though Mr Badaru is contesting against him, he will defeat the governor during the primary. Mr Tinubus jocular comments was greeted with loud applause from the delegates with many hailing and shouting out Mr Tinubus monikers  Asiwaju of Lagos the Jagaban of Bargu

Governor Badaru is my brother, we started the ACN together, it does not mean we cannot compete, we are like a conjoined twins, it will take a specialist doctor to separate us, evil will not separate us, the former Lagos governor said.

He pleaded for the support of the states partys delegates to vote for him to pursue his political ambition, to become the next president of Nigeria.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:


(@ChaudhryMAli88)

A court in New York has sentenced two sons of Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli to three years in prison each for involvement in an international money laundering and bribery scheme, the US Justice Department said

NEW YORK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2022) A court in New York has sentenced two sons of Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli to three years in prison each for involvement in an international money laundering and bribery scheme, the US Justice Department said.

"Two brothers (Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares and Ricardo Enrique Martinelli Linares), each a dual-citizen of Panama and Italy, were each sentenced to 36 months in prison for laundering $28 million in a bribery and money laundering scheme involving Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht), a Brazil-based global construction conglomerate. The defendants were also ordered to forfeit more than $18.8 million, pay a $250,000 fine and serve two years' supervised release," the department said in a press release on Friday.

Both sons of Panama's former president were extradited to the United States by the Guatemalan authorities. In December last year, Luis Enrique Martinelli had admitted to being involved, with his brother and others, in a $28 million money laundering and bribery scheme that involved Odebrecht.

In summer 2020, the brothers tried to depart Guatemala on a private airplane but were arrested and have since been held in a local military prison pending extradition.

According to a US Court, Latin American political elites received millions in bribes from Oderbrecht, one of the main contractors of Brazilian energy giant Petrobras. In total, Oderbecht paid foreign politicians and public officials $439 million between 2001 and 2016. Among the recipients of the bribes were civil servants from Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. The initial scheme involved the payment of more than $700 million in bribes to public officials in Panama and other countries.
ST. LOUIS  The region cleaned up on Friday after at least eight tornadoes touched down one day earlier. Homeowners patched roofs in Kirkwood. Crews chainsawed downed trees in Warson Woods. And thousands were still without power, scattered across the region, from Defiance to Edwardsville.

The National Weather Service sent survey teams to various locations Friday to see if damage had the signature of a tornado, which manifests differently than that inflicted by straight-line winds. Trees downed by a tornado, for instance, could be found laying across one another, rather than pointing in the same direction.

The damage tends to get pulled together into patterns that sort of intersect, said Jon Carney, a local NWS meteorologist.

By late afternoon, preliminary survey results from the agencys teams identified at least seven separate tornadoes, and counting, that occurred during the Thursday storms that swept through the region. That number potentially stood to rise as survey work continued.

Five of those local tornadoes were in Missouri: near Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, and Frontenac in St. Louis County, and near St. Clair and Leslie in Franklin County.

Three more of the regions tornadoes touched down in Illinois: one near Okawville and another that traced a path from Breese to Greenville. A third, near the tiny town of Summerfield in St. Clair County, was confirmed Friday early evening.

The NWS said all of the twisters were designated as either an EF0 or EF1  the weakest levels on the scale that measures their intensity. Nearly all of them were short-lived and perhaps on the ground for a minute or less, said Carney, the NWS meteorologist. Of yesterdays local tornadoes, the one that tracked from around Breese to Greenville had the longest path, at nearly 17 miles, as well as the highest estimated peak wind speeds, at 110 mph.

No injuries were reported in the storms.

The Kirkwood tornado, an EF0, downed trees along its 3-mile path around 5 p.m. Thursday, damaging homes and cars, including in Warson Woods, near Kirkwood. It moved northeast before dissipating near Brentwood, forecasters said.

Near Breese, where the survey team said another tornado struck, there were damaged sheds and grain bins, said Jayson Gosselin, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Weldon Spring. Debris went 7,000 feet in the air during the storm.

About 6,000 Ameren utility customers in Missouri and Illinois were still without power Friday morning, and the number shrank to less than 2,000 by 7 p.m.

Some areas had to contend with flash flooding on Thursday evening  particularly in low-lying parts of south St. Louis, for instance, where vehicles on roadways and even Interstate 55 were engulfed by high water and where some sewers were pushed to the limit.

We had a long night, said Sean Hadley, a spokesman for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The sewers took on more water than they could handle.

Hadley said that the utility fielded 180 calls overnight, with the majority coming from south St. Louis.

He said lots of debris blocking sewer inlets was one factor that contributed to street flooding and noted that water reached up to porch height on some streets, preventing residents from leaving their homes.

Typically when you get street flooding, its because theres a blockage somewhere, said Hadley. The water didnt have anywhere to go.

Overall, though, he said the sewage system was able to keep operating as intended and that the utility has braved far worse  with past episodes of high water prompting hundreds more phone calls.

Rainfall Thursday was spotty, with some areas getting far more than others. And waterlogged spots around south St. Louis and south St. Louis County received the most rain in the region, with 2 to 3 inches falling in those places.

Thunderstorms could return after midnight Friday, though they will likely not be severe; Gosselin said they could produce small hail.

Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Bryce Gray Reporter covering energy and the environment for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bryce Gray Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today



Viewers of the Netflix film Senior Year have lambasted the comedy after spotting a significant plot hole in its story.

The film stars Rebel Wilson as a high school cheerleader who falls into a coma before prom night, only to reawaken 20 years later and return to her school for unfinished business.

Senior year was savaged by critics and by viewers on social media, earning a critics score of just 26 per cent on the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes.

Many people on social media described the film as awful  though others have defended it, insisting it works as a charming throwback to a bygone age of high school-set comedies.

However, many viewers have the same lingering question over one aspect of the film.

Wilsons character fell into the coma after a cheerleading accident. The accident, however, was in fact a deliberate act of sabotage by two jealous peers.

The worst part about Senior Year movie on Netflix is that no one got in trouble for attempted murder, one person wrote.

Rebel Wilson as Stephanie Conway in Senior Year' (Boris Martin/NETFLIX)

I was wondering if I was the only one who felt that this was crazy! Im like, so she literally tried to harm this girl and its never mentioned again in the movie? another baffled viewer commented.

I thought the end of #SeniorYear Tiffany was going to admit she attempted tomurder Stephanie and maybe do a little jail time. But I guess a big cheer scene made more sense, a third person wrote.

Besides them ignoring an attempted murder, that senior year movie on Netflix wasnt bad, wrote another viewer, while someone else wrote: So Im confusedwas that not attempted murder????

Senior Year is available to stream on Netflix now.
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'

Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China's decision not to agree with the Taiwan region's participation in this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) has received broad-based support and understanding from the international community, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks when answering a query regarding the international support for China's decision.

The 75th WHA will take place from May 22 to 28. Taiwan is not invited.

There is only one China in the world. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, said Wang, adding that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

The Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), must be handled under the one-China principle. This fundamental principle is confirmed in UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1, said the spokesperson.

He stressed that, for eight consecutive years from 2009 to 2016, China made special arrangements for the Taiwan region's participation in the WHA on the basis of adherence to the one-China principle on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

But since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power, it has placed its political agenda over the well-being of the people in the Taiwan region, obstinately adhering to the separatist position of "Taiwan independence" and refusing to admit the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle. As a result, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA has ceased to exist, Wang said.

"The Chinese Central Government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of our compatriots in the Taiwan region and has made proper arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs on the precondition of following the one-China principle," he said.

The Central Government has given the Taiwan region about 400 updates about the pandemic situation since the start of COVID-19 and approved 47 visits by public health experts from the Taiwan region to 44 WHO technical activities over the past year. The Taiwan region received multiple notifications of COVID-19 information from the WHO Secretariat.

"The claim of a 'gap' in global anti-pandemic efforts is thus groundless," said Wang, adding that the DPP authorities, turning a blind eye to the common aspiration of the international community to focus on anti-pandemic cooperation and the life and safety of the people in the Taiwan region, are pursuing political maneuvering under the pretext of the pandemic in violation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.

"They are bent on initiating proposals relating to the Taiwan region at the cost of disrupting the WHA proceedings and international cooperation, with the real motive of creating 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'," said the spokesperson.

To safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and uphold the solemnity and authority of relevant UNGA and WHA resolutions, China cannot agree with the Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA. This decision by China received broad-based support and understanding from the international community, Wang said.

He said that, so far, nearly 90 countries have sent letters to the WHO to express their commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan's participation in the WHA. "This once again shows that the one-China principle is the common aspiration and the overriding trend, and the fact that the overwhelming majority of countries hold a just and right position on the relevant issue."

"People around the world are always clear-eyed. Any attempt to play the 'Taiwan card' to contain China will be firmly rejected by the overwhelming majority of members of the international community and is doomed to fail," said the spokesperson. 
Firefighters were today battling a blaze at a major Russian aerospace institute.

The blaze with thick black smoke was at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky, a facility involved in research on Russian warplanes.

The inferno seen on videos is the latest at strategic Russian sites during the war with Ukraine with suspicions that some may be sabotage.

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles southeast of Moscow, which has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets.

A fire has broken out at a power substation supplying the institute, 43 miles from Moscow

The institute has been crucial to the development of aircraft such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and MiG-31 fighters as well as various rockets

The institution was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300

The fire began at a power substation supplying the institute. There were no reports of casualties from the inferno

It was also involved in the development of the Tu-204 and the Il-96-300.

The Ministry of Emergencies said: 'At 9am a message was received about a fire in a transformer substation, at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Zhukovsky.'

There were no reports of casualties from the inferno.

It was the first scientific institution in Russia to combine basic studies, applied research, structural design, pilot production and testing.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of fires including a blaze on Tuesday at a chemical plant in Novosibirsk.

Two chemical plants with links to the defence industry suffered fires, one at Kaprolaktam, in Dzerzhinsk, which once made chemical weapons, on 4 May, the other two weeks earlier at the Dmitrievsky plant in Kineshma.

Another fire raised questions of sabotage was at a Russian missile design institute in Tver in which 22 weapons officials and designers died.

This  at Russias Central Research Institute of the Aerospace Defence Forces  and other mysterious fires, for example at oil depots, may have been sabotage attacks by Ukraine or the West directed at Vladimir Putin, aimed at seeking 'to dissuade his weapons of mass destruction brinkmanship', says a US expert.

Professor Douglas London, of Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, and a retired 34-year CIA operations officer, told Foreign Policy journal that some recent incidents - including oil deport fires - may have been sabotage linked to the war.

'US and allied enabling of a Ukrainian sabotage campaign inside Russia telegraphs a significant and escalating cost Putin can ill afford,' he said.

The map shows possible incidents of sabotage in Russia which have broken out since the start of the war in Ukraine

Russias leading independent gun-maker urged the Russian authorities to be more suspicious of sabotage over the wave of fires.

Vladislav Lobaev said: 'The Dmitrievsky chemical plant in the city of Kineshma burned down.

'It is the largest Russian manufacturer of chemical solvents used in a variety of industries.

'Separately, the building of the defence research Institute in Tver burned to the ground

'It was at this institute that the Iskanders and the S-400 were developed.'

He warned: 'It is hard to believe in such coincidences, especially with large or such iconic enterprises.

'In wartime, it is necessary to work out the version of sabotage more actively.'

Doctor Strange actress Zara Phythian has been placed in isolation at the notorious Foston Hall prison 'for her own safety', after being sentenced to eight years for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.

Phythian, 36, has been sobbing down the phone to her father Andy and is now on an hourly watch after concerns were raised for her health, with her family believing she is set to appeal her sentence.

Foston Hall, in Derbyshire, is knowns for its high levels of violence and self-harm, and is home to infamous female criminals, including Ian Huntley's ex-girlfriend Maxine Carr and Karen Matthews, who famously staged her own daughter's kidnapping.

Phythian, who starred with Benedict Cumberbatch in the Marvel movie Doctor Strange, was found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court of plying her teenage victim with rum before making her perform a sex act on her partner.

Phythian's husband Victor Marke was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for jointly abusing the same victim, as well as the indecent assault of a second girl.

A family source said: 'She's in a really bad way and been kept in isolation for her own safety before being moved to a single cell.

Phythian (pictured with Benedict Cumberbatch) and her Taekwondo 'master' husband Victor Marke, 59, were jointly charged with 14 historical counts of sexual activity with a girl

Phythian (pictured with Marke), 36, has been sobbing down the phone to her father Andy and is now on an hourly watch after concerns were raised for her health, with her family believing she is set to appeal her sentence

Phythian is being checked on by guards every hour over concerns for her health since being sent to notorious prison Foston Hall, in Derbyshire

Foston Hall (pictured), in Derbyshire, is knowns for its high levels of violence and self-harm, and is home to infamous female criminals, including Ian Huntley's ex-girlfriend Maxine Carr and Karen Matthews, who famously staged her own daughter's kidnapping.

'Guards are doing hourly checks on her because she has been close to a nervous breakdown.

'Andy is desperate to see her but has to wait to get his visitors pass.

'She's been crying down the phone to him and is not in a good way.'

In February it was revealed Foston Hall faced criticism from inspectors after it was found that inmates had made 1,000 calls a month to Samaritans.

The prison was found to have high levels of violence and self-harm and two inmates took their own lives while serving sentences at the prison since 2019.

The victim of Phythian and Marke, who cannot be named, described the couple as 'Jekyll and Hyde' characters and said Marke threatened her while ordering her to film the abuse.

The couple, of Mansfield, Notts., were found guilty of 14 counts of sexual activity, while Marke was convicted of four further charges of indecent assault against another teen.

After her sentence was passed, members of Phythian's family shouted 'we love you Zara' to which she responded: 'I'm innocent, I love you all.'

Earlier, Marke could be heard sobbing uncontrollably as he arrived into the court room to hear his fate.

Sentencing, Judge Mark Watson said: 'It has been said that both of you present as impressive individuals, each with a long list of accomplishment.

'You, Victor Marke, were somebody your students looked up to. You Zara Marke were also someone that was looked up to by those you taught.

Phythian's husband Victor Marke was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for jointly abusing the same victim, as well as the indecent assault of a second girl

'Most people have held you in high esteem. That is why you were able to groom the victims in this case and get away with it for so long.

'You groomed her and there was a significant disparity in your ages.

'Both of you exposed her to sex acts. You showed her how you liked it and she described it as a 'very advanced, dirty, naughty side'.

'She said 'God I've done everything and I'm not even 16 yet.'

'At the time she was already vulnerable, in the sense she was young and had not gone through puberty.

'Much of the sexual behaviour was video recorded.

'Victor Marke, I describe you as the driving force behind the abuse. The sex act that did take place would end when you had fulfilled your needs.

'You were also the older part and occupied a higher status in the world of martial arts.

Hollywood actress Zara Phythian, 36, (with spouse Victor Marke arriving at court on May 3)

'Both you and Zara Marke were immersed in that regime, everyone was all too aware of the pecking order - you were at the top.

'Each of you shares responsibility. Your offending involved multiple types of sex acts and more importantly you offended together.

'I have to deal with you both for a course of offending that lasted three years. I do take account of your good character but this may be of limiting value.

'There will be no chance for either of you to see the other, which will cause some distress. '

Addressing Phythian, the judge said: 'The sentence in your case will be shorter.

'There was one victim and you were younger at the time and I do not view you as the driving force behind this.

'You were besotted with Victor Marke. I am in no doubt your deviance was shaped by him.

'You had been the focus of his attentions. Your relationship started at a time when you were young.

'None of this excuses what you did, you may have done them to fulfill Victor Marke's urges but you still chose to play your part. '

Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Tim Alicz moves canisters down a line that will be filled with Gumballhead wheat pale ale at Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Ten years ago, Three Floyds beer rarely reached store shelves.

With each weekly shipment, retailers stashed the beer in back, waiting for people to ask for it. Three Floyds beer reliably sold out, often in less than a day. Legend has it the most obsessed fans followed distribution trucks around town, waiting for the beer to be unloaded. People craved it, both for the extreme, inventive flavors and the heavy-metal-meets-dystopian-comic-book ethos.

Advertisement

As one beer seller said at the time, Ive got 2,000 fresh beers on the shelves, and if someone cant get Gumballhead, theyll walk out without buying anything else.

We chronicled the phenomenon in April 2012, when the brewery, housed in an unassuming Munster, Indiana, office park 30 miles south of downtown Chicago, seemed at the peak of its ascendance. Seventeen of its beers had garnered perfect scores on the RateBeer website, which led to Three Floyds being named the worlds best brewery five of the previous seven years.

Advertisement

Such praise was just a precursor, though, for what would become Three Floyds defining moment: Zombie Dust.

The pale ale, bottled for the first time in early 2012, ushered in a new era of consumer tastes by highlighting the bright fruitiness of the Citra hop, which played an outsize role in transforming pale ales and India pale ales from largely bitter and piney to more boldly fruity. Its a trend that only continued, and Zombie Dust was as elemental to the transformation as any American beer.

When Zombie Dust was released that January, Three Floyds sold close to 1,000 cases in a day  thats 24,000 bottles  as people screeched to a stop in the brewery parking lot and literally ran inside to buy the beer. Three Floyds owner Nick Floyd compared the frenzy to watching a cartoon: As Three Floyds filled cases of Zombie Dust, people carried them away.

The demand for Three Floyds growth was obvious, and grow Three Floyds did. Though an ambitious plan to expand the brewery into a sprawling campus has tapped the brakes, Three Floyds has still grown significantly, including launching a new brewery in 2019 for its canned beers. Production has nearly quadrupled in the last decade, from 27,600 barrels of production in 2012 to 106,638 barrels in 2021, according to figures provided by the brewery.

Tim Alicz moves canisters down a line that will be filled with Gumballhead wheat pale ale at Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Three Floyds has quietly transformed from scrappy underdog to joining Goose Island and Lagunitas as the largest breweries in the Chicago area. Its the nations 24th-largest craft brewery, according to the Brewers Association, up from 45th in 2018.

But 10 years later, after all that growth, the question is this: Hows the beer? Is Three Floyds still the same Three Floyds, even as its beer has migrated from lurking in the storeroom to tall stacks at liquor stores and the aisles of Costco?

I tasted everything I could find on shelves in recent weeks for an answer. In the current sea of beer  the nation is closing in on 10,000 breweries and the Chicago area is home to about 250  I was curious to know whether Three Floyds could still be called a world-class brewery, or whether time has made it settle into the crowd.

Year-round beers

Three Floyds makes eight year-round beers, and six of them are pale ales or India pale ales  beers that showcase hops, those wonderful little plants that can inject fruitiness, bitterness and piney character into beer. As it has always been, Three Floyds is an unmistakably hop-driven brewery. Its what made it a sensation in the first place.

Advertisement

There was only one place to begin the exploration: Zombie Dust (pale ale, 6.5% alcohol). It has, not surprisingly, become Floyds biggest-selling beer, and 10 years on, I half-expected it to have outlasted what once made it great. While Im fairly sure its not quite the same beer, and that the recipe has been tweaked as it has been scaled up, its still an ace example of a balanced, modern pale ale, boasting fruity orange-grapefruit notes upon light resin overtones, backed by a bitter, piney snap before drying out in the finish.

Zombie Dust isnt the showstopper it was 10 years ago; today it is a definition of dependability. Few people might run across a parking lot to load up on it in 2022, but it remains a local touchstone  and its still one of my favorite Three Floyds beers. A crucial aspect: I bought a six-pack at my local beer store that had been packaged less than a month earlier. Thats impressively fresh beer.

Next up was another Three Floyds classic, Gumballhead (pale ale, 5.6%), which predated Zombie Dust in the lineup by about 10 years. It was a counterintuitive sensation in its earliest days, an intensely hoppy wheat beer with a memorable label: a scowling, cigarette-smoking cat who has inspired countless tattoos across the Chicago area.

Cases of Gumballhead wheat pale ale at Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

These days it amounts to a lighter version of a pale ale, mildly fruity and easy-drinking with an earthy, grassy touch. Though ahead of its time, I wouldnt consider Gumballhead so memorable these days. Its simply a well-built pale ale that blends nicely into the landscape, one youre glad to see on tap at Wrigley Field  which, yes, is a thing thanks to Three Floyds growth.

Another beer ahead of its time, and which is undeniably showing its age, is Alpha King (pale ale, 6.66%). Its one of Three Floyds oldest beers, dating to its opening in 1996, and tastes like it. Bitterness! Malt character! Lots of malt character! This beer is a dinosaur.

But dinosaurs are cool! And in the beer world, doing things differently from everyone else should be applauded. Alpha Kings malt character does as much lifting as the hops, which makes for a surprisingly balanced beer these days: crisp bitterness mingling with malty sweetness. While I might not regularly stock it in my fridge, Im glad Alpha King still exists, and Ill order one every time I walk into Bucktowns legendary Map Room, where it is treated with the proper reverence of a permanent draft handle.

Advertisement

A more modern cousin to Alpha King is Space Station Middle Finger (pale ale, 6.5%), also fairly malt-oriented by current standards. The fruitiness, however, grows stronger and more interesting as the beer warms, veering into unlikely apricot character. The pine, bitterness and malt converge with that fruity note to create a harmonious balance and a unique beer  a modern spin on an old-school pale ale  that few other breweries are likely to attempt.

There are pitfalls to growth, and thats best expressed by my experience with LazerSnake (IPA, 7%). More beer in the market can easily mean more old beer in the market. On one shopping trip, the only LazerSnake on shelves was more than four months old. I never would have bought it if not writing this article; hop character is almost certain to drop out in an IPA sitting that long on an ambient shelf. I tried it. I wasnt impressed.

But a week later, at the same store, I found LazerSnake canned three weeks earlier. I drank the older LazerSnake alongside the newer one and the difference was striking. The older one was mostly bitter and the fruity character fell off a cliff after each sip. The fresher one was brighter and more expressive, with notes of apricot and grapefruit laced through the notes of pine and resin. If you find LazerSnake fresh, I recommend it.

The beer I was most curious about was Three Floyds attempt at modernity: the hazy IPA.

No brewery can stay relevant by remaining entirely in the past, so Three Floyds introduced Barbarian Haze IPA (IPA, 6.5%) in 2020. The style  intensely fruity, easy drinking, often so sweet it slides out of balance  is antithetical to the brashness on which Floyds had built its identity. But fascinatingly, Floyds approach works to the advantage of Barbarian Haze, at least to my taste buds.

Bottles are ready on a line at Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Barbarian Haze suggests its not like most hazy IPAs as soon as it lands in a glass. While many are downright turbid, Barbarian Haze is attractively hazy, like a golden cloud. The aroma is the predictable fruit stand  melon, grapefruit and plenty of pineapple notes  but unlike many hazy IPAs, its discernibly dry and lands with clear bitterness in this finish, just enough to balance the fruitiness. For someone who doesnt care for the single-note sweet sludge of many hazy IPAs (such as me), Barbarian Haze is an impressive case of the old dog mastering new tricks.

Advertisement

The old dog also embraces old tricks, introducing Speed Castle (Pilsner, 5.6%) this spring as its newest year-round offering. You might assume, as I did, Three Floyds would roll out a sharp-elbowed, intensely hoppy pilsner. But this one is soft and sweet, underpinned with toasty malt character. Its a tasty beer that sits nicely alongside a wide array of dishes. I ordered it on draft alongside a brisket sandwich and had no regrets. Speed Castle could use a touch more crispness and bitterness to play off the malt character, but its a beer Id order again and is a welcome counterpoint to the rest of the Floyds lineup.

The biggest surprise for someone who hasnt paid attention to the Three Floyds portfolio in recent years? It still makes Robert the Bruce (Scottish-style ale, 7.5%). And all year long! Probably fewer than 25 make a year-round, Scottish-style ale. Kudos to Three Floyds for being its stubborn self.

As for the beer: Robert the Bruce is a fine representation of the malty, lightly sweet style, though Id like a bit more round caramel character. While I might not stock it in my fridge, Ill gladly drink it.

Seasonal beers

Three Floyds keeps a steady stream of new and limited beers in the market  crucial in todays competitive craft beer landscape. Some are familiar to longtime Floyds watchers and some less so.

On the less-so front, I came across a beer Id never heard of, Rites of Ramm (IPA, 5%), introduced this year and available only in April and May. Yes, its yet another hoppy Three Floyds beer. But its a very good one, and one of my favorites on this list: crisp, bitter, lean, with lush fruitiness  notes of grapefruit pith meets mango and apricot  before drying out in the finish. As a lighter, hoppy beer, I prefer it to Gumballhead. Its more interesting, with more nuanced hop character. Too bad its only around for two months.

Another hoppy beer available this spring will be familiar to longtime Three Floyds fans: Dreadnaught IPA (imperial IPA, 9.4%), which is yet another throwback: a boozy, bruising, bitter and malt-forward hop bomb. Like many Three Floyds beers, the hop character is hardly single note or uninteresting; in this case theres melonlike underpinning. This sort of beer, like Alpha King, isnt easy to find anymore. But it scratches an itch, and Id gladly buy a fresh four-pack when released every spring.

Advertisement

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Three Floyds makes a lot of hoppy beer, but a corner of the portfolio veers in an admirable range of directions. Pear Bear (wild ale, 8%) is a spot-on wild ale made with, you guessed it, pear. Its aged 11 months in wine and bourbon barrels, deeply funky from the presence of Brettanomyces yeast and souring lactobacillus bacteria, and given an extra lightly fruity wrinkle from the pear. Like most wild ales, its an arcane beer lovers beer: elegant, challenging and fascinating layers of aromas and flavors.

Another lengthy project, though far less arcane, is Pillar of Beasts (barley wine, 13.7%), brewed with salted caramel, vanilla beans and cocoa nibs, then aged 12 months in bourbon barrels. The cacao and caramel do the heavy lifting, and meld nicely with the vanilla for a wave of bold, boozy sweetness in the middle of the sip. But to the beers credit  and this is a recurring theme with Floyds  it dries out nicely, never losing sight of the need for balance. The beer doesnt do much for me, but it is well-constructed.

Dave Fireman moves fresh kegs of WarPigs beer down the line at Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana, on May 19, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Finally, there is WarPigs  Three Floyds other beer brand. Most WarPigs beer is made under contract at Summit Brewing in St. Paul, Minnesota, but the limited releases come from the Munster brewery. The limited release at the time of this writing is Aquanauticon (sour ale, 5.5%), made with pineapple and mango. Its an ace summer sipper: bright, tart, rife with citrus notes with grassy undertones. Its archly sour, but not overly so, which keeps it refreshing. Its an impressive left-field beer from a brewery as hop-driven as Floyds.

Takeaway

Three Floyds was an essential brewery in 2012. I wouldnt call it that in 2022. But thats a function of the landscape around it. Amid so much competition, its difficult for any brewery to come across as essential these days.

Yet Three Floyds is still what it was 10 years ago  and thats a good thing. Plenty of breweries endlessly pivot toward contemporary tastes, even when contemporary tastes veer in boring or gimmicky directions. Three Floyds has remained true to itself, and done so with intention: Zombie Dust, Gumballhead, Alpha King and Space Station Middle Finger are all pale ales, but theyre all very different pale ales with different merits. All are worth drinking.

Despite losing some of its sizzle in a growing beer landscape, Three Floyds has settled in as an admirable craft beer elder statesman. It remains a very good brewery, and often an excellent brewery. Its beer may be far more accessible than 10 years ago, but not having to know to ask for the Zombie Dust hiding in back is a welcome development.

Advertisement

jbnoel@chicagotribune.com
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates speaks as the CTU and the local school council held a news conference on Sept. 28, 2021, outside Jensen Elementary School in North Lawndale. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the union Friday following a months-long, hard-fought battle against two challengers to succeed outgoing president Jesse Sharkey.

Fridays election results show the strength of Davis Gates Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators, which has been criticized in recent months for mishandling the unions response to the winter surge in COVID-19 cases and not being transparent enough about union finances.

Advertisement

CORE won by gaining the support of 56% of union members who voted  avoiding a potential June runoff by nabbing an outright majority. The challenging slates of Members First and REAL garnered 27% and 17% of the vote, respectively, according to results announced by CTU early Saturday morning.

CTU has about 25,000 members.

Advertisement

The race was unusually vicious. Members seemed more divided than ever following the unions move to refuse in-person work during the January omicron surge and the decision to return to classrooms days later after inking a COVID-19 safety agreement that union leaders say Chicago Public Schools has not upheld.

The REAL Caucus was formed out of discontent with Januarys work stoppage. Members First, meanwhile, was created years ago by members calling for more transparency in union activity. Led by Sharkey, CORE easily defeated Members First in the last election, in 2019, with about two-thirds of the vote.

Sharkey announced in February he will step down when his term is up at the end of June. He threw his support behind Davis Gates, a former high school history teacher and CTU political director. Davis Gates has been a vocal proponent of more COVID-19 safety measures, more protections for CPS most vulnerable students and more mental health resources for all students as the pandemic continues.

Davis Gates now stands to lead one of Chicagos most powerful unions through negotiations of a new contract; the transition to an elected school board and a relentless pandemic. The last contract negotiation resulted in a two-week strike by the union in 2019.

Officers are set to begin their three-year term on July 1. The union also voted in Jackson Potter as vice president, Maria Moreno as financial secretary and Christel Williams-Hayes as recording secretary, all CORE slate members.

The CORE slate rose to power in 2010 with the late Karen Lewis as president. Under COREs leadership, the union also went on strike in 2012.

CTUs relationship with Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been strained from the start. The union backed her opponent, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, in the 2019 election, and then the strike happened just months later.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived a short time later and only worsened the strain, as Lightfoots and CPS plans for reopening schools were delayed several times by union resistance. CTU won the right to bargain over the terms of teachers return and twice took formal action to refuse to teach in-person classes as it fought for more safety protections for staff and students.

Advertisement

Members First released a statement Saturday thanking its supporters. The election results did not turn out the way we had hoped. However, we stood up and fought for what we believed in.

tswartz@tribpub.com

Regina Griffith was 64 when she met her new primary care doctor for a routine checkup. He recommended a daily low-dose aspirin for heart health, she recalled.

Its hard to be more fit than Ms. Griffith, the owner and chief instructor at a fitness studio in Montclair, N.J. She had a slightly elevated blood pressure at the doctors office (but not at home, using her own cuff); other than that, she had no significant health problems.

Still, a daily aspirin didnt seem like a big deal, and the doctor did not mention any downsides, so she took his advice. I thought, OK, Im at a certain age, Ms. Griffith said. It didnt sound scary to take aspirin.

Millions of older Americans do likewise, and not always because of a doctors recommendation. Alan Turner, 64, an industrial designer in New Castle, Del., began taking aspirin on his own about five years ago, after his mother had several strokes. I saw what that did to her, he said. He had heard of other people his age taking prophylactic aspirin, so he just went with it, he said. How much damage can you do with a baby aspirin a day?
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Monkeypox has now been detected in countries from the US to Australia and is moving closer to these shores with cases detected in Britain. Should we be worried?

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection typically found in central and western Africa. Cases, usually small clusters or isolated infections, are sometimes diagnosed in other countries, including Britain where the first case was recorded in 2018 in an individual thought to have contracted the virus in Nigeria.

There are two forms of monkeypox, a milder west African strain and a more severe central African, or Congo strain. In Australia and Britain at least, it is thought the recently diagnosed individuals have the west African strain, although not all countries have released such information.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, early symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and chills, as well as other features such as exhaustion.

A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals, the UKHSA says. The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. Most patients recover from monkeypox in a few weeks.

How is it spread?

Monkeypox does not spread easily between humans and requires close contact. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is thought that human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through large respiratory droplets.

Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required, the CDC says. Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

Where have recent cases been found?

Monkeypox cases have been confirmed in recent weeks in a number of countries where it is not endemic, including the US, Canada, Italy, Portugal and Sweden, with the first cases reported in Germany and Australia on Friday. Suspected cases have been identified in Spain and France.

While some cases have been found in people who have recently travelled to Africa, others have not: of the two Australian cases to date, one was in a man who had recently returned from Europe, while the other was in a man who had recently been to the UK. A case in the US meanwhile appears to be in a man who recently travelled to Canada.

The UK is also experiencing cases of monkeypox, with signs that it is spreading in the community. So far 20 cases have been confirmed, with the first reported on May 7 in a patient who had recently travelled to Nigeria.

Not all of the cases appear to be linked and some have been diagnosed in men who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it was now coordinating with European health officials.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin Picture: Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP)

Does this mean monkeypox is sexually transmitted?

Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, says the latest cases may be the first time transmission of monkeypox though sexual contact has been documented, but this has not been confirmed, and in any case it is probably close contact that matters.

There is no evidence that it is a sexually transmitted virus, such as HIV, Head says. Its more that here the close contact during sexual or intimate activity, including prolonged skin-to-skin contact, may be the key factor during transmission.

Gay and bisexual men are being advised to look out for unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, in particular their genitalia.

How concerned should we be?

The west African strain of monkeypox is generally a mild infection for most people, but it is important those infected and their contacts are identified. The virus is more of a concern among vulnerable people such as those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant. Experts say the rise in numbers and evidence of community spread are worrying, and that more cases are to be expected as contact tracing by public health teams continues. It is unlikely, however, that there will be very large outbreaks. Head noted that vaccination of close contacts could be used as part of a ring vaccination approach.

According to the World Health Organization , vaccination against smallpox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. The jab may also help to reduce the severity of illness.

Guardian
MILWAUKEE  A Wisconsin man convicted in a $2.4 million investment scheme involving more than 20 victims has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison.

Jeremy Arrington, 44, of Middleton, pleaded guilty earlier to one count of wire fraud. Authorities say several of the investors lost their retirement savings to Arrington.

Arrington was the chief financial officer for Wisconsin Home Buyers Network, a real estate business. Investigators say he ran a Ponzi scheme by promising investors returns ranging from 12% to 36% with little or no risk.

Investor funds were combined with other funds and used for payments to existing investors, payroll for related businesses, debt reduction, personal draws by the partners, back taxes and legal fees, according to the complaint.

U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig sentenced Arrington Thursday to 33 months in prison.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe




On and on it goes.

Another lone wacko, a white 18-year-old, went on a well-planned killing spree in a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo.

It was a terrible, tragic, evil, obviously racist act.

Ten innocent people died and three were injured last weekend  11 victims were Black.

We know the alleged killer was a white supremacist, an anti-Semite and a nut-job who clearly set out to kill Black people because of what he posted online.

Predictably, President Biden seized on the slaughter in Buffalo as further proof of his bogus claim that the poison of white supremacy poses the greatest threat to America today.

Also predictably, Biden and the usual liberal chorus of media outlets tried to link the countrys latest mass killing to Republicans, guns and Fox News stars like Tucker Carlson.

Biden went to Buffalo to show his sympathy for the victims, which is fine.

But as usual he was very selective when pointing out recent examples of racially motivated mass murders.

No mention of the angry Black supremacist who plowed through a parade of white men, women and children at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisc., last year, killing six and injuring 60.

No mention of the mentally troubled Black man  another racist Black supremacist who openly hated whites, Asians and even some Blacks  who shot up a New York City subway train last month and injured 10 people.

No mention of another apparently mentally troubled Black man whos accused of shooting but not killing three Korean women in a Dallas hair salon last week.

And you know the Bidens wont be visiting the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods in Southern California to show their sympathy for the deadly shooting that happened there earlier this week.

The Asian shooter  an American citizen born in Taiwan  planned to kill many members of the congregation, who are Taiwanese, because he doesnt think Taiwan should be independent of China.

Like the other shootings, that potential mass shooting, which was stopped when members of the church overpowered the shooter, did not fit the Biden-media narrative that the only kind of racism in America is white and that mass murderers come in only one color and one kind of politics.

The reaction to the Buffalo tragedy by Biden, the Democrats and the liberal media was the usual We need more, more, still more gun laws.

But how about enforcing the damn gun laws weve already got?

How about putting some teeth in so-called Red Flag laws?

Though ripe for abuse by gun-control zealots, they allow law enforcement in states like New York to take weapons away from people whove been deemed threats to themselves or others.

The punk in Buffalo still legally had his guns even though he had made threatening remarks in high school last year about shooting up a graduation ceremony and had undergone a mental health evaluation and counseling.

And how about holding parents accountable for not taking their wacko sons guns away?

We count on the government to take guns away from dangerous or crazy people.

But if youre a parent and you have a whacked out son youre worried about, lock up your damn guns. Get them out of the house.

Dont wait for government to take them away because the government is sure not going to take them.

Meanwhile, while Biden was in Buffalo exploiting that tragedy for his own political purposes, he also predictably forgot to mention the massacre of Blacks that occurs every weekend in Chicago.

Last weekend 33 people there were shot and five died. As usual, most were young Black males shot by other young Black males.

Of course we all know why the president will never have time to go to Chicago to grieve over its murder victims: he wouldnt be able to blame its recurring weekly slaughter on white supremacy.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com and follow @reaganworld on Twitter.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

(@ChaudhryMAli88)

A court in New York has sentenced two sons of Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli to three years in prison each for involvement in an international money laundering and bribery scheme, the US Justice Department said

NEW YORK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2022) A court in New York has sentenced two sons of Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli to three years in prison each for involvement in an international money laundering and bribery scheme, the US Justice Department said.

"Two brothers (Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares and Ricardo Enrique Martinelli Linares), each a dual-citizen of Panama and Italy, were each sentenced to 36 months in prison for laundering $28 million in a bribery and money laundering scheme involving Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht), a Brazil-based global construction conglomerate. The defendants were also ordered to forfeit more than $18.8 million, pay a $250,000 fine and serve two years' supervised release," the department said in a press release on Friday.

Both sons of Panama's former president were extradited to the United States by the Guatemalan authorities. In December last year, Luis Enrique Martinelli had admitted to being involved, with his brother and others, in a $28 million money laundering and bribery scheme that involved Odebrecht.

In summer 2020, the brothers tried to depart Guatemala on a private airplane but were arrested and have since been held in a local military prison pending extradition.

According to a US Court, Latin American political elites received millions in bribes from Oderbrecht, one of the main contractors of Brazilian energy giant Petrobras. In total, Oderbecht paid foreign politicians and public officials $439 million between 2001 and 2016. Among the recipients of the bribes were civil servants from Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. The initial scheme involved the payment of more than $700 million in bribes to public officials in Panama and other countries.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

A court in New York has sentenced two sons of Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli to three years in prison each for involvement in an international money laundering and bribery scheme, the US Justice Department said

NEW YORK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2022) A court in New York has sentenced two sons of Panama's former president Ricardo Martinelli to three years in prison each for involvement in an international money laundering and bribery scheme, the US Justice Department said.

"Two brothers (Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares and Ricardo Enrique Martinelli Linares), each a dual-citizen of Panama and Italy, were each sentenced to 36 months in prison for laundering $28 million in a bribery and money laundering scheme involving Odebrecht S.A. (Odebrecht), a Brazil-based global construction conglomerate. The defendants were also ordered to forfeit more than $18.8 million, pay a $250,000 fine and serve two years' supervised release," the department said in a press release on Friday.

Both sons of Panama's former president were extradited to the United States by the Guatemalan authorities. In December last year, Luis Enrique Martinelli had admitted to being involved, with his brother and others, in a $28 million money laundering and bribery scheme that involved Odebrecht.

In summer 2020, the brothers tried to depart Guatemala on a private airplane but were arrested and have since been held in a local military prison pending extradition.

According to a US Court, Latin American political elites received millions in bribes from Oderbrecht, one of the main contractors of Brazilian energy giant Petrobras. In total, Oderbecht paid foreign politicians and public officials $439 million between 2001 and 2016. Among the recipients of the bribes were civil servants from Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. The initial scheme involved the payment of more than $700 million in bribes to public officials in Panama and other countries.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates speaks as the CTU and the local school council held a news conference on Sept. 28, 2021, outside Jensen Elementary School in North Lawndale. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the union Friday following a months-long, hard-fought battle against two challengers to succeed outgoing president Jesse Sharkey.

Fridays election results show the strength of Davis Gates Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators, which has been criticized in recent months for mishandling the unions response to the winter surge in COVID-19 cases and not being transparent enough about union finances.

Advertisement

CORE won by gaining the support of 56% of union members who voted  avoiding a potential June runoff by nabbing an outright majority. The challenging slates of Members First and REAL garnered 27% and 17% of the vote, respectively, according to results announced by CTU early Saturday morning.

CTU has about 25,000 members.

Advertisement

The race was unusually vicious. Members seemed more divided than ever following the unions move to refuse in-person work during the January omicron surge and the decision to return to classrooms days later after inking a COVID-19 safety agreement that union leaders say Chicago Public Schools has not upheld.

The REAL Caucus was formed out of discontent with Januarys work stoppage. Members First, meanwhile, was created years ago by members calling for more transparency in union activity. Led by Sharkey, CORE easily defeated Members First in the last election, in 2019, with about two-thirds of the vote.

Sharkey announced in February he will step down when his term is up at the end of June. He threw his support behind Davis Gates, a former high school history teacher and CTU political director. Davis Gates has been a vocal proponent of more COVID-19 safety measures, more protections for CPS most vulnerable students and more mental health resources for all students as the pandemic continues.

Davis Gates now stands to lead one of Chicagos most powerful unions through negotiations of a new contract; the transition to an elected school board and a relentless pandemic. The last contract negotiation resulted in a two-week strike by the union in 2019.

Officers are set to begin their three-year term on July 1. The union also voted in Jackson Potter as vice president, Maria Moreno as financial secretary and Christel Williams-Hayes as recording secretary, all CORE slate members.

The CORE slate rose to power in 2010 with the late Karen Lewis as president. Under COREs leadership, the union also went on strike in 2012.

CTUs relationship with Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been strained from the start. The union backed her opponent, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, in the 2019 election, and then the strike happened just months later.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived a short time later and only worsened the strain, as Lightfoots and CPS plans for reopening schools were delayed several times by union resistance. CTU won the right to bargain over the terms of teachers return and twice took formal action to refuse to teach in-person classes as it fought for more safety protections for staff and students.

Advertisement

Members First released a statement Saturday thanking its supporters. The election results did not turn out the way we had hoped. However, we stood up and fought for what we believed in.

tswartz@tribpub.com

Dharwad (Karnataka) [India], May 21 (ANI): Seven persons were killed and 10 others sustained serious injuries after the car they were travelling in rammed into a tree in Karnataka's Dharwad on Friday night.

"Total 21 people were travelling to Benkankatti village in the vehicle, after attending a wedding. The driver of the vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into a roadside tree," Police said.

Also Read | Online Fraud in Mumbai: 52-Year-Old Civil Engineer Duped of Rs 9 Lakh With Lure of Job Offer in UK.

Four persons died on the spot while three others breathed their last on the way to a hospital.

Investigation into the case is on and a case has been registered under 304 A IPC (causing death by negligence), added the police. (ANI)

Also Read | Noida: 4-Month Old Female Foetus Found in Hotel Town Oyo's Dustbin in Sector 71, Probe Underway.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dantewada : , May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

Deepanwita Gita Niyogi Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

However, many such sacred groves - some of which are over 1,000 years old - have either vanished over the years or suffered neglect as a result of encroachment, farming activities in and around them, uncontrolled cattle, and untamed growth of vegetation. It was in 2020 that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the revival and restoration of dev gudis to transform them into centres of learning, tourism and tribal culture.

The magical transformation of Chitalanka Today, the Chitalanka sacred grove in Dantewada district is nothing short of transformed. It has an attractive gate welcoming tourists, a boundary wall, an open stage for holding cultural performances and tribal festivals, washrooms and drinking water facilities. It cost Rs 7.51 lakh to revamp the Chitalanka dev gudi, spread over 2.5 acres, with funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

In Dantewada's four blocks, the initiative targeted dev gudis in 143 gram panchayats. Of these, 110 have been completed, 30 are in progress, and work has yet to commence in three. In several instances, the forest department played a proactive role in helping the district administration revive the groves, supplying it with saplings from nurseries.

In fact, the district administration worked in tandem with the community, holding discussions with gram panchayats and also paying heed to the suggestions of the villagers with regard to which groves to target in each panchayat, fruit saplings to plant, and the kind of facilities required. The women, too, came forward and insisted on cleanliness in these pockets as dev gudis are revered as sacred sites.

Sunil Kumar Kashyap, the sarpanch of Chitalanka gram panchayat, told 101Reporters: "The place resembled a dense jungle with unkempt vegetation spreading everywhere. After sundown, some of us feared venturing into these places. But now, it attracts visitors in droves." Residents planted saplings of fruit trees, while visiting artists painted the tree trunks in bright hues, Kashyap said, further adding that the district administration had given these dev gudis a new lease of life.

"Despite there being a sense of attachment, some of us weren't actively involved in protecting our dev gudis. People were making the place dirty. Now, the boundary wall keeps a check on intruders, and at night, the main entrance is locked. Encroachers trying to build houses near the edges are also discouraged," he said.

Celebration of life and the divine All dev gudis have different gods or goddesses as presiding deities. Their representations are mostly hung from the ceiling inside a temple-like structure. Apart from weekly offerings, annual rituals are also observed at these places of worship.

At the dev gudi of Chhindnar village, devotees worship their deity every Tuesday, and even sacrifice poultry to appease them.

Balram Baska, the priest of Gamawada village, said the villagers have great faith in the deity Hiringaraj and have been worshipping Him since the time the village had only four houses.

"Though it was always a place of faith, it was not clean before the revamp. There used to be wild grass all around. Now, we have a fence that prevents the unwanted entry of outsiders," Baska told 101Reporters.

One good look around can confirm Baska's statement. Around the presiding place of the deity, naturally occurring large stones have been painted with great artistry, showcasing tribal dances, wild animals and tribal hunting processions. The place looks tidy and appealing.

Moreover, besides Chitalanka, Gamawada also received foremost attention under this initiative. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India because it houses memory pillars - structures erected in honour of the dead that are an integral part of tribal culture in Chhattisgarh's Bastar subdivision, of which Dantewada is a part.

Tulika Karma, Dantewada zilla panchayat president, informed 101Reporters that all the major tribal festivals here, like the Aam Pandum (mango festival) and Nuakhai (paddy harvest celebration), are observed at the sacred groves. As dev gudis are places of faith, it is believed that any information shared with the communities here must be taken seriously. Festivals and celebrations are the perfect occasions to address the villagers as everyone gathers during these times.

Nutrition and the seven rules of healthy living In Dantewada, dev gudis have intrinsically been linked to the 'seven rules of healthy living', especially nutrition. These are 'pledges' taken by the community towards tackling malaria, malnutrition and anaemia, increasing institutional delivery rates, ensuring cleanliness in villages, upholding cultural values and achieving 100 per cent literacy rate - the seven rules or seven sutras.

As part of the emphasis on nutrition, the satrangi sutra (seven rules) team of seven women, who dress in white, with dupattas of different colours across their bodies, perform nukkad nataks (street plays) to spread awareness about these pledges. The team, part of the Rashtriya Gramin Ajivika Mission, or the National Rural Livelihood Mission, banded together in August 2020, trained by the district administration. Now, the group visits villages in Dantewada to spread their message through dance-drama, said performer Janki Yadav.

Elaborating on the need to link dev gudis with nutrition, Akash Chhikara, chief executive officer of the Dantewada zilla panchayat, pointed out that the district had high incidences of malaria and anaemia.

"Such issues cannot be resolved without community involvement. At dev gudis, people resolve conflicts and any decision made at such places is morally binding on everyone. Communities were involved right from the planning stage. The gram panchayats at the local level execute the rejuvenation activities," he told 101Reporters.

Since fruits play a vital role in fighting malnutrition, especially among women and children, several saplings of mango, chikoo, jackfruit, banana and guava are planted here. Besides feeding the community, these fruits can also be sold, and the money earned could be used to pay the security guards who keep vigil around the groves. In Gamawada, the name of the individual responsible for planting a sapling is also mentioned on placards in front of them, thereby inculcating a sense of ownership and pride in the practice.

These dev gudis have survived the test of time because of deep-rooted community beliefs, as well as restrictions that have kept outsiders at bay. While government intervention is welcome, it remains to be seen how far such initiatives continue to bear fruit and keep the groves alive - all while large tracts of forests in Chhattisgarh are falling prey to mining giants and other developmental agencies.

Deepa Gavali, from Gujarat Ecology Society, said that beautification is often not the right ecological approach. "Whenever such interventions happen, mostly local environment, culture and ethics aren't kept in mind. The best thing is to conserve groves as biodiversity rich areas or heritage sites. In Karnataka, for example, the government is planning to protect groves under community conservation areas." (The author is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
Dharwad (Karnataka) [India], May 21 (ANI): Seven persons were killed and 10 others sustained serious injuries after the car they were travelling in rammed into a tree in Karnataka's Dharwad on Friday night.

"Total 21 people were travelling to Benkankatti village in the vehicle, after attending a wedding. The driver of the vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into a roadside tree," Police said.

Also Read | Online Fraud in Mumbai: 52-Year-Old Civil Engineer Duped of Rs 9 Lakh With Lure of Job Offer in UK.

Four persons died on the spot while three others breathed their last on the way to a hospital.

Investigation into the case is on and a case has been registered under 304 A IPC (causing death by negligence), added the police. (ANI)

Also Read | Noida: 4-Month Old Female Foetus Found in Hotel Town Oyo's Dustbin in Sector 71, Probe Underway.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Stationed at the Saudi Pavilion, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission, Ithra will explore the development of Saudi filmmaking talent with representatives from NEOM and MBC Academy on May 22 as part of the 75th edition of the Festival de Cannes.

Ithra Film Production supports Saudi Arabia's growing film industry by nurturing home-grown talent and fostering cinematic content creation and will present two Ithra-produced films to industry professionals at the Cannes Film Market's Short Film Corner  Ali Saeed's 'Old Phone Number' and 'Swing' directed by Raneem Almohandis.

Ithra encourages the development of original content, evidenced by a robust cinematic output  including three projects nearing completion  while also supporting the industry through funding and commissioning initiatives in addition to presenting the Saudi experience to the world through cinema. Anti-Cinema, Saeed's documentary feature with Hassan Saeed brings Saudi's film history to the big screen, it also picked up the Ithra Content Commission Initiative, and is slated for release later this year.

Ithra Film Productions is also releasing two narrative feature films. The first 'Sea of Sands' is being produced by celebrated Egyptian screenwriter and producer Mohamed Hefzy, and the second feature film 'Valley Road' is directed by Saudi award-winning independent filmmaker Khalid Fahad. Both films are slated to be released next year. A prominent upcoming release by Ithra Film Productions will see a new documentary (Iees) by first-time director Abdullah Saharty, with a focus on the cultural significance of the Arabian camel and its impact reshaping the peninsula and its future.

The Center has, to date, produced more than 20 films, of which 15 have received local, regional, and international awards.

"Ithra is committed to advancing the Kingdom's film industry  both in front of and behind the camera, and we look forward to an insightful conversation on this topic," said Majed Z. Samman, Head of Performing Arts & Cinema at Ithra. "We provide a purposeful and technological space for the Kingdom's film talent to hone their skills and show their work, and we are eager to share two new films with the international film industry."

Ithra is the driving force behind several key programs supporting the Saudi filmmaking scene. It is home to Saudi Film Production, Saudi Film Days, and the Ithra Film Society, which presents a full program throughout the year. Ithra is also the cradle of the annual Saudi Film Festival in partnership with the Cinema Society and with the support of the Film Commission, which expands its footprint this year to include entries from the wider Gulf Cooperation Council for the first time.

For more information on Ithra, its programs, and Ithra Film Productions, visit www.ithra.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823166/Ithra_Film_Productions.jpg

SOURCE King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
AI enables OrthoFX's new Rescue Aligners to save 65% of patients from treatment delays and OrthoFX's Bright Aligners give patients a reason to smile.

FREMONT, Calif., May 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OrthoFX, the first all-in-one clear aligner platform, announced their launch to US Orthodontists at the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Meeting in Miami. As a part of the launch, OrthoFX announced the commercial availability of Rescue and Bright Aligners, two breakthrough polymer innovations that are designed to eliminate treatment breakdowns while providing instant gratification to orthodontic patients.

About Rescue Aligners: Most patients do not wear their aligners as prescribed - 22 hours daily. This results in treatments going off-track. Today, the only way to remedy this deviation is through additional Doctor visits and a treatment restart. The current recovery process can result in 8+ weeks of delay and requires multiple, unplanned office visits.

Rescue aligners work in conjunction with OrthoFX's proprietary, AI driven remote monitoring solution - FXOnTrack - creating a closed loop system for the proactive detection and elimination of aligner failure. When FXOnTrack reports that a case is off-track, Doctors can trigger the production of a rescue aligner which is shipped directly to the patient's home. This unique aligner provides the required flexibility and consistent forces to correct up to one month of deviation from plan with no office visits.

Loc Phan, Co-founder and Head of Material Engineering said, "With the launch of rescue aligners, we are eliminating a vexing problem that has plagued the clear aligner industry for the past 25 years"

About Bright Aligners: Since the advent of Orthodontics over 150 years ago, patients have disliked how long It takes to see any meaningful straightening results. This has resulted in lower patient uptake of available solutions and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the category. To further exacerbate this problem consumers today expect instant gratification from the products they use. OrthoFX is addressing this timely need with a new proprietary aligner, called OrthoFX Bright, which is designed to make teeth appear whiter and straighter from day one of wear.

"The exciting launch of OrthoFX's Rescue and Bright Aligners supports their commitment to revolutionizing clear aligner therapy. We are developing an intelligent, continuous care system to advance the standard of care in the industry," said Ren Menon, Co-founder, and CEO of OrthoFX.

Rescue and Bright Aligners will be available starting May 22nd included for OrthoFX partner practices. For more information visit (Rescue Aligners) https://www.orthofx.com/rescue-aligners/ and (Bright Aligners) https://www.orthofx.com/orthofx-bright-aligners/ .

About OrthoFX: Founded by a team of industry experts who played a critical role in building and scaling the clear aligner category. OrthoFX is pioneering next generation advancements in orthodontics and dental treatments through innovations in polymers, software and services. Learn how to become an OrthoFX provider by visiting www.orthofx.com/doctors.

Julie Yeomans  Senior Marketing Manager, OrthoFX

Email - [email protected]

SOURCE OrthoFX
Stationed at the Saudi Pavilion, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission, Ithra will explore the development of Saudi filmmaking talent with representatives from NEOM and MBC Academy on May 22 as part of the 75th edition of the Festival de Cannes.

Ithra Film Production supports Saudi Arabia's growing film industry by nurturing home-grown talent and fostering cinematic content creation and will present two Ithra-produced films to industry professionals at the Cannes Film Market's Short Film Corner  Ali Saeed's 'Old Phone Number' and 'Swing' directed by Raneem Almohandis.

Ithra encourages the development of original content, evidenced by a robust cinematic output  including three projects nearing completion  while also supporting the industry through funding and commissioning initiatives in addition to presenting the Saudi experience to the world through cinema. Anti-Cinema, Saeed's documentary feature with Hassan Saeed brings Saudi's film history to the big screen, it also picked up the Ithra Content Commission Initiative, and is slated for release later this year.

Ithra Film Productions is also releasing two narrative feature films. The first 'Sea of Sands' is being produced by celebrated Egyptian screenwriter and producer Mohamed Hefzy, and the second feature film 'Valley Road' is directed by Saudi award-winning independent filmmaker Khalid Fahad. Both films are slated to be released next year. A prominent upcoming release by Ithra Film Productions will see a new documentary (Iees) by first-time director Abdullah Saharty, with a focus on the cultural significance of the Arabian camel and its impact reshaping the peninsula and its future.

The Center has, to date, produced more than 20 films, of which 15 have received local, regional, and international awards.

"Ithra is committed to advancing the Kingdom's film industry  both in front of and behind the camera, and we look forward to an insightful conversation on this topic," said Majed Z. Samman, Head of Performing Arts & Cinema at Ithra. "We provide a purposeful and technological space for the Kingdom's film talent to hone their skills and show their work, and we are eager to share two new films with the international film industry."

Ithra is the driving force behind several key programs supporting the Saudi filmmaking scene. It is home to Saudi Film Production, Saudi Film Days, and the Ithra Film Society, which presents a full program throughout the year. Ithra is also the cradle of the annual Saudi Film Festival in partnership with the Cinema Society and with the support of the Film Commission, which expands its footprint this year to include entries from the wider Gulf Cooperation Council for the first time.

For more information on Ithra, its programs, and Ithra Film Productions, visit www.ithra.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823166/Ithra_Film_Productions.jpg

SOURCE King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
A man has been charged in connection with evading police and possessing meth.

On May 5, U.S. Marshal Marciano Patricio told the Guam Police Department Officers that he, other U.S. marshals and local court marshals attempted to execute a parole warrant on Rickey Chris Mcintosh Jr., 45, also known as Rickey Chris McIntosh, Ricky Chris McIntosh, Ricky Chris McIntosh Jr., Joey Tole Chariss Santiago, according to a magistrates complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam.

Patricio said he saw Mcintosh Jr. driving and followed him to a residence.

Court documents state Patricio told police he got out of the car, approached the vehicle of Mcintosh Jr. and announced that police and marshals were present.

Mcintosh Jr. then drove around the yard, nearly hitting other marshals standing by their cars, and sideswiped Patricios car, according to the complaint.

Patricio said they did not follow Mcintosh Jr. because of the suspects dangerous and extensive criminal history.

On May 20, police saw two motorcycles speeding on Route 1 near Wusstig Road in Dededo, causing other cars to brake and swerve.

GDP attempted a traffic stop but was unsuccessful. One motorcycle, with a female passenger, turned onto Wusstig Road. Police pursued the motorcycle, according to the complaint.

The driver and passenger stopped near a house and ran into the jungle. Police apprehended them and identified the driver as Mcintosh Jr. and the passenger as a juvenile.

In his pocket, officers found a pipe and 8.79 grams of meth. They also found a bag the passenger threw into the jungle, containing 44.64 grams of meth and $1,500 in cash according to the complaint.

The passenger told officers that she asked Mcintosh Jr. for a ride and he asked her to hold onto the bag with meth and money, the complaint states.

Mcintosh Jr. was charged with:
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Dharwad (Karnataka) [India], May 21 (ANI): Seven persons were killed and 10 others sustained serious injuries after the car they were travelling in rammed into a tree in Karnataka's Dharwad on Friday night.

"Total 21 people were travelling to Benkankatti village in the vehicle, after attending a wedding. The driver of the vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into a roadside tree," Police said.

Also Read | Online Fraud in Mumbai: 52-Year-Old Civil Engineer Duped of Rs 9 Lakh With Lure of Job Offer in UK.

Four persons died on the spot while three others breathed their last on the way to a hospital.

Investigation into the case is on and a case has been registered under 304 A IPC (causing death by negligence), added the police. (ANI)

Also Read | Noida: 4-Month Old Female Foetus Found in Hotel Town Oyo's Dustbin in Sector 71, Probe Underway.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dantewada : , May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

Deepanwita Gita Niyogi Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

However, many such sacred groves - some of which are over 1,000 years old - have either vanished over the years or suffered neglect as a result of encroachment, farming activities in and around them, uncontrolled cattle, and untamed growth of vegetation. It was in 2020 that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the revival and restoration of dev gudis to transform them into centres of learning, tourism and tribal culture.

The magical transformation of Chitalanka Today, the Chitalanka sacred grove in Dantewada district is nothing short of transformed. It has an attractive gate welcoming tourists, a boundary wall, an open stage for holding cultural performances and tribal festivals, washrooms and drinking water facilities. It cost Rs 7.51 lakh to revamp the Chitalanka dev gudi, spread over 2.5 acres, with funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

In Dantewada's four blocks, the initiative targeted dev gudis in 143 gram panchayats. Of these, 110 have been completed, 30 are in progress, and work has yet to commence in three. In several instances, the forest department played a proactive role in helping the district administration revive the groves, supplying it with saplings from nurseries.

In fact, the district administration worked in tandem with the community, holding discussions with gram panchayats and also paying heed to the suggestions of the villagers with regard to which groves to target in each panchayat, fruit saplings to plant, and the kind of facilities required. The women, too, came forward and insisted on cleanliness in these pockets as dev gudis are revered as sacred sites.

Sunil Kumar Kashyap, the sarpanch of Chitalanka gram panchayat, told 101Reporters: "The place resembled a dense jungle with unkempt vegetation spreading everywhere. After sundown, some of us feared venturing into these places. But now, it attracts visitors in droves." Residents planted saplings of fruit trees, while visiting artists painted the tree trunks in bright hues, Kashyap said, further adding that the district administration had given these dev gudis a new lease of life.

"Despite there being a sense of attachment, some of us weren't actively involved in protecting our dev gudis. People were making the place dirty. Now, the boundary wall keeps a check on intruders, and at night, the main entrance is locked. Encroachers trying to build houses near the edges are also discouraged," he said.

Celebration of life and the divine All dev gudis have different gods or goddesses as presiding deities. Their representations are mostly hung from the ceiling inside a temple-like structure. Apart from weekly offerings, annual rituals are also observed at these places of worship.

At the dev gudi of Chhindnar village, devotees worship their deity every Tuesday, and even sacrifice poultry to appease them.

Balram Baska, the priest of Gamawada village, said the villagers have great faith in the deity Hiringaraj and have been worshipping Him since the time the village had only four houses.

"Though it was always a place of faith, it was not clean before the revamp. There used to be wild grass all around. Now, we have a fence that prevents the unwanted entry of outsiders," Baska told 101Reporters.

One good look around can confirm Baska's statement. Around the presiding place of the deity, naturally occurring large stones have been painted with great artistry, showcasing tribal dances, wild animals and tribal hunting processions. The place looks tidy and appealing.

Moreover, besides Chitalanka, Gamawada also received foremost attention under this initiative. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India because it houses memory pillars - structures erected in honour of the dead that are an integral part of tribal culture in Chhattisgarh's Bastar subdivision, of which Dantewada is a part.

Tulika Karma, Dantewada zilla panchayat president, informed 101Reporters that all the major tribal festivals here, like the Aam Pandum (mango festival) and Nuakhai (paddy harvest celebration), are observed at the sacred groves. As dev gudis are places of faith, it is believed that any information shared with the communities here must be taken seriously. Festivals and celebrations are the perfect occasions to address the villagers as everyone gathers during these times.

Nutrition and the seven rules of healthy living In Dantewada, dev gudis have intrinsically been linked to the 'seven rules of healthy living', especially nutrition. These are 'pledges' taken by the community towards tackling malaria, malnutrition and anaemia, increasing institutional delivery rates, ensuring cleanliness in villages, upholding cultural values and achieving 100 per cent literacy rate - the seven rules or seven sutras.

As part of the emphasis on nutrition, the satrangi sutra (seven rules) team of seven women, who dress in white, with dupattas of different colours across their bodies, perform nukkad nataks (street plays) to spread awareness about these pledges. The team, part of the Rashtriya Gramin Ajivika Mission, or the National Rural Livelihood Mission, banded together in August 2020, trained by the district administration. Now, the group visits villages in Dantewada to spread their message through dance-drama, said performer Janki Yadav.

Elaborating on the need to link dev gudis with nutrition, Akash Chhikara, chief executive officer of the Dantewada zilla panchayat, pointed out that the district had high incidences of malaria and anaemia.

"Such issues cannot be resolved without community involvement. At dev gudis, people resolve conflicts and any decision made at such places is morally binding on everyone. Communities were involved right from the planning stage. The gram panchayats at the local level execute the rejuvenation activities," he told 101Reporters.

Since fruits play a vital role in fighting malnutrition, especially among women and children, several saplings of mango, chikoo, jackfruit, banana and guava are planted here. Besides feeding the community, these fruits can also be sold, and the money earned could be used to pay the security guards who keep vigil around the groves. In Gamawada, the name of the individual responsible for planting a sapling is also mentioned on placards in front of them, thereby inculcating a sense of ownership and pride in the practice.

These dev gudis have survived the test of time because of deep-rooted community beliefs, as well as restrictions that have kept outsiders at bay. While government intervention is welcome, it remains to be seen how far such initiatives continue to bear fruit and keep the groves alive - all while large tracts of forests in Chhattisgarh are falling prey to mining giants and other developmental agencies.

Deepa Gavali, from Gujarat Ecology Society, said that beautification is often not the right ecological approach. "Whenever such interventions happen, mostly local environment, culture and ethics aren't kept in mind. The best thing is to conserve groves as biodiversity rich areas or heritage sites. In Karnataka, for example, the government is planning to protect groves under community conservation areas." (The author is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
The Nationals have dodged the disruption to voting patterns that has beset Labor and the Liberal party, with the junior Coalition partner likely to hold on to all its seats in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Cowper, on the north coast of NSW, hung in the balance late on Saturday night, with a 9 per cent swing to One Nation which stripped votes from Nationals MP Pat Conaghan and forced him into a tight contest with independent Caz Heise.

Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce was returned in his NSW electorate of New England. Credit:James Brickwood.

Party insiders warned if the Nationals failed to gain seats then party leader Barnaby Joyces position would be questioned, and he would be likely to lose his leadership if the Nationals seat count goes backwards.

Resources Minister Keith Pitt, in the Queensland seat of Hinkler, copped a 5 per cent swing against him with independent Jack Dempsey, a former Liberal National Party state minister, attracting 13 per cent of the vote, but looked set to retain his seat.
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Growing up in the 1980s, I knew there were kids like those on Stranger Things, which returns Friday for its fourth season, who spent their after-school hours playing Dungeons & Dragons. I was not one of them; I played with Barbies. I figured what I was doing with dolls  acting out scenes involving homework, school dances and what happened last weekend at the plastic pool  was a far cry from the secretive world of the D&D table, with its arcane mythos and complicated rules.

It wasnt until 2000, when an episode of the show Freaks and Geeks featured kids playing D&D, that I got a glimpse into how role-playing games worked. In essence, it was not so different from what my friends and I were doing with Barbies: imagining and then inhabiting characters, writing stories collaboratively, escaping reality while developing real-life social skills.

While I retired my Barbies by the time puberty hit, the universe of Dungeons & Dragons is intricate and expansive enough that it has continuing appeal for adults. In fact, it has so fully emerged from nerd-dom that it has become something of a social flex  the antithesis of the popularity contest that was the 1990s and early 2000s, an antidote to our more basic tendencies, Amelia Diamond writes in The Times this morning. Vin Diesel plays. So does Tiffany Haddish.

Ive written about how socializing is weird lately. D&D offers one way to alleviate some of the anxiety. Rules govern interactions, and a dungeon master who acts as both narrator and referee enforces them. In the safety of this container, players explore, improvise, cocreate worlds.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Rail strikes could bring a 'Summer of Discontent' with empty shelves, economic damage and dry fuel pumps all set to be strained, industry figures have claimed.

Union bosses are planning to unleash hell for railways as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union ballots for strike action at train operators and Network Rail.

With industrial action coming as soon as June 7 - and strikes already announced for the London Underground during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend at several stations - executives are already drawing up contingency plans to reduce disruption.

Freight trains could be given priority over passenger services to minimise fuel and food shortages - which could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for many, according to the Times.

Fears are mounting of a repeat of the 1978 'Winter of Discontent' in which a slew of strikes by waste workers, gravediggers and lorry drivers resulted in squalid conditions for Brits under Labour PM Jim Callaghan.

The head of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Manuel Cortes has threatened the biggest disruption since the General Strike of 1926, according to the Telegraph.

Freight trains could be given priority over passenger services to minimise fuel and food shortages - which could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for many, according to the Times

Union bosses are planning to unleash hell for railways as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union ballots for strike action

Union bosses are attempting to secure massive pay rises despite reduced capacities post-pandemic meaning cuts need to be made

Network Rail could be forced to operate on a skeleton timetable to reserve tracks for the movement of goods - with passengers only having access to key services.

With a shortage in lorry drivers persisting, a switch to road haulage is not expected to be able to alleviate a freight crisis.

Any disruption to freight could also damage fuel deliveries, potentially risking a repeat of the 1973-74 Miners' Strike under Conservative PM Ted Heath which led to commercial electricity consumption restricted to a Three Day Week.

Grant Shapps will reportedly meet the Prime Minister this week to draw up Government plans to mitigate the damage done by the unions.

Disruption to the freight supply chain could lead to empty shelves in supermarkets in the UK

Strikes have already been announced for the London Underground during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend at several stations

Fears are mounting of a repeat of the 1978 'Winter of Discontent' in which a slew of strikes led to squalid living conditions across Britain

Rubbish piled up in the streets during the 1978 winter under the premiership of Labour's Jim Callaghan

The head of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Manuel Cortes has threatened the biggest disruption since the General Strike of 1926 (pictured)

A National Rail strike -particularly involving signallers - could result in a severely depleted timetable across the board and is a scenario that ministers fear.

The row comes as Mr Shapps prepares a swathe of cuts and reforms to the British rail network.

Demand for rail services has collapsed to only 70% of pre-Covid levels, and measures are needed to square the drop in revenue with wages and other costs.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be scrapped with ticket offices closed, and rail pensions also to be reformed as part of the cuts.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: 'We believe in modernising the railways but we do not believe in sacrificing thousands of jobs, constant pay freezes or making the railways unsafe.

'That is what government plans will mean for the railways if RMT and other transport unions don't mount a comprehensive defence of the industry.'

A DfT spokesperson said: 'With passenger numbers down and our railways on life-support, we need to act to make them fit for the future.

'We want a fair deal for staff, passengers, and taxpayers so money isn't taken away from other essential public services like the NHS.

'The unions should talk to us about the proposals before causing irreparable damage to our railways and strikes should be the last resort, not the first.'
Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. It said the Russian military appeared ready to resume an offensive in the area directed at the town of Yampil.

The enemy has not ceased offensive actions in the eastern operation zone with the goal of establishing full control over the territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the assessment said.

Ukraines military has blown up bridges to force the Russians to build pontoon bridges, a tactic that has proven effective  and costly for the Russian army. Military forces are particularly vulnerable to artillery strikes as they congregate soldiers, armored vehicles and equipment while attempting a crossing.
Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. It said the Russian military appeared ready to resume an offensive in the area directed at the town of Yampil.

The enemy has not ceased offensive actions in the eastern operation zone with the goal of establishing full control over the territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the assessment said.

Ukraines military has blown up bridges to force the Russians to build pontoon bridges, a tactic that has proven effective  and costly for the Russian army. Military forces are particularly vulnerable to artillery strikes as they congregate soldiers, armored vehicles and equipment while attempting a crossing.
Russias military prepared on Saturday to attempt another pontoon crossing of an eastern Ukrainian river that has posed a formidable barrier to its aims in the region, Ukraines military said, despite suffering one of its single most lethal engagements of the war in a previous attempt this month.

Russian forces were staging bridging equipment again near the Seversky Donets River, the Ukrainian military said in its regularly published morning assessment of the war. It said the Russian military appeared ready to resume an offensive in the area directed at the town of Yampil.

The enemy has not ceased offensive actions in the eastern operation zone with the goal of establishing full control over the territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the assessment said.

Ukraines military has blown up bridges to force the Russians to build pontoon bridges, a tactic that has proven effective  and costly for the Russian army. Military forces are particularly vulnerable to artillery strikes as they congregate soldiers, armored vehicles and equipment while attempting a crossing.
Dantewada : , May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

Deepanwita Gita Niyogi Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

However, many such sacred groves - some of which are over 1,000 years old - have either vanished over the years or suffered neglect as a result of encroachment, farming activities in and around them, uncontrolled cattle, and untamed growth of vegetation. It was in 2020 that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the revival and restoration of dev gudis to transform them into centres of learning, tourism and tribal culture.

The magical transformation of Chitalanka Today, the Chitalanka sacred grove in Dantewada district is nothing short of transformed. It has an attractive gate welcoming tourists, a boundary wall, an open stage for holding cultural performances and tribal festivals, washrooms and drinking water facilities. It cost Rs 7.51 lakh to revamp the Chitalanka dev gudi, spread over 2.5 acres, with funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

In Dantewada's four blocks, the initiative targeted dev gudis in 143 gram panchayats. Of these, 110 have been completed, 30 are in progress, and work has yet to commence in three. In several instances, the forest department played a proactive role in helping the district administration revive the groves, supplying it with saplings from nurseries.

In fact, the district administration worked in tandem with the community, holding discussions with gram panchayats and also paying heed to the suggestions of the villagers with regard to which groves to target in each panchayat, fruit saplings to plant, and the kind of facilities required. The women, too, came forward and insisted on cleanliness in these pockets as dev gudis are revered as sacred sites.

Sunil Kumar Kashyap, the sarpanch of Chitalanka gram panchayat, told 101Reporters: "The place resembled a dense jungle with unkempt vegetation spreading everywhere. After sundown, some of us feared venturing into these places. But now, it attracts visitors in droves." Residents planted saplings of fruit trees, while visiting artists painted the tree trunks in bright hues, Kashyap said, further adding that the district administration had given these dev gudis a new lease of life.

"Despite there being a sense of attachment, some of us weren't actively involved in protecting our dev gudis. People were making the place dirty. Now, the boundary wall keeps a check on intruders, and at night, the main entrance is locked. Encroachers trying to build houses near the edges are also discouraged," he said.

Celebration of life and the divine All dev gudis have different gods or goddesses as presiding deities. Their representations are mostly hung from the ceiling inside a temple-like structure. Apart from weekly offerings, annual rituals are also observed at these places of worship.

At the dev gudi of Chhindnar village, devotees worship their deity every Tuesday, and even sacrifice poultry to appease them.

Balram Baska, the priest of Gamawada village, said the villagers have great faith in the deity Hiringaraj and have been worshipping Him since the time the village had only four houses.

"Though it was always a place of faith, it was not clean before the revamp. There used to be wild grass all around. Now, we have a fence that prevents the unwanted entry of outsiders," Baska told 101Reporters.

One good look around can confirm Baska's statement. Around the presiding place of the deity, naturally occurring large stones have been painted with great artistry, showcasing tribal dances, wild animals and tribal hunting processions. The place looks tidy and appealing.

Moreover, besides Chitalanka, Gamawada also received foremost attention under this initiative. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India because it houses memory pillars - structures erected in honour of the dead that are an integral part of tribal culture in Chhattisgarh's Bastar subdivision, of which Dantewada is a part.

Tulika Karma, Dantewada zilla panchayat president, informed 101Reporters that all the major tribal festivals here, like the Aam Pandum (mango festival) and Nuakhai (paddy harvest celebration), are observed at the sacred groves. As dev gudis are places of faith, it is believed that any information shared with the communities here must be taken seriously. Festivals and celebrations are the perfect occasions to address the villagers as everyone gathers during these times.

Nutrition and the seven rules of healthy living In Dantewada, dev gudis have intrinsically been linked to the 'seven rules of healthy living', especially nutrition. These are 'pledges' taken by the community towards tackling malaria, malnutrition and anaemia, increasing institutional delivery rates, ensuring cleanliness in villages, upholding cultural values and achieving 100 per cent literacy rate - the seven rules or seven sutras.

As part of the emphasis on nutrition, the satrangi sutra (seven rules) team of seven women, who dress in white, with dupattas of different colours across their bodies, perform nukkad nataks (street plays) to spread awareness about these pledges. The team, part of the Rashtriya Gramin Ajivika Mission, or the National Rural Livelihood Mission, banded together in August 2020, trained by the district administration. Now, the group visits villages in Dantewada to spread their message through dance-drama, said performer Janki Yadav.

Elaborating on the need to link dev gudis with nutrition, Akash Chhikara, chief executive officer of the Dantewada zilla panchayat, pointed out that the district had high incidences of malaria and anaemia.

"Such issues cannot be resolved without community involvement. At dev gudis, people resolve conflicts and any decision made at such places is morally binding on everyone. Communities were involved right from the planning stage. The gram panchayats at the local level execute the rejuvenation activities," he told 101Reporters.

Since fruits play a vital role in fighting malnutrition, especially among women and children, several saplings of mango, chikoo, jackfruit, banana and guava are planted here. Besides feeding the community, these fruits can also be sold, and the money earned could be used to pay the security guards who keep vigil around the groves. In Gamawada, the name of the individual responsible for planting a sapling is also mentioned on placards in front of them, thereby inculcating a sense of ownership and pride in the practice.

These dev gudis have survived the test of time because of deep-rooted community beliefs, as well as restrictions that have kept outsiders at bay. While government intervention is welcome, it remains to be seen how far such initiatives continue to bear fruit and keep the groves alive - all while large tracts of forests in Chhattisgarh are falling prey to mining giants and other developmental agencies.

Deepa Gavali, from Gujarat Ecology Society, said that beautification is often not the right ecological approach. "Whenever such interventions happen, mostly local environment, culture and ethics aren't kept in mind. The best thing is to conserve groves as biodiversity rich areas or heritage sites. In Karnataka, for example, the government is planning to protect groves under community conservation areas." (The author is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
Dantewada : , May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

Deepanwita Gita Niyogi Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

However, many such sacred groves - some of which are over 1,000 years old - have either vanished over the years or suffered neglect as a result of encroachment, farming activities in and around them, uncontrolled cattle, and untamed growth of vegetation. It was in 2020 that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the revival and restoration of dev gudis to transform them into centres of learning, tourism and tribal culture.

The magical transformation of Chitalanka Today, the Chitalanka sacred grove in Dantewada district is nothing short of transformed. It has an attractive gate welcoming tourists, a boundary wall, an open stage for holding cultural performances and tribal festivals, washrooms and drinking water facilities. It cost Rs 7.51 lakh to revamp the Chitalanka dev gudi, spread over 2.5 acres, with funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

In Dantewada's four blocks, the initiative targeted dev gudis in 143 gram panchayats. Of these, 110 have been completed, 30 are in progress, and work has yet to commence in three. In several instances, the forest department played a proactive role in helping the district administration revive the groves, supplying it with saplings from nurseries.

In fact, the district administration worked in tandem with the community, holding discussions with gram panchayats and also paying heed to the suggestions of the villagers with regard to which groves to target in each panchayat, fruit saplings to plant, and the kind of facilities required. The women, too, came forward and insisted on cleanliness in these pockets as dev gudis are revered as sacred sites.

Sunil Kumar Kashyap, the sarpanch of Chitalanka gram panchayat, told 101Reporters: "The place resembled a dense jungle with unkempt vegetation spreading everywhere. After sundown, some of us feared venturing into these places. But now, it attracts visitors in droves." Residents planted saplings of fruit trees, while visiting artists painted the tree trunks in bright hues, Kashyap said, further adding that the district administration had given these dev gudis a new lease of life.

"Despite there being a sense of attachment, some of us weren't actively involved in protecting our dev gudis. People were making the place dirty. Now, the boundary wall keeps a check on intruders, and at night, the main entrance is locked. Encroachers trying to build houses near the edges are also discouraged," he said.

Celebration of life and the divine All dev gudis have different gods or goddesses as presiding deities. Their representations are mostly hung from the ceiling inside a temple-like structure. Apart from weekly offerings, annual rituals are also observed at these places of worship.

At the dev gudi of Chhindnar village, devotees worship their deity every Tuesday, and even sacrifice poultry to appease them.

Balram Baska, the priest of Gamawada village, said the villagers have great faith in the deity Hiringaraj and have been worshipping Him since the time the village had only four houses.

"Though it was always a place of faith, it was not clean before the revamp. There used to be wild grass all around. Now, we have a fence that prevents the unwanted entry of outsiders," Baska told 101Reporters.

One good look around can confirm Baska's statement. Around the presiding place of the deity, naturally occurring large stones have been painted with great artistry, showcasing tribal dances, wild animals and tribal hunting processions. The place looks tidy and appealing.

Moreover, besides Chitalanka, Gamawada also received foremost attention under this initiative. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India because it houses memory pillars - structures erected in honour of the dead that are an integral part of tribal culture in Chhattisgarh's Bastar subdivision, of which Dantewada is a part.

Tulika Karma, Dantewada zilla panchayat president, informed 101Reporters that all the major tribal festivals here, like the Aam Pandum (mango festival) and Nuakhai (paddy harvest celebration), are observed at the sacred groves. As dev gudis are places of faith, it is believed that any information shared with the communities here must be taken seriously. Festivals and celebrations are the perfect occasions to address the villagers as everyone gathers during these times.

Nutrition and the seven rules of healthy living In Dantewada, dev gudis have intrinsically been linked to the 'seven rules of healthy living', especially nutrition. These are 'pledges' taken by the community towards tackling malaria, malnutrition and anaemia, increasing institutional delivery rates, ensuring cleanliness in villages, upholding cultural values and achieving 100 per cent literacy rate - the seven rules or seven sutras.

As part of the emphasis on nutrition, the satrangi sutra (seven rules) team of seven women, who dress in white, with dupattas of different colours across their bodies, perform nukkad nataks (street plays) to spread awareness about these pledges. The team, part of the Rashtriya Gramin Ajivika Mission, or the National Rural Livelihood Mission, banded together in August 2020, trained by the district administration. Now, the group visits villages in Dantewada to spread their message through dance-drama, said performer Janki Yadav.

Elaborating on the need to link dev gudis with nutrition, Akash Chhikara, chief executive officer of the Dantewada zilla panchayat, pointed out that the district had high incidences of malaria and anaemia.

"Such issues cannot be resolved without community involvement. At dev gudis, people resolve conflicts and any decision made at such places is morally binding on everyone. Communities were involved right from the planning stage. The gram panchayats at the local level execute the rejuvenation activities," he told 101Reporters.

Since fruits play a vital role in fighting malnutrition, especially among women and children, several saplings of mango, chikoo, jackfruit, banana and guava are planted here. Besides feeding the community, these fruits can also be sold, and the money earned could be used to pay the security guards who keep vigil around the groves. In Gamawada, the name of the individual responsible for planting a sapling is also mentioned on placards in front of them, thereby inculcating a sense of ownership and pride in the practice.

These dev gudis have survived the test of time because of deep-rooted community beliefs, as well as restrictions that have kept outsiders at bay. While government intervention is welcome, it remains to be seen how far such initiatives continue to bear fruit and keep the groves alive - all while large tracts of forests in Chhattisgarh are falling prey to mining giants and other developmental agencies.

Deepa Gavali, from Gujarat Ecology Society, said that beautification is often not the right ecological approach. "Whenever such interventions happen, mostly local environment, culture and ethics aren't kept in mind. The best thing is to conserve groves as biodiversity rich areas or heritage sites. In Karnataka, for example, the government is planning to protect groves under community conservation areas." (The author is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)

New Delhi, May 21 : A court here on Saturday convicted former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment to Chautala on May 26.

On May 19, the court had reserved its verdict in the case of possessing disproportionate assets. As per the chargesheet filed by the CBI, Chautala is responsible for amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, allegedly disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.

In May 2019, the Enforcement Directorate had attached over Rs 3.6 crore worth of properties of the former Chief Minister located in New Delhi, Panchkula, and Sirsa.

He was also convicted in the JBT scam in January 2013.

In 2008, Chautala and 53 others were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic trained teachers in Haryana during 1999-to 2000.

In January 2013, a court sentenced Om Prakash Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Chautala was found guilty of illegally recruiting over 3,000 unqualified teachers. Though out on parole, Chautala was released from the Tihar Jail on July 2, 2021 from a 10-year prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He was the Chief Minister of Haryana four times between 1989 to 2005.

His grandson Dushyant Chautala is the Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana.
Rail strikes could bring a 'Summer of Discontent' with empty shelves, economic damage and dry fuel pumps all set to be strained, industry figures have claimed.

Union bosses are planning to unleash hell for railways as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union ballots for strike action at train operators and Network Rail.

With industrial action coming as soon as June 7 - and strikes already announced for the London Underground during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend at several stations - executives are already drawing up contingency plans to reduce disruption.

Freight trains could be given priority over passenger services to minimise fuel and food shortages - which could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for many, according to the Times.

Fears are mounting of a repeat of the 1978 'Winter of Discontent' in which a slew of strikes by waste workers, gravediggers and lorry drivers resulted in squalid conditions for Brits under Labour PM Jim Callaghan.

The head of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Manuel Cortes has threatened the biggest disruption since the General Strike of 1926, according to the Telegraph.

Freight trains could be given priority over passenger services to minimise fuel and food shortages - which could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for many, according to the Times

Union bosses are planning to unleash hell for railways as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union ballots for strike action

Union bosses are attempting to secure massive pay rises despite reduced capacities post-pandemic meaning cuts need to be made

Network Rail could be forced to operate on a skeleton timetable to reserve tracks for the movement of goods - with passengers only having access to key services.

With a shortage in lorry drivers persisting, a switch to road haulage is not expected to be able to alleviate a freight crisis.

Any disruption to freight could also damage fuel deliveries, potentially risking a repeat of the 1973-74 Miners' Strike under Conservative PM Ted Heath which led to commercial electricity consumption restricted to a Three Day Week.

Grant Shapps will reportedly meet the Prime Minister this week to draw up Government plans to mitigate the damage done by the unions.

Disruption to the freight supply chain could lead to empty shelves in supermarkets in the UK

Strikes have already been announced for the London Underground during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend at several stations

Fears are mounting of a repeat of the 1978 'Winter of Discontent' in which a slew of strikes led to squalid living conditions across Britain

Rubbish piled up in the streets during the 1978 winter under the premiership of Labour's Jim Callaghan

The head of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Manuel Cortes has threatened the biggest disruption since the General Strike of 1926 (pictured)

A National Rail strike -particularly involving signallers - could result in a severely depleted timetable across the board and is a scenario that ministers fear.

The row comes as Mr Shapps prepares a swathe of cuts and reforms to the British rail network.

Demand for rail services has collapsed to only 70% of pre-Covid levels, and measures are needed to square the drop in revenue with wages and other costs.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be scrapped with ticket offices closed, and rail pensions also to be reformed as part of the cuts.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: 'We believe in modernising the railways but we do not believe in sacrificing thousands of jobs, constant pay freezes or making the railways unsafe.

'That is what government plans will mean for the railways if RMT and other transport unions don't mount a comprehensive defence of the industry.'

A DfT spokesperson said: 'With passenger numbers down and our railways on life-support, we need to act to make them fit for the future.

'We want a fair deal for staff, passengers, and taxpayers so money isn't taken away from other essential public services like the NHS.

'The unions should talk to us about the proposals before causing irreparable damage to our railways and strikes should be the last resort, not the first.'

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement



CEDAR FALLS  Two people were injured in a Friday night crash in Cedar Falls.

The names of the injured and their conditions werent immediately available, but Cedar Falls authorities said one was treated at a local hospital and the other was flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City by AirCare helicopter.

Initial reports were that the vehicle was traveling in the 2500 block of North Union Road around 11 p.m. Friday when the vehicle left the road and rolled, coming to a rest on its top.

One person was pinned under the wreckage, and the other was trapped in the vehicle, and Cedar Falls Fire Rescue had to free them.

Cedar Falls police and MercyOne Paramedics also responded to the scene.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Ukraine applied to join NATO in 2008, application not withdrawn, final decision on country's entry should now be made by NATO members  Stefanishyna

The final decision on joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by Ukraine depends only on its members, since the application for NATO membership was filed by Kyiv in 2008 and has not been withdrawn since then, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna has said.

"In 2008, Ukraine already applied for membership in NATO. It was the well-known "letter by Ukraine's top three leaders," and this application has never been withdrawn... Today, the decision [on Ukraine's membership in NATO] is up to NATO leaders who can consider our application in a package together with Sweden and Finland," Stefanishyna said during a national telethon on Saturday.

According to her, Kyiv has already exhausted 99.9% of the tools that allowed it, for its part, to take steps towards joining the Alliance.

"This decision now [should be made] is not on the territory of Ukraine," the minister said.

At the same time, Stefanyshina said that Ukraine is ready to join NATO "at any moment, if such a decision is made from the point of view of mutual compatibility and military capabilities."

"Letter by Ukraine's top three leaders" is a letter sent to the then Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (2004-2009) in January 2008, signed by three then top leaders of the Ukrainian state (third President of Ukraine Viktor Yuschenko, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament Arseniy Yatsenyuk), which contained an appeal to the Alliance with a request to consider the possibility of granting Ukraine an Membership Action Plan at the NATO summit in April 2008 in Bucharest.
New Delhi, May 21 : A court here on Saturday convicted former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment to Chautala on May 26.

On May 19, the court had reserved its verdict in the case of possessing disproportionate assets. As per the chargesheet filed by the CBI, Chautala is responsible for amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, allegedly disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.

In May 2019, the Enforcement Directorate had attached over Rs 3.6 crore worth of properties of the former Chief Minister located in New Delhi, Panchkula, and Sirsa.

He was also convicted in the JBT scam in January 2013.

In 2008, Chautala and 53 others were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic trained teachers in Haryana during 1999-to 2000.

In January 2013, a court sentenced Om Prakash Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Chautala was found guilty of illegally recruiting over 3,000 unqualified teachers. Though out on parole, Chautala was released from the Tihar Jail on July 2, 2021 from a 10-year prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He was the Chief Minister of Haryana four times between 1989 to 2005.

His grandson Dushyant Chautala is the Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana.
New Delhi, May 21 : A court here on Saturday convicted former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi will hear the arguments on the quantum of punishment to Chautala on May 26.

On May 19, the court had reserved its verdict in the case of possessing disproportionate assets. As per the chargesheet filed by the CBI, Chautala is responsible for amassing assets worth Rs 6.09 crore, allegedly disproportionate to his legitimate income, between 1993 and 2006.

In May 2019, the Enforcement Directorate had attached over Rs 3.6 crore worth of properties of the former Chief Minister located in New Delhi, Panchkula, and Sirsa.

He was also convicted in the JBT scam in January 2013.

In 2008, Chautala and 53 others were charged in connection with the appointment of 3,206 junior basic trained teachers in Haryana during 1999-to 2000.

In January 2013, a court sentenced Om Prakash Chautala and his son Ajay Singh Chautala to ten years' imprisonment under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Chautala was found guilty of illegally recruiting over 3,000 unqualified teachers. Though out on parole, Chautala was released from the Tihar Jail on July 2, 2021 from a 10-year prison sentence after completing the due formalities.

He was the Chief Minister of Haryana four times between 1989 to 2005.

His grandson Dushyant Chautala is the Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana.
Dantewada : , May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

Deepanwita Gita Niyogi Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

However, many such sacred groves - some of which are over 1,000 years old - have either vanished over the years or suffered neglect as a result of encroachment, farming activities in and around them, uncontrolled cattle, and untamed growth of vegetation. It was in 2020 that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the revival and restoration of dev gudis to transform them into centres of learning, tourism and tribal culture.

The magical transformation of Chitalanka Today, the Chitalanka sacred grove in Dantewada district is nothing short of transformed. It has an attractive gate welcoming tourists, a boundary wall, an open stage for holding cultural performances and tribal festivals, washrooms and drinking water facilities. It cost Rs 7.51 lakh to revamp the Chitalanka dev gudi, spread over 2.5 acres, with funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

In Dantewada's four blocks, the initiative targeted dev gudis in 143 gram panchayats. Of these, 110 have been completed, 30 are in progress, and work has yet to commence in three. In several instances, the forest department played a proactive role in helping the district administration revive the groves, supplying it with saplings from nurseries.

In fact, the district administration worked in tandem with the community, holding discussions with gram panchayats and also paying heed to the suggestions of the villagers with regard to which groves to target in each panchayat, fruit saplings to plant, and the kind of facilities required. The women, too, came forward and insisted on cleanliness in these pockets as dev gudis are revered as sacred sites.

Sunil Kumar Kashyap, the sarpanch of Chitalanka gram panchayat, told 101Reporters: "The place resembled a dense jungle with unkempt vegetation spreading everywhere. After sundown, some of us feared venturing into these places. But now, it attracts visitors in droves." Residents planted saplings of fruit trees, while visiting artists painted the tree trunks in bright hues, Kashyap said, further adding that the district administration had given these dev gudis a new lease of life.

"Despite there being a sense of attachment, some of us weren't actively involved in protecting our dev gudis. People were making the place dirty. Now, the boundary wall keeps a check on intruders, and at night, the main entrance is locked. Encroachers trying to build houses near the edges are also discouraged," he said.

Celebration of life and the divine All dev gudis have different gods or goddesses as presiding deities. Their representations are mostly hung from the ceiling inside a temple-like structure. Apart from weekly offerings, annual rituals are also observed at these places of worship.

At the dev gudi of Chhindnar village, devotees worship their deity every Tuesday, and even sacrifice poultry to appease them.

Balram Baska, the priest of Gamawada village, said the villagers have great faith in the deity Hiringaraj and have been worshipping Him since the time the village had only four houses.

"Though it was always a place of faith, it was not clean before the revamp. There used to be wild grass all around. Now, we have a fence that prevents the unwanted entry of outsiders," Baska told 101Reporters.

One good look around can confirm Baska's statement. Around the presiding place of the deity, naturally occurring large stones have been painted with great artistry, showcasing tribal dances, wild animals and tribal hunting processions. The place looks tidy and appealing.

Moreover, besides Chitalanka, Gamawada also received foremost attention under this initiative. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India because it houses memory pillars - structures erected in honour of the dead that are an integral part of tribal culture in Chhattisgarh's Bastar subdivision, of which Dantewada is a part.

Tulika Karma, Dantewada zilla panchayat president, informed 101Reporters that all the major tribal festivals here, like the Aam Pandum (mango festival) and Nuakhai (paddy harvest celebration), are observed at the sacred groves. As dev gudis are places of faith, it is believed that any information shared with the communities here must be taken seriously. Festivals and celebrations are the perfect occasions to address the villagers as everyone gathers during these times.

Nutrition and the seven rules of healthy living In Dantewada, dev gudis have intrinsically been linked to the 'seven rules of healthy living', especially nutrition. These are 'pledges' taken by the community towards tackling malaria, malnutrition and anaemia, increasing institutional delivery rates, ensuring cleanliness in villages, upholding cultural values and achieving 100 per cent literacy rate - the seven rules or seven sutras.

As part of the emphasis on nutrition, the satrangi sutra (seven rules) team of seven women, who dress in white, with dupattas of different colours across their bodies, perform nukkad nataks (street plays) to spread awareness about these pledges. The team, part of the Rashtriya Gramin Ajivika Mission, or the National Rural Livelihood Mission, banded together in August 2020, trained by the district administration. Now, the group visits villages in Dantewada to spread their message through dance-drama, said performer Janki Yadav.

Elaborating on the need to link dev gudis with nutrition, Akash Chhikara, chief executive officer of the Dantewada zilla panchayat, pointed out that the district had high incidences of malaria and anaemia.

"Such issues cannot be resolved without community involvement. At dev gudis, people resolve conflicts and any decision made at such places is morally binding on everyone. Communities were involved right from the planning stage. The gram panchayats at the local level execute the rejuvenation activities," he told 101Reporters.

Since fruits play a vital role in fighting malnutrition, especially among women and children, several saplings of mango, chikoo, jackfruit, banana and guava are planted here. Besides feeding the community, these fruits can also be sold, and the money earned could be used to pay the security guards who keep vigil around the groves. In Gamawada, the name of the individual responsible for planting a sapling is also mentioned on placards in front of them, thereby inculcating a sense of ownership and pride in the practice.

These dev gudis have survived the test of time because of deep-rooted community beliefs, as well as restrictions that have kept outsiders at bay. While government intervention is welcome, it remains to be seen how far such initiatives continue to bear fruit and keep the groves alive - all while large tracts of forests in Chhattisgarh are falling prey to mining giants and other developmental agencies.

Deepa Gavali, from Gujarat Ecology Society, said that beautification is often not the right ecological approach. "Whenever such interventions happen, mostly local environment, culture and ethics aren't kept in mind. The best thing is to conserve groves as biodiversity rich areas or heritage sites. In Karnataka, for example, the government is planning to protect groves under community conservation areas." (The author is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
Dantewada : , May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

Deepanwita Gita Niyogi Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), May 21 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In central India's Bastar region, sacred groves hold a special place in community life, both spiritually and ecologically. Locally known as dev gudis, many of these groves are surrounded by dense forests that house several species of rare flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna. In fact, Jason Funk, the author of 'Securing The Climate Benefits of Stable Forests', once described India's sacred groves as "stable forests", in an email interview with this reporter.

However, many such sacred groves - some of which are over 1,000 years old - have either vanished over the years or suffered neglect as a result of encroachment, farming activities in and around them, uncontrolled cattle, and untamed growth of vegetation. It was in 2020 that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the revival and restoration of dev gudis to transform them into centres of learning, tourism and tribal culture.

The magical transformation of Chitalanka Today, the Chitalanka sacred grove in Dantewada district is nothing short of transformed. It has an attractive gate welcoming tourists, a boundary wall, an open stage for holding cultural performances and tribal festivals, washrooms and drinking water facilities. It cost Rs 7.51 lakh to revamp the Chitalanka dev gudi, spread over 2.5 acres, with funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).

In Dantewada's four blocks, the initiative targeted dev gudis in 143 gram panchayats. Of these, 110 have been completed, 30 are in progress, and work has yet to commence in three. In several instances, the forest department played a proactive role in helping the district administration revive the groves, supplying it with saplings from nurseries.

In fact, the district administration worked in tandem with the community, holding discussions with gram panchayats and also paying heed to the suggestions of the villagers with regard to which groves to target in each panchayat, fruit saplings to plant, and the kind of facilities required. The women, too, came forward and insisted on cleanliness in these pockets as dev gudis are revered as sacred sites.

Sunil Kumar Kashyap, the sarpanch of Chitalanka gram panchayat, told 101Reporters: "The place resembled a dense jungle with unkempt vegetation spreading everywhere. After sundown, some of us feared venturing into these places. But now, it attracts visitors in droves." Residents planted saplings of fruit trees, while visiting artists painted the tree trunks in bright hues, Kashyap said, further adding that the district administration had given these dev gudis a new lease of life.

"Despite there being a sense of attachment, some of us weren't actively involved in protecting our dev gudis. People were making the place dirty. Now, the boundary wall keeps a check on intruders, and at night, the main entrance is locked. Encroachers trying to build houses near the edges are also discouraged," he said.

Celebration of life and the divine All dev gudis have different gods or goddesses as presiding deities. Their representations are mostly hung from the ceiling inside a temple-like structure. Apart from weekly offerings, annual rituals are also observed at these places of worship.

At the dev gudi of Chhindnar village, devotees worship their deity every Tuesday, and even sacrifice poultry to appease them.

Balram Baska, the priest of Gamawada village, said the villagers have great faith in the deity Hiringaraj and have been worshipping Him since the time the village had only four houses.

"Though it was always a place of faith, it was not clean before the revamp. There used to be wild grass all around. Now, we have a fence that prevents the unwanted entry of outsiders," Baska told 101Reporters.

One good look around can confirm Baska's statement. Around the presiding place of the deity, naturally occurring large stones have been painted with great artistry, showcasing tribal dances, wild animals and tribal hunting processions. The place looks tidy and appealing.

Moreover, besides Chitalanka, Gamawada also received foremost attention under this initiative. It's protected by the Archaeological Survey of India because it houses memory pillars - structures erected in honour of the dead that are an integral part of tribal culture in Chhattisgarh's Bastar subdivision, of which Dantewada is a part.

Tulika Karma, Dantewada zilla panchayat president, informed 101Reporters that all the major tribal festivals here, like the Aam Pandum (mango festival) and Nuakhai (paddy harvest celebration), are observed at the sacred groves. As dev gudis are places of faith, it is believed that any information shared with the communities here must be taken seriously. Festivals and celebrations are the perfect occasions to address the villagers as everyone gathers during these times.

Nutrition and the seven rules of healthy living In Dantewada, dev gudis have intrinsically been linked to the 'seven rules of healthy living', especially nutrition. These are 'pledges' taken by the community towards tackling malaria, malnutrition and anaemia, increasing institutional delivery rates, ensuring cleanliness in villages, upholding cultural values and achieving 100 per cent literacy rate - the seven rules or seven sutras.

As part of the emphasis on nutrition, the satrangi sutra (seven rules) team of seven women, who dress in white, with dupattas of different colours across their bodies, perform nukkad nataks (street plays) to spread awareness about these pledges. The team, part of the Rashtriya Gramin Ajivika Mission, or the National Rural Livelihood Mission, banded together in August 2020, trained by the district administration. Now, the group visits villages in Dantewada to spread their message through dance-drama, said performer Janki Yadav.

Elaborating on the need to link dev gudis with nutrition, Akash Chhikara, chief executive officer of the Dantewada zilla panchayat, pointed out that the district had high incidences of malaria and anaemia.

"Such issues cannot be resolved without community involvement. At dev gudis, people resolve conflicts and any decision made at such places is morally binding on everyone. Communities were involved right from the planning stage. The gram panchayats at the local level execute the rejuvenation activities," he told 101Reporters.

Since fruits play a vital role in fighting malnutrition, especially among women and children, several saplings of mango, chikoo, jackfruit, banana and guava are planted here. Besides feeding the community, these fruits can also be sold, and the money earned could be used to pay the security guards who keep vigil around the groves. In Gamawada, the name of the individual responsible for planting a sapling is also mentioned on placards in front of them, thereby inculcating a sense of ownership and pride in the practice.

These dev gudis have survived the test of time because of deep-rooted community beliefs, as well as restrictions that have kept outsiders at bay. While government intervention is welcome, it remains to be seen how far such initiatives continue to bear fruit and keep the groves alive - all while large tracts of forests in Chhattisgarh are falling prey to mining giants and other developmental agencies.

Deepa Gavali, from Gujarat Ecology Society, said that beautification is often not the right ecological approach. "Whenever such interventions happen, mostly local environment, culture and ethics aren't kept in mind. The best thing is to conserve groves as biodiversity rich areas or heritage sites. In Karnataka, for example, the government is planning to protect groves under community conservation areas." (The author is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
May 21 : Kareena Kapoor, who is currently shooting for her upcoming film Devotion of Suspect X in West Bengals Kalimpong, shared a new picture from the sets to wish the director of the film, Sujoy Ghosh on his birthday today.

Ever since Kareena started shooting for the film in Kalimpong, she has been sharing pictures from the sets quite often. The Good Newwz actor has been exploring the mountains, the eateries and local cuisine, and also taking out time to meet school friends and exchanging old school pictures.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Kareena shared a picture with director Sujoy Ghosh and wished him on his special day. In the picture, the actress can be seen with Sujoy Ghosh as the duo is walking towards a house, discussing something. It seems that the picture is from the sets of the film as Kareena, whose back is towards the camera, can be seen wearing an apron over her jeans and black shirt.

Sujoy turned 56 on Saturday. He had a working birthday as he is filming his forthcoming, Devotion of Suspect X, which also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma. The film is bankrolled by Jay Shewakramani, Akshai Puri, Sujoy Ghosh and Thomas Kim. Sujoy has to his credit several successful films like Kahaani, Kahaani 2, Badla, Jhankaar Beats, and many others.

Sharing the picture, Kareena wrote, Chalte chalte (while walking) lets make a good film...Happy birthday Director saab, and added heart and cake emojis.

Image Source: prokerala

The Devotion of Suspect X is written by Japanese author Keigo Higashino. The story is about a single mother and her daughter, who escaped from an abusive ex-husband. However, she was wrong in thinking that everything was over as one day her abusive ex-husband turns up. Her life changes from there.

Talking about the film, Sujoy Ghosh had said earlier that The Devotion of Suspect X is probably the best love story Ive ever read. He felt honoured to adapt it into a film. Kareena said, Its one that has all the right ingredients  a great story, a visionary director and a super talented cast and crew. I am really looking forward to working with Sujoy, Jaideep, and Vijay. Its the beginning of an electrifying journey and I cant wait for audiences worldwide to see this global bestseller come to life.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Rail strikes could bring a 'Summer of Discontent' with empty shelves, economic damage and dry fuel pumps all set to be strained, industry figures have claimed.

Union bosses are planning to unleash hell for railways as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union ballots for strike action at train operators and Network Rail.

With industrial action coming as soon as June 7 - and strikes already announced for the London Underground during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend at several stations - executives are already drawing up contingency plans to reduce disruption.

Freight trains could be given priority over passenger services to minimise fuel and food shortages - which could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for many, according to the Times.

Fears are mounting of a repeat of the 1978 'Winter of Discontent' in which a slew of strikes by waste workers, gravediggers and lorry drivers resulted in squalid conditions for Brits under Labour PM Jim Callaghan.

The head of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Manuel Cortes has threatened the biggest disruption since the General Strike of 1926, according to the Telegraph.

Freight trains could be given priority over passenger services to minimise fuel and food shortages - which could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis for many, according to the Times

Union bosses are planning to unleash hell for railways as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union ballots for strike action

Union bosses are attempting to secure massive pay rises despite reduced capacities post-pandemic meaning cuts need to be made

Network Rail could be forced to operate on a skeleton timetable to reserve tracks for the movement of goods - with passengers only having access to key services.

With a shortage in lorry drivers persisting, a switch to road haulage is not expected to be able to alleviate a freight crisis.

Any disruption to freight could also damage fuel deliveries, potentially risking a repeat of the 1973-74 Miners' Strike under Conservative PM Ted Heath which led to commercial electricity consumption restricted to a Three Day Week.

Grant Shapps will reportedly meet the Prime Minister this week to draw up Government plans to mitigate the damage done by the unions.

Disruption to the freight supply chain could lead to empty shelves in supermarkets in the UK

Strikes have already been announced for the London Underground during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend at several stations

Fears are mounting of a repeat of the 1978 'Winter of Discontent' in which a slew of strikes led to squalid living conditions across Britain

Rubbish piled up in the streets during the 1978 winter under the premiership of Labour's Jim Callaghan

The head of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Manuel Cortes has threatened the biggest disruption since the General Strike of 1926 (pictured)

A National Rail strike -particularly involving signallers - could result in a severely depleted timetable across the board and is a scenario that ministers fear.

The row comes as Mr Shapps prepares a swathe of cuts and reforms to the British rail network.

Demand for rail services has collapsed to only 70% of pre-Covid levels, and measures are needed to square the drop in revenue with wages and other costs.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be scrapped with ticket offices closed, and rail pensions also to be reformed as part of the cuts.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: 'We believe in modernising the railways but we do not believe in sacrificing thousands of jobs, constant pay freezes or making the railways unsafe.

'That is what government plans will mean for the railways if RMT and other transport unions don't mount a comprehensive defence of the industry.'

A DfT spokesperson said: 'With passenger numbers down and our railways on life-support, we need to act to make them fit for the future.

'We want a fair deal for staff, passengers, and taxpayers so money isn't taken away from other essential public services like the NHS.

'The unions should talk to us about the proposals before causing irreparable damage to our railways and strikes should be the last resort, not the first.'
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.


A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Ukraine applied to join NATO in 2008, application not withdrawn, final decision on country's entry should now be made by NATO members  Stefanishyna

The final decision on joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by Ukraine depends only on its members, since the application for NATO membership was filed by Kyiv in 2008 and has not been withdrawn since then, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna has said.

"In 2008, Ukraine already applied for membership in NATO. It was the well-known "letter by Ukraine's top three leaders," and this application has never been withdrawn... Today, the decision [on Ukraine's membership in NATO] is up to NATO leaders who can consider our application in a package together with Sweden and Finland," Stefanishyna said during a national telethon on Saturday.

According to her, Kyiv has already exhausted 99.9% of the tools that allowed it, for its part, to take steps towards joining the Alliance.

"This decision now [should be made] is not on the territory of Ukraine," the minister said.

At the same time, Stefanyshina said that Ukraine is ready to join NATO "at any moment, if such a decision is made from the point of view of mutual compatibility and military capabilities."

"Letter by Ukraine's top three leaders" is a letter sent to the then Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (2004-2009) in January 2008, signed by three then top leaders of the Ukrainian state (third President of Ukraine Viktor Yuschenko, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament Arseniy Yatsenyuk), which contained an appeal to the Alliance with a request to consider the possibility of granting Ukraine an Membership Action Plan at the NATO summit in April 2008 in Bucharest.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Here is the state of play across a number of key Sydney electorates. Wentworth Wentworth MP Dave Sharma did not concede defeat on Saturday night but acknowledged he was significantly behind and likely to become the third sitting Sydney Liberal MP to lose his seat to a Climate 200-backed independent in a teal bloodbath that ran through the citys eastern suburbs and northern beaches. Sharma suffered a significant decline in his primary vote, likely enough to catapult independent Allegra Spender into federal parliament. Dave Sharma casts his vote at a poll booth in Paddington Public School. Credit:Nine Sharma told the Herald there were clear lessons for the Liberal Party in the rout of moderate MPs in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.

Advertisement

Weve lost sense of what it is to be a broad church and I think we need to rediscover that middle ground, he said. Weve clearly not convinced voters in metropolitan seats that are high income that should be naturally Liberal to go with us again. There are some lessons for us in that on any number of issues - climate, integrity. Were going to have to do a pretty dramatic post-mortem after this. Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the crowd at Bondi Bowling Club. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Sharma said Spender had run a good campaign but at times voters had not looked beyond her veneer. I do worry a little bit about what it means for the two-party system in Australia. Im concerned were heading down a Germany model where well need traffic light coalitions. Spender arrived at Bondi Bowling Club shortly before 9pm to the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling and Aretha Franklins Respect. The former chief executive did not immediately claim victory, but told her hundreds of supporters the community had made its feelings clear.- Michael Koziol North Sydney

Advertisement

In a blow for the moderate Liberals, North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman has conceded defeat to independent candidate Kylea Tink. Nines prediction algorithm has given the seat to the independent. Teal independent Kylea Tink and Liberal Trent Zimmerman. Credit:Kate Geraghty At 9pm, Tink led Liberal incumbent Trent Zimmerman on a two-party preferred basis by 45 per cent to 55 per cent with a third of the votes counted. North Sydney, once held by former Treasurer Joe Hockey, was considered a safe Liberal seat. - Matt Wade Warringah

Advertisement

Independent Zali Steggall has retained her northern beaches seat of Warringah, fending off a challenge from Liberal candidate Katherine Deves, who shot to national attention as a result of her controversial views of trans people. Steggall captured Warringah from former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott at the 2019 federal election, in a marker of the appeal of the teal movement, and this years contest retained some of the acrimony of that fight. Independent Zali Steggall and Liberal Katherine Deves. Credit:Louise Kennerley Deves conceded to Steggall at 9.20pm, saying she respected voters will after the Liberal primary vote went backwards by about 6 per cent, with 38 of 51 polling places reporting. In her speech, Deves rejected claims that she was brought in to win over religious voters in other seats with her stance on trans womens participation in sport, saying she had run to be a real voice for Warringah. You havent seen the last of me, she told the Liberal faithful. Steggall said communities had more in common than they had been given credit for and had repudiated negative politics. The negative fear and smear, people are turned off by it, she said.

Advertisement

Liberal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said there were clear mistakes and process breakdowns in the preselection of Deves. Speaking after the result became apparent, Birmingham said the Liberals had paid a price in Warringah. - Nick Bonyhady Fowler High-profile Labor frontbencher and former NSW premier Kristina Keneally has lost the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler to independent Dai Le in a spectacular shock defeat, according to Nines predictive system. The result will spark heated recriminations within Labor about the decision to parachute Keneally into the seat over a local candidate who would have made the Australian parliament more diverse. Left: Kristina Keneally. Right: Le Dai engages with the electorate in Cabramatta Credit:Dean Sewell

Advertisement
Ukraine applied to join NATO in 2008, application not withdrawn, final decision on country's entry should now be made by NATO members  Stefanishyna

The final decision on joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by Ukraine depends only on its members, since the application for NATO membership was filed by Kyiv in 2008 and has not been withdrawn since then, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna has said.

"In 2008, Ukraine already applied for membership in NATO. It was the well-known "letter by Ukraine's top three leaders," and this application has never been withdrawn... Today, the decision [on Ukraine's membership in NATO] is up to NATO leaders who can consider our application in a package together with Sweden and Finland," Stefanishyna said during a national telethon on Saturday.

According to her, Kyiv has already exhausted 99.9% of the tools that allowed it, for its part, to take steps towards joining the Alliance.

"This decision now [should be made] is not on the territory of Ukraine," the minister said.

At the same time, Stefanyshina said that Ukraine is ready to join NATO "at any moment, if such a decision is made from the point of view of mutual compatibility and military capabilities."

"Letter by Ukraine's top three leaders" is a letter sent to the then Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (2004-2009) in January 2008, signed by three then top leaders of the Ukrainian state (third President of Ukraine Viktor Yuschenko, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament Arseniy Yatsenyuk), which contained an appeal to the Alliance with a request to consider the possibility of granting Ukraine an Membership Action Plan at the NATO summit in April 2008 in Bucharest.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Some 232 children killed, more than 430 injured due to Russian aggression in Ukraine  PGO

Due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, 232 children have been killed, more than 430 have been injured, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has said.

"As of the morning of May 21, 2022, more than 662 children had been injured in Ukraine due to the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. According to the official data of juvenile prosecutors, 232 children had been killed and more than 430 had been injured," the PGO said in a message published on the Telegram channel on Saturday.

These figures are not final, since work is underway to establish them in places of active hostilities, in temporarily occupied and liberated territories.

Children suffered the most in Donetsk region - 145, Kyiv region - 116, Kharkiv region - 102, Chernihiv region - 68, Kherson region - 48, Luhansk region - 48, Mykolaiv region - 45, Zaporizhia region - 28, Sumy region - 17, in the city of Kyiv - 16, Zhytomyr region - 15.

On May 20, the Russian military launched a missile attack on the city palace of culture in the city of Lozova, Kharkiv region. As a result of the actions of the aggressor country, 7 civilians have been injured, including an 11-year-old girl.

On May 19 due to the shelling of the village of Velyki Khutory, Kupiansk district, Kharkiv region, a 13-year-old girl was injured.

On May 18, the occupiers fired at a car of volunteers in the city of Severodonetsk, Luhansk region. A 17-year-old young man was injured.

Due to the bombing and shelling of Ukrainian cities and villages by the armed forces of the Russian Federation, 1,837 educational institutions have been damaged. At the same time, 172 of them have been completely destroyed.
Some 232 children killed, more than 430 injured due to Russian aggression in Ukraine  PGO

Due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, 232 children have been killed, more than 430 have been injured, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has said.

"As of the morning of May 21, 2022, more than 662 children had been injured in Ukraine due to the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. According to the official data of juvenile prosecutors, 232 children had been killed and more than 430 had been injured," the PGO said in a message published on the Telegram channel on Saturday.

These figures are not final, since work is underway to establish them in places of active hostilities, in temporarily occupied and liberated territories.

Children suffered the most in Donetsk region - 145, Kyiv region - 116, Kharkiv region - 102, Chernihiv region - 68, Kherson region - 48, Luhansk region - 48, Mykolaiv region - 45, Zaporizhia region - 28, Sumy region - 17, in the city of Kyiv - 16, Zhytomyr region - 15.

On May 20, the Russian military launched a missile attack on the city palace of culture in the city of Lozova, Kharkiv region. As a result of the actions of the aggressor country, 7 civilians have been injured, including an 11-year-old girl.

On May 19 due to the shelling of the village of Velyki Khutory, Kupiansk district, Kharkiv region, a 13-year-old girl was injured.

On May 18, the occupiers fired at a car of volunteers in the city of Severodonetsk, Luhansk region. A 17-year-old young man was injured.

Due to the bombing and shelling of Ukrainian cities and villages by the armed forces of the Russian Federation, 1,837 educational institutions have been damaged. At the same time, 172 of them have been completely destroyed.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a damaged school on the outskirts of Kharkiv. (Bernat Armangue / Associated Press)

Russian troops pressed their offensive into the Donbas region on Saturday, aiming to encircle the easternmost point of Ukrainian control in what one official said would be a repeat of Moscows assault on the beleaguered city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Moscow cut off natural gas exports to Finland, and the Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed a consignment of U.S.- and European-supplied weapons meant for Ukrainian fighters in the Donbas.

Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Saturday that Russian troops were throwing all their forces and efforts into assaulting Severodonetsk in Luhansk province, aiming to cut off the main supply route to the city. Six people were killed and three others wounded in Russian attacks on Severodonetsk, Haidai said, along with at least two others killed in shelling on neighboring towns.

The Russians are destroying Severodonetsk, like Mariupol. The enemys plans are to surround the area or turn it into a fire, Haidai said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces had defended the city against 11 enemy incursions.

A Russian breakthrough in Luhansk would enable an attack on Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, he added.

This is the difficult fate of Luhansk region, not to allow the Russians to move forward, he said. Later Saturday, Haidai said the Russians had destroyed a bridge between Severodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Seversky Donets River, which will make reinforcing the area more difficult.

The grinding advance in the east comes one day after Russia claimed its biggest victory in its almost-three-month assault: the full capture of the Azovstal steelworks plant, the labyrinthine underground network of tunnels that became Ukraine's last stand in the coastal Sea of Azov city of Mariupol, along with the surrender of what the Russian Defense Ministry said were 2,439 Ukrainian fighters.

Although Kyiv said it would bring back its troops via prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin has yet to comment on their fate. In recent days, Russian lawmakers in the Duma called for prison terms and even capital punishment for members of the Azov regiment, a far-right Ukrainian military unit with neo-Nazi roots whose fighters emerged as the Azovstal plants most stubborn defenders. The history of the group has been seized on by the Kremlin to falsely claim it is fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine.

Mariupol has been a target of Russia's invasion virtually from the start of the war. As the rest of the city fell into Russian hands, a ragtag assortment of Ukrainian troops and civilians bunkered in the steelworks even as their adversaries maintained a relentless siege  not to mention continuous bombardment  on the plant. Women, children and elderly people were first bused out before Ukrainian authorities ordered the remaining troops to surrender. The full death toll of civilians in the Mariupol siege is still unknown, but Ukraine says it could be many thousands.

Earlier, Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed leader of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, said the Azovstal plant would be demolished and replaced with a park, a residence or what he called a techno park.

At a cemetery in Bucha  the suburb of Kyiv now infamous for alleged Russian war crimes  families took time on Saturday to visit the graves of relatives and friends lost in the war. Many mourners at the cemetery described what they viewed as the heroism of the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, who held off a superior Russian force for weeks.

They are our heroes, they fought to the end, said Anton Adoniev, 26, who visited the grave of a soldier from Bucha who recently was killed in the Donbas. We all have faith that Ukraine will triumph in the end.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in remarks released Saturday, again insisted his country will ultimately prevail in the grueling conflict but that it will be a "bloody" victory.

"I do not believe that we were badly prepared for the war," he said. "We should look at the price of this war. We are going to reclaim everything in any case. We have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world."

But, he acknowledged: "The war is so complicated and so will be the victory. It will be bloody, through fighting, but the end will definitely be via diplomacy."

At the same time, he said prospects for talks with Russia right now were dim.

Zelensky made the taped comments in a rare joint appearance with his wife, Olena Zelenska, whose only other public appearance in the war so far was with Jill Biden in a surprise stop by the U.S. first lady in western Ukraine on Mother's Day.

Meanwhile, Russian state gas company Gazprom confirmed on Saturday a complete halt in gas supplies as of 7 a.m. Moscow time to Gasum, Finlands state-owned natural gas wholesaler, after Helsinki refused to pay in rubles.

"Payments for gas supplied from April 1 must be made in rubles  which the counterparties were informed of in a timely manner," Gazprom said, according to a report from Russian state news operator Tass.

The cutoff comes days after Finland and Sweden reversed a decades-old policy of neutrality and sought to join NATO.

It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted, Gasum Chief Executive Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.

The NATO applications of Finland and Sweden have received enthusiastic support from the United States and most members of the transatlantic alliance  with the notable exception of Turkey. Ankara's opposition threatens to block the membership of the Nordic countries. Turkey accuses the nations of lending support to Kurdish separatists whom it regards as terrorists.

The leaders of Finland and Sweden held separate telephone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday in attempts to assure him they will be respectful of Ankara's security concerns.

"Close dialogue continues," Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said afterward on Twitter.

In another sign of the war's increasing fallout beyond Ukraine's borders, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the small country of Moldova southwest of Ukraine should be equipped "to NATO standard" militarily so as to repulse any Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper Saturday, Truss said Ukraine should be "permanently able to defend itself" along with "vulnerable states" such as Moldova.

"I would want to see Moldova equipped to NATO standard," she said. "This is a discussion we're having with our allies."

She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been clear about his ambitions to create a greater Russia," which would presumably include parts of Moldova, which like Ukraine is a former Soviet republic.

"And just because his attempts to take Kyiv weren't successful doesn't mean he's abandoned those ambitions."

Elsewhere, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said his forces destroyed an arms shipment sent by the U.S. and Europe to Ukraines military in northern Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.

High-precision, long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles in the area of the Malyn railway station in the Zhytomyr region destroyed a large batch of weapons and military equipment delivered from the United States and European countries, Konashenkov said in a statement Saturday.

Malyn is about 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. Konashenkov said the weapons and materiel were to go to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas.

The Pentagon says Russian forces have repeatedly attempted to intercept shipments from the U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, which generally enter Ukraine over land from its western flank. Until now, the Pentagon has said the Russian attempts were unsuccessful. There was no immediate comment from Washington on Saturday's claim by Russia.

Also Saturday, President Biden, traveling in Asia, signed into law a new $40-billion package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine  the largest yet  after it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress earlier last week.

McDonnell reported from Kyiv and Bulos from Beirut. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
State Sen. Carol Blood, who breezed through the Democratic primary for Nebraska governor to become the partys nominee, said shes sick and tired of hearing shes fighting an uphill battle.

Undoubtedly, she has signed up for a challenge: Voters here most recently elected a Democrat in 1994, and Republicans winning margins have been in double-digits since 1998. She also has dramatically fewer resources than her Republican opponent.

But Blood said she thinks people underestimate her roots and connections across the state, and she plans to continue hitting the road to get her message to voters. That message centers on explaining issues that have long plagued Nebraska and how change  namely, electing her, a Democrat  is required to address them.

Were going to tell people the truth, were not going to pander  If you want to see a real change, youve gotta vote change, Blood said.

Blood was born in McCook, graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Metropolitan Community College, according to her legislative biography. Shes lived in Bellevue for the last three decades. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the at-large member before she was elected to the Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Ive been told my last four elections that I cant win, she said. And a statewide race is no different than a legislative or a citywide race. ... Youve got to go out and tell people the truth, and youve got to extend grace and listen to them, even when they disagree with you.

At town halls and meet-and-greets, she said, she talks to people at length about priorities, and thats followed by a tongue-in-cheek executive branch BINGO that traces festering issues back to the executive branch.

She said the roots of high property taxes lie in unfunded and underfunded mandates, including public education, that force local jurisdictions to raise those taxes. She cites previous work in the Legislature that has identified that as the case.

We basically tie their hands, and they keep passing down these tens of millions of dollars in mandates, and they get to the point where: How do they pay for their local services and pay for these mandates? And the solution is usually with property taxes, she said.

She introduced a constitutional amendment this year that would have prohibited the Legislature from imposing any new financial responsibility for a program on local governments without paying for it. Senators approved it 34-5 in the first round of voting, but it wasnt brought up for debate again.

Bloods other policy priorities include funding the law enforcement training center in Grand Island, investing in infrastructure, and giving young people more job opportunities, partly by offering free two-year education at community colleges. In the Legislature, she has been heavily involved in efforts related to addressing the environmental disaster in Mead.

On one of the most topical issues, abortion, her stance isnt as clear-cut. The Nebraska Republican Party attacked her on the issue with an ad the day she announced her candidacy.

The GOP took aim at Blood for sitting out a vote on Legislative Bill 814 in 2020, which banned a second-trimester abortion method known medically as dilation and evacuation. The procedure involves dilating a womans cervix and removing the fetus in pieces. Abortion opponents call the procedure dismemberment abortion.

She voted for the bill in the first and second rounds of debate based on a proposed amendment, but the amendment was never debated and she sat out the final vote on the bill, saying she had serious concerns that hadnt been addressed.

At the time, she said the bill would not end dismemberment abortions because it only bans procedures done with clamps, forceps or similar instruments. The ban would not apply if suction is used to remove pieces of a fetus. The ban also would not apply if the fetus was killed before being removed, a process that Blood called equally horrific.

According to a transcript from that final debate, Blood said I am pro-life and Im proud of it.

And in my time in this Legislature, I have consistently voted for pro-life bills and Ive worked to advance issues that protect life, that protect children, that protect mothers and that protect the vulnerable, she said, citing her support for a bill that required doctors to inform patients about abortion pill reversal.

Blood said she now resists the common labels used in the abortion debate.

I realized after that debate that being pro-life or pro-choice didnt define how I really felt, she wrote in an email. It also didnt address the real concerns. It just made the divide of reason bigger. So, I took a step back in my pragmatic way and realized that for me it was really about reproductive justice and not supporting bills that cause us to live in a police state. You can use the archaic phrase pro-life because you personally believe something, but it doesnt clearly define who you are and what you stand for. Im Catholic, I believe life begins at conception but that doesnt give me the right to take away a womans bodily autonomy.

Blood did not support a so-called trigger ban that the Legislature considered this year. She said she was concerned that it couldve resulted in doctors being punished for performing in vitro fertilization.

Shes also concerned about survivors of incest  that they would have to suffer through the trauma of pregnancy and confront any medical abnormalities the baby faces. The trigger ban, which failed to overcome a filibuster, did not include exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Blood not taking a hardline stance on abortion doesnt concern her, because shes confident that as governor, she would never push to do a total ban on abortion.

Thats a clear difference between Blood and Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent who counts Gov. Pete Ricketts as one of his more fervent supporters. Pillen also told The World-Herald that he believes life begins at conception, but he supports a total ban with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Kleeb said while most Nebraskans would describe themselves as pro-life, theres polling that shows the majority of Nebraskans believe abortion should remain legal. Theres room for peoples personal experiences, she said, and Blood brings that to the table.

Abortion could play a sizable role in upcoming elections. A draft Supreme Court opinion indicated the nations high court could strike down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion across the U.S. A ruling is expected in June. Should the court overturn Roe, regulating abortion would be up to individual states.

This will definitely be a front issue in all races  in particular in the Midwest, I think. And voters are going to look for somebody whos not extreme and who is gonna get back to the purpose of why we sent people into office, which is to govern, Kleeb said.

Blood is working with a fraction of the money Pillen has raised. The latest reported figures showed Blood with about $157,000 in cash contributions and Pillen with more than $8.8 million.

Blood said its obscene to see how much is spent on political races and it feels unethical. She also has not hired a campaign manager. She said thats a choice, and shes always done it that way.

Im a Nebraska girl, born-and-raised, she said. If I didnt know my state, I shouldnt be running for office.

Kleeb knows Blood is an underdog, but said she sees a path to victory.She thinks there are people who voted for the other top two GOP candidates who dont want a third term of Ricketts and may peel off to vote for Blood.

The party plans to push for vote-by-mail and ensure the campaigns of Blood and competitive congressional candidates work together. Kleeb said she expects Blood and her running mate, former Sen. Al Davis, to knock Pillen on how his family consolidated the pork market in Nebraska and left few family producers. (Pillen, who has the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, has refuted those claims in the past.)

Mike Johanns win in 1998 is the last time the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor finished within 10 percentage points of each other. Dave Heineman won with nearly 74% of the vote in 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 and 2018, Ricketts won by a much smaller margin  but still by about 18 percentage points each time.

Paul Landow, a retired political science professor and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the numbers make it clear this is an uphill battle for any Democrat, any year. But, he said, its not impossible and depends on what happens between now and Election Day. Blood could come with a new twist on the economy, or a different view of Nebraska politics that catches voters attention.It can happen, although its tough, he said.

Randall Adkins, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said three of four things need to happen for a Democrat to win statewide office. They tend to hold moderate to centrist views, he said, and can appeal to voters outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

Its pretty clear that the votes in Omaha and Lincoln are just not enough for a Democrat to make up for what happens in the rest of the state, he said.

The Republican also needs to make a political mistake, he said, such as a gaffe or a character issue that surfaces. Then theres the national tide of politics in a midterm year that carries over to other political races. This year, that force is working against Democrats.

Democrats statewide are the underdogs, theres no question about it, Kleeb said. But, you know, Carol Blood has run in underdog races her entire life and has won.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Former President Donald Trump praised his former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on a recent call-in tele-rally, offering his endorsement for Zinkes run at Montanas new western congressional district.

Hes a great friend of mine, Trump said. He was my Interior Secretary as you know and he did an incredible job in terms of energy dominance, and also energy independence, but we actually became dominant. Trump also mentioned Zinke's work in public access and national parks, and teased a possible visit to Montana.

Trump easily won Montana with nearly 57% of the vote in his unsuccessful 2020 re-election bid. And despite fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and two impeachments during his presidency, Trump remains a dominant figure in the national Republican Party. Many candidates seek out his endorsement as a vote of confidence to GOP voters who continue to support the former president and his policies. He has endorsed nearly 200 candidates nationally this primary season.

Early after announcing his candidacy for Montanas new western district, Zinke sought and received Trumps endorsement. In an interview with the Montana State News Bureau, Zinke acknowledged the influence of the former president, describing him as a "kingmaker" in terms of sway with voters.

Jeremey Johnson, a professor of political science at Carroll College, said Trump is still by far the most well-known and influential politician in the Republican Party, certainly at the national but also the local level.

Theres no doubt that a Trump endorsement helps in a Republican primary, he said. Trump also tends to endorse the candidate most likely to win or the most well-known, certainly not in every primary. There are exceptions, if hes unhappy with a political candidate for example.

That includes whether the race features an incumbent or is an open seat, Johnson said. In analyzing Idahos GOP gubernatorial primary, incumbent Gov. Brad Little easily defeated a challenge from controversial Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Trump-backed David Perdue has also struggled in polling in his Georgia gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.

Its hard to beat an incumbent unless theres really a lot of dissatisfaction with the party in power, Johnson said.

While the western congressional seat is new in Montana, taking incumbency off the table, Zinke does have the benefit of strong name recognition and also previously held Montana's then-lone seat in the U.S. House. He also holds a sizable advantage in terms of fundraising.

Johnson also said Trumps popularity among Republican voters presents a challenge for unendorsed candidates who still want to align with the former president. Once an endorsement comes, If Trump doesnt endorse you, that becomes a problem, he said.

Former state Sen. Al Olszewski, the most well-known candidate in the race besides Zinke, is pushing his conservative leanings in the race and touting his support for many of Trumps policies  but without an endorsement. His Facebook page's cover photo features a photo of Olszewski and his family with the former president.

I thought he was good for America, and it was the principles that he brought, the America first policies were excellent and we saw he was one of the first presidents to actually do what he said he was going to do and fight the bureaucracy, Olszewski said at a forum in Kalispell.

Zinkes endorsement from Trump comes despite his time at Interior ending tumultuously, with his resignation from the administration amid multiple ethics investigations. One of those investigations resulted in an inspector generals report released this year that found Zinke misused his authority to help with a commercial project in Whitefish, and then misrepresented his role to investigators.

Zinke has pushed back on the investigations, saying they were politically driven and a product of the so-called deep state, and that he chose to resign after he believed they became a distraction to the work of the agency.

Olszewski takes a hardline on Zinkes resignation from the administration and has questioned Zinkes support for some Trump policies. In a recent ad Olszewski targeted Zinke over Trumps construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, saying Zinke "didnt want Trumps wall.

The claim is sourced to a 2017 article from Business Insider in which Zinke is quoted as saying "The border is complicated, as far as building a physical wall," and provided examples such as where to place the wall along the Rio Grande River or whether some areas would be better served with electronic defenses due to terrain.

All of the GOP western district candidates have stated support for completing the border wall. Roughly 450 miles of border wall exists along the 1,950-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

On Mondays call, Trump said Zinke, with Interiors oversight of public lands and Indian reservations, played an important role in the walls construction.

Ryan played a critical role in helping us build the wall, Trump said.

In an interview, Olszewski said he respects Trump and he remains the leader of the Republican Party.

He endorsed Ryan Zinke, who was a former Trump administrator, who had to resign in disgrace as weve seen with the OIG report, and thats up to President Trump to make that determination, he said.

But Olszewski also believes the endorsement of his opponent may not have the same weight in Montana as it does in other states, saying he sees an independent mentality among Montanans when it comes to elections.

So far Trump's midterm presence in Montana has been subdued from the four large rallies he held in Montana to support Republican Matt Rosendale in a high-profile race against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a contest that had implications for who would control the Senate. Those rallies all came after the primary, however, and were in addition to multiple trips by proxies including former Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
CEDAR FALLS  Two people were injured in a Friday night crash in Cedar Falls.

The names of the injured and their conditions werent immediately available, but Cedar Falls authorities said one was treated at a local hospital and the other was flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City by AirCare helicopter.

Initial reports were that the vehicle was traveling in the 2500 block of North Union Road around 11 p.m. Friday when the vehicle left the road and rolled, coming to a rest on its top.

One person was pinned under the wreckage, and the other was trapped in the vehicle, and Cedar Falls Fire Rescue had to free them.

Cedar Falls police and MercyOne Paramedics also responded to the scene.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Missoula's woman-led board sport organization launched its skate deck auction this week.

Girls on Shred has been a fixture in Missoula since 2010. A division of the Missoula Skatepark Association, Girls on Shred gives women, transgender and non-binary people the chance to learn and practice the arts of skateboarding and snowboarding in Montana.

At our Girls on Shred events, we find that it's super beneficial to have representation at the park when learning, whether it's someone of your ethnicity, age, skill level, sexual orientation, or gender, Girls on Shred director Samantha Veysey Gibbons said.

Volunteers take time to learn skaters pronouns, make sure their gear is fitted correctly and that everyone feels welcome.

This auction is Girls on Shreds second. Its something the group plans to make biannual, Gibbons said.

"Our goal is to alleviate the pressure and intimidation of a male-dominated platform by hosting clinics that free up a safe space for girls and non-binary persons to learn and develop their skills," according to the group's website.

Last Sunday, the group launched its auction on eBay.

Decks feature the unique, hand-painted artwork of several local and out-of-state artists. Funds from auction sales go to supporting free clinics for women, non-binary and transgender skaters in Montana.

Lily Arthur has lived in Missoula for about six years and last year, Girls on Shred reached out to Arthur about designing a board. This year is her second time creating a deck for the auction.

Her design features a salacious piece of advice on an eye-catching camouflage print. She hand-painted the design in about two hours.

Arthur has done a few clinics with Girls on Shred and has plans to get more immersed in the sport in coming months.

She said skate parks can be intimidating if you're not a man, especially if you're just starting out with skating and aren't that skilled yet.

"Creating something that makes skating more inclusive is really important," Arthur said of the organization's mission.

Max Mahn, another local artist, has lived in Missoula his whole life.

His deck design this year is something he describes as "Teletubby-esque," nodding to the demon baby print he came up with.

Mahn rarely donates his art, but said because Girls on Shred is such a cool organization he jumped at the opportunity. Mahn usually screen-prints his designs, so hand-painting the deck was a change in medium, he said.

Its awesome being able to promote their work and make it less of a hidden subculture, Mahn said, adding Girls on Shred steers the skate community away from being a boys club.

"Who would've thought Montana would be such a cool place for skating?" Mahn said.

A link to bid is available on the Girls on Shred Instagram page, @girlsonshred.

Bidding ends on May 25 at 7 p.m. Any unsold decks will be re-listed for 10 days.

The group is also taking donations, which can be made on the Montana Skatepark Associations website.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.



[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.



Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
The sculptor Andree Valley is used to surprises. Her art-making process often takes unexpected turns  and she likes it that way.

But in 2019, when the artist started getting emails out of the blue saying that shed been selected to participate in a prestigious international exhibition in Europe, I thought it was a scam, she said. I kept deleting the emails.

The emails turned out to be legitimate. Valley, who works out of a studio in the converted garage of her home on Madisons Far West Side, was asked by the European Cultural Center to exhibit a work in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale Time Space Existence.

Her nearly 8-foot-high colorful aluminum sculpture  titled Triffid V after the iconic 1951 science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham  found a spot in the Giardini Marinaressa, a public park near the Arsenale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, where it will remain until late this fall.

Wyndhams novel is about rogue plants who expose the frailty of human existence, said Valley, 73, but when it comes to her brightly colorful sculptures, mine are optimistic. In its outdoor setting, Triffid V moves in the wind, with the dynamic sensibility of a living plant.

Valley grew up south of Boston and, instead of following her fathers wishes that she attend an East Coast college, moved West and went to the University of Denver. She later earned an MFA at the University of Michigan.

Initially a math major, Valley soon found that ceramics were her calling. After earning her undergraduate degree, she spent two years as a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, an international creative center dedicated to the ceramic arts in Helena, Montana.

In 1983, Valley and her husband, John, the Charles R. Van Hise professor emeritus of geology at UW-Madison, moved to Madison, where they raised their two sons, now scientists in London and Minneapolis. Valley taught ceramics at Madison Area Technical College for close to 20 years. Her metal sculptures, rendered in vibrant hues, can be found throughout the city in places such as the UW Health West clinic lobby on Junction Road and in the UW-Madison Physics Department in Chamberlin Hall.

The opening for the Venice Architecture Biennale originally was scheduled for May 2020, but was pushed back a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley finally got to visit Venice to see Triffid V on site last November.

She was asked to keep the sculpture in place for the 2022 Venice Art Biennale, too, and was invited to attend the opening for that show this April  but she got COVID right before her trip, despite two booster shots and even though I was being so careful, she said. Shes now fully recovered and back in the studio.

Being selected for the Venice Biennale must have been a thrill.

It was exciting. I couldnt believe that they found me. And I am delighted  because as an artist, its hard to get recognition. And Im terrible at working at it.

How did you first move from ceramics to metal sculpture?

We moved to Houston, Texas, (in 1980) where John had a job at Rice (University). I had a job at the Jewish Community Center teaching ceramics and worked for a local arts council  and had a baby. And clay is not really patient. It dries out. So its kind of a struggle when you cant work with it every day.

So I just started working in aluminum in the studio I set up in our garage. I like aluminum. Its light. Its bendable. It takes color beautifully. It doesnt rust. It has a lot of advantages.

Talk about the randomness of your sculptures.

My work tends to be abstract, and I try not to use specific orientation in my work. Even with my wall pieces, they can be flipped or displayed on their side. I dont want an up or down. Im always thinking about something spontaneous; Im thinking about orientation and flip-ability, because I dont want them to sit in one way.

I love color. Color excites me. I have a series called Piles, envisioning piles in a sort of fun, abstract way. And one of the things I want to do more of in the future is to use sound. Id like work with contact mics on the pieces  there are contact mics that engineers use to see how buildings are vibrating  and have it so that you can walk by (a sculpture) and hear the piece vibrating.

Do the finished pieces evolve from your initial designs for them?

Oh, totally. I dont have anything pre-prescribed at the beginning. I have just an idea of what I want (in terms of) scale, color, and how I want it to work.

Youve also designed anniversary exhibitions for the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) and the Pro Arte Quartet at the Dane County Regional Airport, designed a book cover for composer John Harbison and created a sculpture with composer Nathaniel Bartlett that was shown at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Is music an inspiration for your work?

It always has been. Im on the (WYSO) board, and my kids were in the youth orchestra.

Whats next for you?

Right now Im working on a series of smaller pieces, and Id like to get a show in the next year or two with that. And I will make a piece for outside the youth orchestras new building (planned for the 1100 block of East Washington Avenue) and donate that. Itll be 10 feet high or so  not huge, but not small. Itll be made out of steel rather than aluminum. And it will be colorful.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
Missoula's woman-led board sport organization launched its skate deck auction this week.

Girls on Shred has been a fixture in Missoula since 2010. A division of the Missoula Skatepark Association, Girls on Shred gives women, transgender and non-binary people the chance to learn and practice the arts of skateboarding and snowboarding in Montana.

At our Girls on Shred events, we find that it's super beneficial to have representation at the park when learning, whether it's someone of your ethnicity, age, skill level, sexual orientation, or gender, Girls on Shred director Samantha Veysey Gibbons said.

Volunteers take time to learn skaters pronouns, make sure their gear is fitted correctly and that everyone feels welcome.

This auction is Girls on Shreds second. Its something the group plans to make biannual, Gibbons said.

"Our goal is to alleviate the pressure and intimidation of a male-dominated platform by hosting clinics that free up a safe space for girls and non-binary persons to learn and develop their skills," according to the group's website.

Last Sunday, the group launched its auction on eBay.

Decks feature the unique, hand-painted artwork of several local and out-of-state artists. Funds from auction sales go to supporting free clinics for women, non-binary and transgender skaters in Montana.

Lily Arthur has lived in Missoula for about six years and last year, Girls on Shred reached out to Arthur about designing a board. This year is her second time creating a deck for the auction.

Her design features a salacious piece of advice on an eye-catching camouflage print. She hand-painted the design in about two hours.

Arthur has done a few clinics with Girls on Shred and has plans to get more immersed in the sport in coming months.

She said skate parks can be intimidating if you're not a man, especially if you're just starting out with skating and aren't that skilled yet.

"Creating something that makes skating more inclusive is really important," Arthur said of the organization's mission.

Max Mahn, another local artist, has lived in Missoula his whole life.

His deck design this year is something he describes as "Teletubby-esque," nodding to the demon baby print he came up with.

Mahn rarely donates his art, but said because Girls on Shred is such a cool organization he jumped at the opportunity. Mahn usually screen-prints his designs, so hand-painting the deck was a change in medium, he said.

Its awesome being able to promote their work and make it less of a hidden subculture, Mahn said, adding Girls on Shred steers the skate community away from being a boys club.

"Who would've thought Montana would be such a cool place for skating?" Mahn said.

A link to bid is available on the Girls on Shred Instagram page, @girlsonshred.

Bidding ends on May 25 at 7 p.m. Any unsold decks will be re-listed for 10 days.

The group is also taking donations, which can be made on the Montana Skatepark Associations website.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
















Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023

If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
Steel products are loaded in a warehouse in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, in this 2018 file photo. Yonhap





By Park Jae-hyuk







Domestic steelmakers have remained skeptical that U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol will lead to the renegotiation of the U.S. import quota on Korean steel products, according to industry officials, Friday.







"Chances are slim for the steel tariffs being placed on the summit's agenda," a Korea Iron & Steel Association official said. "This topic should be discussed in a working-level meeting."







The lobby group for domestic steelmakers expected the two countries' leaders to focus more on tightening the economic alliance through Korean conglomerates' investments in America's semiconductor, electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy industries.







The government has reiterated that it will continue to talk with the U.S. Department of Commerce about the trade barrier, without confirming whether Yoon will mention this issue during his meeting with Biden.







Since last month's announcement of Biden's trip to Korea, attention has been focused on whether the U.S. would abolish the former Donald Trump administration's regulation on steel imports from Korea.







Investors have expressed cautious hope for an "unexpected gift" from the U.S. president, even though U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai both dismissed the possibility of renegotiating the quota agreement with Korea.







During Friday's trading session, stock investors bet big on companies related to the steel industry, such as MoonBae Steel, Bookook Steel, Hanil Steel and Dongil Steel, based on the expectation that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Korea to temper the effects of the Section 232 steel tariffs, as it did with the European Union and with Japan.







There is also speculation that this issue could be mentioned in Saturday's business roundtable meeting with Raimondo, considering the fact that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan sent a letter last month urging Raimondo and Tai to renegotiate the quota agreement with Korea.


If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.



Twin Falls United Methodist Church and Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Celebrate Community Rainbow Sunday

Join us Sunday for our Rainbow Sunday celebration! The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be walking from where they gather at 160 Ninth Ave. E., to join everyone at 11 a.m. at Twin Falls United Methodist Church, located at 360 Shoshone St. E. This will be a fun worship service followed by a picnic in the park! Our Savior Lutheran will also be inviting their congregation to head over and join everyone after their 9:30 am worship service!

We will feature a panel discussion with Rev. Jenny Peek (Pastor MVUU Fellowship), Pastor Buddy Gharring (Twin Falls United Methodist Church) and Cory Smith (President of Southern Idaho Pride Inc), to have a conversation about what it looks like to foster a sense of belonging in our faith communities for LGBTQ+ individuals. You wont want to miss this fun, colorful Sunday!

You can join Twin United Methodist Church in person in downtown Twin Falls or on Facebook Live for this Rainbow Sunday Celebration and Worship Service! For more information, email MVUUF at mvuuf83301@yahoo.com

Worship at Ascension

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Twin Falls, invites the community for Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. with Nancy Koonce as guest preacher.

A fellowship reception will take place after the service.

The service will be online as well as in person. To view, go to the link at episcopaltwinfalls.org or go to Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls.

Ascension Episcopal Church is handicapped accessible and is located at 371 Eastland Drive N. More information about Ascension can be found at ascension.episcopalidaho.org or 208-733-1248.

To submit an item, email it in plain text to frontdoor@magicvalley.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Twin Falls United Methodist Church and Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Celebrate Community Rainbow Sunday

Join us Sunday for our Rainbow Sunday celebration! The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be walking from where they gather at 160 Ninth Ave. E., to join everyone at 11 a.m. at Twin Falls United Methodist Church, located at 360 Shoshone St. E. This will be a fun worship service followed by a picnic in the park! Our Savior Lutheran will also be inviting their congregation to head over and join everyone after their 9:30 am worship service!

We will feature a panel discussion with Rev. Jenny Peek (Pastor MVUU Fellowship), Pastor Buddy Gharring (Twin Falls United Methodist Church) and Cory Smith (President of Southern Idaho Pride Inc), to have a conversation about what it looks like to foster a sense of belonging in our faith communities for LGBTQ+ individuals. You wont want to miss this fun, colorful Sunday!

You can join Twin United Methodist Church in person in downtown Twin Falls or on Facebook Live for this Rainbow Sunday Celebration and Worship Service! For more information, email MVUUF at mvuuf83301@yahoo.com

Worship at Ascension

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Twin Falls, invites the community for Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. with Nancy Koonce as guest preacher.

A fellowship reception will take place after the service.

The service will be online as well as in person. To view, go to the link at episcopaltwinfalls.org or go to Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls.

Ascension Episcopal Church is handicapped accessible and is located at 371 Eastland Drive N. More information about Ascension can be found at ascension.episcopalidaho.org or 208-733-1248.

To submit an item, email it in plain text to frontdoor@magicvalley.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...




Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.


If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit

Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...


Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

The sculptor Andree Valley is used to surprises. Her art-making process often takes unexpected turns  and she likes it that way.

But in 2019, when the artist started getting emails out of the blue saying that shed been selected to participate in a prestigious international exhibition in Europe, I thought it was a scam, she said. I kept deleting the emails.

The emails turned out to be legitimate. Valley, who works out of a studio in the converted garage of her home on Madisons Far West Side, was asked by the European Cultural Center to exhibit a work in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale Time Space Existence.

Her nearly 8-foot-high colorful aluminum sculpture  titled Triffid V after the iconic 1951 science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham  found a spot in the Giardini Marinaressa, a public park near the Arsenale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, where it will remain until late this fall.

Wyndhams novel is about rogue plants who expose the frailty of human existence, said Valley, 73, but when it comes to her brightly colorful sculptures, mine are optimistic. In its outdoor setting, Triffid V moves in the wind, with the dynamic sensibility of a living plant.

Valley grew up south of Boston and, instead of following her fathers wishes that she attend an East Coast college, moved West and went to the University of Denver. She later earned an MFA at the University of Michigan.

Initially a math major, Valley soon found that ceramics were her calling. After earning her undergraduate degree, she spent two years as a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, an international creative center dedicated to the ceramic arts in Helena, Montana.

In 1983, Valley and her husband, John, the Charles R. Van Hise professor emeritus of geology at UW-Madison, moved to Madison, where they raised their two sons, now scientists in London and Minneapolis. Valley taught ceramics at Madison Area Technical College for close to 20 years. Her metal sculptures, rendered in vibrant hues, can be found throughout the city in places such as the UW Health West clinic lobby on Junction Road and in the UW-Madison Physics Department in Chamberlin Hall.

The opening for the Venice Architecture Biennale originally was scheduled for May 2020, but was pushed back a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley finally got to visit Venice to see Triffid V on site last November.

She was asked to keep the sculpture in place for the 2022 Venice Art Biennale, too, and was invited to attend the opening for that show this April  but she got COVID right before her trip, despite two booster shots and even though I was being so careful, she said. Shes now fully recovered and back in the studio.

Being selected for the Venice Biennale must have been a thrill.

It was exciting. I couldnt believe that they found me. And I am delighted  because as an artist, its hard to get recognition. And Im terrible at working at it.

How did you first move from ceramics to metal sculpture?

We moved to Houston, Texas, (in 1980) where John had a job at Rice (University). I had a job at the Jewish Community Center teaching ceramics and worked for a local arts council  and had a baby. And clay is not really patient. It dries out. So its kind of a struggle when you cant work with it every day.

So I just started working in aluminum in the studio I set up in our garage. I like aluminum. Its light. Its bendable. It takes color beautifully. It doesnt rust. It has a lot of advantages.

Talk about the randomness of your sculptures.

My work tends to be abstract, and I try not to use specific orientation in my work. Even with my wall pieces, they can be flipped or displayed on their side. I dont want an up or down. Im always thinking about something spontaneous; Im thinking about orientation and flip-ability, because I dont want them to sit in one way.

I love color. Color excites me. I have a series called Piles, envisioning piles in a sort of fun, abstract way. And one of the things I want to do more of in the future is to use sound. Id like work with contact mics on the pieces  there are contact mics that engineers use to see how buildings are vibrating  and have it so that you can walk by (a sculpture) and hear the piece vibrating.

Do the finished pieces evolve from your initial designs for them?

Oh, totally. I dont have anything pre-prescribed at the beginning. I have just an idea of what I want (in terms of) scale, color, and how I want it to work.

Youve also designed anniversary exhibitions for the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) and the Pro Arte Quartet at the Dane County Regional Airport, designed a book cover for composer John Harbison and created a sculpture with composer Nathaniel Bartlett that was shown at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Is music an inspiration for your work?

It always has been. Im on the (WYSO) board, and my kids were in the youth orchestra.

Whats next for you?

Right now Im working on a series of smaller pieces, and Id like to get a show in the next year or two with that. And I will make a piece for outside the youth orchestras new building (planned for the 1100 block of East Washington Avenue) and donate that. Itll be 10 feet high or so  not huge, but not small. Itll be made out of steel rather than aluminum. And it will be colorful.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  This week, the Bloomington Police Department in the central part of the state announced its officers had arrested a felon who was in unlawful possession of a ghost gun  a gun without serial numbers.

At the time of the arrest, state law contained no special penalties associated with ghost guns, which are often homemade and difficult or impossible to trace. But on Wednesday, Illinois became the first state in the Midwest to ban the weapons, further intensifying the debate between gun rights and gun control activists amid an already tense election year.

A child should not be able to build an AR-15 Like theyre building a toy truck, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker before signing House Bill 4383 at The Ark of St. Sabinas in Chicago on Wednesday. A convicted domestic abuser should not be able to evade scrutiny by using a 3D printer to make a gun.

Ghost guns can be made with 3D printers or with DIY assembly kits. A simple internet search reveals a mass of websites selling kits for various types of firearms from handguns to AR-15s and more, often for just a few hundred dollars each.

Firearms made from the kits arent engraved with serial numbers as gun manufacturers are required to do. The lack of serial numbers complicates efforts by investigators seeking to trace the weapons when they may be linked to crimes.

The new legislation makes it illegal for any party  aside from federal firearms importers and manufacturers  to knowingly possess, purchase, transport or receive an unserialized firearm.

The ban will take full effect 180 days from Wednesday, meaning gun owners have about six months to properly serialize any currently unserialized firearms; those with firearms made using 3D printers have just 30 days to serialize their guns.

After the law takes effect, possession of a firearm or gun kit without a serial number will become a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A subsequent violation would be a Class 3 felony. Sellers of those guns or frames would be guilty of a Class 4 felony, with subsequent violations becoming a Class 2 felony.

The bills passage was cause for celebration among many anti-gun-violence activists, while opponents said it created unnecessary regulations and complications for legal gun owners.

Piece of the puzzle

The ghost guns ban will help to reduce gun violence and to make the people of the state safer, said one of the legislations chief sponsors, Rep. Kambium Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Buckner, who last week announced his bid for mayor of Chicago, said the city of Chicago pulled four times the number of ghost guns off the street in 2021 than did the city of New York.

Last year, about 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to a statement released by the White House last month.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the agency analyzed 62 unserialized ghost guns in 2020, 180 in 2021 and already 164 in 2022.

Criminals are finding it easier and cheaper to buy an unfinished firearm frame than to steal a gun or find one on the streets where the serial number has been defaced, he said.

Some central Illinois agencies, however, have reported much lower numbers than Chicago or other parts of the country.

The firearm seized in Bloomington was just the third ghost gun police there had seized in about 18 months, said department spokesman Brandt Parsley. Two of those were recovered this year, and none were connected to a confirmed shooting, he said.

Lt. Scott Rosenbery said the Decatur Police Department first seized two ghost guns in 2020. In 2021, that number increased to five. Decatur police have already seized four in 2022.

Rosenbery said the number of ghost guns seized is minor compared with the overall number of guns the department recovers in criminal investigations.

Still, some lawmakers argue the ban will help expedite police investigations.

I think of gun violence prevention as a giant jigsaw puzzle, said Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. One piece of the puzzle is making sure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to track illegal gun purchasers.

A freshman lawmaker, Hirschauer got her start in politics after co-founding a chapter of the gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action. The recent rise in ghost guns is the fastest-growing gun violence prevention problem facing the state, she said.

We have a high unsolved homicide rate here in Illinois, Hirschauer said. Serialized guns tell a story of where that gun came from, and we all want to help our law enforcement be able to solve crimes safely.

Illinois bill follows recent federal action by President Joe Biden, who last month announced a new ghost guns rule for the ATF. The new federal rule requires DIY gun kits to be classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968, therefore also requiring parties selling the gun kits to obtain official firearms dealer licenses. It will also require sellers to require background checks for those purchasing the kits.

The federal rule will go into effect Aug. 24.

Illinois ghost guns law is stronger than the federal rule, said Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC).

I just dont have faith in the federal government to do anything to solve this problem, she said.

G-PAC advocates for gun control legislation in Illinois. The group also helped advance a bill signed into law last year that expanded background checks for gun sales and amended the states FOID card system, among other stipulations.

Sances called House Bill 0562 one of the most comprehensive pieces of gun violence legislation in the nation and said that bill, along with the ghost guns ban, will help reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Another scheme

Opponents of the ghost guns ban argue it doesnt just target weapons involved in crimes but also a long line of hobbyists and collectors crafting their own firearms for private use.

This is a favorite hobby of America. These people are not committing any crimes, said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Pearson said the ghost guns ban is too broad and accused some lawmakers of using ghost guns as a boogeyman in order to appear to be taking action on crime.

Whats happening is the people who investigate crimes at some level want to blame the gun and never blame the person, he said.

The bill creates complications for legal gun owners who have unserialized firearms, said Valinda Rowe, a spokesperson for the organization Illinois Carry.

Rowe said finding a federally licensed firearm dealer who will engrave a new serial number on a homemade firearm is not as easy a task as some might think.

There are very limited places where a serial number can be engraved, and not all federal firearms licensed dealers are equipped to do this kind of work on a firearm, she said. They cant just take a little engraving pen and engrave a number on your gun.

The steps are an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners, Rowe said.

This is another scheme to require Illinois firearm owners to have to register their firearm with the state, she said. Its just another registration scheme.

Rowes concerns were echoed by state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, who voted against HB4383 and said shes struggled to find local dealers who can engrave serial numbers onto unserialized firearms.

It appears to me like the main crux of this wasnt to take illegal firearms off the streets. It was to keep people from being able to put their own firearms together, (even) when theyre ordering the components in a legal way, Bryant said.
Manchester City are bidding to win back-to-back Premier League titles (Carl Recine/PA) (PA Archive)

The Premier League will draw to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday with the title race, Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League places, plus the last relegation slot, all to be decided.

Here, the PA news agency looks at who needs what with so much still to play for on the final day.

Title race

Manchester City remain favourites to become champions for a fourth time in five seasons as they sit one point ahead of Liverpool with a plus-six better goal difference. Jurgen Klopps quadruple-chasing Reds must beat Wolves at Anfield and hope Pep Guardiolas side drop points against Aston Villa at the Etihad if they are to regain the Premier League title and deny City their sixth domestic crown in 11 years.

Champions League

Tottenhams recent win against Arsenal dealt the Gunners Champions League hopes a mighty blow (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Chelsea are all-but assured of the third Champions League place, but the fourth is still up for grabs with London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal both in contention. Spurs, in the box-seat with a two-point advantage and a vastly superior goal difference, are virtually assured of a top-four finish if they avoid defeat at relegated Norwich. The Gunners, meanwhile, must win at the Emirates against Everton and pray Antonio Contes men slip up at Carrow Road, otherwise it will be fifth spot and a Europa League spot for them.

Europa League/Europa Conference League

West Ham lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in this seasons Europa League semi-finals (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Manchester United are on course for the second Europa League spot as they head into the final day two points better off than seventh-placed West Ham. But if the Red Devils fail to secure all three points at Crystal Palace, the Hammers would consign them to the Europa Conference League next season with victory at Brighton courtesy of a much better goal difference. No other teams are in contention.

Story continues

Relegation

How the bottom six looks after a dramatic night of #PL action  pic.twitter.com/IvZhJTWzm2  Premier League (@premierleague) May 19, 2022

Everton sealed Premier League safety on Thursday night by beating Palace and the fight for survival is a straight shoot-out between Leeds and Burnley. The pair are level on 35 points, but the Clarets far superior goal difference means Leeds, who play at Brentford, must better Burnleys result at home against Newcastle if they are to retain top-flight status for a third season.
A retired Police officer, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has said efffective community policing is one of the major ways in de-escalating angry crowd in Ghana.

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.

The Wa West Lawmaker explained that effective community policing will involve influential persons whose voices are respected by the people.

When these persons call for calm among their people during troubles such as happening in Nkoranza at the moment, the people will certainly heed their words.

Mr Toobu who is a retired Police officer was speaking on the Key Points on TV3 with Dzifa Bampoh, Saturday May 21 while commenting on the death of 27-year-old Albert Donkor in Nkoranza in the Bono East Region who was reported to have died in Police cell due to alleged Police assaults on his life.

He said If our community Policing was working well, I am sure by now, we would have known that in the Nkoranza areas there is a particular person (sic) I know that in the Army there are a lot of from the Nkoranza area, I know that in the Police there are a lot of people from the Nkoranza area, I know that in the Ghana Bar Association there are people from the Nkoranza area.

You can have one influential person in the Nkoranza area who can carry more weight than the soldiers and the Police put together in Nkoranza, whose voice would be heard loud and respected by the people of Nkoranza. Those are the type of people we engage when there is violence so we will be able to de-escalate the violence.

There are number of things we can do behind the scenes not necessarily firing live bullets because one person died, the police responded, another person is dead again then you ask yourself, is this the way of de-escalating crowd.

He added That notwithstanding. I have repeated that no Ghanaian has the right to attack a Police station, no Ghanaian has the right to attack a government facility, district facility. After all, it is our money that has been used to build those facilities. Even as much as you are angry when you go to attack the police station, you are virtually telling yourself that yes, it is my money I used to build it and I am going to destroy it.

---3news.com
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.

As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
When Megan Simpson went in for her regular 20-week check-in during her pregnancy, everything was fine. However, only two weeks later, she gave birth to twin girls.

Everything was going fine in my pregnancy. I was not having anything other than pregnancy pains. At my 20-week anatomy scan, everything was normal and everything was fine, but two weeks later I went into labor, Simpson said.

She went to Northwest Health on April 20, 2021. Her contractions were not stopping, and doctors were looking to transfer her to a childrens hospital or to the University of Chicago because she was at high risk.

But it became clear that Simpson was going to have her babies soon, and she could not be transferred. She proceeded to have the earliest premature babies to survive at Northwest Health.

On April 22, Simpson's daughter Riley was born first and weighed 1 pound and 5 ounces. Approximately 40 minutes later, her daughter Hailey was born unexpectedly, as the other doctor had stepped out. She was 1 pound and 1 ounce.

Her daughters were given a 15% chance of survival. They were rushed into the neonatal intensive care unit and spent several months there.

When we got into the NICU, theyre saying it's very, very critical. We dont know if theyre going to make it, Simpson said. She said the family was stunned and terrified.

Hailey had several lung issues and spent most days on intense breathing machines. However, the doctors said they were both thriving more than they thought after a few weeks and had a good chance of survival.

After four months, Riley was able to go home. Hailey followed after five months in the NICU.

Now, more than a year later, the daughters are doing well. Hailey was on oxygen until the beginning of April and went through a heart procedure in Illinois but has otherwise been successful.

Simpson has said there have been surprisingly few complications. When a mother has a premature baby, doctors track development based on when they should have been born  which would have been August 2021. Therefore, the daughters were on track with where an 8-month-old should be, which was good.

Everything that probably should have gone wrong with premature babies, my kids did not have, Simpson said.

She also said she felt lucky because they have had no major eye issues, a common problem in premature babies. The girls still do physical therapy every month to ensure theyre on track but have had no other major issues.

At the end of April, Simpson and her husband were able to celebrate their daughters first birthday with family and friends, which for some was their first time meeting the girls.

Simpson said it is still unclear what made her go into labor, but she believes it may have been an infection she was dealing with shortly before the girls' births. However, she said she is thankful that everything has worked out.

I have very, very good guardian angels for my kids, I believe. Thats the only way I can describe it. Anything medical, the way it's supposed to go, my kids have a different plan and it's a good plan, Simpson said.

Love 7 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
When Megan Simpson went in for her regular 20-week check-in during her pregnancy, everything was fine. However, only two weeks later, she gave birth to twin girls.

Everything was going fine in my pregnancy. I was not having anything other than pregnancy pains. At my 20-week anatomy scan, everything was normal and everything was fine, but two weeks later I went into labor, Simpson said.

She went to Northwest Health on April 20, 2021. Her contractions were not stopping, and doctors were looking to transfer her to a childrens hospital or to the University of Chicago because she was at high risk.

But it became clear that Simpson was going to have her babies soon, and she could not be transferred. She proceeded to have the earliest premature babies to survive at Northwest Health.

On April 22, Simpson's daughter Riley was born first and weighed 1 pound and 5 ounces. Approximately 40 minutes later, her daughter Hailey was born unexpectedly, as the other doctor had stepped out. She was 1 pound and 1 ounce.

Her daughters were given a 15% chance of survival. They were rushed into the neonatal intensive care unit and spent several months there.

When we got into the NICU, theyre saying it's very, very critical. We dont know if theyre going to make it, Simpson said. She said the family was stunned and terrified.

Hailey had several lung issues and spent most days on intense breathing machines. However, the doctors said they were both thriving more than they thought after a few weeks and had a good chance of survival.

After four months, Riley was able to go home. Hailey followed after five months in the NICU.

Now, more than a year later, the daughters are doing well. Hailey was on oxygen until the beginning of April and went through a heart procedure in Illinois but has otherwise been successful.

Simpson has said there have been surprisingly few complications. When a mother has a premature baby, doctors track development based on when they should have been born  which would have been August 2021. Therefore, the daughters were on track with where an 8-month-old should be, which was good.

Everything that probably should have gone wrong with premature babies, my kids did not have, Simpson said.

She also said she felt lucky because they have had no major eye issues, a common problem in premature babies. The girls still do physical therapy every month to ensure theyre on track but have had no other major issues.

At the end of April, Simpson and her husband were able to celebrate their daughters first birthday with family and friends, which for some was their first time meeting the girls.

Simpson said it is still unclear what made her go into labor, but she believes it may have been an infection she was dealing with shortly before the girls' births. However, she said she is thankful that everything has worked out.

I have very, very good guardian angels for my kids, I believe. Thats the only way I can describe it. Anything medical, the way it's supposed to go, my kids have a different plan and it's a good plan, Simpson said.

Love 7 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
Palmdale, CA (93550)

Today

Partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
The owner of a business that sells cannabis-derived products has secured a High Court order staying his prosecutions for having prohibited substances until his challenge against Ireland's anti-illegal drugs laws has been determined.

The action has been brought by Mark Jenkins who is facing three separate sets of charges under the 1977 Misue of Drugs Acts over several products offered for sale at businesses he owns and operates.

In a High Court challenge against the State Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Mr Jenkins operates two coffee shop and retail businesses, in Clonmel Co Tipperary and Dungarvan Co Waterford, called 'Re-Leaf' that specialise in the sale of hemp related products, and items that contain cannabinol derivatives (CBDs).

He has brought High Court proceedings against the DPP, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at halting the three sets of separate criminal prosecutions brought against him.

The first prosecution relates to searches of his businesses by the Gardai that occurred in February 2020 when several items were seized.

The items contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the principal constituent of cannabis.

Arising out of the seizure he was charged with offences under the 1977 Act relating to an alleged intention to supply and possess a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

A second similar set of charges were brought against him following another search and seizure of material, including vials of oil, green plant material and brown resinous material from his business premises in July 2020.

The third set of charges, also under the 1977 Act, against Mr Jenkins arose after herbal cannabis and seed oil was allegedly found in his vehicle by Gardai operating a checkpoint in Lismore, Co Waterford on May 2nd, 2020.

In his High Court action Mr Jenkins claims that the prosecutions against him breach his constitutional rights and EU law.

This is because the 1977 Act contradicts with EU regulations, including ones regarding the free movement of goods, he claims.

Under the 1977 Act THC is prohibited, and anything that contains any amount of that substance is illegal.

Mr Jenkins claims that European Union regulations allow products, such as the ones his businesses sell, with small amounts or traces of THC to be legally traded within the EU.

He claims that an independently tested sample of the material taken in February 2020 showed that the THC content in the plant material does not exceed 0.2%, the maximum amount allowed under the regulations that allows a product to be lawfully traded.

He also claims that the same is true regarding the material seized in May, and that the independent analysis is awaited in relation to the material taken in July 2020.

He claims that he sourced the material seized from Switzerland, via a company located in Wales.

In a pre-trial motion Mr Jenkins asked the High Court to put a stay on the three prosecutions from proceeding before the District Court pending the determination of the High Court challenge.

The DPP opposed the application for a stay.

In her judgement in relation to the stay, Ms Justice Egan noted that several other High Court proceedings brought by other businesses that sell products containing THC where similar points have been raised are pending.

She said that in this case she was prepared to grant a stay on his prosecution, pending the outcome of the full case, in relation to the first set of charges against the plaintiff only.

This was because Mr Jenkins had made out an arguable case that material seized, and independently tested, in February 2020 complies with EU regulations.

The balance of justice also favoured the granting of the stay, the judge added.

The court did not have sufficient evidence before it to draw a similar conclusion to materials seized in May and July 2020, as no evidence in relation to the THC content of those items had been put before the court.

However, the judge said while no stay was being granted for the latter two sets of prosecution it was undesirable that all three charges were to become severed.

The judge urged the DPP to take a pragmatic view in relation to this.
Palmdale, CA (93550)

Today

Partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

The Root

In the wake of a deadly school shooting in his state, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is pointing his finger at Chicago to argue the case for why he opposes stricter gun laws. At a May 25 press conference, the governor said, I hate to say this, there are more people that are shot every weekend in Chicago than there are in schools in Texas, Abbott said. So, if youre looking for a real solution, Chicago teaches that what youre talking about is not a real solution.




SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0






Aside from Anthony Albanese's Labor and the 'teal' independents, the Greens have proven to be the other big winners of tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board.

The party won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, both in Brisbane, with candidates Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown seizing seats from the Labor and the Liberal National party respectively.

Greens leader Adam Bandt will also retain his seat of Melbourne as his party gears up for its best result in recent memory.

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament, which is looking increasingly unlikely.

'If we do find ourselves in that minority parliament, our approach will be to ensure we have stable and effective and progressive government,' Mr Bandt said.

'And we said during the campaign we want to see action on climate, we want to see action on inequality.'

The Greens have proven to be huge winners so far in tonight's election - snatching votes from both major parties to cause upsets across the board

Prior to this election, the Greens held one seat in the lower house. They have targeted Queensland and NSW as well as Senate spots in South Australia throughout this election campaign.

Twitter has been alight with commentary from all sides of politics as the Greens vote soars.

'Dangerous night to be a spliff in Brisbane, the way this Greens vote is looking,' reporter Nino Bucci said.

The blue-ribbon seat of Ryan - west of Brisbane's CBD - is also falling to the Greens.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown holds 53.1 per cent of the primary vote with 30.6 per cent of votes counted, while the Liberal party's Julian Simmonds holds 46.9 per cent of the vote.

The ABC has projected Ms Watson-Brown as the winner. The seat has been won by the Coalition every election since 1972.

Early voting figures also show a surprising swing toward the Greens in Griffith - a critical marginal seat in Queensland and Kevin Rudd's former electorate.

Sitting Labor candidate and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Terri Butler has lost her seat to Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather.

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure

Mr Bandt previously declared he would 'kick the Liberals out' if given the chance - and has three critical requests of Labor in the event of a hung parliament

The electorate has been held by Labor every year since Kevin Rudd won it in 1998.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens.

'There's a big swing to the Greens there... That's a quite remarkable result and the Greens have been talking that up. That's a very encouraging first result for them.'

Mr Chandler-Mather focused his election campaign on key issues of education and investment in public infrastructure.

The seat of Griffith covers the area along the Brisbane River from Morningside to Fairfield including the suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and West End.

ABC election guru, Antony Green said the early swing should be a heartening sign for the Greens

Terri Butler has held the seat since the February by-election in 2014 which saw her take over from Kevin Rudd.

Greens senator Larissa Waters wiped away tears and cheered at a Greens party in Brisbane's West End as she and her colleagues celebrated their successes.

Candidates from Brisbane, Griffith and Ryan are all ecstatic with their early results, with Ms Waters describing the situation as 'completely overwhelming'.

Meanwhile in Richmond - which encompasses the coastal town of Byron Bay and surrounds, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan is ahead in the primary votes.

She holds 28.4 per cent of the total vote counted so far, but it is anticipated she could still lose to Labor's Justine Elliot based on Nationals preferences.
A retired Police officer, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has said efffective community policing is one of the major ways in de-escalating angry crowd in Ghana.

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.

The Wa West Lawmaker explained that effective community policing will involve influential persons whose voices are respected by the people.

When these persons call for calm among their people during troubles such as happening in Nkoranza at the moment, the people will certainly heed their words.

Mr Toobu who is a retired Police officer was speaking on the Key Points on TV3 with Dzifa Bampoh, Saturday May 21 while commenting on the death of 27-year-old Albert Donkor in Nkoranza in the Bono East Region who was reported to have died in Police cell due to alleged Police assaults on his life.

He said If our community Policing was working well, I am sure by now, we would have known that in the Nkoranza areas there is a particular person (sic) I know that in the Army there are a lot of from the Nkoranza area, I know that in the Police there are a lot of people from the Nkoranza area, I know that in the Ghana Bar Association there are people from the Nkoranza area.

You can have one influential person in the Nkoranza area who can carry more weight than the soldiers and the Police put together in Nkoranza, whose voice would be heard loud and respected by the people of Nkoranza. Those are the type of people we engage when there is violence so we will be able to de-escalate the violence.

There are number of things we can do behind the scenes not necessarily firing live bullets because one person died, the police responded, another person is dead again then you ask yourself, is this the way of de-escalating crowd.

He added That notwithstanding. I have repeated that no Ghanaian has the right to attack a Police station, no Ghanaian has the right to attack a government facility, district facility. After all, it is our money that has been used to build those facilities. Even as much as you are angry when you go to attack the police station, you are virtually telling yourself that yes, it is my money I used to build it and I am going to destroy it.

---3news.com
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) joins the Saudi Pavilion hosted by the Saudi Film Commission at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ithra presents two films to the Film Market's Short Film Corner library.

Ithra is one of the leading supporters to the film industry in KSA, credited with more than 20 films as well as training and other initiatives to take the Kingdom's film industry to the next level.

CANNES, France, May 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ithra (The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), one of the largest film producers in the Kingdom returns to Cannes to discuss the changing landscape of filmmaking in Saudi Arabia and to showcase two of its latest projects. Ithra Film Productions is credited with more than 20 films as well as training and other initiatives to take the Kingdom's film industry to the next level.

Ithra Film Productions is an initiative by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture Ithra  Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (PRNewsfoto/King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra))

Stationed at the Saudi Pavilion, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission, Ithra will explore the development of Saudi filmmaking talent with representatives from NEOM and MBC Academy on May 22 as part of the 75th edition of the Festival de Cannes.

Ithra Film Production supports Saudi Arabia's growing film industry by nurturing home-grown talent and fostering cinematic content creation and will present two Ithra-produced films to industry professionals at the Cannes Film Market's Short Film Corner  Ali Saeed's 'Old Phone Number' and 'Swing' directed by Raneem Almohandis.

Ithra encourages the development of original content, evidenced by a robust cinematic output  including three projects nearing completion  while also supporting the industry through funding and commissioning initiatives in addition to presenting the Saudi experience to the world through cinema. Anti-Cinema, Saeed's documentary feature with Hassan Saeed brings Saudi's film history to the big screen, it also picked up the Ithra Content Commission Initiative, and is slated for release later this year.

Ithra Film Productions is also releasing two narrative feature films. The first 'Sea of Sands' is being produced by celebrated Egyptian screenwriter and producer Mohamed Hefzy, and the second feature film 'Valley Road' is directed by Saudi award-winning independent filmmaker Khalid Fahad. Both films are slated to be released next year. A prominent upcoming release by Ithra Film Productions will see a new documentary (Iees) by first-time director Abdullah Saharty, with a focus on the cultural significance of the Arabian camel and its impact reshaping the peninsula and its future.

Story continues

The Center has, to date, produced more than 20 films, of which 15 have received local, regional, and international awards.

"Ithra is committed to advancing the Kingdom's film industry  both in front of and behind the camera, and we look forward to an insightful conversation on this topic," said Majed Z. Samman, Head of Performing Arts & Cinema at Ithra. "We provide a purposeful and technological space for the Kingdom's film talent to hone their skills and show their work, and we are eager to share two new films with the international film industry."

Ithra is the driving force behind several key programs supporting the Saudi filmmaking scene. It is home to Saudi Film Production, Saudi Film Days, and the Ithra Film Society, which presents a full program throughout the year. Ithra is also the cradle of the annual Saudi Film Festival in partnership with the Cinema Society and with the support of the Film Commission, which expands its footprint this year to include entries from the wider Gulf Cooperation Council for the first time.

For more information on Ithra, its programs, and Ithra Film Productions, visit www.ithra.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823166/Ithra_Film_Productions.jpg

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-saudi-film-producer-ithra-returns-to-cannes-to-promote-local-film-production-and-showcase-exciting-talent-301552393.html

SOURCE King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
Missoula's woman-led board sport organization launched its skate deck auction this week.

Girls on Shred has been a fixture in Missoula since 2010. A division of the Missoula Skatepark Association, Girls on Shred gives women, transgender and non-binary people the chance to learn and practice the arts of skateboarding and snowboarding in Montana.

At our Girls on Shred events, we find that it's super beneficial to have representation at the park when learning, whether it's someone of your ethnicity, age, skill level, sexual orientation, or gender, Girls on Shred director Samantha Veysey Gibbons said.

Volunteers take time to learn skaters pronouns, make sure their gear is fitted correctly and that everyone feels welcome.

This auction is Girls on Shreds second. Its something the group plans to make biannual, Gibbons said.

"Our goal is to alleviate the pressure and intimidation of a male-dominated platform by hosting clinics that free up a safe space for girls and non-binary persons to learn and develop their skills," according to the group's website.

Last Sunday, the group launched its auction on eBay.

Decks feature the unique, hand-painted artwork of several local and out-of-state artists. Funds from auction sales go to supporting free clinics for women, non-binary and transgender skaters in Montana.

Lily Arthur has lived in Missoula for about six years and last year, Girls on Shred reached out to Arthur about designing a board. This year is her second time creating a deck for the auction.

Her design features a salacious piece of advice on an eye-catching camouflage print. She hand-painted the design in about two hours.

Arthur has done a few clinics with Girls on Shred and has plans to get more immersed in the sport in coming months.

She said skate parks can be intimidating if you're not a man, especially if you're just starting out with skating and aren't that skilled yet.

"Creating something that makes skating more inclusive is really important," Arthur said of the organization's mission.

Max Mahn, another local artist, has lived in Missoula his whole life.

His deck design this year is something he describes as "Teletubby-esque," nodding to the demon baby print he came up with.

Mahn rarely donates his art, but said because Girls on Shred is such a cool organization he jumped at the opportunity. Mahn usually screen-prints his designs, so hand-painting the deck was a change in medium, he said.

Its awesome being able to promote their work and make it less of a hidden subculture, Mahn said, adding Girls on Shred steers the skate community away from being a boys club.

"Who would've thought Montana would be such a cool place for skating?" Mahn said.

A link to bid is available on the Girls on Shred Instagram page, @girlsonshred.

Bidding ends on May 25 at 7 p.m. Any unsold decks will be re-listed for 10 days.

The group is also taking donations, which can be made on the Montana Skatepark Associations website.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Manchester City are bidding to win back-to-back Premier League titles (Carl Recine/PA) (PA Archive)

The Premier League will draw to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday with the title race, Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League places, plus the last relegation slot, all to be decided.

Here, the PA news agency looks at who needs what with so much still to play for on the final day.

Title race

Manchester City remain favourites to become champions for a fourth time in five seasons as they sit one point ahead of Liverpool with a plus-six better goal difference. Jurgen Klopps quadruple-chasing Reds must beat Wolves at Anfield and hope Pep Guardiolas side drop points against Aston Villa at the Etihad if they are to regain the Premier League title and deny City their sixth domestic crown in 11 years.

Champions League

Tottenhams recent win against Arsenal dealt the Gunners Champions League hopes a mighty blow (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Chelsea are all-but assured of the third Champions League place, but the fourth is still up for grabs with London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal both in contention. Spurs, in the box-seat with a two-point advantage and a vastly superior goal difference, are virtually assured of a top-four finish if they avoid defeat at relegated Norwich. The Gunners, meanwhile, must win at the Emirates against Everton and pray Antonio Contes men slip up at Carrow Road, otherwise it will be fifth spot and a Europa League spot for them.

Europa League/Europa Conference League

West Ham lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in this seasons Europa League semi-finals (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Manchester United are on course for the second Europa League spot as they head into the final day two points better off than seventh-placed West Ham. But if the Red Devils fail to secure all three points at Crystal Palace, the Hammers would consign them to the Europa Conference League next season with victory at Brighton courtesy of a much better goal difference. No other teams are in contention.

Story continues

Relegation

How the bottom six looks after a dramatic night of #PL action  pic.twitter.com/IvZhJTWzm2  Premier League (@premierleague) May 19, 2022

Everton sealed Premier League safety on Thursday night by beating Palace and the fight for survival is a straight shoot-out between Leeds and Burnley. The pair are level on 35 points, but the Clarets far superior goal difference means Leeds, who play at Brentford, must better Burnleys result at home against Newcastle if they are to retain top-flight status for a third season.








On May 12, a special group of young people were given a space just for themselves at the opening of the Chevron Teen Center located at The Harrison Curriculum Center. The new area is the first in Covington that is designated for the teens of the Boys and Girls Club.

Club Director Ron Smith said some of the teens responded as though they were winning the lottery.

The teens designed the center themselves, making it cafe-style, with areas for both work and leisure with a literacy center, computer lab, lounge area, gaming center and break area.

Everything the teens wanted, they got, with help from Chevrons $50,000 donation. To add to the excitement, members were surprised with a 50-inch TV, Xbox Series X and several games. The teens immediately began gaming on the new Xbox after the event, according to Emily Sparks, chief development officer of Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana.

The center was created so there is a safe place for young people to better themselves. Sparks says research shows teens have a better outcome when they have a structured and designated area.

St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

If you have your own space, you take advantage of it," she said. "For example, if you are in a library with the intention of studying, you are more likely to study because that was the purpose you came for.

Smith said the hope for the new center is to cultivate the teens and get more young people involved in the program. Throughout Smiths years of working with the Boys and Girls Club, he has seen the fruits the program bears.

We are reaching children who are in most need. They are the stars of the show here.  Its important to invest in the young people of our community because it pays off. The community has been amazing. Chevron, the advisory board, our employees, young people, parents  we couldn't have done it without them, said Smith.

To enroll in the Boys and Girls Club program, visit bgcmetrolouisiana.org.
SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0


Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
[Video] Another wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk... The second stage of the wildfire has been issued and is being extinguished
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) joins the Saudi Pavilion hosted by the Saudi Film Commission at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ithra presents two films to the Film Market's Short Film Corner library.

Ithra is one of the leading supporters to the film industry in KSA, credited with more than 20 films as well as training and other initiatives to take the Kingdom's film industry to the next level.

CANNES, France, May 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ithra (The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), one of the largest film producers in the Kingdom returns to Cannes to discuss the changing landscape of filmmaking in Saudi Arabia and to showcase two of its latest projects. Ithra Film Productions is credited with more than 20 films as well as training and other initiatives to take the Kingdom's film industry to the next level.

Ithra Film Productions is an initiative by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture Ithra  Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (PRNewsfoto/King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra))

Stationed at the Saudi Pavilion, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission, Ithra will explore the development of Saudi filmmaking talent with representatives from NEOM and MBC Academy on May 22 as part of the 75th edition of the Festival de Cannes.

Ithra Film Production supports Saudi Arabia's growing film industry by nurturing home-grown talent and fostering cinematic content creation and will present two Ithra-produced films to industry professionals at the Cannes Film Market's Short Film Corner  Ali Saeed's 'Old Phone Number' and 'Swing' directed by Raneem Almohandis.

Ithra encourages the development of original content, evidenced by a robust cinematic output  including three projects nearing completion  while also supporting the industry through funding and commissioning initiatives in addition to presenting the Saudi experience to the world through cinema. Anti-Cinema, Saeed's documentary feature with Hassan Saeed brings Saudi's film history to the big screen, it also picked up the Ithra Content Commission Initiative, and is slated for release later this year.

Ithra Film Productions is also releasing two narrative feature films. The first 'Sea of Sands' is being produced by celebrated Egyptian screenwriter and producer Mohamed Hefzy, and the second feature film 'Valley Road' is directed by Saudi award-winning independent filmmaker Khalid Fahad. Both films are slated to be released next year. A prominent upcoming release by Ithra Film Productions will see a new documentary (Iees) by first-time director Abdullah Saharty, with a focus on the cultural significance of the Arabian camel and its impact reshaping the peninsula and its future.

Story continues

The Center has, to date, produced more than 20 films, of which 15 have received local, regional, and international awards.

"Ithra is committed to advancing the Kingdom's film industry  both in front of and behind the camera, and we look forward to an insightful conversation on this topic," said Majed Z. Samman, Head of Performing Arts & Cinema at Ithra. "We provide a purposeful and technological space for the Kingdom's film talent to hone their skills and show their work, and we are eager to share two new films with the international film industry."

Ithra is the driving force behind several key programs supporting the Saudi filmmaking scene. It is home to Saudi Film Production, Saudi Film Days, and the Ithra Film Society, which presents a full program throughout the year. Ithra is also the cradle of the annual Saudi Film Festival in partnership with the Cinema Society and with the support of the Film Commission, which expands its footprint this year to include entries from the wider Gulf Cooperation Council for the first time.

For more information on Ithra, its programs, and Ithra Film Productions, visit www.ithra.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1823166/Ithra_Film_Productions.jpg

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-saudi-film-producer-ithra-returns-to-cannes-to-promote-local-film-production-and-showcase-exciting-talent-301552393.html

SOURCE King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.

As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.

SIOUX CITY  A federal judge has scheduled a trial in a human trafficking lawsuit filed against Western Iowa Tech Community College by international students who say the school and local industries treated them as a source of cheap labor rather than provide them with educational opportunities.

The eight students from Brazil allege that WITCC and three other companies conspired to subject them to forced labor and required them to work to pay off room, board and tuition expenses the school had initially promised to provide the students for free.

Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday ordered a trial in the lawsuit to begin on Jan. 8, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

A lawsuit filed by 14 students from Chile who made similar claims is not yet set for trial.

In both lawsuits, students said WITCC recruited them to Sioux City through the federal J-1 Student Study Program, telling them they'd be in a two-year degree program in either culinary arts or robotics, receive scholarships covering tuition and housing, and be provided with an internship in their field of study.

Instead, they said, they were often forced to work more than 50 hours a week at North Sioux City pet food manufacturer Royal Canin and Sioux City food processor Tur-Pak Foods and had more than half their wages withheld and paid to WITCC for tuition and housing. They also said they were told they would be deported or have housing and food withheld if they missed work because of illness. WITCC canceled the program in March 2020, citing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The lawsuits accuse WITCC and its President Terry Murrell, Tur-Pak, Royal Canin, Premier Services (also known as J&L Staffing and Recruiting and J&L Enterprises), and other college officials with forced labor, human trafficking, racketeering, violation of the 13th Amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude, fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress. Tur-Pak and Royal Canin also are accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In a brief supporting a motion to dismiss the lawsuits, WITCC said the students were disappointed with the program's requirements and, in seeking an opportunity to stay permanently in the United States "weaponized their malcontent into a civil action alleging that defendants engaged in human trafficking and forced labor."

In the case involving the Chilean students, Strand has dismissed the racketeering charges against all defendants. He denied defense motions to dismiss the human trafficking and forced labor charges.

In a March ruling, Strand wrote that at the same time WITCC promised the students jobs and internships related to robotics or culinary experience, the school entered into an agreement with Royal Canin and Tur-Pak to place the students in "unskilled, manual labor positions, contrary to what they were telling (the students). WITCC defendants even admitted in an email the purpose of the program was to address the local labor shortage."

WITCC offered the program for the first time in 2019, and 60 students from Brazil and Chile arrived that summer. Through J&L, a Sioux City job placement service, students secured jobs at Royal Canin and Tur-Pak, which announced earlier this year it is closing its Sioux City location.

Through the U.S. State Department, the students obtained a J-1 visa, which requires that in return for a scholarship that pays tuition, housing and other fees, students must work at an internship to gain experience in their field of study.

Strand said in his ruling that preliminary evidence in the lawsuits shows WITCC told students it had mistakenly partnered with J&L, which as a job agency was not allowed to participate in the J-1 program, though the company continued to assist WITCC in placing the students and collected placement fees from the companies and transportation fees from the students. In order to meet program guidelines, the students' programs were changed to food services or electromechanical technical, which the school said corresponded halfway to culinary arts and robotics.

WITCC certified with the State Department that students would be participating in job shadowing at the college cafeteria and observe a hotel restaurant and a food preparation industry. Mechanical students would shadow and assist technicians in maintenance and other duties at WITCC business partners.

The students have said their jobs had nothing to do with their education. Those working at Royal Canin said their jobs consisted of carrying 50-pound bags of pet food ingredients or moving 50-pound blocks of frozen meat.

According to the lawsuit, the students were paid $15 an hour, $7.75 of which was withheld from their paychecks and given to WITCC and J&L Staffing as payment for their scholarships, room and board. Some said they were left without enough money to buy food because the college did not provide the meals it had promised them.

The State Department received an anonymous complaint in November 2019 and in a subsequent investigation found the positions were not the type of internships promised. Strand said evidence has shown WITCC made the students quit their jobs and told them they would owe $250 per week for room, board, tuition and fees.

After students went public with their complaints about the program, Murrell said WITCC did not ask them to pay housing and tuition. He said a free meal plan was never promised, and the school had failed to clarify that point at the program's outset. The college later announced that all students had been placed in new jobs. The Chilean students said in their lawsuit they were never placed in new internships and that WITCC later canceled their visas and bought them airline tickets to go home.

WITCC said it provided plane tickets for the 57 to return home, but on the date of departure, 14 were no-shows. Some students have retained immigration lawyers and have remained in the United States.

All students in the lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.

WITCC officials named in the lawsuit are Terry Yi, Rosana Salgado Burright, Juline Albert, James Zuercher and Lily Castro.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.

The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.
The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

Taipei (AsiaNews)  A majority of Taiwanese are ready to take up arms in the event of a Chinese invasion, this according to a survey released yesterday by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership.

According to the study, 61.4 per cent of adult respondents said that they would fight the Chinese in case of an attack, while 25.1 per cent said they would not.

Willingness to fight is lower among Taiwanese who vote for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing nationalist party, with 49.8 per cent saying they would not fight. Similarly, 47.6 per cent of Taiwan People's Party supporters also said they would not fight.

Looking at Ukrainians resistance to Russias invasion, several observers question the willingness of the Taiwanese to stop any Chinese aggression.

Others note that 61.4 per cent is higher than a survey by WIN/Gallup International conducted in Europe in 2015, which found that 59 per cent Ukrainians were willing to fight for their country in the event of Russian military action.

The ability of Ukraines Armed Forces and civilian volunteers to fully engage an army as powerful as Russia's has in all likelihood impacted Taiwan's perception of China's peril.

The poll also found that 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has never ruled out seizing it by force.

The island has been de facto independent since 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces fled the mainland after losing the civil war with the communists. Since then, it has claimed to represent the Republic of China founded in 1912.

On 10 May, Avril Haines, director of US intelligence, told Congress in Washington that the threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2030 was acute.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.

As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.
As heads of state finalize travel arrangements and wealthy corporations set up shop on the promenade, Mr. Schwab himself seems to understand that the global order as he once envisioned it is, for now at least, little more than a fantasy.

We are living in a different world, he said in an interview. Even when we came together in 2020, we had a lot of serious concerns. Now we had two additional events which have actually accelerated the seriousness of our situation.

But while the world may have changed, Davos has not. The annual meeting will feature, as usual, politicians, civil servants, executives and nonprofit leaders  the kind of privileged, globe-trotting idealists that gave rise to the term Davos Man. Timely issues like the war and Covid will be discussed, alongside perennial threats such as climate change and cybersecurity. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, will give a virtual address to other heads of state.

The one thing that will be different is the outside temperature. The annual meeting is usually held in January. But after a surge in Covid cases forced a last-minute cancellation, the World Economic Forum rescheduled it for late May. That means there will be no snow on the ground, but the threat of a dull, persistent rain is real.

My biggest worry is actually the weather, Mr. Schwab said.

Fundamentally not aligned

Nothing has challenged the Davos worldview more directly than Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While Moscow has been a strategic adversary to the United States and Europe for years, it was also the case that economic ties between Russia and the West were deep. Hundreds of multinational corporations had major operations in Russia, and Europe emerged as a major importer of Russian oil.

Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
On May 12, a special group of young people were given a space just for themselves at the opening of the Chevron Teen Center located at The Harrison Curriculum Center. The new area is the first in Covington that is designated for the teens of the Boys and Girls Club.

Club Director Ron Smith said some of the teens responded as though they were winning the lottery.

The teens designed the center themselves, making it cafe-style, with areas for both work and leisure with a literacy center, computer lab, lounge area, gaming center and break area.

Everything the teens wanted, they got, with help from Chevrons $50,000 donation. To add to the excitement, members were surprised with a 50-inch TV, Xbox Series X and several games. The teens immediately began gaming on the new Xbox after the event, according to Emily Sparks, chief development officer of Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana.

The center was created so there is a safe place for young people to better themselves. Sparks says research shows teens have a better outcome when they have a structured and designated area.

St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

If you have your own space, you take advantage of it," she said. "For example, if you are in a library with the intention of studying, you are more likely to study because that was the purpose you came for.

Smith said the hope for the new center is to cultivate the teens and get more young people involved in the program. Throughout Smiths years of working with the Boys and Girls Club, he has seen the fruits the program bears.

We are reaching children who are in most need. They are the stars of the show here.  Its important to invest in the young people of our community because it pays off. The community has been amazing. Chevron, the advisory board, our employees, young people, parents  we couldn't have done it without them, said Smith.

To enroll in the Boys and Girls Club program, visit bgcmetrolouisiana.org.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0



Missoula's woman-led board sport organization launched its skate deck auction this week.

Girls on Shred has been a fixture in Missoula since 2010. A division of the Missoula Skatepark Association, Girls on Shred gives women, transgender and non-binary people the chance to learn and practice the arts of skateboarding and snowboarding in Montana.

At our Girls on Shred events, we find that it's super beneficial to have representation at the park when learning, whether it's someone of your ethnicity, age, skill level, sexual orientation, or gender, Girls on Shred director Samantha Veysey Gibbons said.

Volunteers take time to learn skaters pronouns, make sure their gear is fitted correctly and that everyone feels welcome.

This auction is Girls on Shreds second. Its something the group plans to make biannual, Gibbons said.

"Our goal is to alleviate the pressure and intimidation of a male-dominated platform by hosting clinics that free up a safe space for girls and non-binary persons to learn and develop their skills," according to the group's website.

Last Sunday, the group launched its auction on eBay.

Decks feature the unique, hand-painted artwork of several local and out-of-state artists. Funds from auction sales go to supporting free clinics for women, non-binary and transgender skaters in Montana.

Lily Arthur has lived in Missoula for about six years and last year, Girls on Shred reached out to Arthur about designing a board. This year is her second time creating a deck for the auction.

Her design features a salacious piece of advice on an eye-catching camouflage print. She hand-painted the design in about two hours.

Arthur has done a few clinics with Girls on Shred and has plans to get more immersed in the sport in coming months.

She said skate parks can be intimidating if you're not a man, especially if you're just starting out with skating and aren't that skilled yet.

"Creating something that makes skating more inclusive is really important," Arthur said of the organization's mission.

Max Mahn, another local artist, has lived in Missoula his whole life.

His deck design this year is something he describes as "Teletubby-esque," nodding to the demon baby print he came up with.

Mahn rarely donates his art, but said because Girls on Shred is such a cool organization he jumped at the opportunity. Mahn usually screen-prints his designs, so hand-painting the deck was a change in medium, he said.

Its awesome being able to promote their work and make it less of a hidden subculture, Mahn said, adding Girls on Shred steers the skate community away from being a boys club.

"Who would've thought Montana would be such a cool place for skating?" Mahn said.

A link to bid is available on the Girls on Shred Instagram page, @girlsonshred.

Bidding ends on May 25 at 7 p.m. Any unsold decks will be re-listed for 10 days.

The group is also taking donations, which can be made on the Montana Skatepark Associations website.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.




Twin Falls United Methodist Church and Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Celebrate Community Rainbow Sunday

Join us Sunday for our Rainbow Sunday celebration! The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be walking from where they gather at 160 Ninth Ave. E., to join everyone at 11 a.m. at Twin Falls United Methodist Church, located at 360 Shoshone St. E. This will be a fun worship service followed by a picnic in the park! Our Savior Lutheran will also be inviting their congregation to head over and join everyone after their 9:30 am worship service!

We will feature a panel discussion with Rev. Jenny Peek (Pastor MVUU Fellowship), Pastor Buddy Gharring (Twin Falls United Methodist Church) and Cory Smith (President of Southern Idaho Pride Inc), to have a conversation about what it looks like to foster a sense of belonging in our faith communities for LGBTQ+ individuals. You wont want to miss this fun, colorful Sunday!

You can join Twin United Methodist Church in person in downtown Twin Falls or on Facebook Live for this Rainbow Sunday Celebration and Worship Service! For more information, email MVUUF at mvuuf83301@yahoo.com

Worship at Ascension

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Twin Falls, invites the community for Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. with Nancy Koonce as guest preacher.

A fellowship reception will take place after the service.

The service will be online as well as in person. To view, go to the link at episcopaltwinfalls.org or go to Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls.

Ascension Episcopal Church is handicapped accessible and is located at 371 Eastland Drive N. More information about Ascension can be found at ascension.episcopalidaho.org or 208-733-1248.

To submit an item, email it in plain text to frontdoor@magicvalley.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
WEST LIBERTY  The former West Liberty School District guidance counselor accused of sexually abusing a student faces 13 additional charges related to the investigation.

According to a press release from the West Liberty Police Department, Emily Erin Resendiz, 27, of West Liberty, was charged with nine counts of second-degree sex abuse; one count of sex abuse  continuous sexual abuse of a child; one count of lascivious conduct with a minor, one count of contempt  violation of a no-contact order; and one count of witness tampering.

Second-degree sexual abuse and continuous sex abuse of a child are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lascivious conduct with a minor is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Witness tampering is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Violating a no-contact order is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

Her initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. May 31.

Earlier this year she was charged with criminal trespass; violating a no-contact order; sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee; and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. A pretrial conference for those cases is scheduled for Aug. 19 and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 29.

The new witness tampering charge comes from a witness who reported seeing a boy exiting Resendizs house through a window. The witness also claims Resendiz handed him two personal items before the subject left the area. The boy was determined to be the victim in the earlier sex abuse and witness tampering case.

On Jan. 24, West Liberty Police received a report Resendiz allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. They discovered evidence that suggested Resendiz sexually abused the boy at least twice while she was a guidance counselor at the middle school. According to a booking sheet, the victim had photos on his phone of Resendiz kissing him. The new charges stem from additional instances of Resendiz allegedly sexually abusing the boy.

According to the press release, the police department reviewed evidence obtained from search warrants and other sources and more evidence had been discovered in the case. Based on the evidence, Resendiz, who had been free awaiting trial, was arrested.

The charges of violating a no-contact order and trespassing stem from a Feb. 22 incident. According to police, an eye-witness saw Resendiz at 12:25 p.m. in her vehicle at West Liberty High School, where a juvenile got into her vehicle and drove off. The juvenile was an immediate family member of a subject with a no-contact order against Resendiz.

Resendiz was previously arrested on Feb. 6 on charges of witness tampering, contempt of court and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The West Liberty Police Department is still actively seeking information on this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (319) 627-2223.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Twin Falls United Methodist Church and Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Celebrate Community Rainbow Sunday

Join us Sunday for our Rainbow Sunday celebration! The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be walking from where they gather at 160 Ninth Ave. E., to join everyone at 11 a.m. at Twin Falls United Methodist Church, located at 360 Shoshone St. E. This will be a fun worship service followed by a picnic in the park! Our Savior Lutheran will also be inviting their congregation to head over and join everyone after their 9:30 am worship service!

We will feature a panel discussion with Rev. Jenny Peek (Pastor MVUU Fellowship), Pastor Buddy Gharring (Twin Falls United Methodist Church) and Cory Smith (President of Southern Idaho Pride Inc), to have a conversation about what it looks like to foster a sense of belonging in our faith communities for LGBTQ+ individuals. You wont want to miss this fun, colorful Sunday!

You can join Twin United Methodist Church in person in downtown Twin Falls or on Facebook Live for this Rainbow Sunday Celebration and Worship Service! For more information, email MVUUF at mvuuf83301@yahoo.com

Worship at Ascension

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Twin Falls, invites the community for Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. with Nancy Koonce as guest preacher.

A fellowship reception will take place after the service.

The service will be online as well as in person. To view, go to the link at episcopaltwinfalls.org or go to Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls.

Ascension Episcopal Church is handicapped accessible and is located at 371 Eastland Drive N. More information about Ascension can be found at ascension.episcopalidaho.org or 208-733-1248.

To submit an item, email it in plain text to frontdoor@magicvalley.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Nebraska native Felisha Moore has spent her whole life working hard, and it's about to pay off in June when she receives her degree from Stanford University.

For her mom, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, ultimately leading to a full-ride scholarship to Stanford.

Its not something she learned from me," Shelley Moore said. "She has always had her own internal drive, motivation and determination. She just plain works hard and always has."

Felisha Moore was recently honored with the Class of 2022 Stanford Award of Excellence, which is given to just 10% of graduates who were nominated by faculty for their involvement, leadership and dedication to the university.

She doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her international relations degree, but plans to return for her master's. One thing she knows for sure, however, is that she wants to travel, and she's on track to do that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. It will be her second year in the position after completing her first year remotely because of COVID-19.

It is just one of several travel opportunities she's had so far.

Before her sophomore year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small, rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldnt have wished for a better place to spend my undergraduate career," Felisha Moore said in an email. "I have made the most genuine, abiding connections at this university, from friends to faculty."

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when it came time to apply for college, but Stanford replied first with an opportunity she simply could not pass up: an academic scholarship that covered room and board, tuition, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two trips home per year.

Everything shes done she has worked very hard for," Shelley Moore said. "People always say that she must just be so brilliant, but shes really just a super hard worker. Some things come easy for her and some things don't, just like anyone else. But, if it doesnt, shes gonna study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter's graduation is a great source of pride, but Shelley Moore is struggling to find the necessary funds to cover the cost of travel to California.

A GoFundMe was set up in the familys name to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore cross the stage June 12.

"The thought of not going and seeing her graduate is beyond heartbreaking," Shelley Moore said.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or jebbers@journalstar.com

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The sculptor Andree Valley is used to surprises. Her art-making process often takes unexpected turns  and she likes it that way.

But in 2019, when the artist started getting emails out of the blue saying that shed been selected to participate in a prestigious international exhibition in Europe, I thought it was a scam, she said. I kept deleting the emails.

The emails turned out to be legitimate. Valley, who works out of a studio in the converted garage of her home on Madisons Far West Side, was asked by the European Cultural Center to exhibit a work in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale Time Space Existence.

Her nearly 8-foot-high colorful aluminum sculpture  titled Triffid V after the iconic 1951 science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham  found a spot in the Giardini Marinaressa, a public park near the Arsenale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, where it will remain until late this fall.

Wyndhams novel is about rogue plants who expose the frailty of human existence, said Valley, 73, but when it comes to her brightly colorful sculptures, mine are optimistic. In its outdoor setting, Triffid V moves in the wind, with the dynamic sensibility of a living plant.

Valley grew up south of Boston and, instead of following her fathers wishes that she attend an East Coast college, moved West and went to the University of Denver. She later earned an MFA at the University of Michigan.

Initially a math major, Valley soon found that ceramics were her calling. After earning her undergraduate degree, she spent two years as a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, an international creative center dedicated to the ceramic arts in Helena, Montana.

In 1983, Valley and her husband, John, the Charles R. Van Hise professor emeritus of geology at UW-Madison, moved to Madison, where they raised their two sons, now scientists in London and Minneapolis. Valley taught ceramics at Madison Area Technical College for close to 20 years. Her metal sculptures, rendered in vibrant hues, can be found throughout the city in places such as the UW Health West clinic lobby on Junction Road and in the UW-Madison Physics Department in Chamberlin Hall.

The opening for the Venice Architecture Biennale originally was scheduled for May 2020, but was pushed back a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley finally got to visit Venice to see Triffid V on site last November.

She was asked to keep the sculpture in place for the 2022 Venice Art Biennale, too, and was invited to attend the opening for that show this April  but she got COVID right before her trip, despite two booster shots and even though I was being so careful, she said. Shes now fully recovered and back in the studio.

Being selected for the Venice Biennale must have been a thrill.

It was exciting. I couldnt believe that they found me. And I am delighted  because as an artist, its hard to get recognition. And Im terrible at working at it.

How did you first move from ceramics to metal sculpture?

We moved to Houston, Texas, (in 1980) where John had a job at Rice (University). I had a job at the Jewish Community Center teaching ceramics and worked for a local arts council  and had a baby. And clay is not really patient. It dries out. So its kind of a struggle when you cant work with it every day.

So I just started working in aluminum in the studio I set up in our garage. I like aluminum. Its light. Its bendable. It takes color beautifully. It doesnt rust. It has a lot of advantages.

Talk about the randomness of your sculptures.

My work tends to be abstract, and I try not to use specific orientation in my work. Even with my wall pieces, they can be flipped or displayed on their side. I dont want an up or down. Im always thinking about something spontaneous; Im thinking about orientation and flip-ability, because I dont want them to sit in one way.

I love color. Color excites me. I have a series called Piles, envisioning piles in a sort of fun, abstract way. And one of the things I want to do more of in the future is to use sound. Id like work with contact mics on the pieces  there are contact mics that engineers use to see how buildings are vibrating  and have it so that you can walk by (a sculpture) and hear the piece vibrating.

Do the finished pieces evolve from your initial designs for them?

Oh, totally. I dont have anything pre-prescribed at the beginning. I have just an idea of what I want (in terms of) scale, color, and how I want it to work.

Youve also designed anniversary exhibitions for the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) and the Pro Arte Quartet at the Dane County Regional Airport, designed a book cover for composer John Harbison and created a sculpture with composer Nathaniel Bartlett that was shown at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Is music an inspiration for your work?

It always has been. Im on the (WYSO) board, and my kids were in the youth orchestra.

Whats next for you?

Right now Im working on a series of smaller pieces, and Id like to get a show in the next year or two with that. And I will make a piece for outside the youth orchestras new building (planned for the 1100 block of East Washington Avenue) and donate that. Itll be 10 feet high or so  not huge, but not small. Itll be made out of steel rather than aluminum. And it will be colorful.
The sculptor Andree Valley is used to surprises. Her art-making process often takes unexpected turns  and she likes it that way.

But in 2019, when the artist started getting emails out of the blue saying that shed been selected to participate in a prestigious international exhibition in Europe, I thought it was a scam, she said. I kept deleting the emails.

The emails turned out to be legitimate. Valley, who works out of a studio in the converted garage of her home on Madisons Far West Side, was asked by the European Cultural Center to exhibit a work in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale Time Space Existence.

Her nearly 8-foot-high colorful aluminum sculpture  titled Triffid V after the iconic 1951 science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham  found a spot in the Giardini Marinaressa, a public park near the Arsenale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, where it will remain until late this fall.

Wyndhams novel is about rogue plants who expose the frailty of human existence, said Valley, 73, but when it comes to her brightly colorful sculptures, mine are optimistic. In its outdoor setting, Triffid V moves in the wind, with the dynamic sensibility of a living plant.

Valley grew up south of Boston and, instead of following her fathers wishes that she attend an East Coast college, moved West and went to the University of Denver. She later earned an MFA at the University of Michigan.

Initially a math major, Valley soon found that ceramics were her calling. After earning her undergraduate degree, she spent two years as a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, an international creative center dedicated to the ceramic arts in Helena, Montana.

In 1983, Valley and her husband, John, the Charles R. Van Hise professor emeritus of geology at UW-Madison, moved to Madison, where they raised their two sons, now scientists in London and Minneapolis. Valley taught ceramics at Madison Area Technical College for close to 20 years. Her metal sculptures, rendered in vibrant hues, can be found throughout the city in places such as the UW Health West clinic lobby on Junction Road and in the UW-Madison Physics Department in Chamberlin Hall.

The opening for the Venice Architecture Biennale originally was scheduled for May 2020, but was pushed back a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley finally got to visit Venice to see Triffid V on site last November.

She was asked to keep the sculpture in place for the 2022 Venice Art Biennale, too, and was invited to attend the opening for that show this April  but she got COVID right before her trip, despite two booster shots and even though I was being so careful, she said. Shes now fully recovered and back in the studio.

Being selected for the Venice Biennale must have been a thrill.

It was exciting. I couldnt believe that they found me. And I am delighted  because as an artist, its hard to get recognition. And Im terrible at working at it.

How did you first move from ceramics to metal sculpture?

We moved to Houston, Texas, (in 1980) where John had a job at Rice (University). I had a job at the Jewish Community Center teaching ceramics and worked for a local arts council  and had a baby. And clay is not really patient. It dries out. So its kind of a struggle when you cant work with it every day.

So I just started working in aluminum in the studio I set up in our garage. I like aluminum. Its light. Its bendable. It takes color beautifully. It doesnt rust. It has a lot of advantages.

Talk about the randomness of your sculptures.

My work tends to be abstract, and I try not to use specific orientation in my work. Even with my wall pieces, they can be flipped or displayed on their side. I dont want an up or down. Im always thinking about something spontaneous; Im thinking about orientation and flip-ability, because I dont want them to sit in one way.

I love color. Color excites me. I have a series called Piles, envisioning piles in a sort of fun, abstract way. And one of the things I want to do more of in the future is to use sound. Id like work with contact mics on the pieces  there are contact mics that engineers use to see how buildings are vibrating  and have it so that you can walk by (a sculpture) and hear the piece vibrating.

Do the finished pieces evolve from your initial designs for them?

Oh, totally. I dont have anything pre-prescribed at the beginning. I have just an idea of what I want (in terms of) scale, color, and how I want it to work.

Youve also designed anniversary exhibitions for the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) and the Pro Arte Quartet at the Dane County Regional Airport, designed a book cover for composer John Harbison and created a sculpture with composer Nathaniel Bartlett that was shown at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Is music an inspiration for your work?

It always has been. Im on the (WYSO) board, and my kids were in the youth orchestra.

Whats next for you?

Right now Im working on a series of smaller pieces, and Id like to get a show in the next year or two with that. And I will make a piece for outside the youth orchestras new building (planned for the 1100 block of East Washington Avenue) and donate that. Itll be 10 feet high or so  not huge, but not small. Itll be made out of steel rather than aluminum. And it will be colorful.


Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
RICHMOND HEIGHTS  A note left in the St. Mary's Hospital break room last week where a credit union ATM once stood read "Sorry for the inconvenience but we are currently upgrading our teller system."

The note listed a phone number to "call for more information," but it wasn't for Health Care Family Credit Union, which owns the ATM; it instead went to Spectrum internet services.

Those clues discovered the afternoon of May 12 seemed suspicious to an ATM service provider who came to the SSM Health hospital at 6420 Clayton Road to check on it. The provider estimated the missing machine held about $23,000 in cash.

Richmond Heights police tapped hospital surveillance video that showed a man using a dolly to remove the ATM from the break room. The man was also seen a day earlier walking directly to the break room without a word to any hospital staff.

Police said the man drove to the hospital in his mother's vehicle, which they found parked outside his Clayton workplace when they arrived to arrest him. Officers also found what appeared to be the same dolly seen in the video.

Officers showed the man a photo of the person seen at St. Mary's the day before the ATM theft, and he acknowledged that he shared a resemblance but refused to answer other questions.

The ATM heist was outlined in a stealing charge filed Thursday against Jamie Geno, 57, of 2200 block of Laverne Court in Brentwood. It was not clear if police recovered the ATM.

Geno was ordered held on $20,000 cash-only bail. He could not be reached Friday and did not yet have a lawyer.

Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Last Saturday, a white 18-year-old gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and wounding three more.

In a written screed that circulated on dark corners of the Web, Payton Gendron described fears about replacement theory: a white nationalist conspiracy that alleges an elite plot (often coded as a Jewish plot) to deliberately replace white Americans with immigrants and people of color. Gendron wrote that he targeted the Tops Supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of the people killed or wounded are Black.

Many elected officials have placed the blame for the killings at the feet of right-wing news sites and social media.

I write to urge you to immediately cease the reckless amplification of the so-called Great Replacement theory on your networks broadcasts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to Fox News and host Tucker Carlson. I urge you to take into consideration the very real impacts of the dangerous rhetoric being broadcast on your network on a nightly basis. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took aim at social media websites in a tweet. We must stop Big Tech from propagating Big Lies that lead to carnage.

In the coming weeks, much will be made about the shooters manifesto, gun laws, and how much blame social media deserves for making it easy for these kinds of ideas to spread.

Maybe better gun laws and more accountability for platforms that spread dangerous hate speech would have prevented Gendron radicalization and subsequent rampage  or maybe not. All policymakers can do is improve the environment that has produced an alarming string of racist mass shooters in recent years.

But theres another truth about Gendron: He was deeply confused about basic issues of history, and of race. This left him vulnerable to rancid misinformation like the conspiracies he found online. And growing up in a nearly all-white area, he likely had no real-world experience to help counteract those misconceptions.

Story continues

Thats where the value of education comes in: teachings that are straightforward about the racial history of this country, and present honest accounts of the struggles faced by nonwhite Americans. There has been a push in recent years to accomplish this through the lens of critical race theory, an academic approach that studies structural racism and how that impacts law and policy.

But the right wing has launched a moral panic about critical race theory. After white police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in 2020, massive racial justice protests swept the nation. But like with every inkling of incremental steps toward Black progress, conservatives quickly met the moment with a backlash.

Dozens of states have introduced laws to combat this imaginary problem, including prohibiting teachers from teaching certain things and banning books that discuss racism.

White conservatives perverted its definition to mean teaching white K-12 students to hate themselves. Anything that falls under the purview of racism and Americas past has now fallen under their incorrect interpretation and has led to the silencing of educators.

Its crucial to understand that this attack on anti-racist education will only produce more ignorance, more division, and more hate around issues of race.

Even this week, educators in states with critical race theory bans must now grapple with how to even talk about the massacre in Buffalo.

Elizabeth Close, a high school teacher in Texas, told NBC News that she was struggling with how to speak about the killings with her students because state law requires that she teach different perspectives.

One viewpoint is that Gendron was motivated by racism. Another perspective is that this young man was out defending the world  or his kind  from being taken over, Close said she told her students. If you guys want to know why Im thinking about quitting at the end of the year, its because of these types of policies  the fact that I have to have this conversation with you.

Proponents of such critical race theory bans have argued that these laws are intended to keep racism out of the classroom. But really, these laws are forcing teachers to lend credence to dangerous ideologies.

Actual critical race theory is an important part of understanding racisms role in American society.

We need to pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened is continuing to create differential outcomes, so that we can become the democratic republic we say we are, Columbia University professor and leading critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw explained last year. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can get there if we confront and talk honestly about inequality.

One of the cruelest ironies of the CRT culture wars is that Americas racial history was already an understudied and under-discussed topic, at least at many public K-12 schools. Its hard to know if Gendron was taught about Reconstruction or the violence that followed it, the impact of Jim Crow laws or lynchings and the impact that history has on our society today.

But its safe to say too many people never get that education. They dont know that in response to the prospect of racial equality, whites organized militias to terrorize freedmen into submission. The history of this country gets sanitized and repackaged and regurgitated to each new generation.

The new crusade against critical race theory means that educators cant teach about slavery or the Ku Klux Klan. But mainstream Republicans can encourage the so-called replacement theory (even after a white man kills in the name of it) with almost no pushback, validating the views of aggrieved white nationalists.

Elected officials, perhaps the institutions most equipped to combat the spread of critical race theory panic, have treated it as a sideshow and just another flashpoint in the culture war that will eventually fade away.

But not even a massacre has stopped Fox News hosts and Republican politicians from echoing the shooter.

Perhaps the overtness of it ebbs and flows, but the theories that the Buffalo shooter espoused have always been present in the United States. The country is currently at an inflection point in which the right wing is saying that white supremacy is the legitimate ideology and racism and discrimination claims are just tools to demonize white conservatives. The end result will be more Buffalo-like tragedies.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023
Nigerias retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of Tim Shani.

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report  Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada  have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni  who was then known to the bank as Tim Shani  that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as Mr Shani and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Usenis lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for security because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent Tim Shani to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a coded password name

Jerseys Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office, Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jerseys Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.

Mr Usenis Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.

The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property, the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million  stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu  was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.

WATCH: Governor Yahaya Bello's Roadmap to Hope 2023


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

RUTLEDGE, Ga.  There are few things politicians love more than creating jobs and cutting ribbons.

But what if those jobs are on the wrong side of the culture war?

Plans to build a massive electric vehicle factory in rural Georgia have divided Republicans ahead of their primary next week, with Donald Trump-backed David Perdue criticizing rival Gov. Brian Kemp for offering taxpayer incentives to attract a George Soros-owned woke corporation whose stated purpose is to combat climate change.

Rivian, the well-capitalized electric pickup truck company that had one of the biggest IPOs in history six months ago, wants to spend $5 billion on a new assembly plant on farmland outside Atlanta. The mammoth factory will create 7,500 jobs and produce up to 400,000 cars a year in what officials say is the largest economic development project in Georgias history.

But the price tag for the deal was $1.5 billion in taxpayer incentives. And Perdue, a former U.S. senator, and other Republicans say Kemp cut a bad deal with a bad company.

Its a woke California company whose mission is to turn the world green, Perdue said this month while stumping with local activists trying to stop the plant. They arent interested in this part of the country. They just want to make money off of us.

Vernon Jones, the Trump-backed candidate in a crowded Republican primary for the areas open congressional seat, wrote on Facebook that Rivian is a company whose corporate attitude is seemingly inconsistent with Georgia values. He pointed to the companys vaccine mandate for employees and its large focus on diversity & inclusion; including transgender benefits.

In another post, Jones wrote, Rivian needs to pull out, and Kemp needs to be voted out.

The controversy exposes a growing rift inside the GOP between its traditional pro-business wing, embodied by Kemp, and an ascendent populist wing, embodied by Perdue, thats as quick to fight companies like Disney and Delta as it is Democrats for opposing conservative social policy.

Story continues

It also underscores the challenge the entire country will face in transitioning to a greener economy. Even climate-friendly projects can negatively impact local environments, and communities and not-in-my-backyard opposition can be fierce and politicized.

There are legitimate reasons to criticize this, but I dont know what George Soros has to do with it, said J.C. Bradbury, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University who has studied Georgia economic development plans. Youre just connecting it to him like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Soros, the liberal Jewish billionaire who is often cast as a boogeyman in conservative circles, owns a small minority stake in Rivian, while larger investors include Amazon, BlackRock and T. Rowe Price, among others.

Opposition to the Rivian plant has become a key part of Perdues closing message, even if it is unlikely to be enough to save his sputtering campaign.

Hes visited the proposed site twice, hammered Kemp on the deal during their debate, spoken against it on national TV and ran a TV ad suggesting the plant was part of a corrupt deal between Kemp and Soros.

Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate David Perdue Campaigns Ahead Of Primary (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images file)

Linking Kemp to Soros could resonate with conservative voters in farther-flung parts of the state and outside of it, since the issue has gotten some attention in conservative media.

During a tele-rally for Perdue this month, Trump said, Im not surprised about George Soros getting all of this money from Kemp."

The pivot comes as Perdue seeks to catch Kemp in the polls and differentiate himself from the governor, whose only major apostasy was refusing to help Trump try to overturn the 2020 election. That issue helped put Kemp on Trumps target list, but it has not been enough for Perdue to eat into Kemps consistent lead in polls.

Opposition to the plant also allows Perdue to tap into the vocal and well-organized opposition to the plant locally.

Anti-Rivian yard signs have sprouted up like wildflowers around the rolling green fields where the automaker hopes to soon break ground on a project so massive that it will straddle two counties and be bigger than the Pentagon.

Amazon wants to switch its delivery fleet to clean electric vehicles, starting with an order for 100,000 zero-pollution Rivian tucks that could be made in Georgia. But many locals in the heavily Republican area see the project as devastating to their environment.

Sherman and his troops destroyed our community. Now this supposedly green company is coming to destroy it again, said JoEllen Artz, the president of the grassroots No2Rivian group, which says it has raised over $250,000 and hired Atlanta lawyers to help wage their battle. We want to keep it just like it is.

In Rutledge, a bucolic one-intersection town that has served as a backdrop for films like Selma, the old red caboose that now houses a lunch counter was abuzz with questions last week about what Rivian would mean for locals  their drinking water, their traffic, their schools, their dark skies prized by astronomers at Georgia State University's nearby observatory, their rural way of life.

Several residents said they moved here to escape the inexorable growth of Atlanta and now worry the Rivian plant will usher in more development that will eventually swallow their hayfields and antebellum mansions, thanks to the areas combination of cheap land and proximity to an interstate and a rail line.

Keith Wilson, who is running for the Morgan County Board of Commissioners to try to stop the Rivian plant, said he found no supporters for it after knocking on more than 800 doors in his campaign. The countys unemployment rate is just 2 percent, he said, so the company should take their jobs where theyre needed.

Perdue is going to get a lot of votes here, Wilson said. I think it might be enough to put him over the top in the primary. I really do.

Local opponents like Artz and Wilson say their opposition has nothing to do with the fact that Rivian is from California and makes electric vehicles and say the opposition movement includes people of all political stripes.

But theyre happy to have a champion in Perdue  especially since he could potentially halt the project if elected governor.

People write to me and say, You know Perdue is just using you for an issue? Artz said. And I say, And?
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, May 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all, while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

World experts said Xi's meaningful speech has consolidated the powerful force of development and progress, injecting new impetus into BRICS cooperation, dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vladimir Petrovsky, chief researcher of the Center for Russian-Chinese Relations Studies and Forecasting, the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Xi's speech is "important" and "meaningful," and that BRICS nations can unite other nations with similar views on cooperation and security.

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the concept of building a global community of security for all, which "addresses the issues of peace deficit and governance deficit, and seeks peace and development," will certainly find its currency in developing countries.

The BRICS countries and other developing countries will "enhance mutual understanding and trust and make the pie of cooperation bigger," said Deepak.

Andrey Gubin, associate professor of International Relations at Russia's Far Eastern Federal University, said for the BRICS nations, "there are no goals of confrontation and containment, but only the logic of promoting each other's development."

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2020 shows the headquarters building of BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

The BRICS mechanism will "make it possible to focus on the problems of uneven development, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, climate change, the spread of dangerous diseases, which must be dealt with only by the efforts of the world community," said Gubin.

Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said President Xi pointed out in his speech that peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times.

For emerging markets and developing countries, development is a common task, which is faced with more risks and challenges than before, said Zhang, adding that the BRICS countries need to continue to promote development and progress through solidarity and cooperation.

A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Luis Antonio Paulino, a professor at Sao Paulo State University, said that the BRICS countries, just as Xi has stressed, need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, and engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries.

The world today faces enormous challenges, said Paulino, adding that countries around the world need to work together to overcome difficulties and achieve development and progress. 
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit



Backtracking from his stand in Udaipur, leader said his party respects regional outfits and does not want to be "the Big Daddy" while asserting that the fight against the BJP will be a "group effort".

During an interactive session at the 'Ideas for India' conference in London, he made a scathing attack on the BJP government alleging the "deep state" in India is attacking institutions and capturing them such as the media.

Alleging that people's voices are being stifled, Gandhi said the will reach out to the masses and fight to save 'the idea of India'.

The former chief asserted his party will coordinate with regional outfits to launch a nationwide movement against the ruling dispensation and will reach out to the people in a big way.

"We have to coordinate with our friends in the opposition. I don't view the Congress as the 'Big Daddy'. It is a group effort with the opposition. But it is a fight to regain India," he said at the conclave.

A video of the event was released by the Congress on Saturday.

"The point I made in Udaipur, which was misconstrued, is that this is an ideological battle now. It is a national ideological battle, which means that of course we respect the DMK as a Tamil political organisation, but the Congress is the party that has the ideology at the national level," Gandhi said.

So, the Congress will have to think about itself as a structure that is enabling the opposition, he said during the hour-long interaction.

"In no way is the Congress superior to the other opposition parties, we are all fighting the same battle. They have their space, we have ours, but an ideological battle is taking place is between the national vision of the RSS and that of the Congress," Gandhi added.

Gandhi's remarks on regional parties, which came in the presence of opposition leaders like Sitaram Yechury and Tejashvi Yadav, are in contrast to his comments at the Congress' three-day 'Chintan Shivir' in Udaipur.

There he had said that it is only the Congress that can fight the BJP at the national level and regional outfits cannot fight this battle as they do not have an ideology.

Addressing Congress leaders on May 15, Gandhi had said, "The BJP will talk about the Congress, its leaders and workers, but will not talk about regional parties. Because they know that regional parties have their place but they cannot defeat the BJP. Because they don't have an ideology."



"This fight of ideology is not easy. Regional parties cannot fight this battle, as this is a fight of ideology," Gandhi also said, asserting that it is only the Congress that can fight this battle of ideologies.

His remarks drew sharp reactions from leaders of several opposition parties who hit back at Gandhi and attacked the Congress for not having a presence in many parts of the country.

In London, Gandhi launched an attack on the BJP, saying "We are now fighting the institutional structure of the Indian state which has been captured by an organisation and the only way for the Congress is to go to the masses."



"That's not just for the Congress but for all opposition parties," he said.

The former Congress chief said that as far as the Udaipur conclave is concerned, the issue is how does the Congress party now go back to its roots and starts moving into the masses.

Gandhi also said the BJP has a "100 per cent control" over media, and communication and broad control over the institutional framework.

"We will not be able to match the funds they have, we will have to think of communication and funding in a completely new way. We have to think about an organisational structure that is much closer to the masses.

"We will have to think of a large-scale mass movement on issues like unemployment, prices and on regional matters," he said, adding the Congress will seek the support of regional parties for this.

He also alleged that the soul of India is under attack from the BJP and noted that "a soul without a voice means nothing and what has happened is that India's voice has been crushed".

"It has been crushed by an ideology and by the way technology has moved. It has been crushed by the institutional framework of our country itself which is becoming parasitical.

"So, the deep state, the CBI, the ED, is now chewing the Indian state and eating it, much like in Pakistan," he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Patience and decency are the virtues that help one progress in public life, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister cautioning members of the state Assembly against personal interests and interference in official work.

In his address to the state Assembly, the CM said he is of the view that the more practical a public representative is, the easier it is for him to communicate with the public and live up to their expectations.

"I have seen that negativity can never take a public representative forward," he said.

"In public life, a person's patience and decency always takes him forward while haste, affection for (government) contracts and interference in every single matter leads to his downfall," he said.

The chief minister also claimed that casteism does not exist in the state.

"If politics of casteism is true them how Suresh Khanna is a nine-time MLA from Shahjahanpur and Satish Mahana elected from Kanpur for the eighth time," he asked.

The chief minister said public representatives should serve interests of the state and the country.

"If we live up to the expectation of the public in a positive manner, then people will also continue to support us," he said.

Governor Anandiben Patel, who also attended the orientation programme for newly elected MLAs, was welcomed by the chief minister and other members of the assembly.

In her address, the Governor welcomed the 128 MLAs who have been elected for the first time to the assembly.

Patel said she is happy that 47 women have been elected to the assembly and their number is increasing.

She asked the members not to promise anything to the public which they can't deliver.

"The image of a public representative is tarnished when your children and relatives move with you and start performing your duties. To keep the right image, one must follow the law," Patel said.

Earlier on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated e-vidhan' system of the functioning of the House which is to switch over steadily to the paperless mode of working, using digital communication means and streaming of the House proceedings on YouTube as well.

The session of the 403-member Assembly is starting from Monday.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Patience and decency are the virtues that help one progress in public life, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister cautioning members of the state Assembly against personal interests and interference in official work.

In his address to the state Assembly, the CM said he is of the view that the more practical a public representative is, the easier it is for him to communicate with the public and live up to their expectations.

"I have seen that negativity can never take a public representative forward," he said.

"In public life, a person's patience and decency always takes him forward while haste, affection for (government) contracts and interference in every single matter leads to his downfall," he said.

The chief minister also claimed that casteism does not exist in the state.

"If politics of casteism is true them how Suresh Khanna is a nine-time MLA from Shahjahanpur and Satish Mahana elected from Kanpur for the eighth time," he asked.

The chief minister said public representatives should serve interests of the state and the country.

"If we live up to the expectation of the public in a positive manner, then people will also continue to support us," he said.

Governor Anandiben Patel, who also attended the orientation programme for newly elected MLAs, was welcomed by the chief minister and other members of the assembly.

In her address, the Governor welcomed the 128 MLAs who have been elected for the first time to the assembly.

Patel said she is happy that 47 women have been elected to the assembly and their number is increasing.

She asked the members not to promise anything to the public which they can't deliver.

"The image of a public representative is tarnished when your children and relatives move with you and start performing your duties. To keep the right image, one must follow the law," Patel said.

Earlier on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated e-vidhan' system of the functioning of the House which is to switch over steadily to the paperless mode of working, using digital communication means and streaming of the House proceedings on YouTube as well.

The session of the 403-member Assembly is starting from Monday.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.


Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe





An advisory committee talked about the possibility of having a grass runway when they met Friday morning at Fremont Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport advisory committee also talked about items  including a maintenance hangar and updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP)  which theyd like to see regularly listed as discussion items on the monthly agenda.

In January, board members talked about reconstruction of portions of the runway and a connecting taxiway.

Concrete in these portions has been deteriorating  from within  due to an adverse chemical reaction. This deterioration is occurring at multiple sites in Nebraska and other states.

Board members and Jim Kjeldgaard, president of Fremont Aviation which operates the airport, have estimated it could take nine months for concrete removal and replacement.

Not using the runway for this amount of time would seriously impact Fremont Aviation along with other businesses that use the airport, Kjeldgaard said, and board members discussed possible alternatives.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is apparently approving a number of grass runways, said Bill Dugan, board member. We have plenty of space for a north-south grass runway, which would be a very little expense I would think.

A new FAA advisory acknowledges it will allow turf operations within Runway Safety Areas.

Dugan asked Dave Goedeken, director of public works for the City of Fremont, if he could look into this possibility for the local airport.

Goedeken said he could speak to Anna Lannin, engineering division manager of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.

Members added that though larger aircraft couldnt use the grass runway, smaller ones could. At this time, the grass runway is open at Wahoo Airport and its paved one is closed for reconstruction.

During past meetings, the committee discussed whether the former Runway 1-19 could be used when the main runway is shut down due to reconstruction or rehabilitation.

Goedeken previously said Lannin wasnt very hopeful about that alternative because the FAA had decommissioned that runway.

At Fridays meeting, board member Jeff Peterson wondered if the runway actually was decommissioned.

Peterson said he researched online what it would take to decommission a runway  and found an extensive list.

It was like a three-page checklist, Peterson said. Theres a lot of stuff.

Peterson said, however, if the FAA actually did decommission Runway 1-19 and is approving grass runways, he believes the latter is an excellent option.

Eric Johnson, board member, added that theyd need to make sure the grass runway meets FAA standards for safety and wouldnt interfere with any future pavement.

Like members at previous meetings, Peterson expressed concern about the airport being closed during runway work.

If Ive learned anything the last two years, you dont shut business down, Peterson said. I know its hard. We want to try and do what we have to do, but I think shutting a business down is a disaster  even if its for three months.

In talking about runways, Alison Adams, board member, asked if work on the ALP was moved forward.

By definition, this plan shows existing facilities and intended development of an airport and Johnson previously has said the FAA looks at an ALP like a bible for the airport.

Goedeken said work on the ALP has been moved ahead.

Initially, ALP work was suggested for 2026 in the Airports Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The board voted in January to recommend moving that work to 2024 when presenting the airports CIP to the Fremont City Council.

As members discussed maintenance items  such as hangar repair and replacement of lightsinterim Fremont City Administrator Jody Sanders posed a question.

Instead of reporting a list of repairs at a meeting, Sanders wondered about members reporting them on an as-needed basis.

That way, meeting discussion could focus on what had been accomplished.

Johnson said an Iowa airport has maintenance item discussion on its agendas with a checklist of major projects.

Tom Randall, board vice chairman, wondered if members could submit repair requests online and liked the idea of a written checklist with follow-up.

Dugan wondered about reporting repair requests to Fremont Aviation personnel. Goedeken said the personnel then could contact him.

Randall also advocated for putting a proposed maintenance hangar on each monthly agenda.

It seems like to me if were going to get something done on the maintenance hangar, its going to have to be a grassroots effort on our part and, to me, the viability of the airport depends on getting a maintenance hangar, Randall said.

The maintenance hangar would house incoming planes and serve as a place where aircraft are inspected and repaired. The current maintenance hangar is too small to house aircraft, a concern for people who fly here.

Business owners and other guests dont want their planes outdoors when hail or other storms occur.

Thats especially true of multi-million dollar corporate jets that bring people to Fremont on business or to look at the city as a companys future site.

The board repeatedly has talked about a shortage of smaller hangars at the airport.

Dugan asked if there is space to build more hangars.

Goedeken said there is space and he will ask Lannin how the airport could expand based on its current ALP.

Kjeldgaard asked about possible grants.

Unless funds could be provided through recent legislation that will provide money for airport-related projects, there are loans, Goedeken said. But he cited a past instance when the city, under a former administrator, came in upside down on a payback.

Kjeldgaard contended that the airport is part of Fremont and pilot Ken Cox robustly expressed his thoughts in regard to getting funding for projects.

The airport actually brings in money and its a very small percentage that screams about things out here, where youve got 90 percent of the city that will holler if a park needs mowedor this or thatthat doesnt actually make any money. This is the red-headed stepchild of the city, Cox said.

In other business, Goedeken said some work still needs to be done on the new airport terminal. Operations will continue in the existing terminal until such time as permanent occupancy can take place in the new one.

Goedeken said furnishings have been ordered.

As we get things, we will move in, Goedeken said. Weve got a beautiful building.

Members met at the new building on Friday.

Dugan asked about plans for the existing terminal. Peterson recommended determining what the building is worth rent wise and receiving income from it.

The Fremont Airport Advisory Committee meets at 8:15 a.m. the third Friday of each month. Meetings are open to the public.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.














Teal independents in the House of Representatives will demand greater action on climate change and a strong corruption watchdog as their first order of priority in a parliament that could see the crossbench grow to as many as 11.

The next prime minister Anthony Albanese will face pressure from the wave of new teal MPs, as well as from the Greens, to lift his 2030 emissions-reduction commitment as he faces the possibility of the largest crossbench since World War II.

Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender has claimed the Liberal heartland seat. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

But the election of up to five new climate-focused independents confirmed a bloodbath in the Liberals traditional heartland where their voters deserted them in favour of progressive women.

Former deputy leader Julie Bishop unleashed on her party, saying it would need to confront its women problem.
Teal independents in the House of Representatives will demand greater action on climate change and a strong corruption watchdog as their first order of priority in a parliament that could see the crossbench grow to as many as 11.

The next prime minister Anthony Albanese will face pressure from the wave of new teal MPs, as well as from the Greens, to lift his 2030 emissions-reduction commitment as he faces the possibility of the largest crossbench since World War II.

Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender has claimed the Liberal heartland seat. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

But the election of up to five new climate-focused independents confirmed a bloodbath in the Liberals traditional heartland where their voters deserted them in favour of progressive women.

Former deputy leader Julie Bishop unleashed on her party, saying it would need to confront its women problem.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Teal independents in the House of Representatives will demand greater action on climate change and a strong corruption watchdog as their first order of priority in a parliament that could see the crossbench grow to as many as 11.

The next prime minister Anthony Albanese will face pressure from the wave of new teal MPs, as well as from the Greens, to lift his 2030 emissions-reduction commitment as he faces the possibility of the largest crossbench since World War II.

Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender has claimed the Liberal heartland seat. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

But the election of up to five new climate-focused independents confirmed a bloodbath in the Liberals traditional heartland where their voters deserted them in favour of progressive women.

Former deputy leader Julie Bishop unleashed on her party, saying it would need to confront its women problem.
Teal independents in the House of Representatives will demand greater action on climate change and a strong corruption watchdog as their first order of priority in a parliament that could see the crossbench grow to as many as 11.

The next prime minister Anthony Albanese will face pressure from the wave of new teal MPs, as well as from the Greens, to lift his 2030 emissions-reduction commitment as he faces the possibility of the largest crossbench since World War II.

Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender has claimed the Liberal heartland seat. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

But the election of up to five new climate-focused independents confirmed a bloodbath in the Liberals traditional heartland where their voters deserted them in favour of progressive women.

Former deputy leader Julie Bishop unleashed on her party, saying it would need to confront its women problem.
Teal independents in the House of Representatives will demand greater action on climate change and a strong corruption watchdog as their first order of priority in a parliament that could see the crossbench grow to as many as 11.

The next prime minister Anthony Albanese will face pressure from the wave of new teal MPs, as well as from the Greens, to lift his 2030 emissions-reduction commitment as he faces the possibility of the largest crossbench since World War II.

Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender has claimed the Liberal heartland seat. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

But the election of up to five new climate-focused independents confirmed a bloodbath in the Liberals traditional heartland where their voters deserted them in favour of progressive women.

Former deputy leader Julie Bishop unleashed on her party, saying it would need to confront its women problem.
Earlier in the night, as counting continued, Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten declared it a mighty night as he expressed hope Labor would form government in its own right. Obviously, weve got colleagues fighting for their political lives, some against the Greens, still hard-working candidates who are waiting to see whats happened, but this is a mighty night. This is a big night, Shorten, a panellist on Channel Nines election coverage, said. Certainly theres a teal quake going on. But lets not take away from Labor. Labors climate change spokesman Chris Bowen said he was confident that Labor would form majority government. I think it is fair to say the most likely outcome is a Labor majority in our own right, he said.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton, who survived a close challenge from Labor, said the Liberal family had suffered a terrible day as he addressed supporters in his Brisbane seat. Loading Labor snatched a handful of inner-city seats from the Liberals, including the Sydney seat of Reid, and Melbourne seats of Chisholm and Higgins, but looked set to lose the Brisbane seat of Griffith to the Greens. Late in the night, the Greens were battling with Labor for the Liberal-held of Brisbane. Labor won three Liberal-held seats in WA and was in front in a fourth, while in SA it picked up the Adelaide seat of Boothby. But it was poised to lose the western Sydney seat of Fowler where independent Dai Le was leading frontbencher Kristina Keneally. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said voters had sent the Liberal Party a clear message as blue ribbon seats fell to teal independents.

It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats that have defined the Liberal Party for generations, Birmingham said on ABC TV. We need to heed the message because forming government in the future without winning those sorts of seats is a next to impossible task. Loading Among the disastrous results for the Liberals at the hands of independents was the triumph of Allegra Spender over Dave Sharma in Wentworth, the victory of Kylea Tink over Trent Zimmerman in North Sydney, former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel outsing Tim Wilson in Goldstein, and Mackellar MP Jason Falinski was defeated by Sophie Scamps. In the biggest blow for the Liberals, Monique Ryan deposed Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the seat of Kooyong.

Former Liberal foreign minister Julie Bishop said the loss of Frydenberg was a huge upset and an enormous loss to the nation, but said the triumph of teal women in heartland Liberal seats must prompt a reckoning within the party. When the Liberal Party carries out the post-election analysis, they must address the issue of women in the party. So many Liberal women told me they did not see their concerns, their interests reflected in the party that was led by Scott Morrison and in Coalition with Barnaby Joyce, she told Nine. Liberal frontbencher Jane Hume said the party had missed something in Victoria amid swings to independents and Labor. Hume said we thought there would be a bigger Dan Andrews effect in Victoria and there hasnt, which I find disappointing. We have had such negative feedback about those harsh lockdowns in Victoria and we thought that may play out in those outer suburban areas. Clearly they havent, she told Channel Nine.

Loading Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall, who retained her seat, dismissed the idea of forming a third political party with the teal independents but declared the results showed a new wave of politics had been delivered by voters. It is a real moment for the major parties to rethink the arrogance that they dont have to consult with communities any more, she said. Shorten said the two-party duopoly was now in question. There is no doubt there is a fracturing of what is the Australian identity, he said.
Shortly after polling ended, vote count started on Saturday for the tightly-contested Australian general election, the first one to be held since 2019. Due to time difference, however, as votes are being counted across most of the country, people are still casting their ballots in some other areas including Western Australia, reports Xinhua news agency. In his final pitch to voters on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison who cast his ballot in his electorate of Cook, said "today Australians are making a big choice about their future". "I want the aspirations of Australians to be realized and the way that occurs is by backing Australians in, not telling them how to live and what to do, and getting government in their face."

His main rival, Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who voted in his electorate of Grayndler, said: "My big concern with this government is, what is there to be proud of?

"I want to change politics. I want to change the way it operates. I want parliament to function properly. I want our democracy to function properly. That`s why I`m in this, not to change where I live, I`m in it to change the country and that`s what I intend to do.

Results are expected to be declared within hours.

However, the Australian Electoral Commission has warned that it could take longer to declare results in close contests due to the record high number of postal votes.

If a result is called on Saturday night, the leader of the losing party will traditionally call their opponent to concede before speaking publicly at their respective election night events.

Voting started at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning across 7,000 polling stations.

In order to form a majority government, either the Coalition or the Labor must win at least 76 out of 151 seats in the lower house of Parliament -- the House of Representatives.

According to Australia`s opinion poll Newspoll published on Friday night, Labor leads the ruling Liberal-National Coalition 53-47 on a two-party preferred basis.

Live TV
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe